Turned three today: Photo Shoot

So Spencer and I went to lunch today with camera in tow.  I just wanted to get some shots of this sweet little boy.  He was sooooo cute.  He kept posing and trying different things and saying "that was so funny...or that was so cute...right?"  Yes my son...you are funnny and you are CUTE!

So...you already know this,

but I am a Mormon.  haha.  I added this profile to Mormon.org last night.  It is such a great website for a pick me up.   I love to go and watch uplifting videos when I am down.  http://mormon.org/me/7PHJ/#
Click the link to view a little bit more about me and my testimony. 

Lost my blogging buddies.

If you come to my blog...please leave a comment with your blog address.  I won't post it for everyone to see.  Somehow I am missing the list of everyone of my friends and families blogs.  It isn't any fun to have a blog if I can't also see yours. Help a girl out!!!

Soccer STUD!

Weston has his last soccer game this next Sat.  I am sad to see the season come to an end.  You would have to see it to believe how much heart Weston plays with.  He is SO good.  I love this pic.  It is of Weston and Kim.  Check out the difference in size; but it doesn't bother Weston.  We love how he plays with the "BIG GUYS" and takes them on.  Love you bud!

Family Pictures 2011

So it is that time of year again....Family Picture Time.  I must admit I really do love it.  I am always super stressed about outfits and keeping a budget.  Then stressed none will turn out; but of course...they always do. I love this little family that we have.  Actually getting the pictures is kind of love/hate.  Just wishing it were simple to have five people feel natural and look at the camera all at the same time, but oh well.  I love the results.  I am grateful to have a friend who is inexpensive and does a great job.  Call Heidi Buckmister if you are in Maricopa.  She really is great.  We took them this year at our Aunt Connie's house.  They have a beautiful backyard and everyone felt more comfortable.  Most of you have aleady seen these all on facebook, but I wanted to have them printed in our blog book.  So here they are.  Facebook kind of ruined the surprise for Christmas cards too.  Ooops.  I just couldn't help but post them.  haha

Computer time.

So I get annoyed when my kids are on the computer too long.  We obviously have time limits and restrictions.  I know it isn't the best use of their time.  However, for some reason...when all three are actively "working on a game" together...I find it kind of cute.  They really are team sometimes. I am going to try to capture more "REAL" moments of my kids.  So even though I am not proud...here is one.

Halloween 2011

Halloween is just getting started, but I am already blogging about it.  First we had the school parade and parties.  I just thought it was cute to see Spencer there with his older kids.  He misses them so much when they are at school.  Many a days he crys and says..."I am sad...Aubrey  or Weston...is my best friend."  So of course, he was happy to join them.

This photo was taken right before we headed out to our ward "Trunk or Treat."  Gotta love Chili, cornbread and tons and tons of kids and candy packed into about an hour and half. 

Carving Pumpkins

click on the photo to see it larger

So for family night this last Monday we had a little carving pumpkin time.  Spencer was thinking of it as more of a competition and thought he "won." I helped him and he was done first.  The kids discovered that they think it is gross to stick their hands in the pumpkin to throw out the seeds.  I discovered that when you do pumpkins on Monday...they are full on ROTTEN way before Halloween 7 days later.  We had fun and I think they turned out great...for a few days at least.

Aubreys Baptism Video

Aubrey turns eight!

Just a little side note, this should have been two different blog posts...but I didn't realize that soon enough.  So enjoy it got kind of long...much like my run-on sentences...connected with three little dots!  haha

 

So turning eight years old is a big milestone in our religion.  This is the age that you are able to get baptized!  I remember looking forward to this day when I was young...and so did our little Aubrey. 
First, her birthday.  We had a fun "Family Day" on Sat.  She got her new set of scriptures ( A Peterson tradition,) and a few other simple things.  Aubrey likes to have a little control when it comes to her presents..so we ended up giving her $40.00 to spend.  This included dinner as well as activities and presents.  It was so fun.  We went miniature golfing...which was a hoot. Then we went to Sweet Tomatoes. Earlier our kids had earned a 99 cent kids meal when they were student of the month.  Anyway, she ended up with about $25.00 for a present.  She bought a moving and barking puppy and a my little pony. (She hasn't played with them since...when will she learn she doesn't actually like toys all that much?) haha  Sunday we had a wonderful dinner and party for Aubrey and Cicily at Grandma and Grandpa Watkins.  Everyone was there and it was wonderful.  It was a Phineas and Ferb party.  Fun Fun!

She loves her Phineas and Ferb action heroes.  Spencer and her play make believe together.  Thanks Grandma Sue!

Her big present from Mom and Dad was a camera.  She loves it!

I just have to add, that the only thing I did was make dessert and I really appreciate Grandma helping so much and making the party perfect.  I was a little stressed about the next week and big baptism get together, so it was great to just show up and celebrate with Aubrey on her birthday.

Ok, so now on to her baptism.  Aubrey was baptized on October 15, 2011 at 12:30pm.  Her Dad baptized her and it was an amazing moment for our family.  Grandpa Norm gave the talk on baptism, and Mari spoke on The gift of The Holy Ghost.  Our little family sang "Love at Home" and it really was special.  Weston and Aubrey practiced all week.  There was a large turn out and I really wish I would have gotten pictures, but I didn't.  This is the only one I got the day of the baptism.  Aubrey felt special and happy.  The Spirit was there and that's all you can ask for.  Later we celebrated at our house with yummy food and lots of family and friends.  A great day that I am so grateful for as a mother. 

This morning before church we got another picture of Dad and Daughter.

Then I used a tri-pod and delay/timer mode on the camera... and got a much needed family pic. 

I love everyone in this picture...and sweet Samantha who isn't pictured...but so much a part of our family.  This is what it is all about.  Families are forever, and I love MINE.