Adventures of the Big Boys

Tayden and Scott had a Big Boy day. Well, mostly just morning, because Beckett and I crashed the afternoon. But either way, they had some great (and much needed) one on one time. They started the morning at "Old McDonalds" for breakfast. Tayden told me he ate lots of big boy pancakes with dad and it was fun! 

I LOVE this true Tayden smile. He was having a blast with his daddy.

After breakfast Scott took Tayden to the store to get an air pump for...wait for it....Taydens new bike! We broke down and bought Tayden a bike.

 Best news, it was a yard sale find. An $8.00 yard sale find. Big T has been so excited to learn how to ride it, but it proved to be pretty hard with two flats. So he resulted to just sitting on in in the backyard. Scott took care of that today.

This afternoon we went for ice cream and some park time. These kids have been living outside these days--so they were more than pleased to go play at a new park.

Regardless of Becketts face, he really did enjoy the swings.

And I thoroughly enjoyed the company of my husband.

We came home and had dinner outside. A fun thing to do when the weather since the weather has been so great. Then, Scott and Tayden had their first bike riding lesson.

Tayden caught on better than we expected for his first time, so Scott took him in the front yard to practice. The grin on Taydens face was priceless. Scott pushed the bike while Tayden got the hang of pedaling. He loved it. He even pedaled by himself for a few minutes. Now, if we can only get him to look up while he's riding--not at his feet! 

I can't explain how watching my little boy ride a bike for the first time tore me up inside. I was so proud of him. I watch him every day and am amazed how quickly he is growing up. As I witnessed him on that bike, my baby disappeared. He is a little boy. A little boy full of energy and wit. We love him so much.

All Natural

My corn shucker helpers...

...Eating faster than I could shuck it!

30 Day Challenge

My friend has started a 30 day post challenge. You are supposed to write everyday for 30 days following this list. But, I am going to take it a little slower. I'll try to blog one or two a week, but I will make it through the list. All my post are about my family and our life--which is perfect, because this blog is for them. But, I am excited to have a few different prompts to talk about. 

1. List 20 random facts about yourself.

2. Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears.

3. Describe your relationship with your parents.

4. List 10 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if you could.

5. What are the 5 things that make you most happy right now?

6. What is the hardest thing you have ever experienced?

7. What is your dream job, and why?

8. What are 5 passions you have?

9. List 10 people who have influenced you and describe how.

10. Describe your most embarrassing moment.

11. Describe 10 pet peeves you have.

12. Describe a typical day in your current life.

13. Describe 5 weaknesses you have.

14. Describe 5 strengths you have.

15. If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

16. What are your 5 greatest accomplishments?

17. What is the thing you most wish you were great at?

18. What has been the most difficult thing you have had to forgive?

19. If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?

20. Describe 3 significant memories from your childhood.

21. If you could have one superpower, what would it be and what would you do with it first?

22. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 15 years?

23. List your top 5 hobbies and why you love them.

24. Describe your family dynamic of your childhood vs. your family dynamic now.

25. If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be and what would you eat?

26. What popular notion do you think the world has most wrong?

27. What is your favorite part of your body and why?

28. What is your love language?

29. What do you think people misundertand most about you?

30. List 10 things you would hope to be remembered for.

So, today #1. 20 Random facts about Stacey P.

1.-I am a list maker. I make list about everything. To do, groceries, goals, cleaning, etc. But, I cannot stand             if someone else writes on my list. If someone else (Scott) writes on my list, I crumble it up and write a fresh one. 

2.-I can not do dishes after I've showered. Its gross, icky and gives me the hebee jebees.

3.-I have super flexible fingers. My index finger can touch the back of my wrist. Gross.

4.-I am not musical at all. I really REALLY wish I was. But-not a talent I was given.

5.-I remember the exact moment I met my husband. I remember everything about that minute.What he was wearing, where he was sitting, how he was sitting, the smile on his face. Every little thing about that moment is burned in my memory. And for that I am so grateful.

6.-I love peanut butter. On everything.

7.-I also love banana cream pie.

8.-My favorite subject in High School was history. 

9.-I love symmetry. I need it actually. I can't stand when things are not centered or uneven. Drives me nuts.

10.-I hate trying to find random facts about myself. I hit a big block at about number two.

11.-I used to clean my home hours on end. Before we had kids, I would spend the weekend cleaning, polishing, shining, sweeping, mopping, and so on and so on. I loved it. Now, I try really hard to push those instincts down and enjoy my children. I have tried to make my home a place where my kids can live and I can let them live. It's hard and I wish it was spotless all the time like it used to be--but I wouldn't change it for anything.

12.-I am shy by nature. It takes huge effort for me to be outgoing.

13.-I am an extremely passive driver. The kind my husband can't stand. haha.

14.-I cracked my collarbone when I was younger.

15.-I was voted best attitude my senior year. I played it off then, but I have always been proud that my fellow classmates of 400+ looked at me like that.

16.-I cry. A lot. I am very emotional person. I cry over everything. Really, too much to go into detail about.

17.I love to look into peoples home when the windows are open. I know its creepy, but I have always always loved homes and seeing how people live.

18.-I have to sleep under my own blanket. This didn't happen by choice. Scott liked his own blanket in the beginning of our marriage, but slowly over the years I have adapted and can't share with him.

19.-I spill. I spill on myself. I spill milk when I'm pouring it. I spill food when I am dishing up. I blame it on my lack of depth perception. 

20.-I can't shuffle a deck of cards for my life. Pitiful.

Wow. I'm not going to lie. That was pretty awful. I'm glad that one is behind me.

I excited about this challenge.

Take it with me.

Please?

Phone Overload

Caution. Major overload of phone photos from both Scott and I. Enjoy!

Cabelas with Grandma and Grandpa Packard.

Shark Reef Fun

Taydens new love of bug hunting. He was in a major bug hating phase, so I'm trying to teach him that bugs are actually okay and not scary. This is his new face. I don't get it.

Easter egg hunt at Grandma Karlsons. 

All tuckered out.

Checking out the trees.

Taydens new pose. Ah, this boy cracks me up.

U-T-A-H

What a fabulous weekend! We spent the past 4 1/2 days in Utah relaxing with family, attending a beautiful sealing and enjoying nothing short of quality time with those we love. 

If you are looking forward to a post full of pictures, I have to apologize now. I remembered my camera as we were filling up at the gas station not .5 mile from our house. When I was about to tell Scott we forgot it, I saw a cop car racing in the direction of my home. That was soon followed by another and another and another. Before we knew it we saw a line of police, ambulances and firetrucks hurling down road. We counted 27 in total. We had no idea where they were going, except for the fact they were traveling in the direction of my home. We opted to go without the camera. Turns out there was a shooting at the next intersection, so it was probably a good idea to leave the camera. 

But don't stop reading now! I learned so much on this trip and was reminded about some of the most basic aspects of happiness. Okay, now you stop reading if you're not interested and I promise to post pictures soon!

We left Thursday afternoon during nap and let the kids sleep for the first two hours. They did phenomenal during the drive. I was so proud of them and they made the trip so pleasant.

The kids and I spent Friday morning with my mom and sister while Scott and my dad rearranged my Grandmas furniture and moved her TV. This was my first heart warming experience of the trip. My husband is one of the most amazing people I know. He has really taken my Grandma as his own. He spent the morning shopping for recliners with her and doing chores around the house for her. He did not whine or drag his feet. He did straight out of love and respect for my grandma and family. He did it totally willingly and happily. I am so lucky to have married such a great man. 

My mom, sister and I took the kids to a bounce house warehouse. Tayden had a blast, Beckett not so much. It was really busy and loud and that is not for baby B. He was however happy to run around on the floor and play with a balloon. Tayden on the other hand--ran, climbed and jumped his heart out. 

We were lucky enough to have my mom watch the kids for us while we went on a double date with one of Scotts old friends from High School. We hit Wingers and then Baskin Robins for some ice cream. I had a really great time being with friends and having some alone time with my husband. 

Saturday was a day of eye opening events. Scotts little sister, Sharlee, and her husband, Jeff, were sealed for time and eternity. It so great being in the Salt Lake temple and soaking up the history. It is truly a place of unmatched feeling. I loved every minute being in the temple and remembering the sacrifices that the early saints gave to church. It was completely overwhelming. The sealing was beautiful. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the words with my husband at my side, knowing we made the same promises a few years ago. I love him so much. I was reminded of the purpose of family. I was reminded the purpose of children. I was reminded of the love of our Savior. All to often I forget that family is for eternal happiness. I forget to enjoy my children and enjoy my life now. I have been in a bit of a rut lately. Letting my kids watch far too much TV and letting my self do far too less. I was being lazy and complacent. Being in the temple, reminded me not to just be a mom, but to be a good mom. Teach my kids, play with them and most importantly--cherish them. Heavenly Father gave us these beautiful spirits and I fully intent to bring them up to be good God fearing people. I want them to come from a loving home and look back at their childhood with sweet memories. I want to be the best I can be for them. So today, I took that and applied it to our day. I not only limited their screen time, but mine as well. I put down my phone and got on the floor. I read to them, sang to them and let them take a bubble bath while I did laundry. We played outside and went grocery shopping. It is my goal to be a better mom. A more involved mom. I can not believe I forgot it. But every now and then we need a reminder. 

We had the opportunity to go to swimming with Scotts family after the sealing. Tayden had a blast swimming with his aunts and uncles. It was great to be able to be together as a whole family again, even it it was only for a few hours.

We had breakfast with Scotts parents the next morning at Cracker Barrel. It was a semi disaster. The lack of sleep was really catching up to Tayden and he was a not feeling so happy. My grandma and I decided Tayden has two moods. Happy or mad. This particular morning he was feeling mad. He had a rough time at breakfast, but cheered up by the time we got to Cabelas. I can't wait for Dave and Cheryl to come in May to see our mostly happy boy in his own environment with proper sleep!

We had a great dinner with family. My cousin and his family came over and Tayden enjoyed some playtime with his kids. I just can not get over how great it is to be around family. It seriously was one of the best weekends I have had in a long time.

Tayden woke up this morning begging to go back to Grandma Karlsons. He loved her house, her hot tub, her dog, and most of all her. 

It was great being surrounded by family and being reminded of the little life lessons that matter the most. 

xoxo

Easter 2012

Our first Easter in Las Vegas was great. Our ward had a breakfast and egg hunt on Saturday. Scott has class every Saturday, so he wasn't able to go. I decided last minute to take the boys on my own. The food was delicious and the hunt turned out to be fantastic. It was so much better than a public egg hunt that all the parents are screaming and pushing to their kids some cheap eggs stuffed with candy. The ward one was much more civil and the kids had a blast. Beckett got a whole two eggs on his on while Tayden got 12! He knew just what he was doing. I was expecting it to be a little more brutal, so I didn't even attempt to take my camera. Once I realized how civil it was I snapped a few quick pictures with my phone. 

Easter Sunday was great. I teach primary, so I was able to prepare a nice Easter lesson about the Resurrection. It was a great opportunity for me to learn how much I really appreciate the Savior and how much he does for me. 

We planned a small Easter Egg Hunt for Tayden and Beckett. The Easter Bunny left each boy a few pieces of candy and a ball. Tayden couldn't have been more excited for his Scooby ball, he literally fell down the stairs when he saw it. 

And after this picture the camera died. Beckett really was there, but we don't have one picture to show for it. They loved the hunt. We had to re hid the eggs over and over.

We had a wonderful dinner at our friends house. It is so great to have close friends that we can share Holidays with since we are way from family. Not to mention the dinner was wonderful. Sheena sure can cook! The boys had a blast and wrestled the night away. 

It was a great weekend! Now, we are preparing for a trip to Utah! Scotts little sister and her husband will be getting sealed on Saturday and we are lucky enough to get to attend. 

I can't wait!

Its Been 6 Years

Six years ago Scott took me to the Idaho Falls Museum. There he got down on one knee and asked for my hand in marriage. Best decision of my life. He has brought me more happiness than I knew was possible. It seems as though he is my missing puzzle piece. I never really felt whole until he came into my life. I truly understand the cliche-- "He completes me."

I had been begging him to go with me to the dinosaur exhibit in Idaho Falls. I am a sucker for museums. But, he always came up with a lame excuse not to go. Finally, he surprised me and took me. I was so pumped. We walked through the exhibits and he was less than attentive. I kept talking to him and he wasn't responding. He was acting annoyed that we were there and would barely even hold my hand. I was about to call it quits and tell him to take me home. As I got the courage to tell him I was ready to go, I turned around a saw him down on a knee. He kept it short and sweet and gave me his proposal. I immediately said yes and was filled with some of the happiest emotion I can ever remember. 

Some girls start planning their wedding before the ring is even on their finger. But I remember just wanting to be his wife. I remember not being able to wait for the day after the wedding, putting jeans on and being Mrs. Packard. Our love has always been a strong simple love that is effortless. It is easy to be in love with Scott. Marriage and being grown up can be hard and takes daily effort. But loving Scott, it's easy. He is so fun to be around. He makes me laugh ever day. And has the best common sense of anyone I know. Plus, I am always amazed at his approach to life. 

The past 6 years with him have been the greatest of my life. 

I love him so much.

Happy Engagement Day, Scott.

XoOx