Steve's New Backyard Project

The mini sledding hills...Steve's new backyard project. It is a beautiful thing to watch the kids have so much fun and I can even stay inside with Kelly if I need too! Lucy, Stevie, and Jake had a blast today on the hills that slide onto the trampoline.

It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas....

Busy time of year for sure...so not much time to post. But here are a few things going on with us. Happy Holidays!

Bob the Elf on the Shelf watching Our Home...check

Santa Visit...check

Christmas Decorations...check

Big Snowstorm...check

Thankful For...

I have so many things to be thankful for, can't name them all. But this week, I am thankful for...

A wonderful Thanksgiving trip to Tennesee.
Kelly, who saved her vomiting to the last 15 mintues of our flight home.
Tickets to the BYU/Utah game last weekend. So fun.
A husband that helped me put up the Christmas tree for the first time ever. Yeah!
That the swine flu has not hit our house yet.
The old Christmas shows that have been coming on TV lately.
My Mom, who celebrated her birthday this week.
Hats, scarfs, and gloves - it has been so cold.
Stevie, who always reminds me if we forget to pray at the dinner table.
Jobs, Income.
Jake, who guilted me into putting up Christmas decorations before another week went by.

I love this season.

Stevie's Magical Night

Stevie and I went to see Disney's Princess on Ice tour last week. It was so magical for her and I loved watching her take it all in. She spent a few days deciding what to wear and then on the day of the show, she literally spent about an hour picking out accessories and laying everything out on her bed. I really think she might go into fashion someday.


I think Gracie and Miss Caren enjoyed it as much as we did too. Stevie's favorite princess was Ariel and her favorite part was when all of the princesses came out at the end and danced together. My favorite part was watching the girls get so excited...and the other favorite part for me...I got away without buying any of the expensive souvenirs!

So You Think You Can Dance?

Uh...I know I can't dance. But I am a sucker for some reality TV shows...and I kinda like So You Think You Can Dance. Guilty pleasure. Sara, Brittoni, Katie and I went to see the Season 5 tour last weekend. Fun times! I really loved looking at all of the fasion statements being made by all of the fans, and watching and wondering why so many men were at the show. I'm pretty sure that it would take a lot of bribing for my husband to even consider such an event.

Anyway...for the record...I don't like Season 6...but I love Ade, Kayla, Jeanine, and Melissa from Season 5.

Stevie's Imaginary Friend

Before I forget her name again...I want to introduce you to Ellajanea aka Stevie's imaginary friend. She has been around for a few weeks. I'm guessing on the spelling of Ellajanea's name because Stevie couldn't provide that info for me. But she did tell me that Ellajanea is 5 years old, just like Jake. She is always dressed as a princess and even wears princess dresses to bed. I'm hoping to find out more about her soon :-)

Quote of the Day

Stevie - "I want to marry Jake."
Jake - "Maybe, but I am too old for you Stevie. You are 3 1/2 and I am 5."
Me - "Jake I thought you wanted to marry me?"
Jake - "Mom...you are really too old. You are 31 and I am only 5."
Me - "Right, I am old"

Halloween 2009

Introducing...
Jake the Transformer
Steve aka Cinderella
Kelly the Lil Devil

The morning after...counting the candy. I have awesome memories of doing this as a kid and it is so fun to watch them get excited about Halloween now.

Bramhalls in New York

My side of the family has been spoiled. So far all 8 siblings have lived fairly close together. The furthest away is Nikki and her family and they are near Las Vegas. Still within driving distance, weekend trips, etc. And I feel like we get to see them quite a bit considering the distance (thanks to Nikki for doing most of the driving).

It was bound to happen...and now Tracie and her family have moved to New York. Not going to lie...I have been so sad about them leaving. Even though it is hard, I am used to having the Hough side of the family far away. Now I will adjust to having one of my sisters across the country too. My kids are really close to Taylor so that will be an adjustment for Jake and Stevie. But to focus on the positive, I am excited for the Bramhalls in this new adventure and excited that I have a place to stay somewhere near the east coast. If anyone can handle this drastic change...it would be Dave and Tracie. Thank heavens for texting, emailing, cell phones, blogging, and even Facebook :-)

Bike Racing

My guess is that Steve has spent more time on his bike this summer & fall than ever before. He loves mtn biking and I usually embrace this passion. I know how it feels like to release stress with exercise and just to feel better about life. Anyway...Steve and my brother Casey and brothers-in-law Duff, Troy, and Dave decided to train and complete the 24 Hours in Moab race. They did the race 3 weeks ago and I think everyone enjoyed themselves. I was impressed at how well they did as a team , placing 6th in their division. The team motto was "Beware of Duff"...so true. That race doesn't apeal to me very much because of the night-riding factor...but the team race sounds kinda cool. Here are a few pics from the weekend.

After that race, Steve was inspired by Duff to try out Cyclocross racing (hope I spelled that right). The kids and I went to watch Steve and Duff race and it was easy to watch and cool to see something different. He liked that race too. But now that we have been getting snow...I think his frame of mind is shifting in ski season mode...his other outdoor passion :-)

The "Lil' Devil" Is Crawling

Kelly is finally crawling! Steve will post some video later, but it is pretty cute. She is gaining speed every day and creating some chaos with Jake and Stevie. They think is it cute and all...until she grabs their stuff, ruins their puzzle, etc. So after seeing her Halloween outfit last night...they have nicknamed her the "Lil Devil." I'll have to correct that after while :-) I have seen a change this week with how they sometimes treat her too...as a playmate instead of the baby. Only for part of the time, but it has been a bit of a change for sure. Love this new picture with them all doing the same thing.

Fall Festivities

We have been trying to enjoy the season by doing our annual fall activities - hike in Uintahs to enjoy the colors, Scarecrow Festival at Thanksgiving Point, and we added a new one this year - Wheeler Farms.

A few weeks ago we went to the Uintahs and it turned out to be a disaster (the pics we got are deceiving). It was cold day so we were sure to bundle up the kids. About 1/2 way up to Mirror Lake, Steve realized that we might not make it back because we were that low in fuel. I tried to convinced him that we would make it, but it was definitely a sore spot for us for the rest of the day. And then it was very cold with quite a bit of snow on the ground for our hike. It was packed down, so I thought it would be fine to do the hike around the lake. It went okay until about 1/3 of the way around when Kelly started to cry. And then about 1/2 way around Jake and Stevie started to cry. It was cold. Needless to say, we ended up carrying all of the kids the rest of the way and listened to three crying kids. Bad idea Lesa, I felt pretty defeated. Everyone was so cranky, hungry, cold, etc. At the end of the hike we just got in the car, gave everyone a snack, and headed back home. I really don't think we enjoyed the scenery much at all, but I think we did learn a few lessons. And we made it to the gas station!

The other two activities have been great. We went with the Dustmans to Wheeler Farms and had a great time picking pumpkins, going for a hayride and enjoying the animals. Jake fell into the ditch and got wet up to his belly button, but luckily we had extra clothes in the car.

The Scarecrow Festival was also a great time with the McClellands and the Dustmans. It was so different this year than last...the kids were more capable and could do most of the inflatables themselves. And Kelly didn't cry the whole time like she did last year. She loved the train ride and loved watching the rest of the kids enjoy themselves. It wasn't as busy as last year either, so when Stevie got lost, it was easy to find her. Poor thing ran off and was so scared when I found her a few minutes later. Hopefully she learned a lesson. FYI...if any of you are going...my kids loved the Rocket Launch the best.

Animals Living Together

Look for four different kinds of animals in this picture...

Yes, this is a field by my house and the owners just love to have unique pets. A buffalo, a zebra, a donkey, and a goat.

Come On Kelly!

Okay Little Kelly...you have 2 more days to start crawling. After that...you are officially the latest crawler in our family. Jake started at 13 1/2 months and Stevie scooted at 11 months. My children really take their time! It is really getting old to hear that Ah Ah Ah thing she does when we walk away from her. Come on Kelly! Just follow us.

The first tooth came after her 1st birthday too and we sometimes call her Bucky. He he. Check out this picture.

The tooth is adorable and actually has some friends in there, four teeth total have broken through the skin but all in a strange order.

Fall is in the Air...Literally

I woke up this morning to rain/slow pellets coming from the sky. So not only is Fall in the air...looks like a little Winter too. We have been trying to enjoy our favorite fall things as much as possible - long days at the park, walks around our neighborhood trail, favorite TV shows that are back, bike rides, soccer, etc.

Here are a few pics from the Cow Ballet this year...always a good time.

And I really don't have any park pictures, but I will say that I have fallen with love with Liberty Park in SLC. Playgroup has been there a few times and we are going to try to back a few more times, weather depending. So many things to do and see there.

And soccer...Jake is on his first soccer team and it has been such a good experience. I have to say that we were worried because he is going through such a shy phase and he really didn't know anyone on the team. Team Spiderman lucked out with a great coach aka nurturing mom, and good kids that aren't out there to be a star, just to have fun with each other. He is pretty much the youngest and the smallest on the team. But Jake loves going to soccer and he is improving for sure.

Facebook Finally

OK...I finally joined Facebook. Yes...I have bashed it in the past, but I missed out on one too many things and couldn't stand it anymore. I am taking baby steps so I don't get overwhelmed. And hopefully I won't waste too much time this week :-)

Nannie's September Visit

The day after Steve and Jake got back from Tennessee, Judy aka Nannie, flew to Utah as well. The boys had already spent time with her, and now it was the girls' turn. Judy helped me plan Kelly's belated birthday party, put together the girls' room, take care of and play with all of the kiddos, and on and on. Nannie won over Kelly's heart too...which can be very difficult to do. She has the grandma's touch for sure.

Kelly seemed to enjoy her party and didn't fuss too much when people tried to hold her. Jake helped her blow out the candle and then she dug into the cake. I don't think she liked the frosting sticking to her fingers, but she did like the taste. She ate some, smeared some on Zeke's back, fed me some, and then just got annoyed with the mess. Notice the toxic-looking pink frosting that came on the cupcakes and Kelly's cake. It did not come off of Stevie's face for a day or so and it took steel wool to get it off the tables. Still working on getting it out of the clothes. Thanks to those who came to celebrate Kelly with us.

There is only one picture of Judy in all of these, but these are the pictures we both took while she was here.

Steve & Jake's Adventure

I can be a bit of a baby when it comes to heat. Love cold weather most of the time, but I don't enjoy hot weather unless I am sitting by a pool. And Nashville can be very hot and humid in August. I have been there one time in August and I told Steve then and I probably wouldn't go back that time of year unless I had to. Selfish...yes. I'm sure I would adjust if we ever move to that area, but I would need some time :-) I love Nashville in spring and fall when it can be somewhat dreary in Utah. Anyway...so when it was decided that Steve's 20 year high school reunion was in August, it worked out perfectly that Krissy - Steve's twin - wanted to be his date...she came up from Shreveport, LA. Thanks Krissy! And we thought it would be fun to have Jake go along on the trip as well to spend time with everyone there.

They had a great trip and Jake got so much attention and time...he felt very special when he got home. They all took great care of him. Here are a few pictures of the reunion - Steve and Kris look so good and you gotta love the Elvis impersonator who is actually one of Steve's classmates. And a few of the rest of the trip too. We are all going back to visit in November and we are excited.

Changes

This last week brought some changes to the Hough household.

First, Jake went back to school. I love how cute he looks with the backpack on and his hair all combed nice. Even though Jake made the Kindergarten cutoff by 2 weeks, we decided to "red shirt" him this year and have him continue with preschool with Miss Sharie until next year. I love the term "red shirt" as it applies here, our friends the McClellands gave us that wording. Steve and I both feel good about the reasons behind the decision and now I get to have him home more often for just one more school year. Stevie starts her preschool after Labor Day.

Secondly, the girls are now sharing a room. I wish it looked as good as this picture already...it will take some time knowing my slow pace :-) We have been wanting to have them in the same room for quite a while, and finally followed through once the nap situation was worked out. I have good memories as a kid sharing a room with one of my sisters. I mostly shared with Nikki, but also with Tracie and Amy at times along the way. There were disagreements of course, but I really did love it and I want Stevie and Kelly to have that experience too. They have still been sleeping well at night and so far so good.

Thirdly, the infant car seat has expired. I mean that literally and figuratively. My friend Denett told me that car seats literally expire after 5 years, so once Kelly grew out of it...gone. And I think our little family is complete too. Unless we have some divine intervention, we probably will not be needing an infant seat anymore. It was a little emotional for me to pack it up and so many memories flashed through my head that involved that car seat. Bringing home Jake, Stevie, and Kelly from the hospital, seeing them sleep so peacefully in that thing, hauling it around everywhere so they could sleep on the go, rocking them to sleep in it, moving them out of that car seat into a bigger one, etc. I could go on and on. You have served us well.

Happy Birthday Kelly...

Another August birthday...and my baby turned one! It is so hard for me to fathom that it has been one year since our little Kelly Belle (nickname) was born. It truly goes by quicker with each child. Here is a picture of her from yesterday with her new toy, which she loves.

I think she looks so much like Stevie one day and then so much like Jake the next day. She still has Dennis the Menace hair on the top and it just loves to stick straight up. Her hair has changed to blond this summer and the fronts of her legs and her little feet are brown. Since she isn't crawling or walking yet, she spends most of her time sitting down...hence the tan lines. She has been getting up on all fours lately and rocking...so I think crawling is coming very soon. No teeth yet either, but her top ones are so close to coming through and they look rather large. I will have to post a picture once those buckies come through. Kelly loves to get in happy screaming matches with anyone who will do it with her. Of course the kids love to do that in the car...so that just gives me an excuse to turn up the radio :-) And she loves to talk with her hands and feet...they are in constant motion...turning in circles. Her first word was Dada and then came Mama. Now her second and third words were Zeke and Tippy - the dogs. That is the one sign she will do too...DOG. Trying to teach her a few more, but she hasn't done them yet. Kelly is still on the small side, but she has caught up considerably. She is a good eater...used to love baby food, but once she got of taste of the "real" stuff, she won't go back to the pureed food.

Most of you probably know that Kelly is pretty picky and mostly just wants Mom or Dad to hold her. In fact I am in physical therapy right now for what my therapist calls "Mommy Arm." My shoulder apparently can't handle holding her for a few hours at a time all day and it has started rebelling against me, sometimes with a lot of pain attached to it. Anyway...she is the spoiled youngest child right now. We may have created a problem with holding her, but is hard to hear her get upset too. I know...excuses...excuses :-)

It was tough for me to adapt to this third child in family, but I really do love the dynamics now with her in the mix. Love her so much! Happy birthday little one...we are so lucky to have you.

Happy Birthday Jake...

We celebrated Jake's 5th birthday yesterday...the five year mark and it really made me reflect on the day he was born. An emotional birthday for me for some reason. I remember clearly the overwhelming feeling of love that I had...and the instant connection. Jake was so tiny and scrawny, but his eyes were so wide and beautiful and they kept looking right up at me.


I feel so blessed to be a mother, and especially a mother to him. He is so patient and loving as I try to figure out how to become a better mom for him and his sisters. Happy Birthday Buddy...you are the best...I love you.

Draper Parties!

I have been slow to post what has been going on for the past month...and this is why. Baptism and Baby Blessings on July 11-12, Zoo Day on July 13, Camping July 23-27, and then Logandale, NV for Baptism on July 31-August 2. Lots of Draper get-togethers and we have had so much fun!

My nieces Sara and Sierra were both baptized over the last month and they both looked beautiful. Congrats to them! The twins Lana and Drew were blessed as well. I can't believe they are growing so fast! Bramhalls...you are holding it together so well I can't believe it.

Zoo Day was an impromptu thing and the Stahelis invited us to join them before they went back home. Here a few pictures...

Camping at Albion Basin in Alta was a planned event put on by Dave and Tracie...newborn twins and all. I think the Drapers are at 38 people now??? I was a little nervous about camping in a tent with our kids, but tried to go into it with a positive attitude. It actually went much better than expected. Dave did a great job of planning rock climbing, bike riding, hiking, games, etc.

The only hiccups for our family were a middle-of-the-night stomach bug that Stevie Kate got (sorry to say that Steve got puked and pooped on), and Kelly's cranky attitude. She was a great sleeper there at night, but wasn't happy during the day most of the time...I think because she wanted to get down and maybe because there were so many people. Side note - we found out Jake may become a florist one day. He spent most of the weekend picking bouquets of wildflowers and handing them out.

There is always a least one injury from our reunions...unfortunately Amy was the chosen one this year. Her pedals on her bike weren't working right and she couldn't get her feet out before she tipped over into a sharp rock...11 stitches later, she was okay.

Anyway...it was a wonderful camping adventure and we loved getting to spend that much quality time with cousins, sister, brothers, grandparents, etc.

After a few days at home after camping, we packed up and went to the Staheli Home in Nevada for Sierra's baptism. Another fun weekend with quality time with the Draper clan. The high was 110 degrees while we were there, so we spent most of the time doing water games and pool, and indoors for Rock Band on the Wii. Didn't get too many pictures, but here a few. Thanks for hosting Nikki!

Lagoon (aka Magoon) Day

We had a great time at Lagoon this year (aka Magoon, the kids call it that for some reason). Anyway...Steve's work sponsored a day there (thanks Ebix!) and we decided to take Jake and Stevie and leave Kelly with Grandma. If you haven't been...it is worth it. There are tons of discount passes out there too.

We spent most of our time with the Edwards family and had such a blast. Thanks for all of your help Edwards' kiddos (and Tyler too)! Jake has a boy-crush on Phillip now and he was excited to learn that Phillip can babysit/kidsit now. I didn't get too many pictures...but here are a few.

Potty Training at Night

Help needed...

Jake has struggled with potty training since the beginning. He has been great during the day for quite some time now, but has never figure out the night part. We haven't been that worried out it because the doctor's say not to at his age...but he has started to notice that other kids his age don't wear them at night and the kicker is that Stevie just stopped wearing pull-ups at night. And I think it upsets him a little. So...I feel like we have tried so many things and exhausted our resources. But...I know that many of you have gone through this and I thought I would throw it out there for advice.

Steve and Jake's Dragon Trail

One of the major projects of the summer has been going on for the past few weeks. I can take no credit for it...it has been all Steve. He has always had this idea to build a dirt/road base track for biking all around our yard and decided he was ready to do the work. Jake actually helped quite a bit for a 4 year old and he can really focus and work hard when he wants to. He got to name the track and he chose "Dragon Trail."

Anyway...I am going to take video of the track this weekend so you can get the gist of it...but it's great. Stevie Kate loves to run it or roll the dump track around it (this trail probably wouldn't work with the training wheels bike). Jake likes the dump truck too, but he is really starting to take to the riding part. He has taken a few good falls trying to figure out the sharp corners and the small bumps, but he keeps getting back on. Very good practice for him for sure.

PROMISE YOURSELF

I loved this...thought I would pass it on.

PROMISE YOURSELF
by Christian D. Larson

To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet.
To make all your friends feel that there is something worthwhile in them.
To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.
To think only of the best, to work only for the best and to expect only the
best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your
own.
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements
of the future.
To wear a cheerful expression at all times and give a smile to every living
creature you meet.
To give so much time to improving yourself that you have no time to
criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too
happy to permit the presence of trouble.
To think well of yourself and to proclaim this fact to the world, not in
loud work, but in great deeds.
To live in the faith that the whole world is on your side, so long as you
are true to the best that is in you.

Funnies From This Week

Stevie - We were at the park on Wednesday and Stevie ran over to me and said "Mom, I need your camera to take a picture of those boys. They look really cool." Here is the picture of the "cool" 8-9 year old soccer players at the park. Boy crazy already...

Jake - I was telling him that Kennadi is going to babysit them this weekend. He said "Mom, I'm tired of you saying babysit. We are not babies, we are kids. I'm going to call it Kidsit from now on. Okay?" Okay Jake.


Kelly - Loves hummus. She grabbed my bowl and went to town. She was having too much fun and I let her keep it for a while.

Independance Day

Sad but true...my kids shamed me into buying a flag for our house. They have been asking why we don't have a flag at our house...and they asked more than once. So we have a flag now to celebrate holidays. It has also been fun trying to figure out how to respond to questions like "What does freedom mean Mom?" They are the ones teaching me, I tell ya.

Here are a few pictures from our parade day with the Evans family on the Fourth. Park City's parade isn't all that exciting if you ask for my opinion, but the kids had such a great time. And the flag cake is one that we made for Steve's birthday.

Swimming Lessons

The first week of swimming lessons was pretty darn cold...in the 50s some days with some rain. But we braved it and even stayed after most days to swim some more. Then the rain finally stopped! It has been over 3 weeks of rain here and that is pretty unusual for sure. We were getting tired of the song "It's raining, it's pouring, the old man is snoring...."

This last week was the second week of lessons and the weather was awesome. Perfect temps for us. Stevie loved her first round of lessons and had a smile on her face the entire time. Very proud of her. Jake loves his class this time too. He had boy teachers and that was a big hit. He is very comfortable in the water and loves to go under and swim for a bit. His problem is he is so crazy in his movements and can't relax enough to actually swim further. Steve is going to work with him more. And Kelly didn't have lessons but she loved the time in the pool later on. She kicks her feet like a little polliwog and loves to splash.

Even though it is hectic getting all of the prep work done to get to the pool with all 3 kids, pack lunches, make sure they aren't drowning etc....it has been worth it. I have truly enjoyed seeing the excitement on their faces every time they realize it is another pool day.

Gift or Decorating Idea

My friend Katrina is a great artist. I love her work and am lucky to have a few of her paintings in my home. She also just painted a picture of my Dad's childhood home for me to give to him for Father's Day. Thank you! She does paintings from photos or on site too. Here is her site if you want to know more...http://thedailydelights.com/

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to my husband and the father of Jake, Stevie and Kelly. Thank you for being a wonderful father, for being so hands on, for giving me time away to recharge, for working hard to provide for our family...for just being you.

Seattle

Well...it has been almost 3 weeks since we returned from Seattle...but I am finally making new posts. Sara, Brittoni and I traveled to Seattle for our Annual getaway and met up with Julie on her home turf. I have heard that Seattle is having an unusual amount of days in a row without rain and I was happy to be there during that spell....because Utah has been experiencing Seattle weather for the whole month of June...rain rain rain.

It is such a beautiful area. We had a great time, plenty of time to have girl talk, shop, eat, and for r & r. Of course we had to indulge in the "Twilight" attractions nearby too...good times. Team Jacob!

It was really cool to see where Julie lives and spend more time with her cute family. Thanks for hosting! Where to next year?

My "Spirited" Daughters

Stevie was the best baby ever. Around the time she starting walking, she became a totally different child - feisty, independent, bossy, etc. I was a little scared when Kelly was born because from day one, she has been feisty. We had a rough several months with her at the beginning of her life. She is easy to predict now and very sweet, as long as Mom and Dad are around. She still isn't predictable when other people are watching her though.

My girlfriend used to call her daughter stubborn, feisty, difficult etc. But she has changed her vocabulary now based on a book she read and refers to her daughter's personality as "spirited." I like that too, so I try to use that when talking about Stevie and Kelly.

Well...I just went on a long weekend getaway with some girlfriends (new post coming up). First time away from Kelly and I missed her. When I got back and grabbed her with a hug and a kiss. She smiled and played with me. But when Steve got in the car to run an errand, she threw a big fit and didn't want to be with me at all. Same thing that night...screaming and everything because she didn't want me to be giving her a bath or getting her dressed. Mad mad at me...I should have guessed that she would react that way considering her personality. Good thing she forgave me the next morning and moved on. Spirited...

Memorial Day Weekend

The weekend in pictures and video.... Check out the memorial day 100 yard dash!!

Thomas the Train came to Heber again. My kids LOVE this!

Jake and Stevie's first race...a 100 yard dash. So adorable to watch all of these kids run.

And the best part of the week...twins! Tracie, Dave, and Taylor welcomed Baby Drew and Baby Lana early Monday morning. http://thebramhalls.blogspot.com/ What a woman!

Big Girl Haircut

Stevie needed a little haircut. When I asked her how she wanted it cut...she promptly told me "like my friend Bryn and my cousin Kassidy." So there you go. I'm kinda sad because the wave is gone and she looks more grown-up. But she loves it...and I know...it will grow back.

Before

After

"Dad" Activity

Another one of the activities that happens when Dad is in charge. They are getting better at the drums. Pardon my half-naked daughter.

Happy Mother's Day

You are the best "Mom". Have a great day! We love you - Dad, Jake, Stevie & Kelly Here are some random quotes that will might entertain you: "Never raise your hand to your kids. It leaves your groin unprotected." "If nature had arranged that husbands and wives should have children alternatively, there would never be more than three in a family" "You don't really understand human nature unless you know why a child on a merry-go-round will wave at his parents every time around - and why his parents will always wave back. " "The one thing children wear out faster than shoes is parents." "A suburban mother's role is to deliver children obstetrically once, and by car forever after. " "Oh, the comfort, the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person, having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but pouring them all out, just as they are, chaff and grain together, certain that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping, and with a breath of kindness blow the rest away."

No Training Wheels!

Way to go Jake!

Special to thanks to Tyson for shaming Jake into riding his bike without training wheels. And special thanks to Runner. I highly recommend these bikes - balance comes easy this way.

Spring Days

This spring has been cold and wet...at least in my opinion. I usually don't complain too much about the crazy Park City weather, but I am getting a little tired of it. Well...today we had some sunshine and we took advantage of being outside. In this house, we wear shorts in the spring when it gets above 55 degrees :-) Taylor was over today and here are the smiles from everyone enjoying the sun.

Happy Birthday Stevie Kate!

Birthday #3 for Stevie Kate! It’s time for me to gush about her a little. For those of you who know her, you will probably agree that she can be a handful. We are working hard on harnessing those fiery traits and turning them in the right direction. Here are some of the things that she does so well and that we love about her…

• She is such a ray of sunshine in our home. Always wants to give hugs and kisses, especially to Dad.
• Full of love for perfect strangers (good and bad :-)
• Loves to try to make Kelly laugh with crazy voices.
• Always so proud of Jake when he performs or completes something.
• My little buddy and helper - mopping, laundry, cooking, you name it.
• Loves being pampered and loves accessories...in fact I call her Fancy Nancy quite often. Our home pedicure routine is a favorite.
• We love when she uses her soft sing-song voice to tell a story or sing a song.
• She has the greatest facial expressions.
• Wants to be like her girl cousins and talks about them daily.
• Loves to say her prayers at night.

I can’t imagine my life without you.

Quotes From Jake & Stevie

After talking about our trip to Nevada...
Jake: "I want to live with Aunt Nikki and she can be my Mom."
Me: "That makes me sad Jake. You already have a Mom."
Jake: "But I have already been with you for a very long time."
Five minutes later...
Jake: "Mom, I've decided I want to stay with you because you are my Mom."
Me: "Good choice."

While watching Dancing With The Stars with me...
Stevie: "I want to be on there Mom."
Me: "That would be fun."
Stevie: "But I only want to dance with Dad."
Me: "Good choice."

Stevie's Favorite Song

We broke out the video camera a while ago to capture Stevie singing her favorite song. It is from The Polar Express movie. Needless to say...that Christmas CD has been playing in the van since about November. Maybe it will accidentally get lost soon :-)

Stevie is generally not shy at all and loves to showcase her "tricks." This video cracks me up because I had the view finder faced at her so she was watching herself and exaggerating everything.

Easter

Last year we OD'ed on Easter Egg Hunts...I think we did 5 or so. And this year...only one at Grandma's house on Easter Sunday. The baskets and decorations didn't even come out of the closet until then. We did a few things at home...hunting for their baskets from the Easter Bunny and coloring eggs. I was thinking out loud to Jake about last year vs. this year. And he said "Maybe next time you will do better." I think he may have heard that coming out of my mouth just a few times :-)

Here are a few pictures. One of the things I love about having two girls is matching the outfits occasionally. I know they won't always like to match...but for now I am enjoying it. And Duff and Carrie...I had to include these pictures that Kassidy and Stevie took...great smiles.

Fun in Nevada

Here are a few of my favorite pictures from our trip to Nevada last week. When my children are around Aunt Nikki and Grandma...I think that I disappear for them. They love you so much and feel the love from you. I guess Kelly still loves me the best :-)

Stevie told me that her favorite part of the trip was "pigs." Jake's favorite parts of the trip were riding the Ferris Wheel with Aunt Nikki and playing with Tyson. And I think Kelly's favorite part was getting attention from Jackson and Max. Drake did a great job on showcasing his pig Porkster...I was very impressed. Thanks for all of the fun times and for all your help with the kiddos!

Another Great Ski Trip

Here is a link to Steve's new movie...a chronicle of his ski trip this year. Isn't he talented?
>Click HERE<

Playgroups

Here are a few recent pictures of Jake, Stevie, and Kelly with their friends from playgroups (and Kassidy :-). Love them all like family. We are so lucky to have so many great friends that are close enough for us to see them this often.

I have decided that playgroups are for both ME and the kids. Of course the kiddos get to play. AND I get to chat with the other moms - share good news, bad news, gossip, whatever. Isn't it crazy how much better you feel when you are around others who are going through the sames ups and downs as you?

And...I couldn't help but including this picture. The BEST of friends, through all of the ups and downs...