The Smith Family

Pinewood Derby FUN!!!

2011-04-14T22:29:00.000-07:00

Mason wins district finals!!! Way to go!

YUM!

Mason wins the derby in his pack.

The famous Cobra Car that won it all. Way to go Mason (and Dad)!

Mason and Lacey's Birthday/Baptism

2011-04-14T21:59:00.000-07:00

A bowling Birthday Party! Mas0n and Lacey each got to invite a few friends and go the bowling alley. They had a jolly good time!

Eight cake, one pink one blue. Blew out the candles and made wishes. Hopefully they come true!

It is hard to believe that our once 4lb. twins are already EIGHT! We had a wonderful weekend filed with family and fun. Grandma and Grandpa from both sides came to support them along with their Great Grandma and Grandpa. We are so proud of them!

Meet Pearl

2010-08-18T15:26:00.000-07:00

So, this one is all my fault. We really need a kitty to killl the moles digging up our property. I am hoping that this sweetheart will be a good hunter. Meet Pearl Isn't she just a love! I know, I know really we do live in a zoo. When she gets big enough that I am not paranoid that an eagle or a hawk is going to carry her off. She will be strictly an outside hunter. Amazingly enough Holly loves her, and Pearl is very tolerant of all of the mothering. Holly slobbers her up one side and down the other. Yesterday I saw Pearl hanging from Holly's jowls, and Holly didn't seem to mind, but the kitty sure lets everyone know when she is being stepped on. Poor Holly she doesn't even realize that her paw is on the cats tail.

EGGSTATIC!!!

2010-08-18T15:13:00.000-07:00

Yep, our chicken are doing their job. They are finally laying, a little earlier than we anticipated. It has been fun for the kids to check their coop (79 times a day), waiting. We got three eggs one day. but usually it is just one a day. Hopefully the Rhode Island Reds will start laying some brown eggs soon.

Mason was up first to check it out. It is the smallest egg I have ever seen. You can get an idea from the pic above.

Keep it up girls. We love those eggs! Aren't they just darling. :)

Messing around in Photoshop

2010-05-15T23:39:00.000-07:00

I realize that I get obsessed with things for a bit and go crazy. Latest obsession has been Photoshop. This is our family pic. for 2010. I have been wanting to edit it for months. I also bought Photoshop elements 8 last Dec. It has been sitting untouched until now. I asked a friend (thank you Sarah) to come and help me figure some of it out. I have had so much fun the last couple of days messing around.

This is a color pop action. I haven't really figured out how to make all of the layers work along with the tools, but still fun.

I tried to burn the edges. Got to carried away. Couldn't figure out how to undo it. Like I said I have been really excited about it.

Oh my baby Lilly.

I know this is really not anything to those of you who do the editing all of the time, but I feel like a whole new world has been opened up with just the few things that I have learned. Loving it...

Mason's BIG Fish!

2010-05-08T21:27:00.000-07:00

Mason got to go on a Father, Son fishing trip with Jeff and one of his fishing buddies who also brought his son. They had a great time.

Is that the biggest smile you have ever seen or what? I think that it may also be "Take the picture Dad this fish is heavy," smile through his teeth. It is a 12lb. Rainbow trout. Like the ones Jeff caught this winter. Way to go Mason!

Mason and Dean. By the end of the trip these boys were good buddies.

And good climbers too. They did lots of great hiking along with the fishing. What fun!

Home Grown Eggs

2010-05-08T21:06:00.000-07:00

Okay, I admit it, my hubby has some great ideas sometimes. It is just really hard for me to say yes if I think that I am going to be the one doing all of the work. Chicks, aren't they darling? They are quite a bit bigger now. They are in their coop that Jeff built ( he really is so good at building stuff). I am so excited to have eggs. We have been talking about a whole mini-farm idea for the last 10 years. We have finally taken the plunge. I don't know if any of you watched that show on PBS a few weeks ago, "Food Inc." http://video.pbs.org/video/1402965302/ it really makes us want to sell our house and buy a few acres and raise all of our own food. If you get a minute you sould really watch it. P.S. I really haven't done hardly any of the work.

CRAZY about COUPONS!

2010-04-22T21:45:00.000-07:00

O.K. so I have to share. Since the beginning of the year. I have been really trying to shave down our food budget. I was introduced to a web site www.fistfulofcoupons.com. I really didn't know if I could stick to a food budget, we were spending between $500 and $600 dollars a month. As a Mom with young kids you gotta feed them, I really didn't know how these other Moms were spending only $200 a month for a family of six. Now I am still not that good. But I have been hovering right at $300 a month since January, and have been able to build a food storage, and have tried some products that I would never have bought before because they were to expensive. The picture of this shopping trip above cost me $12.93 and I got coupons back for 3 gallons of milk for free and a $5.00 coupon to spend the next time I shop! It has been (dare I say) fun, to shop at the grocery store and kind of a rush at checkout. I am insane I know it. I also must say that it hasn't been a beeeze, and it does take time and brain power to make it work, but this web site and tons others really take out a lot of the work. .

Crazy HAIR Day!

2010-04-19T20:49:00.000-07:00

Crazy hair day at Cottonwood Elem. is highly popular at the Smith house. I had to work this particular morning so Dad got to help the kids hair get crazy. I am sure that in the future they will ask Dad for help again.

Let's go fly a kite

2010-04-19T20:38:00.000-07:00

On a windy day, in late March we gotout our kite and took it flying right outside the house. The kids had a great time. This is Lilly's scary face.

Gotta love country living. No power lines.

Feelings of Love

2010-02-28T16:12:00.000-08:00

As of late Mason has been on a serious drawing kick. It really has been fun. He brings me two or three works of art a day. Around Valentine's Day he was having "feeling of love" and I couldn't help but share some of his "works of heart." These are the flowers the kids and Jeff gave me for Valentin's Day. They are all so cute they each put in a little money from their "penny pigs" to get them for me. (just a side note, I have not gotten flowers for any event since the first year of our marriage so I had to document it.)

I have proudly hung them on my wall in our room. I love him, (he drew me skinny! I have trained him well. )

This is Jeff and I. Titled "I love my Mom and Dad"

These are choclate kisses. The small one on the left says "You are osum" (awesome) :)

"The Moon Shining on the Meadow and the Trees" There are hearts in the circle window on the house.

Lilly was so happy to present the flowers. Can't get much more sweet than this! Hope you all had a wonderful Valentine's day! So excited for March. That much closer to Spring!

Mason and Lacey's 7th Birthday!!!

2010-02-05T16:01:00.000-08:00

Mason and Lacey are SEVEN! It is so hard to believe that my 4lb. babies are now first graders! Poor Mason and Lacey, they always get ripped off for their birthday's. First of all, they have to share their day, (hazard of having a twin) I know that they don't know any better, but I do, and thus comes the motherly gilt. This party was scheduled last minute, as are most things in my life. I called a couple of friends and had them come over in the afternoon for a party and some pizza, cake, and ice cream. Only problem was that when I woke up that morning, I was feeling a bit off. My stomach wasn't quite right. I went about preparations for the party anyway. About an hour before the party. I knew that I was sick, not quite puking, but close. At this point I didn't want to cancel and ruin their party so we went ahead anyway. They had a half blue and half pink cake (man am I cereative or what?). There are all sorts of candy on top. That seemed to be a big hit.

Remember the movie babe? The kids really like it.

Lacey got a new bike, and was excited, not as excited as she would have been if it would have been a horse, she informed me, but she still liked it.

That night as everyone was heading home Lacey started moaning that her tummy hurt. A day later my friend my friend called and expressed (not so sincere) gratitude for sharing the bug with her and her kids too. The rest of our kids followed and so did Jeff. I feel terrible absolutely wretched about it.

I hope though that as Mason and Lacey look back they will remember their seventh with a smile. As for me, my friend is still talking to me, and hopefully she has forgiven me. For that I am grateful.

Ikenswa St. Park

2009-10-14T21:34:00.000-07:00

So, as you can tell we are having a really hard time saying Good-Bye to summer. We decided to take one more trip to Mayfield lake to try for some of these allusive Salmon. we loaded up the camper and the kiddos and left for and weekend, and a bit. We let the kids take a day off of school. It was BEAUTIFUL! The leaves are just starting to turn, and I bet the even now a week later it is more colorful there. This is where Jeff wants to spend our Anniversary- surprise, surprise. I am game if it is not cold. We drove past this waterfall coming out of the mountain and of corse the kids wanted to touch it. "How is it Em?" says Mom. "It's wet," says Em. Hum what a surprise.

Two yucky fish we caught. Lilly couldn't get enough. Why do kids always want to touch the fish- eyeballs, teeth, tongue. It is a mystery to me. YUCK! One of my kids will surely be a scientist or biologist right, after allowing so much exploration, that's what their father says anyway. We had a great time.

Emery's Baptism

2009-10-14T21:13:00.000-07:00

Emery along with being eight ,also chose to be baptized. Em has been really excited for this to happen for some time now. It is so amazing to see your kids go from little babies who you cannot imagine what they will think, how they will act, or what they will even look like. Now we can't believe how much personality Emery has, what a sweet spirit she has, and what a beautiful girl she has become. My sis-in-law made this georgeous dress for her. It suits her personality so well, so simple yet sweet. I am so dumb and did not get a pic of her by her self in the dress. DUH MOM Pete, Leah and kiddos came for the event. The cousins had such a great time- mostly before and after the baptism. Can you tell by this pic how thrilled they are?

My Mom and Dad came up from UT. for the event. Wow! Long drive just for a weekend stay. They are so awesome!

Great Grandma and Grandpa along with Ken and Julie also came to support Emery. We have such a wonderful supportive family. Julie spoke at the baptism on the Holy Ghost and she is such a wonderful job. She amazes me.

Emery got her own set of scriptures and is so excited to be doing activity days with the other girls in the ward. How fun!

Happy 8th Birthday Em!

2009-10-06T22:33:00.000-07:00

This month is such a special one, it's Birthday time for you! We'd really like to celebrate this happy day with you. Anyone singing? Emery for her 8th b-day got her ears pierced! She is showing them off. She loves dogs so- no she did not get one, but she got a dog cake! (Almost as good... Right?) Had a party with 10 girls. The girls made their own pizza's and then they all did pedicures-kind of. Still a bit too young to handle fingernail polish by themselves so they partnered up. It was o.k. All is well that ends well. Opened gifts.

I noticed that Emery is quite polite. She said Thank you to all of her friends, treated everyone as her best friend, gave great hugs, and was so genuine. It is so awesome to see the good things in your kids. She is a great kid. Love you Em!

2009-10-06T22:14:00.000-07:00

"Big Nasty" Hill climb. ID. My lil' bro. and I. Ryan did do well at this climb, we were so glad to be a part of it. It was so neat to see him ride. Ryan on the winners stand. Way to go!

Lilly enjoying some water melon about three times her size.

Lilly bug and Shaylee bug enjoying some fun times. My mom got them matching outfits, different colors- too cute.

O.k. so I rode the bull. Lil' bro. dragged me ever and signed me up. It was fun and really embarrassing. I flew off the front over the horns. I am such a dork.

Lil' bro. getting ready to go up the hill. He is so focused. I certainly don't have the guts!

2009-10-06T21:58:00.000-07:00

This year we went to Kennecott Copper Mine while in Ut. If you get the chance take the time to check it out. The kids thought it was so cool. It was educational and totally intriguing. This is one bit tire. The trucks that haul the rock are as big as our house. Hanging out! I only got one day with my best girlfriends while in Ut. The kids had a good time while the Mom's talked it up. Hiking Mt. Rainer "Silver Falls" with 7 kids. What an experience. It was quite beautiful and the kids did better than I anticipated for more than a three mile hike. I need to do way more of this next summer. Pretty

Summer continued

2009-10-06T21:38:00.001-07:00

4th of July! FUN! FUN! FUN! watching fireworks, along with swimming, and a B-BQ, what could be better. Anual Trip to Ut. see above slide show. We had a blast! (as usual) Playing with cousins. Sam, savannah, and Wyatt came up to WA. for visit and came to Yakima and stayed the night. Maon and Wyatt had a goo time being boys. All the group went fishing the next day and I think everyone caught a fish or two.

Goodbye to Summer

2009-10-06T21:09:00.000-07:00

Well, it is sad to see it go, but alas... all good things must come to an end. Here is a very brief view of what the Yakima Smith's did for fun this summer. I also have to add that I promise to be a better blogger now that it is cold outside and I don't love it.

First trip of the summer:

Lake Riffe,

These kids are getting way too big. Where does time go?

Mom's 31st. B-day Whoa! that's old.

Lilly's 2nd B-day.

Beach Trip Long Beach, Wa.

Love those toes!

2009-09-11T15:33:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! It has been so long. I really can't believe that summer has gone by so fast. We had a wonderful summer, and now I am really going to try hard to catch up on my blog (among other things). I added a recent pic- slideshow of the trips we went on over the past couple of months. More to come on that hope everyone had a wonderful summer. Fall is upon us!

Memorial Day fun

2009-06-03T21:50:00.001-07:00

SMITH FAMILY REUNION TIME! What a wonderful weekend we had with our growing Smith side. We were blessed to have wonderful weather- no rain the whole time. (in West WA. not usual). Thanks Mom, Julie, for wonderful planning all around. You are AMAZING! We love you! Little girls on the swings.

How many kids can you fit on a teeter totter?... All fun and games until someone pokes an eye out.

Riding horses. Mason was sporting this smile the whole trip. I think that he didn't quite get his fill of the two other token boy cousins.

Lacey was in heaven riding her favorite animal. I still get the question "Mom, when can I have a horse?" weekly. My answer always the same, "when you get big and move out." (What a mean Mom) Slip-N- slide.

Lilly stuck on the pool edge. Love it!!!

The guys!

12 grand kids

Little boys and their toys.

Big boys and their little toys. What a character.

S'mores anyone? All of the kids had a fantastic setting fire to marshmallows as well as eating a whole bag.

We had such a great time!~ Can't wait to get everyone together again.

Naughty! Naughty! Naughty!

2009-04-12T21:41:00.000-07:00

Lilly is officially into everything. As she is approaching TWO she is keeping everyone on their toes. She loves makeup right now. What a stinker. This is eyeliner from MAC it comes in a pot. It goes on wet and then dries like paint. Not easy to get off the face impossible to get out of a brand new shirt. Lacey's makeup is a bit easier to get off.

Classic Skating!

2009-04-11T12:02:00.000-07:00

On our trip to UT. we had the opportunity to visit my friend Kim and her three girls. We went to Classic Skating. It was a blast. The kids got to attempt roller skating. This is Bella, she is a pretty good roller skater. The kids also got to play on some jumping toys. I think that these were the highlight of the outing. Lilly tried so hard to keep up. Lacey waited very patiently so Lilly could go down the slide. Even the Moms had some fun themselves. Emery took this pic of Kim and I doing "Dance, Dance, Revolution." It was a ball- gotta get that similar game for the Wii. I could have played for an hour. Emery trying to stay on her feet. I am sure all of the kids bums were sore the next day. My kids spent the majority of the time getting back up on their feet. We had a fun filled day with our friends. Thanks girls for spending your day with us!

Spring Break

2009-04-07T21:26:00.000-07:00

For Spring Break we went to Utah to visit family. We took the kids to the SLC temple grounds. We toured the visitors center. It was really interesting. The kids liked seeing the temple and the conference center.

It was sunny, but it was not feeling like spring. It has snowed 8" the night before and the wind was blowing like crazy, but it was nice to see the sun.

Looking out the window from the Joseph Smith Memorial Bldg. We had the opportunity to get the family together while we were there. It was fun for the kids to play with their cousins.

Lilly and Shaylee (Ryan's little girl) The girls are only three weeks apart.

Cousin Jaron playing with the kids. He is sooo much fun according to Em.

Grandma Carolyn's grand kids. Lacey loves Tiff.

sadness with job well done.

2009-03-26T09:52:00.000-07:00

We had parent teacher conferences this week. All of the kids are doing so well in school. I am amazed. With moving, and both Jeff and I working, we don't know if we are coming or going. Emery's teacher sent home this poem and as I was reading it I couldn't help think about how quickly time flies (and sheddin a few tears). I have three in school and it really seems like it has not been that long since I had three in diapers and wishing for time to fly so they would be just a little bit bigger. I will never say that again. I would do it again in a minute.

I see children as kites.

You spend a lifetime trying to get them off the ground. You run with them until you're breathless. They crash...hit the rooftop...you patch and comfort, adjust and they'll fly.

Finally they are airborne. They need more string and you keep letting it out. But with each twist of the ball of twine there is a sadness that goes with joy.

The kite becomes more distant and you know it won't be long before that beautiful creature will snap the lifeline that binds you together and will soar, as it's meant to soar. And you know you have done your job.

Two New Additions!

2009-03-23T21:16:00.000-07:00

Meet the new additions to our family. This is Molly- a Guinea pig.

This is Penny, also a Guinea Pig. Molly and Penny are new friends.

We really like Molly and Penny.

Penny needed a new home her family moved out of state. Jeff and the kids frequent the pet store to buy mice for his snake. Penny stole their hearts and they took her home. Penny was given her name by democratic family vote. Majority won. We thought Penny needed a friend so we all went back to the store and Mom picked out Molly. Molly has a Mohawk, and the kids thought that she was not cute, they wanted Penny to have a cute friend, but Mom said everyone needs someone to love them. Penny and Molly are very happy together. Molly calms penny down and she lets Lilly love her to death, and has not bit her- yet.

Emery says "Mom you were right everyone does need a home and now all I can see is how sweet Molly is, I don't even think about her Mohawk."

Mom says "Of coarse I am right, I am the Mom." Lacey says, "Mom do you know we have 10 in our family"

Mom says "We do?" Lacey says "Yes, A Mom, A Dad, 3kids, a Lilly, 2 guines pigs, Rambo (snake), and Phinn( beta Fish)."

Mom says, "I guess we do. I am glad I only had to deliver 4 of those family members."

Spring?

2009-03-23T21:01:00.000-07:00

It is finally starting to LOOK like spring. It has officially been Spring for three days, but it has not felt like it at all. We are ready!Jumping on the neighbors trampoline.

Playing catch with Mom. Not so much fun because Mom really can't throw, but Mason is a good sport. He even caught at least one. I got proof.

Mom caught a couple too.

Group shot. Lilly wanted to be on the tramp so bad but she got bounced around a couple of times and she was done. She settled for a picture.

TOFW

2009-03-18T09:13:00.000-07:00

What a terrific weekend! I had a wonderful opportunity to go to "Time Out For Women". It is a relatively new event sponsored by Deseret Book, but organized by some amazing LDS women. What a blast!

This is the girls before our outing. Me, Brooke, Leslie, and Sarah.

Of course we had to stop at Home Depot, because no outing is complete without it. This time it wasn't even a stop for me, (surprise, surprise). Sarah is re-doing her master bath, our Home Depot was out of the tile she needed, but the Issiquah one was not.

Tile is way heavier than it appears to be. We also stopped at the North Bend outlet stores. It was a blast, I should have gotten a pic. of us with our bags, but it seemed to gluttonous. The stage! You can hardly see the grand Piano. Hillary Weeks sang lots and Jenny Oaks Baker, Elder Oaks daughter played the violin- she is amazing. Did you know that she has a Masters from Julliard, WOW!. Ardith Kapp spoke to us, Emily Watts, & Kris Belcher, among others. This was lunch with all the girls from our ward, 10 in all. We ate at a wonderful Brazilian restaurant. I wish I could remember the name. It was buffet style, but these waiters bring out the meat on a skewer, lots of different kinds, and you choose. We all got stuffed. This is us just before heading home. The woman in the orange is Laurel Christensen. She was the "MC" for the event she was so funny. I am so glad I went. I am also lucky that Jeff was willing to stay home with the kids even after I had worked all week. He is such a great Dad! I am so lucky to have him.

Feeling a little crafty...

2009-02-24T15:25:00.001-08:00

Finally I have gotten a couple of projects done that I have had rolling around in my head forever. I decided that I am doing Roosters in my kitchen. I made a picture board for all of the kids projects that would go with the decor so I can hang up the millions of sweet things the kids draw, paint, glue, 100%'s, important events to remember etc.

I bought this vinyl lettering back in Aug. when I went to Ut. last summer. I couldn't decide what to put the saying on, and then I coudn't decide if I wanted to keep this mirror when we moved into the new house. That's the epifany came. Not bad for a $5 mirror that I bought at the D.I. 8 yrs. ago. It was yellow when I bought it, then had light houses on it, then crackle paint, then black, and now with the vinyl saying. How is that for recycling?

Ten Little Valentines!

2009-02-22T21:38:00.000-08:00

We have a budding actress on our hands! Emery got to be in her first play. She played a flower growing in Mary Mary quite contrary's garden. It was really fun to watch all of the kids. They sang songs to ten well known nursery rhymes. Em is in the middle awaiting her performance.

Her big moment! Em is growing and singing at the same time.

After the play was over she says, "Mom that was so embarassing!" Budding actress- perhaps just needs more practice (He He).

A Valentines Day Gift!

2009-02-22T20:58:00.000-08:00

We got a great present for Valentine's day, my sister Marsha and two of my nieces came to visit. We had a wonderful visit. I think that the girls were board to death, but they were good sports. I am so glad to have family willing to come and visit considering that we live 10 hours away.

2009-02-19T19:25:00.000-08:00

Sentsy is Awesome. If anyone wants some or wants to know more about it. This consutant is wonderful. You can check out her web site @ http://www.scentsy.com/jschofield.

Mason and Lacey's 6th Birthday!

2009-02-09T21:24:00.000-08:00

Mason and Lacey are SIX! It feels like I was just blogging about their fifth birthday. I really wish that time would slow down. I think that the kids had a good birthday. I got to go to their classroom on their birthday and hang out for a bit. I brought dognuts and juice. Dognuts are always a hit.

They got to pop the balloons and receive a gift. Mrs. Ireland is so sweet. Mason and Lacey brought home a bag full of gifts from her teacher and all of their classmates drew a picture of what they wished for Mason and lacey to get. PARTY

Party at home! Among other things the kids got a Wii. They have had so much fun playing the sports games and I have loved it keeping their attention. I didn't realize that a lack of yard could be so inconvienent when friends are over. This game has been a life saver.

Lacey got a cupcake maker. She wanted this so bad for Christmas, but she had to wait.

Mason got a new bike.

Blowing out the candles. Half blue-Half pink cake. They had a great time.

YMCA Girls Basketball

2009-02-09T21:09:00.000-08:00

Emery is really enjoying her first season of basketball. The girls on the team, are learning to work otgether and how the game works. Jeff put up a hoop in the garage and Em is practicing shooting hoops and dribbling. Now if we could get the offense/ defense thing down the girls might actually win a couple games. They actually don't even keep score so at the end of the game both teams think that they won. I am glad for that. Her coaches are fantastic with the girls, we will do this again next year.

One MORE tooth missing!

2009-02-09T20:48:00.000-08:00

Emery is very brave she let me pull her tooth out with yes- a pair of pliars. Gotta love the enthusiam of kids. I really think that her motivation was the idea of the tooth fairy coming to visit. It was pretty loose we got it on the first try, I didn't have to pull very hard.

2009-01-06T23:03:00.000-08:00

Family pictures 2008 One year older and hopefully wiser too. Emery Age 7 Lacey Age 5 (almost 6, Jan 21! Where does time go?) Mason 5 (only 3 minutes younger then his sister) Lilly 18 Mos. (Yeah Nursery! Not excited about picture taking)

Lacey is such a ham. I can get her to pose any time.

2009-01-06T21:58:00.000-08:00

The day after Christmas we headed over to Vader, Wa. to visit with Jeff's fam. Lilly is one of three girls all born 4 months apart. It was such a riot to watch these girls interact. Lilly is "beeping" Danika's nose. Grandma to the rescue!

Three Muskateers! Left-right Makella, Lilly, & Danika

Giving Kisses

Saying cheese!

2009-01-06T20:58:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas! We had a wonderful holiday this year. We have been so blessed. We are so grateful to be in our house. The kids have adjusted so easily, perhaps they are just getting used to moving, or perhaps this house just feels like home. I'd like to think that it is the latter.

Kiddos got bean bags. They have survived the first two weeks after Christmas, I am surprised- they are tougher than I thought.

Mason got a RC car. He and Jeff have really enjoyed it. Making Christmas breakfast. Lilly was a good helper. She took a bite of each piece of bread before we dunked it into the batter. She is soooo cute!

Later Christmas day we went down to Sunnyside to enjoy some time with Great Grandma and Grandpa. They fixed us a fabulous dinner, and exchanged gifts.

2008-12-03T10:50:00.000-08:00

Hello All! We had a wonderful Thanksgiving and we spent the rest of the weekend packing and moving. We are now in our new house. YEAH! The kids are still sleeping on mattresses, but we are so excited to finally be in. Pictures to come. Hope everyone had a great holiday!

A decade together

2008-11-12T12:22:00.000-08:00

HAPPY 10th ANNIVERSARY! Nov. 14, 1998 WoW! A decade together!

Who would have believed that we would make it! I am sure glad we did. You're still the one! I love you more now than I even thought possible. You are the greatest Dad, the hardest worker, and the most humble when it come time to apologize. I still can't get over how lucky we are to have 4 beautiful, happy, healthy kids. When did we grow up?( I hope we will never really grow up, only mature a bit). I hope to be by your side for many, many more glorious years. Thankyou for the last deacde together. Come with me the best is yet to be!

This is one of the out takes from our engagement pics. Jeff is still cute as ever!

Jeff allowing the girls to put their hands in the wet concrete. taken at the Chestnut house 1.5 yrs ago. Jeff, showing Mason how to do one of Dad's favorite things, fishing!

2008-11-03T22:05:00.000-08:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! We had a really great Halloween this year. The kids got to go to three parties and got way more candy than they need. Thursday they got to wear their costumes to school. That evening the school had a "Trunk or Treat" party which seems to be becoming more popular. This is the kids before school. Em, is a Renisance girl, Lacey a Flapper girl.

Mason is a pirate. This is about all of the ARGGG! I gould get him to muster. His Grandma Julie made the costume. (She is so wonderful at sewing.) Mason loved it. Lilly is a bug tonight. Cutest little Lilly-bug.

This is Mason, and Lacey's teacher. She is great, all dressed up and trunk all decked out.

This is the actual Halloween night. With our friends we went to their church for a grand carnival complete with jump houses and games. Then we went to our church and did the "trunk-or treat" thing there. The kids were not quite finished after all of that so we went trick-or-treating in our old neighborhood, said hello to some neighbors, and even got to see inside our old house. The BOYS! My Mason is still not a very scary pirate, but if you look closely he is motioning arggg! Lacey and Aliya. All decked out, A princess and a Flapper girl. Libby, myself and Lilly. Lilly got to be a 50's dancer girl tonight.

This is the after math. As soon as we walked in the door all six kids dumped their bags on the floor and bagan organizing and counting the candy. Emery was way serious about it and counted all 314 pieces of her candy.

This is Lilly amongst the after math. She made her way throught everyone's pile and took a few for herself.

Aquarium

2008-10-26T12:17:00.000-07:00

While in Utah we got to have some fun with our cousin McKella! Julie ( the best mother-in-law around) so graciously drove with me and four crazy children to Ut. so that we could be at my parents 50th Wedding Anniversary party. While I was there Julie went to spend some time with Bonnie (Jeffs lil sis) who lives in Orem. I didn't want to pass up an opportunity to see Bonnie and McKella so we went to the Life Aquarium in Sandy Ut. The kids had a great time petting among others, the sting rays, star fish, and sea urchins in the "petting zoo."

Cutie McKella she is pretty shy, but she is kindof smiling at me.

Lilly Bug doing her climbing.

The kids petting the sting rays. The sting rays were used to being touched and one of them swam around the edges and put up his wing? so that the kid could feel the smooth skin.

The whole group we had a great time. Thanks Bonnie and Mckella for joining us. We love you!

50th Wedding Anniversary!

2008-10-26T11:28:00.001-07:00

The beginning of the month I got to go Home for my parents

50th Wedding Anniversary. After a year of planning with my siblings we pulled it off. I can't say that I had much to do with it. My sisters, and sis-in-laws did all of the work and I got to come home help set up, claen up and be a part of the big day. On their real anniversay date all of us sent Mom and Dad to Park City for the weekend to relax and be entertained. They got to go see a funny play (moms' fav), and a great steak restraunt (Dad's Fav). The next weekend we had an Open House for them at the Church. Some of the people that came were in my mom's line at her wedding. Wow! 50 years ago.50 years later. They still look the same just a few more character lines.

Cutting the cake 50 years ago

cutting the cake 50 years later.

My Mom was only 80 pounds when she got married. We had a hard time getting the dress on the form. Even after we got it on the form, we pinned it to the back of the form because it would not go small enough to get the dress at all zipped.

The line.

The posterity

Sarah and Jaron looking at family pics. that were on display.

My sisters Suzanne and Val working in the kitchen. They are so wonderful! Lilly bug and Jackson only a couple of months apart. Lilly loves giving hugs.

My Grandma with my cousins.

Centeral Washington State Fair

2008-10-21T22:07:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't LOVE the fair. We had a great time this year. The kids really got into all of the animals and the activities that they had set up. I only let them choose one ride to go on while they were there. I know we are so mean, not mean just poor. Each ride was about $4, what is the world coming to, I remember when I was a kid we could go on all of the rides for $4. Anyway, enough I am showing my age. They did have some things that were FREE too so that was nice. The kids got to do a tractor pull (which is what the first pic is of) the kids were eliminated when they could not pull the weight in the tractor behind them. Mason did not win, however he pulled 225 pounds, and that was more than most of the 10 yr. olds could pull. He is so cute and shy. He did not want to even participate, but Lacey did not give him a chance. She pushed him out from the crowd. ( I am so glad that they came together). We even got to see a SEA LION show. The kids got a big kick out of that, we waited for 30 minutes to get front row seats, (that's a long time with 3 kids and a Lilly) We ate a bucket of fries while we waited, it helped a little. Lilly really likes Ketchup, she drank a couple of packets worth. YUCK! The kids asked if they could pet this cow, the girl was really cute and Emery was excted to listen to it's heart. (She is going to be a VET you know.) Holding a real aligator. Notice that Mason is not in the pic. He was not going anywhere near that "real live thing." Corn pit! Gotta love it! Lacey, chose the pony ride as her one and only, suprise! suprise! This was part of the show. It was worth the 30 minute wait. They did a really cute (FREE) show and it was very educational. Do you know the difference between sealion's and seals. Emery can tell you.

House Update!

2008-10-14T22:19:00.000-07:00

The house is painted! I really like it. I am so glad that it turned out the way I imagined. That hardly ever happens. The top is a nice choclate brown and the bottom is called "warm stone." The rock is going up. It is still in progress, but is looking good. Jeff is amazing. He has not ever done rock and mortor stuff before but he is doing a great job. We are going to wrap the posts and stain them a dark brown. We- Ha Ha it's all Jeff. This is the inside now sheet rocked! Yeah! It is really starting to feel like a home. We had a wonderful crew come and do the work. They did an impeccable job. It was worth every penny not to have to have Jeff do it. It took a crew of five guys, 8 days to get it done. It would have taken Jeff 8 weeks- no kidding. This is a pic. of the kitchen and the soon to be bar. This is Lilly climbing. She is so quick. This pic was taken one minute after the last. She is such a climber. Up ladders, up on the kitchen table, on the toilet. What a monkey.

Jeff's Birthday!

2008-10-02T13:14:00.000-07:00

OVER THE HILL!!! Happy Birthday Daddy! We love you! Jeff turned 35 this year. Wow! Time flies! Somethings that you might not know about Jeff: 1. He really hates anyone to make a big deal over him. (He has a hard time with birthday's) 2. Most of you know Jeff is good with his hands, but Jeff is also really good at magic. He can find quarters in the kids ears. 3. Jeff like a good "chick flick" just as much as I do. (That one is going to get me into trouble). 4. Jeff loves Chinese food. If you need something done, bribes ending with Chinese food usually work. 5. Jeff makes awesome scrambled eggs. For Jeff's cake this year I made him a gingerbread cake. He loves gingerbread. We put vanilla pudding over the top instead of frosting it was pretty good. The kids have really gotten into birthday's this year. They spent a long time making the banner "just perfect." Emery made this card. She is really starting read and also wants to write all of the time. I love the phonetic spelling. I had to take a pic. and share. It is so much fun to watch them pick up on things.

Emery's Big SEVEN b-day!

2008-09-22T12:04:00.000-07:00

Emery is now SEVEN! Em, got to have a few friends over. We had a B-BQ and a pinata. Emery chose a Barbie Fairytopia pinata, and all the kids had a grand time wacking it. Emery wanted an alarm clock so that she could wake up for school, and a diary. She got both and was really excited, ( Mom and Dad are excited that she is still easy to please). From her friends she got a Hannah Montanna Bag shaped like a guitar and a Hannah Montanna hat. Wow! Princess for a Day!

All of the kids, After the Pinata met its demise the kids use the pieces for hats, quite lovely.

Getting in a few good wacks!

Emery's turn.

Dad is a silly nut! Blow out the candles. The Hannah Montanna bag!

Sisterly love

Back to School!

2008-09-08T10:41:00.000-07:00

First day of school! We were all ready to go 20 minutes before we had to leave. Emery is going into first grade and is so excited because her teachers name is Mrs. Smith. Mason and Lacey are in Kindergarten. They have Mrs. Ireland, I think that they will both really like her. I can't believe that they will be in school all day long. They get to ride the bus every day, and they are excited to have school lunch. I hope that it will be and easy adjustment for Emery, she really misses her old school and friends. She is tough though and I know that she will make new friends easily. Lilly and I will be so lonely. What will I do with only one child at home? We will manage I am sure, but I am feeling my life pass before me all too quickly. Time seems to speed past, and I hope that I am taking enough time to "smell the flowers." I didn't think that I would get emotional saying good-bye to Mason and Lacey, but after giving Lacey a hug and a kiss she waved me on, I knew that is how she would be, she is always ready for a new beginning. Mason was the one that I worried about. He has always been more apprehensive about new situations, but when I went to give him a hug and a kiss to tell him good-bye, he barely let me give him a squeeze, I didn't expect him to say "O.K. Mom, no kisses, you can go now;" as he was holding his hand hout as if to say stop. He was brave, in the face of somthing new. He is growing up. I couldn't help but loose it. I gave him a kiss anyway through tears in my eyes, and waved to them both as I walked through the door. Jeff walked next to me, but obviously a tad embarassed that his wife was having a moment. I reagained composure before we got into the car to go home. Mason has not had one problem going to school. WOW!

Cherry Hill water park

2008-08-26T22:16:00.001-07:00

Three crazy Mom's took EIGHT crazy kids six and under to Cherry Hill water park. we had a blast. Emery and Bella rode the Cardiac Canyon by themselves, Wow! Mason and Lacey went with mom a few times too. I remember going to this place when I was young and now it is so neat that my kids will have some memories there too. Sage being silly with fruit. Bunny teeth? Nessa and "E"

Boating!

2008-08-26T21:55:00.001-07:00

I forgot how much fun it is to be on the water. My little bro. Ryan has a boat, I was so excited when he invited us to go to Pineview Reservoir to come boating. This is the first time that the kids have gotten to ride a tube and Lacey loved it. Lacey rode with me, with Em, with aunt Jamie, she couldn't get enough. Emery rode with me and we tipped over the front end. It was so funny, but she didn't agree. She was a good sport and tired it again. Mason would not try it, perhaps next year. I was glad that he even got into the water. We had a great time and the babies did much better that I would have expected. I even got to try wake boarding. I am not very good. I can't wait to try again, but I really need to get in better shape. It uses muscles that you never knew you had.

Lacey saying faster, Emery saying slower. They never cease to amaze me. Lacey and Emery riding with Aunt Jamie.

Anual Camp Out!

2008-08-26T15:44:00.000-07:00

Jackson Shaylee Lilly couldn't get enough of Jackie, Aunt Marsha's Lab. The dog was so good, and patient. Three peas in a pod.

Grandma and Lilly time. Catching frogs! Canow ride anyone? Mom and Lacey get to take a ride together.

Every year my family goes camping together. They all have trailers, ATV's, motorcycles, and a canoe. The kids loved every minute. Mason could not get enough rides from anyone who was willing, and when he was not busy on something that goes, he was catching bugs. For some reason this year there was a plethora. He caught lots to put in his bug board. Aunt Val Jean bought him a butterfly net to take home and he is still catching lots of yucky bugs!

Playing with friends!

2008-08-26T15:28:00.001-07:00

We had a great time playing at our friends house. Lizzy and Josh are my friend Wendy's kids and they have a wonderful yard and a big blow up slide thing that the kids loved. Not to mention a sport court and a little motorized car to keep them entertained. It made a great time for Moms to be able to catch up.

Coming Home!

2008-08-26T14:58:00.000-07:00

I don't know why it is that I still feel like every time I get to go to Utah I feel like I am coming home. It might be because that is where all of my side of the family lives, it could also be that I grew up there so I don't have memories of being young anywhere else. None the less, I still feel like I am coming home every time we drop down into Odgen and then drive up center street, until we pull into the drive way on 8th East. We had a wonderfully busy trip, I know that the memories made will last us until next summer when hopefully we will get to return home again. I know that my husband nor my children see it the way that I do, but I know that even for them it gets harder to say good-bye to friends, Grand-ma, grand-pa, Great Grand-ma, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins every time we come. Even thought it is not "Home" for them it holds a special place in their hearts. Thanks Mom and Dad for allowing us to come and once again take over your home, your yard, and your time. We love you and miss you! Grandpa J, Grandma Carolyn and kiddos! Lilly and Shaylee (BFF) cousins only 3wks. apart. Lilly is giving her loves. Grandma Ida (93) and Lilly Val Jean and Sarah Friends of forever and for Forever. WOW! Four generations of hands.

Mason's Mowhawk

2008-07-11T15:23:00.000-07:00

Mason has wanted a mowhawk all summer, so I finally gave in and did it. You only get to be a kid once right. I am sure this will give the Mom's at church somthing to talk about. The only thing is that Mason is so blonde that you don't really notice it. I am even thinking about spraying it jet black or purple to remedy the problem. Jeff and I decided that he is such a cute kid no matter what we do to him. (we are largely biased!) This is mason's tough face. With dimples it is hard to look tough.

4th of July

2008-07-11T14:49:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful time celebrating the Fourth of July this year. This is the first year that we have let the kids stay up late enough to watch some fireworks. They of corse Loved it! we had a B-BQ with smoked ribs and all kinds of salads and dips. (YUM) I Love the summertime! All of the kids got to help with the firework smakes that grow. The wind was blowing so all helped to shield the growing, messy, smelly creatures. Good eats! the corner of the deck was a perfect seat for Lilly, she actually stayed there and ate too. I was shocked. Ready for the show! First time experience with the sparklers. They were very careful to hold it right on the very end.

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

2008-07-04T12:09:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!

House progression

2008-07-04T11:56:00.000-07:00

Jeff has been working like a Mad Dog on the house. We have siding on roof and doors and windows. I love the front door I am so excited to get some paint on it. The front porch is also in and I can't wait to sit out and enjoy the breeze. Time is flying we are hoping to have it completed by the end of August. We have all of the "guts" to put in- so it will probably be Sept. I can't wait!

LILLY

2008-07-01T12:24:00.000-07:00

I wanted to put together a slideshow of Lilly's first year, so I did, but I can't figure out how to get it into the actual post section so this is how I did it. We have been so busy that we really haven't made her birthday official (sad I know). Her presents are still wrapped and sitting on my dresser. We will celebrate, with cake etc. on her due date, but for now- I have an overview of our sweet Lilly and her fist year on earth. We have enjoyed every single minute of her. She is... A wee bit of heaven drifted down from above, a handful of happiness, a heart full of love. Time flies so fast that we can hardly keep up, but we have cherished every moment of her little life. God lent us an angel, a gift from heaven above.

Garvin Family Reunion

2008-06-30T17:39:00.000-07:00

We got to go to the BEACH for a reunion with Jeff's Mom's family. We had such a great time. The kids loved being with their cousins, and of corse loved being in the water even though it was so cold. Lilly also celebrated her birthday on the beach. I will add more pictures later.

Letting my kids BE kids

2008-06-09T11:24:00.000-07:00

I have been feeling like a really mean mom lately because I feel like I am always telling my kids to SHHH, or get out of there, don't do that, that's not nice manners, and on and on. I was talking to my visiting teachers about this subject and they were agreeing, it is hard to let your kid scream in the backyard for fear of disturbing the neighbors, or allowing them climb the trees because they might break a branch. I don't remember so many rules when I was a kid and I don't want my kids to grow up feeling like their Mom never let them do anything when they were kids. So a couple of times this past week, I have let my hair down a bit and let them just be kids. I walked outside assuming that they were still playing duck, duck, goose on the grass, but this is what I found. So rather than yelling, and throwing everyone directly into the tub, I ran to grab my camera. Yeah, that's a garbage can lid. ( They are only use for yard waste; don't freak out.) Yeah fully clothed. Soaking!!! So a couple of days later it rained almost all day. The kids by mid morning really wanted to go outside, so I let them. Two minutes later I made them come back inside and get into swim suits becasue I know that the puddles were going to be too much to ressist. Are any of your kids as crazy about water and puddles?

This was the puddle in our driveway. Keep in mind that it is only like 50 degrees outside. Lacey is pushing the puddle down to meet the dirt. Guess what? Mud! Gotta love it. I remember doing the same thing when I was a kid, but making mud pies in the gutter, with gutter mud. I don't remember my Mom having a cow. What is that? OH MASON BOY! Needless to say they had fun, and if they ever tell me that I never let them do anything, I have proof that I did.

Grant me the patience to deal with my blessings!

LACEY! LACEY! LACEY!

2008-05-29T10:00:00.000-07:00

This is my Lacey, she turned Five in January. Princess from head to toe. She adores dresses. I can hardly get her to wear pants. This dress in particular was given to her from my Mom. She wears it almost EVERY DAY! Lacey also has an extreme love of horses. She is so excited to move to the country so that she can have a horse, and most mornings she asks me, "Can we PLEASE get a horse today?" I keep telling her that when she grows up she can have as many horses as she wants in her backyard., If you ask Lacey what she wants to be when she grows up she will tell you she wants to be a "horse rider", so on this day with the favorite twirly dress and the boots I had to get some pictures of her. Gotta Love it. Taken right out our back yard at the new house.

I think that Lacey will be the kind of girl that no matter what comes her way she will take it with a grain of salt and rise above. She thinks that she is awesome whether she wins or looses, and she has a sense of beauty that I would love to possess. She is laid back and mostly easy going until she has had enough, then- WATCH OUT there is an attitude that blindsides me. With hands on hips she will tell you wherre to go and how fast to get there, and all I can think is WOW! I hope that she will always think that she is awesome- no matter what.

Fun at Great Grandma's and Grandpa's

2008-05-29T09:18:00.000-07:00

For Memorial Day and for Great Grandpa's Birthday we took a trip down to sunnyside. the kids helped me make dinner a cake and a couple of cards. This is Lilly when we arrived.

Uncle Dale is always great about keeping thekids entertained. This is their first time playing tug-of-war. Super funny to watch. Daddy and Lilly against Mason, Lacey, and Em. Foot races! Can you guess who won?

Lacey's face in this pic is so great. Mason won this race, but she reminded us about how stong he was at the tug-of -war against Mason and beat him three times in a row.

Great Grandma and Grandpa.

This is Lillly when we left. She was eating a piece if black licorice. She is also standing by herself.

Serious Progress!

2008-05-28T16:56:00.000-07:00

It is really starting to look like a house. The trusses being dropped off with a gigantic crane. Mason really enjoyed watching.

Lots of progress made in one weekend. It was about 97 degrees and the guys working were roasted. They looked fried! Ever heard of Sun screen? They obviously had not. These guys are part monkey. They were not the slightest bit afraid to move around on these rafters.

Wow! It looks like a house. Now on to roofing. Jeff is really finding out what it is like to be a general contractor. He is on the phone with people setting things up a lot of the time. It takes away from his work stuff, but I think that he is really enjoying it. He is doing a super job.

Two Missing Teeth

2008-05-16T14:04:00.001-07:00

Two teeth in the treasure chest. Can't see them very well. I kept Emery home from school because it was a short day and she was not supposed to have anything crunchy. Em was so funny the whole day she kept telling me. "Mom I can't believe I lost two teeth, the tooth fairy is going to be so surprised." Five minutes later she would say "Mom I just can't believe that I have two lost teeth." The WHOLE day. It was obviously a really big deal to her. Emery has had a loose tooth for about a month. About two weeks ago we noticed that the permanent tooth was coming in behind the loose tooth. In April we had all of the kids teeth cleaned and they took x-ray's so I assumed that they would have noticed this other tooth in x-ray and didn't mention it because it wasn't a big deal. Well finally I took Em back to the dentist anyway because she kept complaining about the tooth hurting and I know that it was not coming in at all in the right spot. The dentist pulled the loose one and the one next to it because he said that same thing was going to happen. They were able to pull them the same day that they squeezed me in on, which was so nice. Mason, Lacey, and Lilly didn't think so because they had to wait, but they did alright. Emery was so brave they had to give her a shot to numb her up and she did not flinch or complain at all. She didn't even think that it was scary at all either. She is getting to be a big kid.

Kids Fishing Day!

2008-05-16T13:30:00.000-07:00

This was the "coolest " thing ever! The city puts on this "Fishing Kids" day at one of the parks (Sarge Hubbord) here in town. It's only $5 a kid and they get a free fishing pole, a t-shirt, catch some fish plus they make the kids go through all of fishing etiquette. It was my kind of fishing. All of the pole's were set up with bobbers and hooks and they had lots of volunteers to give out worms and help gut, wrap up, and take home fish. We had 30 minutes to catch our limit of two fish per kid (which was plenty of time). They had stocked the pond the day before the event with 5000 rainbows. Needless to say that Jeff could not keep the hooks baited and out in the water fast enough before we had a bite on someone's pole. Daddy showing Mason how its done. "Poor wormy it's not your lucky day, says Mason."

Lacey showing off her trout. She was the first to reel one in. Can you tell they are not a bit squeemish about the blood and slimy fish. Emery tired to take the hook out herself. Wow! Mason is so cute. Second fish going in the bag. Dead fish, going home for lunch. Jeff fried them up and the kids ater them happily. It was a fun event for the kids, and great for them to have some success fishing and get them excited about more fishing that I am sure will happen this summer.

There is no place like home.

2008-05-03T22:49:00.000-07:00

So here are some updated pics of the house. Jeff has been working really hard and actually has almost allof the interior walls up too. I will post them later. Picture of the inside.

In thinking so much about this house. We already feel like we belong there. I am so grateful to have a husband who works so hard to make his dreams and his vision for his family happen. Jeff is such a wonderful father, who love his children endlessly, and tirelessly takes care of them after he has put in a full day so that I can go to work (and have a break).

Having someplace to go is home. Having someone to love is family. Having both is a blessing.

MASON! MASON! MASON!

2008-04-23T16:40:00.000-07:00

While I was visiting a friend from work and her new baby, Mason was excited to discover that she had an old Motorcycle in her yard. He sat on it made all the perfect noises, and then decided that he needed his picture taken on it. After the motorcycle he then proceeded to sit on and ask to have his picture taken on all of the fun things that my friend had in her yard. Mason and I both had fun. (Yes, I am still a little trigger happy.) Mason has always adored anything that has wheels, a motor, or has the potential to go. Much to his dad's dismay- Mason is destined to a life on wheels. He has been riding a bike without training wheels since he was three and he is now doing pop-a-wheelies down the driveway. He rarely has an accident (knock on wood), and he loves showing up his sisters. My family loves dirt bikes and 4-wheelers, I have been riding since I was eight, so I don't have a problem with them. Little does Jeff know that Mason will be riding a little "50" dirt bike this summer when we go camping in UT. Mason will be extatic!

Fort Simcoe Day Trip

2008-04-20T21:29:00.000-07:00

Today we went to "Fort Simcoe," an old Army installation in the 1850's. We have been trying to discover new places and things to do near us. This was a fun family outing, the Fort is located on the Yakima Nations Indian Reservation in the middle of nowhere it seems. This kids had a great time touring through the barracks, jail, and officers quarters. Their was also a playground and trail that led to grave sites of two of the soldiers. I thought that the kids would be complaining considering that it was super cold, hailing on us off and on, and that it was not that exciting for five and six year olds. I am pleased to say that they surprised me and they let me read them some of the info about the soldiers, Indians, and the ways people lived in the past.

Heading down the trail to the graves of the soldiers. I love that they will still hold hands.

Emery picked me a flower and said "Happy Mother's Day!"

Lacey and Mason couldn't resist the opportunity to pick a few themselves so I had a whole bouquet for Mothers Day.

Lacey is in front of Cptn. Onley one of the fallen soldiers that did much to make treaty's with the Indians, and very involved with politics. He eventually died from an arrow wound. Not all Indians must have liked him much.

Daddy picked all of the kids their own cat tails.

You can see that Mason was very excited about it. His was the coolest- very full. Lacey and Daddy behind bars. This is the officers quarters. The officers always get the better accommodations. I had to take a picture of the quilt. You can't see the detail very well, but it was way cool- all done by hand. I really want to learn. Everybody on the cannon. You can see the officers quarters in the background.

This is eventually what became of Mason's cat tail. I can't blame him, I would have wanted to see what happens to it when they come undone too.

Lacey and Lilly going down the slide. Lacey is so good about taking Lilly to play.

Dad spinning kids. How fast can we go?

Now get off and see if you can walk straight. HA! HA! HA! says Dad.

Sweet Lilly bug. Can you guess what she is doing?

Yep! Spit them out lilly. She spit them all out. Only had to fishout a couple. Silly Lilly.

Going home... Dad let Emery sit on his lap and steer until we got out of the parking lot. What a great Dad.

Finally Spring?

2008-04-13T23:24:00.000-07:00

So we finally bit the bullet and bought a camera. We got a Nikon D40 SLR it has been a ton of fun so far. I have no clue what I am doing, but it I am having a blast trying to figure it out. In two days I have taken 140 pics. I am having a little too much fun. Anyway here are a few.

Sepia tone that I can manipulate within the camera settings. Isn't she such a Q-T! ( I am biased, I know) Black and White. Mason caught in the action trying to break off the big branch. So I made him stand there and pose for me this is what I got. ( I love it!) Lacey always ready to strike a pose. Lilly is in the background waving. Lilly trying to escape out the back of the car. "Mom no more pictures, you are making me so mad."

Finally I think spring has sprung. This weekend we have had wonderful weather so we decided to go to our local family fun center. We went mini golfing, and got to ride the bumper boats with our family friends the McRae's. Seven kids and two Moms. The kids had a blast! The Moms... um? Emery doing her best to get the ball up the hill. It was harder that it looked. Mason fetching the ball out of the pond with a little help from his friend- Collin Mom and Lilly. She does pretty good in the backpack.

Mason was way excited he got to drive a bumper boat all by himself! Wow! He was so brave. I thought it might be a little scary for him because he is usually so timid of the water. He jumped right in the boat and began to shoot the water at everybody around him.

Lacey did much better at the bumper boats than at mini golfing. I didn't put up any pics of her golfing experience because I am going to save them for bribing material when she act up as a teenager. (HeHe) It was pretty hilarous.

Emery's boat got stuck going in circles and she couldn't get it to go forward. She didn't care thought she got anyone wet that came near her.

Aliya and I got to ride together while Mrs. McRae and Lilly hung out and took the pics. Lilly cried the whole time. Any suggestions for seperation anxiety?

We Have Begun!

2008-03-29T23:23:00.000-07:00

The beginning of a big project! The digout is almost complete. You can see it is kind of L- shaped, the garage will be in the side of the house instead of the front.

Daddy is just about done with a hard day's work. Lilly needed to say "hi" so we went to see dad at the "job site." It's looking good Daddy! This is the whopping pile of dirt that was created from the digout. The kids really had a great time in the pile O' dirt. I should never have let them out of the car. Emery and Lacey in the pile O' dirt. I think this was part of the "Princess of the mountain" game. Lacey was the good princess. Emery was the bad sister princess. Oh how Mom's love Tide. Emery had been throwing fairy dust into her and Mason and Lacey's hair. Oh how Mom's love the extra rinse cycle! Lilly of coarse has to give it a try. Must be good. Lilly was pretty angry when I put her back in the car. It was fun to capture the kids playing the silly games, and heck you only get to be little for a little while. A little dirt never killed anyone. Right? THE FOUNDATION Here is a side view of the house in progress. I need to take some more pics of the I beams going up, but our digital camera died so I am waiting to get a new one soon.

Mason and Lacey's Birthday!

2008-02-15T21:45:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that my babies are FIVE!

Jan. 21, 2008

The Cake! Lighting the Candles. Lacey got to blow out the candles first since she is three minutes older. We sang to her she make a wish and then we re-lit the candles and let mason make a wish too. They loved the cake inside was checker board blue and pink!

Libby our family friend so graciously let us come the celebrate at her house and she took the kids on tractor rides and pulled the kids behind the tractor on a sled. What a fun birthday gift. Her kids and our love to get together. She has two boys (8 & 7) and a girl (3) The kids has a great time. Lilly and I even got to go for a ride. It was only 22 degrees outside so we were popcicles when we came back inside. Mommy and Lilly.

Emery, waiting paitently for her ride behind the tractor.

There is Mason going for a ride on the sled. Isn't he such a ham!

Teran (7) trying to stay warm!

Mason playing in the snow. Eating the snow. (Yum!)

Lacey Anne opening her gifts. Mason opening his gifts.

We also had a pinata. We strung it up in my friends living room. and the kids had a great time wacking at it and got a ton of candy when it finally broke open ( with a little help from Jeff). I was taking video and Jeff was blindfolding and helping the kids wack, so I didn't take pictures.

Our family Pictures 2008

2008-01-26T21:12:00.000-08:00

Our family

Emery Carolyn is now 6! She is in Kindergarten at Nob Hill Emementary. She is in Mrs. Hausske's class and is loving it! She says that Math is her favorite and she is good at it. She is doing really good at reading and is at the top of her class. We are so proud of her.

Lacey Anne just turned 5! She loves to play dress-up when asked what she wants to be when she grows up she said "I am going to be a princess." When I asked what princesses do for their job she said, "They get to go to lots of parties and do pretty stuff and get to wear lots of make-up, and wear lovely princess clothes." Lacey is a princess. We love her and love to hear her sing. She likes to make up all sorts of tunes and sing them with lots of feeling and verbratto.

Mason was just three minutes behind Lacey at birth, but is never lagging behind at home. He is so excited to be 5. He is my neat kid. His room is always clean and tidy. He is very good at making his own bed, and then will often go and help Lacey make hers. Mason likes to be the joker, loves to make Lilly laugh and sometimes gets himself into trouble by being too rambunctous. He is very good at art, drawing, coloring, painting, or clay, it has to be just right though or life is really tough for him.

We love Mason's blue eyes and those dimples have kept him out of trouble a time or two.

Lilly aka "Lilly Bug" is the cutest thing ever. We just can't get enoug of her. From her chubby edible cheeks to her big cheezer smile. We have loved every minute of Lilly in our lives. she is just about to start crawling. She goes backwards doing an army crawl and then gets up on her hands and knees and rocks back and forth. She has not quite figure out how to get the arms to cooperate. she loves to eat any food given to her and she does great with anything we put in front of her. She is happy most of the time as long as someone is holding her. Lilly has daddy wrapped around his finger and she does not have to fuss for long before he comes to the rescue, the smile returns immediately (funny how that works).

This one is just a funny one of all of the kids. Stephanie my sis-in-law took the pictures,(Thank you, she does a great job) and actually they all turned out good. The ones of all four kids together were the most difficult.