The Jesperson Family

Braeden's Gorilla friend

2011-11-01T21:35:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago the kids & I went to the zoo with my sister-in-law Suzy & her kids. The night before, Braeden kept talking about how excited he was to see the gorillas. He read his "Apes & Monkeys" book several times and his excitement grew. The next morning as I was packing a bag to take with us, Braeden put his book in there & told me that he wanted to "show the gorillas" his book. I didn't think much of it, but I humored him & let him bring the book along. We made the gorilla exhibit our first destination of the day. When we got there, he ran right up to the glass & as I talked to Suzy & got Davis out of his stroller, I heard Braeden yell to me, "Mom! He likes my book!" I looked up & saw that this young gorilla could not take his eyes off of Braeden's book. It was the sweetest thing. I walked over to snap these pictures, and the gorilla continued to look at the book & at Braeden. He would stop & look around for a moment here & there, but then would look back at the book. It completely touched my heart. Braeden LOVES animals & has such a huge heart.

Oma's

2011-11-01T20:30:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to catch up on our blog whenever I have the time. Here are some pictures of our trip to Oma's Pumpkin Patch this year. We ended up going on a Saturday night. Insane! It was crazy crowded & we had to wait for over an hour to do the hay ride. The kids didn't mind though & had tons of fun.

Our last day at Disneyland (for awhile)

2011-10-27T15:55:00.000-07:00

Aubrey on The Little Mermaid ride

"Cheeeese!!"

We are big "Arrested Development" fans so I couldn't resist sneaking a picture of this fantastic "Never Nude" outfit.

P.S. If you haven't watched Arrested Development, you should.

I can't get enough of her poses! She makes me laugh.

Davis met his friend, "A-queen"

Our Disneyland passes expired a few weeks ago, so we took the kids out of school for one last trip. We woke them up in the morning & got them ready for school, but secretly their backpacks were full of snacks & things for Disneyland & we told them when we got on the freeway.
We will definitely be getting the passes again, but we'll probably wait a little while.We love Disneyland!

The end.

Summer 2011

2011-10-27T11:30:00.000-07:00

I was HORRIBLE at taking pictures this summer. I literally never had my camera with me. Here are just the few cell phone photos that I took plus a couple pictures that I took off facebook.:)

We had a fun summer! Eric only worked the first 3 weeks, and then was off the rest of the summer. We filled our days with swimming at Nana & Papa's, beach trips, and playing with friends and family. We also went to Sea World, the Fair, the Drive-In, camped in our backyard, & Beach Camp for a week!

The highlight of the summer was having family come to visit. Tiffany & Mike & her kids, & Meghan with her girls.

My head hurts from laughing so much..

2011-10-23T13:24:00.000-07:00

"Mitt Romney" — A BLR Soundbite

2011-10-23T13:22:00.000-07:00

AFV

2011-05-18T17:51:00.000-07:00

Braeden is in heaven. He can watch so many episodes of AFV now that we have Hulu Plus. What is it with this show? Third generation Jesperson boys to laugh their heads off watching it. I love that Davis has such a sense of humor already.

Birthday interview with the Braedo

2011-04-29T12:32:00.000-07:00

Braeden turned 7 on April 15th! We had a fun party at The Boardwalk. He insisted on a "boy party" this year. Here are a few of the cell phone pictures...

Happy 7th birthday to our Braedo!

Birthday Interview:

Do you have any nicknames? Yes. Braedo, Sir-laughs-a lot and Garfield.

What do you want to be when you grow up? A Zoo Keeper.

Why? Because they feed animals and they protect animals.

What is your favorite color?
My favorite color is blue because the ocean is kind of beautiful.

What is your favorite movie? Megamind and Despicable Me.

Do you play any sports? Soccer & Baseball

What sports do you like? Basketball and Baseball

What's your favorite thing to do with Daddy? Mowing the lawn with him.

What's your favorite thing to do with Mommy? Um, surfing! (Really Braeden?:)

What do you like about school? Learning!!!

What do you like to learn at school? I learn at school, Math!

You also like to learn about Geography. Don't you like the continents?
Yes. North America, South America, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, Antarctica.

Who is the President of the United States? George Washington. Or how about Abraham Lincoln?!

What do you like about church? Um... I like class. I like Primary & Jesus.

What do you like to do for fun? Recess, video games, swimming, Disneyland.

What things make you happy? Family night and um, going in a submarine.

What things make you sad? Um, Aubrey makes me mad.

What are your favorite foods to eat? Macaroni & Cheese & Pizza

What's your favorite thing about Daddy? He loves me & he works with me & helps me & he's nice.

What's your favorite thing about Mommy? I love you & I could play with you & you could hug me.

What's your favorite thing about Aubrey? She plays with me & plays Spiderman with me & she likes me now, but sometimes she's mad at me.

What's your favorite thing about Davis? He sleeps in my room and he sits by me & hugs me.

What was your favorite thing about being 6? Going to 1st grade but when I'm seven I'm going to be in 2nd grade.

What's the best thing about turning 7? The best thing about turning 7? Hmmm.... The best thing about turning 7 is getting baptized when I'm 8.

I love you my birthday boy! Oh, and here is his birth announcement from 7 short years ago:

Cuddle time!

2011-04-08T21:19:00.000-07:00

This is what life's all about. These are the moments that I want to literally grab onto & not let go. I wish that I could. Davis has turned into quite the little cuddle baby all of a sudden, and is talking more & more. He is still fluent in Gibberish, but throws in some English phrases from time to time.:) This morning before his nap, we layed in my bed for a good 40 minutes. I read him a few books, and in between he would just ramble on and on in his perfect Gibberish, just loving that I was laying there listening. I'm not exactly sure what stories or deep thoughts he was sharing with me, but he sure had a lot to say. Then he just kept hugging me & saying "night night mama" , "night night mama". And I would hug him back & kiss his face & say, "night night Davo". Then things just got silly. He eventually tired himself out & was ready to take a nap in his bed.

Open House & The He & Me Lunch

2011-04-08T20:59:00.000-07:00

Last night was the kids Open House at school. It was fun to see how excited they were to show us everything that they have been doing. Aubrey wanted to dress up in last years Easter dress & felt pretty fancy. We just have a few pictures taken with Eric's cell phone. The first two are of the kids in front of their artwork that was displayed in the auditorium. I was impressed.:) I love my little artists. They definitely don't get that from me! The last picture is of Dav-o reading a book in the corner of Braeden's classroom. Eric walked over & saw him kicking back in a chair reading & thought it was funny. "Naughty little monkeys"? Nice title.

Today was the He & Me lunch at school, so Eric got a substitute teacher for part of the day & went to have lunch with the kids. He didn't get a picture with Aubrey, but they were both so excited to have him there. After school however, Braeden was crying and telling me that Daddy forgot to bring him a Happy Meal Toy (he forgot it in the car). Aubrey (who isn't always the voice of reason..;), said, "Braeden, you don't need to cry. You are SO lucky. We are SO lucky to have a dad who came to have lunch with us because he loves us so much. My friend **** was sad today because her dad didn't come, so I gave her a hug & let her sit with us." Great point:)!
And yes, our kids are pretty lucky to have this guy for a dad...

"Take me out to the ballgame"

2011-04-05T20:12:00.000-07:00

An oldie but a goodie. I posted this on facebook a long time ago, but we've been watching old videos today & this one totally makes me smile. My mom took this video of the kids when they were in her car years ago. Braeden was 3 & Aubrey was only 1! She was such an early talker. So, in honor of opening day for the Padres today, here it is:

Once upon a time...

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

Once upon a time there was an adorable and sweet little one-year-old girl named Aubrey. She talked a lot for her age and loved to sing songs...

Oh yeah, sweet little Aubrey also had a bit of an attitude.

We LOVE this video. The crazy expression on her face after she screams is priceless.

Dance Your Heart Out

2011-04-05T11:26:00.000-07:00

2010

2011-03-29T12:22:00.000-07:00

Where have we been???
In case you are interested (or if anyone still looks at this blog), I did keep another blog for a big part of last year. The link is...
www.jesperson365.blogspot.com
I did not make it the entire year, but I gave it a shot! I'm not even going to attempt a project 365 blog this year, because I know that it is unlikely that I will keep up with it. I'm just being realistic here.
So, I thought that I should give a little month by month summary of our lost year to blogging. I'll be including some links to my project 365 blog. CLICK on the highlighted words to read more.:)

January- Started off the year on New Years Day at Seaport Village:Eric's brother Justin & his wife Haley were married in the San Diego Temple (if you didn't know that, see my previous post...it's been there a year!:)
Eric had his last day as a campus supervisor, & Davis started crawling (this is not a picture of him crawling, but a cute picture from January)And here is a link to the last day of the month, just because.

February-Family photo booth picture from Feb.
Eric started his new job as a high school teacher. He taught English as a second language & Geography. We visited the remodeled Mormon Battalion Visitor Center. We celebrated Valentine's Day. Superbowl, game nights with friends & family, and here is a cool picture of the guys helping my dad move:
March- More cute Dav-o,Eric continued to work hard as a teacher, Freshman class advisor and institute teacher, cousins came to town,
Anna came to town. My mom took me to see the Cirque De Soleil show: Kooza.
Eric's cousin Dylan came to town before his mission, we had lots of family dinners & lunches
& game nights with friends & family, Braeden's leprechaun picnic at school, Aubrey's field trip to Sea World
We also planted our first vegetable garden. Wow! What a great month!

April- Easter & an earthquake, spring break at the beach,We painted the kids rooms; Braed-o turned 6,

I turned 30! Eric threw me an awesome 30th birthday party. Aubrey started dance,
Fun times at the park, lots of playing with friends, and a dream come true thanks to Mom & James.
May- Eric turned 30! Read his birthday post here,Anna came to town again & Lauren got married; Mothers day,
~This is a picture we took as part of a gift for Eric's Mom~
The kids had field trips, and started swimming like crazy, Braeden & Eric went to a Star Wars concert,
Eric's freshman competition,
and Aubrey's adorable Toy Story performance with her preschool class.
June- Aubrey danced her heart out at the Del Mar Fair,
Braeden sang lots of songs for his kindergarten performance; Eric & the kids had their last day of school, & we made candy bar posters for the kids teachers; Sweet baby Davis turned one!, Aubrey started her own paper jewelry line, family vacation to Utah,
and Mike & Tiffany got married! Oh, and here is a funny post about Grandpa J from June.
July- Just your typical July stuff: Independence Day, the fair, the beach, LOTS of swimming, birthday parties, parks & friends. Also, baby cousin Carter was born & Grandpa J turned 90. Here are some cute pictures...

August- Family Nights at the Beach;
The kids started school on the 12th (Aubrey's first day of kindergarten);
and we celebrated our 8th anniversary ; and I made a rainbow cake (that's worth documenting as far as I'm concerned!).
September- Eric started the school year teaching seminary & Sophomore World History; We had a huge heat wave ; Braeden started soccer; Grandpa James started work as a truck driver; I threw a baby shower for Patty.
October-
We purchased Disneyland passes again, for the first time in almost 2 years. We had a fun filled day as a family the first time & then the kids & I went again with Nana, Mallory, Justin, Haley, Caitlin & Ryan;

Davis started his tiny tots class & loved it; Aubrey started Tumbling to perfect those cartwheels:); Pumpkin patches, Pony rides,
and lots of other fun for Halloween.November- Braeden's last soccer game,
Aubrey's 5th birthday & a Strawberry Shortcake party,

Camping in the desert with cousins,
Anna's 30th birthday trip to LA & The Tonight Show,
Baby Cash Johnson is here!,
Two days at Disneyland & a stay in a hotel:),

And Aubrey got her ears pierced! This is the "before" picture:
December-
December was full of the usually "hustle & bustle". Shopping, parties, cookie making, crafts, family gatherings (and a special nativity that the kids did at my mom & James'), etc. Unfortunately I didn't have my camera on me for a lot of it. Here is a picture from the church Christmas party,
Christmas Sunday,
"All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth",
One of the best things about Christmas this year was that Eric's entire family was here. All of his siblings came for the holiday! We took family pictures on Christmas Eve & then had a nice dinner, the kids opened their presents, and we had a very special program done by Papa on the meaning of Christmas & symbolism. Here is a picture of all of the cousins.
Pixied!! Christmas Eve we were pixied twice! Caitlin & Ryan broke in & gave us a new TV...so sweet & such a surprise! It wasn't too hard to figure out who had left it!:) We also had someone leave us a very, very sweet note & nativity set at our doorstep that brought tears to my eyes.

That's the update! It was a fun year. Hopefully soon I will get started on 2011! It's been a very busy one so far!:)

Justin & Haley got married!

2010-01-29T08:56:00.001-08:00

January 15, 2010
It was such a beautiful wedding. We are all so excited for them. They're so happy & cute together. The temple ceremony was so special. They also had a ring ceremony at Mission Bay before the reception. Eric was Justin's best man, and our brother-in-laws Cordell & Ryan were the other two groomsmen. Haley had two of her friends be duel Maids of Honor, and Eric's sister Mallory was the third bridesmaid. Aubrey was able to be a flower girl & LOVED it. Of course, she doesn't have a shy bone in her body, so she loved the attention.
It was a great weekend after the wedding as well. We really loved having all of the family in town together. There were a lot of laughs that weekend!
Below are just a few of the pictures that I took, as well as some fun videos.

Christmas pictures & videos

2010-01-07T12:41:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pictures and videos from Christmas day. I can never seem to catch up with this blog! Sorry for the lack of explanation, but its better than nothing, right?:)
P.S. Poor Eric was pretty sick Christmas day, therefore there aren't any photos of him.:(

Videos below: The first two are of Aubrey & Braeden opening their gifts from each other. Pretty cute, I think.
The second two are short video clips of each of them opening one of their gifts from us.
The last video is of Davis opening a gift from Nana & Papa.

Christmas Eve

2010-01-03T20:45:00.000-08:00

We celebrated Christmas Eve at our home this year. Eric's parents, as well as Justin & Mallory and Grandpa Jesperson all came down for dinner. Or should I say, they brought dinner down to us.:)

We had a nice time, singing Christmas carols, and watching Joy to the World, and just spending time with one another.
After the kids went to bed, Justin and Mallory hung around for awhile and we watched a lot of Saturday Night Live on the Netflix. Oh, and Mallory helped me do some last minute wrapping:).
I realized this year, just how traditional I am. After Justin and Mallory left, I woke up the kids so that they could pick cookies out to leave for Santa. I couldn't stand the thought that we forgot to do that. Traditions are too important!

Videos below...

Family Christmas Party

2010-01-03T20:37:00.001-08:00

We had our annual Nelson/Taft/Jesperson family Christmas Party on December 20th at my moms house.
Good times were had by all. I love my family!!
It was special this year, because we started a new tradition of reenacting the Nativity. It was a lot of fun. My mom has a video that I am going to have to have her email to me.
We also enjoyed a delicious Christmas feast, and decorated cookies with the kids.
The gift exchange was great, as well. Donnie & Amanda had our family this year & really spoiled us.
I am very disappointed because I didn't have my camera that night. I was feeling quite under the weather & forgot it.:( Here are two pictures that my mom emailed to me though...

Grandma with the girls.
Davis having what appears to be a very important conversation with Aunt Sara.

B&W Cookie

2009-12-30T20:02:00.000-08:00

"Fourteen years down the drain." ( Jerry Seinfeld)

We all got the flu last week. Merry Christmas to us. It didn't last long, but it was a bad one!

I just kept thinking about that episode from Seinfeld with the Black and White cookie. You remember that episode don't you? Well, poor Braeden's perfect record was broken & he threw up for the first time in his life.
We are better now & so grateful for our good health.
What a blessing it is to have a healthy body! Being that sick was a good reminder.

Six Months

2009-12-17T19:13:00.001-08:00

Braeden

Aubrey

Davis

Native American Day

2009-12-09T10:36:00.000-08:00

I've been able to help out in Braeden's class a lot more often lately, and last week we had an especially fun day. They were able to dress up like Native Americans & learn all kinds of fun things. How to make corn flour & plant some corn; how to fish & hunt buffalo; how to make a fire, and how to make pinch pots out of clay.

Here are some cute pictures that I took:

Picture of the day

2009-12-05T18:34:00.001-08:00

Grandpa J helping the men in our family fix our chair.
Sportin' his pink "Bahama's" hat, cracking jokes, and calling Davis, "E. Vere" (which is what he thinks we should have named him:).

"Pure sunshine"

2009-12-02T20:07:00.000-08:00

That's what Eric calls Davis: "pure sunshine", because he is always so happy and brings such warmth and joy to our family.
Davis will be six months old in a few days. Six months, is always my favorite age. Everything is new and they are just learning how to move around on their own. I LOVE, LOVE it.
Here are a few recent videos of our little sunshine boy....

A day of pictures

2009-11-13T09:18:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was just another day. A day like any other day.

I took a few more pictures than I normally do (some with the cell phone). And as I looked through them just now, I realized that every day is special in it's own way.

While Braeden was at school, Aubrey changed her clothes....A LOT.

And we baked a cake with the Easy Bake Oven.

Braeden finished his homework.
I did A LOT of laundry ( no picture available =).
Davis took a bath in the sink for the first time.
Aubrey did some modeling in Nana & Papa's front yard. The kids were excited about the falling leaves.

Uncle Just-o and Aunt Hal-o gave Aubrey this movie for her birthday. Braeden was even more excited than she was.
Davis played with big brother Braeden

Then he played with Dad.

And then he played with his hands.

It was a good day. Like I said, just another ordinary day, but one spent with the people that I love the most.

Cuatro

2009-11-12T09:25:00.000-08:00

(picture taken on Halloween)

Aubrey is officially four years old and loving it! She turned four on Tuesday & yesterday we had a little Dora party with her cousins and a few friends.

I conducted a little birthday interview. Here it is...

So, today is fourth birthday. are you excited?
yeah.

What was your favorite thing about being three?
I liked to play with you when I was three.

What are some things that you like to do for fun?
I like to catch fish (what??). I like to play with my toys. Its lots of fun. and I like to wear costumes.

What things do you like to do at our house?
I like to watch a movie. I like to watch Braeden play video games. I like to play with toys.

What are your favorite foods to eat?
My favorite food is noodles, and grapes, and butter bread, and cheese sandwich and chicken sandwich.

What are favorite clothes to wear?
I like to wear my green pants. I like to wear my pink pants with my monkey shirt.

What is your favorite color?
I like pink and red.

Were do you like to go?
I like to go to the playground with my cousin. I like to go to my Grandma’s house and my
Nana’s house.

What things make you happy?
Happy means that I love Jesus.

What makes you sad?
When I’m grumpy. When daddy and mommy are mean to me.

What do you do when you are sad?
I stay in my room. and then you take care of me a lot.

What do you do when you are mad?
When somebody are mean at you, you tell Mommy and Daddy.

Who are your best friends?
Mileigh. And Audrey. And Cami. And Brandon. Lots of friends. I have eleven friends.

What is your favorite movie?
Jasmine and Ariel. Ariel’s daughter. Lot’s of movies.

What is your favorite book to read?
Dora books.

What does Mommy say to you?
You’re nice. Aubrey you’re a special daughter.

What does Daddy say to you?
You’re a nice daughter.

What does Braeden say to you?
He says, I want to watch a movie Aubrey.

Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-27T20:22:00.000-07:00

Eric came home from work today and wanted to take the kids to the pumpkin patch. We went to Oma's farm in Lakeside and had a great time.
Oh, and did I mention that it was actually chilly and breezy out? It felt like autumn is supposed to feel. Perfect:)! If only we had the pretty colors to go with it.

The nightmare before Christmas

2009-10-25T07:56:00.001-07:00

Braeden really, really wanted to be Santa Claus for Halloween. It probably has something to do with the fact that he has been watching the "Nightmare before Christmas" on a fairly regular basis for the last few weeks.
I actually thought it was a really cute idea & I've secretly thought it would be fun to dress up like Christmas for Halloween for awhile now, so I went with it.
Here we are. Santa, Mrs. Claus, the cute elf, and the reindeer at our ward party last night. The other reindeer was attending a special football game & was very missed (and I know that he missed us, too thanks to all of his sweet text messages).

The elf was quite flushed from the heat and ended up taking off his clothes halfway through the night. But hey, chubby people get hot.

"Trunk or treat!" A quick trip around the parking lot and off to bed. My kids really like bedtime & were so tired after a full day of fun. As we were walking around getting candy, Braeden kept telling me that it was "time for bed."

Earlier that day I took the kids to Braeden's school Halloween carnival. They had tons of fun playing games, going down the big slide, riding the train, and playing at the playground with his friends from class. We got a lot of funny comments and giggles when people saw their costumes.

Braeden with his teacher. I like her.

P.S. It was WAY too hot all day. Isn't it supposed to be fall?

Sweet boys

2009-10-19T23:28:00.000-07:00

You know those moments when you are doing something, or looking at someone, and you just wish that you could freeze that moment in time? That happened today when I looked at this picture on my cell phone. I couldn't stop staring at it.

I am so grateful and content about where I am in my life right now. I love being my kids mom more than I can say. It is times like this one that I know I am going to miss SO much one day when they are all grown and too cool for mom (let's hope that never happens!).
I definitely have challenging days, like anyone, but I want to enjoy and appreciate every second that I have with them because I know that this phase of my life won't last forever.... and what a blessing it is.

laugh attack

2009-10-03T22:08:00.000-07:00

This is a daily occurrence at our house lately. Davis is full of personality and a laughing machine!

Preschool

2009-10-03T22:03:00.001-07:00

Aubrey started preschool a couple of weeks ago. She loves it! She is so smart! And growing up so fast.

Words of Wisdom from a three year old...

2009-09-17T12:54:00.000-07:00

Aubrey wanted to learn how to make Top Ramon this afternoon. So, I showed her how to boil the water, add the noodles, etc (a very difficult meal to make). After she added the noodles, she cheered,

"Mommy! I'm learning how! I'm growing, and growing, and growing! Just like flowers are growing, and growing, and growing!"

What a smart comparison. Slow down that growing Aubrey!

Brothers are funny....looking

2009-09-13T15:50:00.000-07:00

A bless-ed day.

2009-09-07T22:16:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a special day for our family. Our little Davis was able to receive his baby blessing at church on the same day as his cousin Cody.
His blessing was beautiful & so sweet. Eric & his dad said that he was moving & kicking his legs during the blessing, like he does when he's really happy & excited. I think that describes Davis perfectly.

Big group

Some of the Jesperson family:)

Three generations
The dads.

Life partners?

After church we had a family get together at Monty & Rebecca's house & had a great time.

Some fun videos. They're kind of random but I thought i'd post them anyway. Danny & Jesse got a little football game going with the kids.

The tooth fairy came for a visit.

2009-09-07T21:16:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago Braeden hit his chin on the side of the swimming pool & knocked his tooth loose. We weren't sure what to do, but called our brother-in-law Cordell who is a dentist & in a pediatric dental program right now, and he told us to wait a couple of weeks and see if it would tighten back up. Two weeks went by & it was only getting more loose so we took him in for an x-ray (after Uncle Cordell suggested it). His dentist told us that there wasn't any serious damage done & that it would just fall out on its own.
So, yesterday as we were getting ready to go to church for Davis' baby blessing, Braeden came walking out of the bathroom with something in his hand. He held it up to me & our conversation went like this...

B. "Mommy, can you throw this in the trash?"

M. "What is it Braeden?"

B. "My tooth."

Eric and I just started laughing. What a funny boy! No tears, or excitement, or anything. Just super casual about it. He didn't know about the tooth fairy yet, so once we explained it to him, he of course didn't want to throw it away. He wanted some money!
Here are a couple photos of him before bed last night. Don't you just love Christmas PJ's in Sept.?

Video's! I took the first one as he was going to bed last night. The second is this morning when he woke up. I strongly dislike hearing myself in video's with the kids, so I need to remember to be a little less chatty next time.;)

Three new posts below!

2009-08-26T16:15:00.000-07:00

I finally got around to blogging. Scroll down for all the updates.:)

Swimming

2009-08-26T13:28:00.001-07:00

The kids have definitely done their fair share of swimming this summer. They took swim classes all summer long with Aunt Suzy & her friend Heidi, which was great. They've also loved to swim at Grandma & Grandpa Taft's house, as well as Donnie & Amanda's, and Nana & Papa's houses.

The big news: Aubrey is no longer swimming with floaties! It was our goal by the end of the summer, so I am so proud of her! Thank you Aunt Suzy! Braeden, who has been swimming without floaties since he was two, has been learning the proper technique.

The pictures below are of Nana & Papa's new pool. They decided to remodel their pool at the beginning of the summer & now it is all finished & beautiful! The kids love it, and go swimming up there every day now.

All grown up.

2009-08-26T12:36:00.000-07:00

Dear Braeden,
Why did you have to go and grow up? I miss you when you're at school.
Love, Mom

Braeden started Kindergarten last week. He made it pretty easy on me because he was SO excited to go & talked about it all summer long, so when the time came, I wasn't as sad about letting him go. I even crazily (did I just make that word up?) thought that I would make it through the morning without any tears. That lasted about five minutes! I did my best to hide it though. We had a great orientation with his class & teacher, and when it was time to say goodbye, I had to be brave & not show my tears so that he wouldn't be sad. I did, however, secretly hide behind some bushes as I was leaving so that I could watch him walk with his class from the auditorium. So what if that makes me crazy?!
He's been going for a week & a half now & is really doing well. He brings home "green cards" every day which means he has great behavior. They get a colored card at the end of the day based on how they did. It's also been really nice to spend so much time with Aubrey. Davis usually takes a morning nap which gives me a lot of one-on-one time with her. It's been a bit of an adjustment for her with the new baby & Braeden starting school, and her just stuck in the middle! So, we've had a really great time together with Braeden in school & her behavior has been so much better! She eats up that attention & loves to help me clean the house, or cook, or draw pictures together. Anything.

It never gets old...

2009-08-26T12:28:00.001-07:00

...looking at your best buddy in the mirror.

VIDEO:

Tummy time

2009-08-07T20:32:00.000-07:00

So determined.

Look at those muscles!

Getting tired...

Exhausted.

Brothers

2009-08-03T16:48:00.000-07:00

Grandma Roberts

2009-08-02T09:27:00.000-07:00

Six weeks??

2009-07-20T08:39:00.000-07:00

I'm in love with this little face! It's hard to believe that he's been here for six weeks already, but we're loving it...midnight feedings and all. Even the occasional, inconsolable crying when he has an upset, tight little tummy. I guess it doesn't really bother me this time because I know that it's only temporary & that I'll probably miss these moments when they're gone. I'm not so sure I'll say the same thing when he's two & throwing tantrums, but for now....it's fine.

Davis is a funny baby because he has very distinct cries & ways of communicating with me already. I love when he's hungry because he looks at me, & puts his fist up to his mouth and shakes his head around. He also tries to mimic us already. When Eric & I hold him & get him staring at us, if we click our tongues up & down, he'll smile & try to do it. It's pretty crazy.

Everyone warned me that the third baby is the hardest to adjust to, but I don't know if I totally agree with that. I had a much harder time adjusting when I had Aubrey. The hardest part with Davis is just those moments when I need to sit & feed him & I have to stop because the other two need something (or are getting into something), but we're getting into a good routine now.

~Here are a few pictures I took this morning while Davis was laying on the floor with the kids. Braeden & Aubrey adore their little brother. If they had it their way, they'd be holding, hugging, & kissing him all day long. Too bad they have a mean mommy that doesn't let them.:)

"I'm so glad when daddy comes home.."

We have a daddy's boy on our hands! Davis literally lights up around Eric. It is so cute to watch how excited he gets when Eric gets home from work. From the time that he was just a couple of weeks old, Eric has been able to get him smiling. And now when he see's his daddy after work, he starts to kick his feet & coo. Eric will pick him up & Davis just stares at him & starts to smile. It's adorable.

This video is from our cell phone last week. Davis was laughing right before I got this video.

Davis Ryan Jesperson

2009-07-06T21:14:00.000-07:00

Davis joined our family four weeks ago today. June 8, 2009 at 8:35 AM, six days before his due date, weighing in at 7 lbs, 4 oz. We love this little guy & feel so blessed to have him in our family.
Look at the next post for more pictures.

A month with Davis

2009-07-06T20:42:00.001-07:00

Here are a few photos of our first month as a family of five. We've been busy with trips to the park, swimming, swim lessons, the beach, the Scripps Aquarium, family birthday parties & get togethers, & the fourth of July...and baby Davis has been along for the ride. Eric's also been busy teaching summer school, and finishing his Masters degree (he's done as of June 26th!:). It's been crazy but I've loved it. I have to say that the transition from two kids to three has been a lot smoother than I could have hoped for, & that's due in large part to Eric's schedule & willingness to take Braeden & Aubrey places & letting me nap when I need it. Here are just a few pictures that I've taken these last four weeks.

Quick Weekend Getaway

2009-04-28T18:31:00.001-07:00

Over the weekend we took a spontaneous trip to St. George. Eric had to go anyway and so the kids & I went along for the ride. We really had a wonderful time. I can honestly say that I love my little family & that I would rather spend time with my husband than with anyone else in the world. He makes me laugh all the time. The kids had a blast as well. Two small kids & a eight month pregnant lady meant that we stopped a lot on the way there & back, but we made it fun & saw a lot of neat places. Here are a few of the things we did... (who do you think always had the camera?)

Las Vegas, Nevada. Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World.

The kids in their comfy travel clothes.

Modeling by the large fish tank.

There were "animals" everywhere in there.

Beautiful aquarium

We made it to the hotel!

Then we drove around St. George & had dinner. My pregnancy craving was finally satisfied.:)

The elevator was cause for much excitement & entertainment for both of the kids.

Gotta love a good continental breakfast.

A dip in the pool & hot tub before we checked out.

They loved the fountain outside.

One last wish before leaving the hotel.

Lunch at the park.

Walking through the temple gates.

St. George Temple

Climbing to the top of the temple steps.

Victory!

She stopped to smell the roses before leaving.

Log ride at State Line. Taken with my cell phone. The camera was in the car.:)

Daddy shared his sunglasses.

Video's from the trip (In no particular order). The first two are of the kids having a blast in the hotel room. There's also a video of the sting rays getting fed by a scuba diver. And the last video is really sweet. When we were leaving the temple, Braeden was staring at it & started to sing, "I love to see the temple". I turned the camera on & caught the end of it on tape.

A great day

2009-04-21T20:54:00.000-07:00

So, yesterday I was saying how I totally didn't care that today was going to be my birthday. Whatever, I'm 29, no big deal. I told Eric not to make a big fuss & when he left for work this morning & wished me a happy birthday, I even told him not to tell the kids because I really didn't care.
He didn't listen:). About 45 minutes later there was a knock on the door & it was Eric surprising me with flowers, breakfast & a very sweet card. He also had a card from the kids & had them wish me a happy birthday. He hugged & kissed me & told me a lot of sweet things.
That totally made my day right there, but the day just kept continuing to be great.
It was just a fun day over all. I took the kids swimming this morning & then my mom babysat them while I went & got my hair done (thank you Erin). When I got to my moms house to pick them up, she had flowers for me, a lovely card & a little cake with candles so that the kids could sing. Then Eric & I took the kids to my dads house & he watched them while we went out. He had a very sweet card & a movie for me that I'd mentioned previously that I really liked. Eric then took me to an amazing Italian restaurant. Honestly, it couldn't have been any better. We had a great time. After picking up the kids, we went to his parents to wish them a happy anniversary (we share the day:), and had a great visit with them & Justin & Mallory.
As if the day wasn't nice enough, when we got home to put the kids to bed, Eric surprised me (again) with a frozen yogurt pie from the yogurt mill & had the kids sing to me. I'm way too full to eat any right now, but it was very thoughtful of him.
I love my sweet husband, & I'm so grateful for such wonderful friends & family members. Thank you for all of the phone calls & text messages & visits & cards & facebook comments! Thanks for making my day great.
The end.

Cousins

2009-03-17T10:27:00.000-07:00

And the winner is...

2009-01-21T19:18:00.000-08:00

Boy!!! We're having another little boy, and we are so excited.

Big girl

2009-01-05T19:15:00.001-08:00

First day of preschool. She couldn't have been more excited! Her teacher told me how great she did & that Braeden looked out for her on the playground. What a good big brother.

Congratulations Dr. Justin!

2008-12-13T08:27:00.000-08:00

Watch out! There's a new chiropractor coming to town.

Wyoming, part two

2008-11-19T20:41:00.000-08:00

Grandpa Dave

2008-11-19T18:19:00.000-08:00

Eric's Grandpa Briggs recently passed away, and Eric was able to fly up to Wyoming with his dad and sister Caitlin to be at the funeral. His mom was already there (she had been there for two weeks helping care for him before), and Justin flew in from Kansas the next day. We will miss Grandpa Dave. The day Eric got the news, he was remembering and sharing with me some special times he had with him growing up, & I could tell what a great grandpa he'd always been. I always found him to be quiet, but witty. He made us laugh & was always sweet to our kids. We know that he is in a better place, and are grateful for our knowledge of eternal families.

Lots of updates below!

2008-11-06T14:22:00.000-08:00

The election is finally over & we can move on with our lives. Below are some of the things we've been up to...

The happiest place on Earth

2008-11-06T13:30:00.000-08:00

We went to Disneyland on Monday! We loved it because Eric was able to come. Here are a few pictures & videos. The first picture made me & Eric laugh our heads off just because Aubrey looks so awkward sitting by Belle. The very last video is when Aubrey pulled Princess Aurora up to dance with her & was singing the song from Sleeping Beauty.

Trick-or-treating with the Johnsons

2008-11-06T09:52:00.000-08:00

On Halloween we went Trick-or-treating with our awesome friends the Johnsons. The kids had a blast! The first video on here is their very first house trick-or-treating at. The video at the end is when we stopped by Papa's house on our way home.

Halloween Party

2008-11-06T09:29:00.000-08:00

We were invited to a Halloween party at the Milnes last Saturday night. It was perfect because it was the day after Halloween, so there was no guilt about ditching the kids.:) We had a good time & especially enjoyed the miniature golf course that Brad made in his back yard. Pretty impressive! Here are a couple of pictures I got that night. I wish there were more. Eric has some of the two of us on his cell phone, so I'll add those later.

School Parade

2008-11-06T08:24:00.001-08:00

Braeden's preschool had a parade on Halloween morning, so Aubrey & I hung around to watch. Aubrey had a blast looking at all the different costumes. I know that she can't wait until it's her turn.

Trunk-or-Treat

2008-11-06T08:16:00.000-08:00

This year, we went to our Ward's trunk-or-treat, as well as Grossmont Ward's trunk-or-treat(My mom, Monty, & Danny's families are all in that ward). Here are a couple of pictures of the kids & their cousins all dressed up...

Vote Yes on 8

2008-11-03T20:17:00.000-08:00

Meghan on TV

2008-11-02T06:31:00.000-08:00

Eric's sister Meghan will be on tomorrows (11-03-08) episode of Ellen. She went to the taping the other day & was called up to do a game & was able to hug Ellen & Cher & won two tickets to see Cher in Vegas. I'm excited for her that she had such a fun experience. She's so cute.
With that being said, I personally have had a hard time watching the Ellen show this season. Ellen has been really good to us in the past. I've actually been to two of her shows before. The first one she gave us all round trip tickets to New York and the second time I was there for her twelve days of giveaways & got over $3000 worth of stuff. Ellen's show has always been just about having a good time, until this year. It's bothered me that she has started using her show to voice her own political agenda. Of course she has the right to her own opinion & free speech, and just because her views are different than mine, that doesn't make her a bad person, it's just that her show has never been political, and that has started to change. I don't like turning it on, thinking I'm going to be watching one kind of show, and then suddenly hearing all of her political views. Meghan told me that on tomorrows episode she is going to tell everyone how they should vote on Tuesday, including to vote no on Prop 8. So, with that being said, watch the show for Meghan, because she's the best & I love her & I'm excited that she's going to be on TV, but as soon as Ellen starts talking politics, go ahead and mute it.:)
Oh, and vote YES on 8.

I DO.

2008-10-26T15:39:00.001-07:00

We all agree

2008-10-26T15:32:00.000-07:00

Nelson/Taft family

2008-10-24T14:53:00.000-07:00

Photos by KC Knoop

Flashback Friday

2008-10-17T14:34:00.000-07:00

A little loopy after a freezing day in New York...

2008-10-10T10:37:00.001-07:00

General Conference

2008-10-06T07:42:00.000-07:00

Here are some quotes that stood out to me from the talks this weekend...

"We know beyond a shadow of a doubt that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true and that the best is yet to come" Elder Perry

"What is required to maintain sufficient store of spiritual fuel? We must acquire a knowledge of Gods eternal plan, and our role in it. And then by living righteously, by surrendering our will to the will of the Lord, we receive the promised blessings." Elder Perry

"Come what may and loveth" Elder Worthlin

"The next time you're tempted to groan, you might try to laugh instead. It will extend your life and make the lives of all those around you more enjoyable." Elder Worthlin

"I ask everyone within the sound of my voice to take heart. Be filled with faith. And remember the Lord has said he would fight our battles, or children's battles, and the battles of our children's children. And what do we do to merit such a defense? We're to search diligently, pray always and be believing. Then all things shall work together for our good if we walk uprightly and remember the covenant wherewith we have covenanted. The latter days are not a time to fear and tremble. They are a time to be believing and remember our covenants." Elder Holland

"When we speak of those who are instruments in the hand of God, we're reminded that not all angels are from the other side of the veil. Some of them we walk with, and talk with here, now, everyday." Elder Holland

"The Lord isn't asking us to load up a handcart. He's asking us to fortify our faith. He isn't asking us to walk across a continent, he's asking us to walk across the street to visit our neighbors. He isn't asking us to give all of our worldly possessions to build a temple, he's asking us to give of our means, and our time, despite the pressures of modern living to continue to build temples and then to attend regularly the temples already built. He isn't asking us to die a martyrs death, he's asking us to live a disciples life." Elder M. Russell Ballard

"This is our one and only chance at mortal life. Here and now."
I plead with you, not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that elusive and non-existent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey now." President Monson

"Rather than dwelling on the past, we should make the most of today. Of the here and now. Doing all that we can to provide pleasant memories for the future." President Monson

"If you're still in the process of raising children, beware that the tiny fingerprints that show up on almost every newly cleaned surface, the toys scattered about the house, the piles and piles of laundry to be tackled, will disappear all too soon. And that you will, much to your surprise, miss them profoundly." President Monson

"NEVER let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved." President Monson

"We live in those perilous times which the apostle Paul prophesied would come in the last days. If we are to be safe individually, and as families, and secure as a church, it will be through obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel." President Boyd K. Packer

You MUST watch this...

2008-10-02T19:46:00.001-07:00

PLEASE take a few minutes & watch this video. If you ever had any doubt about voting "YES" on Prop 8, then this video should take those doubts away.

Private

2008-09-30T13:08:00.000-07:00

We are going to go private again in a few weeks. Anyone who wants an invite to view our blog, please comment, or email me at michellejesperson@gmail.com.

"Girls have green eyes, boys have brown eyes."

2008-09-18T17:57:00.000-07:00

Random updates:

Photos below were taken by Braeden:

The title of this post is a direct quote from Aubrey. My younger brother Jesse was babysitting for us one night & Aubrey told him that she has green eyes. Jesse said, "yes you do. I have green eyes too". Aubrey went on to inform him that he did not have green eyes (and Jesse's eyes are very green), he had brown eyes. Jesse said, "No, I have green eyes", and showed her his eyes. Aubrey said, "No. Girls have green eyes, boys have brown eyes". I thought that was very logical for a two-year-old. Eric has brown eyes, and I have green. Braeden has brown eyes, and Aubrey has green. So she came to that conclusion. What else was she supposed to think?

Aubrey and I have been spending a lot of time together lately. Braeden is back in preschool five days a week (three days a week for regular preschool, twice a week for speech). It's been interesting having it just be the two of us. We've done some fun things: the beach, the zoo, etc. Having that one-on-one time is fun, because I feel like I'm really getting to know her. She has quite the personality & imagination. She loves to play pretend. She will assign roles. We played "Little Einsteins" the other day for awhile. She was June (and insisted on wearing a headband), and I was Annie. We went on missions, sat in the rocket (which was really just the steps leading to the kitchen), and sang songs (I just did what she told me to do). A couple of days ago, we layed on the couch and watched "The Little Mermaid". While we watched it she wanted to pretend she was falling off the couch into the water & I had to rescue her. Yesterday when we were at the beach, she wanted to pretend I was Boots & she was Dora while we played in the water. Last night, I heard her calling Braeden from my bedroom. I went back there & found her laying on our bed with her eyes closed, holding a fake rose. I said, "Aubrey, what are you doing?" She said, "I'm Sleeping Beauty". Okay, so maybe she watches too much TV, but I'm glad she can apply it somehow & use her imagination.

Braeden is loving preschool once again. He does so well & his teachers never have anything but positive things to say. He is growing up too fast though! He is getting to that point where he just runs into the classroom, or on the bus (depending on the day) and doesn't remember to give me a hug & a kiss. I'm glad he feels so confident & independent, because I want that for my kids, but of course I still want him to need me. I still get my hugs & kisses & love at home though. I love picking him up and asking him all about his day (it's actually only a few hours)when he is done. He's always so excited to talk about it.

That's all for now!:)

Dobby

2008-09-06T13:36:00.000-07:00

Here's "Dobby the House Elf" wearing one of my tank tops this morning, singing along with Ariel in the new movie, "Ariel's Beginning". We started calling her "Dobby" when she was a baby (Aubrey-Dobby), but lately she has really started to look like Dobby from Harry Potter, because she loves to wear my white tank tops as dresses.
My apologies for Braeden's messy room in the video. Enjoy...

"The wheels on the bus.."

2008-09-05T08:06:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a BIG day for Braeden. He took the bus home from preschool for his first time! It's something that he has wanted for a long time, so he was beyond excited!
I anxiously waited in our parking lot for the bus to drop him off, and when it pulled up, I ran over & started snapping pictures.

Flashback Friday

2008-09-05T07:23:00.000-07:00

Some pictures of the kids from last Halloween at Big Rock Park. They really haven't changed much in the last year, have they? ...

Flashback Friday

2008-08-15T22:11:00.001-07:00

Braeden turns one.

Yummy

2008-08-14T16:55:00.000-07:00

Aubrey has always been a noisy eater. Listen closly to her sounds of approval.

Is that what I really sound like?

2008-08-12T07:48:00.000-07:00

So, I'm a grandma now. Aubrey is a new mommy (to a four year old. Ask her how old the baby is & she'll tell you she's four) & has been carrying her baby everywhere we go. She isn't quite sure about the name though. First she named her little girl, "Peter", in honor of Danny & Suzy's new baby. Then, a couple of weeks ago, she decided to change her name to "Henry", after Anna's little boy. Finally, last week, she decided to name her a girl name, "Halle", after our friends (the Riggins) newborn.
Aubrey is a sweet mommy & gives lots of hugs & kisses. It seems though, that Halle is a naughty baby, because Aubrey likes to put her in time-out & talks with her about the rules of the house. The other day when Aubrey was supposed to be taking a nap, I overheard her telling Halle, "you need to go night-night okay? I'm your mommy. It's time to go night-night!"
Is that what I really sound like? Oh, man. It's a little scary to see myself through her eyes.

Flashback Friday

2008-08-08T08:49:00.000-07:00

Julian, CA with the Jesperson Family. December 2004.

This is why we love San Diego

2008-08-05T16:49:00.001-07:00

Hanging out at Ski Beach all day with our family. Riding the Jet Ski, Wakeboarding, Kneeboarding & tubing. We all had a lot of fun, until my dad's jet ski trailer got towed & the guys had to literally LIFT the Sea-Doo out of the water.

Cousins are fun

2008-08-05T16:36:00.000-07:00

Comic-Con

2008-07-26T15:06:00.000-07:00

My mom's husband James gave my mom & I free tickets to Comic Con on Thursday. I LOVED it! We had a blast. We met & saw a lot of people & things related to comics, movies, video games, etc. We got a bunch of free stuff & autographs & saw a lot of interesting people along the way. My camera died early on in the day, so I didn't get as many pictures as I would have liked.

I'm going again next year, only next time, I'm dressing up like some of these people....

"The day the earth stood still"

2008-07-26T14:32:00.000-07:00

Keanu Reeves & Jennifer Connelly & director Scott Derrickson were at Comic Con promoting the upcoming movie, "The day the earth stood still".

"Max Payne"

2008-07-26T14:08:00.000-07:00

The stars of Max Payne were there. Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis, & Ludacris, along with the director of the movie. Mark Wahlberg was the most entertaining of any actor that I saw that day. He was completely friendly & fun, and kept us all laughing. Like I said, my camera was dying so I didn't get very good pics, but here you go...

Wolverine

2008-07-26T09:32:00.000-07:00

Hugh Jackman! He wasn't on the schedule for the day, but he came & surprised us all. He said they just finished filming Wolverine & he got on a plane & came to Comic Con. It was really exciting to see him.

The cast of Twilight

2008-07-26T09:10:00.000-07:00

The cast of Twilight at Comic Con. I have NEVER seen so many crazy, screaming girls in all my life (over 6000)! I felt a little bad for the actors, especially Robert Pattinson & Kristen Stewart. They were so overwhelmed & looked a little freaked out by it all....like they had no idea what they were getting themselves into when they signed on to do the movie. There are a couple video's at the bottom. It's funny just to listen to the girls laughing around me. No video could do justice to the level of screams that were in that room.