My pretty pretty princesses

Aunt Ally came over to play with my kids yesterday. She was taking care of Avery for me while I got some stuff done around the house. All of a sudden Avery starts screaming and Ally starts yelling for me to come. I dropped everything and ran and this is what I found...

Ally was playing Pretty Pretty Princess with Haylee and Camden. And guess who won? Avery! She was so funny. She liked all the jewelry except the crown. (Notice the earrings?)
The girls had fun and thought Avery was "overreacting" (poor Avery) Thanks Aunt Ally for all the good times.

What?

My kids are so funny and are growing up so fast. Haylee and Ethan were talking at dinner and asking each other questions. I think they thought I wasn't listening. Here's what I heard...

Ethan: Hay who do you like?
Haylee: I like Weston, he's really cute!
Ethan: I don't know Weston.
Haylee: Well, me and Weston like each other.

What? Aren't you supposed to be shy and embarrassed at 5. Crushes are things you giggle at with your girlfriends and tell them not to tell. Now a day the kids tell each other they like them? I told Haylee's friends mom this and she said, "Camden says that they want to kiss...they haven't kissed yet but they want to kiss." again WHAT? I am so not ready for my kids to grow up, and I am defiantly not ready for teenagers:)

Then when Andy was supposed to be putting the kids in bed I heard them in there wrestling. Ethan started crying and Andy told him not to be a wuss and get him back. to this he replied, "Dad, I use all my energy during the day so at night I am weak!" I just sat there and laughed in the other room. They are so cleaver and come up with the best excuses. I can't get enough of them.

Happy Thanksgiving

We had a great Thanksgiving this year. It was our turn to go the MacGillvrays for dinner. Andy's mom did a wonderful job on dinner and we really appreciate her for all her hard work in hosting Thanksgiving. Andy's brother and his wife and kids were there also. Always good to spend time with cousins.

This is Andy on baby duty (holding baby katie and avery)
My sweet baby girl
Andy's mom bought the kids matching shirts to wear so we had to have a group photo. Most of the kids were willing:)
The granddaughters (some of them anyways)
My babes
After dinner we all packed up and headed for the movies. We took the kids to see Enchanted. The girls loved loved loved it! The boys were bored until the cool dragon at the end. We had fun.
After the movie we went back to Grandma's house for PIE! I made a pumpkin and an apple pie. I was really impressed with how well they turned out. I spent most of Wednesday cooking sweet rolls, pies, jello salads, and dips. My parents took off on vacation so I ended up calling my mom multiple times asking her questions about this and that while I was cooking. I think my dad was pretty bugged by all the calls while they were playing in Vegas, but my mom was a good sport and just kept answering her phone. All in all we had a great Thanksgiving with the MacGillvray's. I really missed my family though. This was the first year we have not been together. We are so excited to be together for Christmas.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving.....here's my list of thanks in no particular order
1. I am so blessed to be married to such a wonderful man. He works so hard for me and our children. He loves us so much. We have had a wild ride together. He has worked multiple jobs at a time so that I could stay at home with the kids ( at times he would work until 1 or 2 in the morning and then have to be to his day job at 7 ). He has blessed us with the priesthood that he loves and honors. He has supported me through several trials. He has a great sense of humor. He is a an amazing father (he does homework, baths, bedtime, diapers, reads and sings to the kids). He is still a kid at heart. I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful man by my side. I couldn't have made it this far without him. I love you babe!
2. My kids. They drive me so crazy at times, but they also bring me the most JOY. There is nothing better then their sweet smiles, laughs, kisses, hugs, etc. They make me laugh almost on a daily basis. They are growing up to be great kids. They bring a sweet spirit into our home that only kids can bring. There is nothing better then to listen to them pray, or read the scriptures. They are wonderful examples to me.
3. My baby. She is my own little miracle. I have never felt so much panic, stress, and fear then I have when I was pregnant with her. I prayed every day that she would be healthy and strong. I am grateful for a healthy body that is able to bear these beautiful babies.
4. my Aiden. It feels strange to finally be at a place in my life where I can say I am grateful for that trial. It has been a rough couple years but because of him I fell an increasingly strong desire to make it home to him. I am so blessed to be chosen to carry such a perfect child that only needed a body and didn't need to take the test. I miss him so much that it hurts but I know that he is waiting for me, and I will see him soon. I love to look at his pictures and molds. It brings the spirit right away and assures me that I can make it home.
5.My mom, dad, and sisters. They are the best. They have been there for me through everything I have been through (even the stuff I brought upon myself). I can call on them for just about anything and they will rise to the occasion. My kids love and adore them all. I couldn't do this without you.
6. I have a beautiful home. I am extremely lucky to have such a great home at such a young age.
7. The gospel (but I think that is apparent)
8. Great friends! You know who you are. I can ask my friends for help on anything and they always find a way to do it. They are so great at listening ( and you know I love to talk ). I hope that I am as good of a friend to you as you are to me.

The list could go on and on.....Happy Thanksgiving Everyone.

Haylee's favorite toy

Do I even have to say anything?

Fun Family Skate Night

The kids school sponsored a free family skate night at classic skating last night. Grandma Kathy came with us to help with Avery so I could help and play with Ethan and Haylee. I tried to convince Ethan to borrow a scooter from someone, but he insisted that he could skate. He has never tried to skate before but he kept telling me, "All you have to do is balance, and walk....it's so easy." Well we got his skates on he stood up, and then down he went. He refused to skate after that and spent most of the time pouting because it was dumb and boring. I never could get to put back on the skates. He finally got a scooter for the last half an hour we were there and had fun.

Haylee on the other hand had a blast! She found some friends from her class and off they went. I kept trying to go skate with her, but she was too busy to pay attention to her mom. :(
Can you spot me and Haylee?
Avery loved all the lights and people. She just stared at everything. (don't you love the mismatched socks? it's laundry day..) So, of course I have not skated in a while (not counting when we went with everyone several months ago, but I was pregnant and was really cautious) So I got out there and skated like I use to. Of course, I got going way to fast couldn't stop and landed right on my tush! I am pretty sure I either broke or bruised my tailbone because I couldn't even roll over last night it hurt so bad. I can't sit or bend over, or walk, etc. without a sharp pain in my bum. I wish I could say this was my first time doing this but it's not so I know how actually long it does take to heal, and I am not looking forward to it. Other than that it was a great family night!

Where was Andy you ask? He went to the Jazz game with some friends. He came home and said it was so much fun. They sat right behind the basket. Some how his friend got to be an honorary coach so they got special treatment the whole time. They had dinner (a huge buffet) before the game and then got escorted on to the court to watch as the players entered. They were like 10 feet away from the players doing lay ups. He had a great time, although he felt bad he wasn't there to help me with the kids at the skating rink. I think he thinks he could have stopped me from landing on my bum but that is not likely, it's just in my nature to be clumsy.

SUDOKU...can't get enough!

Seriously, can't get enough of it! Andy put it on our computer and I have to do at least a few puzzles a day (mostly while nursing...its multitasking right?) There are a few sites on line where you can compete and time yourself, love that to (but can't be timed if I am nursing, it's bad for my stats) Anyway I think you all should give it a try, it's addicting (kind of like blogging:) )

Happy Birthday Uncle Luke!

Today is Uncle Luke's 25th Birthday! We missed him extra today. We can't wait until your here for Christmas and we can see you again (this long distance thing is horrible) .We are so proud of you Luke for working so hard at school, and still taking care of my sister and nephew. It has been really hard not to have you guys here in Utah, especially on days like this. We hope you had a wonderful birthday and your gift is in the mail (there is one for Jackers too) We really LOVE and miss you...Happy Birthday from your favorite Nieces and Nephew, and all of the rest of us here in Utah!

Family pictures

My Photo Book 11/9/07

These are our new family pictures. Some of these ones got cropped off to so some time soon I will find a new site to upload to but until then here you go.

Avery Photo Shoot

My Slideshow 11/9/07

We had Avery's pictures taken and I thought I should share them. You have to click on the link above to access them. Sorry some of the pictures got cropped off by the program I used for slideshow. Hope you like...We LOVE them!

My New Favorite Store!

Naartjie is my new fav store. Not only do they have really cute clothes for kids....

but they have clothes in infant and kid sizes that match! It is fun to coordinate and match the girls clothes together. They both looked so cute today in their "coordinating" dresses.
I love how they put the pants under the dresses (much warmer for our Utah weather)
I love my GIRLS!!!

New Friends

Avery and Sawyer being forced to lay next to eachother for a picture.
neither one was happy being put down, but I am sure with time they will great friends!

I miss sleep..

So it is about 5:15AM and I have been awake now for about an hour and a half. Avery has decided that my day should start at 3:45AM. I nursed her and changed her and nursed some more. Then we rocked and sang songs and changed her again, but all in vain! She is NOT TIRED. She is just sitting here in my lap ooooing, and ahhhhing, and smiling. I guess if I have to be up at least she is happy and smiling and not upset and crying. The sad thing is by the time she goes back to sleep it will be time to get Ethan and Haylee up and ready for school. I do love my time alone with her. So today I am sure I will really miss my diet coke (caffeine). Wish me luck and lets hope I can make it through the day a happy mom:)

Avery loves her big brother and sister

Sawyer is here!

Our good friends the Haywards had their baby today! They named him Sawyer Ryan (still not 100%sure on the Ryan). He was born at 2:02pm and was 8lbs. 3oz., and 20inches long. He looks a lot like his big sister Molly.

We are so happy and excited for Craig, Jessica, and Molly! Congratulations Haywards, WE LOVE YOU!

Kids say the funniest things...

I was eating dinner, and talking with the kids two nights ago and here was what bug said....

Bug: "Mom when I grow up I either want to be in the army, a spy, or a singer"

Mom: "Really?"

Bug: "Ya, and if I decide to a singer, and if Camden (her BFF) wants to, she can be in my band!"

I laughed and laughed. I love her choices. She makes me laugh on a daily basis ( and scream ) She is really growing up to be a great girl. I couldn't live without her!

More Trick or Treating

Lots of LOVE from Grandma Kathy. She got the kids these suckers that are skeletal arms. They look gross but the kids thought they were cool. We had to go to Uncle Jerry's while we were there. Aunt Bobi Sue was helping Ethan reach his candy goal by giving him handfuls of candy.
Kenny and Lindsay were there with Tate. We had to take a picture because Tate looked so cute in his goldfish costume.

For the Peterson's

We love being the adopted grandchildren of the Peterson's. Grandma Jill, Grandpa Neils, and Aunt Bree had cute Halloween gift bags for the kids.
Bree helped the kids get the bows off their bags so they could see their treasures.
They got lots of candy and Ethan was showing everyone how much he got and how much he was trying to get.
Haylee got a knock knock joke book and Ethan told everyone the jokes. The kids thought they were pretty funny
We are lucky to have so many friends that love us. We all miss Jack and wish he was here to go to The Peterson's with us:(

Trick or Treat

Of course we made the rounds and started trick or treating. Cute posing with Aunt Ally

Ever since we moved into our neighborhood we have taken a picture with our sweet neighbor girl Molly. My kids love her. I told Molly she was a cute mummy and she said "No Summer, I am scary!"

Haylee had a hard time walking in her dress and shoes, so she ended up ditching the dress (I had to carry it) and she got serious about getting candy.

We met up with our friends to trick or treat with and of course Brianne went all out on her costume...Can you guess who she is? (Hint....Pirates of the Caribbean)

Halloween at PMI

Andy's work held a trick-or-treat at work party. The kids had fun collecting candy and Andy had fun showing off his kids at work (espicially Avery since no one has seen her in person). I had to take a ton of pictures because I couldn't get everyone to look at the camera and smile cute. Ethan and Andy both had "Chandler smiles" in most of them.

School parades...

I missed Haylee's parade because I was in her classroom setting up for her party, but you can check Lyndi's blog for some cute pictures of her and her friends at the kindergarten parade.

Ethan (Lancelot) and Kobe (Harry Potter)

Ethan's teacher Mrs. Warnick

Pumpkins and caramel apples...must be fall

At Grandma Kathy's on Sunday we carved our pumpkins and dipped apples in caramel.

Ethan really got into cleaning out the pumpkin. He thought it was great to get in their and get dirty.

Haylee didn't like the way the inside of the pumpkin felt, and pouted because there was nothing for her to do:(

She then got excited when she decided to design the face for our pumpkin. She got out the paper and crayons and went to work.

Avery and Grandma watched. Avery looks very mad, and kind of evil with her red eyes, but she actually was very content hanging out.

This is our masterpiece! Haylee did a great job choosing a face. (She ended up copying a fake pumpkin my mom as a decoration) She was very pleased with her work.

Then Grandma melted the caramels and the kids made carameled apples, YUMMY!