Merry Christmas!

Since I keep forgetting to send out Christmas Cards in the mail this will have to do. I am planning on doing it next year if I can get my kids and husband to take family pictures. So from our family to yours, we hope you have a wonderful Christmas. We have a new year ahead of us and lots of changes (which I divulge in another blog post soon). But 2012 is going to be the Year of Change for our family :D Merry Christmas!

1 and 2 year Checkups!

Well two birthday's have come and gone and Halloween has been put away for another year. In the mean time, we were able to go and get the boys' 1 and 2 year checkups yesterday and they went incredibly well!

I love checkups at the doctor, mainly because I like to see how much the boys have grown. It seems like they are growing so fast and when we get them weighed and measured it just proves my point. haha

Here are their stats for their checkups.

Colt's Stats: Weighs 26.9 pounds and is in the 91% for weight. For height he is 31.5 inches tall and in the 83%. (Cash at his first year checkup was at 23.3 pounds he had lost weight because he had been sick and he was 31 inches tall) So pretty much my little goober has decided to out-chunk him! haha

Cash's Stats: Bug weighs 29.10 pounds and is in the 70% for his weight and in height he is 35.75 inches tall and is in the 81%. I still think that Cash is too skinny but he is so lean and has grown a lot, so it's nice to see that he is doing well (even though he is too skinny for me since he is a picky eater lately).

Needless to say I have some big boys on my hands. Their dad is hoping they play College and NFL football one day! haha

Cooking Blog

For those of you who have followed my cooking blogs in the past, I have decided to forgo those last couple of blogs and have started a new cooking blog that I am actually keeping up with. I have added a few recipes and I hope you enjoy them. I am trying to keep it up to date, but a lot of the times I start the post and then go back and edit when I have time. I have added three new recipes tho in the past two days, so go and take a look.

Also, my friend and I are probably going to start a baking group, so anyone interested please let me know.

Colt Turns 1!

Colt on his birth day 10/29/10

1 years old

Hi I am Colt Jefferey Hawkins

My favorite color is: Any color

My favorite food is: Anything that I can shove into my mouth. I'm not lying either - ANYTHING!

My favorite toy is: My footballs

My favorite movie is: Whatever my brother is watching

My favorite sport is: Football, I have been obsessed with it since I was 3 months old

My favorite thing to do is: Cry

I can’t wait for: The day I can chase my brother and beat up on him like he beats up on me.

Why? Because I hate being the target

I love to: Cry over everything and play catch with my dad

My favorite treat is: Anything I can shove into my mouth

My 2^nd favorite treat is: dum dum suckers

What my mom says about me...

• Colt has been a difficult baby, but the older he gets the better he is becoming
• Colt loves to play with anything his brother is playing with
• Colt is very much a mama's boy (which is something his brother never was)
• Colt will tell you when he is tired and hungry. He will not be nice about it!
• Colt was weened off his formula at 11 months old :D
• Colt's first word was "Dada" but his favorite word is "mamamamama"
• Colt is trying to walk and would really like to take up running because he tries to run instead of walk.
• Colt has the best smile and best eyes!
• Colt is a fast learner and loves to copy his brother
• Colt is a lot like his dad in many ways, but he is a lot like me as well. While Cash is our social butterfly, Colt is more reserved when it comes to strangers - even family strangers. He has to check you out before approaching
• Even though difficult for a lot of his early months, Colt is becoming a little man and I love him for challenging himself everyday.

Well our Goober has finally hit the big milestone of 1 years-old. It hasn't been the easiest year of his life, but he has hung in like a trooper and made it out alive. Colt is the total opposite of his brother, but he has so much fun with Cash and idolizes him to the fullest. I couldn't imagine a better set of brothers. After almost losing Colt at 9 weeks (in womb) I am so happy he is with us and can't wait to see the little person he turns into. Although he is extremely emotional, he makes up for it in the way he carries himself. He is so smart and loves what he loves (like his dad) and hates what he hates. He has been a blessing to this family and I am so excited for this milestone - and sad as well. My little guy is growing up and it can only get better from here! Love you Goober! Happy Birthday big guy!!!

Here is the story of Colt's Birth:
Well, Colts Finally Here!
Well, this post has been a long time coming (and warning, this is a long post) and I'm sorry it has taken me forever to get it posted, but I have been extremely busy and sleeping every chance that I get.

Well, Colt Jefferey Hawkins finally came into the world on October 29, 2010 at 8:02 a.m, weighing 6 lbs 6.2 oz and was 19 inches long. It's weird to think that my children are only 1 year and practically 1 1/2 days apart! haha But it's true.

My scheduled C-Section for Colt was supposed to be on November 5, but at 3:30 a.m. on Friday, 10/29/2010 my water broke and I went into labor. Let me tell you that once my water broke, the contractions came fast and furious and I was not happy about it. It was weird too, because I had heard a huge pop in my lower section and I wasn't sure what it was and then all of a sudden I started having pains. I got up and went to the bathroom where the water came out and then I went back to bed and told Jeff "I think I'm in labor".  He told me to call the hospital so I did and they told me to come in. I had to call my mom to come watch Cash, because she was coming from Midway and my brother was able to bring her down.

Everything was calm while my mom was on her way and I started having really painful contractions. I was able to get freshened up a little and Jeff loaded the car with our stuff and went and grabbed something to eat because he was starving. Once my mom got to my house, Jeff and I left. All the way to Jordan Valley I was in major pain because of the contractions. Once we got to the hospital they put me in a room and of course had me answer a million questions and sign papers (all of this during my contractions). Finally they got the drug doctor and boy was I happy to see them. After going to the bathroom, they put me in a wheelchair and took me into the O.R. for my c-section. My doc was funny and was like, "Isn't this the wrong Friday", which helped calm me. I was able to finally get my epidural and boy was I a happy woman after that.

While they were getting everything prepped, I ended up throwing up due to the drink they made me take before we went into the O.R. Poor Jeff had to hold the little trays while I just laid there throwing up. He is a trooper! Needless to say, that after throwing up I was in much better shape! Once they started, I didn't know what to think because this c-section was a totally different experience than my last one. This time I knew what was going to happen and I hadn't been drugged for the past 24 hours. Finally, they were able to get Colt out of me and when they put him up over the curtain to show me, I couldn't have been happier. The first thing anyone said was, "wow this boy has a lot of hair!" And boy does he! I instantly started crying once I heard him cry (this happened with Cash too haha) and I was just so happy.

After getting Colt all cleaned up, Jeff was able to bring him over and show him to me and we hung out while they sewed me back together. I have never been so happy to see a baby before!! The reason? This was a tougher pregnancy for me this time around. (We almost lost Colt back in April when I had a placenta blister pop and cause me to bleed all over the place causing a fake miscarriage). Needless to say, both my boys are miracles!!

After getting sewn up and into my bed, they wheeled me and the baby into my room. I was so happy to have him with me because I didn't get to see Cash for almost four hours after he was born due to him being preterm.

All-in-all this was a much better c-section all around and I was happy that everything went smooth. I do have some healing to do and have a pocket of fluid in my c-section line so I have to keep it open and go to the doc every week to get it checked, but I am hoping I am almost done with this. It's hard having to have Jeff pack it twice a day and clean it out for me, but he is willing to do it. God bless him!! But overall I am doing well and Colt is doing well too!
I want to say thank you to my mom for watching the bug (Cash for me while I was in the hospital)... Also, thank you to Jeff for always being by my side during everything. He is such a wonderful father!!

Anyways, that's my story about Colt. Not as drama filled as Cash's birth, but still a great story!! I'm just glad he is healthy and ready to be in this world!!

Cash Turns 2!

Hi I am Cash Michael Hawkins

(P.S. I stole this list from my cousin hehe)
My favorite color is: Bue

My favorite food is: Oodles (noodles)

My favorite book is: Anything my mom will read to me

My favorite movie is: Alvin and the Chipmunks, Marmaduke and Yogi Bear

My favorite sport is: Fooooo baaahhhh! and bakbah

My favorite thing to do is: Play at the park and go play bakbah

My favorite hobby is: Being a kid

I can’t wait for: My dad to get home and to see the buh (bus) everyday

Why? Because I get to play with my dad and I love the bus!

I love to: Be a boy - I love climbing, I love playing with my trucks, I love playing with Eeee (Harley) and Aider (Raider) and I love to tackle my brother and wrestle him. I also love to play chase with my dad

My favorite treat is: Chocolate Chips

My 2^nd favorite treat is: dum dum suckers

What my mom says about me...

• Cash loves to be independent
• He loves to help keep his brother in check
• He loves to crawl in bed and sleep with his dad
• Cash is very opinionated and will tell you how it is
• Cash is being very picky at eating, but will eventually eat if he gets hungry enough
• Cash knows a lot more then he can actually say
• He is such a good helper
• He loves to jump - off everything!
• Cash is a very fast learner
• Cash has the best heart and loves to make everyone smile.

Well, my bug has turned 2 and it seemed like yesterday that he was born. I can't believe how fast time is flying by. I am so in love with this boy and I'm obsessed with him. I guess most mom's will say this about their first born child, but honestly I'm obsessed with both my boys. Cash is the best big brother and is a little rough with Colt, but he loves that kid more than anything. I have gone ahead and included my story of when he was born - warning it is long but I will put it in small type. Both Jeff and I are amazed at this little dude. Our Bug is growing up and he is becoming the best little man ever. We love you Bug and hope you have the best birthday!

Happy 2nd Birthday Buggy!

Story of Cash's birth...
Here is the story...
HE'S HERE!
 Well, our little man is here - four weeks early! Yes you heard me right - four weeks early! Because of the storm that hit Utah on October 27, when the pressure changed, it also decided to break my water for me.

I get to work on the morning of the 26th and was going through my emails, checking my voicemails, etc. Well I got hungry, so I went to bend over to reach for my bagel that I had just bought before work and when I bent to the side, I felt this gush of water hit me. I was like, "um..." and then I moved back into regular position on my chair and it kept coming. I didn't know what to do, so I just slowly got up, grabbed my phone and started to walk towards the bathroom. I called Jeff and basically stated this, "Hun, I think my water just broke." He was like, "what?" Then I proceed to tell him what happen. He told me to just come home and he would call into work and let them know he wouldn't be in.

When I got to the bathroom, an older lady I work with commented to me, "I bet you're ready to have that baby huh". I was like, "Um, I think he's coming sooner than expected because I think my water just broke". She waited for me to get out of the stall and she took one look at my pants and was like, "oh boy your water did break, do you have someone coming to pick you up?" I told Rose that I only live 10 minutes away so I am just going to drive home and then I will go to the hospital.

I let my bosses know that my water broke and they were like, "go home!" I was like, "sorry" and they laughed at me and said, "you are fine, go".

When I got home Jeff was already on the phone waiting to talk to a charge nurse to find out what we needed to do. They basically told us to come in and they would test me to make sure that it was my water that for sure broke. Well, on the drive to the hospital we didn't say a thing until we actually pulled up to the Women's Center at Alta View Hospital. I was like, "this is weird," and Jeff agreed. When we got to the elevator my water decided to gush some more so I walked in all weird because I had water (fluid) running down my legs. They put me in a room, the nurse came in and checked me and then they were like, "you are staying".

The staying part they didn't tell me about though - was for the long haul of the entire week! haha

Basically they got me started on the pitocin, had my doctor come down and talk to me and when we asked her about why my water broke 4 weeks early she let us know it was probably the change in the barometric pressure. I was like, "can it really do that?" and she said, "yep".

Well this is where I began my long labor (even though it started at 7:30 a.m. Monday morning). Needless to say that everytime they checked me on Monday I hadn't dialated at all. I went for as long as I could go without getting the epidural and by 10:00 p.m. that night I told the docs I had to have it. They came in and that's when I got comfortable. haha They checked me again at 1:00 a.m. and I had only dialated to a one. At 3 a.m. I was at a 2. By 5 a.m. I was at a 3+ and stayed there for awhile. During the night though, they had to take me off the pitocin for a few hours because everytime I had a contraction Cash's heart rate would drop so they wanted to see what would happen if they took me off. During shift change at 7 a.m. they turned the pitocin back on and turned it up and my contractions got stronger. By 11 a.m. I had dialated to an 8 and by 12:30 p.m. I was finally at a 10. At 12:50 p.m. I started pushing and at four p.m. I was completely and utterly exhausted. My doctor came in and told me that there were some alternatives they could do but frankly I was too tired to do any of them.

Needless to say the end result wasn't what I expected but since he wasn't coming through my pelvis, I had to have a c-section and I knew if I started stressing then the baby would start stressing. Once Jeff and I agreed to have the c-section then within minutes they had everything being done and I was taken into an O.R.

After more drugs, the docs came in and at 4:45 p.m. Cash Michael Hawkins was born!! I remember them putting him up over the curtain but most of all I just remember the pressure from him being pulled out - it wasn't too fun! haha But once I heard him cry I just started bawling! The drug doc asked me if I was okay and I was like, "yes, I'm just so happy". I can't believe that my son was actually here. The first thing I did ask the doctors though was, "is he really a boy?" Because you never know if the ultra sound was wrong haha... Then the next thing I asked was "how are his lungs?" I needed to know since he was early and considered premature. Jeff was able to show him to me but I honestly don't remember seeing him because I was so drugged up. I was told too that I had all the doctors and nurses laughing in the O.R. when they were stitching me up because I kept referencing food. It seriously smelled like pizza and then it smelled like fritos. Weird I know, but it did! haha

Once I got through recovery, I was able to go to my room and my parents were waiting for me. Jeff was able to already show the grandparents Cash in the nursery so I was happy to see my parents had stayed. They talked to me for a bit then had to get back up Parley's because of the storm. I loved watching it snow all day, but I was also happy to finally be done with labor!

About 8:30 that night I finally was able to meet my son. Jeff went down to the nursery and got him and I was just so in awe of this little man that layed in front of me. Honestly I couldn't have been happier than I was at that moment. I was a mom and had been waiting for that moment for a very long time.

Cash is seriously a miracle child and Jeff and I couldn't be happier. We didn't think we could have children and all of a suddent we have a son. He weighed in at 5 lbs. 9 oz and was 19 inches long. I'm sure he would have been over 7 lbs if he would have gone full term, but I couldn't be happier. He is healthy and happy and the only thing we have had to do is work on his jaundice.

So after a marathon labor and a week in the hospital, we were able to come home. It is still so surreal that we have a child in our home but I wouldn't trade anything in the world for it. I love being a mom and I know Jeff loves being a dad. It's just miraculous that this little man came to us. Hopefully one of these days we'll be able to give him a brother or a sister.

So Close...

This time last year I was counting down the days until my second baby was set to enter this world.

Two years ago around this time of year I was anxiously waiting the arrival of my first born after having a wonderful baby shower.

Now, as I sit here on the third year I can't help but be overwhelmed by the fact that my two adorable boys are about to turn 1 and 2 in a couple weeks. It makes me want to cry. They are growing up so fast and even though there are days I want to literally tear my hair out, I can't help but be thankful these two little guys were sent to me. God knew I needed them and I will be grateful every day for the fact that they came to Jeff and I.

So when two weeks is up and they are celebrating their birthdays - I will be smiling from ear to ear and crying inside.

My babies are turning into little boys :(

Holy OUCH!!!

No that is not nail polish - its a bruised sore toe!

So I was putting away some groceries yesterday and as I turned around to grab something, the coke bottle that was on the top shelf (unopened) fell directly onto my toe! It hurt so bad that I screamed in pain and Colt got startled and almost cried haha But it hurt so bad and it started bruising instantly. I went and cleaned off the nail polish that was left and saw a bright blue bruise. Then I woke up this morning and found that my whole top of my toe was completely swollen. It throbbed forever last night and made my whole foot ache. Needless to say I ended up drinking a couple really strong drinks to help the pain go away a little. It hurts still and I'm mad because it's hindering with my running. :( BOOOO!! But I thought I'd show you what happened cuz I haven't had a toe bruise like this before.

Dance Party

 

On my birthday the boys were all over the place and I caught them dancing a little on my bed. Colt is enjoying music more so he moves a little bit. It's not a lot of dancing because Cash saw the camera and was like, "yeah!" You can hear him kiss me on my chest when he gets close to the camera, so turn it up - it's cute. :D

What's Been Going On...

Well, pretty much the same has been going on. I have been trying to tame two little boys who are now 22.5 months old and 10.5 months old. Time is flying so fast and I cry sometimes thinking about the day that these two little dirt monsters came into this world. Jeff has been working a ton and has a good opportunity coming up at his job, but we will cross our fingers until that happens. As for me, well, I just turned the big 33! Yes people, I am 33. I had texts from my cousins asking if I was on my death bed and how I was holding up for an old lady and I just had to laugh because one of those cousins turned 33 four days after me and the other will turn 33 in February. I actually don't mind turning 33 because for one - 3 is a lucky number for me and for two - I have done a lot since I turned 18, that turning 33 was a breeze. I will let you know how I feel though in 7 years when I hit the big 4-0!

Speaking of cousins, I honestly have to say that I love my cousins. I got to see many of the girl cousins this past weekend (my cousin Ashley is having a baby girl next month and there was a shower) and I was so happy. Even though we did all get to chit chat at once, just the fact that a lot of us were in the room together once again made me feel at peace. I grew up very close to all of my cousins and it sucks that we are older because we don't get to see each other as much. Just the fact that we do get to see each other though is so worth it - even if it's only for a couple of hours. So if any of my cousins are reading this - I love you guys and am so grateful that we can all remain close even though we are miles apart!!

Back to us. Another thing that has happened, is the fact that we have moved into a 3 bedroom apartment for more room. It's not a lot of room, but it's more then we had. Jeff and I have decided that our next step is a house - either buying or renting. We've gone from a 1 bedroom apartment with a dog, a two bedroom apartment with 2 dogs, the same 2 bedroom with 2 dogs and 2 kids, and now we are in a 3 bedroom with 2 dogs and 2 kids and our next step is a house - unless they make 4 bedroom apartments hahahaha We are actually hoping to rent a house through Jeff's work, which will put us moving up to West Bountiful/Woods Cross come March.

As for the boys - they are growing like weeds! We did have a special trip to the doc a few weeks ago though. Colt had this terrible fever that last for four days and Cash fell (what's new) and smashed is face into the corner of the wall and put his tooth through his lip. I was so worried about it (which I'm usually not) that I had to take him in. They also checked Colt for a UTI, but it turns out he just had a virus and it eventually went away. Colt is probably a month out from walking and is saying about four words right now. He is trying to stand on his own and has turned into a very clingy mama's boy. Cash is talking so much and besides saying "whaz dat", his other favorite words are "da" and "fooooo baaahhhh!" The kid lives for football and basketball and I can't keep him inside, he is always wanting to go outside.

As for my crazy husband - I have lost him to football season and won't see him until after January haha Some women lose their husbands to hunting season (which is my fav season), but I lose my husband to football season. College and NFL. Luckily I'm not one to complain because I love it just as much, but by December I'm burnt out! haha

Well that's us in a nutshell. Told you not much is going on, but I figured since I haven't blogged for a month now, it was about time to get caught up just a little. Next month will be exciting though because we will have two exciting birthday's! One will be turning 1 and the other will be turning 2! :D YEAH!!

Here are a few pictures of the past month or so - enjoy!

Playing in their new room together

Cash loves loves loves the park!

The boys love going for walks!

Colt loves baseball and football and basketball and....

volleyball... haha

Yeah for date nights and concerts with Tim McGraw, Luke Bryan and The Band Perry!

And yeah for my homey-g gangster son - Cash Money Money!

Pee Pee in the Potty!

This is our newest adventure - potty training! Not the funnest thing in the world, but Cash has been telling us he is ready for the past couple of weeks. He is always tugging at his diaper, so we finally bought him a "big boy" potty. So far things are going well, but we have had a poop on the floor accident and I was like, "ew" but since we have had puppies in the past, it's okay. We'll see how this goes and Cash seems to love it, because everytime he pee's or has to pee, he goes and grabs his potty and makes me take his diaper off.
Wish us luck! haha

Our Little Juggernaut!

When Colt first met his Uncle Frank (Jeff's best friend Frank Martin), Frank looked at Colt and said, "He looks like a Juggernaut". From there, the name has stuck with our little goober. He is our Juggernaut and Cash is our Bug. Needless to say, we love our children and love to give them names!

Yesterday (August 9th) I took Colt to his 9 month appointment and was really looking forward to see what his measurements were going to be. I like to compare everything to Cash's stats - partly due to the fact that they are almost exactly a year apart.

We have the best pediatrician and it's always nice to get compliments from him when we go to see him. The first thing he said when he walked in was "CASH!" He loves Cash and tells me every time he sees him that he wants to steal him from me. He looked at Colt and was like, "you guys seriously have the recipe down to make cute cute kids". Needless to say it made me happy :D

Well here is what the doc said: Colt is doing very well with his development and he is happy to see that he has turned his fussiness around.

Colt's 9 month Stats:
Weight - 23.5 lbs (86%)
Height - 29.75 inches (87%)

So far Colt is ahead of where Cash was. Cash was 21.23 pounds at 9 months and was 28.75 inches tall.

I'm so proud of where my boys are development wise and it makes me a very happy mama!!

Some "Me" Time!

A week ago today I started off on a four hour journey to sunny St. George! I was headed to play in the Heat Stroker Softball Tournament with some of my family members. Not only was I looking forward to playing in this tournament, I was looking forward to getting a little "me" time - which I NEVER GET! I have only been away from Cash for a little bit when I had Colt, and I have never been away from Colt overnight, so this was a nice change.

I had a little adventure when I headed down and had to make a pit stop in Cedar City due to the fact that I forgot every pair of softball shorts I was supposed to pack. I think I was just so excited to leave that I forgot a few things. So I stop in Cedar City and I can tell you that I did not recognize the area over by Wal-Mart. It has become double the size and all of a sudden there are all these restaurants and stores. I had a little bit of trouble getting out of the parking lot and onto the freeway, but once I was headed to St. George I was stoked. I think I danced and sang the whole 35 minutes it took to get there.

I haven't been to St. George for at least 7 years and the last time I lived there was from August 1997-May 1999. I could not believe the growth that has taken place there. I honestly was surprised that the feeling I had was comfortable and I felt like I was headed back to school. I can tell you that the two years I spent as a Rebel (now they have changed the mascot) was the best two years I have ever had. I grew so much while living down there, it literally helped make me the person I am today.

Once I got to Ali's, I was greeted by the warm hugs from my family - cousins and uncle. I love my cousins and it was so fun being around them and their families. It takes me back to the days when we were younger and hung out all the time. I think I lived at my cousins during the summer when we were younger.

After some quick batting practice we headed over to the Canyon Softball Fields and basically played our first game in a wind storm. At least it didn't rain much, but I would have preferred that over the wind that was going on. I think we had the record for the fastest game completed too.

"The Fam" - pic courtesy of Ali's blog :D

 In the second game, we showed that we can hit the ball and a lot of us just kept rounding the bases. That game was a blast. The third game we played at 2:50 a.m. and lost. We shouldn't have, but we did and ended up playing at 6:15 a.m. During the break we had a lot of laughs - mainly because we made fun of the team we played at 2:50 and we were all so tired and delirious. After we got done winning our game at 6:15, I calculated that I had officially been up for 26 hours! That's a long time! I barely made into the shower and into bed when we got home. I ended up not even eating because I was so tired. I slept til about 1:30 and we had a birthday party for my cousin Brooke and her son Johnny. We went swimming and then slept for a couple more hours. The time swimming was nice. I was able to catch up with Ali, Shem and Brooke and I didn't have to worry about kids at all - let me tell you how nice that was. I was able to get some more sleep and talk to Jeff, who had the boys all too himself for Saturday and Sunday.

After some grub and warming up, we went and played two more games. I felt so bad because I went O'FER in both games and didn't get a hit. We ended up losing out when I know we could have played at least three or four more games. We ended up going home and on the way home listened to some kick-ass country music that we grew up on. Some Tanya Tucker and some Lorrie Morgan! We played a game of Catch Phrase when we got done showering and went to bed. I ended up getting up at 8 and headed out early. I missed my three boys so much I just couldn't wait to get to them. I drove to Helper to meet up with them and they were so excited to see me.

Even though I missed my boys, the time I spent with my cousins and playing softball was a much needed break I needed. I feel like i need to do that more often because I come back a better wife and mother. Needless to say, I can't wait for another "me" break.

On a side note, we ended up having to take Raider to the vet to get his ear fixed. When I got into Helper on Sunday, Jeff told me that Raider had split his ear open on the big field sprinklers. It wouldn't close, so we ended up taking him straight to the vet on Tuesday to get his ear sewn up. He is doing really well, but has to wear that big satellite collar on his head and he hates it!

On another side note... (haha) I am going on a sexy date with my husband tomorrow and we are hitting up the Tim McGraw concert! I'm so excited!!!!

Mud Time!

Yesterday the boys and I went out to the park and were playing around when I saw this mud puddle over by homeplate. I decided to see what the boys would do if they saw mud and they did exactly what I thought they would - go right in!

Cash wasn't so sure what to think of it and just like to walk through it, while Colt went all out. He was eating it and rolling in it and loving every single minute of it! 

Here are some pictures of my cuties!

Lucky Girl!

I'm such a lucky girl I have decided. Not only do I have the BEST husband in the world, I have the two BEST kids in the world!

8 1/2 months old

This post is about Colt because I am in awe of him right now. He is growing up so fast and I just can't get enough of my chunk! He is such a cuddle bug and it's nice because the only time Cash wants to cuddle is when he doesn't feel good or he is REALLY tired.

Colt has fully started crawling and currently has three teeth breaking through his gums. In fact, I give it a month and he'll have all his teeth because his gums are all bubbled. He is such a curious baby and hates being in the exersaucer because he loves to roam and look at what he hasn't been able to look at before. He will have his 9 month appointment here in a month or so, so it will be fun to see where his stats are at. His head is currently the size of Cash's (haha) probably due to the fact that he has my head. He is starting to clap at everything and loves to watch any football program on TV. I have a feeling I'm going to be overruled in our house when it comes to watching football on tv. I love football, but towards the end of each season I'm ready for a break haha.

Anyways, I just wanted to brag about him a little and tell him how much joy he has brought into our family. It was a rough go for the first six months of his life, but now that he is getting older, he is finally showing his personality and making us so proud of him!

We love you Colty!!!

Random!

Okay this is random and I don't know why I was thinking about this, but this morning when I was walking my dogs I figured out the most random thing.

I have 17 cousins just on my dad's side. Out of those 17 cousins, 10 have children. If you got us all together, aunt, uncles, cousins, their families, etc... That is one HUGE party!!

Another random thing - most of my cousins are married to "J" names haha

Here's how it all breaks down and for my cousin's reading this, you are the only ones who would probably find this so very fascinating hahaha And yes I thought about this while walking at five in the morning with my dogs.

My Dad's side of the fam:
UNCLE DON - Four Children and two adopted
Jake (R.I.P) has 1 child
Shemri has 3 kids
Ali has 3 kids
Brooke has 4 kids
Kenny has 1
Brad has 1 (I believe if I was told correctly)

UNCLE BOB - TWO CHILDREN
Derek has 1 child
Tyrel has 1 child

My Dad SCOTT - TWO CHILDREN
Courtney has 2 children
Garrett has 2 children

UNCLE JOHN - THREE CHILDREN
Amber has 2 children
Ashley has a 1/2 child (one on the way)
Whitney has 0 children

AUNT GAYLA- THREE CHILDREN
Nick has 0 children
Alyssa has 0 children
Alex has 0 children

AUNT TERESA- TWO CHILDREN
Micah has 0 children
Colton has 0 children

UNCLE FRANK - ONE CHILD
I can't remember her name at the moment, but she has 0 children.

Now you know are family and the fact that all the children have had more kids then our parents! Crazy Gressmen family!!! hahahaha

Told you it was random!

Crazy Busy!

I just realized that I really haven't blogged about our life since Mother's Day and I'm sorry about that. Having two little guys has really taken over my life and not a lot of things get done in a timely manner. Needless to say, some things get put on the back burner and blogging seems to be one of them.

Since we have been going back and forth between our home in Sandy - wait, let me rephrase that...our box of an apartment - and Helper, we have been on the road quite a bit. In between that, Jeff has been working a ton and I have started playing softball again after being on hiatus for two years due to being pregnant.

On top of all that, I have been able to take the boys to do a few things. I have also been able to catch up with some friends and even some of my cousins :D

Okay - now to get it out of the way. Since Mother's Day, I have been playing co-ed softball and our team won the League Championship :D We ended up taking second in the tournament. Basically when it comes down to the tournament championship we always seem to fold, which I don't know why.

Jeff and I celebrated our second year wedding anniversary on June 6 and we didn't do anything, but it was nice to know that I have found the love of my life. Colt has officially started crawling - which is making me go even faster then I already move and I was able to take the boys to the zoo for the first time. I ended up going with my cousins Ali and Shemri and we met up with a high school friend of mine and Ali's - Elizabeth and her son Connor. Cash loved Ali's boys and hugged them anytime they were near the stroller. I did learn that it's hard to have little guys at the zoo, but we managed just fine :D

Our house in Helper is great. We love going down there because we have so much room and the dogs and kids have a yard to play in. Jeff's Uncle Mike bought the boys a kiddy pool and we got it out this weekend since Jeff finally had a good block of time off. He has been working so much that the past six days have been a blessing and it was so much fun spending time together as a family. We tried to go camping, but everything back-fired on us and we ended up coming home. Everywhere we tried to go it cost to camp. Seriously!? Back in the day all we did was camp because we could just pack everything up and just go. Now it seems like you have to pay for everything. And really, who takes cash with them while they go camping? We basically drove around looking for a spot close to Electric Lake and Cleveland Lake and couldn't find anything that doesn't cost. We should have just gone with our original plan and head up Ferron, but we decided to try something different. Makes me wonder if you have to pay to go camp up Diamond Fork. I miss our old Gressmen Circle Camp and would love to take my boys there one day to show them where I spent a lot of time for either hunting or play.

Well, on top of all that, we are keepin' on keepin' on and moving along. I am looking forward to the end of July, when I get to go play in a softball tournament with my cousins and uncle. It should be a great time and I can't wait! I'm also starting up my women's league in Heber next week, so that should be exciting. It's been nice playing up there because I miss all my friends there and the boys get to hang out with their grandma and grandpa on those days I play.

Anyways, here are some pictures to show you what we have been up too. Hope everyone keeps smiling!

Playin in the pool Uncle Mike got for the boys

Bug's first haircut - a shaved head!

Colt's first buzz!

A man and his sons - all buzzed!

He is so happy now! We love Colty Wolty!

Sorry it's sideways - the boys' first trip to the zoo

Cash's first train ride at Hogle Zoo

Colt's first train ride at Hogle Zoo

Happy boy!

Checkin out the elephants

Showin some third cousin love! haha

Trying to ride on Raider while I get a picture haha

Playing on the slip n' slide!

Can't make it up camping, get a fire pit!

Cash's first ride on the four wheeler - and not his last!

Did I mention I cut a ton off my hair and made the drastic change back to dark chocolate brown with ruby red high lights! Looks better in person, but wanted to show you a pic. When I had Colt my hair was at the top of my butt!

What is Your Favorite Album?

Alright, this is probably the most random post, but the 30 Day Song Challenge I have been doing on Facebook has got me thinking... What is my favorite album? In the coming days I have to post a video of the first song off my favorite album, then the next day I have to post a video of the last song off my favorite album. The problem is, I have about four or five favorite albums. The way I figured this out is by the gazillon times I have played these albums and how I know every song off them by heart! I did a lot of traveling when I worked for the paper and when I went back and forth while I was going to school in St. George, so needless to say I listened to a lot of music.  So I have decided that I'm going to listen my favorite albums on here and the reasons why I love them so much so you can get an idea.

Favorite Album #1

This CD burned a hole in my CD player. Not literally, but seriously, I played it over and over and over. I don't know what it is about this CD but I am never sick of it and I am really sad the Dixie Chicks aren't together anymore. I really loved their music and they had some good messages and some really fun songs. This CD brings back a lot of memories and I seriously could sing every song by heart. Maybe I'll bust out into song right now! hehe






Favorite Album #2

Oh boy! See, this is why it's so hard. How can you not absolutely love you some Miss Christina! When she released this album I was in heaven. "Dirrty" is still one of my favorite songs to this day and how can you not love "Fighter", "Keep Singing My Song", etc... This is her best album to date and I wish she would recreate an album like this one. Oh, and if you are ever down about yourself, just turn on "Beautiful". Love Christina!!!






Favorite Album #3

I love me some Mariah. Overall, Mariah is probably one of my favorite artists of all time. This CD got played over and over and over and over while I was at Dixie College and the three other girls who were my BFF's can agree with me on this. I don't have much more to say then the fact that this CD is CLASSIC AND ALWAYS WILL BE! "Won't you be my Sweetheart!!" Again, I love me some Mariah Carey!!!






Favorite Album #4

US.HER... RA.YM.OND!!  Oh Usher, how I love thee! This CD is so raw and I fell in love with it as soon as I heard "Burn". I probably played this CD more then any of my other CD's (minus the one's listed) and still to this day listen to it over and over on my IPOD. Love me some Usher!









Favorite Album #5

All of Jason Aldean's Cd's are so good. But the reason I chose this one is due to the song "Asphalt Cowboy". This song is on my Top 10 lists of favorite songs of all time. I am a country girl and love rodeos, etc... so this song just makes me want to bust out singing! Plus, Hicktown - ya that sums up a lot of my life. Love love love this album!








Favorite Album #6

Hot! This album is just plain out sexy and so is Justin. This album brings back so many memories it's not even funny. I so wish Justin would release another album, but raw like this one and not like "Sexy Back" even though I'm not complaining, because that CD was good too. But "Cry Me a River"... it's you right in the gut! Love it!









See, this is why it's so hard to pick a CD to use for my songs I have to list. When I have six Cd's right off the bat I can name as my favorites, it's hard! I could keep going too, but I will stop for now.

So my question to you is. If you could pick a CD that is your all-time favorite, what would you pick?

Cute Boys!

My favorite boys in the world - well, two of my three favorite boys!

Brotherly Fun...

I love this video. Sorry if it's crappy quality, my phone doesn't take good video so I can email to myself. But Cash was making Colt laugh and I was able to run in and grab a little bit of it. They did this for 20 minutes before I finally stopped doing yard work to grab my phone. Colt just loves Cash!

I love this video!

What's Been Going On...

Well I always seem to go a little while without blogging and I hate myself for it, but I don't know if anyone even reads my blog, so I guess I can go a few weeks or so without blogging.

We have been busy lately and the boys are definitely keeping us on our toes. Jeff is on a four on, four off work schedule and it is still taking some getting used to. I have started playing softball and I can tell you that I couldn't be happier. I have missed playing and it's so nice to be back. I'm traveling to Heber to play, frankly because I miss my friends up there and it's only a quick drive up the canyon, so it's not too bad. Plus my parents get to see their grandsons every Wednesday :-)

I had a great Mother's Day this year and it was doubly fun because I had two little boys to tag along with me all day long. We ended up going to my parents house because Jeff was working and I got to hang out with my mom and dad and my niece Bentley. She and Cash had a blast playing together and Colt finally got to play some too. I had to come home in a horrible rain storm, but we made it down the canyon and I came home to a cute pig planter filled with plants. I love pigs and Jeff was so sweet to get me that as a gift (as well as my tattoo). I also had dinner made for me - two frozen personal pan pizza's hahaha frankly it tasted delicious. I am watching what I am eating like a hawk so when I was able to have a break and eat something a little more fattening then I am used too.

We have been going back and forth to Helper on Jeff's days off lately too. Since Jeff's dad passed away in March, Jeff inherited his house, so we have been taking care of it and make sure to do all the upkeep on it. It has also been a nice getaway for us to get out of the city. We have a dilemma though because we REALLY want to move back to Helper, but we need to find Jeff a job first. It would seriously save us money to move back because we wouldn't be shelling out rent and we'd have a house and a yard for the kids and dogs to play in. The only thing is, Jeff's job now pays REALLY well and it's hard to find a job in Carbon County or nearby that pays as much as he is making now. We are still crossing our fingers that something comes up and we can move back. I know, weird, that we would want to consider moving back, but frankly we don't want to raise our boys in the city. Both Jeff and I grew up in small towns and we really want the boys to experience what we did when we were kids. We also want to be able to just go fishing whenever we want and not have to driver forever and a day to go fishing. We want to do more camping and we just want the boys to enjoy the mountains and working hard. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with those who grow up in the city, but when you are raised a certain way - you want your children to be raised that way too. It also helps that the person you are married too has experienced the same thing. So if anyone has a leads down there, please let us know. :-) haha

As for the boys - oh boy! I have never met two boys with such personality in my entire life. Colt is already trying to crawl and loves to do anything as long as he can do it himself. He also loves the dogs and talks to them all the time and he really loves to laugh at his brother. Cash is still trying to be patient with him, but he is starting to wrestle with him more and I have to tell him to be soft with Colt. Colt also has another tooth, so he has two now and he is out of his pack n' play and into the big boy crib. We never bought another crib because Cash was so close to getting into a big boy bed, that we just held off. Colt is still a little fussy, but is getting to be so fun - now only if the screaming would go away! haha He screams so loud and all the time! We have started him on stage 2 foods and some people food. He isn't too keen on the fruits, but loves the veggies! As far as our food, he isn't a big fan, but I did give him cucumbers and he demolished them, so that's a good sign. We are also still trying to find him a good nickname.

"Bug" aka Cash, is my little tantrum. He loves to throw tantrums right now over EVERYTHING. On the flip side, he is so smart. He understands a lot more then he says right now and will do anything to be able to play outside. He is also our little daredevil. He climbs on everything he possibly can and is starting to jump off everything as well. It's funny to see him try cuz he gets so nervous to do it. His favorite thing in the world (besides his dad) is football. He can't get enough and yells "hut hut" every time he gets his football. Then he freaks out when football comes on TV and yells "tutdown!" We have also upgraded Buggy to his big boy bed and he is so in love with it! He was so excited when he got out of the bathtub and realized that the bed was for him. He kept climbing out of his crib so much that we got sick of putting him back in every time, so he got his big boy bed. Cash has such a good heart and soul that he just makes me smile when I see him. He also got his first haircut, as we buzzed his head for the first time to look like his dad. I of course cried because he looks like such a little boy right now. We also buzzed his brother's head, so I have three bald boys in the house right now.

As for the dogs - well they are still dogs and we love them so much. Harley and Raider are such a big part of our family and couldn't be happier with the dogs we have - we are very lucky and they are so well behaved. I can tell you that they know when we are going to Helper and they get so excited to go - they love it down there!

Well that's us in a nutshell, so hopefully you made it through and things are good on your end!

New Ink

Well, I got my sixth tattoo this past week. Let me just say that this is probably my favorite tat. The reason being - it is for the two little bugs I thought I would never have. I wanted to get a tat for my boys and after a little digging I found what I wanted. The flowers are anenome's which is a flower of the sign Scorpio. Since both my boys are Scorpio's it fit. Then I decided to put their birth dates in each of the flowers. If Jeff and I ever decide to have more kids, I know I'll be able to put another flower on there to add. So here you go. :-)

Obsessed!

So I'm obsessed with something lately - it's this new body wash by Caress. Seriously it smells so good and you can actually smell it on you after you have used it! Go buy it!! Seriously you'll love it!

6 and 18 month Checkups!

HAPPY HALF BIRTHDAYS TO MY BOYS!!!! Cash just turned 18 months on April 27th and Colt turns 6 months old today!!! I can't believe how fast time is flying by. It seems like yesterday that Cash was just born, then Colt was born. They tell you it goes by fast, but I didn't think it was this fast!

Colt at 6 months old!

Well since they are older, I had to go and get their well-child checks and here are their stats:

Cash at 18 months: 27.67 pounds and in the 73rd percentile. He is also 33.39 inches long which boosted him up to 80%!!!! I was like YEAH!!! In head circumference he is at 18.9 inches and 54% so he has the Hawkins head! haha


Colt at 6 months: 17.86 pounds and is in the 58th percentile. He is 26.57 inches long and in the 57%. His head had a huge jump which worries me a little, but he should be okay. He jumped from 55% to 77% (16.7 in. to 17.6 in) and if it goes up like that at his 9 month appointment we will have to get an ultrasound done. I told the doctor that my family has big heads (I had a huge head as a baby) so he said he won't worry, but will keep an eye on the growth.

As I got looking at both boy's stats at 6 months, I have noticed that Colt is just a little bit ahead. At six months Cash was 17.53 pounds and was 26.46 inches long. So they are pretty close. My friend said that I have birthed athletes and I just have to agree with her! haha

I also have to brag because the doctor told me he puts Cash in the Top 5 of the cutest kids in his clinic and I have to agree that he is pretty damn cute! But then again, he isn't the angel he looks. His halo is held up by his horns right now! The kid is into everything!!!!! The tantrums also drive me insane! haha Then again, it all goes away when he comes up and gives me a huge kiss and hug and says, "What doin?" Did I mention that he is obsessed with football (like his dad). He has started yelling 'TOUCH DOWN!!!' and lifting his hands in the air.

Colt has also got another tooth coming in (to make two now) and is starting to sit up a little bit. I finally got him to enjoy laying on his stomach and he is still cranky, but is so cute when he isn't fussing, which isn't as much as it used to be, but still not through the stage yet. He loves to be tickled and has the cutest laugh. Pretty much just cute all around!

Well there you have it. The next check up will be at 9 months for Colt and Cash won't have to go back until his 24 month appointment in October.

P90X

Well, I've found out the secret to losing weight in a good way! It's called P90X. Jeff and I have always loved to workout together, but because we have the children now, it's hard to just leave and go to the gym - and frankly we are burned out from the gym. We have been in the weight room since we were in high school and we were bored of working out there and getting nothing in return.

Well we decided to suck it up and pay the $40 a month for 3 months to pay for the program. I can tell you that just in one week - it's worth the money ten times over!

It's hard, I'm not going to lie - it's freakin hard, but once you get through the first week, things change. We have started the second week of training with me doing the supplemental cardio in the morning and I have lost 5 pounds in one week. I am following the diet portion of the workout as well and last Wednesday I weighed in at 201 (I know I probably don't look it, but yes I weigh that much) and today I weighed in at 196. Yes that is 5 pounds in one week. Jeff calls me the Carb Queen and I have been good with this diet and literally have cut all carbs (except a few) out of my diet and it works - trust me! This works tho if you follow the diet and do the working out!

I will keep you guys updated on our weight loss, but I can tell you right now, that hopefully the transformations will be worth it! I have another blog that I am doing and once we get going and stuff I will post more pictures. Our before pics are horrible! I just can't wait to see the afters!!!

As our trainer Tony Hortin would say - BRING IT!

Happy Birthday

Happy 33rd birthday to my wonderful husband!!! Love you more and more each day! P.S. I still have a crush on you!

Pick Me!

17 months

I love this picture. I gave Cash pudding the other day with his lunch and I left the room to change a load of laundry and came back to this. Me being the mom I am, instead of instantly cleaning him up, I grabbed the camera! hehe He will hate me one day but oh well!

Rolling Over

Caught Colt rolling over for the first time today!!!! I was excited to get it on video (sorry its from my phone)

Lots Going On...

Sorry I haven't blogged in awhile. When I made my last post we were going through a lot and I haven't been able to blog since then.

On March 4 we lost an incredible part of our family. Cash and Colt's Grandpa Hawkins passed away at 4:20 a.m. at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center due to a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. This was something that wasn't coming on, it just happened all of a sudden. I spent all week down at UVRMC with Jeff and had the boys with me which took a toll on me, but they did a lot better then expected. I was able to take one day and go down by myself (thanks mom) and everything in the waiting room who had been there all week had asked where the boys were cuz they loved having them there - probably because Cash is a ham and loves to show off and put on a show. Or pretty much flirt with the ladies! He loves the ladies!

It has been a very rough month and we were able to spend a week in Helper and have the funeral and everything. Jeff has inherited everything of his dad but he and I would trade it all back just to have Mike back. What an incredible man, that's all I have to say. He loved what he loved and most of all loved his grandson's. Jeff has his good days and his bad days, but most of all just misses his dad. I would be the same way if I were him. What makes me the most sad is that the boys will never grow up to know their grandpa. I had the same thing with me, as I never got to know my Grandpa Gressmen - just heard lots of stories and I always wished he was still around. Luckily the boys still have one grandpa around who can help fill that role, but it's still not the same as having two grandpa's. My heart hurts every day but it's getting better. I am just trying to be strong for Jeff.

Jeff's dad received a veteran's memorial

We are going to be going to Carbon County a lot now that we have a house to go too. It will be nice to get away down there because it is super quiet. Eventually we want to get back down there because Jeff and I both agree that growing up in a small town is better than the city. I just can't raise my boys here, sad I know, but I just can't. I want them to be able to go for drives up the canyon and go scouting, to go hiking within five minutes of the house, etc... I miss the small town feel so badly! It just sucks there are no jobs down that way. :(

On the flip side of things, the boys are growing up so freakin fast! Cash just turned 17 months old on the 27th and today Colt turns 5 months old.

Here are a few things about each boy:

Cash ~

• LOVES DANCING!!! He dances to any type of music, he doesn't care what it is, he will stop at the drop of a hat just to dance
• He loves food and would eat 24/7 if I let him. He also loves milk and drinks a ton of it!
• He just recently got over his second round of croup and he did very well with it. It just made me sad when he gets sick.
• He has been having night tremors so I have been able to comfort him and rock him back to sleep. This honestly is my favorite part of being a mom. I don't care what time it is, I will wake up just to get that cuddle time with my bug.
• He climbs - on everything!!! This child has no fear and when I say no fear, I mean it! The only thing he hasn't figure is how to jump off things.
• He has learned to climb out of his crib. Because of this, I'm going to keep watching him closely and determine if I want to put him in a big boy bed or not.
• Anytime he sees a ball he starts screaming "ball ball ball ball". He is becoming quite the thrower too! He also has learned to go "hut hut"... haha 

Colt~
My little chunka munka!

• Colt has got quite the lungs on him! He loves to cry and cry loud. Things have gotten better though since we found out he has had an ear infection and ever since being on antibiotics, he has been such a happy boy!
• Colt just cut his first tooth a few days ago. He actually was born with a milk tooth (it looks like a blister in his mouth) and for awhile I could see white in there but then it disappeared. I then noticed a little blood in his mouth and saw that a tooth had finally cut through.
• He is weighing over 15 pounds! This boy is my chunk. I love that he is growing so much and he is already wearing 6-9 month closes and some 12 month clothes. I have decided that baby sizes are just random!
• He is almost turning over. I can get him to go from his belly to his back once-in-awhile but he is still struggling from his back to his belly. I'm also just getting him to enjoy laying on his belly. He doesn't find it fun. I am not a belly person either.
• What a talker! Once we got his ear infection taken care of, Colt has decided to tell us things - many things and always has something to say! I think he talks more than me sometimes.

I think the worst thing I am the most frustrated over is losing the baby weight. It's hard for me to get to the gym because of the schedules both Jeff and I are on right now and the fact that the world flipped on us this month, but I just wish it would go away. I know I know, I just had a baby 5 months ago, but you don't get it. I got big when I got home from college and it took me 5 years to lose over 60 pounds. I need to lose about 50 right now and I don't want it to take me that long. I don't want to be labeled as one of those women who have kids and stays fat - especially since I am a stay-at-home mom. I have major body issues because of my past and it's hard for me too look at myself sometimes. I just feel ugly. I just want to be the MILF that people look at and are like, "wow she has two kids and looks f'in awesome!" Hopefully one day that will happen. But truthfully it's hard to want to get dressed because nothing looks good on me. Okay, I'm done pity partying on myself...

Anyways, I'm glad this month is almost over. I'm ready for April to begin, as we have Jeff's 33rd birthday and our 5th year anniversary (since we started dating). I can't believe I have been with Jeff for five years. I can tell you we have had are ups and our downs, but mostly ups. I am so EXTREMELY grateful he came into my life and always will be grateful - he is my best friend and I wouldn't trade him for anything in this world!