The stars at night are big and bright........

Deep in the heart of Texas! So its a bit late but we got to spend 10 fun filled days in the big "D" this month and let me tell you it was an adventure. My sister was celebrating her 10 year anniversay--quite an accomplishment and was heading to Europe for her own big adventure. Owen, Brett and I plus their 5 little ones were going to hang out together in dallas and hold down the fort, as my mom would say. Now back in January when they asked us if we could swing this I honestly thought "sure I can do that no problem" fast forward a few months later and I am pregnant and thinking ok divide and conquer, just as long as we don't have a repeat from the last time I did this. Imagine breaking the garage door and getting into an accident with in the first 24 hour period, not so good. So after many gallons of milk, bread by the loaves, 3 boxes of toaster strudel, diapers by the bags and laundry I don't know how we finished. I am in awe of what my sister does every day day in and day out. She has wings and maybe some help of the three good fairies from Sleeping Beauty. I had a great time, 6 babies and 10 days of seeing my husband. I told him I hadn't seen him that much since before we got married. While there we drove to Lewisville about an hour and a half away to see Aunt Sandy and her ranch. Now when I heard ranch I though sweet a few horses possibly some cows, the kids will be excited. When we drove up to a 800acre+, 125 horses and counting plus countless heads of cattle I realized everything really is bigger in Texas. There had been rain for the past few days and with the ranches breeding schedule, we had one day to drive out to see what we could. I am glad we went, and bless Taylor's heart and bum for being such a good sport. We all got to see 4 baby horses and 3 baby cows plus some big tractors, atvs, and Rufus the dog. Aunt Sandy was so sweet to all the babies and by the looks fo the pictures they all had a good time besides the fact that we all had that lovely ranch smell to deal with on the ride home:) Texas was great and I miss the Hopkin kiddos, they are little dumplings. Brett kiddingly said to me while the babies were playing " Lets take little LULU home with us, I really like her" to which Whitters replied" OH no Uncle Betttt we like her, take someone else!" We all got a good luagh after that!Owen asks where they are by name daily and if he can go see the dogs, good ol landry and big boy riggs( ps he is deathly afraid of dogs and wouldn't go near them unless brett or I held him so I don't see a family dog in our future anytime soon). Texas was good to us and I am more thankful for what my mom accomplished with 8 of us than ever before! To all you moms of multiple children - Carry on! and get yourself a good mattress:)

Happy News

Owen is going to have a new sibling around October 16th. He is super excited and has been so funny at my Dr appointments. If you ask him if the baby is a little "brudder" or a little "seeester" he'll get the sweetest look on his face, crinkle up his nose turn his head and say a "bebe" He'll answer brudder or seester, with names for each. After talking to my Dad, who puts John in every baby's name, Owen told me "I like johnny mama", "baby johnny is my brudder". When I had my first ultra sound Owen and Brett came along. I had figured I was about 8-9 weeks along but after the ultrasound tech made a few measurements we were told I was already 12 weeks. Owen saw his new little sibling on the big screen and yelled out "that's a baby", I cried. We are excited for a new little addition boy or girl.I am still in a litte bit of shock, there are days when I feel I am barely hanging on with one little guy. Brett is taking the same stance he did with Owen and will not discuss names until a week or two before I am due. No worries I've got the boy and girl name covered:) Over the next two weeks we have Brett's brothers' wedding & reception, flying to TX, watching 5 little dumplings for a week,Brett's finals, flying back from TX(can you tell I am worried about flying for some odd reason), and having our 21 week ultrasound to find out whom will be joining us in October. Just thinking about all the laundry and planning everything involves wears me out--- I need a nap

PS Brett and I had our anniversary in April-- time has flown by we sometimes feel as though we have been married for 15 years with everything that we have experienced. His surgeries went well and his kidneys are functioning again. I got our EOBs from the insurance and about fell over with shock at how much everything cost.But Brett is healthy and that's what matters. He also is pretty good at keeping a secret and got us the sweetest camera for the anniversary. I don't know where to start with it but watch out blog the pictures are a coming!

End of March

During Owen's Birthday week our little family spent way too much time in doctors' offices, emergency rooms and hospitals. Owen had bronchitis and now has his very own neubulizer and Brett had to have surgery, after going to the ER to find out he has a kidney stone. After all was said and done Owen is back to himself. Within 12 hours of his new prescriptions he was sleeping, breathing and had his appetite back. Brett is sheduled for his second surgery to zap the kidney stones on Wednesday and then we'll go from there.


Before all the chaos started we had planned to head down to Disneyland for a day and use our "give a day get a day" tickets. I was planning on postponing the trip but Brett said "nope I'll be fine" and "we'll just take it easy."Inside I was jumping for joy, so we packed up and headed to California along with half of Las Vegas. What usually takes 4 maybe 4 1/2 hours with a pit stop was prolonged to a 6 1/2 hour long creep down the highway at 20 miles an hour. Owen was so patient for the first 3-4 hours(knowing he was going to Disneyland), but even he asked to "go to his home" around the 5th hour. We made it to the hotel in one piece and after realizing we had left the memory card to the camera in the computer, we hit up target for water, some bites & a new memory card. With full stomachs we all fell soundly asleep...for a little bit! I was so excited I could hardly sleep and woke up long before our alarm went off. I love Disneyland, and taking our little boy was a wonderful experience. We got to the park early and went straight to Fantasyland. Within the first hour we had riden dumbo, peter pan, casey junior and storybook boats. The whole day was magical and Owen was so excited for everything. He woke up from a nap right before the parade and while giving his Mickey Mouse ballon a big hug or wrestling it( not sure which) the ballon came off the string and floated away. The poor little guy cried and cried and now whenever he sees mickey mouse he tells me "mama my ballon fly far away". I think he was traumatized. Toward the end of the day we went on Pirates and while walking out we saw a small group coming through the exit, it was Christian Bale and his family, Batman himself. Owen was such a doll when he met Mickey. He went right to him gave him kisses and loves and a few sweet smiles for pictures.I think he really enjoyed Disneyland as did Brett and I. We were all happy,tired and full of that yummy popcorn,so we headed home to real life. Owen tells me on a daily basis that he would like to "fly away to disneyland", me too my love,my too!

My 2 year old boy

Owen is no longer "almost twoooo," like he continues to tell everyone. Our little guy had his second birthday this week and both Brett and I got real emotional just thinking about how fast he has grown, and how we want this time in our lives to slow down a bit. Wishful thinking.

Owen is such a sweet boy, he has no meaness in him and tries really hard to be my helper. He loves eggies,toast and juice for breakfast and a bowl of chicken noodle soup or a sandwich with ham tomatoes and cheese would be his preferred lunch. Now if you happen to ask the little guy what he would like to eat most likely he'll tell you "I don't knoooow" followed by what he actually would like to eat. The I don't know response has been around for a few months now, its cute but a bit frustrating. We have a pretty set routine for our week and when we get out of sync he can tell. Mondays, Tuesdays with his Daddy, they are two peas in a pod and while a whole lot of clean up clean up doesn't happen my boys ALWAYS have a great time together. Wednesdays and Thursday mornings with me. He likes to go to Target with me and have a little popcorn:) can't beat the $1.50! And Thursday mornings are story time with Ms. Jamie. Owen has been going since he was 6 months old and knows all the songs and can't wait for his stamp. While my work schedule changes weekly friday are always a toss up but thanks to family helping out Owen always has someone to watch and play with him. He would have a basketball, football soccer ball, footy, golf ball, raquetball and a baseball with him at all times if possible. He would race just about anyone with a " mark set GOOOOOOO" and " I run fasttt mama dat way."

While at the park a few days ago the weather made a turn for the worst and Owen and Brett left a bit too soon for Owen. So Brett took him to burger king and a whole new world of fun was opened up. He loved the indoor playground but needed a good scrubbing afterward. I am making a list of all the silly things he says, and new ones come up daily. Tonight he yelled down the hall to me ---"tome on mama, prayers and night night now!" He loves to sing songs and dance. He will sing I love to see the temple, Jesus wants me for a sunbeam and I am a Child of God all before closing his eyes and while in the car he tells me to " turn musik on mama loud!"We are planning to go to disneyland in a few weeks for his birthday and if asked he will tell you whom he would like to see while there---Woody/buzzz( all one word), Mickey Mouse, and Pooh bear. I am so glad, I think seeing all of these characters is do-able.

We love our Owen sooo much and I am greateful for the blessing he is in our lives and the lives of so many others. He truly is my sunshine boy!

Tahoe weekend

I was lucky enough to spend a spectacular weekend with my sisters. Kelly was the hostess of impeccable class and generosity. The weekend was full of laughs, good food, beautiful surrounding and the best company. I somehow forgot my camera ---again! But not to worry I found a few pictures to document the memorable time. We Coons sisters know how to get the party started--be jealous, it was awesome

A morning at Walmart.....

A few weeks ago I signed Brett and I up to volunteer at the Blind Center for a morning shopping outing. It is part of the Give a Day Get a Day Program through Disney. I was a little nervous to go, not knowing exactly what we would be doing and not having a whole lot of experience with the visually impaired. Owen came with us as well, I had called ahead to make arrangement for him but was told not to worry and if both Brett and I would be there everything would be fine. SO Owen and I got up early so when Brett came home from work we could head down to the center. We arrived to find a bunch of volunteers waiting and a room full of eager shoppers. Owen was so patient and talked to all. Telling them about his "bans"shoes(vans) w/ dinosaurs and his jacket zipper. After filling out a bunch of paper work and having a litte mix up about whether or not Owen would make things more difficult , we got our assignments and headed to the Walmart. The buses were parked and about 8 volunteers paired off with these sweet people. The three of us got to help a sweet little lady named Christina. She had just a few things to purchase and a coupon for her toothpaste. She is 20 years old and lives with her mom and grandma, and her grandma's boyfriend Larry. Her week consists going to the center Tuesday, wednesday and Thursday where she has her two best friends Robin and Dan with her. As we walked through Walmart with her I just about lost it and started to cry. This sweet little girl was so happy and talked and talked and said hello to everyone. She also told us " Its allll good" about 25 times, Brett and I loved it and Owen was so entertained. She held his hand and he sang to her. We talked about birthdays and hemogoblin(Christina and Brett had long conversation about how oxygen and our lungs work) and babies ,exercise, food and Las Vegas. Christina is a little angel. She wanted to get her mom a valentine, so Brett found her one that sang a song and she could record a little message to her mom. We helped her to that and once again the tears came. I think I scared her because she kept asking " so how are you doing" After getting all the items she needed we headed to the front of the store , where we got to meet Robin and Dan, who were as sweet as every .We packed up her things and she headed back to the center for a little chicken burrito and bowling. Owen was trying so hard through out the whole visit to get eye contact, he is very concerned when he can't see your eyes looking back at him, I was so thankful Christina would let him hold her hand instead. Owen asked for Christina tonight when I changed him, I know he enjoyed today as well. I was moved by the cheerfulness of all those special people. They love each other and watch out for one another. It is a beautiful thing. I wish I had their ability to love so unconditionally and to be completely focused on the internal beauty. I am determined to return to this lovely place and spend more time with them , they have changed me for the better and I am grateful to them. It was a beautiful morning!


PS no people of walmart were spotted this trip hopefully next time:)

Photos

I don't like to post with out a few pictures so I am over loading you with a bunch!




Owen's first memorable experience with sledding at Lee Canyon. We got there early and had the entire meadow to oursleves. Well other than a Dad and his two kids riding down the hill in a plastic kiddie pool--Desert rats for you!Owen loved it and kept his hat and gloves on the whole time, it was a cold one. He was fearless and wanted to go with his daddy down a big hill. Here he is heading up the hill with Brett and Cameron





Owen loved the tubes and would just lay on a tube until someone would either pull him around in it or head up the hill for another WEEEEEEEEE!!




He was so silly and would not smile the entire time there. Maybe he was frozen? Uncle Tommy and Ethan came with us much to Owen's delight. He asked for tommy all day long. We love Tommy, he is the best with my Owen!


Cameron got leave from Afghanistan for two weeks and surprised us all on Sunday the 27th. We were all happy to have him home for a bit. We are very grateful for his service in the military and hope to have him return again safely. Cameron has always asked when Owen would be big enough to play with and now he is.They were silly together and Owen is lucky to have so many great uncle that love him!

2010 bring it on.......

Happy New Year! I am looking forward to this year and all the excitement new goals and a new start bring. Christmas and New Years were a happy time for us. Brett made it through both holidays with minimal sleep and overtime hours and I was fortunate enough to have some time off work to get our new place organized and just be with Owen. I was sicky sick and so our picture count is pretty sparse. Owen was so overwhelmed with gratitude on Christmas morning he would randomly say "TANK YOU SANTA" as loud as he could to make sure the jolly fellow heard him.He is a sweet little man and I am happy he is learning his manners. I am going to make more of an effort to post even the silly things, so that I don't forget...Here's to resolution #17!!!
ps Owen had a good day at nursery all things considering; his accident leaving his pants unwearable, having his best friend "Jensen" back only to find she is going to be released, and then to top it off, going back to nursery pant-less and shoe-less despite my pleas to go home, he was determined and I am impressed. What a day
Brett is off to Denver to test for their Fire Department. We are praying for the best

The Smell of Christmas

The last two weeks Owen has had two run-ins with Santa, neither of which were very successful, the last was at the Venetian/Palazzo Christmas Party for the kids. It was actually really well done, with bouncy slides, carnival games, and a ton of food. Part of the festivities were to go and see Santa and get a 5 by 7 photo with him. Owen kicked and yelled soon as we headed towards the Jolly old man. I managed to get Owen to sit on my lap next to Santa for the photo, not smiling, but not crying. The first encounter was with Grandma at her Primary Christmas Party. As you can see Owen refused to sit with Santa, and cried histerically. I don't know what it is about Santa but Owen just wouldnt go to him. Owen talks about him all the time and knows that Santa is bringing him presents. I thought after seeing him love all of the characters at Disney Land that he would just be thrilled with Santa this year...nope.

Owen finally calmed down enough to take his Candy Cane and bag of M&M's, he walked away and with a quick look back said to Santa with his eyes "I respect what you do, I just dont like you."

So last night when we were getting ready to make our annual trip to the Magical Forest, I asked Owen if he was ready to go see Santa? Owen with shoes in hand said "no" and ran to put his shoes way. If that was where we were going, he didn't want any of it. I had to tell Owen about the train, the Carousel, and all the lights, before convincing him it would be okay.

I have to say I love the Magical Forest, what I love most is the smell. I think its the funnel cake mixed with popcorn, mixed with hot chocolate, mixed with the cold brisk air. It brings back so many memories for me volunteering at the Magical Forest. There were many a Christmas Seasons that Chad and I spent almost everynight that they were open going there and dressing up in their animal costumes and running around all night.

I also do have to say that I like the old Magical Forest better, back when the trail was made with bails of hay, there was no inside food court, all of the singers were outside, the train path changed every year, there was no gift shop, it was a group little cottage houses that you bought all of your goodies and snacks from.

Where ever you are and whatever your doing, we hope you are having a very Merry Christmas!

All hallos eve

My parents are home:) I missed them and so did Owen. They came home just in time for Halloween and boy oh boy their neighborhood never lets you down. Neighbors decorate their lawns, court yards and give out yummy candy--king size! Owen was Woody(Shelley made an awesome costume) from Toy Story and Brett & I stayed with that theme, me--Little bo Peep,Brett--green army man. Seems to always happen we are on the off years when it comes to dressing up, last year we didn't and everyone did(including M&D)and this year we were the lone couple --oh well. We got to go Trick or treatin with the cousins(Owen refers to Mitch & Ethan as "my boys") and my sweet boy understood to say trick or trea and thank you! Highlights of the evening include:
Owen & Bosty yelling "let's go" to J&T and D as they discuss apertures and film speed
D wearing his ear muffs and getting a lil Almond joy for himself
the little asian kids not wearing costumes and trick or treatin before its dark out, O having a bite from everyone's candy stash
M telling me that "That's just the type of dress you should wear all the time"
E discussing what he would like to be next year
B thinking everyone and everything is " a little scary and not sill magic",and of course D&J having Thriller playing in the courtyard with the smoking fountain, so awesome! Yipeeee for the Holiday season here at last!

Owen rode a horse and the ferris wheel at the pumpkin patch, he was super excited about both and his facial expressions were priceless