August : the countdown!!

As we have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of our darling (name unknown) niece, we have had to come up with some fun things to pass the time! This isn't so difficult for Shar & Trav, who are working like crazy, taking classes, and trying to enoy those last kid-free moments. Even Jeff, who started teaching seminary this past week, has been busier than ever getting ready for school to start and preparing a classroom. So that left me and West, who just cannot wait to have another little someone to play with during the day! So here is what we've been up to this month:

Celebrating my 27th birthday!!

Swinging!!
Weston loves it!

Playing!!!
Baby in a bag!
Yes, he is actually in there folks. In case you think this was some cruel kid punishment, cast your worries aside, he loved it so much he didn't want to pop out for a picture. He is just chillin in there. Too funny!

Cleaning!! (the never-ending task)
Weston decided to chip in one day. Again, if you are thinking that I am such a cruel mom to put my 14 month old to work-- he honestly volunteered. That means I did NOT force him. haha. If you don't believe me, see the picture below:

See, he is happy. It might take the mom who is with him everyday to tell you, but that is NOT a grimace, it is a grin. He was laughing and singing while he worked. True story!

Finding cool new hiding places!!
(NO, he was NOT hiding from the cleaning or the bag!) This is his latest favorite spot- in the closet. Usually the laundry basket sits right where he is, but he pulls it right off and takes a seat. This kid just cracks me up!

Growing UP!!
Doesn't this outfit make him look so old?! He is doing more and more new things every day. His latest trick that he loves is dancing in one place or walking backwards. He also lets mom put lots of cute clothes on him and make him 'model' them for pictures. Check out those adorable tennis shoes...would you believe I got them for FREE?! Yes, some people give hand-me-downs like this away for free. Thank you to Shar's friend who passed them on. I won't be so kind...every boy I have will have to wear them until they wear out!

Reading!!!!
What can I say- he takes after his mom. Funny thing, though, the majority of the time he looks at books upside down. What does that mean?!

Snuggling!!

He LOVES his blanket. We got two of them so that we could rotate them through the wash, but he recently realized there are TWO and now he wants to drag BOTH of them around. Oh dear, and we were trying to figure out how to get him to let go of ONE in the future!!!

Trying new foods!!!
Weston just had a PB&J sandwich for the first time!! It was definitely a hit!!!

Here he is loving the pb&j AND showing off what he has been working on all month: his new teeth!! What a handsome little fella!

These are just a very few of the many many things we have been doing this month. We've also hung out with family and friends, gone shopping, had dinner at a friend's house, had dinner at family's house (hmmm...we better start having some people over), gone swimming, jogging, to movies, on dates, and just plain old had FUN!!! We're loving life!!!
Well, we hope all of you are having a great August!! Let us know what's up!
Love you all!

Discovering the LOVESAC!!!

So we have the lovesac in Weston's room, for space sake (I mean, it's HUGE) and Weston has pretty much ignored it...until NOW! He has realized what an incredibly comfortable, cushiony, cozy, corner it can be! We find him in it all the time and it is just too picture perfect not to share a few! He also is LOVING books even more than ever. He handles them SO well, also. I never let him touch my 'special' books himself: all the paper pages that can be ripped to shreds by tiny fingers in no time. gasp, it's too horrible to even think! But one day he managed to get ahold of one and to our shock and surprise, he is SO careful. He absolutely loves turning the pages and will 'read' the stories out loud as soon as he gets his hands on one. He hasn't ripped a single page and does his book-loving, story-collecting, avid-reading mommy proud!!
Take a look at our lovesac loving little boy:

These are just a few of the countless times we've found him like this!!! So cute!

Playing with Eviejane!!!


We were able to watch Evie (who turns 3 yrs in October) on Saturday while Greg & Al went to the temple, and we had a blast!! I honestly don't know who had more fun: Evie & Weston (who LOVE playing together and just crack each other up the whole time) or Jeff & I just watching them play and getting a kick out of it! They are just so funny together and it is not like 'babysitting' at all when she comes over. We just love this adorable girl! We'll watch her AnYtIMe Al & Greg!!!

They thought it was so funny to sit on the lovesac together!

West would laugh anytime he looked at Evie, but then just stare at the camera when we took the pic. oh well.

Riding bikes together...someday they won't be this different in size and maybe sparks will fly. haha.
Evie is just too funny and already calls him by his nickname: West. She is such a hoot!!

Happy Birthday to US!!!!
What is it like to be a twin?!

Shar & Nicole on our 25th Birthday! (yes we match...see story below)

Shar & Nicole March 2006


Okay, this post is, first, to say Happy Birthday to my wonderful and amazing sister! And second, to reminisce about what it was like growing up with a twin. Our entire lives we have gotten lots of questions, some funny, some lame, some very strange and some not even worth mentioning. But one question AlWaYs pops up and it is this:
What is it like being a twin?
My usual response to this question was: "well, what is it like NOT to be?" It's normal for me, so I don't have anything else to compare it to! And then people will usually ask if we liked being twins, etc. Well, again, when you don't have anything to compare it to, you are what you are. I don't feel extraordinary, or different than anyone else, or strange in any way. I have liked my life, I have liked my sister. And then again, there were times when I definitely did NOT! But I think that any singleton out there (that's what I'll call you non-twin/triplet/multiple birth folk) would have had days like that as well.
So, on to the reason why I am writing this post. As usual, when my birthday rolls around, I think about myself and Shar, our relationship, and how we've grown through the years. On a recent trip to Texas I had some of these twin questions asked of me, which I honestly don't mind answering, but I gave my usual, pat answers. So this, Aunt Betsy, is for you. :)
What is it like being a twin?
I have realized that I have taken for granted one of the biggest blessings in my life, and that is Shar. I have had a best friend since the day that I was born. Not just a friend who says hello/goodbye at the end of the day, but one who has lived with the same people, gone to the same school, shared the same room (until we were old enough to rotate getting our own) and gone through pretty much every first together. When I say 'gone through' I mean, that we were there for each other. Not all of our 'firsts' happened at the same time, or while we were together, but we listened, we talked, we cried, we shared, etc.
I think Heavenly Father knew that I was a big wimp and so I needed, not just parents and cool siblings, but a special person who would, literally, be there through it all! And she has.
Those who know us both, know that we are VERY different, however, despite growing up together! (but the same in a lot of ways too..haha, confusing, huh?!)
Being a twin means sharing a LOT of things. This is also a lesson I had to learn (maybe I wasn't as nice of a person as some!) I didn't always love having to plan a birthday with Shar because I wanted my OWN day. But now we LOVE sharing- and the cool thing is- since we've been pregnant at different times, we get to share clothes! Right now I have a lot of her 'thin' wardrobe and she has my maternity stuff! How cool is that?!
We were often compared, mostly by people outside the family. Or maybe it just felt that way. But I don't think it created a competition between us-- my parents did a wonderful job of making sure we were able to do the things we wanted to, and not getting pushed into one interest because that's what the other was doing.
Being a twin has also meant that, occasionally, we have shown up in similar and even matching outfits. UGGG! Okay, I will tell all of you now that maybe matching is cool if you are NOT a twin, but when you have a twin everyday and people say 'who is who,' 'I can't even tell you apart,' 'you look exactly alike,' YEAH, matching is NOT the way to go!!!!! But, one of our similarities is that we like some of the same clothing. On our 24th birthday we both showed up at the party in pink tops and black pants. At least they weren't exactly the same outfit, no THAT happened on our 25th birthday. (Pictured above) Yes, we both showed up in the same green top and black pants and I swear, it was not planned!!! There really is not much that is more embarassing!
Random twin memories: sitting back to back to open birthday gifts because they were the same thing- just different colors and we didn't want to 'see' it before we got our own opened, sharing a car that we hated to drive because it was a standard, sharing a car at Ricks college (I am sorry roommates for the years Shar & I didn't get along....we're much better now!), being recognized on campus by people I had never met in my life, switching places in Jr. High ONCE (not that great), having the same comforter - but different colors- all through elementary school, oh gosh, the list goes on. But see, my memories are probably similar to yours...pretty much like anyones' who has a sibling.
Okay, I am really wanting to read my new book, Eclipse, before Weston wakes up from his nap, so I am going to end this. Sorry if all of your 'twin' questions weren't answered, I did try to shed a little light on the query, though!
So, all in all, I will have to say that being a twin has ups and downs (much much much more ups), like it does with any sibling! But I am so incredibly grateful that I get to go through this life with such an awesome person who knows, right when I turn 27, how horrible it feels to be 27! (haha. It actually feels pretty great, 30 is the one I'm not really looking forward to!) At this moment, especially after writing this post, I am feeling pretty special, and wonderful, and extraordinary because I have a twin. How lucky am I?!
Happy Birthday Shar!!!

I've been TAGGED!!!
So here is a fun little game that I hope those I *tagged* will participate in. I enjoyed it and I hope you do too. Also, I tagged more people at the bottom because I want to find out more about everyone!! (but don't feel bad if I didn't tag you..it's because I thought one of the people I tagged would pass it on to you) Okay, long explanation...

I was feeling a little nostalgic, so below is a picture that was taken before baby. Hence the perky chest, slimmer waist, and long hair. Ahh...to have that body back again! But I wouldn't give Weston up for anything- he was ALL worth it! And just FYI, this picture was taken at Sea World, the greatest place on earth!


A- Attached or single: Attached to the best-husband-ever!
B- Best Friend: Jeff aka: the best-husband-ever
C- Cake or Pie: Cheesecake with strawberries, OR strawberry cream cheese pie (my mom's recipe)
D- Day of choice: SATURDAY, or any day I get to sleep in
E- Essential Item: ditto Annie on the oxygen, and my family
F- Favorite Color: pink
G- Gummi Bears or Worms: Bears, although I prefer other types of candy MUCH more
H- Hometown: San Marcos, CA....ahh the beauty, the warmth, the NO SNOW
I- Indulgence(s): snuggling with Jeff in the Luv Sak, reading a good book
J- January or July: July, see my favorite season
K- Kids: Weston, my cutest kiddo
L: Life is Incomplete Without: Jeff, Weston, more kids, family, sun, beach, pools and BOOKS!
M- Marriage Date: July 23, 2005
N -Number of Siblings: 2 brothers and 2 sisters, 4 bro-in-laws, and 2 sister-in-laws.
O- Oranges or Apples: Oranges. Mmm...the juiciness of it. Love it.
P- Phobias or Fears: Sharks, losing my family, dying before my family, and going blind.
Q- Quote: "What in your life is worth keeping the Spirit out?", "Proceed with faith through the open door." , "Keep on keepin on." (who can name the movie where that last quote comes from?!
R- Reason To Smile: Jeff, Weston, family, niece (and another one soon!), nephew, family vacations, good weather, friends. Oh the list goes on...
S- Season: Spring and summer
T- Tag Three: I'll go with my sisters - (who have blogs) Shar, Amanda, & Amy.
U- Unknown Fact About Me: I have many hidden dreams: singing professionally (need more voice lesson first), writing a novel (I love the ideas in my head, we'll see what kind of story they make!) and being an interior designer (sadly, BYU started their program when I was too close to graduating and I couldn't switch over..) These dreams WILL be realized sometime... and in some form. haha
V- Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animals: Oppressor- if that means I like meat. I love veggies too!
W- Worst Habit: Of my many- complaining. I know it's a problem and I'm really working on becoming a positive person! Yay for changing!
X- X-Rays or Ultrasounds: what kind of question is that?
Y- Your Favorite Food: ice cream, lasagna, food I don't have to cook!
Z- Zodiac: Leo, I find this a lame way to end this quiz. So here is a new question: what do you do late at night when you can't get your ZZZZZ's? haha. I READ!

Enjoy!
I don't know if this is allowed, but here I am going to tag even more people because I want to find out these fun things about them:
Desi F., Alli S., Alli B., & Carley T. I chose people that I don't think the people who I originally tagged will know or tag. We'll see.

What City Do You Belong In?!

You Belong in Rome

You're a big city soul with a small town heart Which is why you're attracted to the romance of Rome Strolling down picture perfect streets, cappuccino in hand And gorgeous Italian people - could life get any better?

What City Do You Belong In?

I was thrilled that I belong in Rome...it sounds perfect!!! Maybe this little quiz will convince Jeff that we need to vacation there! Thanks, Amy, for the fun link!

Welcome Home Jonathan!!!!

Well, our big Texas trip was just as fabulous as we had hoped!! We welcomed home Jonathan from the Spain, Madrid Mission and had such a blast having the entire family together again!!! Jonathan has such an incredible spirit and is so much fun to have back!!! We are definitely excited that we get him out here with us in Utah in just a few weeks!! We packed our Texas trip with all of the best things: family time, pool time, a trip to the Zoo (before everyone got there), Jonathan coming home, a trip to San Antonio, family pictures, food, and fun, fun, FUN!!!! We love and miss everyone so much already and can't wait to go back!!!
Here are the pictures from the airport...some of them are blurry, sorry!!!

The girls holding the poster to welcome him home!!!

Jonathan coming through the doors...we had to wait much longer than we thought and mom was jumping up and down when he came through. It was so fun to see her that excited and so neat to be there when he returned!!!

Mom and Jonathan hugging. I love this picture...so cute!

Dad and Jonathan!

Jonathan got to meet his nephews finally!!! He's a natural uncle!!!


Family Pictures

We took family pictures while we were there...they turned out so good, but BOY was it HOT!!! I don't want to show off everyone's pictures before they get a chance to do it themselves...so as soon as I get the okay I will post the rest of what we took. It was so fun to have us ALL together and the pictures turned out great!!!

After pics we hung out at Joe and Amanda's...

The good looking guys: Joe, Jonathan, Jeff, & James. Jonathan brought home these cool jersey's for the guys from Spain. He also brought them each an awesome tie and the girls were given authentic Spanish jewelry. It was so neat. We LOVE having him home, although, I think mom is definitely the most excited out of all of us!!

The lovely ladies!! I feel so lucky to be one of them!

The Zoo!!!
Weston and I were able to go to Texas for a week before the rest of the family joined us! We had so much fun with Mom, Dad, Joe, Amanda, & Cole. Dad took us to the zoo and the kiddos loved it! :) (The pictures are going to be a little out of order because I wanted to put Jonathan's homecoming at the top. But I am having trouble loading pics so I'm just going to publish this one and then work on posting the real reason why we were in Texas: for Jonathan!!!)

So this is too funny...Weston wasn't too fond of his hat...and Cole really loved his!! Aren't they just too cute. I love my little boy and my only nephew!!! It was such a blast to see them together and to watch them play. We definitely have some fun times ahead!!!

Checking out some of the cool animals!!!

The following pictures are some awesome shots Dad took of the animals. He managed to escape being in ANY pictures himself...so I wanted to show off his work. He took about 80 pictures at the zoo that day...I only wish I could show them ALL to you!! I think the orangutan is my favorite..Jeff's fav. is the bald eagle. I admit, it does inspire! Enjoy!

Tiger fun!!!

Okay, Weston is like his mom: the white tiger was his ABSOLUTE favorite animal. He was able to stand right by the glass while the tiger was pacing in front of him. He watched it for SO long and every time it would pass right in front of him, he would just bust up laughing. It was the cutest thing and Dad was able to catch it in pics. (sort of...nothing could capture the laugh!) This was definitely mine and Weston's highlight at the zoo!!

Amanda and cute Cole checking out one of the animals.

The girls!! (we missed you Amy!)

Grandma with the cute kiddos!! Don't you just love their hats?! (and I'm sorry mom that this is the one with your eyes closed...blogger wouldn't load the other one, I tried about 5 times and it never worked. crazy thing! But you still look great to me!!)

A few random favorites:

Okay, how cute is this snuggling?! LOVE it!!

Weston LOVES his blanket....and Cole did too! It was so funny to see them tugging on it and learning to "share" They were so fun together and we can't wait to see what buds they'll be as they get older!!

Sharing...they are getting so cute together!


Our San Antonio Trip!!
We drove down to San Antonio (5 hours from Dallas) and were able to visit a lot of family we haven't seen in a LONG time: Gramma and Papa, Aunt Trycia and Uncle Mike, Erin, Cynthia & Belle, Aunt Betsy and Kayla & Benjamin and then Dad's side of the family: Grandma & Grandpa Keefe. We had a blast and crammed a ton of fun into a short time!!

All the grandkids with Gramma & Papa!!
From left to right: Jonathan, Amanda, Cole, Joe, Papa, Gramma, Amy, James, Nicole, Jeff, Weston. FRONT: Erin, Cynthia, Belle, Benjamin, & Kayla!!!

The Alamo!!!
We were able to visit the Alamo and the River Walk in San Antonio. It was so neat to see such a historical place and to read about what happened there.
We were able to spend the day with the family (we missed you Cynthia!) and had so much fun getting to know them better in the short time we had! We love and miss them all so much!!

The bridge over the river walk!! It is the coolest place, with shops and restaurants lining the river. It is so gorgeous and we were able to go on a boat tour of the river, thanks to Dad!! Thanks again Dad, for everything!!

Having fun on the tour boat (on the river)

All the beautiful sisters!!! I have heard how fun mom and her sisters can be together and it was such a blast to get to see them in action!

Mom & Aunt Pat (on the right). It was so much fun to see family that we haven't seen in way TOO long! We love all of you and miss you tons!!

Mom & her sister, Betsy. (the left picture) We got to meet Betsy and her adorable kids: Kayla & Benjamin for the first time. We already LOVE them!!! They are SO much fun!!!

Weston & Cole's first ride on a mini merri-go-round! So cute. They LOVED it!


What is a trip to Texas without the POOL?!
This is where we tried to spend much of our time!!!

Nicole & Amy chillin in the pool!