Tanner's blessing week

Saturday morning we hit Costco to pick up some stuff for the shin dig after Tanner's blessing, then we stopped by Grandma Cottam's because we had roped her into hanging out with us while we got stuff ready. Tanner got to meet a couple of my Uncles. That was fun. Here he is with Uncle Steve (reminds me most of Grandpa Cottam but Uncle Rob is a close second) and then Uncle Don took Colty and I for a spin around the block in his tow truck. Colt was busy being a chicken/grouch and wouldn't crack a smile but it was pretty cool. 

Then I got a great surprise when Aunt Laur showed up. So so fun to see her! And she got to stay a while so I really got to see her more than I have in YEARS, I loved it. We even got to catch a temple session together one morning! 

Saturday I also got to go to lunch with Poppa Great, they were having a big "Ho Down" up at the VA home. He was alert but with all the ruckus I couldn't hear him when he did talk. I still don't know if he recognized me but it was fun to sit with him. And he'd stare into my eyes like he knew me but wasn't quite sure how or why. (And he looked WaaaaY better than when I'd seen him in bed.)

Tanner got to meet Uncle Ky for the first time, they're buds.

Grandpa went chasing cows because it was a Saturday in June so that is a guarantee, so when Isaac and Cannon got here they got to go out over the hill and the boys got to ride Monty. Grampa has a bum foot so Isaac had to lead the horse around and Grampa was on photography duty for me :)

That night we cashed in on some cousin time which is always a hit.

https://youtu.be/qnDqx861qcs

Sunday was busy busy busy but what a special day for our little Tan Tan Man

Isaac gave him a really beautiful blessing and we had tremendous family support. It was a great day!

Monday the boys went swimming with Grama at her neighbors so they missed the Ison family bike ride but we went over there for dinner that night and did some swimming.

Colton for some reason decided he didn't want his swim trunks on and took them off ???? I confess to taking a picture of his little nakey bum but I'm not one for posting naked pics. But I still can't figure out why he did it... he assured me he would put it back on if there was danger....???? danger...the kid has a mind of his own. I can't explain him. He didn't mention any danger but had me help him put in on a few minutes later. Hmm.

Tuesday and Wednesday Isaac and Cannon when hiking with the Ison fam but no pics cuz that's not really Isaac's thing. (I'm sure Grandma Ison took some though) Colt and Tanner and I stayed around here. Its been a very strange vacation as we've kind of gone separate ways but I'm glad that Isaac has got to spend some time with his family and I have got to spend lots with mine. So it works out. 

Wednesday night we headed down to the ball field to watch Trey play. Colt announced both our arrival and departure with major fits! Kind of embarrassing when he's screaming his head off but that's just tired Colt for ya and when we're here they get SOOOOO tired. Becky's nephew Silas was there and he was so darling with Colt. Such little cutie, he was so nice to Colt and called him "Colty" it was darling. Colt took a while to warm up to him but then they played together so cute. Cannon and Isaac didn't make it until way later and then with the fit they really didn't get to stay long

Maybe if we'd had a little more sleeping in the car seat we'd have had less fits. Oh well. 

Grama adventures with cousins include a movie, more swimming, a picnic, and a trip to the dinosaur tracks (not the museum-the real deal out in Warner Valley... my fault-my idea.)

Grama loves getting the whole crew together. I love that the cousins are close and making memories together but I ended up needing to be put in the looney bin after pretty much every adventure! I'll leave it at that. 

Grampa adventures are the feed yard, squirt gun fights, tickle wars, and Rhino rides. Good times. 

Colt's been pretty clingy though and missed out on some of the fun. Part of that is tired-part of is the movie they went to the little fish lost its mom and dad. That set him off, cuz I wasn't there, poor little guy.

The dog: The destroyer. Holy Cow. She just went along and nipped off  my mom's geraniums, those little spinning flowers you see in the picture didn't stand a chance. She shredded a piece of foam all over the back yard. Bushes, sippy cups, a pair of Ann's shoes, several of the sand toys my mom had bought...and who knows what else. Sigh. 

I really just love moments like this and want to document as many as possible. Even if they're repetitive-I love it. 

More pics with the great grandparents.

And I think that's about it...well no-that's what I have picture evidence of though, of course there is so much more!

So Grampa Chip (super techy-haha) taught me how to talk to my phone to text or in this case blog -Grama's tried a hundred times but it took me watching Chip to realize I was pushing the button and holding it instead of just tapping then talking- this could change my blogging life! Posts could get so much longer...or faster for me-that would be great. (Most of this was chicken pecked out the old regular phone way though.)

It's been a crazy busy week but oh SO good. Saturday was our stake service day and while the project was 2 1/2 hours away we felt like it was important to go (we had some friends in Mississippi that really set a good example for us because I think before them and watching their commitment I wouldn't have been game) but anyway we had planned to go. We had heard there was a convert baptism that day which we were kind of like oh that stinks that it's the same day but oh well but then the Sunday before Bro Lemke asked Isaac to baptize him! So we bailed on the service project but it was definitely a very cool experience for my boys (and for me) to watch and listen and feel the spirit while Isaac performed that sacred ordinance for him! Wow! Then Isaac is just good guy, we were all loaded up in the van about to pull out of the church and Isaac noticed the tire on the van of the new converts was a donut and said "Oh they never got that fixed." And of course he sprung into action! He went back in talked to them invited them over ordered pizza for lunch and fixed the tire. It turns out they had the tire but they just didn't have a jack so it was an easy fix but no question I married the Good Samaritan. I had to clarify that no I was not ok with him just sending them in our house before we got there and when he's trying to be quick he is soooo indecisive he wanted the fastest option (Hot n Ready is not an option in Kirksville) and he wanted the best deal and should he take us home first and holy cow I was going crazy--while he was saving the world. But when he saw that donut tire on (and it looked a little rough) he saw the potential for that to put a damper on a good day and a good experience so he decided to be proactive!

Sunday was my sweet counselor Sara's last Sunday. Oh we love the Jacobs.

Cannon said "But we haven't had enough play dates with Jason!" True, but we did sneak in one last trip to the park before we left town! They are Kirksville natives though so they'll be back to visit :)
The thing I love about living in the midwest is being right in the thick of so much church history stuff and the love my boys have developed for the Doctrine and Covenants, the stories, doctrines, and characters! So Sunday night the boys were outside and Cannon came running in and headed to the bathroom. A few minutes (or seconds) later Colt stuck his head in the door and said "Where's Joseph Smith?" I looked at him and said "he died bud, he lives with Heavenly Father, remember?" Cuz we've been the Carthage, and read the story at least a hundred times. Then Cannon yells from the bathroom "No mom, we're just pretending!" So then I looked at Colt and said "Oooooh, Who are you? Hyrum?" and he got a big smile on his face and said "Ya!" That's the extent of what I know but how stink'n cute right?

Monday Cannon and Tanner had well checks at the Dr. They let me schedule them together-never again if it's going to take 3 times as long! That afternoon Cannon went to day camp at Noah and Zach's church. Unfortunately they were in different age groups but it was still a good experience, well, Cannon was a wreck at first but in promised him I wouldn't leave until he was comfortable holy cow tears and crying and "I want to go home" but when he finally turned the corner it was like ya mom I'm fine what are you worried about. But he had a good time, he loved the obstacle course, I just think it was a good interfaith thing for him to participate and share in. Mrs Hardee let me take Colt to her (she had the preschool age group) he love telling us what he learned during FHE (he volunteered to do the lesson)

Tanner and I made it to the grocery store by ourselves for some road trip snacks but that was about it. I stayed up late Monday finishing packing and cleaning the house then Tuesday morning we stayed at the park ALL morning. One last trip with Noah and Zach (if my week when they were out of town is any indication Cassie is going to have a long couple weeks while we're gone) then they had to leave but Jason and friends from church came and after that we hit the road!! Dang that's a long drive! So thankful for the van though!!! (I confess to changing a few diapers while we went...poor little Tanner had his first round of shots the day before-poor little toad-but I'm just saying if we'd stopped for every diaper we might STILL be on the road) And the most important part is we made it to Emery County Wednesday mid morning-let the good times roll!

Thursday morning Colton, Tanner, and I headed south while Isaac and Cannon stayed in Huntington they did a couple hikes, and had a great time (no pics even though I left a specific request-oh well) 

We have had a great time here too, first of all and foremost Grampa got to meet Tanner!! This picture makes me so happy. Two plus months was waaaay to long to have to wait!

Colton had some squirt gun fun and cashed in on being the only helper at feed yard time.

Tanner also got to meet Uncle Klint (who didnt' want his face to end up on the blog-sorry Bro I've been antagonizing you my whole life-you didn't really think I'd stop did you? I just told him look-we haven't been here in 6 months, you better believe I'm documenting everything!)

And Poppa Great! Man to not seen him for 6 months the decline is obvious but we told him we loved him and held his hand for a few minutes. The picture shows him staring off pretty good--the veil has got to be getting pretty thin. 

Today we went shopping just for fun (because there is more than two stores in town) and Colt busted out the kiddie pool and bathed in it-he thought that was pretty cool. Grandma's sand pile is pretty rock'n right now-plus she bought enough sand toys for an entire beach! 

Grampa went riding today so he had the horse all saddled and when get called Colt even went up without me (sometimes he's pretty clingy) but little Mr. Tuckered out fell asleep on the drive and there was no waking him up so he didn't get to ride the horse-yet- 

Good times abound though! 

Tonight (notice the time)  Isaac called then it cut out then the following text:

Cannon refuse to take a picture with the raccoon but I guess they got one. I posted the screen shot instead of just the pic to get the dialogue. Then a few minutes after I put the pic on he sent another text with a picture of the dang dog (just standing in the yard) that said "I forgot to tell you. Belle was only interested in rolling in cow crap while I treed the coon." Haha, nice hound dog Isaac.

Up next week, a post about Tanner's blessing. Stay tuned ;)

Doggone Dog Drama

Seriously (and unfortunately) the title is perfect. UG! We'll get there! 

First just to be clear about who we cheer for around here! Haha, but it's June and they're in 1st place--this never happens--maybe next year might be now?!?!?! This would not be a good time to turn my back on the Cubbies ;)

What's with the hand to the chin? No clue, but it's cute. Shortly after Tanner was born Isaac took Colton and Cannon to see the new Jungle Book movie, well I think that is where it came from (not 100% sure) but Isaac comes in the other day picks Tanner up and says "Hello man child!" Well he better watch out unless he wants that nickname to stick. Colton's prayer that night was hilarious it super cute when he goes through the family and thanks Heavenly Father for each person but that day it was "and (and and and) tank you man child" OH Brother!

Saturday I took off with my friend Natalie and went to the Dutchman's store in Iowa. So much fun (and good deals to boot) I came back rejuvenated (and to a spotless living room!!!) Isaac not so much! Besides cleaning up the living room he took the boys to the river but super dad was looking a little far spent by time Tanner and I got back :) HAha

Sunday's drama was dog drama! So When Cannon plays with the dog he is always unsupervised-with rare exception when Isaac is with him. And I know he's always teasing it! I even got the tablet down the other day and asked if he wanted to watch then pulled it away to kind of tease him and show him what it's like. So Sunday our backyard neighbor knocks on the door introduces himself apologizes for getting involved then

tells me (Isaac is napping and I assure you he doesn't jump right up for such things!!) Anyway Cannon was choking the dog and he was afraid he was going to kill it. And then told me all the other mean stuff he's watched Cannon do to it. He was super apologetic and didn't want to get involved but it just got to the point he'd seen enough. Later I found out (cuz ultimately Isaac and Cannon did go talk to him) that the guys wife finally got him to stop but then he told her "My mom doesn't like dogs, so it's okay if I hurt her" or something like that. So he really was hurting her-including one day whacking her upside the head with a board but he really wasn't owning up to anything. So Isaac was like well you can't be hurting her and your not being honest so we have to get rid of her. So sad  for my little boy but ya gotta learn consequences right? And if you read this blog at all, you know that even though it was really sad for Cannon, I was like sweet back to life without a dog, I'm in. And I did feel bad because nobody ever taught him how to have, play with, whatever a dog just last week I was telling our friends how the dog came and that I'd never forgiven Isaac, and that was true but I now see how unfair that was to Cannon as the little boy with the dog, I mean plus when he was mean to Colton I'd send him out to play with the dog, poor dog. Anyway so I recognize the error or my ways, and I wonder what I would have done differently if I'd known how it ended I mean, we've really only had the dog 5 months, if I knew that going in...??? So Sunday I have really really quiet (and I think that means sad but I know) husband and a little boy that is essentially oblivious to the fact he's going to lose his dog and its on account of the way he's treated it. That night I say to Isaac "I'm sorry Honey" to which he replies "It it was it is." No emotion, no sadness, just quiet. Its just how he deals with things. So that night we do our routine where we say prayers together before bed, then say our personal prayers. Isaac, I'm not kidding you if time was any indicator he was totally pouring his heart out to the Lord, I don't know when I've seen him stay on his knees that long! Sooo....Monday when I saw that he was totally caving, I just have to shrug and thing well, at least I know he made it a matter of prayer. He did talk to the neighbor directly behind us and she had never seen Cannon be mean to it and the cord that was supposedly around the dogs neck was hooked to the house and only 4 ft long so Isaac said I just don't think that dog is stupid enough to put her head clear down there and let him wrap that around her neck. Cannon never fessed up (but we know he teases her and is mean sometimes) but he also never changed his story about not putting around her neck sooooo....we still have a dog. But its dad's dog, and Cannon can only play with her when we are there to supervise and no screaming. Oh he has a certain squeal that's a dead give away he's teasing it. Anyway it seems like there was something else but I'm drawing a blank. Now the question for me is am I willing to really have learned (meaning do something different) what I say I learned ug. We'll see.
Monday the Jarvis' invited Cannon to go to Soccer with their son, oh boy, what a disaster I could post of picture of Cannon at least 50 yard from everyone refusing to try. I was so annoyed, he wanted our whole family to come then wouldn't do anything, threw a fit and whined. Come on. Man up. Finally we just left. The next day we went out to the Lake, it was rainy so empty and a great time. I visited with Dennise the whole time so I didn't take pictures but the kids had fun. And their neglectful mother let them get sunburnt :( I always end up doing sunscreen when the other moms do, I never remember myself, but the Jarvis' are super "earthy" shall we say??? They don't really do sunscreen, anyway, bottom line we ended up toasted. We also got to hit up bowling this week and took our good buddy Jason with us. They are moving next week so we had to sneak in some fun while we could! Look at them sizing up Cannon's roll. Ha

We had a great time but bowled terrible. How does an adult throw so many gutter balls with bumpers??? I managed.

Wednesday we got the happy news the Tilton's were back. Thank Heaven! Even though we've only got to play once! We also went to play at Mrs. Hardee's. But it wasn't the same with out Noah and Zach, and when mom stays! Oh well I had a great visit with Dorothy and she gave us LOADS of children's books. So nice, we love books.

Anyway, who knows what else.
Tanner flex'n...then Colt wanting to get in on it too.

 

 

The boys have figured out how to send Grama audio messages on the iphone, those are always interesting and fun. A pictures worth a thousand words but I think Grama hearing their little voices is worth a thousand too. We are all getting super excited to go! 

Tanner smiles, and scowls and oh boy has this little man found his fist!

 

 And project with dad, after Belle chewed up the internet cord, again, Isaac built a gate to keep her off the porch. He has quite the helpers.

 

Next post--FROM UTAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!