Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Kindergarten
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Jonathan's preschool Graduation
My little 5 year old just graduated preschool. It's kinda weird! He goes to Small World and they are so wonderful with the kids. For graduation the kids put on a skit, Wendy Wonka and then sang and danced to 10 songs including Jonathan's favorite Bad to the Bone and Sabrina dancing to the Chicken dance. It was so precious. I hope you enjoy all the pictures. I took over 175 so I edited them down considerably.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Family pictures!
Oh yay! They are finally here. I'm so excited to show you. Our friend Jordon Hoffman took our pictures and she made it so easy for us. The kids loved her and were so good during the hour it took. We went to two different locations. Ross park zoo and a little place behind Hot hair. Thanks to the lady who owns the salon, we found this little jewel of spot for pictures. If you need any type of pictures, I suggest you call Jordon. She's great. Here is her website just incase.
Hope you all enjoy!
Saturday, August 9, 2008
The zoofari experience
Comming soon to a blog near you...
COMMING SOON...
Pictures of our family. Our good friend Jordon Hoffman from J Hoffman Photography (http://www.jhofmanphotography.com) took our family pictures. She's an awesome photographer and a long time friend so naturally our choice was to ask her. She made things so easy and comfortable for all of us. Thanks Jordo! We love you!
AND...
The Pocatello Zoofari experience. Our family as well as Lindsy, Jamie, Kurt, and Eve's family will be joining us for a fun filled night of zoo animals and icecream. Hmmmm....wonder if I can get Michelle and Greg to bum along with us?
AND...
Jonathan's baseball pictures. We've got several pictures from grandma Lisa and then his team pics. As soon as mom sends me the pictures, I'll put them up. HINT HINT MOM!
ALSO...
I got bored the other day and decided to redo our blog. I put everything in the order that it happened. Hope you enjoy it.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
The petting zoo
On Saturday we went to the petting zoo. Jonathan and Sabrina were so excited. They got to see their friends Paige, Leah, and Tanner and I got to see my friends Lindsy and Eve. It was a great afternoon. We were there for about an hour and we enjoyed petting the animals and talking. The kids were wild and crazy with excitement. Jonathan was so exuberant over the ducks. He kept saying "hey, look what I found!" It was pretty cute. After the petting zoo we decided to go get lunch and have a "picnic" at daddy's work. It was a great afternoon.
American Idol part II
I tried out for American Idol!! I have wanted to do so for a couple of years and I did it. What an experience. I'm not going to say I'll ever do it again, but it was an experience. We left Poky at 11:00 pm on Monday Night. We got to our hotel around 2:30 am and a half hour later we were dead asleep. My alarm woke us up at 4:15 but my cousin was already up. We'd only slept for an hour and a half. I was so tired but so charged at the same time. We had to be in line as close to 5 am as possible. We walked the 3 blocks to the Energy Solutions Arena (formerly known as the Delta Center) It was dark outside but there were hundreds of people already up and about. When we got to the arena it was crazy! SOOOOO many people. We waited in line until 8 am and they finally let us inside. We did camera work for a couple of hours and then learned a couple of songs. It's pretty great being surrounded by so many talented people. They started auditions around 10:30 am. I knew it would be several hours before it was going to be my turn. There were at least 1,000 people there. Perhaps more. It was hard to pay attention because it there was so much energy in the room. It wasn't loud even though there was singing going on all around us. Everybody practicing their individual songs. It only got loud when we were doing the camera work and they asked us to scream. And then the host came in a people went crazy. One girl yelled out at a quite moment, " I want your babies!" they got that recorded and so we had to start all over again. It finally became my turn around 2:30pm. They had it set up that one section at a time would go. Doesn't seem like a lot but when each section had a couple hundred people auditioning it ended up taking a long time. You auditioned 4 people at a time to a couple of producers. When it was your turn you would step forward, sing for 20 to30 seconds or whenever the producer would put their hand up to stop you and then you would step back and let the other people in your group sing. The producers would discuss privately and then your fate would be decided. If they didn't like you, you would go to the left and your wrist band would be cut off and you would exit the building. If you were chosen, you were given a sticker with a number on it and a "golden ticket" and you exited on the right. Of course I didn't make it. There were so many people in my section alone that were amazing. They thanked my entire table for auditioning. They said I had a beautiful voice but just not what they were looking for. I'm ok with that. I didn't go expecting or even hoping that I would walk to the next audition. I did it so that I could say I did it. Would I do it again? Probably not. Going there I realized that my dreams have changed since I got married. I still love to sing and will continue doing it until I no longer can. I've got a great voice and I'm not going to waste it but I'm not going to waste my marriage or my family. They are my dream now.
American Idol part I
4th of July with the kids.
We didn't get to spend the 4th with the kids, so on the 5th is when we really celebrated. We picked them up early and went to Ernie's parents home where we spent the day with their cousins. After they left we went fishing at Hawkins Reservoir. The kids were so excited. We went to pick up some new fishing gear earlier that morning and they could hardly keep their hands off it all day long. I picked up a fishing license for myself and made a discovery. I HATE to fish! My personal mantra is: Fish are our friends, not food. I did, however, love to watch the kids fishing with their father and grandfather. It was a blast just watching them throw out a line, wait three seconds and then ask their daddy if they could reel it in. Then the entire process would start over again. I don't think Ernie got much fishing done. I lasted about 20 minutes and then I was done. I will keep going if only to capture more moments on my camera.
The greatest present ever!
When grandma and grandpa come to visit it never fails that they bring a present. This time it was a slip 'n' slide. I wasn't sure how this would go over because I didn't know if the kids had ever done it before. Boy, was I wrong. Jonathan was fearless as he ran and dove at the yellow slide. He was so excited that he didn't want to wait for us to set it up. Sabrina wasn't quite sure how to work it. She would run as hard as she could and then when she got to the slide she would stop and drop to her stomach and then shimmie through the water. It's really the cutest thing ever. Ernie went and got a long white dishcloth and tied a big knot in the end so that Sabrina could hold onto it and he would pull her along. Who cares about a swimming pool when you can have a slip 'n' slide? Thanks grandma Lisa and grandpa Craig!
Random Questions
Favorite breakfast cereal:
By far it has to be Cinnamon toast crunch.
Do you talk about sex in a group of people?:
Not usually. I guess it's not really considered an icebreaker. I mean how comfortable would you feel if someone asked you, "so, when is the last time you had hot sex?"
What movie do you know by heart?:
She's the man...Oh for the love....It burns!
White or wheat?:
Sarah Lee whole grain white.
How many kids do you want?:
Right now I want four.
What is your dream job?:
A stay at home mother who can keep her house and kids clean.
Name three of your very favorite things in the whole wide world: Ernie, Kids, and chocolate.
"So You Think You Can Dance" or "American Idol": If I have to watch one of em, I'd choose American Idol. It's the lesser of evils.
Favorite food: Indian (from India) or chocolate.
Least favorite food: Fish our our friends not food.
Does the energy, money, gas crisis scare you?: Yeah, but the Lord loves us so it's all ok.
Would you rather be deaf or blind?: Blind. I don't think I could sing if I were deaf.
Favorite baby names: I'm pretty much open to them all.
Fireside or poolside: Fireside.
What are two things you would change about yourself?: Nothing, I'm perfect....it really doesn't do well to dwell.
Oh baby!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
So, today I get to babysit for our friends, Greg and Michelle. These little girls are soooo stinking cute! I'm glad we've made friends. Right now Caitlyn is running around playing with left over plastic easter eggs. She wants me to open them and then she closes them. She is 100% cute. Little Hannah is just as precious. She is just a tiny little thing and all smiles. I love it. Hmmmmm.....I'm so grateful that we've become friends and that they've entrusted me with their little kiddos!
Wedding survey
just over four months
Is this your first marriage?
It's my first and Ernie's second.
Is it how you imagined it would be?
Yep. It's very hard but so worth it.
What would you change?
The ex. She's difficult to deal with.
Are you married to your soul-mate?
I sure am. I'm so lucky.
What do you argue about the most?
We don't argue about just one thing. In fact we don't really argue a lot.
What do you see eye to eye on the most?
Religion and kids.
Where did you meet your spouse?
He works for my uncle and with my two brothers.
Where was your first date?
FHE with my ward.
Where were you when you became engaged?
Unofficially we were sitting in the living room on the couch, the next day he asked again at work in the safe room, and then officially we were in the kitchen. It was great.
Did you live together before Marriage?
Nope.
What was your wedding song?
We danced to "When you say nothing at all" by Allison Krauss.
Who was in your wedding party?
Our parents, Lindsy and Mandy and Tim was our best man.
Do you get along with the in-laws?
I LOOOVE them.
I really lucked out with great ones!
Whats your view on Children?
He has two from his first marriage and then in a couple of years we'll have a couple more:)
Does your spouse feel the same way?
We discussed it so I'm pretty sure he does. He loves kids.
Are you a 2 peas in a pod or opposites attract couple?
Complete OPPOSITES!
Do you go out without your spouse?
All the time. We still have our own interests.
How long are you away from your spouse before you start to miss him/her?
I don't even get out of the house before I miss him.
Have you ever compared your spouse to someone you have dated in the past?
We've talked about the differences between our ex's but I've never compared. There just is no comparison. Ernie is exactly what I was looking for and no one else has even come close.
Do you trust your Spouse?
Sure do
Does your Spouse trust you?
He tells me that he does.
How well do you know your spouse's favorites?
Pretty sure I know them all. We talked a lot about everything when we were dating.
How well does your spouse know your favorites?
Really well. He's very observant. I once mentioned that I loved these Chocolate Pearls at my uncles Jewelery store. 4 weeks later he brought them home to me for my 27th birthday. I'd completely forgotten about them. I'm sure glad he didn't :)
Does your spouse get along with your friends?
He sure does.
Did you go on a honeymoon?
We went to Island Park but it didn't last long. On our first day there we got in a really bad car accident. We ended up spending half the day in and ambulance and then the other half in the ER and the rest of our honeymoon at home in pain.
Dang Whiplash!
Do you watch the same TV shows?
We watch Las Vegas but other than that not really.
Can you agree on Pizza toppings?
Ham and black olives. The kids love it too.
Who takes out the trash?
We both do it.
Who does laundry?
Both of us.
Who cooks dinner?
I usually do because I'm home before he is. He is the better cook though.
Who is the first one to wake up in the morning?
Me, I go to work at 7:15 and he doesn't have to go for another hour.
Do you have any traditions?
We have a movie and pizza night with the kids and then snuggle on the couch afterward until bedtime. Other than that we haven't been married long enough to start very many traditions.
Is there anyone in your spouses family that you cant stand?
I love my new family. They are the best ever. I was really nervous at first to meet them because I thought they wouldn't like me. I won them over pretty fast. Not only are they my family, they are my friends too.
Anyone in your spouses family you adore?
I love my new parents. They are pretty great. I also LOVE my niece Nikki. She is just the cutest and sweetest thing ever. I met her on the day Ernie and I got married and I just think the very best of her.
Do you know your spouses passwords/pins?
Some of em.
Does your spouse know your social security number?
Nope. I don't think he knows mine either. I guess we should get on that.
Do you ever nag your spouse?
Sometimes.
I'm human right?
Do you admit wrong doing?
All the time.
Does your spouse?
I guess it depends on the situation. He's usually right.
When is the last time you or your spouse bought each other flowers?
He bought me a rose for Mothers Day. Other than that none.
Our Wedding Day
I can still remember the feeling as I woke up. I slept the entire night through. I was surprised of that. I woke up fairly late, 8 am. I had my hair appointment around 10 that morning so I hurried to get ready. After my hair was done, I made a quick trip to the mall to get a few things. I was walking into the LDS Distribution center when I saw Sabrina and Jonathan. Then I saw their daddy. I was so ecstatic to see them. In just 2 hours we would be driving to Bountiful Utah to get married! I gave them all hugs and promised that I would see them very soon. I finished up at the store and went home to pack for our honeymoon. I know, procrastination is my middle name. I hadn't done any packing. I had a million things to do and just two hours to do it all in. My mom had a list of things that needed to be done before we got home from the wedding so I wasn't too stressed out. We left around 12 and met his parents in Downey. They drove behind us and as the time got closer to 2:00 I started to get really nervous. We had to be at the Temple by 2:30 so we could get everything ready. We walked inside and droped the kids off with family and friends. That's when I first met my husbands brother and wife, Duane and Robin and their kids. It was love at first sight. They made me feel so comfortable despite the butterflies in my belly from both meeting them and joining their family in little under an hour. We went into the waiting room and I saw my daddy. I hadn't seen him since Christmas. He got really teary and just seeing that made me cry a little. I tried hard because I didn't want to look like I was bawling when we were sealed and for our pictures. Everything happend so fast. We were married around 4 pm by the sweetest man in the world. Friends and family surrounded us and I couldn't have asked for more. Pictures took forever and I'm not going to lie when I say I was anxious to get back to Pocatello. It was a long drive. Ernies family watched the kids in Downey and we went on our way. Not going to say anything about that night...it's none of your business. I guess words can't describe what I felt that day. I was sealed for Time and Eternity to my best friend. Nothing can break us apart and I am so greatful that we, me, Ernie, Jonathan, and Sabrina are an eternal family and that when we have children, they too will be sealed to us forever. I am so greatful to my parents for raising me in such a way that I was able to receive this great blessing and I am truely greatful to Ernies parents that they did the same thing.
Jonathan's birthday party
Again, better late then never. Here are pictures from Jonathan's 5th birthday party. We made it a small affair with just our friends Tim and Heather and their kids Lilly and Loren. It was pretty great. It was Spider Man themed because he LOVED Spider Man. I can't believe he's 5 years old
Christmas 07
Our engagement.
Ok, now that you know about our months of dating up until our engagement, now I will tell you about our engagement.
After the blessed day of our engagement, we started planning. Our original date was planned for leap day. We thought it would be unique, and if you know us, we are definalty just that. We spoke to his bishop to get the paper work rolling. We needed a sealing clearance so that we could be married in the Temple.
For those of you who didn't know, Ernie was previously married in the temple. After the divorce, the only course of action we had was to get the clearance. The bishop counseled us that it would take 3 or more months to get this back as it had to be cleared by the First Presidency. For this reason we didn't make concrete plans on the date of our wedding.
My dress was beautiful. My mother and I went and got it the day after our engagement was made official. We went to Lennon's Bridal here in town. I tried on 3 dresses before I found the one that I liked. At first I didn't want to try it on. It wasn't very pretty on the hanger. Finally my mom convinced me to try it on. It wasn't bad at all. So, I put it on hold. I asked if we could go to another shop and she was very reluctant. She went with me even though she didn't want to.
We went to Treasures Formal and there it was...My dream dress. I tried it on and it fit perfectly. I felt like a princess in it. My heart was just bursting with joy until I saw the price tag. It was $799.00. I knew that I wouldn't be getting that dress. I just couldn't spend that kind of money on a dress that I'd only wear two times. I think the girl could tell that I was more than slightly disappointed because she called the owner of the shop. After a few minutes on the phone with her, she lowered the price of the dress to $499.00. How could I resist. That was the single most expensive item for my wedding. I walked away from that store with the most perfect dress and it was cheap.
A week after the dress, we had the wedding planned. My aunt form Design Elite Weddings was going to decorate for me. The only thing we had to worry about was the cake and pictures. Ernie and I had an appointment to meet with my aunt Lorna in Utah. She was going to show us her ideas for the wedding decorations. We made it a little rode trip with the kids and went to see her.
It was beautiful and perfect. Everything I ever wanted. I asked Ernie what he thought and he didn't have much of an opinion as the colors were pink and brown. The only thing left was the cake. I didn't know where we were going to get one. My aunt told her that a friend from Cathy's Cakes in Utah was giving her a beautifully decorated cake and she didn't know what she was going to do with it. She said I could have it if I came up the next week to pick it up. It was artificial so it would last forever as long as I took care of it.
That next week I went up to get it. She was at the Salt Palace doing a wedding show. I went with my friend Jeff. I needed someone to hold cake on the drive home. I didn't know much about it. Only that it was 3 layers of pink and brown fondant and it was elegant. I saw it and it was the cake of my dreams. We got it home and I had to keep looking at it over and over again.
In the end we didn't end up using that cake. Our friend Cathy made our cake for us and it was beautiful. When it arrived at our reception I was so happy words couldn't express my feelings.
Then the sad new hit. President Hinckley died. It was a shock and a sadness that hit deep, not only because he was a beloved prophet of our church, but because our paperwork had to be signed by the prophet. We weren't sure when we'd get the paperwork back now.
One day, Ernie called me from work and asked me what day we wanted to be married. I told him that date that we had chosen April 11th. He asked if I wanted to get married earlier and I said I did but we couldn't because of the paperwork. He read me what the First Presidency had sent us. We had our sealing clearance and as of February 14th we could be married! That was more than a week before! He cried and I cried. I made him read it again. After I got off the phone I hit my knees crying and thanking the Lord for his blessings.
We decided on March 14th. That was just three short weeks away for planning but an eternity to wait. So much to do. Invitations were the first on my list. I had 3 days to get them printed, but them together then send them out. I was not a very pleasant person those three days. Sorry Ernie! He was great helping me put them together. I've got a pretty good man. Lucky me!
Finally the day came. I had so much to do. Randomness, I went to the mall to get nylons from the Distribution Center. I walk in the doors and I hear BROOKE!!!! It was Jonathan and Sabrina. They ran to me and I was so excited to see them. They asked me if we were getting married today. They asked us that everyday and I was glad to say that yes we were getting married today. We were leaving for Bountiful Utah in less than an hour.
So, that's the story of our engagement up to the morning of our wedding day.
How we met
So, I guess it's about time everybody learned our story. Sooo, where to begin. Ernie works for my uncle Lance and Molinellies Jewler. He also works with my two brother Garrett and Morgan. He worked there for four years and we had met just once. After that I never really paid attention because he was married. I brought treats down every once in a while for the boys. Mostly because Garrett and Morgan would call and tell me it was time for my monthly treat stop.
I found out Ernie and his wife were getting a divorce in September of 07. I was sad because nobody should end up divorced. I never dreamed that he was my Knight in Shining Armor. Garrett told Ernie he should take me out on a date. Ernie said he wasn't going to date his sister.
I guess it really all started with a ring. I needed my CTR ring sized down. I left it at the shop and the boys said it would take awhile to get it done. I believe it was the next evening that I got it back. Morgan handed it to me while we were out to dinner with our daddy. I thanked them for getting it done so fast. Garrett told me not to thank him, but to thank Ernie. Morgan then told me that he thought Ernie had a little bit of a crush on me because he never did things like that. After ten minutes of haggling, Garrett finally gave me Ernie's cell number. I sent him a text message thanking for my ring. We sent text messages back and forth over the next few days.
When we started this, I only thought we'd be friends. At this time I was dating another boy and it looked like I was going to be engaged shortly. I went down to the store and looked at engagement rings as an idea of what I'd like to have. I thought my brothers would be there the whole time, but they were going to lunch. Ernie was just going to work through his. He said he didn't mind if I kept him company. I held books of engagement and wedding rings in my lap and talked to Ernie the entire time my brothers were gone. We discussed everything. Our fears and hopes and dreams. We talked about his failed marriage and everything that had gone wrong. I left with the newfound decision to break up with the boy because I had found the man of my dreams. Now how to do it.
I called and tried that way. I didn't want to go and see him because I didn't want him to try and talk me into it. He wouldn't listen. I didn't want him to come down and see me because I didn't know if he would leave or not. I decided to go and do it face to face. It was a Friday night and he planned a date. The next morning he woke me up really early and gave me a ring. I didn't say yes. I took it only because I didn't want to hurt his feelings and because I didn't want his mom to find the ring. I sent Ernie a text telling him that this boy had given me a ring. It wasn't an engagement ring, it was a promise ring. I didn't want to make a promise I couldn't keep. Ernie told me to tell him the truth. I drove home and cried half the time. I didn't love him and knew that I never would.
That night Ernie asked if I wanted to come and watch a movie with him and his kids. I declined saying I didn't want our first date to be with his kids. I wanted him all to myself. Late Saturday night he finally asked me out on a date. He was really nervous because he'd been married for nine years and divorced for only three weeks.
I was so excited. Our first date was on Monday, October 22, 2007. We went to my singles ward family home evening. We were carving pumpkins and then giving them away. If was fun. We made one for Eva Nye and delivered it to her. By we I mean Ernie. I made one with a witch on it. The bishop took us to deliver it and the entire time we were in the car with him, it felt like a fathers/bishop interview: Where do you work and how old are you were some of the questions. I swear he was sweating bullets. After FHE we took a drive. About ten or so he got a call from his kids. That's what did it for me. I heard the love and sadness and concern in his voice for those two little kids and my heart was lost. He dropped me off at around midnight and I asked if he wanted to come in a talk for awhile. He finally left very early in the am. No, we didn't kiss.
The next day he asked if he could come by because he had my pumpkin in the trunk of his car. He said he could only stay for a few minutes but he ended up staying for hours. We talked on my front porch. As he walked away, I got the sweet confirmation that this was the man I was going to marry for time and all eternity. I just knew.
I still had this other boys ring and was at a loss for a way to break it to him nicely but in a way that would be final. During the two days with Ernie, I didn't answer phone calls from the other kid. I didn't want to have him intrude on our conversation. Wednesday came around and Ernie and I were together again at my house. Again this guy kept calling but I didn't answer. I was still unsure of how to do it without breaking his heart. Around 3 I finally called him. He asked about Ernie and if we were just friends. I had told him at first we started out that way but I knew I was going to marry him. I got his address and told him I'd send everything of his back as soon as I could.
Thursday night Ernie called and asked if I wanted to come to dinner. The kids wanted to meet me. I drove up and there they were. Jonathan with his blond blond hair and Sabrina with her sweet smile. We ate spaghetti and watched Scooby Doo 2. After the movie I was going to go, but Ernie asked if I wanted to stay and read books, scriptures and say prayers. Then we could talk afterward. I agreed. Jonathan picked out a ghost book and Sabrina chose Cinderella. Jonathan climbed up on his daddy's knee and Sabrina crawled on my lap. This made Ernie stumble while he was reading because She never did that. During Jonathan's story, Sabrina turned in my arms and whispered I love you. What could I do? I said it back and at that moment on it was true.
On November 16, 2007 I guess it became un-official. We were exclusively dating each other. How did we come to this conclusion? Kissing did it for us. The other reason is I knew I was going to marry him. I didn't see any point to pretending like I was interested in any other person.During Thanksgiving, I had the week from hell. Ernie was gone with the kiddos to his parents house and I was lonely and bored without them. I missed seeing their smiling faces and hearing their sweet voices. When they came back, it was like coming home for me.
On Tuesday, November 27th he proposed for the first time. It was pretty early in the am so I won't tell you just when. It was amazing. I knew I was going to marry him but he was having a hard time accepting his feelings. His ex had trampled on him pretty badly and he was having a hard time trusting. I obviously won him over because he wouldn't allow just any woman to come into his or the kids' life. Past experiences had taught him better. Ok....so back to the proposal. He asked to to be his best friend and his wife. We both weren't expecting it. In fact, I made him repeat it. After he had I said yes. Actually I think I cried yes. Finally he had admitted to himself what I had known all along.
When I finally got home, I woke my roommie Mandy up and told her the good news. We were both so excited but it was early and she had to work in a few hours so I left her alone. I had to wait an hour to call my momma. It was like torture. I wanted her to be the first of my family to know. She and my daddy cried. She had known for a while that I had finally found him. I asked them to not tell Garrett and Morgan but that it was ok to tell my youngest brother Marshall who lived with them. After I got off the phone with her, I went to work. I was just bursting with excitement and smiles.
On Thursday, December 13, 2007 he made it official. He met me at his home at 3:00. I was watching Sabrina and Jonathan that day. I was in the kitchen doing dishes. I heard him go into his bedroom with Sabrina and Jonathan. I heard him give the rings to the kids because Sabrina said in a quite roar, "No, I want to give her that ring!" They came running into the kitchen screaming "Brooke, we have something for you!" Sabrina was hold my wedding band and Jonathan was holding my engagement ring. Ernie got down on one knee and asked if "Will you marry us?" I'm glad he asked that because I wanted to marry all three of them. I said yes and that I couldn't decide who I wanted to kiss first. Jonathan ran away because at four years old, kissing is "gross" Sabrina came next and then finally Ernie.
So, that's how we met and the first few months of our engaged life together. More to come later.