Slade Family ~ Party of Five

My Cookbook

2010-11-24T13:17:00.002-07:00

Yesterday my sister Tanya called me to get a family loved recipe. I started talking to her about how we should start a family blog where we could post our favorite recipes so we have them to share. I was also thinking that I should store my recipes online that way if anyone wanted a recipe of mine they could just go to my recipe book and print it off. Excited about the thought, and not really wanting to do laundry I started a blog for my recipes. Now this is not a food blog, nor will it be a fancy photo blog because I'm not a photographer, it is just my favorite recipes. I will eventually add a picture of each recipe (if I remember to take one). I'm not sure how to add a print link to each recipe so you can print it without all the extras but I'm working on it. If anyone knows how please enlighten me. As much as I would love to ignore my family and sit down and post every recipe I love I just can't. So it will be slow going. But if you know of a recipe of mine that you would like let me know and I'll post it. Click on this link My Recipe Book or you can click on the third tab at the top of my blog just under the pigs that says My Recipe Book for a link to my recipe blog. Check it out!!

Pigs? YA DO!!

2010-09-24T18:11:00.000-06:00

So if you're wondering about my new header, well I came across this image of this pig and couldn't stop laughing. I just had to figure out a way to use him so I copied him a couple of times added our names and there ya go. Don't be surprised if you see my header changing a lot, because I've come across a whole bunch of images I'm just dying to use. Like this one.

Daddy's little buddy

2010-09-24T13:21:00.000-06:00

Jonah is a total daddy's boy. If Josh is at home Jonah is right by his side. Today Josh was outside talking on the phone and as he walked around Jonah held his hand and walked with him. I wish I had captured it.

Always late but worth the wait (I hope)

2010-09-23T16:16:00.001-06:00

Sophia's choice (picture taken today)

I've noticed that every time I go to post and update to my blog I become easily sidetracked and end up doing anything but. Maybe it's because I'm always posting the past instead of the present. Take this morning for instance. I sit down to post a much needed update and instead proceed to blog surf. Then coming across Sara Douds blog I notice that she removed the side bars and I really love the way it looks. I then proceed to fiddle with my settings and design wasting the morning away while my mountain of laundry patiently waits and my wild boys rule the roost. All this and still no post. So now I am forcing myself to post an update no matter what. (Right when I finished writing that sentence I was beckoned by the wild boys. Jonah had taken his diaper off and peed on the living room floor) Okay so now that I've got that taken care of back to my update.

Jack's 1st day of preschool

We had a really enjoyable weekend. Josh's parents were in town for our nephew Ryan's blessing. Sunday we attended the blessing and then had a luncheon at Amanda and Jeremy's with the Coons and us few Slades. It was a really nice day. Then on Monday Gwen and Keith came up to SLC to hang out with us. Jack has started preschool (mon., wed., & fri.)

so after I picked him up from school, (and giving myself a motivational speech) I took him and Jonah to the zoo. I decided to load them in the double stroller and see how long they would last. I was so surprised at how well they behaved. They didn't hit, scream or run away from me. Even when it was time to leave. They were so good I treated them to the train ride. Jonah was soo funny. He's really loud and very friendly, so the entire train ride he was waving to everyone and yelling ALL ABOARD!

Lunch with my little angels at the zoo (did I really say angels?)

ALL ABOARD!

EKS & JKS (they don't make them better than this)

Later that same day we went to dinner at Red Lobster with Gma & Gpa Slade to celebrate Josh's new job. Most of you already know but for those of you who don't Josh was hired on with the Salt Lake County Assessors office as a commercial appraiser. We are really excited about his new job. I am extremely excited about his new hours. He'll be working for 10's so he'll have every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday off, and he can still do appraisal on the side as long as they aren't in SL County.

Jack at practice

Even later that day I took Jack to his first soccer practice. He had so much fun and I had just as much fun watching him run around. He cracked me up running around with his mouth wide open pretending to be a tiger. He always lingered behind the group of kids chasing the ball, and what really killed me was when the ball would get cornered up against the wall and all the kids would be huddled together trying to get at it Jack would run up to the huddle and start to freak up against the group with his arms flying to the sides and his mouth open wide laughing, and looking to the side to see if everyone else was seeing how much fun he was having. He was completely oblivious to the fact that there was a ball that all the other kids were after. To him it was a dance party. I loved how happy he was to play. Not so sure if he'll be an great athlete, but he sure knows how to have a good time.

Sophia's 1st day of 2nd grade

I'll leave you with this photo of Sophia on her 1st day of school. It cracks me up because Jack jumped in on the action and I love how he's standing. And yes he is four year's old and in a diaper. Just so you all know he is potty and poop trained (finally) but I sneak a diaper on him in the middle of the night because he still wets the bed. Not at all embarrassed to admit that I'm a lazy mom.

Oh yeah and tonight is our Friday night. Yeah! Josh will be home in an hour and Sophia and Jack both have tomorrow off from school. Let the fun begin.

Sophia pierced her ears

2010-09-12T11:10:00.000-06:00

Sophia has been asking to get her ears pierced for a while. She was going to do it last weekend but decided to wait. I wanted the decision to be hers so we left and she told me that this Saturday she wanted to do it. So with dad at an all day disc tournament (which he won 1st place at) I loaded up the boys and Sophia and we went to the South Town mall in Sandy. I locked the boys up in the double stroller and we headed straight to Claire's. She was nervous and cried when it happened but stopped right afterwards. The boys and her got a sucker when it was all over. I gave Jack my camera to document the occasion. He loves to take pictures and it keeps him occupied. Afterwards I took them to ride the train that runs through the lower level of the mall. It's great because it makes a complete circle around the mall so you go past all the stores and people have to move out of the way. Jonah waved to everyone like he was a celebrity. After the train ride they played at the Dino play area and then we topped the day off with some frozen yogurt. I'm always so terrified to go and do anything in public with the boys but it turned out to be a great outing.

Jack and Michelle

2010-09-01T16:54:00.001-06:00

We are so excited to have my mom and Michelle here with us for a few days. Michelle was laying on the floor and then Jack went and laid down next to her copying her pose. I thought it was cute. Nicole I thought you'd like to know that Jack asked where Miscole was. He misses you. Oh, btw I made this post from my phone.

Shout-Out!

2010-08-29T23:00:00.000-06:00

I want to give a shout-out to Grandpa and Grandma Slade for taking Sophia for two and a half weeks. For the swim lessons, movies, sewing, shopping and overall love and spoiling she had with you. Maybe we can do it every summer? (wink wink)

To Aunt Aimee and girls day out! New clothes for Sophia and the boys. We love you! To the Tucker boys! Sophia has a blast with you, and talks about how much she loves hanging out. Oh, and thanks for the chairs and toys.

To the Bryant Slade family for having sleepovers with Sophia! She loves being over at your house and we love to listen to the recordings and pictures on her dsi of her and Sibley and Skyler. To Uncle Bryant who asked where her off button was. (She was hesitant to tell me afraid I might use it.) It's her nose and doesn't always work.

To Uncle Sean who drove us home to Bako in his 86' Toyota FX. (We only made it two hours outside of Lehi and had to stop because of stir crazy kids in the back.) Oh, and for driving thru the night. We got in at about 5am. (It was soooooo worth driving while the kids were asleep.) I think I still owe you 8 bucks. :)

To Grandpa and Grandma Thompson for putting us up, and feeding us for two weeks. To my mom who lets me revert to a teenager when I'm home, takes care of my kids while I lazily lie in bed and never clean a dish, oh and still pays for a sitter for my kids so we can spend the day together. For the slip and slide, play house, the jungle, and countless otter pops. To both mom and dad for putting up with kids who harass you at night while you're trying to unwind. To Miscole who shared her bed with Jack and helped out with the my kids all the time. To Michelle for snuggling with Sophia, giving me rides, and helping out with my kids all the time.

To Aunt Angela for letting us hang out and thrash your house. (We loved it and Jack still talks about his best friend Owen.) Owen we loved playing mario bros with you, Miss Sassy I miss you like crazy. Angela I miss you like crazy too.

To Angela, Connie, and True Blood!

To Aunt Naomi for letting us hang out, and having a play date with Jack. Wish I could have stayed for your party. To my girl Lucy who lets me love on her.

To Aunt Laura, for having us over for a great meal, and letting Sophia sleepover. To Jake and Jonah who were the best of friends.

To the Heck family and BFFLG reunions. It was so great to see you all and seeing Sophia and Haley back together again. Thanks for having us over to your new home, having Sophia sleepover and letting Haley come spend the day with us. We miss you guys.

To my cousin Michael who drove us to Las Vegas. Sean had set him up for a rough ride with my kids, but the kids actually were pretty well behaved.

To Danny, Michelle, Brady, and Keira, thanks for putting us up in your beautiful home, letting us take over your bedrooms, overflow your toilets, pee your sleeping bags, play with your toys, eat your food, and still call us your friends. Also thanks for coming up to Utah and visiting us. We love you guys and can't wait to get together again.

To Josh who worked so hard while we were gone. We missed you and are so happy to be back home with you. Love you.

To Guillermo in Twilight, Double Rainbows, and Antoine Dodson, and all the other you tube videos we laughed at every night.

Oh yeah and to Jack who turned 4. We love you and all the entertainment you bring to our family.

Okay this post has been a long time coming and I just have to post it. I want add more pictures but it takes forever loading them and then moving them around so I will do a second post with pictures. We've really had a great summer. It was so great to be in Bakersfield and see all of my family. The kids really miss their cousins and Grandma's house, and we are so thankful to Grandma and Grandpa Slade, the Tuckers and the Bryant Slade Family for having Sophia and taking such great care of her. We're so lucky to have you all.

Our new shower cap.

2010-08-29T19:45:00.001-06:00

Our new shower cap.

Lunch with Sophia at noodles & company.

2010-08-29T12:21:00.001-06:00

Lunch with Sophia at noodles & company.

Jonah Bear

2010-08-29T09:57:00.001-06:00

Jonah Bear! This is just soooo cool!

Test phone post

2010-08-29T09:44:00.001-06:00

I just made this post from my phone. This is awesome! Now I Just need to figure out how to turn my pictures.

We made it!

2010-03-18T17:13:00.000-06:00

The Josh Slade family has officially arrived in Salt Lake City, Utah, and we are SO excited to be here. I can't believe we've already been here for almost three weeks. We are still busy unpacking and getting settled in. Josh has been painting, tearing out carpet, and refinishing the hardwood floors for me. The living spaces are smaller than our old house so I am trying to figure out how to position my furniture and decide what pieces need to go in storage. We absolutely love our new place and our neighborhood. I can't wait to post pictures. We live in an area of SLC know as Sugar House. We are just around the corner from this cute little diner~

The Blue Plate

and a few blocks away from Sugar House park. It's 110.5 acres.

Sophia started school and has already made several friends. She is a Dilworth Dingo, and the school is about half a mile from our house. We really are happy to be back.

Babies don't Keep

2010-02-08T01:35:00.001-07:00

Mother, O Mother, come shake out your cloth,

Empty the dustpan, poison the moth,

Hang out the washing, make up the bed,

Sew on a button and butter the bread.

Where is the mother whose house is so shocking?

She's up in the nursery, blissfully rocking.

Oh, I've grown as shiftless as Little Boy Blue,

Lullabye, rockabye, lullabye loo.

Dishes are waiting and bills are past due

Pat-a-cake, darling, and peek, peekaboo

The shopping's not done and there's nothing for stew

And out in the yard there's a hullabaloo

But I'm playing Kanga and this is my Roo

Look! Aren't his eyes the most wonderful hue?

Lullabye, rockaby lullabye loo.

The cleaning and scrubbing can wait till tomorrow

But children grow up as I've learned to my sorrow.

So quiet down cobwebs; Dust go to sleep!

I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep.

Ruth Hulbert Hamilton

I love this poem. My mom has this cross stiched and it hung in the nursery and still hangs over the crib at her house. I remember rocking my younger sister's and brother and reading it to them. It wasn't long before I had it memorized. Now that I'm a mother with small children of my own it rings so true.

Warning Massive Blog Update!

2010-01-05T22:37:00.000-07:00

Now that you've been warned continue at your own risk! Starting back in November~

Pixies at the Hollywood Palladium. It was just like being in high school. We were up front general admission sweating, moshing, and singing at the top of our lungs.

Sean came home! I can report he hasn't changed a bit. Except for now he speaks Mandarin Chinese.
Jonah got a fat lip. That's peanut butter all over his mouth. Yummy!
Sophia rocked Quailwood's 1st Grade Christmas Program.
Her best friends parents surprised them with a fully loaded (strawberries and whip cream, sparkling cider, hot chocolate) limo ride to look at Christmas lights. They exchanged gifts and then were told they were going out for a nice dinner. Sophia was on cloud nine and told everyone about it for days. She loved the no seat belt rule.
Jonah and Jack got Uncle Sean, and Jonah got new p.j.'s. BTW ~ those were Sophia's so they got good use.
Christmas Eve/Jacob's reunion ~ 70 people ~ bodies everywhere
Over here
and here
Santa came
Jack really loves Santa
He has been pretending he's Santa ever since. He starts ho, ho, hoing from my parents room all the way down the hall and stairs, tells us merry Christmas and says with his little mouth cocked to the side here's your presents and he hands us an imaginary gift and then repeats it. One day he was doing this and Jonah was sitting in a chair where Santa sat as Jack approached Jonah got down for Jack then climbed back up onto his lap and Jack asked him what his name was said here's your candy and then pushed him off the chair.
Jonah did not like Santa, but I do like to torture my kids every once in a while
Sophia didn't mind Santa this year
Nativity ~ Stephen looks real excited to be wearing Josh's robe
Company's gone home time to get ready for bed and ornament stories
Jonah's digging the shower
Christmas is here, Christmas is here ~ Connie rocking her ornament story
Jonah put a bag around his neck and went around laughing at everyone during ornament story time.
Sophia with sweet baby Eleanor
Time to go to bed or Santa won't come
Christmas morning
Jack loved the Dum Dum's Santa brought
Jonah loved the whoopie cushion Santa brought. All three of the kids got one in there stockings. It's been a real gas around here. (Sorry I couldn't help myself) Sophia got a Nintendo DSi. She was soooo happy. Josh and I also have a lot of fun with it after she goes to bed.
Grandmother and Grandpa Jacobs gave the kids blankets and they really love cuddling with them.
Me and my girl
Josh loaded up the boys to go to the park in the.......
YODA! I'm glad it's still around. It's an awesome truck.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-19T22:24:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween! Thanks Nat!

2009-10-22T22:41:00.000-06:00

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

33

2009-07-20T09:21:00.000-06:00

Last Monday I celebrated my 33rd birthday. It was a really great day. My mom took me out to lunch, and we did a little shopping. Then that evening Josh and I went out. I loved having a break from the regular routine. I also got some really great gifts. Sophia got me multi flavored pop rocks and A&W root beer flavored jelly beans which she totally enjoyed.

This morning while I was laying Jonah down for his morning nap Jack was applying lotion to himself, Elmo, and a cleaning sponge.

Potty Training

2009-07-20T08:51:00.000-06:00

We started potty training Jack last week and not by choice. I would gladly keep him in diapers than have to clean up all the accidents, but Jack decided that he doesn't want to wear diapers anymore. Jack loves to be naked. I have a hard time keeping a pair of chonies on him, and not only does he like to be naked but he thinks Jonah needs to be free as well. What a great older brother. Anyway, last night we were sitting down at the table for dinner. Jack was seated across from Josh (naked of course), when all of a sudden Josh calmly says, "he's peeing on me." I look under the table and see a stream of pee hitting Josh on his knee and running down his leg. I had to laugh, there was no stopping it. Jack just sat there eating as if nothing was going on. Lucky for Josh we had just come in from the pool and hadn't showered yet.

Precious Father, why have you given me this desire to wrestle and then made me such a stinky warrior?

2009-07-08T11:31:00.000-06:00

For the last few days Nacho Libre has been Sophia's requested movie. One of the parts she likes is before fighting Nacho tells Esqueleto, "But you are tall and fast like a gazelle". For those of you who know my laugh, well all of my kids have inherited it. So you can imagine what our house sounds like while watching the movie. We can't get enough of it.

We also can't get enough of this guy.

Even underprivileged kids go to Disneyland

2009-07-07T13:20:00.000-06:00

Well, we didn't go to Disneyland we went to Knott's Berry Farm. A couple of weekends ago Josh and I took Sophia and Jack to Knott's Berry Farm. Their hotel has a special and for $99 you get one night at the hotel plus two adult admission tickets. Jack was free and Sophia's ticket cost $19 at the hotel. It was a super great deal and we had so much fun. The hotel even has a fun water park next to their pool for the kids to play in. The weather was nice, we didn't have to wait for the rides which is a great thing when you have a Jack, we enjoyed Mrs. Knott's famous chicken dinner, and really had a great time. The next day before we headed home we went to Huntington beach and ran around a bit.

The entrance photo

So excited!

This was the first ride they went on and I was so nervous Jack was going to try and climb out.

They really liked climbing around on these rocks.

A favorite

Cowboy and an Indian

"Satan gave me a taco."

After seeing the kids faces how could we not pay the $10 for the photo. Josh and I couldn't stop laughing after we saw it.

Out cold.

building nothing

April in review!

2009-05-03T09:32:00.000-06:00

We had a great Easter. The Saturday before Easter we went over to my moms house for our annual egg hunt. It was a lot of fun. The kids search for their eggs and goodies in the front yard and then afterwards the adults have their hunt in the backyard. The adult eggs are filled with money. This year Josh and I took home $48 cash plus a $5 gift card to See's. Below is a picture of the kids in my mom's front yard. They always say cheese but I can never get them to look at the camera.

Easter Sunday we picked up KFC and took the kids up to the canyon. They had a blast climbing around and throwing rocks into the river.

Jack was meowing like a cat and would come up to take bites of chicken out of our hands.

We had so much fun that the following Saturday we went to the canyon again. This spot had more sand which was great for Jonah.

Owen turned three and my mom, sisters, and I threw a surprise party for him. Here we are waiting to jump out and say surprise. It was hard for Jack to stay put.

Right after we jumped out and said surprise Jack threw a cup right at Owens face. Naomi was able to capture the moment. Poor Owen.

My parents stake put on the play Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. I took Sophia to the opening night. She wore her skirt from aunt Amanda and looked so cute. The play was wonderful. So much talent. Sophia is really into Joseph (who Aunt Michelle also went to the prom with). She said Michelle should be excited because she got to go on date with him and she's in a play with him. She went again yesterday and said that he smiled at her and after the play came out and found her so she got another picture with him.

Sophia with Grandma. We got front row center seats thanks to my mom who showed up at least an hour before they open doors to be first in line. She did this for every one of the shows.

Sophia with Nicole (stage crew)

Sophia and Michelle (a dancer)

Joseph (she swoons every time she sees this picture)

Potiphar's wife (Sophia really like her as well because she's beautiful)

With Grandpa who rode the camel

Sophia's Pink and Green Themed Birthday Party!

2009-04-06T13:27:00.001-06:00

It all started with an invitation. I found these super cute invitations at TJ Maxx and decided to go with a pink and green themed birthday party for Sophia. I had soooo much fun planning it that now I can't stop thinking about the next event to plan. I printed the invitations up myself at home. We hung pink and green chinese lanterns from the patio.(Thank you Josh) My wonderful and super talented Aunt Karen made tablecloths for me from material I bought. With the leftover material she cut out little napkins and my sister Michelle took them to school and surged the edges. We had a candy buffet that served as the girls goody bags. For the centerpieces I used mason jars with lime slices and pink carnations. For their lunch we served pb&j, fruit, chips and strawberry lemonade. For dessert I made strawberry cupcakes with strawberry cream cheese frosting dipped in pink sugar crystals, and funfetti cupcakes with tinted green funfetti frosting dipped in lime green sugar crystals. I just realized that I didn't get a picture of the cupcakes. They were displayed on my green 3 tiered dessert stand. We played pin the tail on the donkey, and stomp on the balloon game. Sophia invited all the girls from her school class plus Madison Buck. Four girls didn't show up. I'm not sure if people understood what regrets only meant. It was a really great day.

Happy Birthday Sophia and Jonah!

2009-04-02T16:06:00.000-06:00

This past month we celebrated Jonah's 1st birthday on the 18th and Sophia's 6th birthday on the 25th. We didn't do much on Jonah's actual birthday because I was busy getting us ready to leave to the beach the following day, and dealing with Jack who wasn't feeling well. On Sophia's birthday my mom, Josh, my niece Alison, and I all went to Sophia's class and handed out suckers. I also read a book Sophia chose from home, "The Best Pet of All." Later we went to my mom's and celebrated. We had a pinata made by her cousin John, and Sophia chose banana splits instead of cake. There was also a few gifts for Jonah. It was a fun day with family.

Track Meet

2009-04-02T15:28:00.000-06:00

Today was Sophia's track meet. She did the long jump. I loved watching her gear up to jump. She would get her arms going and then hop forward.

Go Sophia!

Measuring the distance

Way to go participant.

Jonah gets to come to most of the events. There is no way I could chase Jack, take care of Jonah and watch Sophia. So, Jack gets to have play dates with his cousins.

"The Peter Rabbit Operetta"

2009-04-02T14:58:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was Sophia's kindergarten play, "The Peter Rabbit Operetta." She was a carrot and also stage crew. It was a lot of fun to watch her.

Sophia is standing on the back left end.

Me and my little carrot

Jonah, Josh, & Sophia

Grandma and Sophia

Evil Monkey!

2009-02-21T15:28:00.000-07:00

Sophia and her best friend Haley were playing today and this is what I saw in the hallway outside Sophia's bedroom door.

They told me that this was an evil monkey who hates pickles so they tied him up and put a big plate of pickles by him. Sophia put a pair of her panties around his mouth to keep him quiet. Apparently he had robbed Frenchy (one of Sophia's dogs), beat her up, and broke her leg.

Torturing the evil monkey. Sophia was holding his legs while Haley forced him to eat a pickle. Kids have such great imaginations. I love listening to them.

Father ~ Daughter Sock Hop

2009-02-21T12:55:00.000-07:00

Last night was Sophia's school Father Daughter sock hop. It was held at Coconut Joe's Private Beach Club, and Josh and her had a blast. They started out with shirley temples (with umbrellas in them) while they took pictures, then onto a tri-tip or chicken dinner, followed by a dance. During a slow dance Sophia asked Josh to hold her and he said she snuggled her cheek into his. He said he thought he was going to cry and she said she thought she was going to cry as well. These two are so much alike. On the way home they stopped off at McDonald's to get Sophia something to eat, because what kid wants to eat the nice chicken dinner when there is processed chicken available? (Off the subject but on the car drive home she told Josh that she was going to metamorphose from 6 to 7 and then from 7 to 8). She came home on cloud nine grinning from ear to ear. (Gwen ~ I thought you'd get a kick out of this, the other day after school Sophia told me that when Josh got home she was going to follow him all around the house asking him, "what are you looking at you big bug eyed freak" and she was going to continue all night until she went to bed. I started to laugh at how much she is like her daddy.)

All dressed up and ready for the dance. My sisters and I have all worn this poodle skirt. Thank heavens for mom's who save everything. I love that Josh isn't dressed up at all. He even cuffs his jeans.

My little Gidget!

This is how excited she was when she got home. Sophia has to strip her clothes off the minute she gets in the door. Every day after school it's the same thing. I'm surprised her shirt is still on.

She couldn't leave Josh alone. He was trying to play a video game.
This was Sophia's Valentine box for school

This was the table I set for our family Valentine's dinner. Every friday at our house is pizza night. So we all enjoyed our dinner and then I handed out the gifts.

I bought these cords for Josh for only $5. They were part of his Valentine gift. His right hand is wrapped up because he put it thru a window during an appraisal. He had to get 9 stitches in it. It looks awful.

I thought Jack looked funny all posed on the couch.

Jack loves the killing game. Josh sets him up on the couch and then kills him (stabs him, shoots him, takes a pipe to his head, etc. etc.). Jack then falls back and Josh throws him on the couch. I know most of your jaws probably just dropped at what horrible things we must be teaching are children. Jack also loves to climb and launch himself from anything. The other day I caught him standing on Jonah's stomach and then jumping to the floor. Jonah was gurgling.

Just me and my boys. I'm not sure if you can see but I don't have a cold sore on my lip the other day Jack launched a dinosaur that hit me right on my lip and split it open. We have a lot of fun around here.

A tag about the love of my life

2009-02-15T14:37:00.000-07:00

Here you go Jessica, I actually did it. Just 3 months later.

Name ~ Joshua Keith Slade (shares his middle name with his father)

How long did you date before you were married? ~ I think we dated for a few months in 1995, didn't talk to each other for about a year and half, started talking again in 1997, and got married in October of 1998

How long have you been married? ~ 10 years

What does he do that surprises you? ~ I'm not sure I know how to answer this question. Nothing he does or doesn't do surprises me. He just is who he is.

What is your favorite feature of his? ~ I think this is an impossible question to answer, his hands.

What is your favorite quality of his? ~ His kindness towards others

Does he have a nickname for you? ~ Several, his rococo, red, devil women, he doesn't really have just one that he calls me all the time.

What is his favorite color? ~ I'm going to say blue, but I'm really not sure

What is his favorite food? ~ Steak

What is his favorite sport? ~ I guess football

When and where was your first kiss? ~ I think it was around February in his truck parked up in the canyon (Provo, UT)

Favorite thing to do as a couple? ~ sex

Do you have any children? ~ 3, one girl, two boys

Does he have a hidden talent? ~ the power of persuasion, he told me to say that

How old is he? ~ 35

Who said I love you first? ~ me, it was also the first time I had ever said that to a boy other than a family member, and I waited until we were practically engaged. I remember being very nervous about it. We were talking on the phone, I was at home and he was living in Utah. I remember after we hung up I told my mom I felt like I should say I love you to him, she told me to go ahead so I called him back and said I love you. He said I love you too. A little more info than needed.

What is his favorite type of music? ~ psychedelic trip hop punk rock fusion

What do you admire most about him? ~ one of the things I really admire about Josh is his acceptance of others.

Do you think he will read this? ~ not unless I tell him to

Under construction!

2009-01-29T12:02:00.000-07:00

My life is currently under construction. I have a lot going on right now and a lot that needs to be done so I probably won't be updating as much. Not that I have been. I just want to apologize now for missing your birthday, anniversary, bar mitzvah, wedding, not returning your phone call / email / text, posting comments on your blog, forgetting to thank you, etc. etc. I've thought about committing blogger suicide but with blogger having that great option of knowing when people have updated you won't even need to check unless you see I've updated. I posted a grip of pictures so enjoy until next time.

Finally an update!

2008-11-11T22:29:00.000-07:00

Okay, I've gotten bad at posting and even worse at taking pictures. Here are some pictures from the last month or so. Josh's best friend Danny, his wife Michelle, and their two kids came from Vegas to visit for Josh and Danny's birthday. (they're two days apart and always get together on their birthday's) We really had a great visit but for some reason I don't have a single picture.

Grandma Thompson went to Sophia's school and ate lunch with her for Grandparents day.

Jonah's 1st meal. Josh was at work so Sophia took the pictures.

The Bryant Slade family came for a visit. We took them to Murry Family Farm and the kids had a lot of fun, especially in the corn. Josh and I celebrated our 10 year anniversary that weekend as well. We're glad we got to celebrate it with Bryant, Jessica, and the girls. I guess now is when I'm suppose to say how much I love Josh and that he the best dad and husband EVER, and that I'm so happy to be married to him and the last 10 years have been the best 10 years of my life, yada yada yada. It's all true.

Tractor ride. It ended up being a hot 90 degrees that day.

Sophia and Bryant
Sibley and Skyler

Sophia thought it would be funny to dress Jack up in her apron and cap.

Jonah is now sitting up, crawling, has two bottom teeth and more on the way, and a huge dome.

Josh was a P.E. coach for Halloween

Jack snuggled up to Josh

This is Sophia with her best friend Haley (the blue Cinderella to the left of Sophia) and Haley's sister. They were our 1st trick or treaters of the night.

Sophia Belle, and Jack the Skeleton

Group shot before dad took them out trick or treating. They also met up with Uncle Jason and cousin Owen and all went trick or treating together in the neighborhood.

Jack had fun wearing Josh's wig the next day. He threw a fit when I tried to take it off.

We had fun putting the wig on Jonah.

Love those baby blues

Grandpa and Grandma Slade's Visit

2008-09-19T10:50:00.000-06:00

This past weekend Grandpa and Grandma Slade came from Arizona to visit. We were so happy to have them here with us for a couple of days. Jonah got to meet Grandpa for the first time. We watched a lot of football (by we I mean Josh and Keith of course), played Scrabble (Grandma and Josh), went out for ice cream to Dewars, Grandma and I got a little shopping in, Grandpa took the kids for walks (Jack had to be on the leash), ate way to much, oh and Grandma taught Sophia how to play Scrabble. All in all it was a great weekend. We were sad to see them go, but are excited we get to see them over Thanksgiving break when we go to Arizona. Grandma, on the way home from school the other day Sophia told me she just can't believe she is the 1st child to beat you at Scrabble. Neither can we. Thanks for the gifts, and memories. We love you. Keith we hope your feeling better.

Check out the spread. Grandpa and Jack watching football and carrying on the snacking tradition.

Jonah's got Grandpa's gorgeous blue eyes and double chin

Me taking a picture of Grandma taking a picture

Happy baby! Jonah drools more than any baby I know. I need to start keeping bibs on him all day to absorb all that spit.

Modeling their new outfits from Grandma and Grandpa. Check out Jack's shirt. Great find Grandma.

Jack's 1st haircut

2008-09-11T10:41:00.000-06:00

Josh has been wanting to cut Jacks hair for sometime now, so the other day he got out the clippers and went for it. You can see by the pictures below that it didn't go to well. He squirmed, fought and ran away, but eventually we got it done. I don't have a picture of the end results. It looks good though.

Sophia's first day of school !

2008-08-19T18:49:00.000-06:00

I know everyone says it but I can't believe my baby girl started school. It hit me a lot harder than I'd expected. I was a wreck the week before, and started to cry as Josh and I left the school. I am really excited for her. She has a wonderful teacher Mrs. Bowles who is good friends with the Stotlers, and her school (Quailwood Elementary) is amazing. When I picked her up she said she couldn't wait to come back. Her school is full day which I wasn't sure about but absolutely love. Today she said a boy in her class got kicked in the leg so she sat next to him at lunch and told him that maybe when he gets home his mom could get him a cold rag to make it feel better. She also told me that a girl in her class kept playing with her hair because she like the curls while they were in lunch line. She asked her to stop but she wouldn't so she moved in line and didn't want to sit by her in case she kept playing with her hair while she tried to eat. I am so excited to hear about her everyday adventures. Here are some pictures of her 1st day. I will write the captions above the pictures.

This is her lunch that she decorated herself. It was covered in stickers on the back as well and they were falling off all over the place.

In front of the house

This was taken in front of Angela's house. Angela lives just 3 doors down from the school so we parked in her driveway and walked.

She was so excited she was running in front of us.Sophia's seat. Right now the kindergarten rooms are under construction so they are temporarily in a bungalow.
Me with my girl

Josh and Sophia

As we were headed home I saw someone walking with their kids and I said to Josh or there is a mom that walks to school I should meet up and we could walk together only to find out it was my mom taking Jack and Jonah for a walk. Check out Jonah.

He was just chillin and loving it.

Or was he?

All about Jack!

2008-08-11T21:14:00.000-06:00

We celebrated Jack's 2nd birthday on the 3rd of August. He loves cookie monster and I saw a cake at Albersons but rather than buying it I just copied it. Mine was better anyway because it had layers of raspberry and lemon curd in the middle (really good), and I got Tanya to decorate it for me. I think he had a good day. We all got together at my moms house for cake and presents. Jack is a lot of fun. He loves to act like a monster throwing his arms up in the air and roaring at us. He will eat anything like cookie monster. He has inherited my laugh, and my vocal ability. Other than Josh we really don't know what V.C. (voice control) is. When he pretends to talk on the phone he says hi, lets out a loud laugh and then says buy. I guess that's how I must sound. We love him and all that he brings or throws to our family.

Jack's cookie monster cake

He really loved the cake but was scared of the candles.

Jack with his cousins Chase and Owen inspecting the cake.

fingering it

tasting

Yummy!

I had to put this picture in. Jack loves to taunt Sophia. He will take her things and then run away hoping she'll chase him. I wonder where he gets it from? (Josh?) Oh, and yes he has a fully loaded diaper and his pj shirt on. If I don't leave the house then we don't get dressed. Which is often. Why should I make extra laundry for myself?

Tom and Tanya spent the summer here and are leaving tomorrow so we had a farewell bbq at my moms. This is what Jacks face looked like after eating his chocolate ice cream cone.

Saying cheese for the camera

A nice picture of Josh with Jonah

The monster attacks

Roar!! Jonah is wearing a Thing 2 onesie but I didn't get a picture of the two of them together.

Having fun

Jack throwing his head back in laughter

We love you Jack!

It's been a while!

2008-08-08T11:15:00.000-06:00

I know it's been a while, but here are a few pictures. I'll explain under each photo. I'll be posting some of Jacks birthday pictures soon.

Sophia playing dress up. She told me it was extremely cold.

Jack helping me with the laundry

Sophia made me this birthday cake with very little help from Dad. It was delicious.

Hitching a ride.

I made these cupcakes for fun. Laffy Taffy for the butter and black decorating sugar for the pepper.

One of my best friends Natalie's kids Madison, and Jason with Sophia. We've both been so busy this summer, but we were finally able to get together and have a fun day of playing and swimming. The kids really loved the slide and the cupcakes.

Madison, Jason, Zac, Sophia, & Jack

Josh took Jack and Sophia camping overnight for Jacks birthday. Uncle Tom went along too. I had a nice time at home alone with Jonah.

Passed out on a bench somewhere. This is how he rolls camping with Daddy. Not sure what happened to his pants.

Sophia and Tom.

Josh and Jack

We had a late night of swimming, bbq, and games at my house with all of my siblings in town. Sophia, Owen, and Jack crashed in my bedroom.

Sophia ~

and Sophia

Last but certainly not least our little Jonah. Or should I say big Jonah. He is still just a wonderful baby. I hate how fast they grow up. I really love this stage though.

Home Improvements!

2008-06-17T13:55:00.000-06:00

I love the summer. BBQ's, swimming, babysitters during the day. We've been working on some home improvements around the house. Or I should say Josh has been working on home improvements when he's not busy at work or playing with the kids. When you own a 32 year old home there is always something that needs to be done. Here are some pictures.

This is the only picture of the dining room light before Josh spray painted it that I could find.

$6 worth of spray paint and we have a whole new chandelier. It was so easy and takes hardly any time to dry. I wonder why we didn't do it years ago. Now I just need to get a medallion to go around the top.We also had our house painted. Here is a before picture.And After. I chose white which is probably no big surprise to you all because I love white. It's swiss coffee so it's not blinding, and I just love it. It's so clean and my patio in the backyard feels so much bigger. I just love going outside now and can't wait to decorate outside with plants.

Sophia pretending to be pregnant. She was hosting a baby shower for herself. She said kids were invited but if they started to act up she would grab them by their shirts and drop them on their bums by the mailbox. Then they would run and bang on the door crying to come back in. Maybe we need to take a break from Tom and Jerry.

Me and my sweet girl

Jack

Jack, Jack attack. He loves to give Jonah kisses and love on him. Jonah doesn't always appreciate it.

For Fathers day Sophia and I surprised Josh with brunch out on the patio. We had stuffed french toast with strawberries and whip cream. It was awesome. We just love you Josh. He is such a wonderful father and we are so lucky to have him.

The kids gave him this shirt which he proudly wore.

Sabotage!

2008-06-02T00:13:00.000-06:00

I had barely left our driveway when I heard what sounded like a metal chain dragging from my car so I pulled over got out and checked but couldn't see anything. I got back in the car and drove a little further but could still hear the noise so I turned around and went home to have Josh take a look. Sophia told me that her and Jack were looking through the holes in my tires so I asked Josh to take the front passenger tire off to see if Jack had put anything in the hub cap, and this is what we found when he took the tire off.

A very large bolt

Help Terrible Two's!

2008-05-30T00:07:00.000-06:00

Jack's been waking up in the middle of the night but when we go to him he starts to throw one of his usual fits where he thrashes about and tries to slam his head into things. We (meaning me) decided to let him cry it out and not go to him at all. Well last night I think it was around three am Jack woke up. He carried on until 5 am when I couldn't take it anymore so I decided to just get up for the day and make him get up as well. He continued to roll around the house crying while I started laundry, and made breakfast. I just tried to ignore him. I decided to get out the camera and take a picture of him throwing his fit only when he saw the camera he stopped and smiled. He even said cheese. I can't believe how strong willed he is. I hope I can survive.

Taking a break to smile for the camera

6 am he falls asleep on the floor. Only to wake up about 10 min. later to carry on.

Asleep again in a new location. I transferred him to his bed and went to bed myself. He slept until 10:30am.

Some New Pictures

2008-05-29T23:29:00.000-06:00

Jonah has started to suck his thumb. Angela caught him the other day at her house. I'm not quite sure how I feel about a thumb sucker. It's not as easy a habit to break as a pacifier.

Oh, did I just say it was easier to break the pacifier habit? Sophia came across one of her old pacifiers in the nursery the other day and has decided to sleep with it.

Jack loves avacados. Who doesn't?

Bath time for Jonah. He looks a little freaked out but he loves being in the water.

Such a good baby.

Jack, Sophia, & cousin Owen all helping out with Jonah's bath.

Father Daughter Hike

2008-05-29T23:15:00.001-06:00

Josh had to work up in the mountains last week and so he took Sophia along. After he finished they went for a hike.

Sophia made Josh pose like this

Then she had him take her picture doing the same pose. She cracks me up.

Not my nipple!

2008-05-13T17:36:00.000-06:00

By the way, that third picture that Josh posted is not my nipple it's my dry elbow.

Update

2008-05-05T21:46:00.000-06:00

Okay I know I should have updated sooner but whenever there is a free minute I choose to sleep, eat, shower, pick up, (you get the picture) over updating my blog. We've been pretty busy so I'm not going to play catch up, just highlight a few things. Starting with the birth of our beautiful baby boy Jonah Bryant Slade.

Jonah came early. About 2 and a half weeks early. I started spotting the Friday before he was born and then had that wonderful burst of energy. I didn't have all my supplies ready so over the weekend I cleaned, shopped, organized, and called my midwife to give her a heads up just in case. She came over to my house on Monday to check on me. I was 100% effaced and dilated to a 2. Which means nothing. Later that evening (I think it was around 10:30) I started to have contractions. Nothing bad or consistent so I thought nothing of it and Josh and I went to bed, but the contractions kept coming. I wasn't sure if I was in labor or not but finally decided to call my midwife. Josh started to get the bed ready while we waited for her to show up. I kept thinking it was going to be a false alarm and the contractions were going to stop any minute. When Linda showed up she checked me and I was dilated to a 5. She assured me it wasn't a false alarm so we called my best friends mom who is also a midwife and was going to catch the baby, and my sister Naomi and had her come over to stay with Jack in case he woke up. The birth went well and Jonah was born at 3am. One of my favorite things about home birth is the following morning when Sophia woke up and came into our room she was surprised to see a new brother in bed with mom and dad. We had a hard time coming up with a name. It was a toss between Cash and Jonah, Sophia's vote was for Rock n' Roll Cash Slade (which she still calls him), but we settled on Jonah and love it. He is wonderful and we are so happy he's a part of our family. We had lots of help from family members. Josh's brother Bryant his wife and girls along with Josh's mom came from AZ to visit just days after Jonah's birth. His mom stayed for two and a half weeks to take care of us. I was able to rest and not worry about a thing. We love and thank you Mom, and everyone else who helped us out.

A week after Jonah was born we celebrated Sophia's 5th birthday. She had a wonderful little party with her cousins Skyler and Sibley and her friend Madison. We are so thankful for Sophia. She has such a great personality and is a big help around the house.

For those of you that are still reading that's it for now. I'll try to continue to take pictures and stay up to date.

It's A Boy! 6 lbs. 12 oz., 20', Born 3:00 am, March 18th

2008-03-19T14:38:00.000-06:00

Slade Family Day Hike!

2008-02-17T21:55:00.000-07:00

As many of you know Sunday is Slade family day. It is our designated day where we hang out together as a family. Today after church we went up the canyon and hiked up to some small waterfalls Josh came across the other week. We had a lot of fun. I forgot Jack's shoes but Josh had to carry him the whole trail anyway because it was steep and narrow. Sophia did great, and so did I for being just about 8 months pregnant. Once we made it to the top Sophia and Jack had a great time playing on the rocks and throwing things into the water. On the way home Josh stopped at a bait, ammo and liquor store to take my picture. What was great was in the back of the store there was a woman drinking a 2 litre of pepsi. We should have gotten a picture of that as well. We also took the kids to the park, but by then Jack was done and started to have a major meltdown. I tried to put all the pictures on a slide show but everytime I post it someone else's pictures show up so here are a few pictrues from our day. Thank you Daddy for a wonderful Slade family day.

My kids today

2008-02-12T23:08:00.000-07:00

I took these pictures of the kids this morning before Sophia went to preschool. Sophia just loves to pose for pictures. I tried to get her to not pose but she just doesn't know how. Sophia and I caught Jack lying on the couch with his sippy cup so we decided to take a picture. He drinks more than he eats. I know in the last picture he has a nasty booger eye. We have an appointment set later this month to schedule his eye probing. He's had a clogged tear duct since birth and we're done massaging and using eye drops to try and clear it up.

Sophia's Room

2008-02-10T22:33:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning Sophia arranged all of her cuddly animals on her bed and she wanted me to share some pictures of them. I love how she added a wig to her care bear at the end of her bed. I also took a couple of pictures of her kitchen that she got for Christmas. It is the cutest kitchen and she has so much fun playing with it.

All Aboard!

2008-01-31T23:12:00.000-07:00

Today I went with Sophia and her preschool class on their field trip. They've been learning about transportion so we took a train ride to Wasco which is a town just 30min. from Bakersfield. The kids had a great time and so did I.

I Love Cupcakes!

2008-01-29T16:38:00.000-07:00

Yesterday for no reason I decided to make cupcakes. With a little help from Sophia we made 48 cupcakes. Snickerdoodle, and Orange Dreamsicle. They both turned out so good. (Thanks Aimee) We had so much fun making them and now we are giving them away.

The top ones are Snickerdoodle and the ones on the bottom are the Orange Dreamsicle, and notice how my green dessert stand almost matches my lovely green counters.

Sophia enjoying a Snickerdoodle Cupcake

I just wanted to add this picture of Owen since Angela is to busy these days to update her blog. He is so cute and loud. (We don't know where the loud comes from, ha ha) I love how when he sees a ball he yells, "big big big balls", and he says "oh no" all the time. We love you Owens. Oh and I hope I'm not ruining things for Angela, but if all goes well her and I will be neighbors. Not right next door but within walking distance. I am just to excited about it and so is she but she may never get around to blogging about it so I will. Maybe after reading this Angela you will get the hint that it's time for an update? :)

My Brother Sean

2008-01-29T00:06:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't know my brother Sean is serving a mission in Taichung, Taiwan. I wanted to share a video clip from a dvd that we received from his mission president. The night after Sean arrived his mission president took him and the other new missionaries to a night market where they had to share their testimonies. In Mandarin Chinese mind you. I am really proud of Sean and was moved to see him in the streets of Taiwan, Book of Mormon in hand, bearing his testimony in Chinese. In his mission instead of knocking on doors they contact people on their scooters. I thought that was pretty interesting. I hope you enjoy the video.

Finally Christmas 2007!

2008-01-09T15:12:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I'm finally getting around to updating my blog. We had a wonderful Christmas. We drove to Arizona to be with Josh's family and had a really great time. Sophia really enjoyed spending time playing with her cousins Skyler and Sibley. I think she had the most fun when Skyler did her and Sibley's makeup and then put on a fashion show for us. I was sorry Jack never really warmed up to anyone even though Uncle Bryant tried his best. He is such a mamma's boy. We got to see our niece Elizabeth for the first time. Such a good little girl. Josh's dad Keith got all of us girls manicures and pedicures, so on Christmas Eve we were pampered. I took Sophia along and she got her nails painted. She was a little hesitant at first but eventually decided to have them painted and was happy with the end results. Josh played golf, four wheeled, shot guns, and played a lot of scrabble and settlers. Sophia said that it was the best Christmas ever. Santa brought her a pink retro kitchen for Christmas before we went to Arizona, and Grandma and Grandpa Slade set her up with kitchen supplies. I still haven't taken a picture of her with her new kitchen. When I do I'll post it. I hardly took any pictures. I guess I was to caught up in enjoying myself. It was a great way to end 2007. I am so excited about 2008. We'll have a new addition to our family in a few more month's (can't wait to find out what it is), and Sophia will start kindergarten in August. Right now I'm busy moving rooms around to get ready for the baby and planning Sophia's 5th birthday party. I know her birthday isn't for a few more months but I'm having fun planing it now. I am planning a Fancy Nancy tea party. She's really into Fancy Nancy right now. For those of you who have little girls if you haven't read Fancy Nancy you should really check it out. They are such cute books. We are anxiously awaiting the arrival of the third book in February. Here are some pictures we took over Christmas. Happy belated New Year to all!

I'm so tired!

2007-12-14T12:03:00.001-07:00

I just had to post these pictures of Jack. Yesterday when I got home from taking Sophia to preschool Jack had fallen asleep in the car with a breakfast hot pocket hanging out of his mouth. I had to sweep his mouth before laying him in bed to make sure he didn't have any food left in there.

The Nutcracker

2007-12-14T11:20:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday my sister Michelle took Sophia to her first ballet, the Nutcracker. Sophia had so much fun. She got to go backstage and meet the sugar plum princess. She showed Sophia first position, and Sophia showed her and some of the other dancers her own ballet moves. Sophia has never had any lessons but doesn't often shy away from performing. When she got home it was late and she was tired but we still sat at the kitchen table and drank some hot apple cider while she told me all about the ballet. Thank you Michelle for taking her. She still has her program and loves to read through it.

If you're wondering why my tree only has ornaments on the top half that's so Jack can't get to them. Josh and Sophia surprised me when I got home from my annual Santa Monica shopping trip with Angela by decorating for Christmas. I left everything just the way they decorated. I didn't even pull out the tree skirt. Next year we'll be home for Christmas and I'll decorate. It was a wonderful surprise to come home to the tree. Sophia and Josh had fun spending time together decorating and singing Christmas songs. Thank you Josh and Sophia. Oh, and a big thank you to my wonderful husband for my much needed get away. I love you.

Welcome Jake Bradley Bowling!

2007-11-30T15:28:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to Congratulate my sister Laura and her family and welcome my newest nephew (Chase's little brother) Jake Bradley Bowling! Jake was born yesterday at 9:30pm. He weighed 7lbs 4oz and was 19 & a half inch's long. Laura and the baby are both doing fine. I guess he just couldn't wait to be a part of the family, Laura's due date wasn't until the 14th. I love him so much already and can't wait to see him.

Tree lighting ceremony

2007-11-24T15:43:00.001-07:00

Yesterday some of my family members headed over to see the tree lighting ceremony at the Town & Country shopping center. They had free pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, carolers, cookies, dancers, and clowns making balloon animals. When Sophia heard that Santa was there she freaked out and stayed close by. We got there about an hour before they lit the tree and were all hungry so we went to Los Hermanos, ate and then came out to see the already lit tree. It was fun to be together as a family. Here are some pictures.

I've been tagged...

2007-11-20T13:40:00.000-07:00

Okay, I have been tagged by Jill Urmston. Here are six probably boring facts about me.

1. I love magazines and have 12 subscriptions. I get so excited when the new issues come in the mail. I have to first tear out all of the cards in them, and then I wait until the kids go to bed at night to enjoy them.

2. I love looking at new recipes and trying new dishes. A lot of times I get together with my mom to make a new meal. We have fun and someone else appreciates the work you've put into it even if you won't make the meal again.

3. I like to read cheesy romance novels. I don't read as often as I would like to. When I get into a good book I just can't put it down and nothing gets done around the house.

4. I love going on dates with Josh, even if it's just to get fast food. Usually we go out to eat and then go to Barnes and Noble and hang out.

5. I love my 1996 Honda Accord Wagon. I really do. Although, it is going to be a tight fit with two car seats and one booster seat when the next baby is born.

6. I hate to exercise and don't. I know that's awful, but it's who I am.

I don't think that I'm that interesting of a person and had a really hard time trying to think of six things about me. Hope you enjoyed them. Now I am going to tag Naomi Forsyth, Tanya Quinn, Jennifer Davis, and Jessica Slade.

Happy Birthday Nicole!

2007-11-04T20:08:00.000-07:00

We just wanted to wish Nicole a happy 15th birthday. She turned 15 on Saturday, and we all celebrated with her at moms. We love you so much and are so lucky to have you in are family. You bring us all so much joy and always have since the day you were born. We hope you have a wonderful year. We love you so much.

Love,

Josh, Melissa, Sophia, and Jack

Pajamarama at Barnes and Noble

2007-11-04T11:34:00.000-07:00

This past Friday night at Barnes and Noble they had a Pajamarama where the kids come in their pajamas and have storytime with Miss Angela. It was really neat. Miss Angela first handed out fruit rollups and capri suns to all the kids, and then she read them a couple of stories. After the stories were over they had craft time where they colored a trace of their hands on a paper plate, glued feathers on in and put on a google eye to make a turkey. Sophia had a lot of fun and it was all free. Jack just ran around so Josh had to follow him around the store.

Visit with Grandma Slade

2007-11-02T15:25:00.000-06:00

You give me a kiss. You give me a hug. You smile when you see me too. I wish ev’ry child in the whole wide world had a grandmother just like you.

This past Monday Grandma Slade came for a visit. It was so wonderful to have her here to be with us and see the kids. We are so lucky to have such an amazing Grandma and Mother. We love you and look forward to seeing you again at Christmas.

Here are some pictures of our Halloween Party at Grandma Thompson's on Monday, and also a few pictures on Halloween.

Not having it!

Gwen and Josh

So much fun to jump in the leaves

All ready to trick-or-treat

Jack and Josh

Boo At The Zoo

2007-10-28T20:25:00.001-06:00

Yesterday we took the kids to Boo at the Zoo. It was a lot of fun. They had crafts, games, a jump house, and a train ride. Not to mention the animals and playground. It rained on us a few times but not to bad. We all rode the train and Sophia enjoyed the jump house and the whole experience only cost us $4. It was a great family day.

Josh and Jack enjoying craft time. Jack enjoyed Cheetos earlier.

Sophia is not to shy when it comes to playing with others. She'll just join in the fun even if the other kids ignore her. We love to watch her try and recruit friends to play with. Usually she'll say, "Hi I'm Sophia Rose Slade want to play?" Yesterday she approached a girl on the playground who just ignored her and left the playground and walked over to her mom to get away from Sophia, but that didn't stop Sophia from following her and talking to her even when she was hiding behind her mom. Sophia eventually ran back to play unaffected by the whole thing.

Sophia tried to walk across the log but didn't quite make it all the way. Josh had to step in and help her finish crossing.

Jack was done with pictures and was ready to go.

We call him Mr. Boombastic Jack is fantastic

2007-10-26T15:21:00.000-06:00

Jack-Jack Attack!

Growing up with eight sisters and one brother, and my first being a girl having Jack has been so exciting. He is such a boy. He loves to attack his sister and play rough (most of the time) with Josh, and he loves football. Whenever he hears a game on he'll come running from wherever he's been playing to watch and says "ball ball". Jack also loves to dance, and we love to watch him dance. Lately he head butts me if he can, or anything else when he gets upset. I'm hoping that once he starts to talk this will stop. I should also add that Jack is such a little lover. Whenever Sophia wakes up in the morning he goes to her to give her a hug and kiss. He also randomly stops playing throughout the day and runs to us to give us loves. We're so happy he's a part of our family.

Arts and Crafts

2007-10-25T10:58:00.000-06:00

Sophia's Halloween Pinata and star ornament

Have you ever had one of those days where you felt so happy to be a mom? Tuesday was one of those days. Sophia had preschool in the morning and afterwards we picked up her friend Madison for a play date. On our way home we stopped off at the Dollar Tree to pick up a couple of things. The girls each got to pick out a coloring book and were excited. We came home to a pizza that Josh had dropped off for us. (what a wonderful Daddy) After lunch while they girls colored in their books I made some dough for them to make hand prints and ornaments. They had a lot of fun. A few weeks back when our friends Danny and Michelle were here visiting we decided to paper mache. (which none of us had done since grade school) Sophia decided to turn hers into a pinata that her and her cousins will crack open on Monday when we have a Halloween dinner party at Grandma's with all the family. It is such a wonderful feeling to see your children so happy.

Due Date Ticker

2007-10-20T21:32:00.000-06:00

I added this fun due date ticker so now I'll always know how far along I am. My due date is April 03, 2008. We decided not to find out what we are having this time. I'm excited for the suprise. I like to have something new for each birth. As most of you know Sophia was born in the hospital and I had an epidural, Jack was born au natural at home (I know a lot of you think I'm crazy, but it was wonderful), this next birth will be at home as well and will be a suprise.

Alien Pancakes

2007-10-17T21:23:00.000-06:00

Sophia wanted alien pancakes for dinner tonight so we decided to take the kids to Denny's and celebrate our anniversary together. (Plus we had a coupon for the kids to eat free) She was so excited. She asked if we could come back again tomorrow and said that this was her best day ever. After dinner Josh and her played the claw machine and they won a Dill Pickles doll (Rugrats) on the first try. She wasn't to thrilled because she was going for the glitter Dolphin. All in all we had a great time. Josh and I plan on getting a sitter and going out this weekend.

alien pancakes

Jack always makes the greatest faces when we tell him "say cheese"

Celebrating nine wonderful years

2007-10-17T15:21:00.000-06:00

Today Josh and I celebrate our 9th wedding anniversary. I can hardly believe nine years has gone by. I love the life that Josh and I share. I am lucky to stay at home with our two beautiful children. We are also expecting our third in April and are so excited. I would post a picture of us but I'm not able to right now.

I love you so much Josh and am so happy we are together. You are my best friend. I couldn't imagine life without you. Happy Anniversary!

Love,

Melissa

I also want to say Happy Birthday to my mom whom we share this special date with. You mean so much to everyone of us. You are amazing. I hope to be as good a mom as you. We love you.

Dear Grandma,

I love you so much you're the best grandma in the world. Sometimes you babysit me and Jack and that's why your the bestest grandma in the world. Happy Birthday, I love so much, I need you, and when I got to stay with you for four days it was so much fun.

Love,

Sophia

Costumes

2007-10-16T11:13:00.001-06:00

Here are a couple of pictures of Jack and Sophia in their costumes. We didn't really get Jack a costume but my mom had this horn and he happened to be in blue pajamas, so he is little boy blue. He hasn't been feeling well so he wasn't to happy about getting his picture taken. Sophia is a butterfly and loves to pose for the camera.

Little Boy Boo Hoo Hoo!
Jack
Blowing kisses Our little Butterfly!

Elder Thompson

2007-10-15T21:54:00.001-06:00

This weekend all of my sisters were in town to say our goodbye's to our one and only brother Sean who is going on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He will be serving in Taichung, Taiwan. I love Sean so much and so do my kids. My family has had the opportunity of living with and close by to Sean over the last four years and I have loved watching him grow. I am so excited for you Sean and I know you are going to be a great missionary. I love you and I'll think of you every time I eat at Jolly Kone, and watch Walker Texas Ranger.

Elder Sean Thompson
Josh and Sean
Sean and I
hugs and kisses
Sophia says goodbye
The Thompson kids

Happy Birthday Josh and Danny!

2007-10-15T18:22:00.001-06:00

Every year Josh and his good friend Danny get together to celebrate their Birthdays. This year the Danny Zamora family came to Bakersfield. It was great to hang out. They hadn't met Jack yet, and the last time we saw them Kiera was just a couple of months old. One of the days they were here we took them to Murray Family Farms. It was really good to see them.

Gotta love that smile!
Kiera looking very glamorous.
Kiera, Brady, Jack, and Sophia playing in the corn.
Josh Jr.
Sophia Rose Slade

Kiera Zamora

all along for the ride

At the end of the spider maze.Hay tracter ride.

Cruising

2007-10-15T17:25:00.000-06:00

I wanted to go back and post a few pictures from when Josh and I went on our cruise with Bryant and Jessica at the end of September. We had the the best time. My mom watched Sophia and Jack for us. I'm sure Sean, Michelle, and Nichole all helped as well. (Thanks Family!) Jack got pretty attached to my mom and now whenever we hang out he always wants her. He is also very possesive of her and will stare down and push anyone else away who gets close to her. Anyway here are the pictures.

Melissa, Ensenada, and Josh

Jessica, Ensenada, and Bryant

I love this face I'm making. The Lobster was actually really good.

Bryant as Nacho Libre!

I finally started a blog

2007-10-15T15:58:00.000-06:00

I finally started a blog and am not sure if I am doing this right so I guess this is a test post.