7 Years of wedded Bliss!

Today marks 7 years from the day Dave and I officially started our family.   It is crazy to think it has been a whole 7 years and at the same time it feels like it should be a lot longer than that (in a good way).

Dave and I met and started dating 10 years ago.  Where does time go?  It seems like just yesterday that Dave was coming back after lunch break and noticed there was a new girl in his HS drafting class...me.    I guess he was a little stunned because all he could say was "who are you?"   to which I replied "who are you?"

I couldn't get over how familiar he looked but I honestly couldn't recall ever seeing him before that moment.    It was all downhill from there.   

We were kindof rivals I guess you would say...competeing for the attention of the class.   The class thought we hated each other and so did I until I realized I was spending all my time with him.   When I wasn't with him I was talking about him and wishing I was with him.    I know, I know, who meets and falls in love with their soul mate at 17?    

Those of you who know David know how infectious his personality is... He is always doing or saying some crazy thing to shock people.   He loves to make people happy.   

One day Dave came to see me with a surprise in each pocket.    He asked me which pocket he should empty first.   When he pulled his hand out of his 1st pocket he had a baby chick.   In the other pocket he had two more.    We spent most of  the summer raising and collecting rare chickens and planting anything that would grow in my parents back yard.   One morning Dave woke me up at 5:00 am and drug me in my pj's to the chicken coop in the dark  just to hear our roosters crow.   When all was said and done, we had 12 chickens,  2 ducks, and 2 bunnies.   

It was kindof funny because I knew he was someone I would definately want to marry, but that was just not the stage of life we were in.    We were mostly best friends for the next year until he left on his mission.   It was one of the hardest and happiest days ever.   Dave and I wrote letters for two years while he was in Russia... I seriously doubt there was a better missionary in the world.   Through letters it felt like I served a mission with him.   Not that I didn't date anyone else, but there was never anyone like David.  

When Dave came home I teased him that he had to go on at least three dates before he could marry me.  I had a chance to date a little in college and I thought he needed to see what else was out there too, but he never would.    

We had done plenty of courting so we didn't waste much time.   He came home in November, we were engaged before Christmas, and married in March.   

It has been an amazing 7 years.   I can't believe all that we have acomplished together in 7 short years.   We have had three kids.   (Who are deffinately our most amazing acomplishments!)   We have moved 5 times, 2 of which were across country.    Countless jobs, callings and hobbies.  A ton of schooling, running a 1/2 marathon, trying out a triathlon, and our latest adventure...opening a business! 

Dave still makes me laugh, He knows exactly how to get under my skin, and no matter what happens, he will always be the love of my life!   Happy Anniversary!   I can't wait to see what the next 7 years will bring.      

    

She's movin!

In January at 10 months old Jules finally figured out how to crawl!  It was pretty slow at first, but it didn't take long for her to get it down.  Between the crawling and the cruising there isn't anywhere she doesn't go, and nothing she doesn't try to get into!  Julianne is really enjoying her new found freedom!  Yeah Julesy Bear!!!

Christmas Morning!

This is a warning right now for all of the Christmas pictures to follow.   I really need to scrapbook and since I don't... this blog will have to suffice for now!   (I need my sister Christa to come help me organize and teach me to scrapbook!)  

Santa was so kind He brought Lydia Baby alive and she couldn't have been Happier!!! He even brought a package of real baby diapers for her.  Lyds was a little confused at first she thought santa accidentally gave her Julsey's stuff.   She is a great little mommy!  She even took baby alive to school one day for show and tell.    After school that day she was very upset.  When I asked her why she was upset she said "they all laughed at her.  They didn't think she was a real little baby.  She is my little girl."  What a sweetie!

  Isaac got trains just like he wanted.   Santa even brought him a build a bear from the north pole!   He is actually a dog and Isaac named him Ralphy.    That kind santa brought Julesy some glorious goodies. He brought her a build a bear bunny, a musical top, and new sippy cup.   She loved the wrapping paper best of all!    I have to say one of the best parts of christmas is watching your kids light up when they see what santa has brought!!   I don't think Isaac believed that santa would really come.    All morning he kept saying  "he really came mom, santa really came!"  So sweet!  Oh the wondrous Joy of the season.  It was a magical Christmas!  

We had Christmas dinner at Scott and Laura's house, unfortunatly I forgot to bring my camera. 

 

Christmas Eve Festivities

We had a wonderful christmas eve dinner of roast beast, yorkshire pudding, and mashed potatos.   After dinner we went to grandma and grandpa kimballs house.(pictures to follow)   When we came home we read luke 2. and sang  away in a manger.   Lydia, Isaac  and Jules opened their presents from Grandma and grandpa Moore!   They were the coziest kids around with their new quilts and Jammies.   Then it was off to bed to dream of sugar plums.   







We enjoyed having the deer in the yard most of the winter.  Dave snapped this awesome picture right before dinner! 

 The christmas lights were under so much snow and ice that they made the whole house glow... they looked amazing, and added a magical touch! 

 Lammie is my grandma.   She will be 98 in June.   She was so cute helping to entertain Julsey bear until dinner was ready!  Lammie spent the night christmas eve and christmas day.  Lydia and Isaac were delighted to have her sleep over.  

 It just isn't christmas with out a mess in the kitchen... Since Steph wasn't here to give the kitchen its usual christmas dusting of flour that naturally occurs when she bakes, mom did that for us! :)

Grandma and Grandpa Kimball always give the cutest christmas jammies!   Lyds and Ava tried to  curl up under grandma's rug!    Isaac was thrilled to get Thomas the Train jammies!   Uncle Sean and Isaac talked all about thomas!  Lyds  stretched out on the couch; and Gramps helped Jules model her new christmas duds.







Grandma and Grandpa Kimball shared  with us some great Christmas Stories and surprised us all with these beautiful framed quotes from president Faust.  It say's "Faith is the power.  Obedience is the price.  Love is the motive.  The spirit is the key.  Christ is the reason."  I know they put a lot of love and work into it.  We love it so much and can't wait to have a home of our own to hang it in.:)   We are really enjoying being so close to family!   I wish we had a picture of all the Grandkiddos in their Jammies!  Our kids are VERY lucky to have so many cousins, what a great blessing.   We may have to recreate With everyone.  No one has to know it's march!!! :)    

Christmas eve Lydia and Isaac worked hard making reindeer treats with me! I'm sad there are not any pictures, they are a new kimball tradition. Then they went to work  on a special christmas production.   They made everyone name tags so we would know where to sit.  Then they did a rousing little production for us full of singing and Dancing.  They make a great little team.

Jules loves Isaac and Lydia!  Now that she is mobile she follows them around as best as she can.  Lydia loves to make her laugh!!   I love seeing them interact and watching their personalities emerge and blossom!!!!    

Chirstmas 08

So I am a little behind, but what else is new?    

We had a great christmas!!!   

Here are some of the pictures featured on our christmas cards this year.  We decided very last minute to send them and these were our last minute pictures.   We didn't get them all out so if we missed you please forgive me.     I love the christmas card tradition!  I have vowed to be a better christmas carder in the years to come!

Silly Santa

A couple funny stories about Isaac.

Isaac uses the word "silly" to describe anything that is weird, funny, "silly", confusing, or just plain not normal.  He calls Dave silly quite often.  Anyway here are 2 stories about people that were labeled "Silly"

Today Isaac was on the potty doing his thing, when we hear from the Bathroom..."Silly Santa, there is no "O" in my name.  Santa forgot."  Isaac has his name memorized and he got some cool thomas the train underwear from Santa, and he was reading the name thomas on the underwear, thinking it should say Isaac since they are his.  We tried to explain that Santa knew what he was thinking, but the little scowl never left his face... I think Santa has been permanently labeled as silly in Isaac's mind.

Second story.  The kids love "tastees" at costco.  Well the guy selling blenders was showing how to make corn taco soup in the blender and Isaac wanted a taste.  The only problem is that Isaac is only use to fruit smoothies coming out of the blender, so when he took a taste, he got his famous little upset look, said eeewww, yuck,  and gave me the soup back.  I was laughing to myself as we walked away, and I could here Isaac mumbling under his breath, repeating these two phrases...."Silly tastee.... silly guy....silly tastee....etc

Also, while we are on the topic of Isaac, he can't say his letter "k" (he says "t") or "g" (he says "d") sounds.  So my family tries everything they can to get him to say words with those letters in them.  We had a picnic with my brother Nathan and his family over the summer, and Nathan brought a bunch of food.  He brought tuptates with tandy tane frosting, and tarrots, and tooties, and Isaat Timball had no idea why everyone was laughing at him.  Silly boy.

My husband is a MAC fanatic!!

Bye Bye Binky

Yes it is true,  Isaac has finally decided he doesn't need a binky anymore.  Last night when I was  finished tucking Isaac and Lydia into bed I sat down to relax with Dave on the couch. 

    Then from out of the kids room I heard a little voice declare "Mommy I don't need a binky anymore".    Dave and I looked at each other in disbelief for a minute, and then decided we had better act fast so we wouldn't miss the moment.   

   When I walked in the kids room I saw a smiling Isaac holding his binky up for me to take as he declared once more "Mommy I don't need a binky anymore".   

could it really be this easy?    I took his binky and didn't mention it again.     Today when he saw his binki on the shelf he said "Remember mommy I don't use a binki anymore".   

 And that was that!!!!   

It's official he's a Dr.

    
Ihave been waiting for pictures to post about Dave's Graduation.     Because I'm such a proud wife, and its just too exciting,  I can't wait any longer......It's officially official.   On the 24th of October Dave graduated from chiropractic school!!!   (If your wondering where I got pictures or if  they look familiar to some of you, it's because I stole them from Brian and Molly's blog:)  You better believe there will be more when I get them.

Julianne and I flew out for the event while my kind parents held down the fort here at home and took care of Lydia and Isaac.   We missed them but it was so nice not to worry about entertaining kids during the whole event and just enjoy it. 

 It was also really fun to return to our old neighborhood and see some familiar faces.  One night we were in the area of our old house, so I thought I'd go sneak a little peak.     Innocently I walked up the back step and out of habit tried to open the door.  When it didn't open I peaked through the kitchen window and saw my fridge.... my cute little kitchen. 

 Boy was that a mistake! I fell apart.  The rest of the time I was a little unstable.   Just driving down certain streets or going into certain stores and seeing familiar faces brought it on again.   I knew going back was going to be hard, but it was good to get some closure.   Somewhere after crying over my my old refrigerator and watching my wonderful husband receive his diploma, I realized that those are happy memories and while I will always cherish our time in Iowa and the friends we made there....It's time to start making money!!! J/K    But it really is time to move on to the new exciting things ahead. 

 Dave will be opening a practice in American Fork early this year!!!!  I am so proud of all of his accomplishments.  Congratulations Dr. Kimball D.C.!!  Well done!!!!!     

A little explanation

So halloween this year was really fun.....however it was the first halloween since Dave and I have been married that we weren't together.   Dave is captain Halloween at our house.   He really gets into it, so we really felt the void. (Hope you like the pictures love.)  Dave is still in Illinois for business training.  Two weeks down two to go.  Hence the very simple pumpkin carving.   

The little leopard stuffed animal that Lydia is trick or treating with is her sister Ellie.   Ellie was Lydia's birthday build a bear creation.  She insists that Ellie be treated as one of my children.  Ellie says prayers, eats breakfast, lunch, and dinner with the family.  She battles Julianne for a spot in the highchair and car seat.   She even sleeps in my bed!   When Lydia created Ellie she chose the tinkerbell costume to match hers so that they could trick or treat together.  She's such a thinker.

Jules is cutting a couple teeth at this time.   She found great relief chewing on the pumpkin carvings.  Best teething toy I've ever found. 

Isaac got really into trick or treating this year....I'm still trying to explain that you can only trick or treat one day a year and it's over now.

Danny, Heather, and Little Brooke were Fred, Wilma, and pebbles.  So cute!  Heather made the costumes, hosted a dinner at their home, and moved all in the same week!!!  Crazy amazing woman.

Halloween Fun!

Happy birthday Isaac boo!!

Isaac turned three officially on the 27th although, we celebrated a few weeks ago before Dave left for graduation.   I can't believe my baby boy is three years old.  Starting very early Isaac has always been the one to make things a little difficult.   When I was pregnant with him we came very close to loosing him.  His Labor went so fast there was no option for an epidural.   As a newborn he required a billi blanket for over a week and daily trips to the lab for heel sticks.  We called him our little glow worm.  As a little baby he was so much fun.  He was always smiling and laughing and couldn't stand to go unnoticed.  At dinner time neighbors reported hearing him yelling from his high chair.   And as the adorable three year old boy that he is.. he's very "spirited"as his aunt wendy calls him.   Isaac definitely has a mind of his own.  We wouldn't want him any other way.   He is still holding strong to his binki and continues to rub his ears when he is tired or needs comfort.   While we try to limit the binki to nap and bedtime he always seems to find one somewhere.   He can't say his c's  and replaces the c sound with T.   His uncles and aunts have fun getting him to say things like tootie, tiwi, or titty tat. etc.  His grandma "timball" has a special place in his heart.   Maybe because she raised his father she can relate to him in a way no one else can?   Isaac makes us ALL laugh and while he is sometimes a tornado, we love him just the way he is.  He is a very special boy and we are SOOO very blessed to have him!!!  Happy birthday buddy!!!

Marianne's Cake Making SKills

Well this is David.  I figured that Marianne probably wouldn't show off her own skills too much, so today when she made Isaac's birthday cake, I decided I would get some pictures of the cakes she has made from all our kids different birthdays.  It is a skill she was taught by her mother... I think they are rather impressive

These first two are from Lydia's first birthday

These are from Lydia's 3rd and 4th b-days

The top one is from Lydia's 5th and the bottom is from Isaac's 2nd 

This last one is the one she made today, Isaac is really into trains right now.

As I am sure you would all agree Mare has quite the talent going on here!!!

Island Park

We had a fun little reunion with some of our awesome friends from our Davenport days a couple of weeks ago.  Tom and Cortney invited us up to Island park.  We had a blast!!!  The guys enjoyed challenging each other to do stupid tricks on the play ground equipment (all the while trying to one up the other).  I only wish I had pictures of you guys making your way through that wormy thing :)  Luckily the only injuries that occurred were a few bonked heads and a couple sprained ankles.  (It's definitely been worse).   Oh and maybe a few deflated egos after all the debating;)   We girls did what we do best... chit chat, prepare mouthwatering meals, watch kids play and keep peace, a few of us sang 80's countdown songs and even dared enter a few of the debates  with the guys... I won't name names...Cortney:) Nature was invigorating.  We actually were within feet of a moose and her baby.  It was incredible and a tad scary.  These pictures were the first encounter.  The second was even closer, it's all caught on tape.   The cabin was amazing and cozy, as all cabins should be.    The smores were Delicious!  The company was the best part!!   Lydia was a little disappointed that not everyone from Davenport was there.   That would be awesome, but I fear it is probably impossible to get everyone from Davenport in the same place at the same time especially this far west!   For me west is best.  However, I never imagined I would miss Iowa as much as I do.   Those were some of the best days of my life!!   We're looking forward to seeing many of you wonderful people in a couple weeks at graduation!!! Yeah!!!!

Ahoy ye scarvy scum!!!

To celebrate Lydia's 5th birthday we had a pirate party.  Lyds and Isaac have been into everything pirate lately so it was really fun.  Dave was the perfect pirate.  He played the part so well that a few of the kids wouldn't have anything to do with him.  Bella our niece wouldn't look at him.  (Even after he took off the costume.)  He led the kids on an awesome treasure hunt.  My dad helped us turn a refrigerator box into a pirate ship and Lydia insisted on opening presents in the ship.  I copied a cake that my friend Sahar made last year for Jonas' 4th b-day.   It turned out o.k. (except her's managed not to look like it was bombed)  It was a great birthday!!!  Thanks everyone!!!

Lydia turns 5

Lydia is now five years old!  She is seeming so grown up lately.   Dave and  I have a hard time believing that we are even old enough to have a five year old. Wasn't it just yesterday that we were silly love sick high school kids cruise'n  around in the ole B-2000.  When did we grow up?  Honestly, where does the time go? Lydia was born on september 13th 2003.   She was 7'13" 20 and 1"2 inches.   We have enjoyed every minute with her.  She is the perfect first child.  She is so on board with everything Dave and I say and try to do.  She is constantly thinking of and writing down all the names of  babies yet to come. (and her list keeps growing:)  Much to Dave's liking Lydia thinks he is hilarious.     She has perfected Dave's "pffffff" and joins right in with her own cute personality and boisterous laughs.   I just hope she will continue to be obedient, love us and think our jokes are funny when she is a teenager.   It wouldn't hurt if  time would just slow up a bit so we can enjoy her a little longer. :)   Love you Lyds!!!

One more year of preschool!!!

Much to Lydia's dismay she has one more year of preschool before the very anticipated (and in my case dreaded) day she goes to kindergarten!!!  Here she is on her first day of school, and here is Isaac on lydia's first day of school.  

Here's another shot of those rolly thighs and pinchable cheeks!!!  We love you Jules!!!