Our miracle

Wyatt Kevin Broyles was born December 13, 2008 at 6:30 P.M. I had to have an emergency c- section after 12 hours of labor. It was the worst day and the best day. We are so grateful to our Heavenly Father for letting him come to our family. He really worked a miracle for us. The more we think about the circumstances the more we realize it. He is our Christmas miracle and we are so happy to have him. I would post pics, but our camera broke so I had to borrow one and haven't downloaded them yet. I will when I can. It is hard to find time with 3 now. I'm sure I'll get a handle on it soon enough.

major foodie friend

I'm reposting this from a friends blog. I don't think I've tried very many of these things. We'll see.
Here’s what I want you to do:

1) Copy this list into your blog or journal, including these instructions.
2) Bold all the items you’ve eaten.
3) Italic any items you'd never consume.
4) add up your total at the end and post it in a comment on my blog!
5) go over to Andrew Wheelers blog and look at the thousands of replies and add your own if you'd like!

The VGT Omnivore’s Hundred:

1. Venison
2. Nettle tea
3. Huevos rancheros
4. Steak tartare
5. Crocodile
6. Black pudding
7. Cheese fondue
8. Carp
9. Borscht
10. Baba ghanoush
11. Calamari
12. Pho
13. PB&J sandwich
14. Aloo gobi
15. Hot dog from a street cart
16. Epoisses (I had to look; a pungent cheese from France)
17. Black truffle
18. Fruit wine made from something other than grapes
19. Steamed pork buns
20. Pistachio ice cream
21. Heirloom tomatoes (if I could grow any one thing - this would be it, and yes - they are that much better...)
22. Fresh wild berries
23. Foie gras
24. Rice and beans
25. Brawn, or head cheese
26. Raw Scotch Bonnet pepper
27. Dulce de leche
28. Oysters
29. Baklava
30. Bagna cauda
31. Wasabi peas (I've had wasabi - but i don't think this is what they are after)
32. Clam chowder in a sourdough bowl (my kids live for this)
33. Salted lassi (I drank a lassi once at an Indian restaurant before my brother left on his mission - it was foul.)
34. Sauerkraut
35. Root beer float
36. Cognac with a fat cigar
37. Clotted cream tea (If you look this up on wikipedia, it's actually the clotted cream, jam and scones that makes up this "tea" dish - I drink herbal tea but not the Earl Grey the Brits would normally serve)
38. Vodka jelly/Jell-O
39. Gumbo
40. Oxtail
41. Curried goat
42. Whole insects (not intentionally)
43. Phaal
44. Goat’s milk (Here's a reference for some of you who have known me long enough - I used to drink this straight out of the goat at Paul Hatch's house when I was a kid.)
45. Malt whisky from a bottle worth £60/$120 or more
46. Fugu (I'm not ready to die from a piece of fish)
47. Chicken tikka masala
48. Eel
49. Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnut
50. Sea urchin
51. Prickly pear
52. Umeboshi (I think I might have had this - I think the husband might have ordered some of this in one time - but I don't remember for sure.)
53. Abalone
54. Paneer
55. McDonald’s Big Mac Meal
56. Spaetzle
57. Dirty gin martini
58. Beer above 8% ABV
59. Poutine
60. Carob chips (my mom went through this cooking naturally stage at one point)
61. S’mores
62. Sweetbreads
63. Kaolin (I couldn't even look up what this is...shar)(I don't think you actually eat this. From what I read it is mined in Georgia and is used in paper making and other things. It is basically clay-valerie)
64. Currywurst
65. Durian (maybe? it's that spiny fruit)
66. Frogs’ legs (Craig has on his mission claims they are great. I am not an adventurous eater)
67. Beignets, churros, elephant ears or funnel cake (all of the above, love beignets the most)
68. Haggis
69. Fried plantain
70. Chitterlings, or andouillette
71. Gazpacho
72. Caviar and blini
73. Louche absinthe
74. Gjetost, or brunost
75. Roadkill (if accidental kill counts, the husband can answer yes here)
76. Baijiu
77. Hostess Fruit Pie
78. Snail
79. Lapsang souchong
80. Bellini
81. Tom yum
82. Eggs Benedict
83. Pocky
84. Tasting menu at a three-Michelin-star restaurant (Herbfarm was a 5-star, but not a Michelin 3 star... So close! Actually a few of my positives are from that dinner.)
85. Kobe beef
86. Hare
87. Goulash (one of the best things I ate during my European summer in Budapest)
88. Flowers (again, the mom and her cooking naturally phase - dandelions to be exact)
89. Horse
90. Criollo chocolate (no - but I think this is on my short list of things to try soon)
91. Spam (I think husband may have forced it or it's a childhood thing, but I know I have unfortunately)
92. Soft shell crab
93. Rose harissa (it's possible but I'm not positive)
94. Catfish
95. Mole poblano
96. Bagel and lox
97. Lobster Thermidor(no but it sounds delicious-valerie)
98. Polenta
99. Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee
100. Snake

only 40, but there is no sorrow from me. Like I said I am not an adventurous eater. Especially when I'm pregnant.

Technology is Amazing

Today we went in for another ultrasound to track some things that are going on and the ultrasound tech suprised us with this 3-d picture of our baby Wyatt. Is this amazing or what. It just makes it so real. He kept blinking at us during the ultrasound. I can't believe the Lord gave us this power the create and how amazing it is. What a loving father. I know I'll never be able to give my kids anything nearly as cool as that power. In the top pic you can see he actually has his foot on his head. Wow. I can't get my foot anywhere close to my head.

hard times

On Monday Jeb had to have surgery to have an undesended testicle brought down. NOT FUN. We have known about the problem since he was born. When he was 3 we went to a pediatric uroligist and they ordered an ultrasound to try and find the testicle and instead found only a hernia, which they went in and repaired at the time. Well, it still hadn't dropped so we took Jeb to another Uroligist about a month ago. They did another ultrasound and found the T at that time and determined it needed to be brought down surgically, which we did on Monday. What they found when they got in there was that he previous surgery he had actually trapped his T so it never would have been able to drop on its own. They had to cut it out of the scar tissue, redo the hernia and bring the T down. he had to have 2 insicions and is walking like a bull legged cowboy. He's having a hard time not going to school and he is dying of boredom not being able to run and play. I would say this is really torturing us all, but we are so grateful that everything went well and for modern medicine to take care of these things. The Lord has his hand in all things and we are so grateful for that. Other than that we are all doing well.
My parents were here visiting last week and we had a great time. We had a fun halloween party and got all dressed up which was a real riot. Unfortunatly all the pics are on my dad's camera so when I get them I will post. Next week we are looking forward to a visit from Craig's parents and Halloween which I have determined to be my second favorite holiday next to Christmas. I mean come on when else as an adult can we get dressed up and be someone else for a while.

Catch UP!

So, I am doing a catch up blog of everything going on right now. Craig is super duper busy. He takes command this saturday and is so excited, even though he tries to under play all that. He's also coaching pee wee football and is loving it. He's really done great things for the kids and they love him. He is such a natural born leader, he can't help but make an impact. He is of course loving his job still and it seems he can't get enough.

Jeb is doing great in school, still loving it. He had early release yesterday and was so bummed about it. He wanted to stay longer and he hates the weekends. I think he must have a blast. His teacher is definately on our christmas list. His energy still amazes me.

Chloe is Chloe, she melts our hearts constantly and is a crack up just like her brother. They love to play together and have a great time. Chloe still cries everyday when Jeb goes to school. She hates it. I think things will be better when the baby comes, which she is so excited for. She kisses my belly all the time and says I love you baby Wyatt. Of course she might change her mind once my attention changes directions. We are having so much fun during the day when its just the two of us.

I'm doing pretty great. I'm keeping pretty busy with relief Society, crafting, sewing and trying to finish up all my projects before the baby comes. I live off a list. We are slowly getting there and it feels so good. It's nice to have our home feel like us. My belly is starting to get huge and baby is so active(of course following his bro and sis). I hate that my mind and body are on different wave lengths. My mind thinks it can accomplish twice as much as my body does. I'm also getting exited for the holiday season coming up. I took the kids to the craft store and they found these fun halloween masks so we brought them home and whipped them up. It's fun to have them getting older and wanting to do crafts with mom.

All Done

Well, we have finally finished both Jeb and Chloe's bedrooms. We started quite a while ago when Craig and I built Jeb's bed. This weekend we (mostly Craig) finished it all by redoing their closets and he did a great job. I couldn't be more happy. I love them. So here are pics of the finished product. The kids love their rooms. too. We call Chloe's the happy room and go the and do color therapy, it's definatly a cure for a gloomy day.

Getting into the routine

Well, we are now going into our third week of school here and Jeb absolutly loves it. He hates weekends, because he would rather be at school. Yay, for me! I hope it stays that way. He is finally getting used to telling mom and dad what he did at school everyday. He thinks giving us the run down is a real pain in the neck, but we are demanding. So the other day he came home from school and looked like he had a big bump on his head. I asked him what happened to his head and He went into a narrative about a boy angel(kind of a trouble maker) in his class and how he had been dancing around and Jeb walked by and was accidently tripped by his foot. He then fell forward hit his head on a desk and fell to the floor he then went to the nurses office for treatment. Naturally we were curious what the teacher had done about the event and asked what happened to angel. Jeb shrugged and said, "Oh, the teacher just took him and whipped him with the paddle." It wasn't until this moment that we knew we had been dupped. Craig and I both started laughing, Jeb couldn't figure out why. See, Craig had told Jeb about how he used to be whipped with the paddle when he was in school. I guess he missed the part where they don't do that anymore. In the end we had the talk that making up stories is the same as lying and we don't do that. I have to wonder though what has Jeb told his teacher about us?

While I admit, I hate getting up at 6:30 in the morning, it does help that it is bright and sunny at that time. I really hate getting up when it is still dark outside. I am also amazed at how much I can accomplish by noon. The days of late nights are definatly at an end.

Jeb and Chloe have also been enjoying art time, they are so cute.

I Fim

We finished our first session of swimming lessons yesterday. Both Chloe and Jeb graduated from their first levels. Next week we start level 2 and the kids are loving it. Chloe is so excited she says, I fim, I fim, watch mom.

Who is Prouder?

We have been having a busy but great summer. This
last week, Jeb took his test in martial arts to get his next belt. It was so super cute. I swear at one moment or maybe two I got emotional. It must be pregnancy, right? He was so serious and all business. At one point they had a Q&A session. It was hilarious. Not one of the kids knew what they were learning, but there were a lot of creative answers. ie: somersaults, focus, to listen. All of which I suppose are true. They call their teacher Miss Jean or ma'am. So the question was asked Jeb what do you call him( the male judge) Jeb quickly replied Karate Master Fighter. I think they were looking for sir, but the judge was pleased with his answer. The next class they were presented with their new belt, white with and orange stripe. Jeb and one other kid, Jeb's BF in the class were called up after everyone received their belts and where given an honor stripe for passing their tests with such a high score. I don't think Jeb understood really or gave it a second thought, but I was so proud. Again with the tears. Therefore, the question of the day-Who is prouder of a child's accomplishment, the parents or the child?

I feel so glamourous

I know I've been a bad blogger and I apologize. I have been out of town and out of touch. I do have to say it was nice to be away from computer and cell phone, a rare opportunity. I'll have to post my vacation later. I was snapped hard back into reality today however. Chloe is potty training, such a joyous time anyway, and she's been doing great so far. However as I was purusing the internet today she ran up to me all excited she was totally naked and holding something in her little hand. "Ook mommy" "Chloe, what is that!?!" "Is that Poop!" "Ya mom, cool huh!" It was so not cool. I ran her to the bathroom where we quickly disposed of the "cool" stuff and washed our hands. Then I proceeded to explain why it was not good to carry around our poop and that we should only to that in the toilet. She did get it thankfully as she responded with jumping up and down 20 minutes later that she had to go now, and she did. Isn't potty training glamourous.

I couldn't resist posting this great poem. It is just too true. Although, I have to admit, I think I know a couple of these women and I can't figure out how they do it, but I do admire them.

Remember when we really thought it was possible???



Remember when we really thought it was possible?
Look at me, look at me, look at me now!
You could do what I do if you only knew how.
I study the scriptures one hour each day;
I bake, I upholster, I scrub, and I pray.
I always keep all the commandments completely;
I speak to my little ones gently and sweetly.
I help in their classrooms! I sew all they wear!
I drive them to practice! I cut all their hair!
I memorize names of the General Authorities;
I focus on things to be done by priorities.
I play the piano! I bless with my talents!
My toilets all sparkle! My checkbooks all balance!
Each week every child gets a one-on-one date;
I attend all my meetings (on time! Never late!)
I'm taking a class on the teachings of Paul,
But that is not all! Oh, no. That is not all,
I track my bad habits 'til each is abolished;
Our t-shirts are ironed! My toenails are polished!
Our family home evenings are always delightful;
The lessons I give are both fun and insightful.
I do genealogy faithfully, too.
It's easy to do all the things that I do!
I rise each day early, refreshed and awake;
I know all the names of each youth in my stake!
I read to my children! I help all my neighbors!
I bless the community, too, with my labors.
I exercise and I cook menus gourmet;
My visiting teaching is done the first day!
(I also go do it for someone who missed hers.
It's the least I can do for my cherished ward sisters.)
I chart resolutions and check off each goal;
I seek each "lost lamb" on my Primary roll.
I can home-grown produce each summer and fall.
But that is not all! Oh, no. That is not all,
I write in my journal! I sing in the choir!
Each day, I write "thank you's" to those I admire.
My sons were all Eagles when they were fourteen!
My kids get straight A's! And their bedrooms are clean!
I have a home business to help make some money;
I always look beautifully groomed for my honey.
I go to the temple at least once a week;
I change the car's tires! I fix the sink's leak!
I grind my own wheat and I bake all our bread;
I have all our meals planned out six months ahead.
I make sure I rotate our two-years' supply;
My shopping for Christmas is done by July!
These things are not hard; 'tis good if you do them;
You can if you try! Just set goals and pursue them!
It's easy to do all the things that I do!
If you plan and work smart, you can do them all, too!
It's easy!" she said and then she dropped dead.

We took these pics the other day at a park. Chloe is the most unparticipating pictureee I have ever known. I finally got this fake smile, but only because Jeb did it first. We also fed the ducks until some cranky old lady pulled over and told us we weren't supposed to do that. Blah, Blah, Blah. What a miser. There were a whole bunch of new baby ducks and Chloe just about went nuts.

What kids think they know

Last night around the fire Craig and I were talking to Jeb about what to do if he got lost, actually Craig was telling Jeb what to do if he got lost in the wilderness and how to follow the norht star. What I wanted to know is what Jeb was doing in the middle of the wilderness by himself being five and all, but I was just looked at like and idiot to have asked such a silly question. Anyway, the conversation shortly moved to town, Walmart in fact. Craig was asking Jeb what he could say to someone if he was lost from his mom or dad. The conversation between the "policeman" and Jeb went like this.
"I'm lost, could you help me find my mom/dad"
"What is your mom's name?"
"Valerie Broyles"
"What is you dad's name?
"Uncle Craig"
"No Jeb, what is your dad's name, it's not uncle craig?"
"Umm, I don't know"
"My name is just plain Craig"
"What is your phone number?
"I know that it's easy (like why are you asking me such an easy question)."
"Well?"
"2"
"No, that only works on our phones"
"What, that's dumb."
"Where does your dad work"
"Where he takes his gun and laser."
"No, but where does he work"
"He fights and hunts bad guys"
"Who does he work for? BBBOORDDD"
"Border Patrol"
"Where's do you live?"
"From the park, you go this way and that way and this way (while waving his arm from side to side)"
"What street?"
"All I know is Kachina"

As you can see we have not done a very good job preparing our son for kindergarten or walmart shopping for that matter. I'm sure glad we asked.


Now a funny little story about Chloe. She wanted to go swim with Jeb and his friend, so she brought me her swimming suit and I was playing with her so I just put the staps on her shoulders so her suit was just hanging down her back. She said thank you and started to walk away when she realized it wasn't quite right and she says "oh, man!" and comes back. So I took her suit and put her arms through the straps again only this time on the front. Again she started walking away and again turned back and said, "oh, shoot" and patted her head to show me I needed to put it on the right way, so I turned it upside down and put it on like a hat. This time she looked very seriously at me and said "mom, top it(stop it) and proceeded to tell me in chinese that it needed to cover these pointing parts of her body. It was quite the discussion. What a cutie.

TMNT

One, two, three, four

turtles,

there's no one better,

turtles,

watch out for shedder,

turtles,

it's a shell of a time!

Last night we, were trying to get the kids ready for bed and of course Jeb was stalling, actually we were all kind of stalling cuz we don't get to spend much time all of us together, because of Craig's crazy work schedule, anyway... Jeb got into his ninja turtle costume and so of course Chloe wanted the same thing, so I dressed her in this dragon costume and put a little mask on and Jeb's swimming fins. She is so monkey see, monkey do. Anyway it was so cute to see our little turtles I couldn't resist. Of course this lead to a spat of karate but it was worth the extra 30 minutes

one more park pic

They call her Chloe the Climber

swinging through life

Who doesn't love a good go at the swings.

park play, play park

We went to a new park last week and Jeb was so proud of himself for crossing the long wavy monkey bars. Anytime I want him to try something new I just tell him his dad wounldn't believe he could do that and he get motivated. Chloe had a great time too. She is all adventure and no caution. Whatever Jeb can do she thinks she can too. She's usually the first one to the tallest most dangerous thing.

Ha-Yah

Jeb is takin Ju Ji tsu or as I like to call it Karate. I don't really know who likes it better, Craig or Jeb. Daddy takes him twice a week and right now it's a real sacrifice for him since he works nights, but I think it's good for both of them. Jeb is so proud and is learning good social skills. His teacher's name is Miss Jean, she's probably in her 40's and is great with the kids. His group is called the tiny tigers. They are all adorable. I went to his last class and couldn't keep the smiles and the giggles to myself though I did try. He loves that he knows some Korean words that mom and dad don't know. So I had him show me his toughest poses and this is what I got. By the way, if you ask him he'll tell you they are fightin' lessons

Make a slideshow - it's easy!

easter

Here are my beautiful babies on Easter Morning. I made Chloe's Easter dress and she loves to twirl around in it. She is a girl after my own heart. Come on now who doesn't love to twirl. And our Jebbie is so handsome. He loves being the big brother and is so sweet to Chloe. She adores him. I think we are in big trouble because he already gets all the girls attention. Mostly older ones and he loves it. We had a great Easter. After church we drove to Aunt Julie and Uncle Kelly's house and had a wonderful BBQ and then they put on an Easter egg hunt for their grandkids and Jeb and Chloe, with the help of Grandma Panter. It was in the orchard and the kids absolutely had a blast. They all got plenty of goodies and then each child got their own special easter egg. Inside Chloe's was a darling little dress, some candy and bubbles(Chloe's fav) and Jeb got a cool Phoenix Suns t-shirt and the same other stuff as his sister. They can't wait for next year, and I can't say thank you enough.

Chloe loves dress up

I was sewing an Easter dress for my niece Addison and tried it on Chloe to check the fit. Then took it off of course and she was so mad. She loves to play dress up and so we played. She is so cute, and her hair is sooo crazy!

I didn't think it would take me so long to post these pics, but it seems to be a problem for me to get the computer and the camera together for this purpose. Anyway, Chloe is sitting in front of our peach tree. Isn't it beautiful. Since this pic the blossoms have all fallen off and it has tons of new leaves. We are pretty excited about it. The rest of our garden doesn't look this good, but it is our first try and we are growing in the desert, so we look to the fall to try again.

Garden pics finally

craig

craig is stinky. He does not want to be part of the blog. He refuses to participate, therefore I will participate for him and you will only know him through me. HAHAHAHAH(evil laughter). He thinks this is very funny. He can just wait and see how funny.

garden

We are putting in our garden today and we are so excited. It is so fun to work as a family. The kids are really enjoying it as well. Jeb has his own plants: a pumkin, sunflower and watermelon. He is so proud of them and is always hasseling me about them having enough water. Chloe just mills around and wants to do whatever mom and dad are doing. Of course, we are always in her way and she is always telling us to move out of her way. It is hot working out there in the sun, but the evenings are so nice still. Really it's only in the high seveties low eighties. I am going to die here. I guess I'll have a great farmers tan. Anyway I will post pics when we are done.

Newby

So I know Im jumping in way late on this Blog thing, but I've had a few requests so I thought I'd give it a try. I also decided to give smilebox a whirl and it was rather fun and super easy. Maybe this can be considered somewhat of a journal as well, of our family anyway and then I can say I'm following the Prophet too. Amazing what we can give meaning to when we are slackers. Anyway, it will be a good way to send pics, since I am super bad about that. I do have great intentions. So here goes, another different kind of andventure for the Broyles of Casa Grande, Az

Make a scrapbook - it's easy!