Happy Halloween

Last night we had a great night carving our Pumpkins in preparation for Halloween. B's is at the top, then Alex, then Luke. B and Alex both designed their own and dad helped cut them out. (They sketched them on paper and everything! I love seeing creativity at work!) Luke told me what he wanted and I carved it out. He was pretty excited about the outcome. We thought they turned out great!


HAPPY HALLOWEEN!! Here's the kids all decked out in their garb ready to go collect some loot! Our friends came over with their kids and went trick-or-treating with us. Addy is in the back, then B - as a Lifeguard, then Noah, then Alex as Spiderman, and lastly...Luke as Nacho Libre. Everyone looked great and we went out and had a blast trick-or-treating. One more Halloween over til next year! Happy Halloween.

One Crazy Weekend...

What a weekend! My mom and dad rolled in from their hunting trip on Thursday night. I took Friday off and spent the day with them. We didn't do anything too fun, but it was good just to spend some time with them. We met Kevin's parents and his sister for Chinese food for dinner on Friday night too. It was a nice way to end my mom and dad's trip. They got up EARLY and left Saturday morning. I'll see them in a week though..I am traveling down with the kiddies to visit for a few days. (Alex has already packed his suitcase!)

We started Saturday morning off early as well... Alex was sick. He threw up about 8 times in about 2 hours. Poor Kid...he said his back hurt, his chest hurt, and his head hurt. He unfortunately inherited my vom-ing abilities. That is, when he throws up, EVERYONE knows he's throwing up. He ate something that upset his stomach. It could have been the rice/chicken at dinner that we forced him to try, the mound of Salt and Vinegar chips that Kevin gave him when we got home, the yogert he chased it with, or the huge glass of chocolate milk that he rounded the night off with. Anyway, once he got all that out of his system, he was feeling a lot better. We went a head and cancelled our camping trip. (Just overnight!) We didn't want to get there and have him be miserable. So, we'll do it again next time!

Sunday...."WHAT TIME IS IT?" That's right, me and Bailey and some of our friends met for High School Musical 3. I don't know who was more excited...me or B! B was all decked out in her plaid shorts and her HSM T-shirt. Since I didn't get to the store to buy my "I LOVE TROY" shirt, I had to settle on Wildcat colors. Yes, I was dressed in Red and White. Kevin was really the only one that noticed and preceeded to give me the, "are you kidding me?" look. Anyway, already being dressed, I didn't want to be late for the big show, so I wore it..and rocked it! We had so much fun. (Even if B wanted to sit by her friend instead of me!!) It was a great show and I am so glad that there is a good movie that I can actually let my very influential daughter watch! (Even though it was Sunday, it was a memory worth making on the day of rest!) We don't get to do mom/daughter days very often; it was great to get out with B. And of course, I didn't take any pictures. Oh well... it was still so much fun.

And one last kudos to Kev...we ran again tonight and we beat our last time by 2 min 20 seconds. That was 2 miles..running non-stop. Yeah for us. The last lap was tough, but Kev had his hand on my back and was giving me that last little push to get it done. Yeah for us! Love you babe!

Little bits of randomness...

Here is the picture I promised of Luke's birthday cake. Julie (Wade's wife made it and she did a great job!) It was a really nice cake it and she did a great job decorating it in Luke's favorite decor!


My Boys! So handsome. Don't expect Luke to "pose" for a good picture! We did end up with a few good ones with him smiling, but most of them were with him making some sort of silly face. Alex had just lost his front teeth, so he came up with some pretty good faces too. At least they are super cute!



Just a recent one of me and my ole man!

A Witches Treat

The Fabulous Witches. The one w/ the frog is the one that was on the Wagon Ride. She made the kids laugh. There were several people already in costume. (Not the Witches!) It was great people watching!

The "Witchy Poo"



Monday me and my girlfriend took our kids to Gardner Villiage to see all the Witches. It was FUN! All the Witches were amazingly decorated and the "real-live" ones were hillarious. The kids found the one witch that was in an out-house. It was called the "Witchy Poo". My kids thought it was the best one. We had a great time. We made it around with only 1 minor ding (let you guess who got it! Just a scrape on the hand) and no one fell into the water. There were a few times I thought Luke was going in..for sure. We didn't get to go into any of the stores..I guess I should say we didn't "attempt" to go into any stores with the kids. (That will have to be another day w/ just the moms!) We did however stop at the bakery. It was divine! I splurged and had a Pumpkin Chocolate Chip cookie w/Cream Cheese frosting. Yes, it was as good as it sounds!
After we walked around, we went over to the Petting Zoo and got to walk around and pet some of the animals. Alex really took to this goat with big horns. He also liked the geese and there was this HUGE pig named Sally. He really wanted to see her get up, but she was asleep. He wouldn't even touch her snout! There was a bunny that was in a pen that he like to pet as well. He's a real animal lover.














Luke and this goat became quick friends. He walked it all around the pen. He kept his hand on him for ages, just walking beside him. It was so funny to watch. He walked it over a bridge and around until the goat layed down. Luke had both arms wrapped around the goat's neck and kept saying, "get up goat." He didn't want to leave the goat, but we finally convinced him to come with us and finish out our trip on the wagon ride.
Here's a picture with all the kids in front of this big wheel thing. (I am sure there is a proper name for it, but it's late, and I have no idea what it's called!!)





Kids: Left to right - Noah, Addy, Alex, Bailey, and Luke.


We rounded our fun trip off with a wagon ride with a Witch. She told us some stories and we rode around on a hay wagon being pulled by a tractor. It was great. The kids had the best time and it was well worth the trip. We finished off the night with dinner at McDonald's. (With the playland!) It was a great way to spend FHE! I love making these memories with the kids. Time is a gift!

Quote from the Grand Finale!

Kevin: Luke, let's spell your name.
Luke: K.
Kevin: L
Luke: L
Kevin: U
Luke: Me
Kevin: U
Luke: Me
Kevin: No, U
Luke: Me
Kevin: No, say U
Luke: Me.
Needless to say, I am laughing hysterically!

So fun to hear the things they come up with. Gotta love 3 year olds. Their thinking is so clear and simple.

PS... Yes, we did get the cheese out of his nose. He just blew it out. I think we got it all. I guess having his nose checked with just be on the list of "usuals" every time we visit the doctor from now on! Awesome!

Happy Birthday my Sweet 3 Year Old!

Happy 3rd Birthday Luke!

Today is Luke's 3rd birthday. It's kinda been a two week celebration. He has enjoyed his 3 birthday parties! Last weekend, we celebrated with all of the family. My parents were up from Arizona and we had all of Kevins family over as well. He was so excited to open his presents and eat his "Thomas" cake. (Aunt Julie did a WONDERFUL job on his Thomas cake. She made it just for Luke and it was as delicious as it looked. Thanks Aunt Julie for making Luke a cake he won't forget!!) I was going to post a picture of it but it must be on my camera! We went to dinner last night with some of our friends and then back to our house for cake and ice cream. He got this super sweet bug catcher/vacuume thing. (I have already made good use of it!!) Then today, we went to church - his nursery class sang happy birthday to him, then we came home and spent some time together as a family before Kev was off to work. Me and the kids walked over to the park and played for a bit. We had dinner, some cake, then watched a movie. Now he's zonked out. He got lots of cool stuff and I know he had a great day.

As for me, I have spent he past few days thinking about this sweet angel (well, some of the time!) and how different our lives would be if he hadn't come to us. I remember when he was born. My epidural didn't work and I ended up having him naturally. Not really the way I wanted things to go down, but whatever it took to get him here, I was willing to do. Once he came, he was happy and healthy. That lasted all of about 2 weeks. He started having really bad ear infections and was not sleeping...at all. I was nursing him about every hour just to try and get some quiet time. He was so miserable and there wasn't anything I could do to comfort him. I felt overwhelmed. We spent almost all of our time at the Dr. office, trying to figure out what to do for him. He was on stuff for acid reflux and almost always on antibiotics to help clear up his ears. I remember driving him once to the Dr. I was going on very little sleep, and I remember thinking to myself that if he doesn't get better soon, I think Heavenly Father was trying to prepare me that he might return home to him. I remember feeling very overwhelmed, but also so grateful for the time that I had been blessed with to spend with him. Not long after that, Luke had his first set of tubes put in his ears. Just like that (picture me snapping my fingers!) he was better. It was litterally over night. He was a whole, new baby, and one that I was enjoying a lot more. He was sleeping..which meant I was sleeping! We were a much happier team. He's been growing everyday by leaps and bounds. He is hillarious and an amazing blessing to our family. We have truly been blessed by having Luke as a member of our family.

Happy Birthday my sweet angel.

PS... Luke celebrated his birthday today by shoving a piece cheese up his nose. That's my boy!

Tag #2

Taggy-Poo
Thanks Tricia for the Tag....

I am - A mother, a wife, a sister, a friend.

I think - I will survive.

I know - that everything happens for a reason.

I miss - Sara and Aaron.

I fear - loosing someone else that I love.

I feel - tired.

I hear - My kids still awake. (They are supposed to be asleep!)

I smell - Tootie Fruity Rings.

I want - peace, knowledge, acceptance, understanding.

I crave - sleep.

I cry - a lot. I am working on it.

I search - for knowledge and understanding.

I wonder - about the future.

I regret - nothing. It's made me who I am today.

I wish - I had one more conversation with Aaron.

I love - Kevin, Bailey, Alex, and Luke.

I care - because I don't know how not to.

I always - Floss after eating.

I have - experienced what it's like to be heartbroken.

I worry - that I am not doing enough.

I am not - skinny!

I remember - Sara.

I believe - in miracles and comfort.

I sing - a lot and off key

I argue - if I know I am right.

I write - to clear my head.

I lose - my sanity everyday just before bedtime.

I listen - to hear what I need to know and how to move forward.

I don't always - remember to be thankful for what I have.

I don't understand - death.

I can usually be found - doing something with my family.

I need - understanding.

I forget - everything. I don't have a good memory at all.

I am happy - when I am with family.

I tag - Lindsy, Rachelle, Cori

Tag 1

Bear With Me... I've been tagged 2 times with 2 different tag-things! Here's number 1.



7 Things that I can do:

1. I can put away a meal at Cafe Rio

2. I can run 2 miles. (As of tonight..I even cried when we crossed the finish line! Yeah me and Kevin!!)

3. I can cook desserts

4. I can get myself and my 3 kids ready in 1 and 1/2 hours. (That's HUGE!!)

5. I can keep a secret

6. I can tell you where everything is at Walmart

7. I can play the piano (even though it's been awhile.)

7 Things that I can't do:

1. I can't get enough sleep

2. I can't do the splits (wish I could though!)

3. I can't eat just one M&M

4. I can't wear leggings. (It's not a good look for me!)

5. I can't rollerblade

6. I can't make it through a therapy appointment with out crying. (Yet!)

7. I can't live without my family

7 Things that attracted me to Kevin:
1. His smile

2. He showed at up my appartment on a motorcycle and asked to take me for a ride.

3. He was a gentleman

4. He loves his family

5. His strength

6. He calls me his sweetheart

7. He protects me and comforts me



7 Things I say most often:

1. What the...? (And yes, Luke has picked it up!)

2. That's Awesome

3. When will I ever need to make Tiramasu?

4. Really?

5. What?

6. Are you kidding me?

7. Love you



7 People that I admire the most:

1. Mom and dad

2. Kevin

3. Karalee

4. Ann

5. Condoleezza Rice

6. Bailey, Alex, Luke

7. The Prophet



7 of my favorite foods:

1. Cafe Rio Pork Salad

2. Cafe Rio Pork Burrito

3. Cafe Rio Pork Quesadilla

4. Chili's - Fajitas

5. Arby's Beef N Cheddars

6. Rollos

7. Ice Cream

7 People I tag:
1. Ann

2. Lindsy

3. Nat

4. Tricia

5. Sammi

6. Kayla

7. Cori

Tidbits in a nutshell...

We are home from San Diego. We had a GREAT time. I have wonderful in-laws that put together the best trip my family has been on. I enjoyed spending time with everyone and it was a gentle reminder for me to always remember to be thankful for the wonderful people in my life. We had a blast at Sea World. (I'll post pictures from the trip as soon as I get them downloaded from my camera!) Kevin and I also had a great time running "across the boarder"! I got a sweet Coach purse and we found some original costumes for the boys. They are....wait for it...Nacho Libre masks and cape. It's awesome. Luke is going as Nacho and Alex is going as a Blue Power Ranger. It was $8 bucks well spent! We had fun. It's good to be home and sleeping in our own bed.

We seem to be going a mile a minute these days too. My mom and dad were here for a couple of days. It was great to spend some time with them. I needed some mom and dad time. Wish it was longer.

The kids are out of school for a couple of days for Fall Break. Would love to have gone camping, but going to AZ in a couple of weeks. Sucks that we can't do everything. We will be making the most of our time while the kids are home and we'll have to do some camping next weekend, when Kev is off for the whole weekend.

Luke's 3rd b-day is Sunday. We celebrated with all the family this past Sunday. It was great to have everyone together. We are going to celebrate this Saturday too. (I swear our kids never have just a one day celebration..it's usually several!) Oh well, it's fun. Plus, it can't be all bad when there's birthday cake involved.

Lastly, I had to post this picture of Luke. He was eating a popcorn ball (and yes, it did smell sweet!) Anyway, he was laying on the floor and all the sudden he starts yelling that his eye is broken. I look over at him to find this sweet little treat.

He even left a popcorn trail, just in case I couldn't find him! My kids ROCK!

Also, we took the kids roller skating on Monday. Oh yea, I skated. Nothing like a 30-something racing around like a crazy woman! It was a great workout! Good times. Good FHE!

We Made It!

We are in day 4 of our 6 day vacation and we are loving every minute of it. We have the back door open of the house and are feeling the cool breeze from the Ocean. (I could really get used to this!!) We have had a great time. This pic is of 2 of my boys at the Seal Show yesterday at Sea World. We had a great time! I took a lot more pictures, they are just on my camera. When we get home, I'll post more. We have done everything from a day at the beach, to Sea World, swimming, and tomorrow...MEXICO!! Should be fun. I am looking forward to finding the "BIG DEAL!!" We have had a blast on our trip so far and are not too excited to get home!