Monster Weeds

I have pulled weeds for LOTS of hours in our backyard. Then, they grew back.

So I spent many more hours pulling them again.

Then.......they grew back.

Rob bought me a weed sprayer thing that kills weeds, not grass.....so I went at it today and I hope that those suckers die in the backyard. They're EVERYWHERE. And they have prickers all over them and hurt the kids :(

Anyways, I was worried that it might also kill the grass too on accident, but as I sprayed weed after weed after weed I realized that it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world if that happened b/c there are so many weeds and so little grass at this point, it might be best to start over.

We'll see what happens....until then, it gave me a satisfying feeling as I sprayed those monster weeds :)

Bottle Habit

Exciting News!

So I just stopped worrying about when to break Ethan of the bottle a long time ago and just figured, who cares, I'll eventually do it.

The little man drinks a full bottle before I put him down for nap and then another full one before bed time.

Yesterday he was REALLY sick, throwing up constantly, so there was no option for a bottle at nap or bedtime. Milk would have really hurt his tummy, and he fell to sleep just fine, both times without it........

Today I thought, should I just get rid of it then? Nap time and bedtime occurred with no bottle beforehand today!!! No crying, no asking for it, nothing. Obviously his tummy is still not 100% b/c I'm assuming he'll start asking for it soon, but for now, wahoo!

Mom 1, Bottle 0!!!!

Hooray!

Can I just tell you how nice it is to have this happen so smoothly, easily, without tears, tantrums or fits?!?! I am so greatful, b/c I have endured the above SO MANY TIMES with other milestones :)

A few pics from our photo shoot!

My sister Michelle took some awesome pics today of our family. Here are a few that she sent me tonight. I love them!

Can you tell a difference?

BEFORE:

AFTER:



BEFORE:

AFTER:

On closing day we signed billions of papers for the house. The only paper that freaked us out was one from our HOA stating that we needed to have the trash picked up, yard weeded and in a "growing state" by May 15th.

We closed on April 20th and didn't even move in until April 23rd, so that would mean they were giving us about 3 weeks to improve something that another family took years to ruin. We have friendly neighbors, but they are extra friendly every time they see me weeding, watering, fertilizing, raking, seeding, cutting bushes, etc. Apparently the old owners had done nothing for years on the front or back yard, except let their dog use it as a toilet.

So, I know it has a LONG way to go, but I have a before and after pic of the yard, as of today, May 13th. I hope they see that I have done A LOT of work, even though it looks quite scraggly still!

Hopefully this is proof enough that we will pass with flying colors to the HOA....we'll see!?!?! What do you think? Also, any tips on getting those patches of brown? Any ideas would be wonderful!

Explorer

The other morning while I was at work Rob said Ethan was quiet for awhile. He found him in our bathroom putting on my makeup. Here is the evidence....



I think he put purple lip gloss on his eye, b/c I don't own purple eye shadow :)

Lil All Stars Soccer

Blossom

I love 4 year olds. Today Breanna picked a purple flower out of the grass, held it until we got home (1/2 an hour later), then asked for a cup of water. She placed the flower in it to keep it wet. She named the flower "Blossom". She checked on it throughout the day. In the afternoon she brought it to the backyard with us while the kids played. She randomly kept checking on "Blossom" (still in the water cup) and made sure Ethan didn't get it.

So fun what they come up with on their own. While in the backyard she found a catepillar and then some random black bug. She wanted water cups for those also so they would be "safe". I objected for the bugs so they wouldn't die, but thought what a kind hearted girl she is to care about these living things and want to care for them, in her own funny way :)

Church today

Church today was great. We are in our new ward which is exciting and makes me nervous too. We met more people which is great! The kids did pretty well in Sacrament meeting, Breanna actually did great. Ethan was interested in the baby behind him and talked to the lady next to us. He is not shy at all, talking with her, sharing his book, touching her shoes, etc...luckily she didn't mind. The only big issue was when he kicked his toy car across the florr, and it went far! Had to take him out for that offense :)

But, I've been really impressed at how well they've done with the new ward. The nursery leader said that whatever ward we came from obviously knew what they were doing and they want to learn what they're doing, b/c apparently Ethan was awesome. They said he shared, talked, sang, and didn't fight! (seriously!?!?!) But big props to Parker ward and Erika Saunders (Nursery Leader) for all they did for our kiddos there!

Breanna is doing great in Sunbeams. She told me today that she was a good example. She said she was quiet while they went to the bathroom and that she folded her arms when they were walking in the hall :) That just made my heart melt for my little grown up girl! She was excited that they played "Going on a Bear Hunt" and sang "5 little ducks" at the end. She also said the teacher gave them a surprise, a snack :) She loved that.

I'm greatful for my kids behaving today, not perfectly for Sacrament, believe me it was work, but they did great overall. I'm greatful that they are learning to behave at church and be good in their classes. I'm also greatful that I got to sit by Rob in Sunday School and listen to the lesson there and in Relief Society uninterrupted, with no children. Actually just sitting there was fantastic! After having each child I have been given a calling right before they get to nursery (around 16 months old) where I am busy for both hours, usually a primary calling (secretary, 1st counselor, then teacher), so I haven't been able to just listen to the lesson. It feels like it's been years, b/c it's really been since Breanna was born, after her came all the taking care of someone else at church and not being able to pay attention, real attention.

I'm enjoying this stage b/c I know they'll get me for a calling pretty soon I'm sure!


(No.......this is not us at church :) It's a pic of us at the St. Patty's Day parade in Denver, but I thought it was cute....and have no recent pics b/c I can't find my camera cord!)