Cole & Denise

Addison's First Day of Kindergarten

2011-09-05T14:43:00.003-07:00

All I can say is....."What took this day SO long?!"

I know I should be sad to see her go, but if any of you know Addison then you know she's been ready for this day to come for over a year now. She is a smarty pants and I probably should have gotten her tested to start school last year since she'll be one of the oldest in her class, but I figured she needed that extra time to mature. She made us a count down calendar 2 weeks before school started and made sure she marked it off every morning when she got out of bed. Needless to say there were no tears from anyone that morning when she walked through the gate all by herself. Cole was lucky enough to get the day off work so he could be there with us. He couldn't believe that she didn't even look back once to make sure we were still there watching her. She is so independent. Sometimes it's a little much, but in this case it was perfect!

She loves going to school everyday and hates the weekends since she doesn't get to see her friends from school. She is attending Jack Barnes Elementary which is in another neighborhood than ours, so none of the kids from school even go to church with us. This has been an adjustment for her, but she loves seeing the Hall kids and Mrs. Butler a friend of ours from church.

She was so disappointed the first 2 weeks that there was no homework! What?! What kind of kid looks forward to homework? Addison....that's who! She is so excited everyday to come home and do her homework before starting anything else. I'm sure this will wear off shortly, but I'm definitely going to try and encourage it for as long as it will last.

Happy 3rd Birthday Lincoln!

2011-09-05T14:28:00.002-07:00

Ok, so I know that these pictures are 2 months late now, but I figure it better late than never. I've been having problems with my computer not letting me upload my pictures. I finally got it fixed so that means it's time for a massive update to the blog.

Lincoln turned 3 years old the weekend of 4th of July. Due to almost everyone being out of town for the holiday we decided to have his party the following weekend. Nothing big just a few friends and cousins. Of course the battery on my camera died in the middle of the party so I only got a few pictures of the festivities.

All his lout!

I know I'm a cheater by just doing cupcakes, but it makes it SO much easier with all the kids. Plus I always seems to have less cake leftover, that we all know just gets thrown out anyways! :)

A boy and his truck

2011-09-05T14:14:00.004-07:00

Lincoln goes no where without his trucks! This was one of the only pictures taken at father and sons this year. Cole said every time he couldn't find Lincoln he would just go down to the creek and there he was with his trusty dump truck. Needless to say he fell into that creek and got soaking wet 3 times in one day, but that never stopped him from wanting to go back to throwing rocks in the water. Cole was in charge of cooking dinner for the ward, so Lincoln had lots of exploring time on his own. He is definitely a wanderer making his own trail where ever his little feet take him!

Final Count Down

2011-07-20T12:27:00.002-07:00

It's official I quit my job!! And the count down has begun.....6 days left! YEAH

I actually quit back in May, but agreed to stay on and help train the new hire until the end of July. My hours have been cut way back for the last 2 months and it has been awesome! I only work from 2 - 6 Mon thru Thurs. The kids love having me home and I love being there with them. It has taken some getting used to since we were all so used to getting up and have to rush out the door to day care and work, so now our morning our much nicer. We have all had our ups and downs with the change, but I think this is all for the better.

Also, my last week of work is Addison's first week of Kindergarten so the timing couldn't have been better. I'm so glad that I'm the one that gets to take her to school everyday and pick her up to ask how her day was and help her with her homework. (No offense Amy I know you would have been WONDERFUL at doing this for me, but I just felt like I should be doing it since I'm her mom.) Being home more with the kids has really made me see how much I have missed by having to work outside of the home for the past 6 years. I am so grateful that my friend Amy and my husband gave me the final push to stop working. I couldn't have done it without all their support.

To tell the truth....I've been looking forward to these last weeks since I gave my notice in May. Time has just not gone by fast enough. I will miss my job and of course my boss. He has to be the BEST person to work for. It's hard to leave a place that you've been at for so long, but I know that this decision is the best for me and my family. I look forward to all the time and adventures that I get to spend with them every minute of everyday.

So here's to the future and all the fun and excitement that it might bring!

The Little Things........

2011-07-02T00:43:00.005-07:00

Do you ever feel like you just can't keep up? Life is so crazy! Everyone is SO busy. The days are just to short for the long list that's left to finish.....breakfast, laundry, snacks, lunch, cleaning the bathroom, vacuuming, going to the store, going to work, naps, snacks, coming home from work, dinner, picking up toys, baths, books, finally bed! WAIT...STOP!!!! Just slow down and take a look at the wonderful things going on around you. The gentle good morning given by a 20 month old. The snuggle under the covers of a 3 year old who manage to sneak into your bed in the middle of the night un-noticed. The quite, but sincere 'Thank You's' spoken as you make every meal. The soft touch of a tiny hand trying to memorize every inch of your face. The smiles and laughter shared with those close to your heart. Dancing in the middle of the kitchen. Tender hugs given just because. I love you's spoken without words from across the room. A sister patiently helping her little brother learn to write his name. Every giggle, smile, loving word, warm embrace, tender moment shared between you and those you love.

DON'T ever let the most important things in life just pass you by. The dishes over flowing the sink can wait. Toys can be picked up later. Never ending laundry will still be there when you have time. Life is far too often spent making sure everything gets done, instead of making sure that one precious little moment won't be forgotten. I know that I'm just as guilty as everyone else. I'm no where close to perfect, but I'd like to think that I'm getting better every day. Trying my hardest to soak up every minute that I have with my precious gifts and wonderful husband. I've had a lot more time to spend with them lately and it has opened my eyes to how much I must have missed over the last 6 years. I have no regrets of the past, only lessons learned for the future. I will cherish this time and hold it close to my heart, remembering all the joy and happiness that truly enlightens and fills my soul.

Do you still Believe?

2011-05-13T20:22:00.005-07:00

We had a very exciting night a few nights ago.....It had begun like any other night after I came home from work, Dinner, Relaxing, Baths, and not soon enough Bed Time. The kids had been in there rooms for maybe 10 minutes when I heard the start of Addison and Lynden's door open. Thinking that Addison was coming out to tell me she had to go potty, which is a nightly ritual of hers, I told her to go to the bathroom without even hesitating for her to give me her excuse for being up. She immediately started laughing and ran straight for the couch and I could tell she was holding something in her fingers. She was giggling so much she could barely spit out the words....."Mom I finally LOST my TOOTH!"

She has been working on this thing for over 2 weeks now, ever since she had an appointment at my office and they informed her that 1 of her front teeth were lose and that she'd be losing it soon. Every time I'd turn around she'd have her fingers in her mouth wiggling her tooth and now here it was in the palm of her hand! Needless to say due to all the excitement ALL the kids were now awake and curious what all the noise was about. We had told her that once it finally came out that she could put it in a plastic bag and that we would tape it to her head board with a note so that the Tooth Fairy could find it, since I didn't feel like searching for it every where on her bed in the middle of the night. So she instructed Cole to get her a bag and me to start the note so that she could tell me what to write and then have her sign it. I have never seen this girl smile SO BIG. It kinda made me feel like a kid all over again. Filled with anticipation and excitement even though I knew exactly what would happen over night.

With every thing in place she proceeded to tell me that she was going to try and stay up to see the Tooth Fairy and ask her some extremely important questions...."Why do you take my teeth? What do you do with them? Why do you only come at night when kids are sleeping? Where do you get your money? Do you have friends?" This were only a few of the hundred that I was forced to answer for the Tooth Fairy without completely letting the secret out of who she really is. Needless to say Addison woke up the next morning bright and early and pulled me out of bed to show me that the Tooth Fairy had come and left her 2 money's as she calls them. (Thank goodness this girl is not in school yet and has not yet learned the value of money. I think she might then be a little upset on how much she actually had received!)

It was so much fun for both Cole and I to see her smiling face, with 1 tooth missing of course, and the overwhelming joy in her eyes at this wonderful milestone in her life. It truly makes you light up to see your children experiencing the same things that you did when you were their age and have all the wonderful memories come flooding back to your mind. Just thinking about it puts a smile on my face!

Hard Worker

2011-04-27T17:47:00.002-07:00

This last weekend was spent not only enjoying all the Easter festivities, but also re-doing the landscaping in our back yard. It's quiet small so it really doesn't take much to move things around. We have a garden, but it's running out of room, so we decided that we would extend it to run along the entire back fence using some fence blocks that we got for FREE. Cole and I being the mean parents that we are told the kids that they had to help and be outside with us the whole time. HA HA! Needles to say Lincoln was the only one that went to work willingly and stayed outside the entire 3 hours. He was so happy following his dad around and using the shovel. He truly is our little helper. Whenever I need anything done Lincoln is the first to run to my aide. This little guy steals my heart!

Fun in the Desert!

2011-04-09T16:23:00.009-07:00

Seeing that this is most likely the last nice weekend before summer we thought that we'd take advantage and have some family FUN!

Cole's parents and nephews met us out by Florence so that Cole could play with his new toy and actually see what it could do. He's had it for about a month now and keeps telling me that just driving it around the neighborhood is NO fun. So even though it was quite windy out yesterday I decided that it was time to let the boy out to play and I think both him and the kids loved every second of it. We really enjoy being able to get out of the house and let the kids run wild for some time. The shreeks of excitment are enough reward for the efforts put into making it happen!

Lincoln and Mason cruising in the jeep!

Cole even let Lynden drive for awhile. She was laughing and squealing the entire time. You could hear her over the engine.

Of course all the kids had to take a ride with Grandpa! Thanks for making it SO fun!

Addison our little monkey.

Hayden has to be the COOLEST kid I know!

Protect Your "Johnson"

2011-03-18T22:38:00.004-07:00

Today's traumatic event was is too good not to share! And I know that if I don't write this down somewhere I'm sure to forget, even though I know a certain someone will probably never forget this day........

As some you may know we are slowly trying to potty train Lincoln, not by our choice, but by his. On his own he started pulling off his diaper and using the toilet just after turning 2. I thought it might be a little early for him since I've heard that boys are the hardest to potty train, but hey I'm not going to stop him! Needless to say he has been wearing pull ups for the past 4 months. He has his good weeks and his bad. We've tried to put him in BIG BOY pants, but I think it freaks him out because he actually does worse in them than a pull up.

Anyways, today started as any normal Friday with us all at home taking our time getting ready to go to the store since both Cole and I are off of work we make it a family event. Cole's relaxing and searching Craigslist, I'm in the bathroom getting ready and the kids are trying to pick out their clothes for the day. Every one's busily doing there own thing when all of a sudden you hear a loud slam of the toilet seat in the bathroom and Lincoln immediately begins screaming hysterically. What on earth could have happened?

The worst possible thing.....Lincoln was trying to go pee by himself in the toilet like he always does and the toilet seat slammed down and pinched his "little man" between the seat and the lid. You see he feels the need to stand like his dad when going to the bathroom, but he's just not quite tall enough yet so, unless he uses the stool his "little man" just barely makes it over the toilet seat. He came running into our room butt naked tears rushing down his face and both hands holding himself. I instantly scooped him up and hugged him before surveying the damage. Meanwhile, Cole was dying laughing! After calming him down a little I inspected the area to see how bad the damage was. Everything was noticeably swollen and his poor "little man" had 2 blood blisters right on the tip. I can only imagine how bad that must have felt. I truly hope that he learned his lesson on just how dangerous a toilet can be for a little guy like him and that it really does help to use a stool!

Bumps & Bruises

2011-03-07T20:16:00.002-07:00

So it only took 6 months of walking for Lynden to finally get her first taste of ASPHALT! She has decided that just playing outside in the front yard isn't as much fun as it should be. This caused for a grand adventure a little further down the street where her siblings were, but to her dismay she was running too fast in excitement and bit the dust just upon arrival. Needless to say there was hysterical screaming and lots of tears involved. To make it even worse she was wearing shorts! (You see it has been quite warm here lately.) She also managed to bang her forehead on the sidewalk on the way down.

After some much needed love from mom, Addison, and of course our lover Lincoln. She decided that she just might live to walk again. Addison was awesome at helping care her back to health. She even put the bandaide on all by herself. Only to have Lynden rip it off about 30 seconds later laughing the entire time. Then she was right back outside running down the driveway back out into the street.

She truely is our fearlous one and that is now starting to scare me. If she's like this at only 18 months how much more is yet to come? My girls have proven that they definiately have a stronger back bone then their cowardly brother. They will be my daredevils willing to try everything. Constantly pushing the envelope to it's limits and if you listen close enough you'd probably be able to hear them squealing with excitement the entire time.

Awww the SIMPLE things

2011-02-11T21:45:00.002-07:00

Chocolate Cake!

How is it that something so simple can be so rewarding and frustrating at the same time?

Watching the transformation that these few simple ingredients combine together to make something so rich and magical all in one bite.

Seeing your husbands frustration as the he tries to make sense of an incomplete recipe.

Making his own changes to try and make things better only to find that his efforts to make something so sweet just might not turn out the way he'd hope for at all.

Giving up in anger as nothing is coming together as it should.

Questioning why he even tried in the first place.

Walking away in disgust not wanting to see what his final master piece has become.

Wondering what went so wrong.

Knowing that everything will be fine.

Smelling the goodness through out the house.

Catching little fingers trying to sneak a taste.

Eyes sparkling with delight even though dad refuses to even try to fix it any more.

Anxiously awaiting permission to sink their teeth into the delicate dessert.

Watching your children's eyes light up as the quickly RUN to their seats in hopes that they might get more than their sibling.

Listening to them squeal and squeak with joy and laughter as they gobble up every last crumb.

Asking for more while they finish licking their plates of heaven.

Thanking the magic maker for trying even though it may not be the beautiful master piece he envisioned.

Rewarding his efforts.

There's always next time!

Can't leave well enough alone?

2011-02-04T08:26:00.008-07:00

Ok, so here's the WARNING......... DO NOT continue reading this if you don't want to listen to me vent a little.

I can't come to understand why people can't just be happy with what they have and leave well enough alone. Why do people continually think they are missing out on something? And once they have what they're looking for decide that it's not enough and go on searching for something else. Life CAN be simple.....beautiful......peaceful......enjoyable.....and pretty close to PERFECT if people could just be accepting of how things were.

Why run the risk of ruining something that we've worked so hard on by one simple act, thought or quick impulse just to see what it's like or to fill that void that you might be missing something? Why can't people just take a minute and think about what they might be doing before acting upon it? There's no need to do something that you might regret before really thinking about what you might be giving up.

Now.....I understand that life is a test and that we're all here to learn from our mistakes and have the freedom to choose. And I'm in no way trying to imply that I might be perfect and without fault. I've had my moments of weakness and bad judgement.

I guess it's just hard to sit back and watch someone you love make mistakes over and over again just to get that rush of acceptance. I have a hard time knowing why others need that sort of attention or belonging. Especially when it's been discussed and agreed on by all parties that it's just not the best avenue to take. It can lead one off course and possibly to the destruction of something so vulnerable and pure. Stop thinking of yourself and starting think of those you might hurt or lose along the way. Why build something up just to crush it and have to start over again at the beginning when the road the you've just traveled has not been quick or easy by any means? Why run the risk of throwing it all away? All that hard work, sweat and tears. Why put yourself right back into that dark place you've just climbed of? Why can't people just see the good in what they have and what they've work so hard on accomplishing? Look at the path behind you that has lead you were you are today and be PROUD of the person you've become.

I know I will have to come to accept these questions as one of life's mysteries and rely on our Lord and Savior to help those in need through these troubled times. I will need to be more open and understanding of why people do the things they do and the choices they make. Only our blessed Heavenly Father can make it right and is always ready and waiting to help. All we have to do is turn to him for all the answers. Whether it's what we want to hear or not. He will guide us on our journey to that glorious end that we all seek. Put your trust in the Lord and someday we will all be there for that joyous reunion we are all waiting for.

IN NEED OF A BREAK

2011-01-28T16:58:00.002-07:00

Do you ever feel like there's never enough hours in the day? Do you ever wish you could just forget it all and take a break from the world?

Well I think I've found the most relaxing place. If only I knew where it was and how to get there it would be PERFECT! Life has seemed to pick me up in it's whirl wind and set me back down in the middle of the confusion. I'm trying my best to make sense of it all and not fall behind. I guess all I can do is give it my best and dream of a place and time like the one above to get me through.

Back in Business

2011-01-17T18:00:00.004-07:00

That's right everyone we have the internet again! YEAH!!!(I think?) I think Cole thought he was going to die without it, but hey look babe you made it a full year and survived:) Too much has happened to try and play catch up all in one post, so we'll just take it one day at a time and see how it goes.

I'm still working part time, not by choice, but because I have too. EWE! Can't wait for the day that I can actually stay home with the little rugrats. Cole changed jobs and is now working for The Department of Homeland Security Prison in Florence. He is one of the lead cooks there and is hoping for the possibility of management to help further his cooking career. The job is ok, but he does miss cooking to order since the prison menu is set by corporate on a 5 week rotating schedule. Don't worry he's not in any danger since he works with all the illegals that are picked up and waiting to be shipped back to their country of origin, whatever that maybe.

The kids are growing like crazy and we try our hardest to keep up with them. It's a struggle sometimes , but we manage somehow. Addison keeps us dancing and is truly our out spoken child. Lincoln just loves being a boy and everything that comes with it. Lynden has turned out to be our precious little one that loves to start all the trouble and run away as fast as she can. And if you ask her daddy she can do nothing wrong.

We were able to finally have some updated family pictures taken with the Perkins family in December. It was then that I realized the last time we had ANY family pictures taken Addison was only 1 month old. Guess its time to add that to my yearly TO DO LIST. (Just wonder when I'll be able to fit that one in. Doesn't hurt to try!) So here's a preview of how they turned out.

Who's To Blame?!

2010-02-11T12:49:00.002-07:00

Okay, So I greatly apologize for not posting in a very long while. I promise that I do have a really good excuse though. Here it goes........We no longer have the Internet due to some very strong budgets cuts coming down from the Corporate office. Okay not really, but we HAVE decided that having the Internet it just not a need for us now that Cole is finished with school. We still keep up on emails and blogging, when we can either while I'm at work or at a family members home.

Life has been a little crazy for us lately and I'm glad to announce that I have shortened my time at work so that I can be home more with the kids and we no longer need daycare for them. YEAH!!! I love being able to spend more time at home and not feeling like a bad mom for having to leave every morning for work. The kids seem to like having mom and dad home together during the exchange in shifts. Although Addison still asks if she's going somewhere everyday. Guess we've trained her well, with all the four years she spent in daycare. It's been hard for to adjust to not going to someone else's house everyday.

Cole has officially finished school and is working full time still at Arizona Grand Resort. His actual graduation is not happening until May. I am so proud of him for making it to the end. I will say that's it's been a long hard 15months. Not only with the change in career, but by also adding 2 new additions to the family during that time. It so awesome to see how much he has grown and I love to watch him put his new learned skills to use. He was definitely born to be a chef. Things just come so naturally to him and he seems to light up every time he enters the kitchen.

The kids are growing like weeds and love tormenting each other. I promise I will post more with pictures as soon as I find some free time. We're just trying to keep up as life quickly moves forward.

Mommies Helper

2009-11-28T23:16:00.002-07:00

Who says that you have to be awake to help. Even in your sleep you can try and quiet a screaming child. Just ask Addison, she's become quite good at it.

Who needs toys?

2009-11-28T22:49:00.005-07:00

Don't ask me why, but for some reason all of our kids so far have enjoyed playing in our cupboards whenever they get the chance. Addison would just climb in and push everything to the side. Lincoln on the other hand has learned that there's more room if you just take everything out before climbing in. This is a daily occurrence at our home and I'm starting to wonder why I put everything back each time. Oh well, they say some of the best toys are those that don't cost anything. Think this year for Christmas Lincoln just might get a old cardboard box.

I just melt when my Little Man smiles!

Lynden's Blessing

2009-11-15T18:38:00.007-07:00

Thank You Grandma Hunsaker for making such a beautiful blessing dress.

We've Been Busy

2009-11-03T17:59:00.005-07:00

With me being home on maternity leave I had all these plans of different projects that needed to get done around the house. Unfortunatly none of them have gotten done and I go back to work in 2 weeks. AAAAHHHHHH! We have managed to begin and finish a project that wasn't even on my list of To Do's.

Our backyard needed a huge overhaul, so one morning Cole and I decided to tackle the mess. In doing so we decided to move our flower garden from the backyard to the front of the house. It ended up being a full days work, but we got it done and it adds so much to the front of the house. What do you think?

Our little helper! Addison loves planting flowers and checks everyday to see if they have grown yet. Think pretty soon she's going to start measuring them with a ruler if she doesn't see any progress! Oh the patience of a 4 year old.

Our Little Trick or Treaters

2009-11-03T17:51:00.005-07:00

So Halloween was a fun night for all and Cole was even able to get the night off. YEAH!!! Cole thought it would be fun for him to have a matching costume with his mini me, so my mom was nice enough to custom make some pants for us. They were prefect, Thanks Mom! Here are some pictures of the eventful evening.

Carving Pumpkins

2009-10-30T15:24:00.005-07:00

So I'm sad to report that with the new baby at the house we have been pretty distracted and totally oblivious that Halloween was even coming. Addison is very sad that we have neglected to even put up any decorations this year. So when asked by the Perkins family if we were going to carve pumpkins with them this year Cole and I had no response. So last minute we ran to the store to buy a pumpkin and were sad to find that the store only had small one's left. So, we bought what they had and made do. The kids will never know the difference right?

The cheaters way to carve a pumpkin!

Lincoln helping Cole carve his pumpkin. Oh wait did I say carve, I mean EAT since that's what he did with all the left over pieces on the table. EWE!

The girls decided that they had better things to do then carve slimmy pumpkins. Addison found a dollhouse that had her attention the entire evening and of course Lynden was caught sleeping the entire night! Overall it ended up being a great evening hanging out with family enjoying the holiday.

I Call Her Baby Grapes!?!

2009-10-30T15:00:00.003-07:00

According to Addison her sisters name is officially BABY GRAPES....... It all started as a joke in the family of us asking Addison what the baby's name was going to be since she insisted that it was going to be a sister even though none of us knew the sex of the baby. She would always answer with some funky name that she just made up on the spot. Never was the name the same even if you asked her the same day. But about a month before Lynden was born Addison was eating lunch at Grandma Perkins house when her Uncle Tanner asked her one last time what the baby's name was. She paused slightly and then responded, "Baby Grapes!" Everyone laughed and assumed she said that because she was eating grapes at the moment. But when asked later that week she replied, "Baby Grapes" with no hesitation.

We all saw it as a running joke until we arrived at the hospital and she declared that she couldn't wait to see her baby sister named Grapes. We tried to explain to her that her name was going to be Lynden, but she would only shake her head and say "No it's Grapes!"

When asked by Grandpa Perkins if he could hold baby Lynden, Addison broke down in tears upset that he was not calling her baby Grapes. And so the name has stuck!

I have had to explain to Addison on multiple occasions that her name is really Lynden, so when people ask her the baby's name she now replies, "Her name is Lynden, but I call her Baby GRAPES!"

We have noticed over the past couple of weeks that Addison has finally given in and will call her sister the correct name, but she also still likes to introduce her as Grapes. I have come to accept that if she would like that to be her nickname I have a problem with that. I actually find it kind of cute that Addison has come up with her own name for her new best friend!

Lynden Mablegean Perkins

2009-10-06T14:56:00.004-07:00

That's right It's a girl! She came to us on September 30th at 12:14am. She weighed 6lbs 13oz and was smallest of the three. She was released with borderline jaundice and has been to the doctor everyday that she's been home. We are happy to say that after a week of poking she is finally out of the high risk zone and just needs to be monitored at home. I am so glad, it's hard to watch them poke your little one every morning. But it's all over now and we can start trying to have a somewhat normal life.

Addison loves her new baby and always wants to hold her. Lincoln's not too sure yet and tries to love her, but his love comes in a very powerful pat that usually just upsets her. He is learning quickly and already knows how to say sister. We didn't even have to tell him who she was, he already knew. Guess he was just waiting for her to come. I'm doing fine just trying to get used to being home all the time. Cole has to keep reminding me that I have 6 weeks to get things done and to take it easy, but it's hard to remember when I'm so used to only having the weekends to get ready for the rest of the week. I'm sure I'll figure it out sooner than later.

Heaven Help ME!

2009-09-20T14:54:00.004-07:00

Who ever said that terrible 2's were bad never experienced a sassy 4 year old. I think I'm about at my wits ends with this little girl of mine. I just can't seem to find the patience to deal with the attitude and rolling of the eyes that I get every time a I talk to her. I've taken privileges away, had major long time out sessions and tried reasoning with her since she does act a lot older than her age. I even went to the extent of being the MEAN mom and took her 4th birthday party away. I think I just might pull all my hair out before I have this next baby. And if this next one's a girl, heaven help me that she's better than her sister.

Now I'm not saying that I don't have problems with her brother, he's just a monster of a child that gets into everything. I think I'll take that any day over a child that constantly talks backs and bickers with you about everything. I know this post is more of just me venting, but I think that if I don't get this out I'm going to burst at the seams. I'm sure this won't be that last time something like this is going to come up with me being a mother. I know that my children are a gift and that I'm here to help teach and guide them along this path we call life. But I'm not sure I signed up to take this one on my own. She just might be the death of me. I guess you can say that it's good she hasn't been this way from the beginning cuz I'm not sure we'd have more than just the one. Guess I will take it with strides and hope that it gets better. According to everyone I've talked to this is just a phase and my sweet innocent little girl will return someday. My only prayer is that is comes sooner than later.

Can You Feel the Heat!

2009-08-23T18:29:00.002-07:00

So the long HOT day is drawing to an end........... and I am anxiously awaiting the relief on the night. We woke up this morning to find that the motor to the fan on our AC unit had seized. The unit still works, but the motor won't spin the fan to get us the much needed relief of cool air. Why OH Why couldn't this have happened in the winter. At least then you can just all bundle up in blankets and get cozy. In the summer you can only take so much off! Of course we call the repair company and they inform us that this doesn't really qualify as an emergency and the soonest that someone can be here is tomorrow afternoon between 1 - 3. Cole tried nicely to explain that his wife is 8 months pregnant and that he has a 1 year old son. No help to our dismay.

We decided to ruff it out in the house with all the blinds closed and all fans on high. Needless to say we are surviving. Or our we? Think Cole's getting ready to hit that boiling point. Doesn't help that Lincoln's got a MAJOR diaper rash that's out of control. He cries hysterically for about 10 minutes every time he pees. Let's just say that he's had about 4 baths already today. Nothing seems to help. We've tried airing him out, the most beloved Butt Paste and Bag Balm. This sucker is just here to stay. Pour little guy has to walk with his legs so far apart just to get some relief. And yes I said walking. Not very well, but he can definitely make it from one side of the house to the other. As long as Addison and Brody don't knock him over first. We've been waiting for this day for what seems like forever. He was so ahead at pulling himself up and crawling that we were sure he would be walking by 9 months. Think he's been holding out for the new one to arrive. He has just over 6 weeks to get this figured out before mom goes insane trying to think how she's going to carry two at once. My hat goes off to those of you who have somehow survived twins.

As I close this blog I longingly think of the relief that is hopefully coming tomorrow. All I can say is.......That if this problem isn't fixed by then, WATCH OUT family cause the Perkins are going to start looking for extra beds. Pregnant ladies can only take so much before they melt into absolute hysteria;)

Two Peas in a Pod

2009-08-02T12:08:00.008-07:00

What can I say.....my kids will have nice teeth! Guess that's what you get when you work for a dentist. This is not the first time I've caught them doing this. It's so great to just sit and watch them together. Addison is such a good helper with her brother and of course he wants to do everything that she does. SO CUTE!!!! Now what I'm a going to do with a third.....maybe pull all my hair out. Let's hope not, only 9 more weeks to go. Yeah!!

He's getting so BIG!! No more baby.

100% BOY

2009-06-27T12:29:00.003-07:00

Okay, so the morning started like every other Friday morning at the Perkins household. Kids up early and demanding breakfast before mom even got out of bed. When that was finished we were on to playing and having a good time. While mom was busy trying to clean the house and make some sense of the disastrous week, Lincoln decided he was going to play in the backyard by himself. Which he usually does at least twice a day via the doggy door. He's done asking to go out cause the answer is usually no, because it's too hot, so he's now taken it upon himself to go out on his own whenever he feels like it and mom has to be the mean guy and bring him back in crying and screaming.

I had no knowledge of him being outside until I heard a muffled, but familiar cry, coming from the backyard. I looked out the window, but couldn't see him any where, but I was certain he was out there. I proceed to got out the back door and this is what I found.........

All I can say is that he is definitely his father's son. I can't tell you how many stories Kristy has told me about Cole and Kyle and all the crazy things that those boys did growing up. And all I can think is that my little Lincoln hasn't even turned one yet! He had some how managed to climb up into the dog's dish and was stuck. His little butt just seemed to fit perfectly inside. I had to run in and grab the camera because I was sure no one would believe me if I told them. All I can think is, "WHAT'S NEXT!!!"

POOL TIME

2009-06-27T12:10:00.005-07:00

For Cole and Kyle's 28th birthday the family got together for a small pool party. Nothing big which was actually nice since life's been a little crazy for all of us recently. Kyle and Mindy just had their 2nd baby boy Mason and with Cole working and going to school, every one's schedules rarely match up. But we did manage to find to time to relax by Kyle and Mindy's pool one evening. And if you didn't know, my kids are definite water dogs. I can't seem to keep them both out of the pool even if I tried. They were in the pool from start to finish!!

I had to add this one cause it's classic PERKINS!!

Take me out to the Ball Game!?!

2009-06-27T11:44:00.009-07:00

A few weeks ago my whole family got tickets to an Arizona Diamondbacks game thru my moms work. So we decided that it would be fun to take all the kids out for a night at the ball park. There were so many of us we took up an entire row of bleachers. My brother Galen and his kids were in town for the weekend and were able to join us. It was a blast! I'll have to admit that it was a little crazy, but fun to see all the grandkids together having fun.

Of course Addison HAD to have everything she saw. And Uncle Doyle didn't help any by encourage her every thought. I'm not sure how much of the game we actually got to watch, but just seeing the excitement in the kids was enough for me.

Here are just a few things that Addison enjoyed while at the ball game......

And here is the LOVE of my life in all his true glory!!

A much needed night out

2009-05-30T21:01:00.003-07:00

I've had the privilege of having this whole last week off of work. I still had to go in for the usual paperwork, but no patient's were scheduled due to the doctor going to Hawaii for a Dental Convention. It has been nice to only go in for a couple hours in the morning and spending the rest of the time with the kids. I really feel like I've gotten some things done around here. It's been a nice change, but is going to come to an end quickly.

The other night my sister Christine and I decided that we needed a night away from children to get some much needed shopping done. We had attempted to do this the week before, but had no luck. It's amazing how much more you can get done without 5 kids tagging along. Needless to say we got everything done and saw the entire Chandler mall in under 3 hours. It was Awesome. It was so nice to have a night out with my sister and we've now decided that we need to start doing this on a regular basis. We'll see what the husbands have to say about this.....

Aaron's pool party

2009-05-30T20:46:00.007-07:00

With summer officially here it was nice to play in the water again. Addison's favorite cousin Aaron turned 4 this last month, so my sister decided to have a pool party in her back yard with several different water attarctions. The kids loved it and it was nice to get in some cool water and out of the sun.

Since the kids did a pretty good job of soaking the back yard while playing in the water, they decided to break the Diego pinata indoors for a change. The kids loved it, but I'm not sure Joe felt very safe. Good thing it broke before the big kids got to it!

Who Spilled the Beans!?!

2009-04-19T15:34:00.002-07:00

So, I know I haven't posted in a really long time, but I swear I have some good excuses. As you might have read in my husbands last post he has started a new job for a four star resort here in Phoenix. We are all excited for this great opportunity that he has been given and he is definitely learning a lot. He finally has a set schedule on the day he works, but his days off vary from week to week. I never know when I'll get to see him and usually his days off are days that I have to work. The only thing that puts my mind at ease is knowing that this will all be over before the end of the year and the fact that those days are spent with his children that love him dearly and look forward to those dad only days. Most of our weekends are spent waking up to Cole being gone and not coming home till sometime later that evening. It's getting easier to deal with as the weeks go by and me and the kids are finding lots things to kill the time.

Okay, now for the real news............We are expecting AGAIN!! NOT by choice, I might add. This has come as a big surprise to all of us. In other words NO this was not planned. We were hoping to wait a few years, so Cole could get out of school and start his career, but as you all know life never goes as planned. We have tried to keep it a secret for as long as possible. But, I guess you can say the Cat's out of the bag. Cole and I have known for sometime now and just starting telling people about the end of March. As of today I'm 15 1/2 weeks and I'm due October 8th. That means Lincoln and this next one will only be 15 months apart. SCARY!

Not sure if I should cry or be excited, but everyone I tell seems to think this is the most exciting news they've heard in a long time. We've decided not to find out the sex on this one just to make it a little more exciting for all of us. I've been to doctor and everything looks good. I'm actually surprised at how little weight I've gained so far with this one and the fact that I'm still wearing all my regular clothes even though I'm almost four months. Think it has a lot to be due to the fact that I'm constantly going from the time I get up to the time I pass out on the bed due to exhaustion. Plus, for the first 8 weeks of being pregnant I was competing in a biggest loser completion at work. After 8 weeks of working my butt off working out and only maintaining the same weight I knew something was up. I've never been what you would call regular so when I started feeling sick I knew something was wrong. I told Cole and he being the man that he is told me to wait a little bit to see if it would go away.(Ya right, like something like that just goes away.) I took a test anyways and that only confirmed the diagnoses. I continued working out but not nearly as intense as I had been before.

Now that the sickness is over everything is going great. I'm sure this will be the same as the others, simple from here on out. It's kinda funny that I'll deliver about a month before Cole is done with school and that I delivered Lincoln almost exactly one month before he started. Just goes to show how quickly plans can change. We've had time to get over the shock and I think the excitement of having another is starting to set in. Wish our little family luck!!!

We're Going to the ZOO, ZOO, ZOO

2009-04-19T15:14:00.009-07:00

A few week s ago we made a trip to the zoo before it got hot around here. Addison loves the animals and could probably go every day if we'd let her. Thanks to grandma for getting a zoo membership so now Addy can go whenever the weather is nice. The last trip we went on I was still pregnant with Lincoln and it rained most of the time we were there. So it was nice actually get to see the animals this time and not be totally exhausted by time we were finished. A bunch of Cole's family went along and it was good to see all the cousins there together. Addison loves to feed the fish or turtles, which ever she can find. And if you ask what here favorite part of the zoo is, she'll tell you the giraffes and getting to feed the squirrels popcorn. Here's a couple of pictures of the event full day.

The best part of going to the zoo is watching cute little Addison's face light up when she gets to ride the carousel. She usually gets one ride right before we leave. Just to make sure we end on a good note.

EASTER

2009-04-19T14:53:00.006-07:00

I know it's late, but I thought I better post something about Easter. The morning was spent finding baskets on the table. Addison was up and moving for about on hour before she realized there was something on the table for her. Lincoln on the other hand could have cared less, but hey, mom and dad got to eat all his candy! It was definitely different not having Cole there to share the experience with, but we're starting to get use to him gone every morning. We have early church so, the rule was no candy til after church. Addison made sure that as soon as we walked thur the door at home she had the one piece pick out and half way gone. We later got to show dad all the exciting things the Easter bunny got us when he got home from work. The rest of the day was spent relaxing and spending time with family. All in all it was a good day for all of us.

Addison checking out all her goodies.

Looking good for church.

2009-04-11T20:12:00.005-07:00

Well, I guess it is time to update all of those who may be following my career change and education. About two months ago I quit my job at The Olive Mill as a line / prep cook to hopefully move on to bigger and better things. It took several months of searching the internet, and a lot of lost hope, but one day out of the blue I got a call from Chef De Cuisine (fancy name for someone who writes 1/2 the menu)Michael Scott. We scheduled the interview and whala I landed a job two weeks later. I am VERY lucky to be working at a four star resort while attending school, but the experience is not always worth it. Don't get me wrong, love my job just not all the people and the amount of stress that is happening currently. I was actually hired to help close this restaurant and to help open a new restaurant at the resort. Even though I was hired to do so, my job is still up in the air. Rumor has it that a majority of the staff will be cut so that new staff can be put in place at lower wages to help save money. Although that is just a rumor and I WAS hired specifically for the new restaurant, I still am losing a ton of hair over it. Not being able to provide some sort of meager income for my pregnant wife and two kids is laying on me kinda hard. What you have not heard the news????? I will let her blog about that some more.

I LOVE MY KIDS!!

2009-02-05T21:08:00.003-07:00

I am head over heels for my kids! They can always put a smile on my face, no matter what kind of day I've had, especially coming home straight from work. I look forward to every moment I get to share with them and can't wait for the day I can be home everyday with them. That day will come sooner than later I know. Their cheezy grins will always brighten my day and remind me exactly why I became a mom. I'm so excited they came into my life and that I get to share the rest of eternity with them. Sometimes I wish they would stay this way forever and never grow up and leave me. But I look forward to the day they can have this same experience and share the love I have for them with their own families. They may be monsters at times, but I LOVE them unconditionally.

It's POTTY Time!!!

2009-02-05T20:48:00.003-07:00

I finally did it! I had originally planned on having Addison potty trained by the time was 2 years old, but that never happened. She fought as hard as she could and with me working full time and being pregnant I didn't have the time or energy to fight back. So, this last weekend I decided that I had had enough of changing diapers on two kids. So Addison was told that the diapers were all gone and her only choice was to wear panties. And after about two days and only about 3 accidents she DID IT! I'm so excited for her.

Now that it's done she really enjoys going and if you'll let her she'll try to go almost every 30 minutes. She has caught on fast and now I'm kicking myself wondering why I waited so long for this day. Heck while I'm at it I just might potty train Lincoln. Just kidding!

She still isn't dry through the night, but we're still working on that. It hasn't even been an official week yet, so we'll keeping working on that and hopefully that day will come soon enough. I'm so proud of her and the progress she has made with being okay on the toilet. She use to just sit there and cry every time we made her sit on one. Now, I find her in the bathroom going by herself without me even asking if she needs to go. It's kind of sad to think of how fast she is growing up and becoming a big girl.

All's Good in the Kitchen

2009-02-05T19:36:00.007-07:00

It's true my husband CAN cook. The final in his last class was to put on a catering banquet for family and friends of the students. AWESOME!!! It took about a week to plan and two days of class to prep. The most exciting part was that Cole was in charge of the kitchen for the whole night. The teacher picked him to make sure all the food was cooked properly and ready to serve on time. Another student was suppose to make sure everything was set up correctly and put in the correct places, but somehow Cole ended up overseeing that also. What a guy! When we showed up they were still in the process of getting ready and it was great to get to see him in the middle of everything. He looked so happy and peaceful even though all the other students were rushing about. I guess you can say he really has found his niche.

Setting up

Yes that is an ice sculpture and Yes Cole got to help carve it! There were only a few lucky students that were given the honor of helping with that. He was kind of disappointed because they only spent 1 class day on that subject. Apparently it's becoming a lost art. Too bad, looks like fun!

I know it may not look good, but the food was sooooooo awesome. This is just a taste of everything they had there. Too much food to eat, especially at 9 o'clock at night. Cole takes the evening class, so that's when they started the banquet. Late for me, but it was worth the wait!

Me and my AWESOME chef. I am so proud of him and love watching him do so well in something that he loves. Just can't wait for him to be done so we can all enjoy his many talents and maybe he can teach me a few things.

A picture worth 1000 words!

2009-01-22T19:24:00.008-07:00

This picture has got to be the best picture that I've ever taken in my entire life. Don't ask me how I got them both doing the same face at the same time, but it's CLASSIC! I always knew that Addison was just like her dad, but this is too close that it's almost frighting. Addison has been drawn to things with wheels that move from the time she was an infant. She loves going for rides in Uncle Kyle's sandrail and Papa's T-Rex. Cole swears that it's time to get her own three wheeler, but I think it's still too soon. But I can say that she will have her own some day, whether I like it or not. I just can't keep her off those things!

After the exciting trips around the block!

Lincoln's turn and YES he did go on a ride all the way around the block too! My crazy kids, sometimes a wonder if I have 2 or 3. I think most of the time it's 3!

Temple Lights

2009-01-22T19:09:00.008-07:00

I know it's kind a late, but we did make it to the Temple to see the Christmas lights and of course Addison loved every minute if it. We drove in with a friend of ours from church and their little girl. The kids had so much fun and it was entertaining to see their reactions to everything.

And here are a couple of pictures by our famous photographer Addison Perkins!

Let Them Be Little

2009-01-22T18:30:00.005-07:00

So........as most of you know I just had a baby about 6 months ago and he has to be the cutest thing ever! He also has turned out to be the complete opposite of his sister. He is very quiet, content and patient. I couldn't have asked for a better baby right now with Cole being gone so much. He has truly been my blessing! He is also trying things alot sooner than Addison ever did. He was rolling by 2 months of age and up on his hands and knees rocking by 5 1/2 months. He was crawling and getting around pretty quick by the time New Years came. Addison didn't crawl til she was 10 months old, so this is very new to me. Here's the scary part....I picked him up today from the sitter's and she said that he was pulling himself up on everything he could today. AAAAAHHHHHH!!!!

He can't do that he's only 6 1/2 months old. He won't be 7 months until the 2nd of February. Just proof that he will definitely be walking BEFORE he turns 1. So scary!!!! As you all remember Addy was a knee walker until she was almost 18 months old, and a pretty good one I might add. I don't think I'm ready for him to grow up so fast. He's still suppose to be my baby and for some odd reason he thinks he needs to keep up with his sister. Crazy kid! So sad for mom, but I do love him and can't wait to see what exciting thing he'll do next.

Let's hear it for the BOY!

2009-01-04T18:53:00.001-07:00

Okay so I know that it's now old news to our family, but we're SO excited for Cole's younger brother Tanner. He graduated from the City of Mesa Fire Academy and is officially a working Fireman! Way to go Tanner!

We are so proud of him. He worked so hard for 14 weeks to survive all the training and he did an awesome job. He is currently working as a full time fireman on a four man crew in Mesa. What a deal, only 22 years old and already has his career. Your the MAN Tanner. (Oh and by the way he is single for anyone out there looking for a great guy!)

Kristy put together a graduation party for him afterwards and it was nice to see old friends and of course the family. Cole was unable to make it because of school, so me and the kids had to go cheer him on. The ceremony was nice and short, just the way we like them. The only complaint came from Addison. " Are they going to do that again?" was her only remark to the awesome bagpipes that played at the start of the ceremony. All together it was perfect. Once again, Way to go TANNER!

Ty and Tanner walking up to the stage to make him OFFICIAL.

Addison enjoying herself with her granola bar and water. What a ham!

The two studs: Tanner and of course Lincoln.

Twas the Sunday before Christmas

2008-12-31T15:36:00.006-07:00

The Sunday before Christmas and we spent the evening with the Hastings clan. We try to be fair to everybody and try adjusting to the families schedules. That weekend everybody had free and Galen was able to come down with the kids. Santa came and brought all the kids a couple of gifts. All the parents were EXTREMELY happy for the stick horses that the little ones got. They soon turned into the "four horsemen". The best part was we all got to take them home. We fought and fought and........FOUGHT to let the horses stay at "Papa with the birds"(Addison) house. It was a loosing battle. Even though the horse came home, it was a great night. We finally had a chance to sit as a family and eat our usual mexican fiesta. It was good to catch up with everybody. Seems like we never get a chance to get together anymore.

My Ode to BLOGGERS

2008-12-16T21:29:00.004-07:00

I have to give all you bloggers out there prop's. I just don't know how you all do it......Blogging that is. I just can't seem to find the time in my all out crazy life to sit down at the computer for more than 10 minutes. Maybe that's because I'm constantly fighting over it with my 3 year old who just wants to play games all the time. Or it's just because I'm just too BUSY. For all of you that don't know I'll give you a quick run down my crazy life right about now.

My wonderful day starts at 4:30 every morning, which always consists of a feeding and a shower. After getting ready for the day I load the kids up in the car and it's off to the sitters house. (Lucky me I have an awesome neighbor that watches them for me.) While the kids play all day I spend my time at work making money. I've been at the same Pediatric Dental office for 2 years now and I LOVE it. But like any job it has it's moments.

After putting in my 8 1/2 hours at my first job I return home with the kids exhausted and ready for bed. But the night has only begun. Dinner is usually demanded upon arrival of home by Princess Addy and Lincoln is now learning to put in his requests too. Shortly after the bellies are full it's into the bath to get ready for bed.

Then comes quite time and bedtime to follow. Typically along with some protesting, by Lincoln mostly. After the kids have quited down, it's time for ME to finally retire. I quickly clean up the mess and get everything ready to start it all over the next morning. Then it's off to bed.

Oh, and where is my husband during all the craziness, at school. He is currently working full time at a near by restaurant and finishes his day by going to Culinary school from 6pm to 11pm. In other words we NEVER see him. But we do LOVE him and cherish the few precious hours we do have with him. All in knowing that by next November it will all be over and we'll be able to see his shining face once again. We are so proud of him and can't wait for him to make us some yummy food.

Now that I'm done I realize that I was able to write this entire post with only 3, count them 3, interruptions. That's good for our house. All in all I love my life right now and know that it won't last forever. There is an end is site and I can't wait to able to devote all my time and energy into my precious kids and my wonderful, understanding husband. Now it's off to bed for me to only start another crazy day in the life of Denise Perkins.

Our Anniversary Trip

2008-12-01T22:09:00.002-07:00

A few weeks ago we celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary and due to us living on school loans this year we decided to keep it simple. We took a quick weekend trip to my parents cabin in Heber/Overguard. It was a quiet, cold weekend. Addison stayed the night at Grandma Perkins and Lincoln was lucky enough to come along since he's still not sleeping through the night. The best part of the whole weekend was that nothing was planned. Finally an unstructured weekend, I thought one would never come.

When we arrived at the cabin mid morning to find it FREEZING. It was warmer outside than it was in the cabin. Cole being the true boyscout got a fire going and we all wrapped up in blankets. Just about the time we got things comfortable we decided to go watch the sunset on the rim. So off went the heaters and back out into the cold. We drove down by Woods Canyon Lake and watched the sunset which was beautiful. After the sun had gone down we drove to Snowflake to visit my brother Galen who had just recently moved into a new home. We ate dinner with him and watched the Suns game. Before we left we noticed that it was only 40 degrees outside, aka FREEZING. And as we drove back to the cabin we continued to watch the temperature drop even further. When we arrived back at the cabin it was registering at 24 degrees, aka TOO COLD FOR DENISE! The rest of the weekend was pretty uneventful and seemed to fly bye. We both agreed it was nice to get away even though it was a 3 hour car drive.

The Perkins Boys

Our Little Man Lincoln

Cole, Lincoln, and Denise We don't know why, but for some reason Lincoln always feels the need to flash some sort of gang sign in every picture. Weird kid!

What the heck!

2008-11-28T00:09:00.000-07:00

We have started our own blog to try to keep up with everybody else in the world. We are both trying to figure out how to work things out. It doesn't help that it is 10:45 at night on Thanksgiving, and we should be in bed instead of messing with this.