A Touch of Pink

We had a Pink Party for Brookie's 3rd Birthday. Here's an attempt at a little cake I made. I missed Vicki (our amazingly talented baker) a lot while I was frosting this.

Brookie was more than thrilled having lots of family and friends celebrating with her. She loved telling me who was at the party. She felt so loved.

She wasn't messing around. (Forget the dainty bites!)

Tanner was extra happy for her this day. He took it upon himself to open all the "adult proof" packaging from her gifts. He untied about 30 tiny twisties as fast as he could and then sat back and watched her excitement!

One of the only shots of me to document that I was actually there at the party.

Brooklyn came down stairs the morning of the party and hugged and kissed me nearly 100 times; thanking me for her pink party and telling me how much she loved me. Was it worth all the hours I spent preparing? I'd do it all over again just to see her shine!

Uncle William was visiting from Utah so he was able to attend. He scored big points bringing her some cool princess gifts.

Daddy took it upon himself to find a pink shirt for our Brookie's special day. Brooklyn was so happy he was wearing pink. Daddy cooked up a storm for the event.

A Touch of Pink...

Auntie Holly painted the girl's faces and Auntie Heather and Cousin Tay-Tay painted the girl's toes.
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We love you sweet Brooklyn Nicole!

We are thankful for the pink you have touched our family with the past three years.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Heaven Sent

Boy the things Daddy and I have sacrificed for our heaven sent angels.

A total of 24 months of sickness... (3 pregnancies) which means 24 months of Super Dad

3 c-sections which means another 6 months total of Super Dad- post-surgery

A total of 3 years of leasing my breast+ normal wear and tear :)

5 yrs. total of emotional wife syndrome (prego and nursing)

How about I may never look the same again...

For me- it's been worth every second, every moment of uncomfortableness; when can I have my body back times. Every crazy, I might pull my hair out kind of day. My children have taught me more in the past 5.3 yrs about patience, unconditional love, enjoying the simple things, etc.....than my total years here on earth!

(Meeting Tanner Jared )

(Meeting Brooklyn Nicole)

(Meeting Kaden Joseph)

When I see my 3 Amazingly adorable, charming, witty, priceless children, I know that Heavenly Father trusted us to raise them. He sent their sweet spirits to us.

Teach me to walk in the light of his love,
Teach me to pray to my father above,
Teach me to know all the things that are right,
Teach me, teach me, to walk in the light...

I'm so honored to be Tanner, Brooklyn and Kaden's Mommy. I'm grateful for my challenges thus far to get my sugars here.

It's all worth it!

Mom, you can go now...

Last week my little sita started pre-school. Some of the Mom's from the ward decided to try out rotating teaching pre-school once a week. She was so excited and couldn't wait to get there.
Tanner was excited as well. He was a bit concerned how she would do. So we hung out with sita for a bit before we took off.

Here's my big girl headed down a new path.
After she checked out the scene she came up to me, gave me a huge hug and kiss and said, "Mommy, you can go now." I thought I'd cry for sure but, I was a big girl.

When we picked her up from school, I surprised her by going to get some pink frozen yogurt. She was happy Kaden was there to celebrate with us.

Sita was so happy and felt super special on her first day of school. She has seriously been waiting for this day since she turned 2. As far back as she can remember, Tanner has always been in school and she hasn't. She would pretend she was in Ms. Aguila's class every time we'd take Tanner to school last year. The day has come that she's a big kid too. Okay, big but not old. She's still my baby girl. She now has requested to attend school everyday. I told her, Kaden and I would miss her too much. She agreed to once a week for now.

three hundred and sixty five

I didn't want to actually type what 365 days equates to...

We celebrated the big day with all the fam.

Kadster's first time eating frosting and cake. He didn't know eating could be so yummy!

Tan and Brooke were so excited that Kaden got to have a treat.

Everyone decided to rip open Kaden's present for him!

Once he reached it, he couldn't get enough!

*Kaden occupies his time by...getting into trouble, crawling through anything and everything, and climbing on top of everything and anything.

*He's extatic when playing on the trampoline, standing on chairs, taking baths and checking out animals. *He loves to arch his back when it's time to enter his restrictive carseat or stroller.

*He loves to cuddle only when tired of course.

*He definitely has a strong personality. Who wouldn't need a strong personality being the 3rd!

*He officially has 7 teeth so far.

* Kaden can actually digest soy milk with no problems now!! He can have corn products now too!! He loves to eat watermelon,peaches, grapes and nectarines. I'm thoroughly enjoying watching him enjoy flavorful foods (finally)!

Kaden has taught me more about self sacrifice in the past year than any other challenge that has come my way. He has also taught me a lot about tolerance.

His sweet spirit has been so patient with me while I've figured out all of his problems and how to help him. He has been such a happy baby despite all his problems.

Our Kadster has brightened and enlightened our entire family.

I'm grateful that he's healthy and happy. I can actually say that I'm thankful for our challenges this past year. I'm now a stronger and a better Mommy. Thank you Kade for the lessons I've learned the past 365 days.

XOXO I LOVE YOU FOREVER XOXO

My Simple Joys...

HERE'S MORE OF MY SIMPLE JOYS THAT ARE SO DELICIOUS; SOME OF THE LOVE THAT BRINGS ME HAPPINESS EACH DAY. XOXO

The kids and I were relaxing on a blanket in the backyard. Out of the blue Tanner said, "I'm so glad you made my body." I reminded him that Daddy and Heavenly Father helped too. He said, "Well I grew in your tummy.". Yes Tanner, it seems like mommy did most of the work.

Kaden is always on the go. I tell the kids that Kaden is busy working a.k.a. exploring to see what he can get into. The kids continue to tell me that Kaden doesn't make any money. Kadster already throws fits when he's put into his car seat and stroller. He's already gotten the arch back mastered. I'm not giving in mister.

Tanner was straightening his room before bedtime. He came up with this great idea...
"If we had a robot with 150 arms, it could make our bed and do other stuff for us all at the same time! Then we wouldn't have to do much! " I told him that I'd love to have a helper with 150 arms. He seems to have the best ideas.

When cuddling with Brooklyn before bedtime each night, she now looks into my eyes and says, "I'm your daughter." Of course I melt. I remind her that I'm her mother. She thinks it's so funny. I love to hear her soon to be 3 yr old voice talking up a storm and analyzing everything.

Prior to dinner prayer, Tanner started talking about my Dad. (Grandpa Hundley passed away 7 yrs ago next week.) Tanner didn't get the chance to spend time with him here on earth but, I'm certain that they had the opportunity to get to know each other. So Tanner leaned over to Brooklyn and whispered that he knew how Grandpa died. Sean and I pretended not to hear. Tanner proceeded to explain that Grandpa Hundley's heart stopped working. He was so serious. Then the next day, before school he asked me to guess who he'd miss the most while at school. I guessed the whole family. Tanner tries his best to make everyone happy. I was totally surprised when his answer was... "I'm going to miss Grandpa Hundley the most!" The older Tanner gets the more he understands Heavenly Father's plan for us.

Brookie was complaining that her tummy was hurting. As she hunched over she said, "Mommy, I think I'm having a baby." Oh really Brookie?, I don't think so. You need to grow up, get married in the temple and then you can have a baby okay? "Okay mommy."

Brooklyn has been much more observant then Tanner while I've nursed Kaden this past year. She always asks a lot of questions. As a result, she randomly walks around the house nursing her small animals. I kindly remind her that it's okay to pretend here at home.

Since Tanner's been in kindergarten, I started a tradition of putting notes in his lunch bag. I like some of the words to be challenging ones that he hasn't read before. So the other day I picked him up from school. He usually will get his note out when we get into the car to confirm what I've written. I asked him if he was able to figure out the note. Then complete silence. I turned around to see tears puddled up in his eyes. In a choked up voice he said that he'd left it on the lunch table. I'm so glad that he appreciates my notes so much.

Brooklyn and Tan jump at the opportunity to pray unlike a couple months ago. Prior to each prayer they request that the other person pray specifically for them. Brookie is so thrilled when Tanner prays for her that she can hardly contain her self. In fact she's having a difficult time staying reverent after her name is mentioned and before the prayer is complete. " Mom, he BLESSED ME!!!"

Kaden loves to play with cars now. It's ironic how boys just know how cars move and how they mimic the car sounds. He also is pretty intruged with Barney, Elmo and Signing Time. I was way more consistant teaching Tanner sign. Oh the time I had back then. Kaden has learned to sign: More, Eat, and Ball. LOVE IT!

Brooklyn woke up one morning and started telling me some of the new plans she had made. She said that she was going the have a baby yesterday after she went to the temple. Can you tell she wants to be a mommy and that I brain wash her???

Tanner knows how to score points with me. He earned big time points when he told me, "I love you a million", with a huge grin on his sweet face.

Tanner asked, "Brother's and Sister's can't get married right?". You are right Tan. Heavenly Father doesn't want bro's and sis's to get married. Were you thinking of marrying you sis? "Yeah, I love her so much!" Oh, Tan I'm so glad you are such a good big bro. I suggested that he lives close to Brookie when they are all grown up and that all their kids can play together. He settled for that idea quickly. We are so blessed that Tan is such a devoted brother. I know why he was sent to be our first born. xoxo

Kaden was used to having Tanner home nearly all day with us. Now Tanner is gone for 4 hrs a day and then Kaden naps right when Tanner gets home. Often Kaden crawls around the house looking for his Bro. I ask him if he wants Tanner. He then says his interpretation of Tanner. Which is T-T-T-T-T. Also when we pick up Tanner from school, Kaden lights up and kicks his feet and babbles real loud out of excitement. Of course Tanner eats it up! "Oh, Kaden did you miss me?, Do you want your Tan?"

Should we get rid of our toys?

At times like these, I want to get rid of our collection of toys.
They only play with about 30% of them anyways.

Kids are so fascinated with boxes.
Boxes are usually free and they aren't too messy.

Brooklyn fit perfectly in this one.
Kaden thought it was magic when Sis came out.
It's so sweet watching my gems play together!

Surprise Mom!

Tanner and Brookie were both calling my name while I was busy nursing. I told them they'd have to wait a little while. When I came to see my surprise, it melted my heart!

The kids said that they wanted to have a picnic with me in the living room because it was too hot outside.
They hadn't prepared any food yet but they managed to pour milk into all four cups while they were on the floor. A little shocked, I suggested we move to the tile. I asked Tanner if he had poured all the milk. He was so happy to tell me that Brookie poured two of the cups all by herself!

If only I could live life like my kids and have no worries...

Our New Chapter....

Today our first born headed down a new path. Tanner Jared started kindergarten.

Daddy and I along with family and friends have hyped up going to school for months. To our surprise, Tanner’s been exceptionally shy the past 6 months and we’ve all been waiting, sweating a little, to see how he’d react today.

Some pics before he left to start his new adventure.

At first he wanted to drive this car to school.

I'm so glad he was relaxed and having fun before we left.

Once we got to “the place”.

Tanner was so happy to have the “whole” family with him.

I held it together knowing if I expressed even the slightest sadness or nervousness, Tanner would read right into it. Sometimes he's better at that than Daddy. Fortunately and Unfortunately, Tanner's pretty sensitive like me.

It wouldn't have been complete unless Daddy joined us on this historical day.

Grandma McMullin was a treat to have! She was explaining to Tanner that she remembers Daddy’s first day of school, which was decades ago…

Over breakfast Brooklyn was trying to convince Tanner that she is 5 yrs old too and that she gets to go to kindergarten. Tanner didn’t think it was very funny. It was obvious to all of us how Brooklyn felt leaving Tanner at school today.

Living in each priceless moment- is the only way to live!

Tanner checking out his new stomping grounds.

Tanner M. & Tanner C.

Yes! There are two Tanner's in the class. Coincidentally this is the first friend Tanner met today when we arrived at school.

Our last glance as our "not so little boy" entered a new chapter of his life.

A big something was missing when we left...

Hopefully she'll understand soon!
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Tanner walked a little taller as I greeted him after school. He's excited to return tomorrow. What a relief!

From the time we left Tanner at school until bedtime tonight, I kept myself very distracted going to…

Lunch, The Mommie Store, Pila’s Pantry, the Gym, taking the kids Swimming and going to a friends for FHE.

Obviously I was avoiding my feelings. Now I’m in my quiet home reflecting on reality and I've finally "lost it". I’m so proud to be Tanner’s Mother. He has blessed my life every day. He has taught me more than I could have ever imagined. I’m so glad he’s so strong willed and forgiving because I’m sure not a perfect mommy. We love to sing, “I’m trying to be like Jesus”. Little does Tanner know that also, I’m trying to be Tanner. He's an amazingly spiritual person in this little body blossoming each day. Thanks Tan for lighting up my life! We love your bears...

xoxox