The Gardner Clan

Our October

2011-11-09T19:00:00.000-08:00

October is one of my four favorite months of the year, the others being those closest to it: September, November, and December. I love the fall weather (except, really, here in Arizona, we don't experience fall in October) and I love starting out the beginning of the month with General Conference.

Next comes my birthday! WO---29. Can you believe it? Because I can't! This year for my birthday I was ecstatic--Halle had fall break so I spent the day with the three of my girls. We enjoyed a nice picnic at the park and playing in the sand until--lo and behold--Ash had a accident! There is always some dramatic reason for us leaving the park! That evening, Headie, Jon, Ry, Britt, and of course my family had dinner together and made Halloween Gingerbread houses. Look at how good Headie is at decorating!!

Halle asked if we could have a little fall party during her break so we invited a few friends over one day. Conveniently enough, I helped out at Halle's fall party the week before and pretty much copied everything they did there! We made caramel apples, a scarecrow craft, played pumpkin bowling (which was a hit! All you need is water bottles and a pumpkin!), and a CLASSIC: freeze dance.

Next, sweet Ashie turned 2! Look at this girl, sucking that thumb, sporting her new birthday jacket. This was by far her favorite gift!
I think I know what you are thinking Ash..."Isn't it my birthday?! My sisters have taken over!" Halle's reading the cards and Bella's opening gifts! Don't look so sad. It will get better. :)

Next, Intel hosted a fun-run and our whole fam participated--Ash sat in the stroller the whole time--we are so proud! :)
Halle and Mark ran together with the stroller, but Bella and I weren't too far behind. Bella ran most of the mile herself! Great job girlies! (Random fact--the breakfast after was amazing! Breakfast burritos, fruit, pancakes, parfaits, and juice!)
Next, the first of three trick-or-treating outings. This one was by far the crowd favorite. Intel had a trick-or-treat day for families so the girls went cubicle to cubicle. Talk about a ton of candy. We could have gotten so much but decided to just do ONE floor. At this one, Ash was Sleeping Beauty, Bella was a lady bug, and Halle a Halloween fairy (she came up with this herself)

This is the night of our ward trunk-or-treat. Bella decided she wanted to be a bumblebee and Ash a dog. Halle is still the Halloween fairy. She was getting frustrated that people thought she was a bat! :) Poor girl--the only black wings I could find were bat wings! I had hoped she wouldn't notice, but that was the first thing she said! "Mom! Why would you get me bat wings?!"
I didn't post any trick-or-treating pics, but you get the idea!

Next, Halle got a citizenship award at school so parents were invited to flag ceremony that morning.
Don't know if you can see her. She is wearing a red shirt and white jacket...
Just had to include this cute shot of my girlies in their jammies eating graham crackers.
And how I could not post one of my Marky? What a sweet picture!
October has come and gone, but I'm so gratefu for these great memories I could share with the ones I love! (And I'm grateful for cameras to catch the special moments!) Until next month (hopefully), enjoy a great November!

A Day in the Life of Ash

2011-09-19T21:07:00.000-07:00

Today as I was talking to my mom on the phone, I was telling her about how our little Ash is so busy! I decided to document a day in her life describing her "craziness" as we like to call it. This way when she grows up, I can have proof of this for her! :)

The day begins with getting Ash out of her crib tent. :) That sentence right there just makes me laugh. The girl began climbing out of her crib a few months ago, hence our little crib tent that zips her right in. She's at daddy's hip until he leaves, her pushing out the front of his car as he backs out of the driveway. It would take hours trying to document the whole day, so I will just skip to the good stuff.

Ash is a climber. If she is up high, she gets this great big grin on her face. For her own life's happiness, hopefully she is tall when she's older. :) She climbs on the counters all day long. We put down the stools so she can't climb up, but what does she do? Pushes the chairs from the kitchen table over so she can get right back up. The girl will not be deterred! So as I am talking on the phone with my mom and also cooking something on the stove, I take Ash, doing a little twinkle toe dance, off the counter like four times

A joke of mine and Mark's is that he can't leave the house for work clean. Ash always wipes her messy breakfast/lunch/dinner hands on him because she always wants to sit on his lap. Today it was applesauce. Thankfully, it's clear?

Okay, so we are potty training Ash. She'd been doing great and then she must have decided, "hey, I need to make my parent's lives a little crazier so I will not tell them when I need to go anymore!" Actually, she tells me as soon as she's gone in her panties. Great Ash! So today it was not very pleasant...I take her to the bathroom and get her all cleaned off and she runs off while I attempt to clean the panties. OH THE JOYS! Seriously ONE minute later, I go find her and she has our black ink pad in her hand with black ink all over her hands and face and weirdly enough, in her mouth! Were you trying to eat it, Ash? Really, I want to get inside your head!

So because I pretty much avoid the computer at all costs (either Ash is throwing the printer paper everywhere, pressing all the keys, or dancing ON TOP of the desk), I didn't google whether I should be worried about Ash having ink in her mouth--I just called my mom. While I am on the phone with my mom, guess where Ash is? On the bathroom counter now! So I pick her up and take her to my bed and hope that she will sit still with Bella who is content to watch her show. Well, I became a little impressed--Ash was sitting there contently. Right when I was about to give her some props, I see a puddle getting bigger on our comforter. Yes, she wet the bed. If this does not sound crazy to you yet, I want you to try to live it! At this point, I just started laughing. It was one of those laughs where you just think to yourself, "serously?!"

I could continue, but this is making me exhausted from only describing a 10 minute period!

To conclude, I'd just like to say I needed a picture of Ash for this post so Mark and I spent about 5 minutes trying to get a shot of her where she was looking at the camera. We failed miserably for every single shot was blurred because she wouldn't sit still. Thankfully, we found this pic of Ash--which I thought was perfect for this anyway--eating her meal in her own fashion, food all over face and belly. We love ya Ash! Thanks for an exciting day. ;)

P.S.--I posted a few birthday pictures....Bella turned 5 on September 5 (we celebrated at the spray park!)

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And Halle turned 7 on August 31. Wow, I feel so old! WE LOVE OUR GIRLIES!

FLIPPERS---A Year Gone By!

2011-09-04T20:07:00.000-07:00

My new favorite word is "flippers."I use it now whenever I would have said "flip!" Right now I am saying "flippers! It has been a full year since I have updated the blog!" Wow--time goes by quickly. I could offer some decent excuses as to why I have not blogged, but I'll spare myself the energy! Instead of trying to summarize a year's worth of time, I will just write a little bit about our summer.(I'm not quite sure how I did this, but if you click on this paragraph, it brings up a picture!) ...

Our summer was spent with swimming lessons, sprinklers in the backyard, weekly library visits, and coming up with crafts or little worksheets for the girls. We went to Disneyland and the beach in May, up to Heber, Arizona for the 4th of July, and to Utah for Education Week and my grandma's birthday.

Here is a brief update on our girlies.

Halle is seven as of Wednesday (Was it really seven years ago?! I must be getting old!) She just started second grade and is enjoying it. I am still teaching her piano and she really likes it! Halle loves to read and do any craft that I'm doing--scrapbooking, sewing, painting, or crocheting. She is such a happy girl with such excitement for life!

Little sister Becca, me, Bella, and little brother Nate. We were out playing in a rainstorm while we were in Utah!
Alpine slide with Grandma Carolyn
Halle, Bella, and Ash pose
Bella started preschool the second week of August. She is a little timid about it because she is still getting to know everyone, but every day that I pick her up she is so excited! Bella turns 5 tomorrow (Sept. 5) and we are just beginning to teach her how to read. She loves being read to, coloring, and playing polly pockets. :) She is a great helper to me!
Our rainstorms here are too infrequent...gotta play in the rain every chance we get!
Dinner in Disneyland
Here we are at the beach. It was pretty much freezing! ;)
The girls love to wash the car--even Ash likes to help. Pretty much anything her sisters do, she has to try.
This was the weekend of the 4th. I made T-shirts with the girls--one of the highlights of my summer! Not kidding! :)
Little Ashlyn will be two in October--yes, my little one is almost two! How we love and adore her. She is super busy--I can't even turn my back without her climbing onto something--a table, counter, bathroom sink. I can't even blink without her grabbing a marker, coloring all over herself (her favorite coloring spot!) and recently she began to color on the walls. Before her, I had only heard stories! :) Aside from her busy-ness and the MANY messes she makes, she brings us so much happiness! She has so much personality and pretty much makes us laugh all the time. My favorite words of her "sawwy"=sorry, "don doo"=thank you, "peas"=please, "I do it", "bonnie"=funny, "pitty"=pretty. And I just have to say with great excitement that the girl is potty-trained (for the most part!) Now before you give me any credit, I just have to say, she pretty much initiated this one and has learned quickly! WAY TO GO ASH! My least favorite part of parenting this time was pretty much cake! (P.S.--this is one of my most favorite moments as a mom--seeing your hubby with the baby resting/sleeping on his chest. Doesn't really get more precious than that.)
Mark is still enjoying life at Intel. We love him so much and are grateful for all he does for us. ALL of the girls are "daddy's girls," especially sweet Ash. She follows him around constantly. Because I don't want to sit here and brag about him, I will just say Marky is amazing! (This is the clan who went to Heber for the 4th...Heather and her husband Jon, Ryan and his wife Brittany, and Mark, me and the chickadees)
Here is a last family shot for you to remember us by--Marky and Hals look great, Bella's not paying attention, Ash is wanting to get out of her stroller, and I'm squinting at the bright sun. Oh yes, a classic family picture for us.
Had to include one last shot because I love my Dad. :) He hopped in this picture my mom was taking of Marky and me at the very last minute! It wouldn't have been the same without you Dad!

Life is good for us despite the drama and crazy moments each day holds! But I love this:The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it. ~Henry David Thoreau

The Joys of June

2010-08-03T21:57:00.000-07:00

I will start off this post by asking all my blogging gurus how can I organize my pictures in a post and choose where my text will be? Now moving on to the important stuff...when you haven't done a post in four months, you wonder how on earth you can possibly catch up, or better yet summarize what has happened in the time that has passed! In the next two posts, I will attempt to try! We had a fantastic summer (although summer is not technically over, I feel like it is since school has started...however, the heat of summer will not leave us until October!) This post begins with pictures of a spray park we went to on Memorial Day, followed by Halle's last day of school a.k.a Kindergarten graduation. It was a darling program and she just kept grinning at Mark and me across the room. After graduation, summer officially started with a a sleepover party with two friends! Due to the great heat we enjoy out here in Arizona :), we spent most of our mornings inside doing crafts---I guess we spent our time in the kitchen! But of course we needed to escape and hop into the pool whenever we could. A side-note on the last picture: One day we saw girls on the side of the street selling lemonade. My mind went back to when I was ten trying to sell lemonade myself, getting very few customers and sadly disappointed! I just had to turn around the car and buy from these sweet little girls. After that, Halle was determined to have a lemonade stand despite the heat. Her good friend Anni was her business partner. We brought out the picnic table and put it in the shade at the top of our driveway and whenever a car came, they ran to the sidewalk and waved their sign. They got a few customers, but that's all they really needed. And of course, I learned from them that they didn't even care how much money they made. They just had fun with the entire process! The goodness of children!

Our Family-Filled July!

2010-08-03T21:23:00.000-07:00

July was fantastic. My sister Becca came to visit for three weeks and the last week of her trip my mom and grandma came out. We had so much fun with "Grandma Carolyn" and "Great-grandma Carol" and were so grateful they both decided to come out! We also had such a great time with Becca and the girls simply adore her. Our days were spent--you guessed it--crafting and in the pool and our nights were spent first playing games and then watching a movie for about 20, maybe 25 minutes before Mark and Boop (as we like to call her!) were out cold on the couch! We went boating every week she was here and Halle, to our surprise, asked to try kneeboarding. Going against my usual nervous and over-protective mom feelings, I decided it was time to let her try something new, especially since she had no fear. She did great! I was so proud watching her bop around on that kneeboard! We also borrowed summer sleds from my neighbor and took them to a park. We had a ball on those things racing down the hill! Finally, on the last week of July, Halle began 1st grade and when I asked her if she wanted me to walk her to class, she casually told me she would be just fine. Glad to hear it, Hals! That's my girl!

Before I close, I just wanted to add that Ash is growing so fast and is on the verge of crawling. She wills always be our eternal smiler, but is now becoming a little clingy to Mom and Dad and cries when anyone leaves the room...Guess that's what happens when you get used to being bombarded by older sisters! Bella will be four next month and started a mini-preschool today. She was so excited and brave. She's my little buddy during the day and is such a sweet girl. Now don't get me wrong, our summer had plenty of moaning, whining, tantrums, and fighting, but I STILL think it was our greatest summer yet!

P.S.--Because I am obsessed with the sky, I took pictures of the way the clouds looked one night before a good storm! That pic is awesome!

A Little Update

2010-03-29T21:51:00.000-07:00

Well, two months has flown by once again! I can't believe April is sneaking up on me.

At the beginning of March, I flew to Utah with Bella and Ashlyn to see my brother Jake off at the MTC. He is now in Spain at their MTC and I am so excited for him! Halle stayed at home with Dad since she still had school, but they took a trip to Wendy's to get a frosty and she was all smiles! Bells, Ash, and I had a great time with Aunt Headie, Papa, Grandma Carolyn, Great-grandma Carol, Uncle Ry-Guy, and many other relatives, but of course, our trip was not complete without Marky and Hals.

Two weeks ago, Halle had her first piano recital with my other two students. She played "Mary's Lamb" and "Bell Tower" and was so cute with her little bow. When Halle was four, she asked me to start teaching her piano, so I told her we'd start when she was five. She was thrilled and in November, we began! After four months, she still loves it. I figure it's better to start her young while she is passionate about it then to wait until she's older and the spark is gone! (The clip at the end is NOT her recital...just a little mommy/daughter duet!)

These past two weeks Halle has been on spring break. We have been to several different parks, printed multiple coloring pages, put together lots of crafts, and have read our fair share of books. Anything to keep ourselves busy! One picture shows us having a little picnic in the living room...anything to kind of spice it up a little! Halle also started a little tennis class through the city of Chandler-yet another posed picture!

This past Sunday the girls got dolled up in their Easter dresses and did a little photo shoot for us. Of course, Halle is our little poser--she's got that head tilt just right (she learned from Aunt Headie. :) But I think Bella may be getting more comfortable with the camera! I'm so sad that the only picture I got of little "Ashie," as we call her, is the one where I am holding her!

A little update on the girls: As I said before, Hals is loving piano, beginning tennis, is becoming a good little reader, and loves to play with friends. Bella is COMPLETELY obsessed with lollipops and suckers--and believe me, she will tell you if you don't know the distinction between the two. She loves talking about lollipops, singing about them, reading about them, and yes, even praying about them! Ashlyn is five months, reaching for things and of course putting them directly into her mouth! She coos and gurgles a lot and always has a smile on her face. And check this out---she sleeps for 10 hours at night. Now that makes for a happy mom!

All is well over here--maybe someday I will be a more consistent blogger! Hope all of you are doing great and that you enjoy a wonderful Easter this year!

Our Colorado Christmas

2010-01-11T08:44:00.000-08:00

We apologize for the three month delay in our posts, but I sat down and posted Christmas pics today and Ashlyn's blessing pictures on Friday. While I'd like to promise I'll be better at posting, the most I can do is say I promise to try!

We had a fabulous Christmas with Mark's side of the family this year in Colorado Spings. Everyone was there this year and we had a great time, especially the girls with their cousins! Below are pictures of some of our activities: our live nativity (Halle and Bella were shepherds), Christmas morning, the hot tub, playing in the snow, making a candy train, and decorating Christmas cookies! Thanks to Rich and Sandy for letting us stay for 10 days and for all you guys did for us!

We had a wonderful Christmas season and the most special parts were when we reflected on our Savior's life and the blessing He is to the world. We hope you all had a wonderful holiday!

A Blessed and Growing Ashlyn

2010-01-08T12:52:00.000-08:00

Ashlyn was blessed in Colorado on December 27, 2009 on the same day as her cousin Easton McCallister (check out the cake! my sis-in-law Lauri is very talented!)
We are so grateful for that opportunity to bless Ashlyn especially amidst so many family members (we missed my family in Michigan and AZ!). It was a special day and I'm grateful to Marky for blessing her. I was touched that he even got a little choked up (for those of you who don't know, this guy never cries!) On a little sidenote, the family pic in the post was extremely difficult to get, but I insisted for memory's sake! Halle was throwing a fit about being in the picture and all Bella could think about was taking a nap. Finally, Halle conceded, but claimed she wouldn't smile. Hence, no smiles---no pleasant faces, for that matter--from these girls!

I can't believe Ashlyn is three months next week. The past three months have been crazy and stressful, yet through the lack of sleep and tears of frustration I'm happier than ever! We have three precious girls that certainly make life interesting, but bring us indescribable joy.

One final thanks to James and Tiff for giving us the privilege of blessing Ashlyn the same day as Easton! We love you guys and love you all!

NEW POSTS!

2009-10-14T21:56:00.000-07:00

Hello all! The next three posts are our recent family update. Who knows when they'll be more to come, so enjoy!

Our New Arrival!

2009-10-14T21:35:00.000-07:00

Ashlyn Grace Gardner arrived on October 13 at 12:49 a.m. weighing 7 pounds 9 ounces and being 19 inches long. She was named for my mom Carolyn and for Mark's Grandma Grace. We are thrilled that everyone is doing well! We reunited as a family this afternoon after spending a day and a half in the hospital. Sadly, the girls couldn't come visit, but they were thrilled to meet their new baby sister this afternoon. To our family who has been waiting for pics (especially Mommio!), sorry about the delay in seeing our newest addition, but they are finally here. We are so thankful to Heavenly Father for blessing us with Ashlyn's presence and we love her in a way that words can't describe! Much love to all of you as well!

Moo's Birthday at Schnepf Farms

2009-10-14T21:15:00.000-07:00

This year for my birthday (the 10th), we went to Schnepf Farms. It's a great big farm that is great for families for a fall activity. The girls had a ball! They loved all the rides, especially the train ride and we enjoyed the time together as as family. Little did I know that two days later, I would be having the baby! Thank you Marky, Halle, and Bella for the fun day you gave me!

Two Week Break

2009-10-14T20:30:00.000-07:00

These are some pictures of the past two weeks happenings...Halle and Bella are taking a ballet class together through the city that lasts about six weeks. They are so cute together in class! Halle, of course, is always striking a pose and is certainly not afraid to show her moves, but to my surprise, Bella is dancing away as well! I think having her big sister right there has helped her. Other pictures are of Mark and the girls re-seeding our yard and then coloring pictures during General Conference. Bella, did you fall asleep during one of the talks??? We will have to go over that one for you again... :)

He's Got the Whole World in His Hands

2009-09-13T19:27:00.000-07:00

So we checked out the book "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands" from the library and instead of reading it, we sing it. Well, Bella is obsessed with the book now and just this week she put it to the piano!

Halle's First Day of School

2009-08-02T22:15:00.000-07:00

This past week our precious Halle started school! Yes, we start early here in AZ. These are pictures we took that morning right before we left. Halle loved her princess backpack.
Halle did so good her first day. When I went to drop her off, she was just fine. The bottom picture is one I will always remember---I took one last shot of Halle coloring at her new desk after I left the room. She is a brave girl...braver than her mom who couldn't hold back the tears as she walked to the car! Two things make it worse. #1---it's full day kindergarten from 8:30-2:55 and #2---Halle doesn't turn five for another four weeks...I'm sending my four year old to a six hour school day! Mark and I debated for months on having her start school or holding her back for two of these reasons. In the end, we felt it was time. Thank goodness for prayer because that is what I'm holding onto when I say goodbye to her in the morning while my heart is aching. Yes, I have what Mark likes to call, "a tender heart." But all I can say is that I'm grateful for these past (almost) five years I have had her all to myself! I know it'll be an adjustment for all of us as I hear Halle say "I don't want to go to school" and I later hear Bella say "I miss Halle," but hopefully we can all learn and grow from this new experience. Okay, I've got to stop because I'm getting all sad again! I love you and am proud of you Hals! To another good week of school!

A True Post: Heber, Arizona!

2009-07-12T21:41:00.000-07:00

I have officially become a lazy blogger! I use to love blogging and now I must force myself to post. Maybe it's a phase? Just be grateful for this post because who knows when the next one will be. :) Well, enough talk of my slothful blogging...on to the real post!

For our fourth of July weekend, we drove up to Heber, Arizona with my sis Headie and her hubby Jon to stay in their time share. It was so nice to leave the blazing heat of Phoenix! We had a great time! We went swimming, BBQed, went to the city parade and fireworks, played a ton of games, and the just relaxed. On Sunday afternoon, we all had the blues that our vacation was over, but we think we will make it a tradition! Thanks Yog and Jon! Here's to more good times ahead! P.S.---there is a tummy shot below of me and the girls trying to stick out their tummies...apparently, I didn't get the memo that I was supposed to pose a mean face!

Singing Girls

2009-06-17T15:20:00.000-07:00

I haven't truly updated our blog in forever, but this video made me happy so I had to do a short post. Hope all is well with everyone! When I get back up on my feet, hopefully I can update more!

It's a baby......

2009-06-03T17:25:00.000-07:00

GIRL! Yes everyone we are on to girl number 3! Despite what you might think, we are totally excited (even though deep down Mark eventually wants a boy!) I have a feeling that girls might dominate this family for a while...or indefinitely. After all, Mark did say that it's his destiny! Someday we will get our boy, but for now we are excited for our little one to join us in October!

Dance Moves

2009-05-26T20:05:00.000-07:00

This is Halle dancing in our bedroom. Headie taught her a few moves and she taught herself to shake her booty. We're not sure where she got the body roll/convulsing move. But it's pretty funny!

Survival Mode!

2009-04-27T17:16:00.000-07:00

Just so ya'll know, I may not be posting much in the near future! I know I have already practically fallen off the blog wagon any way, but the morning sickness has still not departed! So the last thing I want to be doing is sitting at a computer when lying on a couch sounds so lovely! But just know, all is well with the Gardners. Mark continues to multi-task his work at Intel with his work as "Mom" at home. He cooks, cleans, and cares for the girls from the moment he gets home. He is very patient and never complains. How did I get so lucky? So beyond the fact that the house is usually a wreck, the girls' hair isn't done, and I'm happy if I get dressed for the day, I know it'll all be worth it in the end and these three smiling faces in this picture touch my heart as we all bear this together!

IT'S OFFICIAL!

2009-04-11T16:02:00.000-07:00

Baby #3 is on his/her way! Moo is officially 12 weeks pregnant and due October 23rd!

Tonight (sorry no pictures!)

2009-03-17T20:13:00.000-07:00

Tonight was a beautiful, cool Arizona night. Mark and I sat on our lawn chairs in the backyard and watched the girls on the swing set. It's moments like these where I'd just like to press pause on the girls' lives! The things they are doing and saying right now, this day, are fleeting moments that will pass all too soon and sometimes I can't bear them growing a day older!

Tonight when we were trying to get the girls in their "jammies" Bella comes running out of her room completely naked and dashes outside to swing in the nude! Though Mark and I were calling for her to get her booty back inside, I couldn't help but laugh at her giggling hysterically on the swingset.

And what about Halle who belongs in a circus as she sports all her new tricks on the monkey bars? This is our girl who says "but" at the end of her sentences instead of at the beginning. "I want to watch Dora but!"

As we watched them, both girls were yelling out simultaneously "watch me!" and then Bella's "you're not watching me, you're not watching me!" It might just be me, but I think that there are not many things in life that are better than laughing with your spouse at the funny things your kids are doing.

I love to paint pictures of happy memories on our blog, so I can remember the great moments from small things! However, if there were any question to it, our night ended with Bella falling face first off the swing yelling, "Blankey blankey!" her only true consoler. Life is never perfect over here, but some moments are certainly worth writing down!

Our Valentine's Weekend

2009-02-15T17:39:00.000-08:00

These pictures are all in random order, but I will start with Halle's Valentine's party. On Friday we had a few of her friends over to decorate sugar cookies and make a valentine's craft. It was a lot of fun! My sis, Headie, came over to help me (Thanks Headie!).

Saturday morning we had french toast cut out in hearts. The pic is of Mark's plate. I didn't think it was all that beautiful, but Mark thought it was picture worthy! Although I will admit, I was having trouble spelling out words with bacon! After breakfast we worked all morning on cleaning and our yard. At one point I walked into the girls' room and both girls were in their swimsuits?! No, it is not 80 degress yet. Anyway, I found Mark and Halle were laying on the bed singing into a hanger as their microphone, hence the picture!

Finally, we trimmed back our tree in our front yard which was way overgrown. Come to find out, we found bird nests in our tree! The girls and I are always spotting nests on our walks so we were pretty excited to find four in our own tree.

Sadly, I didn't get a picture of Mark and me at dinner last night, but we did go to Black Angus and had a great time! I love you Mark and love my sweet girls, Hal and Bells! Thanks for a great weekend!

P.S.--On a side note, I thought I'd record that Halle has been disciplining Bella lately! We always do the count down 5,4,3,2,1 and if we get to one and the girls haven't obeyed they go to time-out in the laundry room. Well, Halle's been doing the count down for Bella lately and tonight she came up to me and told me she put Bella in time-out. Tonight after I put Bella in time-out, Halle waited outside the door and a minute later asked her, "Bella, are you ready to stay in your bed now?" Oh joy, a second mom is just what we need!

P.P.S.--One last thing I have to write down that was just precious to me! The girls and I were at Deseret Book on Friday in the children's section. As always, Deseret Book had uplifting music playing and this time it was primary songs. We were sitting there reading when Bella yells out, "I know this song!" and starts dancing. It was I Lived in Heaven. Whenever a new primary song would come on that they recognized, they both be so excited that they knew the song and would start singing. I'm sure it's mostly cute to me, but it was a great moment to me to see their happiness in recognizing and singing primary songs.

Dancing Divas Part 2

2009-02-08T14:24:00.000-08:00

When I did my first post a few days ago, I meant to post these but forgot. They got their moves from Mark!

My Dancing Divas

2009-02-05T19:18:00.000-08:00

Okay, can I just start off this post by saying..."Whew, I am tired"? I always have all these plans of what I will do once the girls get to bed and then I have no energy to do any of them! However, I have the energy tonight to do a post!

Halle took a month long ballet class through the city and loved it.

Six Glorious Years!

2009-01-18T18:16:00.000-08:00

As always, I'm behind on posts...about a month behind, at least for this one! On December 20, Mark and I celebrated our sixth anniversary together. Since we've been married, Mark has always described them as "glorious years." Haha.
We had a great anniversary in FREEZING Salt Lake City. Our plans for a carriage ride or ice-skating quickly went down the tube as we walked downtown and realized how cold we were! We must've become true Arizonians somewhere along the way!
But we had a great afternoon together and were reminded of our wedding day years earlier when we went to the Salt Lake Temple.

The day I married Mark was the best day of my life. I expected at least one thing to go wrong on my wedding day (or maybe I was so off in la-la land to notice!), but everything was perfect. Since the day I married him, I have been inspired by his goodness. With Mark, everything in my world is okay and I can conquer anything.

I can't say that I ever thought as a shrimpy 5'2 gal that I'd marry a 6'4 sweetheart! Our height difference is only one of many! However, despite our differences, I'd like to think we make a great match as we balance each other in ways we couldn't do by ourselves. Marky, I love you more than I can say in words, write on paper, or post in a blog! Thank you for putting up with a far- from-perfect wife and for loving me despite my weaknesses! I look forward to another "glorious year!"

A New Day

2009-01-09T18:50:00.000-08:00

Okay, it's been about three weeks since my last post! I haven't uploaded any of our Christmas photos yet, but stay tuned...they are to come. We got back last week and it's been a busy week now that Headie and Jon have moved here (woowoo!), but I am going to get back to posting soon. Hope everyone had a Happy Holiday and great New Year!

A Great Kids' Christmas Craft Idea!

2008-12-15T20:48:00.000-08:00

Okay, I am posting this for any mommies who are looking for cute Christmas crafts because my girls absolutely loved this! I found this idea online, so I take no credit. This is a great way for kids to learn/review numbers. Basically, you cut out Christmas trees from construction paper and write numbers on the trees in random places. You call out a number and the kids are supposed to find it and put a sticker on it to "decorate their tree." I couldn't find any round stickers, expect for plain white round label stickers, but it worked out well because I just told the girls they got to color their ornaments. So once you call out all the numbers, POOF, the tree is decorated and the craft is hung on the wall for a job well done!

'Tis the Season for Traditions!

2008-12-15T20:10:00.000-08:00

We love Christmas around here, but who doesn't? There are so many wonderful things to do as a family! We have a few traditions we HAVE to do each year now: 1. decorating the tree and putting out all the decorations the day after Thanksgiving, 2. creating and decorating gingerbread houses, 3. going to see the temple lights at the Mesa Temple, 4. making Christmas goodies (and eating them!), 5. jammin' on the piano, and 6. going to Desert Breeze Railroad (it's a park with a train and carousel...the gals love it!). This year the girls both love "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and "Frosty the Snowman." Last year my grandma gave me a wonderful book called "A Christmas Treasury for Latter-day Saint Families." It's awesome. It has a theme each day for December 1-25. The girls might still be a tad young, but they like it if we keep it simple. These are just a few pics of our fam this past month enjoying our holiday traditions together! P.S.--No I have not had more children...three of these pictures have kids in them that aren't mine. :)

Halle Funny-isms

2008-12-07T21:25:00.000-08:00

This girl is my little Tarzan. She's obsessed with the movie and music. Whenever she listens to the songs, she holds onto the elliptical and pretends to be swinging from the trees.

Halle and Bella both have special blankies. Halle always has to put her blanky in the fridge before we go anywhere so it'll be cold when we get home.

Today in the bath Halle and Bella were both playing with washclothes, setting them on their bellies, and shouting, "power armor!" I have no idea where this came from!

Halle has this thing where she always wants Mark to guess something. She'll say, "Dad, don't hear me" (even though he's right there) and then she'll ask me what the guessing thing starts with. She refuses to let him guess right the first time. He has to go through three or four other guesses before he can finally guess what he already knows.

Halle is always making up new words for regular words. Today she said if you have a second sandwich, you must call it a double (which is surprisingly close!). A "gandmana" is a belt. Most of the time she'll just say, "Mom if I say this, it means this."

She likes me to say over and over, "It's time to say good-bye to Prince Abu-boo" from Aladdin. She'll just laugh and laugh, even though I sound nothing like Jafar!

I always hit myself for not remembering more of the cute things she does daily because I'm sure there's many more. I'm not sure if Halle cracks me up because the things your own children do are always so much funnier and special to you as the parents, but I guess it doesn't really matter because she succeeds in making me happy!

My Basket Girl

2008-11-30T21:06:00.000-08:00

Wow, I am tired. I just posted the following four posts all in one sitting to get caught up. Thank goodness blogging is quick than scrapbooking! The final question for the night is:
Do anyone else's kids like to fit into small spaces? :)

Preschool Graduation

2008-11-30T21:01:00.000-08:00

I'm a little behind on my posts as usual.
Halle "graduated" from preschool a few weeks ago so they held a little goodbye graduation where the teachers gave them hats, diplomas, and then the kids sang. Very cute.

2008-11-30T20:49:00.000-08:00

These are a few of my favorite pics of Thanksgiving. First is my favorite because it is classic: the girls laying together, sucking their thumbs, and holding their blankies. Surprisingly enough, Halle did not have her blanky in this picture! I find them doing this a couple times a day at least!Second, Halle and Bella stretching with Dad before football. Third, Mark and the gals as we headed off for a bike ride on Thanksgiving morning.

Hiking in the "Mountains" of AZ

2008-11-30T20:24:00.000-08:00

So these aren't quite the Wasatch Mountains of Salt Lake City, Utah, but there was something about hiking yesterday in Ahwatukee that made them just as great. Maybe it was quiet of the morning or the crisp air (or maybe it was just the company!) but we had a fun little hike.
As soon as the girls woke up (= 6:30), we were off. The girls always enjoy it AT FIRST and then after a few minutes we hear, "ho me!" from Bella and "My legs are asleep" from Halle (a.k.a her legs are tired). We can only hike and hold the little tikes for so long, so we didn't make it to our destination. However, we did succeed in that we had a fun little outing with time together spent enjoying nature!

A Pre-Thanksgiving Post

2008-11-26T19:48:00.000-08:00

For the past few weeks I had been a little bummed that I wasn't going to be spending Thanksgiving with any family this year. Thankfully, we found another family without family that we are going to spend it with. However, over the last couple days, I have realized that Thanksgiving is more about being grateful to my Father in Heaven for what I have than dwelling on what I don't have at the moment.

This picture does little justice for what it looked like today. Mark, the little ones and I walked outside the mall to see a beautiful rainbow! It was a full one (I was so sad I couldn't get the whole thing in my camera) and it was amazing! We paused for a bit and just gazed at its beauty and then walked to our car. Once inside the car I looked out my window to look at it again and found it half-hidden by clouds. At that moment I was incredibly grateful for our encounter with that rainbow only seconds before! It was as if the Lord had made that rainbow just for me and my little family!

Yesterday I took the kids to the park and couldn't help but laugh yet stand in awe at the happiness they find from simple things! I realize that they were sent to me to help me learn how to do that (or re-teach myself since somewhere along the line as an adult, I may have lost it a bit!).

At times I have considered my life somewhat monotonous, but I have realized there is so much joy to be had every day, especially joy in my kids! Now I wonder how I ever felt each day was the same since they learn and grow and experience new things each day. I'm trying to appreciate each day and slow down a little bit.

So, on this Thanksgiving-eve, I am so thankful for all I am blessed with! I vow this next year to be a little bit more grateful each day for the little things, to find joy (or humor) in each moment (like Bella throwing Halle's sandwich across the kitchen floor with shredded cheese and turkey going everywhere...yes, that happened today!) Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! May we all recognize that every good thing in our lives comes from our Heavenly Father who loves us!

What Missionaries and Halloween Have In Common

2008-11-17T20:03:00.000-08:00

I know that things are always funnier when your kids say them, but Halle's comment tonight cracked me up!

Our family night lesson was on missionaries and I was talking to Halle about tracting and how missionaries sometimes go door to door as they teach people the gospel. This is our family conversation.

"Halle, why don't you ask Daddy if he went tracting on his mission?"

"Daddy, did you go tracting?"

"Uh, huh."

"Well, I went tracting too."

"Oh really? When?"

"Halloween!"

I then understood the whole door-to-door comparison! Ha, maybe it's one of those "you-had-to-be-theres," but we got a good laugh from it!

TAG!

2008-11-12T19:43:00.000-08:00

Alright peeps, time for another tag, although I warn you, I couldn't even fill them all in below! I am lame-o! I usually like tags, but couldn't even think for this one!

1. Post the rules on your blog
2. Answer the six "8" items
3. Let each person know they have been tagged by leaving them a comment

8 Favorite TV Shows:
Flip, I have no idea
1. SAVED BY THE BELL (I loved this show!)
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

8 Things I did yesterday
1. I vacuumed and cleaned bathrooms.
2.I hung out with my girlies all day! Woohoo!
3. I read.
4. We had friends over for dinner.
5. I attempted to teach Halle about Veteran's Day?
6. I took a walk.
7. Wow...I can't think of what else I did yesterday!

8 Things I'm Looking Forward to:
1. Christmas! I love everything about it: the tree, the lights, the decorations, the shopping, and of course the reason we are celebrating and the way it makes me feel
2. When I can play a song on my violin
3. Although we have NO plans for Thanksgiving yet, I am looking forward to cooking/baking!
4. Halle's preschool program next Thursday.
5. The gifts I am going to give my family for Christmas!
6. Seeing my family.
7. Eventually living near family, although it probably won't happen in this life. :) Ya never know though!
8. ?

8 Favorite Restaurants
1. Olive Garden
2. Macaroni Grill
3. Subway
4. Pei Wei
5. PARADISE BAKERY!
6. Hmmm...I stink at this TAG!
7.
8.

8 Things on my Wish List
1. To raise righteous children who marry in the temple and are always faithful to the Lord.
2. To grow even closer to Mark each year and keep our rockin' relationship strong. :)
3. To strengthen my arms.
4. To publish some of my poetry.
5. To sew clothing.
6. To learn to paint with acrylics.
7. To read all the classics.
8. To live by my family.

8 People I Tag
1. Heather DeVries
2. Nicole McMillan
3.Jen Hoskins
4. Rachelle Redford
5. Andrea Ingersoll
6. Lindsay Maughan
7. Monique Chapman
8. Ashley Wagstaff

Y'all better do it!

Belated Halloween Pics....

2008-11-03T20:21:00.000-08:00

Our family has carried on a tradition that my family always did while growing up...on the Monday before Halloween we carve pumpkins! This year I bought the girls mini-pumpkins that they could paint while Mark carved the big one. We had a lot of fun and they loved going out with Mark each night to light the pumpkin!

Belated Halloween Pics....

2008-11-03T19:57:00.001-08:00

Here are a few shots of Halloween night before we went out. These are a few of the neighborhood kids. Check out Sleeping Beauty (Halle) and Snow White (Bella)!!! Below is a picture of Halle and her friend Sage.

I am sad that we didn't take more pictures! We had our good friends Joe, Naomi, and Layton Wright over for dinner, went trick-or-treating, played games, and made caramel apples. It was very fun and I have nothing to show for it! Happy Belated Halloween All!

Family Picture Time Again!

2008-10-20T20:19:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday we took on the yearly challenge of family pictures. Oh the joys! I thought that since the girls are a year older, maybe it would be easier. Wrong assumption. They were tired of it after their individual shots and we hadn't even started on the family! Thank goodness for fruit snack bribery (except when chewing prevents from smiling!) Overall, it went just fine...but we are glad they are over!

Our Ever Happy Halle

2008-10-20T20:18:00.001-07:00

Originally, Halle was quite excited about getting her picture taken. She enjoyed the whole model/fashion shoot ordeal!

Our Sweet Bella Rose

2008-10-20T20:16:00.001-07:00

Bella Boo was a bit more of a challenge. Oddly enough, we got some darling shots of her! These were the few moments she wasn't trying to stand up, run away, or go search for those fruit snacks she knew were hiding in Mom's purse!
The bottom picture Bella actually posed herself. The photographer wasn't even trying to take her pic, but hurried and caught it on camera when she saw her!

Beloved Shots!

2008-10-20T20:06:00.000-07:00

Gotta love the funny pics...especially the second to last one where Bella is chomping on that fruit snack!

2008-10-20T20:02:00.000-07:00

A few shots of the girlies. Yay, Bella didn't pull Halle's hair this year!

2008-10-20T19:59:00.000-07:00

Last, but not least, me and my Marky. What a cutie he is!

Our Hearts

2008-10-17T21:26:00.000-07:00

"Pioneers"

They cut desire into short lengths
And fed it to the hungry fires of courage.
Long after, when the flames died,
Molten gold gleamed in the ashes;
They gathered it into bruised palms
And handed it to their children
And their children's children.

-Vilate Raile

"I will cut my desires into short day-by-day lengths, and I will feed those lengths to the hungry fires of courage because I want nothing more than for my sacrifices to be accepted, my gold to be purified, even if my hands are bruised. I want you..to know that no matter how hard it gets, it is worth it. It is worth everything---holding nothing back from each other nor from the Lord. Without each other, there is no real reason to build the fire. And without the fire, life falls cold and dark, without purpose, and without meaning. . .

. . .if I always say yes to what He asks--by covenant--if I sacrifice with my whole heart, I will have purified gold to give you."

--Marie K. Hafen, written to her grandchildren

These words especially inspired me tonight. Though my kids are young and though I am young myself, I hope that I can sacrifice with my whole heart so my kids will want to do the same.

A Few Party Pics...

2008-10-12T19:23:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know Hal's birthday was back in August...I admit I'm so behind at posting! Halle wanted a princess party this year so everyone dressed up like princesses. The highlight of the entire party was trying to kiss Prince Eric (see picture on the door!) I put lipstick on them, had them close their eyes, spun them around, and they'd try to kiss him. It was so hilarious! They loved it! They played it for such a long time! I don't know what that is telling me, but it was a hit. :)

Halle's last dance class

2008-10-12T19:15:00.000-07:00

Okay, I am a little behind on my posting. Halle finished her last dance class back in August and these are some pics of her performing for parents!

Potty Training Wos

2008-10-06T19:33:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I decided that I was not going to be in any rush to potty train Bella. Potty training Halle was crazy, so I decided to let the ball be in Bella's court. Well, I'm almost sad to say that she seems pretty darn ready! Sad because I am not ready for the potty training experience again!

I decided to bite the bullet and began potty training Bella today. It is a completely different experience with her than Halle. She will willingly sit on the potty! WOW! We will see how the next month goes. Although today went relatively well, I'm already tired for tomorrow, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday....

The Rad Dad

2008-10-02T20:36:00.000-07:00

Mark doesn't really read our blog, but I wanted to dedicate this post to him. He is such a wonderful husband and dad. This week he re-arranged his work schedule and took care of the girls so that I could go to my great-grandma's funeral in Utah. I know that I'm not always as grateful as I should be...sometimes I take Mark's goodness for granted. But today I am grateful for his sacrifice and for his love. Marky, I want to be more like you. Thank you and I love you forever!

Her Legacy of Courage and Strength is Left Behind

2008-09-25T13:29:00.000-07:00

My dear great-grandmother, Ingrid Marie Wedding Olsen died early this morning, September 25, 2008 from complications of a broken hip and congestive heart failure. She was 103 and is known to all of us as "Bestegrandma."

I will always have wonderful memories of Bestegrandma. From the time I was nine to 15, Bestegrandma came over every Monday night for Family Night. I specifically remember one evening when she shared her story of coming to America.

I had the privilege of writing a history of her and my great-grandfather's life this past spring/summer. In doing my research, I came to admire her even more than I did before. Hers is a legacy of courage and strength left as an example to the rest of us. Bestegrandma came to America when she was only twelve years old with her younger sister and went to live with an LDS family in Salt Lake City. Her mother and brother followed four years later. Her experiences give me more determination to face trials with more strength than I do.

I am so happy that Bestegrandma is now with my great-grandpa, her beloved Ingo. She has been without him for twenty years now and I'm sure their reunion was sweet!

Bestegrandma, I am sad for myself without your presence, but happy for you. I am grateful to know that we will see each other again! I love you so much. Leg Elsker Deg until we meet.

Preschool Blues

2008-09-16T12:37:00.000-07:00

Okay, I think I must definitely be losing it! Today Halle started preschool...just two days a week from 9-11 in the morning. I was so sad and I still feel it! I am going to be one of those moms who cries at the bus stop next year! My mom says that I'm just "tender". Ha, I think that's a nice way of saying I'm a little too attached to my girls!

But the great thing is that Halle is totally not attached to me. She wasn't in the class with her friends and I was all worried about changing her, but she didn't even mind that her friends weren't with her. She was totally fine saying good-bye. Thank goodness you are my first, Halle! It would be a lot harder if we were both clinging to each other!

This picture is obviously not a picture of Halle on her first day (which, of course, I was sad I didn't get a picture of that!). On the positive side, Halle had a good time and it'll help get her used to a classroom setting for kindergarten next year. If it were up to me, this girl wouldn't get a day older. :)

Yet Another Birthday

2008-09-06T13:21:00.000-07:00

Little Bella Rose had her second b-day yesterday! I can't believe she is already two years old. Although she doesn't really understand the concept of a birthday yet, she grasped two things very well: presents and cake! She and Halle had a great time with her toys yesterday (it seemed like Halle enjoyed Bella's birthday gifts more than her own...funny how that happens, eh?)

Bella has been such a sweet girl since the moment she was born. She is so precious and is always saying the cutest things. We feel so fortunate to have her in our home! Bella, we love you so much! Thank you for bringing us more happiness than we could ever deserve these past two years!

A Birthday Blessing

2008-08-31T20:39:00.000-07:00

Our precious Halle turned four years old today. Whenever I try to describe my feelings, I do a poor job. However, I at least have to try today!

Halle has brought so much joy into my life! I am quite confident when I say that every day since her birth, she has brought a smile to my face...a mother's smile that could never have been there without her special presence.

Halle teaches me so much each day. She reminds me to find joy in everything I do. She is always so happy and full of energy and loves life!

When I had Halle, I was almost 22. I had no idea how I was ever going to measure up as a mother. However, once she came into my presence, it amazed me how much I could love something. While feelings of inadequacy come and go, each day with her is such a wonderful gift. I am so blessed to be in her presence and have the special opportunity to be her mother while on this earth. I truly am the lucky one!

Hal, I will always remember rocking you to sleep to Tchaikovsky, taking you for walks around our apartment complex, putting you to bed in our closet in Folsom, you running to me with open arms whenever I come home from something, how you love to balance on the curb and pretend to play violin, and your excellent memory.

I love you, Hals! Thank you for being patient with me while I learn about this parenting thing...thank you for forgiving me so quickly when I make mistakes...thank you for all the hugs, kisses, and tickles...thank you for teaching me how to play like a kid again...thank you for your sweet spirit. I am so glad to know that we will always be together! Happy Birthday!

I Finally Did It!

2008-08-26T16:17:00.000-07:00

After seven years of trying to complete my bachelor's degree, I finally finished! I graduated from BYU with a Bachelor of General Studies degree with an emphasis in writing. Don't judge my writing by my posts. :) Graduation was one of the best days of my life. As I walked into the Marriott center, the greatest feeling filled my heart. It was indescribable, but I won't forget it. All the hard work and tears throughout the years paid off in an instant.

Thank you to Marky for giving me the determination and courage to finish in a shorter time, for putting the girls to bed night after night so I could do homework, for the constant help with Calculus, and for always pushing me to reach my full potential.

Thank you to Mommio and Daddio for your wonderful examples and for coming out to my graduation!

Finally, I know that there is no way I could have completed my degree without the help from my Father in Heaven. He helped me in ways I do not understand, but will always be grateful for.

2008-08-26T16:15:00.000-07:00

Mom and Dad came out for graduation! Thank you guys so much!

2008-08-26T16:11:00.000-07:00

For anyone who cares, this is new the Gordon B Hinckley building on campus. Isn't it beautiful?!

2008-08-26T16:07:00.000-07:00

Me and mi madre

2008-08-26T16:06:00.000-07:00

The Bachelor of General Studies luncheon. We got there about 20 minutes before it was over, but it's all good!

2008-08-26T16:02:00.000-07:00

That smile on Dad's face has become his trademark so we all gave it a try!

2008-08-26T16:01:00.000-07:00

Me and my awesome sis, Headie a.k.a Yog

2008-08-26T15:57:00.000-07:00

Me and my Marky...my #1 support through it all. I love you! (You can't tell, but he's lifting me up a foot off the ground!)

2008-08-26T15:54:00.000-07:00

The clan minus the girls....We decided not to bring them to commencement after Mark's graduation disaster!

2008-08-26T15:52:00.000-07:00

The next day was the college convocation I actually got to walk. Here's me and the girls right before it began.

2008-08-26T15:50:00.000-07:00

The grads walk in...

2008-08-26T15:48:00.000-07:00

I will always laugh at this picture! Headie tried to take a picture of me going across the stage to get my diploma and right when she took the picture a girl walked in front of her. After that, it was too late. She took a picture of herself right after to show her frustration. Yogs, I love ya!

2008-08-26T15:46:00.000-07:00

My blessed little family...

2008-08-26T15:44:00.000-07:00

We had a little get-together with my Dad's side of the family one night. Sadly, I didn't get any pictures of my cousins, but I did of our kids!

Halle, Ashley, Gracie, and Bella had fun together!

2008-08-26T15:41:00.000-07:00

London Bridges with my two cutest little second cousins (? Does anyone know what your cousin's kids are called?!) Ashley and Gracie. Chel, you've got darling kids!

Hiking on Mt. Timp

2008-08-26T15:39:00.000-07:00

Nature has a way of making me speechless. Wow.

2008-08-26T15:36:00.000-07:00

This picture is shadowed, but here we all are on our first family hike! We had a ball! Even little Bella wanted to walk a lot. Although not pictured, my grandma and parents also came. I just want to give my grandma some credit! Although I will not give away her age, she is older than 70, and she made the 2 mile hike! Great job, Gram!

2008-08-26T15:33:00.000-07:00

Here is Hal digging in the dirt. She kept singing as she was digging...it was pretty funny. She told me she was digging for a necklace and a ring.

2008-08-26T15:31:00.000-07:00

We had an early little b-day party for Halle and Bella before my parents left. Hal turns 4 Aug. 31 and Bella turns 2 Sept. 5.

2008-08-26T15:28:00.000-07:00

Marky and his little look-a-like...I told them both, "Real smiles!" Halle, being the sneaky little thing that she is, smiled up until the last second when she put her hands in her mouth!

2008-08-26T15:25:00.000-07:00

I love this picture because it is classic Bella! She'll just plop down wherever she is, lie on her tummy, and start coloring in her coloring book. What makes this picture even funnier is the fact that she did this in the Conference Center!

2008-08-26T15:22:00.000-07:00

Me and my parents about to say good-bye. I'm so grateful they came out to Utah for my graduation! Gees, it never gets any easier to say good-bye...even after seven years away from home. When I hugged my dad, tears came to my eyes. However, living far away makes me appreciate our time together that much more and I know that someday we'll live near each other.

2008-08-26T15:20:00.000-07:00

Parting is such sweet sorrow! (Our sweetness doesn't come back until December!)

2008-08-26T15:18:00.000-07:00

Sing "Popcorn Popping" in the Conference Center parking lot!

Spooning!

2008-08-26T15:15:00.000-07:00

In Utah Bella didn't want to sleep in the pack-and-play. Sleeping with Big Sister sounded much better!

2008-08-26T15:13:00.001-07:00

Make-Over Time!

2008-08-26T15:01:00.000-07:00

My little sister Becca has been coming out to see us for the past four summers. Last year, we did make-overs on each other (see pic on right) and this year we continued the tradition! (see pic on left). Becca is definitely getting better! What do you guys think?!

A Cleaning Life-savor!

2008-08-25T22:15:00.000-07:00

Ha...this duster is hilarious. It actually has an on/off button and spins around. Halle loves dusting now! She was dusting just about everything but the wood!

Families are Forever

2008-08-03T13:28:00.000-07:00

Recently I have been thinking a lot about death and mortality. About a month ago, I found out that a family in our last ward lost a son in a car accident. Just last night, I found out my cousins' uncle tragically passed away. We never know how much time we have left on this earth or how much time we have left with those we love. I am humbled with the knowledge that I have that families are forever. How grateful I am for my Savior and Heavenly Father who both love us perfectly, although we might not always understand their ways.

For now, I want my dear family to know how much I love them. Mark is an inspiration to me. He lifts me up each day and makes me want to be a better person. Halle and Bella are my little joys. They have brought me so much happiness that I cannot even describe. I thank my Heavenly Father for each day he blesses me with their presence!

I love my family in Michigan, Utah, and Las Vegas. I couldn't have asked for a better family to be with forever. Dad, Mom, Headie, Ry, Jake, Becca, and Nate---you guys are the greatest and I love you so much.

I love my extended family that have become a part of me since I married Mark. There are too many to name, but know that I love you. And of course my bro-in-law on my side, Jon, is the best too. :)

"Families can be together forever through Heavenly Father's plan. I always want to be with my own family and the Lord can show me how I can. The Lord can show me how I can."
-Families are Forever, Hymn #300

Dancin' to Dora

2008-07-26T17:10:00.000-07:00

When Halle watched this clip of her, she said, "Hey, do you see me shakin my booty?" You should've seen her right before this clip. Her dancing was hilarious..but this will do too! :)

2008-07-26T17:07:00.000-07:00

This is a new side to Bella. She usually freaks out when she has a tiny bit of dirt or food on her. Well, look at her here! Man, she was having the time of her life rubbing it all over her face, hands, and placemat. The "clean" Bella was a little easier to clean up afterwards!

2008-07-26T16:53:00.000-07:00

Halle Hip Hoppi'

2008-07-26T16:34:00.000-07:00

This is Halle's last day of hip-hop class!

Marky and Bella

2008-07-26T16:00:00.000-07:00

2008-07-26T15:53:00.000-07:00

Halle must be destined to play the violin. Any two long objects she finds, she pretends to play like one!

Precious Moment #1

2008-07-26T15:49:00.000-07:00

I came into Halle's room to find my two little sweethearts playing dress-up (Bella's first time ever!) and dancing up a storm! Bella is a darling Snow White and Halle is the dazzling ballerina.

Precious Moment #2

2008-07-26T15:45:00.000-07:00

I came into the living room to find Halle reading books to Bella. I watched for a second and then had to catch the moment with my camera! Halle looks like she's about to say, "Mom, you are interrupting the story!"

2008-07-26T15:35:00.000-07:00

Wow! Nice hair, Bells! Must've been some nap!

2008-07-23T22:14:00.001-07:00

High School Tag

1. Did you date someone from your school?
Yes, but how do we define "date" here? Does it mean "going out" or a few dates? :) Sorry to get technical! Actual boyfriends from Brighton High were only Andy and John.
2. What kind of car did you drive?
my precious 89 white Honda Prelude with the sunroof and flip up lights!
3. It’s Friday night...where are you?
either hanging out with church buds or with John
4. Were you a party animal?
Haha. Me? Yeah right.
5. Were you considered a flirt?
Ha, I'd be curious to know how others would answer this question about me! Probably?
6. Were you in band, orchestra, or choir?
choir
7. Were you a nerd?
Haha. I will always be a cheeseball.
8. Were you on any varsity teams?
Varsity Pom. WOOWOO!
9. Did you get suspended/expelled?
No way, I freaked out the one time I went out to lunch.
10. Can you still sing the fight song!
I think so
11. Who were your favorite teachers?
Mr. Messmore for sure!
12. Where did you sit during lunch?
at a table in the cafeteria?
13. What was your school's full name?
Brighton High in Brighton, MI
14. School mascot?
bulldog
15. Did you go to Homecoming and who with?
Josh, Andrew, and I think his name was Scott?
16. If you could go back and do it again, would you?
I don't know. I have lots of great memories, but I enjoy my life now more than high school! I know it's cliche' but I wish I would've known then what I know now!
17. What do you remember most about graduation?
I was sad to graduate! I know...I am weird. I just didn't like change back then!
18. Where did you go senior skip day?
Wait, did we have a senior skip day? Have I forgotten?
19. Were you in any clubs?
Oh I don't know if Interact or DECA count since I hardly participated!
20. Have you gained some weight since then?
Don't think so.
21. Who was your prom date?
John
22. Are you planning on going to your 10 year reunion?
I don't know...it's three years away. We'll have to see what's going on at the time!

I tag Tarah, Amber, Headie, Aubrey, Kathy, Nicole, and Jen!

2008-06-29T19:46:00.000-07:00

Bella loved the "Choo Choo"

2008-06-29T19:44:00.000-07:00

Halle attempting to bowl...it kept taking about 20 seconds to get down the lane! :) Go Hal!

2008-06-29T19:40:00.000-07:00

This is a look I am very familiar with. Whenever Bella is with her Dad and I talk to her or want to hold her, she throws me the Bella glare.

2008-06-29T19:38:00.000-07:00

You probably can't tell in this pic, but I attempted to cut Bella's hair. It was a total mullet before! I decided I am no barber!

2008-06-29T19:36:00.000-07:00

Halle loves to fill her purses with her toys all day

A Day at the Museum

2008-06-29T19:32:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I took the girls to a museum here (I can't remember what it's called). We had a good time, except for some of the dinosaur things scared them!

2008-06-29T19:27:00.000-07:00

Hal and her buddy Sammy

2008-06-29T19:26:00.000-07:00

Halle posing by the dinosaur