'tis the season

It's the most wonderful time of the year. Deck the halls, christmas shopping and ROCK BAND! For some reason, it's always during this time of year that our band comes together again to make sweet music. This weekend was the reunion tour. It was beautiful! Thanks to the new and improved version of Rock Band that enables a band member to not fail, we even let the children join in. We rocked on until the morning hours. It was after 1:00 am. (Okay, I was in bed, but everybody else rocked on. Priorities people. I had to get up early to go running.) I expect to have many more rock band parties before the holiday season is over!

The band

Parker's got the rock star hair and moves!

Payton needed some fuel to keep rockin'

Payton & Erika on the drums

Parker & Grandma on the drums

Parker playing with his foot

grandparent's day

Payton had Grandparents Day this past week and was lucky to have THREE grandparents come with him. Grandpa Kent, Grandma Patty and Great-Grandma Chesnut. I didn't get a picture of Grandma Patty and Great-Grandma Chesnut, but they were there. (You can actually see my mom in this picture. She spent the whole time chatting with Payton's teacher about how to make mashed potatoes or something. She wanted her picture taken with his teacher, but I forgot!) 

Grandpa Kent got to help Payton with a craft project. 

They also did a play for the grandparents, "Turkey's Best Thanksgiving."

Can you tell how thrilled he was? Love the rabbit fingers!

Payton's line was, "I have a curly tail, and I say OINK."

student of the month

Payton was chosen by his teacher to be the student of the month in November. We are so proud of Payton. He is such a good student and is doing so well in school this year. We had parent/teacher/student conferences last month and Payton's teacher only had wonderful things to say about him. He is exceeding all of the first grade expectations. We are glad that he enjoys school and loves learning!


Because Payton was student of the month, I got to go have lunch with him at school. They have a special lunch time for all of the students who are the "student of the month" and then during the students regular lunch time they get a longer recess. If you know Payton, you will not be surprised that he was very upset that he had to miss class time to go to a special lunch and then he had to miss lunch time to have a longer recess. The whole time I was at lunch with him he kept asking when he could go back to class. I told him he had to wait for the principal to come give him his treat. As soon as the principal came and gave him his special treat he took off running to his classroom. Silly boy! How long do you think this will last?! I'm hoping through college!

happy thanksgiving

I love holidays.  I'm not picky.  I just love celebrating.  Thanksgiving is no exception.  I love having an excuse to bake.  Last night I spent too much time making these cupcakes.  They turned out just like this picture, which is always pleasantly surprising.  Also, they are yummy.  I love the chocolate buttercream frosting and the toasted coconut.  If you're interested in the recipe you can find it here.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

my weekend recipe

cheesy chick flick + utah slaughtering byu + coldplay + yummy thanksgiving dinner + being with great friends and family = 

perfect weekend

Loved the movie, loved being with friends, loved the vampire!

The cutest little Ute fans!

Susie, Jamie and I went to dinner before the concert and enjoyed some of the opening band together.  Tim went to the Utah game so I met him at the concert.  

Luckily, Susie & Jamie let me tag along with them.  

Tim & I 

Ian (covering his face), Shane & Tim.  

For the record, Clint & Becca were at the concert with us, but they weren't sitting by us so I forgot to get a picture.

The main man himself...Mr. Chris Martin

They played a couple songs on this stage that was right in front of our seats.  

It was awesome!

This was an amazing concert!

The Bergstrom Clan.  We always celebrate Thanksgiving early so that we can enjoy Thanksgiving day with our other families.  

My Grandpa & Dad

Cute Cousins & Leenda

My beautiful sister & Cooper

Mom, Me, Clint, Payton & Tim

why i love being a mother

i am never bored. 

i am never lonely.

i always feel loved.

i always feel special.

i am needed.

i am surrounded by beauty.

i get amazing hugs.

i get amazing kisses.

i get to teach.

i get to learn.

i get to heal.

i get to love.

i get to create.

i get to listen.

i get to have fun.

i get to enjoy life.

i get to create life.

i get to cherish life.

i get to mold life.

i get to feel pure joy...

every day!

s e v e n m o n t h s

Cooper is learning and growing daily. Here is Cooper doing some of his favorite things:

rolling...

discovering his hands...

sitting...

playing with his feet...

bathing...

feeding himself...

smiling...

saying "da-da"...

being handsome...

I say this every month, but Cooper really is such a blessing in our home.  Even when he is fussy (because of teething) and wakes up in the middle of the night.  He is still a joy.   Our little man has hit so many milestones this past month.  It's amazing to watch him learn and grow.  Everyday he is doing something new.  We can't wait to see what he'll be doing next.  

my little firefighter

We went on a field trip to the fire station with Parker's preschool class. This was Parker's first preschool field trip. Doesn't he make a cute little firefighter?

bff's

Brett & Cam are our BFF's (Best Friends Forever...duh?!?) We are so lucky to have such great friends. We got together this weekend to celebrate Brett's birthday. We always have such a fun time when we're together. Especially when we're in a movie theatre parking lot taking pictures!