A few shout out's...

Thanks to my sister Casey for this awesome new header she made me. I just love it so much. Thanks for the creative inspiration on so many projects Casey (from photos, to scrap booking, to decorating)!

Also, a big happy birthday to my Grandma Conley yesterday! I can't even begin to tell my Grandma how much I love her. I have so many wonderful memories of her from my youth. Dress up parties, shopping (from the time I was young!), Window's on the Square, baking together, eating out, San Francisco, Disneyland, swimming and so many more. I hope to be the kind of Grandma and person that you are. I love you so much, hope your day was great.

Thanks to our parents who watched our kids over the weekend, we had a 48 hour date (almost!). It was wonderful. We were celebrating our 10th anniversary a little early since we thought it might be a little more fun without a newborn. We did so much: park city, johnny carino's, mulligan's, a movie, the temple, rodizio grill, hale centre theater, and lots of shopping. Needless to say I am totally exhausted from the weekend, but it was so fun to get out. Especially since it will be awhile until we get to be alone again.

3 weeks to baby!!! Crazy.

Ah, parenthood!

"Some days I wonder how my kids will turn out, but most of the time I'm just figuring out how to survive them RIGHT NOW!" -the story people

So, it has been a really long week...does school really not start for another month? Wow. Does Richard really have to work another 10 hour day!!! Feeling some serious crazies coming on! Okay, it really isn't that bad, but having to take 3 kids to do everything (especially all the fun things they love like...getting the oil changed, grocery shopping, going to the bank, you fill in the blank) just takes twice as long with way to many whines going on!

Ah, such is the life of a big family. Really, I have had so many moments this summer where I have just thought I have the greatest kids ever. Seeing Kaela and Karissa play Polly Pockets and princesses nicely has made me believe that they have a really special sibling connection. Other moments too...like watching Sam push Karissa in the swing, Karissa begging for someone to sit by her in the car, Sam reading to Karissa, playing lego's together nicely (as illustrated in the picture)...all are evidence to me that they really love each other. But, on the flip side, the moments filled with fighting, whining, complaining...have all been plentiful too. There have been too many times lately where I have decided that parenthood really is for those who like to get a glimpse of their less than perfect self!!!

Reminds me of growing up. I am sure we drove my Mom so crazy. Couldn't even count on all my fingers and toes the amount of scratches I endured (or dished out) and the countless other mean, crazy fights I got into with my siblings. Now they are my favorite people. So, there really is hope for the future...not just for the kids, but for me too!! =)

On my mind

5 things I am totally in to right now...

1. Naps...must be that pregnancy thing. I could nap everyday if my kids would let me!! Unfortunately, I only catch one a couple times a week. Sunday's I can always count on (thanks Richard)! It's funny how your perspective changes so much as you get older. 10 years ago I thought naps were the biggest waste of time, now I can't get enough.

2. Shade T-shirts...okay I probably told most of you about my disbelief that 'Mormon t-shirts' had become a multi-level marketing business...probably throwing in I would never buy one. But, here I am eating my words. Love them so much.

3. Getting Out...the days are kind of long with all of the kids home. We have a movie day, library day, and eating out day (okay maybe a couple of those). Don't know why but I am just not the stay at home type person. I love to get out so much and it makes such a difference in my day.

4. Grouchiness...the pregnancy thing again. Sorry to all my family members I have lashed out at lately. Just can't help it...chalk it up to the hormones.

5. My family...especially my husband. I know you have all probably had enough, but seriously I just think I am the luckiest ever. Can't seem to get enough of him. So grateful that he listens to me go on and on about everything. My extended family too. Had so much fun spending the 4th of July with them.

Would love to hear what you are "in to" right now!

Some favorite pictures from the last week (4th of July, Build a Bear, Karissa in the garden) :

Summer Lovin...

"Summer afternoon - summer afternoon...the two most beautiful words in the English language." -henry james

I can hardly believe it is already July! Summer time just goes by so much faster than dreary old winter. Although I am hot and tired, I just love summer. Love working out in the yard, love not having to put a coat or jacket on me or the kids, love flip-flops, love bbq'ing, love soaking up the sun...just love summer!





Speaking of soaking up the sun, we had a chance to swim at Ashley and Keith's pool on Saturday. We had lots of fun--and it was the perfect way to spend a 100 degree day in Utah. I realized that old habits die hard..I wanted to spend the entire day at the pool...Richard was ready to go after a couple hours of swimming. Growing up, we would spend the whole day swimming at my Grandma Conley's when we went to visit her. Grandma or my Mom would bring us lunch to the pool and we would head in late afternoon to get ready for dinner. We loved it...there is just something wonderful about spending the day in the sun. So, Richard and I compromised and left about 3:00. Casey and I are kindred spirits when it comes to the pool (actually I think she could stay even longer than I can) and she only left because everyone else was. Anyway, it was great fun. The kids all loved it. Thanks Ash!!



Richard surprised me by getting a babysitter on Friday night and we went out. We enjoyed dinner at Johnny Carino's (one of my favorites) , strolled around Barnes and Noble (Richard's favorite) and went to see Ocean's 13. It was a much needed break for both of us! We really enjoyed the movie and spending some time together. I really do love those kids of ours...but time together is so rejuvenating..so glad I married my best friend.



I also think Richard and I are a shoe in for parents of the year. Karissa has been so tired this entire summer. She stays up late and then wakes up as soon as the sun comes up. She has also missed quite a few naps. The other night we were working on getting the house cleaned up. Karissa wanted to watch a show and so for peace we let her. She opened one of her suckers and sat down quietly. Richard and I were busy cleaning when we went to check on Karissa. She had fallen asleep with the sucker in her mouth...which made me feel like such a great parent. Can't wait for those dental bills.







Looking forward to the 4th of July this week and spending time with our families. It should be great. Holiday's are always a blast!

Catching Up

So much has happened this past week...so, here's the scoop...first of all on Richard's health...

Richard had a check-up with his cardiologist this week and everything looks great. There doesn't seem to be any complications with the device they used to close the hole in his heart. We are so happy!! He also received results from his CT scans and everything looks great. Still cancer free. We are so grateful. We always feel a little bit stressed every time his scans come around, but we feel so blessed that everything turned out to be normal. Thanks to all of you for your prayers on our behalf. In September Richard will be two years out of treatment and we are so glad everything is still looking good.


Richard had a stake camp with the Young Men on Thursday night. So, you know the saying..while the cat is away...the kids and I went to play. We went to the Mayan Adventure with my Mom and sister Casey. The kids loved it and well, it is interesting for sure. I don't know what to call them, actors (maybe?) roam around speaking some crazy language and interacting with the kids. The whole idea was a little freaky to me, but hey the kids loved it and were entertained for a couple of hours. I guess that is what counts.


Richard came home on Friday afternoon and we packed up for the annual Bud Campout. This is an activity we look forward to every year, because we camp and hang out with lots of our friends from high school. So many people think it is crazy that after 13 years we still keep in touch with so many of our high school friends, but it really is just the greatest time with some of our most cherished friends. This year we "camped out" in the Blake's backyard because there are quite a few of us that are pregnant. The Blake's live on an acre of land in Saratoga Springs, so everyone just set their tents up in their backyard. I was so proud of myself because at 7 1/2 months pregnant I slept in the tent! We laughed lots, ate smores and the kids enjoyed playing together. We also had an awesome group breakfast together (thanks men). The guys enjoyed playing volleyball, while us girls sat and chatted. Already looking forward to next year...











We got to hang out with my sister Ashley and her husband Keith on Saturday night for our ritual game playing night. We haven't been able to get together as much lately, so it was good to play again. We had a great time and the kids always love it when they come over.


I am realizing that I really am losing my mind being pregnant. On Sunday morning I was so hot...seriously. I was sweating getting ready for church. Richard chalked it up to my hot showers. I realize that I take hot showers, but it didn't seem any hotter than normal. Anyway, after church I was still dying of heat when all the sudden I realized that I had turned off the air when my sister was cold the night before and never turned it back on. The house was 82 degrees by that time. Thank goodness I don't have to give up my showers! =) I also found myself squinting the whole day yesterday and couldn't figure out why. I just kept thinking my contact prescription must be wrong. When I went to take out my contacts that night, I realized I had only put one contact in and never even thought about it as I was squinting. I guess I 'm not functioning at full capacity.


Just a funny note to end on. Karissa was throwing one of her usual tantrums this past week. While she was throwing her fit I turned to Sam and said, "What are we going to do with her?" He came and whispered in my ear, "The person you need is Nanny McPhee." It made me laugh so hard. Just what I needed in that stressful moment, and will probably only be funny to you if you have seen the movie...so if not pick it up and enjoy!

Thoughts on SF

"No city invites the heart to come to life as San Francisco does. Arrival in San Francisco is an experience in living"~William Saroyan

San Francisco was such a blast!! We had such a wonderful time laughing, shopping, eating, spending time with family and so on. There truly is no place on earth like San Fran. Some reflections and favorite memories from the trip:

-Eating at the Cheesecake Factory in the Macy's building in downtown San Francisco (picture of me alone above taken from the CF terrrace). I didn't think it could live up to all the hype my sister gave it -- but absolutely the best food I've had in a long time. I already can't wait to eat there again. Seriously, it was that good. Mmmmmm.

-Seeing Paul, Sherri and their boys sealed in the temple. Such a great experience that made me reflect on my own family and how grateful I am we are forever! When it all comes down to it, you realize that what really matters in this life is family and the gospel.

-Totally relying on public transportation to get around downtown. Sure better than driving in all the crazy California traffic. What an adventure -- thanks Ian.

-Shopping downtown San Francisco. So fun, so many great stores, so close together. The three floor Old Navy and Gap Stores were pretty awesome too. (And, I only spent $30!!)

-Getting to hang out with most of my extended family on Saturday afternoon after the temple and realizing how wonderful they are and how much I love them. Honestly, I have not laughed that hard in a six hour time frame in a long time. Good times...

-Mostly, this trip made me realize how blessed I am to have my wonderful husband who watched the kids so I could go off and enjoy myself for a weekend. I just can't get over how amazing he is and how much I love him. Being away from him for 4 days made me realize that vacations just aren't the same without him, and after 10 years he is still my very favorite person in the whole world to be with. Lucky me!!

Hoping that all of you get a chance to rejuvenate and relax with some of your favorite people out there soon in some place wonderful....

Summer is Here!

Well, I officially survived the first real day of summer. I know summer doesn't officially start until the 21st but with all of the kids home (and the weather for casted to hit 100 this week!) it sure feels like summer. I think Kaela is surviving being home all day too. Yesterday we got up and made a to do list book. We came up with several items that she and Sam need to accomplish everyday. Then we took the books to the copy store and had them bound. Hopefully it will get the kids motivated to get some worthwhile things accomplished this summer. We'll see...

I also had a great weekend!! I somehow found the motivation to get things done that I have been putting off for a while. I finally got the girls closets cleaned out and organized. Bye-Bye winter clothes, and clothes thrown in spots they should not be. There is just something about an organized space that makes me happy! I had to go open Kaela's armoire several times after it was clean...which made me realize how organizing something just makes you feel empowered (I know many of you are laughing at me right now). Richard had been camping with Sam on Friday but when he came home realized his dream of spending Saturday's organizing was happening and so he cleaned out the garage. He moved everything out of one side and literally scrubbed the floor of the garage. That floor is so clean you could eat off of it. It felt great to get things done. Usually when Richard brings these sort of ideas up to me I tell him Saturday is a day to get out. I still love getting out but I do love the feeling of getting a big project done (well, at least I love it when it is done!).

I also got quite a few creative projects done. I made my friend Tennisa some baby bows and a bracelet for her new baby Isabella. They turned out cute and made me excited to make some for my own baby. I was able to hang out with my girlfriends from high school on Saturday. We had such a great time. There is something about these friends that always makes me feel refreshed and happy. These are my friends that I can just laugh at everything with and be myself. I always feel better after spending time with them. While hanging out I finished a mini scrapbook that I had purchased a while ago. It turned out really cute.

I finally got my wall finished that I had bought vinyl for five months ago. Richard helped me center it last night and I love it!!! I finally got to Rod Works to buy picture frames (thanks Tennisa and Allison). This one wasn't the one I was planning on buying, but I like it even better. I think it goes really great with the vinyl. Now I just have to get the girls room finished that I bought pictures for 5 months ago. I guess you can understand why I get so excited about a project completed!

I am getting so excited for my trip to San Francisco this weekend. I can't wait to see family and hang out with my Mom and siblings. Besides Richard they truly are my best friends and I love spending time with them. So grateful for Richard for being so supportive of me and encouraging me to go on this trip. What a wonderful Father's Day gift he is getting -- a chance to spend the weekend alone with the kids! I am sure I am going to owe him plenty of game/camping nights after this. But, I am excited to see Paul and Sherri (my uncle and aunt) sealed. It is going to be so wonderful.