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Kelci's 1!

I can't believe you are a year old, it seems like yesterday to me still that you make your entrance. You are a happy and sweet little girl with a tender heart. You love to smile and are generally happy. You still do not have any teeth and very little hair, but are beautiful none the less. You are close to walking, but do not do it on your own yet-I can tell it will be soon though. You are loved by your brothers and get excited when you see them. You are loved by your parents very much and are a blessing to our lives. Happy Birthday Kelci!

Thanks Auntie TIff!

Auntie Tiff bought me this dress and shoes and I know I look cute in them!

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The Annual Reunion

Every year in July we have a family reunion at my grandparents home in Eureka, Utah. I told the kids that they could play outside until the sun went down, little did I know that it doesn't go down in Utah until almost 10PM! They played and played; riding scooters, playing in the playhouse, playing four square and ping pong and golf. They had a blast!

Finally!

So sorry it has been so long since I posted. I am not even going to go into any detail right now about what our life has been like in the month since I last posted. CRAZY is all I have to say!

I will say though, that yesterday I graduated from NPC! This was a huge accomplishment and could not have been done without the people in my life who attended. They earned this degree as much as I did.

Nathan, thank you for being supportive of me and telling me everything would workout, even when I knew it wouldn't.

Tiffany and Justin, thank you for watching my kids and letting me invade you life and home for days on end the last two semesters so I could finish my all too important Geology classes. This is what had held me up from graduating sooner. Seriously, I could not have done it without you guys.

Dad, Thanks so much for being there for me during all the ups and downs along my way. I truly love you and appreciate you for all you do for me and my family. I have missed you so much since we moved. Thank you for watching my kids every semester so I could graduate.

Dad and Elaine, thank you for your love and support along the way and for making it to my graduation. Thanks for your open doors and loving arms lately as well.

Garett, thanks for coming all the way for me. It means a lot to me. I can't wait to attend yours in about a year:)

Clarissa and Gage, thanks so much for coming and helping with the children, all day in the sun! You made it possible for me to have more family in attendance to share this special time. I love you so much and enjoyed spending time with you.

Hayden, Brekyn, Tanner and Caison, thank you for sharing you home, parents, Nintendo DS's, toys and putting up with my kids so often. I really do appreciate it.

Preston, Tracen and Kelci-my own PTK! You sacrificed a lot for me to do this, I will always be appreciative. I know you really liked hanging out with GPA Garth and Aunt Tiff and Uncle Justin more than me:) I want you to know that you can do anything! I love you so much!

Words are not enough to express my gratitude for everyone who participated in helping me reach my goal. All I can say is I love you all more than you could ever know!

A Wonderful Day!

Yesterday my brother came home from an honorable mission in Chile. It was so fun to see the excitement in his eyes and all those who came to see him home. He had not changed from his jokeful and fun self. He did however, come home with a spirit about him that anyone could see, a testimony a thousand times stronger than when he left and a love for his fellowman that had only grown.

He has turned into a fine man and a great future husband and father. I am particularly proud of him and the example that he set for me and my children. My boys have a respect and love for missionaries and look forward to the day when they get to be one. For now they just have the suit and future missionary name tag.

Thank you Heavenly Father for helping him serve well and keeping him safe until he was returned back to us.

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Easter-finally

Our Easter was a little less planned and a little more thrown together this year. We had a really nice family home evening before hand about Christ and tried to explain to the boys what Easter was all about. They seemed to catch on and even remembered when we quizzed them later on.

We only had about 2 dozen eggs to find this year and the baskets were simple. The boys woke up at 6:15AM to see what they had been left. They had a great day and I don't think they even noticed that it was more simple.

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Kelci Update

Kelci is such a blessing to our family. I cannot imagine life without her. The boys love her and take good care of her. Tracen is just now starting to have a hard time. He doesn't like that she can get his toys and mess things up. Preston is the protective older brother and loves to make her smile. He will always try to get her to stop crying and loves to hold her. Nathan is wrapped around her little finger and wouldn''t have it any other way. I treasure each day with her and love to watch her grow. She is a special spirit and I am thankful Heavenly Father trusted our family with her.

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Disneyland Trip

I got some tickets to Disneyland for a good price and so we thought we would take our little family while we had the opportunity. Our kids are at the really fun age of looking up to the characters and truly believing in them. It was really sweet to watch them and their amazement. We had a great time and one day was plenty.

Nathan is very big into history and historical sites. He had found out about a guy named Hi Jolly a few months before and remembered that his grave was in Quartzsite, AZ. We had to drive through there on our way back and decided to stop by. It was not as easy as we had hoped, but we did find it and it was definitely worth it.

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The boy named ebay

Terra sells things on ebay and does really well with it. She is a great bargain shopper and turns around and makes a good profit. So our kids will see things that she has bought and will show interest in them. Sometimes, when they are toys, they will originally think that they must be their toys. Well today we were driving in the van when Terra sees Preston pick up a toy in it's box and Terra tells him to put it down because it is for ebay. Well after hearing this about several items he askes us if he can go over to "ebay's house" to play with all the neat toys. For who knows how long, Preston has been thinking that we have been two-timing him and buying some boy named ebay all sorts of neat things and he must have been wondering why we keep buying this boy so many more toys than he gets and he hasn't even met him. The poor boy thought we were showing favoritism to a boy who doesn't even exist.

Now What

So I didn't get the job-at least not right now. They want me to spend a little more time with the company-could be months or years, they didn't give me a time line yet. I was bummed, but feel like it was not meant to be since I had several people praying and hoping that we would be moving to Tucson. I guess the Lord has other plans. I guess we shall see what happens next.

My brother Garett comes home in one week! I am overly excited! He has never met Kelci and the boys were just babies really when he left. I am excited to spend time with him and see how much he has changed, as we all have a bit in two years. I am so proud of my brother and the choices that he has made throughout his life. He is a great example to me and my family. I love that my boys want to be missionaries like their uncle Garett. I can't wait for Garett to marry and give me some nieces and nephews too! Hopefully it won't be too long.

So, I am so confused on one hand about what to do to support our family, yet overjoyed with the blessing of being able to see my brother again after so long.

The Plan?

So I have learned that plans do not go as planned. When Nathan and I came down to the valley for an interview for Nathan back in January-we thought that he would work and I would be staying home with the kids. I told him that I would pick up something to help us get out of debt and back on our feet. When we found out that he would have to wait a few weeks for the position to open-or so we though-we decided that I would take a little job to help until his job came through.

Lesli suggested that I go back to the restaurant business and serve. I didn't think that I would like that. Nathan asked me why I didn't want to and I gave him a long list. He told me many of my concerns would not be the case if I worked for a chain. So before we got back to AJ from Gilbert I decided that I would apply at Red Lobster, since 15% is 15% so the more expensive the restaurant, the more I would make. The third Red Lobster I called told me to come that day and bring my resume. I did and before I got back to AJ from Alma School and the US60, they had called to see if I would come back for testing and an nterview the next day. One week after walking into Red Lobster I started working there.

I found out that they were opening more locations throughout the year and there would be management opportunities in Tuscon. I was excited since my mom and the kids are moving there in July. The locations in Tuscon open in July as well. After talking to my managers I found out that as soon as I made Captain, which is sort of like a head server, I could apply for management. I made Captain on April 1st, not even two months after working there. One week later-to the day-I had my first interview for a management spot in Tuscon. I have my second interview tomorrow and hopefully will be starting the 13 week training program shortly after that. So Tuscon looks like it may be our new home-about the same time as it becomes so for my little brother and sisters.

I feel very blessed with this opportunity. I love my company and the nature of my job. I love that everyday is different and that I can move around within the restaurant doing everything from production to serving. I love the fast-paced people environment. Some days are more challenging than others, but never dull. The best part about this opportunity is that I will be making somewhere in the ballpark of 45-50 thousand. That is a big financial step for our family.

I graduate on May 16th with my AA from Northland Pioneer College and am very excited for this as well. I plan on starting my BA in July, as soon as the financial aid year starts again. This was not at all what our plan was for our family, but I think the Lord knew better than we did since Nathan wouldn't be able to get a teaching job any time in the near future here in AZ with the cuts happening now. He will continue school while being home with the kids. Not at all what we planned, but what we feel is right for our family. He is great with the kids and I am great in the corporate world-I don't think the Lord cares who does what as long as we live righteously and raise our children to be the same. I can testify that the Lord provides a way for us so long as we are willing to accept that His plan may not be our plan.

Just a few stories

Alright,

Terra and I often mention how we need to write certain funny stories down or even just funny phrases or comments that people make. So tonight I have thought of a couple older stories that I feel are worthy of posting.

When I was on my mission, we went to a members house for dinner. My companion and I were chatting with the father and son about missionary stories. The father had served a mission too and so all three of us were sharing stories. The son had a question after his dad made mention of the MTC. He asked why the church would send you to an "MTC"? The father explained that the MTC was the place the missionaries would learn the discussions and any languages etc. We all began to tell stories again and a few minutes later the son, probably sixteen years of age, asked, "yeah, but why an MTC"? The dad gave some kind of explanation to his son and we began to talk again and for the third time he asked the same question. By this time we were almost frustrated by the simple question. So I used my "finding skills" to determine his struggle in understanding the MTC and it turns out he thought we were saying "empty sea". He couldn't figure out any logical reason why the church would send the missionaries to an empty sea rather than some other logical place, like a building in provo or something.

Here is another one that I hope my brother Len remembers and I hope he doesn't mind me sharing. After we had purchased our first home here in the valley, my brother Len had flown into town and came by to visit and see our new place. As He, my wife and I were walking along the path to the front door, he stops us and while pointing down at the small little cactus, asked us, "when is that palm tree going to start growing"? I wish I could tell you what kind of cactus it was, and to his defense, it did have a palmy kind of look to it.

Alright, my last one for tonight. I hope I don't offend anyone by this story. I know Amy Holly was asked to remove a post by a close friend because it made them uncomfortable. So, I hope we don't have the same friends. No, not really, but I hope everyone can laugh at the story because it is true as can be and Tiffany and some nurse in Show Low can testify. ---- A little background. when Terra was in labor with Preston, all she wanted me to do was massage her legs. It was the only time she yelled at me. I made the mistake of asking her if I was massaging hard enough and she yelled back, "don't ask me any questions!". Other than that, she was very pleasant with all three of her deliveries. Anyway, when we were at the Show Low hospital ready to start labor with Tracen. Tiffany, Terra, the very nice nurse and I were visiting amongst ourselves and I went ahead and told the story of when she yelled at me during Preston's birth but also explained that if my life depended on it, she surely couldn't find the strength to message me very strongly, because she has very weak hands. Terra confirmed this statement about her weak hands by saying "I AM a weenie rubber". The nurse turned red but tried to pretend she didn't hear it. Tiffany started laughing and then we all were laughing. I must say my wife never ceases to surprise me. I love her to death.

Quick Update

So, we are a part of the online world again! I am so happy! Since the last post-we have been really busy. We took the boys to Disney Land, moved into our own apartment (Dobson and Guadalupe about), I got a promotion and had my 27th birthday and Kelci started crawling! Life is great and family is better!

On a spiritual note; I love conference and always feel so much better about life after listening to the speakers. I really loved the analogy of how building our homes on rock doesn't keep the wind and the rain away, but helps the home make it through the elements in tact. This is so true and really hit home for me at this point in my life. I also found it interesting that they spoke about wants and needs-I have really learned what I can live without recently. I have learned too how truly blessed I am and what things are really important.

Stupid Girl!

I figure everyone will find out eventually, so I am just going to put it out there now, in my own words. I was on my way to work yesterday and had a few errands on my list of things to do. I thought I would head to the post office first and drop of an Ebay package. Nathan had told me there was a shorter way to go than the way I usually took. So I headed that way. I had several things on my list of things to do; remodeling the body of my Kia was not one of them.

I stopped at the first stop sign and then started to go again-no radio was going and no cell phone was in use. I turned the AC button on and my car started to chug like it always does since my O2 sensor is broken. I started coming to another crossroads, but didn't see that it had a stop sign until it was too late. I stopped, but was sticking out into the road a bit. Since my car is a stick, I couldn't just back up and since it has a delay in getting power with the O2 sensor problem, I couldn't gun it to get all the way across the street.

None of this would have been a problem accept a car was coming at that very second. I could see the car out of the peripheral of my vision. I knew I just needed to get out of the way best I could-so I gunned it as fast as I could and held on tight. After doing a 360 and sliding about 25ft into a lady's driveway, my car stopped.

I got out and checked on the other car and of course it was an elderly couple-in their 80's. The lady was driving and her husband was passenger. I kept asking them if they were okay as I called 911-he just said-"you ran the sign!" as if I didn't know there was an accident going on right then anyway. They both were just fine, but were taken to the hospital to make sure. The EMT's said everything was alright and that the vitals of both the couple were good and they would be fine-I still felt so bad and couldn't hardly not cry.

The officer was really nice that did the report. He said he runs signs over there all the time since every street West you go over has additional stop signs on roads you normally don't stop at going farther East. Anyway, I got cited, went back to the house and took a lot of ibuprofen and then got back into my newly remodeled car and went to work. The first song I heard after the accident was "Stupid Girl", how appropriate was that?!

All I can say is that I am so thankful that it was the car that was paid off and that the children were not with me and that the other couple were going to be okay. I even was able to make it to work in time and made $25 an hour! I think my Heavenly Father knew I needed a pick-me up after the days events.

My wonderful husband even went and got me a card and had all the kids sign it and wrote for them what they wanted to say. It was sweet to come home and feel loved by my family.

Here's the Damage

Too Funny

Julia won an essay contest in her school for writing about how you should "Stop and Think". She made this poster to go with her essay. Really cute!

Now look closely...She really has a sense of humor that can go undetected!

Sweet moments

How Lucky I REALLY Am!

I have been really stressed out about finances lately and what the future holds; me of little faith I suppose. Then I witnessed this.

I was headed to work today and had to stop by the post office first. Thinking it would take the usual amount of time I left thirty minutes earlier than I needed. I ended up with a lot of time left so I went and ate at Taco Bell. I decided to go in, since I needed to kill a little time.

As I sat and ate, a guy came in and asked the clerk for an application. I looked up and saw a guy who appeared to be in his late 40's to early 50's. The lady said they were all out and he left. I watched his discouraged face leave and noticed him get on a bicycle and ride away.

My heart sank for this guy. Humbled to the point of riding a bike to Taco Bell in hopes of trying to get a job there. I am struggling, for my standards, but I still have a lot to be grateful for. I have my home, not in foreclosure; enough food to eat; two cars and only one payment; renters; and a decent paying job, just to name a few.

Nathan keeps telling me to have more faith and that things will be okay. I guess since I couldn't just take his advice, I had to figure it out on my own. I seriously wanted to cry for this man-I should change my attitude and learn from this experience.

My beautiful wife with Tracen as a baby.

What a sexy wife I have! I came across this picture and just had to put it on this site. This is one of my favorites. She sure loved that little guy. He was such a great cuddler and she just loved that about him. Tracen still is a pretty good cuddler. One thing that makes this one of my favorites, is because she is so proud of her little guy, and I find that very sexy. She is such a great mother to her children.

A great son

By Nate Tanner

Tonight I was sitting by Preston and I told him that I am a lucky guy. He smiled at me and said "I love you dad!" Not knowing if he even knows what luck means I asked him if he knew why I am a lucky guy, just to see how he would answer. He responded by saying, "because I am a really great son." I asked him how he knew what that meant and he said that I had told him before. I truly don't remember having that conversation saying that I am really lucky because he is a great son, but I am so proud that he knows, and am actually really proud of myself that he knows that, and it's because I had told him.

I really hope my kids know all their lives that I truly am lucky because I have the greatest children in the world.

Saying Goodbye

I knew this day was coming for quite sometime, I just didn't expect it to be this hard. We had a very relieving phone call on Sunday. My dad had found a supervisor working at the power plant who needed a house to rent for him and his crew. They were totally willing to pay our entire payment! They even wanted to move in the following Sunday, so we profit one week in February-which we need right now.

So tonight Nate and I have been cleaning and moving and getting everything ready for them. It was really sad to come into SJ and know that I would not be coming home again for a while. I am going to miss the post office that never has a line as long as the one in AJ; Walking into Wilbur's and have them call me by name; The excitement of small town sports and traditions; and last, but definitely not least, my home.

I have a real sadness in my heart as I leave SJ behind and move to the valley. I do feel a little like I am going home, since I am going back to AJ-where Preston was born. I know that I have been blessed and that Heavenly Father is helping my family through our economically difficult times. I do recognize His hand in my life, especially lately. I have been blessed with a great job that does not require me to be away from my children too much, but pays what we need right now. My instructors have been great working with me so I can graduate in May. My aunt and uncle's willingness to open their home to my family. The huge blessing of being relieved of my mortgage payment.

I have so much to be thankful for. I am sad to say goodbye to SJ, but look forward to what the future holds for my family.

Happy Valentine's Day Nate!

Nathan,
You love to cuddle and be close,
You have to have your daily dose.
Compliments you give me freely,
I know you mean them so sincerely.
You cook and leave a mess behind,
But it taste so good that I don't mind.
Wrestling, playing, watching movies,
Talking about girls that have the cooties,
You love to watch your children grow,
You love them lots, this I know.
Sports are just a part of your being,
When our team loses you can't bear seeing.
A love of history and ancestry,
You know a lot and help teach me.
I know I don't tell you often enough,
The good times and the little more rough,
Would never be quite as much fun,
Without you as my my only one.

I love you Nathan Alton Tanner!

Update

Well, we are officially in the valley now. I started work on Monday and last night was my first official non-paperwork day. I love my job! It is very fast paced and there are always new faces. I am excited for the day that I can do my own tables. I love the smell of the kitchen, it reminds me of growing up with long days at the restaurant with my dad. Thanks dad for teaching me hard work ethics and giving me experience that is useful to me still.

Nathan and Preston joined me and the little ones at my aunts house late Thursday night after 8 days of being apart. We are glad to be back together as a family. Tracen was asleep when they got home, but woke up as soon as he heard Preston's voice-eyes still closed-to play with his brother. It was really sweet to watch.

We are excited to have things working out for us finally. We really miss the White Mountains, but are planning to visit soon. This week we hope. Thanks to all who have helped us make the transition. Fellows family, we miss you and will visit soon! Happy Valentine's Day!

If You Had a Nickel...

So we are doing it again-yup, moving. This time things appear to be working better. Life just never goes as you expect, at least not for us. We are going back to AJ, at least until April. My brother comes home on April 21st-yeah! So we may try and have our own place by then. Thanks for a warm and welcome place to stay Cheney Gang! It will be even more fun this time too since Diana is back!

Nathan is waiting to hear back on many jobs, but one that we are really hoping for that he has been given a hint that they may be calling in the next few weeks. I am in the last stages of interviewing for a job at Red Lobster as a server, but the pay is great and it comes with benefits from day one.

My dad will stay in our house and we will rent our other two rooms out to power plant workers to make our mortgage payment. We have gotten several calls every week from guys wanting to rent a room. This will make it possible for us to actually pay our debts back.

CAC is right behind my aunt's house and they have distance programs through NAU. Nathan can finish his teaching degree and teach at my aunt's school, where he has been subbing, and since it is a title 1 school, they will pay his student loans back. I can finish my business degree there as well.

My instructors are allowing me to do my courses on my own and email my assignments. This way I can still graduate in May. I am so excited! Life is busy right now, but I am counting down the weeks until I graduate.

I finally feel like we are starting to make headway. I just don't want to count my chickens before the eggs hatch, but I finally feel like things are working themselves out now. We shall see. Keep us in your prayers.

Cute Moments

Preston picked out two of these nerf dart guns for Tracen's birthday. He loved his so much he wanted to sleep with it last night. How neat it is that children can appreciate the little things so much they want to have them by them at all times. I love the innocence of youth.

Kelci sporting Cars undies that her brothers put on her. She wore them all day that day. They were so proud. She really is going to have to learn to hold her own with them.

Sick and Tired!

I am so ready for the flu season to be over! It seems like my family has been sick non-stop since Christmas Eve. I thought we were all over it this last week and then last night Kelci was up all night. She was so congested that you could hear her wheezing from across the room. She was so miserable. I felt so bad for her. She is so sweet when she is sick, all the time, but especially when she is sick. I think I will end up taking her to the doctor. She is so sweet and happy that I hate to see her this way. I can't wait for warmer weather!

Tracen Turns 3!

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needed to be said

By Nate Tanner

I have often thought about the things that I would like to tell my mother if she were alive. How much I love her; the things that I appreciate about her; the things that I recognize that she has done for me in my life. Even more often I think about the questions that I would like to ask her. What was I like as a baby? What was she like as a child? I have dreamed about her being a grandmother to my children; knowing my loving wife Terra; Having my mom tell me that I am a good father is the ultimate dream that I continually have.

I miss my mom so much but something very profound always seems to seep into my mind. Am I taking advantage of the time that I have with my father? Am I spending all my time feeling sorry that I lost my mother that I am neglecting my father just to someday feel all the same regret and sorrow for the time I lost with my dad. Granted, he is a grandfather to my children and knows my wife, but when he is gone, the time that follows will be time that I will be missing him and will wish I had more time.

I know I am failing at this and maybe this should be some kind of resolution, to better take advantage of the time I have with my father and maybe even others as well.

This week my cousin was found dead and he is only in his mid 30's with young children. A very sad situation and I have already thought about how I wished that I had kept in better touch with him. He was a good guy and I would have really enjoyed to have seen him once in awhile. That is my regret right now. Well then, should I just sit back and feel sorry that I did not visit him in several years until the next tragedy and feel sorry about that one and always be behind or should I actually catch on to how this works and start making the most out of the opportunities for relationships with those that will have them with me?

If this blog is acting as a journal for my children, I want to make it clear to never let things of this world get between you and your loved ones. Don't let your pride stop you from being a brother, sister, son, daughter, friend etc. and to never forget that things are just things and don't really matter. People make mistakes and need to be forgiven, always. And to never take people for granted because you never know when they will be gone. Love unconditionally. And when you have children of your own, kiss them way too many times, hug them so much from day one, always tell them that you love them and that they are the greatest blessing to you. As your Nana would say, "don't sweat the small stuff". Always make more deposits than withdraws from their emotional bank accounts. Get on the floor and play with their toys with them. And anytime you have to punish them, tell them that you love them, sincerely.

I know this is a long post, but sometimes you feel like you just want to make sure some things are said. I do love my family so much and I hope they know that. I hope my wife can some day say that I was a good husband and that my kids never feel badly in any way about their upbringing.

I love you guys,

your daddy and husband, Nathan Tanner

Caison, come here!

Tiffany finally got him! This is what he did right after getting out of the bath...
Stopped to watch "his baby" while sneakily scratching his rear.

Ran around while I tried to get a good picture of his wild hair.

He likes to be free and roam! He is so cute!

"Tracen needs help!"

I was on the phone with Tiffany last night and the boy were playing together. I hear Tracen start screaming, but wasn't in any real hurry to help him since his dad was in the other room. The boys come out to where I am and Preston is trying to get my attention while Tracen is continuing to scream. Preston then comes over and starts to shake me until I look at Tracen. This is what I saw-only he was not happy (until he saw that I was taking his picture). I couldn't stop laughing at him-how he did this I don't know. He is naked from the waist down-I guess he had Saphyre's underwear on before this-Preston used to do this too-cross dress. I think they will be okay when they are older, I hope.

Snapshots of the kids

Preston wanted his picture taken with his special key to his treasure box (our fireproof safe).

Tracen got all dressed up for church! He even has a "tag" on, tie in case you were wondering. This is my favorite sweater on him because it is as colorful as he is.

Brekyn and Preston taking turns on her pink Nintendo DS. They are really sweet together!

Preston put the bib on Kelci backwards so she could be a super hero! She has no chance with two brothers.

Brekyn was so proud of Kelci for doing push-ups, she even put this cute headband on her, but it looks more like a sweatband than a headband. Aren't they so sweet!

Kelci anxious to crawl!

The girls in their matching dresses. I was so excited to find these in both their sizes!

Kelci hangin' out with her rescuer, Grandpa! She loves her cuddle time with him every night.

Kelci playing in her saucer-these are some of my favorite pictures of all my kids-playing with the colorful toys in this saucer.

"I did it all by myself"

Tracen is now potty trained! My life the last couple of weeks has been full of rushed trips to the bathroom, wet bathroom floors (not water), stinky excitement and pee pee dancing. The other day Tracen attempted to poop-all by himself. I went into the bathroom and found him washing his hands when he was all done. He was so proud of himself. However, he had not wiped and when he pulled his pants up his super runny discharge was coming out of his pants and had been smeard all up his back. I wanted to take a picture and post it, but thought it would be too innappropriate. I had to bathe him and change his clothes, while trying to explain to him that he did a great job, but mommy needs to help him wipe still. He has been so funny to potty train! He is fully trained now, but still sleeps in diaper (with undies on top) until I think I am ready to attempt diaper free nights. The excitement of raising children never ends!

Kids Say the Darndest Things

Nathan and I have been keeping a list of the cute things that the boys say. Here are just a few:

"My eyes are drowning"-Tracen. Translation=his eyes were watering, had a heck of a time figuring that one out.

"These shoes make me stink?"-Tracen. I had told him to get a different pair of shoes because he didn't want socks on and I didn't want his new shoes to get stinky. He came back to me with an old hand-me-down pair and said that. He is so funny!

"Spiderman is on the case"-Tracen He was outside in his Spiderman shirt and kept saying this over and over to himself while riding his bike.

Tracen calls our dog "Lady Rex Tanner"

Preston introduces the neighbor girl to my dad as "Natalie Tanner"

"I have to go poop and I don't have time"-Preston. Translation=I have diarreah!

"My bum bum hurts"-Tracen. Translation=I need to poop.

"I am never going potty in my bathroom again"-Preston. After someone stunk it up really badly.

The worst thing my kids say regularly, that is really pretty funny at times, "Crybaby, wah, wah, wah."

The sweetest thing they say regularly, "I love you more than that" after someone tells them they love them.

Preston went shopping with me the day after New Years-we were both super sick and only went to get groceries, but then mom found lots of stuff for Ebay and ended up taking a really long time. He was such a good sport, never complaining or getting into thins, just sitting in the cart covered with stuff waiting for mom to finish shopping. We did make a mad dash to the bathroom four times for him while we were there-poor kid, but he was so good. He asked me if he could get a snake-I never thought that 88 cent snake would keep him entertained as long as it did. He even put it in a seat belt in the van and named it "Snake Tanner".

The snake looks real in this picture Preston took.

Kelci just hanging out on the floor. She is so easy going-I love it!

Tracen put these antlers on Kelci one day, they looked so cute I had to take a picture. Tracen is really good about sharing with Kelci-he loves to bring her toys, blankets, and food. He will even make her bottles of water and try to feed her. He is a great big brother!

Feeding Time

Kelci is now on solids! I wanted to nurse only for the first year and my dr. laughed at me. He said he has never seen an American woman nurse without supplementing for a whole year. He told me to go as long as I could and we would reevaluate at each appointment to see how Kelci was doing. She was throwing up a lot in the last week and so I took her in to the dr. We decided that since she was not sleeping so well at night and her weight gain was just "okay" that we would introduce solids to her diet.

She caught on to eating quicker than my boys, she is not great at it yet, but way easier than Tracen for sure. She loves to eat! These pictures were taken by Preston since mom was feeding her.

"Preston the Builder"

Preston building a bird house on the front porch. He really badly wanted to use his tools and mom didn't want him putting nails or holes into the walls in the house. We settled on using a piece of wood outside. He is definitely related to his grandpas! He said to me in this picture, "How do I hold the nails and the hammer with these gloves?" They are a little big if you couldn't tell.

He looks like he should be in a commercial-with his shirt off and his six pack!

This was right after he got his new tool belt and all his tools. He loves the gloves!

Preston's View

Preston asks to take pictures-a lot. He takes better pictures than I do sometimes. These are some of my favorite shots from the last photo shoot he did. I love to see the world through his lens, it is so sweet.