My Adventure Book

2012-01-03T07:52:00.000-08:00

Happy Twenty Twelve!!
I hope everyone has a great year!

We went to Margo's this year for New Years and she had everyone write down some resolutions...
Porter's:
Go camping, go swimming, see the guy who sings "Secrets" sing it on stage (I laughed at that one)
Presley: Go camping, go swimming, get candy, eat fruit.
Mine: cook more, read more, see positive in everything, decide what to do with school/job, get new couch for upstairs, budget better, and of course the same ol...get fit!!
Dan: see the positive, be more patient.
Kaden: to make the basketball and football team at school this year.

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-26T15:07:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! Happy Holidays and best wishes for the New Year!!! I'm very thankful I have my kids to share so many great memories with on Christmas and all year long....

Happy Birthday Love!!!

2011-12-22T12:29:00.001-08:00

We just recently celebrated Presley’s birthday. She was so excited all month long. I try to make it special for her being that it’s so close to Christmas and I think she gets lots of love…

She got a party at the Smith’s and her Grandma Margo made her a cute barbie cake, she got presents at Grandpa Marks and a party at my house with some of my mom’s side of the family. Lot of people love Presley!

I am so thankful to have Presley in my life. I love her so much! She is so smart, witty, funny, crafty, artistic, and loving. She is still pretty shy and gets a little anxious around big groups of people, but she is starting to open up a lot more to people and I’m so glad. I want people to see all the things that I love so much about her. She just recently lost her two bottom teeth, she loves to color, draw and write. She loves Barbies, Monster High dolls, and crafts. She even loves school! I’m still trying to get her into dancing, gymnastics or piano lessons, but she still won’t let me. I’ll keep trying to get her in soon.

I love you to my heart forever Presley!! (she says that every night before she goes to sleep and any time I leave for work)

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My Little Family.

2011-12-05T11:54:00.000-08:00

I love the Christmas season, well pretty much any holiday season, but I'm having a hard time getting into the spirit this year...feeling a little glum lately. Not sure why. Just feeling sad and a little overwhlemed over everything and nothing. I won't even try to explain.
Overall, I know I have so so so much to be thankful for. I'll try to get my spirts up. I'm almost done shopping which is good. I get so excited to give the kids their presents. I love doing all the Christmas festivities.
I took these pics on Thanksgiving in my Grandma's backyard for Christmas cards(they're just with my camera, so bare with me on the lighting or what not). We spent a good Thanksgiving at my Grandmas with my Aunt and Uncle. We are sad that my mom will soon be moving. It's hard having so much of my family away, but Ive learned to let go of old traditions and create new ones for my kids.
This little family of mine is what makes everything worth it....

Until next time…

2011-11-14T12:55:00.001-08:00

I start missing them before they’ve even left. Their time here is never long enough. I miss you guys! I love you!!

Chris Medina - What Are Words

2011-11-06T15:04:00.000-08:00

Very inspirational video/song. What a great guy!!
(pause my playlist at the bottom of blog to listen to the video)

Halloween

2011-11-01T09:49:00.001-07:00

They’re here….

2011-11-01T09:02:00.001-07:00

Yes, we make it a missionary return every time they come to visit. That’s what happens when we haven’t seen them in over a year! Baby Sadie was scared of us at first, but now she WUVS me .

Kyle also came down for a couple of days from Montana and we went to the Pumpkinaze again. These cousin sure love each other. I wish I could be with my brothers more often like this….

I got to stay up at Moose Hollow with my mom and brothers last weekend for a couple of days, it’s so pretty and relaxing up there. It was really fun being able to spend time with them. I miss them ALL the time.

We got to celebrate Skylar’s 8th birthday with her. Skylar was hit and ran over by a car while they were in Germany and it was quite a scare not be able to be close to them and be with her. She broke her leg and had to have surgery, but she is doing much better and I am so thankful it wasn’t worse than what it was. I love you Skylar!

Sweet baby Sadie is so cute, loving, and smiley/Kyle and Kyia cuddling after a long day/Keason and Porter being crazy boys.

Fall Festivities

2011-10-23T10:31:00.001-07:00

I’m a Halloween/October/Fall lover!! It’s my favorite of all year. I love everything about it. Luckily I’ve been off most of the month so we’ve been able to do lots of fun things!!

This is at Willard Bay. They had a pretty cheap Halloween thing going on that the kids liked. Hay jump, maze, wagon ride, laser tag and painting pumpkins. The lake also looked really pretty. (Kaden was gone on a Scout campout )

Pumpkinaze

Fall Hiking

I’m sure there will be more to come …. Derek and his family are coming in from Germany today. I’m so excited!! I’ve been thinking about it all month!!

Sand Dunes

2011-10-11T09:44:00.001-07:00

This is our latest Dune trip. We were really excited to go this time, but the weather hampered things quite a bit. We almost didn’t go at all and some of the family did end up backing out. We tried to make the best of it though since we had already taken the days off and bought all the food and gas. Plus my kids would have had broken hearts if we didn’t go, they had been soooo excited all week long. It ended up not being too bad after all. It was overcast the whole time, but it only rained late on the last night/morning. Hopefully the next one will be better weather….

These were taken the first night. We had decided to head up to the dunes at night. It was almost a full moon so it was really bright out. Some people had races up the hills or rolled down them. It was actually pretty fun because we usually don’t go up there at night.

See Sophie pocking out of Dan and Presley’s coats. She is such a weird dog, ha ha. She is so prissy, but for some reason she LOVES the Dunes. She was standing in the driveway the whole time when we were packing to go, and then she snuck in the truck under the seat. At the Dunes, she wants us to hold her in our jackets and she freaks out and chases us if we don’t take her on the 3-wheelers with us. At one point she had chased Presley and I clear over to the bunny trails and I didn’t realize it until I had stopped to adjust Presley on the bike. I love that she likes it so much. It makes me think she’s a cool little Chihuahua…what other Chihuahua would LIKE going to the Dunes.

Beach Time…

2011-10-11T09:13:00.001-07:00

One day a couple of weeks ago, I randomly decided to head up the canyon. I was thinking how pretty Huntsville/Eden is, yet we hardly ever go up there. I’m so glad I went….it was so pretty. The leaves were changing and it was the perfect temperature. We got sandwiches and headed to the beach. We were the only ones there and it was perfect!! I will for sure be going back more often, although I will not be taking food, the seagulls were on full attack, they pretended to innocently stroll the beach, but as soon as I walked away from the blanket, they attacked. At least I got some good pics and the kids keep asking when we’re going to back again.

More Random…

2011-09-22T09:40:00.001-07:00

Kaden got braces…

He has been playing for Plain City’s football team this year…he loves it. I’m not a big fan but I try to stay positive and support him.

State Fair….

Pretty Presley…

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Remembering...

2011-09-11T08:01:00.000-07:00

9/11...I was getting ready for work and for some reason Kaden woke up unusually early that morning (he was only 3), so I turned the TV on for him so I could finish getting ready. When I turned it on I had no idea what was about to come... Only the first tower had been hit and at this point people were still trying to make sense of why. I soon left to take Kaden to my Grandma's house and when I got there, she had the TV on and the second tower had been hit. I remember staring at the TV in complete disbelief. I think at that point, most of the world knew this was no accident. It was the moment that changed everything.
I still couldn't contemplate exactly what is was that was going on. I drove to work in a daze with the radio on listening to the chaos. At work we listened as the first tower fell, and then the second. It seemed surreal at the time...I felt as though it couldn't really be happening. Especially after also hearing about the Pentagon and Flight 93.
I remember picturing the chaos that everyone was going through and all the people that died, and their loved ones who were looking for them or wondering if they made it. I went home early that day, picked up Kaden and went to Dan's house and for the rest of that day and evening we were glued to the TV. By the end of the day, I was emotionally drained, because it was too much to comprehend. I was extremely affected by it (as was the whole world) for a long long time.
Every year on the anniversary I hear of more and more stories about each person that either survived the tragedy or lost someone close to them...sometimes it's too hard to even learn about. It's during these kind of tragedies that people realize just how evil humans can be, but at the same time, it also shows how many heroes we have and how we band together to get through hard times and tragedies. It puts so many things in life into a different perspective. I will surely never forget.

“Now, we have inscribed a new memory alongside those others. It’s a memory of tragedy and shock, of loss and mourning. But not only of loss and mourning. It’s also a memory of bravery and self-sacrifice, and the love that lays down its life for a friend–even a friend whose name it never knew. “
- President George W. Bush, December 11, 2001

13!

2011-09-04T12:15:00.000-07:00

I officially have a teenager now. I know everyone says this, but I honestly can't believe he's 13. Time goes by so fast!
I remember the emotions and feelings I had when I was pregnant with him as if it were yesterday. I had so much fear and worry, not for me, but for him. I wanted him to have the best possible life, and being in the situation I was in, I wasn't sure if I could give him what he needed, but I was one determined MAMA! Looking back at my life with him, I never had one regret. I watched many friends travel, finish school, get married, and never once did I wish I could be where they were. Of course I did realize I had a much harder road, but I liked being a mom. Even as young as I was, I I loved being with him and taking care of him. Working full time was the hardest part because I missed him so so much! I remember crying in my car on the way to work several times. Luckily, both of my loving grandparents took him one day a week, and on those days, I knew he was loved and well taken care of. I don't know if they'll ever know how thankful I was for that help during those hard days.
My mom was also a big supporter. I could have never done any of it without her. I am so thankful for the love she gave him and the help she gave us both.

These are him as a baby...and yes, I do have a picture overload of him, but I didn't start this blog until 2008 and that's ten years of memories and pictures that I didn't journal about him. He's my first born...there's something very special about your first born. I am very protective of him, even to this day. I'm sure there's a lot more to do with that than being my firstborn, but I do have an extra sensitive/protective side when it comes to Kaden. I think deep down, I still worry that I've done all that I can do.

We were a good team. We did everything together and he slept with me every night. I remember staring at him while he slept, hoping I was giving him a good life and that he felt plenty of love. He was my comfort in every way. He kept me strong, he kept me motivated. I don't know if I did the best job, but I do know I tried my hardest, and for the situation I was in, I feel like I did a darn good job. Of course looking back, I think of things I would have or could have done differently, but I've learned after having more kids, that I've even done that with them. I think a lot of people learn things with each child and what they'll will do differently the next time around.

We have a lot of memories together, we had a lot of fun times. Luckily I met Dan who was really good with kids and never cared to take him on lots of fun dates and trips, because dating...dating was hard. I didn't like doing it AT ALL. It was a good thing I met Dan when Kaden was a just a baby, but it took us four years to tie the knot. We were young, I had a baby, so dating was a bit of a struggle. Luckily it worked out and we were able to get married and start an even bigger family.

He was such a good baby and such a good boy. I seriously couldn't have asked for an easier baby and kid. So calm, so content, rarely whined, never tantrumed! Perfect! Well, and of course I thought he was the CUTEST baby ever!!
Now look how handsome he is....

Happy 13th Kaden!! You'll never know how much I love you!!

Camping Trips

2011-09-04T11:24:00.001-07:00

Dan went on a couple of camping trips last month. The first one was up to the Uintahs with Dan’s mom and a bunch of his family. He took Kaden with him. It was a really long 18 mile long hike up to Margo Lake so I didn’t think I’d be able to make it very well with the two little ones. Here are some pics Dan took with his phone…

Dan said it was a really tough hike, but that they all had a lot of fun. It was something his mom had wanted to do for a long time since it was “Margo Lake”.

The second trip was a boy’s trip that he took Porter on (Kaden had football). They went up to Trial Lake this time with all the boys in the family. They did some hiking and fishing. Porter was so excited to go. I was a little nervous, but it was good for him to spend some time with the boys.

First Day.

2011-09-04T09:48:00.000-07:00

First day of Junior High...

First Day of 1st grade...

Porter and I have been missing them during the day. I don't like them being gone, but they both seem to really be liking their schools.

2011-08-19T11:00:00.000-07:00

Cool new place in O-town...Kangaroo Zoo. A little pricey, but the kids loved it! I just got to sit at a table with friends and enjoy while they ran themselves tired for 3 hours.
I have been trying to enjoy the summer as much as possible. I've been living in a jobless life for a month now and I LOVE IT!! It feels great to have this uninterrupted time with the family. I find I have a hard time making decisions though, and keeping to any sort of schedule or routine, so it makes things sort of chaotic at times.
I do NOT want my kids to start school. That may sound weird, but I don't like them to be in school. I love the summer time!! This year will be particularly hard, because both Presley and Kaden will be gone all day. It's going to feel so weird to only have Porter. I think we will both have a hard time adjusting. I fear my that days of being home with the kids are slowly, yet surely coming to end before I know it. I don't think I will ever be ready for that.

Bear Lake

2011-08-05T13:21:00.000-07:00

We took a little trip up to Bear Lake last weekend (some of our good friends came one night too). It was a very nice, relaxing, mind clearing trip. Things don't always go as planned, but sometimes that makes it better...
The day we had planned to go to the beach, it was overcast, but we still found a little spot to have a picnic and the kids got in the water for a little while. Since they were getting too cold we went to a park that had an awesome swing (not really)...
...that I sat on for one second to see if it would hold me and then Dan (and Brandon) thought it would be funny to start pushing me and doing under dogs over and over and over again. I was helpless because my feet couldn't touch the ground and I was squealing embarrassingly too loud and laughing. Kaden thought he'd snap some pics while I was in my misery. The kids sure loved the swing though.
We found a really peaceful spot up a small canyon and we were right by a stream that the kids loved. We took a few hikes, got a shake and fries in the city, and also got rained in one night and watched movies in the trailer. It was really fun!! I love Bear Lake!

More Summer...

2011-08-03T12:45:00.000-07:00

Kaden went on an eight day Boy Scout camp up by Yellowstone. I was really nervous for him to go. Eight days sure seemed like a long time... Hiking, swimming in cold lakes, crossing rivers, and bears were all part of my worries. He came back safe and sound, although he was covered with hundreds of mosquito bites. I have never seen so many in my whole life. We missed him though...everyday and everywhere we went, we all would say, "I miss Kaden".

On Dan's birthday weekend, he decided to take us on a day trip up to Snowbird. I hadn't been there since I was little. I forgot how much fun it is up there. First of all, it's closer than I thought, and secondly, it is so pretty up there. They have so much to do too. We got a family pass which meant unlimited everything. I thought it was reasonable priced too (if you have a Happenings book it makes it even better). They had an Alpine Slide, Zipline, Bouncy Houses, Trampoline Bungees, and a Tram that went to the top of the mountain...all unlimited. The kids LOVED it!! We are sure going back next year. Especially since Kaden wasn't with us. It was bittersweet the whole time. I can't stand not having all 3 kids with me. I feel uneasy the whole time.
Happy Birthday Dan!! We love you tons and hope you had a fun birthday weekend!!

Summer...

2011-07-11T10:19:00.000-07:00

Founder's Day Parade/Salmon Bake
(Dan's cute Grandpa below)

Swimming/Biking..they can't get enough.

Aunt Jenny's BBQ and fireworks

Layne and Lisa's BBQ and fireworks-- they've taken me under their wings ;)

Willard Fair/Cherry Days

Phewww....I'm tired.

Birthday Boy

2011-07-02T17:24:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday!!!

Last week we celebrated my baby Porter's 4th Birthday. 2 and 3 still sounds young and toddlerish, but 4--I don't like 4. I have a growing boy now. I still need him to be my baby. He is loving to play outside, do anything that involves super heroes, go swimming, ride his bikes and scooters, and still loves to crawl in bed with mama and his silky. He'll always be my baby.

I love you Porter.

Randomness.

2011-06-10T12:25:00.000-07:00

This last month or so, I've had a few good-byes...

I love Oprah! I've watched her for years. She has done a lot of amazing things in this world. I would love to be able to help people the way she has and I am sad to no longer see her show.
This is me in Vegas a couple of years ago...I guess this is the closest I'll ever get.
Good-bye Oprah
I also had to say good bye to the one who made me laugh..Good bye Michael Scott. The show will never be the same without you. You gave Dan and I many laughs.
I also said good-bye to The Greenery...

I made some wonderful friends and we have many memories. This job helped me in so many ways so that I could be with my kids as much as possible. It can be a hard job, but it helped to go to work with great friends, a lot of them moms like me or struggling to finish school. I will miss working with them and I hope to stay friends for a long time.
I got a new job so we can finally have insurance (YAY!). I still work nights so that the kids are always with Dan or I. It was hard a decision, but one I felt was time to make. I hope to still finish school, but I'm taking it all one day at a time, trying to enjoy my time with the kids, because they are growing so fast. I'm so sad to think of the day when they will no longer be at home with me in the days. Life is torture...and this picture (below) is torture. I can already feel why some people say that the best years of their lives were when they were newly married, had young kids, and were struggling to pay the bills. At the time it seemed so hard and even now of course there are hard times, but why is it that everything in hindsight seems so different...I remember only the good, and I'm glad. That's the way it should be. The hard times makes me appreciate even more, everything I have been blessed to have. I wish I could go back in time because I miss this... I just want to hold this girl and this is why I'm trying to enjoy each and every stage of my life and their life.

Dan and I celebrated our 8th Anniversary. We've been together for 12 years. We went to Park City for a much needed night out. We get so caught up in day to day life and stresses, and I don't even realize what I'm missing until I take a step out of the real world. We enjoyed being together, doing whatever we wanted...eating, relaxing, and shopping. We also laughed and joked tons... I miss that. We'll for sure be doing that trip again. I could say a million things about how I feel about him, but words cannot perfectly describe him and how I feel about our kids and the life we've made together. I try over and over in this blog, but I never feel quite satisfied with my words. He is a great husband and father, very loving and caring to all around him. I love to think of all the years we've been together and everything we've experienced. I'm proud to be his wife and I'm proud that he is the father of my kids. Watching him with the kids melts me.
I love you babe, still more and more every day:)
...I look forward to many more memories.

I also have a new baby cousin!! This is my cousin Kelly and his pretty wife Katie. They just had a baby girl--Adison. She is so darling. They will be great parents. It's cute to see them with her.

I am looking forward to this summer and spending time with the kids. I like when they don't have school. I want to do as much as we can... if the darn rain would go away. At least we got a rainbow...

Kaden's first black eye...him and his friend hit heads while playing basketball. I think he enjoyed his battle wound though..boys :)

Lagoon

2011-05-08T11:03:00.000-07:00

We decided to save for some Lagoon passes this summer...we are excited to use them. We went on a perfect spring day with no lines, but I know it won't stay like that for long. The kids will have a blast this summer and I love going in the fall during the Halloween season. :)

Easter

2011-05-06T11:23:00.000-07:00

Coloring eggs...

Easter morning...

Easter egg hunt...

Spring pictures...

2011-04-19T08:18:00.000-07:00

What does a girl want for her birthday....

Some girl time with her bestest friends...
My friend Kristi made Ashley and I a birthday dinner and we realized on this night that we had been friends 20 years!! Wow. I've known my friends Ashley and Mary Ann since preschool, so 28 years! We have sooo many memories and I love them all so much. They know me so well and we all love and support each other through everything.

An Ikea Day!!
I love that store, but it takes so long to get through it. The kids were good about me dragging them along for my birthday.
A big family dinner and some yummy cake made by my Aunt Lisa...
My birthday buddy Taylor..
Some cute pics of the kids watching a scary movie...
Oops...

What a naughty mommy..

The Good Life.

2011-04-08T12:18:00.000-07:00

"When the rain is blowing in your face, and the whole world is on your case..

I could offer you a warm embrace, to make you feel my love.

When the evening shadows and the stars appear and there is no one there to dry your tears..

...I could hold you for a million years, to make you feel my love.

I know you haven't mind your mind up yet, but I would never do you wrong.

I've known it from the moment that we met, there's no doubt in my mind where you belong.

I'd go hungry, I'd go black and blue, I'd go crawling down the avenues...

..there ain't nothing that I wouldn't do, to make you feel my love.

...to make you feel my love."

~~~ "Never knew I could feel like this...
...like I've never seen the skies before.
I want to vanish inside your kiss.

Everyday I love you more and more.

Listen to my heart, can you hear it say...

...telling me to give you everything!

Seasons may change, winter to spring...
...but I love you...

..till the end of time.

Come what may, come what may...

I will love you until my dying day.

Suddenly the world seems such a perfect place...
...suddenly it moves with a such perfect grace.
Suddenly my life doesn't seem such a waste.
It all revolves around you.
...and there's no mountain too high, no river too wide.
Sing out this song and I'll be there by your side.
Storm clouds may gather and storm may collide, but I love you...
I love you, until the end of time. Come what may."

Every year when a birthday comes around I tend to think of where I'm at in life, or where I want to be. All my life, I imagined being a wife and a mom, that's what I always wanted.. more than anything. The world might tear me down and make me feel like I'm somehow not living up to certain expectations, but I'm where I want right now. I know who I am and the kind of person I want to be. I always want to continue to be a good person, mother, wife, daughter, sister and friend in anyway possible. I also want to continue to grow as a person, a never ending growth---learning from everyone around me, and hopefully giving a piece of myself to others. Maybe I'll gain some wisdom along the way, maybe I'll learn to love me, to not be afraid of the person I am.
I have traditions, memories and beliefs from my past I keep within me always, as well as pain and misconceptions of life that I'm trying to heal, grow and learn from. Trying not to think of how things could have been, but living in each moment... the way it should have been. We all have a reason to be who we are, I'm not sure I've quite figured out my full purpose in life or why I tend to think so deeply about life, possibly too deeply--always worrying about this or that, contemplating, questioning, wondering. What I do know is that I'm so thankful and humbled that I have so many precious things in my life to get me through this tough world. That's the purpose of this post. I've been feeling so much love for Dan and my kids, they are my comfort in every way. They are what I've always wanted above all else...

ME :) --- "I am the luckiest."

"When I was a little girl, alone in my little world, who dreamed of a little home for me. I played pretend between the trees and built my house with sparkle leaves and laughed in my pretty bed of green. I had a dream ,that I could fly from the highest swing, I had dream. Long walks in the dark, through woods grown behind the park, I asked God who I'm supposed to be...the stars smiled down on me, God answered in silent revelry, I said a pray and fell asleep. I had a dream, that I could fly from the highest tree, I had a dream. Now, I'm old and feeling gray, I don't know what's left to say about this life.I've lived it full, I've lived it well, as many tells I'll live to tell, I'm ready now, I'm ready now, to fly from the highest tree...I had a dream."

More adventures....to be continued.

2011-04-03T15:13:00.000-07:00

Dan's sister Diana was married last week. We are all very happy for her. Ivan is a very nice, great guy for her and she has been waiting a long time to be married. We've seen her cry many tears and I'm glad she can now start her family that she has always wanted.

Di and Ivan (Divan)

Dan's siblings from youngest to oldest - Katie, Jake, Sam, Laura, Sarah, Dan, Tom, Diana, Jenny

Of course I had to take some pics of my handsome children :)

Spring??

2011-03-29T09:00:00.000-07:00

Springtime is slowly coming...
My kids have asked countless time this winter to go to the park. We finally got a warm day last week and they couldn't get there quick enough. Do you wanna know how long it took until they said "I wanna go home"...
10 minutes!!! WTH?? I was actually the one telling them we had to stay longer. I don't get it.

Happy Green Patrick's Day!!

2011-03-21T10:15:00.000-07:00

I usually don't do much for St. Patrick's day, but this year I tried to make it fun for the kids. All day they kept yelling "Happy Green Patrick's Day!"

I made them green breakfast..
They had green lunch with their friends (these are my friend Anjie's kids- Raegan and Ryland. We've been trading play dates for a few years. I've known her since we lived in our old house and we've remained friends..our kids loving playing together and Anjie and I get to sneak in some good talks about life)
They got to make green cupcakes..
This is Anjie's daughter Aubryn. They've been friends since birth. They are only a month apart..I didn't realize how short Presley was until this pic--she must have gotten the Smith genes ;).

Scrapbook Hurray!!

2011-03-21T09:17:00.000-07:00

My sister-in-law Jenny (Dan's sister) has been having scrapbook parties for a lot of years. She always names them funny names, like a "Hurray", "Zippidee do dah" or a "Kookamonga". If it weren't for her, I wouldn't have any scrapping done. Jenny sets up her basement with tables for all the girl's to set up their stuff and we stay there from Friday to Sunday scrapping away. Jenny makes us delicious food, she gives prizes, and we all have a lot of fun. The kids come to most of them. They love playing with kids, toys, and probably most of all, getting in the hot tub. It's so cute to see how excited they get. I love doing it TONS, I just don't have a spot in my house to have it out and work on it. I'm years behind, but that's ok, I know someday I'll have plenty of time to finish them.

No one would smile for me, so these are the shots we get...

The kids love to hot tub!!
Presley has scrap booked the last couple of times. She loves it and it's so cute to watcher her do it and to look at her pages. She is actually really good at it for how young she is. She tries to match the paper and stickers to her photos. She loves it.

Kaden's Basketball

2011-03-21T09:06:00.000-07:00

Kaden just got done with his basketball season...he is loving it more and more every year. He practices really hard at it and is very dedicated. He had so much improvement this year. He is very calm and meticulous about his moves, no more being nervous of frantic. I was really proud. I just want him to have fun.. I'm glad Kaden always likes it no matter what. He is such a good sport about everything.
(I unfortunately don't have any pics of him playing because we hadn't bought our new camera yet. The cell phone doesn't work too well for action shots)

Sledding

2011-03-10T09:22:00.000-08:00

We took the kids sledding a couple a weeks ago. They loved it! Porter had never been, so he was a little scared. He would only go with Dan or I. Presley cruised down over and over.. no fear. Me, Dan and Kaden also did a little snowboarding. Kaden did really good.

(Pics taken with phone, still waiting on new camera. It should be here anyday now)

Dreary days

2011-02-24T08:27:00.000-08:00

I'm needing sun, trees, flowers, mountains, parks, swimming pools, bbqs, zeppes, camping, beaches, hiking, picnics, late night ice cream runs, kids playing in the yard...anything besides this dreary winter. Anyone want to move to St. George with us??? California??? If it weren't for family we'd move in a heartbeat, we really would, so who wants to come?? Every winter seems to drag on more and more every year, maybe it's because my kids are getting older, so I feel I could be out doing more with them.
Winters are too long here, summers too short. I love a change of season, don't get me wrong, but 6 months of winter, come on!! There's only so many things I can think of to keep busy in the winter and most of them cost money, which in turn means-- we're home quite often. I tend to make rash decisions in the winters, so if we announce we're off to St. George, don't be surprised. We'll still be close enough to visit often ;) ... and also close enough for everyone to visit us ;). I told Dan to look into some Home Depot jobs elsewhere...I figured he thought I'd gone crazy, but then I heard him tell his brother he wants to go to St. George. Hmmmm??
I just want some adventures that's all, hence the "Adventure Book". If you've seen "Up", you know why I named my blog that. I love that movie. I cry every time. I just want to be with my family, no matter where we are, even if it means I have to live through these dreary winters.
I need change, I like change..as in moving furniture, as in new haircut, as in new vacations, as in new town???
Now ya'll don't faint, cuz there ain't no paint, so I'm not gonna paint no more. I'm sure we'll be in Ogden forever.
(Wow, this post turned out to be very random)

2011-02-16T09:05:00.000-08:00

Happy (late) Love Day xoxoxoxox
I had to work on Valentine's, but that afternoon I took the kids to eat and then we made cookies. I got them a little gift and kissed them before I was off to a busy night at work...
I am feeling much love for this...

and this...
and this..
and also this...we got to got on a little date last Saturday
I'm also feeling very thankful for my niece Skylar who was hit by a car last week. She broke her leg and had to have surgery, but I'm very happy she is now home and starting to heal.. I love you Skylar
Much love and sympathy goes out to one of my great friends who just recently lost her twin baby girls at 4 1/2 months pregnant. I hope she can soon find peace and I wish I had the words to help her feel better.

Thank you to all of my family for the yummy Valentine treats...I'm thankful for you all. I love you all!! xoxoxoxoxo

2011-01-22T17:19:00.000-08:00

Well, I broke my camera, so I have sadly been living without one since New Years. I dropped it while trying to take some fun midnight pics. Not a very good way to start out the new year. It was the nicest camera we've ever bought, so our next one will probably be a cheapy from Walmart.
We've all been keeping busy so far this year. I applied for the nursing program, but I am not taking any classes right now. I had to take a much needed break, and while I realize how important school is, spending quality time with my young kids is more important to me. I did what I felt was best for my family at this time. Now we'll just wait to see if I get in the program and make some more decisions from there. For now I am just enjoying my family in every way I can. This all stems from my New Year resolution. I always set very high, unrealistic resolutions and goals for myself which inevitably leads to disappointment. I decided I really need to stop doing that and "Just Be", that's my only resolution to "Just Be" - meaning to live in each moment, not worrying about the future and to be content with all that I have. Well, and of course to lose weight but when is that ever not a resolution.
We finally finished our basement--YAAAAYYY!!! We've been working on it for 2 years-no joke. We had to do a little at a time, but now all the kids have their own rooms and we are having lots of fun decorating and moving furniture (pics to come). Now all I need is a big gift card to Target to buy all the cute things I want/need to complete their rooms. I also have lots of craft ideas which maybe now I'll actually have time to do. I think they are happy to have their own spaces. There have been a lot of shut doors with music playing. Kaden and Presley are really liking it.
Kaden is busy with school, basketball, and scouts. Presley is loving kindergarten, coloring, practicing her letters, and having playdates with friends. Mr. Porter has turned into a little homebody. He wants nothing more than to just be home with his momma, which I don't mind, he is still my baby after all.
I'm having some major spring fever, but I'm also looking forward to Valentines. I love Valentines!!! I'm feeling happy, content and peaceful.

Merry Christmas!!

2010-12-28T16:09:00.000-08:00

Christmas...
I was wondering Christmas night if my kids get that dreamy Christmas feeling I got when I was little. I have a lot of responsibility being the one to put it all together for my kids, hoping that I can make it just as good as my mom and dad made my mine. I remember looking out my window late at night when I couldn't sleep, loving to see the empty streets, picturing everyone warm and cozy in their house waiting for Santa to come. I still like to look out my window to see the empty streets, thinking about how this is the one time of year where chances are, most people are home with their families, although now as an adult the dreaminess isn't quite like it used to be because now I know there are people suffering, that there is great sadness from loss, that there are children who don't get a Christmas, and that there are doctors, cops, firemen, and men at war that don't get to be with their family. It makes me sad and yet very thankful that I am so blessed.

On Christmas Eve we went to visit my grandma and grandpa -- Pop and Betty. I think I've gone there every Xmas eve since I was little. I love to see them and all of my cousins that I don't get see very often anymore. I used to ride the little train they would get out, and now my kids get to ride it. My grandma and grandpa are very loving and I'm so thankful that I've had them in my life and now they are in my children's life...

I think I posted this last year, but this is the picture of me on the same train when I was little.

On Christmas eve, I'm so tired from all the festivities and getting the presents all set up, but I still don't sleep very well because I'm so excited to see the kids open their presents...

I love being with my family for the holidays...

Our annual Xmas pic with my cousins Stacey and Katie
My mom and Aunt Lisa
My grandparents, mom and uncles
With my cousins and spouses

2010-12-26T22:05:00.000-08:00

Just Dance...

...need I say more.

2010-12-26T21:54:00.000-08:00

Porter decided to give himself a haircut..

...luckily I was able to blend it in even though he cut a huge short chunk out of his bangs. When it's combed you can't tell, but when it's not combed it looks pretty jagged. I think he looks pretty handsome with a haircut. I was debating cutting it anyways, so I guess it was meant to be. I just didn't want to lose those blond curls. It was killing me to buzz them off.

2010-12-23T23:28:00.001-08:00

Presley just turned 6! Even though her birthday is right before Christmas, she still gets a lot of fun parties. She got one on the Smith side, my mom's side and at my dad's. On her birthday we took her to see Tangled (darling movie by the way). I sure do love this girl. She is starting to seem more grown up. She is very smart, beautiful, creative, shy, flexible, caring, sensitive and loving (and has the cutest giggle). She loves to color and do crafts. That alone keeps her entertained most of her days, but she also loves barbies, dress ups, play dates, dolls, parks, and having mommy time. Every night when I tuck her in (or when I leave for work) she says, "I love you to my heart, forever ever and ever to the stars, I love you, I love you..." as many times as she can until I am out of sight.

We went with my family to Chili's then over to my mom's for presents and cake..
This is in the same spot on her first birthday...so cute!

Birthday party at Grandma Margo's with her December birthday crew...
Birthday at my Dad's...
Birthday at home...

What a lucky girl who has lots of people who love her!!!

Grandpa's House

2010-12-23T14:29:00.000-08:00

Every year we go to my dad's the Sunday before Christmas to have a nice dinner, exchange presents and hang out. It's nice to have that night and not need to worry about getting anywhere else (like on Christmas day). We also usually do a little birthday celebration for Presley. Here are a few pics from my dad's...

Festival of the Trees

2010-12-22T10:52:00.000-08:00

Festival of the trees... our yearly tradition with the Smith family. The kids love the crafts, I love the caramel apples, and we all love going to eat at Sweet Tomatoes after a long day.

Thanksgiving in Montana

2010-12-07T09:43:00.001-08:00

This Thanksgiving we had planned a trip to go stay with my brother Kyle who lives in Bozeman...little did we know that there would be a huge storm the whole way up there. Just our luck. How often do we have a huge snow storm in November?? We still braved the snow though. We drove to Idaho Falls and stayed in a hotel and let the kids swim and get we all got in the hot tub which felt amazing after driving in snow all day. The next morning we finished our drive to Bozeman...

It was a very pretty drive up through Yellowstone. Very dreamy actually, these pictures don't do it justice.

The feast is ready...we made it all ourselves. We even deep fried a turkey

Little Kyia helped her momma make some yummy rolls
Time to play in the snow
We ate at a yummy chicken wings place. Kaden had fun playing with their interactive game system that asks trivia questions. You play against other people in the restaurant.
Darling Keason and Kyia
Cute Kyle and Keelee (they let us stay at their house the whole time). It was a lot of fun for the kids and we stayed up late playing Apples to Apples. It got quite competitive.
We went to a cool museum one of the days. It had fun stuff for the kids.

The last night we went out to eat at another cool place on main street. We did a lot of eating this trip, I think I gained 10 pounds in a week.
I love you guys... I miss both of my brothers and their families all the time.

Funny things....

2010-11-05T21:50:00.000-07:00

--One night when it was really windy and rainy Presley woke me up tons because she was scared, so the next night when I put her to bed, I asked her to try and just fall back asleep if she got scared because my room is right next and door and nothing bad will happen. She said ok, but then a couple seconds later she says..."Well mom, a girls gotta do, what a girls gotta do". I looked at her and we both started laughing. I'm not quite sure where she got that one.

--Porter tries to use big words sometimes and it's so cute, one night he said two different things. One was when dinner was ready and he yelled to the kids, "Um, guys, in fact, our dinner is ready". Later he found a paper hat that had been ripped, and he says to me, "Mom, look I found this hat and coursally it's ripped". I think he was either looking for the word actually or of course, so he came up with coursally.

Halloween fun!

2010-10-31T16:53:00.000-07:00

I love October, fall, and Halloween. Here is some of our Halloween fun...

Pumpkinaze:

Presley was a little frightened at first in the corn maze
Porter loved the tub of corn the most
The kids loved the slide...they could have gone on it all night if I let them
Do you like my paint job?... not too bad I thought ; )

Porter loves dressing up. He wanted every costume we ever saw.
He's too cute to be a nerd.

I love my yearly Halloween pic!!
Since I was a little, it's been a tradition in my family to get together halloween night to have chilli and lots of yummy food, then all the cousins go out trick or treating together. The kids have a lots of fun and I really look forward to it too.

Fall pics...

2010-10-17T11:55:00.000-07:00

We took these pics just for fun up Logan Canyon...we went with my cousin Stacey and her little boy Easton to eat at the Blue Bird and stopped for some pretty pictures. The leaves weren't as changed as I like...maybe we'll try again.

My little baller...

2010-09-21T21:51:00.001-07:00

Kaden is playing his first year of football and he loves it!! He is doing really good. He has practice Mon-Fri and his games are early Saturday mornings. It takes a lot of sacrifice from the whole family. I don't really like the competitiveness of sports (I have some not so good memories of my sport playing years), but I do like the exercise and the learning experiencing for him, and since he enjoys it, I feel I need to let him do it. For some reason he looks so grown up in his football gear. It makes me sad, but proud at the same time. He is a very good sport about everything.

Porter's 1st day of preschool

2010-09-09T09:28:00.000-07:00

Porter's first day of preschool. He was so excited!!
Porter is only 3, but I decided to enroll him in preschool(just 2 days a week). Last year when I took Presley to preschool, he would cry saying he wanted to go to class too. I knew with her being in kindergarten that he would be sad again. Even though I hate paying for it, and I sure miss him, it will give me just a few hours a week to study which will hopefully make things a bit easier for me with my school.
My kids are getting too big too fast. He seemed like a little man when I took him to school.

Presley's first day of school....

2010-09-03T08:43:00.000-07:00

Presley started kindergarten on Aug 22nd at the new Maria Montessori Academy. She loves it! She didn't even cry on her first day, which is very unusual. It's a very nice school with wonderful teachers and I'm glad that I have the opportunity to take my kids there.

Kaden's 12th Bday

2010-09-01T12:20:00.000-07:00

How did he go from this? .....

to this...
...then to this...
...and now to this in what seems like only a few months. I do not like how fast time goes by.
Only one more year and he will be a teenager. I can't believe it!

We celebrated with family the Saturday before his birthday, but this was actually his real birthday. It was his first of school and he had football practice, so in between those 2 things we took him for a game of bowling.

This was his first day of school/birthday (poor kid)

2010-08-26T12:55:00.000-07:00

These are some cute pics of my cousin Stacey's little boy Easton. I call him my nephew though. He just turned 2 (this was his birthday party at the Splash Pad) and he is sure a cute thing. He loves playing with the kids. Porter and Easton will be great friends!!

2010-08-20T23:06:00.000-07:00

I miss....

Sleep...what's that??

2010-08-11T11:50:00.000-07:00

This is what I've been sleeping with for quite a long time...I'm not quite sure how it ended up like this (not really), but how can I resist a tired, scared baby that wants to crawl in bed with me. I'm not the best at getting my kids to sleep in their own beds. I always start out with great determination which at first turns out very well, but one thing leads to another and before I know it, I'm sleeping on the edge of my bed again.
People laugh at my sleeping situation, but here is how it all came to be:

Kaden- slept in his crib maybe 3 times in his whole life. I let him and wanted him to sleep with him. I wasn't married, so I didn't mind. In fact, for me, it was more time for be to be with him. I loved sleeping with him. I remember many nights staring at him, watching him sleep, listening to him breathe, hoping that I was giving him a happy life. The only draw back was that every nap time and every night I had to lay with him until he fell asleep. He slept with me until he was about 5, then after Dan and I got married, we got him his own bed, and he was ready! He still came in bed with me every now and then, but the transition went pretty well.

Presley- I was determined to have her sleep in her crib without having to lay with her or be with her. I actually did it. At about 6 months old, I was able to put her in her crib (albeit, it was with a bottle and binkie) and she would fall right asleep. Only draw back with this, was she could not sleep anywhere else. When I went camping or on any trips, it was hell. She could not sleep without her crib. She starting sleeping with me when she got older after I took her crib away, she has been sleeping with me ever since.

Porter - slept in his crib really well, but had to nurse to fall asleep and if he woke up at night, he couldn't go back to sleep unless he nursed. Same thing happened to Porter when I got him his big boy be - he wanted to sleep with me, so that's how I've ended up with Presley and Porter in my bed. I probably give into all my babies and kids too easily, but they are only young once and I know they will eventually sleep in their own beds. I like that they find comfort in knowing they can crawl in bed with me. So where is Dan in all this....in the bunk bed with Kaden, lol. Don't feel too bad though. It's a full size bed and he actually likes sleeping there because he gets a better night's sleep. Unlike me, who honestly thinks it's been since before Kaden was born that I slept through the night. I think my body and brain are so used to waking up all night that now, even if my kids don't ever wake up, I still wake up when the wind blows. Seriously, I think I may be the world's lightest sleeper. It's not good...I never get decent sleep, I wake up over 20 times a night. I don't dare to take sleeping pills, but I also wonder the health risks I'm facing from never getting good sleep, so that's what happens I guess. Hopefully as the kids get older my body can start to sleep more peacefully.

UPDATE: Since these pictures were taken (which by the way were taken in the middle of the night when I couldn't sleep from being squished), I decided I had to get them in their own beds. It was wearing on me. I am happy to say, Presley has been her bunk bed with Kaden for over a week and Porter has also been sleeping in his bed. There was only one night of protests and now they both sleep in their beds all night!! Dan is also back in bed with me. Bad news though, I still can't sleep. Now I'm trying to get used to sleeping with Dan. The first 4 year of our marriage he worked graveyards, then he slept in the bunk, so honestly, this is the first we've slept in the same bed for more than a week. Plus, now I have to wake up to about 4 different alarms at 5 am when he goes to work. I can't win. Geeesh! Now I know why old people end up in seperate beds.

More Summer Fun...

2010-08-04T09:33:00.001-07:00

Front runner trip to Salt Lake. Porter loved it. He stared out the window the whole time.
We did this before my brother got here, so we'll probably go again, because it's a fun little day trip for the kids

Getting wet at the Gateway fountains

Willard Bay
Fireworks at my mom's house

Porter and Keason
More of this sweet thing I've been enjoying tremendously!
Kaden and Kobe
Presley and Kiya
Presley and Skylar

Boondocks

Sadie's blessing. What a cute family! I love them! I'm going to be extra sad when they leave this time.
Tim Mcgraw/Lady A concert with some great friends!!

Far from home...now close to home

2010-07-26T03:32:00.001-07:00

They have arrived...

...and I am completely in love
with Sadie! She immediately melted my heart.

Kobe (in black) looking so much older.
Sweetheart Skylar

More to come....

Late night babble

2010-07-26T02:57:00.000-07:00

Up late, mind wondering...thinking of life, thinking of how beautiful and wonderful life can be. Thinking of things I need to forgive, thinking of ways to let go of hurtful words... focus on positive, wishing more people would see the positive in everyone...thinking I should start meditating, start letting go of past choices, start focusing on today, not worrying about tomorrow....needing to stop thinking of all the what if's...stop stressing about money, about what people think of me, or my life, my choices, my mothering, my anything...hoping/wishing people will see the kindness I try to give and how hard I try to do the right things, to teach the right things...I should do more crafts with my kids, stop cleaning so much, eat less, exercise more...be as kind to my kids and husband as I am to strangers at work who could care less about me...I should pamper myself more, get my toenails done, buy a cute shirt...read more, believe more, be more spiritual...Stop being so hard on myself!!!.. find my younger, more innocent thinking self again... and then maybe, just maybe I can sleep like all my children are sleeping right now...
This post could possibly go on and on.
...thinking I should think back to that meditation thing again to clear all this darn thinking from my brain.

Listen to my song at the bottom, "The Luckiest". If anyone I love is reading this, just listen to this song, because what it all comes down to is that I may not be perfect, but I'm sure lucky... I love ALL of my family including my extended family and friends, because I have a lot of friends who are like family to me.

2010-07-14T10:40:00.000-07:00

On July 2nd and 3rd we stayed over at Dan's sister who lives in Riverton. The kids have a great time playing out there! We go to the fair and have a big bbq with fireworks.

My summer kiddos!
I love this pic!

This was on the 4th of July at my Uncle Layne's house. We went over there for snacks and fireworks. I couldn't believe the wonderful, cool weather we had all weekend. We even had to put on jackets that night.

Dan and Layne being goofy with giant sparklers ...

Kaden with his cousins
yay!

Reception

2010-07-13T12:32:00.000-07:00

...Here are some pics from Jake and Cassey's reception, which was a week after the wedding. They had it at Tracy Aviary in Salt Lake. It was really pretty!

Jake and Cassey xoxoxo

2010-07-13T12:16:00.000-07:00

Last week we celebrated my brother-in-law's wedding. Jake is Dan's youngest brother. They were married in the Ogden Temple. We met all the family and friends there for pictures, then they had a really cute picnic at Oaklawn Park in North Ogden. They are really cute together. They've been dating a long time, so I was happy they got married because I really like Cassey. I'm glad she is part of the family.

Porter's 3rd Birthday

2010-06-30T10:53:00.000-07:00

My baby is now 3! sniffle..sniffle...bout time for another one. Just kidding. Really. I just can't believe he is 3. Time goes by so fast. He is such a darling little boy, I can't even stand it. I stare at him all the time because he is so dang cute. I love the way he talks. I love his little arms and neck and that he still has his blond baby fuzz on his body. He is my little sweetheart.
For his birthday we went to Toy Story 3. Great movie by the way. Dan and I cried at the end. After the movie we took him over to eat at the the Pizza Factory with all of my family, then to my house for cake and ice cream. He got some Toy Story stuff for his birthday, along with a scooter, a truck, motorcycle and a Handy Manny truck.

This is how he shows that he is 3. I like it!
On a ride at Fat Cats
Opening presents with Kaden and Presley

Taking off on his new scooter

Here's my baby growing up way too fast...

Yes, I am proud to show off my big belly!! (this was taken the week before he was born)

First family pic
Just a few days old. Oh my gosh, looking at this pictures drives me crazy. If I could just have one day with that little babe to kiss on those lips and smell his neck!

1st Birthday

2nd Birthday

3rd Birthday

Grandma's 80th

2010-06-30T10:32:00.000-07:00

Last week was my Grandma Betty's 80th birthday. My Aunt Nancy and cousin Zara gave her a nice birthday party in their beautiful yard.
I love my Grandma. I have a lot of wonderful memories with her. When I was little I loved going to her house for Teddy Bear parties, picking raspberries, picking roses, making sticker books, playing with her tea sets, having some of her canned pears with shredded cheese, playing on the train, watching slide shows, making skits with the cousins, and going on walks. I really could go on and on. I have so many memories at Grandma's house.
When I had Kaden, she supported me and helped me out so much. Words cannot express how happy it made me that Kaden got to spend Thursdays with them while I worked. The mornings I knew Kaden was going to their house instead of the babysitters were the only mornings I didn't cry after dropping him off. Plus Kaden will always have those memories. They helped me out during a hard time.
Love you Grandma!!! Happy 80th!

2010-06-24T13:51:00.000-07:00

Fellow bloggers,
I do not understand this new design thing on blogspot. It has been taking me forever to get my page how I how it before. With this new system, I can't figure it out. I can't even figure out how to get my own background on it. When I try to do it like always have, it puts it only on the side in a small square. The background on it now is a blogspot template.
....just when I thought I had figured this whole website out, they change it. :(

2010-06-09T14:40:00.001-07:00

On June 5th (last Saturday when we were at the Dunes) it was mine and Dan's 7 year anniversary. We haven't got a chance to celebrate it yet...hopefully this weekend. Dan and I started dating in May of 99, so we've been together 11 years, married 7.
It's true what they all say... I love him more now than ever. We grow together, we learn from each other, we see the best and the worst of each other, we laugh, we cry, we argue, we make up, we experience being parents together, we travel, we stress about bills together, we worry about life, we have fun with life, and most of all we love each other no matter what. No matter how tough it can be. We are a family, and I look forward to many more years with Dan.

These next two pics are the first pics taken of Dan and I when we first started dating (that I can remember).

Here are just a few more dating pics, I have tons more from through out the years.

I've always really liked this picture. I love how Kaden is looking up at us. To me, this picture encompasses our whole dating era. It was my years of first being a mom and my years of experiencing being in love. Of course I had times that were hard, but I look back at all my memories of us 3 as so fun and wonderful. I will never forget those days. I'm so thankful for those memories.

Look at darling baby Kaden trying to sing with Dan

Dunes 2010

2010-06-09T14:04:00.000-07:00

Jericho days....
Here are a few pics from the latest dune trip. I'm not a huge fan. I would rather go camping somewhere else, but I try to be a good sport about it for the family. Everytime I go I'm nervous my kids are going to get hurt, and this time my poor baby Porter did get hurt. Dan was taking a picture of him on the 3 wheeler (it was not running) and Porter fell off and hit his cheek on the foot pedal. I was at the campsite and when Dan brought him back to me with blood all over, my first thought was that they rolled. We cleaned it and tried to butterfly the cut, but after much thought and debate, I decided to take him to the Nephi ER so that they could clean it and glue it. I did not want to risk infection or having it scar badly on his cute little face. As it stands now, I don't think it will scar and if it does it will probably just be a faint line. I'm just glad it didn't hit his eye. I hate how fragile and vulnerable little kids are. It's a constant worry.
My kids love the dunes. Especially Kaden. He has grown up going there. I didn't even get any pictures of Kaden this trip because everytime I had the camera out Kaden was gone having fun with his cousins. He has tons though from other trips.

This was actually the next day after getting it glued. It looked much better after they glued it. He is still looking pretty beat up though...poor baby. Dan felt so bad (he cried).

Dads and Dinosaurs

2010-05-26T14:33:00.000-07:00

Dan went with Presley on a daddy/daugther field trip to the Dinosaur Park. It was raining and Dan said all the whole class left after just 5 min, but Dan stuck it through...good job babe!

Kaden's soccer

2010-05-26T14:27:00.000-07:00

Kaden has been playing soccer on and off since he was little. I think this will be his last year, he didn't like it too much. I think his true love is basketball. Here are a few pics from a game this year.

Preschool grad!

2010-05-26T14:12:00.000-07:00

Presley loves school. I can't believe she'll be in kindergarten next year, but I know she'll love it. She is very shy in the beginning when she starts school, but after just a couple weeks, she loves it. Last year's teacher named her the "classroom sweetheart", and this year's teacher said she has a contagious laughter.

She actually did really well in the performance. She usually will never sing and cries if I try to make her. She did it for the first time. It nice to see some progress with her shyness.

California Trip

2010-05-05T08:52:00.000-07:00

We had a great trip to California last week. We had waited a long time for a trip like this. The kids were at perfect ages. It was well worth sacrificing a sprinkler system in place of a pricless vacation with the family. We have memories that I will never forget. Not only do I love the obvious things about trips like the amuzement parks and cool things to see-- I also love the driving (if the kids are being good) and seeing all the different cities, the eating out of course, the small things like stopping to get slurpees at a 7 eleven after a long day and taking them back to the hotel and hanging out. I loved the little moments when I was alone walking with sleeping Porter, just enjoying the scenery and calmness. I love seeing the kids so happy. I love seeing them experience and see new things. I love everything.

I took tons of pics, so **Warning** this is a long post with tons of pictures. I wanted to journal it well for our family. I actually have tons more pictures that I didn't post, but there was no way I could post close to 300 pictures ;).

Day 1 - Driving to Vegas
The drive to Vegas went really well. We had snacks, books, coloring books, a DVD player, etc...We also stopped to eat and to get some cheese and ice cream in Beaver. Porter slept from Beaver to Vegas which was nice. Presley only slept about 20 min. She did good though. It was funny because I don't think she realized just how far we had to drive. Ten minutes into the drive she asked, "are we there yet?". Dan and I just looked at each other and laughed.
That night at Vegas we went to dinner then to Fremont street to look at the lights. It was a little too late to be out with the kids. They were too tired and there were too many crazies out, so we didn't stay out long.

Our first dinner out..we had to take pictures because it was when we first got to Vegas..we were excited to be starting our trip.

Fremont Street
Tired babies
Always happy Kaden
Day 2 - Las Vegas

Kids swimming at the hotel. They seriously would have been happy to swim everyday of the trip. They loved it. Presley kept asking everyday if we could go swimming, but in Caliornia it was too cold to swim.

Fountains at Bellgio
Ceasar's Palace
Dan and Kaden went to a famous pawn shop called Gold and Silver Pawn. I guess it has a show on history channel that they watch together, so they were excited to see it.
Volcano at Mirage
Aquarium at Ceasar's Palace

Day 3 & 4 - Disneyland
The weather was perfect..although I thought it would be warmer and I had brought mainly shorts for the kids. Luckily I had brought a couple pairs of pants and some jackets. It was sunny, but there was a chilly wind. The lines were great. We either got right on or only had to wait 5 to 10 minutes.
I absolutely loved it. The whole time I kept getting overwhelmed with how happy I was to be there. It really is the most magical place on earth. It's magical to see how happy and excited the kids get. They saw and experienced things they probably could never imagine seeing. We already want to go back again next year. We didn't get enough. They are such good ages, so I really want to do it again soon!!

Presley really thought she was driving and actually got really nervous because she thought she was going to drive off the track
Porter on his galactic mission
I think I was a mission too.
Buzz Lightyear pic with the boys

On Pirates of the Caribean
Jungle adventure
Porter kept saying he wanted to see the "White Princess"
I got Mickey ear hats for the kids with their names sewn in the back. (Kaden just wanted a regular hat)

Small World

Presley with all the princesses..she was so happy!

Day 4 - California Adventure
Perfect weather, perfect lines!

The fam on the Lady Bug ride in the Bug's life area. They love Bug's Life.
Another Bug's Life ride

Bug's Life 4D movie. I loved this!
Porter was chasing Handy Manny down the street, yelling "Hanny Manny, Hanny Manny", till finally he turned around to take some pics. People in the street were laughing at how cute Porter was as he was chasing him.
I really love this picture for some reason.

If you click on this picture, look at Porter's face as he's looking at Woody. I love it! It perfectly describes how excited he was to see every single character. He just looked at them with pure joy. I loved seeing the look on his face...priceless. It's why I had so much fun!
Day 5 - Universal Studios
Very windy day at Universal. I had to put a hat on - Again. The lines were great, but they closed too early for how much it cost to get in. Dan and I love Universal, but it wasn't too good for Presley and Porter. They could only go the shows. We were very sad to find out they no longer had the ET ride, Back to the Future, or King Kong.

Kaden loves Transformers
Kaden and Dan getting blasted with water on the Jurassic Park ride
Now it's my turn, but I stayed pretty dry.
Presley with Delgado - the german shepard in "Beverly Hills Chihauha"
I actually felt sorry for the poor baby that stood there so all the kids could pet him. He was so cute!
Dan and Kaden on the tram ride
Presley and Porter got a little scared at the shark and flood part of this ride. The King Kong part of it burned down last summer.
Porter was really excited to see Curious George, but all day he kept calling him "Monkey George", now I call him that too.
As you can tell, I think we got pictures with every single character in all the parks.

After Universal we decided to go to the beach. We went to Santa Monica. It was beautiful there. I wanted to drive the whole entire Pacific Coast Highway (maybe someday). The kids fell asleep on the way, so they were not too happy to wake up to cold winds and big waves. They cried the whole time and wanted to leave. I should have let them sleep, but they had never seen the ocean....

Kaden was excited though!
We got there just in time for the sunset.
Not so happy to pose for this pic, but she didn't do too bad considering how miserable she was.
Not a happy camper
Day 6 - Huntington Beach
Before we left California we decided to go to another beach one more time before we left since we didn't get to stay long the night before. It was way too cold to swim, but we let the kids run around and play in the sand. I was very sad to leave California. I could have stayed a lot longer.
The drive back to Vegas after we left the beach took soooo long. It was supposed to only take about 4 hours, but it took about 6 because the traffic in California was awful. Luckily Porter fell asleep for a lot of it. By the time we got back to Vegas, it was too late to go out and do anything, so we just stayed in the hotel room and relaxed.

Day 7 - Las Vegas
We ended up not doing anything on this day. We were going to let the kids swim for a couple hours at the hotel before we left and then go to lunch, but Presley woke up at about seven in the morning throwing up. She threw up about 15 times from then on, and on the way home I kept having to give her a bucket. I felt so bad for her. She had gotten the flu right before we left and I'm thinking maybe this time was food poisoning, unless she caught another flu bug. She was so excited to go swimming. I felt so bad that she was sick.
I loved the trip!! I was very sad and depressed as were driving home. Going back to the real world is no fun. I always get really sad after coming home from a trip. Probably because we don't get them very often.

Funny things Porter said during the trip:
It's easy to forget that little Porter has not seen much of the world yet. So many things were brand new to him.
-He has never seen palm trees. When he first noticed one he pointed and said "Grass tree".
-He was so used to seeing and visiting the characters, so when we saw a group of women with the wraps around their head, he assumed they were a character from the park because he has never seen them. As we passed by them, he pointed and yelled, "I wanna go see them".
-As we were waiting to see Woody, there was an employee helping out who was a dwarf. Porter has never seen a small person. I didn't think anything of it until Porter says to me, "mama, whys hims little?", I just told him some people are smaller than others, then he said, "Is hims going to get bigger?". I thought it was so cute that he noticed it was a grown up man, but just little.

Misc photos from our trip--

Trying to get a picture of us with the sunset at the beach
Presley and Dan at breakfast
Playing at the hotel
Happy Porter
Not so happy Presley
Porter with his new sword.
Presley dancing in line at a show
Very unlike her to dance in front of people, but she was sure getting down
Kaden at the bird show
Porter fell asleep on the monorail at Disneyland. He was so tired!
The kids took about 20 pics of this set up when I wasn't paying attention. I thought it was pretty funny.
Kaden in line for a ride
Presley in line
We took this of Porter watching Pinnochio. I thought it was really cute.
I took this to show the pretty flowers. I was amazed at all the flowers, trees, and shrubs
Me and my boys at breakfast
Sleepy Kaden at the hotel
Sleepy bunch at the hotel
This was the one character Porter did not want to see...the M&M man. Lol.
Porter asleep on the drive
Stopped in Beaver for some ice cream and yummy cheese curds.

Easter Fun

2010-04-06T12:00:00.000-07:00

This Easter everyone was gone for one reason or another, so at the last minute we planned on coloring eggs with my grandparents and we also had them over for Easter dinner. I hope my cooking was ok, because my grandma is a great cook, so it's hard to compare, plus we also took out a plate to my father-in-law. I missed everyone, but it still turned out to be a nice day. I just love being with my family.

Coloring eggs with Grandma

Beautiful flowers my grandma and grandpa gave me
Easter morning
I was not happy with the gloomy day for pictures but the kids are still cute as ever.

Potty time

2010-03-30T15:24:00.000-07:00

Porter's new undies...however, he is already doing what all my kids have done. They show tons of interest in the beginning and even do really well with no diaper, but then after a few days all they want is their diaper again. I found it's easier to let them do it when they're ready (although I do encourage them). I have all the supplies ready and waiting.

Pretty Momma

2010-03-17T14:19:00.001-07:00

Presley wanted to comb my hair last night before bed and this is what I ended up with...

...I like my 4 year old shades the best. ;)

2010-03-17T14:14:00.000-07:00

Last week I spent a wonderful day with my sister-in-laws in Riverton.
Sarah and I drove down around noon, and dropped off the kids at Jenny's so that her kids could babysit. Just us girls went out to eat at Iggy's, then shopping, then to see Valentine's Day, more shopping, then to eat at Cheesecake Factory. It was a very fun and yummy day! We decided we need to do it more often.

This is a picture of our appetizers ONLY at the Cheesecake factory. They were so yummy. I love that place. I ate way too many calories but it was sooo worth it.
Shalamar (married to Dan's brother Tom) and Sarah (Dan's sister)
Jenny (Dan's sister)

Goodbye Crib : (

2010-03-11T12:37:00.000-08:00

Well, I decided it was time for Porter to get a new bed. He has been able to climb out of his crib for months. I wanted to get him a small toddler bed so I didn't have to worry about him falling off and so he could easily get in and out. When Kaden was little we got him this same exact car bed, but I sold it in a yard sale (before I was pregnant with Porter). I found a nice one on KSL and Porter loves his new car bed and blanket. It matches cute with the colors I already had.
I was actually really sad to take the crib apart. My last time using a crib...I couldn't even think about it. I also thought it would be a good time to stop nursing--YES, I know,I know, some people might gasp at that, but it all happened by accident and I figured oh well, it's not hurting anything, just extra vitamins, ha ha. He would only nurse at night to go to sleep. So not only did I have to mourn him no longer sleeping in a crib, but also no more nursing and rocking him at night. Yuck...I hate when my babies get older, especially my last one.
He has been doing good in his bed, although the first couple days, he told me to fix his crib and put it back. I still read to him and lay with him before he goes to sleep and he has been nursing less and less. Only a couple times this week.
Next will be "fully" potty training...wish me luck.

Goodbye crib... where I watched my sweet babies sleep.

"New" Park

2010-03-11T12:19:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, we found a park that is actually only a few blocks from my house. It's the Harrisville park and it has been there for years. The funny thing is, I knew it was there, but I've never been over there the whole time we've lived in our house, because I thought it was only a baseball diamond for recreation. Little did I know...IT'S HUGE!! It has tons of trees, a stream, tennis courts, baseball diamond, a picnic area, a cute parkway that goes around it and a huge brand new playground. I was so sad that I've never checked it out until recently. We've been missing out on a great park. I've been driving my kids to parks when the best one of all is walking distance from my house. We've been 3 times just in the last couple of weeks.

Beautiful Life

2010-03-07T23:54:00.000-08:00

This is an absolutely amazing, beautiful and touching story. Anyone who has had a baby will not make it through this without a tear. Beautiful.
I had to share it. (Thank you Anjie for sharing with me)

--after clicking on my link, scroll up and click on the story posted March 5th by Anjie which will lead you to the story.

birth babies breasts oh my

Random January and February pics

2010-02-25T11:00:00.000-08:00

Although January and February are cold and dreary, I've been really busy with kids (love), work (yuck), and school (yuck). I'm really wanting spring to come so we can get outside. Winter's are way too long here. My kids keep saying they want to go swimming and to the park. Here are some of the things that have kept us busy...

Kaden getting some cubscout awards. He really loves the scouts!
Porter going out to play in the snow.
The kids went out to see the baby goats at Grandpa Jack's and Grandma Margo's house/farm.

The kids were sick for a couple of weeks. Even poor Dan got it.

A girl's night out with some of my good friends from work. They sure got me laughing... although, I missed my kids and husband the whole time. I guess my mission was accomplished.
Presley and Porter going crazy at the cookie making.
They really have become great friends. I love it!

Chuck e Cheese

2010-01-26T20:53:00.000-08:00

We went to the new Chuck E Cheese a couple of weeks ago. The kids loved it! January and February are long, boring, cold months, so we get itching to get out of the house.

Christmas 2009

2009-12-30T22:53:00.001-08:00

Presley and Porter playing with their new kitchen
Kaden with some of his presents
Presley with her presents(some are from her birthday too)
Presley and Porter on my Grandma & Grandpa's traditional train...see me below on the same train, same age as Presley.
This is me when I was Presley's age. I'm riding with my cousin Zara, and my cousin Zane is watching.
My cousin's Katie and Stacey. (We have taken this same xmas photo on the same couch for several years in a row)
My Grandpa Jim

Presley's 5th Birthday

2009-12-22T22:06:00.000-08:00

Pics of sweet Presley. She sure is a handful, very independent and strong willed which can sometimes be hard, especially at times when she seems like a teenager already, but I know someday her personality will work to her advantage since she also has a very caring and loving side to her. I'm actually very sad for her to start kindergarten next year. I love being home with her and Porter, they are really starting to be able to play together now that Porter is older.

(Even after having Kaden at a young age, I really wanted another baby, so when Dan and I got married, we didn't wait long to start trying, but it didn't happen right away like I thought it would [isn't it ironic]. It took me almost a year to get pregnant for some reason, so I was very excited for her).

I love this picture so much. I can't even describe it. It was taken just moments after she was born and I love that she is looking at me. Makes me cry to look at it.
1st Birthday
2nd Birthday
3rd Birthday
4th Birthday

(5th Birthday pics below)

I can't believe Presley is 5! Her birthday is sure at a rough time, but I still try to make it special for her, and I think she gets a good birthday even though its so close to Christmas...or actually say 3 birthdays. Her birthday was Sunday the 20th, and she got a party Friday the 18th (with Dan's family/Christmas party), Saturday the 19th (with my Mom's side), and Sunday the 20th(with my Dad's side). Busy weekend. She got lots of fun stuff that will keep her occupied the next couple of weeks.

Party at Grandma Margo's
Party at my house
I think this one is funny of Porter trying to blow out her candles
Birthday at Grandpa Mark's

Christmas Dinner with great friends!!

2009-12-10T22:33:00.000-08:00

This is my Christmas dinner with all my best friends I grew up with. We do it every year. This year we went to Windy's Sukiyaki. I had never been there. We all sat in a little tea room. It was nice. Too expensive though. After we went and played games at Kristi's house. I love my friends! I'm so glad we have kept in touch!

Festival of the Trees

2009-12-10T22:24:00.000-08:00

The last few years we have gone down to the South Towne Center for the Festival of the Trees with my sister in law and her family. It is super fun! I recommend anyone with kids to go to it. We go early in the day and let the kids do crafts (they really love it and they have tons of cool stuff for them to do), then we walk around to look at the trees and get lots of yummy, homemade snacks. It's a fun tradition!
Don't forget to get the caramel apples slices if you go next year!

Days are going by way too fast....

2009-11-24T21:48:00.000-08:00

I haven't taken any pictures lately, but I guess I can blog without pics. Things have been really busy. School is super hard, no really, it's hard. 3 kids and studying don't mix well. I'm taking it one day at a time. I try to do all my homework/studying at night so that I don't miss out on things with my kids, although I do go up to the school once a week for tests. So far so good. I hope.

We have been doing a few things the last couple weeks. We went and saw "Where the Wild Things are". I loved it. Some people say they hated it, but I loved it. It's very weird, but touching. Presley cried at the end. During the credits we were all talking about the movie and she was laying on my shoulder. I didn't really think much, but then I looked down and noticed she was sobbing. I put her up on my shoulder and I asked her if the movie made her sad and she just sobbed and said, "YES". She said it was sad when the monsters cried at the end. I thought it was so cute that it touched her like that. Sometimes she can be very stubborn and hard headed, so I love when I get to see tender sides of her. She's a good girl, she's just 4 going on 14-already!
We went and saw a Nitro Circus show in Salt Lake. Dan and Kaden really like that show and they got to meet and get all the autographs from the guys. Kaden was super excited.
We also went with some of my fam to see "Christmas Carol". It was a cute movie.
Dan and I went with the whole Smith family to eat and to see New Moon last weekend. I love the whole Twilight series so of course I loved the movie. I don't listen to the Twilight haters.
If you can't tell, we like movies. I really like going to movie theaters. It's the one moment where I don't have to think about or be doing one other thing..no distractions, no cleaning, no getting sippy cups...etc... and I get to escape into the movie.
I am looking forward to this Thanksgiving weekend and luckily there is only 2 weeks of school left this semester. December will also be fun too. I love the holidays and all the fun Christmas things to do.
Oh and Porter is darling. I love him. He is at the cutest age right now. He says the most adorable things ever. I want to freeze him in time. I can't even stand it sometimes. Here are some cute things he does...
-reads books to me, but whispers while he does it
-knocks on the wall when he wakes up. Then Presley and I put something under his door, he pauses, then says--Thank you!---pauses again---"What it called?"
-loves dolls, kitchens, dinosaurs, garbage trucks, firetrucks and animals..perfect mix.
-he's smart...knows all his colors, animals, and can even count to 5 sometimes even higher.
-He told me the other day that he liked my jacket,then he stared at it for a minute,then asked, "is it your favorite?". So cute! I didn't even know he knew the word favorite. He'll just say a word out of no where.
-he still loves his "silky"..he searched for the corner of it and flicks it in his nose over and over and over. I'm not sure why, but I think it's so funny and cute!
There are probably hundred of other things he does. I need to write them more often so I don't forget. I think I'llremember, but I really don't. I have forgotten several cute things over the years. That's why I started this blog. I was never a good journal writer, no time. Typing is much quicker.

I love my family.. I love my life..I am blessed!

Halloween and such...

2009-11-01T22:50:00.000-08:00

Here are some of the fun Halloween things we did this month...I will label the pics. October/Halloween is one of my favorite times of year. I love the weather, the warm soups and chili, the hoodies, the leaves, and of course Halloween.

Kaden at the Pumpkinaze
Porter looking for candy in the corn barrel
You can't tell, but we are on a really fun slide at the Pumpkinaze
My good friends from work-Cassie and Ashley
My work Halloween party
Kyle, me, and Kassey ~ work friends
Jake and Cassey (at Cassey's Halloween party) Jake took his costume off but he was Moses and Cassey is the red sea.
Vikings
Porter and Grandma Margo
Hanging out on the beanbag
Sarah and Brent (poor Sarah is due any day) She's a trooper!
Kaden on Halloween - he wanted to be a hippie
Presley wanted to be Dorothy again. I think she makes the perfect Dorothy
Porter as a chicken (Bob-ka). He loved Trick-or-treating. He would say thank you a few times at each door. So darling!
Our yearly porch Halloween shot

Kids sure make Halloween fun. I get excited because of them!!!

Stacey's Wedding

2009-10-22T22:20:00.001-07:00

It's the week of weddings...I had Stacey's wedding on Friday the 16th. Stacey is my cousin and we've been besties since we were little. We've been through everything together. I'm very happy for her. They have a darling baby boy Easton and I really like her husband Ryan. He is a really good guy. I was very happy they were married.

They got married at the parkway. It was a perfect fall day. Perfect temperature and perfect color of leaves. She had a small ceremony with just close family and friends. Jessica Owen (a long time friend) married them. I thought it was so cool that she was able to do it. I said a poem during their ceremony. I thought, no big deal since I only to read it, but then I got up there and started crying. I was so bothered with myself, only because it made me nervous and then I didn't say the poem very well. After me, Dan sang "The Luckiest" - My favorite love song. It was a special ceremony.

That night we all went up to Maddox for a nice dinner. It was a fun day!!!

Amanda's Wedding

2009-10-18T23:21:00.000-07:00

My step-sister Amanda was married last Thursday on October 15th. It was a nice wedding. We first were able to attend her wedding luncheon at Corbin's Grill, then later that night her reception was at the Timbermine. I can tell she is very happy. They make a cute couple.
Family pic at the Timbermine
Pretty Presley posed herself for this picture
A fall shot before the reception

Jessie (step-brother) and his daughter Oakley