I Am

I am...a devoted mother, lucky wife, & a goofball most of the time.
I think...I am blessed.
I want…to see the world in black and white, no matter how grey it is.
I have...everything I need.
I miss…my little brother.
I fear...letting myself down.
I feel...grateful for the “old soul” that I call mine.
I hear...silence, the boys are tucked away sleeping.
I smell...wassail.
I crave…peace in an unsettled world.
I cry...when I’m uncertain of the future.
I search...for ways to give back to those who show such kindness.
I wonder...if I’ll ever get back in my size 8’s.
I regret...letting things that don’t matter steal away my time.
I wish...I could buy Jeff a farm with a tractor he could ride on all day.
I love...Jeff’s welcoming arms, Will’s mischievous grin, Grant’s eyes full of hope.
I care...about where I’ve come from, those heroic people I call my ancestors.
I always...try to believe that people have good hearts (and intentions).
I worry...about paying off our debts.
I am not...very good at making friends..I want to, but let fear hold me back.
I remember...all the kindness Jeff’s parents and mine have shown us.
I believe... with work, I can keep the world out of my home.
I sing...to my boys every day, music brings beauty to my life.
I don't always…believe my husband when he tells me I look beautiful.
I argue...too much about things that have no meaning.
I write...for work, pleasure, and to relieve a full heart.
I lose...discouragement when I hold my sons in my arms.
I listen...to my boys laughter and feel whole.
I can usually be found...at home with my family.
I need...to prove to myself that I can finish what I’ve started.
I forget...that God is with me every day.
I am happy...for each of you I call family and friends.

Tag...you're it.

Oregon in October

First Trip to Oregon

Well...for all of us except Jeff. In October, we packed up the boys and Grandma Stevens and went to Oregon to see Suz, Bret, & kids. We had such a great time and fell in love with the land. Oregon is truly breathtaking! I loved the coast..especially eating fresh fish. The Garcia's live out in the country. We went to pumpkin patches, outdoor farmers markets, the Mennonite Bakery, Eugene, the coast, etc. The most beautiful site though was definitely the drive from Bend to Eugene. I wish I got more pictures! We will definitely have to go back soon. Thanks Bret & Suz!!

Potty Training 101

Oh my...I feel like a pretty bad mom tonight. I am getting ready to potty train Will. He is showing all the signs and I had it planned for this next week. So tonight...Jocelyn, Dan & little Mailon were over for Christmas cookies and Will kept dancing around. He was whining...upset...etc. I thought he just needed to go number 2. He has a hard time doing that and it takes him a long time. So...after about an hour I decided to just take him in and see what he did. If you have ever seen that scene out of League of Their Own with Tom Hanks...you'll know how it went. The poor kid went forever. I felt like such a bad mom!! I had no clue he was holding it!
Anyhow, if my son ends up on antibiotics for a bladder infection...we'll all know why!

Tag...I'm it.

This is for a dear friend...who keeps getting after me for not updating my blog! haha I promise I haven't been slacking (well maybe a little)...our computer busted, so I guess I'll use Jeff's laptop! :)

1. What's your husbands name? Jeffrey Jones Stevens
2. How long have you guys been married? 4 years and 8 months
3. How long did you date? We met the June before we got married...so 9 months.
4. How old is he? haha Yes...he is younger than I am, 26. I have to say that I may be the smart one out here. I may be older, but that will suit me well when I'm old and gray and Jeff is the young one who gets to take care of me.
5. Who eats more sweets? Oh my...definitely me.
6. Who said I Love You first? Jeff...November 1, 2003, after Luke & Lindseys reception. He was in a tux...and I was gone..
7. Who is taller? If you know us, this is pretty obvious. I kindof stick out like a sore thumb around the Stevens clan!! He is 6'3 and I'm 5'4. It's good though.
8. Who is the better singer? haha Jeff. One of my favorite memories is laying in bed one night and Jeff singing hymns to me out of his little missionary hymn book. I knew at that moment I had found a "good one."
9. Who is smarter? Definitely me. Being older...wiser just comes with the territory. (I'm joking honey.)
10. Who does the laundry? 2/3 me...1/3 Jeff.
11. Who pays the bills? I do.
12. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Jeff
13. Who mows the lawn? Jeff used to, but I convinced him to let me take over to help burn some extra calories.
14. Who cooks dinner? Mostly me, but sometimes Jeff will if I am working or had a tough day. He's a keeper.
15. Who drives? Jeff typically. I'm horrible at parallel parking in his truck!! It's sad.
16. Who is the first to say they are wrong? Oh gol..I'm not sure. Probably both.
17. Who kissed who first? If you know Jeff, you'll love this: Our 3rd date, Jeff was nervously lingering on my porch and finally reached over and gave me the quickest peck in history and literally ran to his truck and took off. I was left standing on the porch wondering where he went so fast!
18. Who asked who out first? It was a blind date, set up by my dear friend, tonya. I owe you, Ernst.
19. Who wears the pants? haha Who knows. We both do at times.
There you go. I tag....... Everyone who reads this!
Let's hear what you gals have to say.

Good ol' summer time!

Goodbye to Summer

Ahhh...fall! I love this time of year. However, it'll be sad to say goodbye to all the fun memories we had this summer. The little guys love being outdoors. Will follows his dad around like a little puppy and Grant follows Will around as fast as he can scoot. It's been a fun summer full of camping, going to the park, swimming, going to the farm, and spending time with each other. Here are a few of our favorite pictures from summer!

An Angel's Eyes...

Both of our boys were so lucky to get Jeff's eyes... they are absolutely gorgeous. It's hard to be strict some days with those little eyes staring back up at you. Grant is teething and what a fun experience that is. Will was so great with teething, I didn't know what actual teething could be like. He has gotten his 2 bottem teeth finally...and is doing a bit better. Today we went outside and played on the grass. It was a bit overcast and beautiful!! I love when it's overcast...it makes everything so much more fiercly green.