Pie Social

For Elders Quorum Todd had decided to throw a Pie Social at our home every month for the new members of the Elders Quorum and for any others who want to attend. We did it for the first time on Friday night and it went really well. We had some new couples as well as old over and had a good time getting to know each other better and of course eating pie! I really do love our ward!


The spread...


Todd and Chris happy about eating pie!


Sara and baby Kyle...all the little babies were sleeping.


Sharla and her new little guy Tanner...


It seems like just a couple years ago parties were all about mingling with the opposite sex, now after being married for a few years we are back to middle school mentality, boys on one side...girls on the other!






The kids playing in the playroom

Stake BBQ

Every Fall our Stake throws a big family bbq. It was really fun! They had jumping castles and games for the kids, yummy food and it was a big hit. Thatcher wasn't feeling too well so he slept most of the time in the stroller, but Taggy loved it!


Todd carrying the two boys.


Thatcher and Lacey.


Thirsty kids...


Todd and Taggy.


Cute little Taggy...such a smug look.




Taggy in the jumping castle.


Taggy LOVED the sand box!




Poor sick Thatcher. He wasn't feeling very well.

Brotherly Love

Thatcher feeding Taggy some cheese cake. Don't ask me why both of my boys love to run around the house shirtless.

Happy Anniversary!

Okay so it isn't our Anniversary, but it is a special date that we always remember. This day six years ago Todd and I both entered the MTC. I loved my mission and it was really the jumping board of everything good in my life, so I consider this date very special. Also, I met Todd that day, who I then called Anziano Bishop. Not every wife is lucky enough to be able to say that she watched her husband grow from an slightly awkward boy to a diligent dynamic missionary. But I did. I am so grateful that I am able to share the memories of this most special part of my life with Todd. I am so grateful that I met him and eventually fell in love with him. He is a great man, and I am honored to be his wife. That day I also met a friend who I just love, Jill Carter Hollyoak. Sorella Carter and I became instant friends. We went to different missions in Italy, but we wrote each other often and I was so grateful for her support. She is truly my kindred spirit and I love her very much. I know we will be friends forever. Auguri per sei anni! Sono grato per voi nella mia vita. L'amerò per l'eternità!

"I've just wasted 5 minutes of my life"

Once I wasted 5 minutes of my life watching Space Jam. Just a second ago I wasted 5 minutes of my life taking this "who are you more like" quiz from The Hills. Two things here...1) I love the Hills (yes I am 27 and still love teeny bopper reality shows about rich snobby girls who live in LA and have a ridiculous lives) and B) I am so glad I turned out to be Lauren, and not Heidi-who is crazy and dating crazy possessive Spencer who sometimes really scares me. Or Audrina who is a little strange and is also dating someone who really scares me, Justin Bobby...who I also love just because he gives me so much material to make fun of. If you also want to waste 5 minutes of your life go here...let me know who YOU are.

You know you have too many kids when...

...you have to get one of these. Okay I am just teasing. But c'mon now. A TRIPLE jogging stroller? Wow. I didn't know they made these. Until this morning. I was out on a walk with the kiddos and I saw a lady turn the corner with one of these bad boys. After my jaw dropped and I quickly got off the sidewalk for this beast to pass, I started thinking...

First of all I applaud the person who thought of making a triple jogging stroller. They are probably making bank on Mormon moms who have three under three. But why should people who have triplets or a single and twins be excluded from the wonderful world of the stroller.


I always tell people the best purchase we made for our kids was our double stroller. I LOVE this thing. If you have two itty bitties , or you will have them...you better get yourself one of these. It is a great sturdy stroller that has tied down my rambumcious little 2 year old and my 1 year old while I have done multiple activities that I know I couldn't do without it. I take this puppy to the mall and strap the boys in. Target trips could not happen without the double. How am I suppose to keep Thatcher in the back of a shopping cart sitting down? No. Doesn't work. Just the other day I took the boys to the park and let them play and play and play. It was a little warm outside and when we got to Michaels and I strapped them in the double stroller they fell right to sleep. I enjoyed strolling down those isles for an hour and a half while they took their naps. Going for walks are a must to get out of the house to get some fresh air, not to mention exercise. Got to love it.

So this post is dedicated to that person who invented the double, and triple stroller. To give Moms the ability to do errands, shop, and get exercise while their little ones are little.

Blog Stalkers

Lately there have been a lot of posts on peoples blogs about "blog stalkers". I guess the definition of a blog stalker is someone who reads another persons blog without really knowing that person. I will admit, I am a blog stalker. I like to "blog surf" as I call it, going from a friends blog to a link on their blog and so on and so on. Sometimes I get so far into the blogging hole that I have to click the back arrow almost 10 or 15 times to get back to my own blog!

So I am calling out all the blog stalkers of my blog. I know you are there. Come out come out wherever you are! I dare you to leave a comment and let me know who you are. Just for fun. Or if you come to my blog a lot or just don't leave comments...leave some! That is the dare for today...expose yourselves blog stalkers!

Family Sleep Over!

Sticker Time

Ever since Thatcher was little I would put stickers all over his face. So now he obviously thinks this is normal behavior. I can't wait to see him in kindergarten putting tape and stickers all over his face. Poor kid.

Thatcher's New Toy

Thatcher's new favorite thing to do is take pictures with our digital camera. He loves to take it around and take pictures of Rorey, Taggy, and his toys. He always says, "let me see!" after I take a picture.


Rorey...taken by Thatcher.

I Love That Dirty Water...

So it is fall. I am reminded of this only by the date. October 10 (It is also double Ten day, lucky day, if you are Chinese or have any Chinese connection...it is also the date that I want to have a child in the future 10/10/10...wouldn't that be a cool birthday?) Anyway...I hate to admit this but I do miss the seasons. It is still hot here, even though the mornings and evenings are getting cooler. I feel like I should be making pumpkin bread, and breaking out my sweaters, and decorating with pumpkins and corn stalks, but technically if I wanted I could still go to the pool everyday.

I found the above picture online and it made me miss fall in New England. I don't think there is another place on earth that has more stunning fall colors. I love the falls there. And summers there. And springs. And winters...basically I guess after all this time I am finally admitting that I really love New England. I want to move to BOSTON! Boston is so homey feeling to me. As most of you know Todd applied to MIT for this upcoming June and if we get in we will be moving all the way across the country to Boston. We are keeping our fingers crossed. I want my boys to see and play in the snow. I want to go running in the crisp fall air. I want to eat cannoli and walk down the south end. I want to go to a Red Sox game. I want to see people who knew me when I was 14. It would be like going home. When Todd married me, he asked me if I was attached to New England...I told him that I didn't' have any attachment there, it was just a place that I lived for six years. I guess I am realizing now...I lied.

Paul Potts

I just heard this story today and when I heard him sing the first time it literally gave me chills! What a fantastic story!

The Next Best Thing Since Sherri Dew!

I have heard that a lot of women didn't appreciate (and that is putting it mildly) Sister Beck's talk...see for yourself. To listen to the talk go here
So after hearing this you know I've gots to put in my 2 cents and stand up for Sister Beck!

I LOVED Sister Beck's talk. I thought it really hit home. I loved her theme of "mother's who know". I think she stood up for the LDS mother. She stood up for having children (and yes dare I say it? not postponing them after marriage). She stood up for nurturing and as she says nurturing is another word for homemaking (gasp!). She says that as women "who know" we should make sure that our homes and family are clean, presentable, and orderly. She said that LDS women should be the best homemakers in the world. She said by doing this we will create a climate for spiritual growth. She said that women should pattern their homes after the temple. She goes on to say that mothers who know are leaders, they teach their children any way they can. They prepare their children to be missionaries. They do less...they choose carefully where they want their time and attention. She says we cannot have it all. She tells us that we will raise the generation that will take the gospel to all the world. She says that the LDS women should EXCEL at all these things.

Well...after this talk and all of the responses I salute Sister Beck. I am not the best homemaker around. I dread cleaning bathrooms, and doing the laundry. But even when I don't want to, I do it. Not for me but because I love my family enough to hopefully make our home a place where the spirit resides and feels comfortable to be in. I have been taught by goodly parents that a clean home is a godly home. In a world where housework is made out to be degrading Sister Beck stood up for homemakers. As I have been cleaning my home and taking care of the physical needs of my family I have often felt the spirit confirm to me that what I was doing was noble and good. I have felt the approving love of our Heavenly Father as I have labored to be a homemaker. In a world where women claim that they are "just a housewife" I have confidence and know that I am doing what my Father in Heaven wants me to do. I have often felt that more then anything my goal was to raise righteous missionaries. I want my sons and daughters to serve worthy missions to help bring the gospel to all the world and to help them set a wonderful foundation for their own lives. There are things that I took from her talk that I know I need to do better at. I was reminded of my purpose and my goals and have since set more goals to be a better mother. I want to be a mother who knows.

I thank Sister Beck for giving such a great talk. For helping me know what I should be doing better. More importantly, Sister Beck is called of God. She is God's choice for the Relief Society General President and I have full confidence that she speaks inspired words. I have a testimony of a living prophet who receives revelation, so therefore I know Sister Beck is what we need at this time to give us the women of the church, advice and councel.

We had a great General Conference weekend! I absolutely love this time of year when we are together as a family, watching General Conference. Like Todd said yesterday, there is just a nice feeling during this first weekend in October and April. Conference was so good. I loved hearing all the talks and hearing all the advice and support. I loved Elder Hollands, Nelson's, Oaks and Bednard talks as well. They were all so good. I really loved how all the talks "laid it out there" this conference. They certainly didn't beat around the bush! I know I have gone out on my soap box but I have always felt a strong desire to stand up for what I think is right. What a nice weekend...I look forward to getting our Ensign so I can study these talks more in depth.

Story Time

Today we went to the Library for Story Time. It was really really cute. They read books, play little games with bean bags, and sing songs. At first Thatcher was pretty shy, I was surprised. But after he saw all the kids really getting into it, he did too! He LOVED it. I think we will make this a weekly tradition. After we went to the ward playgroup at the park. Nothing like an event filled day to put two happy boys to sleep for long naps...and that makes for one happy mommy!


Thatcher loved the bean bag time!


Kyra, Lacey and Thatcher playing with the bean bags.


All the kiddos listening to the story.


Taggy (I know, I know I am going to break him of the binkie by 18 months...) playing at Story Time.


Thatcher and Lacey coloring their little duckies

Being a Mom...

Even though I haven't said all of these things yet...I can relate.

Tag....again!

So I know what you are thinking, not ANOTHER one of these again! Well it just so happens that this one is a couple one, so that should be fun...and I need things to keep my mind occupied besides having a conversation with a two year old. (The other day Todd looked at me and said, "you do realize you are fighting with a two year old, don't you" after Thatcher and I took turns saying, "no, it's mine" for about 15 rounds)....

1. What is his name? Gordon Todd Bishop
2. How long have you been together? This one is complicated. We have known each other since 2001 this will be our SIXTH Christmas that we have spent together. BUT...we have only been together for almost four years.
3. When and where did you first meet? October 24, 2001 at the MTC
4. How long did you date? Okay another complicated one...technically we only "dated" like two months. BUT...we knew each other for two years before we got engaged.
5. How old is he? 25
6. Who eats more? Todd...but I would say that I like food more.
7. Who said I love you first? This is a debate in our family. I guess I did, but I didn't mean it romantically and I said it in a letter. He said it first in person.
8. Who is taller? Todd is three inches taller.
9. Who sings better? I do.
10. Who is smarter? Defiantly Todd.
11. Whose temper is worse? Mine!
12. Who does the laundry? Mostly me but Todd helps out whenever he can.
13. Who does the dishes? Both of us
14. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? If you're facing the bed, I'm on the right side.
15. Who pays the bills? Todd.
16. Who mows the lawn? We just got a lawn and Todd will mow it.
17. Who cooks dinner? I do.
18. Who drives when you are together? Todd, I am old fashioned and I feel weird driving Todd.
19. Who is more stubborn? Oh man... we're probably the same.
20. Who is the first to admit when they are wrong? Todd.
21. Who kissed who first? Todd kissed me first.
22. Who asked who out? For us it is a little different, it was who admitted to liking the other person first, and that was Todd.
23. Who proposed? Todd!
24. Who is more sensitive? Definitely me.
25. Who has more friends? Me...lol
26. Who has more siblings? Todd has three brothers and two sisters, I have two brothers!
27. Who wears the pants in the family? Ha ha ha! We get this question a lot..."so who is senior companion in your relationship"...I like to say we are co-senior!

Okay now I tag...Teresa, Sara, Jill, Sharla, and Shalee.

We have an announcment to make!

We are so excited to announce that...Taggy is walking! (Did I get some of you?) He got the courage up, ventured off holding to the couch and took his first steps a couple of days ago, and now he is walking every chance he gets! I absolutely love this stage, how cute and funny they are trying to learn how to walk! Way to go bud!



If you want to hear the video better, scroll down to the bottom to pause the music.

I scream, you scream, we all scream for....

ICE CREAM!!!
Thatcher, Kyra and Lacey enjoying their ice cream cones at the mall! Three cute kiddos!

Vampires and Fairytales

So I am reading the Twilight book series. I have heard about these books for about a month now, and it is the CRAZE among young LDS moms, or at least in our ward. The author, Stephanie Myer is LDS and lives in the Phoenix area. I first heard about these books from my visiting teacher who said she loved the books and told me that they were "vampire love stories". Now I am not going to betray my generation and say I didn't like 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer', but I was like, "What?". But my curiosity was peaked. So here is my review of the book. I couldn't put it down. It isn't the best writing. The story was interesting and kept my attention (obviously, I read it in two days). It is easy reading and just entertaining. There isn't any depth, or sophistication. It IS a vampire love story, which does sound a little strange, but I just so happened to like it. Like I said, the writing wasn't the best, but I do think it was a fun story. I have heard some people review the book as too suggestive or that they won't let their teenage daughters read the book because it doesn't portray "real love". I find that funny because I didn't think that Cinderella portrayed "real love" either, but we still let little girls read, watch, wear, and play Cinderella. Twilight is just fiction. It is entertainment. And as for the part of people not wanting girls to read it to not get the right idea about love, I do believe that sometimes love can be as fun as a fairytale or a fiction book. I know it was for me. I often think that Todd and my story would make a good book or movie. I don't think there is anything wrong for girls to wait for true love, happiness, and to be swept off their feet. Maybe because it has become tradition in our culture to think of 21 year old girls as "old maids" pushes girls to settle, and not wait for their Edward Cullen aka: Prince Charming. I dunno. But don't get me started on that subject again! So in a nutshell, I think they are fun books. I would let my teenage daughter read them. I am reading the second one, New Moon, right now and I will say it is better then Twilight. So here are to vampires and fairytales.

Voila!

And it is done! YIPPEE! We have grass! We have a backyard! We are SOOOO excited! Thatcher was in HEAVEN yesterday running around and playing on our new grass. He was jumping and dancing like he had never seen the green stuff before...poor kid! I am so proud of Todd for putting in such hard work to do the backyard! He did EVERYTHING by himself; the patio, the retaining wall, the sprinklers, and the grass. He had a little help here and there from some friends and my uncle, but he did the majority of the whole project all by himself. It was a lot of work, and a lot of days in the hot Arizona sun. One thing is for sure, I married a worker! I am so impressed by his ability to do anything he sets his mind to! We are really excited that our backyard is done just in time to enjoy the cool fall evenings!

Thatcher was in total bliss...

Sleeping Beauty

Nap time for Thatcher. He loves to sleep in "mommy's bed". Is this the same little boy who broke all my eggs?

Happy Birthday Todd!

Happy Birthday Todd! We had a fun day celebrating Todd's 25th Birthday on Wednesday. For his birthday I made him a book of memories from various friends and family. Thanks to all who participated. The book turned out really cute! He really enjoyed reading all the funny and sweet memories. We had a yummy dinner of Todd's favorite, Mexican Lasagna, and then of course the Birthday pie! My good friend Teresa was nice enough to watch Thatcher and Taggy while I took Todd to "The Borne Ultimatum" and it was really nice to get away to the movies just the two of us! Happy Birthday Honey!


Todd's Birthday Pie! I had to take a picture because I am so intimidated by pies and I mad this one from scratch and I was so proud!


Blowing out the candles! Wow look at those cheeks!


I made Todd pose for this picture. Ha ha ha!

"A Very Merry Unbirthday To You!"

Ever since I introduced Thatcher to 'Alice in Wonderland' he goes around saying, "cup of tea"! Well yesterday when we got to playgroup at Baily's house, Lacey and Baily were having a tea party! Thatcher was very impressed and loved it! He kept telling me that he was drinking "tea" (water) and sipping from his tiny tea cup. It was really cute. I wonder what he is going to think during our next Family Home Evening lesson on the Word of Wisdom...hmmmmm. :)


"You simply must have cup of tea!"


Even when the girls left, Thatcher still had a tea party for one.


I was surprised at how gentle he was with Baily's porcelain tea set. He loved pouring the "tea".


Delicious!

He strikes again...

This is what happens when the lock to our fridge breaks off. Thanks Thatcher, I needed something to do today. :)

Happy 1st Birthday Taggart!

Today is Taggy's 1st Birthday! This year has FLOWN by for me. I can't believe it was a year ago that I was holding this new little baby in my arms. He has grown up so much and has become quite the sweet little boy. For his birthday we had a little get together with some friends with kids that Taggy sees a lot at our neighborhood pool. It was really fun, and he seemed to have a pretty good time. He got some fun presents from his cute little friends, Grandma and Grandpa Monson, and a fun train from Mommy and Daddy. Happy Birthday Taggy! We love you!

Here are some video's from Taggart's Birthday Party. As you can see he had a fun time! Enjoy!