Thursday, February 25, 2010

Jazz Game

My long time College Station friend, Renee, invited Bryce and I to a Jazz Game a few nights ago. It was so nice to be able to visit with her and her husband, Gary. They are awesome people and we had a fun time catching up on life. Thanks for inviting us to the game, Renee and Gary!

The weather wasn't too bad, just a little drizzle that night. We wrapped Clayton up in a blanket and put this cute hat on him. He just looked all around at the night lights as we walked down to the Energy Solutions Center. He was smiling like crazy and he looked so adorable.
Before the game, we went to Crown Burger to eat and get a parking pass. Clayton wanted to eat my hamburger the minute he saw it. We were all dressed up to go watch the Jazz. I loved this little outfit he was in that night. Go Jazz!

The Jazz beat the Bobcats and Clayton did a great job at the game. I was worried he wouldn't sit through it, but he loved it. He got scared a couple of times when the crowd got loud and crazy. He would start crying, but this only happened three times the entire night. It was alot of fun. Not what I was expecting at all. Clayton was awesome!

Friday, February 19, 2010

Valentines Day

We were up at the cabin for V-Day. I put alot of balloons in Coopers room the night before when he fell asleep. I also cut out tons of red, pink, and purple hearts to put on the walls, but I could not find them. So sad!
When Cooper woke up, he was very excited. Bryce read him a card that we gave him and Cooper said, "This is the best Valentines Day ever!" Clayton layed on the bed with him and they played in the balloons. Clayton was wondering what in the world were these big, round, things that float.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Look Who's 5 months Old!

On Valentine's Day, Clayton turned 5 months old. He is getting big too quickly. He absolutely loves his hands. He usually has them clasped together when I hold him. He also loves to hold my fingers while I am feeding him his bottle. Since we started him on food, he thinks he needs to eat every time he sees us eating. He really prefers real food over baby food. He loves bread and has never choked on it.
Last week, Jocelynn was holding him and drinking a glass of water at the same time. Everytime she put the glass to her mouth, he would tilt his head back and open his mouth wide, so Jocelynn gave him a drink and he loved it. Now, he loves drinking out of real cups!
He actually rolled over for the first time today from his back to front. I wasn't in the room when he did it, but he was moaning and groaning when I came in. He is starting to get a little more comfortable in his little play seats.
He continues to adore Cooper. Today Cooper was laughing at me because Clayton spit up in my bag of M&M's. Clayton laughed the whole time Cooper laughed. It was so cute to watch him.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Weekend at the Cabin

This past weekend, we were invited to spend three days up at Chris' cabin in Bear Lake. This time we took our kids and they had so much fun. It snowed a foot on Saturday and we all had a blast playing in the snow. The temperature was perfect so it wasn't too cold outside. Jacqui and I made a small sledding hill for the kids.

We decided to take the kids over to the sinks, but when we got there, it was freezing because the wind was blowing hard and the snow was coming down. Cooper and Landon went sledding down the hill once and decided that was enough, so we went back to the cabin. The weather cleared up and the sun came out and we were able to take this picture of the lake in the background. It was beautiful but pictures never do it justice.
Bryce was nice enough to watch to the two babies...Clayton (5 months) and Hadley (2 months) so we could go out and spend some time with our kids. When we got back to the cabin, he got to ride the snowmobiles and the little razor (in the top picture). He had a great time riding through all the powder. He also loves the snow clothes that he got to wear. I thought he looked hot in them too!
I had a great time playing with Cooper in the snow. The snow was perfect for making snowballs. We ate lots of snow and Cooper even made me a special object out of snow. He said, " I just wanted to make you something very special for Valentines Day." He is so thoughtful and I love this kid so much. He just makes me smile all the time!
One of Cooper's favorite things about the cabin was the bunk beds. He slept on the top bed the first night and loved it. He was just amazed at how big the cabin was. He told me that he was going to have lots of money when he is a dad, so he can have a cabin like this.

Monday, February 15, 2010

Family Fun

It was fun to have mom, dad, and Tyler up for a quick visit. The first night they were here, we did P90X and it was awesome because mom did the workout with Tyler and myself. I have a video clip of her doing the workout, so I will have to try to figure out how to get it on here. I am glad that she participated with us, even though dad was making fun of her kicking skills.We also got to play basketball together over at Jocelynn's church and that was alot of fun. Our family also went to the temple and that was a neat experience. Tyler had to be in his church clothes the whole time he was here, but he was a good sport about it. Its always nice to have the family visit us.

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Happy Valentines Day

Jenn,

I just wanted to let you know how grateful I am that you've been my Valentine over the past eleven years. I couldn't ask for a better wife, friend, mother to my children, Lover, and Valentine. I've said it before and I'll continue to stand by the fact that I'm a better man because of you.

People often joke about men "marrying up". This is not a joke, but a reality in my life. I did marry up. I can't relay to you how blessed I feel that the Lord brought our two lives together. It's often amazing to me that the Lord was able to bring a die hard TExas girl and put her with a Utah farm boy. I consider that a great miracle.

Jenn, I want you to know how proud I am to be able to call you my wife and myself, your husband. I know that I often fall short on the important role that comes with that title. Please continue to be patient with me as you have in the past. I don't know if you can see it, but I can see the progress thats come to me through your love, patience, and example.

Jenn, I love you for your strong testimony and love of the gospel. You are that city on a hill for all to see. Our boys could not have a better example that that of their mother. If you had lived during the time of the Book of Mormon, you would've been a mother to one of the stripling warriors. You are that kind of example to our boys, myself, and all those who you come in contact with. That's why you are a "likeable" and why people want to have your friendship.

I want to finish by letting you know I love you. Without you and our boys, my life would be in shambles. My family is the glue that keeps my life from coming apart. You're the reason I get up every morning and go to a job that sometimes drives me crazy, but it provides for our family and lets us have the security that alot of people don't have right now.

Jenn, I can't express how much I love you and how much you mean to me. Thank you for being my greatest blessing and my eternal Valentine.

All my Love

Bryce

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Off To Guatemala

My little brother Tyler went into the missionary training center today in Provo Utah. Tyler will be there for 8 weeks learning Spanish and the gospel of Jesus Christ. He will learn how to teach others the gospel and most importantly to serve others.

We are so happy for this decision that Tyler has made to go and serve the Lord for two years. He will make a wonderful missionary and the people of Guatemala will love him. Its been hard to say good bye to him for all of us, but we will blessed by his service.
My parents are so proud of him, but this has probably been one of the most bitter-sweet moments of their lives. My mom has had children in her home for 41 years and Tyler was the baby. Mom and Dad are Tyler's best friends and they have such a close relationship. This has been hard for them to watch Tyler say his goodbyes as many, many tears have been shed. It will be a big adjustment for them over the next couple of months. They are wonderful parents and maybe this will give them the opportunity to travel more to see me!!!!

Ty's Baptism

Last Saturday, my nephew, Ty, was baptized and confirmed the newest member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He wrote his testimony and then shared it with everyone. He is such a good kid and we are proud that he made this decision to be baptized.
Sherrie pointed out that the next man in our family to go on a mission will be Ty. Eleven years buddy, and you will be out on your mission!

Ty looked so handsome in his little white baptismal suit and even cuter in his church suit. It was nice for Cooper to be able to see his cousin make the choice to be baptized. Ty is a great example to his cousins and they all look up to him. We love you Ty!

Friday, February 5, 2010

Time at Grandma and Grandpa's

This past weekend we were able to spend a little bit of time with Grandma and Grandpa. We are blessed to have them close and its nice to be able to go there and see them often. Marilyn always makes the best food for us and opens her house to family anytime, night or day.
Clayton had a fun time rolling around the floor and watching grandpa make funny faces and silly sounds. I love this picture. His head looks so big!
Grandpa Cooper thinks Clayton looks like his Grandma Douglas...Red hair and blue eyes and a great smile! Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for being so good to our kids. We love you!

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Week with the Merrills

Last week I watched my neices and nephew while my sister, Steph, and her husband, Paul went on vacation. So, I became the mother of 8 for 9 days. The kids were good and we had a great time. It's a little tiring looking after that many people, but it was nice to be able to spend some time with each of them.
Jaden and Addey loved having Cooper and Clayton stay at their house. Jaden is not one for taking pictures but he wanted to get in some pictures with Clayton. I thought they turned out cute. Addey and Jaden loved to rub Clayton head and they thought he was so chubby. The kids had a great time playing in the snow and throwing snowballs at Shaylee and her friends while they sat in the hot tub. I think their most favorites activity was playing in the hot tub. They did not miss one day getting in the hot tub. It was nice because it was so cold outside.
The day before Steph got home, we took the kids to the fun center so they wouln't mess up the house we had just cleaned. They had a great time chasing each other around on the "soft play" and they loved their pizza.
I loved the time I was able to spend with my older neices as it gives me an opportunity to get to know them better and hopefully have some sort impact in their life. Chelsey, thank you for helping me clean up the house and drive carpool for me. You are always willing to help. Continue to work hard in school. You are doing a good job and you will make a great nurse.
Kylee, I was impressed that you were so dedicated to your musical that you were up every morning at 5 am to go practice. Your are crazy and fun! Continue to make good choices and that will help you through life.

Brittney, thanks for giving me the chance to wake you up every morning at 6, even though half the time you wouldn't get up! You are a hardworker in school and on the field and I admire that about you.

Shaylee, I really enjoyed spending time with you. Thanks for helping me with Clayton. You are a very responsible young lady and you are going to go far in life with your happy attitude. You are awesome.
Thanks for letting me spend those 9 days with ya'll

Its The Small Things In Life...

Last night, Clayton was in one of those moods where he just wanted his mom to hold him. I wrapped him up in his blanket, put a binki in his mouth and just cuddled him close to me. He was wide awake and he just layed there and looked at my face and into my eyes. I sat there and wondered what he was thinking as his eyes searched over my face over and over again. He was so content and peaceful as he sat in my arms. It was just one of those moments you never want to forget. Later that night, Bryce said, "I know exactly what he was thinking." "Man, I love my mom!" And that made my day!



Also, last night, Cooper came into our room around 11:15. He was having a hard time sleeping, so I went in and layed with him while he proceeded to snuggle with me, climb on me, and tell me about all of his classmates at school. It was just a nice moment to be able to just sit and visit with him.