Sneaky Little {Irish} Elf

As you can tell I am a few weeks behind in catching up on all my pictures, but I didn't want to forget our St. Patrick's Day. This was our first year a Leprechaun visited our house and the boys thought it was the coolest thing ever! He must have quietly came in our back door, left his foot steps along the floor,

climbed up on the counter,

and left them a little pot of gold treats and a reminder to wear green.

Their faces were priceless in the morning! It was a mix of excitement and confusion all in one. Jacks instantly went for the candy while Andersen was fascinate with the foot prints.

We finished off the morning with some green pancakes.  These didn't go over as well as the candy did, but o'well it was still a fun little something for the kiddos to celebrate with.

Disney on Ice: {Buzz 3}

Nate and I haven't been a huge fan of Disney on Ice from the last time we went when Jacks was younger, but Nate suggested we try it again since it was themed Toy Story 3. And I am glad we did!! Both boys love Toy Story but Andersen especially loves it (but it is called Buzz 3 in his world). Before dinner we took the boys to eat at Crown Burger for the free event parking with dinner and then walked over to the show. It definitely isn't the cheapest family activity we could have done, but the smiles and reactions are what it is all about. The boys were constantly consumed with the entertainment and characters that us parents were happy because they were happy. Of course during half time they had to have a toy just like everyone else had so Jacks picked out a Buzz laser arm and he picked out a Buzz spinner toy for Andersen. I will be the first to admit this was one of the better children shows I have seen, but I think Ken and Barbie stole the show from Buzz and Woody. 

Check out all these SMILES!

Here are some of the kids favorite characters from the show. If only Mickey was out on the ice more because Andersen loved seeing him and would wave to him every time he would skate by us.

Not sure I am sold on HAVING to do Disney on Ice every year but this was a fun night out as a family.

More Indoor Soccer

Jackson just finished up another season of Indoor Soccer. Scott (Landon and Parker's Dad) was the coach just like the last outdoor season . The following are his buddies that were on the team from the left to the right, top to bottom. Cannon Ball, Marcus Wallis, Jacks, Jackson Mather, (don't remember the kid on the end), Parker Christensen, (another team mate I don't know), Tate Porath, (another random player on the team) and Landon Christensen. It's amazing to watch how him and his buddies just keep getting better with every season. This season it was obvious they were on the older end of their age group because they dominated every team they played. Their team had 5 games and Jackson scored at least one goal each game. 

First game: 3 goals

Second game: 5 goals!

Third game: 4 goals

Fourth game: 1 goal

Fifth game: 2 goals 

We were so proud of him! I love seeing his smile as he plays hard and gets the ball in the goal. Jackson used to be happy with one goal, but now it had to be multiple goals to feel accomplished. My favorite goal had to be the one he kicked from mid-court and rolled all the way in the goal. Besides Mommy and Daddy, Andersen and Nana were definitely his biggest fans watching the games even if Andersen decided to have nap time a couple times.

Good job Boys... another fun season of soccer!

We got snow... finally!

Thanks to my good friend Alison and her motivation to go out and have fun in the snow, she got us to take the kiddos sledding. We have the perfect sledding hill right by our house so all we had to do was get dressed and drive over. Luckily all the older kids were still at school so we had the hill to ourselves. I wasn't sure how the boys would do, since they tend to be more hesitant than brave on things like this, but Jackson LOVED IT! I think he was only scared the first time and then he couldn't get up the hill fast enough to do it again. Andersen on the other hand wouldn't go unless Mommy went with him! I didn't mind one bit though because it gave me an excuse to enjoy the fun. I loved watching Jackson playing with all his buddies and have such a fun time. The best part for me was watching the kids at the bottom dodge whoever was about to sled down the hill at the time they were walking up. 

A few hours later we (meaning mommies) were all snowed out so we headed home. I don't know about the other kids, but mine were exhausted. We literally live 1 min from the hill and Andersen fell asleep before we made it home! What a fun day! 

Our CRAZY Silverpup!

This kid loves the camera and any extra attention he can get, so it was no shocker that he was super excited about "Crazy" day at preschool. He didn't want to wear anything crazy but was determine to have a big spike! Only a couple handfuls of Daddy's hair stuff, a bunch of hairspray and a blow dryer and we had this awesome spike. He loved it and we had to keep it all day!

{LOVE} day

I think every holiday gets better with the older our kids get. Valentine's Day was the perfect example. This was the first year Jackson had to do treats to share at school. Stupid me picked out the hardest Valentine to make, but it was "super" cute. They were suckers with a super hero cape and mask that said "URA Super Friend!" With him at Riverton High as a Silverpup we had to do 40+ Valentines so all the teachers got one as well. Won't make that mistake again, but Jackson loved it so I guess it was worth all the time I put in to making them. 

On actual Valentine's Day, Nate and surprised the boys with a little treat as well. They both got matching PJ's (their favorite!) and a bag of gummy worms. 

And it just wouldn't be a holiday without Nana spoiling the kiddos. The Sunday before Valentine's Nana gave the boys a surprise as well. It was so cute! She made them sit on the floor and close their eyes until she had their presents in front of them. She got them both a new book and stuffed animal to go along with the book. If you can't tell from the pictures, Andersen absolutely loved it and his new Bear! His perma-grin and endless hugs to Nana I'm sure made up for Jackson's reaction. Jackson was the unappreciative/grumpy one for the gift. We had a good parent teaching moment on being grateful for others and what they give you. It didn't sink in that night, but the next day his new kangaroo was his new favorite animal to cuddle with. They both, still a month later, love their stuffed animals and pick that one every night before bed to sleep.

I know the average person thinks Valentine's Day is a dumb holiday but I for some reason love it! I love having a special day to tell those around me that I love them and make it different than any other day of the year. 

My boys are definitely my world and I love them so much!!

A New Addition to our Family

For those that read my last post about Nate's birthday being celebrated all week long, I left out a little detail that we celebrated as well while in Vegas...  

WE ARE EXPECTING #3!

The story starts with me already thinking I was pregnant before we were leaving town. So I made sure to pack a pregnancy test and a little present to surprise him with just in case. I thought it would be perfect to surprise Nate with the news on his 30th birthday. While the hubbies were in conference meetings all day, Jill (my neighbor and Nate's boss's wife) and I went on a shopping spree. It was probably only 2 hours into shopping that I started the hot/cold flashes and I needed some food!! I didn't think I would be feeling symptoms so early just because I thought I couldn't take a test for another week or so. But the whole day I just kept telling myself... "I really think I am pregnant!" I shared a few things with Jill and she agreed that I was probably prego too. Long story short, we made it through our day of shopping and back to the hotel room to relax for a few minutes before our husbands got done and time for dinner. Knowing I had two tests with me, I figured I would try one just for curiosity. I peed on the stick and watched it for a minute and nothing happened other than the "C" line. So I went on with my business in the room and did a few things for a few minutes to pass some time. I then walked back over to the bathroom to look at the test again, because even though the other line didn't show up right away I KNEW I was pregnant even if the test couldn't confirm it yet. To my surprise it just needed a few more minutes, because when I went back to look at it again there it was... A faint second line!! I never know how to react when the test is actually positive so I think I was just in shock but glad I knew my body enough to realize I was pregnant.

 

I knew Nate would be on overload from his meetings and in a hurry to get back down to the team dinner so I tucked the tests away (I peed on another one just to make sure! and totally lied to Jill telling her the test was negative) and pretended like nothing happened other than a long fun day of shopping with Jill! We spent a few hours at dinner and then later met up with my brother in law at a sports bar to visit and catch up. It was probably around 11 when we made it back to the hotel room. I knew Nate had to do some work so I didn't want to distract him so I kept it a secret for a few more hours. It had to be around 1am-ish that I finally said, "Do you want a early birthday surprise?" Of course he wasn't going to reject that question so I pulled this box out of the night stand by our bed. His first reaction was "What are the eggs for?" but then once I showed him the lid he knew exactly what I was telling him! You can fill in the story of excitement, hugs, kisses, etc

 

From there is was weeks of keeping it secret! Usually we tell real quick and its out in the open by 5 or 6 weeks, but this time Nate wanted to wait. I was instantly super sick and puking every day so I knew I couldn't wait too long to tell, because I was miserable and I hated lying to everyone. But I toughed it out until 8 or 9 weeks and we started telling family and close friends. Its always an awkward phone call, so rather than spending all the time on the phone I made this announcement and mailed it out. Definitely fun waiting for everyone's reaction once they got it in the mail!

 

Well last week I was 10 weeks and we had our first baby appointment. I was really anxious for this one just because it has been such a different pregnancy than the two boys, but I was quickly relieved by hearing the heartbeat. I can't remember seeing too much detail in the boys ultrasounds but this one you could see little arms and legs kicking like crazy. We brought the boys so they could see the ultrasound as well and when the doctor was showing us the legs and arms waving around Jackson instantly could see it! It was so fun to have them there and it definitely helped the boys visualize what is going on.

 

 My due date is September 28th. After the ultrasound we are already measuring a week ahead. I told Dr. England that I am mentally going to plan on September 28th though rather than a week earlier because I am 2 for 2 in big babies and both not coming early. 

We already get asked the question of whether we want a boy or girl... and to be honest this is the first time I really don't care what gender we get. Our family only knows boys so another boy would be easy, but a little girl would be lots of fun too. Jackson and Andersen on the other hand have very distinct opinions already. Jacks wants a little sister. He said "if its a little brother I would be a little excited, but if it is a little sister I am going to be so excited!". Andersen is strongly against having a little sister. He wants a little "brudher" for sure! I guess a few more weeks and we can take a little sneak peek to find out. I just hope this nausea feeling passes soon and I can get my appetite and energy back.

Thanks to all our friends and family that have already showered us with love and support! It definitely lightens the load sharing the excitement and challenges of pregnancy with those we love. Now if someone could just speed up the next 29 weeks that would be even better.

Let the countdown begin!

Nate 30th!

 Months before Nate's birthday we knew he would have to be gone at a work training in Vegas over his 30th birthday. So rather than let him spend his birthday alone with a bunch of co-workers, I snagged a flight and joined him so I could at least be with him on his actual birthday. We left Monday the 16th and came home on his actual birthday, January 19th. During those days we celebrated a little along the way. My brother in law, Mike, was in Vegas for a work convention as well so we met up Wednesday night for a super nice dinner at Gallagher's as his treat! I should have taken a picture of the steak Nate ordered... I think it was bigger than him!! Definitely the nicest dinner we've had in a long time, but the company was even better since we don't get to the the Sampson's very often.

  Then on Nate's actual birthday, we flew home to a surprise night with friends and cheesecake. I had planned everything before we left and my mom carried it out so when we pulled in everyone was already there for the surprise. Bad idea though... all Nate wanted to do after being gone all week for work was come home and relax as a family. Oops!

 Friday I had another surprise (that I let out of the bag the day before on accident!) for Nate and his birthday. I had invited all of his guy friends to come over and hangout. Nate doesn't do guy nights very often so I thought it would be a good idea for him to spend with his buddies since he had already been with me all week. They got to spend the night doing whatever guys do surrounded by a bunch of food and treats while the kids and I left the house.

Sunday was Nate's moms celebration time. She always makes a special treat for everyone's birthday. This year Nate requested the infamous Rothe "crack" cake. I can't remember what we had come up Sunday night so rather than go to his parents, they came to us because a dessert like this is too good to go to waste just because something came up!

 I think Nate was all celebrated out after a week long, but the these little munchkins were loving every sweet minute of it! Maybe we all, meaning ME, went a little over board this year, but it was a big year for Nate this year and I wanted to make it memorable... May not be the memories I was hoping for, but at least it was memorable, right?

Happy 30th Daddy! We love you, even if you are getting old!

A New Year...

For New Years this year, we met up for dinner with the Christensen's at Training Table. They had a long day on the road from traveling back from their family stuff, so they called it a night early. Once the Christensen's went home, we went over to the Feveryear's to celebrate with them and the Knotwell's. We played with them for a couple hours and toasted to the new year with some sparkling cider at 11:00. We then made it back home to celebrate the real New Year with just our family of 4. What a perfect night surrounded by good friends and then ending with my 3 three favorite boys. Nate and I couldn't have picked a better way to celebrate a new year than just our family. The boys stayed awake to midnight like champs! 2011 definitely wasn't the easiest or most exciting year we've had together as a family, but it brought a lot of changes and with change comes great things! 

Here is a quick recap of 2011 highlights:

Jackson became a Sunbeam and gave his first talk in Primary

Nate turned 29

Grandpa Dave dodged a major bullet with his Pulmonary Embolisms

Met up with Sister Michaelis for the first time in 8 years

Jackson turned 4!

Andersen turned 18 months and made it to Nursery

Jackson finished his first year in Preschool

I finished my 2nd triathlon

I turned 27 and celebrated it with all my YW girls at camp

Nate played Jesus Christ at Youth Conference... WOW, what an experience!

Jackson had his first fathers and sons campout

Jackson finished another year of swim lesson

Nate and I celebrated 6 years of marriage

Our family trip to Hawaii!

Nate and I took a trip to New York for Christine's wedding

Andersen turned 2!

Milly joined our family

Jackson became a Silverpup for his 2nd year of preschool

Andersen TRIED potty training... for a few weeks

Andersen had his first dentist appointment

I got my Honor Bee

Took our every other year trip to Colorado for Thanksgiving

Jackson played 2 seasons of Soccer and his first year of T-Ball, while Andersen got to live vicariously through his brother.

And many more fun timeswith family and friends!

 

Here's to another year... Hope 2012 brings us something fun!

Planet Play

With it still being the holidays and family in town from Texas, we all met up one night at Planet Play for some family fun. We had dinner and then played games for 2 hours! We started with some glow-in-the-dark mini golf. The boys loved it and I beat Nate so what could be better? Next we went and played mini bowling. This is super fun! Way faster and better than bowling when playing with kids. Jacks got his first strike. The bowling balls are so small and light that Andersen could even do it all by himself. Another friendly competition between Nate and I, ending with me winning, AGAIN! Trust me that never happens and Nate didn't like it one bit, but a win is a win and I will take it, even if it is little kid games! Later we did the go karts a couple times and played a few arcades. Andersen loved every second about the go karts and had a perma-smile the whole ride. Jacks just got into the competitive spirit and just wanted to win, but Uncle Ryan snagged that title. After we were all gamed out we treated ourselves to some ice cream and then called it a night. This place was definitely not the cleanest place I have been to or would like it, but the kids had so much fun! Wish the other Rothe Family was still in town to go play. We had tons of fun while they were here for Christmas.

Our "Christmas Break"

It all started the Wednesday before Christmas. I was gone during the evening so I wasn't there until the end of it all, but from the story Nate shares is Milly was being her typical stubborn self and peed on the floor. Nate disciplined her and then picked her up to go take her into the bath to clean her up. As they were about to the tub, she started going to the bathroom again but this time on Nate, so his instant reaction was to drop her. Unfortunately it wasn't a soft landing for Milly in the porcelain tub. I got home as she dropped in the tub and I heard her yelp. She was pretty mellow after, so Nate cleaned her up and we just watched how she was doing the rest of the night. Thursday, the next day, I was off work so I got to spend the day with her and see how she was doing. We could tell her back leg was hurt but couldn't tell if it was broken or just tweaked from the fall. Being with her all day and watching her continue to limp and be very lethargic I knew I should take her in to the vet.

Around 4:00 that afternoon, this x-ray was taken of Milly's right femur. Sure enough it was broken pretty good! We had only 2 options... Either put her to sleep or do surgery! With it being 3 days before Christmas at this point, there weren't too many options for surgeons available. The vet we took them to weren't willing to be flexible with payments and I didn't have Nate to make a decision, so I took my chances of being able to find a surgeon the next day. They helped stabilize Milly's leg as much as possible, gave her some pain meds and off we went for the night. I spent that night calling around. Eventually I found Cottonwood Animal Hospital on Highland Drive and I scheduled an exam with the surgeon, Dr. Bagley, for first thing in the morning.

Off we went Friday morning, 2 days before Christmas, bright and early to meet with the Dr and get his recommendations. He agreed with the two options, but encouraged us to do surgery with her only being a puppy and having so much life ahead of her. Well, a long day of tears, lots of worrying and doubts, and a lot more money than anyone should or would ever want to spend on a puppy, we chose surgery and Dr. Bagley got to work Friday afternoon. A few hours later we were informed she did great through surgery and he didn't see any complications that would come of the surgery. They kept her over night and Nate went and picked Milly up Christmas Eve. They offered to keep her over Christmas but we figured it would be more fun to have her with the family for the Holidays. This is what her back leg looked like right after surgery. She had a shaved back end and leg and 7 staples for the incision.

The doctor gave us plenty of meds, and this little lady was drugged to the max to keep her mellow and off her leg for as long as possible. We had to keep her from walking on it and doing pretty much any activity on her leg for 2 weeks (which is impossible for a puppy!). After two weeks, Milly had a check up to remove the staples, but still limited activity. With it being now 5-6 weeks after surgery and updated x-rays taken of her femur, Milly has been given privileges to get back to normal activities. She still walks with a slight limp every once in awhile, but I am sure with time she will be back to 100%. Her hair has grown back perfectly and you would never know she went through so much. For her surgery, the Dr had to put a steel plate to hold things into place, so he said they might eventually need to take those out but until it bothers her, we will just keep it in.

I don't know if  Milly would consider herself lucky or not, but with us almost putting her to sleep, I would consider herself very lucky. Since then she has been great on house training, so if anything good came out of all this, it was definitely the most expensive house training I bet anyone has ever paid for! This for sure made our Christmas a memorable one. A huge thanks to Dr. Bagley. I don't think Nate and I have met a better veterinarian!

Everything Christmas

I think the boys thought Christmas was never going to come this year! Once it finally did they loved every minute of the 2 day celebration. We started Christmas Eve by seeing "Arthur Christmas" as a family joined by Grandma Kay, Nana and Grandpa Paul while Grandpa Dave went to visit Great Grandpas grave. After the movie, we met up with Grandpa Dave for dinner at Chili's. By the time we were done, Andersen was already pooped for the night! Good thing he got a quick power nap so we could come home and get in their Christmas PJ's

  and set out our cookies and milk for Santa.

This year Jacks told me what to write for Santa's letter and I was the scribe word for word. Love the innocence children have and the Christmas magic they bring by believing in Santa.

They didn't go to bed any earlier than usual, but they definitely didn't fight bedtime. Jacks was so excited, that I am sure he laid there for awhile trying to fall asleep but he didn't complain one bit! Although he was worried he was going to hear Santa or Chippy. I reassured him that as long as he stayed in his bed when he heard noises he would be just fine.

Around 6:30 am Jackson was at the side of my bed complaining he didn't get a Gaston costume! I was so bummed he had peeked, but everything was wrapped so there really was no way for him to know if he did or didn't get the costume. Here are the two boys getting ready to go see their Christmas surprises. Jacks obviously was at his peak of excitement. Andersen on the other hand was excited but didn't really grasp the idea that Santa brought presents while he was sleeping.

Here is their individual Santa piles. And yes, Jacks was right. Santa didn't bring him a Gaston costume. I guess Mom and Dad were right when we thought Santa doesn't support the bad guys so he might not have any of those costumes.

He was sad for 2 seconds and then his Nerf Gun and extra bullets saved the morning.

Andersen took a little longer to unwrap but he wasn't too far behind Jackson.

Milly even got presents!

There is nothing more fun than watching Christmas morning! Luckily for the boys, both set of Grandparents got to watch them open their presents too.

After the quick couple hours of opening presents we had to rush and get ready for church. What a good way to celebrate the Saviors birth by attending Sacrament in the mix of all the other activities.

After church we were on our way to make our rounds to all the different families. The boys were already pooped and the parties hadn't even begun yet.

Our first stop was my brother Jared's house with all my brothers. He had tons of food and snacks for all and then let the kiddos decorate Christmas cookies. Andersen enjoyed eating the frosting more than decorating, but the rest of the kids did an awesome job with their cookies. It wasn't the same without the Sampson's but thank goodness for Skype.

If the kids weren't eating or decorating, they were running around like wild animals totally soaking up every minute together.

After Jared's house, we made it over to Nate's parents house. We started with a nice dinner and then thanks to Jacks being impatient we went straight to presents. Somewhere in between all the evening fun at the Rothe's we made a quick stop across the street to visit my Grandma and whoever of my aunts, uncles, and cousins that were still there.

It was another year of getting spoiled by our families! Nothing better than Christmas memories.