Our Happy Angell Family

2011-12-03T22:08:00.000-08:00

Where did I leave off? Right before Halloween. Our Halloween was filled with fabulous candy and the cutest Pirate and Lady Bug I've ever seen. Hopefully pics to follow soon. Right before Halloween I took a new position with in the lab. I work 7, 10 hours shifts in a row, then enjoy 7 straight days off. I work 2:30 pm until 1 am. The girls love having me home for most of the day, and they enjoy only spending a few hours in daycare before Dad comes to get them. October is usually my most favorite month, but I feel like I really didn't get to enjoy much of it this year. Kalab had an emergency surgery for his gall bladder on Ava's Birthday, on the 3rd, and took 2 weeks to recover. I was getting used to my new shift and Kalab and I had a couple unexpected things, take us for a loop. October was a hard month, and I was so glad to see it pass.

November-rrrrr went by too fast with a chilly breeze. Thanksgiving was spent with our good friends, Beth and Josh, and their family. We enjoyed watching football and ate early around 1 pm. November was quite and peaceful. Same routine, work for Kalab and I and school for Ava and lil Halley just being the cutest 2 year old ever. Hoping December brings more excitment.

.......Lately

2011-10-17T23:09:00.000-07:00

Mama whispered softly, Time will ease your pain

Life's about changing, nothing ever stays the same
And she said, How can I help you to say goodbye?
It's OK to hurt, and it's OK to cry
Come, let me hold you and I will try
How can I help you to say goodbye?

Life as a working Momma is hard. I feel like I need to mourn the loss of being a stay at home Mom. Lately nothing has stayed the same so I hear myself sing these song lyrics over and over again. Especially when my baby cries as I have to leave her, so I can go to work. The first day after work when I went to pick Halley up, I will never forget the hug she gave me, I did not realize how strong a 2 year old little girl could be, squeezing me so tight. I don't think she realized how much she loved until she saw me rescuing her from the chaos she now knows as pre school. I could barely hold back the tears as she was saying "miss Mommy" I never imagined daycare would be that hard for both Me and my Daughter. I realized that my love for kids was way stronger than I thought. I found myself texting and calling the daycare at least every hour for the first week. Thankfully with time its getting better. Halley is now enjoying playing and doing crafts with her "friends". Ava is doing great and couldn't love school anymore. We knew she would do fantastic at school, shes always on top of her homework and a big help to her teacher, Mrs. Roy. Next week I start volunteering one morning a week for her class and she is so excited! I am feeling a little intimidated by 5 year olds, but am sure it will be fun.

Our lives have changed so much in past year, sometimes I wake up forgetting who I am. Life isn't always easy, but am making the best of it. I do what I can with what I have. Most nights my kids don't get a fancy meal that I spent hours preparing like we're used to, but as long we all eat together grilled cheese and soup from a can is just as filling and less of a mess, which means more time to spend with my awesome kids. It always takes time to get adjusted to new routines and there will always be a bump in the road, but with a good and loving additude I really feel like we can get through anything together as a family.

Mommies getting a job!

2011-08-10T13:45:00.000-07:00

This was a really hard decision for me. I love being at home with my girls, but with Ava starting school soon and feeling the crunch of no over-time for Kalab, its time. I put in an application a month ago for a Phlebotomy position at St. Lukes, had an interview last week and start next week. Its all happening so fast, I'm not so sure I'm ready!

Summer cRazInESs!

2011-07-19T09:43:00.000-07:00

Summer is about Friends

Summer is Love and Kisses

Summer is pure joy

Summer is water

Summer is fun!

Summer is about sleeping in your swimsuit!
Eating cereal with a fork
Smiling for no reason at all
Taking long (6 mile) walks to play in the water fountain without your shirts on
taking pictures of yourself with a messy face
taking goofy pictures
Eating cucumbers whole
Summer is anything you want it to be :)

July 4th 2011

2011-07-08T20:52:00.000-07:00

Some how I got out of being in any pictures, which is fabulous, cause we were camping for 3 days! Dont get me wrong I love to camp, just not the way I look while camping. We enjoyed lots of swimming and roasting marshmellows and the company of our Good friends John and Heather!

Young Love

2011-07-08T15:53:00.000-07:00

My lovely Sister and her Groom Jay

Weddings are so much fun, especially when its your Sister getting married!

My girls and I spent 3 weeks with my family helping get things ready for the wedding and enjoying the hot Nevada Sun!

A few highlights of the trip : "all you can eat" crab legs with my James and Charity.

M&M Factory and late night dining at Denny's with Jaycie and Jordan and Leahanna

the new Pirates movie with Jeff and Mint

Dirt Biking with Justin

Surviving the Gorge with Josh Driving 90 passing Semi Trucks

my Dads awesome homade ice cream and rootbeer

8 hours!

2011-06-06T12:51:00.000-07:00

There are alot of things you can do in 8 hours. I wonder how many other people spent 8 hours in a car yesterday, with 2 kids and no A C, like I did in 80 degree weather. It might not be the smartest decision, I've ever made, and I may never forgive my husband for not making sure it worked, but I made it to Sunny, Logandale, Nevada, safely and very sweaty! I am so happy to be here though! Excited to see my Sister Jordan, Graduate from High School and then get Married! Excited for the nice warm weather and fun shopping. So happy to be with my family!

Playing!

2011-06-06T12:42:00.000-07:00

I love my husband! So glad I can call him mine!

We've been having a couple of really nice days, so what could be better than taking the girls to the park.

Halley Mae is so sweet and a little silly!

Ava showing how strong she is! I love that Crazy girl!

Jaycie's Graduation

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

What a fun day to see your younger Sister Graduate with her Bachelors in Dental Hygiene! Way to go Jaycie! Even funner when she announces that she's pregnant with a baby boy and surprises everyone! Even if it took 2 hours to be seated at the Cheesecake Factory it was still worth it! Great Job Jaycie, we are so proud of you!

Kalab's 28th Birthday

2011-06-06T12:19:00.000-07:00

Kalab's Birthday was in April. We had fun going out to dinner with our friends and playing Texas Holdem afterwards at their house sans kids. I haven't mentioned lately how much I love this guy! It's been a while since his Birthday, but Ava, Halley and I made sure he had a great day!

Easter

2011-05-18T19:40:00.000-07:00

Easter this year was too much fun! Halley Mae was so excited for Easter Egg hunts and Ava was a pro getting tons of eggs! My Pretty girls!

Visit with Grandma Cynthia

2011-05-16T21:12:00.000-07:00

Kalab's Mom was able to spend a week with us after her Brother, our Uncle Bill died. We didn't really do anything too exciting. Mostly resting after the stress of losing a loved one. We did some shopping and lots of visiting. We sure loved having her here and hope that she can come again real soon. Love you, Grandma Cynthia!

Halley's 2nd Birthday

2011-04-29T22:43:00.000-07:00

We love Halley and wanted her to have a fantastic 2nd Birthday with all her friends! She love "Melmo" so we had a fun Pinata for her and I made cute little cupcakes and a big cake for her. She loved all her presents and was spoiled like a princess! Halley Mae is such a sweet girl. Just thinking about her puts a smile on my face and warms my heart. She gives such good hugs and kisses and needs them about 30 times a day. She had a late start at talking but is finally putting words together. She loves to talk to Gamma on the phone. She knows all her body parts and can count to 5. She has a weird fascination with our keys and loves to go for walks and play at the park. Her favorite foods are everything! This little girl eats more than her big sister Ava, so far I really haven't found anything she wont eat, all fruits and vegetables, noodles, she calls them noonels and of course french fries!

Sooo far..................

2011-04-11T23:27:00.000-07:00

Behind on blogging I don't know when I will be able to catch up. To make matters even worse, Ava accidentally deleted over 100 pictures off my camera :( leaves me with a terrible feeling. Usually she just scrolls up and down looking at pictures, I don't know how she did it. I was trying to keep her entertained on a long car trip by letting see a few pictures and when I got the camera back, they were all gone. Halley Mae's 2nd Birthday, my Birthday and Lady Gaga concert, my last night out in Pocatello with my girlfriends, Moving and my Brother in Laws Wedding. Without any pictures, I really don't even feel like blogging about these huge events.

Visit with Great Grandpa and Grandma

2011-03-11T21:10:00.000-08:00

Halley enjoying ice cream and cake they made special for us!

We wanted to get a last minute visit in with Kalabs Grandparents. We love these guys so much. They are very caring, hard working, sweet people. We're going to miss them so much!

Kalabs New Job!

2011-03-11T21:00:00.000-08:00

On Monday we found out that Kalab is SOCIAL WORKER 1. He will be working for the State Of Idaho doing Child Protection. I couldnt be more proud of my awesome Husband! I have really been praying that he would get a job. He has been to several interviews since last May when He Graduated with no luck. When he started his Major 4 years ago, this is exactly the job he wanted.

So in just 2 short weeks we have to be moved to Twin Falls so he can start his new career. We do not have a apartment lined up yet, I have started packing little things, but there is so much to do to do! I am so excited for Kalab and our family. Good Work Kalab, we Love you!

Uncle Bill

2011-03-11T20:47:00.000-08:00

Kalab's favorite uncle passed away last week of a heart attack. It was a very sad funeral. Nobody was ready for him to go. He was such a good hearted person, even if his actual heart wasnt very good. Doesn't seem fair sometimes, when somebody so young, and so nice leaves our world. I loved Uncle Bill. He was a great man. Kalab loved him as well. His Daughters and Son and Grandkids, Wife, Sister and Brother will miss him very much. Rest in Peace. We will miss you!

My Pretty Baby

2011-03-08T19:54:00.000-08:00

I entered Halley Mae into a baby photo contest and she is one of the 10 finalists! If I win, I get tickets to see Lady Gaga in Salt Lake City, hotel accommodations and her Fame Monster CD. I am very excited! The concert is March 19th, which is a pretty special day to me :) my Birthday! So if you haven't already voted, please do! Go to Star985.com click on the Vip Club tab, sign up, then click on the home tab, and click on the Gaga for Gaga link and Vote #5.

Parenting

2011-02-22T12:53:00.000-08:00

This is such a touchy subject. People get offended easily, when talking about their kids. I do too. But when its your family judging you, on how your raising your kids, you might as well stick a knife through my heart. I know that I am a very different parent. I am pretty relaxed and just let my kids be kids. Which type A personalities are not comfortable with. I am not rigid or uptight, schedules have never worked for me. I would rather let the day take me where it will. I think coloring and playing are more important than having an immaculate home all the time. For the first 6 months of Ava's life I worked, leaving her at daycare, which wasn't good for either of us. After that I decided the best thing I can do for my kids is to stay home and give them as much love as I can. Making sure they get home cooked meals, life lessons and hugs and kisses all day, from the person that loves them the most. I am by no means saying I am a perfect parent, I make mistakes, but I try every day to build my girls up to make sure they have good self esteem and that they are happy, good human beings. I get to know them and learn how to best deal with their personalities. I know how and what makes my girls tick. I know that they will eat when they're hungry and sleep when they're tired and play when they're imagining, watch t.v and read books when they want down time. I simply do what works for me. There is a method to my madness. I feel that if I was to constantly be on my kids, not to do this and that, and to be careful, eat, wake up, don't make a mess, don't spill your food, go to sleep, when would they have time to just be kids. To imagine a fairly tale world where the Easter Bunny and Santa Clause are real. Where princesses marry their princes. When would they have time to develop a sense of self and become independent.

I am so thankful for my opportunity to be able to stay at home and love my kids to pieces. How thankful I am for everyday ordinary miracles that my girls are. How thankful I am that my Princesses are smart and healthy and very Happy. How thankful I am that they have and do teach me everyday to have patience, empathy, and love. The best kind of love. The kind that brings you joy every minute you're around them. I couldn't picture my life without them.

In the end I think it doesnt matter how you parent as long as your doing the best you can for your kids. It would be nice if people didn't always think that their way is the best. I dont judge, I just do whats best for me and my kids. Life is to important to have any regrets, live every day to its fullest, keep your heart open and love will find its way in.

Fun Mommy day

2011-02-10T19:33:00.000-08:00

My kids were so adorable today! At lunch Ava was talking about the stuff/things she wants and Kalab told her she needed to get a job, Ava's reply, "Dad the only job I can have as a five year old girl, is to be a model!" Then she went on and on for about an hour about how much she would love to be a model. Ava is such a good big sister. Always taking time to be nice and play with Halley. Sometimes I forget Ava is only 5. She is so smart and is pretty mature for age. Lately she has also been doing her own hair, and it is actually decent enough to leave the house. She picks out her own bow and even makes a little pony to put the bow in her hair.

Halley is growing so much. I am so impressed with what she has learned just over the last couple of months. Its only a short while before she turns two. Today I gave her a bowl of cereal and went about my daily chores, when I looked up, Halley had left the table, and was in her room, trying to open her dresser, at first I scolded her, when I went to pick her up, I noticed she had spilled her milk all over her shirt. She was trying to get a new one. How independent. She has been talking so much, I love it. Yesterday as we were trying to get out the door, Halley handed me my coat and said "dere u goo" which is what I am always saying to her, when I hand her stuff.

I sure love being a Mommy and I couldn't ask for two better girlies!

2011-02-05T21:30:00.000-08:00

My days seem to all just run together. We have just been so busy! I am surprised I have time to think lately, but we have really been enjoying our time with friends and family. Life is good. My days are pretty full, with cross guarding, swim lessons, dance and gymnastics for Ava, kids klub for Halley and working out for me and lots of playdates with our Moms Group. A new hobby of mine is couponing. Its pretty fun, once you get to know the ends and outs of it. I am always looking for that great deal! I am so thankful for a good friend, who showed me how. Also I signed up to sell Avon. I havent done much with it yet, but am excited too.

We are so looking forward to warmer weather and hoping everyone is enjoying the New Year!

2011-01-20T22:34:00.000-08:00

..........January.....................

Wow this month has flown by to fast. I feel like I haven't had a moment to rest. I was really looking forward to having lazy pajama movie time this weekend, not thinking that's going to happen. It will be a fun weekend, but with a night out with my girl friends, Birthday Party for one of Ava's friends, and dinner with our neighbors, it will be over before I know it.

I started working on January 4th. I really enjoy it so far and its so easy. A little extra cash is nice too. I am helping elementary kids cross a busy street, before and after school. It takes up a lot more of my time than I thought it would, so unfortunately house work is really lacking. Hopefully soon we can get into a new routine and everything will fall into place.

Kalab has had a few interviews lately. None of which are in Poky. Which really scares me. We've been here 2.5 years, and I am finally starting to like it. I feel comfortable. BUT I love my husband and and trust that we will go where we need to. Hoping and praying that where ever that is, it will be great.

The girls are doing great and happy as usual. Halley is going to be 2 soon, not quite my baby anymore.

2011-01-06T16:37:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

We thought it would be a fabulously fun idea to have a family fun run in negative degree weather. The girls actually had a blast, running and singing Happy New year, while blowing they're little noise makers!

Dinner was pretty Yummy! Japanese chicken wings, sweet n sour chicken wings, potstickers and fried rice!

New Years Eve!

2011-01-06T16:27:00.000-08:00

Cheers!

Friday we picked up Victoria in Twin Falls and she was ready to party until 12 AM! Ava was pumped and ready to go, Halley and I both wanted to crash at 10, but somehow I made it, Halley did not! We had a dance and singing competion and tons of yummy snacks and Sparkling Cider. We played Disny trivia pursuit and had little fire cracker poppers, for the girls. It was just our little family, but we had a blast!

North Dakota for Christmas

2011-01-06T15:41:00.001-08:00

Nothing like a good old fashioned crazy family Christmas to warm your heart and make the Christmas spirit come alive! I loved Christmas this year. Our Family was so blessed during the holidays, my heart is full of gratitude, especially for my older Brother, James! We wouldn't of been able to enjoy this spectacular Christmas without him and his wife, Charity. His generosity was truly appreciated, I feel like I can't thank him enough, for helping us out and making sure we could make it! I am so thankful we could spend a week with them and my family. We sure kept busy, busy.

Christmas Eve was spent doing last minute shopping and eating Chinese buffet, Thanks need to go to my Oldest brother Jody, for covering the bill for everyone! When we got back to James we lit some fireworks, which happened to be illegal but were awesome! Good thing the cop let us off with a warning! We played games and wrapped presents and played Santa until early morning hours. Charity pulled out a ton of Chocolate oranges, peanuts, Tolberone, Life Saver books, and Christmas Candy galore, for everyone. Thank You Charity, that was Awesome!

Christmas Day was perfect. We opened gifts, had a snow ball fight, went to the see TANGLED, and had a yummy Christmas dinner. My parents really surprised me with a nice bracelet from Kay Jewelers!

The Day after Christmas we went to Canada, to the peace gardens and Bottineau Winter Park, I went Snowboarding for the first time. AWESOME! I loved it, can't wait to go again, which Thanks need to go to my parents for paying for everyone who wanted to go!

Monday was a take it easy day! We did a little bit of shopping and ate at an awesome Pizza buffet, Thank You James and Charity for paying for us!

Tuesday we took a tour of James Air Force base and where he works on Nuclear Missiles. Wow! That was cool, I learned alot about Nuclear war, I have an awesome Brother.

Wednesday we drove home!

Avas favorite!

Halley Loves her pillow pet!

Game Face!

Me and Hal Christmas morning!

Grandpa on Christmas Morning, enjoying the Grandkids!

Halley is half in North Dakota and half in Canada!

Merry Christmas!

2011-01-06T14:46:00.000-08:00

December was spent going to Parties, The Nutcracker, baking, shopping, decorating, Singing Jingle Bells and Swimming in hot pools, watching Elf and Grinch, sipping hot cocoa and the best OPENING PRESENTS! I loved December so much, I was so sad to see it go.

Ava's favorite gift, from Us!

Ava sweet Ava! So dramatic that she pretented to faint, she couldn't believe I got her a real glass tea set!

Baked goods for our neighbors and family and friends!

On Our Way to the Nutcracker, just us girls!

Which one of these is different?

The one Halley ate half of, before I noticed, 3 year old gingerbread cookies, yum yum. Glad she didn't get sick.

First night of enjoying the Christmas tree.

Over the hills and thru woods to James House we go

2010-12-23T14:42:00.001-08:00

Yay! We made it, to Minot, North Dakota. Only took 18 hours. Ready to enjoy a crazy cold family Christmas. Wishing everyone a beautiful holiday.

Candy Cane Bark

2010-12-08T16:18:00.000-08:00

Ava and I love love love this stuff. Problem is that it gets a little spendy to keep stocked during the holidays, but there is an easy solution to that. Make it myself. So that I did. It was so easy, took maybe 15 minutes. I melted milk chocolate chips in a double boiler, added a little butter so it was creamy and a little vanilla, then poured it in a glass pan, washed the double boiler dried it, then melted the white chips, added milk and butter, while they were melting I put candy canes in a zip lock baggie and crunched them up, added them to the white chips then poured it on top of the chocolate. Finished verdict, not quite as good as GRIRADELLI, but very delicious.

Ava cant even tell a difference and she loved to help make them. This way probably cost me around $3.00, versus $6 to $7.

I made this Christmas Wreath. I really wanted one this year, but couldn't bare to pay the $20 to $50 dollars for one. I went to my local dollar store and got some garland, formed a circle then cut several little pieces and just hot glued and twisted until I liked the way it looked, then decorated. Its not as fabulous as the ones I wanted, but it will do. The only thing I bought was $4.00 worth of garland, the rest I already had. Pretty proud of myself, cutting costs where I can!

A typical day in the ANGELL house

2010-12-02T17:33:00.000-08:00

Ava loves to read, read, read. She knows most of our books by heart now, she also love to "make the couch" Which means putting the blanket and pillows on it.

Halley's new favorite thing is to clean out the cabinet of the entertainment center and play in there.

Ava loves to write and draw to keep herself entertained. Today she wrote Mom and Dad with hearts after, which to her means she loves her Mom and Dad. What a sweet surprise when she came to show me, that she can do it all by herself.

Halley is very confused about the season. She loves to take everything out of her drawers and put on as many clothes as she can, today she thought it would be fun to go swimming, and she couldn't go without her cute sun hat and miss matched socks.

On days like today, I realize just how blessed I am to be able to stay at home and make these memories with my sweet, fun girls. I love these opportunities to let thier imaginations grow.

Turkey Day

2010-12-02T16:35:00.000-08:00

Was spent at my Father in laws house. I helped in the kitchen all day, Kalab watched t.v and I bet got a couple naps in, while I was staying busy. The girls ran and ran all day, playing with cousins. As usual the Turkey was delicious, potatoes where yummy and I ate way way to much.

Just some pics I snapped over the weekend of my cute and adorable girls!

Pumpkin Pie and Snow Angells!

2010-11-20T18:34:00.000-08:00

Today I completely made a pumpkin pie from scratch! What a worth while way so spend a snowy afternoon, when your hubby is at work and girls are napping. It actually takes 3 or more hours start to finish.

Looks so yummy! Perfect to share with our neighbors who are coming for dinner tomorrow!

Ava playing in the snow!

Starting to look alot like Christmas!

My poor tired hubby! Hardly gets any sleep, trying to keep a roof over our heads and food on the table! What a great Man!

This just hasn't been Halley's week. Poor little girl was playing around by the heater and it got her good! She didn't cry much, but burns really hurt! I feel so bad for her delicate, sensitive skin. I really hope it doesn't leave a scar.
She also got a scratch on her nose, not sure how it got there and big bump in her forehead, from running into the wall!

Hubby's Report Card

2010-11-20T18:15:00.000-08:00

A while back, Kalab and I wernt exactly seeing eye to eye. Since then he has really been making much more of an effort with our relationship. He has been sweet and helpful, flirty and really just more intune to me. Which I couldn't be happier about! Together we worked out alot of stuff, we have been trying to spend more with eachother and not just time, quality time, talking and doing fun things together. I have noticed that my love and patience for him has grown. Now instead of getting mad at all the little things, I take a couple deep breaths and let it go, not eveything has to be a big deal. A little love goes a long way! So I think we both deserve an A++

...........Sweet November................

2010-11-18T23:11:00.000-08:00

I love November. The jitters I get from feeling the Holidays just around the corner. Crafting and making things for the up coming season, I start getting back into the kitchen cooking and baking, warming up the house with yummy aromas and food ready to tickle our taste buds. Enjoying cuddles in the morning with my sexy hubby, in our nice warm bed, watching movies eating popcorn and sipping hot cocoa, snug under a blanket with my favorite two princesses! Play dates at home. Makings messes and best of all having fun cleaning them up with little helpers. Chilly walks bundled up, looking for Fall treasures, pretty leaves and twigs, pine cones.

Chicken Tortellini Soup with Fresh Spinach and Parmesan cheese, yum!

Andes Mint Holiday cookies! Everyone loves them!

Home made sausage Pizza.

New bows I've been making. I love these!

Halley's Vest is just darling with her matching bow. I made it for one her Christmas presents, but couldn't wait to try it on her, then she wouldn't let me take it off! She loves it!

Halley playing Queen of the Couch!

Ava's cute Peguin out of play dough, she so creative.

Playing around.

Making messes.

and Helping clean them up!

Halloween 2010

2010-11-03T22:44:00.000-07:00

What a good Halloween we had this year. Dad spent the first Halloween with us in 3 years. He's always had to work. We enjoyed door to door Trick Or Treating and a party at a friends house. I was so tired from running the marathon, I didn't get to many pictures. Bummer. But we sure know we had a good time. Halley didn't want to put any of her candy in her bucket. She had 5 pieces of candy in her hands and kept trying to get more. When she figured out that she got candy at the door, she would run (or wobble) from door to door, trying to beat Ava.

Ava had 3 different costumes this year. Her and Halley dressed up as Belle and Snow White for Boo Zoo. Then Ava still fit into her costume for last year, a witch, then at the last minute she decided to be Sleeping Beauty. Ava wore her play heels all night, walking from house to house. What a trooper, I brought different shoes for her just incase, but she didn't want them!

Halloween Half Marathon!

2010-11-03T20:59:00.000-07:00

Today I have been able to walk without any pain in my legs. Yesterday wasn't to bad, I only felt sore when walking up the stairs. The days before that I could hardly walk without pain radiating through my entire body. Well worth the pain for the fun I had running the Provo Halloween half marathon with my younger Sister, Jaycie and Brother, Josh. I ran it in 2 hours and 5 minutes. Which is a personal best. I signed up under the athena division, which is for runners 150 lbs or heavier. I came in 13th out of 85 plus runners. 4,300 is the total number of crazy runners that signed up for the race. Thank You Josh and Jaycie for making this a truly memorable day!

Fall time deliciousness!

2010-10-18T19:16:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dip

12 oz Cream Cheese
3/4 C Pumpkin
2 table spoons of Taco Seasoning
1/2 lbs Hamburger
Green and Red Bell Pepper
Olives

I mixed the pumpkin and Cheese until smooth added the seasoning then the meat then added
half of each the peppers and as many olives as you want.

Then dip your favorite cracker or Veggies! Don't be afraid of the pumpkin, its very delicious.

Mommy's little helper!

Isnt amazing what a little bit of flour, milk, salt and eggs can do?

Finished! My families favorite.

Quick Get Away!

2010-10-18T16:57:00.001-07:00

Bri and I enjoying some Krispee Kreme with the kiddos!

I've been feeling slightly depressed lately. Alot of different things all at once seem to hit me pretty hard. One of my Grandma's died, Kalab and I feeling well ya know. Thinking about the upcoming winter. Kalab and his job. Just a lot of stress in my life right now, I decided I needed a friends trip. Nothing to bring your spirits up like some good old gal pals. The first night I stayed with my Best Friend, Heather and her girls Lily and Ella and her Husband John in Twin Falls. We had a yummy BBQ and enjoyed some nice Fall time weather down in the Canyon. Surely wished I had gotten some pictures, but was just enjoying my time to much, busy chatting and pushing kids on the swings and catching them at the bottom of the slide and walking down the river bank. Memories and feelings are better than pictures anyway.

Next I was headed to Meridan, to visit and friend who recently moved there from Pocatello. We had a good night of playing at really neat and huge park. Did a little shopping and got pizza for dinner. The next morning we did some more shopping at the Boise Mall, had some lunch then I left Ava so she could stay and play with her friends, while Halley and I headed into Caldwell to check out the house I grew up in and my old High School, and eventually met up with some old friends I graduated with, that I hadnt seen since. It was really cool to see them. I was a little apprehensive about the visit because it had been so long. But it was really amazing to see how everyone was pretty much the same, including me. We visited for over 5 hours and it was still hard for me to get away. I didn't realize how much I missed them. and How cool all these girls really are.

Have You Gotten Lost!

2010-10-18T16:17:00.000-07:00

We sure did while having a blast at the local Corn Maze! The girls played carnival games and ate candy and Daddy pushed Halley in the stroller while Mom chatted away with friends and chased the girls around! All in all a fabulous Fall time!

Sweet Sisters!

2010-10-18T16:11:00.000-07:00

Isn't sweet to see three sisters who love each other so dearly. That the older two begged me to let Halley sleep with them. That they were all so tired their wasn't any playing around and fell asleep quickly.

Kalab and Jarah

2010-10-04T21:26:00.000-07:00

There just isn't enough time for us anymore. We're both so busy, we forget that we need each other. We forget we need to make time and do fun things together. We forget to forgive and let little things go. We expect perfection from each other, but hardly go the extra mile. Kalab and I have always had a different relationship, but a good understanding of each other. Somewhere in between I forgot how selfish I had become, thinking and feeling I was the most important of the relationship. Not completely realizing how sensitive my Husband is to my harsh remarks. Its hard to take a good long look at yourself and realize you're in the wrong and you could be a better spouse. Its so easy to forget all the reason why you love your husband and why he stole your heart. Its easier to forget all the fun you had before you had kids. Its hard to remember what my body looked like before I had kids and stress, how pretty he used to make me feel, how fun he was to kiss. The butterflies that used to make me so nervous, and blush. What has happened to us? 6 years of marriage? I sure hope not, we plan on being together forever.

Hopefully its just a rough patch. Natural up and downs to life, but we've never gone through this much of a down before. I love my hubby, and can't wait for things to get back to normal for us. I miss it, being lovey dovey and so on. I miss getting flowers, back rubs and little notes saying how much he loves me. I think the biggest part of having a good strong marriage is being grateful. Even though things have changed for us, I am so thankful for everything we have and how hard he does work for us. He is a great provider for our family. Because of him I am able to give our girls the best Mom they can have, a stay at home Mom. We have a nice and comfortable life, because he works so hard to keep it that way.

A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person. Kalab, I am excited to fall in love with you again and again and again. Lets go on a date soon baby, I think we need it!

Happy 5th Birthday Ava Kay!

2010-10-03T20:17:00.000-07:00

Ava with all her presents!

So excited for Barbie A Fashion Fairytale movie!

Ava and Halley checking out all her cute new clothes!

Blowing out 5 candles!

Getting ready for ice cream!

More Presents!

Moon Sand, Awesome!

Wow! I have been a Mommy for 5 years. I can hardly believe it. 5 years ago at 1:11 p.m. a tiny 5 lbs 5 oz and 18.5 iches little girl turned my whole world upside down. Ever since she hasn't stopped amazing me with her incredible energy and appitite for life. Ava is amazing, Victorious and Adventurous. For her Birthday she woke up to her favorite breakfast, she got to open a couple presents, then watched her favorite new movie, while Dad and Mom enjoyed a little nap. Later Mom and Ava had a special little treat, we got amazing pedicures together, did a little bit of shopping came home and opened a few more presents, then as a family we went to Pizza Hut, then came home and Had a little party, cake and ice cream and presents. It was a sweet day spent as a family. She loves being 5, what a great way to spend her first day as being 5. Love her to pieces, my special little princess.

I Don't Know if I should talk about it

2010-09-29T22:20:00.000-07:00

But I am going to anyway. Tonight has been a really up and down night, Kalab and I have been fighting all night! Some background info, I had a night planned with my friends two weeks ago. A cooking class at a trendy place here in town. I asked Kalab two weeks ago to make sure he had this night off so I could go, I paid 20 bucks for the class and have been looking forward to it, an adult night away, to chat and have some fun, and learn a good recipe or two. More background info. Our car has been broke down for two weeks, he has been working on it with a couple buddies, but ever day he says its almost done, or its not what he thought and he's going to change or "fix" something else. Finally he said he was going to take it in to be fixed. Which was pretty expensive to be fixed, a stupid fuse of something but only took them an hour. So for two weeks I've had to bum rides from friends (with two kids and car seats), or walk, which wasn't to bad, we live 1.5 miles from Fred Myer and the park, MC Donald's and stuff like that, but it was definitely getting old. So I was really counting on tonight to make me feel human again. This morning he asked me what I was going to make him for lunch, I immediately started overreacting.

"What, no your not working tonight! I have my girls night!"

"Jarah I have to work, we just paid for the car to be fixed and rent is due next week I am not taking money from savings again."

You can only imagine how the conversation escalated from there. Not a pretty picture, and honestly I don't want to relive it.

My side, I couldn't careless about savings when my sanity is on the line. Not having a car (freedom) is really tough as a Stay at home Mom of two busy active girls. I had missed several play dates, swim lessons, dance, and life goings on, without my car that he had promised day after day would be fixed soon. I really felt left out and isolated without my car. Plus he was gone mornings fixing the car, would come home, maybe for lunch, then leave again all night for work. I was a single Mom with no car for two weeks. It was really difficult. I had had enough. tonight was my night, and he wasn't going to mess it up. He asked me to find a sitter, I tried, but just didn't feel good about it. I had found one, but before she had canceled at the last minute, didn't really feel like I could trust her, and the girls didn't really like her last time. I asked Kalab to call into work for a personal day. He relented, didn't want to, threw a fit, and finally did it.

His side. Money is tight. Its hard to save. He is always right. I am Mom first and don't need time away. We just paid for the car to be fixed, rent is due, we are on a stricked budget and He cant sacrifice the money he would make tonight. Maybe he feels more, but wont talk to me, so I really am lost about all his reasons as to why, I don't deserve a night to myself.

This isn't going to be fixed. We just cant see eye to eye. I cant explain to him and make him feel the way I do, and I do understand his reasons, but feel that my sanity is important too, and everything doesn't always have to be about money! This is really difficult to write about. Not alot of people are honest about what they fight about with their husbands. People feel like its taboo or a defeat if talk about fighting with their spouse. Most the time Kalab and I get along pretty well. But MONEY is a huge issue between us. I like to have savings, but seriously what good does that money do in the bank if you cant enjoy it once in a while, or when you really need it, I am not being dramatic, but I really needed it tonight. Honestly it feels better just being able to write and vent. I am going to try and get some sleep. and even in spite of my hubby, I actually had alot of fun tonight. Had a seven course yummy delicious meal, I helped prepare and company of good friends. So even though he doesn't understand why I needed it, its okay, I would just feel better if he was happy for me!

Holding on to Summer!

2010-09-17T21:01:00.000-07:00

I would love it if Mother Nature would just let it be warm for a little bit longer. I miss swimming outside already. I can see my summer tan fading. The past couple weeks have been spent going for walks and playing at the park. For Labor Day we took one last summer trip to Provo and Richfield, to visit lots of family. We had a really good time, but thats for another post, hopefully sometime soon.

Updates!

Kalab passed his Social Work License test. Yay! He has been working like crazy. He has two jobs and never works the same schedule. Which means chaos! Some days we only get him for 20 mins, barly long enough to scarf a family meal and give hugs and kisses. Poor Halley, stands at the door crying for Daddy, at night she comes to his side of the bed looking for DADA. I miss him too. Hopefully soon, we can find a better arangement. Kalab has been looking and applying for lots of jobs.

I have gone through 4 big totes of clothes and shoes of the girl's, put up listings on Ebay and Craigslist and have made about 200+ bucks. I dont know why I was holding onto them, I have a strange attachment with the girls clothes and thats why there is still 2 totes left, which was 6 total big totes of clothes and shoes, I was holding onto. Boy does it feel good, to have the clothes gone, and money in my pocket, for a certain little misses Birthday thats coming up soon! Ava is so excited about being 5.

Ava is really excelling with swim lessons. I usually drop her off at the pool, then go upstairs to do my workout. Wednesday I came in early to pick her up and at the end of class they race eachother, and when I saw who they matched her up with, I got a little worried. Girls twice her age and size. But she completly smoked them. When I saw her little arms going so fast, I felt like Michael Phelps Mom. I was so impressed and she was so proud I saw her win. Its amazing to see her swim, its almost kind of amusing, Shes short and stalky, but whatever shes doing, its working. She also just learned to ride a bike without training wheels. She growing and learning so fast. I am so proud of her and everything she does, she does well. What a blessing and Joy she is to our family.

Halley Mae. Is becoming quite a handful. What a hoot though. She loves shoes. She knows whose shoes are whose, and when she wants to go, she brings everybody thier shoes and pounds on the door until we open it to leave. She loves to have her hair done and if I am doing Ava's she will cry until I do hers. She loves Bows and neclaces and purses and dolls. She is all girl.

Summer Adventures

2010-08-24T21:39:00.000-07:00

Ahh! Finally I feel like I have time to blog.

As much fun as we've had this summer I am afraid its going to end shortly. So I really need to get my bum into gear and add some more posts. Summer, Summer, how did you get away from me so quickly? How does it happen to me every year? Why can't I just live somewhere that jackets are not a requirement and its sunny all year!

Any who! Here's like a gazillion pictures for your viewing pleasure, hopefully soon I will be adding captions so you know what the heck we were up too.

........BIG Day............

2010-08-21T20:35:00.000-07:00

Ava learned to ride a bike without training wheels! And right now Halley Mae is out of our bed and sleeping in a toddler bed in her sisters room!

So I ran upstairs real fast to put groceries away, and in the mean time Kalab was helping Ava ride her bike, and in 5 minutes, she was doing it all by her self. She was yelling for me to come outside to come watch her, and I didn't believe it until I saw her. It literally took her 5 minutes. Ava is so amazing.

We found a toddler bed today for Halley. She was so excited and liked it right away. Tonight when we put her to bed she cried for maybe 2 minutes, came out twice, the fell asleep right away.

I am so proud of my girls today. This week has been a terrible week for me. First I missed out on a Disneyland trip with all my family, cause Kalab couldn't get his dates and times right with his work, and we didn't want to deplete our savings. Then I had a gyno appointment, the next day I got violently ill. I puked hard and dry heaved five times from 10 p.m. until 4 a.m. Those were just the highlights of the week. So today was like a little present from God, to cheer me up a little.

You Might be..............

2010-08-04T20:00:00.000-07:00

tired of hearing about all the really cool and fun things we have been doing this summer, but I have 5 more posts of summer fun to add very soon and if that's not enough, this will make you very jealous, we're going to Disneyland and the Huntington Beach! I am so very excited, I can barely contain myself! Just a few quick pictures, so you don't forget how beautiful my girlys are!

Victoria has gotten so close to Halley! Its so cute, and helps out alot. She got a cranky Halley to fall asleep on her while watching t.v.

Ava loves going to Birthday Parties!

Getting so big, she loves doing her own hair!

Halley loves playing dress-up in my swim suit!

The Fourth

2010-07-15T22:49:00.000-07:00

The 4th is really one of my favorite holidays! I am not really fond of winter or being cold, summer is when I shine! I love to watch Fireworks and back yard BBQ'S, slip and slides, camping, tanning under the hot sun, swimming in lakes, camping, hiking, bike riding, anything outside! I am having so much fun this summer with my girls, I just dont want it to end!

floating the river!

2010-07-15T22:30:00.001-07:00

On the 3rd of July we felt really adventerous! So we took a little trip to Lava Hot springs, Idaho and floated down the river! The girls and I had so much fun! Halley wasnt so sure about it and Kalab thought the water was to cold, so they just watched us! Lava is a pretty cool little town, its pretty old and really crowded with tourist, but we had so much fun I know we will be back pretty soon! When we first got in there was an old hippie guy right behind us, he could tell it was our first time and gave us some very much apprieciated advice, "Keep your butts up when you over the rapids" We had no idea that the rocks were that close to the water. So every time Ava saw rapids coming up, she would yell as loud as she could "BUTTS UP" then it turned into "BUTTS UP 7-UP" and butts up dr. pepper, really anything she could think of. We floated the river for about 4 fantastic hours! I really cant remember when I had that much fun with my family! Ava is such a go getter, she would get so excited, she just couldn't contain her self! As we would go over a rapid, she would yell bring it on, I am ready, then she would ask me if we could make it go faster! I love her enery and spirit! Sometimes she is a little hard to handle, but she really shines when it comes to being athletic! She is really amazing and I am so glad we all had such a fun weekend!

Girls Night

2010-07-09T15:10:00.000-07:00

a Night full of fun and games. Victoria and Ava had friend come over we had pizza and pop and candy. We did pedi's and mani's, and the girls played until the dropped at midnight!

Bear World

2010-07-09T14:53:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we went to Bear World right outside of Rexburg, Id. The girls had alot of fun looking at the bears and different animals. Kalab really enjoyed it as well. Its pretty much his favorite thing to look for wild life, when ever we are driving in the Mountains he is always telling me to look for elk or deer. My favorite was the white elk. Halley loves animals and really liked the petting zoo. It was a pretty fun day and the girls keep talking about it so we know they had fun!

Summer stuff!

2010-07-06T21:46:00.000-07:00

So I got a pretty nice camera for Mothers day and obviously I haven't been putting it to good use. So far I have taken the girls to the lake 3 times and the water park once, we have had play dates and lunch at the park. We have been so busy and having a blast with Victoria being here every other week, and I have no pictures to show for it. I am making a mental note now to bring my camera with me more. Last time we went to the lake Ava had so much fun running and jumping off the floating dock. She is only 4 and such an adrenaline junkie. Halley on the other hand is so timid and not a big fan of the water yet! Just a short one tonight, wanted to update everyone and let ya know we are having a great summer. Tomorrow or the next day I will write about our 4th, we had an awesome busy weekend!

I love my Girls!

2010-06-12T20:03:00.001-07:00

Halley is getting so big. I cant believe where the time has gone and how smart she is. Tonight has been so fun. Everything I have done for Ava, Halley wants. Ava wanted a snack after dinner, so I made her some eggs and toast. Halley climbed unto Ava's chair and started eating her food. So I made Halley some and she kept looking at the toast, then she held it up and yelled some mumbo jumbo at me. I realized she wanted jelly on her toast just like Ava's. So after the mess she made with the jelly, it was bath time. While in the bath Ava heard Phineas and Ferb and wanted to get out really fast so she could watch it, her favorite cartoon. So I get Ava's hair and body all washed and I am not even done before Halley is holding up her baby wash yelling at me, she even stands up, just like Ava, so I can wash her up. After the bath, I was combing Ava's hair out while she was sitting in her little chair. When Halley comes up to her, and pushes her out, takes her spot, and demands me to brush her hair. Which she loved and sat there for a good five minuets while I brushed what little hair she has. Halley was such a quiet baby, never really made a peep. Its really amazing to see how much she has changed. She has such a personality now and is really quite ornery. She loves to unfold folded clothes, and pull every pot and pan out of the cupboards. The funniest thing is that she will get into my drawers and put my tank tops around her neck and my sports bras, then puts a purse on her sholder and she just walks around the house like a miss queen bee. She has such a serious look on her face until she sees me smiling and laughing at her, then she breaks out in a cute little chuckle. Man, my baby is so adorable. I love her more and more everyday. She is so precious.

Ava surprises us everyday by what she knows and does. She talks like an adult and can carry on a good conversation. She struggles a bit with her numbers but can count to 30 or more on a good day. She can write every letter and is beginning to spell things. She can write my name, Dad's and Halley's. She loves to draw and paint. She is really quite brilliant, but I'm really starting to think she has ADD. I forget the statistic, but its pretty high for kids that were born premature, which she was. I constantly have to keep her entertained and busy or she is bouncing off the walls. She can not sit still, has trouble focusing. I think she is a little young to actually diagnose, as long as I keep her busy and give her lots of exercise we don't have complete disastrous days. Since we started swim lessons our days have been alot better. She is in the intermediate class already, so awesome. She is only 4 and can out swim 7 and 8 year olds. I just fixed up Victoria's old bike for her and she loves riding it all over too. Wish I had just a tenth of her energy, my house would always be clean, laundry always folded, dishes always done, and I would probably lose ten pounds fast. Ava can be alot to handle, but I feel so blessed that the good Lord gave her to me, not only to challenge my patience, but to truly open my heart and make me be the best person I can be. I love that little girl to pieces!

What to do now!

2010-06-10T22:11:00.000-07:00

Well now what? That is the question, I keep asking Kalab. We keep throwing around a couple of ideas but cant really figure out what to do now that he has graduated. We both want out of Pocatello, we hate the weather here. We are very fond of moving somewhere close to my family near Las Vegas. But we just cant seem to make anything happen. So in the mean time, let the summer festivities begin. Lunch in the park, story time at the library, long walks, hopefully swimming soon, a camping trip here and there, day hikes, Popsicles, lemonade, and cookouts. I love it all and am so excited.

Grandpa shoeing Horses!

2010-06-10T22:05:00.000-07:00

It was pretty fun to watch Grandpa do something he loves a lot. It was finally nice to meet his horse, that he speaks so much about. After he was done he made a fabulous BBQ for us. We love spending time with Grandpa Angell!

Two Weeks in Vegas!

2010-06-10T20:55:00.000-07:00

I got the Driod phone while there and Ava is loving it. Wishing I had gotten it a long time ago. I love it too. There is just so much stuff it can do. I downloaded 5 games for Ava, keeps her so busy!

The whole time while there, Ava kept wanting a picture by a jungle tree also know as Palm trees. Not quite sure why she calls them that, she has since she was two, maybe its time to start correcting her.

Halley's favorite place. She can crawl in here by herself and just loves to hangout.

I was really blessed to be able to spend so much time with my family in really awesome weather. I got there Tuesday, May 25 and stayed until June 6th. The first week while there, it was so nice to just visit with my Mom and see what she does day after day. I am very humbled watching her. She is non stop, doing so much for her family. I love her so much and admire all the hard work she does to take care of her home and family. The 29th was our Aniversary and Kalab was able to make it down for a couple days. The next day, while my Mom babysat the kids, Kalab and I spent some much needed time together. We got a room at Circus Circus and had a bunch of fun. The next day we went out to Bonnie Springs, an old ghost town and Petting Zoo, which probally would have been alot more fun if we had gotten some sleep the night before. We did end up getting a good picture though. Kalab and I spent so much on the room (cause it was a holiday weekend) We didnt want to sleep it away. We never get a good chance to talk and just enjoy each other so it was pretty fun to just be. Soon it was time for him to go home, the girls and I were sad, but got over it quickly because we got to spend an incredible amount of time outside playing. My older Brother James got there on Sunday. On Tuesday He was able to take us to the Nellis Airfore Base. It was awesome. I am sorry I didnt get any pictures, I forgot my camera that day. On Wednesday we went to see Iron Man 2 in IMAX, that was pretty fun. IMAX is the only way to see a movie. Thurday morning my sister got there, and later that night we went to Jeff's Graduation. Friday we got a sitter for the kids and enjoyed an evening away. We ate at Tony Roma's, so yummy! and did some shopping. Saturday was a family reunion. Thats my two weeks in sunny Las Vegas, Nevada. As always it goes by way to fast and doesnt seem long enough.

Michigan

2010-05-23T14:59:00.000-07:00

For Kalab's Graduation Present he wanted to go visit his oldest brother, Kelly, who lives close to Detriot, Michigan. We did a lot of Visiting and hanging out. We took the kids to do lots of fun stuff and Thursday we all went to a Loin's and Yankee's game. Which was pretty fun, even in the rain and cold. While there we ate Lamb Weston Fries, Kalab works at Lamb Weston here. Halley had a heck of a time at first. The first day we were there she took a pretty hard fall into a lawn chair and got a bruise on her cheek, the second day she took another hard fall, off the bottom two steps of thier deck and cut the top part of her eye and turned it black, and later that same day, she fell off a chair, face first and got a tiny bloody nose. Poor little girl. Then I noticed she kept tugging at her ears. We called around all day trying to find a place to take our insurance, and finally we decided, to just take her to urgent care, they got her right in, and she had a double ear infection. The next day, after the antibotics kicked in she was doing alot better. We thought it might be fun to go visit Hell, but when we got there we didn't think it was to great. Just a little tourist town, with yummy ice cream! The last night in Michigan was pretty cool. We had a delicious bbq, big bon fire, roasted Marshmellows and Kelly and his buddy played guitar, it was awesome! A big thanks go out to Kelly and Jamie, they were so awesome to let us stay with them, they made us feel so welcome and feed us incredibly yummy food! They showed us a wonderful time! Thanks to Cynthia too, for the cute presents to the girls and all the stuff you paid for and they Yummy doughnuts you brought for breakfast!

Kalab's Graduation

2010-05-18T14:12:00.000-07:00

Kalab graduated On May 8th 2010. It was such an awesome day! Kalab is an amazing guy! What an amazing day it was! My Parents came from Las Vegas, Nevada, and Kalab's Dad and Step Mom were there as well. We ate at Ruby Tuesdays and had some cake at home! Soon after we left for Salt Lake to stay in a hotel, we had a very early flight on Sunday to go to Michigan. We still were trying to figure out parking when we found out La Quinta offered free parking and shuttle service to the airport. Which ended up saving us a ton of money and hassle!

Halley's Walking!

2010-05-02T20:35:00.000-07:00

She finally figured it out last Friday, April 30th. She has been taking two or three steps here and there, but now she can get up from sitting and just take off walking! So cute, I just love her little legs wobbling around! She is also getting some new teeth, she has three on the bottom, I am hoping the fourth isnt far behind, her little grin is goofy looking, but oh so adorable!

13.1

2010-04-24T17:32:00.000-07:00

Today I was strong enough to run a half marathon. I did it in 2 hours and 21 minuets. It was awesome. I had fun while doing it and am pleased with my time, about 10 minute and 50 second miles. My goal was to finish without injury and in 2 hours and half so I could see Ava run in her kids race. By the time a crossed the finish line and found my sister, I heard the kids race just start, so I watched her take off then I noticed That Moms were holding their kids hands and running together, so after running 13.1 miles I found the energy and more strength to run almost another mile with her, it was quite a chase to catch up with her too. She did AWESOME! Then we were almost leaving when Jaycie called me and said they called my number for a raffle prize, so agian I had to find the energy to sprint from the parking lot to the stage. I am pretty sure I am taking a break from running for a couple days. Today isnt so bad, but I am scared for tomorrow! Pictures will come later, Kalab had to work tonight and I left the camera in the car.

Kalab's Birthday!

2010-04-24T16:40:00.000-07:00

My Husband turned 27 last week and I have not blogged about it yet, sorry Hun! He had to work that day, so I arranged a sitter so we could go out to dinner and spend time together. We went to a new lil Italian place called Riggio's, here in Poky. It was fun and trendy. Kalab was in desperate need of new clothes so Ava and I picked him out about 7 new shirts and 3 pairs of pants. He really didn't want me to buy him anything else, that was pretty expensive as it was, but I bet his office partners are happy to see him mixing his clothes up a little bit, not to mention that he has lost about 20 pounds so they were getting a little big! Kalab is an awesome Husband and I love him to pieces, so lets see if I can think of 27 Things that are unique and great about him.

1. How strong he is emotionally and physically
2. How smart he is especially at spelling
3. Awesome Driver!
4. He cannot lie, even he doesn't like what I made for dinner
5. He is caring
6. He had a special place in his heart for all of his girls
7. He is hugely out numbered at home and not to mention that most social workers are women too
8. Handsome
9. He likes an extremely clean house, but is understanding for the most part, that its not feasible with two young ins
10. He's really shy
11. He likes to watch Saturday Morning Cartoons
12. He is really excited and about Graduating in Two weeks
13. He can't wait to start helping people and making people's lives better
14. He can cook
15. He hates to buy new shoes, when we were dating he seriously had duck tape on his shoes holding them together, so embarrassing
16. He gets sentimentally attached to things
17. He wrote a 20 page paper in Two Days while working 8 Hours a days and going to class for four hours a day.
18. As a kid he spent alot of time in the Hospital, and as a baby Doctors said he would never walk or be a normal kid, they gave him 8 years to live at the most.
19. He admires his Brothers and looks forward all year to meeting up with them for our Yearly August visit.
20. BON JOVI, he can remember insignificant facts about this band but has a hard time remembering my favorite food or what day we got Married, we both love Their Music though!
21. He loves Basketball, to watch and he loves to ref!
22. I have him wrapped around my fingers, if he gets mad at me, yeah it Happens, all I have to do is give him a good head rub and he forgets about how much I just spent, the new scratch on the car, or really anything, it works every time ;)
23. He doesn't like ice cream or cake, kinda makes Birthdays a bummer.
24. Dreamy Eyes, I am so thankful our girls got his fabulous eye lashes
25. We love to Travel together
26. We hate the snow
27. He's the best family Man!

Easter

2010-04-07T17:31:00.005-07:00

We had a yummy Breakfast of croissants, omelets and cantaloupe after all the baskets were gone through and most of the candy was consumed. Then we got cleaned up and got the girls dressed up and went looking for eggs in the snow. Then we lounged around, spending some good quality family time. After it warmed up a bit we took a short walk to the park right by our house and let the girls play for a while. We had a fun and relaxing day.

Spring Break!

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

For the past too weeks its been spring break for us, unluckily we have had winter weather though. The first week it was Kalabs and 2nd week we had Victoria all week. For Kalab's spring break he just worked on his graduation stuff and getting things ready for his application to BSU for the Masters program. We weren't able to do anything fun thanks to the weather and how much it actually costs to Graduate and apply to colleges. On Friday we were pretty stir crazy so we decided to visit an old friend in Twin Falls.

For Victoria's spring break we didn't do anything to spectacular either, it snowed and rained and Halley was sick with a double ear infection, so we were pretty home bound. On Thursday Ava wanted to have a Halloween party, so we dressed up, made cookies, put up decorations and I dressed up in several different little disguises and ran from the front door to the bathroom door and the two bedroom doors, so every time they knocked to trick or treat I was someone else. They thought it was hilarious. We had a blast.

Friday we had planned on going to my Sisters in Provo to spend Easter with my Family, but it just didn't work out. Again the weather and time was an issue too. So the girls were pretty disappointed, so we took them to stay the night in a hotel here in Pocatello. It was nice hotel and they had an awesome pool and hot tub. Kalab got to see Ava swim, she has gotten so good, she can swim completely by her self. We spent most of our time in the pool. Then we wathced some tv and tried to get some sleep, but the girls were to hyper. The next morning we woke up to about an inch of yucky, teribble, no good snow! So we wern't able to go to any Egg Hunts for the girls. They didn't really seem to care though. Later that night we took them to Outer Limits, which is an arcade. We came home went to bed and the girls went to bed early so the Easter Bunny would come visit them that night!

Halley Mae's 1

2010-03-23T20:44:00.000-07:00

Halley had some little friends come over and we had cake and ice cream and a yummy bbq. We sat around and let the kids play. When it was time to open presents, Halley wasn't interested. So in the pics where she crawling away, its because I couldn't keep her still enough for the pic, she just kept crawling away as fast as she could and the kids thought it was so funny, they would just laugh and laugh, so Halley kept doing it. Finally we convinced her to open her presents and she loved them. She liked the cake but absolutely loved the ice cream. We had a fun time and we were sad to see it go. My baby is growing up so fast, but staying so little at the same time. She has 8 teeth, can crawl and climb but has no interest in walking yet. She can say baby, and give kisses. She is 17 lbs and 6oz and 26 inches. She is so adorable I could just kiss her little cheeks forever. She loves to play with her big sisters.

So Thankful!

2010-03-21T15:33:00.000-07:00

I am watching a tlc show called I am pregnant and,(each person has a different problem) and this girl is homeless. Its so sad! It makes me so thankful for everyting I have! First for my awesome husband that provides and takes such good care of us. Sometimes I forget about the big things and concentrate on such little things, like my house being full of clutter and toys everywhere, the sink full of dishes, my out of style clothes and shoes. Tonight Kalab is working, I was complaining a little, cause I hate spending Sunday afternoons without him. I need to remember he has a job, cause so many people and fighting unemployment right now and that would be alot more stressful than spending the night alone. It makes me apprieciate our extended family, who would never let us live in our car. To add a couple more things, I am so thankful for my beautiful kids, who are healthy, smart and happy! I am so thankful for my health, my happy marriage, my body (which can do amazing things), my cooking abilities, and those are just a few of my very long list. I hope this feeling last for a while for because its amazing!

~Cup Cakes for Breakfast~

2010-03-19T20:25:00.000-07:00

Must mean its somebody's Birthday! My Birthday to be exact! Man it was a great day too! Kalab had cup cakes waiting for me when I got up with a Little note telling me Happy Birthday and to get ready for my Massage at 2. Awesome! We had lunch at Red Lobster. Then rented some movies and spent the night relaxing and eating cup cakes until our little hearts content!

St Patricks Day

2010-03-18T23:32:00.001-07:00

Was spent with a sick Husband! He got to take a nap with Halley and got pinched a bunch of times by Ava for not wearing green. Halley is learning some new tricks and is finally getting some hair!

Bon Jovi Concert

2010-03-17T20:39:00.000-07:00

March 6th was an awesome day spent with my hubby! aaaand, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas! So I will just share a couple of pictures! Lets just say we had tooooo much fun

Just Kidding! I went down to my Moms house on Tuesday March 2nd to spend with week with her. Kalab flew in on Thurday. We mostly did family stuff. Then on Saturday we left Ava and Halley Mae with my parents so we could hang out in Vegas all day. It was so awesome to spend some time with my hubby. We left at 11 am and didnt get back until 2 am. We walked most of the strip, did alot of shopping and people watching, man the people are crazy there. We had so much fun just being the two of us. We sure needed the couple time, but it was so nice to see my kids the next day.

Days of our Lives

2010-02-28T18:22:00.001-08:00

I don't put a lot of pictures up of my cutie pie Ava. This was right after we went for a little run together. She ran a half mile before she needed to take a break.

Ava and I at the Movies!

Ava all dressed up and ready for Ice Cream with her Cold Stone gift card from Grandma Hardy!

I love Flowers from Kalab. Such a good Husband :)

Lately things have been pretty crazy. I am not even sure what we do to stay so busy but we are always going going going! Ava has swim lessons, dance and gymnastics, Monday through Thursday. Kalab goes to school, his internship, and work. I go grocery shopping, do laundry, clean and clean some more, cook, pack lunches, most the time I even find time to workout. We have play dates from time to time. Halley just goes with the flow, never really whining or complaining, just chilling in her car seat. I also seem to travel alot. I go to Orem to see my sister, we go to Twin Falls to pick up Victoria, we go to Idaho Falls and Rexburg to visit Family. Kalab and I have even gone on a couple dates lately. This weekend I took Ava to get ice cream at Cold Stone and we went to see a movie together, we had a blast! With all that day to day stuff we have alot of pretty huge stuff going on too. On Monday me and the girls are leaving to visit my Sister for a day, then we are headed to Las Vegas to Visit my Family. On Thursday we will pick Kalab up at the airport and on Saturday Kalab and I are going to a BON JOVI concert! We are so stoked! It will be Awesome! March 19th is my Birthday, no plans yet, surely we will do something fun though. Then the 23rd is Halley's 1st Birthday. Spring Break will be spent with Victoria. Easter April 4th. Kalab's Birthday April 16. My Sister and I are running a half marathon on April 24th. Ava also will do a kids fun run with us too. Kalab's Graduation May 8th. Soon after that we are trying to plan a trip to Michigan. My Brothers Graduation is June 5th and a family reunion is the next day. After all that Kalab has to worry about taking state boards and finding a job and getting applications in to universities for his masters. A couple we are thinking about, BSU through CSI in Twin Falls. UNLV in Las Vegas, and EWU in Cheney, Washington. So much to look forward to.

Halley's 11 months

2010-02-23T15:30:00.001-08:00

My Sweet Halley Mae!

How she is growing so fast! She has 5 teeth, the sixth one is having a hard time coming through keeps going up and down. She loves to crawl. She loves to sleep. She loves to play with Ava. She loves to laugh. She loves food and is still nursing strong! She loves to cuddle. Shes not even close to walking. (Ava walked at 8.5 months) She loves to be read to. Still has blue eyes and light brown hair. She loves baby dolls. She gets so exctied when she clapps. Growning, not fast, just perfectly! My sweet baby is almost a toddler, not sure if I am ready for it! Making big plans for her Birthday!

Family Pictures!

2010-02-18T18:19:00.000-08:00

Headlights!

2010-02-11T21:58:00.000-08:00

So today I learned how to change a headlight. Kalab noticed it was out and he was busy all day with work and school, so he asked me to go to Shucks and ask them for help. It needed to be done before we left for Twin Falls at 6. The guy at Shucks couldn't do it, because he would of had to unscrew a part and they wont allow him to do it. So I went to Checkers bought another headlight just to have the guy there tell me the same thing. Dang it! So I came home hoping that one of our guy neighbors would be home to help me. Nope! So I was very determined to do it myself, and I did, of course with my Dad on the phone guiding me through it. I sliced my thumb open and it left blood everywhere, and my hands were filthy, but I felt pretty good about my self!

Halley's 10 Months

2010-01-31T16:00:00.000-08:00

Well she has actually been Ten months now for a little over a week. Our weeks just seem to go by so fast that sometimes I forget to blog about the most important stuff. My precious baby, oh how I love her. She is so sweet and kind. Today at church another baby wanted to play with her and Halley was very cautious, she looked at me for a long time, then at the baby for a long time. Wasn't to sure if she should play with her until the Mother offered her some cheerios. She is so timid around other people. At home its a different story. I cant keep her out of the bathroom, she loves toilet paper and has figured out how to dump the basket of bows and hair bands, She loves to play in them. She also loves to open her drawers and pull out all her clothes. When she sees me coming to get her she simply gives me a sweet smile that melts my heart. I have given up folding her pajamas in the bottom drawer so she can just have fun playing with them. We have a huge basket of toys in the living room for her to play with but her favorite is everything she shouldn't play with, the remotes, phones, DVDs, markers and loves to rip pages out of Ava's books that she doesn't keep put up. Halley is the best sleeper and has been since we brought her home from the hospital. Right now she sleeps from 10 to 10. Waking up once around 1 or 2 to nurse. At her check up the Dr. said she is perfectly healthy. She weighs 17 lbs 3oz, which puts her in the 10th percentile and is 26 inches tall, which puts her in the 5th percentile. So she is little but she is still growing and doing everything she should. She is busy, busy, busy and has an appetite to go along with it. I seriously think she eats more than Ava, and she still nurses every 3 hours or so. Her favorites are cheese, yogurt, carrots, mashed potatoes, rice, and meat, she will basically eat anything but baby food. I have tried so many times and if she sees what the rest of the family is eating, she turns her head and wont open her mouth unless its table food.

Sicky Ava!

2010-01-22T11:22:00.000-08:00

Halley is already learning to color. She loves to watch her sister and do everything she does. Sorry about he ugly heater in the background, I can't wait for summer, as soon as Kalab finishes school, we will be out of here and on to better things.

When we took Halley to get her ears pierced she loved these slippers and they kept her distracted, plus she is just way to cute in them. It seems I cant get a good picture of her anymore, she is just to busy.

Yesterday morning Ava puked just as she was going to take a bite of her breakfast cereal. All over the chair, down right disgusting. Poor little girl was so sick all day running a fever and just didn't feel good. All she did was lay on the couch, and sip on water, couldn't get her to eat anything. Today she is doing a lot better. She still doesn't want to eat, but at least she is up playing around! Its sad to see her sick! Our Family is pretty healthy, we hardly ever get sick, except these past couple weeks. Hopefully Kalab and I wont get whatever the girls have had.

Update: Ava's Room!

2010-01-19T19:00:00.000-08:00

So it took me alot longer than it should have clean Ava's room. Well Friday we left around noon to Provo and Didn't get back until Sunday night. I started a little yesterday and finally finished today. I sure hope it never gets that messy again. Ava was so excited to see her clean room, she gave me huge hug and kisses.

Have you ever seen anything messier?

2010-01-14T20:29:00.000-08:00

This is what Ava's room looked like after her two little friends left. Who knew three little kids could make such a mess. Guess how long it took them. I am not actually sure, but we were sewing for about 5 hours. Ashley, a friend of mine and her two kids came so I could help her sew a dress for her daughter. Yes that is Ava sucking her finger and sleeping. When I saw this huge mess, I wasn't quite sure what to do with it, I knew that if I started to clean it now, I would end up getting mad and completely losing my cool. So I decided to just sleep on it and tackle it tomorrow.

Ava came running out of her room, yelling boo-yaa, with tights over her head, she's such a goof ball. She had us laughing pretty hard. We were also snacking on little conversations hearts, and Ashley would put a couple right by her sewing machine and Ava would sneakily come eat them, Ava did about three times before Ashley realized what she was doing. We saw Ava sneaking around the table to grab them and Ashley scared her when she tried to grab them. Ashley thought she was just eating them fast.

We have had a busy week. Ava just started the Golds Gym youth program and it so much fun. She can take swimming lessons Monday through Thursday. They also have gymnastics and dance and martial arts and basketball class. She has been doing so well in all of them. I can already see a change in her attitude. I don't think I was keeping her stimulated enough at home. Kalab and I were contemplating putting her in pre school or this and I am so glad we choose the youth program, She has so much energy that she would just get so restless being couped up in the house this winter. She is probably ahead of most the kids her age that would be in pre school anyways. She can write all her numbers from 1-10 and count way higher. She knows the alphabet and can write most of the letters. She is starting to sound out letters too. She loves to look at things and tell me how to spell them. The other day we were drinking root beer and she said "Mom I know how to spell root beer, A W." As in A &W root beer. She is just getting so big. I am glad she has two more years before school starts, I love having her home with me. I know I will miss her so much when she starts school!

2010-01-10T20:17:00.000-08:00

Halley woke up this morning with a 102 tempature. We gave her some motrin and I went about getting ready for church. Kalab got to stay home with her. When I got home I gave her some more motrin, and it didnt touch her temp. We put some cool wash cloths on her back and head and checked her again in an hour, it was still at 102. She only wanted to be held all day and wasnt eating or drinking well, So Kalab decided he wanted to take her to the ER. Which got me a little worried. If you know Kalab at all, thats completly against his nature. So we packed up and headed to the hospital. We got right in, which was awesome, we were only there for about an hour and a half. The Dr. said she had a pretty bad sore throat, but that it was only viral. Little Halley is such a princess in her Daddy's eyes that he didn't like seeing her sick. She's never been sick before either. The Dr. said it could last a week or longer, just to make sure to keep her hydrated. Hope she gets better soon, poor little baby.

Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree

2010-01-06T14:02:00.000-08:00

(Sorry I cant put any of my pics in order, for some reason my computer is being stubborn)Dad is tired of girl toys over running the house so I got him a toy gun

Our Gingerbread Tree, turned out kinda crooked

Making the tree

Because my Grandma's funeral was so close to Christmas, I was able to host my family. On Christmas Eve, We all headed home from Halfway Oregon. We stopped at the Boise mall to do last minute shopping, it was fun. We had an hour before the mall closed, I was running from here and there trying to help my Mom get presents for everybody. After the mall, we needed to go to Walmart, and it was packed! We waited in line for over 30 minutes just to check out. I'm glad that we were able to get everything we needed though, because we had a fantastic Christmas dinner. We hadn''t planned on having anyone visit for Christmas so it was a fun to have such a houseful and of course my Mom is the best cook, which made dinner so much better. On Christmas Eve Ava left carrots for the Santa's reindeer and marshmellows for Santa, (we didnt have any cookies because we had been gone.) Christmas morning was fun. Ava's Favorite was her Pee Pee in the potty doll and kissing frogs from A Princess and the Frog Movie. Gosh Dangit! My camera was in the car and it was too cold to go outside and get it thats why I dont have any pictures of Christmas day. Yep I am pretty terrible when it comes to pictures. Then a few days later we got to celebrate Christmas all over agian with Victoria and Kalab's Dad. Victoria was her for a week and it was fun to spend time with her. For New Years we had a some friends over and the adults played cards all night while the kids ran wild and ate tons of sugar! We all stayed up until midnight and brought the New Year giving lots of hugs and kisses. I love my Family and am so lucky to have such awesome girls and such an amazing husband.

Elva Lois Franklin April 21,1939 - December 20, 2009

2010-01-06T13:43:00.000-08:00

My Grandmother died five days before Christmas. I was very close to her when I was younger and miss her dearly. I wish I had lived closer to her in her last days. She was an incredible woman and had lost of great stories to share.

This is the cemetary where she was laid next to my Grandafather

Her Funeral was beautiful. May she rest in peace.

Our Weekend at Brianhead

2009-12-12T14:37:00.000-08:00

We had such a blast sledding! I think we only lasted maybe an hour, it was so cold. Ava was such a good sport and I seriously felt like a kid again. Kalab didnt really want to be cold so he held Halley and hung out with the rest of my family inside!

The cutest lil newphew ever! I think Ashton had to much fun in the snow!

This is Ava and I going backwards down the hill! He he! Thank you Jaycie for taking the pic then pushing us!

I wish I was this cool ;)

Do you like their matching shirts? I made them!

All the Hardy Grandkids! I like this pic, it looks like Halley is pushing baby Eric back!

Most of us just Hangin out, I think they were watching a movie.
Hello Justin, this was the cool loft!

We are thankful!

2009-11-29T18:50:00.000-08:00

For Thanksgiving we went to Kalab's parents house! We enjoyed delicious turkey and mashed potatoes and pies. This was Halley's first Thanksgiving and of course I forgot to get a quick picture of her. We hardly saw Ava as she was running around playing with her cousins the whole time, I am not even sure she ate the whole time we were there, except the whipped cream off her pumpkin pie! Later that night Terri put on a great little show for us. She dresses up as Aunt Edna and does little skits. Its pretty fun! This time Ava and Kalab we in the band! Then we all had a turn to tell everyone what was going on with our little families! Friday we took the kids to the mall, and got a couple great deals and saw Santa! We had such a faboulous weekend, I didnt want it to end! Which got me thinking that we as a family, have so much to be thankful for. I would love to list everything, but maybe another time, as this family I love so much constanly needs my attention!

So 6 was hard, 7 was okay, but 8 is really depressing!

2009-11-23T18:17:00.000-08:00

Today is Halley's 8th month birthday! She is such a sweet heart! She's so quiet and loving, she snuggles up to hugs and has a soft little voice and boy oh boy does she love food! Today she is cutting her first top tooth! She moves around so fast, she crawls and rolls and gets up on her hand and toes, like shes doing a push up, and she can lay and the ground and lift herself to sit up! She still has blue eyes that Kalab and I dont know where they came from, we both have dark brown so does Ava and so does Victoria. She is finally getting some hair and its blonde! I love Halley so much! I am so glad she came to our family, she is the perfect little addition. I haven't really made any changes to my normal routine, most importantly she sleeps! She has slept thru then night since we brought her home from the hospital. She just a Happy Halley!

These are just a couple pictures I snapped real fast!

Just a couple of pictures!

2009-11-16T14:15:00.000-08:00

Matching Sweaters! Too cute!

The girls love when I do this! (its whipped cream from a can)

My studly Husband going to an interview for his practicum! He so so close to being done! I am so excited! I love my hubby and he is working so hard for us! I can't believe how smart he is! He has gotten all A's so far! Keep up the good work! We love you!

Halley Mae working on her crawling skills!

and eating skills, she loves speghetti! I wasn't actually planning on feeding her any, but she kept screaming and reaching for it, so I let her have a couple bites and she kept yelling for more, I couldn't keep it coming fast enough for her!

The Adventure of two little monsters and a witch!

2009-11-04T20:10:00.000-08:00

Last Friday I went to Provo to spend Halloween with my sister. Friday we went to a kids gym to have a little party! Ava loved it! Then Jaycie and Ava made some delicious pumpkin pizza ( regular pizza dough with orange food coloring and shaped like a pumpkin). Then we enjoyed the trunk or treat and bbq at her church, then we trick or treated until Ava couldnt carry any more candy! I really wanted to blog about Halloween before it got to late, but for some reason I am not really in the mood.

Getting ready for Halloween!

2009-10-26T20:21:00.000-07:00

Satuday we meet one of my high school friends, Kayla at a Halloween Carnival! Ava got to decorate a pumpkin, make a bird feeder, do a cup cake walk, get a pumpkin painted on her face and frost a cookie! Then we decided to go to the Boo at the Zoo. Yep it was kinda lame! We had more fun at the free carnival. I didnt even take any pictures at the zoo. Ava is a witch, but her hat doesnt stay on her head!

We came home for a little bit, then went to Kayla's house for some yummy soup and rolls. It was so nice to visit and catch up on old times! Sunday we tried to go to church but Halley was being so cranky, she fussed for an hour while we were trying to get ready, so we said forget it. Then we met up with some other friends visiting from Twin Falls.

This is how I found Ava later today on my bed. Cuddled up perfectly with angel wings! What a sweet heart! She was playing dress up and just got tired!

Feeling Crafty!

2009-10-19T20:02:00.001-07:00

last weekend we had so much fun carving PUMPKINS!

Then I have been practicing making bows! Its my new hobby, I could and have spent hours making bows! Here are just a few of my favorites!

Last week a friend gave me a high chair, it is in really good condition, but I wanted to make it super girly and soft and comfy for Halley, so I added 4 layers of batting and flannel material, which I Scotch guarded, so hopefully it stays a little clean! this was definitely a practice round, hopefully soon I will sew another one and do a better job, I didn't have a pattern so it was kinda hard to figure out!

Just a close up of the fabric, its so cute!

and a Family picture that took at least 10 tries to get a decent one!

Halley Mae's Blessing

2009-10-06T19:12:00.000-07:00

After trying to plan Halley's blessing weekend after weekend without success, we decided the the best thing to do was to bless her at our Home when both sides of our family could make it. Kalab's Dad gave the blessing and it was beautiful!

Ava's special 4th Birthday!

2009-10-05T20:10:00.000-07:00

We started the partying Friday night! I took Ava and two of her little friends to Have pedicures and Manicures. Seriously it was so cute. They have this little boutique salon just for kids. She has been asking for a pedicure for her birthday since I got one in August! and of course she loved it!

Then we had a party with Family and a few close friends! Aunt Jaycie and Uncle Dallas and Ashton came from Provo Utah. My family came from Overton Neveda, (close to Las Vegas). And Kalabs Parents came from Idaho Falls! We had a bbq at the park, but the wind blew hard and it was cold so it was cut short! Kind of a bummer, but Ava didnt seem to mind, she was having a great time!

Then we went Bowling! We had two different lanes, I think Kalab won over all, and Jaycie came in 2nd, after that I cant remember, but it was fun!

Then to end the night we all went to Craigo's, Ava's favorite pizza and pasta buffet.

my Crazy weekend!

2009-09-30T16:39:00.000-07:00

Friday morning I had an interesting delima, all week I had been planning on going to a Movie with my friend, Merin. I had even got a babysitter so that we could have some adult time and I had planned on going to my sis in laws babyshower on Saturday. Well all that changed when my Sister called me up and needed some help. We hadent seen her for a while so I dropped eveything to go spend some time with her! Yay we had such a good weekend too! Now and then it feels good to something completly spontaneous! I felt bad for canceling on my other plans, but Jaycie and I needed some good sister time! I got to Provo about 4, hungout all night. On Saturday, she did her thing, then we took Ava to chucky cheeses and did some shopping. I left Provo Saturday night at 10 and got home at 12:45.

Seriously! My baby girl is 6 months!

2009-09-23T19:35:00.000-07:00

Today Halley is 6 months old! Part of me is a little sad! My baby is growing so fast! I am excited for her to start crawling and reaching new milestones, but my heart grieves for that little baby she was. It's so easy to forget how little they are as newborns. Its just mixed emotions. For some reason I didn't feel that way with Ava, the older she got the more relived I was. I know Halley isn't my last baby, but I have a feeling the next one is going to be waiting a long time, before I can talk Kalab into having another baby! This little precious sweet heart has changed our lives so much. Ava is such a good big sister, she reads to her, gives her hugs and kisses, and generally care about her! We all love Halley so much, she just fits our family so well.

23 Years!

2009-09-21T19:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my Mom and Dads 23rd year of blissful marriage. I admire my parents a lot. They have certainly had there fair share of trials and they continue to be happily married and to be awesome parents. My Mom gives everything to her kids and Husband. She works so hard and a lot of the time with very little thanks. I will admit I took her for granted a lot growing up. Not until I had kids of my own did I realize how much she loves all of her kids and how much she does for all of us. Everyday we had hot breakfasts and homade cookies or treats when we got home from school. For years she sacrificed everything for us to have what we needed or what we wanted. She was always taking us to go swimming we had endless sleepovers and parties a couple of them with no warning on my part. We always had rides to school or practice. We always had great birthdays and awesome Christmas's' . Mom and Dad if I dont tell enough, I love you and am so glad you are my parents. Dad thank you for the countless nights helping me with my homework telling me that I was smarter than I was giving my self credit for. Thank You Dad for the countless things you have fixed for me, including my truck in high school that was always breaking down, I think you even came to Twin once when I was in college to come fix it for me. Thank you for everything you have taught me and done for me I really appreciate it. I love you guys so much. Thank you for being wonderful Grandparents. It means so much to me that you guys take time to get to know and love my children. Hopefully someday we will be able to live closer to you guys. Kalab and I both would like that. Thank You for everything you guys have done. We love you! (Sorry for the lousy picture, its pretty old and I had to scan it, but its my favorite memory with my parents)

Summer is turning into Fall!

2009-09-21T19:09:00.000-07:00

The days are getting shorter and colder! We are starting to settle down and not be so busy! So we haven't really done a whole lot the past couple weeks. Kalab is working a lot and going to school, so we are seeing less and less of him as school takes all of his attention! Halley is growing so much. She is still sweet as ever! Ava and I have been working on writing her name and I was having no luck, then out of the blue she came up to me and said Mom look I wrote my name. YaY! she was listening and learning. She also had a friend come over for lunch. They are so cute together. We have also been giving Halley little bits of rice cereal. She was so ready for it and she is loving it!

Kalab's Grandparents

2009-09-09T20:38:00.001-07:00

Kalab's Grandpa just turned 85! We were able to spend the day with him and celebrate. We had a yummy bbq with most of Kalab's Aunts and Uncles there as well. Kalab looks up to his Grandparents alot. He admires them and has a ton of good memories with them. They are such good and loving people. It was so good to see them and the rest of Kalab's family! The little boy in the picture is a second cousin, and I didn't have the heart to kick him out of the picture.

Yay, We had a good time at the fair!

2009-09-09T20:04:00.001-07:00

This is the first ride the girls went on! They had so much fun! We did rides for about 4 exhuasting hours! Victoria is a little bit chicken to go on rides, and Ava wanted to go on all the rides, even the ones she is too short for! Victoria's favorite was the train, that Kalab made me go on with them, that I barely fit in it! Ava's favorite was the demolition cars, I went on it with her, and it wasn't to bad. The cars spun around as they were going in circles making you think you were going to hit the other cars, Victoria screamed and Ava laughed hard on that one! I would gladly go on the train to make him go on the Farris wheel, I hate farris wheels! The girls really liked to go on that one with Daddy. and of course the fun house, Ava was going so fast on the slide I thought she was going to fall off! and of course Halley was a little angel the whole time, she is the best baby! I just love her so much! I am so glad we were able to take the girls on rides and let them have some fun! After the rides we met up with Grandpa Bryce and looked at all the exhibits and booths and of course got some good fair food, and for dessert we had a Tiger Ear a.k.a elephant ear, I guess here they call them tiger ears because were the bengal tigers at ISU. All in all it was a pretty decent day. The girls slept so good that night at Grandpa Bryce's!

Happy Birthday Victoria!

2009-09-09T19:41:00.000-07:00

Notice Halley in the background, she loves her new toy, and we love it too, cause it keeps her busy!

Victoria turned 7! We had a little party for her here at our house and enjoyed some cupcakes ice cream and presents!

Happy Birthday!

2009-08-26T17:26:00.000-07:00

Today Jaycie is 22! I was three and a half when she was born, I can still remember that day. When my Mom and Dad came home they brought us all a special toy, I can't remember what I got but my older bothers got little horses with a stage coach. Ever since then my life hasnt been the same! Jaycie has always been a princess! I love my sister and I hope she has a great day! Today was her first day of school. It seems like she always started school on her birthday! Anyway, I am so glad you moved closer so that we can see eachother move often. Love Ya little Sis~ Thank you for being such a great Auntie to Halley Mae and Ava Kay!

Our last summer trip!

2009-08-26T16:56:00.000-07:00

This was at Kalab's work party, Ava loved the pretty clowns.

This is my childhood friend, Brandi Jackson, we've known eachother since before Kindergarten. It was good to see her and catch up, we havent seen eachother since December 2005!

Grandpa holding Halley so we could go on the big water slides!

Aunts and Uncles playing with the babies!
Kalab and Ava coming down the big water slide, Ava loved it!

Kalab being a stinker as always!

My sister moved to Provo Utah, about 2 and half hours from here. so we decided to meet her there. We went up the day before and stayed in a hotel, then we met my Parents there, and helped Jaycie and her little family move into there apartment. The next day we all went to Seven Peaks Water Park. I forgot how much fun it is to be a kid. I seriously had so much fun going down the waterslides with my husband.

Camping!

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Ava insisted on wearing her princess shoes. So we let her wear them until we got there, we had a hard time getting her to change them!

Thanks Ava for the great pic!

Me cooking some yummy potatoes and chicken for dinner

The girlys having a good time!

Kalab has a couple days off so we went camping! Boy did we rough it too. We had nothing but our tent. We went on a couple of nature walks and one hike through the mountain, we were hoping it would be longer but it was only about 45 minuets long. Ava loves to camp!

Good Morning, Gooood loookin!

Our 45 minuet hike, through the Forrest!

Kalab's Family Reunion

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Halley found her feet!

I love Daddy daughter sleeping pics

Ice Cream truck!

Girls at the zoo! Thanks cousin Olivia for pulling them!

Victoria bumped her nose and it got a little bloody, Nurse Grandpa to the rescue!

The men taking a turn in the kitchen!
Ahh, love birds!

Kalab makes the best roasted marshmallows yum yum!

On Saturday all Kalabs brothers came to Visit. One lives in Michigan, one in Wyoming and one in Sandpoint Idaho. On Saturday everyone arrived and we rested and mostly visited. Sunday some of us went to church and the boys all went golfing. On Monday the sister-in-laws got pedi's and mani's and Tuesday we went to the Zoo. Wednesday everything came to an end. We had to say our sad good byes, knowing that it will probably be another year until we all see each other again.

wE LoVe sUMmEr tiMe!

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We love our new view! This is right off the balcony, its so cool to go right out our living room and see mountains. We let the girls go out there a lot, they love it. I got them a tiny little pool to go on the balcony, but they don't seem to mind, they still have fun!

Victoria showing off her cute new suit! I liked the one with cute pink and white pokadots with a little skirt around it, but she thought it looked to babyish! She wanted to look like a teenager, boy do they grow up too fast now days! I just want them to stay little forever, its not fair they have to grow up! I really dont understand why they want to be teenagers, its such a rough time!

Ava being herself, she's definitely the goof ball of the family, she always making everyone laugh!

Happy Sisters! They get along so well, you hardly notice they are 3 years apart. Except for Victoria being two feet taller~ Victoria is such a good big sister. She adds so much to our family when she is here.

This is what Ava picked out to wear to the park! She's such a goon! Good thing she lets me change her. The plain white shirt looks alot better.

We absolutly love this park! and its just right down the road! We walk there about twice a week!

Victoria and Ava racing to the top! I think Ava won!

Here is a couple of videos to show their cute personalities! Victoria's Mom thinks she's shy around us, obviously shes not!

Ava loves to play pranks on everyone!

Kalab and I sure do get sick of hearing this, seriously its non stop around our house! Hannah Montana this and Hannah Montana that!

Victoria loves to tell us all about herself! I guess she doesnt feel the same way about port a pottys as Ava and I do! I didn't let her use it though, we live just up the road, so we walked home real fast!

Rain rain go away!

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The girls were already stir crazy around noon, so we thought we would take them to Mc donalds to eat and play. Future basketball players, Daddy was so proud!

It is raining today and it looks like its staying all day. So I made some curtains for the girls room. I am usually against doing characters for curtains and stuff, but I let them pick Hannah Montana and of course they love it. We made them a princess bed too. its not exactly what how I planned it, but it turned out cute. The girls are pretending they live in a castle. They think its really cool, I can get my big white thing out and make stuff for them. Victoria keeps forgetting what its called so she calls it my big white thing, its kinda funny. I guess from a distance you cant even tell that they are Hannah Montana, the purple ones have sparkly stars on them. The bed doesnt look as cute in the picture thou.