One Crazy Family

A little catch up!

2010-08-16T09:55:00.005-06:00

Friday night we decided we needed to do SOMETHING with the kids before school started, so we went up the canyon for hotdogs and smores. We tried to let them sleep in the tent in the backyard, but that didn't work out. Maybe next time! But we had a lot of fun up the canyon--so nice that we live 5 minutes from being able to have a camp fire, and spend some fun time in nature. One of my favorite things was while the kids and I took a little "nature walk" Tyler covered his eyes and said, "I just can't look!" I asked him what he was talking about, and he said he just can't stand to see tress cut down. What a stinkin' cutie!

This picture shows one of the many reasons I love my husband. He is awesome when it comes to the outdoors. (Which is why I am sure we are doomed/destined to a life of him being Scoutmaster) I told him while we were up there that I might just stay with him so that our family would be ok in any sort of disaster! He said, "Uhh, thanks?"

Kyle found an old, rusty can, and claimed it for his own. Such a goof ball, but he is so much fun. I love to watch him be Tyler's little shadow. I am sure he will miss him so much while he is gone at school all day. :( Me too!

Mmmm, S'mores! I used to think I did not like them--boy was I wrong!!

We have been trying to get over and help Mike's parents in their garden as often as we can. The kids love to run around in Grandma's yard, and occasionally stop to help.

Tyler was an awesome help to grandpa picking beans.

The pictures from my camera do not do this justice, but a few weeks ago we walked outside, and the sky was the eeriest color. The clouds were AMAZING, the colors were so vibrant. Purples, pinks--I have never seen the sky like that.

My little (not so little anymore!) man started FIRST GRADE today!! I seriously cannot believe it. He has been so excited, "Ok, so how many hours until tomorrow?" is what he kept asking me yesterday. He did end up getting a spot at Timpanogos. (Hooray!) They have full dress uniform days on Monday--isn't he handsome?!! As we pulled up to the school, I saw that a lot of the other kids weren't wearing their sweater vests. I told Tyler maybe he could take his off when he gets inside, and he said, "But I look so handsome with it on." I sure love this boy!

HELLO??!!

2010-08-06T15:25:00.002-06:00

Man--I seriously need to update my blog! When I just signed in, it shows in big letters that I have failed to update you all on my sweet, ever crazy life for over 2 months!! I blame it partially on having a now 5 month old baby, (I know, how fast time flies when you are having fun!) And it's summer, and life has just been a little bit of this, little bit of that, and the day is GONE! School starts in just over a week--if I have my way and Tyler gets in to the Charter school that's right here by us! (he is now numero uno on the waiting list--so keep that in your prayers ;)) Or at most 2 weeks--they both are in at a school that's just a little further away. I decided to sign Kyle up for preschool too, which means my days will be spent as a chaufer. (School for Tyler and Bailey at 8, Kyle at 9:30, pick up Bailey at 10:45, Kyle at 12, and Tyler at 2:30!!!) Whew, good thing I love driving SOO much. I will find my camera and get some pictures on here soon. Hope someone is still out there--my loyal fans?? :D

Dear Mother Nature...

2010-05-24T10:17:00.002-06:00

Hello--it's almost JUNE!!!

There goes the lovely, shady tree in my front yard!!! And Mike is gone--chainsaw anyone?

Cutie Patootie

2010-05-01T08:25:00.002-06:00

Kyle was really mad at me the other day because he wanted to get in the van and go somewhere, so he protested out on the steps to the garage for a while. He stopped screaming after a bit, and I went to check on him--this is what I found. Funny little man--fell asleep on the steps! When I walked back in to grap his blankie so I could go lay him down somewhere more comfortable, he SCREAMED at the top of his lungs, Scared me half to death. Goofy kid!

I bought this little outfit right after I miscarried last year. I went to Old Navy a couple of times, and it was calling my name! I kept putting it off, and then I wentback in to return something, and there was only one left. I grabbed it, and decided it was my Hope. Hope of another baby sometime soon. She came sooner than I thought, and this is almost not going to fit her, so I put Emery in it the only warm day of the week (darn Utah Springs anyway!) She looked SOO dang cute! (if I do say so myself)

Cute stuff

2010-04-26T21:18:00.002-06:00

I tried for so long to capture a good smile, but this was as close as I could get. She has become sucha smiley baby--it's the sweetest thing EVER! I has her hair in a little pony tail, guess you really can't see it in this shot. Can't win 'em all you know!

We--well mainly Mike--recovered our chairs this weekend. I LOVE THEM!!! It makes sucha huge difference, and I can just wipe off all of my kids lovely messes. I was hesitant to do the plastic on them, but then decided to be realistic, and I love the way they turned out.

April

2010-04-26T21:06:00.003-06:00

Goodness--April has been such a crazy month! We had Emery's baby blessing, Easter, then our Anniversary, and Bailey's birthday (which Mike was out of town for :( ) We did Bailey's b-day party that Saturday, and then last week was my birthday! Losts of fun stuff going on--here are some peeks.

Kyle is too cute! This boy keeps us smiling, and on our toes for sure!
My handsome boys in their Easter swag. (This was AFTER church, so they are a little less spiffy than if I had snagged a shot before)

Bailey in protest, but this dress is soo pretty on her.

Here she is on her birthday. Since Mike couldn't be here, he really wanted her to know he was thinking of her on her birthday, and Aunt Andrea went and picked up some balloons and some flowers--and even a Princess crown. We pretended that they were delivered--she felt so special.

She wanted a smiley face pancake for her birthday breakfast. This was the best I could do with what I had--thought that counts right??!

Emery's blessing

2010-04-26T20:45:00.002-06:00

Alrighty! Where does the time go--for reals?? Emery is TWO MONTHS old today--how did that happen? These last two months feel like they have gone by in a happy blur--which I mostly blame on nursing. :) We blessed her at our house, the day before Easter, and it was GREAT! I am constantly reminded of what an amazing gift it is to have the blessing of the Priesthood in our lives, and it was great to chare the day with our families. I am hoping to get some "good" shots of her in the beautiful dress my mom made, but here are some for now.

Grandma C. trying to coax a good smile out of her for the camera. :D
Grandma L. holding Emery--so sweet!

It ended up being a tight squeeze--but so great to have so many people there to help with her blessing. Ever since I was little, I loved to watch the circle of men sway to keep the baby calm. Pretty sure Emery was the fussiest of all my babies during her blessing, but it was wonderful just the same.

Nine Years...??

2010-04-06T16:22:00.003-06:00

So, today is my 9 year anniversary. NINE YEARS!!?? I cannot believe that much time has past. Honestly, how has it been that long? Nine years, and 4 children later, and we are still alive. That is an accomplishment in itself--right? That, and the fact that most days we can say we still love each other. (I say MOST days, because, well let's be honsest :)) I truly am married to an amazing man. When we met nine years ago, and he asked me out, I would have never thought we'd be HERE nive years later. Neither of us are perfect, far from it, but we are in this together, and that's what keeps me going. Gosh--I sure sound pesimistic, don't I? I blame it largely on the fact that he is out of town now, and I miss him! (That, and sleep deprivation)

We blessed Emery on Saturday. It is wonderful to get together with family, and see my husband use his preisthood to bless our child. He blessed her with so many wonderful things, and I cried thinking of the love I have for my little princess, and the obsticles she overcame to get here. When you think about it--ALL children are true miracles, and amazing blessings from a loving father in heaven.

Saturday night, my sister Amie received a blessing of health from my dad, and before hand everyone talked about all of the health struggles she has had throughout her life. As a little girl I always admired Amie and her strength, and talents. I still do. I know that she gets frustrated with the cards she has been dealth, but she bares it all so well. She has 2 GREAT kids who came to her by "unconventional means," and she loves them all the more. As I have watched her, I have grown to know that it does not matter HOW you become a mother, but that you choose to do so, and open your arms to that wonderful gift.

Sneak Peek--dang she's cute!

2010-03-14T13:21:00.004-06:00

So the funnest girl moved into our ward a while ago, and she does photography. She asked if I would "let" her do some pictures of Emery--"to practice." Ummm--YES!! :) I have been so excited about it, so here are a few that she just posted. You can see her blog here: http://claryphotos.blogspot.com/

Thanx Becca--you are awesome!!

This is my now...

2010-03-09T09:48:00.004-07:00

Not that I am complaining in the least--but Emery has been such a little sleepy head. She has been going for over 6 hour streches at night, and even then I am the one to wake her up. Here's to hoping it stays anywhere close to that nice!
I love it when little babies hold onto their binkies like this. (And oh how nice it has been that she likes her binkie! She is the first of my kids to show any interest.)

Here again daddy managed to catch her doing a funny pose. PEACE!

Tyler has also been busy--losing teeth! He lost one at Aunt Michelle's the night Emery was born, and then the other this Friday night. And he has another wiggly one on the bottom--the Tooth Fairy may just go broke!

Friday morning we woke up to a lot of snow. So I persuaded Mike to wait a little bit to get to work, and we built a snowman with the kids. This is our first one this year, mainly because by the time we thought about it, the snow would be melted. We all had a blast. And yes--it has froot loops for the mouth, and ritz crackers for eyes--guess I need to invest in some snowman supplies. We also went up sledding by Sundance on Saturday--but my battery died in our camera, so I'll have to post some from Andrea's camera later.

Mike decided the snow man would be me, holding a baby and all--so I told he had to lay a big kiss on her!

A week in review...:D

2010-03-04T22:46:00.003-07:00

This is Kyle tackling Mike. I think Tyler took this picture, but I am glad to see it on here, because it shows what the week has been like! I knew he was going to be the one to have the roughest time with the baby coming, and boy has he! For the most part he is doing well, and loving her so much. (A little too much--I am afraid to get in the shower or anything, for fear of what I will find when I get out) BUt he has jumped a little too close to her, or thrown something at me because he was mad at whatever, and hit her with it--causing a not so happy mommy. Then he gets even more aggressive, and it takes a while to calm down. I just keep telling myself it will settle with time--it had better!!!

I think she looks a lot like me in this one. Funny, I haven't noticed that until looking at this picture as I uploaded it. I mean, I realize she has my dark hair and all, but she looks like me as a little girl in this one. Fun. :)

Daddy has been super camera happy with Emery--which is really cute. And somehow he gets he to do these funny shots. Here she is in a cute outfit Grandma C. got for her.

Bailey has been so sweet with her. She just wants to hold her ALL of the time, and take care of her. It is sweet to see. (And nice when she is willing to help out a little extra)

Here is Kyle meeting her for the first time. Is he thinking of eating her?? She is pretty darn sweet!

Awww--and big brother meeting her. It really has been a lot of fun to see the way the all look at her, and care about her already.

This was a shot when we got home from the hospital. I had to get one in her carseat, fresh home. She has been such an angel to have in our home--honestly. Just the sweet peace she brings--ya, I know--peace at our house is hard to find.

Emery Mia :)

2010-02-27T11:31:00.004-07:00

Announcing Princess Emery!! She was born at 6:07 Feb 26th. NINE pounds 10 oz, and 20 inches long.

Mike did this when they took her down for her bath. He told her to hold the card, and she did. He thinks it looks like her little mug shot. :)

No special effects here, but this is my wonderful Midwife Heather Johnson. Anyone having a baby in Utah County--I HIGHLY recommend her. She was awesome!

Just ignore anything else in this picture! She had a big knot in her cord. There were several things that could have been bad, and worked out just right to let this little one be here. They said the cord was around her neck, and the way her cord inserted into her placenta was not right, and could have been fatal! The nurses and my midwife kept calling her miracle baby. She is! My little ray of hope--in miracles. :)

So--things got a little mixed up, with medical politics and stuff I guess, and I ended up delivering at a different hospital, but they have been great here, and as long as it all works out one way or another with the insurance, I am happy. :) We came in around 11:30, got all set up (IV and such) and then waited for my midwife. After about an hour and a 1/2, the nurse called her, and relaized I was supposed to be started on Pitocin right when we got here, and THEN she was planning on coming over to break my water. Heather came over about 2:30 and broke my water (SOOO fun BTW) Then the contractions started coming really strong, and hard, and right on top of each other. I still had no epidural at this point, but the baby was so high up, and I KNEW she was posterior. (Face up) I was in a lot of pain, and losing my strength. The nurse checked me, and I was a 6+, but the baby was still really high up, and killing my back. Not too much later I decided I was ready to give in and get me an EPIDURAL already! What was I thinking?? As my mom just put it--would you go get a root canal with no numbing or anything--just to see what it was like? lol--needless to say, when the anestheologist came in, he was my HERO! Not to say I wouldn't have loved to say I did it, and I FULLY admire those who do, but man, I was ready. I got really sleepy right afterwards, probably because I could finally relax, and I took a nice nap for an hour or so. I woke up feeling pressure, and had the nurse come check me. Sure enough, ready to go. :) I love all the rushing around that goes on as they get ready for the baby to be born. A couple good pushes (which were much more painful than I had felt with my other babies!) and here she was! (All 9 lbs 10 0z--I knew she was BIG, and turns out she was posterior) She is such a little angel. So sweet--That moment when you look at your little one for the first time, I wish I could bottle it up, and let a little out on a bad day. Last night I couldn't sleep for a while, and I just laid here and cried to my Heavenly Father for this little girl. SO grateful for her. HUGE thank you to Andrea and Michelle for watching my 3 other "angels." And my mom was able to be here supporting us too--so great!

More "stuff" we've been up to :D

2010-02-18T11:32:00.007-07:00

Let me just start out by saying HOLY COW!!! I cannot believe my little ticker over there says only 15 days left. I find myself conflicted in about a million different ways. This has felt like the longest pregnancy ever, because as I see it, it honestly has. I was pregnant for 15 weeks before I found out I had "miscarried," then had my D and C, then got pregnant right away again (which I am SOO grateful for) So I have effectively been pregnant for over a year at this point. But, in the same breath I find myself wanting to complain about how miserable I am, I am have found myself savoring this pregnancy so much. Knowing this is our last, and also because of the miscarrage I guess has made me want to cherish ever little kick and twist. Having Bailey around who loves to feel the baby moving helps too! Now that I am here, on the home stretch, it feels crazy. My other 3 kids have come early (Tyler 2 weeks early, and 9 lbs 2 oz; Bailey 3 weeks early 7 lbs 2 oz, and Kyle 2 weeks early and 8 lbs 2 oz). But this baby seems to be changing that mold--so far at least. At my last dr's appt., she said I wasn't dialated AT ALL!!?? What is so different about this baby? I joked with my aunt the other day that it must hear me getting after the other kids, and be fine staying where it's at! I have a dr.'s appt. tomorrow, so we'll see how it goes I guess. She said she would induce me at 39 weeks, which is next Friday, and would work out wonderfully as far as schedules go--especially having someone to watch the other kids. But then I feel anxious about that for some reason. AHHH--the mind of a pregnant woman--what do you do??!! I guess either way this baby will be here in a week or so. And we are all so excited!! Mike has been so wonderful to give in to my list of nesting "demands." And I have found a love for sewing I never thought I'd have. (Now if I could just do the same for running :))

And yes, I am brave enough to believe it is a girl, and decorate accordingly! This is something I saw online somewhere a few years ago, and have been itching to do it in the babies room.

Mostly finished Bailey's/babies room. I love it! I walk past and just look in it and smile. Especially when Bailey's in there sleeping with the little flower light on. :)

Randomly in here, but the kids LOVE going to visit Grandma Livingston, especially when she reads stories. (She tells an amazing story--voices and all)

I just finished the car seat cover today--HOORAY!! I finished it up, and told Mike, "Ok, NOW we can have the baby."

Can't wait to put the little munchkin in it!

Mike also painted our room last weekend. (Happy Valentines Day) I am horrible at picking out paint colors, and have not been super happy with our room color since we moved in. (5 years ago--I can't believe that either) So right before Christmas when we went to visit my brother and his wall color was exactly what I wanted--I hounded him until he told me what it was. I love it! Feels like a whole new room.

And here we have my ONE obligatory preggo-belly picture. Wow--what a hottie! :P

Nesting... (Does that make me a momma bird?)

2010-02-11T16:15:00.002-07:00

Car seat canopy. The inside is just about done--thanks to Alisha. So excited to put my little bug in it--sooner rather than later hopefully!

My first blanket (with lot's of phone calls to my wonderful mom!) I think it turned out pretty nicely. I am officially addicted to sewing now. It's so fun to have an idea for something, and see it come to life. :)

YES--those are my ankles! And no, it's not broken, just swollen like crazy!!! Attractive I know.(good thing Mike's stuck with me already)

Like mother like daughter...

2010-01-27T16:19:00.003-07:00

My poor little Bailey! If something has/is going to happen to someone in our family--somehow always seems to be this girl. She is such a brave little girl though--really. I was AMAZED today when I took her into the ER how brave she was. She was just calm, and patient, and let them do their thing. She did ask a lot of why's, and what's that, but never fought them at all. I left Kyle and Bailey home with Mike while I ran to get Tyler from school, and was headed to the bank real quick when I hear my phone (somehow it got turned WAY down, so I guess I missed a couple calls from him before that) He yelled "Come home NOW! Bailey is hurt really bad.") So I flip a "U-ie" and get home, he has her lying on the floor with a paper towel over her forehead. I peeked underneath, and scooped her up and said we were going to the hospital. You could see her SKULL! I did not take any pictures of the open wound--you may have lost your last meal if I posted it. It was about 1/2 wide, and 3 inches long though. Not fun. But thank goodness we are close to the hospital. They were great to us, she even got a little bean baby poodle, and lot's of Princess stickers. Oh ya--and 4 stitches on the inside, and 10 on the outside--maybe 11. She is no worse for wear, aside from looking "terrible" (her words) She is concerned about people laughing at her, but I told her she is still my pretty Bailey, and her bangs will hide it nicely. (BTW, she ran head on into the corner of the wall--girl is always in too much of a hurry!)

Happy Birthday!!!!

2010-01-23T08:49:00.002-07:00

Just want to wish a HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my sister Michelle. :) I am truly grateful to have her in my life, and even more that we live close enough to see each other every so often. (Sometimes feels like not enough ;) I look up to her, now, and always more than she probably knows. I am glad we are friends, and I hope she has a FABULOUS birthday!

BYU Mint Brownies--YUM!!!!

2010-01-13T08:34:00.004-07:00

MAKES ONE 9-BY-13 PAN OF BROWNIES.

PREP AND COOK: 90 min. COOL: 1 hr.

Brownies

1 c. margarine

1/2 c. cocoa

2 Tbsp. honey

4 eggs2 c. sugar

1 3/4 c. flour

1/2 Tbsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1 c. chopped walnuts (I am not a walnut fan, so I did not include these!)

MINT ICING

5 Tbsp. margarine

dash of salt

3 Tbsp. milk

1 Tbsp. light corn syrup

2 1/3 c. powdered sugar

1/2 tsp. mint extract

1-2 drops green food coloring

CHOCOLATE PAN FROSTING

1/2 cup butter

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/3 cup milk

4 cups powdered sugar, sifted

1. Melt margarine and mix in cocoa. Allow to cool. Add honey, eggs, sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix well. Add nuts. Pour batter into a greased 9-by-13 baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Cool.

2. Prepare mint icing: Soften margarine. Add salt, corn syrup, and powdered sugar. Beat until smooth and fluffy. (Mine did not get "fluffy" until I added the milk, so don't stress that part)Add mint extract and food coloring. Mix. Add milk gradually until the consistency is a little thinner than cake frosting.

3. Spread mint icing over brownies. Place brownies in the freezer for a short time to stiffen the icing. Remove from the freezer and carefully add a layer of chocolate icing.

4. Prepare chocolate frosting: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over low heat, 2-3 minutes. Stir in cocoa powder and milk. Bring to a boil, stirring, and then remove from heat. Stir in powdered sugar until frosting is thickened and smooth. Pour and spread warm frosting on top of the layer of mint frosting. Let them cool before cutting.

They don't look super pretty or anything, especially with my limited camera skills, but MAN they are good!!! If you have a better chocolate frosting recipe, go with that. I jsut found this one on someone else's blog with the brownies recipe, as the BYU website just said use your fav, or buy the canned frosting. I think you could melt down chocolate chips and spead them over it too--for that Andes Mint look. Hope you like it!

Still here

2010-01-04T13:48:00.012-07:00

Boy what a slacker I am!! I cannot believe how fast time has FLOWN by. How is it already 2010?? How do I have just over 8 weeks left until this little one is due? WOW is all I can say. The Holidays were great for us, we had a lot of fun spending time with our little family, as well as our extended families. Tyler made the sweetest comment as we were driving to Mike's parents on Christmas Day--he said, "The thing I love most about this time of year is how much time we get to spend with our families!" Who could say it better? And coming from a 6 year old boy who just got loaded up with presents, it was extra big. Now for a massive unloading of pictures from the last what, almost 2 months?! In no particular order of course--since blogger is no longer my friend!

Bailey Jean in her Chirstmas dress. Getting a new dress on Christmas and Easter is one of my favorite memories. Fun to be able to share it with my daughter now. :)

Tyler in his new Christmas duds. We could not get him to pose seriously for anything--guess it just lets his personality shine thru!

We (I should say I pushed for it) were crazy enough to stand in line for over an hour to see Santa at the Fashion Place Mall. A bunch of people on KSL said he was the best Santa--NOT worth the wait in my opinion. It was funny to see Tyler have a Christmas Story moment though when Santa asked what he wanted for Christmas. He had repeated the same thing every other time someone asked--but this time, it was "I want, I've always wanted..." I chimed in--a Transformer?! "Ya--a Transformer." Goofy kid!

Mike ever so patiently waiting in line. I finally had to sit down for a few minutes, as my lovely feet have started turning into marshmellows, like they did with Tyler.

Here is Bailey in her pretty Christmas dress from Grandma "Idaho"

Mike cut out a bunch of ornaments for our tree, and we caved and let the kids help paint them. Even Kyle--which was a HUGE leap! They all loved it though, and the clean up wasn't too bad. I needed to recover my chairs anyway. ;)

Right before Thanksgiving, Bailey decided to give herself a haircut. I was out running some errands--so I blame Mike completely! ;) Funniest part about it is that Tyler saw her hair on the floor, and thought she'd cut HIS hair, so he cut a huge chunk out of the back of her hair--to even the score. Lucky for us, Alisha (who cuts our hair) loves us, and got us in the next day to fix it. Now she is sporting a spunky little bob, which I actually love. But we had a serious discussion about just WHO is allowed to cut our hair.

Had to throw this one in here! An awesome lady in my ward threw a New Moon party for the premiere, and I talked my sister in law Andrea and my neighbor Kira into going with me. It was a LOT of fun--especially since I was already a huge Jacob Fan. :D

Randomly thrown in here is a shot of this delcious pumpkin cake I made! SOOOO good. So not in anyone's diet, but yummy just the same. If only I was married to a man that actually enjoyed sweets like I do, I'd have eaten less of this than I did. But again, YUMM-O!

Tyler's school had a "Dad's and doughnuts" day, where kids got to bring their dads, and a book and have chocolate milk and doughnuts before school. So much fun!

This should have been at the top, to go in order, but whatever! During Super Saturday (while Mike also had Youth Conference) the kids were in Childrens Class, and had a BLAST! They made all sorts of Thanksgiving crafts--including these outfits.

One last ode to Fall.

2009-11-12T15:16:00.003-07:00

SOOO, Mike has been gone all week, and the leaves in the front yard needed some serious attention. Uggh. That's the part of fall I don't look forward too. Except to watch my kids play in them. So this morning I went out to finish up, in anticipation of stormy weather, and not wanting yucky wet leaves everywhere. Bailey and Kyle play really well together--when they want to. It was fun to watch them try and be helpers. Bailey is only in a couple of these because she was all business about getting all of the leaves raked up.

What a stinkin' cutie!

Cheese Ball! (that is one of our favorite things Kyle says)

"Here is a pretty leaf mom!"

Kyle doesn't get that he should jump in the leaves, he just loves the sound and feel as he runs through them.

My two hams. (And turkeys sometimes too!)

Icing on the cake!

2009-11-05T21:41:00.003-07:00

Let me start off by saying I had the best day. Well, at least the late afternoon, and evening. I went to the temple, despite all of those nagging thoughts like "I am so tired, I will just fall asleep." and "I don't feel so good." I went much earlier than usual, I got into the 5 o'clock session--and it ended up being nearly empty. Ok, not that bad, but the smallest session I have ever been in. AND I am happy to report I didn't even nod off once! That is the first time in a long time for me. Not that I am not glad to be there, and intent on staying awake, but the peace, and the quiet, and the lights dimmed seems to get me everytime. :) A sweet lady a couple of seats away had a seizure--how horrible is that? Seemed like it was a regular thing for her though, and she was just fine after a few minutes. I just love the spiritual high I leave the temple with. Makes me feel like I can keep on keeping on.

Then I get home, get the kiddos in bed, and check my email. I have been reading this blog http://kaceyscouponcorner.blogspot.com/ that I found from my friend Brandi's blog. It is this awesome lady who posts deals and all sorts of couponing ways to save money. Last week I checked in on it, and saw she was doing a giveaway for this cute table that I posted a photo of, and I entered. I entered totally NOT expecting to win--I don't think I have won anything like that since high school maybe. Well, I WON!!! Hooray, I am so excited. She lives in Colorado, so hopefully she is ok with shipping it to me here in Utah. If not, well, maybe we'll have to take a drive to visit our old friends in Grand Junction. :) Either way--I am so stoked that I actually won something. And better yet that it is a totally awesome prize. I can just see my little ragamuffins chowing down at it next spring. Moral of the story...good days do come along after all. :D

Halloween!

2009-11-04T09:47:00.006-07:00

Love blogger and the picture order! Oh well, here is my much anticipated Halloween post. I know Y'all have been dying to see my cute family in our Halloween digs. :)

Could I be any bigger?! Holy cow, and I still have 4 months left. This is definitely my LAST kid--I don't think I can buy clothes to fit a HOUSE!! :P

Tyler is such an amazing helper. Sometimes he is a little TOO much in Kyle's "personal space," but he is so sweet! Here we are starting off to the "trunk or treat" in Mike's parents neighborhood.

This is Tyler at the end of the Halloween Parade at school. They let the parents pile into the gym to see the little kids--so fun!

I was able to go help with the Halloween party for Tyler's class. It was fun, and CRAZY!!! I don't know how his teacher does that everyday. Takes a special kind of person--and they deserve saint hood!!

This should be with the one at the end, but at our ward party they had a doughnut on a string thing, and the young men convinced Mike, the Bishop and his wife, and another guy in the ward to compete against each other. It was funny! they were way too close together, but it was fun to watch. This is Mike WINNING! That's my guy. :)

And Optimus Prime showed up at our house. I was suprised he fit in the door. And he turns out to be much nice than I thought he'd be.

Here is my not so smily BYU Cheerleader. She said this is her happy smile--whatever! When people would ask her for a cheer, she would barely whisper it--goof ball.

And here is my sweet mini-Optimus. He loved being the same thing as Tyler, and even kept the mask on most of the time--much to my suprise.

Here is Mike going up against the Bishop. Looks a little like they might be going in for a KISS if you ask me. HA!

I fall for FALL!!!

2009-10-27T10:12:00.004-06:00

I really do love this time of year. Not too hot, not too cold (until today that is) Fun to have warm soup, and enjoy the last bits of warm days and sunshine before the winter hits. (dun, dun, dun) I also love how excited my kids are about all of the different happenings. Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas coming before we know it. SO grateful that Christmas came a little early, and brought us a new camera to document it all! Last night we carved pumpkins--which I love, but gets a little wary when the kids aren't quite old enough to do all the hard work. But we had fun, and love our pumpkin family out on the porch.

(Tried getting one without the flash to show it lit up. Still working on my photography skills!)

I told Tyler he really had to get his hands in the pumpkin to get all of the "guts" out--he wasn't too keen on the idea.

Tyler hard at work designing the perfect "Scary" pumpkin. He ended up going with one of the patterns Annie brought over--lot's of work for one great daddy!

Kyle wanted to hack right in to his pumpkin--good thing he only had one of those kid knives from Ikea. What a ham!

Grandma "Idaho" sent a package for Bailey and Kyle for Halloween. Bailey didn't take this butterfly costume off for 2 days! Thanx Grandma!

Tyler got this cool light up shirt. Or should I say SCARY?? Everything with him this year needs to be spooky. "Our decorations need to be spookier mom!" And he keeps asking why some people don't have their Halloween decorations up yet--"it's almost Halloween!"

Awww--don't we need a dog?! How cute is my little family, plus one four legged friend? We doggie-sat for Michelle for a few days while they were out of town. Dottie was so sweet to have around, and I actually find myself missing her now that we took her home yesterday. The kids loved her! They wanted to go out and play with her, first thing in the morning, no matter how cold it was out there. Someday. :)

Talk about a scare!

2009-09-24T20:59:00.002-06:00

So, I never really considered myself a worrier, until now. I guess a large part of it comes from miscarrying in May, and getting pregnant RIGHT away afterwards. I am SO grateful to be pregnant, but I find myself trying to talk myself out of worrying myself sick, almost constantly. So last night when I started spotting, I LOST it. Mike was busy with work, and I called my parents house and bawled to my poor dad for a while. He is so sweet to listen to his crazy daughter, and give me some good advice. Then when Mike did call, I lost it again. My poor kids--they were so worried too. We said a prayer, and sweet Tyler kept telling me, "Mom, I think Heavenly father heard our prayer, and the baby is going to be ok." How do you argue with that? Tyler came in at 5 AM (who's kid is he anyway??) So while I was already awake I went in to go "potty." More than just spotting now. I went in and told Mike maybe we are only ment to have 3 kids, and sat on the bed and cried, and cried...and CRIED! Then I went and googled, which I know often isn't good in cases like this, but actually made me feel a lot better that the baby might still be ok. I called my OB's office first thing, and they got me in at 10. My super kind visiting teacher watched Kyle and Bailey for me, because I could NOT do that alone again. They got me right back, and checked the heart beat. She found it right away--RELIEF!!! I have never been more grateful in my life--or at least it feels that way right now. My midwife came in (LOVE her BTW!) and told me she wanted me to get in to the perinatologist to see if they could find a reason for the bleeding. They got me in at 2:30--same day. Another big blessing! Getting in there was a whole other story though. They said come with a FULL bladder--not an easy thing in adn of itself. Then I get there, and they say they don't have me on the schedule, and my dr's office didn't fax the order. Come on! They randomly send me over to Labor and Delivery, where they wonder what in the world I am doing over there at only 17 weeks pregnant. But a sweet RN took pity on me, and wrote me up an order, and called over to Radiology, where they now miraculously find me on the schedule. Then back to check in, (Still super full bladder) then over to Radiology. I check in there, and proceed to wait until past 3:30 for my 2:30 appt. (in case you are keeping track, I have gone potty for a LOOONG time) ON our way back to the ultrasound room, the girl says sorry about the wait. I said I would have not had a problem if my bladder wasn't about to explode. ;) She says--"Oh, you didn't need to have a full bladder. You can go right now! WHAT?? Much better. Long ultrasound, so fun to see the baby. That never gets old to me. He/she was moving around like crazy--great to see it is active and looks healthy. They looked a lot at my placenta, which seems to be covering my cervix a little, but not too big of a deal. Comes out that they are not sure why I was bleeding, but my dr. says to expect it to reoccur, but not to be alarmed unless it is really bad. (easy for HIM to say!)

Moral of the story is, don't let your crazy, hormone driven, irrational fears get away with you. Now, I do feel like I had good reason to worry, but I have recieved a lot of peace since I found out I was pregnant, and I need to quit doubting and have some faith. :0)

Family Night

2009-09-21T21:26:00.003-06:00

Alrighty--I have been a major blog slacker as of late. I blame it partially on the "morning" sickness, and partially on the fact that my camera has been MIA since Mike got home from Scout camp. (I think it's somewhere with my cell phone, which I now cannot find!) But tonight was SOO much fun, I just had to blog it. Saturday Mike went to the BYU game (which we will not speak of any further) he went way early with a friend to all of the tail-gating stuff before hand, and came home and told me about going to the BYU Creamery before hand, and since then I have been craving bubble gum ice cream (I know--weird, but not as odd as some pregnancy cravings)

So tonight as I was looking at the gorgeous mountains dotted with red I thought--Hmmm, we could go for a drive up the canyon, and then take the kids to the creamery. The drive was beautiful. We drove up to Squaw Peak, which is one of my favorite spots since I was a kid, but the road is pretty windey. Apparently a little TOO windey for some of us, because Bailey decided she needed to throw up--all over everywhere! Throw up is something I remember wondering how my mom coped with growing up, and thinking specifically--"How am I ever going to clean up someone ELSE'S puke??" Well, I have come to realize you just DO IT. Along with many other things in motherhood, you love your kids, and just do it. And since my dear husband wimps out around vomit, I get to just do it a lot. Bailey seems to be my car sick one too, I was thinking as I was trying to clean her up that she is the only one of the kids to throw up in the car. And it has happened often. Then she cried because she could not go in to the creamery with throw up everywhere? What a mean mommy I am. I told her it would make everyone else want to throw up too, and she begged for an ice cream still. Since I figured it was likely just car sickness, I caved and bought her one--and then she wanted mine!! Goof ball.

Then on the way home, Tyler was about to die because he had to go potty SOOOO bad. Everytime we passed a gas station, or store he'd say "Oh great, we passed another one!" We made it home, but boy--these are the days right? People always say to cherish these times, because I will miss them some day. I know that is true, but there are times I seriously question. :) But hey--we made some memories--right?!! Although the kids did want me to take their pictures while we were up at Squaw Peak, and I had to explain to them that we have no clue where the camera is. :(

My son. the professional Kindergartener

2009-08-29T18:22:00.003-06:00

This is actually the second day of school, but it was so cute--Kyle has been wearing a backpack around ALL the time, wanting to be like his big brother!

It was a little chaotic to say the least when I dropped Tyler off the first day (what can I say--my first time too!) But I snapped one photo of him playing, and oblivious to what's going on! So funny to see him with the other kids, because he is at LEAST a head taller than all of them. The playground lady has even asked him several times if he is really supposed to be on the kindergarten playground. :)

Here he is--"Going Hero!" as Ben 10 would say. I still cannot believe my little man is in kindergarten! A few days before school started, I got an overwhelming feeling about the fact that this is it for him--school for the next 12 years at least. WOW! He is so excited though. There has been a little confusion with his teacher and stuff, they had to hire another teacher because they ended up with a lot more kids than they thought. He was upset to not have the teacher that he had met for the testing, but the morning of his second day (he has been waking up at 6 or earlier because he is SO excited) he came in and was talking to me, and he said "I don't just like it, I LOVE IT!!" He says the best things. His temporary teacher came up to me after the first day and said "Holy cow, he is reading and everything already!" He is such a great boy, I am so proud of him. I had the proudest mommy moment while he was doing his assesment, so fun to see you kids grow up. :)

I had to include this on here. Mike has been working on this for a while, and is so proud of it. You can't see in the daylight, but he even put lights on it! He plans on lighting it up every win (Which hopefully is a lot!) He's received some razzing from a few neighbors, but he is super excited about it. What a handy man, and a BYU nut I have! Love both!

Here we go again.

2009-08-19T10:22:00.005-06:00

(This top one is the one from 6 1/2 weeks. I have never had an ultrasound that early--not really much there but a clump of cells. But you could see the heart beating already in the middle--nothing better :))

I have kept the secret pretty darn long--especially for me. This is some sort of record for sure. I saw the doctor for my second time last week, and decided it's ok for me to be excited. So here I am--sharing my news--with all y'all! I am just about 12 weeks along--my due date is March 5 (Happy Birthday Dad!) I went in for an ultrasound at 6 weeks, because my sweet midwife told me to come in about then so I could see that things were ok, and be more certain of a due date, as the date of my D&C isn't really accurate for figuring that out. I was honestly suprised to get pregnant this quickly. It has been a mixed bag of emotions for me. I am SCARED to death!! I have never been so anxious about anything. Well, anything I have absolutely no control over at least. I am so excited too. I was honestly heart broken when I lost the last baby, and wondered how long it would take for us to have another one. I went to the temple just a week or so after I found out, and felt such overwhelming peace while I was there. I know in that logical part of my brain things will be ok. But boy it is hard to not let the other train of thought run away with me. It's amazing how attached you become to the little peanut--whether you like it or not. I swear I have been sicker this time, which is good, and bad. My husband has been so sweet and patient, and my kids have been great to fend for themselves on the days I am not "high-functioning."

So, here we go again. Hopefully things turn out better this time than last. I am sure they will. God is good, and the sun truly does come out tomorrow.

Long time coming

2009-08-18T10:13:00.002-06:00

So the last time I was asked to give a talk was Fathers Day 05, which was right after we moved into this ward, and I had just had Bailey. Nearly 4 1/2 years later, I got the call again. I guess they wouldn't want me to feel bad or anything! :) I was asked to speak on service, which was a great topic, and I think it turned out well. (lot's of praying before hand helps!) I am posting this mostly for my parents, so no one else feel obligated to read. (But you are welcome to, of course!)

As disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, we have a responsibility to care for and serve our brothers and sisters. Elder Michael J. Teh of the Seventy said, “Many believe that for service to be meaningful it should consist of having elaborate plans and forming a committee. Although many of these worthwhile projects help, much of the service needed in the world today relates to our day-to-day associations with each other. Often we find these opportunities within the confines of our own home, neighborhood, and ward.
The words from the hymn, “Have I done any good?” are a wonderful reminder of what we ought to ask ourselves regarding service. “Has anyone’s burden been lighter today, because I was asked to share? Have the sick and the weary been helped on their way? When they needed my help was I there? Then WAKE UP and do something more than dream of your mansion above. Doing good is a pleasure, a joy beyond measure, a blessing of duty and love. Doing good truly can be a pleasure, and a blessing.
The biggest difference in the way service “turns out” is our attitude going in to it. President Eyring reminds us that the prophet Jacob said, “lift up hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees” of those around you. You are the Lords servant covenanted to do for others, as best you can, what He would do. The part in that that stands out most to me is that we are covenanted to do the best WE can. Not as much as our neighbor, or a relative is doing, but the best we can. There are times for me in my life where I feel I am not adequately serving, but I realize that at this “stage” in my life right now, as I have young children who need me to attend to most every need, this is where I am serving the Lord best RIGHT NOW. I strive to serve where and when I can, and love the opportunity to do so. Serving others can at times seem an overwhelming task. President Eyring also said in a talk during the Priesthood session, (but this also applies to the Sisters of the church) Many of us may have discovered that serving in the church will stretch you to the point that you wonder if you can stretch that far. For men, you may have thought “Once I finish my mission, being a faithful priesthood holder will get easier.” But in a few years, you found yourself getting even less sleep at night, while trying to support a wife and a new baby, being kind and loving, scrambling to get some education, reaching out to the members of your elders quorum, perhaps even helping them to move their furniture, and trying to find time to serve your ancestors in the temple. You may have kept a smile on your face with the thought: “When I get a little older, being a faithful priesthood holder will not require so much. It will get easier.” Those of you further down the road are smiling because you know something about priesthood service. It is this: the more faithful service you give, the more the Lord asks of you. Your smile is a happy one because you know that He increases our power to carry the heavier load. The tough part of that reality, however, is that for Him to give you that increased power you must go in service and faith to your outer limits. It is like building muscle strength. You must break down your muscles to build them up. You push muscles to the point of exhaustion. Then they repair themselves, and they develop greater strength. Increased spiritual strength is a gift from God which He can give when we push in His service to our limits. Through the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, our natures can be changed. Then our power to carry burdens can be increased more than enough to compensate for the increased service we will be asked to give. That helps me understand when I see someone else who makes service look easy. I know that they have either passed hard tests, or that the tests lie ahead. So rather than envying them, I stand ready to help when the going gets harder for them, because it surely will.
The Lord does not ask to serve, and leave us helpless. D&C 84:88 comforts us: “And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.” Time and again over our lives, the Lord has given up the experiences to build strength, courage, and determination. He knew how much we would need it to serve Him.
We are never forced to serve, but are given the opportunities to bless, and be blessed in return. Our Savior gave Himself in unselfish service. He taught that each of us should follow Him by denying ourselves of selfish interests in order to serve others. Elder Oaks quoted President Hinkley as saying, “He who lives only unto himself withers and dies, while he who forgets himself in the service of others grows and blossoms in this life and in eternity. President Monson said, “Perhaps when we face our Maker, we will not be asked, How many positions did you hold? But rather, How many people did you help? In reality, you can never love the Lord until you serve him by serving His people. Elder Oaks also quotes a letter from a friend as saying, “Years ago, I changed my attitude about going to church. NO longer do I go to church for my sake, but to think of others. I make a point of saying hello to people who sit alone, to welcome visitors, to volunteer for an assignment. In short, I go to church each week with the intent of being active, not passive, and making a positive difference in people’s lives. Consequently, my attendance at Church meetings is so much more enjoyable and fulfilling.” All of this illustrates the eternal principal that we are happier and more fulfilled when we act and serve for what we give, not for what we get.”
My mother in law suffered a stroke the doctors referred to as “catastrophic” in late January of this year. She has always been the one to serve in that family. She has truly been an amazing example to me of selflessness, and now she is the one being served. She is making new strides daily, and I am inspired by her strength, but especially in the beginning she needed help around the clock. We have all been able to help in some form or another, and I know I have been blessed by serving her far more than she has. Her entire ward stepped up with monetary contributions, and volunteering their time and sweat to renovate her 100 year old house to allow her to come home. I have watched her, and she has had such a hard time being on the receiving end of so much service, and feeling like she cannot do anything in return. But I feel like this is everyone else’s turn to return, in some small portion, all of the love and service she has given for her entire life. I am heart broken that this had to happen to her, but am grateful for the opportunity for our entire family to grow and show our love for her. Even my children are doing what they can, we prayed so often for her, especially in those first few weeks when it was not certain she would come out on top, that one day Tyler said to me, “Mom, I think we can stop praying for her now—Heavenly Father has heard us, and she is doing much better!” And the other night for family home evening we went over and weeded Grandmas ENORMOUS garden, and had a nice talk about serving others, and why it is important. Of course, after we got home I got a call from Brother Hirschman asking me to speak today—I think I must have room to improve. J
Another strong example of service throughout my life has been my own mother. Growing up we did not have a lot of money, but my mom did whatever she had to do to make sure we had what we needed. I remember going with her to clean a neighbor’s house, or seeing her stay up all night to sew a quilt to sell. She was blessed with an amazing ability to sew. She can see just about anything, and sew it. Every Christmas and Easter my sisters and I got to pick out the fabric, and received a new dress. Sometimes we matched (which my older sister hated and I loved) or not, but we always had a new dress to wear to church that Sunday. And despite the fact that we had barely enough to make it, my mom always made a set of dresses for a family in our ward that she knew would not have any. She somehow got the girls sizes, and would make gorgeous dresses. When I was old enough to be let in on the secret, and keep it, I was able to go with her a few times to drop the dresses off and run. It was always so exciting to see the girls at church with their new dresses, and see how happy they were.
Elder Teh shared a similar lesson he was taught by his own mother, “My mother was a great example of helping others by giving them a boost. She taught us many important lessons. The one lesson that has had the most lasting effect on my life was her desire to help anyone in need who visited our home. It bothered me to see many of them leave with our food, our clothing, and even our money. Because I was young, and we were poor, I did not like what I saw. How could she give to others when our family did not even have enough? Was it wrong to attend to our needs first? Didn’t we deserve a more comfortable life? For years I struggled with these questions. Much later in life, I finally realized what mother was teaching. Even as she struggled with the effects of a crippling disease, she could not stop giving to those in need. “Wherefore be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small and simple things proceedeth that which is great.” Serving others need not come from spectacular events. Often it is the simple daily act that gives comfort, uplifts, encourages, sustains, and brings a smile to others.
I am a strong believer in that principle; that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass. You may never know the difference a simple hello, a compliment, or stopping to chat for a minute may make in someone’s life, but it can be far reaching. I know I have been on the receiving end of many of those instances, and am grateful to those who have blessed my life.
During the 2008 Christmas Devotional, President Eyring shared a story of helping others that I had never heard before, but will forever hold dear. “Bishop Sellers ward chapel was close to the highway of the small town. During the Great Depression, destitute people traveling from town to town looking for a way to them selves turned to the LDS bishops for help. The bishops would often send them to the home of Bishop Sellers. There was a reason for that. There was a tradition in the Sellers family, they welcomed strangers in need. In stead of dinner being only a family meal, 1,2, or 3 strangers might be at the table. The strangers would be in ragged clothes. After they enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by Sister Sellers, the bishop would give them a coat from the supply of surplus Army coats he had purchased. Once fitted with a warm coat, and carrying a package of another meal prepared by Sister Sellers, they would go out into the bitter winter with warm hearts. The sites, and the sounds, and the feeling of the day would stay with them. Because some of the coldest nights in Rexburg were during the Christmas season, and because of the families tradition of year long charity, the children of the Sellers family carried a memory of parents giving gifts that Jesus would have given on the day in December when we honor Him. What a wonderful example of Christ-like service. Bishop Sellers was my great grandfather. I saw so much of that charity in my grandfather, and now realize where he learned it from.
I pray that we may all do as Elder Eyring asked, and have a part of the desire which Jehovah had, in the world before this one, when He asked to come down from the realms of glory to serve us and give His life for us. He asked His Father, “Send Me.” May we strive, whatever our circumstance, to stretch ourselves a little closer to our “outer limits,” and bless the lives of those around us through service.

Gee Whiz...

2009-08-05T21:01:00.000-06:00

Gosh I need to update my blog huh? What a slacker I am. Is anyone out there still interested?

To my BFF!

2009-07-26T20:47:00.002-06:00

So, today is my mom's birthday (#39 in case you are wondering, wink, wink!) I am a slacker/totally forgetful, and failed to get something in the mail for her, so I thought to myself, "Self, why not post a blog for her, telling her how much she means to you?" So here we are. My mom truly is one of my very bestest friends. She is who I call when I am having a rough day, or have good news to share, or just anything really. She would do anything for any body. She has always been one of my greatest examples of service, and sacrifice. Growing up, we weren't "rolling in it," but she always made sure we had things. She cleaned people's houses, stayed up all night sewing things, pretty much what ever it took she did. For us. I love her for that. I love her because I KNOW she has always done the very best she could with what she had, and I hope to do the same. Thank you mom for always being there for me, and for even letting me return the favor every now and then. Thank you for coming to help me after each of my kids were born, even for laughing at Mike and I trying to figure out how to dress Tyler when he was all "frogged" and didn't want to stretch out. Wish we lived closer and I'd have baked a cake!

America the Beautiful!

2009-07-04T20:33:00.003-06:00

Can I just say how proud I am to be an American. This last week as we drove home from my sisters in Arizona, it hit me how beautiful our country is. Truly beautful! And today as we celebrated Independence Day, I have been thinking a lot about how blessed we are to enjoy the freedoms and comforts we do. Mike and I watched the movie Blood Diamond on TV the other night, and got talking about how we really have no real idea of how fourtunate we are to live here in America. I cannot imagine living in a place where I was afraid to walk down the street with my children, or fear someone attacking us in our home! I am greatful to live in this great nation, no matter our flaws. I am grateful to those who fight to preserve our freedoms, despite the fact that some people protest their brave actions. Happy Day! :0)

Sugar Mama!

2009-06-14T13:29:00.002-06:00

Happy Birthday Courtnie Jean!!! I cannot believe you are 8 already. What a fantastic girl you are. We cannot wait to come and see you get baptized next week. Hope you have a great birthday!

K.W. ....

2009-06-12T21:21:00.004-06:00

Happy Birthday Kyle! What a sweet addition to our family Kyle is. He is a good mixture of both Tyler and Bailey--in looks and personality. He is a go-er from the moment he wakes up, but loves to stop and SNUG with mommy too. Tonight while we were eating dinner, I said "Raise your hand if you are happy Kyle is in our family." And everyone raised TWO hands! His favorite thing right now is cars--and Tyler wonders out loud all the time why he likes cars so much. Hmmm....have you seen Tyler?!

This screams--"Put me back!"

Still the same little smirk.

Awww...Miss you Cobabies!

Abbie loved Kyle so much when they first came to see us after he was born. She didn't want to put him down, and he loved being held by her. So fun!

Now this is my Kyle! Raaaar!!

Shout Out!

2009-06-09T21:27:00.002-06:00

OK--so I am lame. I'll admit that up front. But I REALLY want to go see Kelly Clarkson when she is here in Orem THIS Thursday! I have been to ONE, that's right one concert my entire life. (Aside from siblings band concerts, and the Symphony) My sisters, and my brother and his wife went to see Dixie Chicks when I was 7 months pregnant with Tyler. I was swollen beyond belief, and we were on the TOP row of the Delta Center. It was still awesome, mostly because I love the Dixie Chicks. But come on--I love Kelly Clarkson, and she is going to be here, in Orem, not Salt Lake, at some massive arena where at this point I'd be top row and so far away I'd just watch her on the Jumbotron. She is going to be at the UVU Baseball field--so any seat is not THAT far away. So--who wants to go with me?! There has to be someone out there that wants to go to--secretly or whatever. We'll have lot's of fun, come on--you know you want to!

Little May tidbits.

2009-05-28T09:30:00.002-06:00

I thought I'd get a little more May in--while it's still here. We have a "tradition" of getting together with Mike's sister Andrea and her husband for Cinco de Mayo and eating enchiladas, and killing a pinata. The kids love the pinata, which usually ends up getting that final whack from Daddy or Uncle Elden.

I walked downstairs one morning, and this is what I found. Bailey and Kyle "sleeping" on the stairs. Bailey even got Kyle a pillow and blanket. And Kyle had a Pony tucked in with him--awww.

We also had our first lost tooth! (Now 2 at Grandmas house this weekend) It took him forever to work that thing out, I finally convinced him to let me help a little before the ice cream store closed! Unfourtunately it looks like my kids are getting daddy's teeth--the Orthodontists will love us! I keeping hoping maybe his teeth will work out the space issues on their own!

He smiles this way all the time now--gotta show off that awesome space! The tooth fairy may have forgotten to come get his tooth and leave him some money this last time. We got home from Idaho really late, and I was SOO tired, I forgot all about it after getting them all to bed and everything. He came in the morning, and as soon as I heard his door open I realized and felt SO bad! He was so disappointed, and after he went downstairs Mike hurried in and put in under Bailey's pillow, and we said the tooth fairy must have just gotten mixed up, because last time she came he was in that bed. He lit right up--thank goodness! The tooth fairy will not do THAT again. :)

To the our little graduate!

2009-05-27T21:54:00.007-06:00

Wow--what a crazy month this has been. I am just realzing how much has gone on this month--and I have mixed emotions about it coming to an end. Tyler had his Preschool graduation last week--I couldn't have been prouder! Last year he really struggled with it, and this year he was awesome! Boy are we going to miss Ms. Diane next year. Sad for us that she is only going to teach kindergarten. She has done amazing things for my children, and I am sad that Kyle will never get to enjoy her too. I just keep reminding myself to be happy with what we did get of her! Here's to hoping next year goes this well.

Tyler and one of his "best friends" Cody--cheesers!

Starting his walk.

Holding the flag for the pledge--so proud!

All is well.

2009-05-22T14:36:00.002-06:00

I just wanted to update you to let you know I am still here, and doing suprisingly well. I have been amazed and overjoyed at the outpuring of love and support I/we have received over the past week! What a blessing to know that so many people are there for us, and know what we are going through. Wednesday morning before we headed to the hospital (at 5:45 AM!) Mike gave me a sweet blessing, and since then I have felt nothing but peace. The hospital staff were all so nice, and the only time I found myself upset was as they took me in to the operating room. It felt so final. So overwhelming to think that this is where my relationship (in the physical sense at least) with this little one I have been carrying for the last 3 1/2 months would end. I tried not to look around too much, and just relaxed into the anesthesia. I woke up and the sweetest nurse ever was there, and she listened to me jabber on and on, and told me of her own loss. I asked he how long it would take for me to stop feeling that aweful feeling in the pit of my stomach every time I see a pregnant lady, or see a newborn. She said it may take a while, but it's ok to feel that way. I hate feeling that way! I just want to see those people and be happy for them--which I TOTALLY am, but there is a lingering sick feeling there too. Today I went to Target, and saw soo many pregnant ladies (this is Utah County!) And heard a little newborn cry, and that was the first time in a few days I have wanted to cry myself. On the way home from the hospital, we stopped and rented some movies (Mike watched Twilight with me, and I actually think he didn't hate it too much) and we loaded up on JUNK. Mike sister had been watching the kids that morning, and my sister Michelle came and took them for the rest of the day. It was so nice just to spend time the two of us. I took an awesome nap--which i never get with my sweet kids around, and we just veged. I have realized that this will all be for our good, and am at peace with Heavenly Father's plan for me. Thank you all so much for your love and support!

Outlet

2009-05-18T15:39:00.003-06:00

Ok--so mostly I use this blog as a place to post pictures of my kids, who are pretty much my world. But today I need an outlet, and here I am. Today has been ONE of my hardest days yet. (I say yet because there have been a few harder, and I am sure there are more to come) For my entire pregnancy so far with this baby I have felt something was "off." I felt much this same way with Bailey though, and was hoping it just meant this was going to be a girl, and my girls just give me anxiety from the get go. I went to my first OB appointment, and felt a lot more at ease once I saw the baby on the ultrasound, and there was a good heart beat. I expressed to my midwife my worries, and she told me to feel free to come in anytime and hear the heart beat, if I was feeling nervous. I still have had that looming dark cloud feeling, but tried to push past it, and enjoy this pregnancy, as it is likely our last baby. We decided not to find out the sex of this baby, and I have resisted buying anything yet, which is hard for me to do if you know me. I just bought some super cute maternity clothes on Old Navy.com (which arrived today--timing!) So today I had another check up, and they were checking for the heart beat, and nothing. I have had it be a little harder to find, especially in the begining, but never this hard. The girl had someone else come in to try, and after a minute she said lets not put you through this any more, let's just go get an unltrasound to find that baby. Of course Mike no longer comes with me to my appointments (not since Tyler, not with 3 kids at home to wrangle, and work) My sweet midwife came and hugged me while I was waiting for the ultrasound, and assured me this was really common, and she was sure the baby was just hiding under my pelvic bone. When I got in for the ultra sound, it didn't take long for me to see there was no heart beat. I could see that little body, head, back, arms and legs, but no heart beat. I started crying, and she said how sorry she was (her name is Lindsey too--with an E even) I asked how long ago it had died, and she said it looks like about a week ago! Ugggh. I went back and my midwife came in, and hugged me some more. She said how she wished she could do something for me, take away my pain--SO DID I! I wished Mike were there, or my mom! (Funny how you never really stop wishing your mom was there at times like this) I met the other Dr, and he was really nice too. My friend sees him, and has said how he is a little lacking in the bedside manner department, but he was very kind. I am going in for a "D and C" (which is a term I have heard, but just read up on myself.) I cried when I called Mike as I was walking to the car. Then I called my mom, and cried HARD! After we hung up, I thought about what the D and C means for that little life I just saw on the screen. No longer alive, I know, but to think of it just gone kills me. Funny how you can grow to love something so small in such a short amount of time. That is one of the things that has amazed me most about motherhood. This is my first miscarriage, and so far I am not a fan. I thought I knew somewhat of the pain of losing a child, as I went thru a roller coaster ride of thinking I was pregnant month after month before Tyler, and then not. It was no where near this. I am grateful to have my 3 children here at home, to keep perspective, and keep me busy. But the doctor said something to me that I will not soon forget. He said this is a loss. You had a child, and you have lost it. Don't let anyone discount that, and don't discount it yourself. No matter how big it was, it was a life. At first, Mike and I were both so shocked about this pregnancy. We were planning on getting pregnant this summer, but after a few weeks, we both started to get excited, and especially in the last couple of months. We will try again, but how? I am so nervous, thinking what if I feel that uneasy feeling again? I did not have it with Tyler or Kyle, and they were both healthy babies. I guess the only thing you CAN do is roll with what comes. Thanx for "listening."

SAND Hollow

2009-04-27T23:31:00.005-06:00

OK--so the weekend of the 18th, we headed down to warmer climates and camped with my sister Michelle and her family, and Josh and his family. This is the first time we have been camping since Bailey was a newborn, and we were a little hesitant at first to say the least. But boy are we glad we went! We had so much fun--on the way home we were calculating how long until we can purchase a truck, and some 4-wheelers to pull behind it. The kids had SOO much fun, which was my main motivation in going. Mike had a few days off, and instead of just lounging around not doing much--we went for some camping fun! The only problem was the wind, and the fact that both of the air mattresses we brought were NO GOOD!

Blogger does funny things with the order of pictures these days--and I decided not to fret about it too much and just go with it--so here we go! When the kids got tired out, and we were all trying to clean up, they watched a movie in Josh's vehicle. These three boys are June, July and August birthdays--so fun!

Our loverly family--nice and clean for a photo! (Kyle was sleeping in the Van)

See--here's Kyle. He had a hard time falling asleep, so when he finally did--it was wonderful!

Cute little Parker--holding on to the ball so no one else got it.

Josh's little girl Megan--all ready to go on a ride. The kids all couldn't get enough of the 4-wheelers.

Kyle was so funny--he would sit on the 4-wheelers, and want to go on a ride SOO bad, but didn't want to have the helmet on and be buckled in. The morning before we left Mike finally got him on the little one, and he was ALL smiles!

Mike--loading up to take the kids on a ride. The big 4-wheeler of Michelle and Aarons is AWESOME! It has seat belts, and a roll bar on the top--feels extra safe! And it fits 5 people, which is great!

Josh, Megan, and Michelle--FUN ride!

The kids loved playing in the sand. It was so much fun to see them all play so well together. It still amazes me to see us have our own kids now.

Kyle's ready or not! He is really starting to get into cars and all of the fun "Boy" things--it is a lot of fun.

Easter Post

2009-04-14T19:06:00.005-06:00

The Easter Bunny waited until after church to do our Egg hunt. (9 AM church is hard enough as it is!) The kids were excited when we pulled in and there were eggs everywhere. So fun to watch them be so excited. Those are the moments where it really pays off.

If I were smart I could rotate this picture--but you get what you get! Bailey in her pretty Easter dress, showing off all of the eggs she found. She found the most by far, but they all ended up in a big heap anyway.

Kyle just giggled, and giggled at the whole thing. He is such a sweet boy!

Hunt at Grandma Livingston's. How cute is that?! I love it when they are sweet to each other. I can so see that Tyler is growing up!

Bailey and Kyle playing under Grandma's wheelchair. Goof balls!

Tyler happy about his LOOT!

Squash...

2009-04-12T15:33:00.002-06:00

Thanx Kassie for letting me steal this picture off your blog--it's a great one! Happy Birthday to Joshie! I cannot believe he is turning 29--that is OLD! ;) I was just searching for a nice memory of Josh to share, and as we kind of butted heads growing up, it took a second. But one that always really touched me was before he went on his mission and he asked me to go into town to get some Pop I think. I was skeptical, as I said we weren't the closest, but we had a really nice talk, and I was so impressed that my brother had grown up in there somewhere, and I hadn't even realized. And then we bawled like babies when he went into the MTC! I love you Josh. I hope you read this, and get all mushie inside too. You are an amazing father--especially when you change the occasional diaper! Hope you have a great day.

Bailey's Big Day!

2009-04-07T20:17:00.005-06:00

(Don't worry--we don't let our children play in the dryer! She climbed in here ONCE after I had taken clothes out, and I thought it made a cute picture)

Happy Birthday Bailey Jean!!! Honestly, somedays I am amazed we have made it to #4! Bailey is such a little fighter--and I cannot imagine my life without her. We had a fun little party for her tonight. I let her invite friends, since she has been talking about who's invited and who wasn't for nearly a year! We had pizza, an Easter Egg hunt, presents, and then a DELICIOUS Cold Stone cake from her awesome Aunt Michelle (they are the one in Ft. Union--go there, go often!) She got spoiled with gifts, and had so much fun being with her friends. She is seriously the most social girl I have ever seen! The girl wakes up asking to go play with friends, and is planning out tomorrow as she goes to bed. Drives me SLIGHTLY crazy, but she is such a doll! Hooray for Bailey Bop!

Happy Anniversary!

2009-04-06T08:23:00.005-06:00

Happy Anniversary! To my dear, sweet husband! We have made it 8 years, I cannot believe it. My mother in law called me to wish us Happy Anniversary this morning, and we were discussing how I cannot believe it has been 8 years. Two more and we will be at 10, which seems like SOOO long! Today looks to be much nicer weather than our wedding day, it snowed and rained before, and that’s when our pictures were supposed to be. Of course, when we came out it was nice and sunny, and we dragged our not so nice photographer over from another wedding for a second to take a few shots with all of our family. It was such a great day though. I remember just feeling like it was all a dream. As we drove away from the temple, I just kept thinking, “This is real! We are really married!” 3.25 kids in 8 years is not too shabby, crazy in fact! I love my husband, especially because he puts up with me so well on the days that I am not the easiest to put up with. He really is SO good to me, and works so incredibly hard for our family. It was fun going through our wedding pictures to post some on here. If you notice my hair is up in some, and down in some, that is because we got married Friday, and had our reception Saturday. I did not want to be rushed on my wedding day, so we got married at 4 PM, and then had a nice relaxed wedding dinner, and then our wonderful families had the whole next day to set up the reception. However, when I went to get my hair done for the reception, I realized I had a HICKEY on my neck!!! (Total accident, my neck does that really easily for some reason) Mike was so embarrassed, and couldn’t look my dad in the eye! LOL! Anywhoo, tried to cover it up with make up, but to no avail, so we opted to go with half up, half down to try and hide it. (My parents and family told everyone anyway!) Fun times! Then we had an awesome Honeymoon in Hawaii!! (maybe we’ll get back there for our 10 year) We actually got a date on Friday to celebrate (Thanx to Mike's sister Michelle and her husband for watching our kids!) We went to eat at Iggy's (the highlight of that place for me is the YUMMY cheesecake!) Then we went and saw Taken. If you have not seen it yet--I highly recommend it. Although, if you have daughters, you will never want to let them out of your sight! Funny, I was just thinking about how we have spent our past Anniversary's, and they have been very different. For one of them, four years ago, we had lunch, and then had a baby! Love you Honey, Happy Anniversary! Here’s to many more!

To whom it may concern...

2009-04-03T13:43:00.006-06:00

I really would like to have a few things in my life that belong to me. My blog is one of them. I love the Blogger world, and think it is a great tool to catch up with friends and family. What a sad day when people cowardly use them to lash out at people. I really do not want to have to start the whole comment moderation, so do as Thumper said "If you can't say something nice, don't say nothing at all." I am a good, nice person--if you don't know that, that you don't know me. I post good, nice things about my family, and our going on's. Please don't clutter up my comment section with things you are too weak to say to my face. The people that this is meant for know who they are--everyone else, feel free to post me a nice fluffy comment about how super you think I am, and how seeing cute pictures of my kids makes you smile! Who doesn't love blog comments--they make you feel all warm a fuzzy inside! I just think it is sad that some people have nothing better to do. Honestly--get a life! You know my email, and my telephone number, if you have something you absolutely must say to me, do it in one of those ways. Don't use my blog, your comment will simply be deleted. Again--love to all my happy peeps out there! Have a super fantastic day!

Ode to random randomness...

2009-03-27T21:29:00.005-06:00

So--this is just a very random post--but it is a post none the less! It never ceases to amaze me how the day seems to drag at points, and then all of a sudden--it's over! Between trying to keep my kids happy, fed and clothed; keeping up with house work, and feeling pretty crappy lately, and everything else that seems to POP UP, blogging has definitely taken a back seat. So sorry for all of you out there whom I know hang on my every post! ;D

A few weeks ago, Bailey was upset that Tyler wanted to sleep with the door open, and when Mike and I checked on them before we went to bed, this is when we found! She covered her face with her "blankie" to keep the light out of her eyes. What a funny girl I have. She had a nasty scab on her face from some little fever blisters, and it stuck around forever because she wouldn't leave it alone.
Last month my cousin Kelsey was down with her kids because my Uncle Glen was having heart surgery, and her kids came to play with us so she could have a little sane time at the hospital. We had a ton of fun with them. I am always more than happy to watch other people's kids--they help keep mine out of my hair! Tyler still remains the Wii Boxing champ. Dylan (cousin playing with him) said "How does he do that?" He is so funny to watch--you get a work out just by watching him!

Two little Princess' Bailey and Peyton. They are just a couple months apart, and are SOO much alike! They got all dressed up, and Peyton asked me to turn on music so they could dance. Kyle saw them and went and held hands with her and tried to dance too--it was soo cute! I couldn't get a picture before the moment was gone.

I purchased a new comforter last month--and Mike actually really likes it. AND, it already has been to the laundry mat once (We had a wonderful stomach bug around here last weekend!) and it washed up really well.

This is my awesome nephew Ian--they had just been to the sporting goods store to get him wrestling gear! He is so into it---it's great! He and Mike & Gordon had a fun time wrestling--funny to watch grown men wrestle a 12 year old!

Mike took this one of Kyle and I. Kyle is such a snuggler--I love it! It is soo sweet when he will just come up and snuggle with me--for no reason at all.

Not a super high quality photo, but Brooke and Audrey & I went out for a little girl time last month--it was lots of fun! We went to Iggy's, and I tried their Cheesecake that I have been drooling over on their commercials--it was soo good!! The best cheesecake I have ever had! Highly recommend it.

Daddy and Tyler working on Tyler's handwriting. He is doing so awesome in Preschool, and cannot wait until Kindergarten! I took them all to the dentist this week, and Tyler has his first loose tooth!! Not going to lie, I kinda teared up at the thought of him losing his first tooth. Big moment for mommy! Tyler thought until recently that once you lose a tooth, you can go to kindergarten. His little friend lost a tooth a few months ago, and Tyler said he would no longer be coming to preschool, because he was going to kindergarten now--how funny. He thinks of the most hilarious stuff! The other night after I kissed him goodnight, he told me I was the best mommy he ever had, and he wouldn't even wish for a better mommy than me! How sweet is that--just what I need to hear at the end of a long day.

I am not bright enough to rotate this, but had to show off my little Abraham Lincoln. I think we have the best preschool teacher ever, and am super sad that we won't have her next year! :(

Tyler and his Besty-bud Dallin with the stove pipe hats! Happy Birthday Abe!

Visiting Teaching

2009-03-20T18:01:00.004-06:00

I saw this on my friends blog--and loved it! I felt it was appropriate with the movie coming out this next week!!

Trip to Grandma's House!

2009-03-20T09:38:00.002-06:00

A few weeks ago we went up to Idaho to see my parents for the weekend while Mike went golfing in St. George. We had lot's of fun playing with Grandpa & Grandma, and we even went and played with some 2nd cousins at an awesome play place--but I forgot to bring my camera there! It was so funny, because you pay a couple of dollars for them to be able to play in the play area, and then they have a bunch of games to play on--that take tokens of course. Kind of like Chuck-E-Cheese--and all Bailey wanted to do was have money and play on the games! She is such a little money fien--she even went looking around on the floor, and asked the people at the counter to give her some! Nothing is ever enough for that girl--I am in for a looong road.

Again Blogger posts the pictures backward--I need to start remembering that! Grandpa came home with Drumstick ice cream cones for the kids. They loved them--but what a mess! We got in the tub after that!

Bailey LOVES Grandpa soo much! He was so great about letting her help with breakfast--he got this apron on her and everything. She is so eager to help, but it isn't always HELP!

Pay it Forward.........

2009-03-16T16:01:00.004-06:00

I got this from Rakel and Sidni's blog, and have finally decided I can't just be selfsih and wait for my prizes alone!

The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me!Please keep in mind the following information which applies to this offer:

1-It will be a surprise and I make no guarantees that you will like what I make.
2- It will be homemade.
3-You will receive your gift sometime this year (as in - sometime in the next 9 months!)

HERE'S THE CATCH: You must post this on your blog and offer the same to the first 5 people who follow the directions.If you have not seen the movie Pay It Forward, you must rent it or check it out from the library and watch it. It is a good show.

How sad is it that I am offering a FREE, totally awesome gift to 3 more people out there, and no one's interested? I make some pretty cute stuff you know! You are ALL missing out!

In case there was any doubt!

2009-03-11T18:16:00.002-06:00

So-- I am never very good at keeping these things a secret, no matter how much I think I will before hand. I can keep other people's pregnancy's to myself if they want me to, but I have a hard time keeping quiet about my own. I think it comes from trying so long to get pregnant with Tyler, and being so excited to tell everyone! And now Tyler heard me on the phone with the insurance company the other day, and now that the kids now, I figure it's only a matter of time--so here we are. We are having baby #4 about November 5th (or earlier as my others have been--but I told Mike I want to see if we can get a 10 pounder this time. My others have been 9 lbs 2 oz, 7.2, and 8.2--so let's shoot for 10 lbs 2 oz!) We are all adjusting to the idea, as this was a major shock! But we are excited, and I told Mike let's just live it up since this will probably be our last!

Greater love...

2009-03-10T01:06:00.004-06:00

OK--so I really ought to be in bed right now. REALLY. But here I am. I just couldn't help but post about my wonderful talk I had tonight with my dear ol' dad. Without going into unnessesay details, there has been a bit of family drama going on in the last week. I have gone through just about every emotion about it, at least once. I spent the weekend up in Idaho with my parents, while Mike went golfing in St. George. I have always loved my dad. I remember as a little girl thinking he was the strongest man alive! I even bragged to my friends that he could pick up a whole car. He has been my best friend when I needed him. He even let me cry to him about dumb boys. He always had a way of explaining things so that I felt better about them. I asked him tonight how he is REALLY feeling about eveything that is going on, and he said he doesn't let it get him down. He said sure it gets to him, but he refuses to let it get him down. Something my dad always instilled in me is that we are responsible for our own choices. Once in 7th grade I was hanging out with some kids that were drinking at lunch time. I had not had any, but when they got caught, I was with them, and thus guilty by association. I was hauled into the principals office, and when the police came they did the whole soberity test and everything. I was not worried about getting in trouble with the school, or the law--because I knew I had done nothing wrong. But as I sat in the office, I could see my dad outside the door, looking so dissappointed. That's what made me sick inside. I had hurt my dad. He even had them take me down to the Police Station with the rest of the kids, even though the policeman said he knew I had not been drinking. He did that so I could take the results from the breathalizer back to school to prove to everyone who would think I had been. My dad's opinion has always meant the world to me, and tonight he told me he not only considers me a daughter, but a friend. I am so proud of that! I am glad I have grown into a person my dad can be proud of. Not dissappointing my dad is something I still think about a lot. I am a grown woman, but my dad is still my dad. He has been my protector through so many things, and I wish there was a way I could protect him now. I know he says he does not need it, and to a point I am sure that is true. But I only wish the world wasn't such a cruel place sometimes. I am grateful to have the faith I do, and to be willing to rise above things that are put out there to weigh me down. I am going to take my own often given advice, and GET OVER IT! For myself, and for my dad. That doesn't mean I will return to the way it was before, but I will not let it consume me.

Pathetic

2009-03-02T21:38:00.002-07:00

How much do I suck at posting lately?! Is anyone still checking back? So sorry! I guess half of my excuse is I get online and get sucked in to Facebook. It is great chatting with people, and Mike and I are both addicted to the games on there. Sad, but true. And I am not even posting any pictures with this one, in a desperate attempt to just get a friekin' blog posted! Hmm, life lately has been interesting. Mike is finally done with his training travels--YEAH!! He is ready to dive in feet first, just waiting on the guy who has previously been over this area to come down and turn stuff over to him. Last Friday I took Bailey up to see her Cardiologist, because she has been complaining of her heart hurting, and sleeping a ton. Both of those things probably would not worry me too much, if her doctor hadn't given us the news at her last appointment that her heart is getting worse. After 3 1/2 hours up there, he said nothing has changed that he can see. She still has all of the issues we found out about at the last appointment, and will need her valve replaced at some point, but he wants to wait as long as possible to put her through that. (As do we!) We are supposed to be getting a heart monitor tomorrow, that will keep track of her heart rythms, etc. and hopefully show if anything is up that way. Sure will be interesting trying to keep THAT on her! My daughter is nothing if not stubborn. I had said to a few people that we have been lucky so far this winter and only been sick once--why did I ever say that out loud?! Bailey was sick Friday, Sat & Sunday--now Kyle is miserable. I am hoping Tyler already had it last week--he complained about a sore throat but not too much. And if Mike and I are lucky we can avoid it! I hate being sick--no one takes care of me, and I still have to be a mom. No time for that. Ok well, now I don't feel like such a slacker. Hope all is well! Maybe if people actually showed me some comment love, I'd be more inclined to post!!! ;P

Joe.

2009-02-15T21:00:00.004-07:00

So, funerals. Can I just say that I am glad to have a knowledge that we will live with our loved ones again someday? I ended up having a lot harder time with this than I originally thought I would. I knew he was going for a while, and know he is in a much better place, and much happier now, all of that. But I found myself thinking about all of the memories I have of my Grandpa, and how I won't make anymore with him. Mike stayed home with the kids, we just figured it would be less crazy that way. I love my kids, but they are crazy! And it was nice to just BE for a little while. Not like I was away on a resort vacation or anything, but it was nicer than if they'd have come. There were a few times where I really wished Mike were there to hold me while I cried--but my sweet brother in law came over and rubbed my back, and I felt loved! He has always felt like an older brother to me, and has always been so sweet to me. (Unlike my own brothers! ;) ) It was a great funeral, as funerals go I guess. My mom's uncle is an Ameritus member of the Quarom of the 70, and he gave an excellent talk. He spoke about my Grandma Jean, my Grandpa's first wife. She passed away just before I was born--of Cancer. He said that he had never told anyone, but right before she died she called him to make sure her kids were all going to be ok, and I think a little to ease some of her worries about herself. It was so great to hear him talk about her that way, because although I never knew her, I have always felt a connection to her that I cannot quite describe. I have always worried about her "salvation" and want to be able to see her one day.

The Military did a sweet little tribute honoring my Grandpa's service. I am sure he loved this great honor!

My cute brothers, looking stalwart and brave.

Assistance Requested!

2009-02-07T00:05:00.003-07:00

(#1)

(#2)
OK, so I mentioned before I have been looking for a new bedspread for Bailey's room, and I think I have narrowed it down to 2. I thought I'd ask for your votes--I am so bad at making decisions! You don't need to take her room color or anything into consideration, because I am planning on painting ASAP! (Mike isn't aware of any of this, but he loves me anyway) So let me know what you think!

Death and Taxes

2009-02-05T19:50:00.006-07:00

My cute grandpa died on Wednesday, gone home to be with his sweet wife! It hit me a lot harder than I thought it would. I've known he was on his way home for a while now, and knew I was ok with the idea. But when my mom called to tell me I was just struck. I was on my way out the door to dinner at a neighbors, which ended up a good distraction. Then I came home and my mom called again, and I lost it when we hung up the phone! I think a lot of it was realizing life is so short, and am I savoring the time with my own parents enough? And I really will miss my sweet grandpa Joe! He has not been himself for a few years, at least to me. He has had a hard time remembering me, probably in large part because he couldn't see or hear me--but that was so hard on me. When I was a little girl and he would come to visit, he would always take us out to the store to get a toy, and a Happy Meal! We had to sneak around, which I thought was fun--but it turns out it was because my grandma was even more of a penny pincher than he was! He always made me feel so special, and I am grateful to have had him in my life. He was such a good man! One of the things I am most happy about him passing for is that now he can realize what an impact he had on people's lives. He carried around SO much guilt from things he had no control over, and it was something I always tried to tell him was silly. Now he can know that for himself! Below is his obituary--I thought it was sweet & thought I'd include it.

P.S. I posted a silly thing before this, but check it out too!
Joseph L. Sellers
At the conclusion of a long and productive life, our father Joseph L. Sellers has gone to the next stage of his progression surrounded by his children, to be with his dear wife Erna, his parents, two brothers and many other friends and family.
Joseph was born in his grandfather Lucas' home in Rexburg on January 5, 1919. He is the first of nine children born to Joseph Fischer Sellers and his wife, Myrtle Pearl Lucas. Joseph grew up in Hibbard, where he attended elementary school with his father as Principal.
Joseph was active in sports. He played basketball and baseball. He graduated from Madi- son High School, after which he attended the University of Utah, studying medicine.
In 1939, Joseph was called to serve in the Hawaiian Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served an Honorable mission and his scheduled return in December 1941 was delayed by the bombing of Pearl Harbor; he remained an additional four months to assist in the cleanup from that terrible tragedy.
Joseph entered the Army Air Corps upon his return to Idaho and served as a gunnery instructor, passing on the skills he mastered as a skeet shooter. The constant gunfire resulted in permanent loss of hearing.
At the end of the war, Joseph met Mary Jean Isaacs in Idaho Falls. In May of 1946, they were married in the Idaho Falls Temple. Together, they had six children. They were later divorced.
In 1964, Joseph married Erna Martha Wirkus in the Idaho Falls Temple, and they lived together in their home in Hibbard until her death in August of 2007.
Joseph was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, having served as a Bishop, Stake Clerk, Sunday School Teacher and many other callings.
Joseph was an accountant in Rexburg for many years, but his real love was farming. He loved to see things grow and flourish. Even this last year he assisted with the yardwork and planted potatoes in the garden.
Joseph was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, little Robert James at 18 months, and Gordon, who was killed in a car accident. He is survived by his brothers, Dee and Keith Sellers; his sisters, Norma Rounds, Dorthy Anderson, Bonnie Hammond and Linda Keele; and his children, Steven Field, Robert Sellers, Mary Jo Rodgers, Valerie Cobabe, Reggie Sellers, Tony Sellers and Monty Sellers. He also had 26 grandchildren as well as 35 great-grandchildren.
His family wishes to express their gratitude for the many hours of service, prayers and love shown to their father from his neighbors, friends and church members in the Hibbard and Rexburg area.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, February 9, at the Hibbard LDS Chapel. The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday evening at Flamm Funeral Home in Rexburg and from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Monday at the church prior to services. Burial will be in Rexburg Cemetery.
Family Tribute

Confessions...

2009-02-03T00:09:00.005-07:00

Ok, here it is, 12:09 AM, and I am blogging. What a nerd--I ought to be in bed. But Mike is gone, and here we are. I was just thinking about a funny addiction I have. I love new bedding. To me, there is just about nothing better than a nice new set of sheets! (Freshly out of the dryer is pretty good too) But I also love new comforters. One time Mike took a picture of our kids on our bed to work, and one of the girls said "How often does your wife get new bedding?! Last time I saw a picture of your bed you had a different blanket." Funny, but true. I get an itch, and I can't stop looking online for sales ( I hate paying full price for anything!) I want to get Bailey a new bed set too, so it's twice as bad. I bought what I thought was a new Duvet set off of Wal*Mart's website about 6 months or so ago, but when I got it it was only a duvet cover, not the actual duvet. And when I put in on the down comforter I already had, and put it on my bed, much too small. We bought a nice, highly pillow top mattress when I was pregnant with Kyle (LOVE IT!!) But it is really high (My mom has a hard time getting up to sit on it when she is here) And the duvet I bought barely covers the top, and NONE of the sides, which really bugs me! I love the print and all, but cannot stand that it doesn't fit right. So I am on the quest again. Tonight I was crazy enough to take the kids out (they were seriously suffering from Cabin Fever) We went to McDonalds playplace, and then ventured to Kohls. There was a sale on Luggage (60% off) and Mike has been dying for new luggage with all of his travelling. We have not purchased luggage in our entire marriage, so I broke down and bought a set. It ended up 70% off with my handy Kohls coupon, and now we are the proud owners of a 7 piece luggage set. But it was AWEFUL trying to shop with the kids--especially since I had my double stroller, and then had to wheel the huge ol' luggage out. I am sure people thought I was crazy, but I KNOW I am, so no loss there. I also broke down and bought me a pair of shoes I have been wanting for months, but waited and waited until they went on sale 50% off (again--I LOVE Kohls--if you haven't been, you need to. My sister hates it, because she doesn't have one super close to her, and just about everytime she asks where I got something I say "Kohls!") I actually bought 2 pairs, one in black & one in brown. (50% off means that's ok--right?) OK, well there's my random, midnight blog for you all to enjoy!

Update

2009-01-28T22:48:00.003-07:00

I went to see sweet Marcia in the hospital today, and she was in such better spirits. Her color has improved 10 fold, and she is able to eat soft foods and drink. She also can feel tingling (which she says hurts a lot) in her left arm and leg, which is great news! She was joking about the way her face droops, she said she looks like a Halloween mask. I told her she looks beautiful, which she does. She said she'd scare the grandkids, and that Bailey would say "Grandma--what happened to your face?!" Bailey would just want to snuggle by her on that great bed and want to watch Fantasia. That's what I love about kids, they can look past the fear, and just see grandma. At first I was only telling them grandma wasn't feeling well and she's in the hospital, but last night Tyler was saying he wanted to go see her. I decided this was the time to try and explain a little more, and told them that Grandma got an "owie" in her brain, and from books we have we've learned that your brain is the boss of the rest of your body, and so Grandma's brain forgot how to work her arm and leg. But it will get better, and we just have to keep praying for her. Today after I got back from seeing her, Tyler asked if she still can't move her arm or leg, with cute actions. I told him no, but she is working on it. I am seeing the power of prayer in her--she probably should have died from the initial stroke, and then a couple of times since, but she is doing remarkably well. I told her this is just a way for us to get to take care of her for a change, and she HAS to let us! Thank you all for your thoughts & prayers. Keep them coming.

Shout out for prayers!

2009-01-26T11:29:00.003-07:00

We got a call at 6 o'clock this morning, which you KNOW is never a good thing. Mike's mom had a stroke this morning! She was filling her water up to go work out, and dropped it. She tried to take a drink, thinking it might help her feel a little better, and water spilled out of the left side of her mouth. Then she fell to the floor, paralyzed on her left side. Luckily my sister in law (Rachel) was in the room, and called for her dad & brother to come help. They called 911, and gave her a blessing while they waited for the amublance. She was taken to Utah Valley Hospital, and just got out of surgery a little bit ago. They said she had the worse type of stroke you can have and survive. When they got in to remove the blood clot, the found that the tissue in her brain behind the clot was dead, and if they removed the clot it would cause more problems, so they left it in. The doctor said she will have swelling, and worse case scenerio it gets bad and she may die. We are all hoping and PRAYING for best case scenerio, and I just wanted to ask all of you to do the same. My mother in law is one of the best people I know, and so many people would be lost with out her. It has been hard to watch Mike, who doesn't really show emotion, struggle with this. His mom has been so many things for him, and I know he is devestated at the thought of losing her. There is not a person I know with more faith than Marcia, and I know she will come out of this shining, but it is scary none the less. Thanx!

My husband.

2009-01-22T16:34:00.003-07:00

OK, I just have to write and say that my husband is the best! He has been out of town for a couple of days, and will be for 3 days a week for the next 5 weeks! It's funny because I realize while he's away how much I love him. Not that I don't know it while he's here, but I guess I fool myself into thinking I have it all together on my own, and he just helps out for a couple of hours with the kids in the evenings. Sometimes it feels like maybe we're just co-habitating, with "roommate perks" a few times a week ;) But since he's been gone I realize it's so much more than that. He really is my best friend. I have been feeling so unmotivated, not caring if I even get a shower or put make-up on--why do I care? I guess I lean on him a lot more than I thought. And my kids really miss him too. As much as they love me, they need some daddy time too. Today my back is really hurting, I know I'm a whimp, but I just feel like crap (stupid hormones anyway!) And kyle isn't feeling so hot and was up a lot last night so I am just tired! I finally talked myself out of bed to get showered and the house clean before Mike gets home tonight, and he called to say he was just about to get on the plane and he loves me. Then the doorbell rang--it was flowers! I can't remember the last time I got flowers (probably my B-day last year) Beautiful daisies, and even more than that--the thought behind them! I cried, timing could not have been more perfect. We're almost at 8 years married, and it's nice to know he still thinks about me enough to send some flowers while he's away & missing me! No pictures---Kyle drowned my camera in the sink, which is his new favorite place. Guess maybe a new camera can be our Valentines gift to each other.

Power.

2009-01-10T14:25:00.005-07:00

Some people laugh at me (my husband & mom included) because I return stuff that I'm not happy with. To me, the power is in the consumer. If you don't voice your dissatisfaction with a company and/or their product--how will anything change? I love Huggies diapers. I have had a few "bad batches," and have called them to complain. They sent me about $60 in free diaper coupons both times! That's a lot of money--for a few minutes on the phone. I don't abuse this, I fancy myself an honest person, but boy it's empowering to feel like your'e heard--even in the coorperate world. A few weeks ago Tyler was eating some chicken nuggets, and found a blue piece of rubber in one!!! How discusting is that? He lost his appetite for the rest of them that night, and I had to convince him to eat anymore "homemade" nuggets after. He asks "But what if there's blue things in it?" Sad. I called Tyson the next day, and they send me $14 worth of coupons (original nuggest only cost $6) and a prepaid envelope to mail the rubber back to them so they can see what the heck happened. Another example: Tyler got a Leapster for Christmas last year, and for a while now the screen has not been working too well. I called LeapFrog and they told me to mail the old one to them and they would send a replacement--for free!!! I should have called sooner than I did so the new one could have been here in time for Christmas, but luckily Bailey willing shared hers with him (for the most part). I tried to call them a few days ago to confirm they received the old one, and to see it the new one had been mailed out yet. I was frustrated that first of all youhaev to go through the 20 minutes of pressing "1" for English (It's America people!) "2" for whatever, and so on. Then when I finally got a live person, she was in INDIA! What happened to good ol' American customer service?! I would gladly pay a little more for things if it meant speaking with someone who can understand me, and I can understand them. She could not tell me if they had received it or not, but that if they had, a new one would be out in 5-10 days. (Kyle is always getting in my purse looking for gum and lost my tracking #) Fine, I settled for waiting to see if the new one came. Sure enough--yesterday (just in time for our long treck up to Clearfield to get Mike's new car) it came. Yeah!!! He is so excited, as is Bailey that she no longer has to share (now she wants to play with Tyler's though) I guess the point to this blog is to encourage you to not be afraid to complain. Don't be rude, but don't lie down and accept poor quality, or just go buy a new one.

Fuzzy, but this is the piece of Rubber that Tyler found in his nugget. We decided it must be a piece of someone's glove (what else was in there?!!)

Faith

2009-01-07T22:07:00.003-07:00

So I have recently, as of today, been awaken to the fact that there are some people out there who think my sister Amie is dying! I don't know where they are getting there info, but she's not going anywhere. Amie is my oldest sibling. She is 9 years older than I am. That is a large span, especially when you consider that she moved out of the house when I was only 8. She has been amazing to me though. Her and her husband took my little brother and I to Disneyland at a time when we needed to be away from our house for a while. Now that I am old enough to realize how BIG that was, especially for 2 starving students, I will be forever grateful. On the way home she drilled me for hours about my first kiss, which no one else would have done. I spent an entire summer with her after she had surgery on her ankle. I was down there to help her with her toddler, but she ended up helping me through one of my life's greatest crisis' up to that point. She has never treated me like her baby sister, but always as an equal. She has been there for me to listen to me cry about my problems, and I'd like to think I've done the same for her a time or 2. When Amie was 5, she had cancer. What an aweful thing for a 5 year old to have to go through. I cannot imagine my 5 year having cancer--I'm not sure I'd be able to hold it together. She made it through that, but has suffered from it's effects ever since. She was not able to carry her own children, but has been able to adopt 2 beautiful kids--who were definitely sent to her! Within the few years she has had a lot of complications health wise, and a few weeks ago had a tumor removed from her kidney, which they found to be cancerous. BUT, she does not have cancer. They removed the entire tumor, and found no more cancer in the surrounding tissue. She mentioned in her blog that she wondered if it had returned because she lacked faith somehow. I am writing this because I want Amie to know that she is one of the greatest examples of faith I have ever known. Heavenly Father doesn't give us more than we can handle. Not to say I have not questioned why things happen, but we are always forced to remember that we are STRONG! I hope Amie doesn't mind me posting this, I just wanted to put this out there in the blogging world I guess. Amie is not going anywhere because I won't let her! She means too much to too many people, and who'd take care of all those DARN animals?!! And besides, we all know she's too stubborn. Thank you Amie for who you are. You always have and always will give me something to strive for.

It's about dang time!

2009-01-05T21:46:00.002-07:00

I am just now adding some family pictures that were taken at Mike's brother Spencer's wedding. It hasn't been too long since I got the CD, and I am a slacker--what can I say? I love how hard it is to get kids to cooperate for pictures! And I always thought the reason we didn't have a lot of family pictures growing up was because we were poor.

Christmas--whaaat?!

2008-12-26T22:06:00.003-07:00

In no particular order--here is our Christmas. We had such a fun time--I am so happy that my kids are getting to the ages where it is A LOT of fun Christmas morning--and everything leading up to it.

* After we finished wrapping. *

I purchased stuff over time, and did not realize how much dang stuff I had bought! We ended up making a last minute run to Albertson's right before it closed Christmas Eve to buy more paper and tape. Mike and I some how have an insane tradition of wrapping everything Christmas Eve--which makes for a late night after spending time at his families, and then getting the kids to bed. But we have a fun time together, which is what counts. We had big plans to play Nintendo after we got done--but we were SOO tired by then, we went to BED!

Bailey rocking out with her Hanna Montana guitar. That's right, I gave in to the hype--mock me if you will. We have never even seen the show, but she loves Hanna Montana stuff, so I may as well feed it while she's young! (Those are Hanna Montana jammies & slippers from the Elves too)

Tyler fixing Lightnings flat so he can get back in the race.

WHO'S CLEANING THIS UP??!!

Hooray for Leapster. Bailey got one (day after Thanxgiving special) which works out great because I just sent Tyler's back to Leap Frog for them to replace it, as it quit working. The new one should be here in a few weeks, and Bailey is graciously (or not so much at times) sharing hers with Tyler for now.

I gave Mike the Joseph Smith Papers--which was VERY hard to come by if you didn't already know. I lucked out and was listening to KSL when Sheri Dew called in to say they were getting a shipment into Desert Books warehouse right then. I had been to buy it, and they said they wouldn't have any in until late January, so I decided not to get it. Changed my mind when I heard he could actually open it on Christmas. It is a very neat compilation of Joseph Smiths journals--apparently the first of THIRTY VOLUMES!!! What did I start? Mike will need a lot of things to read, as he will be traveling a lot in the next few months with his NEW JOB!!! He starts January 5th, with a company called Ashland Chemical. He'll be doing something similar to what he's been doing with Waste Management, but with hazardous waste--and for more $$$$, which doesn't hurt anything. He also got an MP3 player--to help with our New Year's Resolution to get our BUTT"S IN GEAR--literally!!

Kyle was a lot of fun opening gifts this year. I didn't realize how much he'd LOVE it! He tore his stuff open, didn't even look at what it was, and moved on to the next thing. Guess he's not used to being encouraged to RIP paper.

Bailey holding up her jammies Grandma Washington (Idaho now, but why change? I wonder if they think that's her last name like Mike's parents are Grandpa & Grandma Livingston)

Tyler and his Cars Hideout. I called around for 2 days looking for him a Cars Bed/tent, which attatches to their bed to make it into a little tent. I found one for Bailey, but the Cars ones were all gone EVERYWHERE!!! I finally found one on the last KMart south of Ogden, and Mike went to pick it up in West Jordan. It turned out to be a different thing than the other one, but he loves it just the same. And this one he can move all around the house and play in--even better!

Thanx Hanna!

Hooray for Jammies from the Elves. This is a tradition that we had in my family growing up, and am proud to pass on to my kids. It's so fun to have a new pair of Jams to wake up in on Christmas morning! And the fact they coem from the Elves only adds to it--if you ask me.

Tyler got a NAKED and ready to get into his new PJ's!

OK---I know--should have turned off the flash--or paid waay to much for the "Pro's" there to take it, but we tried! Bailey needed to see Santa before Christmas, and Tyler got to see him again (this time he was shy--which was funny since the first time he did so well)

This is Joseph, in case you don't recognize him. We attempted the Nativity--a few pictures was about as long as we lasted on Christmas Eve with Mike's family.

Mary and Joseph. Don't worry--remember it was IMACULATE CONCEPTION!!!

If your'e wondering where all the pictures of ME are--I was conviently the camera woman--although I think there is video footage. Mike gave me a nice George Foreman Grill, and new scriptures, and a new double boiler pot, and a few other items like shampoo & such. It was a great Chirstmas for all of us--can't wait for next year!!

Merry Christmas!!!

2008-12-24T15:44:00.003-07:00

This is our families 7th Christmas together, and I think I have managed to get Christmas cards out maybe twice. I know--it's a travesty--but this is who I am. I am a procrastinator. And Mike could care less about sending out cards, so I don't have anyone pushing me--so here we are. I wanted to wish anyone who may be reading this a Merry Christmas! I am especially warm and fuzzy inside this year, and loving it. I think a lot of it is that my kids are getting old enough to really soak up this fun time of year. It has been so fun to watch them try and be extra good--because Santa's watching (which I must admit I sometimes feel guilty about.) Tyler wakes up every morning and has been so excited to change the # of days left until Christmas on our different countdowns. Also, we have tried to show the kids that it is important not just to receive gifts, but to give. I am truly grateful to Jesus Christ for the wonderful example He is to me, and that He ultimately gave His life for us. I hope you all feel this magic of this special season--and LOVE!!!

This ones for MY girl!

2008-12-22T11:24:00.005-07:00

So I posted a funny post about Tyler & his wanting to run away a while ago, now this one's for my sweet Bailey. Part of my excuse for Blogging is as a form of Journalling for my kids. For those of you who are reading this and don't know, Bailey was born with a Congenital Heart Defect. Her Pulmonary Valve (leading into her lungs) formed way to narrow, and was not allowing enough blood into her lungs. They found a heart murmur before we left the hospital, and sent us up to Primary Children's, as a precaution. They thought it was a common type of murmur that goes away on it's own, but wanted to be safe. We were just a few blocks away, and went over to Primary Children's thinking it'd be nothing serious and we'd just go home. When the doctor came in and listened to her heart he said it was a "pretty loud murmur" and he'd like her to have an Echocardiogram (ultrasound on the heart) That was 2 hours long, and then we met with the doctor again. He started drawing a picture, and said there was a problem with her heart. He said from just listening he had thought it would be much worse, and she was actually very lucky it was only as bad as it was. They sent us upstairs to be admitted for surgery the next day, and I cried the whole way up there. Everyone was looking at me, and I realized I was being silly, and that there were kids much worse off than mine--but I didn't care! She was less than 2 days old, and I just wanted her to be ok. Tyler had been perfectly healthy, and I just assumed I would have healthy kids. Anyway, long story short, they did the surgery, which was done just like they do an Angioplasty on someone who has plaque in their arteries, but they ballooned open her valve. Since then we have gone back for check ups, and things have been good. Not normal, because she has always had a leak in that valve (sounds kinda like plumbing!) But the doctor said things were looking good, and she could just lead a normal life until she was much older hopefully. On the 12th we went in for her yearly checkup, and I assumed we would just get the same news--things look about the same. The doctor decided to have an echo, which I wasn't thinking they'd do, and when we came back in to see us, he started drawing! I knew something was not right. He asked a lot of questions about her activity level, and I told him that she is a crazy girl! She had a cold a few weeks before, and it was actually nice to have her chill out for a couple of days. He said the leak in her valve has gotten "significantly worse" and it was now affecting another valve, and causing her heart to enlarge. He put her on some medication to decrease the volume of her blood, to take some strain off of her heart. Hopefully it works, if not he said they have a few more "tricks up their sleeve" And if they don't work, she will need open heart surgery to replace her valve. The though of my wild & crazy girl having open heart surgery is just not one I want to have!! I knew it was a possibility, but I was hoping to be the exception. So hard, but I am holding strong to my faith, and the faith of my family & friends. I am just praying this medicine works, and all will be well in Zion! Or at least with Bailey. Tyler has been asking a lot of questions about it since he has heard me talk to people about it, and I am amazed at how much he is understanding. Bailey could care less, but that's great. Tyler came running up the stairs the other day so worried because he had drank out of the same cup as Bailey, and was concerned he might catch her heart problem! I explained it was something she was born with, and not contagious. I guess the main thing all of this has helped me realize is life is short, and precious. You cannot ever get complacent, because you never know what's around the corner. I have been hugging her a little tighter, and smiling at her craziness instead of getting frustrated so easily. She is my little Sunshine girl, and here's to many more crazy times!!

We had to wait a while for the doctor, and Bailey was getting restless. I tried to entertain her by taking pictures. These ones were sweet of her looking out the window.

She took some of the doctor from under the chair where she was hiding. This is Dr. Mart--he is so great! He has something like 15 kids. It is nice to have an LDS doctor--he has the same perspective on things as we do.

This one was just funny--she dressed up in Tyler's clothes. I must have needed to do laundry.

Just thought I'd include this one of Kyle. He has been doing pretty well with the Tree, aside from these ornaments that he has in his hand, which he thinks are soccer balls. Luckily they were WAY cheap from when were first got married, and are just hard plastic, not glass.

What we do on COLD day.

2008-12-22T09:08:00.003-07:00

Last Monday for FHE we made Gingerbread cookies. Maybe it wasn't even FHE, the dadys all seem to run together sometimes. Anywhoo, we made them, and it was actually a lot of fun. I sent Mike to the store since he was already out & about, and it was snowing really bad, and he found some Betty Crocker Gingerbread mix instead of buying the Molasses & all. It turned out yummy, and the kids had a fun time, which was the main goal.

Tyler decorating his cookies.

Bailey had some help with the frosting, but she loaded up the M & M's all by herself.

We built a fort in the living room and played in it all day. Things like this make me miss being a kid!

Can we go outside now?! I was feeling jipped when all of the snow storms kept getting Salt Lake & not us---what was I thinking?! It is snowing like crazy today, but it's SO pretty. I just refuse to leave the house for any reason. Mike has to drive up to Salt Lake, luckily he is a VERY safe driver. My fingers are still crossed.

Temple Square--attempted!

2008-12-22T08:56:00.002-07:00

In an attempt to do FREE things, TOGETHER, AS A FAMILY, we went up to Temple Square to see the lights a few weeks ago. We left WAY later than we wanted to. (Trying to locate enough warm clothing items to survive.) Of course we hit traffic, and it was that not for any reason traffic that makes me SOO mad! No accident, great road conditions, just stupid drivers. Then it took us forever to find a place to park, and then walk the 50 miles from where we parked to Temple Square. And then there are about a BILLION people there, who stop and stand right infront of your stroller, cause you weren't planning on moving--it's ok. Needless to say--it was a FLOP!! But we tried. I don't think we try again for about 10 years, but we tried. And we have the pictures to prove it. Thanx to the random guy I asked to snap some photos of ut--he must be a professional! And our kids we SOOO into posing--just adds to the glory. HOHOHO!

Must See Santa!

2008-12-22T08:26:00.002-07:00

Glad that anyone is looking at this considering how long it has been since I posted! I was the lucky recipiant (sp?) of yet another virus, and then in my stupidity of trying to fix it--I messed it up even more. But Ben came to our rescue again--THANK YOU!!! SO here we go on what you've been missing from our exciting lives. ( I know you've been dying to know)

I was able to go with Tyler's class on a fieldtrip to the Mall to see Santa. I cannot tell you enough how much his teacher amazes me. She had 10 little 4 & 5 year olds at the mall, and not one of them wandered off, or touched anything, or misbehaved AT ALL!!! I said to the other mom that I need her to come with us to the mall all the time, I might venture out more often. This picture was supposed to be on the bottom, but you just never know with Blogger do you?! The Mall has actually tried to improve they "play area" but I was disappointed in it. They just moved the same stuff to a different area, and added these Dinosaur bones. The dang tree is too hard to see around--you never know where your kids are unless you follow them around the whole thing like a hawk. Oh well, guess we should be happy with what we've got huh?

I loved this reindeer--just looks magical!

Tyler did so much better with Santa than I thought he would. I was nvervous he would be scared, but he loved it! And they all had letters ready with what they wanted to ask Santa for. He asked for Leapster games (which luckily I already have!) The only boy who was scared was the one that acts the thoughest all the time--funny.

I thought this Santa did a great job. Such a fun time to have kids. It is great that Tyler & Bailey are old enough to really "get it" this year. Mike & I are SOOO excited for Christmas morning. We are also trying to remind the kids of the true reason we celebrate Christmas. A little hard to grasp at this age, but we are trying , and that's what counts right?!

The boy's had ENOUGH!!!

2008-12-02T16:21:00.004-07:00

Masterpiece!

Painting with mom!

This is Tyler with his hairnet after his fieldtrip to Harmons grocery store.

This is my first born child--Tyler. He has had enough! He is running away to find somewhere that he can sleep in peace. Our efforts to get Kyle to sleep better have been affecting him more than I thought--apparently! I was so amazed at how he was sleeping through Kyle's SCREAMS, but I guess it turns out he wasn't getting as much sleep as we thought he was. All last week he kept carrying around these 2 bags he packed (one with toys, and the other with all the essential clothing items he might need--& a tooth brush & tooth paste. At least that is sinking in!) He kept telling me he was running away, but would never tell me why. Then he told Mike it was because he is tired of not getting any sleep with Kyle crying so much. How sad is that?!! I honestly am at a loss. Running on little sleep wears on mom too--sure hope Kyle starts sleeping soon--for all of our sakes. If Tyler comes to your house--please feed him & send him back!! We'll miss him!

Crazy Days

2008-11-18T11:38:00.003-07:00

It has been forever since I posted. I hope you check out my other posts below--I had a lot to catch up on. My internet was down all of last week--and would be still if Ben hadn't saved me! Thanks to Ben, and to Alisha for lending her husband to help us out. It's great to have friends who can save you from your lack of knowledge. Mike had to go out of town for the week also. The kids were so sad that daddy had to go to Nevada all week--but were reassured by the fact that he'd bring them back a prize if they were good. They actually were pretty good overall--aside from Kyle who has decided he dictates when he will sleep and when he won't--any suggestions? Mike did an awesome job over in Reno, and wowed everyone with his mad selling skills. (they wowed him with their drinking skills--something he hasn't really seen before) His boss sent me a Thank You note for letting him go--how nice was that?

Bailey when we were dropping daddy off at the airport. This is right before she started BAWLING uncontrollably for about 20 minutes.

I was doing the dishes, and went to find Kyle--he'd been TOO quiet for a while. I found him in my bed asleep, with the remote in his hand. SOO cute! I have Super Saturday I am in charge of last minute this Saturday--so I have crazily been getting ready for that too. Funny, before I had kids, I remember wondering what a stay-at-home mom does all day. Now I realize the question isn't what they do, but what they DON'T do!!

Halloween Part Two (Better late than never)

2008-11-18T11:23:00.004-07:00

A couple of weeks while Mike was at the BYU game I raked up all the leaves in the yard, and the kids were so excited to jump in them. We even aquired some neighbor kids who wanted to jump in them too. I had to convince them it wasn't such a good idea to jump from the tree into the leaves--but they still had a lot of fun.

Kyle wasn't too sure about the leaves at first--he started laughing so hard after a minute. Cute little neighbor girl kept thinking I only wanted to take pictures of her--she kept standing right in front and posing.

LOOVE blogger! This was supposed to be after the picture below, showing Bailey running all the way across the yard and then jumping in the pile.

Running start!

"Ahhh--this is the LIFE!"

Here are a couple more Halloween shots. I looked back, and all of a sudden there was a BYU Cheerleader and Spider Man in my van! We had a lot of fun--we went to Grandma Livingston's Trunk or Treat, and then came home and went around our neighborhood with some of the kids friends.

So I was supposed to be a witch--I look more like I have Army paint on my face I think, but at least I tried. Anyone seen WALDO??

Go JAZZ!!!

2008-11-18T08:04:00.002-07:00

One of Mike's friends called and offered him Jazz tickets, and Mike told him he'd get back to him. Then he told me that the tickets were COURTSIDE!!! Hello--you don't have to get back to a person when they offer you courtside Jazz tickets. He said he didn't think I'd want him to be away from him, since he was going out of town the next week, but I said GO! He would have been gone at Scouts for most of the night anyway--and that's just too great of an offer to pass up. Thanx Mike Kennedy for thinking of him! He had a lot of fun, he got to spend time with another old friend from High School he doesn't get to see too often--Kirtis.

The most important thing he saw there was this lady (?) With EXTREMELY ratted hair! In March we went down to St. George, and his sister Andrea and I were discussing girls who rat their hair, and he didn't know what we meant. Ever since then he'll see someone and ask if their hair is ratted. Looks like the Jazz game provided the best example! What is she thinking?? Seriously.
This is how close he was--Trailblazers taking off their pants right in front of him!

Mike and Kirtis. BFF's.

Halloween--Part one!

2008-10-31T12:19:00.005-06:00

Just in case we don't get any tonight! (Happy ones anyway) My parents came to visit yesterday from Idaho, and the kids dressed up so they could see their costumes. Kyle actually really liked wearing his this time, until it got too warm. We had so much fun playing with Grandpa & Grandma! I love to see my dad just wear himself out with my kids. Whenever I talk to him on the phone, he laughs histerically at my kids in the background--nice to have him her in person to enjoy the glory! He asked for 4 Tylenol after the kids were in bed--love it! Before they got here, Tyler asked which grandpa & grandma were coming, and when I said G & G Washington (guess we need to change that to Idaho now) he said "Oh--I just love those guys!" Funny, because they are about 8 hours closer than they used to be, but I still wish they were closer. Bailey cried and cried when they left, she said she didn't want them to go live at Abbie & Logan's house. I told her we had to share them with Abbie, Logan & Parker--she didn't seem to care.

I love blogger and the way the phtos don't show up one here the way you select them in, but this is Tyler's preschool class all in their costumes. You can't see his cute teacher (Cut her off at the end I guess!) She was Cat in the Hat though--she's so much fun! Really, I just about cry every time I think about what an amazing lady she is, and the great things she has done for my kids. The other day when we were at a friends, and one of them didn't really want to play with Bailey, instead of yelling (which is often the case) Bailey said, "Marissa, could you please use your nice words?" How funny is that? That is definitely Ms. Diane's work, all the way!

I made Carmel Apples today for the first time ever! I am so excited, they actually look like they'll be YUMMY! It was fun, I like learning how to make new things. I'll be sure to let you know how they turn out--wer'e not eating them until tonight.

Before the White Chocolate & toppings.

Spider Man to save the day!

Rah-Rah-Rah--GOOO COUGARS! Bailey has had a hard time deciding on a costume, but I bought this one on Ebay, and this is what she is being this year--tough luck sis! Yesterday when I dropped her of at school for her little Halloween party, I could see her face when she saw one of her friends dressed up as a very cute Fairy--but she'll survive. Next year I have a goal to MAKE their costumes. I better get started NOW, as it will probably take me that long to sew them!

Sis was "helping" me make brownies for a Relief Society meeting the other day. Licking the beaters is the BEST part of helping. She was been on such a kick lately of wanting to help me with whatever it is I am doing (cooking, laundry, sweeping, you name it!) It is fun, but gets a little crazy sometimes.

I gave in and let them ride the carousel at Kmart the other day. It only takes one quarter, and goes twice as long as the 50 Cent ones. They had so much fun--the smiles alone were worth the 25 Cents!

Read this--with tissues handy!

2008-10-27T15:30:00.003-06:00

My sister posted this on her blog, and I bawled reading it! Life is so precious. I am new to reading NieNie, but when I do, I find myself appreciating things more. My husband, my kids, my sisters, and life. **HUGS**

http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2008/10/26/20081026sisters1026a1.html...

My husband the hunter! (Viewer discretion is advised!)

2008-10-21T22:34:00.002-06:00

OK, so I will be the first to tell you I have mixed emotions about Mike being a "hunter." Growing up, my dad never hunted or anything, and I was never against it, I just didn't plan on doing in my family. When I lived in Roosevelt I saw my fair share (which included seeing Julie's brother butchering his deer on their kitchen TABLE!! Not an image I am losing anytime soon) And I realized how great of a tradition is can be for families, especially fathers & sons--but again, not something I thought I'd have in my family. I married a boy from American Fork, thought I had a "city slicker" and it turns out I was wrong! Don't get me wrong, I love county boys as much as the rest, just never thought I'd see the day when my husband would bring me home a deer instead of the bacon. I have questioned him as to why he wanted to hunt many times, and he explained to me that his dad never did these kind of things with him, and he wants to be able to do them with our boys. How do you argue with that?? So every year I have gotten him off for the hunt, and every year I have secretly prayed in my heart he wouldn't come home with anything! I know that makes me aweful, and I wanted him to get something for his ego, but not bring it home. SO this year he goes out with a different group of guys than he has in the past (Remind me to thank you Mike & Dustin!!) and he was so excited because he said it was pretty much guaranteed he'd get a deer--they always do. Sure enough, first thing in the morning--he got it. I am genuinely happy for him, even if I don't sound like it, and am even willing to try the meat. I am glad he decided to have it professionally butchered, especially since he mentioned doing it on the kitchen table! I told him only if he was planning on buying me a new kitchen table. (not a bad idea acutally--hmm....) I'll be sure to let you know how it tastes--anyone's welcome! He had fun, and that's what really matters. I am happy for him to get to do something for himself--he works so hard for us. Bailey asked why he was going hunting, and when I told her he was going to kill a deer, she about started crying, and said "Why--deer are nice?" I explained that people hunt the deer because if there gets to be too many, there won't be enough food, and they'll die. Hard thing to understand, but I am sure as the kids get older, and we get that trailer we dream of, we'll all go and see what all the fuss is about.

I am only posting this one--show's the least amount of gore.
OK, and this one--nice hands babe. I asked him if he washed his hands REALLY well before he touched me! I asked him if now that he's shot and cleaned one he still wants to keep going he said "Oh ya!"
Dustin took 2 of his boys with him. Mike said they did so well, and made him realize maybe he can take Tyler next year (I added that last part--Mike thinks it will be a while, but Tyler really wants to go. And he loves blood & gore)

This is William asleep in the Suburban--probably while the men folk were taking care of Mike's kill.
And Connor--how sweet! So cute in their Orange shirts.
Dustin & the boys. What a great papa!

For Michelle

2008-10-21T22:29:00.003-06:00

I finally dared to try cutting vinyl with my Cricut, and I did some cute flowers in Bailey's room. I was practicing with some vinyl that Michelle gave me, and wanted to show her what it looks like. Thanx for the vinyl SISTA!

Tagged

2008-10-20T20:57:00.002-06:00

8 Shows I love to watch:

1. Greys Anatomy

2. Life

3. Private Practice

4. One Tree Hill (totally "teeny-bopper"--but I LOVE IT!)

5. ER

6. The Office

7. Biggest Loser (cuz I need to be one!)

8. American Idol (can't wait for January)

8 Things that happened yesterday:

1. Tried to sleep in

2. Made preview to Thanxgiving dinner

3. Church--uggh. I substituted in Nursery which was actually great. I'm in the hall with Kyle anyway. 2 more months!

4. Ate our yummy dinner--so good.

5. Read stories with my kiddos

6. Got asked to "help" with Super Saturday--which is in 3 Weeks!

7. Helped Mike get ready to go hunting.

8. Stayed up too late watching Desperate Housewives (guess that makes me one huh?)

8 Favorite places to eat:

1. Cafe Rio

2. KNEADERS!!!

3. Texas Roadhouse

4. Olive Garden

5. Goodwood

6. SubWay

7. Costco

8. Anywhere but home! (no dishes)

8 Things I am looking forward to:

1. Losing weight

2. Christmas

3. Being debt free

4. Potty Training my last child (someday ;) )

5. Going back to school

6. Twilight Movie

7. Having another baby

8. Watching my kids grow up

8 Things on my wish list:

1. New washer & dryer (like Callie's dream ones--that will fit a TON of clothes, and my King Size blankets, and be fast)

2. A deck

3. A backyard makeover

4. Lot's of Cricut Cartridges

5. LIPO ;P

6. New job for Mike that he loves

7. My kids to be happy

8. My dad to get a job

9. Everyone who read this to leave me a dang comment!!

People I TAG:

YOU! If you haven't done this--it was kinda fun.

Oh Farmer Grant has a Pumpkin Patch--the best you ever seen!

2008-10-18T13:10:00.003-06:00

Monday was Tyler's fieldtrip to the Pumpkin Patch, and I got to tag along. His teacher called me Saturday to ask if I could drive because someone else cancelled--I said for sure! I went last year, and it was a lot of fun, and we have been getting Bailey excited about it for over a month now. Then she brought her calendar home, and no Pumpkin Patch for her class. :( I never told her we she wasn't going, and we got our chance! Thanks to my wonderful mother-in-law Marcia for watching Kyle for us--it's was soo cold, he would have froze. Plus, I needed about 10 more hands than I had to keep track of all the kids. Ms. Diane has a great "hand-holder" rope for the kids to hold onto, but when we got to the play area, it was CRAZY!! There was 4 school buses full of kids there at the same time as us, and it was chaos trying to keep an eye on our kids. But so much fun. What a great tradition.
How does she look with long hair?
Walking through the Indian Corn (or Native American Corn if you will)
Good Gords!!
All of the kids get to pick a pumpkin to take home. Some of them we heavier than the kids! Hooray for fall.

SNOW days!

2008-10-18T13:00:00.002-06:00

Snow angel. (Or devil, depending on the moment ;) )
Mmmm, mom it's delicious!
To slide, or not to slide--that is the question.
The best part about playing in the snow is hot chocolate afterwards. It snowed on Sunday, and my kids were dying to get out and play in it. I tried to be strong and keep the Sabbath and all, but begging prevailed, and we let them outside for a while. We are not quite prepared for winter, so they went out in last years stuff that's too small, and mom & dad's gloves that are too big. BUt they didn't mind a bit--they loved it! So much fun to be a kid. I remember playing in the snow until I couldn't feel my fingers or toes anymore, and then playing some more.

Why do we have to take pictures?

2008-10-11T16:01:00.004-06:00

We have been in serious need of a family photo for SO long, and I really wanted one outside. The window of opportunity is rapidly closing (maybe closed as of today--BRRR!) A friend of ours agreed to take some of us, and I was on a quest to find a great spot. I have seen a location on several photographers websites they call the Orchard in Provo, and I loved the way the picutres look, and google searched it, to no avail, so I drove around on Tuesday while Bailey was at school trying to find it. I know Provo pretty well, enough to find stuff and not get lost, but I don't know it well enough as I found out. My time was running out before I needed to pick up Bailey, and I called my brother Bill to see if he had any ideas. He mentioned a park in Orem called Nelson's Grove, and that there was an orchard near by it I could check out. I have lived in Orem for a large portion of my life, and had never seen or heard of this park until now. It was SO beautiful! I could have stayed there all day. I took some pictures the day we went to look, and some when we went back with all of us to take the official ones. BIG thanx to Garred, and when I get the ones he took (Crossing my fingers that some turned out--not because of Garred's abilities, but my kids were being, well, kids. Tyler kept moaning and asking why we had to take pictures anyway!) I will post some of those. Pictures are really important to me, and I know they are to Mike too. We both grew up in families with not a ton of money, and pictures of our childhood are scarce. It was sad when we were making our wedding video, and I had about 5 pictures of me from elementary school. I don't resent my parents for it, but I am just trying hard to take A LOT of pictures of my kiddos. I am already struggling though, Tyler had WAY more professional pictures done than the other 2 have. Oh well, at least I am trying right?

Bailey by the pond. The kids loved the ducks.

Bailey's piggies.
Tyler is a duck whisperer--it's a hidden talent.
Kyle was putting his head on the rocks and saying "na-night"
I tried to get Tyler to cooperate for one by the Barn. This was the best I got.

This is the AWESOME swing set. It looks like one of the things they use to walk horses around in a circle (technical name escapes me now) It is so tall, the swings get going really high!
Tyler reflecting on life, and it's many meanings.
Barn.
Beautiful fountain.
My girl.

Hopefully more to come. (No pressure Garred! ;P Thanx again!)

Random

2008-10-11T15:32:00.003-06:00

I am sure I have posted similar pictures of Kyle, but one of my favorite things is when he (or any kid) falls asleep in the hi-chair. I have always loved kids ability to go, go go--and then CRASH!
I am not sure how many people know this, (a ton in my ward--word travels fast amongst us Mormons!) but I started working 3 nights a week at a scrapbook store (it's called Paper Wizard) I just assemble kits, it's super easy, and I am actually enjoying it. Not many "jobs" you can say that about. Everyone else goes home soon after I get there, and it is just me and one other girl. We have gotten to be good friends, and it is nice to have some quiet time. This was a hard decision for me, to leave me kids and go work, but it has been good for all of us for the most part. We did that Dave Ramsey class, and he really stresses getting an extra job to speed up paying off your debt, and I didn't want Mike to have to work 2 jobs, and thought this might be a good way for me to contribute a little. I think it has been great for Mike to get alone time with the kids, because when I am home they kind of gravitate toward me, and he gets the shaft. But now they are forced to spend time with daddy, and it has been great to hear about the fun things they do while I am gone. The other night there was a fair in Provo that Waste Management was at, and Mike took the kids down to it. They came home with bags full of "goodies" from various public works places, and couldn't stop talking about it for days! Tyler & Bailey both said how much fun they had, and how nice it was of daddy to take them to the fair. And they are on a recycling kick from it too. Tyler went to a birthday party for a friend from preschool today, and before he left the said " I better make sure Cody recycles this wrapping paper." How cute is that? I am not bringing in boat loads of money from this job, but as hard as it is to think of me working as a blessing, it is bringing a lot of great things to our family I think. It's only from 5-9, so I am still home with them all day, and don't feel like I am missing too much. And it is just enough time to help me re-charge my mommy batteries, and feel like I can stay sain another day. This picture is of Tyler & Bailey with their firefighter and construction hats on from the fair. Bailey suggested we take it by the fire truck bed, since she had a fire mans hat on & all. We must take a lot of pictures around here.

Presenting Princess Ballerina Bailey!

2008-10-11T15:17:00.003-06:00

Going along with my strive to play with my kids more, here are some photos of Bailey's dance session from last night. She was sad about something (the girl IS drama! Love her, but seriously!?) So I said let's dress up. She said she wanted to be a Princess, and when we walked into her room we spotted the ballerina stuff first (thanx cousin Abbie!) Every night she asks me to tell her a little story before I go out of her room (after our regular out of books stories) I always tell her about Princess Bailey, who is a ballerina, and sometimes a bug. (we always call her Bailey Bug) So this way she was able to be Princess Ballerina Bailey. We got her all dressed, and she told me to come out and watch her moves. She asked me to play some music on the piano for her (not my strong area, in case you were thinking of asking me to play for yor next event) I started lpaying some random notes, and she came over and showed me how to play ballerina dance music, it has to be louder I guess. We had a lot of fun, and sge forgot all about whatever it was she was mad about.

It's officially fall! (Cause I said so)

2008-10-03T21:55:00.003-06:00

My grandma forwarded this picture to me, it was taken by my cousin near her house in Fairview. How awesome is that? Can you look at that and say there is no God? And that He is not amazing? Not me. I love it when the leaves change! I watch to see the first dots of red on the mountains, it's just so beautiful.
I took these while we were at the park the other day. My friend Tiffany posted a blog that has inspired me to strive to be a little better mom every day. I have really tried hard this week--Monday we went to the park, and I pushed my kids every time they asked, and we read stories, and played Wii--and I did no house work until "quiet time" It was a really great day! I am trying to savor these moments I have with my little ones, because I know they won't be little for long. It is hard not to wish they were older, so things would be so much easier. Then I remind myself of what I was like as a preteen/teenager, and try even harder to hold on to these fights (about popsicles or markers rather than boys & piercings!) I love my kids so much, and want so much for them to remember the fun things we did together, not a grumpy mommy shooing them out so I could finish the dishes or fold the clothes. All those things need to get done, but I am just making a conscious effort to have them come after time with the kids does. It has been amazing to see the change in their behavior. The days that we have spent a lot of time just being together, they are so much sweeter, and even nicer to each other. I don't know how many of you read the NieNie dialogues, but her story has inspired me also. You just never know what is going to happen tomorrow, or next week, so we need to wrap our arms around TODAY! She looks like she did/will do so many fun things with her kids, but even she locked them out in the backyard one afternoon so she could have so peace! I love to see when even the moms that you think are "perfect" need some alone time. Anyway, so we had fun at the park! Fall also means not many more days at the park--so live them up!

This is my mountain--right outside my window! I love it!
Yup--those are peaches--and I canned them! With the help of my wonderful mother-in-law of course, but there they are. They may not taste good, but I actually canned! We did green beans last year, and the butter earlier this year, that makes 3 whole canning experiences for me. I am so proud, not as in a prideful way, but proud as in I accomplished something. The cannery here in Lindon was giving away peaches because they had no more time to can them (late season I guess) My kind neighbor grabbed me some, and boy do they go south in a hurry! We saved enough for 7 bottles--hooray. I do not fancy myself as a dooms-dayer by any means, but lately I have been having that scary, uneasy feeling about the way things are going in our country, and the world, and am anxious to get prepared. We are working really hard right now to get out of debt completely, which will feel SO nice when we are there. It is hard right now, budgeting, and being strong against sales & things, but I am getting a different kind of "high" from paying things off, and saving. Crazy--I know.

Oh what do you do in the summer time? (Is it fall now?)

2008-09-30T23:01:00.003-06:00

We were out in the back yard after dinner on Sunday night, and Tyler some how thought to stand on top of the A/C unit to get his Batman cape to blow out! What a thinker that boy is.

Look--in the air, it's a bird, it's a plane--it's a TYLER! Watch out evil villans.
Bailey wanted in on the action too. She's a flying princess though. They have those you know?

Circus, huh...

2008-09-30T22:49:00.002-06:00

Ok, so I was so excited to go to the Circus! We got the tickets for Tyler's birthday, and decided not to tell the kids about it until we got there. (Mike's big push, I thought it might be better to tell them ahead, to bulid up the excitment for the actual event, not just a suprise, but anyway) So we got there too late to see the animals before, but we got in, and it started pretty soon which was good. My kids lost interest soo fast. In my opinion, there was too much dancing and singing, and not enough CIRCUS. I also think part of the problem for my kids was they were invisioning the Circus as being like a carnival, and when we got there, there were not rides or anything. There was a nasty guy sitting in front of us who kept yelling at me for Tyler putting his feet up on the chair in front of him, which was EMPTY by the way! I hate it when people come to things like the circus, and are upset when there are kids there! Kids should be excited at the circus--right? Don't go to things where kids are going to be if you hate kids. Simple as that buddy. Anyway, we went, it's a memory, or at least we have the photos to prove we went. I don't think we'll go again for a while, if ever. I went about 8 years ago, and I remember it being so awesome, I think they have changed it a lot. There was a lot of Hootchie-mamas, wearing not enough clothing for a childrens event if you ask me.

PARTY

2008-09-30T22:35:00.004-06:00

Last friday we went to Magna for one of our friends from our ghetto days birthday party. It was a lot of fun, even though we ended up taking our kids with us. I say that in a nice, I do love my children but sometimes need a break, and this was supposed to be a grown-ups only kind of way. I am so frustrated with never being able to find a baby-sitter! I know my kids can be a little much, but come on! None of the young women in my ward seem interested in making $$. And they don' t just say no to me. When I was that age, I NEVER turned down a baby-sitting job. Money is money, and I cleaned their house up and everything, so they'd want to call me back. Some of the people who used me a lot even started to leave a mess knowing I'd clean it up, that was pushing it. Anyway, I'll step off my soap box, but if any of you know some girls in Utah county (anywhere, I will travel!) that actually want to baby-sit, let me know!

Isn't he so cute? How can you not smile at that? The screen door confused him for a while.
Audrey & Brooke arm wrestling. This is a time-honored tradition, one that I never got in on due to my lack of arm strength and personal dignity! ;P I think it ended one for one--both of them winning one. I'll get training for our next get-together. It was nice to see old friends. I do not miss the neighborhood (South Salt Lake) but I miss the friendships we had there. It's not the same to see each other once or twice a year, and some of them we never see anymore.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TYLER!!!

2008-09-25T11:53:00.002-06:00

So I know that I by no means have the oldest child out there, but I cannot believe that my son is 5 years old today! Time has gone by so fast. He has been such a joy to have in my life. I say that with the most sincerity possible. He can be a challenge, don't get me wrong, but I would be lost with out him. I am glad that he is my first baby (for one, I may not have had anymore if Bailey came 1st ;) ) He was such a good baby too. He slept so well, ate so well, and was just all around fun to have around. Now he has grown up to be a great helper, and a great big brother (when he wants to be) On days when I am having a hard time, he seems to know (possibly from my crying) And comes to cheer me up. He tells me I am the best mom in the world, and will draw me a picture that say "I *heart* mom" Happy Birthday Tyler, I love you!

Grandma & Grandpa Livingston gave him a Ben 10 Alien Force watch, he loves it! He even woke up at 2:30 and came in to tell me he wanted to make sure it was off so the betteries wouldn't die! (Loved that)

Tyler wonderful Aunt Michelle made him an awesome Ice Cream cake from Cold Stone (delicious, highly recommend one for your next function!! They're in Ft. Union. Well worth the drive if your not close!!)
He got a TAG reader from Mike & I, he is liking it a lot too. Infact, he & Bailey are fighting over it right now. I have been building it up to him for months, everytime a commercial came on for it, I said stuff like "That looks awesome! Wouldn't you love one of those?" Paid off so far. Power of suggestion.

I scanned these pictures in so I could post them, first time I have used the scanner portion of our new all-in-one. I retained SOOO much water when I was pregnant with Tyler! NEVER again will I have a September baby. It was the hottest summer on record (may have been broken since)

Rah, Rah Gooo COUGARS!!!

2008-09-23T16:06:00.003-06:00

Mike has season tickets to the BYU football games, and Saturday was Bailey's first turn to go with him. She was soo excited, for days she kept telling Tyler, "I get to go to the go Cougars game and yooou don't!" The big day was here, and I went to Roberts and got some iron-on transfer paper to make her a shirt. I spent hours looking for a good logo I could print off, and finally found one. Then when I ironed it on the white Y disappeared in the blue shirt, so I colored it in with paint pen--and it seemed to work. I tied blue & white ribbons in her hair--she looked so cute! Off they went, but around half time Mike called me, (Tyler, Kyle & I were at Costco) and said Bailey was not wanting to be at the game anymore. I was pretty close to the stadium, so I offered to come and swap and let Tyler go to the rest of the game. There were a lot of other dads walking out with their kids, it's a grand idea though. I don't know what age their attention spans get to be long enough to watch an entire football game, but it certainly is not now.

Kettle Corn is the best part of being at the game! Bailey does a great Cougar fight song, I'll try to post a video sometime. Here she is doing the rah, rah, rah.

Posing for me before the game. She was yelling GO COUGARS! We have got them pretty well brainwashed. I love it! All sports are go cougars. When we walk into Costco, and football or basketball is on all the Big Screens, they say "Look mom, it's go Cougars!"
So cute, even posing with her hand on the bench, what a pro!
She was struggling with looking right at the camera, easily disracted.

This is what Tyler thought of the game. At least Mike was getting to watch with him asleep. Tyler woke up at 6 AM, which was not too much earlier than we need to be up anyway for his stinkin early soccer game!

Watch out--it's a DRAGON!

2008-09-23T15:44:00.002-06:00

So, last week I had to return a watch to Park City (long, dumb story) my wonderful sister Michelle agreed to watch my children (thanx again Michelle). I ended up bringing Kyle because he had fallen asleep on the way to Salt lake, but he was actually really good without the other 2 pestering him. I returned the watch no problem, and had sworn to myself, and Michelle, that I was not going anywhere else up there (budgets & all :( ) But Old Navy just so happens to be next door to the Fossil outlet, and who can resist Old NAvy's 40% off baby sale? Obviously not me, as evident in the photos below. They had Halloween costumes, and I could not resist this cute Dragon for Kyle. I tried it on him in the store, and all the sales people were oohing & awwing (they get paid to do that, but still) When I got it home, Tyler some how thought it was for him, and tried to tell me it wouldn't fit Kyle. I showed him that it fits Kyle just right, but he still had to try it on himself, and realized it wasn't made for him. Funny kid.

Done being in this hot costume mom! Get it off already! It will definitely keep him warm on Halloween.

Family Reunion Time!

2008-09-17T10:23:00.002-06:00

Alright, I wanted this picture on the bottom, but we'll start with it I guess. Saturday was a crazy day for our little family. Tyler had soccer pictures at 7:30 AM!! That;s right, you read correctly, how dumb is that to put the 4 & 5 year olds getting pictures taken at the crack of dawn? Then a game at 8, which did not go so well according to dad. I was home getting ready for Katie's bridal shower (my soon to be sister-in-law) That was at 11, and Mike took the kids to the park. Then at 12:30 Mike and I went to the BYU game (awesome if you missed it!) Thanx to Annie & Elden for watching our kids, even if it is probably the last time they agree too. Then we went straight from there to Mike's mom's family reunion. We actually had fun, Mike always wants to skip it, and I always end up having to drag him away when it's time to leave, funny how that works out. To explain the picture of Tyler, Bailey pushed him down outside when they were getting ready to leave for the park, HUGE goose egg on his forhead--poor kid. And I was scrambling so much to get things ready I didn't give him the big consoling he was looking for. Then at the family reunion someone nailed him right in the eye with a hard frisbee, that had bumps on the side. He now has little dot scabs on his cheek. Then Sunday night he was sleeping on my bed while Kyle cried himself out (that's a whole other story, little stinker!) and he fell off and hit his ear on Mike's nightstand! His ear is all black and blue too. He looks like he's been seriously abused, but I promise he's not. He said his preschool teacher asked him what happened, hope she knows me well enough to not report us--we've had enough of that for one lifetime! At least a year anyway.

Bailey was being the little hostess, filling up water cups for everyone and delivering them. She kept counting the people and then filling up more cups, and counting to see if she had enough. It was really cute to me, but maybe a little annoying to some of the other people. Saved them having to get their own drinks though.

Would you like a drnk of water sir?
Kyle loved the Croquet game. It was a little easier to hit this ball than it is to hit the golf ball like Bailey. You could just tell he thought he was so grown up!
There was a hammock, but there wasn't quite enough space between the trees it was hung on, so Tyler just sunk to the ground. But he didn't care--he was "Just relaxing and eating my Watermelon, mom."

Mike's Aunt gave all the kids rides in the wagon behind her lawn mower. They loved it! Bailey never wanted to get out to give anyone else a turn.

Tyler wasn't shy about making friends this year, which was fun to watch.

This was all the ride Kyle got, he was to scared to get in when it was moving and there were other kids in there. But he loved sitting in and just imagining!

Egg Carton Caterpillars!

2008-09-09T08:13:00.004-06:00

Can I just say what a fun daddy we have?! Sunday night he came downstairs after dinner and had armfuls of stuff to make egg carton caterpillars with the kids. Feathers, pipe-cleaners, balloons, markers, glue, you name it! They were so excited. So fun that he thinks of different things to do with the kids, keeping them entertained with out the TV on. Tyler was making a pouty face--but he loved it. I had another picture where he was laughing hard, but it was too fuzzy to post.
Cheesin' it. Bailey's caterpillar was much more frilly--fit for a princess.
Close up of Princess Bailey's bug!
The other night my kids wanted to have a sleepover on our floor. Normally I would say no way, but they have been sleeping on the floor in Bailey's room together for a few days, and why not move it into mom & dad's room? They slept great, and Mike didn't even step on them as he left for the gym in the dark. That's right--Mike has been doing really well with getting up at 5:30 to go to the gym, and I have not missed a day for 2 weeks--which is HUGE for us! We are both shooting for perfectly sculpted bods, so watch out!
This is a picture from Tyler's last game--just to keep you up to date. He actually did much better, despite the early 8 am game. Mike kept Bailey & Kyle home, so I could just focus on keeping Tyler motivated, which made a little bit of difference I think. He stayed out on the field most of the time, and actually went after the ball a few times. Progress, baby steps, we'll get there. He still keeps telling me not to sign him up next time!

Soccer & Babies!?

2008-09-04T11:33:00.003-06:00

Tyler had his 2nd soccer game on Tuesday, and I forgot to pull the camera out until they were shaking hands--at least we got something right? I SO appreciate eveyones advice on helping him want to play--the bribes are working, somewhat. He comes over and sits down by me a lot, and says "I quit!" but I can coax him to get back out there. It's hard because there is one boy, the coaches son, who kicks the ball away from everyone and runs down and scores everytime. It's a little frustrating for the other boys--Tyler keeps saying he is never going to win, which he thinks is scoring a goal. I keep telling him it's about having fun, but he is not convinced. Don't get me wrong, I am glad at least one of the boys knows what he is doing, but it is hard when the other ones hardly get to touch the ball. Tyler is hilarious to watch, because he is not paying attention to where the ball is at all. There was a couple of times where he was busy goofing around, and the ball was right next to him! We were all over on the sideline yelling at him to kick it, and by the time he looked around for it, it was gone! At this point I am just happy he was on the field. I am hoping it will come with a little more time. His next game is Saturday--at 8 AM!! And pictures are before that--at 7:30! Holy Cow--we're not functioning at our house that early! We'll make it though, somehow.
This is the happiest he looked all game. The blonde #4 next to him is his buddy Dallin.
My friend Janisha called last night and asked if I wanted to go out with her and our other friend Kira. Kira's husband has been away hunting all week, and just got back. Needless to say she was in serious need of some time out of the house. Mike has Young Mens on Wednesdays, and I knew it was a long shot to ask him to miss, but he did! Last week he sent me out of the house to get a massage that he had given me a few weeks ago, and when I got back I thought he'd be hating me for being out & leaving him home with the kids. He suprised me by telling me I need to go out once a week, just to have some time to myself. Wow! Talk about knocking me on my rear! He never ceases to amaze me. It is nice to know he is thinking of me, and recognizing my need to get out of the house for my sanity. The massage was AMAZING by the way. Any of you who have not ever had one, I strongly recommend it. Before I had ever had one, I was nervous about being naked--but you get past it REAL fast. It is so nice to just relax completely, and not think about anything but how nice it feels. OK, enough of that! Anyway, so we went out to eat at a yummy restaraunt by us called Kneaders, and then went to the mall. We were in the Gap, and Kira said she needed to go look in a different section, and I thought she meant the kdis stuff. She said, um no--the MATERNITY stuff! She is pregnant! Swore me to secrecy (she had a miscarriage last time, and is nervous about telling people too early) But no one that reads this knows her, so I think I'm safe. Crazy, because she had her last baby just a few days before I had Kyle. I cannot imagine being pregnant right now. I will admit, in weaker moments I have started to have the incling that I may want another one--but then my children who are already here help me realize not quite yet. I think maybe this time next year--but that's a long ways off. But I am so excited for her, and we went to Motherhood to check out clothes for her. Janisha & I thought we'd try a shirt on with the belly's & take a picture. Seeing these helps me want to stay un-pregnant for a while onger--while I lose about a trillion more pounds! I'd like for people to not know I'm pregnant for a while next time, and actually be able to tell.

Riding along in my automobile!

2008-09-01T19:25:00.006-06:00

While we were in Idaho I asked my dad if I could take his fancy hot rod out for a spin. I have never even seen it, and it's actually pretty fun! My mom said I had to wear the hat, which only added to the experience. Not a practical vehicle for me and my 3 kids by any means, but it was fun to drive. I have not driven a stick for a long time, I kinda miss it.
Fun to feel the wind in my hair!
Here's my hot hubbie in the convertable--wahoo!
Logan wanted to take Bailey for a spin when we got back. He's an excellent driver.

Tyler and Bailey out for a drive as well. Tyler even wore the hat!
Kyle loves to pick on Parker--he's the only one around close to his size. He really loves him, and this was pretty funny, because he was trying to get Parker to stand up and walk with him. Parker is not quite walking though, which Kyle did not understand. He kept grabbing his hands and feet--just wanted to run & play like the other cousins!

I had to include a picture of these invitations I have been working on for my soon to be sister-in-laws bridal shower. I typed over my address because you never know what weirdo may be checking out my blog, and I don't need any psycho showing up on my doorstep. My little map on here shows people from Australia & Thailand looking at my blog--you never know. Anyway, I think they turned out pretty cute, and much more satisfying than store bought ones.

Hooray for Idaho!

2008-09-01T19:07:00.002-06:00

We went up to Idaho this weekend for my little brother Alex's non-homecoming talk. Now that my parents are in Rexburg, it makes for a much shorter drive than to Washington--but still 4 hours in the Van! My kids were so exicted to see Grandpa & Grandma though--and we had 3 grandpas & 2 grandmas there--how lucky are we?! On Sunday after church the kids had lot's of fun playing on the farm equipment behind Grandpas house. Tyler kept saying "All this thing needs is a little oil and some elbow grease--and off we roll!" Where does he get these things? He cracks us up all day long with his funny sayings.
Vanna Bailey showing off the tractor. They did not want to ever get out, and wondered why we couldn't take it for a spin.
Kyle had to have his photo opp with the tractor too. He thought it was pretty cool, but we had to run & change his stinky gift he'd made, so this is as far as he got with the tractor.
How cute is this shot? Fun little man running after his shadow!
The kids were all working to get the lawn mower to go. It is great how little kids can have fun doing just about anything.

Tyler's First Day!

2008-08-29T11:40:00.003-06:00

So, the day was finally here. After a rough night with Kyle, yet again, and Tyler ending up in our bed so Kyle could cry it out & Tyler could hopefully get some sleep (the boy can luckily sleep through most anything!) Morning! Preschool! Yeah! I dragged myself out of bed so I could wash his Cars shirt--can't go to the first day of preschool without his new Cars shirt you know--and he wanted to wear it dirty, said he liked it that way! He was so anxious to leave he hardly ate his breakfast, and almost left without me! We actually left in time to walk (thanx to my dragging myself out of bed) Tyler was a block ahead of us the whole way (all of 1 & 1/2 blocks to get there) He paused for a photo opp., and away he went. 2 hours later, we come to pick him up. He runs to me, seems happy, then starts crying. Isn't the crying supposed to come when he gets dropped off, not picked up. He says he is mad because he did all the same stuff as Bailey, and he doesn't like it! Preschool STINKS!!? What a silly boy. I think he forgot that there was some sit down, learning time in preschool. Not just play time with new friends. I think that's the other thing, I don't know that there is anyone returning from his class last year, and making new friends can be hard. He does have one friend from our ward in his class, and said he had fun with him, but only during play time. His teacher said he did great, and they had a great time, so hopefully next time he won't be so grumpy!

First Day of Preschool!

2008-08-29T07:59:00.003-06:00

Yesterday was Bailey's first day of Preschool! I could hardly get her to hold still long enough for me to take a picture, she was so excited to get to school. Every day we dropped Tyler off last year she was dying to go in with him. She tried running after several times!
Too excited to look at mommy--let's just go in already! There were several kids crying about being there, NOT Bailey. She took off downstairs before I even got in the door. Ms. Diane said she did great! Yeah for Bailey! Tyler was so mad that Bailey got to go and not him, no consoling him with the fact that he gets to go Friday, and for longer than Bailey does. He's happy to go today!
My kids found these funny Billy Bob teeth, and we played around with them before bed the other night. Shows why it's important to brush! I am not posting the ones Tyler took of me with them in, those were promptly deleted!