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Christmas 2011

2012-01-05T18:48:00.001-08:00

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Sarah's been electrocuted

2011-12-20T20:11:00.001-08:00

This really can't be my daughter can it?

Catching up

2011-12-06T09:38:00.000-08:00

~Sarah's Birthday~

Sarah chose a princess cake from the internet that she wanted me to recreate.

She chose to go to Hope 2 It for her family party

We played a great game of Twister

Grandma and Grandpa Bean came to spend the afternoon with her.

Opening presents

Girl time before bed watching her new movie.

We love you Sarah.

~Things around the house~

Emily created this all by herself. I didn't help on bit. It's a stuffed animal. Good job Em.

And Avery did this all by herself. I didn't help one bit with this either. Good job Aves.

Things are starting to look better. (Except for the kitty nose, always a kitty nose).

~Thanksgiving~

We had Thanksgiving at Grandpa and Grandma Bean's this year. We made thankful feather hats, and cornucopias.

Getting ready to eat.

The kids table.

Turkey cookies I made.

~Sarah's Baptism~

So pretty on her special day. This is the dress she picked out. Behind is a big bow and buttons all down the back.

Daddy and Sarah.

Yea, we got an Avery.

A special hello hug from Grandpa Bean.

Sarah and Grandma Bean

Grandpa Bean gave a talk on the Holy Ghost and Grandma Bean said the closing prayer.

Grandma Mattson played the piano and gave a musical number with Aunt Candice. Grandpa Mattson gave a talk on baptism.

Poor Little Em. She didn't want to have anything to do with family pictures.

The Mattson's.

A proud Mommy and Daddy.

We had a luncheon afterward. Meatballs, rice, coconut shrimp, potsickers, vegies, soda, pumpkin pie, cinnamon rolls, and toffee.

Here take a picture of this.

Cute little Elin.

Emily found Aunt Candice's violin and got a first lesson.

It was so special.

Sarah wanted to try too.

Silly Henrik.

Halloween 2011

2011-11-06T13:07:00.001-08:00

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Happy Birthday Avery

2011-10-31T11:50:00.000-07:00

Grandpa and Grandma Bean came up on Monday to spend the day with Avery and have a little party.

Grandpa and Grandma Mattson also came up a couple of days before and took her to get a Happy Meal and a present. We appreciate you both for taking the time to love our Avery.

Birthday tatoos.

We made mini pizzas for lunch.

I made Avery a doggie cake this year. She loved it and couldn't keep her hands away.

We played a rip roaring game of "duck, duck, goose" and "ring around the roses".

Opening presents. She had forgotten what they were since her last birthday. We had to help her quite a bit.

How fun (and fuzzy)!!

Happy Birthday Avery. We love you and the pen all over your face.

Here's a picture that shows just how long Avery's hair is. No one can truly appreciate it because it's always tossed around in a big mess.

Fall Fun at Grandma and Grandpa Bean's

2011-10-13T14:10:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun visiting Grandpa and Grandma Bean last week. The girls spent a ton of time playing with their cousins and enjoying the house and yard. We got to play in the snow:{, pick apples and pumpkins, see fire trucks, and enjoy some time with family.

Emiline, Sarah, Emily

Avery did not enjoy the trucks. She covered her ears the whole time and Grandpa held her close.

Standing in the pumpkin patch.

Greg, Emiline, Oliver

Sitting on Grandpa's lap because she isn't wearing any shoes.

Emily, Oliver, Sarah ready to pull them back to the house to get washed.

Avery checks hers out.

Sarah picked just the right one.

Grandma's apples are the best tasting apples you will ever have.

Oh, Emily, so gorgeous.

This was during the storm that dropped 3 inches in a day. The girls had tons of fun playing in it.

Our Oregon Coast Vacation

2011-10-03T20:48:00.001-07:00

We had such a great time in Oregon. We spent some much needed time away as a family exploring and just being free. The girls loved the Ocean and the time they got to spend all together. Here are our pictures from the trip.

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First Day of School

2011-09-11T17:39:00.000-07:00

Sarah and Emily had their first day of school last Monday. Emily is in 1st grade this year with Mrs. Green. She has adjusted well to being gone all day and loves recess and eating hot lunch. She has already made many friends and has figured out that boys love to chase girls.
Sarah is in second grade with Mrs. Ficek. She is happy because her teacher is in our ward and she has known her since she can remember. Sarah has already made some new friends and is very helpful in class. She tested at a fourth grade reading level this year. WOW!!!
Good luck girls with the rest of the year. Your mommy is so proud of both of you.

Labor Day Weekend

2011-09-11T17:31:00.001-07:00

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We spent a wonderful weekend in Bear Lake over Labor Day weekend.

Niagara Springs and Peach Picking

2011-08-28T13:44:00.000-07:00

The Orchards in the canyon.

The canyon towards the springs.

Lunch at Niagara Springs. KFC yummy!!

Avery loved the springs. They were so loud and pleasantly cool on a hot day.

Niagara Springs.

The water is ice blue.

Sarah posing. Emily refused. She was to busy running away from the flies.

We pick at Kelly's Orchards every fall.

Peaches please.

Sarah was trying her hardest to reach the ones high in the trees.

Each girl had their own bucket. We don't pick too many. Just enough to freeze a few bags and make a dessert.

Peaches are beautiful, especially after they have been blanched.

Now for fresh slices in milk, sugar, and cinnamon.

Forgotten Pictures

2011-08-28T13:23:00.000-07:00

I was sifting through my iPhoto and realized I had missed these from the reunion. On Sunday night we had s'mores and played out together in the backyard.

A Fun filled Week

2011-08-21T12:42:00.000-07:00

We had a fun week filled with a vacation and a reunion. The girls got to enjoy experiencing new things and spending time with extended family. It was sad to say good by to our week.

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A Day In The Sawtooths

2011-08-07T14:07:00.000-07:00

Ross Falls-

It was a shorter hike. Nice with lots of foilage.

Interesting

Daddy holds Avery on a rock so she doesn't fall.

Ross Falls

Sarah made it.

Emily made it.

Avery made it.

Now for lunch and another hike.

Lunch-

We drove up the canyon a little ways and found an off road to park and eat lunch on. The bugs and flies only caused one plate to be tipped over lost to the ground.

Thompson Creek Trail-

Right away the girls thought this was fun.

This trail was much longer and harder. We all helped with Avery who fell down at least 10 times, hopped back up, and said "I ok".

The girls enjoyed all the butterflies.

Emily was excited about this "wish berry".

Sarah found one too.

Mt. Honey Bees. The number one havoc causer of the hike for Emily.

The girls loved to feel the very soft bean pods.

We all had a fun day hiking together and enjoying the mountains.

Family Night

2011-08-07T13:20:00.000-07:00

There is a fun park by Shoshone Falls that we spent a few hours in just hanging out and relaxing. The girls and daddy played ball and frisbee. Then we played in the stream nearby.

We have swimmers

2011-08-07T13:13:00.000-07:00

Emily swims from the deep end.

Sarah swims from the deep end (look, her face is in)!!

Sarah jumps and swims across.

Emily jumps and swims across.

Emily learns perfect form from her teachers.

Encouraging Sarah to put her head down further.

Big arms please.

Our Summer Days

2011-07-31T12:12:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you need some of these to help you get through days like:

This... and .....

This

What's growing around the Homestead?

2011-07-24T15:54:00.000-07:00

Sweet Basil

Red Peppers

Sweet Peppers

Anaheim Peppers

Peas

Gourds (for decorating this fall)

Carrots

Beets (yummy, my favorite)

Green Onions

Pumpkins

Zucchini (which has already been used in casseroles cakes)

Raspberries (galore)

Apples

Pears (for pear sauce)

Plums (a few survived the frost)

"Well hello there my pretties"

Perfect for my kitchen table

Love the red ones

When life gives you raspberries-

2011-07-24T15:43:00.000-07:00

You make raspberry ice cream

and homemade brownies.

For family night we put our ingredients together in the ice cream maker and sang primary songs while it turned and turned and turned. The girls had so much fun watching the ice cream set while singing.

A Day On The Lake

2011-07-17T18:02:00.000-07:00

Our set up.

Lilly, "Lil" for short, gets another mud bath.

Weightlessness

Avery was very brave, getting deeper and deeper. She loved her stick.

Emily takes a break. She got tired pretty quickly.

"Lunch please". Subway, grapes, chips, soda.

Turtle rides are for free.

Time to go home.

It was a hot, long, fun filled day at the lake.

Enjoying The Yard

2011-07-17T17:55:00.000-07:00

I love this view into our backyard from the front fence.

A little piece of Heaven in our backyard.

We had fun the other night as a family all sitting in the sandbox and creating a town.

Kiss Me

2011-07-17T17:50:00.003-07:00

"Nuff said". We love our Avery.

T-Ball Jamboree

2011-07-17T17:50:00.001-07:00

Emily did awesome playing T-ball this year. We are really proud of her for trying her hardest and doing something new.

16th Ward Camp Out

2011-07-17T17:21:00.000-07:00

This was the first time our family camped out somewhere other than the backyard.

They had tons of fun running around the dirt hills with their friends and spending time outside.

Water balloon volley.

Being "cool" on top of the truck.

Emily ran around with Ella the whole time.

She didn't finish her dinner. Avery ate chips and cookies for 6 hours straight.

I had to force myself not to change their clothes every hour and not to chase after them with wet wipes. It was really hard to see them soooooo dirty. Ahhhhahhhh.

My New Blog

2011-07-11T14:20:00.001-07:00

I have been working really hard on my new blog and feel it's ready to share. I really love having this outlet to create and to look forward to and to keep my mind busy. I feel that it is an extension of myself and what I really love to do. Craft, blog, decorate, and create (primitively). So check it out and have fun. Oh, and if you like it copy and past my link button anywhere you can. Thanks.

Mattson Reunion 2011

2011-07-08T07:01:00.001-07:00

We had sooooo much fun in Bear Lake over this past weekend. Staying 4 nights and 4 days was just wonderful. Seeing the family and spending quality time with them really made the holiday great.

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Spending time at the beach has always been a favorite thing for us to do in the summer. The girls love the wave runners and the sand and the water.

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This year we got together with the extended family for a night of food, guns, 4 wheelers, and stories. It was nice to see everyone again and the girls made some new friends. The farm is a special place for all of us in the family.

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A small tribute

2011-06-26T15:30:00.000-07:00

Grandma Bean always grew a huge bunch of Iris outside her kitchen window. I loved those flowers and after she had died is when I realized it. Last fall I transplanted some from a ward members garden. They said they wouldn't bloom this year, but I have a couple that have started. In a couple of days the other yellow ones will bloom and behind them are some purple ones starting. They smell so good.

Trek 2011

2011-06-26T15:28:00.000-07:00

This year the youth in our stake went on a Trek. I was asked to memorize and tell a story to 6 groups of 30 people on Friday night. That is 180 people. (Gasp). This is my counterpart Julie. She is awesome. I can't believe the part she had to memorize. It was three times as long as mine. Like I said, she is awesome. I had so much fun and it was an amazing experience.

Birthday Flowers

2011-06-26T15:25:00.000-07:00

Adam surprised me with flowers and cake on my birthday.

Aves

2011-06-26T15:24:00.000-07:00

I just love this picture of Avery. It is cute that she wants to wear hats and dress ups.

Father's Day

2011-06-26T15:22:00.000-07:00

The girls got to decorate this cake at Fred Myer all by themselves. They had a neat assortment of candy's and sprinkles and frosting and toppers. They put them all on. Yummy.

Time at Grandma and Grandpa Beans

2011-06-17T10:10:00.000-07:00

We spent a wonderful and relaxing few days at Grandma and Grandpa Beans house. We played with many of our cousins and did things like go to the zoo and out to ice cream. We love the time spent with family and in Grandma's yard.

I love the fact that eating cereal for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a bedtime snack is something that is allowed at Grandma and Grandpa Bean's. When I was a child it was something we did at our Grandma and Grandpa Bean's and I always looked forward to that. Now my kids get to do that with their cousins.

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Time at the Lake

2011-06-17T09:50:00.000-07:00

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Grandma and Grandpa Mattson came for a visit and for some time at the reservoir. They got a spot at the camp ground and we visited them there. The girls had such a good time having a picnic and fire then fishing and playing games. They have such neat grandparents who love to spend time with them.

Emily's first Game

2011-06-17T07:08:00.000-07:00

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We have been so excited to see Emily enjoy t-ball. We love to watch her play and cheer her on. She is having fun with the sport.

Western Days Parade

2011-06-17T06:56:00.000-07:00

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In Twin Falls we celebrate Western Days every summer. There is a huge celebration in the park that is similar to a small carnival and there is an extremely long (but fun) parade. The girls love this time.

Pots and Plants

2011-06-03T13:15:00.000-07:00

So I gritted my teeth and did it. Adam was really good and got the garden ready which was a big push in the right direction. We decided to plant peppers this year and there was no way I was chancing them in the garden so I got pots. Also the peas got potted this year so the girls could manage them themselves. Now if I can just get all the weeds and bugs out of my garden maybe I won't go crazy trying to grow something this year.

Emily Graduates

2011-06-03T11:55:00.000-07:00

Totally T'ball

2011-06-03T11:52:00.001-07:00

Emily has really embraced playing ball this year. She loves practicing with her team as well as with daddy in the yard. She finds joy in the sport and I am happy she was willing to give something new a try. Her first game is next week and we can't wait to go cheer her on as a family.

Sarah Gets All A's

2011-06-03T11:43:00.000-07:00

We are so proud of Sarah. She is so smart. School comes naturally to her as well as reading and other mind using activities. She is so special to us and we couldn't be happier. Thank you to all of you who sent her e-mails in support. She really felt loved and recognized.

Memorial Weekend

2011-06-03T09:47:00.000-07:00

On Memorial Day weekend we headed to the Sportsman's warehouse and loaded up on camping gear. 1 tent, 2 sleeping bags, lantern, stove, 5 mattress pads, cooking utensils, 2 flashlights, 3 kiddi chairs, a package of batteries, 1 tarp, and a 5 gallon water cooler, and rope. We were ready to practice camping in the backyard. It was 30 degrees and raining that night. We had every blanket in the house in the tent and were very cozy. Avery was soooo beyond excited that we had to eventually bring her in in order to sleep. Everyone else had a full night in the tent. Not a good night mind you, but a full night. Oh ya and I eventually ended up inside too.

Adam made a barbeque for us that night. Yum Yum.

Time to ride

2011-05-23T11:46:00.000-07:00

Adam's a real pro

Wading and waiting

Throwing rocks is a favorite pastime

A windy ride

Sunglasses and hair ties are something the girls forgot

Avery had issues with the wind

Dipping our feet

Finding out the water is very cold

Playing with the buoy

Sitting at the helm

Rope fishing

No luck

Avery caught her own fish

Finding reeds in the water

Searching for good throwing rocks while daddy loads up

We love the time our boat brings us together. It is so nice to be able to hop in the truck and take off for the afternoon when there is not much else to do. It is convenient that there are more that a few areas around our valley to launch. The girls love to ride, wade, and discover.

Making Treats

2011-05-23T07:13:00.000-07:00

Avery has really been into cooking with her playset and pretend food lately. I thought it would be fun to make these treats because they are fast and easy enough for a toddler to help out with. Emily had fun too. Avery loved dipping her hands in the box to fill up the measuring cup and dropping marshmallows into the pot for me. Emily loved to stir and dump the cereal into the pot. I loved cleaning up the mess. It's even better on the floor where you can't see.

Um, it's a strainer I think

2011-05-15T12:37:00.000-07:00

Avery has other uses for a colander.

In controll

2011-05-15T12:36:00.000-07:00

Sarah and her friends decided to try and direct traffic themselves.

First swim of the year

2011-05-15T12:34:00.000-07:00

My kids love to go outside and play in the water. Every year we go through a couple of swimming pools. I love the snapset ones because they are durable and they don't cost a ton. I can empty them easily and move them around the lawn so they don't kill it. Also, they are big enough for the older girls to swim on their bellies in, they fit at least 4 kids, and they are not to deep for Avery. This year we wen't with the bigger on 8 ft X 18 in. Yep, we are movin up in the world of pools.

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-09T06:12:00.000-07:00

Oh, I wish you could smell these. My whole main floor smells so good. Thank you Adam for a happy Mother's Day. He and the girls made it so special. All day Sarah and Emily were drawing me pictures and being so kind. Then Adam made a whole chicken and homemade rolls and gravy with mashed potatoes. Then for dessert a pumpkin pie (my favorite). They all gave me some jewelry and Jelly Bellies and Almond Rocha. I feel blessed to be so loved and taken care of.

Holy hair

2011-05-09T06:07:00.000-07:00

The night before I had Avery's hair into pony messy buns. She slept with them that way and the next morning her hair practically did itself. She looked so cute for church.

Too funny

2011-05-09T06:02:00.000-07:00

I just have to say that I love, love, love my Litte M. She melts my heart and makes my day happy. She is the best little girl a mom could ask for. She is herself and doesn't try to be anyone else. While all the other girls are playing Barbies and picking out sparkly crafts to do, she is running around with stuffed animals and picking out beaver masks to make instead. She is so funny and playful and obedient. I am happy she is in our home.

Warm Enough

2011-05-09T05:58:00.000-07:00

It was barely warm enough to run through the sprinklers this week. I love the first time my kids put on their suits for the year. I signifies something for us. Avery was loving the "shower". Watching her walk the perimeter of water then ease herself closer to just get a few drops then scream and run was so much fun.

I just think they're pretty

2011-05-01T12:45:00.000-07:00

We didn't get any pretty Easter Sunday pictures because we stayed home from church due to sickness. So I got my kids ready and made them pose today before church. Avery stayed home again this Sunday so none of her this week.

Soooo Sick

2011-05-01T12:41:00.000-07:00

This week Avery came down with the stomach flu on Wednesday night. Her and I pulled an all nighter and then she slept all day Thursday and Friday. I got sick on Friday night and again pulled an all nighter. Avery again slept with me all day on Saturday and then I spent Sunday recuperating some more while disinfecting the entire house.

Lunch Please

2011-05-01T12:34:00.000-07:00

Avery actually had her hair done in a fashion other than a little pony tail today. I knew I would not get any good pictures of her unless she was contained so I waited until lunch to snap some. She's such a character.

Easter

2011-04-25T13:55:00.000-07:00

Avery's first Easter egg hunt

Ready to slide now

Oh so cute

It was so cold

Lovely

Coloring eggs

Avery just got to use crayons, then she crushed it to a million pieces

The girls with their baskets

The cupcake cans are in my "things to make" section

We had a happy candy filled Easter

Daddy's special treat

2011-04-25T13:43:00.000-07:00

Adam had been away all week for some training in Boise. While there, he bought the girls a treat.

Adam had them cover their eyes

Then he put the surprise on their laps

Two very happy girls

Canyon Ridge

2011-04-25T13:38:00.000-07:00

After 3.5 summers here in the Magic Valley I think I am beginning to appreciate the landscape and to see it as beautiful and edifying. Last Saturday we spent the morning in the Canyon. The water was so high. The girls had fun exploring again this weekend, throwing rocks, and playing in the park nearby.

Completely indicative

A kiss for helping Avery up to slide

Teaching the kids how to make a whistle with quack grass

Sarah actually got hers to blow

Shoshone Falls

2011-04-17T17:09:00.001-07:00

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It's begun

2011-04-17T17:01:00.000-07:00

This year Adam thought it would be fun to burn the sunflower stalks. The girls had a good time feeding the fire until they were all cleaned up.

Adam took matters into his own hands this year and decided a thatcher wasn't necessary.

All the girls had fun raking and working next to their daddy.

This is not a self propelled lawn mower. How strong.

Even Avery tried to help as much as she could. Which is just about what you see. Standing there holding a rake. So cute.

All smiles. Like I said, they really had a good time and worked hard. We even paid them a quarter when they were done (ha ha).

Spring is trying

2011-04-11T17:02:00.000-07:00

Come on, come on. You can do it little fruit trees.

We may have a small DS problem

2011-04-11T17:00:00.001-07:00

Mom's and muffins

2011-04-11T16:59:00.000-07:00

Every year the school has "moms and muffins" where all the moms come and read to their kids in the gym while eating muffins before school. This year we forgot and my kids were sad. I promised them a home rendition. Today was the day. We had eggs too and read Barbie and the Itsy Bitsy Spider. They were satisfied and happy.

Ugh

2011-04-07T14:02:00.000-07:00

This mornings surprise which was not so surprisish.

Watch and ye shall learn

2011-04-07T14:01:00.000-07:00

I like this picture because they two girls look so much alike.

Pretty in pink

2011-04-07T14:00:00.000-07:00

Look mom, I am all pink today. Then I told her to go put on the denim skirt.

Adam get your gun

2011-04-07T13:58:00.000-07:00

I try not to be a bias mother but holy cow.

Happy Birthday Little Emm

2011-04-04T15:23:00.000-07:00

Wearing her Birthday crown

Why do my kids choose cakes like this? It about kills me

Emily had a party that included 16 kids, balloon and race games, pizza, more games, and cake

Everyone was very generous with the gifts. This year may have possibly passed up Christmas. But Emily deserves it. She is truly a wonderfully behaved child who thinks of others before herself most of the time. I am glad that for one day out of the year it's all about her. Something a middle child doesn't get often enough.

Sigh, and throw your hands up

2011-04-04T15:11:00.000-07:00

But alas. I can't keep her from climbing onto the dressers and counters to reach the DS's. I can't keep pulling them out of her hands in a bloody scream. I can't have my 2 year old sneaking around me hoping I don't see what she has. So, I give up. The funny thing is, she actually can play the games appropriately. Smarty Pants.

Funny photos

2011-04-04T15:08:00.000-07:00

I thought these pictures were cute. I don't know why Avery loves to wear swim goggles but she does and it's halarious. I thought it would be cute for all the girls to have "alligator" hair one day this last week. After I looked at the picture I decided that this would be a good candidate for "awkwardfamily photos.com". What would you name this picture?

Spring Break

2011-03-27T15:26:00.000-07:00

I didn't take pictures of the fun things we did because I already have several posts of our family doing these things. So here is a list of the activities we did while the kids were out of school.

Monday- Grocery shopping with a promise for a Happy Meal and time outside on the playground
Tuesday- Library
Wednesday- Swimming
Thursday- Bouncy House complete with candy and drinks and popcorn
Friday - Saturday- Boise

We had a lot of fun just enjoying the things around us. It was fun to spend all that time with my children.

Thanks again Boise

2011-03-27T14:36:00.001-07:00

We knew we needed a night away so off to Boise we went. We love to go a couple of times a year. The kids talk about it for months because we don't do things like this too often. It makes them appreciate the little things and It makes us happy to see them really enjoy themselves. Adam picked us a good suite at the Ameritel that had two rooms adjoined with a small hallway and bathroom each with their own door, bed, t.v., and heating element. The kids swam and swam and loved the breakfast. Adam got to go to Cabella's and I the mall. Then we all enjoyed a big dinner at Red Lobster then slept all the way home.

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First set of wheels

2011-03-21T08:43:00.000-07:00

A waffle for the road

Aver was sooooo excited to see Daddy putting together her car. She stayed and watched and helped and chattered and chattered and chattered the whole time. About what we will never know, but she was extremely excited. "Beep beep".

A stolen camera

2011-03-21T08:35:00.000-07:00

The culprit

Her baby sister

Her silly younger sister

One of the three books she is reading

The show we were watching Sunday night

One of twenty

Her little sister's spread

Another T.V. show. We think this looks like her Uncle Jeff

Dora

Baby Julianne

2011-03-15T08:35:00.000-07:00

I am so glad that Alisha and Josh braved the 9 hour drive with 4 kids 6 and under to have the blessing where everyone could meet. It was fun to be with the family again. Even if you have to stuff 24 people in one house. CRAZY.

Toys, toys, toys

2011-03-15T08:24:00.000-07:00

Grandma Bean has the most amazing toy collection. Most of them are downstairs. The smallest portion is in this closet off of the family room. Avery spent a ton of time sifting through it all. The older kids played downstairs. They built life size houses with the connecter blocks, dressed up and pushed babies around in strollers, made farms with the plastic animals, sheltered themselves under the stairs in the playhouse from a flood, raced cars down the tracks, read books, watched movies, played video games, cooked meals with play food, created Barbie mansions, colored, painted, and spent a ton of time together. I wouldn't want to leave either.

Cousins

2011-03-15T08:16:00.000-07:00

Brooke and Sarah just looked so the same sitting on Grandma's couch together. These two look more like sisters than they do with any of their other siblings. What pretty girls.

No doubt

2011-03-15T08:07:00.000-07:00

Yes, there is love. No doubt. Especially during game time.

Our family loves to play games. Most nights there were at least two.

Girls night

2011-03-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

Most often than not, when all the girl cousins are together, there is some sort of girls night out. Courtesy of Alisha this time. We all love Dane so he was allowed. They got dressed up in their bling and loaded their plates with cookies and candy and curled up to watch a Barbie movie. My kids so look forward to these parties and will remember having them forever.

Just plain cute

2011-03-15T07:51:00.000-07:00

Oliver played with the trains almost the whole weekend long.

I love all my nieces and nephews alike. But I think that most would agree with me that Oliver is extremely easy to gush over. Just look at him. He is so happy and easy going all of the time. When he was eating his chicken and cheese, his fingers found his way into the ketchup. Then they found their way to his face and hair. Most of us there were cheering him on and laughing because it was so cute.

Soooo Sick

2011-03-07T08:01:00.000-08:00

Poor little Sarah never gets sick. If she happens to come down with something it is usually pretty bad. This past week she has been sicker than I have ever seen her. She came down with the flu on Sunday and then missed 4 days of school. She was barely well enough to try for school on Friday but it wiped her out leaving her sick again and sleepy most of the day Saturday. The Dr. said it wasn't Strep but just a nasty Virus. She slept more than ever and was so sad. Today is Monday again and she went to school still coughing and stuffy. Poor thing.

Movie night

2011-03-07T07:55:00.000-08:00

We don't often go to the movies for one obvious reason and she's sitting in the middle with a big bowl of popcorn. So, sometimes we go to the store and buy a bunch of movie candy, popcorn, soda, and a couple of new movies for the kids. The price is the same as it would be if we took the whole family to the show. Then we put our pajamas on and watch as a family.

Bowling

2011-03-07T07:52:00.000-08:00

The kids had Presidents Day off from school so we thought we'd take them bowling. We were the only one's there the whole hour so it was nice. Adam spent most of his time chasing Avery away from the areas she was not suppose to go while I helped the kids bowl. We had a lot of balls crashing to the floor and never hitting pins so we got the ramp out. Avery did smash her fingers between the balls which was sad. Then we hit the arcade downstairs.

Ward Carnival

2011-03-07T07:38:00.001-08:00

This free scrapbook made with Smilebox

Cousins Come

2011-03-07T07:05:00.001-08:00

Personalize your own free scrapbook design

Who can afford Pottery Barn

2011-02-20T13:39:00.000-08:00

This is what I was going for- $100 a piece at Pottery Barn. Ya right. That means forking out $200.

So this is what I came up with myself. This one is above Emily's bed.

I glued diamonds to the front and sides. Every thing looks better with a little bling.

Emily's butterfly.

Full scale.

Here is the one above Sarah's bed.

Adam found these really neat ceiling screws to hang them up with.

Sarah's butterfly. I made each one for $25 a piece. That's more like it. Just $50 both both.

Super Saturday

2011-02-20T13:16:00.000-08:00

When Adam goes ice fishing on Saturday, the girls and I like to do crafts. I found these magnet boards at the DI last year and they have just been sitting stored away in the closet. We decided to decorate them and hang them on the ends of the girls' beds. The girls picked out the magnet decor and we glued them onto round magnets. Then we bought some glittery sticky foam letters so they can personalize the boards. Last we cut out flowers from scrap booking paper and glued them on. They had so much fun doing these and I really enjoyed spending the time shopping with them and helping them create their magnet boards.

Avery dances to Napolian- Emily style

2011-02-20T13:04:00.001-08:00

A couple of weeks ago I posted a hilarious video of Emily dancing to Napoleon Dynamite. Avery has watched this over and over and over again. She has decided to choreograph her own dance patterned after what she saw Emily doing. I cut and pasted at least 5 different videos to make this one. It it is cute for her family to watch her. You may not get as much enjoyment out of it as we do but hopefully it will make you smile. ( Scroll down to the bottom of the blog and pause the music so you can hear the video)

Monkey see monkey do

2011-02-13T12:47:00.000-08:00

Avery loves to try and be a big girl like her sisters. She tries to ride her scooter, plays the computer, tries to play the Wii, takes all of their toys, and when she saw Emily wearing her goggles in the tub she wanted to try that too. I was surprised that she still wanted to wear them after I was pulling her hair while getting them on and after finding out that they are very tight. She left them on despite they were fogged up and couldn't see anything.

My husband's amazing

2011-02-13T12:39:00.000-08:00

After three and a half years of time, tutors, tests, trips to Boise, and tears (on my part), Adam has completed his apprenticeship and now carries the title of Journeyman. I am so proud of him. He excels at all he does and is carries the respect of everyone who knows him. I couldn't have married a better person.

It's a good start

2011-02-13T12:30:00.000-08:00

We have been trying to get our storage under control. Every year we stock up a couple of times and then end up using food without replacing it. This year things will be different. We just went shopping to give us another start and I've created a board on the pantry wall which will be a log of things that went out and of things that need to be stocked. That way, each week, I can replace items when I go grocery shopping. This way the pantry will slowly build up as I shop for more things and replace items used. We will be stocked in no time.

Finally, a very good Sunday

2011-02-07T10:52:00.000-08:00

On Sunday we got to go to Logan to see our new niece and cousin Elin be blessed. We had a relaxing Sunday for once. We drove to Logan in the morning, blessed the baby, had a wonderful yummy lunch Suzanne prepared, visited with family, and headed home in the evening.

Cute girls

2011-02-07T07:13:00.000-08:00

I don't often pull Avery's hair all up because when she takes a nap it falls out. Today she wasn't going to have a nap so I took advantage of it and pulled it all into a pony. I think it makes her look very different. And for those of you who happen to somehow think my house is clean well, just look around.

My little Emm. She is so cute. We were reading before bed and her eyes somehow magically became blind. She needed glasses in order to see her book. Now only if she would magically make that garbage collection on her dresser disapear.

What is it with home work?

2011-02-07T06:51:00.000-08:00

I really don't understand how looking funny while doing homework became so popular at our house. They don't do this to themselves in order to do homework, they just already are when I tell them to do get it done. Does that tell you anything about how things are around here?

Pretties and Pirates

2011-01-31T10:57:00.000-08:00

Sarah got a make up kit from Santa and has been practicing. Although this may look funny, it is considerably better from previous makeovers. She has got the colors in the right places and the lines are almost straight. She is dismayed that I won't let her wear it to church. This is the first time Avery has wanted to dress up. She left it on and looked in the mirror and smiled. If her crown fell off she would say "ah oh". And my sweet little Em. She loves the pirate outfit. She got it from a birthday party. She would rather dress as a Mario Toadie, a cat, a pirate, or sometimes (that's stretching it) a princess.

Happy Monday

2011-01-23T12:57:00.000-08:00

On Monday morning Emily requested pancakes with faces. This is what we came up with. She had so much fun helping me design what face to make and then eating it up. Disclaimer: these pancakes may be so fun to make and eat that your child will cry for the first time ever about having to leave home to go to school.

This week we spent more time:

2011-01-23T12:51:00.000-08:00

Dancing

Being Creative

Playing outside

Making noise

Finding beauty in things

Sunday Best

2011-01-23T12:23:00.000-08:00

I like to remember my kids all dressed up and pretty. Today I actually had time before church to snap a couple.

"ish"

2011-01-23T12:06:00.000-08:00

Avery shoved Daddy out and took over the operation. She loves the tackle box and despite our attempts to keep her away we just had to let her look and hope she didn't get hooked.

Discovering our own backyard

2011-01-16T14:33:00.001-08:00

This free digital scrapbooking design customized with Smilebox

Play dough

2011-01-16T14:27:00.000-08:00

Avery's found a new love- Play dough. We (I say we because I mean we. She has to have close supervision.) play everyday. She loves for me to roll one container into little balls so she can transfer them from cup to cup. Then we grow hair with the salon so she can pretend comb it and rip it off the head. So happy.

All in a days (home) work

2011-01-16T14:21:00.000-08:00

Toadie and Peach have to do homework too. Literally.

Avery's just decided

2011-01-09T13:03:00.000-08:00

After 8 months of inconsolable crying during nursery, an unwarranted fear of the church house in general, and many missed Sunday School lessons for Mommy, Avery has finally decided that her class isn't so bad. Today Avery walked right in, said "hi" to her teachers, didn't cry when I left, and was laughing and interacting with her friends when I picked her up. It's a miracle.

CSI vs Northern Idaho

2011-01-09T12:54:00.000-08:00

We had a chance to go see Uncle Blair referee the CSI vs Northern Idaho boys basket ball game. The girls had so much fun cheering, dancing, and learning about scoring and home games. Avery loved walking herself up and down the bleachers and listening to the band. She was totally scared of the very loud buzzer and announcer. We had a good time.