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Emily Life Topher Truman Tucker

10 Reasons why we love sister Emily….

(no this post is not about me, Emily. This is about my sis-in-law Emily…. Let’s just clarify that from the start! 🙂 ) And yes it is another list. See? I am a chronic list maker.

Anyways, drumroll please…

1–she brings her children to our house, and comes and stays with us.
2–her children are darling, and our kids have such a great time together.
3–I get to stay up late having great conversations, about things like child birth 🙂
4–she just might like the show, Gilmore Girls.
5–she lets us borrow her car, (as ours has been in the shop for a week) so we can do essential things like take Truman to preschool.
6–she gets excited when she gets to go pick up Tuck from school.
7–she can make Ninja Eggs. Yep. Just ask her about it.
8–when she found out we weren’t doing anything big for Toph’s birthday, she stayed an extra day so we could go on a date, and she watched our kids.
9–she gets excited about our DI book finds. (almost as excited as Toph and me)
10–she is a good teacher, and helped me with my bread making phobia, and made these,

they were yummy trust me…

Thanks again Emily for a great few days. Tell you husband to go out of town more often, so you can come hang out with us again. 🙂

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Emily Topher Truman

Dear Truman,

This week you started Pre-School.

After watching your brother go to school for the past few years, you have been excited, and often talked of the days when you could go to school too.

Last week we, mom and dad, went to your ‘meet the teacher’, where you some what hesitantly explored the classroom, and learned about your new environment. You found a pirate ship toy, that you liked, but were confused when there were no pirates to play with. Mrs. Vonda showed you the room, where to put your backpack, where the bathrooms were, and your cubby–Which by the way was marked with a frog symbol.

You looked so grown up, and were so ready to be there, but we could tell you still felt a little nervous. Mom and Dad both watched you, and smiled at each other the whole time…we are so proud of you.

So when it came time this week to drop you off, me and you headed to the school, and you told me your teachers name, and asked if your Walley (Beloved stuffed animal) was still secretly stashed in your backpack, which it was. You smiled a little bit about that.

You were excited to see your classroom and teachers again, you entered, placed your backpack (the spiderman one, which looks Ginormous on your little body) in the slot, and looked around at the other children. We kissed goodbye, and I waited outside the door, to make sure you were okay.

I heard you crying, then I shot of fear rushed through my body, as my mind automatically jumped to the worst case scenario…but shortly thereafter I heard you laughing. That silenced my fears.

I left, and anxiously waited when the time would come for me to go pick you up. Our home felt so empty with out the smiles and laughter of my boys! (luckily for me, Owen, Ava and Em were still here to ease the transition…)

I arrived a few minutes early and waited outside your door, eager to hear how my first day of school went for my trubie.

The kids began to pour out the door, and no Truman, and no Truman and no Truman. I began to get that sick feeling in my tummy again…Then you ecstatically exited tell me, “Mom, it was fun. It was SO fun.” It made my heart skip.

This is a big week for you. Starting school is always an exciting thing, and I am so proud of you, and how you are growing and getting so big!


It makes me want to tell you: remember little man, you may be getting bigger, but you’ll always be my little man…but most of all remember that I love you very, very much.

Love,
Mom

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Emily Topher Uncategorized

Happy Birthday to you, you old man you!


Today is my sweethearts birthday….

This year he’s turning the ripe old age of 32.

Because I love lists, and I love him, I thought making a list of things I love about him, might be an appropriate thing to do…

1. I love how you come home from work, empty your pockets, and you have post it notes with random notes on them, and later when I ask you them, you can’t for the life of you figure out why they are important.
2.I love that you bought this song from Itunes, and that you like it too:

3.I love that during the delivery of our children, you were so nervous, and sweet, and excited. And right by my side the whole time.
4. I love how when you’re hungry, you totally cook or make food for yourself, even if it is only a bowl of cereal.
6. I love that you don’t care about the sprinkling system, but knew I cared. So you did it. And it wasn’t easy. And it wasn’t cheap. But you did it anyways.

7. I love that you love to find toys from your childhood, Construx, GI Joes, and play them with the boys.
8. I love that you never complain about being the Children’s Favorite Parent. Even thought I know it’s not always the easiest thing! ( I want daddy to read to me tonight, no I want daddy to read to me! No me! No me!) Not even when they’re both constantly hanging on you…

9. I love that you no longer have an appendix, and that you had to have it out 2 weeks before Truman was born, making me feel like I was going into Labor.
10. I love that you likes Licorice, but not just any licorice, it’s a certain kind, and one of these days, I am going to remember which kind it is. I think red Twizzlers. But I get it wrong everytime. So don’t quote me on that one, but just know, I know that you love some kind of red licorice….. and once I figure it out, I am going to write it down.
11. I love that you are currently reading 7 books. Similtaniously. And that you enjoy a good read, when you can find time for it.
12. I love how every once in awhile you talk in your sleep, and sometimes it’s in Albanian.
13. I love that you love breakfast, but not just any breakfast, a good breakfast.
14. The sound of water. You love it, and find it therapeutic, and want to live someplace close to water for the rest of our lives.

15. You are my Tech support, and a majority of our families too. I love that you are so willing to share this talent with so many people.
16. I love how wild and crazy you are… like when your out late playing strategy board games, like Settlers of Catan. Out of Control I know, but honestly, what’s not to love about that?
17. I love that even though I can’t match your socks (And sometimes I accidentally match the navy ones to the black ones), you don’t ever complain, and just fix it, matching them up right, with out saying a word.
18. Growing up in Idaho Rural Community has done wonders for your love for the state, and how you can belt out the Idaho State song like no ones business.
19. I love that I am married to the real Napolean Dynamite. As you were the original, signing the rose song, and all.

20. I love the fact that you heart Drupal, and that you are a Photoshop wiz. If you don’t know how to do it, you find a free tutorial, and teach yourself how. Amazing, I always just get flustered by those Tutorials. Not you.
21. I love the way you happily walk in the door every day from work. Greet all of us with a smile, and tell us all that you missed us. Everyday.

22. I love that you can flip channels like no one’s business. And when we’re anywhere where there is more than 10 channels, you don’t stop to watch a show, but just flip, flip, flip.
23. I love that you are the best father any kid could want. You even built them a rad treehouse for heaven sakes!
24. I love how you’re always willing to go get food for me when I am pregnant, anything that will sound good, even if it’s a pain!
25. I love that you love Mac Computers. And have converted me, completely. (And that you like the commercials too–)

26. I love that you go by Toph and not Chris. You are Toph or Topher. I love that.
27. I love that one of your goals in life, is knowing where the Lord wants you to be. With work, with family, with church. Everything. I really love that.
28. I love that in your closet, you have all neutral earth colors.
29. I love that you have such kissable lips.
30. I love that sometimes you get up with the kids in the middle of the night, but have forgotten about it by the morning.
31. I love that you could careless about the acolades of the world. You do things because they are goals, or because they need to be done. not for any recognition.
32. I love that everytime you see this video, you fall over laughing. ‘Cause you think it’s so funny.

Happy Birthday Toph, I love you,

Even if you just keep getting older and older 🙂

What is not to love. Have a wonderful day sweetheart, I LOVE YOU!

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Emily Life Topher Truman Tucker

Happy Birthday Brother Eric.

So, our kids are spoiled. They have so many aunts and uncles who love them.

And after our trip to Disneyland, it was apparent Uncle Eric was loved. He was chosen nearly every ride by either Tucker and Truman, as a ‘riding buddy’.


Eric is my youngest brother, and is an awesome one. And I am not going to wax on, but want him to know that the world is a better place because he is part of it.

I love you Eric. Happy Birthday!!

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Emily Life Topher Truman Tucker

A weekend with the Cousins, and another weekend with other Cousins….

First off, thanks for all the warm birthday comments, emails, phone calls…it was a fantastic day. I appreciate you thinking of me!

I’m still playing the catch-up game! 🙂 So here’s what we’ve been up to.
The past few weekend, we have been with cousins. Have I mentioned how much I love family??

Last weekend began the cousin weekend spree—

With a great event, my Cousin Leslies wedding. It was a beautiful wedding in Park City, and I loved being able to spend the day with Leslie and Brandon celebrating their union.

Somehow all our pictures of Leslie, came out blurry, so it’s a good thing I wasn’t in charge of photography 🙂
Here is her arrival on the fire engine:

During the ceremony, the bridesmaids, and look at Leslie’s Beautiful Dress, with the red inlay, it was so stunning (again, I wish ALL of my other shots weren’t blurry!):

How we kept Truman quiet during the ceremony:

Leslie and Brandon, during the ceremony:

And here are a few shots, while everything was getting ready:
Greene Cousins-

Sisters-

After the ceremony, we got a shot of the boys in the fireengine:

The location was beautiful, with a beautiful tree. The boys played, and played, and played in it.


Then after the tree, the boys couldn’t resist sitting on the fire engine:

It was such a good day, and such good company. We’re so happy to have Brandon in our family!

Also, that weekend, we were able to have dinner with some more cousins, Amy and Jordan Phillips. I wish I would’ve broken out the camera, but didn’t. We had a great Sunday Dinner with them, and a great visit, which we’re especially grateful for, considering they might be moving soon! Thanks again for coming guys!

Then this last weekend, Toph and the boys headed to Logan for more cousin-ey goodness…Big O’s Super Hero Birthday Bash. Which I am so sad that I missed. I have the most amazing sister in laws. Case and point. Take a look at the capes Em sewed for the guests… So DARLING. It has re-ignited the Super Hero in Truman. I wish our Air Conditioning in our car hadn’t gone out, so I could’ve been there, but here are the highlights, and my understanding of what happened:
The capes and treasure hunt:




Which led to a Pinata:


And of course the birthday boy and cake:

The boys always leave these events so happy and tired, and what wondeyful events and people to be celebrating!

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Emily Topher Truman Tucker Uncategorized

Ready or not, Kindergarten here we come!


As I write this post, Tucker is sitting in his Kindergarten Classroom–for his first day of Kindergarten. How time flies.

He was up late last night, with butterflies in his stomach because of nerves, (I used to get those too), then he woke up early this morning, got dressed, and came up this morning. He told me, “I didn’t know what time it was so I got dressed quick, so we wouldn’t be late.” We still had 3 hours until school started. Plenty of time, and nothing to worry about. But sweet that he was so excited to be there.

We had a leisurely morning of adjusting the new clothes (Can I tell you how much I love adjustable waistbands? They are the GREATEST thing ever.) And taking off all the tags, then some toast and eggs, get the backpack ready, Spiked up the hair with the gel, snapped a few pictures,

then it was time for the walk around the corner to school. (which we walked with our great neighbors, the Teasdales) For me, it was too short. But Tucker couldn’t seem to get there soon enough.

We found the door with the Stars (his classroom),

took a few pictures, then Tucker insisted on being first in the line after the bell rang, to get into classroom.

He didn’t even look back, he found his backpack hook, and his desk, and was ready for school!

Truman tagged along the whole way, (being a super Truman, hence the cape) and running alongside his big brother. Every once in awhile stating, Yeah, I am going to preschool next week. (Which I can’t believe either, but that’s another post, for another day!)

And in case you’re wondering, no I am not crying as I write this post. But I did get teary eyed as I walked away from the door!

And of course, I am excited to go pick him up, to find out how it went. But I am sure it was perfectly wonderful.

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Emily Life Topher Truman Tucker

Vacation Day Ten–Home Again, Home Again, Jiggity Jog.

Again, my prego body was not handling this vacation thing too well, I woke up this day feeling not so good. Thankful again for so many helping hands, to help getting things packed, loaded, watching children, cleaning up things, and get ready for Condo checkout.

In the car, we were off– not sure if we were going to crash in Vegas or go all the way home. I was grateful again for the DVD Player, especially as I fell asleep, Toph was able to drive, and the boys were content to watch movies for a few hours. I didn’t even wake up when they stopped for gas, stopped to go to the restroom and get snacks, or anything. What good travelers my boys are!

And I was grateful that I was able to sleep (I NEVER can sleep in the car, except apparently when I am pregnant?!?! when I apparently can sleep through everything?!?!?). Toph Drove, Drove, and Drove.

Traveling was going so good, that we decided to keep on driving all the way home. We arrived shortly after 11 PM. And I was grateful to climb into my bed.

Home again, Home again, Jiggity Jog.

Now, if only I can convince Truman that we went to California when he says, “Phalifornia (California) here, wwwwwwwwweeeeeeeeeeee come!!!”

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Emily Life Topher Truman Tucker Uncategorized

Vacation Day Nine–California Adventure

We weren’t sure if we were going to spend three days of Disneyland and California Adventure, but after watching your children on the rides, and having fun together as a family, it was enough for me. The boys were having a great time, so we headed back for our last day.

I wasn’t feel stellar, but was excited to be there, and again, thanks to the help of the other 5 adults, I didn’t hardly push a stroller, or lift a child. Making it alot easier to be healthier!

Again, the highlights.
The carousel:

Watching the riders:


While walking around we met some characters:
Frozone:

Incredibles:

Walle: (They were super excited!!! Tucker even decided to be in this one!)

By the way, Toph didn’t shave the whole time we were on vacation, look at that scruff:

Hubbas:

Amy and Tuck:

Love this shot of us all walking:

While the big kids went on the Tower of Terror, mom and the boys and I went to the Playhouse Disney show, and the boys loved it,

we saw Little Einsteins,

Handy Manney,

and Mickey,

It was a fun interactive show, complete with ‘leaves’ falling from the ceiling, bubbles, and a good time!
What’s not to Love about the Bugs Life Section of California Adventure:
Before the movie:


The Heimlich ride:


The bumper bugs:

look at Amy and Erics Funny faces on this one, good laugh:




The twisty teacup lady bugs:

The flying high juicebox ride:

Another one of our favorite rides, was the Buzz Lightyear Shooting ride:
My potato head talks to you:


It was a 3D shooting ride, and lots of fun. Tru and I rocked the house 🙂 :

Another favorite was this soaring ride, so much fun:

There were alot more ‘big kid’ rides at California Adventure, here’s a pic on the Screamer:

With the help of Trumans lifts, he was able to get on all the rides he wanted to go on, besides the Jellyfish one. The man checking height was pretty particular. Tuck and Gramps were able to go though:

The boys, minus Truman, went on this wild ride, not getting as wet as we thought they were going to!

All our days at Disneyland, the boys searched for Wall-E toys, only to be disappointed that the good ones had been totally wiped out. They only had little small yellow plastic wall-e’s and weren’t planning on getting any more or new stuff in until Christmas. What?!?!?!
There was nothing to be found anywhere, so Tucker and Truman had to choose a different toy, Buzz Lightyear, Zurg, their cars, and some of those plastic Wall-E toys. Thanks Grams and Gramps!

The pixar parade was by far one of my favorite moments of our time at Disneyland. And honestly, the funnest parade I have ever seen! So much fun! We saw so many of the characters that the boys love, while they sprayed water at us!! Christopher was behind the camera, but I think I was just as excited as the boys were! I love seeing things they’ll love.

Here’s a video I found on YouTube with the fun Parade:

Yummy, yummy dinner at the Italian Restaurant…

Then all the kids left the park, and my mom and dad stayed to watch the fireworks, and enjoy Disneyland just the two of them.

Hurray for vacation!!

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Emily Life Topher Truman Tucker

Vacation Day Eight–Recovering, Balboa and the Beach…

This day, being pregnant became a reality again. I wasn’t able to go out with the family this day, and spent the day recovering on the couch. And honestly, I was grateful, I was able to get to this point, with out being this sick, and having to rest up like this any sooner. This week was the best I had felt this whole pregnancy up to this point! So I didn’t feel to bad about recovering on the couch, although of course I felt back to miss out on the sights and being with the fam!

My understanding of the day was this: They went to Balboa Beach, got a frozen banana and then back to Corona Del Mar Beach, to see if they could dig and find more of those creatures.

They didn’t find any more creatures, but they did make their own pool…


And of course, they found the seaweed:

Obviously not too many pics, but from what I heard, it was a great day.

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Emily Life Topher Truman Tucker Uncategorized

Family Vacation Day Seven–Still the Happiest Place on Earth?

DISNEYLAND DAY TWO!
We weren’t able to see everything in one day, especially with the crowds, a pregnant me, and late starts in the mornings…so we decided to head back!!
So many fun things this day!
As always, these maps are so fun to look at:

Mom and I waited in the forever long Nemo line, while everyone else went to the Maderhorn: (Did I spell the right, I don’t think so)

And Tucker was nervous about seeing the Abominable Snowman:

After the ride, we were still waiting, and I wasn’t feeling super hot, so I was hanging out in the strollers,

But it was worth the wait, as it was one of Trus favorite rides:

Truman was worried about being able to breath in the submarines, but after the lady who drove the ride assured him that it was okay, there was air, he was great!

Fantasy Land:
By SnowWhite’s Castle (I’m holding the poisoned apple)

Pinocchio Ride:

The kids didn’t actually go on the teacups, but they did sit in the one on display:

On the storybook village boat:

Heading to the whale:

inside the whales mouth:

They had the cutest little houses on this ride:

Also on this ride, the lady was telling us about all the houses and whose belonged to whom, when explaing Cinderella’s Castle she said, Do you hear the Clock, and see the pumpkin, Cinderella better hurry, we all know what happens when the clock strikes 12. To which Truman replied on the edge of his seat, “What? What happens?” Cute boy.
We saw the Mad Hatter and Alice too:

And of course the crazy Merlin:

The big kids then left for Space Mountain, and mom I and took the boys on the classic Dumbo Ride. I love this ride!
Tucker and I rode behind Grams and Tru:

Truman didn’t want to get out at the end. And sat mopping while I tried to explain about it being another little kid’s turn. Apparently he loved it too!

I love how they give you the magic feather to hold—

Sweet Tucker and I had a great time flying together. I love this shot!

The carousel is the best carousel I have ever been on, can’t tell you why. Just the memories I think:
Sweet Tru:

And Tuck:

And the cute wave:

Tucker was quite particular about what horse he chose to ride, a fast one, he would say :

At first Truman was sure that he wanted Grams on, then he wanted her off. Good thing Grams is a good sport!

Trying to get the sword out, look at Tucks face:

Of course there was more waiting in line, love this shot of Tru:

Here’s a funny one of Amy trying to get Eric to eat some gum:

Sweet Tuck and Toph:

Tucker also spent time in a few of the lines listening to Wicked. He loves the soundtrack, and sings along with it. One of his new passions:

And a little kiss from my Tru-bee:

Eric and Tru:

At Lunch, Tuck took over Camera Duty, love these shots:



We also went on the Jungle Cruise:
Love Eric’s Face in this shot:

On the boat:

And the train:

After a few other rides, we decided we had hit most of the ones in Disneyland that we had wanted, and decided to head over to California Adventure. Toph took these pictures of us walking across, fun Candid Shot:

Where we started the Muppet 3D movie. The boys know who the muppets are, and I enjoyed the humor in this one too! A cute Show.
Group Shot:

The one constant, was the lines:
Toph and Tuck:

Tru and Eric:

This activity always helped pass the time, the good old scrunching face game:

Sisters:

The Monsters Inc. Ride was lots of fun too:
In line:


Our Monsters pretending to be Monsters:


Getting on:

Hurray for Boo:

Loving it:

At the end this lady talks to you. Here she is talking to Amy and I, we were laughing so hard because she said something to amy and I like, “Hey you two in the back, are you guys twins?” We were surprised and said, No, to which she replied, “Sorry, all you humans look alike.” We thought it was hilarious.


Our first Wall-E Sighting, a poster:

We ended the night, with the good old Classic Electric Parade, I remember it from when I was a kid. We found some good spots,

and I had my evening snack:

Truman fell asleep, like literally two minutes before the parade started,

and we couldn’t get him to wake up!

here’s a video I found on Utube:

A great and happy day.