Julie's Visit

The kids were so excited when I told them Julie was coming for a visit. They were sad to only get to see her for only one day :( They really love her a lot. Carly immediately got out her hair stuff so she could do Julie's hair. It was so sweet.

Julie and the kids posing for a picture!!

Greyson and Julie.....he really likes Julie!!

We had such a great time while she was here. We went shopping, went to lunch, scrapbooked, and just spent some time just relaxing. It was really great!!! She helped me put some finishing touches on some of the rooms, and helped me pack up the kids for their trip to Reno. She is such a great friend. She was such a great support during those tough times. She helped me get through so much heartache. Thanks Julie for being my best friend. I love you!!!!

(If you have any pictures of us from the trip send them to me...I don't have any!!!)

Happy Birthday Sis!!

June 24, 2000 was the greatest day of my life. I became a MOMMY!!!! Being a mommy has been the best adventure of my life. Ashley you have taught me so much. I am so grateful that I know what unconditional love is....it is a wonderful gift. I have watched you learn and grow into such a beautiful girl. I can't believe that it has already been 9 years. Time flies when you are having fun, and you have brought so much fun into our lives.


You have been such a great little helper to me. I love it when we have Ashley and Mommy time together. I love it that you want to just sit and talk and cuddle with me. We definitely need to do it more often. I am so grateful to have you as my daughter. Heavenly Father really blessed me with the greatest children on the earth.

Here you are in your cute new outfit from Uncle Jason's family. You are growing so fast!!!

Close up.....what a great smile!

Presents.....you sure do love your pet shops!! How many did you get today??? 11, I think!

You wanted a pet shop cake!!! I was determined to find one :)

My Girl....with her cake!! Love you Ashley!!!!

The New Me

A new beginning, new apartment, new town, and a new me. The past few years have been really difficult for me. Full of insecurities, doubt, fear, and heartache. I am so glad to be putting that behind me and starting over. I feel I am a better mother to my children, and a better person myself. I am grateful to be putting my insecurities behind me....and so glad that I don't have to look back.
I am gaining the confidence back that I lost many years ago, and realizing that I have so much to offer someone who will appreciate it.
I want to give my children a mother who is strong in her beliefs, and create a home that is a refuge from the real world. I want to teach them that choosing the right, and being accountable is so important in life. They will grow to be amazing people in this world if they remember that. I am so grateful that my Heavenly Father has given me these experiences. My weaknesses will become strengths. I want to be a great example to my children and I want them to know how much I love them. They are the most important thing in my life and they will know that they always come first in my eyes. Like my new hair....my new life will be just as FABULOUS!!!!

Monte L. Bean Museum

We had a great day today. We went to the Monte L. Bean Museum on the BYU campus. It is so full of animals of every kind. The kids were pretty worried at first.....right as you walk in there is a giant liger. They stood pretty far back until I told them it wasn't alive. It was pretty fun, even though they knew they weren't alive they still kept their distance from the animals. I love being with my kids, they are so much fun. We enjoyed a picnic afterwards in the car, because it was stormy outside. I am so glad the kids enjoyed themselves.

The kids with Grandma.

In front of the African Elephant exhibit.

My kids are soooo cute!!

Ashley in front of a Butterfly display. Look close....hundreds of butterflies!

Posing with a Giraffe......this is my favorite picture of the day!

Ashley wanted a picture with the beautiful peacock.

Check out Ethan's face.....this was staged, but still funny :)

Mommy and Greyson.....he was so good, didn't cry the whole time we were there.

Fun with four!!!

Right before the reptile show.....it was so fun we got to touch a crocodile skin, a sea turtle shell, a blue tongued lizard, a tortoise, and a California King Snake. Carly wouldn't touch the lizard or the snake, but she touched the tortoise. The show was really cool, and the kids enjoyed it.

Greyson loved it too.....his eyes were really big. :)

here is Thunder....the tortoise.

Little Princess

Well this picture really sums it up!!! Carly is my little princess. She is 100% girl!! She loves to get all dolled up. She loves: Make-up, jewelry, dresses, perfume, and loves getting her fingernails and toenails painted. We went over to a friend's house today, and she saw this dress and immediately had to try it on. She didn't want to take it off. She was so excited when Mommy suggested taking a picture so she could have it forever. She is such a beautiful little girl, with such a fun spirit. I really enjoy having such girly girls. It is really fun for a girly mom!!!

Memorial Day Fun!!

Water and Trampoline.....great combination for fun!! We had a great time with Patti and her kids for Memorial Day. We played at the park....had some snacks, then went to jump on the tramp and play in the water. Our kids get a long really well. Patti and I just lounged around while the kids played. It was great being able to sit back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful weather. Greyson was really good too. Just loved watching the kids play....he is such a good baby.

The kids got along so great.

Look of pure joy on Carly's face. Ethan pulling a plumber!

They had so much fun!

Love that smile :)

Greyson is such a good little boy. He just sat in his car seat watching the jumpy kids!!

Firsts- cereal

Greyson was not sure about the whole food thing. I knew it was time to introduce it, because every time we would eat he would get so excited. We tried rice cereal with a tiny bit of apple juice in it. He did the whole baby thing and spit it out at first, but I think he liked it. He threw up most of it a couple hours later. The doctor told me we might want to hold off for a little while. When I tried Bananas later....he ate them really well, but then threw them up too. I think he is finally used to the food, but may be allergic to Bananas. He has a bad reaction to them. I can't believe how BIG my baby is getting!!! He is growing so fast.

Oops....he is losing it!!!

What a cutie!!

Starting to get used to it.

Trying it himself!!