Last post for today....I think

I just went upstairs to check on the girls, they were watching tv.  Ashlie had found herself a new chair to sit on, or in.  I thought it was so cute, had to snap a picture.  Who but an almost 2yr old would think a dresser drawer would be a fun place to sit.

18 Years!

Yep, we've made it to 18 years.  Valentine's Day was our 18th anniversary.  Very few people realize that Wade and I have been married that long, but it took 8 years to have our first child.  Another 2 years and I've been married longer than I was single.  Weird. 

Wade's parents offered to take the girls overnight.  So Wade took me to dinner at Famous Dave's.  It was YUMMY!  And a ton of food.  Afterward we wandered the mall and Target for a bit.  Then we headed home.  We had rented a movie, and just hung out together without kids.  It was nothing fancy at all, but we enjoyed just being together, and just talking.  And we didn't have to worry about kids at all.  It was a very enjoyable evening.  Since Valentine's day is usually busy, we rarely go out on our anniversary.  We started a new tradition a few years ago, and the kids love it.  We go out, before or after the 14th, but on Valentine's day we have dinner in the dark.  We usually make a nicer dinner and eat it by candlelight with the girls.  They look forward to "Dinner in the Dark" every year.  We still get our night out, so we don't mind sharing Valentine's day with the girls.

Wade is a wonderful man, even more so than I ever thought.  He is a great husband, father, provider, priesthood holder, he is just a  great all round guy.  I am so blessed to have him as my husband for eternity.    Wade, I love you!

Kaylee is 5!!

Wow!  It is hard to believe that Kaylee is 5.  She is so excited to go to Kindergarten, and be able to walk with Lindsay.  (Lindsay isn't so excited to have little sister walk with her)  Kaylee's birthday was really last Thursday, but we had the Blue & Gold so we didn't celebrate it until Saturday night.  We had her cousins and G'ma & G'pa J come eat dinner (Spaghetti) and have cake and icecream.  Daddy did ALL the cooking.  I did her hair that day, and then made her cake.  I am one lucky woman.  She loved her cake.  She told me that she wanted a castle, then later specified she wanted a Sleeping Beauty Castle, because she wore pink.  It fits her extremely well.  She is an all frills & princesses kind of girl right now.  It is hard to believe that 5 years ago we had just found out that we were finally getting another little girl.

 

A friend of mine asks her kids a bunch of questions every year.  I thought it was a good idea and I was really surprised with some of her answers.

• If you could have one super-power, what would it be? Being able to be really, really, super duper good

• What was the last chore you did? Clean the bathroom (not really, she had to clean the living room)

• What is your favorite song? I Love You So Much (one that I made up years ago)

• What do you like to eat for lunch? Hamburgers

• What's the nicest thing you've done for someone in your family lately? Gave Lindsay lots of hugs & kisses

• What makes you mad? Someone hitting me

• Where would you like to go on vacation next year? The Beach (maybe Bear Lake if we are lucky)

• Who's the smartest person in your family? Daddy

• How are you like Mommy? Like to play the piano

• How old is Mom? How old are you mommy? I don’t know? 12 (not…more like 37 almost 38)

• How old is Daddy? 54 or 101 (he would love that answer, he just turned 41)

• What's one thing that Mommy always says to you? I Love You

• What's one thing that you and Daddy do together that you'll always remember? Have lots of fun with each other playing the Wii.

• If you had a million dollars, what's the first thing you'd buy? A movie. A mommy & daddy one, and a kid one.

• How do you know that Mommy and Daddy love you? They thought I was a cute, cute, baby (She was)

• What's your favorite cereal? Princess Flakes (been years since we had them)

• What's your favorite TV show? Word World (rarely watches it)

• What's your favorite vegetable? Corn

• What toy would you never give away? Build a Bear Workshop Unicorn, because we would have to go a long ways to get another one. (She got from Disneyland)

• What's your favorite game? Princesses (playing princesses dress up)

• What's your favorite book? Cloudy with a chance of Meatballs

• What food would you eat every day if you could? A whole bunch of fruits & vegetables (they talked about healthy foods a couple weeks ago in preschool, but she loves most of them, and she does get them every day)

• If you could choose a different name, what would it be? Katie

• What's the first thing you want to show your friends when they come to your house? New stuff

• What's the scariest thing you've ever done? Petted a real crocodile

• Is your room messy or clean? Both (I guess it depends on what part of floor you look at)

• If you could eat at any restaurant for the rest of your life, where would it be? Outback Steak House (that’s my meat eater)

• What's your favorite candy bar? Cream Egg

• What's the last thing of yours that Mommy put on the kitchen fridge? Usually my pictures that I give you

• What's your nickname? KayKay

• What's the best age to be? As tiny as a baby, because it’s fun

• What do you and your sisters fight about? Just a little tiny piece of paper (So true, they can fight about anything)

• What's under your bed? My Bucket (a Rubbermaid bucket she keeps her smaller, silly toys & such in)

• What's your favorite holiday? Valentines day, because I love loving people.

IT'S A......

We had our ultrasound today.  Everything looks great.  The girls were all there with us, and boy they were excited when they got to see the baby.  They were even more excited when they found out that they were getting a .....

BROTHER!!!!

That's right we are having a boy.  We are so excited. 

I'm busy wrapping presents for Blue & Gold decorations, baking cupcakes for Kaylee's birthday treat at preschool and also baking a cake for her family party we are having.  Kaylee wants a princess castle cake this year.  We will see what I can come up with.  I've got to get the presents wrapped and cakes baked tonight.  Decorating can happen Fri.  So I better go.

Messes!

Honey- Kaylee got the honey out of the pantry, couldn't get the lid off, so she put in on the floor.  Why?  Because she is Kaylee.  Ashlie found the honey, had no problem getting the lid off.  Boy did she have fun taking a honey bath.  Don't they say honey is good for the skin?

Bathtime - Ashlie decided to take a bath, and mommy didn't know.  Kaylee was taking her bath and Ashlie decided to join  her.  Now usually she is wanting to take her clothes off, but not this time.  She climbed in clothes and all.  She seemed so proud of herself for being able to get in all by herself.

At least Ashlie tries to balance herself out with the dirty and clean messes.

Christmas and other updates

We had a great Christmas again this year. We spent it at our house this year again. Wade's sister Erica came and stayed with us, and also my mom & dad. It was a very relaxing day, just hanging out. G'ma & G'pa took the two older girls to the airport to see Uncle Dave's airplane that he was flying, they picked up baby Alyssa and brought her back to our house until Krista got off work. The kids thought it was a cool plane. It had TV's and pop. They both want to go up in an airplane someday. Lindsay has actually gone on a plane ride multiple times, she just doesn't remember. We didn't do as many activities that we usually do during the holidays, but we did take time to go see the Ogden city lights, and a trip to see Santa.

Quick updates on the kids

Lindsay

Now 9 years old, going on 16 except for when it comes to boys. Boys are great as friends, but nothing more. Perfectly fine with mom and dad. Wants to drive, glad we aren't to that point yet. She is in the 3rd and thinks school is okay, but would rather not have to go. Loves to create...anything. Art projects, cooking, parties, doesn't matter to her. Constantly cooking, has even cooked a few complete meals for the family. Still likes the color blue, but sometimes adds a little pink in there. Don't let her know I noticed that. Loves to help out, when she wants and it the capacity that she wants. Favorite ride at Disneyland...Matterhorn!

Kaylee

4 years old, already planning her birthday in February. Goes to preschool and loves it. Getting really excited to start Kindergarten in the Fall. She is growing up, which means outgrowning clothes that fit her yesterday. Constantly helping, but not always helping. :) Keeps us on our toes, either with her creative mind (how did she ever think of that) or with the quick little things she says. Very loving to her sisters. Loves horses, unicorns, princesses, and PINK! Favorite ride at Disneyland...Ghost Galaxy (Space Mountain)!

Ashlie

Growing up way too fast. 20 months old. Wants to do what the big girls do. Lately has been telling me "poopy" before going. Good sign, but not starting the potty training yet. Loves stories, books, dressing up, dollys/babies, and pretties (anything that goes in her hair). Actually had ponytails for the first time recently, and they stayed in her hair for 2 days. Mommy was the one that took them out. Says daddy is at work even when he is sitting right by her. Lindsay and Kaylee go to work also. Talks non-stop, most of the time you can even understand her. Loves nursery, didn't even cry the first time we took her. Moves to the 2yr old nursery on March 7. Yikes! Favorite ride at Disneyland...Any of them! Raised her hands and said "Weeee" all the time

We aren't the kids, but here is a quick update on us also.

Mindy

Out of nursery (yeah) and into scouting. My new calling is Cub committee chair, and I am learning a lot, and quickly. Still trying to get back into the routine of things. Most likely still trying to create a new routine, because it tends to change all the time. Love being a mom and wife. I stay busy chasing kids, volunteering in Lindsay's classroom every week, driving kids here and there, and just trying to stay on top of our lives.

Wade

Staying really busy at work. Can't complain though, he has a job, and enjoys what he does. 2nd Counselor in the Sunday School Presidency. Knows a lot more people at church than I do. Loves having normal hours at work, for the most part. The other week he worked until 6:30/7 every night. The kids definately noticed the time difference. That is when he normally came home from work. They are glad that we moved.

That is a quick update for us, nothing fancy. Just staying busy like most families do. BTW, we did get internet going again. And hopefully will update on a more regular basis.

Another addition to our family

Our Escort died. We always said we would drive it to the ground, I guess we did. So we ended up having to get a new car. Not that we really wanted to. But Wade found a cheap 1990 Honda Accord, old, but cheap and it runs decent. Hopefully it helps us put off having a car payment for awhile.

But we also have another addition coming to our family the first part of July. I am once again pregnant. We are excited, but the first few months have been pretty stressful. After experiencing a miscarriage the end of July, and then having a subchorionic hemorrhage with this one, it was pretty stressful for us. But it has cleared itself up, and everything seems to be progressing normally. The doctor mentioned that we will be scheduling THE ultrasound next visit, so mid February is when we should be finding out what we are having. Lindsay wants a boy, Kaylee wants a girl, I'm sure daddy wants a boy, and I would love a boy, but really don't care.

She did it!!!!!!!!!

Many of you know that Lindsay was going a whole year without candy. Well she did it!! I am so proud of her. I know I couldn't do it. There were many times that I would buy her a special treat, unfortunately I would forget that she wasn't eating candy. Oops! She bought herself a 2 1/2 pound box of chocolates, and was sooo excited to eat a piece after the ball dropped. Usually we let them watch the ball drop (ET) and send them to bed. But this year, Lindsay knew what time it was, so they were up until late. She learned that she could do anything she puts her mind to. She also learned that $100 doesn't go near as far as she thought it would.

been busy

Okay I've been busy. We have sold our house and have been looking for another one. I didn't think it would be as hard as it has been. We have looked at between 40-50 homes. For some reason or another almost all have been crossed off our list. Well, after a long search I think we have found our next home. It is in a great location. Our kids will be going to the same school as Tiffany's kids (Wade's sister), not that we planned it that way on purpose. Anyway, I don't know if this link will work or not, but here is the house we offered/countered on and should be hearing back today. http://www.spotlighthometours.com/tours/tour.cfm?contact=1&mls=884734
Now i better get, I am in Roy now and need to get Lindsay back to Smithfield for school. It is going to be close.

Checkups

Ashlie and Kaylee both had doctor appointments this last week. Ashlie is now 9 months old and weighs 17lbs 11oz, and is 26.5 inches long. Kaylee is 4yrs old and weighs 45lbs, she is one solid girl. She is also 42" tall (3' 6"). I can't believe how big they are getting.

Long Time, No Posts

Okay, it's been awhile. I'll do a quick update.

November seemed to go by fast. I was put in as an Activity Days leader. I still don't know what I'm supposed to do, but I'll have fun doing it. Thanksgiving was spent at my parents. We got to see Kim's family and Karena's family. Byron, Krista and Mike were not able to make it. Wade and I left Ashlie (for the first time) to go do some shopping the day after Thanksgiving. We were mainly looking for some bedding and bath stuff for Lindsay's big move downstairs. We were able to find a good deal on a comforter cover. Definitely didn't get as much as we usually do. Most of the shopping was already done.

December we were able to go the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert. My parents took our kids and Byron's kids for the evening. It was a lot of fun to spend some time with Byron and Em. The next day we went to Temple square. Kim and her family and Krista and Dave were there also. We ended up getting separated because we had told the girls we would go to the Church Museum. They have a really cute children's area. Check it out sometime when your there. We wandered around temple square looking at the lights, and finally met up with Kim & Byron…right after Krista left.

The Saturday before Christmas Wade's family had their Christmas party. It was fun. We all met in a house that was for sale, so there was nothing in it. The kids had a blast running around inventing things to play. Isn't it true what they say, kids have more fun with the box the toy came in than the toy itself. They are great for entertaining themselves with what they have available. It was great seeing everyone again.

Christmas we spent at our own house this year. The girls were happy with what they got. Both asked Santa for webkins, so that was an easy request. Lindsay got some bathroom decorations (bath mat, shower curtain, soap dispenser and toothbrush holder). She also got bedding for her double bed. We moved her downstairs (huge move for her). Lindsay and Kaylee just weren't working in the same room. Things are much better now. It took Lindsay awhile, but she doesn't fight bedtime anymore. She was scared being so far away from Mom & Dad, and all the scary noises. Kaylee got a stable, she is really into horses. When she first saw Santa, she told him she wanted a horse. Santa looked at us, like…uh what should I say. Kaylee went on to clarify a webkin horse. But that is only because daddy and I have been telling her no to a real horse for months. She also got some horse posters for her new bedroom, not that it was new; but she didn't have to share anymore and we rearranged a little. Both girls got a set of headphones, socks, and a couple of other little items. Ashlie got a musical toy that you can sit or stand up to, and a big box of Cheerios. We also found a cheerios book that we gave her. Pants for Wade, he got a hole in his last pair a week before Christmas; Me, a printer that has a scanner. (Walmart $29 special) Our family gift came from Santa (bought in June). It was a Wii. Lindsay was SOOOOO excited. I think she jumped three feet into the air as soon as she realized what it was. The rest of the day was spent just hanging out and playing with the Wii. I just finished Lindsay's hair this past weekend. It was probably the most enjoyable time doing hair. There wasn't as much crying, yelling, whining, are we done yets as there usually are. She spent the entire time playing the Wii. If hairtime is the only time it is used, it is still definitely been worth it. Didn't really go any faster, but it was sure more enjoyable. It was a great Christmas.

My parents decided to go the rounds to everyone's houses rather than all the kids coming to them. They came to our house for a few days; we even got them playing the Wii. Watch out when they play baseball though.

It was an amazing year this past year; definitely different in many ways, yet basic in others. Wade changed jobs this year, we had a baby (our wonderful little surprise for the year), family reunions (Thurgood, Winston, Johnson), Lindsay started 2^nd grade and was baptized. Kaylee graduated nursery. It was definitely been an eventful year. I look forward to 2009 (okay it is already the 22^nd of January), and the adventures it might bring. I'll post pictures another time. They are still in the camera.

Ashlie 6 month appointment

Wow, Ashlie is 6 months old. Actually 6 1/2, but we had her 6 month checkup this week. She is healthy and happy. Weight in now 16lb 3oz (47%) and height is 25.25in. So she isn't as chunky as we thought. She is starting to roll more, she has figured out that she can get to things that way. Hopefully no crawling before Christmas though.

Halloween Night & Moving

Halloween is Wade's dad's birthday. We decided to head down to their house for trick or treating. Their ward had a big neighborhood party. Dinner of chili and sloppy joes, games for the kiddos and then trunk or treating. It was a lot of fun for the kids.

Lindsay was a bunny with no ears. She refused to wear the ears because she said they were ichy.
Kaylee was a little snow princess. She loved the outfit. We found the dress at a dollar store and I made the crown and wand. I was actually glad they had christmas decorations out early this year. The snowflake on top of the wand is an ornament.
Ashlie was a little skeleton. We were given some hand me downs (love them). In them was a black sleeper. I cut some felt bones out and sewned them on. I thought she was pretty cute.

The next morning we helped Wade's parents move. Lindsay was struggling with her asthma a little bit, so she helped by watching Ashlie. She played with her and entertained her, she even helped with Kaylee when we asked. Kaylee was a little go getter. She carried stuff out all day. When we were trying to help set up the new house, she continued to amaze us. She noticed that we were putting the dressers in the right spots. Next thing we know she has pulled one of the full drawers from the other side of the living room into the bedroom. I went to help her and she insisted that she could do it. She did great.

Halloween Part 2

Every year we head to the pumpkin walk. It is always fun to see what displays people come up with. There were some really cute ones, but here is a couple that we thought were just too funny.

This year Kaylee had a little dance recital. She was going to be a snow princess for Halloween, but it wasn't going to work for dance. You wouldn't be able to see her dance. So she decided to be a little black kitty for dance. Easy, easy outfit. I made some ears for her out of felt, and stitched them onto a piece of black boa. We just bobby pinned them into her hair. Then I safety pinned another piece of black boa to her bottom as a tail. Took less than 5 minutes to create. But doesn't she make a cute kitty. We still didn't get to see her dance, she decided she was too tired to dance. Next time I guess she will have to take a nap so she isn't too tired. Her teacher was surprised that she was the one that wouldn't dance. I was shocked. I never dreamed that she would refuse. Oh well, she LOVES to go to dance.

Halloween Part 1

Halloween is Wade's least favorite holiday of them all. We would skip it, if he had the choice. But we have kids, so no skipping it.

Every year we carve pumpkins, like almost every other family out there. We love to get patterns off the internet and carve different ones every year. This year Kaylee chose The Count from Sesame Street. Lindsay chose Blue from Blues Clues. And Wade and I did some other fun seasonal ones. We didn't get any pictures of the finished product. I'm not sure why, we always do.




















Last year we started a new tradition. We went to the corn maze. Last year was my first time ever going to one. Last year we went during the day, this year we tried right at dark. First we let the girls play on the huge tower out of hay bales, then we went on the spooky tractor ride (actually pretty tame), and then we headed into the small corn maze. Somehow, we got in the large corn maze and got lost. BTW, it is definately harder in the dark. We know we were in the large one because it went clear over to the edge of the highway. Good thing I brought along some snack food, we munched on licorice while we were lost. Wade finally had to cut through the stalks of corn to find out how to get out. He did find a way out and we only had to cut through about 20ft of corn. Thankfully I could push the stroller inbetween the stalks. While we were lost, Lindsay had a great idea to figure out where we were. She wanted to climb up and look over the corn. She tried, but she was just a little too heavy for the corn stalk to hold her up.


The girls were real troopers, they were worried that they would close on us, and out flashlights were running extremely low. Ashlie slept through the entire adventure. I was surprised that she was able too sleep because of the bumpy ride she went on.