Sarah Is Cool!

2011-01-29T10:50:00.000-08:00

Carter had a great time at Monster Jam 2011!

He brought his cousin Michael and Cole with him.

They all had such a great time...

they stayed until the very end.

Papa & Patta Came to Visit

2011-01-12T10:43:00.000-08:00

We love when Papa & Pata come to visit.

Mia didn't want to miss the fun.

She came home from school "sick".

They all had lots of fun!

Happy Birthday Janie

2010-12-18T09:53:00.000-08:00

Janie turned 3!

She had a big party, that she shared with her cousin Drew(he turned 2).

She had so much fun with family, friends and a petting zoo!
Carter

Mia

Devon

Maya

Grammy

Mommy

Annie, Daddy, & Mommy

Eiza & Uncle Max

What a great birthday!

2010-12-10T10:32:00.000-08:00

Carter Loves Santa.

Janie loves candy.

Merry Red-Neck Christmas

2010-11-10T11:30:00.000-08:00

Carter and Janie want Santa to bring them these for Christmas.

And they said Santa can bring this boat for Mom & Dad.

Don't you just love Christmas shopping at the Bass Pro Store?

Merry Christmas(a little early)!

Uncle Seth got married

2010-06-26T20:09:00.000-07:00

The kids enjoying the Italian sodas at the reception.

They were so good, Janie couldn't stop licking her lips.

The happy couple.

Wheeeee!

2010-06-08T20:06:00.000-07:00

Roommates

2010-05-12T13:48:00.000-07:00

Disneyland

2010-03-28T08:03:00.000-07:00

Mr. Turkey

2009-11-26T22:14:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Birthday

2009-11-13T22:22:00.000-08:00

The kids have a message for Mommy/Auntie Sarah.

My little Fire Fighters

2009-03-23T16:10:00.001-07:00

Jared - our home teacher came to visit yesterday, and Carter was in awe when he found out he was a fireman. Jared told Carter all about his fire truck and told us we could visit him whenever he is working. After he left, Carter cried, wanting to go that minute to the fire station. So I had to call up Jared and find out when we could go, and luckily that was today!

Liz (my sister) and her boys came with us. Everyone got to go for a ride in the firetruck, except for me and the babies.

Then it was all fun when the hose came out.

And then time to put the hose away.

Thanks Jared!!!!!

StupidMan

2009-03-02T15:05:00.000-08:00

The return of our little super hero!

Dancing Queen

2009-03-02T13:10:00.000-08:00

Mia had her final dance recital. All I can say is that she has had so much fun. Watch and judge for yourself.

Mia doing "the Pony".

Here is Mia with her dancing friends, Katrin, Abbie and Chance

Mele kalikimaki

2009-01-26T11:28:00.000-08:00

Our ward Christmas party so much fun. We had Devynn and Maya with us that night.

The primary kids sang some Christmas songs.

Carter is such a party animal!

The young men performed the Hakka.

Then we had the real thing, with Polynesian dancers.

Then all the boys tried to dance - do you see Carter and Daddy?

And of course, Santa came. Mia asked for perfume and Carter asked for baseball stuff.

Super Boy

2009-01-26T11:17:00.000-08:00

Our little super hero.

Giving a friend some support

2009-01-26T10:42:00.000-08:00

My wonderful friend Elizabeth was diagnosed with breast cancer. So the night before her surgery some of the girls got together to decorate her yard. We collected our extra bras to help with the "support" theme!

We Love you Elizabeth.

Halloween

2009-01-26T10:14:00.000-08:00

Trunk or Treat at the Church!

Mia with her best friend Devynn.

Mia was Princess Jasmine.

Carter was a baseball player.

Janie was a butterfly.

Then back home to trick or treat in the neighborhood.

The kids made a good haul.

Girls, you got me!

2008-11-12T21:48:00.001-08:00

I got a phone call today from Monda, and she asked me to come over to work on a project with her. I didn't think anything of it - because we had talked about it before. So we had a nice time playing with beads and hair bands - and we were entertained by Greg showing off his boxing moves.

The surprise came when I arrived home to find a fabulous mess.

You girls sure no how to make a girl feel loved!!!

I thought for sure I was going to escape the flamingos! I don't know how we're going to top this. Who is the next victim?

Janie's Cookie

2008-10-30T09:13:00.000-07:00

Janie got her first chocolate chip cookie, and it was so delicious.

Her favourite treats are cookies, chocolate and her all time favourite

- ice cream. Maybe we should just call her Sarah junior.

Zoo

2008-10-30T09:04:00.000-07:00

We went to the zoo to go to the new water splash park. It was so much fun - the kids had a blast. Thanks Aunty Lizzy and Michael for taking us - it's even more fun when it's free!

Then we fed the ducks. A few visits ago - carter hand fed a duck and got his fingers bit - so now he has learned to keep his distance.

Sneaking Around

2008-10-30T08:58:00.000-07:00

The Birthday bashing continued at Monda's house.

I love doing this - because every time we think of new fun stuff to do to decorate (aka trash) the birthday girl's yard. But as usual the pink flamingos were there all dressed up for the party.

Mom excercises!?!?

2008-09-23T16:47:00.000-07:00

I got on the treadmill at home today. I sat Janie down on the guest bed behind me, and I started to exercise. After a minute or two I turned around and Janie gave me the "What on earth are you doing" look. I know she was dumbfounded that mom could be exercising.

Shortly afterwards Carter found me, and stopped me from continuing - so it will probably be another year before I use my treadmill again.

If you're happy and you know it...

2008-09-23T16:28:00.000-07:00

Janie loves to clap her hands. If she sees someone clapping - she claps. If she hears someone getting excited - she claps. If she's bored - she claps.

Spot Lights

2008-09-23T16:18:00.001-07:00

Mia was chosen as the first Royal of the week in her Kindergarten class. She was chosen first because she is the smartest, most beautiful, and funnest girl in her class - of course.

Mia showing off her fake nails - aren't they fabulous!

Carter was chosen for the September spotlight in his pre-school class. He was chosen because he is the cutest, sweetest, and brightest boy in his class - of course.

Boys will be Boys

2008-09-23T16:01:00.000-07:00

Carter went to lunch with his favourite friends - Cole and TJ. As usual we went to Chic-fil-a.

The boys love getting their own ice cream cones.

But most of all they love to be LOUD!

Bunco

2008-09-23T15:54:00.000-07:00

Once a month I escape the house and play Bunco with my girlfriends.

I laugh and giggle and squeal the evening away.

Shannon, Monda, Rachel, Stacey, Donna, Erica, Jennie, Melissa, Vonda, Jana, ME, Charlene, Stephanie, Elizabeth, Kirsten (missing Marcee)

I love you girls!!!

And an EXTRA SPECIAL shout out to Candice - Bunco is not the same without you. I'm surprised we could even smile for the above photo, while we're still grieving your loss.

Carter's Birthday Part 2

2008-09-23T15:33:00.001-07:00

We had a family birthday party for all of our September Birthdays. Here are the Birthday boys, Carter and Max. Carter got a snorkel set for his birthday - and Uncle Max showed Carter how to use it.

Max's lemon squares - Liz goes out of her way to make everyone a yummy treat!

Carter's Truck cake made by Aunt Lizzy. Carter loved it - and played with the trucks for the rest of the day.

Sam (Max's dog) and Dakota going down the slide. Max gave them a helping hand with a gentle push.

Playing fetch in the pool - the dogs are almost as entertaining as the kids.

Happy Birthday to Carter, Seth, Crit, Max and Suzie!

Smile Janie

2008-09-23T15:19:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago Janie got her first tooth!

And now her second tooth has popped through.

Here she is trying to show off the first tooth - without much luck. But she still is cute!

Carter's Birthday

2008-09-17T09:41:00.002-07:00

My little Carter is now 3 years old!!!
We had such a fun day, it was labor day - so we had Daddy home with us.

Of course we went swimming - but then we took Carter to Red Robin for Dinner. I love this place - balloons for the kids, Mac n Cheese on the kids menu, and it's so loud in here that no one notices my crazy family and.....

They will sing a silly song and bring a dessert for your birthday.

Then we went to Target so Carter could spend some of his Birthday money. What did he pick - the biggest bag of candy he could find - what could we do - it was his birthday.

My little Princesses

2008-09-17T09:41:00.001-07:00

This is just too adorable not to share - although I know Carter won't be too happy about it later.

This is one of their favourite things to do. Mia dresses up Carter and then does his hair and make up.

Who needs Barbies when you have a little brother!

The Adventures of FishBoy

2008-09-17T09:41:00.000-07:00

Carter has been nicknamed FishBoy - because he is the most amazing little swimmer.

And like many other little boys - he has no fear. He can stay underwater as long as any adult, and can swim for hours.

All of this video was recorded when he was 2 years old - pretty cool huh?

I go Baseball Game?

2008-09-02T12:40:00.000-07:00

We took the family to a baseball game Saturday evening.

We sat in our seats (the nosebleeds) for the first couple of innings.

Then we went to the Sandlot - the new kids area at the ballpark.

The kids had a blast playing around - and hitting balls.

Carter ran to the T and starting whacking at it - he couldn't wait for it to be set up for him.

Notice the Suns/Sun Devil/Football outfits - Marcus insisted that the children needed to have on some kind of sports apparel. I would have picked them up some D-Backs clothes - but then Marcus would expect to go to more games.

And every day since then Carter asks "I go Baseball Game?"

Maybe we will have to get him some D-backs gear.

A Puppy named Puppy

2008-09-02T11:14:00.000-07:00

This adorable puppy was found last week during the storms. We are searching for his family but until then he is staying with us. To prove that we are not keeping him - we have refused to name him - so we call him Puppy.

The first night Puppy stayed with us - our permanent dog - Dakota escaped during one of the storms. So for two days we had this little rascal, and not our beloved Kota. But we were able to find Kota at the dog shelter - and $250 later - we were able to take him home.

So Puppy gets to stay for a couple more days and then we're sending him to the shelter.

The Auction

2008-09-02T10:55:00.000-07:00

Saturday August 23. Team Charlene benefit diner and auction.

What an Amazing Event!!! I feel so blessed to be part of this project.
Charlene is such wonderful person and I am not at all surprised by the overflow of support given to this event. What I didn't expect was the numbers of people that came - and the amounts donated to the cause.
I am especially grateful for the examples of kindness and service that I was able to witness. The people that worked so hard to pull this night off - are some of the most amazing people. I have a new perspective on friendship because of these people - and the bonds created when you serve together.
I love all of you guys!!!!

Sarah, Katie, Monda, Erica, Vonda, Stacy and Lauren

And of course we girls know how to have fun - even when we're working! (Fun=Food)

Erica, Monda, Sarah and Jana

Can I hear an AMEN!

2008-08-20T22:01:00.000-07:00

It's been one of those days. You know what I'm talking about. The house is a disaster, the kids are wild and out of control, and the husband comes home late. So what did I do to relieve my stress tonight - I put on my sneakers and did yard work. Believe it or not - but it helped - mostly because there were no children around.

So all you Moms out there that know what I'm talking about - let me hear an AMEN.

Arr Matey

2008-08-18T22:22:00.000-07:00

Carter loves pirates. And he is constantly covering one eye and saying Arr Matey. He also likes to cover other peoples eyes as well.

So... He thought it would be a good idea to cover Janie's eye with some pirate treasure. And Janie thought it was a good idea too! Isn't she a good sport?

A visit from Sarah, Joshua and Rose

2008-08-18T22:12:00.001-07:00

My sister-in-law dropped off her son Joshua Friday night.

Here he is with Janie. He used to hate babies - now he can tolerate them for a few minutes.

Mia and Joshua sat down and did homework - on a Friday night - WOW.

Then Saturday morning Sarah came over and brought her new puppy - Rose. Isn't she adorable.

Adventures in Cleaning

2008-08-18T21:55:00.000-07:00

Today I had the opportunity to clean some things that are normally ignored. Amazingly the house was pretty clean - so I attacked the problem areas. First was the refrigerator. I pulled out the shelves so I could wash everything. While I was in the middle of this - the phone rang - I answered, and was busy for a couple of minutes scheduling an appointment. After I hung up the phone I looked back over to the kitchen sink - and my wonderful boy Carter had the faucet pulled out and was spraying the entire kitchen with water. It was so absurd I had to laugh - how could I be upset with my little fire fighter. Ironically, the appointment I was making on the phone was for testing for Carter, to get him into priority preschool.

Cleaning project #2. Last night Marcus told me he lost one of Janie's binkies to the couch. So I took it upon myself to go hunting for it. Now be prepared because this is really gross - I turned the couch over and out came a heap of stuff. Yes - that's an empty water bottle - it's not even the brand I buy - so I don't know who slipped that in. To make the story even better, Carter came running over to inspect the pile. He started screaming in joy because he found candy - then his screams turned into disappointment because I wouldn't let him eat it. But he quickly recovered, because he found all sorts of treasures.... his lost whistle (which I'm wishing would have stayed lost), cars and makeup. At least this little treasure hunt did produce two binkies.

Janie

2008-08-12T14:59:00.001-07:00

Here is a tribute to the best baby ever!
I sat her down and took a few pictures before church.
I couldn't decide which one I liked the most so - I've posted them all.

And finally she put her hand and said "no more".

The Boys

2008-08-12T14:35:00.001-07:00

While Mia is at school, Carter likes to hang out with some of his buddies. Here he is with Cole and TJ and Liam.

It's always fun feeding a group of boys - here they are pretending to be dinasours.

Uncle Charky and Cousin Eiza

2008-08-12T14:29:00.000-07:00

Chark and Eiza came over on Saturday to come swimming with us.

Afterward Eiza taught Mia how to play the Nintendo DS.

She did it!!!!!

2008-08-06T20:55:00.001-07:00

Janie has yet to roll over - until tonight.

Her pediatrician was concerned that at 7 months old, she hasn't rolled - so she had to be evaluated by the states early intervention service. We knew nothing was wrong - but you can't help worrying about your baby.So we had been practicing what the physical therapist had taught us. And tonight she rolled - not once - but about 15 times. Every time we cheered she got more excited and wanted to roll again.

Here are the cheerleaders - Devynn and Mia - doing some moves to encourage Janie.
Devynn said "Janie is the best bowler ever! I mean roller."

Water Balloon Fight

2008-08-06T20:25:00.000-07:00

The Bus stop moms hatched up a plan to attack our children when they got off the bus.

We lured them over with otter pops, and then while their hands were full - or at least one hand - we got them with water balloons.

It quickly turned into an all out battle with water guns and balloons. We had 6 tubs of balloons, so the fight lasted quite awhile.

This is Mia before...

And this is Mia after she got pelted in the head with a balloon.

Carter had to keep up with the big kids - he was getting anyone who came near him.

Janie stayed cool with some cold balloons all around her.

What a fun day!!!!

Back to School Part 2

2008-08-05T09:20:00.001-07:00

Now it's Carter's turn to go back to school.
All week he's said "I school" or "I bus". Unfortunately there's no school bus for his preschool.

He's walking into school with his best friend and cousin Michael.
Michael had so much fun at the school he didn't want to leave.

I can't wait to find out what Carter has learned today.

No more Binky

2008-08-04T11:26:00.000-07:00

Life has been really tough for Carter ever since he mailed his Binkies away to the Binky fairy. He no longer takes naps (which is really tough for mom), except for when he is so exhausted he basically falls over asleep.

Today it was really quiet in my house - and knowing that something must be up - I went to the playroom and found this adorable boy.

Here are some additional shots of Carter passing out.

Carter found a binky shortly after the binky fair had come. So without hesitation Mom grabbed a pair of finger nail clippers (the closest cutting device around) and chopped the top off. For the next 30 minutes Carter just said "My binky rip"

Sunday Evening

2008-08-03T19:43:00.000-07:00

This is what my kids look like all Sunday evenings.
Partly because mom doesn't want their church clothes to get dirty, but mostly because - they love to be naked. I'm hoping one day they will outgrow this phase.

It looks like Janie needs to get in the sun a little more often to catch up to her siblings.

And it wouldn't be a photo shoot without Carter trying to attack the baby, and without Janie sticking her tongue out.

Back to School

2008-07-28T14:39:00.001-07:00

Mia's first day of school is today.

She went to the bus stop with her friends Maya and Devynn.

Then off to school, where she got right to work.

Mia's Birthday

2008-07-28T14:06:00.000-07:00

Mia Turned 5 on Friday. She had a big birthday party - with all of her girlfriends.

13 girls between the ages of 3 and 8. It was a little crazy - but thanks to aunty Lizzy and Mimi it turned out to be a lot of fun.

Then off to get her ears pierced. She was so brave - no tears, just happy to be there.

Until....

We had to go back. She lost an earing in the night - and then another in the morning - and it was impossible to get them back in. So they had to repierce both ears.

Mia was upset - but as usual Janie was perfect.

Our Family!

2008-07-28T13:21:00.000-07:00

Thanks to multiple requests we now have a blog....

Here is a cute Easter pic of the kids with their cousin Michael.

from left: Michael, Janie being held by Mia , & Carter.

More to come soon, Enjoy!