Higher Times

baby Hannah

2012-01-29T13:50:00.003-06:00

proud big brother!!! he loves her so much!

It is our great honor to announce that Hannah Lynn is the newest addition to our family!! Everything went smooth and perfect. In fact, the biggest issue in L & D was that Spencer ripped his pants! Haha!

January 16th; 7 ponds, 13 ounces! I'm in love all over again.

2 more weeks

2012-01-08T22:28:00.002-06:00

I'm due with baby #5 in two weeks. I often think about this and just can't believe it. Tick-tock, tick-tock. Time. goes. so. fast.

About 3 months ago, I toyed with naming the baby Hannah. I made a little mistake and referred to the baby as Hannah to the children. We have been calling her Hannah for three months now. Well the name hasn't sunk in yet for me. It was just something to call her instead of "it".

But it sure has sunk in for the kids! If you ask Benson what is the baby's name he will tell you, "Baby Hannah". So now I think that is just what we will be calling her (unless I get some inspiration in the next few days/weeks on what to name her)!

Yay for babies! I'm looking forward to meeting this precious little girl.

accomplishments

2011-11-22T23:03:00.003-06:00

Yesterday was quite the day for accomplishing new things!

1. I made my very first pie! (I'm just not a big pie person). It actually LOOKED appealing!! That's good, right? You have no idea how giddy I was about this accomplishment. The kids couldn't wait to eat my pie! ... I got a clear message that the crust needed work, when everyone's plates were full of uneaten, hard-as-rocks crust pieces. However, the pumpkin filling (from a pumpkin, not a can, I must add!) was devoured.

Undeterred by the crust comments and obvious dislikes, I got busy last night finding and making a new crust. That's my next goal--master the crust!! This pie stuff is an art!

2. I taught Taylor and McKay their first sewing lesson! They each made their own Thanksgiving pillow to help our home have a little more turkey decor!

They each machine sewed, stuffed, and hand-stitched their very own pillows! I was amazed at how focused and driven they were to complete this task by themselves.

3. McKay's top front tooth fell out!

What a great day!

sigh of relief

2011-10-03T23:35:00.002-05:00

When McKay was graduating preschool, he was interviewed in front of an audience of classmates and their families. The question was, "what do you want to be when you grow up?". McKay's answered gave me a feeling of overwhelming anxiety as to how to raise this boy. He said, "I wanna be a bad guy!"

Now he's in first grade and I felt that he had "grown up" a little since then. I asked him a couple days ago what he wanted to do to make money to take care of his family when he's older. He said, "I want to be a police man".

I was much happier with that answer.

He used to also tell me that he was NOT going to serve a mission. He was going to stay home with me forever! (ah! panic!) Now he's telling me that he wants to help all the bad guys turn to good guys on his mission.

I am so proud of my son. He's growing up.

hawaii pics

2011-09-22T23:20:00.003-05:00

We got back from Hawaii and the kids performed this adorable skit for us

(written by GiGi De Lane)

eating fresh strawberry guava on a LONG hike Spencer took me on...

it was a great energy-boosting treat!

view of Honolulu

Spencer a Moses-wannabe

shark's cove snorkeling

Hawaii Temple

another view of Honolulu/Waikiki with a funnel cloud in the background

That's me going out to surf for the first time.

China Man's Hat

My favorite snorkeling spot in Oahu--Hanauma Bay

just a gorgeous beach

i loved these trees

at the Maunawili Falls

Pearl Harbor!!

Bamboo forest!!!

We had such a great time!

first day of school 2011

2011-09-22T23:16:00.001-05:00

1st and 3rd grade!!! Why do they grow up so fast?!!!!

The Rest of Oahu

2011-09-14T12:09:00.004-05:00

Sunday: went to church. We sang a Hawaiian hymn for the closing song. We met a lot of friendly people who welcomed us with a hug. Church building was unique style. Had ceiling fans in the chapel.

Hiked the Tantalus Loop Trails. We really enjoyed the great beauty of the tropical forests. We found ripe strawberry guava all along the trail. It was so good. We hiked through two awesome bamboo forests! We grabbed some fallen bamboo to be our hiking sticks; light and strong. Passed some unusual signs. One sign said "beware of wild pig hunters" and the other said "watch your step, the ground may fall from under you, which will be fatal!"

Monday: Pearl Harbor. Such a great place to see. We learned a lot about what happened that day. We only did the free exhibits. The Arizona Memorial was the big one, they show you a video in a theater and then ferry you to the memorial. We had an hour wait for our time after we got our tickets. We spent that time reading the different informative plaques they had. We learned about the history of our submarine torpedoes and saw examples of each. There is also a submarine memorial from that time period with a plaque that tells the story of each one "lost at sea". Spencer wanted to read them all but only read maybe a dozen. (There were probably 6 dozen in all...Being in a submarine was risky business but they were really effective!) After the Arizona memorial we went through 2 free walk through museums about our history with Japan in World War II. We really enjoyed learning about everything and we are appreciative of those who fought for us and are still fighting for us.

Surfing. Again, we had a lot of fun. Spencer helped give me a little push to catch the waves and that was successful. I caught several--still couldn't get up. I got to my knees and that was good enough for me. Spencer got up about three times. We look forward to surfing in Cali.

Visited Spencer's Uncle Ben and Aunt Mary Jo. Great visit. Wonderful people. They took us out to dinner. We had great conversations. Uncle Ben told me I'm going to have a boy! He says he's only been wrong twice, so we'll see!! (we're still not going to find out the sex from the ultrasounds)

Tuesday: Tried snorkeling in the North Shore again--Shark's Cove. The visibility was bad due to the big surge of waves coming in. Spencer tried to go in some rough water and got some nice gashes to prove it. Not worth it. We found some delights in a five foot tide pool neighboring the cove.

Tried an authentic Hawaiian shaved ice at Matsumoto's--that would be with a layer of black beans, then vanilla ice cream, with shaved ice on top. I liked the shaved ice, but the other combination, for me, was odd. Spencer really liked it all. We got three flavors on our ice--strawberry cream, coconut cream, and mango.

Hiked to Maunawili Falls--a very muddy hike, just like all the hikes we went on. This trail had tree roots covering the ground so it was quite difficult walking through the roots and mud. Beautiful trees and foliage. Every hike had different types of plants and trees so it made each hike wonderful. The falls were really neat. You can climb to a ten, twenty, or thirty foot ledge and jump into the pools at the bottom of the falls. Spencer felt comfortable doing the ten foot jump and I felt comfortable cheering him on! He climbed to the top of the falls for a real treat--he saw another pool of water and a second falls!! I stayed at the bottom because it looked steep and slippery and I wasn't comfortable doing that five months pregnant.

Rented a Kayak around Kailua Beach from Mokulua Rentals: What a great beach! I wish we would have spent more time here--warm, crystal clear, calm, blue water. We paddled out to two islands--Flat Island and Mokulua Island-- and snorkeled around the area. Waves were rough so visibility was rough around the islands. On Mokulua, I did see a see turtle and we saw a fish in a tide-pool that could jump from tide-pool to tide-pool. That was fun to see! As we were paddling back toward shore and noticed how shallow the water was. We wanted to see what was there so I put on my snorkeling gear and jumped in. What a treat I was in for! The coral and fish in this area--out to sea by Lanikai Beach--were amazing. It was a whole city of beautiful coral with all sorts of fish, of course. I was hoping to see something bigger than the fish I saw, but it was still wonderful.

Ended the long day with two dinners! I mention this because they were both very very good. First was called "Me's B-B-Q". We chose here because we pass by this restaurant on our way to Waikiki beach and it smells really good and one gal was raving about how good the food is. Let me tell you: I have never had authentic Korean food, and it was one of the best meals I've ever had. Everything tasted so delicious! (Of course, we were starving from our long day of activities!) If you ever go to Oahu, I would say you must try this food!! Spencer I split one meal, the Sunny's Special, for ten dollars and it was plenty of food for the both of us.

Second restaurant was went to we also passed a lot on our walks around Waikiki. We noticed a LONG line of people in front of this place every night, Marukame Udon. We saw the menu was simple--only a few choices of Japanese Udon (noodles) and tempura--and cheap! So we had to try it (Splitting the meal of course). It was our last night in Hawaii, we had to try it. We ordered the soupy looking udon, onion/vegetable tempura, eggplant tempura, and sweet potato tempura. It was yummy!

Crashed that night. Actually we crashed every night. Touring a new island is quite exhausting. We tried to do every single thing we wanted to do.

Now I'm home sick and ready to go home. But leaving is bitter sweet.

oahu!

2011-09-10T21:01:00.004-05:00

To celebrate our 10 year anniversary this year, we are in Oahu, HI for 10 days!! We are having such a great time!

Here's our schedule of events so far:

Monday:

Arrive
Pick up Rental Car (we got the budget car, it's small and cheap and it works. We're happy with our choice. Although it looks like everyone else around us upgrades for more money. Not worth it to us)
shopping--we bought some food and shampoo stuff (We've been eating Raisin Bran and Granola for breakfast everyday and we also bought some pasta, cup of noodles, cans of soup)
Waikiki Beach--warm, beautiful blue water. We can go about 100 yards out without it getting too deep!

Tuesday:

Costco--bought some chicken and some salad
Rented a surf board
snorkeled 1/3 mile to "China Man's Hat" and then back again. This is a tiny island where hammer head sharks breed!! Supposedly they don't bother humans, so we weren't too afraid. Don't worry, we didn't even see any. (thank goodness! Spencer was disappointed!) It just brought an element of suspense as we snorkeled out to the island. Saw some great varieties of fish. I even saw an octopus!! Spencer wanted to climb to the top of the island but it was pretty much rock climbing.
Manoa Falls Hike--So gorgeous. Awesome trees and foliage. Trail was muddy. That just added to the fun!

Wednesday:

Hanauma Bay Snorkeling. This is a must!! We went early in the morning so we got in for free. The fish were amazing. I felt like I was in a fish aquarium. We touched a few fish. We saw three sea turtles. Saw two eels (they are not afraid of humans and they're freaky!).
Diamond Head Hike (really hot, lots of stairs, but the views at the very top of the city and ocean were fantastic)
Surfing--our first attempt. It was hard. We didn't even catch a wave.

Thursday:

Temple--the Laie Hawaii Temple is so beautiful. I loved all the art work inside and just the whole experience.
Polynesian Cultural Center--great shows and performances. Worth it.
Spencer loved the Hukilau Cafe. It was a big hit for him. Good size meal for pretty cheap price. We also went to the shrimp trucks because several people rave about them, however we weren't too impressed but it was ok.

Friday:

Dole Pineapple Plantation--We loved the "world's largest maze". It took us one hour and a half. You have to find 8 hidden stations throughout the maze before you come out. They also had some yummy pineapple soft-serve ice cream. Really really sweet.
Sharks Cove Snorkeling--We went at a really bad time. Couldn't see anything really. Supposed to be a great Snorkel Spot but we just had a surge come in that day....Oh well, better surfing I guess.
Seadoos--The ocean on the north shore had big waves on this day and the seadoo was awesome. Spencer and I loved it. I'm not sure how the baby felt about it. Might have been a little too rough. It was like a 30 minute coaster ride. So fun!

Saturday:

Stadium Swap Meet--Someone told me don't buy anything except for here. It was really great advice. Every souvenir was a lot cheaper here. We spent a little too much...oops. Spencer and I got matching board shorts (cute, right?). Spencer got some rings and a nice Hawaiian shirt. I got a wrap dress, several necklances (for me and the kids), and a Hawaiian oven mitt set.
Watched the BYU-Texas Game. Lost by one point. Sad!
Surfing Take Two--much better! Spencer stood up about three times! I made it to my knees. Does that count? I was happy! :D

And that's where we are. We still have four days left so stay tuned for more!

We are having such a great time. I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to be here with my husband.

And I am doing well for not having the kids with me. I was worried--really worried. But the kids are loving life with Grandma and Grandpa. So Thank you Drew and De Lane!

school lunch

2011-08-31T22:59:00.003-05:00

One Saturday in July, I asked Taylor to clean her room. She came out crying hysterically and told me she hadn't eaten all her sandwiches at school.

Everyday after school I would ask Taylor is she ate all her lunch. If she did, she would get a snack. Otherwise, she would have to finish her lunch, then get a snack. OK....So?

Well, this mid-summer day, she had found a whole stash of sandwiches and other lunch food under her dresser that were totally disgusting!! They were past the point of green mold. Some had yellow gunk growing on them, some had black.

I told her to go throw them all in the garbage.

It took her about four trips to the trash can in the kitchen to throw it all away. She cried the whole time and she cried for an hour after. She felt bad about lying and she saw how many times she had hidden something from me.

The whole thing made me laugh. Even though I was disappointed that my little angel had done this, it makes me so grateful that Taylor has a conscience and feels really bad about hiding something from me.

the wettener

2011-08-31T22:57:00.001-05:00

Me: Maren, did you find you pink blanket yet? I told you it was in the dryer!

Maren: No, I looked in there and there was nothing in the dryer and there was nothing in the wetten-er!

giving

2011-07-08T15:37:00.003-05:00

On June 9th, Maren turned 4. What a big girl. She talked about wanting a Rapunzel doll for her birthday.

She got the movie Tangled and a Rapunzel doll (along with other fun gifts) from Grandma B.

Taylor was feeling like life was totally unfair because she didn't have any Rapunzel stuff.

Maren offered to give Taylor her doll, just like that.

I was really surprised by that. Maren is a sweetheart. She is always so giving.

Taylor declined the offer which also made me proud.

I have great kids. God has given them great spiritual gifts.

father's day 2011

2011-06-20T22:57:00.003-05:00

My husband played with the kids all day on Father's Day. It made me wonder if it was

Mom-off-day.

I was busy in the kitchen this year.

Homemade wheat waffles with boysenberry jam for breakfast.

BLT's for lunch.

Lasagna and homemade white bread for dinner.

I scored.

I love this guy. Thank you for being wonderful to me and the kids.

april fools 2011

2011-04-03T23:05:00.002-05:00

I wanted to pull a harmless prank on Spencer this year for April Fool's. Last year I put books in his pillow case. Harmless, but fun for me! I get a kick out of the smallest things.

I researched ideas on the internet and the best I could find that would work for me would be putting salt on his tooth brush. So that is just what I did!

I prepared the toothbrush mid-morning, then had to wait all day! At about 5pm I randomly asked him if he had brushed his teeth yet. He looked at me with a the that's-a-really-random-question glance and said "No, why?"

Oh, no reason. Just wondering.....(muwahahahah!)

That night we traveled to Clarke and Char's (three and a half hour drive) and played in a Rook Tournament. With all the commotion, I got really distracted. We didn't end up brushing our teeth until midnight. We were so into the results of the Rook games that I completely FORGOT about the toothbrush. I FORGOT to watch for the funny look on Spencer's face and laugh my head off when I saw him put the toothbrush to his mouth. Grrrrr!!!! I missed it!!! He didn't say anything in the bathroom.

When we got in bed I asked him, "so, did you brush your teeth? How was it?"

He said, "What did you DO to my toothbrush? It tasted disgusting!!"

He showed me what his face looked like. (I'm sure you can imagine...I put a LOT of salt. :D)

Then I got my good laugh and it was all worth it. I only wish I would have been paying attention!

imitating tigger

2011-03-23T21:32:00.002-06:00

Tigger is always saying, "That's what Tiggers do best". "Bouncing is what Tiggers do best". "Climbing is what Tiggers do best", etc.

Maren bit McKay today. I told her no biting. (She doesn't usually bite, and it wasn't a big deal). Maren replied, "Biting is what Marens do best!!"

movie

2011-02-21T00:37:00.002-06:00

Today is Sunday and on Sunday we only watch educational or scripture movies. Maren wanted to watch "The Swan Princess". I told her our rule and that she would have to choose a scripture movie.

She replied, "My eyes told me that they do not want to watch a scripture movie. They only want to watch this one".

Speaking of movies and Maren, the other day she was praying and she started thanking God for movies and TV. I thought she was veering a little off the path of a good prayer so I tried to steer her back on track. I wanted her to change the topic. But she kept going, "No Mom, I want to say this: Please help us to watch lots and lots of movies".

Funny girl I have!

v-day

2011-02-17T17:55:00.002-06:00

What a fun and silly holiday. I made all my children homemade Valentine's cards with cutesy paper and hearts.

When I gave it to McKay he whined, "Hearts? Hearts are no fun!" He was quite upset with me.

I thought it was hilarious and so boy-like, but I still took the opportunity to teach him to say "Thank you" even if didn't like the gift. He replied, "I'm going to throw it away."

Spencer got me a Valentine's Day gift. A wheelbarrow! That sums up how we feel about V-day. Use it as an excuse to buy something that we need that's practical. (And we usually take the opportunity to go out to eat and that's always a treat!)

christmas talent show and in the barn!!!

2011-02-13T23:52:00.003-06:00

christmas song story

2011-01-24T00:39:00.002-06:00

Maren was singing "I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas from the bottom of my heart".

McKay says, "Mom, Maren said heart" (they are into tattling on each other over every little thing)

and then he turns to Maren and says, "It's har, not heart, Maren"

Whatever har is......

disneyland!!

2011-01-23T23:43:00.004-06:00

We had such a great time at Disneyland. I have only been a few times in my life and I've been yearning to go for the last 5 years. I finally convinced the hubby to let us go and I think I had more fun than anyone!

Taylor and McKay got to be in a Star Wars show, "Jedis in Training". McKay got to battle Darth Vader and Taylor got to fight Darthmal. Honestly, I can't believe that didn't run away or cry!
We couldn't have chosen a better day to do D-land all in one day. We had no lines and the weather was great!
One of McKay's favorite.
Matterhorn was the first ride we went on and I totally forgot about the abominable snowman...Maren was a little scared. Overall she did really well--she didn't complain and rode on everything (except space mountain because she was too short)
It was really nice not having a baby there. I saw a lot of whiny babies that looked miserable. Thank you, Mom, for watching Benson for us!!!

I can't wait to go back again in a few years!!!

july 2010 reunion

2011-01-04T23:56:00.003-06:00

Boomer's

enjoying Kings Canyon National Park

watching toy story 3D

I can't believe that these are the only pictures I have of the Hyer reunion. I was so busy having a blast with family, I had no time to take pictures, right?

christmas in the barn

2011-01-02T22:24:00.002-06:00

Good times. Loved Jon's story about the dress, seeing Uncle Ron cry, watching the tiny little ones walk around bundled in big coats, acting out of the Nativity, and of course singing all the Christmas songs. I love the barn. I love the Christmas season. I love our traditions. I love my family.

pretending with Maren

2011-01-02T22:20:00.000-06:00

I was eating lunch and Maren came and said "we're playing house, pretend your sharing lunch with me." I said "okay", but she kept saying that until I finally gave her my food. I'm not sure where the pretending part came in......

Now she said for me to pretend I'm the dad and she's the mom so I said "Hi sweetie", and she said "Ummm, let pretend that your not talking"....Once again, Not sure how this is pretend......

me time

2010-12-22T00:08:00.003-06:00

November 13th, 2010. I ran my half! I did so great for myself. I felt really good and I ran my best. I ran an average of 9 minute miles. Not so good in a running world, but very good for me! I was proud. It was an awesome experience and I'm going to do it again some time.
November 21, 2010. My first choir concert.

silly maren

2010-12-21T23:55:00.003-06:00

McKay started crying. "McKay, what happened?" I asked. He told me Maren hit him. We gave Maren the why-did-you-do-that look and the you-better-explain-yourself look. She explained, "I didn't hit him. My doll did". She proceeded by turning to her doll and saying "No, don't hit!"

First day of school

2010-11-07T23:03:00.003-06:00

Taylor and McKay are both enjoying school this year.

We had our first quarter conferences. Taylor has staight A's and she's reading on a 4th grade level. We couldn't be happier. The teacher says, "Taylor is a joy to have in the classroom. She is the perfect student". We are so proud of her. She's the same way at church and at home.

McKay really loves school. I knew he would. I haven't heard one complaint about going to school. It's never "I don't want to go to school". He always comes home and has something to say about what happened or what he's learning about. He sings me all his songs. I love how much he shares with me about his day. He's one good behavior at school and loves getting stickers at the end of the day for being good.

We've had problems with him throwing away his lunch at school and lying about it. And he's lied to his teacher a few times about his lunch. But these problems are

First day of school

2010-11-07T23:03:00.002-06:00

Taylor and McKay are both enjoying school this year.

McKay really loves school. I knew he would. I haven't heard one complaint about going to school. It's never "I don't want to go to school". He always comes home and has something to say about what happened or what he's learning about. He sings me all his songs. I love how much he shares with me about his day. He's one good behavior at school and loves getting stickers at the end of the day for being good.

We've had problems with him throwing away his lunch at school and lying about it. And he's lied to his teacher a few times about his lunch. But these problems are trivial. I'm just happy he likes school and is doing so well. We'll work on the lying problem at home and hope it's just a stage.

My beautiful 2nd grader!!

2010-11-01T00:10:00.005-06:00

We went coastal camping this summer with some friends, just before school was about to begin. The campground was really wet and freezing. The kids had a blast in the wet and the freezing.

Chillin at campground

Our good friends and neighbors. Love these people!

All of us at the beach! Benson LOVED the seagulls. He was determined to catch one. He also liked crawling in the water. .. and the sand was tasted a bit much as well.

Here's all the camping kiddos. Why didn't we take one with everyone, I don't know.

I need a photographer to follow me around where ever I go.

My blog would be much more detailed and exciting for sure!!

Terrible picture, but here's another one at the cold and wet campground.

Mt. Madonna State Park. Good times with good friends.

2010-11-01T00:00:00.002-06:00

Such a great big sis

I am the cutest baby on the planet. Hands down!

(OK, and my mom's a little biased)

Spencer attempted a beard this summer... It didn't quite suit him.

This was Maren's first choice shirt this summer.

Matchy-matchy! Camo!

2010-10-18T00:20:00.003-05:00

We went to CSU Stanislaus to take some shots with family. Here's cute Taylor!

So Maren stopped sucking her thumb but she still has the habit of keeping her hand on her face.

Notice how Spencer is holding her arms down?

Here's grandma and grandpa with most of the grandkids.

Benson wants to go right in with the ducks!

He loves his grandpa! (and I'm pretty sure Grandpa B. loves him!)

Gracie and Benson really love each other. It's so cute to see them interact.

half-dome!!!!

2010-09-29T22:06:00.003-05:00

Here I am at the top!

getting ready to go up the cables!! Ah!

hiking the switch-backs made me panic a little...it helped conquer my fear of heights

bottom of vernal falls

in the beginning (sorry, my pictures are backward!)

I have wanted to climb half-dome for a long time. I knew it would be hard, but I had no idea what it would be like until experiencing it first hand. Most of it was long, painful, challenging, exhausting.

The cables and the top of the dome make it all worth it.

I will never go again without ski poles.

I loved talking with the people. And I had the best company. What a memorable experience!

random pictures 2010

2010-09-19T23:40:00.003-05:00

Dressing up.

This is a neighbor. My kids love the Randall's.

Maren got her first Barbie in June. I loved her reaction!

I also really liked that the Barbie had a swimsuit on that doesn't come off. She's modest.

swim fun

2010-08-15T21:47:00.002-05:00

I can't believe this boy starts K tomorrow!!

And this girl is in 2nd grade? What?

And this boy is 11 months in a week...

Kids, please, please, please stop growing!!

Stay just how you are.

It goes too fast.

I can't blink.

bunnies

2010-08-15T21:10:00.003-05:00

My Spencer brings home some ....fun things sometimes. A couple months ago, he brought home four bunnies that he found at the shop. The kids had fun playing with them for a few days and then we let them go.

The children each chose a name for their rabbit. Maren named hers' Strawberry. Taylor named her rabbit Maria. McKay named his Cutie. I thought the names were random.

I was expecting the rabbits to take their sweet time when they were moving around (you know, hop.......hop......hop), but those rabbits can really MOVE (hophophophophophop)!

Three!

2010-06-25T22:38:00.003-05:00

I can't believe my third baby is three now. She has been such a joy to us. She has a great personality and steals every one's heart. We love you Maren.

Great America Trip

2010-06-25T22:04:00.008-05:00

All my kids got to be in a circus production at Great America. Taylor is the tight-rope walker!

Maren was the adorable clown! Grandma got to be the strongest woman in the world!!

She was hilarious.

McKay -- the lion tamer!!

McKay got carried away and had to show that he could do it too!!

The weather was beautiful and the lines were non-existent! We had a great time!

May

2010-06-05T22:37:00.003-05:00

For Memorial Day, we went to Rohnert Park to see Clarke's beautiful family. They were fantastic hosts. We went to Armstrong State Park and the coast. So awesome.
I put Taylor & McKay in T-ball this year. It's perfect for us. We aren't really baseball fans, or sport fans for that matter, so this 45 minute, don't- keep-score team is just right.
. He's the best. baby. ever. He's crawling and cruising around the furniture now. He has his first teeth coming in at eight months!
Taylor graduated first grade and did great this year. She received an award for reading the most books in her class. Go Taylor.

Other news: Maren is potty trained. It took a day with Dad. Spencer gets most of the credit. Thank you, husband.

McKay graduated from Preschool. He was asked what he wanted to be when he grew up and he said, "a bad guy". Oh dear!!! Why does he love to be bad?

McKay is swinging!

2010-05-02T19:27:00.003-05:00

I'm so glad that he finally learned how!!!

scripture study

2010-04-12T11:17:00.003-05:00

We started reading the Book of Mormon this year. It's amazing to me that even McKay and Maren enjoy it--they don't even read yet. There is a special spirit that comes with this book.

Oh, and it helps that we read at bedtime. So of course they would rather read the scriptures than go to bed.

Reading each night has brought some unexpected blessings. Taylor has leaped ahead of her class in her reading advancement. It's awesome to hear her reading words like "iniquities", "inheritance", "merciful" and "obedience"--with no help!

This has been great for our family.

i haven't blogged in a while

2010-04-11T21:39:00.005-05:00

So recently I became a facebooker and consequently, I have been neglecting my blog!

Here's Benson at six months. Yes, his eyes are always just like that. Pop!
Here's the girls playing on a cold, wet, spring day in their princess dresses. There they go to check for eggs.

I've only given Benson plain oatmeal cereal and he's not the biggest fan. Maybe I need to add something to it.
We built these budget shelves in our garage. They were so inexpensive and easy, and they get the junk lying in my garage off the floor--yay!

Spencer put this bouncer-thingy in a hook in the wall and we love it just as much as Benson loves it.

I love my little bold boy!

spencer's b-day

2010-03-20T03:14:00.004-06:00

I had a great time planning Spencer's birthday. I made him a homemade German Chocolate cake; and it turned out great. We went golfing for our first time. It was challenging, but a lot of fun. We can't wait to go again! We went out to dinner. The kids, unfortunately, didn't get to be with Dad much on his birthday; they did, however, get to play with grandparents.

the logo on the side of the truck

2010-03-03T17:13:00.002-06:00

Spencer has his business name on the side of his Dodge.

McKay has a white toy truck that looks like Dad's truck.

When I asked McKay if his toy truck was Dad's truck he replied:

"No, this isn't Daddy's truck because it doesn't say 'mutual' on it"

At least McKay knows his Dad spends a lot of time at church with the boys, right?

chickens

2010-02-20T03:30:00.004-06:00

On July 4th we received 16 chicks from my uncle. We now have eight hens. We get about six eggs a day. We have managed to eat lots of eggs recently. We especially like egg burritos.

Spencer killed four roosters. They were waking up my children (not to mention the whole neighborhood) at 6 a.m. ....Not OK!!! So they had to go "the way of all the earth". The roosters were pretty tasty on our dinner plate, a little tough. The kids are "in the know" and they actually enjoyed eating them.

This has been an interesting and memorable experience for our family.

benson's 2 month talent

2010-01-24T21:54:00.002-06:00

I've never had a baby laugh at 2 months! Ridiculous!

ward talent show

2010-01-24T21:22:00.002-06:00

christmas season

2010-01-03T23:10:00.006-06:00

We had such a great Christmas season, minus being sick for about two weeks with cold and flu!Most importantly, we had another great year in the barn singing, acting, chiming, laughing, smiling, and celebrating the birth of the Saviour.
Thank you, family, for making my Christmas filled with Christ-centered fun each year.
We went to Grandpa's work party. I love this picture. It's on my frig and I look at my beautiful children and can't believe how real it is. I have four!

I spent two or three afternoons with Taylor making these snowflakes and

I had a great time doing it, so don't make fun!

We went to Clovis's Christmas Tree Lane and it was AWESOME. It's a new tradition. You're welcome to come with us next year!

This is just one of the houses. Every house in the neighborhood was decked out to the max.

Also, this is the first year we put lights on our house, but I won't show you the picture for two reasons: first, because it is nothing compared to the picture above (and below!) ; and second, I took a really bad picture that doesn't do it justice.

This is the home of a huge farmer in Kerman. She throws a massive Christmas party for her workers and family and friends every year at Christmas and invited Spencer, along with the rest of us, to join in on the fun.

She had a little train ride and a bounce house.

She served hamburgers and hot dogs for lunch for three hundred people.
She had Santa fly down from a helicopter, which was so neat for the kids.

She spent 1600 dollars at Toys R Us for all the kids at the party. Each kid got a toy based on age and gender. Taylor got this cabbage patch doll.

McKay got a remote control race car.

Maren got a cleaning set with a broom, trash can, iron, etc.

Benson even got a present (a tractor book)!

It was an unreal party! And we had a great time.

What a neat lady to do that every year for her employees.

Hope you had a happy Christmas as well!

resemblance?

2009-12-12T01:12:00.006-06:00

taylor has the brown eyes

maren has the least hair

mckay has the most hair

I think they all look alike! What do you think?

Happy Thanksgiving 09

2009-11-28T23:39:00.005-06:00

entertaining the cousins with "Pictionary Jr"

He's smiling! Yay!

Picnic in Kernsville

Went to Lake Isabella again to be with Grandpa and Grandma Great.

Had a marvelous time with lots of family.

Highlights were 1) being with Brent and Kelia 2) listening to Grandpa Great's mission stories

3) watching the cousins play so well together 4) Eating, of course.

2009-11-16T00:17:00.003-06:00

my little night owl

"Who needs sleep" (read the bib)? Let me tell you who needs sleep!

I need sleep.

Honestly, B is doing very well at the sleeping-at-night-thing. He only had a few nights the first month where he wanted to be awake in the middle of the night for hours at a time.

Now, he goes down at ten and will sleep until six in the morning. Ahhhh. So nice. I am such a nicer person when I get my sleep.

Things like THIS happen when I don't get my sleep.

Those are my salt and pepper shakers in the fridge!

Do any of you ever do anything similar to this? ....Probably not.

BTW, don't you love baby shoes?

frustration

2009-11-16T00:12:00.001-06:00

So I'm trying to blog, but my pictures aren't uploading. Grrrrrrr! How can I possibly blog about how adorable my son is if I can't post a picture?!!! Double Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!

2009-11-11T15:04:00.002-06:00

Today I asked Maren to do something and she replied:

"Yes man (ma'am), Sawah."

My two-year-old calls me Sarah sometimes. It makes me smile.

drawing

2009-11-08T23:28:00.006-06:00

that's me

Right side: "you are special to me " (that's a dress on a hanger made for me!)

Left side: Snow White, Sleeping Beauty

Gotta love her phonics!!

Lately Taylor's been into spirals and hearts and cats and colors and shapes and "I love you mom". I get these drawings all the time. I am quite fond of them and usually have at least one hanging on the fridge.

Their life cycle is like this: 1. Taylor creates them 2. gives them to me 3. they go on the fridge for a week 4. and finally, they go in the garbage (OK, AJ, not all of them...I do have a "special box" for the lucky ones). Short (but sweet) lives.

chop, chop, chop

2009-11-02T00:57:00.001-06:00

I got my hair cut on Halloween and that lady was SCISSOR HAPPY!

I'll show you a picture later...you'll see.

Scissor happy.

I might start liking it in a month or so.

yum

2009-11-02T00:13:00.003-06:00

One of the greatest assets to our home is our neighbors. We have the best neighbors. We have a great relationship with lots of people in our neighborhood, and we've never had this before. It's fantastic.
Well, one of my fun and crazy neighbors wanted to do something nice for us after we had the baby. She kept offering to clean my house, or to make us a meal. So finally I told her she could.

She comes to my house with a box full of who-knows-what, kicks us out in the back yard for about twenty minutes, and we come back inside to find this...wow.

She brought everything from her home, even the tablecloths!

she took a picture of us...

The kids ate at a separate table and her daughter came to serve them while Spence and I ate in the other room.

The food was delish.

Thank you, neighbor!

what I'm thankful for at the moment

2009-10-25T21:37:00.006-06:00

Bringing in a new family member is a BIG adjustment....

Last Saturday I went to Taylor's soccer game with all 4 kids.

Just me. And four kids under 6.

I'm not gonna lie: it was NOT FUN.

It was really stressful.

I don't get much sleep anymore.

I'm grouchy...just ask Spencer.

I cry a lot more frequently.

I am craving adult conversation more than ever.

Sometimes I feel like a dis-functional robot going from one thing to the next.

But I know that this is temporary. I'm adjusting more and more each day.

So I am thankful that infants sleep a lot...

so that somewhere in all of this chaos I can take a moment for myself and remember how grateful I am to have a family that brings joy in complete abundance each and every day.

And life is so so good.

another day with Dad

2009-10-23T16:57:00.005-05:00

I love this park.

I love my husband.

I love my kids.

I love to get breaks from mothering occasionally. Thank you, honey.

One of the most attractive things that a husband can do for his wife is to play with, teach, and help with the children. Talk about a "turn-on"!

Library Day with Dad

2009-10-18T22:24:00.006-05:00

Spencer took the kids to the FigGarden Library while I have been with Benson.

Miss Donna does an amazing job with books, finger plays, and a craft. The kids love it.

We're really going to miss it while we're stuck in the home for the winter. With all the flu germs floating around, I don't want to leave the house much.

two little misunderstandings today

2009-10-12T21:25:00.002-05:00

1. I love all the yummy treats people bring you when you have a baby. Thank you!!

Yesterday someone brought us a plate of banana, pumpkin, and shortbread. McKay wanted to try some so I said, "McKay, try some shortbread".

His reply: "No, I don't want short bread, I want LONG bread!"

2. I check on the chickens. You know, to make sure they are alive, to see if they have eggs--but mainly to see if they have a sufficient amount of food and water.

Well, today I told Taylor that I was going to go "check on the chickens" and she, being a sweetheart, ran ahead of me to do the job. She came back swiftly and let me know that "the chickens are being good".

it's nice to meet you

2009-10-10T18:31:00.004-05:00

a blind kid using echolocation

2009-10-10T18:25:00.002-05:00

Spence and I thought THIS was amazing!

Ben passed away just before his seventeenth birthday.
His self confidence and attitude and ability astound me.

soccer

2009-10-10T18:09:00.004-05:00

hello, here I am

2009-09-25T15:55:00.002-05:00

Finally!

2009-09-21T11:20:00.004-05:00

Benson Drew is here! September 21st 4:04 AM (3 days late)

Here is the rundown:

3:00 am wake up....3:56 Check into hospital....4:04 baby born(8 minutes after check in...the Dr. almost didn't get his gloves on) Everyone is healthy and happy.

7lbs. 10 oz.

19 inches

Although Sarah was begging for an epidural there wasn't even time for an I.V. so it was definitely natural but not by choice. I'm just glad I didn't have to deliver in the pickup(oh so close).

overdue

2009-09-19T09:13:00.001-05:00

I am officially overdue!!!

We joked about this the whole pregnancy, but I never dreamed it would be a reality.

school

2009-09-14T00:42:00.005-05:00

When Taylor's away at school, these two have really learned to be buddies.

It's quite the love/hate relationship, but they do OK.

Maren puts up with a lot of bullying from big brother.

She's a trooper though. She knows how to come crying to me to make me think McKay did something worse than what actually happened.

A few of us moms started a preschool co-op for McKay's age group. I am really excited about it. It is going really well so far. I'm very pleased with how all the kids are doing. Stacy is teaching this month. I'll be teaching in November. I'll post pictures once I get around to taking some. :D

Maren tags along and thinks she's in school too.

Taylor has a great great great first grade teacher and seems to really enjoy school.

taylor's 6th

2009-09-14T00:10:00.003-05:00

new pj's from grandma b.

I can't believe my baby girl is six and in first grade!

Taylor is such an angelic sweetheart. We feel so blessed to have her in our family. She is a joy and a blessing each day in all our lives.

Here are 6 things we love about her:

1. She is kind and good to her younger siblings. .

2. She loves the gospel.

3. She's Miss Happy and Miss Smiles.

4. She's not a picky eater.

5. She has an excellent memory.

6. She's a very deep sleeper (as are all of our children--they get it from Dad!).

Happy Birthday, girl! We love you!

taylor's summer chores

2009-09-14T00:03:00.001-05:00

1. make my bed 2. clean my room 3. play the piano 4. read two books

She gets her choice of a nickel or a piece of candy for each day she accomplishes all four tasks.

It takes lots of reminders to get her to do it, but she's a good little cleaner.

baby shower

2009-09-13T23:24:00.004-05:00

My neighbor, Susan

Taylor was my little helper

35 weeks

baby shower decor

My visiting teachers (see above picture) were kind enough to throw me a baby shower!

I love my ward. I appreciate all the support. Thanks so much-- it was awesome!!!

Still no baby!

2009-09-12T23:20:00.002-05:00

Labor Day came and went and still no "labor" for me!

I think my body has finally figured out how to keep a baby in! I'm a "normal" pregnant female this time around--yay!!

Today I am 39 weeks and 1 day.

6 more days to go!!

Any guesses as to when I will deliver the baby?

My guess is September 15th.

(I'm due on the 18th.)

Spencer's guess is the 20th.

(He thinks I'm going over the due date.)

I went to a doc appt yesterday and the doc says my cervix is effaced and I'm dilated to a two.

I'm still prego!

2009-08-30T23:11:00.004-05:00

Last Monday at 12:01 a.m., at 36 and a half weeks, I starting going into labor. I was having contractions like crazy. The contractions continued on for two hours while I tried to get some sleep, but I was really just tossing and turning and debating on when to actually go to the hospital.

I finally decided that my labors are quick enough that I need to wake up my husband and get going to the hospital. So we got ready to go, cleaned up the house a little, and very reluctantly called our friends, the Anderson's, to come watch our kids for us. Then we took off to the hospital.

Funny thing happened--about half way to the hospital, my contractions calmed down a ton.

I checked into the hospital and got put in that ugly hospital gown and laid on that uncomfortable, cold hospital bed. They monitored the baby and my contractions for a good thirty minutes, but they weren't really contractions. It was just a bad case of "irritable uterus".

How embarrassing! I am on my fourth child and don't even know what labor feels like?!!! I was only dilated to a 1! With my other three children, when I started my contractions, it was get-to-the-hospital-as-quick-as-you-can! So this child is interesting. He's playing tricks on me.

Now, I'm happy to say I'm 37 and a half weeks pregnant and going strong! My contractions have minimized. I'm even walking, Bike Riding, and doing all those other things that you need to do to get the baby out--I'm ready!....

Um, they aren't working. I feel great, and I'm just grateful that my baby is FULL-TERM and that I can now have the freedom to be a normal pregnant lady--no restrictions. I can walk, and carry my two year old, and do everything else every normal pregnancy allows!

Just bloggin' to say I'm hangin' in there!

p.s. I'm really really sorry, Andersons, for waking you up at 2:30 a.m. last week, BUT I'll probably need you again soon!.....Thankyou SOOOOO much for your help.

extended family photos from April 09

2009-08-21T15:28:00.005-05:00

All because two people fell in love.... Spencer's Sis (she's single!)

the boys--in-law, son, Dad, son, son (two sons missing--army and mission)

Spencer's sis-in-law and kids

The Girls--Mom, in-law, daughter, in-law, in-law, daughter

Spencer's Sis & Family

Spencer's Bro & Fam

Cheese!

Grandpa Drew, Grammy De Lane, and all the grand kids as of April 09

All the cousins. Look at all those blonde's! Total dominant H. genes.

silliness

I found these on my mom's computer!

2009-08-16T23:19:00.001-05:00

first grade!??

2009-08-16T23:09:00.002-05:00

I can not believe my big baby girl is starting first grade! I'm sad and happy at the same time.

Mostly, we'll just miss her during the day and anticipate her return in the afternoon.

Taylor got to bring home a sunflower seed at the end of Kindergarten and by the end of August--well, there it is!

Father/Daughter Camp-out

2009-08-09T17:38:00.002-05:00

I made them take a camera and told them to take pictures. Taylor took most of these pictures, I think.

While they were away, McKay and I went to Grandpa and Grandma B's and had a great time doing the boy stuff. We took McKay to drive go-karts (Grandpa drove him). Grandpa also took McKay to Lowe's to build a little wooden helicopter. Unfortunately, no pictures this time.

big green beetle

2009-08-09T17:29:00.003-05:00

For a few weeks we had these beautiful florescent-green beetles in our backyard. I won't touch them, but Taylor sure would.

When I was a little girl, my brothers and I would catch beetles, tie strings to their legs, and fly them around. I think it's cruel, but Spencer let Taylor fly it on its "leash" for a few minutes and then I had to persuade Taylor to let it go.

We are so weird, I know.

maternity pix

2009-08-01T18:08:00.002-05:00

29 weeks in my favorite maternity jumper (it's my only maternity jumper)
31 weeks

33 weeks

(pictures by Taylor)

7 more weeks to go!! Can't wait!

chicken coop

2009-08-01T17:24:00.004-05:00

Uncle Ron was kind enough to give us fifteen chicks! Sweet! (Can you tell Taylor's excited?)

We've been looking at buying chickens for a long time and wanting them in our food storage.

The kids love them. Maren is the bravest at catching the chicks.

Spencer had a lot of fun creating the design and building the coop.

Like the ramp?

The board at the top slides open and there's a door on the bottom if you can see it.

I am surprised by how stupid chickens are.

And by how much they eat and drink.

In the future, if you come over for dinner, we might be serving you some chicken! LOL

Thanks Uncle Ron!

mckay's gift

2009-07-26T23:52:00.003-05:00

First of all, I am 32 weeks and 3 days today. I look like I have a basketball under my tummy. Today at church someone asked me (again!) if I am having twins!! What is wrong with these people?!!! I really don't think I am THAT big.

McKay gave me a gift that will make my life so much easier when the baby boy comes. He can FINALLY put on his own seat belt in the car. So now I only have to buckle two--Maren and new baby boy. Hurray!

Now, I need to start working on Maren's gift....POTTY TRAINING!! Wouldn't it be awesome if I only had one tiny bum in diapers in September? That would be a darn good gift.

So, tell me, how can I push this on my child and make it work?

Taylor and McKay were both three before I had success. Come on Maren! Give me the darn good gift!

piano

2009-07-26T20:29:00.004-05:00

Taylor has been dedicated to learning how to play the piano. We have a beginner piano book that we are trying to teach her from.

She's playing "Pitter Patter" in this clip.

And she taught McKay a little piece of work they call "Sandman's Doo-doo"

summer beach trip

2009-07-26T19:45:00.006-05:00

I love really fine sand, but it got everywhere!

Even though it was a HIGH of 65 degrees, these two still got in the water!!!

I brought sweatshirts for the kids, but I sure wish I had one.

Carmel Beach

I couldn't take much of this rock-climbing business.

Get off of there, my precious ones!

Taylor & McKay found hermit crabs! He thought it was really cool. He brought it into the car with us. We were on our way to Pacific Grove to look at tide pools.

All of the sudden McKay started screaming. His crab had come out of the shell!

Then he dropped it.

We gave it back to him and a few moments later he was screaming again

and dropped his crab again.

Then, through his tears, he said, "I don't like my crab anymore".

This doesn't freak her out like it does her little brother.
So, Taylor got two crabs. She loves little critters.

Here's a clip of the kids running from those cold waves.

july birthdays

2009-07-21T15:43:00.004-05:00

Taylor gave me the sweetest gift.

She woke up on my birthday wearing a beautiful dress and then she picked out a cute dress for Maren.

She said she wanted to look really pretty on my birthday!

Lunch at "the Vineyard"

One of McKay's gifts

Batman Pj's from Grandma B.

Spencer got me this! Yay! Thanks honey!

4th of July Outfits

Madera Fireworks were awesome--the best I've ever seen!

A great friend came over and brought me this! Thanks Shannon!

I love how the card and candle match.

I requested an ice cream cake and I got it! Spencer did an incredible job.

Spencer and I thoroughly enjoyed eating this cake.

Oh, so yummy.

My mom got me an ice cream cake as well!

my little singers

2009-07-19T17:05:00.008-05:00

Taylor knows A of F # 1,2,3.

If you ask Maren what song she would like to sing, it will most likely be "Jesus Christ", which means, "I Belong to the Church of Jesus Christ". It's her all-time fav.

(If you ask Maren what the name of her doll is, she will also tell you Jesus Christ).

She's always telling me, "Mommy, sing a song."

McKay can sing well, too. He just didn't want to this time. Maybe next time.

I'm not sure why Taylor is crying in the background. I think it's because I told her she sang quietly. She's very sensitive and needed more praise than "that was quiet". Sorry Taylor, I still thought it was beautiful! Oh, and maybe she's crying because Maren wouldn't let her sing with her? Maybe she's tired? Maybe all three reasons? Who knows?

taylor loses her very first tooth

2009-07-19T16:48:00.003-05:00

Sorry these pictures are a little slimy.

She also had a bad sinus infection and a skin rash broke out on her face.

The footh fairy gave her two quarters.

She bought chocolate M&M's...maybe to rot out her next tooth?

summer days

2009-07-18T00:32:00.003-05:00

The summer has flown by! We have a nice schedule to keep us busy all week.

Mondays: Picnic in the park
Tuesdays: Free Movie in Fresno & possible out to lunch
Wednesdays: Water park, shopping, and possible library
Thursdays: Library
Fridays: Play at home!

We read each day from the library books we check out. Taylor is quite the reader.

All three of the children have become little fish in the water. Taylor can swim! (I need to take pictures!)

We have acquired way too much stuff this summer. I'll blog more about it later, but sometimes I feel like we have compiled a whole childhood of entertainment into one summer. We got a trampoline, a playground, two new puppies, 15 new chickens, and a piano. Plus little birthday toys to keep us busy. Crazy.

So we have not been bored this summer by any means.

I can't believe school starts in one month. So sad. "Summer days are drifting away...."

mckay

2009-07-17T23:04:00.003-05:00

Time for a hair cut!
Here's a super-hero/pajama outfit Spencer made for McKay out of an old ugly t-shirt.

reaping what we sow

2009-07-17T22:49:00.004-05:00

I am LOVING the garden. The kids love it too. They love sharing it with neighbors and friends. And they are eating lots of veggies! As you can see, we are getting way more than what we need! (But still, we neglected some plants and didn't utilize them when they were ready. We are learning to be more vigilant for next year's crop)

Here's Maren with a cucumber picked straight from the garden.I tried to get a good shot of McKay with his cucumber.... but he wasn't cooperating.

These are the best I could get.

my hot and nerdy boy scout husband

2009-06-22T00:28:00.003-05:00

All the boys in our troop plus LeAnna...I'm not quite sure what LeAnna is doing in the picture.
Nice farmer's tan.

Catalina island

There's the cutest boy scout in all the world.

HE had an awesome week.

I had the LONGEST WEEK OF MY LIFE!

Sometimes life isn't fair.

I'm hoping Spencer will post more about his trip...we'll see.

25 weeks old

2009-06-21T23:28:00.004-05:00

Happy birthday 2 Maren!!

2009-06-21T23:22:00.001-05:00

2009-06-14T20:00:00.003-05:00

Spencer will be spending the entire week here for Scout Camp ....

May the week go by quick for both of us!

I'll be staying with my parents for half the week.

So glad they are close.

By the way, here's a recent shot of his hands.

They look better and better each day. Still a little blotchy, but they're getting better.
That's dirt under his nails.

A new theory about maren's "no, daddy do it" stage

2009-06-08T00:42:00.004-05:00

I believe that the reason why Maren asks for Daddy to do things for her when I want to do them, or when I'm about to do them, is because she wants all the control. She wants to get her way.

She's just manipulating Mom.

She's tricky.

But, at least I know she loves me too.

sisters

2009-06-08T00:33:00.003-05:00

taylor

Maren.

Same dress. It's so weird to see Maren wearing Taylor's old clothes.

It's seems like a few months ago that Taylor was wearing them.

Bizarre. Time flies.

kindergarten grad

2009-06-08T00:05:00.004-05:00

mrs. katz and Taylor

Isn't she cute and so grown-up?

Here's some clips from the kindergarten graduation.

I can't believe it...

I had my firstborn graduate from something!

happy Mother's Day to me

2009-06-07T23:59:00.002-05:00

I must say that Spencer did a great job this year for M's day (some years are better than others). I got about 70 bulbs to plant in the yard. Woo-hoo!
And Taylor made this for me at school.
She cleaned her room, took out the trash, and made her bed.
Happy mom's day to me!

bring on the heat!

2009-06-07T23:52:00.001-05:00

The kids are ready for some summer fun.

my precious garden

2009-05-24T22:21:00.005-05:00

corn--4 rows

snap peas

left to right (weeds, carrots, onions, more weeds)

squash --at least 30 plants

beans

tomatoes

We have had a very successful first garden.
We sure did over plant though!
The only thing that didn't come up is the broccoli.
We are enjoying snap peas and squash right now.
We are looking forward to watermelon, green beans, onion, carrots, tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumber, pumpkin and corn.
The secret for me is the TIMER on my sprinkler. It makes all the difference in the world.

I can't even tell you how exciting this is for us.
The kids are excited about it all too.

Great way to get kids eating vegetables!

maren's preferences

2009-05-22T16:40:00.003-05:00

Maren's new favorite thing is Daddy.

When I tell her to go get her blanket off my bed, she corrects me with: "No, Daddy's bed".

When I tell her I am in my room, it's : "No, Daddy's room".

When I ask her who she wants to change her diaper, her answer is always the same: "Daddy do it".

I don't mind being second best at all. It has its perks.

And, to tell you the truth, I think Dad is secretly proud of being the fav. (even though he's stuck changing lots of diapers)!

Late Pics

2009-05-18T22:54:00.004-05:00

Some people who scrapbook (I don't!) are a year or more late! So I figure that a month or so late isn't too bad.

Easter dresses and big smiles

The Easter Egg hunt

When Maren realized that candy is in the eggs,

she really got into it.

All tied up

2009-05-07T00:38:00.002-05:00

We're even now.

3 girls, and 3 boys.

And we are thrilled about it.

P.s. We're temporarily debating between
Benson, Drew, and Blake (this is not set in stone though, got it?).

Help? Suggestions? Opinions? Other great family-related boy names?

Classic BYU Ward Talent Show

2009-05-06T23:00:00.002-05:00

Starring Spencer and his roommates! (a long, long time ago)

the first of the belly shots

2009-05-06T22:05:00.002-05:00

16 weeks--this pictures makes my belly look smaller than it actually is.

I think it's the shirt-layer-trick.

18 weeks--Taylor took this shot. Not bad.

I'm not saying that I'm big, I'm saying that for 18 weeks I'm huge!!

And someone did ask me if I was having twins.

That made for one really depressing day.