Wow, it has been forever since we have updated the blog, sorry to those of you who may check it. Thanks Melissa for reminding me to update, I needed that. Well this summer has been a busy one, but a lot of fun. To start of the summer we got a new car, or rather a monster, but it has more room and that is what we needed with four kids and the fun that comes with them. To give you some of the big things we did were... Ashley my baby sister got married on July 1st and is loving married life. It was a quite amazing thing to be in the Temple with all my siblings and parents. One that will never be forgot. The Lord does have a plan for all of us and Loves each and everyone of us, the family is what it is all about and the Temple is the place to be. The next day we were privileged to attend a close family - friend sealing. The Nyes were able to have Josh sealed to them and what an perfect sealing it was. Josh was so happy and in awe of all that was taking place, but couldn't let the time go by with out telling his mommy and daddy how much he loved them. Josh we love you and Emma still wants to marry you. Speaking of the Nyes, we had the hard task of say good-bye to our dear friends as they moved to Colorado. Emma and Seth are missing them everyday and Seth is lost with out his little Peyton. I must admit I am a little lost without Sarah as well. The Nyes are wonderful people and they have all left a dear hold on our hearts that will not be forgotten. We wish them the best in making their new house a home and we know they will have no problem making friends and fitting right in. Our family also had a fun trip to Lake Tahoe. We were there for a week and went with my parents. It was a ton of fun and really nice to have the extra help with the kids. Thanks so much mom and dad for all your help and for coming with us. The kids loved the beach and Emma and Aaron even found a crawdad. Rachel loved the sand, and Seth was all about the water, beach or pool just as long as it was water he was good. Lake Tahoe is so beautiful and I am grateful to have been able to visit it once again. While at Tahoe, we also took a day trip to the coast and to San Francisco were we meet up with Ashley and Jeremy whom were on their honeymoon. It was good to see them and spend sometime with them as well. For my dad's birthday we all went "camping" in the backyard. It was hot, but a ton of fun. The grand kids had fun running all around and Aaron loved all the sweets from grandpa Cookie, that boy sure can eat. We also had a big party with Jeff's family for a combined b-day party. It was sure fun to have most of the grand kids together and play. Emma and Seth sure love their cousins. Later this week Seth has to go in for surgery on his eyes. They are going to cut out a part of his muscle to shorten them up so that they don't turn as much. I am a little nervous for him, but have faith that all will work out and he will be just fine. I am sure there are some fun things that I have left out, but basically we are just having fun with the family and trying to keep a float with kids, work, life and church callings. Jeff is still in Young Men's and loving every minute of it. Seth and Emma are both in primary, Aaron in nursery and Rachel hangs our with me in Relief Society, however good friends usually have her, while I have to sit up front and take roll.
As for a little update on the kids.
Emma - is a girly, girl. She still loves dresses, skirts, and anything princess like. She love to play mom and can be a big help around the house. She can't wait for preschool to start and wants so much to go to the Temple and marry Josh.
Seth- is growing big and still loves anything and everything to do with cars, trains or plains. As mentioned earlier he has surgery later this week and we hope all will go well. He loves to ride his bike and speeds up and down the street all day long.
Aaron - is a ball full of energy. He wants so much to do want Emma and Seth are doing, but is not quite big enough and it drives him crazy. He loves his daddy and once Jeff is home from work, Aaron is his little shadow. Aaron learned to jump this summer and it was funny to watch.
Rachel- wow she is growing way to big, way to fast. She will be 8 months on Saturday the 14Th and already crawling all over and has been for the past month. She loves mommy, food, the dog, mommy, books, wipes, oh and did I mention mommy.
Jeff- is doing amazing with keeping up with all that is on his plate. Work, family, school, kids, and young men's president. Time is valuable and we cherish all the time we have together. Thanks so much for all you do Jeff. You amaze me each and every day and there is no way I could do all that you do. I love you.
Well better go, Rachel is in need of some mommy time. I will do pictures soon, if not tonight then tomorrow.
Rebecca
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Thoughts
Well, I have been slacking off n updating the blog and have been waiting for Rebecca to do it, well, no more!!!! She is busy enough with the 4 kids and our new puppy. It is time for me to keep people up to date. Well here we go:
Emma is learning, growing and is 4 going on 25.
Seth got glasses, he is getting used to them, but he may have them until he is 8-10 years old.
Aaron is getting more teeth, speaking more words and teasing his siblings more and more.
Rachel is growing, getting chunky, not sleeping at night, but overall is a very happy little kid.
Mom is tired, exhausted really, but is doing an amazing job with herself and the kids. She is an inspiration to me.
Me- still work for WJ Bradley as an underwriter. I am going back to School, well Institute to graduate. I being 2 classes at the end of May that last 5 weeks. We will see what Fall brings.
Timber- Our new dog. We adopted him from the Grantsville shelter. He is a German Shepard Cross. What he is crossed with, we do not know, but believe there is some coyote in him. He is about a year old and is overall a very good dog.
Anyways, know that we love you and pray for you. We know the Saviour lives and loves us.
Good night.
Emma is learning, growing and is 4 going on 25.
Seth got glasses, he is getting used to them, but he may have them until he is 8-10 years old.
Aaron is getting more teeth, speaking more words and teasing his siblings more and more.
Rachel is growing, getting chunky, not sleeping at night, but overall is a very happy little kid.
Mom is tired, exhausted really, but is doing an amazing job with herself and the kids. She is an inspiration to me.
Me- still work for WJ Bradley as an underwriter. I am going back to School, well Institute to graduate. I being 2 classes at the end of May that last 5 weeks. We will see what Fall brings.
Timber- Our new dog. We adopted him from the Grantsville shelter. He is a German Shepard Cross. What he is crossed with, we do not know, but believe there is some coyote in him. He is about a year old and is overall a very good dog.
Anyways, know that we love you and pray for you. We know the Saviour lives and loves us.
Good night.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Pictures, pictures, pictures, and more pictures.
Rachel 3 months
Emma and Stratton
I love to swing.
Soooo COLD, but loving it.
You gotta love that face.
Emma on the Wii
What we do for fun on Tuseday night while Dad is at young men's.
Seth and his new glasses
Aarong can make some of the funnist faces. You may see
a few in the ones coming up as well. They just make me laugh.
My fingers, Yummmmm!
Mom look, I'm a puppy playing with my car.
More funny faces.
One day while feeding Rachel, Aaron thought it would be
nice to clean the floors and Seth took the picture, pretty good
if you ask me.
Rachel with her brothers. They will keep her safe no matter
what. (Emma was at preschool)
Such a happy, smily baby.Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Growing so fast.
Kids grow so fast, and it has been a while since the last blog so here we go. Earlier this month we have taken Seth to an eye specialist because his left eye would turn inward. They ran a few tests and sent us home with a prescription for glasses. Seth has what they call accommodative esotropia most commonly known as crossed eye or crooked eye. The hope is that with wearing the glasses his strong eye will become weaker and the weaker eye will be come stronger, and when he gets older he will not have to wear them. He hates to wear the glasses because he can see better with out them, but is doing better at keeping them on. We have another appointment at the end of April to see if there has been any improvement or not. I may be predigest, but I think he looks studly in his new glasses. We love you so much Seth, keep smiling! You are truly a delight in our family.
Emma is loving every minute of preschool and learning more and more of just who she is everyday. She still is in love with princess and wants to be just like them in every way. She hates wearing anything other then dresses, because that is what princess wear. She is a great help at home and we love her dearly.
Aaron is becoming more and more vocal every day. He loves his dad and is attached at the leg or the hip once Jeff walks in the door from work. When Jeff has to leave again for young men's he has the biggest fit and just sit and cries and wants nothing to do with mom. (At least for the nest few minutes, until he realize attention from mom is better then none.) He loves shoes, outdoors, trucks, and balls. He calls everything a ball. We love you Aaron and are glad you are a part of our family.
Rachel, wow she is growing so big so fast. I remember when we brought her home, how tiny she was. Now she is much bigger and a bundle of joy. If you are ever having a bad day, just come and hold Rachel, she will brighten your day like no one else can. She has the cutest big smile and it's genuine, not gas. (Although she has a lot of that as well!) She tries to talk and makes the cutest baby noises. It is so much fun having her for a daughter. We love her to pieces.
Dad, is amazing, busy, and even more busy. Weather it is doing things around the home, working, out with a young man in the ward to help them know they are loved and needed, at meetings, home teaching, or with the young men's group. Jeff is a very spiritual person and wants nothing more then to serve the Lord. To give back to the Lord, what He has blessed Jeff and I with. I love you so much Jeff and am so grateful for all the hard work that you do. Jeff has a great outlook on life and as many of you know is always full of life and happy. I don't nearly thank him enough for all that he does. I love you Jeff!!!
Mom- well as for me. I am loving my life. I love the time I am able to spend with my children and with Jeff. Things are going great and I can't wait for the warm sunny days to take the kids outside and play. I love the summer time, just for that.
Emma is loving every minute of preschool and learning more and more of just who she is everyday. She still is in love with princess and wants to be just like them in every way. She hates wearing anything other then dresses, because that is what princess wear. She is a great help at home and we love her dearly.
Aaron is becoming more and more vocal every day. He loves his dad and is attached at the leg or the hip once Jeff walks in the door from work. When Jeff has to leave again for young men's he has the biggest fit and just sit and cries and wants nothing to do with mom. (At least for the nest few minutes, until he realize attention from mom is better then none.) He loves shoes, outdoors, trucks, and balls. He calls everything a ball. We love you Aaron and are glad you are a part of our family.
Rachel, wow she is growing so big so fast. I remember when we brought her home, how tiny she was. Now she is much bigger and a bundle of joy. If you are ever having a bad day, just come and hold Rachel, she will brighten your day like no one else can. She has the cutest big smile and it's genuine, not gas. (Although she has a lot of that as well!) She tries to talk and makes the cutest baby noises. It is so much fun having her for a daughter. We love her to pieces.
Dad, is amazing, busy, and even more busy. Weather it is doing things around the home, working, out with a young man in the ward to help them know they are loved and needed, at meetings, home teaching, or with the young men's group. Jeff is a very spiritual person and wants nothing more then to serve the Lord. To give back to the Lord, what He has blessed Jeff and I with. I love you so much Jeff and am so grateful for all the hard work that you do. Jeff has a great outlook on life and as many of you know is always full of life and happy. I don't nearly thank him enough for all that he does. I love you Jeff!!!
Mom- well as for me. I am loving my life. I love the time I am able to spend with my children and with Jeff. Things are going great and I can't wait for the warm sunny days to take the kids outside and play. I love the summer time, just for that.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Lessons in Life
Today I had the opportunity to teach my kids an important lesson about life, or rather the lack there of. Death. To give you a little background, for Family Night each month we pick a topic to discuss though out the month, then tie it into something gospel related. For example in January we learned about hands then talked about the Saviors hands. For March we choose animals. Earlier this month we talked about how some animals help us and what they do, such as cows gives us milk and meat. Sheep give us wool and so forth. This week we talked about animals that are more for our fun and enjoyment, such as pets. We thought it would also be a great time to bring in the art of learning more responsibility and have the kids take care of a pet. While we would love a dog, we are not quite ready for one just yet. So we took the kids to the local Wal-Mart and let them pick out some fish. This morning as you may have guessed, we found one dead. When it came time to flush the fish down the toilet. Emma and Seth began asking questions about the fish. Like wear it was going? Would it come back? Is it just sleeping with it's eyes open? Who would watch the fish and take care of it? I saw a great lesson about death could be learned, so I sat them both down and told them that the fish had died. That we have a spirit and a body, when we die our body stays here on earth and our spirit goes to Heaven. In this case I told them that the fish went to fishy heaven. Emma with her tender little heart got all chocked up, told the fish she would miss it and then started to cry. There was not much I could do but hold her. Seth then chimed in and asked, did he (the fish) die just like Jesus, mom. I told him yes. He smiled a little smile, then said, then he will be okay. Then just like that they were both asking if dad could bring home another fish that they could name Aleeo Jr. after the fish (Aleeo) that died. By the way Emma named the fish.
Kids really are the greatest teachers. Here I was thinking how great of a mom I was for seizing the opportunity to teach my children about death, when in reality they were teaching me. Yes, I may have taught them a little about life and death this morning, but Seth reminded me of a greater lesson. One that means so much more then life and death. A lesson that really maters That when we do as the Savior has done, we will be just fine. For just like the Savior did only what He saw His Father do, we to must follow in the footprints of the Savior. Even until death, and then some. Life will always go one, what matters most is how we spend the time we are given. If we are doing our best to do as the Savior has done, then we will be just fine.
Kids really are the greatest teachers. Here I was thinking how great of a mom I was for seizing the opportunity to teach my children about death, when in reality they were teaching me. Yes, I may have taught them a little about life and death this morning, but Seth reminded me of a greater lesson. One that means so much more then life and death. A lesson that really maters That when we do as the Savior has done, we will be just fine. For just like the Savior did only what He saw His Father do, we to must follow in the footprints of the Savior. Even until death, and then some. Life will always go one, what matters most is how we spend the time we are given. If we are doing our best to do as the Savior has done, then we will be just fine.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Rachel's Blessing
Sweet Baby Rachel on her Special DayFour generations!!! My grandma Cook, Mom, Me, and Emma and Rachel.
Rachel and Mommy
The girls!!
My Dad, Grandpa Cook (cookie) Jeff, Rachel, and me.
Jeff's Parents, Jeff and Rachel
My parents, Rachel and I.
Jeff's Parents, Jeff and Rachel
My parents, Rachel and I.
We blessed Rachel on Sunday February 7 2010 and what a special day it was. It was so nice to see everyone and we want to thank everyone that was able to make it out, we sure enjoyed the company and catching up with everyone. Thanks to those who helped out as well, it was sure appreciated. We are so happy to have Rachel as part of our family, here are a few pictures.
Picture update
The kids got new bikes for Christmas, here they are trying them out.
Growing Rachel
Aaron climbing in new tv stand, after dad got it all put together.
Aaron wearing Shane's cowboy boots, he tried to walk around but couldn't move, it was really funny.
Ahhhh, aren't they cute!!
Emma was so excited to match Rachel she had to have a picture.
Seth fell alseep at the counter while helping mom make dinner, that boy is a ture Forsgren, they can sleep anywhere.
Ahhhh, aren't they cute!!
Emma was so excited to match Rachel she had to have a picture.
Seth's 3rd Birthday
Christmas Pj's
Christmas Pj's
Adjusting to life with four kids four and under.
Wow, has it been awhile or what? I have been meaning to update our blog for quite sometime now, but it seams that time has gotten the best of me. I never knew how much time would be taken up with four kids four and under, it seams I hardly have time to myself anymore, but I am okay with that because I am having a blast with the time I am spending with my wonderful kids and amazing husband. In the past two months there are a lot of lesson that I have learned or rather relearned and I would like to share some of them with you. They are not really in any order, other then how I am remembering them. But I would have to say that one lesson that is probably one of the most important would be this one.
1. When things go wrong (or not like you planned one) take a step a back, a deep breath, and just laugh. Most things can and do turn out funny when not taken in the stress of the moment. An example would be... Aaron just dressed, bathed and ready for the day, Me in the other room changing Rachel's bum listening to Emma in the bathtub yelling at Aaron to stop and get out of the bathroom because he already took a bath. I at first didn't think much of this conversation because there have been many times when Aaron has walked in on his sister in the tub and has expected Emma gets mad. But when I finished with Rachel and went to get Aaron I was surprised to find him in the tub with his clothes on and toy in hand. All in all it was pretty funny, my only regret is not talking a picture but rather pulling him out to quickly.
2. Kids are just kids and will be just that, KIDS.
3. Potty training is a lot of work, but differently has its rewards and funny moments like when Seth is told to try and go to the bathroom so he goes and tries. A few minutes later he can be found yelling for mommy almost in tears because "it's not working" I got to find out what is wrong and when he tells me it's not working I am confused at first until he tells me that the poo is not coming out so it's just not working. In Lamens terms he didn't have to go. (again another laughing moment.)
4.Kids really do want to be just like their parents. ( Emma tells me everyday how she can't wait to grow up, live in her own house, and have babies come out of her tummy. Just like mommy.)
5. Cherish the sleep you get, when you get it, for it is rear and few in between.
6. Be grateful for the help you get from others. Even the smallest things to someone else can be mean the world to me. Such as friends that help take Emma to and from Preschool so I don't have to load all the kids up and unload them just to turn around and do it again an hour and a half later. Or when my mom or one of my sisters will randomly show up and offer to watch the kids so that I can nap. Huge blessings.
7. Family time is needed and very important to the kids. I have to say that when Jeff came home and told me they were realizing him as EQ president, I was a little excited because he would be home more, (not that he was gone a tone, but I love the time we get to spend as a whole family, plus he is a huge help with the kids.) but then he told me they were releasing him so that they could call him as Young Men's President. I was excited at first, then realized that the young men's takes a whole lot more time then EQ did. Now I get to brag about my great husband. Even though he is gone more with the young men, he still remembers what is important to him and makes time for the family. He has had lots of meeting and of course the weekly activities and even a scout outing so far, but has been very helpful at home. When he is home it is all about the kids and me. He plays with them, reads to them and the kids love it. He helps out with the dishes, the dirty diapers, the laundry and cleaning the house. I don't know how he dose it all working full time, helping at the house, young men's president, and currently looking into taking more classes to better his career. He truly is my hero and best friend.
8. Husbands hugs can make it all better. When Jeff hugs me, it reminds me that I have him to fall back on when the day has been a little crazy or I didn't get much sleep. A simple little hug can make a world of difference in my mood and outlook on the day.
9.Four kids, four and under may be hard, but it makes life a ton of fun. Watching the kids interact with each other is one of my favorite things to do. I love it when Rachel is laying on the floor with out a blanket and crying only to see Seth go and get his favorite blankie and put it on her then sit next to her until I come to help. (mind you no one can touch his blankie, but him.) or when Emma and Seth are playing and Aaron comes along and they actually let him play with them (even if he is Swipper the bad fox, at least they are playing with him, usually they run into the boys room and slam the door.) or when one of the boys falls and gets hurt Emma is there making sure they are okay and kissing it better, or when all they want to do is hold Rachel and give her kisses. They are great kids and I love them so much. I pray they will stay close friends for life, I know they will have there arguments, what siblings don't, but when all is said and done I hope they have each other not only as siblings, but as friends as well. Much like I have with my own sisters.
10. Most importantly, the Lord loves me. Despite all my downfalls, shortcomings, and weaknesses, He still loves me and sends little miracles each and everyday to remind me of His love for me. Just like Alma says, there are signs everywhere showing us that our Savior lives, all we have to do is look around and we can see His hand in everything around us.
LIFE IS A MIRACLE, TIME IS A BLESSING, FAMILY IS A TREASURE.
1. When things go wrong (or not like you planned one) take a step a back, a deep breath, and just laugh. Most things can and do turn out funny when not taken in the stress of the moment. An example would be... Aaron just dressed, bathed and ready for the day, Me in the other room changing Rachel's bum listening to Emma in the bathtub yelling at Aaron to stop and get out of the bathroom because he already took a bath. I at first didn't think much of this conversation because there have been many times when Aaron has walked in on his sister in the tub and has expected Emma gets mad. But when I finished with Rachel and went to get Aaron I was surprised to find him in the tub with his clothes on and toy in hand. All in all it was pretty funny, my only regret is not talking a picture but rather pulling him out to quickly.
2. Kids are just kids and will be just that, KIDS.
3. Potty training is a lot of work, but differently has its rewards and funny moments like when Seth is told to try and go to the bathroom so he goes and tries. A few minutes later he can be found yelling for mommy almost in tears because "it's not working" I got to find out what is wrong and when he tells me it's not working I am confused at first until he tells me that the poo is not coming out so it's just not working. In Lamens terms he didn't have to go. (again another laughing moment.)
4.Kids really do want to be just like their parents. ( Emma tells me everyday how she can't wait to grow up, live in her own house, and have babies come out of her tummy. Just like mommy.)
5. Cherish the sleep you get, when you get it, for it is rear and few in between.
6. Be grateful for the help you get from others. Even the smallest things to someone else can be mean the world to me. Such as friends that help take Emma to and from Preschool so I don't have to load all the kids up and unload them just to turn around and do it again an hour and a half later. Or when my mom or one of my sisters will randomly show up and offer to watch the kids so that I can nap. Huge blessings.
7. Family time is needed and very important to the kids. I have to say that when Jeff came home and told me they were realizing him as EQ president, I was a little excited because he would be home more, (not that he was gone a tone, but I love the time we get to spend as a whole family, plus he is a huge help with the kids.) but then he told me they were releasing him so that they could call him as Young Men's President. I was excited at first, then realized that the young men's takes a whole lot more time then EQ did. Now I get to brag about my great husband. Even though he is gone more with the young men, he still remembers what is important to him and makes time for the family. He has had lots of meeting and of course the weekly activities and even a scout outing so far, but has been very helpful at home. When he is home it is all about the kids and me. He plays with them, reads to them and the kids love it. He helps out with the dishes, the dirty diapers, the laundry and cleaning the house. I don't know how he dose it all working full time, helping at the house, young men's president, and currently looking into taking more classes to better his career. He truly is my hero and best friend.
8. Husbands hugs can make it all better. When Jeff hugs me, it reminds me that I have him to fall back on when the day has been a little crazy or I didn't get much sleep. A simple little hug can make a world of difference in my mood and outlook on the day.
9.Four kids, four and under may be hard, but it makes life a ton of fun. Watching the kids interact with each other is one of my favorite things to do. I love it when Rachel is laying on the floor with out a blanket and crying only to see Seth go and get his favorite blankie and put it on her then sit next to her until I come to help. (mind you no one can touch his blankie, but him.) or when Emma and Seth are playing and Aaron comes along and they actually let him play with them (even if he is Swipper the bad fox, at least they are playing with him, usually they run into the boys room and slam the door.) or when one of the boys falls and gets hurt Emma is there making sure they are okay and kissing it better, or when all they want to do is hold Rachel and give her kisses. They are great kids and I love them so much. I pray they will stay close friends for life, I know they will have there arguments, what siblings don't, but when all is said and done I hope they have each other not only as siblings, but as friends as well. Much like I have with my own sisters.
10. Most importantly, the Lord loves me. Despite all my downfalls, shortcomings, and weaknesses, He still loves me and sends little miracles each and everyday to remind me of His love for me. Just like Alma says, there are signs everywhere showing us that our Savior lives, all we have to do is look around and we can see His hand in everything around us.
LIFE IS A MIRACLE, TIME IS A BLESSING, FAMILY IS A TREASURE.
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