Hepper family 2008

We got this picture taken back in October (thanks Emilie!) It's been awhile since we had my family group picture taken that wasn't at my wedding or just a snapshot. Mom wanted this for Christmas and it turned out fabulous...except for that one part where Broder wouldn't smile and/or take his thumb out of his mouth and Jackson dropped his CTR ring in the leaves and was in hysterics. (You'll notice him gripping his ring in this picture.) Really though, a fun day and a great picture.

Happy Birthday Fer-Fer!!!

So Chris is hitting the big 2-6 tomorrow. Everyone who knows him, go wish him a "Happy Birthday" on his blog! He'll be celebrating in the warmth that is Phoenix (60 bone-chilling degrees...sad I know.) Anyway, here are a few faves of our favorite uncle Fer-Fer...who wishes we wouldn't call him Fer-Fer.") Love ya brother!!

The "star" of the annual family nativity scene in 2005.

On the family farm in South Dakota in 2004.


At the BYU/SDSU game in San Diego last December.

Crusty Dippindunkin

I received this in an email from my fabulous Aunt Jan. It's complete silliness...but hey, that's what we do around here! So follow the directions and post your new name in the comments...if you dare!!
(Disclaimer*** I guess this comes from a Captain Underpants book...my sincerest apologies. I've made some edits so it's a little more "virtuous, lovely, of good-report", etc.***)

1. Use the third letter of your first name to determine your new first name:

a = snickle
b = doombah
c = goober
d = cheesey
e = crusty
f = greasy
g = dumbo
h = farcus
i = dorky
j = doofus
k = funky
l = snoobie
m = sleezy
n = sloopy
o = fluffy
p = stinky
q = slimy
r = dorfus
s = snooty
t = tootsie
u = dipsy
v = sneezy
w = liver
x = skippy
y = dinky
z = zippy

2. Use the second letter of your last name to determine the first half of your new last name:

a = dippin
b = feather
c = batty
d = burger
e = chicken
f = snarffy
g = lizard
h = waffle
i = sparkle
j = monkey
k = flippy
l = fluffy
m = bubble
n = rhino
o = potty
p = hamster
q = buckle
r = gizzard
s = lickin
t = snickle
u = chuckle
v = pickle
w = hubble
x = dinky
y = gorilla
z = girdle

3. Use the third letter of your last name to determine the second half of your new last name:
a = bam
b = boom
c = face
d = nose
e = clump
f = breath
g = pants
h = shorts
i = lips
j = honker
k = head
l = love
m = chunks
n = dunkin
o = brains
p = biscuits
q = toes
r = doodle
s = fanny
t = sniffer
u = sprinkles
v = frat
w = squirt
x = humperdinck
y = honey
z = juice

"Whatever."

Today the boys and I were playing downstairs with the big building blocks. I had started a good building and they were adding on to it. As we went along, Jackson decided to get out his Bob the Builder vehicles to really make it an "authentic" building experience. At one point he turned to me and said, "I am just going to dig the cemetary just outside the warehouse, right here, Mom." Rather surprised, I asked, "What made you think of building a cemetary?" "Well, just in case the customers inside the store die....you know, just in case they, you know..(sigh*)..whatever."

It's hard to tell exactly how funny it was without hearing his voice inflections, but as he was trying to explain it to me, he could tell that I just WASN'T getting it, so he just gave up.

"Whatever."

P.S. I have NO idea where the cemetary thing came from. Completely random.

Halloween explained...

Below is the pictorial account of Halloween, but I must add a few words.

We are very lucky that Grammy remembered that dinosaur constume in her basement, because Jackson originally wanted to be Cookie Monster. NOT that that would have been so terrible. I just would have wrapped him up in blue, shaggy fur, and found some googly eyes, but this worked really well because he is kind of excited about dinosaurs right now. Which must be a 5 year old boy thing, because my brother was way into dinosaurs and that's why Mom made him the costume in the first place. Doesn't look bad for being 20 years old does it?

Little Dracky-lacky...what to say. I thought it was great, and Jackson has decided he wants to be Dracula next year. (He's a planner...gets it from me.) Anyway, the transformation was not fun. We put him in the tub with just his diaper on to spray the black hair spray on...yeah, he LOVED that part...not at all. He hadn't had a nap that day because we were just running around crazy. I knew I'd regret it. After we sprayed his hair we had to change him into his costume. We used the little tuxedo that Jackson wore to David and Jennifers' wedding. It was perfect because it came with that blood-red vest. And then, Grammy again saved the day by having this cape around that we just cut to Bubba's length. It almost didn't happen because he was screaming and kicking and arching his back and just not excited at all about it. He didn't even want to walk. He just moped in the stroller...for about 5 minutes until he realized that we were getting CANDY! for free! and he could keep it!

Then he walked the entire way. We didn't have a plastic pumpkin to put his treats in so he had a black gift bag. That was working great until it got full and heavy and then started to rain. By the time we got to the last house we visited the bottom had started to rip and tear and we were leaving a Hansel & Gretel candy trail to guide us back to the car. He would NOT have his bag replaced with a Wal-Mart bag from the Bishop...not having it.

Anyway, they both got a bunch of treats and had lots of fun. Can't wait to do it all again next year.")

Happy Halloween 2008!

Answers

All righty. I think 24 hours is enough for a great game, don't you think? Here are the answers:

1) Broder
2) Jackson
3) Jackson
4) Jackson
5) Broder

When I showed Tim, he had a little hesitation on 3 as well, but the kicker was that Jackson does not have the widow's peak/swirl-of-doom in front like Broder does. I hope the "bed-head" look is still around when he cares about doing his hair...otherwise, he might have troubles.

It's time to play....

..."Guess the little, blond-haired, blue-eyed, bald-headed kid" game!!!

Unfortunately we didn't have the digital camera when Jackson was a newborn or I would have put up a whole bunch of the both of them at 1-month old; that may have been more of a challenge, but we'll have to make do with these. Make your guesses, and I will put up the answers in a day or two. (Most likely you'll be right...go with your gut.)

1)
2)
3)
4) 5)

Three things

If you're ever having a bad day...like if the stock market dips 8,000 points...try thinking of these things, and hopefully you'll feel better.

1) New socks. Seriously, who doesn't love slipping on a pair of brand new cotton socks?

2) New mascara...or new makeup in general. (Sorry guys.) New mascara is the best, and it only works like that the first swipe out of the tube.

3) New baby smell. If you don't have a new baby handy, borrow one from a new mom; they can use the break. And if that doesn't work, get some baby lotion and take a whiff.

I'm positive that one of these three things will cheer you up. What other suggestions do you have?

Updates

1) This is what Broder's ear looks like after his accident. (See Friday post for details.) It's not as swollen anymore, but the bruise is making it's way down his ear. Pretty nasty, don't you think?
2) Last night during the Priesthood session, my friend Summer called and invited me and the boys to go with her and her kids to the Thanksgiving Point Dinosaur Museum. This was a no-brainer. We love di-sa-ors! For those who don't know, (and I didn't until my sister-in-law Jennifer told me about it), but throughout the museum there are 13 little knomes hidden all around. On displays, painted into walls and apparantly part of the actual skeletons. Jen and I had previously known where 3 of them were, and were having a hard time locating any more. But breakthrough last night! We (Summer and I) cheated and asked the desk attendent if she knew where any others were and she gave us the location for 2 we didn't know about. Super-cheap I know, but once you start looking for those little guys and understand how ridiculously impossible they are to find...you'll consider cheating too.

3) Conference is the best!

Conference Goodness

Yay, it's Conference time! I really enjoyed both sessions today and thought that I'd share a couple of quotes/thoughts that stood out to me. Please share anything that you loved from today too...we're so lucky.

1) I am afraid that I don't know for sure who gave the talk that this quote came from. I was in the car listening and didn't hear his name. It was at the beginning of the morning session. He said, "Faith isn't only a feeling, it's a decision." I was really struck by it. But, for some reason I am having a hard time expressing my thoughts on why this is so true...it just is! I open it up to your comments...what do you think? Hopefully, I can sit down and get my thoughts more organized and coherent and then I'll share.

2) President Uchtdorf -(I'm paraphrasing) "The brighter our hope; the greater our faith; the purer our charity." We all know these characteristics go hand in hand. I love how he described hope as an essential characteristic/catalyst for both faith and charity.

3) Elder Bednar- A fantastic talk all around. I loved the connection that he made between morning and evening prayers. I took it this way. Our morning prayers can almost be considered our spiritual preparation or "to do" list for the day. We can ask to have the Holy Ghost guide us in decisions involving family or friends/neighbors, we can ask for help with a concern with our kids, we can ask to have patience, we can ask to have strength to accomplish our goals for that day. Whatever we are wanting to accomplish that day, we can ask Heavenly Father for help. Then our evening prayers can be considered like our "return and report" in a way. We can take a look back over our day, see where prayers have been answered or comfort given or revelation received or lessons learned and give thanks. Then we can look toward the next day in preparation to build upon what we have learned. He ended his talk by saying "Revelation is real." Thank heavens for that!

Anyway, those are just a few of the tidbits that I highlighted in my notes from today. Excuse me if my ramblings are disjointed or incoherent...still a little rusty on the writing, it's been a long time since I had to write any sort of "thesis." Also, please add any of your thoughts. I love to hear insights from others...it's like virtual Sunday School! Have a fabulous Sunday Conference!

Fun Friday

1) Thanks to Da-bid, Gem-fer and Mason for coming down and playing tonight.
2) Hooray for ice cream!!
3) Broder got yet another injury...that's not the good part. The good part is that he didn't get more hurt than he did. Somehow the little toy slide he was playing on tipped over and from what we could best guess, he got pinned between it and the sharp edge of the bookshelves. His one little ear is purple and swollen and was cut. I didn't get a picture of it yet, but if I do I'll post it. I really hope the little guy makes it to three...

Thankful Thursday

(Fall 2006)

1) I'm thankful for Jackson's smile and when he says, "OK, Mom" when I ask him to do something.
2) I'm grateful for Broder's laugh and for the "arguments" we get in. "You're cute. No, you're cute. No, YOU'RE cute!"
3) I am thankful for bubble soap and bubble wands and imaginations.

Gratuitous gratitude

I have returned from a long period of "non-blog." I have really no reason to account for it other than that: 1) lazy, 2) didn't have pictures to post, and 3)couldn't think of anything to say. But last night I came across an article talking about how good it is for you to express gratitude along with recognizing the good and/or funny things that happen to you, your family, your friends or the world. I thought, "Hey! Something to talk about on the blog."

So here goes. If I am ultra-lucky, I'll have things that happened that were funny and/or that I am thankful for AND a picture to go with it!")

1) Jackson and Broder like to run around the basement from one end of our long family room to the other, all the while singing "Jingle Bells" at the top of their lungs and trying desperately not to crash in to each other. It is fairly humorous listening to Broder attempt those lyrics. "Jinga bez, jinga bez, jinga ah-duh-way!!!" and then crashing face first into the couch cushions.

2) I am thankful that Tim's job seemingly will outlast the nastiness that is the current economy.

3) Lastly, and I won't write about this much at all after this for fear of seeming obsessed...which I'm not. (What! What have you heard?) But those of you who watch a certain show on Thursday nights will understand, and those of you who don't will just have to pine away and wonder what it all means. HOORAY!!! FINALLY!!!
And that's all I'm going to say about that.")

Have a lovely evening; see you tomorrow.

Labor Day

Over Labor Day weekend, we labored in our house. Mom and Dad had the kids up there for a "special sleepover day" and Tim and I stayed home and painted...everything. We haven't given the upstairs a fresh coat of paint since we did it when we moved in 6 years ago. I thought it was due. Also, the upstairs kids bathroom had never been painted beyond some sort of a primer and never had really been decorated.

The boys and I went to Target and found a shower curtain that we all loved. Truthfully, Jackson was more impressed by the accessories (seen below) and that sealed the deal for him. The tow truck soap dispenser has working lights...what more can you ever need?

So this is how the bathroom turned out. I am excited about it being cute and DONE!

On the Monday holiday, Tim took Jackson to see "Wall*E." That afternoon Jackson came home and designed his own version of Wall*E with his Kinex blocks. He was kind of bummed that we didn't have tread tractor wheels, but if you compare his version with the "real" version, I think he did an awesome job! He even added his little backpack and cooler that he carries around with him in the movie.

First day

Polo shirt? Check.
Braided belt? Check.
Backpack? Check.
Killer smile? Check.
What more could you need for a successful first day of Kindergarten?

Bubbs was really bummed he couldn't stay with Jackson. He cried and cried. It was an unusual sight I think. The teacher even said, "I don't usually have the siblings crying."

Jackson taking the big steps into "manhood".

So after two days, he seems to really like it. One of his preschool buddies is in his class, so that helps. I asked him after the first day what his favorite part of the day was and he said, "Recess." Typical.

Happy Birthday Broder!!

We were in San Diego on Broder's actual birthday, so his party was a little late in coming. We started the day off at Jackson's soccer game. It was so fun to have most of our family there to cheer him on. Thanks for coming everyone!

Grammy made Broder a delicious "o-son" (ocean) cake. The water is actually jello and the little divers on the side are Teddy Grahams that have swimsuits and snorkel masks painted on them. Thanks Grammy!

Broder loved opening his presents and usually prefaced each attempt by saying "Oh!" Jackson and Mason were more than happy to help him out and also test out the new toy once it had been opened.")

This is Broder being "embarrassed" when we started singing Happy Birthday. He's so funny. Since when doesn't he like attention?

Munching on some delicious cake and ice cream. What a great day!

Pretty much, I just can't believe he's two. It's amazing that both of us had survived to this point. Kidding, we all love Broder to pieces. He is so funny, daring and loving. We are lucky that he is part of our family.

Murphy's Law Proven

At Sherrie's request I am blogging about my accident. Yesterday, I pulled out of a parking lot of the Jiffy Lube. It was the first oil change our new car had ever had. The traffic was lined up behind a light. A nice driver was kind enough to wave me through the gap. I went for it, and regretted it. Another car was coming down the other lane. You can see the results in these pictures. Needless to say IT SUCKED!!!! First accident I have been in where I was at fault.

I also hit my head in the accident. Doesn't look like much in the picture. But it hurts. I don't think there is any serious injury, but every now and then I get a little distracted....we have been having wonderful weather in Utah. Not too hot, not too cold....the Olympics have been fun to watch. The other day I watched the ping pong....but I should be fine soon.

P.S. This is Sherrie now. Jen, does this not bring back horrible memories?!? Never turn left, even when they wave you through, never turn left I say!!!

What we did on our summer vacation

Book Club #3

Well I've changed it from "Summer Book Club" to just plain old "Book Club" because summer is now over. Bummer.

This book is really great. I received it from my friend Barbara for my birthday. I started it that night and couldn't put it down until I finished. Many of you have probably heard of it and seen his "Last Lecture" on YouTube. (Which I would LOVE to link you to, but we have turned off YouTube on our computer and I can't get to it...I digress.) Anyway, it's a fabulous book and one worth reading several times.

Perils of Ward B-ball

Tim came home from playing basketball with the Elders Quorum the other night and I knew something was up. I was reading in our room when he came home and with every step he took, he moaned. "Uh-oh" I thought. He's either turned his ankle or hurt his hand...again.

When he came in, it almost looked dislocated. He said it really, really hurt. We were comtemplating going to the ER. He decided to ice it and wrap it and see how it felt the next morning. I was waiting for the bruising.

Here it is. It's kind of hard to see it, but it's definitely there and we definitely are going to take a break from church ball...at least for a week or two. Can't let a little thing like a massive bruise get in the way of EQ B-ball glory!

Miscellaneous July fun

Tim is Jackson's soccer coach. I thought this was an adorable picture of Jackson and Daddy. This was the "team meeting" before the first game.


Mason's 2nd Birthday...all Thomas, all the time, super fun. One of the activities was to give Percy and James a new paint job.


Little "twin" train-buddy bros.


The other afternoon I was downstairs talking on the phone with my friend and I realized I hadn't heard a noise from Broder for awhile. Sensing impeding doom, I ran upstairs to find this...

Isn't he cute!?!

Park City

Over the 24th of July, great-Grandma and Grandpa Harris invited us up to Park City to stay at their condo. We had a great time. Tim and I did the Apline Slide which was all right. But if I had to choose, I would totally do the Alpine Coaster.

This is a picture of Jackson and I on our way to the top of the mountain. They pull you up and then once you are at the top, you release the breaks and speed all the way down. So fun. I was a little worried that Jackson would be a little scared and not enjoy it, but he giggled the entire way down. If you are ever up there, go for the Coaster...trust me.


This is Jackson and Broder in the airplanes. I was waiting for Bubba to stand up and jump out since the "seatbelt" was not that at all, but he just laughed.


Who knows what he's doing...but it's pretty typical.


Thanks G&G!! We had a lot of fun!

Zoo Day!

Earlier this month, we were able to go to the Zoo for Dad's work party. Super fun, SUPER hot.

The VERY first thing we had to do was ride the Zoo train.


Later, as we made our way around the snake/lizard/bug exhibit, a cry was heard all around. "What caused the ruckus?" you may ask. Jackson had found the meerkat exhibit, and this pretty much made his day...if not his life. (We LOVE Meerkat Manor around here.)

(The little meerkat is just underneath the flash reflection.)

Broder trying to get the best possible look at an exhibit...probably had no idea what he's looking at or for; he just likes to climb things.


The family on the Carousel.


The boys climbing on the rhino statue in one of the grassy areas.


Bubba about 5 seconds after we got in the car. It was a good day.")