Spencer is 2!!!

How on earth did my BABY Spencer get to be 2?  All I do know is that it has been a joy and privillege (minus the ocassional tantrum) to be his mother.  Watching him grow, learn, and develop into his little personality has been a blessing.  Today we were able to celebrate this mini milestone in his life.  We had a day full of fun.

We started the morning off right with BALLOONS.  This boy (and his siblings) were in heaven.

We had some play time with Grandma and then we were off to preschool.  It was a nice treat for me becuase I got some alone time with my mom and we were even able to sneak off and have lunch together with out kids.

Then after naptime we blew up the bounce house and played in the backyard.  The kids thought it was AMAZING.  It was the perfect size for Spencer (yay for hand-me down toys).

Next we played with the parachute.  Another big hit!!

Finally it was time for pizza, presents, and cake.

This cute guy was trying so hard to blow...he made them flicker, but not go out all the way.  Natali and Isaac were all but happy to help!

My very basic attempt at a cake.

We finsihed the day playing outside with new toys and enjoying the gorgeous day.  It was such a GREAT day celebrating Spencer.  I am so lucky to be his mom and even more GRATEFUL that I was not in the hospital preping to deliver a 10.6 lb chunck of a baby via c-section.  Spencer, Fudgey, Pencer...I LOVE you!

Easter 2011

Easter is such a wonderful time to celebrate.  This year was no exception.  We participated in a ward Easter  Egg activity on Friday that provided not only great company, food, fun, but also a great reminder on the REALLY meaning of Easter.  Saturday we took advantage of the Scott & White employee egg hunt.  Crazy (slightly resembled a battle scene) but fun activites for the kids to participate in.  Sunday we were able to do our own family thing in the morning and then drive down to Austin to enjoy Sunday dinner with my Aunt and Uncle...and get my MOM!   It started her week long trip and week of birthdays and celebrations.

It was fun celebrating but it was also very important that we remembered the real reason behind it all.  It was great to teach the kids, talk about, and watch videos about our Savior.  To remind ourselves how grateful and blessed we are to have a Heavenly Father who loves us and sent his Son.  Happy Easter.

Topiary Project

I love topiaries.  I think they are the perfect way to decorate and add a little color to a room.  But what I don't love is the $$$$$$ it takes to buy them.  So instead I did a DIY project.  I made a topiary.  I am so happy with how it turned out.  I need to make a few more mini ones to go around the house, but so far this is the only one I have finished.  Yay for DIY projects, especially when they turn out they way you envisioned them.

Ressurection Rolls

I ran across this idea on several blogs a while back.  I thought it seemed like a really fun, cute, interactive idea to help teach kids about Easter.  I did it this week with some kids I do preschool with.  And let me tell you...it was a hit.

-Butter

-Large Marshmallows

-Cinnamon Sugar

-Rhodes Rolls

We flattened out a thawed Rhodes roll (could be used with fresh homemade dough or Pillsbury crescent roll).  We placed a large marshmallow inside and wrapped it up.  Talk about how when Jesus died they wrapped up his body.  Then we rolled/brushed the roll in butter.  Compare to the oils they used.  Then we sprinkled the top with cinnamon and sugar.  Compare to the herbs and spices used back in those times.  I let them rise for about 30 min or so.  Bake 350 for about 12 minutes.  Then once slightly cooled cut it open.  The marshmallow is gone, and the inside is hollow and empty.  Just like the tomb.  It was a great little visual for the kids.  They loved it.

***Optional...have a super crabby kid whining at you the entire time you are doing this really super GREAT activity.***

Easter Eggs 2011

The kids were so excited to dye eggs this year.  We took advantage of Spencer taking a nap and decided start the fun.  I thought a dozen would be plenty of eggs, they weren't.  I think the kids could have done more like 3 dozen.  I'm happy to report no spills, and minimal crackage of the eggs while being dyed.  One a different note...both kids woke up and declared they were ready to play soccer.  I was instructed to take them to soccer practice.  Funny, since we didn't enroll in soccer this season.  Maybe we will try it out in the Fall.  Maybe it will be more successful than we did Natali last year (LOTS OF MELT DOWNS & TEARS).

Happy Easter

Uncle Spencer

We were so very lucky to have Ben's brother Spencer come to Texas.  He wasn't actually here visiting us.  He was at an academic conference hosted at Baylor University in Waco....which is a short 35 minute drive away.  Between his schedule and Ben's were actually able to meet up Friday night for dinner.  We weren't sure it would all come together, but it did!  We went out to eat at Rudy's.  We HAD to take him there.  Rudy's is totally a Spencer kind of place.  He LOVED it!!!  We sat there eating, laughing, and talking (when the kids weren't demanding his attention).  The kids loved every second of getting to spend time with their Uncle Spencer.   It was a perfect night.  Let's not wait another 1 1/2 years to do it again!!!

It did remind me how much I miss being close to family.  How much I hate saying goodbye...yep I cried.    But thankfully we will being seeing him soon this summer and the rest of the family.  Thanks for fitting us into your schedule Spence...we loved every minute.

Addicted...

Lately I have been on a bow making kick.  Silk...felt...ribbons...and lately corker bows.  These little buggers are addicting.  I love seeing all the colors combined, plus they are cute little curls (what's not to like about that).

I think the 4th of July ones are my current favorites!

A very hungary caterpillar

Today we found a little green caterpillar outside.  He was on Spencer's back.  We held him and watched him wriggle around on our hands.  We helped him find a tree full of big green leaves to eat.  We watched him crawl up the tree.  The boys both sat at the base and just watched him climb in all his mystery and glory.  They were facinated.  It was one of the those really happy mom moments.  I appreciated it!

(Isaac loves this new "hand-me-down" t-shirt.  It's transformers.  He thinks he's a pretty big deal)

(His face is messy but oh so cute)