It's a Secret

The other day Eli and I were over at my brother Nick's house for his son Andy's birthday party. For most of the evening the kids played very nicely with each other. After presents had been opened and cake eaten the kids were playing with the new cars, when a fight erupted over one of the toys. It was a battle between Andy and Eli, and it got heated, but before it could go to the point of throwing punches, I removed Eli to my lap, and proceeded to hold him there until he calmed down. He asked to be let go and I could tell he still had anything but peace on his mind. So I asked him if he was going to go play nice with Andy or was he going to be mean. This was Elis response:

"I can't tell you, it's a secret"

I wonder what his intentions were going to be, what do you think?

He did finally calm down enough and go play nicely, but we all got a good laugh over the "its a secret"

Oh No! Look What They Have Done...

Oliver and Emerson turned one!

On November 12th Oliver and Emerson turned one year old. We celebrated it on the Saturday before, November 8th. Uncles, Aunts, and Grandparents all were there to celebrate with us. Even Granny and Papa Frisbie joined us via the web cam. It was nice. Of course the boys received lots of toys, which with two birthdays on the same day is sure to happen.
After presents came the grand moment where the cakes were introducted to the boys. I ordered the cakes from Wal-Mart and each boy had their own, with individual ones for them to dig into, and dig in they did. They were a little hesitant at first, slowly picking away, but then Emerson head dived in with his mouth open wide, and Oliver soon followed brother's example. We started Oliver out with the vanilla one and Emerson got the Chocolate, then half way through we swapped. By the end both cakes were pretty much gone, but I think the Vanilla one was the favorite. Of course after all that sugar, the boys were pretty wired and decided that the second nap was not for them. Overall it was a great day and time!
For their actual birthday Grandma, Eli, and I took the boys to the Museum of Ancient Life at Thanksgiving Point, right down the street from us. At first Eli was a little scared of the place, but soon we were all having a good time, looking at all the dinosaur displays and fossils. There was a small play area that had dinosaur shape sorter that Oliver and Emerson thought was a lot of fun. Eli really enjoyed digging for dinosaurs at a sand and water display, that teaches about erosion. I think the boys enjoyed getting out of the house. We all had a great time and decided we need to make trips to the museum a regular occurance.
And so my baby boys turned one, and are walking now. I am so happy that we were blessed with twins. I love having them, they have brought me tremendous joy. The past year went by way too fast, I kepy telling them to stop growing but they didn't listen. They are such happy little guys and I can't help but laugh and smile when I see them toddle toward me. I have said it many times, I NEVER thought that having twins could be so much fun!!! ( A LOT of work, but so fun).
Anyway here are some pictures from our grand party and adventure!

Discovering their new found freedom away from the downstairs. They are moving on up in the world.


The Rocking Party

Opening Presents



The Cakes from Wal-Mart. I was very impressed with how much like the invites the planes looked. They were very delicious too. We were eating cake for a couple days afterward though.


Hesitant at first, but soon were digging in with both hands.
( Still looking for an aftermath picture, will upload when I find it)

(On their birthday) We found this amazing toy at Ikea for a steal ( $8). Man I love that place

Grandpa and Eli helping Oliver with the wrapping paper on his Birthday.

Our Trip to the Museum

Ok, so the picture of the dinosaur has a small white dot on his hind leg, and upon closer examination I found a gnome residing there, I never thought of gnomes as prehistoric. Anyway I thought it was funny!


Playing with the dino shape sorter

I love the smiles here. Oliver ( green) found a mirror and thought the boy staring back at him was pretty funny.

The sand and water table, was lots of fun for Eli

My little man Emerson

Pictures

So my AWESOME friend Elena Camp graciously took some pictures of the twins for me. She posted a few of them on her blog, so if you want to see them the address is http://thecampgallery.blogspot.com/. I will probably post some more on my blog soon.
We took the pictures in Elena's backyard where she had a bunch of leaves. It was a beautiful day and the boys enjoyed playing with the leaves, and of course eating them.

Walking and Just too cute!

Here is the long promised video of Oliver walking. Emerson over the past day has started to get the walking thing down too, that video to come later. The second video is of Emerson. I caught him doing this today and thought it was hilarious. ( I think his goal was to try and pick the goldfish up with his mouth, but who knows. Enjoy!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Halloween Fun

Pumpkins...we waited until the last week to go and get our pumpkins for Halloween. We had promised Eli we would go to a pumpkin patch and get one. Luckily there was one down the road about a mile. We found several cute pumpkins. Unfortunately it was not stroller friendly so we only got one quick picture. We got four pumpkins total and they were cute. Before trick-or-treating we quickly make two of them into jack-o-lanterns. Eli chose the designs and the
twins chewed on the tops. It was fun, no fights either. See I even took a picture with the pumpkins.

Costumes...so I ho and hummed over this topic forever it seems. I wanted there to be a theme but was unsure where to begin, so I went to my source for creative thinking ( aka friends, family and even posted the question on the twins discussion board.) I was only looking to dress up the boys and Isaac, but my dear sweet hubby insisted that I dress up. Finally, a friend ( thanks Heather W.) suggested the three little pigs, big bad wolf, and little red riding hood, and that is what we went with. So I found three pig hats and noses for the boys, tried to give Isaac ears ( he is growing his hair out again so it sort of worked) and made him a nose, and I made myself a red cape (I am pretty proud of how it turned out and it only took me half an hour). The twins hated their hats and noses and didn't wear them very long, but Eli didn't mind too much.
The boys, grandpa and I went to the ward party and had some fun (unfortunately I came down with a horrific headache and we had to leave early, but I was able to snap a few pictures before we left.)

This is one of Eli playing the doughnut game.

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On Halloween Isaac's work had trick-or-treating so off to Ultradent we went. It was a fun time ( we did have to try and figure out how to get the double stroller up a flight of stairs, but we made it!) It was nice to see where daddy worked and meet some of his co-workers.
Isaac was also able to go in early so that he was home when we went trick-or-treating. So the whole family went off to gather some loot. The twins and I headed home after about a block and a half, but Isaac and Eli stayed out for another hour. Overall it was a good day and we have a huge pumpkin full of candy to show for all out effort.

Not a political person

I am not a very political person. Politics for the most parts confuses me. To me all the promises that both parties make are interesting to listen to, but only time will show which will be made and which will be broken. Thankfully now the elections are over, and to be honest I was not happy with the outcome, but I think that what we as people as Americans need to remember is that we are all part of "one nation under God". Although we may have differing opinions as to the outcome, we need to be respectful of each other and continue to show others respect and love.
Our nation has a lot of big issues at the moment and I pity the leaders of our country. So I for one, although I did not want to see Obama in the White House, am going to put aside my feelings and pray that he will be led on the right path to help out country and democracy move out of the current crisis we are experiencing. I urge all of my friends and family to do the same thing.

The Grandparents

Here is a video of the boy playing "lady rides" with Grandma and Grandpa Stice. They thought it was the funnest thing.

The second one is Emerson copying Grandma banging her chest like a Gorilla (sorry mom) It was really cute.

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Stitches

So last week as I was preparing dinner, the twins were playing downstairs quietly, until...I heard crying, real crying ( my boys are great at faking it to get my attention). I went down to investigate and i see both boys sitting there, Emerson happy as can be, and Oliver is crying and there is a dark spot on his cheek. Upon closer look I realized it was blood. I then scooped him up and wiped the wound, at first it didn't look too bad, and then the gaping started and the cut opened to show its true colors. Thinking he would probably need stitches I then checked with my dad and neighbor, both agreed that stitches were on the agenda, and off my dad and I went to the instant care. We took Emerson with us, and were so grateful to our neighbors for keeping Eli ( it would of been chaos to bring all three!!!).
Luckily once we got to the instant care the wait was short and they got us in very quickly. At this point Oliver was pretty calm and wanting to get down and explore his new surroundings. Once we arrived in the room however, and the nurse confirmed our suspicions that he would need stitches, that is when the show began. We had to lay Oliver down on this board thing that had Velcro straps attached to it. Then we had to basically swaddle him in the wrap so that he couldn't move and the nurse had to hold his head. Talk about mad!! Oliver screamed and screamed at his restraints. I felt so bad for the little guy.
This was my first child with stitches, and I have a weak stomach for this sort of thing, and I got a little light headed, but I was able to make it through the short procedure. So after lots of screaming Oliver was sporting a new scar face look with two new stitches. He continued to let us know how unhappy he was all the way home. But after a bottle, snuggle and my good friend ibuprofen, he settled down and slept very well that night.
So now we fast forward 6 days and tonight we returned to the dreaded place ( instant care) and got the stitches removed. This time with grandma as our moral support. Thankfully they didn't wrap him up again, but I had to restrain him with grandma holding his legs. After a power struggle the nurse was able to get both stitches out and I think his face is going to heal up nicely. He also got his first sucker out of the deal ( thankfully I had one in my bag).
So as to how it happened I am not 100% sure, but I think he was trying to remove the DVDs from our shelf( which is a daily occurrence despite my best efforts to discourage such behavior) and misplaced his hand or something and he fell down hitting his cheek right below his right eye on the shelf. He is also sporting bl.ack eye too. Poor little guy.

Cool band aid (Cars) he got after the wound

Oliver enjoying his sucker

Some Cute Pictures

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Oliver waiting by the gate

Emerson is Too Cool for these glasses.

Mischievous??? I think so, what do you have in your mouth?

Emerson found a plate with frosting on it and he had to get every drop.

Isn't he adorable! (Emerson again, sorry Oliver)

Ready to go to church!

Me and the boys on General Conference Sunday!

Canning

My parents have two fruit trees in their backyard. Unfortunately the peach tree didn't produce any usable fruit, but their apple tree produced an abundance. So for the last month I have been canning (with the help of my sister in law Anna and my new friends Lorien and Tonya, THANKS SO MUCH!) apples, applesauce, and apple butter. I am finally done with all of the apples!!!! It did yield lots of canned apples ( I kept 18 quarts), 9 pints of apple butter and 4 pints of chunky applesauce (at moms request). Anyway here is a picture of the apples I canned, aren't they beautiful! I put the other jars away before I took a picture, but they were beautiful too!

Ikea

So we finally made it to Ikea. We have planned on going since we moved here but there was always something that got in the way. But on Saturday, even without much of a voice, the family and I ventured the long journey (ok it was only like 7 miles) to the grand Ikea store that we had heard so much about. I can now say that is truely is an amazing place. We enjoyed ourselves so much that after we came home and put the boys to bed Isaac and I went back for a child free walk through and to pick up some cinnamon rolls ( 6 for $4, it is amazing!!) Anyway we enjoyed all the fun gadgets, toys and of course baskets we found there. The boys enjoyed the small kids stations through out the store. This could become one of our favorite stores, next time we will try out the fine cuisine

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Bored One Evening

Since Isaac works evenings I usually find myself bored with not a lot that I want to do (there is always plenty to do), so tonight I thought I would just blabber on about nothing...and here I go...
Well we have been in Utah over 2 months now, and I think I am finally feeling settled and comfortable with my surroundings. It has been a hard adjustment for me, due to the fact that I had just finally found my niche in Wisconsin when our world got turned upside down and we had to move here. It was sad to leave my newly found friendships behind and start all over again. This time should of been easier because I have been through the moving scene so many times in my life and this time I was moving closer to my family. Here I have my parents, brothers, and sister-in-laws, nephew, and nieces ( that is right I can say that in the plural form now!!!) to get to know, but I still struggle with finding my place in a new area.
BUT FINALLY after getting over my self pity I am getting out and about, forging forward, and developing new friendships. Let me just say that I am SOOOO glad that a majority of the Utah horror stories have not been true ( at least where we are located). I do enjoy getting to know new people and trying to understand their backgrounds and life experiences. And if anything else more "friends" on my facebook page, (jk). I am grateful for the people I have met so far here and for the budding friendships that are starting. It has helped coax me back out into the sunlight..!
Also I am so happy that things have worked out for us here. Moving to a new area, without a job or even a prospect was very frustrating and hard to accept. Isaac and I knew that moving back home with my parents was the right move to make for us, but we had no clue where this would lead us. Although it has only been a short time since that faith promoting experience we are so grateful we put our trust in our Heavenly Father and knew that he would lead us in the right direction. It is situations like this that really help confirm my convictions that the Almighty knows what we can handle and helps guide us in our endevours. Even though life looked bleak a short while ago, we can still see brighter things in our future.
Sorry to make this so preachy, but like I said I was bored. I love all my family and friends (especially ones that leave me comments, hint hint), and hope all is going well whereever you may be!!!

I hope to soon bring you footage of Oliver walking, he can take about 3-4 steps before falling, I can't believe my twins are 11 months already. where did this year go???? My children bring such a joy to my life. I love it when I walk in a room and see all three of them playing and laughing together. Oliver and Emerson look up to Eli so much, they think he is the coolest thing, especially when he does something silly. Their giggles are infectious ( if you dont believe me just watch the video in the previous post). Anyway look in the coming days for pictures, I want to take some of them in their winter clothes before they a)grow out of some of them or b) get them too messy that they wont look as cute. Until then, have a happy day!

Where to begin...

So I know that I have not been as diligent recently about blogging lately, but will try to do better...Anyway here is goes...
Lets begin with the 2 water parties the boys have ventured into. About a month ago, I was in the kitchen cooking and I heard Oliver and Emerson laughing hysterically. So of course I investigated, they weren't in the family room or Eli's room, so the only other choice was the bathroom ( which I normally keep them out of). So as I approach the bathroom I hear splashing noises, followed by laughter. ( Not a good sign). Of course by this time my suspicions are confirmed the boys are playing the potty ( Don't worry it was clean water and I had just cleaned it). They thought it was the funniest thing in the world, so after we took a picture, we promptly cleaned and disinfected them, and have been diligent about keeping the door closed or at least the seat to the potty down and so far no more potty parties.

The second party happened while we were outside playing (Isaac, Eli, Oliver, Emerson and I). we had left Eli's pool up because it was a pain to empty it each time. Up until this point Oliver and Emerson have not liked the pool at all and stayed away from it. Well that day the boys became adventurous. First Oliver ventured over and put his hands on the edge, of course water spilled over and got him fully soaked. Then he laid on the edge a splashed in the water. Of course then Emerson wanted to join in on the fun only he took it a step further, and got completely in the pool, then Oliver climbed in too. So both boys fully clothed had a great time playing in the pool.

Last Saturday Ultradent, the company Isaac works for, had an employee appreciation day at the Zoo in Salt Lake. So we took the opportunity of a free pass to the zoo and had an enjoyable day out as a family. We got to see the moneys, tigers, gorillas, giraffee, elephants, and lots of others. Eli was so excited to see all the waterfalls ( yeah I said the waterfalls), carousal, and the train.

Yesterday I was doing laundry and the boys were in the bathroom, what can I say they love the bathroom, playing with the shower curtain. Here is a video of them playing peek-a-boo, and loving every minute of it.

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So that is what is happening!