The Proposal.... 12-1-12

December 1, 2012 is a day to remembered. Jake Eskelsen changed the lives of me and my boys on this day. 

We were all going out for Jake's birthday (the very next day) so dinner at Timbermine was on the docket for that night. I got the boys a little early from Scott so we could all go to dinner with the extended family as well. We came home, got dressed up a little to go out to a nice restaurant and headed off. 

I had this whole night planned, the communication with everyone was done through me, the presents for Jake were all known by me and the schedule was right on track to celebrate a wonderful evening out for Jake's 31st birthday. 

We arrived at the Timbermine and waited a little bit before being seated, so the boys and I (with my sister) went exploring) Once seated I could tell Brax was going to be weird for my mom, so I took the boys to the bathroom to distract and occupy them until our food came. My mom and sister joined us in the bathroom making it tight quarters, then all of sudden Jane comes in and tells me that Jake needs me. (Super rude I might add, if I'm in the bathroom with the boys Jake needs to just wait) but to keep the peace I left and sat down. 

Once seated next to Jake again, I asked with my little attitude, "You summond?" He said the waitress was looking for me but they got it all figured out. I was a little annoyed, I'm not going to lie. But it was his night so I let it go. 

After we all ate and enjoyed chatting with each other, I noticed Carter and Brax were wearing different under shirts than I had put them in to come tonight. I was shocked and confused. (I mean who would be messing with the boys' clothes?) I asked Jake what they were wearing, and he looked at my sister and said, "Ready Ju?" So then Brax and Carter came over to me and took off their button up shirts to show me what was underneath them. They were shirts that asked me to Marry Jake.

Once I turned to look at Jake in disbelief he already had a ring out and asked me to marry him. I was in utter shock! I had no idea this was happening and didn't know what to say. I of course muttered "yes" and put the ring on, but was in utter shock to do much of anything else. I had no idea what to say or think. 

The boys were so excited, Carter really understood what it meant and was thrilled to be a part of the proposal. 

We finished up dinner, Jake opened his birthday presents and then everyone congratulated us and we all headed home. I kept my thoughts together and was going through the motions (because I was still in shock) until we got to the car. The boys were in their boosters in the back seat while Jake and I were putting things in the trunk, he leaned over to me and said, "Ready to take our family home baby?" I broke down right then and there and sobbed like a baby. This is the family I've wanted for the boys and I, this is the life I've been trying to create and this is the partner in crime I've been longing for. Life doesn't get better than this. 

Goofing Off....

Jake and I met our friends at Kangaroo Zoo with all of our kids the other day. It was Jake's first time being there and Braxton's first time that he really remembers. 

It was a blast....the boys ran around everywhere and the parents even got involved....

 These boys are so much fun lately! They are seriously the biggest goofballs I know. Brax is crazy and Carter is sneaky. They definitely keep me on my toes. 

The life with two boys!

Outings....

We went out the breakfast one day with the "cousins" and Carter ordered a cinnamon roll...this his the size of it! He was absolutely in Heaven. 

 Brax and his preschool class were able to come to my work for a field trip one day. It's a program I want to start, and they were nice enough to be our guinea pigs. Brax loved it! We sat in the helicopters, took pictures, watched the real ones take off, and made out own helicopters to take home. 

 He was more excited about riding the bus than anything. It was pretty cute. 

 I took my car into get my oil changed with Carter one day. I have to say, Larry H Miller in Riverdale is my new favorite place. They were so nice and fast. There was popcorn, coffee and hot chocolate to enjoy while you wait even! Carter had a great time. 

Basketball...

Carter was in basketball for the first time this year. He was actually thrilled when I told him about it after signing him up. Some of his classmates were on his team, so it made it even more fun for him. 

In the beginning, this little timid dude pretty much just ran back and forth. He wasn't being aggressive or even a little pushy...

 By the end of the season, he was getting so much better. He was trying to get the ball, holding his hands up against his "guy" and was really trying. It was so much fun to watch. I was able to go to every game but one, Jake made it to 3 games with his crazy work schedule, my sister and dad came to one, Jane came to 2, Grandma Carolynne came, Adam and Jamie came, and Blake made it to a game as well. 

 Jake's parents have season tickets to Weber State Basketball, so we took advantage of it and went a few time with the boys. 

It was good to be able to show Carter what he could do in his games, while having fun just goofing off. 

October Happenings....

October was a busy month for us...on top of the holiday stuff, we managed to fill up our time just about everyday with something. 

For my new job, we were able to go onto The Daily Dish....it was so much fun. I forget how much I miss TV until I'm there again. The boys thought it was pretty cool too. (Jake was actually really excited to watch me in action since this was his first time seeing me on an actual morning show in house.)

 The boys and I went on an adventure just about 4 times a week after school and work. They love those wiggle cars of theirs. The River Parkway is just gorgeous. It's so peaceful and calm. After working all my hours and the boys doing all that they do, it's nice to unwind here. 

 Jake has been super cute too...when he doesn't have to go in until later he always comes with me to drop off the boys at their schools. It's so much fun! The boys get a kick out of it too. He's really thoughtful to come with me when in all reality he could just be sleeping in. 

 The boys have been sick off and on for about 2 months and it's getting a little old. However, my boss is nice enough to let me bring them with me when they can't go to school. I have to admit, it's a nice set up. Between the airplane seats and tray tables, these little boys don't do a ton of damage to my office. They think it's pretty cool to come to mommy's work...and as grateful I am that they can come so I don't have to miss hours...it's difficult to be both employee and mom at the same time. 

Fall Leaves...

This year was so much fun during our Fall season. We have these awesome trees right behind the fence that lose a ton of leaves. It's new to me this year because I've never had leaves to deal with, so we'll see just how much I like them when I'm raking them. 

But the boys loved it! I got our the rake and made a huge pile for them....they were running and jumping in the pile for hours!

Love these kids!

Halloween...

This year was so much fun for Halloween. There were so many things going on between the boys' school,  neighborhood parties and friend get-togethers. 

The boys and I made the cutest "mummies" one night. Jane gave me an awesome Halloween book that showed us how to make them. The boys had a great time decorating the twinkies (this was before the shortage)

We went over to a friend's house one night and all the kids got to carve pumpkins. The boys had a blast, it was so fun to see what everyone created. 

Carter's YMCA after school program had a family night where they made caramel apples. I took the boys all dressed in their costumes and we had a blast putting various toppings on them. 

Carter loves Miss Michelle. I have to admit, I am so thrilled with the program as a whole. I was very skeptical in the beginning but they have honestly been the best part of school for Carter. 

I was fortunate enough to go to Carter's school and help with their Halloween party that same week. I brought our trusty old pumpkin toss game and the kids loved it. Carter loved that I was there helping too. The next morning driving to school to drop off Carter, Brax had asked when I was going to his school to help. I felt so bad that I haven't been to his school (they really don't have the parents volunteer at daycare because they know we all work) so I took that little boy home and we made some Halloween oreos together. It was just us, and so much fun. He really had a great time doing something fun with mommy, without big brother around. 

Here's a blurry, yet sufficient family pic. 

The cousins all had so much fun trick or treating together. Carter was in "character" all night. He would bend over and talk like he was stabbed. (Super cute!)

We also got to go to the ward trunk or treat with Jane and Cambrieal. Jake met us there right after work. 

Happy Halloween!

Bringing a Close to October...

We have been non-stop busy over the last few months. I'm going to attempt to catch up on my blogging and get a good capture of what we've been up to. 

Carter got to go hunting with Jake (and his family) for the first time this year. Carter was thrilled. I took him shopping the day before (with a list from Jake) and we got everything he needed. This little dude couldn't control his excitement. 

Jake packed a sack full of goodies for the little guy, and Grandpa Kent took care of the rest. Carter even wore his camo unders.....super hilarious!

Here's a pic of the boys at 4am ready to go hunting 

 Jake and I took the boys to Frightmares one Saturday. These kids were in heaven...and so much fun to watch. 

 There were some really cute things for the boys to do.....Lagoon really did a great job of making sure there was plenty of things for little ones to do...

It was a great family day for us and the boys really had a great time. 

Pumpkins....

This year we've gone to Black Island Farms a few times....it's been fun each time we go. My mom and sister and I were all able to have a Saturday off where we could all go with the boys and enjoy the pumpkin patch. 

 This was pretty funny....

 The "train" ride was a huge hit this year!

 My sister and I...being silly. I love this girl...she has seriously been a huge help in making sure I enjoy the little moments in life. 

 not sure this is such a great idea....

 On another Saturday, we all woke up and carved our pumpkins. 

It's been so fun lately!