I love to see the Temple

We went and saw the Draper Temple, it was Beautiful! We took both Bear and Lyon, Bear was so excited that he got to go.



On the way home we stopped and got the boys some lollipops :D


Since it was Bears B-day we let him decide what we should have for dinner. He told us he wanted to have spagetti and meat balls. Ok I have never made that before but with Phil's help and an awesome recipe I decided to attempt it, for Bear.

The picture does not do it justice. Dinner turned out great, very yummy!

After dinner Phils parents came over with some presents for Bear he was so excited! His favorite thing that he got was a little Book of Mormon. Lol!


After presents, or maybe it was before, we had cake and ice cream. A football cake of course.


When we were finished, our plates were still on the table. Lyon who was not finished yet stayed at the table and after finishing his cake and ice cream he moved over to Bears chair and finished what was left on his plate then he moved over to my plate and finished what was left of mine. Lol! What a silly boy :D


And just for fun,and because I finally have one, here is a belly pic of me. There is definatley a baby in there.


We had a really great day! I love to see the Temples and I am so glad my boy's do too! I also love to spend time with my family, and I am so happy that Bear had a good day on his Birthday! :)

Football Birthday Party

Over the weekend we had an awesome Birthday party for Bear. He turns 4 this week and I thought he was old enough to appreciate a party, and Phil and I were just crazy enough to take it on. We invited all the kids around that are his age (over thirty plus his cousins) and I was just hoping that someone would show up. I was really worried because I know that it can be hard to remember that there is a party and also a lot of kids have been sick. I figured if at least one kid showed up it would be ok. The day of the party arrived and we were all ready, it was two o'clock and...... Thank goodness we had 14 kids come :D HURRAY! The party turned out great, better than great! We had plenty of games and we decorated cupcakes, played out in the back yard and then had ice cream. It was so much fun to watch the kids have so much fun. I was seriously worried that they would be bored. Some of the parents ended up staying, which I expected, because there are some really shy kids. I planned ahead though and had a fruit tray ready for parents to snack on, and we got to visit with one another and we got know them better too! It was just such a relief to have it go so unbeleivabley well! I really want Bear to be able to socialize and have a good variety of friends to play with. I think that this is a good start. We know the kids better they know where we live and we know where they live and we've met their parents. Setting up play dates is so much easier when you know who each other are. It was just so much fun, I'll definatly do it again!

Birthday Bash

This is one of my favorite sites! Go check it out, tons of giveaways and all that good stuff :D

Art Project

Since we don't go outside much we do a lot of art projects. Luckily the boys love to color and paint. Here we took these huge pieces of paper and traced the boys while they were laying on the papers then the boys each drew in the rest of their features.


Bears is a bit more detailed than Lyons. I must admit I did help a little but only with the bones because Bear asked me to. He did his own face though, even all of his teeth :D


Lyon is just such a cutie. He was so proud of his work and wanted to help hang it on the wall. Yes, we hang their artwork all over the walls of my house. I love to look at it all and the boys love to see it hanging up as well :D

I love my family

For relief society we made cupcakes for our sweeties, these are the ones I made for Lyon and Bear. They loved them!



Bears cupcake is an angel with wings holding a heart (in case you couldn't tell)




I was terribly ill on Valentines day so we didn't get to do anything :( The boys went out and did the grocery shopping and surprised me with a bouquet of flowers. Phil said it was Bears idea. I thought this was so sweet, I love my boys!

I hate winter

Alright well its not really that I hate winter its a fine season and can be very beautiful. I particularly love to wake up in the morning and find a fresh blanket of snow on the ground, or watching the snow fall at night in the light on our street lamp.
However, enough is enough! I am so sick of being cold, I am 5 months pregnant, I should not be cold. Yet I am, and winter is to blame.
I once had a biology professor explain to my class, and I am really not sure why, why it is that we love the warm seasons. Something to the effect of our ancestors running around naked in the sunshine, and how our bodies weren't designed for cold weather. Well that is for sure, and right now if it were nice and hot I wouldn't mind running around outside naked. (As long as I were on a deserted island with a beach)
I get like this every year, desperately wanting to go to the beach. I love the sunshine, and I love to swim. I think I was supposed to be a beach bum, with a surf board, and my hair sun bleached and full of sand. Just the thought makes me feel so happy! Perhaps someday Phil and our family will move to the Canary Islands, with its San Diego like weather and beautiful beaches. I would learn Spanish especially if it meant living on the beach. Of course there is a downside to that, as there are those big huge scary dogs there on the islands. I guess that some how I would have to overcome my debilitating fear of dogs. Hey, anything is possible.
Oh well, sigh, for now I will simply have to wait patiently for the days when my boy's and soon girl and I, will be able to go out side play in the kiddie pool and walk to the park. Until then I will simply have to be content with my imagination and dreams of living in warm beach going weather all year round.



This is just a small piece of the Canary Islands. I think that this is really where I belong, but I was born where I was plainly and simply so I could meet Phil. Oh relax people, I know I also wouldn't have all the friends that I have now, so I am grateful to be where I am. ;)The backup plan was that Phil served his mission there so we would have met one way or another. I bet that my Mom and Dad once had a discussion on where they should move to, either Utah or Canary Islands, and Utah won. I can't be selfish if we hadn't come to Utah where would my Brothers and sisters be as far as their spouses and friends go?
Clearly I have thought this through just a little to thoroughly. Lol!

The Belly Bump

Just because....

While sorting through my pictures on my computer I came across this one. I love this picture I am not really sure why. I don't remember ever seeing it before.....

My Mom e-mailed this to me and I wanted to share

The One Flaw In Women

By the time the Lord made woman,
He was into his sixth day of working overtime.
An angel appeared and said,
'Why are you spending so much time on this one?'
And the Lord answered, 'Have you seen my spec sheet on her?
She has to be completely washable, but not plastic,
have over 200 movable parts, all replaceable
and able to run on diet coke and leftovers,
have a lap that can hold four children at one time,
have a kiss that can cure anything from a scraped knee to a broken heart
-and she will do everything
with only two hands.'

The angel was astounded at the requirements.
'Only two hands!? No way!
And that's just on the standard model?
That's too much work for one day.
Wait until tomorrow to finish.'

'But I won't, ' the Lord protested.
'I am so close to finishing this creation that is so close to my own heart.
She already heals herself when she is sick
AND can work 18 hour days.'

The angel moved closer and touched the woman.
'But you have made her so soft, Lord.'
'She is soft,' the Lord agreed,
'but I have also made her tough.
You have no idea what she can endure or accomplish.'

'Will she be able to think?', asked the angel.
The Lord replied,
'Not only will she be able to think,
she will be able to reason and negotiate.'

The angel then noticed something,
and reaching out, touched the woman's cheek.
'Oops, it looks like you have a leak in this model.
I told you that you were trying to put too much into this one.'

'That's not a leak,'
the Lord corrected,
'that's a tear!'
'What's the tear for?' the angel asked.

The Lord said, 'The tear is her way of expressing her joy,
her sorrow, her pain, her disappointment, her love,
her loneliness, her grief and her pride. '
The angel was impressed.
'You are a genius, Lord.
You thought of everything!
Woman is truly amazing.'

And she is!
Women have strengths that amaze men.
They bear hardships and they carry burdens,
but they hold happiness,
love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy
and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in.
They stand up to injustice.
They don't take 'no' for an answer
when they believe there is a better solution.
They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel
and cheer when their friends get awards.
They are happy when they hear about
a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member,
yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss
can heal a broken heart.
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you
to show how much they care about you.
The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning.
They bring joy, hope and love.
They have compassion and ideals.
They give moral support to their family and friends.
Women have vital things to say and everything to give

HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE TINY FLAW IN WOMEN,

IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

Family Pictures

Graves Family


Phil, Rose, Lyon, and Bear


Jason, Rebecca, and Little Taylor



Daniel and Kealy



Nathan, Ben, and Stephanie

Beauty Baby!

This is what makes all of my misery worthwhile! :)
Even as I post this I can feel my little angel squirming around inside and I absolutely love her to pieces! Yes, we are having a darling baby girl! I should probably tell you all that we have already chosen a name, but it is a secret that we will tell on her birthday :D

Complaining

It has been a very difficult month of January for me this year. I have been pregnant, which makes me unbearably moody, tired, and completly overwhelmed. Our computer broke. Which wasn't the end of the world or anything, its just a nice window to the outside world when stuck inside all day long. And I still haven't taken down all of my Christmas decorations, something that irritates me constantly.
I must admit I haven't taken these things lightly. I have been very, and I must stress VERY, ornery and whiny. You'd think I would know better, I am a grown woman afterall. How many times have I told my boys not to whine because it is soooooo annoying? If you have kids you know all about this. They start whining about something that you have no control over and expect you to fix it. Or its something that you are working on and you just need them to leave you alone long enough so you can, make them a snack, or get them a drink, or get the door open, or whatever it happens to be.
Knowing this as I do I have learned nothing. I have gone on and on to my own Mom about things that she has no control over and cannot fix for me. I have gone on and on to my husband who is working on it but needs me to leave him alone long enough so he can get whatever it is at the moment, done. I think I have whined to just about everyone who will listen to me.
How funny would it have been if my son had said to me: "Stop Whining, its so annoying!"
Maybe I would have snapped out of it sooner.
The point I am trying to make, to myself mostly, is that we all have troubles. Its okay to vent once in a while. However there is a time and a place. Its not okay to whine through every conversation one has. So I have decided that if I want people to continue talking to me I must change my attitude, NOW!
This is my new New Years Resolution! Having a good attitude makes me, and those around me, happier. I will remember that I have been greatly blessed and very well taken care of. I can do it!

And, I'll save the whining for my monthly visit to the doctors office, LOL!

Bear cracks me up :D

Today after he had licked yes licked a stick of butter, my 3 almost 4 year old son, Bear, told me this:
As he drank some Gatorade to wash down the butter,
"I want my belly to look like Grandpa's and Dad's"

Lol!

Stars and Sprite

This is the treat that we are taking around to all our neighbors. Along with the story that is posted below. If you can't tell the sprite represents the Christmas tree and the starbursts is the tree topper.
Lol!

The Christmas ornament By Phil and Rose Graves

She sat atop a fragrant Christmas tree decorated with lights, bows and ornaments of all kinds, she felt especially special as she crowned the treetop. The star looked around, could she have cried she would have, for joy wrapped itself around her as she admired her surroundings. She could see outside the front window as frozen flakes began to fall. They decorated the landscape covering it with sparkling white. It was Christmas Eve and she had been watching as the house filled with loved ones.
Relatives! Cousins, aunties, uncles, and grandparents too, the house filled quickly and more and more gifts were piled underneath the tree. The star glittered and glowed as she watched the love that filled the house. The family gathered together in front of the tree and sang Christmas carols while sipping hot wassail. The star thought it was the most wonderful thing she had seen, warm and inviting in every way. Soon every one drifted off to find their beds and go to sleep.
The crystal star sat atop her perch and watched the snow outside. One by one the houses of the neighborhood turned down their lights and went to sleep.
Christmas morning arrived, dawn crept outside and brilliant light was cast across the freshly fallen snow. The house began to stir. First the star watched as children began to peek around the corner to see the sight of the presents under the tree. Next were the parents, groggy and still tired, excitement evident on their faces as they watched the children’s faces shine in anticipation. The family gathered and gifts were passed around. The star watched thrills of joy crowning her. The gifts were opened and at first the smiles and joy were palpable, but it wasn’t long before cries of joy were replaced by tears of anger. Yells overtook the joy and the poor star watched in dismay as what had started out to be a joyous occasion became a room full of apology and despair. The children were unhappy with what they had received. The grownups were not thrilled with what they had either. Disappointment at their children’s reactions to the gifts they had lovingly picked out. Smiles were replaced with frowns. The joy that had filled the once bright star’s heart was fast retreating. The star now sat atop the Christmas tree no longer glowing, no longer entranced by what had been beauty all around. At last as the family left the room stomping out and frustrated. The poor stars heart broke; at this she shattered into a million dimly glittering pieces, which fell unnoticed to the floor.
My Dear Friends and loved ones, Too often we get carried away with what it is we want to receive or even what it is we want to give to others and we forget that the true purpose of Christmas isn’t about gifts at all. Christmas is about remembering Christ and the love he has for us. The Savior came to earth selflessly with no thought for himself or his own glory. He tenderly suffered all pain and affliction because of his great love for each and every one of us. Is it really too much to ask to give that love back to him and to all mankind. Maybe it is? Perhaps we could start with our families and neighbors, simply loving each other and expecting nothing in return.
Let us remember the true meaning of Christmas this year: The pure love of Christ for all mankind.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The start of a new year is always exciting. Fresh and full of surprises. Here is a taste of the surprises and excitement we have experienced this past year: )

January: Bear was enrolled in a kiddie gym with his cousin Aiden. They went once a week, it was always Bears favorite thing that he did during the week.

February: We celebrated Bears third Birthday! (has it really been that long, Wow)

March: We purchased our first house! We wasted no time putting in a fence, the grass and flowers come later.

April: We moved into our new house!

May: Phil and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary! I love him so much and I know he loves me! We totally complete each other ;)

June: Our Yard was completly put in and we started our very first garden :D

July: We celebrated Lyons 1st Birthday! We also enjoyed a trip to Indiana and Ohio where we visited family and did some site seeing.

August: We celebrated my birthday :) We also enjoyed watching the olympics, Michael Phelps has become a household name for us. Bear loves to see him on commercials, it always cracks Phil and I up when he starts yelling "Thats Michael Phelps!"

September: My dear Grandmother passed away :( Phil and I left the kids with his parents while we drove out to San diego for her funeral.
On a better note, Phil got a much better job as a Purchasing Agent for USSynthetic. We are so thrilled about this, it has been wonderful and he loves it!

October: I found out that I am pregnant with our third child and she/he is due in June 2009!

November: We celebrated my True Love, Phillilps, Birthday! And we enjoyed Thanksgiving with my family :D

December: The boys have loved playing in the snow! I can't wait to take them sledding even if I only get to watch, just watching their expressions as they zoom down a snowy hill is worth every second in the freezing cold :D
We hope you all have a very merry Christmas, and an adventurous and wonderful year in 2009!

Thanksgiving!

It has been a long time since I have actually looked forward to Thanksgiving dinner. It was about 7 years ago that it started, I went to CA for the holiday and was anticipating an amazing dinner. Well I was very disappointed. Anyone who knows me really well knows that my favorite food is in fact salad. I must have a salad with every meal. That was what my Mom did as I grew up and well I liked it, a lot! My Mother is an excellent cook and I had grown accustomed to eating good and healthy food especially for Thanksgiving. Well the years have past quickly and each year my disappointment grew either from an ill prepared meal made from inexperienced hands or from a lack of a good salad. Not to mention the conversation that should follow dinner, has been less than appealing. Well this year dinner was planned to be with my family. We had all of my brothers and sisters except one and we had my cousin and her family and one of my aunties. It was a full house and it was wonderful! We all participated in making the food, I brought the salad :D My brother in law made the turkey. He makes some good food, I'll tell you that. The Turkey was amazing, cooked to perfection. My cousin brought the cranberry sauce, it was delectable. I have never had good cranberry sauce until then. The mashed potatoes and stuffing were also amazing thanks to my sister and her husband again. My mouth is watering just thinking about it again! The conversations had after dinner were also fun and memorable just the way I like it. My only regret is that I didn't get seconds, I was so full so fast and then the food was gone and I was out of luck :( Oh well I enjoyed it while it lasted and hope for perfect Thanksgivings to be thankful for in the future.