life

I love my life. I can't imagine being any busier even though most days I wonder what in the world I have done with my time. Blogging hasn't been too up there on the priority list, however I want to still keep up on it because I feel like I am experiencing some of the best years of my life. So with all the randomness, here's what we've been up to as per the last month and a half.

Valentines day was just that...a day. However, my sweet husband surprised me, came home, told me to get dressed and took me to dinner. In the middle of the week too, people! Secretly I know it is to make up for the dead flowers last year but I love him for it. He really tries and I loved getting away with him. He also watched Porter and Ammon so I could go for a run on our mountain ALL BY MYSELF! Now that's what I'm talkin about!
This pie was a huge sacrifice this year. Between dealing with Porter and Ammon and running out of cornstarch it was an all day deal. A big shout out to my neighbor who saved me from going to the store with my two small peeps.
My baby is starting to smile and to respond to me and others. Oh my heck, can I just say heaven on earth? He smiles and looks at me like he can see right into my soul...almost like he's in love with me in a cute baby way. He's beefing up too which just makes him that much cuter. Oh how I love him!

The kids got a bag of valentine candy from me this year. I always want to do something so they know that I love them and are thinking of them.
My cute little Megan... just the right age to love to help with this little guy. She even does diapers and no I do not hire out my children
Yes that is a swim cap on his head and no he hasn't joined the swim team but.....I have decided amidst the busyness of life to train for a Sprint triathlon with Rob. We have been spending some much needed couple time at the pool to work on the swim. I actually think I'm slightly insane for doing this but my mind and body have never had a good connection and I REALLY need something to look forward too....plus it's helping me to SQUEEZE into my pre-pregnancy jeans (can I hear I big YAHOO for that please?!)
Oh the love. I thought Ammon might have a hard adjustment to this baby but it has been just the opposite. He loves to hold him and pet him and be right there when I'm trying to nurse him. Yes, picture two boys on the lap while trying to do that! He loves his little brother and I try and brainwash him by saying things like "you're best friends right?" To which Ammon responds positively. It's working.
Oh my heck.....love, love, love, the look on Ammon's face. They really are best friends!

We also had another cub of the year nomination. Jacob was the Weeblo nomination for his den and although I could be slightly bias, they couldn't have picked a greater kid. He totally deserved to win but I guess it was just an honor being nominated. They had a banquet for all the boys and his scout leader came up and told me what a great kid Jacob was. Yep, I know!
This was as good as it got for St. Patrick's Day. I did plan my St. Patrick's day dinner but we had to do it the next day due to some scheduling complications. Rob made green eggs and ham while I practiced to be in a skit with Megan over at the church.

The man of my dreams and my partner in crime. Who wouldn't love a man who does this?

Another great man in my life....my Dad. He's been a huge support to me in my life and I love him for it!
Matt has taken up running which makes me of course elated that someone may share my passion. We went for a 3 mile run on the mountain together and I couldn't have been more happy to have that time with just him. We talked (after we went up the HUGE hill and caught our breath) and it was just a great time to be with another one of my awesome kids!
We've had some nice days, so one day I loaded the little peeps (my kids hate that I shorten my words) in my new stroller and we went to pick up Megan and Jacob at school (Riley had to stay after for a Robotics class). Oh the sun and warm weathers does wonders for my soul, and I can feel my spirits rise as I dream about my favorite season (that would be summer by the way).

And a few more items of business. James got his full braces on and Emily started in hers! She of course looks adorable even though she wouldn't smile that first day (you look adorable too James
by the way just in case you ever read this :)

We also feel some sadness as we traded in a family member. Rob's truck left our family for a new car that gets much better gas mileage and has a much lower car payment. It truly was a bad day as some of the kids went and gave it one last pat and said good-bye. We like our new addition though and we especially love the money we are saving.

Well, that's about it for now....stay tuned for more adventures.....because I'm sure there will be something within the next few weeks!

Photo Shoot

I've always wanted to have someone take my babies pictures but it seems like after having a baby, it is really hard to get it done. Especially after having Porter, having him on oxygen and recovering from a blood clot, I wasn't sure it was going to happen.

But then I remembered that our next door neighbor, Kaylie, did photography. Not only that, she will come to your house to take your newborn's pictures! Now that is what I call convenient. She got some really great pictures and I am excited to have them. You can view her blog here.