My babies....

Christmas was a big hit!! We spent Christmas eve with my family and we did all the fun traditional things! We ate dinner, the kids got to do the Nativity Scene...where Austin was a wise man, and cade was a "ninja turtle/shepard", We danced and sang and opened all our presents!! Grandpa suprised the girls with our very own "cleaning lady" once a month for a whole year!!! And the boys all got a new suit at Mr. Mac's (Dave desperatly needs one, but says he needs three months to loose weight before we can go get it....I've heard that before.:)...) And the kids ran around crazy all night!!
Christmas morning the boys woke up around 7:40 and we opened presents...the best present of all according to Austin was his transformers and his bionicle guy, the boys both got a Four wheeler and they love driving around in it...Cade is a total natural! His squatty little body on the four wheeler kept us laughing all day! Then we went to Tidwell's and ate some lunch, did more fun presents (the kids are so spoiled!!) and then went and saw Alvin and the Chipmonks- What a fun day- but boy am I glad it's over!! Thank goodness Christmas is only once a year...it's a lot of work!!

Santa clause is coming to town.....

Our Larsen family party was a big hit!! We ate dinner, made gingerbread houses, sang songs with chimes, danced to papa's favorite "hunting" song, and Santa came!! It was so fun to watch the kids with Santa. Austin of course is always changing his Christmas list...so I have to listen closly!! And Cade just loves running around with 17 other cousins....

New York....suprise!!!

My sweet Husband must have known how badly I needed a break so this weekend he suprised me and took me to New York!! He had to go there for work, but I didn't know that he bought me a ticket too! We left on Wednesday afternoon and came home Saturday morning. It was a quick trip, but also a much needed break for me! We got to go and see Phantom on Thursday night and I spent some time in the city on Friday (there were so many people there!! So I didn't get to shop like I wanted to, but I did get to see the Big Christmas tree...)

I also took advantage of being in a place where no one knew me and whenever I was asked "how far along are you" or "when are you due?" I'd answer "any day!" and it was amazing how nice people were!! "you look so good!!..." instead of "your HUGE! are you sure your not having twins?!"
I might have to continue with this lie even though I'm back in Utah!!!

I enjoyed my "time off" from kids, I slept with no interuptions, which was fabulous!...but I always miss my boys and I appreciate them so much more!! I love coming home to their big hugs and kisses...Cade was so cute! He wouldn't let me put him down and he kept grabbing my face in his hands saying "HI MOM" in this high screechy voice, and then he'd hug me until I'd have to pry him off my face. My boys are sweet and I'm sure they enjoyed their break from me just as much as I enjoyed mine from them!
Thanks to my hubby for being in tune and giving me a great Christmas present!! Love you babe! And thanks so much to my mom and dad, cyndy, and bruce and shawna for watching the boys...we are so lucky to have so much help!!

SNOW DAY!!!

Our first big snow day!! We went with Celesta and Dave to the Stephenson's and Uncle Dave pulled the kids on tubes behind the four wheeler. They loved it!! Cole and Kes took turns holding Cade on the sled and he giggled the whole way!! Austin is loving the snow- and he was excited having "new boots" and "new snow pants" to wear today...he's so spoiled!! Thanks Celest and Dave for the fun!

FHE

So last night we decided to have Family Home Evening (it's a rare occurrence at our house, but hey, we're trying!) And Dave gave the lesson on Gratitude. At the end of the lesson we played this game where he describes something and then we have to guess who it is or what it is...
he described: "it's something warm, it's high in the sky, it makes us happy,...." and Austin said, "Jesus!"
It's moments like those that make me feel like sometimes I am doing this whole "mom" thing right.

Thanksgiving Day....

Thanksgiving Day was a blast! We played football, the kids played with Uncle Curtis's new dog, and we ate way too much food!! Austin was so cute playing football with Dave- and Cade loved playing in the leaves with Braden and Max...Curtis's new puppy, Tacoma is so cute and he definitly got mauled all day by the kids! Austin loved him and held him for over an hour on the couch...I just hope he's that in love with his new baby brother....happy turkey day....

Merry Christmas!!!

So, me being the Scrooge that I am, yes, I do already have my Christmas tree up- and it's been up for a few days!! My house is so bare!! Going through all my Christmas stuff, I realize that I don't have much for our new house....but we do have a tree and that's about all we'll have (at least for this year!!)
Austin liked trying to put the star on the tree, and Cade likes to tease me and say "I touch your tree"....knowing that he shouldn't... He also likes to throw his toys up in the air by the tree, hoping they will get stuck- he's a stinker!!!
I hope everyone enjoys the holiday season! We love you all!!

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3 + 5 = 7

I need to explain my header....And I figure it will be better if I just admit to it, rather than my hubby go around and tell everyone how "smart" his wife is!!
We were in the car last night and Austin said, "Mom 3 + 5 = ......seven!!" And I looked at Dave totally Shocked and so proud that my four year old was so smart and already adding!!! And as Dave continued to stare at me I hurried and counted on my hands and realized that I am an idiot!!!
We both laughed...it was pretty funny and pretty typical of me.....dave calls it my "cute moments"....real cute Jess....I call it my pregnant brain (gotta use the excuse while I have it, right?)

Tag....I'm it

I've put it off for a few days, but I've been feeling guilty, so I guess I'll contribute!!
I've been tagged, so here it goes....

4 Jobs I've Had:1. working the "cook Out" at Pickleville Playhouse every summer growing up....(fun memories!!) 2. Working for my Dad (or at least saying I did so I could have "work release" in high school) 3. Pinnacle Title (doing secretary work) Loved working with my fav brother-in-law Dave...he's hilarious 4. Sheer Indulgence Salon- but it was more play than work...always....


4 Movies I can Watch Over and Over1. Any Chick flick any time!2. The Devil wears Prada 3. Any Disney movie (not by choice, but we do repeats all the time, my brain knows how to tune them out!)4. Home video's....(allice and kimi would know how fun this is....:))


4 Places I've Lived:1. Centerville, Utah2. Logan, Utah (when I attended USU)3. Acton, MA 4. Layton, Utah (I never admit to the place where I spent my first 5 years...)

4 Guilty Pleasures:1. Reality shows, bachelor, beauty and the geek, biggest looser...2. a spur of the moment pedicure at any chinese salon! (they are so cheap!) 3. Ice cream at least once daily...4. of course...shopping


4 Favorite TV Shows:1. Grey's Anatomy- but I'm so bugged with Izzy and George right now! 2. The Office...3.Beauty and the Geek 4. Oprah and Ellen- It's a toss up


4 Favorite Places I've been on Vacation:1. Caman Islands 2. Aruba (although I don't know if I'd ever go back!)
3. Mexico4. Italy

4 Favorite Foods: 1. Mexican food (although I don't like Authentic Mexican food- it has to be Americanized...)2. I love a good Cheese burger...( In N' Out) 3. French Toast with Homemade syrup 4. Winger's Sticky finger salad...to die for!


4 Places I'd Rather Be Right Now:1. Asleep in my bed 2. Park City Shopping 3.Getting a massage or pedicure 4. Some Island far away with my hubby and kids

4 Websites I Visit Daily:1. Blogs- mine and everyone elses!! 2. Yahoo mail 3. babycenter.com 4. THat's about it!!! An occasional browse through nordstrom, old navy, gap and childrens place.....

Authors I Love:1. me read?? Well, I did finish the Twilight series from Stephanie Meyer...love her, and I love Nicholas Sparks....that's all your getting from me though

4Things I would Like to Know How to Do:1. make Home made Jam and can fruits for storage 2. Learn to Sew and actually know how the sewing machine works without my mom sitting right there!3. Be a better cook (if I'm going to have all boys I better be a good chef or they will never come home to see me!) 4.digital scrapbooking (as soon as I use up the hundreds of dollars worth of stuff I've bought!)

Happy Moments:1. Watching Dave play with the kids and they are all laughing (as opposed to crying!)2. Going on a hot date with my hubby!3. When your kids do or say something that you know they learned from home 4. When Cader bugs is in an extememly good mood and he snuggles up and kissed me on my cheek


Things I Want to Do Next Year:1. Loose all this baby weight!!! 2. Go on a fun trip with my hubby and kids 3. Learn how to budget and stay on a budget 4. get pregnant with baby number 4 (JUST KIDDING!!) I"m not THAT crazy!!


People I am Tagging:1. Carrie Tidwell 2. Chelsea Haynie 3. Kendra Nani 4. Annie Wiseman

Austin boy

Dave was out of town for a couple of days this week and that means more time for me and Austin. (I always let him stay up late with me when Dave is gone... I hate being awake and all alone at night!!) We were laying in my bed and I don't even remember what he said, but I was so happy and thankful to have him! This month being Thanksgiving and looking back on my attitude the last little bit, I am going to try to have a better out look on life, count my blessings, and enjoy my time with just two boys before the baby comes!! I have been blessed with two of the best kids in the world and I love them so much!!

Cader Bugs

"Are you Cade Curtis Tidwell?"..."No, my Cader Bugs!!"

my projects

We have been so busy getting ready for baby #3 that I have to show off the finished product!! Especially since I'm paying for all that work with a constant back-ache now! Austin was so excited to get bunk beds- (thanks G-ma Debbie & papa Bruce for donating them) All we had to do was go and pick them up from Bear Lake, and with a little paint and some new wood slats (Dave worked so hard!! good job honey!) They look just like new!!

The dresser was given to us by the Bailey's (Thanks Kjersten!!) So I just painted it and now it's as good as new for the baby! Now if we can can just get Cade out of his "cribby"!!!!

happy halloween...it's over!!!

So, I don't know if it's that I'm six months pregnant, 50 pounds over weight, or if I'm just a grump, but I am so glad that halloween is over!! One more milestone that I'm past before this baby gets here! only two more big ones to go (I'm obviously planning on having this baby before valentines! Cross your fingers)
There is so much hype, espessially having Austin in Preschool- between the programs and the parties I am worn out!! But I did have two cute super heros on halloween night! (we somehow talked Cade into wearing his costume happily (whoosh)) and the night went pretty smooth! Cade was so cute with his "muscles" and how he's creep from door to door! He was very polite and even said "thankyou" a few times! Austin was in heaven running around with big kids and bringing home way too much candy...( did I say 50 pounds...I haven't gotten on the scale since before halloween....that's a scary thought)!!!
We are so excited for Thanksgiving and I truely do love this time of year...to reflect on all that we've been blessed with! And our family has been very blessed! Happy holidays everyone....

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cade crying at the pumpkin patch

I forgot to post this pic of cade on Austin's field trip... he looks so sad and don't you dare feel bad for him! That face can get me sometimes, but he is Naughty!!! I don't remember why he was throwing a fit- but it happens often in public places...good thing I love him!! (And it's a good thing Austin is such a good boy, he makes up for Cades naughtiness!!)

the pumpkin patch

This is austin's school class and their first field trip. They got to go to the pumpkin patch on Gentile street. It was a beautiful day, but kind of chilly....we got to ride on a tractor clear out into a HUGE pumpkin patch and then every kid got to choose one pumpkin ( any size)...I knew I was in trouble when I heard Austin and Isaac say that they were going to get the "biggest pumpkins ever!"...and they did- ask me how easy it was to hold Cade (while he was screaming) and bend down with my huge belly and pick up a huge pumpkin...not my greatest moment- but we survived and it was fun to see Austin interact with his class. He's such a big boy!!

"just boobies...."

So, I was just showing cade some of the pictures on our blog when I realized that in most pictures of cade, he doesn't have a shirt on. I know we live in "layton" (ha ha), and I know my kids look pretty awful in every pic...but I have to explain. Cade hates to wear shirts- every morning he says to me, "just boobies mom" which means "no shirt" and thats what he looks like every day! It's going to be a cold winter!!

"hey daddy...hey daddy...hey daddy..."

this has been a new fun event for cade....pull off the air vent cover and yell down to Dave.

Dave's office is right below Austin's room so they can talk to each other. Cade thinks this is so cool!! The conversation goes like this..."hey daddy, hey daddy (until dave answers, "what cade?") "what doing....working....hey daddy, hey daddy (until dave answers) what doing"

and that's about it!

I thought it was too funny how he lays flat on his stomach and shoves his face as close as he can down the vent- he always sits up with a carpet mark on his forehead....too cute!

October Fest

here's our own October Fest...or at least our tribute to Halloween!! We walked over and let the boys pick out their own pumpkins. Of course Austin got the "biggest one" and then we came home and painted them (a much better alternative to carving!)

I tried to get the boys to leave them on the porch- but Cade wouldn't do it! Pumpkin inside!! They are very proud of their pumpkins and I think they did a great job!

Happy Halloween!!

Some people are still in high school

Due to some unwanted looking at my blog and commenting that my kids look like pebbles and bam bam (ha ha, they kind of do!), I have decided to only allow certain readers.... unfortunalty I don't have everyone's email address to send an "invite" to- If you know any emails let me know!

MY SUPER HEROS

I know that halloween is still a month away...but we like to put our costumes to good use. ( I have to make the $20 worth it somehow!) Austin has insitited on being "the black spider man". Dave took him to Spider Man 3 and Austin had night mares for days...he said, "that was not a good show for me to see!" So I was surpirsed that he just had to be the "Black spider man"...oh well- and of course Cade likes to follow Austin, hence the "spider man- blue one" as Cade says it! So here's to my cute super heros...I always wish they would be something cute, like a monkey, turtle, or to Dave's horror, a peacock (I know, it's girly!! but the costume was sooooo cute!)

last days of summer...

Just a few pictures from the last few days...today we built a fort- austin thought that was the coolest idea ever...made a trip to the park where Austin learned how to do the monkey bars and he talks about it everyday... (he can only move from one bar to one more, but that was a HUGE accomplishment for him). Soccer games and the cute coach...the cutest I've seen! and then Cade of course in the shower being a "dishy" (he can't say his "F's"....which is really funny! We get words like "dude...food", "dork...fork", "darted...farted",

little athlete

Cade loves to play sports- it doesn't matter if it's swinging a golf club, kicking a soccer ball (and believe me, he can drop kick a soccer ball!!), or trying to swing a baseball bat- in this case he's golfing/baseball- I don't know what you call it. But Dave and I were laughing so hard at his concentration. He'd set the ball up on this makeshift tee and then swing at it with a stubby baseball bat-- imagination!! Our favorite time of day with Cade is later on at night when he turns into a cute, lovable, little man! He wanders and plays and stops by to give hugs every once in a while. He's definitely got a mind of his own....good thing we Love him!

It's a BOY!!!

It's definitely a boy!!! I had a feeling it was going to be another boy and we are excited! I'm not saying that I didn't have some hope of a girl...but I know how to do boys! And Austin is so excited for another brother! Dave was cute and kept saying "I'm sorry!" and I was bugged thinking, "I'm OK! Stop saying that!!" and then I realized that he was disappointed...my tough guy husband wanted a girl! Hopefully one day he'll get one! He's a cute dad either way!

Any suggestions on boys names anyone??????

my big preschooler!

Today was Austin's first day of school and he loved it! He even put on the outfit I picked out without any complaints! (those of you who know him, know that he only likes "slicky" shorts and the ugliest T shirt he can find laying around) I was so proud of my big boy!! Of course he had to have a "Mohawk"....

And after school, Austin got the best news he could ask for... He is getting another baby BROTHER!!! From the beginning he made it very clear that he only wanted a brother and not a sister...and even though we had a little bit of hope of a girl, we are happy to have another boy running around! In fact, Dave was more disappointed than I was- but he is happy of course to know that he will have his "foursome" complete.