"The List"

Every weekend at our house usually starts out something like this...

Amy - "...So, what are you planning on doing this weekend?"
Dustin - "What's on your list?"
Amy - "nothing, don't you have plans?"
Dustin - "my plans start and end with whatever is on your list, Sweat-Heart..."

and then that's my cue to break out my long wish list of things or ideas that I want Dustin to make or help me with! :D This list is long, tedious and not much for for Dustin, but he is so good at helping me to get my ideas and thoughts out there and fabricated. This last weekend I had him making toy boxes. I've had a few people asking if he would build them some and so he set to work. He is so talented! I love just sitting there and watching him work. He can me something way cool out of nothing and it is fascinating! If you want a toy box of your own now it the time to order because who knows when I'll get him to tackle "the list" again! LOL! :D

P.S. These are the best toy boxes ever! I love mine! They hold a ton of stuff, it makes cleaning up the toy room a breeze, they are strong and way cute!

*Thanks Dustin for always humoring me and getting those honey-do's done! Love ya!

First day of FiRsT gRaDe and a Hot Air Balloon for Luck!

Today was Dallin's first day of FiRsT gRaDe! He did awesome! I think I had more worries and anxieties then he ever thought about having. He said he wanted to ride the bus with the neighbor kids, got right up and dressed and off he went down the retaining wall in the back yard to meet the bus. Dustin and I (and Cloey, who was nervous and couldn't figure out what we were all doing up so early) stood out on the back deck and watched him get on and go off to learn about "Being a grown-up" as he puts it. As I was turning to come in and trying not to bawl I saw a hot-air balloon lifting off in the distance---it made me feel better. I admit I drove over to the school a few hours later (with the pre-tense of paying his lunch money-ya right) to see if he made it and was doing o.k. He didn't see me though and was out at recess having a grand time! This is the report I got after his big climb back up the retaining wall --- it's no little wall, I don't think I could do it!:

*His teacher is Ms. Hutchings---she is very nice!
*His new friend is Quinton (who also lives in the neighborhood)--he likes to talk a lot!
*He loves school lunch--it was so fun to eat with the other kids!
*The bus ride was cool and bumpy
*The bus driver asked everyone if they had a good day when she picked them up and all the other kids said it was o.k., but he said it was awesome!!!!

"We teach our children about life,
and they teach us what life is about!"

I love my kid! Such a great outlook on life and thinks of everything as a new adventure! We are so proud of you Dallin---you can do great things! Love you!

"Fer Cute!"

This is my latest learning achievement. Dustin's Mom taught me how to crochet these cutest little booties (to help with a humanitarian project that his sister is heading up---if you want to donate let me know :D!) and I've been obsessed as I usually am about getting them just right. I think I've finally mastered it. They are so much fun to make and you can start and finish a set in an afternoon! Did I mention I love hand-made stuff?!?

First Steps...

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Zeke is learning to walk. It is soooo funny! He puts his little hands in the air like he's on a roller-coaster. He still likes to crawl better than he likes to teeter-totter on those chubby little feet though. He's way faster on his hands and knees.

Growing Up...

We went and had the traditional one year old pictures taken of Zeke and I just want to say that this was the easiest photo shoot I've EVER done with one of my kids. I was in and out of there in 10 minuets!!! He smiled so cute and funny and no crying, wiggling, or pouting. It was awesome! I have restored faith that it is possible to get a picture of a kid without wanting to sit down and bawl afterwords. I'm crossing my fingers it goes as well when I take all four in to get one of them together---knock on wood! We love our little Zeke! Sooo much fun!

Turning 29 again...

My mom (Mitzi) turned the BIG 50 today! Just wanted her to know that I love her and I'm glad she's my mom. She has taught me all I need to know...and then some. Love ya MOM! Happy Birthday!!!

Alldredge Family Reunion 2009

This year Dustin's Mom and Dad were in charge of the Alldredge Family Reunion. They had it in their back yard and it was a huge success! Here are a few of my favorite memories...This is Dustin's Grandma Alldredge. She is famous for her hand made sock monkeys and a truly remarkable and sweet lady. There was a sock monkey contest this year and the winner got to take one of her original coveted monkeys home as the prize..believe it or not I won the popular vote with my sad attempt at a Buzz Light Year monkey. If you could have seen the awesome competition I was up against with all the monkeys Dustin's aunts brought you would be amazed at my good fortune! I'm am so excited to add another to my collection. I love handmade stuff!
Dustin's Dad's family. Sad that "Grandpa Great" isn't in the picture this year---we miss him.
This kids all got to help stuff toy balls and toys for humanitarian and in return got a ticket to ride the train. My kids loved stuffing the toys---even more I think, than riding the train. I'm glad they are willing to help and give so freely. Hopefully that is a trait that will stick around through the teenage years. :D

The "Port-a-Party" train! Soooo much fun!
Dustin had Zeke practicing his walking every chance he got and I am proud to report he is almost there. "He'll be walking by this weekend!" At least that's what Dustin's been saying for the past three weeks! ;) LoL! No pressure Zeke!

Look what I found!

I got Zeke up this morning, changed his diaper and set him on the floor to follow me around as usual this morning. I was going about my chores, when I hear this gagging sound somewhere in the house. I go immediately on a hunt for Zeke and this is where I found him---in the tub! I have no idea how he got in there, you would think he would have crashed in head first and started crying---no way! He was happy as a little clam, eating soap (hence the gagging) Yuck! I guess I wont be able to threaten him when he's older with washing his mouth out with soap, he's grown to like it a young age! I guess I'll have to keep a closer eye on him from now on or I'm sure to find him in the toilet next! LOL!

The big #1!

Our baby boy turned one today! I can't believe he is already a year old---it has gone so fast. We love our little Zeke and don't know where we would be without him! He can hold his own with his big brothers and loves his Mom and Dad. Happy Birthday Austin! :D

P.S. Yes! Between Dustin and I we decorated the cake all by ourselves---super messy, but way fun! Guess who?!? :D

Land of the Free...

We went to Fillmore for the 4th of July this year. Small towns are the best when it comes to the 4th of July. The parade was so much fun! Alex asked every day for a week, "Is today the day that they throw candy at us?" He was in heaven! Dallin is growing up so fast. He knew just the right times to put his hand over his heart and was very respectful when the flags passed. We had a great time with Dustin's family. The kids had a camp out in the back yard they slept great---I think Aunt DenniAnn and Kristi are still catching up on their beauty rest---they were up all night getting kicked, taking little ones for drinks and then to the potty. There was tons and tons of yummy food and laughter. The boys packed fishing, golfing, a parade, and BBQ ribs all into one day and didn't miss a beat! The fireworks were GRAND with the exception of the scary one at the end that didn't make it into the air---Whew no one hurt! "Life's little moments make the best memories!" :D
P.S. The little girl is my niece---Aliya. Doesn't she fit right in with the boys? She's a doll and she loves her uncle Dustin. He had her giggling for hours. Zeke is still a "momma's boy" but I'm not complaining. I secretly think it's fun that he likes me the best! ;)