WHAT'S UP DOC?

beckett turns 2

2012-01-15T13:58:00.000-08:00

So our cute boy turned two this last week. We had lots of fun celebrating this sweet boys birthday.

Happy birthday you beautiful boy!

40th Birthday, Surprise party!

2012-01-08T16:50:00.001-08:00

Ella's Winter Concert

2011-12-13T09:44:00.000-08:00

Parker's Mystery Birthday Party

2011-11-19T17:57:00.000-08:00

The Invite

The Bandit who took the presents (aka Ella)

The detectives training with eye vision glasses with a game of in the dark hide and seek

The ice cream cake

The presents after they were collected all over the town where the bandit had hidden them.

Collecting presents at the local gym

at a neighbors

More detective training in agility

Training in memory skills

The detectives after picking code name, makinf bagdes, and fingerprinting.

The big 10 ten old

The rest or just Sunday shots.

Yo ho, Yo ho, a pirates life for me!!

2011-10-28T17:08:00.000-07:00

First Day of school, First day of school (said like Nemo)

2011-08-24T12:57:00.000-07:00

It was chilling this morning, so everyt.one had on sweaters. I can't believe the kids were wearing sweaters in Augus

Back to School

2011-08-11T13:42:00.000-07:00

Beck enjoying the show!!

We had a back to school fashion show for Jesse. We got these masks at the Mall that day and Parker wanted to add them in. I personally think they add a very retro feel to our fashion show. In case you're wondering Jack was unable to stay awake with the late hours Jesse's been keeping.

New Family Pictures- Thanks Sylvia

2011-07-20T13:58:00.000-07:00

2011-07-12T14:16:00.001-07:00

This week I arranged for a Book of Mormon Camp to take place at church. The kids are having a blast!!

Me and My Baby

2011-07-10T14:48:00.000-07:00

Music Week

2011-07-06T13:53:00.000-07:00

It's all about music this week. So here were the kids choices on musicians.

Parker- The king of jazz-Louis Armstrong

Ella- Wolfgang Mozart

Jackson- Woody Guthrie

Asher- The grandfather of rock-n-roll - Les Paul

We learned a lot about these men this week. Parker wrote a 14 page report on Louis Armstrong- who's given name was Daniel. Did you know/

We also had some great outings to learn about different instruments and to hear them played.

Our first stop was Heidi's. She is the kids piano teacher and let me tell you she has quite the musical family. Heidi was very kind and took the time to describe all the different classes of instrument and kindly played the cello for the kids. We also got to take a look at the harp which her daughter Rachel plays and her daughter Ashley played the flute for us. I told you they were a talented family.

Next Porter came over and played a song or two on his sax. He also answered a lot of questions and put a plug in for middle school band. Pretty impressive for a 13 year old. Anyway we had a great time this week learning all about music.

Tomorrow it's the violin and the clarinet. We have quite the talent here in our ward. I feel so blessed that we have so many people willing to help out on our summer learning adventures.

Heidi played this for the kids. This guy is amazing. Steven Sharp Nelson- The Cello Song on youtube

My Artist and their Work

2011-06-24T03:46:00.000-07:00

Parker's really cool bull's head and sunflower in the style of Georgia O'Keefe

Jack's self-portrait in the style of Van gogh

Ella's take on pointillism

Asher's green bean can following Warhol's lead

ALL IN ALL A VERY SUCCESSFUL FIRST WEEK!!!!

Artist Update

2011-06-22T10:55:00.000-07:00

Just thought I'd share a few facts on the kids' artist of choice. They did such a good job this morning sharing their information

One of Asher's favorite works of Andy Warhol. He liked this and a painting of Elvis's boot.

Facts Asher shared:

American Artist born in Foerest City Pennsylvania on Aug 6th of 1928

Known as pop artist because he liked to paint things and/or people in modern culture. Some of his most famous being Marilyn Monroe, Elvis, and Elizabeth Taylor.

He moved to N.Y. to pursue art career as was immedinantly successful.

He often used a technique called silk-screen in which a stencil was cut out and placed against a framed mesh and then colored ink was forced through the mesh.

One of Jack's favorite works by Vicent Van gogh. What I liked about Jack's presentation was that he described everything he saw in each painting as he presented to us (about five paints). In his readings he found that most of Van gogh's work was produced after he had taken a walk though the town he lived and then came home and painted what he saw.

So Jack would show the painting and describe what Van gogh must have seen on his walk.

Others facts presented by Jack:

Born March 30, 1853 and died July 29, 1890 (also wanted to know if I was alive then.)

He died at age 37 from a self inflicted gun shot wound.

Born in Netherlands but lived most of his life in France

At first people didn't like his work because of all the bright colors and wiggly lines.

He painted the world around him such as self-portaits, landscapes, wheat fields, and sunflowers.

This is Ella's favorite work by George Seurat. What I found interesting about Ella's presentation is that she found the original photo from which this painting was based and shared it with us.

Facts on the life of George Seurat (presented by Ella)

Born December 2 1859 (after stating this Elle looks at me and ask "Where you born before that date mom?")

Died March 29 1891 at age 31 from a thoart infection which was diagnosed as diphtheria

He used Pointillism in his work which was the art of using small distinct dots of pure color in patterns to form images.

Parker's info on Georgia O'Keefe-

American Artist

Spent most of her life in New Mexico

Lived till she was 98 years old

People called her truly remarkable

She loved to paint animal bones and flowers and would often combine the two.

Most of her paints would be considered abstract in nature.a

One of Parker's favorite paintings of Georgia O'Keefe

Hope you have enjoyed your brief art lesson. Tomorrow starts the hands on phase of our project. Should be fun.

Meeting of the Minds

2011-06-21T07:26:00.000-07:00

The kids and I have decided to tackle a different topic each week and continue our learning throughout the summer. So here's how our weeks will go:

Monday: we will venture to the library to find books on the topic we have choosen

Tuesday: I will make a special breakfast of the kids and will all set down of write down interesting facts about our topic.

Wednesday: We will present our facts to each other and have snacks.

Thursday and Friday: These will be our hands on days (such as this week we are doing artists so the kids will tell us the technique of each artist they have chosen and we will try our hand at it.)

What I find most interesting is the topics they have chosen and the subtopics they chose to report on.

So this week is artist and here's the artist the kids chose all by themself (even Asher- I sat down with him and showed him different artist and their work and he made his selection)

Parker- Georgia O'Keefe

Ella- Georges Seurat

Jack- Vincent Van Gogh

Asher- Andy Warhol

I don't know about you but I would venture to guess that a lot of 9 and 8 years olds back in the day didn't know who Georgia O'Keefe and Georges Seurat were. Our school have come a long way. So I'll let you know how it goes. Next week we will move on to the field of music.

Family Trip

2011-06-17T05:00:00.000-07:00

Pics from Historical Williamsburg Virgina

Some of us visited our wild side and got fake tattoos

Ella's Baptism

2011-06-04T12:31:00.000-07:00

I had both girls put on their baptism dresses to get some pretty pictures.

Jack's birthday fun and an overdue birthday outing for Ella

2011-05-29T06:09:00.001-07:00

For Ella's over due birthday outing we went out for appetizers and to see Kung Fu Panda 2 with Ell's good friend Kiley.

Parker Playing Happy Birthday to Jack

Feeling very blessed!!!

2011-05-25T11:25:00.000-07:00

So this morning Parker just couldn't wait for Jackson to get up. She had stayed up late to practice (over and over again) 'Happy Birthday to You" on the piano. After listening to it twice he replied "Parker that's so beautiful". Everybody has just been so excited for both he and Ella's birthday this month. Whether it be making each other cards or wrapping up small toys, they wanted to make the day special for their sibling.
Now, I can't say we don't have our fair share of bickering, but the acts of kindness and joyous laughter shared with one another are beginning to out number the trying times.
People often express their disbelief that I enjoy my five kiddos but I can honestly say that on most days there is nowhere I'd rather be than in their company. I love my time with them. Besides the feeling of being truly loved, I love the fact that I get to experience childhood again. People tend not to be so judgemental of a thirty-something year old running and squelling in the front yard when she is chasing one of her kiddos around and dancing in the rain gets far less stares when your holding hands with a four year old.
I also have gained a lot of clarity on the admonition of Christ to 'become as a little child' by having five children in my home. If my intentions could be as pure as Ella's, my heart be as loving as Parker's, my willingness to obey like Jackson's, my faith be as strong as Ash's and if I could take on Beck's joy, I would surely be welcomed back to live with my Father in Heaven.
So when I says to each of my kids on their birthday this is one of the best days of my life or this is the day 6 years ago your mom became a little bit better of a person, I truly mean it. That my Father in Heaven trusted me enough to send five beautiful spirits into my home is truly a blessing. I feel of His love daily as a raise my kids. I thank Him for giving me this opprotunity to learn the importance of becoming as a little child. We as mother's raise our children and try to teach them wrong from right but if we are teachable and humble, we find that they also teach us.

Happy Birthday Beautiful Boy!!!!

2011-05-25T06:59:00.000-07:00

New York, New York

2011-05-14T18:48:00.001-07:00

Having a great time with my sister in N.Y!!

Birthday fun!!!

2011-05-08T04:49:00.000-07:00

We made a birthday shirt for Ella to let her know how much she is loved!!!

Teacher Appreciation Week

2011-05-06T11:01:00.000-07:00

So I workout every morning for just about two hours. Beckett usually plays and has fun with Asher then takes a nap about the time I finish up. Well I guess I went a little bit long on Thursday because this is what awaited me as I came up the stairs. I'm not sure what he was doing with the fork or for that matter where he got it because the kitchen is closed off while I workout. Anyway I thought this was cute.

We have been busy with Teacher Appreciation Week all week. I am home room mom for two different class so it gets real busy this time of year. I had arranged for the teacher's to receive a gift each day and I hope that they really felt appreciated because they are fantastic teachers. I kicked it off by bringing in a candy gram on Monday and today I brought in breakfast (dutch babies with strawberries and bacon) and these cute little jars filled with their favorite candy. The no-sew flowers were simple to make except for the fact that I burnt my fingers like twenty times. You can find the directions here.

In the garden!!

2011-05-03T16:04:00.000-07:00

So Beckett and I worked in the garden today. Well to be more precise, I worked in the garden and Beckett ate dirt in the garden.

Learning from My Girl

2011-05-01T12:57:00.000-07:00

This is Ella. She will be baptized in less than a month. As a mom I feel I have a healthy amount of concern for my children and if they are ready to be baptized. It is a big step that carries with it a lot of committment. But Ella's committment to serving her Father in Heaven has always been strong and her love of the Savior is evident in her life. I'd like to put down a conversation she and I had this morning so she'll be able to review it at a later date.

This morning she was lying in bed with me and said, "Mom do you ever wonder which pore was for you?" I ask what she was talking about and she went on to tell me how she had learned in church that Jesus had bled from every pore to suffer for our sins and that she often wondered which pore He bled from for her. She then picked out a pore on her own arm and said that she was going to imagine that Jesus had bled from this pore on His body for her and that when she went to make decisions she was going to look at that pore on her arm and remember what Jesus would want her to do.

She is a beautiful girl and I love the fact that she is in my life. I don't think I'll ever look at my own pores the same again.

Here's What I've Been Up To- Writing a book for Jackson's kindergerten teacher

2011-04-27T18:00:00.000-07:00

So I have absolutely loved Jackson kindergarten teacher. The girls both had great teachers for kindergarten but Mrs. Heeter really is in a class of her own. She makes each day so special for the kids and has helped Jackson become even more amazing than he was before he started (I didn't even think that was possible-he was pretty amazing to start with). So each child in the class got to tell me what they loved about Mrs.Heeter's class and it was included in the book .

Anyway, I really wanted to do something special for her for the end of the year. I've been working on it for quite some time, but if Mrs. Heeter loves it then it will be worth all the time spent. So you'll have to tell me what you think.

me and my boys

2011-04-24T16:21:00.000-07:00

check out next post for easter shots

Easter Sunday 2011

2011-04-24T12:25:00.000-07:00

Always up for a challenge

2011-03-09T10:59:00.000-08:00

So this is Amber and Ben. Ben is Jesse's cousin and Amber is often my inspiration for working out. As you can see, she is beautiful and if I had a body shot you would see that she is really in great shape. I often check in on her blog to see how many miles she ran for the day and often leave with my mouth hanging when I see that she burned over 1000 calories in one work-out. Anyway, Amber issued a challege on her blog a couple of days ago, and feeling I needed to shake up the old routine, I took in on.

So today..

I rode the bike for 20 min.

Did 100 push-ups

100 (jumping) pull-ups

300 squats

100 calf raises (I added that as I like good looking calves)

and then back on the bike for another 20 mins.

I thought it was an exhausting work-out and just the challenge I needed. And can I just say, "I feel pretty good about it in that I am a good 10 years or so older than Amber." Yea for older gals trying to keep up with the youngens.

2011-02-28T16:35:00.000-08:00

Cake Asher asked for then did not eat

Donut Cake

Singing Happy Birthday

To my Mom

2011-01-20T19:45:00.000-08:00

Its 10:30 and all my little sick ones are in bed. I think I can finally let myself be sick now. Mom just so you know my appreciation grows for you daily. Jesse not being here most of the time gives me a feel for what it must have been like for you to raise us girls all on your own Monday thru Friday. I wonder how many times you waited to be sick until all us kids were cared for and in bed. I want you to know that I thank God daily for allowing me to have children so that I could appreciate you even more.

My Kids on Sunday Morning

2011-01-16T14:39:00.000-08:00

Beck turns one!!!

2011-01-12T15:50:00.000-08:00

Nothing says happy birthday like a donut cake!!!

2011-01-12T15:43:00.000-08:00

Beckett takes part in a family tradition!!!

Girl Scout Cookies anyone?

2011-01-07T17:09:00.000-08:00

The girl have a goal to sell 250 boxes each. That's 500 total. You can buy a box from us and donate it to the children's families at the Ronald McDonald house. Anyone? Anyone?

Jackson the Star reader

2011-01-05T14:49:00.000-08:00

(Before you read this post please remember I mainly keep this as a journal. The following post is not meant to be bragging, it's just meant to remind Jack and I what a star reader he was in kindergarten.)

Jackson has level reading at school. While his classmates are in level E books, Jack has moved up to N level. These are his vocalbulary words this week. He must be able to read these words on his own and also define them.

Sphinx

Amulet

Canine

Dueling

Starving

Escaped

Irresponsible

Accidentally

Apology

I think that's pretty impressive for someone in kindergarten.

Knights Established in 1997

2011-01-05T11:35:00.000-08:00

Got this today from MarySue and Steve. Just wanted to show her where I decided to hang it. Thanks so much. We love it.

Sunday Best- and Christmas goodies

2011-01-02T16:20:00.001-08:00

MarySue and Steve sent Jesse and I money for Christmas (which I love because things go on sale and you can always get more) Anyway I have loved these boots for forever. Before Christmas, these boots were $182 and after $49.99. I love them. Jesse also has been wanting Vans for forever and finally got them with the money his parents sent. So thank you so much MarySue and Steve. We love our gifts.

Just because he is so dang cute

Asher's first day as a sunbeam

Jack got a Happy New Year tie for .25

The girls got some cute sweater dresses from Two-Two and we just wanted to show her how cute they looked on them.

Lucky Me

2010-12-28T14:06:00.000-08:00

So I went out to the mall today with my five children. Several times people stopped me to ask me if they were all mine. When I said yes their reply was, "I can't believe you're brave enough to bring them all to the mall", or "Bless your heart" or "I don't know how you do it". After being there awhile I stopped and thought 'I'm the luckiest person in the world' Here I am and these five beautiful, funny, interesting little people want my attention. They each wanted to talk to me, tell me about the exciting things they saw at the mall, hug my legs, or just stand close to me. So instead of wondering howdo I do it or what was I thinking, I just felt extremely blessed and extremely lucky.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T17:41:00.000-08:00

Just some fun

2010-12-24T04:36:00.000-08:00

Beck gets so excited when he attempts to walk. We also shaved his head again. So I've included a picture with hair and the new walking photos are with the new shaven look. We think it suits him.

Perfect Gifts

2010-12-23T10:50:00.000-08:00

I have decided that everyone should give gifts like kids give gifts.

1. Kids make no apologies for how much or how little a gift cost.

2. Kids don't feel bad if their gift is homemade- in fact if its homemade they take more pride in it.

3. The giving of the gift and the excitement they see in the receivers face is all they need in return.

It's no wonder we are commanded to become as little children.

Where does the time go?

2010-12-21T11:19:00.001-08:00

Where does the time go?

2010-12-21T11:19:00.000-08:00

Ella on Her way to the Christmas recital

2010-12-17T15:30:00.000-08:00

OurLittle Trooper

2010-12-06T08:58:00.000-08:00

So Friday I went out Christmas shopping and left my phone at home. Upon returning, I found a message on the machine from Parker's school saying that she had been hurt while in gym class. I called and spoke to the nurse who said Parker had hurt her arm but had returned to class and was feeling better. That night she woke up crying and stated that her arm was hurting. She took some Tylonol and went back to bed. When she woke up the next morning she said it ached a little but that she was fine. Well I got the stomach bug Saturday night and because Parker's arm was still aching she stayed home and took care of me on Sunday. She read me books, brought me drinks, made me a bed down stairs so that we could watch t.v. together. When she went to bed on Sunday her arm was still bothering her so I decided to take her in on Monday. When the x-ray came back the doctors couldn't believe how badly her arm was broken. The doctor said with a break like this she would expect the patient to be in severe pain. Parker had broken one bone in her arm completely and had fractured the other bone in the same arm.

So our little trooper had gone three days with basically no pain meds, taken care of her mother, taken a written test the same day she broke it (did I mention it's her right arm), and did her chores around the house all with a badly broken arm. What an amazing kid!!!

Look who's walking...okay maybe walking is not the right verb

2010-12-04T13:31:00.000-08:00

Good shot of bottom teeth

Parker's Birthday Fun

2010-11-21T15:16:00.000-08:00

I took Parker, Ella, and a friend of Parker's choice (shayla) to see Megamind in 3D and to Bennigan's for appetizers. We all had Soooooo much fun. Happy Birthday my beautiful girl

Halloween Fun

2010-10-30T18:00:00.000-07:00

Biker dude and Biker Babe
lovin' my tatoo I just might keep it. J/K

Bat boy

Vampire Princess

Jack-Skeleton

Beautiful Indian

Vampire in training . Check out those natural fangs!!

thanks mom for making all the kids costums.

One of the best decisions I ever made

2010-10-29T11:40:00.000-07:00

This is Asher. He was going to start preschool this year and I have to admit I was really looking forward to it. If you've read my blog in the past or heard me moan about my lot as a mother then you know that Asher has been quite a challenging child at times. Whether it was putting DVDs in the toaster or swinging, breaking, and falling from ceiling fans, he has definitely kept me on my toes.
Well after orientation at preschool he came to me and said " Mom, I don't want to go. I just want to spend time with you." 'What!! You don't want to go, but I've been looking forward to two hours a day of not having to wonder where you are and what you're tearing up". However, when Jack said he didn't want to go to preschool back a year ago I didn't make him. It only seemed fair not to make Asher go either. Well let me tell you (Asher) it was the best decision we have ever made.
He truly seems like he is a different kid. Gone are the days of breaking everything, jumping off everything, beating up everyone, changing stinky diapers, and throwing fits (well almost anyway). We cuddle, he tells me he loves me every other minute, he shares everything with me, we laugh together, we play together, he helps me around the house, and he hardly ever just screams for no good reason. And to think if I had made him go to preschool I would have missed this for 2 hours everyday. So whether it be that Asher has gotten older and has passed the terrible threes or a mother's prayers where finally answered, keeping this sweet boy home with me every minute of everyday has definitely been the best decision "WE" ever made.

Doesn't get much better than that

2010-10-27T19:43:00.000-07:00

take a look

2010-10-27T10:45:00.000-07:00

http://sendables.jibjab.com/view/1g7k39loaN5lk9kR

Crazy Days

2010-10-15T12:52:00.000-07:00

Sideview of Jack's crazy hair
Ella on Crazy Hair Day

My Crazy Kids

Jack on Crazy Hair Day
Beck eating Oreos

Catching Up with Scrapbooking

2010-10-05T17:35:00.000-07:00

New Pictures of the kids and redo of family room

2010-08-29T06:12:00.000-07:00

I repainted the big family room upstairs and decided to revamp the wall going down the stairs. So Jesse and I went out yesterday and took pictures of the kids around town. There are just some beautiful places to take pictures.So these are all the pictures that decorate the wall. I just love the results. Thank you so much Liz, Carolee, and especially Tina for helping with the picture layout and getting them up on the wall. The only thing I might change is the saying on the board. Right now it saying "families are forever". I think I might change it to "count your blessings". But I'm willing to take recommendations for the saying on the board, so feel free to leave suggestions.

first day of school

2010-08-23T13:42:00.000-07:00

Jack Getting on Bus

Bus Stop
Parker's Bus Stop

Jesse on his first day of kindergarten Jack on his first day (don't they look alike)

2010-08-21T17:39:00.000-07:00

We had a great day at Watkins Glen Park in New York. The kids head back to school on Monday so Jesse took off a few days and we made the most of it. Friday, we went to a little league series game, where the Carribean team killed the team from Europe 11-0. We also ate at Olive Garden because Ella had been asking for months. And today we had a great time at the state park. We stopped for ice cream after and as soon as Jack got home he got out the ball and gloves for he and Jesse. All and all it was a great family weekend. We also got some good pictures of the kids for the wall going down the stairs.

Stopped dead in my tracks.

2010-07-26T03:57:00.000-07:00

So yesterday at church I passed two elderly couples in the hall way that were discussing whether one of the gentlemen was wearing a pale blue or white dress shirt. As I got right beside the man in question, I was stopped dead in my tracks. I stopped, close my eyes, and a big smile came to my face. The color of his shirt may have been in question but his scent was not for he was wearing my dad's cologne. I just stood there, eyes closed, smile on my face, and for a moment I was beside my dad again. So to the gentleman, in the lovely pale blue shirt, Thank You! For a brief second yesterday I was standing right beside a man that I think about and miss daily.

With a little time on our hands

2010-07-13T18:42:00.000-07:00

First pictures of my cute baby then...

So we had a rainy afternoon on our hands, so the girls and I decided to make babies out of pillow cases. With a few tips from my mom concerning how to do the hair , I think they turned out pretty cute. (Not pictured are the snakes the boys made)

Just wondering...

2010-07-13T13:44:00.000-07:00

So I'm just wondering if Mr. Garner woke up the 5 children he burned alive so that they could have one last meal and say goodbye to their love ones?

Remember when....

2010-07-04T12:58:00.000-07:00

This is Beckett now!!

and this is Beckett at birth. It seems like only yesterday that he had a full head of hair.

The girls new room!!!!!

2010-06-14T15:44:00.000-07:00

Charms on the bottom of newly painted mirror.

Painted old dresser and mirror and added charms to bottom of mirror

Parker's poem.I made the little hook.

New cute canvas and Parker's poem

Jesse and I added Wainscoating and chairrail this weekend. I painted the whole room all by myself.

added two shelves with two cute stuffed animals from trev and our "Did you think to pray?" from grammy. We got the lovely canvas from Target.

Dresser we got from someone's front yard. A lot of people will put things by the road with a free sign on it. I painted it white. The canvas is also front Target and the little frame contains Parker's poem.

So what do you think?

Did I mention I'm not a camper? but love making memories

2010-05-25T12:59:00.000-07:00

Jack's Birthday
Catching some zzzzzzzzzzzz's

Cupcakes on the campout for Jack's birthday

the crew

Parker's fish (she caught many)

one of the many fish Ella caught

Cuties

Got in a little fishing

Scenic shots

lovin' the tent

Sweet Beck

I will miss you......

2010-05-25T12:45:00.000-07:00

I will truly miss you my sensitive, broken, tatooed man!!! (This is meant to be a Really Big Joke)

Fresh fish from Danville anyone? but first a lot of cuteness!!!

2010-05-22T20:21:00.001-07:00

Jesse took the boys to the annual fishing derby here in town. They caught three and we had them on the grill tonight. Pretty tasty!! (Don't you just love Asher's face in these pictures)

A needed night out!!!

2010-05-22T04:20:00.001-07:00

Last night was the annual residence dinner and dance. It is always a blast!! I love watching and dancing with my hubby!! He is really a great dancer. I love to see him out and cutting up with the guys he works with. They are really a great group of guys and I love their wives. Lots of couples in the ward are also residents and are also so much fun. It is my favorite night of the whole year as it applies to residency.

poem by Parker Addy Knight

2010-05-17T12:34:00.000-07:00

When I'm happy in my heart there lives

one small pony

two sleeping babies

three country bands

four messy puppies

five blooming trees

six running squirrels

and an ocean nice and calm.

(I think this is just amazing - mom)

Mother's Day & Ella's Birthday

2010-05-09T19:06:00.000-07:00

(before my sisters ask, there was no time left for a picture of me and the girls)

We had a wonderful weekend celebrating Ella's birthday and Mother's day. My Mother's day started with breakfast in bed, followed by hearing Jesse talk in church, followed by a long nap, and a great night with the kids and Jesse. I must say, I love being a mother to my kids.

Each one is just wonderful.

My baby turns seven

2010-05-06T20:06:00.000-07:00

My Ella girl turned seven today and I have lots of pictures to share but this is the one that caught my heart today and the one which inspires this post. This is my Ella at seven and there are things I want her to know, things I hope she never forgets. So Ella baby when your 87 and I'm not there to come and lay by your side and whisper these reminders in your ear, I hope you'll remember that on the night of your seventh birthday I laid down by your side and this is what I said:

"I love that you've started a watch collection and that as of today you are up to three watches and you wear all three on your wrist at the same time."

"I love you dearly. I have since the moment your life moved within my body and I will never stop loving you."

"I love your heart most of all. When I say you're one of the kindest people I've ever met, I truly mean it."

"I love that I am your mother. Out of all the mother's in the world how did I get so lucky as to call you daughter. It is truly one of my top 6 blessings (the other 5 are also asleep up stairs)."

"I love how funny you are, I love your smile, I love your intellect, and your faith."

"I love your birthmark on the back of your neck."

"I love that you love me back."

"I love that you taught me how to do the hula in order to calm down when life gets tough and I love that you've added rubbing my back to the calming down process."

"I love that you have so much of your dad in you."

"I love that we call you the 'little Giada', and that you live up to that nickname."

"I love that you ask me to come lay with you every night."

"I love that you readily forgive me for the times I don't cool down soon enough."

"I love that along with your dad, sister, and brothers, you've taught me my true purpose in life"

"I love your heart, have I said that already? Well I can't say it enough. You have taught me more about kindness than anyone I have ever known."

"I love that your favorite color is pink. It's one of my favorites too."

"I love that you offered me all the money in your piggy bank because you want me to be happy on mother's day."

"I love you, I love you, I love you- my seven year old Ella girl!!!!"

a night in the garden

2010-05-03T17:46:00.000-07:00

Tonight for Family Home Evening, we talked about gardening and how gardening relates to life. We talked about how planning, preparing, tending, and harvesting were both important in growing a garden and living our lives. We also discussed how obstacles could arise in both areas and how we need to always be mindful of the pests, weeds, and other impediments that could potentially destroy our garden and not only our lives but eternal well-being. The kids did an amazing job in coming up with ways on avoiding such obstacles in life. Their answers included praying to their Heavenly Father for guidance, reading the scriptures, following the prophet, and obeying their parents and the commandments. After our lessons we went outside to practice what we preached.

All were excited to be there.....

some more than others....
some worked really hard....
some got really muddy.....

and some even got a little indecent......

but we all had fun and learned a good lesson as a family.

and the winner is.....

2010-04-25T17:47:00.000-07:00

so the bet was who could stay up the longest....... Beckett won!

Bringing Chubby Back!!!

2010-04-22T13:41:00.001-07:00

Look What Hopped Our Way

2010-04-06T16:58:00.000-07:00

These adorable guys were awaiting the kids when we got back from Georgia. They were a special Easter suprise from their Aunt Trevlyn.

My crew with their adorable bunnies

Beck and Cuddle Bun

Jack with Fuzzy (Jesse and I call him mustachieo)

And just in case you didn't see this bunny's cute mustache

Ella and sweetie

Parker and Daisy

Asher's bunny Spot (I almost took this one for myself. )

Trevlyn,

We truly love our bunnies. We feel so special to have had them sent our way. Ella commented that she knew her Aunt Trevlyn loved her because this was her fourth cutie from you. That makes me so happy as her mother to hear. We love you and thank you from the bottom of our "bunny" hearts!!!

And just in case any of you who are interested, you can find your own cute bunny here.

Another Exciting Saturday Night

2010-03-13T18:08:00.000-08:00

So this little guy might be excited to see me but as for the other men in my life.....

They have been this way since 7 pm. It has been yet another exciting Saturday night. I think I can still remember when the weekend was exciting and I got to get dressed up and go out on a date. Oh well, a chick flick with my girlies is a nice alternative and time with Beck is also lovely.

What a Blessing!!!

2010-03-07T16:33:00.000-08:00

We felt so blessed to have Grandpa here with us this weekend

Asher's Big Day

2010-02-27T18:14:00.000-08:00

Before we get to the birthday shots, this is a picture for MarySue. This little gown once belonged to Jesse and now Beckett is wearing it!!

I think the shirts say it all!!

Look at that great smile!!

The birthday cake!!

Fun present from Grammy!!

Enjoying his donut cake!!

Our family tradition donut cake!!

Today we celebrated Asher's birthday. Everyone was so excited to celebrate with Asher. He turned three today and we have loved every minute with this big guy. We love his smile, his energy, and his very sweet heart. We love his great big hugs, and the way his eyes light up when he is excited about telling you something. He truly is a joy, a challenging joy at times, but still a joy.

Baby Love

2010-02-15T15:36:00.000-08:00

No one seems to be able to get enough of this baby. Parker commented the other day that she was much better at this baby thing than she thought she would be and I agree. She and Ella have truly been a great blessing. They help out so much and Parker seems to have the magic touch when it comes to calming Beckett.

Pork Chops with potatoes

2010-02-12T06:03:00.000-08:00

4-5 Pork Sirlion Boneless chops

Season pork chops with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Brown pork chops in pan using both butter and oil.

Remove pork chops once browned and add one sliced onion and two tsps garlic to pan. Cook onions till tender.

Add one can mushroom soup and 1 1/4 cup milk to pan.

In deep dish, place about 4 thinly sliced potatoes (I used red potatoes and left the peel on).

Place pork chops on top of potatoes and pour sauce over. Cook for 30-45 min. at 350.

My Five Beauties

2010-01-18T13:00:00.001-08:00

Feeling soooo blessed to be a mother of these five!!!!

2010-01-14T18:28:00.000-08:00

Kids aren't allowed inside the hospital due to flu scare (way overboard!!), so they came up and suprised Christie and Beckett from outside.

Welcome Home!

Sweet Beckett Part II

2010-01-13T11:03:00.000-08:00

Beckett Charles Is Here!!!

2010-01-13T07:54:00.000-08:00

...and no the delivery wasn't this easy.

Hi, this is MarySue, Christie's MIL. Isn't she a doll to trust me with all her info so I can blog on her site. She's excited to share her and Jesse's great news.

We are just so excited to introduce you to our newest miracle. Sweet Baby Boy, that's what I call him though they call him No-name was born late last night, January 12, 2010. This big boy weighed 7 lbs. 15 oz. and is 22" long.

Prayers have been answered and all are healthy and well.

I'll come back and post more photos as I get them from Jesse.

My birthday gifts

2010-01-02T17:43:00.000-08:00

This is what Ella gave me for my birthday.

and this is what Parker gave me.....

a deck of old maid cards!!!

Knight Beauties at Linny and Jared's wedding

2009-12-30T13:38:00.000-08:00

Sorry but I have to say it, my hubby is beautiful!!!

Pictures of Parker's Baptism

2009-12-23T14:52:00.000-08:00

Needless to say this was a great day for our family!!!!

Still Smiling

2009-11-23T05:39:00.000-08:00

So during church yesterday (relief society) we were listing things that made us smile and I blurtted out werewolves. Is that totally inappropriate? However, look at this picture, doesn't it make you smile?

My baby is turning 8

2009-11-19T09:06:00.000-08:00

I wish I could post a picture but I'm using my friend's computer and don't know how. Oh well, just wanted to post to let my girl know just how much her mom loves her. Not a day goes by that I don't thank my Heavenly Father for sending that beautiful kid into my life. Being my first, she truly holds a special place in my heart. (Next to her dad) she gave my life meaning and she makes me want to be a better person. I feel that weight even more now that she will be getting baptized next Sat. How can a mom, who is human, set an appripriate and consistent example for her child? It is truly a calling a take seriously and one that lies heavy on my heart.
So Parker know that I will try my best. And know that I will fall short and for that I apologize already. I hope you will remember that even though there will be times that I may not be the best mom I should be, my love for you is constant. Your are and will be a joy to my heart as long as it continues to beat and then into eternity.

This is Halloween, this is halloween.Everybody scream, everybody scream

2009-10-31T17:21:00.000-07:00

Jackson the werewolf

Asher the wizard

Me at eight months pregnant and my beauties

2009-10-26T03:16:00.000-07:00

CRAZY HAIR DAY!!!!

2009-10-16T12:19:00.000-07:00

It was crazy hair day at school. The girls school colors are orange and purple, so this is what we came up with. Lots of fun!!

just like their dad

2009-10-06T05:01:00.000-07:00

Busy Week!

2009-09-16T12:38:00.000-07:00

the playroom at jack's school

jack's teachers

can you see the crazy little brother in the background?

Busy week. The girls started dance class and Jack pre-school. The girls just love ballet and Jack is crazy about school and his teachers just love him (no suprise- just look at that smile).

My cuties

2009-08-31T04:21:00.000-07:00

I thought the girls looked too cute this morning to miss a photo op. The boys just had to get in on the action.

My little helpers in their new aprons

2009-08-28T05:21:00.000-07:00

The kids are loving their new aprons. My mom made each of them an apron with their initial on it and sent two really fun cookbooks. We are having a lot of fun trying out new recipes. Doesn't Jack look like he is having fun?

Girls first day of school

2009-08-24T10:16:00.000-07:00

Boys Names?

2009-08-20T05:32:00.000-07:00

We would love some suggestions.

Beautiful Boy!!!

2009-08-18T10:56:00.000-07:00

It's a boy!!!

Bon Appetit

2009-08-11T16:50:00.000-07:00

This is the best idea I've ever had. Parker, Ella, and Jack are taking one night a week to plan and prepare the evening meal. We are having such a great time in the kitchen together. I love listening to the kids praise each other over their meals and there has been less fuss about what we are having to eat. The rules are the meal has to include one veg., one fruit, and no sweets. Bon Appetit

2009-08-09T13:52:00.000-07:00

Due to arrive right around Christmas!!!!

2009-07-27T16:57:00.000-07:00

So Jesse was just telling our neighbor that out of all of our children only Asher has not tried to climb out of the crib. He commented that given Asher's size and curiosity (that typically leads to trouble), he thought for sure Asher would be the one to try and get out of the crib. Well I think he spoke too soon for this is what greeted me when I went into the boys bedroom this morning.

Now that's tooting my own horn

2009-07-18T15:47:00.000-07:00

I saw this today and just had to have it.