Brothers!!

The last couple days I've been really thinking about my brothers!! In my family we have the "3 older girls"...and the "3 little kids". I obviously fall into the 3 little kids...and I'm smack in the middle!! I have an older brother, Andy, who is 2 years older...and a younger brother, Danny, who is 2 years younger. Anyways...most of you already know that!! So yeah...living in Utah is hard for me at times...and it seems like this last week has been extra hard, and I'm missing my family. We get to go home in May...and I can't wait...but this week I've really been thinking about these 2 boys. Andy just had his birthday on Tuesday...and then on Wednesday morning I found out that Danny's wife was in labor. Later that night found out their little girl was born. Anyways...so then I've been reflecting and thinking of all the "fun" times we've had together...all the growing up we've done together and apart...all the MEAN things they did to me...all the NICE things they've done...but most of all for all the love, care, concern, and protection they have shown me. I really do love these guys!! They'll probably be mad I put these pictures on, but some of them brought back good memories!! They're a couple of GOOFS!! :) My BIG BOY and LITTLE BOY!!! I love you guys!!!

I got this picture from them sometime...I don't remember when, but it was in an empty photo album and had a note saying..."this can remind you of the best brothers in the world"...and it's true...I couldn't ask for any better!!!

Picture was probably in like 2002 maybe??
Here's my REAL brothers!! Danny on the left and Andy on the right...imagine having those living just across the hall from you at home!! Oh the good times!!
This was at Andy's wedding reception...when we were little...we did a "GONG Show" which is like a talent show I suppose. But we all sang the song from Top Gun..."You've Lost that Loving Feeling"...well...when Andy got married...that was one of the songs they played...so we had to pretend to be little again and sing it!! And yes...Danny & I are getting ready to grab Andy's tummy and tickle it!!
And this is how it ended!! Man I love these boys!!! LOL :)
Andy...well this is a funny picture I found of him!! Don't hate me Big Boy!! But he is truly amazing. He is so loving and kind. He has his moments as everyone does...but even when we lived at home...I know I was that "annoying little sister"...but he still loved me. When he went on his mission, I had the hardest time...I really did look up to him and admire him. He's taught me so much in my life and I'm so grateful to have him. He's honest, fun, happy, loving, and just an amazing guy!!

This was on the weekend of his mission farewell...June 2000
And I love to look at him with his kids and see what a good husband and father he is!! I'm so lucky to have him as a brother...but I have to realize that his kids and wife are equally if not more lucky to have him too!! This picture is Andy with Eric, Alex, and Ryleigh...so sweet!!
Danny...he's always one to make people laugh. I can't count the number of times he'd be sitting across the table from me at dinner...and he'd look down to take a bite of food...or get a drink...and then look up and straight at me...with this goofy look. Only usually it was one eye crossed and one not. He too is very loving and kind. We had a lot of times that I would be the one crying when we were growing up...and it was hard, and I wondered why I had to suffer through all that crap...but all of us have turned out alright!! He is so honest, caring, and kind. We've had our fair share of arguments and disagreements...but in the end we love each other no less. I'm so proud of him and when I see him with his wife, it's so stinkin' cute. He's a great guy, and now will be an amazing father as well!! I can't believe he's a Dad...but it was bound to happen...heck I can't believe I'm a mom!!
This picture was from my graduation party...June 2001
I stole this picture from his blog...but check out that smile. He couldn't be any happier...and he'll be so good!! I'm so happy for him and his new little family!! I just wish I could meet little Mya and give him a hug.
Ok...that was a little "ode" to my brothers...they really are amazing and great...and even with all the teasing and jokes...I love them no less!! They're great, and I couldn't ask for anyone better to have grown up with!! I love you boys!!

Going to Papa's house... :)

On Monday I called my parents to chat for a bit...when I called, both kids were asleep, so it was nice to have some peace and quiet...throughout the conversation the both woke up. Aysha was all smiles...and Klous was a bit moody...he wanted his bubbles...he wanted his baseball bat...he wanted his squirt guns...he wanted EVERYTHING and didn't understand that the reason for getting those things was for them to be REWARDS when he was a good boy!! (We're having trouble with him listening and obeying lately...UGH)...Anyways...so he was whiny...and as I was talking to my dad...Klous said...HI PAPA...and then they started chatting for a bit. Well those of you who know my dad...he told Klous to tell Mommy that he really needed and wanted his baseball bat. Thanks Dad...so we ended our phone conversation a bit later and I put the phone down. Next thing I know...Klous is getting his backpack...getting his bubbles...still whining for his baseball bat...and getting his shoes...he told me he was going to Papa's house.

I told him OK...and helped him get his backpack on...can you tell it was about 5:00 p.m and I was ready for Daddy to come home!!! Well Klous was all smiles and wanted his picture taken...so I took pictures of him "going to Papa's house"...
There he goes...headed for the door...please disregard my DISGUSTING kitchen!!
Gotta make sure Mommy is still watching...
This is where I got worried...cuz he was actually turning it and it was going to open...first time he realized he could do it by himself...GREAT...
TaDa...Look Mom!! Can you see the surprise in his eyes...he actually did it!!
Yep...he's got his bubbles and he's headed out the door...oh wait...he just heard a puppy bark and he always seems to think they're in our backyard...so he turned around, closed the door, and decided to stay home with Mommy!! Sorry Papa...we'll be there in May...and he'll HAVE to warm up to the puppy!!!

Trip to Logan :)

This last weekend we went up to Logan to visit Ryan's sister and her husband...Erin & Jordan. We got a hotel room and split the cost with Shauna & Zack too...it was a nice break and a little "get-away"...if only the kids would've been healthy and happy the entire time!! We got 2 blocks from the hotel on our way there...and Klous decided he needed to puke, so that was a great start!! We stopped at the hotel and cleaned him up and tried to clean the carseat...then off to Erin's house for dinner. After dinner we came back to the hotel to go SWIMMING!! Klous & Zack were a bit excited about it!!!

Aysha in her cute little swimsuit...the hot tub was too hot and the pool was too cold...so she just relaxed in her suit!!
Klous playing with Daddy in the hot tub!!
CHEESE!!!
The next morning we just hung out...the kids wanted to swim of course...so this time we just had Aysha watch and sit in the carseat...we all got dressed and ready for the pool!!
Klous was all smiles...especially since we blew up the beach balls!!
Zack was pretty excited too...
Mommy, Daddy, and Shauna...not as excited, cuz the pool was COLD!!! So took a little getting used to!!
After swimming...and the kids taking naps...Zack just wanted to talk to his cousin!! She was all smiles about it too...
I love how alert she is!!
Klous & Zack entertaining Aysha...she loves them!!
Since the boys listened and took good naps...we promised them we'd go bowling...so here they are picking out balls!!
Klous watching his ball go...putt, putt, putt!! :)
Then we decided to use the "handicap" thing...went a little faster then!!
Giving Daddy a high 5 for hitting the pins!!
Klous had the runs all day Saturday...so that was rough...he wasn't really into bowling cuz his tummy wasn't feeling the greatest. He was running around to "hide" so he could poop...and then he discovered the air hockey table. So after the bowling game was done...we let Klous & Zack play one game of air hockey...
I think they liked it!!
We went to dinner that night with some friends...who I forgot to get pictures of...and then went back to the hotel...woke up to SNOW Sunday morning...yeah. Visited and hung out for a bit with Erin & Jordan, then headed home...it was a nasty drive all the way, but we made it!! Yeah for mini-vacations!!

Aysha's Stats at 2 months...

Well today our little princess had her 2-month check up. She must've known something bad was coming, because from the time the Dr. came in...she screamed and cried. Ryan tried to calm her down...didn't work...I tried...worked a little better, but not completely. So she was just mad...and let me tell you...their screaming is a LOT louder and bad when you have a POUNDING headache...but oh well!! She's getting so so big...when she was born she was 6 lbs 8 oz and 19 1/2 inches I think...:) Anyways...today she's a whopping 11 lbs 2 oz and 23 inches. The doctor said Mommy must be feeding her more then just milk...maybe ice cream!?!?! No...she's just a very good eater (obviously)...and stretching out I guess. All her clothes fit so much better now, but it's getting sad, because we'll have to be packing up the cute newborn stuff soon. Alright...just wanted to let you all know she is getting big...and yes, it's been a sad, sleepy day with having to get shots too :( So sad to see that.

Life...

Ok...so no pictures with this post...just some thoughts. I just got done reading my sister-in-law's post...which really she's just more like a sister to me ;) Anyways...she was talking about being overwhelmed...and I think it's cool and interesting that when she happens to write something like that...it's exactly what I need to hear, or am feeling as well.
Being a wife and mother is a hard job. It's so worth it, don't get me wrong, but it's a LOT of work and it's tough. The last few weeks have made me think more and realize the changes that I really need to make in my life, before it's too late. I struggle, and always have, with scripture reading and saying prayers. I don't know why...I can come up with a LOT of excuses, but in the end I think I've come to realize that it's just because I'm not willing to set aside the time. How sad is that...I'm trying to work on it...and make it a habit in my life, but it's still hard. It always seems when times are tough or hard, that it's always easy and the first thing I do...but at other times I don't see the need or something. I don't know. Anyways...with the way this world is going...with my life...with my church callings...with my family...with everything, it's really important. Things are seeming to "fall apart" in a way...and a I don't like it. Ryan & I seem to be fighting more and not getting along. Most of it is me...just being stubborn and rude...and sure I could use the excuse of just having a baby and my hormones being out of whack...but Aysha will be 2 months old on Saturday...so can I really use that?? Life is just hard, and I know Satan is really working on all of us to break us down. I don't want that to happen to me or my family...so I know I need to be the one to step up.
I was just wondering if any of you would be willing to share ways that have worked for you...or what you do to make it a priority in your life...I have a testimony of it...and I know it's important...but I just struggle I guess. So let me know what you think...if you wouldn't mind...because I sure wouldn't mind being happier, more spiritual, and having more faith in my life. I don't think Ryan would complain either...or my kids!! I need to be a better wife and mother!!!
Ok I lied...I just love these guys and couldn't imagine a day without any of them!!!

A little deprived...

I've felt a little guilty for not taking as many pictures or anything of Klous...so I've tried to do better. He's still being a great big brother and a BIG helper for me!! He's talking up a storm and repeating things when we say them...guess that means we need to be careful now!! He's just great and I love him to pieces...here are a few recent pictures of my little man Klous!!

He's getting better and practicing going to sleep on his own...small steps for now...we're looking into getting him a "big boy" bed...so he's been going to sleep on the couch alone...and doing great. I spoiled him when he was a baby and til now...so now I'm paying for it...FULLY AWARE of it!! New things being done with Aysha now!! Either way...he's doing good at the new adjustments!!
He's so sweet...next thing will be getting him OFF that binki!! Luckily it's only at naptime and bedtime...so he's improving on that too :)
He loves Aysha...always wanting to hold her, play with her, give her her binki...and anything else! Just a good big brother!!
I did his hair all cute today...but the picture didn't get it...dumb camera!! He likes to have "pokey" hair...which is what he calls it when I put mousse or gel in it!! Silly kid!!
Perfect shirt for him at times :) "If you're looking for trouble...here I am" :) :) :)
Ok...I couldn't pass up sharing these pictures too...she's just getting so big and making so many faces!! I love it!! Not to mention how much I'm enjoying the "accessories"!!!
Check out her eyebrows...she's thinking real hard!!
Uhhh...too cute!!
Just another smile :)

So many expressions...

I tell you...this little girl makes so many faces and expressions...all of which are ADORABLE...and I wish I could catch ALL of them on camera!! She's just getting big already...and being so alert and watching us so intently!! We're loving having her around...Klous likes when she smiles and reacts to him talking to her!! TOO CUTE!!
These pictures are just a few faces I've caught when she's laying by me!! Cute girl!!


Starting to laugh/smile!!

Ryan's been able to get both kids to "talk" before me...he gets them to coo and squeak and everything...this was last night before Aysha went to bed...it was stinkin' cute!!! The pictures only show part of it...but she was real excited to talk to her Daddy and have his attention!! Too cute!!

Check out that double chin!!


Man she's just cute...we love her!! She'll be 2 months on the 24th...CRAZY!!!