My better half

Being a stay at home mom {one who happens to be in school too} is not always easy but then again it's not all that bad.

The best thing is that I am my own boss. If I don't feel like putting my laundry away-so what! But I know it will be there waiting for me the next.

Even with the rough days of whiny kids, no naps, meltdowns during dinner prep, endless messes, feeling like a broken record and being a human burp cloth at times there are so many things that i do not worry about.

Why do I not worry you wonder because of my husband. Honestly, I don't give him enough credit. Not only does he work, he plays with the kids, pays all of our bills, plans for our future, and is Mr. mom when I am away.

Our roles are so diverse that on a typical day it makes it hard to compare them; home, food and shelter vs. nurturing, cleaning, nap nazi, reading, cooking, and crafts. All I know is that I complain much more than he does and tend to expect maybe more than I should but recently I realized that his roles are just as important, if not more {because really if he didn't bring home the $ who's going to pay for the fabric I just bought to make little ties?} I like to think that we compliment each other nicely and I love it when he says that he couldn't live without me. Truth is I couldn't really live without him.

Moral of the story; I am grateful for my man and all that he does for ME.

Day 2

Isn't he handsome, I did good! Besides being cute, he is funny and makes my life comfortable and he supports me in even if it means more work for him! Thankful he is the father of my children!

31

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

It's Andrew's birthday today and he's stuck at home working plus I'm gone all day at school...happy day! All jokes aside he really is amazing. He is supporting my dream of becoming an R.N. although it leaves more work and less attention for him.

He is the best guy and we love him!

So Proud

Andrew's work goal for the year was to become a featured merchant on Amazon. There aren't requirements or even a "how-to" check list but as of a couple weeks ago, he did it! I am super proud of him and all of his hard work! We are busier than ever but it's a good busy {that's what we keep telling ourselves anyway} just weird timing because with his new "status" he has less free time because he is a packaging robot! Besides the websites they sell to and normal consumers, he's sold to: Pixar, NASA and Apple to name a few. Pretty cool.

My Super Man

School has been in session now for one whole week and I have been gone every day so far. My sister came one day and watched the kids but besides that Andrew has been Mr. Mom and I have to give him props he is doing great! Better than great, he is thriving! This week besides his own work related responsibilities he has fed the kids, walked them to the park, put them to bed, made beds, returned library books, and even went grocery shopping for me. I seriously couldn't have a better husband this week!

These next four months are going to be intense and I am so grateful for Andrew's support because I really couldn't do it without him! To make my week even better his mom made us dinner twice this week...I feel so loved and spoiled! All this help makes me want to hire a live in maid to do all the "household" chores , that won't ever happen but I can dream, right?!


Even the kids have transitioned wonderfully. As I am heading out the door Carson has even been telling me, "Be nice to your teacher mom!" When I come home he asks, " so, how was your day?" He is so thoughtful and I love him. Caitlin is still happy go lucky and lights up when she sees me. They make being away not so bad when I know I get to come home to them! Andrew mentioned to me that he feels like he has bonded with Caitlin this week and I thought that was super sweet of him to say. Caitlin is daddy's little girl!

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Another reason he is my superman is that their basketball team is yet again champions! They lay hard and are competitive. Although their last game started pretty late we went and I am glad we did, they are awesome!

Official team picture

Carson's version
I love how they played to him it sure made for a more candid shot don't you think.

After watching me take their picture and after he took their picture he said, "my turn" and posed--he is a funny guy!

Father's Day

Andrew really is the BEST dad. My only complaint is that he gets to be the "cool" parent. He knows it and so does Carson leaving me left as the all powerful, less fun enforcer.

In years past his gifts have been items he could probably care less about-sorry honey. This year I decided to splurge {cause it's his money anyway} and I bought something he wanted! He got a Traeger BBQ, the ultimate meat smoking machine. Now we can have a real party!


He's happy and I'm happy because this gift is great for him but even better for me because when we use it it's less cooking I have to do-double whammy! I also got him a case for his iPad.

Debuting 2010's annual Father's Day art (previous years her here).


Most men milk Father's Day wanting to be selfish, not Andrew. He shared his Seese candy from church, made lunch (thanks bbq) and still helped out with the kids. When I offered to take care of cleaning up Carson and laying him down for his nap so that he could go take a nap he said, "I'm ok, taking care of the kids is something I enjoy."


When Carson was asked what his favorite things about Dad were without hesitation he replied: "I like daddy's truck, I like his lawn-mow, I like when we wrestle and read. Dad makes me silly. I love mine Dad."

Champs!

Andrew and his brother Eric play basketball in a Roseville City League and for the third year in a row Tough Break are undefeated! This past Thursday they their end of season championship game and it was close 68-71...but they won in the last seconds!

I have never seen guys so proud and happy

Great game Tough Break!

or guys so sullen...I was totally caught taking this picture of their opponents, oops!


It is so much fun to watch them play and we look forward to watching many more victorious seasons!

One year older...

Happy Birthday Andrew! Another year has come and gone and on Sunday, Andrew celebrated his 29th Birthday (gasp! he doesn't look that old, does he?). Unfortunately, we spent the entire special day driving home from a short trip to Utah-sad huh? Before we left though I did make him his favorite breakfast of french toast with a dippy egg. I have been so busy and as a result he has been neglected big time so he really appreciated all of the birthday wishes he received.

We went to Utah for Andrew's cousin Bryce's wedding. The last time we were in Utah we drove this pink beauty which would shake when accelerated past 70 mph. Too funny!

Bryce and Meggan were sealed in the Timpanogos Temple by Joseph Fielding McConkie (Bruce R. McConkie's son) and it was the best sealing that I had ever witnessed, even the grandparent agreed.

While waiting for pictures to be taken, Carson had the time of his life going round and round this circle. He would even say, "round and round" and then just laugh! He also enjoyed saying "Hi!" to all of the other kids who were always surprised that he said anything at all. We were able to stay in Midway at Andrew's grandparents home. We had never been to this house, so when we first got there we were all looking around and Carson said, "wooow" and later pointed and said "clock." He has amazed us lately by all of the things he can say. He is getting to be a great communicator. Our short trip was a much needed getaway with pretty morning views that Carson got to enjoy the morning we left. He slept like a log every night and had just woken up to admire the horses. I don't think you can tell in this picture but there is a horse in the field behind us.


Besides the wedding, we maximized our time in Utah by visiting our friend Drew who just finished his fourth round of chemo, my Grandparents in Salt Lake and we also stopped by the Provo Home Depot to see some of Andrew's old friends. We had a great time and Carson was as good as to be expected considering he was stuck in the car for mre than 25 hours in a three day period. I sure it was hard for him considering all he really wants to do is run amuck and explore. Thank goodness for portable DVD players, oh how I love technology!

Andrew, thanks for being Mr. Mom lately. You really are the best husband, father and friend.

I love you.

10 Year Class Reunion

Then and now, ten years has been good to my man!

Andrew had his 10 year class reunion over the weekend. Although most of his good friends weren't able to make it to the reunion it was still fun to catch up with friends and classmates from high school.

Andrew and Dan

Andrew, Jim and Chris