The life and times of a Mapson

The last two weeks have been a whirlwind of activity in the Mapson household. Joe had a birthday, Johanna started at a new pre-preschool, Kipley learned how to sit up on his own, and I started a new job...... Although there has been a lot going on, I have had the opportunity to really enjoy my family, and the little people that I am blessed to have as kids. Johanna has been the most amazing big sister any little boy could hope for. Kipley was born when Jo was only 21 months old. And for those of you with human development background know, that is a really really hard time to have to share Mommy. But since Kipley was born I have never seen her be anything but gentle and kind to him. I know that I am in the presence of one of the most gentle and emotionally intelligent little girls on the planet. I am so lucky to have all of Johanna's help. And as the pictures portray, Kipley is a mountain of a baby, but that doesn't dissuade Jo from wanting to hold him, which actually ends up being a pretty funny sight.

This is a beautiful picture of my mom, doing what she loves best..... She loves my babies like they are her own, and I am so happy that they have the opportunity to have a really close relationship with her (they see her at least 3x a week). My mom is my inspiration, she is so smart, and beautiful and she gives of herself endlessly. I hope to be like her (minus the funny quirks-- love you Ma ) when I finally grow up....
Kipley has to be the happiest and most content baby in the world. He will just sit and talk to himself or whoever is listening for hours on end. And as far as babies go, he is huge! He weighs a whopping 24.5lbs at 6.5 months, which is the 99th percentile. And I thought that Johanna was big. He is also a really fun baby because he is so calm. He just seems to be a peaceful soul, which gives a great contribution to hectic family life. I love him so much. I often sit and marvel at what an amazing gift children are in my life, and how they come pre-programed with their own personality and temperament, and how their personalities have been a wonderful and calming influence on my life. Being a mom rocks!
By the way, Kipley has two teeth, and has learned how to sit up on his own.......

Sammy, I included this picture in my blog because I want you to see just how good you look holding a baby..... I am ready to be Auntie Whit :)

Family Vacation

Today we returned from our annual summer trip to see Joe's family in Illinois. It was incredible to be able to bring our children to meet their family, for Biggie's first trip. We had the opportunity to stay with Joe's mother and her husband (Grandpa James) and it was really fun to have the kids around Mama for 6 days straight. We spent a lot of time just hanging with Mama, and spending time with the other kids. Above is a picture from a dinner out at Monical's (our favorite local pizza joint) in the picture are Elisha, Pickle, Avion and Armon. They had a great time eating pizza and then proceeded to play like crazy people in the restaurant parking lot....
This is a picture of Mama with the newest family additions: Joseph Jr. and Biggie. It is really fun to have the babies be so close together in age (they are 6 weeks apart) it was also fun to watch Mrs. Wood play with the babies and enjoy her time with them.
A fabulous family picture of all the Mapson boys and their children (Lionel's oldest daughter Kayla is in Texas)
Back Row: Joseph Jr., Joseph, Tony, Lionel, Kipley, Joe, and Tony Jr.
Middle Row: Avion, Elisha
Front Row: Armon, Quinten, and Pickle
This was the first time that everyone has been together since the birth of the babies. Our annual vacation to Illinois is always so much fun, but it does make me realize what Joe gives up every day in order to have me near my family. It is sad to see how much he misses his brothers, nieces, nephews, and especially his mom. I am very grateful that we had the opportunity to have such a wonderful week with his family, whom I love dearly.

Family & Cole's Wedding

This picture is of the wonderful Sorenson kids (my cousins) with our kids. Biggie is being held by the other Kipley. The picture goes as follows: Maria, Johanna, Clayton, Kipley, Kipley, Slater, and Devon. It has been so fun to have the Sorenson Family in town, they are some of the most wonderful people that I know! We also got the chance to celebrate Clayton's 16th birthday on thursday, it was a blast. Uncle Doug can sure cook a mean steak....















Yesterday was Cole & Aly's wedding, and it was a fabulous day. The day was supposed to rain, but we didn't get rained on at all, but enjoyed the overcast weather. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple, which has some of the most beautiful scenery that anyone could ask for in a wedding. When they came out of the temple my breath was taken away by how beautiful Aly looked. She is always pretty, but yesterday it was like she was a doll, or model, or Greek Goddess ;) her dress was the most beautiful wedding dress that I have ever seen (and anyone who knows me understands my relationship with dresses). Cole looked awesome too, and seemed to be in awe of the day's activities. After the Temple, we proceeded to the ring ceremony at my Aunt's home. They decided to do a ring ceremony for those of us who were unable to enter the Temple to watch them be married. I was so happy that they decided to do a ring ceremony, which made it so that Joe and I could be present for some of the traditional stuff. Then the party started, it was such a nice reception with salads and finger-foods, and beautiful table deco in black,white, and green. It was amazing.

It feels so wierd to have my little brother be married, to me he still seems so young (which is what I am sure that everyone felt about me getting married). But I am so happy for Cole to have found a truly better half :) and for Aly to have the opportunity to marry a wonderful man.
Below is a picture of Joe in his tux, looking handsome!






















This is a picture of Pickle at the Salt Lake Temple. She told us that she was a "pretty pretty princess."

Obama and Working Women

As a working woman with small children I am moved by the fact that Barack Obama wants to make a special effort to improve the lives of women like me. His support of womanhood is one of the reasons that he will have my vote this November. Check out this link:

http://www.scribd.com/doc/4194155/Barack-Obamas-Plan-to-Support-Working-Women-and-Families

Cole & Aly's Recipe Shower

Me and my beautiful aunt Virginia!

Yesterday we had a wedding shower for Aly at the Salt Lake Country Club, and since she has already had gift showers my grandma decided that it would be fun to have a recipe shower. That means that we all brought our favorite recipes and the spices that the recipe takes. It was really fun to spend more time with our soon to be family, Aly's Mom Diane, and sisters Mindy and Stacey. I am so grateful that we like and have fun with the new family, I think that means there will be great things in our future. This picture is of me and my glorious mommy. I am so excited for the wedding on Friday, I think that Cole and Aly are meant for each other, and I am so happy that they have found each other.