Family pictures 2014

My favorite thing to do each year is our family photos. Even though each of my boys feels differently, I love documenting where we are as a family each year. The pictures are pretty darn amazing. I can't believe these boys below are mine.

As a mom of boys, I hope to raise strong men that love and respect others. Men that have a deep relationship with Christ, and have compassion for all. Men that are passionate about everything they do. Men that love their families and work hard and honest for everything they have. And of course much more. These boys make my heart skip a beat when they when they walk into the room. They have my heart for my whole life. I'm completely blessed because of them.

My oldest baby, Jake (4).

My caring/intuitive boy. 

 My youngest baby, Asher (2.5)

My silly/wild man!

Brothers.

Our family.

I heart this man. <3 p="">

Happiest of holidays to all my family and friends! 

Christmas programs!

THIS IS MY FAVORITE MONTH!

OK... I just wanted to start out the blog with that... I will continue on... ;)

Grant and I want the boys to know that Christmas isn't just about Santa and presents... It's about a birthday. It's about the most important birthday's ever! JESUS! I love that the boys know who Jesus and God are and how important they are in our lives. Jake and Asher both know that God created us, His son for us, and that needs to be celebrated. DAILY. I wanted to do something to really celebrate, and for a little tradition to be started in His honor. Other than going to church, plays, and talking about the reasons we celebrate Christmas. This year we will start the tradition of making a dessert, and then sing happy birthday to Jesus! They are already excited to make something, and to sing to Jesus. Love it.

Last week the boys both had their Christmas programs. However, they weren't in the same program. Asher's program was at 5pm, and Jake's was at 7pm. It was a little hectic, but it was awesome. The school has grown so much that they had to separate the performances.

Both boys where SO excited to wear their blazers, and come to school to sing and see their friends. It's such a special school, with so many special teachers. I am thrilled that we found a school as amazing as this!

Here are some pictures from the night:


Before Asher's program pic.

Warming up... 

 Asher's up!

 Jake and Miss. Abraham.

Jake's turn! It was hard to take a picture from where I was sitting. So... we bought the DVD, to show my parents at Christmas.

 Stone and Schweer brothers.

 Heart explosion. Brotherly love.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season!

Thanksgiving 2014

We have spent the majority of our Thanksgiving's with Grant's dad, and his wife Marcine. It's been great! I guess you can say it's become a tradition. It's so nice knowing we see Larry and Marcine every year this time. During our favorite time of year! The boys had been looking forward to seeing them for a few months now! They spent the last week with us, and it was so nice. 

The boys love their pops and Ciney! I'm so thankful for the time spent together. We were able to spend lots of time at our home, took them to one of our favorite restaurants, did a little shopping at Crystal Court, and even went to the Honda Center where we saw Long Beach State beat Xavier, in the John Wooden legacy tournament. 

They made us a delicious Thanksgiving dinner, breakfasts, soups (Ciney's famous Turkey soup, and Pop's famous gumbo), and much more! 

Thank you pops and Ciney for such a great week! We miss you already and can't wait until we see you again! 

Here are a few pictures we took on Thanksgiving. (photo cred: auntie Katy) ;) 

Fall fun!

Things have been pretty busy over here at the Stone house. As the kids get older I seem to be on the move a lot more. We have school, sports, social occasions (even my 2 year old has a social life), and lots of traveling to see family. It's hard for me to keep up with blogging because I don't get much time to sit in front of my laptop. I need a better app for my iPad. Any suggestions other than blogger? That doesn't seem to work on my iPhone or iPad.

Jake stopped napping around the time he turned 3. He will lay down after a busy day, but he won't actually go lay down in his room and nap. And now Asher is hitting the "no nap zone". The things I once could do when they were napping is no more. But, we have adjusted and I have figured out activities they can do to stay quite and rest. Asher will nap from time to time... just not every day. Bedtimes are usually around 7/730pm. So, I at least I know they get a full night of rest. And it's still early enough for Grant and I to enjoy a little alone time too.

The boys started sharing a room after lots of conversations about it. We have a 4 bedroom house, but they want to be in the same room. Jake has his full size bed, and Asher has his toddler bed. Although they fall asleep next to each other in Jake's bed. We move Asher to his own bed, after he is fast asleep. I figure this would be the time before they want their space from each other. They are very close. They go to the same school (one grade apart), they play the same sports (as of now), like the same cartoons and toys (which of course means buying 2 of the same thing), and even have the same friends (they do have their own little buddies in their classrooms though). I try not to lump them together, this is all their doing. When they aren't together they're asking for each other.

We just got back from 2 weeks in Boise. I love going to Boise for so many reasons. I absolutely love it there. But, now... I love it even more. Seeing how much my boys love it. This was a special trip. The older my boys get, the more we enjoy traveling, and seeing things through their eyes. It's truly amazing. 

We celebrated Halloween together, and took in real fall weather. Living in Southern California the weather rarely gets all that cold. It was a nice change. 

Here are my little Ninja Turtles.

 Asher

 Jake

 Leonardo, Michelangelo, and Jake from State Farm.

 Silly boys!

 Trick or treating in Boise is pretty cool. The neighbors actually dressed up!

 Football with uncle D! These boys have a special relationship. Jake and Dylan are super close. They're 7 years apart. Dylan is one of the most amazing little boys I have ever met. He's so loving, patient, and caring for my little stinkers. He's a good student, and an amazing golfer. I know that this relationship between these boys will be special... forever.

 For birthday's that weren't celebrated together this fall, my mom made sure it was still celebrated. Jake (9.1), me (9.13), and my dad (10.12).

 My grandma has had 2 back surgeries in 1 month. The boys went and saw her daily. The boys are total care givers. Here's Asher pushing her through the halls.

Another day of visiting and pushing GG around.

 Great grandma love.

 OBSESSION. Dutch Bros. Enough said.

 Grant only came for a few days. I was there for 2 weeks with the littles. I try and see my family as often as I can. We missed Grant at this dinner.

I flew both ways with the boys. They did great. Leaving is always the hardest part. Lots of tears from all. Even though I want to ball when heading out and saying our last goodbyes, I have to keep a stiff upper lip for Jake. He kept saying the whole way home (and everyday for that matter), that he misses his uncle D. Last night he even got teary eyed telling me he missed him. UGH. Good news is we'll be seeing them in a few weeks! WE ALL CANT' WAIT!

HAPPY FALL FRIENDS!

Asher is 2 1/2!

My little baby is 2 1/2!

Asher started preschool this year. He goes 3 days a week, and for 3 hours. He loves it! He's learning so much, and having a blast being at school with his big brother. They will only be 1 grade apart, so they will be together a lot!

Asher plays with Jake, and Jake's friends Blake, and Aiden at break, but he also has his own friend. His buddy's name is Karsen. It's the cutest little thing. These little mini's have best friends.

Asher loves the alphabet. Probably one of his favorite things to sing is the alphabet. Oh! And Taylor Swifts, "Shake it off!" ;) He's knows his alphabet, can count to 10 (unassisted), spell his name, and do about any puzzle you put in front of him. He loves to play soccer, baseball, and football. He learned how to swim this summer also! He's currently wearing a 5t, and is bigger than all the kids in his class. Actually, he's the size of Jake's friends. Jake is the size of the TK class. haha. He's a healthy, happy little boy.

He LOVES all things Ninja Turtles! That's all he wants to play and watch. He dresses up at a TMNT throughout the day. Seriously... he really does! And he usually has to be wearing a shirt that has a ninja turtle on it. His favorite turtle is "party guy" Mikey!

 Brothers at soccer.

 Brother's sharing a room. Asher always climbs into Jake's bed.

 My little man getting leader of the day, and a full sticker card!

 "I'm mommy!"

Happy Friday friends!

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle themed birthday party!

Jake turned 4 in September, and he wanted a TMNT party. Even though this was a few months ago, I still wanted to post the pictures of his birthday and update what he's been up to.

We had a bounce house, piñata, lots of food, goodies... and I even made masks and had extra ninja turtle weapons.

Walking in, the kids were able to grab a mask of their favorite turtle, whatever weapon that turtle had, and their gift from Jake for coming.

I made these masks myself. So easy. I used felt, and green ribbon. The kids liked these more than the store bought masks we had here. Go figure! 

 Small turtle table. "Sewer themed."

My aunt made this really cool jello/worm dish! This may have been one of the first things gone!

 Happy Boy!

Craft time for the kids! What else will they do? MAKE NINJA TURTLES!

I cut everything out of foam style paper, and had funny eyes that I bought at Michael's, and little mouth pieces that I cut out of craft paper. 

 The kids had a blast, and ran like crazy! I would say it was the most successful party to date!

 PINATA!

 Then my uncle and aunt had a dinner party for Jake as well. PS. DO NOT GET BLUE FROSTING CUPCAKES. IT WAS EVERYWHERE... AND STAINED EVERYTHING. I should have remembered Jake's 1st birthday party and the red "smash cake". My uncle, aunt, and cousins are so incredibly good to my boys and family. I love them dearly, and am so thankful for my family.

 Jake then had a party at school to celebrate his birthday. Birthday week is a real thing here people. He had the best time. I know that I will try to make every birthday special. Whether we do a small dinner as a family of 4, a huge birthday, etc. I love these little boys to pieces!

Facts about Jake:

1. Favorite color is blue. 

2. Wearing size 5/6 (small) in little boys. 

3. Favorite shows are: TMNT, Paw Patrol, Wally Kazam, and Peppa Pig. Favorite movies are: Fox and The Hound, Monsters U, Planes, and Frozen.

4. Jake loves all sports. His favorites are baseball, and football. And even golf! Thanks to his uncle D!

5. He can swim.

6. He loves art and crafts. 

7. He can spell his name, his brothers, and even mine! 

8. He loves school, and would like to go everyday. But, he won't be full time until next year when he goes to TK at his elementary school. 

9. He loves popcorn, peanut butter, pretzels, and goldfish. In that order. I just asked him. haha ;)

10. He's the sweetest little boy you've ever met. 

11. He likes to show his brother the ropes. 

There's so much more! Thought this would be cute to look back on one day and smile. On to more blogs to post!