The Tophers

January- UGH!

2012-02-01T19:01:00.001-07:00

I'm totally having one of those days... ok, WEEKS!
I had so much energy though the holidays, even getting super sick right before Christmas, I was able to just keep going. Then to ring in the New Year I joined FLYLADY.com (highly recommended) and was super motivated to do all kinds of things around my house, I discovered PINTEREST.com and have enjoyed learning all kinds of hair do's and fun recipes, decorating tips, DIY art projects, and outfit styles. I was super excited to finally be out of the "I just had a baby" stage, and GET GOING!
Friends of mine started the INSANITY workouts, and I was sweating like a pig, IT FELT SO GOOD!
I was using my TRUTH TOOLS to avoid any PIT OF ILLUSION, trying my best to LIVE IN TRUTH (see here) Things were going really, really well. I felt like a new person. ready to conquer the world (by taking on 3 small kids, keeping up with the YW in my ward, and taking care of my house and husband, nothing too big)

This week--- it died!

Is it just January?

How do I get motivated to keep going? I swear today I checked my email half a dozen times, sorted through Pinterest for a good hour, started a new book for book club, A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS (wow!) cleaned my house, did a new hair style on Macie.... but I'm not feelin it. HELP!!!

I've got the January/winter blues. The after holidays blues. The I JUST DON'T CARE ANYMORE blues.

Good bye Christopher

2011-11-28T21:12:00.001-07:00

My little-est brother left for his mis, last week. LIMA PERU SOUTH. It feels so weird that the twins could possibly be old enough to serve a mission, but here it is, wow! He will be an amazing missionary. Go get 'em tiger!!!

Saying good bye to Elder Koller. 6 nieces and nephews that will dramatically change in the next two years.

Christopher (Max) and Anna, the twins, this will be the longest they have ever been apart, how sad.

Any suggestions on things to send to this guy? We have been told that a lot of the time he won't receive any packages, and they are really expensive to send anyway. Let me know if you know of any tricks, good things to send. So far I have put together a photo book of pictures of the fam. Lame?

2011-11-02T10:09:00.013-06:00

Halloween was, once again, a week long event.
Starting with the TRUNK OR TREAT at the high school, followed by the 3rd birthday celebration of Hazel Marie, and the fire station Halloween party, and then Halloween Day! My neighbor, Kevin took these pictures of the kids, I LOVE all of them, but Hazels is STUNNING. Don't you think?

Hazel the Angel

Macie the witch

and, My little pumpkin!

Hazel's birthday celebration
Our traditional birthday pancakes with candles, that was for sure her FAVORITE part. And for three weeks she was adamant about chocolate cake, with marshmallow frosting and pink flowers (thanks for the pink frosting flowers Amber)

Visiting the pumpkin patch

Halloween night. See Hazel's devil tail. This describes her personality so perfectly! I couldn't resist.

Witch-A-Palooza 2011!!!

2011-10-23T21:41:00.003-06:00

So I think that Halloween is the most unimportant holiday EVER! I don't like the SCARY aspect of it, only the fall aspect of it. I understand that it is SO fun for kids, so I comply to the some-what competitive costume making, although, for the most part I am all about just buying something from Costco and calling it good. Then there is the massive amounts of candy that is consumed, mostly by me!!! UGH, it is so obnoxious.

This year I got a phone call about 6 weeks ago about a Witch-A-palooza down at Gardner Village, its dinner and a show, all put together by my friend, Amanda, the extremely creative, beautiful freak about Halloween, woman, on the planet. So I said I would go, thinking it would be a fun night out with the girls.
Wow! I had no idea what I was getting myself into! But here it is. I paid someone to paint my makeup, and Amanda helped me make my skirt, and decorate my hat.

Amanda's group of LADIES!

My kids weren't sure if they liked it.. they thought it was just cool.

Brook, Me and Amanda

Me and Amanda, I wish I got a better picture of her hat, the creativity and details were amazing.

Summer fun

2011-08-16T09:23:00.008-06:00

Macie's glasses

We discovered Macie has LAZY EYE at her kindergarten check up. So we have to patch her good eye for several weeks, she is so funny, she decided it was fine to wear the ugly nude patch as long as there is glitter on it. So I ran to WalMart and bought a bunch of litter glue pens and she decorates them everyday. But before she started to be patched she had to wear her NEW glasses for a week. This was just minutes after picking them up. Then just HOURS after having them she chewed the feet off of them... WHAT, so funny. She is getting use to them, and she does really well at explaining to people why she has to wear the patch. We will see how her kindergarten classmates react to it.

THE CABIN

Topher's grandparents cabin in Southern Utah, soooooooo fun and pretty.

The girls playing in the creek (or crIck) at the cabin

hike to the pinks, the cabin sits just outside of Bryce National Park, so we get a taste of the beautiful mountains just outside of the front porch.

This was my motivation for the post. Macie and Hazel were visiting our elderly neighbor when they looked across the street and Cinderella (or Cinna-Lella) and Tinker Bell were having lunch on the grass at the church. They were so excited, it was so darling to see them... we have GOT to make it to Disneyland soon.

Sawyers first hair cut

Camping with Devries family

Hangin with GRANDMA

Channing and MadyJo

Macie and Max

Sawyer with Grandma

My nephew's third b-day celebration. Happy Birthday Channing!

A visit from my friend, Sheryl. She also has 2 girls and then a boy, and they are all about the same ages as my kids, it was a fun afternoon. Thanks Sheryl. Sawyer at 3 months, Colin at 6 months.
Hike to a waterfall. I did it by myself, WHAT??? It was super hard, but I have tough friends that helped me. Having Sawyer on my back wasn't too hard, it was Hazel not wanting to walk anymore that made things a little more difficult. In the end it became a matter of survival, I picked her up and climbed down several rocks, but then i just couldn't do it anymore, so my friend Laura took her turn, with her 2 year old on her back, I felt so bad, but we made it out of there alive, and it was totally worth it, it was such a beautiful hike.

I got a couple of complaints about the lack of blog posts. So here you are. Thanks for looking.

VEGAS!!!

2011-05-30T10:10:00.007-06:00

Before heading down to VEGAS for a nice relaxing 3 night vacation, we stopped in St George. And as Topher would put it, "we got a little spirituality in before heading to the city of SIN"

I LOVE THESE THREE LITTLE BEASTS!

This is the funniest picture. Macie is our little poser, I bust out the camera, and BAM! She is striking a pose. She tries to get Hazel to do the same but, she just doesn't get it, These poses discribe there personalities exactly. Macie walks around on her tiptoes, glides from room to room and Hazel, well, lets just say, Hazel is not very delicate, she is super laid back and she just doesn't care!

ON TO VEGAS!

Macie immediately recognized palm trees as "the tree that Baloo scratches his booty on" from THE JUNGLE BOOK. So here she is, getting in a good scratch, saying "ooooh yaaaa" over and over.

Our plan was to hang at the pool for 3 days, but it was too cold (in Vegas?!?) So disappointing day, after disappointing day, I finally put them in their suits and got them in the big tub at the condo, they had a blast, a good 3 inches of water ended up on the floor, but it was totally worth it.

Your lookin at it.... our Vegas excitement. Walking through casino after casino was not the coolest thing, especially with three kids, but I had to get a picture.
THE MIRAGE! We got to see exotic cats and dolphins, it was pretty cool, really, COOL. It started to rain on us... IN VEGAS?!?

Circus Circus! waiting for the exciting magic show!
24 dollars of M&M's later!

See, Hazel just doesn't get it. We turn on the camera and she turns her head!

MAY!!!

2011-05-30T09:43:00.006-06:00

Macie's preschool graduation

First day of school Sept 2010
Last day of school May 2011
Hazel is CONSTANTLY asking to HOLD BABY BROTHER, she does a pretty good job, but if she gets in his face and screams BOO one more time... I am going to LOOSE IT!

HAIL TO THE GRADUATE!
Congrats Christopher!

Macie's ballet recital
Cutest mouse, EVER!

Sawyer had a pretty serious diaper while the girls were bathing... so I just stuck him in with them, perfect PHOTO OP! Right!??
First Bee's game of the season, this is the highlight for the girls.
I just thought this was so cute, I was in the middle of making a grocery list when I had to walk away for a minute, when I came back I found a big "CANDY" written on the page:)

HAPPY EASTER

2011-04-25T15:36:00.002-06:00

I made it! I went to church, on Easter Sunday with all three kids... BY MYSELF! The biggest challenge was getting all four of us ready, but we made it, and even on time. Thank goodness for all of the help I get from great neighbors.
Happy Easter everyone.

BABY'S HERE!!!

2011-04-02T16:39:00.002-06:00

Ahhhhhhh.... FINALLY! He is here.

WELCOME SAWYER RAND MAXWELL

ELEVEN POUNDS, FIVE OUNCES!!! That is right... 11 LBS 5 OZ

And it was all natural!!!
Born March 30th, 2011 at 11:03pm.
He is amazing, and his sisters are so in love with him. Hazel struggles saying his name, so she is just sticking with BABY. And Macie was really disappointed that we didn't even consider Cooper, that was her name for him, for the past 5 months, COOPER DOUGHNUT. But she will recover.

LOOK! Macie's twin brother, born just 5 years later. He looks EXACTLY like Macie did when she was born, but somehow he is still ALL BOY. Maybe it's the extra 2 lbs.

The first look, after all that waiting. It has been so sweet to see the girls with him, they always want to hold him, and they, so far, have been really good with him.

Sawyer and Daddy, right before his first bath

random stuff

2011-03-28T16:50:00.003-06:00

I just wanted to show a couple of random pictures of the girls I have taken over the past couple of weeks, pregnancy has been hard on them too, and I have tried to get creative with minimal effort on my part. Like giving them umbrellas and not caring that they get destroyed, and force them out into the COLD spring weather, and popping popcorn for no reason, and telling them it was a "special night" and then drinking GREEN DRINK (trying to get a good BM out of me, seeing if it will make the baby come) and letting the girls slather it all over their faces.

.
.I was hoping I could give a baby announcement by now. I sit here 41 weeks pregnant, and just dying. I have had the mentality for FOUR weeks now that in any second he will start making his way OUT, why in the world would I think that at 37 weeks he would come??? But my next post for sure will have pictures of a beautiful baby boy... outside of my body, it is just a matter of time. Wish me luck, and pray he comes soon, I may just have to take some drastic measures to get him out:)

Baby's commin!

2011-02-22T20:41:00.003-07:00

ONE MONTH FROM TODAY!!! And I pray that I don't make it that long, but my mom reminded me yesterday that she went TWO WEEKS over with my brother, her first boy, and her 4th pregnancy... I have no hope.
He is sitting SO low, I feel like he is going to FALL out sometimes. And picking up things off of the floor (where most toys, clothes, games, movies, blankets, towels, and dishes end up with a 2 and a 5 year old) is just unbearable and painful, yet completely necessary.

How does this happen?
I have different containers holding things like the girls play jewelry, hair stuff, make up, and they can't DIG through it, they have to DUMP it all out and spread it around in order to find the one thing they want!
Then, lets talk about the TACT of some people. I know that I look ridiculous! At 6 months I got comments from perfect strangers about a variety of things from "are you having twins?", to, "WOW you are going to pop in any minute" So you can imagine what I look like at 8 months.
I told a friend that I was going to write down every ache and pain I am having and every discomfort I go through during pregnancy and labor and delivery. She yelled, "NO YOU CAN'T, Heavenly Father lets you forget for a reason"
I thought I would NEVER forget what having Hazel naturally felt like.. but guess what?!? I HAVE!!!
I guess it is a tender mercy... until you have to go through it again.
I am grateful for a healthy pregnancy, and I know he needs to cook more, so let him. It is just so hard!
I just need to keep the prize in mind.

Macie was telling me all kinds of secrets and making me SWEAR I wouldn't tell "baby brother" (he has yet to be named) she is going to "go shopping" and get him the best gift ever! And she is going to draw him a picture that he will love the very mostest. Then she will make up a song to sing to him when he gets here.
Hazel will rub her tummy and say "ohhhh, baby kickin"

I just want him to be here, pray for me.. a WHOLE month just might kill me!

FIVE!!!!! FIVE!!!!! FIVE!!!!

2011-01-24T21:22:00.004-07:00

How has this happened to me??? A five year old... really?
Macie's b-day was SUNDAY JANUARY 23rd. And I really wanted to take her to TANGLED, so I invited my family, and WOW, everyone showed up. It was fun. She INSISTED that we eat at Cafe Rio, or in her words cafa-ro. And we opened presents and I made everyone treat bags and we headed to the movie. BUT FIRST, I found a RAPUNZEL dress that she opened and wore to the movie theater, and it was so special, so really felt like a princess.
My mom insisted on giving her MAKE-UP so she had BRIGHT PINK lips and BLUE eyelids, but she was in HEAVEN!
My mothers comment was "I bought it because she loves it, and it ISN'T AT MY HOUSE" hahahaha, funny mom! She is right, she LOVES it, we got into a little bit of a tiff right before church about looking like a clown. But she got it, and everything was fine

I HAD to get a picture of everyone, that came. One day Macie will look back and remember the LOVE, it is a big deal to her that she is surrounded by the people that love her, and she really felt special for her b-day. Thanks to my family for all coming and showing their support to Macie.

EARLY- Sunday morning she was OUT of her jammies and into dress ups, and jewlery and make-up. Topher made her waffles, and we sang HAPPY BIRTHDAY with FIVE candles. YUMMY!

We got her one more dress, for church. She IMMEDIATELY instructed me on how she wanted her hair done, and what headband she was going to wear, and was BEGGING me to wear make-up and princess jewelry to church. I gave in a LITTLE, it was her day after all:)

She INSISTED that Hazel dress up too. And Hazel was as happy as a clam being "BELLE" they danced around, and sang, and played with their PRINCESS stuff. It was so fun to watch them. I have never been more happy than I am now, these two little beams of sunshine are the best things that has ever happened to me.

That night we headed down to have dinner with the Maxwell's. Angie made this SUPER CUTE cake, and I was so grateful for everything they did to make Macie's birthday that much more special.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MACIE, WE LOVE YOU SO FREAKING MUCH!!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

2010-11-27T10:03:00.004-07:00

So many things to be THANKFUL for:

I am THANKFUL for shoes! My sister came up yesterday and gave me TONS of boy clothes! The shoes were just PART of what we received. one thing is for sure, baby boy Maxwell will never have BARE FEET! At least through his infant years:)
She helped me go through a MASSIVE amount of baby clothes, boy and girl, to consolidate, and to organize. I am so grateful to her for making the trek up from the UC to help me out. There has been a huge weight lifted off of my shoulders because of it. I now have the assurance that we have things for our new arrival in March, plus I don't have mounds and mounds of clothing sitting in my basement. Now... where to put the clothes. Three kids in one room is going to be challenging!

I am THANKFUL for FOOD and FAMILY. The girls got to play with ALL of their cousins on Thanksgiving Day, and they had a BLAST!
The Maxwell's did a FABULOUS job with THANSGIVING dinner. It was BEAUTIFUL!
At the Thanksgiving table I said I was THANKFUL for my health, and I meant it. We have all had colds this last week, and it has been hard. But, being in my 2nd trimester I have had more energy than ever, and have been able to do all kinds of things that I couldn't do for the 3 entire months before. I still can't get my house in the shape that I wish it to be in.

*I ALWAYS have dirty dishes in my sink: that just means we are eating good food all of the time.

*The toy closet ALWAYS looks like it has exploded: That just means my kids are playing with their toys all of the time.

*And I can't keep up with laundry: that means we have plentiful clothing.

And I am REALLY THANKFUL for FALL LEAVES! We went to the station on one FREEZING night to visit Topher, and they had a PERFECT pile of leaves, just for the girls to JUMP in.

I am THANKFUL for these two little girls! They are my every JOY!

And this guy! MOHAWK and all! He is so wonderful, I am so THANKFUL for him, his hard work, and positive attitude! He is such a good daddy, just look at him rollin around in the leaves!

And last but not least, I am THANKFUL for GLUE and GLITTER and COLORFUL PASTA. They make for a fantastic afternoon of creativity!

I can't believe Thanksgiving has come and gone!
But I had to share this. I read it to my sister from a book I had been reading a couple of months ago PRISON TO PRAISE by Merlin Carothers. This one thing was the only thing that I really liked about it, but it goes perfectly with Thanksgiving.
"Lord, I have to be honest with You. I've been sitting on the edge of my bed every morning for twenty years wishing I didn't have to to get up. I've been thinking how wonderful it would be if I could just lie down for five more minutes."
But the Spirit said, "You are supposed to be thankful that it is time to get up."
"Lord, that is a little beyond my ability to comprehend!"
The Lord is always patient and kind, "Are you willing to be made willing?"
"Yes Lord, I really am"

The next morning I woke up and the first thing that popped into my mind was my right big toe. I heard "see if you can move it." I could.
"Are you thankful that you can move it?"
"Yes Lord"
"Now try your ankle. Are you thankful?"
"Yes, Lord."
"Now your knee. Are you thankful?"
"Yes, Lord."
"Now see if you can sit up."
"Yes Lord I can. But I have got to be honest, I wish I could lie down and go back to sleep."
Very patiently He Said, "see if you can stand up. Are you thankful? Now see if you can walk to the bathroom. Look into the mirror. Are you thankful you can see?"
"Hallelujah!"
"Are you glad you can speak and hear?"

There is ALWAYS something to be THANKFUL for. This pregnancy has been so hard on me, and I feel like my body is failing, when really everything is perfectly normal, and fine, and healthy... and I am GRATEFUL. My 20 week ultrasound was PERFECT, the baby is PERFECT, that is all I ask for, all I want, is a healthy little boy. I am THANKFUL!

2010-10-21T09:25:00.004-06:00

I had a dream about doing this exact same thing...but I didn't dare to hope.
I just want to announce that....

IT'S A BOY! it's a boy! It's a boy! It's a BOY! IT'S A BOY! it's a boy! It's a boy! It's a BOY! IT'S A BOY! it's a boy! It's a boy! It's a BOY!IT'S A BOY! it's a boy! It's a boy! It's a BOY!IT'S A BOY! it's a boy! It's a boy! It's a BOY!IT'S A BOY! it's a boy! It's a boy! It's a BOY!IT'S A BOY! it's a boy! It's a boy! It's a BOY!IT'S A BOY! it's a boy! It's a boy! It's a BOY!IT'S A BOY! it's a boy! It's a boy! It's a BOY!IT'S A BOY! it's a boy! It's a boy! It's a BOY!IT'S A BOY! it's a boy! It's a boy! It's a BOY!IT'S A BOY! it's a boy! It's a boy! It's a BOY!IT'S A BOY! it's a boy! It's a boy! It's a BOY!IT'S A BOY! it's a boy! It's a boy! It's a BOY!IT'S A BOY! it's a boy! It's a boy! It's a BOY!IT'S A BOY! it's a boy! It's a boy! It's a BOY!IT'S A BOY! it's a boy! It's a boy! It's a BOY!IT'S A BOY! it's a boy! It's a boy! It's a BOY!IT'S A BOY! it's a boy! It's a boy! It's a BOY!

Oh ya, and I am pregnant, due in March.

Funny conversation with Macie

Me- Macie are you ready to go to the baby doctor and get more pictures of the baby? This time we get to find out if it is a brother or a sister.
Macie- How is the doctor going to find out? Does he ASK it? Does he listen to it's voice?
Me- No
Macie- Does he look to see what kind of clothes he is wearing
Me-No, remember the baby is in water, so it is NAKED.
Macie- NAKED! Hahaha that is so funny. So how does the doctor know?
Me-Well, how do you know that Max is a boy, and you are a girl?
Macie-Moooooom, Max LOOKS like a boy.
Me-not if we grew his hair out and put a dress on him
(frustrated at this point)
Macie- Mom, how does the doctor know

At that point I proceeded to give her a 4 year old anatomy lesson. So it was pretty cute, when the doctor was telling us what he discovered (after shaking my poor belly, trying to get him to revel himself to us) and the doctor used words that are now familiar to Macie, she understood right away.
I just feel so excited to know that I get to experience both, I feel like I am entering a whole new world, and I say BRING IT ON!

Perfect Fall Afternoon

2010-10-13T14:58:00.003-06:00

Lindsey and I, both suffer from widows weekend. Our husbands leave to GO SHOOT ANIMALS! UGH! So we got together, and took the kids up the canyon for a beautiful fall drive, and we ended up at Cascade Springs! YEA! I totally needed this, and it was magnificent!

If you look closely, BOTH BOYS have STICKS in their hands.. ahhhh boys! They both kept trying to pick up giant trees that had fallen to the ground and I was laughing so hard at them, when Lindsey looked at me and said, "they are just BIG STICKS" it was so funny!!!

Macie-my little poser

Hazel- my little explorer

It was so fun to get out and just be in the mountains, I know our time is now so limited, with the

snow just around the corner. Waaaahhhh!
And can I just tell you how much I miss PROVO CANYON, we never go up there anymore, and it is my FAVORITE!

We then made the drive down the canyon in PURE ANTICIPATION for this!!!!!!!...

CAFE PAESAN- from the creators of CAFE RIO!!!

OH MY... YUMMY!
This is my salad covered in CREAMY PESTO dressing, with sweet potato crispy fry things to top it off, in true Cafe Rio tradition. It tastes nothing like a ever so delightful Cafe Rio salad, but it sure looks like one:) It even has the yummiest pita bread at the bottom.

And then there is this...

Bruschetta!!!! OH YA

The menu also has many kinds of pasta dishes, the pesto one is to DIE FOR!!!

And so it was... A PERFECT FALL DAY! Thanks Lindsey

A week of FIRSTS

2010-09-09T20:18:00.008-06:00

Macie's first day of Pre-school.

When I told her I wanted to take a picture of her she responded with "ok, I will stand by this pretty tree, and... hummmm... should I curtsie?"

I took her shopping for one special outfit for the FRIST DAY, this is what she picked out, shoes and all, SHE LOVES TO SHOP, it is so so so fun.

This is her 2nd year going to pre-school, and she absolutly loves it. She has good friends, and she loves her teacher. I really needed her to go to school too, she was ready!

Hazel's first hair cut!

(before)

I know she is almost 2, but for a long, long time I got away with being able to pull her long strands back into pig tails, and it was so cute. Her hair only grows out of the middle of the back of her head, and it got so so so long, it was hilarious, so I gave her a bob. She was so chill about the whole process (surprise, surprise)

you can see from the back the few REALLY long strands, and behind them there was a ton of new hair growing in... so funny, no matter what I did, she looked like a rag-O-muffin.

If Hazel is a little unsure as to why I am pointing my camera at her and asking her to smile, this is the smile she gives me. Thanks Hilary for cutting her hair.

NOW LOOK HOW CUTE SHE IS!

She loves it, after we got home from her first hair cut, she walked around the house and would look at one of us and point to her hair until we made a big deal out of how cute she looks:)

Monsters...or shoes

2010-08-06T08:46:00.002-06:00

I am so embarrassed.
I was laying in bed this morning, knowing that my kids were up and watching TV, when all of the sudden Macie starts SCREAMING at the top of her lungs! It was a horrifying scream, one that I have never heard come out of her little body before.
So I jumped out of bed, and as she was running down the hallway towards me I jumped over her, clearly seeing that she was fine (physically) assuming that Hazel was hurt, when I reached the living room Hazel was just hanging out on the floor, totally fine!
WHAT COULD IT BE?
Macie is hysterically screaming that she saw someone downstairs!!! My biggest fear.
So I don't doubt her and I automatically call 911.
Just minutes later a couple of police officers are walking up to the house, and just before they reach the door Macie says,
"I KNOW I saw something, it was a MONSTER.. OR SOME SHOES"

I was mortified. I confessed to the officers what she had said, but asked them to check out the basement for my own peace of mind.

That is when Macie and I had a LITTLE TALK!

Thank goodness for the kind hearted police officers that were so chill about the situation. Dispatch said to me that even if this was a false alarm, PLEASE call if I ever feel threatened. Which made me feel better.

PIONEER DAY & Topher's b-day

2010-07-24T09:13:00.008-06:00

I LOVE JULY!

Our Pioneer Day celebrations were all done last night. The girl love watching parades, and we even got a shady spot!

It is so fun to watch Topher in the parades, he looked so good in his CLASS A! He is so handsom, and he did such a good job. He tried not to break but when he saw Macie waving really really hard and yelling "DADDY" his smile broke really wide and then it was back to business!

Scout, Macie and Hazel with their pioneer hats. THANKS JANILLE!!! (Scouts grandma)

For Topher's birthday he wanted to go camping, so we invited his family up and we camped for a night. Jeannie made this really YUMMY chocolate cake. Happy birthday Topher, hope it was a good one! WE LOVE YOU!

Topher took the kids crawdad fishing, and then he planned a feast, but he ran out of gas, I felt so bad, but we had yummy hotdogs for backup, so we didn't starve.

The kids wouldn't behave, so I had to trap them using my special roasters!

Mr Fireman, what happens if you pour grease on a fire???
Well, lets see.

ladies and gentlemen, let this be a lesson to you. NEVER pour grease on a fire, it just might singe your arm hair, and if you happen to not be a hairy ape, then it you will more than likely come out a lot worse!

Quest- To be like Him

2010-07-23T12:42:00.010-06:00

Back in January, Topher and I were called by the stake to be TRIBAL LEADERS for the Youth Conference that just happened a couple of weeks ago.
We immediately said YES, and even though we didn't know ANYTHING about it, I could tell this was going to be BIG, and AMAZING.
We then went to meeting, after meeting of training for QUEST.
A lot of times we were compared to a MA & PA for Trek. We were told that we would have 8-10 youth, to form a TRIBE and that throughout a week up in the mountains we would watch 21 reenactments of the BOOK OF MORMON and then we would lead discussions about what we had just seen.
IT WAS AMAZING, and it changed my life!
The Book of Mormon came to life, and I gained a testimony of the Book of Mormon that never had before this, and it was one of the MOST spiritual experiences I have EVER had.
Topher and I had the privilege to speak about it in church today, and I couldn't say enough, I ended up just talking about two or three of my favorite parts, so this a little highlight from that week, along with some of my talk.

This was the view from our LIKENING spot, we sent up a big canopy and a bunch of blankets and we got to just chill and talk about the different little SKITS that we had just seen in a big amphitheater.

Camp PIUTA was the most beautiful place, I guess because of the late/wet spring that we have had, there were MILLIONS of flowers, it was SO SO SO GREEN, and it was like HEAVEN!

And this is OUR TRIBE! We all got to pick a TRIBAL name, and our was THE SALVATION ARMY! Topher designed t-shirts for all of the kids, and we got them dogtags that said

QUEST- to be like him

Salvation Army

July 2010

STAY STRONG!

My favorite story in the BOM has always been of the Stripling warriors. And the reenactment of the stripling warriors while at Quest did not fail me. Seeing all of the young boys together in battle wear was one I will never forget. I admitted to my tribe that as a mother I don’t know if I could have enough faith to send my CHILD into war, but those mothers had the faith they needed, as stated in the scriptures it said they were taught of their mothers, making them women of God, they raised a generation that was mature enough and faithful enough to go into battle, up against the most experienced, ferocious warriors.

We had different wars that pertained to the BOM, The Stripling warriors ambushed the war that took place right after the reenactment, and they couldn't die, we were all allowed so many hits before you were to sit down, claiming that you were now dead, but those boys got an infinite amount of hits, and they never died.
The wars were really fun, but the most incredible to me was the war of the Anti-Nephi-Lehis. Every tribe was told nothing but to take the three oldest of your tribe and one leader, which was me. And we meet up with President Terry (Stake Pres.). The rest of the youth, which was about twice as many, were told this…

THE REST OF YOU ARE AMULONITES. THE AMULONITE LEADER IS A GREAT AND POWERFUL MOTIVATOR AND HAS COMPLETELY CONVINCED YOU THAT THE PEOPLE OF AMMON ARE TRAITORS AND LIARS AND THEY AR NOT WORTHY TO BE LAMANITES ANYMORE. YOU AGREE AND WANT TO KILL THEM ALL!
The rest of us that were being lead by President Terry were told that we all made a covenant with the Lord. We were told NOT to fight. He instructed us stand strong until the other team came towards us, then we would all throw our weapons down, and then to kneel down and bow our heads in total surrender. We then all said a prayer together, and in it we were reminded of the sacrifices of many, many people for what we have today, the spirit was so strong as we were put in a very real position of self sacrifice for a better cause.
As the other team came closer and closer President Terry then yelled REMEMBER THE COVENANT and in unison we dropped to one knee, and one by one we were all killed. It was a very sobering experience for all of us that got to play an anti-nephi-lehi.

Here is one picture I took of a war, some of the boys got pretty serious about them. We all got shields and we were either a red side or a yellow side, depending on what team you were fighting on. There were 5 wars in the 4 days we were there, and they were done in a big open field that was on a steep hill... it was exhausting!

The story of King Noah and Abinadi was my favorite story that I learned so much from during this journey. Topher and I were suppose to do a LIKENING for all of the other TRIBAL LEADERS that were called for this during a meeting, and we had an amazing lesson with this story.

Then up at QUEST we were watching the reenactment of it and it was amazing, one of our tribal members lost his contact while we were up there and was completely blind, he never uttered a word of complaint, and during the reenactments that we saw that day, he told me he could pretty well follow the story by listening to the dialog, but it was at the end of THIS reenactment that it got silent and Joey asked what was going on, I described to him that a dummy that looked like the kid that had just played ABINADI was put on stage and they were LIGHTING it on fire. We all sat in complete awe and silence while we watched Abinadi burn. A song was then played WE THANK THEE OH GOD FOR A PROPHET. It was a very sobering moment for everyone.
With all my heart I can now say that my testimony of the BOM is so strong and so undeniable, that my life will never be the same because of those four days up at Piuta, during this Quest experience it was the story of the Prophet Abinadi that I will never forget, and quickly became the testimony builder of a lifetime.

I remember we were discussing Samuel the Laminite, and I asked our tribe, how would you feel if you saw stones and arrows being thrown at President Monson? Could you stand up for him, and what he was saying amongst an angry crowd? There were two boys in particular that were sort of the goof-offs of the group that looked at me like I HAD actually thrown a stone at our beloved Prophet.
It was every reenactment and questions like that that shaped this experience. It was the realization of these people really lived, and really made these choices and understanding that we to have incredible journeys ahead of us that are full of choices that need to be made that I saw a change a light bulb at one time or another go off in their heads.

Here are some of my tribal members. We were all told to have two TUNICS, for that four days up at QUEST, so we all looked like we were from the Book of Mormon days. It was so fun to see every ones creativity. It really took us back to that time, and made all of us focus on why we were there.

Kirsten (our YOUTH tribal leader) Jamie, and Michael.

Before we left for Piuta we had one last meeting with all tribal leaders, it was then that brother Richards told us that as he and Sister Hesslington got together to match all of the youth up to each tribe, that it was “uncanny” at how every name was picked and simultaneously put in the same tribe, they KNEW with all their hearts that each person was placed in the tribe Heaven Father wanted them to be in. And I can now say, without a doubt in my mind, that I also KNOW that every tribal member that Topher and I got to have in our tribe that week, was suppose to be there. It was amazing how every single one of them were so, so, so different from each other, one had this quality and the other had that quality, but every single one of them was a puzzle to our tribal piece. They all added such a wonderful spirit to this week, and I know they all benefited from each other at one point or another. It was a beautiful combination that just worked so well, and I grew to love each and everyone of them individually, and as a group. I never thought that could be possible, I never knew I could feel so strongly about these kids that I had never met before, I didn’t know their parents, I didn’t know their backgrounds, I didn’t even know their names before that first morning, and I can honestly say with all my heart that I grew to love and care for each one of them within that week. They were all so amazing and they all taught me something, and they will always have a place in my heart.

Not until the faith walk did I realize how much I truly care for every single one of them on an individual basis. I asked one of our tribal members, that has just turned 18, and is preparing to go to college this next year, and then on a mission, to share his feelings, and he nailed it right on the head by saying that during the faith walk, he completely trusted the person in front of him, and he truly cared for the well being for the person behind him. I believe we all felt that way Thursday night.

Cody, Zach, and Josh. The three boys that MADE our tribe the "FUN TRIBE"

Then I just had to add this one. At night we would all get together with our wards, and we had little firesides, it was so fun to get to know the youth in my ward, I don't get to work with them like Topher does. For the past 4 years Topher has been the YM secretary, and they LOVE him. He gets right down on their level and can relate to them. Sometimes I joke that it is lack of maturity, but I really think he is the perfect leader for them, they don't feel judged by him, and they can joke with him, and they really look up to him.

Here is Topher's FAMOUS BLUE fire. If you ever go camping with our family, you won't be able to escape this magical site.

The last night up at Piuta, was the most special. Every tribe meet up to go on a faith walk, where all youth got blindfolded and all tribal leaders read the scriptures of the three days of darkness. We then ended in the amphitheater, where they were told to take off their blindfolds, that is when we all witnessed the appearance of the Savior.
He went from one person to the next touching every single person, he then stood on the stage and called forth is disciples, the different bishops and high councilmen that were up at Piuta, they came forth and embrased the Savior, my feelings about the priesthood were strengthened that night. It was so incredible, and so special, words can’t describe the feelings I had in my heart that night.

For those of you that I told I would get all of the documents for this... I am working on it. I will be more than happy to help with anything I can to get your stake to do this, because it was one that touched many, many lives.

June

2010-07-16T22:11:00.012-06:00

So a little while ago we had our FRIDGE, COMPUTER, CAMERA AND VACUUM break. Ironically enough our tax return came right about that same time. (power of tithing)

Well I figured out the camera, and took many, many pictures, and I got my computer set just the way I like, but there was one problem... getting my pictures off of my camera and onto my computer. I'm completely computer handicapped.

Topher and I recently had the privilege to go to YOUTH CONFERENCE with our stake (report soon to come) and so I asked Topher to clear our memory card so that we could have the whole thing to take pictures during that incredible week. So they are all now on the computer, so I thought I would do a bit of an update... are you ready??? It's gonna be a long one!

Hazel constantly upset at something Macie is doing.. oh boy!

I needed the girls to be self entertaining for a little bit while I got some stuff done, and so I sent them outside, and this is what I found. They hauled several buckets of dirt onto the back patio and played for a good long while. I just thought it was so sweet. I love that, even though Hazel gets annoyed with Macie on a regular basis, she even has her own "Macie is bothering me" CRY, they are also best friends, and I love when they get a long. MORE BEES GAMES!!!

Hazel showing her peanut shell. She doesn't like to eat the peanuts, but she loves for Topher to de-shell them.
And Macie hanging out in the stands.

FLAMMING GORGE! I tried to get these two pictures to be side by side, but it didn't work.Just use your imagination. We went camping with some friends and at the end of the trip we went river rafting. It was on my VISION BOARD, and my friend Amber knew that, and she goes with her family all of the time, so she made this happen. THANKS AMBER!!! We had so much fun

Hazel fell asleep, which was sort of nice for me. Isn't she so freaking cute!

Macie loved chillin in the boat, floating down the river.

While camping, Macie came running up to me screaming "MOM, I found a LONG FROG" It was a small lizard. It was pretty cute, Kevin caught it for the kids to get a closer look.

Hazel loved being in the tent. It was her very own HUGE HUT!

Hazel also loved the little camping chairs, and the MASSIVE amounts of crap food!

The kids were so awesome, they just played in the dirt, and watched the chipmunks eat the crumbs of ANYTHING they were throwing at them. Can you see the chipmunk?

This is the funniest. Macie was pouting under a table that I was sitting next to, and Hazel climbed under, next to Macie and started to IMITATE her throwing a small fit, aggressively crossing her arms and whining, it was so so so funny, I just wish I had thought of recording it.

Our neighbor invited us out to Vernal for a fun weekend with other friends and neighbors. Topher got to drive this awesome truck, with all of the kids in the back.The place we stayed at had THE THREE PIGS. This house was the HOUSE MADE OF STRAW.

This is the HOUSE MADE OF STICKS

And this is the HOUSE MADE OF BRICKS

And this is the train that goes around the entire property, it was such a fun, cold, rainy weekend. I really enjoyed hanging out with my friends and neighbors for an entire weekend. We had good food, and tons of entertainment for the kids, it was so so so fun.

We ventured to LAGOON with our two kids, and some friends, with three of four of their kids, and another friend that brought along two of her boys and a nephew. SO- lots of kids... that out numbered the adults. But it was so much fun. Macie was in Heaven. She talked about THE FERRIS WHEEL for two days before we went, so we went on it a couple of times.

Hazel, however, was not in heaven. She was really unsure of MOST of the rides, especially this one where she had to sit alone.But she soon got over it when she discovered the STAMP on her hand for getting into the park, she kept pointing to it and oooh-ing and awe-ing over it. Here she is on the carousel showing her stamp, that matched her daddy's stamp

FLOWERS!!! As I was trying to figure out my camera, we had the most amazing flowers outside in our yard. I took the kids out and took pictures.

Showing off my cute new gate on the side of the house. Topher did such a good job putting it up, and I have been so grateful for it, I can open the back door and boot the kids out for a little while, and they love it too. SUMMERS ARE THE BEST!

Gardner Village!

Seconds after this picture was taken Macie's flipflop fell off and then she kicked it into the river that floats between the shops at Gardner Village. So she shopped without shoes. Then at the tail end of this trip to the shops, Hazel had major diarrhea, and she EXPLODED out of her diaper, and down her leg, making a puddle of pooh on the foot rest of the stroller. I had no wipes no more diapers (she had gone though the two that I had in my bag) and had no change of clothes. I put her in MaddyJo's size 1 diaper, and put her in the car, and drove her home. Oh the joys!

And here is MaddyJo, the day of her blessing. It was so fun to have my SIL's family here from Georgia, and to be a part of this wonderful day.

And I had to add this picture of Hazel at the pool, because I love it. I love this sun hat on her little head!

SHOP HOP

2010-06-25T14:09:00.004-06:00

So last fall I had some of my lady friends talk me into QUILTING. And not just machine quilting, but hand applique, with glorified details that are mega hard. I have yet to complete a whole one, but when I do I will post it:)
But in the mean time I went to my first ever (and for sure not last) SHOP HOP. All of the hard core quilting shops in the valley have this big 4 day shopping extravaganza where you can go find deals and play games, and eat food. So I went with some of the ward ladies and had a blast. This particular quilting shop in SUGAR HOUSE was taking photos of all the fun and they said that if your photo ends up on their blog then you win something, I LOVE FREE THINGS, and this photo ended up there (I'm on the left on the bottom) and so now I will win something... FOR FREE. I don't know what it is, but THIS IS GREAT!!! My favorite part of this whole quilting thing is picking out the fabric, I have lots of fabric now.. heehee.

The best thing about this photo is that the lady standing right above me was looking at the picture online and her son, said "wow, she has a big butt" pointing to me, and his father so graciously told me about it at our ward party on Saturday... yes I have a big butt, but in this particular photo it is a Fan, a Chinese fan!

easy dinner for 3

2010-06-02T21:37:00.003-06:00

I fed my kids pancakes for dinner tonight. Does that make me a bad mom?

Reason for more guilt... I also got them fast food for lunch, and we had Chinese for dinner the night before. I needed something quick and easy, I had a lot going on today, do you think that their bodies will retaliate and kill over? I feel bad for them, and their guts.

I do have to say that they LOVED it. They ate so well... I hate feeding my family.

2010-05-27T21:32:00.007-06:00

Macie on the FIRST day of school in the fall-Macie on the LAST day of school.
CRAZY! CRAZY! CRAZY! So much can happen with a 4 year old in a matter of just 9 months. She enjoyed school so so so much, and I was so grateful for her excitement. It was so fun to watch her learn, and grow, and see her own little personality come out.

GRADUATION

On the first day of school Macie's teacher, MISS ALBY, measured how tall all of the kids were, and then last week, she marked the same paper, it was insane, all of the kids grew so much.
Here is Macie showing off her TALL-ness, and also her friend from pre-school, Torrey.

BALLET recital

This year they did an AMERICANA theme. It was so so so cute. Macie was POPCORN! She is such a performer. She loves to be on stage with makeup and in a pretty dress. Thank you to all of our family that could make it up to support her, it really means a lot to her when you come:)
Macie and her friend ELLIE!
I tried to get a picture of my two beautiful girls together, but this was as good as it gets. Hazel loves to get her picture taken, but she is only willing to look at the camera and say "CHEESE" and within a split second she looks away, I need to get faster at pushing the button.

First BASEBALL game of the season---'nough said.

Macie loves seeing BUMBLE, the mascot for the baseball team. But he must be some kind of JERK, because he refuses to give her the TIME OF DAY!!! It really made me mad that he ignored her, she was so excited to be REUNITED after a long, long winter, it was HIGHLY disappointing for BOTH of us.
What should I do ladies??? Write a letter, yell at him, kick him in his BIG BUMBLE BUM??? Don't you think he should be ESPECIALLY friendly to the kids? Any suggestions?

Tonights sleeping princess

2010-05-13T20:27:00.004-06:00

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL DAY it was today? And to make it better, I bought the girls their first SNOW CONE of the season. By the time we got home there was sweet sticky goodness running from their chins to their belly buttons, so I threw them in tub for the 2nd time today, and they were in their jammies before dinner, it was great.
Then Macie insisted on getting in a princess dress and a crown, so she could dance to Cinderella's song SO THIS IS LOVE.... Then she crashed, crown and all. PRECIOUS!

Why two posts in just a 24 hour period of time, you ask?!? My friend Annie, posted a picture on her blog of her sleeping toddler, so it got me on this kick, Thanks Annie. Don't get too use to it:)

sleep like you mean it

2010-05-12T20:44:00.003-06:00

Is there anything more precious than when a baby is sleeping?

As I reflect upon my day, I think to myself, WHAT WAS THE BEST PART OF MY DAY? WHAT COULD I HAVE DONE DIFFERENTLY?
Really, anything bad that happened, any mistake I made, any trouble the kids caused, melts away when I see them in this state. I love my nights alone, but sometimes I want to just pick them up and just HOLD them.

I love you forever, I'll like you for always, as long as I'm living my baby you'll be!

Amber, I know you think this is a really creepy book, and I totally understand why, because... really? Come on, any mother that sneaks into a grown mans bedroom to ROCK him, is just plain CRAZY. But my babies are still babies, and I GET TO DO THAT FROM TIME TO TIME!!!
But I love reading this, book. I LOVE YOU FOREVER

Hazel's lovely little voice

2010-05-09T13:08:00.008-06:00

Although in this video I had to get Hazel to copy what I was saying, she walks around the house saying "HELLO" all day long, and she loves to say "mommy" and "daddy" I love her little voice.. LOVE IT!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all you mommies that I look up to and who read this blog. Macie got to answer these questions for Mother's Day in primary. I remember filling these out as a primary teacher for other mothers and I have waited a good long while for my child to finally come home with one of these:) AND IT WAS WORTH THE WAIT. There are some of the questions and her answers.

-The most fun, or the funniest thing I ever saw my mom do was: JUMP IN THE JEEP WITHOUT WINDOWS
-When my mom wakes up she: WANTS TO GO TO BED
-My moms favorite food is: BUBBLE GUM

And guess what??? I am 23 years old! Isn't that great news??? She was spot on with the other questions, I hate a messy house, and the thing I say the most is I LOVE YOU, and I like to go on walks. She knows me so well, especially the whole BUBBLE GUM thing, ummmm, so that is why we have massive amounts of bubble gum up in the cupboard.. FOR ME, Not Macie!

And here is why Macie talked about the JEEP. We went on one last joy ride as a family.

It was a bit chilly, so we stopped by the fire station to warm up. We had fun, the car seats don't fit well, but it was worth it!

2010-04-28T20:58:00.012-06:00

We got to meet up with some family for my grandmas birthday at Thanksgiving Point for their TULIP FESTIVAL. IT WAS BEAUTIFUL, and fun for the kids.

Although I have been hiding inside for the past couple of days because of RAIN, I wanted to write about SPRING. It is so nice to be able to throw my flip flops on and GO, and I love to open the door and let the girls RUN outside with freedom under their wings. As we drive around town I can't help but sing POPCORN POPPING, and THE FLOWERS!!! FLOWERS EVERYWHERE! AHHH, I just love them!
The splashes of color in my yard, in my neighborhood, up and down the streets.. it is amazing. I feel like I have been filled with life again after a long, long winter death. I have a tan on my face from working out in the yard, and the girls are back to two baths a day from playing in the dirt.. I LOVE IT!!!

One fine spring day, we drove downtown to visit THE GATEWAY and the water was calling Macie. She loves the fountains there, I told her she couldn't get too wet because we were going to dinner next.. ya right, she headed straight for the water and was soaked in a matter of seconds.

Hazel hesitated a little more, she kept squatting down in anticipation for the water to come shooting out.... she was wet in no time too.

I just had to post this picture. It was conference weekend, and of course Topher was taking his 4 hour nap... in 2 hour increments. Hazel did a good job taking care of her daddy, she covered him (or his face) with blankets, and when she was all done she patted his face and kissed him on the cheek, it was hilarious!

A Topherdised Post - SURPRISE!!

2010-03-31T20:51:00.027-06:00

Well, it's been a long time since I have posted a little sumpin' sumpin', so what better occasion than Moustache March. The other day, Natalie was going through my phone, looking for who knows what. She looked at me and made the comment: "You sure do like yourself, don't you?" I said that I guess I do, but wondered why she asked. Evidently, I have a LOT of pictures of myself... taken by myself in my phone. Really, I'm just logging Moustache progression.

I'm sure you all remember this shot from the last post Nat made. As you can see, She's coming in nicely, but still needs some time. A great Moustache cannot be rushed.

A Little Background
Moustache March was brought to my attention three years ago. My friend Shafto is always scheming something. One day, he turned to me and said "hey, let's get a Moustache March thing going and see how many people we can get to grow a 'Stache." That was all it took for my gears to start turning. Since then I've un-officially been the spear head of Moustache March.

Natalie actually took this picture (so she can admire my 'Stache for the next 11 months)

I learned the first year that peer support is essential for a successful Moustache. That first year I was at Technical Rescue school for March, and without the constant buoying and approval of the other Moustachers, I caved. The 'Stache was gone 3/4 of the way through. It was oh so bittersweet. The ups and downs of Moustachedom... it's not for just any boy. You must be a man, strong, like The Selleck!

Last year was a solid showing, but not exceptionally memorable. There were some really big highlights, like Gma Koller's birthday party and the such, but it was just a month with a Moustache. I'm pretty sure it was then that I decided that this cancer needed to spread. Everyone should don the upper-lip hair!

This was a self portrait at the, very well attended, Moustache March Luncheon.

If you're reading this, you already know that SWMBO is not a fan of The 'Stache. She is amazingly suportive, but doesn't like it. Given that I started retaining whiskers about a week before March 1st, I decided to start whittling away at my "squirl tail" almost a week before April Fool's day. This was a shot fresh out of bed. I call it "The Last Handle."

I had a lot of support from several friends and co-workers. Some phenominal Lip Lizards paraded around this past month. I got some great inspiration for the following incarnations.

All "Policed Up" for church. I was always taught to look respectable and polished for the Sabath. It doesn't get much more polished than that. My inner monologue was voiced over by George Clooney all day.

Then came this gem:

This little Inglorious Basterds inspired caterpillar was a lot more enjoyable than I had originally anticipated. Going to this from the big, bushy "Burt Reynolds" was like a school's out summer buzz cut. Light and refreshing, and surprisingly enough it didn't look as stupid as I had imagined. I'm sure that my sweet wife will disagree, but I would totally wear this one again... for an extended period of time. Oh, and yes, I'm sitting on the toilet.

What a month. I want to thank all those who cowboyed up and set the razor aside to support this cause. It's all for the kids and they appreciate it, all except for Megan DeVries. Thanks to the spouses for showing your undying love and support. Thanks to all the grandmas that unknowingly supported with their participation, and that one lady on the news that one night. You know which one. Thanks to her. It was a good ride ladys and gents. Until next year's Moustache March followed by Mullett May... stay classy.

New babies, old traditions and funny kids

2010-03-13T08:48:00.009-07:00

I can't believe it has been an entire month, but my brother, Danny and his wife, Amber welcomed their first baby, MADDY JO!!! She was a tiny 6 lbs, and she is beautiful. It is so sweet to see both of them become parents, I know they will love that baby with all their might. Congrats Danny and Amber.

At our house things have calmed down quite a bit since the play, the kids are going to bed at a respectable time, and Macie's hair is showing minimal damage after the abuse that massive amounts of hair spray, sponge curlers and hot curling irons did to it during the three long week of ringlets.

There has been a bit of a power struggle with the amount of makeup that can be on her face at any given time, but I think I have finally convinced her that she doesn't get it unless she is on stage.

The other day we drove past the high school and Macie said, with complete surprise, "MOM, why is the high school still there" I had a good little giggle and then tried my best to explain to Macie that they don't just build the high school for the play and then tear it down. They use the high school for other things, "LIKE WHAT"? I could just see her little 4 year old mind turning... OTHER PLAYS? For a period of time I think she was convinced that I was an evil mother for pulling her out of the play while others continued night after night, why would anything like that ever end?

So the biggest thing invading our lives right now is comment after comment about MOUSTACHE MARCH... yes, ladies and gentleman, it is back and Topher convinced a couple of men in the ward to join him, and several other fire fighters joined in this year, united for one cause... WHAT CAUSE? you ask. I don't know, but when they figure it out, I will blog about it.

One of the young men looked at Topher last week, and shaking his head said "I just can't take you seriously" well, JOIN THE CLUB.

And 6 year old pointed at him during sacrament and said "I don't like that, get it off"

Hazel is hilarious. The couple of sunny days we have had I let the kids outside for a good period of time, and Hazel loves every single second, it is like she is discovering the outdoors for the first time. She was stuck in a stroller or in someones arms all last summer, but this year will be different, HEAVEN HELP ME. When we are inside she points to a window, begging to go outside, she is like a puppy.

Hazel walks around the house with the phone up to her ear and says, "HI" over and over and over. And recently she learned how to NOD. She has been every good for the past several months at shaking her head when she didn't want something, now she can do both. Watching her learn how to communicate is the best thing ever! Before you know it she will be walking around chatting as much as Macie... which is a lot. Macie goes to bed talking, and wakes up talking... it is never ending.

Macie is enjoying her preschool class immensely. Her teacher taught her the word BOODIE. And Macie uses it as much as she can, as I sit here and write this she is dancing in the mirror and pointing her bum at it, checking herself out, every once in a while giving it a little tap.

She thinks it is such a funny word, and she will say it over and over, while Topher was attacking her as the tickle monster, she kept yelling "ahh, my boodie, my boodie itches, ahh don't get my boodie"

Almost every day that I pick Macie up from school she has a story about a kid that points to his bum while they all dance to Elmo, RAPPING the ABC's, and all of the kids giggle at him. Apparently he has been dubbed as the class clown at the age of 4, poor kid. He has a lifetime of entertaining ahead of him.

And last, but not least, MACIE IS MORE DRAMATIC THAN EVER! She wanted to go outside and play, but she wanted to do it in a dress, and I was fine with that, but it is still pretty chilly outside so I told her she needed to wear leggings. She wanted tights, but she didn't have any that were clean, so I told her, she could wear leggings, or change into pants, or she can wear these cute knee high socks that matched. And I walked outside with Hazel, leaving her to decide what she will do. About 3 minutes later I hear the screen door being THROWN open and Macie screaming "I DON'T LOOK CUTE" She had picked the knee highs, and she looked like WINNEY COOPER. Here is a video of what proceeded for the next 7-10 minutes.

Pretty funny stuff. I was in a sour mood, and this was my coping mechanism.

Macie managed to find a pair of Hazel's tights and squeeze into them, and this was the video I took just minutes after the video above.

closing night of 7 BRIDES for 7 BROTHERS

2010-02-17T18:00:00.006-07:00

I never thought that night would come, our lives were completely taken over by the 15 shows that Macie did at the high school. But when it came and left I got a little sad, I guess it was BITTER SWEET.

Macie with the other CHILDREN in the play, Camden, Ellie and Maddy. SO CUTE!

There were some high school kids that were especially nice to Macie (some that didn't even acknowledge her presence) so I got roses and put a thank you note on them, and Macie walked around and gave them to her favorites, it was pretty cute. And then we took some pictures with her favorite people. Here are just some of the kids...I don't know all of their names.

Macie with MILLEY, and then with Adam and Milley. Of course these two being the STARS of the show she loved them best of all. And they were both so nice to her.

It was such a cool experience, and Macie loved every single second of it. While we were getting ready for the last show I felt like I had to prepare Macie that this was the last night that we would be dressing up, curling her hair, and putting GOBS of makeup on her face for a long, long time. She thought it was because WE were done and not that the play was over. But I think I finally was able to explain it to her just right, and the fact that there were tears, and massive amounts of flowers and laughter at the end of the last show, I think it all clicked for her... I think.

I didn't have my camera every night, and so I didn't get a picture with everyone that came to see her, but she was so excited to see everyone that did. We had lots of friends and family, and even the ACTIVITY DAY GIRLS in our ward, that made it and we are so grateful to those that did, Macie felt loved. THANK YOU!!!

Opening Night

2010-01-29T08:25:00.002-07:00

After weeks and weeks and weeks of practices and antisipation and preperation it came... OPENING NIGHT! I don't know who was more excited, me or Macie.
I was more than devistaed when, last week, Macie came down with a pretty bad cold- AGAIN. I feel like we have all been sick forever, if not one of us, then all of us, and I am so, so, so, sick of it. Why now? Why just a week before the play starts? Why on Macie's birthday?
I had Macie rest extra during the day, and we just pushed though all of our regular activities and all of the play practices. She was fine.

Macie is only in the first act of the play, so during all those weeks of rehearsals we would stay only through the last scene of the first act. It was very time consuming already, why stay longer than we have to?
But I thought part of being in a play is taking a bow at the end of it, right? So I was committed to stay through all 14 shows. It is part of the experience.
But at intermission I got a message from back stage that Macie hasn't stopped crying and she needs me. So I ran to her... she had a fever, and an ear ache! I felt so bad, and I did my best to comfort her. I asked if she wanted me to go get medicine and she could continue to be there, we only had about 45 minutes to go, but all she wanted to do was go home and go to bed. I didn't blame her and we booked it out of there.

I have a confession. I was so disappointed...am I a stage mom?

At the opening of the play there is an overture of the townspeople doing different things, Macie, along with her friend Ellie, were suppose to gallop across the stage on their stick horses. They did and it was so darling, but then some of the kids went back out on the stage (something I had never noticed before) and Macie was left behind, about 15 seconds later, Macie walked out on the stage, clueless as to where she was suppose to be, so she just trotted along to the other side of the stage, and Topher and I are probably the only ones that noticed, we laughed so hard, but I felt bad too.
The only comfort I had was that Macie doesn't know the difference.

To make things worse, Before the first scene was over Hazel choked on BOOGERS and threw up on my white sweater, I cleaned it up the best I could, with those blessed baby wipes. And sat in a stinky sweater until I learned about Macie being sick.

Oh well, just 13 more nights to go... wish us luck! We are off to the doctor.

Happy Birthday to our little PRINCESS

2010-01-24T10:58:00.004-07:00

Macie turned FOUR yesterday!

I can't believe it... I have a 4 year old. We went bowling with all of her cousins, aunts and uncles and grandparents. She loves bowling, and she had such a good time. I forgot my camera, can you believe it? ME?!? I never forget my camera. I was so bummed. But here are a couple of pictures of her princess dresses that she got. Her aunt, Lindsey looked high and low for a BELLE dress. And she loves it! Then she got a gift card from her Great Grandma and Great Aunt and so we took her shopping and this is what she picked... of course! A PINK dress, with PINK shoes, PINK earrings, a PINK crown, and a PINK purse!
Thanks to everyone that came, we appreciate and love all of you!

Macie watching ROGER AND HAMMERSTEIN'S Cinderella

Macie completing her outfit with earrings

Macie we LOVE, LOVE, LOVE you!!!

playing dress up

2010-01-12T13:32:00.004-07:00

For the past 20 minutes or so, all I have heard is Macie telling Hazel to hold still and Hazel screaming. Hazel has the MOST annoying scream EVER. It is high pitched and she doesn't hold back... it is LOUD! And it is constant, especially when Macie is "playing" with her. For the most part I just let it happen, but sometimes I can't handle it anymore, so I have two options, get mad every 30 seconds and tell them to knock it off, or... laugh and take pictures.
If you can't beat 'em, JOIN 'em. Right?

I know this isn't the most attractive picture, but I love these, Daddy chasing Hazel the bum, and finding her mommy for safty.

Macie showing me her favorite pick out of her make-up box, LIP STUFF. And Hazel testing out every single peice of jewlery.

Come see Macie in her first play!

2010-01-09T10:18:00.003-07:00

The local HS is putting on 7 Brides for 7 Brothers and Macie gets to be a TOWNSPERSON! Her two friends, Mady and Ellie are in it also, because their NANA is the director of the entire production and they invited Macie to do it also.

7 Brides for 7 Brothers is one of our favorite movies. Macie loves to dance to the music and she imitates the girls in the barn dance pretty well, it is so fun! Here are the dates for the play if anyone wants to come. Don't come just to see Macie, she is only in it for like 2 seconds, and there are so many people on the stage dancing that it is hard to see her unless you are sitting on the RIGHT side of the stage. So come to see a well done High School production of 7 Brides for 7 Brothers. It really is amazing how well done it is, and I understand that unless you like this kind of stuff most of you won't feel like it is worth the drive, and I won't be offended.

Call Stephanie Stewart

cell 801-631-6882

box office 801-402-4611

Leave a message if she doesn't answer she is just one of the moms of the students in the play.

She can take a CC# but she will charge a 5% surcharge, or you can go down to the HS and pay for tickets by cash or check down at the HS. I would be more than happy to pick some up for those who live farther away, just let me know.

Opening night Thursday, January 28 - February 15 closing night @ 7pm every MONDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY, and SATURDAY. With a matinee at 2pm, on Saturday February 6, and 13.

Tickets are 5 or 8 dollars. I think it is a great deal for a date night, or something you can bring your kids to, sheer entertainment:) Let me know if you have questions, Macie would be so thrilled to see you there!

2009-12-29T09:41:00.004-07:00

I just can't stop thinking about AVATAR, the movie we saw last night. It was fantastic. And well exceeded my expectations. I had no interest whatsoever in seeing this movie, but went anyway, and I highly recommend it for pure entertainment value, and nothing more. To those who are also not impressed by the little that you have seen about it, DON'T wait until it comes out on DVD, the 8 bucks was worth seeing it on the silver screen.

2009-12-20T17:53:00.008-07:00

TEMPLE SQUARE

One of my favorite things to do at Christmastime.It was BEAUTIFUL, and we picked a good night to go, last Monday. I thought it would be packed for FHE, but it wasn't too bad, and it was fairly warm, for December.

We went with my sister, Lindsey and her family.

Max and Macie wanted to just be so silly when I took out my camera, not only would they pose funny, but they would pull funny faces, and then Max would take the camera and take a picture of ME. It was so funny. He is such a character. He kept saying "no go like this" and then he would pull a face.
So I gave in....

Kissy face at the request of MAX.

Waiting at the TRAX station downtown, I think it was the best part of the kids night.

Hazel at the reflecting pool

Macie had a little Christmas dance recital at the studio. They showed us their weekly routine, and then did a little REINDEER dance for us. Macie was more into me taking pictures of her than she was of the actual dance, but I got a few good pictures of her.

Macie's class doing the reindeer dance, and Macie with Ellie, one of her best friends

S t r e t c h

Temple Square take 2.

My brother Danny and his wife, Amber couldn't make it to our FHE night at Temple Square, so we made another trip so they could see it. We also had some friends come, Joey, Lacey and their three kids, Carter, Hanna, and Olivia. Because it was a weekend, it was a bit more crowded, we somewhat resembled CATTLE being herded, yep it was that busy.

It was a bit more chilly too, we bundled the kids up and squeezed them into one stroller, I wish I could get pushed around on wheels like they do:)

Pregnant Amber, and Danny. Amber you look so cute

This is the picture Macie wanted to take of Danny and Amber...

This is the picture she got:)

The girls in their Christmas dresses from Nana and Papa, Macie has been dancing around in hers all day long, stating it is the perfect "TWIRLLY" dress

So there is is... so far. We still have this whole week to get through, but the count down to Christmas Day is truly here. Poor Macie is going crazy with antisipation. Wish me luck with containing her for the next couple of days. I hope everyone has a MERRY CHRISTMAS, take lots of pictures, capture the memories, and have fun!

Macie-isms

2009-12-07T14:46:00.006-07:00

We have this friend, Carrie, who's little girl is about Macie's age, she is super cute, and HILARIOUS,and she is really good at recording funny things she says on her blog, she calls them OLIVIA-isms. And I think they are so cute. 3 year olds are my biggest challenge, so far, but they sure do say some funny, funny things.
I have a journal that I keep for both girls and I recently wrote down some funny things that Macie said, and I just thought I would share, since I wanted to post this hilarious picture of her and her newest thing, boobs. She loves to stuff balls and socks down her shirts and dresses and walk around saying "look mom, I'm you"

Hilary, "Macie how did you get all of your energy?"

Macie shrugs, "Vegas"

-Macie during a prayer, "Bless... bless... everyone in the whole entire world"

-Macie at her first movie on Thanksgiving Day, "why are we watching it on such a BIG TV?"

And my favorite. Have you ever been in your own little world, only to snap out of it realizing that your 3 year old has been whining and crying, trying to get your attention for a good little while? This happened to me just the other day. When I snapped out of it I said "What Macie, what do you want" It was a little abrupt, but I was just spent for the day.

Macie gets more upset and says, "Never mind, I'm not going to tell you."

Followed by throwing herself on the couch and mumbling over something that I couldn't understand. After about 3 or 4 minutes of this she was standing next to me, "I'm so so so sorry mom, I'm so sorry I called you NOT CUTE" She was so broken hearted that she had said such a nasty thing to me, I forgave her right away:)

Well, things are getting so good right now, I can get Macie to do almost anything by telling her "remember Santa is watching you" followed by "You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout, I'm tellin you why" Hee hee. I love Christmas, I always have, and this is just one more reason to be that much more excited about it. BRIBES!!!

I have some really really fond memories of Christmas as a child, but as a parent it is fun in a different way. We decorated our Christmas tree while Hazel was sleeping and then blocked it off so she can't touch it... it is killing her.

To me Christmas is about RIGHT NOW. Not just Christmas morning, but the entire month of December.

Christmas Devotional given by the First Presidency Christmas Movies, shopping, eating, parties, wrapping gifts, DECORATING, visits to Santa, candy, neighbor gifts, Christmas cards, snow, LIGHTS, Temple Square, MUSIC, Sweaters, RED and GREEN, wood burning fires, hot cocoa

last, but definitely not least, the spirit that is felt, a testimony that is strengthened at this time of remembering the most miraculous moment in time, the BIRTH OF OUR SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST

I just love it all! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Date Night

2009-11-15T10:44:00.005-07:00

Topher bought our family DISNEY ON ICE ticket a while back and I knew it was coming up, but I wasn't sure when. The night before we went Topher asked what my plans were for the next day, I stated that I might go play volleyball at the church, that is when he laughed and said "no your not, IT'S DATE NIGHT"
So Thursday night he took all of his girls out on a date. To DISNEY ON ICE. What a perfect date. We all enjoyed ourselves, it was especially fun for us as parents to watch our girls having such a good time.

Macie was on cloud nine, and Hazel was highly entertained, we were close enough to the ice that she didn't get too bored, it was such a good show. All of the little girls in their princess dresses was the sweetest thing I have ever seen. It really was magical.

Mickey and Minni Mouse and the Seven Dwarfs

Mulan and Beauty and the Beast

Cinderella and Snow White

The Little Mermaid and Aladdin

Watching Macie watching the show was so sweet, she was so excited, but Hazel was HILARIOUS! She got so freaking excited when the SEVEN DWARFS came skating out, she was beside herself. This is the video we got of her, if you turn up the volume you can see that she is in sync with the music, we have watched it so many times, and each time it gets more and more funny!

Thank you Topher for taking us on a date! We love you!

TaGGed

2009-11-09T13:48:00.004-07:00

UGH!!!
My, ever loving, SISTER tagged me on her blog. And I normally enjoy these things, but all it said is to write 10 random things about myself.
Well, it has been a week, and I can't think of 10 entire things to write about. Well, that's not true, I can, but they all were weaknesses, or negative things, and I don't want to do that.
But I will continue to stress myself out, worrying that I have zero to offer the world as I know it.
Here I go...
#1- Macie and Hazel They are my everything, I am nothing without them.
#2-(Allison, laugh at me all you want) but I have a wonderful husband. I know that my family isn't necessarily a random fact about me. But I can't write about myself and not mention the three people in my life, worth living for.
#3-I believe a nice hot bath is a cure all.
#4-I am completely computer retarded, be impressed I can run a blog!
#5- sometimes I stay in what I slept in ALL DAY LONG, and then I go to bed in it... AGAIN. That is more of a confession, and you can think that is negative. The very thing I was trying to avoid, but I LOVE my pj's, (They aren't super pj-ish anyway, they are like sweat pants and a t-shirt, not like a nightgown or anything) I refuse to get ready for the day if all I am going to do is play, dance, and feed my children. But I can't do 2 days in a row... that is against the rules.
#6-I sing at the top of my lungs in the car. This may surprise many of you that know that I refuse to sing at church.
#7-I talk to myself. WOW, I can't believe I admitted that one. But I do, and I have been caught doing so SEVERAL times. One in particularly embarrassing moment was when I was looking in the freezer for something good to eat at work and I was going on and on about something I WISH I would have said to a co-worker, but didn't have the gumption, and my boss walked in and didn't interrupt me, he just sat and listened to my ranting... to myself. I talk to myself like I am playing out a conversation I want to have with someone, or I will have a conversation saying things I wish I could have said to someone, I plan out my days, to myself, as if I were dictating to my own personal secretary. I can't stop... I have tried.
#8-I pull out my eyebrow hairs when I am reading something intense or when I am studying
#9-I have a massive amount of knowledge (maybe "massive" is pushing it a little) about exercise, and little about nutrition (and I am not done) I CAN'T LIVE BY IT. My testimony of physical activity is immense, I understand the benefits of it, mentally, spiritually, and physically, but I can't seem to get off my BUTT!
#10-I think cooking is the most tedious task on the planet. I hate that I am in charge of feeding my family. I hate the entire process. I hate planning, shopping, and preparing the meals. I have a love/hate relationship with fast food. I know it is bad.... but it is OH SO GOOD!

Ok, so once I got going it was kind of fun. So the people I plan to tag are HILARY, ADRIENNE, AMBER GIBSON, TASHA and KARA.
GOOD LUCK!

Halloween and such

2009-11-01T16:50:00.009-07:00

The girls love their daddy. They climb all over him, and they have so much fun laughing and having a good time. I love this picture because they are all in their PJ's, and this is what I walked into one morning after they all let me sleep in a little bit. I think Macie looks especially pretty. Who wakes up looking like that? MACIE does, with her WALL of eyelashes.

In anticipation for Halloween, Macie decided to try on all of her princess dresses.... at once.

One last hike of the year. The fall leaves were at their most beautiful, just up the hill from our house so we packed the kids up and went on a bit of a hike/walk. Here is me and Topher enjoying a crisp fall apple!

Macie found so many things on our hike. Acorns, rocks, pretty leaves SPIDERS, they were GIANT, and she wanted to take one home... I said NO.

I told Macie to show me her acorn that she found on the ground, and she kept blocking her face, so I told to to hold it out and look at it.. that is exactly what she did:)

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Our Halloween festivities started with Macie's BEST FRIEND's birthday party. We went to the pumpkin patch and it was so fun. It was a beautiful autumn day, and we were surrounded by our friends. Happy birthday Ellie!

All of the mommies looking down at their little ones running around the maze at the pumpkin patch. (then there was Becca, we didn't want to leave her out of the mommy picture, but her baby insisted on being nursed right at that time)

The actual dressing up for Halloween was a four day celebration. Leading up to the big day itself, there was a party at the preschool, a fire party, a pumpkin carving party, and a couple of trunk-or-treats (that's right I said a couple)

I've gotten the comment of "oh what a cute little boy" WAY TOO MANY TIMES with Hazel, so I stuck a giant PINK flower on her costume so there were no mistaking her for a boy.

Macie swinging at the pinata at the Fire Department Halloween Party.

It's a swing and a miss, but later she got a good couple hits. "GET IT! Get the good stuff Macie"

Princess Belle! I tried to get her to wear the 45 dollar duck costume we HAD to buy for her ballet recital, but it was a no-go. She insisted on being Belle. I can't blame her, she makes a pretty cute Belle!

We got together with 3 other couples in our neighborhood and carved pumpkins while the kids ran around and played together. Between the 4 couples we have 10 kids. Crazy. But fun.

Daxton, Hazel, Ellie, Maddy, Jack, Macie, Nathan, and Spencer

infants not pictured, Ben and Lucy

The adults carving outside (in the garage) while the kids wreak havoc inside. I thought for sure the kids would want to be super involved with the gooey insides of a pumpkin, but NOPE. They wanted nothing to do with the entire process.

The end result of pumpkin carving. SO CUTE! It was fun, Topher and I hadn't carved pumpkins since we were first married. So this was awesome.

Actual Halloween Day
Hazel and Macie, (or should I say MONKEY AND BELLE) on our front porch getting ready to meet daddy at the trunk-or-treating at the local grocery store. Daddy was on shift for Halloween so it was perfect that the fire truck was going to be at the trunk-or-treating. We got it out of the way by 5 o'clock and we were home for the rest of the night. It was perfect.

My little monkey eating raisins, I knew what was to come with the massive amounts of candy we had sitting in the kitchen from the previous days adventures! (see previous post)

Macie's first LABYRINTH movie experience was Halloween night. I thought it might be a little scary for her, but NOPE she LOVED it. And whether you want to admit it or not, David Bowie is so sexy!!!

The girls favorite part of Halloween were all of the trick-or-treators coming to our house. Hazel would fall on the floor in the entryway and cry every time they left, it was devastating for her. Macie got go excited every time the doorbell rang. She was so good at handing out the glow sticks to the kids.

My window. I may have messed up one it, but I am darn proud of it. The only people that liked it in the neighborhood were the older generation ladies.

So that was Halloween, and the rest of October for that matter.

BRING ON THE TURKEY!!!

2009-11-01T08:45:00.003-07:00

What is so wrong with a little ME time in the bathtub... kid free?

This morning I woke up to 2 hungry little girls. They had been up for a little while before I was able to muster up the energy to get out of bed.
So I got them a some-what nutritious breakfast, put on some wholesome cartoons for the Sabbath day, and headed to the bathroom to get a little R&R.

The second that my body fully relaxed in the suds I got a little visitor. Hazel poked her head in and said "HI" And pretty soon there were two.

It was then that I thought to myself Hey it was Halloween last night, and there is a HUGE bucket of treats sitting in the kitchen
"Macie" I said with great excitement, "go pick out a treat from your bucket, and find a sucker for Hazel" She ran right away and did as I asked, what a good little girl I have:)

Suddenly, a little guilt settled in on my conscious. As I watched Macie trying to entice Hazel with the flavored high fructose corn syrup shaped into a ball and placed on a paper stick (pure goodness to me) I thought to myself, It is only 8:30 AM, what kind of a mother am I? It was then that I witnessed Hazels waddling bottom give its last two wiggles out of the bathroom and then Macie closed the door... I was alone.

I'll think about being more responsible about the Halloween candy tomorrow.

My baby is ONE YEAR OLD

2009-10-27T11:49:00.016-06:00

BIRTHDAY GIRL!!!

I can't believe it, every time I say it out loud, or think about it my heart drops into my stomach. She is one, Hazel is one year old. I feel like I just had her. I can honestly say that I don't even remember what last winter was like with her. I feel like it just flew past me. With Macie I would count down to these things, her first birthday, crawling and walking. But I am holding onto Hazel's infancy as tight as possible. I guess they grow up no matter what. Right?

Topher has always made it a point to take the day off if he is on shift on the girl's birthdays. So I wanted to visit the zoo for Hazel's birthday this year. She loves animals. She will spot a dog from her car seat and point and say "hoo hoo." Everything hoots like an owl. Today is her birthday, but yesterday was the perfect fall day, and today it is snowing like crazy outside. So we went yesterday. It was a great trip to the zoo.There are so many babies, and because it wasn't blazing hot, like when we normally go, right in the middle of the summer. The animals were out walking around, and we weren't miserably sweaty, there weren't crowds of children and parents to fight.

Mommy, Hazel, and Macie checking out the baby elephant

Saturday we did the big 1st birthday party with family and friends. We had family come for soup and bread and then later we had friends come over for cake and ice cream.

Hazel's invitation for her FIRST birthday!

I love that Hazel's birthday is right around Halloween time. I had the kids decorate pumpkins and the colors I chose for table cloths and plates, balloons and such were dark purple and green, so it was festive, but still girly.

Cousins, Ian, Ivee and Emmie decorating their pumpkins, and Macie using her creativity, or should I say grandmas creativity?

I made a GIANT cupcake for Hazel's treat to dig into. One thing that I can say about her is that she LOVES food. She is personally offended if you eat in front of her with out sharing, and she will eat just about anything, and a ton of it. It is fantastic!

All of the hand-me-downs from Macie, Hazel has already grown out of, so I wanted her to have clothes, but guess what? She doesn't care about clothes, she liked the couple of toys she got. MORE FOR OUR COLLECTION Thanks to everyone that came, and for all of the gifts, we appreciate every single one of you and love you all:)

I just thought this picture was cute. The night before the party Topher made two fantastic soups, one from a banana squash. And I was making cakes, so the girls bounced back and forth watching both of us. it was fun.

Super cute OWL CUPCAKES in honor of my little OWL-BABY

Hazel begged and begged for one, well.... she got one:)

I didn't think she would be able to reach it, but she snagged an owl eye (aka oreo) it made her happy and it was hilarious, so I snapped a picture, right in the height of my business. Planning a party of about 40 people for a one year old was kind of fun, kind of stressful, I swear I will never make 4 cakes again (two adults cakes were provided along with the owl cupcakes and the giant cupcake for Hazel to dig into) Costco cakes are the way to go. They are good and EASY! I had just gotten done baking my 3rd cake the night before the birthday party and it dropped on the floor UPSIDE DOWN, I was tired and stressed to the max, so it was the last straw, I barley cleaned up and went to bed. But everything went really well. A couple of rain drops fell during the party, but other than that the weather held. There is no way we could have done it all inside. So I am grateful that we didn't have to.

I am glad it is over!!! Happy birthday to my baby. I am staring at you right now taking a nap with your father, you are so precious, and you are a joy to have in our family. LOVE YOU!!!

September

2009-09-30T10:17:00.017-06:00

Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.

George Eliot

So much to blog about this time. We have had a wonderful month of September! I love love love the FALL!September is such a beautiful month, it is still summer, but the beginning of fall will start to creep in. Our family always feels like we have to squeeze in as many summer activities as we can before winter hits, we also have 4 birthdays, and our wedding anniversary. So here we go!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAX!!!

I can't get enough of this boy. I can't believe he is FOUR YEARS OLD. This kid has more personality than 25 other children put together, he is such a joy to be around!

We celebrated Max's birthday up Daniel's canyon. (Ironically enough Max's middle name is Daniel I wonder if Lindsey did that on purpose) We went 4-wheeling, hiking, camping, and we had a wonderful BBQ, good food, good friends, family. And the most important is CAKE AND PRESENTS.

We gave max a toy gun. He carried that thing around the rest of the night, just like in this picture.

Max you are so wonderful, we love you so much!!!
Love, your favorite Aunt and Uncle

Macie and Hazel screwing around in the tent. I love that they are playing together now. Macie waited so patiently for Hazel not to just lay around as a lazy infant.

Macie will tackle her and tickle her and Hazel loves it. It is so fun to watch them play. And I know it is only the beginning, I hope they will grow up loving each others company. I have enjoyed my sisters friendship so much, and I pray that these two can be just as close.

Summer HIKE

Hazel enjoyed most of the hike, she poked her head out so that she could enjoy the view. Something my family always said was "don't forget to look up"!
During a hike people tend to keep their heads down making sure they don't trip, and it is the scenery that they miss, so what is the point of the hike? So next time you are on a hike yell out "don't forget to look up" and I promise you will enjoy the hike a lot more.

Macie was a trooper through most of the hike. She even carried her own Camelbak.

I love this picture, I think Macie looks especially cute.

I don't want anyone to think that I couldn't help out with our children on our 6 hour hike, but Topher was gearing up for the big HUNT. He has to potentially haul out an entire ELK, so this was good practice.

This was my view... WONDERFUL!

State Fair.

Last year we looked and looked for the fried goods. This year we FOUND IT! We got a deep fried snickers candy bar. Topher and I were taking the first picture together and Topher laughed through his nose and the powdered sugar went ALL OVER! YUM! Until next year my lovely FRIED CANDY BARS!!!

Macie insisted on going on the TILT-A-WHIRL. We warned her it is super fast, but she was really exited to go, so Topher and I went with her, we climbed in and she yells, "this is so fun" I said, "oh just wait until they turn it on"

She was not impressed. At one point she looked really worried, and I said "Macie say WOOHOOO" so she said "wo...no"

When the ride was done Topher picked her up so that we could get off the ride and she stated that she NEVER wanted to go on that ride again. The next day I was telling a friend about our experience and Macie yelled in the back ground "tell Hilary 'that was freakin scary'"

Looking at all the animals is Macie's very favorite thing to do at the fair. She talks about it all year long. I love that Macie can appreciate the animals our Heavenly Father has put on this Earth for us.

Papa, Macie, Nana and Hazel enjoying Macie's favorite treat, cotton candy. Thanks Nana and Papa for coming with us to the fair.

My mothers birthday wish was to have us all together for a day at the park. So the kids went swimming in the reservoir and some of us went down the zip line. It wasn't the most comfortable thing, but it sure was fun:)

Topher

Natalie

Danny

Ryan

Lindsey

The Zipline Gang!

Ryan, Lindsey, Natalie, Topher, Chris & Danny

We then played a friendly game of volleyball.

Lindsey helping Max serve the ball

Mom and Anna showing their stance

Danny, Topher and Hazel setting up

I finally got to show everybody what I got, I hit the ball... into the woods and POP I ended the game. As a punishment I had to wear the murdered ball as a hat. I think it is cute, I am starting a new trend. Anybody in?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMBER!

Ok, so I know that this picture is almost two years old, but I didn't have any of just Amber. But it is a gorgeous picture, anyway.

Amber and I have birthdays just 3 days apart. And I wanted to wish her a happy birthday. She is a wonderful little southern belle!!! I don't know how my brother managed to trick her into marrying him (WINK) They are expecting their first baby in February, and we all just found out it is a GIRL! We are so excited for them. Amber you are such a fantastic addition to our family. I hope you had a wonderful birthday.

Topher took me out on a date for the big TWO-NINE! We dined at our favorite restaurant, we tried to take a picture of the Red Rock sign in the back, you can barley see it.

Topher and is rootBEER from the brewery. It is his fav.

We ate outside. Yet another reason to LOVE September. Not too hot, not too cold.

One last trip up the canyon before the big storm.

My friends and I talked and talked and talked about going up the canyon for a wienie roast, and we finally did it! It was beautiful, the fall leaves, the food... the screaming children.

The kids helped me gather fall leaves that I have now proudly decorated my house with. I love the fall!!!

Amber(getting ready to roast her wieners) and Hilary(just finishing up eating her wieners)

THANK YOU for a wonderful night up the canyon! It was perfect timing, because this morning I woke up to COLD RAIN!

My favorite camp fire desserts, star bursts and smores. Thanks for the birthday cake Hilary.

Macie doesn't like a bun with her hot dogs, so she was walking around with a wiener between her fingers munching on it. It looked kind of funny, so I told her to show me her hot dog, and this is the picture that came out .

And so it is the end of September... so long my beloved month. Here come the holidays, I CAN'T WAIT!!!

From Summer Fun to 1st Day of School

2009-09-03T09:35:00.008-06:00

Before school started I squeezed in a couple of last minute activities with the kids. One was a petting zoo with my sister and a friend, and the other was Liberty Park with Toph's family. It was so fun, and it is still so hot outside the summer events haven't stopped. We are still planning a Bee's game, a river rafting trip (take that Kevin!), and a camping trip.

My sis, Lindsey heard about two dollar Tuesdays at Thanksgiving Point so we met there. I brought Amber, a friend, with her two boys and then Ellie, my other friends, little girl. They are all around the same age so it was fun, it was SUPER busy, but fun.

The kids weighting themselves compared to different animals (they were actually just jumping on it)

Look they have a jail, and it is free for all the BAD KIDS.

Macie, Max and Ellie inside the SALOON window

Nathan, Macie and Ellie on the COW, yep a cow (a plastic cow)

Hazel looks a little scared in this picture, but she was actually really excited to see all of the animals, she kept HOOTing at them (see previous post)

The next adventure was Liberty Park with the in-laws. We had a yummy picnic and then we walked around the aviary. The coolest part was the bird show, it was pretty entertaining.

Macie and her cousins, Ian and Emmie at Tracy Aviary

My beautiful Family waiting for the show.

I got to be a "helper" and a really pretty/exotic bird landed on my arm. Move over Vanna!

All of the GRANDKIDS enjoying Liberty Park/Tracy Aviary

The girls got to ride some of the rides, and rolled down the BIG hill, Macie got her first bee sting, and we played in the water fountains. We all had a blast.

On the carousal. Hazels funny feet, they are her protection, she can grip ANYTHING with those funny feet. She looks nervous here too, but she was really happy, and she took it all in with pure excitment.

First Day of School

I read a cute little thing about taking a picture of your child on the first day and then on the last day to see the change over that period of time. So here is the FIRST.

Macie with Miss Alby, the best teacher EVER.

Macie's first day of pre-school was a big hit. She loved being there. She has always had a little bit of separation anxiety, so I was a little worried that she wouldn't want me to leave, but the second we entered the school she RAN with her had waving BYE.
She comes home and tells me about her friends that she has made and about the things Miss Alby has done that day, although when I ask her "what did you learn today?" the best response I can get out of her is "Miss Alby rang a bell" or "I have no idea what you are talking about mom"

After Macie's first day of school we went up a small canyon with Hilary and Ellie, for lunch. The girls played in the little stream of water, collecting rocks and getting all dirty.

Macie's cute back pack wasn't here for her first day of school but it finally came and HERE IT IS!!! Oh blessed http://www.etsy.com/

Keeping us Laughing

2009-08-23T22:08:00.012-06:00

HOOTER!!!

For the past couple of days I noticed that when Hazel gets excited she will pull a little OWL face and say "who, who" just like an owl. It is so so so cute, so so so funny. And she does it over and over and over. So I thought I would document this quirky thing that my baby does.
Well, it wasn't going to be that easy. When my camera focuses it beeps and apparently that is a QUE for Hazel to SMILE! I have trained her well. But it was hard for me to capture this absolutely hilarious face pull. So here is a smile, then a HOOT, then a smile, then a HOOT. She DOES have a beautiful smile.. BUT I WANTED THE OWL FACE! I KIND OF got it.

Smile

HOOT

Smile

HOOT

Teeth grind.............................Smile

HOOT!!!

Minus the GREY bathtub, I thought this picture was just cute. She tries to stand up in the bathtub, and I will say "Hazel sit on your bum" and I love how she KNOWS exactly what I am saying to her, she tries to defy me, and I am just waiting for the day that she slips and she learns her lesson.

Macie loves trains, so we finally took her downtown to ride TRAX.

Hazel's BITTER BEER face. She is getting SIX teeth at once, and she like to grind her gums together, but she just looks like an old man. It is so funny, although I don't feel I have quite captured it in it's full hilariousness. So watch for more bitter beer faces in later posts.

Macie's constant poses. For the longest time she would turn her head away whenever I tried to take a picture of her, but NOW she feels as though she needs to complete an entire photo shoot everytime I just turn the camera on.

Even if I am not trying to take a picture of HER.

My BaBy'S growin Up SO FasT!!!

2009-08-18T21:54:00.011-06:00

Macie giving mommy and daddy THUMBS UP!

Macie took swimming lessons over the past two weeks. Her instructor was amazing, I fully believe she is a child whisperer. She can scold with LOVE, the children all love her, and they learned so much.

Here are all of the toddlers waiting their turn to get their heads pushed under the water in hopes that they will blow bubbles and not suck up the water and drown.

Mrs Eggett would push their heads under the water all the way across the pool and yell "KICK" Macie DID NOT like that, she would pull her hands off of her head, but there is NO defying this woman. Eventually Macie got smart and learned to just blow bubbles and kick.

Macie FLOATING all by herself. She was so excited when she realized no one was holding her up.

Jumping off the diving board CANNON BALL!!!

She is going to meet her preschool teacher tomorrow. I am a little sad, a little nervous for her. How did this happen. I feel like I am still on the first page of this new chapter in my life of motherhood. She is still my little baby... and now she is going off to school.

Any advise for a mother sending her first child off to school???

CRackER WhaCKer

2009-08-09T22:28:00.005-06:00

Anybody need a good group game?
We (as in Topher and Macie) played at a family reunion.

You can see the cracker visibly placed on the backside for easy access, what a cute bum Aunt Shanole has!

My brother Danny and our cousin Jenna were the last standing, JENNA WON!

Sorry the pictures are blurry, but here is Macie playing CRACKER WHACKER!

Here is the kids game, we didn't think it fair to have 3 year olds up against our OLD aunts and uncles

-Tie a saltine cracker around your waste, we used kite string

-roll up a couple pages of news paper

-make boundaries

-WHACK each others CRACKERS

-once your cracker has been whacked enough to be completely gone from the string then you are out.

It is the funniest thing I have ever seen.

Weekend update

2009-08-03T14:51:00.010-06:00

Topher's good friend, Lee was visiting from Az, and he brought his girlfriend, Mandy. We took them to do a little UTAH sight seeing.

The Great Salt Lake, is not so great. It is a spectacular sight, but not so appealing once you are within 100 feet of it. Rotting bird carcasses, hot salty mud, and bug lined water, is not my idea of a good time. But it sure is beautiful... from a distance.

Macie fell asleep on the way out to Saltair, and was not happy to be woken up.

That night we had a BBQ with several couples in our ward, good food, good friends, a good time.

We were at a park right next to the train tracks, so every time the train went by it was hard to hold a conversation with anyone, NO not from the extremely loud trains, but from the 5 toddlers standing up and cheering for the trains, here is Macie, Skylar and Ellie clapping at the train. Not pictured, Spencer and Jack.

Topher and his friend Lee, I refuse to post the picture of them holding hands.

Mandy, Lee, Natalie, and Topher

Babies in the ward. We are so lucky to live in a ward that have a lot of young families.

Kelsey, Hazel, Hanne and Caleb, all born with in about 2 months of each other, there were also 2 newborns, but we were afraid they would get beat up with the excited baby bullies. It was so fun to watch them interact with each other. The old saying "the grass is always greener on the other side" is learned in just the first couple months of life, if one was playing with a toy all the others thought that toy was the coolest, it was interesting to see how they all had different reactions to things, some thought it was funny, some would scream, some would hit, is that the first signs to how they will react the rest of their lives??? Who knows?

EW- Crawdads

2009-07-29T10:03:00.004-06:00

Macie, Maddy & Ellie catching crawdads

Waiting for dinner

TIME TO EAT!! Dig in.

Thanks Topher

PaRAde

2009-07-24T14:33:00.007-06:00

We have had some good times at parades in this area. We get VIP treatment with the fire station, so we don't have to fight the crowds. They generally have a spot roped off for the fire fighters and their families.

This year we decided to ride in the fire truck and wave to all of BOUNTIFUL. Macie had a blast, and it was fun to pick out our friends, yelling our name, in the crowd.

The fire trucks were at the front of the line. So when we went through we got to park the truck and then watch the rest of the parade, so we got the best of both worlds.

Lane and Yana Price were right up front and they invited us to sit with them. Macie got to see Snow White and all of the clowns, not to mention ALL of the candy that was thrown at her. And Hazel was just excited. She clapped or waved at everyone going by. It was so cute.

Topher was on fire work duty, so we, once again, get VIP treatment. I drive up the hill right before the fire works go off, and get front row parking. The fire works were going off right in front of us, so it was pretty loud, but it didn't bother Hazel one little bit. It was different last year- I was pregnant with her, and Topher was on fire works duty again, and so we were up close and personal with the screams and whistles of the fire works being let off RIGHT in front of us, and she almost kicked her way out of my tummy.

Watching the fireworks

Beautiful Bear Lake- Maxwell family reunion

2009-07-19T12:07:00.006-06:00

Cute Challis cousins, Hazel's THIGH'S, aunt Peggy

Macie showing me her sand

castle, and SHOWING OFF! Whenever I bust out the camera she starts to mock pose.

Hazel's first taste of sand

The canoe's maiden voyage

Me, trying to avoid a swimsuit shot:)

Incubus concert #4

2009-07-19T11:03:00.007-06:00

Me, Topher, Lindsey and Ryan keeping up a tradition of an Incubus concert at Usana Amphitheater. Good times:)

Waiting around. As at all concerts, the band doesn't feel like they can come out until the crowd is completely restless! I wonder what they are doing back stage.... hummmm?!?

People watching at an Incubus concert is the best, FREAKS GALORE!

Finally they made it on stage... I LOVE YOU BRANDON BOYD!

Dancing, singing at the top of my lungs GOOOD STUFF!!!

I wish you were here Drive

Stellar Pardon Me Warning

Megalomaniac Nice to know you

WET Flaming Gorge TRIP

2009-07-06T23:46:00.014-06:00

We were invited to the Francom's annual trip to Ashley National Forest, just above Flaming Gorge. Half the time Topher was suffering from a tooth ache, and it rained or hailed most of the time, it was still a good get away. Thanks to Jeff and Misty we enjoyed a nice camper trailer, and didn't get our sleeping stuff SOAKED like the rest of the TENT goers. It was nice, we may even look at investing in one.

Hiking... DURING a HaIL STorM!

Fishing with Daddy, Macie reeled her first fish, VERY exciting.

First driving experience.

Channing's first b-day, nothing like celebrating in the wilderness

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOOGER!!!

This hammock kicked Topher's trash during the set up, but it was totally worth it... for the one day it didn't RAIN or HAIL! beautiful isn't it?

Contaminating my child with sugar

The first official day that we were there, the camping crew went floating down the Green river..
While Lindsey and I took the babies on a hike along the 7 mile course, we were trying to beat them down the river so I RAN, with my flip flops... It was GORGEOUS!

Waiting out freezing storm, after freezing storm

Do you ever take pictures JUST so you can post them on your blog???

Well I thought this one was a little BLOG worthy.

Trying not to YAK all over the truck, we were headed up a ReALly BumPY road for a lovely hike up Leidy Peak... for the 2nd TIME! When all of the sudden Topher says "there's a mouse on my truck" sure enough, there it was... goin for a ride, up to Leidy Peak, he was playing peek-a-boo for a while, but then he finally showed his little body, crawling across the wind shield and then finally down the front, Topher slammed on his breaks, and we watched it SLIDE down the hood and onto the muddy road. Poor little guy, just trying to get shelter from the HAIL!

No Longer A Truck Drivin Woman!!!

2009-06-16T08:02:00.008-06:00

We were sitting in the living room last night, searching for the energy to get up and get ready for the Bee's game, that we had tickets for, when Topher says to me, "well the only question is, Do we take the truck, or your new car"

I just looked at him funny, because for several weeks we have been talking about buying a new car. For the past three years I have been driving Tophers three door, big, huge truck.
But I got frustrated several times and finally told Topher that I wash my hands of the whole thing, and that if we were getting a new car he would just have to show up with one. But I thought NO WAY has he been home from work for a half hour and hasn't said anything to me. But he kept telling me to get up and go see it. I finally did, I walked into the kitchen and looked out the window, only to find our friend Jeff (who buys/sells cars) sitting in HIS black SUV. Topher followed me and said "this is going to be a great joke" WHAT THE??? WHAT IS THAT SUPPOSE TO MEAN??? So I walked outside, and Jeff got out and asked how I liked my new car, I still wasn't sure. About a 1/2 hour later is sunk in....IT'S MINE!!! AND IT IS BEAUTIFUL.

I, jokingly asked Topher where the big red bow is, and I guess he was trying to figure out where to get one, we weren't suppose to get the car until later this week, but who can complain about a big red bow when there are keys to a fantastic, beautiful black Trail Blazer sitting in the drive way, just for you???

I no longer have to heave my infant into the middle of the back seat, I will no longer be eating the dashboard if all 4 of us are in the car, I will no longer have to put my groceries in the bed of the truck, sitting on top of the left over lumber from Topher last side job.
Now Topher will no longer have to stuff his jeep with lumber, and tools. Yesterday morning he had to drive around with siding sticking out of the back of the jeep, running up to the front passenger side. OH HEAVEN!

THANK YOU TOPHER!!!

PICTURES!!!

2009-06-11T20:09:00.007-06:00

I LOVE PICTURES OF MY GIRLS!!!!!!!!

Macie @ 3 1/2 years. The love of my life, the princess that will climb a tree in a skirt, and catch a snake for a pet, while singing her favorite song from THE SOUND OF MUSIC.

Hazel @ 7 months. She is so happy, so chill, and I just want to squeeze her giant thighs!!! yummy!

Thanks to Heather, visit her website at the bottom of my blog, she was so good with the girls, and as you can see she knows what she is doing.

Tribute to Lindsey

2009-06-01T11:00:00.003-06:00

It was my sister's birthday Saturday and Topher and I crashed her romantic dinner with her husband at The Melting Pot. It was Sooooo good, and Sooooo fun!
It was the first date Topher and I have been on since before we had Hazel, it was so nice, THANKS HILARY, for watching the kids.

L-loving. You have so much love in your heart, I have been so grateful for your example to me as a mother.
I-inventive. Remember when I got mad and broke your door knob so that it wouldn't let you out of your room, and THAT NIGHT, you switched door knobs on me, so that I was the one stuck in my room?
N-Nose ring. I wanted to do nutritious, but I had to put in the nose ring. It represents your wild side that is now suppressed by your obligations for being a good mother. I still can picture you throwing your nose ring off of a peak in Zions Canyon, although I wasn't there, I know you well enough to picture exactly how it played out. That is why we go to Incubus concerts year after year, because we can be punks for one night and then go back to our mommy living the next day, we have an inner WILD SIDE!
D-Diligent. Everything you do, you do it 100%. I think that is why you will do well in YW, among other things.
S-Supplements. Supplements and more supplements. Have a problem, take a supplement!
E-easy to talk to. Lindsey and I can talk for HOURS, and sometimes on the same subject, and we never get sick of it, NEVER.
Y-Yoga! You are such a free spirit. I remember doing warrior poses in Zions canyon, and up Stewart falls with you.

Breakdancing babes!

2009-06-01T10:46:00.001-06:00

http://sendables.jibjab.com/view/eQzxX1jK0GpTcrrn

My girlfriend made this video.... SOoooooo FUNNY!
Thanks Amber.

BATH TIME!

2009-05-27T20:11:00.004-06:00

PEEK- A-BOO

SCRUB-A-DUB

BATH TUB IS MY FAVORITE TIME

From ballet diva, to snake tamer

2009-05-27T19:50:00.003-06:00

Macie's pet snake! Until she squished it's dinner out of him and then he was GONE!

Look at me!

The girls waiting for daddy to return from fishing on the raging river of death!

Feeding the ducks, the mean, mean ducks.

Crusin' the Farmington Pond

SpRing, sPRinG, SPrinG!!!

2009-05-27T19:37:00.002-06:00

Flowers in the yard!

Sunglasses, and Hazel's boyfriend, Daxton.

I LOVE SPRING. It has been a long, long winter, and I am READY for HEAT, and SWIMMING, and CAMPING, and POPSICLES, and BEE'S GAMES, and FIRE WORKS, and Adrienne's WEDDING!!! What about you???

Proud Mommy Duckie

2009-05-16T12:52:00.007-06:00

Ballet Rehearsal and Ballet recital

Last night Macie had her FIRST ballet recital!!!

She was such a beautiful, graceful, DUCKIE. Of course the 3 year olds, being the youngest, were the very cutest. The second they came onto the stage the entire audience oohed and awed. It was so sweet. There were 8 other duckies, and they all did so well waggling their little bottoms like pros.

I thought my heart was going to burst out of my chest. I was so excited to see her minute and a 1/2 on stage for a 2 hour ballet!

Macie with her friend Ellie.

All of the little duckies waiting for their turn on the stage.

Max at the recital, Macie's 2nd biggest cheer leader.

While he was anticipating Macie's debut, he stated that he wants to MARRY Macie, who can blame him?

Long story, but we missed the photo session with her class. I was so bummed, but my friend Hilary had already talked me out of buying them anyway, so I didn't feel too bad, (sad to say, but I made Hilary's little girl Ellie, pictured above, miss the pictures too). But we went to the fire station and I made her stand still for 2 seconds to snap a couple of pictures in her costume. Isn't she so cute?

Then she was off, I can't get her to hold still for longer than a couple of shots.

Our Little Vaca

2009-05-02T12:24:00.006-06:00

Every year we have a sibbling retreat in Park City. It is close enough that we don't have to budget for gas, but far enough we feel like we are vacationing away from home. Plus, we get to SHOP, SHOP, SHOP.

So we headed up on the first day, and straight past Park City and Kamas, for the first hike of the year. WOHOO, spring is here.

Max's mud stick. Lindsey refusing to get out of the car... again. Topher, Hazel and Ryan.

Oh, boy it is here! Where there wasn't a ton of mud there was SNOW! Lindsey's first step out of the car was a giant SLIP!!! And we decided to bag the hiking idea. While we were dicussing how beautiful the sceanery was the kids got out to play in the snow that was rappidly melting.

And eventually they were rolling around in the MUD. It was great fun... FOR THEM.

Thanks to my sibblings and their spouses that (kept me up all night long) came up for another good trip, I look forward to next years great escape to the ever so wonderful PARK CITY.

Hazel and Channing hanging out together.

Max and Macie enjoying the gianormous bathtub at the condo.

a mESSAGE fROM tOPHER

2009-04-15T17:30:00.008-06:00

So, it's been a couple of weeks since the sad ending of Moustache March, and it's apparent that Natalie is not going to wrap up the exciting progression. Don't worry though, I'm here for you!

I was pretty excited and started advertising months before, and though I was called a cheater, I even got a weeks head start. I didn't think it was a competition, just a good cause... for the kids.

This is the first picture, that I had to take of myself. Natalie, by this point was already repulsed and embarassed to be with me. I have to admit, it needed to thicken up a titch. But LUCKY for me, I had time!

As my "caterpillar" began to thicken up, Natalie finally started to accept (not like, but accept) the status symbol that my 'stache was becoming. She took this pic to show to the world what a manly man I really am. Some of you may remember this photo from a previous update... how could you forget?

By this time Mr. Shafto, Munch, Ryan, Ryan, Cooper and others were by my side sporting their own sweet hood ornaments. Props goes out to Mr. Cook... I wish I had a pic of his Sherlock-esque moustache. It was a true beauty.

As the month wound to a close, I finally had the strong 'stache that I had always wanted. Natalie loved to watch me stroke my moustache lovingly, as I contemplated the meaning of life. Although she dry-heaved every time I kissed her, I know deep down that she didn't mean it when she threatened to shave me in the middle of the night.

So, to end March. I tried to fulfill all of her fantasies and I would become her own Tom Selleck.

I policed up my moustache for my sweetheart. This was the last day of Moustache March and shortly after this photo was taken Natalie and I cried together as I shaved off my Blue Ribbon Moustache.

Topher

XOXOXO

Disclaimer: Some of this account may not be the correct viewpoints of all parties associated with this blog.

-The Management

Easter Weekend

2009-04-12T19:49:00.012-06:00

Since Easter is about the resurrection of our Savior we have decided to celebrate BUNNY DAY on the Saturday before, therefore leaving the Sabbath Day for reverence towards our Elder Brother. But those pictures aren't fun.. so here is a couple of cutsie pictures of our BUNNY DAY and the girls Sunday dresses.

Macie FINALLY got her PRINCESS SHOES, she got two pairs for Christmas, but they both broke within the first couple of steps, it was so sad.

We got to go visit the bunny Saturday morning.
Macie WOULD NOT leave the poor bunny alone. She would run up to him and give him high 5's and then kiss him and hug him. I would bet there are a lot of families that have a little Macie addition to their kids photo op with the Easter Bunny.

Hazel's first bunny lap sit:)

Thanks to the good Nana and Papa that the girls have we had a wonderful BUNNY DAY. While Nana, Aunt Angie and I hid eggs that the cousins colored, there was a white, furry visitor that hid all kinds of goodies for the kids. They had a blast looking in all kinds of strange places for their baskets.
See Ian bunny enjoying one of the treats that he discovered after a visit from our furry friend.
Waiting in line to see the Easter Bunny, Ian, Ivee, Emmie, Macie and Hazel.
Macie showing off her face painting.

Happy Easter Everyone!!!

Picture Princess

2009-03-26T16:37:00.007-06:00

Macie loves three things. #1, She love to get into a pretty dress or skirt, it is the first thing she does in the morning, and if we have to go anywhere that day and I ask her to change into more weather appropriate clothes she says to me, "BUT MOM I CAN'T DANCE IN PANTS" Leading to #2, She loves to dance, she walks around on her tip toes and she twirls until she makes ME dizzy, she is a lovely ballerina. And #3, She LoVeS lOvEs LOVES to get her picture taken. She knows how beautiful she is. Macie has beautiful dark hair that runs half way down her back, she has a WALL of eyelashes, and she has extremely good taste in dresses! In fact she choose THIS dress from www.shabbyapple.comLittle girls and girls dresses from shabby baby.

Maxwell words of wisdom

2009-03-14T18:24:00.007-06:00

Keep your nails well rounded, and pretty.

Always clean your nose.

A birthday suit is always cute.

A grey sweatshirt is always in fashion.

Always use gloves while doing dishes,
keep those finger nails looking good!

Dance while wearing big, sponge curlers.

The stache is only for March.
Thats right, MOUSTACHE MARCH is in full effect. WHY??? Topher is causing an uproar at church, and with his wife. The count down to the last day in March is ON!

Watches...so cute!

2009-02-25T20:08:00.002-07:00

Everyone needs to check out this blog! My sister's friend, Skye makes these watches, at a totally affordable price. www.skye-thompson.blogspot.com

Beauty and the Beast

2009-02-17T18:34:00.007-07:00

Since my last post was a bit of a downer, I thought I would add this little fun filled FHE at the local High School play last night. BEAUTY AND THE BEAST We went with my sister Lindsey and her family, and it was so so so fun to watch the kids, Max and Macie watch the play.
Every time the audience applauded Macie would yell, "clap, Max, clap" and her eye lit up when Belle walked onto the stage in her beautiful yellow dress. She tried so hard to twirl while stuck between those tiny autitorium seats at the HS. (Boy, has mybum gotten big since HS)
My friend Hilary, who got me tickets, because it is basically her family that runs the whole thing, got Macie the Beauty and the Beast figurines as a b-day present, but Max wouldn't let them go, and after the play was over we got to go out to the lobby and meet Belle, and Max's eyes got really wide and he pointed to the Belle figurine and said "look Belle, it's you!!!" It was so funny.
Thanks Hilary, for getting us those tickets. Her daughter, Mady was so so so darling as a sugar cube.
This morning, Macie woke up and said to me "mom, I want to call Belle" and she handed me the phone. So through Topher's mom we got a hold of her sister and she pretended to be Belle for Macie, she talked Belle's hear off:) Thanks VeeAnn.