The things they learn

Adam was in the car with Lucas.
Lucas: Drive carefully so you won't get in an accident.
Adam:What would we do if we got in an accident?
Lucas: I'd call Brett first
Adam: Why?
Lucas: Because He'll get you every dollar.

He has seen too many commercials for the Accident Lawyers who claim to "get you every dollar you deserve," but you need to call them before you sign anything with the insurance company. I think this is funnier if you know the commercial. It is funny to see just how much they pick up.

We were on a bike ride when I heard the story, and I had to pull over so I could safely laugh. I managed not to start rolling on the ground though.

The things they learn

Funny kid

Lucas did two things yesterday that I though were so funny.
#1)He loves Life savers candies. He calls them Star Wars candy because the name sounds like Light saber.

#2) We were playing hide and seek yesterday and he covered his eyes and instead of counting he said "Dear Heavenly Father." Then he figured he got it wrong and started to count instead.

Gastoenteritis-not for the weak of tummy

Lucas has a knack for collecting things, sometimes I wish he would pick something a little less dramatic than viruses. We spent Monday with a sick big brother. It was unfortunate because I had Lunch plans with a good friend, but what are ya gonna do? The funniest part of the day was the last "Spill". Lucas was heading for his pan, but only made it to the kitchen. I won't complain because everything landed on solid surfaces. I took James to his bed (I learned that lesson last time Lucas got sick.) and headed to help. I had to climb over the counter to get around it. I got towels and Lucas in the shower. But then the doorbell rang, and I wasn't quite ready for company. I had forgotten to call my visiting teachers and let them know Lucas was sick. I felt bad about making them come. They were so kind and we laughed about the situation. Ahhh, mother hood. I wish he could build up an immunity to the bug, but at least I am beyond panicking.

There is no picture to go with this posting, I just didn't think it appropriate. he he he

Fun inside

We had a mighty cold month of January, and it kept us inside where we came up with lots of creative things to do together. Adam got a few weeks off for the break, and Lucas was really sad to have him go back to work. One morning he got up and asked where Dad was and said, "He went to make airplanes huh?" Then he said that he was going to make an airplane too. So he found his trusty dusty tape and we put one together. We had a great time making an engine out of trios, and finding things for the wings, taping it all together, making seat belts our of tape for his stuffed animals that needed to get to school-and seat belts for us, safety first! Lucas worked with James to show him how to fly. We had a great time, and I was a little sad to take it all apart.

Casualty of Play



Have you ever seen hoar frost? I think that's how you spell it, it is beautiful.

We had a busy Christmas season. We got to go to Utah for a wedding, see the poast below, but we also stayed to have Christmas with our family. We managed to attend three family parties, and see all of our grandparents. The children were spoiled beyond their wildest imaginations, but have rebounded quickly adn pretty painlessly on our (the parents) part.

We spent Christmas eve with the Lymans, and we got to do one of my favorite things, recreate the nativity. The script includes Samuel the Lamanite. It was Lucas's favorite part because he got to pelt his Uncle Steven with rolled up socks. I was Mary and James was Jesus. Adam got to be the donkey, but managed to make it to Bethlahem. I can't find my pictures of the event, so Mom and Dad if you have photos, I would love them.

Christmas Morning we spent at the Brailsfords and it was really fun to watch the kids reaction. They were spoiled by their Grandparents who put so much effort into making the season special, I can't seem to say thank you enough. The boys were both woken by us so we could start the festivities together. I think it the future we'll avoid this, but I still get antsy and excited for loot from Santa. Perhaps if I try really hard I'll get as good at baking, decorating, and general Christmas spirit as Grandma and Grandpa Brailsford.

Christmas Eve we went to the Ketchams, we enjoyed some sledding and a nice dinner. Grand Lucas and James are in puppy loave with Tabor. (Please tell me you atleast giggled at that one.) We enjoyed playing visiting. My Aunt Jeanie got to spend the evening with us and it was so nice to have a good visit. Adam and I discovered a version of Monopoly (one of my all time favorites) that won't jepordize our marriage> I can get a little competitive ;) The Monopoly Card game was very entertaining for the evening.

I am so grateful for our family who taught my boys about swirlies, and how many wonderful types of cookies there are. They graciously put up with our crazy schedule of hopping from house to house. Thank you for all the fun and wonderful food. We miss you!

He has no idea what is coming his way


Before

Cuddles from Lizzy

Candy! The boy learns quickly


Stockings


Presents

Lucas and T-dog

By Aunite Jeannie

My Puppy

After we got home we were running errands Lucas told me he was sad Christmas was over wanted it to be Christmas all the time.

I was inspired by my fiend's blog to reminisce about the last ten years, so here it goes.

I spent more than half the decade married to the man of my dreams.

We had two beautiful boys, parenthood is so much fun.

I visited Seattle, Las Vegas, Cincinnati, Washington D.C., Moab, North Dakota, Dallas, Kansas, Mt. Rushmore, L.A., Yellow stone, The Salt Lake City Winter Olympics, Kansas City, Nauvoo and other Church history sites

I graduated High School! and earned a Bachelors Degree from BYU-Idaho, possibly the coolest place in the world. I learned how to have fun in Rexburg, I guess I was a late bloomer.

I ran my first triathlon, first 10k, first 10 miler, and my first Marathon (I ran a little in high school, but fell in love with it in college.)

I fell in love with baking and biking, Adam bought me my first Gary Fisher, which I still would grab along with my kids if my house were burning down (it's close to the garage door).

Learned how to rock and bought my first harness, rope and other rock climbing paraphernalia so I could occasionally skip classes to go climb. Lucas also went climbing for the first time.

Went on some really memorable hikes.

Got our first grown-up job (that took us to Derby, KS)
Built our first home, and learned to grow grass.


I had my first job, at JcPenny's, was a carhop at Sonic, a waitress in Red Feather, a pizza maker at Craigo's (you'll know if you went to BYUI) cleaned house for a random lady, taught rock climbing to little kids, bothered people at work to ask them useless survey questions, "donated" plazma, taught spin lessons, and maybe my last as an academic Advisor. I am content to get to be a full time, never-off-the-clock mom.

Finally got the little sister I dreamed of.

Got 6 new siblings who were lucky to marry into our families.

I was kissed for the first time.

I had my first boyfriend and breakup.

Made my first car payment

Learned that my Grandma was stinkin' awesome and we became really close friends.

My last decade was pleasantly free from drama in my life, so I could focus on helping my friends and family who had a less-smooth experience. I am grateful for my life and the last ten years have been especially happy.


Things that didn't happen: No cavities, and no speeding tickets (at least for me).