Family Photos

Here are a few of our family photos my super talented friend Allison took. Sam and Karissa did not want to cooperate...family photos with six people is CRAZY. I love the ones of my kids, especially on the bridge and water. Can't decide on a favorite...

A little cheesy, but it's true...

To be honest I have felt a little ripped off that both my sisters and Mom have worked full time while I have been at home for the past 10 years. My Mom and sibs are my best friends (can't leave out my favorite brother, whom I talk to at least every other day). I have been a little jealous of all of you who get to hang out and make huge batches of cookies to freeze with your loved ones on a regular basis.

So, whenever one of them gets the day off we usually spend it together. I got to spend the whole day on Friday with my little sister Ashley. We hit the gym, decided to visit our Mom (who was taking a class at the U) for lunch, hit the Gateway so the kids could run around, visited Richard at work and ended the evening with a family dinner (missed you Casey, but looking forward to SYTYCD this week). Anyway, glad to have days like this...they are FUN (especially in the summer when there are no schedules ruling us!).


And, I have to say I have some wonderful friends whom I get to hang out with on a regular basis, don't think I could function without my weekly lunch date with Candace, and other random events that come up each week. Just feeling a little grateful for all the moments I get to spend with my loved ones here and there. Just so you know the above picture of my fam was from our SF trip together last year when I was 7 months pregnant, no I am not pregnant now, just last year. =)

Things that make me smile...

Kaela is a member of an All Girls Book Club with eight friends from school. Each month the girls take a turn picking a book from the Newberry Medal or Honor list and hosting Book Club at their home. It was our turn to host this month! The girls read "Rules" by Cynthia Lord. Kaela and I totally enjoyed it, even though it was a little of a challenge to find (if you are interested, wait a couple of weeks until it comes out in paperback). The book is about a girl with an autistic brother whom she makes rules up for to help him understand how life works.

We were so excited to find this cake that had ducks...you'll notice them on the cover because one of her rules is, No Toys in the Fish Tank. We also had fun crafting our own book of rules out of composition notebooks. I was genuinely surprised at how much the girls had to say about this book, I'm talking a few minute answers instead of a yes or no. It totally wowed me to see their reaction to this heartwarming and funny story. Sometimes being a Mom just makes you smile!

He's Home

After almost three long weeks of working in Peru...Richard is home! The kids were so excited and so was I! A couple of months ago, I sarcastically commented that I was the only one who knew how to do the dishes in our house. Richard just smiled and said, "and I'm the only one who knows how to do 500 other things." I had to laugh because it is so true! I realized how right he was while he was gone. I count on him for so many things (yard work, bathroom cleaning, fixing of anything broken, garbage taking out - inside and out, sprinkler system running, temperature controller, house vacuumer, plant waterer, etc). Okay, I should have NEVER complained about the dishes. I was not only exhausted with taking care of the kids by myself while he was gone, but also in trying to do all the things he usually does.

Not to worry, I put him to work fast when he came home, fixing the many things that broke while he was gone. He finished fixing Addy's car seat tonight! I realized how lucky I am to have such a helpful husband. So glad you are home. I also realized how awesome my family and friends are, thanks for all you did for me...from mowing the lawn to watching the kids and just keeping me company. Love you guys.

3's Tag

I am a little slow on this blogging thing lately, but here goes the tag from my cute friend Terry.

3 Joys:
1. Alone time. I really savor it these days, not enough of it to go around for me. Nothing like reading the newspaper, shopping, watching TV or taking a bath without anyone crying, fighting or saying "Mom" a million times.

2. Summertime. I don't want to brag, but our backyard is quite the neighborhood hang out. =) It's been so much fun. Loved chatting with Diana, the Shamrell's and all the neighbor kids, since it has been warm. Feeling like that might all change when their yards are finished soon.

3. My family. Love that husband of mine and the kids are pretty cute too.


3 Fears:
1. I know everyone says this, but something happening to Richard. I think raising four kids alone would be so hard.

2. Not being a good enough Mom.

3. That Richard will NEVER get a new car. =)


3 Obsession's

1. My Friday Step Class at the gym. I have been going to this class for the past six years now, and only miss when really pregnant, vacationing, sick, etc. When moving I had to make sure I could still go to my class. A little obsessed with it.

2. Finding a good deal. Yes, a little obsessed with finding a 97 cent shirt.

3. Magazines. Usually get obsessed with reading them the day I get them. I generally realize I won't have time to pick it up again, so I have to get through it in one sitting. This generally annoys family members a lot! =)

3 Goal's (tried and true...)
1. Eat less
2. Move more
3. Read and ponder the gospel more


3 Random Facts about Myself:

1. I graduated from the University of Utah 10 years ago this week! I remember feeling so confident and happy to have finally reached my goal. I never thought this one accomplishment would mean so much to me through out my life. Although I have been in Mom mode for 9 years now, it helps me remember that I really have done something just for me in this life.

2. I love all things Gilmore. I just finished the 7th season of Gilmore Girls and have been totally caught up in it this month. If you have 61 hours (I calculated it out) of free time, I highly recommend this well written, endearing show. The best part is that you can watch the whole series in marathon form (when the kids are tucked in) and get all the seasons from the library. I know this is so last year, but this is life without DVR. I laughed, I cried, stayed up until 1:30 AM and I so want more. Maybe the movie rumor will come true. 61 hours well spent (but I did watch over the space of 2 years, didn't want you to worry about my TV habits too much).

3. I love to have my nails painted. In college I gave myself a manicure every week! That has changed with kids. Painted nails that only last a couple of days just don't seems worth the effort, and I haven't even painted them for over a year. Sigh. But, I am totally looking forward to the days when I can have well manicured hands again. I am telling you, my nails look fabulous painted!! =) I might just go crazy and paint them this week.

Can't eat, can't sleep, must blog.

I can hardly believe I have been blogging for a year now!! What did we do with ourselves before we blogged away? I have been thinking about this whole blog culture lately and here are some random thoughts that have crossed my mind...

1. Should I have my blog go private in case anyone crazy reads my blog and tracks me down, and already knows all my kids names...

2. Am I totally flattering myself to think someone "crazy" would actually spend time reading this blog??

3. If I go private will I miss chances to catch up with some old friends?

4. Love that I have caught up with some old friends through blogging.

5. When are other friends/family members going to start a blog so I can catch up on their lives and family?

6. Please, no one else start a blog, I. CAN'T. KEEP. UP. =)

7. How does only five more minutes, turn into 5 blog jumps and 30 minutes?

8. Does anyone else's back hurt from blogging?

9. I must have improved my typing skills from all the comments I have left.

10. Do I need to give myself a blogging time allowance, like I give my kids video game time allowance?

11. Can I fit one more person into my links?

12. Have I left someone off my links?

13. Have I hurt someones feelings by accidentally leaving them off my links.

14. Does anyone else think, "I've got to blog this", mid sentence, mid party, mid thought, etc.

15. If I see one more word verification...

16. I love this whole blog thing.

17. I hate this whole blog thing.

18. Better update my blog.

19. Better read blogs.

20. Bloggity, blog, blog, blog.

Here's to another year...

Blog vacation.

So, I took a little blog vacation and it was nice. But, like all vacations it is good to be back! We have been busy celebrating. Our girls both had their birthday's. I love them both so much and like every parent says at birthday time, "I can't believe they are getting so big." I have to admit I am loving my kids getting older. Kaela and I have enjoyed rocking out to her High School Musical Wii game (sorry neighbors), going to dance comp's, eating out together, enjoying the same play list on the ipod, painting our nails and more. She is so fun, genuinely sweet and cute. Karissa is getting there. She seriously says the cutest, sweetest things ever lately (mixed in with a little spice as well). We have enjoyed our Chick-fil-A lunches and spending time together while the other kids are at school. And, not to be repetitive but I can't believe they are getting so big!





I hope you all had a great Mother's Day. I woke up at 6:45 AM with the baby. I have been so longing for a good sleep in lately...but, I really just enjoyed her that morning. Everyone knows babies cutest time is usually right when they wake up and she was true to form. Amidst all the craziness of life with four kids, I felt so completely grateful for this little blessing in my life right now. Not to mention the three others that were still sleeping. I honestly am so thankful for that moment, you need those as a Mom. I also am so blessed to have so many wonderful women in my life from my own angel Mom and Mom-in-law, to sisters and wonderful friends. What would this world be without us, GO GIRLS.