Halloween (finally!)

Yep, I am very aware this post is waaaay past due. Moving on....

We had lots of fun trick or treating this year. We went with Kim, Brandon, Katie and the girls. Leah was so darn cute. It was her first time trick or treating in the neighborhood and at first she had no idea what the heck was going on and in order for her to keep up with Ry and Alaina and the rest of the trick or treators, Chris had to pick her up and run her to the door! But then after a few houses we had to keep up with her! She would rip her pumpkin basket out Chris' hand (it got too heavy for her to carry) and run up to the door. It was adorable!

She was the perfect Dorothy! It's always been a dream of mine if I had a little girl to dress her up as Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz. Then after trick or treating Katie kindly watched the girls while Chris, Kim, and Brandon went to the movies.
It was a great Halloween. I only wished that I could have gone with all of my niece's on Halloween! My sister never lets her kids trick or treat, and I was told this year was going to be no different, but then I found out she did take them! I wish we could have all gone together. Oh well, I got to see them in their cute costumes, and we still had a good time.

Blog Burnout.

So, I have had blog burnout for quite a few months now... And I think I'll try and get back on track!

I am so excited for Halloween! I got the day off from work, but alas, my Chris has to work. He's going to get off early though so we can have our traditional chili and corn muffin dinner, and then we're taking Leah trick -or- treating with my sis in law Kim and her cute little family. I am so excited to see Leah's costume on her all put together! I'll have to post pics of that.

We got together with Kim, Brandon, Katie and the girls and carved pumpkins on Wed. night. And can I just say how much fun we had! Thanks guys! They all turned out so good.

Well that's all for now! Happy Halloween!

Busy, busy, busy

I have been falling soooo far behind in my posts, and it's really starting to bother me. I need to re-commit my self into doing this, because I really do enjoy writing down our happenings and putting pictures to go with the words.

It's been really difficult lately finding the time to do so. I recently went back to work PT (thank you to my wonderful references!) and so doing the balancing act has been priority over blogging. But I'm slowly easing into my new routine. And I do have to say, I hate having to leave Leah, but it's not for that long and she loves spending time with grandma. She is always so happy. I couldn't have asked for a better daughter or husband. Chris has, once again, became my knight in shining armour ( has ever not been though?) He has helped out so much and taken more duties on to himself to keep me from getting over whelmed. Without any complaints. Not one.

I love him more than he could ever know. I am so grateful to the people who've been helping me while I am working. You're all amazing!

Any way, I have lots to post about, but I'll be doing it out of order so It won't make that much sense to be going back and forth. But I really don't care. As long as it's on here, I'll be happy :) I love all my family. Blood related or not. You all mean the world to me.

Fourth of July fun (better later than never)

We had a great Fourth of July- with the exception that Chris that had to work until 7:30 that night-Boooo! Needless to say, we missed him. We went over to my sister in law's mother in laws house for a BBQ. Brandon's family is awesome. Really, they are so nice, generous, and welcoming. You always feel like you're a part of the family when you're around them. The food was yummy and Leah, Ry, and Laina we're so cute playing in the pool! Thanks so much for inviting us.






We then headed to Thanksgiving Point with my family for lots of fun and fireworks. We went and visited the animals in Farm Country. And I have to say how proud I am of Leah riding on the horse like a big girl! She didn't even cry or whine at all. We got to see and pet some animals, let the girls explore and got a wagon ride. We ate dinner there, and I had the best turkey sandwich ever! We then went to the park that they have there to see the live bands they had playing there (sucked big time! I'm not in to swing music) and to see the fire works! Chris got to join us for that. That made Leah's night. Such a daddy's girl!

My baby turned two!!!

Leah's birthday was on Friday, and I still cannot believe I have a two year old running around! We had a little party at our place with my in laws. We're gonna be having the big party with everyone next week. I'm so glad and appreciative that they came to wish Leah a happy birthday. They gave her some really great gifts, and Leah is having a blast playing with them, and I am loving that she has items that keep her busy, in place of the paper and crayons she's been using. They were getting a little old for my busybody.

She got a very cute and nice Disney Princess table and chair set (fold able-love it!!!) and a matching tea set from her Aunt Kim and Uncle Brandon- Thanks guys, she loves it

A cute Little Mermaid sucker and bracelets from Ry and Laina. So darn cute-Thanks girls.

A sweet little baby tiger that makes noises and can be fed a bottle, an adorable purse and some yummy smelling lip balm that Leah carries around with her everywhere. Thank you Aunt Katie- she loves it!

She got a sweet Tinkerbell quad riding toy from Grandpa. Need I say more? Dad, you're awesome! Thank you!

A cute cuppy and littlest pet shop set, the always loved and fun sidewalk chalk from my mom. Thank you mom. She loves LPS.

From Grandma Ruth she was able to get a really neat 4 in 1 Little People set, that she adores, a cute little turtle bath toy, and a Wow wow Wubzy book. She loves the gifts. Thanks Ruth for her birthday gifts! We wish that you three would've been there to celebrate :( But we understand.

From Chris and I she got a fisher price doll that looks like her, a Doodle Pro, a new swimsuit, and two outfits.

Thank you to Kim, Brandon, Katie, Ry, and Laina who came to Leah's little party. We loved having you all over here (we missed ya Matt) and we feel so blessed that Leah has you as her family because you love her so much! She loves you too. Thank you!

Day at the park with daddy

Back when the weather was way too hot instead of cold and rainy, which is what we've been having for about two weeks now, we went to the park and had a great time feeding the ducks, playing on the playground, and just running around all over the place. I just had to post some of these photos. These are the moments I love the most. Just being with the two people I love more than anything. I love watching Chris with Leah. He is the best daddy ever! She is a daddy's girl, through and through. Just like I was when I was little.













After our fun at the park, we went and got some much needed ice cream.


Enjoying her sorbet


Brain freeze!

Playing in the rain with cousins and shopping with Mama

Yesterday was a great day. While my poor hubby worked his tail off, Leah and I went over to my sister in laws house for a visit. We had so much fun that we stayed the whole day! They were so great to us! We had tasty enchiladas for dinner, and we even went outside and ran around in the rain. I cannot believe how bad and hard it was coming down. The girls were soooo darn cute! I had taken Leah's shirt off while she ate dinner to avoid stains, and she didn't even wait for me to put her shirt back on, she ran straight out into the rain, shirtless! It was so cute. Auntie Kim was sweet and lent Leah a pair of jammies to take her home in. She was exhausted.

Thank you so much guys for letting us come and visit you all day long! Love you guys!

Today Chris and I took my mom, who is having car problems, shopping, and then we all went out to lunch. It was so nice doing that with my mom. We really don't ever spend time with her doing stuff like that, and Leah absolutely loved it! She was so excited when she saw grandma get in the back seat with her ( I offered her the passenger seat, but she wanted to sit with her Leah-so adorable!) She loves her grandma so much. My mom really is a great grandma. No matter if we're getting along or not (mommy daughter issues-gotta love 'em) she is amazing to her grandkids. She is really good to her kids too. Honestly, that women is the most generous person I know. Thanks mom for everything that you do for your family. We had lots of fun today spending time with you. I am sooo glad you asked us to give you a ride :) love you mom.

My computer made me do it....

We've been having some big issues with our computer, so I have not been bloggin' lately... I'll probably end up just posting some pics and short explanations That will just have to do until I figure something out and get out computer fixed

Congrats Ry!

Just wanted to say congratulations to our niece Ry who is graduating from pre-school tomorrow. She is growing up waaaay too fast! I literally remember the very first time I held her when she was a baby and she spit up all over me! lol. And now she'll be in Kindergarten! Time needs to stop going by so darn fast! I cannot keep up with all of my beautiful nieces. I seriously am so blessed to have so many gorgeous, smart, and talented girls in my life. They all bring me so much joy.


Congratulations Riley! We love you smarty pants. Now stop growing up so fast!

Mother's Day Weekend

I had a great Mother's Day weekend. Well, other than the fact that I was still ill from the previous two weeks. We never found out exactly what it was, but it was horrible! My Leah had gotten a little sick too. Poor thing. Glad that's over!

My sweet daddy took our whole family out to dinner to celebrate Mother's Day. And we had such a great time! It was an amazing thing to me to be there with my parents, my sis, our hubby's, and most of all, our beautiful little girls eating together! And they ARE sooooo beautiful! All six of them. Thank you mom and dad for being such generous people. And thank you so much dad for the wonderful dinner... And pie ;) Eh Angie.

On Sunday I woke up to a bunch of cute cards and, a picture that Chris had Leah make for me, and a beautiful bouquet of one of my favorite flowers, Gerber Daisies!
I just loved how Chris let Leah be so involved in my surprises. It's all I could have ever wanted for Mother's Day. But of course Chris had a more up his sleeve. Thank you honey for spoiling me for Mother's Day. You are so thoughtful.


We also got see my bro and his family this past weekend too. My Aunt (on my dad's side) had her baby girl last week, but she was three weeks early and we were supposed to have her BBQ baby shower on Friday. Well, the hospital let her go the next day and we were still able to have her shower on Friday. Char and Scott came down and got to meet my family and we had such a great time. The only damper was that my poor sweet niece Abby fell down cement stairs and had to go to the ER. But that little thing is unbelievably strong, and is just fine. She is a DOLL!

I also want to give a shout out to my gorgeous niece Isabella who had surgery today. I love you Bella Bean! You are so beautiful, and the swelling and pain will go away soon. I am just glad you are okay. You were the first niece I had, and thus, you hold a special place in my heart. I love you, you feisty little firecracker! Get better soon.

And lastly, thank you Leah, for being my baby girl. You will always be my baby girl. And I am so grateful for every day, every minute, every second I have with you. Even if I don't always show it. Thank you for being you. You are truly Heaven sent.


Love her!

Anniversary 2009

We had a great anniversary. Our morning started out with a homemade breakfast together as a family. Chris loves waffles so I made him waffles, and parfaits with my homemade granola that he adores. Seriously, he begs me to make this stuff for him ALL the time. And then he took me out for a very nice lunch.

We then took Leah up to my parents' for the night, and headed over to one of our favorite B&B's. I LOVED the room! It was one of their bigger ones. It had a huge bed, shower, jetted tub, and a little privet eating area outside that leads to a garden. We had a good dinner lots of treats, and took a walk in the garden and swung in the swing together until the sun set.

We had a great time. Thank you honey for the wonderful anniversary and amazing gift.

A few pics from our anniversary
Cute outdoor eating area

lots to catch up on...

So please bare with me...

On the 24th, we were kindly invited to stay with Scott and his family for the weekend. I was dreading the drive because we haven't traveled any where that far with Leah since she was a newborn. Well she is a full fledged toddler now, so you can see why I was a little concerned. But she actually did so well. I sat in the back with her and read to her and colored with her. We only made one stop on the way there to use a restroom.

We had a pretty good time. Chris, my sister, Patrick, and I slept in Scott and Char's NiCe trailer. Originally, it was just supposed to be Chris, Leah and I, but Angie was so allergic to the cats (and so is Chris. Hence us sleeping in the trailer)
We didn't even know Ang was that allergic to cats (neither did she, apparently).


But oh my gosh, we had so much fun in the trailer. We are just a bunch a goofs!
The only bad part was no one really got any sleep. We didn't think it was going to be that cold. Boy, were we wrong. It was freezing! And for some reason (other than the cold- cause we made sure the babies were warm) the babies refused to go to sleep! When one acted up, they all did. Try getting a good nights rest with FOUR rebellious children ranging in ages 3 yrs-2 months old! But they are so adorable.

We had fun in the 'country' and ate lots of delicious food-courtesy of Char. Thank you!

No, really, thank you so much for opening up your doors to us. We really appreciate it. And HAPPY BIRTHDAY Sierra! Love you, you sweet girl!


p.s. I forgot to take any pictures. I know. I suck. :)

Happy Anniversary!

Happy Anniversary Chris! Here's to many more years to come, together. I am grateful for all of the memories we have made since embarking on this journey together. The good memories and, yes, even the not so good ones. If there weren't any unhappy times, I would for sure take the good ones for granted, and I am sad to say that I have taken some for granted. But we are learning. We never stop learning. Thank you for being an incredible father to our little angel. And for loving me. I love you.

They grow up so fast...

I cannot believe how fast my little girl is growing up. She says or does something new everyday. And while she still has some of that delightful baby chub left, it's going away a little more everyday. I love it when she makes all of the animal sounds: monkey, doggy, kitty, tiger, duck, just to name a few of my favorites.

She is growing like a weed! About a week ago I went through all of her clothes and shoes that no longer fit her, and I swear I almost started to bawl! I cannot believe that she once was small enough to fit in my belly (even if she was a bigger baby).
her hair is getting so long too. It's such a pretty light brown with golden streaks through it. I always blow dry her hair after she has a bath, and I never really noticed just how long it is getting. I think that probably has to do with her natural curl. It comes back after it's blown dry.



Her long, shiney hair!





Just a few fun pics.

Easter weekend 2009~Sunday

On Easter morning, I was the first one to wake up, and so I decided to wait for Leah and Chris to wake on their own. Well, about an hour later I was just too excited to wait any longer so I woke Chris up and went into Leah's room to get her. Usually she has the ears of a fox and if you even open up her door ever so slightly, she'll pop right up from crib at the sound. But I went in there and she didn't wake up. I moved some things around, coughed, and eventually shook her crib a bit. I know, what a rude mommy I am!

She finally woke up! She was so excited when she saw what the Easter bunny had brought her. I set out a little trail of those Cadbury eggs (NOT the ones with the nasty cream stuff in it. Yuck!) And at first she was only interested in those. But that soon went away as she dug into her basket. I love watching her little chubby angel face light up.

She got some really fun things from our family. She got a really cute outfit from my mom, a butterfly keepsake basket full of goodies from Aunt Angie and Uncle Patrick and her cousins, Leah loves it. And then she got the cutest summer dress ever from Aunt Charlotte, that she hand made herself!!! She made one for all of the girls and they turned out soooo cute! Rozzy, Abagail, and Leah have matching ones, and Isabella and Elana have ones with cherries on them.I just love the way they all turned out. Thanks Char! Is there anything that you can't do?

Later we had an Easter egg hunt and had dinner. It was such a good dinner! We had pasta salad, my mom's potato salad-which is the best potato salad ever! The only kind I'll eat- hamburgers and hot dogs off of the grill, baked ham, strawberry shortcake, and yummy cookie crumb salad. Yeah, I ate way too much, but it was all just too good. Overall we had a great Easter weekend. I just wanted to say how grateful I am for the opportunity to have been able to spend the weekend with my family. And I am so grateful for the resurrection of the Savior. With him in our lives, I know that all things are possible, if we just let our guard down, and let him in.






In the dress that Char made for Leah. Adorable!