life and appreciation

{2012 Christmas Card}

I believe everyone who has ever lived will, at some point in his/her life adventure, have a life changing experience. I have used that term lightly in the past, but now have new appreciation for the meaning. For my Mr. and I, our life changing experience was school the past four years. I'm realizing with each passing day how difficult it really was.

Everyday, and I mean EVERYDAY, we mention how thankful we are that he is not studying, driving to Salt Lake, leaving so early in the morning, and carrying the enormous weight on his shoulders. We mention how we LOVE crawling in bed together every night. He LOVES playing the children without homework or seminar hanging over his head. He graduated 7 months ago, and everyday of freedom still feels like a gift.

I missed my sweetheart the past four years, and he missed us too. Everyday we are so grateful for our time together. I can now say I am thankful that we chose a difficult road. It has given us so much appreciation for our everyday life. And that is a gift. 

today.

Today this baby walks! He has been taking steps for a few days, but today he's walking everywhere. Freedom for my sweet boy! He laughs as he walks, mouth wide open of course, which makes us laugh. It is wonderful to see him master each milestone he has worked so hard to achieve. He is brilliant!

This baby's mind is beautiful. He is so aware of his accomplishments, and so determined to conquer the next one that lies ahead. I am so lucky to be his mommy. He is a wonderful teacher.

Halloween 2012

Halloween was so fun this year! It always is. My toadstool went to 2 church Halloween parties, Halloween Recital at USU (she play "Arioso" by Bach, accompanied by daddy), school festivities, and 2 of her friends came over for trick-or-treating last evening. My little owl dressed up for the school festivities yesterday, but since he goes to bed at 7pm we skipped out on the trick-or-treating for him. He helped me give out candy instead!

Lizzy had so much fun trick-or-treating with her friends. Mr. W walked with them for about 2 1/2 hours, then they came home for hot chocolate and checked out their loot. It hit me last night that her trick-or-treating years are numbered. That's strange...

Today I packed up the Halloween decorations and brought out our few Thanksgiving ones. I LOVE this time of year! It was a HAPPY Halloween, and now we are ready to celebrate Thanksgiving.

++ A quick note about the girl... She captured a fly (walk) last night and named him Ralph. He went trick-or-treating in a tea basket with her. This morning when I was doing her hair I told her "I love my girl" (as I always do) and the tears came. She pulled the empty tea basket from her drawer and Ralph had passed away. She is so sensitive and sweet. She even has a place in her heart for flies. I love my girl!

happy birthday little one.

Happy Birthday my sweet little boy! I can't imagine my life without you. It's hard to believe you have been with us (in person) for an entire year. We are all so happy you are ours! You are the sweetest baby when you wake in the morning and from nap time. Daddy and I love to hear your sweet voice first thing in the morning, calling to us like a little bird from sister's room. Oh how I love that wide-open-mouth smile of yours! I can't help but feel happy when I see it.

You are one tough baby boy. You had a rough start to life. (thanks to mommy's antibodies and your dairy allergy) But, as tough as you are, I felt your tender spirit from the first moment I held you in my arms. That tenderness is more and more obvious as your personality emerges. I have loved watching you grow and learn this past year and nine months. In many ways, you have helped me grow and learn too. Every day is a new adventure with you my little one. I look forward to many more. I love you sweet boy!

xoxo,

mommy

pictures from a fall walk...

she's off...

Lizzy left for Teton Science School on Wednesday morning. She was so excited! She was happy to say "goodbye" to the three of us and be on her way. That was comforting to me, and I needed it! I suppose I find comfort in her independence because that is the ultimate goal when raising children...right? 

I'm sure she's having a wonderful time. I check the school's website and you tube channel about 50 times a day. She is just as good at avoiding their camera as she is mine...she's not in very many photos. The time lapse of her eating breakfast was a hoot! I MISS HER! I can't wait to pick her up tomorrow and hear all about it!

conference weekend.

mommy loves peppermint hot chocolate!

The four of us enjoyed a beautiful weekend. Conference was wonderful. It always brings happiness to my heart. And so do our beautiful children. Mr. Fuzzers mastered standing from a sitting position this weekend! Lizzy was the entertainer of choice for all 4 sessions. I don't think he stopped watching her for 5 seconds. She is very patient...

I'll have to add more details later...I'm off to pick-up sis from school!

wagon rides and pumpkins = fall!

my pumpkin peddler

It's that time again... FALL time! I LOVE fall! I love the crisp cool air, bright blue skies, garden harvest, warm soup and bread, and of course pumpkins! I never took an official count, but I know this was our largest pumpkin harvest to date! 

Lizzy has been trying to earn money to help pay for Teton Science Camp next month, so we agreed that in exchange for her helping with the harvest and clean-up, she could sell some of the pumpkins. She did great clipping pumpkins from the vines, making sure to leave a nice stem attached, then dragging the gnarly vines into what is now a heaping pile waiting to be burned in the center of the garden. Certainly the most exciting part for her was pulling the pumpkins in the wagon from house to house and collecting money with every stop. She came home with $31 from one evening, which was a thrill for her! I believe we have started a new tradition...

deciding which pumpkins to keep and which to sell...

Last night my Mr. hung bike mounts in the garage for us! (bless you baby) While we were working on that, Lizzy took Mr. Fuzzers for a wagon ride. He was in heaven! I believe his mouth was wide open from excitement the entire time! She is such a great big sister. I am so thankful both of our children came to us when they did. It couldn't have been more perfect. 

Last Friday we got to visit with mom and dad during their layover in Salt Lake. It is always a treat to see them, even if it's only for 3 hours. I'll take any time I can get! I appreciate them looking for flights that allow them to stop here, especially considering it means they arrive home in the middle of the night. We went to lunch at A&W, their favorite, and Lizzy's too. They are the sweetest grandparents. I wish they lived closer...

And finally, I know fall is officially here when we eat homemade tomato fontinella soup and grilled cheese for dinner. YUM! I've even converted my Mr. to tomato soup. Now, if you know him that is nothing short of a miracle ! This morning he mentioned wanting to carve pumpkins tonight. Welcome fall, we've missed you!

me & my girl.

Yesterday Lizzy was enthusiastic about cooking! (thank you Mr. W, for grabbing the camera to capture the moment) She helped make Sunday dinner, and then asked if we could make cookies for our neighbors. She helped with both, start to finish!

Last week I knitted a scarf for a little friend. It must have sparked the same flame in her, she asked me to teach her how to knit with needles. Again. We've attempted mini teaching sessions in the past, as she has requested and as long as her attention span would allow, but as aforementioned, they were mini. This time was different. All of those sessions must have added up to learning little by little, because this time I instructed her for maybe 2 minutes, and she was knitting away on her own! Oh the excitement for the mommy! Now that I think about it, I wonder where she has stashed her knitting... I haven't seen it in a few days. I guess she's moved on :)

I love these moments with my daughter. I've learned through the years that this kind of excitement usually comes for a moment, then she's on to something else. I try to jump at every opportunity when it presents itself. I believe these are the moments that are shaping and molding her into the woman she will become.

Last week we had a mommy-daughter date to Kneaders. She loves the eclairs, and I love the one-on-one time with her! She is growing up so quickly. I don't say "too quickly" because I love every stage with her! Even the, "I'm independent and do not need you to go to Teton Science Camp with me" stage. Independence is the ultimate goal after all, right?

first teeth!

(hurry up little teeth, you're hurting my gums!)

Before this very important date slips my mind, this little boy got his first tooth on Tuesday! The likely lower central incisor. The neighboring tooth is following closely behind. It's almost through those swollen little gums! He's a few months ahead of Lizzy, she didn't get her first tooth until she was 14 months old. But who's counting... I'm just happy to avoid the dreams of having my infant fitted for dentures because she is the only 1 year old with no teeth!

2012 ward camp out

This year we decided to bag the camp out part and just hang out instead. Max joined us and he was a hit with the kids...though I'm not certain they were a hit with him. O.E.'s dutch oven potatoes were scrumptious, and we pulled over to watch a little sheep herding on the way up! I love the way I feel when I leave the busyness of civilization, and am surrounded by nature!

On Monday we headed to Boise for Mr. W to take the naplex. I can't believe how frustrating it is to deal with school demands again. Really, I'm so done with it all! (my poor Mr.) We've enjoyed the respite from it all these past few months. While he was testing (for 4 1/2 hours) the children and I went to a science museum, on a paddle boat ride, and did a little shopping. When we made it back to the testing center we weren't allowed to wait in the waiting room, go figure, so we had to sit on the floor in the hallway. Lizzy can ALWAYS find a way to entertain herself, no matter the situation. This time it was the water fountain and wipe box. Seriously, I love this girl! They were both troopers, especially considering it was about 110 miserable degrees. After his test we had fun catching up with his former mission companion and family for dinner and swimming. Lizzy thought their son had a little crush going on, which was quite entertaining, if I do say so myself. And I'm talking about her, not him!
It was fun to get away and leave the daily routine behind, even though it was to take what would be his second to last test FOREVER!

this week... {july 26-august 1}

This week, this baby crawls everywhere! He's been crawling for a few weeks, but he explores everywhere now. (kitchen, front room, entry, back door, his room, and then do it all over again and again) I LOVE it! He is so happy. His little spirit was ready for his body to go from about 3 months of age. He has been quite frustrated waiting for freedom to move about...but it has finally arrived! In the picture above Lizzy plays the game- crawl, push the box, then Charlie crawl to get the box. I never get enough of watching these two play together. They melt my heart... What am I going to do when she starts school?

 ...see how happy he is to be moving! (and still no teeth...which is fine with the nursing mommy!)

 His favorite breakfast is mommy's homemade wheat and flax bread, toasted of course. Oh, you just wait little man...you'll love it with fresh strawberry jam. It won't be long!

 The artist/crafter has been creating with popsicle sticks and hot glue this week. There's no shortage of popsicle sticks around here. We asked daddy to pick some up one day, and he came home with a lifetime supply! Meet "Buggy" and his new home! After these pictures she added a television showing the Olympics, and a refrigerator.  What more could a bug ask for?
When I called she and Charlie my babies the other day, she politely informed me she's a "between-ager" now. I guess I'll go with that. Only because I thought it was so cute! but if I were talking to her I would have to say "cool" instead of cute.

 This baby loves animals. I can't say the white furry one loves him back. But that's okay, he thinks it's soooo funny when Max growls or snaps at him. I don't know where he gets that from... I'm glad we have our little zoo. So far they are his favorite toys.

 my boys

...daddy is taking the state law exam right now. The last test EVER! Yep that's right. E.V.E.R! Yippee!

this week... {July 22-28,2012}

{9 months old}

My baby is looking more like a little boy everyday. (despite the fact that everyone still calls him a girl, which I consider a compliment) Today he and daddy are sick. I'm running on about 3 hours of sleep, but amazingly I feel fine. I ran, finished sewing Lizzy's pj shorts, and mowed the lawn before 8 am! I'm sure it will hit me this afternoon. But, I have the house cleaned and we're settling in for a restful day ahead. I'm trying to decide what to bake. I love it when we are all home and the house smells like warm banana bread, or something like it. Hopefully I will have a few minutes to sew the children's pajamas. I love making them new jammies for fall, which can't come fast enough! Now that the gardening is slowing a little, there's time for sewing and knitting in anticipation of fall.

 Oliver+S sailboat top pattern

Lizzy rode in the Pioneer Day parade with her buddies. Her years are numbered with this event. I was glad that she still thought it was fun this year! We are officially counting down to the start of school. Only 2 1/2 weeks left of summer break. She was not looking forward to going back to school, UNTIL she received her letter and found out who her teacher is. Now she can't wait! She will attend the Teton Science Camp with her grade this year. She talked with me yesterday, the way a parent speaks to a child, ever so gently, about wanting time at the camp void of her parents. It was rather cute really. I could tell she didn't want to hurt my feelings, and she didn't. She expressed her feelings very well. She is a sweetheart.

This is what we get to look at every evening when we walk out to look at the garden. It it breathtaking. Most of our days are ended by seeing how much the pumpkins have grown and watching the sunset. Every few days our neighbors bring over their chickens for a grasshopper treat. Charlie is totally amused by them. I can't say I'm ready for summer to come to a close, but I am so ready for pumpkins, apple pies, and the crisp fall air. So ready!

this week... { July 15-20, 2012}

This week has been a typical one...busy, but fun!

Lizzy can hardly stand to go a day without a play date with Isabel and Germain. They have had so much fun together this summer. I'm so happy Mr. W is finished with school and life has resumed! We've missed getting together with them the last four years.

Here are a few pictures from our week...

Mr. Fuzzers is so sweet and welcomes each day with a HUGE smile! Of course he's always happy when daddy brings him to me each morning. 

(I'm certain it has nothing to do with the fact that mommy = food) 

This morning when Mr. W went in to get him, he was sitting up in his bed. He said it looked like he was in jail. He was just sitting and waiting.

His hair is still fuzzy and NEVER wants to lay down. It keeps us quite entertained. This morning when Mr. W snuggled him, he left his scent of cologne on his hair. I've sniffed his hair all day long to smell my sweetie!

Lizzy NEVER stops creating! (I don't know where she gets that from) One project this week was a time machine. It's still in the works.

Tuesday we visited the Treehouse Museum with some friends. I was happy to see her imaginative, playful spirit. I hope that never leaves.

 She and I laid on my bed last night and talked. She's been reading a childcraft book, and had many, many questions...about anatomy and such. I love our mommy daughter talks. I love that she can talk to me about anything. Please let that last forever!

 Today it was mommy-Lizzy time while Charlie napped. We  painted pictures, wrote cousins letters, and played kid pix. She had my undivided attention for 2 hours!

It's so fun have a 10  year old and a 9 month old. It feels like the best of both worlds. I love the stage where Lizzy is- mommy daughter talks, discovering her independence, and maturing. And I love the innocence of our baby boy.They help me keep perspective and remember how quickly each stage passes.

Tonight is our town celebration for Pioneer Day. We will eat dinner with friends, and there will be much laughter. There always is. I was making banana pudding and Lizzy was talking to Isabel on the phone. She said, "you just wait Isabel, it tastes like heaven!" I laughed out loud! I have never heard her compare anything to heaven. The grape soda is for her too. I guess this picture is what heaven looks like to Lizzy.

home.

We finally made it home after a year and a half!

We had a wonderful vacation and break from the everyday routine. It was so wonderful spending time with my family, especially my mom and sisters. I miss them like crazy. 

These are just a few of the pictures...

The clan on the 4th of July. 

I believe there are 8 family members missing, but who knows when we would all be together for a family pic.

This picture happens to be one of my favorites. 

I love my sis! I love that we both scrunch our noses when we laugh!

(sign of a true Cobb)

...and I love that I feel as happy as I look in this picture- even though the look may not be very attractive.

Mr. Fuzzers and Grandma

Lizzy and I walking through the "forest". This was her request since there is no such thing where we live.

(yep, I brought a tick back from this walk. YUCK! still makes my skin crawl)

Mr. W checking out a spider and it's web.

Sis and her fam

We found a new friend while picking blackberries!

Blackberry picking with mom and Sarah. One of my highlights!

Mr. Fuzzers' best buddy!

Sister and G on the water slide grandma bought!

On the 4th dad hooked up the projector for an outdoor movie party!

...And now that I've looked over all of the pictures I'm ready to go back!

My only complaint is that Mary delivered my new nephew while I was waiting to board the airplane to come home. I'm glad I at least got to see her in the hospital before I left... except that she and Lizzy were crying when they said goodbye. But they usually do. It's sweet really.