Happy Birthday Daddy-O

I wanted to wish my dad a very happy birthday. We hope you have a wonderful snake-free day! You are such a great example to each of us and we love you very much.

We spent the past weekend up in Honeyville with my parents. I was so excited for my dad (and mom) to open his birthday slash father's day & mother's day present. We all went in to get them something special, and I think it turned out awesome. So much so, that I ordered a set for me!




The painting is by my dad's cousin Liz Lemon Swindle called "Seeking The One". The poem is called "Riding for the Brand" and my amazing dad wrote it. I hope he doesn't mind if I post it on here.

Riding for the Brand

“What does it mean?” The boy asked
This riding for the brand
I’ve never heard that term before
I just don’t understand.

The cowboy smiled, then reminisced
Of ranchers and their land
And when you hired on to ride their range
Then you rode for their brand.

When they sent you on a cattle drive
Through sleet or burning sand
You stuck it out and did your job
Cuz you rode for the brand

When rustlers came to steal the herd
You stayed and made a stand
And didn’t turn and ride away
Cuz you rode for the brand

No one questioned your allegiance
The cowboy said with pride
So kid, just be committed
To the brand for which you ride

Now each of us has hired on
To ride the Saviors spread
And gather in the souls of men
The living and the dead

And when we’re faced with trials
Do we stand and make a fight
Or roll our bed and pack our gear
And ride off out of sight

Cuz the work ain’t always easy
It has its ups and downs
There’s joy and disappointment
When there’s souls that must be found

But when our work is over
And the Lord extends His hand
May it be said of each of us
That we rode for the brand.

Mark Nicholas



Evidence that Lucas helped make Grandpa's birthday cake.



The rest are some pictures I took of the Kesler family. I've had a blast playing around with textures...what do you think?

Hampster has left the Building...

As many of you may know, my youngest sister Jessica (a.k.a Jess, Nappy, Napster, Hamster) has been living with us for the past 8 months. Now that finals are finished, she's departed from the Valentine household to pursue the (apparently more fun) Logan area, with a short detour at my parents home. We have absolutely loved having her live with us. It's going to be extremely strange to not have her around. Her moving out is actually quite inconvenient! I will now have to return to my normal routine of carting around two children everywhere I go. She's been so good to help watch one or both of them while I run errands or grocery shop. My wardrobe is going to suffer with out her around... Jess is an avid shopper and I've reaped the benefits of the old, but still look-like-new pants! The boys love her and this morning Lucas told me, in a very sad voice "Mom, I miss Nappy." We will all miss her lots!

We Love You Nappy!

Lucas Funnies...

(I'm in love with this picture...a normal smile, eyes at the camera, dimple showing...it's a miracle)

Lucas cracks me up! He talks non stop all day long. If there's a quiet moment it's either because he has food in his mouth (and that doesn't always stop him) or he's fallen asleep! Tawn told me the other day I should carry around webcam so everyone can experience Lucas Time. I need to be better about writing the funny things down that he says, but here are a couple.


The other morning he had pushed a chair over to counter so that he could try to reach the candy in the cupboard. As I was telling him that we needed to have breakfast first and the chairs need to stay put, he says (very dramatically) "Mom, don't be embarrassing". WHAT?! He's 3 for heavens sake, and I already embarrass him. He's in for a long life!

After getting after him for being mean to Kody (which he does very secretly), I had him sit by me for a while. Finally he looks at me and says (very dramatically again) "Fine, I'll be nice and healthy".

And just to show what I'm dealing with...
On Sunday evening, I could hear my cell phone ringing, but couldn't find it. As soon as Lucas heard it he knew exactly where it was. He ran into the kitchen, opened the bottom cupboard pulled of the lid to the crockpot, and wah lah...there was my vibrating phone!

Ode to the Kode

Today marks the 9 month birthday of a certain little man. Time has flown by and we are so blessed to have him in our home! He is also quite the charmer with his peek-a-boo charade and full blown kisses. He's turned into a cuddler when tired (and I love it!) The older Kody gets, the more he and Lucas become best friends (despite the communication issues). He's in to about everything he can find, but mostly likes to play with the electronics...remote controls, laptops, cell phones, etc!

Oh Kody...we love you so much!

Life in the Slow Lane

I thought I'd post some other random events from the last little while. Landon was kind enough to bring us some much needed dirt and compost back in March. Notice how the men are holding shovels, but yet the trailer is tipped in the air? The shovels were just for show!! Lucas was very grateful that Landon had brought him some mountains!

We had a guy come spread it for us, but he left lots of tracks, ruts, and uneven spots. Jed and I spent a little time on Satuday racking it all out. We still have a pile in the back that needs spread and then we should be ready to plant. Cross your fingers for next week!

I spend Monday morning out in the yard racking some more and shoveling some rocks. It was such a beautiful day I couldn't resist being outside. Tawnya and Reese came over for a picnic at the park. Lucas played on the toys. He even found a couple girlfriends that were a few years older. They kept saying how cute and funny he was and he of course put on the charm.

I have spent the rest of this week huddled by my fire place watching the wind blow the snow sideways. Luckily it hasn't stuck... Paulette stayed with us last night because she had a meeting in Provo today. The boys were very happy to play with grandma! I'm sure she would have rather been in sunny St. George, but we were glad she could come.

And just for the record....Lucas LOVES sunbeams now! He could hardly contain himself during the 2 verses of postlude music we are required to sit through before leaving the chapel. Oh happy days!

Here Goes Nothing...

I keep thinking I need to update, but I just haven't had the ambition to do so.

I could tell you how saddened I was by the outcome of March Madness. Don't get me wrong, that game was extremely exciting and I was happy to see Kansas pull out the win, but.... I picked North Carolina and they didn't even make it to the Championship. Jed, however, chose Kansas to win and I now have to take him to dinner! He keeps shouting Red Lobster...
(Jed thinks he needs his bracket posted for all to see. I'll see about getting is scanned in.)

I could also tell you how I finally changed my insurance agent to Spanish Fork. My agent has been in Box Elder county, but he retired so I figured it was time to go local. This was a big accomplishment since I've been meaning to do it for that last six months!

I could mention how I'm so engrossed in a certain blog that I have to check it multiple times a day in hopes of an update (some times they update multiple times a day). I don't even know the people and yet I find myself praying for them. What was once the saddest blog I had ever seen is now one of the happiest. Why am I so drawn to a blog that makes me cry? Jed things I'm crazy, but I have my mom and sisters hooked too.

I could let you know how much I enjoyed conference. At least the parts that I heard when the kiddos weren't occupying the limelight. To keep Lucas entertained, we had him practice saying the names of the first presidency and now he has them memorized. What an amazing man President Monson is. I very much wish I could have seen him wiggle his ears! I think Elder Ballard made mom's around the world smile. It's always nice to be reminded of the influence we have as mothers. We were excited to have my parents come and spend the weekend with us. We love having them come and Lucas is in heaven when we have visitors. We had a nice indoor BBQ at Tawn's. Apparently the weather was not in a cooperating mood and chose to be cold and windy.

Speaking of weather... did you know it has snowed the last couple of days. Not enough to stay, but I'm still bugged! If I had grass I might be grateful for the moisture, but instead it just water logs the dirt. The weekend and into next week is suppose to be fabulous, lets hope. We need to get the rest of the dirt spread so we can plant when the water comes on.

We met Tawnya and Reese at McDonald's yesterday for some much needed, out-of-the-house time. This is actually the first time I've ever taken Lucas to McDonald's. What kind of mother am I?! He went a few weeks ago with Grandma Carole and had blast. Mickey D's didn't disappoint yesterday either. He enjoyed every minute and made lots of friends!

Chop, Chop...Tiimmbbeerr

Last night Jed and I went to the Energy Solutions Arena to watch the Jazz take on the Timberwolves. One of the guys Jed works with wasn't able to use the tickets and offered them to Jed. We were happy to go in his place and they weren't bad seats. The Jazz ended up winning by quite a bit, but it was still fun. Jed even caught a ball during the ball toss. Lucas was extremely excited since he wanted to go really really bad to the game. He even told Tawn "Sorry Tawnya, I can't go to you house. I have to go to the Jazz game first."





This little munchkin has decided he likes to stand. I find him like this almost every morning...grining from ear to ear cause he thinks he's so cool!



And here's Lucas showing off his green thumbs. All prayers must have been heard because we have zinnia's and poppy's growing. Now...if we can just keep them alive!

...a Green and Yellow Basket

Lucas and I decided we were going to plant some flowers. Since there aren't many flowers to choose from yet, I thought it would be fun for him to plant some seeds and watch them grow. Of course, he was all excited about this! He picked out his very own Diego gardening gloves (who knew they made them so small?!), a green watering can (just his size!), a yellow and green bucket & some 10 cent seeds. Now he tells everyone to look at his new flower garden!













Praying that the 10 cent seeds will grow!

Rancherito

Here's a serious overload of pictures. For your convenience I've clumped them. (I'd hate for carpal tunnel to set in with the all the scrolling you'd have to do!)

We spent the weekend basking in the sunshine in Southern Utah. We drove down Friday afternoon and stay with Jed's parents. We spent some time at the park and, of course, Lucas was in Heaven. We went to dinner at Cafe Rio for Nathan's upcoming birthday and played games that night.

Saturday, the boys got up early to golf and the girls had a shower for Mariann. She's due in about 6 weeks with a little boy and we're so excited. She looks so darn cute with her little tummy. After the shower we headed to the ranch for the traditional Easter with the Beatty family. We had a great time hunting for eggs, playing in the dirt, eating hamburgers, riding the four wheeler and visiting with family. The weather was perfecto! Lucas got a nice sunburn on his face. Lucas crashed on the way home and slept till 5:30 the next morning. Lucky me, I got to get up with him! I was so tired, I had to take a nap before we headed home on Sunday.

Thanks for letting us come Grandma & Grandpa, we had a great time. Love you!

Happy Birthday Grama Carole

We hope you have a very happy birthday today. You are a great example to us and a wonderful grandma to the boys. We love you lots!

2/3rds of a Year

This babe-ilicious is 8 months old today. What's it like being 8 months old? One word...BUSY!

There's no stoppin' this little guy. He's mastered the army crawl and has reached speeds up to 1 foot per second. He gets up on his hands and knees and starts a rockin', but hasn't quite made the connection that he can move that way. He still hates to sit, although his mean mom makes him practice daily! I feel sort of jipt (how do you spell that word?). I love the stage when they sit but aren't quite mobile yet.

We think he has HLS or Hollow Leg Syndrome. Lucas was also unofficially diagnosed with HLS so it may just be hereditary. This kid can eat. He'll will down anything you put in front of him, including Lucas' sippy cups if left on the floor! Unfortuantely he still has some reflux. We can almost guarantee somethings going to come back up sooner or later. Luckily it's not projectile like Lucas' was. (Sorry...was that TMI!)

As of this past week, he's officially been integrated into all types of Stage 1 baby food. For the past couple months he's been on a strict veggie only diet. Dr. B. recommended we start with green (blahest), yellow (blaher) , than orange (blah). Just this last week I introduced the fruits...which of course he loves! Not following this pattern may have been our mistake with Lucas. He wouldn't touch anything green when he was a baby. He also enjoys smashed up cheerios during Sacrament Meeting!

He tries to blow bubbles. So cute! He blows bubbles when you try to kiss him. He blows bubbles on your cheeks. He thinks he's funny, and of course, he is! He can also give the biggest, wettest, most slobbery kisses in the world.

Oh Kody...we love you so much!

ABC'Z

A - Attached or Single - Attached
B - Best friends - Jed, mom & sisters
C - Cake or pie - Lemon Pie
D - Day of choice? - Saturday is a special day...
E - Essential items - Cell Phone, Diaper Bag
F - Favorite clothing items - Shirts
G - Greatest Ambition in Life - Watch my boys grow up to be outstanding young men.
H - Hometown - Honeyville
I - Indulgence - Shopping...online for my clothes, in store for the boys.
J - January or July - July
K - Kids - 2 of the most adorable boys in the whole world
L - Life isn't complete without? - Family, Friends, Faith, and Food
M - Movie - How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
N - Number of brothers and sisters - 3 sister, 2 sister-in-laws, 4 brother-in-laws
O - Oranges or apples - Like 'em both
P - Phobia - Heights...hands are sweating just thinking about it!
Q - Quote - Forever, For Always, No Matter What (not really a quote, but it's our family motto)
R - Reason to Smile - Visting Teaching's done for the month!
S - Season of Choice - Anything above 60 degrees!
T - TV shows - Little Einsteins, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Curious George... :)
U - Unknown fact about me - I highly dislike the day I have to wash my hair...it takes me all day to get it done!
V - Vegetable - Most anything with the exception of Peas.
W - Worst habit - Spending too much time on the computer, letting my laundry pile up.
X - xray or ultrasound - Ultrasound. The only xray's I've had are teeth ones, and I find them very uncomfortable!
Y - Your favorite food? - Mexican Food, Anything grilled (except fish).
Z - Zodiac sign - Scorpio

Snowball Effect

Let me start by saying blogger owns me! I spend my day thinking up things I can post about. Of course, most of them end up being about a person, place, or thing related to me. BUT, along with those very journalish entries, come the crazy hair brain topics. I usually write out the entire post in my head and then, fortunately for you, I've kept it tucked away in this crazy mind of mine...until now! This is what you'd find etched on my brain today...

Nine out of ten times, if I tell Jed I'd like to eat at Cafe Rio or Costa Vida, he will have already eaten there for lunch. Happened again last night. I say "I'd like to eat at Costa Vida". He says "ehhh". I say "GOSH DANG IT, YOU ATE THERE FOR LUNCH TODAY, DIDN'T YOU"!? He says, "I can eat there again". Head to Provo...first stop Home Depot. Jed needs a new hammer since someone decided they needed his more than he did. Jump in the car, and head in the OPPOSITE direction of before mention eating establishment. "Are we not going to Costa Vida?" He replies, "I really don't want to eat there again.". I suggest another place in Springville just as Jed pulls out his phone calendar. He says "I'd rather get something to go." Ah yes, the real reason surfaces...the Jazz game is on. OH BROTHER! Where does he take me for dinner, drive thru Burger King! We get home at 7:45, he turns on the TV to the Jazz game. I think it's just starting...nope. We get home with 6 minutes left in the 4th quarter! I say, "I thought the game was just starting?" He says "Nope, started at 6". Don't get me wrong, I like the Jazz and the last few minutes of the game were great last night, but that's not the point! I actually have to say that Jed's pretty good about not making it a big deal if we don't get to see every game during the season, which I am very grateful for! This just happened to be funny.

Which leads me to my next mind topic...

American Idol. During the remainder of the Jazz game American Idol: The Result Show was one. We were flipping back and forth. Of course, timeouts & commercials vary in length equaling Jazz 90% of the time, AI 10%. And even though there were only 6 minutes left in the game, it still went almost 2/3 the way through AI. I've tried to watch it this season, although I have missed a few episodes. I'm not very musically talented, although, I'd like to think I can hold my own with the Hymns (as long as there is someone singing Alto right next to me)! I'd like to see Brooke win it, can sing, play piano & guitar, very talented. Agree with Simon...can't understand a word that Amanda sings! Felt bad David A forgot the words on Tuesday. He looked so nervous. Wasn't too disappointed with the decision to send David H home. Didn't really care for the singing or his past profession! Favorite American Idol....Carrie Underwood! You know who else can sing...Trace Adkins.

See how one thing leads to another...

Celebrity Apprentice...LOVE THIS SHOW! I know, many people think it's lame, but not me or Jed or Nappy or my dad. I'd take this over the real Apprentice any day. Maybe it's because everything's for a good cause. We are what you would consider the "Trace for Apprentice" fan club. I think he has a good shot at winning it too. I've never been a huge fan of his songs, but his personality is to die for. The way he sold that push vacuum cleaner even made The Donald want to buy one. And as for Mr. Trump (not on my top 100 favorite people), my heart grew 2 sizes for the man when he chose not to fire Tito, Trace, Steven or Marilu. I was beginning to think he's emotionless, but nope...he has a heart! Watch tonight...it's "Omarosa Free"!

And that was only this mornings topics...

Fess Up...

Who taught my child to say,



"Okay...Fine...Vomit!"



Seriously, any time I ask him to do something, this is his reply.

Honey to the Ville

Me an the boys went home last Wednesday to visit grams and gramps. This is the first time we've been up there since Christmas. Lucas was in heaven since he got to help feed grandpa's horses and also ride the four wheeler to feed Untle Boyd's horses. Mom & I went to Logan on Friday to find some bathroom rugs for their bathroom they just had remodeled...which is beautiful! My mom has bought/returned so many rugs that we were beginning to think that the acting rugs, a.k.a towels, were going to become permanent! The ones she finally decided on are dark brown, soft, and look great!

Jed came up Friday night after work. He and I went to see Vantage Point on Saturday and then met my mom, dad & boys for lunch at the new Center Street Grill in Brigham. Brigham & Tremonton could really use some good places to eat! Later we went to visit my grandparents. We sure love them and Lucas loves their M&M dispenser!

Jed woke up not feeling so well on Sunday. Lucas & I went to Sacrament Meeting with my parents. Afterwards, we picked up Jed & Kody and headed in to Brigham to see Great Grandma Valentine. I forgot to take the camera, so we didn't get any pictures. We love to visit with her and hear all about the family. We're grateful for her example and love her very much! We ate dinner with my parents and then headed home. Thanks grams & gramps for letting us come stay with you, we had a great time!














Jed stayed home for work yesterday because still was feeling horrible. He went to the dr. last night and found out he has Pneumonia. He's on antibotics now, so hopefully he'll start recovering soon. He's home from work today too.

Sweet 22!

Happy b-day sista! I hope you have a wonderful day. I'm so glad that we live close enough to do so many fun things together. We love you Tawn!

He's on the Move

For the past week Kody has been perfecting the army crawl. Lucas didn't start crawling like this until 10 months. My baby's growing up too fast! Hopefully the video will work, it's kind of a large file. Lucky for you, I stopped recording just seconds before a massive spit-up!




And a picture of the little munchkin...

My Middle Name

So my cousin Janis tagged me to come up with words that describe me from the letters in my middle name. Other people she tagged have middles names such as Lyn, Kay, Dawn & even Clouse, but me, my middle name is E-L-I-Z-A-B-E-T-H. Nine letters to be exact. I've been trying to come up with words that describe me, but its been difficult...I'm mean what possible "Z" word describes me...Zippy, Zany, Zit-free?? So, thanks Janis (Cook...only has 4 letters!) for making me think...this was hard!


Example - good or bad I am an example to those I meet and especially my boys. It's funny how kids can make you more aware of the example you are setting.

Logical - I'm extremely logical. I think things through and I don't just do things to do them. It has to make sense to me before I'll do it.

Ipod - I've never wanted an iPod, but since Jed already had one, I got the new one that came with the TV. It has like 20 songs on it, and I plan to put more, but for right now, I've decided to use it to better my life. I have a horrible habit of not reading my scriptures consistently. So...I've downloaded 1 & 2 Nephi and have started listening to them on the iPod. So far I'm at 7 days straight...14 more and it should be a habit! I also download the Joseph Smith lessons to try and be prepared before each Sunday.

Zesty - (as per Jed). I'm assuming that he meant a zest for life, but I guess he could have meant hot and spicy!

Addicted to Photoshop, actions, photography, sun, shopping, Victoria's Secret bras, and Twix.

Blogger - my way of keeping a journal. I have published the past two years in books so that I'll have them forever. (and in case blogger ever decides to erase my life!)

Exhausted - my dear boys have decided that they should arise before the sun, usually around 6ish. They use to sleep between 7:30 & 8. I'm really missing my extra hour and a half. Maybe they are preparing for daylight savings, or at least preparing me!

Testimony - a testimony that Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer. When I know that I've done everything I can and still fall short of the mark, he'll make up the difference. A testimony that we can be an eternal family forever. Something I was reminded of while witnessing the sealing of beautiful baby Kaiya to Chris & Karli on Saturday. Despite the life's challenges, it's all worth it in the end!

Haircut - I had my haircut on Saturday and I LOVE IT. Thanks Whitney.



**P.S. I love having a middle name, especially Elizabeth. I'm named after my Grandma, who I love and admire so much. And... if we should have any little girls, they too will have a middle name.

Funny Funny Lucas

I had to jot down a few funnies that Lucas has said lately...

Yesterday I asked him "Lucas, did you poop again?"

His answer "no mom, I didn't poop."

I replied "are you lyin'"

his response "mom, you tall me a animal? You tall me a lion?"

While trying to climb out from under the table he hit his head and said "aw man, dat so diffitult".

Other common sayings that come from his mouth...

"Why Not" (after almost everything I say)

"Aw... dang it!"

"div me a chance"

"dats not fair"

He's such a character.

Hint of Spring

I looked out the window and what did I see...

If you guessed popcorn...you lose!

I saw rain. "What's so special about rain" you ask? Well let me tell you. It was the kind of rain the comes down while the sun is still shining brightly. The kind the comes down really hard and than stops within minutes of starting. The kind that comes during Spring and Summer. Does this mean I'm being teased?? Most likely. Especially when I can look at the yards around us and see more grass than snow. I look at our yard and see work...I mean rock and dirt.

Oh well... gotta take the good with the bad.






Yesterday Tawnya and I got to go to lunch with one of my most favorite people in the world...Karli. We try to do a lunch once a month, but sometimes it's hit and miss. Her little girl Kaiya is the sweetest little thing. Karli and I worked together at UVSC and became instant friends. She has one of the neatest stories and is most deserving of every blessing that has come their way. Her cute little family has an exciting weekend ahead and I couldn't be more happy for them. Love ya Kar.