All of the fixins...

Kevin and Opa throwing the Pizza dough back & forth...

Perfecting the pie...

Getting started...

Lauren...

She is doing great also, except at church on Sundays! She has really had a hard time transitioning from nursery to sunbeams. She screams the whole time during sharing time and I have a class I am supposed to be sitting with during that time. So, after this past Sunday of Terror we have decided to demote her back to nursery for a couple more months. Brenda (primary pres.) syas this happens all of the time and she'll be fine eventually! So, that's the dish on Lauren girl... we love her even when she's so stubborn... which is all of the time pretty much! When your mom warns you you're gonna get one just like you someday, it's true! Thanks for that Mom!!! Anyway, Lauren had fun with a friend that was over, eating pizza and playing some air hockey!

Emmy 6 months...

She's slowly getting happier or more trained however you want to look at it! She freaks out at strangers and even the family she doesn't see everyday! Bad phase!!! Anyway, she is eating food still and we're cutting back on so many bottles and making her stretch it a little. She got spoiled on all of the canned fruit I was feeding her because when I decided to buy baby food at the store instead, as she was eating up my year supply, ... she has determined that she hates the store bought stuff! Oh well. She is doing great!

Wild Hair Saga...

Maddie and me have an agreement that if she doesn't complain about washing her hair or getting it done she can grow it out. It's working OKAY so far and it's getting longer. This particular day she fixed it herself "curly" for school. I decided it was a little wild but so was her jacket, so what the hey!

Crazy Kaitlin...

Kaitlin is doing great too. She is getting so big and grown up! She is just enjoying doing stuff with friends and hanging out. She is wearing a bit of make -up now and learning how to put it on so it looks natural. She's doing a great job! She loves Young Womens and is getting ready for a Snow Trip coming up this weekend where they get to stay in a cabin Friday night and play in the snow all day Saturday! Fun stuff... sound better than soccer games all around town and helping move boxes all day!

The New & Improved Daron...

Well, he had to get glasses but I must say he looks dang cute in them! He had made fun of a girl earlier this year who wore glasses at school (i think he liked her) and I warned him to treat people nicely because you never know if you may have glasses someday. Low and behold...

Anyway, he is a good sport and is very excited about them actually. His Dad told him to say the following if anyone made fun of him...

A boy - "Man I never knew how ugly you really were until now!"

A girl - "Man, I never knew you were so good looking until now!"

Or something along those lines anyway. No one made fun of him though, or that I have heard of anyway. You look GOOOOOOOOD Daron!!!

Maddie Girl...

Maddie & her friend Tess playing high school, where they both had boyfriends and were cheerleaders! The really important things in life you know...

Very cute though and they always have fun together! It's good to have friends on the same block!

Something to think about...

"Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend."

-Martin Luther King, Jr.

TRAITOR...

Why are all kids traitors when it comes to their first words??? I wake up at the butt crack of dawn every morning to feed my starving Emmy girl, wait on her hand and foot throughout the entire day, see to her every waking need... not to mention I carried her around for 9 months prior to her grand entrance... and she says Da-Da first!!! Go figure. But it was bound to happen as it always has before. It is worth seeing how happy these little words/sounds make him though! He deserves it, he's a great Da-Da! Emmy is sooooo big andI mean BIG! She's almost 6 months and weighs about 20lbs. She is very tall though, probably about as tall as Maddie was at a year old. She has the chubbiest thighs and the pudgiest rump! We love it and so does everyone she meets! She is playing in the Johnny Jump Up, her play station, and spendin some time on the floor with toys. She does not like the floor time so much yet and screams until she falls asleep on her belly instead of playing. I will be persistant though because she needs to learn to play better and entertain herself and get the exercise! She is eating vegies and fruit twice a day and drinking regular milk now because she obviously is bulking up just fine and milk has all of the same vitamins as formula. She just started chewing on biter biscuits and loves them and the mess! She has 2 teeth on the bottom and some trying to come in on top I think... we'll see! We sure love her!

Kaitlin's 1st New Beginnings...

I know that these pics aren't the greatest, but had to post. Kaitlin is loving Young Womens and had her first New Beginnings program last week. She had a part in the program to tell about Divine Nature and part of the whole group that sang a pretty song. They also highlighted her since she was a new Beehive this year. That was funny! She always gets so embarrassed or nervous about standing up in front of people which I think is nuts since she loves to act and sing! Anyway, Kevin and I loved going and being a part of this. It great to get to spend the one on one time with her and see how she interacts with all of those girls and her leaders. Her leaders can never sya enough how much fun she is and always the life of the party! That is definitly Kaitlin! She did a great job on her part and we can't wait until next year!!! Now, we just have to get started on those goals for her Young Womens Recognition award..... we'll get right on that! A couple of the Mia Maid girls that are tall chicks also, turned around at one point and told Kevin and I that they wanted her to come play volleyball with them. Then afterwards during the refreshments the came up to Kaitlin and gave her a hug and introduced themselves and told her the same thing. She was a little shy, but I could tell it made her happy that they were older and interested in hanging out with her! We'll have to get them together for some volleyball soon hopefully! I thought they played sports in young womens... do they not do that anymore????

Pinewood Derby Time...

Daron and Kevin had a great time making this years Pinewood Derby Car. I thought our ward did a really good job on the actual event day. They had an electric track that was pretty cool and fun decorations and treats for the racers! Daron didn't take 1st prize this year and wasn't too happy about that at first, but after some words from Dad he changed his tune and realized how lucky he was to have won twice already in years past. He had a lot of fun and it was fun for me to watch him with his friends. He won an award and it was a great day!!! Way to go Daron!

The Green Dragon...

Our Green Dragon in her 4th soccer season!!! I am glad her Dad wanted her to do soccer so bad because it's been good for her. She loves to play and gets better and better every season. I love the games that I get to go and watch and am thankful that Shane and Erin are at every game for her. Lauren is rough to take so we have to miss once in awhile. She wants to be out on the field with Maddie and aint nothing gonna stop her, so she can not even go!!! She is a stubborn chick. Anyway, back to our Maddie... I am proud of her for doing so great. She is loving that her team has been the same exact players a couple of seasons now and her coach lives on our street. She'll be playing every Fall and Winter season, so come check her out when you get a chance! She is going to be doing dance and piano in the spring and summer I think, we'll see. She really wants to do hip hop dance????? I think her friend Tess does it and Maddie is pretty interested so we'll see. We are also gearing up for her baptism coming up in April!!!! I can't believe it... We love you Maddie girl (monkeygirl)!!! We will all be at your game Saturday (except Lauren of course)!!! Can't wait--- :)

Out For The Count...

Some form of sickness or another has been making it's way through our house for the last couple of weeks. It got Daron good on Tuesday night. Him and I were sick together! This is him on Wednesday morning after the others left for school. He was OUT!!!! I took really good care of him and didn't even get mad when I found the hersheys kisses hidden in the bathroom cupboard behind his toothpaste! Today I am picking up the toy room a bit which is where Mr Daron spent his two days off from school. Every pill I gave him was stashed behind the movie chairs...that little stinker!!!!! At any rate, he's better know and back up to speed and did awesome in his game Saturday. No goals but some great assists! Look at the size of those feet! Could not look more like his Daddy's for sure!

The Funky Monkey...

Here he is in all of his glory!  The soccer king, goalie, and team captain of the Funky Monkeys...Daron!  I haven't gotten to go to a game yet as I have been home bound with fever ridden kids, but these pictures were awesome to see.  He is loving his soccer season so far and really loves everyone that comes to check him out.  He had a lot of family there to watch this last Saturday and he ate it up!!!  Thanks to all of his supporters!!!!  

I will have to post about Maddie girl on Saturday after I get to her game that day...

What to do with ALL these Leaves...

The kids had such a great time raking all of the leaves from the huge trees out back and then taking turns jumping into them and cevering eachother up with them.  Then they got Oma too!  Daron shoved them into his clothes to be a scarecrow and then they all just started throwing them like crazies!  They really love this yard and today, spending some time playing together.

Family Day...

We took the day off from everything and just enjoyed eachother today for Kev's birthday.  It was so much fun!  We had eggs, homemade hashbrowns, toast and fresh squeezed OJ (from our trees out back) for breakfast.  Kevin actually made us breakfast on his birthday because I cannot make the over easy eggs to save my life!!  Then we hung out and played a couple of rounds of Rummikub together.  Then lunch and nap time for whoever wanted and play time for whoever didn't.  Then some whiffle ball in the back yard where the kids each wished Kevin a happy birthday in their own personal way by hitting him while he pitched the balls to them...  Kaitlin got him square in the groin and dropped him like ton of bricks!  Daron got him on his left nipple and it was bright red for a long time!  Maddie got him on the shoulder, so not so bad.  We laughed so hard when Kaitlin got him though, it was great!  He'll live!!!  Anyway, then we cooked dinner and Oma & Opa joined us for BBQ chicken, german fried potatoes, steamed broccoli and birthday cake.  I made a pumpkin caramel and cream cheese cake and it was soooo yummy!  A day off with his family was all he wanted for his birthday and it was awesome!

Happy Birthday To My MAN...

For those of you that know Kevin you know he doesn't really care for his birthday too much!  A simple Happy Birthday will do.  But, I love his birthday (birthdays in general really) and am so glad that he's mine!  He is such a smart guy.  I don't know where he has learned to do all of the things he knows???  He can do ANYTHING!  He's hard working, patient, kind, generous, loving and cares for our family so much.  He is the best Dad ever and really cherishes each of his kids.  He spoils them, but that's okay because he balances that with consistency and discipline.  They are learning great things from their Daddy every day that will help them in their lives.  He's still a kid at heart and loves playing with them and encourages them to do new and fun things!  He started in a new business this year and is doing so awesome despite the difficulty of switching gears into a new industry from what he was doing last year.  He just makes it work and gives it his all!  He is the most positive person I know and he is such an example to me in that department (I am a huge worrier...you all know that).  He is definitly my ROCK!!!  I feel blessed to have met him and fallen in love and to join our families together and even add a couple to the bunch!  Happy Birthday Babe...  "34"!!!!!

Got the picture...Thanks Deb!

Stuff...

Kaitlin got her Student of the Month award this morning at flag ceremony!!!!  She is such a great girl!  We are very proud of her for being such a good example to those around her and doing so well at her new school.  She is auditioning for Beauty & The Beast this weekend and has been practicing very hard on her song.  Daron is playing soccer now for winter season and has been named team captain!  He also suggested the name voted in, "Funky Monkeys"!  Very exciting stuff.  They won their first game on Saturday.  Madison is also playing winter soccer and loving it.  This is her 4th season I think and we are very proud of her soccer moves!  She is sooooo ready to be baptized in April too!  Lauren keeps walking around the house saying, "butt crack"  I guess because all of the kids make fun of her bum when her pants are low riding and they say it to her.  She goes on and on!  Emmy has been sick for like 2 weeks and no end in sight.  I think partially due to her teething maybe???  She is congested and snotty and all that great stuff!  Kevin is working like a crazy man to make us all millionaires and being a great scout leader, soccer Dad and audition coach!  I am busy with kids, cleaning, cooking and callings!  We hope everyone is having a great week...

(I heard a friend got a pic of Kaitlin getting her award, so maybe a pic is to come???  I'll get on that!)

A Tragedy In Our Extended Family...

An email from Aunt Jacque this morning...  

I don't know if you have heard on the news about the car accident on Friday nite at Sossaman and Elliot rds. that two little boys were killed in or not, they were some of our extended family. It is the Grandsons of Aunt Kay and Uncle Eddies daughter Sandy. They lost little C.J. and Nolan. They were 11 and 6 I believe. Their parents were also injured, their Dad, Frankie, had glass in his eye, he had surgery and they hope they can save it. Their Mom, Tracy, has a fractured pelvis. She is still in the hospital. There was a friend in the backseat with the boys, and she is still in ICU, I don't know her prognosis. It is so sad. Tracy and Frankie had 3 children. A few years ago, they had a baby that only lived a couple of minutes after birth. They have had so much sadness lately, Frankie was hurt in a very bad ATV accident, and was in the hospital for quite awhile. He lost a lost of work recovering, and not too long ago they lost their house because of him not being able to work. They are currently living with his grandparents. I can't even imagine losing all of your children....it's so heartbreaking. Please remember them in your thoughts and prayers. Their names are Tracy and Frankie Smith. As you can imagine they are having a very hard time dealing with this. I wish I knew their friends name, but I don't at this time. Gramma Dorothy was telling me about the little boys. She said they were really cute, sweet little guys. The older one, was a straight A student, and I guess was really good at baseball. They had lots of friends. Hold your families close.....

My thoughts...

I feel very sad for Tracy and Frankie today.  I can't even imagine what they are going through and we will keep them in our prayers.  It is such a reminder to me of all of the many blessings that I have in my life.  We have had a rough year in more ways than one, but have had soooooo many blessings this year at the same time.  And, even our trials this year have been blessings in disguise in many ways!  I am very thankful to my Father in Heaven for my sweet husband and his positive diposition and drive to keep our family going no matter what, our children for the fun each of them bring into our home and family, and for our our extended families and the lengths they are willing to go to help us and how much they love us!    I am very grateful for our health and safety today especially.  Like Jacque said...hold your families close.  These are the things that REALLY matter!

New Years Resolutions...

Well, I am on day 5 of resolutions I made and doing 100% so far!  We'll see how long that lasts!  Emmy is cutting her 2 bottom teeth and they're poking thru!!!!!  I was a little teary when I saw them coming through, who knows why???  I bet it's because I am sooooooo glad she is getting bigger/older (because newborns are such high maintenance) and also a little sad because she's our last baby.  But at any rate, she's cutting teeth, eating solids twice a day for the past 2 weeks, on regular milk (bye-bye formula!), is sleeping 10 hours at night,  takes 2 naps a day,  has a hilarious personality and laughs like crazy!  I am MIA from posting because I have GOT to take down all of the Christmas stuff before I can do anything else!!!  They also gave me another calling at church, so now I have 2 callings to get organized and prepared for every week, and the kids have their new activities coming up this week.  Daron & Maddie start soccer for the winter season and Kaitlin is auditioning for Beauty and The Beast through a community theater group!  So, I hope everyone has a great week as I am sure you are all equally busy so far this new year!!!