We are having ...

...A GIRL !!!

We are so excited to announce that we are having a girl! I know that some of you have been hearing rumors, so we are making the official 21 week announcement! I feel so blessed, and a little anxious. I guess I better start watching the blogs on how to do all those cute hairstyles, and how to make those bows and flowers!!! I better start researching the best dance companies. I can't wait to hold her and love her, I have already started the plans for the nursery. We have heard that three is a hard jump... Ryan and I will be out numbered. The boys are SO EXCITED for a baby sister, and Jordan is very attentive to his sister...he often kisses her and sings to her, a little awkward in public :) For years Parker and Jordan have been telling people that Jesus is bring us a baby sister, what sweet faith...I know that they knew her in Heaven and were just waiting for her to join them in our family. So all you Mommies out there with your darling little girls, any advice for me?

Memorial Day Weekend

Yes,after many great years...we had to sell the CRV and grow into a mini-van! We purchased the CRV when we were expecting Parker and realized that his carseat didn't fit into the back seat of the Mustang convertible. At the time, I couldn't imagine that I would EVER want to drive a mini-van and therefor we settled on the "sporty" CRV. We have liked the CRV and have had many great times as a family together in it, but... it was time to "Grow up" and be a Mini-Van Mommy! I think the realization hit me on two occasions. First when we saw how hard it would be to fit THREE carseats in the backseat and Second when we were asked to join Parker's baseball carpool and had to say "well we could take ONE more"!

So, this weekend we headed up to SLC. We were so blessed to find a buyer for the CRV (I know she went to a good home) and found this beautiful new Odyssey. We were planning on buying a used 09-10, but with the used prices still being high (I guess it's good they hold their value so well) and the amazing 0.9 financing on the new vans...we ended up with a 2011 for almost the same price and have the benefits of a new car with all the best in new technology. The boys are so excited for their new "SLIDE-DOOR VAN" (this is what they have been calling vans for awhile now) and have told everyone they see about the new car. Ryan loves all the new computer technology and is excited to show it off. Me ? Well... I love all the ROOM, the ease of getting kids in and out, the new leather seats (I hope they are easier to clean) the back-up camera and the new car smell :) I must say the drive up was a little brutal (we are spoiled with flying), but the new van ...and the DVD player really made the trip enjoyable (well almost!)

It was a little cooler "up North" (okay a LOT colder), in fact it SNOWED on Monday morning. I heard the boys wake up and see the snow, it went something like this...

PARKER : "Jordan is snowed last night...it must be Christmas!"

JORDAN: to the tune of Jingle Bells " It's Christmas Day, it's Christmas Day..."

They have always thought that to have Christmas you must have TWO things...Grandma's house AND snow! The boys had a fun time playing in the snow, thanks Grandma Kathy for providing boots and jackets ( we had flip-flops and no jackets...hey I thought I was being cautious bring long pants!) We went to breakfast at SILLS (got to love the scones) and went for a walk at the Layton park to see the ducks. The Ducks were all out and all over, it was fun to be so close to them... until we were chased by a HUGE black swan!

Then we headed home again, and after traveling through the rain and HAIL storms it is great to be home again in the 90 degrees!

Graduation

HAPPY GRADUATION DAY, JORDAN!

We had so much fun going to the boys graduation ceremonies! Jordan was still recovering from his surgery, so he wasn't quite as smiley ...but he melted everyone's heart with his cute half grin and sweet answers on his spotlight. He's best friend Hunter is going to be in his class next year, so the friends are looking forward to a great repeat next year. Jordan loves his teacher Miss Jenni and has learned so much this year! At graduation, they all got a fun book for Mommy to see all of their hard work, a fun DVD of all the adventures and a t-shirt. Thanks to all the teachers that made this year great!

HAPPY GRADUATION DAY ,PARKER!

Parker had a blast everyday at school, and today was no different! He was the star of the program, with his strong singing voice, cute actions and funny answers on his spotlight! He had so many friends that wanted pictures with him, it almost felt like a photo shoot. Parker loves his teacher, Miss Lindsey and always gives a hug to her at the beginning and end of class. Parker even had a little girlfriend, I guess at one point they were even talking MARRIAGE...I'm glad they decided to wait (at least until next year) AGGGGHHH what am I going to do with him?

We are so proud of Parker and Jordan, they have learned so much and grown into little men. They really loved all the activities (swimming, gymnastics and karate) and Parker is even reading now! Check out the smilebox to see all of their programs and ceremonies!

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Jordan is a new man !

After several nights (years) of disrupted sleep and difficulty breathing Jordan had his tonsils/adenoids out, his tubes replaced and his "trigger thumb" fixed. The Doctor said his adenoids were some of the worst he had seen, of course being the Mommy I could have told him that months ago.
Jordan did really well, we had talked about what was going to happen and he was prepared. He didn't like the hospital gown (but who does), but other than that he did really well. The surgery took a lot longer than they had told us, me being the worry-Mommy was very stressed...but when we got back with him he was doing GREAT. He was really sleepy and "Just wanted to take a little nap" so I took us longer to be released. I think he was just grateful to be able to sleep without having to work to breath. He ate his POPSICLES and didn't throw-up, so we left happy. The only time he really seemed awake was when Ryan tried to eat his Root beer Popsicle, Jordan quickly said with half opened eyes "Daddy those are ONLY for boys who had surgery!"

Jordan had a pretty good recovery, and we are all just glad to have it over with. His thumb is still a little sore, but other than that we are back to our regular life (except he can sleep and breath at the same time!) Thanks for all of your thought and prayers.

Our New Front Yard...now we look respectable ?

YES, we finally did it! We have a real front yard with GRASS and alive plants! We tried to re-seed the lawn and get the old grass back...after several hours of digging out weeds, lots of water and patience, all we had accomplished was a beautiful green harvest of WEEDS! So we went the other way and had several bids on having someone come and dig out the old grass and put in new grass...lets just say we had "sticker shock" at the $$$. Then we decided that we could do it ourselves. We would have to dig down at least 4 inches (being careful not to hit the sprinklers) and then level it. Our amazing neighbor heard our plot and came over with his Bobcat and turned several days of backbreaking work into a quick half-hour job. He was amazing and even got things level for us. Ryan said we would have to name our next child after him...hum how do you guys like TODD for a girl?

So we went from this...
Ryan,Jeremy and the boys really worked hard to get everything level, and spread the sand out in preparation for the sod. I couldn't believe how strong Parker was, he could shovel as well as the men! Although he was really working hard to build a fort, and was shocked when Ryan and Jeremy leveled out his hard work ;)

Then the sod came, WOW I couldn't believe how fast it was to put down...it was ALMOST an instant transformation ! The boys were so excited to lay down on their own grass and can't wait to play sport on it.

We replaced a few dead bushes and trees...I now have TWO Palm trees and these beautiful Carpet roses. I LOVE IT, and can't wait to see how this yard matures. I just hope we don't kill anything :)

Thanks to Jeremy, Bro. Ashton and everyone else that made this possible!

Jordan's New Do

Yes, I finally did it...I cut my baby's hair. I know that he is four, but I loved running my fingers through his soft beautiful hair, so we would trim around the edges and leave the rest longer. I was getting some flack from people " why would you let your boy have long hair" , "Isn't to hot for him to have long hair"? Then the other day, Jordan came down from combing his hair and said..."Mom, I want to spike my hair and it won't work." It is getting warmer and so...

we went from this

to this!
Yes, that is some curl in his hair...who knew?


Since the cut, we have had so many comments. I hardly recognize him, he is all grown up! Jordan loves it and walks around checking all the mirrors, to make sure his hair isn't "mess up" and still "spiky". If you are part of a lucky few, he will even offer to let you "touch it, but be careful it might poke you." What a funny kid! Ryan is a little worried, he thinks the cut has turned him into a teenager (oh what fun we have to look forward to! But to teenage boys act like that? I thought it was only girls.)
Jordan is having his tonsils/adenoids out, new tubes in his ears and his trigger thumb fixed on Thursday. I'm a little nervous, but I know he will feel so much better after it is done. Please keep us in your prayers...I hope we all survive this ;)

Look at those tonsils!

The Best Mother's Day Ever !

First I want to say Happy Mother's Day, to all the Mom's out there! I have been blessed with a wonderful Mother, Grandmothers, Aunts, Mother-in-law, Sisters and friends that have been such great examples to me. Today at church one sister said that growing up she didn't want to be like her mother...and now she hopes to be just like her, then another sister said she has always wanted to be just like her mother. I guess I am in the middle somewhere. I swore I would never threaten the "Gobble Monster" would eat my childrens toys if they didn't pick up...well this threat has been used more than once. I never thought I would make MY children go to bed if the sun is up...well 7:30 comes BEFORE sunset now! Being forced into "slave labor" at our Grandparents garden and around the house, I swore I would just let my kids play and enjoy life and I would do it all... I WISH I was Superwomen and could do it all, but my kids are learning the joys of chores and helping the family (I hope) ;) I guess I DO want to be like my Mom, and only hope to grow-up to be just like her. My Mom IS Superwomen and I only hope I can be half the woman she is, I guess she gets it from my amazing Grandma. WOW, I have quite a legacy to live up to!!!
This Mothers Day started a little early for me this year. The boys preschool had a Fancy Nancy Tea Party (thanks to Allison I knew what this was) and I got to go with Jordan on Thursday and with Parker on Friday. They did a cute little program, and presented us with a cute questionaire they filled out about us, and gave us a beautiful crown and flowers that they had made. After that, the children served us treats and lemonade. Jordan was especially sweet and serious about his serving duties. I just love him so much, I would not get through the day without his loves and kisses. The other day he said, "Mom, I'm worried about you being sick everyday...I hope baby gets big and stops making you sick", he said this after I was freting over him and his allergies. Jordan's allergies were really bad this day, and his eye is almost swollen shut...poor thing, I can't wait to get his tonsils and adnoids out so he can breath and feel better. Here are the pictures from Jordan's Tea Party.

Jordan's Questionaire
My Mom's Name is: Mommy...I mean Tara
She is special because : She loves me
I like it when my Mom : puts me to bed
My Mom can do many things! I think she's best at : Making my food
My Mom has a pretty smile! I like to make her smile by :Maybe because I hug her all of the time!
My Mom is as pretty as a : bird, a very pretty bird
My Mom is smart! She even knows : she can rhyme!
I'd like to tell my Mom :that I love her.
WHAT A SWEETIE!

Parker's Questionaire
My Mom's Name is: Tara
She is special because : She feeds me breakfast
I like it when my Mom : Let's me go out and play with my friends.
My Mom can do many things! I think she's best at : Cooking for us.
My Mom has a pretty smile! I like to make her smile by :Helping her
My Mom is as pretty as a :Ballerina
My Mom is smart! She even knows :about Earth and teaches us.
I'd like to tell my Mom : that I've been good when I play with my friends.
I just love this guy and his zest for life!
All of my beautiful presents from the boys! At Primary they decorated bottles of lotion for us, it smells awesome...like watermelon! Ryan and the boys gave my a fun Mommy book and Ryan made an awesome dinner! Thanks Ryan for trusting me with being the mother of your children, I love you and am greatful for all your help. Thanks boys for blessing me so much each day, I am so greatful to be your Mommy!

P.S. Baby gave me the best gift of all, I finally stopped feeling sick and nauseated everyday, all day this week! SERIOUSLY... THE BEST GIFT EVER! I love you, baby!

Here are the videos of the cute songs and poems they did at the program.

This free ecard created with Smilebox

My Little Mountain Men

Last week we went on a journey to Veyo, and the Mountain Man Rendezvous. It was a bit chilly (at least for Mommy) but the boys had the TIME of their lives! They participated in a sac race, an archery shooting contest and received a special rock with rock painting on it. The boys were fascinated with the tomahawk throwing contest and LOVED shopping for the perfect souvenirs! Of course we came home with two wooden rifles and a tomahawk and knife. We had yummy Navajo tacos,fried hot dogs on a stick and tried a fried Twinkies :) On the way out, the boys were very brave...they marched up to a tee pee, yelled "HELLO" and asked if they could come in and see the inside of an Indian tee pee. The gentleman was very nice and showed them around. The boys thought everyone there was either Daniel Boone or Davy Crockett, and loved meeting some of their heroes. What a fun and learning experience!
MY VERY MOST FAVORITE PICTURE! Aren't they the cutest!!!

We are pleased to announce the opening of SCHUDDE PARK

Finally the playset/swingset is DONE !!!!! We were so excited to get a bigger yard and couldn't wait to buy the huge playset at COSTCO when they came out this year. We thought it didn't matter if the yard wasn't finished yet, the boys would love to play/climb and swing anyway. So, we bought the set in 7 boxes and began the SAGA of the PLAYSET! The first two weekends were rainy so no progress, then we had a beautiful Sat. Ryan and Jeremy spent 4 hours (some of that was complaining about the ambiguous instructions) and finished the climbing wall and bench. Well, apparently this was going to take longer than expected.

After a few weeks, Ryan Tyson and Matt our brother in law, spent a morning and got the tower up. It became apparent that we couldn't just work on the weekend and Ryan and I would spend the evenings that I wasn't working...building the "Park". I became quite good at using the power tools, thanks HGTV for all those hours of training :) Putting on the roof, pretty sure pregnant women should not be on a ladder, holding and lifting up a roof top, thank goodness no incident happened and we were successful!

Then we had a few rainy weekends, and Ryan's accident. Apparently a sprained ankle puts a wrench in building plans :) Anyway, after a few weeks of healing Ryan and Jeremy got back to work and finished the crows nest and swing area. The boys were SOOOO excited!

Ryan and I finished the slide ( a very difficult job to put 85 screws into 9 pieces of plastic and make a twirly slide!) Then Ryan and Tyson spent an evening hooking the slide on and finishing it up. We are so proud and grateful for all the help from everyone. The boys and neighborhood kids are loving the SCHUDDE PARK, it seems the most popular game is cops and robbers and pirates.

PS. I have a new and even greater respect for those of you that have built your houses! We could barely survive a playset!

Happy Easter !

I know we are a little late (like a week), but we hope you all had a wonderful Easter! We were lucky enough to have our Easter celebrations spread out over two weekends. We started with a great Egg hunt at Daddy's work - SkyWest. They did a great job, lots of eggs and fun to be had by all! The boys really loved it and was a great refresher course of how to hunt eggs. The boys came home with full baskets and really enjoyed all the candy, Daddy and Mommy were a little distracted with putting up the swing set and didn't keep track of all the candy consumption...until we noticed TONS of wrappers and empty eggs everywhere! Good thing we were outside and had plenty of room to run off the candy-sugar high :) THANKS SKYWEST FOR THE GREAT TIME !!!

Then we went to the egg hunt at Tonaquaint Park a few days later. We had been a few years ago and had a ball, this year was a little CRAZY! There were hundreds of kids and it was a little disorganized, you can tell by the pictures...CRAZY was putting it mildly. The boys did a good job not getting trampled and managed to get 6ish eggs each (an awesome feat since there were a lot of kids with NONE). Needless to say I don't think we will go back next year, but the kids had fun and that is all that is important :)

We were lucky enough to have PaPa and Grandma Kathy come down for Easter weekend, this year. They spent Friday playing with the kids while Ryan and I worked. PaPa and Ryan had two HUGE projects to do, and they did a wonderful job completing them...way to go guys! On Sat. we went to an amazing neighborhood Egg Hunt and Breakfast. Lots of food, eggs and fun to be had by all (although it was a little chilly...by St. George standards!) I can't believe we only have a few pictures...I guess we were too busy having fun. Thanks to everyone who planned this great party!

Easter morning Jordan was up and ready to go early, Parker was a little slower waking up. Jordan had all the eggs pick up and had told us a whole story about how he had seen the Easter Bunny outside (Jordan said the Easter Bunny was dressed in camouflage so nobody could see him), before Parker had even seen an egg. We only had a few moments to check out the baskets because we had to get ready for 8:30 church (I know don't even get me started about the time!) We had a fabulous Easter dinner, with PaPa, Grandma Kathy and Grandma G.G. before they had to drive home. Thanks guys for the great weekend! Afterwards, we got a second Easter dinner at Grandma Sylvia's.... and "dollars" for the boys to spend however they wanted.

I can't believe that we didn't have a family picture when we were all ready, I guess the cute pictures of the boys will have to be enough! Love you all.