The Train Gang

2012-01-30T19:52:00.000-08:00

Sunday, Straight Sunday

These girls have been bugging me to put curlers in their hair...if you can believe that. I finally said I'd try to do round-brush curls but it turned into a full on dryer blow-out. It was a waste of time for sure...so we read a scripture story while I straightened...to make up for spending almost 2 hours on vanity.

2012-01-14T07:55:00.000-08:00

More Christmas Just downloaded our pictures from one of our camera phones and it hadn't been done since JUNE. So, now I can post every holiday/event since then...there were a lot.

At Thanksgiving this year all the grandkids were together and since Grandma works in the mall we got a special session with Santa (love that Ken plays along with this stuff! She is so cute).

2012-01-14T07:34:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween???

This is for Lisa because I promised I'd someday post Halloween pictures. And oh. dear. We ARE a motley crew. In the mix we have Minnie, Belle, Jack 'o lantern, a Wall street protester, sweet bee and a cat--alley cat from the looks!

Our pumpkin carving was actually documented because the wall street man had come home for lunch this day and caught us having fun. I LOVE when Simi has "teacher-work-days" but this was during a week long FAll BREAK...its the best having her home.

2012-01-10T18:13:00.000-08:00

A Name Sake The two Fawns together for the first time. One very tiny. One very great. We love our Grandma Great. I realized when they were together how much of a resemblance there is. Both have very curious blue eyes. And Grandma claims they have the same nose. I agree. But where is the red hair?? I hoped in vain. Either way, they had a sweet connection.

2012-01-06T12:46:00.000-08:00

California Whirlwind Trip 2011 So much happened while visiting California for Christmas!!! The highlight of all was Aunt Katy was married! Matt and Katy are just the perfect couple. I can't believe how much all the cousins have grown in a year.

Christmas Sunday was very special visiting the Alamo 1st ward.

when we weren't doing wedding things, seeing our new twin nephews, or Christmas fun, we played at a few fun parks.

And right in the middle of our Christmas Nativity Program (as the costumes indicate) a special guest arrived! Santa!! The girls weren't sure what to think! so funny.

We miss everyone in Danville. Thank you for all the memories!!!

2011-12-15T18:49:00.000-08:00

Preparing for Christmas...

Me: How are those cards going?

...silence...

Me: Hey, how those cards comin'?

...silence...

Me: Sweetie? The cards?

4-year-old: Mom...I'm just too busy to even talk to you...
(spoken with a huge smile and trying not to laugh but never looking up)

Outcome: she stuffed AND sealed 35 Christmas cards while I worked on addresses in the other room. Unfort. I never seem to capture a photo of moments like this; but I think I'll always remember!

2011-11-03T19:52:00.000-07:00

Have a Chick-fil-A today
read this hyperlinked article. I've always been passionate about chick-fil-a

2011-10-22T20:21:00.000-07:00

Hunting trip in CA

A lot of fun was had. But please, please don't ever let me be a single mom again!

2011-10-16T14:09:00.000-07:00

2 months ago...we had a baby! Just the 5 of us girls hanging out for the very first time

I was so tired after this delivery. ...hmmm I still am!

Best dad hands down. With 5 females and one male in our house..we have plenty of meltdowns needless to say. This dad knows how to make us laugh when we just want to cry.

2011-08-31T17:26:00.000-07:00

1st Grade

I cried for a straight week that she was gone ALL day :( But on the bright side: she loves school and has the most fun aunt EVER that made her a special 1st Grade brownie crayon that she came home to on her very first day. We felt loved!

(The top picture was the saddest goodbye I've had to watch between these girls. They were laughing I think to keep themselves from crying).

On a Semi-funny note: Here is the convo I had with my 1st Grader recently:

She says: "Mom, what's a 'hobby'?"

I say: Its what you like to do when you have free time...so, like dad for instance...what would his hobby be?"

She says: "Oh! I get it!! Dad's hobby is...being in the garage with cars and stuff? OH! and trains?"

I say: "Yeah, you got it. That's a hobby. ....So umm...what do you think my hobby is?"

She says confidently: "Cleaning!"

2011-08-29T18:50:00.000-07:00

"And now...we spoon..." lately around here all anyone wants to do is snuggle...with the baby. Snuggle, spoon, SMOTHER...its all the same thing really.

This is what my baby looks like when her next biggest sister is in the room, or remotely close to her. Heaven help her survive! Every moment they are together is like...how could I describe? An emergency?

2011-08-02T18:27:00.000-07:00

My Buddy and ME! Often times 3 is a crowd. This is the case in our home a lot. Which means I get special "buddy time" with this little lady. She's is saying new cute phrases everyday. But today she finally said, "MOM! I Yuv YOUUU!!" as she peaked around the corner at me. So it inspired me to write down my 5 top favorite things she says (that I know my other children didn't say yet at 1 year of age.

(side note: this picture was what I found after bath time was over and I couldn't find her anywhere. Finally she was spotted in her chair with a good book...pictures of her room remodel are coming soon)

5) "NOT MEEEE!"
(when I ask the group who forgot to pick up their _________ (fill in blank))

4) "Wait-a-MEEEE!"

(she is the first child I've had that actually runs to the car to buckle her seat belt when I say we are leaving. I think she has a real fear of being left. She's always telling her sisters to wait for her too)

3) "I DOOOOO!"

When asking the group who wants _________ (fill in blank)

2) "Evy-body HIDE!"

She feels this phrase is always appropriate

1) "MONEYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!"

Only 1 -year-old I know that gets this excited about seeing cold hard cash. If someone in a check out line pulls out real dollars or coins she announces it to the store usually to the point of embarrassing the cash-holder. I get such a kick out of it. It must be exciting to her because I never have any money in my purse so when she sees it, its a rare and special occasion.

2011-07-10T21:11:00.000-07:00

7-4-20011

I counted up the pounds and we were both carrying approximately 60 extra lbs in this picture! For him it took a toddler and a six-year-old. For me it took a 4-year-old and a baby in utero. Lucky him, after the picture was taken, he got to drop his 60. *sigh*

2011-06-21T20:20:00.000-07:00

Kindergarten Graduation not sure why we have to "graduate" with a ceremony from kindergarten, but it was fun to dress up and say goodbye to good friends.

Farewell to her Kindergarten teacher. We adored her so much!!! I still get emotional seeing her last picture with her first teacher.

Her teacher's aid was wonderful. She would ask all the time if she could steal my daughter for her own.

Some of her favorite girl friends

Last Day of Kindergarten...she was SO excited. Until about a week later when it hit her that she was actually never going back :(

2011-06-15T19:54:00.000-07:00

The Dust Settles from April and May
(two crazy months where a lot happened). Here is the Easter 2011 picture. I didn't get to see them that day because...I was here:

Welcome to Antigua

Kelly gets featured here because the picture of me on the log was NOT attractive. LOL! But she was so cute. Ahhhh to be back on this island--it surely charmed us all. These were pictures of a morning island tour (Girls Day Out) I feel like drinking a Ginger Bear while looking at these. I will post more of my fav. pics of the trip eventually.

Antigua Countryside

2011-05-23T09:56:00.000-07:00

SCHOOOOOOL's OUT FOR SUMMER!!!!!!

We've been having blast having our graduated kindergartner HOME!!!! Its been a great so far--school has been out for almost a week and I could REALLY get used to this no school stuff!! The girls have been in heaven having their "Ringleader" home all day and I have been on a serious vacation from SCHEDULES!!! I can actually do whatever I want??? How can I describe? Paradise? More pictures of graduation to come.

2011-05-11T20:58:00.000-07:00

A Conversation I'm Glad I Overheard.....

4-year old: ...We just keep get older and older...huh!?

5-year old: Yeah, we are going to keep having birthdays and keep getting older and older and growing bigger and bigger until we are moms. Then we stop growing bigger.....we just get fatter

Same day...Different topic...Out of NOwhere...

4 Years says: Hey Mom! Do you know who my FAVORITE "Conference Guy" is??

Me: ummm...Conference Guy? I'm not sure if I can guess....President Monson??

4 Years: no. keep guessing.

Me: Yikes. President Uchtdorf??

4 Years: NO You are getting closer!!!!!

Me: [laughing] OK President Eyring?

4 Years: YES!!!!

2011-05-04T20:36:00.000-07:00

My Grandma--96 Years

These pictures are so tiny, but I love them. I admire my grandmother so much and have been thinking of her since Mother's day is almost here, and she just had her 96th birthday.

I'm so amazed at the life she has led and how she's watched America change over the decades. It boggles my mind that she had 4 children, 13 grandchildren, I don't even know how many great grandchildren (my guess is around 52?) and at least 10 great GREAT grandchildren. Isn't that a marvel?

2011-04-21T19:18:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th Birthday!! (this is an attempt at making Dad's "monkey face")

Bright an early on the big day the birthday girl was please to pose in front of this poster-sized pony for "pin the tail on the pony." Our resident artist (Daddy) drew it free hand while looking at one of the several pony coloring books we have.

They couldn't wait to play the game with their cousins later at the party

Before even breakfast they got started on the serious job of coloring this giant poster. Working together feverishly they completed the poster in 35 minutes!

B-day Girl wanted pony cupcakes with cherries on top. We couldn't find cherries this time of year so raspberries did the trick....Whoa, they were good. What doesn't improve with raspberries?

Partying Cousins

Pinning the tail in action.

Thanks, Big 4-year-old for being so much fun! You make our home a happier place to live. No kidding! We never quite know what you may say, or what face you may pull. I'm so thankful for your comedic talents. You make me remember that life is fun, not a chore. (though it would be nice if you'd do a chore every once in a while...its hard when you are so good at having fun) We love you!! Happy Birthday

Church Announces New Temples in Canada, Colorado and Idaho

2011-04-05T10:44:00.000-07:00

Church Announces New Temples in Canada, Colorado and Idaho This was the most exciting part of conference for me! My mouth literally dropped open when they announced Meridian as a location for a TEMPLE!! Maybe its just pregnancy hormones but I cried at the announcement that will bless so many saints in ID.

2011-04-03T19:34:00.000-07:00

Love this Lady...

This is my favorite sister in the whole world!!!! Seriously (or Serrrrsly) I don't even know what I'd do without her. Its hard to imagine life without my sis. Even when we didn't live close I depended on her so much for advice. But now that we live 10 minutes away??? I'm just in heaven. If we both didn't have so many responsibilities with our precious kiddos, we'd probably be hanging out every minute--to everything there is a season, right? I just love ya so much, Ky. Thanks for never tiring of my endless questions on what's best, what to do, where to go, how the heck, and everything else. I just admire you so much.

2011-03-29T07:32:00.000-07:00

1.5 Years! half-way through her second year she surprises us everyday. Her favorite past time is creating high places to climb to. I guess we don't have enough tables and chairs around here so she makes her own mountains simply by adding this stool to anything tall....then climb...and strike fear into the hearts of mothers everywhere.

When she is not climbing, she will inevitably be playing with a baby. "BeBeS!" are her favorite toys and people in the whole world (next to dad)

Most commonly she is heard saying:

"Cheee" (cheese)

"Wa-war!" (water)

"Nawwwwwoooooo, Mama!" (no, mom)

"Di-Der!" (Sister)

and my favorite: "Dooo-doo-do-do-dooooo!" (when she sees pictures of roosters)

Favorite foods:

PEARS. she can pound a whole costco pear alone.

Milk

Spaghetti

We love you Mi-Mi! We also know that the most beautiful things come to those who wait...one day your hair will be stunning. Until then, I'll kiss your baldness every chance I get!

2011-02-07T19:35:00.000-08:00

Getting to Know My Middle The last 5 months I've been so lucky to get "special" time with this special girl. Everyday, after lunch, Oldest goes to school, Youngest goes to sleep and me and Middle get some one on one time. I'm really getting to know who she is out of her sis's shadow for the first time and its so fun.

Here are some fun things I've learned recently from her own words:

"Mom, when I was really little...I had SO many pets!...I want so many pets. ..Mom, can we just have two pets?? Please?? Just a dog and a unicorn??"

"Mom, sometimes I just want a baby brother SO bad!"

"I don't want to eat ANYTHING in our house!! Don't tell me to eat anything in this fridge unless its strawberries...that's ALL!"

"Mom, you're the Boss."

"Mom, was I there when you got married?
Me- "No, you weren't born yet."
"WHAT? Awwwww, I wanted to see your married dress!!"

"Mom. Sometimes I want to just be a mom already and have my own born babies."

2011-01-30T15:38:00.000-08:00

Affectionately Called "The Boo Caboose" (by her big sisters) This is a proud display of a banana slice up top. If you detect a "smart" look on her face, you'd be right. She is my first child that enjoys rubbing foods all over the top of her head--ESPECIALLY foods she detests. Who knew that massaging foods into a bald scalp was an expression of resentment?

On a positive note, she has become very skilled at folding arms and bowing her head for prayers. It melts our hearts and she is equally proud of herself. We love our Caboose.

2011-01-25T19:17:00.000-08:00

Happy 33rd.........We love you a bushel and a peck and an onion ring stack! The theme for his birthday party was "homemade" ...homemade burgers, onion rings, pie and ice cream. Kyla's house smelled like a regular 50's diner!

Razzleberry (compliments of Grandma!)

And my sweet niece celebrated 11 years!!!! Whoo hoo! look at that blaze.

2010-12-27T19:05:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2010

Showing off one of her favorite presents...new chap stick. I love this easy-to-please age!

playing in the snow...and token "train pic" (we should produce a calendar with all the train photography we have).

No one can ever get enough of Uncle Corey

Earlier in the month the girls got to ride on a train in the city's light parade. Super fun.

2010-12-01T20:22:00.000-08:00

Thankful for Thanksgiving still bald, still cute

Poppy having quality time with Little People

This is almost all the grandchildren.

Of course a trip anywhere wouldn't be complete without:

2010-10-11T09:24:00.000-07:00

Party GIRL...#1

This photoshoot had an abrupt ending.

She meticulously took this cake apart and ate the whole thing. Our first child to actually eat a birthday cake and not play with it (like the 1st), or cry about it (like the 2nd).

2010-10-03T19:36:00.000-07:00

Something's Missing... After school convo:

Me: I like your school work! But something is missing :)

Her: Uh-huh! A marshmellow fell off...so I ate it!

Me: Oh! I bet other kids were eating their marshmellows too, huh?

Her: Nope! Just me. ;)

Me: Was it tasty with all that Elmer's glue on the back?

Her: YEP!

(reminded me of this video I recently watched on LDS.org)

2010-09-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

My Kindergartner Donned in school approved uniform and tinkerbell backpack she was so ready to roll. She was jazzed.

When you bring a baby home from the hospital you never think the first day of kindergarten will ever come. Or at least you think you have a small eternity to prepare for it. My "small eternity" was not enough apparently. I not only bawled my eyes out the night before, but several times in the first few weeks. I love my girl.

2010-09-15T20:32:00.000-07:00

Summer SummaryThis is just a little summary of our summer since we lived 3 different places from April to August of this year. Its been wild to say the least. And not counting our residential changes, we made 3 different road trips. So here are some pictures of the many places we've lived and visited this summer. I'm SO happy to have a place to call home as we are getting settled, but travel is fun too.

(could my lips be more luscious??)

(The Maz)

"Para Espanol, marce dos"

BYE-BYE Summer!

2010-09-07T20:42:00.000-07:00

We HEART Oregonians

(this is my FAVORITE pic from the whole trip. The glimmer in her eye sums up the fun we had)

(of course there is always one of these)

2010-07-20T11:59:00.000-07:00

Summer Sampler This summer has been a wirlwind! We've had so many adventures, moves, roadtrips, etc. Here are just a few of the happenings...more will follow...eventually

playing at Grandma's

First professional hair cut with cousin Rylee

crawling, pulling up and cruising!

2010-07-14T15:26:00.000-07:00

. . . And 9 Years Later . . .

Happy Anniversary!

2010-07-14T15:22:00.000-07:00

Country Roots Run Deep

Here are the girls on Grandpa's farm...we are finally getting back to our roots.

2010-06-09T18:15:00.000-07:00

Farewell to Arizona

The time has come for us to say good-bye to Arizona. Robb has accepted a Civil Engineering job in Idaho (which we are very excited about). We are sad to leave behind all of the friends we've made over the last 5 years and the WARM sun. We will be thinking about you all down in AZ when we are chipping ice off our car windows.

2010-05-06T16:00:00.000-07:00

Happy "Half" To ME! I'm 6 months old already.

Baths are my favorite thing!

Eating is one of my least favorite things.

(you wouldn't know by my size)

Twins?

Every once in a while people will ask me if these two are twins. I always think the people who ask must be nuts. But after I downloaded this bathtub picture, I thought...If I hadn't birthed these two at seperate times myself, I might think they are the same age too. (at least from this picture).

2010-04-30T13:22:00.000-07:00

Happy THIRD Birthday!LOVE YOU, BITS!The day started with banana-strawberry rollups (those are strawberry eyes and lips on top)

Later came free lunch at Chick-Fil-A

The night ended with adoring and eating her Wow-Wow-Wubbzy Cake

She loved the cake which was made by her creative dad.

So in her honor...here are a few of her favorites:

Favorite food: berries & cookies
Favorite Song: "The Golden Plates"
Favorite word: "Actually"
Favorite Toy: Mermaid bath doll
Favorite Friend: Cash from upstairs
Favorite Joke: To untie people's shoe laces...(it never gets old...for her)
Favorite flavor: SUGAR
Favorite Activity: Spinning
Favorite Fear: Swimming
Favorite People: Her Sisters

2010-04-19T10:43:00.000-07:00

Beauty, Grace and 95 Years

My Grandmother celebrated 95 years. We love her so much.

The Trio

Miss ya

2010-04-10T21:58:00.000-07:00

Captivating for all Ages

2010-03-20T13:23:00.000-07:00

Can You Name The BABY?

At 5 months, am I 1st, 2nd, or 3rd born?

2010-03-10T21:12:00.000-08:00

Was this one from the Jurassic, or Triassic? Brent, Julie, this is in honor of you! We are finally retiring the remainder of the Sony you gave us 6 or 7 years ago....was it really that long ago? It has been a good monitor. And even with a purple-crayon border (added by our first born a couple of years ago) its still not too shabby! Only a bit of a Dino. Thanks for supplying us with the most important piece of household technology for nearly a decade.

2010-03-05T20:49:00.000-08:00

Move Over, Meg!

This is the new 80's Glam. Top Gun Style. I promise there was no mousse in the making of this hair do. It just looks like this at breakfast most days. I guess you could call it the "original bed head." Meg Ryan perfected the bed head look throughout her career, but my baby has it naturally.

2010-02-26T08:40:00.000-08:00

Gram & Gramp VISIT!

Fun in the cattle car at the "train park." We miss you, Geege and Grandpa!

2010-02-21T19:25:00.000-08:00

"Blues-Can-Do, So can YOU!"

Our Valentines day was a blast. As you can see from the poster, "daddy" got into things this year. One of the girls' favorite TV shows is called "Blues Clues". He made them their own Blue's Clues Treasure hunt. There were blues clues all over the house and they were so excited to end with jumbo suckers and a special supersized valentine. Thanks Bub. We love you too.

2010-02-15T20:32:00.000-08:00

Help! Will Someone Save Me??! 4 months old! This sweet baby gets more love than she'd like sometimes. Her life is a blur of wild princess dresses flashing before her eyes. She often wears this "dazed and confused" look paired with rapid blinking.

2010-02-09T08:38:00.000-08:00

Often 'tummy time' turns into 'learning time'

I love walking in on these two...I never know what I will find.

2010-02-01T10:49:00.000-08:00

A Very Merry Monterey

This picture makes me smile.

Sunshine-y and beautiful, and the best company. We miss everyone.

We had such an awesome Christmas.

2010-01-19T18:40:00.000-08:00

Why I can't blog/journal... 'Cause I'd rather be reading this. Go here. Get it. Read it. Love it.

2010-01-05T09:39:00.000-08:00

Graduation to a Booster Seat Just in time for a holiday road trip too.
Images of the trip to come...

2009-12-20T21:01:00.000-08:00

Have you HUGGED your Boppy today?

2009-12-11T09:28:00.000-08:00

Christmas Cookies!!!!?????? (The Chef and the Gerber Baby)

let the baking begin....

meticulous decorating

eating

2009-12-02T19:48:00.000-08:00

Getting Crowded

2 month appointment came and went. My little May-Berry was in the upper 80th Percentiles for both height and weight. And now she is crowding her sisters in the tub.

2009-12-02T19:47:00.000-08:00

Wow WOW EVERYBODY!!

2009-12-02T19:27:00.000-08:00

"I Support the Temple AND Pies" The city just voted in support of the LDS Temple Rezoning today!! Hubs went to the city council meeting (as you can see from the pink label) and represented our family, though we both wrote petitions to the city. I'm so excited to be living in the same district; its basically down the street!

The pie is the first PUMPKIN pie I've ever made. I'm a little behind the curve seeing that Thanksgiving was LAST Thursday. The face in the picture says better late than never. And I decided its a pie that needs to be made more than once a year

Thanksgiving was fun with Nana and Poppy here! They got to meet the babe who really liked resting with Nana any chance she got.

Nana and Poppy also introduced us to the Twilight Saga...I know, I know, where have we been living? Under a rock I guess. The movies are...interesting?...What do you think?

2009-11-20T16:18:00.001-08:00

A Baby, For YOU!

Introducing the designated "baby burper." She does quite well! But pretty soon she will be too much baby too handle!

My chunka-monka at 6 weeks! She has her sister's chubby cheeks, she started smiling last week, and slept 5 hours in a row!!!!! We like her a lot!

2009-11-18T20:05:00.000-08:00

"Geege & Gramp, WE MISS YOU!!!" Jumping in the wet sand, at the park, with matching white capris and solid colored Ts...can't you tell they love their grandma?
Isn't my mom the cutest EVER? We are truly missing my parents this week. The girls miss this stuff the most:

Playing pretend with Geege
Bike rides and walks with Gramps
Shopping with Geege (especially when clothes, shoes, pjs, treats, or slippers are involved!)
Grandpa's story telling
Breakfasts together
ICE CREAM!
Bedtime books every night
Morning books every morning (even when it was 5am sometimes)
Riding in Gramp's BIG truck
All the love, laughs and fun

I will miss all this stuff (...ok maybe not the ice cream) and a zillion other things they did for me while in town. I was completely taken care of. Thanks to them, I think I'm going to "make it" with 3 kids after all!

We love you!

2009-11-01T20:23:00.000-08:00

Trick or Treat Me! If you can't tell...this is a Fairy Princess and Cinderella (on a really REALLY bad hair day)...it was a wig that fell all to pieces long ago and Cinderella demanded to wear it for trick or treating. We thought it was hilarious because the wig looks a whole lot like her sister's hair looks everyday.

Tiny doesn't look very happy about the fact that she had to be a cow when her sisters got to be frilly girly-girls

2009-10-24T14:08:00.000-07:00

Our Baby Story...It all started at 6am on the morning of my induction. My medical induction was scheduled (because this was a VBAC) so I had not had even one contraction prior to checking in at the hospital.

After signing my life away, and initialling a huge stack of papers, my doctor came in to break my water. This was hilarious. He did this before my L&D nurse was ready apparently. (I don't think she was ready for how much water I had in me). Next, my nurse got me started with "the gel" at about 8am. Before anything started I was dilated to "almost 2" and was feeling comfortable.

Within 5 minutes of getting "the gel" and having my water broken, I was in the most discomfort. My nurse came in about 30 minutes later and asked how I was doing (and she was kind of laughing). I said my back was REALLY hurting. She said I was having huge contractions. Epidural PLEASE????!!!

But we had another little problem...she said the baby must have not liked getting all that water drained out on her (calling the babe "A Swimmer") because her heart rate was falling and my blood pressure was getting low too. I did feel close to passing out but thought that was just from all the hard contractions. So, the baby got more fluid pumped back in...and I got put on oxygen. It was really nice at first, then I was like, "can I take this thing off??" But the nurse meant for it to stay through the delivery. I kept taking breaks and putting the oxygen mask around my neck and then would get busted when the nurse would pop in to check on me. opps.

10am-ish I received an epidural and was dilated to almost 5. It was GREAT. for a little while. As I labored through an hour or two the drugs were wearing off fast.

The next few hours I was SO tired. When a contraction would come, I'd grab the edge of the bed. When it was over, I'd almost fall asleep (if it wasn't for my blood pressure being taken every 2.5 minutes I probably would have slept!)

By 1 or 2pm they proclaimed me "complete" and started breaking down the bed and turning on the fabulous hospital spotlights. My doctor came in around 2 or 2:30pm and after pushing for what seemed like a few minutes she was born at 2:44pm!

7lbs 4 oz

**Because I don't journal names and dates, if you'd like a birth announcement email me at maryndalee@hotmail.com

When I first held her I was so overcome with gratitude I can't describe it. I'm so happy she made it here safely and she's healthy! Another first thought was how beautiful she was even with all the gunk on her face. And those lips!

She is already such a huge blessing to our family, its hard to put in words how much we all love her. This has been a difficult year, and her birth has made all the trials seem like tiny grains of salt...just little grains that add flavor to our life. Thank you for coming to us.

Thanks also for all the thoughtful cards and gifts. (If you'd like to check out other stunning baby items like this quilt GO HERE )

adoring sisters

first bath

too cute

2009-10-13T12:03:00.000-07:00

2009-10-10T12:38:00.000-07:00

Fresh Out...

Overwhelmed with thanksgiving, we announce the homecoming of our 3rd pink bundle. We couldn't be more overjoyed. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.

2009-10-05T19:04:00.000-07:00

BABY SHOWER! Are these not the cutest girls in the world?? I love em! The Young Women of my ward threw me a surprise baby shower for mutual. Wish I had a picture of everyone; the other half of the girls opted NOT to shove a balloon under their shirt! Another fun surprise: I got to see some of my graduated laurels who have moved on to college. Our ward also has such amazing YW leaders; I felt super blessed to be surrounded by such amazing people. Thank you again.

We had a contest to see who could look the most like me. SO Scandalous!

2009-10-03T20:30:00.000-07:00

Salon Conversations

Nail Technician: (in broken English) "Can I hep you?"

Me: Yes, I have a 2 o'clock appointment

Nail Technician: "HUH?"

Me: "Pedicure."

Nail Technician: "Oh, okay you sit down"

Random Customer: (sarcastically) "ya came to get your nails painted on your way to the hospital?"

Me: "Actually yes....I'm in labor and just really needed a pedicure."

Random Customer: (shocked) "when are you really due!??"

....

Even with the sarcasm, it was still worth it...these are the prettiest pink-painted vienna sausages I've ever seen.

2009-09-26T19:21:00.000-07:00

What a Bob...
One full year ago my husband bought me a beat up guitar. He intended to take it completely apart, hand-make new components, fully restore it, and work diligently to make it a Christmas present for me! I anxiously awaited. Christmas came, Christmas went... it turned into a Birthday present...next...I waited some more. And now almost on the anniversary of buying the guitar...IT'S FINISHED! And I must say its the BEST present I have EVER received because I've watched the work, labor and love go into it. I documented the different phases (hoping it would speed the process :) ) You can check it out from start to finish. The ol' adage is true- Good things DO come to those who wait.

The Bob does have one disclaimer (that he declared upon finishing...and I quote)

"...Well, It's no Paul Wilde Original, that's for sure...But it does hold a tune!"

2009-09-24T20:27:00.000-07:00

2012!So the other day we were talking about how lame it is that all the movies these days are just re-makes and 80's Sequels. Then we came the question: what would be the BEST 80's Sequel that they could make right now because all the actors are still around? Ghostbusters, hands down. And what do ya know, we looked it up and its in the works! Check it out

So what would be your favorite 80's movie to sequel or remake?

2009-09-15T20:48:00.000-07:00

its the FINAL COUNTDOWN This photo is not just displaying how fun bad hair days can be, but we are showing our paper chain countdown! The girls have LOVED cutting off a link each morning representing that we are a day closer to a new sister.

2009-09-15T20:40:00.000-07:00

Just Say No... to syrupy hands on Monday Waffle Night

She is not really OCD, but she has carried around a bag of surgical gloves with her for about a week, wearing them when she sees fit.

2009-09-08T08:37:00.000-07:00

A River Runs Through It... FINALLY we got a monsoon strom with some rain. We got caught at the park during the last storm and had to walk through the spillway to get to our car. All the babies survived!

2009-09-02T12:33:00.000-07:00

Ever had one of those days... ...when you feel like it just might be one of the best days of your life? We've been having a lot of those lately.

Above is our live-in lifeguard. Below is our crazy diver.

Backyard BBQ's. Salmon and corn on the cob...I'm salivating thinking about it

A Bicycle built for... TWO?

BFFs

Wishing for cooler weather

2009-08-30T20:25:00.000-07:00

Ready to Hatch I wanted to post pictures of my 3-D Ultrasound but this baby was VERY camera shy. Her head is down and facing inward, which makes it almost impossible to catch a glimpse; but that also means she is perfect for birth, or as the technician called it, "Launch Position." Baby's measurements were good too.

In addition, the technician told me my amniotic fluid looked AWESOME, which made me laugh so hard (that she was so thrilled about fluid) I thanked her and said I'd take any bodily compliment I could get at this point.....now as I eat spoonfuls of peanut butter, dipped in chocolate chips, I keep telling myself this weight is amniotic fluid.

2009-08-25T20:06:00.000-07:00

My Broken Record

This little girl talks a lot, when at home. Anywhere with strangers they'd think she was mute. Here are just a handful of the phrases that we hear REPEATED every day:

"HEY MOM! Mimi being mean-a-me!"

"MOM, I so HUNGRY! I WAnna SNACKY!"

"MOOOMMM! Mimi carried me!"

"I so FURSTY! Wheres my DRINK?"

"Daddy Maka MOOOTHIE????" (smoothie)

"I wanna watcha show"

"Mommy, my hair's PITY"

"NO BRUSH MY TEETH!"

"Daddy go to work??? UGH!"

"Hurry up, Mom, Monsters coming."

"Mom, Swipers gonna get me?"

2009-08-22T20:31:00.000-07:00

Southwest Miles, Retired

This post is for anyone who has wondered if this shirt would EVER be retired, especially the Poe's. Its finally happened. I found it in our DI pile and had to pull it out for a picture. You can't really see all the tatters and holes from the picture. I'm just wondering now, how will I find my husband in a store if I can't see this shirt?

2009-08-20T09:12:00.000-07:00