Morgan is TWO!

June 28th was MORGAN's 2nd birthday.

It was a fun day. We got up and got ready for church and did the normal church thing. Came home had lunch, Morgan had a three hour nap, a bath, dinner and then presents and cake. I love to watch her open presents because she gets so excited. Katie gave her jewelry and candy. Zach gave her a little metal box like his, she loves it, a place mate and candy. As a family we gave her a baby that makes noises when you press the tummy. She loved the doll. I had taken it out of the box before she opened it, good thinking because it was all loves and kisses when she took it out of the bag. She really didn't put it down all night long. She had to eat her cake with it, watch the movie with it, go to bed with it. I am not into giving toys for gifts but this was the perfect gift.

Even this morning the baby had to eat breakfast with Morgan. During her breakfast Morgan even had to have the babies bottle so she could feed her too. I think it is really cute and love that she loves her present so.

This morning

I LOVE mornings like this. When I wake up and get to doze in and out of sleep for a little bit. I knew Zach was a wake up Trevor had him playing in his room. As soon as Trevor left he came into the room, climbed up on the bed and we just chatted. Katie came in a few minutes later happy and Morgan was in her crib singing and meowing like a cat. Then we all got on my bed and just were for a little while. I love those times when we are all happy in the same space. I hate when those moments have to move on... for it is in those moments that life is perfect.

Weekend of Laughter!

I had my girls weekend with my mom and my sister-in-law Cathy. It was a super fun weekend full of laughter, which lead to tears and the almost peeing of pants, shopping and girl time. I loved every minute of it. We started out on Friday with dinner, supper yummy Mexican, and a movie - The Proposal. The movie was so funny I laughed so hard I cried several times. It was a source of laughter for the whole weekend too. Saturday we shopped for 10 hours- Real Deals, IKEA, lunch, Joanne's, Tia Pan, Quilted Bear and then home. Mom sewed four pillows for Cathy and a cover for the shelves in the basement t.v. room. While sewing we laughed so hard we cried again and this time Garrett and Jessica were there and laughed at us laughing. We were laughing at some things from the movie and so they didn't understand why we were laughing but laughter is contagious. Sunday we got to go church with Eric and family and hear Jessica give her talk in primary. It was excellent! Then came home to celebrate Father's Day with Trevor.

We have decided that this needs to be a yearly event and from now on all of the Cox girls 18 and older or maybe married will be there. This year this was my Mother's day present and I will take this for my present every year. Next year, maybe Saint George... a movie, the temple, shopping and GIRLY FUN! So all you Cox girls lets start planning and deciding what we want to do... we all have to be there!

Super funnies - Cathy's rain bonnet, almost not talking the during our trip through IKEA, Jennifer and the orange shirt, all the bathrooms, Ramon- oh Ramon, almost peeing in the theater, laughing so hard we laughed at how hard we were laughing and the rolling and beating of pillows.

Glucose Test

Well I had my glorious three hour glucose test this morning. I got to go to the doctor's office fasting, drink the yummy glucose drink and have my blood drawn three times. After a morning of the doctor's office I got the call... I do not have gestational diabetes. Hallelujah!!! What a relief that is. I will still watch my sugar in take and get my walks in but no medication, extra doctor appointments and the extra cost. Life is good!

Baby update

I only have 90 days to go... just under thirteen weeks.

Had my check up today and all but the glucose level is great. The baby's heart rate was 147 and is doing just as he should. Well, my iron is a little low but that is normal for me. So I get to pick up some iron pills and go in for the three hour glucose screening. I am praying like crazy that I pass. I really don't want to have to meet with a dietitian and go through the whole diabetic thing now, maybe much much later in life. (And I don't want to pay for it either.) So on Monday I will go and see what the body is doing. Yeah for me!!! I do have to say that the doctor was talking like I should just make all of my appointments and such with the dietitian...... I hope to prove him wrong. I did have to do this with Morgan and passed the three hour test so...

Boise in June, the end

-Sunday- the 14th

Sunday morning we just hung out and got ready for church. Then it was off to church where Zach loves his class and Katie went to Bushka's class this week. Morgan was so tired that she was a big silly by the end of sacrament meeting so I took her home for a nap. After church G.G. was picked up for dinner and fun with the children. The children corralled her in the front room before and after dinner. They all loved every minute of it. Morgan, as always, loves the dog! Katie was so remarkable with her G.G. She would help her walk to different locations and make sure she was okay. I am ever impressed with the loved they have for each other, Katie and her G.G. After some ice-cream we went to feed the ducks.(Papa was at a church meeting) It is always a fun thing. This time the geese weren't in the water. They walked over the bridge and stood behind us, they had us surrounded. One mother goose would hiss at us so we would throw bread to her family, she also crowed out all the others, the children named them the mean family. The children were getting a bit sick of the geese when we wanted to walk to a different spot so I shook the lawn chair at them and then quickly waddled away. When we were on the bridge the "mean" family was coming back and hissing at us so I spread my arms out, shook my jacket and hissed right back. They went away. It was fun to do this with G.G. I think Morgan feed herself more than she feed the ducks but there is something magically about feeding the animals.

With time with G.G. on Sunday we decided to head back Monday morning just in time to make swimming lessons.

It was a wonderful trip and I would love to do it again. I guess we always have next summer for a fun long trip such as that. The rest of the summer is getting planned full. Thank you everyone for everything you did to make our visit full of family and fun! I even cried when we were leaving because I knew I had to come home and do it all myself, I loved the help!!!

-MOM-

Thank you for the food, patience, planning of events, your time, talking with me, making sure everything on the children's list got done, cleaning up meals, letting the Irish cousins come over to play with my children, being flexible, letting me sleep in, making each day fun memorable and enjoyable, putting the children first and for the bed time stories and songs. ETC, ETC, ETC.... How will I ever be as good as you???

Boise in June part C

-Friday-

The children, all three of them, went to Krispy Kreme with Papa. They had a wonderful time. They watched the doughnuts being made got a drink and a doughnut to eat. They love doing this with Papa and ask to do it every time we come to Boise. Thanks Dad, I love that tradition you have with the children. When they got home we ran to a few stores to get some good deals, the stuff for Morgan's cousin birthday party and hit a fun play place for lunch. Zach just had to make sure it had a slide. They loved going up and down, even Morgan is figuring out the up part, it won't be long before she does it with out help...

That night we, my parents and I, got the children feed, bathed and then headed to a park for a movie. We got to the park the children played while we waited for the sun to set and then we got all set to watch "Speed Racer". Stephanie and Shane and Bob and Julee with their kid-os came too. It was a blast. When the movie got a little slow the cousins would just play. Zach sat by Aunt Julee for a while and would get unwrapped so she could wrap him up again. Morgan would turn around and look at me and give her "oh" face when the cars where racing. The movie didn't get over until around midnight. All three of my children stayed a wake until the ride home. Zach fell asleep in the car and Morgan almost did. It was a long night but we had so much fun, it would be a do again.

-Saturday- the 13th

We were dragging this morning. We had to wake up the children to get ready and head to DeMyer park for Morgan's cousin birthday party. We had gotten everything ready the day before so we could just grab and go. We got to the park and played for an hour and then we did our birthday funs. A cat pinata, Katie had to have this one and since Morgan doesn't care yet why not!

Katie drew the mouth and whiskers on it for us. The children loved hitting the cat. In the first round Braden decapitated the poor thing so Uncle Shane fixed it up, almost to well.

Every one even the Uncles got a several chances to hit the cat. Uncle Shane finally brought it down so we could have our goodie bags and beach balls.

After the pinata Morgan opened her presents. She is so cute... with each present she would do her "oh and wow" the whole time. She loved opening them!!! and didn't want to stop. She even opened a few presents twice.

Then it was time for cookies and ice-cream, the candle and singing.

I can't believe Morgan is approaching her second birthday. I just love her and am continually smiling with her personality. She is my Morgan and I wouldn't ask for any thing but her!!!!

That afternoon Lily and Jessica, cousins, came over. They made their own pizzas for lunch, did make-up, swam in the hot tub and had a snack. They got to get their own soda's out of the soda machine which was so cool. (Thanks Bushka and Papa for making me look so cool! he he)(There are no pictures because I was asleep down stairs for half of it.)

That night we just hung out. Katie read with Papa and they all played the Wii with Papa too.

We are so spoiled in having so much time with family. There are fun memories made and never enough time to do it all - a successful trip thus far!!!

Boise in June part B

Monday (the 8th)-

In the morning the children and I ran to Baby's-R-Us and Pet Smart. Katie fell in love with two kittens and wanted to buy them. Don't worry I held to my "no" really well. They were cute and we had to make the rounds of the animals twice - cats to the fish to the birds. They all loved the animals. I love that they love such simple things in life. Show them an animal and they are happy.That evening we had Family Home Evening in the park with our Irish side. The children loved running around with cousins and having fun. We had a great lesson on the good Samaritan(thanks Steph) and yummy treats(thanks Lily). We were there for about two hours and of course no one wanted to leave.

-Morgan and Violet in their shades-

Tuesday -

We went to the fabric store, Cabela's to see the fish and the other animals they have to see. The children loved the animals... Home for lunch and of course, Morgan's nap. Katie and Zach ran to a few places with Bushka and I got a little shut eye, yeah! That night Papa kept all three children for a movie party while mom and I went to enrichment at church. It was great, How to Balance your life; mental, financial, physical and spiritual. The dessert was cream pie... I had lemon- nice and light and super yummy!

Wednesday-

We finally hit the library. The children love to walk down the isle and pick out a huge pile of books and movies and not hear mom say that they can only pick three each. We left with a massive pile of books and movies that they have enjoyed everyday. For lunch we met my friend, Kathryn Harvey and her three boys at the park for lunch. It was great! I loved being able to chat with her and just have time with a friend. My parents were there and the extra hands are always wonderful!!!

Josh and Katie Zach and Joe

After the park my nephew Braden came over to play. The children had a splendid time. They played, swam in the hot tub, eat dinner while watching a movie, played some more and groaned when it was time to take Braden home. I just love that they love spending time with their cousins. I never really had a lot of time with cousins and so I want to make sure my children have those memories with theirs.

We hit the Arby's buy a soda, any size, get a free sandwich deal going on this summer and it was pretty tasty. We will be doing that again!!!

Thursday-

Was ZOO day. I think half of Boise was there but it was enjoyable never the less. The animals were pretty active. Penguins were swimming and even eating fish, Giraffes were out eating, moneys swinging, crane yelling, one of the Tigers even jumped up on the fence with its front paws and was biting at a piece of wood. It was a great day to see animals, the weather was nice too. This rain has been nice to keep the temperatures down- and I LOVE that.

Came home for food, naps and quiet time. Katie Dougal came over for a few hours of play and then the children were off to Grandma Sara's. Katie and Zach spent some time with Grandma and loved it. They did a craft, had a snack and watched a movie.

In the movie one of the characters said that she was a goof and the children just loved it. When I picked them up they were laughing and saying it over and over. I know they had a good time because in the car they giggled and said silly things they whole way home. Thanks Grandma for making their visit so wonderful, they sure do love you! While they were there Morgan hung out with Bushka and I went to the mall by myself... it was a weird feeling but I managed!

We are still having wonderful days and they are going all to fast.

Boise in June

We have been having a blast while in Boise. Here is a run down so far...

Thursday-

We got into Boise around 8:00 p.m. hung out, put the children to bed, visited and planned out the weekend.

Friday-

Trevor, Dad and Scott played around of golf. After the golfing Trevor had lunch with is friend Todd Hansen and then home for a nap... a day he has had coming for a long time. The children, Mom and I ran to a few furniture stores, home for Morgan's nap and just hung out. That night we went to Lily's birthday party at Ivy Wild Park. Everyone had a great time. The children got to play at the park, launch water balloons, play soccer, have soda, chips and cupcakes, and Morgan got her first little black eye. The children didn't want to leave. The weather has been overcast and rainy but we were blessed that it didn't rain until we were leaving. Thank goodness for prayer.

Saturday-

Trevor, Dad, Shane and his Dad went golfing, they got misted on during the front nine. Then Shane and his Dad had to go and it cleared up for Trevor and Dad on the back nine. We laugh about that one! Then they came home and relaxed. That morning Mom and I took the children, along with Katie Dougal and her brother Brad, to the Discovery Center. We were there for two hours and the children just loved it. We came home for lunch and Morgan's nap.

At 4:00n we went to Lily's baptism.

What a wonderful thing when we decide to follow the Savior.

We are so proud that Lily has choosen this for herself!!!

Katie went with Lily and her family home for dinner and then to see the Hannah Montana movie. She loved it. The rest of us came on home, to mom and dad's, and had a Wii party. Zach planned it out in the car on the way home from the baptism.

The Wii party was a blast. They bowled, boxed and golfed. Morgan and Bushka were a bowling team, because Morgan thinks she can just do it all by herself. Boxing was a blast. Trevor and Zach boxed twice and although Trevor knocked him out Zach did knock him down a few times. Morgan had to get in on the action too, since there weren't any remotes for her she picked up my camera and moved it back and forth to box, too cute! Trevor and Dad boxed, totally hilarious, and Dad knocked Trevor out. Morgan, of course had to have a turn too, so she boxed her Dad. The best part was she knocked him out... I had one half of the remote but she knocked out her Dad... we all laughed really hard at that one. Then Zach and Trevor golfed, we had dessert and the children went to bed. Trevor went to pick up Katie, who loved her time with cousins and at the movie, and we all went to bed.

Sunday-

Was church day. Then that evening we took Trevor to Steph and Shane's house to catch a ride back to Burley with Shane's parents- so the children and I could stay another week and play. I got back to my parents in time to watch the children play the Wii. Katie bowled a 179. She only had two frames without a strike or a spare... she even got a strike during a circle in the air. Katie boxed and then she and Zach golfed. Dessert and bed followed. Mom and I stayed up talking a watching some show.(I think that is one of my favorite things in life.)

I love these times... all fun and memory building! and I love that there is still more to come...

No more life savers!

At the movies I will not let my children have life savers again. We like to go to the summer movies in Burley they are cheap and it is a fun thing to do. I try to not buy treats there because of the cost and then the inevitable bathroom trip(s). So today we went and saw Horton Hears a Who where the children had gum and some life savers I found in the diaper bag. Zach choked on his second life saver. I got him out of his seat and by me. The dear mom in front of us turned to help too. He was still making noise so I wasn't worried. Then he started to gag and then he threw it up. I am glad he did- just wish he hadn't hit my leg and part of the chair. The movie was almost over so of course we had to finish it, Katie's orders. I used baby wipes and some napkins (from the mom in front of us) to clean up the best I could. So we will have no more of those life savers during a movie... wet pants and a choking child is no fun!!!!!

Zach's movie party

Tonight Zach was invited to go over to our neighbors house and have a movie party with her granddaughter and a few others. It was just for the little kids so Katie got to stay home. He was so excited. When he asked me and I told him yes he said, "Yes, I'm in." You have to love there little sayings!

This Monday-

Today is a Monday.

We have started a new chore task with the children.

They do five quick things in the morning and five more at night.

In the morning they are:

1. Make Bed

2. Brush Teeth

3. Put p.j.s away

4. Take vitamin and fluoride pill

5. Pick a chore from the chore cup

(the bigger chores but with one a day they are fast to do!)

At night they are:

1. Clean up living room and TV room

2. Put dirty clothes in hamper

3. Tidy up room

4. Brush teeth

5. Say Your Prayer

Today they did a great job... as in all things this will work for a while. My goal is all summer so these things just become an automatic thing and then we can move on to the next set. :) And so that Zach wont have a 20 minute melt down over the word chore.

-Trevor's household projects-

Today the men who are working on our basement foundation around the window are here. I have covered, moved and put everything away so hopefully the dust will not be so bad. I will just have an extra load of sheets and blankets. I am thinking they will be done this week and we can finally have a window down there! (instead of a board and piece of carpet) Then we can move forward on that project. I think we have told them about the new carpet 3-4 times now so hopefully they will not ruin the new carpet - it could mean death for someone.

The backyard is starting to get planned, at least the moving of the dirt part. Hopefully!!! we will get to that in two weeks.(Our neighbor will have the equipment for that at his house for a weekend or two and will help/let us use it.) Projects, projects, projects... do they ever end? Because my patients is almost depleted for such things...