Easter Sunday

Jesse worked a shift yesterday and he got home around 7:30 this morning. My plan was when he got home is when I'd hide the eggs in the back yard. Around 6:30 I woke up naturally (kinda hard to sleep in since my body is used to getting up early every morning). I thought since I'm up I'll at least put the Easter Baskets together. Then I went back to bed to wait for Jesse to come home.

 

Next thing I know Ryker comes down stairs to tell me...

 

"Mom, the eggs are still in the fridge. The Easter Bunny didn't hide them."

 

Oops.

 

I made up some silly excuse that the Easter Bunny must have been busy, but he'll be back to hide them before daddy got home. I then text Jesse to fill him in about the Easter Bunny's "mistake". Ha. He said he'd hurry and hide them when he got home if I put them outside for him.

 

I did that very thing. And when I got the text from Jesse that he was home, I read a book to Ryker so that he wouldn't have the random urge to look in the backyard.

 

When Jesse came inside Ryker went running to him and told him all about the Easter Bunny forgetting to hide the eggs. He went to the fridge to prove his point...BUT... they weren't there. The "Easter Bunny" had snuck in and hid them. Phew! Close call.

 

That Easter Bunny needs to pick up his game. Next year he'll be better :-)

 

In their baskets they got a new church outfit along with a few polos and a Camelbak No Spill Water bottle.

 



 He was pretty stoked about his Easter Basket...

 ...and of course Cy was too.

 Then we were off to hunt for eggs.

 Ryker was so sweet by helping Cy.

 He seriously loves the chickens. Now that we are having warmer days there isn't a day that go by that he doesn't want to play with them. And once Ryker is out there, Cy is too. It's a pretty funny site to see Cy carrying a chicken around.

 Once our egg hunt was over we all got ready for church. I wanted to get a picture of our little family in our Easter outfits. But it took several attempts. Cy kept saying cheese with a weird face...

 ...haha not sure why Cy is tipping his head back. At least he is trying to smile.

 Then he finally makes a good face and then Jesse and I weren't looking at the camera. Oh well. Close enough.

 Two handsome boys amongst the pretty daffodils.

I was so grateful for the beautiful warm weather. It was perfect for this Easter Sunday. How fitting is it that we celebrate our Saviours resurrection while the earth seem to be resurrecting as well? This time of year is so refreshing to see everything come back to life again after a long dead winter.

 

During church today we had combined Relief Society and Priesthood and we talked about the Resurrection. I enjoyed the lesson. It's always a good reminder the sacrifice and suffering that the Saviour did for all of us. He was alone so that we don't need to be. He has felt how all of us feel.

 

I'm grateful to my Saviour for providing the atonement for all of us. There is nothing better than having that in our lives. Giving us the chance to always change and become better. Having Him as our strength so that we will NEVER be alone. 

Just "Dye"ing to be together

I know we are a little early to be dying Easter Eggs. But since tonight is the only night that Jesse would be home before Easter Sunday got here we took advantage of the opportunity. We probably confused Ryker because he kept asking if the Easter Bunny would be coming tomorrow. Explaining that he had to wait until Sunday was tough because days seem like forever in his eyes. 

 It is nice to have this guy around for the night. Kinda can't wait for Paramedic School to be done with so we can have more nights together again. Love having him around.

 This guy was really excited to dye eggs.

 This guy just repeatedly said 'aegg'. It's like he's got an Australian accent when he says egg.  Kinda cute.

 Testing out the new dye kit I found. Required painting instead of dipping in the dye baths.

 He's just loving every minute of this...

 The first little bit, Cy just sat back watching then wanted to paint his own. It's like he was analyzing the technique and then went for it.

 He did pretty dang good if you ask me.

 Once his egg was complete then he decided to paint himself.

Dance Party/Concert in the Ktichen

Today was the first day of Jesse's 6 days off from Ogden. When he came home he ate breakfast and then napped for a bit (since he was up most of the night). Once he got up him and I went to the gym together (put the boys in the Child Care). It was nice to do that together. We won't get to do it too often, but hey at least we will get to do it. Where as before we never got to.

 

Anyway, Jesse went to a massage appointment at my salon afterwards. He needed it so bad. And deserved every minute of it. When he got home he studied a bit for school then had to head out to class.

 

Which left me and the boys to ourselves. For dinner I was trying to recreate Rumbi's Rice bowl. Brown Rice with Chicken, Zucchini, yellow squash, carrots, celery and broccoli with Teriyaki Sauce. And normally dinner becomes a fight with the boys. But tonight Ryker ate his entire bowl and his exact words to me he said...

 

"Thank You Mommy for this Wonderful Dinner."

 

Speechless I was. Where was the whining and the complaining? Tonight it wasn't there. How refreshing! Not only is it nice to get compliments from adults about my cooking... but it's even BETTER when my five year old compliments me. I was on Mommy-Cloud-Nine!

 

For Dessert we went to Orange Leaf. Self Serve Frozen Yogurt. The boys and I love it. And it gives us something to do together.

 

Once we got back is when the real party began. I turned on some music and  it started out as a little dance party in the kitchen. But then we got the "microphones" out and started to sing along. Ryker was totally into it. It was making my heart smile. But then I couldn't help but get into myself.



 Then it turned into a concert. Cy pulled up a bench and we ate popcorn while we watched Ryker "Perform". We would cheer and clap for him after each song.

 I'm telling you... this kid has got some moves. Haha... seriously though. Such a hoot.

Cy went up to join Ryker in the fun, while leaving me on the bench alone to be the crazy fan taking all the pictures. I couldn't help but giggle at him. I guess he thought he should EAT the "microphone" instead of sing into it.

 When a song would end Ryker would then take a bow. He's got that bowing thing down. Hand on the chest and everything.

 Another thing that was making me laugh was his collection of "microphones" he was putting in his back pockets (potato masher included).

Our little concert party went on for about 45 minutes. Constant. It was 45 minutes I don't ever want to forget. We had a blast! Love these little guys!

Visiting Daddy

On Saturday Jesse and I both had to work. So Mike and Heidi were so great to take the boys for us that day. In the morning I got a phone call from Heidi telling me that Mike wanted to take the boys to the Air Force Museum which was up in Layton. Our original plan was to meet in the middle somewhere downtown, but she called to tell me that they would just come pick up the boys on the way to the museum. Once they arrived I headed off to work.

 

I later got a text from Heidi asking which Fire Station Jesse worked at. Not knowing which one I text Jesse which one. He didn't reply for awhile, but Heidi was finally able to figure it out right at the time he was writing her back. They figured since the Museum was only about ten minutes from Ogden they would pay Jesse a visit. Or at least drive by if they never heard from him.

 

I guess the firefighters were at the gym, so Jesse didn't get to respond quickly. But would luck have it, the team arrived back to the station the same time Mike, Heidi and the boys were there.

 

Both Jesse and Heidi sent me some pictures on my phone while I was at work. And I couldn't help but feel a bit jealous that I didn't get to be there. But I know we'll get lots of chances to go and visit (Matter of Fact...this Saturday while Jesse is on shift with SSL, me and the boys are going down in the morning to do a photo shoot there with my friend Courtney.. kind of excited...it'll be so great).

 

I just LOVE this picture. Look how happy the boys are. I can just see the glee in their faces. To be in a firetruck WITH their daddy....what more could two boys ask for?

 



 Cy getting a turn as the driver...

 ...can't forget Ryker.

 And trying on the helmet.

Cute boys. And it gave a great chance for the other firefighters to meet the boys and Jesse's parents... and vica-versa. My turn next.

All they know about me is that I keep sending goodies for them.

Jesse's first shift I think he took some Oatmeal Cookies. And then the second I sent him with some left over Cookies and Cream Cake bites (they are to die for). Which they all loved... so then they asked Jesse if I could make a good Carrot Cake. And I thought... Carrot Cake??? Not very many people ask for carrot cake. But yes I have a good recipe with cream cheese frosting.

I baked and frosted the cake Sunday so that Jesse could take it with him yesterday morning. And I was kind of anxious all day to hear if they liked it or not. Around lunch time I text Jesse asking if the guys had tried the carrot cake yet.

He replied back saying "Just did. Everyone says it's great!!! And Thank you very much"

Yesss....Score!!!

Later that night, about 7:30, I get another text from Jesse saying.."I was told they were going to fire me until they tasted your cake. Now they'll keep me."

Haha. I thought that was so funny. And I loved the compliment. I guess I better keep those goodies going so that Jesse can keep his job. Haha.

For me I find so much enjoyment out of a compliment on my cooking or baking. It's just so rewarding. So to hear that from those firefighters really made my day.

Adjusting



It certainly has been a long week. Mainly for Jesse. I know for a fact he's glad to have it over. Well, almost over. He had training Monday through Friday from 8 to 5ish. And he did a 24hour shift/ride along on Saturday. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday nights he'd drive from Ogden to Murray to catch the last part of class. The last of his training was yesterday and today. Today when he finishes he'll go straight to a shift. So he'll be done at 8am tomorrow. Then he'll probably come home and want to sleep.

 

The shift he did on Saturday wore him out. They had calls ALL NIGHT long. So he didn't get much sleep. When he got home Sunday morning, I could tell that he was just exhausted. So he went to bed until Sacrament meeting.

 

So let me try and explain what his schedule is going to be. We found out that he'll be on the A shift. Can't tell you how nice it is to finally know that. It's great to be able to plan ahead and figure things out. And they gave us a calendar through the rest of the year. I've already got the week Jesse and I are going on a vacation after Paramedic School is over. Just have to figure out our destination.

 

How it works is he'll work four 24 hour shifts EVERY OTHER DAY. They call this a "Go Around" (I'm learning the firefighter lingo). Then he'll have 4 days off, then another "Go Around", then 6 days off. And Repeat! It makes for a random schedule, but it'll be really nice to have him around on his 4 and 6 day breaks. He'll get to help out more with the boys, go do things together during the day (if I'm not working) and occasionally we could go to the gym together (kinda of silly that I'm looking forward to that, but I am).

So today Jesse is starting a "Go Around". He'll work today, Thursday, Saturday and Monday. Then he gets 6 days off. I know we are looking forward to that. He still has class to go to. But hopefully that'll be a good week for him to get caught up on sleep, studying and family time.

2013 has brought us alot of things to adjust to, but I wouldn't change it. Change is good, but it isn't always easy. The changes have made us rely more on each other and, more importantly, the Lord. I'm grateful to the challenges and trials that the Lord gives us.  I recently learned this past week from our Stake President that there are 3 types of trials. One; The self inflicted type. Two; The type that comes from day to day living. Three; The type that the Lord gives you.

The trials that the Lord gives us are things that we won't want and wouldn't ask for. So that's why He MUST give them to us. Because they are the trials that strengthen us the most.

I'm not saying that we are going through a huge trial, but adjusting to this new life style isn't easy. Jesse and I have grown closer from it and we feel like we are relying on the Lord more. It's been a blessing.

Big Day Tomorrow

Well this is it. We have arrived. Tomorrow is the start of our new lives. Jesse's last day working construction was on Friday and his first day as a FULL-TIME FIREFIGHTER is tomorrow. Will someone please pinch me?



 

On Friday I had spare time in my day, so Jesse asked me to go up to Ogden to pick up his Uniforms and hand in some retirement paperwork to the Human Resource office at the City Building. He has been super busy and couldn't find the time to go up there before Monday.

 

While I was at the Human Resource office, I did find out that Jesse will be sworn in....BUT it's not something that the families will go to. Bummer. I was so hoping that we'd get that chance again. But thankfully I got to experience it with SSL.

 

Anyway, that night after work I went home to make dinner. Jesse goes to try on his uniform and he finds this....

...the pins were still left on both of the sides where they were "SUPPOSE" to take it in. What Dummies! They just pinned it and then never did anything about it.

So yesterday I called my Grandma Schrader and asked if she's be willing to take in this sides for Jesse. She willingly accepted. I dropped them off at her house on my way to work and she was able to work on them that day. While she was at it I added the SSL shirt as well. They too never seemed to "TAKE IN" the sides either, it has been really baggy on him. But they at least went to the effort to take the pins out. Sheesh!

Anyway, after work I went back over there to pick up the two Ogden shirts. They looked PERFECT! Thank Heavens for Grandmothers. Jesse and I both thought that the uniform store should correct their mistake. But he needed it by tomorrow, so luckily Grandma was here to help us. Jesse will look all spiffy tomorrow thanks to her.

This whole next week is training from 8am to 5pm. We aren't sure when they will give him his shift (A, B or C). But for sure we will know by the end of this week. As soon as I know I am planning a trip for the two of us to go on in November. Paramedic school will be over so that'll be our little victory celebration. Something to look forward to.

Until then we will enjoy the NOW!

2 Year Check-Up

This morning Cy had his 2 year check up with Dr. Reese. While we were waiting for him to come into the exam room the boys were playing around. I had to chuckle a little when Cy was licking the stick. It looked like he was trying to do what the doctor does to him to check his mouth. 

 Haha and Ryker couldn't help but make goofy faces. Such a cute weirdo.

 I had to get a squeeze from my 2 year old. Can't believe how grown up he is.

When Dr Reese came in to check out Cy, he had a student with him. She must have been there for a job shadow sort of thing. When it came time to look at him, Dr Reese was in a way warning me that 2 year olds weren't always fond of him. But Cy didn't mind him one bit. Just simply stared Dr Reese down the whole time and doing everything asked of him. Dr Reese and the Student were very impressed how well Cy was doing. Which I guess made me happy to hear. He does well with people and likes to stare people down at first meeting them. So this all seemed normal for Cy.

Dr. Reese said everything looks good and Cy is developing well. This time around Cy didn't need any vaccinations so we were in and out of there in a half hour. Quickest appointment yet. Yay!
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A few tid-bits about Cy at 2 years old:
-Weight: 28lb (51%)
-Height: 35in (75%)
-Head Circ: 50 cm (83%)
-He stands with his hands behind his back quite often...

 ... even while waiting for popcorn to be popped in the microwave. As a matter of fact, on our trip to San Diego, Aunt Mel was talking with Christian and Heidi about their dad. The late Robert Bohm. Apparently Bob used to stand like that all the time as well. Is it really possible that that trait could be passed down to Cy? I find it very interesting.

 -Cy just LOVES popcorn. For awhile there that was all he wanted to eat. I had to stop buying it. So now he just has it on special occasions. Like a movie night with Ryker and me.

 

-Likes to stack things. One occasion I had bought some diapers from Costco and there are quite a few in the box. Ryker opened the box and the two of them spent a good hour playing with the diapers. In the end they built a little fort under the desk for them and Cy's toy kitty. Haha. Another example how boys use their imaginations with something besides toys.

 

 -He's getting pretty good with a writing utensil. I love looking at his face while he's doing it. You can see the concentration in his lips... Much like his Daddy. Haha.

 

- His speech in the last few weeks has just exploded. I swear everyday he says something new. All before that he was always so quite and observant. So it's fun to see him more vocal and expressing himself.

-All of the sign language that he used to use doesn't really come into play as much as it used to. The one sign he still uses though, is please. He won't even say the word please. Just signs it every time. Cute huh? Occasionally he'll together sign and say "All Done" or "More".

-He has become a little parrot. Almost anything you ask him to say he'll repeat. Jesse's favorite thing he likes to get Cy to say is to say "Cy can you say I?"....
Cy says "I"....
Jesse: "Love?"
Cy: "Luh"
Jesse: "You!"
Cy: "YOU!" very excited high pitched voice and usually a giggle on the end of it.

-Starting to put a few words together. Like "Hi, Daddy!" or today in the doctor's exam room Cy pointed to the Chair and said to me "Tair...Sit"

-A few of our favorite words he says (I wish I could explain how he says such words because they are too cute with his sweet voice. The best I can do is spell them out in the way that he says them):
"-ank You"
"-eady, seT, GO"
"Ticken" or "Dicken" (Chicken)
"Too-too-tain" (Choo Choo Train)
"Mealk" (Milk)
"Happy BirDay"
"Banky" (Blanky/Blanket)
"Morn" (More)

-People's names he'll say
"-antel" (Chantel)
"Ty"
"Ga-ma"
"Gam-po" (Grandpa)
"Rrr-ocker" (Ryker)
"Pawker"...he sounds British when he says it haha (Parker, my friend Harmoni's son who has babysat the boys a few times)
"Derling" (his cousin, Sterling)
"Manna" (Manda)
"Owmaly" (Emily)
"Ann-Do" (Andrew)
"Mommy"
"Daddy"

-One thing that we love, is he is willing to give you or someone else a hug (a short squeeze is all he'll give, but we'll take whatever we can get).

-The best is when we get a sweet kiss from him. And he won't settle for anything less than the lips. Sometimes you make be the lucky one who gets some runny nose with that as well, or a bit of a cough.

- He has named these two stuffed animals. The Bunny is "Guy" and the puppy is "Puppy". I can't pinpoint exactly when he first started calling the Bunny, Guy. It just some how came about. I think it's sweet.

Those are only a few examples of things that Cy does. He's such a happy sweet boy that will brighten any body's day. The stage that he is in right now is probably my favorite. Even though he is crazy and will just run down the middle of our street when my back is turned, giggling the whole way (scares me to death)... His ever-so-sweet smile makes up for all that.

This Kid is TWO!!!

UNREAL!!! Where have the past two years gone? My little 8lb 4oz baby has turned into a toddler right before my eyes. Just crazy. I feel like Cyrus is growing up faster than Ryker. Maybe because having two boys makes life super busy, so I'm not realizing that they are growing up. That makes me want to take extra care and pay more attention to the little things they do. It's going to be gone before I know it.

 

Look at this picture of Cy. I can't even remember what he is like at the beginning. It seems so long ago...but yet it feels like last month.

 

 

Yesterday Morning Manda came over to say goodbye before she had to fly home. She was so cute by bringing Cyrus some birthday balloons. He kept staring up at them and saying "Ba-Noon" over and over again. 

 



 Jesse and I got to chat with Manda for a bit before she left, but I wish she didn't have to. It's just so nice to have her here I have to soak in every moment we can be together.

 After Manda left Jesse laid down to take a short nap. I thought it was sweet that Cy laid with him for a bit. Birthday Boy getting all snuggled up with his daddy.

Jesse had worked a 24 hour shift Saturday and got home Sunday morning. So he was a little tired. He forgot a blanket and a pillow, so that made for a rough night. Luckily he didn't have any calls during the night, but he didn't sleep that great.

 It was Stake Conference for us yesterday and it wasn't until 2pm. So that gave me the chance to put the cake together before we had to go. Cy LOVES turtles, so I thought it would be fitting to make him a Sea Turtle cake.

 It isn't the prettiest thing, but it did the job. I was starting to get frustrated with it towards the end of decorating it, so I didn't do as good as I should have. I just wanted to get it done.

 Around 6pm, family from my side and Jesse's side came over. We were all trying to get Cy to say he's TWO. So this is his atempt at showing two fingers. Thought it was pretty darn cute.

 Then it was time for gifts...

 ...Of Course Ryker couldn't help but join in on the fun. haha. We had to constantly remind him that it was Cy's birthday and to let Cy open his presents. Such a sweet big brother, he just wanted to help (and get in on some of the lime light as well).

 Cy did great opening his own gifts. As I was watching him thinking "he's too little to be opening his own presents", Jesse said those very words out loud. But it's true. He really shouldn't be old enough to be opening presents all on his own. Such a big boy.

 I don't know why, but I thought this was so funny... Grandma Heidi handed Cy the card to the present she was giving him and Cy sat and looked at for a bit. Opening it up is if he was reading it. Then he set it aside. Just thought it was cute.

 Once Cy opened this gift he didn't care to open anymore....

 ...he was so content to pound away at those balls. Everybody else was trying to get his attention to finish the other gifts and he looked at us all as if to say... "Forget the other gifts to open, I'm going to play with my new toy".

 Cake Time.... It may not be the prettiest cake, but when my two year old looks at it and says "turrtle"... I'm a happy camper.

 OK, I should get a reward for catching this picture mid-blow. He got them both out in the first blow. Way to go Dude!

 I gave him the head of the turtle to eat. He started out by poking the frosting with one finger then licking it. Eventually he'd stick four straighted fingers down into the cake and lick it off. I got a funny video of it. We all chuckled at his technique.

 Then after a bit, he wasn't liking all the frosting on his hand. So he was shaking it to get the frosting off. Which was getting everywhere. Haha I think he maybe ate a quarter of it and then was done.

We had a very fun night celebrating this amazing two year old! He is such a joy! I wish I could just share him with everybody. If I ever need my day brightened up all I have to do is watch Cy. His gestures, speech, and cute little body bring a smile to my face.

Love you Little Man! Happy Birthday to the cutest (no joke) two year old!