Natalie and Charlie

Okay...so I realized I did not post pictures from the first time I met baby Charlie! It was clear back in April. Natalie (friend from high school and my maid of honor) had Charlie back in June of 2009. I didn't even meet him until he was 9 months old :( Isn't he adorable??!! Thursday, we had a short visit. It was great to see, what feels like, my long lost friend from Seattle. Who I'll hopefully get to see one more time before summer is gone.

Ally told a FUNNY!

Yesterday, we had blueberry muffins for breakfast. As we sat at the table, Kaitlyn kept imagining all the different things we could put in our muffins. "What if we had strawberries in our muffins? What if we had...." this and that, getting sillier as she carried on. I've learned that evenually you just have to tune her out. Ally on the other hand, decided to join in and say "Kaitlyn...what if we had a little 'shush it' in our muffins" I couldn't help but laugh as I scolded Ally and asked her to appologize. She has so much patience for Kaitlyn most of the time.

Ride in the Hills

We had a nice truck ride last night on a beautiful night. Five mountains were in view with just a turn of the head, a herd of elk with their young were in view and I got to spend some time alone with Jer. Many memories from our earlier years came traveling back....the porcupine waddling down the road, the first camping spot, the many rides in the truck and 4-wheeler, the love of bugling with elk and spotting wildlife and of course the companionship. This is something we used to do several times a week (before children). It was fun and I hope I get my ride on the 4-wheeler, in this area, soon :-)

Water Awareness Program - AWESOME!!!

I'm so fortunate that I was able to get my girls into an AWESOME water awareness program. My girls have never had swimming lessons. The one time Ally did, she was kicked out because of her fear and pulling attention away from the others. We did do a couple private lessons and work with them last summer (thanks for Aunt Rachel's help), but it didn't get us that far.

Boy, are we feeling good as parents after the first session! You have to understand that Ally and Kaitlyn DID NOT like putting their face under water, getting ears or noses wet. Fear doesn't even describe the emotions at the beginning of session 1. Ally saw the "big kids" on the other end of the pool jumping off the diving board and thought she would have to too. She panicked and cryed to the instructor the first day and was dreading going back. The next day, nothing but pure excitment formed and each day they can't wait to go back for more.


Session two has just begun and Ally jumped off the diving board, TWICE! No floatation devices!!! and swam under water all the way to the ladder.


Kaitlyn's huge advancement is the fact that she'll lay in the water on her back. She wouldn't even do this in the bath tub, for she's always been afraid of getting her ears wet. She is swimming on her back and will fetch toys under water (with a little help getting down).


I'm so proud of my little fishes in the water!!!!

Miss Kaitlyn's 2nd Tooth

Little Missy lost her second tooth! Can you see the red in her face and tears that fell on her shirt?? This experience doesn't compare to the first. This was complete devistation and fear. She was determined to pull it herself, since that didn't work too well...I finally brought out the dental floss and the two of us did a tug. She was happy she pulled it out herself (no need to correct her) and it didn't hurt. She was even happier when the toothfairy came the next morning.

Lucia and Moulton Falls

It was fun to spend the afternoon together. Jillian, Ally's friend spent the night and they enjoyed the surprise outting to the falls and sitting by the Lewis River. We watched the "crazy" people jump off the bridge and attempted to find critters under the rocks. We had fun getting our feet wet and skipping rocks. We were the happy being together on a sunny saturday afternoon.

Independance Day 2010

After church, we spent some time at Katie's house, munched on a few goodies and gave the kiddos the opportunity to play. We then took off for my parents house and watched fireworks from my bosses house (my parents bishop). We didn't stay long, but enjoyed the fireworks we saw and the company from family throughout the day.

Kitty Fix

The girls and I got our "kitty fix". Some friends at church were willing to share. I was the one wanting to bring the orange tabby home. It reminded me too much of our cat named sassifras when I was little. I quickily came to the realization that it wouldn't be too smart with 4 puppies in training. Thanks for sharing Sheryl! the kids enjoyed themselves.

Mom has a friend who got us great tickets the the Broadway production of "The Lion King". It was a great experience and fantastic show! Ally's eyes were glued to the stage...she enjoyed every moment. Luckily, Kaitlyn got over her fear of the hyenas quickly and loved taking turns on mom and dads lap. Jeremy enjoyed being with us, viewing the show, but wishes there was less singing (crazy I know). I on the otherhand, LOVED the music and was in ahh over the way the production came together through this such wonderful art.

I loved watching the girls the next morning playing their favorite parts of the movie over and over. It was an experience we won't forget.

A chance for photos

We had to take this opportunity to get a few pics. It's very rare for the girls to agree to dress alike AND do hair the same. Ally can't stand to have Kaitlyn copy her. Another abnormalty these days are braids and piggy tails. Kaitlyn can't stand being called cute....everytime she has piggy tails and braids, this comment is made. Therefore she doesn't usually go for them....thank goodness the word cute was no where to be found today :) Enjoy!!!...these next two are BEAUTIFUL...

Jason and Leslie's Wedding

We had fun attending a wedding reception today. Jeremy's friend Jason, from college, married Leslie, whom he met at the apartment complex he manages. We are happy he has found someone who seems really sweet....it'll be nice to get to know her. Congratulations you two and best wishes for all the happiest moments together.

Dance Festival

First two pics, compliments of Kolleens blog....thank you!


WOW! What a neat opportunity to attend conference! I can't even describe the feeling of 2000 youth running out onto the field. The spirit was so strong. Tears were running down my cheeks, goose bumps covered my body! It was SO amazing! My girls enjoyed themselves and were so sad daddy didn't join us....much to do at home and miss out on so much! Sorry babe! Kaitlyn's comments throughout the whole conference: "Boy....daddy's missing out!...this is so cool!"


The above flags in the picture represent the 133 temples that dot the earth today. They were brought out with "I Love to See the Temple" playing in the background.


The youth and missionaries in our district closed by singing "How Firm a Foundation" Thank you to everyone involved...this is an experience me and my children will never forget!

Festival of Balloons

This has been on a to do list for over 10 years....I'm so glad it's finally accomplished. It was worth getting up at 4:15 in the morning. We packed up our picnic breakfast and arrived just in time to see the first balloon lift off the ground. It was a relaxing morning watching all these balloons take flight. It was just as fasinating to view the process of set-up. One of the funniest moments was the girls and their excitement over the 'pop bottle'. I had to let out a large chuckle, that of course they didn't understand. We finished by 7:15 and headed to see great-grandma after her walk at the mall....we taught her how to play 'rock, scissors, paper'....must have looked funny in the publics eyes. It was a pleasant morning.

Meeting Baby Reese

We met our neice Reese for the first time....boy are her and her siblings so darn cute! I was happy to get a little baby fix and was thrilled for the opportunity to have a few moments with the other kiddos. I loved the fact that Tori warmed up to me as she did the last time she was here. She remembered playing "little piggies" on her toes....the cookies seemed to help as well....we had a lot of fun together. Many of the grandkids reunited for a pic....we have 3 neices and nephews yet to meet, so 4 kids are missing from the picture. Jeremy's folks now have a total of 15 grandkids...crazy, but fun!

Fathers Day

I loved the opportunity to designate some extra time for the sweet father of my children. It's been a while since I put alot of time and thought into a gift...it made me so happy to do something extra special....an extra bonus is the time the girls and I had while doing it :-)


The girls did the planning and I helped with the tweeking and pulling it all together. We had the morning together...treasure hunt, breakfast and time for Jeremy to catch up on rest....had church and left early for a BBQ (ribs, yum) at Jeremy's uncles....where we also got to see his Grandpa. I think he enjoyed his day and hope he knows how much he is appreciated and adored! Love you Sweet Daddy!


Extra bonuses: Kaitlyn's connection with Kaylee (her second cousin, once removed I think), seeing Great Aunt Carrie (from Seattle area), Aunt Lairen making the trip with us to Randy's, and getting to bring Ruby (our dog) in the car for the ride home....can you tell Jeremy's in love with her???!!! It was a good day for us all.

Okay so this picture may seem pretty pathetic to you (un-centered from setting it to a timer on our restaurant table top), but it’s the only one we’ve of got of us on our 12th year wedding anniversary. Well, I take that back….officially our anniversary is on the 20th, since that’s Father’s Day…we celebrated two days early.

I have to say our smiles are genuine and I love it. It’s us thoroughly enjoying ourselves over the most relaxing and enjoyable dinner we’ve ever had together. We’ve been to some pretty amazing restaurants and almost always try something new on our special day. This year our endeavor: The Melting Pot, which has been at the top of my list for the past several years. It is now a favorite and was worth every penny. The most enjoyable part, for both of us, was that we were forced to slow down and take pleasure in each bite and minute together (It helped having a secluded table, free from chaos too).

The food was fabulous. Our menu items: Cheese fondue with apples, veggies, chips and bread, a garlic and herb brine that we cooked more veggies (potatoes, broccoli) and all our meats (steak, chicken, pork, tuna and shrimp), then a Chocolate fondue with bites of all our favorite sweets (cheese cake, pound cake, brownie, marshmallow, banana and strawberries).

Thanks for the much needed date babe. I enjoyed every minute. These past 12 years have been wonderful and they definitely keep on getting better. You are such a sweet husband and father….I’m glad we were able to keep two special occasions separate.

I LOVE YOU!

Precious Sisterly Moments

Playing games together on the computer....Jeremy captured those. I love the girls expressions.

Kaitlyn showing compassion for her sister...who was ill on the second to last day of school....

Rockstar Ally

Over the past several weeks, eye shadow has been used a lot. Ally is very camera shy when it comes to her and what she's passionate about. This was one of those moments when she let her guard down and allowed me the snapshot of her while she sang. I'm so lucky to be the mother and catch these glimpses that others do not get to see. Isn't Jeremy's cougar rug a nice accent...not!

Savor the Moments

I am not a writer (obvious if you've read previous posts). I did however, feel impressed to write about a few things I don't cherish enough. I'm pretty pleased with how easily this came together....it came out of nowhere....Kaitlyn and Ally were playing outside while I was getting a few things done in the house. Kaitlyn knocked on the window and gave me a sweet wave and smile. I immediately sat down and started writing...here it goes:

A wave through the window
A jump on my lap
Many days my shadow
A companion while I nap

Simple joys await
At the wake of each new day
There's no better feeling
Than the things they do and say

Tight squeezes with "I love you"
Stains on every blouse
Pictures and sweet messages
All around the house

So often I take for granted
the giggles and the smiles
The wake with a kiss
And piggy back for miles

The constant jibber jabbber
The stomps of little feet
Wiggles never ending
When sitting in their seat

My name is aways called
Their question is always "why?"
I must savor these moments
Before they pass me by

Preschool days are over....

Preschool days are over. It makes me so sad to think that my baby is a kindergarder. I'm excited however for her ventures ahead and how far she has come over the past two years, she is definately "ready". Way to go sweetheart!


Many, many thanks to all the wonderful tutors and teachers! From the top right and clockwise: Ms K, Ms Deb, Ms Kara, tutor Eva, Ms Cocoa, and the ultimate connection with Ms Amy. THANK YOU!!! You all are amazing!!!