Ellie

She’s growing too fast!!!  She crawls everywhere and pulls herself up on everything!

This was the first time she pulled herself up.  I was in the kitchen and looked up and she was standing!  I about cried!  I grabbed the camera and ran in to take her picture and she was sooooo proud of herself!  (Since then she’s grabbed the train tracks and pulled them off on herself and broken them, many times.  We continue to hot glue!)

She’s also starting to be a good eater.  I pulled out the boy’s old high chair.  I can’t believe she’s already into it!  She’s growing way to fast! Have I said that enough?!?  She is a true joy!  She smiles ALL THE TIME!  What a happy baby!  What a gift!

Once there were some Snowmen

I might be a bad mom, but the boys just had their first day out in the snow. It’s just too cold. 

But while Daddy was off work they got all bundled up and built their first Snowman!  Boy did they love it!

Cooper made snowballs and threw them.

Chase wanted the shovel… of course!

And even though it was fluffy icy snow, Daddy came through and the snowman stuck around all month!  They would look out the window every morning to see if it was still there!  We have been out once since then, but Mommy is a wimp!  Good thing boy’s have Daddy’s to do the cold stuff!

Coming Around

January was a bugger for me this year.  I don’t remember being in the winter funk for a long time.  But this year I’ve spent the last few weeks there.  So I  decided… I’m movin’ on!   Time to shake it off and  look to spring. (Even if I have to pretend.)  So a little recap since I’ve been absent.

Christmas was AWESOME with the kids!  They were so much fun! They LOVED everything and were so excited!  (And yes this is the best picture of all three of them together! I hope we ever get a decent family picture!)

Chase loved everything he opened and would do this face…

even over a tube of M&M’s :)  He is adorable and loved to touch my Mom’s tree whenever he got the chance.

Cooper loved Baby Jesus and I just found this picture.  I love it!  He is not great about having his picture taken right now so candid is best with him.

I did get this one of him in his new underpants.  He didn’t know what they were, he just knew they had “Lightning” on them!

 

They loved opening presents and opened theirs and Ellie’s.

 

Ellie got her first baby.  I do love thinking of all the “Girl” stuff I’ll get to do for her!  She is so fun!

And Troy was REALLY nice to his wife! He always let’s me have whatever I want, but this year he went all out and gave me great stuff!  The best gift was a much needed vacation for me… alone!  Him watching the kids!  I may not collect for a while, but the thought makes me smile! A BIG SMILE!

Hope you had great Holidays!

Happy New Year! Hope it's a great one. These are pics from last fall that my AWESOME friend took of the boys! I just love them. They looked like total slobs that day, but somehow she makes everyone look amazing! I love them! The one of Ellie was taken that same day. We were doing picture "retakes" because she cried the first photo shoot! Thanks Jos!!! You make us look good!

Merry Christmas!

A new low

“Twice in one day?” you say???  Remember how I was feeling so “refreshed”… HA!  In the last few weeks we have had some two year old challenges.  Barf and a lot of it in car seats.  Learning to crawl out of our cribs and thinking there is no need for a nap when you have so much freedom.  The world is your playroom…  until mom and dad put a childproof doorknob on your bedroom and make it a “safe room”…  HA!  We have all been suffering from lack of sleep and I was thinking I might loose my mind.  Then we kind of started into a new routine.  We figured out bedtime and that was going ok.  Then I decided even if we didn’t have a nap it was still good for the boys to have “Quiet time”… HA!  It had happened before… taking off his cloths and diaper, but it was contained in the crib.  Still a yuck mom job to clean up.  But noting prepared me for this…

  

Yep… poop all over the room!  Ohhh a new low.  I admit it.  I cried.  It was horrible.  Then he says  “Mom teen it up!”  Not my best moment.  Not feeling so “refreshed”.    It’s now clean and over.  But it was a trying day of the Two Two’s.  Thank goodness that sometimes they are adorable or I don’t know that I would survive it.

Refreshed

I had an awesome date night with my hubby and some good friends.  We went to dinner and to see one of our FAVORITES!   

Bare Naked Ladies!

They were awesome!  They don't disappoint.  I think that sometimes I get so caught up in the day to day of my munchkins that I forget how much fun I have with Troy.  We don’t go out without the kiddletts much.  And even though I adore them and being together as a family, it’s nice to remember how much I really like my hubby and to have time to just focus on us.  He’s a great guy!  I also think that getting out makes me a better Mom.  I feel like I have perspective again and I can do my job better!  Because life really is about my family! 

I just love ‘em!

Disneyland!!!

It truly was magical at the Magic Kingdom.  We had a WONDERFUL time!  The boys had a great time and Ellie was a jewel! 

We couldn’t have done it without G Janet.  She took tons of pictures and was lots of fun to be with and a huge help with the kids. 

Troy’s brother Brian came and got us in the head of the line with the “Handi” pass which was really nice with 3 babies.

The boys loved It’s a Small World and danced and got super excited at all of it.  They weren’t sure about the characters.  They liked to watch them from the comfort of their stroller. 

But they did go meet Goofy and all day Cooper said “I high five Goofy!”

We also took the kids to the beach and they thought that was great.  They have a book that the boy meets Pirates at the beach and they kept saying “Beach Piyates”.  We had a great Thanksgiving with Troy’s Dad, Grandpa and some of his family in Vegas and then another Thanksgiving with his Mom and Bill and some family in California.  We had a great holiday and even though we came home with the stomach flu(yep, BARF in car seats and all that goes with it for the next 4 days) we still are thankful for our trip and for the time we were able to spend with family!

Happy Thanksgiving

I was thinking back to the boys first Thanksgiving. We were with Troy’s family, his dad, grandparents and all of his siblings. What a blessing.

We didn’t know it would be the last one we had with Grandma Runnells. We will miss her this Holiday season. She hated having her picture taken, but I am SO glad we have them. I have so many things to be thankful for. My wonderful husband who loves me and supports me through the good, the bad and the smelly.

My perfect healthy children who I adore and who make me happy everyday.

Our wonderful families.

I am grateful for my parents who help me with my kids and tell me I’m doing OK even when I’m not sure that I am. I’m grateful for my in laws who love my children sooo much and are so good to them! I’m so thankful for my brothers and sisters and all the cousins who make our life so fun! I’m grateful for the relationships we have and the love and friendships we have as adults. I’m so grateful for good friends who make my life better(you know who you are!) We are so blessed and I am so Thankful for my life and home and friends and freedom and testimony of God and Jesus Christ.

Happy Thanksgiving! We give many thanks!

November?!?

Where did October go?

I wake up and another month is gone. I was thinking I’d do a quick recap, but I don’t even know what we did last month. It was just… I don’t even know. Troy traveled a lot and he also started his new calling as Young Mens President in our ward and it was just really busy. I think I was just keeping my head above water. But anyway… the kids are great and we did have a fun Halloween week. We went to a Halloween Party at the boys school that was great. We went to Boo at the Zoo and the boys practiced Trick or Treating. We went Trick or Treating at Troy’s office and the boys LOVED that! Then we had our annual Halloween Party at G Sharron & G John’s house with all the cousins. And then rounded it all out Trick or Treating in the neighborhood on Halloween. The boys definitely got the concept of Trick or Treat down and were so cute saying it! I love that they are talking so much. It is so funny to hear what they say! Right now they have learned "No Way!" and I hear that a lot!

This is how I found Chase when I went in to get him up in the morning! And of course in our house EVERYTHING is monkey see monkey do! Truthfully I don’t know who did it first. My guess is that it was actually Cooper. But now it’s just a good way to pass time hanging out in the crib. I must say that I’m dreading the day they learn they can crawl out. Chase did fall out once. But he landed on his back and when I heard the thud I ran in the room and he was still just lying there stunned. (He hasn’t tried it again.)

The other new thing is new eating arrangements.

This is how we started.

Then they learned to scoot across the floor and food was everywhere! They could also get out of the seat belts and would climb out and try to switch seats. I was afraid we were going to have broken bones. So we tried this…

But then there was food in the cracks of the table and it was just a little too high. So we moved on to this.

And for now it’s working. For today anyway. Now I know why my mom was constantly saying “Quit kicking the counter!”

Ellie Bellie started eating food this month too! What a cutie!

She now has enough hair to keep a bow in without a headband!

I love it! She is sooooo fun to decorate! What a little munch!

We even went on our first Mother Daughter outing for Tea at Grand America. It was great!

Life is good! What more can I ask for?!?

School, Harvest and another Tri

The boys started “school”, well really music class with mommy and Chase has a communication class we all go to.  But we call it school because we have to get up and be dressed and ready to go earlier than normal.  And they’re learning, right?… so school.  And with that goes new clothes.  They look so big.  I could cry.  They are just the cutest little munchkins!

 

I’m also trying to make a conscious effort to take pictures of them alone.  My mom asked me for an individual  picture of them for an art project and I realized there are very few.  So anyway.  This is the cheese I get from Chase when I ask him to smile.  It’s pretty funny.

Little Ellie is growing so fast.  She laughs and rolls over and is just adorable! She is a little princess!  She’s also letting us know she is not about to be left behind by the brothers!  She let us know she wants to be part of the action. We got 17 pumpkins this year!  I had my doubts at the beginning of the season.  I bought the last 3 pumpkin plants at Western Gardens and they were the saddest wimpiest little things you ever saw.  Broken stems with one leaf.  But we stuck them in the ground and ended up with this! 

The Pumpkin Fairy came to visit and we got enough for family and friends!

 

Troy did another Triathlon!  It was at Alta Canyon right by our house so we walked over to see him.  He did great!   I think we will be going to see him do more.  He’s really diggin” it! Go Troy!

Sad to see it go

It’s the end of summer. I’m sad to see it go. Hopefully we’ll have a nice long fall! August was a busy month and I’m a little behind, so here’s a quick recap.

Cooper and Chase turned 2! It was so fun. G Janet and G Bill came to visit and we had a double Birthday party with G Sharron and G John.

They were into opening presents, which was really fun!

G Janet and G Bill got them fun boots and made them the greatest cloth books! They love them and they can’t rip them.

G Sharron G John got them fun books and Pirate hats and hooks and they think they are way cool.

They got to have Grandma Day party and have all the cousins have Twinkies and Cupcakes.

Each kid gets to have a candle to blow out. This is a Grandma day tradition and the kids all love it. We decided that the boys will have parties together, but on their real birthday they get to go out alone with Mom and Dad for dinner. This year we just did ice cream. It was funny to be two parents with one child. It was a first. But it was fun to see how they reacted to being alone. They both asked where the other one was and were concerned about it. But then I think they had fun just having all the attention.

I love this picture of them giving kisses. I know they’re not always going to do this, but it figured it was one of those pictures that I can say “See, you used to really love each other.” When they are fighting and hitting and biting(which they already do).

They also got brooms. I’m not sure what the facination is, but Chase loves brooms. And of course Cooper has to have one too. They are so different. It is fun to see how they are growing up and learning and what their interests are. I also hate how fast they are growing! I cried on both birthdays. I think Troy thinks I’m a little dramatic, but I hate to have it pass so fast!

They love trucks and even though our construction is over, the neighbors were still doing some and they love to check out the “fuffs”(trucks). They loved sitting out with G Janet checking it all out.

Little Ellie Bellie is growing up way to fast, too! She is so tall! She’s 5 months old and is truly the happiest baby and smiles at everyone! She is so sweet! We all just love her!

We also did an end of summer camping trip with our friends the Nielsons. It was WAY fun! I think kids just love camping!

Chase loved to broom the dirt.

Cooper was just chillin’ with his books.

And of course little Ellie was good as ever!

We went on a few walks in the wagon and one little hike around Silver Lake. The boys loved throwing rocks in the water and we just had a great time together! We had a great Summer!!!

Tri -Daddy

Troy has a new hobby… I guess I don’t really know what else to call it. Triathlons !

He just finished his first Mini-Tri and is doing another in a few weeks.  He did it with his friend Chris.  A first for both of them.  They did GREAT! 

We were all super proud! I think that now he has the bug and we will be watching a few more.  Go Troy!

Binkie Fix

Sometimes you just need a little fix…

Chase and Cooper only get a binkie to sleep.  Chase has had a little bit harder time because he uses the same kind of binkie as Ellie.  So he tries to use hers as often as I will let him (which is not that often). 

So he sneaks a little fix whenever he can.  He also does this in church, to the entertainment of those around us. 

Staycation

With the kids being so little, we kind of figured a big vacation was a waste of money.  So we did the “Staycation”, sort of…We visited Troy’s family at the cabin and the boys went on their first quad ride… Cooper cried until we got going, but then loved it. 

  Chase was all over it from the start.

Then as soon as we got back they ran for the pool I had set up for their “bath” before bedtime…

but Cooper decided it would be much more fun with clothes on.

Grandpa Randy gave the boys these chairs that turn into sleepers

They love them. They have never really been into TV, but his last week the show “Cars” was on and Troy showed Cooper how the TV was the same as the chairs and Cooper was all over it wanting to watch it.  Only he doesn’t say “Cars” he says “Fuffs”(trucks). 

We also went out to the airport to see “A-panes”. 

Cooper and Chase love them, but especially Cooper.  

He goes crazy whenever he hears one or sees one.

We also went to the zoo(no pictures, forgot camera) and then camping with my family up at Tibble Fork.  Pretty place to camp, lousy camp managers(and rude!) But we had fun just chillin’.

Cute little Ellie was really good and happy!

Contrary to what this picture might show :)

I had my birthday up there and my Dad got me a yummy chocolate cake!  It was fun to be with everyone!

The boys got all set up in the cage and were happy as long as they had brooms to play with.  

And Troy was happy in his new chair with his phone(even with no reception).

We also went fishing.  Uncle Pete set them up with their own poles.

 

But really all they wanted to do was whack the water with the pole or throw fists full of dirt in the water.  All in all it was great time together as a family! 

Happy 80th Birthday!!!

Today is Grandpa Runnells 80th birthday! He is the most kind and generous man. He does so much for us and always shows us so much love and support in all we do.  He is a special person and a wonderful grandfather to Troy, me and our kids! We got to spend some time with him and Troy’s family over the weekend at the cabin.  He shares his birthday with Troy’s brother Brian, so we had a double(with mine, triple) birthday party.  It was fun to see everyone and let the kids spend time getting to know their cousins.  Cooper and Chase had their first rides on the quads and totally loved it!   

Happy Birthday Grandpa!  We love you!!!

Tidbits on the Kidlets

Ellie has straight hair just like her mom.  

So I found this tiny little roller I used to use on my little old ladies when I did lots of “sets”. 

It worked and she looked so cute with a little curl!

Not to be outdone by their sister…

Chase and Cooper also felt like they needed a roller.

Here they are taking care of their “babies”.  I love how sweet they are and say “shhhh” when the baby is sleeping.

Troy also got the boys a new toy…

“Bassetbow” as they say!

Do you love every cushion off the couch to get it high enough to play?   We did eventually move it behind the little couch and so they can stand on the couch and play without the falling hazard that the unstable cushions were.  My favorite was a couple of Sundays ago we were sitting in church.  We sit way in the back where in the overflow in the gym.  Chase was sitting on my lap and happened to look up and see the basketball standard that was folded up on the ceiling.  He got super excited and yelled “bassetbow”!  It was super quiet right at that moment and everyone around us had a pretty good laugh.   Chase also chose that same day to try out a new word.  During the middle of the prayer he yelled out “AMEN” with pleanty of gusto!  Cooper also decided that he would dance during the rest Hymn. What can I say… we provide entertainment during Sacrament meeting. 

 

I just love these guys(and girl)!  They make life grand!

PS Thanks to Joslyn for our new banner!  Don’t you just LOVE it!?!

I think I can... I think I can...

I hope I can... make it through this... It will be great when it's done! The boys love it! The big boys and the little boys!

Happy 4th (a little late)

Hope you all had a great 4th of July! We had a super fun BBQ with the whole Lindgren fam. I love it when we all are together! We also had a quick family picture done. We were all clean and ready to leave and Joslyn was awesome to run over and get a picture while the gettin' was good! (Thanks again Jos!) Anyway... it's fun to have a picture with all of us!

The Great Escape

I really was just standing in the kitchen with my back to the playroom. We had the door open for some fresh air and next thing I know I hear the boys out in the back yard. I look up and out the window and see them running for the tramp. I guess I'm not the only one feeling cabin fever. I got them back in the playroom and put the gate back up and two seconds later I hear the crash(not sure how I missed this sound the first time) and they are on their way back out again. This time I took pictures. ( So really look at them from bottom to top.) Chase ended up with a huge goose egg on the forehead(they used their body weight to push it down and landed on their stomachs and faces), but didn't cry a bit... just ran for freedom. Then the tears began when I made them come it again. Cooper took it the hardest. I really would love to have them play outside. It's just that our yard is a swamp still. Hopefully it's really going to be summer soon!

Happy Anniversary!

Troy and I have been married for 5 years today! I am so glad he chose me! He is the best hubby and father and I absolutely love him! Happy Anniversary!!!

My Favorite Things

I thought I'd share some new fun pics of the kids! I just love them! They are so much fun!

Ellie's Day

Today was Ellie's blessing. It was a great day. Troy gave her a beautiful blessing and we had a great time with the family. My Mom always says that one of the best parties you have you don't remember and today would qualify. Ellie had a great party and we all had a great time!

Summer Fun

Ellie is two months old and is a little chub! She is so fun and so cute! She weighs 12 lbs. 7 oz. and is 24" long. She smiles and coos a ton! The boys just love her. The other new things at our house are the sandbox and the camper! Both tons of fun for summer!

3 little faces

Happy Mothers Day to our wonderful Moms! We are so very grateful for you and all you do for us! Thank You!!!

These are the faces that make me happy everyday! I'm so happy to be a mom!

Life with 3

The boys love Ellie! Sometimes a little too much :) But all things considered, things are going well. My meltdowns are becoming fewer and further between. I have tried a few times to get all three of the kids to have their picture taken together. I thought two was hard, but to have three look decent at the same time is nearly impossible! These were the best of many!

Sweet Little Ellie

My dear friend came and took pictures of Ellie. I love how she captures the sweetness of her little face! I love it!

Ellie Faye Runnells

Ellie Faye Runnells joined our family yesterday at 2:38 p.m. She was 20.5 inches and 7 lbs 10 oz. Some of you know that Kim and I decided be surprised on what we were having. Needless to say we were excited for our "Little Girl". Mom (Kim) is really happy..... Kim and Ellie are doing well.

The boys were able to come to the hospital to see their little sister. They were excited to see as they often ask about the "Baby". They miss their mom. Cooper cried from the moment he left mom and didn't stop for 20 minutes. We are excited to have Mom and Ellie home tomorrow.

Thank you everyone for your thoughts and prayers. We are excited for our little girl!

Babies come when they want to!

I've walked, hopped, cleaned, changed all the beds, carried 50 lbs. of babies up and down the stairs, shoveled snow, a million loads of laundry and many other "things " that are supposed to get this show on the road. But our little bundle is warm and cozy right where it is and is already showing me who the boss. Cooper keeps patting my belly saying "Baby" and Chase likes to check out my belly button regularly(still an innie). Needless to say, we are all getting very excited to see what's comming. If all else fails we'll see our new baby on Monday! Woo Hoo!

They always entertain...

The boys have big heads according to the "chart". They are in like the 10%-20% for height and weight and 75% for head size. They don't look big to me, but it still makes me laugh when things like this happen. Cooper was distraught. His head really wouldn't go through. I am happy about this! I'm not ready for them to escape the playroom. Chase has also tried this and can't get through(because of his head) and like I said... this is a good thing!

The other thing going on around here is WWF! Seriously... where do they learn this? They will take each other down and just body slam. It's usually over a toy or just teasing the other one by taking his binkie and running away just to tease. And it really doesn't matter what the other one has they both want it. This is also pretty equal on who is the aggressor. They both take turns going after each other. I try to stay out of it as much as possible. The only time I really have to break it up is if Chase decides he also wants to bite. We are still working on this little biting issue! They definately keep me entertained! They are the best!

Hitting the wall...

19 days... that's what's left on the big belly countdown. There has been some complaining and more that a few tears the last few days. Troy has been a champ and I don't know what I would do without him. But the statement of the day is "I want it out!" Luckily I have these little faces to look at and keep me busy! They are so fun and make my life grand even when I feel like nothing is grand... except for my size!

Happy Birthday Troy!

I know Troy hates this cheese, but too bad for him! Here it comes. Happy Birthday to the best Hubby and Daddy around! I don't know what we would do without him!

I think of all he does for us and how he makes our lives better and I'm grateful for every moment with him!

I know he misses some of the life he had before us, but he never complains and he loves his boys and his family with his whole heart! Thanks for all you do for us and Happy Birthday! We love you! You are the best!

Happy and Sad

Today I am feeling happy and sad. And no it's not the hormones(well maybe?!?). Anyway... I try not to leave the boys alone in the playroom for more that a couple of minutes like to run upstairs and get dressed or grab their clothes or something... anyway... I'm finding that when I'm not in the room with them they are having so much fun! I mean a REALLY good time. They laugh so hard with each other and just have a god time. I want this, and at the same time I am realizing that they are becoming more independent and don't have to have me all the time. Thus the sad part. They are getting so big. They are so smart and are becoming such little men. I love everything they do. I love seeing how different they are and what they like and are interested in. I mostly love to see how much they love each other. I don't really think of them as "The Twins", but sometimes I do see how special it is for them to be twins and have that bond.

It makes me happy! They make me happy!

Fun with boys

This has been a fun month. We took a trip to see Troy's Mom and went to San Diego Zoo.It was fun to see how the boys reacted to the animals. They kind of got into them, but I think in another 6 months they might dig it more.

Troy put together the wagon that G & G Runnells gave the boys for their birthday and it is the new hit around our house. They love it!

Chase is starting to walk a little now. We get so excited and all clap for him. Cooper is very encouraging. He laughs and claps for Chase too! But truly Chase is still a monkey climber. He can go vertical on anything. It's driving me crazy. The boys got rocking chairs for Christmas, and Chase uses them as a ladder. I have to take them out of the room unless I'm right next to them.

Chase also just crashes when it's time for his nap. In the car on the floor or in his high chair. He just sleeps when he's ready. It is so cute!

And Cooper has started doing this face to people. I can always tell when he's doing it in church because everyone behind us starts laughing.

Then he follows it up with this!

We brought down the toy box from their room and put it in the play room. They love it. We do put toys in it, but usually they just toss them out and climb in and out!

It's a great toy!

Our new baby will be here in about 6 weeks! We are getting super excited! I don't think the boys will care too much, but I think they will be fun to see with the new addition. I'm getting excited to see if it's a boy or a girl! Any predictions???

Happy New Year!

This is my favorite new thing the boys do!!! They love on each other! Kisses are big around here right now! What a way to start off the new year!

We hope you had great holidays! We sure did! Cooper and Chase were tons of fun doing the whole present thing. We had a great time with all of Troy's family and loved being with them.

Chase loved the 4 Wheeler Grandpa Randy got him. Cooper... not so much! He was a little overwhelmed by it all. But he's warming up to it.

Cooper and Chase both really dug Aunt Symphony and she let them have lot's of paper and bows. That was a hit!

Cooper also liked the phone.

Before Christmas they got to open presents from G Sharron and G John. We did some at Grandma day and then they came over for an early Christmas dinner and we did presents then also. Chase had been acting kind of funny after we got home from church that day and sure enough... barf! So that's why he's wrapped up in the towel to open presents with Grandpa.

I have to show these cute pictures from the Grandma day party because the Magnolia, Jocelyn and Olive Jane were so cute in their dress ups.

And the boys were so cute in their armor and swords! It was a really fun party! What a great Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

We hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a wonderful holiday season! Thanks to all of our dear family and friends who make our lives so much better! We love you and are grateful for each of you!

Happy Holidays!!!

I have no really good excuse for not getting on here more often. Time just flies and the boys keep me hopping. They are so fun! We had a great Thanksgiving with my side of the family! I love being all together. It's crazy. I think we had 28 people? All in the same room at the same time. But it was great! Cooper started walking! He's all over the place. It happened pretty much overnight. He kind of walked back and forth between me and Troy and then the next day just let go of the couch and took off. He's never looked back. He's a mover! Chase doesn't seem to mind the not walking part, but there have been moments of attention envy when everyone is cooing over Cooper. Chase will start standing on his head or laughing really loud and crawl over and put his arms up to be held. It's pretty funny to watch. These pictures are when we got the boys one of those poppers. They both liked it... but Chase LOVED it and wouldn't let go to go to bed. So we let him fall asleep with it. It was his first attachment. We laughed!

Coopersaurus Rex and Chaseasaurus Rex

Happy Halloween! Or I should say it was a Happy Halloween. The boys looked so cute in their dino costumes!

We went to Troy's office for the office trick or treat and they had a ball playing with Dad's stuff!

Cooper loves to throw balls and chase them and they love new places to crawl around.

Then we went to G Sharron & G John's for chili and cousin fun! The kids all looked so cute!

We ended the night at some our friends who had invited us over for some treats and just as we walked in the door Chase barfed all over Troy, himself and the floor! YUK! So that was our trick and our treat to end the day! (Sorry Tricia!) But we still had fun! And I loved them in their costumes! Cute little buddies!

Pumpkin Fairy

Every year the Pumpkin Fairy comes to visit the Lindgren Grandkids. Grandpa grows tons of pumpkins and the Pumpkin Fairy comes and writes every grandchilds name on their pumpkin. The kids love it and so does Grandpa!

Had to share

My dear friend took the babies one year pictures(to Troy's utter elation to not have to make a trip to "SEARS Photo Center"... last time it was a marathon). And they turned out better !!!(Not that I would never even question this) Anyway... I had to share! I absolutely LOVE them! Thanks Jos!

Gone too long...

I've been gone far too long. I have meant to get on here and post, but time got away from me and life has been crazy. The boys turned one. We had a great birthday party and it was lots of fun. Chase did NOT love the cake part, however Cooper LOVED it!Also they had their first haircut. I resisted this for a long time, but they look really cute.

We went to Las Vegas for a conference for Troy and ended up in a posh suite at Mandalay Bay. The boys favorite part was the HUGE bathtub.While we were in Las Vegas I was pretty sick because... We are going to have a new baby! We're super excited! I've had a really hard time with smells. After getting sick on In-N-Out(which makes me so sad because I love it) I couldn't stand the smell in the drive through and to make things worse I swear there was a broken sewer line somewhere around and the only thing that was helping was smelling my hot chocolate. Thank goodness for Starbucks at that moment!Troy was making huge fun of me, but I was dying, so I didn't care.

Anyway... I'll try to be a little more on the ball and get on here more often.

Chase

My little Baby Chase! What a joy you are to have! Your constant laughter makes me smile. I love how you laugh at everything and think everyone is funny! When you were first born they took you to the NICU and I didn't get to see you for about 30 minutes. But you were doing great and they were taking you to the regular nursery and brought you back in to the surgery room for me to see you. You had your eyes wide open and just looked at me and I loved you so much! I was so happy you were ok. You were always the quiet one in my tummy and I would poke at you to get you to move. When you were little you were so calm and quiet and then you decided enough of that and became the life of the party! I love how you take Coopers binkie out of his mouth and put it in yours, just to tease him and then you laugh and laugh! You warm my heart when you snuggle up and want only me! You are a perfect little boy! I love you with all my heart! Happy Birthday!

Cooper

My little Cooper. What a sweet little boy you are! I can't believe it's been a whole year since you came into this world. I knew who you were even when you were in my tummy. You were a wiggler. I loved it. Then when I first saw you I went to mush. You had this squishy little face that I couldn't get over. You looked just like your Dad! I love how much you like to play and you love toys! You get so excited whenever you discover something new. Your face lights up and you get this huge smile. I love when you play with Chase and how you like to be right by him. You are such a lovey baby. I love it when you only want me and need me to just hold you and rock you. I also used to love to see you when you would eat. You loved to nurse and you would just roll your eyes back in your head and be so happy and content. You were so relaxed and calm. You are just perfect! I am so grateful to have you for my little guy! I love you with all my heart! Happy Birthday!

Adventures with babies

So in a previous post I eluded to our run in with the police thanks to Cooper. So now some details. We were getting ready to leave for out big trip to Yellowstone and Cooper was being super wiggly and fussy while I was trying to get him dressed. So I handed him the phone to play with and he loved it and settled right down. Well I finished getting him ready and took the phone and looked down and the police dept was calling me... I just knew... So the nice lady said there had been a hang up call to 911 and did we have an emergency. I said so I was SOOOOO sorry and that I had let my baby play with the phone while I was getting him ready. She was really nice took our info and hung up. But of course about 3 minutes later Mr. Policeman was at the door. Lucky for me Troy's mom Janet came it to help me and she took Cooper to answer the door(I was not dressed). The policeman was really nice and Janet asked him if he wanted to give Cooper a good talking to about not playing on the phone? Lesson to mom, don't use things that could come back to bite you for distraction when getting babies dressed.
I just thought these next pictures were pretty funny. On our trip the boys loved to play with bottles. I don't usually let them at home because Izzy also likes to play with bottles and the ones laying around the house have doggy slobber on them and that's just gross for babies to touch. So anyway.... the struggle for the bottle begins...

And ends with getting them each their own :)

They also got new swings and they LOVE to be outside. I can't believe how big they are!

My Birthday!

I was thinking it was kind of cheesy to put up a personal Birthday blog... but hey... it's my Birthday! So here it goes. I have had many great years. But this last one was the best. I love my dear hubby and my little men. I think having the boys has been the greatest joy I have ever had. When you read in the scriptures "Men are that they might have joy" I think it means being a parent. I love my little family so much! I think it also has taught me to have more love for my extended family and appreciate the love my parents have for me! Thank You to all of the wonderful people in my life! I am truly blessed!

Also for any of you who might have missed how I looked on my last birthday... be afraid. I can't believe I'm really putting this up here for the world to see. But have you ever seen such a HUGE belly?!? Scary. But I guess it's best to laugh at yourself and move on.

Vacation... Woo Hoo!

We just got back from Vacation! We went to Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Jackson Hole and Bear Lake... in backwards order! What a fun trip! We went with Troy's Mom and her hubby Bill in their motor home. Although to call it a motor home does not do it justice. It's a sweet ride! The boys LOVED it! They could crawl all around and had plenty of room to just play. They are awesome little travelers and it made the trip great! So on to the pictures. They tell the story best. The picture above is the babies on the steps as we were getting ready to leave, after a visit from the police... but that's a story for another day.(We'll thank Cooper for that one...)
Me and the Boys traveling.

First stop...Bear Lake Grandma and Cooper. (Chase was asleep.)

Cooper and Chase with Grandma while Dad, Mom and Grandpa Bill went on a river run.

Jackson Hole.

Grand Teton boat ride on Jenny Lake to go hiking.

Mom and Chase hiking to Hidden Falls.

Daddy and Cooper hiking to Hidden Falls.

Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.

Happy Babies after a LONG day in the car...( we did the loop all around and they were super happy to get out of their car seats!!!)

Having a little lunch waiting for the big show.The big show... Old Faithful! Always cool to see!

Chillin' in the rockers.
S'mores yuppie style!

(We couldn't ever go outside when it was close to dusk, because the mosquito's where insane!)

What's Yellowstone without the wildlife. We saw tons of pronghorn deer, birds, lots of buffalo, a bear and a bald eagle. The bear and the bald eagle were the coolest!

We had a GREAT trip!

So many new things

There are so many things that have happened in the last couple of weeks... New high chairs!

They learned how to climb the step.(Troy bribed them with the remote, which they will do almost anything to get!)So we had to put up the gate. Or as my nephew Darwin calls it "the fence".They don't love it. They sit and wait for me to leave it open so they can escape (notice the concentration and the drool).

They learned that there is an "outside" ... and they LOVE it!

They had their first time out on the tramp with Daddy and thought that was awesome!

They went swimming at the Palmer's (our neighbors) pool and loved that! But the bigest thing on the list is that they learned to stand up!!! And they are PROUD! And so are Mommy and Daddy! What big boys!

The funny ways they sleep

I thought it would be fun to show how cute the boys are when they sleep!

I think they are so cute. They are growing so fast. I hate it! Whenever I look back at the millions (not exaggerating) of pictures we've taken of them I could cry. They are just getting more and more fun everyday. But the time is passing way to fast!

Happy Fathers Day!

Happy Daddy's Day!!!
This is Troy's first official Father's Day. We hope he enjoyed it!



He is the best Daddy ever!
We are all so lucky to have him!

Thanks to all the wonderful Dad's in our lives! We love you!

Happy Anniversary and Happy Birthday!

Happy Anniversary!

Sometimes I can't believe we've been married for 4 years! It has gone by so fast. And yet so much has happened in our lives together. I'm grateful for Troy everyday. I'm sure that sometimes(lately more often than not) that Troy wonders how he ended up with such a crazy wife. But I'm glad he chose me and I love him with all my heart!

And not to forget...

Happy Birthday!

Today is also Troy's mom Janet's birthday. She is an awesome mom, grandma and friend! We are grateful for her and all she does!

YEA! A new computer

We just got our new computer! I'm so happy. It's been a while since I've been able to get online and post. The reason being that our old computer stunk!!! It would just restart about every 2 minutes. So right in the middle of something it would shut down. So anyway... I'm back. It really wasn't terrible, except that I missed checking out my regular blogs. My sister in law Mattie thought I'd just become bored with her... not true! So anyway... on to the latest with the babies!

Cooper and Chase are both scooting all over the place and Chase doesn't care who is in his way. He'll go right over the top of Cooper to get what he wants! It is so funny. I don't think Cooper always thinks it's funny, but Troy and I have a good laugh. This is Cooper's first tooth! They both have 2 now!

Chase has really crazy hair! It just keeps getting longer and when it's first washed it is really fluffy and sticks up. He looks so cute.

Everyone loves the crazy hair!

Cooper's latest trick is to crawl out of his clothes in the morning. I've found him with one arm out several times. I'm not exactly sure how he does this, but it's funny! He is such a happy baby!

The boys are so much fun right now! I just love everything they do! They are great!

An eventful day...

Zak and Rebecca got married!!! Yea!!! It was beautiful! It was a great day for a wedding!

On the way to the Temple, my brother Jeremy had a little mishap in my Mom's car...

He did make it to the wedding... I'll fill in the details when I have a little more time!

A Romance Novelist and a Hog Calling Champion

Aunt Mattie & Uncle Pete sent these fun little T shirts for Christmas and it's been too cold to wear them. But yesterday it was 90 and hotter than heck. So the boys got stripped down to diapers and t's. They looked super cute. So thanks Aunt Mattie! We love you!

PS Cooper got his first tooth!!! Yea Cooper!

9 Months Old!

I can hardly believe Cooper and Chase are nine months old! I hate that time is passing so quickly. Cooper is 16 lbs 7 oz and Chase is 16 lbs 2 oz. They are great little eaters and are growing everyday. They are just about the cutest things ever! Cooper can sit up by himself now and loves to just sit and play with his toys. He loves things that make noise and he loves to be down on the ground just hanging out. He is very sweet and content.

Chase now has two teeth and loves to bite things(especially his mommy). He loves to roll around and get whatever Cooper is playing with. He loves to eat Cooper's hands and feet and steal his binkie. He also loves remote controlls. How is it he knows which one it the real one that works the TV? I gave him two old ones that were just laying around, but he wants the real one.

They are just so much fun right now. They are going everywhere and love everything new!

First Mothers Day as a Mother

This was a great Mothers Day! My first official one. Loved it. Waffles in bed, roses and a sweet card from the Hubby. But the best part was that my babies wanted me first thing in the morning. They want me every morning. But I appreciated it even more on Mothers Day. I was the Mother and they wanted ME!

I love being a mother.

I am so grateful for my Mother! She is the best! Also for Troy's mother! And grandmothers! I'm grateful for the examples of my sisters and sisters in law who are all awesome mothers! So many wonderful Mothers in our lives!

First tooth

Chase got his first tooth! I had been expecting Cooper to get one any day now. He has been really drooly and grouchy and I just assumed it was a tooth(still could be). Then on Saturday night I was out on our deck with Chase and he was grabbing my hand to suck on it and I put my finger on his gums and there it was! The little sharpie! I screamed "Chase has a tooth!" I was so exited. The little guy never even let on. Troy tried to shush me saying the whole neighborhood now knew that Chase had a tooth, but I didn't care. Then later that night I called my friend Joslyn and I said "Hey, guess what?" She says "Chase has a tooth?" So apparently the neighborhood could hear me. Troy loved that she was two houses away and across the street and still heard.(She was out in the yard at least :). I think he's trying to use it for proof of my loud mouth :) Oh well. I can't believe they are growing up so fast. I really do hate that part. But all of these milestones are so fun to get to.

This was our first time walking to church. They looked so cute with their hats on! They look so big. I love the different smiles. They are so cute!

Swimming

We went to Arizona for Troy's sisters Tricia's wedding last weekend. It was really nice. His Dad stayed at a really nice resort that had a water park and a kiddie pool. So we took advantage and took boys swimming. It was so cute! They really loved it. I thought they might be too cold. But they just kicked and splashed and had a ball!

They also had their first plane ride. I forgot to take a picture of this. I was too preoccupied worrying that they would be fussy. But they were little champs! They loved all the people to look at and they both fell asleep both ways. They are really great little travelers. I'm so glad!

Cooper has been rolling around a lot and Chase keeps up with him pretty well. They are really moving and love to get toys. Cooper has also started to say Mama Mama. Troy says its just noises he's making, but I know its that he loves his Mama :)

We put up the Johnny Jumper and they both really like it. Cooper more that Chase. But I think that it just takes Chase a little longer to warm up to new things. Once he gets the hang of it he likes it. They are so much fun! I love every day with them!!!

Getting Each Other

I thought this was a funny picture of Cooper. He's been making this face a lot :)

Cooper and Chase have started to be a little more mobile. They roll a lot. Cooper has been doing this for a couple of weeks, but now Chase is at it and they like to get at each other.

I have to watch them more, not just to keep them safe, but to keep them off of each other. They go for eyes and mouths a lot.

It really is cute that they like to be so close.

I think they love each other and they definitely like having someone to play with. I'm very grateful for this. They keep each other entertained a little already. I'm sure later on they will like to play even more. They are growing so much and they're so fun. We sure love them!

Brown Hair

I decided it was to much maintenance for me to have blond hair. So I dyed it dark. It's definitely a change. I've never had it dark before. I don't think I'll leave it like this for long, but it was good to try. I haven't had a huge positive response. Mostly people say "Oh, it's dark." But that's OK. I'll be back to blond for summer.On another note, the babies had their first Easter. I got them these cute little outfits before they were even born. I was just hoping they'd fit for Easter. They did, but it was a beautiful warm spring day on Easter and they about sweat to death! I had to take the sweaters off in the middle of church. Their little cheeks were pretty rosy! I love to dress them up. It's better than dolls :)

Stealing Binkies

Cooper and Chase are very specific on the binkie they like. I have tried several times to get them to take the same kind, but they will have no part of it. Cooper likes the newborn green ones and Chase likes the clear ones that form to his mouth.

Then the other morning they were laying on my bed and at the same time reached over and pulled the other ones binkie out and started chewing on it. It cracked me up! They still want the one they like for when it's time to really suck it. But the new favorite toy is the other ones binkie. So cute!

PS new pictures on flicker

To sleep or not to sleep

Cooper has decided he doesn't like ot go to sleep. This is new. He used to got to sleep just fine. Feed him,change him, kiss and snuggle him, lay him down and he was out. This is a thing of the past. Not for Chase. He still does this routine just fine. He even sleeps through the screaming of his brother and doesn't even stir. But back to Cooper. He's been rocked, sang about 20 songs and still... I'm hoping this is just a phase. I guess we'll see. I try to do the cry it out thing, but I can only stand it for a few minutes and I have to pick him up. They are still the cutest things ever. Sleep or no sleep.

Vegas Baby!

We went to Las Vegas last weekend to see Troy's Grandparents. We had a great time. It was fun to see G & G and have them see Cooper and Chase. They had a ball with them. I love that my babies have such great Grandparents! They are loved. As my mom often sayes " you can't have too many people love your children." I feel this way and feel very lucky to have so much family. We also got to see cousin Reagan. I always call him that "Cousin Reagan". I'm not sure why. He is the only cousin on that side of the family. But hey, I guess that's how nicknames go. My sister in law, Mattie(who I love) does a "Wednesday List" and last week it was nicknames. I love the lists. Anyway... the nicknames I have for the babies are

Toopie Toopie

and Baby Chase.

I love how names evolve. I'm sure they will get more as time goes on. Speaking of time, they are seven months old. Hard to believe. They are so cute.

Troy took this picture of them one morning a couple of weeks ago. They looked so cute sleeping he couldn't resist. I love the sweet potato spit up on Cooper :)

I love that when they are close together they move so that they are touching. They really hold hands a lot and now that they are moving around they move together even more. Oh yes... I forgot to say... we have started a whole new phase. They can roll. It is so fun. Cooper will roll all the way around. Start on his back go to tummy and back to his back. Chase hates his tummy. So I always start on the tummy and he flips to his back immedietly. I keep turning him to his tummy and he can flip in about one second. We're going to have to work on him a little more. Maybe when he see's Cooper more in motion he'll decide he wants to get around a little more. Anyway, it's fun to see them and all the new things they do. They are the funnest thing I've ever done! I love them!

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Happy Birthday!!!

It's Troy's big 35!

What a Hubby!

What a Daddy!

We love him so much! I know he'll be bugged at all the cheese that's about to be written, but he'll just have to suck it up because I have a bunch to say. Troy really is amazing. I could not ask for a better husband and friend. I am so grateful for his love. He is patient, kind, thoughtful, giving, careful with others feelings, good to children, good to his family, gives the benefit of the doubt, works hard at work and home and church and he genuinely cares for people.

He is a great father and he LOVES his little guys! They are lucky to have Troy for a daddy! I am lucky to have him for my hubby and I'm grateful for him everyday!

Happy Birthday Honey!

March Birthdays... #1

Happy Birthday to my Dad!!!

It's a couple of days late... but better late than never. I have a great Dad! I'm so grateful for him and all he's done for me! He is a wonderful Grandpa and my boys are lucky to have him. I can't thank him enough for all he's done for me over the past year. He has come and worked in my yard and planted flowers and turned my garden and helped paint the house and so many other things Icouldn't do. He also has been awesome to help me with the babies. I have truly loved our time together taking care of the litte guys. I've seen a new side of him through them and I love him so much more for it! Thank you Dad for who you are! I love you!

Doggy Depression

Izzy was our first little one. Troy and I got her right when we got married. She has been a great little friend to me. I really love her! She is still the one who sleeps at the end of the bed and follows me wherever I am in the house. She loves to go on walks and loves any attention she is given. She is a really great dog! Cooper and Chase have just discovered her. They love to get a hold of her hair and watch her whenever she's close to them. She is very patient with them and never snaps at them. She just looks at me like"Will you get this kid to let go?" I think she really does like them because she always checks on them and likes to be close to them. Sometimes I feel sorry for her because she has definitely suffered some neglect since the babies got here. Whenever I see her feeling left out or pouting because she got in trouble I say "Do you have Doggy Depression?" Sadly... sometimes she does. But Troy keeps telling her to rest up because the Tornado Twosome is growing up and will be running her ragged soon!

6 Months Old

Cooper and Chase are 6 months old! Cooper is 13 lbs 2 oz and Chase is 12 lbs 11 oz. They are still little, but they have cute chubby cheeks.

They really like the whole food thing and they are doing really well eating. It's still pretty messy, but we're getting better at it. They have both like pretty much everything they've tried, except for peas. Cooper does NOT like peas. He gets the chills and makes a bad face. Then he just lets them sit in his mouth. He wont swallow them. It makes me laugh! They are doing so may fun things. They love to laugh and when you tickle them they just laugh and laugh. They love when Troy says "Boo" and makes funny faces at them. They love the play saucers and Cooper's new favorite thing it to push all they toys off onto the floor. He loves the loud crash. Chase gets so excited when you hold toys up for him to grab. He makes his lips into and O and just gets so serious until he gets a hold of whatever is in front of him. He is really giggly when he gets his clothes changed.

They really like to be close together and they reach for each other all the time. They hold hands a lot and I think they are a comfort to each other. They really do like to be together and they are starting to interact more and more.

They are so much fun.! I absolutely love everything they do! My only complaint is that they are growing too fast!

Family Fun

It's been a while since I put up a post, but life has been crazy. We had the big family get together over the last couple of weeks. It was great!!! I had so much fun with all of my family. We did get a family picture done and I think that went really well. My good friend Joslyn took the pictures and she did great! We had them done up at the State Capitol. That is a great place for big groups. The kids could run wild and it hardly matters, because it's so big. The babies also had a big milestone... 6 months old!!! But more on that later... Back to the family.

It was pretty insane everyday up at my parents house. But it was really fun. My mom gave everyone cute Valentines and the kids went crazy with the candy and play dough.

The cousins all had a great time playing together. It was so fun! And the kids all say the funniest things.

Jocelyn would come up to me and just love on Cooper and Chase and just kept saying"I love babies!" She was so sweet. And Hans had us laughing when he said to my mom " I can't tell which baby is which, because they're the same size and have the same costume on." It was so cute. Then later he came over and said "Can I pet your baby?" He is really funny.

All of the cousins loved holding the babies and they adored all of the attention.

This same week Troy's Mom and Bill came for a last minute visit. Troy's great Aunt Cora passed away and they came for the funeral. Troy's Grandma Norr also came up for the funeral and stopped by to see the babies. This was her first time to see them. It was really nice.

Family is great! I'm so glad we were able to have time all together! I love my family and I'm so grateful for each one of them. I'm sure we're all completely exhausted! I know I am. But it was all worth it! I loved being together. My Dad has a new joke he stole from my brother-in-law Ryan's Dad. "I've seen the lights of Paris. I've seen the lights of Rome. But the ones I like to see the most are the taillights of my children/grandchildren going home!" Of course he's kidding! I already miss everyone and I can't wait for the ones who are away to come back for good! Hopefully that will happen soon!

Let's Eat!

The babies got their first taste of food yesterday!





This is the before...














And this is the after!







It was pretty messy and really funny! They both really seemed to like rice cereal. I'm not sure that very much actually got in them, but it was fun to see the reactions. Thank goodness for the bibs from Aunt Annisha! They are awesome bibs! They catch a lot of mess and wipe up really great! Grandma Sharron came over today and taught me how she used to feed us by holding us in her lap and holding one arm behind her and the other with her hand and feeding with the free hand and it worked a lot better than trying to have them sit up. They both totally finished their own bowl of food and were really happy and full babies! Thanks for the Grandma tip!

Just Sick

I've been sick for 4 days now. I have a whole new respect for moms. I never have been sick as a mom and as my mom sometimes jokes "When you have a baby, you don't get to be the baby." Thank goodness for Troy. He really is such a great dad and a huge help. I appreciate all he does for me and the boys. And I am grateful that it's me that is sick not the babies. So far we have been able to keep them well and I hope this continues. They are such good little guys. They have been very patient with their mopey mom. I'm also glad it's the weekend. I love it when Troy's home. We're going to go out scouting a location for our big family picture next month. I hope we find somewhere great that the whole fam will fit. I think there are 31 of us all together. I am so excited for us to all be together. It's going to be great. Have a great weekend!

My mom is the big 6-0!

I can't believe my mom is 60! She looks much younger than that. She is actually 60 tomorrow, but I had to do this when I could. My mom is the best! I could not ask for a better mother. She has taught me so many things. Mostly to be kind and try to think the best about people. She gives the benefit of the doubt almost always and she looks for the best in everyone. She is extremely patient. She loves children and truly cares about each child as an individual. She used to joke that she had 8 only children. We were each spoiled by her love. She always made birthdays and holidays special. I am so grateful for all of the help she gives me with Cooper and Chase. She is a magnificent Grandmother to all of her grandkids. They adore her! I think everyone adores her! We had a big birthday party for her last weekend and it was standing room only. A bunch of her friends came and it really was a great party! I am so blessed to have such wonderful parents! I am so grateful for my mother's example and I hope to be like her! I love you mom! Happy Birthday!

5 Months Old

The babies are 5 months old. I can hardly stand it. They are getting so big. They are doing great. Cooper & Chase are so fun to talk to and Cooper really likes to see his brother by him. Chase reaches out and holds Cooper's hand and I think it's so sweet everytime. They both watch me wherever I am in the room and I love that. They are both kind of going through a thing that I'm the one they want to hold them and if they are crying or fussy, they stop when it's me that takes them. I want them to like people and go to other people, and they really do pretty good. But I like that it's Mommy they really want. They got new tummy time mats from G Janet & G Bill for Christmas and they are so cute playing on them. Chase doesn't really like tummy time and will flip himself over super fast. I have to keep turning him back. So I think the mat's will help. Troy's mom and her hubby came to visit this week. I always like when they come. Janet is such a help(Bill is too). I really appreciate all the good inlaws I have. I am grateful for all of the Grandparents and Great Grandparents the boys have and I understand what my mom means when she sayes "You can't have too many people love your children." I had to go to the dentist yesterday and I thought I'd be gone a couple of hours. I left at 12:30 and left a bottle for the babies in case I wasn't back. Ummm... 5 hours later... I finally got home. G Janet, G Bill, G Sharron & G John all took care of babies. Thank goodness again for Grandparents. I had 2 onlays done and the good thing is that now the dentist does his own lab work, so you don't have to go back for a second appt. The bad thing is it took 4 hours in the chair. For those of you who don't know me... this is torture. Even the gas wasn't taking the edge off by hour 4. But hopefully I'm done for a while. (Mouth pain might be the contributing factor to blogging at 4:00am)

Can't sleep... may as well blog

I have been up with Cooper a couple of times and now I can't go back to sleep. So I figured why not post. I can't be held responsible for content or spelling at 2:00 am. I have been up thinking of how grateful I am for my family. All of them! People have always asked if I liked being from a big family and I always thought this was funny. I didn't know any different. But my answer is yes! I love having a big family. I know that I'm the bossy one and I try to not be so much now that we are all adults. But sometimes it still comes out. I try to stay in touch with everyone as much as I can. I miss my brothers and their families who are away frome me. The thing I love about a big family is knowing that there are a bunch of people who love you as much as you love them. I didn't know how much my parents love all of us until I had my babies. I think I feel stronger about the family connections that ever before. It can get really crazy when we are all together. It's very loud. (Troy is always amazed by how many people can be talking at the same time and how loud we get.) We haven't been all togethere for a few years and we're all going to be together in February and I'm getting really excited about it! I love to see the nieces and nephews playing together and I can't wait for Cooper and Chase to be a part of the cousin craziness. They are so lucky to have so many great cousins to play with! Here are a few cousin pictures! I can't wait for February to have even more!

A quick one

I keep trying to get on here and put up a new post. This last week just got away from me. I had put up a new post a few days ago and right when I just finished my computer shut down and I lost it! I was ^&%$##% mad! So on a quick note to my sister in law Mattie... she asked a question about out top 5 concerts we've been to. Celine Dion, Lyle Lovett, Van Halen(with Sammy), Kenny Chesney, Barenaked Ladies and of course Magstatic!(I always love to see my brother Pete play). I know that's more than 5, but oh well. On her comments people were listing up to 20 :) I'm sad to say I never made it to NKOTB. That was one that almost everyone had seen. I did however go to Salt-n-Peppa(hated it). My mom's friend paid me to take her daughter. I will say that I have had a lot of fun thinking back on these concerts and others. It's good to reminisce.

The babies are getting so fun. I had my first experience with Cooper falling asleep in his saucer. It was so cute! They are talking and laughing a lot. They don't relly play together yet, but they are starting to pay attention to each other a lot more. They look at each other while they're eating. I think it's so cute.

They also love story time with Daddy. He reads to them when he's home on the weekends and they LOVE it! This is how I found them after story time. Cute!

What a year!

What a wonderful year it has been! I think this might have been one of my best years yet. Of course it's the babies that made our year great. And that Troy finished school. We have been so blessed. It has been tons of fun and I'm looking foreword to a fun new year also. We had a great holiday season. Christmas was great. We just spent the day at home with the babies and it was pretty mellow. Thanks to all of you who gave us such nice gifts and sent fun cards. I love to get Christmas cards to see how much people have changed and kids have grown. I must say that I didn't really like our card this year, but it gave me motivation to start earlier next year and plan it out a little better. I don't really make resolutions. I think there are always things I would like to work on. But one thing I would like to do this year is get scrap books put together for the Cooper and Chase. I'm not really a "scrapper", but I want the boys to have books, so I will learn. My mom is a great scrapbooker. She was long before it was the thing to do. I'm so grateful for the books she has done for me. I love to look at them and I want the boys to have that. Troy was just talking about it with me last night. I was telling him it can get a little expensive, but I'll try not to go crazy and just get the pictures in a book.

One funny thing on the babies this week. Cooper loves to nurse. Well, they both do. But Cooper will try to get at anything if it's close to eating time. One of his favorite appetisers is Chase's head. He tries to suck on that a lot. It makes me laugh. I'll turn around for a second and poor Chase will have one whole side of his head slobbered on. Brotherly love :)

Happy New Year!!!

Merry Christmas!!!

It's early Christmas morning and everyone is still asleep. What's wrong with me? Even the babies are still asleep. I guess I just can't wait. I've been up since 4:30 and finally just decided to get up. I'm sure I'll hit a wall early afternoon. Oh well. I'm so excited for the boys first Christmas. We had a great time last night at my parents. All the kids were crazy opening presents and just having a ball. Cooper and Chase slept through most of it. But it's still fun to have our own kids now. We are so blessed and happy to have such wonderful babies. We are also so blessed to have such wonderful families who give us so much love and support. I am so grateful for them all. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas day!!!

Merry Christmas!!!

It's almost here...

I love Christmas time! I just love the whole thing. The food. The crazy shopping. The food. The parties. The candy. The lights. The food. The snow. Did I mention the food? I love the treats and all the fun things people bring you. Yummy! Why do you think we all get a little fluffy around the Holidays? Oh well. We have all year to get it off and then it starts again. People keep saying to me "Don't worry about it. You look fine. You just had twins". I wonder how long I can use that one??? Back to Christmas... My dear husband is very hard to buy for. He pretty much gets himself what he wants when he wants it. (He really doesn't want a lot) But it still makes him hard to shop for. This year he had said several times that he wanted a couple of games and had pointed out a book he wanted when we were at the store. So I went back later (dragging two babies alone) to get them. I was all excited... then he calls me yesterday and says the games he wants are on sale and he's going to pick them up for us from Santa. Silence on my end. I tell him Mrs. Santa already got them for him. He thinks this is very funny. And when he gets home looks under the tree and guesses the book too! So much for surprises around here. I'm going to take note and when the boys are old enough to look under the tree, all presents are going to be hidden at someone elses house or Daddy's office.

On to the babies. Two funnies this week. This was the starting position for the morning nap...

And this is how I found them about 10 minutes later.

They are getting a little more mobile. Chase is really a scooter and Cooper likes to lift his head up and look around. I also tried out their play saucer. They are a little small and I have to prop them up with a blanket. But they both seem to really like it. Toys are fun!

I am so excited for Christmas with them. They may not know what's going on. But I do and I love it! I am so grateful for these little guys and for my wonderful hubby who works so hard so I can stay home with them. Troy really is a great husband. He's very patient with his crazy wife and he's a great Daddy! We love him!

I hope you are all having a wonderful Holiday Season! We love you and miss all of you who are away from us right now! Merry Christmas!

The Graduate

It's official. Troy has graduated from Utah State with his MBA. YEA!!! We are so proud of him. It has been a challenge and taken lots of time, but it's done! He did very well and last Friday we went up to see him graduate. We went out to dinner at Maddox in Brigham City after and it was YUMMY! I had never been there before and I think it might be my new place I have to go for my birthday. It all went well, except that Chase(who is normally the quiet one) had a tummy ache on the way home and cried from Logan to Brigham City. We fed him and he was good until we left after dinner. Then he cried from Brigham City to Bountiful. For those of you who don't know, that's a good hour and a half of screaming. Poor baby. We couldn't stop, because we needed to get Troy's dad to the airport, and didn't know how traffic would be. Anyway, it was a good day and it felt good to have this chapter complete.

This has also been a really fun week with the babies. Troy had Chase and Cooper laughing out loud on Sunday. That was the first time I had heard them laugh really loud. They smile and kind of have a giggle, but this was really out and out laughing. It was so cute!!! Another milestone at our house is that they have slept in their cribs for 4 nights in a row. They really were getting to big for the pack and play. So I broke down and tried the crib. I still ended up with them in bed with me around 4 am. But they are doing better every night. They are skipping both night feedings, so they eat at 9 pm and 6 am. That is huge for us. They are such great babies. We really do have fun every day!

WOW... 4 months old

I can't believe the babies are four months old. They are doing great! Cooper weighs 11 lbs 12 oz and Chase weighs 11 lbs 2 oz. Grandpa John came to the doctor with us to help me when they got their shots. I really appreciated it. I wasn't sure how they would do and wanted another set of hands. They ended up being fine. But you never know and with two crying it can be dramatic. They are getting so big and are doing so many things. They smile and laugh and this morning they found their hands. They wave them in front of their face and they're so surprised to see them. It is super cute. I have had so much fun with them. Time really is flying by. I love just hanging out with them. It is going to be fun to have Christmas with our own kids this year. I don't think we're going to get them presents... well maybe one from Santa. I'm just about done Christmas shopping. It went better than I thought this year. We kept things simple. I would like to go see the lights at Temple Square, but I'm not sure about taking the kids out. Maybe if there is a warmer night we'll attempt it. I know they won't really care if they see the lights. But I want that to be one of our family traditions. It was was one for me as a kid and I loved it and still do! It makes it feel like Christmas.

This weekend is Troy's graduation. We are driving up to Logan to see him walk. It will be nice. We are so proud of him. I love that he is done with school. I see a lot more of him and he has been a big help with the babies. He is a great dad!

Hope you are all having a great Holiday Season!

To crib or not to crib

I still have the babies sleeping in my bedroom with me. I can't give them up yet. They sleep in the pack and play and about 4 am they end up sleeping with me. I have traded having a husband to sleep with for the two little munchkins. Poor Troy has slept in the guest bedroom since the babies were born. Well I guess it's not too bad for him, he does get a full 8 hours most of the time, since he does have to go to work and function all day. I had the bright idea to have all of us sleep in the same bed the other night and I ended up being awake most of the night trying to keep the babies quiet so he could sleep and then when they ended up in bed with us, I was awake trying to keep Troy from whacking them with his pillow. Around 3 am I ended up taking the babies into the guest room to feed them and we slept in there the rest of the night. Needless to say, Troy is back in the guest room. I know the boys will need to sleep in their own beds eventually. But until then...

I did have them take their first nap in their crib the other day. They looked so cute. I still think I'll have them sleep together for a while. When they start waking each other up they will get their own crib. They snuggle together so cute though, that I don't want to separate them yet. They are so fun. They are growing so fast. I adore them!

That time of year

It's that crazy time of year again. The rush started early this year. We were in Las Vegas for Thanksgiving and went to the outlet stores on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. They were handing out coupons for whatever percentages off for items in their store and the big news was that they would be opening at 12:00 am Friday to let the shopping frenzy begin. I have never done the early morning thing on the Friday after. I guess I haven't really ever wanted anything that bad to get up and go. Some people say it's all about the fun and gets you in the spirit. I think I'll try to get in the spirit some other way. Back to Thanksgiving... We really had a nice Holiday. Cooper and Chase are really good little travelers and good sports for being dragged all over and passed from one adoring family member to another. It was good to be with Troy's family. It is the first time since we have been married that all of his siblings have been together in one place. It was really nice to be together. Grandma and Grandpa made delicious dinner and we appreciate all the hard work. Holidays may be crazy, but I still love it and I love that I get to have my babies this year to enjoy all that the season brings. Sometimes things happen to make you appreciate all you have and what a blessing it is to have family. I have really missed my family that is living away from us right now. It's been while since all of my siblings have been together for a holiday. Jeremy and Annisha and their kids and Pete and Mattie and their kids are coming in February for a visit and it will be the first time in about 4 years since we have all been together. I am really looking forward to it. I love them all so much and I hope they know how much they are loved and missed.

Happy Thanksgiving

The turkey day is at hand. We are heading off to Las Vegas to spend the holiday with Troy's family. It will be our first trip with the babies. I'm sure it will be an adventure. They really are good babies and I hope they will be good for that long in the car. They are usually pretty good in their car seats, so I'm hopeful. I will say that getting 4 people ready to go on a trip is a little more involved. Troy and I used to pack up and leave fairly quickly. But getting ready for babies is a little different. You have to have a contingency plan in case of puke or poop. But I do think it will be fun. Sometimes when you go to other family's home for Thanksgiving you're not sure how the food is going to be. But I will say that Troy's Grandpa and Grandma are very good cooks and I know the food is going to be delicious. I love thanksgiving food and I'm looking foreward to it. Also, my Mom makes wonderful stuffing and she said she'd make me a pan for when I get home. Yum!

This is the time when we usually go around the table and say one thing we are grateful for. I can never choose just one. So here it goes... I am so grateful for so many things this year. I am so grateful to have Cooper and Chase. I'm so grateful for Troy. He is a wonderful husband(this is the cheesey part). He is so supportive of me being home and raising our boys. I'm grateful I get to be a stay at home mom. I'm so grateful I'm a mother. I'm so grateful for my wonderful parents. I'm grateful for my wonderful supportive family. I'm grateful for Troy's family. I'm grateful for my freedom and for those who fight for it. I'm grateful for my Savior. We are so blessed!

Happy Thanksgiving to all! Enjoy the bird and all the fixins!

Two heads are better than one

The babies are growing so fast. They are now 3 months old!!! I can hardly stand it! I hate to see them grow so fast. But I love to see all of the new things they can do. Chase is really smiling a lot lately and he makes me laugh because he laughs in his sleep! It is the funniest thing ever. The first time he did it I turned on the light to see what he was doing and what this funny sound was, and sure enough he was giggling. It is adorable. It reminds me of my brother Jeremy who is famous for laughing in his sleep and having full conversations with himself while asleep. I wonder if Chase will do that once he learns to talk. Anyway, at this point I'm just glad to know he's having happy dreams. Cooper is now starting to really coo at us. He gets so excited he wrings his hands and makes all these little noises. He is so sweet when he talks. They are both very good babies and I absolutely adore them. Troy and I are having a great time.

On another note... Troy graduated from Utah State with his masters degree! He finished his MBA last weekend and will go through official graduation December 14! We are all so proud of him! (This is him and Cooper right after his last class) He worked so hard and even got his last class done in the middle of having twins. Great Job!!!

Cute Outfits

I know... three times in one week. But I had to take a picture of these cute outfits! Aunt Mattie made the boys these cute monkey pants and the hats with their names on them. So I had to take a picture! They look so cute. Thanks Aunt Mattie! I can't believe they have almost outgrown their hats. I have loved them. I decided I love things with their names on them. I will need to go find bigger hats and send them to Seattle to be personalized:) The boys cousin Taylor(and Grandma Janet) gave them the cute shirts and Halloween stuff, so we had to get a picture with that too. I'm afraid I like to take pictures of every outfit. I will have to stop soon seeing as I just ordered pictures again and I think I had about 175 new ones, on top of the 300 I already had printed. And they're only 3 months old. Yikes! I'll blame it on Troy. He got us a new camera right before the boys were born and it's really fun to play with and we have really fun things to take pictures of. Oh well!

Halloween Fun

Our first Halloween was pretty fun. We went to Dadddy's work to go trick or treating. Everyone loved seeing the babies. They were so cute! We had a great time. I can't believe it's November. Time really does fly. It is so fun to have all of the firsts with the boys. First holiday(Halloween) and now first Thanksgiving, first Christmas, first ... well you get the picture. Anyway, it really is so fun to have all the firsts.

ps I put up some new pictures :)

Almost Halloween

The Pumpkin Fairy came to visit Cooper and Chase this year at their house and also at Grandpa John's house. So we have great pumpkins for our Fall decor. Thanks G John for the fun tradition! Tomorrow is Halloween and the boys are going trick or treating at Daddy's office. We are all super excited. We went to Gandma Day last Friday and had a Halloween party with the cousins. I'll put the pictures up. The kids all had a great time making cookies. I LOVE Halloween sugar cookies. Maybe we'll make some more today! I took the babies onour first outing alone last week. We went to lunch with our good friends Joslyn, Porter and Lola. Then we went to the mall and met Tammie and Jessica. I was so proud to have gone out alone. It really wasn't that hard and I'm glad to know I can do it! There will be more outings to come now. Got to go... Babies are awake...

Blessing Day

The babies were blessed on Sunday October 14th. It was a perfect day and Troy gave the boys beautiful blessings. We had really nice weather and had a great day! The boys both slept throught the blessings, which is better than crying. The crying came later when it was time for pictures. We did get some good ones, but I thought this one was the funniest. Are they mad or what? It truely was a specail day for Troy and me. We are so happy to have the little guys. The newest news on the block is that Chase and Cooper can both roll over now. Cooper did it a couple of weeks ago and now Chase can do it with him. Chase has really started to smile a lot and it's really fun. They are so sweet. They are growing so big. I had to put away all of their tiny clothes and they fit in the 0-3 month clothes now. Cooper is up to 9 lbs. and Chase is 8 lbs. They have the same head size and they're the same length, about 22 inches long. I can't believe how fast they are growing and how fun they are. Everyday is it just gets better and better! It's almost time for halloween and we have some cute outfits for them. It will be fun to dress them up! Everything is fun with them!

Tummy Time

The boys had their first nap on their tummies. They both really seemed to like it. The SIDS scare has me always having them on their backs, but when I can sit and just watch them I let them sleep on their tummies. They are so cute. Cooper doesn't always like to have tummy time. Last week at Grandma Day I put him on his stomach for a few minutes and he got so mad he rolled over! It was amazing. My mom said she wouldn't have believed it if she hadn't seen it. Only eight weeks old. I thought maybe it was a fluke, so I tried him again the next day and sure enough he did it. He hasn't done it for Troy yet, so maybe it was a fluke. But Mommy was still impressed. And little Chase has started cooing a little bit. He gets this really sweet face and looks around. We also laugh because whenever you unwrap him from being swaddled he does the superman stretch. It's super cute! I just love them! They are so fun!

Time really does fly

My mom said that the last few weeks you're pregnant are the longest ever and the first few weeks the babies are here go the fastest. That is so true. The babies are now 7 weeks old and I can't believe how fast it's gone. They are growing and changing everyday. I am amazed at all the new things they can do. Cooper can hold his head up really well and is starting to really see you when you look at him. I think he had a real smile a couple of days ago. Of course Troy sayes it's still just gas. (As is write this blog, I have been in to put Cooper's binkie in his mouth no less than 7 times) Chase is looking all around and loves to look towards the light. Chase is also letting us know he's here a little more often. Cooper has been the loud one, but Chase is not wanting to be outdone. They are such sweet babies and it's fun to see their individual personalities. I am having a ball with them.

The boys new cousin

Cooper and Chase have a new cousin. Rosanna Rae. She is so cute. They haven't seen each other since they were in Heaven together, but we'll get them together soon. We are so excited to have her here safe and sound. She is a darling little baby and her big sister Magnolia is absolutely in love with her. There are more pictures of her in our Runnells family pictures. Congrats to Aaron and Tara. Good job!

One month old

The boys are now one month old. They are doing great. I made them a one month birthday cake and sang to them. Troy is afraid we are going to do this every month. I assured him only for the major milestones. It has been a joy to have them home. We just got some great pictures and as soon as I learn to download them from the camera I will put some new ones up. Until then...

A whole new meaning to the word "tired"

Yup... we're tired. But it's all worth it! We absolutely love having the babies home! They are doing really well. They are eating well and sleeping sometimes. They are so cute! Troy is an excelant Daddy and is always helping me with anything I need. He's been doing the early evening feedings so I can get some sleep. He truely loves his boys. My mom also came to help last week and stayed for a few nights. That was wonderful! Thanks Grandma! They are actually really good babies. I feel very lucky. This is still the funnest thing I have ever done in my life!

Great Grandma and Grandpa stop by.....

Great Granma and Grandpa Runnells came to visit Cooper and Chase in the hospital. It was great to see their love for the little guys. Kim and I are glad they stopped by twice to spend some time with their great granchildren. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa...... We love you!!!!

Troy and Kim

I love being a MOM!!!!!

I must say that being a mom is the funnest thing I have ever done. I am so in love with these little guys! This is the babies one week picture. These were the outfits I wanted to bring them home in. But since they are going to be in the hospital a couple more weeks, I decided to make this their one week picture outfit! Don't you love it?!? The hats crack me up! Luckily Daddy was fast with the camera and got a couple of good pictures out of the 50 that he took. It was a lesson on twins to have them both with their eyes open and semi looking in the same direction! It was still so fun to put their first clothes on and see them all dressed up. They are both doing well and have been learning to eat and stay warm. Every day there is a little progress and we hope to have them home soon. Troy and I love them so much! We also appreciate all of the love and support we have had from so many people. Thank You! Thank You!

Cooper and Chase are here!!!!

After a lot of hard work and sacrafice by Kim the two cutest babies have arrived. Kim will provide you a blog when she feels better.

Cooper and Chase were born by c-section. Cooper arrived first at 11:59:30 p.m. on 8/12/07 at 5lbs 12 ozs. He measured 19 inches.

Chase followed his bigger brother but decided he wanted to have his claim to fame. He arrived at 12:00:00 a.m on 8/13/07 and has his own birthday. Chase weighed 5lbs 2 ozs and measured 18 inches.

Now we have twin boys born on different days.

Mom is doing well. She is recovering and loves her little guys.....

Click Here for some additional pics of the little guys. We will post more pics and give you an update on how they are doing in the next day or two. Check back for updates.

The twins room is Ready

After lots of time and love the twins room is ready to go. Now all we have to do is wait for the little guys to arrive. Click here to view all of the images.