The Cook Book

Update

2012-01-28T21:30:00.000-08:00

So life lately has been pretty crazy, but with a lot of blessings in the midst of the storm. On December 9th Steven was laid off his job. Very, very unexpected. He was doing really well and was making a profit for NAPA but they decided to make some unexpected changes. Steven has been working as the stay at home dad for the past month and a half. He has been doing great. Our girls are happy and clean, fed, etc. The house may not be as clean as what I want it to be, but that is part of my learning also. I have been able to pick up more hours at work which has been a huge blessing. Very hard, but a large blessing. Steven has been aviding looking for a job while watching the girls full time. He will be starting with another NAPA manager job on Feb 7th but will continue to look for another job that will point him in the direction he is looking for. More money number one, number two something that is HR/Marketing/Management oriented. We will continue praying and hoping that something will come up, but we are grateful that this NAPA job has come up with another owner.

We had a wonderful Christmas. It was very different this year. I was very glad that I got 99% of the shopping done before Steven was laid off. The way that we looked at the gifts, we were so grateful for what we had. Presents all of a sudden didn't mean so much as what the true meaning of Christmas meant. It was great. This was Kenzie's first year to really understand what was going on with Santa and all. I was talking to her one day and talking to her about how Santa is here to remind us of Jesus' birth. That Jesus wants us to get presents instead of him for His birthday so that is what Santa does. She then began to state that Santa and Jesus live in Heaven and then Jesus and Santa live at the North Pole. She couldn't get that they live in different places. It was pretty funny. Also we had "elf" here in our house who did silly things each morning like hide somewhere. Kenzie would come down the stairs each morning asking where "Buddy" was. Each night he would fly to the North Pole to let Santa know how well Kenzie and Aubree were behaving. It really worked and helped us out a lot with helping her to be good. It was a lot of fun have Buddy the Elf in our house for a month.
During the month of December we received so many gifts/money/support I can't even believe how much we were blessed and continue to be blessed. We received several anymous gift cards on our door step. They have helped so much and I am so grateful for people's sacrifice to help us make it through these last few months. One great thing that we have learned during this trial has been how much more we want to give when we are able to. Now having been the receiver it has been really hard to except it even though I am very gratefu, it has been humbling and hard to accept. We have received so much emotional support from friends and family. The little hugs, encouraging words, and thoughtful cards have meant a lot to us and have helped out a lot. We love you all soo much and appreciate you.

Family Pics

2011-10-26T19:27:00.001-07:00

AHHHHH!!

I LOVED this idea!!! Notice my super cute ring...yeah she made that for me too and taught me to make them. I LOVE them!!

This one cracks me up. Kenzie's face!!! ha ha. It is sooo her to the T!!

Couldn't be sweeter!!!

I love this face!!!

Aren't they the cutest. I know I'm not bias!!

So first week of September my wonderful best friend Mandie from capturedmomentsbymandie.blogspot.com took these pics. I'm not a picky picture taker. I just want one good one of each of my kids and one good family pic. Well I got sooooo much more. She is so wonderful with my kids. She got some great poses and smiles out of them. Our family pics turned out wonderful too. I couldn't be more happy. I already have several of them up in my house. I felt like I couldn't get them big enough because they turned out so great. I recommend her to ANYONE cause she kicks butt. I'm not just saying that cause she's my best friend...she honestly is so wonderful and so talented at what she does. I LOVE that girl!!!

Kenzie's Famly B-day Party

2011-10-26T19:22:00.000-07:00

The next day after her princess party it was the family party. We had dinner and cupcakes. The cupcakes I made were strawberry cupcakes with strawberry cream cheese frosting. They were soooo good. She got new jammies, coat, magnet dress up dolls, mermaid barbie, chapstick, and we gave her a big box of dress up clothes that I found at a garage sale (big score, 5 dresses, like 8 pairs of shoes for $13...score me) and lots of hugs and kisses. It was so fun. She has used everyone of them already SEVERAL times. She was sooo happy!!!

Kenzie' B-day Princess Party

2011-10-26T19:15:00.000-07:00

Princess dance party!!!

Making princess crowns!!

All the princesses!!! Annie, Kenzie, Evenlyn, and Miri. All girls from our ward that she LOVES!!!

The table setup!!

On Sept 18th Kenzie turned 3. Where did the time go. WOWZA!!! We had "tea party" with cupcakes, cheese, bananas, little princess castle sandwiches, grapes and such. They ate it all with princess toothpicks which they thought was pretty fun. Then they decorated princess hats, played with princess castles, opened gifts and much more. It was super simple but super fun. My wonderful mom saved the day and helped with Aubree during the party. It truly was a lot of fun!!

Utah Trip

2011-10-26T19:03:00.000-07:00

Aubree's lovin it too!!!

Diggin for fossils!!

Kenzie "planting trees."

Steven surfin!!!

Aubree sat like this on the boat for almost 5 hours. She was happy to just sit there, watch people, and be as snug in her life jacket as possible. Too cute!!

So Steven and I haven't ventured out so much this year. For our family vacation we went to stay with his sister's family in Highland. It was super fun. We ate AWESOME cause my sister in law is a great cook. Like beef tenderloin melt in your mouth good. Also, we went boating. Steven and I tried the surfing thing and it was so fun. I didn't get to the sweet spot to let go but maybe next year. I think it is more fun that actual wakeboarding. On our way out we went to the Dinasaur museum at Thanksgiving Point. Kenzie loved that. They had these off the ground sand

box type things with water and toys. You could make dams, set up scenery type things. She could have been there all day. Then there was a place where you could dig fossils yourself. And yes we got a suvenior...Mr. Steggy!!! She still sleeps with it all the time.

Stevo's plane ride

2011-10-26T19:00:00.000-07:00

Adam in front of the plane they rode in!!!

See the gorgeous view down below!!!

Our friend Adam had a plane ride he got from his lovely wife Kristin for his birthday. He invited Steven to go with him. It was 6am thing but Steven didn't care, he LOVED every second of it. Adam got to drive the plane and Steven was a little jealous though he wouldn't say anything about it. He talked about it for like 3 days straight. They were in the air for only 45min, but Steven said it was soooo worth it. Does he secretly want to be a pilot???

Kenzie's First Swimming Lesson

2011-10-26T18:56:00.000-07:00

This is her getting her certificate at the end. Showing papa!!!

The first week of August Kenzie got to have her first swimming lesson. It is very basic skills learning but she loved it and was so proud of herself every time. We will be doing many more next year. She learned how to blow bubbles under water. Float on her back, swim with her arms in front of her and bobb for toys under that water.

McCall Trip

2011-10-26T18:42:00.000-07:00

This is Kenzie being "Ariel" and swimming. She loved the water because she could see the really tiny fish.
When Scott and Jamie came it was Ella's b-day in the middle. Aubree's b-day was like a month before but we never "officially" celebrated it because her b-day was the day after we got back from Trek. We were T-I-R-E-D. It was her first b-day...I know...I know, lamo me. Who almost skips their kids 1st b-day. We didn't technically skip it, we just hopped over it a little with just some cupcakes on her b-day. So we joined in on the fun of celebrating Ella's b-day too. She turned 5 and went to Kindergarten(holy cow) this year. I made a "princess castle cake." Not the best in the world but we'll get better. I have several b-days to practice with.

They LOVE hanging out with their Grandma Robbie

This is a pic of the girls enjoying the sand and water. Aubree stayed in the same spot for almost 2 hours just diggin away. Kenzie learned that she LOVES to make sand castles and swim in the water.

So this summer during July Scott, Jamie, Ella, and Cole came to visit from Indiana. It is always sooooo wonderful to see them. I miss them so much and Kenzie still to this day at night prays for Ella and "Coco" to come visit soon. So sweet. We went to McCall for one night and stayed in a fabulous cabin that had a fenced in yard, large great room, hot tub and several bedrooms. It was so great to be able to just relax and visit, ride the boat, have fun on the beach, and just get to hang out.

Aubree's Black Eye

2011-10-26T18:37:00.000-07:00

On the Fourth of July we were in Blackfoot having a wonderful time and SMACK went Kenzie on the edge of Steven's brother's tub. It was marble so it was extra hard. It swelled up instantly and was black and blue. It was so awful. I have a little secret. It may be a secret to some and not to others because they have witnessed it. My nurse hat flies away when there is something wrong/hurt with my kids. I can't remember what to do and yes, I cry and Steven is the one comforting me too in the process. I laugh about it afterwards but while I'm going through it I don't like it. I've talked to several other medical professional people and they say the same things happens with them, so I guess I'm not alone or do they just want to make me feel better:) I'll think I'm not alone!!! Aubree is our huge accident prone child, hence broken arm and now this. She is always falling and bumping her head. You will never see her without a scratch or bump. I need to put this girl in a bubble.

Daddy and Kenzie's campout

2011-10-26T18:32:00.000-07:00

This was me and Kenzie in the morning. I was a party pooper and didn't sleep outside so I could hear Aubree during the night.

This summer before one of Steven's scout camps he had to get the tent out and ready so he decided to just keep it out and have a camp out in the back yard with Kenzie!! It was so cute. I went to a girl's night out and came back and they were making smores on the bbq grill outside. This is her messy face above enjoying every moment of it. It took until 10pm for her to fall asleep but she loved every minute of it. They didn't rough it too much. We have a queen aerobed that they slept on. it's pretty comfy. It was just so sweet to see them having a memorable daddy/daughter moment..love it!!

Kenzie's best buddy

2011-10-26T18:17:00.000-07:00

So I'm gonna have to start from like June....yes June and catch up here. I just had to post this. This is Kenzie's good buddy Charlie. She LOVES him. I've never had her play with someone so well as him. They never fight, push, or whine when they are with each other.....he is also very very cute!!!

Seriously kids!!!

2011-06-02T18:58:00.000-07:00

This is a pick the day she got her cast off. She is completely messy eating her dinner which she loved. I have been feeding her baby food for the past 3 weeks because food kept getting stuck under her cast and it was getting really smelly, so she went for it when I let her free!!

This is Easter morning. One of the last shots of her right upper tooth still in her mouth. I don't have a pick on my camera yet of her tooth gone, sorry. She is asleep otherwise I would get one now...I also don't have picks of the pre-post surgery yet because I'm waiting for a lovely email from the mother with the picks...:)

These are a couple picks the day after she got her realy cast on. Still smiling and happy playing with toys. I was trying to upload a video of her gorilla crawl but it isn't working...I still don't know how to post them correctly on blogger...sorry

So these last few weeks have been ultimately crazy. First Aubree about 3 weeks ago fell off of Kenzie's bed and broke her arms. It happened while I was at work. I checked her when I got home and everything seemed to be fine. She was teething a lot then so I didn't think that there was a possiblity that a broken bone or bones was in the story here. She seemed to be a tiny bit whiney but nothing excessive. She ate dinner, I gave her Advil for her teeth before I put her to bed and she slept the whole night. Well the next morning I went to get her out of bed and she kept falling over when she was trying to push herself up. I don't know why that wasn't an alarm to me...hello Kassie. Then she was eating bananas for breakfast and the way she was picking them up was really odd. I then got an overwhelming feeling that I needed to take her into the office where I work. I then got her dressed and she was crying the whole time. From checking her I thought it was her shoulder. I went straight to the "docky" (as Kenzie says it) Kaylor and we got an x-ray. Both her radius and ulna bones were broken in the middle. Craziness. They then put a splint on her and sent us on our way. It was odd putting clothes on, not being able to bathe her etc. We had the appt with the specialist the next Wedesday, they put a realy cast on. A purple one...Kenzie picked the color and then told us to be back in 2 weeks. She acted like that cast wasn't even in her way. She was as happy as could be. She even learned how to crawl about 1 week after having it on. She looked a little bit like a gorilla....it was pretty funny. She finally got the cast off yesterday. We came home and she seemed to have a hard time crawling for a few hours but then got a hang of it and is now acting as though nothing ever happened. She was such a trooper. Oh ya and yesterday morning she woke up coughing/wheezing. She has had a cough for about 1 1/2 weeks and I have been trying to "home remedy" it but that morning...I just don't mess with wheezing...I know it's beyond what I can do from there. So I took her in, they put her antibiotics, prednilisone, and we have to do nebulizer treatments for 3 days. So poor things has gone through a lot lately, but she is still smiley and happy as ever. I hope she carries this attitude on into her adult life. It will come in handy. And no that's not it...

So we went in for Kenzie's first dentist appt last Wednesday. She did super good until they moved the chair down to lay down. Then she wanted nothing to do with it. She loved the instruments and the prize still. Dr. Grant looked at her teeth and instantly saw that above the tooth that she chipped when she was 15 months old there was a pretty bad abcess. They then referred us on to a pediatric dentist Dr. Emory. We went to him and he said that they needed to get it out because it was pretty bad. Funny thing is that Kenzie never complained of pain, EVER!! I think she just has never really used it after she chipped it so then she had surgery to get it extracted last Friday. She was very excited for this and said "docta take my sugar bugs out." This is how she understood it so I have let her think of it that way. They gave her Versed which was halarious. She began to just laugh at everything and was super happy. I would like to have some of that stuff for certain occasions and I know you moms out there that have 2 year olds know what I mean. They took her back and yes I lost it. Cried my eyeballs out into the waiting room. It is so much harder being on the other end. I like being the nurse MUCH better. So the surgery was only 30 minutes long. I guess she did really well. They came and got us ASAP...I asked that we go back as soon as we could and they did. When she woke ups he was ticked. Mad that all these things were on her...especially the IV. They took them off and I held her while they monitored her for a little longer. We then went home and about 1 hours later she was back to her normal self. Though she napped for 3 hours that day, I was still surprised at how fast kids metabolize that anesthesia. We adults are sleepy for like 3 days afterwards. She has done so well and has been almost proud that her tooth is gone. It hasn't bothered her at all. She even got a visit from the tooth fairy which she was so excited about. She got a whole dollar. She immediately wanted it in her "bunny bank" and she continued to go about her playing. Another thing with her is that two nights ago she was playing outside and she slipped and fell on the flower bed's edge which is wood. She got like 12 splinters in her wrist/hand/arm. We held her down for like 30 minutes with her screaming her head of yesterday and only got like 5 out. Not my favorite thing in the world. So none the less...we are ready for a vacation and I am ready for my kids to be well, without any sickness or ailments of any sort. Going through this I have felt a lot of gratitude for their general health. They are healthy and strong children that are developing and growing properly. What a blessing that is.

I swear I AM optimistic!!!!

2011-04-17T19:56:00.000-07:00

So after my last post I got way too much of "that sounded like an awful day, is everything OK?" Don't get me wrong I feel pretty loved that so many people around me are concerned, but I didn't mean to concern you all so much. I just had to write that day/week down in detail so that I can look back at it someday and laugh about it. It was just one of those "no good, very bad days" which we all have had our fair share of I'm sure. I just think it's funny how literally EVERYTHING was not in my favor that day. ha ha. I promise I'm laughing about it now and I swear I'm an optimistic person.
So these last two weeks without a car have been difficult, I won't lie, but alsoa huge blessing. It has been quite nice outside so having my bike/trailer as my main transportation hasn't been so bad. I've gotten several waves from neighbors and friends and have enjoyed the exercise since I haven't been able to go to the gym. I won't lie, the my rear end is quite sore from sitting on the bike seat so often, but it's good for me right? Kenzie and Aubree love to go on "bike rides" and enjoy looking outside and going over the bumps. We have gone to several places with the ensemble (bike/trailer) and it has worked great. My bike trailer has a compartment in the back of it and can hold quite a good amount of stuff. We went to the grocery store and just bought a few things. We are so blessed to be near so many places. Convenience stores, grocery stores, friends, family, and parks to play.
I'm hoping our vehicle will be fixed soon. Steven and a friend of his who has a shop has done some research and the problem that we are having has to do with a recall on Trailblazers so we are being very blessed there. Soon we can go about our normal daily routine, but I will enjoy this little difference in it for now. It has forced me to be more creative with time that I spend with my children, I've baked a ton of things I've wanted to try (oh maybe that's why with all the bike riding I haven' lost any weight), I've started on several projects I've wanted to get to, and my children are taking naps/bedtime right when they should. Maybe the "olden day" of doing things isn't soo bad.

What a week!!!

2011-04-14T11:48:00.001-07:00

I love this one. Aubree LOVES her sister and Kenzie is always trying to make sure she is OK. This truly captures their relationship. Kenzie and her chipped front tooth and all. Love it!!

And yes... she is still bald.

Warning: Long post ahead... had to write each detail for my remembrance later on so I can laugh at it someday, it does sound quite awful after reading it, but I promise, I'm laughing now...read at your own risk:)

So this last weekend was a weekend I was looking forward to for a long time. I am a person that needs something to look forward too cause it makes me be able to get things done quicker and I'm much more happy because there will be a "break" soon. I doesn't necessarily always have to be a weekend away. I'm even happy with a planned date night. Seriously, I'm pretty easy to please... ha ha.

So our friends Conrad and Mandie invited us up on a tradition that they have of going up to Tamarack during their off season. We stayed in this wonderful 3 bedroom 3 bath house, with a hot tub, bbq, huge deck, tv's in every room, and everything else you would want. Kenzie played to her heart's desire with Maycie and Jaxon (my friend's two oldest) went swimming in the hot tub 4 X per day and ate junk and watched movies over and over again. I think they watched Tangled like 6 times or something. She was in heaven. As well was I. All we did was eat, hot tub, sit and talk, and play card games. We did nothing, but it was an absolute blast and so much needed. Needed in the first place but after a week like last week, more needed than ever..

That in and of itself is another story. Sure I'll share it, why not.

So the beginning of last week our car broke down. You are thinking...it's about time the Subaru gave up, but no it's not the subaru that has 250,000 miles on it and is a 1993 and is just a piece of junk, but I have to say one of the best pieces of junk out there. It was the Trailblazer. It wouldn't start. In the middle of this happening Steven had to finish some big project at work before we could leave to Tamarack so he literally was working 20 hour days all last week so he could get it done. He would leave early, not come home until 1-3 in the morning and go do it again. He was exhausted but still able to make it (I swear he can make it wayyy less sleep than I can, why is he that way, I wish I was like that). One night he came home ate dinner went to Mutual and then came home and worked on the care ALL NIGHT LONG trying to fix some things. Oh, that didn't help anything. So after one of his 20 hour nights he came home and worked on it for the rest of the 4 hours in the day, and still nothing happening. Nothing was working. This poor kid was sooo exhausted and so tired. He NEVER complains though, once again, wish I did that too, never complained. So he said, how are we going to get to Tamarack??? This is the morning of the day we are supposed to leave. He went to work and opened and then tried to make that day a vacation day and then work on the car some more to see if something else would work, but work was too busy that day so he couldn't leave. I'm looking on the internet trying to find the cheapest car to rent out there. In the middle of this my best friend Mandie must have heard my plea up in Tamarack. She just called to make sure we were still coming up there and I told her what was going on. She then offered their other car to us. I was soooo grateful though I felt guilty that we had to borrow it. So getting a ride there was another deal. My parents were both working, my sis in law just had a baby and no more room in her car for my kids cause now she has 3 wonderful kiddos. I had no one to ask, so yes I asked my visiting teacher!! Can you believe it. I actually asked her. She was soo sweet and was very willing. I just told her. "This means I'm desperate if I am calling you for help." I guess that is why we have them right. She was such a help to me that day. Thank you Heavenly Father for giving us visiting teachers!! I then go out to the garage to look for my wallet so I could go to the store after getting the car (it was in Steven's car and I asked him to put it on the counter before he left but he forgot) no wallet to be found. I call him and he says, "yep, it's right under the seat where you left it." So no wallet. I scrounge around to find the check book because we NEVER use it. I find it and then call Steven back and get my drivers license info just in case people ask for my ID. I feel prepared and ready to go. So then my VT she comes and picks us up takes me to my friend's house and I unload the kids and away she drives. I open the garage with the code. My friend told me where to find the keys and I go to open the garge door to the house and it was locked. "This is NEVER locked." What the heck. So I put my kids in the car and Kenzie keeps yelling at me "Mommy go where?" I begin to walk around their house hoping that something is open. Nothing. She told me her sis-in-law should be there. Her car was on the side of the house. I rang the door bell for like 5 minutes, no answer. We were stranded. So then I called my friend's cell phones trying to see if they knew why their doors were locked and if her sis in law was really there. They wouldn't answer (later found out they were in the hot tub). So I sat in the car ans said a little prayer...then 5 seconds later Conrad answered. I told him everything was locked. He called his sister trying to find her. They really thought she was for sure there. So I went to the doorbell and consistently rang it for 5 minutes (not lying). I was yelling up at the window where I know her room is. Not coming, not coming, FINALLY the door opened. They were getting ready, had the blow dryer and shower going and couldn't hear the door bell ring. It was his sister's friend. She looked at me like I was absolutely crazy...which I really was getting to the crazy stage by now. I just wanted to get to Tamarack. No matter what it took. I got the keys and drove off. Thank heavens. So I went to Aubree's doctor because I knew she had an ear infection. Yep she sure did, had to go get her antibiotics and then we had to go to the store for a few more things. Remember I have my check book and my ID info but no actual ID. I get all the groceries I need and head to the register. She takes my check and says "you've used checks here before right?" I said "probably not, I never use checks but I'm extra ready today because my husband has my wallet and I don't have my ID but I have all my ID numbers and info, so we should be good." She said " we have to have your ID if this is the first time you have used your checks here, you're actual ID we have to scan." I said "well just try scanning the check through and see." I had my fingers literally crossed. Steven was about to be home in 15 min. so we could go to Tamarack and I was in a huge hurry. The scanner denied it, the cashier looked at me and said "it didn't go through." I begged for them to take it but they absolutely couldn't take it. I then began to do the most embarresing thing ever... I started to ball my eyes out. Not just little tears, large tears, yuckying crying voice. All of it. I just asked her to take the bags out of the cart. "It's not your fault I know but this is just my last string for the day" She then began to say that they can reserve my groceries if I want to come back. I said maybe I'll be back, we'll have to see. I was still crying. All the way out the door to the car, crying. It was yucky. During this Kenzie is yelling "mommy sad, why?" So sweet but just made the moment worse because I was just mortified of what was happening. Luckily we got home, went to Freddies on our way out and got to Tamarack about 1 hour later than we planned. I can't tell you how happy I was to see that place. I literally wanted to kiss the ground when we got there. It was all worth it. Though Steven was so tired he fell asleep in the hot tub, it was so nice to have him with the family for 2 solid days which hasn't happened since we had Aubree 9 months ago.

So when were there my friend gave me an early b-day present. She is a wonderful, extremely talented self taught photographer. I'm so lucky to have her as my friend. She watched my kids for a half day while I was a at work the Monday before we left. She herself had a busy day that day and did a session with my kids. I had wanted to do a 9 mo old session with Aubree and she did both of my kids and surprised me with a tile that had my kid's pic modge podged on it and the CD with the phot session she did. What a wonderful surprise. It is so wonderful. Above are just some of them. Aren't they so sweet. What a gift!! Straight from the heart!! Love her!!

And no our car isn't fixed yet, doing the crazy one car game between us two. Steven rides his bike to work, 10 miles. He says, well I've wanted to get a gym membership, guess this will do for now. ha ha. Hopefully it will be fixed soon and we can about our lives.

Meridian Temple!!!

2011-04-04T19:55:00.000-07:00

Meridian, Idaho temple? Are you sure we didn't hear Meridian, Ohio, or Meridian, Florida, or any other Meridian? Seriously, it's Meridian, Idaho!!! I'm so excited and super shocked all at the same time. I just NEVER thought that would happen. With people who have to drive 4 hour to 2 days to see a temple I practically get to have two in the same city pretty much (they are completely connected, therefore it's pretty much the same city). What a blessing. It is so hard with small children to go to the temple regurally but I know that though we may not be perfect in our attendence, we are immensly blessed when we do. Our marriage becomes better and I am better mother, daughter, wife, sister, and co-worker. We will actually get to "choose" which one we want to go to. That is so awesome!!!

Selfish??

2011-03-26T22:01:00.000-07:00

My two precious girls. They love to lay in our bed in the mornings and watch "toons" together. They are so precious. Kenzie lately when Aubree is crying in the car will start trying to make silly noises to make her laugh, it does actually work.

So lately I have been feeling a little selfish. First because I am trying to workout more and that means that every morning that I am not working (at my job) that we go to the gym and for another hour they are being watched by someone else and I am not spending quality time with them. Though Kenzie loves to go to the gym and she asks now "mommy gym?" because she wants to go play and use the "little potty", I still feel quite guilty, even though I enjoy working out so much. I am trying to be more healthy/less tired/trying to not have my back hurt and feet be numb. That's another issue I feel selfish about. I already met our deductible with going to the chiropractor for my back. I am not trying to get sympathy here just venting I guess. I have been to a doctor, physical therapist, and now my 3rd chiropractor. He is helping me a little bit, but things are moving so slow, and I am not very patient with these kind of things. I have never been physically restricted in any way until now (minus being huge and pregnant twice). This back thing is not dibilitating, just annoying numbness/tingling/feels like an ache that just won't go away. It's frustrating and tiresome to always feel pain. I am beginning to have more understanding of those who are in constant pain. I also am very grateful for what I do have and how much I can move my body. I used to be an AVID exerciser. I taught aerobics for my last year in college (2 hours 5 days per week). Those were the days. Now my body, 2 kids later I feel is ripped to shreds and plumped up with some other stuff that I just don't like (but it was way worth it to have my two sweet, precious girls). I now feel motivated to move forward and do something about it, and my body keeps holding me back. Once again, frustrated. I went to my favorite Zumba class yesterday (yes I'm one of them, I love, love,love it. Best workout and sooo much fun) and felt so liberated. I was soooo tired, sweating my guts out, and my legs burnt like they haven't burnt in such a long time. I got a little lump in my throat towards the end of the class because I realized how much I LOVE to workout and how good it makes me feel and that this is part of who I am, not of who I WAS. I'm constantly looking at the past thinking of all those times during my bachelor degree in Health Promotion I trained others to workout and eat right and was successful. What I am trying to say is...I know what it takes and I'm willing to do it, but feel guilty about the time it takes away from my family and other important things. I keep thinking about Elder Uchdorff's talk from last conference on slowing down a little and choosing those things that are BEST. Is this a BEST activity? I know exercising and being healthy is an important thing for me to do to help me be the best mom/wife I can, but I still continue to feel selfish about this. I wish I were one of those moms that could wake up at 5am and go workout before anyone else was up, but I'm not. I've tried that and it sure doesn't work. I would be one grumpy, inpatient, unproductive mom. Does anyone else feel the way I do? I don't even know why I'm blogging this, but this is just what's on my mind lately, among a bazillion others things. Thanks for listening.

In the life of the Cook's

2011-03-09T11:48:00.000-08:00

Matching Addidas sweat pant suits!!!

Christmas jammies, yes Steven's brother Collin is in wonderful Elf jammies his wife bought him. Love them!!

So lots has happened since last post. Yes it was Halloween!! ha ha. So I'll start out with Christmas we spent at Steven's house which was very nice. We got to spend some time with his side of the family which we don't get to do very often. Kenzie loved, absolutely loved playing with her cousins who she never sees. Then we came home and Scott and Jamie were here with their family for a while. Kenzie still thinks Cole aka Coco's is still nearby and will come and visit her at any moment. She calls about any boy that is her age Coco's. it's pretty sweet. I know they will be connected forever because they came to this earth pretty close together (2days apart.) They have a pretty cute connection, though they are very different personalities.

We had some crazy things happen where a family friend asked Steven to apply to a job. We applied, felt that we had it in the bag (one of the last 2), and bam, didn't get it. Steven isn't necessarily looked for another job but if one comes by that is better pay and better for our family and is part of "His plan" we will take it. Steven works lots of hours (about 65 per week) and the only day that our whole family is together is Sunday, which is usually taken up by church (worth it), meetings (Steven's in YM presidency and Scout Master Assistant) and such. I dreamed about the job a little too much. There were a lot of positives about it but obviously not "the plan." Which I have to admit I was a little disappointed for a while but understand that Heavenly Father has a plan and if we continue to live righeously He will guide us in the way that He has planned for us and our family.

Then we got called to be in charge of the activies/music on our Trek for our ward this summer. We are very excited for this opportunity. It will be very uplifting, already has and lots and lots of fun. It will just be hard to leave my kids for 4 days and 3 nights (never done this before). We wanted to go on a cruise this year with our friends. We planned for it got it all figured out and then we got called to this. Steven has limited days he can take off per year and we won't be able to do the Trek and the cruise so we'll have to hold it off until next year. Steven and I haven't gone anywhere with each other since our Honeymoon (7 years ago in August) so we are very much due for some sweet time together. So this year we will have to enjoy sleeping on hard ground, under the stars, acting like pioneers and not showering for 4 days instead.

So Kenzie is now 2 1/2 and Aubree is 8 months old. Life has flown by. Aubree is rolling wherever she wants to go, sits up, says dada, momma and smiles and laughs every time she sees her sister who she just loves to try and get attention from. She is a cuddler and so sweet. She is such a happy baby. She sleeps well, eats even better, and is generally a very easy, pleasant child. Kenzie just talks and talks talks. She loves to dance and sings the "I know you" song from sleeping beauty very often. She grabs her daddy's hand and says "dance" every time he gets home from work. She wants to wear a dress every single day so she can twirl and dance around to music (which we have one in our house majority of the time). She's very firey but quick to learn. She is potty trained #1 but was with #2 also but has regressed backwards. She is a little stubborn like her momma. We've tried everything. Reward charts, ignoring it, incentives, feel awful to admit a cold shower once which I cried afterwards about, and praise praise praise. I am at a loss for this one, so for now I ignore that it happens and I figure that she'll figure it out when she wants or is ready.

I'll Admit It!

2011-03-09T11:41:00.000-08:00

So last night at Enrichment a few gals and I we were talking about blogs and such. I admit it, I'm the worst blogger on the planet. I love to read other peoples and how inspiring, well written, and heart felt their blogs feel when I read them. I feel that when I write it's a bunch of jibberish, too many thoughts in one sentence, and blah blah blah. I am pretty good at keeping a journal for my kiddos but I would love to have a blog to look back on with pictures and everything, but for some stinkin reason I can't keep up on it. My kids NEVER allow me on the computer, Kenzie has to sit on my lap and keeps trying to touch the buttons, and the last thing I want to do when my husband is home at night is sit on the computer, I rather be spending time with him or if he isn't home (DJ ing or work) I would love to be doing crafts, but that doesn't even happen. It's always laundry, cleaning house, trying to catch up, etc. When do all you busy moms blog? Seriously, where do you find the time?

Halloween 2010

2010-11-04T18:09:00.000-07:00

Sorry, can't see Kenzie very well, she was busy eating an eyeball decorated donut. As you can see, I'm Wendy (last minute costume :)) Steven's randition of Hook, Aubree Tiger Lilly, and Kenzie was Tinkerbell.

Steven free hand carved this pumpkin last minute, by hand before the tricker treaters showed up!! Good job don't ya think!!!

Notice this one says "Cook's" wiht the eyes. Once again, carved last minute!!!

This one he carved at the night of our annual pumpkin carving FHE night at the padres!!

This was at my parents trunk or treat

My parents at the trunk or treat....soooooo cute!!!

Kenzie ready to get some more "nandy"

The cutest bee out there!!!

Kenzie actually let me put piggies in her hair at Michelle's party, what a miracle!!

Our little tiger lilly!! This time it was OK that Hook kidnapped her!!

So this Halloween season was awesome. My cousin Michelle always does a party and it is a blast with themed food and games. We all dressed up, even Uncle Mike!! Our family was Peter Pan characters. turned out pretty cute I think. Then the next weekend my parents ward does a really fun trunk or treat and a carnival. Kenzie had a blast and I dressed them up in warmer costumes that night, a bee and unicorn. Kenzie was so cute, she would walk up and hold her bucket out and say "treat" and then say "tant do" and walk to the next one. Sooo cute. We even went to some neighbors afterwards and she tried to get into a couple of their houses. She cracks me up. We even had my nephew Kade's 7th b-day party that night too, what a fun weekend. Kenzie was sad when it was all over, but still is asking for "nandy" every morning she wakes up. Shhhh...we're trying to make it last longer than 2 hours after Halloween is over which is how fast I ate my candy when I was younger.

Kenzie and Aubree's pics

2010-11-04T18:00:00.001-07:00

So this is Kenzie and Aubree's first photshoot together. Kenzie just turned 2 and Aubree is almost 4 months in the pics. Kenzie was not the most cooperative, so these are the best we got. My friend Mandie and I bribed her with everything we had, but she just wouldn't give. So here is Kenzie's personality as we know it and Aubree just her sweet little self. She really is the sweetest little baby. She is just happy with anything and any attention she gets. She especially loves when her sister tries to play with her. Love these girls!!!

Our life lately

2010-09-10T21:43:00.000-07:00

So Kenzie somehow got into her sisters baby powder. First, I don't know how she got it open and second, she didn't even know she got it all over her until we showed her in the mirror. She just kept saying "mess mommy mess." Pretty silly we think.
She's very sneaky and mischievous these days. She will get things and hide them without me even knowing. I am trying to only have her use her binky during nap and night time. We never take it out in public but she likes her binky with her when she feels sad at all, so we're working on dealing with our emotions in other ways. I found all the binkies the other day, so I thought, and hid them. Well she came out with 2 binkies that we hadn't seen in a very long time. I'm still trying to find her hide out place. She must have known I was going to do that soon. That stinker.
She is so much fun. She wants to sit and talk and play. She loves hide and seek. She also loves to play chase, but what kid doesn't. She is a very sweet girl that has super dramatic moments here and there that I am still trying ti figure out, because to be honest, I don't really know how to deal with them very well coming from a family with no sisters. I am in for it, I know!!
Something that I thought Jamie would like to know is when she plays with my cell phone or her own play one, I always ask who she is talking to and she says "Coco's" and I say where is he, and she says "bye, bye, home far away." She misses him already!!! Also she loves that Ryan and Kiley's "boys" are back. She wants to see them all the time. She always asks "boys, where?' and wants to go see them every time we drive by the entrance to their subdivision. We're grateful for her and all she brings to our family!!

So Aubree is now 2 1/2 months. She is so sweet and a very mellow personality. She only cries when she is tired or hungry or wants to be talked to (but to you blame her). She is now smiling and "cooing" which is so sweet. It's amazing how with each child it is still sooo exciting to go through these different phases and stages. Kenzie loves her. She still has not tried to hurt her in any way. She kisses her and calls her "baby siser" all day. She wants to know where she is at all times and she has learned how to put her binky in softly when she cries. It makes Kenzie feel so big and special that she helps her sister to be happy. We are so blessed to have 2 great girls in our life. They are such a blessing and I wouldn't trade it for anything to have my life the way it is right now.

Aubree's Blessing Day

2010-08-14T15:47:00.000-07:00

This was after the big party at our house aftewards. It was a lot of fun and food with everyone here. We missed a lot of you. I may have forgotten to tell some and I'm sorry. I hope we can still be friends and family :)
This is our four generation picture. Grandma Dalton, Mom, Me, Kenzie and Aubree. Pretty awesome!!!!
She is sooo sweet.

Aubree got to wear the exact same thing that Kenzie wore. I also wore this dress when I was blessed. Pretty special I think.

On August 1st we had Aubree's blessing. It was such a tender and special day for our family. Steven gave a great blessing and I'm glad that Steven didn't change her name up there (Cook family we all know the story about Mary ha ha). We were blessed and grateful to have had all of Steven's family there except for lovely Melissa who is on her mission and as much of my family who could be there. My bros are far away so there families weren't there but I know they were there in spirit and we definitely thought of them throughout the day. I appreciated who all came and shared in our special day. We are so blessed to be loved by so many.

Aubree's Blessing Day

2010-07-20T21:16:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to let you all know that on August 1st we will be blessing our sweet Aubree. It is at the church closest to our home, you can't miss it. It is at 9am (sorry ha ha) and we will be having lunch at our house at about 12:15ish afterwards. We would love for you to come and celebrate our sweet new one with us on this special day.

Aubree's first photo shoot!!

2010-07-08T16:12:00.000-07:00

I love this pic. Mandie showed me this one before Aubree was even born, I couldn't wait to do it. It turned out absolutely perfect!!!

Steven loves his new little girl!!

I love this pic, Kenzie wants to kiss her constantly, I'm so grateful she is adjusting so well. What a blessing.

Our new bundle of joy!!!

I'm so lucky!!!

Then new Cook fam

WE love her!!!

So when Aubree was 4 days old, my friend Mandie, took some pics of her and the fam. She is absolutely amazing. She did so many great pics for us. I'm grateful for her and how talented she is!!! She truly is a blessing. This is just a few of the great pics she got, I would be on my computer uploading all day if I put them all up, but these are some of my favorites.

Just to let everyone know how we're doing. We are great, besides exhausted and overwhelmed at times, but I hear this is normal right... ha ha. Aubree is a great baby, she eats and sleeps like a champ and is very laid back. She really doesn't cry that much. She's been such a blessing. Kenzie is adjusting well. She loves to "see siser" and "where's siser" all the time. She wants to hold her and kiss and love her all the time, which I'm grateful for. She's my big helper with throwing the diapers away, getting things for me, and to sit and talk to Aubree while I'm making the bed or something. She's been so awesome. She's a little more emotional lately, but I think that's just her trying to figure out how she feels about all of this. I think after a couple of weeks, she won't remember how life even was before we had Aubree and we'll just go on with our crazy but awesome life. I'm doing well, v-backs are much better than c-sections that's for sure. The recovery time is absolutely shorter. I have actually been able to sleep in my bed and do so much more this time, it's amazing. Breastfeeding has also been very different, not so painful and Aubree is a champ, which I am insurmountably grateful for, since with Kenzie it was soooooo hard!!! Thank you for all the calls and emails from our friends and family. We feel so loved and supported. We are very grateful for you all.

Aubree Esther Cook is HERE, FINALLY!!!!!!!

2010-06-29T16:35:00.000-07:00

Kenzie loves her new sister!!!

So after my last post, the next night Aubree arrived on Sunday June 27th @ 11:13pm. She was 7lbs. 6oz and 21 in. long. Happy and healthy. Labor and delivery was picture perfect and so is our new addition to our family. More details and pics to come!!!

Soooooooo frustrated!!!

2010-06-26T20:12:00.000-07:00

I wish I was here and not sitting in my office at my computer a week later after contractions have started and NO baby yet. Starting last Saturday, I would contract consistently when I was up and moving or walking, but nothing sitting down. That lasted until about Wednesday night, I woke up a couple of times from contractions, and then nope nothing. I had a doctors appt on Thurs and she apparently stripped my membranes. This kinda felt like things were going to move along, I had such high hopes that this would push me over the edge and help me out. But once again, nothing, just inconsistent contractions, but hard ones might I add. So again today, I had my membranes stripped, now this was the real deal. I wanted to climb off the table, I knew that Dr. Hodges had done something to help me get along. So here I sit, 75% effaced, 3cm, +1 station. Contractions are still not consistent, but oh boy am I tired. I don't think I've ever been this tired in my whole existence. It's amazing how contracting inconsistently for 1 week can make you sooo exhausted. Seriously, come on already. So I think I finally get the clue....she's not ready yet. This is hard for me to except because to be honest, I didn't really plan my life past this last Thursday when they stripped my membranes for the first time. All of my friends and family who have had this done, boom, they went into labor like 4-12 hours after they had this procedure. I guess I'm only 6 hours out, so I guess there is still hope, but I don't think anything more is gonna happen. I guess I'll go on with my life like I normally would and just plan for an induction next weekend. Thanks for listening!!! :)

New jewelry and craft projects!!!

2010-06-09T21:31:00.000-07:00

Hair bling

Flower on headband

Cute trendy headband

Trendy necklace with cute rosette flower

A couple weeks ago a gal at work wanted me to make some stuff for her and her daughters. I told her I would love to try and make them for her. She showed some stuff on the internet to me and then I made them. I have to be honest, I was really proud of myself, I think these turned out so cute. Now I just need to make some for myself.

Our Garden is finally in!!!!

2010-06-09T21:08:00.000-07:00

Kenzie pretending to garden

Strawberries, pepper, herbs, cucumbers

Both plantar boxes that Steven made back in March. Aren't they awesome!!

We finally got our garden in this week. Steven made boxes back in the end of March. We got dirt from a pile in the back of house because they are doing a lot of construction, a pile of maneuer from my parent's neighbors who have horses, and then we just had to buy two bags of top soil. We're pretty excited. The plants are doing well so far, so hopefully I won't kill them this summer and hopefully Steven will help with it, since we're having a baby in like 3 weeks.

Kenzie's 19 month old photo shoot

2010-05-22T20:58:00.000-07:00

So this last week my wonderfully talented friend Mandie took these pics of Kenzie. She did really well as always. I'm very grateful that she knows how to shoot kids because Kenzie held still for like 0.2 seconds and she still got some awesome pics. I thought it would be nice to have one last photo shoot with Kenzie before she gets a little sibling here. Kenzie has not clue that this baby is even coming. She knows and points to my belly and says baby "siser" but then she points to hers and says the same thing, so who knows. All I know is this baby is going to be hard for her. She is used to being the only princess in the house for the last 20 months, but all I know is that it will be really good for her. This baby, though it was early for me, is coming at the perfect time, and I am starting to see that now. Heavenly Father has a much different but much better plan that I do, and I am grateful for that.

Kenzie is getting to be quite the talker. She is starting to say "peas" (please) and "dedu"(thank you) without us even queing her, which is so awesome. She will just look at me several times a day and talk about stuff. Sometimes I can understand her and sometimes I can't, but it sure is cute how she just wants to talk. She's all about "horsy" (horse) and "moo" (which means cow). She thinks anytime she sees a pasture or meadow of any sort there will be a "moo" or "horsy" there. It's pretty funny. We were at Deseret Book once and I was standing there ready to check out and I hear her yelling "moo." Well she saw a CD where a woman was standing in a meadow so she thought there would be a "moo" in there. I thought it was pretty darn funny. She calls her binki and blanket "meaner" which we have not found out where she got that word or how. But at least she gets her point across. I just wanted to post a few things about Kenzie in this adorable and challenging phase.

Good bye!!!:(

2010-05-13T12:53:00.000-07:00

So a couple of weeks ago I attended a workshop for the primary board callings in our stake. I was currently the primary chorister and was anxious to hear of new ideas and help from other choristers in the stake. After the workshop I felt rejuvenated and re-energized to do things better, invite the Spirit more, and some other fun ideas to teach songs. As soon as I walked in the door Steven handed me his cell phone, it was Brother Gold from the bishopric calling and asking to meet with me that very night. I said, sure come on over, wondering why in the world he would need to see me. Well, we sat down, chatted a bit, and bam, he released me from my calling of primary chorister. I tried to keep my composure, but I couldn't hold it in. I just started to ball. I cried right in front of him and everything. I have to admit, I didn't want to be released and I thought that I wasn't going to be released either because the primary president and I spoke about it before this happened and we figured out a way that it could work. I then heard that he spoke with her and my husband to see what they thought about me being released...Steven said "yeah I could see that coming, but she will be disappointed." And the Primary President said "please no." Well, they released me anyway. I know that this isn't a very good attitude, but it is really hard. Heavenly Father is slowly and surely helping me to feel at peace with this.

Last week as I was sitting in sacrament meeting I looked around at those childrens' faces and I just started to get choked up. I feel so connected and attached to them. They helped build my testimony so much. Their hugs each week and smiling faces just made me so happy. I will miss them dearly, but know that Heavenly Father has another plan for me. This isn't the end of callings...ha ha...and my calling as a wife and mother right now is more important the my calling as primary chorister, is what my wise husband keeps telling me, and he's right.

Our month of April so far

2010-04-14T10:37:00.000-07:00

So I know I usually post about Kenzie, so I thought it would be about time that I start posting stuff that I do, though it's not that interesting, I guess it's what I do. So the above picture is of a friend of mine kitchen silverware drawer. You ask, what the??? Well, Tiffani told me about these classes that she was taking from Mary Ann Wilcox. I guess this lady has been doing classed forever about organization, food storage, emergency prepardness, etc. Well, I have taken 2 of her classes now and have thoroughly enjoyed them. The first one was on how to keep your house clean in 45 minutes per day. I was a little overwhelmed, but feel that after altering it a bit, I feel I can really get some stuff done every day in little amount of time as possible. Also, this last class, was my favorite. It was about how to de-clutter your home. This Mary Ann Wilcox gal is amazing. She has these type of drawer dividers shown above that she makes herself in every drawer in her kitchen, bathroom, bedrooms, closets, almost everywhere. She is all about making the most of the space that you have. My favorite part was how she organized her craft/laundry room. Also, her home grocery store was the most awesome thing I have ever seen. Rows and rows of cans, #10 cans, hygiene goods, etc. Now if that's not a security blanket, I don't know what is. So Mary Ann and my friend Tiffani have inspired me to tackle a drawer little but little. I want to do my bedroom, closet, kitchen, bathrooms, and kids bedroom also. I will eventually get to the grocery store inside my home someday. I am always interested in making my life easier, and I hope this will help.

This is Kenzie's favorite hide out place. It is in our mudroom where all the shoes and jackets, and whatever else gets left there. She loves to get up on the seat and sit there. One day, she saw that I had the primary song book on there. She knows what this is because we look through it during Sacrament meeting because I am the primary chorister for my ward, so of course I have it every week. She opened a page and started doing the actions for "Popcorn Popping." I could hear her around the corner trying to sing it, so I tried to sneak up on her, but of course, you can't be very sneaky with Kenzie, so she decided to look at me and "pose" or "cheese" instead.

Kenzie got to discover some of her first Easter egg hunts this year. It took her some time to figure out what was going on, but she eventually got the hang of it and loved it. Some of our friends have made tradition to do an Easter egg hunt every year with a little BBQ for the adults. It was a lot of fun.

So on March 27th, one of my roomies from college got married. I was the very first one to get married which wasn't a huge surprise to them, but to me it was. I was always the one who said I'll be the last to get married and have kids, well when love slaps you in the face, you can't help but accept it, and I'm glad I did. I am the only one except for one who has had any kids, so here I am with these gorgeous girls and my large pregnant self. It was a blast though to see everyone and remember yeah, I used to be fun and I am a girl too, not just a mom and wife. It was just a good feeling to be reminded of that. My parents came with me which was a lot of fun and nice that they looked after Kenzie while I was enjoying the wedding festivities. We decided to walk through Temple Square before we went home.

This is our Easter morning. It was a lot of fun. We just got little things from the dollar store this year. Kenzie loves beads or "pretties" so we got her some of those. I made her an I-spy bag and she got a PEZ which she thinks is the coolest thing ever, and of course some "nandy." I also, make a large basket for the family and for anyone who comes to our home. It was a tradition at Steven's house which he liked so we have continued in our family!!!

What I'm thinking about lately....

2010-03-18T19:36:00.000-07:00

I wish it were this easy.....

So does anyone feel like I do sometimes...??? So much to do, so little time, so many things I want to do, so many things I have to do, and I still just want to take a nap instead... ha ha. I am a very type A personality. I love lists and crossing off things when I get them done. In my planner I will right down the simplest things like "do laundry today" just so I can cross it off. Most of the time all of my things are not crossed off. I want my house to be sparkling clean, I want each closet and drawer to be organized, I want my house to be cutely decorated, I want to make cute outfits for Kenzie and this new baby, I want make more jewelry for the bridal shop and for my friends and I, I want to spend more quality time with Kenzie (sit down and play with her), I want to read my scriptures , attend the temple, and write in my journal more often, I want to do more things for my friends and family, I want to think of ouy of the ordinary fun things to do with Steven, so basically this is what is on my mind lately. TOO MUCH basically. One thing I have learned throughout my life is take it one step at a time and keep crossing those things off, one day it will be done.

It's a.....girl

2010-03-03T19:10:00.001-08:00

By the way... in case some of you have not heard, we're having another girl. We're very excited. I was never able to have a sister so I'm very excited for Kenzie to be able to enjoy a sister!!!!

Kenzie's Goofy Times

2010-03-03T18:40:00.000-08:00

I was doing the dishes today and heard Kenzie grunting and laughing in her room. She found a shirt out of her hamper and wanted to put it on but obviously thought it would be easier if put on from her legs. She didn't get too far though. She walked around like this for about 20 min. before she even wanted it off!!!

This is a pic of Steven and Kenzie having daddy/daughter toon time. She gets so excited when her daddy gets home from work she can hardly stand it. I was making dinner one night and came in to tell them that dinner was ready. This is what I found.

Valentine's Day this year was on a Sunday, I couldn't but help make a Valentine outfit for Kenzie. I found some fabric for 50cents per yard, so I just had to. I made this outfit with skirt, shirt accessory, and hair accessory for about 1 dollar. Can't beat that. She was very cute, the cutest valentine I know!!!

With in the last few months Kenzie has become obsessed with "pieee." Every time Steven or I would go she has to be in the bathroom with us, say Mommy "piee" or Daddy "piee" and then when she flushes she gets right up next to the seat and waves to the "piee" and says "bye bye." I decided to get a little toilet seat to go inside the toilet to see what she would do. She was so excited about it. Every time I put her on there she pees. It's crazy. Then one day I saw her started to give the "pooping face" and so I grabbed her and said, "let's go potty." and she sat on the toilet and pooped. I got so excited, gave her a little treat and she thought it was pretty cool. Well, last Sunday, she pooped 2 times that day in the toilet. She doesn't say anything, but you can see the face. Not quite sure if she knows what she is really doing, but I might try potty training soon, we'll see. It would be really nice if I only had 1 kid in diapers when this new one comes!!!

Kenzie is obsessed with her daddy's hats. Especially the NAPA ones. She demands for them to backwards at all times. I try to put them the right way, but she's not having it at all. I was cleaning one day and she found the swiffer duster handle. I caught her "cleaning" the toilet with it. Hope someday she's learn the realy way to clean toilets so I won't have to ha ha.

Worst blogger ever!!

2010-01-23T10:46:00.000-08:00

Kenzie and Steven opening presents Christmas morning

Kenzie's cool sunglasses she got in her stocking

So the word on the "street" is that I am the worst blogger ever. In which I am totally aware of this. I apologize and am sorry. I know there are many that I like to keep in contact with that I don't see on a regular basis, so I am most sorry to you. Being sick with this baby and I guess feeling like I have no time, when in reality I have a little time here and there, I haven't been very good at this thing. I'll get better I promise!! There eventually will be a reason for you to look on my blog.

What we have been up to:

1) Christmas was awesome. Scott and Jamie and the kids came to visit and it was an absolute blast!!! We went sledding in Idaho City which was a lot of fun to see the faces of the kids. They were pretty brave and I was pretty impressed. Our Christmas morning was awesome. We ate a good 'ol traditional breakfast of breakfast casserole, fruit, and sticky buns. The bestest. We then opened presents, in which it is always so much fun to see all the kiddos faces. I have to say Ella's was the best with the barbies. I really tried to make a lot of gifts this year, in which I think it was successful. I made fun fleece scarves, appetizer platters, aprons, diaper clutches, nursing aprons, and a whole bed set for Scott and Jamie (duvet, pillow shams, and bed skirt). That was the hardest one. I have never done something so difficult but Jamie kept talking about how she is wanting a new bed set for a long time and I finally got up the guts to say I'll make it for ya. It took a lot of brainstorming and time, but well worth it. I was really happy with the result and I hope Scott and Jamie like it too. It was sad to see them finally go, but a joyful time to have both my bros and their families here. It was nice to have us all togetherThe pillow shams, bed skit, and duvet cover I made. The duvet is in the paisley, skit is in the green, and the pillow sham has the paisley on front and the green on back. The cord on the edge made it look really nice.

2) Steven is working a lot: Steven has a wonderful job being a manager at NAPA Auto Parts. He is very good at what he does and everyone loves him at his job. But I miss him. I am more than grateful for a hardworking husband and that he has a job. He sacrifices so much for our family, and I appreicate all he does. He's an awesome dad and tries to take advantage of every moment he has with Kenzie. Kenzie sometimes will sit next to the garage door and just say "daaaeeee" (daddy) over and over until I tell her daddy will be home soon. She gets very excited when that door finally opens and it's him. Dad's just fulfill a different spot that mom's can't, and I'm grateful that he does that for her.
3.) Getting bigger: I am already 16 weeks prego and I am already completely in maternity clothes. I guess your body knows what to do the second time. Dang-it. I was hoping this pregnancy would be a lot different. Well it is in other aspects, but I did look in an old journal of when I was pregnant with Kenzie, and I haven't gained near the same amount at this point as I did with her, thank goodness, no 47lb weight gain again for me!!!! We find out next month what it is and we're very excited. We have some inclings but nothing for sure. We'll be excited either way.
4.) Steven and I just got called to be the Road Show leaders for the ward. We are excited but nervous. It should be a lot of fun, but a lot of hard work also. The performance is on Feb 17th, so not much time. Hope these kids are ready.

5.) Kenzie: need we say more!! She is just busy, busy, busy. She loves to play, push things around, get into the pots and pans, and boy, does this girl love to eat. She eats just about anything except for plain eggs. She eats what we eat just fine and love it. She has to feed herself though which is sometimes quite the fun and dirty situation. She is starting to get quite good at using her utentils, but there is still a bit of a mess. She also has learned more signs, she knows: please, thank you, more, drink, cheese, cracker, eat, up, and down. She is starting to say the words also and saying other ones like "jus" (juice), "daaaeee" daddy, "mema" grandma, papa, "maaaeeee" mommy, uh oh, "duks" books, "paaee" potty, and many others. She just talks all day so I can't think of everything. A funny story about her. The other day she woke up and I opened the door and I thought I saw her naked in her crib. I turned on the light and yep, sure enough there she was. She took off her pj's and diaper and they were laying in the crib and then I noticed a huge wet spot, but her pj's were dry. Is this a hint that it's time to potty train, oh how I wish that were true, but I think she just wanted her heavy wet diaper off. I couldn't stop laughing but couldn't believe what she just did. She was laughing at herself too because I think she knew what she had just done. She keeps life so much fun. Kenzie's messy "I feed myself" face.

6.) Toilet papered: Steven is over the Deacon's 12-13 year olds at church. They just love and adore him but want to tease him just like the does them. Before he got home one night from mutual 2 of his deacons came and tolet papered our house. Not too bad, but it was quite halarious. The even funnier part was that I was the one to clean it up. I told those boys the next week that they better watch out because we're going to get them back, and they won't be expecting it. ha ha!!

Our front door where they trapped us in with toilet paper

What...another one!!

2009-12-16T11:19:00.000-08:00

Yes, the Cook's are having another child. We're very excited to have another crazy one running around. I am due July 13th and have had a rough bout this time. With Kenzie I wasn't very sick, but this one is another roller coaster that's for sure. I am more tired every time I even stand up, the toilet is my worst enemy, and all I want are smoothies and cucumbers and vinegar, unlike with Kenzie I wanted whoppers, but that is how I gained the larege 47 pounds, hopefully we won't be doing that again. We had the ultrasound and everything looks really good. I changed my OB doc to Dr. Hodges who is like the best doctor ever. He said everything I needed to hear and he was just as excited for us and we were. Steven also was very impressed. I'm excited because he said I can have a v-back, which I definitely didn't want another c-section if I can help it.

Sorry I haven't posted for so long, but it has been a very busy last few months. We changed wards, got new callings, Kenzie turned 1, Thanksgiving Holiday, Steven works a lot, and once again, Kenzie keeps me busy too. I am doing a bridal show in January with my jewlery so have been very busy making jewlery for that and of course the many Christmas presents I decide to make last minute...

Here is our latest family pic.

Time to catch up, what we've been up to

2009-09-24T10:50:00.000-07:00

This is Kenzie's walker she cruises on

Kenzie will go into my closet, get a shirt of mine off the hanger, and crawl around with it around her neck. She keeps trying to put it over her head, she must think she is ptuting it on.

Kenzie loves getting into the cupboards. We finally had to put locks on them, but I let her keep the pots and pans cupboard.

Kenzie loves the bath, she'll try to get in before she is even undressed. She loves to splash and splash.

So I know it's been forever since I have blogged, but I guess time has gotten away from me. Steven is working a lot, but I'm grateful that he has a job that he likes, enjoys, and is very good at. I am still working part time with Dr. Bateman and Grammy Thompson gets to watch Kenzie, in which my mom loves very much. We have gone to Utah several times this summer for nieces and nephew's baptism's and the Stan Cook reunion at Kristen's home in Spanish Fork, UT which was a lot of fun with boating and bad sun burns and all. Kenzie now talks none stop. Though it sound like chinese she totally thinks she is talking. She'll sit down and read a book and read out loud to herself which is very cute, she also points and acts like she is telling you something, which I just respons, yeah!! She laughs a lot and loves to hang out with her daddy. He throws her around and chases her so she loves that. She has this walker/push thing that she cruises around the house in. She's really fast and can maneuver pretty well. She also climbs up the whole set of stairs quite well, but is a little scared of coming down. She has taken her first steps recently in which she walked from our couch to the bar stools, which is pretty far, so we're excited about that. She's a pretty good baby and we love her a lot. She's not shy at all so she loves to go out on the town and see people. She talks to everyone. She's a social butterfly just like her parents, ha ha!!

Kenzie's 1st birthday, what the!!!????

2009-09-24T10:18:00.000-07:00

The shirt says chatterbox, if you know Kenzie at all you know she consistently jabbers no stop. So this shirt is very fitting

Grandpa and Grandma Cook even came from Blackfoot for the party

She loved the paper, go figure!!

The strawberry outfit. Yes matching hair bow that my friend Jennifer make her and of course a matching bracelet

The awesome cake!!! Thanks Megan

She snarfed that cake right up

So Kenzie turned 1 on September 18th. Looking back at this last year, it is the fastest year of my entire life. I don't even know where it went it went by so fast. I still remember the day that she was born like it was yesterday. The first time I got to hold her, when Steven and I named her, when Steven saw her for the first time, that first little cry I heard, the first time I saw her and those beautiful lucious lips, and most of all the cutest face I have ever seen. I remember her first smile, first laugh, first time saying dada. It just seems like it wasn't very long ago. My baby is growing up.
I decided to make her birthday a strawberry theme since she loves strawberries. My wonderful friend Megan helped me make cute invites and an awesome cake. The party was with family and a few friends, nothing big, just another reason to get together I guess. Plus, Kenzie didn't even know what was going on, she just knew she was opening presents, playing a lot, and eating a whole lot of cake. She was a little cranky because she didn't take her 2nd nap so we all just kept saying "it's my party and I'll cry if I want to." Very fitting, but she enjoyed the day and fell asleep very fast that night in Grandpa Cook's arms, she was wasted after an evening of fun. Good food and good company, couldn't have been better.

Thompson Family Pics

2009-09-24T09:39:00.000-07:00

All the grandkidos

My bro Scott, Jamie, Ella, and Cole

The whole Thompson Clan

Our family pic

Ohhh la la!!! OK I do like him a little!!

My brother Ryan, Kiley, Kade, and Jeff

Our lovely Kenzie

On Father's Day this summer Scott and Jamie, Ella, and Cole came to visit. It was so much fun to see them and be with them again. I miss them so much. We went to Eagle Fun Days, BBQed, talked a lot, shopped, and just enjoyed being around each other. I know Kenzie already misses her best bud CoCo. We also got to sneak in some family pictures that my friend Mandie was so nice to do for us. These were taken at my parent's house in which I was quite impressed of the awesome scenery we were able to capture.

Kenzie's sleeping positions

2009-09-24T09:36:00.000-07:00

So Kenzie is doing so awesome with sleeping, though recently she wants to skip her morning nap in which I am not letting her do so quite yet. I found her like this one day when I went to check on her. I just had to grab the camera. We have some other funny sleeping stories where my mom found her bobbing her head and still sitting up. I guess this girl tries to do everything she can to not give up. I wonder where she gets that from....ha ha

It Has Finally Happened

2009-06-10T20:57:00.000-07:00

So the whole life of McKenzie I have worried about her sleeping schedule. When she naps, goes to bed, etc. I guess, what any typical mom does. She is just like her momma and needs her sleep, so I have really tried hard to help her sleep well. Well, I am a mother, so I have found out that loves to rock Kenzie to sleep. I love the cuddling and being able to see her drift off to sleep. I finally was done with HAVING to rock her to sleep. I have tried several times since she was about 5 mo to just let her cry herself to sleep, but she would never do it, and personally I had a hard time too. I guess it is the first time mom syndrome. Well, Kenzie is almost 9 mo and I finally can just lay her in her crib and she cries for maybe 1.2 seconds ands she goes right to sleep. It took some time and long nights, but she finally does it. I am so excited about it. It makes life so much easier I can't believe it. Sorry I had to write about something so boring, but this is a huge deal for me.

Kenzie's 7 mo photo shoot

2009-04-25T21:58:00.000-07:00

So this is Kenzie's 7 month photshoot. She did really well, though her only smile right now is with a wide open mouth. She wasn't even grumpy until the very end so we were able to take a lot of pictures. My friend Mandie took them who is AMAZING at taking pictures. Go to her website which is on my list of friends and families links (Mandie's Photography). She does so well and I am so grateful to have a friend that is as talented as her to be able to capture these special moments in our life.

Ohhhh

2009-04-09T20:26:00.000-07:00

There is nothing sweeter than Kenzie sleeping. In the morning she sometimes gets lucky and gets to sleep in our bed, especially when Steven doesn't have to work until later and I am already at work. She is so peaceful and cute. She loves to be sat up on her dad's pillow and watch cartoons. Yes, I know we're bad parents because we let her watch TV, but hey she only really watches it for like 2 minutes then she wants attention of elsewhere.

I can't believe how fast she is growing. At her 6 mo appt this month she was 19 lbs 3 oz and 27 inches long, in which both are in the 95th percentile. She's our chunky monkey. She is so much fun. She babbles all day saying "da da" "ba ba" and lots of other gibberish I don't understand. She loves her toys and sitting up right now. She'll be happy for about 45 minutes with me just putting her on the floor where I am at and playing with toys, it's pretty nice. But I do have to be in the room. If I leave, she starts to cry. Yes, the separation anxiety has already set in. Oh boy...any pointers on how to get over this one?? I'm all ears. We're excited for her to have her first Easter Egg Hunt this weekend and get to wear her Easter dress. She our little princess and we're so excited she's ours.

Thumb sucker?

2009-04-09T20:19:00.000-07:00

So Kenzie loves her binki. She loves it during the day and especially when she goes to sleep. It is constantly hooked to her. Steven and I have even attempted to help her put it in her mouth herself because she wakes up at least one time per night lately just to have her binki put back in her mouth. It gets pretty tiresome when her bedroom is on the other side of the house. So lately Kenzie every once in a while sucks her thumb. We finally got a picture of it. I am not against thumb sucking because it is a self soother and we are having such a hard time with bed/nap times right now. I'll take anything that works. So we'll see what she decides to do.

Like Father Like Daugher

2009-04-09T20:13:00.000-07:00

Ok, Steven and I have a favorite spot in our house. It is the recliner which Steven's parent's gave us, which is in our bedroom. We put it there when we got back from the hospital with Kenzie because I had a c-section I couldn't sleep in our bed, it was too hard to get in and out so we put it in our bedroom instead of in Kenzie's room. This was so nice to wake up when I was well enough to sleep in our bed and just feed Kenzie in that recliner. We still haven't taken it out. Steven and I are always trying to be the first one in it. It's so comfy. Kenzie loves the remote so we took the batteries out of an old remote and we let her play with it, she loves it.

Kenzie Eating Cereal

2009-03-21T20:49:00.000-07:00

So starting at about 5 months we started Kenzie on rice cereal. She loves it, but at first she had the hardest time figuring out the spoon. She has this new thing that she does all the time. She acts like she is spitting with making the spitting noise with her lips. Well she figured out it was pretty funny and was doing it while we were feeding her. She got it everywhere and Steven would always say..."how come she gets so messy when YOU're feeding her?" After seeing me do it, he now understands. She is much better now, she has tried carrots, sweet potatoes, applesauce, pears, squash and has really enjoyed them. She does much better with the spoon and not spitting all the time. I now walk away much cleaner!!!

I can sit up!!

2009-03-21T20:42:00.000-07:00

We also got an exersaucer for Kenzie this weekend. Grandma Robbie has one and she loved it, so we decided to get one for her. I got one for such a good deal, so it was hard to pass up. She loves it and will stay in there for about and hour. That gives me some time to get some real things done for a change.

So on Kenzie's 6 month birthday this month she broke through 2 teeth and now a 3rd is on the way, and she sat up all by herself. It was a big day for her. She loves to sit up now. When I put her on her back she lifts her head off the floor and tries to sit up on her own until I will put her up. She feels like she is seeing a whole new part of the world now, she loves it.

Cook Cousin Time

2009-03-21T20:37:00.000-07:00

We went to Utah the end of February to go to our nephew Jacob's baptism. We stayed in a hotel with a conjoined room with a door with Collin and Alysia (Steven's bro and wife). It was a lot of fun and the next morning when the kids were getting ready we put Tyler, Kenzie's cousin who is 2 months older than her, next to each other and see how they reacted. They touched each other and smiled. Kenzie is pretty close to his size, watch out Ty, she might be able to beat you up when you are older.

Daddy Daughter silly time

2009-03-21T20:34:00.001-07:00

We were getting Kenzie ready for bed one night and Steven took Kenzie's pants and put them on her head. It thought it looked so funny the way her eyes were squished and her ears stuck out, and then he had to add in on the fun too by putting his own shorts on his head. Steven is such a great dad. Kenzie's face already lights up all the time and she smiles when she hears her dad walking through the door after work.

Disney World 2009

2009-02-26T09:44:00.000-08:00

Kenzie and I in front of the "Tiki Room." Notice Kenzie's cute hair bow. A friend in my ward made it for her, sooooo cute, had to have a Mickey bow!!

Here is Kenzie asleep in Planet Hollywood. She was so tired she slept through that extremely loud music!!! Steven put blankets by her face to cover her ears.

Alysia (my sis-in-law) in Epcot walking through world showcase.

When we went to eat at a Japanese place in Epcot where they cook the food in front of you, they gave Steven a b-day hat and a yummy cake.

This is Kenzie's face during the firework show at Magical Kingdom, she thought it was pretty cool, can you tell by her face. Also, notice how wrapped up she is. I bet Disney World made millions of dollars on hot chocolate that night.

Family pic in front of the good 'ol traditional Mickey in front of Magical Kingdom.

Kenzie's first ride. She thought it was pretty fun. She was talking and laughing.

Yes I realize I am a little late on this post but we forgot our camera in Florida. My dear sister-in-law mailed it to us and we're very excited to look at our memories again and wish we were there, again!!!
The week went by so stinkin' fast. We have been saving and planning for this since Christmas 2007. The week finally came, and it went way too fast. We started out the week going to Hollywood Studios which was a blast, the rockin' roller coaster was my favorite. Also, it was pouring rain outside. We were wearing ponchos and all!! It would not stop all day long, so we had to cut that day short in which Steven and his nephews and nieces went swimming at the condo instead. Then Tuesday we went to Sea World (my personal favorite) It was a little cold, but not too bad. The whale, dolphin, and sea lion shows were awesome. If we ever get to go back I'm paying that large amount of money to swim with the dolphins. That has been a dream of mine ever since I can remember. On Wednesday we went to Animal Kingdom, it was freezing cold that day, but little did we know it wouldn't be the coldest. We bundled up the best with what we had and kept havin' fun. Thursday we went to Magical Kingdom, what a blast but it was 36 degrees. Freezing, especially for Florida!! Wish I would have worn/brought my Idaho clothes. We had a blast that day with seeing all the kids have fun and enjoy the rides. Kenzie even got to go on a few. My favorite was Space Mountain, roller coaster in the dark, doesn't get better. Friday we went to Epcot and had some seriously good food, but we needed a whole other day there to do everything...it was fun. The last day we were there it was Steven's b-day too. What a deal, this kid has spent his birthday in Hawaii and Disney World, we're all jealous. We went back to Magical Kingdom, repeated rides we loved, enjoyed my last delicious funnel cake and met Michael Douglous and Kathryn Zeta Jones and they're kids on splash mountain. We ended the week with an awesome meal at Planet Hollywood and some shopping in downtown Disney where we spend all our last pennies. It was so much fun and I wouldn't trade it for anything. Kenzie was sooo good the whole time, probably because she got so much attention from all sorts of people. One lady came up to us and said "oooo muy bonita." It was so cute. Also, it was to our advantage to have Kenzie there because we got baby switch passes which have no time limit on them and you can take 3 people with you through the fast pass lane. We were very strategic about getting our fast passes and not waiting in lines. We probably waited 20min in our longest line, all thanks to Collin and Alysia for having such good skills in that category. We also thank Scott and Kristen and the kidiots (especially Christopher) for letting us stay in their condo with them for 1 week, even with a crying baby. And Stan and Mary helping us out in more ways than one. We had the best week of our lives!!!!

Yes, I'm one of those moms!

2009-02-26T09:40:00.000-08:00

So yesterday I was talking to one of my friends and I got in the car to go home and realized that the last two hours we talked about pregnancy, giving birth, nursing, having kids, how many, what to do with kids...etc, etc, and the list goes on. I realized that I am one of THOSE mom's. All I talk about the majority of the time is being a mom, yes I realize that it is 99.9% of my life now, but I remember when I wasn't a mom and that's all I heard and I would be like...don't they have anything else to talk about. Well guess what, I don't have anything else to talk about, McKenzie is my life and I know it, so I am one of THOSE moms and proud of it!!

Thompson Family Pictures

2009-01-22T15:49:00.000-08:00

My oldest brother Ryan his wife Kiley and Kade (5) and Jeff (21 months)

My brother Scott his wife Jamie and Ella (2 1/2) and Cole (3months)

All the grandkids. Aren't they so stinkin' cute!!

The whole crazy Thompson Clan!!

Our first "real" family picture

My mom and dad. 34 years of marriage!!

This is the Thompson Clan. When Scott and Jamie were in town we managed to get everyone together on New Year's Day for a family pic. My cousin Michelle took these with her fancy camera in which we were so grateful for her to do this for us. We haven't had a family picture for 2 years, so it was due time. Looking at these and being able to enjoy Scott and Jamie and Ella and Cole this Christmas because they live in Indiana now and our family has never been apart like this except when my bros were on missions, really helps me realize how special family is to me and how I am truly grateful that I get to be with all of them for eternity. Each person holds a different piece and a special part of heart. I am grateful that I have an awesome family that supports and loves me through all that I do. I appreciate awesome parents that have led me lovingly to help me become who I am today. I appreciate the great mother my mom has been and all the sacrifices she has made to help me be who I am also. I am grateful for a husband who always tries to make me laugh and make life wonderful. I am also grateful for Kenzie and her sweet spirit that she has brought into our life. She is so sweet and the look that she gives me each day helps me realize that it is all worth it. She is truly meant for our family.

Christmas Season 2008

2009-01-10T16:23:00.000-08:00

Kenzie and her cousin Cole. They are only 2 days apart but Cole is huge. He is a chunky monkey. He is so cute and it was so good to see them together.

Ella was so cute with Kenzie. She kept giving her kisses and saying.. "baby Kenzie soooo pretty." It was so cute how she said it.

Kenzie opening up one of her presents. She even got Christmas Even jammies.

I got Steven and hat which he loved but we love it even better on Kenzie

This is what we got Kenzie for Christmas. A play gym. She seems to like it, but she is just barely interested in objects. I'm sure she'll love it more in the next few months.

What a Christmas. Steven and I switch families every year and this year it was time to go to Blackfoot. I was really nervous about driving because of all the snow storms and because this was Kenzie's first long drive. Kenzie did great and slept almost the whole time. The roads were great there but on the way back were awful. Thank heavens Steven knows how to drive in bad weather due to growing up in Blackfoot. It took us about 5 1/2 hours to get home when it usually take 3 1/2 hours. It was crazy. We got there on Christmas Eve in which we went to Collin and Alysia's house. They made sushi which was to die for it was so good. It was a lot of fun to hang out with them as it always is. We then had Christmas the next morning, it was nice and quiet but very good and of course an awesome breaky made by Stan the man. We stayed until Saturday morning and got home to see Scott, Jamie, Ella, and Cole. Oh my goodness, it was so good to see them. I missed them tons. Cole got blessed in my parents ward which was really awesome to be able to be there for that. During the week we watched movies, chatted and caught up, shopped, played games, and just hung out. It was awesome to have them here to enjoy . I truly to love and miss them already. It was such a treat to see them. I can't wait until this summer already.

NAPA has moved

2009-01-10T16:14:00.000-08:00

Steven and his two employees Dave and Nate. They worked so hard!!

The month of December was a big one for Steven. The NAPA store that he managed off of State Street has been moved to be joined with the downtown store. Steven and his two employees worked until wee hours of the morning and late into the evening every day during December. They had to take apart the entire store including the shelving, stairs, inventory, etc. It was a long month but Steven made sure it was done on time. Steven came home every night covered in dust from head to toe and he even had black in his nose and ears. Good for you babe. He is now co-managing the downtown store and doing some outside sales for them. He works so hard for our family.

Live Nativity

2009-01-10T15:54:00.000-08:00

This is the last part of the nativity. The three wise men, Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus. I got a little teary eyes, I think because you realize a lot more how Mary felt once you have had your own child.

These are the angels that sang at Jesus's birth.

This is the donkey. They warned us to not get close because he kicks apparently.

This is the "no room in the inn" scene. It was pretty cool. They had high school kids that did the parts. It was the youth of a ward in Eagle that volunteered the whole thing. What a service.

The little purple blob with Steven is Kenzie. She was in the Bajorn wrapped up all tight inside his jacket. She just slept the whole time. It was like 7 degrees that night. It was freezing.

This is the camel that was at the very beginning. He was very friendly. You could go right up to him and pet him. It was pretty crazy.

This year we heard about this Live Nativity scene that is out in Eagle. It is actually out at my brother Ryan's best friend's house growing up. You arrive and go on a hay ride and stop at a gate that is made out of wood with a wise man and guards and a camel. They have parts they speak and lead you to different parts of the property for each part of the nativity story. It was really awesome to get the REAL feeling of Christmas this year. It is nice to be reminded. I hope we make this a tradition every year.

Bow's and Bling Holiday Boutique

2008-12-08T20:24:00.000-08:00

My friend Kristin Cole and I are doing a holiday boutique this weekend the 12th and 13th at her home, which is for sale and vacant, in Meridian. We are so excited, we have over 20 vendors and are expecting and great turnout. I would love for you to join us along with your friends and family. It is the 12th, Friday from 4pm to 9pm and the 13th, Saturday from 10am to 6pm. It is off of Victory between Locust Grove and Meridian Rd. Follow the signs. Please come join in on the last minute Christmas shopping.

If you are interested in being a vendor comment on this blog or email me at kassielou11@yahoo.com or of course call at 866-8583 and I will get some more info to you. Hope to see you there.

www.bowsandblingboutique.blogspot.com

Cake disaster!!

2008-11-21T17:58:00.000-08:00

The landslide of frosting!!

I love to bake and have always thought that I can bake pretty good, not as good as some, but decent I guess because I have never disasterized a recipe before. Well, I guess there always has to be a first. My dad's birthday was last week and he LOVES German Chocolate Cake, well, I decided to make him one once again, but this time completely from scratch. Well, it didn't turn out so well. For the cake I had to have 3 eggs and for the frosting I had to have 3 eggs, well guess what, I only had 3 eggs. I looked online and they said that a substitute is 1 tbsp of applesauce per egg, so i decided to try it. Well, the cake was so moist it fell completely apart when I tried to remove it from the pan to the cake stand, so I tried to piece it together. Then I made the frosting, with the 3 eggs, and it wouldn't thicken for some reason, so I let it cool and it still didn't thicken. So I just tried to spread it with what I had, well, it was soup like and just went everywhere. It completely fell apart and looked like a big blob. Though it was delicious, it went straight to the garbage. On Sunday I made my dad the cake again, this time with eggs in both recipes.

Blow Out City!!!

2008-11-21T17:37:00.001-08:00

You didn't know that these are the diapers that are in style now. ha ha

If you get easily nauseated by talking about poop, I advise to not read on. Ok, so about 1 week ago Kenzie was a "pooping machine." It was a day that my mom was watching her while I was working. I gave her plenty of diapers for the day, so I thought, but she went through all but 1 diaper in just the morning alone. When I came to pick her up after work she hadn't pooped again. Then she had a little poop, so I changed her. We were sitting there talking to my parents and she pooped again. Well, I knew we didn't have anymore diapers left and I needed to feed her before we went home so I hurried and went to feed her. Well, much to my surprise I go to grab her back and she is covered in poo all the way up to her neck. I didn't have any diapers might I remind you. My mom came to the rescue and we cleaned her up and put her morning pj's back on and then we made a cloth diaper with one of her burp rags. I hurried and put a blanket under her in the car seat and got home as fast as I could. I went to go put a "normal" diaper on her and she already got it wet. Thank goodness for mom's who know the old ropes huh!!

Kenzie is Smiling!!!

2008-11-21T17:25:00.000-08:00

Mom I'm trying!!

We are so excited. Kenzie had her first smile and now she never stops. She is so much fun to play with and interact with now. We love having her, she's the best thing ever.

This last week she had her first round of shots. Oh boy, even though I am a nurse and give immunizations everyday, it is completely different when it is your own child. I was so glad Steven was there so that he could be the one to see her eyes when they poked her. She barely even squealed though which made it a little easier. She's been doing fine since then. Below is a little video of Kenzie smiling.

Halloween 2008

2008-11-06T13:45:00.000-08:00

This is our house decorated for Halloween. We had these cool lanterns in our windows, witches and a pumpkin.

This is Steven's pumpkin he carved. He's so good at it. Each year he gets better and better.

Steven was a Mauri/Samoan guy. He wore this pain on his face to work, pretty funny huh.

This is McKenzie and I. She was a chili pepper and I was a 1940's flapper girl.

This year was fun for Halloween because we got our first trick-or-treaters. We just stayed home and enjoyed the kids coming to the door. We did attend 2 parties, so we weren't total party poopers.

McKenzie's Blessing

2008-11-06T12:58:00.000-08:00

Steven's parents with Kenzie. We haven't gotten one with my parents yet, but we will.

Steven's side of the family. Lots of them huh?

Steven and I with Kenzie before we went to church. She wore the same dress and bonnet that I wore when I was blessed.

I'm starting to laugh at myself because as soon as we had a child our blog is now infested with her. I would always think when I saw other people's blogs, "why is everything about there kids?", now I am starting to understand. Oh wait, when you do get a kid that is what your whole life is about so what else is there to blog right? I just find it funny that I am "just one of them" also.

Well this last Sunday we blessed McKenzie. It was amazing. All of Steven's family was here except his brother Andy and his wife Johanna because she is due with a baby any day. It was so nice to have them all here and we are grateful for the sacrifices they made to come. We feel very loved and blessed that we have a family who will support us. Also, my whole side of the family was here except for Scott, Jamie, Ella, and little Cole who is only 2 days younger than McKenzie. We missed them very much and we thought about them often during that special day. We know you guys were here in spirit. Our house was full of over 40 people. I didn't know we could fit that many people in our home. It was crazy with many kids running around in and out of house, but it was great to have them all here. The weather cooperated and it wasn't too cold.

We had TONS of left overs from our baked potato bar. This is a problem of mine, I don't know how to cook for the right amount of people. Steven and I always have left overs for the next day because I have no clue how to cook for only 2 people. Just like last night, I made homemade mac and cheese and I made way to much cheese sauce so I cooked more noodles and ended up begging my brother's family to take it because we already had left overs from the first batch. I guess I'm just preparing for the larger family right? ha ha. It was all around a great day and I loved every second except when everyone had to go home.

The next day was my first day back at work which went really well. I was sad on the way driving there but when I got there it felt good to be back in an atmosphere that I am familiar with and love. I love being a nurse and seeing my patients again. I kept saying all day "I feel like I have an identity back." It's not that being a mom takes away my identity, just being a mom isn't familiar to me and I am still learning, where as being a nurse is familiar and I know what I'm doing I guess. I of course missed Kenzie but she is in very good hands, which makes it easier. I love being a mom and cherish each second I get to be with Kenzie. She is such a blessing in our life and we're so glad she's ours.

McKenzie's Blessing

2008-10-30T13:05:00.000-07:00

Since blogging is a way to keep in touch with all those you care about we just thought we would let you know that we are blessing McKenzie this Sunday November 2nd @ 1pm @ the Locust Grove Stake Center (the building that is closer to Chinden). We would love to have your love and support!!!

Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-27T14:14:00.001-07:00

We went to Linder Farms this year which was a blast. They even had a petting zoo this year and my nephews loved it. My nephew Jeff couldn't get enough of the geese, he just stood there laughing his head off. It was a blast as always and yes we managed to get another pumpkin that was over 30 pounds. We're excited to carve them tonight and the annual October hot dog roast/bonfire at my parents house was a blast. Steven taught Kade how to do it the "real boyscout way." I hope we don't regret teaching him how to build a fire ha ha. He might end up a pyro like Steven.

McKenzie's First Photo Shoot!!

2008-10-24T09:24:00.000-07:00

My friend Mandie Anderson (www.capturedmomentsbymandie.blogspot.com) came over this last week and did some awesome pictures with Kenzie. They turned out really well, I'm very excited.

She's already 1 month old!!!

2008-10-21T17:54:00.000-07:00

She has this really cute Boise State outfit. We'll be decking her out soon in it. Go Bronco's.

We went to our first Halloween party at my cousin Michelle's house. It was a lot of fun, and Kenzie looked adorable in her chili pepper costume.

She loves her bouncer. She'll stay in there while I do dishes and get showered. She's such a good baby.

Grandma Robbie gave her this cute cat Halloween shirt, we thought it was pretty cute on her.

We love how cute she is when she sleeps, she always has to have her hands by her face when she sleeps, and since she was breech she loves to be on that particular side because that is how she was in my stomach.

Her first REAL bath after her umbilical cord fell off. She loves her bath time. She doesn't cry at all the whole entire time.

I loved this picture. She fell asleep on the bobby, I loved her hands...so cute!!

OH MY!!!

So a month has already passed. I can't believe it. She gets bigger and cuter every day. We just can't get enough of her. She's a very happy and healthy baby. She's already 10lbs. 6 oz. Life is good here. I am going back to work in 2 wks and feeling very nervous about it, but thank goodness I only going back 2 days a week and Steven and my mom will be taking care of her. We love being parents and have enjoyed the blessing of this little one in our home.

More McKenzie Pictures!!

2008-09-22T08:52:00.001-07:00

So can you tell we're a little obsessed with her. We're very excited to have her in our home. We are continually smiling and loving every little thing she does. She very healthy and sleeping quite well. Feel free to come and meet her!!

McKenzie Katherine Cook Has Arrived

2008-09-18T18:11:00.000-07:00

McKenzie Katherine Cook arrived this morning around 8:09 am. She was 9lbs. 5oz. and 19 inches long. Kassie is doing great. She and Steven couldn't be more proud. Both of them had a wonderful experience with the birth of their first! McKenzie is so beautiful. She already has some chub. We all can't wait to get to know her. Kiley (Kassie's sister-in-law posted these so everyone could see. Kassie will fill everyone in when she comes home from the hospital!)

Baby update!!

2008-09-12T19:39:00.000-07:00

This pic is from when my family and Steven and I went to the Twin Falls open house in the end of August.

So not much has changed. I went to the doctor on Wednesday and she is still breech but a little different. She is side to side instead of head up and butt down, so she's moving, but we'll see what she does. She's been moving a lot the last few days. I did go to the chiropractor yesterday and he did a few things that might help my hips and ligaments to loosen up a little bit so that she might feel like she can move and turn head down, but I have come to the conclusion that I don't care how she gets here weather a regular delivery or by c-section...I'm just ready to be done being pregnant and want her here healthy and happy. We're still sitting on the 18th for a scheduled c-section but if she has turned and is head down they will just induce me that day so no matter what...we're having a baby on the 18th...we're pretty stoked!!!! Steven and I are so excited to be parents and meet this little miracle or ours. I remember how we tried to get pregnant for 18 months and it just felt like forever and here we are starting our family after 4 years of marriage, I wouldn't have it any other way. It just shows that Heavenly Father has a lot to say in our families and when and how our children come. We are so blessed.

She's gonna be a stubborn one!!!

2008-09-04T08:50:00.000-07:00

So this morning we went in for them to flip our little girl because she is breech, and she would not budge for anything. She likes just where she is at, and is sitting very comfortably. Dr. Armstrong tried very hard to get her to move but she just wouldn't. The aversion wasn't as painful as I anticipated, but still pretty uncomfortable. So we're scheduled for a c-section on the morning of the 18th. 2 more weeks, seriously!! Maybe I'll be able to talk him into something a little sooner at my next weeks appointment. Wish us luck!!

Way to go Steven!!

2008-08-30T09:03:00.000-07:00

Steven started working for NAPA Auto Parts in February. They hired him with the intentions of him becoming a manager of one of their stores. We never knew we would be so blessed and it would come so soon. Starting the beginning of August Steven has become the official Manager of the NAPA store at Vetran's Parkway and State Street. He has been doing awesome with catching on so quickly since he was put into this position with little training and little notice. I am so proud of him and grateful for how hard he works for our family. Though he works a ton more hours now, I can't complain because I will be able to stay home and only have to work 2 days per week after our sweet baby girl is born. Steven will be able to take care of her on Monday's and my mom will on Tuesday's. We are very blessed. Way to go babe!!

Landscaping is finally done!!!

2008-08-30T08:42:00.000-07:00

My nephew Kade loves to help Steven. He really is a good helper. We're so glad we live so close to Ryan and my sister-in-law Kiley and their two awesome kiddo's.

This is our back yard if you were to look straight forward from our back patio.

So we moved in our house in the end of March and since it was winter until like the middle the June we couldn't do our landscaping. Finally in the end of July, in practically one weekend, we finished with all of my wonderful family's help. My mother and I designed it, Steven, my Dad, and my brother Ryan put it all it themselves. They did such an awesome job. My nephew Kade and sister-in-law Kiley helped us put in the sod. I couldn't do much with being prego and all so we are forever grateful to my family and for all of their help. I am very happy with how it turned out.

This is the spot to your right when you walk up to our front door.

We are the house on the right.

Our house is the one on the left. This is our side yard. I love that boulder that hides that ugly electrical box.

Baby Shower's!!! I sure was showered on!!

2008-08-30T08:25:00.000-07:00

We have been truly blessed with having this baby. We have had several showers and received almost every single thing that we needed. I am grateful to those who have thrown them for me and for those who have come to the showers. You all will be a large part of mine and this new baby girls life. Here are some pictures from some of the showers.

Sparkle and Shine here we come...

2008-08-06T15:31:00.000-07:00

So I had something really awesome happen a few weeks ago. I have a good friend of mine at work that got married in July. She asked me to make her own jewelry and her bridesmaid's jewelry. They turned out quite well I thought. Well when she went to do her last fitting at the bridal shop where she got her dress, she wore her new jewelery I made her. The lady that owned the shop loved her jewelery so much that she asked my friend to have her have me call her ASAP because she wants to put me to work. I met with her and I get to make custom bead jewelery for her bridal shop called Heartfelt Bridal. I am so excited that I get to turn a hobby into side job. I'm very excited, because she already has 3 brides and their bridesmaids set up for me to do some jewelery sets for them. Yoohoo!!

This is the closest picture I have of her jewelery and the bridesmaid jewelery. I didn't know at the time that I would need more pictures of her jewelery.

98th percentile for the head...are you kidding me!!

2008-08-01T12:40:00.000-07:00

That is the worst thing you can tell a first time mother. She's got long legs and a big head and they estimate that she weighs about 4lbs. 10oz. right now at 32 weeks. Wonder what she's gonna look like?? Me too!! (ha ha) She's still breach but we have 4 wks to see if she moves. She seems quite comfortable right now. I don't think I'd want to be upside down all the time either, so I don't blame her. We are so excited to meet her soon we can hardly stand it. We know it's going to be really hard but I know all the sacrifice will be worth it. She's been a long time coming. I'm mostly excited to see Steven be a daddy. He talks about it all the time and asks how she's doing almost like she's not inside of my stomach and she's already here, it's really cute. He's going to be awesome and a really involved daddy. She's very lucky!!

Why oh Why did you tell me that....

2008-07-18T08:16:00.001-07:00

So I had my OB appt on Wednesday and they said that I am measuring 2 weeks bigger than I should be so we get the privledge of getting an ultrasound on the 30th to see how big she "really" is. In a way I hope that she's bigger because they might induce me sooner and on the other hand... I want her to cook as long as she needs to which leads me to thinking "c-section" which I want to avoid having at all costs. Plus she is breech right now so we only have 6 wks to turn her. I guess I'll be on all fours and swimming a lot in the next few weeks to get the baby turned...any other suggestions I'll take 'em. I'm very excited to meet her soon and excited to finally see Steven be a dad which he has waited so long to be.

2008-07-16T21:10:00.000-07:00

This is our new home, though we moved in the end of March. We still have a few things we need to get done, but we're very excited to have our first home. My brother Ryan built it for us and did an amazing job. We couldn't be happier it is everything we have wanted and more. We live in Meridian in the Arcadia subdivision. We have been so lucky to be in the most amazing ward with some the most amazing people.

2008-07-16T21:06:00.000-07:00

This is my 30 week belly!! Summer is long and hard, but by staying inside and swimming it has been bearable. We're very excited to meet our little girl in September. I am currently measuring 2 weeks early so we might get to meet her a little sooner than her due date on the 25th. Pregnancy has been really good for me besides the usual huge ankles, being unable to wear you wedding ring, hair everywhere on my body that I didn't even know could grow hair, and of course no sleep!!!

I know...I know...it's about time

2008-06-06T10:19:00.000-07:00

I have refused to have a blog, but now in honor of Scott and Jamie moving clear to Indiana I thought this would be a really good way of keeping in contact with each other, since we're having babies close together and all. We're very excited to finally be part of the "blogging community." This will be a lot of fun to keep in touch with a lot of friends and family!!