Carlile Crew

1/2 Moon Bay

2012-01-19T20:43:00.000-08:00

I could live here.She could too.Over Christmas we went up North and enjoyed some family time. We visited the water and let the babies get crazy dirty. My heart can't contain the love that I have for my small little family. They bring me such unexplainable joy. It's moments like this picture that make the horrific mess in my family room okay.Livs loves to be outside like her mommy. She just sat there and listened to the surge and crash of the ocean for minutes, which is eternity to a one year old.The kids helping daddy search for crabs. Ellis was soaked but he didn't even notice that he was cold.A little exploring on the rocks. "No No Livy". "Stop" (with a Spanish lisp) is all Livy hears from E. Which just makes her want to follow him more.

I think these moments are what life is all about. Bring on the babies, they are worth every penny spent, hour worked and tear that is shed. Call me crazy but I hope I get to have 10 more of these suckers.

TrAiNs

2012-01-19T20:30:00.000-08:00

We have a full blown obsession here folks. Ellis is addicted. And like all good parents we feed our son's addiction. We are his suppliers. We even took a trip to Sacramento to take him to the Train Museum.Here he's on the phone talking to the Conductor and Grandpa Cleave is watching him. (P.S. I hope when I grow up that I can be perfectly perfect Grandparents just like Great Grandma Toni & Great Grandpa Cleave)Here we are inside the passenger Train with cousin Travis. He shares the same addiction.And riding around the mall while mommy shops for Christmas. Oh how I love South Coast. He even let his sister ride:)

Santa Baby

2011-12-18T06:37:00.000-08:00

A perfect display of their personalities towards strangers.....

E snuck the tray with the holiday baking treats and ran off to hide. BUSTED!

Our babies love sushi, just like us.

He thinks he's playing video games at an arcade but he doesn't know that it actually gets cooler when you put quarters in.

I have three weeks off and I'm so excited to have some non-stop play time with these guys and maybe a few days where I stay in my PJ's all day long.

Trains + Firetrucks= 2 year old boy heaven

2011-11-27T09:01:00.000-08:00

We loaded the kids up in their PJ's and put coats on them to go see the Metrolink train all decorated for Christmas. The Firefighters brought their trucks and were collecting toys for less fortunate children. Ellis and Livs were in heaven. the lights and the music were almost to much for them to take in. I know that every phase of a child's life is fun in it's own way but I am loving where my kids are at age wise. They love playing together. They get so excited about hings. They have distinct personalities with spunk. The holidays this year have been great so far and I just want to freeze time. I have so much gratitude for all the simple blessings of life and I pray that I can hold this feeling through out the up coming year.

Carlile's go to Disneyland

2011-11-27T08:44:00.000-08:00

We went to Disneyland on a totally raining day for Blake's mom's 50th birthday. All the kids and all the grand kids made it through the rain and had a really fun time. T loved the horses which made E a little braver.

T And daddy watching World of Color. Everything is so much better watching it through a child's eyes. They just light up at all the new experiences.

E got a second wind around 9:30 and started running around main street with his light stick like it was a sword. We have now entered the boy phrase where everything is a gun or a sword.

The two of them all snuggled up trying to stay dry.

Blake and I in a rare photo together. I love this boy that I married. We have a good life and we are very lucky.

E loves Autotopia and this picture captures it.

This is the whole crew who braved the rain and ended up having a great time with no lines but very wet feet.

Hallow's Eve

2011-11-07T17:25:00.000-08:00

Pumpkin patches, tractor rides, my angel and little devil. I love Halloween and all things pumpkin.

Livy is 1! (plus a month)

2011-10-30T21:36:00.000-07:00

So glad you survived a year Livy.....

Livy has been such a beautiful and wonderful blessing to our family. She was a big surprise....oops......how will we ever do this......turned into the sweetest, best addition to our lives. Livy has won her Dad's heart, sucker her brother into loving his playmate and made me realize how fun a girl can be. Here is a few things about Livy:

She hates headbands and hair bows and rips them all out

She knows how to duck from her brother (finally). When he comes running full speed at her trying to knock her down, she sits before he can bulldoze her.

She talks out of one side of her mouth like she's telling a secret.

She is the greatest sleeper. EVER. Since about four months old, Livy has slept through the night,in her own crib. This is a blessing of the Carlile genes I'm sure. Blake can sleep too.

She has a dimple on her right cheek.

She has a huge booty like her brother. Maybe she will maybe a brother. They tend to like juicy boot-tees.

When Livy throws fits she lays herself on the ground, stomach down and lifts her head and screams. She has a flare for the dramatic. Poor thing probably gets that from me.

Livy plays with balls, trucks and cars. My sister gave Livy a doll for her birthday and she carries it around everywhere now. Maybe because it's one toy that E won't take from her.

She has the cutest puffy eyes when she wakes up without enough sleep.

E wakes her up in the morning by turning on their light and putting toys in her crib for her to play with.

She still will go to most people but she's turning into a mamma's girl the last month or so. Before that she was all about her dad.

She will eat anything and I love it. Whole tomatoes, shrimp, spicy pork.

She has a huge crush on our neighbor Kenny. She smiles and laughs whenever she sees him and nuzzles her head into your shoulder.

She loves going on runs, being carried in her ergo and being tickled.

She doesn't like riding the car. We had to start using the sound on the DVD player in the car cause we needed t distract her. Up until this point, E watched movies with no sound.

She loves/hates E. Depends on her nap, his nap and who has what toy.

She is off the bottle and onto sippy cups.

She quit the pacifier about 2 months ago.

She carries her brother's old blue blanket around when she's tired.

She got her ears pierced a month ago.

She likes to dance and do her squats.

Nursery is her favorite and does better than her brother. Too bad she's not legal yet.

Her hair is getting longer and starting to curl at the ends.

Her little birthmark between her eyes is still there and hasn't faded yet, like everyone says it will.

She loves bath time but not washing her hair.

She is the only girl cousin on Blake's side and on my side there is a 7 year age difference between Livy & Avery. She loves all the attention.

She is tougher than her brother. She loves swings and all rides and he is still terrified of the swing!

We love our little Livy Lou.

I don't know how she does it

2011-09-19T17:49:00.000-07:00

Blake and I saw this movie and it was okay. Many people will hate it, but for me there were a lot of painful similarities. The working mom role is that of constant juggling. Blake calls me the juggler. I have a dinner calendar, a work calendar, the kids calendars, Blake's calendar, gym calendar and my calendar all rolled into a mess of schedules, appointments and meetings. I am almost always doing several things at once that I get frustrated when I see other people not being productive. At times I catch myself in this cycle and tell myself to stop and just enjoy one thing in the moment. Playing with my kids is usually my go to. They are so easy to make laugh and I love to see them giggle .

I hated how the movie portrayed stay-at-home moms. I have been blessed with amazing college roommates & sisters that are all beautiful, kind, intelligent mothers who exemplify the role of motherhood. They are not judgemental and are kind. I have also had the unfortunate encounters with what the movie calls "momsters" who make lame comments like:

You're so lucky you get to dress nice and wear heels to work

I'm so jealous that you get to wear make-up everyday

We all have choices and I choose to stay with my children and raise them myself

You're baby doesn't even know who his/her mom is because he is always with the sitter

You should really think about what's best for your family, is working outside the home really that important to your ego?

How do you have time to run? What about your babies?

All those comments have been made to me since I've had babies. Several I heard in the movie and they made me cringe. Whenever I am faced with one of these comments, I cry. I cry because I am lame. I am lame because I feel guilt for not being with my babies all the time and guilt because I let these insecure women get to me again. ( This is when I call one of the previously mentioned moms and force them to give me a pep talk which pretty much says I'm doing the best I can, just like every other mother out there.) And I am lame because I never say the come-back that is on tip of my tongue in response to the lame comments above. I SHOULD say:

You could shower and get out of those sweats too....

I'm jealous that you never have to wear make-up and your hair never is done....

I wish I had the option to play with my kids everyday instead of teaching your children manners and how to read and write....

My babies know who I am and they know that I love them....

My ego doesn't need stroking but apparently yours does with that back-handed comment...

I run with my babies. I run because I love it and they love it. It is not selfish, it is who I am. Maybe you should try working out? Your husband would like it.

Livy......don't grow up and inherit my sassy head.

And E.....grow up to be kind and fun like your daddy.

End of Summer

2011-09-11T08:06:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, we had a hail storm in Southern California and then it turned into a beautiful day. Summer has officially ended in my book. Here are a few of our end of summer activities. Livy making a mess in her favorite place to play. She sits in the bottle drawer and throws all the bottles and aprons out.

No more sleeping in with these two. Ellis would wake up and bring his blanket and crawl into our bed. That has stopped now that school has started and its time to wake up a little earlier.

Exercising with Daddy and TT. He follows Blake outside and tries to do pull-ups and lift the kettle bells. He wants to help Daddy with everything (including moving furniture and fixing anything).

No more Seaworld.......He's screaming as Tiff is trying to help him touch the starfish. End of summer is always hard for me. It's a magical time for our family, when life is a little simpler, my to-do-list is a million times shorter and usually involves kid activities. Fall marks the start of work again and I hate the first month back. After I'm in the swing of things, it's fine but summer is just a blissful time. But end of summer means the holidays are around the corner and new memories are made. These babies are growing up too fast and little Livy is almost one. Why can't Mothers just freeze time.......

I wish I was a photographer......

2011-09-03T09:39:00.000-07:00

I am not good with lighting, all the different buttons and even the staging of a picture. That's why I truely appericate photographers. My mom was not good at taking pictures when I was growing up, and I unfortunately am the same way. Blake's mom was great at it and I love comparing our babies to Blake's pictures. I hope my babies enjoy looking at these family photos as much as I enjoy looking back at mine growing up.

Thank you for these memories Randi.

Yellowstone in Images

2011-07-22T22:50:00.000-07:00

Livy did great in her carseat but we are ready for her to be facing forward, she's ready for more action. Notice she has E's old blue blanket. It's now hers and she grabs it anytime she is ready for sleep.

Livy awake at 1 am as we waited at the canyon junction in park for an accident to clear. It took over two hours. Poor Baby and poor mama. At one point she was crawling in the mini-van eating whatever she could scrap up.

Blake has started training them young. He wants them to know how to shoot.

Ellis was love all things cowboy. He grabs any cowboy hat he sees and runs around yelling "eew-haw" with a broom between his legs. He thinks he's a real cowboy.

This is how Livy sends most of her time. She is always strapped to me and she's cool with it as long as brother is doing something fun to watch.

We made a trip to Cody, WY and visited the Buffalo Bill Museum. This is a silhouette of him, which is about Blake's size but E has got a long way to go.

Probably our favorite night was at the Meadow Creek Rodeo when the Whole Brunt clan was together and we got to tag along. E was in heaven with all the running he got to do and the sucker he got from trying to grab the baby calf.

Enjoying the view of the rodeo with my little man.

Blake had to chase him he whole time. When it was Blake's turn to try and grab a cow, he came so close but ended up face planting in the mud and we all enjoyed the view.

*this is the night that E fell in the creek while I was busy dancing to the country singer. All I heard was Luke yelling, "He's in the water". I turned and ran and Ashley and Blake were pulling a wet little E out as he floated ( or was pulled by the current) down the cold creek on his back. Don't think for a minute that once he was in dry clothes he didn't try to get in again. What a memory.

E loved the lake and playing with the big boys. They were all so nice with him and made him feel included. I guess all boys just want to get dirty and that crosses all age barriers.

They did this almost everyday.

Idaho, we love you. We will long for you all year, until we get to see you again. Thanks for the beautiful company, scenery, and fun memories. You always fill our canteen of happiness and recharge us for whatever the upcoming year brings.

DC 2011

2011-07-22T22:40:00.000-07:00

Great group of Chaperones. I love them all.

Blake in a little bit of trouble....

Brigham Young hanging out in the Capital.

Weiner, before the sign came down. Poor Guy, he just doesn't get it.

A bunch of really great 8th graders and a really smart German.

*****See you next year DC******

Summer Ambitions

2011-06-15T21:07:00.000-07:00

Blake is off at the movies. Both babies are asleep in their beds. I'm left with my to do list which seems never ending. Today was my last day of work and now I'm on summer break (minus chaperoning Disneyland, Washington DC next week and promotion on Friday). Every summer I am surprised how fast it goes, but the past two I have been pregnant and that always eats up your energy. I'm looking forward to lazy days, running when I feel like it and not at 5am or 5pm, and laughing with Livy & E.
So here's my ten things to cross off my to do list this summer :

1) Start and almost finish Livy's first year scrapbook.
2) Make Livy's "Olivia" sign for her room.
3) Clean out and organize my recipes.
4) Relax at my favorite place on earth with some of my favorite people on earth.
Yellowstone is summer to me. And so is this girl.
This was four summers ago which for me was pre-Blake and babies......WOW (a lot has changed)

5) Throw E a birthday party. We want to start the tradition of having a "friends" birthday party every even year. That means E gets one this year even though he doesn't really know who his friends are yet. Since I never posted any pictures of his first birthday, here are a few.

Family shot with Livy in my tummy. The cake that made me realize that I have no talent at cake decorating.

6) Spend time with two new nephews making their appearance any day now and in about a month.

7) Plan a BIG vacation (international) before I get pregnant again. I am living on borrowed time people. Most likely Greece.

8) Beach trips, hiking trips, park trips, swimming, play dates and laughing with my babies.

9)Set budget goals and live by them. (Possibly cash only. Anyone tried this and have any helpful tips?)
10)A weekend away with my Husband because as he puts it, "I like vacation Melissa so much more than regular Melissa." Duh....no stress!

Ahhhhh Summer. sigh. so hopeful. always too short.

Big Lights Will Inspire You, They'll Make You Feel Brand New

2011-06-06T21:49:00.000-07:00

New York New York We spent four days with this old friend and her beautiful family. We went to the Statue of Liberty. Ate great food. Stayed up laughing. Ate treats. Walked the city. Ate more yummy food. Ran the bridge. Learned Washington Heights. Fell in love with her park and Apartment. Ate more food. Rode bikes in Central park. Shopped without kids. Walking food tour of the city. Only took two pictures the whole trip. Loved her babies. Missed my own babies. Enjoyed my husband. I heart New York and the Allen family.

Came home to this and a whole lot of packing. That's right we moved again. The fourth time in three years. But we couldn't be happier.

They love each other and are starting to play so nicely.

And now for a whole lot more playing. 7 days of school left. Game on.

Mothers

2011-05-08T21:15:00.000-07:00

I feel very lucky to have two great Mothers and two even better Grandmas.

Who are very supportive and playful with my kids. They love them regardless of anything else.

They are always willing to watch them and help out whenever needed. Happy Mother's day. Hope that both had a wonderful day even though we couldn't be with you.

More Arizona

2011-04-28T17:55:00.000-07:00

E is so protective of Livy and sometimes she loves it!

The only failed attempt of our two babies, 3 months apart but the same size.

Luke also drove E around like a pro and E thought he was the coolest!

Thank you Henries for a wonderful trip!

How you stay cool in Arizona

2011-04-28T17:33:00.000-07:00

We visited the Henries and while Weston was in school, this is what Luke and E did.

They thought this was the greatest thing ever. They played like this for 1/2 an hour which is like 5 hours in a toddler's attention span.Luke just pushed it for E and then had me push it for him cuz E kept running in it when it was his turn to hold it.

I'd like to thank the taxpayers in the community for paying for this, the boys had fun!

Fire Academy

2011-04-23T08:32:00.000-07:00

This is how we spent our Tuesday night. E & I hung out on the side while Blake and his buddies did this.....

All the recruits of the Palomar Fire Academy.

The bagpipes that E was pretty excited about.

This is the closest picture of Blake that I got.

E is so excited to have his daddy home. I just have to brag for a minute as a proud wife. Blake received the recruit of the academy award. And he would kill me if he knew I was putting that on the blog.

Livy was perfectly behaved as usual. E was cool until he saw a lady walk in with two of his favorite things, a balloon and a fire truck. He became so fascinated that he wouldn't stop saying"balloon" and "truck" over and over again and louder and louder each time. I had to eventually walk him closer to it.

The nice lady with the balloon, happened to be one of Blake's good friend's mom. So she ended up giving it to E. From that point on he wouldn't let go of it. It spent two days in our car and no it's by his bed. Truck + Balloon= True Love

I'm so proud of Blake that he's one step closer to his dream job. And we get him home again! Yeah!

Blake's mom and all his siblings drove down to show their support. Thanks for all making the trip.

Uncle Jeff & E

2011-04-03T08:54:00.000-07:00

They play video games together. Some with pants....some without.

They ride horses.

E struggling to make his tractor move before the quarters run out.

The melt- down is about to begin....

Full Blown melt-down.....

Mad at Jeff because he wants to do it himself.....

Hysterically trying to tell Jeff to STOP and let him do it by himself.......

Jeff trying to calm him down and show him he was trying to help......

Finally an understanding and a smile breaks through. Sometimes being a toddler can be so rough!

* In all seriousness, Jeff has lived with me the past 5 months while Blake has been in the academy and he's great with E. Sometimes I'll call him and ask him to come down to the garage to help me carry the babies up the stairs and he does. He's been a trooper with my kids and we'll miss him, but we're excited to have Blake home in two more weeks. Life is good!

This is how we play

2011-03-20T12:48:00.000-07:00

Livy Loves E. She thinks he is the funniest guy around.

If Livy's crying, E runs to get me to pull me to wherever she is. He's a good big brother.

Livy also tells E exactly when she is not happy with him. If he accidentally steps on her, takes her toy or kisses to rough, she screams bloody murder in his ear. I think it is hysterical.

E had just pulled her up onto his lap. She really let him have it for this one. Despite his failed attempts at being "soft" with her, I really love watching them interact. Everyone has said from the beginning, "you'll love having them so close because they'll play so nice with each other." I have to admit, they do love each other, which warms my heart.

President's Day

2011-03-16T21:22:00.000-07:00

This is how you do President's day when your mom teaches History. Poor kids.....They'll be going to Civil War reenactments their whole childhood.

Babes and Birthdays

2011-03-16T21:13:00.000-07:00

As much as I hate this whole fire academy thing. I love seeing these cousins more. These two both had their own burger at Owen's Birthday dinner.

These two bald headed babes were happy to be hanging out.

This guy is four already. I remember holding him when was just a few weeks old and just loving him more than I thought possible. I was single at the time and had a week of spring break to spend with my first nephew. Owen, you'll always be my buddy! I hope E grows up to be as cool as you are!

Beach days in Winter with Cousin T

2011-03-05T14:54:00.000-08:00

Everyone always asks how I carry both of the babies. Here is a perfect example of life at this point in time.

Christmas at Grandma T's...a little late

2011-02-15T18:18:00.000-08:00

Pretty Livy loving all the attention.

E making a BIG mess with all the Styrofoam from all the gifts.

His cousins all join in to help him.

A very nice grandma just let them play and spent the whole next day cleaning up the mess.

Grateful

2011-02-15T17:12:00.000-08:00

Life has been a little crazier than usual. Blake is attending Fire Academy so he isn't around during the week. My Brother & Sister are letting him crash on their couch in San Marcos till he's done. But with all the craziness I have been so thankful for all my blessings.

Happy little Livy- She has turned in to the sweetest little thing. She hated my milk so now that we have her on half formula, she is much happier. I love her little dimple on her right side when she smiles. She still has blue eyes and I keep waiting for them to change. She loves her brother and thinks he is the funniest guy ever. Her scream/cry still sounds like a pterodactyls, but her laugh is adorable

2. Crazy Mr. E- he keeps me laughing with all his new adventures. He climbs anywhere and runs everywhere. I found him inside his sister's bassinet this morning. With her in it! He is getting 10 new teeth right now and his smart mom took away his bottle last week. Whoops!

3. My sisters- We are all very different and bring a lot of different viewpoints to the table but each one has great intentions and is willing to help whenever asked or whenever they see a need. My mom has set that example for us and I appreciate all the help that she gives to each of us and that we give to each other.

4. Blake's family-We got three Valentine's cards in the mail from different relatives. They are always so kind and thoughtful. Blake's sister, T, comes over and babysits whenever I have class or YW or anything that I can't bring the kids too at night.

5. Our new ward- I am humbled each week by the ward members who offer to help or who see a need and just do it. We haven't even been in the ward 6 months and already I feel like there are
plenty of people that I could ask for help if the kids got sick or I needed to take one to the doctor. They have been loving and welcoming and have made us all feel included and loved.

6. Our new apartment- We live 5 minutes from everything we need (target, Costco, trader joes, gym, work, church, daycare and restaurants and movies). We have plenty of storage, a kids playground, a nice pool & hot tub and WASHER/DRYER.

7. Vanessa & her family- Our daycare lady and her sweet family. They have taken our babies and loved them. E gets excited to go and play with her son and I know that Livy is watched and cared for. Being a "working mom" has it's added stress and I feel SO blessed to have found someone that I am comfortable with that is so flexible.

8. Blessings of Tithing......somehow we are surviving.

9. My single life that lasted long enough- I have no regrets about what "I didn't get to do before I was married and had children". I learned some important lessons through some very hard years but there were a lot of great friends along the way. Right now, I feel lucky if I get to talk to one of my friends for longer than 5 minutes, so all those nights out and vacations during my single life were awesome.

10. Blake- Anyone who knows him, loves him. He is kind and helpful and works SO hard. He loves me with all my flaws and helps me to be better. He kicks a** as a father and helps whenever he can. I dated enough creeps to feel eternally grateful that I ended up with such a good guy. When I think of how my life life would have been different if I had chosen a different route which at times seemed easier, I want to cry at how much better my life is with Blake. He is my buddy and I hope I get a long, long future with him and this great life that we are creating.

*Life is good, I am very lucky and very grateful.*

E's latest mischief

2010-12-30T15:26:00.000-08:00

Fruit snacks in his hair on a long car trip. He's not wearing a shirt because he barfed on two different shirts during that car trip.

Totally asleep.....holding himself in place with a few toes.

Bathtub with all of his clothes on. He does this one A LOT!

This is where he runs to anytime the fridge is opened. He thinks it's his chair.

We love E and all the adventure he brings to our lives.

Christmas

2010-12-30T15:19:00.000-08:00

Happy Family

Reindeer

E with his new family (He acts better for them)

Snow+ Baby in snow clothes= yummy

Typical Santa picture

Pretty Little Livy

Live Nativity

Swaddling clothes and a manger....The reason for the season! Merry Christmas. We felt the love of our Savior this season.

Big Brother

2010-12-23T07:22:00.000-08:00

E has been doing great with Livy and we couldn't be happier. He tries to be soft with her and even gives her kisses. He loves to hold her and always tries to walk off with her because he thinks he is soooooooo strong. He's getting bigger but those cheeks aren't fading.

Blake says it's like kissing Jello.

Life with two is finally transitioning.

Nightmares

2010-12-07T08:06:00.001-08:00

* This was a different life with different stresses. Oh Thailand....you were perfect.*

Last night I woke up from a horrible nightmare. I have bad nightmares sometimes that cause me to wake up in total fear. This one was really scary to me but funny to most people.

It was a Saturday morning and I was living in my old house down in Huntington Beach. I went to my regular gym class with my roommates and then to breakfast after. Then we went shopping (and I had money to spend) and then finally to lay at the beach. (Sounds like the perfect day right?) Then my friend Kjo asked me what time I had to go on my date that night. The whole perfect day was over and I was single again and had to go out with some loser who thought the world of himself.

My life may be total chaos at times right now, but I am GRATEFUL for this chaos and not any other. I'm glad I never have to go on a first date again.

Livy is 2 months

2010-12-02T07:35:00.000-08:00

Little Livy is 2 months old and she has been drastically neglected on this blog. She is such a drastic difference from Mr. E. She is so feminine looking and always smells good. (E came out smelling like a boy and he has always been a dirty little thing).

She is such a stubborn little girl and so strong. She thinks she can stand and already does the back arch. She lifts her head really well and is constantly moving. She has rolled over about 15 times already. I don't mention all these things to say "look how great our kid is", in fact I find all these accomplishments a little disturbing. Blake & I have been praying since before she was born that she would be safe and that we would be able to protect her from our aggressive Mr. E. Maybe this is Heavenly Father's way of protecting her, by making her so strong.

My mom said over Thanksgiving, "Olivia has cured my love of newborns." It sounds harsh coming from the grandma, but she meant that Livy is not your typical newborn. She has to be wrestled to sleep in such a tight hold that you feel like you are hurting her. She is not a snuggler like her brother.

We love our little Livy and her independent spirit. She loves her bath time and her binkie. She loves her brother and smiles for him all the time. E has learned how to be soft with her and is doing pretty well unless she's wearing a bow, then he rips it out of her hair. He even talks to her in a special "soft" voice ( really it is a high pitched voice).

Livy and E are destined to be great friends (maybe E's only friend if we don't get his aggression under control) and we feel blessed to have both of these babies in our home.

Pumpkin patch

2010-11-23T07:14:00.000-08:00

E was big enough this year to really enjoy the pumpkin patch. He wanted to run and climb on everything. He was in heaven.

He thinks he's so big. Here he is trying to pull down the wooden corn in the middle of the corn maze.

E chased Blake the whole maze. This event inspired our desire to get him a leash. We now own a beautiful monkey backpack/leash, which I'm sure will be featured in many upcoming pictures.

Little Livvy trying to get in on the fun. (I know this has turned into E's blog and we need more pictures of her. I'm on it. )

Oh Tanaka, we love you. Next year we'll spend more time there. Until next year then........

Disneyland Fun

2010-11-17T11:15:00.001-08:00

Teacups

Firetrucks

Climbing

Treehouses

Family Fun...Who doesn't love Disneyland

E's new adventures, AKA Pig-Pen

2010-11-17T10:38:00.000-08:00

E's a big brother and now he wants to show his sister all his great tricks! He reminds us of Pig-Pen but we love him. Dirt and all.

E loves to feed himself. He doesn't actually eat very much but he knows how to play with it. Most kids dump the bowl on their heads.....E dips his head in the bowl. Notice the cereal on his forehead.

He LOVES the toilet and tries to get in it anytime he can. We had to put a kid lock on it to try and keep him from dipping his head in here also. But apparently the kid lock only stops adults from using the toilet because E was able to get his whole popper toy in the toilet.

Other mischievous acts this kid has been up too:

Opening the oven and climbing in.

Putting his Halloween hat in said oven without mommy knowing it until she smelled the burning felt.

Threw Mom's shoe over the balcony.

Climbed out of the bathtub and brought half of the water with him, then popped on the tile, and when I told him "No", he ran and peed on the carpet.

Pooped in the Henrie's shower ( Which his older friends were not impressed by).

Several attacks on his cousin Owen who now screams "he's trying to bite me" anytime E is within 10 feet of him.

Steals Olivia's blanket when she is sleeping.

Dips dad's toothbrush in the toilet.

Climbs onto the table and throws fruit from the basket into the trashcan.

Eats anything from the trash or off the ground that he can ( So maybe sometimes I leave his lunch on the ground so he'll come and finish it later.)

He's a dirty little kid who reminds me of Pig-Pen from Charlie Brown but we love him.

10/1/10- A perfect day for a new baby girl!

2010-10-21T10:09:00.000-07:00

Everyone always tells you that the second time around is so much easier than the first and in my case it was true. I started feeling contractions on Thursday night and then went to the hospital on Friday morning. Once we got checked in, Olivia Kate arrived a few hours later. Blake was so convinced that it was going to take a while that he went to go get lunch and I kept texting him to hurry and get back because I really needed to push. Once Blake got there, Olivia came twenty minutes later.
Ellis arrived with Coco about an hour later and he did great. Granted he had no clue what was going on but still, no major meltdowns. Here he is with Blake being bribed with a new toy.

Little Livy has had an eventful 2.5 weeks so far. We moved a week after she was born. When I say "we" moved, I should say our families and Blake moved. I wasn't very helpful.
Ever since the move, Livy has been trying to block out the noise........( Guess what Livy, Ellis isn't going away)

We are all adjusting to life as a family of four with two in diapers, who don't speak, have to be carried everywhere and are prone to crying fits. Life is always interesting over here but I have been loving staying at home with everyone.

Thanks for all the well wishes and love and if I haven't called you back, it's on my to do list. The only problem is my to do list doesn't get done anymore. Be patient with me. I will come out of this two baby coma phase eventually.

E the stinker

2010-09-22T04:09:00.000-07:00

This is how most people see E. Blonde. Whining. And a little dirty.

He does however smile and laugh a lot. He loves to play and if he has to take a time out to sleep, eat, change his pants or go inside....he loses it. He's just a curious kid that wants to get into everything. He plays really nicely with Roy and June (b/c she can still beat him up) and just wants to be able to do everything that kids twice his age can do. He is simply frustrated by his limitations.

Grandma T gave him this tractor for his big Birthday and it was love at first sight. You can always tell when Blake is watching him b/c he usually doesn't have clothes on. Blake tells me all the time that he would be so much happier if he didn't have to wear clothes. ( I'm not sure if that's b/c of E or if Blake would be happier!)

Blake & I did get a chance to sneak away while we were in Vegas with the Weenigs to go see Phantom of the Opera with Marcus & Tammi. It was great.......mainly because we had spent the whole day swimming, exhausting the kids before we went and then got to have a nice adult dinner as well.

If you ask the boys the best part of the trip was their 4 hour stop at the pinball museum. Blake has now added a pinball machine to his Christmas list.

This captures E at this phase in time. He hasn't mastered communication yet.

Since the Last post, we're been to

Utah (2x)
Northern CA
Vegas with the Weenig family
Two Brunt Weddings
E's 1st Birthday ( one day I'll post those pictures)
Had numerous G & G visits

and I've yet to take any pictures of those trips. Maybe it's cuz I'm pregnant. Maybe I just stink at taking pictures or maybe I re lie to much on pictures from family & friends. Either way, E is getting screwed.

Before this little girl comes, I wanted to let E know how much I love the little bugger. His world is in for a major overhaul and the kid knows something is up. I have three days of work left till I start my maternity leave and E has been bounced back and forth for the last two weeks while his parents juggle two work schedules. To say that he hasn't adjusted well would be putting it nicely. ( Thank you to Coco & my kind friends who have tried to love him during his manic breakdowns. )

E thinks he's big and likes to play with big boys & girls. In fact I'm pretty much terrified to let him play with kids his own age b/c he beats them up. He's the bully that pulls hair, hits and takes toys from other kids. He's not mean spirted, he just craves fun ALL the time. He is always on the move and has the best little giggle. He may not be the sweetest kid on the block but E has every kid beat with his little laugh.

Lately all he wants to do is cuddle his mom. I will sit down after work and he'll just snuggle under my arm or lay across my big belly just to get closer. He'll sit there for a good twenty minutes just happy as can be. I get a little sad thinking about how much he will struggle in the next few months with his little sister but in the end, he won't even remember life without her.

Blake made the realization the other day that we've been married for about 27 months and that I've been pregnant for almost 20 of those months. Blake's been a champ and so has E but both of them want a more energized version of me back. ( So do I!)

I love my boys so dearly that it stuns me. Motherhood is a gift. It can be frustrating and tiresome but I pray that I always remember that the only thing that really matters in life is that my little family feels loved and that I am SO lucky to be able to supply them with that unconditional love. I'm excited and nervous to see what this next year brings but I welcome the change. We've only got a few days left as a family of three so I am going to try to snuggle MR. E as much as humanly possible.

River Time

2010-07-31T14:29:00.001-07:00

We were a little worried as to how E would handle the river trip. But we think he loved it....

This was Blake's view most of the trip. Blake paddled while I wrestled with E and tried to stop him from jumping in.

Roy took a spill in the very beginning and the water is very cold but he was a trooper with Gentry the rest of the trip.

The cute soon to be newlyweds......

Seth and Ash and the boys.....

Cute Leah & June.....

This is always one of our favorite activities and this year it was even better with great friends and fun little kids.

Yellowstone fun

2010-07-28T08:03:00.000-07:00

We love going to Idaho and being surrounded by beauty. We took E up to the top of Sawtelle and this is the only only smile we got. The wind was fierce and a bit chilly so I think he was a little shocked.

The view was breathtaking. It drove some people to hit golf balls, some kids to play in the remaining snow and someone else to propose!

*Congrats Johnny & Paige*

E loved helping Dad drive through the Park. We actually saw 7 bears in one day. Crazy stuff.

We got to spend the day driving with this guy. Luckily he shares our love of chocolate and long stretches of silence. E loved Ryan and he made him giggle over and over again. This is at Lower Falls in the park.

Lamar Valley is usually the least traveled part of the park and it might be my favorite. It's so beautiful and has a totally different feel than the rest of the Park. Maybe next year Blake will actually get to see Old Faithful. * He did see 7 bears though!

Until next year, my cherished friend. We'll miss you Yellowstone!

DC trip with the 8th Graders

2010-07-16T08:17:00.000-07:00

Every year I take a group of students to Washington DC and this year Blake came with me. It was so much more better having Blake with me. Poor little E had to stay home with Grandma but he'll come one year.

Blake's cousin Brett came around with us one night and visited all the monuments. Brett's kind of a big deal in DC so we felt lucky that he reserved a few hours for us.

Early that day, Brett's Dad, Gary, went to Arlington Cemetery with us. This day set record highs in the DC area for the heat. Aren't we lucky that we got to be part of this historical day? Gary braved the heat much better than we did but then again, he lives in Saudi Arabia.

Later that day, I asked our tour guide why I never saw ANY pregnant girls while I was in DC. His respond was that they just didn't go outside in the summer....that's what air conditioning is for. Nice. I told him, I would try and not be pregnant next year.

E's first Big Boy haricut

2010-07-16T08:01:00.000-07:00

We timed it perfect so that right as Blake was finishing his haircut, E woke up from a nap and was still pretty groggy. He had no idea what hit him.

Coco worked her magic and E sat still on Daddy's lap. He's had the sides and back trimmed before but this was his first experience with the chair and getting sprayed down.

He has no idea what is happening. I love how much he looks like his dad in this picture.

San Francisco here we come.......

2010-07-16T07:49:00.000-07:00

The week before school got out, we made a trip to Northern CA to visit with Blake's family and to go to one of his friend's wedding. While we were there, Travis and E were up to all their old tricks. We had to get a picture documenting the boys with their matching T-shirts.

E was throwing a major fit in the car and nothing would calm him down until I gave him the chapstick and then he fell asleep. He slept like this for over an hour until I finally took it out.

E was flirting it up big time at the wedding with this cute little thing. They were chasing each other around a chair and giggling whenever they would look back at one another.

We had some birthdays.....

2010-06-08T20:24:00.000-07:00

Carter and Ellis got to play/ stare really close at the TV ( obviously it was a song on Yo Gabba Gabba).

E was allowed to sleep in his high chair while watching TV.....

He got to hang out with this silly guy a lot. All because I went to Vegas with my girlfriends for our 30th birthdays. Thank you Blaker for being such a great husband and Dad. E loves spending time with you.

And I loved spending time with these girls. We shopped, ate and spent a day at the pool. It was heaven. GT's with amazing women. Can't wait for next year. 30 will be alright.....

Where is Travy Pants?

2010-05-29T00:01:00.000-07:00

Somebody came for a nice long visit and then left poor little E by himself.

These two best buds LoVeD each other. They got along and wrestled all day long.

Even the Costco trip was tolerable because they had a buddy sitting next to them. (Sidenote....I will start doing all my shopping at Costco in the next few months since they have two child seats in their carts).

E went to his first Angels game and so did Travy. E's having withdrawals every morning when he looks around for his playmate and he's not there. Come back soon Travis. We miss you.....

Last but not least

2010-05-06T20:34:00.000-07:00

This little guy is getting so big. He's my little love and he brings so much joy into my life. Sometimes Blake teases me cuz I hold him when he's asleep instead of putting him in his crib. As my time with just him grows closer to an end, I cherish the moments when I get to play with him and make him giggle without anyone else around. Motherhood is a huge job, but I've really tired to slow down to focus on this little guy. Maybe friendships have slipped. Maybe I'm not as social. Maybe I don't look as good. Maybe my house is messier. But I get to lay on the ground and make my little man giggle. His giggle is so great and he throws his head back as if to say, "oh mom, you are the funniest." I'll take it before he realizes I'm not at all. All the rest can wait.

E's playmate had his first birthday. Carter was so cute about the cake and keeping himself clean and then E came over and just grabbed a fistful. These two have such different personalities and I love seeing them grow together. I see so much Coco in Carter and so much Blake in E. So the next generation begins.

My mom let the grandkids live out their White trash fantasy and play in a blow up pool in the front yard at the party. Cousin Owen kept pushing E's face in the water and E would rub his eyes, spit out the water and keep going. Owen better watch out, theres a new brut on the block. He sure has such an adventurous spirit when it comes to water. Swings are a whole other story.

There it is. Three new posts. That should count for at least three weeks right?

Malfatto got married. It's an end of an Era.

2010-05-06T20:07:00.000-07:00

Blake & I left E at home with my Mom for the first weekend away from him to see John Malfatto get married. We were amazed at how much easier it is to travel without a baby when we only had to pick up one bag at the airport. We missed E but it was so beautiful in Oregon that we really enjoyed ourselves. We were able to visit with a bunch of my friends from college and it was great to catch up and laugh.

I got to spend a lot of one on one time with this favorite girl. She's like 7 months pregnant here and you can barely tell. Beauty. Natural beauty. We went to see a movie which is a rarity for both of us these days and we were beyond annoyed at how cheesy it was. In all fairness the ticket guy totally warned us how bad it was. Our first clue should have been Miley Ctrus was in it. Blah. But the coke and the candy made it all worth it.

This beautiful wedding was perfect for these two stunners. The reception was at this picturesque barn and everything fit them from the food to the flowers. Krista is perfect for John and she makes him so happy. John is one of those loyal friends who stands by you no matter how crazy life gets. It was apparent that most of his friends feel the same way since tons of them flew and then drove a while to get to the wedding. The whole weekend was perfect and it made me want to move to Oregon and chase E through all the grassy hills and daunting trees. Say goodbye to the concrete in CA and live in the fog and greenery. Maybe a move is in the near future?

*Krista's dress was perfection. Plus she's pretty hot so that helped a little.

Brett's Wedding

2010-05-06T19:35:00.000-07:00

We went to Utah over Spring break for my baby cousin's wedding and while we were there we got to visit with Woffinden's side of the family. It was the first time that all the relatives have been together since we were little. This is a four generation shot with my Grandma Black, my mom, & E. Ignore the fact that he drools a lot.

E spent much of the reception trying to jump out of my arms. He's such a happy little guy but always busy.

I'm the worst at actually taking out my camera and getting pictures. I spent so much time that weekend smiling for pictures that when I got home I was shocked that I only had a few of the whole weekend. Apparently all the pictures I smiled for are on someone else camera .( Jen?)

This is my cousin Kellie and my nephew Carter. E was over the pictures at this point.

The family shot with the beautiful bride and groom. We had so much fun and it made me miss all my cousins.

Cafe Rio love

2010-03-21T21:21:00.000-07:00

Great- Grandma Janice & her sister Maureen came down for a quick visit and so did Aunt Julie so we got to meet them at one of our favorite places....Cafe Rio. Speaking off, the new Cafe Rio that they are building down the street from us now has an official "coming soon "sign. We can't even contain the excitement. Jealous much?

Cousin Time

2010-03-21T21:05:00.000-07:00

Drew came to visit us on New Years day and the boys had so much fun together. Or the Mom's and Dad's had so much fun together and the boys didn't really have a clue what was going on.

But they were holding hands a whole lot. Ignore the fact that they are only 6 weeks apart and Ellis looks like he could eat cute little Drew.

The matching Christmas P.J.'s picture, which is long overdue.

Carter & E were definitely more excited about the wrapping paper than the Christmas presents.

Trip to Polluck Pines

2010-03-21T20:36:00.000-07:00

Right after Christmas we went up to Visit Grandma Tracy and Great- Grandma Toni & Great Grandpa Cleave in Polluck Pines, CA.

We had a blast hanging our with the family and hiking in the woods. Little E got to see his first snow.

Cleave & Toni cooked and cleaned for us all weekend! The boys did their best to wreck havoc on everything they came in contact with.

Close Talkers

2010-02-17T08:31:00.000-08:00

The brillant Jerry Seinfeld put it perfectly:

Jerry (Beginning of show): I really feel as human beings, we need more training in our basic social skills.
Conversational Distance, don't you hate these people that talk into your mouth like you're a clown at a drive-through?

SO I have a student who doesn't understand the meaning of Personal Space. When he asks me a question he gets out of his chair and gets about an inch and a half from my face and asks me in a creepy whisper ( with HORRIBLE breath) what the homework is. I know as a teacher I'm supposed to love and treat all students equally, but I can't with this kid. He creeps me out. So this a cry for help. Mothers, teach your children about personal space. I'm begging you.

In other news; E rolled off the couch. I failed. I felt guilty for the next two days. He survived without any bumps or cuts but I still failed. He let out a cry that I will forever remember. A cry that said, "Mom, where were you when I needed you? Why did you let this happen to me?" He stopped crying seconds after I picked him up and I don't think he'll ever remember it, but for now I do. Sad little E....

Outside= Happiness

2010-02-10T09:14:00.000-08:00

Ellis just loves going outside. If he's screaming or crying ( they are different) going outside will calm him down. He loves going on runs and being in Blake's arms while he's chasing the neighborhood kids. He stares, drools, giggles and smiles. So this rain is really putting a damper in our routine. I know we need it but come on, there is a reason why we live in sunny Southern California. Rain is great...but breaks from the rain are also needed. So Rain PLEASE go away!

Plus I'm a wimp and don't run in the rain. I am missing my afternoon pick me up. maybe that's the real reason I'm complaining.....

Nothing but his Cowboy Boots On

2010-02-04T11:49:00.000-08:00

This little stinker isn't sleeping very much. He wants to be in bed with Mommy which means that last night I woke up to Blake on the ground. E was all over the bed with arms stretched wide and Blake had a sheet on the ground. Troubles....

Good thing that we finally invested in a bigger bed. It should come tomorrow!!!! Blake is a big guy and E ends up in our bed more often then he should. Plus, I'm Pregnant again.

It's not a joke, and if you feel the need to make a silly comment, please tell someone else because I don't think I will be very nice if you say it to me. Share your REAL opinions with a spouse, mother or neighbor and let me take in this shocking news myself. I don't need anyone else's shock.

The bright side is that E loves little kids and I know he'll love to have a playmate so close in age. (Like all three same age boy cousins weren't enough!)

This little guy lights up our world and we know that the next one will bless us just as much as E does. If you have heard him giggle, you know what I'm talking about. My favorite part of the day is walking through the door and seeing his big smile. Drool and all.

* All of these great pictures are his 6 month shots courtesy of the one and only Chris Pittman. **

Carter & E

2010-01-19T11:11:00.001-08:00

Carter is always willing to help Little E out. He's his big cousin who watches out for him. He helps sit up and always has his back.

Carter does operate under the philosophy of "If I'm going down, I'm taking you with me."

They spend time hanging out at Grandma's house together and they always have each other to play with. They both love their Uncle Jeff or JT or what ever he's changed his name to this week.

Carter shares his toys with E, even his favorite tool set.

E is really lucky to have 3 same-age boy cousins. The oldest lives in Northern CA and the youngest lives in San Diego so we don't see them as often as Carter who is only ten minutes away. With all the cousins around, E has built in friends!

It's a lot of reading, but blogging is the new journal, Right?

2010-01-15T09:32:00.000-08:00

We debated the whole Christmas letter issue this year in our household. I LOVE receiving them but felt kind of cheesy sending them. Growing up we'd always get a few sent to my family that we'd all just laugh at. The whole"my child is perfect and in every honors class including PE, plays three instruments and just won the state championship in soccer" isn't really my style. I'm pretty sure that all parents think their children are the greatest ( and they should) but does the rest of the world need to hear each parent's misguided opinion. I remember a conversation a few years ago where my roommate and I ( both teachers) were listening to some friends tell us that their child was BRILL ANT, of the Genius stature. They were really concerned about this kid's education and thought for sure they would have to send the kid away to some special school because he was sooooooooooo much more advanced than other children. The kid was three. The kid is now in kindergarten. At a public school. And can't even read yet. Not really a Genius in my book. That whole tangent is to say that parents can go a little overboard. But I do love the Christmas updates. I love hearing from college roommates, cousins, and friends who I don't keep up with near as much as I should. The letters give me those updates. SO..................Here are the Carlile Family updates:

Blake- He's now in his internship for becoming a paramedic. He loves what he's doing and he really has a knack for it. At church he teaches the 11 & 12 year old boys in primary. He comes home with the funniest stories. He's a father, at 25. He admitted the either day that he doesn't really like babies. They are "kinda boring to him." Sweet. ( Does he know we have a 6 month old?) He loves to play with Ellis but doesn't always like doing the other stuff like diapers, putting him to bed or cleaning up after him. All humor aside, Blake is a wonderful Dad and I've grown to love him even more seeing him in this role.

Melissa- I'm still teaching 8th grade US history honors. I've got great students and I love my school. I started a new class this year and it is exhausting. I teach AVID which is basically study & life skills to 11 year olds. At church I teach the Miamaids (14-16 girls). I just can't escape that age group. I'm slower than I once was and dream of being a fast runner again. I'm a little softer physically and emotionally these days. I love being a mother and I just can't get enough of E.

Ellis- He's 6 months old now. WOW. How did that happen? He lost all of his dark hair and now has blonde peach fuzz everywhere. He's got the biggest butt I've ever seen on a baby. He's sitting up and eating peas& sweet potatoes now. He drools everywhere and has to wear a bib or all of his shirts are soaking wet. He loves to go on runs and loves to be outside. He started sleeping in his big boy crib this week and is no longer in the same room with us. He loves playing with his cousins and gets really excited to see his neighbor friend Avery. She's two but she plays so nice with him and he giggles whenever he sees her. He's a total mommas boy too. Which I hate ( no one else can put him to sleep, with out a total meltdown on his part), but I kind of love it at the same time. (The whole working mom scenario is just a hotbed of guilt!) He's my favorite and I have to admit that could just stare that him all night long. This morning when I went to kiss him goodbye, he was smiling in his sleep. My love.

So that is the Carlile's update for 2009. Welcome in 2010 and all the surprises it may bring since our 2009 suprise was such a great one!

And for those friends that did send Christmas letters, keep them coming.....we didn't make fun of yours.

This one is dedicated to Raffy!

2010-01-06T09:52:00.000-08:00

This guy's name is Raffy and he might be E's best friend. I'm not a big toy person and haven't gotten E too many. Stuffed animals always seem like a waste to me, but I have to admit that Raffy has become a treasure at our house. Our friend Cory( you might remember her from a previous post as E's girlfriend where he had a hand up her shirt) gave Raffy to us as our first baby gift. I thought it was sweet but never did I realize how loved this little Giraffe would later be. E sleeps pretty well on his own but if he's struggling to fall asleep, all it takes is one stroke of Raffy's fur and E is a goner. He is instantly out. Thank you Cory! Raffy you are welcomed anytime!

He may be a big boy, but he loves to snuggle his Raffy! Doesn't this picture make you want to snuggle him!

Uncle Marcus has got Tricks

2010-01-03T16:29:00.000-08:00

E Money's crash landing.....

Loving the Trick....

Looking for Mom and thinking "What the....."

Ellis' visit with Santa?????

2009-12-23T08:27:00.001-08:00

Ellis was not scared at all of Santa. I wonder why? All the other kids in our apartment complex were terrrified. Ellis acted chilll, like Santa was an old friend.

This was actually the only family shot we got. It was pouring outside all day and we were just starting to dry off. Does anyone else notice how hairy Santa's knee is? Awkward.

Santa came by to help us pick out a paint color. He was really helpful. Thanks Santa!

Father & Son Bonding

2009-12-23T08:19:00.000-08:00

Since Blake spends quality time in this room in the house, Ellis decided it was time to join him. I love this pictured because both boys looked at me like they were shocked and hurt when I took this picture. Ellis is ready to party and Daddy is just waking up. This is regular occurrence at our house. Ellis has really warmed up to Blake. He's realized that when Dad is around.....it's play time.

Grandma came to visit

2009-12-05T16:50:00.000-08:00

Grandma Tracy came last month and little E fell in love. He was held nonstop and got sooooo much attention. I kinda liked it too cuz I came home from work and dinner was ready two nights in a row.

Still Blogging about all the updates.

2009-10-15T20:52:00.001-07:00

While I was in Utah we made a quick stop to see the Woffindens. It's funny how much that house feels like home. My "Same Age Cousin", Krista had a little girl a week before me. Molly & Ellis are now the second generation of same age cousins. Molly is beautiful and so perfect. We look forward to many adventures with cousin Molly.

Blake & I went to our friend's 30th birthday and his wife threw a amazing dinner party that was a murder mystery party. Blake was a member of a boy band trying to make a comeback. I was "Pop Princess" who's career had slowed own since the birth of my two sons. Sound familiar....... Ellis was just an added acesssory. It was a great night and I think Blake liked having his ears pireced a little two much.

Ellis was spoiled the whole weekend by all these beautiful ladies. He even got a late night movie with the girls after the reception. ( Isn't Em's headband amazing....I covet it everytime I look at this picture)

Kjo got married! We Flew into SLC to be there for the infamous Kristie Jones wedding. It was beautiful and so was she. We stayed at her new house and had a really great time catching up.

Ellis is 3 months

2009-10-15T20:21:00.001-07:00

These are a few of the changes with Mr E..... Blake loves playing with Ellis now that Ellis plays back. Now that he's a big boy he laughs at his Daddy all the time. No more tantrums!

Little E in his running stroller. He loves to go fast. Thank you again Kirsten , Tracy & Aunt Merritt! How did we live without the BOB? He has become my new best Friend. He's reliable, supportable, stable and always there for me when I'm stressed out. He can handle any terrain and Ellis loves him too. He's always patient with me and is sensitive to my moods. He's swift, takes directions well and makes my life easier.

These are what we call his friends. He loves to play on his mat now that he has figured out how to kick it to make the friends move. PS. He is wearing a dress and he loves it. We were with Ashley and her little guy Weston and Ellis was crying so Weston told me, " Umm, Missy, I think he's crying cuz he's wearing a dress". Awesome. Thank You Weston for your advice but Ellis really likes the dress ( or Mommy does for changing the diaper)!

Blake was convinced that Ellis didn't like him. I would leave for 30 minutes and he would be sound asleep and then I would come back and Mr. E would be SCREAMING! Blake would be frustrated and it was no good. This was a perfect example of one of his tantrums.

All he wants to do is play and work out his little muscles. He's an active little (fat) boy. He loves to do "his exercises" where he pulls himself up with his hands, his jumping jacks and his sqats. Tarrin is cheering him on as he grunts through his workout.

So he smiles........kinda of

2009-10-15T20:06:00.000-07:00

This is the best smile that we've captured on camera. Ellis makes you work for it. He makes you take him out to a steak dinner before you get the goods!

Little E has got the biggest checks and sometimes I think they are just to heavy for him to lift into a full smile, so he gives us a one side up...cheeky smile instead.

Ellis is Two Months Today!

2009-09-13T22:42:00.001-07:00

All the same age cousins on both sides. Kirsten & Travis ( 4 months) drove all the way down from Stockton to visit with us.

Coco & Carter ( 4 months), Me & Ellis (almost two months), Tammi & Drew (10 days ). We're so excited for all these little boys to grow up playing together.

Our Chubby Bubbie. He's aminature Blake and I want to eat him up. He's got checks like a basett hound that sag down below his jaw line.

Ellis' first visit to Coco's salon. He'll be going there alot with all his hair.

First Trip to Disneyland with Grandpa & Grandma and cousin Owen

This was his first day at church but Blake & I had already changed. He was so excited to actually wear pants!

Baby Ellis is one month old

2009-08-12T07:10:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how fast these four weeks have flown by! I guess all the random Ladies in the grocery store were right. Ellis is growing up way too fast and my heart aches at the thought of leaving him in a few weeks to go back to work. Here are a few random shots to show how much he looks like his Daddy.

Elder Thornton returns

2009-07-11T12:13:00.000-07:00

Jeff came home from the Cleveland, Ohio mission on Thursday and we met him at the airport. He came home to several new members of the family including new husbands and Babies. We're so excited to have him home!

Prego Pictures

2009-06-17T16:09:00.000-07:00

So here's the proof that a baby is coming. My Little Brother, Jeffe comes home from his mission in 3 weeks and all he keeps saying is don't have the baby before then. For all of you that think it's cute that he wants to be there for this little guy's birth.....you don't know him. He just wants to see me "fat". Thanks Jeff. Since he's a missionary his prayers will probably be answered and this little guy will come late!

So here's a few that I've taken since I've been fat. Here's to you Jeff! It's in reverse order cuz I'm new to this blogging world. The first is with the sisters minus Shelly (9 months) . The next is with Chelsea & Ashley at 7 months pregnant. The third is was very painful for me.........Blake ran the inaugural CA Ragnar Relay and I was 7 months along so my running skills weren't up to competition level. So here I am jogging along with him. The last two are at 5 months along on our trip down the coast. Here we are outside of Big Sur.

We did it...joined the blogging world

2009-05-18T17:07:00.000-07:00

We realized no one really cares about seeing pictures of us ( and we don't really take any) but this little guy is going to be here in a few weeks and people to want to see him, so.....Blake decided to start a blog. He's really excited about it and will be joining Facebook soon. Those of you that keep asking for Pregnant pictures....maybe I'll throw a few on if you're really lucky.