Those Crazy Colemans

WOW! What a year!

2011-01-07T23:22:00.006-07:00

I can't belive that it has almost been a year since we last posted on here. We had many things happen in 2010. We had Spencer turning 8 and getting baptized in April. Jake turned six in May and made it into first grade. Spencer started third grade and continued to inform us about every animal and dinosaur to ever walk on this planet. We love his desire to learn. Jake loves music. Jake loves music. Jake loves music! He also likes to play Wii. He is so fun to watch as he is dancing and singing.
In September I went to watch BYU play Air Force in Colorado Springs and went to my first major league baseball game. The Rockies won the game and we enjoyed walking around the stadium. It was fun to spend some time with Ray, Karl, and Justin.(Even if BYU lost the game.)

We had fun going fishing with Grandpa Coleman and Aunt Bonnie this fall.

According to Spencer and Jake we had "THE BEST CHRISTMAS EVER!!!" this year.
Santa did a great job on the gifts this year and it was also great to be able to talk to the boys and have them truly understand the real reason for Christmas.
Another year has gone and it doesn't seem to be slowing down. I hope that this next year is one filled with many things to make memories from.

"Get out of that bubble!" and other funny things

2010-01-22T22:42:00.002-07:00

We've been playing Wii a lot around here. I get a little frustrated (okay, really frustrated), say a few bad words, and decide that it's better that I just watch Dave and the boys play. So while I'm folding laundry I listen to what they say. Here are a few of my favorites: "Spencer if you don't get out of that bubble we're all going to die!" (that one gets repeated a lot, while playing Super Mario). "Oh! There's the monkey with the key!" (that one is during Lego Indiana Jones). "Mom if we can play Mario, I PROMISE I won't be wild!" (we have yet to see that happen). "Dad, I'm going to be the lady, is that okay?" and "Good job Spencer! Now just don't die."

I wish they could go play outside, but you would be suprised at the energy Jake can burn playing Wii, he actually works up a sweat. We've all had a lot of fun, but I can't wait for school to start again, they've been off since Christmas and are bouncing off the walls. Spencer has a hard time getting to sleep. A few nights ago he came into our room and said "Mom, I know it's my imagination, but there are 2 yellow eyes in my room!" I think a little recess is going to be a welcome relief around here come Tuesday.

It's Been a While

2010-01-22T22:07:00.003-07:00

I've had some things running through my head for several months I've wanted to blog about, I just haven't been able to get to them. I think Dave's been kind of frustrated with me & just posted for us.

A few months ago I picked Jake & Spencer up. In the car I asked Jake how school was, this is our conversation: Mom: "How was your day?" Jake: "Not good!" (in a grumpy voice) M: "How come?" J: "Because I got interupt?' M: "You got interupted? What were you doing?" J: "I tried to go to sleep and they just interupt me!" M: "You tried to sleep at school, and you got interupted?" J: "Yes! I just close my eyes and they want me to do something!" That's right my kindergartener is already sleeping in class, and he's totally okay with that.

Also a few months ago I had a cute conversation with Spencer. Jake and Spencer had a Sharing Time lesson about tithing. Jake came up to me that night and told me he needed to own money. I asked why and Spencer told me it was to pay tithing. "Oh, that's very important isn't it." Spencer then told me, "Mom, in the olden days there was a man who gave all his oxygen for tithing." Wow that's quite a sacrifice!

We've had a lot of fun times last year. I can't believe how fast time flies and how big these kids are growing. I asked Jake to please just stay little. He just laughs and tells me he has to get big so he can drive a car, but he'll still cuddle with me when he's still big. I guess that's all I can ask for.

Christmas Lights @ Temple Square

2009-12-23T22:51:00.003-07:00

We had to go up to Salt Lake on the 15th so we decided to go to Temple Square and see the lights. We picked one of the coldest days to go walk around and see the lights! Spencer and Jake enjoyed going into the north visitor center and looking at the Book of Mormon exhibit. They also enjoyed throwing snow up in the air any chance they got!

Halloween and Pumpkin Carving

2009-11-01T20:40:00.005-07:00

We had a Construction Worker and a Fire Fighter in our house this Halloween! This year they went to more houses than in the past. Spencer wasn't even going to go out at first, but he decided he could go to a couple of houses. He then decided that maybe he could handle a few more.

The best part of the night came when Jake and Spencer were handing out the treats at our door, Spencer would open the door and Jake would be holding the bowl of candy and say in his best grown-up voice "ONLY ONE PIECE KIDS".

We also carved 9 pumpkins this year! Shelley thinks we went a little overboard. I think we may have done one or two too many.

Fishing!

2009-11-01T20:30:00.004-07:00

Bingo at the Senior Center

2009-09-23T21:43:00.003-06:00

I am lucky to have a spunky little Grandma. She lives in Riverton, so we get to see her a lot. Last weekend she mentioned (several times) the Riverton Senior Center is having a spaghetti dinner fundraiser. Grandma always comes to our family "stuff" so we thought we ought to go support her "stuff". So Monday night we headed to the Senior Citizen Center for dinner. We were treated to a nice dinner, the RHS Jazz Band and BINGO of course! During the Bingo game Spencer and Grandma had unlucky cards. Spencer asked Grandma if she wanted to trade, Grandma agreed. So the next round guess who had the lucky winner card--Spencer! We laughed and Grandma insisted Spence keep the prize, a camoflauge Ford hat, it probably wouldn't look as good on her! On the way home we all agreed it was the best Family Night we'd had in a long time. This is a picture of Grandma with the kids on Halloween a few years ago.)

I give up!

2009-09-09T18:49:00.002-06:00

Last week will go down in history as one of the craziest weeks in our parenting lives. It started on a Sunday afternoon, Dave & I hear Spencer in the bedroom yelling "Jake now I don't have my glasses! I'm STUPID BLIND because of my STUPID BROTHER!" (editors note: stupid is a garbage word in our house, we don't think his brother is stupid, but it was kind of funny). So I'm planning on taking Spencer for new glasses on Monday. Sunday at midnight Spencer comes in and wakes me up just in time to hear puking on my carpet! Oh YUCK!! Luckily, (and suprisingly) Dave jumps out of bed like Superman and saves the day while I get Spencer cleaned up. Unfortunately the poor little guy got sick a couple of times throughout the night. Even more unfortunate, poor Dave got sick too! Then Tuesday came and poor little Jake woke up with a fever. He was a little trooper, insisting he's not sick and wanted to go to daycare. I took him to the Insta Care after we took his temperture at 104°! Turns out he had Strep! So I had an instant vacation (hooray?). Anyway this fun week ended with Spencer putting holes in his door (anyone know how to fix that?), Spencer loosing the cap on one of his teeth (Mom look! I lost one of my silver teeth!), and Jake trying to strangle Spencer by wrapping his hands around his neck and squeezing as hard as a 5 year old can (Yes, actually Spencer does have bruises--fantastic). All this excitement we need another vacation!

We Love Dad

2009-08-02T20:04:00.002-06:00

I feel bad we've missed Dave's birthday & Father's Day! We are so lucky to have a good dad in our house. I really could not have asked for a better eternal companion and father for my kids. He is so patient with me (I can be a little high maintenance) and a good example for Jake and Spencer. I'm grateful that we compliment each other. I love him lots and lots!

Jake, Jake, Mom's Cupcake!

2009-06-04T22:48:00.002-06:00

Jake had birthday #5 on May 24th. I don't think a day was ever more anticipated at our house! Jake loves to have special days. (Spencer got his nose bent out of shape a little, and walked around saying, "Geez Jake, you're not the king!") We are so lucky to have a Jakey Bug at our house. Here are some favorite things: Phineas and Ferb, Backyardigans, Cars, Hot Wheels, Blue, his crocs, his brother, his bike, cuddling with his mom and playing games with his Dad. He was our surprise, I sneezed 1 month before I was due and my water broke! I can't believe my baby is 5 and starting kindergarten in August. We love you Jake!

What?!?

2009-06-04T22:14:00.005-06:00

This morning on the way to school I heard an interesting conversation in the backseat. Spencer told Jake very matter of factly that boy pee is good for the grass. As I cringe, I turn around and say What? Where did you hear that? Spencer said, "I think Justin told me". (Justin is my 11 year old nephew.) Well I guess I know why their lawn is so green!

We got Jake and Spencer Nintendo DS's for their birthdays. Jake will not put his down, I think he'd sleep with it if he could. So Dave & I picked Jake up from our babysitter's house and the first thing he askes for is his DS. I said, "No, we just want to talk to you for a minute, how was your day?" "Fine," he replies and tells a story about Michael and building a fort in the backyard. As soon as his story is finished he asks again for his DS. "C'mon Jake, we just want to talk to you for a minute!" I get an "Oh puhlease Mom!" look and he says, "Well that is all I have to say, can I please have my DS now!"

Our kids have nicknames. Spencer is "Pencer Pie". Jake's are "Jake the Snake", "Jakey Bug" and my favorite, "Cupcake". One morning Jake needed to clean his room and asked for help. I told him if he started I would help him after I finished making my bed. He replied back to me, "Well if you don't help me I won't be your Cupcake any more!"

I love to listen to the boys play together. One day Jake and Spencer are playing animals in Spencer's room. Spencer's getting a little bossy and is telling Jake he has to do something with the giraffe. Jake asks "WHY?" Spencer simply tells him, "Because I'm my Mom's oldest son, and you have to do what I say." Apparently that's good enough for Jake, who just replies "Okay."

Upon realizing the Jake is no longer a little boy, I asked him to please stop getting so old. "Mom, I just want to be old enough to drive a car!" Oh good, that's what I'm afraid of!

First Grade Program

2009-05-17T22:39:00.004-06:00

Thursday was Spencer's program at school. This is a picture of him waving to Jake and I when he came in. He did a really good job on his part "a friend is like an owl, beautiful and wise". (I didn't get it either.) They sang lots of songs about friendship, "Let's Get Together", "With a Little Help From my Friends". After it was over he said to me, "Mom are you so proud of me?" I am proud of him.

Happy Birthday Spencer

2009-05-17T22:15:00.006-06:00

(editors note: Spencer's birthday was on April 29, and I know I'm a little late in posting.) Spencer turned 7 years old, I can't even believe it. He got just what he wanted-a Nintendo DS and an animal game. Grandma and Grandpa Maynard gave him a gift card to get whatever he wanted and Grandma and Grandpa Coleman gave him tickets to see Walking with Dinosaurs when it was here in January. Spencer is a sweetheart in our family. He is usually willing to help with anything, especially if it's making a treat. He's a good big brother to Jake and a really good big cousin. Spencer loves to read, especially about dinosaurs and animals and really likes school. His favorites are: Blue and yellow, Phineas and Ferb, Steak and raviolli, Sea World and Yellowstone, Magic Treehouse books and Zoobooks, and playing video games and outside. When he grows up he wants to be a zookeeper. We are so happy to have him in our family.

Spencer's Surprise

2009-03-26T21:05:00.007-06:00

Last week Spencer called me all sorts of excited. He had this long story that started with biting into a pretzel, had a lot of blood, and ended with a lost tooth! He was so excited - until we talked about the tooth fairy, then not so much. On the way home we stopped at the grocery store, and he told me, Mom, you can just buy me a toy at the store and then we don't need to worry about the tooth fairy! We made a deal with the tooth fairy, just leave the loot in the kitchen, DON'T come into Spencer's room!!!! Well, he made out with 2 dollars and got to keep his tooth. Here are some pictures of the exciting event. His tooth is sooo tiny, I thought it looks like a little piece of rice.

Silly Boys

2009-01-21T19:35:00.002-07:00

Today Grandma C told me a funny story about Jake. She picked them up from the babysitter and the first thing they told her is Noah kicked Jake. Grandma said, "Well, did you tell Kelly?" Jake said, "No, I took care of it, Noah is Kung Fu Panda, but I know karate". Oh dear! I'm a little worried now!

For some reason, Spencer is really worried about how he looks in his glasses. He keeps asking me if he looks cute. Monday night he got in his jammies and asked me again (for like the 27th time) if he looks cute. I told him that he did, then he asked if I wanted to take his picture. I kind of laughed and said "Yeah I'll take your picture, go lay down for bed and I'll finish up and come take your picture." So while I'm finishing up in the kitchen I hear Spencer telling Dave in the bedroom, "I can't go to sleep, Mom wants to take my picture!"

Talkin' Trash

2009-01-18T19:59:00.004-07:00

Jake is in the ZONE! We're bowling on the Wii tonight. We all started off a little rough, but then Jake started getting a running start from the kitchen to the family room and then lettin' his ball fly! He started to get the spares and then he started to get strikes. Dave was getting a little frustrated with the whole process, and started getting after Jake. That's when the talkin' began. Jake pulled ahead of Dave, and then turns to him and said-"That's what you get for makin' pun (fun) a me!" Turns out he won that game. Not to be beat by a 4 year old, Dave challenges him to another round. And the trash kept comin' - "take that" after 4 strikes in a row. Jake took the second game in a score of 204-193. Good job Jake!

New Glasses

2009-01-15T22:14:00.001-07:00

In October we got a note from school, Spencer failed the eye test. About that time we also noticed him squinting a lot. Anyway we went to the eye doctor last week and found out poor Spencer has -300 vision! We were so surprised, we had no idea he couldn't see very much. So we headed over to Super Target for some glasses (and another eye exam - I know I'm a worrier, but really -300!). Spencer picked out these cool blue frames all by himself. He's been really excited to get them, and luckily they came in time for him to go SEE the Walking with Dinosaurs show on Saturday. He's got a whole new perspective on the world now, he can read signs, watch tv and just plain see a lot better now!

Christmas, I almost forgot!

2009-01-15T21:51:00.004-07:00

Oh yeah, Christmas! We had really fun Christmas, except we actually have no proof that it happened - we forgot to take pictures! Thank heavens for Dave and the video camera though, we at least have that. Spencer only wanted Gorilla Mountain from Santa. After a shopping trip, I told him, "Dad & I looked at the toy store and we didn't see any Gorilla Mountains, what if Santa can't find one?" He gave me an "are you for real" look and said "Mom, if he can't buy one, his elves will just make one." Hellllooo, DUHHH!!! Jake just wanted a Pirate ship, mom wanted a sewing machine and dad wanted BYU to win the Las Vegas Bowl (oh well, 3 out of 4 still isn't bad!!!). Well everyone got what they wanted, except Dave, who got a BYU hat instead, and we had a nice cozy White Christmas, I did get a picture of that.

Thomas S. Monson

2008-12-13T14:02:00.002-07:00

Last Sunday we watched the First Presidency Christmas Devotional. President Monson came on and I asked "Who's that?" Spencer says "It's Thomas Spencer Monson!". Jake starts laughing and says "Or Thomas Jake Monson, or Thomas Dad Monson" (like, yeah right Spencer).

I am thankful for....

2008-11-25T19:49:00.003-07:00

Good health. Except for a few sick tummies and stuffy noses (oh, and that tonsillectomy), we've enjoyed good health this year.

A sweet husband. I can hardly believe we've been married 8 1/2 years! He gets up in the middle of the night to get me advil if I need it. Doesn't complain a bit when I take the night (or the week) off to sit on the couch and watch Jon and Kate + 8, or whatever dumb show I watch. He'll even do the dishes. He is supportive, helpful and a good dad. I think we make a pretty good team.

The most adorable children in the world. That would be our dinosaur/animal genius and the show-off that comes with a soundtrack and sound effects (he actually will recreate any situation and insert the sound effects as needed). They sometimes drive me CRAZY, but they are really good kids. I am so grateful I get to be their mom.

Our jobs. Dave and I work in industries that have slowed way down, but our jobs are pretty secure. I hope saying that out loud doesn't jinx us now!

The Gospel. Being a mom has helped me realize how important it is to have good values and a strong foundation to help raise my kids. I hope I can be a good example to them and help them understand this too. I'm also grateful for my calling. It's been an incredible experience to teach the Mia Maids in our ward. My testimony has grown so much. I know that Heavenly Father knows and loves each of us.

Our family and friends. We have awesome families. They have helped us so much this year, tending kids, making Halloween costumes, fixing cars, camping, loaning their really nice car, I could go on and on and on. We are also excited for our newest cousins, Talon, Zack and little baby Siggard! The boys love being around all their cousins.

We are very blessed and have lots and lots and lots and lots of things to be grateful for. Happy Thanksgiving!

Jake

2008-11-09T19:16:00.002-07:00

Jake is such a ham! He's been so funny lately. He comes home from Primary singing "Called to Serve Him", but he kept singing "Onward ever onward", over and over and over again. If I leave my place, Jake will steal it, and when I come back Jake will say, "Mom, I'm just protecting your spot!" Last night Jakey was in a happy mood and singing Christmas songs. We went to Chuck a Rama for dinner and he fell asleep coming home. When Dave brought him into bed, he started singing and giggiling in his sleep. It was so funny!

Spencer

2008-11-09T19:03:00.002-07:00

Spencer is doing great in first grade. He LOVES to read and is reading everything he can get his hands on. His vocabulary is increasing by leaps and bounds. The other day he came to me and said, "Mom, it would be delightful if you would help me with this". A few days later he said "Jake and I were playing and suddenly we crashed into each other!" He's getting so big, I can't believe it. I love that he's becoming more loving and tells us how much he loves us. He's also becoming more aware of the world, reading the newspaper and watching the weather on the news. What a sweetheart!

Halloween

2008-11-09T18:50:00.004-07:00

What are we going to be for Halloween? Not too hard of a decision this year, Jake is a Star Wars guy (exactly which one changes constantly) and Spencer is Indiana Jones. Dave took them Trick-or-Treating. After about 4 houses, Spencer started complaining, "my feet are killing me", (What, are you 70?) and I'm sooo tired, I'm going to fall asleep while I'm walking. I think they had more fun passing out the candy than collecting it!

Pumpkins

2008-11-09T18:13:00.008-07:00

We've decided Jack-O-Lantern making is our favorite part of Halloween. We usually make them with Dave's family, but this year we struck out on our own. Jake & Dad decided to make a Darth Vader pumpkin, Spencer wanted wolves and I did an easy bat. It was a lot of fun, and I think we're pretty talented (it's mostly Dave).

Random Thoughts

2008-10-16T20:44:00.003-06:00

We haven't had a lot going on lately. Dave took the boys hunting the first weekend in October. I wondered what I'd do for the whole weekend alone. I ended up watching girl movies in a clean house all by myself, going to dinner and shopping with my mom. Well, the boys got snowed out and came home late Saturday night. The weather was so bad they were cooped up in the trailer and Dave taught Spencer how to play checkers. Now, Spence brags about being a checkers expert!

BYU Football is big at our house right now. Dave has Jake and Spencer taking an interest in it now. We are all big Y fans, unless BYU is playing Wyoming. Apparently since we've gone on vacation in WY, Jake and Spencer have a special place in their hearts for Wyoming and got very upset that dad wanted BYU to beat Wyoming!

A few weeks ago we were at my parents house for Erin's b-day party. I cut a piece of cake for Spencer, it was shaped kind of funny and before I could say anything Spencer (who is in 1st grade) said, Hey that looks like Oklahoma! I couldn't believe what a smarty pants he is.

We were talking about what the boys wanted to be for Halloween. Jake's decided on a Star Wars guy, and Spencer wants to be a monkey. Jake said "Mom, what are you going to be for Halloween?", I don't know I said, maybe I'll be a nice mom instead of a mean mom. He thinks about that for a second, then says, Oh, so you'll be a mean mom in a nice mom costume? It's fun to have a couple of Smarty Pants in my house!

Goodbye Mom!

2008-09-01T11:24:00.002-06:00

Last Friday morning our goodbyes went something like this...
Mom: Goodbye guys
Boys: Bye Mom!
Mom: Have a good day!
Boys: Have a good day Mom!
Mom: Good luck on your spelling test Spencer!
Spencer: Good luck on your...money! (I work at a bank)
Mom: Thanks!
Jake: Don't get very lost mom!
Mom: Okay Jake, be a good boy!
Spencer: Be a good Mom!
Jake: Be a good.....human!
They are so funny. I love my kids!

Noah's Ark

2008-08-24T19:03:00.002-06:00

Spencer learned about Noah and the Ark in Primary today. Driving home from church he said Mom, do you remember that movie we got from McDonalds about Noah and the Ark? I couldn't remember anything like that, and I can't imagine McDonalds including a Noah's Ark movie in the Happy Meals. He kept insisting we got a Noah movie at McDonalds, "You know, the one about Evan and he had to build the ark in his yard?" Oh my goodness! He was talking about Evan Almighty we rented from the RedBox last year! I'm not sure what to be more surprised about, that he learns Bible stories from the movies or he can remember we rented that movie from McDonalds a year ago.

The Olympics

2008-08-21T20:09:00.003-06:00

Dave and I have always loved watching the Olympics together, so of course we have been watching them nonstop for the last few weeks. Surprisingly Jake has become a HUGE fan. He loves the volleyball and the guys running (track). We were watching the swimming and he said "Mom, is this the boys or the girls", I told him it's both. He asked "Do the girls wear swimming suits?" I said yes, "Oh," he said "I like the girls in swimming suits, they can come in my room!" That is the ultimate compliment for this four year old, I can't even come in his room! We've had a lot of fun watching the Olympics with our kids and we all loved cheering on the USA. Dave's even become a fan of Synchronized Swimming and Rhythmic Gymnastics!

Kindergarten Graduation

2008-08-10T16:12:00.003-06:00

Kindergarten was a fun time for Spencer. He really loved his teacher Mrs. Craven. He went to Thanksgiving Point and the Zoo on field trips. He learned how to read and write his name. This is a picture from his graduation. He said he would only go to 1st grade if Mrs. Craven is his teacher!

Memorial Day

2008-08-10T15:57:00.005-06:00

Over Memorial Day(I know it's like 3 months later) we went camping & 4 wheelin' in The Unitas, except it snowed and rained and it was really cold. So we camped in the parking lot! It was one of the cleanest trips we've had! We had some fun on the 4 wheelers and watching Toby play with his ball. This was Scott's first run on his new four wheeler, soon after Grandpa bought one too.

Greys River

2008-08-09T14:12:00.004-06:00

Over the 24th of July we went camping to Grey's River. Our campsite had a creek that ran below. The kids had lots of fun playing in the creek. Morgan was the bravest, dunking herself in the cold water, Justin needed a little encouragment from his dad. Jake and Spencer had fun chasing Toby around the water and following Justin & Morgan from one side of the creek to the other.

Camping in Wyoming.

2008-08-05T18:35:00.001-06:00

We went camping on Greys River in Wyoming over the 24th of July. Lots of riding on four wheelers and swimming in the river. We also saw lots of Moose and Deer.

We're online!

2008-07-28T21:00:00.001-06:00

This is going to be great right! Hopefully this will last longer than the scrapbooking thing ever did! (and it's cheaper).