Staying busy this week...

We have another stow away for a few days. Andrew has stayed with us while his parents were partying in California. He and Jake have had lots of fun playing catch with footballs, basketballs, etc.
Yesterday, the sun was shining so much I couldn't stand the thought of staying in doors. So out we went to the park. We met up with some cousins and the kiddo's had a blast! Well, not really a blast trying to pose in a picture. But we had to take one.

Here are my triplets. Isaac, Andrew and Jacob. I was watching them for a few hours and this was their favorite activity. Sitting on the bench and watching the neighbors dogs. They were in a trance.

This was my favorite, because the boys are anxiously making their doggy sounds and pointing, and then suddenly the dog started coming closer towards them. You can sense in their body language they were overly excited!

Here is Miss Alayna playing sweetly in her toy house out side. She's been a good trooper the past few days. She's had two baby brothers that I've had to tend too before her. She really is so patient and willing to wait a little extra until it is her turn for attention. We really haven't been up to much...having three kids really has kept me home for the nap schedule or too the park. Other than that, we've just been doing the kid thing. Thanks heavens for this beautiful weather it's kept all these kids sane the past few days!

"The Witches have Arrived!!"

The gang...every year we go for FHE to Gardner Village to visit the witches. Honestly, it really isn't that exciting of an event. There is nothing really to do other than walk around and FREEZE! All the stores have so many little trinkets that we can't take the strollers in and especially we can't take the running kiddo's. So besides keeping up the tradition, we go.

This year we decided though that we are going to bring Hot Chocolate and Donuts next year to livin up the party! Because we all want to buy the SUPER expensive hot chocolate and we are always tempted with treats at their bakery. So to save us money, next year we will plan ahead better. Don't get me wrong, I love this tradition, it's something different and out of the house and it kicks the Halloween festivities off! I'm just shocked each year how cold it is! Why does it have to turn so cold so quickly??

Our little twins...Jacob and Isaac sporting their twiner coats for this year.

Trying to get a family shot...(Jared had to work the late shift tonight, so he missed the yearly tradition. Sorry, hun...at least you didn't freeze!)

Alayna and Aunt Krista trying to scare us like all the witches!

Do you think they were warm enough? This is probably torture for these little babies? Oh, well they were troopers.

Alayna is showing off her new cute coat. Thanks to Grandma Nettie who gave it to her. She LOVES the polka-dots and it fits her perfectly. It really is a HUGE improvement from her old coat she was going to have to use. So this is a good excuse to not have to buy a new one this year. Thanks.

Our handsome little man...

Yeah, these pictures are really just for me to remember how cute our little guy is. We dressed him up in his new 18-24 month old clothes. We thought he looked like a handsome "twin" (referring to Angela's boys...who are always decked out from head to toe! Everyday, no joke!) So we thought we should take a picture to document that he has at least one handsome outfit and new white shoes (that won't last long!).

Oh, he LOVES his football!

Hats and balls are his two favorite things...next to me of coarse!

Something to remember...

(Kierra age 8, Olivia age 5, Alayna age 3, Grandma Lou (we will keep that a secret!))

They braved the freezing cold weather and trudged out to take pictures of the Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple. We've been wanting to take some pictures of the kids in front of it while it is still under construction so in 20 years they will have proof they saw it being built.

Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple

Grandma Lou and Papi are great to always make memories happen with our cute little kiddos. Thanks Mom and Dad!

Joy School

How many of you did Joy School when you were 3 or 4? Well, I did. It's where a group of mom's in the neighborhood start their mock preschool group. In our neighborhood we have a group of 5 kids (soon to be 6). Each mom takes a month (I am this month!), then during that month, we teach three lessons (one a week), then the last week of each month is a field trip or party for each month.

The joy we are studying is the Joy of the Earth. It was so fun to teach the kids simple joys that come from the earth. We talked about our senses, went on a nature walk, we had earth bags, where we collected things they found from the earth (rocks, grass, leaves, flowers, sticks, etc. )

We then came inside and learned about the letter "

C." They colored a few pictures- a candy corn for the letter "C" and a pumpkin for the color "orange." We then focused on using our other senses such as smell and taste. I had them sample different items like...salt, sugar, cocoa, lemon juice and smelled different herbs. I then had them taste peaches, pears and an apple, since they grow on trees that are also found on the earth.

Later, we talked about the four seasons. We then took our cool nature binoculars and went searching for signs of Fall. It was fun to have them yell out at different times when they noticed leaves changing colors, pumpkins, dead flowers, brown trees, etc. I had so much fun teaching these cute little kiddos! I decided to take a few pictures so we can compile them at the end of the year and make a video or something!

A personal favorite...

I don't know if you're like me, but I look forward to conference weekend. It means, pajama's, good food, lazy days, being spiritually fed and spending two straight days sitting next to Jared under a blanket. I honestly think it should be every other month. But that's just me!

This conference time I took the counsel that was written in a previous Ensign article, to write down questions or concerns that you have. I did this. I had a few things on my mind that I was thinking about, and it was amazing how several talks referenced my thoughts. This is something I love about being taught by the Spirit. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (http://www.lds.org/) I am thankful to be taught personally by the Holy Ghost by this it testifies of the Lords individual love He has for me. It's so individualized and it uplifts me personally. I am so thankful to know personally of the Lord's love for me and His desire to have me become more like Him. This is something I have realized more and more every day. How life is a journey and that it requires continual effort and humility to become like Him.

Anyways, I LOVED this General Conference time...again as usual. I loved that as speakers would come on, Alayna would say, "Mom, do you love this man, too?" I soon realized I have favorites. Hey, it left an impression on her, that some you need to be really quiet and reverent and not ask Mommy or Daddy questions. It was a fun teaching moment for her. This little girl sat through all four sessions. (Well as good as a little 3 year old can!!! It encompassed a lot of back tickles, coloring, candy corns, books, scrapbooks, and yes, more candy corns!) Her favorite part was during the songs so she could stand up and dance to them. I loved over hearing her sing a few words and then here her say, "I know this one Mommy, I do!" Little kiddo's are so young and impressionable. I just love that.

We enjoyed having Brian and Ashley come and spend the day with us on Saturday. Thank you for being so willing to hang with us! Even though you knew we had kiddos. I hope they weren't too distracting for you! (I thought for a three year old Alayna did great! We had Jake nap both sessions, from 10-2 and 2-4 - Somehow it worked!!!) I hope you all enjoyed the good food and relaxing weekend. Jared and I both enjoyed it immensely!

It's time for a haircut!

For those of you who see Jake on a regular basis, you know that his hair has been the talking point. It has recently grown several inches and its out of hand! As cute as the shag hair is, I had to even his hair out. Jake has these two wild calics in the back of his head forcing his hair into a mow hawk. Cute, but crazy. The top part of his hair grows ten times faster than the sides and back. So it was time to even it all out.

He's thinking..."No, not my hair!"

"As long as I hold a ball, you can cut my hair!"

"Oh, what a handsome kid!" See short hair isn't so bad! He looks very handsome. Way to sit still little Jakey.

Our nightly activity...

Yesterday, I posted the messy pictures from dinner and nothing has changed yet today. They have continued to be messy and slimy. So this has become the nightly ritual. I like it though, because then I get to lather these boys with baby lotion and snuggle them! That's the best part of my day. So here is to bath time!

Jake & Isaac...Cute little guys. I just wanted to show Shan how cute her little fella is. And also to let her know that he is still SMILEY! What a handsome kid.

This picture just makes me laugh. Jake has recently discovered the habit of biting. It's a horrible habit, but here they were actually both laughing and smiling at each other and I promise...Jake was pretending to eat Isaac. Even though the picture looks like he is out to bite him. The picture was followed with the sound of..."Ummm" (like he just took a bite..but didn't actually bite him!) I just love that I caught that "bite" face on camera. Shan, he has no bite marks, yet!

Here's another video. (They are really meant for Shandra...since she is missing her little buddy!)

This video is specifically for Aunt Lisa. Alayna was on a kick tonight. She wanted her turn on video...so this was all candid. So Aunt Lisa you should feel extra special! Enjoy.

Dinner...it's supposed to be in your mouth!

Mixed Berry Yogurt on his head! It was slimy and disgusting!

Trouble...I just had to laugh and pull out the camera...I figured he was already messy...why clean him up?

Here's another little glimpse of dinner tonight! Shan, do you miss the mess? I doubt it!!! Don't worry Todd, I put down a plastic tablecloth to catch all the food that gets thrown off of their highchairs! Tonight was a complete joy...thanks to Dad and Mom coming to save the night. Oh, and Emily!! Thanks to all who came to rescue an inexperienced mother of three! (I did have to bring dinner to a family in the ward though...and my hubby was off on a bike ride with his buddies...so the night turned out to be rougher than I expected! But I survived all kiddos in bed by 7pm! I LOVE early bedtimes!)

3 & 1/2 days down and a few more to go!

"Hi-ee" is the first thing we get to wake up to when we get Isaac out of bed! He's such a happy cuddly little guy. Look at that adorable smile.
I would have to say that Jake is filled with "trouble" - he's up to something! But we sure love him!!
"Where's Isaac? I know he's coming..."
"Jake where are you, I know your coming?"

I just wanted to post a little video for Shandra who is missing her little guy. I have been telling her how cute our little guys are and how much they tease each other. I caught some pretty silly moments in the backyard today.

So after watching the video who is the whiny child and who is the silent tease? Either way, they both are a tag team! They are always watching where the other is at. I wonder if this is how mothers of twins feel? Are you always breaking up fights? I would assume you would be, because Jake and Isaac are as close as brothers. I really have had a great time with them. Those cute moments just melt my heart! How about for the semi-loud singing girl child in the back ground? I think she misses her cousins, what do you think?

Our weekend...

I know for those of you who check my blog you will be disappointed. I normally have TONS of pictures to update with, but I lost my camera under all the piles of papers on my desk. So it's my fault that I have a loss of memories to share with you. However I can preserve my weekend by just telling about our fun.

First off we had a yard sale on Saturday. Let me tell you, I've never been a part of one before, so it was all new to me! I really had a great time. Thankfully Jared was there to do the confusing money math for our customers and Angela was there to hang with. The best part was we had four baby boys hanging out in a row in their strollers. Every person had to stop to ask if they were for sale. It was funny. The boys were so entertained all morning. I loved to see what was of interest for people. Personally it was all junk. So to think people paid us even $1 for anything was great! I came out $28 wealthier than I started the day. So after tithing, I think Jared and I have enough to go on a date! Yippee.

Next, I have twins this week! Yeah, you heard me. I have baby Isaac with me all week while his parents and siblings are visiting the "Happiest Place on Earth!" I figured it would be no fun for them to take a little baby when all the other kids can ride every single ride. So off they went! This was mine and Shandra's babysitting exchange for education week, for me and Disneyland for her! So far it's been great! Wish me luck!

I hope you all had a great week! Sorry for no pictures. But now that I have relocated my camera I can start up again!

Happy Birthday to my Mom!

Happy Birthday to Mom! (Angela we missed you!!)

Doesn't that look yummy? Shandra made it of course!

We made them pose. We are so glad to have celebrated yet another year with our Mommy!!!

A day at Copperton Park

We love the Copperton Park!

Jake LOVES to swing!

They liked the tunnel...it wasn't as sunny in there.

We thought it might be fun to try and get a family picture...the kids had a different idea! Oh, well!

Thanks Lisa for spending an entire day with our family. We really had a great time and you are welcome anytime you'd like! I know that Alayna LOVED spending the day with you and cuddling on the couch, taking a walk and going to the park. THANKS!

"Yellow is her favorite color!"

Alayna asked "Mommy, what is Aunt Lisa's favorite color?" I answered, "Yellow" She answered excitedly..."I know what we can do with her...we can go for a walk and show her all the yellow sunflowers!" So that is what we did when Aunt Lisa came to stay a day with us. We went on a walk pointing out all the yellow flowers and sunflowers.

Alayna loving spending time with her Aunt Lisa.

Alayna insisted on putting a sunflower in her hair so she could look "pretty"...I think she's right, she does look pretty!

A Cousin Party!

Grandma Denny and Grandpa Barainca had this great idea to get all the cousins together for a party. Since the group has nearly doubled in size we went to the great restaurant of choice, Spaghetti Factory. It was a fun filled night of lots of pictures and new introductions to new cousins and spouses. Grandma Denny, THANK YOU for this fun chance to get acquainted and learn more about each other.

This is Leah and Brandon. They are cousins to Jared. They have been married for five weeks and are enjoying every minute of being newlyweds. They are living down in Provo attending BYU. Congrats on the wedding!
Here's Cameron. He's a personal favorite. He has the ability to ask the most entertaining and direct conversation starters. You are never left with a dull moment when he is around! Thanks for making us all laugh so hard!


Kelsey and Nathan. Kelsey was celebrating her birthday, and she just moved down here to attend UVU. She is an absolutely darling girl. My Alayna LOVES her. Kelsey let Alayna try on all her super FUN shoes when we were in California, and Alayna has yet to forget that fun girl moment. Nathan has recently returned home from his mission and is back at BYU.
Heather (Jared's sister), Jason (Jared's brother) and Mike. Heather is Jared's sister and she had the most exciting news of all...her offer was accepted on a condo! Congrats, we are SO excited for her. I wish I could announce the same for us, but we can't! Way to go!

Allie & Karl. These again are Jared's cousins. Allie just graduated from BYU and Karl is still attending. They are living in Provo too. (What's the deal with all these BYU - Utah county people?) Just kidding. They have been married for a year or so!

Here is Jared and Lisa, Jared's other sister. Lisa is down visiting for a week from Nanaimo, Canada! I have been lucky enough to visit her and her husband, Matt in Canada! It would be hard for me to come to Utah and visit if I am living where she does. So we are grateful we got to spend time with her too.

Ashley and Brian. They have been married for...Oh...I think two years? Here's a MAJOR cool shout out for Ashley...she just stared her MASTERS in Health at BYU. YEAH! She's a girl after my own heart and passion for Health Education. I really am living vicariously through her studies. I'm having the kids and she's continuing her education. For those of you who don't know, that's what I got my BS in. So you go girl! Brian is the smart and talented bro-in-law (Jason you are too!). He is also getting his Masters in Accounting at BYU. I won't say it, because I'm not happy with the fact that they are moving to Texas for a job there. We love you guys! They are the fantastic Aunt and Uncle to our crazy kiddos. What a cute couple! We love you guys.


Here's another picture of the gang!