Pumpkin Patch Fun

In Lehi, there is this cute little pumpkin patch off the road.  They have pony rides, a little hay bale maze, and some other cute things for families.  We chose to do this for our Family Home Evening activity this week.  The kids LOVED it, and it was a small way to teach our kids about the beauty in every season, and the growth of pumpkins.  Kaylee asked, "Mom, if they are all made the same, why dont they all look the same?"  It was a great opportunity for me to relate that to: all of Gods children.  He made us all, but we are all so different.  It is the beauty of it, we can all be unique and very special at the same time.  Heavenly Father didn't want us to all be the same or look the same.  We have our own looks in families, and we have our own talents to discover and develop!

 

 These are the lucky pumpkins that got to come to the Brothersen house for Halloween!

 Isn't he so cute!  He is like my "little pumpkin"!

 They had a straw filled trampoline!  Super fun!  Look at Konnor!  He got some air on that one!

 Konnor is in the maze...  Havin' so much fun too. 

 Kaylee wanted a little posing action!  Love her!  The whole place was decorated really cute too!

 Photo opp!  There was nobody to take our family pic right when we got settled for it, so I took one for the team. Those 4, are my favorites!

They had a small little tunnel out of corn stalks, the kids LOVED running through it over and over.  Not to mention mom and dad!  We thoroughly enjoy those times when we get to be kids too!  Who needs to act their age?  NOT US!  And you know what?...  I don't even care what people say, I like to be silly with my kids and I don't pay attention to who's watching!  Life is short... LIVE it!  Be silly!

(Children don't want a crabby lady for a mom!) lol

Go..Fight..Win!

My brother in-law plays football for SUU (southern utah university).  He is the team captain, and a great player!  We went to watch him play on Sat. against Weber State.  Good thing for them, I wore my lucky socks!  jk... THEY WON! Here are some pics of that fun day!

 Captain Tyler leading his team onto the field!

 The crew!

 Kase and Dad

 Kaylee with Grandma Lynn

 Kase snugglin up to Aunt Emily!

Our little fam congratulating Tyler on his game!  (Take note at Kaylee... "she looks up to Ty!"  ha ha)

A Soldier Returns

Ok, so before reading anymore... you might want to grab a tissue! 

My mother in law has reenlisted in the Army.  Not very many "grandmas" are in the Army, let alone get deployed to IRAQ for a YEAR!  But my daughter Kaylee is Grandma Lynns biggest fan.  And has missed her grandma SOOO much.  Lynn was deployed last fall, and gave Kaylee a necklace she was wearing to keep it safe for the year she would be gone.  Kaylee hung it up in her room where her brothers or friends couldn't reach it.  Anytime she missed her grandma, she would get it down and hold it or even on occasion, sleep with it!  GOOD NEWS!   
SGT.  Grandma Lynn Brothersen just came HOME!!!!!!

We kept it a secret from Kaylee and Konnor.  It was hard.  But we did it!  So... Grandma decided she wanted to surprise her small, but big fan at school!  We got permission from her teacher a month ago, and then the day came last Thursday for the big surprise.  We got there and I poked my head around the classroom door, luckily the teacher saw me, and Kaylee did not.  Her teacher had the kids get on the rug quickly, and then THIS HAPPENED:

 

And this...

All of the adults in the room were crying!  Kaylee was too! 
She was beaming to see her grandma come into her class to see her. 

Lynn then got the big map out and showed the class where Iraq was.  One little girl in the class shared that BOTH her mom and dad were in the Army and in Iraq.  This sweet, little, brave girl was living with her Grandma while they were away. 
I was crying just listening to her share that!  What a sacrifice!

Then Sgt. Brothersen taught the class how to stand at attention and then salute!  Might I add, one of Kaylee's classmates saluted Lynn as soon as she walked in the room without being prompted!  And not seeing the boy do it, Kaylee saluted Lynn also!  I hope my children continue to have respect for our soldiers and a love of our beautiful country as they grow up!

 Then she taught the class how to do push-ups!  (not the girl kind either!)

 Lynn said to the class... "If you smile then you can do even MORE push-ups!"  Kaylee began to smile so big she was laughing!

 Below is Kaylee, Lynn, Konnor, and Grandpa Keith.  We decided to take Kaylee out of school a little early to spend some time with Grandma!  And for those of you wondering... "When we got home, Kaylee gave grandma her pretty turquoise necklace back and said, "Here is your necklace, I kept it safe for you, and I am so happy you are home."

It was a day Kaylee will NEVER forget.  Just knowing her grandma loves her so much, and coming to her class as the hero she is, will stay in our hearts and minds forever!  We love you Lynn and are SO thankful you are home safe!  Now we just need to get Uncle Jake home from Afghanistan safely!

God bless America and God bless our troops!

Children!

I have 3 children, and I love them more than I can even express.  My church just recently had a wonderful talk in General Conference about having and rearing children.  I thought it was beautiful.  The world is not so keen on having children.  There are so many "other" things we can be doing with our lives rather than bringing a special baby to the earth.  Having children is a HUGE sacrifice on the parents parts.  It is not always easy, it is tiring, emotionally draining, and yet it is absolutely beautiful and rewarding! Don't let the ways of the world change your destiny in bringing children to this earth.  There is nothing quite like seeing the dimples from your husband on your son, or the shape of your eyes on your daughter!
       I have found that being a stay-at-home mom is one of the greatest blessings of my life.  I realize not all women can be at home with their children.  And not all women and couples can have babies.  Below is a quote from that talk that I just love:
"It is a crowning privilege of a husband and wife who are able to bear children to provide mortal bodies for these spirit children of God. We believe in families, and we believe in children."

I feel that is so true.  These are precious spirits that we help bring to the earth.  We should treat them that way!
"When to have a child and how many children to have are private decisions to be made between a husband and wife and the Lord. These are sacred decisions—decisions that should be made with sincere prayer and acted on with great faith."
Good luck to all couples in making the decision that is best for their family.  Children are a blessing of true love, joy, and fulfillment.  I know that families can be together FOREVER!  What a wonderful blessing!

He did it!

Our Konnor has conquered a huge task, made a new discovery, is not a baby anymore!
Rather than me going on and on about all the gory details, just watch this short clip!
Brace yourselves, and turn up your volume!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npR8_BauTSs

Yep, my son pretty much rocks!
And so does my husband for putting this together!
YYYYYAAAAHHHHHH!

Kase's 1st Birthday party!

What a fun time this was!  We did an "Owl Theme".  Look WHOOOO's One!

Here are some of the pics!

Owls EVERYWHERE!  Logs, branches, brown, blue!

I made these owl cupcakes!  Darling, if I don't say so myself.  My loyal neighbor Shari helped me finish them in time!

 We did the usual "Guess the Amount of Cheerios in the Jar" game.  I am not going to say how many are in this jar.  Just in case any of you would like to guess..

 We have done a time capsule for each of the kids 1st bday's.  It is to be opened on their 12th bday.

Kind of a fun tradition.  So if you would like to write anything in the time capsule for Kase, just leave a comment about it and I will put it in!

 For the food, we did an Ice Cream Bar.  Most of it was in the color theme of browns and blue.  Crushed oreos, blue sprinkles, nuts, blue sugar crystals, crushed snickers bars, etc...

 Grandma Kathie getting a little squeeze in!

 Mamma getting a squeeze in....ooooohhhh I love him!

 

He loved his Owl Balloons!  Just look at that smile!

 My neighbor Cara made these adorable owl cake-pops!  Cute on the outside and YUMMY on the inside.  Here is her blog, if you want her to make some for ya.

 Take note to these wooden cake stands.  I made them!  So fun huh!  My father-in-law gave me a big log that he had at home, Kyle cut it with a saw.  I used cardboard circles, and hot glue-gunned brown and blue ribbon around the edges to make it a little cuter.  I think they turned out pretty good!

 

I made some tissue pom poms!  There was a sign below the food,

"Whoooo's ready for sweets!!!!!"  I thought that was a nice touch.  ha ha 

 

I mean come on, just look at that smile.  It makes you want to kiss those cheeks doesn't it!

Thanks to all who came!  It was so fun!  My little guy is growing up!  I can't believe it has been a year since my baby was born!  It was so fun to share this fun day with you! 

Where it all started!

 Just over 8 years ago, Kyle and I went on our 1st date here, the beautiful Provo Bridal Veil Falls.  It has been a favorite place of ours ever since that August day.  Now we make it a fun family affair.

 It was Sept. 11th, and we decided to go on a family drive after church.  So this is why we are all dressed up.  Isn't Kase cute in his Sunday clothes!   mmmm.. I could eat him up!

 Daring Kaylee, walking through the chilly water.

 Kase cheesin it up!

 Konnor is flirting with the camera...  Sure love that little guy!

Kase and I snuggling at the base.  

For Kyle and I, our 1st date started an eternity of love, family, and faith.  

Families CAN be together forever, and I am so thankful I have these 4 to share it with!

KASE is WALKING!

Here is an awesome trailer my hubby put together for your entertainment!  It is really just a preview until you get to see him walk for yourselves!
Kyle wanted me to mention that you need to watch this in High Definition.  (he is an HD snob if you didn't know.)  ha ha
But our SWEET little Kase started walking on Tues. Oct. 4th.  (Just barely over 12months old).  He gets so excited to walk!  He will take a few steps, and turn to see if I am watching and when he turns his head, he falls down.  ;)  He has now taken about 22 steps in a row!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlGHM0VhSgM

And yes, the first time he stood up on his own was in San Diego.  Then the 2nd time was on a Boogie board on the La Jolla Beach in San Diego, CA.  He just may be our little surfer dude!  LOVE HIM!