Thankful~Day~2

~Day 2~

I am SO thankful for my kiddos! I'm not sure what I'd do without them! Sometimes I think that we were crazy to have kids so fast, and so close together. Then other times I don't think that until people tell me so. Often I struggle with the world's opinion of how we've started our family. This October our Church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) held it's semi-annual General Conference. During this conference we are spoken to by a living Prophet and his Apostles. It seemed like each talk was written just for me. I especially loved the talk given by Niel L. Anderson entitled "Children". I cried through the whole thing, but the following paragraph, really gave me a comforting feeling.

Many voices in the world today marginalize the importance of having children or suggest delaying or limiting children in a family. My daughters recently referred me to a blog written by a Christian mother (not of our faith) with five children. She commented: “[Growing] up in this culture, it is very hard to get a biblical perspective on motherhood. … Children rank way below college. Below world travel for sure. Below the ability to go out at night at your leisure. Below honing your body at the gym. Below any job you may have or hope to get.” She then adds:

“Motherhood is not a hobby, it is a calling.

You do not collect children because you find them cuter than stamps.

It is not something to do if you can squeeze the time in.

It is what God gave you time for.”⁷

I love my babies, and am so glad that I have the opportunity to fill my time raising them (no matter how tired or crazy they make me!)

{I think} they are close to the same age in these pictures. They look a lot alike {more than I realized}. I think Addison is my clone (with Stew's eyes), and Brogan looks just like his daddy (with my eyes). Both are so happy, and good babies! I LOVE them!

Thankful~Day~1

This month is always a good reminder to be Thankful for all the Blessings we have. I know that far too often I focus on the things I want instead of the things that I have right in front of me. Each day I'll post something I'm thankful for and why. It's always good to count your Blessings, and journal them too!

~Day 1~

Words can not express how Thankful I am for Stewart. He puts up with so much crap from me! He deserves so much better, but I'm glad he loves me for who I am. I can talk to him about ANYTHING. He listens and makes me feel better. I love that he pushes me to be better. He honors his Priesthood, and takes his church callings seriously. He is an AMAZING Father, and loves our kids. I don't think I've ever seen another man help so much with his kids. Sometimes I may complain, or rant and rave, but this man means the world to me! I am SO glad I met him, and overcame my "not getting married" phase. I am also SO glad that he "took me back" after I told him I was in a "not getting married" phase. He is an Awesome person, and the love of my life. He keeps me laughing, and always treats me like a queen. I Love you Stewart! I'm glad we have an eternity together!

ALWAYS keeps me laughing! LOL!

Laughter...

...they say is the best medicine. Well I'm a believer. Both of my kids are SO silly! I spend so much of my time laughing with them. I remember years ago, my Mom told me that when my oldest brother Jason was a baby she'd just lay on the floor and laugh and laugh with him. I thought she must've just been one of those weird crazy ladies! But now that I have two hoodlems of my own, I understand, and often find myself doing the same! I hope my kids will never lose their ability to laugh, and always have their tickle spots.

Brogan got to ride home from Uncle Jon's farewell dinner. (Grandma forgot the car seats). He laughed all the way home!

Addison the gnome making Daddy laugh!

Brogan loves bath time! He splashes and laughs and just enjoys the whole thing!

Addison is nuts about binkis! Silly Girl!

Brogan laughing with Great Grandpa Funk!

Addison "sewing". (She kept tangling the thread around the footer. She thought it was so cool!)

Addison and I were both wearing headbands one night. Addison didn't want Brogie to be left out, so she brought him his own. He didn't mind.

~Halloween 2011~

This Halloween has been a pretty fun one! Addison is at that age where everything is new, but fun. She loves to be involved in whatever we're doing, and I think she had a lot of fun this Halloween! I know this Halloween has been more fun than any other I've ever had, and I know it's because of my little family.

About two weeks ago we carved pumpkins for family night. We went to "the pumpkin patch" at Ridleys {smile} and we each picked out our pumpkin. Addison really enjoyed digging in the "guts". After a while though she started taking the guts out of the bowl and putting them back into the pumpkin. But it did keep her busy for quite awhile!

Brogan's favorite thing to do was just eat everything. {What's new?}

Daddy, Addison and Brogie carving the kid's pumpkins.

Isn't this just the cutest pumpkin family you've ever seen? (Had I known that Stewart would carve his to look human-like, and that I would decide to make the kids' somewhat resemble them... I would've done mine different). :)

Addison liked carying them outside the next day. I think it made her feel really important to carry the pumpkin.

Our family went as gnomes this year! We got our plaid wear and my jumper from DI, then I busted out the sewing machine! I made all the hats (with Addison's braids and all the facial hair), Addison's little skirt, and my apron (which you can't even see). I made them all today. Yes- I was exhausted and a bit cranky, but it was worth it. Addison loved her hat with the braids, Brogan didn't really like any part of dressing up, I liked that the kids kept their clothes on, and I think Stewart liked that he had a full beard he doesn't have to shave off! :)

What a cute little gnome!

Addison LOVED that Trick-Or-Treat =CANDY!!! Aunt JoAnna was working one of the trunk-or-treat booths and gave Addison WAY more than her share (but Addison didn't mind). Then Grandpa Jensen (who she refused to leave) took her around a few more times. When it got too cold, we went to my Grandpa Funk's house. He was dressed up as a very cute clown. Addison couldn't take her eyes off of him, and couldn't quite figure out who he was, but as soon as he took off the wig, (and gave her some candy) all was well.

I thought this was a good picture of my Mom and her Dad. He's holding a sleeping Brogi gnome. I sure love my family, and love that we can live close! It's so fun for Addison to come play with Grandpa Funk!

I was trying to get a better shot of Addison's costume.

There's no business like gnome business!

(Maybe next year we'll go as a family of mice... I'm so cheesy!) :)

We did go out to my friend Kelsey's house, and also to Aunt Audrey's house. Uncle Bruce was scaring kids on the porch, and Addison was pretty scared of him. He has such a deep wicked laugh! They had a really fun decorated porch! We were going to go out to Dietrich, but by the time we got back to the house, it was way later than we'd hoped. The kids and I have bad coughs, and Brogan was ready for bed, so we decided to just stayed home :( Next year maybe we'll just do trunk-or-treat in Dietrich first.

Rambo

So two weeks ago, Rambo got hit by a car on the highway. I was absolutely heartbroken. He didn't really chase cars on the highway, but he did chase the cars out of the driveway (including the beat trucks that have been rolling in and out). I think he was just following a truck out of the yard and got hit. I was so sad. He was in pretty bad shape, (nothing the vet could fix).

I know I was always complaining about Rambo- his chewing the siding, or digging in the yard (and out of it). And I know that at one point I actually let him out of the yard and yelled "Run free fido", but I loved that dog. He was MY dog. He was scared of Stewart, played fetch with me, and was always by my (or Addison's) side when we were outside. Rambo was the dog that I thought we'd have for a looong time. He was the "dog in the yard" of our dream house.

I'm not the only one who is going to miss him. We got Rambo right after Addison was born, and he was just as much her dog as he was mine. She loved to play with him. She loved to watch him fetch the ball, or run around the yard. Rambo loved her just as much. He was a good, a soft dog. He never was impatient with her, and never snapped at her.

I'm really missing this dog. I hope someday we find another one as good as him.

The Latest Bingham News

So I've been slacking a bit on the blog lately, but volleyball is finally over (we got 3rd at state!) so hopefully I'll be able to get onto some kind of schedule and get back to "real" life!

LOOK AT THIS BOY!

Who would've guessed that Brogan could grow so fast! At his six month appointment (a month ago) this big guy weighed in at 21 pounds! (I can't remember his length because I was so in shock by how much he weighed!) but he's tall too! He's just started "crawling". He gets up on his knees, rocks back and forth, then gets on his toes and pushes forward. It's cute. He also is very good at rolling to get wherever he wants. He's usually pretty happy, but always very heavy! :)

These two are quite good friends! (Although Addison isn't very fond of him having a binki when she doesn't) She is pretty good to him. She tickles him, finds him toys, and even gives him food. She's a great big sister and he sure loves her!
Brogan seems to find himself under the couch quite often. One time he even got his head stuck under there. What a silly boy!

Addison gets into EVERYTHING these days! (What's new). This is her latest find... the junk drawer! Her item of choice? The scissors. I know. Why can't she want the sticky notes? (but I have moved the scissors... ).

Brogan has been eating baby food for quite a while now. He's not picky and will eat ANYTHING (unlike Addison who only liked fruits and sweet potatoes). She's still a picky eater. She only eats a tad bit and most of it has to have ketchup on it for her to actually swallow it. Unless of course.... it comes off of Brogan's spoon.

She'll eat ANYTHING that Brogan is being fed!

Brogan loves to eat! Look at that happy boy!

Uncle Jon is going to Toronto Canada on his mission! He reports to the MTC on November 11! He gave a great talk today in church. I know he will make a great missionary! I also know that we will miss him around here! Uncle Jon comes to our house just about every day for lunch. In fact, Addison won't go down for her nap until after 1:00 (about the time Jon goes back to work). I know he'll miss the babies, but we'll be sure to color lots of pictures to send him!

These next few pictures.... ya, there just might not be words for them. I'll just say that I have an adorable little girl, and she definitely is herself!

We went to Twin Falls and she HAD to wear this hat. She wouldn't let me help her put it on straight so it's crooked in her face. (Then she wouldn't let me take a picture so I had to take one in the rear-view mirror).

Addison's favorite shoes are her boots. She can get them out of her drawer, and put them on by herself (and hey, they're stylish)! (She also prefers NOT to wear pants) :)

This girl LOVES being outside! What a silly girl! (and yes- I've cut those bangs and she can now see once again!)

HAHA! Fresh out of the bath... why not wear Aunt JoAnna's cheer shoes naked!?

"DAAAD! No bum pictures!"

Senator Pride

I grew up here in Gooding, so I've been a Senator my whole life. I'm proud to say that my kids (and even my husband) are becoming quite the little Senator fans! We like to go to the football games, and I'm sure we'll be headed to basketball games this winter. The kids do pretty well, and we enjoy getting out and feeling like a part of this small town community.

Brogan loves Great Grandpa Funk! He always makes him laugh!

Here was our Volleyball float with all our girls! I LOVE these girls! My JV girls worked hard for me and we took 2nd to Declo at districts. I am so proud of them! I'm also proud to state that our Varsity team is going to state!! They also took 2nd to Declo in Districts, but beat Malad in a play in game. So this Wednesday we're headed WAAAY up North to Coeur d'Alene Idaho for STATE BABY!!! I think this varsity team really has a chance to go all the way. As long as they work hard and communicate, they can't be beat!

Here's my two Senator bebies! So cute! (And almost the same size) :)

Me and my Blue Devil (turning Senator) husband. Every year he has to buy a new Senator sweatshirt to add to his wardrobe. (he secretly wishes he could have been a Gooding Senator)

(I love this guy so much!)

Excited to see Stew!

So Stewart has been gone this WHOLE week! He left on Sunday and gets into Boise tomorrow night around six. He's been in Wisconsin at a Dairy convention thing helping his Dad with the Vantage booth. Can I tell you how bad I've missed him?!?!?! Seriously! It has been a looong week! I can't say that it's been totally unbearable (kid wise) because I have had my Mom, brother, and JoAnna here whenever they can to help with the kids. My family has really been the best this week (which hasn't been an easy week for me in any aspect of life), but at the end of the day it's nice to be held by the one person you want holding you forever. I'm SO excited this week is over, and that I get to go pick him up tomorrow evening! And on that note I have a little surprise for him! (well 2 surprises, but one REALLY big one!) I can't wait! I'll post pictures on the blog as soon as I can (my computer chip is full- so I have to do some moving of pictures). I have MISSED you STEW! Can't wait to see you! LOVE YOU!

Learning Experience

I am coaching JV volleyball this year. So far this season has seen it's share of up and downs (although lately it seems to just be downs). My team is a really great group of girls. I mean tremendous. I see a TON of potential in them (like state winning potential). They work well together, they (usually) have positive attitudes, and we have a LOT of fun together. This past summer Gooding High school has been remodeling a bit, which has thrown us off a number of times. At one point we were barely allowed in the gym (some rumor floated around about asbestos, but I don't know that as a fact). Our gym too received a face lift. We got a brand new floor, a brand new AC system (what a treat!), and we were supposed to be getting new bleachers. The floor not being ready threw us off. There were times we had to practice around the AC guys (who were still making adjustments to the system) (which I'm not sure is ever turned on), and the current issue is the new bleachers. For whatever reason, the bleachers were not scheduled to be delivered until the middle of our season. Awesome. All of our home games have been played with bystanders watching from their floor seats on one side of the gym. It actually hasn't been so bad, and I was surprised at how minimal the complaints were. Of course, the bleachers got sent to the wrong place, so now they were not supposed to be in till the end of our season. When the bleachers finally arrived the contractors promised to work double time until they were installed (which would not take more than a week, just in time for our last home game). Hopefully our bleachers are in THIS week. If not- I just might end up killing someone. It has been a long two weeks.

I am quickly learning that JV Volleyball (while many demean it's merits) is a big deal (not that I didn't believe this before). I am learning how to take a beating, and how to (attempt) to keep my composure through it all. I am learning what is acceptable to "take" and what I will never stand to be treated like again. I am learning who I can and can't trust, and who has my back in sticky situations. I am thankful to be guided by such a wonderful Varsity coach, and to have such a supportive coach in the C-Team position. I am not weak. Never again will I allow anyone to belittle my faith and beliefs, or to tell me that I should not be a coach. I LOVE these girls I coach, and I would do anything to see them succeed; not only on the court, but in the classroom, and more importantly in life. I make sacrifices as a coach, and I do it because I love the sport and love what it can teach to our youth. I believe that athletics is never only about a game. I believe that through athletics we teach our kids life lessons and skills. I hope that someday my kids have a coach who puts them through hard things. I know that by making decisions as young people, THAT is how they will learn and grow. I was forced to make all sorts of decisions in high school. I may not have always made the right decisions, but I learned from each decision I made, and I'm glad my coaches, teachers, and advisors cared enough about me to put me through hard things. I am strong. I will not be affected by the things that are said to me in anger, no matter how deep my wounds. I will learn from this experience, and become stronger.

"No on can make you feel inferior without your consent"

~Eleanor Roosevelt

The CanyonCrest Date Night

So Stewart surprised me with a super duper romantic date night to the Canyon crest restaurant in Twin Falls. We had a SUPER view of the canyon and the Perrine Bridge, and I ate some yummy lobster. After it got dark they had romantic twinkle lights, and lit torches and candles. They were supposed to have a live band, so Stewart planned on taking me dancing (isn't he sweet?) Unfortunately there was only a dj (and 4 very drunk ladies dancing), so we decided to forgoe the dancing, and stick with walking around the scenery. We snuggles together by a fire, and even made out on the canyon ledge (don't worry- there's a fence there). It was very romantic, and seemed like something from a movie.

Of course- every awesomely romantic date has to end with a trip to wal-mart.

And Stewart wanted a Strawberry Daquri (like the one's from red-lobster). Too bad the glass is dry! :)

It was a great date. I'm so glad I have such a wonderful husband who takes care of me. Love you Babe!

Canning

So I canned tomatoes today (just tomatoes in water- nothing fancy). It was my second time ever, but first time alone. Lets just say I may never can ever again. Last week I dried a box of pears, froze a box of peaches, and dried three batches of pears. I also made a batch of peach and pear fruit leather. It was my first time with the fruit leather and it didn't turn out too bad. The best part about drying and freezing fruit is that it's not too terribly hard to do with the munchkins running around/crying for help. I'm not sure that food preservation is exactly my thing, but hopefully I'll do better next year when the kids don't rely 100% on ME. Here's to hoping my tomatoes hold up! (ps- I bought all the produce -not from my garden). Hopefully I'll get around to freezing my onions/tomatoes from my garden for crockpot meals. So far the kids and volleyball have taken most of my (sane) free time, so my thinking is that I can only go up from here (right?)

BAD Suzie

So our kitty Suzie is a very naughty kitty. I don't let her in the house except when I "need" her to "babysit" Addison. These days though she thinks she needs to be in the house ALL the time (even though I've needed her less and less these days). I've really been trying to wean her OUT of the house, but she hasn't been taking the bait. She literally ZOOMS in as soon as the door opens an inch! Well today Addison went with Stew to work, and I only had Brogan to take care of. I needed to make a few cakes today {one for tomorrow, and one for Friday} but I kept getting interrupted. Rambo was being SO bad {he's been chewing the sprinklers, digging in the yard, and barking uncontrollably so we've been tying him up}. I had to move his chain like five times and I finally ended up putting him OUTSIDE the yard. Wouldn't ya know that dumb dog decided he would rather be IN the yard, so he jumped onto a nearby trailer and back INTO the yard. Dumb dog. So I finally just unchained him, threw my hands up in the air, and yelled "RUN FREE FIDO!" I thought he really ran away for awhile, but I think he knew I was serious. (He stayed IN the yard -go figure). Whenever someone would come in I'd make them take Suzie back outside so she was OUT for most of the day.

Then Stewart and Addison came home. At this point in the day I had the cake baked, cut, stacked, and was whipping up my butter-cream frosting (ready for a crumb coat). Addison was playing outside and had the front door open (like she ALWAYS does), and I was totally distracted by Brogan's biggest diaper explosion to date. Stewart walked in the door and yells "SUZIE!!!!!!" I looked up at the counter, and Suzie had eaten the middle part of my cake. I wish I were the type of person that could just laugh that off, and say "why take the years off my life with anger?" Unfortunately, that's not really who I am. Of course I gave myself a terrible headache screaming at Suzie. I cried, and threw things around, and wished the Gerratt boys were around (with their 22s). I really seriously {still do} wanted to go drop her 10 miles from home. I haven't started on my new cake yet, but let's just say tomorrow is going to be a long day for this Momma. BAD SUZIE!

I Will Never Forget

the morning of September 11, 2001. I was in 6th grade. I remember I was in my room getting ready for school, listening to Brad and Jackie on my alarm clock radio. I heard them talking about the Twin Towers, but I had no idea what the towers even were. On the way to school my Mom tried to explain to me what the Twin Towers were and why this was a big deal, but I still didn't quite understand it all. Band was my first class, and I remember we missed an announcement because we were warming up. It was hard to remember everything until that point, because I still didn't realize the severity of it all. Travis Vitek walked into the class and said "Mr. Randall, someone crashed another plane into the other tower." Mr. Randall thought he was joking. He went to the office, and came back totally serious. We started talking about about it more, and we listened to the radio. I still wasn't sure why this was such a big deal. My next class was math with Mrs. Floyd. She had a TV in her room. She told us we were going to spend the whole class period watching the news. At first I thought this was so lucky for us- we wouldn't even have homework! Then she turned on the TV and I remember distinctly, seeing it for the first time. I remember my eyes welling up, and the pit in my stomach as I watched over and over those planes crashing into the towers. The seriousness of it all hit me flat in the face during that second hour of sixth grade. Mrs. Floyd talked with us about it. I remember putting my head on my desk and thinking about all those innocent people. I thought a lot about all those people who lost their loved ones so unexpectedly. I thought how hard that would be for me as a sixth grader, if my Mom or Dad were in one of those buildings. I thought about all the people who were still waiting. Waiting to know if their loved ones were alive or dead. I thought a lot about the people who had done this. How could someone DO this to innocent people? People they had never even met! I don't remember much else about that day, ten years ago. I'm sure we watched the news throughout the rest of our classes, and talked with other teachers. I'm sure the lunchroom was still noisy, and I still went to volleyball practice. I don't remember every fine detail, but I remember the feelings I had when I realized what had been done to our country, and I will never forget. Never.

I never