2 wheels!!

Adam helped Elliott learn to ride his bike without training wheels last weekend. It seemed pretty natural for him, and I think the reason why is because his training wheels kept coming loose and he would still ride it. He could either ride on a tilt, or practice balancing. He loves it so much! He learned on Saturday, and we had to take his bike to Gma P's that night, then he woke up on Easter morning and the first thing he said was, "I want to ride my bike." I had to remind him what day it was.....but then I let him ride after the hunt. That night we had to take his bike to Grammy's house. It's funny that he has this new little freedom! It's one of the things he can do all by himself and it's really fun for him. He's already riding down grass hills, and tonight I took him and Ollie on a long walk (in the FREEZING cold) and he rode the whole way- even up hills. So fun.



Ollie just laughs and runs after Elliott when he rides- it's so funny!


I thought I would post this picture of Adam on the plasma car. It's pretty fun!

Easter Weekend

We had such a fun weekend! We were so busy- but the boys loved it! We went to four easter egg hunts, ate lots of candy (I think I may have gained 4 pounds) and hung out with our families. I love Easter and Spring and it's so fun for the boys. (We'll try not to dwell on Ollie's five tantrums during sacrament because of all the sugar!!)


Our cold little family.

Cousins at Grandma and Grandpa's.


At the ward easter egg hunt. (Above)
At Grammy and Grandpa's. (Below)

Easter Bunny

It's Easter time at the mall. While we were waiting to do pics at Kiddie Kandids, we saw the bunny sitting, with no one in line. I asked if I could take a pic with my own camera and they said yes. It was so funny- it's head was all white and fuzzy and the rest was all brownish......yuck! Time to get a new suit! The boys thought it was so cool to meet him, but we did hear lots of scared, screaming kids too. (Ollie only sat there because Elliott did and I let him take his blankie.) It must be the scariest thing for some little kids- their mom handing them over to a huge wild beast! Oh well- anything for a good picture eh?


Love Bunnies

Great Granny

Adam's Grandma came into town from Pennsylvania to help out after his Mom's back surgery. It's always fun to see her- she's so smart and spunky!

Adam, Granny, Ollie and Tiger (The lesser known member of our family that goes wherever Ollie goes!)

Girls' Night

We had a fun and much needed reunion with some high school friends last night. It was so nice to catch up and just be together. It's been a few years since some of us have met up. All of you guys are amazing! Everyone is so gorgeous in their old age! ;) Was I seriously the only one who brought a camera??

Sini, Lynette (w/ baby Garrick), Andrea, Lindsey, Shay, Telisse, Bug and Dari

Funny Ellliott

Elliott asked me yesterday, "Are these your barbie kens?" (Bobby pins) I laughed so hard! I don't even know if he's ever heard of Barbie and Ken! Funny boy.

I just threw in this picture of Elliott holding one of the many icicles that grew on our house this winter.

No pics

I've been trying to post some pics and video the last couple of days, but it won't upload! Anyone else having the same problem?

Midway

Last weekend we spent a night in Switzerland....er....Midway at the Swalberg Condo. There was so much snow- but we still swam in the outside part of the pool. It's always so pretty up there whether it's winter or summer. I love to go, mostly because there's no computer, housework, or errands, just fun family time.

Misty

Last week my friend Misty Purdy Scivally passed away and I was able to go to her funeral on Saturday. I met her in 1994 when we were freshmen, while running cross country for BHS. She was such a great girl, and had a huge influence on me! She was so happy, nice to everyone, fun, spontaneous and funny. She was always doing funny things- if she came up with an idea, she would do it! I remember her making pillows in high school, just because she wanted to. She would make her dance dresses sometimes and was always working on cool art projects. She and some friends biked to Idaho one Saturday, just to do it. When we were running on the CC team, she and my friend Joy, came up with the S.P.O.L. club. (Simple Pleasures of Life) She would find cool flowers or rocks or even pretty clouds just to brighten her day a little. My husband and kids know all about SPOL because ever since then, I have tried to appreciate the little things in nature and find joy in them. Every time I do, Adam tells me I'm a SPOL girl. I looked through all my picture albums and have so many pics with her in them! She's always the one doing "the pose" or looking at the camera when nobody else is, or doing some crazy, funny face. She was so full of life! Misty leaves behind her husband, Shawn, three beautiful little girls and lots of friends and family. I'll miss Misty with all of my heart and know that I'll see her again someday. The world is a little less bright without her- but I'm so glad I got a piece of her light while she was here! I truly believe I am a better person because I knew her.

Christine, Sinika, Lindsey and Misty at running camp- summer of '96.

Card

Elliott made me a card today all by himself- I was really proud of him. He loves drawing and writing letters and he's always drawing pictures for his friends too. He's such a thoughtful boy.

Love

I love when my boys are nice to each other and/or hug. Sadly, most the time they are teasing each other, hitting or taking toys. Ahh siblings.

Elliott's naptime

Elliott fell asleep like this yesterday. He plays on those cushions all the time.....with his friends too! I keep thinking we need new couches, but will they be as fun? I don't want them to get ruined! He recently discovered that they have batting and that's what makes them so fluffy and comfy. He said, "Look Mommy! The pillows have fur inside!"

A day in the life

I got this idea from my sisters blog- I thought it was fun to have a glimpse into one of her days...so here is a glimpse into my day today:

6:44 AM- Finally heard my alarm after it had been going off for 9 minutes and jumped out of bed. (Don't you hate when you don't hear it for a while?) Went to meet my running partners, but they were already gone. Ran around the neighborhood trying to see if I could find them. Gave up and still got a good workout and some rare quiet thoughts.

7:25- Came home and the boys were ready to be up. Turned on cartoons for them while I took a shower. (Adam was still sleeping- lucky guy!)

8:00-Breakfast. Elliott had crispix, Ollie had cheerios and I had Basic 4. Adam comes downstairs. Adam leaves for an early meeting.
8:30-Bath time for the boys while I get ready.
9:00- Get the boys dressed and their shoes and coats on.
9:15- A few minutes of playtime outside. (Freezing when you're not running!!)
9:30- Dropped Elliott off at preschool. Drove down to Orem to pick up flooring samples for my parents from Adam at Mr. Carpet. Went to Modbe to exchange my swimsuit. Stopped by Old Navy to get Elliott a new swimsuit. (He's still wearing his size 3 swimsuit which fits his waist but is getting a little short!) Yes we are going swimming this weekend! Dropped off last night's movie rental at Redbox.
12:00- Came back in time to pick up Elliott from preschool. He made a kaleidescope (sp?) and worked on the letter "K".
12:15- Lunchtime. Grilled cheese and tomato soup.
1:00- Ollie's naptime. Elliott wanted to watch his new favorite movie, "Dinosaur." Email and Blog time for me!
2:00- Game time with Elliott. We played indoor frisbee, soccer with a balloon and Candyland.
3:30- Worked on things for our Young Women Activity tonight and got everything ready to go.
4:00- Ollie wakes up and we go outside to play- it looks so sunny! (It's still freezing and we only last about 15 minutes!)
4:15- Came inside for hot chocolate.
4:30- My parents came by to visit. They are redoing the flooring in their basement....after 30 years!! Picked up samples and brought a bday gift for Ollie.
5:00- Dinner is delivered. Lindsay N's famous chicken pot pie! I put it in the oven to cook. My parents leave.
6:00- Adam comes home and we eat dinner. Yea- Something the boys will both eat!
6:30- Clean up dinner while Adam tries out a new guitar pedal that came in the mail today.
6:45- Leave to set up at the church.
7:00- YW Activity. Fun girls! We did a baby picture activity, so we had to guess which baby was which girl and leader now.
8:30- Came home. Adam has both boys in bed. Elliott wanted me to lay my head on his pillow for a minute. Ollie heard me home and kept calling for me, so I went to sit in his room for a bit. (A supernanny technique!)
9:00- Both boys asleep- freetime! Adam's friend Jason comes over and they jam in the basement. I watch my tivoed Supernanny and Good Things Utah, and the news sometime in there. I just love to veg after a busy day!
11:15- Blog time!
It's 12:00 and I'm going to bed! When people ask the question, "Are you a morning person or a night person?" I can never decide! I love waking up to work out and get going, but I love getting things done (or vegging) at night with the boys asleep! I need to find a happy medium because the running girls are the ones who have to hear it! :)
12:45- Finally went to bed after finishing up and doing last minute things.

There's a glimpse into my exciting life. Some days I feel like there isn't enough time to get everything done, and some days I feel like I'll go crazy with boredom! But the boys keep it interesting and I'm glad I get to hang out with them all day!

Peanut Butter tribute

Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs are my favorite snack- so I thought I'd pay them a blog tribute. They're a little different than regular peanut butter cups- I think they have a little more peanut butter. But they are seriously going to be the end of me!! Does anyone have this problem? I discovered them a while back, and you would think I would indulge during Easter and be done......But now they've come out with Peanut Butter Pumpkins, Christmas Trees and Hearts too!!! I'm covered for most of the year! I seriously can't help myself from buying them when I've run out........help! If you haven't tried them, I highly recommend you do, because then you'll understand my dilemma.......just make sure to buy one at a time, and not a whole bag like me! ;)

Tagged

I was tagged by my friend Lindsay! So here it goes...
How long have you and your significant other been together?
Married- 7 1/2 years
Dating/Hanging Out- 10 years

Who eats more?
Adam- just by a smidgen though.

Who said "I love you" first?
Adam- it's a funny story!

Who is taller?
Adam

Who sings better?
Adam.....although you wouldn't know from church.....

Who is smarter?
We both have our strengths. Adam has such a good memory and he's really philosophical. I'm the sensible one!! ;)

Who does the laundry?
I do! I'm trying to think of the last time Adam washed a load...........

Who does the dishes?
Adam helps sometimes, but I do it most of the time......one of my pet peeves are dirty dishes in my sink!!

Who sleeps on the right side of the bed?
Me.

Who pays the bills?
I do!

Who mows the lawn?
I do mostly- it's a great workout! I'm starting to see a trend!

Who cooks dinner?
I cook on Tuesday nights and my dinner group girls cook on Mon, Wed, and Thurs. It's fun!!

Who drives when you are together?
We take turns.......usually if we are going somewhere Adam wants, like to his parents, he'll drive and vice versa. (Sorry if that weirds you out Linds S!)

Who is more stubborn?
Oh.....I am so, so stubborn.

Who is the first to admit when they're wrong?
Adam is usually really great about that. But I'm usually not wrong! Ha! Ha!

Whose parents do you see the most?
Adam's. (He works with his Dad!)

Who kissed who first?
Adam for sure!

Who proposed?
Adam

Who is more sensitive?
I think I am! But he's pretty sensitive too........don't let him fool you, he puts on a tough front.

Who has more siblings?
Me- 5 brothers and 5 sisters, Adam only has 3 sisters.

I am tagging Linds V., Misty, Jesse and Marianne (it'll give you something to do while you wait!). Ha! Ha! If you don't know how to do it, you just copy and paste it into your posts and change the answers to your own........I didn't know either!

Ollie's 2nd Birthday- February 28th, 2008

I realize I totally did this out of order- woops! I'm still new at this blogging business.

We told Ollie if he got his jammies on he could blow out his candles again. So him and Elliott both took turns over and over. Of course there were tears when it was time to stop. Such a fun birthday for little Ollie!

Ollie loved opening his presents of course. He got a drum and music machine..........

and a fun parking garage from Grammy and Grandpa among other fun things!

Playing with cousins Benny and Elli.

With Grammy and Grandpa Swalberg. The only way we could pull him away from playing was to sing Happy Birthday to him! He was milking it!

Happy 2nd Birthday Ollie!

Ollie turned 2 on Feb. 28th. He had a really fun day!

Ollie's cake.

I love that Ollie is already blowing the candles out before I can set it on the table. He was so excited to do it and had been patiently (kind of) waiting all day.

We told him he could eat his cake, so he stuck one finger in and licked it and then stuck his fork in a few times. It was cute!

Winter Warriors

Lindsay, Rachel and Sini

With the first bits of warm weather, we can finally say it.....we ran through the whole long, snowy winter!!! Everyone said it couldn't be done. Or they thought we were crazy. Or maybe they thought we were lying. But we did it!! 3 times a week, my friends, Lindsay and Rachel and I met in our many layers of clothes and ran Harvest Hills and all of it's little ins and outs. We inhaled the icy air, sloshed through the slush, got covered in falling snow, slipped on icy sidewalks and streets, and fumbled over ice chunks in the dark mornings, but we did it!

In the fall we decided that during the winter is when we need the exercise the most and that we would keep going through the winter no matter what. It wasn't always easy, but we actually stayed pretty warm and of course there was always good conversation. Thanks girls for being so strong and dependable- it has been fun! Every morning now seems to get lighter and warmer........and we are definitely ready for it!




BROTHERS

Can two brothers look more different? I always buy the same shirts for the boys if I really like them, but I usually don't have them wear them on the same day. Lately, they want to wear the same one......and Elliott is the initiator! I think it's pretty cute, looking the same for a change. Just by looking at them, you can't see too many similarities, but they both sound the same to me sometimes. I can't tell in the mornings which one is calling, "Mom!" for me to come and get them. (Elliott hardly ever comes out of his bed unless I get him!) And when they are crying and whining I can't really tell at first either. It will be interesting to see how they both look when they are older.

High School Friends

Tonya (w/ Mason), Summer (w/ Linds' Addison), Alicia, Sini and Linds

We got together with a few friends from high school last weekend. It was fun to see what they were doing these days. It's also really weird and fun to see each other as adults, because we all still feel like we're 20!!

Jesus

Today Elliott came to me and said, "Everyone throws up sometimes Mommy, even rats." I said, "Oh really? Who told you that?" Elliott matter of factly said, "Jesus."

What goes on in their little minds all day long? I love it!!

Shoes

This is Ollie's obsession lately. He's all about the mittens and shoes right now. If he doesn't have his own shoes on, he'll put someone else's on, including mine and Adam's. But he especially loves Elliott's.



This is my favorite picture in my camera right now. It's so sweet. Our boys have both been snugglers. I love that Adam shows a lot of affection to the boys too.

Elliott

Elliott always loves to help me in the kitchen and he always wants to do whatever I do. So I usually let him do the easy things like stirring and pouring already measured cups into the mixer. But he kept wanting to use the beaters, so I finally let him! He did a good job too! (No splatters.)

I keep telling him I think he's going to be a chef someday so he can cook me some dinner, but he has decided he wants to be a fireman. Maybe he'll be the firehouse cook..........do they really have those?

Ollie

Elliott took this picture of Ollie by the way. I thought it was pretty good.

Here's Ollie helping me make cookies.......he just got done eating sugar and decides on a bite of butter.


Ollie's new phrases for the week are, "What the heck!" and "McDonald Cheese Head!" He learned that from Elliott because he's always making up funny names to tease with. Yep- he's not even two until next week and he's saying these crazy things! (Good thing I never swear eh?) He is also always talking about mean guys from movies- so today I told him he couldn't blow bubbles and he called me a "mean guy!" We just laugh all day at his little words......I guess we have two chatterboxes now. I love my mini me!

Disneyland

I'm just wishful thinking for warmer weather, so I thought I would post these pictures from our trip to Disneyland in January. It was still a little chilly there, but no snow and harsh power outages like we have been having in Utah! The boys were in complete heaven in DL, they could live there I think. We went with Grammy and Grandpa Swalberg, and my sister, Linds and her family. Fun!

Snow, snow and Ikea

We have loved, enjoyed, and now are dealing with the snow this winter. Ollie has been tasting the snowflakes on his tongue, but won't put his boots on without screaming the whole time they are on! So he hasn't really played in the snow but likes playing with it.....which means picking it up and throwing it. Elliott on the other hand wants to go out everyday, especially if the neighbor kids are out.



Our funny cat Suki. She wanted to go out while it was snowing and just sit there! It looked so funny on her black fur.




Adam and I have been organizing our house corner by little corner this winter. Thanks to Ikea moving in 15 minutes up the road, we have found cool and inexpensive shelves and organizing tools. The boys love going to Ikea too......they try out all the furniture and model rooms..........and of course the $.99 kids meals!! Elliott is making the funniest face in this picture! Click on it to make it bigger!

Our little family.

Our family picture at a farm in Salem. Our photographer was amazing.......you can see some of her work at www.nicholev.com .