Apple Sauce

Caden's morning snack today was a bowl of applesauce. He is actually very good at eating with his spoon, but today decided to be extra messy - just for the fun of it, I think. So, what does Mommy do? Take pictures, of course!

My hard-workin' man...

We had planned to paint the exterior of our house this past week and weekend, but with the very unseasonable rain that we have had the last two weeks or so those plans have had to be postponed (hopefully just until next week - I can't take much more of this rain!). So, we decided to make the best of it, and we (when I say "we," I really mean "Jake") finally have continued on with our interior painting projects. Jake and I have joked that we will finally get the whole interior painted once we have lived in the house about 5 years... hopefully that doesn't prove to be true, but ya' just never know with the kiddos running around!

Anyway, here are some pictures of Jake's hard work in the living room. Hopefully this room will be done today. We are planning to take this neutral color throughout most of the house... next will be the guest room, then the hallway, then our bedroom and bath.

Attempting to take a picture of five cute cousins...

In order: Caden, Micah, Brycen, Nathan and Wyatt

Micah Rockin' Out to the ABCs

After getting home from Nathan's birthday party, Micah stripped down for a bath (don't worry, the important parts are covered) and sang us a rather rockin' rendition of the ABCs.

Nathan's 4th Birthday Party

Our nephew, Nathan, is 4! Jamie and Derek did an awesome job throwing Nathan's 4th Birthday Party last weekend - it was a "Gigantic Garbage Gathering" in honor of Nathan's love for all things trash. Jamie made an awesome Waste Management garbage truck cake, and planned fun trash bag races (instead of potato sack). We ALL had so much fun!!!

The Cake

Sweet Brycen

Micah enjoying the garbage sack race!

The big birthday boy!

Grandpa Brian and Brycen

Wyatt, Grandpa Brian, Caden

Choo-Choo Trains!

A couple weeks ago, Jake and I set up an early birthday present for Caden - a train table set. Caden so loves anything trains and we quickly realized that he wasn't going to make it to his birthday without a train toy after a couple solid tantrums and even a few moments of a broken heart when we would take him away from train toys at friend's homes. He loves his present, and since he doesn't turn 2 until the end of June, we hope he doesn't mind getting it a bit early!

Inspired

In recent months I have found myself totally inspired by Jenny McCarthy (and Jim Carrey)'s movement for autism recovery. I remember hearing about her story a few years ago -- what she has done, and the knowledge that is bringing to the public through her "celebrity" status is inspiring, awesome, and even better, catching on. Her son, diagnosed with autism at age 2, is now a healthy and fully recovered 1st grader. Jenny and some of the folks she works with (scientist, doctors, etc) were featured on the show "The Doctors" today for an open debate and discussion.

Here are some links to peruse... whether you are currently affected by autism and/or related conditions or not I would encourage you to get educated and be proactive. Many of the "treatments" used to bring these children to recovery are actually very simple -- involving childhood vaccinations, food allergies (specifically removing gluten and dairy with protein casein for many) and the elimination of -get this- toxins from both food and environment.

http://www.thedoctorstv.com/main/show_page/198

http://www.generationrescue.org/

Caden's Big Boy Bed - Trains Planes & Trucks

Jake and I decided to setup a big boy bed for Caden today - kinda on a whim. We ordered bedding for him a week or so ago -- Trains Planes & Trucks since he is currently in love with all things motorized. The arrival of the bedding inspired us to get moving! He seems to love it (so does Micah and he is having a little trouble "sharing" Caden's bed). Wish us luck! Hopefully he sleeps in the bed as well as he plays in it. :-) Here are some pictures of the big reveal...

Family time at the Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort

We had so much fun playing in the sun!

Sesame Street Live: Elmo's Green Thumb

Jake and I took the boys to see a PBS benefit showing of Sesame Street Live: Elmo's Green Thumb on Wednesday night in Phoenix. The boys LOVED it! And, honestly, Jake and I loved it too. Nothing beats seeing your kids smile from ear to ear, laugh, and get so excited. It was a great family outing!

Here are some short video clips from the show...