I think I have finally caught my breath.

As many of you know, November was not the most fun month for us. Quinn was laid off from the steamfitters union. This is something that was always know could/would happen. This is actually his second layoff. The one two years ago only lasted two weeks and they were able to get him back to work pretty soon. This year, there were 10 guys ahead of him to be placed. Let me explain how the job placement works with the union. If you get laid off, you go into a "pool" of other guys that have been laid off. It goes in order. When jobs open up, they start at the top of the list and work down. So, after four weeks of nothing and only TWO guys getting placed before him, we did alot of praying. We felt that the best thing financially was for Quinn to go back over the road. We were able to place his school on hold and not lose any of the time time he has put back it. We are very grateful that he does have this skill (driving) to fall back on. Well, the weekend before he leaves for training, he gets into a wreck and totals his car. We had just had someone that was gonna buy it also. Awesome huh? Then our dishwasher breaks. So after LOTS of prayer and fasting, we found out that the accident will not affect him going back to driving. YIPPEE. So we get him all sent off and Porter gets that hand/foot/mouth disease. I don't know if any of you guys have had to deal with that but it was so hard for me those four days. I find out that my iron is very low with this baby and I need to have an IV drip to speed things up. All of this while Quinn AND my mom are out of town. I think that's all of the crappy stuff that has happened in the last six weeks or so. Now on to the blessings.

OH MY. How have we not been blessed? That pretty much sums it up. The gates of heaven have opened up and landed on my door step. The love and support from family and friends is beyond ANYTHING I have ever imagined or prayed for. The Lord know me. He knows my family, He knows what we need. There is not one thing that he has over looked. Yes it sucks that Quinn is gone over the holidays. I HATE doing this by myself, but he is able to provide for his family and we get to talk to him everyday. We even got to see him for a few hours last week. I KNOW the Lord made this possible for us. I can feel His love everytime I look at my childrens' face. The Lord has calmed their hearts and made me more patient. To see Corban's face when he talks to Quinn makes it worth it. Life is gonna be good. WE ARE BLESSED.

Corn Maze

I've been trying to post some new stuff for a few days but seem to have gotten blogging block and can't figure out why it's been messing up. Note the part that I can't seem to make not a link. This year we went to the Corn Maze. Kinda boring for small children. Porter had more fun with the soda bottle than the maze. Oh well. Here are Quinn and the boys prior to our adventure.
We had to do the "jummpy thing" I think Quinn had more fun than the boys!
Here is Corban giving me the guided tour. He told me that these are the "indrections" (instructions and directions in one) on how to make sure you stay safe.

The end of the maze. Notice the soda bottle. We made it out okay thanks to the indrections.

Just some new pics!

The boys LOVE to take all the cushions off the couch and make a "trail" for hopping. Here is Corban telling me this is the MOSTEST FUN EVER!!

Porter destroys everything. Here is an example of him making his car a convertible. He must need to feel the wind in his hair.
Corban loves the new swing set that Quinn built. He would spend all day here if he could.



This one is for Rebekah and Nathan. Nathan- even though you guys are gone, we are keeping the soccer love alive. Porter's got some good form if I do say so myself!

I really wanted to put a picture of Porter up close but everyone I have is blurry because he is never still. I will continue in my quest to get a good one!

Baby

I've always been one of those people who goes to a restarunt and orders the same meal. Why change? You know you love it, you know it tastes good. So it comes as no surprise that we are having another BOY! I mean, we know they are cute as can be so why change it up. Looks like my life will forever revolve around Transformers and Star Wars!

It's time to VOTE!!

Okay everyone!! We have two weeks till we find out if this little baby is a boy or a girl. Cast your vote and lets see who's right!!

Has anyone seen my children?

So, this is what happens when Quinn decides to take a nap. Porter wants to play hide-n-seek. Funny thing is, Quinn slept right through it. Corban gets in on the action, cept he chose the disguise method.
Porter on the other hand, went the old fashion way of hiding. Can anyone find him?

Yes, this is attempt number two in case I missed him the first time. Note that the shelf broke after the game.

Why do we want our kids to talk???

Corban: Mommy, can I have some of that candy?
Me: No sweetie.
Corban: Why?
Me: Cause it will make you fat.
Corban: But you are fat mommy
Me: Fat?? I'm not fat, I'm pregnant. I'm gonna have a baby.
Corban: But even after the baby comes, you will still be fat.


At Church today after picking him up at nursery

Corban: Me and Noah got into a fight over the blue train. (pause) Just like you and Daddy fight.

Gotta love um.

So saddddd

So, one of my children have decided to hide the charger to our camera battery. Lovely. So, no camera for the Nobles. And wouldn't you know it that the boys have been doing the CUTEST things lately that I can't snap photos of. Eg- Corban stuffed two balls up his shirt and told me he was having two babies. How cute?? Oh well. Now the question is, just get a new charger or a new camera? Ours is like 6 years old and only a 6.1 mega pixel. Too bad this didn't happen a week before Christmas or my birthday.

What we have been up too

Sorry it's been so long since I've gotten on here. I wish I had some reason, but none really are coming to mind. So here is a glimpse into our life. Corban has really been my big helper lately and Porter LOVES anything that his brother does. Do I get this kind of smile when I feed him? I think not. I had run to the bathroom and this is what I saw when I got back. Corban did this all on his own with no asking from me. Now if I can just get him to eat his lunch with no arguments. . .

As some of you know, my 16 month son is OBSESSED with Night at the Museum. He sits through the WHOLE movie. This Rexy toy is kinda like his blankie. It goes with us everywhere. So much that it has been lost and replaced. (Thanks again Stephanie and Hallie, life is good again.) At night, he will climb into the rocking chair with his rexy toy, the case to the movie and his bottle and hollar at you to come turn it on for him. So dang cute.

Corban and Porter have been playing together so good lately. I know it's not gonna last long but I will take what I can get. Porter ADORES Corban and Corban is starting to do more than tolerate him. He can be such a good brother most of the time.

Good thing cause they are both gonna be big brothers next year. Surprise!

We are still alive

Just a quick note to let everyone know we are doing well and kickin!! Things are good. Updates to come so STAY TUNED!

Happy Fathers Day!

Fathers have a sweet spot in my heart. Growing up, I was a daddy's girl. Daddy's little princess. I loved my papa. He was a good man. I can look back on alot of my good qualities and acknowledge him for them. Now, being a wife and mother, I can see my boys picking up Quinn's qualities as well. (You know about there sleeping abilities) I am so proud to be married to such an awesome man. (He's gonna kill me for giving him this shout out but oh well) There are so many things I love about him. Let me list a few

He spoils me and the boys

He works hard

He's not ashamed of his past

He loves my family

He's a dork just like me

He loves us with everything he has

The boys love playing with him

He's not afraid of poop

His passion

He has great taste in women

He puts his heart in all he does

He knows the true meaning of family

He's got better patience than me

His testimony

He cooks and bakes

He want to be the best he can

He's the best man ever

So here's to Quinn. The BEST FATHER EVER!!!

My Baby's ONE!! (well, thirteen months cause I'm a little late blogging.)

So, on Easter Sunday, Porter turned the big one-o!!! I am shocked at how fast this little boy is growing up and I DON'T LIKE IT ONE BIT!! We just had my brothers over to Nana's house for dinner. Everyone else posts their pictures in order but I like to do things differently. Enjoy. Somebody LOVED the cake.
Just one bite.

Typical Porter. Climbing or jumping off something.

Opening awesome gifts from Misty. (those are rain drops on my shirt, not stains)

Porter and the loot.

More Easter

So, we had a BUSY Easter weekend!! Not one, but two Easter egg hunts. The first one was a wonderful ward activity. Quinn had to work, so I had both kids. Needless to say, no pictures got taken during that hunt. Corban and Porter had a blast even though I don't have proof of it. The activity was very well put together. Corban came away saying that the "bad soldiers made Jesus "died" but the earth shook and he didn't die anymore." Man I love that kid. Props to the leaders who did such a good job. After that was a small group of friends at Shelby farms.

Here are the kiddo waiting to go. Notice Corban cheating, I mean getting a head start. And were off!!!

Quinn getting into it.

Me helping the boys

Porter checking out the goods.

continued on next post. . .

Easter. . . just a little late

Mom, look at what I got!!!
All the kids with their findings. Porter helping himself to Corban's. Corban not liking that plan.

"Mommy!! He wouldn't give it to me! I'm outta here."


Corban: "Now my eggs are safe!"

Then Corban kept thinking and telling us that there were more eggs further back in the woods.

Sweet Sleepers II

This is Corban after a fun weekend with Rebekah and Nathan. It was so good to have them back for a few days!! Doesn't this look so cozy? My body hurts just looking at it.

This is Porter after playing & washing cars with Daddy and Uncle Punk.(also known as Brian).

*I'm trying not to take it personally that NO ONE responded to my homemade craft offer. You all can kiss my booty.

Pay it forward

Paying It ForwardI've seen this several times and figured I could use a little good Kharma...

The first three people to respond to this post will get something made by me! This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:
I make no guarantees that you will like what I make but...It will be made especially for you

It may be baked goods, a photo, poetry, favorite quotes or something decorative. It will be completed in 3 months

The catch?Oh, the catch is that you must repost this on your blog and offer the same to the first 3 people who do the same. The first 3 people to do so and leave a comment telling me they did get a homemade gift by me!Oh, and be sure to post a picture of what you win when you get it! Good luck!What a great way to give service and utilize our skills!

Let's all go to the zoo

Recently my aunt was in town for a quick visit and Corban wanted to take her to the zoo. The day was made for the zoo. Not to hot, slight breeze, and small crowds. We had a GOOD time. You can't really see it here but Corban found a bamboo stick and carried that thing around like it was gold. He loved his stick. It was kinda like his walking stick. Too cute. Nana, can I have a candy please? What do you think the answer was?

Porter at the panda exhibit. He would have climbed ALL OVER these rocks if I would have let him. This boy has NO fear. He keeps me on my toes.

Here he is looking at the pandas.

I think the pandas liked Porter as much as he liked them. It was a great day. I'm glad that Nana and Aunt Gay were able to spend it with us. Pictures of them soon.

That's my boy

So I totally stole this from Meghan Boston. What a great way to remember this age. Mommy through Corban's eyes.



Q: What is something that mom always says to you?

A:I'll be right back ( I DO say this alot.)



Q: What makes mom happy?

A: No hitting and when I put a marble in ( We have a "good choice" jar. When he makes a good choice, he gets a marble. When it's full, we get to go to the zoo, chuck-e-cheese, etc.)



Q: What makes mom sad?

A: Hitting



Q: How does mom make you laugh?

A: when you put me high in the sky



Q: What was your mom like as a child?

A: the same



Q: How old is your mom?

A: 2



Q: How tall is your mom?

A:I'm just kinda short put mommy is BBBIIIGGG. (as he is reaching for the sky. Lovely)



Q: What is her favorite thing to do?

A: eat chocolate (that one cracked me up)



Q: What does your mom do when your not around?

A: eat more chocolate and want to spend time with me



Q: What is your mom good at?

A: Our home



Priceless. No lie, this is what he said. Out of the mouth of babes. I love that kid.

Goodnight sweethearts. . .

As many of you know, before I had children, I had this WONDERFUL ability to fall asleep anywhere. Watching a movie, in the car, at the movie theater. Quinn is still able to use this talent. His is more mastered than mine. It seems that our children inherited this trait also.So sleepy.

Corban getting his nightly breathing treatment.

Notice the sippy, stuffed kitty and koala. Life is not good without these at bedtime.

He REALLY takes after his daddy.