Special Delivery

Tatum and Lincoln, but especially Tatum, are obsessed with mail. Everyday she asks me if she got something, she doesn't count the bills as her mail.

Lucky for them , the word is out.

Pa and GoGo sent them postcards from their over-nighter at the beach and they were so excited,

 Uncle Mark and Aunt Janet also sent them postcards from their recent trip back east.

Tatum received a White House postcard and Lincoln received a Lincoln Memorial postcard. They were both so excited until Lincoln turned his postcard over and was scared of the Abraham Lincoln statue--it was pretty funny.

They also received another fun package from the Lively's and seriously you would have thought that it was Christmas at our house.

Oh and on that same day we received another special delivery, Cousin Brian.

The kids couldn't get enough of him, they showed him ALL their toys, played hide-n-seek, and wore him out in less than an hour's time.

Playschool Luau

Signature Pose

"Mommy do hula girls wear lipstick?"

The doctor is ready to see you now

This girl means business

Tutcakes

Will someone please give this kid a cupcake, or as Lincoln calls them tutcakes.

I thought they just liked to help.

Lincoln snuck back in for some more batter.

Cupcakes are the dessert of choice around here.

 Tatum and Linc love everything about them,

Mixing, Baking, Frosting, Sprinkling and especially CONSUMING the TUTCAKES.

We even made some to celebrate Granma Hannah's 85th birthday!

Garage Sale Fever

Ben and I have quite the history of thirft store shopping. In Utah we frequented the shops almost every weekend, finding one-of-a-kinds, quirky furniture to refurbish and funky clothes.

The thrift stores here are okay, it is the garage sales that are amazing.

We hit 15  in about 2 hours early Saturday. We hit the jackpot at our last stop.

We came across a garage sale that had NEW IN BOXES West Elem Furniture

We bought 2 queen size bed frames

Retail $299/each

We bought a headboard

Retail $279

One chair

Retail $499

Plus a coffee table and small dining table

Retail $400

Total Value : $1800

Garage Sale Cost $35

If only that had been our first stop!

Mother's Day 2010

" My dirty little fingerprints

I've left on every wall

And on the drawers and tabletops,

I've really marked them all

But here are some that won't rub off,

I'm giving them to you

Because I'm thankful to have a mom

that's just like you!"

Love, Tatum

Tatum and her school class with there Mother's Day Program

It is always nice to be celebrated and recognized but there would be no reason to celebrate if it weren't for these three:

Tatum Sue

She made me a mommy (and wants to be one), she is funny, smart and sassy

Lincoln Daniel

He keeps me on my toes, he is so full of energy and life

Saylor Rose

She reminds me how precious the little moments are, has the sweetest giggle and is a Mama's girl

My sweethearts

Ben was assigned to give a talk in Sacrament meeting and did an amazing job, despite the fact that he spent all week preparing his talk he still pulled out all the stops in Mother's Day!

He made me my favorite meal from CHEESECAKE FACTORY (the milk free version):

Crispy Chicken Costoletta

Chicken Breast Lightly Breaded and Sautéed to a Crisp Golden Brown. Served with Lemon Sauce, Mashed Potatoes and Fresh Asparagus.

I received beautiful fresh, handprint, tissue  and construction paper flowers

An awesome Betsey necklace and lots of love!

Five Months Old!

Tatum's Tattlings

This conversation happened about a month ago and reminded Ben where he stood.

Tatum, "Dad you are eating chips for breakfast!?!"

Ben, " Yes."

Tatum, "Did you ask mom?"

Ben , " No."

Tatum, "Is it a secret."

Most times when Tatum leaves the room she will say something along the lines;

"Mom will you keep an eye on the baby."

I always reassure her that I will.

My two girls!

Tatum Sue

Saylor Rose

"Livin' the dream"

An excerpt from Brady's beautiful eulogy by Teri Bunker;

Even at his low points, Brady would lighten the mood with funny remarks. When asked how he was doing, he would respond “I’m livin’ the dream. I’m broke as a joke and living in my parent’s basement. It doesn’t get much better than that.”

What's new with Saylor Rose?

Eating solids

She loves to help

First Swim

Chewing/Sucking her hands

Lots of smiles

Cul-de-sac Hairlines

Saylor in her sailor outfit!

Daddy's Girl #2

More brainwashing

Lincoln's Artwork

School Days

Tatum's Artwork

Maybe Hoover Dam is her favorite place, but she has never been there. =)

Our family plus an imaginary cat named Sparkle.

FIELD TRIPS

Fire Station

Stop, Drop, Roll

Stater Bros. Grocery Store

Walk to the store

Meat Dept

An octopus

The BEST FIELD TRIP IN THE WORLD

Outback Steakhouse

Tatum and Mrs. Little and dessert

 The whole family was fed (for free)

The ducks even got some Outback bread!