Beautiful Mess...

Spring pics!

2010-03-14T10:59:00.000-07:00

I was starting to feel a little guilty for not documenting my babies lives a little better but I've turned over a new leaf and am trying to make time on a sunday to do so. We will see how long it will last! So............even though it was freezing outside we decided to take pictues this week. Corbin, as usual, was not a fan of this process. He kept shoving my lens out of his face while yelling "No pictures mom!"
And Drew, of course, was ever ready to take the pictures touting "how bout like this mom? or does this look cute?" Ahhh my little performer(s).

2010-03-14T10:44:00.000-07:00

Corbin ran up to me and said..."Look Mom!! Moose!" He's so stinkin adorable. Lately he has been into everything "uncle Brandon" including; finding Brandon's pictures in the house and kissing them. Last night he slept with Brandon's jeep keys because uncle Brandon promised to take him he'd take him for a ride on thier way to fly a kite. Brandon has been very nice to have around. He helps with the kiddos, takes my groceries in the house, helps me with work sometimes, and brings his beautiful wife and daughter over often to keep me entertained ;). I sure do love my fam.

Drew, Drew, Drew

2009-09-23T13:27:00.000-07:00

So yesterday Grandma said to Drew, "Say 'please' cuz I'm not your personal slave you know" and she replied, "but yes you are grandma" Drew 100% believes the world revolves around her! Today I was wearing these fake reading glasses and Drew told me that my glasses looked like grandma's and on grandma they look good but on me "they don't" and then she preceded to tell me that she only likes my "dark glasses that hide [my] eyes." She is so opinionated, which normally I might say she gets that from me ;) but I am pretty sure I didn't teach her to assume that the only opionion that counts is hers. Lets hope this is just a phase.

Trip to Utah

2009-09-14T17:08:00.000-07:00

Grandma Sue had the kids for the weekend while, Grandma Sheri and I helped out with Cassie and new baby Nolie! Corbin loves his grandma, if he had teeth you would definitely be able to tell that they were related! Just kidding baby. Love you!

We celebrated Drew's birthday early while we were down there and she got "Brownie" (a brown horse and matching purse) from Grandpa and ma olsen. She sleeps with "her" every night and uses the purse everyday! Grandma also spoiled Drew with a matching cowgirl outfit and bow (to go along with the fact that we live in Idaho now!)

We are spoiled by the people that love us. Thankyou Grandma and Papa Olsen for all that you do for us. We love you very much. xoxoxo

2009-09-14T16:30:00.000-07:00

My baby girl turned 4 last week. She was so cute about it too! I finally broke down and bought her some girly toys (polly pockets) and she l-o-v-e, loved them. I also made her a chocolate butterfly cake, more for me than her! It turned out alright, nothin like Becky's amazing creations but hey now that she is moving here she can teach me all the tricks of the trade :) So a few things to remember about Drew Drew at this age; she will only eat PB &Js, chicken nuggets, pizza, noodles, and scrambled eggs! No cereal, toast, healthy delicious dinners that I make, just the basic not-very-nutritious stuff. She loves school. I was a little worried that she would have separation anxiety about going to school but NOPE she ran off waving goodbye and had forgotten all about me on the other side of that door :( No really I am very excited for her to love school as much as her mommy does! As of this week she can wright her own name and she is the sole reason we still have "devil" dog/Princess. She feeds her everyday and has to give her loves when we come and go. My girl is a tender heart and my big helper. Most of the time when I ask her to do something she says "oh! sure!" I love it I love her!

2009-09-14T16:15:00.000-07:00

Grandma Sheri had the firemen come to the apartments for the kiddos to meet and needless to say Corbin was in lOvE with the firetruck. The firemen were all very amused that he kept cutting in line to go inside and that he was soooooooooooooOOO excited about the whole thing. Drew liked it too but was more interested in the jumpy thingy and snowcones.

2009-09-12T12:53:00.000-07:00

I was just holding my son while he slipped into slumber and thought... He melts my heart. I love it when he says "snuggle mommy?"and when he puckers up his plump little lips to give me a kiss. And then I thought, he is going to be a man one day; a handsome man at that and how in heaven's name, in this crazy rotten world, am I going to teach him humility and strength. I need him to be of strong character, a leader, not a follower. I need him to have confidence in his abilities to navigate this world but at the same time is found walking humbly before God. How do I instill these two characteristics and prevent him from making the same mistakes, others close to him have made! Being a mom is so hard! If the simple act of love was enough, we'd be golden. But wait we live in reality and for me right now reality bites. It is a lame and lame some more and I keep hearing that one day I will look back and I will know why it was I had to experience all of these fun and exciting things but right now, at this very moment in time, my heart aches and it will continue to ache until I get over myself and stop wallowing in self pity! But for right now this is how I want to feel and you all have to get over it and just let me torture myself. Got it!!!
So moving on, this guy at work was wearing a shirt the other day that said "kialosi" which apparently translated means, "in God's time." And all week I have ran into people from my old wards, offering advice and "comfort" and it seems as though the universe (or maybe a loving Father in Heaven) is telling me something. Be patient and faithful. Good things come to those who wait and it is not my will but His.
So back to the original reason for this blog, my babies! I know I can only lead by example and pray for them to follow suit and hope that they will choose right over wrong choices (more often than not) and as they experience life's little bumps and bruises along the way, I'll make sure I am there to support them so can they can grow and learn from their mistakes too!

Summer's Over!

2009-08-11T09:19:00.000-07:00

I took these pictures on Sunday because I felt like fall time is fast approaching and I needed one last summer-of-09' picture!
Drew starts preschool next monday. I can't even believe it. I guess it just means she is getting old :( But it will be nice for me to spend some one-on-one time with Corbin because we all know how he doesn't get it cuz Drew is the center of the whole universe and all. I mean look at these pictures; she is basically crowding Corbin out of all the pictures and front and center as if to say... "Here I am! OH! and here I am again!" haha Love you Drew!

Who's With Me!

2009-07-21T10:04:00.000-07:00

Onward and Upward

Most days Amber tends to portray that she is a bad "A" pillar of strength so while I am in the mood for feeling particularly reflective today I've decided to update my blog after 7 months and continue blogging my sweet family's history.
First off let me start by saying; I am so so thankful for my family and friends. Without them as my support system I would literally be a stressed out crazy lady (well volumes crazier than I already am). I cannot tell you how many times I have felt completely distraught and within minutes received a call from GG, Teri, Lindz, Court, Brandon, Cassie, or mom. I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that I am being protected and that my prayers are answered daily. I CANNOT raise these kids alone. I need all the help I can get and I know the Lord there for me, right by my side, leading the way. There is no finish line for me to cross that ends with shear joy and happiness every second of every day and I am okay with that. I am thankful for my trials cuz it means I have the opportunity to grow, learn, and progress towards a better version of myself; they help me put things into perspective. I see the Lord's hand in everything now-a-days and am quick to recognize my abundant wealth in blessings. Yeah hooray for growing up. I think I now have a few life experiences, under my belt, that officially qualify me for achieving adult status! Sweet!

Let's Get On With It

So this is what we've been up to this summer; My dad thinks I'm on a perma-vacay but to him I say.... I am just making sure my kids really, really enjoy this summer before I start school and work here next month. That's all.. just a little R&R before life gets crazy busy!

Every one's Fav Charity, Happens to be Me!

Went to Polson Montana with the Peterson/Larsen family and had such a good time, I can't even tell you. Being with the Peterson's reminded me that all of the sacrificesI am making to try and live righteously are definitely worth it. I can't wait to grow up and be just like them ;) A life centered in the gospel and a close knit family is what I strive for daily but I'm not gonna lie, it would be nice to have someone to help me hammer out all the details!
Sarah and I went to college together at U.V.H.S. and it has been Bff's ever since. (isn't she so beautiful) She has been there for me through, up till now, the hardest time of my life and I can't thank her enough for being my personal counselor. I trust her more than I trust myself. Love you Sarah. To the left are Sarah's parents Scott and Abby and her little (stinkin cute) sister Stephanie.

uhhh... do you see that most delicious treat?! That would be a cookie dough sundae cuz Amber doesn't like cooked cookies. Steph was oh-s0-thoughtful and made it for me before she cooked all the cookies. Love Her!

Drew and Corbin throwing rocks into the lake, While I sat and did absolutely nothing but relax. It was wonderful!

4th of July in GG and PoPo's backyard

My mom orchestrated this event and did an amazing job. She should plan parties for a living. We had a pinata, water balloons (which Jared decided to attack me w/ and yes I was wearing a white shirt! Jerk!) Volleyball, water slides, and crafts for the kids. I love that we have a mini-reunion every year cuz we always have so much fun together. But I missed Brandon and Cassie. Maybe next year!

Boise Ice Cream Zoo-fari July 09

Lindz, Stephanie, Amy, and I took the kiddles to the Boise Zoo Ice cream safari. Between all of us there were 4 adults and 10 kids. I can't even remember how many times we were asked if the kids were "all yours?!!!" We had a blast. The Zoo provided dinner and ice cream and a fun little scavenger hunt for the kids. I love my cousins cuz when we get together we just harass eachother and laugh our stresses away! It was so nice to let all the little 2nd cousins get together and play. I am thankful our family is so close and that we make time to do these kinds of things together. Thanks girls. I love you.

Memorial Camping Trip with the whole Fam-dam in Cascade

Umm Yes this was how I slept the ENTIRE camping trip; with one child in each arm. My back was so sore for about a week. Drew was not feelin our trip. She wouldn't go potty in the R.V. only in the cabin because the "R.V. toilets are dirty." She washed her hands and feet every time a spec of dust happened to land on her. She drove me crazy with all the whining but the good news is, Corbin had a good time. As you can tell by the filthy face and hangin-with-the-boys action!

Pics of the Babes in GG's Backyard (Dang I'm good)

Drew found a lady bug in grandma's backyard and Corbin was so excited to watch it crawl all over her. And Corbin will only sit for a picture if it involves a vehicle in which he can steer or drive. He is all boy for sure!

Look at my sweet angel. She is getting so old looking. I love that face. oooh I could just kiss it off!

I am going to blow up and frame this picture so as to remind them when they are older that they were friends once and love eachother. Either that or maybe to use for blackmail... I haven't decided yet :D

This is how I feel about all my Family and Friends

2009-01-30T10:13:00.000-08:00

Christmas 08

2009-01-28T03:24:00.000-08:00

Well, well, well! I have been so ridiculously busy that I haven't had time to blog about some of the coolest happenings of our lives lately. So Marathon Post here we come!

1st off I have to post about my kiddos Christmas presents, Yes a month late but only because I just added the finishing touches to Drew's present yesterday. Each Christmas Ross and I only get the kids one big present and then stocking stuffers; but each year- due to grandparents and aunts and uncles- the kids keep getting more and more! How will we compete with that crap in years to come? Moving on, so for Drew; my dad and I collaborated and he built her her very own kitchen.

Isn't it darling. When I was in Utah for New Years, I went to Ikea and bought the S-hooks, basket, and coasters (aka-burners on the oven). My mom got the kids the microwave; which really works by-the-way, and she also put the vinyl lettering on. It turned out cuter than I could have imagined and both kids love it and play well together while using it.

My model Corbin- as usual- would not cooperate. But these aprons and chef hats that I made- out of dish towels- were in the kids stockings. Drew loves hers and has to wear it everyday while helping me make dinner or even pour cereal. haha

Corbin for Christmas got a Big Wheel that he can't play with until the summer! He too loves his gift. When I saw the target add for it I knew I had to get it for him. I still remember my Big Wheel; I rode that thing everywhere. I drove it even after the middle of the front wheel concaved in. And to prove it I uploaded a picture of me and my beloved Big Wheel. -Yes those are trailers and that is the trailer court I grew up in.

Stinkin Cute Hair!

2009-01-28T03:03:00.000-08:00

So Lately I have been into doing Drew's hair! I can't stand it in her face and I stumbled across this blog (thanxs Miz Walker) where all she does is hair and posts how-to instructions for every imaginable hair style. She also has listed on the, left hand side, links to other fancy hairdo sites.

here is the link if anyone is interested :)

Halloween Party08

2008-11-01T11:03:00.000-07:00

Last night we had a Halloween party with all the cousins and Aaron! We had so much fun playing games and harassing each other. I am thankful to live next to so many of my favorite people (hint hint; Cassie you need to move here!) We really enjoyed ourselves. But besides the fact we are all related; you guys are my best friends. I think we made a pact in heaven to stick together and support each other out here in this crazy world and here we are, doing just that. I love you and thanks everyone for pitching in and entertaining us.

From left to right; Lindsay, Cassie, me, Teri (Sara Palin), JillBills, Courtney/Trophey wife

From left to right; Nate (God's gift to women), Drew, Blake, Jared Obama, Ross, Aaron

More Halloween Party

Cassie and Drew were Tiger Wood's Fans and Conrad was a Tiger. Isn't he tender. Oh I love that cute little squishy face. Ross and I were Greek Gods. Ross said it just looked like we were going to a toga party.

Halloween Oufits

Look at my babies. Grandma bought these clothes for them, of course, and because she wouldn't drive 3 miles to see them for herself I had to take a picture for her. I love that they are holding hands. Although I did have to make them! Corbin needs his own tricycle so that he doesn't have to be photographed on a pink one. so if anyone sees a cute one at a garage sale for like 10 bucks let me know.

2008-10-23T16:06:00.000-07:00

I can't even begin to tell you how blessed I feel, as of late. It is so beautiful this time of year and I am so glad I have family and friends to share holiday activities with. Today we went to the pumpkin patch today with Lindsay, Kael, and Conner. They had free mazes, and petting zoo for the kids. Drew and Corbin played so hard that thier faces were stained with dirt and they fell asleep as soon as we got home. Ross was so funny too. We had to get a "mommy" and a "daddy" pumpkin and we ended up leaving with 6 pumpkins because Drew had smuggled some "cute" gourds in her coat. Yea my daughter steals. I tried explaining that we didn't pay for them but she just said that they were hers and they were cute. What do ya do?!

Trunk or Treat

2008-10-23T15:37:00.000-07:00

We had our trunk and treat last night at the church building. We had so much fun. Drew loved the cupcake walk; so much that even after she won a cupcake she just wanted to keep walking in a circle to the music. We also won prizes in the bean bag toss and made sucker ghosts and spiders (made out of mounds-candy and pretzel sticks). Jack and Maryn came with us and we all had fun walking from trunk to trunk. We love our ward. They were so creative in decorating thier trunks! It was impressive. Corbin, as you can tell by the pictures, is entering the terrible twos and wouldn't wear his "chicken little" glasses or his costume. He just screams at me all of the time. It's lovely! Can't wait to have #3

Halloween Fun

2008-10-19T15:00:00.000-07:00

Ross, the kids, and I all went over to my cousin Lindsay's house to do some halloween crafts. I think Lindsay and I may have had a little too much fun "finishing" the kid's crafts! But check out how cute they are! I never want to carve a pumpkin again. No, Ross wasn't in on the festivities; he and Josh played wii for close to 4hours.

Drew and Corbin Love to go over to Conner and Kael's house. Drew asks for them all of the time :)

Sara Evans Concert

2008-09-17T15:29:00.000-07:00

Jessica took me to the Sara Evans Concert for Girls Night out. We felt naked without our hubbys but we tried to enjoy ourselves anyway ;) We both realized that we were old moms, shortly after arriving, because our feet were killing us! We both wore heels and as you can see, Jessica was cursing her shoes after the concert. While we were there, we ran into our cousin Danielle and Aunti Meg. It was a family affair.

Drew Turns 3

2008-09-11T13:16:00.000-07:00

My baby turned 3 on Monday, September 8th. I Can't believe it. We invited Amanda and her babes; Jack and Maryn over to Grandma Madsen's backyard for a party. Drew was so excited to be a pirate but she had to hold her purse (which contains her dog that she named burrito) on one arm and fight off Jack with her sword in the other. We had so much fun eating chocolate molten cupcakes for her birthday and watching the kids play. This was the first time Drew was really excited to open presents. She's is old enough to "get" that her birthday is all about her and she abused her birthday powers to the fullest. She actually said, "mom, can I have some gum? it's my birthday!"

Shrine to Corbin

2008-09-11T12:28:00.000-07:00

I think I have a ton of pictures of Corbin. So I am just going to call it what it is, a shrine. But Drew won't pose for pictures and Corbin will. The second one is a little overexposed; I couldn't resist putting it up anyway.

Mommy Thinks She Can Cut Hair

2008-09-11T12:16:00.000-07:00

I cut Corbin's curly locks off! I did it while Ross was at work. I thought he would be so mad but he was just sad, which was then replaced by "my son looks like a pimp!" (not my words but Ross')
I just think that Corbin looks like a little boy and not a baby anymore :( I wish they could stay little forever

2008-09-02T15:17:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun when Cassie and Conrad came to visit. I am not sure Conrad had tons of fun but we enjoyed them anyway. Drew, as you can tell, wanted to hold baby Conrad every second. And of course her cute attire was sponsered by Grandma Madsen. She is so so spoiled.

BSU Spirit

2008-08-07T18:28:00.000-07:00

Look at my adorable cheerleader. Aunt Sam would be proud. My Auntie Meg bought these outfits for the kids so it was time for a photo shoot. Corbin was not thrilled about the experience but we got in a few shots anyway. 2nd cousins Taylor and Tommy joined in on the fun.

Walking Calamity

2008-07-16T14:19:00.000-07:00

FOR THE GOOD LOVE! Our sweet son has now knocked out one tooth plus TWO, which makes THREE. I can't even believe it. So on Sunday morning, right before church, I went to look for the wipes (cuz Corbin was # 2-ing) and I heard him crying in the kitchen. I ran to pick him up and he was bleeding; I was hysterical of course and ran him to Ross, who was in the shower, and noticed a tooth on the floor. After Corbin was all cleaned up I went to see what happened and noticed ANOTHER tooth on the floor and a chunk missing out of the chair! All I can say is that I hope this is not the first of many calamities. I am a wuss. I hate blood and seeing my babe's owies. I thought I wanted like 20 boys but after this experience I think I am fine with one or two. P.S. I am the only one who can call him 'quazi' NO one else!!!

Makin $ off the Tooth Fairy Early

2008-07-16T14:11:00.000-07:00

The Potty Princess

2008-07-13T13:59:00.000-07:00

Now that I am staying home I get to focus on potty training Drew. We have had some fun times! (please sense the sarcasm) Every time she goes potty she gets to be the potty princess and we throw a party for her. I finally had to buy Drew her very own toilet and let her run around naked for a whole day and she wouldn't go the bathroom for 8 hours (that I know of!) and then finally she went in her potty! It has been an exhausting week and we were so busy over the weekend I get to start potty training all over on Monday.

4th of July

2008-07-13T13:44:00.000-07:00

Me and Uncle Todd

Drew Trying to get GG with a water balloon

Daddy helping Drew down the water slide

Corbin having the time of his life

4th of July was spent in Grandma Milich's Backyard (as tradition) And we had so much fun. Uncle Todd has most of the pictures on his camera which we will post soon.
Corbin wasn't feelin' the hugs from Drew as you can tell.

Corbin w/ Great-Grandpa Milich

2008-07-13T13:38:00.000-07:00

And They're Off

2008-06-12T14:45:00.000-07:00

We have this little jeep but it has been in storage. When Drew saw it we had to pull it out for her and she just knew what to do and how to drive it. It is made for one person but they both were able to share. It was so cute to see them off and independently playing together.

Jeep For Two

2008-06-12T14:37:00.000-07:00

The Jeep can really go over stuff
and quickly too. Drew is a natural
at four wheelin' Meanwhile
Corbin was just chillin and enjoying
the ride.

Ummm I have brown hair and freckles

2008-06-03T09:44:00.000-07:00

I was sick of dying my hair every 5 -8 weeks so I dyed it all one color yesterday and I actually love it. I an not photogenic (as you can see by my glamor shots) but in real life it is cute. Ross said he liked it better than the blonde me. But Corbin is still unsure. For such a mamma's boy; he can't decide if he wants to go to me or not since the change

Cowgirl

2008-05-30T12:36:00.000-07:00

We went Horseback riding with Karlynn (a lady Ross works with at Costco) and Drew begged and begged to "ride the horsey. She was even wearing her cowgirl boots so how could we not let her ride?! Corbin slept in the stroller and missed out on all of the fun.
On our way home Drew kept telling Ross, "I want to be just like you, a cowboy"

The Difference betwen Boys and Girls

2008-05-22T23:04:00.000-07:00

My mom was playing with the kids in the garden the other day and she showed Drew a worm and tried (unsuccessfully) to get Drew to hold it but she would have none of that, because the worm was "yucky and scary." Grandma then showed Corbin and he looked at it, reached for it, and then ripped the dang thing in half and walked away; like "what's the big deal!"

2008-05-22T17:28:00.000-07:00

This is my first blog! And what better event to start with than the first ever picture with all of Drew and Corbin's cousins on the Madsen side. We took these pictures in April down at Nelson's Grove Park. That park is so so beautiful. From left to right is; Mariah, Corbin, Drew, and baby Conrad (He is only a few days old! Isn't he sweet.)

Corbin's First Boo Boo

2008-05-22T16:43:00.000-07:00

Corbin had his first accident on the 10th of April.
He fell on a wooden toy (with 2 wooden pegs jutting out) and popped out his entire tooth including the root. I was at work and Ross was a witness (I hope) to the accident. So now for the next 5 to 6 years when you see pictures of our son; you will know why we are poor white trash. I told my mom that all we need now is for Drew to have a few silver teeth, a little rat tail, for Ross and we will fit right in (here in Idyho.) As you can see by pictures, which were taken the day of the accident, Corbin seems to be unaffected by his sore mouth and missing tooth. He is such a happy boy!