My Simple Life

Four

2012-01-25T08:42:00.001-08:00

My baby girls are four today!!! I can not believe it has been four years, where has the time gone. I don't have babies anymore I have little girls. They are so much fun and such a blessing to our family. It took a lot for us to have these little girls. Fertility treatments and a struggle when they were born. I'm so thankful they are happy healthy girls, and I'm so very thankful I'm alive to raise them. It was a very close call for the three of us when they were born. I always find myself reminiscing the day they were born and how scary it was. Thank goodness for blessings. Anyway we had a party for them just this past Saturday. It was a Fancy Nancy party. I was very pleased with every thing there was only one thing I wanted to do that didn't get done, but o well maybe next year!

We had yummy treats and a very delicious lunch.

Birthday Girls

It finally snowed the day of their party so Keira still has on her beautiful snow boots. They really are cute boots just not with that dress :)

My Beautiful Zoe

And her beautiful side kick KiKi ;)

Keira says she hates the Birthday song. I think she doesn't like to be the center of attention!

Zoe had no problem being the center of attention and blowing out her candles :)

And of course they got tons of adorable gifts.

Keira was almost buried under her loot ;)

Thank you everyone that came and gave them such fun things. These little sweeties are so loved by so many people.

Dad and Zac just waiting for the party to start.

These two look like they were having so much fun ;) I don't think they had been a wake very long.

Ty was so cute and sweet with his train of little girls. It was the cutest thing ever. He pulled them around for most of the party. They pulled him a little too!!!

Lots of family came.

I think my older brother has a severe addiction to Angry Birds!! We may have to get him counseling ;)

Zachary gave the girls Lego's!! They now have girl Lego's, we are so excited!!! Keira wanted him to put them together but when she couldn't find him to do it she had a bit of a breakdown until Jared informed her he could help her! And once again she was excited !!! I know pretty easy to please right :) They had a very fun party and we are looking forward to another fun year having not one but two four year olds!!! They're not twins they're doublets :)

Christmas

2012-01-15T20:32:00.001-08:00

Well once again Santa found our house! The kids were very excited and I think they had a really fun day.

I can't remember what Zac was opening right here but he was way excited:)

It was kind of hard to get Zoe out of bed again this year. I guess princesses really do need their beauty sleep. But once she woke up she really got into the "spirit"

Keira was in messy heaven. Lots of books and coloring things!

After we opened presents at our house we went to Jared and Traci's for our traditional Christmas morning breakfast of homemade doughnut holes and egg casserole. I found a new recipe I think will be added to the yearly menu :) It was so yummy!!!!

Morgan gave the girls these adorable hats and scarves. He always picks the cutest things for them. He sure does love them and they just adore their "uncle Mo-gan"

Zac got a paper jam guitar and he was practicing his rock n roll moves!

I can't even remember what this conversation was about but I'm guessing something to do with body odor :) It was priceless and I think we all went around like mom smelling ourselves :) And don't worry she didn't stink!

Uncle Jared and the girls played some checkers! Over all it was a good Christmas. We really felt the sadness of Dad being gone, however we felt the comfort of the season and the gift of being together as a family. I really felt him here with us as I do most days. He promised he would check in on us! I'm so thankful for my family and the comfort I get from them when life seems more than I can bear. I hope you all had a very happy holiday!

Christmas Eve

2012-01-15T19:45:00.000-08:00

We went to Grandma Vickie's for our annual Christmas eve dinner again this year. And again the food was wonderful as was the company. Grandma always has fun dinners, she gets out the fancy dishes and the goblets. She even has little tiny goblets for the little ones. It definitely makes good memories:)

And of course there was a visit from the big guy. He visited with each of the kids and brought them new pj's.

TrIpLe TrOuBlE!!!

Gingerbread Houses

2011-12-14T11:34:00.001-08:00

We went to Grandma Vickie's for our annual gingerbread house party. We had a lot of fun. And Grandma made lots of yummy food.

Zac had a blast playing with BoDee and Cameron. Can you say triple trouble?

I helped Keira with her house this year. I did most of the decorating and she did a lot of eating!

Jared helped Zoe. She told him she wanted a princess house. Ummmmm ok? Notice the crown on the roof. Yes that is my creative husband! Sometimes it scares me ;)

Zac was so cute decorating his house. He had lots of fun, and was very creative too.

To say it was a full house is an understatement!

When we were done the girls went outside to see Grandma's lights. They thought her deer were the coolest. One's head moves. They were pretending to fee them with the rocks in the flower bed! Silly girls:) Thank you Grandma Vickie for all the fun!!!

Basketball

2011-12-14T11:07:00.001-08:00

This year they did a little junior jazz basketball clinic for the first and second graders. It lasted four weeks and was one day a week. It was perfect! The kids were so cute. And I can't believe the things they learned in only four weeks.

Sixteen boys. You have to have the patience of a saint to take on this group of boys:)

They made lots of shots too. They seemed so little and the basket was so high!

The girls basketball coach came and coached them for the four weeks. Zac says " he's sooo cool"

Doing some dribbling. Zac did great he never once bounced it off his toe! (Like I'm famous for doing) I was a cheerleader for a reason;)

And his favorite the "arm guard" I learned a lot too!!

Zachary's Baptism

2011-12-14T10:09:00.001-08:00

This was a very special night for our family. Zachary was baptised by his dad. I never thought I would be able to say that. We've worked hard as a family to get to this point in our lives. Jared used his priesthood for the first time to baptise and confirm Zachary. He did an amazing job. There were not many dry eyes. I'm so proud of both my boys for making the choices they have made. I'm a lucky girl:)

Congratulations Zachary! We love you so very much.

Zachary's Birthday

2011-12-14T09:46:00.001-08:00

I can not believe I have an eight year old! It amazes me how much this little boy of mine has grown. He is such a good kid and he brings so much joy to my life. He's my little side kick. This was a very exciting special birthday for him.

His birthday was on a Friday so he was able to celebrate and be baptised on the same day, it made it super special. He's a big harry potter fan so all of his presents from us were harry potter things. He got so many fun gifts from friends and family. We so appreciate all the love everyone has for him:)

Traditions

2011-12-14T09:22:00.000-08:00

Well I find myself playing catch up again...
It's just that crazy busy time of year again. We started out the Christmas season with two of our favorite traditions. A Christmas book every night and of course our fun elf on the shelf Fiddle Flap! Who has been into a bit of mischief this holiday season :)

Zachary got to open the first book this year. He was really glad it wasn't Fancy Nancy again. However a week later he did open the Fancy Nancy book for the second year in a row!!! He opened it and said " are you freaking kidding me?" That's starting to be a tradition too. I thought I had it arranged so one of the girls would open it. Oops:)

On December 2nd we woke up to find our elf had decorated the living room for Zachary's birthday! The kids were so excited!

And one morning we woke to find he had been eating our chocolate!

We're wobbling!

2011-11-29T08:31:00.000-08:00

We had a really good Thanksgiving. We ate so much we're still wobbling!!! We went to my mom's this year for dinner. We missed my dad, it was weird counting out twelve place settings instead of thirteen. It wasn't any harder of a day than any other we just miss him all the time.

Our family.

Thanksgiving isn't any fun with out a little PS3. Call of duty for the boys.

Zac's a pretty good shot. He hit the bulls eye like 3 or 4 times! We went to the ranch a couple times. On Thursday I drug everyone up to take family pictures and then on Saturday we went back to shoot guns and take mom. We only went to the bottom of the hill but it was still lovely weather and really nice to get up there. Next summer for sure we'll spend more time up there.

Ohhh... Gun stories!!! This was my favorite picture of the whole holiday:)

Morgan and Zac rolling a tire down the hill. It's amazing what will entertain boys:)

Halloween Lunch

2011-11-11T07:46:00.000-08:00

For as long as I can remember the elementary lunch has a contest at Halloween time to guess what's for lunch. They name everything a gross name. Like sometimes witches brew is soup. Anyway this year Zachary won first place in the entire school. He got every one right! I find this rather amusing because he doesn't eat school lunch, he takes his own. I can see how he was good at it because that's probably what he thinks of food anyway since he's a choosy (not picky) eater.

His prize was this adorable pumpkin:) Way to go kiddo!

Little Hunters

2011-11-09T07:10:00.001-08:00

Last month I went shopping with my mom and Jared had the kids, it happened to be during the deer hunt. Jared didn't have a tag but his brother and some of his family did. So Jared decided to tag a long for the ride. The kids didn't have any orange so my very CRAFTY... yes I said crafty husband got some of his old orange work shirts out of the closet and made them some hunting shirts. No kidding!!! This man is hilarious! He cut some length off the bottom, cut down the sides, turned them inside out and sewed up the sides with my sewing machine. He broke the number one rule in the house and touched my sewing machine. I was so flabbergasted at his creativity I instantly forgave him :)

Aren't they cute. The girls informed me what happened the minute I got home. They also told me they were hunters now and when they get bigger they can have a B B GUN;) I love it! I'm glad they had so much fun!

Halloween

2011-11-01T15:52:00.001-07:00

We had a really good Halloween this year.

We carved our pumpkins and the kids thought it was really gross. So Jared and I did all the messy work)

~Their masterpieces~

Zachary's pumpkin is Harry Potter!

Keira was not happy about all the picture taking.

One cute smile out of Zoe. She wanted her pumpkin to be a princess and I sure didn't make it look that way. Bat girl maybe ;)

My two little princesses!

We went and watched Zac in the parade. Jared was even able to come watch this year.

Cinderella

Harry Potter

And a very upset Snow White. Or if you ask her it's Snow Wipe!!!!

I've decided I do not have very co operative posers! But they're mine and I think they're pretty cute. We hope you all had a very safe and happy Halloween!

Jared

2011-11-01T15:33:00.001-07:00

Jared received the priesthood this weekend. His dad was able to come down and perform the ordinance for him. He's taking big steps and we're proud of him!

WOW!!!!

2011-10-04T18:43:00.001-07:00

WOW!!! I've just got to brag. Zachary has been checking out the first Harry Potter book since Kindergarten. Each year I asked my mom why she kept letting him. She told me she thought everyone had the right to check out whatever book they wanted. It has really helped him become a very good reader. He doesn't pick a book by how many points it is, what level, or even how big or how hard it is. He just sees a book he thinks looks good and just well reads! Anyway long story longer he read the first book!!!! I'm just amazed. It's a really big book and he's only seven:) He tested on it for his AR program at school and passed and met his quarterly goal! I love that he loves to read, it makes me a happy momma:) Way to go Zachary.

OLD!!!!

2011-10-04T18:07:00.000-07:00

Well it happened again I got older! Damn I hate it when that happens:) We had dinner at our house for my birthday. It was really nice and everyone was able to make it even my older

work-a-holic brother! It was perfect except I really miss Dad. I really wished he was here to forget it was my birthday. I do think he wished me a happy day. It's hard to explain but I had a moment where he was there with me, I really felt his presence:) Thank God for moments like that or it would be absolutely impossible to cope with the loss. Anyway...

The kids had a fun game of football. They really enjoyed the dog pile part:)

Keira thinks she's as big as everyone else. Not much slows this girlie down!

Not everyone is in love with my camera ;) Man I love him!!!!

Ty's energy level is perfect to keep up with Zoe. The kids just love him.

Dinner time. Nice Dalton!!!

Zoe patiently waits for her dinner. Thanks for making my day so great family. I would not be the person I am without each and everyone of you:) Loves...

Sprinklers in the Fall???

2011-10-04T15:04:00.001-07:00

The other day the girls and I were out back and I got distracted and of course the girls found mischief! In the form of the sprinklers out front. I could hear them giggling and laughing and didn't really think much of it. But this is what I found. Little twerps:)

They soon realized it was getting a little cold and not really sprinkler weather!

They did have fun:)

New Bikes!!!!

2011-09-24T21:35:00.000-07:00

We went camping for labor day (no pictures because my camera was having a bad case of operator error) with Uncle Brandon and his family and Zachary and Cameron had their bikes there to ride. Cameron has a bigger bike and Zac's was too small for him. Anyway all the bruises he had on his knees from hitting the handle bars convinced us it was time to upgrade to a bigger bike. Plus we felt it was time for the girls to get big girl bikes too. So we went shopping..

Zac is in heaven with the bigger bike. It has trick pegs and everything! More often than not when I can't find him he's off riding.

Keira can't figure out how to pedal just yet. But she tries. She keeps going back and forth from brake to go, brake to go. I'm sure she'll figure it out someday:)

Zoe hopped right on and off she went. She's pedaling that bike like she was born doing it. She was doing so well I didn't realize we didn't show her how to use the brake. The other day we walked up the street to the high school parking lot with my Aunt and her granddaughter and Zoe came flying towards us with big huge eyes and she kept going until she went headfirst into the stroller. Luckily nobody was hurt and we had a good laugh. And a lesson on braking.

We were going to wait until next spring for new bikes. I'm so glad we decided to get them now:)

Second Grade

2011-09-24T09:43:00.000-07:00

I got behind. So I guess I'll play catch-up again......

Zachary started second grade this year. He absolutely loves it. I can't believe I have a child that old. Time flies. He has grown so tall he already comes up to my armpit.

I have to bribe him when I take his picture. He gives me his best and his funniest. Man I love this kid.

More Parades!

2011-08-26T09:04:00.001-07:00

Lets just say Kane County Fair Parade = Crap!!! Excellent entries but the route they take is crap. All year long every parade takes the same route. But not the fair parade they change it every year and now no one knows where to go. Why change something that works. So with that said we were told it would go by our house like all the other parades and only about four people did. I guess if we really want to see it bad we will go to main street next year. And still that is no guarantee. Morgan and Colton showed up with Colton's water balloon launcher and let me just say that was way more entertaing than a parade!

Enjoying a Popsicle.

Teenagers doing what they do best.

My kids were fascinated with this contraption.

It got really interesting when my "older" brother showed up:) They were only warned twice by two different police officers one told them not to break any windows and the other "my cousin" attempted to taze them ;) Fun was had by all!!!

Ponderosa:) :) :)

2011-08-25T08:27:00.000-07:00

We've been to the Ponderosa twice this year. To say we had a blast both times would be an understatement. So without further adoo... I'll let the pictures speak for themselves! There's tons of them so enjoy:)

CAMPING!

2011-08-18T10:16:00.000-07:00

In July we went camping with our very good friends Gerry and Jill (also relatives) We had so much fun and the kids had a blast. They said it was the best camping trip ever! I have to agree:)

All I can say about this picture of Keira is that she is her fathers daughter:)

Can you say CHEESE!!!!!

She's a princess even with a dirty face ;)

I told them to strike a pose.

There were some really good star wars battles.

Just kickin' back.

You might be a redneck with your doughnut tire and training potty! We had a little tire trouble and Zoe did amazing going potty in the woods. You'll have to ask her about laying a bear trap!
Some thing her dear old daddy taught her! Man I love that man!

Gavin and Kinlee taught the kids how to play a new game. It was very funny watching them strike the right pose! Here they are meditating.

Mighty cookers!

I just love this picture. There is nothing better than cousins. We're so glad we have the privilege of living so close to so many family members. We are definitely going to make this a yearly occasion. We just had to much fun. Thanks Gerry, Jill and kids for going with us!

Family Night

2011-08-16T17:36:00.001-07:00

We had a fun family night a couple weeks ago. We had a lot of extended family around so it was great to get together and visit.

The spectators!

Zoe and Keira my little fish and mermaid!

Ty "helping" Zac ;)

Morgan and Ty perfecting their back flips.

24th of July!

2011-07-28T20:58:00.000-07:00

This year we got the privilege to ride on a float for the 24th because I'm in the relief society presidency. The kids had a blast and we recruited my cousin Jill and her kids to ride on it too. Because the rest of the presidency chickened out!!!!

I can't remember exactly what the theme was something about linking to our past. So we were super mom's linked through the past.

There was signs that said super chef (which was me, funny because I don't cook so much) super teacher, super cleaner. You know all the things us mom's do on a daily basis!

The kids had masks and little capes. They had fun!

All in all it was a success and we actually won 3rd prize. Not to shabby:) Thanks Jill for being such a good sport we owe you big time!!!!

Burrows Reunion

2011-07-28T11:01:00.000-07:00

July 15-16th we went up north for the Burrows reunion. It was at Deer Springs National Park. We had so much fun. It was good to see and get to know Jareds family better. Jareds Aunt Laniece and Uncle Al have two boats they brought and pulled everyone on tubes all day. They had an inflatable raft too that was fun to paddle around in. We had so much fun and can't wait to go next year. It was also mine and Jared's anniversary so it was nice to get out of town for that. Eleven years!!!

Zac and Keira having fun throwing rocks in the lake.

Grandpa John was a great sport and paddled the kids around in the raft. At one point he had three granddaughters in with him. I wished him good luck;)

Jared and Uncle Cash. Jared's looking sexy in his mis- matched swim wear. He was a good sport getting in and swimming with the kids. I think he had a really good time.

You can tell how much fun Keira had by how dirty her shirt is! Thank goodness for Tide!

Zachary, Jared and Caitlyn ready for their adventure on the tube.

Zachary swimming and having fun.

Now that's an armful!

Getting deeper.

And a little bit colder:) This lake was awesome because it didn't get deep really fast so you could walk out really far and still touch. Plus it was really a good temperature. Not hot but not cold. Perfect!

Fourth of July

2011-07-26T12:39:00.001-07:00

We had a nice relaxing Fourth of July this year.We watched the parade and the kids had fun gathering up the candy.

Keira liked the tootsie rolls:)

Zoe would just sit and patiently unwrap her candy.

Then later in the afternoon Grandpa and Grandma Burrows and Aunt Amanda came to our house for a BBQ. It was really yummy and so fun to be able to have them over. We don't get to see them very often so we really appreciated them coming and spending the time with our family. We turned on the sprinklers and let the kids run in the water.

Sometimes Keira co-operates and I get a cute picture. And Zachary lately won't let me take any pictures of him, so there isn't any of him.

Then that night we drove out to Ruby's Inn and watched the fireworks. Which were awesome as always and for some dumb reason I didn't get any pictures.

Dad's Headstone.

2011-07-21T15:50:00.000-07:00

Dad's headstone came last month and it's perfect. It is in the wrong spot so they need to come fix that, but the headstone is beautiful. The engraved pictures are perfect. It's so nice to have his resting place properly marked. Bitter sweet.

It is a little weird to have my name on a headstone in the grave yard!

We sure do miss him.... love you daddy.

Highlights!!!

2011-07-20T15:36:00.001-07:00

We've been having lots of fun this summer. And I haven't been the best blogger. I got a new camera and the pictures take forever to download and I can only do one or two at a time. So I'm really behind. So I'm gonna try and play catch up the next couple day. While the girls are napping (my favorite time of the day) I'll put some of our highlights up.

We've enjoyed lots of slush parties!

Played in the sprinklers!

Spent tons of time at the pool. This is actually from Zac's swimming lessons. He has done amazing this year. I'm so proud of him. All of the kids have been little fish, except Zoe and she has informed me she is a mermaid!!

We went to Grandma Vickies for a cookout and the girls found the chickens. Zoe said "holy hell they got huge mama!"

Anyway hope everyone is having a fun summer. More to come tomorrow hopefully:)

Coach Pitch Baseball!

2011-06-09T15:37:00.000-07:00

This year Zachary got to play coach pitch baseball. In all honesty I was really worried about this, but he did so good. He's throwing the ball better and he did really well hitting! This year he hit right handed and threw left handed. I think this worked out a lot better for him. Crazy ambidextrous kid :) He also got to travel to Fredonia and Kanab to play which he thought was pretty cool.

He was not co-operating for a good picture. I guess I get what I get.

Hitting the ball.

He never ran very fast even though I know he can. I kept telling him to pretend he was running from me!

All the kids loved to play catch. I think it gave them a little bit of a rest. Little do they know when they get older the catcher doesn't get to rest, it's actually a very physical position to play.
Zac had fun and I'm glad it only lasts a month ;)

Memorial Weekend

2011-06-05T18:35:00.000-07:00

Usually for the Memorial Day holiday we plan a camping trip or something like that. But this year we stayed home and focused more on what this day means. It was a little weird having it so close to when dad passed so it was a learning experience for us. We now know what to do next year. Like how to get the darned flowers to stay put when it's so windy. We also took flowers to Jared's grandparents that have passed away. It was good for the kids to hear about some great grandparents. Every time we go to the cemetery we're there forever because we have a tendency to just wander and look at all the headstones.

Grandpa loved mums so we took some to his grave. It will be so nice next month to have his headstone here. I'm very anxious to see it. It's time to have his resting place properly marked.

This was my attempt at a silhouette. I think the flag was to transparent to block the light. However not perfect I really love this picture:)

On Sunday we had a cook out in our backyard. It was FREEZING!!!! But that didn't stop us and we had a very good time. The girls had a blast as always. They're people persons.

And once again Jared cooked us a very yummy dinner. Navajo taco's this time :P

Everyone was getting mad at the camera taker so I got some real good photo's ;) Morgan did this on purpose and I think Kenz is just trying to eat! Ha, Ha love it!

And of course there was some wiggle car racing. Keira's not crying she's laughing hysterically!

I'm not sure about these two. I think Mannie was just kindly helping Mom to adjust her hood!

Uncle Darren was trying to help me get a good picture of Jared.

And of course Yoda with her prisoner! I sure do love my family:) All of them and there crazy personalities.

Catching Up!

2011-05-13T10:35:00.000-07:00

EASTER

Easter was a little crazy this year. Jared's family came out and went camping so we spent a little time with them. And on Saturday I took my mom to Vegas to pick up Morgan and four other kids from the airport. They had been back east on the American Heritage tour. Then on Sunday after church we went back out and had lunch with Jared's family. The kids had lots of fun playing and of course the bunny found them.

Zachary and Zoe had to bounce Keira's new ball on her to get her to wake up. I guess she just had to much fun the day before.

Zachary was so excited to get his picture taken. Goof Ball!!!

The girls played in the dirt with their buckets for hours.

DAFFODILS FOR GRANDPA

We had some really pretty daffodils growing in the front flower beds this spring so we decided one day to clip a few and take them to Grandpa's grave. It was the first time the girls had been and I thought it would help them understand a little better. They are so confused right now and are very sad because they miss him so much. It's so hard to deal with your own grief and even harder to see your children suffer. Life just doesn't make sense sometimes.

Grandma shows them the way

Grandma helps tuck the flowers in so they don't blow away.

So this is the funniest picture. After they put their flowers down they both bunny hopped right over the top of Grandpa's dirt. Some may say this is disrespectful but Grandpa used to let them jump on him. And I don't mean jump up and down on him, he used to let them stand on the arm of his chair and jump into his arms and kind of land on his belly. Well after he got sick we told them they couldn't do that anymore because they would hurt him. A couple days later Keira told everyone "Grandpa's not a trampoline!" So we think this is their friendly hello to their Grandpa:)

CHASING THE FAIRIES

We've tried to enjoy the nice weather every chance we get. One day the fairies even came out to play!

Zac enjoyed chasing the girls around the backyard.

Keira kept having problems with her antenna's!

Zoe was in heaven playing with her wings:)

DADDY'S HELPER'S

Last winter Jared built a shed out back. And this spring he piped electricity to it. He had a lot of really good helpers.

Zoe knew exactly what to do to put the pipe together. We thought this was a little odd for our princess. But she loved it.

Keira has to do what Zoe does!

I've been tagged!

2011-04-12T08:08:00.000-07:00

4 Things

4 shows I watch:

1. Ghost Whisperer

2. Ghost Adventures

3. The News

4. Bones

4 things I'm passionate about:

1. My Family

2. Books

3. Crafting

4. Being Organized

4 phrases I use a lot:

1. In my defense

2. I really don't care

3. Tell me something new

4. In a bit you little shit!

4 things I've learned from the past:

1. patience

2. honesty

3. simplicity

4. kindness

4 things I did yesterday

1. cleaned the house

2. picked up the toy room (complete waste of time)

3 read a book

4. cut out Easter dresses

4 places I'd love to visit:

1. Scotland

2. Italy

3. Ireland

4. Lego Land

4 things I'm looking forward to:

1. SUMMER

2. Vegas

3. Camping

4. School getting out

4 things I love about Spring:

1. The new blossoms and buds

2. The smell of wet grass and dirt

3. The rain

4. Everything turning green

I tag:

Melissa Campbell, April Hoyt, Michele Cox and Amber Chappell!

A little bit of Sunshine!

2011-04-07T17:25:00.001-07:00

We recently went to Jared and Traci's house for dinner to celebrate Dalton's birthday. It was a lot of fun. And as luck would have it the weather was lovely and the kids were able to enjoy some time outside playing. Zachary and Keira loved jumping on the tramp. We have a frame but no mat. I think we're gonna have to work it into the budget because it entertained Keira the entire time we were there. Zoe loves uncle Jared's farm. He has chickens, rabbits horses, cats and a dog. She just thought that was so neat. At one point I couldn't find her, then all of a sudden there she was. When I asked her where she was she told me she just had to feed the chickens!

Check out that hair! Never a dull moment no matter where we're at. To bad the sunshine didn't last. Hopefully it will be back soon. We're so ready for summer.

Prom 2011

2011-03-28T12:21:00.000-07:00

When Dad died Chris Mosdell told us that after the funeral was all over we should do something fun as a family. Well it just so happened Morgan's junior prom was the day after Dad's funeral. So Mom, me Jared and Traci went and enjoyed. We had a lot of fun watching the promenade and just enjoying the decorations. We could really feel Dad there with us. It was a very special night for all of us. Thanks Morgan for letting us enjoy your prom. He was worried he was too fancy! Silly boy prom is fancy!!!! His beautiful girlfriend/date Kierra. She is just gorgeous:) I loved her dress.

Cute couple all ready to go to the dance.

So I got a new camera and I think I took like over 100 pictures that night. Morgan was actually really patient with his older sister constantly in his face with a camera.

Morgan and our cousin Mickell were crowned prom king and queen. We were so excited and cheering for him, I looked over and my Mom was crying. It was a sweet moment.

I got to dance with the KING!!!!!

Mom and her little boy:) Morgan looks so much like my Dad when he was this age.

I love this picture. It's my favorite. Kierra was trying to get Morgan to do this dance with her. They looked like they were having fun.

Thanks again Morgan for letting us enjoy your night. Love you :)

We drew a circle that took him in.

2011-03-18T16:42:00.000-07:00

Heretic, Rebel, a Thing to Flout
" He drew a circle that shut me out, heretic, rebel, a thing to flout, but LOVE and I had the wit to win, we drew a circle that took him in."
Edwin Markham

My dad passed away Sunday morning. We knew this was going to happen but it has been so hard. He put up a really good fight. We miss him so bad. He was such a good man and he will be missed by all that knew him. We cannot believe the amount of people he knew. Everyone that came to his funeral had a story to tell. He never really realized what a great guy he was and how many people loved him for who he was, I pray he knows now.
His funeral was beautiful. His casket was perfect, Merlin and Stacy do an amazing job. And the Mosdell's are the most wonderful, kindest, compassionate people ever. Morgan asked my Mom what people that don't have the Mosdell's do, she told him she had no idea. There were so many beautiful flowers sent. Thank you everyone for your love this past seven months and especially this week. He was given six months and he lived seven and one day:) Hopefully we can find a new normal. It is going to be hard. We miss him and love him. Rest in peace Daddy.....

Morgan's Biggest Fans!

2011-02-02T20:05:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday was Valley's homecoming game. So we dressed the girls up in their Mo shirts and went and cheered for him. They love to go to the games and find Uncle Mo Mo! They only lasted til the second quarter then had to go home. It was packed. They do much better when they have a little room to move up and down. Still they looked so cute.

The game was awesome. We played Bryce Valley and we won. Morgan did super good as always. It's so much fun to go and watch him play. I can't believe he's a Junior. Man time flies.

GO BUFFALOES!!!!!!!!

PaRtY PaRtY!!!

2011-01-23T11:52:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we had a party to celebrate Keira and Zoe's third birthday (which is on Tuesday). It turned out really good. I was busy sewing all week so I didn't get half the things done I wanted. Next year I won't procrastinate as long! They wanted a Tinkerbell and Rosetta party, so I did my best.

Zoe likes Rosetta so she picked a Rosetta cake.

And well Keira thinks she's Tinkerbell so that's what she got. The cakes turned out way cuter than I thought they would.

A goodie box cake. This was fun:)

Because they are still little I don't plan to play games because there attention span is still about two or three minutes long, especially Keira, so we have lunch and visiting for the grown ups and the kids just run and play with each other.

Presents, presents, presents. These little sweeties got spoiled!

Zoe wastes no time unwrapping.

Keira always needs a little help staying on task. She usually opens one or two then gets disinterested and is moving on to something else. She was finished after she opened the present from my Mom, Dad and Mo because it was a book and a ball. What more does a girl need right?

Singing Happy Birthday!

Keira did not want to be the center of attention.

They can almost reach the water at the drinking fountain! They got a little bit wet. Saying that was a high point of the day is an understatement:)

I asked them both when it was over if they had a good birthday party and they both said yes. So mission accomplished!

Happy Birthday Girls :)

New Years!

2011-01-17T19:49:00.001-08:00

I've been meaning to post about our new years eve party for a while now, I've just been procrastinating. I guess it's time I get out of holiday mode and back into a routine. Anyway... we had a really fun party at my parents house new years eve. We had yummy food and fun games and good company. What more do you need to welcome 2011?

The girls had a bath in Grandma's huge tub and after played in her shower. They thought the squeegie was really cool!

These two were the life of the party let me tell you.

The girls and Grandpa relaxin' and watching Ramona and Beezus.

Keira reads a stack of books to Daddy.

There was a serious Monopoly game going on (for like three hours!!!)

I'm not sure if Morgan is happy or mad in this picture.

Aunt Traci and Zac have a DS Mario Cartz battle. Their giggling was hilarious.

I hope you all have a wonderful 2011.

Christmas Cheer!

2010-12-30T11:40:00.001-08:00

Wow what a busy month. We've had fun the last two or three weeks celebrating the Christmas holiday. We watched Zachary's school Christmas program. He did really well. It was fun to see how much these little first graders have changed since Kindergarten.

On Christmas Eve we went to Grandma Vickie's house for our traditional feast. It was fun and soooo yummy. Her house is so magical at Christmas time. She has so many little trinkets that move and make noises. The girls spent the first two hours there mesmerized by everything

Here they're checking out the bubble light.

And of course the Polar Express under the tree!

Zachary was the controller. Always the train conductor. It's nice to see some things never change :)

The merry go round that played Christmas songs. We actually gave this to Grandma when Zachary was the girls' age.

And of course the Big Guy popped in for a visit before he delivered goodies to all the boys and girls.

Zachary had been outside playing so he was sweating pretty hard!

And of course Keira wanted nothing to do with him. And when she was a safe distance away from him she said thank you for the present.

Poor Santa, Zoe latched onto his beard and held on tight. She was okay to smile for a picture and get her present.

Merry Christmas you two sweetie pies!!!

Grandma's yummy food! Zachary really wanted to blow out that candle.

The kids got scooters from Santa!

You can't be a princess without all the accessories. Zoe was in heaven!!!

Iron Man:)

Keira got Tinkerbell dolls from Mom and Dad.

And Zoe got princess dolls from Mom and Dad.

We hope you all had a wonderful Holiday. I didn't send out a Christmas card this year because I was lazy. Next year I will for sure. We want all our friends and family to know we love you and wish you all the best of new years. Happy Holidays! Love the Burrows family......

A Much Needed Break

2010-12-07T08:32:00.001-08:00

WARNING LOTS OF PICTURES!!!!
We had so much fun on our vacation to Vegas I didn't want to come home. Which is a first and it kind of made me nervous because I could totally see us living there again. But then we went to the mall and saw all the dumb teenagers running around and I realized why we so desperately wanted to move home :) It's always nice to have reminders! Any way to start the trip out we were brave and took the kids to see Tangled. It was the girls first time in a theater and they did pretty good. I only had to go out once with Zoe. The movie is adorable and we will be watching for it on DVD. Zac he hawed through all the previews and all of the movie. Needless to say it was very funny. I'm not sure which was funnier the movie or Zac. But it was lots of fun.

You can't go to the movies and not get popcorn. They were so excited to have there very own bag.

The next day we hit the toy store first thing in the morning. Zachary got tons of money for his birthday and he was just anxious to spend it. We definitely went to the right place to do that ;) He was so excited to see the Captain Rex Lego man when we were there. He said it was so awesome and he wanted a job like that. (Building huge Lego people)

Then we went to the Children's Museum. Again they had a blast. Things had been moved around a little since the last time we were there. We had fun exploring everything.

Kids love to push buttons!

Zac was making music on this laser thing. He said he was bending the air like on The Last Air bender.

Daddy and Keira.

Mommy and Zoe.

Ready for take off?

The bubbles are always a hit!

Zac did pretty good making bubbles. He remembered the tricks they told him last time.

And of course the grocery store. The girls were filling the baskets quicker than we could put things away.

Making a trail for the boat in the water.

Watcha gonna make Zachary?

Um I'm not even sure what to say about this one. Leave it to Jared to find a place to sit:)

What a cutie patootie.

Jared built the tallest tower. He was very proud of his building skills!

This just shows how fun that place is. It just knocked Keira right out.

On our way home we stopped at Grandma Vickie's for lunch and a gingerbread house making party.

They kids and Daddy checking out Grandma's dead gopher she caught in her backyard.

Grandma surprised Zachary with a birthday cake. She said he needed one because he didn't have a party. I personally think he got something way better than a party.

The girls love cake!!

Happy Birthday Zachary!!!!

All smiles. (even on his house!)

Jared the master decorator and his lovely assistants!

Keira smelling the peppermint sticks. This little sweetie just beats to her own drum!

Thanksgiving and Zachary's Birthday!

2010-12-02T15:49:00.000-08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ZACHARY! WOW SEVEN! WHERE THE HELL HAVE THE LAST SEVEN YEARS GONE? WHAT AN ADVENTURE WE HAVE HAD WITH THIS IMAGINATIVE, SMART FUNNY KIND-HEARTED LITTLE BOY. I JUST LOVE HIM TO DEATH. THE POOR GUY IS HOME SICK WITH THE STOMACH FLU TODAY :( THIS IS THE SECOND YEAR IN A ROW HE'S HAD THE BARFS ON HIS BIRTHDAY. THIS YEAR I BRIBED HIM BECAUSE HE REALLY WANTED A FRIEND PARTY INSTEAD OF A FAMILY PARTY. WELL HE HAS A LOT OF FRIENDS SO I TOLD HIM IF HE WOULD LET ME JUST TAKE CUPCAKES TO HIS CLASS WE WOULD TAKE A MUCH NEEDED FAMILY VACATION TO LAS VEGAS. SURPRISINGLY HE AGREED. I DIDN'T TAKE THE CUPCAKES TODAY BECAUSE HE WAS SICK BUT OF COURSE I MADE FORTY EIGHT OF THE LITTLE BUGGERS SO FAMILY BEWARE WE ARE SHARING OUR SUGAR!!! ANYWAY HE'S FEELING MUCH BETTER TONIGHT SO WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO THE WEEKEND AWAY AND PRAYING THE GIRLS DON'T GET IT TOO.

FEELING GOOD ENOUGH FOR PRESENTS OF COURSE!

ZOE JUST KEPT SAYING "HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIG BROTHER ZAC-A-DO"

THANKSGIVING WAS FUN THIS YEAR. WE ALL DECIDED TO GO TO MY MOM'S AGAIN THIS YEAR. DAD WASN'T FEELING SO GREAT, BUT HE SAID HE ENJOYED HAVING EVERYONE AROUND. WE GAVE THEM AN EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENT. IT'S ONE OF THOSE SLIDE SHOW PICTURE FRAMES. BOTH MY PARENTS HAVE REALLY ENJOYED LOOKING AT ALL THE PICTURES.

ZOE SNOOZES ON DADDY.

I HAD TO CHASE THIS LITTLE SHIT ALL OVER THE HOUSE TO GET A PICTURE. I THINK SHE LIKES TO TEASE ME!

UNCLE JARED FINALLY CAUGHT KEIRA AND WAS ABLE TO LOOK AT A BOOK WITH HER. SEE MIRACLES DO HAPPEN ;)

NICE EARRINGS TY.

GOTCHA GRANDMA

GRANDMA INTRODUCES SUNFLOWER SEEDS TO ZOE. YOU SHOULD HAVE SEEN ALL OF THEM ON THE FLOOR UNDER HER CHAIR.

SAY GOBBLE TILL YA WOBBLE!

What the Heck!!!

2010-11-11T20:05:00.000-08:00

Well I've needed to vent about something and I figure what better place to do it than my blog. Then maybe I can get it out of my system and move on. So a week or so a go my Dad was talking to his oldest brother on the phone and he tells my Dad that he needs to take time away from the family and go visit him in Kingman! Seriously!!!!!!! The man is dying and he should leave his wife and children and grandchildren to go to KINGMAN ARIZONA?????? Stupid, stupid man. O.K I feel a little better. Of course my Dad said no! Now hopefully I'm past this and can move on to something else that pisses me off. Thanks

Trick or Treat- Smell my Feet ;)

2010-11-01T14:40:00.000-07:00

I can't believe Halloween has come and gone already. Where the heck has the year gone?
We had a very fun Halloween this year. We started out on Friday by going to the elementary Halloween parade. There were so many cute creative costumes this year, not so many icky ones. My favorite by far was my Aunts, she is Zachary's teacher and she is a hoot! We just love this martian mama:) She is soon to be a Grandma and she is going to have the luckiest little granddaughter cause she is so fun.

Zachary wasn't so nervous this year and I think he really enjoyed himself. Hopefully next year he'll want to be something other than a Star Wars character. The night before he decided last minute he needed a cape. So we headed downstairs and rooted through the material and made him a cape. Thank goodness for Mom's craft room!

We had fun carving pumpkins. The girls didn't want anything to do with the guts. Typical girls!
I thought Jared was gonna be around but he had to leave last minute, of course. Maybe next year.

This year I was brave and trusted Zachary with a knife to carve his all by himself. He did so good and didn't even cut himself.

Viola!!!!!! Pretty cute if I say so myself:)

Keira was Tinkerbell and Zoe was Rosetta.

All ready for Trick or Treating.

Zachary was Jango Fett but later modified it to a Star Wars Jedi Warrior! He's a little indecisive like his father, if ya know what I mean ;)

Keira wanted to be Tinkerbell but I think she kept saying that because her nickname is Tinkerbell! She was cute. When we started she just wanted to ride in the wagon, so I dragged her up Kelsey's driveway screaming. Once she realized what we were doing I could not catch her all night. She just kept running saying which house next Mama! And "don't hold my hand I'll do it myself, you are not my boss!" It's a good thing I'm a patient person.

Zoe is just a little feather weight so she got cold about a block away and I ended up carrying her and sending Jared back for the car. She had fun getting candy because she lovvvvves chocolate.

Heading to Grandma's for candy!

Do any of you have a booger picker? Well we do and I think she does it to annoy me!

Happy Halloween Everyone!!!!

We Can't Wait!!!

2010-10-18T06:45:00.001-07:00

We love Halloween! I think it's our most favorite holiday. Probably because it's the start of the best holidays, and of course everyone's birthdays! Are you all excited for it too?

This is not their costumes. Just fun October clothes :)

We Can't Hear You:)

2010-10-12T08:10:00.001-07:00

Sometimes I feel like they are just not listening!!!! It's a really good thing they're cute:)

Thank You

2010-10-09T13:08:00.000-07:00

Thank you seems like such an inadequate word when trying to say what is in our hearts, but it is a start. To the many people who were involved with the Hoyt Family Benifit Day, we wish to express our deep felt gratitude.

To all who planned the event, those who participated, the many who donated items and those who purchased, we send a grateful thank you.

Family, friends and community, please know that as we begin our journey, you have shown us we are not alone, but supported every step by your love and compassion. It is felt deeply and is so greatly appreciated. Our humble thanks and love we give to each of you.

Jan and Lorie Hoyt Family

Hoyt's Heavenly Hideout

2010-10-05T07:29:00.001-07:00

We went to the ranch this last Saturday, but we didn't camp. Mom was afraid it would have been to much for dad. So we went up and had a cook out. I forgot how pretty and peaceful it is up there. I always come home with tons of pictures so BEWARE of lots of pictures!!!!

The view is spectacular. We can see everywhere!

This was the first time the girls had ever been to the ranch. They loved it:)

This little stinker would not smile for me. She was too busy.

And Zac was tired of the camera before everyone else even got there.

But Zoe has never been afraid of the camera. Can you say CUTE:)

I told Morgan the higher he put the rope the farther down he was gonna fall.

Moment of truth.......

Dang it! I really wanted him to fall on his butt:)

Grandma and her bird watchers!

Keira finally gave me the cutest smile's while she was in the hammock.

This is my Dad's place. It always has been. It's sad to know he didn't get to do many of the things he wanted to up there. Hopefully we can do them. His dream is still alive!

Zachary was not so much help!

Our mighty dutch oven cookers. Can you say Bull Shit session:)

Morgan can not turn down a homemade pickle. We had the jar gone before dinner. Next time I'll take three jars.

Zachary loves to just sit and look through the binoculars. There is so much to see up there. And now I think I have an idea for a Christmas present;)

Jordan and Zac were hilarious to watch. They were bird hunting. Partners in Crime!

Jared H. just had to have fire. We were worried he would start the place on fire.

Relaxing with Dalton in the hammock.

Work it Baby! Jared looks so cute with that pink b.b gun!

The girls didn't get a nap that afternoon. So of course they fell asleep on the way home. I couldn't believe they fell asleep coming down off the hill, it's really bumpy. I had to hold there heads together so they wouldn't bonk them. They were exhausted, but I figure that's a sign of a good time.

We decided not to let so much time go by before we go up again. Hopefully we can get my Dad back up there again. We've learned to MAKE TIME for things like this. It's so important to be with family because you never know when someones time to go is. We made even more memories. We will cherish them!

Enjoying Every Moment!

2010-09-30T09:51:00.001-07:00

Well it happened again. I had another Birthday. Yep the big 31!!!! But I'm not as old as my Brother:) In fact he can't remember how old he is. He kept telling us he was 35 where in fact he is only 34:0 I love it. Any way. I woke up and was an emotional mess. Not because I was a year older, but because this will probably be the last Birthday party I have where my Dad is here. But It was the most perfect day ever!!!! He felt so good and everyone made it to our house for dinner. Which Jared made. It was perfect. Also on Saturday my Dad's amazing friends put together a fund raiser for my Dad. We are completely touch by the results! We truly live in an amazing place with generous people. It was such a neat thing. They did a ride that morning and then a dinner and auction that evening. I still can't believe how many people came and how many people just love my Dad. It was so serene and special. We are so very thankful for everyone's love and support. It's hard to really put it into words. Thank you doesn't seem good enough. But still thank you to everyone who came and participated and who just donated time and money. It makes this burden much lighter. I didn't get any pictures but I'm hoping we can get our hands on some somewhere.

We were sooooo excited to have Morgans girlfriend Kierra here for the entire weekend. It made it that much better. We just adore her. Poor Morgan has to share her with everyone:) They make a very cute couple!

Master Chef Jared!!! I LOVE HIM:) He cooked a turkey. I will not put my hand up a turkey's butt, I'd rather starve;) One of the many reasons I love him and married him.

We've been living every moment like it's Dad's last. Hopefully he'll prove us all wrong. But I've noticed I've enjoyed things a lot more. Simple things, like watching the kids watch t.v or just playing.

Grandma Vickie bought us the new Tinkerbell movie. We've watch it a gazillion times already and still love it. Zoe was glued to it. She moved when I got up to get the camera so I made her pose again. Still she's just cute!!

I try to go for a walk every morning. Sometimes it happens sometimes it doesn't. But I enjoy it and so do the girls. They are really good motivation. Plus I don't think I mentioned we have a new stroller, and it is absolute heaven. Life is so much better and easier with good quality products. (I also got a new vacuum) I know I'm spoiled :)

The girls are very creative in their outfits when they wake up. Keira says this is not a Santa hat but her Christmas hat!!! Whatever, I know not to argue.

Zoe is getting good use out of her snow boots. I hope she doesn't wear them out before winter!

She has a bit of a shoe fetish.

I also helped my Aunt Mannie with Kelsey's baby shower. It turned out so cute and fun. She's having a girl and she got so many cute little girlie things. We can't wait to see her cute little baby. We're so excited for her and Tyrell.

We played the most hilarious game. You melt candy bars in diapers then you have to guess the "poop" It was a big hit. Some of them are very real looking.

My dad wants to go camping at the ranch this weekend. We are really excited. We haven't done this since I was pregnant with Zachary. Hopefully he still feels good enough and the weather stays nice. I'm sure I'll have tons of pictures:)

Family Fun

2010-09-13T08:15:00.000-07:00

This last Saturday Jared and Zachary decided to hike up to the "V". That's them off to the left of the rock. Zachary didn't want to climb up on top this time, he said it was too windy. They were gone for three hours!

The girls felt left out because they didn't get to go on the mountain. So after the kids had a nap we took everyone to white sands. I forgot how fun it is there. The kids had fun too.

The girls said it was a big fun sand box:)

Zachary was king of the mountain!

When my brother and I were little my Aunt Sherrie took a picture of us doing snow angels in the sand. The picture was always on a little table in my Mom's bedroom. I was trying to duplicate it but Keira was not very co-operative!

Jared and I were not paying attention and Keira got a little too high. It was funny watching her slide back down.

I carved the kids names into the rock! They thought that was pretty neat.

The girls were very concerned that my feet were buried. It was fun watching them trying to get me out. They were very persistent.

Then on Sunday Zachary helped Jared paint the picnic tables. It took most of the day but he helped do all of them.

SmUsHiEs

2010-09-09T07:21:00.000-07:00

This summer my kids have loved having "slushie parties" Zoe calls them smushies!
The other night they were begging for me to make them a smush (we haven't done them in a couple of weeks) so I said o.k. However it was colder and it was harder to finish them. I guess they are a hot weather kind-of treat:)

Don't you just love Zoe's headband! It's actually the handle to one of the buckets out of the sand box:) Very creative little girl I've got there.

Keira always wants blueberry! And then she'll go around and sample everyone's flavors.

No complaints here!

Jared missed most of our slushie parties this summer because he was gone so much! In fact the kids think we can only have them when Grandpa, Grandma and Morgan are here.

Oh summer I'm gonna miss you........

She gets that from Me

2010-09-02T09:12:00.001-07:00

It's funny when your kids are born you immediately start looking for yourself in them.

Well Jared is a morning person and so is Zachary and Keira. I am not and bless Zoe she isn't either! She'll stay up all night and sleep all day just like her Mama. She's sure cute in the morning:) Now if only they would have the good things from me. Some of the things they do could have skipped this generation and I would be just happy with that. But they didn't so I will continue to battle mini me's!

Also because time is ticking with my Dad we decided to get together for a family picture. All thirteen of us! Can you say crazy?

They actually turned out really good. And as I predicted it was Zoe that was not co-operative! Little FART!!!!
L-R Traci, Jared, Tyler, Morgan, My Jared, Me

L-R Mom, Zoe, Keira, Dad

L-R Dalton, Zachary, Jordan

And I'm positive someone pinched me in this picture, I'm just not sure which one did!

Don't they just look too innocent. BROTHERS!!! I love 'em;)

These just speak for themselves. The first one Zachary is just about to get slugged by Jordan. (he deserved it) and the second one shows Keira in all her spunkie glory! Oh well.

This was hard for my parents. We appreciate them doing this. My brothers and I needed it. So does my Mom, she just won't admit it!

It was my parents thirty-fifth wedding anniversary that day. So it made it very emotionally difficult. Mom did really well until we were done, then she broke down. It's hard to celebrate when you know it very well could be the last one together. She's been so strong through all of this and were so lucky to have her and my Dad. We are who we are because of them.

I think Keira's fingers are in her mouth in almost all of the pictures.

But I was happy with them.

Jared's silly family.

And last but not least my favorite picture of the day. Keira reading to Grandpa. Can you see how content they both are. PRICELESS.........

Bittersweet Memories

2010-08-26T08:05:00.001-07:00

My Dad has been diagnosed with stage four colon cancer. It has spread threw most of his liver and into both lungs. In other words he is dying. This news has completly knocked our family on our butts! He is not going to recieve any treatment as this would only prolong the inevitable. So we've been given a very short amount of time to say good bye. We take every moment and cherish it. Family is everything and we've been so blessed to have each other. We are going to try to get together for dinner on Sunday's as long as he feels up to it. The first Sunday Traci cooked for all of us and it was delicious. So this last Sunday I took a turn and we did dutch oven in the back yard. It is so hard to enjoy ourselves because we know some day he's not going to be there with us. So we have bittersweet memories. I love my Dad so very much and I'm going to miss him. But for now he is here and we're living in every moment, good and bad.

My Mom kind of went crazy on us for a minute! It was like she didn't know whether to laugh or cry. So she did a little of both:) I was trying to get a picture of them together and I told her to scoot her chair closer to Dad's. He was nagging at her to not rub the arms together, typical Dad, and we told him to just chill out and she just started to he-haw.

What's a good family get together with out the bull-shit session?

The girls had fun as always playing with the cousins in the back yard.

Grandpa and the boys. Morgan, Dalton, Tyler, Dad and Zachary

And of course the diva's of the family! Keira, Zoe and Jordan.

Also thank you to all of you for your love and support. We truly appreciate all of you.

There IS strength in numbers!

FiRsT GrAdE

2010-08-19T08:28:00.000-07:00

Today was Zachary's first day of First Grade!
He is so excited. Yesterday we were at the school putting up my bulletin board and we peaked into his class room. Aunt Mannie has made it so cute and fun. It's a space/planet theme. I'll have to get a picture of it sometime. As you can tell from the picture he is ready to go:) When people ask him if he's ready for school he tells them YES, because I need a break from my MOM!
Well honestly I need a break from him too!!!!

I still can't believe I have a first grader. Time flies. Soon I'll be sending the girls! I just hope it doesn't go by too fast. We hope everyone has a fun and safe back to school:)

Zachary's Stitches :)

2010-08-02T15:58:00.001-07:00

On Saturday we were doing some yard work and had a load of stuff to take up to the dump. Zachary always loves to go because he can break bottles and basically be a destructive boy!
Any way there were these windows still in their frames there. So he proceeded to break them. We were not paying attention thinking he would just throw things at the glass or hit it with the big stick he found. Well I guess that wasn't working to well for him so he decided to try and step on the glass to break it! So of course his foot and leg went through and he sliced his leg open! So we went to the emergency room and they stitched it up. He was not very happy with the shot that numbed it. In fact he kept yelling out that he was going to die!!!! He didn't! We treated him to Junction for lunch, and now he has a very good story to tell his friends when he goes back to school!

We were very surprised to find he actually does have some fat on his skinny little body!

After all the trauma he was a happy kid.

Until I ripped the bandage off to change it that night. (It's a good thing he's not a girl! He has a very low tolerance for pain. I'm sure he gets that from his Dad, because I handle pain GREAT!!!)

And here they are his very own stitches!:) I hope this will be a one time thing with him!

Hmmm 10 years!

2010-07-18T18:59:00.001-07:00

Jared and I celebrated our 10 year anniversary on July 15th. I can't believe it's been 10 years! He says it seems a lot longer than that because we dated for so long :) Any how we've been through a lot together, and I'm lookin forward to many more anniversary's to come.

We went to Vegas for a couple of days to celebrate. ( Thank you Mom for watching the munchkins) We didn't do any thing extraordinary. I guess when you've lived there before it's not as exciting. But still it was a nice little get away. We ate at our favorite mexican place and went and saw the pirate show. (Jared's favorite;) ) We went to the toy store to pick up some treats for the kids and they had this awesome Captain Rex dude from Star Wars the Clone Wars, he was built out of Lego's! We are kind of pathetic because this is the only picture we took down there and it was more for Zac! It was hotter than hell and we were glad to come home to Orderville. (where it's been hotter than hell... go figure!)

Then we loaded every one up and went camping on Cedar Mtn. for a few days. We had a lot of fun. We made a nice little sand pile/box for the kids to play in.

Zoe was so funny. The first night when it started to get dark she told us she didn't want to stay camping. I told her to bad we were doing it any way, but she just kept repeating herself. Finally Jared turned on the lanterns and she told us " she loves camping!"

Keira loved it. She has a tendency to just wander so we really needed to watch her closer!

Zachary loves the outdoors and wants to know when we are going again. He loved riding in Dad's truck and being his big helper.

Waiting for popcorn to pop! We can't go camping with out it ;)

Happy Anniversary Jared! I love you:)

Highlights from our weekend

2010-07-06T21:37:00.000-07:00

These are a few highlights from our Fourth of July weekend!

Zoe enjoyed her blue slushie :0

We did a little fishing. Zachary caught a huge stick! Not bad for a first timer!

Morgan did a few Keira lifts.

We had a yummy impromtu bbq in the backyard with Mom, Dad and Mo.

Zachary did a little bike riding ;)

About a month ago Jared got himself a new truck! Well it's new to us. And the kids love Daddys truck. It is very loud and reminds us of his first truck he had in high school! Any way He and Zachary spent a lot of time together this weekend just the two of them bummin' around in the noisy thing. Zachary was in heaven.

And of course my favorite past time.....NAPTIME!!!!!!
You gotta love it ;)

We hope you all had a fun and safe Fourth of July!

So......

2010-06-25T13:40:00.000-07:00

Well this is how I've felt this week! On Sunday our computer got a virus and it stole all my pictures :( I've lost this past years pictures! (because I procrastinated getting them developed and also getting a flash drive as a back up) Not my smartest move yet. But most of the important stuff birthdays, christmas, halloween, easter, kindergarten graduation are on my new best friend MY BlOG! Thank goodness for this small miracle. Yeah another lesson learned the hard way. Apparently that's the only way I learn. (Yes Mom you were right!) Now on to taking tonz of pictures to make up for the lost ones. DAMN IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Havin' a Good Time

2010-06-18T14:13:00.000-07:00

We've been having lot of fun this summer already, and much more to come too. The kids have played and played and played. And at the end of the day they just crash! Usually in very unusual places. Especially Zoe as you can see in the pictures :)

They have been pirates and searched high and low for treasure!

We've had many tea parties :)

Like I mentioned before, fell asleep wherever!!!

For memorial day we hosted a very fun family cook out in our back yard. We will for sure be doing this much much more this summer. Yummy food and excellent company :)

And what is summer fun without STAR WARS BATTLES! Thank you uncle Morgan. You're the best to entertain these little monsters :)

They have pretty good moves don't they?

I had to put this on here. Morgan has to take breaks every now and again to text someone ;)

And most recently Zachary completed swimming lessons!
He did AWESOME this year. I told him this was the year he was going to take off and swim. I said he was to big for his tube and he needed to just DO IT! And he did! I'm so proud of him
way to go Zac :)

Kellin, Kelsey and Brandy are just great! The kids all love them and they are so good with them.

Zachary showed us how he can swim from the four to the four all by himself :) Kelsey told him "Zachary when your Mom comes on the last day to watch she will be so surprised she will faint!"
He got all worried and asked if I will be okay? (I think he was thinking about when I fainted on him and his Dad after I had the girls and we had to rush back to the emergency room! Not a fun memory for any of us.) So we reasured him I would be fine, just surprised he could swim so well ;)

And after swimming was over Grandma treated us to an ice cream (a much needed large coke for she and I) The girls were excited because they were feeling very left out because they wanted to swim in the pool too!

Wiggle Car Races

2010-06-08T18:44:00.000-07:00

We have these awesome wiggle cars! You sit on them and wiggle the wheel back and forth and that makes you go forward, then when you want to reverse you spin the wheel around and wiggle it again and you go back wards. They are a blast and any one can do it.
The other day my little brother Morgan was bored and came to visit, and usually with him something entertaining always comes up :) He and Zac started racing, it was so funny! They would push each other over and run things over, they even weaved around the girls. Fun was had by all.

Now every day the kids want to know if Uncle Morgan's going to come race ;)

KINDERGARTEN GRADUATION :)

2010-05-24T17:51:00.001-07:00

YAY! We have survived Kindergarten:) Apparently when you've learned the chicken dance you get you'r diploma. Just kidding, I say this because I believe at all kindergarten graduations they do this dance. ( I did when I was in kindergarten) Zachary's graduation was this past Thursday. It was cute and he did a very good job. I'm really proud of him. Kindergarten was a bit of a struggle this year for both of us. He survived getting his bee turned (getting in trouble) for flipping the lights on and off, (I blame this on the electrician father!) scaring other students in the bathroom (cool echo) yelling in the bathroom (again the echo) jumping off the swirly slide, and not going down on his bum (because it was fun he tells me :) and many other mischievious things. He was kicked out of school and had a fun parent/ teacher/ principle meeting ( like the second or third week of school ) But.... WE HAVE SURVIVED and Aunt Mannie you better watch out because first grade here we come!!!!!! (We're so excited ) Now on to fun things like SUMMER:) :) :)

Gotta Love T-Ball

2010-05-19T11:18:00.001-07:00

T-Ball has been a lot of fun this year. I find myself coaching Zachary's team. Which has been very interesting. Zac was way excited, which made me happy :) Probably because I'm never able to go with him on school activities because of the girls. But so far I've been able to arrange for the girls to be taken care of while I help Zachary's team. This year we've decided he does best to throw with his left hand, and bat with his right. We need to get him a new mit. He was taking off his mit before he would throw the ball! Weird child, I can't figure him out ;)

Zachary was a very attentive first base man!

What a cheeser.

Part of our cute little team. Five of them were gone.

One, Two, Three, SWING!!!!!!

Way to go Zachary.

I can not win !

2010-05-12T09:40:00.001-07:00

LITTLE S#%*S!

I can not win with these two. I'm very proud to have very smart kids. In fact I brag about it a lot. But there are some days I wish the weren't so quick!

Case in point: The loft.

They scoot the bar stool over and climb right up. AND WAVE HI!!!!!!!!

I'm done trying to save their sweet little heads from falling off of things. If they are so smart then they are on their OWN!

Mother's Day!

2010-05-10T13:40:00.000-07:00

Cleaning and scrubbing can wait til tomorrow, for babies grow up we've learned to our sorrow, quiet down cobwebs, dust go to sleep, I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep.

What can I say I love being a Mom!
The ups the downs the good the bads. It's all I've ever wanted :) I hope all you Mom's had a wonderful Mother's day filled with all the things you love, because I sure did.
We went to St. George this Mother's day to see Jared's Dad on Saturday and his Mom on Sunday. Only Zachary got sick so we had to come home early on Sunday. Poor guy has the stomach flu again :( Any way we had fun at dinner and going to the park. I forgot my camera and left it at the room so I have no pictures ( I figured I would get lots on Sunday!) any way I'm sure Grandpa John took lots.
I'm so thankful for my Mom and what a wonderful woman she is. She has taught me a lot and still has to hold my hand on my journey through motherhood. I love you Mom.

A good Imagination!

2010-04-21T20:22:00.001-07:00

My cousin Jill told me a while back she loves to have Zachary come and play because he has such a good imagination! Then we got thinking back on the fun things we would come up with as kids and I realized how thankful I am that my kiddo's do have imaginations. Sometimes we have to tell Zachary to come down from "la, la land!" They play hard and can pretty much entertain themselves. They entertain me often too:)

This is Zachary with his thomas trains when he was three. In vegas our backyard was fenced and I would open the sliding door and let Zac have all the freedom of the back yard! Sometimes I would just sit and listen to him play. Sometimes I had an active role in his game. I sure do miss that yard!

This was just today. I believe he was being a storm trouper from star wars! I'm sure the neighbors got a kick out of it! I sure did:)

I can tell the girls are following in Zachary's footsteps. I often find them dressed up in lots of garb. Zoe the other day was singing " I'm a princess, I'm a princess!" She's got that right.

And I don't have to wonder where they get it from. Jared's always good for a laugh! One of the many reasons I love him ;)

Hoppy Easter!

2010-04-05T18:43:00.001-07:00

We had a fun Easter and Spring Break. The Easter Bunny found the kids and they were pretty excited about all their loot. Zac got a couple new games for his DS which kept him entertained most of the weekend. Keira got a Dora Doll and a Ball:) and Zoe got a Strawberry Shortcake Doll and a Ball also :) The weather was not warm but not so cold we couldn't get outside to play. All in all it was a fun weekend. Now we're really wishing for SUMMER!!!!

We Colored Eggs
We colored our eggs, but have not rolled them yet. We ran out of time on Sunday and the weather Monday has been less than enjoyable.

Easter Hunt.
Every year Grandma Vickie sets up an egg hunt. Only they never find eggs, it's just a bunch of candy and treats. The kids have a blast. And it's fun for us adults to watch the kiddies get their buckets as full as they can.

These two had no problem filling their buckets.

Zac found lots of bags of microwave popcorn. Grandma was thinking of him:)

Uncle Brandon has a new best friend, that thought Zoe wanted to play. She didn't. I thought it was rather funny.

Hmmm... what's this?

Easter Dresses

The girls dresses turned out okay this year. The button holes were giving me hell. But the end result was cute.

Zoe needs to work on her modeling.

Keira was a little upset with me at the moment and was not in the mood to take pictures:)

The bustle in the back was really cute when they wiggled their bums!

We hope you all had a fun safe Easter :)

Fun in Vegas

2010-03-16T11:22:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we took the kids to Las Vegas. We had a blast. It was good to go home. (Well our second home!)

First we had to go to Toys R Us. Zachary has been working really hard to earn a trip there. He ended up with something more than we bargained for though. Jared gave in and bought him a Nintendo DS! What can I say we love spoiling that kid :) The girls got some fun Tinkerbell stuff. With lots of little parts!

We have been watching the progress on the dam for many years now so we had to drive out there to see how it's going. It is almost done. I'll bet the next time we visit we will be driving across it. It just amazes me what they can build and how fast things change down there. Even with the way the economy has been it's still growing.

The funnest thing we did was go to the Lied's Children Museum. I have no idea why we never did this before because it was awesome. I think I had more fun than the kids and that's saying a lot because they had a blast. I think we were there two or three hours. It will be one of those places we visit every time we go.

They had a fun Berenstain Bears area. WE LOVE THE BERENSTAIN BEARS!!!!! They had Teacher Janes school house, the bear cave, Mama Bears kitchen (the girls loved the kitchen) you could be in one of the movies. It was just Fun!

The girls loved it because they were free to go everywhere. They could touch everything and be as loud as they wanted. They had their squeekie shoes on which helped Jared and I keep track of them!

Of course they loved the grocery store. All three of them love to play food. Hopefully one of them will become a chef so I can hire them because I hate to cook! Hate It!

I love the look of awe on Zachary's face in the keyboard picture. He's always wondering how things work and this was the perfect place for him.

This is our typical travelers....

Zachary playing some form of hand held video game...

Keira throwing a fit about anything and everything......

and Zoe glued to the T.V.

Eventually they nap and the ride is enjoyable. It was fun and I realized how much I miss my big bad "Sin City". Until next time Las Vegas.

What is it with Two Year Olds????

2010-03-08T11:46:00.001-08:00

Grrrr.... I don't know who I'm fooling when I think that I'm a step ahead of these little girls!
This morning while I was cleaning the bathroom it got very quiet, so I decided I better go investigate. Well Keira and Zoe were apparently bored watching Dora and decided to put on my make up. My bedroom door was locked so they got their kitchen play knife and opened it. The thing that really gets me is they picked my new mascara and my new eyeshadow to destroy.
Little S#%*S!!!!!!

They both looked like they got into a fight with each other and gave black eyes. Lets just say their technique needs some improvement and I need a better lock on my door!

The interesting thing is when Zachary was this same age he did the same thing, only it was my eye liner! Who says kids don't learn from example!!!

I have met my match!

2010-02-27T19:13:00.000-08:00

Well I haven't posted anything for a while and it's mostly because I've been busy trying to keep up with life. I thought I needed to get the house more organized and it would help me manage the messes the girls made. Ha Ha Ha! Every time I think we're child proof they prove me wrong. So far we've had to find a lock for the fridge and a hook for the screen door. They have a cute little table they were eating at. Well they were suppose to eat at it, but it wasn't working out so well. So we ordered these bar stools. Well they at least sit to eat, but they also spend a lot of time on top of the table. :) :)

It's a good thing they're cute or I might lock them away! J/K As hard as it is for me to accept this is the way life is for now. So hello messes and I'll continue to hope we have no broken bones from falling off the table. Can you say DOUBLE TROUBLE!!!!!!!

Makin' the best of the Stinkin' Snow!

2010-02-03T07:13:00.001-08:00

This last Sunday we decided we'd better make the best of all this darn snow so we took the kids sledding. It was a lot of fun Zachary and Zoe loved it and Keira whined about it. Which was odd to me because she is usually my child that liked any thing. She did like to eat it though. Zoe trying to walk in her snow boots and snow pants. She kept saying "it's kinda hard!"

Keira was okay until she started falling down, she really didn't want to lay in it!

I'm really not sure who had more fun Jared or the kids! He did make a good snow angel.

The snow was really deep when you would climb the hill and Jared and I kept sinking in to our knees. Jared threw a snow ball at Zac and then sank when he tried to get away and Zac got him good!!!

Zac loved going down the hill, we just couldn't get him to stop climbing up the middle of the track

Keira just ate the snow to her hearts content.

CHEESE!!!!!!

Here comes Zachary

Two by Two!

Best Hidding Place Ever!!

2010-02-03T06:59:00.000-08:00

The other night while I was bathing the girls Zachary decided to hide in the coffee table and scare me. When I was done I came out to find him so he could get in the tub, I yelled for him a couple times and he wasn't answering so I just kept yelling louder. Jared started to laugh and I asked him where Zac went. He pointed at the coffee table. I laughed and said good job Zac you really got me that time. Well he just layed there and didn't say anything. Which is odd because usually when he's in hidding mode he's not very quite, anyway I peeked in there and this is what I found.

He was in there so long waiting for me he fell asleep. So cute! I guess this is a fun place in the house, because I often find one of my children here, just never asleep!

Woo Hoo TWO!!!!!

2010-01-25T12:49:00.000-08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KEIRA AND ZOE!

Today is Keira and Zoe's second birthday! I can't believe they are already two. Time just goes by too fast. I try not to think about everything we've been through with these two, but on their birthday it's hard not too. I'm so thankful we're not having to feed them bottles anymore, I'm glad I don't have to spend the majority of the day on the floor, and I'm very happy they both sleep through the night (for the most part!! ) Now if I can only get rid of the binkies and get them potty trained!!! I am so thankful for these two sweethearts. Life is just sweeter with them. I hope they have a great day.

These were taken the day after they were born.

These are from their first birthday.

And on Saturday we celebrated their second birthday! It was a fun party. We had lunch and just let the kids play. The girls loved all of the room to just run and play (at the elementary). They got lots of fun toys, clothes and things to ride on. (we're looking forward to spring!) Happy Birthday my little girlies!!!!! We love you!

Giving each other hugs.

And at the end of the day they peacefully crashed on the living room floor.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MORGAN!!!!!

2010-01-20T07:05:00.000-08:00

Today is my little brothers sixteenth birthday! Which makes me feel kind-of old! He is such a great kid. I told Jared how nice it is to be home so we can enjoy Mo's teenage years. I would get so stinkin' jealous of Jared and Traci when we lived in Las Vegas because they got to go to all the baseball/basketball games and get to take him with them everywhere, now we get to enjoy it! And believe me I have loved it. I try to make it to his home ball games. Jared comes home and watches the kids so I can (hopefully by the time he's a senior the kids will be better so we can go as a family and watch). Anyway Morgan you have always been such a blessing to our family. You are a hard worker, you're funny, you tolerate Zachary, you adore my girls and you humor your much older sister. Nobody has a better little brother. We love you and hope you enjoy your birthday!

Three years ago...

2010-01-13T20:27:00.000-08:00

It was three years ago this month that I took that big huge leap and went to the Fertility Center of Las Vegas for some major help. We had been trying to have another baby for three years and we were beyond frustrated. I went to their free seminar on January 10th and it was a whirlwind from that moment on. This is what my schedule was

Jan 10-consultation with Dr. D

Jan 29- physical

Jan 31-ultrasound

Feb 2-cycle day 3 labs (blood work)

Feb 5- Jared Dr.

Feb 6- Jared's labs

My Hysterosalpingogram (which hurt very badly...)

Feb 7- Jared analysis

appointment with my OBGYN

Feb 8- My labs

sonohysterogram

Feb 16- Follow up consultation. He told us what was wrong and what our options were!

Feb 19- Follow up with my OBGYN

Feb 20- more blood work

Feb 23- consultation with the billing department$$$$$$$$$ This is where we decided to do IVF(invitro fertilization)

Feb 28- cycle day 3 labs.

March 13- blood

March 30- trial transfer and blood

April 7- group injection class ( this was a little nerve racking!)

April 12-ultrasound

April 14- ultrasound and blood

April 16- blood

April 20- blood

April 21- started ganirelex injection

April 22- ultrasound and blood

April 24- ultrasound and blood

April 26- ultrasound and blood. I took my trigger injection at 11:15 pm (this releases the eggs)

April 27- pre-op

April 28- retrieval!!!! I felt like a chicken. They retrieved 19 eggs! Which is awesome.

Fifteen of our eggs fertilized correctly, however because my lining was to thick we had to freeze and get that taken care of before they could put some back in. more waiting..........

May 11- blood

May 15- blood

May 16- started lupron injection

May 25- baseline ultrasound

May 27- ultrasound

May 29-blood

June 1- ultrasound

June 6- ultrasound

June 9- blood

June 13- TRANSFER eggs went back in (two of them!)

after that I had three days of bed rest (not as fun as I thought it would be) Where I could get up every hour for about 5 minutes! Long enough to pee!!!

June 18- blood

June 20- blood

June 23- Pregnancy test POSITIVE!!!!!!!

June 25- blood

June 27- blood

June 29 blood and ultrasound and this is when my doctor came in and said " Here is baby A and here is baby B!!!!!" He patted my leg winked at me and left the room. I was so excited and so worried.

Any way for the next ten weeks it was more blood and ultrasounds. I continued my injections and medication until my body started to produce them on it's own. And when I was ten weeks along they released me to my own OBGYN. It was a bitter sweet day and there is not a day go by that I don't say a prayer of thanks to my fertility team, they are my family! And look many doctors later this was the result of my giant leap!

And in about eleven days my precious little fertility babies will be two!

Christmas dresses....Christmas messes

2009-12-29T13:02:00.000-08:00

We had a really fun Christmas this year.

This year I got busy and sewed Zoe and Keira Christmas dresses just like my Mom used to do for me. They turned out really cute. I used a pattern Mom gave me from a dress she had made me when I was little. I sewed jingle bells on them and they thought that was fun, because they jingled when they moved.

We went to Grandma Vickie's on Christmas Eve. The kids got to visit with Santa and we ate wayyyyyy to much food. The girls wanted nothing to do with Santa!

We attempted a picture of all the Burrows kids in their Christmas pj's. With that many little ones it's kind of hard!

Christmas morning Zachary came running in and told us Santa brought even MORE than he asked for. (opps! Bad Santa!) They were nice to us and slept until about seven o'clock. The girls were fun this year because they new more about what was going on.

Zoe is not a morning person! (just like her mommy!) So it took her a few extra minutes to wake up. The girls love their new baby dolls and strollers. And Zachary is way excited about his new star wars things and transformers.

We hope you all had a very merry Christmas and wish you a very happy 2010!

Our Crazy December

2009-12-08T21:00:00.000-08:00

It seems like once Thanksgiving is over our lives become crazy. December is the craziest month all year long for us. It's also the funnest. We celebrate six birthdays this month, not to mention CHRISTMAS!!!!!! We started the month out by going to the towns annual Lighting Ceremony. Where they light up the big tree on main street. It was really fun this year because Zachary sang. The girls were excited too. They got to see Santa. It was really interesting because when we would ask Zoe if she was going to sit on Santa's lap she would say yes. And when we asked her what she was going to ask Santa for she would say a Barbie! Well by the time we made it to Santa she had changed her mind, and when we sat her and Keira on his lap they looked at each other and started to scream, and that is when Ann took the picture! Can't wait to see that one! On the whole it was a fun night. (also Aunt Traci's Birthday)

Then on December 2nd is Zachary's Birthday! I cannot believe my little boy is six years old. WOW the time flew by. He was so excited to have a Star Wars party this year. Jared made light sabers out of PVC pipe that the kids got to paint. We always do a family party with lunch and this year we did chicken and rice, because Zachary loves white rice. Well we had about half an hour left of the party and he got sick. Yes that wonderful stomach flu. So no white rice for him, but he said he had fun anyway.

I think this picture of Jordan is hilarious because it looks like she is licking the paint! I told the kids to be really careful not to get paint on their clothes and they all did really well except for Jo.....and Morgan. Morgan was funny because he didn't paint anything, he just picked up Dalton's and got red paint on his "nice white t-shirt" and on his pants.

Then on December 6th we journed to St. George to Grandma Vickie's for lunch and a gingerbread house making party. Lunch was delicious as always. Jared is right Grandma you really missed you'r calling. We have never made gingerbread houses before and I have to say it was really fun, I hope we can do it every year. Zachary did his own, I helped/did Keira's and Jared helped/did Zoe. Jared surprised me because Zoe's actually turned out really cute and girly!

Keira's has a lot of candy. Yeah I got carried away. She was eating it as fast as I could get it put on.

Zachary's is my favorite because he says it is not a gingerbread house it is a summer retreat, because it has a fish pond in the front yard. What a hoot that kid is!

Zoe's has a self portrait (per Jared) on the roof. Now you see where Zac gets his sense of humor.

We Gobbled 'till we Wobbled!!!

2009-11-30T09:13:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving was fun this year. We went to Mom's house with Brother Jared and his family. Mom made tons of good food as always. The kids had fun playing together. Especially the boys with Morgan's play station. I even played guitar hero and Jordan informed me that I sucked really bad!! The kids played play station. The girls made a mess of Grandma's books and the adults watched a movie and let all that food settle.

Keira was so tired before dinner she had to have a little snooze.

Yummy, yummy for your tummy Jared and Morgan.

Family feast. Mom gave little goodie bags to everyone. The kids loved these. I loved the chocolate in mine!

Giggly girlies. Jordan and Zoe.

The girls did really good this year. They can pretty much feed themselves now. The both like turkey. And Zoe really liked the salad Jordan helped her mom make.

Zachary had his usual roll, cheese, cucumber and mashed potatoes with no gravy. One day I'm sure he'll decide to try some turkey.

Mom

2009-11-21T20:15:00.001-08:00

The Reading Mother

You may have tangible wealth untold: caskets of jewels and coffers of gold.

But richer than you can never be, for I had a mother who read to me.This month I've been thinking of all the things I'm thankful for.

Of course I'm thankful for my family and friends, good health, community, etc.

But one thing that has really stood out was my Mom.

There are a million reasons I'm thankful for her, but one is she read

to me when I was little, and I believe as a result I've read to my kids.

And I love the fact that they love books!

Zachary has always loved books. I would read to him every nap time and

every bed time. I haven't been that fortunate with the girls.

However they absolutely love books. Anytime anyone comes

to visit they start dragging out their books, and if you read

them one you read them all.

Mom is the librarian at the elementary school, and I've never met

someone so perfect for their job. Everywhere we go we hear

Miss Lorie, Miss Lorie. I love it.

So this Thanksgiving I'm so very thankful to my Mom

and her love of books.

Love you Mom

Some of my Favorites!!!

2009-11-17T14:47:00.001-08:00

So I was sitting here thinking I should post something new, but I wasn't sure what. Then I got thinking how fast this year flew by. So here are some of my favorite pictures from this year.

This is Keira and Zachary saying cheese for me.

Zachary was growing some carrots from pre-school in a laundry detergent scoop. They sat in the kitchen window forever, and I finally planted them in the flower bed out front and forgot about them. They grew for a really long time and I figured they weren't producing any carrots because I waited so long. Finally one day we pulled them up and there was about six really good sized carrots! Go figure. Any way Zac was pretty excited.

I was going to send this picture to luvs! "we love our Luvs!" The girls were pretty excited to get this huge box of diapers from the UPS guy. Man do we luv diapers.com!

We went to Aunt Traci's for a water day, and Jordan got the ice cream and popcicles out. All I can say is Keira and Zoe were her best, best friends.

They have the Cheese part down.

I'm afraid Zoe has the mis-conception that everybody has two babies because her mommy has two babies! More often than not she has one under each arm and heaven forbid we leave home without a baby!

I love this picture of Zachary. He's my little book worm.

Goodbye Thomas, Hello Star Wars!!!!

2009-11-08T14:56:00.001-08:00

It was a sad, sad day for mom. I knew this was coming but I didn't want it to end. I always tell people I miss the Thomas stage, because Zac was so cute and mellow in it. He loved, loved, loved Thomas the Tank Engine, as did I. He would play for hours. Everything had to be Thomas. Especially his bedroom.

His tastes have changed the last year or so and I don't find him in train mode as much. Now it's all about Star Wars the Clone Wars!!! Out with the trains and in with the Light Sabers!!!! Well today I realized our Thomas stage is well and truely over.

He's been pestering me for months to get rid of the Thomas curtains and other decor and replace it with Star Wars, so this weekend I got his room painted, hung new curtains and hauled the Thomas stuff to the basement for a future yard sale. So so long Thomas, Mom will miss you and may the force be with me!!!!!!

Trick or Treat

2009-11-03T19:44:00.000-08:00

Zachary was a star wars dude ( a sky trouper) Zoe was Cinderella and Keira was a witch.

We all had fun this Halloween. The girls were old enough this year to know something exciting was happening. And they really liked the candy. I think at one point Keira had three suckers in her mouth at once. ( I believe she had some help with the un-wrapping??) One of which was blue, so her lips were smurf blue all night. This is probably the first year Zachary has been so involved in the hype. He's not a big candy eater so trick or treating isn't that exciting. He love to dress up however. I hope he had fun, it was hard to tell. I believe he got nervous for the parade at school, but once he got moving he had fun. It's hard to believe he's in Kindergarten. I guess in my eyes he'll always be my little boy.

So I'm new at this.

2009-11-03T11:43:00.000-08:00

I love to read other's blogs so I figure I'll give this a try. I guess we'll start with this picture and then when I get the hang of this hopefully it will get better! This picture was taken this summer and I can't believe how much the kids have grown