The Maxson Family

Us Lately...

2012-01-18T20:39:00.001-08:00

Things are going well at our little house. Busy, but good. I really try hard to enjoy the sweet moments with these guys. Here are some of those great moments!
Even spiderman needs some rest sometimes.
Leaves are so fun!
Bowen goes to primary!
Cole loved his first season of soccer!

Oh the joys of raising boys! I wouldn't have it any other way ...

P.s. have you seen my new little business ? Go check it out at

www.sweetstax.blogspot.com

Christmas 2011

2012-01-10T11:53:00.001-08:00

Christmas was wonderful this year. The boys are at such fun ages to share in all the excitement !

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Merry Christmas 2011!

2011-12-22T13:11:00.000-08:00

Wow! Where has the last year gone? I know, I know, we all say that. But isn't it so true? My dad used to say, " the days and weeks drag, and the years fly by. " Well, here we are... In lieu of sending out a letter with our Christmas card this year, I decided to just do a blog post with a little "update" instead. So here it is! MERRY CHRISTMAS FRIENDS!
Life is busy, life is crazy, but life is oh so good. Tyler is in his LAST year of doctoral school having received his Masters degree this year. Now we are on to internship, which is a one year deal...He has applied here in Phoenix, but also in California, Utah, Texas, and Nebraska. (Basically he has applied all to places that I will agree to move to if need be... Not exactly sure how the Nebraska application slipped by me...haha..) He will hear back soon who will invite him for an interview. Fingers crossed!

I am still teaching private voice, and then our 3 music theater groups we now teach together, which is so very fun! Our little business is called Maxson Music and it pays the bills and I can't complain its just a joy to be able to do what ya love! See what that is all about at http://www.tylerandlinseymaxson.com/

We perform together whenever we can. We find joy in any type of performing we can do. In April we were able to perform Rob Gardner's "Lamb of God" at the Salt Lake Tabrenacle, and to sing in that great historical building was truly marvelous! Ty was again in the Easter Pageant, and this next year, me and the kids will be joining him. We are really looking forward to that experience as a family.

On to the kids....

Cole is now 6 years old. What a kid! He loves first grade. He is reading great, and is especially good at math. In the Spring, Cole was in the school talent show singing "One Last Kiss", dressed in a leather jacket and all, and he stole the show! People were amazed at what that then kindergartener was capable of...While he still LOVES his music, guitars, drums, singing etc, He has found LEGOS to be way awesome and is hoping Santa comes through with all the Ninjago stuff Santa can come up with! He takes Lets Play Music class, participated in Basketball, Baseball and Soccer. Later this year, Cole came up with the idea of doing bake sales, and we quickly started doing "Coles Cookies" ...bake sales once a month. He has become quite known for his sales around the "hood". He is hoping to earn enough money for Disneyland in 2012. We LOVE our Cole Man.

Bowen Troy, what a joy! This sweet boy is 3. He melts our hearts. He is loving preschool, Veggie Tales, Baby and Little Einstein, LEGOS, painting and playdough, soccer and baseball ( which he is quite good at! ) with Dad and Cole in the backyard, and he is mommy's little buddy... on any errand I need to run, he is always the one that wants to come along. Bowen loves the zoo and his favorite animals are the elephants. Bowen learned to swim this summer and had a blast in Grandma Dars pool! All the time people comment on his expressive beautiful eyes. Bowen can work an ipod better than most adults, and can keep himself entertained for hours watching "necklace" (Netflix), with his favorite shows. It is truly a joy to to be this boys mom and dad.

Ridge Tyler Maxson, born earlier in the year, is now 10 months old (gasp. again... Stop, Time!) While throwing a 3rd child to our little mix has really been challenging ( we were warned, people told us that once you are outnumbered its much harder...so. so. true.) Ridge is just the sweetest little guy. He is going to be walking any second now... and he thinks his big brothers are the coolest guys ever! He is constantly trying to "play" with them, climbing all over them. He recently started saying "uh oh", and he "sings" along with us whenever we are doing our little family harmony singing. ( Which is usually our own 3 part version of You are My Sunshine! Ha!) He especially loves Daddys special song for him, which is " If I Were a RIDGE Man" ( think Tevya from Fiddler on the Roof ) Ridge is the perfect addition and we are so thrilled to have him!!

People often comment and say "wow. ALL Boys ?" and ask if we will "try for a girl" next. I am never quite sure how to respond. My feeling is just the same thing we learned in kindergarten, "you get what you get and you don't throw a fit". I believe the Lord really knows what he is doing, and whatever we are sent is wonderful. I don't know any different, so to me, being a "Boy Mom" is delightful. Plus, ( and you can tell this from the picture above ), this way, I will always be the "princess"! Ha! No complaints here.

Tyler and I both want to wish you and your family the very Merriest Christmas. And Happy New Year too of course. We are grateful for our lives together and to get to share this responsibility of raising these wonderful boys with each other. We know without a doubt that the Lord has a hand in all things, and that because of him we are able to be happy in this life. We owe it ALL to Him.

Merry Christmas!
Love, The Maxsons
Tyler Linsey Cole Bowen and Ridge

Santa !!! I know him !

2011-12-11T14:56:00.001-08:00

We had so much fun seeing Santa ! Bass Pro shop really has a great set up and I think we may even go back again..

Also the boys loved making gingerbread houses...

Love this holiday season!

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Feeling thankful...

2011-12-01T09:29:00.001-08:00

So I was not at all good about doing the daily post on Facebook about my gratitude and what I am thankful for...and it certainly wasn't for a lack of blessings.

So I have come back to this post many times in the last few days trying to figure out what to say and any type of list of what I am thankful for seems so insignificant compared to the blessings I have received because of this amazing family I have .

When I truly think about all I am blessed with, there is absolutely no room for sadness, comparison to others, regret, envy, etc.

Life is good. Thanks to the Lord for all my many amazing blessings.

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testing out blogging from my phone

2011-11-24T08:59:00.001-08:00

Well hello world. Happy Thanksgiving. It's been so long since I have blogged, but I think I might blog more if I get used to this phone blogging thing...here are some pics from halloween and our fun fall activities .

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New Button

2011-08-08T01:13:00.000-07:00

Random Ramblings

2011-02-24T12:35:00.000-08:00

So I contemplate this whole blog thing a lot. I sometimes feel like I should just forget about it and not have a blog anymore, cause whats the point, not very many people visit my blog anyway. However, I think its a great way to journal and record cute things about motherhood, or just life in general. So I guess I have to stop thinking of my blog as a place for others to enjoy, but rather a place where I can keep memories.

Our first week home with Baby Ridge was so many things. It was so wonderful, but so so hard. Even tho Tyler was home most of the time, and we had a WONDERFUL friend here helping us, cleaning and taking care of all of us. (THANK YOU KATE!) Both Cole and Bowen got sick, and then Tyler got sick. And we all know I am the most co dependent person in the world, so I can't do a thing without Tylers help. It sounds silly to say how hard it was now that its over, but yah it was rough.

Cole: Cole Man seemed to grow up over night. It was so strange. It was like he was doing and saying things that were so grown up, all of a sudden. So independent. So proud of his little baby brother. So NOT needy of me or Ty. For the last few months of my pregnancy, I would say things like, "Cole , can you pick that up off the floor, Mommy can't bend." ( really I just didn't want to bend cause its uncomfortable with a huge belly.) A day or two after we came home from the hospital, Cole said, "Mommy can you bend now???!!". It was such a cute realization for him. It was even better when he realized that " mommy can dance now", and we danced away at Just Dance on the Wii.

Bowen: oh, those sweet big blue eyes with the eye lashes as long as can be just melt me. Even as I sit and type this, I get teary thinking about that sweet boy. I just KNEW he'd have a hard time with baby brother coming in to our world. It was a hard adjustment for him. Its getting better each day. Someone told me that in a few weeks Bo wouldn't be able to remember a time when Ridge wasn't part of our family, and that does seem to be the case now. The cutest thing Bo says now when he needs to be the one that one of us is holding or giving attention to is, "switch!"

Tyler: how in the world did I ever score you? That sounds weird. But thats what came out. Really tho, there are no words to describe how incredible Tyler is as a husband and father. I KNOW for a fact, that many men wouldn't even consider doing the things he does to help around the house. I am spoiled. And I know it.

This morning I put on some pants, well tried to, that I consider a BIG size for me. And they won't button. I really try to not have that whole part of pregnancy/post partum bother me, but its hard. I KNOW I am only 3 weeks out. BUT, I really tried this pregnancy to NOT "eat for two", in fact, I really watched my eating, and yet, pounds still packed on, and I have a lot to lose. I have decided that for some women, me, it just is out of your control. And for this CONTROL FREAK, thats a hard thing to wrap my brain around. I know it will get better. Especially once I am able to start working out again. I just wish it wasn't a side effect of pregnancy. Thats all.

Ridge is about the sweetest thing ever. He is nursing so well, other than the fact that he pretty much wants to be nursed ALL THE TIME. But he is pretty calm, and not a fussy baby at all. I feel so blessed.

Told ya it was going to be a random rambly post.

Welcoming Ridge to our Home...

2011-02-13T12:59:00.001-08:00

So many emotions. So many blessed moments. So many tears, good tears , and sleep deprived tears and happy tears. So many boys in the house! So much food brought in. So much love shown to us. SO MUCH JOY! We couldn't be happier... here are some pictures of us leaving the hospital and welcoming Ridge home.

Introducing Ridge Tyler Maxson

2011-02-10T09:19:00.000-08:00

He's here! Baby boy #3, Ridge Tyler Maxson. What a huge amazing blessing to our family!

Born February 5th 2011
4:20 PM
8 pounds 6 ounces
22 inches

Here are the pictures just moments after he was born. More to come soon.

Meeting Cole for the first time

Meeting Bowen for the first time.

Now we are home and feeling so very blessed. What a sweet blessing from heaven! More to come soon.

2011-01-02T12:35:00.000-08:00

Here are some of the pictures we took for our Christmas card. What handsome boys I have! So blessed....

To blog or not to blog?

2010-10-07T10:53:00.000-07:00

So I have obviously proved myself to not be the best blogger. I am contemplating closing my blog completely. I know I know, all 17 of you "followers" are incredible dissapointed right now. But I just think I'm not good at it, and its one more thing to do. I will always be posting pics on Facebook, and maybe thats enough. Haven't completely decided. But it seems like if I have computer time, I'm busier checking other blogs rather than posting on my own. HMMMM.....

IT'S A BOY!!!!

2010-09-03T14:57:00.001-07:00

Top Ten Reasons Why We Love Chick Fill A

2010-08-31T08:56:00.000-07:00

Yesterday as Ty and I were eating our lunch from Chick Fill A, we were discussing why we love it sooo much. Here are our top ten reasons.

In no particular order:

1. I love the chargrilled chicken sandwich

2. Ty loves the spicy chicken sandwich

3. French fries, pretty much to die for. ( although I opt for a salad instead)

4. Their berry balsamic vinegarette dressing... um yah. Yum

5. Diet Lemonade. Mouth watering right now thinking about it. When I am pregnant, I crave TANG and STRONG. This hits the spot.

6. The SERVICE. "Its a great day at Chick Fil a, how may I serve you?" Is their greeting, and their "you're welcome" is a "my pleasure!!" When was the last time you were treated like that at McDonalds, huh!?

7. Kids play place. A CLEAN kids play place.

8. I am not a big fan of vanilla ice cream, but their "ice dream cone" Yum. And only 4 points.

9. Balloons. The kids can all get a balloon as we leave the restaraunt.

10. The little mints. Thank you very much.

Anyone else out there agree with me? Now, I wasn't going to mention it, but it does come at a hefty price, its pretty expensive, but I say its worth it!

Baby # 3 on the way!!!!

2010-08-20T15:04:00.000-07:00

Most of you already know. But baby # 3 is on the way! Here are some pictures of me about 6 1/2 weeks ago at 10 weeks. I need to take some more pictures, but come on lets face it, I don't at all look pregnant yet, just wider and fatter! AH the joys of the "in between stage". I really love pregnancy from about 6 months on. You can really BE pregnant, and enjoy all the baby movements and I think people are a little nicer to pregnant women in general. I really love being pregnant. Although I really want a family of all boys, ( lets face it, I don't want to give up my princess status, AND I want a barbershop quartet. ) I am certain this is one is a girl. Ty says he's gonna laugh hard when it's a boy. We find out 2 weeks from today!!! We'll see. Voo doo, you know the ring test, says we are having boy boy girl girl boy. Twins must be in there next time, cause I have only been planning on 4. I will be thrilled with a girl of course. We didn't announce till last week at 16 weeks. I liked it that way, for some reason its made it feel like I am pregnant from now on, rather than 4 months ago, and on... anyway. Yea for more babies!!!

Meet the Teacher, First day as a KINDERGARTENER, and "Lets Play Music!

2010-08-19T14:11:00.001-07:00

I am officially recovered from sending my first born to Kindergarten. I am ok. I did shed tears, quite a few actually. But he is loving school and I am happy with my decision to have him go to Emerson accross the street. Here are some fun pics of him at Meet the Teacher, the first day of K, and his first day in his "Lets Play Music" class.

Happy 31st Birthday to my Man.

2010-08-16T14:52:00.000-07:00

Ty, Since I am not the best at romantic clever writing like you are, here is a list. I'm good at making lists. Here is a list of 31 reasons I love you. ( there are a gazillion, but thought I'd keep it to 31 in honor of your 31st b day. )

1. You are totally hot.
2. You are kind.
3. You are non judgemental.
4. You are the most amazing dad. EVER.
5. I love your singing. Yummy.
6. Incredible actor too. ( how many zonies have you won again?? )
7. You are so romantical.
8. You are so unselfish.
9. You are a spiritual man.
10. You work out like a mad man. Rar.
11. You work really hard at school.
12. You are the best shrink ever.
13. You are the cream of the crop ( huge inside joke )
14. You look great and sexy with long hair. Rar again.
15. I love your big hands.
16. You make date nights a priority.
17. You are my best friend.
18. You make me laugh. Everyday.
19. You're favorite disney character was/is Belle.
20. You think everything is hysterically funny.
21. You are a great listener, to pretty much anyone.
22. You are a great role model for the kids and teens we teach.
23. You get child like when you get excited about a project.
24. You are good to my family.
25. you are a good son and brother to your family.
26. My dad really liked and highly approved of you, thats important to me.
27. You have the best smile.
28. I like snuggling with you.
29. You get up in the middle of the night with the kids to let me sleep.
30. You love me unconditionally.
31. You are my everything.

Happy Birthday Ty. SOOOO glad you were born. Love you.

MORE SUMMER RECAPPING...

2010-08-13T12:16:00.000-07:00

Cousin Libby (aka Bo's best buddie) and Cole Man.

Greg Adams and I were prom dates in 1995. We are trying to show what our prom picture looks like...

Porter had to sneak in our pic.

RE CAP OF SUMMER 2010

2010-08-12T14:15:00.001-07:00

We had a pretty lazy summer once workshop ended in June. We are looking foward to our "real" vacation to California soon. Here's some pictures of what we've been up to all summer.

Our trip to Utah to see Audra McDonald and Bailee of course, "110 in the Shade", and to celebrate 8 years of marriage! On our way to church here in this pic.

We had our anniversary dinner at Rodizio Grill. WOW. Amazing food.

Happy 8 years to us!!

These cupcakes are to die for. From Sweet Tooth Fairy. They are named after Stephanie Nielson. VaNIElla cupcakes. WOW. http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/

Here we are after the show. It was incredible. Max Eddington, Bailee, Me, Will Swenson, Audra Mcdonald, and Ty.

Lots of dress up days!

Lots of trips to Peter Piper Pizza, especially because they now have ice cream!

Cole was so excited to get new school clothes!

We had a great summer, but we are ready to move on! Yea for the 2010-2011 school year!

BLOG POPULAR

2010-08-11T20:36:00.000-07:00

Ok so I am quite inexperienced with how to REALLY be a blogger. But true confession, I really want to be "blog popular". Ok not like I need 1000 followers or 30 comments per post or annonymous people sending me packages or money in the mail, BUT I would like people to know that I have a blog so that it actually gets looked at by more than just my sister and my mom and my husband. ( no offense guys). SOOO my dear friend Allyson Van Patten ( ok now would be the place to put a link to her great blog, but I don't know how to do that ) was telling me that I have got to post more often, I guess once a month isn't cutting it, and that the way for people to get to know your blog is by commenting. So here I go. We'll see if this works.

Finally blogging again.. here's what we've been up to...

2010-07-10T08:46:00.000-07:00

So every summer from May till the end of June, Ty and I live and breathe WORKSHOP. MCC summer music theater workshops. The hardest but best thing we do each year. Great money and so much work! But really, we love it.

This year, for workshop 3, "the littles" I had Cole come and do it. He's actually a year too young, but I figured he'd love it and do well, and hello, he's my child, and I'm kinda the boss, so he's in!

He gave me HECK about going "on the big stage, its gonna be too loud... " etc etc...( I kept saying to him, "Cole, do you know who you are? This stuff is in your BLOOD my friend!!") But once we finally got going he was LOVIN' every second of it.

Here are some pics of him after the show with Ty's fam that came and watched. I do have some video of him in his songs, but haven't figured out how to upload them to my blog yet... coming soon hopefully.

Here's Cole with his Proud Papa.

This is Cole with Uncle Nic and Grandma Joyce in the background.

I didn't get a chance to get a picture with Cole Man till I got home from the other show. Here's the proud mama and the rock star....

Of course Bo wanted a picture too!

The time flew and Bo turned two...

2010-04-26T23:09:00.000-07:00

Sweet Bo Boy, where did the time go? How did you get to be 2 already! Bo turned two years old April 17th. He has been such a joy! Here he is eating his catapiller, or worm cake that Grandma Dar made him...

Here he is getting ready to open presents...

Here he is not too excited about presents... but mom is!

Bowen Troy, we are so glad you came to live with us 2 years ago. You're big blue eyes, and sweet smile just warm hearts everywhere you go. Its so fun to watch you learn and grow each day and we are so lucky to be part of your family! Love, Mommy, Daddy and Cole Man.

Easter Pageant

2010-04-26T22:59:00.001-07:00

This year, Cole got to see his Dad in the Easter Pageant. It was so great to watch Cole watch the pageant. He was so proud and retained so much of the program. In fact now, every night before bed, he turns out the lights in his room, gets the flashlight for a spot light, puts a pretend beard on Ty, and we do the whole Easter Pageant there in his room. He plays the part of the angel, John the Baptist, the dead boy ( in the pageant its really the "dead girl" but oh well ), the crippled boy, etc etc. Its so sweet to hear him sing "I Know He Lives" at the end each night. Here is a picture of us after the first night Cole got to see it.

It was time...

2010-04-08T13:01:00.000-07:00

So if you know our Cole at all, you know that he has been LOVING guitars since he was about 2 years old. The Christmas after my dad died, my mom got a Wii and he has been hooked ever since. He'll play anything and call it a guitar. He has broom guitars, sword guitars, shovel guitars etc etc. He can REALLY rock out too. Its pretty cool. So, we finally broke down and got him a wii. Grandma Dar got him the Wii and we got him the guitar hero part. What fun!

Here is Cole at age two with his "blow up guitar"...

Here he is performing "Slow Ride" at the Clifford family Thanksgiving Talent Show in 2008.

At the Arizona Museum for Youth last year...

Playing Guitar Hero at Peter Piper Pizza. Usually there are about 5 people behind him watching him in amazement. Especially when we tell them that we didn't even have the game at home. In fact, just today, at Cole's school, an older child said to Cole, " I've seen you at Peter Piper, playing Guitar hero. You are awesome!" So yah, our kid is famous. HA!

And here he is, now 5 years old, with his Wii. Finally! It did feel "time" tho. I've definately been holding off for a while now. So its so fun for him to have finally gotten one! Rock on Cole!

THE PARTY.

2010-03-13T14:13:00.000-08:00

Cole's 5th Birthday party was simple yet so very fun! He was so darling opening all his presents and playing with all his friends. What fun this 5th year of his life is going to be!

I think I spent a whole 10 bucks on this party.. lots of cool stuff from my favorite store, The Dollar Tree... but look how cute!

Since this was his "doggy birthday" getting a dog and all, it was so perfect that my mom had these old vintage doggie cake toppers she had found at my grandma's house!

Cole was so cute and so grown up opening his presents. He'd say, "oh my gosh, my favorite!" for each gift.

Happy Mom.

Yummy.

What a great birthday party! Yea!

FIVE

2010-02-28T06:08:00.000-08:00

Cole Man turns 5 years old today. Wow. Its hard to put my thoughts and feelings about this boy into words. Every mom says it I know, but really where did the time go? My dad used to say "the days and the weeks drag, and the years fly". It has been a very conscious decision of mine to really try to enjoy the moments with my little ones cause they really do grow up too fast.

This boy is incredible. He was spirted right from the start. A very independent guy, but also one who loves people and to be social. He's totally happy sitting at the computer playing on his favorite websites for a long time, but then wants to go fight battle droids with light "savers" with Ty or I after a while. Loves his friends, his stuffed dog Max/Butterball ( he was Max forever, then about 2 weeks ago, he changed his name to Butterball.) He loves his little brother so much, and is best buds with his Daddy. My favorite time of day is when he snuggles up to me while I sing him to sleep. (Although lately, he hasn't wanted a song to fall asleep to, "just lay by me mom". ) Nothing better than that.

Started loving guitars at 2 years old, and hasn't stopped. Seeing him "play" the guitar, ( or gun-guitar, row-guitar, bat-guitar, fly swatter-guitar, or even just air guitar ), is a REAL treat. When he gets to play guitar hero, at Jake and Colleens, or at Peter Piper, its pretty amazing. Those who have seen it are pretty impressed. He also loves Star Wars, reading 3 letter and silent "e" words, school, riding his bike, playing baseball, ( he can hit a pitched ball FAR! Starts T ball soon, and I am afraid he's going to be bummed that the ball doesn't get pitched to him! ), the beach, swimming, The list goes on!

Cole has been wanting another "real" dog. Our good friends the Shumways were wanting to find a new home for this puppy, Cuba. ( or Butterball, Sam, Buddah, B-dawg, Mud Bud, Max, Speedy, Cole has yet to decide what we are calling this doggy...He changes every 5 minutes...) So here he is. The doggy loves Cole, and Cole couldn't be happier.

We had his birthday party yesterday, and I'll do post about it soon....
Happy 5th Birthday Cole! WE LOVE YOU!

YODIPITY!

2010-02-23T06:35:00.000-08:00

So I am really going to start trying to blog more. I think I stress about having events be what I blog about. But I think I'm going to lessen the blog stress in my head, and just blog about whatever for heavens sake... So last week I went to the newly opened "Yodipity" here in our neighborhood. It was high time we had a yogurt shop close to us. I am somewhat of a "yogurt snob", being pretty picky about my yogurt places. But even with the things I don't like about it, I do give it a big thumbs up!

Likes:
-lots of flavors to choose from including fat free, sugar free, low fat, fruity flavors and chocolatey flavors too...
-the shop itself is bright and friendly. Its just fun to walk into.
-Last week they were running a grand opening special, so if you bought a gift card,they'd double it in value! I bought a $50 card, that is worth $100! Half off! Love it. And it should last me a while.
-They also have this texting system that if you sign up, by texting, they send you all kinds of specials and discounts.
Dislikes:
-I REALLY don't like "do it yourself yogurt". It never looks pretty when I do it, (and thats important to me!)
-I always end up giving myslef more than I planned on having... (at other yogurt shops, they make it and I know the exact points I'll spend on my treat before I walk in there...)
-Their cups are ginormis, so my little 6-8 ounces of yogurt looks like a spoonful of yogurt in this huge cup.

But all in all, YEA FOR YODIPITY! EVERYONE GO TRY IT! Its at Riverview in Mesa.

More Catching up, MORE CHRISTMAS PICS!

2010-02-02T08:17:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful Christmas 2009 was! The boys were so much fun. Magic was everywhere!

The kids got to go in Grandma Dar's van and do her Christmas Eve Neighborhood deliveries!

Our Brink Family shirts this year said, "Mom never says no!" and "Grandma never says no!"

On Christmas Eve, when we went to do our last 12 days of Christmas delivery, the family we were doing left this Thank You sign. Cole was so cute about it! (we never told them it was us, but they may know now if they check our blog!)

Bo in his Elmo Christmas P.J's.

Cole in his Star Wars Christmas P.J.'s.

Christmas Eve!!!

Santa did a good job eating the cookies we left him!

Santa came! 2 blue light "savers" and a bike for Cole Man!

Presents from Santa for Bo Boy!

Every year Ty writes me the most beautiful letter for Christmas. I laugh and cry, its just
the absolute best. This year my letter said, "Press Play". He had made me the most wonderful
video of us and our married and family life... He is incredible!

Here is me watching my beautiful Christmas video. Ahhh.

Of course we had to get Cole ANOTHER guitar!

Ty and I have the best "gift system". Every birthday or Christmas, I give Ty plenty of specific, detailed instructions of what I want from where and how much it costs. I send him picture texts, and drop all kinds of hints. Well, the cool thing is, I totally forget what I tell him. And so when he ends up getting what I had asked for, I end up saying, "how did you know I would love this!?" He says, "you told me to get you that....!" I having totally forgotten that I had done this, feel SO proud of my awesome gift giving man! ( So aparently this necklace was one that I specifically asked for and told him where to get it from. I don't recall that at all, but I love it! Oh, and the bracelet, he picked this one out all by himself!)

Oh, look closely, I made TY cry this year!

Cole, ( well really Ty ) got me this great ring!

Cole's tag for this new coat said, "lets go to the snow!" He was so excited!

A new trampoline!!

Cole on his new bike!

Yea for a wonderful Christmas 2009!

FINALLY... blogging Christmas 2009

2010-01-29T21:30:00.000-08:00

The Christmas season of 2009 was wonderful. Here are a few highlights from it...

Temple Lights!

Christmas Sunday.

Christmas Deliveries for the 12 Days of Christmas.

More Christmas festivity pictures to come!

Highlights of 2009

2009-12-21T21:29:00.000-08:00

Tyler said, "So since you didn't do a Christmas letter this year, and you're putting our blog on our card, you should probably do a recap of 2009 post instead. Great idea honey!

So here's our top ten great things about 2009. In no particular order.

Cole, 4 years old:
10: still loving guitars and some serious rockin out. He can harmonize too.

9: Star Wars has become his latest favorite thing. Calls his light saber a light SAVER.

8: Started a pre school program this year called MELP. He LOVES it. He's sounding out words and reading so well already. And is just too grown up.

7: favorite restaurant of 2009: Wendys. Chicken nuggets.

6: thinks little brother Bowen is the coolest, funniest kid ever. They really are best buddies.

5: loves baseball, and can hit a pitched ball.

4: saw snow for the first time. Loved it.

3: saw us in Beauty and the Beast 7 times this summer and was ADORABLE. He cheered and laughed louder than anyone in the audience. He called Grandma Dar his "show buddy" cause they'd come together to the show.

2: loves being in Music Makers, performed solo's and can really ham it up.

1: is the most amazing 4 year old ever.

Bowen, 20 months old:
10: gave up his bear crawl and started walking a couple months before he turned one.

9: loves to be in the kitchen "helping" us cook.

8: says "hi" and waves to everyone.

7: loves shoes. He calls it "Halloweeee".

6: runs so cute. Almost like he doesn't bend his knees.

5: loves Baby Einstein and Elmo.

4: Cole is his best friend. He loves it when its time to pick Cole up from school each day.

3: when you ask him for kisses, he leans over and gives you his cheek to smooch over and over.

2: every time we play "light savers" with Cole, he wants one too.

1: is the most amazing almost 2 year old ever.

Linsey:
10: still teaching private voice lessons and music theater groups. Feels so blessed to get to LOVE what pays the bills.

9: performing in the Price of Freedom and Beauty and the Beast were big highlights of the year.

8: LOVES TYLERS HAIR LONG. So there.

7: celebrated 7 years of wedded BLISS this summer!!! Being married to your best friend is incredible.

6: became a life time member of Weight Watchers. The BEST weight loss program ever!

5. tried sushi. Never again.

4: Went to Austin Texas this year, visiting our dear friends Jamie and Gina. A real treat!!!

3: Two trips to Utah in two weeks. Price of Freedom first, then DROVE to see Bailee's show. Hate that drive. Loved the show. Worth it? OH YAH.

2: About 6 months ago, Cole started asking for me to sing him to sleep. Always the best part of my day.

1: a wonderful year. This is a wonderful life.

Tyler: (30 years old FINALLY, by the way...) These are his words...

10: No longer driving to Tucson every week. If it wasn't for MaryLou and her hospitality I'm pretty sure I would not have survived that year.

9: Passed my first clinical competency exam... one more to go.

8: The humbling experience of doing the Mesa Easter Pageant. Everyone should have the experience to feel and learn what I got to experience this year. The best is that I convinced Linsey to join me for the next year.

7: Seven years of marriage to the love of my life and the woman who challenges, supports and loves me EVERYDAY

6: Watching Linsey play "Belle," the part she was born to play.

5: Going to Utah with Linsey to do Price of Freedom. Later driving to Utah and playing with Cole in his first snowball fight.

4: Seeing Jamie and Gina in Texas, and eating Gina's incredible potato salad. I dream of Gina and potato salad... Mmm.

3: Going on Cole's first field trips, including taking the whole family to the zoo. Yes Linsey, this is making my top ten moments of the year. I LOVED the zoo :)

2: Performing for Gilbert's Constitution Week. People may not know that this hair not only comes in handy for the Easter pageant, but also to play the role of Francis Scott Key.

1: Each day I come home to two amazing boys running to the door, with their beautiful mother trailing behind. What a reminder everyday to try a little harder, and love a little better. Can't wait to see what next year brings!

Merry Christmas

Bring on 2010!

Trips to Utah!

2009-12-09T12:47:00.001-08:00

We went to Utah two weekends in a row last month. The first we were flown up to do a performance of "The Price of Freedom" with a private school in American Fork. It was SO fun! We stayed with the amazing Melissa Wright in her beautiful home in Ceder Hills. We got to see Bailee for a BIT on Sunday... Good times! Here are a couple pictures of Ty and I after the performance.

Here's Jenee and I posing in our hats... not sure what this is all about...

Here's Ty, Bay and I in front of Melissa's amazing house. Check out that gorgeous door!

The very next weekend, Ty said, "lets jump in the car tonight and drive to Utah to see Bailee's show." It was totally spontanious, we were possibly going to go with the whole fam, but Ty really wanted to go this weekend before finals came up. So we hopped in the car and went! My mom came along too. It was the first time the boys had ever seen snow! What fun!

Bailee was AMAZING in her show "Children of Eden" as Mama Noah, the audience clapped forever after her song. The people on stage just stood frozen waiting for them to stop clapping. Bravo sis

Cole was so cute watching the show. He was so proud of his auntie Bailee!

Saturday we got all bundled and drove to an area in Provo where there was a good amount of snow. Ty and Cole had so much fun throwing snowballs at eachother!

Snow is so romantical.

While we played in the snow, Bo slept in the car.

We went to dinner with Bay and some of her friends and our friends Josh and Sabrina ( they were SO awesome to watch Bo both nights while we went to the show. ) Glad to get this picture with mom in it.

Cole wanted in on the fun.

Bo loved his gloves and mittens, calling them "Hall o weeee", any time you put any item of clothing on him, he thinks its Halloween...

Halloween 2009

2009-11-21T20:20:00.000-08:00

So if you keep up on our blog, you'll know that Cole is totally into Star Wars. How, we don't know. I have never even seen the movies. Nope, none of them. Someone said that it is in his blood to get into Star Wars simply because he's a boy. Sure, that sounds about right. So of course for Halloween Cole wanted to be a "Star Wars Guy". So of course he wanted Bo to be a Star Wars Guy with him. So here are some fun pictures from our fun Halloween.

We called this cute guy, "Bo Vader".

Here's Cole with Grandma Dar. She has worn this costume since I was a little girl!

Cole really got the whole trick or treating thing this year. Here he is at Grandma Joyce's.

The Driggs kids were here from Tucson seeing their Grandma and Grandpa. We went trick or treating with them and had a blast!

Schnef Farms

2009-11-20T07:52:00.001-08:00

We took the boys and met up with Travis and Stacey and their kids (my brother and his wife) at Schnef Farms. It was our first time out there. What fun!

This picture below:Probably one of the funniest things ever, was Travis and Ty driving these farm buggy thingys... they had to go as fast as they could, it was hilarious.

Here's Stacey and I giving it a try! What fun!

Crazy Cousin Cookie Craft Night!!!

2009-11-18T08:06:00.000-08:00

Calling all DeWitt Cousins! Here is our little craft for this years Crazy Cousin Cookie Craft Night... It's simple and inexpensive. I bought these three plates at the dollar store the other night, had some left over vinyl that I stuck on here, and used an easel that I already had. ( I had the black and gold easel already, but did buy that silvery one at the dollar store too just fyi.) Cute huh! So bring your favorite plate to display, think of a cute saying you want to go on it! The vinyl and cutting machine will be provided. ( We should have red, green, white and black vinyl.) Don't forget to bring a treat to share, and you'll get to go home with a cute decorated plate full of yummy treats! Love you all! See you soon! (Tammi will be sending you the evite with all the details... )

Cole's First Field Trip

2009-11-02T17:18:00.000-08:00

Cole Man's pre school walked to a neighborhood park for a field trip recently. Ty got to go along, since his class got moved to Saturdays instead of Fridays. Doesn't he just look adorable? So big.

LOVE. THIS.KID. AMEN.

FIGHTING BATTLE DROIDS...

2009-11-02T17:07:00.000-08:00

We have no idea how in the heck Cole's latest obsession is Star Wars. I have never seen the movie, yes its true, never seen it. But each day for about a week now, Cole and I go in to the back yard and fight the battle droids. Are battle droids even in the movie? No idea. But we have this star wars-ish book that has battle droids in it, so thats my reference. Grandma Dar got Cole this helmet, that is actually a little too heavy for his head, so I get to wear it too... I have to say, I am loving this. And here's why. Since Cole Man was born, he's TOTALLY been a daddys boy. Of course loves his mommy, but he's a daddys boy through and through. Now, with Ty gone to school and gone doing therepy a little more, Cole and I have gotten a lot closer. Not that he and Ty aren't still total buds, or that I think its a competition between us, but its been wonderful. When you ask him who he wants to fight battle droids with, HE. PICKS. ME. Love it.

The Brinkerhoff Beach Trip 2009

2009-10-07T19:34:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun at Mission Beach this year. Here are some fun pics from it...

My fam gave me a hard time about this hat. I have no sense of fashion its true. Ask Bay.

I.Love.this.man. (well both of them really...)

This is Cole doing the "I love you" sign. LOVE THIS PICTURE. Life is good.

Making her laugh, by Tyler

2009-09-30T21:44:00.000-07:00

So, lately Linsey has been complaining that I don't make her laugh anymore... This got me thinking. I know, hard to believe that I can still get the wheels turning up there. Really though, I started thinking how things really are different now - now that we have CHILDREN. I realized that my humor is being taken by two little boys who sweetly rob me of my silliness with their innocent eyes and their addictive laughter. So is that the reason why I'm boring to my wife? Could it be that the fun has been sucked from me by these thieving leprechauns of laughter? Are my children actually parasites of pleasure.

Nah, it's the sleep deprivation...

Visiting Bailee in Utah

2009-09-24T07:23:00.000-07:00

I went to visit Bailee this summer. She asked me to come, I wanted to go, so I went. SO much fun. Here is us on our hike to the Y.

We hit as many cute shops and boutiques as we could. I was brave and bought this hat.... haven't worn it yet... I will. Sometime.

Seriously, one of the quickest, yet most relaxing, needed, FUN trips ever. I LOVE YOU SISTER!

THE BEAST AND ME...

2009-09-23T19:38:00.000-07:00

Well, here I am FINALLY posting about our fun summer... You may or may not have seen us this summer in "Beauty and the Beast"at Hale Theater in Gilbert. Ty played the Beast/Prince, and I played Belle. Truly the most fun role I have ever played. EVER. I LOVE the dramatical stuff, I do, but this playful, innocent, strong, character was just so fun. TIRING yes. Do I know that doing shows as my hobby will always stay a hobby? Yes, more than ever. So here are some pictures...

Here is the classic Belle outfit. It was super fun to wear.

Tyler was an INCREDIBLE Beast of course. It was like falling in love all over again to play opposite him again...

Practicing.

Kelli from Sweet Cakes in down town Mesa, came to the show and brought Tyler and I 2 boxes of their amazing cookies. WOW! My mouth waters as I look at this picture. Thanks again Kelli!

Cole Man's first time seeing us in a show ever! He came to the show 6 times. He loved it. So many audience people would say that they had more fun watching him watch us than watch the show itself! Grandma Dar brought him most of those times, they called eachother "show buddies". Cole would be the FIRST to laugh at all the jokes. He was SO DANG CUTE.

Our GREAT cast. What fun!!!!

Our Fun 4th of July that turned kinda... well, ghetto.

2009-08-14T00:47:00.000-07:00

So I had every intention of having a great 4th of July celebration with our cute little family. As you can see in this picture, we were all decked out in our red white and blue garb. (Not quite sure what was up with my hair I might add...) So here we are in front of Grandma Dars House.

I just love the men in my life... here they are about to get goin' on the patriotic pinata...

Really, Cole thinks that anytime there's a pinata its a "Birthday Bash" as he calls it. Go ahead and call it whatever you want buddy...

All was well untill Bo started doin' this...

So we whipped out this. And it still didn't stop his whinning...

So Ty and he jumped in the pool and all was happy again.

We had planned on getting up on Grandma Dar's patio and watching the fireworks both from Tempe Marketplace and from the Country Club. But the boys were starving, so we ended up... here. At Wendy's. At first we were just gonna drive through. Not realizing that you could see the Country Club's fireworks perfectly from here. Here we are all ghetto, watching the fireworks. Cole still in his swimsuit, and Bo in just a diaper... BUT the view was incredible. I can't even express how awesome it was. I was a little embarrased that my kids were not even dressed, ( although we did pretty much fit in with the others that were watching from where we were...) But still felt very proud to be part of this great country.

At least I tried.

Opening Night, and our 7th Anniversary...

2009-07-20T17:35:00.000-07:00

Can I just say, I have THE best husband. I do. I know there are a lot of really great husbands out there. But I'm just sayin', mine is the best. The best for me anyway. On opening night of "Beauty and the Beast", two days before our 7th anniversary, Ty walks in my dressing room like this... bearing flowers and gifts. ( still not exactly sure how we drove together all the way to the theater without me seeing any of this stuff...) And oh, does he know me well or what? A tub of red vines, roses, a "how to be a princess" book, and an I touch...

Of course, the best part was his letter. I get one from him for every occasion. So well put, so romantic, so funny , so... everything... And I always cry....

and laugh...

Most importantly, I am CRAAAAAZZZYYY in love with this man. He is my best friend in the whole entire world. 7 years of bliss....

I am a "faker" and I LOVE IT!!!!

2009-06-30T14:28:00.000-07:00

My friend/next door neighbor growing up, Auti, out of the blue a month or so ago, asked me if I would be her model for hair extensions. She is a top dawg over at Dolce Salon in Scottsdale, and they want her to become an educator for her salon on these awesome hair extensions. I have ALWAYS wanted LONG THICK hair, but, well lets just say, uh... I was blessed with other things... great hair, not one of 'em... SO was I thrilled or what when she asked me!? YES! The best part, totally free!!!! (she'll be getting a sweet gift card from me soon, the LEAST I can do....)

So here is before.....my real hair....

and here is the after....

These things are amazing. I don't even notice they are in! Totally can be worn and styled and treated like your real hair. I SOOO highly reccomend them and of course, Autumn is incredible!

Mothers Day!

2009-06-12T11:57:00.000-07:00

Ok so I am WAY behind in blogging, its been crazy around here. But here are a few photo's from Mothers Day. I was spoiled by my boys as usual. There is no greater joy than being a wife and mommy to the BEST husband and BEST boys!

Here I am reading my letter from Ty. Always so heartfelt and touching and wonderful.

Showing off the cool ring Ty got me.

Bowen got me socks. He wasn't excited about taking a picture with me tho.

Bowen Turns One!

2009-05-24T21:45:00.000-07:00

Bowen turned one year old! AH! Where did the last year go? It has been mind boggling how fast it has gone. Seems like it went even faster than Cole Man's first year... We celebrated at Grandma Dars with family and some friends. We love you Bowen Troy Maxson! Happy birthday!

Oh sweet Bowen. Mommy and Daddy love you so much. I was so glad that your delivery went so well so that I could just love on you the whole time in the hospital. We bonded immediately didn't we! You have a special name, being named after your Papa Troy. It is sad that he doesn't get to be your Papa here on this earth, but we know he sent you to us. He even taught you the "Papa Troy scowl"! You have had the sweetest disposition from the start. We can't wait to watch you learn and grow and we feel so blessed to be your mommy and daddy!

Uncle Trav and Sweet Navi Girl...

2009-05-24T21:41:00.000-07:00

A while ago, we were all at my moms. Our neice Navi insisted on her dad, Travis, holding all of these stuffed animals. It was hilarious!

And then she wanted him to jump on the trampoline with them all!

Grandma Loves Cole

2009-05-24T21:38:00.000-07:00

Grandma Dar paid us a visit a few weeks ago. She was lovin' on Cole, and said her usual, "Grandma loves you!", and Cole quickly dissapeared. He came back with this decoration that sits in his room that says, "Grandma loves me!" What a smart guy!

THE headshot

2009-05-08T15:48:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all of you who gave your two cents on the best headshot. This is the one that "won", technically in votes #2 won, but the comments about #1, this one, made the most sense for this particular audition. SO, thats taken care of... if only I could lose 10 more pounds before Tuesday! JK....

Easter Stuff

2009-05-01T23:19:00.000-07:00

The Clifford's (Ty's side of the family) have a big Easter Egg Hunt/Party each year. Cole had a blast hunting for eggs and playing with cousins.

His favorite part was playing basketball with Auntie Ashley and other cousins.

Bo taking a snooze during the festivities.

Oh, just crazy about this cute kid!

Cole asked for squirt guns for Easter. He was sure happy to get 'em!

Bo Bunny.

Fathers and Sons Outing

2009-05-01T23:04:00.001-07:00

This picture is Ty and Cole in Grandma Dar's van getting ready to drive to Fathers and Sons outing.

When Ty and Cole got to the campsite, the ward was starting their testimony meeting. Afterwards Cole went up to Bishop Brown and just kinda jabbered, couldn't understand what he was saying, but Ty did hear him close as if he was bearing his testimony...

Gotta love Cole in this beanie hat!

Cole hangin' with his buddy Jack Jack.

This is Cole's "I don't want to eat breakfast" face.

They did it! They did "Fathers and Sons". They slept in the van that night, and Cole woke up in the middle of the night and said, "Dad, lets drive, go home". Ty said to him, "Cole, we ARE going to do this." The next morning, Cole woke up bright and early and said, "We did it Dad!" He hasn't stopped talking about it since!

Happy Birthday Linsey!

2009-04-23T16:11:00.000-07:00

Hey guys,

So Linsey doesn't know that I'm posting this right now. Yesterday was her birthday, and it wasn't the best day ever. Truth is, this year hasn't been the best ever. So, I thought I'd blog about my wife and what an amazing woman she has been, putting up with everything that has been going on and sacrificing so much this year. As many of you know, I'm in grad school. This year I was assigned an practicum in Tucson. Two days a week Linsey is a single parent while I'm off working. Then in March I was in the Mesa Easter Pageant. So, for the whole month she had to care for the kids alone... most of that time Bo was sick with who knows what. Even the doctors couldn't give us a straight answer. She pushed through, while teaching voice on top of it all. I don't know if I can (or how appropriate it is to) express my love for her and my appreciation for her support during this year. She is indeed the reason why I'm where I'm at today, and why I continue to push forward. She is my inspiration and motivation.
I love you Linsey! My life is blessed because you said "yes."
Here's to happier Birthdays, and a lifetime to enjoy,
Tyler

2009-04-11T18:52:00.000-07:00

Look at this guy, I mean LOOK AT THIS HAIR! Can you see why I had a hard time coming to terms with the fact that it was just TIME to cut it off, and give him a summer cut??? I should have taken another before picture of the back of his hair with all the curls and waves. I love that he looks like his daddy, Ty's hair is really long and wavy/curly right now too... BUT it looks great UNTIL Cole Man starts playing and gets all sweaty. It just sticks to him and looks really yucky. SOOOO, I called up Stacey and said, "its time... we gotta do it quick while I am strong, cause I may chicken out!" Auntie Stacey cut Cole's hair the next day...

THE PROCESS.... he had A LOT of hair to cut! Here he is as an 80's rocker!

Here is the finished product. HOW CUTE IS HE!? As much as I LOVE his long hair, this is so dang cute, and it makes me tempted to keep it this way always. Or maybe we'll just have a summer haircut, and a "winter" haircut. He was so cute when he saw himself too, he looked in the mirror and said, " I like my hair!" with a huge smile on his face.

2009-04-11T18:36:00.000-07:00

I have really been trying to take advantage of our awesome Arizona weather lately, and have been doing a lot more stuff out doors lately. Its been so fun to spend good quality time with the boys. This day, we went to the Scottsdale train park with my good friend Jayne and her grandkids and my sister in law Stacey and neice Navi.

I love these fountain things and so does Cole. Bummer that this picture is so blury. I think we'll be doing a lot of fountain visits this hot summer comin' up... there is one right in front of my new favorite frozen yogurt place Mojo at Tempe Marketplace. This one is in Gilbert right in front of Hale Theater.

Ok so this picture gives away my next post, cutting Cole's hair... but here is a pic of him at the park. We had so much fun and met up with my new friend Rachel and her kids. I love a good picnic and day at the park! And Cole loves pizza as you can tell!!!

Bo enjoyed our day at the park too! Took a great nap. What a guy!

COLE AND BOWEN

2009-04-11T18:10:00.000-07:00

Ah, the boys. I wish I could put in to words the way I feel about these boys of ours. When I was pregnant with Bowen, I remember thinking that Cole's whole world was going to be completely turned upside down, and that he was really in for a rude awakening. It was not that way AT ALL. I realize now that a lot of his ability to adjust so smoothly to a brother was due to his age, (he was 3 when Bo was born). They are just best buds. Its so fun to see how Cole wants to include Bo in the things he likes to do, of course things that Bo is just too little to do. In turn its so fun to see Bo light up when Cole is around, and so fun to see how much he looks up to his big brother. For a while I was feeling like maybe we should have tried to have them closer together. But ya know, I think it worked out just right!

Lets Rock-N-Roll with COLE! He turned 4!

2009-03-07T11:13:00.000-08:00

Cole Man turned 4 last Saturday. He wanted a "rock n roll" party. Uncle Travis set up Rock Band at Grandma Dars house, Ty made a guitar cake, we hit a guitar pinata, and had little blow up guitars for party favors. What a fun day! I can't believe our baby boy is FOUR YEARS OLD!

This is Cole's cousin Navi. Isn't she adorable!

I knew that the party would consist of most of Cole Man's friends playing outside, while he rocked out! That's exactly what happened. Here he is totally zoned....

My mom was cleaning out over at Grandpa DeWitts and found this guitar guy she had made years ago for my uncle. She brought it to Cole to add to his collection of guitar stuff for his room. How cute that they kinda look alike! I think I may paint his outfit red to match Cole's room better.

Some "Cole-isms"....
*yesterday I asked Cole to do something, can't even remember what, to pick something up or something like that. He stopped in his tracks, looked at me and said, "what in the world! Do you wanna go to time out?" Cole trying to send mommy to time out. Gotta love that kid.

*Grandma Dar was babysitting Cole the other day and they were counting money. She was explaining how much different coins were worth, and picked up a penny and said, "This is worth one cent. Its called a penny", he said, "No grandma its a ONE-Y".

We love you so much Cole Man. You have brought so much joy to mommy and daddy. We love watching you discover new things and learn new words. You are such a sweet boy with so much spirit and energy. We are so glad you came to live with us! Here's to many more wonderful rockin' birthdays!
Love, Mommy and Daddy.

MY TY TY

2009-03-04T21:54:00.000-08:00

Ok so here is a picture of me and my man, Ty. THE MOST AMAZING HUSBAND AND FATHER EVER. DONE. Ok, well I can't be done there. Let me just pay a little tribute to this guy. First off, he is in his 2nd year of graduate school studying Psychology. He LOVES his field of study and is so looking forward to being a "shrink" someday. (as am I, because I need therepy often...) So for anyone who has been through grad school, AND had kids, you know that it can be very stressful. This week, he has probably gotten less than ten hours of sleep total due to writing papers and school projects and stuff. BUT let me just say that he is STILL SO helpful to me and with the boys. Always making sure that I am ok, and that I get time to myself etc. We knew this would be hard, I am not sure that either of us had any idea how hard, BUT I can say that we are doing it, and we are still in love and enjoying this crazy journey.

"Frugal is the new BLACK!"

2009-02-22T20:40:00.000-08:00

My new favorite saying is, "FRUGAL IS THE NEW BLACK!" I am now officially a "Couponing Mom". I was inspired by my good friends Courtney and Adelle. I cut coupons, do the CVS and Wallgreens thing, and have saved a TON of money the last month while doing so. I am not buying it unless its on sale and I have a coupon for it. Ok well it at least has to be on sale. We have cut way back on eating out, and if we have, its been with a coupon. It is almost addicting! Here's to saving money!

Ty and Linz-Valentine's Day 2009!

2009-02-22T13:45:00.000-08:00

I love Valentine's Day. Truly in our marriage, every day is like Valentine's Day in some way, cause we are still pretty sickening in love! I know, I know... Its wonderful though. Guess that's what happens when you marry the man of your dreams. SO, the morning started off with me bringing Tyler breakfast in bed. (Pillsbury biscuits with syrup, I am no Betty Crocker, it was the thought that counted...) Then Ty gave me my "letter". I get one for every holiday/occasion. They always make me cry and crack up. This one was really love-y. He started every sentence with "I love you because," or, "I love that you" etc etc.... so sweet.

That night, we decided to do something we've never done before. Instead of going out to dinner, we took the boys to Grandma Dar's', got all dressed up as if we were going out, looked up our favorite restaurants recipes online, went to the store and spent only $10.00, and came back home for a candlelit dinner and fun presents! We listened to a CD of "our songs" that I had put together for Ty, and we had such a great time!

I gave Ty a bunch of love coupons. He was especially excited about the one that said I'd actually watch a movie with him of his choice! ( I'm not a movie person. I fall asleep. Goes with my A.D.D)

Love you honey! "EACH DAY IS VALENTINE'S DAY!!!"

Bo's Bear Crawl

2009-02-10T17:53:00.001-08:00

This is our Bo. He crawls on his TOES! It it the cutest funniest thing. We captured some good pictures of him doing Bo's Bear Crawl.

Cole Singing "You Are So Beautiful" like Alfalfa from Little Rascals Movie...

2009-02-10T15:42:00.000-08:00

Cole Man loves the movie "Little Rascals", (The newer one from the 1990's) In it, Alfalfa sings "You are So beautiful" to Darla. The other night, as we were getting ready for bed, I did his hair like Alfalfa, and he started singing this song!!! SO CUTE!!!

The Museum-Artville

2009-01-29T07:57:00.000-08:00

We went to the Arizona Museum for Youth the other day. It has this big play place called Artville... what a fun time!!!

I just had to add this pic, cause I think Ty is so cute with a backwards hat! LOVE THIS MAN!!!

OF COURSE, he found a guitar!!!

Watching Cole rock out, is a sight to see! If you have never seen him do it, you are missing out!!

This picture below is CLASSIC COLE, because as you can tell, he is looking at himself in a mirror. He does this all the time!

So sweet! Ty and Bo.... yea for family time!

THE BOYS....

2009-01-29T07:50:00.000-08:00

Cole Man, runnin' around with no pants on, found Daddys shoes.

I love this kid!!!

Wish this picture was in focus... still, how cute is Bo with this little tie on!

Linsey Lately

2009-01-26T13:28:00.001-08:00

Life is good here with me and the three men in my life. We had Grandma DeWitts funeral on Friday, and it was such a great service all together. Tyler and I had a great date night Friday night with dinner at Rosa's and then a Temple Session, (its been a WHILE... and it was really good to go!) Saturday morning weighed in at Weight Watchers and lost 3.2! Yah, remember last week when I posted about being all "boo hoo" about my .4 gain? Yah, well this week was my biggest loss yet since I've been trying to get this baby weight off... there are just really no guarantees, cause this week, losing 3.2, I ONLY worked out 3 mornings instead of my usual 6 cause of the craziness of the funeral and all that... so what is that all about? My body does better with less working out? Who knew? Anyway, NOT complaining at all. Feeling pretty good. I really only have 7 lbs to get back to what I was when I got prego with Bowen! That's exciting! ( really the NUMBERS don't really matter to me, I don't care if I weigh a gazillion pounds as long as my stinking pre prego jeans will fit with NO muffin top!)
Like I said in an earlier post, I have been really trying to live in the now and constantly count my blessings. I am so blessed in so many different ways. I have this problem though that as soon as I start thinking about how good life is for us, how madly in love Tyler and I are, how fun and wonderful our boys are, etc etc etc, I almost immediately think, "HAH! Something bad is going to happen to us, no one's this happy!" Isn't that silly? I mean isn't the scripture, "Men are that they might have JOY!"? Doesn't the Lord want us to be happy? Duh! I also tend to forget that I have over come a lot and I have been dealt some pretty hard blows in my life... So I am deciding to be happy. It is a choice! Yippee!!! (tribute to Grandma DeWitt, who used to cheer this in a loud high pitched voice...) Life is good.

Grandma DeWitts Passing & Reflecting on Dad's Passing

2009-01-17T10:43:00.000-08:00

So my Grandma DeWitt passed away this morning. It was completely expected. She is in her late 80's I believe. She has had arthritis for as long as I can remember, was in a wheel chair forever it seemed, and since November has been pretty much bed ridden, needing 24/7 care...her body just shutting down. My mom has been over there a TON taking care of her, along with my uncles and cousins etc. This week it was very apparent that it was very close to the end. She was under the care of hospice and was able to be at home to die. I think this is neat. Family and friends have been able to visit her and be near each other and it just is so much more intimate than dying in another "home" or a hospital. My grandpa Waldo DeWitt, ( kind of a legend to anyone who is from Mesa...) is still alive, surprisingly....we ALL thought he would die before her...Anyway, so this morning about 9 AM she passed. It has been a strange process for me personally. I live close, just a couple of blocks south of their little old yellow house on the corner, and so the boys and I would walk/ride bikes over there every day this week. To see her lying there in her bed, looking dead, but still breathing was weird. Two years ago my dad Troy Brinkerhoff at 59 had a heart attack and died. So my personal experience was more like, here today, gone tomorrow. I am not at all saddened by grandmas death. In fact, I do know she is finally out of pain, and at peace and in a better place. If anything, it makes me reflect on my dads life and his death, and makes me mourn for him. There is not much closure when someone dies suddenly like he did. And while I have come to terms with it and am at peace with it, I know my mom still wishes she had been able to say goodbye and have some of that time with him before he passed on. I do know though that his and grandmas deaths are both part of this great plan and that the Lord knows better than us. We'll miss you grandma, miss you calling moms house 15 times a day, asking "who's that" referring to Tyler ( she never quite could figure out who he was....) miss your Christmas programs, as annoyed as we'd sometimes get at them, and more. I hope you are there rejoicing with family members who have passed on already, surely getting to see Uncle Mitchell, and do me a favor, give my dad a BIG hug for me...

Our Sweet Boy Bo

2009-01-13T17:36:00.000-08:00

So theres Bowen. I feel like I do a lot of blogging/journaling about Cole Man, "Cole Man pees in the toilet", "Cole Man rocks out on his guitar", "Cole said this, Cole said that... ", that I almost forget about Bowen. Ok not "forget". Its way too hard to forget the cutest 9 month old ever, who crawls so cute up on his toes, is already pulling himself up on to furniture, who LOVES water, claps his hands so cute, waves bye bye, etc etc... He is just the sweetest thing! Lately I have really been trying to enjoy each moment with the boys, and well, with life in general. This is hard for me, I wanna know what I am doing 5 years from now, always thinking about tomorrow, etc... so like I said, lately I am really trying to enjoy THE NOW. I got to thinking the other day, that these boys are going to grow up so fast, they already have. I have been doin pretty good trying to take in and really treasure and cherish all the little things. Bo's shirt in this picture says, "property of Mom forever." And I know thats not the case. So I am enjoying these two boys now.

POTTY IN THE TOILET!! (finally!)

2009-01-12T11:06:00.000-08:00

This picture pretty much says it all... We have been "trying" to get Cole interested in big boy pants for a couple months now, ( He'll be 4 the end of February, and while I consider myself laid back, I couldn't handle the thought of my 4 year old still in diapers...) And up till now he has had no interest. I should have believed other moms who have said, he'll potty train himself when he is ready...sure enough, this picture is of Cole after he ran to the toilet all by himself and did his business... HOORAY FOR COLE MAN!!!

MESA ARIZONA TEMPLE LIGHTS!

2009-01-11T23:30:00.000-08:00

We took the boys to see the Mesa Temple lights. Some cute pictures of the fam...

I LOVE this picture of Cole. Typical. Cole on Ty's shoulders with his dog Max ( who just had to come with us...) This is him looking at the natvitiy scene. He loved seeing baby Jesus.

Cole Man and Daddy...

I Love You More...

2009-01-02T08:52:00.001-08:00

Cole Man and I have this little game we play. The "I Love You More" game. We say it back and forth to each other over and over again. The other night I had a realization as we were putting him to bed, and he and I started saying " No, I love YOU more", back and forth to each other. I don't know if one can REALLY truly understand how much a parent loves their child, until THEY themselves have their own children. In other words, nothing has made me realize how much my parents love me more than having my own children to love so much and so unconditionally. It definitely puts things in to perspective. Therefore, I think until Cole Man grows up and has his own kids, I think I win the " I love YOU MORE" game.

I love you Cole Man!!!!

A few of Cole's cute things he's said and done lately:

* Cole's new thing to say is, "I'm too busy!" Anytime we ask him to clean up his toys, eat his food, etc... its "No, I'm too busy!"

* Last night, we had tucked Cole in to bed, but had forgotten to give him his "Max", his stuffed animal doggie. He called to Tyler, saying , " I want my Max", so Ty went in there and gave it to him, kissed him again, and shut the door. A few seconds later, we heard his cute little voice say, " I love you Dad." Ty of course poked his head back in there and told Cole he loved him too.... Moments like this make ANY 3 year old tantrum seem like nothin'.

* Some time last month Cole Man in a store with Daddy sees something he wants:

Cole: Daddy I want that!

Ty: Ok we'll have to ask Santa!

Cole: I don't wanna ask Santa, I ask Daddy!

Ty: Lets ask Santa!

Cole: No I ask Mommy!

Ty: Cole Man we have to ask Santa to bring us what we want for Christmas!

Cole: I don't ask Santa. I ask GRANDMA!

Who needs Santa when you have Grandma?

* Cole Man has lately become fascinated with Spanish. It started over Christmas time when he'd watch Rudolph and Kris Kringle over and over. He pushed a button one time that got him to the Spanish option. He was then hooked, and watched those dvd's in Spanish only. He'd say, "Oh Spanish is so funny!". The songs were still in English and when they'd come on he'd yell, "English!" He also has now decided that he must say his prayers in Spanish too. Tyler went to Peru on his mission, so he translates and tells Cole what to say. We're just glad that Cole can differentiate since he's had his own language, Coleish, since he was a year old!

* Cole has decided that I can cure and bump or scrape with a kiss. If he gets hurt, he'll run over to me and say, "Kiss mom", and make me kiss the EXACT spot where his boo boo happened, and as SOON as I do, he is all better!

A moment...

2008-12-29T21:59:00.001-08:00

All throughout our relationship, Ty and I will occasionally say to the other, " I just had a moment..." Its hard to explain, but basically it means that our heart skipped a little beat as we either thought of the other, were with the other, or thought of something about our relationship etc. Well just a few minutes ago, I had a moment. Sitting here talking with Tyler who just got home from "work/practicum" in Tucson ( he is there every Monday and Tuesday...today got to come home early...) and as he was talking about his day, I had a moment. Got the little butterflies in my tummy and just realize once again how crazy madly deeply in love with him I am. He is seriously the most amazing man ever. So humble, so sweet. He desires to do whats right always. SUCH an amazing dad. He is SO good to me, and overlooks all my flaws. I get a foot rub each night, etc etc!!! I mean I could go on for days. I am so proud to be his wife forever. So lucky and so looking forward to many more MOMENTS with him.

More Christmas Fun!

2008-12-28T20:27:00.000-08:00

Every year since we have been married, Tyler writes me a letter. Usually it just makes me cry. This year, he made me laugh AND cry! He is THE BEST!!!!

Santa brought Cole a new guitar, ( think this makes his 7th guitar to add to the collection )
AND a race car!!!

Christmas Eve and Christmas P.J's!

Santa: I am looking to you for leadership in the nice department for this next year.

Cole Man: I want a guitar!

A Christmas Miracle

2008-12-28T20:15:00.000-08:00

My brother Travis and his wife Stacey have not had it

easy when it comes to having kids. Travis had leukemia

as a child and it has left them with infertility problems.

Navi is their first little miracle baby shown here... This was how

they shared their news of another miracle baby coming in July.

It was SO wonderful. We are so happy for them! Words just can't express!

This is Travis, and his shirt was the first one that I saw Chrismas morning at

our moms house. He had a big smile on his face, and I just burst into tears!
This is Stacey. She is such a great mom and I am just so happy for her!

This is 18 month old Navi. She'll be a big sister!!!

Congrats again Travis and Stacey! We love you guys!

A little victory...

2008-12-28T16:37:00.000-08:00

Ok, so those of you that know me well, and especially some of you "high school friends, " ( nudge, nudge, Rob and Greg ), know me well enough to know that I have struggled since I was a teenager with a little somethin'. Now I shouldn't call it "little" because there have been some incredibly awful times, deep depressions even, because of it. In high school and in to my early 20's, I was bulimic, and it turned it to a big obsession with food and weight. I have gained and lost the same 30 - 35 lbs about a million times since then, and I am not really counting pregnancy weight gain. Don't get me wrong, the last 8 years or so have been SO SO much better. I have found Weight Watchers to be the lifestyle that works best for me... Right now, I am trying to lose the last of the baby weight. It takes me about a year to get back, not like some women who leave the hospital in their "skinny jeans"...I do consider it an addiction tho, and the obsession with it all never goes away... ( I often say, that if it was alcohol, I'd be an alcoholic...) BUT this week, I had a little victory. Usually over the holidays I "give up" trying to lose weight or maintain and just have a binge fest from about Thanksgiving till Christmas. This year I was determined to at least maintain my weight and have the holidays not be all about food. Well, I DID IT! Not only did I not binge, I lost weight this week! WHOO HOO!!! I can't even express how nice it was to be in control and have what I wanted in the right portion sizes, ( thank you WW and flex points...) I only hope that this is a stepping stone for New Years, Valentines and Easter! I can do it!!!

CHRISTMAS STUFF!

2008-12-28T12:09:00.000-08:00

This is Cole with his special dog Max. Christmas Sunday.

The boys on Christmas Sunday before church. Is there

anything more difficult than trying to get a 3 year old

and 8 month old to sit still for a second and SMILE?!!!

Off to deliver 12 days of Christmas gifts. Cole LOVED running

up to the houses and running back to the car!

This is at my little Music Makers' performance. They did SO good!
Our show was called "Believe".

These next pictures are from our tradition of delivering my moms neighborhood Christmas gifts on my dads motorcycles. He was always a scrooge about it, but since he passed away, its been a fun tradition to continue. My brothers Jake and Travis are on Dads Harley and Triumph and Tyler and my mom are in the van with the kids, and whoever else...

We rarely get a picture with just mom's kids and our spouses. So glad we have this! From left to right, Colleen and Jake Brinkerhoff ( Colleen's expecting Baby Libby in March! ) , Travis and Stacey Brinkerhoff ( Stacey is expecting baby boy or girl in July! ) Bailee Boo, Me and Tyler.

Studley Travis on the Triumph.

Jaidyn, Kenzy and Cole Man. The little elf delivery kids.

My sister Bailee and my brother Jake on dads harley.

Mom and Tyler.

Cole and Mommy... He was so dang fun. He'd run out with Kenz and Jade, yelling "Merry Christmas!"

December Fun!

2008-12-28T11:55:00.001-08:00

Cole Man and Bowen as we were about to leave to hear our

neighbors' family bell ringing concert. Cole INSISTED on putting his "elf hat" on

to match Bo's.

So proud of my finished tree...The front room tree that is,

we have a more fun one in the back room... And really, it

looks SO much better in real life! This picture doesn't do it justice...

Me making Cole take a second to take a picture with me.

This is at my moms waiting to take Brinkerhoff family pictures.

Tyler's aunt Darlene Clifford has the little kids over every
December for Gingerbread making. So fun! Although Cole wasn't too interested...

Christmas Pictures

2008-12-20T11:58:00.000-08:00

These are just a couple of pictures from our (second) Christmas photo shoot. Thanks to our GREAT friends Steve and Janae Thomas for doing these for us. More to come as I figure this blogging thing out...

I know I am totally biased, but these are two of THE cutest boys ever!

Thanksgiving Fun

2008-12-20T11:41:00.000-08:00

Cole doing what he does best at the Family Talent Show.

Singing "Slow Ride" at the top of his lungs!

Since this was Bowens first Thanksgiving, I just had to get him this outfit.

Typical picture, trying to get everyone to smile AND look at the camera!

The Christmas card that didn't make the cut

2008-12-17T00:25:00.000-08:00

After a struggle of a photo shoot, and some photoshop, this pic didn't make the Christmas card this year.

I don't get blogging!!!!!

2008-12-15T20:52:00.000-08:00

How am I supposed to learn this stuff? I went to Cutest blog on the block .com like everyone said. There are all these computer words that I don't know. I really want to be cool like everyone and be a blogger, but I can hardly stand that my blog is so un cute the way it is right now, yet I have NO idea how to change it. UG!

Our Guitar Hero

2008-11-22T07:56:00.000-08:00

Almost a year ago when Grandma Dar (Linsey's mom) got Guitar Hero for the family for Christmas, Cole became HOOKED on guitars. His room is even decorated in guitars... ANY chance he gets he plays the guitar. As you can see from these pictures, he has MANY types of guitars. Sometimes, he even makes guitars out of curtain rods, toy shovels, brooms... etc. He rocks out like a true rocker! Its so dang cute!!!

HALLOWEEN FUN!

2008-11-20T12:23:00.000-08:00

Cole was a rock star, Ty was his groupie. In honor of my (Linsey) dad, Troy Brinkerhoff MD, Bo and I were Doctors!

2008-11-20T12:16:00.000-08:00

Ready, Set, BLOG!

2008-11-20T12:13:00.000-08:00

Ok so I am completely clueless as far as this whole blogging thing goes. I have avoided doing one because we have a website. But we don't update it enough so I am breaking down and doing this! Here I go!