It's a beautiful day!

I know, I know it's been forever!

2011-04-04T13:19:00.000-06:00

Kelsie's Star Student Poster

Kelsie was FINALLY chosen to be Star Student for her kindergarten class last week. She helped me choose some pictures and I was going to have them printed and glue them to a poster board when I realized we could just make a poster using Memory Makers and have it printed and done! So I had this made up to be 20x30". It turned out pretty cute. I think I could have added more pictures. Some of them are huge on the poster...it's hard to tell how big they will actually be! Anyway...I thought I would post it on my sad little blog. Just out of curiosity, does anyone still read my blog, or check up on it? If so, leave me a comment. Maybe.....I will feel inspired to keep it more up to date! Maybe....I'm very noncommittal you know! Life is crazy. Good, but crazy!

Another one...

2010-04-16T17:21:00.003-06:00

Old pics from last summer!

Memory Mixer VS Smilebox

2010-04-16T16:23:00.002-06:00

A few people asked which program I use for my digital scrapbooking. I've always used Smilebox, but I'm trying a new program called Memory Mixer and I'm liking it a lot! Smilebox is sooo easy, you basically find an album you like and plug in the pictures. The problem is if you don't like some of the pages or all of the embellishments, you are stuck. Sometimes you can remove them but not always. I love how easy and fast it is. Memory Mixer, I don't have a lot of experience with yet...I created the above page using it. This page was done from scratch. MM does have pre-done pages, they call them Quick Mix, but I think I am more interested in having the freedom to create my own. A friend mentioned this program at a Relief Society meeting this week so I was excited to check it out and can't wait to play with it more! These are pictures from last year... I was just messing around! But, Allie really is starting lacrosse...and she's excited!

Where did 12 years go???

2010-04-11T19:47:00.000-06:00

Allison Kate ~ 12 years old!

Allie had her 12th birthday in March. I just have to say...where has the time gone? I remember very clearly the day she was born and it just doesn't seem that long ago. I'm so proud of Allie and the young lady she is becoming. She is a great girl and tries so hard to do her best at everything she does. Allie is an awesome student and a great lacrosse player as well. She is also a great friend. Lately I have had a couple of moms compliment me on what a great friend she is to their daughters. Allie is also really loving attending Young Women's and has been reading the Book of Mormon on her own. I just love this girl and I know she is going to love the next phase of her life! More scrapbook pages of Allie's b-day...I know it's overkill! :)

LaS VeGaS bAbY!

2010-04-11T18:13:00.001-06:00

In March our family traveled to Las Vegas for a lacrosse tournament Tanner was participating in for his competitive team. We made a little vacation out of it and had a lot of fun! The funniest part about the trip was the kid's wanting to visit Gold and Silver Pawn shop. This shop is featured on a TV show called PAWN STARS. It's kind of like the Antiques Road Show only in a really white trash way, because it's actually a pawn shop. So, people bring stuff in to see what it's worth and they call in experts to tell them because they aren't even sure what the item would be worth. The people that work in the store....well, let's have the pictures speak for themselves...

This is Chumlee...for some reason my kids were REALLY more excited than I wish they would have been to meet this guy. But, I must admit, he was pretty nice to come out and pose for a picture with them. He even gave the girls stickers that said "I ♥ Chumlee". Tanner has one that says, "Chumlee 4 President." A scary thought! The shop really was a typical pawn shop, but they did have some cool stuff. They had a few super bowl rings. Can you imagine some football player....pawning their ring in Vegas? Crazy! I really don't know what else to say about this...the kids were stoked! I wanted to remember this, because it really cracks me up!

Below are some scrapbook pages that tell about the rest of our trip.

HOTEL

2010-04-11T16:54:00.001-06:00

My girls have the best imaginations...ever! Lately they have been playing a game they made up and call "Hotel." This game basically turns our house into a hotel. It requires the use of our house phone and my cell phone, the entry table has to be pushed out for the front desk and occasionally, food for room service is necessary. So, someone checks in at the front desk and is then taken to a room where they....ask for things they need, complain about the room and call the front desk for room service.... finally end up eating pretzels or an orange on the bed. It's fun to watch the girls and their friends playing fun things like this even though there are aspects of it that drive me a little crazy...like my lack of access to a phone while they are doing it!! Oh well, they are only little once!

The Lady at the Front Desk

These lovely gals sure did enjoy their stay at

The Lambert Hotel

(or whatever it's called!)

McKenna's Baptism ~ February ~ 2010

2010-04-11T16:26:00.008-06:00

This is a scrapbook I made for McKenna's baptism. It was such a special day for our sweet and special girl! We had pictures taken by my sis-in-law's good friend Cecily Cook at the new Oquirrh Mountain Temple with two of her best friends, Josie Pratt and Christina Lindquist. It was freezing cold and snowing at first, but I love how they turned out. My parents surprised Kenna by coming from S. Carolina for her special day. It was great to spend time with them and the rest of our family.

We love you Kenna!

The invitation we sent to family and friends...Kenna's favorite color, YELLOW!

I can't believe the day has come and gone! McKenna looked forward to her baptism for soooo long and was so excited. I love Kenna's great attitude and the way she always tries to do what is right. So glad we could enjoy her special day as a family. :)

Valentine's Day

2010-04-11T16:23:00.004-06:00

We had yummy fondue, salad, roasted chicken and bread for Valentine's day. The kid's loved dipping into the fondue pot! Here are some pictures of the girls on V-day with their boxes and bags of Valentines.

We made Kelsie and Allie's boxes and Kenna made hers at school. On Super Bowl Sunday we stamped all of their Valentine's and got them ready for their classes.

LoOk wHo's EiGhT...McKeNna!

2010-04-11T16:07:00.001-06:00

We had such a fun time celebrating McKenna's 8th birthday!

She wanted some new things for her bedroom, so we didn't let her sleep in her room the night before and did a little makeover on her room while she slept in the basement. I made a magnet board, with mod podge and scrapbook paper and got a new quilt for her bed. She woke up to her "new" room with her presents all wrapped on her bed. We let her open them in her jammies. Later we went ice skating with our family at the Olympic Oval and came home for dinner and cake. It was a great day, celebrating this sweet girl!

Kenna is so full of life and so happy to finally be 8! She was so excited for her baptism and we had such a great time getting everything ready for her. McKenna is very active and social...always wanting to play with a friend. She loves riding her bike, roller blading, swimming, playing at the park and just being a kid! She is such a fun girl. I ♥ Kenna

OrGaNiZaTiOn...

2010-04-11T15:55:00.001-06:00

In January, I spent A LOT of time organizing my kitchen. I cook 99% of the meals for our family and decided my work space needed some help. Here are a few before and after pictures. This probably seems like a silly post...I actually revamped almost every cabinet and drawer in my kitchen! It has made cooking SO much easier and I've been so happy with the results. I couldn't find a spice when I needed it and even ended up buying double on occasion because they were such a mess. I love organizing and having everything in its place, but the reality is...it doesn't always happen! I've been happy I spent a little money and took some time to make my kitchen space more functional! So far it still looks like this too! :)

My cRaFt RoOm!

2010-04-11T15:32:00.002-06:00

A few people have asked me to post pictures of my craft room...so here it is!

It's actually a little room...but I don't care because it's mine!! I've wanted a place that I could work and store all of my projects FOREVER! So I love this room. I have a place for everything, pictures, scrapbooking stuff, wrapping paper/cards, beads etc...

It was so fun decorating in bright fun colors and not caring what anyone else thought. I have my old kitchen table for projects and the changing table stores all of my stamps and ink pads. I got a few fun things from IKEA for storage and a bright colored rug. I love going down there to work on projects and if I don't finish, I can just leave it and shut the door! Yay! The green room above is another room we finished. We refer to it as the kid's family room. It has a TV, a few chairs and a game table. It's their hangout, with two large closets lined with shelves for games and a few toys. It has been SO nice to have the extra space. Red spent about four months getting these rooms finished, along with the hallway and a toy space under the stairs for Kelsie. He worked very hard and did an awesome job! It's so nice to have a handy husband! I am truly grateful for the extra space!

Tanner Appreciation Night!

2010-04-11T15:15:00.000-06:00

One night....clear back in December.... Tanner was having a bad day! He was sick of his sisters and pretty much tired of life! You know, typical middle school, teenager stuff. Anyway, Red had the idea to have Tanner Appreciation night. I thought it was a great idea! So, when he went over to his friend's house we hurried and ran to the store. We grabbed a whole bunch of treats and a poster board. The girls made him a poster and then we presented it him as a family, each taking a turn telling Tanner how much we love him and why we love him so much. Of course there were tears, because that is what we do! But, it was really fun and reminded Tanner (hopefully) how much we love him and love having him as part of our family.

The poster said, "Hey big hunk! We know it's been a rocky road and you're a sour punch.

We've been duds so take 5, Mr. Goodbar, you Rockstar. We wish we could give you 100 Grand. But instead you get a kiss!

Love, the Watchchamacallit's (mom & dad) and the 3 Musketeers! (the sister's)

Okay, so it doesn't make a whole lot of sense. But, I think we got our point across!

We ♥ Tanner!

A Daisie Story...

2010-01-06T10:57:00.000-07:00

Allie & Daisie on Christmas Eve

Allie lost a tooth the other day and we were reminded of this little Daisie story. Daisie is our little maltese/poodle mix, weighing in at about 8 pounds give or take a few ounces. She is a much loved dog! However, Daisie is not the sharpest tool in the shed...if you know what I mean. Case in point... Allie was about 6 years old and lost one of her first teeth. She was so excited! Allie wanted to show Daisie her tooth so she held out her hand with her tooth in it for Daisie to see and smell. So what does Daisie do? She eats the stinking tooth!! Allie was of course very distraught and wrote a note to the Tooth Fairy explaining that she did actually lose a tooth, but the dog ate it! The tooth fairy understood...she knows the dog well! She left money. Sometimes I wish she would have taken the dog with her! Just kidding, I love Daisie! ;)

...MoRe HoLiDaY FuN!

2010-01-04T10:28:00.002-07:00

I took these pictures of the kids the Sunday before Christmas! Don't they look cute?! The only thing I bought for this year was Allie's sweater...I was able to find coordinating dresses in our own closets...yeah!

Our trip to Temple Square

The night we went downtown it was so foggy. It made the temple look really neat. We went to Trolley Square for dinner and saw Santa. It was a great night with the family and Temple Square always reminds me what Christmas is really about.

Kelsie Anne at her preschool party with Santa and her teacher, Miss Lesli.

**SnOwMeN*

2009-12-21T14:04:00.001-07:00

After our last snowstorm Allie and Kelsie decided to build a snowman. This is how he turned out... kind of a sad little guy! The hanging banana is supposed to be his mouth! A snowman only a mother can love! They had a great time making the little guy!

I found a picture of these cute snowmen made from candy bars on a friend of a friends blog. I immediately knew the girls and I would have to make some. So this weekend we did and they turned out great! They are made from a giant candy bar with a glove for the hat and a tic tac nose. We embellished them with ribbons and buttons I already had. We put a label on the back that said, "We hope the warmth of the holidays melts your heart...not your snowman!" The girls are giving these to their friends and teachers.

I ♥ SnOwMeN

~OuR ChRiStMaS hOuSe~

2009-12-17T22:16:00.000-07:00

OuR hOLiDaY GreeTinG ~ 2009 ~

2009-12-15T16:32:00.003-07:00

At our house we are not doing a big fancy Christmas this year. It's giving us a chance to focus on the real reason we celebrate Christmas. We are so grateful for all that we have. We have wonderful family and friends! Red still has employment and we are all healthy. We have a cozy warm home and the gospel of Jesus Christ. What more could we ask for? And...our cars are running and I have new tires!

See the list goes on and on......

MeRRY ChRiStMaS!

mY CaRaMeLs

2009-12-15T09:45:00.005-07:00

I just posted the recipe for my caramels...I've been making these for YEARS every Christmas! It's become a tradition at our house. Give them a try, you can do it!

♥ I've been catching up on a few things so check it out down below if you'd like. :) Thanksgiving, Halloween & Kelsie's birthday!

Our "Charlie Brown" Christmas Tree!

2009-12-15T09:00:00.000-07:00

Our last Christmas in Colorado Springs we decided to be like the Griswalds and cut down our own tree! Our neighbor had done it for years and always had the most BEAUTIFUL tree! She assured us it was easy and only $10 for a permit so off we went. As we were traveling up the mountain road there was a sign that stated you should have chains or four wheel drive to continue on up the mountain. NO worries we moved forward in our chainless mini van. It seemed like we could keep going forever... and the kids were getting antsy so we found a good place to pull off the road. Hiked around for a little bit...none of the trees looked like my neighbors big, full noble fir. Pretty soon I could see that we were going to be leaving treeless so we just hacked down this tall scrawny tree and went on our merry way! I didn't think it was that bad until I was trying to put the lights on it...and realized there really weren't very many branches! (Note the lights hanging down in the picture!) Even then I didn't realize how bad it was until I found this picture from Kelsie's blessing day recently. WHAT A HORRIBLE TREE! I am just cracking up that I even let it in my house! And we took a picture in front of IT! I remember my family making fun of it and being a little irritated...I guess they didn't understand my sentimental attachment since we CUT the tree ourselves! So...the other funny part to me is the picture of us when we actually cut the tree. Again I have to say, What were we thinking?? Look at our attire? The saw? The newborn babe? (Yes, that's a real baby!) The two year old? These are all things that might make some people think twice before heading up into the mountains to cut down a tree...apparently not us! I'm glad we did it now...these pictures make me LOL! Kenna's face is seriously my fave.

P.S. One thing thing that makes this even funnier...in another life I've been known by friends and family to be VERY picky about our Christmas tree. I even used to make Red drive to multiple tree lots to find the PERFECT tree! WHATEVER! Sometime I'll have to post some pic's of our "perfect" trees. They are not nearly as memorable! I'm glad things don't have to be perfect at my house anymore. :)

ThAnKsGiViNg 2009

2009-12-14T21:30:00.034-07:00

We hosted Thanksgiving in our home this year and had about 25 people for dinner. My parents drove here all the way from South Carolina and we had a blast! It really was fun. Red's family also came and everyone brought a lot, which made it much less stressful! Although I do have to say that my rolls did not turn out which has never happened and really ticked me off and stressed me out! Figures....Thanksgiving they don't turn out for some reason! I'm still not fully over it. Still, it was a great day, playing games and spending time with the family. Thanks everyone for all the great food and fun! We are so grateful for both of our families and all they do for us. We are truly blessed. Friday, we went with my parents and Scott and the kids to the movie The Blindside. We loved it! We spent later that evening with some good friends and went to Avery's baptism on Saturday. It was a good weekend!

hApPy HaLLoWeeN!

2009-12-14T21:20:00.002-07:00

Okay...so I'm a little behind! We had a really fun Halloween this year. Very low key. We went to some fun parties, enjoyed festivities at the school, carved pumpkins and ate a lot of soup and of course too much candy. Tanner was that scary thing with the mask, Allie was Lucille Ball (she never let me fix her hair!), McKenna was a vampire and Kelsie was a witch or a cheerleader depending on the day! Halloween night we watched Twilight Zone the movie...super weird!

mY BaBy tUrNeD FiVe!!

2009-12-14T21:17:00.002-07:00

Waaay back in October, Kelsie had her fifth birthday. I had planned on finding a few more baby pictures to add to her digital scrapbook...but that has not happened so I just completed it with what I had. I can't believe this girl is five already. Turning five is like becoming a 'big girl' to me...so I am a little sad. Lucky for me she will always be my baby! Kelsie relishes in being the youngest and is definitely spoiled and loved by everyone in the family! She has such a fun personality and loves to be the center of attention! Her primary teacher recently told me she will probably be a student body officer when she's older. (I think that might be a little premature :)But, that kind of explains the kind of personality she has! I love her and I love her energy. I even love her little lisp and kind of wish she would keep it forever. Kelsie loves hanging out and playing with her big sisters and adores her big brother. Happy Birthday sweet girl! A little late..... So glad you are in our family! Above are a few of the scrapbook pages I did for Kelsie and below is the eight page album.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

What's for breakfast???

2009-11-06T09:44:00.000-07:00

Edamame (soybeans)

Kelsie Anne woke up this morning with a hankering for edamame pronounced (edamamaid) by her. So, I obliged by steaming up a bag for her liking, complete with sea salt and chocolate milk. What a nut she is! I do have to say though...I love that she's not a picky eater. She will eat just about anything that is put in front of her! She busted me snacking on edamame one night when she was supposed to be in bed and has been hooked ever since. If you haven't tried them...you should. They are the perfect snack. Seriously way better than popcorn or chips! But....for breakfast!

***Sorry I'm so slow posting! The recipe for the Tomato Basil Bisque is on my sister-in-laws recipe blog. It was posted in Oct. 2007. I changed it up a little because I wasn't going to the store. So, I had just canned quart jars of salt and pepper tomatoes, instead of the tomatoes and juice called for in the recipe, I pureed two jars of my tomatoes for the soup. Also, I didn't have shallots so I used some sweet onions I had on hand. As for the ciabatta, I just toasted it with the brie, pears and pecans and drizzled a little olive oil and balsamic on top along with ground pepper.

ThE PuMpKiN PaTcH

2009-10-20T11:57:00.002-06:00

Last week we took a little trip to the PuMpKiN PaTcH! Twice, actually. The first was with Kelsie's little preschool class and the second time just with the girls. They had a great time making their way through the corn maze, sitting on the tractors and carefully selecting a pumpkin. It was a beautiful sunny fall afternoon, a perfect day to be outside! I do love Fall! (I know some of the pic's are the same)

Chick Food!

2009-10-14T13:42:00.000-06:00

Apparently....it's my fault the Patriots lost on Sunday. Red asked if I would make nachos for lunch and instead I opted for Tomato Basil Bisque, toasted ciabatta with apples, brie cheese and pecans and a salad with blue cheese, apples, toasted almonds and dried cranberries with balsamic vinaigrette. Doesn't it sound yummy. Of course I like nachos too and had I known what a disgrace it would be to serve such food...well I'm not sure I would have done anything different! Next time I'll try to be nice and go for something a little more MANLY!! Just to clarify...he cleaned his plate...but since his team lost...it must have been the lack of nachos! ???

I NEED LASIK!

2009-09-23T13:51:00.002-06:00

A couple of months ago...I was rushing off on a Saturday morning to a baptism for one of the cute kids in our ward. I was putting my mascara on and Red was standing by the kitchen sink. So...I asked him if he would clean my glasses for me?? He said sure, where's the glass cleaner? I said, it's right by the sink in a white bottle...I meant can. Anyway! He started cleaning them and soon I hear... Oh SH....BEEP! A word he VERY seldom says! I look that direction only to realize I can't see...so I run over for a closer look. (These are my fairly new glasses that cost us a small fortune! I don't get new ones very often!) My husband has just "cleaned" my glasses with fabric glue!!! HELLO! Who does that?? Luckily I didn't have to flip out for very long. Amazingly the glue came off pretty quickly and my lenses were in tact! What is the point of this story? I have no idea! I'm just saying...I need LASIK! Maybe my husband does too! I love you Red! :) Oh and when my girls are done making felt clothes for their webkins... it would be nice if they put the fabric glue away! That's all I have for today!

P.S. I've resumed the cleaning of my glasses! :)

If You Find a Mouse in Primary...

2009-09-16T16:26:00.004-06:00

This past weekend was the primary program for our ward. This is a cute little program put on by the children who attend our church, with speaking parts and lots of music. Anyway... I was pretty involved with it this year...you might say. ;) So, we were at our church building on Saturday to practice when a friend came walking over holding a dead mouse by the tail. (Thanks James) He had just killed it! :( I don't do rodents! I remained pretty calm for me...I think? and we continued with our practice. The next day we had the program and it went wonderfully. Really it was great, the kids were so cute and it was perfect! I was even able to block out the fact that a mouse could be crawling up my leg any minute!(Because, you know if there's one...there are twenty and they're all having babies!) When the program was over we were getting ready to take the kids and head upstairs to the primary room for a snack and a movie, to celebrate... someone came down and said we needed to wait. Apparently a mouse was trying to crash the party! I could tell they didn't want to tell me what was going on. Long story longer...about four men in suits were trying to corner/kill the little mouse in our primary room. We waited a little longer and...mission accomplished! Now, I'm feeling a little guilty. (Not really.) I mean, haven't you read If You Give a Mouse a Cookie? Maybe he just wanted to worship with the kids. And listen to them sing I am a Child of God or something. Who knows?? More likely...he wanted to enjoy the saltines and hot chocolate we found lurking in the singles ward's closet!! I'm just saying...I don't do mice! So...if you find a mouse in primary...he just might end up in Heaven!

SuMmeRTiMe, fLyS and BeiNg on TiMe!

2009-09-09T14:10:00.009-06:00

Summer is coming to a close before my eyes! It was so chilly in my house this morning, I kind of wanted to turn on the heat....kind of. I didn't! Today I'm enjoying some of the things I love at Summers end, like fresh peaches and tomatoes. What I'm not enjoying...the flies! I've killed at least a half dozen so far today and I just opened my dishwasher and another one flew out! A stowaway! He knew I was on a fly hunt! I just can't believe how fast this summer has flown by! Really, June didn't count this year for a couple of reasons. The weather was rainy all month and we were putting the finishing touches on our basement project. I remember thinking I was glad it wasn't nice outside or I couldn't have stayed inside day and night to finish! Soon I'll post pictures...we are LOVING the extra space to say the least!

So, yesterday I was reminded of a funny little story about my son, who will remain nameless. I forgot to pick him up from lacrosse. Bad mom! Bad mom! Really he wasn't upset... a little bugged but he knows I'm flaky sometimes and is patient with me.

That was not always the case.

A few years ago Tanner was playing little league football. If you've never been involved with this before, you should know it's serious stuff! Kind of like a mini boot camp or something. Honestly...I don't quite understand it! Anyway he was practicing five nights a week and Saturdays. I was done! The kids hadn't even started school yet so we had gone to a movie that day. Well...I didn't plan very well and by the time the movie got out, it was obvious Tanner was pretty much in a panic and just knew he would be running extra laps to make up for his mother's lack of planning!As Tanner (I guess he's not nameless!) got out of the car and shut the door, he turned around and tapped on the window. Tap, tap, tap. I promptly rolled it down. He then says to me in a very restrained voice, 'THIS had better not happen again.' To which I promptly rolled up the window and drove away. Then of course I started to laugh hysterically. He is just like both of his grandfathers! If he's not early, he's late! If he's late, it's my fault, because HE would not be late! Hello he's being raised by me, which by the way, I've been working on my tardiness and doing fairly well. But his father...well you know...he's still working on it!

Thanks, Tanner for keeping me on time...for the most part! I love that guy! :)

P.S. Where did the spell check go? Am I going crazy?

New Sisters Blog

2009-09-07T14:04:00.003-06:00

Allie started a new blog this summer and she's been bugging me to add it to my blog! She made a few digital scrapbooks and wanted to post them to our family blog...so I helped her start her own blog. Now she can put whatever she would like to on it! As of right now it is listed as the sisters blog on my blog list. It will soon become private...so let me know if you are interested in following her blog by leaving a comment with your e-mail address here! If you know us don't be shy! It might be some good entertainment!? It is her blog...so I have no idea what will end up on it?? Allie loves to read, so she added a shelfari bookshelf today. If you have a child close to her age, or McKenna's age you might want to see what they've been reading. I know I'm always looking for ideas! They are still trying to remember all of the books they've read!

Family Pictures

2009-09-01T18:12:00.015-06:00

Back to School

2009-09-01T17:16:00.002-06:00

Kelsie-preschool

Allie-6th Grade

McKenna-2nd Grade

Tanner-8th Grade

Well...last week the kid's all started school! I got pictures of the girls, but failed to rise and take one of Tanner! His bus comes at zero dark thirty! Still, I feel like a terrible mother! :( He would have been totally irritated if took pics of him anyway! The kid's all had new clothes and shoes, which made them happy. Everyone was excited/nervous to meet their teachers, but they all seem pretty happy with them and their friends...so life is good! Back to the routine!

Views from Mount Timp

2009-09-01T11:55:00.007-06:00

Tanner recently climbed the backside of Mount Timpanogos with the scouts! He took along an older digital camera that we have and actually got some pretty good pictures, so I decided to post a few! I'm glad he was able to make it to the top...way to go Tan-man!

The "Lake"

2009-09-01T11:24:00.003-06:00

Kelsie, McKenna and Gracie

We have a couple of new little "lakes" that have opened this summer and are fairly close to our home. I use the term "lake" very loosely as my husband grew up in Michigan and knows what lakes are really supposed be like. One of them is actually a small reservoir that we have dubbed, "the puddle" and the other is a very small lake. But...they both have sandy beaches and the kids love it! One even has a big playground behind the beach. This summer we've enjoyed spending time at both of them!

LaGoOn!

2009-09-01T10:18:00.003-06:00

Kelsie, Mickelle, McKenna, Allie and Audree!

In July, we spent the day at Lagoon with some friends from our neighborhood, the Ereksons. We had a great time and stayed at the park from open to close. It was Hot, Hot, Hot! But, after lunch we all went on Rattle Snake Rapids and got soaking wet...it cooled us off for a while. I have to say, I was more impressed with Lagoon than I have been in the past. The flowers were beautiful and it just seemed like there was shade everywhere we went. Everyone but Kelsie went on Wicked...that is a one wild roller coaster! I feel like I've been on some pretty good ones in Orlando, but this one is crazy! I couldn't even open my mouth to utter a scream...a first for me! I'm not sure I'll be getting on that one again! It was a great day!

Grandpa Woody's 90th Birthday!

2009-08-31T15:50:00.002-06:00

Grandpa Woody and Grandma Colleen

I think everyone in the family agrees...

This is our favorite picture of our grandparents.

This picture was taken walking down the street in downtown Seattle, WA.

A street photographer took it and sold them the photo.

They look like movie stars to me!

The party was held at the Cole's clubhouse. Starting at the bottom right and going clockwise:

my mom and dad, Grandpa Woody and Aunt Maxine (his sister)

Grandpa Woody with his children: Don, Laurel and Jan and

finally Grandpa and Aunt Maxine with Gayle and Kent Brown, and the Larsens.

The kids had fun swimming in the pool!

The whole family!

Grandma and Grandpa's posterity.

The girl cousins: Savannah, Allie, McKenna and Avery

enjoying the theater room.

One of the neatest things about this celebration was my Great Aunt Maxine, surprising my grandpa (she's his only living sibling) and coming to Utah from the Portland area. A few of her children came as well. So it was one big party! I think my grandpa was exhausted afterward! Happy 90th Grandpa!

4th of JuLy!!

2009-08-30T15:22:00.000-06:00

This year we hosted the 4th of July in our humble abode! It was a great day with lots of family around. We had my parents, Red's parents, Aunt Jan and Uncle Doug, Tim and Kylee and of course darling baby Beckett. Grandpa Woody was here and Scott and Kati also came with the kids and last but not least Auntie Katie Jr.! Red took the girls up to the Granite Parade first thing while we finished some of the food preps. Doug brought bocce (never played it??) and the kids had a ball playing that in the backyard. We had barbeque chicken salads (thanks Marilyn!) corn on the cob, fruit, chips and salsa cupcakes and of course homemade icecream. After gourging ourselves, we took all the kids over to the splash park for some wet fun! Then played some dominoes...chatted....listened to Doug tell off color jokes...watched fireworks! The End. It was a fun, family day!

Plum Jam!

2009-08-28T15:47:00.004-06:00

I am so tired of Hello Kitty! I mean she's cute, but I've had enough! I was planning to spend today updating my blog and doing a few other projects on the computer. But, instead I ended up doing this...plum freezer jam! My Aunt Margaret gave me a bag of plums from her tree, so I embarked on this project. I ended up making 4 batches total. It's pretty yummy, I know our family will enjoy it. So for now...this will have to do. I'll be updating our blog in the next couple of weeks. Summer's coming to a close and the kids are back in school...time to get back into our routine!

KeLsiE and HeLLo KiTty!

2009-06-10T23:56:00.002-06:00

We ran into Hello Kitty at the mall the other day...imagine that! Kelsie was thrilled so we snapped a picture! She sure does have a big head...the kitty that is! Don't you just love the Hello Kitty store? It's always the highlight of the trip...for my girls anyway!

The Dance Festival!

2009-06-05T23:40:00.005-06:00

Come on baby...and do the twist!

Disco GiRL!

On Friday Red and I took Kelsie and my sis over to the school to watch the girls participate in the traditional dance festival! This is seriously my favorite event to attend for the whole school year! I laugh for about 3/4 of the time!! The fifth graders danced to 70's music...Saturday Night Fever, Donna Summers...you know disco stuff! Allie hates being the center of attention, (I don't understand why?!) but she made it through! McKenna and the other first graders did the twist! So cute and funny to see them shakin' there little booty's! My fav. is however the sixth graders who always dance to 80's music and it's just a trip down memory lane! I think MC Hammer made an appearance in the form of a sixth grader this year! I thought my sister and I would die laughing! Cute, cute! Elementary school entertainment at its best!

Youth Temple Celebration!

2009-05-30T10:51:00.002-06:00

Oquirrh Mountain Temple

Now completed and doing tours!

May 30, 2009

Tanner was very fortunate to be able to participate in the Youth Temple Celebration. Our church put this HUGE production together to celebrate the two new temples that have recently been completed in our area. Red and I were able to attend the celebration which was held in the conference center and I have to say it was fantastic! After a few months of practices...late nights and long hours it ended up being a very special night. Thousands of youth participated in this production and it was so neat to see so many of them come together to celebrate their love for the gospel and the temple. The costumes were so elaborate and all of the numbers told a story. The production was mainly music and dancing. Tanner did the samba! When it was all over Tanner asked me if I cried during the production? (of course!) Then I asked Tanner if he cried?? And he coolly replied ...yeah a little. ;) Tanner was able to go in the tunnels that are underneath temple square, in between the Salt Lake Temple and the Conference Center. I think the part that touched him the most...was before the production began, when President Monson, our Prophet entered, apparently all of the youth started singing We Thank Thee O God for a Prophet. We weren't there yet, but I know it really touched Tanner. I'm so grateful for moments like this...when I know my children are being touched and changed for good while engaging in something wholesome and fun! What a blessing! I know Tanner will remember this night forever. We couldn't take pictures during the production, so I took a few after. President Monson went out on the stage after and shook hands with many of the youth. I love him! If you are interested in touring the new temple...anyone is allowed and it is free! You MUST have a ticket and can get them on LDS.org. Red and I are looking forward to taking our children through it and working there in July.

We have a teenager!!!

2009-05-23T23:17:00.002-06:00

Tanner w/ friends Nick and Braxton dying their lacrosse heads with Rit dye! Three teenagers carrying boiling water in and out of my house in huge pots...Super fun!! ;)

Total goofballs!

Holy smokes! I have a 13 year old! Where does the time go?? It seems not too long ago he was a baby, a toddler, a little boy....... I really have mixed feelings about this on many levels! Tanner is a great kid and often my right hand man! But... I feel like this means I'm getting old and time goes by so fast it makes me realize...only five years and he'll be graduating from high school and off to college, mission or whatever! YIKES! I guess for the moment I'll focus on what a great kid he is and just say...HAPPY BIRTHDAY TANNER!!! I think Tanner had a good birthday! We had our neighbors, the Ereksons over for dinner to help us celebrate! Do you like how his dad wrapped a few of his presents in princess paper? What a dork! What's even funnier is he claims he didn't notice! Tanner got a new lacrosse bag for his birthday...called the Warrior/Black Hole! He drilled the name of it into my head for weeks before his birthday so I would buy the correct bag when I went to the lacrosse store. Really it's a body bag and as big as he is...but it fits all of his lacrosse gear and if he ever makes us super mad we'll just put him in it and zip it up...maybe roll him down the stairs or something! JK Tanner also got a dock for his ipod, some new clothes and money!! I love you Tanman! :)

Girls Getaway!

2009-05-22T18:23:00.000-06:00

A few weeks ago...I was able to take a short trip with my girlie friends! :) We went to my friend Amy's cottage (if it's a cottage...my house is a shack!) up Provo canyon. So fun! We ate out, did a little shopping, saw a movie, got pedicures, talked and talked some more! It was so nice to worry about...NOTHING...for a change! No one to feed/dress/clean except myself! We had a great time! I love these girls. We've been getting together for probably about twelve years now. It started out as a bunco group...that has now turned into a once a month dinner group. Some gals have moved away...but the majority are still here and we always have fun with lots of laughing. It's like one of them recently said... It's a lot cheaper than therapy!!! Thanks to Amy for hosting! And... thanks to Nancy and Michele for the cute matching flip flops...they brought them back from NY! Thanks to all the girls for the laughs!!! Love ya! :)

***By the way...I've added a couple of new recipes to the the blog so be sure and check it out on my blog roll! Pina colada cupcakes and lettuce wraps...yummy! :)

My Bakery

2009-05-22T16:24:00.006-06:00

So yesterday I pretended to be a baker and made 4 loaves of ww bread and cupcakes for a little friend's birthday. I was trying to recreate a cupcake I had at the Sweet Tooth Fairy last week only a little different frosting. My mom says I shouldn't post the recipe because secretly she wants me to open a bakery of some kind and become a millionaire. Ha Ha Ha! :) I love you mom! Anyway the thought I'm having today is this: Do my children, or the twenty other children that are at my home appreciate my homemadeness? Seriously...as I was serving their peanut butter and honey/ham and cheese sandwiches on my fresh bread I wondered. HMMM??? I think I know the answer! My cupcakes were awesome (I thought) and the frosting although it doesn't look so cute was my own little recipe. Did the children recognize it didn't come from a can?? Actually come to think of it a couple of them licked the frosting off and left the cupcake for dead! I'm thinking someday my kid's will appreciate the fact that I put my heart and soul into my cooking/baking...right?! (like when they're on a mission or in college) That's okay-- I love to do it either way. So...I'm going to start posting a few recipes on my sister-in-law Kate's recipe blog. (Thanks Kati- you're the best!) It says recipe blog (shocking, I know) and it's on my blog roll. I was planning to put recipes on my blog but decided to keep it more like a family journal...so watch for new recipes...coming soon!

...More KraZy KeLsIe

2009-05-22T15:36:00.004-06:00

I don't really know what to say about this...except it's just Kelsie! She walked in the other night with this gettup that included our cute;) dog! She has on: her dad's hoodie, her hello kitty backpack (full of junk) a scarf, a purse and sunglasses! Then she has poor Daisie in the stroller w/ her Hannah Montana hoodie on (the dog) and her baby in the back! She is a NUT! I love it! She was having so much fun playing quietly by herself!

I promise to get the dog groomed soon...just waiting for her to heal completely. Then I'll post a "cute" picture of her!

History Fair...WINNERS!

2009-05-18T17:20:00.006-06:00

Anne Frank...A Young WWII Victim

Back in February, Allie and her good friend Audree won the history fair at school. So, they got to take their project to the regional history fair. They did such a great job on this project! Their chosen topic was Anne Frank. They had to do a tri-fold display and a written report. They both read and studied a lot about this famous girl and WW II. I was so proud of them! These girls were so cute and excited about the whole thing. They got to miss school for the day to sit with their project and answer questions as the judges came around. One reason I was so proud of them was, they did this project on their own. As I walked around looking at some of the other projects it was pretty obvious to me; this was not the case with many of them! When the judge came over to ask questions, she had me walk away so I just watched from a distance. Allie and Audree were able to answer all of her questions and looked very confident. The girl's did not place at the fair and move on to state...but, we found out a few weeks later they came in 5th place! I thought that was pretty great! We had some extra time after their project was judged so we did some shopping and went out for lunch. It was a fun day with the girls! Did I mention Allie and Audree are hyper and slightly CRAZY?! I love spending time with them! :)

Biker Chick!

2009-05-11T17:36:00.005-06:00

This weekend Red took the training wheels off of Kelsie's bike.... Ten minutes later she basically took off! Figures! It's kind of like crawling and walking. You're happy your child is mobile...but now you have to watch them like a hawk! At just four years old I definitely feel that way about Kelsie riding her bike! After just a couple of days she is pretty much riding like a pro! She's very proud of herself and wants to show everyone that comes over. So....if you come over you might get the live show! This video is not that great, it's just from my regular camera. But, I thought it would be fun for the grandparents to see! No more getting big Kelsie! I thought I already told you that you have to stay little for me!

Happy 'M' Day!

2009-05-10T12:33:00.010-06:00

Our Mom's! My mom on the left w/baby Kelsie

Red's mom on the right

All day McKenna's been saying "Happy 'M' Day" to me so, to all of you mothers and other special ladies out there...Happy 'M' Day! She's also been singing "mommy's the champion" to the tune we are the champions! Such a funny girl...thanks for making me feel special today. I've been thinking a lot about being a mom as this day was approaching... Some days I think being a mother is what I was born to do. Other days it is one of the most frustrating parts of my life. I remember laying in recovery after having all of my children...nauseous, itching, shaking and aware of the pain that would soon be upon me. But still, just wanting my baby to hold and give him/her a thorough mom exam! (When you have a c-section you don't get your baby right away. I didn't see Kelsie for probably 5-6 hours.) Recovery gave me time to realize the miracle that had just occurred and that this precious child just left their Father in heaven to be with me. (Not just me, I know!) And have me as a mom....forever. Such a miracle. I am blessed to be the mother of four wonderful, healthy children. I'm trying to be conscious of this every day and not take them for granted. I love being a mom and I'm working each day to be the best mother I can! :)

This mother's day I also feel a little sad...I feel sorrow for those who have lost their mother and those who have either lost a child or long for a child to come. I know this can be a hard day for some. For me...I am also missing my mom today! I'm wishing she could be here (she lives in SC) so we could properly celebrate and my dad could cook for us! Because... when Red cooks it's a little sketchy! :) We can talk about that another time!

Happy Mother's Day mom! My mom is truly my best friend. (I know I'm your fav. just admit it!) She puts up with a lot of yapping from me! When I need to vent...I call her! I know she loves it! ;) One thing about having my mom far away is we enjoy our time together that much more. Precious time has been spent when she has come to help care for me and my new babes! She would usually stay for at least a couple of weeks...while I was down. And by down I mean shopping/lunching/showing off my new babe. So fun...the worst was when she left and I cried my dang heart out after dropping her at the airport. Mom...you are awesome! I love you!

I also wanted to say Happy Mother's Day to my mother-in-law! I'm so glad to have her around. At least we have one of you in the same state! My MIL Dorothy is a very caring and loving person. One of the nicest things she has done for me was after I had Allie. She hired a lady to clean my house for ?? at least three months, every week! It was so wonderful...I'll never forget it! Also, she has been taking a turn with each of the kid's going out for a lunch date and a little spoiling. They have loved spending alone time with her! I love you Dorothy and hope you have a Happy Mother's Day too!

Happy day to you all! :)

Bedtime Fun!

2009-05-06T13:00:00.009-06:00

Problem:

Tanner & McKenna = Sleep

Allie & Kelsie = Night Owls

A few months ago we decided to put Allie's queen size bed in McKenna and Kelsie's room and move a twin back into Allie's. So the two "littles" have been sharing a bed! I'm really not sure what we were thinking because it has pretty much been a nightmare ever since! Here's the problem...we have two night owls and two that actually like to go to sleep at bedtime. And...currently we have four bedrooms. It seems to me that should be enough, but it really isn't working out very well!

I feel like we need another wing on our house for the night owls! Really I can't get totally mad at them because Red and I are the same way...we prefer night! I swear Allie rearranges and organizes her room between 10-12:00 pm!! (it is always clean!)

So...here is the reason for this post in the first place! Last night we heard some raucous going on up in the "littles" room. Pretty soon McKenna came down and we hear Kelsie sobbing and saying, "mama, mama!" (total drama)

We ask McKenna..."what's going on?"

"She is driving me crazy!!! She (Kelsie) says she is scared and her tummy hurts!" (whatever)

I ask..."so what did you do?"

"So I pinched her and told her to SHUT UP!"

Well isn't that sweet. That didn't make her feel better? I can't imagine!!!

I'm not really sure why...but this cracked Red and I up! I couldn't stop laughing! It really isn't funny if you think about it. Shut up is considered a swear word at our house and pretty much reserved for me when've had it up to....here!

Why am I posting about this? I'm not really sure. My new found hobby of blogging is certainly not to show off my parenting skills or lack thereof! I decided when I started this (blog) that I was going to try to keep it real. No sugar coating! So...here it is!!! Our children are not snugly tucked in their beds and sound asleep at 8:30 pm. Some nights we feel lucky if they are at 10:00! Again...I'm trying to enjoy it...I will miss it someday! :)

Solution: ???

My Sister

2009-05-05T06:00:00.006-06:00

Kelsie & Aunt Katie

Today is my sister's 20th birthday! Cinco de Mayo...so fitting for her! Can I just say how special she is to me?! When I was probably around 10 or so years old (and my brother's were driving me crazy!) I wanted a sister soooooooooo bad! So, one night I prayed for a sister...and many subsequent nights after. :0) I begged my parents. They told me no. I gave up hope. Then...magically when I was 16, Scott 14 and Matt 12 years of age, she came. A precious little gift from Heaven. There never was a child so loved or so beautiful. We fought over her, woke her up late at night to hold her and argued over who got to change and bathe her! In 1999, (I think) my parents and sister moved to Florida. I missed my sister soooooo much. But now...she works two minutes from my house cutting hair and I see her all the time! I love it! She is so great, my kid's love their Aunt Katie and are constantly asking when she's coming over. Katie is a total SPAZZ and so much fun to be around. Even though we really weren't raised together, we still have so much in common. So Katie... on your birthday I hope you have a GREAT day! Come on over for a Mexican Fiesta and we'll celebrate you...MY sister! We are blessed to have you in our lives. I love you.

***A couple more things...I am now lucky enough to have two great sister-in-laws Kati & Kami...I love them too and consider them just like sisters! I guess putting up with my brothers was worth it after all! ;) And... it was not a coincidence my sister was born on our Grandma Alger's birthday. She passed away a few years earlier and they now share the name Kathleen. :).

Post Edit: I've taken a little flack from Red's family because I also have another wonderful sister-in-law named Leslie! I did not forget about her or leave her out! :) In this post I was referencing my side of the family and how my brothers drove me a little CRAZY (I was no angel!) growing up, but it was all worth it...as I now have 2 sister-in-laws because of them!! As I continue blogging ...I'm sure I'll have a chance to mention all of the special people in my life! It's going to be fun! :)

ToP TeN + FoR tHe WeEk...

2009-05-03T19:47:00.015-06:00

...in no particular order!

10. Red being in Colorado :(...Red getting home on Thursday!!! :)

9. Jump roping with the kids! Tanner, Allie and McKenna can all "jump in" and jump at the same time!

8. No one has the "Swine Flu!" ;)

7. Watching Joe Biden on the Today show....watching the White House scramble to explain what Joe Biden really meant to say on the Today Show. I know... I shouldn't get political but I found it hysterical! I think Joe missed his mark...he should have been a comedian!

6. Finding the two little sunbeams that decided to leave church today and head to the park over by the fire station! (Can you say...heart attack!) I LOVE PRIMARY...KEEPS ME HOPPIN'!

5. I got some new sandals.

4. Getting warm after lacrosse games.

3. Attending Connor Lee's baptism (in our ward) and feeling the spirit so strong...such a special time!

2. Someone...an anonymous donor? is paying for a man in our ward to finish the sheet rock in our basement...mudding/ taping/ sanding...the worst part!! Can you believe that!! I'm still in shock!

1. Our dog being rescued by Amy Hone after being hit by a car...and she's okay! Walking, eating, barking and pretty much acting like her normal lame self! ;) Really I'm glad.

Okay...I guess there are more than ten! My brother Scott and his wife Kate brought the kids: Savannah, Avery, Sam and cutie pie Brooke over for dinner last night! We made homemade pizzas and Italian sodas! So delish! We even put some of the pizza on the barbecue...even yummier! Had a great visit...wish Kati felt better.

:( Love you guys!!!

So...what a great week! Today I even got to listen to/smell the rain! Does it get any better?

I'm still cool!

2009-05-03T19:45:00.007-06:00

Feel lucky if you're reading this post as it might get deleted as soon someone reads it! I'll try to hide it under a few new posts! So...let's just call this person Banner to keep his/her name anonymous for this post. So... Banner is always telling Red and I we live in the dark ages and how NOT cool we are! He/she might be about to turn 13 so this is probably par for the course! Recently he/she came home from school one day and said: you listen to such lame music! You probably don't even know who Oingo Boingo is!!! To this I was happy to reply: actually I went to an Oingo Boingo concert once. (I didn't mention it was like 18 years ago and I didn't even particularly enjoy the concert!) SHAZAM! I rock!

Another time...sitting in the kitchen he I mean he/she says: you don't even know who the band Journey is! To this I say...actually I have Journey's Greatest Hits in the cabinet in our bedroom. I love Journey. I have them on my ipod too, if you want to check it out!

Hot Dog! I'm not such a dork after all!!! ;) ;)

2009-05-03T18:57:00.000-06:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

LaCrOsSe In ThE CoLd!

2009-05-03T18:44:00.011-06:00

So the last couple of Saturdays have been spent watching lacrosse games. Six total! Allie's team has had double headers the last two Saturdays! I love watching my kids play sports. Really...I love it! What I don't enjoy is being cold, so this tends to be a problem. Last Saturday I honestly thought I would never be warm again! This is why I have never enjoyed Winter sports and have gravitated to Summer activities! Seriously these Spring and Fall sports are going to kill me! So...I'm dreaming of basking in the sun in a t-shirt and sunglasses watching my kids rock it on the lacrosse field....It will happen I just know it! :) My pictures of the kids aren't that greatest...I'm still mourning the loss of my favorite camera and trying to get used to my new one! :(

1st Grade Field Trip ---> Children's Museum

2009-05-03T16:41:00.006-06:00

On Thursday I was privileged to be able to go with McKenna's class to the Children's Museum downtown. It was so fun to ride the bus and spend the day with Kenna all by herself. I loved it! We were together the whole time and even snuck Swedish fish on the bus! Naughty, I know! She was so cute and says the funniest things! This is a sample of one conversation we had while on the bus...

McKenna: "so mom, did Grandpa Alger,you know your dad, did he like live in the olden days?"

Me: "The olden days? What exactly do you mean when you say 'olden days?'"

Kenna: "You know...like back in the 80's!!!!"

Hello...Now I feel old! (Sorry dad!) So, I explained to her that I was actually a little girl like her (well almost) back in the 80's. I still don't think she's totally convinced that the 80's aren't the "olden days!" She did say that by "olden days" she meant back when people didn't have cars...that made me feel a little better!

The Children's museum is the bomb! The kid's had a blast in their matching t-shirts. They had shirts made with all of the kid's pictures (drawn by themselves) on it. So darling! So, it was pretty easy to keep track of the group. I was in charge of a group of four: Kenna, Christina Lindquist, Lexi and Braxton. I think we pretty much saw it all! They liked the life flight helicopter the best!

Daisie is home...

2009-04-29T17:25:00.005-06:00

Well...I just brought Daisie home. She looks like H-E- DOUBLE HOCKEY STICKS! I really don't know how else to describe her and I'm too embarrassed to post a picture! Picture the dirty dog in the picture from the previous post and add more dirt, some gravel, some dried blood and you have our dog. I won't be able to get her groomed for at least a couple of weeks because she's so banged up. They had to shave one leg for the IV so she has a pink bandage on it. She's very unstable. Last night when we went to visit she got so excited when we were leaving she got up on her hind legs and then tipped over backwards and bonked her head on the back of the cage. (Allie was not pleased.) Hello! Well...she didn't get a brain transplant and no one ever said she was the sharpest tool in the shed. The doctor advised me not to let her do stairs which I assured him she wouldn't even try... guess where she heads after being home for only a half an hour. She drunkenly walks over to try to go up the STAIRS! Listen to me...two days ago I was bawling over this dog! So...she came home w/ steroid medication for me to give her twice a day (no clue what it is for?) and I really do hope she'll be alright. As for the vet bill...this little hospital visit cost half as much as it did to have her 33 teeth pulled...seriously I couldn't make this stuff up! I'll post about my dog's 3 teeth another time when I'm bored or dying or both! ;) Happy day! My kid's will actually sleep tonight! :)

P.S. I know I'm a super crummy dog mom! Don't think I don't know it...so please don't tell me I am. Seriously I'm going to repent and do better I just know it!

DAISIE GOT HIT BY A CAR!!! :(

2009-04-27T18:48:00.008-06:00

Remember how a few posts ago I said I don't do pets! Yeah well I'm eating my words today. This morning I had a little premonition about our dog being hit by a car...I envisioned the whole thing. Me taking her to the vet, her not making it and me trying to figure out what to do with her as Red is out of town this week. Well I searched the house only to find her happily asleep in a sunbeam. Not two hours later a lady in our ward was bringing her to me wrapped in towels and I was running her to the veterinary hospital! Why....WHY DON'T I LISTEN TO MY INSTINCTS?! She can go under our fence so we usually put her on a tether in our backyard. But....I let her out and planned to hurry and let her back in after she did her bidness. Of course I got busy and forgot and well...you know the rest! So, Daisie is currently at the doggie hospital with an IV receiving meds. and being observed. She has a concussion, a bruise on her chest, a hurt front paw and possible internal injuries. So here's the deal...I cried the whole way to the vet! I'm not sure if I was crying more for the dog or my children; specifically Allie. Daisie is the love of her life! Almost everything she does revolves around the dog. I'm driving and wondering how I'm going to tell her?? Long story short.. a while later I checked Allie out of school and Red took her (before he left town) and all of the teary eyed kid's to visit Daisie. We are all still really worried and just waiting to see what the morning will bring. I hope she'll be alright. I do some pets. :( This picture of Allie and Daisie was taken on Friday. Daisie really is a good dog.

KrAzY KeLsiE!

2009-04-24T14:46:00.006-06:00

Kelsie came in today dressed in this cute outfit! All decked out with her plastic high heels, sparkly brown purse, flower right on top of her head and lip gloss. I'm not sure where she thinks she's going...must be somewhere really special! She just loves the jacket she has on and tries to wear it with everything! Sometimes it looks cute and sometimes not so much! Also, in this collage on the left is a picture of Kelsie with her new friend Emma. Aren't they darling?! Emma is my good friend Liz's daughter and they've played a few times now. I'm not sure what Emma thinks of Kelsie because she is seriously a little nutcase! A couple of funny things Kelsie does right now: sometimes she talks in a phony English accent and laughs likes the cat "Lucifer" from Cinderella. (You know the evil whispery laugh) When she watches Cinderella she says she is "Lucifer!" We just have to laugh! Such a sweet girl! ;)

In and out house!

2009-04-20T13:50:00.003-06:00

No...I'm not referring to a restroom! It's the sound of spring/summer! It's back. The all too familiar sound of doors...revolving doors open and shut! In and out...out and in! Slam, crash, bang! The front door,the back door and the garage door! Sometimes I lock all three! Does it happen to you too? I noticed our little 3 year old neighbor Camryn outside yesterday looking a little sad. So, being the nice neighbor that I am...I said, "what's wrong Camryn?"

She replies, "I can't find my sisters?"
I say, "have you checked in your house?"
"No," Camryn says, "my mom and dad said I can't just keep going in and out, out and in!"

So now I'm thinking...wow! They are super smart and...they have obedient children to boot! NO FAIR! Some people have all the luck!

This is my house in the Spring/Summer:

Kid's fully dressed-out to play.

In for a drink-out to play.

In for a snack-out to play.

In for potty break-out to play.

In for a band aid and a kiss-out to play.

In for a swimsuit-out to play.

In for a towel-out to play.

In for a Popsicle-out to play.

In for Popsicle's for half of the neighborhood-out to play!

In for a blanket-out to play.

In for 10 more blankets...busted... no more blankets-out to play.

In to put clothes on-out to play. (not in the original outfit of course.)

I could go on but your probably already wondering why your wasting your time! :)

It finally ends with outside toys, towels, water etc.... everywhere! So we clean up,do dinner,offer baths and exhausted children finally give up and fall into bed. Ahhh...peace!

So... I say, BRING IT! Bring on summer and the return of the in and out house!

Truthfully...it does drive me crazy! But, I LOVE my kids and summer. I know in a few years I will miss these days so I'm gonna enjoy it!

Luther

2009-04-17T10:58:00.005-06:00

Luther Lambert
1/16/09-4/14?/09

Luther was found dead on the carpet next to McKenna's dresser on Wednesday night. Luther was a "perfect" fish and brought much enjoyment and pleasure to his loving owner. The mystery remains as to whether he jumped to his death or was the victim of some sort of foul play. He was preceded in death by his 'bowl mates' Madison and Stripes. A sad day in the Lambert house. McKenna said..."all of our family members keep dying!" Like who? Thinking she's referring to the previous tenants of the bowl: Dorothy and Tommy. "You know the beetles!..." Oh another story for another day! In the meantime RIP Luther. McKenna will miss you. The fishbowl will remain empty but I am sure not forgotten.

Where can a fish possibly go?!

2009-04-15T12:44:00.011-06:00

I am going to preface this story by saying, the Lambert's are not so good with pets!We have a dog named Daisie that we've managed to keep alive for about five and a half years now. She only has three teeth but that's a story for another day. Anyway...any other living thing that has come into our home besides children and Daisie has not left alive! Scary huh! Well...cute McKenna has been begging for a fish for about the past year. Of course I've been dragging my feet because, well they stink and they always die and I'm the one who has to flush it, wipe the tears and clean up the mess.Finally, on McKenna's 7th birthday back in January; Red took her over to Walmart and bought her THREE fish. The first one, Madison died within the first week of natural causes?? The second fish, Stripes narrowly escaped death while Red was cleaning the bowl and it almost went down the sink...but unfortunately passed away later that day. Just couldn't handle the trauma I guess. Finally, good old Luther (Named by Dad!) had just hung on, even after Kelsie dumped an entire bottle of food into the bowl. Yesterday, McKenna brought the fishbowl down into the kitchen saying she wanted to keep it safe from Kelsie who was currently playing with a friend in their bedroom.I didn't think much about it until last night. I was noticing how grody(not a word I know!)the fishbowl was and I was about to ask Red to come up and clean it when I noticed there wasn't a fish in the bowl! Mother of mercy! Do I seriously have to tell my daughter her fish has disappeared? So, I jiggled the bowl a little thinking maybe the fish is hiding in a shell or under the fake coral or something. NOPE, no fish! So my question is...where in the h@#* can a fish possibly go?? Was it foul play? Did he jump to his death and get eaten by our toothless dog? What? Where? Who? After conducting a full search and recovery mission I still have no fish! Will someone please explain to our children...I don't do pets!

2009-04-13T16:21:00.001-06:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Easter Sunday

2009-04-12T21:37:00.005-06:00

Kenna, Allie & Kelsie in their Easter dresses...Tanner couldn't seem to open his eyes in the bright sun so he didn't end up in this picture!
Beautiful sunny day! :)

Easter Sunday has ended up being a busy day...as most holidays are! We had church at 9:00 then went for brunch up at Nana and Grandpa Lambert's house. While there I took a few pictures of the kids, (over on the sidebar)then we ate and played dominoes. Afterward we visited with some friends...the Williams family and finally came back home. It has been such a beautiful day, so I took a picture of the mountains. The sky has never seemed so blue! I love the beginning of Spring because we still have the whole summer to look forward to. Can't wait! :)

Indoor Soccer

2009-04-12T20:36:00.000-06:00

McKenna and one of her best friends Mickelle played indoor soccer this year. They ran their little hearts out! Coach even let them know they were the best players on the team! :) McKenna loved it and was so happy when she scored a goal! It's great to see McKenna out there running as hard as she can. She plays so hard she gets all red faced and sweaty! I love it!

Allie's 11th Birthday!

2009-04-11T21:12:00.006-06:00

Allie requested pasta, salad, shrimp, "good bread" and chocolate cake for her birthday dinner and we had a great time celebrating as a family! She got a new lacrosse stick, new bedding, a couple of new outfits and a DS game. We are still planning to take a few friends and go to a movie to celebrate miss Allie and have some fun! I can't believe Allie's eleven. She is such a great girl! Allie loves to hang out with her friends, play lacrosse, rollerblade, do craft projects, read, play her DS, watch movies and play games. Allie is a girl after my own heart! She loves to read...her favorite books are the Fablehaven series by Brandon Mull. (a local author) Allie just got the fourth book when it came out last month! Allie has read too many books to count and recently finished Old Yeller and Where the Red Fern Grows. There were many tears! :( She's currently working on the juvenile classics list at the library. I love that she likes to read. Also, Allie loves some of the quirky old movies I like and will watch them with me. She loves "Pillow Talk" with Doris Day and Rock Hudson and we just finished "The Long Long Trailer" with Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. (Both so funny) She also loves "Gone with the Wind!" So...now I have a movie buddy, because Red hates old movies! She'll also play cards and other games with me! One thing Allie and I do not have in common is: she does NOT like to be the center of attention at all! I have no idea where that comes from? I just know I love hanging out with Allie! She's my girl!

2008 Birthday Scrapbook!

2009-04-10T22:27:00.002-06:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Our First Daughter

2009-04-07T12:30:00.007-06:00

On March 12, 1998 we were blessed to welcome a healthy 6lb. 5 oz. baby girl to our family. I thought Allison Kate was the most beautiful baby I'd ever seen. She had gorgeous, clear skin and dark brown hair. Allie was our tiniest baby and weighed in under 6 lbs. as we were leaving the hospital. She made me nervous. Luckily she loved to nurse and plumped up right away! Having Allie in our home was somewhat of an adjustment! At just 22 months old, Tanner felt a little slighted for sure! On one hand he liked his new baby sis and lovingly referred to her as "Owie." On the other hand Allie is lucky I was there to rescue her from him. Tanner frequently tried to beat her over the head with things like: the remote control, cordless phone, (like a brick back then!) and various toys, large and small! I had to watch them both at all times!! In many ways these years were some of the hardest for me. I had two children in diapers for almost 2 years, Red traveled 2 to 3 days of the week and I think I was late everywhere I went! Long story short it took me a while to adjust. I loved being able to stay at home with them and as you'll see in many pictures I went a little overboard dressing them alike or in coordinated outfits! So...for the next (almost) four years Tanner and Allie were our life! We did everything with these two little kids and loved it! :)

Our First Home

2009-04-05T21:58:00.001-06:00

We built our first home in 1996, in West Jordan, UT. Tanner was about 4 months old when we moved in. We loved this house, the area and the neighborhood! There were always plenty of kids running around and the impromptu barbeque or pizza party was always fun! We had great neighbors and made some great friends that we will always remember fondly. Some...we still keep in touch with. It was a great place to start our little family. We were sad to say goodbye in 2001, when we packed up and moved to Colorado Springs, CO.

Slideshow for Tanner

2009-04-05T21:16:00.001-06:00

So...I've spent a large portion of the day scanning pictures! Most of them are of Tanner. For some reason I feel the need to bring people up to speed on all that's been going on in our family! I'm not sure why?? Anyway I have hundreds of picture's of my son, so it was very difficult for me to narrow it down! Hopefully these capture the essence of who he is! Tanner might have three sisters, but don't worry his manhood is still in tact! He loves football, lacrosse, air soft gun wars, camping and teasing! Tanner is a great kid and a good student! He is currently serving as the Deacon's quorum president and is a natural leader. Wow! Watch me brag! He's not a perfect angel! Tanner has his moments and is almost thirteen...so you know what that means. Either, he's getting smarter or we're getting dumber! ;) We love him just the same!

2009-04-05T21:15:00.000-06:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Our Firstborn!

2009-03-26T10:53:00.000-06:00

Tanner John Lambert was born May 23, 1996 after an 18 hour labor and eventually a c-section. We were thrilled! My pregnancy was however, horrible! Toward the end I developed a "pregnancy rash." I wanted to die! My legs looked like I had been burned in a fire. My OB casually commented that this was the worst "prego rash" he'd ever seen. (I almost killed him!) Luckily birth is the cure...and we loved our little guy instantly. He looked like his father's twin for sure. Tanner wasn't the easiest newborn...lots of tummy aches , spit up and nights walking the floor. But, the payoff came when he was 5 months old and started sleeping through the night. Oh how he loved his bed! At bedtime he would just DIVE in! (He still does!:))I think with a few exceptions he's slept through the night ever since!

Our life revolved around this little boy for almost two years! I was able to stop working when he was 8 months old and stay home with him full time. He kept me busy...it was a joy!

Let's start at the very beginning...

2009-03-25T20:37:00.000-06:00

The night we got engaged!
Oh my hair!

Our wedding day...a sunny and warm February day.

The beginning...a very good place to start. Red and I met in the Spring of 1992. He was just about to graduate from the U of U and I was working and going to the Community College. My friend Cami and I decided we would check out a new singles ward. I think it was the Canyon Springs 9Th ward?? We met a great group of people and quickly became friends. I have very fond memories of this time in my life! Red and his friend Brandon had jet skis and we were on them every chance we got. If it was even close to warm we were on a lake somewhere. As time went by I started to realize what a wonderful person Red was and that he possessed many of the qualities I wanted in a husband. Eventually we began dating...and the rest is ancient history! We got engaged the Fall of 1993, and married on February 3, 1994. I know people say this all the time, but I really don't know where the time has gone! It does not feel like it has been 15 years at all! So, here's to another 15++++ years baby! I'm posting our wedding invite and a few pictures for your pleasure and enjoyment. They were scanned from my burgundy and forest green wedding album where I carefully and PERMANENTLY adhered them. Can you believe I would have chosen sleeves that puffy when I already have such broad shoulders!?

Seeing if I can post a picture!

2009-03-19T16:27:00.000-06:00

Easter Sunday 2008!

Tanner- 12

Allie- 10

Kenna- 6

Kelsie- 3

We snapped a few pictures of the kid's

after church.

(Note Kelsie's shoes on the wrong feet!)

I have a blog!

2009-03-19T15:55:00.000-06:00

Goals I have for my blog:

Document our family's journey

Share pictures

Journal details of our life...all the funny things I would forget!

Connect with family & friends from afar

Share recipes and other ideas (if I have any:))

Have fun..........enjoying the journey!

It's a beautiful day!

I know, I know it's been forever!

Another one...

Memory Mixer VS Smilebox

Where did 12 years go???

LaS VeGaS bAbY!

HOTEL

McKenna's Baptism ~ February ~ 2010

Valentine's Day

LoOk wHo's EiGhT...McKeNna!

OrGaNiZaTiOn...

My cRaFt RoOm!

Tanner Appreciation Night!

A Daisie Story...

...MoRe HoLiDaY FuN!

****SnOwMeN***

~OuR ChRiStMaS hOuSe~

OuR hOLiDaY GreeTinG ~ 2009 ~

mY CaRaMeLs

Our "Charlie Brown" Christmas Tree!

ThAnKsGiViNg 2009

hApPy HaLLoWeeN!

mY BaBy tUrNeD FiVe!!

What's for breakfast???

ThE PuMpKiN PaTcH

Chick Food!

I NEED LASIK!

If You Find a Mouse in Primary...

SuMmeRTiMe, fLyS and BeiNg on TiMe!

New Sisters Blog

Family Pictures

Back to School

Views from Mount Timp

The "Lake"

LaGoOn!

Grandpa Woody's 90th Birthday!

4th of JuLy!!

Plum Jam!

KeLsiE and HeLLo KiTty!

The Dance Festival!

Youth Temple Celebration!

We have a teenager!!!

Girls Getaway!

My Bakery

...More KraZy KeLsIe

History Fair...WINNERS!

Biker Chick!

Happy 'M' Day!

Bedtime Fun!

My Sister

ToP TeN + FoR tHe WeEk...

I'm still cool!

LaCrOsSe In ThE CoLd!

1st Grade Field Trip ---> Children's Museum

Daisie is home...

DAISIE GOT HIT BY A CAR!!! :(

KrAzY KeLsiE!

In and out house!

Luther

Where can a fish possibly go?!

Easter Sunday

Indoor Soccer

Allie's 11th Birthday!

2008 Birthday Scrapbook!

Our First Daughter

Our First Home

Slideshow for Tanner

Our Firstborn!

Let's start at the very beginning...

Seeing if I can post a picture!

I have a blog!

**SnOwMeN*