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!!

Mother's Day Meeting

I was surprised on Mother's Day, with three beautiful children running into my room screaming, "Happy Mother's Day". It was so wonderful. I started getting ready for church, and after I was dressed I asked the kids to get dressed. Ashley took Carly in the other room, and I heard some whispering. When the came out they were so excited. I looked at them and they were beaming. They had dressed to match Mommy on Mother's Day. It was so cute. Since the girls were matching I decided to put the boys in matching clothes as well. We propped the camera up on the piano....turned on the timer and took some priceless pictures. I am so grateful to have such thoughtful children, who went out of their way to make Mommy smile. I love my KIDS!!!!

Early Mother's Day Picinic

I love Mother's Day!! I love being able to rejoice in the fact that I am a Mother. I am so grateful for the gift of unconditional love that Heavenly Father has given me for my children. They are the greatest gift, they are to be cherished!! Harold B. Lee said, "The greatest work you will ever do will be within the walls of your own home". My children have been my strength in times of trial, they have helped me so much. I hope they will know how much I love them.

Greyson and Mommy

Pyramid of Grandkids....12 of 18 were present. The other 6 were truly missed!!

Ashley, McKenzie, and Breanna.

Ethan and Jason were partners in the balloon tossing game.

Carly taking time to pose for a picture :)


The kids challenged Jason....

and they won!!

Tug-O-War.

Greyson watching and wondering....that looks like fun!!

The kids attacking Uncle Greg.....he is such a kid! He loves it!!

My little Sweethearts!!

We had a great day!! It was so much fun. Uncle Jason and Aunt Tammy had planned a whole bunch of games to keep the kids occupied ie: Tug-O-War, Water Balloon Toss, and Kick Ball. (The kids even took Jason on...and they beat him in Tug-O-War) Carole challenged me...and I landed on my bottom!! We had some yummy food, and just had a great time being together.