Stockard Family

More Cruise Pictures

2011-08-06T09:39:00.000-07:00

These are pictures from the boat's pools and slides. These pictures sure make me want to go again!

Payton by the steps up to one of the hot tubs.

Ky and Wade on a slide.

Wade and Wes sliding!

Wade wasn't technically old enough to slide, but since he is such a good swimmer, they made an exception.

Kylie in the back-of-the-boat kid pool area

Wade in the pool.

Daily ice-cream treats.

Kid pool area.

Steve not quite ready to swim.

Wade loved the pool!

Getting out of the pool for a picture.

Our swimmer baby!

February Cruise Photos

2011-06-09T11:28:00.000-07:00

We took a very impromptu cruise at the end of February. So impromptu that we booked on Wednesday and were on the boat on Saturday! The kids were so excited and so were Steve and I. We loved out first cruise and couldn't wait to go on our second. I just didn't believe our 2nd would be less than a year after the first.

We decided to do the same 7 day cruise out of Long Beach because it is so easy for us, no airfare and a 30 minute drive! As we decided to do this so last minute, the choices were really slim. We did find a ship with a room that could hold all 6 of us together, a family suite, and it was really sweet! Much better than our other room with just Steve and I.

The kids loved the kids club, and Steve and I love the relaxing we got to enjoy. Cruises are really an excellent family vacation! Here are some pictures from the cruise.

First our room:

The bathroom

The sitting area. That couch pulled out into a bed. The orange curtain pulled accross to the middle of the room and that little black wall had a pull out divider that ran along that track on the ground. The girls are standing by the wall of windows that took up the length of the room.


The main bed in the room. The other side of the wall on the side of the bed is the bathroom. Wade is standing on the tracks for the wall divider.

One morning view on the cruise.

Our flowers in our room welcoming us aboard.

I'm sure Wade took this by the angle! lol.

We had a slight delay in our cruise as we had to go back to Ensenada for a medical emergency. Not for us, but someone on board. This is looking at Ensenada.

A towel animal. The kids loved these!

Kylie on the pull out bed. She shared with Payton.

Wes trying to get Steve up.

Wade getting in on the rousting.


Another one of the towel animals.

I'll post more photos in another post.

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T14:18:00.000-07:00

We hope your day is filled with peace, reflecting, and love. Most of all we hope you life is filled with appreciation for our Savior and all he did for us.

With love,

The Stockards

Happy Valentines Day

2011-02-14T18:01:00.000-08:00

from us to you!

We heart attacked my mom and dad on Sunday when they were at church. The kids were so excited! They wanted it to be anonymous, but my mom knew right away who had done it, lol. I told the kids she would be able to guess.

BYU FOOTBALL

2010-09-09T12:07:00.000-07:00

Steve and I bought season tickets to BYU football this year. Last week was our first game versus Washington Huskies and we won! Yay! It was a great weekend for us. My mom kept all 4 kids and we got to get away as a couple. Thanks mom!

Here are a few pictures from this weekend-

These are from inside the Legacy tent. You get to go in there when you buy a certain level of ticket. They have food and drinks for you 2 hours before the game, food at half time, and food after the game where you can watch the post game show on TVs while the traffic dies down. It was awesome. And it was air conditioned. Wonderful since it was like 95 in the stadium!

The band and the cheerleaders come in to pump up the crowd too!

And here are some pictures from inside the stadium. We are on row 32 at the 50 yard line!

PreGame

Hot, hot, hot!

A little less hot!

Almost at the end

Sun's gone down.

Once the sun was behind the stadium it was much better. The game was so fun and I'm excited to go back!

Back to School

2010-09-09T08:37:00.000-07:00

Well, summer is over and we are back to school. We had one last summer treat last night. We went to the Longboards truck and got dipped and rolled ice cream. So yummy! Follow them on Facebook to find out where they will be next so you can go too!

Yesterday!

2010-05-11T19:22:00.001-07:00

My day yesterday was crazy busy! Wade was in his carseat more than out too! We took the kids to school at 7:30. Then we came home around 8:20 for just a few minutes to rotate laundry before we had to go to his Speech Evaluation meeting at 9am. Good news is that he no longer qualifies for speech! He is talking within normal limits for his age and even higher in some areas. Since he is 3 on Saturday his services were being transferring to the school district from the county's regional center. The school district did extensive testing on him and he is caught up to his age now as far as speech goes! His comprehension has always been higher, and it still it. So whew! No more worrying about fitting speech visits in too.

So, after his meeting we went home and rotated laundry. Then we went to the car wash and it took way too long, but they did a great job. Then we came home to rotate laundry again! Then we met my parents for lunch at Del Taco. After lunch we came home and rotated laundry again. I also folded and hung up a bunch too each time! I had so much laundry!

At 1:30 we went to pick up the kids from school. Payton gets out and 2 and the other 2 get out at 2:22. I left Kylie at my mom's so she could take her to Brownies at 5pm. I was going to pick her up at 7 when it was over and all the other stuff of the day was over too. Got home at 3 pm. (I will be so glad when we live closer to the school!) Then I tried to get the house vacuummed and laundry put away and homework done before we had to take Payton to swim practice. She had to be there at 4:30. Wes had to be at baseball practice right after Payton ended so he was all dressed with his cleats on and all. Then when were at the pool. . .

HE FELL INTO THE POOL! fully dressed for baseball!!! He didn't think it was so funny, but I did!

We had to drive home, get him changed, and rush back to the pool to pick up Payton as her time was ending. Just then my phone rang. It was Kylie's Brownie leader saying the meeting was ending at 6:30, the same time that Weston's practice ends. UGH! It was supposed to be over at 7 and I would have time to get Wes then get Kylie. So a quick chat with Wes' coach to ask him if I could get him a few minutes later (just 10-15 minutes after the end of practice, and he agreed), and we went to get Kylie. Rushed back to get Wes from practice. It was 6:45 by then and 7 by the time we got home and dinner finally started. Then we had to shower and finish homework and do dishes. By the time that was all done it was 10 minutes till 8pm. Just the perfect time for teeth brushing and bed!

I think I was more tired than the kids!

And today was just as busy too. Barely any time at home!

So Inspirational!

2010-05-04T22:20:00.001-07:00

My New Nephew

2010-04-06T20:15:00.001-07:00

Parker Dane was born this morning at 4:55 AM. He was 7 lbs 6 oz, 20 inches long. He is beautiful and Julie is doing wonderfully! Kylie and I got to go to the hospital this afternoon and hold him. I love him so much already. We are so lucky to have him in our family.

I Said I Would Not Do It Again

2010-03-20T13:17:00.000-07:00

but I signed all the kids up for Fall soccer! I can only blame the craziness on myself.

I'm a Winner

2010-03-01T11:56:00.001-08:00

Check it out! I won the cupcake hair clippies from this great blog! You should look at the fun stuff there: http://cutecupcakesallthetime.blogspot.com/

Molly In Video

2010-02-26T18:19:00.000-08:00

Molly Pitcher

2010-02-26T12:42:00.000-08:00

For the past few weeks, Kylie has been reading her biography book on Molly Pitcher to get ready for her book report. This was a 2 part project. She had to write a summary and prepare a 3 minute oral report. She also had to dress up for the oral report. Here she is in the morning with her patriotic dress, bonnet, boots, and pitcher.

Just in case you don't know who Molly Pitcher was. . . Molly Pitcher was a Revolutionary War heroine that went on the battlefield and gave soldiers water from her pitcher. Her husband was on the same battlefield and when he suffered a fatal shot, Molly took over his cannon and helped her side defeat the British. (I had no idea who Molly Pitcher was before Kylie's report!) She was appointed a Sargent by General Washington because of her bravery on the battle field.

Here is our Molly Pitcher!

And here is her classroom. Do you recognize any famous people?

Busy Week

2010-02-26T12:36:00.001-08:00

Kylie and I hosted her Brownie meeting on Monday. We completed the Hobbies Try-It by talking about hobbies, having a show and tell, and then a round robin of hobbies to try. The girls made Scrabble tile pendants for jewelry making, bookmarks for reading, posters, for drawing, and decorated cupcakes for cake decoration. I think they all had a great time. Here are a few pictures from the meeting when the girls became food artists and made this fruit rainbow with marshmallow clouds and a pot of banana gold at the end. This was in the middle of the meeting for their snack.

The Best Video

2010-02-18T16:10:00.000-08:00

I believe that these are the words my mom would have written to her children many years ago and I hope that I am living these words with my own children right now!

Some photos from January

2010-02-14T15:52:00.000-08:00

Tasha's Craftiness

2010-02-02T18:21:00.000-08:00

In my ward when I was growing up a super cute little family moved in. In that family there were three little, adorable girls (and 2 little boys, followed by another cutie girl later). I got to babysit these little girls a few times and now these cuties are grown up mommies with blogs! One of them is giving away some crafty cuteness! I want to win it, but I thought I would tell you about it too so you could have a chance of winning. Here is a link:

http://creationcorner.blogspot.com/2010/02/happy-february-giveaway.html

So CUTE!!!

Sunday Talks

2010-01-11T20:39:00.000-08:00

Since we moved into our new ward we were asked to speak this past Sunday. Our topic was the sacrament as we read about it in 3 Nephi 18. Here is my talk as I wrote it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Introduce family. Moved in Oct 24th. 12th Sunday in the ward, so far really like it

Before Christmas, I read a blog post by a lady I only know online. Her name is Sister Killian. Her words were very meaningful to me then, and they are again now as I was asked to prepare this talk on the sacrament. Here is what some of the blog post said:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tradition: Part of the Blessings of Motherhood
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It is this idea of traditions bringing us closer to our Heavenly Father that really stood out to me. When we were asked to talk on the sacrament, I wanted to focus on the fact that the sacrament is very traditional. By participating in this tradition, we draw nearer to Him, remember Him, and in turn are blessed to always have His Spirit with us.
On the night before His Crucifixion, Jesus Christ met with His Apostles and instituted the sacrament. In Luke 22:19–20 we read:

19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.

It is in this same order that we now partake of the sacrament, first the bread and then the water.

The exact words of the sacrament prayer are not given at this time in the New Testament like we have them in the Doctrine and Covenants, but after His Resurrection, we know He went to the Nephites to teach them and minister to them. One of the many great and important things he did while visiting the Nephites was to institute the sacrament among the Nephites. It is after the same manner that he taught the Nephites, that we now use for our sacrament.

We read about this ordinance in 3 Nephi 18.

First he commanded his Disciples to bring him bread and wine and he had those in attendance sit around Him. Then he blessed the bread, gave it to the disciples, and had the disciples give the bread to the multitude.

Then he taught them that there would be some ordained to administer this ordinance among them, “Unto all those who shall believe and be baptized in my name.” And he tells them to do it in the way He has shown them.

Then in verse 7 he teaches, “And this shall ye do in remembrance of my body, which I have shown unto you. And it shall be a testimony unto the Father that ye do always remember me. And if ye do always remember me ye shall have my Spirit to be with you.”

This is slightly different from the Last Supper when it is recorded in the New Testament as “This is my body.” We do not believe that the bread and water are Christ’s actual body and blood, but an emblem to help us remember Him.

Then continuing in 3 Nephi 18:8 and 9 they repeat the same steps with the wine. When they had finished administering the sacrament, Jesus said in v10 and 11,

“Blessed are ye for this thing which ye have done, for this is fulfilling my commandments, and this doth witness unto the Father that ye are willing to do that which I have commanded you.
11 And this shall ye always do to those who repent and are baptized in my name; and ye shall do it in remembrance of my blood, which I have shed for you, that ye may witness unto the Father that ye do always remember me. And if ye do always remember me ye shall have my Spirit to be with you.”

It is in this same manner that we partake of the sacrament today. Our partaking of the bread and water is fulfilling His command to always remember Him and His atoning sacrifice. This ordinance is also a witness unto the Father that we are willing to do that which He has commanded us. In taking the sacrament we are entering into the covenant with our Heavenly Father, and we are promised that the Lord’s Spirit will be with us as was promised to the Nephites.

This ordinance is an essential part of our worship and spiritual development. Through this ordinance, we also renew the covenants we made with God when we were baptized.

The prayers said in exactness each time the bread and water are blessed formalize language used by the resurrected Savior when he visited the Americas.

It is by adhering to this tradition that we walk in His way, and draw nearer to Him. When we keep this tradition of the sacrament with our families, we grow even stronger together.
My mom has often related a story to me about a young man in our ward that was blessing the sacrament and having an extremely hard time getting through the prayer without messing up. I know you can probably remember a time when you listened as a young man struggled through giving the prayer with the exactness that is required. It can get uncomfortable and you hope the young man isn’t feeling too embarrassed. You really start to feel for them and hope that they can just get it right. In this particular case though, my mom found herself listening more intently each time, really hearing the words of the prayer and taking them in. In listening to the words and really taking them in, the prayers became more meaningful to her and she really heard them, instead of just letting the familiar words wash past her. After what seemed like at least 10 attempts, the young priest finally slowed down, concentrated on each and every word, and got it all out without error. I think everyone in that congregation had a new love for the sacrament prayers and for the tradition of saying those prayers with such exactness. You could definitely hear it in the young priest’s voice.

Now, we must not just listen to the prayers and just partake of the sacrament. But we must also do as the Nephites did and follow the doctrine of Christ, which is to believe in Jesus, rely on him, repent of our sins, take his name upon us by being baptized in his church, receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, and faithfully follow Christ all of our lives. Taking the sacrament is an outward action that reminds us of all we have committed to do.
We must also be worthy to do so. Elder Groberg shared a story once of the importance of being worth to partake of the sacrament. I’d like to share that story now.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Some years ago, a young couple we will call the Joneses visited with their bishop about a problem the wife had. The details are not important, but through the direction of the Spirit, the bishop’s decision was that, among other things, Sister Jones would not partake of the sacrament for a period of time while she worked out some attitudes and problems.
With lots of love and support, she continued to attend meetings with her family, and few but her husband and the bishop were aware of the situation or even noticed that week after week she did not partake of the sacrament. At first she didn’t feel much difference; but as time went on, she became more and more desirous to be worthy to partake of the sacrament. She thought she had repented before, but as the real soul-searching deepened and as her desire to worthily partake of the sacrament increased, true fundamental changes began to take place in her life and in her actions and in her thinking.
More time passed. Finally, during one sacrament meeting, the Spirit bore witness to the bishop and to Brother and Sister Jones that the time had come for her to again partake of the sacrament. “Next Sunday,” the bishop said.
Next Sunday came, and Sister Jones sat again with her family, nervous, yet excited and full of anticipation. “Am I really worthy? How I want to be!” she thought. The sacrament hymn was more meaningful than ever. She sang with such feeling that it was difficult to hold back the tears. And the sacrament prayers—how profound! She listened so intently that every word sank deep into her soul—to take his name, always remember him, keep his commandments, always have his Spirit. (See D&C 20:77, 79.) “Oh, how I desire this,” she thought.
The deacons began to move up and down the aisles, and the trays were passed from person to person across the rows. As one young deacon got closer and closer to her row, her heart began to pound harder and harder. Then the tray was coming down her very row. Now her husband was holding the tray in front of her! Tears streamed down her face. There was a barely audible sob of joy, “Oh!” as she reached for the emblem of the Lord’s love for her. The congregation did not hear the sob, but they did notice the tears in the bishop’s eyes.
Life and hope and forgiveness and spiritual strength had been given and received. No one could be more worthy. Sister Jones truly wanted to have his Spirit. She wanted to take his name upon her. With all her heart, she wanted to remember him and keep his commandments. She wanted to repent, to improve, and to follow the guidance of his Spirit.

It is my prayer that we all want to take the sacrament worthily. We will want to listen to the exactness of the prayers and that we will want to teach this tradition to our children.
In closing I would like to leave you with one quote I found online on lds.org. It is this:
“The Sacrament prayers invite personal introspection, repentance, and rededication, yet they are also communal, binding individuals into congregations who jointly and publicly attest to their willingness to remember Christ. This shared commitment to become like Christ, repeated weekly, defines the supreme aspiration of Latter-day Saint life.”

I hope as a ward we can feel this communal bonding every week as we draw closer together in upholding the traditions of the sacrament as taught by our resurrected Savior to the Nephites.

I have a strong testimony that the sacrament does have the power to draw us together with our Savior, with our families, and together as a ward. By partaking in the ordinance of the sacrament, we will “come unto Christ and be perfected in him”

Amen

The Las Vegas Bowl

2010-01-08T17:09:00.000-08:00

I forgot to post these pictures, but I think you can tell just how cold it was at the Las Vegas Bowl! It was fun though, and BYU did win.

The Haircuts

2010-01-08T17:05:00.000-08:00

The Before

and The Afters

Us

2010-01-08T16:51:00.000-08:00

Farrell's

2009-11-30T20:51:00.000-08:00

It was a lot of fun! for the kids

Playing at Home

2009-11-30T20:49:00.000-08:00

Better Late than Never

2009-11-18T10:50:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pictures from our Trick or Treating with the Birds (lol, get it?). We loved having them here for the holiday. Unfortunately my camera battery was not charged and I didn't get too many photos. Here are a few though.

Funny Wade

2009-11-18T10:48:00.001-08:00

This kid is so much fun! I am so glad I get to spend my days with him. His little personality is great! I am so glad he is a part of our family.

Kylie's Soccer Season-The Cinnamon Kicks

2009-11-18T10:37:00.001-08:00

Weston entertaining himself and Wade during a soccergame.

Kylie and her teammate.
Waiting for the ball to get to her!

Running for the ball!

Wade got tired of hanging out in the stroller during games. I wanted to watch the games though and so I needed him to stay put. He wanted to run around too.

Soccer

2009-11-18T10:25:00.000-08:00

While Payton and Ella are playing their game,

The other kids are playing on the playground!

LeeLou Giveaways

2009-11-08T08:29:00.001-08:00

Our New Place

2009-11-01T19:42:00.000-08:00

Most of you know that we have moved via my mom's blog. If you don't read her blog then you may not know. Here is a copy of her post and some pictures of the home before we moved it.

I decided to blog about this because it is what I am doing right now and what is occupying my attention. They are just way to busy and Jenny is going in so many directions she doesn't have time to sit and blog,

it isn't what she is concentrating on right now.

Anyone who knows me very well knows that I have a problem with change. Even as a very little girl, I hated the thought of moving, having new routines and making new friends. It was always very traumatic for me. Now as a mother my stress is magnified and knowing that they are grown adults doesn't help me much.

I guess I need to learn to let go and trust in their decisions and choices.

How can I worry when I see the place they are moving too? It's a beautiful home in Fountain Valley, and is only about 7 miles away. I won't be able to just walk over any more on my morning walks or pick the kids up at Eastwood with her, but hey don't they say that "change is good?" They're moving into a wonderful neighborhood, and their new ward, FV3 has at least 90 kids in their primary.

This is the entry way with the formal living room on the left side, and the formal dining room beyond that. They have a three car garage to the right. It has a lot of windows with a lot of natural sunlight.

When you walk straight in from the front door you go into the kitchen

and family room. See all of the sunlight coming in?

This is their georgous back yard, with a newly fenced pool, isn't it beautiful?

And here's the kitchen. She's going to have to get used to a little less space and less storage. The kitchen they are leaving was so big! But see, isn't this a beautiful house. They have four bedrooms up stairs and that's a change from only three. They even have 3 working fireplaces and even three bathrooms.

Kylie's Project

2009-09-20T20:47:00.000-07:00

Today Kylie went into her room and started writing this paper. She would come out and read a bit to me or ask me how to spell something. I would help her a little and she would return to her room.She asked me at one point what else she could write. I told her to write about her beliefs. She said it was too hard at first, but then continued to write. In the end, she wanted to type it out. Steve helped her with the word processing.

This is what she came up with.

Kylie 9/20/2009

My name is Kylie Stockard. I like pink. I also like purple. I love school. My nickname is KES. They are my initials. I’m almost 9.

Do you have some hobbies? I do, one is soccer. I can kick, shoot, dribble, and score. I enjoy scrap booking. I love the way they get set up. I also sew. I can sew with my grandma. I love lanyards. They are tricky at first. You should try one of these.

My family loves me. I love them. I have 1 sister and 2 brothers. There names are Payton, Weston, and Wade. Along with my mom and dad we are a happy family.

Another important thing about me is my beliefs. I believe in the book of Mormon, Jesus Christ, Heavenly Father, the Holy Bible, Pearl of Great Price, the Doctrine of Covenants, and the Holy Ghost.

These are just a few things about the wonderful me. I am really happy with who I am turning out to be. I cannot wait to see who I will turn out to be…..

PSA

2009-08-12T22:15:00.001-07:00

Wear shoes when cooking bacon because you might spill grease on yourself.

I'm just saying.

More partiers

2009-08-08T20:43:00.000-07:00

Just do me a favor and click on this picture to make it bigger. Look at Kylie's face! lol Can you see what she is holding? Its one of those HUGE Japanese beetles that Grandma Wilson used to tell us only come around when you cry or scream in the pool, lol! She was trying to be brave, but she won't pet a dog???

This is the cutie baby that the mama couldn't let sleep! Cute!!! This is his older older sister.

This is the baby girl that got the boot when this little guy joined the family. She is the littlest sister of the family, but now she is a big sister too!

They were so excited that he woke up!

This mama loves her baby!

More from the party!

2009-08-08T20:19:00.000-07:00

The big daddy of the birthday boy!

My cute, fun cousin and her girlie!

My grumpus!

The birthday boy!

My camera was malfunctioning (the lens was locking up and not going in or out) so I asked my dad if I could use his brand new Canon Digital Rebel xTi. I knew I would regret using it. I think I'm in love! Too bad its way out of my price range.

Partiers!

2009-08-08T20:07:00.000-07:00

The kids looking at bees, I think.

Wade was a grump most of the afternoon. Thank goodness for super wonderful moms and grandmas! My mom took Wade inside and watched him so I could interact with the partiers. Thanks Mom! I love you!

Cutie little girl!

And her handsome brother!

This little one slept almost the whole time through all the swimming noise. He is #5 so he is learning! His mama eventually woke him up though and we got some cute pictures of him (still to come).

Paytie! She loves the water, but her baby blues get so red from the chlorine!

Weston's 7th Birthday Pool Party

2009-08-08T19:27:00.001-07:00

Opening presents.

Splash Pad

2009-07-30T17:13:00.000-07:00

There is a really fun park in our city called the Splash Pad. The kids love it! Here are a few pictures from our recent playdate.

Wade fell asleep on the way there and slept for almost the whole time.

The 2 babies were late getting in the water. L wanted to hang by her mom most of the time and Wade was sleeping. But then they got in and loved it too.

Wade kept trying to drink the water!

Kylie was at Girl Scout Day Camp and missedthis fun activity.

Booboo Baby

2009-07-30T15:10:00.000-07:00

These are really sad pictures. Wade came running into the kitchen the fell into the chair. In the first pic, he is crying because I took away the popsicle so I could take the pic.

Today its still a bump but not as big and more bruised.

My House is Empty

2009-07-12T14:30:00.000-07:00

except for Wade. He still loves me!

We had a fun weekend. Tom, Tommy, Ryan, and 2 friends came in on Friday for a quick weekend birthday trip for Ryan. All Ryan wanted for his 13th birthday was to go to the Angels/Yankee game. So his dad brought him, his brother, and 2 friends for a teenage boy weekend. We were so happy to host them and wish we could have seen more of them. They got here Friday afternoon around 1, headed straight to the beach. Then went from the beach to the Angels' game. The got home around 11pm and left in the morning at 7 am for Disneyland. They didn't come home from Disneyland until 1am! Then they left this morning to go back to Fallon. Quick trip, but I know they had a blast.

My 3 bigger kids left this morning to Fallon too, but with Grandma Dot and in an airplane. They are having special cousin time for a whole week in Nevada. They were so excited to fly on the airplane! They all loved the flight but said the landing was a little too bumpy. I'm hoping Grandma takes lots of pictures for me. We miss them already and they have only been gone since 7 this morning.

What will I do the whole week with just Wade? Probably less housework and definitely less laundry!

Wade is so funny

2009-07-01T09:22:00.001-07:00

When I am scrapbooking or working at the computer for work, Wade will stand behind me. Since he refuses to nap most days, sometimes he falls asleep while standing behind me!

Gina! and Lisa!

2009-06-25T11:11:00.000-07:00

Gina,

Go see my other blog to see something I made for you. Maybe I'll give it to your mom!

http://bindingmemories.blogspot.com

Lisa,
You can go over there too, but you will have to scroll down a few posts. Yours was made with the June kit.

The rest of you can go see my newest layouts if you want.

I hope you girls like them!

Awesome Video

2009-06-08T19:41:00.001-07:00

Just thought I would share this video I found on someone's blog. Its really neat!

FoodAllergies

2009-06-07T08:26:00.000-07:00

Here is how Wade's food allergies manifest themselves, as eczema. Poor baby lives in a constant state of itchiness. I think we may have found a cure though!

Stay tuned for post treatment pictures.

Easter Pics

2009-04-12T21:29:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pics from this morning's hunt.

Back from a Break

2009-04-07T16:25:00.001-07:00

We had a hectic end of March, but I'd like to start off April with a fun post.

We had a great night at the Angel's last preseason game on Saturday. We only lasted through the 7th inning, but it still was a great time!

Here are a few pics from the night. Kylie had to stay home because she was sick.

The helmet sundaes were a hit, and the Angel's outscored the Padres. That makes everyone a winner that night!

Thanks Bob for the great tickets!

Disneyland for my Birthday

2009-03-17T23:38:00.001-07:00

Me and my baby

2009-03-17T23:36:00.000-07:00

BeFunky

2009-02-27T19:25:00.000-08:00

There is a fun website called befunky.com Its a photo editing site. CHeck out this photo of my brother!

and here is one of Kylie

And this is Payton:

ANd here is a last one of Wade:

This is great!

He also

2009-02-07T16:52:00.000-08:00

loves being outside.

He

2009-02-07T16:50:00.000-08:00

misses his brother and sister when they are at school!

24 hour challenge pictures

2009-01-24T19:26:00.000-08:00

Here is Steve's version of reading the Book of Mormon!

To see more pics from the challenge I posted about earlier, check out my mom's blog.

http://gwilsonfamily.blogspot.com/

She has a lot up now, but she is going to put more up.

She has pics of everyone sleeping at some point. Hehe.

I did too!

2009-01-24T15:56:00.001-08:00

I wish I could figure out the method to blogger uploading. It seems like every time I upload, they go on to the blog in a weird and different order than I intended! Grrr!

Anyway, here are the pics of my hair. My cousin Kim came in to town and did a great job. I am making her my official "hair girl" from now on!

Kylie got a cut too.

2009-01-24T15:38:00.000-08:00

Hair Cuts-Payton is up first

2009-01-24T15:17:00.000-08:00

She actually got cut last, but here is her picture debut.

Polar Bear Swim

2009-01-21T21:37:00.000-08:00

I should have read the thermometer to see how cold the water was. He swam all the way across but he says he doesn't want to do it again. I don't blame him. That pool is COLD!

24 hour challenge

2009-01-17T20:34:00.000-08:00

Steve is in Young Mens. He works with the priests. My dad is the YM president and my mom works with the mia maids. Starting yesterday at 7pm my parents had all of the youth over and their goal was to read the Book of Mormon in 24 hours. They finished today at 6pm! I am so proud of all of them for doing this. The leaders, teens, and our bishop got it done! Steve is snoring beside me now, but he was up all night. I hope all those kids got something out of this experience.

On a side note, around breakfast time a few of the kids jumped in the pool for a Polar Bear Challenge. Wes was so excited about this that I took him over and he jumped in too. I took pictures. Does that make me a bad mom? Letting my 6 year old swim in an outdoor pool that is not heated? hehe

I'll be sharing pics later of that!

A Tent for Christmas

2009-01-02T14:52:00.000-08:00

Steve and Kylie slept in it the night after we put it up. They came in at 5:30 and it was 38! Too cold for this mama.

Rose Parade

2009-01-01T22:24:00.000-08:00

I love the Rose Parade. This year I went with my kids, my mom, my brother Greg, sister in law Jess, and my 2nephews to see the floats before the parade. I took over 80 photos! How is that possible. I didn't even take that many on CHristmas day. I uploaded many of them to slide.com

Here is a slideshow to see some of the work that goes into these things. They are so amazing in person!

Breakfast with Santa, early Dec

2009-01-01T21:48:00.001-08:00

I'm behind with some posts here so let me try to get us caught up.

Sea World

2008-12-24T21:12:00.001-08:00

Last Saturday we went to Sea World. Here are a few pics from that day.

Just so you know

2008-12-22T08:57:00.000-08:00

If you post a super cute picture on your blog and I see it, I may "borrow" it and create a scrapbook page for you. I already have given 2 pages away. One was to Greg and Jess.

and the other one was for Julie, my sister in law.

I have two more sitting on my desk waiting to give to the owners! I'm so excited about them. Do you think it could be yours?

I'll give you a hint, one of the pictures was posted over the weekend and the other picture I got in an email.

I can't wait to share them soon!

Super Citizen

2008-12-03T19:15:00.000-08:00

Today one of my kids got the Super Citizen Award. Guess who???

Come on, guess???

You want a hint? Its one of the 2 older kids!

No, not that one! The other one!

And I have photo proof!

This has been a long process. I'm so happy everyday when I pick him up and get a good report. Its so much better than last year, or even the beginning of this year.

Now, let's see if we can get the same results in Primary!

True Love

2008-11-29T11:14:00.001-08:00

One night I was watching TV in my room when Wes and Payton went into the bathroom. I thought they were messing around with stuff in there and I heard the blow dryer. I got nervous that they were doing something wrong. I decided I needed to check it out and see what they were up to, so I opened the door and this is what I found:

I had to include the second video even though its sideways. What Weston says is priceless. How does he even know about highlighting?

btw, I didn't give him any lemonade, lol!

My kids are a bunch of Elves!

2008-11-17T20:18:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Prop 8 and the Mormon Church

2008-11-13T15:40:00.001-08:00

Have you read this yet?

Kevin Hamilton's Letter on Proposition 8 and the Mormon Church

Dear Friends,

In the aftermath of the recent election, we may find ourselves oddly on the defensive regarding our support for the Yes on Proposition 8 cause. Our young people have been especially subject to mean-spirited comments by high school friends and teachers. We have nothing to be ashamed of. We did nothing wrong. In fact, we did everything that a civic-minded American can and should do. I have put together a few facts that help me to appreciate our position better. For example:

1. Mormons make up less than 2 percent of the population of California. There are approximately 800,000 LDS out of a total population of approximately 34 million.Mormon voters were less than 5 percent of the yes vote.

2. If one estimates that 250,000 LDS are registered voters (the rest being children), then LDS voters made up 4.6 percent of the yes vote and 2.4 percent of the total Proposition 8 vote.

3. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) donated no money to the Yes on 8 campaign. Individual members of the church were encouraged to support the Yes on 8 efforts and, exercising their constitutional right to free speech, donated whatever they felt like donating.

4. The No on 8 campaign raised more money than the Yes on 8 campaign. Unofficial estimates put No on 8 at $38 million and Yes on 8 at $32 million, making it the most expensive non-presidential election in the country.

5. Advertising messages for the Yes on 8 campaign are based on case law and real-life situations. The No on 8 supporters have insisted that the Yes on 8 messaging is based on lies. Every Yes on 8 claim is supported.

6. The majority of our friends and neighbors voted Yes on 8. Los Angeles County voted in favor of Yes on 8. Ventura County voted in favor of Yes on 8.

7. African-Americans overwhelmingly supported Yes on 8. Exit polls show that 70 percent of black voters chose Yes on 8. This was interesting because the majority of these voters voted for President-elect Obama. No on 8 supporters had assumed that Obama voters would vote No on 8.

8. The majority of Latino voters voted Yes on 8. Exit polls show that the majority of Latinos supported Yes on 8 and cited religious beliefs (assumed to be primarily Catholic).

9. The Yes on 8 coalition was a broad spectrum of religious organizations. Catholics, evangelicals, Protestants, Orthodox Jews, Muslims -- all supported Yes on 8. It is estimated that there are 10 million Catholics and 10 million Protestants in California. Mormons were a tiny fraction of the population represented by Yes on 8 coalition members.

10. Not all Mormons voted in favor of Proposition 8. Our faith accords that each person be allowed to choose for him or herself. Church leaders have asked members to treat other members with "civility, respect and love," despite their differing views.

11. The church did not violate the principal of separation of church and state. This principle is derived from the First Amendment to the United States' Constitution, which reads, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof?" The phrase "separation of church and state", which does not appear in the Constitution itself, is generally traced to an 1802 letter by Thomas Jefferson, although it has since been quoted in several opinions handed down by the United States Supreme Court in recent years. The LDS Church is under no obligation to refrain from participating in the political process to the extent permitted by law. U.S. election law is very clear that churches may not endorse candidates, but may support issues. The church as always been very careful on this matter and occasionally (not often) chooses to support causes that it feels to be of a moral nature.

12. Supporters of Proposition 8 did exactly what the Constitution provides for all citizens: they exercised their First Amendment rights to speak out on an issue that concerned them, make contributions to a cause that they support and then vote in the regular electoral process. For the most part, this seems to have been done in an open, fair and civil way. Opponents of 8 have accused supporters of being bigots, liars and worse. The fact is, we simply did what Americans do -- we spoke up, we campaigned and we voted.

Hold your heads up high -- you did a great job on this most important cause. We will have more opportunities in the future to participate in our democratic process. Let's remember the lessons learned and do an even better job next time.

These are my personal opinions and thoughts; any errors are mine and in no way reflect official church policy or doctrine.

Thanks,
Kevin Hamilton

Wii Hula Hoop and get Fit

2008-11-12T22:59:00.000-08:00

Tagged Twice

2008-11-12T22:28:00.000-08:00

First, I was tagged by one of my most favorite people ever! My super friend Angela (we were BYU roomies and I miss her more than I like to admit)

So Ang, this is for you!

I am: a wife and mother
I want: more time in my day
I have: a beautiful family
I dislike: cigarette smoke
I miss: my Utah Aunts
I fear: backing over any of my kids
I feel: tired (its 10:30 pm)
I hear: Oprah on my Tivo
I crave: nothing right now
I cry: not often enough
I usually: am up by 7 am
I search: using Google
I wonder: if my kids will have great childhood memories
I regret: not going to Angela's wedding
I love: Steve
I care: about my family
I worry: about my kids' happiness
I am not: skinny
I remember: Roman Gardens and my fun roomates!
I believe: in Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy
I dance: to make my kids laugh
I sing: Primary songs
I don't always: clean my house as much as I should, but after watching Oprah today, I realise that I do a he** of a lot better than many people!
I argue: too often
I write: on my blog and scrapbook pages
I win: scrapbook challenges
I lose: scrapbook challenges (its the only thing I play right now)
I wish: I could overcome my weight problem
I listen: to my husband. all. the. time. (he wishes)
I don't understand: why we don't always get the desires of our hearts (me neither Ang)
I can usually be found: at the computer or in my car (ditto)
I need: to go to bed
I forget: to always be patiet
I am happy: when the ones I love are happy (and when I have a Big Gulp!)

I tag however wants to play! Its a fun list and gets you thinking.

Second, I was tagged by a good friend in my ward. We are slowly becoming better friends and I love getting to know her better.

Vivian, this is for you!

6 Random Things

The Rules:

1. Link to the person who tagged you (Vivian tagged me).

2. Post the rules on your blog (this is what you are now reading).

3. Write 6 random things about yourself (see below).

4. Tag 6 people at the end of your post and link to them.

5. Let each person know they have been tagged and leave a comment on their blog.

6. Let the tagger know when your entry is up.

Here we go with the random things:

1. I am legally blind in my left eye. I have been since I was 10. Its never been a big deal. The only time it was ever even an issue is when I was 16 and taking drivers ed. I fell under the "handicap" clause and my drivers ed training was paid for by the state. Weird! Sees to me that the state wouldn't want to encourage seeing impaired people to drive, but what do I know?

2. I've had 5 cars since I turned 16. My dad gave me my first car, it was a hand me down. Then my parents bought me a Dodge Shadow (drove through all of college). After I got married, Steve bought me my long dreamed of 4Runner. When I started having kids I moved on to a MiniVan. Now that I have 4 kids I drive a true mom car, my suburban. I can't imagine driving anything else right now.

3. I wish I could have had these digital gadgets whe nI was in college that I have now, especially my digi cam. I have forgotten so much from those days. I wish I would have documented it better. I think thats one of the main reasons I scrapbook so much now!

4. I'm excited for Christmas! I know we will be scaling back this year though (who isn't). Looking at my house shows me that we do not NEED anything!

5. My kids LOVE cleaning the toilet. I take advantage of them, and put them to work. I know someday they will see that cleaning toilets isn't FUN! For now, I enjoy their zeal.

6. I love my husband! He is wonderful, a hard worker, loves his family, and is funny. Sure he has stuff he needs to work on, but who doesn't. I'm glad he is the leader of our family.

Now, I know I'm supposed to tag 6 people, but I won't. If you read this and want to play along, great! Message me and tell me you did.

Thanks girls for the tags. I liked taking time to think and write.

I have to follow through

2008-11-11T21:03:00.000-08:00

Wes trying to read.

My Edward In Training

2008-11-10T07:43:00.000-08:00

He will be progressing to cars soon! hehe

Our Pumpkins

2008-11-04T09:43:00.000-08:00

Halloween Stuff

2008-11-03T18:54:00.000-08:00

More October

2008-10-30T23:05:00.001-07:00

Kylie's baptism was more important to me and special than I can put into words. I think that is why I have waited to post anything about it. Its hard to put emotions into words. I'll just share some pics for now.

October Update

2008-10-30T22:52:00.000-07:00

I realize I have been a terrible blogger for the month of October. You know why? Because I haven't downloaded any pictures recently. I knew it had been awhile when I went to take pictures today and my memory card was filled after just 3 pictures! That was 215 pictures not downloaded and still on my card. So I'm going to try to catch up and post a few things that are a bit dated.

Meanwhile, if you haven't checked my other blog, go look. bindingmemories.blogspot.com
I have excited scrappy news!

Kylie and Sydney after Sydney's baptism (Kylie was so excited, her special day was the very next Saturday)

Me, Carrie, and Melanie

All the kids after the baptism

The night of Kylie's first Activity Day. She was so excited! 10/8

Cutest Backgrounds

2008-10-29T13:40:00.001-07:00

Ever wonder where to get a super cute layout for your blog???

SHe has the cutest ones!

New blog to check out

2008-10-27T13:20:00.000-07:00

I found another blog that I like and want to pass on. She is doing lots of giveaways. This one right now is Twilight related!
Natalie's Sentiments

Actual Costumes

2008-10-24T08:55:00.000-07:00

Ok, I'll admit it. That's not really Steve's costume! Its from a fun site called photofunia.com You should try it, its fun.

Here are two pics of Wade in this cute raincoat we got. I was going to post costume previews but the pics are still on my camera. I'll post them soon.

Halloween Costume

2008-10-21T22:46:00.000-07:00

You want to see what Steve is going to be for Halloween???

He is so excited about his costume!

I love it too!!!

Let me know if you think he should wear this to the ward Halloween party!

Marie-Therese Gown GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!

2008-10-19T20:18:00.000-07:00

Marie-Therese Gown GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!

This is amazing! CHeck out this costume. Wouldn't Payton look so cute in this dress?

Two things Weston needs more than the average person

2008-10-17T08:51:00.001-07:00

What is a haircut and surgery?

All three boys gor a haircut this week. They are triplets now.

And Wes needs another surgery. He has a bead stuck in his ear but it will be out soon. We are actually in the hospital waiting room right now. Maybe he will be able to hear us better now!

Yes on 8

2008-10-15T22:39:00.000-07:00

Some friends of ours posted this on their blog and encouraged everyone to do the same. Please cut/paste this on your blog and/or email it to friends and family. We can make a difference on this critical issue. Vote YES on Prop 8!

Failure to pass Proposition 8 will hurt children.
If gay marriage remains legal, public schools will put it on equal footing with traditional marriage. Children will likely receive “age appropriate” information about sexual relations within heterosexual and homosexual marriages.

Failure to pass Proposition 8 will hurt churches.
The court’s decision will inevitably lead to conflicts with religious liberty and free speech rights. Society will become more and more hostile to traditional beliefs about marriage and family. Over time, greater acceptance of nontraditional marriage will be demanded of all people. This could impact the ability of any religion to teach and practice its beliefs. Including adoption agencies.

A YES vote will not hurt gays.
In California, the law provides for marriage-related benefits to be given to civil unions and domestic partnerships. Proposition 8 does not diminish these benefits.
For your information:On Friday, October 10th, 2008 a first-grade class took a field trip to witness a lesbian wedding in California. Click Here for the article from the San Francisco Chronicle.

A father in Massachusetts was frustrated when his twin kindergartners were taught about homosexuality at school by the teachers. He insisted he be notified in the future before such things were discussed so he could pull his boys out of school.He was taken to jail. Click Here for the story.

A Catholic adoption agency In the UK closed their doors because of the Government's new homosexual equality laws. The Equality Act forbids discrimination in the provision of goods and services on the basis of sexual orientation. The law was forced through Parliament last year despite past Prime Minister Tony Blair's recommendation that Catholic adoption agencies be exempted from the rules. Click Here for more info.

Earlier this month judges in Conneticut overturned the state law (just as the judges in California did) to legalized gay marriage. This is not just an issue in California. We voted years ago to keep traditional marriage as the only marriage recognized in the state of California, 4 judges overturned our vote…and we need to fight back. That is what this Proposition is about. This is happening everywhere and the leaders of the church and others have warned that the outcome of California’s vote will affect the way the other states vote. So PLEASE…even if you don’t live in California, put this on your blog or email this on. The internet knows no state line. You know contacts in California that I don’t…and so do your friends. Please pass this on as it could eventually have an effect on everyone!

"Occasionally discouragement may darken our pathway; frustration may be a constant companion. In our ears there may sound the sophistry of Satan as he whispers, "You cannot save the world; your small efforts are meaningless. You haven't time to be concerned for others." Trusting in the Lord, let us turn our heads from such falsehoods and make certain our feet are firmly planted in the path of service and our hearts and souls dedicated to follow the example of the Lord." --Thomas S. Monson

Click Here for excerpts from the Broadcast given by Elders M. Russell Ballard, Quentin L. Cook and L. Whitney Clayton.

Another good resource mentioned in the broadcast: http://www.preservingmarriage.org/
October 20th: Last day to apply for an absentee ballot if voting out of state. Click Here to get one.

October 27th: Last day to apply for “Vote by Mail” Click Here for info.

November 4th: Election day. Polls close at 8:00pm. Vote by mail must be received by this time and can be hand delivered if necessary.

YOU'VE BEEN TAGGED...
Here's what you do: In the broadcast we were asked to "go viral on our blogs, etc" by Elder Ballard. This is my way of going viral. If you feel this is an important issue I ask that you copy and paste this post...and post it on your blog. PLEASE keep it at the top of your blog through November 4th. which you can adjust each time you post under the "edit post" option. The internet knows NO STATE LINE. You know contacts in California that I do not...as do your friends and their friends...and so on. Please do this. If not for your own children and the effect it could have on them some day...for mine! After you have posted this...email this to your contacts and TAG all your blogging buddies to do the same. THANK YOU!

Picture Tag

2008-10-09T22:08:00.001-07:00

Try this. Go to your pictures and find the 4th photo in the 4th folder. Here is mine:

This is from 4/22/08. Wade was almost but not quite one. I don't think he got much of this in his mouth, lol.

Now go to your blog and find your picture to post! Leave me a comment if you do it. I got the idea from Melanie's blog! Thanks Melanie.

WICKED

2008-10-05T21:22:00.000-07:00

From the 3rd row! We saw the spit fly! IT was awesome. Loved every minute of it.

and the VIP bathroom (uh, its more than that! said the guy when we asked him where the VIP bathroom was). We got to go to the special VIP lounge during intermission. We got complimentary drinks and goodies. It was a great night! Thanks Mom and Dad.

Mom, I didn't get any pictures of you! Darn it.

And she is 8!

2008-10-01T22:45:00.000-07:00

How is it possible?

She is 4!!!

2008-09-26T08:45:00.000-07:00

Payton just had a birthday, shout hurray!

We celebrated with birthday donuts, McDonalds's nuggets and ice cream cones (Wade just got a cone, no ice cream), and a pizza party for Kylie's soccer team. It was a healthy day!

She can now ride her two wheeler with training wheels too.

She is so proud, but I think Kylie is prouder!

In case you don't read my other blog

2008-09-22T22:57:00.001-07:00

Martha just announced a new contest at SD4U. I would love to win and you could help me out. Here are the details copied from the website:

Here is a Halloween contest for you...if you complete the following assignments:

1. Bring 3 new people to the site - when they introduce themselves have them indicate who refer them
2. Post 4 Halloween Layouts, recent or not
3. Answer the following questions:
What is your favorite candy?
What is your favorite costume?
What do you do for Halloween?

Your Prize, a Guest Designer Position for October and a free Special Edition Halloween kit, using the beautiful Paper line from Cosmo Cricket!

The DT will review the entries and select TWO Guest Designers

Thanks for your participation and Good Luck! Contest will run until next Tuesday Sept 23rd and I will announce the winners on Wednesday Sept 24th

So I can handle posting the layouts and answering the questions, but I don't know about the 3 new people. I don't even think I have 3 people that read this blog. But if I do have any friends that want to join me over there, I would love to have you. Come and play with me over there!!!! Its fun! I promise.

Here is a link! SD4u

Tell them jennstock sent you!

Soccer

2008-09-20T21:20:00.000-07:00

The kids are having a good season so far. Kylie has scored several goals including one today. Wes has scored a few times too (one today also). Wade is being so good watching the games from his stroller. All I have to do is supply the snacks for him. In that picture he is signing MORE, lol.

I'll post more soccer pictures when I remember to take my camera to a game.

Also, Payton's birthday is Tuesday. I'll post birthday pics later this week. I can't believe she is almost 4! CRAZY

love you all

My Happy Boy

2008-09-20T09:37:00.000-07:00

He loves the camera right now.

And Payton was allergy test. She isn't allergic to anything! Yay!!!

Last Friday

2008-09-12T08:57:00.000-07:00

We went to the Discovery Science Center. The kids love it there. It wasn't really crowded and we had a lot of fun!

Don't cha wish

2008-09-11T15:11:00.001-07:00

your husband was hot like mine?

Payton's First Day

2008-09-09T22:02:00.000-07:00

This is her real first day. Those above were just her orientation day. She LOVED it! She told me she is going to school every day.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-09-03T11:41:00.000-07:00

5 times over

Yesterday

2008-08-31T13:59:00.001-07:00

Yesterday Steve got up first and went into the great room. This is what he saw!

Later in the day we decided to secure the window with duct tape. I hope the glass all stays in until we can get in touch with the company on Tuesday. Figures they would be closed because of Labor Day!

Its the whole door side of the slider and only the inside pane. So weird!

Kid Survey

2008-08-29T15:00:00.000-07:00

This is funny. I saw it on someone's blog. Try it yourself. Interview your kids and see what their answers are. Here are my oldest 3's answers. Wade doesn't talk enough to interview him.

1. What is something Mommy always says?
(k) Brush your hair.
(w) Go to your room.
(p) Come out when you are done being in trouble.

2. What makes Mommy happy?
(k) Us getting along
(w) Flowers, I mean new babies
(p) Hugging you and kissing you, like this . . . (kisses me)

3. What makes Mommy sad?
(k) Us not getting along
(w) fighting
(p) When you play with stuff on her desk

4. How does your Mommy make you laugh?
(k) After Wade says something, she repeats it, and I laugh
(w) tell us jokes
(p) Do anything silly.

5. What was your Mommy like as a child?
(k) She looked like me when I was younger
(w) like me
(p) She liked animals

6. How old is your Mommy?
(k) 33, is that right?
(w) 33
(p) 43

7. How tall is your Mommy?
(k) 12 inches, no wait, 15 inches
(w) 80, wait, hold still, I need to go look for something (runs off. . .comes back ) 14 feet
(p) A long way

8. What is your Mommy's favorite thing to do?
(k) scrapbook
(w) go to Del Taco
(p) scrapbook

9. What does Mommy do when you’re not around?
(k) shops
(w) I don’t know
(p) She does quiet time and things kids can’t do. (Like climbing walls that don’t have holds)

10. If your mommy becomes famous, what will it be for?
(k) her scrapbooking
(w) being my mom
(p) the circus

11. What is your Mommy really good at?
(k) scrapbooking
(w) counting to 14
(p) scrapbooking

12. What is your Mommy not good at?
(k) taking us to Disneyland without another grown up
(w) looking at babies when her eyes are closed
(p) falling off the bed

13. What does Mommy do for her job?
(k) takes care of the kids
(w) nothing, oh actually, work around the house
(p) to do her hair

14. What is Mom's favorite food?
(k) fish (not even close)
(w) Del Taco food
(p) zucchini

15. What makes you proud of your Mommy?
(k) She loves me, no wait, that she wins at scrapbooks
(w) not fighting with my dad
(p) that I make her have quiet time

16. If your Mommy was a carton character who would she be?
(k) Jimmy Neutron’s mom
(w) Miss Chocolate (me: did you just make that up? Him: ya. . .)
(p) Dora

17. What do you and your Mommy do together?
(k) go shopping
(w) go to Target and buy birthday presents
(p) sleep

18. How are you and your Mommy the same?
(k) we love each other
(w) we both fight
(p) we are as tall as each other

19. How are you and your Mom different?
(k) I’m not as tall as her
(w) I fight more than she does
(p) We have different color eyes

20. How do you know your Mom loves you?
(k) I just know it!
(w) because she just does, and she gives me presents
(p) because I ask her and she tells me.

Splash Pad

2008-08-29T10:44:00.000-07:00

Our city has a fun new park. We finally got there last week. We didn't go sooner because Weston had his cast. Well, they loved it! Here are the kids enjoying the time with cousins and friends.

Girl Do's Give Away

2008-08-29T10:18:00.000-07:00

Jenn over at Girly Do's is doing a give away of some cool girly hair things. If you have seen my girls' hair with the millions of rubber bands, this is where I get my inspiration.

Here are my girls' girly dos.

Head on over there (lol) and enter the give away! If you do, say I sent you. I get credit for referring people over there! Most referrals get a prize too.

Good luck!

Who are you???

2008-08-28T19:37:00.000-07:00

Apparently I'm a band wagon jumper! I finally read the book, really liked it. I'm on book 2. So . . .

Quiz link

Leave me a comment so I know you took the poll. I want to know who you are!

A Thousand Word's Thursday

2008-08-28T13:46:00.000-07:00

This is my first time being part of A Thousand Words Thursday put on by Jen. Go take a look and play along. I actually got the idea from Tena, and she got it from Jen.

So here is my meaningful photo:

Meeting my first baby boy (who starts kindergarten in less than 1 week!)

Experiementing with makeup

2008-08-27T07:31:00.000-07:00

When Ema was here the other day she asked if she could put makeup on the girls. Or maybe it was Kylie asked if Ema could put makeup on them. I can't remember. Either way, this is not what I had in mind when I said yes!

First, Ema did the make up on Kylie, Ella, and Payton.

The kitty

The butterfly

The owl

Then Wes, not wanting to be left out, wanted a turn.

The football player (the grid is supposed to be the facemask)

Then the kids wanted to do something to Ema. The plan was to each take a turn and she would wash her face in between (why did I ever agree to this???). Ella took her turn and Ema washed it off. Payton took her turn, Ema washed her face, and I washed the couch covers. Wes took his turn,

And Ema was done! That was just too much. Kylie was sad she didn't get her turn. They had used all the makeup already, and Ema's poor face had enough mistreatment. Kylie will have to take a turn on another day.

more summer, ward beach party

2008-08-25T19:58:00.000-07:00

One of our most favorite summer treats is corn on the cob at the beach!

BYE BYE CAST!!!

2008-08-23T08:06:00.000-07:00

Here are the before and afters. Wes is so glad to be done with the cast! Bath time will be so much easier now!

He climbed onto the kitchen counter!!!!!!!!

2008-08-21T09:16:00.001-07:00

I watched him do it too! He pulled out the stool, stepped on the first step, leaned over the seat, and pulled his legs up. Then he got to his knees, leaned over to grab the counter (it was about 1 foot away since he pulled out the stool), and stood up. Then he noticed i was watching him and sort of jumped from the stool to the counter. I thought he was going to fall! All the time I was saying, "Wade, no, Wade, no!" and running over to him. As I got closer he started to quickly crawl away from me towards the other side of the island. I got to him and grabbed his ankle. He was laughing the whole time! SO pleased that he just gave hi momma heart attack.

Now the stools are up on the island!

And is is standing on the couch now!