"It's Never Too Late To Live Happily Ever After"

A Birthday Princess

2011-03-30T06:26:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my sweet Ceci Bug!!! One year ago today she made her shining debut into our lives, and hearts!

She has given me smiles beyond belief, made me laugh until I cried, and made me cry because of her angelic face!! I'm so proud to call her daughter, and so thankful to be her mommy!! Love you Ceci Bug!!!

Dr. Seuss Is In The House!!!

2011-03-28T09:33:00.000-07:00

Ceci Bugs Dr. Seuss dress!!

Seven Wonderful Years...

2011-03-27T07:09:00.000-07:00

Seven years ago today, I married my best friend. Three years ago today we sealed our family together for time and all eternity!! Today is the anniversary of the most meaningful days in my life!! I love you babe!! Thank you for being the MOST amazing man I know, the MOST amazing father to our children, and MOST importantly for being my husband and best friend!!

Second Sewing Project

2011-03-27T06:55:00.000-07:00

After sewing the previous dress for Cecilee, I got so excited that I started straight way on Sami one. I actually sewed this little bugger in one day.
She loved it so much that she insisted on wearing it to church. I insisted that she not, just because I didn't think it was "good enough" for it to be seen in public but I let her and Ceci Bug both wear them. They seemed to be a hit!!
I am now in the process of making them matching Dr. Seuss dresses. I LOVE the knot dresses so much, but after the "Seuss" dresses I plan on trying a different pattern.

My Newest Hobby...

2011-03-17T11:19:00.001-07:00

So, I have always envied those who could sew/create lovely things. My mother was a beautiful seamstress and I never got the opportunity to learn from her.

After having two girls who look absolutely precious in dresses I decided it would be something I would love to learn.
My wonderful and talented friend Tristie took some of her own personal time to show me some of the ropes. I bought a sewing machine, had Tristie over and she showed me some techniques, lent me a pattern and I took the project on!! This (pic above) was my creation!!! My VERY FIRST sewing project!! It didn't turn out too shabby. In fact, I love it so much that I have a few more projects in mind. I think I could really become addicted to making dresses...or anything that would look cute on my girls!

Computer Savvy This!!!

2011-01-15T11:57:00.001-08:00

I can't believe or even understand how on earth I managed to save my old blog, but I did. So here is to better upkeep of my blog, and trying to stay computer/blog savvy on my part!! Hahaha!!! I'm just so darn excited I can't stand it!!

The Love Of My Life

2011-01-15T11:47:00.000-08:00

I. Love. Him. More than words can express, I love him. He completes me.

Happiness is...

2011-01-15T11:43:00.001-08:00

Happiness is...

~Dancing around the living room floor with your baby girl, listening to "Sweet Serendipity" as she smiles and coo's at you all the way through the song!!!

~Waking up next to your four year old daughter who throws her arms around you and says "Are we going shopping today?"

~Having your eleven year old boy still throw his arms around you and tell you you are the best mom in the whole world!

~Realizing that after you forgot to pick up your six year old from early out Kindergarten for the second time, he still loves you just as much and doesn't hold it against you!!
Proof:
Me: "Jordon, I am soooo sorry that I forgot about early out Monday again!!!"
Jordon: "Mom, it's okay. I still love you!!"
(I start crying)
Jordon: "Mom, don't cry...You are here now, aren't you?!"
He melts my heart!!

~Having your husband call you twenty two thousand times a day while he's at work just to see what you are doing...

~Walking in on your six year old eating Ramen Noodles in the living room when he isn't allowed, only to hear him explain it this way:
Me: "Jordon Cory!! What do you think you are doing?"
Jordon: "My Ramen Noodles aren't choosing the right today."
Me: "You know the rules!!"
Jordon: "I know; but some of my noodles want to stay inside the bowl, and some want to jump out of the bowl..."

~Seeing your children and the way they look at you. Period.

~When your husband buys fuel, he always ends the amount of fuel purchased with the number 22 (For example; $54.22) because it's your favorite number, and he say's that it's his way of telling you he loves you from the gas pump!!

My family IS my happiness. I would do anything for them. Trust me, there are a million more "happiness" moments that I could share, but these were just a few that really stood out for me. I am so thankful for them each and every day. I hope I express to each of them how much they mean to me on a daily basis.

Bittersweet

2011-01-15T11:41:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, December 7, 2010, after picking Jordon up from school, we stood around the island in the kitchen talking about his day at school. About fifteen minutes into it, Jordon popped his head up and in a serious tone said "Mom, dad is probably going to die before you, hu?". Taken by surprise, I proceeded to agree with the statement made, and in turn replied "But, I really hope it's not for a long, long, time." Jordon then told me all of his plans on how if such a thing were to happen or if I just got "old", he would take care of me. He told me he would let me live with him, and that I would have no worries.
Sami then chimed in and stated that she promised she would drive me to Wal-Mart when I needed to shop, and she would take me to Sonic to eat dinner (we had just done those things prior to the conversation at hand). The cutest part was when she told me she would stroll Cecilee in her stroller and take her for walks when I got old. I had to explain to her that Cecilee wouldn't have to be in a stroller because she would be big like her. She then proceeded to explain that in that case she and Ceci would cook me dinner, and stroll their babies when they went on walks. She told me how she would crawl across my floor and if I were really sleeping she would tell me she loved me (we read "I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always" ALL the time).
These are simple moments that mean SO much to me. As much of a "bittersweet" topic that it was, it made me feel like I would be cared for by the little ones who I care for daily. I love being a mommy so much.
Motherhood makes me feel complete. It makes me feel accomplished, and it makes me feel as though I have purpose. I don't need nights out on the town, when I have nights home with my children. I don't need far away trips across the country when I have drives around town, or to Vernal with my kids. Listening to them jam out to the radio, or listening to the DVD player play that one movie a million times over. I don't need worldly satisfaction when I have "eternal" happiness right in front of me. I don't feel as though I go without for my children. I feel as though I am given more through them and because of them.
A lot of people ask if Cory and I are finished having children. Many who ask are worried about the age difference Cory and I share, and some are just curious because it seems an obvious question after having children already. I have in turn replied A LOT that I don't think I am. Wether it be in this life or the next, I don't know. I will when it happens though, and it won't be a secret if it is in this life. Motherhood is my most favorite thing in the world. It is what makes me who I am. The joy my babies bring to my life, whether they are eight months, eleven years, or the years in between, is a collective joy that nothing in this life can immitate. My children are examples to me, and they teach me so much without even trying.

Simple and Amazing

2011-01-15T11:40:00.000-08:00

Amazingly enough, I'm not as smart as I thought I was. Blogger kicked my butt with the whole "let's change it up a notch" routine. I am NOT computer savvy. PERIOD. I don't have days and hours in my life to sit and learn all the networking joys this life has to offer. Or maybe, I just have better things to do. In turn, I accidentally deleted the previous three year blog I had. Maybe it was for the best. It was repeatedly ignored, left unattended, and abused. I wouldn't be surprised if my blog intentionally threw out all the quirks to work it's way into complete anhialation...Yes, if only it were that easy to blame things on someone/something other than myself.
To be utterly and completely blunt, I'm not so sure that many people actually followed my blog. I don't find things in my life to be truly interesting or even note worthy. The beginning of my first blog found me wanting to journal things that were important to me. Then, my husband thought it was a great way for family members to keep up on our adventures, kids, and so forth. Later, with the addition of our fourth child, it started to seem like one more thing I needed to keep up on. As if cooking, cleaning, raising four children and being a wife weren't enough, I just sort of let the blog die.
Well, here is to hoping that I can maintain this one. Hoping I can find time to jot down the simple and amazing things in our lives, that I might find some outlet for all the crazy, funny, wacky and amazing things my family is capable of. Because from here until eternity, "It's Never Too Late To Live Happily Ever After."

"Im A Little Taller Today..."

2010-08-24T14:44:00.000-07:00

As I awoke the morning of August 21, I could here a conversation going on between Jesse and Jordon out in the hallway. It was a pretty interesting conversation. Considering it was Jordon's birthday, I figured it would be all about his birthday party, or birthday presents. Instead I heard this:

Jesse: "Happy Birthday Jordon"

Jordon: "Thanks Jess, I'm thinking that I really do look six..."

Jesse: "How come?"

Jordon: "Because I look a little taller!"

That was seriously SO funny. He then proceeded to tell his dad the same story when Cory called to tell him "Happy Birthday", and his dad laughed his butt off.

We ended up having his birthday party that night too. I made his cake, and honestly I don't think I did such a good job on it. Jordon sort of "ordered" his cake. He told me how he wanted it, and told me what to put on it, and where. HE LOVED IT. Everyone else liked it, but I just wasn't feeling the same "love". I can't believe my baby boy is six. He's starting Kindergarten, and just really growing up. I love him, and am so proud of him.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JORDON!!

Sami Is A Star

2010-08-19T17:30:00.000-07:00

Sami started taking Stars this year. She did take it last year, but this is the first year she has performed on stage. She performed with her Stars group for the Little Miss UBIC program, and then for UBIC the following Friday. I was a little worried because during practice she would always lay down, and say how tired she was. I eventually told Cory I thought we were wasting our money and time putting her in dance because I didn't think she even knew the dance routine. The performance for Little Miss UBIC was at 6:00 P.M. and the girls weren't dancing until later. Miss Sami fell asleep on her dance teachers lap, and I thought we were really in for it then. She's a monster when she wakes up, and especially if it's not with someone she knows well. Well, by about 8:30 P.M. they insisted that the little girls get to dance because it was getting so late, and as I suspected Sami was a terror. Still cute, but very grumpy. I convinced her that they really were dancing, and they practiced in the hallway, which was boring to her yet again. She wanted the BIG stage. As soon as the girls lined up to go on stage, she was starting to get excited. We took them onto the stage, and when she realized it was the "real" thing, she ran over, kissed me, and said "Bye mom, love you!!". Honestly I thought once she saw all the people out there, she would run back to me, and say she didn't want to do it. I was wrong. She turned into the biggest "Diva" I've ever seen. She knew her whole stinkin' dance, and she managed to weed her way to the front...throwing her hips and shaking her head!! She did just as good if not better at her UBIC performance that Friday night, and she LOVED being in the parade!!

She was AMAZING! So proud of her. All my worries were swept away. It wasn't a waste...At all. She really is learning even when she insists she is tired!!

So, as you have probably guessed...We are keeping her in dance. Maybe she was born to be a "Diva"!!

Samson Our Sweet Lil' Boxer

2010-08-19T17:10:00.000-07:00

Meet Samson. He's the newest addition to our family. He is a pure breed Boxer. He's sweet. The kids just love him. But I have to admit Cory and I do as well.
I stocked up on all sorts of Boxer books before we brought him home. I had a Boxer once before. When I was seventeen. Her name was Sugar and she ROCKED!
So far I have been very impressed with him. His temper is great. Super with the kids. He does fairly well with the potty training...A few accidents, but nothing major. He sleeps in his crate at night with the boys in their room, and seriously sleeps through the night!!

Splash Park

2010-08-19T16:55:00.001-07:00

S - S is for "Soaking Wet"

P - P is for "Play Date"

L - L is for "Lot's of Fun"

A - A is for "All Day Fun"

S - S is for "Silly Little Girls"

H - H is for "Hot Sunny Day"

P- P is for "Pizza For Lunch"

A - A is for "Another Great Day Spent With Family"

R - R is for "Really Did Get Sunburned"

K - K is for "Kousin's Are Kool"

Haha!! Yes, I know that I spelled "cousins" wrong. But I couldn't think of anything that started with "K". LOVE IT!! We had a blast. Sami and Maddi have become quite the little friends. Between the fourth of July, camping and the Splash Park they've got to spend some fun times together!!

The Great Outdoors

2010-08-19T16:47:00.001-07:00

While Alicia and her family were visiting, I took the kids up to stay with them while they camped for the week. I wasn't able to stay, because of my sweet little Cecilee. She just wasn't braving the storm too well. Seriously people...She hated it. I ended up leaving three hours after we arrived. But that doesn't take away from the fact that it took me three extra trips back to get home. I forgot to unload the boys' clothes, then I forgot the diaper bag...Oh such is the life of a mother with four children. Hahaha. I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world though.
Jordon and Jess stayed. They had a blast. They went to the Gorge (Flaming Gorge) and went to the dam. Jesse claimed the elevator freaked him out. But they enjoyed the twisty cones in Dutch John. Imagine that. They went fishing, and Jordon caught a fish. With a bit of Jenni's help though. Jenni being my cousin...Love her guts too!!
All in all it was a hoot for the boys. Watch out auntie Ellen...My kids love you!!

Love This Woman

2010-08-19T16:35:00.001-07:00

I love this woman. Alicia. She's AWESOME. I met her eleven years ago. A long time friend of my dad's and my auntie Ellen. Never ever will I forget her face....Or her guts. Love. Them. Alicia, Mickey (her hubby), and Nancy (her mom) came to visit at the beginning of July and I was thrilled that they came. It was my first time meeting Nancy and I have to say I love her just as much!!They're from Louisiana, and I truly feel blessed that they traveled so far. I keep telling myself that we are going to go visit, SOON. This was a happy time in July for me. LOVE YOU WOMAN!!!Nancy and Cecilee

Eleven

2010-08-13T17:26:00.000-07:00

Jesse turned eleven!! Holy cow does that just blow my mind!! This year for his birthday I made him a skateboard cake, and we had all the family over for cake and ice cream.

Each year I blog how proud I am of Jess. This holds true yet again for another year. I love him soo very much, and couldn't ask for a more wonderful son.

J - J is for Jolly

E - E is for Entertaining

S - S is for Skateboarding

S - S is for Silly

E - E is for EVERYBODY LOVES HIM!!!!

Happy Birthday Jestifer!!!

New Do...

2010-08-13T16:59:00.001-07:00

Okay, so I have been dark haired for at least two years now, and normally I'm light. Cory met me when I was blonde, and has liked me that way ever since. I, on the other hand not so much. I know my hubby loves me no matter what color my hair is, but I decided to try the blonde thing again for him. So, here goes. I have looked to anyone to argue it and say dark is better. So???

A New Bike For Sami

2010-08-13T16:53:00.000-07:00

Sami got a new bike for summer. She loves it. She get's a little frustrated, but she definately thinks she is styilin' with her helmet, and Barbie that rides next to her. I can't believe she is big enough to start learning to ride on her own. I remember her being Cecilee's size, and Jordon being the one who was learning to ride bikes. Oh how time does fly!!

Date Night

2010-08-13T16:41:00.000-07:00

DATE NIGHT:
1.Comes NOT so much anymore.
2.Is greatly appreciated when it does.
3.Unfortunately is RUSHED quite a bit when you are nursing your baby.
4.Completely makes you realize how TRULY, and COMPLETELY in LOVE you are with your spouse.

Cory and I's date night used to consist of 'The Work And The Glory' movies. We always made it a point to see all the movies when they came out. When the last of these installments was finished, we sort of just went with the flow. Luckily the 'Twilight' saga happened, and we have been going to them. I wasn't able to go to the midnight showing this time, so he went and bought us tickets to the showing the next night. It was a BLAST!!! My husband is a maniac. I am "Team Edward" where he is "Team Jacob". It's fun that way. During the movie, when Jacob has to keep Bella warm in the snow storm, Cory yells out, "GO JACOB!!". It was so hilarious. I love my hubby. I love that he sacrifices going to silly vampire movies for me. It was great to reconnect with my hubby. It was the first "date night" we had since little Ceci was born.

Who Knew It Could Be A Milestone

2010-08-13T16:30:00.000-07:00

Most of you wouldn't think to run to your child's baby book and think it necessary to record the fact that your baby boy,(okay...He's my oldest) is old enough to mow the lawn. Well, I am that parent. I can't even begin to express the crazy feeling that comes over me when I realize how BIG my baby is.
Cory made fun of me because I tried so hard to argue that he wasn't old enough to be that responsible. Funny. I know, I have to let him grow up at some point. He does great. Although there are a few long patches every so often. He'll figure it out. He really helps out SO much. I can't begin to express how much I appreciate all he does, even though most of the time I have to argue as to why it needs to be done. Guess that goes with the age?! Whatever the case, I feel like these are milestones, ones that are still important to remember.

Fathers Day 2010

2010-08-13T16:25:00.001-07:00

For father's day this year, I was able to surprise my sweet, loving, unselfish, hubby with a 07' Chevrolet Duramax, and a Honda CRF 250. It was so fun to be able to get him that for a gift. Luckily, I didn't do a bad job at picking out the truck, because he didn't see it for three days after it was bought. Haha. He actually picked out his motorcycle, but I guess some things he just has to trust me with. I love my husband dearly. He does so much for us, and I couldn't ask for a more giving man. I love you sweetheart. Happy Fathers Day!!!

A Sad Goodbye...

2010-08-13T16:10:00.000-07:00

So in June, I realized that I needed to finally say goodbye to my 04' Ford Excursion. It just wasn't cutting it anymore. The "beast" was really just too big, and if thought out correctly should have been traded in WAY before my pregnancy with Cecilee. It was hilarious I'm sure to most people seeing my pregnant self trying to get around in that BIG ol' thing.
Well, on our way out to the city, Cory and I decided to look around and see what we could do to get into something different.
We were able to find something at Larry H. Miller, and I really fell in love with my new 09' Chevrolet Suburban.
But the truth comes out, and I have to admit it was a sad goodbye when we dropped off my Excursion. I. Cried. Yes, laugh as you will, but I did. However, I don't feel so bad these days, because the obviousness that it was time to go really sat in within a day or so. It was a short lived sadness, but there just the same.

Smiles Are Free

2010-08-13T15:54:00.000-07:00

As horrible as I have been for keeping up on my seriously abused blog, I have decided to at least try and remember some of the more important things that have happened thus far. Being a mother of four is serious business. Time isn't exactly on your side, or yours to own for that matter. My time is seriously spent attending to ALL of them. It's wonderful though. Rewarding. The payoff isn't by any means paid in cash. It IS however paid in the wonderful smiles, hugs, and "I Love You's" that come from each of them on a daily basis.
So, I was lucky enough to catch one of Cecilee's first smiles on camera. I guess since I was able to get a new camera, I have become an insane crazy person as far as pic's are concerned. The funny thing about little Ceci is the fact that she is ALWAYS smiling. ALWAYS. Granted, she has her moments of crying, but for the most part you are guaranteed a streamline of smiles from her. EVERY morning it is promised that when I hear her stirring in her crib, I can walk over, peek my head over the side and when she see's me I get the BIGGEST smile EVER!! I love that I can rely on that as my morning "pick me up." She is an extremely happy baby. Funny, but I found a cute little onesie at the Carters outlet that reads "SMILES ARE FREE". So fitting for my little grinner, she now wears it regularly!!

Blessing Day's Are Wonderful...

2010-06-09T08:57:00.000-07:00

So I have to say that this blessing was very special. Not that any of the other blessings haven't, it's just that this time, Cory was able to do the blessing. It was just absolutely beautiful hearing Cecilee's daddy giving her a name, and a blessing. It makes me tear up just thinking about it. I am so grateful each and every day for the Gospel. I can't even begin to explain the blessings that have come to me and my family from it. I am grateful to my Heavenly Father for each of my children. They are what make me see how accomplished I am, and what keep me striving to do better each and every day. I am thankful to Him for the blessing of temple marriage so that my husband and I can be with one another for time and all eternity, and for the sacred blessing of being an eternal family.

My beautiful little Cecilee....

Hey Batter Batter!!!

2010-06-09T08:40:00.001-07:00

Jesse and Jordon both played ball this year. Jordon played t-ball which is cuter than cute to watch. Cory was an assistant coach for Jordon's team and was able to help Jord learn the ropes. Cory would come home laughing because the kids on that team were more concerned about playing "rock, paper, scissors" than playing baseball.
Jesse played first base, and pitched this year. He's getting really good. They played a lot of double headers which turned into late nights.

AMA Supercross 2010

2010-06-09T08:24:00.000-07:00

This year, the men in my life maintained attendance at the AMA Supercross. It was held at the Rice Eccles Stadium again, and the weather was worse than it was last year. Unfortunately I wasn't able to attend, since Cecilee was only born a month earlier.
While the boys were at Supercross, I met up with my best friend Josie, and we shopped with the girls, and her two kids ALL day long. It was a blast!!
The weather started out fair, the boys were able to meet Kevin Windham and get his autograph. Their seats were awesome. Second row awesome. But by the time the big race started it had turned into a muddy mess. Not only did it rain, there was snow and sleet. My little Jordon just couldn't handle it all, so I ended up meeting Cory outside the stadium to pick him up. No need to feel sorry for Jordon though, because half an hour later, it was SO cold, that Cory and Jesse left too. Bummer deal. But way to go KEVIN WINDHAM!!

Where Does The Time Go?!

2010-04-18T14:52:00.000-07:00

So this coming Monday, April 19th. Cecilee will be three weeks old. *GASP*. Can I just tell you how this fact takes my breath away?!
Last week was her two week check up, and she is doing fabulous. She is tipping the scales now at 6lbs. 8 1/2 oz. and she is now 18 1/2 " long. Growing like a little weed!!
At the beginning, she was only waking up once a night, sadly to say now, it's every two hours...Sleep isn't exactly something I get a lot of these days. And yes, I know a lot of people say "take a nap while she does", but the truth of the matter is I have three other children who think mom's attention is needed during that period of time, so it just doesn't work.
Life is great. I can not complain. I am enjoying our newest addition too much to complain about lack of sleep, or even the lack of time I have for myself these days.

Introducing...

2010-04-04T07:18:00.000-07:00

Cecilee Dawn Taylor
6lbs. 1oz.
18" long

Cecilee Dawn made her appearance on March 29, 2010 at 4:52 p.m. It was a wonderful experience, and I am so thankful she made it here safe and sound.
I had been in the hospital the night before with contractions every two minutes, but never progressing. They sent me home, with instructions to see my doctor the next morning at 10:00 a.m.
When I arrived at my doctor's appointment, I was dilated to a four and my blood pressure was 140/104, and I once again had a UTI. I was then told that they were going to send me to Labor and Delivery, and my doctor would be in to break my water. I was so excited!! I was finally going to get my little girl.
Around 11:30 a.m. my doctor came in and broke my water...which finally initiated the fact that I was in real labor. My contractions hadn't hurt too bad up until this point, and I started to progress a bit quicker. By 1:30 p.m. I was feeling the need for an epidural. Kudos to all the women out there who can do it natural, but I can't, or should I say won't. I can't see subjecting myself to those horrible pains, so I called on the wonderful MAD skills of the anesthesiologist.
My dad and step mom came in to visit a bit later, and time was going by quickly. I figured that by 9:00 p.m. we would have a baby. My dad and step mom decided to go and make an appointment at the front of the hospital, and said they would return in a few minutes. Well, let's put it this way, by the time they got back, I had a new baby girl.
When they left, I was dilated to a 6 1/2. The doctor came in about five minutes later and I was dilated to a 8. Within fifteen minutes I was completely effaced, and dilated to a 10. Cecilee was on her way, LITERALLY.
Fighting back the urge to push, they found my doctor and I delivered Cecilee in two contractions. She looked absolutely beautiful. They put her on my chest and I was just amazed. They then took her and gave her a little bit of oxygen and then took her to the nursery to get her vitals. That part, was in turn spent with her VERY PROUD daddy. I couldn't believe that my pregnancy was coming to a close.
It seems after every delivery I feel a little sad. Sad that the little one who had made their home in my tummy is gone. You get used to the little personality on the inside. Their little jabs, hiccups, their sleeping and waking patterns. It is such a personal, and emotional experience. Then when you find yourself dodging things so you don't hit your belly, and there isn't a reason to anymore, or realizing that those little jabs and hiccups aren't there...it's a sad moment. At least for me it is.
As I said in my previous post, "I still love being pregnant." I Love it. But I love seeing the beautiful creation that has been made at the end, and I love the new adventure that has once again begun. Learning the new little personality, seeing those cute jabs, those sweet hiccups, kissing that cute tiny face...
Welcome Cecilee...XOXO!!

I Still Love Being Pregnant...

2010-03-15T16:56:00.000-07:00

I haven't blogged in what seems like forever...Yep, forever. And to be completely honest, all of those people who think lying around all day, doing ABSOLUTELY nothing is "the life", well they are CRAZY!!!
Just to update, I was put in the hospital February 24th, for pre-term labor. I went in, having regular contractions which were 2 minutes apart. Those contractions ended up making me dialate from a one to a two...which concerned the doctors because I was only 31 weeks and 4 days. Too early. They tried giving me shots of Brethine to stop them, but nothing seemed to work. They told us they were worried they may have to fly me and the baby to Salt Lake. They then started me on an IV drip of Magnesium, which is a BEAST. I spent the majority of that time puking my guts out, exorcist style, and feeling as though I'd been run over by a truck. They gave me the steroid to mature her lungs which is a two time shot, given in a 24 hour period. Around three o'clock the next morning they told me they had slowed my contractions to fifteen minutes apart, and I hadn't had any change with my cervix. Throughout the next three days I stayed in the hospital. Hooked up to IV's and given Brethine, Tributaline, and Nifedipne to try and slow my contractions. I just kept contracting...and never changing. Saturday, February 27th I was released to go home...with the agreement that I would be on COMPLETE bed rest, and I had to go back in the next day for a NST. Sunday when I went in for my NST, my contractions were going every two minutes again. Once again, they started me on an IV of fluids, and started the shots of Brethine, and Tributaline. Nothing stopped them, and they still weren't changing my cervix. That evening they found that I had a UTI which was helping the contractions out. I was started on an antibiotic, kept through the night and released the next day. Again with the agreement of complete bed rest.
My sweet husband would stay every night by my side, only to leave for a few hours during the day to be with the kids. It was SO hard to be away from my kids. Only getting to talk to them on the phone was HARD. I missed them so much.
As of the 24th of February my wonderful mother- in -law has pretty much sacrificed herself to me and my family. Arriving at my house every morning to stay until Cory gets home from work. Sister- in -laws who have watched my kids, wonderful neighbors who have made dinner, friends who visited me while I was in the hospital, even sweet well wishes I received on facebook...I am so thankful for EVERYONE'S help, support and unconditional love. I couldn't do ANY of this without them, and I thank God every day for having them in my life.
And well, here I am at 35 weeks and 2 days. Now out of the "danger" zone. No more talk of life flight to Salt Lake for me or the baby. My doctor told me today that he would like me to stay on bed rest for one more week. Putting me at 36 weeks, which is considered "full term". My ultrasound put Cecilee weighing 5lbs. which makes me feel a little better. Samantha was 5lbs. 8 oz. when she was born, and both she and Jordon came at 36 & 1/2. Jesse was only ten days early...not such a lil' stinker.
It's hard to be on bed rest, I detest it. But if it means my baby will be safer, I will do it.
Even from the beginning we find ourselves making great sacrifices for our children. I wouldn't have it any other way...and honestly it doesn't make me hate pregnancy either. Children are a gift from God, and he WILL NOT give us more than we can handle. So if you ask me "Are you done yet?!" I won't give you an answer because all of this doesn't change how I feel. I still love being pregnant, and being a mother.
Hopefully I will have a "happy ending" to this little tale really soon.

A Little Bit Closer To The Real Thing

2010-01-18T19:23:00.000-08:00

Today was an unexpected wonderful day. I went in to see my doctor for a horrific pain that was in the lower right side of my abdomen. My doctor decided it was best if we did an ultrasound just to make sure everything looked alright.
Everything looked good with the baby, and the placenta...but the technician found that my ovary in the bottom right hand side of my abdomen has a cyst on it, not to mention it is covered with vericose veins. Talk about OUCH. Apparently this is the culprit of my horrific pain, and the worst part is there is nothing I can do for it except have a baby, and that doesn't happen for three more months.
The "unexpected" wonderful part of this visit was the fact that I was able to see my little Cecilee in 3-D form. The technician asked us if we had done our 3-D ultrasound yet, and we had just made the appointment for February 2. Funny how things happen, she said "Well, you aren't going to have to come in then because I'm going to go a head and do it for you today!" Talk about pure excitement. As soon as she brought up the first image, I could see the resemblance between Sami and Cecilee.

At one point during the Ultrasound, we were able to catch her sucking her thumb. I honestly have never seen any of my children suck their thumbs, so it was neat to witness. During the Ultrasound you could see the sucking motion of her tongue as she sucked.

I would be lying if I said this little bit of insight didn't make it a lot harder to wait for her.
I am truly thankful for each and everyone of my babies, and am grateful for the reminder of what a miracle our Heavenly Father has given to each of us when we create these amazing little human beings. I feel truly blessed.

A Big Poofy Princess Dress

2010-01-15T14:51:00.000-08:00

So with the coming of a new baby into our family, it goes without saying that I haven't relished the idea of changing two kids' diapers, even though I've done it before...even with a smile.
I haven't exactly had the most gracious attitude toward potty training either, given the circumstances with Jordon. Yes, it finally happened but it was an uphill battle the entire way.
I never really pushed the whole potty training idea with Sami. I would ask her on occasion if she wanted to try and go potty like a big girl, and her simple reply would be "In three months." It was pretty hilarious to hear because she was so serious.
Last week though, I took her aside, away from her brother and had a heart to heart with her. I asked her if she would just like to be the "big" sister and not have to wear diapers like her baby sister would, and I explained how much more fun it would be to wear pretty panties instead of icky diapers. After that, I finally broke down and asked her what it would take (incentive wise) to get her to try. She blurted out "I want a big poofy princess dress." I responded "Okay, let's try. You get potty trained and I'll buy you a big poofy princess dress, and you can pick it out!" She didn't hesitate...she pulled open her drawer and picked out some panties, and the rest is history.
We spent a total of about four hours that day discussing and learning the potty. From hygiene to basic redressing. By the end of the day she had a successful one accident day. We are still working on nighttime. I don't expect her to comprehend it all right now, especially with the success she's shown with daytime. I figure start out small, and it will come naturally.
It's been one week today, and daytime is in the bag. She wakes up in the morning, goes to the potty and it's as though it's always been that way. This morning she cussed me out because she woke up in a Pull Up. She said "MOM WHY AM I IN A PULL UP!!" I pointed out that she'd had an accident and that it would take a while for her body to learn to wake her up, and that she was still a big girl. She jumped out of bed, ran to her drawer, put on some panties and went to the bathroom.
I'm so proud of her. She's amazing, and so big!!
To sum it all up, I still had to pull through with my end of the deal. She and I sat down and looked on-line at all the beautiful poofy princess dresses. Needless to say Sami found her dress and she can't wait to get it from the UPS truck. She anticipates it's arrival daily, and get's upset at the UPS man. Too bad the agreement didn't include me paying for overnight delivery. LOL

Christmas Time

2009-12-30T06:57:00.001-08:00

I know it's a little late in getting to the whole Christmas post, but I figure it's better late than never.
We had a REALLY wonderful Christmas! All the stresses didn't seem to be in our lives this year, and honestly, I didn't stress out once. Cory was able to be home for four days...Christmas Eve until the 27th. It was nice.
Sami wrote her own letter to Santa this year. Decorated it with stickers, and even read it aloud to anyone who wanted to listen. She informed her dad that one part said he needed tools. However, she informed me that her letter read as follows: "Dear Santa, all I want for Christmas is a Barbie and my family to be happy." Now that was enough to make my eyes swell up with tears.
We got the boys motorcycles for their "big" Christmas gift this year. Jordon got a Honda 50 R, and Jesse got a XR 100 R. I must admit that I am feeling a little nervous about them riding, but I'm sure Cory will teach them well. It's like Cory said..."It's a lot different when you are watching someone else ride, vs. watching your own." The one good point is that I always have the ability to take them away if they get too crazy. Samantha wound up with a Barbie Power Wheels four wheeler, and she loves it!! Too bad that summer is a few months away...I suppose. In other words, at least my nerves are still in tact for a while.
We were able to go to my dad's for Christmas dinner. It was wonderful. I ate like two helpings of everything...Seriously, I'm glad that I have the excuse that I'm pregnant when the weight tacks itself onto me!! The kids had a great time being together, and the look on my dad's face when Sami opened her presents...That was memorable.
I hope all of you had a great Christmas, and hope your New Year is just as wonderful!!

Mary Did You Know

2009-12-10T08:24:00.000-08:00

Once again, I am posting this to my blog. I absolutely adore this song, in fact it just happens to be my most favorite Christmas song EVER. I hope you all can take a minute to listen to the words, and remember our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who just happens to be what the Holidays are truly about!!

Sami's Surgery

2009-11-30T09:34:00.000-08:00

Sami ended up having surgery on the 23rd of November. She had to have tubes put in her ears, and had to have her adnoids taken out. I have to say that this year has been one for doctors. I hate having to see my kids have these things done, but I'm aware it is necessary for their well-being.
She did really well, up until she came out of the anesthesia. She flailed her arms, hit, kicked. It was sad. Once she realized I was there, she calmed right down, and cuddled.
She hasn't had any of the side effects that they thought she would. They figured she would be sick over Thanksgiving, but she was better than she has been in a month. I'm so thankful that she was able to get her surgery, and that the amount of ear infections may be little to none now.

It's A Girl!!

2009-11-16T08:00:00.000-08:00

Cecilee Dawn is on her way!!

I went in for my "Big" Ultrasound this morning. They did all their measurements, and checked everything out. I go in for my follow up doctors appointment in two weeks.
Cory and I wanted to know the sex of our baby.
About three weeks ago I found a product in one of my pregnancy magazines called "Intelligender". It say's it can predict what sex your unborn baby is by peeing into a cup. It then mixes your urine together with their product, and based on your hormones, etc. it predicts the gender. I can't help it, I drove over to Walgreen's in Vernal and bought one. The next morning, I woke up, and took the test. It said it was a girl. I didn't really tell a whole lot of people just because of the simple fact it wasn't a ultrasound technician's opinion.
Well, I guess it was the 86% accuracy they claimed, because I received the ultrasound technician's "It's a girl", and was VERY excited. Not too mention, Samantha's opinion on the whole subject was right the whole time. When asked, she ALWAYS said "it's a baby sister". Sami will make the most awesome big sister. I'm sure I have my work cut out for me...I may just have to fight Sami for "mommy" position.

Proof my Cecilee is a girl...LOL

Here is Cecilee Dawn's cute little face

"Where The Lame Things Are"

2009-10-31T07:33:00.001-07:00

To be completely honest here, I don't like trashing things I like. Just don't. So to me, calling this wonderful book "Where The Lame Things Are" hurts. But the truth hurts sometimes, and this is truly the case now.
In grade school, "Where The Wild Things Are" was my all time favorite book. LOVED IT!! In fact when I seen that they were making it into a movie, I was SO excited. The book has been on my shelf, and it's one I have read to my kids over and over again. They were excited as well.
The week that the movie came out, Cory called me and told me about a review he had just heard on the radio about the movie. My jaw dropped, and my heart sank. He had heard that director Spike Jones had completely destroyed the movie. Max was turned into a bi-polar little boy who was just angry ALL the time. They said that the movie was scary from beginning to end, and that there were just too many adult themes throughout, and should have had a PG-13 to R rating. I didn't or wasn't going to buy into the review and insisted on taking my kids to it anyways.
I SHOULDN"T HAVE TAKEN THEM!!
End of story. It was exactly as the review had described. I was so upset. The movie in full was DISTURBING, DEPRESSING, and plain LAME!! It wasn't the book that had been read to me by grade school teachers, and it wasn't the book setting on MY bookshelf. The kids didn't like it. They felt the bleakness of the way it was portrayed by Spike Jones.
I guess to sum up a review for it in a few words of my own...Unless you are a disturbed, depressed, suicidal, and hateful person, you won't enjoy the movie. Spike Jones bites as a director for kid movies. Probably bites as a director period.
Okay, I'm officially done trash talking my favorite book. :O(

Icky...Just Plain Icky

2009-10-16T07:29:00.000-07:00

There hasn't been a lot going on around these parts lately. Only because everyone seems to have caught the "flu" bug that has been floating around the Basin.
Jesse started out with it. He fevered up,started to cough, and got a belly ache. The doctor's office told me to just keep him home and "quarantine" him until his symptoms subsided and was fever free for 24hrs.
Sounds pretty simple, right?! WRONG. Biggest problem being that everyone knows when your child is sick the one and only thing they want is mom. I couldn't be that to the extent I wanted. Since we're pregnant, and they are so worried about the N1H1 virus, they insisted that I stay away from him as much as possible. Ummm, sorry to say that when Dad went back to work, that idea went up in smoke. Jordon and Sami both had issues leaving their brother alone, but it happened. Along with some tears, and fits. The first night Jordon screamed for an hour because he couldn't sleep in his own room with Jesse.
Outcome - I don't care who you are, when you have more than one child, you CAN NOT quarantine a virus. No matter how hard you try.
Jordon came down with a fever next. Cough, and nausea followed.
Sami followed. Same symptoms, everything. Inevitable!!
Luckily no respiratory problems though, for any of them.
I came down with a fever a couple of days ago. Low grade, no symptoms that are too extreme. Cory started to fever up this morning...That's like worse than TEN sick kids if you ask me. LOL!!
Good news is that Jesse has been fever free for 24hrs. today. I am keeping him home from school though, to try and keep a handle on it through the weekend. I'm praying this is only a 24hr. bug for all of us, and pray for the recovery of all those who's families are being affected.

I Love The Sound Of A Beating Heart!!

2009-10-05T16:28:00.000-07:00

Today was my twelve week prenatal appointment. Cory was able to get a couple of hours off of work to go with me. It was well worth it. We were able to hear our babies heartbeat for the first time today. As with the appointment when I had our small ultrasound, it just makes the pregnancy more realistic. It's really hard to register that you are REALLY pregnant when you haven't achieved your "baby bump" or felt the little kicks that turn into rib killing jabs...LOL
I think early pregnancy is more like having a horrible case of the flu, and I have to admit that right now I'm looking forward to all the little nuances that come from being big and pregnant. Maybe I can retract after I've dealt with those nuances for a bit. :O)
On a positive note as well, Dr. William's said that hearing the heartbeat at twelve weeks is a good indicator of carrying the baby to term. Miscarriage rate has dropped immensely. YAY!!

Corn Maze 2009

2009-10-03T15:27:00.000-07:00

This year was the first year I have ever gone to the Corn Maze in Bluebell, Utah. Jesse has always gone on field trips for school, but I never really had much interest. I have to say that it was actually a lot of fun.
Ginger and her family, along with their foreign exchange student, Maria went also. We were able to do some of the cute little activities there. They have a place where you can feed the goats, which Ryann actually fed them everything...LOL. They had a sling shot activity which Sami actually hit the target and won a licorice rope. The kids went on a little cow buggy ride that was attached to a four-wheeler. That was fun...Wesley screamed and laughed the entire way, and Ryann ended up in the bottom of the buggy.
When we went through the actual Corn Maze itself, we decided to do the shorter of the two phases. Shorter?! Haha, it took us a little while, and I think it's safe to say we even cheated on the answers. It was a blast though, and it beat going through after dark. I don't like the idea of "spookables."
After we finished the maze, we went for a ride to the pumpkin patch. They had a ton of pumpkins. Samantha picked out two of her very own baby pumpkins to take home.
All in all, it was a really fun experience. I love hanging with Ginger and her family, and am thankful to have gotten to spend some time with Maria.

Sami Jo Turns Three!!

2009-09-28T06:29:00.001-07:00

Where does the time go?! I have found myself wondering this question ALL day. I can't believe how fast they grow, or how quickly the time flies.
Sami turned three on the 27th...I can't believe she has been on this earth for three years already. Milestones we were able to achieve prior to Sami turning three were ditching the bottle and upgrading to a stylish sippy cup; and letting go of the ever so infamous B I N K Y!! If I would have known how easily she would let go, I probably would have taken it away ages ago!! She is such a sweet little girl. Not to mention my "girly girl". While getting ready for her birthday I caught her in my bathroom painting her own toe nails. Precious...but messy.
Nanny and Papa came over during the afternoon and gave her some presents. She got a Little Einsteins June doll, and this cute little outfit she is sporting above.

Sami requested a Tinkerbell birthday cake this year. I thought it would be cute to create a triple layer cake, with lots of cute colors, and a bow. This is what I came up with. Simple, but cute. She really enjoyed it, and thought it was SO BIG.
The family came over that night, and she opened her presents. She received a tea set, a baby doll, pretend make-up, some clothes, shoes, and some play dough. Over all I think it would be safe to say Samantha had a wonderful third birthday!!

Ryann's First Birthday Cakes!!

2009-09-25T15:29:00.001-07:00

My good friend Ginger's little girl turned one year old on the 23rd.

So in celebration she asked me if I would make Ryann's first birthday cakes. I was so excited to take on the challenge. I love polka dots!! They are so girly and fun. I hope Ryann enjoys messing in her double layer mess cake!! And I hope Ginger enjoys the mess, LOL!! Happy Birthday Ryann!

Jordon's Dental Surgery

2009-09-25T15:08:00.000-07:00

Jordon went in for his BIG dental surgery on the twenty-second of this month. His dentist, Dr. Markham out of Provo is a WONDERFUL dentist.
All this time I had thought it was because I had given Jordon chocolate milk in his bottle, and sippy cup that made his poor little teeth go so bad. Dr. Markham said that wasn't it at all. I guess Jordon had developed a bad habit when he was little, which consisted of him storing his food in the upper portion of his mouth, causing his front teeth to decay, and lose their enamel.
Jordon ended up having to be sedated because of the much needed work.
Dr. Markham extracted one of Jordon's molars, clipped the upper portion of his lip that attached between his teeth, and rebuilt the upper front teeth of his mouth.
He wasn't in as much pain as I thought he would be after the surgery. He was nauseated and groggy. All in all I think the pain he felt before the surgery was a lot more intense for my little guy than after.
I have to say that my little boy has a BEAUTIFUL smile these days.

Our Little Jelly Bean!!

2009-09-08T14:43:00.001-07:00

Okay, so here is the first photo of our "Little Jelly Bean". I can't seem to call this little baby anything else since seeing it today. It's funny how certain little nicknames happen.
It's little heart beat just fluttered away on the sonogram, which made everything turn from surreal to definite.
Funny how a little picture makes all the misery of morning sickness, and complete exhaustion seem so tedious.
Our due date has been moved to April 17th, instead of the 16th. Which is okay...the 17th is my daddy's birthday. I'm sure that it will change again at the BIG ultrasound. It's happened with every one of my pregnancy's. LOL
I'm so elated right now. It's finally sinking in that this is really happening, and it's getting this mommy really excited. I'm so thankful for my kiddo's. They are everything to me. I absolutely ADORE being a mother. I truly believe it is the most rewarding thing in my life.

Dry Fork Picnic!!

2009-09-08T14:37:00.000-07:00

This last weekend we were able to go up Dry Fork canyon for a family picnic. My aunt Ellen and dad's good friend Alicia and her husband Mickey came up from Louisiana on there way to Alaska.
I hadn't seen Alicia in ten years. It was great to see her, and get to meet her husband.
The funniest part was that the last time Alicia had seen me or Jesse, was when Jesse was like two or three months old. There was a definite difference from the baby she remembered.
It was great to get together with my family and just hang out for the day!! Picnic's are always fun!!

Another Nickelback Tour Down...Who Know's How Many More To Go

2009-08-27T13:19:00.000-07:00

So last night was FINALLY the night I've been waiting for...for eight LONG months. Last January we heard tickets would go on sale the first week in February and so I was on it!! The day they went on sale, I bought our tickets!!
It's kind of like a tradition with Cory and I. We went to Nickelback's last tour in 2006. I was seven and a half months pregnant with Samantha when we went. And trust me, it didn't slow me down any. I didn't sit through one song.
Well this year, it was at the Usana Amphitheatre and I was expecting our seats to be decent. DECENT, isn't even close!! They were ROCKIN'. We arrived and went to where we thought our seats would be, and we were too far back. The security guys said that we needed to go clear down to the second row behind the pit. I was so incredibly stoked!!
We didn't get to see all of Saving Abel, thanks to rush hour traffic, but were able to see Papa Roach and Hinder.

Papa Roach

Hinder

Jesse's First Day In Fifth Grade

2009-08-24T16:59:00.001-07:00

Jesse started fifth grade today. It's amazing how fast time flies when you have reversed roles from being the child to being the parent.
He is such a great kid. Smart, handsome, compassionate, you name it...he can own it.
He has Mrs. Van for a teacher this year. He came home and told me how nice she is and that is always a plus.
Now that school has started, football season is here too. I guess it goes to show how fast the year is going by also.
We decided that since Jordon just turned five, that we would put him into kindergarten next year. I just know that it will suit him better if we do. I think I will probably cry that day too. I got a little emotional last night when I made Jesse's lunch for school. Cory just laughed at me, but I know he thought it was sweet. I love my babies, and hope they know how much they are truly loved.

Happy Birthday Jordon!!

2009-08-21T18:38:00.000-07:00

My little Jordon turned five today. I can't believe he's already half a decade old.
LOL
He was so funny this morning when he woke up. I started to sing "Happy Birthday" to him, and he stopped me, saying "Mom, don't sing that silly song to me." Throughout the remainder of the day we all sort of refrained from singing the silly song.
When we gave him his birthday present I told him that we had to sing to him before he could have it. That was one way we were able to sing.
Later that afternoon Jordon proceeded to tell me that the reason he hates being sung to is because that song just drives him completely NUTS. I laughed.
The other funny little fact that Jordon stated was to my dad this morning on the telephone. My dad asked him if he was five today, and Jordon replied "Grandpa, I won't be five until after I blow out the candle on my cake." What a silly boy. After he blew out the candle on his cake, he finally agreed that he was five years old....And we were able to get a second "Happy Birthday" song in there too.

Happy Birthday Jordon!!

Puzzle Time With Daddy

2009-08-17T17:03:00.000-07:00

I just love to watch Cory play with the kids. I love to see the enjoyment it brings to both him and the kids when they take time to do something with one another.
Sami and Jordon were begging to do puzzles so we got them out. I then found all three of them on the floor putting them together. Cory would point out where the piece went, and Sami would yell "Look, I did it!!" Jordon managed to complete all but three pieces by himself, which made his day.

Wesley's Bakugan Birthday Cake

2009-08-15T19:22:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Wesley!!

Well I am so excited that Ginger asked me to make Wesley's birthday cake this year. It turned out really really cute. The funnest part about making this Bakugan cake was making the Bakugan balls. Jordon and I actually experimented with making our own, and by that I mean making our own designs. You take chocolate and vanilla Lindt truffles, and use an artist paint brush with pearl dust, and paint the ball. Then you take cake gel, and put it on a plate like a pallet, and make your own creations. I had a few of the boys' Bakugans as models which in turn helped out a lot.

It has been such a fun experience being able to make someone else a birthday cake!! Not to mention I loved the look on Wesley's face when he seen it for the first time!!

We're Pregnant!!

2009-08-07T17:02:00.001-07:00

Well, I'm excited to share that we are now expecting our fourth baby. We are so very happy. We found out today that we're only three weeks and six days, but it's for sure!!
Jesse, Jordon and Samantha are SUPER excited. In fact when I went to the doctor today, Sami reached a point where she stomped her foot in front of the receptionist and said "I WANT MY BABY....NOW!!" Poor girl doesn't realize the lengthy time it's gonna take to get her 'baby" here. LOL! Our expected due date is April 16, 2010. One day before my dad's birthday. I told him that I hoped this one would stay put (they're always early) til' his birthday. But the rate at which my kids come, it will be more like the end of March.

Jordon's Stripling Warrior Lesson

2009-08-02T18:25:00.001-07:00

Jordon has started going to his primary class this past month. VERY much a relief for his mom and dad because now we can attend our own classes.
After church today Cory encountered Jordon telling Jesse the following about the lesson he was taught today:
Jordon told Jesse that the Lamanites had buried their swords, and that the bad Lamanites came to fight and the good Lamanites didn't want to break their promise not to fight, so they called the Stripling Ogres.
How cute is that?! I mean they certainly were not OGRES, but we busted a gut!!

Happy Birthday Tanner!

2009-08-02T18:11:00.000-07:00

"Take me out to the ball game,
Take me out with the crowd.
Buy me some peanuts and cracker jack,
I don't care if I never get back!
Let me root, root, root for the home team.
If they don't win it's a shame.
For it's one, two, three strikes, you're out.
At the old ball game!"

Author- Jack Norworth

Every year, by brother-in-law Charlie and his whole family come up for UBIC. Tanner's birthday falls on August 3rd, so we always celebrate his birthday while they are here. Since my new found hobby is making cakes, I decided to make him a cake. He loves baseball, so I figured a baseball cake would be perfect.

After realizing that a two layer round cake isn't big at all, I figured in order to feed all the cousins that would be there, I had better make some cupcakes that matched. LOL

Happy Birthday Tanner!!

'Tool Time'...With Kaelyn

2009-07-23T14:52:00.000-07:00

This morning Alicia called and asked Jesse and Jordon to come over and hang out. Before leaving, Jordon decided he needed to take a toy over, so he picked some out. When he came downstairs he had a tractor, and a pair of toy pliers. Cory asked him what he was taking, and Jordon proceeded to tell him that the tractor was for him to play with, and the pliers were for Kaelyn.
Alicia took some pictures of Kaelyn and her pliers...
How sweet of Jordon to think of these things. I asked him when he got home why he thought Kaelyn needed pliers, his reply was a simple "So she can plier things."

"A White Rose" By John Boyle O'Reilly

2009-07-10T12:46:00.001-07:00

The red rose whispers of passion,
And the white rose breathes of love;
Oh, the red rose is a falcon,
And the white rose is a dove.

But I send you a cream-white rose bud
With a flush on its petal tips;
For the love that is purest and sweetest
Has a kiss of desire on the lips.

This has been my most favorite poem since I can remember. I have had it memorized since high school. I never really have remembered from where I heard, or read it. So during one of my "bored" spells I googled the first line, and found that it was written by John Boyle O'Reilly in 1875.

Jesse's Motocross Birthday Cake

2009-07-05T20:38:00.000-07:00

Jesse requested a Motocross birthday cake this year, and as always, I try my best to deliver.
All I can say is it sure was hard to really get a good idea as to how to create it. The internet, and cook books did very little to help the situation. I could not find any recipe's or photos that really interested me. After a few day's of racking my brain, it came to me. I thought of using the Suzuki logo as the main object, and Jesse picked out the motorcycle riders he wanted on the cake. I then made the riders to appear as if they were racing over the jumps in a moto. I used coconut and dyed it with green food coloring for the appearance of grass around the base of the cake.
I think it turned out a lot better than I originally thought it would. One things for sure, Jesse loved it, and that's all that matters.

Happy 4th of July

2009-07-05T09:09:00.000-07:00

For the most part our fourth of July was actually spent on the third. We went over to Alicia and Adam's house for a barbecue and then lit fireworks for the kids there. It was fun.

Jesse ended up getting to ride a motorcycle for the first time all by himself. I forgot my camera, so that is the reason I lack a picture.
It was Sami Jo's first time getting to actually be in on the activities. She thought the sparklers were pretty neat. The coolest part though consisted of Adam and his brothers "Finale". The took like fifty fireworks, hot glued them to a board, and then fused them all together. It ended up being awesome, they lasted ten minutes at least, non stop.
As for the fourth, we ended up just sitting on our porch to watch Roosevelt's fireworks from the park. I love that our house has such a great view. My friend Ginger and her family ended up coming over and sitting with us. Overall, the fourth of July turned out pretty fun.
Hope you all had a fabulous fourth too!!

Jesse Turns Ten Today

2009-07-01T16:48:00.000-07:00

"Happy Birthday To You, Happy Birthday To You! Happy Birthday Dear Jesse, Happy Birthday To You!"

I've tried to think of a million different ways to begin this post, because I always seem to start with "I can't believe", or "My baby is growing so fast". Point being that it's all true.
Jesse turned ten today.
I can't believe how crazy it is for me. For one, it does not seem like he's been on this earth for ten years. Second, I can remember giving birth to him like it was only yesterday. I guess I shall just enjoy him while he's still my "little" boy, and adapt to the "grown up" Jesse when I have to. No matter how quick it comes. :O)
For Jesse's party we decided to take him to the Recreational Center over in Vernal. We had my granddaughter Taylor come with us.
Jordon and Sami were so cute at the pool. We put them in some life jackets, and they both thought it was neat to float all over the pool. However, as the pool started to fill with kids, they would splash her, and she would scold them. So cute. Jordon had me take him to the swirly part of the pool and he, Taylor and I went around in circles so many times I began to get dizzy. Jordon loved it though.
While we were there, Jesse's step-cousins were there. Chandler and Taylor (yes, another Taylor, I informed the girls that they shared a name, and they thought it was pretty neat) spent some time with us.
I was able to convince Jesse to go down the water slide. He was pretty anxious about the whole ordeal. Taylor (my granddaughter) and I started up the stairs to the slide with Jesse trailing behind. He noticed I wasn't giving in to his anxiety. I told him that if he would just try it he wouldn't stop going down it. He brushed it aside. Once at the top of the stairs, I put him in back of Tay, and in front of me securing the obvious. Well....He went down the slide. And then again, and again, and again, and....
Hahaha, all I could say to him was "I told you so".
After that, you couldn't get him away from the slide. I think it's safe to say that he enjoyed his birthday at the Recreational Center.
After the pool, we all went to Wendy's and ate. We got shakes, and came home. Taylor will be staying the night, and I'm sure they'll all have a blast. I'm sure we'll be pulling out the Slip N' Slide tomorrow sometime.
As for cake and ice cream, well that will all be on Sunday. Of course I will be making him a cake this year. How it will turn out is another story. He wants a Supercross cake, so I guess we'll see how it turns out. Another post, for another day!!

Slip N' Slide Time!!

2009-06-30T14:02:00.000-07:00

I'm happy to say that the warmer days are coming more frequently. We went and bought the kids a slip n' slide to play on last week and pulled it out today.
Samantha is a definite water monster. I always knew Jesse was, but Jordon did not participate for too long. He took the stance to run, but followed it up with "I just don't want to do it." He then proceeded to walk around the contraption poking and prodding the spray part for about ten minutes, and ended up inside the house to grab a towel. LOL
Jesse and Samantha ended up swimming for about an hour, until they both were shivering to death.
I'm just happy to say that it's finally beginning to look like summer!

Our Month At The Movies

2009-06-30T09:00:00.000-07:00

We don't really don't attend the movie theatre's or Drive-Inn's that much in our family. We find it more affordable to just wait for the movie's to come out on video, to purchase or rent. But this month has been an exception for our family.On the twenty-fifth of this month our ward held a ward activity, which consisted of a trip to the Echo Drive-Inn, for a free viewing of Disney & Pixar's Up, free hot dogs, and popcorn. I don't normally do drive-inn's for the mere fact I cannot seem to stay awake for two movies that start at sundown. Selfish, I'm sure.
Anyhow, the kids loved it. Jordon and Jesse played with the other kids down on the playground for most of the movie. Jordon ended up falling off the merry-go-round at who know's what speed and banged his poor little head. Sami on the other hand cracked me up. She had Cory put her car chair in the back of the excursion, so that she could sit in it and watch the movie. However, she insisted he buckle her up. I kid you not the girl watched 3/4 of the movie that way.

I'm so thankful for my ward. It was great getting to talk to friends, and know that my little ones were safe just running around being kids.

So then yesterday, Cory and I decided to take the kids to the new Transformers movie. Jesse and Jordon had been begging to go for the last few days. Yesterday must have been a good day, because Jordon came in from outside and gave his dad the puppy dog eyes, and dad was turned to butter (or maybe it was because Cory had heard it was the second highest money making movie ever. No matter the reason, he gave in. LOL).

My sweet niece Braydee came over and babysat Sami, while we took Jesse, Jordon, my niece Marleigh, and nephew Jesse. It was fun, Marleigh had already seen it, but the three boys hadn't and were purely stoked to see it.

I have to say that I loved the movie. Some of the parts in the movie were stupid, in fact not really needed. All in all though it was awesome.

My Jesse is so funny. After the part of Optimus Prime dying, Marleigh turned around and said "Jayce, Jesse is crying.", I then looked over at Jesse, and sure enough the kid was in tears. I asked him what was wrong, and he said "Optimus died." Oh my child...At least he cares, LOL

Thank goodness the autobot returned to life!

I remember having to go through the same thing when we took him to the second to last movie of Pirates of the Caribbean. When the octopus swallowed Jack Sparrow at the end, oh my...Jesse cried from the time it happened to the time he fell asleep that night. Oh the memories. :O)

Finally, A Warm Day In June!!

2009-06-27T07:22:00.000-07:00

So finally, between the hit and misses of rain storms, the kids were able to pull out the sprinkler and have some fun.
I can't believe how crazy the weather around here has been. I won't complain because our lawn and flowers need the moisture, but as far as "summer" is concerned it's been scarce.
It took Sami a little bit before she actually enjoyed the sprinkler, but after she tried it, she loved the water. Jordon ended up harassing Sami with the broom, by setting it on top of the sprinkler head to stop the water from coming out. As always, Jesse dove right in. He loves water, always has. I'm sure more than not he's the reason Sami finally gave in and ran through...What are big bro's for anyhow?!
Well, here's to the hopes of more summer days ahead...

Happy Fathers Day...Daddy!!

2009-06-20T15:39:00.000-07:00

Dear Dad,

I don't know where to begin, except from the beginning of my thoughts. I want you to know how very much I love you. I am very proud to call you my father. I am very thankful that my Heavenly Father blessed me with you as my dad.
I know that life has handed both you and I a lot of lemons. I know that had things been different in my life, I would have given every minute to spend with you. I have loved you always. I know you have loved me always as well.
Please know that I am thankful for the day that my aunt Debbie reunited us. I want you to know that I yearn for the bonding that was rudely taken away from both of us. I know however that I can't live on past actions of others, and so I must let it go. But it makes me angry, hurt, and most of all sad.
Through the ten years that we did not see one another, I know of the deep love that you had for me. I hope you know that I never meant to hurt you. I am not perfect, however I do want to make you proud. I want more than anything to let you know how truly thankful I am for you.
I know that our lives are ones of adulthood now; I would love to be able to go back to my childhood, and know you for the ten years which were lost. Sometimes, I really feel that loss. But the memories I have are wonderful, and I have now had ten years to add to my memories. And even though some aren't the greatest, the good ones overpower the bad. I'm sorry for any heartache I have caused you, I only thought I was loving you, and trying to protect you. I love you with all of my heart dad, and I hope you have a great fathers day.

Love Always,
Your Daughter,
JayeCee

The Trailer For New Moon...Oh I Can't Wait!!

2009-06-11T16:26:00.000-07:00

My Little Princess

2009-06-08T15:17:00.000-07:00

Sami started dance today. I can't believe that she is really big enough to start taking dance lessons. My sister-in-law Doni is teaching the class, and I don't think I could have asked for a better teacher. Sami loves her to death. In fact she hasn't stopped talking about Doni, or the class all day.
Considering I didn't really think Sami would pay much attention, she actually did. It may have only been a little bit, but it is there. Sami couldn't wait to put on her dance outfit, and dance for her dad once we arrived home.
Who knows, I may just have a daughter who loves to dance!!

Family Pictures 2009

2009-06-04T19:05:00.001-07:00

There you have them, family pictures. YAY!!
I hope it does not take three years for the next ones!!

Kaelyn Jamie

2009-06-03T13:05:00.000-07:00

Kaelyn Jamie is finally here. She arrived this morning at 8:02 a.m. weighing in at 6 lbs. 13 oz. and measuring a whopping 18 3/4 ". Alicia and Adam have a beautiful baby girl.
We went and seen them at the hospital this morning, and they both are doing very well. I would have posted a pic of Alicia but she looked VERY worn out, and I don't need to give her a reason to kick my trunk.
Taylor is a very proud BIG sister. She was able to get a certificate for ice cream and a brownie to celebrate Kaelyn's birth. She gulped that down in about five minutes flat. LOL
We are going to have Taylor for the next week, and I'm looking forward to all of the wacky statements she comes up with. She asked me the other day if her little sister was going to be as annoying as Jordon is...LOL
I have to say though that I have amazingly beautiful granddaughters.

Look No Training Wheels!!!

2009-05-31T17:23:00.000-07:00

So today my little Jordon had a moment. A moment that completely proved to me that he is the most self motivated, stubborn, and fearless child I have.
Jesse and Jordon decided to go outside and play while we tried to settle Sami down for her nap. About forty-five minutes later Jesse ran in the house yelling "You have to see what Jordon is doing!"
Considering the obvious it could have been anything! Jordon seems to find ways of attempting seriously crazy stunts, so we did not feel like we should jump to the occasion. LOL!
Jesse proceeded to exclaim "Jordon taught himself to ride his bike without any training wheels!"
With the exclamation of these words though came two parents jumping to the occasion.
Upon arriving in the drive way the obvious was that Jordon had indeed taught himself to ride a bike, without the help of anyone but his own little self. What gives? Were Cory and I not supposed to be the ones seeing him on his way to that milestone? I guess I won't take it too personally.
As you can see from the video, the kid did pretty darn good...aside from the crash at the end, he rides pretty well. Watch out Chad Reed! :O)

Thank Goodness For Union High's Cheerleading Fundraiser!!!

2009-05-16T15:50:00.000-07:00

I think that a good question to ask would be: "Where is Cory?" Well he is actually the one taking the picture. I'm sure most would think that an obvious answer too. LOL
We were getting ready to go and have our family pictures taken at the Union High School, and we decided to do a little of our own picture taking before hand, and this was the final result. I hope the "real" ones turn out far better...and I know they will include my handsome hubby.
The Union cheerleaders were holding a fundraiser which included a family portrait taken by Robin's Photography out of Salina, Utah, for donating fifteen dollars. JACKPOT!!! (I'm sure I'll end up spending more come picture pick up time though)
I was so excited because we have been trying to get these pictures taken for what seems like an eternity. The last pictures taken were done at Wal-Mart, and I'll tell you what, I won't go back. Poor quality in my opinion. The only person that I have yet to see take "good" family pictures, is Doni. I guess we'll see what comes of these ones...

2009 Baseball Season Is Here At Last

2009-05-11T12:00:00.000-07:00

Just a heads up that baseball season is here!!! Spring is finally here, and now life speeds up and does not slow down until December. It's fun though, and it is well spent family time. Jesse is on the San Francisco Giants, and he play's first base, and right field. Hopefully I will have some better pic's soon...LOL, phone camera's don't take that great of pic's and I keep forgetting my good camera.

A Tribute To Ginger's Berrylicious Cake

2009-05-11T11:42:00.000-07:00

This year, at our Roosevelt 5th Ward cake auction, we bought Ginger Casper's wonderful strawberry cake. Delectable really, yellow cake, strawberry jam in the middle, one word...YUMMY!!
She did forgot to take any pic's of this cute cake to post, and well, the only known photo's of it are the ones where my children devoured it within minutes of it being at home.
Thanks Ginger, can't wait for more of your YUMMIES!!!

A Nine Year Old On Laughing Gas...

2009-05-11T11:28:00.000-07:00

This year has seriously been an experience for Jestifer. He has had to get two of his teeth pulled, and it has been quite comical. Before his last visit, the dentist office had just put t.v.'s into the ceiling so that the patients could watch movies while getting their dental work done. Jesse chose to watch Star Wars during his dental proceedure, and I couldn't help but laugh at what came next. It was such a hoot to watch him because after they gave him his laughing gas, he started talking really loud, and tried to fall off the chair a couple of times!
Ahh Jess, I love you so much!!

Candyland...It's More Than Just A Game

2009-04-30T15:43:00.000-07:00

Last night was our annual ward cake auction/spaghetti dinner that is held to raise money for our young women to attend girls camp. It is such an exciting event...getting to see all the members beautiful cakes, and just being apart of something that benefits young women.
It was such a blast. I love seeing what exciting cake my friend Kristy creates...it is seriously the most beautiful and creative thing I've ever seen. This year she made this huge(and I'm not over exaggerating how HUGE) chocolate castle. Every inch of this cake was chocolate. She has a talent that is like WOAH!!! Last year she made this awesome Snickers cake that auctioned off for $350.00. All I can say is she is very talented.
Last year, I made this Candy Land cake that I found in one of my Taste of Home magazines. It turned out really cute, so I decided to do it again this year. The best part about doing it this year is that I was able to have a heads up of all the ingredients I would need to save, and it turned out so much cuter. The little kids seem to just marvel at all the candy. It makes me smile to see them get so excited over it.

AMA Supercross 2009

2009-04-27T07:08:00.001-07:00

It was WET, COLD, MUDDY, SLIPPERY... and most of all AWESOME!!! When we arrived at the Pit Party we went straight to Chad Reed's booth, only to find that the autograph session had been closed for ten minutes!!! TEN I say...TEN.
We continued through the pit, which was fun. I on the other hand was the only one pouting over our mishap with Chad. Cory just chuckled under his breath at me, and Jesse too. After like twenty minutes I insisted that we make our way back to the Suzuki booth one more time...just for luck. Well...as we arrived the mechanic was working on Chad's bike, and not even two seconds later out walked Mr. Reed himself. I elbowed Cory, and he took some pretty good pic's if I do say so myself. The bottom right hand pic above is Chad Reed. After we were able to see him, we headed up to our seats. I was able to meet Ms. Supercross, and get her autograph on my hat. She is so dang cute. We however forgot to take a pic with her...I'm sure Jesse would have liked that! Why is it that when you meet someone you should seriously have taken a pic with that you completely blank? Yes, say it out loud...I'm a retard!
When the race started, Chad was on top of his game. He got the hole shot in his heat race, and took first place. When the main event came...that was a show to remember. He had first place up until the eleventh lap...then James Stewart's team mate Kyle Chisholm literally got in the way. They decided to play dirty. They black flagged Chisholm, and disqualified him out of the race. Needless to say, Stewart ended up in first and Reed took second place. They head down to Las Vegas to finish the competition next Saturday.
As Sami Jo would say..."GO CHAD REED!"

My Beautiful Babies

2009-04-24T07:00:00.001-07:00

Well, I finally went and got pictures of my kids done...I mean it's only been like two years since the last ones were taken. They turned out pretty cute.

Chocolate Cream Cheese Cupcakes...YUMMY!!

2009-04-17T16:08:00.000-07:00

For Enrichment Night this past week we had a ton of fun. We gathered as sisters and played "Speed Visiting Teaching". You know, like "Speed Dating"? Well we switched sisters every three minutes and were able to get to know one another a little more than we had before. It was actually a real hoot. We ate cupcakes afterward and visited amongst one another and that was our night...short, sweet, to the point and pretty insightful. Anyways, Kathryn you asked for the recipe to the cupcakes I made, and I promised you I would put it on my blog, so here it is...Enjoy!

Chocolate Cream Cheese Cupcakes

Ingredients:

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1-1/2 cups Granulated Pure Cane Sugar, divided
1 egg
1 teaspoon salt, divided
1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup baking cocoa
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup water
1/3 cup canola oil
1 tablespoon white vinegar
FROSTING:
3-3/4 cups Pure Cane Powdered Sugar
3 tablespoons baking cocoa
1/2 cup butter, melted
6 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup chopped pecans

Directions:

For filling, in a small bowl, beat cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar until smooth. Beat in egg and 1/2 teaspoon salt until combined. Fold in chocolate chips; set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda, and remaining sugar and salt. In another bowl, whisk the water, oil and vinegar; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened.
Fill paper-lined muffin cups half full with batter. Drop filling by heaping tablespoonfuls into the center of each.
Bake at 350° for 24-26 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in cake comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
For frosting, in a large bowl, combine the confectioners' sugar, cocoa, butter, milk and vanilla; beat until blended. Frost cupcakes; sprinkle with pecans. Store in the refrigerator. Yield: 20 cupcakes.

Happy Easter

2009-04-10T18:15:00.000-07:00

I hope you all have a beautiful Easter this year, and most of all hope you feel of the Spirit. I thought that Elder Holland's talk during Conference this past week was wonderful. I'm sure that most of you have probably already seen the following video on the Church website, but I thought I would share it anyways.
Happy Easter!!

My New Found Testimony of Geneology

2009-04-04T19:42:00.000-07:00

Many of you know that my aunt Jodette passed away three years ago this August. It was a harsh dose of reality the day that I heard of her passing. I was extremely close to her. We both had complicated relationships with our own mothers, which helped the bond that we grew to have. Her family ended up being what seemed to be the family I never had. I adore my cousins Deni and Kory. I still think of them as a brother and sister, and keep in contact with Deni as much as possible.
However, for many reasons our relationship was destined to be tested from the very beginning. From our mothers dictating what and how "love" was, to giving out endless ultimatums, we somehow found a way to nurture a relationship which seemed doomed from the word go.
I want EVERYONE to understand how much she was there for me. She took me in, and loved me when my own mother rejected the thought. She gave everything she had to love Jesse and Jordon as her own grandchildren, and succeeded...even more so, she taught me that my Heavenly Father would be my friend, even my best friend if I would just ask for His help.
My daughter, Samantha Jodette, is named after her...she was never able to meet her great aunt...at least here in our mortal, and earthly life. I have no doubts that my aunt had every bit to do with helping to send Sami here from heaven.
After Cory and I were sealed to one another and our children, I felt the need to look into trying to do Jodette's temple work. I was able to get permission from my wonderful uncle who loved the thought, and very willingly gave me the go ahead. This however was last July. Yes, I am aware that was eight months ago...but I never really felt an intense urge to get it done.
I know it is no excuse, and trust me I made a few trips to the cemetary, wondering, praying, and more than anything feeling uncertain. Last October, my grandfather passed, and I felt some easiness as though she had someone to help her, comfort her...but two weeks ago, I had a sudden and intense urge which ushered in the decision that something needed to be done, and it needed to be done NOW.
My dear friend Sue and I made arrangements and decided to go to the Family History Center on March 30th, and begin the foot work. Needless to say they were right in the middle of changing the system and were unsure of the luck I would have in getting everything accomplished...at least until everything was in order there. I had her birth date, her death date, but I was lacking in the knowledge of her baptismal date. I was sure that she had been baptized, but the thought entered my mind of "what if she hadn't?"
Funny thing is the morning Sue and I had gone to the center, I had the impression that I was going to have to contact her bishop. I now see why it was so prominent, I was now going to have to make some phone calls. After several hours of playing phone tag, I was able to speak with the Bishop of the ward she was in, only he was getting ready to go out of town and wouldn't be back for a week. He did however give me the number to his Secretary who then was more than willing to go to the church (out of his own way) to get the date for me. I was so thankful when my phone rang twenty minutes later and it was the secretary. I HAD IT!!! Now it was up to me...I did my PAF file, and Cory exported it to the disk for me. The next morning we went to the Family History Center to get it all in place, and upon arriving found out that if I had come any earlier, they would have had to tell me to come back in two weeks. But just as I had arrived, the Director had called to let them know how to operate the new system. I was so thankful.
I indeed had felt the Spirit when I needed to. My Heavenly Father had opened every window, every door needed to accomplish this task.
To make everything even better last night, Friday, April 3, I was able to do my aunts temple work. It was a very, very personal, and intimate occasion. In a time in my life that I felt my life was in a spiritual and personal fall apart my aunt once again helped me to see that through service to others, I could feel of my Heavenly Fathers love. I also realized that our work on this earth is so much greater than we could ever realize. Temple work for others is a blessing that we need to look forward to and be eager to give. I now have one more reason to know without a doubt that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is true.

Happy Anniversary

2009-03-27T13:15:00.000-07:00

Today is Cory and I's fifth wedding anniversary. I am so thankful that we have made it this far in our lives. It may be our "fifth" wedding anniversary but even more importantly it is the one year anniversary of our being sealed as an eternal family.

Most people may initially giggle at the thankfulness I have to make it to five years, but I AM THANKFUL. There are so many struggles in life and so many reasons in which couples decide there is just no use in trying to stay together. I know that even through the hardships that have made their way into Cory and I's life, we have been so blessed with the ability to stick through it and not give up on one another.
Cory truly completes me, and he is my soul mate, and I'm so grateful that we made a decision one year ago to make our relationship one to soar throughout the eternities.

This morning Cory surprised me with a bouquet of pink roses, and a floral arrangement for my home. They are truly beautiful...

Carrie Underwood and Randy Travis...WOW!!

2009-03-22T17:48:00.001-07:00

AMA Supercross...Reed vs. Stewart...I Can't Wait!

2009-03-11T17:19:00.000-07:00

So my lovely husband decided he needed to try and teach me all about motorcycle racing. Lo and behold did anyone know what a monster he would create.
I love that he has a hobby that he enjoys. It's fun to watch him get dressed in his motorcycle gear and ride his Yamaha.
At the beginning of the AMA Super cross season he decided to bombard our DVR with recordings of every single race. I wasn't so excited about the idea. Cory would make me sit down with him and Jesse to watch the races, and I would kindly excuse myself and leave the room. Ever so sweetly Cory would push the pause button until I returned. I finally thought "Okay, so I'll sit and watch one race, and I'll make him happy." That was the beginning...I haven't missed one race since, and I think I'm almost as big a fan as my hubby now. I am a total Chad Reed fan now. He is awesome. Even though James Stewart is considered "the fastest man on a bike", Chad Reed is still my favorite. Stewart a.k.a "Bubba", was undefeated for like six straight races, and FINALLY, FINALLY, Reed gave him a run for his money. The last two races, Reed has taken first.

Well anyways, just to make the whole thing more exciting...we are now going to the AMA Super Cross on April twenty- fifth out in Salt Lake. Cory and I decided to take Jesse and have a day of it. We were able to get pit passes, so that we can go and meet the riders before the race!! I can't wait to meet Chad Reed!!! Okay, so I guess I'm a little bit excited...but so are Jesse and Cory!

A-Z Tag!!

2009-03-03T16:59:00.000-08:00

A--Attached or Single: Attached - Cory and I have been married for five years, this month!!
B--Best Friend: Cory, (obviously) because he's seriously the only person who knows me inside and out!
C--Cake or Pie: I would definately have to say pie...Razzelberry to be exact...with vanilla ice cream just to the side...Oh, YUMMY!!
D--Day of Choice: I would have to say that I really don't have one, they're all great if you enjoy them to their fullest.
E--Essential Item: My computer. I cannot live without it. Arrgghh, I do everything with it.
F--Favorite Color: Used to be yellow, but lately it's green.
G--Greatest Accomplishment: My family. I wouldn't be anything without them. They are what builds my character.
H--Hometown: Vernal Utah
I--Indulgences: Clothes. I buy clothes all the time. For me, my kids, it's ridiculous.
J--January or July: July, there is so much more to do in July...It's warm, It's busy...Why not?
K--Kids: Three, two handsome boys, and one precious little princess!
L--Life is incomplete without: A testimony.
M--Marriage Date: March 27, 2004
N--Number of Siblings: 1 half brother
O--Oranges or Apples: Oranges
P--Phobias or fears: Snakes. I HATE THEM, HATE THEM, HATE THEM!!
Q--Quotes: "What doesn't kill me, only makes me stronger"
R--Reason to Smile: My husband and children all the way!
S--Season: Fall
T--Tag 5 Friends: Arrgghh! Um, Doni, Tristie, and anyone else who reads this!
U--Unknown fact about you: I love to draw. I used to draw alot, and Jesse always wants me to draw more...but I have no time.
V--Very favorite store: Wal-Mart. Only because it's the only store I go to. Normally I shop via the web.
W--Worst habit: I'm O.C.D. Literally. I have a certain way of doing most EVERYTHING.
X--X-ray or Ultra Sound: Ultrasound - I absolutely loved seeing my babies. I don't know how anyone could opt to go without one!
Y--Your favorite food: Chinese. Oh, yes, my most favorite food EVER!
Z--Zodiac: Capricorn

My Little Heffalump

2009-02-18T10:02:00.000-08:00

I don't know if any of your kids are like mine, but all three of them have been completely taken by all of the Disney movies that have to do with "Winnie The Pooh". From Jesse, to Jordon, to Ms. Sami.

I remember Cory would tease Jesse when he was like four years old about "Winnie The Pooh-Pooh Head". Jess would scream at Cory, and it would just put Jess through the roof. Jordon on the other hand absolutely loved "Lumpy". He would watch "Pooh's Heffalump Movie" and fall asleep by the time the scene of Kanga singing to Roo would come on. The last two months of my pregnancy with Sami was taken over by "Pooh's Heffalump Halloween". I thought maybe Sami would be different...not really, but maybe.

Well, as you can see, I was wrong. It first started off right before her second birthday, she was completely obsessed with Piglet, in "Piglets Big Movie". We ended up getting her the movie for her birthday and she loved it. I know, I'm completely encouraging their obsession, but I think it's adorable.

The other day Sami came and got me, took me into her closet and told me she wanted to be "Lumpy". We put the costume on her, and she spent half the day dressed up, packing her "Lumpy" doll around. I happened to capture it so I thought I would share it.

Happy Birthday To The Most Wonderful Man In The World...My Husband!

2009-02-16T16:43:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I have to do this post for my wonderful husband. I love him with all of my heart, and am so thankful for the fact that he chose me to be his wife. I could probably go on for days and list a ton of things as to why I love him, and why I am thankful for him...so I will narrow it down like this-

C - Is for the "Coolest" man I've ever met. I have never been able to laugh my guts out the way I did when we drove from Vernal to Roosevelt together while he piled on six pairs of sunglasses just to see if I would get embarrassed! Sorry sweetheart, I thought you were seriously "cool", to let me see your not so serious side!

O - Is for "One and Only". You are seriously my "one and only". I am so grateful to be sealed to you for time and all eternity. You have always had my heart. I LOVE YOU!

R - Is for "Respectful". You are one of the most "respectful" people I have ever met. You are genuine, kind, and your heart is true.

Y - Is for "Young". I don't care how old you truly are. You are the true description of "young at heart". I've always found you to be one who is fun and outgoing... you keep our relationship alive.

T - Is for "Trustworthy". You are truly someone I trust with everything in my life. I know you are honest in all you do.

A - Is for "Anything but dull..." You are seriously the opposite of dull. Just to go to Wal-Mart is a treat with you. It's amazing how your crazy antics keep me smiling even when I'm ready to beat you up while it's happening. LOL

Y - Is for "You". Cory Taylor...I love you more than you will ever know, all because you are "YOU".

L - Is for "Love." I have never had "love" in my life until I met you. You showed me what the true meaning of "love" was, and is. I am so thankful that you are so willing to give me your "love".

O - Is for "Original". You are definitely an "original". I have never met anyone like you - I think that you were definitely made for me. A match made in heaven. And I mean that with every beat of my heart.

R - Is for "Redneck". Okay so this is more of a "inside" joke to you and I, but I think I truly mean it. I love the way you act so completely silly at what seems the most inappropriate times, just because it makes you who you are and who I love.

All in all sweetheart I love you - Cory Sheldon Taylor. The man of my most wildest and craziest dreams. The man I dreamt of when I imagined my prince charming. You are the one who "completes" me. As silly as that may seem or sound, Cory you complete me. I love you...

Happy Birthday!!

Exercise...What An Evil Little Word

2009-02-11T18:35:00.000-08:00

Okay, so for starters, last month I made my first initial step toward getting "fit". How sweet the word or should I say evil. I first started this new venture by buying a Yoga/Pilate's kit at Wal-mart last month. Sad enough, I do have a witness to verify this funny little moment of mine. Doni, my lovely sister-in-law was coming around the corner and spotted me eyeing the kit. We discussed it's 'benefits", and the decision was made to purchase the item. She told me to let her know how it worked, and so just to let her know...ITS A JOKE!!! My two youngest beautiful children WILL not stay out of the bedroom while I try to take on the task at hand. Not to mention they think we are planning a trip to the beach because of the huge giant Yoga ball. ARGHH!! If you have tiny kids, it's not wise to exercise at home, at least with a Yoga ball. Not to mention the exercise routine itself that came in the kit, is like so frickin' boring!!!
Well, never fear!!! I found the jackpot of exercise!! I KID YOU NOT!!! The other morning I was flipping through some channels, you know doing the awesome finger crunch...and lo and behold the title completely jumped out at me!! Right there were the words "Hip Hop Abs", and I'm like "Whatever, I hate infomercials...HATE Them, HATE them, HATE them!!" So in complete ignorance of myself I selected the channel, and was completely amazed. This frickin' workout looked awesome!! Get hot abs by dancing. Get hot abs while NEVER doing one dang sit up or crunch...Okay, I'm listening, I'm so there Sean T. (creator of Hip Hop Ab's).
So like a complete lemming, I ran to the computer, and I ordered it. I looked for any website that could offer a comment to bash the workout, and there were NONE, absolutely NONE. So anyways, to make a completely long story short...I received it today. I am sooo completely impressed. I popped the fun filled DVD into my player and had the most extensive, sweaty, heart pounding exercise session I have ever had. I can't tell you how much my abs are aching as I type. And I feel so rejuvenated. Seriously. It comes with like five workouts, and a calender to help you know which workouts to do, in which order, and it even came with a DVD for your wonderful buns and thighs.
So I guess we'll see. The infomercial said It's a money back guarantee, so like I said before, we'll just see.
So Doni, I don't think the Yoga/Pilate's thing is for me, but I do think you would absolutely love this Hip Hop Ab's. I guess we'll see soon if it really works or not. Coolest thing about it is Cory said he is going to start doing it with me. YAY!!!

Grandma Eileen and Jordon's Success

2009-02-01T19:23:00.000-08:00

As most of the people close to me know, it has been rough trying to potty train my youngest little boy. After so long it just began to be torture. Not only to Jordon, but also to myself. For the last year it has been nothing but ups, downs, progress and retractions. But as for the past month, it has been AWESOME.
Cory and I were able to spend time over at the temple in Vernal a couple of weeks ago, and grandma Taylor came to babysit. Not only was it a favor to Cory and I, it was a miracle all in itself for Jordon.
We had tried EVERYTHING. Everything from begging and pleading to bribes and so forth. But the craziest thing was that all it took was grandma.
Jordon decided to have an "accident" in his underwear and mom was not around to change what noone else would. LOL, my own fault, it's true. Well I had never considered the thought of actually making it as uncomfortable for him, as it was for me. Grandma however, so lovingly explained how gross it was and sprayed him down in the shower with a cool, uninviting spray. IT WORKED. Since then, no accidents. It's a complete MIRACLE.
Well tonight has been the first night we've been able to talk to grandma, and Jordon was soo excited to tell her all about his success. When he got on the phone with her, grandma said "Jordon you're my hero", Jordon then in turn replied "Grandma, I'm not a SuperHero". It was great to see him feeling so accomplished, and proud to tell grandma he could finally use the bathroom like a big boy.
I am so thankful for all my mother-in-law has done for me in my few years with her family. I am so privilidged to be apart of her life and thankful for the wise council and love she gives to me and my family. I love you Eileen. As do your son and grandchildren. You are truly an example in my life.

Time Flies

2009-01-22T17:06:00.000-08:00

I haven't really had the enthusiasm to blog lately, and well frankly there really hasn't been much to blog about. The beginning of this year is just a hard one so far. But hey, I guess we just keep on going right?

Well, Cory decided to fix our computer downstairs and we were able to recover some pictures we haven't been able to get to for about two years now. It's crazy to look back on what seems to be such a short period and see the difference two years makes.

I turned thirty this past month, and I'll tell you what. I remember when my mom was turning twenty-seven. I remember thinking "Oh my gosh that woman is ancient". What I wouldn't give to be twenty-seven again. LOL. Oh well, I hope next year I don't spend the entire day crying like I did this year. And if I've learned anything...It's that you should spend whatever time you have enjoying LIFE. My kids are my life, and their growing soo fast.

New Years...and the resolutions I would like to accomplish

2008-12-31T19:46:00.000-08:00

Hence the phrase "would like to accomplish". I am so not going to pin myself to a list that seems too far out of reach. But seriously, I just can't even give myself a list of things to do, that HAVE to get done. I would however like to give myself some idea's that would be helpful to me that would help me feel "accomplished" by this time next year.
So to start off my "would like to accomplish" by next year list;

A.) I would absolutely love to finally get that wonderful food storage thing going.

B.) I would absolutely love to get myself out to the city to finally have a current family pic to hang on my wall, and in turn give to family and friends.

C.) I would absolutely love to finally find myself taking my kids to the new dinosaur museum in my hometown. I just can't seem to find my way there.

D.) I would absolutely love to find more "patience" with life and the lovely turns and bumps it throws my way.

E.) I would absolutely love to finally get involved in my yard and garden this year.

F.) I would absolutely love if Jordon would be potty trained 100%.

G.)I would absolutely love to have a year of family outings and time spent that we did last year. I wouldn't change a minute spent with one another in 2008.

H.) I would like to accomplish my Aunt Jodette's temple work, more than anything.

And just to recap on this past year, I loved it. It did go by way fast though. But I think it was mainly because we stayed busy with one another. We had some very fun family trips. I never thought I would ever make it to Wayne County, and I did. I had a ton of fun go to yard sales with my "fabulous" friend Liz, and letting the kids play together. I built some pretty awesome friendships and I really couldn't have asked for more. And most importantly I was sealed to my beautiful family, and I now have a forever family. I don't know how this year could get topped. But you never know...so I guess "bring it".

Happy New Year Everybody!!

My Celebrity Look-alikes

2008-12-14T20:39:00.000-08:00

I have to admit that as this month seems to be flying by, I'm not quite keeping up. I can't believe that it is already the middle of the month. I haven't been quite the blogger lately either. I did however see this cute idea on Liz's blog a while back and thought it would be fun to try. So I did it and well here are the results. I don't think I actually resemble any of these people but they seem to think so. LOL
Try it, it's kind of fun to do.

http://www.myheritage.com/collage

Christmas Q&A

2008-12-05T20:59:00.000-08:00

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? I always do paper, I love to wrap gifts. I remember as a little girl, my mom would box the gifts and let me wrap them because I wouldn’t stop bugging her.
2. Real tree or artificial? Artificial all the way. I love to put the tree up the day after Thanksgiving, therefore leaving no way for a real tree to survive.
3. When do you put up the tree? Day after Thanksgiving
4. When do you take the tree down? I have to admit that as soon as Christmas is over, the tree is taken out quicker than it came in.
5. Do you like Eggnog? Never tried it, I’m not the biggest fan of eggs.
6. Favorite gift received as a child? Gosh, that is a hard one. I always loved getting my Holiday Barbie dolls. However I wasn’t as smart as my cousin Deni by actually keeping them in Collectors condition.
7. Hardest person to buy for? Umm, that is quite easy. Definitely Cory. He will say he wants something and as soon as he thinks I’m close to getting it, he retracts. But then if I don’t get it, he kind of sulks. It’s a man thing I think.
8. Easiest person to buy for? My kids. They’re kids for gosh sakes. That is easy.
9. Do you have a nativity scene? 5 or so. I used to put them in all the bedrooms, but I learned my lesson when the two youngest started to tear the peat moss off of them.
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? I usually just hand deliver them a few days before Christmas. Usually family members pick them up at Eileens house. Pretty lazy hu?
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Don’t think I’ve ever truly despised any gift.
12. Favorite Christmas movie? It’s a Wonderful Life. It’s classic.
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Usually last part of November.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Can’t say that I have. Except that last year I found two brand new pairs of Levi’s in the closet with the tags on them that I had bought for Cory two or so months prior to-and wrapped them up with brand new shirts and gave them to him for Christmas. LMAO
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Used to be Turkey, but since eating Doni’s candied Yams for Thanksgiving, I’m looking forward to those!!
16. Lights on the tree? Oh yes. Except I have this thing with all white lights. Cory got his way with multi-colored on the tree upstairs this year though.
17. Favorite Christmas song? Mary did you know? Then I would have to say Carol of the bells, sung by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Stay home.
19. Can you name all Santa's reindeer? Yea! Who Couldn’t?
20. Angel on the tree top or Star? Well, I actually put a great big ribbon bow at the top. So neither.
21. Open presents Christmas Eve or morning? One gift on Christmas Eve. They’re always P.J.’s though. Completely predictable.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Not being able to have snow for the first week and one week following Christmas, followed by summer weather.
23. Favorite ornament? I don’t have one. In fact I wondered while buying ornaments why I didn’t have one.
24. Favorite Christmas dinner? Can’t really say that I have just one.
25. Favorite Christmas cocktail? Don’t have one.
26. What do you want for Christmas this year? Good Question.
27. What don't you want for Christmas this year? To feel completely frazzled and out of the true meaning of Christmas.
28. What is something you have never done that you want to do for Christmas? I don't think I would have my Christmas' any other way. It's tradition so it's comfortable, and nice.

Pumpkin Ice Cream Pie

2008-12-04T20:24:00.000-08:00

This post is more for my niece than anyone. Miss Braydee, I told you I would post the recipe for the Pumpkin Ice Cream Pie I made for Thanksgiving. I know I am a little late, but it's being posted nonetheless. I hope you make it, and enjoy it. Love you...

Pumpkin Ice Cream Pie

3 Heath candy bars (1.4 ounces each), crushed, divided
3 cups vanilla ice cream, softened, divided
1 chocolate crumb crust (9 inches)
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Combine two-thirds of the crushed candy bars and 2 cups ice cream. Spoon intocrust; freeze for 1 hour or until firm. In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin,sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and remaining ice cream. Spoon over ice cream layer incrust. Sprinkle with remaining crushed candy bars. Cover and freeze for 8 hoursor up to 2 months. Remove from the freezer 10-15 minutes before serving.

Yield: 8 servings.

What A Man

2008-11-24T21:33:00.000-08:00

Once more I have to completely brag my wonderful husband up. I mean really, he sat through two hours worth of "Bella" and "Edward" tonight. I can't say that I could have watched a movie with my husband and completley watched him get giddy over some chick - vampire or not.

I think the part that tickled me the most, was that all the while he teased me about my obsession with the series, he actually was paying attention to everything I told him. While watching the movie with him, he actually asked me questions, that in turn proved he paid attention to my neverending babble. He knew names to characters, and he laughed sincerely at parts instead of making absolute fun like he swore he would. I absolutely adore my husband, and once again am so thankful that he accepts my ability to get completely lost in my fictional whims.

It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year...

2008-11-23T17:06:00.000-08:00

I'm probably a little bit early, but I just can't help it. I am soo excited for Christmas. I absolultely love the whole jist of the Holidays. From Thanksgiving, to Christmas, to even New Years!!
I love that we can celebrate our Saviours birth this way, and I love the feeling of child like magic of Santa. What can I say...I'm a child at heart. Always have and always will.
So anyways, yes, I am aware that it is only like the second to last week of November and sane people probably don't even think of Christmas decorations, and that until after Thanksgiving, but hey-it's me. I never claimed to be sane. LOL.
As you can see Cory so lovingly put up our christmas lights last week. He put them all around our house this year! I am so excited that finally after three years, we are able to light up our entire home. Yipee!!!
Now I just can't wait for the day after thanksgiving...then I can put my christmas tree up! I am so ready for this years festivities!!

Midnight...Twilght...WooHoo!!

2008-11-21T08:15:00.000-08:00

Last Night Rocked!!

Okay, so technically it was this morning, but all I can say is Twilight kicked butt. My friend Janea and I went to the midnight showing of Twilight, and it was so worth it. We were under the impression that tickets would go on sale at eleven o'clock last night from a previous conversation with the theatre, and Janea called just to make sure that was the plan still. It changed. Tickets went on sale yesterday morning instead. So Janea booked it to the theatre and bought our tickets. We got tickets #70 and #75. I guess they were only selling 100 tickets. The theatre told us that if we wanted to come to the James Bond movie that started at 9:25 P.M. then we would get a dollar off each of our tickets, and which ever seats we sat in we would have for Twilight.

Woo-Hoo!!

So anyways, the James Bond movie, Quantam of Solace, was great. Action packed and well, it proved to be worth going to. I have to say that Daniel Craig is a great James Bond. I know the soundtrack has got to be killer too!

Well, I have to say that Catherine Hardwick did a great job directing Twilight. The movie was as close to the book as possible, I think anyway - I just wish soo badly that they could take the appropriate time to give the entire book it's glory! I swear I could sit for the five, six or however many hours needed to portray it. Given, it was definately worth the wait. I hope they make movies for the rest of the books, but I just can't see how they could. I mean too great of books for an hour or two of portrayel.

I must admit, I felt like a seventeen year old girl. And I must argue the girls who said Rob Pattinson wasn't a great pick to play Edward. Sorry girs, Rob Pattinson Rocks. I was giddy, and well...who wouldn't be?

I Am Reminded, And Thankful

2008-11-15T12:43:00.001-08:00

While looking through some of my pictures today, I came upon this photo of Cory that was taken while we were in Wayne County last August.

It was funny-funny because for a while I haven't allowed my self to really get wrapped up in the twitterpated state that I usually feel. Maybe from all the hustle and bustle life throws my way, or maybe just because I am so wrapped up in my kids that I forget to allow myself to feel all of the emotional pangs that make you feel "young and in love". But as I came across this picture of him, they flooded my mind and my heart. I was reminded strongly and softly all at once how much I am truly in love with my husband. I am reminded who my best friend on this earth is. And why I chose to be sealed to him for time and all eternity.

WOW...

It is amazing to me, and always has been that Cory has always made me feel those warm fuzzy butterflies that make a girl dizzy with love. He has always acted so much younger than he is, and made life exciting for me. He doesn't think me ill to listen to the music I do-allowing me to be as silly or as serious as I want. And he doesn't mind sitting down for hours to watch silly "chick flicks" or corny Disney movies just to see me smile.

I in turn need to learn to watch his "informative" history shows with the same enthusiasm that is given to me. Still a work in progress...even though I am sorry to say he has turned me into a talk radio junkie. Rush Limbaugh...You Rock!!

I think that in all reality it would take a lifetime to name all of the things I love and adore about my husband. Maybe that is why we are given "all eternity" with them. I don't think we ever stop experiencing one another.

I know there is always oposition in everything. Life is completely full of it, and trust me, I wish I could abstain from having it in my life. No realationship in the world is perfect. Not with out Heavenly Father and the gospel. I am so thankful for this time I have to be here on the earth, and am so thankful that I am able to spend it with my husband and children no matter the oposition.

I have to say that I need to learn to be more appreciative of the time I have with my family because I would be lost if I ever lost them. And as we all know...someday we will move forward with this life, leaving those we love behind. We must learn to appreciate what we have and enjoy it/them now. Not tomorrow. But everyday of every minute and smile. No matter what.

Oh, and Cory..."You don't know everything." LOL

I love you more than you will ever know. You are my hero, my best friend, and the man I will spend forever and ever with.

You are "THE ONE".

Jr. Jazz

2008-11-10T19:59:00.000-08:00

Once again basketball is here. Jr. Jazz started last week. I am now fully aware that winter is upon us. Funny how certain activities in life come to be our "informants'. This year has just flown by so fast. It seems like yesterday I was turning over the calendar to a "New Year". I think this year has flown by faster than any year in my life so far. Either I am more busy than usual or time is beginning to speed up.

Last week Jess's team won, and tonight they won too. They are definately a good team. Plenty of good team work. I have always thought that Jesse plays basketball very well. I realized tonight how much he has really learned about the sport by playing it the last three years. This year he finally runs down the court without yelling "Give me the ball, I'm open!" It's funny to see them evolve into more informed players.

Well here is to another year of basketball!!

(By the way, Jesse is #41)

Paint, Paint, Paint...Oh, And More Paint

2008-11-08T18:04:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to finally be able to say my entire house is painted. When we moved in three years ago, the walls were all creamy white. It was pretty when we first moved in but three years, three kids, and all the wear and tear starts to show.

Well, this year Liz got me all sorts of "inspired" to finally pick up a brush/roller and create. Back in July she came over and it started. We painted Sami's room. It ended up being so adorable, and once it was complete with her hanging butterflies the rest of my house was completely blah.

I then decided after listening to my boys complain that Sami was so lucky...and they weren't that I would then do their room. Jordon wanted red, and Jesse wanted blue. They both liked the stripe we made in Sami's room so I improvised. Needless to say I thought the outcome looked like a slushee machine. Cory thought it looked like a Patriots themed room, and well all I know is my boys were excited so it stuck.

I then proceeded to paint my bathrooms in October, which didn't take as long as I had thought. In fact I thought I was on a roll. I ended up painting the kids' bathroom in a ocean scene with cartoon sea creatures.

It took me from July to one week ago to finally decide on the color for my living rooms, kitchen and den. But the color turned out amazing. I don't know if the pictures do the color justice. I painted my room in this pretty olive color which is the same in my bathrooms.

I have to say that Liz inspired me well. My painting is done, and I feel like I have a new house.

I have to say I am definately relieved it's over. Cory hates to paint, so I ended up doing the project solo. My shoulder has luckily survived, but I don't plan on painting any time soon.

Rainy Days And Rainbows

2008-11-08T17:39:00.001-08:00

I just thought I would share this beautiful picture of a rainbow that was outside of our home November 2, 2008. It rained like crazy and then we had this huge rainbow appear that was complete from one end to the other. Cory's mom called us just minutes after we noticed it to tell us to look out our back window.

Happy Halloween'n To Ya!

2008-11-02T20:08:00.000-08:00

Halloween this year was actually super fun! Cory was finally able to go with us trick or treating, and it wasn't dull at all.

As you may be able to tell, Jordon and Samantha decided they wanted to wear different costumes since they wore their new ones to our ward party. Jordon found his "Rolie Polie Olie" costume in the closet and it was on. Sami on the other hand found Jordon's old "Lumpy" costume, and since she is such a "Winnie the Pooh" fan she screamed to wear it. As I mentioned before, this halloween was not dull.

We started out on our adventure around five thirty. We thought we had plenty of time to hit the big shin dig going on up on main street, but were surprised when we arrived only to be told we were too late. Bummer.

"No need to fear, Underwear is here" as Jordon would say...(long story, on the creation of his statement). We just went to Stewarts. They give out pretty good "treats" for not expecting "tricks". But hey...they're way better than me. I haven't ever been the type to hang out at home giving out candy.

After we stood in that crazy line for at least 45 minutes, we went to grandma and grandpa's . Unfortunately grandma didn't dress up like a witch this year. Bummer. Jordon on the other hand was probably relieved. Always seems to get the best of my little guy. Grandma just doesn't seem to fit that part very well.

After visiting a few more family houses, we headed home. I was give out, Cory was give out, and two little monsters were pooped. Jess man on the other hand was just getting warmed up. What I wouldn't give for that child's energy. To put a long story short...he took off through our neighborhood. I don't think I even want to look at another piece of candy for a long, long time.

Happy Halloween!!

A Night Of Spoookables!!

2008-10-28T20:08:00.000-07:00

Halloween is such a fun and charismatic time. The time to play up your imaginations, whether it's your own or your kids'.

We had our ward halloween party tonight and it rocked!! I took some pretty cute pictures of some of the most awesome moments.

As usual you have to take pic's of the kids before they smudge their faces, and dirty their costumes. Jesse is a zombie, but didn't wear his mask tonight. No masks, so we just painted his face black for now. Jordon is "Itsy Bitsy Spider", and Miss Sami is a "Storybook" witch. Their costumes turned out soo cute.

Tristie, I have to tell you just how completely awesome you are. I dug the "Cruella" costume. And I just adore your kids. I am so glad that I have had the opportunity to become friends with you. You ROCK!!

I have to say that Kari Ann and Roger Hullinger took the couple costume to the max. They make such a cute "Raggedy Ann" and "Andy". Not to mention their broccolli soup is totally scrumptious. Their daughter Isabelle made an adorable "Wednesday" too.

I love our ward parties. They are memorable and fun. I hope everyone out there has an awesome Halloween this year!

Ooey Gooey Peanut Butter Bars

2008-10-26T12:28:00.001-07:00

Today after church, the kids wanted me to make something yummy to snack on, so we made these yummy Ooey Gooey Peanut Bars. They are soo scrumptious. Anybody who is a peanut butter lover should make these. Samantha and Jordon really enjoy helping me make cookies and cakes so of course they're right in the middle of it. I think they just enjoy eating the dough...and the chocolate...oh and the peanut butter. LOL
So anyways, again I think I will post the recipe for any who might like to give them a try.

Ooey Gooey Peanut Butter Bars

Cream together:
1 Cup Butter
1 Cup Sugar
1 Cup Brown Sugar
Add:
2 Eggs
1 tsp. Vanilla
2/3 Cup Creamy Peanut Butter
1 tsp. Salt
1 tsp. Baking Soda

Mix until smooth-

Add:
2 Cups Flour
2 Cups Oats

Mix well. Spread into dripper pan (cookie sheet). Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes. When done and while still hot cover with two bags of semi sweet chocolate chips. Spread evenly across crust and put into warm oven for 30 seconds, to 1 minute. Finish spreading melted chocolate evenly across crust.

Frosting:

1 lb. Bag of Powdered Sugar
6 Tbs. Butter
1/2-2/3 Cup Creamy Peanut Butter
1-7 Tbs. Milk
Cream together, then add milk to desired consisntency.

Cover chocolate covered bars with frosting. And enjoy!