Crossley Chronicles

And the story goes like this...

2012-01-06T21:47:00.001-07:00

Days 1-3 of a new me...

2012-01-06T21:14:00.002-07:00

Now that we are done having kids I have a great desire to get my body back into shape. I haven't worked out for such a long time...I mean REALLY worked out. Thanks to family and a recent birthday I am able to work out at the rec center for a few months...YAY!! A friend of mine, Katie, has been telling me about a spin class she goes to and it sounds like a hard, fun work out so I thought I'd try it out.

DAY 1:
Day one I attended a spin class. It was a spin circuit that day...I would not recommend your first day of working out after not having worked out in a long time with this class. Boy did it kick my rear...and by that I mean I about passed out, got a major headache, threw up kicked my rear. Embarrassing. Sadly I have to admit my ambitions were greater than my bodies ability. We started on the bike...did fine. Started feeling it a little. Then we went to something called the deck of cards. Now I'm a person who loves games, but this deck of cards was no game. She shuffles the cards, counts out half the deck and draws from it. Each suit has an exercise that goes with it and the number on the card indicates how many of that exercise you do. First set had to do with mainly the upper body (arms mainly). I managed to make it through this with jelly arms at the end but still standing. Next we got back on the bikes. Made it through this too. Then back to the deck of cards. She told us what each suit stood for and we began. This time there was a lot of up and down motions...bad bad bad. Oh man did this ever send my head for a spin. I'm not 100% sure if it was my head below my heart or what, but it didn't end well. My vision started to go and a little ringing in the ears began. I felt really dumb stopping but I didn't feel like passing out infront of a bunch of people and making the entire class have to stop. So I took some time trying to regain my head, but couldn't seem to get a grip on it. The wonderful instructor was so sweet and asked if I was ok. I said I think so, just feeling dizzy and light headed. She said I should walk or try to ride for a while. I tried the bike first, but not such a good idea. I about fell off with my head still in a fuzz. So I took a few laps around the track to try and get my head to settle.
Unfortunately it didn't ever stop completely, but I felt like I could get back on the bike and thankfully was able to finish the class on the bike. We got done and I went home. I felt pretty awful...my head started pounding. I got the kiddos ready for school by taking a few times of laying down in between doing hair. I got done and tried going out to see if they had their stuff all ready and it hit my hard...ran to the bathroom and threw up. My sweet kids kept asking if I was ok. Madie came in the to see what I was doing and Cailee being such a great big sister kept her out and told her that she didn't think she wanted to throw up too.
I took the kids to school and ran to a friends house for some IBProfin (I ran out right before Christmas...why oh why didn't I pick some up when we ran out...).
Thankfully my sweet baby was having a good day I was able to finish feeding him his bottle and lay him on my legs while I laid on the floor by a heater. He fell asleep and Madie and Brandon watched a cartoon while I closed my eyes for a while. The IBProfin had a chance to kick in before Ethan woke up and my head finally got under control.

So I can officially call day 1 very interesting.

Day 2...
Cardio workout. Thursday workout ended much better than the previous day. I ran on the treadmill and worked out on the elliptical. I felt a lot less light headed after that workout. I was able to go 20 min on each and felt good about it. I know I'm really out of shape so I have to keep telling myself to give it time and keep going. My husband has been such a great encouragment. He wakes me up each morning and tells me he's proud of me. I'm so grateful for that.

Day 3...
More cardio. I did a repeat today of Thursdays workout. I've been watching my heart rate the past couple of days to see if that's the cause of the light headedness(have no idea if that's actually a real word, but it is in my world). It seems like I have no problem getting my heart rate up, infact I'm struggling not getting it to high. Today I peaked at 195 bpm and the target heart rate for my age is significantly less. I seem to reach my target heart rate with the warm up, so I'm not sure how to fix that. Then getting my heart rate back down has been some what of a challenge. So far I haven't died, so I figure I'll just keep watching it to see what happens.

It does feel good to be proactive about how I feel about myself. I'm frustrated with clothes not fitting, but I refuse to go buy new pants because I don't plan on staying where I'm at for very long. I have goals I plan on achieving, one being that I want to run a 1/2 marathon at some point with my sisters!! I don't really enjoy running a lot but it's a bucket list item that I'd like to check off. And who knows, maybe I'll enjoy it more than I think. I like to physically challenge myself from time to time and right now this is it.

Note to self: You are stronger than you think. You've endured much and have the ability to do this. It's a goal you will achieve. You have a wonderful support system...lean on them when you hit a wall.

Introducing...

2011-11-06T14:57:00.007-07:00

Ethan Lynn Crossley
Born: 10-11-11
Weight: 7 lbs. 6 oz.
Length: 20 in. long
Time: 6:00 pm

The picture story

The morning of...

Look at that BIG belly...wow!
I couldn't believe he was FINALLY here...I felt like it was a dream.
Our sweet baby boy!
Proud Daddy and his new baby!

The kids couldn't wait to meet their baby brother!
Abby gave him lots of hugs!

Cailee and Abby posing with Ethan!

Grandma snuggling and showing off her newest grand-baby!

Snuggling with my sweet baby!

Cindi, Ethan and I

Madie fell asleep on the way to the hospital the night Ethan was born and we tried to wake her up, but she was too tired. My mom brought her back the next morning to meet her baby brother! She was all smiles. When she walked in she said, "The baby's out of your tummy?"

Ethan looks big in this picture...he was still really swollen. He actually has a tiny head.

Brandon's second time holding his brother!! YAY a brother!

His beautiful (I mean handsome) dark hair!

Daddy getting Ethan ready to go home...per tradition Daddy got him changed!

All ready to go! We are so happy to have him here!

Two peas in a pod

2011-04-07T18:17:00.002-06:00

Madie and Meg...usually at this time were not seen apart from each other for too long. They make us laugh the way the interact with eachother and how well they play. I've not seen too many one/two year old that play as well together as these two do. They love to do what the other is doing. If one has shoes on, they other does too. If one is wearing a hat, the other finds one as quickly as she can. They just crack me up!!

Pictures taken at the Watts home.

October 2010

A day at the park plus...

2011-04-07T17:54:00.006-06:00

friends=a great time!! We stayed with Nicole and her family at her parents house while in Utah and we went to the park with her sister in law one day. It was fun to get the kids outside to play for a while and the kids all enjoyed running around the play ground. There were lots of areas to explore...even rock throwing as Madie and Meg discovered!! They are pretty inseperable. We enjoyed a great break with lots of great company and good food! Thanks to Nicole's Mom and Dad Watts for letting us join in the fun at your house!!

Cailee's been working really hard at being able to go across the monkey bars! She was so excited to show me!

October 2010

Kangaroo Zoo

2011-04-07T15:40:00.003-06:00

This last October we had a chance to see my family while we were visiting and they were visiting Utah. The kids and I stayed with a friend and her girlies at her parents house and we had a great time!! While visiting my parents took the kids and I out to dinner and to Kangaroo Zoo!! This place is so fun and all blow up slides and bouncy things. The floor is all soft and frequently Madie would take off running and fall...she'd hop right back up and take off running again! The kids had a BLAST!! Brandon ran around from thing to thing so quickly I could barely catch a picture of him! The older three loved having Derrick to run around with and Madie loved all the attention from Grandma and Aunt Darcee! It was nice to get to visit with my Dad and when not occupied by Madie...Darcee and my Mom! As you can see from all the smiling faces we had a great time!! Thanks Mom and Dad

October 2010

And then there were...

2011-04-02T19:47:00.005-06:00

5...kids that is!! With the upcoming arrival of Crossley baby #5...yes that's right...#5 we feel like we will complete our family! We've heard everything from excitement to phrases like, "you are crazy or you two must be saints!" I claim insanity most days just by being a mom and I will never claim sainthood.

SO ALL WE HAVE TO SAY IS...

BRING IT ON!!

We are excited for our family to be complete!

Missionary or Not...

2011-01-15T08:51:00.004-07:00

I DON'T LIKE YOU! We feed the missionaries about once a month and we had another set of missionaries one night that came with one from our ward. Madie was NOT happy to have one of them sitting next to her and she let him know. She glared at him for most of dinner. He tried talking to her and she just glared. Her hand sat on her food, but she couldn't eat or it would disrupt her glare. We laughed so hard. She finally broke and started crying. She finished the rest of dinner on mommy's lap. It was so funny!

NOTE: These young men were very kind and we enjoyed having them in our home...Madie, not so much!

Aug. 31, 2010

Watch out fashion world...

2011-01-15T08:49:00.002-07:00

Aug. 2010

Not ready for mascara

2011-01-15T08:42:00.003-07:00

A pictures worth a thousand words.

The tears came when the mascara was taken away...so sad:(

Aug. 5, 2010

What's in the oven?

2011-01-15T08:33:00.005-07:00

Sometimes when somethings baking in the oven the kids will ask me to turn the light on so they can see what's in the oven. This day Madie was smashing her face up to the oven trying to get a really good look.

This is what was in the oven...yum yum...stuffed breadsticks!

Aug. 24, 2010

A week of firsts

2011-01-15T08:08:00.005-07:00

Aug 23rd...Cailee's first day! She was so excited and nervous all at the same time. She had her outfit picked out the night before, after changing her mind numerous time for about a week! She wanted to have a fun "first day of school" hair-do and of course wanted a picture of it so she could see the back!

It's always our tradition on the first day to stay at the school until the bell rings for her to go in. I was so proud of how brave she was this year!

She came home from school just beaming! She loves her teacher and has some wonderful friends in her class!

Aug. 24th...Brandon's first day of preschool!! He couldn't wait to get to school to Miss Cheyenna! He knew he had a lot of fun awaiting him!! He is in this weird smiling stage...squints his eyes...cracks me up!

He was so happy to be at school and coloring!! When he got home he couldn't wait to tell me all about his first day!

Aug. 26th...it was finally Abby's turn for her first day of Kindergarten! She had to wait all week for it to be her turn! She was really excited until we got to the school. She seemed really nervous and stood by the wall with her back pack waiting for the bell to ring and go in. She didn't really say much.

Saying good-bye right before she went in!!

She got her first day jitters over with and has LOVED going to school ever since. She came home so excited to go back the next day!

Of course I can't leave out my little Madie. Abby's first day of school was the first day she and I got to have our first day alone together. She cried when I put her back in the car from dropping off Abby. It was bitter sweet for her. She wasn't sure what to do with herself now that she didn't have her siblings to entertain her. We had fun though!

"fresh meat"

2011-01-08T18:05:00.002-07:00

Tonight we are watching some friends kids and my Abby came out to get some toys. I asked if all the kids were being careful in Madie's new tent. She said, "it's only the little girls and me in there...the older kids don't want to be sacrificed." I do not know where this child came from. We have NO IDEA where she got the idea of sacrificing people. We then heard her yelling, "Fresh meat...I want fresh meat!!" Oh dear. She is one funny kid. I just hope the other kids don't go home and have their parents wonder what goes on at my house.

DISCLAIMER: Never has their ever been any kind of human sacrifice or any kind of "thing" sacrifice for that matter that has occurred in our home. Nor do we know of anyone who does anything of the like manor. We have NO IDEA where the idea came from.

A day off of school

2011-01-03T08:59:00.005-07:00

The kids had a Friday off of school, so we went to KidsPlex and they had a great time! Side note: Cailee went up to the top and slid down the slide for the first time! It's a big thing for a girl who is petrified of heights.

Madie fell off a chair and got a fat lip...the lady that works at KidsPlex brought her a popsicle and it made everything better.

Sept. 2010

Just having fun

2011-01-03T08:54:00.002-07:00

I love when they play together so well!

Sept. 2010

We love Aunt Darcee

2011-01-03T08:36:00.006-07:00

In September we made a trip to Utah so we could visit family and go to the temple. We had a great time seeing Lynn and Libby (wish we could have visited more) and had a fun time with Darcee. We decided to take the kids to temple square and it was sure an adventure. We drove to Sandy and rode Trax down to temple square. Due to a unexpected visit we had to take to Old Navy, it took a while to actually see temple square, but we made it!

Madie's glare she's famous for!

She was so proud that she made everyone laugh.

Thanks Aunt Darcee for having fun with us!

Sept. 2010

Telluride

2011-01-03T08:08:00.005-07:00

I've picked up a fun new hobby recently. Mountain biking!! It's an absolute thrill and adrenalin rush when I'm riding down a mountain. Up isn't to bad either:) It's been a fun way to see the beautiful creations our Father in Heaven has made for us to enjoy! I love riding with my friend Nicole! She and I went to Telluride one day for a fun day of riding and it was amazing! Thanks to her husband who pretty much watched all the kids for most of the day and my husband who finished out the day with my kids, we were able to go have a fun filled day.

Beautiful Telluride-view from the Gondola

That is why I love mountain biking. Nicole and I enjoy stopping and taking in all the beauty. We rode the trail the first time and enjoyed looking around at everything. The second time down we enjoyed the ride.

We decided to try a different trail which turned out to be...well, not for us. Nicole, being the smart one made it down safely. Me, not being the smart one, decided to take a risk I should have never taken and ended up taking flying lessons, the hard way. I was extremely grateful for my helmet and that I had on sleeves and long pants. I cracked my helmet, but not my head! A few doctors visits later...it was concluded that I had a smashed tendon in my hand and jammed rotator cuff in my shoulder. All in all I think I came out of it pretty well! Nicole was awesome and composed and we both got off the mountain safely.

We ended the night with dinner at a restaurant that I can't remember the name of. The food was great, the server was interesting. I wasn't to impressed with his people skills, but concluded that he wasn't impressed with the fact that we are "good girls" and don't drink alcohol (that phrase coming from his mouth...lol). They make a lot of money off of wine sales.

We had a great time and it's definitely an experience I won't ever forget!

Sept. 2010

What's summer without corn on the cob

2011-01-03T08:03:00.002-07:00

We all love corn on the cob and Madie is no exception! She loves corn, but on the cob is her favorite. It's so fun to watch her eat it off the cob.

Sept. 2010

Facelift

2011-01-02T22:07:00.008-07:00

Our house got a bit bigger this summer and the rest got a bit of a facelift!! We have absolutely loved the changes. I know it's been a while and I haven't posted pictures so here it goes:

Abby and Madie's room

Cailee's room

Brandon's room

Family Room

Dining Room and entrance to play room. Not sure why I didn't get a picture of the play room. Oops.

Storage Room

New archway by the kitchen sink...used to be a window.

Hallway to our bedroom

Master bedroom

Master Bathroom

Master closet

There are no words to describe...

2011-01-02T22:05:00.005-07:00

July 2010

I just don't want to forget...

2011-01-02T15:54:00.003-07:00

I don't know where the time has gone. It seems like not to long ago I was commenting on how weird it is writing 2010 on everything. There are things from 2010 that I don't want to forget that I keep thinking I'll make time to write down, but don't.

2010:
Madie says, "Hatch" when she wants you to "watch" her.
I love when Madie says, "Hatch, Nelnon" translation "watch Nelson". My kids call my friend Nicole Sister Nelson because she is their music teacher in Primary. Madie picked up on the Nelson part and calls her Nelnon. Makes me laugh every time.
Madie calls her sippy cup a "choopy". She used to call it her "oopy" but has since added the ch onto it. Her favorite thing is a "choopy of milk".

If Madie wants your attention and she's told you to "hatch" and your not, she will tap on you until she gets your attention.

This past Christmas we listened to lots of different Christmas songs. The other day Cailee walked up to Blake and said, "Dad, I saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus. You better talk to her about it when she gets home." I was at the store that the time...when I got home he informed me of this and all I could do was laugh. Later I was telling this to my in-laws and she informed us that she didn't really.

Brandon is in pre-school and loves it. One day he came home and told me that one of the boys in his class was "talking trash". This concerned me until I asked what he said and his response was "he said garbage" and started laughing. I hope his whole life that is what he knows as "talking trash".

Brandon obviously does not have any biological brothers and was talking one day to us and made reference to his brothers. We asked who his brothers were and he said, "Preston and Jack." Preston is his best friend. Those two crack me up. I drive them to school and I never drop them off without having a good laugh.

Abby is little miss attitude. I can't imagine where she got it from:) She is so funny when she talks...it's not so much what she says but how she says it. She talks with her whole body! It's in her facial expressions and the way she moves her head in that "oh no, you didn't" motion. It's really hard to not laugh when she's being so serious and talking and moving her body the way she does. Sometimes I will catch her watching herself in the mirror of my China Hutch and when she realizes that I am, she gets all giggly and I LOVE the smile that comes across her face.

Abby loves to read. She is doing well at sounding out words.
Abby also LOVES to draw. She told us she's an artist and I believe it. We sure keep the recycling plant in business!

When Madie doesn't like the answer she's given, for instance, no you just had a "choopy of milk" you can have water, she'll respond, "OOOHHHH". It's so funny coming from a two year old.

Cailee and Abby are sweethearts. Some mornings when I'm doing their hair (which is not always fun) they will tell me, "Mom, your hair looks so pretty today. Or, Mom, I love your shirt or skirt."

Brandon is growing up too fast. I call him "Dude" or "Buddy" most of the time. I was sad to hear him ask me not to call him Dude one day...that his name is Brandon. I have to admit that I'm not good at it at all. I still call him Dude or Buddy. I think he's given up on me and just responds!

Madie has a favorite "kanket" translation "blanket". It 's the exact same kind of blanket her cousin Ashley is attached to. It's pink satin on one side and bumpy pink soft material on the other.

One day Brandon was mad and informed me that he wasn't going to church which Abby stepped in and replied, "but Brandon, church is where you need to be." I just thought it was sweet.

We have a rule that the girls have to modest in their attire. One day Abby came and asked me if it was okay if she was immodest for the day. I of course said no, but thought it was great that she asked me before getting dressed.

Madie and her best friend Meg do everything together. Meg and her older sister have flip flops, also known as "clip clops" by Madie. During the summer when we went to their house, they would pull out the flips flops and where them together. They now where whatever shoes they can find that are the closest to each other. They often pull out hats and where them together. They hold hands when they walk. During Sacrament meeting they can be heard yelling each others names. It's really hard not to laugh. The only place they don't play with each other is in nursery. Mostly because Madie is too concerned with me holding her and not one of the other kids.

When the kids are fighting with each other they've started trying to use middle names in the yelling process. I say trying because most of the time they don't say the right middle name. That part is funny, the fighting part...not so much.

The girls this year have been really concerned about their looks and what their friends think of them. It makes me sad that it has started already. I thought I would have till middle school before I would have to tell them that what other people think really doesn't matter.

As the girls have started losing teeth this year, they have noticed that their adult teeth are not growing in the same place. We've talked to them about braces and said they will probably have to have them some day. Since then, to my dismay, they have informed people that they will some day need to get braces...and when I say they, I mean the people they are talking to. Sooo embarrassing. Thankfully people are good sports about it and say, why, I do need them or something to that effect.

Madie says, "ah, oh" A LOT.
Madie loves to brush her teeth. I hope that continues through her life.

Brandon says "gavonet" instead of cabinet. He doesn't like to be corrected very often. Trust me, we've tried.

Abby and Cailee both take dance lessons. Abby came home one day and said, "I love dance practice, except for stretching...it hurts."

This year we took all the kids to get flu shots. Thought we might as well get it over with all at the same time. Cailee has a REALLY hard time getting shots and started in before we ever got the the doctors office. Madie got her shot first before she had a chance to witness Cailee or someone else cry. She wasn't a fan. The nurse asked who would like to go next and the girls darted for the door. Brandon was brave and volunteered. He didn't cry out at all. We were so proud of him. When we were leaving the girls were whining about how their legs hurt and Brandon said, "I was brave...I didn't even cry."

Christmas night Madie slept in her big girl bed for the first time...officially. We tried once before but the books were in her room and we found her in the middle of the night sitting by the book case and looking at books. After the second night, we put her crib back up and kept her in it for a while. She now does pretty well. We've moved the books out. She doesn't like to stay in bed when we first put her in there and we've started locking the door when we first put her to bed. We unlock it of course when she's asleep. So now when she wakes up from nap time and in the morning, she stands at the door (which is unlocked) and yells for me. Cracks me up.

Madie frequently tells on her siblings. She will come and tell us, push or hit. She will put her hand up on her chest while she says it in her most serious voice. It's adorable. I just hope when it's not cute anymore that they've all learned to get along. Hey, a mom can wish, right?!?

The kids all love to go visit their grandparents and cousins. Sometimes when we are driving in to Grand Junction they will ask if we can just got to grandma's house instead. As much as I would love to, it's just to far away.

Madie loves to talk on the phone. When I'm talking on the phone she'll walk up to me and put her hand up to hear ear and say, "hewoo" until I give her a chance to talk.

As the girls have lost their teeth, it's been fun to see their different personalities. Cailee likes to save up her money for something she really has been wanting. Abby on the other hand just can't wait to spend it. We've had to explain to her that she has to save it up in order to get something she really wants.

Cailee is really brave when it comes to getting her blood drawn but can NOT stand getting shots.

Madie LOVES shoes. She's definitely my girl!! She knows the difference between shoes, boots and flip flops.

Cailee loves to read Junie B. Jones books. She's also enjoyed reading the BFG. They started reading it in class and she came home and read it on her own too.

Abby talks in her sleep. It's really funny to listen to. I think she also sleep walks sometimes. Sometimes she will get up to go to the bathroom before Blake and I go to bed and frequently we find her wandering into Brandon's room thinking it's the bathroom. Or a number of different places. We generally have to help her find her way and she seems really confused most of the time. I always wonder how she makes it to the bathroom in the night when we are in bed.

The kids all like to walk out to the mailbox with us. They like to take the mail out and see if we have "the key" to the package section of the mailbox. I love how simple things excite them.

Madie still loves to snuggle with Blake and I. I still let her snuggle at night because I'm not ready to give it up.

Abby likes to give lots of hugs throughout the day.

Abby is goofy a lot and giggles when she thinks somethings funny.

Brandon loves to talk and talk and talk. We frequently have to tell him to stop talking long enough to get his homework done or finish eating.

Abby's feet have officially outgrown Cailee's. One day I think Cailee was feeling a little bad about it and made the comment, well, at least I don't have huge feet.

Cailee, Brandon and Madie would live outside if we'd let them. Abby has been a bit more of a inside girl this year. Not sure what brought on the change, but she would rather be inside coloring, drawing or doing something else.

Cailee is really reserved in school. She doesn't like to volunteer information she knows. She doesn't like to read out loud. They had a heritage day at school and they each got to tell their stories along with tell about the food they brought to share. When her teacher asked her if she wanted to go next she shook her head no and sunk back into her seat. When it was finally her turn she was really nervous. She talked quietly but gave her presentation. I was really proud of her.

Abby loves school. Her teacher says she's really well-behaved and she's great to have in class. She works hard and is learning so much!

The girls did crazy hair day this year at school. They were both really nervous that no one else was going to have crazy hair. They were both relieved to see other kids and it was amazing how it changed their confidence level about having crazy hair.

Cailee and Madie are best friends. Madie will allow Cailee to do things for her and carry her around and typically gets mad if the other kids try. Cailee can make her laugh more than anyone else.

Abby's favorite "thing" this year is Tinkerbell. She loves everything Tinkerbell.

Abby used to call bangs, veins. She was saying that she wants me to cut her hair so she will have veins. We got a good laugh out of that one.

Madie loves bubbles. When I'm washing up pans that I don't put in the dishwasher she likes to come and have me hand her some bubbles. We've had to move the shampoo bottle up out of reach because she likes to dump some of it out (more like all of it until she gets caught) to make bubbles.

Madie gets caught a lot eating tooth paste. I don't know why but she loves it. Nasty.

Abby is not afraid of the water. In fact, she's not afraid of very much. She's very brave at trying new things.

Abby and Cailee have been known to use the word, "fashion or fashionista" when describing clothes.

Madie is so funny with her eyes. She is full of expression and loves to make faces. She will tilt her head down a little and only move her eyes. It's really funny.

Madie loves books. She can be found looking at books and relaxing on someones bed.

When I curl Madie's hair, she will tell me "hot...blow" so I will blow on her hair after it's curled.

The kids have told a lot of knock knock jokes this year.

When Blake and I ask Madie if she's poopy she doesn't always fess up to it. Sometimes she likes to blame it on her siblings. The other day she had a Jasmine doll in her hand and we asked her and she help up Jasmine and said poopy. She's a crack up.

Brandon likes to wear his hair "spikey". It definitely fits his personality...loud and proud.

The kids continue to enjoy Friday fun-night.

Each day if filled with new adventures with you crazy kids. Some good and some bad. I wouldn't trade you for the world...most day! I love you all with all my heart. Don't ever forget that! Thank you for filling my days with adventure and laughter...sometimes tears. You teach me every day and I am so grateful Heavenly Father trusts me enough to be your Mom.

Just chillin'

2010-11-21T22:02:00.001-07:00

Before the girls bed was delivered after the remodel, we had Abby's mattress on the floor. Madie was found this way...just chillin'. Most of the time she'd have a few books she was looking at. What a funny girl.

July 2010

Back in Basin...post family reunion

2010-11-20T21:55:00.000-07:00

After the reunion at the cabin we stayed a few days in Basin. The kids as always LOVE to play in their bouncer. It's definately something they look forward to. Abby for some reason isn't in any of the pictures, but she did play in it for a while.

From the look of red faces...it must have been a pretty hot day out.

Leaving the beautiful sunlight mountains

2010-11-20T21:51:00.000-07:00

Crossley Family Reunion-Day 4

2010-11-20T18:23:00.000-07:00

Saturday we packed our things, cleaned the cabin and took family pictures before we left. We had a really great time getting to see family. They all live close to each other and we are so far away that it's nice when we get to be with them. Thanks everyone for a great time!

Crossley Family Reunion Day 3-Lily Lake

2010-11-20T18:04:00.002-07:00

Lily Lake is one of my favorite childhood memories. I wanted to share this place with family and I think we all had a great time. The kids and James even braved the water. Crawdad fishing is a tradition when we go to Lily Lake and was just as fun this time! The mountains are full of so much beauty and wonders to discover.

Grandma Crossley holding a lily...beauty within beauty.

When we got back from Lily Lake the kids took a bath. Madie thought it would be fun to hide under the sink in the bathroom!

During Madie's rest time we made pillows with the kids...they got to pick out the material and Rebekah and my Mother-in-law sewed them together. Stacey helped the kids stuff them once they were sewn. The kids also got to paint some fun bobble head figurines. That night we watched a movie. After a full day we were all tired. We enjoyed a variety of popcorn and relaxed.

Crossley Family Reunion-Day 2

2010-11-12T19:04:00.008-07:00

Day 2-After everyone arrived and settled in...
The second day consisted of settling in, going on a hike to the waterfall, fun with the pinata, super hero look a like, a jewlery party and playing games!

Abby checking out all the jewelry she got!

Pinata Fun!

Calling all Super HEROS!

Crossley Family Reunion-Day 1

2010-11-12T19:00:00.001-07:00

Day 1-Balloon Fun

My Mom, Derrick and I went up to the cabin the night before to get everything set up and make sure things were clean and ready. We worked hard and got everything done and watched Percy Jackson and the Lightning Theif...very good movie. I highly recommend it! I big thanks to my Mom for getting everything set up and ready! I couldn't have done it without you.

Blake brought the kids up late that night and we all got settled in and went to bed. The next morning the kids had a great time blowing up balloons to put out so people could find the cabin easier!

Later that night Grandma, Grandpa and Grandma Crossley arrived. We celebrated Cailee's birthday...pictures and info can be found in earlier post.

Month of celebration

2010-11-12T09:20:00.004-07:00

Cailee turned 7 in July!! I can't believe I have a 7 year old. She had several fun parties to celebrate! What a lucky girl!! Her first party was a friend party and she had a "SPLASH"! They all had a lot of fun playing in the pool and on the slip and slide. She got lots of fun zhu-zhu pets and accessories and many other fun gifts! She decided to have fudge this year for her cake (she doesn't really like cake)! I will have to get a little more creative her next birthday. Life was a bit crazy with the house addition, so I was happy that she wanted fudge.

Cailee's likes:
LOVES High School Musical
pizza
playing with her lil sis Madie
playing in the pool
kicking around a soccer ball (she saved up her money and bought her own ball!)
dancing
Junie B. Jones books
zhu-zhu pets

Party #2

Party with Family!!

We were in Wyoming again for a family reunion and stayed at my parents before we headed to the cabin. We celebrated with lots of family and had a fantastic time. We had dirt cake to celebrate and she got to open fun presents from everyone! Such a lucky girl to have such awesome family to celebrate with!

Party #3

Party with more Family!!

We made it up to the cabin to get things settled the night before the rest of the family came up, so the next night when Mom and Dad Crossley and Grandma Crossley made it we celebrated. It was an interesting celebration due to the fact that the power went out. A logger dropped a log on the power line and took out the power for hours. I was concerned it wasn't going to be on for days, but by that night at about 10:30 or 11 it was back on.

It sure didn't stop the celebrating though. She opened up her gifts from Grandma and Grandpa and we had ice cream cones with SOFT ice cream!

She should have felt so loved by then end of party #3 with getting to celebrate with friends and FAMILY!!

We love you so much Cailee and so glad we got to celebrate your birth!

A wierd discovery

2010-11-11T16:23:00.002-07:00

One day a little ladybug friend found it's way into our house, but it wasn't the normal color that we all know ladybugs to be. It was WHITE...we are figuring it was an albino ladybug. We don't know if such a thing is supposed to exist but it does.

Makin' a Splash

2010-11-11T16:15:00.003-07:00

It was a hot day and a fun time outside with water and good friends was just the anti-dote we all needed! Thanks Kelly and Nicole for a great time! The kids had a blast and I of course enjoyed visiting!

Eclipse

2010-11-11T15:30:00.002-07:00

Those of you who know me, know I LOVE the Twilight Series!! So a group of us fun girls got together and went to the midnight viewing! We not only went to the midnight viewing, we also partied it up before hand with some delicious home-made pizza, salads and dessert! Thanks to wonderful friends who are willing to stay up late, we had a great time!

I forgot to take pictures at dinner, but here we are outside the theatre waiting in line to go in!

One of our friends got us these fun crowns from Burger King...LOL! Sadly her little guy got sick that night and she ended up not being able to come to the movie:(

Nicole, Me, Katie and Michelle

The movie was great and definately my favorite out of the three so far. I can't believe they are making us wait so long for the last "two" movies to come out. It will be fun to go to the midnight viewing of those also!

A visit to Grandma and Grandpas!! Overview

2010-11-11T15:10:00.004-07:00

We had such a great 2 weeks visiting Grandma and Grandpa's this past June. Part of the reason for the visit was that we were in the middle of adding on to our house and going to be laying carpet in the old part of the house. Blake was a trooper and stayed home to get EVERYTHING and I mean EVERYTHING moved out and preped for them to be able to do it.

The kids and I definately had a fun time. We played hard with cousins, watched a little of Uncle Justin's baseball, swam, visited great grandparents, went to the Jones farm with family, played some more, worked on Relief Society Activity Stuff (that was a fun night getting to visit and put together some fun things), ate great food and so much more. In fact we played so hard that this is what Madie was like many of days at lunch time...

We got to enjoy yummy chocolate chip cookies!! They are always so much better when my mom makes them!

We feel so lucky to have the family we have. There wasn't a dull moment! The kids loved to tease Grandpa when he came home from work and have him tease them back!! It's often heard that Grandpa is a stinker-bug...it really stuck after Kenna starting calling him that! I of course loved having the chance to spend so much time with my Mom and sisters! I sure do miss those times. I really enjoyed the times I got to spend visiting with my Grandparents. Growing up I was so spoiled to have both sets of grandparents right there all the time. Now that we are further away I don't have that as much, so it's always a joy to get to visit. It was fun playing games (as always) and watching my little brother play baseball! We always have such a good time together! And of course we can't leave out Sophie and Toby...they are a source of entertainment for the kids on many of occassions. Sophie is such a funny cat and Toby is Madie's best friend!
I can't ask for a better family!

A visit to Grandma and Grandpas!! Part 7

2010-11-11T14:52:00.004-07:00

~A promise is a promise~

Earlier on in our stay we had promised the kids to take them swimming in the new pool that the town has now. The day we went was FREEZING outside, but so much fun inside.

They have a lazy river section which was really funny at first. My grandma Ruth braved the water with me and when we first got in my kids were all being such chickens. It was a huge shock since Abby's normally my brave girl. It didn't take her long though to warm up to the idea. They had life jackets available to borrow and we put one on all the kids and had a great time!

Grandma Ruth helping Abby on the Lily pads...she and Derrick had a lot of fun on these! Derrick was really good at getting from pad to pad and Abby got better each time!

Another perk of the pool was the slide in the shallow part of the pool...they ALL loved this one.

Madie loved to play in the water fountain area. She tried to drink the water a time or two. I guess it does look similar to a drinking fountain!!

Madie, Derr and I on the lazy river!

Derrick floating down the river!

Grandma Ruth, me, Madie, Cailee and Brooklyn (my cousins daughter) in the shallow end. I think we are watching someone on the lily pad thing, but not sure.

We had such a great time! Thanks Grandma for the fun pool time!! Thanks Mom for taking pictures so I didn't have to worry about it!! Funny story to note:

We weren't exactly ready ready to leave, but had a quick exit when Abby swallowed too much water and it came back up...OOPS. I was so embarrassed. Thankfully my Mom was brave enough to tell someone that she had thrown up in the pool. I have no idea what they did about it...we got everyone dried off as best as we could and headed back to Grandma's house!

A visit to Grandma and Grandpas!! Part 6

2010-11-11T14:42:00.003-07:00

Rickity Rack...the cousins are back!!

One major perk for going to stay at Grandma and Grandpa's house it that my sister lives in the same town!! Cousins are always a plus and they got to play almost every day we were there! I grabbed my camera one day, but wish I would have taken more pictures.

Brandon LOVES to have boys to play with and Aaron, Aidan and Derrick are always good to include him when he wants to play.

The girls were so silly when I was taking pictures!

I'm not sure where Abby was when we were taking these...possibly with the boys.

**All photographs taken on another one of the faves...the swing!!**

A visit to Grandma and Grandpas!! Part 5

2010-11-11T14:31:00.003-07:00

Scruba-Dub-Dub...
Fun in Grandma's Tub!!
One part of going to Grandma and Grandpa's house is the spa tub...otherwise

known as the bubble tub! Madie LOVES bubbles and they all wanted to get in the tub so

they had a great time one day in the Bubble Tub!

A visit to Grandma and Grandpas!! Part 4

2010-11-06T09:01:00.007-06:00

What do a domesticated racoon, two mini donkeys, crazy slide, trampoline jumping, swinging barrel, hay ride, and a mini roller coaster ride have in common?

ONE HAPPY FAMILY

Abbys my little dare devil. She was so excited to try the home made roller coaster!

I just had to post this because I have the coolest Mom in the world!!

I rode this too, but didn't have anyone take video:(

A visit to Grandma and Grandpas!! Part 3

2010-11-06T08:43:00.005-06:00

We love Trampolines...

but we LOVE

Aunt Darcee, Uncle Justin and Uncle Derrick MORE!

A visit to Grandma and Grandpas!! Part 2

2010-11-06T08:32:00.002-06:00

Mommy, when I grow up I want to be...

A kitty

Madie LOVES animals and where Sophie the cat plays is no exception to her love. She played more in Sophie's toy than Sophie did. I mainly see Sophie sleeping in it. Probably trying to escape the kids chasing her around trying to play with her or pick her up. Oh and a funny story...Sophie is one funny cat. She thinks she's a person and it's hilarious. My parents have a spa tub in their bathroom and the way you turn the water on is pretty easy to turn. Sophie has designated this place as her "drinking fountain". Well after coming into the bathroom to the water being left on they had to rubber band the hot and cold together so it would be too tough for Sophie to turn on. One day we found Madie in their turning the water on for Sophie. I guess the rubber bands didn't make it Madie proof!

Madie's the cutest kitty I've ever seen!

A visit to Grandma and Grandpas!! Part 1

2010-11-06T08:10:00.004-06:00

Puppy Love

Madie absolutely LOVES Grandma's "puppy" (he's not a puppy anymore but that's what she calls him) Toby. She spent many hours in Toby's room playing, feeding, feeding and trying to give him LOTS of treats. She got many puppy kisses and tried to give him a few herself...YUCK!

Trying to sneak more food for Toby. We had to take his food out of the room a lot due to this sneaky one trying to over feed him.
Please let me in...I want to play with my friend.

I don't know why but she would stick out her belly and laugh at Toby.

Trying to get Toby to "kiss" her hand.

She just can't get enough of those "kisses".

So far behind I don't even know...

2010-11-06T08:09:00.001-06:00

where to begin and what to blog about. I'm going to try over the next bit to catch up though. So here we go.

Hope

2010-10-12T19:12:00.003-06:00

Hope. Hope comes in many different forms. Sometimes not in the form we think hope comes. This time hope came in the form of an elderly man, who has lived a full long life and at first glance looks to be in excellent health...especially for his age. I sat in the second row on the left side of the chapel not knowing this man. He was introduced by our Stake President as being a former Stake President in our area. This man, who now I see as a man of strength, began to speak. He spoke of a time not too long ago when he was told by his doctor that his kidneys, after all this time of having Nephritis, were failing him. He was told he would need a transplant and the likelihood of getting a kidney anytime soon was NOT likely. He would most likely have to go on dialysis for the duration of time it would take to get a kidney. He was told of an alternative list that the donor kidney doesn't have a long life span, for lack of a better way to put it. They wouldn't expect the kidney to function longer than a 30 year span, which being an older man who has lived a great life and probably wouldn't live longer than that, chose to be on this list.

He served in the temple and he and his beautiful wife were preparing one morning to head to the temple when the phone rang. It was his doctor telling him that he needed to get to Salt Lake. There was a kidney available. They had notified the person ahead of him, but always have a backup person just in case. So on the chance of being a backup they headed. There were actually two kidneys and he was the recipient of one of them. His doctors were amazed that he didn't have to have dialysis prior to the transplant. Its not very common. The transplant took nicely and there stood a strong elderly man who to me was the face of HOPE.

I debated going to the adult session of that stake conference, but am forever grateful that I did. It was personal testimony to me that my Heavenly Father loves me. He sent this man to this conference of many people and out of these people spoke of something that meant something special to me. Those who know my dear Cailee of course, their thoughts joined mine in that miracles do happen. I wish I could remember this mans name because to me he was an angel sent to deliver a message of hope. I don't know what Cailee's future will hold, but for now it gave me a renewed sense of hope.

Climbing to new heights...and falling

2010-08-30T14:09:00.004-06:00

Blake and I had the opportunity this summer in May to go to St. George with our awesome friends, the Nelsons! We stayed with their family (thanks to you all for your wonderful hospitality) and one of Nicole's sisters and nephew were great and watched our kiddos so we could go canyoneering in Zion National Park. The Nelsons and two brother in laws all went with us! WE HAD A BLAST!! Fears were faced, a lot of laughing went on and we can't wait to go again. Can I just say that it was such an adrenalin rush each time we went on a rapel!! Our camera battery went dead part way through so we didn't get all the pictures we wanted with our camera. Can't wait to see what everyone else got! I absolutely fell in LOVE with this place. I have never felt closer to our Heavenly Father's creations than I did there. I have a greater appreciation for the world around me and I think I look at things differently now. What a great opportunity we had...thanks again Nelsons!! Can't wait to go again...hint hint!!!

Things I don't want to forget:
1."Freaky Frogs" So while start going down the first repel (there are 10 by the way) you come to a little bit of water and there are these frogs. Why are they freaky you may ask...THEY SOUND LIKE MOUNTAIN GOATS. When you get down the last repel and start hiking out, you can hear a bunch of them and it sound like a bunch of mountain goats. One of the bro-in-laws decided to push on the back on one and it literally sat there making the "noise" and let him continue pushing on it...they are so weird. I almost smashed one with my hand once...after a little scream I decided to name him and he jumped into a puddle...we swear he must have been playing dead. (Disclaimer...no freaky frogs were hurt in the exploration of their world)

2. "Phrases" Oh my heck...that's funny...Seriously?...Are you freakin' kidding me?

3. Saying ZION"S" National Park and it driving Tristan crazy...calling it repelling instead of rapelling and it doing the likewise to Tristan

4. My "beaner" getting stuck all the time and having to have someone else get it undone.

5. The FREEZING cold water that Nicole and I managed to finagled our way out of getting into just to have to jump in the next freezing water hole...BRRRR

6. The lovely bruises...some in obvious places for the sport...some maybe not.

7. A new "yo-mama" joke about butt suspenders.

8. Dinner afterwards...I wonder if people at In and Out wish I was back so that business would pick up...Just a little funny joke. Sometimes I speak faster than I think.

Gunna Ride on the Dinosaur Train

2010-08-05T15:57:00.005-06:00

HAPPY 4th BIRTHDAY DUDE!! I know that most moms say that they can't believe how fast their kids grow up and I am one of them. I truly can't believe how fast Brandon has grown. He loves the alphabet, trains, dinosaurs, talking, playing with his best friend Preston, talking, playing (or pestering) with his sisters, talking, drawing pictures and did I mention talking?!? Brandon has developed a love for TALKING. He talks from the time he gets up to the time he goes to bed. It's been known for Blake and I to tell him at meal time that he must finish eating before he's allowed to talk again or it would take him HOURS, and that's not an exaggeration, to finish eating. We love his passion for learning new things. He loves to spell and one of his favorite cartoons is Super WHY. He got a Super WHY costume for his birthday and we've enjoyed moments of being zapped with the Why-writer.

His other favorite cartoon is The Dinosaur Train and his friend Preston loves trains and dinosaurs too. They have birthdays only a couple weeks apart, so his mom and I decided to do a joined birthday party...themed The Dinosaur Train. We had a great time with friends at the party. They enjoyed decorating bags, jumping in a blow up jumper, opening presents, hitting a pinata and eating cake and ice cream.

I made Brandon and Preston's birthday cake and decided to take on a new adventure in the cake world. It was a fun adventure that took A LOT of time, but it was so worth it. Everything was edible except the toothpicks and the dinosaurs on top!

I figured out a way to get a real working flashlight into the front of the cake for the headlight. The boys thought that was fun!

A little girl and her pink pony

2010-08-05T15:40:00.003-06:00

Madie LOVES her pink pony. She has a hard time sharing her pink pony at times because she loves her so much. Her name I think is Pink Pony. One day Madie was riding her pony and really got to rockin'. She rocked so hard a couple times that she flipped the pony...oops! I grabbed the camera and we all had great entertainment!

I know that my Redeemer Lives

2010-08-05T15:23:00.005-06:00

I KNOW that my Redeemer Lives. I am grateful to my Savior for giving me the opportunity to live with my beautiful family forever. I know that He Lives because of my four beautiful children that He has entrusted to us and I know that there is a plan for us to be able to be together forever!

Easter Fun

2010-08-05T15:05:00.004-06:00

The Easter Bunny visited our house Saturday morning! We've come to an understanding with the Easter Bunny that he can have Saturday because Easter Sunday is for our Savior. The kids were excited to see what was in their baskets!

Madie's favorite part of course was "the candy"

Brandon and Cailee have wanted Zhu-Zhu pets since Abby's birthday

Abby loves Barbie's and loved getting the Princess Frog Barbie

We've always wanted to do an outside Easter Egg Hunt and thought it would be fun to get together with friends and have one in our backyard. All of our kids are still young enough to still really enjoy a simple fun hunt, so we took advantage of that this year.

Within each of us lyes...

2010-07-04T21:07:00.004-06:00

the desire for fairies to be real...dreams to come true...and sometimes we just get to experience a little bit of magic! Abby turned five this March and it was truly a fun and magical birthday. She had a fun and fantastic tinkerbell party with a lot of her friends! My awesome friend Nicole helped make all the pixie pizzas (she makes the best home-made pizza dough and a special thanks to her for making all the dough!!) and I had a fun time making her tinkerbell cake! She loved each present she opened and felt special! She was so excited to see everything she kept going from present to present! It was pretty funny. They all had fun eating pixie pizzas, making pixie dust bottles and playing! I am so happy to have Abby in our lives...she makes us smile with her sweet laugh and smile. She keeps us on our toes and never ceases to ask lots of amazing and out there questions. We love you miss Abby!

Family Day For Abby's Preschool

2010-07-04T17:44:00.006-06:00

For February we visited the Dinosaur Museum! The kids ask all the time to go so this was a great opportunity to go. Cailee was in school and Blake was working so Abby, Brandon, Madie and I had a great time there with friends.

The kids getting sprayed by one of the dinosaurs...their favorite by far!

Seriously this has to be one of grossest things...it's very animated and gross.

Earthquake simulation...the kids loved it!

GOLDEN ROAR AWARD

2010-07-04T17:37:00.003-06:00

In the lunchroom at school they give out Golden Roar awards for good behavior! Cailee was the recipient two times this year and I'm so proud of her. The first was February 26th and the second was closer to then end of the school year. Part of the reward is that they get to have a special lunch with pizza, salad and ice cream! Both times I was so happy to join her! Thanks for being such a good child Cailee! We are very proud of you!

She's in LOVE...

2010-02-19T10:54:00.003-07:00

with CHOCOLATE!!

Madie takes after her Mommy in the loving chocolate area. She's our pickiest eater right now but when it comes to chocolate, there is no saying "no".

Will you be...

2010-02-19T10:46:00.005-07:00

MY VALENTINE?? Last year Abby and Brandon got to go to a fun sugar cookie decorating party. They had so much fun and I decided to do it this year. I think all the kids had fun! Mindy and Michelle brought their kiddos over and had a great time.

This was Cailee's valentine's hair. They had their class parties the Friday before, so we did fun heart hair for the day!

New pictures!

2010-02-18T15:02:00.003-07:00

So we have this awesome photographer Darcy Case who took these amazing pictures of our kids and I just have to share some of them! They new header picture and the pictures down the side are some of the many pictures.

Why this girl doesn't wrestle

2010-02-16T20:27:00.004-07:00

I recently went to wrestling matches at Mesa State when my sister Darcee was in town. She has a friend from high school that wrestles on the team. While there, I came up with a million and one reasons why girls, especially this girl shouldn't and won't ever wrestle.

MY TOP TEN REASONS WHY THIS GIRL DOES NOT WRESTLE:

Reason: #1-OBVIOUS reasons of body anatomy...need I say more
Reason: #2-I WOULD LIKE TO KEEP MY HAIR FOR AS LONG AS I CAN. I do not need help losing it, thank you. Have you seen how they rub each others heads on the mat?!? and I'm not talking where the head gear thing is. I wonder if that's why Rulan Gardner is bald?
Reason: #3-ankles should NOT bend that way...seriously come on. How in the world do they walk after that.
Reason: #4-knees should NOT bend that way...refer to #3
Reason: #5-shoulders, even shoulders with muscle (which mine do not have) should NOT bend completely out of socket to "pin" someone.
Reason: #6-the first time someone tried to grab my leg, I'd be half tempted to kick them (just a natural instinct I guess)
Reason: #7-I would not look so good in the uniform...I will not elaborate.
Reason: #8-The first time I got "taken down" I would not be "gettin' back up"
Reason: #9-I would cry and that would just be embarrassing
Reason: #10-repeat reason's 1-9 a million times and add on "Cauliflower Ear" and you get a million AND one

From the mouths of the babes

2010-02-16T20:13:00.002-07:00

Brandon was sitting by me at church on Sunday and after one of the speakers was done said to me, "Mom, it's your turn to go speak, but don't cry."

Cailee for some reason has been what I think is obsessed with "death" and one day she had talked about it A LOT and I said, "Cailee, you are way to obsessed with death."
To which she replied, "That's just how I am Mom."

In further conversations about "death" she said, "...and they passed away. See Mom, I didn't say death."

We like to sing the Taylor Swift song that goes:
She wears short skirts, I wear t-shirts,
She's cheer captain and I'm on the bleachers.

Brandon's Version:
She wears short skirts, I wear bleachers...
To which a YO-MAMA joke came about...yo-mama so big she wears the bleachers to the game.

My sister was visiting over the weekend and slept in on Sunday. We were talking about it at the table and Darcee jokingly said, "Seriously who sleeps in until 11:00?!?"
Abby said, "You do." (such a smart little whip)

The Power of Three

2010-01-19T15:14:00.003-07:00

When we were home for Thanksgiving my sister in law took this picture of the three girls that are the same age. Every two years she's gotten a picture of them...in the same order! I just love it!

There's also a saying that there is Power in Numbers...here are all my parents grandkids...

NOW THAT'S POWER!

Christmas 2009 and a blast from the past!

2010-01-19T14:07:00.007-07:00

CHRISTMAS EVE BLAST FROM THE PAST!

Wow...it seems like years since we've all gotten together, well, probably because it has been. This year I decided to see who was going to be home around Christmas and have a little breakfast to see each other again. It was great to see some of my friends from High School and see where life has taken them. Each a different story, each a different path. Thanks Mom and Blake for helping out with everything and thanks Mom and Dad for letting me use your house!

Me, Kayla, Alison, Kayla's little sis, Tarrin and Karla

CHRISTMAS DAY!!

WARNING...LOTS OF PICTURES AND I LOVE IT!

We spent Christmas Day this year at my parents house. We had so much fun that when we got back home I realized that I hadn't taken any other pictures except Christmas morning and new years eve at my in-laws. We had a wonderful Christmas Eve surrounded by family, food, singing and lots of kids playing! The best part was having almost all of our family there (we missed my brother and sis-in-law and their kiddos). I have been so fortunate to have grown up with both sets of grandparents living close so we got to have them there too!

Christmas morning was wonderful! We actually ended up waking up the kids and Brandon was not to thrilled about that. Blake got him up and asked him if he wanted to go see what Santa brought him, to which he replied, "No, I don't like Santa. I want to go back to sleep." Thankfully he eventually decided to join in the fun! Madie however decided that sleeping in Mommy's arms was a much better idea. She spent most of the time the kids were opening presents in Grandma Ruth's arms once I passed her off. She wasn't sure what to think of everything once she woke up. Opening presents was fun though for all the kids!

Brandon LOVES cars and trains...here he got a Mack lego set from Santa, which he LOVES!

The girls got Mermaid dolls with sea horses from Santa and they LOVED them...they played with them pretty much the rest of the day!

We got the kids a Wii this year! We have really enjoyed having it and it's been fun to see the kids active since we are stuck inside with ALL THE SNOW.

Here's our sweet Madie sitting in her chair from Grandma and Grandpa Lynn. She LOVES sitting on any chair she can find and thought she was pretty big stuff having her own chair! She also loves to wear things around her neck and when she started doing it with cords, ect. at home we decided it was time to get her some necklaces!

Such a pretty princess!

NEW YEARS EVE!

We spent New Years Eve with Blake's parents. (we split the two weeks of vacation in half and spend half with my side and half with Blakes!) The kids got to open their Christmas presents from Grandma and Grandpa that morning. They were definitely excited to have a 2nd Christmas!

Abby opening her pillowcase!

Cailee with her crown necklace!

Brandon got two track sets that are really neat! Did I mention he LOVES cars and trains!?!

The three older kids were watching/helping Grandpa open a gift!

Madie looks a little surprised to have her picture taken! She got a snoopy blow up chair and the kids all had their turn sitting on it!

We are so blessed to have such wonderful families and are so grateful for our Savior who has provided a way for us to be an Eternal Family. We are so blessed to be able to celebrate His birth and the example He was during his time on the earth. I am so grateful to be able to spend this season and time with my family...they are truly my best friends!

I just had to add video of Madie and her pink horse...she's so cute! By the time we ate breakfast she was rockin' it all on her own!

A night full of Cailee and Christmas fun

2010-01-13T15:07:00.003-07:00

It seems as Cailee gets older, we get busier and busier. She started taking Ballet lessons from Amy and had her first recital the same night as her school Christmas program. It was a packed night, but so fun to see her breaking out of her shell and performing! It was so fun to watch her up on stage. We only wish Daddy could have been there to see it all. Due to a snow day with school, he had to be at the school giving a final. I got as much as I could on video while trying to hold Madie. It's a bit crazy since she's one...need I say more!

We barely made it to her school program in time. We were literally running on ice. I am so glad we made it though. It was another wonderful program!

Today I'm grateful...

2010-01-06T15:20:00.003-07:00

For the gospel...for my Savior...for eternal families.

From the mouths of the babes

2009-12-15T18:59:00.003-07:00

The kids and Blake (and sort of me) were playing swords and Cailee and Blake had them. Cailee had "killed off" everyone except Blake and when he got her she didn't die.
Blake said, "Cailee, you're dead."
Cailee said, "No I'm not, Jesus saved me."
I'm so glad she understands the power of our Savior...just never thought it would come out this way!

Cailee and Brandon had Abby by her arms and she was trying to get loose, but couldn't. So she says, "I've got a good one. Watch this...let go of my arms so I can show you." So they proceed to let go to see what she's "going to do" and she runs away and hides behind the table. That sure was a good one!

Brandon was sitting on the toilet the other day and sang such a lovely song:
"Poop and Pee, Poop and Pee, Here I am, Here I am. How are you today sir, Very well I thank you, Here I am, Here I am."
I've never heard this rendition before...what a boy.

Snow Day!!

2009-12-08T22:20:00.002-07:00

Today had to be one of the best snow days EVER!!
We had such a great time today outside with our kids.
It snowed so much last night that even Mesa State was cancelled so Blake got to enjoy the day with us. We got everyone bundled up and headed outside...even Madie. She was so excited to be part of the fun! The kids had a blast getting pulled on the sled and running in the snow. Blake built a little hill for them to sled down and it was perfect...they enjoyed every minute of it. I have to admit it was a ton of fun!! I think I enjoyed the hill just as much as the kids. I took Madie down the little hill a few times on the sled and she just smiled and laughed. It was so much fun! Cailee, Abby and Brandon just couldn't wait till it was their turn. I'm so glad we got a snow day to keep the girls home and have a fun time as a family!

FUN TIMES IN THE SNOW!!

When we were all done outside we came in and had some lunch and watched The Polar Express. I think the kids played so hard outside that it really wore them out. They all sat this way pretty much through most of the movie.

Here is a clip of Madie laughing at Cailee playing with her in the snow!

Cute as a Cupcake...you betcha!

2009-12-03T20:54:00.004-07:00

Our little Madie turned one November 17th. My where has the time gone. She is so full of life and I sure love having her in mine! Madie loves to smile and make faces. She is so cute when she folds her arms for the prayer and smiles because we are so proud of her. She is determined NOT to walk and that's alright with me. I'm definately not ready for her to grow up any time soon. She loves to play with everything her brother and sisters play with (which they don't always like) and definately loves for them to play with her and make her laugh. She is definately a Mommy's girl and I LOVE that she still cuddles with me. She does not have any teeth yet but is really interested in the foods we are eating and gums everything to death. She finally said "Mama" for the first time a month or so ago. She thought it was the funniest thing to have us try to get her to say it. She either laughed at us or gave us a big smile...it was worth the wait to get to see and hear all her sweet joy!! Her favorite stuffed animal right now is a giraffe we call "Rafie". It's a baby giraffe with BIG sweet eyes and we often find her playing with her after she wakes up in the morning or after her naps.
Madie weighs 18 lbs and some odd ounces, so she's still not quiet big enough to sit forward facing. She doesn't seem to mind though since she has the girls to entertain her from the back seats. She has finally stopped spitting up so much which is HUGE. She does a little sometimes, but NOTHING like she used to. Madie's hair has really grown over the past few months it seems. She has this one area on top that has a cute curl to it and I just love it. The back seems to have a little curl to it too, but the rest is straight.
For Madie's birthday we celebrated with the Voorhies family!! The kids were so cute with Madie and I think Madie felt very special thanks to Cailee, Abby, Brandon and the Voorhies kiddos! They even dressed her up at one point in the night! She was pretty hesitant with her cake and only ended up eating a tiny bit, but LOVED using the frosting as body paint! By the time she was done it was all over her forehead and tummy...I just love it. We did a cupcake theme...it just seemed so fitting. When I was pregnant two of my great friends threw a cupcake theme baby shower and I just fell in love with the idea of cupcakes and now Madie's thing is that she's cute as a cupcake!! So her cake was a flower made out of cupcakes and I made a giant cupcake for every one else. It was a lot of fun!!

We all LOVE you so much Madie!! Happy 1st Birthday!

More of Madie's fun faces!

2009-11-09T15:10:00.003-07:00

Madie is so funny. She has a lot of faces she LOVES to make and this is one of them!

This is her "surprised" look, but she uses it for more than being surprised!

The toothfairy and the dentist

2009-11-09T15:00:00.002-07:00

I tell you a tale of a little girl named Cailee. She longed to have a loose tooth due to the fact that a lot of her friends were losing teeth. One day she came to me and said she could wiggle one of her bottom teeth. I didn't see it move much, but a little. I told her it would take a little time for it to be loose enough to fall out. So time went on and one day, this sweet little girl had a toy fall on her and hit her in the mouth. While her daddy was investigating the fall, he discovered something white in her mouth behind her two bottom teeth. Low and behold....a tooth. Her tooth had grown in behind instead of pushing her baby tooth out. So as the story goes, a phone call and a visit to her dentist brought two baby teeth home for the toothfairy. She was brave and the toothfairy rewarded her! She was so happy to have money "of her own"! She was so proud to spend her money when she found "just the right thing".

Pick a pumpkin...

2009-11-09T14:47:00.003-07:00

Abby's preschool has a family outing once a month and this month we went to Studt's Pumpkin Patch to pick a pumpkin! I think the kids had fun. It was REALLY windy and that made the dust really fly, but other than that I think they had fun trying to find that perfect pumpkin and trying to pick them up!

What do you get when you mix...

2009-11-08T16:29:00.004-07:00

A Princess, A butterfly, A ninja and A fairy butterfly?? Really cute kids on Holloween night! We had a fun night of trunk trick or treating at the church. I love being able to go there and when we are done there come home and be done for the night. The kids had fun going trunk to trunk getting candy and by the time we had gone through everyone were freezing. Worked out perfectly!!

Brandon trying to be a "tough" ninja! There was a mask, but he wouldn't wear it for anything.

For the past year (yes I said year) Cailee has been talking about being Jasmine for Halloween and do you think we could find a costume for anything? Thankfully a friend of mine was Jasmine in a play when she was younger and had her mom send the costume! Thanks Nicole, you saved the day!

Abby didn't feel so good most of the day, but managed to drum up the desire to go trick or treating. She was a very beautiful fairy butterfly!
And then came our little butterfly! Madie came for part of the trunk or treating and then attempted to make an escape out of the stroller and attempted a nose dive onto the concrete. Thankfully one of the straps held her in from face planting. She spent the rest of the time with Daddy passing out candy!

Phantom of the Opera

2009-11-06T14:41:00.005-07:00

Blake and I went to a Halloween party the night before Halloween and had a great time! Darcy and Darrin had a lot of fun activities for us to do but I have to say that thinking up the costumes and finding everything was a lot of fun. I came up with the idea to be the Phantom of the Opera and Christine this year. In all eight years we have been married, I've never dressed up for Halloween, so this was fun! The dress was most definately the hardest to find and thanks to my awesome friend Kristen, I was able to finish off the costume! Blake made an awesome phantom if I say so myself...and I do!! This year I decided to take on the task of making a cape and was pleasantly surprised that it actually turned out kind of nice! I haven't sewn in a REALLY long time and didn't really even know how to thread my sewing machine so this was a great accomplishment!

There were a lot of fun costumes at the party and we had a great time. Here is us!

"Abby got into Preschool"

2009-10-18T20:58:00.000-06:00

was a phrase heard very loudly the day I got a letter in the mail telling us she got into Preschool at RimRock where Cailee goes to school. My sister was here visiting and had fallen asleep on the couch. She was wondering what was going on...it was pretty funny! We were very excited to say the least. Abby loved joyschool so I knew she'd be so excited. Her teacher, Miss Tina, seems very nice and I think Abby will love her. The first day of school was a completely different experience than Cailee's. Abby is so much more outgoing and not as shy. I had a harder time leaving her than she did having me leave. We got her all signed in and went outside to play. I took some pictures, gave her a hug and said goodbye. I thought she'd ask for me to stay, but I barely got a goodbye from her. I think I said goodbye a few more times before I actually left. Wow is she growing up fast. Brandon had a really hard time leaving Abby there at school. When I told him it was time to leave he said, "We can't leave Abby here. She has to come home with me." He cried all the way out to the car. He did not want to leave her there. It was sweet.

The sun was so bright and shining right in her eyes. She couldn't look up.

Signing in her shape and name!

She loves to slide...

but her favorite thing to do is play in the sand!

1st day of 1st grade

2009-10-17T20:21:00.003-06:00

I can't believe that Cailee is old enough to be in first grade. I don't think I was as ready for this day to come as I thought. It was a little bit hard to leave her that first day knowing that I wouldn't get her back till four that afternoon. How crazy is that. It seems like such a long day. She was really excited that morning...and a little nervous. She wanted to have a fun hair do for her first day of school. She was excited when we were done. I took a picture so she could see the back. She picked out her "outfit" the night before so she was all ready for her first day. When I picked her up after school she said she had a great day. She has a wonderful teacher who is new this year and since I've gotten the opportunity to get to know her a little more am very glad that Cailee has her for a teacher!
Pictures of the first day of school!

I'm a little tea pot!

2009-10-17T20:15:00.001-06:00

Madie's favorite song is I'm a little tea pot. Anytime she's upset or crying we can start singing this song and instantly she stops and smiles! She loves for us to make her the tea pot and we couldn't resist getting it on video. She the cutest little tea pot I've ever seen!

Darcee's visit to Colorado!!

2009-10-17T20:01:00.006-06:00

WE LOVE AUNT DARCEE!
My sister came to visit us before she heads off to college! The kids LOVED having Aunt Darcee here to play with and I LOVED having her here to visit with, shop with and have a great time. Although she spent a few days sick, we had a really great time! Some of the main highlights of her stay were going to the pool one day and Highline Lake another!! I don't think any of us will ever forget highline though. Crazy story:
Darcee and I had taken Cailee and Abby out a little further on two floaty tubes. I had Cailee and Darcee had Abby. Darcee asked Abby if she wanted out and before she knew it Abby flipped her arms up and was out of the tube. Of course she couldn't swim and went under. Darcee flipped the tube off of where she was and grabbed her. Panicking, Abby kept pushing Darcee back under, which is when I turned around to see. Once it clicked that she was in trouble, I grabbed Abby until Darcee could grab the tube and put Abby in it. SCARED ME HALF TO DEATH and DARCEE TOO. Thank goodness Cailee is scared enough as it is that she wouldn't go out of the tube so she stayed put during the whole thing.
After we got back to dry ground Abby said, "I couldn't talk or scream under the water. It was scary." To say the least. We were just happy she went back in the water after that. All in all though the trip was great. The kids had fun playing in the sand and water and we had a great time doing the same!
Here are a few pics from her stay:

I feel like a domestic diva!

2009-09-25T21:10:00.001-06:00

This year I decided to can peaches, pears and tomatoes. My kids went through the pears that we canned last year like crazy. I always kept that "last jar" on the shelf because I couldn't part with it. Silly I know. Anyways, so this year I decided to can more!! Thanks to my wonderful husband we really made out great with peaches and pears! Unfortunately the peaches I got weren't the best and when I opened the boxes had to toss some of them:( But with the other peaches that I couldn't can because they were a little too soft, I made freezer jam! YUM YUM. So we have enjoyed having that. It was a lot of fun canning with my husband. It was great to visit and he was so awesome to stay up with me into the late hours of the night so that I wouldn't be even later going to bed. I sure am lucky to have such an awesome husband! The tomatoes this year came from some fun picking out at a place that gives them to you for a lot cheaper if you pick them yourself. So, a couple of friends and I went and picked tomatoes one day and canned the next at my house! We had a great time even if we did smell up the whole house. The kids played and we canned. It was a lot of fun. Here are some pictures of the kiddos enjoying fresh fruit before I canned and also Madie getting into the tomatoes...she had fun! I took pictures of the stuff I canned, but I don't have any of the peaches. I thought I had gotten some, but I must not have...oops.

Sleepy time or meal time...or both

2009-09-14T21:47:00.002-06:00

When my sister was here visiting we had gotten back from church and starting eating lunch. Madie aparently was ready for the nap part a little sooner than later. The older kids thought it was the funniest thing and I have to admit I couldn't resist getting out the video camera! I promise we took her out and put her down for a nap right after the camera went off. You have to admit though, it's pretty darn cute!!

Updates...

2009-09-14T21:39:00.002-06:00

I'm trying to update my blog and get caught up as best as I can, but I want the posts to be dated close to when they occured and since I'm behind, there will be some posts that won't pop up as recent. I've currently updated Cailee's birthday party (dated July 16th) and Independance Day (dated July 4th). This is a great way to journal and I'd like to keep them in order of when they happened!

The "Island" Makeover

2009-09-14T21:32:00.002-06:00

This summer...

In our backyard we have what we call an "Island" where we have huge shade trees in the center of our yard. The wood that surrounds it was rotting really bad an exposing large nails and we felt like it was time for a makeover. So Blake mostly and I redid the wood and I think it turned out great! I'm sure our neighbors were glad when the project was over (as were we) so they wouldn't have to hear the hammering anymore. The nails we used were more like stakes, infact, they may be called stakes, I don't really know. I think it just turned out beautiful!! We are so happy with it. We also added fun solar lights and a fun lamp post light to the center and have enjoyed a few nights sitting on the patio with the lights on. It sure has added a new fun dimension to the backyard!

From the mouths of the babes...

2009-08-09T20:07:00.000-06:00

We barbecued hamburgers the other night for dinner...
Abby: "Mom, you are making me sick."
Me: "Why am I making you sick?"
Abby: "Because you stink."
Apparently she's not a fan of the smell of the BBQ.

Abby: "Mom, I want some sizzling sauce." (aka seasoning salt)

When my mom was here visiting... Abby was sitting on her lap rhyming:
Abby: "Itchy, witchy, b*****" oops (you get the point)

Brandon was playing peek-a-boo with Madie...
Brandon: "Geek-a-boo Madie...Geek-a-boo"

Blake to Cailee: "What kind of eggs do you want?"
Cailee: "Cooked."

Blake was trying to make Abby smile and was spinning a cup on the counter.
Cailee: "That was a bad one Dad."
Apparently he didn't impress her at all.

High School Musical Birthday!!

2009-07-16T17:40:00.000-06:00

I just can't believe that six years ago Cailee came into our lives. She was so perfect and beautiful. We spent the first night trying to believe that she was actually here and actually ours. Six years have passed and now she's into High School Musical and preparing to go to first grade. Six years ago I thought this day was so far away and now here we are. Cailee has got such a fun personality. She loves to entertain us with her singing and dancing and she LOVES High School Musical and Hannah Montana. When I ask her what her favorite color is she usually ends up telling me all the colors in the rainbow. That's how her personality is though...very colorful. She can be full of drama and full of smiles.
This year's birthday theme of course was High School Musical. She invited friends from school and some from church. Her party was delayed by a few days, but thankfully she still had a great turnout. My Mom and Blake were wonderful and made her cake. It turned out really cute!! We had face decorating, which we had a wildcat on each of their cheeks, played musical chairs to the sound track, Cailee opened her presents, had cake and ice cream and had fun smacking a pinata!! Blake and I made microphones for them to sing in, but most were to shy. All in all it turned out to be a great party!!

72 hours and a broken smile

2009-07-15T21:11:00.000-06:00

72 Hours I'll never forget...

(Long story...bear with me...I'm journaling...not that I'll forget)
The past week and a half haven't been what I would call fun. In fact, I don't really have the words to describe how life has been. Sunday afternoon about four thirty, I started having pain in my lower back on the left side. This of course meant that a kidney stone was preparing to pass. I took some pain killers I had a home to try and get on top of the pain, which worked for a little while. I prepared myself for a really bad night, but was determined to try and pass this one at home instead of having to go to the hospital (we spend way to much time there). I spent the next thirteen hours curled up on the couch with my pillow and running to the bathroom throwing up. After thirteen hours of sheer pain, I couldn't take it anymore. I called my awesome friend Mindy L. and she came and stayed with my kids at 5:30 in the morning and then took them to her house for the day. I can't thank you enough for being such a great friend and taking care of my children. I knew they were in good hands and I honestly didn't have to worry.

Blake took Madie and I to the Fruita ER (thinking it would be better if we were closer to home for the kids). Got there and after being in the ER till honestly I can't remember what time they sent me over to a place to get a CT scan done to see where the stone was. I of course in all grace and beauty threw up right in front of the doors before we even made it into the building. The receptionist, bless her heart, came out to see if she could help. We got inside, had the scan done and headed back for the ER. Fruita at this point was one week off of opening their brand new hospital, so I had to travel to get the scan done. So I got hooked back up to all the IV fluids and waited to hear from the doctor. They tried to keep me as comfortable as possible to with Morfin, but I tell ya, it just wasn't happening.

Dr. Hughes, wonderful man, came in and told us that the stone was stuck in my ureter tube and was closer to my kidney than it was to passing. They admitted me into the hospital and tried once again to keep me "comfortable". I spent the rest of the day and night throwing up and wishing someone would knock me out. Blake called a friend in our ward and he came that night and helped give me a blessing. Then next morning it was decided that they needed to transfer me over to St. Mary's hospital where the urologist could see me and hopefully make a decision about what to do with the stone that WOULD NOT MOVE. I called Blake and found out the kids, all THREE older kids had spent the night THROWING UP with the flu. I guess they felt left and decided to join in the fun. We knew we couldn't leave them with a friend, so it was decided that I would call and have a friend take me.

Thank heaven for angels disguised as friends. My wonderful Young Women's president Kristen, that I am councilor to came and took me to the hospital. She stayed with me the WHOLE day! Yes the WHOLE day. She was surely heaven sent. It was so wonderful to have her there to help pass the time. We got there and the nurses assistant pretty much told me it would be a while before they could get me anything to help with the pain and nausea...thank goodness the nurse was already prepared and walked in with both in hand. Bless her heart for being on her toes. By that afternoon it was decided that I was going to have to have Lithotripsy done to blast the kidney stone so I could pass it. I was scheduled for 3:30 because the man who runs the machine was leaving for vacation at 5 and wasn't going to be back for a few days.

They did the surgery. When I woke up, I felt like I couldn't breath. They had to put a tube down my throat since I was completely under for the procedure. The nurse kept telling me to cough and that I was a week cougher. Honestly, I wanted her to try coughing after throwing up for 48 hours, feeling like you've been stabbed in the back for 48 hours, and had a tube down you throat. Once I was awake enough they took me back to my room. Kristen stayed with me through the surgery and was waiting for me after. Thank you so much. She headed out that night to be with her girls at a fun Fashion show that I was supposed to go to. Mindy stopped by that night for a little bit to visit. I wasn't feeling very well, so she didn't get to stay too long, but I really appreciated her stopping by. I was so tired of being pumped full of drugs at this point, so I said a prayer and was able to fall asleep on my own. I woke up about midnight feeling pretty good and actually took a shower. I looked in the mirror and I won't even describe what I saw. Not pretty, I'll just say that. They kept me over night because I developed an infection and they needed to make sure I didn't spike a fever. I slept for the rest of the night and was able to go home mid morning.

Thank you also to Andrea who brought a meal over to my family while I was in the hospital and took my kids while Blake picked me up at the hospital and got me settled back in at home. The kids had a blast with the water slide! Two hours after I got home my wonderful angel Mom showed up!! I can't thank my wonderful husband and mom enough for everything they did. I pretty much did nothing but sleep, eat and sit for the next few days. They did EVERYTHING...the laundry, cleaning, cooking, shopping...you name it, they did it. Since I can't nurse anymore, Blake got Madie adapted to a bottle and food. I am the luckiest person to have such awesome friend and family for my support system. My Mom even stayed Saturday because I wasn't ready for her to leave, not that I'm ever ready. Sunday morning she headed home. And so we come to the next part...

A Broken Smile...
Sunday morning my tongue felt really funny...like I had burned it, but I hadn't. I didn't think much of it till my eye started to feel weird. Still I wasn't too concerned. It had been a long week and I had been under a little stress. I stayed home from church with Brandon (who had a cold) and by the time Blake got home from church my face started to feel funny. I called my Mom for the second time and she told me to try and scrunch my nose. Only one side of my nose scrunched. My right side did not move. I started to cry. Could this really be happening. She told me to take some pain killers and take a nap and see how it was when I woke up. So I did and after getting the crying under control I slept. I woke up to more of the right side of my face not working. By Monday morning I pretty much lost most of the muscle control to that side. I pretty much knew at that point that I had Bells Palsy. I tried to smile, only one side. Honestly I was really scared. My Mom had it when I was a little girl. It gave me hope that hers went away, but I am still a little scared.

My great friend Dawny came that morning and watched my kiddos so that Blake could go with me to the doctor and confirmed that yes, I have Bells Palsy. The right side of my face is essentially paralyzed temporarily. He put me on a steroid and anti-viral medications. I have to put eye drops in my eye to keep it moist since it doesn't close all the way on it's on. To be perfectly honest, my eye bothers me the most. So here we are. My wonderful husband continues to keep the house running while I try to figure out how to function.

I thought about telling people that I tried botox and by the time they got done with the first side of my face, it hurt to much and so I decided not to do the other side! We are trying to keep the humor going in our house. Blake thinks it would make a great addition to a Halloween costume...he said I could go as two face and he'd go as Batman. I told him he better be prepared for Batman to lose this time! I'm not sure if I'm ready to go out into public yet...the fear of people staring is keeping me from taking that step. I thought about posting a picture, but I'm not ready for that either. Maybe some day, just not today. So for now, my smile may be broken, but I'm not giving up hope. I'll get it back.

Thank you for all those who have kept us in your prayers. Thank you to all the angels who we call our family and friends. I am truly blessed. I suppose if this has to happen to someone I will take it. I wouldn't want this to happen to someone who is not as blessed as I to have the support system that I have. Thank you to all of my angels. I love you and will always be indebted to you.

Independance Day

2009-07-04T18:26:00.002-06:00

Independance Day. It seems as the years go by that this day means more and more to me. As a child I think it was all about fireworks and family gatherings. Now it's about those same things, but much more. I have a great respect for so many families whos loved ones are away in other countries fighting so that we can be free to be with our families, free to take our children to watch the fireworks without fear of an attack. I most definately have a respect for those that are serving our country...both here and over seas. It seems like after 9/11 there has been a renewed patriatism here and what a beautiful thing our country is. We are truly blessed to live in such a great country. Our Father in Heaven has blessed us with such beauty here in America and for that I am grateful.

This year we celebrated with our good friends, the Gentry's and Dawnee's family! We had a great time with great food and a lot of "wet" fun! They set up a tarp with water and dish soap so you could slide better. The kids had a blast and I actually took my turn! Dawnee's grandparents neighbors let us swim in their pool in their backyard...we had a lot of fun! It got a bit chilly towards the end, but fun non the less. Later that evening we set off fire works at Jason's parents. The kids LOVED it! We went and watched the city fireworks from a distance, but due to TALL trees, we couldn't see them as well. We had a great day though of lots of celebrating!

Happy Father's Day...Smores Style!!

2009-06-21T22:29:00.004-06:00

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO THE BEST DADDY!! WE LOVE YOU!

We decided it would be fun to roast marshmellows and have smores for Father's Day, so we did. The kids ate about one and then were full. It was fun to just spend time outside as a family. It was fun though. I asked everyone "How do you eat your smores?" and then took their picture and this is what I got:

Madie goes for the chocolate bar wrapper...yum!

Brandon tries the dig out the marshmellow and lick your finger style...interesting!Abby does the whole close your eyes and enjoy the moment...mmmm savor the moment!

Cailee goes for the "how do I get it all in my mouth" look...very fashionable I might say!

I tried the whole...is this proper enough look...hmmm, I don't know?!

Blake went for the "I'll humor my wife look"...thanks hun!! LOVE YA!

They were some good smores...it is true! To my loving husband...I am so happy to be married to you and I love you for the wonderful husband and awesome Daddy you are. We all love you so much!

To my Dad...I want you to know how grateful I am to be your daughter. You have done so much for me and my family that I only hope to be able to do the same for my children one day. Thanks for helping out when we need your expertise on life and anything that has come our way. I don't know what we'd do without you. I love you Dad!

We had a BLAST...

2009-06-20T21:00:00.004-06:00

...in WYOMING! We started out our Wyoming trip THROW-UP FREE!! Pinch me I think I'm dreaming...we actually made an entire trip without someone throwing up in the car. Can we say MIRACLE?!? The kids are such awesome travelers...they were so happy to get to Grandma and Grandpa Crossley's though. They had a great time playing in their Garage Mahal...as it's so rightfully called! Brandon had a great time riding on the airplane rocker Blake made a few years ago. It doesn't fit in our house, but is great in their wonderfully large play room! They had a blast in their blow-up jumper. When the kids were taking a popsicle break even Madie took her turn and LOVED IT! On Sunday they had a chance to see some of their cousins that live in Montana...thanks James and Stacey for bringing the kids down...the kids said they had a blast playing! Blake's parents were so wonderful to keep the kids while I went to my lil' sisters graduation (of course Madie came with me). Thanks Grandma and Grandpa Crossley for all the fun we had at your house!!

Great-Grandma Crossley was also there visiting at the same time! We were so excited to get to see her and visit. It's always a great time hearing stories from when she was growing up and how she was when her kids were younger. It's been a very long time since we've gotten to spend time with her, so we were so fortunate to be there at the same time to get to see her. On Monday we went up to Billings for cousin Bradley's kindergarten graduation. It was great getting to see Rachel, Todd, Bradley and Jacob there! It was way too short though, but fun for the short time we had with them. Darcee came with me and we picked up my Mom at the hospital there. She spent the morning with my Aunt Donna who had surgery. We shopped a little and then headed back to Wyoming!

Grandma and Grandpa Lynn's and more family!

We had such an awesome time with all my family. Sunday night I went and got the kids and they got to play with their cousins. My brother and his wife had to leave that night, but were so awesome and waited to leave until the kids had a chance to play. Abby absolutely loves their daughter Hailey and they had such a great time. Darcee's graduation party had a ton of people, so I forgot to pull out the camera. While there, we visited with my grandparents (the kids got to pick out a stuffed animal from Great Grandma and Grandpa Lynn's-they love them...thanks-pictured below), had fun at my sisters a day (pictured below...the kids all sitting together eating lunch), played lots of days in Grandma and Grandpa's playroom that is so much fun with a slide and swing...INSIDE!! It rained pretty much the whole time we were there, so it's a good thing their house is so much fun! It's also a good thing that Great Grandma and Grandpa Goller have "popsicles on a stick" (that's how my kids put it) and Hershey's kisses! My kids I think asked daily for the "popsicles on a stick" and couldn't wait for them to get back so I could ask if they could have one! My parents got a new kitty before we came...Sophie. She has to be one of the cuttest kitties. She was so fun to watch and the kids wouldn't leave her alone (sorry Sophie...they just love you so much)! She has two speeds...fast and sleeping. She climbed up on my lap one night and I thought I'd be okay, but being allergic to cats, I suffered for it later. Thank goodness for Zyrtec and Benadryl! My younger brother loves Sophie (pictured below)! My sister and her kids came over to our parent's house most of the time and it was fun to watch Madie and Ashlee play together or by each other!! They are exactly four weeks and 30 minutes apart (pictured below)! My sisters and I went shopping on Saturday, which is always a blast. Thank you so much Mom for watching my kids so I could have a day! We had such a great time the whole time and it was very hard to leave. Thanks everyone for such a great time!

(You can click on any image and see it bigger!)

New Calling

2009-06-08T13:09:00.002-06:00

While here on vacation I got a phone call from Blake saying the Bishop was looking for me. He asked me if I had heard from him yet and at that time I hadn't. Later that afternoon I got the phone call. I'm was released on Sunday from my calling as the Secretary in Relief Society and called to be the second counselor in the Young Womens Program! I am really excited to work with the sisters that have been called as Pres. and first counselor and with the youth. I really loved Young Womens as a youth and look forward to having the opportunity to work with the girls!
I am so happy I had the chance to work with the sisters in Relief Society. I will miss working with them, but will enjoy getting to see them still as I feel like I've found new friends in them! So we'll have fun and exciting changes awaiting us when we get home! I'm hoping to get up to girls camp to see the girls at the end of the week...we'll see what happens.
The three younger kids and I are heading home Wednesday and will leave Cailee with Grandma and Grandpa for a few more weeks. She's really excited to stay and have her special time with them. I'm excited to see Blake soon...sure do miss him.
Today I'm going to get at least one of the fatty tumors taken out of my arm. We'll see how that goes. My lil' sis wants us to video tape it since she's working. I don't know about the video tape, but if my Mom wants to maybe we'll take some pictures.

Schools Out For The Summer

2009-06-05T19:29:00.011-06:00

Weeks of Graduation:

The past weeks have been filled with lots of graduations. From preschool to high school we've been to it all! We started out with Abby's preschool graduation. It was a great time. We had a BBQ with all the joy school families and it was great. They even got to graduate in their swimsuits! That's what I call FUN! Thanks all you Joy School Mom teacher's for a great year!

Abby and her Joy School friends singing "Oh Boy I've Got Joy".

All the cute graduates in their swimsuits!

Teachers and students...mommies and kids.

It was a great year Abbs...I'm glad I got to be your teacher!

Some of the BBQ clan.

Madie chillin' with her Daddy.

We next joined Cailee in her Kindergarten graduation. I can't believe she will be going to first grade next year. It doesn't seem like that long ago that she was learning to crawl and walk.

Cailee and her class singing and signing to a song they learned through out the year!

Cailee and Mrs. Bricker. She was truly what Cailee needed this year...we couldn't have asked for a better teacher. I tried to talk her into moving up to first grade, but she decided she'd stay in Kindergarten...Oh Man:)

The Happy Graduate with her diploma!

We then head to Wyoming for my little sister's high school graduation. It's been great to see family and run into some friends. I'm so proud of my little (ok...not so little anymore) sis. She's such a well rounded young lady and we are so proud of her. Great job Darcee! We love you!

Getting her diploma...the day has come...WAY TO FAST!

The graduate with our Mom and Dad!

All of us siblings posing for the camera...say cheese!

Me and my beautiful sisters after the graduation party...we were all a bit tired.

Congrats to Abby, Cailee and Darcee for a great time in school and we love you all!

New Moon

2009-06-04T15:01:00.002-06:00

I just can't wait, but I'll have to. I'm so excited to see the trailer
is out now!!

She's growing up WAY to FAST

2009-05-24T19:37:00.003-06:00

Madie turned 6 mo. old on the 17th...time is flying by. She is doing so much. She's rolling over all over the place and sitting up by herself (she's been sitting up for a few weeks now...she's always loved sitting up, she's just mastered sitting for a long time now!). She's a really good baby, but most definately wants me to hold her. Blake says that she knows who the "sucker" is...he's right. I just can't stand having her cry, so she get's held a lot. She "begs" when she wants me to pick her up and when it's time for her to eat. It's pretty funny actually. She LOVES to smile and I love to see her SMILE! She likes to tease her daddy by giving me kisses, but turning her head at the last second and not give him one. Eventually she will, but it's funny to watch her tease him.

At her check up she weighed 15 lbs. 11 oz. She's getting so big. I can't savore the moments with her enough. The last six months have flown by. She's got such a sweet personality and I just LOVE her so much.

Madie's big smile...and yes, her hair really is that crazy. I can't contain the hair...we just let it be!

A few of her many cute expressions!

I just can't resist this cute face...it's covered with lots of kisses!

We ALL love you MADIE!

Abby Says...

2009-05-21T20:06:00.003-06:00

Before bedtime the kids always give me a hug and kiss, then crawl into bed. Tonight Abby said "Just on the cheek, cause you had a kidney stone."

Apparently now they are contagious:)

What can I say...

2009-05-17T10:51:00.002-06:00

I can't find the words to express the amount of gratitude and respect I have for a very special friend of mine. See, Friday was a great day. Blake and Brandon went to the Father/Son over night camp out 2 1/2 hours away. I took the opportunity to have a girls day with my three girls. We had a blast...I took Abby and Maddie shopping after I dropped Cailee off at school. We had a good time, went and got Cailee from school, relaxed for a bit, then went and got pizza and took it to the park. Everyone was happy and we had a great time. That night, my friend Mindy and two of her kids came and we had a movie night since our husbands were at the camp out. It was fun...we watched Princess Diaries and had some good, fun movie sweets. We chatted for a little bit and then left around ten. I got my girls all in bed. I have a hard time getting to sleep when Blake's not here, so I think I finally fell asleep around 1:30.

So what does this all have to do with my special friend...I'm getting there. Some of you know that I have a history of having kidney stones. Well, Saturday morning was no exception. I woke up at 3:30 am with severe pain in my left lower "flank" (as they call it) or back area. I knew what was happening due to having my fair share of kidney stones in the past. I didn't know what to do since Blake was gone and I had three sleeping children. I tried my best of occupy my mind for the next hour, but just couldn't take it any longer. I knelt down and prayed...I wasn't sure what to pray for exactly...what I wanted was for the pain to go away, but the answer I got was to call Annie. I knew her husband was most likely home (okay...so I was really hoping he would be). I wasn't sure how it was all going to work out, but I knew Annie would know what to do. At this point all I could think about was how bad I hurt.

So at 4:30 I picked up the phone and called. Annie answered and she and her husband S.A.M. were at my door in no time. S.A.M. stayed with my sleeping girls and Annie took me and Madie to the hospital. Now I have to tell you what a true friend will do for you because this is Annie:

She let me throw up in a JCPenny bag she had in her car and kept driving instead of stopping when I told her I was losing it.

She ran stop lights and stop signs to get there faster (if you happen to be law enforcement reading this, she was the safest driver and it was early in the morning with little traffic...she was helpin' out a friend in pain.)

She wheeled me into the hospital with Madie in the other arm until a gentlemen took over.

She stayed with me while the nurse got me started with an IV and the first dose of Morphine.

She took Madie for a walk when she got fussy, changed her diaper since that was the last thing on my mind just an hour earlier.

Once I was settled enough, she took Madie and came and got my three girls ready and took them to her house for the day.

She called up to Rugged Mountain to get a message to Blake to come home to be with me...that's right...to be with me, not to take my kids so she could be free to have her Saturday.

Once my whole saga was over (I will explain all that later) Blake rolled back into town and was able to pick me up from the hospital. We got home and Annie took Brandon to her house so all we would have was Madie.

She and her wonderful husband kept our kids and took them to McDonalds or "old McDonald" as the kids put it for dinner.

I can not tell you how grateful I am to have Annie and her husband (click to go to Annie's blog)for friends. You both saved me...I am forever grateful for you. I've always had a great respect for them...it just got even greater. Last night they stopped by to bring some of Madie's stuff back over and I was still having a tough time with my stomach settling. Annie, being the wonderful person she is, asked if I wanted a blessing. Blake and S.A.M. gave me a blessing. I have to tell you. It' exactly what I needed. It not only was what my body needed, but it touched on other things I needed right now in my life.

Annie...you are classy in every spectrum of the word and I don't know what I would do without you! Thanks for everything!

What happened at the hospital you say (or maybe not say...but I'll tell ya anyway)?
At the hospital they were really quick to get me back to a room. The nurse (who was a guy-BTW) got the IV going and a little later got anti nausea meds and the first dose of Morphine going. The morphine took the edge off a little, but man did this kidney stone ever do some damage. I was still hurting pretty bad and throwing up which is always a vacation. He left the room and a little while later, after ignoring me for a while, I pushed the little call button. I nicely informed him that I was still hurting pretty bad. He gave me a second dose of the Morphine, which didn't do anything again and left the room. When the bag of saline ran out he walked in the room unhooked the tube from the IV...I asked if I could have some ice chips (at this point I was extremely dehydrated and my mouth was so dry I could barely talk) and he informed me I couldn't have anything more until the doctor saw me and walked out the door. Anytime I tried to make small conversation he ignored me and went about his business. I thought...how rude. Here I was the one in pain and trying to be really polite and say thank you, ect. even for putting the IV in I said thank you. Zero bedside manners for this one. I wasn't impressed. So I layed there with my knee's pulled up to my chest till the doctor came in.

The doctor saw me and said, "You look like you've got a bit of side pain." To say the least. I could barely talk since by this point my mouth was REALLY DRY. He jumped into action... I had the new nurse after the shift change (BTW-a guy) got the IV hooked back up to fluids, got more anti nausea meds and stronger pain meds (can't remember the name...just remember they worked a lot better). The only problem with the new meds is that it slowed my heart rate down a bit and my oxygen level kept dropping. The new more attentive nurse (with awesome bedside manners) noticed and put oxygen on me. New nurse was friendly and kept a closer eye on me. He carried on more of a conversation, which made things less awkward.

The remainder of the time I spent sleeping and throwing up once in a while. Closer to the end I had to share the room with a "most interesting" person. I think in the 20-30 minute span I heard every swear word in the book and at one point got really worried that something was going to be thrown through the curtain that was separating us. I know he punched something, but not sure what. After the punching I decided to call for a nurse. She went and told him he was next to be seen by the doctor and as she walked out a whole new slew of words flew from him mouth.

A few minutes later the radiologist gal came and took me to get a CT scan...Thank you nice radiologist gal. Once I was out of the room I could actually talk to her and let her know what was going on. She told me she'd see what she could do to get me moved to a different room. On the way for the scan I threw up, once again. The scan went well and by the time we were done, so told room guy decided to leave...OOOhhh I was not sad to see him leave. I was finally starting to feel relief from the back pain at this point. Went to the bathroom and must have passed the stone then. The radiologist said he saw stones up in my kidneys, but that the one had passed that caused all the chaos of the morning.

I called Annie and Blake came and picked me up. Unfortunately my stomach was still not doing so hot and throwing up continued into part of the night. Today is a new day. I'm a bit exhausted from the whole thing, but grateful to no longer have such pain.

So there is the tale of wonderful friends and my night/morning with the attack of the kidney stones.

Brandon's Birthday...only 2 weeks late

2009-05-10T20:12:00.004-06:00

Brandon turned 3!! He's growing up so fast. We had a small family party for him while my Mom was here. It was nice and relaxed and he loved opening his presents. He got money and a fun football throw game from G-ma and G-pa Crossley (thank you!), a Leapster from Grammy and Grandpa Lynn and G-Grandma and Grandpa Goller (he LOVES to play on the Leapster and having one often was the center of contention, so this was great!) and we got him a Lightning McQueen Computer. Right now he's really into Lightning McQueen. He loves to play with cars. He got some money from some of his other grandparents too, so he picked out a Lightning McQueen race track.
Brandon is our sweet boy. From birth he's always been really good natured and pretty calm...especially for a boy. He is really smart and loves to learn. He pretty much taught himself his alphabet and the sounds that each letter makes. He never ceases to amaze us with everything he knows and does. He's our little lone ranger in a family of girls and puts up with his sisters pretty well.
Brandon and Potty Training
Right after his birthday we told him it was time for him to be a big boy and wear big boy underwear and go in the big boy potty. He was pretty resistant to the idea and told us no. So that next Tuesday I put him in underwear and he told me "no Mom...I wait till I four." No way Buddy. Anyways...the first few days I consistantly told him to go to the bathroom and we only had one accident!! Since then he's only had a couple accidents and pretty much goes on his own with few reminders here and there. Whoever said boys were harder than girls didn't have Brandon! We are so proud of him! Great job Dude!

Here's a look at the birthday boy opening presents!

Blowing out his candles...it took him a number of tries to get all three candles blown out.

It looks like he's thinking "is it really still lit?"

Brandon may have been our "surprise" baby but I can't imagine life without our little Dude. He has brought so much joy to our family and we are so lucky to have him. We love you!!

I have to tell you...

2009-04-27T20:54:00.004-06:00

I LOVE MY HUSBAND! Last week a friend asked me if I would make bows for the girls that are in her girls on the run group. I told her I would (this was right before we left for Denver) with the knowledge I wouldn't be able to start making them till Sunday. At church I was talking to her and found out they ended up having to move the date up to Monday. I didn't want them to be without the bows, so we spent part of the afternoon and then the night into the wee hours making 30 bows. Blake stayed up with me the entire time. He cut ribbon, burned the ends of some of the ribbon so they wouldn't frey, set them out into piles for me, rubbed my back while I assembled and helped me out when the hot glue gun was acting up. I am so fortunate to have such a loving husband to help me out when I get myself in a bind. I wouldn't have been able to get them all done if it wasn't for him. By the time I figured I needed help, it was too late at night to call my friend. So my wonderful husband to the rescue!! I don't think I've ever made that many bows at one time in my life. It was fun to see that I could do it...with the help of my hubby of course! Thanks dear for everything...you are the best!

The bows...all 30 of them

Close up

BLOG BLAST...

2009-04-25T15:26:00.004-06:00

I had some major blog catching up to do so if you see below, there are many new posts. Since I blog for my journal, these are all things I didn't want to forget. Below you can find:

Cailee...Denver update
Madie-the entertainer
Cailee the brave
Dental Phobia and the BIG CAHOONA
Cailee and Abby's "bow"tique
Laugh, Giggle and Roll

I hope you find something fun to read about!

(upcoming attraction...Brandon turns 3 today (Happy Birthday dude. Pics and stories to come soon)

Denver...Cailee update

2009-04-25T14:47:00.007-06:00

Cailee had her doctor's visit with her Nephrologist this past Thursday. My Mom came down to go with us...which I am forever grateful for. The drive between here and Denver is pretty, but really windy. We had a great visit though.

The doctor's visit was very infomative. Her Nephrologist was very pleased with how Cailee physically looks right now. We talked a lot about why we weren't trying different treatments and I have a lot more confindance now that we are truly doing what we can for her. We aren't going to do a biopsy because all it would do is give her Nephrotic Syndrome and specific name, such as FSGS, ect. It's not worth the pain to "give it a name". We wouldn't be treating it any different if it had a specific name. She talked more in depth about what the future may hold. I asked about what percentage of kids like Cailee have to have a transplant by the time they are teenagers and she said about 60%. That sounds a lot more promising. She also said that with the other 40% that some of those go on to treat the symptoms and live normal lives for a really long time. I am now praying she's in that 40%. We talked about a number of things and I feel like it's not so gloom and doom at this point.

Unfortunately we will be adding more meds to the list that she's already taking. The last blood work came back saying she has a really high cholesterol level. Hers was 303 and they normally don't like kids to go over 150. Unfortunately because it's from the NS, it can't be changed with a diet. She said that even if Cailee was on the strictest diet possible, it still wouldn't change it. So we have to turn to modern medicine. Her Neph. said that if we don't start treating it now that she will be facing heart disease by the time she's in her 20's/30's. I think we'll get a head start and avoid that. I don't like the fact that it's one more medicine, but I think it's better than the alternative.

Overall, we were happy with the appt. Afterwards we went and checked into the hotel. (Thanks Fairy Godmother for all your help...you are awesome!) Once settled we went and ate dinner at Applebee's. It sure was yummy! We went shopping for a bit at the mall...which of course I love to do! After I took Cailee swimming while my Mom relaxed with Madie. We had a great time and I'm glad we had a chance to sit down and talk with her doctor face to face.

Funny story: The next morning the alarm clock went off when we were still sleeping. My mom hurried to get it turned off, but it was hard to see since it was dark. Once she got it turned off, she looked at the clock and it said 6:30. We went back to sleep and Madie woke up about an hour later. I got up and fed her and she fell back asleep. My mom got up and showered and we decided to just get ready and take our time. We went down and got breakfast about 8:30 since continental breakfast was till 9:00. Cailee and Madie were really sleeping hard, so we just let them sleep. Cailee woke up a little bit later and I got her ready. My mom went down at about 10:00 to print off google directions while Cailee finished eating. She came up and was laughing. She said, "you won't believe this" and handed me her cell phone. The time on her phone said 8:10. The clock in the room somehow got turned ahead two hours. We actually got up at 5:30. We couldn't believe it...we could have slept in a lot longer. Oh well, we got a good laugh out of it all!

Special thanks to Alissa and Mindy for taking such good care of Abby and Brandon. They had a blast at both of your houses and I am forever grateful for your friendships. I knew my kids were in good hands and it made it so I didn't have to worry. You two are awesome...thank you, thank you!

Madie...the entertainer

2009-04-25T14:26:00.003-06:00

Madie was our dinner entertainment Wednesday night. We aren't sure where she picked up this little trick from, but we couldn't stop laughing (as you will hear the kids in the background). My mom was here visiting (for our Denver trip) so she got to see "the show"!

Cailee the brave

2009-04-25T13:46:00.003-06:00

Cailee had her first dentist appointment the other day. She (unlike her mother) was not afraid. She did sooo good. I was so proud of her. The dental hygenist counted her teeth with her, showed her the different tools they use and Cailee even let her clean her teeth. I was so proud. She unfortunately has two cavities, but they are tiny right now, so we will get them filled so she doesn't have to have caps on them. Great job sweetie...you really are Cailee the brave.

Dental-Phobia and the BIG CAHOONA

2009-04-25T13:18:00.003-06:00

Confessions of a dental-phobist...
So I have to admit that I hadn't been to the dentist for a LONG time. I haven't had any teeth hurting, so I haven't had a very good reason to go. Well, a little while before Christmas I was eating and felt something in my mouth...it was part of a TOOTH. I couldn't believe it. Part of one of my back teeth broke off. It hurt at first, but I am petrified of going to the dentist, so I used the numbing stuff for a few days. It eventually stopped hurting unless I got food stuck in the hole, so I mainly chewed food on the other side of my mouth. Well, a few weeks ago I got food stuck in it and had been using dental floss a lot to get it out of my teeth. Blake decided it was time to go to the dentist. We have an awesome family in our ward and the husband happens to be a dentist. They are really nice, so I finally called in and made an appointment. It was so hard to make that phone call...why is it so hard to pick up a phone for stuff like that...I sure don't know.

Before my appointment Blake, my mom and I made wagers on how many cavities I would have. Blake and my mom decided on 3...I said 5. Lucky for me we were all wrong. I had NO cavities except the BIG CAHOONA. Shock of the century. I couldn't believe it. I got my teeth cleaned, which I don't ever remember it hurting so much. I really like the dental hygienist though...she's so nice. She promised it wouldn't hurt so bad next time since I won't wait so long to get them cleaned again. I also had the dreaded bite-wing x-rays taken. I have to admit that I'm a gagger. I have a pretty small mouth, so those things hit the back of my mouth and I'm a gonner.

So with the BIG CAHOONA...I went back for another apt. to see what was going to need to be done. My dentist numbed my mouth and did whatever it is they do to get all the decay out and found out I have to have a ROOT CANAL done...that's right. I will need to go to a specialist to get it done because of where it is located. So I hear this procedure takes about 2 hours. Two hours with someones hands in my mouth. YOU HAVE TO BE KIDDING ME! One of my biggest problems with going to the dentist is I feel like I can't breath very well and sometime I get panicky. Well, true confession-that's about all I think about when I'm getting something done...so I'm actually get panicky most of the time. I have really small nostrils and I'm a mouth breather at night anyways, so the thoughts of having to breath through my nose most of the time while I lye there scares me to DEATH...not to mention the two hours it will take. I've contemplated having it pulled out since that won't take so long, but I think, at least momentarily, that I've talked myself into keeping the tooth. The appointment was set to be done in a few weeks, but the dentists office called and they have an opening on Monday. I thought I better take it before I talk myself out of it. Wish me and the BIG CAHOONA good luck. I hope I make it out of this one without heart failure:)

Cailee and Abby's "bow"tique

2009-04-25T13:11:00.004-06:00

The other day Cailee and Abby were having quiet time in there room. They were being really quiet (it doesn't always happen that way). I soon found out why they were being so quiet...

view pictures below:

I laughed so hard...I just had to take pictures. They sure are silly girls. If anyone is in need of a new hairdo give me a call and I'll schedule you in!

Laugh, Giggle and Roll

2009-04-25T13:09:00.001-06:00

Madie turned 5 mo. old on the 17th and is such a sweetie. She LOVES her brother and sisters and loves when they play with her. She's also rolling over now...BOTH WAYS! She has a smile that you can't resist and the softest eyes.

Cailee playing with Madie...

April 8 we gave Madie rice cereal for the first time. This is what she thought...

Madie showing how good she is at rolling over!