September comes and goes

I have no idea why these wont turn...but that is our darling girl going to...wait for it...KINDERGARTEN!!!!

As much as I can't believe it, its true! Luke turned 2! We brought in his 2nd birthday with style with an Elmo fishing party at the fish farm. We had Elmo pizza's and an Elmo cupcake cake. Luke got a tractor, trike, excavator...what more can a boy ask for!

Daddy and Luke catching feeding the fish!

Luke loved getting to see his tricycle. Anasten was such a sport and helped him ride it around.

September has been a great month finishing off summer. We are adjusting to mom working full time and dad being home, which isn't that big of an adjustment. Josh is an awesome stay at home dad, the kids, household are all running wonderfully which makes it pretty easy to work. We went on a short weekend trip to visit family in Colorado, went on short hikes, and played outside; soaking up the last bit of summer sun. Fall here we come!

updates....

I have been waiting until all negotiations were over to spill the beans. Yes I have a new job with Primary Childrens Medical Center at their centerville/bountiful clinic location. It has been 2 weeks of nonstop, unknown, fear, excitement etc. It all started 2 weeks ago when I got a call that they had a position and had spoken to my supervisor at Mckay Dee and wanted to interview me. Hmmm, me? really? ok so I did. Then I spoke with my district and informed them of what was happening. Then I started my fulltime job at the schools in a new office, new assignment. So I unpacked boxes. Then I got an offer from PCMC, a good one. One that will work well for our family and have the flexibility we need right now. Plus, its new, exciting, challenging. So, I called my district again, ugh hard times. They were supportive and said we will get back to you. So I waited and went to work not quite sure what to do with myself. I hid in the corner when PCMC called to talk about starting (heehee that is just a comical relief.:) I got the call from school yesterday that I may sign separation papers. I start PCMC on Tuesday. Wow that wraps it up...what a two weeks!

Next, Anasten.
She started Kindergarten last week (pictures to come, the camara isn't loading) and LOVES it! Her teacher had a baby this weekend but will be back in two weeks, I know I was shocked too. Anyways, she is making friends, and learning the ropes in her new school.
Favorite Quotes:
"Wow Ms. Joy I don't think you are gonna make it!" (referring to her duedate)
"I will just have to see which learning shoes fit my mood."
"Mom you don't always have to learn your friends names right when you meet them."
and then the infamous boyfriend story....
Anasten informed us yesterday that she had a boyfriend named Ben (the neighbor boy that is in her class.) We asked for her definition of a boyfriend, it seemed like the best place to start. "well there are two kinds, one that is a friend and a boy, the other is when you have to be in love." So we inquired as to which kind this was. "Oh he is my boyfriend." We asked if she felt like she loved him? "Well no, but he needs a girlfriend so I decided I would do it. I told him we have to see each other everyday and talk." Even longer story short it is established that she is too young to have a boyfriend and she will be his friend that is a girl. Then we reviewed personal space and respecting our own and other peoples bodies. Woo...here we go!

Next, Luke....
Luke got to start kindermusik yesterday. It was such a fun time. He is more timid then Anasten and was pretty happy to sit and cuddle with me being a bit nervous. He was starting to warm up and loved dancing with the scarves. He did the funniest thing when it was time to clean up the bells. The teacher set the bucket in the middle, he proceeded to pick it up and walk around collecting bells. Then he just walked into her kitchen to put the box on the counter. We all giggled very hard, I think he might be a little OCD.:)

Next, Josh....
Did indeed get layed off. After many many warnings, and several false dates, it did happen on August 20th. He is working on alot of loose ends right now including; caring for the kids, starting his masters degree, applying for jobs. Yes he is a bit busy but taking it is stride, doing an awesome job for our family, and keeping his faith right in check.

Wow that is the longest post ever, now I better get my camara fixed!

Ok so I have disappeared....

I just logged onto my blog this morning and about died...I really haven't fallen off the face of the earth! Ok maybe I have. Let's see this summer started with 5 days off, then three weeks of Logan 10hours of school a day, followed by 40ish hours at Mckay Dee hospital (internship) each week. Yes I have fallen off the face of the earth. Pros: done with all schooling summer 2010, LOVE my internship, passed all my classes (I think:), grandma gets a special day each week, oh and we have almost survived it.:) Cons: NO break! Work starts August 23rd, VERY HOT!, head hurts, one really bad score on project which really scared me, and that's about all.

LOTS OF THANKS TO GOD'S GRACE, GRANDMAS, GRANDPAS, HUSBANDS FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART!

Funnies:
Luke period. He is a busy toddler now, using lots of words mixed with babble, and hand motions. He runs, jumps, spits, all the boy stuff you are supposed to do. Favorite quote, "mo mo min" holds up one finger, bats big brown eyes and asks for one more minute.

Anasten is one minute of darling, one minute of sassy, one minute of drama, what can I say "hormonal girl." She is so funny! The things she says and thinks of amaze us! She uses words like: "phenomonal, hysterical, devastating." What can I say....she has overcome fear of bikes and swimming (blog post to come) this summer and AMEN! Favorite drama quote recently, "daddy do you know what you are doing? You are trying to break a child's heart."

Ok so I promise I will come back if you will still read.:) Loves!

May Madness & Memories

Anasten's last day of school was a Hawaiin Luau...she was ready!
Anasten Elaine Holbrook Preschool Graduate with Honors!

We keep asking Anasten to stop growing, but she says, "I can't or I can never grow into the woman Jesus wants me to be!" Well ok then!

Luke lived outside! He brought me his shoes and his hat at 7:00am...thus a fire engine ride.

Yes its true! Tiny Weeny polka dot bikini complete with ruffled bums!
Anasten and all of her dance friends.:)
Anasten and Luke were so good during mom's graduation. We went to a fancy dinner at Wendy Sukiyaki after. What a special day! Yes this is what it looks like. Luke is sitting in an intertube reading a book and smiling for the camara...oh this boy!


May has been a month to remember! We had my graduation from Graduate school, Anasten's graduation from preschool, Anasten's spring soccer, dance competition and revue, Anasten's singing performances, a trip to Boise, and let's just say fun with Luke!

captured

There are so many times that a mom thinks to herself, "I should have gotten a picture of that!" Lately I have had this happen over and over again with a particular curly haired boy in my house. Exhibit A) I come out of the bathroom to find Luke happily dumping a box of cereal in the dogs bowl and eating it with a play fork from the kitchen. In this moment I should have got the camara but in my mind I needed to intervene so this behavior would not be rewarded too much. However in the midst of my feeling like I need to intervene quickly I keep missing the BEST moments! So today I through judgement aside and insisted that I catch this on camara!

Anasten had a friend over to play this afternoon. I was helping them get cleaned up to have yogurt as a snack. When we entered the kitchen we found Luke on the chair (climbing again!) and happily using the outlet plug to the food dehydrator as a fork to eat the yogurt as quickly as possible. This picture didn't turn out so good but he turned and said "cheese" and smiled for the camara! As naughty as this is I am pretty sure my engineer friends are impressed with his "inventiveness".

Being brave takes practice...

Driving in the car is such an insightful time between parent and child. The other day we were driving along when Anasten informed me that she did not want her bike, she wasn't going to ride it, and we could sell it. When asked why she informed me that she was too afraid. She didn't want to fall, and she was too afraid of her bike, thus the following:

Mom: This reminds me of Daniel in the bible. Remember when he was put in the lions den, how do you think he felt?

Anasten: Very afraid..horrified!

We continued to work through the story and the outcome...

Mom: what does that story tell us about God and Daniel?

Anasten: God always is in charge, He is all powerful, He protects us. Daniel had great faith and was very brave.

a little impressed with her answer (bragging:)

Mom: So what does that story teach us about our bike...

Anasten: That I should be brave and faithful, don't worry I will when I get bigger, Daniel was almost 100, being brave takes practice!

Yeah that didn't go as planned!

Promise

Anasten Holbrook

3/25/05

You probably look at this picture and see a precious new baby. While I do see that, I see so much more. I see the moment I knew my life would never be the same. I see the perfection of God's creation. I see the promise of a love that can never be broken.

That moment I met my perfect baby I wondered how God thought I would be able to take care of her, and honestly I didn't think I could. Now I look at my little girl and wonder how I ever could have not had her in my life.

Today is a bitter sweet day for a mom. 5 years old is very much a new phase to me. It's leaving the baby and toddler and preschool years behind. Those years that everybody always tells you to cherish because they go so fast! Yes it's true....they do go so fast! While part of me feels like holding baby pictures and crying, the other part remembers the perfection of God's plan and my purpose as a mother. I once heard a saying....the past is part of history, the future is a mystery, and present is a gift.

So today instead of falling into sin of my human nature I am going to celebrate this gift. This gift that God created and promised to me. I am excited to see the "mystery" of the future, and I will always treasure the "history."

Thankyou God my father for my beautiful baby girl!

woo what a blur!

It is amazing when you look at your little baby that is walking, talking (babbling at least) and wondering how so much has changed in only 18 months.
Luke is one busy little blessing.

We love him so much and can't wait to see his next move.
Sneak peak of his "skills"
Talking: mama, dada, dat (cat), dat (that), more, done, no, ruf ruf (dog), fau (flower), nunu (bunny), moou (mouse), ba (ball), bye-bye, Ana, papa, gupa, nana, bu (book)
signs: more, help, milk, bye-bye, blow kisses, high five bump in the hole (thanks to dad)
Going: going going going! He mostly runs (forget walking), climbing (everything), Throwing balls, driving cars, pushing everything in sight, and the unfortunate ones hitting, tantrums:(
Likes: every kind of food...including dog food:), OUTSIDE, OUTSIDE, OUTSIDE, Signing Time movie, books, computer (banging on anyway), cars, trains, animals, balls.....and the list goes on.
Am I a proud mama or what! That is my little man...oh and did I mention, he wears us out!
Love you Lukey Buns!

Clothes are not a pre-requisite when it comes to driving.
Did I mention that we do have a bit of a "stubborn" streak

A man must wear his train hat when riding in a train!

Little Dude!

What a handsome boy!

Feb 26...finally gave in to first hair cut.
Finally he escaped the torture and
made a run for it!

You might wonder why I posted this picture?
It gives a glimpse of how much Stacy had to be
on the move to cut Luke's hair...about 10 pics
that look like this.

Attempt 2: Give Luke Stacy's phone
Attempt 3: Let Luke sit in the chair by himself

You can see why I don't ever

want to cut these curls.

Here he is being a very good boy.

Below...a very desperate little boy.

just some tidbits...

Anasten cracks me up....

Last week:
"Ana should we give Luke back, he's a lot of work!"
(hands on hips) "He is a blessing from God, he is our responsibility now!"

Today:
--"Are you a mom?"..."Yes, I have two babies."
--"but you are in school?".... "yes I am both a mommy and a student."
--"are you a grown up all the way?"...."yep all the way."
--"but why are you so small?"...."well all people are different sizes, God made me small."
--"that is weird, you are smaller then little Sarah and Hilary, but you are bigger in the number of your age."
...."I am older yes, but I am smaller...it is weird."
--"and you have two kids."...."yes I am a very thankful mom."
--"you might have more kids like us, but first you have to stay at your weight cause of Luke being ginormous, we'll see if you can do that." "yep" (but thinking thanks alot)!

Both of these conversations took under 5 minutes...imagine what the rest of the day contains.

I am a very thankful, small, and better stay at my pre baby weight mama!

I love you!

Two special girls got a very special evening from our hubbies. They made us homemade dinner of fillet Mignon and cheesecake for desert. We had candles, lights, roses. We started our afternoon going to get a pedicure while the boys set up. This turned into shopping and no pedicure, and matching shirts.:) We sat with candle light, talked, and laughed for hours. Then we watched Couples Retreat. It was a great night to celebrate love, support, romance, and friendship.
Thanks so much for a great night, love you Josh!

Boy it is time!

Nothing says Valentines like Chocolate fountain fun!

mmm...heart shape pizza
Lukes to drive Ana's

pink barbie car. In

this picture he finally

got into the car

and is driving with

his dashboard.:)

This little boy is

always a barrel of

laughs!

So first of all, so sorry I have not been blogging! I wish I could promise I will be better but until grad school comes to an end here, it may be sparatic. We have the most wonderful family and God is so good to us. This valentines was celebrated first with a "family" party on Saturday, then with a mom and dad date on Sunday (pictures on next post.)