the coles

family prayer

2011-12-06T09:48:00.000-06:00

Last night, Hudson was saying our family prayer (with Garrett's help).

Garrett: Please help us to have...
Huds: Please help me have candy canes!

I guess we know something to get Hudson for Christmas!

thankful for thanksgiving

2011-12-05T08:19:00.002-06:00

to catch up a bit...

Thanksgiving was awesome- full of family, friends, food and fun. We enjoyed every minute!

there was a smoked turkey,

leaves to be raked,

chickens to admire (and a sister home from college!!),

babies to love on,

cousins to play with,

meals to enjoy,

crafting to do,

walks to take (One of my best friends ever joined us for Thanksgiving. It was so fun to have her all to myself!),

baths with cousins,

and new recipes to try (avocado shake.... the men liked it, the women did not)

plus... skeet shooting, pedicures, flashlights in the dark, painting, antique shopping (we found some awesome boots and chairs! hooray!), jamba juice, breaking dawn, black friday sales, church, and a nice long run.

and the decorations for Christmas were up the next day! I'm loving this time of year.

eek!

2011-11-02T22:00:00.000-05:00

Hudson was a "DRAGON! RAWR!"

Gigi, Papa, Rissa, Chan, Ci, Grandma Moores and of course G & I all went together to watch him say the magic words, "TRICK OR TREAT". Our timid boy would immediately cover his face with hands after he said it, but I think he was amazed when the candy plopped into his bucket. It was as if he wanted to say, "Mom!! It worked!". Then he would whisper a little "thank you!" and run off.

I think overall, Hudson thinks his Gigi has the best birthday ever! It was fun to celebrate her birthday and trick or treat with the family.

And then.... the real dragon came out and it was time to get the costume off and rush to bed!

Happy Halloween!!!

Other news... My Great Grandma Ruth just turned 95! 95! Can you believe it? Happy Birthday Grandma GREAT!

two

2011-10-26T09:01:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday to HUDS!

We are so happy he is a part of our family, forever!

halloween decor

2011-10-23T21:52:00.001-05:00

I have been crafting a few simple halloween decorations and it has been really fun, especially because I have some great friends to do it with!

the middle print off is from here and the other print offs are from ms. martha.

these print offs are also from this blog, which I officially love. She has such great print offs.. for free!

and Hudson wanted to wish everyone a handprint happy halloween!

ps- I went to the Texas State Fair for the first time. I will post about it soon... but I just wanted to say I did eat the fried butter, and I'm still alive.

2011-10-17T21:50:00.000-05:00

a few Hudsonisms:

-plugging his ears and shouting "hear me, mom?!"
-taking off all the rubber ends on the door stoppers and putting them on his fingers
-saying "that's excellent"
-trading toys with friends... "trade please"
-"mom, let's play together"
-He calls his porsche toy car a "porsche-UP" (like a push up!)
-loudly roaring at the table and then saying "lion mom" or some days it is "dinosaur mom"
-when Hudson says prayers, and mom or dad (coaching him along) is making it a long one, he quickly says "amen!" to help it finish up faster... it always makes me laugh
-loves to sing "little seeds" and "sunbeams"
-"run in circles!!" followed by, you guessed it, running in circles around the living room
-Hudson has been asking a lot about his cousins being married... The other day he said to me, "mom, Ivy married?" and I said "no, not yet!" and Hudson said "I married temple"
-H was eating a bowl of cookie dough ice cream one night, and all of a sudden he had a very concerned look on his face. He looked up at me and said "bird poop, mom?" We had just learned about bird poop being on our deck... and I guess the white ice cream, chocolate chips and cookie dough reminded him of it! He didn't eat another bite, even after I assured him it was NOT bird poop!

Cousin Love

2011-10-13T15:46:00.000-05:00

My dad just sent me this picture from our trip to disneyland (April 2011). I think it is so cute! I love that they love each other!

early birthday party

2011-10-10T21:33:00.001-05:00

Many of Hudson's friends share his birthday month... October! So one awesome 2-year-old-with-an-october-birthday mom had the idea of doing a big group party. It was a blast! All 5 of the 2 year olds, or soon-to-be 2 year olds looked they had a great time. I enjoyed getting the party ready and planned with the other mom's... even though some of the things didn't go as anticipated (thanks to the crazy wind!) it was lots of fun!

Our little Hudson is a bashful boy lately (as you can tell in the last picture). He talks, laughs, makes jokes, plays, wrestles and is a wild man at home, but when he is around lots of people he is very reserved. We have heard that his daddy was similar as a little boy! :)

Hudson loves to tell us his shapes, play with cars, spin in circles, run fast, eat all things fruit, go outside, dance, play catch, look at babies, go potty on the toilet for a lollipop
and roar like a dinosaur. He's a fun little man and we sure do love him! We can't believe in a few weeks he'll be two! Where is time going???

2011-10-05T14:42:00.001-05:00

chocolate chips + goldfish crackers = YUM!

it's the perfect snack when you reach that short moment when "dad can't come home soon enough!" (that is always around 5 pm for us)

We had the greatest weekend. I loved general conference and am so happy to have a living prophet to help us know what our Savior, Jesus Christ would have us do today.

I loved Sister Elaine Dalton's talk about the importance fathers, and specifically their influence on their daughters.

Elder Scott's talk about scriptures helped me remember how thankful I am to have my own set of scriptures that I can read from and study from daily. It also made me realize I need to do much better!

And Elder Ballard is always a personal favorite. His talks always just "make sense" to me (one of my all time favorite talks was given by Elder Ballard in 2006). I love how he goes back to very simple principles and expounds upon them to make them great.

Many more favorites! I learned tons and enjoyed the weekend relaxing with family and eating so many yummy treats including Momma Coles homemade gumbo, boudain, and of course, lots of chocolate!

I can't wait to receive the Ensign so I can read all of the talks again, and again.

2011-10-04T18:01:00.000-05:00

i went on a walk today and saw little butterflies flying all around... and then i found this treasure. it reminded me of one of my very favorite songs.

toddler fun in dallas

2011-09-28T19:00:00.000-05:00

we love the children's aquarium in dallas. Here's {some of the reasons} why:

1. lots of colorful fish, sharks, alligators and sting rays
2. small enough you can let the children out of the strollers and run around without worrying about losing them, but still large enough to make it worth going
3. you can TOUCH (and feed, if you want to spend the $$) the sting rays and you can TOUCH the crabs
4. there is a little lunch/picnic table area... perfect for the always needed snack time
5. it's nearly all inside, so you can go in the heat or the cold
6. it is SO affordable- i think i bought a year membership for $20
7. parking is FREE
8. they have a sea turtle
9. they have Nemo and Dory fish
10. the octopus is awesome too

AND

I loved that our visit to the aquarium left the kids so worn out (and happy!) it resulted in a 3.5 hour nap for both of them!

see ya next time ray!

2011-09-07T22:44:00.001-05:00

the month of august was full of fun, and we are happy that the fun is still rolling into september!

Landon returned home from his mission to Japan. Hudson loved meeting Uncle Landon for the first time. We enjoyed weeks of fun with family in Oregon. Boating, relaxing, cousins, yard work, awesome (dare I say, PERFECT) weather,pictures, family... what could be better?

Garrett and I celebrated 4 years of marriage! Wahoo!

Hudson and I traveled to Oregon, California, Utah and back to Texas. We can successfully say we have spent time in each of the 4 time zones of the continental United States this summer. I think Hudson is still confused about which time zone he is in.

We visited the Squires in Sacramento. We went to Old Sac (I just really like saying "old sac"), spent time with family, played in the blow up pool, and enjoyed some delicious hamburgers with "cheese skirts".

Utah was spent with Grandparents, Great Grandparents, Great-grandma, puzzles, Landon, BYU, aunts, uncles, and friends.

Labor Day we caught up with the Coles clan. We met our new niece/cousin- adorable, went swimming, played, spent time with grandparents and great grandparents, did a service project, and shopped!

It all went by too fast. It is amazing to me that Hudson was able to see nearly all of his great-grandparents (He is has 10 great grandparents!) and his great, great grandma in just the last month. We are so blessed to have so many wonderful generations of our family who are still healthy, strong, involved, knowledgable, etc etc. We love being with our families!

2011-08-08T08:52:00.003-05:00

the thing i'll miss the most about dc is definitely these guys:

hudson talks about "julie" and "i-ah" all the time. he cries when they leave!

hopefully we end up in the same city again someday!

2011-07-21T13:56:00.000-05:00

Lately, we have been going to the park early in the morning, playing our hearts out for 30 minutes and then returning home, as sweaty as can be, to the wonderful air conditioning. We are so spoiled! But seriously, it is so hot that Hudson actually ASKS me to go "inside" which never happens! The first word that Hudson mastered was "outside" and he has been saying it hourly ever since! Yesterday we decided to head over to the Botanic Gardens and play in the fountains. It was refreshing to get outside and get a little wet. We topped the evening off with a walk and some yummy gelato. It was a great day.

2011-07-14T14:47:00.000-05:00

part of the mcglinchy family came to visit DC last week.

we had an awesome, busy week exploring the monuments, museums and memorials. I can't get over how much there is to do in DC! and it's all FREE

Hudson loves "pen-cer" "weah" "papa" and "gamma". The little man misses these four like crazy.

we miss you guys already! glad we get to see you again so soon!

a picture's worth 1000 words

2011-07-03T13:16:00.002-05:00

2011-06-24T16:28:00.000-05:00

So if yesterday's post was a little gag-worthy for you, I'm sorry. Hudson was a champ yesterday. He ate his whole lunch, played nice with the other children at the park, used his good & happy words, gave hugs and kisses, folded his arms for prayer, happily watched Jimmer on the NBA draft while chanting "jimmer jimmer jimmer", and took a rockin' 3 hour nap. It was pure motherhood-bliss for me. We all need days like that, and I felt so happy to get one. Lately, Huds has been an anti-sleeper, food-hating, tantrum-throwing little man. But he really is wonderful! He really is so so so great! And yesterday was a slap-in-the-face for me... "KELSEY! You really are SO lucky!"

Now today is also rad and happy... We have been repairing torn library books (how'd that happen?), staying at home because clothes are not something Hudson wanted to wear for the majority of the day, refusing to take naps and making messes with ziploc bags.

Being a mom is pretty dang fun. :)

happy boy

2011-06-23T13:23:00.000-05:00

This little man is so fun to be with every day. I am one lucky lady.

exploring

2011-06-14T08:52:00.000-05:00

Hudson and I have been exploring DC while Garrett works and goes to school... and we have been having SO MUCH FUN doing it! We love when Garrett joins us on the adventures on Friday nights and Saturdays! Here are some pictures from this past week.

Hudson fell down while running. His little knees were pretty scraped up!

another Hudson owie! This boy runs so fast, and when things get in his way... this is the result!

2011-06-05T16:39:00.000-05:00

The apartment we are staying was built in the 1850's. It is beautiful! This is our street:

The Supreme Court is one block away:

And this lovely building is two blocks away:

The Senate is even closer (which is where Garrett will be working)!

we are enjoying being able to walk so many places!! We have a park and library down the street, and we are loving DC so far! Now... if only I could take better pictures so I could really show you how beautiful it is...

25% MD

2011-05-27T22:26:00.000-05:00

Today Garrett took his final test of his first year of Medical School. SCHOOLS OUT FOR SUMMER!

Well, kind of... we head out for DC on Tuesday. Garrett will be busy all summer long with more classes, and a full time internship. But it will be fun, and different, and we are very excited!

I just can't believe that he already finished one year. It has felt very fast... for me anyways!

thunderstorms

2011-05-23T14:47:00.002-05:00

The rain started pouring last night. Hudson ran to the window with excitement- "Rain! Rain!", he began to shout! He knows I love the rain, and I have done my best to instill the same love in him (and I think it's working!). We quickly pulled out our chairs on the balcony and sat as our little family of three watching the rain flow from the dark sky. Thunder began to boom and lightning shot bright streaks through the heavens. I looked over at Hudson, whose eyes lit up with amazement. I saw him show a tiny bit of fear for a moment. He looked into his Daddy's eyes and scooted a little closer, and I could tell he knew he was safe.

(I just love his blue eyes in this picture!)

I am praying for those families and individuals in Joplin, MO, and I hope they will be blessed to recover quickly from this tragedy.

baby names

2011-05-16T22:15:00.005-05:00

Garrett's mom LOVES to look for new names wherever she is. You can find a large list of names tucked in the drawer right next to her computer, if you are currently searching for the perfect name or even if you're not! If you are at a track meet with her, she'll read all the names as they are displayed after a race has just been completed. She'll stay after a movie to read the credits with the sole purpose of looking for new, unique and fun names. Names of companies, lotions, plants, and clothing lines could all be inspiration for a new name... and you know what? I LOVE IT!

So I found a place of my own to find names that I like, even though I am not presently seeking insight in the name category. During the credits of any disney/pixar movie there is a section entitled "production babies" and it lists ALL the names of the babies born to employees during the production of that film. It really is fun! You should check it out!

Today my favorites were Nora and Hazel.

Garrett's favorites were Lincoln and Maverick (he was semi-serious).

Hudson's name showed up on a few "production babies" lists (is that where we got it? We have no recollection of WHERE we found and decided to love the name Hudson). I love my little Hudson so darn much!

and no... I didn't win a bag of crap. I was soooo close.

gotta win it

2011-05-10T22:12:00.000-05:00

Folks, we have a "WOOT! off" on our hands.

I am hoping to win (and pay for... so is that really "winning"? It is only $5...) one of these:

the coveted bag of crap... which could contain anything. Bring it on WOOT!, bring it.

mom

2011-05-09T21:59:00.000-05:00

I love my mom and mother-in-law! What great examples they are to me of valiant, strong, happy and loving women. I am grateful to have such wonderful mothers to look up to and learn from.

Read some of my favorite talks on mothers and women here, here, here, and here!

2011-05-05T13:37:00.000-05:00

Do you live in Dallas?

Are you visiting Dallas?

Do you like cajun food?

Do you want to try cajun food?

If the answer to any of these questions is "YES", try The Alligator Cafe-- it is delicious! I would say it rivals Pappadeux... but for half the price! It also helped that we had awesome friends (yes, they are family. I just felt like saying "friends", because they are that too.) to go with!

(crawfish ettouffee)

Oh... and happy birthday today to THE CHAN MAN!

And a little picture of Hudson, who just learned how to say his own name. Sometimes he'll say "HUDS" and sometimes he'll say "HUD (pause) SON". HJ cruiser is 18 months! Some of his favorites right now are yogurt, trucks, nursery, cars, running, pretzels, airplanes, lions, smashing bugs, swinging at the park, bananas, hugs, books, learning new words every day and puzzles. I am loving this age!

a rainy day

2011-05-02T11:24:00.001-05:00

Today the sky is dripping, it's wet everywhere, and the cool air outside makes me feel so happy! Sure, it's gray and gloomy (but don't the green trees look so pretty against the gray skies?), it is May 2nd, and we're basically stuck indoors... But it is so nice to have an excuse to stay home all day! I love the occasional rainy day!

I am web-footed though, born and raised Oregonian, so maybe (or maybe there is no maybe about it) that is where my love of rain stems-- the sound it makes as it splashes against the rooftops and roads, snuggling in my warm bed listening to the craziness outside, splashing in the puddles, putting the hood of your coat over your head and running as fast as you can to your car. It's just awesome!

Garrett went outside for a few minutes this morning and came in belting an awesome tune. The line he sang was "Have you ever swam in rain?" I asked him, "oh! What song is that? I love it!" and he replied, "I just made it up!" It was an awesome beginning!! I'll let you know if he ever comes up with more!

We had a great weekend. Friday- We went to the Dallas symphony with wonderful friends. Saturday- the young men at Church had a fundraiser yard sale that Garrett helped with. We met up with friends from our days at BYU. We haven't seen them for nearly 3 years, and now they have 2 children and we have 1! It was so, so, so good to catch up, and the kiddos LOVED playing together. Then we went to a ward picnic/easter egg hunt/water balloon throwing party. Hudson loved running around with the other children. Sunday- We went to church, enjoyed a beautiful testimony meeting, taught the best primary class ever, and then relaxed with warm brownies. Splendid!

the squires' visit (belated post)

2011-04-27T12:35:00.001-05:00

We had the pleasure of having camwabam515, miss mal gal, and baby merrit come visit nearly two months ago. Did I post about our adventures and all around awesome time together?? Let me answer that... No. Hence this belated, but picture-full post! The time together was spent at the park, playing with lots of toys, making yummy meals, plenty of time outs (haha), a hockey game, visiting with family, enjoying some Texas BBQ, going to the aquarium, eating messy & yummy brownies, experiencing the dallas museum of art, relaxing at the lake, filling up on chik-fil-a, swimming, riding a carousel, shopping for disneyland shirts (we all went to disneyland a week later... more on that another time), and lots of giggles! We LOVED having them here!!

easter

2011-04-25T15:18:00.001-05:00

I love the fresh, bright, sunny, and happy feelings of Easter. It is one of my favorite holidays. I love the simplicity of the holiday, combined with family and friends to share it with. I love the coloring of eggs, the songs in church, the crisp white shirts on the boys and men, the gleaming dresses (and faces) on the women and girls, the brilliant tulips, the fresh green grass, the blooming trees, and the sunny skies. Most of all, I love the reminder of Christ's atoning sacrifice for each of us. I love the reminder that He rose from the dead, and that He lives again!

I love the talk Elder Holland shared in the April 2009 General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Excuse my indulgence. It is long, but it is oh so beautiful. You can read, watch or listen to the entire talk here.

"Brothers and sisters, one of the great consolations of this Easter season is that because Jesus walked such a long, lonely path utterly alone, we do not have to do so. His solitary journey brought great company for our little version of that path—the merciful care of our Father in Heaven, the unfailing companionship of this Beloved Son, the consummate gift of the Holy Ghost, angels in heaven, family members on both sides of the veil, prophets and apostles, teachers, leaders, friends. All of these and more have been given as companions for our mortal journey because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the Restoration of His gospel. Trumpeted from the summit of Calvary is the truth that we will never be left alone nor unaided, even if sometimes we may feel that we are. Truly the Redeemer of us all said: 'I will not leave you comfortless: My Father and I will come to you and abide with you.'

My other plea at Easter time is that these scenes of Christ’s lonely sacrifice, laced with moments of denial and abandonment and, at least once, outright betrayal, must never be reenacted by us. He has walked alone once. Now, may I ask that never again will He have to confront sin without our aid and assistance, that never again will He find only unresponsive onlookers when He sees you and me along His Via Dolorosa in our present day."

4 years ago, I was just leaving to go to BYU Jerusalem. The memories of my time spent in the Holy Land will always be special to me, especially during the Easter season. Time sure does fly! This is a picture of two great friends and me at the Garden Tomb. The sign within the tomb says "He is not here, for He is Risen"!

spring cleaning

2011-04-20T21:04:00.001-05:00

Don't ever watch this:

when you are trying to do this:

Do you think toys might really have feelings? I sure hope not. I'd feel horrible.

washington DC

2011-04-19T14:03:00.000-05:00

Garrett will be working as an intern with Senator Hatch this summer in Washington DC!

We are SO excited for this adventure!

BEAUTIFUL!

If you have ever been to DC, please tell me... What were some of your favorite things to do while you were there? I have a few books (washington DC free & dirt cheap and washington DC with kids), but I want to hear what YOU think. Please share!! We will be there a little over two months. Hudson and I plan to take full advantage of all the free museums. Can't wait!

Alarm Clock

2011-04-01T13:47:00.005-05:00

I have the cutest alarm clock.

My alarm clock wakes me up every morning. I never sleep through it.

My alarm clock changes daily. Some days it sings, some days it screams, some days it talks, some days it jumps around and some days it sits and waits for me to get all the rest I need. It's custom made.

I don't even have to set my alarm clock at night. It knows what time to go off all on it's own.

I hardly ever wake up before my alarm clock goes off (regardless of the weekly goal to shower, exercise, read scriptures AND make breakfast before it goes off.... but I just can't wake up to any alarm clock except IT!) It's a good thing I have it!

My alarm clock wasn't cheap, but oh man... it's the best one I've ever seen. Worth every cent.... plus some! ;)

Don't you wish you had one just like it??

COCK-A-DOODLE-DOOOO!!!

3.14.2011

2011-03-14T12:20:00.005-05:00

it is a GREAT day...

Happy Birthday Dad!! We love you tons and think you are the best!

We found out the Squires had a successful match and will find where the ENT residency will be on Thursday! (i need to post about the fun trip the Squires made to come visit us! I will do that soon. It was a blast!)

And we also found out this morning that we have a new NIECE on the way! Congrats to the Clarke's! We are so excited for them!!

Family Pictures 2010

2011-01-19T13:48:00.004-06:00

november 2010

the help

2010-11-19T13:28:00.004-06:00

i am loving this book:

it makes me want to be a better mom. have any of you read it? it's great. i'm not done with it yet, but so far... i highly recommend it.

i am looking forward to Christmas! I was inspired by so many friends on FB... many status' said "just started playing Christmas music"... "I can't wait until after Thanksgiving, the Christmas music started today!" etc. SO i made 4 new playlists on pandora and then customized my own shuffle of the four stations... and PERFECTION! I love Christmas Music!

i've been trying to think of fun gifts to give my family members and friends. so far i have my mom done, garrett's parents done, part of my we-each-draw-a-secret-Coles-silbing gift ready to go, an idea for Landon in Japan, tons of ideas for Hudson, ideas for G, ideas for Mal gal and Mr. Merrit, and a few more IDEAS. I need to DO. Anyone have good Dad ideas? Besides a tie or book.....

well, we have got to get out of this house today. I'm off to the park (our second house)!

2010-11-10T21:44:00.005-06:00

Yesterday, I got the family-holiday email to fill out my Christmas wish list. You know the one. It goes something like the following:

"Dear Family,

Mom has asked that I send out a request for Christmas wishes lists. This year, to make it simple, please try to include a direct online link to the gift you want, if you want something specific... Santa is busy and is working hard this year, and wants to keep Christmas simple!

These are the categories from which you may wish!:

Some thing you want.

Something you need.

Something to play with. (ex: Games, crafts, iTunes $, golf clubs or balls)

Something to read or view.

For each category, decide on your top three options."

Ok, so maybe that's a direct quote from the letter I received, but you get the idea! Well anyways, tonight I started brain-storming for Christmas possibilities (knowing that if I had to pick my top three choices, then I had better get my priorities right the first time!) - and found myself sporadically perusing wikipedia and random author blogs. And then it happened, I found a great list of "suggested readings." And it got me thinking - is there a word or phrase that describes how I find new and exciting books to read? I'm talking about the discovery of writings, authors, and series that eventually fill your bookshelves and are frequently exchanged by word of mouth. But its not only that. Its the "author's inspirations list" or "book recommendations" at the end of books that your already own or check out from the public library that lead you onto fantastical new findings! Does anyone know what I'm talking about?

I'd like to call it a reading tree. Maybe that term already exists and has been coined away for some other linguistic meaning but it just popped in my head and seemed surprisingly appropriate! It parallels the underlying principle of genetic inheritance pedigrees or family trees or more appropriately, coaching trees. For example, from Lavell Edwards' coaching career came numerous coaches including, Mike Holmgren, Steve Sarkisian, Dave Kragthorpe, Norm Chow, Kyle Whittingham, Brian Billick, Andy Reid, Robert Anae, etc. These trees are a type of informal recollection of how certain items (or people) are connected and can be traced to a common heritage. A reading tree (whether recorded on paper or mentally captured) shows how one book or author, or even a friend led you to additional literature.

I look at my bookshelves now with a refreshed sense of enthusiasm, realizing that I can link the majority of the books we own to a few awesome reading trees! I also wonder how or when I'll find the next great reading tree. Call me a nerd, but I know at least some of you out there know to what I'm referring. So the next time you look at a book, ask yourself if you know to which reading tree it belongs. Or maybe your planting afresh. Regardless, here's to more joy in the next great book you find.

2010-11-09T20:26:00.003-06:00

I can't find my journal and I feel like there are a few things I need to write somewhere so I don't forget them!

Hudson is really starting to understand language. He picked up a dirty shirt out of the laundry basket the other day, and I said to him, "Hudson, please put the shirt back in the basket". He smiled and walked right over and put it in. He continued to take shirts out and then put them back in for about 20 minutes. It was great!

I asked Hudson to go find Dad and he stood where he was and started loudly saying, "DAD?! DAD?!" It was hilarious.

Tonight I showed Hudson a picture of Jesus and he said "Jeee suzzs".

We were playing hide-in-go-seek yesterday and I said "Hello? Hudson? Where are you?? Hello?". I heard a little voice say, "HI!.... HI!... HI!" over and over again, each time getting a little louder.

At dinner tonight, I was drinking some water and Hudson looked at it and said "waa wa". Then I gave him his cup and he said "wa wa" again and started gulping.

Hudson finally signs "FINISHED" and "MORE"! It makes meal time much easier.

And did I mention he is a full fledged walker these days?

Ok enough about us.

2010-11-09T11:11:00.004-06:00

Hudson is awesome.

This is a picture of the little man from a football game in Oregon. I know, I know... it's my facebook profile picture too. So, I am sure those of you who read this, have all seen it. Sorry for the repeat. I just LOVE it! Props to my sister Cam for capturing the legit Hudson expression. This dude loves to be outside. And this is normally the face he is wearing when he is outside!

Speaking of... the weather is awesome here! It's this time of year that I think to myself, "oh ya, I can see why people love Texas". The summer was a little long. But we are enjoying the low 70s, mid 60s fall days.

But our apartment is still cold in the mornings. And Hudson needs some new socks....

....so he wears some of mine for the time being!

the future dr. coles

2010-11-08T15:46:00.002-06:00

Garrett's stethoscope is RED. Nice and unique. Gotta love that guy.

Seriously, wouldn't you want him to be your doctor?

a rainy day in TX

2010-10-23T17:16:00.006-05:00

Fall is starting to show its colors in the Coles' home - we love the orange of autumn! (The "Y" pumkin is a product of a recent mutual night with the youth)

Its a precipitous day outside but the weather can't keep us down! BYU just won (barely.... against Wyoming of all teams!), the Rangers are going to the World Series for the first time and med school is still pass/fail this semester - so life is good!

Here's Hudson strapped to me as we ride the TCU shuttle to the Amon Carter Stadium last week. (We won't talk about how the BYU offense played). He was a little unsure what we were doing with all the people on the bus...

and then him surviving in the sun burned TCU bleachers. It was a surprising 90+ degrees in October! Thank goodness Kels remembered a water bottle.

SIX

2010-04-26T21:54:00.004-05:00

Hudson is 6 months old! I wanted to bake little cupcakes or something for him, but instead we settled on some rice cereal. Yum! I guess in 6 more months we'll have a yummy cake and no one will hold back. Until then I'll just enjoy my squishy little bundle. I love this little man to pieces!

just like grandpa

2010-04-13T10:01:00.004-05:00

Hudson has blue eyes just like his Grandpa!

Grandpa is a great person to be like!

i love spring

2010-04-12T20:57:00.005-05:00

It is warm, the flowers are out, the main color in the world is GREEN, and I am loving every second of it.

Hudson is rockin' the 5 month look:

On april 16th (this friday) the g&k coles fam will celebrate our 3rd annual CHOCOLATE DAY. We would love for as many participants as possible, so please feel free to celebrate chocolate day with us! It will most likely include chocolate milk, chocolate bars, chocolate sandwiches, chocolate yogurt, maybe even fondue, and anything else chocolate. Disclaimer: Acne breakouts may follow this holiday (but it's well worth it).

Hudson has discovered the swings, and we are all loving it!

2010-02-23T12:08:00.004-06:00

Hudson is growing so big! He will be four months in just a few days. Hudson has been learning how to laugh/giggle, talk to himself in the early morning, talk to his mom and dad during the day, dance when music is playing (kick his feet and move his arms), roll onto his side but not quite all the way over, reach for his toys and put them in his mouth, hold his head up all on his own while he is being pulled up to a sitting position and how to sleep 10 hours through the night! Hudson is awesome. Here are a few of Hudson's nicknames: Hud Money, Izzo (like "H to the Izzo"... you know the song), Little Man, "H", Tank (He is in the 95% for height and weight.... he's so heavy sometimes my back aches!), Turbo, Handsome Hudson, Hud, Huddy, and "H.J.". He also got his first hair cut!

Garrett is doing lots of research and working hard. He is excited to start medical school THIS YEAR. Haha... it feels weird that it is finally "this year", even though it isn't until august. Gar-man is also keeping busy with the boy scouts at church. They have been on a campout and all the boys love to play basketball as often as they can with Garrett. It's awesome! G is on a rec basketball team through one of the cities nearby with his Uncle, and he loves that too.

I (Kelsey) am trying to be more crafty! I am learning to make flowers out of fabric to add to some sweaters and shirts and I am starting to run again! I love running and it feels awesome to hit the pavement. I really want to do another half soon. Texas is HOT HOT HOT in the summer though, so I'm gonna have to try and find one in the fall. I'm also tempted to train for a full marathon again... hmmmm.

We were able to meet up with the Dutcher's and the Jacobson's (friends from BYU) for dinner one night. It was so fun to see them! And when we left the restaurant it was snowing! We felt like we were bring some of Utah to Texas.

Last... we have discovered the public library! We go as a family, including Deid and Ci, every 3 weeks and load up on books. My recent reads include: Princess Academy, Goose Girl, Enna Burning, River Secrets, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, Graceling, and Extras. Garrett has a longer list. :)

Here are some pictures of our growing little boy! Enjoy!

OREGON OR BUST

2009-12-19T10:32:00.004-06:00

We are flying to Oregon early Monday morning! We are so excited to see the family and hope that Hudson LOVES riding on the big airplane. Merry Christmas everyone! We love this time of year. We are so grateful to live by Garrett's family and to be able to be with both of our families over the holiday season! What a beautiful time of year!

Hudson is going to fit into the Oregon crowds!

AND i hope BYU kills OSU in the vegas bowl. Go cougars.

growing!

2009-12-01T10:19:00.003-06:00

Hudson is growing fast! Today I was compiling a bag of newborn diapers that he never used to give to a friend, and I felt sad that his bum wasn't that small anymore! haha... but we are now in "1" diapers and enjoying life. Hudson was blessed on Nov. 15th. It was beautiful blessing and blessing day. My dad and mom were able to come, which was awesome. And Garrett's sister, Talia, and her family came too. It was a blast.

Other news... Garrett was accepted to UT Southwestern Medical School!! We are thrilled. It is a very good school and was definitley top on our list. It is located in Dallas.

We just returned from our Thanksgiving trip to Nauvoo. We had so much fun there. Garrett's sister, Rissa, was married on Saturday in the Nauvoo temple to a way cool guy named Chandler. We are so happy for them. She was a GORGEOUS bride! I'll have to put up pictures soon. We are glad that we were all able to go to Nauvoo.

Hudson Coles

2009-10-29T12:41:00.003-05:00

Hudson was born on October 26th at 7:37 pm! we are still deciding on a middle name. kelsey and hudson are still in the hospital because kelsey is having complications with high blood pressure and other aspects of preeclampsia. garrett has been spending the night but we are excited for all of us to be home soon (hopefully). hudson is so sweet and we love him very much! here are a few pictures... more to come soon!

our recent adventures

2009-10-22T20:06:00.012-05:00

so, garrett and i decided with our baby boy coming any day now, we felt the need to be true parents and post the exciting happenings of our life through a blog! we have always enjoyed reading/stalking other friends blogs, and so now we will provide you with an opportunity to hear about our lives!

first things first... our baby is due on nov. 1st, but i (kelsey) have been having high blood pressure, swelling, headaches, etc. so we'll be induced on monday, oct. 26th. this past week has been spent in bed for me via dr.'s orders. it's been fun, yet i am very excited to be able to get up and move around as much as i want soon!

here is a quick update on a few of the exciting things that have happened in our lives recently:

at the end of july, my brother landon left for his mission to japan.

then garrett and i graduated from byu! we were lucky to have both of our families come to help us celebrate. we couldn't have done it without all of them.

then we went on a trip to hawaii with my family. it was so much fun! and so relaxing!

garrett learned how to surf.

i compared bellies with my grandpa mcglinchy.

we stayed with grandma and grandpa hunter a few days in utah right before we moved. we sure do miss them!

we went to the byu vs. ou game... best. game. ever. i have never been so proud to be a cougar. we won't talk about the florida state game.

and then we moved to texas and are living in this lovely barn!

lots of other fun things have been happening too! we have a new neice named ivy who is adorable. and my tummy is just growing! we are excited for our little boy to join our family soon!