Birthday Treats From Texas!

The mailman came yesterday and brought Tanner and Carter a box! Carter was napping and Tanner could not contain himself when I told him it looked like the box was from the Swan Family, our friends in Texas! He had to open it up right then!

They got a book of Bible Stories and a fun Cross to put in their toy room! Thanks Ande and Gideon!

Dairy Days, Date Night, Dad's Day, and 1st Birthday!

We had a busy weekend! We went to the Meridian Dairy days on Saturday to eat some of Daddy and Grandpa's yummy hot dogs, see the animals, play at the park, and see all the sites!

Carter also turned 1 on Saturday! I reminisced a little about how we were last year at this time. The first birthday is definitely more of a milestone for Tyler and I than for Carter! We were the ones that needed the acknowledgements of the happy birthday and completion of the 1st year milestone, not him! So, we went out on a date Saturday night! It was great! I just love spending quality time, eating good food, and having yummy drinks with Tyler! We are having a joint birthday party on July 3rd for both the boys-so don't worry....Carter will have his party too!

Sunday was Father's Day and we kicked off the day by going out to breakfast with my mom, then spent the rest of the day just the 4 of us relaxing and hanging out, and then headed over to visit with Tyler's parents later in the afternoon where the boys tried to fly a kite and Tanner road the little tractor. It was a very nice day!

Carter and Tanner on Carter's 1st Birthday

The Compton Boys!

Carters 1st Birthday

1 year old and happy!

Happy Birthday Carter!

Hooray for being 1!

Carter at 1 year; he has 6 teeth, he is 2ft 4 in tall, he weighs roughly 20lbs (we will know exactly when he goes in for his 1 year checkup this week), some of the things he loves are-playing with trucks and cars, swinging in swings, riding on the jeep, eating dirt and other numerous things that he picks up when we are outside, climbing things (which has me nervous most of the time)
milk, Tanner, being outdoors, and swimming!

Videos of Dairy days where Tanner got to hold a bunny and of Dad's Day out at Tyler's parents house of Tanner riding the little John Deer Tractor!

Today was also our California cousin Lindsay's Birthday and our Texas friend Katie's Birthday! Happy Birthday Girls! We love you and can't wait to check out your blog to see how your weekend went!

Photography-A new favorite hobby!

I feel like a hunter. I scope out good picture taking spots wherever we go now! I love to take pictures of the boys. It is my new favorite past time! I need to take a class to learn to use PhotoShop. It is a very involved program and doesn't seem to be something that I am just picking up on, I know it can do so much more than I know how to do right now! I spend hours playing around with pictures only to usually leave them just how they were or slightly different! I love the burning edges look and the soft focus look.

My friends and I love to go and take turns taking pictures of each others families! It is too much fun! Today we went to one of my super secret photo places to take pictures of the mommies and the kids for the daddies for Father's Day! They all turned out great and we can't wait to surprise the dads with them!

Tanner, Carter, and Mommy

Tanner thought it might be funny to try to jump into the pond, I didn't really think that was a great idea!

I wonder what Carter was looking at?

Please come and sit with your brother and I!

Walking

Carter! It's hard to believe he will be 1 years old tomorrow! This year seemed to fly by! I was just thinking this morning in the shower, that he was born on a Friday and it was when I was in the shower getting ready for work that I began to go into labor with him. It was hard to drop Tanner off at Pam's that morning because I knew it would be overnight before I got to see him again, which it was. It was also harder to bypass labor and delivery and go up the stairs to the NICU to work (Like I could get any work done at all!). Luckily, I only lasted a few hours before it was obvious I had to walk downstairs to L&D and welcome little Carter into the world! Time flies, don't blink!

Mommy and the two boys! Since I have been home with them, it has been so wonderful. Tanner will come up to me spontaneously throughout the day and give me hugs and kisses and tell me he loves me. It makes my heart melt.

Tanner and Carter love each other too which is wonderful!

Lip kisses!

Tanner loves to play ball!

Tanner! Tanner is coming up on 3 years. He will be 3 on July 1. He is growing up to be such a great kid! I love him! The potty training is working out just fabulously too! I could not be any more proud of him! He's doing a great job!

I love this picture! He might have a slight plumbers crack here, but he has his big boy undies on and did not have any accidents and that is all that matters!

Summer at the Library

The summer programs at the Meridian Library are awesome and we are having so much fun with the story times, puppet shows, and today the Yo-Yo Man! Evidently, Meridian has a Yo-Yo club that meets at Settlers Park every Thursday from 7-8 pm. We think maybe next week we will go and check them out, but today Jared from the Yo-Yo club came to the Library to do a Yo-Yo demonstration. We had a great time, Tanner could hardly contain himself from running up to "help" Jared a few times! We checked out two books about little boys going potty on the potty, and a Tom Thumb video and went home! We can't wait for next Tuesday morning for story time!

Jared did all sorts of cool Yo-Yo tricks! He is really talented! He even did a little skit called "Contact Juggling" which I did not get a video of, but was the neatest thing I have seen in a while! It had nothing to do with Yo-Yo, it was one ball and it was so cool! He said he would be doing it at Settlers Park next week!

After the demonstration, Jared let the kids come up and try the Yo-Yo's ! What fun!

A Day Of Play With Friends!

We had a fun day of play today! The kids, from left to right, Chelsea, Makayla, Chloe, Carter, Tanner, and Addy, came over to play today. Tanner used to play with these kids everyday when I went to work and since I am "retired" he misses playing with his friends and I also miss their mommies! So, we all got together for lunch and fun! It will be great to hang out all together more this summer for our weekly play dates! It's also fun for me to get to be around cute little girls with hair bows and dresses because I am not used to that!

Today also turned out to be a very special day for Tanner as well! He went potty in the potty for the very first time! Yay Tanner! We have Addy to thank for that! Tanner had just watched Addy go potty on the potty. The kids were upstairs playing and us mommies were downstairs visiting and we heard Chloe yell down at us that Tanner had to go potty. Really? My Tanner? He doesn't go potty in the potty, he always tells me that someday he will go potty and so I wait. Lisa and Alicia have always told me not to push the potty training, it will happen only when they are ready. Tanner was not ready as of yesterday or even this morning. So I thought to myself, whatever, he won't do it but I will at least try! If he wants to sit on the potty, let's sit on the potty! I went upstairs and sure enough, he was already on the potty, Chloe had the water turned on in the sink to "help" him and the others were just kind of roaming around watching the excitement. It was pretty hilarious. Just as I sat down next to Tanner, he started going potty! It was so great! We were all very excited! Hooray for Tanner! He has since then gone 3 more times in the potty! We are off to Target to get him a special treat for this and to encourage more potty in the potty!

Chelsea, Makayla, Chloe, Addy, and Tanner trying to get a group shot! We have never gotten a picture with everyone looking and smiling! Kids are so honest and it really shows up in the pictures, especially when they are not in the mood to have their pictures taken! I love them!

Carter chose to stay on the grass and not join the girls in the bounce house!

An action shot of Chelsea and Addy jumping in the bounce house!

Chelsea!

Chelsea and Chloe

Addy, Chloe, and Tanner swinging! Chelsea, in the background, must have been the designated swing pusher!

Chloe and Tanner

Weekend at the Cabin!

Tyler's parents have a cabin in Cascade and we all headed up there this weekend! Tyler has two sisters who have adopted me as a real sister, and his parents are absolutely wonderful. I couldn't ask for better in-laws! Aunt Molly was even here from Seattle which was a treat! When we pulled up to the cabin, Tanner saw Aunt Jill's car and yelled with excitement that Aunt Jill and baby Caden were here, yay! The boys got to play with their cousin, Caden, who we like to call our "other brother" which was great because they love Caden! It's so nice to have a cousin! It was very fun! We had great cool mountain weather and even enjoyed a few storms! It is really neat to watch the storm clouds come in over the mountains.

The highlight for Tanner had to be when Grandpa let him drive the boat! He spent the remainder of the weekend telling Grandpa how much fun he had on the boat!

Tanner driving the boat! He probably should be looking forward.....oh well!

Aunt Molly, Carter, and Grandma

Tanner and Grandpa fishing! Tanner takes this fishing stuff very seriously!

Carter going for a wagon ride and loving it!

Carter, Daddy, and Tanner at the lake!

Cousin Caden, our "other brother", fell asleep on our walk! What a cutie pie!

Cousin Caden and Aunt Jill ready for a walk!

Carter taking a bath in the sink getting ready to go nighty night!

5 Good Things to Remember

Sometimes the last thing we all want is great advise. Why the last? It's not unusual to be afraid or uncomfortable asking for advise; we all have some degree of trouble admitting we don't know something, or that we have fears or limitations. I especially tend to take everything way to personally and get my feelings hurt when I shouldn't allow that, and I need to learn how to curb that. In the meantime, I thank God for my girlfriends that have older children. They have been there, they can laugh with you when you tell them about the latest tantrum and how you got "the look" from the mom with the sweet little sleeping baby at the grocery store. They can share their experiences, good and bad and help guide you on your journey. They might not have all the answers, but they have support. I recently called one of them desperately needing some support, but ashamed to admit that I wasn't feeling all maternally loving all the time. I was exhausted, frustrated, and confused. My mom job is never ending and I did not want to admit I was becoming a mess. I timidly beat around the bush, finally hinting at how difficult it all seemed and how it was actually easier when I worked (I NEVER thought I would say or think that) because when I worked, that sentence did not make a lick of sense! She said with a loud laugh-"Oh my gosh Ashley I have had so many times when I have wanted to lock that kid in the closet. That's just natural-don't worry about it, and it doesn't make you a bad mom to feel that way." We had a good laugh and I had an enormous weight lifted off my chest. Whew! Getting validation and support from other moms is priceless. I can only hope that I can help them out in some other way!

These are really great tips to keep in the back of your heads at all times! I know I need to see and hear these things on a daily basis that I have them taped up to my bathroom mirror!

1. Tomorrow is another day-Thank goodness!

2. Most mistakes can be fixed, figure it out or ask for help.

3. It is never as bad as you think, not really.

4. A lot more good than lousy things happened today, admit it.

5. Everybody still loves you, let people hug you.

I am also blessed to be loved by someone so remarkable. Tyler and I have been married for 8 years. Not very long in the whole scheme of life. But, he still opens doors for me, tells me I am beautiful with that sparkle in his eye, he is strong, handsome, smart, and a good father. I love him. I'm blessed to be his wife. Because of him, I am able to be home with our two little boys, being the heart of our home, and I would not have it any other way.

Fun Saturday Night!

We had a great Saturday night! Weekends for us usually consist of just the 4 of us hanging out which is wonderful, it's actually perfect and we wouldn't have it any other way! But this Saturday night was different! It was Cammie's Bachelorette Party! Since Katie and I were going to carpool to the party, we decided to have them come over for dinner so all the boys could hang out together while we partied it up with Cam! We love the Paulins! They are an extension of our family and we could not ask for better friends! Katie and I don't get out much like we used to before the kiddos so this was super fun for us! When we were on our way home, we called to check on the boys to see how everything was going. I think it was around 10:30 (crazy night owls, right!) Anyway, Tanner had not gone to sleep until 9:30 which is 2 1/2 hours later than usual, Carter was still up (and would remain up until a little past midnight-he's our partier) and Cooper was asleep on the couch! Tanner and Carter just love when Cooper comes over to play!

The Bachelorette! We had a great time!

Carter thought he was pretty hot stuff when he stole Coopers binky and Uncle Troy's phone! Not to mention that he got to stay up late and play with the big boys!

This is a video of Tanner and Cooper "vrooming cars" as Tanner calls it!

Tanner's Garden!

Tanner wanted a garden this summer and we thought that was a great idea! He thought we could grow fruit snacks and shoes but we made a little deal that he could have a garden if I was able to pick what we grew. So, instead of fruit snacks and shoes (which would have been really nice) we planted Red Bell Peppers, Blackberries, Zucchini, Roma Tomatoes, Lettuce, Cucumbers, Chives, Onions, and then I planted some Gladiolas too! Here is Tanner with his tractor in his garden!

More Garden!

Tanner working in the garden.

To Turkey With Love......

My cousin Billy's wife Lindsay's cousin Aubrey (wow, that's a mouthful!) started making quilts, baby bibs, burp clothes, etc., to raise and send the money to her sister and husband who are currently living in Turkey as missionaries. As you may or may not know, Turkey is a very oppressed country, and their ministry for Christ has to be done "underground" so they aren't caught. If Aubrey or any other family members send them Christian books or new worship cd's, they have to make sure a secular book/cd cover is on the item, or they could be harmed if they are found. Also, when they write letters back and forth, they had to develop a code system about everything Christ related (aren't we so blessed to live in a FREE country!!). They are really enjoying themselves, though her sister and husband are still getting used to not having a hot water heater for warm showers, washer/dryer for laundry, or a garbage disposal...just to name a few of the basic necessities. If there is anything you might be interested in or if there is a certain "theme" you would like her to do just let her know! Most importantly, please remember to keep her sister and husband in your prayers, as they are living in a culture where Christianity is not popular. Aubrey is just starting a website for the items she is selling to send money over to Turkey for her sister. Here is the website : http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7014440 So far she only has a few things up, so if there are some items from the photo album you like better, just let her know.Her email is: aubmarie@yahoo.com She said flexibility on prices are not a big deal, as she knows times are tough right now. Also, if you have certain color patterns you like, just let her know so she can find fabric. If you choose to buy anything, just shoot an email to her and she'll start making whatever you want.

Richie Brockel

Auntie Cammie teaches at Lake Hazel Middle School. Today was their 8th grade celebration for all the 8th graders because tomorrow is the last day of school. They have a big awards ceremony and lots of fun and games! Auntie Cammie had a class with Richie Brockel at Boise State and had asked him to speak at the celebration assembly because he is going to be Team Captain of the Bronco's Football Team next year! I took the boys so we could meet him and we had a great time! We'll really enjoy watching the games this fall!

Tanner, Richie, and Carter in Auntie Cammie's classroom!
Tanner climbed to the very top of the bleachers, of course!

Richie with Auntie Cammie in her classroom!

Tanner made himself right at home in Auntie Cammie's classroom!

Tanner and Auntie Cammie. There was so much to look at and so much to do Tanner could not contain himself! School is super fun-kids, yellow bus's, books, oh my!

Tanner playing in Auntie Cammie's classroom!



The awards ceremony went a little bit longer than Tanner could handle so he and Richie came out into the hall to play a little catch with the football! Here is some video of Tanner teaching Richie a thing or two! Go Broncos!

He actually catches the ball in this one! Yay Tanner!

We The People......

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

The Bill of Rights is the first 10 Amendments made to the Constitution. This is where we have the right to a speedy and public trial; Amendment 6.

Politics is a sticky subject. It shouldn't be, but it is. It brings out emotions in people, which it should, it is an emotional topic. One we should not take lightly or selfishly. There seems to be no middle ground on sides either. I sometimes feel like the black sheep and sometimes fit right in, just depends.

Each decision is part of a ripple effect that will effect us one way or another either immediately or sometime and somehow down the road. The rule of 10's always applies with political decisions-how will this affect us in 10 minutes, 10 days, 10 months, and 10 years? Do you vote selfishly or socially? Do you try to imagine the ripple for each side of the argument? Do you read the fine print? Are you responsible for the decisions you make? Do you know, do you really know and understand? It all gets complicated.

It's just me and my thoughts, but lately I have felt anxious about the freedoms we have. Do we really still have them? Will my children be able to enjoy the same freedoms I have now? Will they be taken away? Is our government too controlling and beginning to infringe on these rights? If or when are rights taken away, can they be given back at some point? As I read more and more, and learn more and more, and educate myself on what is going on, I do get scared. It amazes me that California is trying to take away the right or freedom of being able to drive a car that is the color black. Seriously? Seriously. That doesn't sound like something a free country would do. It starts with the small stuff and before we know it, larger freedoms are taken away until we are left without options. I wonder if we will lose our right to bear arms someday? I pray we can keep our right to practice religion freely. The Bill of Rights are a very important to our country and should not be taken lightly. Just as a refresher-here they are. Maybe some do not apply to you, or you wouldn't mind if that freedom was taken away, but I am sure there is at least one that is very important to you. Let's not knock them off one by one until we are no longer free.

Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
Amendment II
A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.
Amendment III
No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
Amendment IV
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Amendment V
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
Amendment VI
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.
Amendment VII
In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise reexamined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.
Amendment VIII
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Amendment IX
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Amendment X
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.

I was summoned for Jury Duty this week which brings me to what I want to say. Of course I tried to get out of, dreaded going, did not want to be there, thought it would be horrible, etc. I got there only to find just the opposite. What an efficiently run jury selection office Ada County has. I am amazed and speechless. It was not a typical government experience! I had a great time! I actually was so into the trial I was up for selection on, I was hoping to get picked as a juror. I knew when the attorneys questioned me, I was not a good candidate for the Plaintiff and would probably not be selected. I did not get picked. However, I am most certain that both sides will get a fair trial and I am hoping to be able to know how it all ends! Tyler probably would have gone crazy had I been picked as the trial is supposed to last 4 weeks. I do get to call in every night for the remainder of the week though so you never know, I might get on another case! Although I am most certain it would not be as intriguing as the one from today! This case was.....I don't even have the words.....the most insane thing I have ever heard of happening-ever, did not even think of this as something I needed to worry about, let alone sue for money over! So now, it's on my worry list! Let's just leave it at that! At least the Plaintiff still gets the chance at a fair trail!

I'm off to trade in my white car for a black one......wish me luck!!!