IDAPETE

18 Months Old and Some Catching Up To Do

2010-01-25T20:45:00.007-07:00

Man, time flies, yes my baby boy is 18 months old and it has also been almost 3 months since I blogged. There is so much to blog and I probably won't get even half of it in this post but at least there will be a little up date of my family. I'll first start with Cash, the biggest news of all is he started walking at 17 months! YEAH!! He is still in physical therapy 2 times a month. I guess he still is considered a little behind. For example not walking up and down the stairs, not kicking a ball while standing with good balance and not walking backwards. His right side is still very dominate. But we are working on it. I am very happy with his progress. He is saying more and more words everyday but "NO" is still his favorite. Cash is really getting into screaming which I am not a fan of and we are for sure trying to put an end to that one! The boy loves animals and cars and making monster sounds. He always picks his Dad over his Mom, which I have to say is kind of nice. He is my first child that has done that, also Brock has been working out of town so he has been gone A LOT. So I enjoy every minute he picks his daddy! :) Cash is a very healthy boy he weighs 28lbs 12oz (95%) and 33 1/2 inches long (80%). I am really enjoying Cash, not so much from about 3:00pm to 5:00pm, his fussy/clingy time but other than that I think I am taking more time to enjoy the little things with him because I know most likely he is our last.
He absolutely loves Hats, I can't walk out the door with out him pointing inside saying "Hat, Hat" I am never allowed to forget.

A favorite toy he got from my Aunt for Christmas!
A very typical look from Cash, he gives everyone this look and if he is mad the only difference is his eyebrows are down.
Mommy and her boy, he loves to be held and lay his head on your shoulder. Which I am loving too, my girls were never into that. I will take it as long as I can get it. :)Ready for Church and looking So Cute in new outfits from Grammy!My girls who are growing up too fast!

Brock and I got some alone time to go back east for a few days for my 10 year reunion over Thanksgiving. It felt kind of weird to go back east with out my kids but it was enjoyable at the same time. It was really fun to see friends from High school I haven't seen in years as well as hang with my sister and her family.Here are just some of us, I kind of got everyone gathered a little late after a lot had already left.
Nikki and I

Kasey and I
Jacqui and I, don't you like Brock's head trying to get in the picture!Jacqui, Me, and Lauren

But when the night was done and I had to pick one person I would definitely say Jacqui was the most excited to see me. Just look at that squeeze....

Life has been busy but good. Besides Brock having to travel out of town for work we really can't complain. Another highlight of ours was my Aunt got us a Wii, we have enjoyed it so much playing together as a family and then Brock and I competing once our kids are in Bed. I really am going to try harder to blog more often than once every 3 months. My kids our growing so fast and this is the only journaling/scrap booking I do. So I know I better crack down if I want my kids to have anything to look back on. So look for a new post next week, okay probably not, maybe next month is more realistic for me!!

Halloween 2009

2009-11-02T15:09:00.005-07:00

We had another great year of getting way too much candy. The girls both had their school parties on Thursday and then we had a church harvest party that night. Then Saturday was the traditional trick or treating. I don' t always dress up but this year I went all out! We had a great time and below are pictures of us all. (Brock had to work Thursday night that is why he is not in the pictures.) My Beautiful Ballerina's My cute cowboy! There she is WONDER WOMAN! Yes some people were a little shocked! I heard comments such as (Girl you've got guts!) People were asking to take my picture and I am still getting comments today about it. Does that mean it left a good impression or not so good? Not really sure but it was fun! (Kamden said to me before we got out of the car and into the church "deep breath, mom I really hope people don't laugh at you tonight!) Nice support huh? We sure missed Daddy but we all had a good time! This use to be one of my young women, also a really good friend and great babysitter and one hot pirate! This is my friend Lisa who is the master behind the outfit. This was actually her outfit in college. Then the day of the party she whipped out the cape, wrist bands, and headband. She is a talented, creative friend. Thanks Lisa! Cash was a bumble bee Sat. night because it was warmer! Still cute! This was the treat I made for Aspen's preschool class. They are eyeballs, so easy and cute. That is a Nilla wafer cookie upside down with white icing, lifesaver, chocolate chip and red gel icing. So cute!

15 Months

2009-10-28T12:56:00.004-06:00

Cash turned 15 months last week. So I thought I would give everyone the update. He went to the doctor today and is 26.5 pounds (70%) and 32 inches tall(75%). So he has come down a little in both but he is still a good sized boy! His talking has picked up within this last month, which I love. His words are: Mama, Dada, all done, hi, bye bye, more, baby, and then quite a few animal noises. Horse still being his favorite! He is still very behind with his movement. We are still going to see the physical therapist 2 times a week. It has helped so much. He is pulling himself up onto furniture now and walking all along the furniture. But his crawl is still the monkey scoot which the therapist isn't too happy about. We are trying so hard for him to crawl the NORMAL way but I am not so sure that will be happening.

It has been so much fun for me to have a boy this time. I love the sounds he makes that were never taught to him. He makes the car driving sound, he makes monster sounds ect. He loves to be rough and bang toys together to make loud noise. I love it so much, very different than my girls, even Aspen who is pretty rough! I guess this is the face you get when you ask him to smile!

He sleeps like this every nap and bed time! He loves those animals and lays them all over him to fall asleep. Toilet paper is his new thing to get into. Yeah, not one of my favorite things but he sure thinks it is fun!!This is our Rocky doll that Brock got about 7 years ago from his sister and her husband, since everyone thinks he looks so much like him. I had to pull it out because we got Cash a Rocky shirt which he is wearing! He loves this thing. It talks and punches and sings eye of a tiger. He plays with it often!

Happy 6th B-Day!!

2009-10-06T15:39:00.004-06:00

Kamden's Birthday was last Saturday the 3rd of October. I really can't believe she is 6 already! She had such a fun Birthday. We went to Boise and met up with Brock's parents and one of her cousins Deagon. She went to Build-A-Bear and made a Hello Kitty which she got a very cute PJ outfit to go with her. Then Grammy took her shopping and she picked out a doll from Target (the ones like the american girl dolls) she also got polley pockets with some B-Day money she used. She had a great birthday and is so happy she is 6 years old. Kamden is such a joy to have in our family. She is the best big sister to her younger sister and brother. We love you Kamden! This picture is of her B-day crown from school as well as the little gift she got to pick out from her teacher! Two of her cool B-Day toys! I had to take this picture, Kamden wanted me to take a picture of her in her new Hannah Montana jammies and barbie but then Aspen wanted in as well. So I asked Deagon to get in and he wasn't very excited so we got some assitance from Grammy! :) This is another very cool creation from Grammy! The grandkids at every birthday talk about which cake they think Grammy is going to make for their next Birthday. She has created a definite tradition for her grandkids. She got Hannah Montana Barbie for Kamden and used her for the cake. Kamden loved it!!

7 Years!!!

2009-09-29T13:56:00.002-06:00

Well yesterday was Brock and my 7 year anniversary. This was the first year Brock has ever surprised me. Man, it was awesome! I really didn't know my husband knew how to be romantic. He has been trying to plan something for 3 weeks. A couple of his ideas didn't work because he couldn't find anyone to watch the kids. So Friday night our wonderful neighbor Nancy came over. The kids just love her, so they were very excited too. He took me to our favorite seafood place here in McCall. Pricey, but very worth it!! Then we walked on the beach and talked while watching the sunset. Then he had booked a chalet (ski in ski out) in Tamarack(ski resort 20 mins from us). So we did the whole hot tub, strawberries and chocolate romantic thing. Which is not Brock at all by the way. We got laughing pretty hard when we were dipping Strawberries in chocolate because it is not really our romantic scene but it was fun. Then in the morning we walked around Tamarack ski resort and then came home. It was so nice to have the night to ourselves even though we were still in our same town we really felt like it was a real get away. It has been a great 7 years. And I really feel our marriage has gotten better with time. So I am excited for the years to come to spend with my wonderful husband. I feel so lucky because I know I have the perfect fit for me.

First Day of School!

2009-09-24T16:54:00.002-06:00

Kamden started Kindergarten this year! She loves school and says the only bad thing about school is she has to wait all morning to go (she got afternoon kindergarten). I was worried about her shyness but she has proved me wrong. I am so glad I decided to put her in 2 years of preschool, it has helped her so much. She loves riding the bus too, has made lots of friends and her teacher said she is doing great. It probably helps she is almost a year older than a lot of the kids in the class but I kind of like it that way. The only thing that is hard for me is I can' t protect my soft hearted child any more. I am lucky though when she comes home she tells me everything about her day. We talk about situations that make her sad(it is usually other people that are getting their feelings hurt that bother her) and how to handle them. She is such a obedient, caring little girl. We are so lucky to have her a part of our family, she is a VERY good example to Aspen. The kindness doesn't come as easy to her! :) Aspen had to be in a picture because she started preschool!

PA Family Visit

2009-09-24T16:23:00.005-06:00

The kids and I finally made it back to PA to visit family. It has been a year and 1/2 since I had been back. The longest ever I think. Brock couldn't come so I decided I could do it by myself. I don't really know if that was the best move but I did it. The plane ride out there I really thought I was physically going to die. It was hard! Cash does not sleep if he is not in a bed, so it makes it really tough. So I wrestled him the entire day. We left Boise at 3:00pm and got to my sisters house at 3:00 am. It was VERY LONG. We had a very packed week since I wanted to see so many people. But it all worked out. We got a Day with my Brother Brian and his family(not long enough), we got to see my grandparents and cousins, some of which I haven't seen in 4 or 5 years! My sister and I also got to go to the beach with my aunt and her friend gloria. The beach is most favorite place ever so I was so glad to go but my sister and I took 7 kids by ourselves. We tried to do the beach and boardwalk all day until 11pm at night. It was just a little CRAZY. Brittney, my sister wrote in detail about our trip on here blog www.pennhens.blogspot.com you can read it there! I kept asking my sister if it was worth all the money I paid to get there. I know it was really worth it, it was great seeing everyone. I guess it just wasn't the vacation I pictured in my head. It was more work than play. I was also realizing that it was the first time I went back east when my mom and dad weren't there to visit and help with the kids. Man I miss those 2! The kids had an awesome time and are still talking about it so I know it was worth every penny. 2 of my Brother Brian's boys, Curren and Slater. Brian, Stacy and their new little one Colton. (oh and Ainsley jumped in) My girls and Brittney's girls and my cousin Michele's little girl. They had such a great time together. Here is Brigham's little boy Tyler, he didn't want his picture taken so I told him he could pretend like he is shooting Kamden and then he was fine with it. Kamden didn't like it very much but she said "I guess it is okay mommy" She is a good little girl. Some more gun action from Tyler. The girl cousins in their night gowns! My grandparents were nice enough to work with our schedule and the best day that worked happened to be there anniversary as well as my cousin Matts Birthday that also came. The grown up cousins with grandma and grandpa. (We were missing 6) My grandparents with the some of their great grandkids!

Valley County Rodeo

2009-09-24T16:08:00.005-06:00

In August we went to our Valley County Rodeo and Fair. I feel that summer is not complete without a fair or Rodeo. That feeling has come since I have been married to Brock. I never really went to Rodeo's before but now I am a big fan! Brock says that next year he is entering the Bull Riding competition. Not sure how I feel about this! It is so hard for him to watch and not ride. He misses it lots. But after the Rodeo was over we hung with our friends at the dance and then there was a mechanical Bull riding competition. Brock ran the mechanical bull last year at the fair and so this year he got our friends bull in for them to run. So he paid his entry and competed, I have to say he was by far the best. He still has it, very nice form! But I guess there was a tie for 1st place so they were going to re-ride for 1st and the guy saw Brock's name and said you are part owner of this bull(which we have nothing to do with) you can't win. I was pretty mad, we didn't even get our entry fee back. Now we know, but I am still not happy. Besides the bummer at the end of the night. We all had a great time! Kamden with one of her favorite babysitters ever, she is home from school until Jan. Kamden is going to so sad to have her leave again! Aspen being a model in Brittney's sunglasses! Just a picture of my very cute boy, who I have to say loves to watch bull riding as well. I am a little nervous if he decides he wants to ride like his daddy did! This is my good friend Eva and her little girl Aniston. They moved to McCall from Boise in Febuary and moved back to Boise in August. I am sad, we miss there family lots. Luckily they don't live too far!

Yellow Pine

2009-09-24T15:39:00.003-06:00

The end of July Brock took his annual yellow pine fishing trip. This time it was Daddy Daughter overnight. He took both the girls and his friend Tony took his daughter Kaitlyn which turned out to be Brock's lifesaver. Cash and I stayed home, the reason for this was because I am not a big fan of camping with a baby. But the girls had such a good time. Brock was so thankful to Kaitlyn for being there because she was the one that helped Aspen go to the bathroom, entertain her etc. Tony, Kaitlyn, Brock and Kamden fishing; Aspen took the picture! This picture is the best. Brock was trying to hold the fish for Tony to take the picture and then Kaitlyn said I want in and jumped over and the fish got of Brock's hands. I love the girls faces! Wonderful memories made that weekend!

T-Ball

2009-09-24T15:20:00.007-06:00

Okay, Okay I know I am such a slacker so I am going to try and catch everyone up on our lives. I have a lot to catch up but I will do what I can. :) This summer Kamden played T-Ball for the first time and LOVED it. She says that is her favorite sport now. I was worried she would be to shy to play so I signed Brock up to be the coach. I was a little worried about that too because everyone that knows him, knows he is extremely competitive. I have to say I am so proud of him. He had to bite his lip a few times but he did great. We were kind of bummed because there was really no structure to the T-Ball league at all but the kids still enjoyed themselves. Kamden improved lots, thank goodness! A big thing we had to work on was her running with the helmet on. I wish I would have gotten some video of that. Man did she ever run like a girl while having 2 hands on her helmet so it wouldn't move around while running. She says she definitely wants to play next year but as far as Brock being coach, I am not so sure. :) Kamden getting down to business, running hard. Brock with most of his team!

My Not So Little Man....

2009-07-25T21:36:00.003-06:00

Here are a couple of pictures of Cash. I didn't end up taking that many because I think I ended up getting more video of him. We had a pretty good day. He loved his presents, he really loved the cupcakes and then we went swimming and he loved that too. The only down fall is his molars are all coming in at once. The dude has some very swollen gums. But he didn't let that stop him from having a good Birthday Party. The side view of his new haircut!
His new haircut

Happy 1st Birthday Cash!!!

2009-07-24T20:02:00.003-06:00

Today Cash turns 1 year old. I can't believe how fast it has gone. I would be posting pictures but my husband has the camera so I can't download the new ones I have taken of Cash. We are going to celebrate his birthday tomorrow because Brock took the girls camping and fishing in YellowPine. (This is the first time he has taken them over night somewhere on his own. I hope it is going well so that he will offer again. :)) It has been nice having some one on one with Cash. He really is such a happy baby. Although, he got a haircut yesterday and I have to say he looks more like a boy now. Some of Cash's favorite things include: animals, especially cows, horses, and dogs, playing with balls, banging things to make loud noises, eating and dancing to music. It is fun to see his personality come out more and more each day.

He has been my slowest hitting the different milestones so far. Some people say it is just because he is a boy. My doctor is getting worried because Cash still doesn't move, so she wants him to be doing physical therapy. I just started the process of getting that going and all of the sudden HE STARTED TO CRAWL TODAY!!! In a way I have really been enjoying him just sitting in one place. But at the same time, didn't want my kid to be way behind. I guess he is just taking his time and that's okay with me. :) His crawl isn't normal he almost looks a little special. He crawls with his 2 hands and one foot while dragging his other leg as he moves. (I guess that is what I get for trying to embarrass my mom when I was in high school by dragging my foot when I walked!) I will post more on my little man after his party tomorrow. But just want him to know when he reads this some day, how much I love him and love to squish is big chunky body, and make him laugh. He brings me so much happiness and just reminds me that I never could have imagined that I could love anyone as much as I love my kids!

PURE VINTAGE

2009-07-07T20:57:00.004-06:00

So this is why I have been so busy lately. I have started a new little business. Not a huge money maker but more for fun. I owe it all to a really good friend who has helped me through this and given me A LOT of ideas. I make vintage button rings. I have had one ring party and one booth set up so far. The rest has been just word of mouth and people stopping by to look at my rings. I have a few stores here in McCall that have also said they would put my rings in there store. I am really excited. Over the 4th I set up a booth in downtown McCall and hoped to do a little better than I did but I still made some money and got my name out there so that was good. Here are some pictures of my rings. Here is what my business card looks like. Me at my booth My friend took all of these pictures. I of course forgot my camera. They looked a little cluttered from people looking at them and placing them back down. So sorry I didn't make them nice and neat before the picture, but you get the idea of what they look like. These are my flower topped button rings. More rings My medal topped rings. Hope you all like what you see. Let me know what you think. And if any of you are interested you know who to get a hold of!! :)

Preschool Graduation

2009-07-07T20:08:00.004-06:00

No Kamden is not graduating preschool in July, she graduated in the end of May like most kids. It is just her mother who is a little behind. For all of you that were wondering I am still alive and breathing. I just feel like I have been so busy this summer. Back to Kamden. She had a great preschool graduation. They did a couple of dances, a puppet show, and signed a whole song. Which I have to say was very touching. I loved watching her sign, she did it so gracefully. She is so ready for kindergarten.

Good thing she wore leggings underneath that dress!

One chubby, happy, boy!!!

Kamden got all dressed up and her hair done, so Aspen had to do the same! Aspen loves to be like her big sister. Kamden and her teacher Ms. Jeanie. She just loved this lady.

Kamden loved having her cousins, aunt and grammy come.

Mommy and Kamden, don't you love her 2 front teeth missing!

Family Fun Day

2009-05-12T14:13:00.007-06:00

This past weekend we went to Rupert for Family Fun Day. It was the first year they have done this at Sunrise P River Ranch(that is Brock's families recreation place they run). It was so much fun, the whole community was invited. There were kids games and activities, Barn Idol competition(just like american idol), 5K race, 2-person challenge(obstacle course), the bumpy wagon was giving rides all day, a band playing for a barn dance that night. I was trying to decide whether I was going to run the 5K or compete in the 2-person challenge. Arriann really wanted to do the challenge but I have this problem, I really struggle with being on a team and knowing I let the other person down. But she convinced me that she wouldn't care. I knew I wouldn't be able to do both so I competed in the 2-person challenge! The challenge consisted of first kayaking in a 2 person kayake on the snake river around an island and back(just the men group had to do this part) Then there is a obstacle course you and your partner have to complete by putting boards on top of railroad ties and walking across, then lift it back up with out letting it touch the ground and you keep doing this until you make it to the end , then you continue to walk a pipe balance beam, on to the swinging rings(like monkey bars) to cross, then the big wall you pull your body up and over climbing a rope, then on to pushing your partner in a wheelbarrow and finally walking these 2 person wooden skiis. It was pretty intense. I can proudly say that Arriann and I took 1st place for the co-ed division and Brock and his brother Skye took 1st place for the men division. Although, I do have to add Brock and Skye beat all the other men teams by 4 min. They had the same time as Arriann and I and we didn't even do the Kayake part. They were pretty quick!! Do I look tough? That is what I was going for, but I think I might look a little mean and crazy. Here are the 2 winning teams in our shirts and medals we won! Here is Barry with his medal, it was huge and very heavy. He got the medal for making this great day happen. As you can see he is showing us it is real!! He and Rexanne and many others put a lot of work into this day. We appreciate it lots. We had a great time.Grandpa got all the kids T-shirts too. Aspen loves to stick out her bum, she does it all the time. I am a little worried for when she gets older. Barry built this wagon called the Wiggy wagon or the bumpy wagon. It is a huge hit with the kids. This weekend was the first time I ever rode on it. I couldn't stop laughing, I was catching air, that is how much you bump. Rexanne had the idea of putting all her grandkids hand prints on the side with their ages, it turned out really cute. Here are the boys, in this seat you bump but nothing like riding in the back. Here are the kids and the girls. Thank goodness for the mattress we are sitting on!! It is such a fun ride.

Another One Gone...

2009-05-12T14:00:00.002-06:00

Kamden lost one of her top teeth last week. I guess I am just amazed at how young she is loosing these teeth. She is not even in Kindergarten yet and she has lost 3 on the bottom and one on the top. Her other top tooth is getting close too. This tooth that just came out was a huge problem in our house. It was only hanging on part way so it was getting food up there and her gum was starting to swell. Brock and I tried to pull the tooth out and we both couldn't get it. Kamden acted like we were trying to cut off her arm. It was awful. I felt like such a bad mother but I didn't want her gums to get infected. Because Kamden didn't want us to get our hands in there she was moving that tooth all different ways hoping it would fall out on its own! Well she got her wish. A friend was over playing with her and he bumped her chin with his knee and the tooth flew out. He thought it was the coolest thing and she was soooo excited. I told her friend in a couple weeks when this next one is ready we will be inviting him over!!I just had to post a picture of this card, this was the mothers day cards I made. I am so proud of myself. I know to most of you this is no big deal. But for me it is huge because crafts and Brielle don't usually mix. I found that this craft is something I could really get into, it was easy, fun and you can get it done in a short amount of time. That is what I am all about!!

Our New Friend....

2009-05-12T13:48:00.005-06:00

Here is our new friend Mr. Fox. One day he just showed up when we were outside and just had a seat right by us. The girls thought it was pretty cool. Brock said he thought he must want some food. And there it began, now he comes around every few days and just waits at our backdoor until we notice him. He takes the food right from our hands. The other day he even joined the kids and I on our walk around the neighborhood, I did pack food to feed him along the way. :) This only happens in McCall!

Montana Visitors

2009-05-05T14:46:00.010-06:00

This past weekend Brinn and her family came to visit. Because of the weather, which was down pour rain the whole time, we were stuck inside. McCall is very limited when the weather is bad, but it was still a good time. We got to just hang out and visit. It was an extra bonus that they were here on my birthday, which was yesterday. Brinn made me dinner and my choice of desert which was her blueberry crumb pie she makes. Man, was it awesome. It was fun to have the cousins get together. Here are some pictures of the weekend.... Cash and Camilla playing together. He was a little excited because he wanted the camera!

Emma with the choke hold on CamillaEmma just loved being with Kamden. Kamden was such a big help with her. You can see it on Emma's face how much she loved her. Aunt Brinn got the girls matching shirts because she knows how much Mamaw likes to have them match. Blowing out candles with the group

My Man giving me my birthday hug! I know a lot of you are thinking Brock did this for me but you are wrong. A few good friends of mine knew it was my birthday so while we were out to lunch they came in and left rose petals on my bed with a rose beside my bed. I loved it, it looked so pretty. I just wasn't sure if they were trying to set the mood for Brock and I. Just had to add this picture because he is so cute.

9 Months Old

2009-05-01T21:36:00.003-06:00

Over a week ago Cash turned 9 months old. He is such a fun baby. I want to throw a party because now he sleeps through the night. It started about a couple weeks ago. He just did it on his own. I am in heaven when this happens. Life for me gets so much better when I get a full nights sleep. He is a big boy, I took him to the doctors for his check up and he was 22 lbs 5 oz and 29 inches long. Some of Cash's lastest tricks are: He loves to smile and wave at everybody he sees, no stranger anxiety for this boy. He is now saying MaMa, not to me, just making the sound. He has 6 teeth with 2 more coming in. The only improvement we need to make with Cash is his desire to move. The boy is so content just sitting and playing with toys. His doctor said he should be showing some interest. He is a little below the curve in this area. :( I get him on his belly and he is not too happy he just rolls right over to his back. So we have now started doing some crawling workouts a few times a day. We will see where this will lead him. Cash has been so much fun in our family. It is so neat to watch him grow and see his new tricks he is doing each day. I tried to get some pictures of us and this is how they turned out.....
Cash says "Mom what are you doing?"Mom says "Cash just look at the camera, I want a good picture of us."Cash then says "Is this what you were going for?""Or was it more this?" Man I love this little boy. Can't beat those teeth.

Happy Birthday Brock!

2009-04-29T21:25:00.004-06:00

Today has been a good day, the kids have had lots of fun decorating, making cards and wrapping gifts. He picked salmon for dinner, so you can't go wrong with that for our family, that is a favorite. His also picked his usual cake which is a favorite too (Better than almost anything cake). I have to share a funny story, A friend brought over a little bundle of hay for Brock with a note for his birthday. Many of you might be wondering why hay? Well a long time ago I said a big turn on of mine was, when Brock and I were just dating I would go to his parents farm in Rupert and he would be working. He would come up to greet me and he was always so dirty and had hay in his hair. I LOVED it, it showed me hard work and toughness. Well, when I told my friends that they thought it was pretty funny that I thought he looked hot with hay in his hair. (Really I think our friend wished his wife would feel the same way about him with hay chunks in his hair :) ) So need less to say that was his gift this year! He called it Brock's mistletoe!

Happy Birthday Brock, We love you. ( I better stop blogging now because I see him pulling out the hay!!!!) They all got in on the blowing action! That is one cute family, minus their awesome mother!!

Happy 50th Birthday Grammy

2009-04-27T21:41:00.005-06:00

We had a great Easter. We went down to Rupert and celebrated with Brock's family. The day after Easter was Brock's mom's 50th Birthday. We had a small surprise party for her. And we actually pulled it off. She is so hard to surprise between her busy schedule and her non stop work ethic we weren't sure if it we were going to be able to pull it off. She was surprised, it was awesome. It was fun to be able to spend the weekend with her. We got her house cleaned with out her knowing, the surprise party happened and then we got her picture professionally taken with the grandkids. She seemed to be a pretty happy lady that weekend. There is not a more deserving woman than Rexanne. She is always helping others, she is a very self less woman. I love this woman very much. I am so blessed to have her as a mother in law and to have her as my kids Grammy! Happy50th, hope it is one that will be well remembered.We got her a couple of things to help her get through the upcoming years. A necklace that has a pill box on it, all labeled ofcourse, and her cane. I loved the cane, it came with the old lady crossing sign, a horn that says look out I'm coming through, a panty hose, a mirror for backing up that says you're beautiful on it and dirty old man repellant spray.Black bottom cupcakes to keep with the black and white theme.Here is Aspen collecting eggs during the egg hunt. Brocks parents have a huge egg hunt at their place on the river every year. Seriously, there are around 1000 eggs hidden, most are filled with candy but some have money inside. It is divided into age groups so that it is fair.
Here we are having a little team meeting, discussing were they could go and find some more eggs.Kamden was off. She was so serious, she didn't stop looking until she knew every egg was found. She finished finding them in her age category and then went on in to the older kids. It was pretty funny. Here is Cash at the egg hunt. I sat him in the grass so I could help Aspen and he found an egg himself. He just needed one to make him happy.Deagon and Aspen, She is telling him how old she is. Aspen just loves to hold hands. Everywhere we go she is trying to hold somebody's hand but it has to be her idea. I just wanted to put this picture on here for a future easter treat idea. Kamden had to bring an easter treat to her party at school. So we made rice krispie treat easter eggs. They were really easy and a big hit! (Some were dipped in chocolate and then we put sprinkles on)

Napa, California

2009-04-27T20:44:00.007-06:00

I don't know what has happened with my blogging. But I have been seriously lacking. About a month ago for spring break we went to Napa, California. We have really good friends that live there and it had been too long since we have seen them. I have known them since I was 13 years old. They were my youth leaders at church in Delaware. We just clicked and now are better friends(more like family) than ever. We thought California sounded great since it has nice weather in March and we have awful cold weather here. We really lucked out with the weather it was mid 70's to 80 degrees. That is heaven to me. It was really hard for me to want to come home. We went to SanFransico for a day, we went to the jelly belly factory, hung out, ate lots and lots and lots! We all had such a great time and can't wait to go back again. We actually got to Dave and April's a couple days before they got home from their camping trip. It was nice because we were able to catch up on sleep since we drove the 12 hours all night. We then played outside and went to the park. This was the first time Cash experienced grass. He wasn't too sure at first. Then he loved it. In fact he loved to eat it. My hot man lovin the sunshine.Here is Kaia within 25 min. of being home from camping. The girls found her clips and loved doing her hair. Blake and Kamden blowing bubbles. While we were visiting we gave Kaia really good practice for babysitting. It was so nice because I would get Cash down for a nap and then April and I went shopping or out to lunch by ourselves! The one day we went out Cash didn't sleep very long and when we came home this is what we saw. She got the umbrella to keep the sun off of Cash. Isn't she cute? She is going to be a great babysitter. It makes me kind of excited for when Kamden is old enough!!
April and Dave rented a 15 passenger van the Day we went to SanFransico so that we could all ride together. It was pretty fun, the kids loved it. In fact, I asked Kamden what her favorite part of the day was and she said riding in the big van!
Kamden and Aspen LOVED Kaia. Kaia is 11 and such a sweet, patient, fun girl. I felt kind of bad for her at times because the only time she ever got to be by herself was in the bathroom and she had to make sure she locked the door or they would have come in there with her too! The did everything she did. It was pretty cute. Above was in SanFransico walking back to the car.

Aspen loved to be carried by Kaia. We did have a stroller for her but she thought this was much better. Kaia was very tired after walking all day in SF especially since she carried a 37lb child.

Me and my girls!Crazy April! We were in an arcade place in SF and April thought Dave was walking by so she said hey, can I have a quarter? Well it wasn't Dave, so we just laughed. So then she thought it would be funny to ask random people for a quarter while sitting on this horse that said no more than 50lbs. So a young boy walks by and she asked him and he looks at the last quarter in his hand and he says yes. Well both our hearts just broke. What a nice boy he was. She didn't end up taking the quarter thank goodness! My cute fuzz head!
This is my favorite picture. He looks so adorable if I do say so myself.
My Boys!
The kids and Brock and I looking at all of the seals off of Fisherman's Wharf We all went to the Jelly Belly Factory and bought way too many jelly beans. Here is Kaia modeling for us and teaching my daughter how to model. She is pretty cute.The only group shot I got of us. I love that Kennedy family.

3 Years Old

2009-03-22T10:37:00.004-06:00

Aspen turned 3 years old two weeks ago on March 8th. She had a great Birthday! A few days before we went to Boise to meet Brocks mom and sister, who were there for work meetings. We got a hotel and celebrated. She had a great time, we went out to dinner,swam,played at planet kid,opened presents and ate a cool cake! What more could a girl ask for? Then on her actual birthday we just had a small family party with cupcakes and presents. This year was cinderella's carriage made by Grammy. It was a big hit. It turned out so cute. Aspen blowing out her candles at the hotel party!Grammy and Grandpa got her a Tinkerbell chair. She loves it, she carries it around the house. Plus it is purple which is a huge bonus to Aspen. Two happy kids at Aspen's 3rd Birthday party.

Aspen is full of personality. She is so much fun and is always making us laugh, well except for Cash. He is a little scared of her right now but I am sure that will change soon. :) She is very strong willed but also very sensitive to others feelings. The girl loves to dance and sing every where we go. Sometimes I just wish I could turn down her volume but I think she only has one volume, LOUD. :) Never a dull moment when Aspen is around!!

This is one of the gifts she got from mom and dad. She loves ponyville, it was funny because before she opened our presents she went to the store with money from mamaw and papaw and picked out a little ponyville movie theater and a car and scooter for the ponies. I knew at that point I did a good job picking out her gift since that is what she picked out for herself. Now she has the ponyville all set up in her room and plays with it often!She got some face paint from Aunt Brittney and family and loves it. This time I helped but was told exactly what to do and what color. There have been other times that I haven't helped but it still looks pretty!! This stuff is awesome because it washes off so easily. When she is done having it on she just goes in the bathroom by herself and washes it off. I thought I wouldn't of been such a big fan of this present but it turns out it is not as messy as I thought! Yeah!

Pictures....

2009-03-01T15:13:00.007-07:00

It has been almost 1 whole month since I have posted. So I thought I would put up some random pictures.Here is a common look we get from Aspen. If she doesn't want you to look at her she just puts her eyebrows down and we know to back off or it could get a lot worse! Also in this picture you can see Aspen has earings! They are so cute on her and she just loves showing them to everyone. I had her ears pierced when she was a baby but she pulled on her ears so much they got infected and we had to take them out. So we tried again, she was so brave. Kamden on the other hand kept running out of the store with her hands on her ears saying "I can't mommy, I can't watch this." She was worse than Aspen, thank goodness I got hers pierced when she was a baby!Don't ask me! I never know what this child is going to do next. She went and got the cone and the stool and just sat there. It sure doesn't look to comfortable to me.Here Aspen is sleeping so peacefully. There are some nights she just doesn't stay in her bed. This was one of those nights. The last time I caught her she was sneaking into the bathroom to get this headband she said she couldn't sleep without!My sweet Kamden finally got a snowman. She asks all the time if we can go build a snowman. I feel like I always put her off. Finally she went and did it herself, I just ran out to help stack. She was so proud!Cash is now 7 months old. He is sitting up by himself but sometimes decides to throw himself backwards really hard so we back him up with pillows. He has 2 bottom teeth and his top ones look like they could break through anyday. He is still not sleeping through the night which is getting really old. Each time I am ready to start letting him cry it out he has been either teething or sick. Hopefully soon we will get there. He is still such a happy smiling baby. I just love this little boy! Here he is with some bling around his neck from his sister. Don't mind Kamden in the back with her hand down her pants getting in itch! This picture and the next one I just love. Is he cute or what? Look at those eyes! My really good friend Aleah went through the temple this past month. It was such an awesome day. I love this girl!

Bath Time and Wavy Hair

2009-02-08T20:33:00.007-07:00

Just a quick update for my mom who is on a mission. She had made a request for some pictures of Cash in the bath. Cash was probably my first baby that didn't like the bath for more than 3 months. He has finally relaxed some and enjoying himself. He loves to splash and sit up and watch his legs kick. His cheeks are always rosey because of his eczema, poor kid. Hopefully it will get better as he gets older like Aspens has. But he is pretty cute either way! :) He is doing some major arm circles in this picture!My cute kids before church. I am not real sure of the face Aspen is making but that is to be expected! :)Grammy french braided the girls hair after the bath on Saturday night so it was pretty and wavy for church. The girls loved it. I need to learn to get better at braiding because Aspen tells everyone that her mommy isn't very good at doing Braids!I was trying to take Kamdens picture and she wasn't sure how to pose or if she should look at the camera or away. She is so funny. I thought it turned out cute catching her in action.

Winter Carnival

2009-02-01T16:32:00.006-07:00

We have had a great winter carnival weekend. I think this year has been my favorite for the ice sculptures of all the years we have lived here. The theme was fantasy. Lots of castles, which is a kid favorite. Brocks parents came up on Friday evening. Kamden was so happy they could come watch her be in the parade. Her preschool was in the parade as flowers. They each made their flowers and were so cute. There is one little boy in Kamdens class that went home and told his parents he was not going to be a flower. So they made him into a venus fly trap, with a fly painted on his face. It was awesome! I again was not allowed to leave Kamdens side, so I walked along the side of the float. Aspen got lots of candy and necklaces so she was happy!

Kamden on her garden float. That is one cute flower!Kamden with some friends from her class. Miyah is the one in the middle and is her favorite friend from school. They will be going to different elementary schools and Kamden is pretty sad about that. Cash all bundled up for the parade!

Here are two little boys in Kamdens class that she really gets along with. Dyllan and Hayden(the venus fly trap) One cute girl with a lot of beads!Our good friends built this sculpture. They own a dock business so it is of a bear fishing in an ice pond while sitting on a dock. They also built a fun slide. This is Aspen and Brock going down. They got the First Timer Award.This ice sculpture was call Candy Land like the game. It got 4th place and prize for Kid Appeal. More Candy Land. This is a huge fish with a slice of pizza hanging out of its mouth. It was right outside a pizza place. This one got 3rd place. This one got 5th place. If you can't tell its a speed boat with people chillin inside.This sculpture was amazing it was a circle of trees with a face carved into each of them and a castle coming out of the top. The detail was awesome. In the picture was Rexanne(Brocks mom), Kamden, Aspen and Me. This one got 1st place.

Here is a closer up of the tree detail, pretty amazing stuff.Grand Prize! This one was a huge castle with a dragon, knight, bridge you can walk on, king and queen sitting on their throne, a slide, and a cave. This guy has won grand prize the last 4 years.Here is the side view of the sculpture that got Grand Prize. Kamden sitting on the Kings lap.And finally Aspen and I sound asleep on the couch together after a long, cold and busy day walking around town.

6 months Already!

2009-01-28T20:55:00.003-07:00

I can't believe my baby is 6 months old already. He is such a happy baby, I love it. He is always smiling, even when he is sad, tired, or hungry. If someone starts talking to him or smiling at him he tries so hard to smile while he is fussing. Our next goal is to start training him to sleep through the night. I got spoiled with my first, she just did it on her own at 3 months. I am thinking Cash is taking more of the approach like Aspen did(trying to work the system). Where finally at 9 months with her we put an end to it. Well, I am not going to wait that long with Cash! :) His stats for 6 months are: Weight- 18 pounds 9 oz. 75% , Height- 27 inches 75%

He is not as big as Aspen was(but most babies aren't) but a little bigger than Kamden. I feel so blessed to have such a happy, healthy baby in our family. I am starting to be a lot happier of a mom too, it just helps me when the babies get a little older and more scheduled.

Pictures by Kamden! She took them by herself, she did a great job!

MAUI

2009-01-25T15:47:00.007-07:00

Brock and I got the opportunity to go to Maui for a week this month and had such a good time. We went with Brocks mom and dad, sister and her husband and his brother. We left the kids with his Aunt. Thanks a ton Aunt Willow! I even left the baby! I was really debating on leaving Cash or bringing him. He was only 5 and half months. I was feeling like a bad mom but it was so nice to have a break. He did great and actually I think that is an easier age than him being 1 year old. He wasn't having seperation anxiety yet so that helped a ton. The kids all had a blast so that made it that much easier for me to have a good time, knowing they were in good hands. The weather was great and we got to do so much. We hung out on the beach lots, played some beach volleyball, basketball, snorkled (got to see turtles, my favorite), got to go on a 4 seater plane and fly around the island(awesome), got to see lots of whales, shopped, and went over to the jungle part of Maui called Hana. The week went to fast. Here some pictures of our trip.....On our way up to Hana(the jungle) you stop a lot and see different things. This was a sea arch and there were also some caves you could walk down to, pretty cool.

We got to do some short jungle hikes and and walk through a bamboo forest.The guys got to give surfing a try. It was really fun to watch, they all thought it would be a lot easier than it was. I kept trying to tell them, you better start on some smaller waves, it is not as easy as you think it is. This beach ended up being perfect. This was the guy they rented the boards from. He was pretty cool. All his kids are great surfers, and he even surfs with his dog on one his longboards!

Brocks cousin Ron is a pliot for skywest. He was over there the same time we were and rented a little plane for any of us who wanted to take a ride. They had to split us up by weight. He took a total of 4 groups that day. We were the last and it was the very windy by the time we got to go up. But Wade, Brock and I don't have a fear of flying and have pretty strong stomachs so it was all good. We got to go all around the island, my favorite was seeing the whales. It was AWESOME, we got to see them from up above so you could see them swim under the water and jump up(breach), they would do it over and over again. I could have watched all day!Here I am in the plane. I have never been in a plane this small before it was so much fun. I got my headset on all ready to communicate!!Skye is in front of the dangerous shore break sign. This is up on the north shore of Maui where they have bigger waves. Brock is in the background checking out the waves seeing if they can handle it or not. They could!

Brock and I at Freds, it was a mexican place with really good food. This was our last night in Hawaii. All week I asked Brock to take me out dancing. I LOVE going DANCING! This was the night. Before I got to go dancing we found a karaoke place for Barry. He loves to entertain. It was fun to watch him and at the end he asked for his boys to come up and help. This place was packed and they all loved the Idaho boys.Then it was my turn. We found a place that had a DJ with my kind of dance music. It started out with just Brock, Skye and I on the dance floor but them Wade joined in followed by Barry and Annie. Barry was just out there trying to dance like the others and cleared the floor except for us because everyone started just staring at him.(That isn't sweat on Barry, it was raining outside pretty hard) I could of stayed all night. It was a good time.Wade, Brock, Skye and I went snorkling. It was awesome we saw lots of fish and turtles. This was our last day and we got out of the car to check it out and come back and Skye is still sitting in the car. We said what is the matter lets go and he said look at the sign. It says SHARKS MAY BE PRESENT, a shark bite has happened here before. Please be careful. Well that was a little scary but we didn't spot any. We stayed together. They all told me its cool we don't have to worry sharks go for the shortest person. Thanks guys!

Great Christmas!

2009-01-01T20:43:00.007-07:00

So since I am a little backed up on blogs I thought I would combine a few. We had a great relaxing Christmas. It was busy as always and I can't believe it is already over. I finally have time to blog and tomorrow we are taking all the christmas stuff down. It always makes me sad when the tree comes down, it feels like the room is so empty. This year was fun going to find our tree because the snow waited for so long to come down. It was nice that we didn't have to drag kids through a few feet of snow and we could really see what the tree looked like with no snow on it. The girls were so proud of being able to help pick the tree. They love the experience of driving around and finding one to go cut down.

Cash all bundled up to go pick out our tree.Our tree all decorated! Aspen knocked it over when we were decorating it by pulling really hard on the branches to hang the ornaments and ofcourse our crystal angel broke that Brock and I got when we were first married. That changed our mood a little, but it still was all good. Brock then tied the tree to the wall so that couldn't happen again. The kids in their cute christmas outfits from Grammy. Aspen spun her dress around all day saying she was a princess.I think this is the best picture. His personality is getting so fun. I don't know if you all can see it really well in the picture but Cash has the best hair. It sticks straight up on the top of his head. I love the fuzz. Our church had a breakfast with Santa and the kids were so excited to go. We ate cereal and Santa read the kids stories and then the kids got to sit on their laps. Aspen and Cash were fine with it but still Kamden didn't want to go up. That is why I have to be in every Santa picture! I didn't really want to be up there this time especially since I had just rolled out of bed. But I was in the picture to teach a lesson!! Kamden had a Christmas party at school a week later and Santa surpised the kids. I was so proud of her, she did it! She sat on his lap without her mom standing next to her. Maybe only because she saw every other kid in her class do it and because her younger sister kept saying "its okay Kamden, Santa isn't scary, he is a nice man!!" Who cares what it took, she is now 5 years old and she did it for the first time. At Kamdens preschool party they make gingerbread houses with the dads. Well Brock had to go out of town for a week and ofcourse he was going to be gone for the party. She cried but when I said I would get a babysitter for the other two she got a little happier. It was really fun even though she watched me like a hawk with every piece of candy I helped put on. In fact she said "mommy it is okay if you keep messing up, I'll fix it like daddy would of helped me make it" Well that made me feel good! This little girl loves her daddy. Just a cute picture of my kids in their beanies. Gotta love that cute little face!

Just like Dad!

2008-12-18T22:49:00.002-07:00

Brock wears a hat everyday when working and along with the hat is a pencil on his ear. Well Kamden put his work hat on the other night but it just wasn't complete until the pencil was behind her ear!

Beautiful Hair

2008-12-11T15:06:00.007-07:00

My girls got so blessed to get their wonderful hair from their dad. Kamden got a lot of body and Aspen got such thick hair. About a month ago we got the girls haircut, Aspen just got 2 inches off and Kamden got 41/2 inches off. It is a place called Monkey Dooz. I love it because it costs the same as a regular Hair place but the kids get to sit in a cool car and watch a movie. Then they get a balloon and lollypop as well as sparkles in their hair. What more could a girl ask for??
This last picture I had to put in because it is just so Aspen. We were shopping and she came to show me the new hat she found. You just gotta love this girl.

Saying Goodbye!

2008-12-02T13:22:00.008-07:00

Man I love these two! They are such great examples, I am so proud they are my parents. Elder and Sister Von Stetten Well my parents are in Africa! They have started their mission. We have recently had to say goodbye which is a pretty tough thing to do but it is for a good reason. They are serving a mission for our church for the Perpetual Education Fund. So they were called to the Southeast area of Africa. They are over about 7 or 8 different countries! Pretty exciting, we all can't wait to hear about the experiences they will be having. If any of you are not familiar with PEF, what they will be doing is helping people of Africa recieve funding for education. Such an awesome thing so that they can better provide for their families. They absolutely loved the MTC. My dad was asked to sing for the sunday Fireside. A pretty big deal to sing in front of 2300 missionaries! My parents are good friends with the president and his wife of the Provo MTC so she knew my dad can sing and asked him to do so. He was a little nervous but it was just so amazing. All of us kids got DVD copies and I have to say I just listen to it over and over, it is such a special keepsake for me. You can feel the spirit so strong. Here is the link if any of you would like to listen to it. http://www.divideasunder.org/africahelpers/comethoufount.html
I am so proud of him. He did so wonderfully. My mom with Cash! It is hard for me to think he will be 18 months to 2 years old when they get back! They change so much in that time. I know it is hard for her too, but she just can't dwell on itand she is okay. And now we all have skype and webcams so at least she will be able to see the changes! A last group shot.
Besides having to say goodbye to my parents we also had to say goodbye to their home. When they told me they were selling before they left I got very emotional and cried quite a bit. It is not the house I grew up in. I actually moved their when I was a sophmore in highschool. The reason it was so hard to say goodbye to the house was because that is where my kids memories are for going to Mamaw and Papaws house. I know where ever they live when they come back wonderful memories will be made it is just hard right now saying all of these goodbyes. Here is the back.Just a small glimpse of my Dads beautiful landscape. He always has taken such good care of the yard. We have lots of memories as us as teenagers running over bushes of making car tracks in the lawn when we were first driving. The reason they were so memorable was because of my Dads reaction to it all. Man those were some good times, well looking back they were, not so much when it happened! :)

Happy Birthday Mom!

My sister Brinn had a healthy baby Girl today. I think it is pretty awesome she came on my Moms B-Day. She was 6 pound 14 oz and 19 1/2 inches long. They named her Camilla Ann Rogers. Congrats Rogers family she is beautiful!

Teaching Reverence?

2008-11-06T15:05:00.007-07:00

We have been doing great having family scripture study this year. Our Bishop challenged us and I have to say I am really proud. We only have 3 chapters left and we will have read through the entire Book of Mormon! I never thought I would have the dedication but I proved myself wrong. Some nights it is so hard especially when I feel like all we are doing is telling the girls to be quiet. Other nights I just have to let go and laugh. And this happened the other night. Usually Kamden is not the problem, it is Aspen running around being loud and trying to make Kamden laugh. Well the other night she decided to go get the stretchy headbands and start decorating Brock as he was reading. He tried to just continue on but we all started laughing. Well there went any reverence we had going, but sometimes I think what is important is just being able to laugh together as a family.

It started with just 2 headbands on the ears. (After she put them on his ears she looked at him and said "Daddy you look like Annie" Annie is Brocks sister and sometimes she wears big hoop earings, Aspen doesn't miss much.) Here is Brock reading, trying to stay serious, as the rest of us are laughing. Really he just wanted to get through the chapter because he just walked in the door from work and wanted a shower. Then she must of thought the earings weren't enough so she added a head piece! Here is the Crazy girl! I said smile and this is what I got. She would act like she was going to smile and then right before I took it she would change to a weird, crazy face.

So I tried to get another picture and this is what I got! They keep getting better! So I thought I would try one more time..... Yes, she really thinks she is funny.And here is the other one, just laying so calmly on the floor cracking up at her sister. Man they are different but it is fun to have such opposites. Finally there is Cash and I having tummy time. We had a very eventful scripture study. I don't think my girls remember anything that happened in the scriptures but they will sure remember laughing together as a family!!

Halloween...

2008-11-01T09:35:00.004-06:00

We had a great Halloween. It started Thursday with a costume party at our library for Story time. Then on Friday we went to Kamdens school party to help out, then to the hospital which had a cake walk, face painting and trick or treating for healthy snacks. Then finally in the evening we went trick or treating to a couple different neighborhoods around here where the houses are a little closer together. Brock stayed home with Cash incase any trick or treaters would come but it was just one more year without trick or treaters. :( It makes me so sad, I wish kids would come to our house, I buy candy every year just in case. I just love to see the different costumes. The weather was the best that we have had since we moved here 4 and half years ago. It rained earlier in the day but by the evening was just cloudy and in the 40s which is wonderful because there was NO SNOW!!

My fairys... Tinkerbell and SilverMist(She is from the new movie Tinkerbell)

Aren't they so pretty with makeup? I think I am in trouble when they get older! Aspen said she had to hold his head, not his legs. I just love how she is looking at him.

This is my good friend Jessica and her baby Jacob. I just had to take their picture because they were such cute pirates!My cute pumpkin. All of my kids have worn this same pumpkin outfit when they were babies. Cash looks a little scared because I just said "BOO", sometimes he thinks it is funny, so I thought I would get a smile. But not this time, he looked a little scared.

I have to share a funny story about Aspen at Kamdens school party. Well she was so excited to go, she felt like such a big girl. She did everything with Kamden, circle time, snack time, made ghost puppets, decorated cookies. But the best two things she did was one, the ghost toss, which was like a bean bag toss. She took all four ghosts in one hand, wound her arm up and just chucked them as hard as she could against the cardboard stand that it almost fell over. Everyone was laughing but then we explained how to do it and she got 3 out of 4 through the hole. She did better than most of the preschoolers. Next was the ghost dance. Aspen loves to dance so she was being the entertainer. Well all of the sudden I hear all the parents and kids just start cracking up. I was in the other room making all the plates for the kids to decorate cookies. I think to myself "oh no, what is Aspen doing now?" I walked in to check it out and I see her running to the spot she was supposed to be sitting in. Well I guess the teacher asked the kids to get in their spots for circle. Circle is really just one big half circle for the teacher to sit in front. The teacher went to shut the music off and all the kids were waiting in their spots so Aspen who loves to be the center of attention ran to the front of the half circle and said "everybody watch me, I can do abs" as she then proceeded to show them how to do crunches. Yes she works out with me every morning and abs are her favorite part. After the crunches came "look everybody I can hop on one foot" She didn't stop until she saw me walk in the room! You just never know what this girl is going to do next.

My Perfect Saturday

2008-10-27T14:56:00.003-06:00

Two weekends ago we had what I would call the perfect saturday. Brock works most Saturdays so we don't get much time together as a family except for Sundays. It was a beautiful October day, which isn't always the case here in McCall. So Brock asked if we would like to go for a hike together as a family. The girls were so excited, I was a little worried about Aspen walking the whole way but she did great.Kamden was the leader the whole way. After awhile Aspen said "I want Kamden to hold my hand", so being the great big sister Kamden is, she went to the back of the line grabbed her hand and said "come on you have to walk faster if you are going to be the leader with me."Here is my little man, nice and warm. I think this hat is so cute and I was actually glad I brought it since it was pretty windy.

My perfect Saturday started out in the morning, Brock took Cash for me so I could workout without being interrupted, which hardly ever happens. Then we packed a lunch and headed for our hike. It was only a mile in and a mile out. We went up to a Lake called Duck Lake. Once we got to the lake we played hide-n-seek in the woods. Then we hiked back out. On our way out we stopped so Brock could take our picture and I hear Kamden say in a really nervous voice "oh man, I don't think I like this." I thought she was a little nervous because we were standing on a little ledge but she said she got a really weird feeling when she would look up at the sky. Well there was a pretty big forest fire a couple summers ago and so there were a lot of burned trees. She was looking up at this really tall burned tree trunk and the clouds were passing by pretty quickly so it looked as though the tree trunk was moving back and forth. Once we explained she understood but still said she doesn't not like that feeling! It was pretty cute.

Once we got home we had dinner and then Brock and I went out with 4 other couples and played Wallyball(don't know how to spell) which is so much fun. It was such a great day. I definitely need more Saturdays like this!

Pumpkins

2008-10-27T14:45:00.003-06:00

We carved pumpkins the other night and this is how they came out.....The girls and I looked on the internet for some ideas but I had to keep reminding them that Daddy and I are not as good as Papaw when it comes to carving pumpkins. So once we narrowed it down from advanced carving to beginner carving we were all set. Aspen picked a surprised face, Kamden picked 3 bats, and they even picked a face for Cash. In the picture below you can see Kamdens bats a little better!

One Tired Little Girl

2008-10-27T14:40:00.002-06:00

You know Aspen is tired when you don't hear her loud voice carrying throughout the whole house and you go looking for her and you find this........She fell asleep coloring and eating a snack. This is not typical for this little girl.

Spiders....

2008-10-27T14:28:00.003-06:00

Kamden was in charge of snack at preschool today and since I signed up late for her party on Friday we aren't going to get to make something fun (as she says). So we decided to make something "fun" to bring today. Last year we made Cheese fingers and witches broomsticks, they were a hit so today it was spiders! They were also a hit. I am not creative but when I see ideas like this and I am able to pull them off, I sure feel creative. :) We made some with peanut butter in the middle and the others were with Nutella(I love that stuff). Thought it might be a neat and easy idea for any of you that need to make a snack to bring somewhere. The sprinkles on top I just added because I didn't have anything to make eyes with.
Kamden kept asking me to take her picture so I did and this is how she chose to pose! Man she looks tough!

3 Months

2008-10-24T14:25:00.004-06:00

Cash is 3 months today! He is becoming such a happy baby. He has mellowed out so much. Now he only really fusses when he is tired or hungry. It is so nice. For the most part he is only getting up once a night now, which is a lot easier to deal with. He is really starting to laugh a lot. I love it, I could just sit there and act dumb for hours just to keep him laughing. Cash really loves his sisters, although his eyes still get really big when he hears Aspen talking to him. It is pretty funny! (Don't mind the white stuff on the neck of his shirt, I try to keep the spit up off but I can't always keep up!)He is all worn out! I took the three kids to one of the highschool football games. He stayed awake and happy the entire time. Then once we got home he was gone! He got lots of attention at the game, the highschool girls just loved his hat! Aspen took this picture, that is why it is so blurry. She was very proud!

Memories

2008-10-22T20:39:00.001-06:00

AS A COMMENT ON MY BLOG, LEAVE ONE MEMORY THAT YOU AND I HAD TOGETHER. IT DOESN'T MATTER IF YOU KNEW ME A LITTLE OR A LOT....ANYTHING YOU REMEMBER! NEXT, RE-POST THESE INSTRUCTIONS ON YOUR BLOG AND SEE HOW MANY PEOPLE LEAVE A MEMORY ABOUT YOU. IT'S ACTUALLY PRETTY COOL (AND FUNNY) TO SEE THE RESPONSES. IF YOU LEAVE A MEMORY ABOUT ME, I'LL ASSUME YOU'RE PLAYING THE GAME AND I'LL COME TO YOUR BLOG AND LEAVE ONE ABOUT YOU!

Okay come on people, I know you have some good ones about me, I am ready to read them!!!!

Mixed Feelings........

2008-10-17T14:39:00.003-06:00

Well, where to start? This afternoon my husband stopped by the house before he left for the Boise State/Hawaii game(lucky). I was walking him out to his truck and he said "oh I have something for you" Well that got me wondering what could it be? Brock isn't one for surprises so I said "alright, what is it" He gets in his truck and puts something behind his back and says "I have been debating whether to give this to you or not" He then hands it to me.......
Do you know what it was???? MY CAMERA!!!!! That is right you all are probably feeling the same thing I did. My mouth dropped open, I couldn't believe it. I just knew I threw it in the trash and he let me believe that!! Well I guess he found it in his glove compartment(or as he calls it his jockey box) in his truck. My first question was how could you let me go through all that emotion??? We are both kind of laughing at this point but I was still wondering how could you??? He claims he really doesn't remember taking it but he says the whole time it was in the back of his head that maybe he lost it, that is why he seemed so easy going about me throwing our camera away. And I was thinking he was just a super loving husband that understands women in distress!! :) I guess I was wrong. So I said well how come you didn't own up?? And he says "because you were so sure you threw it in the trash I just let it be" So then I said "OH NO YOU DIDN'T" What a learning experience this is. I still had so many questions for him but he said "Brielle, I gotta go" as he is climbing in his truck, "I can't be late but I just wanted to give you your camera back" (with a huge smile on his face as he is backing down the driveway yells "BYE, I LOVE YOU !"
So I guessed he timed it right with handing me my camera and him driving off. I am so excited about having it back but at the same time thought I was so sure my prayer was answered that I threw it away.
I just have to let my mom know that while she is in Africa I WILL NOT LET BROCK HAVE YOUR CAMERA! I will return it safely to you when you come home. :)
So everyone for the most part I can proudly say I STILL GOT MY MEMORY. Brock just had me questioning myself a little.

1 Word

2008-10-13T16:14:00.004-06:00

I've been tagged....

1. Where is your cell phone? Purse
2. Where is your significant other? Work
3. Your hair color? Blonde
4. Your mother? Loving
5. Your father? Smart
6. Your favorite thing? Exercise
7. Your dream last night? Weird
8. Your dream/goal? Thinner
9. The room you're in? Bedroom
10. Your hobby? Friends
11. Your fear? Failing
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Successful
13. Where were you last night? Home
14. What you're not? Crafty
15. One of your wish-list items? Garage
16. Where you grew up? Dover
17. The last thing you ate? Pheasant
18. What are you wearing? Sweater
19. Your TV? Downstairs
20. Your pet? None
21. Your computer? Frustrating
22. Your mood? Tired
23. Missing someone? Yes
24. Your car? Big
25. Something you're not wearing? Shoes
26. Favorite store? Target
27. Your summer? Perfect
28. Love someone? Ofcourse
29. Your favorite color? Green
30. When is the last time you laughed? Today
31. Last time you cried? Saturday

I am Tagging any friends or family that want to do this. I love reading these on other peoples blogs so come on and take 5 min. and let us all learn some fun stuff.

Surfer Dude!

2008-10-08T18:38:00.002-06:00

When we were in Boise the other weekend we went swimming in the hotel pool and Cash seemed to like it. The best part was his swimsuit. I just love these pictures.
In this picture he is saying "come on mom lets jump in"

5 Year Old Kamden

2008-10-05T17:13:00.004-06:00

Kamden had her 5 year old Birthday on Friday the 3rd! I can't believe she is already 5 years old, she is starting to act old and mature, I don't know if I am ready for all of that. She is such a sweet girl and so fun to be around. The best thing is how she treats her siblings. She is setting such a good example for Aspen. She has been such a HUGE help with the baby, I love it. Sometimes she gets tired of helping but never complains.

We celebrated with Brocks family the same weekend they came up for Cash's baby blessing, then this past weekend we went down to Boise to watch a cousin that swims for University of Washington compete against U of Utah and Boise State, while there Kamden got to celebrate some more with family and pick out some presents while shopping. She loved it! She had a great Birthday.

Kamden with her cousins Dodge and Deagon!Grammy makes a fun cake for her grandkids each year. This year for Kamden it was a ladybug! Thanks Grammy!

Tooth Fairy Visited Our House

2008-09-30T15:52:00.001-06:00

Kamden lost her first tooth last night! I can't believe it, my little girl losing her teeth already. It makes her seem so much older. Plus she isn't even 5 years old, well on friday she will be, but isn't this a little early?? She actually let me in her mouth to pull it out, I was shocked. If any of you know my daughter she has zero pain tolerance and she is scared of the unknown. It was a little dramatic but then some excitement shortly followed. For some reason after I pulled it out she was complaining of leg pain and then could only walk on one leg. I have no clue where that came from, then she was crying saying "just let me go to sleep, I am so tired" She is such a funny girl, now when she tells the story she says it didn't hurt at all and that really is the truth. This tooth was just dangling there.

Cash's Baby Blessing

2008-09-30T15:38:00.005-06:00

We blessed Cash on Sunday the 28th. Brocks family was all able to come up for it and we had a wonderful weekend with them. Brocks sister was kind enough to let Cash borrow her boys blessing outfit. It is so cute!! He looked like a little man in his tux. Brock gave a wonderful blessing the only down fall was that Cash cried the whole time. Here are few pictures from before church.
Daddy with his boy!

Where is my Memory??

2008-09-28T20:50:00.003-06:00

Okay so not to brag but I have a GREAT memory. You can ask all most every one who knows me. I remember birthdays, names of everyone I meet, Everything Brock says even when he doesn't want me too, where I put things, where my kids put things, where my husband puts things, okay you get the point. Well these past 2 months (yes since I have had my 3rd baby) my mind is one big blur. I CAN'T STAND IT. I am starting to feel I don't have control over my own life and that is not a good thing when you are a control freak like myself. I know it will get better but I am just not sure when. Well the other day it was a crazy one so I laid Cash on my bed crying while I got the girls ready to leave the house. I went back in to get him and he had fallen sound asleep. It was the best picture, so I went to go find my camera. Where was my camera? I never lose things! When I do misplace something I can't stop looking for it until I find it. Well I had cleaned my whole house for company coming for the weekend and it was no where to be found. So I knelt down to pray. The second I stood up from my prayer the thought came to me. "You threw your camera away" I said WHAT? Well it is true. I still am so sick to my stomach thinking about it. Every morning I grab everything on the railing to go downstairs, wet diapers, bottle, formula, wet pull up, the baby and that day my camera. So my arms are very full, I got downstairs and Aspen is throwing her body on the floor because she wanted milk NOW and Cash is crying for his bottle and Kamden is saying mom we have to go to school I need breakfast, AHHHHHHHHHHHH. So I unloaded the wet diapers and wet pullup in the trash along with my CAMERA. That did it, that topped my awful day off to make it a lot more awful.
I even remember a thought came to me as I took the trash out "wow this bag is heavy you should look in it to see what it is" Well I was going to look but then once again dinner needed to be on the table and we were needing to be out the door. So I set the bag down to look later and ofcourse I forgot to look and the trash men came the next morning. YES, I cried my eyes out for an entire day. It was such an awful feeling knowing that the spirit was talking to me and I ignored it and that my new camera was gone. Never again will I push a thought like that out of my head. I have learned a lot from this experience which I guess is the positive outcome of all this. I am now getting over this experience because I have such great family that helps me through times like this. My mother in law is letting me borrow her camera for a little and my parents are giving me their old camera because they got a new one for Africa. So I am well loved and everything worked out but I am still bugged my perfect memory is turning into one big blur!!!!

6 Years Already!

2008-09-28T20:07:00.003-06:00

I had to post a picture of Brock and I since it is our anniversary and this was the best I could find at the moment. Life and Me have been going crazy lately, I will update you all in another post. I can't believe we have been married 6 years, it's hard for me to believe. I can't believe how fast the time has gone. I never would have guessed we would have 3 children in 6 years! I am so thankful to have such a wonderful husband and father to my children. Love you Brock!

2 Months!

2008-09-21T19:14:00.004-06:00

Okay so really he will be 2 months on Wednesday the 24th but I know that I don't get much time to blog now, so I thought I should do it while I have time. Cash is getting more enjoyable everyday. He is smiling more and more which I love. He is starting to mellow out some and the past two nights he has only woken up once. YEAH!! I really hope we can keep that going on, I can deal with once a night. I will post this coming weekend after his doctors visit to let you all (my family) know of his stats.

Here are a couple pictures from Rupert I thought I would add. We went down last weekend to a cousins wedding and a family reunion. Brocks dad got out the horses for the kids to ride on. They loved it. The last picture is of Arriann (Brocks sister) and Wade(her husband) Arriann was cold so she asked Wade for his sweatshirt and he said she should of brought her own so she just zipped herself up with him. It was pretty funny, I don't know how funny Wade thought it was since he had to go everywhere she went and move his arm every time she moved hers! Maybe next time he will offer her his sweatshirt!!

Pictures...

2008-09-07T17:55:00.005-06:00

I really have been so bad at posting but I have been taking pictures so I thought I would at least post those even though I don't have too much to say. The past few days with Cash have been so much better. I was joking to my friend the other day about Cash having colic. It has been really bad for a few weeks and the doctors say the peak is at 6 weeks. Well he turned 6 weeks last thursday so I told my friend well it should be good day tomorrow because he will be over that peak. I was surprised, because it really was. I sure hope it stays because it sure is draining dealing with a baby who has colic and two other children. He started smiling about a week ago so that has been exciting. I have been trying to catch them on camera but I always seem to miss them.Kamden had asked me to take a picture of her holding Cash so she could take it to preschool and show the class. It was really funny because she was so nervous about supporting his head that her arm and hand were so stiff. I had to bend her fingers down with force and placed them around his shoulders so that it looked a little more natural. She is so careful with him and her sister is the complete opposite!! Cute one of Cash and notice the stiff, unrelaxed arm of Kamden. :) Aspen and Cash I love these three!My mom sent these to my girls to play dress up with. My grandpa got them for Brinn and I when we were little. The girls loved them and wore them all day pretending they were on a boat going to Hawaii. Kamden had to take a picture of herself to take to preschool to hang on her coat hook. She planned it all, what she would wear, what flower to hold, and where it was to be taken out in the yard. She was so funny, she was the most pleased with this shot!Photography by Kamden, she took this one of Aspen. I thought it turned out great except for me in the background in squatting position. I love this picture. His hat is a little big but the girls wanted him to wear it. What a cute baby this he is!!

Fair Time!

2008-08-24T21:45:00.006-06:00

One of our favorite things in the summer to do as a family is go to Fairs. I feel like my summer isn't complete unless we hit a couple fairs. I guess it really started when Brock and I started hanging out in college and he was riding bulls. I went to a lot of rodeos/fairs to watch him ride. That continued through our first year of marriage and then he quit riding when we had Kamden. This summer we got to attend 2 fairs and we all had a great time eating the good food, riding rides (blowing our money :) ) being together as a family and riding some mechanical bulls!!

The girls loved petting the sheep. Emma was the one that was most excited. Aspen kept saying "its trying to eat me mommy" After it nibbled her shirt she didn't want to get to close.My moms favorite part are the animals. Here is Mamaw with Kamden and Aspen and the lovely cows!Brock ended up running the mechanical bull one night at our local fair. He knows the guy that owns this company. Actually we did a little bit of it when we were first married for him and he found out Brock lived up here so he gave Brock a call. I think Brock really enjoyed running it for the night. The girls were so excited to go see daddy. Aspen couldn't wait to get on and then she got a little nervous, then it started moving........And she got scared!Kamden had Aspen try it out first, like she always does. After she saw how scared she got Kamden opted to just pet the bull and help daddy run it. Kamden and Aspen behind her, on the swings at the Western Idaho Fair in Boise.Brock and the girls on the Tug Boat, this one made Aspen a little nervous but I think she still enjoyed herself.Here is the only thing we did not have to spend money on, these balloons that some clowns were making. The girls thought they were the coolest things and so did I because they were FREE and made them happy!!

1 month old!

2008-08-24T21:32:00.005-06:00

Cash is 1 month old today. In some ways it has gone fast and others not so much, such as me remembering when I slept more than 3 hours straight. Here are a couple pictures of him I took today. The biggest thing we are still working on is his sleep at night. Still not so good but in the day he is usually pretty good so I am thankful for that. The other day he started cooing. He still has to work so hard to get the sound out but it is pretty cute. Kamden loves it, she gets so excited and says "Mom, Cash keeps trying to talk to me". I love to see the excitment on her face. I think he looks like a little man in this picture. What a face I caught him doing!

Pictures of my Girls

2008-08-17T22:26:00.005-06:00

Since I am adjusting to a new schedule and don't have as much time to write as I used to, I thought I would at least post pictures I have of the girls from the past 2 months. Bandaids(or as Aspen calls them head bands) make everything better!This is our crazy daughter. I took off her shirt after lunch because she got it so dirty and as I followed her up the stairs to get a new shirt she did this. She thought she was so funny, I have no idea where she learned this. She is always doing random things like this that always makes us laugh. Hopefully though she will not do this in public to other people. :) Daddy and his girls!Here is Kamden selling cupcakes at her teachers yardsale. We helped her teacher out at a bake sale and yard sale to help benefit her sons medical bills. Kamden was so excited to go sell cupcakes and when we got there she was just finding all sorts of treasures, as you can see from her hat and glasses!

Update of Cash!

2008-08-17T22:06:00.005-06:00

I am so sorry it has been a while since I have blogged. I am just trying to get through each day as a functioning mother. A lot of people told me that having the third kid is the real adjustment and after that it gets easier. Well I can tell you I don't think I am going to find out if that is true. All I know is they were right about it being tough. Three children is definitely an adjustment. Hopefully each day will get better. I have so many posts that I would like to post but it is finding time to get on the computer that is hard. I did promise my family though I would post a lot of updates of Cash for them to see since they change so fast when they are little. He is now 3 weeks old. Most of the pictures were from a week ago. He has been a pretty good baby so far, THANK GOODNESS. My mom would say "It's hard work being a baby"!!Daddy and Cash sound asleep. This is Brocks favorite thing when they are this tiny, that they just will lay and sleep in your arms.
We never know what Aspen is up to when we are not around. Poor Cash, as you can see she squeezed a doll in with him while in his car seat. Aspen just loves Cash but sometimes it is just a little too much!!

Cash...

2008-07-29T11:32:00.002-06:00

Here are a few more pictures of Cash. He is five days old now and continues to change everyday. These aren't the best pictures so I will have to get some better ones in the next few days. I like this first one of Daddy and Cash looking at each other.
Aspen loves to hold Cash. (you will have to excuse Aspens hair as you can see her mom has been out of commission) The girls have only been around him for a couple days and then they went home with Brocks mom for a couple days. It has been really nice and relaxing to just have the baby to focus on. The girls are coming home the same time my parents are flying in. The girls have been great so far with their new brother. But at the same time they have had people here to distract them. I think Kamden will do fine it is Aspens adjustment that I worry about. The true test will be in 2 weeks after my mom leaves and it is just the 3 kids and I. Kamden is a great big sister she is very protective of any one near the baby. She just wants to make sure people are being so soft with him. She is such a huge helper to me. The day I got home from the hospital she would see that I was about to bend down to pick something up and she would say "mom don't bend down that will hurt you, I will get it." Man I love that girl, she is so thoughtful. Aspen on the other hand wants to hold Cash all the time. When we make her sit down to hold him she gets a little upset and said "I Want To Carry My Brother" I told her she needs to let him get a little older before that can happen.
Here is another picture of Cash. He was one day old here. Look at Brocks hand size compared to his head. You really forget how tiny they are. So far he has been a good baby(during the day). Nights are a little rough, I am just taking it day by day hoping each night will get a little better. We are excited to see his little personality develop. I will keep you all updated frequently since they change so fast.

We Got Our Boy!

2008-07-25T21:20:00.005-06:00

Last picture of me before I went in.
Cash Brock Peterson has arrived! He was born July 24th at 4:21pm. He was 7lbs 14 oz and 21 inches long. He was born 8 days early which I was very happy about. So far everything is looking great. He seems to be a healthy boy which couldn't make me happier.
I just love his hair. I will post more pictures another time but I had to get a couple on here so you all can see what Cash looks like. Isn't he so sweet?

A Little Confused!

2008-07-21T22:12:00.004-06:00

Aspen is such a funny girl. It is finally really warm here in McCall and Aspen is pulling out here winter gear. I find it strange because in the winter I have to fight her to put on her snow boots and her winter coat. Now she puts it on herself and wants to wear it to the park and church ect. I do let it go in the house but I feel so bad because she just drips sweat. I have just decided to just let it go and have her be happy. I didn't get any pictures of her with the whole get up but I got a couple with parts of the winter wardrobe.Here I asked Aspen to got pick her sunday dress and start getting ready. Well she comes and finds me like this and said "I ready Mommy"Here she is in her winter coat in 85 degree weather. What ever works as long as she is happy and not passing out from heat exhaustion! :)

Happy 4th!

2008-07-04T12:15:00.002-06:00

Hope you all have a wonderful 4th! I know so far we have enjoyed ourselves. Our ward every year does a July 4th Breakfast. Above are two tired but excited girls about to head out to the breakfast. We are truly thankful for the country we live in and are very thankful for all of the people that have fought and gave up their lives for our freedom. We Love the USA!!

Love the Beach!

2008-07-02T15:37:00.004-06:00

Going to the Lake here in McCall is my favorite thing to do. I am so glad we are finally enjoying a beautiful summer here. The perfect summers are truly what gets me through the long winters we have. Usually each summer we are at the lake almost everyday of the week. Since I am very pregnant and don't have the energy I usually do we have cut that down a little, but still try to go 2-3 times a week. My girls just love it. The water is still very cold but it sure doesn't stop the kids from swimming. When Brocks family was visiting a couple weeks ago we all went to the beach. Below are a few pictures of them playing with Grammy. Kamden, Deagon, Aspen and Grammy. Kamdens new favorite thing is to jump off the dock. She never gets tired, and she is getting braver each time going a little deeper.I love that little girls bum. I can't help but always look at her bum when she is wearing her "swimming soup" as she calls it. Aspen and Nanny (Aspens great grandma). I was so mad I didn't have my camera earlier because Nanny was talking to Aspen as they were walking to the car and Aspen was just studying her so seriously. She was looking so closely at her hand and followed it up her arm all the way to her face. It was so precious. She just loved Nanny. I couldn't find her one day when they were visiting and then I found Aspen laying on the bed with Nanny just talking away. Such sweet memories!

Baby Shower....

2008-06-23T12:45:00.005-06:00

The baby shower was great. I got so many fun and cute things. Great food, great games, great company. Thank you so much to all of my friends who put this together for me; Aleah, Jessica, Becky and those who helped with food. I had a really awesome time. Aleah made these really cute invitations! Rexanne and Arriann (Brocks mom and sister)
Kelly, Jamie, Lisa M., Lisa P, and Becky

Frances, Dawna and Lisa

These were just some of the people that came. Thank you again everyone so much!!

I have a really funny story I have to share, so my mom called me about a week before my shower saying how sad she was that she couldn't be there but she wanted me to have a least one little thing from my own mom to open. She then asked a few times if I would have someone video tape me opening her box she and my sister sent. They made a few receiving blankets for him. She then called me again reminding me to tape it. I was thinking "wow these must be some really cool blankets." Well to my surprise, lets just say I was taken off guard a little. :)

Here I am opening and not having a clue and then I saw this....

This was the first blanket I opened. I had the back to me first so I wasn't sure what everyone was screaming and laughing about. I quick flipped it over and started cracking up. I have to say my face turned a little red too. I thought it was so funny and still do. I can totally picture my mom and Brittney laughing at the fabric store as they thought they were so funny.There is a little piece of the back, dalmation print. My mom was so nervous what people would think of her, she wants everyone to know it was just a joke. A really funny one I might add. She said "please don't you ever take this to church". I thought that was funny because as soon as I opened it at the shower I said this was my new nursing blanket for church. :)

BIG MAMA IN DA HOUSE!!

2008-06-18T19:02:00.003-06:00

Well yes that is me! I am not proud to say it but it is true. That picture was taken at 33 weeks. I am now 34 weeks. Yeah only 6 weeks left. I am really starting to feel ready but I know I still have a little while. I just wanted everyone that is far away not to feel left out because they haven't seen my belly size!! Besides my back trouble and normal pregnacy pains, I can't complain. We are getting excited for the new little boy to join our family. Some friends are throwing me a baby shower that I am pretty excited about on Friday so I will post about that next week for all my family and friends who couldn't be there.

Happy Fathers Day!

2008-06-15T21:13:00.005-06:00

Just wanted to wish a Happy Fathers Day to my husband, my dad and Brocks Dad. Our family is truly blessed to have such great fathers in our lives. I am very thankful for my dad and father in law. They have been great examples and role models for Brock and I. My girls are sure lucky to have 3 great men in their lives! We had a great day with Brock and tried to spoil him and give him the day off. I don't know how relaxing it really was for him, when you have 2 daughters that just want to play games and climb on him and a very pregnant wife with not much energy to do anything. But I am sure he still knows how much he is loved! The girls with their Daddy before church. I could not get a good picture so don't mind Kamdens eyes closed, she said the sun kept getting in her eyes. What do you do? I guess just close them for every picture!! :)They sure love their Daddy. Just looking at those three smile and laugh together makes me so happy. I am a very lucky woman to have them in my life.

Silly Girls!

2008-06-01T20:30:00.004-06:00

I was looking through my pictures and found some cute random ones that I thought I would post. The first picture is of our "HOMEY G" daughter. That hat is one that Kamden decorated at school, it is just a really odd shaped hat but they both love it. :) If any of you know Brock he has a huge sweet tooth. I know he will thank me later for the picture but he loves his milkshakes. Well we know one thing and that is he passed his sweet tooth to our daughter Kamden. She will ask me at snack time if she can have JUNK! Like father like daughter. Both with their milkshakes.

Below we have the girls making silly faces. They really thought they were funny. They asked me to take some pictures! And some more faces, Gotta love Em!The next picture is my favorite, I was upstairs doing laundry and came down to my girls lying like this. I thought it was so sweet. Kamden is such a wonderful big sister.

Memorial Day Weekend!

2008-05-28T20:47:00.007-06:00

We got to go down to Rupert to see Brocks family and go to his cousins wedding. We had a really enjoyable weekend. The girls had so much fun. They got to play with their cousins, have sleepovers with Grammy, take a jet boat ride on the snake river, ride 4 wheelers, look at a baby calf, and jump on the trampoline. Kamden loved the wedding, she has never been to a wedding before and thought it was just amazing. At the end of the night Kamden went missing, I got a little nervous but then I found her. I should have known where she was. She was front and center with the bride and groom and their parents while they were opening up their gifts. She never gets bored with weddings, baby showers, ect. Aspens highlight was probably petting the baby calf. She just sat right by it and pet the calf. She thought it was really neat that it sucked her finger. The mom cow came walking over just mooing really loudly but that didn't scare Aspen she just sat right there still petting away. She said she loved its ponytail on its bum! (Don't worry Brock and his Dad were standing right in front of Aspen in case the cow started charging) It was a great weekend spent with family.Aspen, Deagon, and Kamden jumping on the tramp. Kamden would jump all day if you let her. It will be nice when Aspen has a little more confidence to go out into the middle by herself. Aspen and Jack the dog! Brocks siblings, Skye and Arriann. The girls at the wedding. I think they look so cute in their Hawaii dresses.Cousins Dodge and Deagon with the girls at the wedding. Aspen is trying to show me she is 2 years old.

Love the Sun!

2008-05-18T21:43:00.003-06:00

I can't remember a time that I have appreciated warm weather more that right now. This winter was way to long for me. The girls and I have been outside as much as we can the past few days. I just love the sun and so do they. They wore shorts the other day and were so excited they tried to start going outside to play before 8 in the morning. Here are just a couple of cute shots of the girls in their sunglasses. Aspen likes hers so much she even wears them in the house quite often.

Echogenic Focus

2008-05-08T21:29:00.002-06:00

I am not sure if any of you know what this is, I didn't know until just about a month ago. I was at one of my usual doctors visits for my pregnancy when my doctor said "oh did we talk about your abnormality of your ultrasound at your last visit?" I responded NO as my heart stopped for a couple beats. What it is, is a spot that they see on the baby's heart and is a little denser tissue than normal. It is associated with down syndrom. I was trying not to cry and worry and we discussed all of my options. I went home and talked with family and friends about it as well as do some research. That made me feel a lot better. My doctor said she is not worried because it was the only thing they saw that could be associated with down syndrom in my ultrasound. Everything else looked perfect. That was a little more comforting. She said she didn't even want to bring it up because it might cause a lot of worry for nothing but she had to talk it over with me because the radiologist found it. In the reading I have done it says about 7.4% of all women at their 20 week ultrasound have this finding but less than 1% are born with a down syndrom child and that is usually the case when you are 35 or older. (When the echogenic focus is your only physical symptom) That too made me feel a lot better. I have been feeling more at peace with a lot of prayer and research. I know that if this baby boy has down syndrom or not he will be loved just the same. I am prepared to take a paper I found of all the physical signs they look for in an ultrasound to see if there were any other physical signs that were border line. I haven't decided if I am going to get another ultrasound for them to look closer or not. What would you all do?
I am posting this post only because I want to know if any of you have heard of this or dealt with this personally. Sometimes talking to people and hearing their stories help out. I know that there are a lot of cases now where they tell you something might be wrong with your baby and then they are born perfectly healthy. I do understand they have to cover themselves because people are sue happy these days. But sometimes I just think it would be so much easier not knowing any of this. Anyway if any of you have stories or advice I would love to hear it.

I Love My Girls!

2008-05-08T21:08:00.003-06:00

Lately I have really enjoyed watching my girls play together. I really could be entertained for quite a while just watching them and listening to their conversations. For the most part they are the best of friends and that couldn't make me happier. Yeah for spring! We are finally getting spring here in McCall and the girls are loving it. They want to be outside every day. Here they are enjoying our stream. I am just not sure how one daughter can play in mud and water and only get her hands and feet a little dirty and the other gets mud and water on her face, hair, ears, you name it. :) Now our stream is flowing so fast that the sand they are standing on is no longer visible, but that is a good thing. Give us one more month and the girls and I will be swimming in it. :)I thought this was a cute picture of the girls playing. They can be out there for hours. Yes we still have some snow but that doesn't stop us from playing in freezing cold water. :) I also want everyone to know that I did try to get Kamdens crack to not show for the picture. The poor girl can't get any pants that stay on her bum. Her sister has the other problem, she can't pull her panties down or up by herself yet because she can't get it over her little shelf. (I love it)I just had to capture them playing. They love to sit at that table and make each other pretend meals. This is one of the moments I had to stop what I was doing just to watch them play. They are growing up way to fast. It makes me a little sad, they bring me so much joy and I am so thankful that I am blessed enough to be their mom.

Pajama Party

2008-05-04T21:16:00.003-06:00

Kamden had a pajama party at school last week and had so much fun. She was so excited that she got to wear her pajamas to school. I took a picture of her before we left and this was the pose I got. She really wanted me to not miss the watermelon on her shirt. Then we had the little sister who didn't want to be left out so she got in the picture. Kamden and I both started laughing because she noticed Kamdens pose for the last picture and tried to do the same thing. Aspen said "mommy get my ball shirt", meaning she wanted it in the picture just like Kamdens watermelon shirt. She always keeps us laughing, never a dull moment with Aspen around!

27th Birthday!

2008-05-04T20:50:00.005-06:00

Yes it was my birthday today. My girls just think it is so fun because we get to celebrate 2 birthdays in one week. It was a very nice relaxed birthday. It was kind of nice to have it on a Sunday because Brock could be with us the whole day. Thank you to my friends and family who remembered me, it was all very thoughtful.This picture is from before I was pregnant. I just had to post how I used to look before I got large and pregnant. I liked my face in this picture because it is just a face of being excited on your birthday with the man you love!! :)The girls sticking in all of my candles. I truly live through their excitement. It brings me such joy. The girls sprinkle job. They were very proud so we just had to take a picture.My wonderful neighbors brought by a gift and their daughter made me cookies, the small ones spell out my name. I thought it was really cute. Good thing I am pregnant and have somewhat of an excuse to eat junk because I recieved these, a cake, and some yummy danishes I was craving from another friend. I will just have to get all my sweets in now because in 3 months the fun is over and the work begins!

Happy Birthday!

2008-04-29T20:46:00.003-06:00

HAPPY 28th BIRTHDAY BROCK. It was a good day but nothing special. I get feeling kind of bad that we don't do more fun things for each other for our birthdays but then my girls make me feel better. It is the best just to watch their excitment as we decorated with balloons, made his cake and rapped presents. Kamden even said "Mommy this is such a fun day because we are having daddys party" I love that it doesn't take much more than the thought of a birthday and the girls think it is the best thing in the world.This is Brocks request every year for his cake. As you can see with that smile he was pretty excited for his Better than Almost Anything Cake!The girls kind of took over in the blowing department, but Brock was really careful to watch where their spit flew and those were the pieces of cake they got to eat. :)

Potty Training

2008-04-27T21:45:00.005-06:00

Okay so I am close to being done my three goals with Aspen. We have done potty training for 1 week now and she is doing awesome. I do have to admit I was going to quit on Wednesday because Tuesday and Wednesday did not go well. We had more accidents than we did have success and being pregnant I just don't have a lot of energy. But Wednesday afternoon she did a turn around. She has been in panties every since. We were even away from the house all day yesterday at our church spring fling and no accidents. Today at church she even told the nursery leader and made it without any accidents! We still have a couple here and there when she waits to long or doesn't want to stop playing but over all she is definitely over the hard part. I struggled a little with her because I was comparing it to the experience I had training Kamden. Which I have been told was not normal. She only ever had 2 accidents and then she was trained. We definitely got spoiled there. But I still think Aspen has done great she really only had 2 bad days out of the first week. I am glad I am getting this done now because I am remembering how time consuming it is. We are constantly running to the toilet, which means I am constantly stopping what I am doing. Not fun, but it will be nice to not have to buy diapers for 2 kids. Now I just hope she doesn't revert back once the baby is born.I had to take this picture because it is one of my absolute favorite things when they first start wearing underwear. I think their little bums are the cutest. I can't stop looking and telling Brock to look at how cute it is with no diaper on. I know he is probably getting sick of me saying so but I just can't help myself. I love it.

Preschool Program!

2008-04-27T21:32:00.005-06:00

On Saturday Kamden had her first Preschool Program. She was so excited, she said she dreamed about it all night. I was hoping the excitment stayed when she saw all the people that were there to watch. She has been known to be really shy in these situations and run off stage and yell my name. She did great, I was so impressed and proud of her. Her class did 3 different numbers. Not that I am bragging or maybe I am, she was one of the best in the class. She knew every line and every dance motion right on. Here she is singing her heart out to Shake your Maracas.This was a really cute number, they were all spiders singing and acting out motions to the Itsy Bitsy Spider song.

BYE BYE PACI !!

2008-04-13T22:20:00.005-06:00

So we did it, we have accomplished number 2 on my list of things to get done with Aspen before the baby comes. We said goodbye to her Pacifier. We did it last Monday so tomorrow will be our week mark! I was debating on how we should send it away and I actually took the idea from a friend who heard of this. We tied the pacifier onto helium balloons and let them go and all waved goodbye to it. Well it is kind of funny because I told her all morning what was going to happen so we went to the store and she got to pick out the balloons which she was very excited about and then we get home and tie the paci onto the balloons and go outside to say goodbye. There was only one problem when she let them go they dropped back down because I didn't buy enough balloons. Well she thought that was great and she ran and said "MY PACI". So then she is sucking on her Paci with balloons tied to it. Well we had to make another run to the store and bought some more balloons. Well this time it worked, she wasn't really willing but she did let go and then my heart started breaking. Once she let go she was trying to laugh and wave goodbye but then she realized it wasn't coming back. She was trying to fight back the tears to be a big girl but was really struggling. After we watched them fly away we went to the store and she got to pick out a new sippy cup. Aspen smiling right before we went to the store to get the balloons.This is what Aspen did for a little while, she just wanted those last few sucks. We finally talked her into taking it out and letting the balloons go. Aspen realizing there is no getting it back now! Trying to be a big girl but really is crushed inside. This was so hard for me to watch. And finally a smile after she picked her sippy cups!

Well I have to say it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be, although it was a lot harder than it was with Kamden. The first night was the worse because she didn't know how to make her body relax to go to sleep so she just kept screaming our names and telling us to go get her paci in the sky. Each day has gotten better. She still brings it up but only to tell me she is a big girl now. So it was one bad week that is finally over. I really liked this idea of getting rid of the paci because she was the one that let it go and she has a good visual of how it left and understands that there is no possible way of getting it back. I really recommend this for any of you that have a very attached child to their pacifier and are needing to say goodbye to it. I am feeling pretty good that I have accomplished 2 out of 3 of my goals for her. I will let you all know how the potty training goes. Although she has already started training herself. It has been really nice. The only thing that has been kind of sad is my little baby girl is growing up.

Utah Weekend..

2008-04-13T21:51:00.004-06:00

The girls and I got to drive down to Salt Lake for Conference a couple weekends ago. It was such a nice weekend. Brock was supposed to come too but then work came up and he wasn't able to come. So the girls and I had an adventure together driving 7 hours. They were acutally really good for me, prayers really are answered. :) We did a lot in just a few days. Conference was amazing, it was also neat because my Parents flew out and my sister and her husband came up from Provo. Between all of us we were able to get some tickets to every session. I was able to attend both Saturday sessions, only because my WONDERFUL sister watched my girls for me. The spirit was amazing and it was so neat to be apart of the solemn assembly which I am sure will be the only time I will get to be there for that. On this fast weekend we were able to visit with my family, Brocks family and 2 of my friends I haven't seen for a while. I wish I could of seen more of you but there just wasn't enough time so we will have to plan on it next time. I met my friend Paige and her kids at Gateway in Salt Lake City. They were playing in the fountains and having a great time. I just had to post this picture because Gavin is making the coolest pose! These are some of our friends that used to live here in McCall but moved away. :( We miss them tons. This is Luke, he is my friend and old roomate from college, Emilys little boy. He is sooo cute and Kamden just had so much fun with him. There was a picture of Emily, Luke and I but I just couldn't post it. My forehead looks like it is half my face because Kamden wouldn't take our picture so I had to do it myself. Yeah, those never turn out to well for me. We were so glad to be able to visit with them the short time we did.Here are the girls with their Mamaw. I was so glad that it worked out to be able to meet my parents for conference weekend. With them living far I just feel like we can't get enough of seeing them. It was such an enjoyable weekend.

Who Remembers Cricket??

2008-03-31T14:08:00.005-06:00

Do any of you remember the doll Cricket?
She was the girl version and then they had My Buddy that came out around the same time. I loved this toy growing up. I never played with dolls or barbies a lot but I sure did love my Cricket. When I was back in PA I finished going through all of my old toys and things that my mom had saved. We packed them all up and shipped them to me which has been nice because now my girls are about the right age to play with them.
This picture captures how my girls feel about Cricket. Aspen has her arm around her saying "she is MINE", and Kamden is just so amazed that she talks(she has tapes you can put in her back that tell stories and do little games)and when she talks her mouth and eyes move. The girls are sure glad to have a new friend and it is kind of nice for me too because it entertains them for sometime!!

Where is Spring?

2008-03-30T20:57:00.006-06:00

I think that is what everyone in McCall is asking themselves because it hasn't hit our town yet. This is the hardest part of the year from me to live in this area. I am so ready for spring and to take my kids outside to play. The sad thing is we still have at least 3 feet of snow on the ground, so we are looking at May before we can go to a park or feel grass! We have to keep leaving town so we can get a feel for some nice spring weather at least for a few days. The girls in the spring dresses! Thanks Grammy for the cute dresses. The girls see all these cute summer and spring clothes that they are being given and just want to wear them. I think it is fine for church but I just can't justify shorts and capris when it is snowing and 20 degrees out. SOMEDAY we will pull the summer clothes out of storage! :)

Happy Easter!!!

2008-03-23T19:48:00.002-06:00

Hope you all had as great of an Easter as our family did. We had a wonderful day together and were able to really focus on the true meaning of Easter and how it has blessed our lives.

Let's Party!!

2008-03-18T14:15:00.005-06:00

Aspen is going to think her birthday lasts for a month. We went down to Brocks family this past weekend and got to celebrate her birthday with them. It was a really fun weekend. She loved the presents and the cake. Thanks Grammy for always taking the time to make fun cakes for the grandkids. They love it and will never forget it. Aspen in her new dress up outfit. She loves it, and so does her sister which can cause some problems. I love her face in this picture. I just hope someday she will out grow this smile and change to prettier one! Aspen, Kamden and their cousin Deagon surrounded by her birthday gifts. The cake Grammy made for Aspen.

Kamden got to have a Easter Party at school today. She loves parties, they got to make a bunny magnet, color eggs and then have a little easter egg hunt. Kamden is so sweet with Aspen. I love watching them together at activities like this. I even had other mothers comment to me on how they think Kamden is so thoughtful of her younger sister. That makes me so happy to hear things like that said about my child. Aspen was getting a little upset because she didn't have any eggs or easter baskets to search for. The kids only got 2 eggs a piece to hunt and Kamden found both of hers pretty quickly. She then put one of them back so that Aspen could find one. And then tells Aspen "don't worry honey I will share some of my candy with you" I love it!! She then found a chair for Aspen and squeezed her in right next to her at the table for snacks. I really hope Kamden doesn't grow out of this phase too fast, and I hope it rubs off on her siblings.

This was brought to Kamdens Easter party by one of the parents. It is a carrot garden and I thought it was so cute and creative, I had to take a picture.Kamden and Aspen at Kamdens Easter party. I tried to get Aspen to look up for the picture but she was just so happy she had an egg in her hand she couldn't look away! I also think she was looking at the marshmellow on her fingers from the peeps she was eating.

Big Girl Bed!!

2008-03-18T13:59:00.004-06:00

Well before the baby comes this summer I have some goals set for us to accomplish with Aspen. One was get her out of the crib and into a big girl bed. I was scared if I waited until the baby came to move her it would be harder because she might be mad at the baby for taking her crib. (That is the way she is if any of you know her personality) I was also nervous that since she was able to climb in and out the big bed by herself she would like to get up a lot. I was wrong, she has done great. It has been about a week now and she only got up once. My little girl is growing up! My next 2 things are to get rid of her pacifier, which is going to be the biggest challenge. She is so attached to that. So if any of you have any great suggestions let me know. I think I am going to do cold turkey and just have my life be awful for a week. Then comes the potty training, I am thinking I will try to start that early summer, but I guess it is really when she decides she is ready. Wish me luck everyone. I have one down and two to go. Here is Aspens big girl bed. She loves it, which was a definite plus.The child even wears her hooded sweatshirts to bed! Now we just need to get rid of that thing in her mouth.

We Are Having A....

2008-03-16T20:26:00.004-06:00

Well a lot of you know but for those who don't know, Brock and I are expecting our third child on August 1st. We are excited, that will put Aspen and the baby 2 years and 5 months apart which is the exact same spacing as Kamden and Aspen. I am feeling pretty good, a lot better than the first 3 months when I was REALLY sick. Glad that part is over. So I am 21 weeks this week. Yeah for being over half way! Oh, I guess I should say what we are having for those of you who don't know yet. A BOY!!!! We are really excited. I made the Ultrasound Tech, who is my friend, keep checking because I have never seen a little ding-a-ling on our ultrasound screen before. We were just so excited, both Kamden and Aspen were too. Aspen started yelling YEAH and clapping her hands because she saw all of us so happy. I just wanted to have at least one boy and we are finally getting him. It is a good thing because we are done after this baby. That is, if no surprises happen but we are not counting on that!!

Circus Time!

2008-03-12T14:49:00.006-06:00

This doesn't happen often but this is my 3rd post of the day. I have been so busy getting caught up from being gone I haven't had time to post anything. So you all get to have 3 posts in one day! Anyway, While we were in Pa I happened to read in the newspaper that there was the Shriners Circus in town. My girls have never been to a circus before and I have only ever been one time. So we decided to go. My parents, Brock and I, Kamden, Ainsley and Aspen. They loved it. Kamden loved the trapeez people, and Aspen loved the dogs that did all kinds of tricks. It was such a good time. It was a pretty small circus but still had some really good acts. Well the girls got spoiled by their Papaw. He took them on an elephant ride. Brock really wanted to go too but when he found out the price decided to just send Aspen with my dad and the other girls. That was definitely the highlight of the night. I couldn't believe all the girls weren't scared getting that high up in the air. It was pretty funny to watch my dad try to spread his legs that wide to sit on the elephant. :) Everyone at the circus. Gotta love Kamdens face!! The girls with their Papaw on top of an elephant. Pretty cool if you ask me. Just another fun picture of them on the elephant all happy and waving.

Work Trip...

2008-03-12T14:06:00.006-06:00

Our family went back east for 2 and half weeks. It was a work trip for Brock but the girls and I just got to enjoy being with family. It was a really nice visit. Brock did some tile work for my sister Brittney. He redid their whole master bath and did their backsplash in the kitchen. It turned out really nice. I really liked the tile choices that Brittney and Dan chose.Bitts bathroom floor, countertop, and tile around the tub all new. Brock didn't install the countertop but everything else he did.This is part of their new master shower. MacGregor my nephew who is 8 is very excited about the seat in the shower. He told me it was his idea so he let Brock know. Now he can take a rest from standing in the shower and sit down for a bit. :) Here is a sample of their backsplash in the kitchen. Brock did a great job. Almost the whole time Brock was working at my sisters her family was sick. It was a bummer because we didn't get to see them as much as we would of liked to. The girls and I ended up staying at my moms so we could remain healthy.

Aspen, Kamden and Ainsley watching a movie together. The big girls finally let Aspen squeeze in, they didn't really like the idea at first.Aspen with Brinn and my doll house. My grandparents made this for us when we were little. Kamden gets so excited to play with it every time we go to my moms. Kamden will just disappear for an hour at a time and play with it. Aspen thought it was pretty neat too. The only time she was allowed to play with it was when Kamden and Ainsley weren't around.Here are Aspen and my cousin Micheles little girl Quinn. Michele and I dressed the girls the same and didn't haven any idea. They are the cutest.

Brian, my brother got his son a really cool surfing game. You plug it into the TV and surf waves. I think it might really be for my brother who loves surfing more than his son Curren. :)Curren being so cute with Emma. He is teaching her how to drive his new remote control car. I love this picture.Brinn and Emma. It was so nice that it worked out that they could come to Pa while we were there. Emma is a busy girl she loved being around the older girls. That is until Aspen would push her down if she got anywhere near her things.
These are my grandparents and my cousin Michele. It was so good to get together with them. My grandparents really enjoy all the great grandkids. They have 12 of them and they still remember all them for birthdays and christmas. It is pretty amazing. It is also so nice to be able to see Michele and her daughter Quinn. It can get kind of crazy when all the kids get running around but it is definitely worth it and we make lots of memories.Here is Aspen hugging my nephew Slater. She started to put him in a head lock but that changed and she gave him a nice hug. She can be sweet when she wants to. :)I adore this picture. Here are best friend cousins waiting for their Mamaw. My dad was away on a business trip so both girls asked my mom if they could have a sleepover with her, well how could she only say yes to one of them. So she really did it. She slept in the middle. I thought she was crazy. But if any of you know my mom her favorite line is "We are making memories" and it is true. They won't forget it.

Happy Birthday Aspen!

2008-03-12T13:49:00.003-06:00

Aspen had her 2 year old birthday on Saturday. We were in PA so we got to celebrate with my side of the family. I have a nephew who has the same birthday as Aspen so we threw them a combined birthday party. Aspen tells everyone she is 2 and had her BIRTDAY! It is really cute. Here is Aspen opening up a polly pocket swimming pool. Kamden and Ainsley(my neice) could not wait until she opened that present. I think they wanted it more than she did. It ended up the box didn't even get opened for 2 days after that. Aspen just liked carrying the box around by the handle. It was killing the two older girls!Aspen in a new sweatshirt she got. The girl loves her sweatshirts, but it has to come with a hood and pockets or it is no good.Aspen got this princess crown from my sister. I walked into the kitchen and found her putting it on my mom and dads 13 year old dog. Aspen was telling Indy(the dog) that she looked cute.Here are the 2 birthday cousins. (Curren turned 4 he is my brother Brians oldest) Aspen loved blowing out the candles in fact she kept blowing after the flame was gone. We had to scrape a lot of drool off the ice cream cake so we could all enjoy a piece.

Happy Valentines Day!!

2008-02-14T15:39:00.003-07:00

Happy Valentines Day!! Aren't these beautiful? I spent a lot of time making them. HA, yeah right I wish I could claim them. They tasted as good as they look. Our friend made them for us. She does our books at the accountants office and the girls just LOVE her. She has a treat for them every time. They even made her a valentine with a lollipop so you know they think she is pretty special. But I have to say we definitely got the better end of the deal here.
Well I can't complain about our Valentines day. We have had a pretty good one and we are getting together with some friends tonight for dinner which should be a nice break for me from sick children. The girls have been sick which has not been fun at all. Lucky for Kamden she is feeling better now so she was able to go to her school party. She had a great time and got lots of candy and cards. Aspen on the other hand has gotten the sickness a lot worse. She has been absolutely miserable. Besides the girls being sick I have nothing to complain about. Life is good, I have a great husband, wonderful children, and endless blessings in my life!
Here are the girls holding their stuffed dogs that their dad got for them. Growing up my dad always had something for us on our dressers for valentines day until we had a valentine of our own. I thought it was the neatest thing. So now Brock is passing that tradition on and having valentines on the girls dressers when they wake up in the morning on Valentines Day. You can tell by their faces they thought it was pretty neat. The stuffed dog was also holding their favorite, caramel kisses. Which Kamden decided to save and Aspen dove right into. :)Here is our pathetic little Aspen. Looking at this picture you can tell she is sick. She rarely ever just lays and watches TV. I didn't even put her like this. She got her baby and covered her up and then got a blanket and pillow and covered herself up. Hopefully she gets feeling a little better before we fly back to PA in a less than a week.

Love the Sweatshirt....

2008-02-05T13:21:00.000-07:00

Or at least Aspen does. This is her new thing. Every morning when she gets dressed she asks for a sweatshirt, then all day she wears her hood up and her hands in her pocket. I think she looks pretty cute.

Today I was thinking....

2008-01-31T18:31:00.003-07:00

THIS WAS OUR BEST PURCHASE EVER!!!
All week it has been dumping snow. In the 4 years we have lived here this is by far the most snow we have gotten. It just keeps coming. Today school was cancelled which doesn't happen often here. We have had a little bit of wind with a ton of snow so it gets really hard to see where you are driving. We have probably gotten between 12 and 14 inches just today added to our 4 feet we already had on the ground. The crazy thing is, the snow isn't letting up until Tuesday. So needless to say the pictures I was going to get of the snow sculptures are useless now because they are so covered you can't even tell what they were supposed to be. I should of taken the pictures the first day they were finished. So sorry about that, there were some cool ones too this year. Below are a few pictures we took today of our crazy amount of snow. If any of you love to skii or board this would be the time to come visit us. We have LOTS of powder.

Getting Dressed...

2008-01-27T19:03:00.000-07:00

I asked the girls to help me get their clothes ready and put on for church today. I went to help Kamden for a second and Aspen comes and finds me and says "like this mom"? She had put her tights on, just not on the right end!! :) What a helper she was trying to be!

Winter Carnival....

2008-01-27T18:38:00.000-07:00

Kamden got to participate in her first Parade. Her preschool was in the parade and has been getting ready for it for weeks. The theme of this years winter carnival is Wild West. They made paper ponies and decorated cowboy hats. She wasn't to sure about riding in the parade but once she got going she really enjoyed herself. Her favorite part was throwing necklaces and candy to all of the kids lined up for the parade! Ofcourse I was walking right along side of her which helped a lot. Aspen and Brock went and lined up along the streets with the rest of the town and got to see all of the floats and catch lots and lots of necklaces and candy! The only bad part of it all was how hard it was snowing. We all got pretty soaked. Kamden riding in her hummer about to start the parade. She and some friends from class about to start throwing their candy to the crowd. Brock and Aspen standing out in the snow, look how many bead necklaces Aspen has gotten. She thought it was pretty neat.

Later that day we went to enjoy some of the activities after the snow had stopped. We really like the wintercarnival and have fun going to all of the activities it offers. Really this is a big thing for our town because not much goes on here. So when there is stuff to do we are all about it. The snow sculptures are the best and I will post some of those later. I haven't got the opportunity to go take pictures of them yet because it was either too dark or snowing way to hard. Saturday night we went to the fireworks and listened to a couple bands play.

Brock and the girls waiting for the fireworks to start.

Aspen was really excited for the fireworks until she heard the noise. She is hiding her face into Brocks coat. She would peek every once and a while. They were right over our heads, it was pretty cool to see them so close.This is just a puppy that was sitting with its owners right next to us. He was a little bit like Aspen and didn't like how loud they were so they put some ear muffs on him. He didn't seem to mind either. I thought it was pretty funny.

Hawaii Continued...

2008-01-18T14:38:00.000-07:00

I forgot to add this picture last time. I was just amazed at this guy climbing the tree with bare feet. This was in the village of Samoa at the Poly center. He climbed this palm tree all the way to the top at a pretty good speed. Amazing!
Here is my little hawaiin girl. We got the girls dresses and grass skirts with coconuts and a necklace. Aspen was so excited she wanted to wear it all right away. The coconuts make the outfit if you ask me. :)Hawaii is known for their really big waves in the winter on the northshore. There is a beach called Pipeline where surfers from all over come and compete. I was lucky enough to go and watch a competition. This picture is really blurry but kind of cool. If I can figure out how to do movie clips I will post a pretty cool video I got of a surfer in the barrel. This was one huge highlight of my trip. Partly because I was there getting as many pictures and videos for my brother as I could, my brother is very into surfing and knows all the surfers, growing up with him has made me understand the sport better and appreciate it more. But really I always tell Brock I am a wanna be surfer girl. I love it, the water, the sun, the beach, just the atmosphere in general but mainly the excitment and challenge of catching the wave. So for me to be able to see some of the best surfers around surf these huge waves was pretty amazing. Something I will never forget. Now you all know something new about me that I am sure you didn't know before!! :0)

Hawaii.....

2008-01-16T20:35:00.000-07:00

Brock and I just got back from a week in Hawaii. We had such a good time. We went with his parents and sister and her husband. We met up with his Aunt and Uncle, Grandma and some cousins. We left the girls with friends and family. (Thanks so much to those who helped us out) This was the longest I have ever been away from my children, once I got past the first 2 days I did fine. It think it was harder for me then them. :)

We did a lot of stuff in one week. We went to Pearl Harbor, the Poly center, the temple and vistors center, swam under a water fall, went to a big surf competition, went to lots of different beaches, ate lots and lots of awesome pineapple, and lots more. I wish I could post all of my pictures and write about everything we did but that would get a little long so here are just some highlights, so you can get a glimpse into our wonderful vacation.

Me, Rexanne, Arriann enjoying some awesome shaved ice. I could of eaten some every day it was SO Yum!!

This was the USS Arizona that got bombed in Pearl Harbor. This ship had over 1100 people that died that day, the most on any ship. We went out to the memorial that they have built over this ship. It was really interesting to go and learn more about this event in history. A real tragedy for sure. Just a nice scenic picture near a beach where we went swimming.

Here is the waterfall we hiked to and then went swimming under. It was pretty fun but pretty cold. We were the only group that actually got in and swam. Just a cool picture, I don't know that surfer dude but I thought it made a better picture. :)Brock and I got tattoos at the Poly center in one of the villages. Behind us is a canoe that they built without using one single nail.Brock and I at the Poly center right before the night show started. We really enjoyed ourselves there, it is so fun to learn about all of the different cultures, I really enjoyed trying to learn each of the different island dances. :) Brock and I in front the the temple, I think it is such a beautiful temple.Rexanne, me, Brock, Barry, Arriann, and Wade in front of the Outrigger Catamaran. We took this out on our last day. It was so fun, we got to see a whale which was a bonus. The ride was so relaxing, you get to sit on netting in the front of the boat which I thought was pretty cool because you can look right below you and see the water underneath.After our Catamaran trip we ate dinner at this really good restaurant, which was outside and as we ate, we got watch this beautiful sunset. Hawaii is very beautiful and we loved every minute of it.

Christmas..

2007-12-29T21:18:00.000-07:00

We had a great Christmas this year. It was a little different than some others because we didn't get together with any extended family. It was kind of sad, but we are so lucky to have such close, good friends here in McCall. We were able to get together with them and really feel the spirit of christmas and make some good memories together. Some of our friends had a nice dinner on Christmas Eve, amd then we came home and read the Christmas story with the girls. Christmas day was really relaxing we did nothing but sit around and enjoy all the new things that we got, played games and had a really nice Christmas dinner, just the 4 of us. We felt so blessed this Christmas season and we thank you all for blessing our family with your love and friendships.Here is Kamden and her friends Preslee, Kimberly, and Jessica at the christmas eve dinner. My friend told me to grab my camera which I actually had, because these girls were having the best time. They were laughing and just talking away. It was really cute.My girls on Christmas morning in their christmas jammies, don't mind the brownish tint on the teeth and the brown drool coming out of the mouth. They had already found some christmas chocolate in the stockings and helped themselves!The girls in their beautiful Christmas dresses ready for church. Thanks Grammy! They got lots of compliments on the dresses!

School Christmas Party

2007-12-18T16:01:00.000-07:00

Kamden had her school christmas party today. It was a good time. They started by having all the dads come and make gingerbread houses with the kids. Kamden thought that was really neat that her dad got to come to her school. Then they had a little lunch, while at the lunch Kamden spilled her juice and had a complete melt down. She was very embarrassed so it took a lot to calm her down. While I was calming Kamden down Aspen thought she would join in and spill her juice on purpose since Kamden did. Then I had 2 spills to clean up. (wow that was fun) Santa then came, which neither of my girls would sit on his lap. Yes Kamden was the only one in her class that didn't sit on his lap. Hopefully someday that will change. Kamden and her daddy with their masterpiece. She had so much fun.Aspen really liked the outcome as well. I had to keep a close eye on her at the party because she was going around to everyones different gingerbread houses and taking candy off. She loves to join Kamden at her school parties.Kamdens music teacher sang Christmas songs with them. Kamden was still in her mood that she just was not ready to be happy yet. Aspen loved it though, she was shaking bells and dancing in the middle of the circle.Here is the best picture. This captures my Kamden. This is her face of I am shy and I don't want to do what everyone is telling me to do. They had a gift exchange and she just opened her gift. So I thought for sure every kid would get over their bad mood. NOPE not my Kamden. She can be stubborn. Once we got home that face was totally gone. She was smiling and couldn't stop talking about her party and how much fun she had. So I guess it was all a front because since the spilled juice she sure fooled me that she was having a good time. All in all, fun memories at the school christmas party.

Gotta Love Winter in McCall...

2007-12-18T15:48:00.000-07:00

I have been really bad about posting lately. I thought I would back track a little and post this picture. This was from our first bad snow storm a few weeks ago when we got dumped on. Pretty crazy how much snow we can get in one night.
This is a true story at our house. Gotta love static. My girls like to play the game of who can get the best head of static by rolling on the ground. I guess this is what you do when you are trapped inside your house during a snow storm!

Where Did Aspen Go?

2007-11-30T14:28:00.001-07:00

Aspen loves to hide! I think she has a lot of the same personality that Brock had when he was little. His mom has told me some horror stories of when he would hide from her and she couldn't find him, but mostly in public or outside. Most kids finally give you hints about where they are but not Brock or Aspen. They stay in one place until you find them. The other day Kamden was at Preschool so it was just Aspen and I at home. I was busy doing things and then thought I should go see what Aspen is doing, I couldn't find her any where. Then I looked in my bathroom and I saw two feet and some eyes looking at me from inside my cabinet. I had to grab my camera. She was just hanging out, setting up all my nail polishes. She looked at me and said "where go" meaning where did Aspen go? She loves to play that game and she thinks she is pretty clever when I can't find her. I have been pretty lucky so far that she has only done that to me in my own home, I hope she doesn't get like her dad and hide in public places or outside in the yard!!

OWIE...

2007-11-30T14:16:00.000-07:00

We took the girls a couple of weekends ago to go see the Bee Movie. They gave us some balloons and some tattoos for the girls. Kamden just insisted that tattoos hurt when you put them on.( We had a talk about real tattoos and how they work not to long ago) We tried to convince her that they didn't hurt and they wash off, they are just for fun. So we said "look we will put one on Aspen and she will think it is neat, watch Kamden" Well she didn't seem to mind and then she looked down at her arm and said OWIE and then the tears started to come. I was starting to feel like I was a mean mom for making my daughter have a fake tattoo. Needless to say Kamden was not convinced that they didn't hurt, so Brock put one on his arm to match Aspen. Aspen thought that was pretty cool and every 5 minutes she would lift her shirt and show us her arm and then come over and lift his shirt to see his matching one. I finally had to scub her tattoo off her arm because she still thought it was an Owie. She would bring me bandaids to put on her tattoo. I don't think we will be doing any more tattoos for awhile at our house. What was supposed to be fun turned to a dramatic experience. I guess that is what happens when you have two daughters. :)

We Love Daddy!!

2007-11-30T13:26:00.001-07:00

The girls look forward to their daddy coming home from work each night. They run to him at full speed and yell DADDY!! It is really cute. Sometimes I am jealous, I wish I would get that treatment. Instead I am the one that gets to break up fights all day. Don't get me wrong I wouldn't change being home with them for the world. Aspen gets really jealous if Kamden is sitting on our laps getting more attention than her at that moment. Being the rough child she is she just slams Kamden down and climbs on our laps sittng on top of Kamden. It is kind of funny, but I do feel bad for Kamden. We are working on the being nice part and telling her she needs to ask for her turn. Hopefully it will sink in her head soon!!(She really can be sweet, I don't want you all to think my child is completely WWF inside and out)Here is an example of Aspen moving her way in.(Kamden was on Brocks lap first) We were just lucky that this was one time that Kamden found it funny!!

Thanksgiving Weekend!!

2007-11-27T13:29:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful time with Brocks family in Rupert for Thanksgiving. We were able to stay from Wednesday night until Sunday. Between his families busy schedule and ours, we don't usually get to spend that many days together. The girls had lots of fun with their cousins and also had lots of fun on all of the neat things their grandpa has created at their recreational place. After we enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner with relatives,we(the girls) talked the boys into watching the kids all day Friday so we could go shopping. Arriann and I had to twist Rexannes arm to go but we finally talked her into it. We weren't the crazy shoppers that started early in the morning, we valued our sleep more than the deals. We went later in the day but still got a lot of our shopping for Christmas finished. Which is a nice feeling and we had a really nice time together without the children. So I guess I should give a big THANK YOU TO THE HUSBANDS! All the boys went dirt bike riding all day saturday, so everyone got to have fun! Saturday night we went out to a house about an hour way from Rupert that decorates their entire house and yard with christmas lights. They just let everyone walk around and look for free. There are not that many people out there that are that selfless anymore. This family has been doing this for years and they were still so excited to see everyone enjoying their hard work. My favorite part was the live camel they had for you to feed. It was awesome. Aspen loved the camel, she was not scared at all. Kamden on the other hand was not to sure. It was a great weekend with family. Lots of memories were made. :) Cousins: from left to right, Aspen, Deagon, Kamden and Dodge.After dinner on Thursday all the guys went out to play a golf game and frisbee golf on a course that Brocks dad has made. Aspen just wanted to get all of the balls, so Brock took some time and taught her to hit the ball with the golf club.Aspen and Brock on the big slide. This slide is usually a water slide and in the summer it shoots you into the river. It is really a good time. We were just going on it dry. Before I took this picture I had already gone down it 10 times with Aspen. She thought it was so fun.I had to post this picture of Skye because he thought he looked pretty good!! I had to take a couple pictures to make sure I got the right angle of him. :)Deagon and Kamden had a sleepover with Grammy. When I walked in I saw Deagon trying to wake Kamden up by tapping her head gently and whispering in her ear. As you can see, she is not a morning person!!Here is the huge camel, Aspen was fearless, she loved that it ate carrots right out of her hand. The camel is nibbling my hair, kind of weird feeling. Here is the rest of the camels body. This thing was huge!! Here is some of our group in front of the lights. The kids really enjoyed it.Here is the whole group of us. From the back left: Skye(Brocks brother), Grammy with Dodge(nephew), Wade (married brocks sister), Arriann(sister),Me and Aspen, Brock with Deagon(nephew), Grandpa with Kamden. We took a bunch of family pictures and in my opinion this was my favorite of everyone.

Cinderella...

2007-11-17T20:59:00.000-07:00

I took the girls to go see the play Cinderella at our local highschool. Kamden was so excited, she talked about going for 2 days straight. There is a play company that travels around from school to school helping kids put on plays. They do it all in a week, try outs are on a monday then you have 3 days to practice and then the play has 2 showings on a Saturday. All of the money they raise goes to our PTA. They are sponsered by local businesses, that is how the play company earns their money. I thought it is a pretty neat idea and it is a big hit. About a Hundred kids try out and only some of them make it. Kamden invited a friend and they really enjoyed it a lot. They didn't move the entire time. Aspen and I were in the back almost the whole time, so I on the other hand didn't get to hear as much as I would of liked to. The girls at the Cinderella Play. They had a great time, even Aspen, she just had trouble sitting still. I guess that is to be expected for a 20 month old. :) (In the picture left to right, Aspen, Kamden and their friend Preslee)Here is the girl who played Cinderella. We waited a good 20 minutes after the show so that they could get their picture with Cinderella. Yes, I know Aspen has her shirt up. If you know her very well you would know this is very common. I just hope she grows out of it or we are going to be in a lot of trouble. :)Here are 2 cute girls cracking up in the back of my car. They thought squeezing each others cheeks was pretty funny.

Thanksgiving Feast

2007-11-16T13:40:00.000-07:00

Kamden had her Thanksgiving Party at her Preschool yesterday. She had such a good time. A lot of the times in the morning it is so hard to get her going but yesterday wasn't the case at all. This girl loves to party, also she knew I would be there to help. I came back early to help the teacher set up for their feast. I had Aspen with me ofcourse which seemed to make it a little more challenging. I was setting the table and fixing all of the kids plates when I look over and there is Aspen enjoying the food on a few different plates before the kids came into eat. I wish I would have gotten a picture but I was more worried about fixing the plates so the preschool kids wouldn't get upset that this little girl was stealing their food. When they all sat down to eat they did make room for Aspen at the end of the table. She thought that was pretty neat. I was also surprised that Kamden was so excited to show off Aspen to all of her friends. I just really enjoy watching my girls grow up and the things they experience with such excitement all of the time. Here is a picture of Kamden excited to go to her first preschool thanksgiving party! Kamden with her class enjoying their feast. I got busy helping that this was about the only picture I got at the party.

Sisters...

2007-11-11T21:28:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple pictures of the girls that I thought were pretty cute. They have really been getting along well lately. When they play togther they often start laughing really hard, which is so fun to watch. Kamden is always the boss which is fine for now because Aspen thinks anything that Kamden does is so cool. I'm just not sure how long this will last.
In this last picture the girls were helping me make brownies and started making funny faces. They wanted their picture taken but Aspen was getting frustrated because Kamden was telling her she wasn't squeezing her cheeks the right way. So Brock stepped in to help Aspen properly squeeze for the picture!!