Life the Broberg Way

Our LITTLE man starts preschool

2012-01-30T08:59:00.000-08:00

It still seems a little unreal to me that Asher is old enough to start preschool (we know he isn't BIG enough) but he is on his 2nd week now of preschool and LOVES it! He was so ready. I think seeing his big sister go to school everyday made him just want to go so bad. So we decided to try to get him started and in a routine before baby #3 hits the house in the next 5 weeks. So here he is on his first day of preschool, Daddy came too!

His hair looks CRAZY in this picture...

So excited waving to me...

And then the nervous tic (both my kids stick their tongues out when nervous) odd I know...

Thumbs up on the way to his classroom

I spent a morning MAKING MY KIDS DAY being a "good" mom....

2012-01-13T15:04:00.000-08:00

....then later spend the rest of the day TRYING NOT TO RUIN MY KIDS DAY saying, "DON'T....

don't lay on the couch
don't wipe your face
don't go behind the curtains
don't use your clothes for a cloth

10 weeks to GO...

2012-01-03T13:30:00.000-08:00

So I am 30 weeks now, so just about 10 weeks to go. So excited and SO not ready yet (well ready not to be prego anymore, but NOT prepared for an infant in the house yet). The nesting begins...

Here is our baby boy from the 3rd ultrasound we have had this pregnancy on 12/21/2011...Ned thinks he has my lips already (fuller than his)! :)

Our Hawaiian Christmas Eve-- Mele Kalikimaka

2012-01-03T10:14:00.000-08:00

We did have a BRIGHT Hawaiian (themed) Christmas Eve with my family this year...

The luau crew (-me)

Hawaiian Boys

Hammy Family

Todd Crew

Aleman (Shark Attack bloody scene)

Nana & Boppie with the Grand kids

The Boppster & his buddy Asher Bubba Boy

The EVE of Christmas Eve

2011-12-29T08:23:00.000-08:00

I had a hard time getting into the Christmas spirit this year. Being just so tired, prego, and running around constantly...so heading to the Mission Inn Festival of Lights on Christmas Eve Eve really helped. I left feeling so happy and full of "Holiday Cheer"!

Some of the fun things we did:
Simple Simon's, Fake Snow, Horse Drawn Carriage Ride, Donuts, Candied Nuts, Scary Elf pictures, real Reindeer, Candy store, act like babushka's (yes my family is sometimes strange, but it makes for fun).

Isn't this like the best (The Christmas Story) classic picture or what? I love my nephew Ryan & my Ella together, they are hilarious! (PS there was a CREEPY elf statue in the background, so we think they both were afraid).

Adorable kids (Asher, Ella & Ryan) on the 1 horse open sleigh ride.

Silly faces in front of the Gingerbread house

Asher literally lookin' up to his Nana

Boppie & Ella petting the cute dogs on the street

Ella all bundled up, LOVING having Ryan all to her self and holding hands, she just adores him!

Enjoying the candy shop (IF only this was true!)

Cousins on the sleigh ride

Ella enjoying the SMELL of the carriage ride

Nana & Ella enjoying the fake snow

It was so dark, that until I took of picture of Asher's cowboy boots (he insisted on wearing) did we realize that he had them on the wrong feet ALL NIGHT...LOL

Some of the lights at Mission Inn

Babushka Nana

Lil' babushka Asher

Thanksgiving Weekend & Top Shot

2011-12-28T10:05:00.000-08:00

So WAY back when (OK, just over Thanksgiving weekend, just seems like forever ago) we went to Utah to stay with Ned's sister Amy. Every other year we switch with our families, so this year was Broberg year, BUT we lucked out that my parents actually went to visit my mom's dad in Mesquite, NV. so they spent a few days with us and we had such a blast this year. Besides our usual: Cafe Rio, Swigs, shopping, and other family fun, we also did:

ZION NATIONAL PARK
Ned & his dad hiked Angels Landing (& got a great picture, which I don't have, of a Condor) while the rest of us did various little hikes.

View from Angels Landing

The kiddos in Zion having a blast in a beautiful National Park!

and

TOP SHOT DAY
Ned got a new gun for Christmas (yes early) a handgun and we both were never huge hand gun lovers, but let me tell you, if you have never shot a hand gun, then you cannot judge. It was one of the funnest things I have ever done. I think I want a pink hand gun now...ha ha ha

We set up shaving can's and target's all over the dessert riverbed and cliffs (which is only about 10 minutes from my sister in-laws house and had a blast). I have to say my mom and I (the only girls there) didn't do too bad ourselves!

After shooting we happened to find a little bat that was behind one of the cliff's and then Ned caught a tarantula. Yeah I HATE spiders, so he put it all over him: shirt, hands, head...I'm sure just to please me.

My bro-in-law Matt, Mom, and hubbie

My target

My father in law, Scott, super hunter

Isn't he SO CUTE!!!!!!

Our tarantula friend

Desert bat (head facing down)

Merry Christmas from the Broberg's

2011-12-22T12:38:00.000-08:00

SO we never got around to Christmas Cards this year, so sorry, and this is the best I am gonna be able to do this year.

Family Update/Newsletter:
Obviously the biggest family news is that we are expecting our 3rd baby on March 13th 2012. We know the date because like my other 2 he will be a scheduled c-section. We are so excited for this baby boy to join our family. Ella is still NOT happy and in a little bit in denial that it was not a baby girl. But I think Daddy & Asher are SUPER excited for another guy around...there are enough girls with Ella & I anyway.

NED:
Ned is still working for a non-profit company in San Bernardino County as a therapist (mostly working with children and their families). He completed his 3,000 hours back in May, but due to California having 1 (YES ONE) person to review hours he still has not received his "official" MFT license, although we are awaiting the news any day now. Then he has to pass the state test and he will be a licensed MFT. It has been a LONG road (college, masters, hours, and lots of low pay working) to get us to this point, so we are ever so anxious for this to happen.

HEIDI:
STILL adjusting to being a stay at home mom since January of last year. Enjoying AND struggling through the ups and downs of motherhood and having a kid in school now (seems weird still). I was volunteering in Ella's class, but it was too much with Asher & being pregnant. So now just staying busy at home and still TRYING to workout (although I think it wont be much the next few months).

ELLA:
Started kindergarten and is loving school. She was Academic student of the month the first month of school and enjoys learning and is doing well in school. Now we just need to focus on her talking in class. I think (like her mom) she has been blessed with the "chatty girl" syndrome.
She also started playing soccer, which she has NOT enjoyed as much as mom would like her to and asked to stop and return to dance class. So maybe in a few years we will try again, but we are letting her begin dance again after the new year. She is definitely our girly girl! Favorite color pink, loves Barbies, wants to open a hair salon with her cousin Marissa when she grows up, and she insists on wearing skirts as often as possible...so with her possibly being our only girl, we typically let her live out her girly-ness!

ASHER:
For sure the comic relief of our family. At only 3 he DAILY cracks us up with his silly antics, his sweet words, and his crazy faces and actions (not that he doesn't have nasty faces, and naughty things to say). He is pretty much ALL BOY! He is wild, never stops, loves getting dirty. Loves pulling worms apart, catching roly-poly's, and getting his clothes as dirty as he can throughout the day. We typically in a week: go to Chick-fil-A for toddler time to do crafts, story-time at the library (he has a hard time sitting still for all the stories). He is anxious to start school like his big sister, so more than likely will start pre-school sometime after the new year (which will be a nice break for mommy and baby anyway). He also wants to start sports, but being only 27lbs (smaller than most his younger cousins) we have been working with doctors on maintaining and watching his weight. He is just a tiny guy, with a big head (we tease that he is our bobble head boy) but a CUTE one!

Overall:
We just feel grateful to have our health, blessings, family, and friends. After a long year (esp. with our struggles with our little nephew William: http://williamantoniotodd.blogspot.com) we just feel grateful to have all that we do. We KNOW we are blessed and thank all our friends and family for being a part of our lives and for supporting us!

Until next year and our future endeavors!

21 questions to ask your kids

2011-12-22T11:04:00.000-08:00

So I did the 21 questions to ask your kids:

(best was Asher's #19)

1. What is something Mommy always says to you?
Ella: "Eat your food”
Asher: "Don’t Scream"

2. What makes Mommy happy?
Ella: "Cleaning Up”
Asher: ”Me, when I love you”

3. What makes Mommy sad?
Ella: “When we cry”
Asher: “Screams”

4. How does Mommy make you laugh?
Ella: When you’re funny.
Asher: Dress up like a clown.

5. What was Mommy like as a child?
Ella: A Funny Girl.
Asher: Me!

6. How old is Mommy?
Ella: 25
Asher: 4

7. How tall is Mommy?
Ella: 60
Asher: Big

8. What is Mommy's favorite thing to do?
Ella: Go on the computer.
Asher: Play dress up. You could be a witch, a Woody, A Buzz, or like Ella & Asher & Daddy costume.

9. What does Mommy do when you're not around?
Ella: Shopping
Asher: Drive

10. If Mommy becomes famous, what will it be for?
Ella: Piano (????I cant play ANYTHING!!!!)
Asher: Sleep

11. What is Mommy really good at?
Ella: Typing
Asher: Going on the computer

12. What is Mommy not very good at?
Ella: Drawing
Asher: Treadmill and walking.

13. What does Mommy do for her job?
Ella: Work on the computer
Asher: Gone on the computer and type.

14. What is Mommy's favorite food?
Ella: Spaghetti
Asher: Chili

15. What makes you proud of Mommy?
Ella: Doing my work
Asher: Because I want to eat Pop Chips

16. If Mommy were a cartoon character, who would she be?
Ella: Hello Kitty.
Asher: Buzz. Because I would be a big costume Buzz.

17. What do you and Mommy do together?
Ella: Eat coconuts
Asher: Play drums.

18. How are you and Mommy the same?
Ella: We both have black shirts.
Asher: Big and strong.

19. How are you and Mommy different?
Ella: Because our hair.
Asher: Because you have bumps on you (referring to freckles, he showed me) see your sprinklers.

20. How do you know Mommy loves you?
Ella: Because she always says that she loves me.
Asher: She hearts.

21. Where is Mommy's favorite place to go?
Ella: Amy’s (referring to my sister in-laws who lives in Utah)
Asher: Chick-Fil-A or the Sushi place

Taken 12/15/11 (Asher age 3 and Ella age 5)

Fixing Your Broken Compact or Eyeshadow

2011-12-18T20:18:00.000-08:00

I just today broke one of my MAC eye shadows (And every time this happens, I seriously could shed a tear) so I was so happy that I came upon this....

http://www.katrinalomidze.com/2009/06/fix-your-broken-powder-makeup.html?showComment=1324268190430#c1732707414145027190

So I cant wait to try it...and though I would share the news...

Play Dough Cookies...Who Knew

2011-12-15T10:03:00.000-08:00

So I was thinking some chocolate chip cookies when Ned told me he had bought some cookie dough from a co-workers kid fundraiser. Well it was actually "play dough" style cookie dough, that is edible. Let me tell you this was probably one of our kids most favorite Family Night Activities we have done in a LONG time. And Ned and I had a good laugh too.

The kids told us what they wanted to build and we worked together to build them. We just didn't realize when we cooked them they would be about 5x the size of what we created them at. SO FUN!

This is our ELLA cookie...

Worm Cookie (my favorite) really cute and the kids did it!

Edible Cookie Play Dough

Amazon.com Play Cookie Dough

My Most requested recipe: Souplantation style Broccoli Salad

2011-12-13T08:20:00.000-08:00

This is probably my most requested recipe, so I thought I would just put it on my blog for all to enjoy!

Ingredients:
1 bunch broccoli, uncooked, washed; cut into florets (I buy the bag at Costco for like $3.99 & use about ½ the bag
½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled (I buy the pre-cooked bacon pieces at Costco or SAM’s Club, really good and REALLY easy) NOT BACON BITS
½ cup cashews (most expensive ingredient, I buy the container, GUESS WHERE? Costco)
1/3 cup raisins
¼ cup red/purple onion, chopped

Dressing
1 cup mayo
1/3 cup sugar
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (rice vinegar or other kinds work OK too)

DIRECTIONS
Step 1:
Mix the broccoli, bacon, cashews, raisins and onions in large bowl.
In a second bowl, beat dressing ingredients together gently until smooth.
Step 2:
About 10 minutes before serving, toss the salad with the dressing to allow flavors to meld.
SERVE & ENJOY!
It is really super easy and super good. Great for party appetizers! Most people like it and it has some kind of veggies in it too, right!?
Side Note: You can also mix together and refrigerate overnight, just don’t mix salad and dressing until right before serving.

Singing Da-hoo doray!

2011-12-10T16:37:00.000-08:00

We had fun decorating the tree this year. We got it from Costco, so it was BIG and beautiful! And after we finished Ella asked if we could hold hands around the tree and sing "Da-hoo doary, Da-hoo doray" like from the Grinch... so WE DID!

We did not ask them to do this, it's so cute how sweet they can be to each other!

Daddy and Ella getting the star on the Christmas Tree

GREAT sites to shop for Christmas & other parties...

2011-12-07T13:29:00.000-08:00

I recently had the opportunity to have a number of VERY talented, crafty people at my house for a little boutique we had recently and thought this would be a GREAT chance to do a little last minute Christmas shopping... (I know a lot of you said you were interested in getting some of these items since you missed the boutique).

Around the Roses
aroundtheroses.etsy.com

I got one for baby (they had turtles, doggies, dinos)

IF I was having a GIRL!

Sassy Cassy’s Fashions

http://www.etsy.com/shop/sassycassysfashions
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sassy-Cassys-Fashions/267679539941284

I got one of these (boy color) for baby boy

I got a Pirate one of these for baby, but Asher stole it....

Too Sweets (Confectionery & Catering)
(I have her menu via pdf so email me for menu & prices, GREAT for family parties & PERFECT for the holidays)
Tami Cuellar 909-319-6813

I did these for a bridal shower and they were perfect and SUPER affordable

SHE has TONS of sweet goodies & catering too! I HIGHLY recommend her!!!!

Arbonne by Tricia Morgan
http://www.facebook.com/Arbonne.triciam
http://triciam.myarbonne.com/
I LOVE the hand scrub from her as well, if you use it, this is the BEST one...don't have a picture, but check it out!

LOVE having my brushes, this set is only $17.50

Perfect for the Holidays

Little Penelope Lane
http://littlepenelopelane.blogspot.com/

You have probably seen me rock a number of these lately! LOVE them for no hair doing days!

Kim’s Lil’ Bow Peep
(she has done Ella's school colors for spirit day each week!)
http://kimslilbowpeep.blogspot.com/

i got the tuxedo one for baby boy! (She has cute reversible 2 sided ones as well)

Matt's Lake Perris Triathlon & Family Fun

2011-12-04T20:11:00.000-08:00

Many of you know we live right next to Lake Perris (about 1 mile) so we walk over frequently to enjoy some quiet time. Back in October we had the privilege of having my sister in-law (Katie, Ned's younger sister) and her family to come stay with us, because her husband Matt was doing the Lake Perris Triathlon. He is a super athlete and we are proud of him! He did a LONG swim, a bike, and run! PHEW! It made me tired just watching! But we were so happy they came to stay.

A funny story is the night before we went by to get Matt's bib, etc. So we walked the kids down to the water and let them soak their feet. In TRUE ASHER fashion, we had our eyes away from him for just 1 minute and sure enough he had stripped down, stark naked, and ran and jumped head first into the water (NO he does not know how to swim). Ned was laughing so hard, I had to yell at him to get our son before he swam out and drown. I didn't have my camera unfortunately (or maybe fortunately) to record this memorable outing.

Here is Matt coming out of the water

The swim just looked miserable to me

Getting set for the run...

Starting on his run (I missed his bike pictures, because he was to fast)

My beautiful niece Madison (with poppers on her head)

Tyler aiming with his poppers

Don't know who had more fun cheering on spectators and with poppers the kids, or Ned & I...

Ella and her ROCK ON fingers, don't know where she got that from, but it's hilarious!

Ella looking awfully tired after staying up WAY late the night before

Little Mason...

Coming in AFTER the run & everything... he raced with a bunch of cousins and came in 1st

Both feet off the ground, pretty impressive!

Ella, Madison & Asher cuddling up to watch a movie the night before! I LOVE this picture because he LOVES his cousins SO much and they are SO sweet to him too!

CUTE cousins!!

Kati's Bridal Shower (...& wedding)

2011-11-30T14:39:00.000-08:00

So some of you may remember me mentioning (The Fab Five) in past posts. A group of my girlfriends (5 of us...to be exact, just in case you didn't catch that) who have been best friends since 6th grade. Yes J. High days...amazing right.

Well Kati (1 of the 5) just married my sisters, husbands, brother: back in October. I know sounds confusing right? Well my brother in-law Wes Aleman (who we love & are very close with, so basically my brother) his brother Patrick married my friend Kati. Such a funny small world! But she married into a wonderful family and a wonderful man, so we are happy for them!

So the wedding was gorgeous, up in the Oak Glen mountains at Riley's Farm. It was a beautiful backdrop, a super sweet band, in a barn, with hot coco...it was so fun & so cute. But it was COLD (freezing actually) it was raining and SNOWING (that's a shock to us Cali folks) so needless to say I did NOT have my camera and have no pictures of the wedding. But here are some of her tea party/shower photos from the day at Martha Green Eating Room in Redlands.

Tea & Puppets (As my Ella would say)

The beautiful bride (to-be at the time)

Add caption

Kati & Her Mama

Heather and her Mom Donna

Academic Excellence Student of Month

2011-11-18T11:16:00.000-08:00

We are proud of Ella for getting Academic Excellence Student of Month the first month of school. She is doing very well and really enjoys school and learning. She also loves her friends and teacher Mrs. Padilla.

Here's the video of her getting her award, it's really hard to hear what was said, so I wrote it out since I know both my parents and Ned's both weren't able to make it:

Our Award for Academic Excellence is for a girl who has a lot to say, and has a lot to say because she knows a lot. She is very curious, and has a lot great questions and answers. She has had a lot of great life experiences.

Last week we were talking about Pilgrims and Native Americans, and she was then talking about the Indian Caves in Yosemite, and wanted to know the difference between the Pilgrims and the Pioneers.

And Mom at report card time brought a note pad to take notes on what she needed to work on with Ella and she didn’t have much to write because she is doing very well, and that award is Ella Broberg.

Ella's teacher Mrs. Padilla, Ella (bottom left), above her pink, Mia, her adorable friends Katie (purple) & Kaitlyn (pink) & very good friend Jackson (blue jacket) all received Citizenship awards.

We told Ella that now (like her friends) she needs to work on her citizenship now. She is doing well academically, but we have had some problems pulling her card talking too often, and not heading her warnings (just like her teacher said, she has a lot to say) and this is at "at home, at school, and at play"!

I'm a POODLE

2011-11-18T10:25:00.000-08:00

So Ella cracked me up this Halloween because my mother in-law so kindly made ALL the girls (cousins) adorable "poodle skirts". Well I forget we live in 2011 where the 50's and poodle skirts are just NOT relevant at all and she had NO IDEA what we were talking about when we tried to explain what their costumes were. So every time someone asked her what she was going to be for Halloween she would say, "A Poodle". We finally showed her a few costumes and explained and she was so happy, and then would say a poodle girl...

So here is our Poodle girl and Asher was Pirate for most our Halloween outings and a Monkey for the other half...

Mommy Daughter Date- Riverdance & BJs

2011-11-15T11:11:00.000-08:00

Most of you already know how sweet and thoughtful Ned is. Really he is the BEST dad and husband a women or child could ask for! My girlfriends even tease and call him "Our Ned" be good to "Our Ned" etc. So just to give him credit, this was ALL his idea and doing.

Ella has had an adjusting year. Starting kindergarten, mommy's pregnant, and a lot of changes which have been hard. So a few months back Ned thought it would be important for us to do special nights out with each kid, just us parent & child. So he surprised Ella and I with tickets to see Riverdance. I have seen it and loved it, and Ella loves dancing. So on Nov. 5th Ella and I had a special date thanks to Daddy.

And a date is not complete (too Ella) without DRESSING UP! So here is our fancy date pictures!

Looking SO grown up to me lately..makes me sad!

She also has forgotten how to smile suddenly, its so funny. So I told her to think of something funny....

Exhibit A of forgetting how to smile....

I HATED all the pictures of me in them, but Ned said I had to at LEAST include one!

And here was Asher's PRETTY pose! My boy!

Piggy had to come along on the date too...he had a napkin and everything...

At BJ's with our Pizookie

She told me to take this picture and send it to Daddy's phone, so we could LAUGH! :)
I guess she meant to make him jealous!

We had SUCH a nice time. She was Celtic dancing all night, even in front of people at the theatre (NOT like Ella). She loved the dancing and we had a fun day. For sure something we will keep up.

Now on to Asher. (Worm catching day, any ideas?)

Hello Our Big Boy (20 week ultrasound)

2011-11-12T09:23:00.000-08:00

So we were able to have our 20 week ultrasound (to confirm our 13 week ultrasound that it was a boy) and YES it is a boy our tech adamantly said (she said she didn't even need to label some of these pictures, for obvious reasons). It was nice because Asher & Ned were able to come with me this time (Although Asher now thinks there is also a monster in my tummy, he kept saying the baby is scared because he sees a monster, a little confusing for a 3 yr. old, I guess).

Thanks again Kim for picking up and watching Ella, your a good friend!

Me thinks its a boy!

Asher's 3rd Birthday (My BIG BABY boy)

2011-11-11T09:08:00.000-08:00

So Ned corrects me ALL the time because I call Asher my "baby" or "baby boy" which he isn't now that he is 3 and since we have another little guy coming. But he is just such a sweet little Mama's Boy. I have to admit him wanting me, hugging me, loving me (most the time) I just LOVE IT!

He always offers me kisses and hugs. He once told me, "Mom, you are MY princess!" Ned thought that was SO cheesy and sick, I melted. He often knows when I am upset or sad and he will come next to me, pat my back ever SO sweetly and then say, "Mom, its OK, I love you" and then kiss me gently on the check. It is so sweet and rewarding for all the trials he also brings to our family (he is a rascally boy). But I sure do love that little guy!

My MIL has a tradition of taking them to Rainforest Cafe and then Build a Bear...the kids love it. Cant you tell by Ella MAKING Asher smile!

love his face in this one...

Asher is know for crazy antics and silly faces (he doesn't usually smile for ANY type of photos) but he at least brings something original!

BUILD-A-BEAR:

He picked a little doggie and named him (JAWVIN)??

He has his heart in his hands making his wish, with his SUPER SHORT HAIR that Daddy did!

Intent on making his wish worth it

Of course Grammy couldn't let Ella not have one 2...

Catching Up....starting with Ella's crazy hair day

2011-11-11T08:36:00.000-08:00

So like I mentioned on my last post I have been OUT of commission with no computer, so now I am playing catch up...so here we go.

Ella has spirit week at school. One day was PJS, costume, favorite sports team (Angels), and her favorite was: CRAZY HAIR DAY!

The kindergarten girls: Ella & Alejandra (our neighbor we walk to school with everyday)

William Antonio Todd: A FUN CELEBRATION of LIFE and a HUGE THANK YOU!

2011-11-09T21:04:00.000-08:00

Some of you already know that my home computer crashed, so I have not had a computer since Will's Party, so I cant tell you how EXTREMELY happy I am to have my home computer back.

Anyway one of the first things I wanted to do was update the blog from my nephew's "P" Party Celebration. So excited to actually be done with that blog, not because I haven't seriously enjoyed doing it, but BECAUSE he is healthy, home, well, recovering like a CHAMP and now we are just celebrating life. So check it out!

(and more personal blog updates to come soon)

William Antonio Todd: A FUN CELEBRATION of LIFE and a HUGE THANK YOU!:

Here's the slide show preview, but check out the blog for the full thing...

Only 13 weeks and we ARE HAVING A.......

2011-09-24T10:24:00.000-07:00

So at the start of last week (Monday) I had an ultrasound at my 13th week. I went in (by myself) thinking that it was just a standard ultrasound, just to make sure things were OK and going smoothly, which they are!!! Most important thing right there.

Well as I am sitting with the technician she goes, "Oh, well, hello, so I don't know if you wanted to know what you are having or not, but you are getting a good little sneak peak right now." And I look over and sure enough....So I said, "Well I did want to know, but even if I didn't I don't think it would be easy to not find out at this point."

There was our LITTLE GUY with his legs wide open and well, um, how do I say it appropriately, showing his "stuff". She had a lot of great pictures and positions, but of course she actually had to hit the take button to get them, so I was sad we didn't get many great pictures (just so I could show Ned) but just a few pictures.

She then was very careful to say, "NOW I must say you are only 13 weeks, so I cant guarantee anything and I would for sure get another ultrasound, but I'm pretty sure." Then the remainder of the time she kept saying, oh HE is waving, oh HE is flipping, oh HE is a wild one. So though I debated announcing it to the world so early I feel pretty confident.

The main question everyone has & does ask me is...What did you want? Honestly we didn't care either way at all, especially since we have both a boy and a girl. BUT we feel very happy we are having a boy for the following reasons:

this baby will be closest to Asher (our youngest) so it will be nice they will have a play Buddie
Ned loves hunting, camping, hiking, etc. So another boy for those boys trip will be GREAT!
Scott (Ned's dad) is the only male left in his family, Ned only has 2 sisters so he is the only male, and Asher was the only male in our family, so we are very excited for another boy to carry on the BROBERG name!
Asher is thrilled to have a brother! (Brownie) yes he is STILL insisting that we name our baby Brownie. That was the first thing he said, so we may have a nickname (whether we like it or not) for this baby. Ella wasn't too thrilled since she really wanted a sister, BUT I told her she is just like Olivia, who she loves, and has 2 little "bothers". She thinks that is pretty funny.

So here's our BOY!

So I am now 14 weeks (in my 2nd trimester) still feeling sick but MUCH better than I have been. Still have a LONG way to go, and it has already seemed like forever! But this news seriously made me glow and just SO HAPPY! It was wonderful to be so unexpectedly surprised with such fun news.

(Thanks Dad & Maria C. for helping out with my kiddos for the day! Grateful to generous people!)

Announcement Number Three

2011-09-08T13:16:00.000-07:00

Announcement Number Three..Or wait, is this suppose to say, "We have an announcement, it is baby # 3"

So yes if you have seen me lately and I look tired, exhausted, sick OR all of the above, it is probably because I AM tired, exhausted, and SICK!

We are just 12 weeks along (or 3 months pregnant) and I have never had such LONG weeks as these in my entire life!!!!

We decided to spread the news because people started asking if we were pregnant or when we would have another, etc. And I have a really hard time lying to people...so some of my family & friends knew already and so the word started getting out AND I have been extremely sick this pregnancy, which has limited some of my time & activities. Being so sick is also REALLY odd because I was NEVER sick with my other two pregnancies with Ella or Asher. So on top of all the regular sicknesses our family has been blessed with, see HERE for more on that, I have also had extremely bad morning sickness. Except again it's pretty "funny" because I don't typically get sick in the morning, its usually late afternoon/evening time (so "nighttime sickness". My dinners haven't been staying down too well, and well life has been hard.

So we found out we were expecting the day we got home from our Yosemite vacation (so yes I was prego in Yosemite and didn't even know it) and then everything with my nephew happened, so it was just odd timing, but we figure after the amount of time we tried it must have been God's plan for this to happen now, so here we are! And grateful that now Will is HOME!

The kids are pretty excited and actually get it. They also NOW like to pretend to vomit/dry heave quite a bit which is kinda funny, because they always suddenly need to "throw up, really bad!" they never do and just laugh after they pretend. Really fun for me. Asher also decided that he wants a boy, and Ella wants a girl. But Asher wants to name our boy or girl BROWNIE! We will have to see about that one.

So there you have it!

Trying New Things

2011-09-02T09:07:00.000-07:00

So many of my (WAY to kind, generous, and positive) friends tell me, "You are such a great mom" and my honest immediate thoughts are, "You really have NO idea, do you?!?!?!?!"

So with that being said, I wont elaborate much on my faults, shortcomings, and lack of patience (we could go on and on and ON) but rather on the positive things I have been focusing on and trying to change.

With the start of my first in school, things have really changed around our house, and one change I am trying to implement (which also makes me happy) is schedules.

So one of the first things this new "school year" we are working on is CHORES. I grew up doing chores and think it is SO important for kids to have and UNDERSTAND responsibility in the home and family. We all need to know we contribute and participate and work together as a family. Yes this is harder to do when your kids are 5 & 3. But I have already found that they thrive on the responsibility and really step up, and (for the time being) actually ENJOY doing their chores. Go figure.

So check out what my kids age appropriate chores are, for ideas on how to implement this into your own family. (It is also editable, so you can make your own from this template).

My Kids 2011 Chore Chart

Lake Perris LAKE Adventures

2011-08-31T16:22:00.000-07:00

Forest & Kim invited out to Lake Perris on their boat last Sat. SO FUN!

April, Wes & Peyton came too.

Check out Aprils blog here for more pictures and her post.

Baby Kyler who was STELLAR on the boat ride, totally use to it!

Ella did NOT enjoy the boat ride much, but surly LOVED the "brown" Perris water

The first person to go on the tube was Ned and as he went flying through the air and way off in the water at a distance she thought he was gone forever, not understanding why we were laughing and she was screaming her lungs out for her Daddy, kinda sad at first, but it got funny as it progressed.

It was Asher's 3rd birthday and Kim even made him cupcakes. He just loved playing with the shells.

The boys did up some hot dogs and we actually enjoyed the HEAT

Daddy & Uncle Wes took Asher out on LOTS of rides since it was his 3rd B-day and he had a blast

He even got daring and laid down with the boys (but he didn't keep his head up)

Also NOTICE his new hair cut like Daddy's!

I passed out on the 1st day of School (It's True)

2011-08-10T20:35:00.000-07:00

So I remember feeling ANXIOUS as a kid prepping for school. Not nervous, just excited & all the anticipation.

I NEVER used to be able to sleep as a kid on Christmas Eve, preparing for a big vacations, and always the night before the first day of school. I remember on the first day of 3rd grade, I was really nervous and I was curling my bangs in the bathroom, and my mom walked by and told me not to lock my knees or I would pass out. Well YES if you have read my blog before, you know I am prone to passing out, and that is exactly what I did.

Hot curling iron in my hand and passing out, burning my forehead, for the first day of school.
Good times!

So I have been a little anxious while my firstborn (Ella) had her first day of school today. KINDERGARTEN to be exact. Yikes. Well I always call her my mini me, not because she looks like me (more like Ned, for sure!) but she has a LOT of my personality. Which is sometimes hard for me to deal with (OK often times hard to deal with).

So we put her to bed at 7pm and by 11pm when I went to bed she still was NOT asleep. It broke my heart! With all the sincerity of her heart she said, "I really am trying mom, I promise I am, I'm really sorry!" So we were worried all night how the today would be, exhausted & emotional.
The verdict:
The day before, checking out her teacher, we got the one we wanted & requested: Mrs. Padilla.

The morning of, she was excited! She was up with her new alarm clock, pumped & ready to go! YES! Dad even took the morning off work to walk with us all to school (& we (Asher, Ned & I) went to Mimi's for breakfast after)... not celebrating, OK just a little! But shh, she doesn't know that!

We then got to meet her teacher (again) prior to class, who already remembered Ella's name. We could tell this made Ella's day. And you can see it in her SMILE! (with her upside down tag & all)

She then waited in line with the other students, and would NOT put down her backpack or lunch pail, even though she kept complaining about how heavy they were.

AND MY ULTIMATE FAVORITE MOMENT & PICTURE OF THE DAY! The school had all the students walk through the front gate where they had music playing, balloons all over, teachings greeting, AND A RED CARPET! How AWESOME is that! Well Ella (in her MISS ELLA BELLA personality & typical way) after smiling her time away, WOULD NOT smile or pose for the camera on the red carpet. So my favorite shot of the BACK TO SCHOOL BLITZ!

Then to make it an extra special day. When she got home I had helium balloons for her & a bunch of school supplies! She was thrilled & LOVED every minute of it.

So after a lot of trepidation to begin with. We all had a great day today and glad it all went over with so much success. And for those of you who asked (it seems to be the question for this situation) NO I did NOT cry. I kind of cant believe it. But she didn't and I didn't. I think we were all just ready and happy.

I think I was more ready to cry about school starting in the middle of the Summer though, what happened to back to school in the FALL (remember the day after Labor Day)!

I'm Still Here & Exhausted...

2011-07-27T16:38:00.000-07:00

Most of you already know why I have been non-existent here on my personal blog lately, if not you can read about all I have been doing the last few weeks on the new blog I am doing for my sweet little nephew here who is currently fighting for his life, read more about how it all started here. So between blogging updates for him and emotionally dealing with that and life in general, I just started feeling really down and sad dealing with everything, so I really decided I needed to just get back into my daily routine with my family again so that they are all not suffering as well. We have done that by:

Returning back to do the fun Summer Movie Program, so we saw this today.

Back to serving in my church calling as Young Women's President in my ward and for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Which keeps me very busy. Sunday lessons and classes. Tuesday activities (we watched a movie they made from Girls Camp this week, and made a poster, and ate Ice Cream). AND preparing for our 30 mile bike ride from Corona to the Beach THIS Saturday! Whew! It is exhausting, but I LOVE it!!! These girls are some of my "besties" that means Best Friends (yep, totally trying to stay cool)!

Walking & hanging out with my new preschool friends. I usually walk Tues. & Thurs. with a few mom's I met through Ella's preschool. It has been a way to keep me exercising and have fun at the same time. I haven't started back until this week, since our vacation and everything with my nephew has happened, so it feels "normal" reconnecting with them again.

Ella also has swim lessons everyday, M-Th. Since Danny & Sarah have a pool at their house, we are really trying to get the kids swimming, and Ella absolutely LOVES IT. Can you tell?

So if you have read it all, you can see I am very busy and pretty darn exhausted, but hanging in there and trying to get back into the swing of things, which helps my emotional state.

I am also wondering WHAT HAPPENED TO SUMMER?? My eldest BABY is starting kindergarten this year, and on AUGUST 11th!!!! That seems crazy to me, more anxiety producing posts about that later.

My nephew William in critical condition: Update & new blog

2011-07-15T18:52:00.000-07:00

Hey my friends, family, & blog followers. Most of you have probably already heard from my fb page, but my sweet little nephew William is VERY VERY sick. He is only 1 and in critical condition.

Last week we left to Yosemite for our family vacation and on the way up Sarah was telling us lil' Will was sick, we didn't think much of us and let him sleep on it that night. The next morning my dad was sick (ended up passing a kidney stone, in Yosemite) so he went to the urgent care there (which we believe was God's hand) because Dan & Sarah decided to take Will to the urgent care with my dad since he was already going. Immediately they hooked him up on an IV and sent him to Fresno hospital (the closest hospital). After being their and determining his illness (see the new blog I created below for more details) http://williamantoniotodd.blogspot.com/

he was then air lifted to CHLA and has been undergoing dialysis, blood transfusions, surgeries, etc.

It has been horrible to see the suffering of the Todd family (Dan, Sarah, Carter & Claire) are going through. Our family has felt so helpless and frustrated while just waiting. The one thing we felt we could do was help keep everyone updated on his status and also try to help Dan & Sarah with expenses. Although they do have insurance the copays & deductibles are still very high, and they are spending a lot on gas for back and forth to doctors, specialists, surgeons, home, etc. They are also worried about having to go back to work (Danny has to return next week) and will drive back and forth in the evenings to be with Will, while Sarah will take off as long as financially possibly.

I know if it was my child I would just die having to go to work while my son was in critical condition. So I started the web page below, and know there are so many generous and caring people out there who would love to help. So please feel free to donate $1 or any amount you'd like.

Most importantly PLEASE pray for baby William daily. We love him so much!

I will NOT be posting on updates on my personal blog anymore, so please go to William's blog and follow to be updated on his status. Thanks again for your prayers at this time.

http://williamantoniotodd.blogspot.com/

Here is my first blog post on the new site:

My sweet nephew (Danny & Sarah's 3rd born child) 1 year old William was recently diagnosed with (HUS) Hemolytic-uremic syndrome or e.Coli 0157, the worse kind, including a number of other medical issues resulting from this disorder that usually occurs when an infection in the digestive system produces toxic substances that destroy red blood cells, causing kidney injury.

He was diagnosed at Fresno Hospital & air lifted to Children's Hospital of Los Angeles where he is currently a patient in ICU in critical condition. He is undergoing dialysis, he has had a complete body blood transfusion, and today has had his first surgery; where it was discovered a major portion of his intestines was dead. This is the latest news for NOW. He is out of surgery & stable.

William's condition is not good right now, but we all hoping and praying that our will is alignment with God's.

All Danny & Sarah have asked for at this point is sincere PRAYERS on his behalf. And this is the key and most important thing desired. Please ask any friends or prayers circles you may have to keep William Antonio Todd in their prayers.

I know many of you have contacted them and myself asking how you can help or assist. And many of you knowing the stress they are under right now is heart wrenching. The numerous hospital bills that have & will continue to incur (including the air lifting), the driving back & forth, managing their other 2 children, and worrying about their jobs all while trying to spend as much time with William as they possibly can. In order to help we have set up this fundraiser page to help them with their hospital bills and continue the great care they are receiving.

We all appreciate the out pour of support for our little Will and again thank you for the many, many prayers on his behalf. Please feel free to share this site with friends of Danny's & Sarah's as I know they have told me how grateful they are already for the kindness & blessings they have received from so many caring friends.

Thank you so much for helping this sweet little baby. ANY donation amount is appreciated and goes a long way. Everything goes strictly towards Williams expenses.

ALSO, YOU IF YOU PREFER TO NOT USE PAYPAL YOU CAN SEND CHECKS TO: 2101 Veranda Ct. Perris, CA. 92571

CHECKS SHOULD BE MADE OUT TO "DANIEL & SARAH TODD" WITH "WILLIAM ANTONIO TODD DONATION" ON THE MEMO LINE.

Have I told you lately.....

2011-06-30T13:53:00.000-07:00

...that I LOVE HIM???????!!!!!!!!!

Date night with my bro. & his SWEET wife Sarah!

I LOVE these Girls!!!!!!!!!!

2011-06-24T20:56:00.000-07:00

I seriously LOVE these girls! They are hilarious! They are fun! They are FULL OF ENERGY! But most important they are grounded, they have testimonies and strive daily to be better, to be young (women of worth)!! They are GREAT examples to me! I LOVE THESE GIRLS!!!!!!!!

How to celebrate a 5th Birthday...

2011-05-30T22:13:00.000-07:00

Start by going to get Ice Cream Dressed like THIS....

With your BEST FRIEND (Ashlyn Okamoto)

Then have your BF stay the night dressed like twins and staying up ALL NIGHT after reading a FANCY NANCY book (presents from Ashlyn)


Then waking up Birthday morning screaming "YES, this is AWESOME!" as waking up COVERED in balloons is the COOLEST thing EVER!

...with an easel and other gifts around the room...

THEN spending the entire BIRTHDAY (and Memorial Day) with cousins and family at Uncle Danny & Auntie Sarah's house for a pool PARTY!)

Cousin William & Uncle Danny look how cute, cant get any better than all this!

Cousins: Ryan H., Carter T., & brother Asher

Ryan & Ella loving the pool!

NANA with her 2 oldest Granddaughters

And the cutest Birthday Girl there ever was! Happy 5th Birthday my sweet ELLA!

My Easter was quite NICE!

2011-05-23T09:56:00.000-07:00

Love this picture. Asher's finger is hilarious!

Yes Asher is in Halloween PJ's.

CALLING ALL MOMS: 71 Toes Blog

2011-05-11T09:01:00.000-07:00

I just totally love, love this mom's blog and admire her, thus why she was named "Young Mother of the Year,"

Here's her blog link if you want to follow like me, thus my I Love Lucy Project (button) as well:

http://71toes.blogspot.com/

She inspires me (thanks Sarah) to be a better Mama despite my drama! Here is her speech from the convention, which I loved and left me inspired me, so enjoy:

I've had a few people ask me to post the 3-minute speech I had to give at the American Mothers National Convention last week. So here you go:

One beautiful spring morning when I was a teenager, I had the rare opportunity to take a ride in a hot air balloon.

I loved it.

I loved watching the world shrink below me and the sheer beauty that such a different vantage point allowed. I could see everything from a whole new perspective.

At that time I had no idea that what was making our ride so beautiful was fire, and the heat it generated as it lifted us high into the sky.

Four years ago our fifth child, a daughter named Lucy, was born with six toes on one foot. The doctor quickly reassured us that it was much more common than we realized and that it could be removed without a fuss. Just like that teenager in that balloon years before, I had no idea at that time what fire that seemingly insignificant extra little toe would bring into our lives. A couple years later that toe would lead to a diagnosis of a rare genetic syndrome that would cause a myriad of health issues, most heart-breaking for us: imminent blindness.

Although our journey has certainly been a refiners fire, I would never trade it. It has made my children glow with compassion, it’s made me be a more deliberate mother, and my dear husband, well, he’s still trying to figure out whether he likes this fire much at all.

But that’s ok. Some fires last a long, long time.

Everyone here has some unexpected fire in their lives whether they are on the surface or deep down inside. Our fires are sometimes big and sometimes small…things ranging from your seven-year-old thinking it’s funny to call 911 (like what happened at our house last week), or they could be smoldering long-term fires like having to deal with drug or alcohol addictions, or losing a loved one. But I’d venture to say that as we look back on these fires, big or small, we would probably all agree that they, although at times horribly painful, have elevated us as they have given us a new perspective in life to make us stronger.

I love this quote from Rick Warren: “Life is a series of problems: Either you are in one now, you're just coming out of one, or you're getting ready to go into another one. The reason for this is that God is more interested in your character than your comfort.”

Just like a ride in a hot air balloon, sometimes the wind takes us places we may not want to go. But we have to train ourselves to cherish the new vantage point that the fires in our life give us, and eventually we find that these fires are what elevates us to become the kinds of Mothers God wants us to be.

In closing I want to share one more quote: “Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved piece, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming ‑‑WOW ‑‑ WHAT A RIDE!”

May we all go forth and remember that fire has the power to elevate if only we will allow the hand of God to help us through the hottest, most smouldering parts.

Another Blood Curdling Cry in this here home...

2011-05-10T13:41:00.000-07:00

So yes it was ME again (are you surprised?) probably not.

Well since there is so much DRAMA in our household, theses little things I guess I take for granted on a daily basis, and so many people loved my knife story (I even found out I had a few blog stalkers...YIPPEE!). The fact that I was happy to share a little bit of our drama and get some laughs in return, that I thought I would sub-title our Blog (This Mama's Drama).

So you are probably still wondering why I let out another blood curdling scream. Yes I was being over dramatic (AGAIN!) but seriously! My son Asher (33 month old son) just is potty training. He actually is doing GREAT (that makes me happy enough to just blog about that, but I know most people don't care). So onto the drama. I had him on the potty, he went and a little got on his little mini potty seat (yes its Princess, because we didn't replace it since Ella used it, and I am not going to). Well I look away for a minute and in a split second I see him stick his finger in the pee & stick his finger in his mouth and LICKING it...ENTER blood curdling SCREAM! Ned is (VERY CALMLY may I add, as ALWAYS) asking what is happening in there.

It's really funny the things little kids do without thinking, he never knew not to do that and I took it for granted that EVERYONE (children included) would know NOT to do that.

Another lesson for this Mama, with a bit o' DRAMA!

I AM such a inpatient NERD!!

2011-05-03T13:30:00.000-07:00

So my good friends are probably already saying, "YES, no new news to us!" But just thought I would reconfirm it in case you forgot. As usual I am SO inpatient and try to do everything super fast and as quickly and quickly as possible. Including making dinner, while unpacking, while letting the kids do crafts, while cleaning up. Well yesterday that didn't work so well for me.

Taking on my cell while waiting in Er (I was SO SO BORED!)


These are the CUTE knifes that did it!

Got home late from Ella's dance class, started making dinner with my very NICE new SHARP Kai Pure Komachi knifes from Costco. The kids yelled and asked me for something as I had my beautiful new knife and that's where it all went wrong. I guess I am use to my old ghetto dull knifes and I turned my head while slicing bread and sliced my pinkie finger, pretty dang good. I grabbed a wash cloth which immediately was filled with blood, grabbed another cloth (which I had just learned I was NOT suppose to do) and then panicked! The kids both were screaming at the top of their lungs because there was blood everywhere and I just kept saying "Shoot, Ella get my phone, shoot, Ella get my phone". She was frozen in panic, I tried calling NED (he was at the dentist). I texted him 911. Then I tried to call my sister, then my mom. No one answered and I passed out! I woke up & tried talking Ella into getting the neighbors, she was so panicked she wouldn't. So I decided to call 911 (I didn't know what to do & honestly was just worried about my poor kids), then while they were on their way in less than 5 minutes. Ned called (sitting in the dentist chair) and is yelling, "Heidi, Ella, Heidi, Ella" He said everyone at the dentist came running in (ha ha ha). I am trying to tell him what happened just yelling come home, I'm OK, but I cut myself, and I am GOING to pass out again, sure enough I pass out again. I wake up to Ella finally is running the the neighbors (Daddy talked her into it). She had already unlocked the door for the paramedics, such a good girl. But Ned said he thought she thought I was going to die. POOR BABY! Asher meanwhile (my STELLAR boy as usual) remained calm. He talked to daddy and started taking ALL my bowls out of the cupboards and redecorating the kitchen as I am laying on the floor. The paramedics get there, and Asher is yelling, "Fireman's in here!" So cute! So they give me who knows what to stop the bleeding, and the neighbors come (due to Ella getting them). DRAMA! They wanted me to take the ambulance but I knew that would be extra cost and that now I was fine since I stopped bleeding SO much, the kids were OK, and Ned was on his way. Then I just felt SILLY: for cutting myself, for calling 911, for passing out, for our dears neighbors helping! Such a DORK!!! I was just embarrassed, but hadn't known what else to do. Ned assured me I did the right thing and that's what they are there for, and then laughed at me, and said, "That's why its called an accident." But I think I have heard that so sweetly from him mouth over 10x's since we've been married (not good)! he he

Long story short I went to County hospital (why I don't know, we have insurance) and you couldn't pay me to die there! It was a miserable experience. The inmates were all in cuffs walking past my little triage. I was at the hospital until 11:30pm (THANKS APRIL & WES for taking our kids home!) and up until 3 just trying to relax. They made me take X-rays because they thought I could have hit bone, nerves, or tendons since it was so deep, but gratefully (after prayers too) no damage. And grateful Ned was there because I hate shots and those 2 in my finger were worse than my epidurals, so I teared up on his shirt.

I am suppose to go to the Dr. in 3 days and then 14 to get stitches out (couldn't do dissolving ones because it was right on the joint). But my personal physician Sarah (my sis-in-law) is going to do it for me. I don't think I can take any more doctors offices for the YEAR!

So yes you can totally make fun of me and laugh. I am realizing I cant take the site of blood to well!

Benihana for Daddy's B-day

2011-04-29T08:57:00.000-07:00

Asher's front tooth is FIXED

2011-04-06T11:41:00.000-07:00

So after MUCH drama, Asher's front tooth got half knocked out. The front actually looks good, he still had most his tooth, but from the back it was against his gums and the root/pulp was showing completely. So long story short, we got 2 opinions and both told us he would FOR SURE need a baby root canal (pulpotomy) and we have already had it done and he now has a fake little front tooth. No nerve left, but hopefully it will last till his adult tooth comes in. Thanks to those of you who gave me support, thoughts, & ideas already on my FB page, I really appreciated it.

our FANCY NANCY dinner

2011-03-23T12:09:00.000-07:00

So MISS ELLA begged me (in pure desperation) to use of china to make a "Fancy Nancy" restaurant dinner for Daddy when he came home from work. So the VERY FANCY dinner I had already made (yes, said in sarcasm) was set out: chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, garlic bread, cottage cheese & fruit cups, and of course the kids favorite a heart cookie on a plate AND diet soda! They were SO excited.

I LOVED Asher's face drinking with his "Special cup" and getting soda. He loved it! Also the cookies were homemade from earlier in the day. And Ella told me "this is the most special and fun day ever. I wonder what "adventures" we will have tomorrow." It was really cute and sweet. Reminds me of the little things we do as mothers that REALLY makes their days! Love these guys!

PARENTING! The Hardest & Most rewarding

2011-03-22T16:31:00.000-07:00

I just read this article about parenting and liked it. I know for myself parenting can often times be hard, but also SO SO rewarding and wonderful!

So here are a few reminders for all my blog followers who are parents:

Give yourself a break—you don't need to be so hard on yourself.
Just say no! What are your real priorities?
Take time to write it down. Journaling will bring clarity to your life.
Slow down and savor living in the moment.
Plug into your kids so you can really connect with them.
Don't forget about your husband—intimacy is life-affirming!
Reach out beyond your family. It will enrich everyone.
Make your physical and mental health a priority.
Is more always better? Simplify everything.
Be a little selfish—you deserve it, and it will make you a better mother.

Here is the FULL article:
http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/parenting/parents-who-hate-parenting-the-latest-trend-2466533/

Ella in Dance Exploration

2011-03-08T10:49:00.000-08:00

Anyone who knows our Ella knows she LOVES to dance, perform, and POSE for pictures.

This is way belated but these are her Christmas Dance recital pictures. We put her in a dance Exploration class (they do a bit of ballet, tap, gymnastics, and just learn rhythms, etc.) NOT hard core dance. But she LOVED it and actually did GREAT on her performance.

Celebration of the Seasons of Life

2011-02-28T20:49:00.001-08:00

I vividly remember going to my Grandma Krause's tiny little house in Roy, UT every summer as a child. These are some of the fondest memories I have had in my life. Nothing in particular that makes me remember or love these times in my life. But I remember playing with cousins almost daily, eating corn on the cob outside, watching summer thunder storms while lying on the grass. Great memories for that season in my life.

I was just asked to speak at a church activity this week on the different seasons of our life. I have been SO grateful for this opportunity as it has reminded me of WHO I am, WHAT I am doing here, and to LIVE and LOVE every moment in life I am in (even right now, let me rephrase that, ESPECIALLY right now) with my little ones who are by far the most difficult thing I have ever done in my life, but also by FAR the most rewarding thing that could ever happen to me upon this earth.

I found this poem and these pictures (BELOW) that I thought I would share to remind YOU:
If life and its rushed pace and many stresses have made it difficult for you to feel like rejoicing, then perhaps now is a good time to refocus on what matters most.
Dieter Uchtdorf-- Of Things That Matter Most

Monica Millward Weeks, "Celebration of the Seasons of Life"

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

“A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; …

“A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; …

“… for there is a time … for every purpose and for every work” (Eccl. 3:1–2, 4, 17).

As we learn in Ecclesiastes, our lives are filled with contrasting seasons. Following are images and a story that reflect some of the seasons of our lives and our relationships with one another across the generations.

VOTE HERE!

2011-02-24T12:28:00.001-08:00

OK my sister told me (after my Cafe Rio Post) that I need to have a vote.

Which do you like BETTER
Cafe Rio OR In N Out!?

You can only vote for one, just name your favorite...

Pretend City in Irvine

2011-02-23T18:56:00.000-08:00

My friends Holly & Jill invited us to join them at Pretend City in Irvine...
(AND the video at the end is my kids acting CRAZY, like usual!!!!!!!!!!!)

Mi Madre

2011-01-31T08:12:00.000-08:00

As long as I can remember I have called my mom Madre, and for those who know my mom she is "unique" I don't know how else to call it but she is different from most other moms (silly, adventurous, blond, fearless...I could go on and on).

So anyway without further ado, Madre is turning 52 years old this year. There are 52 weeks in 2011. Thus 52 new things this year... or 1 per week. So it should be interesting to stay tuned to see what happens this year (sans the last picture she posted of me...blah!) But we like to try new things and she is often the one planning it.

P.S. (I know one thing she is planning on doing this year that I COULD NOT DO! But you have to stay tuned to find out...ha ha ha... HINT: I doubt most of you have ever done this, but many of you would probably LOVE too...hmmmm). So head to her blog and be sure to follow the fun...
http://52andnew.blogspot.com/

P.S.S. If you don't follow my blog yet be sure to add it on the side link.

Am I Amelia Bedelia? Or just cursed...

2011-01-26T18:46:00.000-08:00

So if you are my friend on FB then you have probably already heard of my drama in my life! And for some odd reason I just feel like Amelia Bedelia (remember her?) and I feel I cant get anything right as of late...

So I have been SO excited to be a stay at home mom and all the adventures that was to hold, BUT I sure wasn't ready for it to downpour like this. As soon as I finished working, my family & I were ALL SO sick. After a few WEEKS I was ready to get on the road. First day heading to Disneyland in our new MOM MOBILE (safe mini van) we got HIT by someone who slammed into the back our the swagger wagon. We were all safe, the kids were extremely upset about missing Disneyland and cried as the van was being towed away. We are just beginning with all this drama since it just happened 5 days ago. But the guy who hit us, has NO insurance so now we get to pay and have NO car in the meantime.

Then with my DADS CAR today I went to the park to have a picnic with my sister. While out of the car for 5 minutes (I left my purse in the car, yes ignoring promptings to NOT do that) and sure enough the car alarm started going off, I bolted to the car only to find my dad's car handle dangling and the purse GONE. Cell phone, wallet, checks, about $500 worth of gift cards (from Christmas and a previous collection), our Disneyland passes, and on and on and on....ALL GONE! Now we have to change our door locks, our car electronic keys (very costly) and all the other fun things along with this.

I have cried a few times this last week and it hasn't been fun. I am just trying to look at the many blessings I have and find out what my Heavenly Father is wanting me to learn from all this, and I am trying to figure it out FAST so I don't have to deal with #3 anytime soon.

It's like In N Out in UT ok...

2011-01-26T10:09:00.000-08:00

...so many of my UT family and friends may laugh and think whats the big deal. But I cant tell you how excited I was, last Friday, to go to CAFE RIO in Redlands, CA. Yes I have already been to the ones in Orange County, BUT this is in my back yard...and I was SO PLEASED!

MY FAMILY-- Todd Clan

2011-01-18T12:59:00.000-08:00

Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family: Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one.
-Jane Howard

The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.
-Theodore Hesburgh

Perhaps the greatest social service that can be rendered by anybody to this country and to mankind is to bring up a family.
- Bernard Shaw

In each family a story is playing itself out, and each family’s story embodies its hope and despair.
-Auguste Napier

Important families are like potatoes. The best parts are underground.
-Francis Bacon

A happy family is but an earlier heaven.
-Bernard Shaw

In every conceivable manner, the family is link to our past, bridge to our future.
-Alex Haley

I'm so BACK

2011-01-12T14:39:00.000-08:00

So if you follow me on facebook (Heidi Todd Broberg) then you already know that I just quit working. After 9 years with the same company I made the hard decision to quit full-time work to be home with the kids (I MAY eventually work part-time if NEEDED, but hopefully not at all). So this is week 2 of that new adjustment, and besides our whole family being SICK, I am LOVING IT!

We are doing home preschool with Ella, were excited to hang out with family and friends, and LOTS of new adventures. Anyone who is a stay at home mom knows everyday is a new "ADVENTURE"! I'll tell you what, I think it's a lot harder being at home than working, but pays much better(in paying off experiences, that is!).

So stay tuned and follow my blog to get the newest updates and posts and hopefully I can have some fun and interesting things to post!

...this is totally Ned & I...

2011-01-08T19:37:00.000-08:00

....so a ton of people have sent this to Ned and I; since we got our SE and have our two kids (boy and girl. I will totally own up...

It all started with a COLD

2010-12-03T09:32:00.001-08:00

So a few weeks ago I came down with the seasonal cold. No biggie. So I tried to do what your suppose to do (resting part was a little harder than the OJ, vitamin C, lots of water, washing hands extra, etc.), but figured "aint no thang".

Well 3 WEEKS later I was still sick. My muscles were all so sore from coughing up a lung, congested and missing tons of work and church I just still felt pretty bad! But still was determined NOT to go to the doctors.

My sister in-law Sarah teases me because I hate going to the doctors & try to avoid it at all costs (for a number of reasons, not fear). BUT I HATE:

paying the ridiculous copays
waiting in the waiting room for 2 hours, then seeing a doctor for 2 minutes
having a doctor reiterate what I just told them & could have diagnosed myself

But this time Ned said you NEED to go to the doctor you aren't getting better. So after breathing became a little more difficult I finally called the dr. and asked for an inhaler (Still didn't go in ha ha ha). So got a $50 inhaler which helped but still not better after a few days.

I FINALLY sucked it up and went to URGENT care yesterday. And after paying HUGE copay, waiting for HOURS, a doctor came in and within 2 minutes said I had:

SEVERE infection of BRONCHITIS & a nice looking sinus infection

http://www.medicinenet.com/bronchitis/page2.htm#symptoms

So I had a breathing treatment there in the Dr. office. It was HILARIOUS!!! I am hooked up to a machine, Ella is standing on the patient table behind me "doing" my hair (i.e. pulling it hurting my head), Asher is hanging on my legs playing horsey on the floor, LITERALLY pouring runts (candy) into his mouth. I saw this picture in my head (& wish I had a camera) and started laughing so hard that I then started coughing so uncontrollably hard I couldn't keep the machine on, until a nurse came in to ask if everything was OK, which only made me laugh (& cough) all the harder.

So I was thinking I should have taken up my sweet sister in-law (SARAH's) offer on taking one or both of the kids so I could go in on my own. But considering the kiddos were good the nurses were so nice and told them they were SO good and gave them tons of stickers for being great for me.

So anyway I am just excited to have the medicine I need and hopefully be back up and running 100% after a weekend of rest.

I just know I HATE BEING SICK!

The Todd Girls

2010-11-30T13:01:00.000-08:00

*The Todd Girls*

(Hayley Hamilton, April Aleman, Peyton Aleman, Mama Todd, Claire Todd, Sarah Todd, Ella Broberg, Heidi Broberg)

I am THANKFUL...

2010-11-26T16:37:00.000-08:00

...for Thanksgiving and the opportunity I have to slow down, spend time with family, and reflect on ALL I am THANKFUL for, because it sure is a LOT!!!!

I TAKE THE CAKE....

2010-11-09T18:46:00.000-08:00

....for the worst mom, wife, self award. At least I feel like it. And the reason I haven't blogged in the last FOREVER is because I have been so busy, stressed, tired, sick and booked lately. Not what President Uchtdorf counseled us to do last month, so now I feel guilty on top of all that!!!! Ahhhh...can I not win!

To sum it up quickly I put my notice in at my work and actually (YES, for all you NON-BELIEVERS that thought I would NEVER do it) am quitting my full-time job. So basically I am DONE with that job (AFTER 9 YEARS!!!) I was officially terminated last week, BUT with that being said I am now a broker for our same company and can make my own schedule, but with Open Enrollment here I am working HARDER than I ever have in my life to help sustain us through the next upcoming year of 2011 when I will work only 2 days a MONTH or wont work at all!

So needless to say it has been VERY hard balancing it ALL. And with the kids and myself being sick, it sure doesn't help when we all are a little cranky. So then I read others blogs of all the fun things these SUPER Mom's are doing with their kids and just feel bad. Then I see all the nice things people do for their spouses, and I come home and just crash OR am ready to hand the kids over if I have been home all day with them. Or I feel like I am not doing enough for my job to help us through 2011.

So as I start to get down on myself, I just remind myself of ALL MY MANY BLESSINGS and to have FAITH that all things will work out in the future and we know we are doing the right thing, no matter how hard it is.

SO I will be out of commission the next few months, but I PROMISE a SUPER update after the new year and will be back on the blogging bandwagon. But yes I am still alive and just say a little prayer for me that it stays that way through the end of this next year.

THANKS all my blogging friends!

Peyton's Baby Blessing

2010-10-05T11:37:00.000-07:00

We had the wonderful opportunity a few weekends ago to bless my beautiful niece Peyton Jane (April & Wes's baby)...

Here's my family....

the entire crew

the beautiful parents

the boys...

(Josh Bladh, Paul Duncan, Ryan McCook, Ned Broberg (isn't he handsome), Wes Aleman & baby, Fred Aleman, John Todd, Daniel Todd, Patrick Aleman, Andy Moore.

Good-bye BLACK BEAUTY..Hello DIESEL

2010-09-28T12:57:00.000-07:00

Good-Bye Black Beauty (yes, I sold my 2002 LEXUS IS 300)...

...and HELLo MINI-VAN (you heard it right, we bought a 2011 Toyota Sienna MINI-VAN!!!)

It LITERALLY has taken me 2-3 years to get to this point. Ask anyone who knew me well enough that I had sworn an oath to myself that I would NEVER own a mini-van! Well here we are, Saturday I sold my car and bought a new car, so within 5 hours I went from Lexus mom to Mini-Van mom! Keep laughing...

Well a few months ago I had to watch my nieces and nephews (& my own kids) so I borrowed my sis-in-laws mini-van and it really started to win me over. It was SO convenient, spacious, and nice. I still swore I wouldn't do it. But after months and YEARS really looking at trucks, SUV's, crossovers, everything was lacking something that the mini-van had (space, seats, cargo/camping room, comfort, features). So besides (what some may say, is the lack of style) all fingers pointed to the mini-van. We decided, we divided and we conquered!

And to tell you the truth I LOVE IT! And I still feel pretty dang cool in it as well. So I am gonna ROCK MY MINI-VAN!

Shout out for the MINI-VAN!

PS. We asked the kids what we should name the new car and immediately Ella yelled out DIESEL, so it stuck. And with all our automatic opening doors, sliding & removable seats, we thought it was pretty appropriate for the TRANSFORMER mini-van name!

Ballerina Girl

2010-09-24T14:50:00.000-07:00

Ballerina Girl

You are so lovely- With you standing there- I'm so aware Of how much I care for you

(When I was a little girl my parents always sang Ballerina Girl-Lionel Richie- to me so its become a natural thing to continue this tradition with Ella).

She has been in dance "exploration" for about 4 months now and she loves it. They do tap, ballet, gymnastics, and other fun things for 4 years old! She actually gets a recital in December and that will be funny!!!

Shade Clearance

2010-09-15T15:18:00.000-07:00

So I guess Shade is going out of bushiness (my sis-in-law just passed this good news along). So I went shopping.

www.shadeclothing.com

Plus if you spend over $100 you get free shipping. Or so I think, I am not saying I spent over $100, but I am not saying I didn't either....

Discovering the iPod

2010-09-15T14:51:00.000-07:00

I know how happy I was when I discovered the joys of an iPod...happy to report Miss Ella enjoys it the same.

(She inherited my old shuffle when Ned got me the new Nano)

Asher's BUZZ Birthday!

2010-09-07T16:08:00.001-07:00

A BUZZ LIGHTYEAR Birthday for our Bubba Buzz...

(he LOVES BUZZ in case you cant tell from his face)

Swimming in Nana & Boppies mini pool with cousins.

And drowning in the pool (look at his face) and look at dad's pants. He still doesn't get how to stand up yet even though he can reach...

CRAFTS with cousins (Claire loving her crown)

And one of the presents from mom (of course mostly potty training supplies, can you tell what I WANT!) ha ha ha

And his two newest cousins who seemed to enjoy the party too

(Peyton-April & Wes's & William- Dan & Sarah's)

The BIG 3-0

2010-08-25T09:12:00.000-07:00

So I have been a little sad this year about turning 30, it just seems so old, because I don't feel old at all, but that number just seems so much older than I feel. So Ned was so sweet and totally spoiled me (probably so I wouldn't be depressed about being 30!). So forgive all these pictures of me, but last Sat. (a week after my b-day) Ned took me OUT!

Cedar Creek Inn (I had the BEST, and I mean the BEST Lobster I have EVER had in my life). I didn't even eat my steak or the rest of my food after, in fear or running the wonderful, succulent taste in my mouth!

At Massage Envy, I really fell asleep at the tail end of massage, you think I needed it!

And getting my M.A.C. makeover at Brea Mall. I am checking myself out I guess in the first picture, and then the after shot (not much different from the usual) but how I wish I had someone to get me ready everyday, it would be heaven!

Thanks to the BEST husband EVER!!!!!!!!!!

G.I. JOE

2010-08-24T15:08:00.000-07:00

So we just discovered Ned's OLD SCHOOL GI Joe's from the 80's they are hilarious! Their legs keep breaking off because the rubber bands are so OLD. Anyway I found one in my purse the other night and my family thought they were hilarious. So my brother took a picture with his new apple i-phone (I don't know what they are called) and he calls this picture "Welcome to Benihana" from the GI JOE...

My Super Hero's are...

2010-08-22T12:54:00.000-07:00

So the kids watched a Hi-5 episode (anyone else watch that?) and it was on superheros. SO I helped them make super capes and they had a blast running around the house all day. I finally got pictures of them when they started jumping off the stairs. Thankfully no injuries.

And Ned & I thought this picture was particularly hilarious. The way Ella is holding Asher and the way he is sitting on her is pretty funny!

Temple Road Trip with my Young Women- Vegas & St.George

2010-08-02T20:26:00.000-07:00

Last month I had the wonderful opportunity to go with my YW on a Temple Road Trip. They have been visiting temples all over and since I entered the program they decided to do the Las Vegas, NV & St.George, UT. temple. I had the privilege of going with my SEVEN super fun & righteous girls!

We stayed the night at my sister in-laws (Amy) who lives in St. George. She had a really fun craft for us to do, we had a nice mini-fireside by her friend, and had a blast playing soccer & just enjoying being spoiled by Amy (pancake breakfast, games upstairs, and a MAJOR slumber party). Many call her house (including my family) Hotel Woolley! Its a blast & we were grateful.

Our Bishops Aunt was also kind enough to set up a WHOLE dinner for us with the YW in their ward. It was decorated so cute, great food, and wonderful to see other beautiful and good YW ! The girls enjoyed talking with the other girls(& were trying to check out the boys playing b-ball too!) These three below are sisters & the Bishops daughters.

We also had a fun breakfast at the Cracker Barrel. I insisted on eating there, its just a tradition. I think they enjoyed the food. But had more fun buying a Gumby in the old fashion store.

LOVE THESE GIRLS!!! Even if I have to put them in head-locks and they make up CRAZY nicknames for me.

It's a GIRL! Peyton Jane Aleman

2010-07-25T11:17:00.000-07:00

So my sister FINALLY had her baby and we were all just waiting to find out WHAT she was having, well ITS A GIRL! LITTLE Miss Peyton! She was so so tiny and had the smallest little head and features ever! She is such a doll. So congrats April & Wes. We love her already!

April & Wes LEFT to the hospital 1 hour ago!!

2010-07-24T11:19:00.000-07:00

So about an hour ago April & Wes left our house to have their baby...FINALLY! It was cute when the hospital finally called, Wes got so excited he was running around the house, couldn't find his keys, and was so excited. They are SO cute and we are so excited to finally have our COUSIN IT, not be an IT any longer!

MY JUNE UPDATE.... its been a while

2010-07-05T14:12:00.000-07:00

6 Year Anniversary Weekend

Went to Vegas (BLAH!) and saw Cirque du Soleil- Beatles/Love...fun! Ate to our hearts content! And enjoyed some down time without the kids.

ROSCOES

LA for another game show audition

Mom's 51st B-day

Buca di Peppo...YUM!

April's Baby Shower

My baby sister is due with her first baby (they are NOT finding out what sex) and we had a little church baby shower at my house for her, it is so exciting!

TOY STORY 3

My kids first REAL full movie. Asher loved it and is obsessed with Buzz now!

Happy 4th Birthday ELLA!

2010-05-30T15:22:00.000-07:00

Jacob

The twins, Ella's best friend, Ashlyn

Lexi

Jackson & Ella (look at that hug!)

Lena

Sydney & Ella

The kids with their ICEE Popsicles after slip n' slide & pool

Asher enjoying his cupcake

...and all in all, what a FUN day for the kids, and Ella told me "I have so many nice best friends, don't I mom?!" She most certainly does. THANKS for making her day!

Now wish me luck on YEAR FOUR!!!!!

Flashback Photos

2010-05-19T14:50:00.001-07:00

How it use to be in the good ole' days (and how it should be on the streets, but isn't now).
The neighborhood gang!
I am the youngest one...

My first Graduation

Danny & I

Mt. Rushmore 1986
(sweet pose right)

The family picture
(when I was 1 and slightly resembled Santa)

I ALWAYS had a great fashion senseMy mom at my 2nd b-day in the gold shirt, looking like she is 14 with 2 kids.

Blowing out my candles and pouring milk (& looking a lot like my little Asher)

4 GENERATIONS: Mom, Great Grandma Krause, me, (uncle), and my Grandma Krause.

And this one is just for laughs. We grow REALLY fast in my family (well with Krause genes anyway) so Hayley, me, and my mom all were Giant's in our younger days. As you may know I am a very average 5'4" right now. Well in 4th grade I was a not so average 5"4".
That is my mom standing in FRONT of the teacher, looking like a teachers aid or something.

My Nephew William's Baby Blessing (and Oh la la Cousins)

2010-05-11T14:49:00.000-07:00

Ella & Claire (oh la la cousins)

Sweet little red head, BIG blue eye's nephew William (Will-I-Am or Liam)

Happy Mothers Day to Nana!!!

2010-05-07T14:17:00.000-07:00

My children love all their Grandparents so much! This is a good example, one day when my mom and dad came over and my kids did not want them to leave, so they ran to them outside and just hugged and laid on them, it did work for about another 10 minutes. We thought it was funny, smart little kids!

Family Home Evening-- Kings and Queens...and MODELING, eh?

2010-04-28T13:57:00.000-07:00

So for Family Home Evening we talked about how we are all kings & queens (AND princesses, Ella assured us). We made crowns for the kids and had our little lesson. Of course, like most FHE activities, it somehow turned south when Daddy and Ella decided to do a modeling session!

My sweet little KING and QUEEN!

MY GIRL & MY BOY

2010-04-08T20:45:00.000-07:00

My girl...

...loves Easter

...loves her cowGIRL boots

...and my BOY thinks its necessary to close his eyes now for EVERY picture

"Disney on Ice" New Years Day

2010-04-07T14:11:00.000-07:00

Way delayed, but WAY fun! Thanks mom!

Cousin Claire and Ella thought it appropriate to kiss by the princesses (Cute!)

Ella LOVING the princesses of course...

Me and my mom and sisters (Sarah's missing)

We totally did NOT plan this...so thought it was hilarious when we all got together and matched...

CRAZY Jail Birds..

Girls Weekend St. George

2010-04-07T13:51:00.000-07:00

So my "BFF's" Best Friends Forever (for those who didn't live in the 80's), all took a long overdue GIRL'S WEEKEND back in January to St.George, Utah (a kinda central meeting point for all of us). Although Joy came from North Carolina. I have so much to write about, so many fun things happened...but lets just say we had a blast, we needed it, and are gonna have to do it again.

Love you girls!

Ella's first hair cut

2010-04-07T13:16:00.000-07:00

Her "CLASSIC" picture LOVIN it, cant you tell...

Pre-cut. It was actually pretty long, it curled at the end so doesnt look as long as it really was.

My Baby Boy....

2010-04-05T22:19:00.000-07:00

He is such a mama's boy. What kid is tempted to look for their mom while in a bounce house...my baby boy, Asher. He cant stand to let me leave the room. He hangs on my leg while I get ready in the morning. Shouldn't I be grateful instead of going insane?

Our Outdoor Adventure In Puerta Vallarta

2010-03-31T15:14:00.000-07:00

So as I promised in my last post (see below) I would tell you all about our OUTDOOR ADVENTURE excursion, which was awesome!

It was such a thrill and one of the best things (if not the best thing of our trip). So it says its an eco-tour, for the adventurous and outdoors type. PERFECT. It has Mexico's highest (yes I am scared of heights) and longest zip-lines. About 1,000 ft long and 250 ft. high!

So you start off on in true 007 style with an exhilarating speed boat ride whisking you to Boca de Tomatlan, a secluded beach at the edge of the jungle on the southern shores of Banderas Bay. Ned made fun of me the entire boat ride because I was giggling like a 5 yr old. I guess it wasn't as fun to others as it was so me...I loved going over the big ocean waves. (Ned almost lost his hat too, but Steve had a great catch).

Once on dry land, our 4x4 Mercedes Benz Unimogs (I guess they are old Swiss Army jeeps) take you on an off-road expedition 2,000 ft above sea level to our base camp deep into heart of the Sierra Madre Mountains.

Then the mule ride:

Then the real fun, and adrenalin rush begins. You go through a series of zip-lines, rappel down waterfalls, traverse jungle bridges and finally splash through streams and natural river pools. The guides were so super cool and fun too. They kept calling me "Kamikaze Heidi" because (truth be told) I was so afraid to be stuck out in the middle of the zip line that I wouldn't break before I came into the next platform. So I would run into my guide who had to catch me, or hit a tree... but it was fun and hilarious when I did it!

There were a few times when I SERIOUSLY freaked out and didn't think I could do it. Like when they told me to just sit down and sit back and THIS (what you see below) is the only thing below me...ahhhhh...but I did it and loved it. Who knew I'd rappel down a waterfall!

You get SOAKED too...it was cold and we had so much fun watching everyones face as they actually hit the water. I wish I had all those pictures! HILARIOUS!

All in all it was SUCH a BLAST and we had the best group and SO much fun! I'd recommend it to anyone going out that way.