These are the moments

Little Cougars!

2011-12-31T22:16:00.000-07:00

I love these sweet girls! They make my day so much fun! I can't wait for them to grow up and be best friends!

Little Caroline

2011-12-17T21:06:00.003-07:00

Caroline is SUCH a doll right now! I LOVE this age! She is all over with the crawling and has started pulling herself up. She is so much fun! Kate sure loves to kiss her to death, all day long! I am so grateful that I get to be home with them everyday!

2011-11-27T22:36:00.000-07:00

Thanksgiving was so much fun this year! We had the chance to host at our house and it was such a treat! I loved being in the kitchen all day baking pies, rolls, turkey and the whole nine yards! I am so blessed to have such a wonderful family! Love you all!

Quincy is ten!!

2011-11-14T22:25:00.000-07:00

Breakfast in bed!

The shoes... becoming the signature birthday gift!

Quincy... the fifth has a special meaning just for us!

Turkey legs for the king! Yum!

Quincy- sure love you sweetie! You are an amazing kid! I can't wait to see all you become! Thank you for being a wonderful example to your brother and sisters! I can't imagine life without you! Love you!

Halloween

2011-11-01T21:21:00.000-06:00

Halloween was so fun this year! It was fun to have a little Minnie Mouse, Belle, and two pirates!

Welcome Home My Brotha

2011-10-13T00:22:00.008-06:00

Waiting...

and waiting...

and waiting...

on pins and needles...

Where is he?!

There he is!!

The kids get the first hug, of course!

Seeing Caroline for the first time!

Mom and Ben

Dad and Ben

He finally made it back! Two years in Africa- Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia!

So glad you are back in the U.S.A!

I think Quincy may have missed him the most! I don't think he missed a day praying for him for two years! He worships Bennett and couldn't wait to see him again! Welcome home cute brother! We missed you SO much!

I have a 2nd grader and a 4th grader... really?!

2011-10-12T23:58:00.002-06:00

I can't believe my boys are this old! Where does the time go? They are growing up for sure; all they want to wear to school now are basketball shorts and t-shirts. I have given up the fight on that one. I think that is all we will be buying from now on. I can't believe how grown up these two are. This is the last year they will be at the same school until they reach High School. I sure love them and feel so thankful to be their mother!

Perfect Nights

2011-10-12T23:50:00.002-06:00

I wish the weather would stay this perfect for another month! I have been loving the bike rides with the kids! Caroline loves looking all around outside! The colors are so beautiful and the temperature is perfect! I am NOT ready for the snow quite yet!

Dancing Girl

2011-10-12T23:46:00.002-06:00

I can't tell you how excited I am that Kate is finally in a dance class! I think I am more excited than she is! I LOVE watching her little class in action! They are all so tiny and cute! She is lovin' every minute of it!

Colorado Chillin'

2011-08-04T23:29:00.004-06:00

S'mores, talent shows, hikes, pudding eating contests, in-law skit, volleyball, late night laughs, cousin sleepovers, get-to-know you games, FHE, yummy grub, outdoor movies on the big screen, songs on the guitar, crafts, beautiful surroundings, and FAMILY were the highlights of this family trip!

See you all in 2013!

California Coast

2011-08-04T22:57:00.006-06:00

Caroline diggin' the beach for the first time... that's my girl!

Kate loved every second!

The boys really LOVED swimming in the ocean this time around! Just don't ask them about our near tsunami experience! A giant wave came in unexpectedly and washed a lot of our stuff (including kids) into the water. It was CRAZY and the kids were screaming- running around! Chip ran after Quincy and my nephew and pulled them out of the wave before they smashed into the rocks and the rest of us scrambled to get all the other kids to high ground including two babies in strollers. It was NUTS! Thankfully we only lost a few shoes and none of the people!

This is Caroline 99.9% of the time! Really, someone pinch me... she is an angel!

One big highlight... getting a pedicure with Kate and my sis and her daughter Ellie! Kate was in heaven!

I swear I took more pictures than this!! I didn't even get one of my cute brother and his family that we came to visit! I am so glad they live there now! It's a great excuse to get out that way more often! I really am in heaven when we are there! It's so nostalgic and wonderful! One week wasn't enough! It was such a treat to have my whole family there (minus my cute brother in Africa).

Deer Creek

2011-08-02T23:30:00.002-06:00

I KNOW you all get tired of hearing how beautiful it is around here- but WOW! I don't think this view could have been more beautiful! Come and see for yourself!

A New Jedi

2011-08-02T23:09:00.000-06:00

I never had one of these fun chairs with my other kids. I love it! The boys call it her Jedi Council chair... she does look like a little Yoda sitting in there! We will have to come up with a really cool name for her!

Track Stars

2011-06-27T16:35:00.000-06:00

I was so proud of my boys! They just finished a sucessful track season! William actually ended up with two more metals than he has in this picture. I am so glad! I can't believe how FAR they can both run! These are skills they got from their dad! I had to run the 4x400 once and I threw up at the end. Not my cup of tea! I prefer to throw and jump! They are already talking about which races they plan to run next time and how they want to practice on the treadmill everyday until next season! Way to go boys!!

Caroline's Day...

2011-05-23T22:06:00.000-06:00

Oh, I love blessing days! There is such a sweet spirit that fills the house when it's a blessing day. I think just having a new baby will do that too! The day was really perfect! It had been raining all week and we were blessed with sunshine! The kids were able to play outside and everything was green and pleasant!

Chip always does a wonderful job on the blessings. I am always so proud of him. We were so grateful that his parents were able to fly in from Texas. We were blessed to have so many wonderful friends and family there to love and support Caroline!

Stitches

2011-05-18T15:07:00.000-06:00

I swear I don't beat my children- but from the looks of Kate over the past few weeks you wouldn't believe me! On Thursday, she ran into the table at church and got a little shiner under her right eye. The next day we had some friends over and all the kids were running around in the basement. Kate ran right into the door and split her forehead open. I took her to the after hours care as soon as our company left. I figured I should be the one take her; the hubby doesn't have a strong stomach for needles. Remember this? The next Sunday we were at my parents' house and Kate was on the swing in the backyard. All of a sudden the rope came unhooked on one side and Kate swung sideways hanging half-way out and smashed her head on the metal poll. I felt sick for her! The rope gave her a burn on her left cheek. Poor thing! I think we are finally in the clear; it has been a few days since she has had an injury! Leave it to this girl to be our first set of stitches!

Derby Mania!

2011-05-08T09:35:00.000-06:00

The Pinewood Derby was last night... and we are proud to say... we didn't take last place!

Easter Morning

2011-04-29T09:16:00.000-06:00

We didn't get any award winning Easter pictures this year! The kids were not in the mood! Better luck next year, eh?

The kids had fun looking for their baskets Easter morning! Kate kept saying all week, "I can't wait to eat a chocolate bunny!"

Stinker Pants

2011-04-27T12:37:00.001-06:00

This little girl of mine is one big stinker! I LOVE this age... most days! Some days I want to choke her! For the most part, she couldn't be any cuter! I love when she yells, "Mom, can you paint my finger-tails a petty color?" Or when she announces to her class at church, "We all have bums, so we can go potty!" Ohhhh, MY!! She is so funny!

She is SO headstrong! Nobody pushes her around- and I mean NOBODY!! When she sets her mind to something, she does it! Now, how to channel that in the right direction?! Let me know if you have any ideas!

The Billy Goat- Another year older and wiser!

2011-04-22T14:14:00.000-06:00

William! I can't believe you are seven!! Where does the time go?!

You enjoyed breakfast in your (new) bed and some super fun presents!

We enjoyed a night out to the bounce house and In-N-Out burger in Salt Lake with your family and friends!

Of course you picked donuts instead of cake and ice cream!

We sure love you buddy! Thank you for being a light and a blessing to our family!

I DO know how to use a computer!

2011-04-22T12:05:00.000-06:00

I know I have not been a very good blogger... for MONTHS now! I DO still know how to use the computer! We have just been on survival mode- hoping to get a shower before 4pm! Four kids has been tough to figure out! I think we are gettin' it down...almost! In the meantime, here is the cutie-pie we call "Sweet Caroline." As you can see, nobody loves her!

Grandma Helen

2011-04-22T10:17:00.000-06:00

Caroline Helene- this post is for you! I wanted you to know about your great-grandma Helen, who you were named after. I wanted you to know a little about her and the reasons we wanted to name you after her.

Nanny has many wonderful qualities that we hope you too will possess. She is grateful for every little thing: every gift you give her, every family meal, every thoughtful gesture. She appreciates it all!

She has had a tough life in many ways. She isn't one to sit around feeling sorry for herself or complain about how rough she had it. Infact, you wouldn't even know all that unless you had heard it from someone else. She has had to press forward on many occasions and look for the silver lining. She is a strong, positive woman.

Nanny has a deep love for her country. December 7th is Pearl Harbor day and Nanny's birthday. It was on her 18th birthday that Pearl Harbor was hit. Her husband fought and was seriously wounded in WWII and basically gave up his life for our country. She knows the price of freedom and never takes it for granted!

Nanny was the first on my maternal side to listen to and accept the gospel of Jesus Christ. Living deep in the Bible belt, she took the leap of faith and let the missionaries in. Generations will thank her for the faith she had to change her family and to follow the Savior.

These are but a few of the many wonderful things we love and appreciate about your great-grandmother. We love you and hope you will follow in her footsteps.

Little cousins sent from heaven!

2011-04-22T09:58:00.000-06:00

My sister and I had the same due date! Unplanned, we were pretty excited to be having babies the same month! It was prettty fun to give birth just four days apart to two beautiful, little baby girls! We know they are going to be the best of friends!

Sweet Caroline

2011-04-02T22:21:00.000-06:00

Caroline Helene White- March 17th 2011- 7 lbs- 21 inches

I LOVE hearing Kate sing the song, "Sweet Caroline-do-do-do!"

I think she looks the most like William.

She did manage to get the "big dimples" like Quincy and Chip. Yahoo!

Getting ready for her first bath from her siblings!

Doctor Kate checking her out!

Doctor William making sure she is alive and kickin'!

We just love her to pieces!

My sister had a baby four days after I did- little Hadlee. They weren't exactly excited to have their picture taken together when they first met. We'll get some better ones next week!

For now, we are thrilled to have her here! Welcome Caroline!

Kate turns 3!!

2011-02-03T12:40:00.000-07:00

Kate was ADORABLE at her party! Saying she was excited would be an understatement! Each gift she opened she would shout, "Ohhhhhhh!! It bu-ti-ful!" Betweeen each gift she would give us a round of the song from Sleeping Beauty and sing, "I know you I walked with you once upon a dream!" I mean every gift! It was so cute!

Kate- we sure love you! Thank you for being so cute and SUCH a character! You always keep us laughing! We love you!!

Christmas 2010

2010-12-31T13:11:00.000-07:00

We really had a wonderful Christmas this year! Chip surprised me and bought the family a beautiful piano! I have been wanting to find one for a few years now so that the kids could start taking lessons. I am SO excited for them to get started! The favorite for the boys was a new Axis and Alies board game. It takes up the entire dining room table! They always look forward to the "surprise in the basement" and this year it was the knights and the big castle. They were so excited!

The favorites for Kate were the tea party set and her broom, mop, and dustpan! Time to put here to work! I made her a little table cloth for her tea party table. She was so cute and grateful! She said, "You made this a me mom?! Thank you!!"

It was a wonderful Christmas!!

Merry Christmas 2010!!

2010-12-15T23:28:00.001-07:00

Merry Christmas dear friends and family! We are blessed to have you in our lives!

It's Christmas Time in the city!

2010-12-10T13:41:00.000-07:00

I love this time of year! We are so excited about Christmas!

Cougar Time!

2010-11-17T13:48:00.000-07:00

I don't think we enjoy anything quite as much as a little BYU/Utah game! We love going to games and cheering for the Cougs! I saw a cute sign at Swiss Days this year and thought I would make it into an apron for my sister for her birthday. She is married to a Ute fan (bless her poor heart) and I thought it might be fun to give her a little gift to play on the family war.

GO COUGS!!

Loving Fall!

2010-11-06T22:18:00.000-06:00

The kids were really excited to plan and execute the pumpkins this year!

Serious discussion and planning go into it!

Lots of smiles!

Lots of concentration!

Halloween was a hit! We spend each Halloween at my parent's since it is also my mom's birthday. I loved Trick or Treating with cousins when I was young and my kids love it too!

The boys were pretty cute about wanting to continue the family themes. They really wanted to be a ninja and a samurai- that didn't leave many options for the girls. I managed to borrow my robe from my grandma and actually found Kate's costume at Good Will. Serious LUCK!! This pregnant lady was pretty comfy in a robe and slippers! Can't beat that!

"Disney-yand!"

2010-11-01T21:56:00.000-06:00

We had SO much fun at Disney! Our first princess was the one with the froggy! She was beautiful! The boys really didn't care much to be in the photos with the princesses!

They spent almost the entire time riding Indiana Jones! I think they managed to ride it 9-10 times in the two days!

I think Kate was most excited to see Tinker Bell! She walked right up to her and said, "OH! I yove your buu-tiful shoes!" We waited in line (in the rain) for about 45 minutes to see her!

The other favorite for the boys was the Jedi Training! I can't believe our luck that they were picked again! They were SO excited! I think I would be scared to go up there and fight Darth Vader!

We decided to do the Princess lunch and I am SO happy we did! I thought it was worth every penny! This is Kate watching Snow White, her "FAV-OR-IT" coming out to say hello!

The only princess picture I could talk the boys into being in!

Kate told Belle she loved her "buu-tiful" dress and "yip-stick" and then smelled the flowers on her dress.

I love this one! It's like she's thinking, "Are you for real?"

Kate kissing her dress.

The boys were at Indiana Jones when Kate and I saw Mickey and Goofy. She loved them, too!

The Buzz Lightyear ride. We love that one! I think we did this one eight times, at least.

One thing I love about my kids is that they never whine or beg for us to buy them anything. Believe me, they whine about other things- but not that. They were so cute and grateful when at the end of the two days we told them they could each pick one gift from the shops. They were SUPER excited!

Of course they picked Jedi's and Kate picked the princess pack!

It was SUCH a wonderful trip. There was a bit of rain on the second day but it actually was to our advantage. The lines were much shorter! I really loved every second of the trip! It was so nice to have a hubby NOT at work and being able to spend quality time together! I am ready to go back!

California Adventure and California Beaches

2010-11-01T21:32:00.000-06:00

We had a blast at California Adventure! Because of the weather we were able to ride the CUTE Toy Story ride four times and the Monster's Inc. at least eight times. The kids LOVED them both!

Remind me next time we head to California not to plan so many beach days in the fall. I think I was expecting summer sun and it was pretty chilly! We still had a lot of fun digging and building in the sand!

Does it get any better than this? I love the beach and good quality family time!

Surprise!!

2010-10-25T14:18:00.000-06:00

(Okay, so I'm not a poet... I made that up in about 2 seconds!)

I LOVE, LOVE surprises! I can barely wait for Christmas morning. I spend all of Christmas Eve trying to convince Chip to let me open at least one present. To no avail! I practically took the ring from him before he proposed because I couldn't stand waiting.

We decided to surprise the kids this month with a fall break trip to Disney. We have only been once and Kate was a baby. The day we were planning to leave the kids came down to a breakfast of Mickey Mouse pancakes and we made the big announcement. They were SO excited! It was so fun to say, "After school today we are jumping in the car and heading to Disneyland!" It was priceless! We left that night and had a wonderful week!

More pictures with Sleepin' Booty, Snow White, Mickey, and the Jedi force to follow soon!

Lake Powell

2010-10-22T13:33:00.001-06:00

We spent a few days in September with friends down in beautiful Lake Powell. It was so fun relaxing on the house boat. The kids LOVED fishing! It was so easy for them to catch the fish! They would drop the line and catch a fish in seconds. That made it so fun! We had a great time hiking and boating for three days. Man, we sure live in a beautiful state!

Ringling Brothers and Lots of Clowns

2010-10-21T16:54:00.000-06:00

We celebrated my niece's birthday at the circus! The kids were pretty excited! I think they were a bunch of adorable clowns, if I do say so myself. If they don't make it very far in their education I'm pretty sure The Brothers would take 'em in a heartbeat!

Preparing Early...

2010-09-01T17:27:00.000-06:00

If this doesn't sum up Kate- I don't know what does?!

I went downtown Salt Lake to the Beehive House to take pictures of Kate last week. I am planning to get a jump start on everything Christmas, including my card! I want to have them done in November and out the 1st of December. These were a few of the funny, cute ones. I didn't want to post "the possibilities" for the card, just a few of the cute ones. She is one tough cookie to photograph! She doesn't hold still! I still need to photograph the boys on their own and plan to do that this coming week. Oh, what a great feeling it will be if I can actually get shopping done and the card done before the holidays hit! Wish me luck!

Are you already starting to get ready for Christmas?

Updates...

2010-08-30T16:39:00.000-06:00

I have been one slacker of a blogger this summer. My computer broke in the spring. I forgot my camera cord when we went to Texas. I finally posted all that happened in the spring, here and here. June was spent in preparation for our Youth Pioneer Trek, here. July was spent in Texas with family and friends and lots of work, here. August has been strictly recovery mode, but we did have fun here.

Today I spent the whole day cleaning up and fixing things behind this kid! In about three minutes she managed to switch the cables behind the t.v so nothing worked. It took over 30 minutes to get it all back up and working again. She ate a cupcake and made a giant mess (above). Playdough was smashed in the cracks of just about everything. I continue to find new murals on the walls, everyday. She threw away my Costco and Visa cards this past week. That was fun! If things are quiet for more than three minutes I know there is trouble. Usually I find her on the counter in my bathroom with a bottle of nail polish, unable to get down. She has to count as raising twins because two kids can't do the damage this one can! Good thing she is so stinkin' cute!

We do have some fun news here! Thanks for letting me catch up! I promise to be more consistent!

That time again...

2010-08-30T09:13:00.000-06:00

I can't believe it is already time for another school year! I swear I blinked and summer was over! William is full day now and hit the big 1st grade. Quincy started 3rd. They both have wonderful teachers, which is such a blessing!

William was a little nervous. Quincy was his usual "big brother" self and took him under his wing. He made sure he knew where to go the first few days and was there to pick him up when school was over. They are such sweet friends, it thrills me!

I don't quite know what to do with myself with just the Katie-Kate at home. She still sleeps for three hours in the afternoon. Guess I will get this place organized before the next one comes ;) I only have 6 more months to prepare!

Baby #4 coming this March!

Fair Days in August

2010-08-10T18:12:00.000-06:00

The boys rocked at the rock climbing! See how high it is below? William made it to the top but Quincy made it about 3/4 of the way. I was so proud of them!

Does it get any better than a caramel apple?

William's face is classic! I love it! I love living in a small town, especially this one! The weather was perfect! It was so fun to come home and spend a little family time at the county fair!

Texas in July

2010-07-30T17:47:00.000-06:00

We made it through another crazy summer! We were down in Austin for the month of July. Hook 'em horns, baby! We were hoping to get a glimpse or two of Chip while were we there. We did! Beats not seeing him while we are home. The kids were great! They were such troopers! We went swimming a ton and spent lots of time with Chip's sister, husband, and their cute baby!

On the way home we spent a few days with Grandma and Grandpa in Dallas. It was so much fun to play with cousins, see aunts and uncles, and ride horses at the grandparent's house! We drove past our old home in Keller. It was so fun to see how much the neighborhood had changed in four short years! We miss our Texas family and friends! We love ya'll!

Youth Pioneer Trek

2010-06-30T17:12:00.000-06:00

Words cannot explain what an amazing experience we had with the youth of our stake as we went on a four-day journey together! We were asked to be a Ma and Pa over a group of six children on this fun outing. We camped in tents, ate on the prairie, pulled our handcarts over 25 miles and loved every second of it! We truly walked, and walked, and walked, and walked! There was a spirit that was present that was so powerful! We grew to understand, in some small way, the difficulties these Pioneers faced as they crossed the plains. They were tired, dirty, hungry, thirsty. They lost loved ones and some even their own lives. My testimony was strengthened tremendously as I thought of their obedience and sacrifice. I pray that my life will someday reflect that same dedication to the Lord and obedience to His will as their lives did.

Romantic Getaway...

2010-06-16T19:28:00.001-06:00

Johnson Mill Bed and Breakfast in Midway, Utah

I rarely blog about my cute hubby! Usually I talk of the fun from that day and the cute things the kids say and do. I guess I fit the "mommy blogger" stereotype. Well, this one's for the hubby!

Last Thursday I was running around with my head cut off getting ready for our Youth Pioneer Trek and a million other things, while playing single mom. Chip was in Texas and was going to be home in two days. He called me on the phone amidst the chaos and we starting talking. It was our 11-year anniversary and he was in Texas, not due home for two days. We'd planned to celebrate upon his return that weekend.

He asked me, "So, what do you want for our anniversary?"

"Well, for you to come home," I replied, knowing good and well that that wasn't going to happen.

One minute later the door bell rang and there he was! The timing couldn't have been more perfect! I was elated!

"Pack your bags," he said. "Becky (his sister) is coming to watch the kids for the night."

He had the whole thing planned: picnic, canoe ride, paddle boats, river, waterfall, and the honeymoon suite at a beautiful Bed and Breakfast! We enjoyed a yummy dinner! We didn't know what to do with ourselves with all the free time! The greatest gift was he left his cell phone at home! This is serious!!

Since I wasn't in charge of packing, we didn't have our camera! Darn it! We finished our celebrating the next day by buying some super cool bikes. I found a powder blue cruiser and I am so excited about it! It was such a treat to spend time with my sweetheart!

LOVE YOU, HONEY! Here's to many more years together!

While the Dad's away the wife will...digress!

2010-05-16T20:22:00.000-06:00

It's that time of year again, when the hubby disappears! I resort to "survival mode" and make life as easy as possible. Let's just say cereal, french toast, pancakes and mac and cheese are the dinner options! Somehow s'mores on the stove made it in for dessert the past two nights. I know, Mother of the year here I come!

California 2010

2010-05-07T17:06:00.000-06:00

We had a quick getaway in March. We stopped in Arizona to see our nephew/cousin off on his mission to Japan (I never got the camera out). The kids had a blast with all the cousins! We decided to detour and meet my sister, her hubby, and kids in Cali for a few days of pre-summer fun on the coast.

The first night we had tinfoil dinners, hot dogs and s'mores on the beach, to which William replied, "This is the life!" I couldn't agree more! I grew up with summers on both coasts and honestly, I never get tired of the beach!

We didn't quite get our fill for the year; I am ready to head back!

Happy To You "Me-um"

2010-04-15T13:40:00.000-06:00

William, you are such a sweetie! We love you so much! I can't believe you are now six! You are such a joy to your family! You have such a contagious smile and laugh! You make our home so happy! We are so proud of you! Happy Birthday, sweet boy!!

Easter 2010

2010-04-07T16:14:00.000-06:00

Easter is always such a fun time of year! I love it when the snow finally melts and we can spend more time outside! I loved Kate's pink dress and even more so, the flower in her hair. Girl's are SO much fun to dress! We had our usual feast at my parent's home and enjoyed being with extended family topped off with an egg hunt.

Junior Jazz and Needless Car Washes

2010-02-25T09:33:00.001-07:00

Last night was Quincy's last Junior Jazz game; I can't exactly say I cried all the way home. I was thrilled! Going to those games was like submitting yourself to a root canal every Wednesday night- slow torture! Chasing Kate up the stairs 300 times, pulling her out of the boys bathroom ten times, grabbing her from center court in the middle of the game, and apologizing as she climbs over everyone to get to the top is fun, but after doing all of this for the past eight weeks I am ready for a long sabbatical from this post! The few plays I did see, Quincy did a great job! He had fun and that's all that matters!

This week I sat in line at the car wash behind a man with an immaculate car. I think if I had had a magnifying glass I may, I may have been able to see some dirt on his car. I glanced into the back seat of my car to survey the damage of the past several weeks: smashed crackers, a piece of crusty bread, binkies, and empty juice cartons, and a black banana splattered the battle field floor. The outside of the car looked like I had been four-wheeling all weekend. "Who has time for needless car washes?" I thought. Right away I realized someday I will have time for needless car washes, and that will be a sad day! Although, one could survive in my car if stranded some place, Mr. Clean Car couldn't say the same, I'm sure. I realized again that I needed to embrace the crumbs, be content with the crusted bread, and be okay with just catching the highlights of the Junior Jazz games.

She lived to see two!!

2010-01-28T12:45:00.000-07:00

I can't believe she turned two this past Sunday!

What a wonderful two years it has been! Her little expressions make me laugh, daily!

She is the best little "helper" I have!

Here she is helping to set up for her birthday dinner!

I think we sang "Happy Birthday" at least ten times! She wasn't interested in eating the cupcakes, she just liked hearing the song!

Kate- you are the life of the family! We are so thankful for your sweet/stinker personality! You keep us on our toes and always on the move! Life is so much more adventurous and fun since you joined our family! We love you, Katie-Kate!

New Blog...

2010-01-11T14:17:00.000-07:00

Hello my dear friends! I have started another blog. This one will be tracking all the humanitarian projects my family has planned to do. We are enrolling as many people as we can: neighbors, family, friends, church members, businesses. I believe there are so many people out there willing to help, they just need to know what to do.

We have just begun and I am SO excited to see all we do to help our brother's and sister's in need. Want to join us? Come to the blog, it is just in the works of being created! Find out what you can do! Even the smallest contributions, together, make a big difference! We may not solve poverty, we may not educate the world, but together we can bless lives and make a difference!
loveonetoanother.blogspot.com

Tis the season to be jolly!

2009-12-22T16:23:00.000-07:00

I had a meltdown on Sunday! I don't usually act like that, but the month has been so stressful and I felt like I had had it with it not going as planned! I know, cry me a river, I didn't get my way. You know when the stress mounts and you just can't take one more thing on your plate? Well, I am over it and I am ready for another nine innings! I realized I still had this week to make it all happen the way I'd hoped!

We had a special Christmas dinner last night at my parent's home. The grandchildren put on the story of the birth of the Savior. It was precious! That's what it's all about!

The other highlight of the evening was putting together the humanitarian kits. We decided as a family to skip all the gifts to each other and instead make hygiene kits that will go all over the world to aid people in need. It was SO much fun! In total, we completed 50 family kits which will serve 200 people!

I hope we plan to make it a tradition! My sister's ward got on board and they have an entire van filled with stuff for these kits. I can't wait to see the final number when they are all completed!
Merry Christmas Friends! Hope you have a wonderful week!

It IS great to be eight!

2009-12-11T22:46:00.000-07:00

What a special month it has been around this house! Quincy turned eight and was baptized into our church last weekend. It was so special to see Chip baptize him. I was asked to speak on the Holy Ghost. The whole day was perfect!

Quincy has been so excited about starting scouts! He couldn't wait to put on the uniform and join his buddies!

The family- on the big day.

Basketball shoes were on the top of the birthday list! Quincy starts Jr. Jazz next month. You have to be in 2nd grade up here before you can play. It's no exaggeration to say he has been counting down the YEARS until it was his turn. Let's hope he has his dad's skills and not mine!

Breakfast in bed on a "tiny table" as he used to call it.

Quincy- what a delight you are! We sure love you! Thank you for being so obedient and sweet! We are so proud of you in every aspect of your life! You are an excellent student, brother, friend, and son! We love you! We can't wait to see all the wonderful things you accomplish in your lifetime!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Move Over Incredibles...

2009-11-11T21:40:00.000-07:00

there's a new family in town!

We were Superheroes years ago in Texas. The boys wanted me to be Wonder Woman. I tried to explain that she only wears underwear and that's why I needed to be a different superhero. Days later at church Quincy (then 3 1/2) was asked by his teacher what he was planning to be for Halloween. His response, "I am going to be Batman. William is going to be Robin. My Dad is going to be Superman and my mom is just going to wear her underwear!" I am sure the world is glad didn't show up in my underwear! We finally managed to have our own little Wonder Woman this year!

Kate really got into it this year!

By the time she made her way to the door the kids were on their way back down. What a cutie!

Quincy (I mean Batman) and his nemesis, my brother, The Joker!

William was Iron Man. He has never seen the movie but he picked it out months ago and never wavered!

It was hard to sit by this guy! He REALLY scared me!

My little Wonder Woman!

The best part about the evening? I got to go home with Superman!

HALLOWEEN- PART ONE

2009-10-31T13:10:00.001-06:00

Getting ready to make the masterpieces!

The pumpkin planning committee!

Kate, doing what she does best!

Hangin' where she spends most of her day! Why fight it?

For whatever reason Kate had a big desire to lick all the pumpkins! This is my road less traveled kid! What a character!

William asked all week when we were going to carve the pumpkins! I've never seen so much excitement!

Quincy was having a blast and has now moved into the big boy stage where he wants the scary eyes and the goofy smiles!
WE LOVE HALLOWEEN... just wait, there is more to come!

Confession #7

2009-10-16T13:59:00.000-06:00

(Photo of children in Uganda, courtesy of my brother, Elder Tyrrell aka: Bennett)

As a parent, there are so many trips to the doctor, middle of the night feedings, parent/teacher conferences, volunteering in the classroom, dressing, bathing, feeding, laundry, loving, reading, singing, teaching, all things we do millions of hours a year! Being a mother is so rewarding, tiring, beautiful, taxing, fulfilling all wrapped into one package. I can't imagine life without this gift!

What would I be if I wasn't a mother? I will tell you what sings to my heart and where I plan to end up someday (with bits and pieces along the way) when this glorious role is fulfilled.

I feel I have been plagued with a curse that won't subside. There is a monkey on my back; an angel (or devil) on my shoulder. Here is a piece of my daily thought process.

"I can't wait to get new furniture in the family room. I want to paint it this color, place the couches here, put a big, new t.v. in this area... etc, etc." My mind wanders and creates the space I want to complete. In an instant my mind escapes elsewhere, to a woman I saw in the streets of Jerusalem some 13 years ago. She was homeless, penniless, dirty, hungry, and had two small children clinging to her sides and an infant in her arms. There she sat on the filthy street on a piece of cardboard.It was all I could do to hold back the tears, feeling helpless, standing there, digesting this site. What I had to give her would only ease her pain but a small moment and her life would then continue in difficulty, pain, and sorrow.

I then make plans to do this or that to the kitchen, the yard, upstairs, downstairs etc. Again, my heart pulls me back to another day when we held a fundraiser/garage sale to raise money for the half marathon we were planning to participate in for our nephews with Muscular Dystrophy. While watching the slew of people come and go, I wondered about their stories. My eyes fixed on a man looking weathered, tired, and defeated. I could tell he had spent many years with heavy burdens. Here he was, asking me, "How much?" for an old ripped towel. I wanted to say, "Take it, take it ALL!" If it hadn't been for our cause, I would have. "Ten cents," I responded. He gives me a dime. As he prepares to get back in his car with his wife and son, the child doesn't want to leave the boxes of toys he was now enjoying. One in particular. The parents' look of desperation pains my heart and I tell them to, "Take it, keep it. It's okay." The child, elated, climbs in the car with the new found gift, the parents, with gratitude in their eyes. This was so small, so simple, yet profound to them in that moment; profound to me in that moment, for an entirely different reason.

WHY? Why have I been so blessed? Maybe by the standards of the rich and famous I have nothing. We still have no furniture in the living room, an unfinished driveway, no fence, etc. But, we have all we need. Food, clothing, shelter, our health, each other. What more could I ever ask for?

My family (parents/siblings) decided to give up Christmas gifts this year and instead put our efforts into creating relief kits to be sent all around the world. These kits that would aid mothers like this woman in my mind and heart. Kits that would aid men like the one searching through our rummage. I know my efforts may be small, but perhaps over time they will make a dent. Maybe, someday, when I am old and wrinkly, I will feel at peace, knowing that I have done all I could do to help someone in need!

For whatever reason, these and many other people have become part of my life. They are with me daily. Like the children above, whom I have never met. Their eyes, hearts, and smiles have somehow captured my heart and I can't ignore this urge to stand up and make a difference!

G'day Friends

2009-10-12T11:43:00.000-06:00

Here's hoping your day is filled with sunshine, bright colors, and messy hair! I have the best job on earth!

My Own Potato Peel Pie Society

2009-09-30T08:43:00.000-06:00

One thing I have missed from Texas was getting together with the ladies once a month for Book Club. I always looked forward to the adult conversation and a chance to flex our brain muscles and feast on the comments made by each. After reading this darling book this summer, I decided to take matters into my own hands.

Last night I finally "feasted on the words" once again and hosted our first Book Club dinner. The menu consisted of lots 'o potatoes, in honor of the book title. We also enjoyed a little strawberry salad and French bread from Kneaders.

I gave each lady a pen, a beaded bookmark, stationary, and envelopes. This book is made up entirely of letters, back and forth between friends and strangers alike. There is nothing like getting a letter or note in the (real) mail- not just via email.

I can't wait for next month, and the months to come! If you have ever wanted to be in a book club, DO IT! Start your own! It is such a treat!

Kate the Great- As of Late

2009-09-17T21:32:00.000-06:00

Just in case there is ever a question... Yes, when she was little, she owned the joint!

"It's Time To Let Go!"

2009-09-13T22:53:00.000-06:00

I have said before that Fall is my favorite time of year! I LOVE the weather, football season, the change in the leaves, Halloween and Thanksgiving. The one thing I don't love is saying goodbye to my kids as they head back to school!

This year I had to say goodbye to this little guy! He started Kindergarten and I can't believe it! He was so excited! I asked him about a week before school started what he thought would happen on his first day. His response, "I think they are going to put us in a room with a bunch of people we don't know." Well, he hit the nail on the head!

The positive was that he was so ready! He jumped out of the car and ran towards the school yelling, "Good Bye! Love you!" We followed him in because he didn't have a clue where to go! It was cute!

It is strange to have just one kid at home now! (Don't get any ideas!) He was really cute saying/squishing Kate goodbye!

I am really excited for him to take this big step in life! The kids were able to bring their favorite stuffed animal the first day and you will never guess what he took?!?! WILBUR!!

He has the GREATEST teacher in the world! I have heard nothing but great things about her!

I LOVE THESE GUYS!

As much as I hate to say goodbye, I am so proud of them for the wonderful people they are turning out to be! In the clever (and wise) words of Dori from Nemo, "It's time to let go. Everything's gonna be alright!" I think I have seen one too many Disney shows!

Sizzling Summer

2009-09-07T21:15:00.000-06:00

This is how we roll, people. We rolled all the way to Texas this summer! I was worried it was going to be a LONG and difficult two days in the car! The kids were amazing! Thank heaven for modern technology! I remember the days when we had to play the license plate game and the alphabet game. Man, let's be honest, those were boring games!

The kids loved drawing, singing to our favorite tunes, and watching a few movies! They were awesome! I thought for sure Kate was going to have a rough time; she can't stand being confined to the shopping cart for five minutes! She was darling the whole way! I wonder how much she can hear through her cheeks?

Our first stop on our adventure to Texas was in Moab. The boys thought it was the "best adventure ever" when we hiked to the top to see this beauty! Spectacular!

I am not sure why I bothered to pack anything other than our swimsuits? We lived in them all day, every day! It was so stinkin' hot! Each morning we would swim as a family. It was so nice to see Chip, at least in the mornings. I guess he is worth suffering through the heat ;)

It was such a treat to meet our dear friends and spend two days at Sea World with them!
These kids have been friends since birth! We miss the Cisneros family, our cute Texas buddies!

This little turkey loved swimming! She learned to say and sign: whale, swimming, dolphin, and HOT! Sea world was our backyard for 4 weeks and Blue Bell ice cream and Rudy's BBQ were our staples. Yum!!

We couldn't have asked for a smoother trip. The kids were so patient and kind to each other. They managed to play with the few toys we brought for four weeks and were great sports! It was kinda fun giving up television and our daily responsibilities for a month! I was able to read like crazy and enjoy my sweet little monkeys (and one big monkey) a little more than I would have at home!

Summer Days...

2009-06-22T21:41:00.001-06:00

So, I have been a TERRIBLE blogger! We have been so busy drinking up the summer days! I think I have mentioned MANY times before that we live in a little slice of heaven! I almost ran off the road looking at Deer Creek today, on my way down Provo Canyon. Breathtaking!!

We have been loving our time with family and friends! This is Kate and her little friend, Tabitha. We get to walk with them each morning and soak in the perfect temperatures that are June.

Each Monday and Wednesday night we have been watching the boys in their little league games. They are SO excited each game and plan to be the "best baseball (and basketball and football) players in the world!"

This is Wasatch Park in Midway, another slice of heaven!

Feeding the ducks, fishing, and putting our feet in the river are a few of our favorite things.

In one week we will be leaving it all behind to head to Texas. I know, we are NUTS! It's for the good of the company and our family! I may not get out of the car when I feel that heat and humidity! But, we are excited to see our much loved/missed family and friends! Sea World and swimming each day ought to keep us happy (and cool)! More summer updates to come!

Her Mantra...

2009-05-07T14:56:00.000-06:00

When you own your own business you get special perks, you know, like expensive health insurance- It's really cool! For several years we were paying as much as $600-$1000.00 a month! We never get sick and rarely go to the doctor so you can imagine our excitement each month when we flushed that money down the drain! Who needs a college fund?

So, because we had to pay out of pocket for each and every child, Chip has affectionately dubbed each one of them, "the little, more expensive-kinds."

If you tell someone something long enough it sticks! I think this has become her mantra! From the second she opens her eyes she starts signing shoes! I can't even get her out of the crib before she asks for them!

She wears her shoes all day! She also brings us our shoes; she wants us lookin' good, too!

The funniest thing she does is find anything round: toys, tape, rubber bands, trash, and puts them on like a bracelet. She pats her arm and says, "P-e-t-t-y! Oh, WOW, WOW!!" She will bring me her hair bows and bow her head down so I can place them on her head! She continues to be that little, more expensive-kind!

Pure Sweetness!

2009-05-04T23:38:00.000-06:00

My boys have been on a little kick, lately! They want to know which is "the BEST thing" for every scenario! They are into winning, being the fastest, the strongest, etc. I can't imagine where they inherited that from? I think it's a guy thing! ;)

They like to ask me all kinds of questions, "Mom, if you could only have one drink the rest of your life, which one is the BEST for you?" "Water," I reply. They probe, "What about milk?" I respond, "That's good for you too, but, water is the BEST!"

They continue with just about every food possible and compare and contrast each and every one! "Which vitamin is the VERY BEST?" (I still don't have a good answer for that one!)

The other day William asks, "Mom, which is the VERY best fruit?" I answer, "Probably, blueberries." "Nooooo- guess again," he responds. "Well, oranges." "Nooooo," he continues. Not sure where this is going, I continue to guess almost every fruit I can think of. He then responds, "No, mom! It's the-fruit-from-the-Tree-of-Life!" Well, at least some things we teach them stick!

Need A Lift?

2009-04-16T17:37:00.000-06:00

Sometimes you just need a lift! No, not that kind! Although, I think I could use that kind too! I'm talking a self esteem lift! Don't you feel like no matter how clean you get the house in a given day you can count on it being a dump by the night? Well, rest your weary hearts and plop down on the couch and watch an episode of "How Clean Is Your House?" on the BBC network. I'm tellin' ya, all your guilt will be swept away! Five minutes of that show will make you feel like you could drink your toilet water and picnic off your bathroom floor!

Our little William!

2009-04-15T20:52:00.000-06:00

April 15th may not be the greatest day in history. On this day the Titanic sunk, Lincoln was shot, and taxes are due. But, in this house, we celebrate! This year, William turned 5!

Of course the theme was pigs, what else?

William got all the invites out early and even made some for the PIGS in this house! Wilbur, Toot, Puddle and the newest (pinata) addition were all in attendance!

By request, we served hot dogs and s'mores made over the fire pit. They were served up on pig plates with lemonade... his favorite!

It was spectacular!!

Pin the tail on the pig, red light-green light in animal masks, a pig hunt, and a pig pinata were all smash hits! William planned the whole thing!

William/Billy Goat/Wilbur- We sure love you! I can't imagine life without you!

5 Things We Love About You!
1. Your energy for life! I always say you are my "grab life by the horns" kid!
2. Your little giggle! You are always so happy!
3. I love it when I tell you, "William, I love you!" You always respond, "I love you, more!"
4. Those baby blues! You are so handsome!
5. You are so smart! Nothing gets by you! I love to hear your logic especially if you are in trouble!

Thank you for blessing our life! We are so proud of you! We love you!

Some thoughts coming from this house!

2009-04-10T13:37:00.000-06:00

I am not a user of bumper stickers but I am thinking of buying a few of these and plastering them all over our cars!

Yes... not too thrilled around here! What happened to "building" YOUR OWN American Dream? This is a bipartisan issue!! Washington as a whole is to blame...the banks are to blame and the irresponsible people are to blame!

PURE SLEEP... AT LEAST, I'M PRAYIN' FOR IT!

2009-03-02T22:44:00.001-07:00

Introducing~ "Pure Sleep" my new BFF!

I have mentioned before about the nightly battles in these parts! We have tried it ALL: the throat spray, the nose strips, sleeping on your side. You name it, we've tried it. And, since I KNOW my husband would NEVER go under the knife (the kid is scared of eye drops) I have taken matters into my own hands! At this point, I would ride bareback and naked across the Sahara Desert if it meant a full night of sleep was involved... yea, I am THAT desperate! I ordered something off the t.v., which I never do, and told them I would sell my soul to the devil himself and that I didn't care how much it costs as long as it worked!

So, it's been two nights and we have made it half the night! YAHOO!! They said it might take a few days for it to really work! This is it, people! I can feel it in my bones! Wish me luck! I am (hopefully) off to catch some Z-Z-Z-Z's!

KATE THE GREAT IS GROWING UP!!

2009-02-26T21:45:00.000-07:00

My little baby is 365 days old! I can't believe how fast the
year has gone!
She LOVED it when we sang Happy Birthday! Her eyes lit up and she got so excited! I was singing it to her the days leading up to and the days following her birthday!

She was her usual "get in and get
what you want" kinda girl!

She was SO excited! We had to stop her before
she ate the whole thing!

I can't believe she is one!

I am so blessed to be your mother, Kate! You are the sunshine in our home and the first to put a smile on my face each morning! I love you more than words can explain! Thank you for blessing
our life the past 365 days!

This post is one month late... I've been a little out of it lately...sorry!

Seeing stars & seeing straight

2009-02-16T14:25:00.000-07:00

I think I won a gold metal yesterday for my fall down some icy stairs. It happened so fast I can't even remember falling. All I remember was opening my eyes and seeing gray clouds and stars... and it looked just like the guy above!

Next thing I knew, I was inside and the blood kept coming! Within a few minutes my hair was soaked in blood and I quickly called Chip to come home from his church meeting and take me to the E.R.

The nurses quickly wrapped my head in gauze and Chip affectionately named me "Pocahontas" because of my new headdress. I then heard the nurses discussing whether or not they would have to shave some of my hair or cut around the area they needed to stitch.

When the doctor came in I asked him if he would mind doing me a favor and cut just the gray hair out. He said, "no problem." Luckily, they didn't have to cut any hair- they did however, tape my hair down so the doctor could get to the cut. When it came time for them to rip, yes, rip the tape off, I was wishing they had just cut my hair, instead!

As they started to numb the area, Chip saw the 4 inch needle and turned around to face the wall with his hand over his eyes. The nurse told him to take a seat; she couldn't catch him from across the room if he fainted.

I held his hand.

He was brave!

In all seriousness though, I sat there in my headdress looking around the hospital at the other patients that were there- A young teenage boy on crutches with his foot amputated. There was a mother holding her 7-year-old who was the size of a one-year old, on the oxygen, coughing up a lung. There were two other people with shoulders dislocated. I felt so blessed to be there for something so simple and so thankful that it didn't involve something serious with one of my children.

Sometimes it takes a brick upside the head to remind you how blessed you are... or in this case, a slab of cement!

Casting our burdens

2009-02-12T21:00:00.000-07:00

~Kate signing "Jesus"~

Lately, I have really been thinking about what it means to cast my burdons on the Lord. I think we tend to think that "the burden" has to be something HUGE like sin or a great trial. And, although I have done my share of "casting" in those areas- I have come to a new understanding and view on what this should mean to us. I tend to downplay my own struggles and try to minimize them in my mind when really, I should be taking them... each and every one of them to the Lord for help, guidance, and peace.

In Psalms 55:22 it says, "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee." He wants us to come to Him with every aspect of our lives. Whatever our burdens be: feelings of inadequacy, anger, helplessness, resentment, loneliness, pride, struggles with health, depression, anxiety, addiction, struggles with friends or family members, etc. He is there waiting to help us through it all!

In my little, human mind, it is difficult to believe that the Lord would be interested in everything I was doing! I have put this to the test over the past few months and I can promise you THAT HE DOES CARE! Somehow, in his infinate goodness, he cares! I have felt His love and his amazing grace in my life and I have truly felt those burdens lifting. I have seen change that has only come as I have learned to truly cast my burdens on him!

JACK IS BACK!

2009-01-11T18:28:00.001-07:00

WELCOME BACK JACK!
OH, HOW I'VE MISSED YOU!

CARPE DIEM!!

2009-01-08T21:34:00.000-07:00

Soooooo..... it's January 8th and I finally took my Christmas tree down today! I know, I know, it's getting late... but I have been busy... busy keeping my New Year's Resolution! I have resolved to "Seize The Day"- everyday in 2009...
and these are the critters I have been seizing with!

With Quincy... we seized with a vengeance his first grade reading lists and have now moved on to 2nd grade! Watching his eyes light up with confidence is one of the pure joys of being a parent! Seizing (sometimes fighting) energy well spent!

I am treasuring every last minute with this guy before he is off to kindergarten next fall! I hear the clock ticking in my head and he is so close to "the big league!" Reading "Toot and Puddle" and mastering Pacman have been on our seizing list this week!

This little one isn't so little any more! Accompanied by many cheers and claps she has seized the task of walking and is officially into EVERYTHING: in the toilet, up the stairs, behind the Christmas tree, in the pantry and outta sight in seconds flat! Seizing her is a large enough task!

Seizing For 2009:

More days sledding & enjoying the beauty around us
More time just being and less doing!
More hugs and kisses and less time-outs!
More late night talks and stories told!
More slumber parties in our new mummy bags!
More giggles and smiles and less pouts!
Less time watching the laundry grow and more time watching them grow!
More cookies and milk (okay, maybe for them- not me)
For me: more time on the treadmill!
Finishing the Old Testament
More time caring for myself
More faith- less worry!

With the hubby... we too have been seizing the day! I don't think we have ever been happier! We found ourselves dancing in the garage to Garth Brooks the other day- like two teenagers in love. Now, that is one thing I am glad I seized all those years ago, in that tiny Idaho town!

"WHO'S THAT KID...

2009-01-01T23:13:00.001-07:00

WITH THE OREO COOKIE?

LICKIN' UP THE CREAMY MIDDLE-
LIKE SHE DID WHEN SHE WAS LITTLE!

IT'S HARD TO HIDE THE KID INSIDE
WHEN YOU'RE CRUNCHIN' AN
O-R-E-O!!!!"

Merry Christmas!!

2008-12-26T21:10:00.001-07:00

Hope you all had a WONDERFUL Christmas! My apologies to my out of state family and friends... your Christmas card probably didn't get to you until today! I spent the whole week before Christmas painting and shopping for Chip's office- when I should have been mailing out the cards!

I decided to make his office my "Secret Present" this year. While he was away in Austin- I did a minor Extreme Makeover Home Edition with one kid in my arms and two at my feet! I wanted to get it done before he got home! Thanks to my mom and sister for rescuing me in my eleventh hour! I think it turned out great! More pictures to follow!

Hope you are LOVING your time with family and friends and that your Christmas was one you will never forget!

Happy Holidays!!

IF YE HAVE LOVE........

2008-12-04T22:38:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's December! My dreams to have everything done by December 1st were shattered when I realized it was the 4th today. Oh well! I do have most of the shopping done but I don't have a clue what I am doing for my Christmas card!

One thing we did do by December 1st was set up a little Christmas goal as a family. Our church is amazing in it's humanitarian efforts and every month in this area of the church we gather things for hygiene kits (toothbrush, comb, soap, towel etc). We are also collecting infant kits (socks, blankets, diapers, pins etc.) These kits send aid to areas hit by natural dissaters. Did you know that this humanitarian effort will typically cloth a million children a month? That is just children! Amazing!! We want to see what we can do as a family to work for and gather - as many of the items as we can!

The kids are to ask each day, "Mom (or Dad) what can I do today to- love one another?" Then they can do a task around the house (above and beyond their normal jobs) and earn one of the humanitarian objects. So, I made up the little chart above and cut the papers in strips so they would come off easily. They write their name on the back and stick them in this jar. When we get closer to Christmas we will cash in the little papers for the objects and they will come with us to deliver them.

It has been so fun to see their minds shift and hear them say things like, "Mom, should we get this for the kids who don't have any toys?" It has been so touching...
and the month has just begun!

OUR LITTLE ELF!!

2008-12-01T21:10:00.001-07:00

This little character is always making us laugh! Tonight for Family Home Evening we got out the Christmas decorations. We unwrapped the nativity that I brought home from Israel twelve years ago. As we carefully set out each piece we explained the story again to the kids. We asked them if they remembered what the gifts were that the Wise men brought the baby Jesus. William said with a grin, "GOLD, FRANKENSTEIN AND MUSH!"

CAN YOU HEAR THAT?

2008-11-21T21:07:00.000-07:00

There is a pulse that is pumping through the state of Utah! Every year the excitement builds as these two teams prepare to take each other on in the ever infamous Holy War! With that pulse comes the blood that sweeps through the veins- and don't they say that blood runs blue in the veins? Just as it should be!

Somehow we keep making friends with Ute fans?! My cute (Ute) friend Tami and I made these little shirts for my other cute (Ute) friends in Texas. I sent them off with a few taunts as well as a football and a Ute bar of soap with a note attached, "Let's keep it clean Utes!"

We have our own trophy for the winning family and every year we battle our Texas buddies for the rights to hang the football ornament on our tree. We are proud to have had it the past two years and plan to hang on to it a few more!

Tomorrow is the big day!

BIG DAY... bigger than Christmas! Ok, maybe AS big as Christmas!

I plan to "rise and shout" all the way to my parent's home for a party! It's gonna be a good game! I may just have to get the tree out early!

GO COUGS!!

HE IS...

2008-11-14T21:38:00.000-07:00

THE KING OF THE MOMENT! I can't believe it was seven years ago that this sweet guy entered our lives! He has been a joy and a complete blessing every day of his life!

The day started out with breakfast in bed- his choice: french toast, eggs and milk. We of course brought it in on The Red Plate (tradition from when I was little). We decorated the tray with some of the things we love about Quincy.

Here are seven little things we love about you:

1. I think the number one thing is your tender heart. You are so sweet and sensitive, Quincy!
2. You are quick to obey! You have a desire to be good and obedient! Thank you for your example to your siblings!
3. Your dimples! SO glad you got those from your dad!
4. You are so smart! I am proud of you for doing your best in school and for being an excellent student!
5. You are a great friend! Even though kids can be mean, you always return love and choose to be Christ-like to everyone.
6. You are the best big brother! William can hardly wait until you come home from school!
7. I love that you listen to your parents and value what we are trying to teach you!

Midday was filled with basketball decorated cupcakes brought to The King's class. Late afternoon brought the Star Wars Party- games were played, smores were made, droids were killed, The Queen was found, light sabers were fought, the pinata was broken, candy was had, presents were devoured and a great day comes to an end!

Thank you little Q- for blessing our lives! Can't wait to see all you become!

Confession #6- My night job!

2008-11-11T23:51:00.000-07:00

I am the ringmaster in these parts~ of the midnight circus!

Let me take you through, act by act. I enter the ring some time around 11pm and try to get a little "rest" in before the show begins! Some time around 12 am, we'll call him, The Lion- decides to turn in and enters the ring to disturb my slumber. The Lion is quick to find "rest" and proceeds to disrupt me for the next two hours with his roar. I eventually send The Lion to sleep in another ring in hopes of some rest before the next act begins!

Some time around 2 am the little clowns enter the ring. The first clown is a sad clown. He has had a terrible dream. After some calming, he is okay and decides to climb back into his ring.

Around 3 am the second little clown is wet and in need of a bath and a costume change. This act takes at least 20 minutes. After changing the set and dressing the clown he is ready to enter back into the ring.

The third little clown is not feeling well this night. She is need of her binkie and blanket. She is quick to comfort and falls back to sleep but decides to do this several times throughout the show. She likes attention, that one!

I check on the other clowns and The Lion and find that the first clown is now in the ring with the second clown and The Lion. I move the second clown into the first clown's ring so that they aren't too crowded in there and now none of them are in their original ring. But, at least all the clowns and the Lion are finished with their acts.

Now the timing of the clowns is impeccable! Never do they overlap their shows! No, no- they make sure to spread them out throughout the night so that the show is as lengthy as possible! I think they want this ringmaster to earn her keep. Now there are external acts from the audience as well. There are phone calls as late as midnight and as early at 6am that interrupt the show. These are The Lion's fans and associates. They too have impeccable timing.

Sometimes this ringmaster's brother likes to send her text messages in between acts just to let her know important things like, his roommate drank all of his chocolate milk... you know, really important things that can't wait until the morning.

The show is flawless and the timing is really something of perfection! I came down in between acts to document it at it's best. Thankfully, I don't work the night shirft every night... but often enough to keep up my skills. I kinda get the hunch this isn't the only circus in town! Here's hoping you Ringmasters find rest soon!

AND........

2008-11-10T23:24:00.001-07:00

I wonder why I can't catch up?

Good thing she is so cute!

FROM A GALAXY FAR, FAR AWAY......

2008-11-03T11:27:00.001-07:00

In this family we start planning Halloween in July. My kids are cruising through magazines and surfing the net- making their master plan! We love to do family themes... at least until they grow older and too cool! I LOVE Halloween and look forward to dressing up!

The boys chose the Star Wars theme. Quincy was Anakin Skywalker and William was Jango Fett. They were counting down the days for a over a month!

We had to have little Kate be Princess Leia... after seeing this cute little costume! She was so cute! I couldn't believe that she kept those buns on her head all night! Chip was Obi Won Kenobi- he is always a good sport to play along... way to go dad!

I was Queen Amidala- who else? Kate kept staring at me and trying to take the costume off- I am sure I was a scary site to see!

Quincy was ready for the photo shoot to end- but I was trying to get ONE good one of the three of them! Oh, well! It was a GREAT night! The kids had a blast and ate candy for dinner! They should be able to do that at least one time a year, shouldn't they? They are already planning costumes for next year! We can't wait!

WOW- WHAT A DAY!!

2008-10-25T23:32:00.000-06:00

Well- we started the day with a little BYU football! It was a perfect 70 degrees, fall was in the air, we were surrounded by the beautiful, colorful Wasatch mountains and the Cougars managed
a win against UNLV- (whew) It was a perfect fall day... that's why we live here, people!

We kissed the kids goodbye and sent them with my parents and we enjoyed a little lunch at the above mentioned- who doesn't love some lettuce wraps and The Great Wall of Chocolate?!?!

Finally purchased this awesome CD...it just puts a smile on my face! We listened all the way to see....

our favorite t.v./radio star- Glenn... he was here in town and I surprised Chip with some tickets to finally see our "nightcap" in person. He didn't disappoint!

Didn't I have the cutest date in the house? Just look at those dimples! What a fun day! I am ready to snooze- can't you tell?

I MUST HAVE DONE SOMETHING GOOD......

2008-10-23T22:51:00.000-06:00

This past weekend was UEA (ie: Fall break- for you non-utahns). It was SO nice to let the kids sleep in and not to worry about making lunches and getting the homework done... why can't every day be fall break?

This gives you time to recognize how lovely life really is!

It gives you time to just be and to enjoy being with the ones you love!

My favorite memory... watching The Sound of Music as a family. Some classics never die! We snuggled up in the big, engulfing couch- with soft blankets, cookies and popcorn and sang, "Do-Ra-Me." The best line of all was sung by Maria when declaring her love for The Captain... "Somewhere in my youth or childhood~I must have done something good!"

My feelings EXACTLY!!!

Somewhere Out There...

2008-10-14T11:52:00.001-06:00

Has anyone found the land where the missing socks go? I believe there has to be a trap door somewhere in the washing machine!

Where, oh, where do all the binkies go? I swear I bought over 100 binkies for Kate and they are no where to be found!

Where does all my cash disappear to? It seems to go in a fleeting second-not that I ever have a lot to begin with!

If you find this place- can you send me the address... and do you think that is where my patience goes too? I can't attach a picture of that because I currently don't possess any! ;)

Her Sign Reads....

2008-10-09T22:47:00.000-06:00

GONE

CRUISIN'

BE

BACK

SOON!!!

Confession #4

2008-10-06T21:30:00.000-06:00

Well, I always said, "I will never be one of those moms!" I am here to confess that I have officially become one of those moms! Everywhere I turn I see the evidence of this statement! I remember seeing my cute friend in Texas toting around her three children- shoeless, coatless and without their hair brushed. I remember vividly thinking, "WOW- I will never be one of those moms." I managed to fight off this disease through the first two kids but now that the third is here- there ain't no turning back now!

My boys frequently go places looking like they just crawled out from under a rock! Often times they are unable to locate the "other shoe" in a pair and end up going like this!

Now this is sad, but true. All day long I sweep, sweep, sweep and keep the crumbs in a pile until "later." Often times Kate gets to the pile before I do! Terrible- I know! At least they can't say I don't feed my kids! I also let Kate eat off the table at Cafe Rio this week- YUCK!

More often than not, my car looks like this! This is one area I can't seem to keep in order! (After seeing this picture I DID clean out my car- this is ridiculous!)

Now that I have turned to "the dark side" I can say that I have more appreciation, more compassion and less judgement for those moms. My hat goes off to all those moms! If you have yet to turn to the other side and you find yourself judging, just wait- you'll get there someday too!

Thankful Thursday-

2008-10-02T23:04:00.000-06:00

William was feeling a little scared when he was heading to bed (ie: I wanna stay up). Quincy, being the sensitive guy he is, must have tip-toed into William's room to provide comfort. Here is what I found when I went to check on them.

Tonight, I am thankful for brothers that love each other. Thankful for brothers that can't wait until the other comes home and brothers that would rather play with each other than any friend out there.

P.S.- note to self: Do some laundry tomorrow! Your kids have NO matching pajamas!

Just a little game we play...

2008-09-26T22:12:00.000-06:00

I am always trying to come up with ways to teach my kids some manners. There is nothing worse than spoiled, bratty, ill-mannered children!

I couldn't have been more than eight when I watched my sister come home from a birthday party in tears. After my mom tried to console her we found out that the little girl who was throwing the party had opened her present and said, "I don't like this- get me a different present!" The nerve!! If I was that little girl's mother- I would have sent my child to her room, packed up the guests, taken them home, packed up the gifts and taken them to a shelter! You have got to be kidding me!

So- we play a little game in this house that we like to call, "Thumbs Up- Thumbs Down." Before a birthday party comes around or we are headed to an important event or simply a trip to grandma's we play a round or two of this game.

Here's how it works. I give the kids a list of hypothetical situations to which they are to respond with either a "thumbs up or thumbs down" to the behavior. We'll just stick with the birthday party example.

I round up a bunch of our used toys and put them in party bags and pretend like I am the one opening the gifts from my friends.

1. "Wow- Thank you so much Tanner for this awesome present!!" (to which the boys yell out "thumbs up!")
2. "This is so stupid- I already have this puzzle! (they respond, "double thumbs down!")
3. "Awesome, Jedi's are my favorite!" (response, "thumbs up!")
4. Open-open-open and take no time to walk over and thank each person. ("thumbs down!" they cry)
5. "Thank you so much for coming- this has been the best birthday EVER!" ("Double- thumbs up!" they reply)

This has been so great that my kids actually ask to play "thumbs up- thumbs down"- This has been a great way to teach them a few manners while making them laugh!

Let's hope it sticks and that none of my kids EVER send their friends home crying!

GUESS WHAT?!?!

2008-09-24T18:43:00.000-06:00

I'm changing my name to... BETTY CROCKER!!

That's right people... I made my first pie! Can't wait to taste it! My cute friend, Tami invited me over to make a fresh peach- blackberry pie today! We had a blast! If you want the recipe go here.

Forget losing that pre-baby, during-baby and post-baby pounds- I think I found my new calling in life! I could adopt William's logic and just say I am eating fruit!

Happy Fall Baking!

CONFESSION #3

2008-09-18T23:01:00.001-06:00

I have waited and waited to post any pictures of Quincy's first day of school because honestly- I HATE SCHOOL! It is just a tangible reminder that with every passing day my children grow older... and bigger... and closer to leaving me!

The night before the first day I was in the grocery store, finding the "essentials" for a yummy lunch, when I found myself fighting back the tears in the potato chip isle. Ridiculous- I know! I didn't want my little guy leaving me for a whole seven hours and 19 minutes.

I want Quincy here- beside me- to ask me about anything and everything! I want him to prance around in his Jedi cape with light saber in tow and fight the droids all over the house- (who is going to keep us safe?) I want to hear him ask if we can make cookies again, tonight.

I want William to always walk down those stairs after sleeping in until 10:00 (man, he is going to be one tough teenager to wake) carrying his favorite night-night and pig and yell like he is at a football game, "GOOD MORNING, MOM!" (he has ONE level and it is L-O-U-D)

I want to always walk into Kate's room after a nap and see her sleepy little eyes and BIG smile through the crib slats. I want those size 2 Mary Jane's to always fit her. I want to be able to hold her tiny hand in mine forever. I want to rock her for a few minutes, as the day comes to an end and have her tiny, little body fit perfectly in my arms like the finishing puzzle piece.

This month my parents kissed their youngest child good bye and sent him off to college. I felt for a minute, the pain my mom had after raising kids for 33 years and saw myself in another 30 years feeling the same emotions. I know that no matter how hard I try - time is and always will be the enemy... it will move forward whether I want it to or not.

With the inevitable ahead- those precious moments will be replaced with weddings, mission calls, grandchildren, trips as a BIGGER family, and the satisfaction of seeing my children succeed and achieve their goals and aspirations. I realize that life will be just as beautiful, but in a different way, and that school really isn't THAT bad, afterall!

Gotta hear this...

2008-09-17T09:29:00.000-06:00

Quote of the day in this house-

"Mom, after I eat this cereal (Lucky Charms) I am going to eat something more healthy... like... Fruit Loops!" Well... at least he got the fruit part right!

Does that work with adults too? I love the logic!