Our Themes

          Becketts theme for today is, CRY and WHINE. Poor little guy  is working on some more teeth. When the doc checked in his mouth, she was sure he was getting four new ones. I disagree. I'm pretty sure he is getting every single one. Okay, that might be a little extreme, but I can see one about to break through and the other is getting real close. He doesn't teeth well, and has been really whiny. Its very unusual for him to act like this, so I'm not really sure how to handle it. My arm's are about to fall off from packing him around and I think my back just gave out. Teething for B is also a major cause of lack of sleep. He cried a good share of the night. I finally pulled him in bed with me in the early morning so we could all get a little shut eye. He is currently napping on my chest as we speak. It so sad seeing this little guy be anything but happy.

Good thing for big brothers. Tayden can always make him laugh and smile.

            Taydens theme for today is, UH-OH MOM! As in, "uh oh mom, I spilled rainbow rice all over the floor." Or, "uh-oh mom. I dumped out lots of bubbles [aka- half of my new dish soap] in the kitchen" And including, "uh oh mom. All my toothpaste is on the counter mom" Oh, and lets not forget, "uh oh mom. I broke your book." Yes, today has been full of oppsies. Tayden is extremely independent, which most the time leads to some accidents. I felt like every time I turned around today there was another adventure that needed cleaning up.

 Don't even remind me about the chocolate milk.

              Moms theme today, BREATHE. These two have kept me on my toes today for sure. Its been a day of frustrated bliss for me. I'm pretty sure I have not accomplished one thing  all day. Its been a two steps forward, three steps back kind of day. I was feeling the frustration of  my failures come through. I have yet to get showered and ready for the day. My house is a mess. I have no idea whats for dinner. Laundry is still in the dryer from yesterday. Work out? Whats that? And so on and so forth. I had to take a deep breath and breathe. I forced myself to remember what staying home is all about. Its about my boys. So, I forgot my chores for the day and got down on the floor and played with my kids. That's where my bliss came in. Nothing is better than laughing with your children. Nothing is better than good quality time. Nothing is better than soothing a hurting baby or teaching a toddler to clean up his mess. 

And nothing is better or more important than these two.

5 Years

43 829.0639 hours

260 weeks

1825 days

60 months

No matter how you say it, the fact remains the same. Today, I have been married to my best friend for five years. I can’t believe how quickly time has gone. I never thought we would be where we are today, but I couldn’t be any happier.

We met on a cold February night in 2006. I was on a date with his friend Beau, and he was on a blind date with my roommate. I remember coming out from the bathroom and seeing Scott for the first time. He was sitting on our old green couch looking at his shoes. As I walked out, he lifted his head and I looked into his big blue eyes. I noticed his incredible smile first and was immediately drawn to him. I spent the evening trying to pull myself away from him and concentrate on my date (who by the way is a really great guy). The boys took us bowling and came back to the apartment for subway sandwiches. It was getting late and they were getting ready to leave. {I didn’t know they were about to go see a girl that Scott had been dating.} They walked us up to our apartment and we said our goodbyes. Scott and I locked eyes for a moment, probably a little too long because everyone noticed. [Awkward!] Needless to say, I called it off with Beau and Scott swooped in at the first chance. With his friends approval of course.

We met a few days later at Wingers with a group of mutual friends. Scott threw popcorn at me while I caught it my mouth. Haha. I remember laughing so hard and being happier than I had been in a long time. I had recently let a missionary go. We dated for four years prior to his mission, so being this happy with another boy was huge. It felt right. I knew in those few minutes I wanted to pursue this budding relationship.

Our official first date followed a few days later. He picked me up a few minutes earlier than when we were to meet the couple we were doubling with, so we headed off to a local park. We swung on the swings and got to know each other. Our conversation included our families, our dreams, our past, and everything in between. We went bowling again and played laser tag, but I remember feeling like that wasn’t enough. I did not want our night end. Sadly, it had too.

Luckily, he called the next day and we saw each other again. He told me his friend was getting married in Manti. Scott really wanted to go, but had no one to go with. So I offered to ride along. I look back now and wonder what in the heck I was thinking. We had only really known each other 4 days, but I felt like it had been years. He accepted my offer and we took a weekend trip to Utah. On the way there, I met his family for dinner in Inkom. I was crazy nervous, but they were so nice. His mom was cooking deer and I was scared to death I was going to hate it and have to choke it down to not offend her. Turns out I really like deer, and elk for that matter. We stopped in Utah to stay with my grandparents over night, then off to Manti in the morning. The weather was awful as it snowed like mad. I remember feeling so safe though. I knew he would protect me and keep me safe. The trip to Manti is when I really fell in love with Scott. We had so much time to just sit and talk and really understand one another. When we came home, I could not imagine my life without him.

This whole time, I was living in Rexburg and Scott was going to school at ISU. We met every Wednesday in Idaho Falls and I came home on the weekends to be with him. The time came for me to renew my contract in Rexburg, but I opted not to. I moved back to Pocatello to be closer to him. After only four weeks of dating, 

he proposed.

I had been dying to go to the museum in Idaho Falls, but he never gave in to take me. One April 5^th 2006, he finally took me. I couldn’t understand why he wasn’t talking to me. He was acting so strange and not paying any attention to me. I starting getting very aggravated at one point and stopped talking to him. I was looking at one exhibit and turned around to tell him something, but he wasn’t there. Then I looked down, and there he was on one knee with a ring in hand. He asked me to marry him and of course I said yes. He put the ring on my finger and it was official.

Shortly after we were engaged, Scott left for the summer to go install security systems in North Carolina. It was the hardest summer of my life. I’m pretty sure I drove my mom crazy. I was not pleasant to be around. However, it was the best summer for Scott and me to grow as a couple. He was clear across the country and all we had was the phone to communicate. We had many nights full of arguments and misunderstandings. But, some of the best things happened. We connected on a purely emotional level and grew closer than we ever would have had he been home. It was hard, but I am so grateful for that summer.

Scott was set to come home late August/early September, but drove from North Carolina to Idaho in 2 days to make it home for my birthday. It was the best surprise ever and we are lucky enough to have it on tape. 3 weeks later we walked into the Logan Temple to be wed for time and all eternity.

On September 15, 2006- it rained all day. I woke up and it was pouring. It’s one of my favorite memories about the day. I love the rain, so I felt like it was a blessing coming down from the heavens. I got ready at a hotel in Logan and when I was finished I sat in the hotel anxiously waiting for my groom to pick me up. He knocked on the door and I ran to open it. Scott looked so handsome in his suit, standing in the rain with those big blue eyes and smiling from ear to ear. The sight of him assured me all the world was right as long as I was with him.

We were married by my great grandfather and the ceremony was beautiful. My grandpa got my named mixed up a few times, calling me Ann Stacey instead of Stacey Ann, (he was almost 90 when he married us) - but we look back at laugh now. We are so privileged to have had him seal us. It was truly a dream come true for me. We stepped out of the temple as Mr. and Mrs. Scott Packard for the first time, and here we are today- making history.

I love my husband with everything in me. He is my best friend. To be honest, I cannot imagine my life without him. He pushes me to be the best I can be and picks me up when I’m not. He gives me strength when I’ve run out and reminds me of how strong I truly am. He has never asked me to be someone I’m not. He has the best work ethic of anyone I know. He is smart. He has a testimony of the gospel. He is funny. He kisses me every morning and night and always in between. He is kind. He was made for me. I don’t think I will ever be able to 

express in words what he means to me.

Here’s to five years, Scott. I love you more and more and more each day. Thank you for blessing my life on a daily basis and loving me like you do.

if you have a toddler

...You must try this!

All you need is a straw, dish soap, water, and food coloring.

Put some dish soap in the bottom of a cup, add some water and a little food coloring. Place a straw in the cup and let your child blow.

When they have made a colored bubble fountain, place a piece of paper over the bubbles and press down.

It makes the coolest design! You can kind of see our picture in the bottom, left corner.

Then, even after the color was gone, T blew bubbles for a long time.

And an added bonus for mom, my table was nice and shiny when we were done!

This is a boredom buster for sure!

Check Ups

The boys had their check-ups today. Tayden had is 2 1/2 year and Beckett has his 6 month-although is really is 7 months. We're a little behind.

My favorite part of the whole Nevada doctor appointment: Tayden getting out of the car and saying, "Brrr. Its cold." It was a chilly 78*. He must be used to the Nevada heat. More the used to it, he must be loving it.

My least favorite part of the doctor appointment. Waiting for the Dr. for an HOUR! The total appointment took almost 2 hours. Re-dic-u-lous!

At 2 years 7 months Tayden:

-Weights 28.5 lbs. (25-50%)

-Is 36 3/4 in. tall. (50-75%)

-Loves all things Toy Story.

-Enjoys story time at the library and reading his new books.

-Still loves watching football.

-Is extremely independent.

-Loves swimming.

-Has a minor obsession with Nemo fish.

-Finally loves nursery. In fact, its his favorite time of the week.

-Is a fantastic older brother.

-Could talk on the phone all day.

-Knows his numbers to 10, all colors, most shapes and some letters.

-Wants to be outside if at all possible.

-No longer wears pull ups at bed time.

-Thinks getting mail is the coolest. Even if its just our junk mail.

-Loves his train track.

-Hates when his brother plans with his train track.

-Listens like a champ...most days.

-Is a great helper.

-Makes me laugh.

At 7 months Beckett:

-Weights 22 lbs. (75-90%)

-Is 28 1/2 inches tall. (75-90%)

-Is a crawling machine. (I'll post a video soon)

-Can pull himself onto almost everything.

-Climbs up stairs.

-Can sit back up from crawling.

-Loves to drop a toy in a basket and then get it out again.

-Is eating baby food and starting some soft table foods.

-Has two bottom teeth.

-Is still happy and content most all the time.

-Falls asleep on his own.

-Adores his brother.

-Has the greatest laugh.

-Drinks from a sippy cup.

-Has a red headed temper.

-Still takes 2 1/2 naps.

-Is a fantastic eater.

My kids are the bomb.

Near Starvation Mode

This morning, I got a text from my mother in law that said, "We are in near starvation mode...please post more pictures or email us some!!!"

So, like a good daughter in law-I'm posting some pictures.

Here is our day in photos.

We washed dishes early this morning. Let me tell you a little bit about my son. He hates to be dirty, have his clothes wet, or anything of that sort. So a lot of the things Tayden does-he does his underwear. Then, after we are done doing whatever we were doing, getting clothes back on him can be quite the hassle. He loves to be naked, so I guess we should just be grateful he has his unders on! I promise though, he does wear clothes...just not a lot at home!

Then we took some pictures.

And played with baby brother.

We took turns playing with the woody ball.

And even got to take it outside today since it was only 90* at 11:00!

Tayden jumped on the four wheeler for a bit.

While Beckett watched from the house. He is desperately trying to climb on everything. See his little leg pulled up? He stands like that, grunting out of frustration, most the day.

Then, we tried to go out for Pizza. But all the Pizza Huts are take out in Las Vegas, so we settled for Canes Chicken.

See, I do dress my kids.

And they look so handsome when I do!

Even if they aren't happy about sitting still.

PS-Finally think I found a solution to my fuzzy pictures. I'll need to do some adjustments on blogger. Click on the individual picture for a clear photo. Ah, this has possibly been the most annoying problem ever!

Craving Fall

Its the 7th of September and I am craving fall. Autumn is my favorite season and this year I am missing it more than ever. I am missing the changing leaves, the crisp air, the sweaters, the overall feeling of fall. Unfortunately, as I pondered on how much I miss fall- I found myself missing home. I found my mind wondering over all the little things that I miss. Things like the sound of my parents door unlocking. My spot at the table at my in-laws. The familiarity of Pocatello roads. Looking for deer through the Portneuf Gap. Sunday dinners with family. Meeting friends at the library and play dates. And so on and so on.

I had to pry myself from my pity party and concentrate on all the things I love about Vegas. I love driving to Walmart down the road lined with palm trees. I love all the stars you can see from my backyard. I love watching the air traffic. I love the functionality of my home. I love my new friends. But more than anything, I love the feeling of need. We need to be here. We were directed here by our Heavenly Father and I feel that sense of need to be here. I know we came to Vegas to grow and to learn as a couple and family. I know there are things here that I need. I understand that I will face hard days, weeks and possibly months. But, I have faith in the Lords bigger plan. And my faith out weights any doubt.

I'm still craving fall and will probably have to make a trip to Idaho to satisfy it-but I am also learning out to curb my cravings and love what I have. In the words of Cheryl Crow,

"It's not having what you want-It's wanting what you've got"

With any luck, I'll learn how to do just that.

Noodles and Bears

As mentioned in a previous post, I have a new goal to do something new with Tayden everyday. T is loving our new craft hour. Beckett lays down in the morning and Tayden and I do a special activity. Its helped with his attitude and behavior immensely, not to mention he flat out loves it. I think he enjoys the extra attention and the one on one time.

A few days ago we painted a milk carton, made a construction paper funnel and filled it with small noodles. Yes, in his unders again!

The intent was to make a shaker, but we ended up playing a game with it instead. Tayden has had a WILD imagination the past few weeks. (I don't think we can open up any door in the house without finding a snake or whale.) He was pretending the noodles were hiding in their home, the milk carton, from the bears. He kept telling them, "Go home noodles! Hurry hide! The bear is coming!" And if any fell on the floor, he would jump off his chair to rescue them, "Phew, got ya!" It was hilarious to watch. I love his little 2 year old mind. So we played with the noodles and bears...and played, and played, and played.

Today, we made sidewalk chalk paint and painted the sidewalk. When that ran out, we just painted with water. It was a smashing hit.

Tomorrow, painting project with Dad.

I love making this little boy happy.