What's New

Life has Changed!

2010-03-30T21:45:00.000-07:00

I know its been quite awhile. I don't do well pregnant and now that I am not, I feel a lot better. I could go into detail about a lot of things that have happened in the last few months, but that would take way too long. So I'll just let the pictures do all of the talking.

The Best Birthday and Thanksgiving EVER!!

2009-12-01T12:02:00.000-08:00

This year I turned 30! Crazy I know! The night before I was surprised to see my best friend Megan has sneaked into my house and surprised me with my favorite Ice Cream. We, of coarse stayed up all night talking and going to Sconecutter.

On my Birthday I came home in the afternoon from a Primary Practice for our Program and Cody Whirled me off with Merr to get Pedi's and Mani's at a salon. I was in Heaven!!! Then we had a family get together with all of my brothers and sisters. It was awesome. Later I went to go see New Moon with Tori. Thanks Tori!!

Thanksgiving.....

It was my first time hosting and it was so much fun. Merr and I were in control and everything came together pretty well except for when I had put a dish of Mushroom caserole that Cindy had brought on the stove to keep warm. It was wrapped up with tin foil and a dish cloth.
A little while later it was time for Dave to start the stuffing so he got a big pan and started the gas stove to warm up the water, and walked away. I smelled something burning shortly after that and checked the turkey.... no not that. I spun around and saw a flame coming from the stove with the dish towel consumed in flames!! I yelled and smacked it with the hot pad I had in my hand. I have to admit I froze for a second not knowing what to do, then all my elementary school education on fires kicked in! Dave also came to the rescue and took what was left of the towel outside.
Later that night Weston got the Croup and now both of us are struggling with a cold. Ughh!

Anyway it was so fun to have Cody's brother and Sister-in-law came to visit. It is always so much fun watching Cody and Kip interact. It's like they are 6 again. I'm not kidding! They were so excited to play TACKLE Football for the Turkey Bowl. Who does that? They both recovered pretty quickly. I love they.

Hope your holiday is going great.
thanks for reading!

2009-11-13T09:00:00.000-08:00

Weston's Hair is getting so long again!
Momma's Boy!
He loves to look out the window, especially when it's garbage day
Weston looks a lot like his cousin Sam in this one, I thought.

Weston has a few new words.
Dog sounds like Dot
Duck sounds like Dut
So were getting there.
we've turned him on to cleaning. the other night he had managed to rip the cold air intake vent out of the wall in the hall. So last night I wanted to get it cleaned before I put it back up on the wall. So I handed Weston a Clorox Wipe and showed him how to clean the vent. He put 100% into cleaning this vent for over 30 min. It was sparkling when he got done.
I love parenting!

2009-11-03T11:15:00.000-08:00

Weston eating dinner with his girlfriends in their tree house Halloween night.
Me and my snuggle bug
Merr and Bruna waiting to go to a party
dad was a huge help with trick-or-treating with Weston.

halloween was a blast. We went shooting earlier that day with LeighAnn and Merr and let off some steam. then we went t a friends house and had a party. Cody and I went as our usual Bacon and Eggs and Weston was a Lion.

Life is going really well. Cody is still FT at SLCC and i'm still working. Just found out a few weeks ago that we are expecting a girl. We are very excited but know it could change next Dr's visit! We hope you enjoy the pics.

The Latest

2009-09-03T08:51:00.000-07:00

I use this site more as my journal entry more than anything. It has been so hectic in our lives that I really don't know where to begin. We moved back to West Jordan from Vegas in May. June we had Eli for 6 weeks. what a treat. We got a Bridge Book to help him transition into 1st grade. He worked on that everyday. Of coarse, hasn't touched it since he got back to Idaho. We had a lot of fun though. We had Eli take swimming lessons, we went to the Demolition Derby, Rodeo and had his birthday with all of his new friends. Everyday was a new adventure. Cody started school at SLCC summer semester and I got a job at a call center. WE have our schedules worked out so perfectly that we don't need to get a babysitter. When we did, mom and dad were so good to help out. They are now serving their mission in Los Angelas. They are the new office couple and dad will be over the fleet of cars. mom will be the receptionist. It couldn't be more perfect. MerriLyn got home from New York being a nanny for the Farrell's and she is occupying the basement while we ave the upstairs. I am expecting a baby in March and we are very excited for Weston to have a buddy. I cant think of anything else, so if I do i'll be back!!

Very Funny Happy 4th!

2009-07-05T12:12:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuMZ73mT5zM

Check this out!!

What is a Boy?

2009-05-03T17:45:00.000-07:00

He's an imp and an angel,
A dreamer, a tease
An explorer of meadows
And climber of trees.
A runner of errands
And doer of chores,
Who tears his best trousers
And tracks up your floors.
He's a solemn young man
With mud on his feet
And a daredevil riding
His bike down the street.
A bundle of questions
Who wants to know "why"
The world goes around
And stars fill the sky.
But adventurous, timid,
Excited or quiet
There's nothing so new
That he won't care to try it.
And just when your temper
And patience wear thin
He'll look up at you
With an innocent grin.
And your heart melts again
With your real pride and joy
In that mischievous, wonderful treasure...
Your Boy!

We are moving!!

2009-04-28T01:05:00.000-07:00

This past week and the rest of this week, we will be boxing everything up and loading it into a truck and making our way to SLC were we will try to start our lives up again.....wew. This better work. We have put all our faith in His hands and trying our best to do our best. We appreciate everyone's help and will be in contact when we can. Our new address is 7204 S 2075 W. West Jordan, Ut. 84084 Feel free to come and visit anytime.

Weston climbing!!

2009-04-28T00:54:00.001-07:00

Well the little fart has surprised us again. Yup!! up and down stairs....face first. There is no jumping in and getting feet wet for this kid. He dives in head first into everything he does. Just ask our tables and chairs, he is always hitting them with his noggen! Then he gets mad at them. Typical Brooks I guess. Well he is digesting number 3 foods now and loving it! This kid loves mashed taters. Guess he gets that from his dad's side. He is struggling to walk but tries everytime he sees a remote! To boot he has the cutest laugh. He finds someone he likes and tilts his head back and gives a huge grin and starts to grunt. We made a really cute blessing! That....he gets from the mommy!

The Road to Recovery

2009-04-18T08:16:00.000-07:00

This little booger is so close to walking!

This is a field fire that Denis started on accident and Cody helped put out. He came home with some cinged hair, eyelashes, eyebrows and goatie!

Weston and Olivia Mecham roughing each other up!

Cody and Eli out for a ride in Idaho

Showing iff his Cowboy side!

These past few weeks have been extremely difficult for us. Cody pulled an April Fools Day joke on me that he will never do again. he pretended to get in a fight with his boss. He was actually talking to his friend Mike. He also pretended to call the Union Hall which made me believe it was true. I was crying and Cody finally put his loving arme around me and held me tight (so I wouldnt be able to hit him) and told me "April Fools". Well that "joke" came true 2 days later. It was also the day Norene passed away. I was already booked to come up and see her, but it would be now for her funeral. What a beautiful service. Cody came up as well and we made it a nice family vacation. WE visited Sandrocks and Eli and some other friends of our in Idaho, hung out with the Hancocks and visited friends in St George Ut. It was good to get away and Cody and I decided that Construction was not what he needs to be doing anymore. We've done a lot of praying and weighing our odds and have decided to go back to school. Shocked yet? Well, we'll be moving up to Utah and going to SLCC to get his Associated while Mom and Dad Hancock go on thier mission. Then Cody will be going to Chiropractic School after his undergraduate studies are done. This is something Cody ahas always wanted to do but has only known construction his whole life. I really think Heavenly Father is watching out fo rus even though it feels like we are going to be homeless and have to break our lease. We put our house on Craigslist to Sublet it and we've had so much response. Life is funny. Everytime we think we are going to buy a house, Cody loses his job. We hope that all of the pieces are going to fall into place as they have been. Our faith and resilliance have been tested and I still dont know what the future holds for us, but I guess it would be pretty boring if we did.

This is no April Fools!

2009-04-01T12:57:00.000-07:00

momma shooting AR15 I hit a fire extinguisher about 100 yrds out!

Weston lookin good in the muffs!

Westons bed head!

Just to update on the Brooks. I got a new job and it is going to help out so much. We are trying to save up for a house and this is the best way we can get faster out of debt and save for this home. I've really enjoyed being home but sacrifices have to be made right now. Weston got Croup last week and so I had to reschedule his vaccinations for next week. Still way behind on those. I got up this morning and my computer was freaking out on me. Thank goodness I have smart friends and family to help me out of this one! Weston just got up and he sleeps so funny. He always ends up on his stomach and when I went in to get him his hair was out of control. I dont think this pic give it much justice!

Some new photos

2009-03-21T13:00:00.001-07:00

Up to visit Gma and Gpa in Idaho. Papa Denis showed Weston around the track.

Having fun with Daddy~~~

Westons bike in a few years.....

Cody and Dave went on a helicopter ride over Hoover Dam.

Enjoy

Our Little Booger is Crawling!

2009-03-21T12:51:00.000-07:00

yeah Its official. It's been hhhmmmm,.... Right before he turned 7 months, Weston started to crawl. He never did the army crawl, he just got up after watching his cousin Clair. guess he just wants to keep up! This week March 14-22 we have Eli in town for Spring Break. It's been so much fun having him here. Weston LOVES his older brother to death.

Well thats about it. Life is good. Please remember to continue to pray for Norene.

Spiderman?

2009-03-04T11:18:00.000-08:00

Since this is more my journal than anything..... I have to tell you a funny story that happened today. It was about 7:00am and I was dreaming about escaping some bad guys when I'm woken up from the sound of what sounds like someone outside. Maybe it was the wind but it souded like someone trying to scale the wall on the other side of the room. I sat there for awhile trying to figure it out. My ear is also plugged up so bad I can hardly hear out of the left side, so I think I might be imagining things. I wait a little bit longer and decide to investigate. First, I need to check in on Weston to make sure if it is someone he doesnt have him. I walk into Westons room and he's on his knees, up against the window playing with the blinds! It was him all along! Time to get a Crib!

Losing a Paent

2009-02-28T08:59:00.000-08:00

I grew up with a couple of sets of parents. My parents, Larry ad Carolyn, and Wayne and Norene Southwick. Southwicks live next to my parents and have for almost 30 years. I just found out today that mom Southwick has advanced Lung Cancer. It's hard to wrap my head around this bc I thought she was immortal all my life. She's Superwoman. Her and my mom. I'm so glad to have the gospel in my life but it doesnt take the sting away and I hope she is comforted at this time. Her family would like to invite all that know he to join in a fast this weekend for her. The cancer is in one lung and in other organs. Its not going to take it away but I know that we will all come out of this with Gods will in mind. Please keep her in your prayers. She is a strong woman and will be around for awhile, she just needs our help right now.

I Love My Husband!

2009-02-23T11:23:00.000-08:00

I went away last weekend with a girlfriend of mine and left Weston home with Dad! It was a hard thing to do when it came time to leave. I wanted to remind Cody of all that needs to be done for Weston but didn't want him to think he couldnt do it, so I kept my mouth shut. I misssed to boys but had a good time. When it was time to come back home i found that the house was still standing and my husband and son were fine and well. Not much had been done around the house but I didnt mind at all.

Now, the reason why I love my husband so much is because we were sitting down catching up a couple of days later and Cody said the most wonderful thing to me. He said "When I get home from work some days and I find that you haven't done anything all day I think, 'she's had all day, what has she been doing', since I had Weston all weekend by myself I see things a little bit differently. It's not 9 hours of house cleaning, you're babysitting for 9 hours!"

The appreciation on his face for what I do get done overshadows what I didnt get done. He has no idea how I can wach Weston and keep the house cleaned and I love that!

That was the greatest compliment I have recieved! What a man!

2009-02-12T10:41:00.000-08:00

I cant even get over how cute this pic is. Weston is growing up so fast! We went to the pediatritian the other day and he is in the 75% of weight and height. Weight is 18.8lbs and is 28" long. Wow! I love these stats. He is so much fun. Hope you can all come and see him before he's too grown up and I'm sending him to live with you! Just kidding!

A Doo Run Run Run a Doo Run Run!

2009-02-06T10:59:00.000-08:00

Weston is getting so close to clawling. Before too long hes going to be running and I'm going to be skinny! LOL! He gets on his hands and knees and rocks back and forth. Then he faceplants into the carpet! what a site. He's learning so much everyday, I hope I am a good teacher for all the things he wants to do and learn. Have a great day!

The update

2009-01-25T21:37:00.000-08:00

Not much new going on here just some more teeth and some kranky days... but who can blame him! Weston is growing up before our eyes and I hope that we are doing all that we can to teach him correct principles. We had G-ma and G-pa Hancock down for a little R&R and Kevan & Tori had their baby boy Branton. I guess a lot has happened. Life is great and we are just waiting for March to see Eli again for his Spring Break. Enjoy the pics!

New Year

2009-01-02T10:01:00.001-08:00

A new year comes a new slate. This year at the stroke of midnight, I woke Cody up to have our glass of Bubbly and we toasted to the usual. Get in shape and get out of debt. I think getting out of debt is going to be easier than getting in shape to be honest. Even so, it feels like sometimes we never will get out of this hole of finances we have. But life is great! Everyone is healthy and happy and I cant ask for anything better than that. To get in shape Cody and I are going to be walking more. We havent been lately because of the weather. Hopefully we can make our walks into jogs and then runs. I really have so much to be thankful for. Life is beautiful!

HORAYYYY BABY TEETH

2008-12-27T18:39:00.000-08:00

Today, the 27th of December is a great day, for Weston has broken new ground. Last night was a fussy, screaming his head off night; at least until the orajel kicked in. This morning we felt his bottom gums and two razor sharp white figures are bulging out!! Which in some essence makes last nights frustrations all worth it. I hope you all are smiling when you read this, because we cannot stop. Sorry no pictures, but the little buggar won't hold still long enough for us to capture one! I hope all of you had a wonder Christmas and are going to have a great new year!!

Winter Wonderland Vegas Style!

2008-12-17T18:27:00.000-08:00

Check this out! This snow started falling at 10am and hasent let up yet! Yeah for Christmas!!!

Getting ready for Christmas

2008-12-14T19:34:00.001-08:00

I think he's been dreaming about bull riding!

Just wanted to update everyone on our little family news. Not much other than Weston is so close to crawling!! Its very exciting!

We are so excited to have Eli for Christmas. I hope he will enjoy his time here. Like I said not much going on just keep in touch y'all!

Thanksgiving 2008

2008-12-01T22:05:00.000-08:00

Most of my siblings and their kids
The Manger scene in the middle of the reflection pool was beautiful
Mom and me in front of the SL Temple

"Jingle bells, jingle bells, Weston pooped his pants!"
waiting for the train into slc to see the lights with my family
Eli... our handsome devil!
what Weston thought of the lights
My happy little boy
the morning after turkey day with grandpa Hancock and the two Brooks' Boys!

Well I should be working on our Christmas letter but I need to get some pics on here from our wonderful Thanksgiving this year up in SLC.. We had Eli and it was so much fun for him to play with so many cousins. Can't wait until Christmas!

My Birthday Wish

2008-11-21T16:03:00.000-08:00

Mr weston is sucking his thumb! He just doesn't know to fold his other 4 fingers in yet!

Weston likes to go on walks and sometimes it wipes him out!

Just hanging out with dad!

Weston loves tummy time!

Today I was talking to LeighAnn and I feel like I can talk so frank with her...I guess that's what sisters are good at! Anyway she asked me if I felt 29. I told her no but that this birthday was kind of hard. She asked me why? As I thought abut it we discussed that this last decade 19-29 you remember so much more than the previous decade 9-19. 19-29 what an exciting time. It's excitingly horrific! As I look at MerriLyn and she's just beginning this journey, I'm so hapyy and terrified for her. I think about the experiences that happen this last decade and the changes that happened. How many times did I think I was going to marry this guy or that guy. How hard can I work until I meltdown? The friends that have come and gone, but more importantly the ones that stayed with me. Thanks! Anyway these are just some random thoughts I had today and I realize I dont feel any older but as I look back i am ending an era so to speak and beginning the next faze of life. I've done all of my playing and now I'm settled and can start the next decade with a whole new bag of experiences,dreams and goals. Does this make sense?

Halloween 2008

2008-11-04T18:52:00.000-08:00

Halloween was so much fun this year. We got "boo'd" which is doorbell ditching with a plate full of cookies, twice! We had so much fun returning the "boo's" to people in our complex. Not a whole lot of money.... man, kids are expensive, so we dressed Weston up in a duck bath robe he got from his cousin. A friend from our ward had a party and then went trick-or-treating in the neighborhood and then we went to out neighbors house and had chili and watched a movie! Hope you all had a great Halloween and good luck in the weeks ahead with the holidays right around the corner.

Life

2008-10-24T20:53:00.000-07:00

Well nothing has changed much at all... We had Grandma BJ and Bobbie over this last week and G-pa Hancock is coming down in a few weeks for a car show. Lots of visitors and we love it! Weston is really getting a sense of his surroundings and learning so much everyday. Halloween is something we are looking forward to. Carved out a pumpkin and Weston was looking at dad like he was crazy! We love you and hope all is well. here are the latest pics. We went up to SLC for the baby blessing and we got a new grandkids pic...the only one missing is Brad. Then a family pic. Good lookin family I might say so myself!

Grandparents Invade!

2008-09-24T16:56:00.000-07:00

I love having my grandmparents come down to see me. They think I am so cute and handsome (whatever that means). Mom and Dad are so happy that they make the trip too. Grandma Hancock came first, to help them move. Then this week Grandma Sandrock came and whoa... see keeps me going! And mom is so tired, she can't keep up with g-ma! Hope you enjoy the cute pics of me! Oh by the way.. I'm getting blessed this week up in SLC by Daddy!! hope all of you can make it. Love, Weston

We are moving!

2008-09-03T19:49:00.000-07:00

See... We the Brooks are so sad to be leaving!

Here is our new address. This is mostly for me so when I misplace my address in the move, I can have it here. It is 1147 Grass Pond Place #103 Henderson NV. 89002. So there. It is so nice and I am really excited about it. Sad to be leaving all of our close friends here in Phoenix, but change is part of life. Please keep in touch!

Is this really happening?

2008-08-30T18:38:00.000-07:00

Ok I cant get enough of my little guy! Weston has such a personality and more faces than anyone! Well here's the latest... I still can't believe this is happening.

We are moving to Las Vegas next week. So we have about 5 days to pack, move and find a place in Lv to live. Cody got a job offer there and we would be fools not to take it. We originally went up to St George to interview at the City there, but this guy called Cody and loved his resume. he offered him a Union job and the pay is great.

I just want to thank everyone in Phoenix who are going to make it so hard to leave. I have loved living here and it is because of you! We have made some amazing friends and friendships that will last a lifetime and beyond. Please try to keep us updated on your lives. this blog is the key.

Well there is a lot to do and i have put off packing long enough. We love You!

After 1 Week

2008-08-13T09:27:00.000-07:00

I am still quite sore from my little teenie tiny surgery.... yeah, i feel like I'm going to die some days! But holing my little boy knowing that he's mine and I dont have to give him back to anyone at the end of the day, is awesome!!

We've got Cody's son Eli coming in town today for a week so if anybody has a 5 year that wants to play with a little cowboy from Idaho, give us a call!

enjoy the pics!!

Baby Weston (Daddy's Boy)

2008-08-05T07:33:00.000-07:00

Well Nicole's water broke about 7:45pm on Sunday. We considered the oxen being in the meyer so we went to the hospital! Things were great all the way there, we were so excited to see him. We got to our room and she was having some pretty hard contractions. About 12:30am on Monday they administered an epidural and she was in la la land. After a few hours of good sleep for her and a few uncomfortable pull-out bed hours of sleep for me, it was up and pushing to get him out. She pushed and pushed for two and a half hours. No progression. So the doctor advised for a cesarean section. She gladly accepted after hearing that the baby hadn't furthered himself and he was still kicking her in the ribs. We got her open and the baby out and low and behold the cord was wrapped around his neck 3 times!!!! He is A-okay though. He let out the cutest little squeal at 11:30 am and then quieted down when he got into my arms. I then passed him off to Nicole and she was so tearie eyed! It was a beautiful moment. Weston Denis Brooks wieghs 7 pounds 13 ounces and is 19 inches long. Beautiful dark eyes and half a head a hair. Things are great now and she will be home in a few days. Take care everybody and thank you for your support! May all of you be blessed!

Sitting & Waiting

2008-08-01T17:59:00.001-07:00

I had my Dr appointment on Wed and when the Doc saw my big puffy feet she asked, "are you working?" I said yes. She said "not any more!" I talked her into letting me work part time. So now I am able to rest in the morning before going to work and it seems to be working. I almost wish I was on bedrest fulltime now bc I've been feeling so lowsy today. It's so hot here 113 today. Its this little guy in me that is making me so miserable. I hate to say that but my body hurts! I just want him to be here already! I want to hold him in my arms and feel his skin and watch Cody and Weston bond. I cant wait for those moments. At the Dr's appointment, she gave me my exam and i have dialated to 3cm but Wes is still really high. If he has not dropped by my next appointment (wed Aug 6) my Doctor said he's probaby so high bc he doesnt fit and they will have to take him. A c-section has never crossed my mind but I think I'm OK with that idea. Just wated to give the update and get some things off my mind.

Oh! Cody is working now for Bulwark with me and it's been really nice. We are still waiting to hear from St George and if we get that job...Well... let's not get ahead of ourselves!

Oh Boy!

2008-07-05T14:40:00.000-07:00

Yeah, yeah I might have baby brain, but life has been hectic! We got back from seeing Eli and Cody got laid off. I'm 8 months pregnant and working full time. Yeah, I'm freaking out! So although Cody has been looking for a job, nothing has turned up yet, so if anyone knows of someone hiring, please let us know ASAP.

Our trip to Ut and Idaho was so much fun. Eli got to meet the Hancock side of the family and he loves them. I also had a baby shower in Ut and it was so much fun seeing old friends and being showered with gifts.

I'm very grateful for what we have and hope to have the faith to get through this really rough time. .

Enjoy the pics!

THE BAKING SODA EXPERIENCE

2008-07-05T12:36:00.000-07:00

Yes this is Cody talking here! Last week the wife had one of her pregnancy cravings "I want some chocolate chip cookies" I replied okay, do you need some help? She laughed and said "No, I think I can remember how to make some simple cookies!" I chuckled and just left her there in her kitchen to play. I was watching my show, minding my lonesome and she said the dreadful words "Honey!!! Come see if this tastes right!!" Well I was just thinking she's letting me have a treat for being a good boy,,,,,, NO NO NO I assumed wrong! I took a full helping from my man sized spoon and a few seconds into it. WOW my face started to configure in many different forms, and I quickly found the trash can and releived my mouth from it's pain. I asked what she had put in it. She replied "Nothing, but I did use this baking soda from the fridge, I didn't know if it was good though. It has floweres on it." I read the box and just started laughing, then continued to laugh as she asked me what was wrong. Still laughing, I fell onto the couch and finally composed myself enough to tell her that the product she had added was carpet deodorizer with an Arm & Hammer addative and a mountain spring fresh smell !!! We made a new batch!!

Tides are Changing

2008-05-14T15:49:00.000-07:00

I've been feeling really run down lately. I think pregnancy is taking its toll on my body. I'm getting pretty big but am enjoying it, except when it's time for bed. Sleeping has not been easy. So, my wonderful husband bought me a recliner for Mother's Day and night's have been a little better being able to sleep on my back again! Cody and I also bought a Jeep truck. We had mom and dad Hancock down to help out. Dad and Cody spent most of their time in the garage and Mom was doing my laundry! I love and appreciate them so much. I love that they can come down to Ph on a moments notice to see their little girl (and favorite son-in-law....Just kidding Dave!) Another thing that has turned our lives around was that we just found out that our landlord is not going to renew our lease so we are going to have to move out in Sept. We were looking at taking McMurdies home but I dont think they will be able to wait until Sept without having anybody in there home. So, Cody and I are thinking about buying. We are going to be looking the next few weekends and see what builders are going to be offering. Hopefully we can get into our own home. So that's the latest.

Our Girl is no longer a Girl!

2008-04-22T20:14:00.000-07:00

We had a follow up appointment today and boy am I glad we did. first thing as Mary put the thing on my belly we could see our baby sucking or chewing but its mouth was going and going. That was a cool sight! Then Mary said "wait a minute... I havent been wrong in over a decade, but this is not a girl!" So we poked and proded some more to get a really clear shot and sure enough.... Weston Denis Brooks is something I'm going to have to get use to saying.

The Burglar

2008-04-22T20:04:00.000-07:00

Last night as Cody and I were sound asleep, I was startled by the sound of our Home Security alarm beeping. It's 1:00 Am and there is no reason that should be going off unless someone is in the house. So I nudge Cody and he is instantly up and out of bed. He goes out of the room and I was frozen in bed. When I didn't hear any yelling or wrestling, I went to the bathroom and figured everything was fine. As I was crawling into bed and Cody was falling back asleep I asked, "what was that?" He said, without skipping a beat, "It was the Burglar, I told him to off and he went away." What really happened... the stop watch that Cody had just bought was set for 1Am and he thought he set it for 1PM!

Idaho trip #2

2008-04-15T18:16:00.000-07:00

OK i've been telling everybody we'd be getting this up as soon as we got home and of coarse... We're procrastinating. So here it is. We drove up to St. George Thurs night because we both at the last minute got Fri off. Spent Fri Sat and Sun in SLC. It was Conference Weekend and we got tickets to Sat AM. What an amazing experience to see the Prophet and church leaders speak. It was Cody's first time in the Conference center and he was blown away. Of course we forgot a few things, taking the camera to the conference center was one of those special times. It was awesome anyhow. We picked Eli up on Monday morning and he was so excited. When we talked to his mom, Hallie, she said "He has been asking when your gonna get here all morning" We were pleased to hear that! He couldn't bring enough toys!!! Everything he could see he wanted to load up. Typical kid I guess. He was so excited to see that track and wanted to do nothing but bug us about riding his bike on the track. He crashed once and he was done! We spent a lot of time with family and friends, and Eli got to know some of his cousins, and our family friends. He definetly knows no strangers. He introduced himself to everybody (including all the girls) we talked to and was so polite about it. He loved the girls, and they loved his kid charm. The first night we spent with him was exciting as well. Nicole slept peacfully in the recliner while I took the night watch. He told me that he didn't want to sleep next to the wall, so I did and he snuggled up. That was until 1:30 A.M. He wakes up and sits up on his knees and then slams his face into the pillow for his own comfortablility. He didn't know his position on the bed and bounced right off and bumped his head on the night stand. I witnessed this but it seemed like a dream. He then let out 3 moans in sleepy pain and when I picked him up back on the bed, he let out one more moan and then started to snore...again! This (slamming) technique was a constant ritual and was almost as bad as Nicole's pushing me off the bed technique. All in all it was a great experience to be with our family and have Eli be a part of it. We will do it again next month.

Road Trip

2008-03-27T17:51:00.000-07:00

We are making plans to go up to Idaho to see Eli in a few weeks. It's so much fun to go up to see family. I love that we get to stop in Utah and see my family and then drive on up to Idaho and see Cody's family. Eli cracks us up every time we talk to him. Whenever I get on the phone Eli says " I love you, Mommy." Oh, that just melts my heart! He is such a great kid. We called to tell him the news and he wsa so excited to tell his mom that his other mom was having a baby girl too. (Eli's mom just had a baby girl last week so i hope this doesnt confuse him too much.) Anyway, he asked what her name was going to be and we said Jordyn. He paused for a moment and asked... "Is she a boy?"

Finding out!!!

2008-03-12T16:56:00.001-07:00

Today we payed a little visit to our favorite doctor. She always makes us laugh and feel comfortable about whatever matter is at hand. She carefully performed an ultra-sound on Nicole's stomach and told us that our little one is perfectly normal. She took some great shots of the face, fingers toes, and heart. But that little bugger was not cooperating with showing us what IT was!!! Finally the doctor when about it another way and told us that she doesn't see anything. Nicole's eyes and smile got big and said "Its a girl"!! After we left the doctors office we called everyone we could think of and told them! So now you have.....the rest of the story. LOL Take care all.

Settling

2008-02-09T10:23:00.000-08:00

This month has been a month of getting things done. I think (keep your fingers crossed) that my morning/all day sickness has passed. I am starting to feel like I can go out in public and not want to vomit all over any one I see. Also, we got our custody issue figured out. We settled out of court and things are great. We feel good about when we get to see Eli and of coarse wish we could see him much much more. But we'll take what we can get. Cody has been doing a lot of riding on the weekends and it seems to be keeping him very happy and bruised! Last weekend he underestimated a jump and landed on the handlebars. The bruises on his thighs are still deep and dark! I think I accidently kicked a thigh last night in bed. Yikes! He's tough as nails though. Without getting into nitty gritty details, life is great. Arizona is so nice this time of year. We had dinner outside on top of our garbage can the other night while cleaning up the yard. It was warm and so peaceful outside. Every once and awhile I cant help but think how different our lives are going to change in the next 6 months. It's exciting and a little nerve racking all at the same time. Like I said before, life is so great!

The Criuse

2008-01-25T09:45:00.000-08:00

After we got home from visiting Eli in Idaho, we went on our much anticipated cruise to Mexico! Keep in mind I'm pregnant and morning sickness is an all day occurance for me. We had an absolutly fantastic time. Nicole would go to bed early and Cody would live it up with all of the cousins at night! We went in a group about 70 strong. It was Nicoles Mothers side, cousins, aunts and uncles. People we had not seen in some time. it was our family reunion and i have to say it was the funnest one I've been to. Not everyone could go but we're hoping to do it again and more families will go. First stop was Cabo San Lucas. there Nicole's little sister MerriLyn (18) was thrown down by a huge wave and dislocated her shoulder! What an ordeal but she was so tough! She was in a sling the rest of the time but that didnt stop her from having a great time. the next day was Mazatlan. What a beautiful city full of so much history and breathtaking sites! We took a van tour and our guide was a local guy who showed us so much of the city he loves. The next stop was Peurto Villarta where we spent most of the day at the beach just enjoying the sand. Oh, we've got to do it again! Next time Nicole wont be pregnant!

Christmas

2008-01-25T09:24:00.000-08:00

christmas was awesome. We woke up early christmas morning and opened our few gifts. Went back to bed, and took it easy most of the day. Later on that morning we got the mail we had not gotten the night before. In it was some paper work from our attorney about our Child custody case. We decidid that if we wanted to see Eli at all we had better do it now! We got online booked our flight, car rental and hotel and left for the airport. Wow! we didnt see that one coming! We spent a day in Salt Lake with Nicoles family and on the 27th drove up to Idaho. We were able to see Eli almost every day, all day. It was so much fun to see Cody and his Son interact. To hear Eli say "I love you daddy" still brings tears to my eyes. he is so good with him and they have so much fun together. it was quite a shock to find out cody was a dad, but he loves that son of his more than anything and we are so glad to have him be a part of our lives.

I guess we better get started

2007-12-22T11:34:00.000-08:00

This is such a great way to keep connected with family and friends. Especially if you live far away from those that you love. We have family all over and i hope that all of our friends will stop in on occasion to see whats new with the Brooks family.
This month has been bitter sweet. We have been to court for temporary custody of Eli and the judge ruled that if we want to see Eli we need to go up there and we will only have to pay half. what a relief. We have been up there four times on our own expense and it has not been cheap. but the problem is that Nicole is not feeling well and just gave the bug to Cody.
you might ask, whats wrong Nicole? Well, i do have a cold that i gave to Cody but add morning sickness to the equation and that's a baby recipe, right? That's right! I'm 6 weeks!
We are so excited to finally be starting our family.
Wherever we are this Christmas season, we hope you will be safe and keep us updated in your family as well.