Our Household

Spring is Here

2011-03-23T18:59:00.009-05:00

We have traded in our beach gear for hiking boots.

These photos were taken at a waterfall in the canyon we hiked into on Saturday

The kids had a blast using the rocks as a slippery slide.

Presidents Day Hike

2011-02-22T07:42:00.004-06:00

Ever since we moved, Shane has been itching to go to the mountains. So we took some time and spent Presidents Day up in the mountains. We had a little picnic before we went on our hike.

It was a little cold out so we took the socks from the clothes in our car kit to keep little hands warm.

We hiked a little, climbed rocks a little, drove a little, and scoped out future camping spots. We were even able to get the whole family in a photo, (thanks to this wonderful couple that offered to snap a shot for us)

The white cap trees were so beautiful, I couldn't resist getting a photo.

We had such a wonderful day making memories and reminiscing about past mountain adventures. We are so loving being near the mountains again.

I Need To Get Better At Posting

2011-02-15T23:17:00.005-06:00

I am so far behind I have to go all the way back to Christmas? Yes, it would seem I have neglected our blog again. We had a wonderful Christmas In Florida, (Yes that was our Christmas tree, don't hate the tree we were moving) We made the kids these cute little travel bags to keep them busy on the 1700 mile trip. We were sad to be leaving our home in Florida, but were looking forward to new adventures on the horizon.

We tried to make the trip as fun as we could, and we did. We stopped in Alabama and took a tour of the USS Alabama battle ship, the kids had so much fun going back in history. They kept asking "were people really on this boat?" "Is this boat real?" Shane took the older kids on a tour of a US submarine. We also stopped in Texas and went through the Sonora Caverns. We were the only family there at that time so we were able to have a more private tour of the caves, we could go as fast or as slow as the kids needed.

My baby is growing up too fast. When our other kids were at about 18 months we would move them from the crib to a big kid bed, usually because we were expecting a baby and wanted them to get used to not being in the crib. Since we are no longer expanding our family we still wanted to stick with tradition and moved Baby "J" into his big boy bed.

I finally did it, I finally put together the rain gutter shelving in all the kids rooms. They kids are in heaven, they all love to read before they go to bed and when they wake up in the morning. I love it when it's too early to come downstairs, they can stay quiet in their room with their books. They all got to put their book on their shelves and they have arranged and rearranged them over and over again. I also love that they are so easy for them to use, they can see the cover, reach the book, and put it back easily when they are done.

We are officially homeschooling, and we are loving it. We have been studying ancient Egypt and I think I have learned more than the kids. They are very visual learners they love to do hands on activities. Once week we try to do a project about what we are learning, these pyramids we did last week. They had so much fun putting the pyramids together. I hope we have many more fun and enjoyable school days.

Addictions

2010-12-09T22:05:00.002-06:00

I have an addiction not a bad addiction per say but an addiction none the less. I Love Books, I love to read books, I love to have books, I love to check books out, again and again. Twice a year our base library has a book sale (black Friday for the elderly) let me tell you, you have to be there early, wait in line and cram into a tiny room. But it is so worth it!! this it this years booty 26 books for $19. It was so much fun I had to go back later in the day without a toddler and get 8 more.

Playing Catch-up

2010-12-01T15:04:00.005-06:00

Someone at our house was Baptised, Mr. Zander was so excited he didn't want to wait any longer after he turned 8 so he was baptized on his 8th Birthday. It was a wonderful day for him and our family, he is such an amazing boy I am so blessed that he is mine.

18 months and already making his fashion statement (it was Halloween so the color choice was spot on)

Can I just say we call him Rooster for a reason this boy is such a character, never a dull moment around here.

Our princess loves to create (she made this beautiful hat) She loves to draw and color we have stacks and stacks of little love notes she leaves for us around the house. Such a sweet girl.

This little boy is so patient with his siblings he just goes along enjoying all the showered attention

In Primary last month the focus was on service, my kids love to serve and this was a frequent sight at our house, they would make the beds, do each others chores, and help wherever they could. I am truly blessed to have such amazing children they are such a joy to me.

Little Dude Got A Haircut

2010-09-18T19:25:00.003-05:00

(I love this face)

We finally broke down and gave baby "J' a haircut.

He did great through the whole process.

And yes that is a faux-hawk, every time the poor baby gets out of the bath the Princess gets a hold of him and next think you know my baby has a faux-hawk.

Boy have we been busy!

2010-08-25T08:28:00.006-05:00

The 3 older kids all started school on August 11.

They were all so excited especially Rooster it is his first year.

Than Rooster had his 4th Birthday (I simply adore four)

He wanted a Green and blue leapster

Party time!!! We combined their birthday party this year. They choose Mad Science as their theme. Boy did mom have fun planning. We started things up by dressing up as mad scientists

All party goes had a costume

Then we had to have mad scientist hair

We decorated the laboratory

And had science names for the food (thanks Ron) we had a blast making gross slimy things, things that glow, things that explode, we even made fake snow.

The kids and their parents all had a blast.

I am only slightly OCD

2010-07-26T17:39:00.005-05:00

I have a problem, everything has to match especially hangers (mine are all Burgundy, Shane's are all Dark blue, Alex's are all Light Blue, and the younger three have all White until they get older and they will get there own color) Everything has to be symmetrical, the same on both sides. When I fold my towels they have to be put away, White, Blue, White, blue, White, Blue..... The kids have to have their own color of towels, and they have to be put away in order, Alex-Blue, Emily-Purple, Andrew- green, Jayden-Turquoise (from oldest to youngest)(Yes, I know I am very very strange,and no I haven't gone through therapy yet ;) I have to clean from one end of the house to the other I can't start in the middle. My books have to go from biggest to smallest until the middle of the shelf, than they have to go from smallest to biggest. I hang up our clothes in order dresses -girls suits-boys, skirts-girls, pants, dress shirts, t-shirts, workout clothes and once they are in that order they go from darkest to lightest within each type. I have a few other quirks =). That being said I showed you all my new chore chart, which didn't match our discipline/reward chart (Something had to be done about this) Well some friends of ours had shared their discipline/reward system on facebook and I loved it, so I decided to do an overhaul on our system.

THE SYSTEM (By Ben & Alicia Rich)

A lot of people have been asking me about our behavior system lately so I thought I'd just post a note. I tagged a bunch of parents a few other people I thought might be interested but I'd like to hear anyone's opinion on it! It's kind of complicated but it's happened in a rather organic way, addressing issues as they came up. Let me see if I can explain it all...

CLIPS

1. When you do a chore you get a clip which you can save up and use to "buy" items off the clip shelf. The clip shelf is stocked with things we know the kids want and have varying values, for example: Lego sets, bubbles, a video game, a new shirt, little toys, etc. Each clip is worth approximately 50 cents. They’ve saved up to buy items as cheap as 2 clips and as expensive as 100 clips or even more.

2. When you get "caught doing something good", like being nice or helping without being asked, you can earn a sticker, 10 stickers = 1 clip.

STICKS

3. Everyone starts the week with 12 red sticks. The red sticks each represent 15 min. of Nintendo time. (The time increments go up from 10 to 15 min in the summer time.) They lose red sticks for making bad choices like hitting, teasing, disobeying, etc. Whatever red sticks are left on Friday can be used to play Nintendo.

4. Everyone also starts the week with 2 blue sticks. They are each worth 30 min. of computer time and can be used any day of the week (mon-sat) with permission. Once they’re gone, there is no computer time available.

5. If a child does an exceptional job on a chore, he or she can earn a green stick. An exceptional job means they do the chore cheerfully, quickly, start without delay, and need no reminders to finish. This doesn’t happen very often. A green stick is worth 15 min of computer time and can be used just like blue sticks.

6. If a child loses all of his or her red sticks, an additional loss of privileges is added on top of zero Nintendo time. For the older boys, this means they can’t go to Friday Night Magic (a card game event at the local comic book store) with Daddy.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

7. The clip system works well for everyone down to the 4-yr-old. We use it to teach them about work, commerce, and supply/demand. Sometimes we discount an item no one seems to want to buy. Sometimes an item costs less for the little kids, just to make it more attainable for them. If more than one child wants a single item, whoever earns the clips first gets to buy it. They often team up to buy more expensive items together, like a video game or a movie. At rare times they’ve even asked for addition chores!

8. The red sticks only work really well for the older boys (ages 10 and 8). It’s been working well for them since they were pretty young. The problem is, Nintendo just doesn’t motivate my daughter in the same way. She likes to play but she’ll get bored with it on her own after a short time. So we’ve tried to use the red sticks to represent time to do something she likes but we still haven’t come up with a good consistent alternative. It’s a work in progress. It doesn’t really work for the 4-yr-old yet, but we think it will when he’s older.

9. Sometimes we use the system to address specific concerns. For instance, if one child is teasing a lot, we’ll really crack down on pulling red sticks each and every time he teases. Then when the problem diminishes, we ease up a little. It’s usually times like this they’ll lose all their red sticks in a week.

10. Occasionally we’ll offer additional Nintendo time during the week to offer incentive to solve a particular problem. For example, one son was having behavior problems at school so we offered him the chance to play 15 min of Nintendo after school if he didn’t get in any trouble that day. It worked really well and eventually we phased out the reward.

Ok, that’s it. Sometimes I think our system is too restrictive and eventually (when they get older) the kids will need more freedom with screens, but for now it’s a great behavior modifier

OUR SYSTEM

Each Child has their own color magnetic board

10 Magnetic ribbon cards (orange), 12 Wii cards(red) and 2 Computer cards (Blue) they also have 15 min Extra computer cards(green) And a bank for their clips (Small Plastic Paper Clips)

The Cards up close

It's Fun To Be One

2010-06-09T18:33:00.012-05:00

The Birthday Boy The Decorations The Presents The Cake Happy Birthday Baby "J" !!!! We love you and are so blessed that you are a part of our family.

I love cute things that help me to keep organized

2010-05-28T13:24:00.003-05:00

I found this Family Home Evening Chart at Deseret Book about 6 years ago and have loved it. I never thought to make a chore chart that was similar until I found this at Soapstarmom's shop on Etsy.

I am a big believer in teaching kids responsibility and good work habits. Let me tell you I have made several attempts to make a core chart that motivates the kids and looks nice on my walls. I have finally found the answer. I think this is so cute and the kids love it.

In Memory Of My Little Brother Anthony

2010-05-19T15:07:00.004-05:00

My brother's in laws put this video together for the family

Anthony

July 26, 1980 - April 25, 2010

You were loved and will be forever missed

P.S. Yes, Broookie tookie stole your oreo cookie

Strawberry Farm 2010

2010-04-13T07:52:00.002-05:00

Too many photo's so we made them into a musical video slide show

How does your garden grow?

2010-04-05T18:24:00.009-05:00

We are a little behind on our spring planting, but it isn't to late to start, right?

The Easter bunny brought the kids their own little herb garden kits in their favorite colors

The kids were so excited to plant their own garden, so for Family Home Evening we had a lesson on gardening. We learned that we should study and learn the best methods for providing our own food, and that children should help and have responsibilities for caring for the family garden. Gardens teach us about reaping what we sow, and how to love nature. We can become closer as a family by working together, and gardens help us to be self-sufficient. Gardens also helps us to eat healthy food and can save us money.

So we turned the pellets in to soil by adding water

We planted our little seeds

Placed our gardens out in the sun and watered them.

No Family Home Evening would be complete without dessert, so the kids and I made Oreo dirt cups. (It was Alex's idea to add the strawberry so it looked like a real garden)

Alex enjoying the fruits of his labor

We also talked about what we do with the extra we get from the harvest

We canned our own pickles

And we talked about sharing our harvest with others, so we started a citrus marmalade to share with our friends and neighbors. Needless to say our kids had a blast and are excited to care and nurture their gardens.

I had to throw this picture in for cuteness factor, I just love those Grandma "J" blue eyes

Want one? I do

2010-03-19T14:27:00.003-05:00

Wanna win one???

Here's what you do:
Post a comment on THIS POST and tell her your favorite spring/summer/holiday snack or treat that you've seen, made or remember from when you were a kid and GET CREATIVE!
Want to be entered twice??? Post a link to THIS POST on your blog, then let her know you did by leaving one more comment!

The deadline is Sunday, March 21, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. And the winner will be chosen by www.random.org. She will post the winner sometime on Monday - Good Luck!!

You know You Have Been Near The Beach To Long If

2010-02-21T19:09:00.005-06:00

When you ask your son to go and get his shoes on, and this happens.

Dear Weight Loss Fairy

2010-02-11T09:21:00.002-06:00

I have been in search of you my whole life. Where have you been hiding? I have no need of glass slippers, ball gowns, or a carriage drawn by horses. (although those things are all perfectly lovely) I am in need of something more, that must not end at the stroke of twelve. I too have been enslaved, enslaved and surrounded by good food, sweet evil nectar (Chery Coke), and a love for ice cream that does not love me back. I am afraid that my waist line has suffered the most, hips coming in at a smooth second. I have given my body over to creation on several occasions (not that I didn't enjoy these 4 wonderful opportunities) But the time has come to claim back my body and make some much needed improvements. I could really use your help in this area, for I have MUCH to loose and hope to GAIN no more. I will do my best to help in these efforts I will not rely on you alone. I will commit to exercise 3 or more times a week and I have loosened the evil nectar's grasp on me ( 1 1/2 months without). I will try to make better choices as to what I consume. Will you please use your secret powers to melt the pounds away and keep them at bay. Please come and arm me so that when the temptations come (and I know they will come) Help me to stave them off and not give into their empty calories. When my body is sore an tired help me to keep fighting and working toward our goal. when I start to look at the treadmill as my ultimate enemy please help me to see past the outer appearance of things and see that it is really a true friend to help me on my quest. If this letter finds you, please come promptly you are much needed.

With love
Mrs. B. Hansen

P.S. That Zumba class you endorse kicked my hinney. I had a great time, loads of fun, the hour and a half flew by. But today my legs are sore, my abs are aching, and I think I found some new muscles in my back that I wasn't aware of. I will return and get kicked around some more.

Look At Me

2010-02-05T14:48:00.003-06:00

Baby "J" is finally able to get his cute little belly off the ground. He is officially mobile, good-bye every other day vacuuming routine, hello child chasing, (maybe I'll loose a few pounds) After 4 years I can finally see. My Friend told me about this place Zinnioptical.com. I got 2 pair of glasses for $20.95 including the $4.95 shipping, $8.00 a pair. I love a great deal.

Cold Weather & Warm Food

2010-02-02T11:44:00.002-06:00

We have been having really cold weather (Florida is not supposed to be cold). So while we wait a little longer for beach season to come around, we have been enjoying hot cocoa mornings and slow comfort food evenings. (p.s. My kids think that I should get mother of the year because I can make bowls out of bread, who knew that something so simple could make them so happy?)

2009-12-17T12:52:00.001-06:00

Twas the week before Christmas,
chaos was all through the house,
Every child was screaming,
and I can’t find my blouse.

The stockings were hung,
by the TV with care,
This house is a mess,
I doubt they’re still there.

The children are now nestled,
All snug in their beds,
While the vision of a hot bath,
Dance around in my head.

Me on the sofa,
a book in my lap,
I had just settled down,
When the kids awoke from their nap.

I stopped to freshen up,
When there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the restroom,
To see what was left of my cookie platter.

Away to the car,
We flew like a flash,
The stores are still open,
But I forgot all my cash.

I reload the kids,
And pick up a lost hair bow,
I get back to the gate,
With no I.D. to show.

Can I barrow a phone,
Before I shed a tear,
I call on a friend,
She soon will be here.

With little time left,
I have to drive quick,
I see some lights flashing,
I know it’s not St. Nick.

More slowly than slugs,
He gives me my slip,
I look at the clock,
My heart does a flip.

With no time to spare,
I finish my mission,
Cookies for one hundred,
Are nearing completion.

A sound in the driveway,
I have heard it before,
My husband is home,
And he walks in the door.

His eye’s scan the room,
As the kids run by,
They meet with an obstacle,
Mount high to the sky.

Up to the house top,
The laundry pile grew,
The toys are all over,
The furniture askew.

He gives me a kiss,
Not knowing what to say,
I give him a look,
and ask about his day.

I drew in a breath,
And was turning around,
Down to the floor,
The cookies came with a pound.

He put on his coat,
grabbed his keys off the hook,
he knew what was needed,
with out a good look.

A bundle of boys,
And a girl on his back,
He drove off into night,
And came home with a sack.

My eyes-how the twinkled,
My giggles so merry,
I chugged down my drink,
A coke with some cherry.

My droll little mouth,
Was puckered up like a bow,
I gave him some kisses,
I think ten in a row.

The crunch of a cookie,
I heard under my feet,
Told me to get busy,
And whip up treat.

I fed all the kids,
cleaned up the floor,
put the sweets in the oven,
and closed the door.

No makeup on my face,
And a overfull belly,
I took a look at my shirt,
Is that smeared jelly?

He was chubby and plump,
A right jolly boy,
and I laughed when I saw him,
chomp down on a toy.

Soon the was another,
boy wanting my lap,
One on each side,
And a girl who could clap.

We spoke soft words,
As we sat and cuddled,
I love these moments,
When we are snuggled.

The house is a mess,
The dishes aren’t done,
The kids haven’t bathed,
But we did have some fun.

I whisper I love you,
As they drift off and dose,
A rub to their soft cheeks,
And a kiss on the nose.

I sneak out the door,
And turn off the light,
Merry Christmas to all,
and to all a good night.

Christmas without Her

2009-12-16T12:29:00.002-06:00

This will be our first Christmas without my mother. The Christmas Season was her favorite time of the year. The halls were all decked, the trees were lit up, the potato sacks where hung by the chimney with great care. The house smelled of Oliebollen, Peanut Brittle, Homemade suckers, & Peanut Butter Popcorn. We as kids we were all suited up and sent out into the snow for hours of play. LOVE was in the air.
My mom spent hours upon hours making Christmas gifts, Barbie doll tents with clothes, G.I Joe sleeping bags, Place mats, & New Pajama’s to be opened on Christmas Eve. I fell asleep many December nights to the hum of her Bernina sewing machine coming from the room above me. LOVE was in the air.
My mom always had a gift for everyone, Nieces & Nephews, Great Nieces & Great Nephews, distant cousins, people she visit taught and neighbors; many times I would ask her “Who are those gifts for?” and her reply would be “These are for those who might stop by that I don’t have a gift for”. If the Savior himself were to stop buy, our house would be in a flurry but she would have a gift. Her greatest gift was always an open heart and willing hands. LOVE was in the air.
My dad always tried to play the Grinch at Christmas time, but he never fooled me. He may watch the movie every night from the 1st up until Christmas Eve, but he was always the first one snooping, peaking and shaking all the gifts under the trees, sneaking treats out of the kitchen, or finding some mistletoe and following my mom around the house trying to get more smooches. LOVE was in the air.
Christmas at our house was always so magical. Whether you lived at home or were thousands of miles away rest assured, Christmas would be unforgettable. Hand made Marshmallow guns were assembled, ammunition was near, places of fortification were acquired, and firing would commence. Of course mom would be in the center of it all. The puffs of marshmallows would be whizzing by in all directions and there she would be laughing to tears in complete and utter joy. LOVE was in the air.
I am sad because I Cannot hear her laugh, because I cannot call her and tell her that her grandson got straight A’s, that her Granddaughter said something hilarious, that Rooster has on obsession with Peter Pan and wants to change his name, That I cannot send her a picture of her new little grandson, her namesake Baby “J” and tell her that he has her blue eyes. I may be sad but I am rejoiced because I know I will see her again, I will laugh and cry and be merry with her once more, because LOVE is in the air.
“For God so LOVED the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever should believe in Him, should not perish, but have Everlasting Life.” LOVE is truly in the air.
You may not think that you have a lot to give this Holiday Season, whether you miss a loved one, have financial setbacks, or feel that you are all alone. Remember, LOVE is in the air.

I'm Sorry, But I Have The Cutest Family Ever...

2009-11-24T08:26:00.005-06:00

Where Have We Been? (caution extremely long post ahead)

2009-11-18T07:13:00.011-06:00

Enough Said

Eventually it did turn into this....and than back again to how is was

My kids are obsessed with anything Peter Pan or pirates, we have seen almost all the movies and are reading the book together, needless to say they all wanted to be pirates for Halloween

We even found a cute little pirate costume for Baby J

At the last minute Dad & Mom decided to join in on the fun,

So I raided our closet and we became pirates as well.

They had this really fun Harvest Festival at a park near our house so we took the kids. They had so many fun and free activities for them to do, Including this really cute pumpkin mask.

Dad took this week off to relax and for us to go and see New Moon on Thursday/Friday (he thinks I am the excited one) So on Monday after the kids got home from school we wanted to go for a drive and check out an Air Force base that is about 2 hours from us about 10 min from our destination this happens

I have become such a Pro at changing tires thanks Matt & Sara . Between Me And Shane we had the tire changed in about 10 min. Because it was getting so late and we hadn't made it to our destination, we decided to stay and spend the night on the base we were visiting. So the next morning we went the museum on base

Alex is really having fun

We were able to sit in some jet cock pits

They also had an All Wars Memorial that we stopped to see

All in all we have been pretty busy

A New Little Nephew

2009-10-07T11:06:00.006-05:00

I have a new little nephew

J.C.B.

Was Born today Weighing in at

7lbs 4oz

19 1/4 in long

CONGRATULATION'S!!!!

CHER & RON

I Love This Picture

2009-10-05T16:12:00.000-05:00

The First Day Of School

My Girl & My Boys

2009-10-02T14:14:00.004-05:00

The Princess

Mr Zander
Rooster

Baby "J"

No Whey!!!

2009-09-21T08:17:00.003-05:00

Our Family had a crazy weekend, On Friday afternoon 30 min after feeding Baby J his top lip started to swell, so I called Shane home and on his way home Baby J's bottom lip started to swell along with his cheeks and ears. Shane called 911 and the fire department came and took his vitals. He was breathing OK but he had some slight wheezing in his right lung. He also started to get hives and white welts on his arms and legs. The fire department called the pediatric clinic and spoke with the on call doctor who said that he had all the symptoms of Hand Foot & Mouth Disease & to watch him over night and take him in to the clinic in the morning. After they left Shane and I both looked at him and said we need to take him to the E.R. We called a friend to come over and help Shane give Baby J a Priesthood Blessing and while we were waiting the Pediatrician called and told us to take him to the E.R. By the time I got to the E.R. a 30min drive Baby J's symptoms had started to improve, the swelling in his lips started to go down. They took us in right away and the first thing the nurse said was that he had an allergic reaction to something. ( My sister & I had suspected he had a milk allergy that was causing his extreme eczema) They gave him a steroid injection and some benadryl & he fell fast asleep. In the end it was a whey protein allergic reaction. So mom is on a no whey diet, (milk, cheese, butter, Ice cream, Dairy of any kind & whole grains like whole wheat, oats, and barley basically everything I know and love) Baby J is as happy and healthy as ever and his skin looks amazing.
I am also proud to mention that Alex lost his first tooth, he came home from school beaming with joy holding a baggie with his little front tooth. The Tooth Fairy came, took his little tooth and left him with a dollar coin.

O My Heaven Look Who's Lucky Number Seven

2009-09-09T15:17:00.002-05:00

Mr. Zander is so happy to be 7. He had a great birthday and he wanted to go out to dinner at IHOP for his birthday meal. And of course he wanted a crayon like his siblings, so his was blue.

Sake's Alive Look Who's Five

2009-09-01T18:03:00.003-05:00

Our Princess turned five. She liked her brothers cake so much, that she wanted one just like it; but of course pink. She woke up to a pink decorated house and kept saying my celebrations, look at all these celebrations. I think she got decorations and celebrations confused. For her special dinner she wanted hot dogs and Cheeto's

My baby girl is growing up so fast.

Come And See Who Turned Three

2009-08-20T18:39:00.005-05:00

Rooster is now three, Where has the time gone? He was so excited when he woke up he just kept walking around the house admiring all the decorations and shouting "It's my birthday, It's my birthday" For dinner he wanted to make his own pizza.

He wanted a green cake, you can't get much greener than a crayon.

Updates

2009-08-15T10:09:00.008-05:00

Baby "J" is now two months old

He weighs in at a wopping 15 lb 2 oz

Length 24.5 in

Head 16.25 in Look At Those Baby Blue Eyes

They are the same shade of blue my mom's were

Work-in-out Hansen Style
Unfortunatly with only one vehicle and Shanes crazy schedule,
the kids are going to be riding the bus this year so
we have been practicing waiting in line at the bus stop
& how to sit on the bus (Cute bus driver)

Yes that is an empty Coke bottle in the trash can, I have fallen off the wagon. I even forgot to recycle the bottle so it's a doubble whammy

Shoe Tying 101

2009-08-07T15:34:00.003-05:00

Yes, sadly our family has succumbed to the age of Velcro, and our kids don't know how to tie their shoes. Not that we haven't tried, we just haven't been successful yet. But I am on a mission to teach both Mr. Zander & The Princess to tie their shoes before the start of school.

My recipe for shoe tying lessons

a child's shoe box

a shoe traced on the top and colored in

10 holes poked (5 on each side of the traced shoe)

1 shoe lace (laced through the holes and one side colored)

Tape the box Shut

2 eager children ready to learn

Summer Fun

2009-08-02T15:00:00.004-05:00

A member in our Branch has an awesome pool that he never uses, so he invited our family to come and swim on Saturday. The kids had a blast, especially Mr Zander not having his cast on. After swimming we had lunch by the pool. The kids insisted on sitting in their favorite color chair. Pink=Princess, Blue= Mr Zander, Green= Rooster.

Dad Feeding Baby "J" A Carrot

Little Diva

This Is How The Princess Helps Baby "J" Sleep

Confesssions

2009-07-24T15:32:00.004-05:00

Hi, my name is Brooke and I am a Cherry Cokeaholic, it has been 6 weeks, 2 days, 6 hours, 37 min, and 20 sec since my last sip of that EVIL NECTAR. I even hid my addiction from my Mother-in-law while she was visiting by drinking it in the car when no one was around (sorry Mary). My life has changed dramatically since that day, I have less energy and I eat more chocolate. HELP

P.S. I have a new addiction Sonic Mango Slushies.

P.S.S. Half Price Drinks Happy hour is everyday from 2-4

P.S.S.S. If you have a Sonic window sticker you get 1/2 price Route 44 all day.

Blessing Baby "J"

2009-07-07T16:51:00.002-05:00

We had Baby "J" Blessed this past Sunday

here are some of my attempts at a good photo

Aunt Cher provided the blessing outfit

For now he has blue eye's, I hope he keeps them

Our House Has Grown by Two Feet

2009-06-11T13:39:00.008-05:00

Dad Getting Ready To Cut The Cord Jayden Paul
9lb 14 oz 20 1/2 in long

Big Brother

Big Sister

All Four Little OnesGrandma Mary
Great Grandma Beth

A New Haircut

2009-05-24T16:22:00.003-05:00

The Princess Got A New Haircut And She Is So Excited To Let Everyone See It.

Alex Wanted To Be In A Picture To.
Andrew Wanted a Turn As Well
More Pictures Mom, More Pictures

Making way for more mayham and mishaps

2009-05-21T16:11:00.004-05:00

I finally got around to cleaning out my craft room to make room for a new baby

Lucky for us we have never needed to take down and store the crib it has been in near constant use for almost 7 years.Rooster modeling how much fun a chair can be.More mayham and mishaps

Sunday Mr. Zander decided to run across the couch and jump to the love seat, unfortunately he didn't make it and broke his ulna and radius bones near his wrist. So now we have a blue Hulk arm.

A Gift From Grandma J

2009-05-16T21:10:00.002-05:00

When I was at my mom's house I found this fabric in her sewing room. I am not sure what she had planned to use it for, but I think she might have wanted to make a blanket for Jayden. So I made this blanket for Jayden on behalf of Grandma J. (Thank you Grandma J)

A Gift Worth Fighting For

2009-05-11T20:40:00.000-05:00

Grandma Mary made this cute blanket for the new little grandson to come (Thank you Grandma Mary). I made the mistake of opening it in front of my other three children, It has been an all out battle ever since. They all love this blanket and they all understand and tell me that it is Jayden's. But they just want to use it until he comes. For a while they had a rotating system where each night they would get a turn with it and than pass it along to the next sibling for the next night. I think they have finally let go of the coveted blanket for now, but we'll see!!

Happy Mothers Day

2009-05-10T07:25:00.001-05:00

As I have been sorting through old papers and boxes of memories, clearing a spot for our new little bundle of joy and the new memories to come; I found this poem I wrote my Mother when I was a teenager about her and her mother. I did a little editing toward the end but most of it is the same.

MY MOTHER’S HEART OF GOLD

As she brought you home on that special day
A newborn child entrusted to a mothers care
Silently she began to pray
And sought after a gift to share

O Please Mother Above I pray
Help me with this child I hold
To lead her in thy righteous way
And bless me with thy heart of gold

With selfless hands and that golden heart
She gave each day with love
A piece of that precious start
The gift she received from above

Though she has passed on
And dines with angels as her guests
With each new day dawn
She hears that golden heart request

As the child grew and had children of her own
She told the tales of her mothers heart of gold
How she wished we all could have Known
And how that Golden heart she sought to hold

As I watched my thoughtful mother day by day
And sought for memories I could hold
Each night I kneel down and humbly pray
Lord please bless me with my mother’s heart of gold.

____________________________________________________

These are little notes written about my Mother that I found from my homecoming talk from my mission. My homecoming talk was on Mothers day 2001

A message From Cher (daughter)

I am grateful for my mother. I see many special qualities with her. She has a great love for the Gospel and for all people. I am thankful for her example of Christlike attributes that she uses everyday. I hope to be like her.

A message from Izzy (daughter-in-law)

Mom is a very special person, as special as-you know! when a magical moment happens to you, once in a lifetime kind of thing! Something that is so great that if you try to explain, yea, you can relate to feelings and maybe some words, but can't never , ever be compared, because there is no other like her.

A message from Dick (brother-in-law)

1. Just to be around Judy makes you feel better about yourself.

2. Any little thing you do for her is greatly appreciated.

3. She loves to be pampered, little things are okay, big things are great.

4. She loves my cooking.

A message from Ann (sister)

I was supposed to write a few words why I think my sister is so special. That was real hard, because she is so very special. I have known Judy longer than about anyone. I was 4 when she came into our lives. At a very young age she became very ill. Our parents were not given much hope. She was never to have seen the age of 2. But our Heavenly Father had other plans for her. She struggled through her teen years, graduated from high school with a lot of school tutors. But fought on. She became a wife and mother of three beautiful children. Delivering each one of them in the cardiac unit of the hospital, but vowed she would raise them. She met a wonderful guy who needed her as much as she needed him, but he also had 3 great kids. Her dream was fulfilled she wanted a large family like mine. She did such a wonderful thing putting all their lives together. She has been my friend, my sister, my life is all the better for having her in it. Not only my life but the life of my family. My kids think she can do no wrong. Even my husband used to make the statement when she was single, if anything ever happened to me he was going to take me back to Utah to bury me and then was going to marry my sis. Yes we all think she is very special

A message from Betty (sister)

She's a one of a kind- She's always taken care of others priorities before she takes care of her own. She has a special way with her that she's fun to be with. She's a terrific seammstress, homemaker, and cook as many of you are aware of. If there is anyone that I would like to visit it is my "Special" sister Judy. We have always been very close, even as little kids, she would always make me laugh at the dinner table, which made me be sent to my room, but she would feel bad afterwards and come and sneak me the dessert I didn't get. She is a very strong person. She has went through many difficult triumphs and trials in her lifetime, but I know without the help of the Lord, her family, and friends she wouldn't be here today. I am very blessed to have my sister not only my sister, but my very best friend.

Happy Mothers Day Mom I love and miss you

Family Photo's

2009-04-27T13:04:00.004-05:00

My talented sister-in-law has a photography business in Wyoming and while we were in Utah during March she took some family photo's

Don't I have the cutest kids!

Don't you love The Princess's pose?

This is Dad, 4 of 6 kids with their families, & mom in the background

Beach Time

2009-04-25T19:26:00.004-05:00

Saturday we took the kids to the beach, they were so excited that it was beach season again.

Mr Zander & Rooster splashing each other
Rooster 's silly shivering face
Rooster's sand castle
The Princess's sand Castle

She had to strike a pose with her castle

Easter Eggs Anyone?

2009-04-21T07:45:00.003-05:00

I know Easter was a while ago, I was feeling a little sick so I procrastinated on blogging. But I do want to share some of our Easter with you. Shane had pre-boiled about 3 dozen eggs, we spent a while coloring them with the kids. Than about a week using all of them. Next year 1 dozen will be our limit.

Than we had our traditional Easter egg hunt (I think we got it from Jenny) We have 15 plastic eggs numbered 1-15 and they each have a small symbol of Easter in them with a scripture to read and an explanation of how that item relates to Easter. The kids love to look in their baskets as we call out the numbers to see what's inside. It is so much fun now that they are older and understand more.

Great Food Storage Site & Giveaway

2009-04-09T06:41:00.003-05:00

I Love this website, they make food storage so fun and easy, plus they are having an awesome giveaway. Come check it out.

Sisters Craft & Hobbie Blog

2009-04-06T12:30:00.003-05:00

In honor of our mother some of my sisters & I started a new craft & hobby blog. Come check it out
http://mycraftandhobbycorner.blogspot.com/

Pregnancy Craving

2009-03-26T18:49:00.003-05:00

So while we were on our trip in Utah we stayed at my sister's house. Their were 19 of us my two brothers and their families, one of my sisters an her family, and my dad. We decided to go out to dinner and My sister suggested Red Robin. It was told to me by my siblings that the Blue Ribbon Burger was the best. I have to admit that I can't stand blue cheese, I dislike it completely so I was very sceptical. Needless to say I loved it and sometime throughout the meal my husband asked for a bite and I was so in love with this fabulous burger that I didn't even hear him. It was good. Well we are now home and no Red Robbin is near And I have been craving this burger like crazy. Of course my sister had her husband take her there for lunch and she rubs it in that I can't get one. So I decided to make my own.

Homemade Hamburger Buns are a must with this kind of Burger

And No Blue Ribbon Burger Would Be Complete Without Home Made Shoe String Onions
Was It Worth All The Work. Oh Yea!!!!
Pregnancy craving 100% Satisfied

In Memory of my Mother

2009-03-18T12:55:00.013-05:00

December 31, 1952 - March 3, 2009

I Love & Miss You

Hearts For School Valentines Day Party

2009-02-13T15:39:00.002-06:00

The Princesses Hair For Her School Party

I Should Have Done A Front View

She Didn't Want To Mess Up Her Hair

Photo Tag

2009-02-12T13:52:00.004-06:00

Go to the place in your computer where you keep photos, open the fourth file, then choose the fourth picture to post on your blog and explain it. If you are reading this, consider yourself tagged. It is amazing how fast they grow, when The Princess was just a wee little baby anytime she cried Mr. Zander would run over to her side and sing her the ABC's; The Princess would usually stop crying. I was able to catch one of these moments in a photo. Look how little they are.

Blessings

2009-02-11T13:46:00.007-06:00

Blessing #1 I have a wonderful husband, who takes care of me and our family. And isn't he so cute. This will be our little secret (since he doesn't ever read our blog) the guy loves to mop; he is so cute about it, he has never liked me to do it when I am expecting because of the chemicals. He is so sweet he gets his MP3 player out and goes to work, and when he is done he looks at his accomplishment and says "I love to mop", I don't feel so bad for letting him do it since he enjoys it. I love this man, he is such a great and wonderful blessing in my life.

Blessing #2 Mr. Zander, what a sweet boy I have. He is so smart and sweet. He has the cutest little dimple on his cheek and when he smiles he lights up the room. He is always the first one to tell me how good dinner is and how pretty I am. He is such a good big brother. The Princesses teacher stopped me and Mr. Zander after school to tell me what a good big brother he is and that every morning he walks her into her classroom and gives her a hug and a kiss on the cheek and reminds her to have a good day and to be good in class. He is such a joy.

Blessing #3 The Princess/Diva extraordinaire. She is our little star with a soft nurturing side. She likes to put on performances for our family; she gathers all the necessary equipment to make a stage with a podium and microphone and invites us all to go into her room so she can sing for us from her little stage. She is also very sweet; she will give her brothers anything because as she say's "I am going to give this to you because sharing is the nice thing to do". What a sweet heart she has.

Blessing #4 Our little Rooster, a silly name for such a funny boy. He is our jester our own in house clown. He can make anyone laugh even if he is not trying to be funny it is in his nature to be funny. I choose this picture to emphasize his silly side. This photo is of Rooster and his pet puppy named all by himself as Tippy. For about a year this little red bean bag was his luvy toy. He took Tippy for walks in a stroller, he slept with his puppy Tippy and he played with Tippy, wherever he was Tippy was close by. (thank goodness we had more than one) Before Tippy when Rooster was just a baby his luvy was a plastic chicken leg; he never took a pacifier but he had to have his chicken leg in is hand. It was so cute and funny. We love having this little comedian around there is never a dull moment in this house.

Blessing #5 Anytime a new life is created it is a miracle. I often sit and wonder what joys this new little miracle will bring to our family. How excited we are for the blessing of having another little boy join our forever family.

Kitchen Organization

2009-02-10T21:20:00.005-06:00

In anticipation of baby #4 (Jayden) I have become somewhat
obsessed with getting my house organized. Starting with the kitchen.

When I said Obsessed I really did mean Obsessed.

IT"S.......................

2009-01-28T10:34:00.004-06:00

A Bouncing Baby Boy

Due June 15th

Happy Birthday Grandma J

2008-12-31T16:58:00.003-06:00

To a very special Grandma on her very special day

We love you Grandma J

The Hulk Arm

2008-12-31T16:44:00.002-06:00

A few days before Christmas my little Rooster fell from the ladder of the bunk beds and fractured his ulna near his elbow. The poor little guy

After a day spent in the emergency room and another 3 hours in the Dr's office

Rooster now has what he calls his Hulk arm

Christmas Tag!

2008-12-12T15:14:00.004-06:00

Don't be a Scrooge and play along!!!!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Coordinating wrapping paper. Red, white, & silver.

2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial.

3. When do you put up the tree? The day after Thanksgiving.

4. When do you take the tree down? New Years.

5. Do you like eggnog? Like it yes, drink it no.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? When did I grow up? The Barbie tent & sleeping bag my mom made.

7. Hardest person to buy for? My hubby, always wants expensive toys.

8. Easiest person to buy for? Our kids.

9. Do you have a nativity scene? Some of a nativity scene.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mailed.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Is there ever a bad gift?

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? "It's a Wonderful Life"

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? The day after Christmas.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Guilty.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Peanut Butter Captain Crunch.

16. Lights on the tree? Red & White.

17. Favorite Christmas song? "O Holy Night".

18. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Who can't?

19. Angel on the tree top or a star? We have a Star.

20. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? 1 gift on Christmas Eve, the rest on Christmas Morning.

21. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? How fast it goes by.

22. What theme or color are you using? Red, white & silver.

23. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Honey Baked Ham.

Now lets read your answers! Please play

Love Is A Beautiful Thing

2008-11-03T16:43:00.003-06:00

7 Years and 4 Babies, And we are still in love. How great it that?

To Shane : Seven Reasons Why I Love You

1. You get up with the kids most every morning, giving me that extra 30 min of sleep.

2. You always say I love you before you hang up the phone, even if it is just a short call.

3. You put up with all my funny little quirks, and believe me there are many.

4. You always know how to make me laugh, even when I don't think I want to.

5. You look sexy washing dishes, and you wash dishes frequently.

6. You never get disappointed if things aren't done, kids come first house comes second.

7. Because you are you and everything about you gets better with time.

Here Comes Number Four

2008-10-14T12:23:00.002-05:00

Shane and I are pleased to announce that we are expecting a new addition to our little family. Everyone is excited and loving the news. Alex is already being a responsible big brother, telling me to eat "because when you eat the baby eats and when the baby eats, it grows."

Can't Believe He's Six

2008-09-04T08:58:00.010-05:00

To Alexander on your Sixth Birthday

Happy Birthday to my first born, Alex you are such a wonderful and special son. You have a wonderful imagination and an amazing mind to go with it. You are so smart it keeps me on my toes. You are learning and growing so fast.

I love your smile, your smile is infectious and lights up any room you walk into. You are such a sweet and helpful boy. You are the first one to compliment me on the meals I cook and the housework I do. You always want to help me and you love doing your chores. We couldn't have asked for a better son. You are so helpful with your brother and sister. You love to play with them and teach them.

You have taught me so much as a mother. I am so grateful to have you and so blessed to be your mother. "I'll Love You Forever, I'll Like You For Al way's, As Long As I'm Living My Baby You'll Be" Happy Sixth Birthday Alex

Love Mom

Guess Who's Four

2008-09-01T08:44:00.000-05:00

To Emily on your Fourth Birthday,

You are our little princess in all things. You are so sweet and caring, if either of your brothers are in trouble or in time-out, you are right their with them comforting them , telling them it will be okay, "it's only for a little while". You love your brothers, they are your best friends and playmates.

You are my cuttle bug, you love to be snuggled and held, and you also love to snuggle and hold others. You love babies, whether its your dolls or real little babies, you take such good care of them you hold them you love them you play with them so gentle and soft. You have such a big heart, you love to give and to share. Your feelings are so gentle and strong, I remember not so long ago that you got into trouble by your dad and he told you to sit in time out and you were crying and you screamed "Daddy you broke my heart, you need to say you're sorry and fix it". Of course as with all little princesses you have your daddy wrapped around you finger.

Emily you bring us so much laughter and joy into our lives each day. What a blessing to have such a sweet and loving little girl. We are so thankful that we have been blessed to be your mommy and daddy. You have so many talents and gifts, I can't wait to see them blossom and flourish.

Emily we love you,

Happy Fourth Birthday

Look Who's Two......

2008-08-20T08:20:00.007-05:00

To Andrew on your second Birthday,

You are such an amazing little boy. We are so blessed to have you in our home and family. You are always making us laugh. You have such a wonderful sense of humor, and a heart melting smile.

You look just like your dad, it's like having a mini version of him with me all day. You love your brother and sister you always try to be just like them and copy the things that they do. You cry when they go to school and cannot be with you. You have such a wonderful love for you family, you always want everyone together all the time. If someone is missing from the room you leave to go find them and bring them in . Everyone who spends time with you loves you and thinks that you are so fun and cute. Before we had you dad and I felt that there was someone missing in our little family, you have filled that void with so much, we can't imagine our lives without you. Everyday we have with you is a blessing and a gift.

Andrew we love you

Happy Second Birthday

The First Day Of School

2008-08-18T16:51:00.004-05:00

Today was the first day of school. Alex started Kindergarten and Emily started Preschool (if you ask her she will say "I am going to Pretty School"). They both did really well and were very excited. Alex was up and dressed at 4:30 this morning, he cried when I told him it wasn't time to get up for school yet.

Homemade Butter

2008-08-15T12:56:00.003-05:00

It has always been my dream to make homemade butter with a butter churn. Well I don't have a butter churn, but I found a great recipe for homemade butter in a jar. Me and the kids had a blast making butter, and even more fun tasting it.

Summer School Time

2008-08-15T12:55:00.005-05:00

I love school and school supplies,

as soon as they went on sale

I bought the kids there own little school

box filled with goodies for them to use

when we play school at home

What's Inside? Does Anyone Know?

2008-08-04T19:31:00.010-05:00

SURPRISE!

The kids love playing hide-and-go-seek. Most day's before dad gets home, he calls to let me know he is on his way. I tell the kids to hurry and hide, than when daddy gets home he goes around the house trying to find them. This was one of their hiding spots. It took daddy a wile to find them. (mom did a little misdirecting to help)

To My Staff Sergeant.

2008-07-31T15:47:00.014-05:00

You have worked long and hard for more than a year,

and now the promotion day has finally come.

Your efforts and sacrifices are much appreciated.

I love you and am so glad that you are mine.

A big

CONGRATULATIONS

for my husband Shane.

he was a Senior Airman but now he is a Staff Sergeant,

Today he sewed on his E-5 stripe.

Brotherly Love

2008-07-28T07:58:00.003-05:00

I went into Alex and Andrews room

to check on my boys before I went to bed,

and this is what I found

Andrew had climbed out of his crib

and crawled into his big brothers bed.

Aren't they so adorable?

Ode To 30 On My 30th Birthday

2008-07-25T10:13:00.008-05:00

30 Things I've Done

1. Changed A Flat Tire All By Myself

2. Spent 18 Months In Australia On A Mission For

The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints

3. Gave Birth To 3 Children

4. Been Asked To Be A Model

5. Survived Eating Poisonous Mushrooms

6. Been Thrown From A Wave Runner By My Husband

7. Thrown My Husband From A Wave Runner

8. Had My Youngest Child Naturally (No Drugs)

9. Married In The Las Vegas Temple

10. Drove Across The U.S.A. 3 Times

11. Had My Picture Hanging On Display In Olan Mills

12. Won A Coloring Contest

13. Been Evacuated For A Hurricane

14. Been To The Grand Canyon

15. Been Through The Redwood Forest

16. Won A Cutest Baby Contest

17. Seen The Bonnie And Clyde Car (Creepy)

18. Fulfilled a Dream (To Be A Wife)

19. Fulfilled Another Dream (To Be A Mother)

20. Lived In Las Vegas And Never Gambled

21. Been Paralyzed For A Week

22. Been Stopped By A Stranger Who Admired My Eyes

23. Been The President Of A Sorority

24. Lived Where I Had An Ocean View From My Window

25. Been A Witness To A Crime

26. Been Asked To Testify As A Witness To A Crime

27. Been To Mexico

28. Been On A Ride In A Race Car

29. Been Rappelling

30. Saved A Life

Blogging = Fun And Games

2008-07-19T12:05:00.002-05:00

Share a Memory please!

My Sister has a posting game going on. Sounds like fun and I would like to try it out!

1. When you comment on my blog leave a Memory that you and I had together. It really doesnt matter how long you knew me just anything that you remember!

2.Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. If you leave a memory about me, I will know that you are playing the game and I will post one about you on your blog.

FUN...FUN..FUN. I am way excited and hope that you will come play!

Learning New Things

2008-07-17T08:34:00.006-05:00

In preparation for our upcoming

Personal, Family, and Home Enrichment Meeting

on food storage, my counselors and I have been canning.

I have never canned before,

although I have often watched my mom can.

So far we have canned,

6 quarts of tomato's, 24 pints, & 12 half pints of grape jelly.

I am now hooked and can't wait to learn and can new things.

New Projects

2008-07-12T18:53:00.005-05:00

Feed The Lion Bean Bag Toss For A Baby Shower

Cupcake Pop For A Visiting Teaching Handout

A Friend Gave Us This Bed. We Put It In Emily's Room

A Cute Loft Bed

Of Course I Had To Paint It

A Tree House On Top And A Doll House Below

What More Could A Little Princess Ask For

A New Little Niece To Love

2008-06-21T22:02:00.003-05:00

I made this little lap quilt and block for my new little niece Sarah

Welcome To The Family Sarah..... I Can't Wait To Cuddle You

Congratulations Cher And Ron

Once Was Lost, But Now There Found.

2008-06-21T21:49:00.004-05:00

We took the kids out Kayaking a few weeks ago with a Kayak that we borrowed from a friend. We all had a blast, especially the kids. I lost the pictures somewhere on our computer. Than like magic they appeared again (Yea)

Dad and Alex
Alex Taking Over The Oar
Happy Princess
Can I Go Now?
Dad and Emily
Dad And Rooster

Creative Or Crazy? You Decide.

2008-06-21T21:22:00.003-05:00

Shane and his friend Jason took Alex to the movies (Kung-Fu Panda). While I stayed home with Emily And Rooster (Andrew). It was time for Rooster's nap, I put him down so Emily and Mommy could have some one on one time together. Emily just got her first Barbie so we got out some of my old Barbie items to play with, some clothes my mom made and an old chair made out of wood that I think was my sister's (Cher if you are looking for it I have It). Anyway we didn't have a lot to play with. Being the CRAZY person that I am I saw a large piece of plastic foam from a box that was shipped to our house. So Emily and I decided to make our own Barbie furniture. Almost two and a half hours later this is what we came up with.

Couch, Blanket, Pillows, End Table, Lamp, and some Cd's
A Table complete with Table Wear, and a Chair
A Bed, Sheet, Pillow and Blanket
a Flat Screen TV, TV Stand, and VHS Video
Bookcase and Books
Toilet with Handle and Seat Cover
Rug, Coffee Table, Remote Control, Candle, Plate, And a CD Our Happy Little Princess
We added some stickers to make them look a little more real

My Super Hero Cleaners

2008-06-17T09:08:00.003-05:00

Every morning my Little Super Hero's come to my rescue.

They put on their capes and I say "Oh No! Who is going to help me clean up all this mess and make all these beds, Oh No! What am I going to do." help me

Than all at once I have 3 little Super Hero's running around the house helping me clean up each room and helping me to make each bed .

Their good with laundry too.

I Love Being A Mom

Alex's Spring Program

2008-05-24T09:41:00.004-05:00

Alex missed his spring program because we all had the flu.

He was very sad that he was sick and could not go.

To help him feel better I told him that I would film him singing

so he could share his song with everyone.

Garden Fun

2008-05-20T21:26:00.001-05:00

CRAZY EIGHTS

2008-04-22T12:18:00.002-05:00

8 Things that I am passionate about:

*My Faith/Callings
*My Honeybunches
*My Children (Alex, Emily, And Andrew)
*My Family And Shanes Family
*Our Home
*Serving Others
*My Friends
*My Books

8 things I want to do before I die:

*Travel
*Have A "Better Homes And Garden House" Everything has a place and everything in it's place
*Mission With Shane
*Watch Children Go On Missions, Get Married In The Temple, And Have Fulfilling Lives
*Go On A Massive Shopping Spree Where $ Is NO Object, With My Mom And Sister
*Finish My Daily To Do List In One Day
*Have Shane Retire And We Travel (Back To Our Missions, Spain & Australia)
*Own A Milking Cow

8 Things that I often say:

*Was That A Good Choice?
*Please Don't
*I Love You
*I'm So Glad Your Mine
*Get In The Van, Get In The Van ,Get In The V-A-N, Get In The Van, Get In The Van, Get In The V-A-N Sung To A Nice Little Tune.
*Do You Want To GO TO Time-Out?
*Do I Have To Wake Up?

8 Things that I have learned this past year:

*There Will Never Be Enough Time
*I Can Survive Without A Cherry Coke
*I Can't Survive Without My Family And Friends
*I Need Patience
*I Love Having A Dishwasher
*My Husband Knows How To Use, And Loves Using A Dishwasher
*I Like Blogging

8 Things I must do to feel good each day:

*Shower/Get Dressed
*Talk To My Mom And Sister
*Personal And Family Prayer
*Make A List
*Hug/Kiss Shane And The Kids
*Watch My Children Sleep
*Open All The Blinds In The House
*Laugh

8 things that attract me to my best friends:

*Compassionate
*Cares
*Like Me At My Best And Worst
*Don't Judge
*Don't Give Up On Me
*Forgiving
*Understanding
*Sense Of Humor

8 people I think should do Crazy 8's:

*Mom
*Erin
*Heidi
*Sara
*Suzie
*
*
*

Photo Shoot On The Beach

2008-04-15T09:45:00.005-05:00

We had a photo shoot on the beach with a friend of ours from the branch. She did an awesome job didn't she?

"Charlottes' Web"

2008-04-08T15:20:00.004-05:00

We Have Been Reading Charlotte's Web As A Family, And We Are Almost Finished. Shane And Alex Have The Week Off For Spring Break, So We Decided To Take The Kids To A Local Farm So The Could See And Pet Some Of The Animals From The Book.

Emily And Andrew Slept On The Way

Alex Was So Excited (Are We There Yet?)

Emily And Andrew Petting A Pig Like Wilbur
Andrew Petting A Calf Tractor Fun
The Strawberry Farm
Enjoying The Fruits Of Their Labor
When We Got Home I Made Strawberry

Short Cake And Strawberry Freezer Jam

My Gratitude List

2008-04-01T11:49:00.003-05:00

A Random List Of Things I Am Grateful For

1. My Family

2. My Faith

3. John Jacob Jingle Heimer Schmidt (My Saving Grace In The Car)

4. Going To Bed, And Nothing Has Been Damaged And No One Is Hurt.

5. A Voice of Reason When I am Not Being Reasonable (Shane, Mom, Cher, My Friends)

6. A Husband, Who After 7 Years Of Marriage Still Thinks I'm Sexy

7. Fabric Softener

8. A Craft Room For Me To Play In

9. A View Of The Bay Every Morning

10. Libraries

11. Eye's To See My Kids, Ears To Hear Their Laughter And A Heart To Love Them No Matter What

12. The Ability To Have Hot Food Hot And Cold Food Cold.

13. Pajama Pants

14. Wall Stickers

14. Window Markers

15. My Cell Phone

16. A Fenced In Backyard

17. A Digital Camera (Instant Gratification)

18. A Hobby Lobby In Town

19. Hobby Lobby 40% Off Coupons

20. Pure Mexican Vanilla

21. A Desire To Never Stop Trying To Do Better

22. My Home Computer

23. High Speed Internet (Again Instant Gratification)

24. Luvy Toys

25. Pedicures

26. New Clothes (When I Can Get Them)

27. Blogger.Com

28. Crackers And Cheese

29. Sonic Ice (And Happy Hour)

30. Laughing With My Mom And Sister

31. Power Locks, Windows, And Doors

32. Reading With My Kids

33. My Books, I Love My Books

34. Turbo Tax

35. Noisy Gifts For My Nieces And Nephews

36. The Dollar Tree

37. Good Movies (That Are Even Better Books)

38. Good Parents That Love And Support Me

39. Caffeine Free Coca Cola Classic

40. Hair Color To Cover Up My Gray

41. Tweezers To Pull Out The Ones That Don't Get Covered

42. When My Husband Has Vacation

43 When My Husband Goes Back To Work After His Vacation (Only Because I thrive On Routines And They Seem To Not Happen When He IS Home)

44. Funny Things My Kids Say, Emily: It's Froggy Outside. Andrew: Stop Whining. Alex: I'm So Proud Of You, You Make Me So Happy, You Are So Pretty.

45. Scented Candles

46. When People Come To Visit (Especially Ones That Live Far Away)

47. Walking On The Beach

48. People Who Have Faith In Me, Even When I Don't Have Faith In Myself

49. Any Time I Can Spend With Family And Friends

50. My Freedom

51. Two Number 14's

And A List Goes On.........

"I'm Putting My Foot Down"

2008-03-31T23:03:00.003-05:00

Yesterday Shane and I were siting on the couch talking. Shane had asked Emily to start picking up her toys and tidy up the living room. Of course she puts her hands on her hips and storms away, ignoring her fathers request. Than persistent dad asks her again to start tidying up. Our little princess stops in her tracks, stomps her right foot down, and says to her dad " I'm putting my foot down, I will not tolerate this any more. With a look of shock her dad turns to me for help and it is all I can do to contain my laughter.

My Latest Projects

2008-03-22T21:12:00.002-05:00

"Tag" I'm It

2008-03-18T09:50:00.004-05:00

Thanks to my big sis Cher I have been tagged.

I think I liked tag better as a child, there was a lot less thinking involved.

What is his Name? Shane (aka..Honeybunches, Honey, Sexy, Dad, Daddy, The Tall Dark And Hansom One, Hansom Hansen.

How long have you been together? 7 Years (6 1/2 Married)

How long did you date? 6 Months

How old is he? Okay so I'm a cradle robber he is 28 (a year and 1/2 my younger)

Who is taller? He is taller by six inches. He is 6'3 I am 5'9

Who can sing better? I think he is better at singing. Every time I sing the kids plug their ears.

Who is smarter? If you are talking about Jets Shane is smarter, but I can hold my own.

Who does the laundry? Most of the time I do, but when he helps me, he washes and dries while I fold and put away.

Who is the first to give a kiss or hug? He is the first one to give a kiss, and I am the first one to give a hug.

Who pays the bills? I pay the bills with his money (Our Money).

Who mows the lawn? What lawn? we have a giant sand box. We have a landscaper, got to love military housing.

Who cooks dinner? Unless it is Spaghetti I cook dinner.

Who Drives? I drive him to and from work, but everywhere else when we are together he drives.

Who is most stubborn? Not me of course (Wink, Wink)

Who asked who out first? He asked me out first. He asked me if I had noticed that he was twiterpated (Like Thumper from Disney's Bambi)

Who is more sentimental? I am most of the time, but every once in a while he is.

Favorite type of T.V. shows. The only T.V Show we can agree on is Terminator The Sarah Conner Chronicles

Who has more social skills and can read the other like a hawk? I think we are both extremely reserved and shy. I can read him better than he can read me.

Who has more siblings? He does by 2.

Who wears the pants? I may wear the pants but he is the belt that holds them up. We both are equally important.

Now I get to tag my fellow bloggers....

2008-03-13T18:17:00.005-05:00

Because we have an extra hour of daylight, Shane and I decided to take the kids to the park after dinner. We all had a great time, here are some pictures of our fun. Emily loves playing on slides, Alex loves anything he can swing on or climb, and Andrew was on a dead run the whole time , 90% of the pictures were of his back while he was running.

That Takes The Cake!

2008-03-08T09:25:00.000-06:00

This past Sunday I gave a lesson on Faith In Jesus Christ,

and this was my lesson handout. Not a great picture but

it was fun to put together. The other two pictures are of

some cakes I made for my friends daughter Anabel and

the other is for another friend of mine. Again the pictures

aren't that great, but the cakes were fun to make.

Hair, Hair, EVERYWHERE!!!

2008-03-01T21:52:00.000-06:00

Today we decided that we all needed haircuts. Shane took Alex outside with the clippers and gave him the cutest little military cut you ever did see. Than it was my turn(I bet your thinking that he was going to use the clippers on me... Not on your life.) I was the one with the power of the clippers. I gave Shane a nice clean military buzz. When little Andrew woke from his nap, it was his turn to go under the clippers. After his hair cut was finished we asked him where all his hair went. He put his hands on his head and felt around, than with a look of shock threw his hands in the air and said "don't know". It was so cute. Than it was off to the salon for Emily's first hair cut ever. Yes, I wanted to cry but she has been asking for a haircut for almost a year, so we felt it was time to cut her hair before she played barber on herself. She got a cute little shoulder length bob. Than it was my turn. We all had a blast and now we look so clean cut.

Sweet Treats

2008-02-25T10:49:00.000-06:00

Recently I signed up to be a stamp demonstrator, so I could learn to do all of there fun stuff & get a great discount. (I hate paying full price) This is my first project. It was so fast and easy to make . I love It...

A Blog A Day Keeps The Postman Away

2008-02-21T07:37:00.000-06:00

My First Blog.....

To keep up with technology and the rising cost of postage, I have decided to become an officail blogger. (OK so it is more like because my sister said so that I became a blogger).