Dad's 60th Birthday Bash

My father turned 60 this month. My sisters and Mom decided to throw him a big party. We invited old mission companions, lifelong friends and family. I think Dad really enjoyed it. We had a great time too. My sister flew from Kentucky to be with us. I loved being able to see her. I have missed her SO much since moving back to Utah. While we lived in Illinois we saw each other at least every other month. The year long absence has been hard. I was so glad that she got to meet Lily and Lily got to meet her wonderful Aunt. We had a great but short weekend with my family. (During which our camera was ruined...so not too many pics of the festivities, but here are a few of the ones we did get.) By the way-to my family-send me some of the pics you guys got. I am so blessed to have a great family and support system outside of my wonderful husband and kids. Happy Birthday Dad. We love you!


Dad and Aunt Irene.

Grandma and Grandpa Ball.

Matt and Jackson hangin' by the food. I have great brother-in-laws!

Yummy desert table...they are killing me here. I am trying to loose the baby weight.

Uncle Bob and Aunt Gaylene. (My dad's sister...can't you tell?)

Jean and Dave, my parents oldest and dearest friends. SO fun to see them. They were so cool to us girls when we were growing up.

Will Thornley. Dad's mission companion. They told us some really funny stories of my Dad.

Lily Faye and her namesake, my Grandma, Faye Ball.

Bargain Shopping Addict

I have been continuing to do my coupon program through the website grocerysmarts.com. Sometimes the savings is only 40-50%. Better than nothing but not wowing. I have had a few other big time savings trips since I started in June. I had another today and had to share.

From Left to Right:

2 boxes Instant Oatmeal

4 boxes Life cereal

10 boxes granola bars

5 lb bag russet potatoes

3 boxes Duncan Heines Brownie mix

4 boxes popcorn

1 Glad cling wrap

1 Glad freezer bags

5 bags Goldfish crackers

6 boxes Healthy Harvest pasta

1 5lb. bag sugar

2 Welches Juices

6 syrups (4 Aunt Jemima, 2 Log Cabin)

12 Yoplait yogurts

Total: $43.71

Savings: $120

pretty cool huh?

Girlie

The bows finally fit! I am loving dressing up my little girl. Isn't she adorable!

Goodbye Uncle "Jornuh"

We were really sad to see Uncle Jordan move to Florida. Even though we are so happy for him and know it is what is best. My boys got really attached to him while he lived here this summer. Honestly with a new baby and two other kids, Jordan was a lot of help. He helped with household chores, grocery shopping, yard work etc. I relied on him a lot. Heck, he was the one that got to drive me to the hospital when I was in labor. Thanks Jordan for sharing in our life. We love you. Good luck!

New Pictures of Lily

Lily was4 weeks old as of yesterday. One month old tomorrow. I can't believe it. I remember now why those first few weeks with each of my babies are a blur. Sleep deprivation will do that to you. So even though I am trying to learn to juggle three kids, house, laundry, ironing, dinner, yardwork, church callings, time for friends and family, exercising, etc. I am really loving my sweet little girl. We are so blessed to have her in our family.

First Day of School

Trying to get a good picture of Luke before school....had a hard time.

He really wanted to wear his new Star Wars shirt and new Iron Man socks. I was proud of myself that I let him even though they didn't match.

Ty wanted his picture taken too.

I have been meaning to post about Luke's first day of school. I am really pleased with Luke's new school. He LOVES it! Yesterday I got a chance to be the room mom. I love taking time with just one of my kids and doing something with just them. We had a great time together.

Ra, ra, ra, ra, ra....GO COUGARS!

College football season has officially started, which around the Swensen household means that Saturdays are full of football, screaming, and hopefully an elated husband (when BYU wins, when they don't, watch out!). Jake was lucky enough to actually get to attend the BYU vs. Oklahoma game played in Dallas last weekend. I was thrilled they won, apparently Jake cried he was so happy, (love you honey). So like a stalwart wife I watched the game with my three kids in tow and all dressed to support our favorite team. Luke actually really loves to watch and is starting to understand the rudimentary rules and players at least. He keeps telling everyone that BYU got 2 TOUCHDOWNS! Both the boys sing the fight song and pretend to play football when they are wearing their jerseys...which they look absolutely adorable in. So, here's to an undefeated season and National Champs (this is what Jake is hoping for).

Ty's 2nd Birthday

CAKE!!

The Batmobile.

Superhero books and action figures.

I wanted to post a few pictures of Ty's birthday celebration. We had to celebrate a few days late this year, but he didn't notice or care. He LOVES superheros so we had all superhero toys, books and cake. Batman is his favorite. He really loved his cake which made me happy I could make it for him. Mostly he just loves cake, but he thought the batsymbol was pretty cool.

Tyger is Two!

On his first birthday.

Brand new.

September 2nd was a crazy day for us this year. I was AGAIN in the hospital bringing another sweet child into the world. Ty didn't know or care that it was his birthday. I usually spend a lot of time reflecting on my kids birthdays. These days are some of the best of my life (top 4 moments). They are my angels from heaven, my little miracles. I couldn't imagine life without them. Now Ty and Lily will get to share their special day. Jake says he thinks it is because they loved each other so much that they wanted to come on the same day and have that special bond. I like that idea.

Ty is my boy with no fear. He is wild and mischievous and wonderful! He makes us laugh, and truthfully I think he gets away with more than he should because he is so stinkin' cute. He loves movies, eating, playing outside, eating, Batman, Star Wars, eating and movies. He knows all of his letters, loves to sing, wrestle and do anything that big brother is doing. He has brought so much joy into our hearts and home. The day I found out I was pregnant with him filled me with so much joy and it has swelled and grown to more than I thought I could feel. I remember my mother telling me that as you have more children your love just grows. I didn't understand that until I held Ty for the first time. I was overcome with emotion. My beautiful little boy touched my heart so deeply and has added a new dimension to my life as a woman and mother. Tyger, we love you and all your fiestiness. We are so grateful you are ours forever.

Welcome Lily Faye

6 lbs. 10 oz. 18 inches. Beautiful, healthy, precious...couldn't imagine life without her now.

More to come later. Just getting a few pics up.