The Cook Family

Sweetness

2012-02-01T15:08:00.000-08:00

Oh how I love him....

Getting Decorated Part 1

2012-02-01T15:02:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I have to say part one, because Lord willing I'll be getting a lot more decorating done soon. Since most of my dear friends wont be able to see it right away I'll take pictures and send them to you!

This is one of my favorite verses, so I put it on the wall...

Next to the front door. Next thing to tackle is I need curtains upstairs, but I haven't found what I'm looking for yet.

And today's nap time project was to hang my gallery wall in the playroom. I got all these frames on clearance at Target barely over a buck a frame! Yes, a few are still empty, but I have a shutterfly order that should be coming shortly. Also, please note there are curtains now. I didn't have them when I took the first pictures.

Our newly assembled TV table. (Yeah, I thought about picking up toys before taking pictures, but that's not real and this blog is supposed to be about our real lives, right?)

A little closer look at the wall.

Snowy Day

2012-01-25T18:35:00.000-08:00

Somebody take that boy outside!

Happy little man!

Asher and his icicle

A snow treat
Asher and Daddy

Sledding down the backyard hill!

Alex's First Shave

2012-01-18T14:04:00.000-08:00

Christmas Day

2012-01-09T12:47:00.000-08:00

What a lovely Christmas we had in the new house. Alex was so excited he was up 5 times during the night asking if Santa had come yet. Finally around 7am we let him go see what Santa brought. My pictures are kind of lousy this year. I was tired and put my camera on auto and just got what I got. The memories are still there though. :)

Santa brought Alex a wrecking ball truck with a building you can knock down over and over, just like he asked for!

Santa brought Asher his own guitar. He loves it.
Opening stockings. (If you didn't know what I look like rolled out of bed, avert your eyes. It's scary.)

Seth got an awesome recorder for his mac, from the Ericksons. Now they expect a CD... :)

Just scary.

Asher's tunnel

Bohemian chic?

"Hey Alex! What did you get?"
Got my kindle!

Alex got a video camera

Asher's microphone (We think he's going to be our musician)

Pie in a tunnel

Ready for dinner!

Yum!

Christmas Eve

2012-01-09T12:03:00.001-08:00

It was fun that Seth didn't have to work this year on Christmas eve. We were able to have a low key day and go to church all together in the evening. Here's a bit of what we did.

The day started with a shared bowl of cereal...

We decorated a gingerbread house (A gingerbread house kit was one of the many blessings left under our tree when we got here.)

We played peek-a-boo
All ready for Christmas eve service

The Pajama Fairy came while we were gone!

Brotherly love

Cookies and milk for Santa!

A Messy and Undecorated/Kind of Unpacked House!

2012-01-08T22:04:00.000-08:00

Because you asked for them....here are some pictures of where we live. They aren't particularly good pictures, but I figure as we get each room done I can update them with something more impressive. And yes, the house is a total pigpen, but I don't know with a seemingly perpetually sick kid when it wont be so here they are....

Upstairs living room (You walk in the front door to this room)

The kitchen/dining room are attached to the living room

Master bedroom (don't you love the light fixture? Yeah, I'm hoping to do something about that one...)

Asher's room (his is the closest to being done I think) The walls sort of look pink in the picture, but they're actually brownish.

Obviously Alex's room

Playroom

Playroom view 2

And this is obviously the guest suite! Where I hope you'll all come visit when it doesn't look like a pile of stuff I don't know what to do with!

Can you guess what this room is?

300 Days of Sunshine

2011-12-22T08:40:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was our introduction to the Grandview 300 Days of Sunshine. That's right, they claim to have 300 days of sunshine a year. Maybe I should keep track and see... Either way it's pretty wonderful to see the sky in winter! Baby it was cold outside, but GORGEOUS!

This is the view looking down our street.

Moving is fun!

2011-12-22T08:35:00.000-08:00

OK, moving really isn't all that much fun, but when you are a 1 and 4 year old the boxes sure are!

Christmas Sweaters

2011-12-22T08:32:00.000-08:00

I don't think it's humanly possible to get a "nice" shot of these two on a Sunday morning before praise team practice. This will have to suffice.

Who needs pants when you're this cute?

2011-12-22T08:19:00.000-08:00

Zoo Lights 2011

2011-12-22T08:01:00.001-08:00

Zoo Lights is it's own holiday at our house, just ask Alex. There's Halloween, then Thanksgiving, then Zoo Lights, then Christmas!

Changes

2011-11-20T16:37:00.000-08:00

Ahhh change.....

I think my least favorite word is change. I try to keep it out of my vocabulary as much as possible. With the exception of new shoes and household decor I prefer things stay the same, but that doesn't seem to be how God works. Things are changing for the Cooks and God is stretching me.

As you can see in the picture there is blue sky above this house, so obviously it's not in Centralia. God has called us to Grandview Church of the Nazarene in Grandview, WA and we are heading there next month. This is the parsonage that we will soon be calling home! We have clearly seen the Lord's hand leading, but will dearly miss the family and precious friends we have here. I am incredibly grateful for those who have walked alongside and ministered with us these last 4 1/2 years. We have been deeply loved.

More from October: The Cider Mill

2011-11-02T15:02:00.000-07:00

As usual we like to kick off the fall season with a trip to Lattin's Cider Mill. This year was no different. We didn't make it into the pumpkin patch because the kids were exhausted, but we enjoyed all the animals, yummy hot cider and cider donuts, corn maze and all the other Lattin's fun!

October in Review

2011-11-02T12:45:00.000-07:00

It's been a very long time since I've posted a blog. There's a good reason for that too...we'll there's a reason. We have had the plague. Yup, that's right Alex, Asher and I have all been sick off and on for a month. There have been a myriad of over the counter and prescription drugs for the past 4 weeks and as a result I haven't gotten a whole lot extra accomplished. I've mostly just tried to keep the sick comfortable and nurse my own sinus infection. Only Seth has been spared the month of illness, Praise Jesus for that.

So now, I'll try to catch you up on the month of October with the exception of Halloween and our trip to the Cider Mill. I'll post those events separately.

We've had a lot of fun playtime at home in jammies since we were too contagious to go out.

So we wore buckets on our head.

One sad Sunday morning when we were missing Sunday School we painted toast. We'll have to do this again as it was a real hoot!

The menu for Alex's restaurant "Eatsa Eatsa Everywhere" (I can't get it to flip upright for some reason)

We've been working our way through the alphabet with "Alphabet Days." Here are Alex and Mrs Kris on "B" Day with their "Blue Bread" Pizza.Bubble Beard

Eating spaghetti and giving Mr Paul (his favorite) high fives!

Intently watching daddy mow.

The fort we built on "F" Day

Naked baby

Asher's favorite pastime...climbing things!

Pumpkin painting!

Alex's work of art.

We got a visit from one of Mama's favorite people ever! Jill! The kids were in love with her and Alex thought she only came to see him!

Spaghetti dinner!

We were visited by this beauty and Asher wasn't sure what to do with her...

Learning to drive

One of my favorite moments this month I don't have a picture for, but Alex asked Jesus into his heart. It was one of the most precious moments for a Mama's heart ever. The next night he asked his daddy if he could ask Jesus into Asher's heart. He was concerned about him getting to Heaven with us! Such an awesome, tenderhearted boy!

Love

2011-10-08T15:05:00.000-07:00

If I live in a house with spotless beauty with everything in its place,

but have not love--I am a housekeeper not a homemaker.

If I have time for waxing, polishing, and decorative achievements,

but have not love--my children learn of cleanliness, not godliness

Love leaves the dust in search of a child's laugh.

Love smiles at the tiny fingerprints on a newly cleaned window.

Love wipes away the tear before it wipes up the spilled milk.

Love picks up the child before it picks up the toys.

Love is present through trials.

Love reprimands, reproves and is responsive

As a mother there is much I must teach my child,

but the greats of all is. . . . LOVE.

An excerpt from "A Love that Multiplies" by Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar.

Alex's 4th Birthday Party

2011-09-20T09:06:00.000-07:00

I love backyard birthday parties. Since my sister and I had July birthdays we always had big rowdy backyard parties that were so much fun! I loved that this year the weather was good enough to have Alex's party outside instead of moving it inside. Here's a little sneak peak out of the 160+ pictures Lynne took of what we did to celebrate my favorite (almost) 4 year old!

The Mama's chatted.

And this donkey got his tail pinned on over and over.

Water balloons were tossed

Babies were played with

Lots of awesome presents were opened
and candles blown outThis cake was cut up

And eaten...

And lots of fun playing occurred!

Asher and His Giraffe

2011-09-19T23:06:00.001-07:00

Last Beach Day for Summer

2011-09-10T21:19:00.000-07:00

Asher's 1st Birthday Party

2011-08-29T21:01:00.000-07:00

For Asher's 1st Birthday we decided to have a BIG party and invite practically everyone! We had a hot dog roast at the Erickson farm and enjoyed eating, fishing, presents, cake and fellowship with some of our favorite people. Thanks to the so many who came out to love-on and celebrate Asher. We are blessed with dear and wonderful friends!

Hard to believe my baby boy is 1!

Roasting up some dinner!

Fishing

I think Alex was more excited than Asher about the presents.

CAKE!!!
Then we told him he couldn't have anymore....

Asher Benjamin is 1!

2011-08-28T21:37:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure where the time goes, but my baby boy is a year old. He is growing into such a sweet and fun little boy! He's nearly walking and saying the occasional word. He's extremely adventurous and has no fear of anything. He climbs until he gives his Mama a near heart attack! We love watching him grow and change and seeing his personality come out. Happy Birthday, Asher! We love you more than we can say!

Where did this tiny baby go?

Photo collage by Lynne Friberg

Buddies

2011-08-22T14:08:00.001-07:00

I love these two...

Asher 11.75 months, Azariah 10 months

The Fair

2011-08-22T13:43:00.001-07:00

Our first time at the SW Washington Fair with some of our favorites, the Fletcher Five!

We rode rides

And got brave enough to wave

Went down the big slideAnd laughed
Ate lots of cotton candy

Were shocked by cow milking

And apparently bored

A great time was had by all!

Wet Pants and Warm Days

2011-08-15T20:27:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday morning in between church and Sunday school Alex had an "accident." I'll spare you all the details, but let's just say I was squealing in dismay at his bad aim....As I am looking at him in frustration and explaining to him how he can't go to Sunday school like that he so sweetly looks at me and says:

"Don't worry, Mom. It's a warm day. I'll dry."

Hard to argue with logic like that, eh? (Don't worry. I sent him to class in clean, dry pants.)

Auntie Amy's Visit

2011-08-12T20:44:00.000-07:00

We had a super fun time having Auntie Amy here for a couple of days. To celebrate the good weather we decided to head to our favorite spot, Seaside, with who else? The Ericksons! Here are a smattering of pictures from that fun day!

Sisters!

When the tide went out it left this funny lake leaving two beaches. It was lots of fun for Alex to play in the water.

Yep, this was the best shot of these two...

Alex kept taking off as though the sea was calling to him...

So cold!

Asher and daddy

Jumping!
And of course the perfect end to a beach day: A nap!

Thanks for coming Auntie! Come again soon!

Idaho Trip Part 5: The Last Day

2011-08-06T13:44:00.000-07:00

On our last night in Idaho we went to the Cooks for a BBQ and then to the Streights' for horse riding.

All the Cook kids except Rachel

My sweet Uncle Dave and Chateau or "Catch-O" as Alex called him

It looks like Alex wasn't having much fun, but I assure you, he loved it!

I have such precious memories of being at my Aunt and Uncles house and getting to ride horses. I am glad my little ones can have the chance to make such precious memories with family I love so much!

Idaho Trip Part 4: The Zoo & Swan Boats

2011-08-04T15:05:00.000-07:00

Here we are....more pictures at the zoo! What can I say? It's the phase of life we're in. Plus what a great time we had with Aunts and Uncles and Grammie to share the fun!

This one just cracks me up...

Cute boy!

Uncle Jesse & Aunt Kate joined us for the fun!

Daddy & Alex being birds.

The butterfly who would not get off my arm!

We saw lots of pretty ones!

Alex wanted a picture with the big penguin.

I love this picture.

The Cook brothers.

Ah, the swan boats...we had talked this up to Alex for a long time and when we first arrived they were closed and we were afraid it wasn't going to happen. Thankfully when we came back they were open and had two swans available. Alex got to steer and was in HEAVEN. Note the slant that Seth and Alex's boat is at. There's quite a weight discrepancy. Amy and I were almost as good at steering our boat as Alex was his.... :P

Two girls lost at sea...
Waving to Grammie

Idaho Trip Part 3: The Wedding

2011-07-30T11:16:00.000-07:00

Michael & Vickie's Wedding was July 23, which just happened to be our 6th Anniversary. Here's a portrait of our life now 6 years and two amazing blessings later. God has richly blessed us in the past 6 years. It's my joy and privilege to walk side by side with Seth and I cannot wait to see what the next 60 years hold!

Our sweet ring-bearer was about as cooperative for pictures as you can expect an overstimulated, exhausted 3 year old to be.

My Mama, Amy and Asher waiting for the wedding to begin.

Sisters! (And a baby)

My handsome boys

The Mattei-Cook family

The happy couple

Making an entrance
Waiting expectantly

Getting married

Married!

My sweetness!
A favorite uncle doing some good bubble-blowing.

And just like that the wedding was over, they were gone on their honeymoon and all that was left was for us to eat all the leftover cupcakes. YUM!

Idaho Trip Part 2: Wedding Preparations

2011-07-29T16:03:00.001-07:00

The wedding weekend started out with a cheery and relaxing girls' night of pizza and chick flicks. Here are the 3 Mattei (Cook) girls enjoying a night out.

Next to the rehearsal where there was some gawking by great-grandparents (and others) at the cutest baby ever.

The ring bearer.

A very happy couple.

Bridal party....

And a few more of them!

Seth and I singing our song with a little help from Asher.

Idaho Trip Part 1: The Drive

2011-07-29T13:11:00.001-07:00

From July 20-28 we were in Idaho celebrating my brother Michael's wedding to his sweetheart Vickie. Now, there are about ten bajillion pictures I could show you, but I wont. I will only show you 1 bajillion(ish) pictures in installments. Now you may find that boring, but since this is my blog I feel I can bore whomever I please. (Can you sense that all this power is going to my head?)

Our journey began with a drive. A long drive. A very, very, very long drive. It took us 11+ hours to get from Centralia to Nampa and there were many tears (mine included). Our first stop along the journey was to Multnomah falls. Alex loved it.

The sun was streaming in from just above the falls so sunspots seemed impossible to avoid.

Summer Teaser

2011-07-11T19:56:00.001-07:00

We've FINALLY had a few nice summer days and I am SO THANKFUL! This past week we went to WalMart and picked out a new pool since last years died. First things first...a water slide! Now if the sun would come back and all this icky rain would go away....

Ready

Splash!

Because of his eczema we try to keep Asher in the shade and off the grass, so he's outside in his high chair. Fortunately he seems to think it's great.

Big boy grins!

Asher's Teeth

2011-07-11T16:58:00.000-07:00

You can see the faintest hint of his bottom tooth if you look hard.

Isn't that the cutest one-tooth grin ever? The 2nd top tooth seems to be closest to popping through. We're anxiously awaiting a couple of more in the hopes the crankies will calm with their arrival. I think his big front tooth makes him seem more grown up. When did my baby get so old?

4th of July

2011-07-05T18:39:00.000-07:00

The 4th was a busy day for us this year. We started our day out with Patriotic Pancakes. Then walked to Borst Park for the festivities. (Alex walked the whole way there, but thankfully was given a ride home by Mrs. Lynne.) Then to the parade and hot dog and marshmallow roasting at the Milton's. We came home to head to the neighborhood block party/fireworks, but one loud bang and Alex was done. We put in his earplugs and put him to bed. Our children were EXHAUSTED, but what a great day!

Mrs. Kris acting as earplugs to keep him from the scary loud fire trucks.

Watching the parade.

Asher adores Mr Paul (It's mutual)

Best Buds

10 Months

2011-06-30T10:21:00.000-07:00

Here's our happy 10 month old! His first tooth finally poked through on 6/28. It was a top tooth which surprised me since I've had my eye on those bottom teeth for a while now. He has gotten busier and busier.... He's crawling and pulling up and getting into absolutely everything! His skin seems to be improving on the new diet and he's much, much happier. So fun to see his silly little personality coming out!

Alex Loves Daddy

2011-06-19T13:36:00.000-07:00

Asher and Mommy do too!
Happy Father's Day!

Baby in the Bath

2011-06-11T16:19:00.000-07:00

Isn't he the cutest thing you've ever seen! Also, when I took these he'd been on his eczema meds for 1 day and there had already been a drastic improvement! It's SO nice to have him getting better!

Animal Church

2011-06-11T16:12:00.000-07:00

This was our first "Animal Church" service. You see, our animals are in desperate need of some Jesus. Many of them can't sit quietly in church and are having to be quieted by their parents. Now, at animal church Alex is always the worship pastor. He's written a song that goes like this "I want to be where God is! I want to be where Jesus is!" (Repeat, repeat, repeat, etc.) The pastor is a monkey named Boris, but at the first church service he was calling the fire department to report a chimney fire instead of preaching. Subsequent services have not seemed to improve Boris' preaching.

9 Months

2011-06-11T16:05:00.001-07:00

Here's our sweet 9 month old. Mr. Serious. Always trying to figure everything out. He started crawling on May 29, one day before his well check. I guess he knew it was coming! He was 8lbs 14oz and 28 inches long. Average across the board. I'll post some happier pictures later. He's never thrilled to sit with this giraffe!

How does this happen?

2011-05-26T10:02:00.000-07:00

He really was asleep. I promise.

Asher's Dedication

2011-05-09T20:20:00.001-07:00

Asher Benjamin Cook
Dedicated to the Lord
March 27, 2011
Centralia Church of the Nazarene

We were able to have my mom and sister with us for the dedication day. It was a special day!

8 Months

2011-04-30T20:12:00.001-07:00

Our sweet boy is 8 months old now. Still no teeth, but he's working his hardest at crawling. I expect him to be all over the house in the next couple of days. Right now he gets himself up on his hands and knees and then sort of throws himself the direction he wants to go, then gets up on his hands and knees and throws himself again. He's starting to work on the knee action so I expect some better results soon. :) He started saying "Mama" last week officially. Daddy is jealous that both boys have said Mama first. We expect "Dada" will be the next word although Alex is lobbying for Asher to say his name first...

I have to say I thought taking Ash's picture with the giraffe each month was a really good idea when he was immobile and couldn't pick it up. Now it's really tricky to get pictures where he's sitting there without the giraffe in his mouth, covering his entire face. ;)

Easter Weekend

2011-04-30T19:00:00.000-07:00

Easter festivities this year were mostly curtailed by illness and bad weather...We have yet to dye Easter eggs (and if Alex didn't keep reminding me I'd just skip it this year.) We had one beautiful day last weekend (Saturday) so we did a fun Easter egg hunt at the Erickson farm. That at least appeased Alex on issue. The kids were cute though and we had a fun weekend.

A beautiful, sunny day!

Alex hunting eggs.

Our little family.

Alex in his Easter clothes.

Trying to get a shot of both boys when you're in a hurry to be at church by 8:30 am is not easy...

At least they're sort of looking at the camera.

Alex's Eater basket. He got Chutes and Ladders too.

Asher with the duck and train he found in his.

My Week

2011-04-08T13:17:00.000-07:00

Post-bath baby!

So fun to see my boys playing together

Our little musician

Sleepy boy

Another sleepy boy...

...and his buddy Sam

First french fry looks promising!

He gagged

Seth's Ordination

2011-04-07T18:40:00.000-07:00

7 Months

2011-03-29T16:28:00.000-07:00

And another month has passed....

Our little man is sitting up on his own, eating bananas, applesauce, pears, squash, carrots, peas and sweet potatoes. He's still not enjoying rice cereal, but we sneak it in now and then. He's chatting up a storm and I think is trying his hardest to say "Mama" first. Every now and again I'm sure I can hear it... He's finally rolling from his back to his tummy and working his hardest to get on his hands and knees. Next stop = crawling.

Music & Lyrics

2011-03-24T09:04:00.000-07:00

If it wasn't obvious to the world, music is a huge part of life at the Cook household. Songs are always playing and we have fun previewing new worship music Seth gets in the mail, practicing and singing a lot of new songs. Well, Alex has become quite the singer lately. He memorizes songs incredibly quickly and is always singing something. The only issue is some of his lyrics are kind of questionable such as these lyrics to

"Silent at Night"
"Round yon verson, udder wind chime."

Or his favorite song from the Veggie Tales Christmas CD. You know, the song that's the example of what not to be like...

"Jingle, jingle, jingle POCHING!
Ya ya ya ya!
That's the sound of Christmas ti-ime!"
(The "POCHING" should be "ca-ching" Like a cash register noise)

See what I mean? Not exactly text book. This morning Alex was in washing his hands for breakfast and I heard this...

"O Santa!
O Saaaaaaaanta!
You are the God who saves us!
Worthy of all our praises."

I think we have some work to do theologically....

St Patrick's Day

2011-03-23T10:20:00.000-07:00

Here's our St. Patrick's Day photo shoot with my two favorite little boys. As they are getting older it's getting a LITTLE bit easier to get a shot where they are both smiling...

Surprise?

1/2 of them are smiling

Now the other 1/2

This one is my favorite. I was so bummed Alex's face is out of focus.

So typical

Purely sweet

Budding Artist

2011-03-22T17:25:00.001-07:00

These are Alex's drawings of the day. The two that were my favorite anyway... :)

Alex, Asher, Daddy & Mommy

This is a potato man. That's right folks he has all his parts...Hair, eyes, mouth, legs, belly, heart, chest, and what's the line off to the left? Oh yes, that's how you know he's not a potato woman....

Cuteness

2011-03-22T10:28:00.000-07:00

This video was taken on our old camera (because 30 seconds after I started the video camera the battery died....negligence on my part...I didn't charge it.) This camera is going in the trash today because of the weird purpleness it's all become, but I wanted to share this anyway. :)

Toes!

2011-03-05T22:09:00.000-08:00

The teething toy recommended most by babies.

Snuggly Morning

2011-03-05T22:03:00.000-08:00

This was my Thursday morning. My two boys snuggled in the chair watching Go Diego Go! While I was making breakfast. Aren't these two incredibly precious together? I love them so....

6 Months

2011-03-05T21:58:00.000-08:00

Hard to believe half a year has already passed since this sweet boy entered our lives! He's growing and changing so quickly now. He's rolling over some. Sitting up for short bits of time and making it obvious to us that he's not a tiny infant anymore. It's such fun to see his personality coming out and the new interactions between him and Alex.

Rice Cereal

2011-03-05T21:52:00.000-08:00

Last week Asher got his first taste of rice cereal. Let's just say it wasn't popular and we haven't been anxious to try again.

Snow Day

2011-02-23T14:03:00.000-08:00

This morning we woke up to snow, which thrills my soul not a bit, but alas it is February! So we bundled up and headed outside. Asher woke up really early and by 10ish when we were heading outside was already exhausted and refused to make eye contact. I ended up just taking him in and giving him a nap while Alex played.

Ignoring Mama

Doing a little bulldozing

Not at all impressed with this snow thing...

My new boots!

This is the only time he'd look at me all morning because he was too busy playing!

Drinking his "worm" (warm) cocoa after a cold playtime!

Shiner

2011-02-20T19:22:00.000-08:00

Well, Alex got his first black eye tonight. I wasn't there for it, but it sounds like he asked for it. Being the rough and tumble boy he is I imagine it wont be the last one he'll ever have. Poor guy.

Asher's swing

2011-02-20T19:15:00.000-08:00

This is how you should sit in a baby swing

And this is how Asher sits in his. Time to put the swing away....

This is how WalMart makes me feel too.

Valentine's Day

2011-02-20T19:07:00.000-08:00

My little Valentine

A special breakfast of hot-pink oatmeal, red M&M's and marshmallows

The Diego watch he got for Valentine's (he's wanting to learn to tell time)

There are more pictures from our fun Valentine's party at the Fribergs, but you'll have to check facebook for those!

This and That

2011-02-20T19:00:00.000-08:00

My sister informed me this week that it was time for a blog update, so here it is. A few pictures from the last couple weeks. We haven't done anything too major, so I don't have many exciting pictures, but they are cute!

This is one of the best shots of the two of them I have!

Playing Thomas trains-His #1 Favorite thing to do

Laughing at daddy

Precious

5 Months

2011-01-30T22:44:00.000-08:00

Our sweet little man is 5 months old! Hard to believe, but it's true. His favorite activities right now are playing with his toes, teething on everything and giggling as much as possible. He's rolling around and squirming to get around. He seems to want to run, but we're hopefully quite a ways away from that. This boy melts my heart daily. Just look at that face....

Another Zoo Trip

2011-01-27T23:05:00.000-08:00

Ah, sweet sunshine in January! I am so thankful for days that aren't 100% rainy and cold. We took advantage of good weather and Kris, the boys and I headed up to Point Defiance. We're going to make good use of that zoo pass!

Screaming after being eaten by a shark

My favorite zoo animal

The sweetest face ever

My sweet boys and I

Alex and his lemur friends

The walrus that befriended Alex. They were pressed nose to nose for a long time. It was way too cute!

My Sweetness

2011-01-27T22:59:00.000-08:00

Dear Wendy's

2011-01-27T22:54:00.001-08:00

You might sell more kids' meals if the "toy" were a little more kid friendly. This little "hand puppet" as you call it took me about half an hour to put together (half an hour of Alex trying to help...) is falling apart already. Ages 3 and up, yeah right!

This Week

2011-01-25T16:02:00.000-08:00

We've been...

water color painting

playing with toes

not smiling when Mommy asks

being adorable

and more adorable...

Random Pictures from December

2011-01-08T22:45:00.000-08:00

Mattei Family Christmas

2011-01-08T22:25:00.001-08:00

Due to the incredible amount of sickness we had on this trip I didn't take very many pictures and worse yet there are very few with my family. I did manage to get a few semi decent family pictures. Vickie joins us as an official member of the family this year. Michael and Vickie were engaged a few days before Christmas and will be married at the end of the summer. I expect we'll have some great family pictures come out of that!

Seth, Alex, Coral, Michael, Vickie, Andrea, Asher & Amy

Great-Grandma Edith meeting baby Asher

Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa with Asher

New Year's Eve 2010

2011-01-08T22:21:00.000-08:00

I was thankful to get to again spend New Years Eve with 2 of my very dearest friends. I can't think of a more fun way to bring in the new year than with these girls who have been by my side for more than a decade now. Oh the laughter we share...

Jill, Andrea & Kerri
New Years Eve 2010

Christmas at the Cooks

2011-01-08T22:11:00.001-08:00

Christmas #4 (I think) was with all the Cooks. There are 10 of us in all now. Funny that just 4 Christmases ago there were only 6!

Alex's Boise State flag

The only picture of me that day...Alex was up all night the night previous with a fever and it shows on mommy's face.

Broncos hat

Joke book!

Reading the new joke book with Aunt Kate

The newlyweds

Aunt Kate & Uncle Jesse

Uncle Tyson & Aunt Rachel

Enjoying our sweet baby

Christmas Morning

2011-01-08T20:05:00.000-08:00

First things first....we rushed out to see if Santa came....and he did!

He brought Alex two different fire trucks, just like he asked for! (I have it on good authority that Santa went to A LOT of trouble to find said fire trucks...)

Santa is so polite.

Christmas snuggles with daddy

Loving those fire trucks!

Asher watching his big brother open his stocking.

I love the pure joy he got from each and every item.

Go fish! (A new favorite.)

My favorite Christmas present.

Look at that excitement...and he doesn't know what it is yet!

Still trying to get a good shot...

Opening gifts

Cutie pie!

He wasn't too excited about his gifts

Still opening.

Sweetness

Christmas Eve

2011-01-08T15:57:00.000-08:00

These next few blog posts may be much longer than normal. I have about a zillion pictures and trying to narrow them down is tricky, so I may just post a lot and if you aren't interested you can just scroll through them quickly. ;)

These are the salt-dough ornaments that Alex made for family members and a few friends too. He cut them out, painted, and embellished them himself. He was quite proud!

Our tree on Christmas eve.

Daddy and Alex went out before church to spread the "Reindeer dust." To make sure and attract Santa with the sparkles and reindeer with the oats! (Thank you, Auntie Amy!)

Asher was extremely fussy that evening, but was calmed by daddy's guitar playing. He stared lovingly at him while Seth prepared for Sunday's offertory.

And then he fell asleep....

All dressed up and ready for the Christmas eve Service!

When we got home we had to run inside and see if the Pajama Fairy came during church. Alex was terrified she might still be inside and wouldn't go in the house at first until I assured him she was long gone.

She came!

Asher's cute new jammies

And his cute buns...

Alex loved his new jammies. (Making his "cheese" face.)

Will I ever have a happy shot of both of them?

Leaving milk and a cookie for Santa. Alex was very specific that we only leave one cookie for Santa. He was very worried that Santa would choke and "That would be terrible!"

Santa came!

Catching Up

2011-01-08T13:42:00.000-08:00

This blog has been sadly neglected. Of this I am totally aware and yet haven't taken the time to do anything about it. We've been interrupted by the holidays, a vacation, sickness (which coincided with our vacation and continues still) and regular life. So where to start? I have over 500 pictures to sort through and start posting, so I will begin here: Asher is 4 months old. I took these pictures the morning we were heading to ID. He was less than thrilled about sitting with his giraffe and the results are less than satisfactory (and these are the best of the bunch!), but I didn't have time to try again later and it is a memory! Our little buddy is growing quickly and learning quicker. He's found his hands and is grasping toys and chewing on them. He's drooling buckets and I'm keeping my eyes open for teeth any day now. He smiles and giggles at everything and is a total joy to our lives!

I Just Can't Get Enough

2010-12-14T18:36:00.000-08:00

Are You Kidding Me?!

2010-12-08T21:26:00.000-08:00

Alex wrote his name. I was stunned. He made two attempts at it and wasn't totally satisfied with the first try so he erased it and wrote his name again. The only help I gave him was to remind him that the "E" had 3 lines. He had originally written an "F" instead. I am constantly amazed at the things that he knows and how quickly he learns things. So much fun for this mommy to watch him grow up!

2nd Try

1st Attempt

I'm NOT TIRED!

2010-12-08T10:01:00.000-08:00

"I think I'll just read some books during quiet time..."

Grumpy Old Saint Nicholas

2010-12-04T11:09:00.000-08:00

Not quite jolly

Crazy eyes

Looks like Santa had one too many...

"Santa" with his giraffe at 3 months old.

FREE Christmas Cards

2010-11-29T13:51:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again...the time where I am trying to finish up the last of Christmas shopping getting gifts made and especially getting my cards in the mail. Well this year Shutterfly is offering 50 free Christmas cards if you blog about their products, so I am here to tell you I am an avid Shutterfly user and I love their cards! We've done Christmas cards from Shutterfly the last 3 years and been thrilled with them!

This is the link to Shutterfly's holiday cards in total.
http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-photo-cards

Here are some of my favorites this year. I haven't quite decided what I'd like to get...

Here's the First One I like
http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/cards-stationery/pine-cone-toile-christmas-card-5x7-flat?sortType=1&storeNode=93479

And another...
http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/cards-stationery/oh-joy-joy-christmas-card?fg=0&sortType=1&storeNode=93479

Another thing I love is their calendars. The last few years I've made photo calendars of my kids for my mom and my in-laws. They've always been a big hit. It's a great gift that can be enjoyed throughout the year.

http://www.shutterfly.com/calendars

They have lots of new designs for calendars this year, so even if you've done them in years past you can change them up and give it a fresh new look. This is the perfect gift for the person who has "everything."

Another one of my favorites is their birthday cards. I'd much rather spend a couple of bucks on a Shutterfly card that's personalized to a particular person than a lame-0 card from the grocery store that they'll toss in a few days anyway!

http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/birthday-cards-stationery

My husband gave me this adorable card with a picture of my kids on it for my birthday and of course I'll never throw it away. Much more meaningful.

So, I just wanted to share with you about one of my favorite sites and also share this deal with you, if you're interested http://blog.shutterfly.com/5358/holiday2010-blog-submission-form/

Merry Christmas! and Enjoy!

3 Months

2010-11-28T19:42:00.000-08:00

This little man is 3 months old today! He's growing up entirely too fast. I weighed him yesterday and he came in at 14.5 lbs. He's quite a bit bigger than Alex was at this age as I recall. He's such a happy little man. He's smiling, cooing and laughing all the time. I just love staring at his sweet face and having him chat with me. Such a sweet boy.

O Christmas Tree...

2010-11-28T19:31:00.000-08:00

Today we went and picked out a Christmas tree. This was the first time in our marriage we've had a real tree. We've been using the fake one I bought in college for $20 bucks. We retired it after last year.) Seth has never cut down his own Christmas tree and I haven't done a you-cut in about 15 years, so this was an adventure. We packed up our kids and the Ericksons packed themselves up and we went tree hunting! The boys were exhausted (Asher cried pretty much the whole time...he's like his mama and hates the cold) and Alex was loopy, but we managed to find a tree, cut it down and get it home and in the house. A little furniture moving to make room occurred, but it's in! (I'll post pictures after we decorate.) It was a fun afternoon!
PS: If you don't know you can click on the picture to view it larger in a new window. :)

My Boys

2010-11-28T19:28:00.000-08:00

First Snow!

2010-11-22T14:33:00.000-08:00

Ok, so snow before Thanksgiving? Doesn't really thrill me that much. Anyone who knows me knows that I'd much rather have sunshine and warm days than snow and cold anytime. However, the snow thrills my little boys soul and so we were out in it this morning. (The things I do for love!) We played out in our yard quite a while before packing Asher up and heading over to the Fribergs where Lynne took over the outside playing (Thank you Lynne!) and I was able to be inside with Asher a bit more. (Asher wasn't a fan of the snow.) The kids were soaked, but happy!

Making Messes & Having Fun!

2010-11-22T14:22:00.000-08:00

This fall has been so much fun! Alex is finally old enough to enjoy some different projects with me and I have been taking advantage. Last week we worked on making autumn pictures with foam letters and other fall stickers. Another fun day we made marshmallow art which was a big hit (probably because you can eat while you work!) I think the most favorite activity of the week was roasting tiny marshmallows over a tea light. I don't have pictures of that event, but I'm sure we'll be repeating it soon so we can make tiny smores. Mmmm...

Bath Time!

2010-11-22T14:19:00.000-08:00

Couch Potato

2010-11-15T14:27:00.000-08:00

Our littlest couch potato

Ready for Church

2010-11-15T14:22:00.001-08:00

I wanted a picture of both of the boys all cleaned up and dressed for church, but we were of course running late and I knew it would be a bigger deal than it was worth. So here's the cutie who sits wherever I leave him. :)

Halloween

2010-11-08T20:59:00.001-08:00

This year our cutie pies were a lion and a tiger for Halloween. And of course, all evening I heard "All you need is a bear!" I know. Don't rush me. A lion and a tiger are plenty for now. We had a fun time trick-or-treating around our neighborhood with the Fribergs this year. Alex enjoyed himself mostly although there were a couple of scary costumes he could have done without seeing. He's still talking about the scary clown he saw and a few others. It was really fun this year for Seth and I too. It's the first year Alex has enjoyed getting dressed up, playing games, trick or treating, etc. So fun to watch him grow up. As for Asher, there's hardly anything cuter than dressing up your precious little one.

Has it really been that long?

2010-11-07T20:41:00.000-08:00

November 11, marks seven years since Seth and I went on our first date. Hard to believe it's been that long, but it's also hard to believe it hasn't been longer. I can hardly remember what life was like before he was in it. Well, there were the 6 years of me "crushing" on him before he finally asked me out...I remember those days well. Alas, he finally did ask me out and the rest is history. Here are some random photos from those dating days.

Valentine's Day

August 2004

After my senior voice recital. (Looking a little smitten?)

align: center;">NNU Graduation May 2004

Another Valentine's Day

Big Brother & Little Brother

2010-10-28T16:18:00.000-07:00

2 Months

2010-10-28T16:04:00.000-07:00

And he's all smiles!

Ok, so I am well aware that the amount of pictures here is excessive, but just look at that face! (I mean seriously...isn't that the cutest little dimple in his cheek you've ever seen?) I just can't get enough of him. He now spends most of his awake time gazing at me with that sweet smile and the occasional giggles are starting to squeak out as well. Such a precious age. Gaze with me...

So cute I can hardly stand it!

2010-10-15T20:42:00.001-07:00

The Chef

2010-10-15T20:32:00.000-07:00

A Startling Conversation

2010-10-13T11:13:00.000-07:00

(This all occurred during a wild game of pretend church. We had just gotten our "cups of juice" when...)

Alex: Mom! Let's go to the Satan farm now!
Me: You want to go WHERE?
Alex: The Satan FARM! It's so fun there! (He was really excited at this point!)
Me: You want to go to the SATAN FARM???
Alex: Yeah the Satan mill farm! The place with the juice!!!
Me: Oh the CIDER mill farm?
Alex: Yeah with the animals and the juice!

(Inwardly I breath a sigh of relief as my son does not want to play games about Satan...)

The Yellow Giraffe

2010-10-12T22:50:00.000-07:00

1 month old

When we told Alex we were having a baby he said he wanted to buy the baby a giraffe for a present. So, of course we found a giraffe for Alex to give Asher when he was born. I've decided to take Asher's picture with the giraffe each month so we can watch him grow next to Alex's special gift. Stay tuned for more pictures with Yellow Giraffe.

They're Just Too Cute!

2010-10-12T22:37:00.000-07:00

Cider Mill Fun

2010-10-12T22:29:00.000-07:00

Last Friday we took the boys to Lattin's Cider Mill for some early fall fun. We were expecting a sunny afternoon, but of course Mr Weatherman should have predicted cloudy skies as always. We made the best of the chilly weather and enjoyed ourselves! A sweet family leaving the farm offered us their leftover goat food. I would never have paid for goat food expecting that Alex would NEVER let an animal eat from his hand, but surprisingly he REALLY wanted to and loved feeding the goats. However, he almost burst into tears when one particular goat not only ate all the food he had left, but snatched the paper bag out of his hand and ate that too. He's still talking about how silly that goat was for eating his bag!

One Month Old

2010-09-29T20:44:00.001-07:00

Asher is a month old! This month has absolutely flown by. Our little peanut has grown so much. From 6lbs 11oz at birth to now just over 9lbs and about an inch and a half longer! He's changing so quickly. I think you realize how quickly they grow the second time. I've been trying not to blink....

Alex is 3!

2010-09-29T20:35:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe my baby boy is three years old. Seems like just a minute ago we were bringing him home from the hospital. It's amazing to see all the ways he's changed, grown and all the many things he's learned. He challenges me daily with his many questions "why" and keeps me on my toes. He's now graduated to being a big brother and is amazing at the job. I love you Alex! So glad I've been your mommy for these three wonderful years!

Asher Benjamin

2010-09-01T22:01:00.001-07:00

Our precious new boy is here! Asher Benjamin Cook was born Saturday, August 28, 2010 at 5:24am. He weighed in at 6lbs 11oz and 20in long. Alex loves his new baby brother and Mommy and Daddy are smitten as well. He's the absolute sweetest baby and we are so incredibly blessed that God has entrusted us with him.

Family of Four

2010-08-29T18:07:00.000-07:00

Mommy, Asher Benjamin, Alex and Daddy on baby Asher's birthday 8/28/10.

38 Weeks

2010-08-26T17:27:00.000-07:00

Today marks 38 weeks of pregnancy. Just 14 days to go! I had an ultrasound today to check the size of this little man to make sure we weren't approaching anything near or above his brother's birth weight (9lbs 15oz) since it might be impossible for me to deliver anything more. Good news is he's measuring in the 37th percentile at 6lbs 10oz. She was so surprised that she checked all the measurements 3 times, but she was certain. At this rate even at full term it's not likely I'd have a baby much over 8lbs. Very doable! I see my doctor tomorrow and then will know more about when baby will make his arrival!

Fishin'

2010-08-26T17:23:00.001-07:00

Here's Alex's new fishing pole. Mommy had to be creative. It's a straw, embroidery floss and a cut up cereal box, but he's pretty much in love with it. We've been fishing for orange fish, strawberry fish, grape fish...you name it. And yes, we eat them all!

Girls Night Out

2010-08-24T09:37:00.000-07:00

I am so thankful for this group of ladies the Lord has brought into my life. Such beautiful women inside and out who love and encourage me, make me laugh and are shining examples of Christ in their lives. A good friend is hard to come by and I'm grateful I've been blessed with more than my fair share!

Stephanie, Kirsten, Jenny, Me, Lynne & Tara at OG 8/20/10