The Robertson Family

Time Well Spent......October 2, 2011

2011-10-16T20:20:00.006-06:00

My mom and sister in law, Jamie, flew out for the Jerry's funeral. I was so grateful to have both of them here. I have an amazing family who is always there for Sam and I. Jamie saved our lives by taking care of our kiddos all week so Sam and I could get everything done that we need to do.

After the funeral, we celebrated my mom's birthday. We got her a big huge birthday cake. Dave, Meghan, Jamie, the kids, Grandma, and I all went to grandmas to celebrate. We skyped Mike and the kids, we called my dad on his cell, and together we all sang Happy Birthday to mom. Then, we headed back to my house. Jamie and Baxter bought a really cute Halloween decoration for the babies so we stopped by to let Baxter put up their decoration.

Needless to say.....the time was well spent!

Daxton giving grandma birthday spankings......

Let it Rain or Flood?......October 1, 2011

2011-10-16T20:17:00.003-06:00

How does the saying go? When it rains, it pours?

Well in this situation it did in more way than one....

After the funeral, Bobbi wanted to go out to eat. Today, was her and Jerry's 40th Wedding Anniversary and she wanted to celebrate it with all of us kids. She treated us to the Outback. We had an enjoyable dinner.

Afterwards, Bobbi needed to get a few things at Home Depot so Eli and Andrea took her there. Ryan, Stacey, Sam, and I all ran to Walmart to get a few things. Tim and Kayla headed to their home. Dan and Alisha, thank goodness, went back to Bobbi's house. When Dan and Alisha got back to Bobbi's, to their surprise, they opened the door to the kitchen and water was EVERYWHERE. They immediately ran down the stairs to see the damage and the ceiling started falling out in the basement due to the flooding from upstairs.....

Long story short, lots of people ran over and we all begun to clean up a flood of a mess at 11:00 pm. Aunt Colleens girls and Stacey got most of the water vacuumed up. Sam, Ryan, Dan, and Eli along with some other men got all the carpets pulled out the basement. Casie, Alisha, and I got lots of things transferred from downstairs to upstairs. Then, Sam, Ryan, Dan, and Eli tore down all the wet sheet rock.

It was a huge mess. Bobbi has a great ward who came to her rescue along with lots of family and friends. Thank goodness not too many things got ruined. What a day, what a night! "No more rain please Heavenly Father, no more rain....."

Funeral......October 1, 2011

2011-10-16T19:25:00.015-06:00

In loving memory of our Dad and Grandpa....

Ryan, you're an amazing man and your wreath was just about the sweetest things we've seen done.

We love you Grandma Bobbi!

Sending our love to you Grandpa!

Broken Hearts........September 26, 2011

2011-10-16T19:21:00.003-06:00

Our hearts are broken!

Grandpa Jerry passed away tonight at 11:48 pm. We love you Grandpa and we miss you already! Until we meet again.....xoxoxoxo

Robertson Family Pictures........September 18, 2011

2011-10-16T17:05:00.011-06:00

Robertson Family Picture 2011:

Families Are Forever and Ever!

Bobbi and Jerry....

Mom, Dad, and kids....

Ryan and Stacey's Family....

Dan and Alisha's Family....

Sam and Jen's Family....

Eli and Andrea's Family....

Tim and Kayla's Family....

Spending Time with Granpa Jerry.....September 10, 18, & 222011

2011-10-16T16:59:00.004-06:00

These are a few moments that we have spent with Grandpa, Jerry. The cancer is now in his spinal column, it has passed the blood brain barrier and is attacking everything. The cancer paralyzed Grandpa within four days. Everyday it continues to progress more and more.

Eli and Andrea have moved in with Bobbi to help take care of Jerry during the week. Tim, our brother in law, who is a nurse, is taking great care of him as well. On the weekends, Sam goes down to take care of him. It's been so nice to spend time with Grandpa and the family.

We really love spending time with him while we have him. The hardest thing for me to accept is how much Paizlie will miss her grandpa. SHE LOVES, LOVES, LOVES her grandpa.

All of us love him so much. I know he will watch over us but the honest truth is, it's going to be hard on all of us, especially Bobbi. Bobbi is so strong and I am just amazed at her strength. I don't envy her situation but I do admire her faith. She has put it into the Lord's hands and relies on him to help her through it. If anything, I hope my kids can learn from this, is the faith and strength their grandma has. She's always been a great example of how we should lean on the Lord at all times. She is a pillar for our family. I hope our family continues to grow closer together through this. It's a hard thing coming but we have each other and Heavenly Father to get us through it.

We love you Grandpa....

Another One BITES The DuST!......August 27, 2011

2011-10-16T16:56:00.003-06:00

Hadlie, the lean mean, dirt biking machine......

We all hurt ourselves in stupid ways. It stinks when you can't have a GOOD story to go along with your accident. Good news is: Hadlie actually has a GOOD story....

Our next door neighbors have a couple of really cool bike ramps. Everyday the kids are out there jumping the ramps with either their bikes or scooters. Today, Hadlie decided that she was going to get Tage's bike, which is twice as small as hers, and ride it off the jump. She figured, she could catch some air by riding a smaller bike. (Not too bad of an idea, right?) So, she did just that.....got on Tage's bike, sped down the side walk, jumped the jump, and caught some major air. However, when she came back down, she didn't have her handle bars straight and she bit the dust or pavement HARD!

Her friend, Kelsey, came running to the door to get me. I had to literally peel her off the pavement. She flew right of the bike and into the sidewalk and partially into the gutter. She needed quite a bit of TLC.

My cute Hadlie stayed in for a few days due to the major swelling of her lip and nose. She was was embarrassed of her injury. Our Haddie, is a crazy, outgoing girl. I actually love she is so competitive and driven. She'll go far in life.

However, you can take things a little too far, and sometimes they bite you back. This may have been one of those times for Hadlie, but hey, she has a great story to go with her fat lip. So lesson learn is....

When life knocks you down into the dust, get back up and hit the pavement a ridin'....

Back to School......August 21, 2011

2011-10-16T16:52:00.003-06:00

Back to school already! Oh how time flies......

This year is an exciting school year because Tage and I start school. Tage man is officially in kindergarten and I am officially starting my Junior year at Weber State. I hope this year bring lots of fun memories and learning experiences for everyone.

Sam and I are so proud of these three kiddos of ours. They are great kids and great students. They love school and we hope they continue to do so. We hope they make more great friends this year and they enjoy their new teachers. We are so excited for them.

Hadlie, our 5th grader....

Daxton, our 3rd grader....

Tage, our kindergartner!

Zion's Bike Riding Trip......August 11-13, 2011

2011-10-16T16:38:00.007-06:00

Bring on the fun....

Sam, Bryce, Vicky and I all headed to Zion's for a quick weekend trip to bike Zion's National Park. We were going to do some serious hiking but that got bauched when I got stress fractures in my ankle. So, we decided to bikes instead.

We rode our bike's up Zion's canyon and back down. We made a few stops, on the way back down. The last stop we made was at the river swing. We all took turns swinging out over the river on a rope, then we plunged off the rope and into the river. It was SO MUCH FUN! Cold, but FUN!

Later, that night we went to "Grease" at the Tuacon. I can't say I loved the production but the company was great and I even ran into my "second mom" there, Sandy Dymock. It was so fun to see her as well.

We have so much fun with Bryce and Vicky. We feel blessed to have them as friends. We love to go on trips with them....(Although, for some reason, it seems that SOMETHING always happens to keys when we go on a trip together. Last year Bryce lost his car rental key on the "Manta" ride at SeaWorld in Orlando. This year, on this trip, Sam lost the key to our house we were staying in in St. George. It fell out of his pocket in the movie theatre. Luckily, we broke into the house and got the key back the next morning. But, we crack up because we always have "KeY" issues when we are together. Maybe, it time to "unlock" that tradition and time to "key" in on something else.....:)

We had a great time and look forward to our next adventure with Bryce and Vicky. Thank guys, it was a BlAsT, as always.

Grandma's 89th Birthday Party.......July 30, 2011

2011-10-16T15:52:00.008-06:00

Our Cute Grandma turned 89 this year. My cousin, Val, put together a great party for her. She created a trivia game about grandma's life. It was fun to hear about the life she has lived and the experiences she has had.

Grandma has 14 grand children and 32 great grandchildren. Our grandma is one of the most Christ-like people. We all LOVE and ADMIRE the wonderful woman she is. We are all grateful to be apart of her family and heritage.

Happy Birthday Grandma, We LoVe You!

(This picture reminds me of E.T. smashed in with all the stuff animals... it's hard to pick out our cute grandma amongst all these cute kiddos.)

I got the BooT!.....July 29,2011

2011-08-08T17:54:00.003-06:00

I got the Boot! No pun intended....

My little Brother, Mike, said it best: "Sorry you're grounded from running, Jen." I am grounded from running. I got the boot on and I got the boot out of my races. (I guess there are many puns intended.)

My ankle had been hurting. I KNEW I had a stress fracture. I put it off for a couple of weeks, not wanting to accept the truth. Then finally, after the pain I was in, I decided to go ahead and head to the doctor. After a Xray and a MRI, I have MULTIPLE stress fractures in my foot and ankle. I was grounded from running and put in a boot.

The only thing I have to say about it is this: IT STINKS! I hate it, I hate it, I hate it! Me and my running buddy were on the top of our game and in the middle of our training for three more races and I am officially out. So sad for me :( and her too :(. The irony of it all is: my running buddy, Meghan, has had these same fractures when we've trained in years past. I always tell her to take her calcium so she doesn't get another and look who didn't take her own advise? Me! I guess it's my turn to be hurt.

Spanish Fork 24th.....July 24th, 2011

2011-08-08T17:31:00.005-06:00

Robertson family tradition, Spanish Fork July 24th festivities. Every year we go to Spanish Fork and participate in the 24th activities. We go to Aunt Colleen's house for a big family breakfast and we watch the parade together. Then ,we head to the city park for entertainment, food, and face painting.

Hadlie and Paizlie at the parade...

Tage and Ayden waving to everyone...

Ty...

"Hey, you guys"...

"Hey you gals..."

Hadlie and Tess...

Uncle Ryan enjoying his afternoon at the park...

The different Robertson faces....

Girls CAmP.....July 19-22, 2011

2011-08-08T16:41:00.005-06:00

This year for girls camp we went up to our Stake Campsite, Camp Woodland. We all had so much fun. It was one of the best girls camps we've had. I have so many pictures, it was hard to decide which ones to throw up on the blog. But here you go:

There was a nasty stench in the air. The girls discovered a DEAD pig in the river next to our tents.

Rachel S. checking out the scene...

Rachel D. getting the fire going for dinner....

Bailey, Sonya, and Schondra enjoying the treat bucket...

The Rachel's "pinky promising" me they'll be back to camp next year...

Girls on a hike...

"What Up Ladies?"

Pranks were pulled...

Bailey? Did you do this?

Leaders pulled some daily pranks...

This tent was the nice one.

We had Skits...

WhAAATson and Shirlock....

...and more Skits!

Sherry, where are your rings for this picture?

We played in the river everyday...

The leaders played more pranks...

Did I mention we played in the river everyday?

We sat by the campfire talked and played games...

The bishopric came up and we had a really nice dinner and testimony meeting...

Everyone got camp awards, even father and daughters...

Scott & Kaitlyn

Hadlie's Pillow Case for Grandpa.....July 16, 2011

2011-08-08T16:13:00.002-06:00

This summer Hadlie and her friend, Cambrie, have been taking sewing classes from a lady down the street. They have learned how to make pot holders, pillow cases, and aprons. It's been a lot of fun for them and they have enjoy it a lot.

After we found out about Grandpa Jerry having Cancer, Hadlie wanted to make him a pillow case with his color of cancer sign on it. Hadlie researched the color of his cancer ribbon, (melonoma: which is black), she chose the material, and she sewed the pillow cast all by herself.

It turned out really cute. After she was done sewing it she wrote a note to her grandpa that said: Grandpa, Cowboy Up and keep fighting your Cancer. I love you, HADLIE. Grandpa LOVED IT! He gave her a big hug and kiss. It was a tender moment.

Hadlie's Pillow Case for Grandpa...

Hadlie giving her pillow case to Grandpa at the U of U hospital.

We love you grandpa and wish for all the time in the world with you.

Seven Peaks.....July 15, 2011

2011-08-08T15:40:00.003-06:00

This year we bought a season pass to Seven Peaks Water Park. Some of our other friends, the Choi's and the Sharp's, bought one also. We have been a few times with them. It's a lot of fun. The kids really enjoy it and we adults do too.

This is one of our trips there. We went on a Saturday and enjoyed swimming all day long...

All the kids: Choi's, Robertson's, and Sharp's.

Our family.

Sharp family.

Choi family.

(minus Carrie, she was taking a picture at the same time)

West Point Red Hot 4th.....July 4, 2011

2011-08-08T15:09:00.004-06:00

This fourth of July was perfect. We had so much fun. The weather was also great, which made it even more enjoyable.

I ran the West Point 5K with my running buddy Meghan again this year. This year we ran fast! We ran our best race yet. We ran a 00:07:30 mile. We crossed the finish line 00:22:55. We felt really good about our time. We both placed in our ages groups. Meghan placed 2nd in her age group and I placed 3rd. We had a lot of fun running together.

Our group of friends did really well too. Josh, Meghan's husband, placed 1st in his age group. He is a great runner and encourages us to be competitive in our age divisions.

After the race, we watched the parade with our ward friends and family. Then we headed to the park for a long days fun of activities. Hadlie sang in a kids chorus this year. It was fun to watch her perform with all her friends. Daxton, Trae, Tage, and Aizlyn ran around to all the different activies. They had a ball. Then in the evening, we ate a great dinner the city put on and later, we enjoyed the fireworks. We had SO MUCH FUN, like always!

Meghan and I before our race....

Our group of friends: Cooper, Josh, Meghan, me, Michael, and Ryan...

Starting line...

The race is on girls, no pressure....

Winners: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd...

Aizlyn and Tage getting ready for the parade to begin...

Bunnies, bunnies, bunnies....

Paizlie, Chon, Jamie, and Hadlie at the parade...

West Point 14th ward friends and family...

Hadlie performing with her friends...

Tage and Aizlyn LOVED the reptiles...

Silly, cute kiddos...

HAPPY RED HOT FOURTH!

Side Walk of FiRe.....July 2, 2011

2011-08-07T22:10:00.002-06:00

In years past, another Owen Family tradition, we would have....THE SIDEWALK OF FIRE! It's a silly tradition we have every fourth of July when we are together. I put on a stupid red table cloth and run down the sidewalk singing "SideWalk of FiRE"! Then Mike or Dave let off the fireworks in the road. The kids LOVED it when they were little. They are noticing how cheesy their parents are now, but hey, we have a great time keeping the tradition alive. :)

This year, since we were all together, we had the SiDEWALK of FiRE at our house. It was fun, as usual, and it was a great way to end our fabulous day.

Here's our fun SiDEWaLK of FiRE...

(Jen starting it off...)

Dave light all the FirEWorKS this year...

Grandma Robins joined in our fun too...

Sparklers afterwards!

Daxton and Trae's Baptism.....July 2, 2011

2011-08-07T13:27:00.006-06:00

Daxton and Trae wanted to have their baptisms together so we waited until we could all be together as a family to have the boys baptized.

It was a great day. The baptism was held at our Stake Center with other wards in our stake. The boys were baptized and confirmed by their dad's, Sam and Mike. After, we went to our church for a Luau in Daxton and Trae's honor. We had lots of family show up and we had lots of good food to eat. It was a fun day.

I am so grateful Daxton and Trae are so close. I am also grateful they decided to be baptized. They are great boys and their spiritual journey in this life has only just begun. It will be wonderful to watch them grow and progress. I am also grateful for their wonderful father's who hold the priesthood and could perform these ordinances for them.

I just want Daxton and Sam to know how much I love them. Sam is such a wonderful spiritual leader in our family. I am grateful he is always worthy to help guide us. Daxton is a mini Sam in the works. I am grateful Dax has such a wonderful man to look up to and follow in his footsteps.

Congratulations Daxton. You are such a special boy. You have such a strong spirit about you and you always try and do the right thing. I hope you continue to nurture that great quality and let it lead you throughout your life. I love you so very much. Love- Mom

Uncle Mike, Trae, Sam, and Daxton...

My two handsome men...

Dad, mom, and Daxton...

The Owen Family...

The Robertson Family...

The baptism boys...

Grandpa and Grandma Owen, Daxton and Trae...

The Luau...

Grandpa and Grandma Bench...

Dave, Meagan, and Grandma Elizabeth...

Grandma Robins, Nanny, and Grandpa Owen...

Rachel, Baxter, Travis, and Trevor...

Grandma Bobbi, Grady, Ryan, and Grandpa Jerry...

Stacey, Lewis, and Dad...

Brecken, Trae, Hadlie, Grady, and Daxton opening gifts...

Cute Princess Paizlie.

Family in Town, SWiM TiMe......July 30, 2011

2011-08-07T09:47:00.006-06:00

Mike, Jamie, Trae, Aizlynn, Baxter, Grandma Nanny, Great Grandma Robins, Dave and Meagan came to stay with us for a few days for Daxton and Trae's Baptism. We decided it would be fun to go as a family to the Roy Aquatic Pool. We had a great time! Even our cute Grandma Robins came to watch everyone swim.

The guys and kids went down the slides and jumped off the diving boards. Hadlie and Trae attempted the high dive this year. They were so cute and so brave to venture it. Mike and Dave showed the kids up, of course, by performing a few flipping tricks off the diving boards as well. IT WaS a BLaST...

Mike, Aizlynn, and Tage watching Hadlie and Trae go down the slides...

Uncle Dave coming off the slides...

Catching some rays...

Paizlie swimming with daddy...

Cute Baxter...

Trae jumping off the high dive...

Hadlie jumping off the high dive...

Paizlie and mommy...

Tage and Dax...

Nanny and Bax...

Hadlie, Aizlynn, Trae, and the "Stud"...

Me and my cute kids...

Mike and me with all our krazy kiddos soakin' in the sun...

I LOVE SUMMER!!!! Don't you? This is what it is ALL about....HOT weather, family fun, and the pool. :)

Zion's.....June 25-27, 2011

2011-07-24T13:05:00.008-06:00

One of our families FAVORITE places to go is Zion's National Park. My parents took me and my brothers there every fall when we were growing up. We would go with my cousins, the Chandler's. It became a tradition to every year to climb Angel's Landing. Every year you climbed the great hike you got an angel "star". My family bases what kind of hiker you are off how many angel "stars" you have.

Sam and I love that tradition and we've started it with our children as well. Hadlie and Daxton are officially a one star hiker from last year and half star from this year. Tage is a two half stars from last year and this year.

This year we took the kids just to Scout Overlook, which is a little more that half way up Angel's Landing. Angel's Landing is a dangerous hike, we didn't feel like it would be a good idea to go all the way to the top with Tage and Paizlie. They are too small still. Tage will be ready to do it in the next few upcoming years.

We also hiked Emerald Pools while we were there. Before we headed to Emerald Pools we stopped in the Lodge and bought the kids an ice cream cone. Then we headed off again. We ran into our neighbors, the Larsen's, on the trail to Emerald Pools. They live two house south of us. It was fun seeing them there. We had a really fun time and I KNOW we wore the kids out. Poor Tage fell asleep on the tram ride down the canyon. He was wasted.

The kids are already asking when we are going back. Hopefully soon, hopefully soon...

Here is our trip:

Tage, Hadlie, and Daxton starting Angel's Landing to Scout Overlook...

Larsen family and us....

Tage and Sam on Walter's Wiggles, part of Angel's hike....

Hadlie, Daxton, Tage, and me at Scout Overlook...

Sam, Paizlie, and me at Scout Overlook....

"Hold that rock up for me, Dax. Don't let it fall...."

Happy 5th Birthday Tage.....June 22, 2011

2011-07-24T12:53:00.008-06:00

Happy Birthday, It's Your Birthday Tage Man!

Numero 5!

Dear Tage,

I know I say this every year, but I CAN NOT believe you are the BIG 5 this year! What an exciting year this will be for you. The BIG 5 means you have 5 BIG things happening soon:

#5: YOU get to make lots of new friends and BIG friendships.

#4: YOU get to learn to read, like a BIG kid.

#3: YOU get to learn to ride a BIG kid bike.

#2: YOU get to ride a BIG kid bus in the mornings to school.

#1: YOU get to start KINDERGARTEN. In the BIG kid school. Ahhh Yeah!

What a fun year this will be for you. I can't wait to watch you grow more and more everyday. I already can't believe how much you are growing before my eyes. I love to watch you play with your little sister. I love to listen to your cute giggle. I love to watch you get excited when you do BIG kid things with Hadlie and Daxton. I especially love to listen to your cute conversations you have with your friends.

You are a sweet boy. You definitely keep me on my toes and challenge my creative parenting skills everyday. I love you tons and I am so grateful you are my son. I don't know how life would be without you and your big beautiful brown eyes. Thank you for being such a joy in my life. I love you so very much.

Keep looking to your big brother as an example. He loves you and I am grateful for the wonderful friendship and bond you two have. You are a great little brother too.

I hope you have a wonderful BIG 5th year! Happy Birthday Tage!

I love you,

MOM

Cupcakes with Tage on his Birthday....

Tage opening his presents....

Tage also had a fun birthday party with his friends from the neighborhood.

He had a swim party. The kids swam in the kiddie pool and played on the slip and slide. They all had so much fun. After, we had hotdogs, chips, cupcakes, Creamies, and we opened presents. It was a fun afternoon. Thanks for coming everyone :) !

Ellie, Conlie, Maden, Issac eatin' hot dogs, "HOT DOG"!

"WOOOoooo"! Tage slippin' down the water slide...

"Yeahhhhh"! Hadlie had fun too...

Birthday cupcakes....

Mason, Tage, Ellie, and Madox ENJOYING Creamies.

(now isn't that the life and cutest picture?)

Birthday friends:

Ellie, Conllie, Tage, Daxton, Mason, Madox, Maden, Hadlie, and Issac.

Father's Day......June 18, 2011

2011-07-24T12:46:00.006-06:00

Happy Father's Day to all the Father's out there. We hope your day was GREAT!

We really hope Sam had a wonderful Father's Day. My friend, Meghan, found this CUTE template that allowed you to print out fun decorations for Father's Day. I copied her idea and did it for Sam. It turned out really cute. (Thanks for the great idea Meg.) Hadlie helped me get it all cut out and put together. She was so tired when I woke her up to help me get it ready but she was also very excited to make her dad's day special. We "tied" a few cute notes up for him. (I love how excited the kids get to celebrate things for their dad, it shows how much they love him.)

We love you Sam and we are so grateful for the wonderful man you are. You are a great example to me and the kids. You are a hard worker, great supporter, a wonderful friend, and a fabulous father. We LOVE YOU so VERY MUCH!

Sam's Father's Day:

It looks like we made Dad feel important, say "CHEESE", Sam Dawg....

Cheers to the: Number ONE Dad!

Happy, Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day/ Birthday Party.....June 17, 2011

2011-07-17T14:30:00.007-06:00

Sam and I invited his family up to our house for a big Father's Day/ Birthday party. We celebrated Paizlie and Tage's Birthdays and we also celebrated Father's Day. Everyone was able to come except Stacey, Ryan, Eli, Andrea, and Emma. We missed them.

We had SO MUCH FUN! We went to Roy Blake Park and barbecued hot dog's. The kids played baseball, football, and then we had a FAMILY game of kick soccer. IT WAS A BLAST! Everyone played except Grandma Bobbi and Grandpa Jerry. They watched the babies: Fin, Paiz, and Tyson. We divided into two teams and played ball. I don't think we've had so much fun in a long time. I think Tim, Dan, and Sam win for kicking the ball the furthest.

After a few games we opened Father's Day presents. Dan and Alisha gave Grandpa and all the father's HOT sauce. They bought it in Park City. It was FLAMING HOT! Alisha decided to give it a try and about burned her mouth off. It was quite funny. After, Paizlie and Tage opened their birthday presents too. We had cupcakes and sang to them also. I think everyone was spoiled. It was a great time.

Here's our day....

Maizlie and Aiden...

Alisha, Grandpa, and Grandma...

Aunt Kayla...

Daxton playing football with Uncle Tim...

Tage opening his birthday presents...

Paizlie opening her birthday presents...

Grandpa opening his Father's Day presents...

Dan and Sam opening their Father's Day gifts...

Aunt Alisha burning her mouth off with her gift to the father's...

"Ahh Yeahh....."

Our Family KickBall Game...

Aiden up to kick...

The babies wanted to play too, Hadlie tried to help out with them...

Hadlie cheering for her mom, run mom, run...

Kayla and Fin...

Fin kicking the ball...

Daxton's turn...way to GO!

It was a fun afternoon. Thanks for coming up everyone. We loved spending time with you. We love you all.

Tan or Tough?.....June 16, 2011

2011-07-17T14:25:00.001-06:00

This morning I was telling Daxton that we were going to the track so he and Tage could run this morning. After, I had a cute conversation with Daxton. It's one I want to remember. I laughed inside after it was over. It went like this:

Dax: "Mom, are we white or brown?'

Jen: "What color do you think we are, Dax?"

Dax: "I think we're brown."

Jen: "Brown? No, we're white."

Dax: "Well, you're brown Mom."

Jen: "I am just tan."

Dax: " Will Dad get tan when he get's tough?"

Jen: "I don't know. Are you saying I am tough Dax?"

Dax: "No mom, you're just skinny."

I think he was saying this: Mom, tan and NOT tough. Dad, white and almost tough. LOL! Isn't he so cute?

Daxton always is in deep thought. We always wonder what's going through his mind. He is very analytical. We love him tons and love to listen to the talk inside his head. WE LOVE YOU DAX! You're such a joy to have in our family.

Dinosaur Park.....June 13, 2011

2011-07-17T14:18:00.004-06:00

Today we went to the Dinosaur Park in Ogden. We met some of our friends there and had a great time. We ate lunch, walked around the park, played on the play ground, uncovered dinosaur bones in the sand, and saw the inside museum. It was a fun after noon. Hadlie didn't come with us because she was at her cousins house. We missed having her with us :(

Who are those crazy kids? Is that a cave man, and a kid walking a PiNk Dinosaur?

Happy 2nd BiRtHdAy PrinceSs P.....June 10, 2010

2011-07-17T13:37:00.003-06:00

HaPpY BiRtHdAy, It's Your Birthday Princess P!

2 Years old!

Dear Paizlie,

Your Dad and I can hardly believe that you are two years old. It just seems like yesterday we brought you home from a long visit at the hospital. You were my easiest delivery but my most scary baby. You were in the NICU at McKay Dee Hospital for a long 12 days. We brought you home on Tage's third birthday. It was a great birthday present for everyone.

We really can't believe how the time has flown by these last couple of years. We LOVE you so much. You were an answer to our prayers. You have changed the dynamic of our family. We all enjoy your sweet spirit and your charisma you have for life. We love how excited you get every time you see a puppy or baby. I think you have a million of each of them. We love to watch you grow and play. You make each of us laugh and smile everyday. Everyone loves to play and spend time with you, especially your older sister. You guys have a unique bond.

You also LOVE your two Grandpa's very much, Grandpa Owen and Grandpa Jerry. You tickle them every time they are with you. You want nothing more than to jump up on their laps and have them hold and play with you. We all love to watch you interact with them. You have a very special bond with them as well. It's touching! Everyday you make me pull open our family blog so you can see pictures of your two "bampa's". You will sit and the computer and show everyone your "bampa's". You're so stinkin' cute.

We want you to stay little forever because your last baby, but we enjoy watching you grow, learn, and change everyday. Stay little as long as you can but enjoy life and keep making us smile. We love you so very much Princess P.

Love,

Mom and Dad

Paizlie's Birthday Party, June 12, 2010...

Paizlie eating her cake with Conley...

Our friends, the Choi's, Sharp's, Robles, Larsen's, and Morley's all came to help us celebrate P's birthday.

Ava, Ellie, and Conley swinging...

P opening her presents...

Paiz eating her "nummy"!

We hope you had a great day. We love you so much! Happy, happy birthday Paizlie!

P.s- Thanks Grandma Bobbi and family for helping her have a great birthday while I was at youth conference. I am sure she had a ball. We love you so much!

Youth Conference.....June 9-11, 2011

2011-06-23T19:37:00.007-06:00

This year for our wards Youth Conference we went to Reid's Ranch in Fruitland, UT. It was a BLAST! The ranch is full of all kinds of activities. We rode horses, swam, rode paddle boats, played kick ball, played volleyball, shot archery, and etc. We had a few activities for the kids to do but when we got there they were having so much fun that we let them do their own activities instead of our planned ones. However, we did have an awesome fireside, testimony meeting, and dance. We, leaders, tried to break it down at the dance for the kids however a few of them showed us up, Cache Larsen was one of them.

We have a great group of youth and leaders too. We all have so much fun together.

West Point 14th Ward Youth Conference.

Michael Sharp after a swim.

Vanessa, Abbey, Kristen, Cory, and Wendi playing pool volley ball.

Weston Larsen playing kick ball.

Ashton Weisis and Brother Anderson on paddle boats.

Wendi and I paddling away, holding our cabana.

Bishop and Brother Kapp taking a spin too.

Matt Thompson "What Up!"

Young Women and Young Men leaders who went:

Kristen Hill, me (Jen), Matt Thompson, Cindy Holbrooke, Wendi Frew, and Abbey Sharp.

Cache Larsen breaking it down. Way to go Cache!

Cleaning up Camp :(

Abby, Kristen, Jenna, Kaitlyn, and Conner....

Cory Hill helping the girls get their tent down.

Wendi cleaning off another tent.

What would these kids do without their leaders? However, what would we leaders do without these kids? We love them.

Wedding: Jordunn and Casey......June 9, 2011

2011-06-23T16:50:00.006-06:00

Jordunn and Casey tied the knot this afternoon. It was a beautiful ceremony. They were married in the back yard of Casey's grandmother's home. Casey's uncle married them and he did a wonderful job. It was a beautiful day for them.

Congrats Jordunn and Casey! We love you both and wish you the best of luck.

Bride maids and grooms men.

The cute trio....

Paizlie with the cute couple.

Jordunn, Casey, Stacey, and Bodie.

Flower girl, Maezlie.

Love the glasses gramps! Where did you get those?

Daxton and Uncle Eli.

Great Job! That's the way to do the cake!

Lewis's Eagle Court of Honor.......June 5, 2011

2011-06-23T15:51:00.003-06:00

Lewis received his Eagle Scout Award tonight. It was such a nice ceremony. His leaders and Step Father, Ryan, gave him so many accolades. Lewis is such a great kid. If there is anything that Sam and I are always impressed with is Lewis ability to work. He is such a hard worker. Lewis dedicates himself to everything he does. He has a good head on his shoulders. He is so well rounded and handsome as well. He is a great example to his little brothers and cousins. We love him to dealth.

There are so many times I look at Tage and see Lewis in him. Tage has Lewis's witt, his mannerisms, and his big brown eyes. The only thing Tage lacks is Lewis willingness to work. We'll keep helping Tage with that. However, if Tage turns out to be like his awesome cousin, Lewis, I will be one proud mom. I am sure Stacey is very proud of him and proud to be his mother.

Lewis, we are so proud of you and all your accomplishments. Keep up the great work. It's so exciting to watch you grow into such an outstanding young man. You are wonderful and you are an incredible example to all of us. We hope and pray our boys turn out to be just as great as you are. We love you tons.

Lewis Bodie Mattinson, Eagle Scout.

Of course, Paizlie was on Grandpa Jerry's lap. She LOVES him so much.

Ryan, Lewis, Stacey, Kim, and Bodie.

Lewis gave both of his grandpa's an honorary award.

Jordunn and Casey's Wedding Dinner.....June 4, 2011

2011-06-23T15:38:00.003-06:00

Jordunn and Casey had their wedding dinner tonight. It was really nice. Stacey did a wonderful job, as usual. It was beautifully decorated and the food was delicious. It was a fun celebration.

Jordunn and Casey are a cute couple. We wish them the best. We love them both dearly.

Tim, Kayla, and Fin.

Emma, Maezlie, Tage, and Ayden.

Kagen, Hadlie, and Ricky.

Aunt Collen, Bobbi, Jerry, Lewis, and Cierra.

Father's and Sons/Mom's and Daughter Date.......June 3, 2011

2011-06-23T14:49:00.010-06:00

Father and Sons:

Sam took the boys to Father's and Sons with the Elders Quorum in our ward. They went up to the Stake Camp in Morgan. They didn't stay the night this year. They just went up for dinner and games.

They had a lot of fun. They played football and soccer. The bishop got in there with all the little boys and they wrestled. They had an enjoyable evening.

Mom and Daughter Date:

Since Sam took the boys, I took my girls out. We went to dinner with Carrie Choi and her girls and Meghan Robles came also. Cambrie and Hadlie chose to go out to eat at The Golden Coral. We had an enjoyable time and we ate to our hearts content. Everyone left happy. After dinner we went to the Choi's house for gaming. We were going to play Dance Revolution on their XBox until Paizlie tripped and split her eye open. Hadlie screamed for me, I ran down stairs, and poor Princess P was standing there with blood running down her cheek. I ran her upstairs, Carrie and I got the bleeding stopped, then I ran her up to the Tanner Clinic Insta-Care. The doctor super-glued it shut, put on some steri strips, and we left. No harm done. It was quick and painless. Thank goodness.

So needless to say we all had an enjoyable night except Paizlie. I felt so bad for her because she was being so cute at the Golden Coral. She was so happy and jabbering up a storm. She was playing so cute with the kids then got overly excited and fell....Oh well, kids will be kids.

This was her eye the next morning....poor Princess P. We love you baby!

P.S- Carrie, Cambrie, and Meghan.....Hadlie and I are still up for some Dance, Dance Revolution. We'll bring the moves!

ScHooL iS OuT!.......June 3, 2011

2011-06-22T23:09:00.005-06:00

Last day of school, FINALLY! The kids were very excited to be out of school. I am excited too. Summer is HERE, (if it will stop raining). They had a GREAT LAST DAY! I had to go down to the school to get some decorations I helped made for the 6th grade graduation so I got a quick snap shot with the kids and their teachers.

After schools out every year we attend a FUN Block Party. The kids' bus driver, Judy Frew, lives in our neighborhood. The kids LOVE her. Every year she drives her bus along with another bus driver escorted into our neighborhood by a policeman. He has his sirens going and two buses drive through huge banners that announce school is out. Everyone cheers and it's so much fun. The kids get off the bus and attend the block party that is put on by Shawna Norman, a lady in our stake. She puts a fabulous party on every year. She runs a big popcorn, a cotton candy, and a snow cone machine to make all kinds of yummy, fun treats for the kids and parents after the buses arrive. Did I say how much fun it is? It's SO MUCH FUN! It's a GREAT way to end school and start SUMMER. :)

Keaton and Kelsey Larsen, Hadlie, Daxton, Tage, and Paizlie the morning before heading off to their last day of school.

Daxton and Mr. Hassard. Daxton was very sad the last day of school. He loved Mr. Hassard and Dax will miss him dearly.

Hadlie and Ms. A, Miss Arrington.

What time is it? SUMMER TIME Block Party!

You know the mom's had to celebrate as well!

YEAHhhhhh! We love summer. Bring on the hot weather, flip flops, shorts, swim suits, and water parks.

Mr. Hassards Guitar HEROES.....June 3, 2011

2011-06-08T21:41:00.005-06:00

Daxton had one of THE BEST teachers this year for 2nd grade, Mr. Hassard. Mr. Hassard incorporates so many extra curricular activities into his curriculum for his students. One thing he teaches his students every year is how to play the guitar.

The last day of school they had their final guitar performance. They played great. They performed three or four songs for all the parents. It was a little tear jerking to watch Dax perform, it always is to see your children excel. (I guess I am just a sappy mom.)

Great job Daxton and thank you Mr. Hassard.

UTAH! Fourth Grade Program....June 1, 2011

2011-06-08T21:15:00.004-06:00

The fourth grade studies the great state of UTAH in social studies each year. Hadlie and her fellow students did just that. They each chose a county in Utah, they each researched it, and they each made a poster and a miniature float of that county. They also learned and performed a musical program about the history of Utah for all us parents. The kids dressed up like pioneers for the program. They all did such a fabulous job on their posters, floats, and performance. It was a really nice! The program was awesome!

Hadlie selected Duchesne for her county. She spent a lot of time researching it all by herself. She is such a outstanding student. She also tried out for a special musical selection in the program. She was in a trio and sang a small verse of one of the songs. She sang great. It was a fun day and we enjoyed spending it with her and her friends.

Hadlie/Duchense County....

Getting ready to perform....

The fabulous fourth grade performance....

Our Straight Arrow......May 30, 2011

2011-05-31T23:24:00.003-06:00

Today we were traveling in our car listening to a live version of "San Francisco" by Train. At the end of the song the crowd cheered and Daxton quickly had something to say about all those people that cheered. He said, "I don't know why those people cheered because that song said the 'H' and 'D' Words in it." Jen and I looked at each other and both smiled. Jen said, "Your a good boy Dax, your right they shouldn't be clapping."

I'm not sure what we did to get such a good boy, but for some reason we've got this sweet boy that is so sensitive to everything around him. I love you Dax!

Dad

Snakes? I hate Snakes.....May 26, 2011

2011-05-29T17:10:00.003-06:00

Yes, I really found this serpent while I was pulling weeds. I almost touched him. I know he's harmless but it scared me to death. Sam has seen three of these guys around the yard. They removed the canal behind us and put in drain piping system. I am SURE we will find more of these guys slithering around now that there is no swamp lands behind us.

BOBCAT.....May 25, 2011

2011-05-29T17:05:00.004-06:00

Daxton received his Bobcat award tonight. This is Dax's FIRST cub scout award. We were so proud of him. He is really enjoying the Cub Scout program. Our goal is to help him get his Eagle by the time he is 14 years old. This is the first award of many more to come.

GREAT JOB DAXTON! We love you! You're a great example for Tage.

Daxton and his den made these bean bag toss boards. They all enjoyed playing their games.

U2 Concert, Yeah Baby Yeah.....May 24, 2011

2011-05-29T09:34:00.006-06:00

U2 TOUR, SALT LAKE CITY 2011..

Monday, May 23rd, I got a text from one of my best friends from high school, Charity. She asked if I was interested in going to the U2 concert. She got tickets for $20.00. OF COURSE, I jumped all over that. I was so excited she asked me.

I immediately called Sam and asked him if I could go. At first, he wasn't that happy. When I called him he said this: "Jen, I could have worked that event and went to the concert. But, I decided not to work it because I knew it would make you jealous and sad if you didn't get to go." I said: "Honey, I told you to work the event when you told me you could have. That was your mistake, not mine." He said: "Yeah, your right. That's fine, go ahead, but just so you know....I'm working Cheryl Crow when she comes this summer 'With or Without You' ". I started to laugh and said: "Deal!"

However, his tune changed more and more all throughout Tuesday. He walked over to the stadium a few times and watched the band practice. He watched the stage go up and marvelled over it all. He texted me all kinds of pictures about how awesome it looked and sounded. I think by Tuesday night he was more excited than I was.

Charity picked me at the Gateway and rode Trax up to the U of U. We were cracking up because when we went to get onto Trax, the doors opened, and I kid you NOT, there were a million people in there. They all about spilled out onto the pavement when the doors opened. It shocked us. They looked like a chorus of people packed into a train cart like sardines. It was so funny. Not what we expected at all.

We missed the opening group, the Frey. We got there right as they finished singing. We hung out in the bleachers until it got dark then U2 came out. It was AWESOME! The stage, the sound, the music, the performance was INCREDIBLE! It brought me back to my high school days. LOVED IT!

Charity and I had a BLAST! Our other best friend, Courtnie, was rocking out across the stadium from us, probably in the best seats in the house. But, we wouldn't expect less of her. She is a DIE HARD U2 fan. I would've of love to watch her during the concert. I am sure she was jammin'.

It was a fun night. Thanks Charity! Thanks for asking me to go. I really needed that. Life's been a little too stressful and it was good to wind down a bit. I love ya tons! P.S.- Please tell Brady NOT to hate me. Sometimes, this 34 year old mind just forgets who is who. It was an honest mistake. Gay or not, I'd still like him. Tell him I am glad he has a hot wife too. :) LOL!!!

Me and Charity....

This stage was AMAZING!

Preschool Graduation......May 21, 2011

2011-05-29T09:29:00.007-06:00

After my race, we all raced home to get ready for Tage's Preschool Graduation Program. He had his graduation at Roy Elementary. My Dad, Mom, Brother Dave, and his wife, Meagan, all came to his graduation as well. It was fun driving with my dad to the program because he shared his childhood growing up in Roy with us. He showed us where he grew up and where my great grandma lived. He even went to Roy Elementary. However, his school no longer exists. They rebuilt the Roy Elementary, where Tage had his graduation.

Tage's program was darling. We were so proud of him. He got up with another kid and sang the ABC's frontwards and backwards. Then he exited the stage in a little bus. He waved proudly out the window. He did great. He sang all the songs and had a wonderful time. It was fun to watch him perform with the other children.

Tage,

We are so very proud of you. You are getting so big and growing so fast. Dad and I can hardly believe that you will start Kindergarten next year. We hope you continue to love to learn and you enjoy your educational experience. We love you so much. You always make us laugh and smile. You're so very sweet and we hope you continue to be a good boy! Keep learning and enjoying life.

Mom and Dad

Tage during his performance.

(This picture cracked me and Sam up.)

Ironically enough, my best friend, from when I was Tage's age, daughter is in Tage's class. We had a fun reunion after their program because my parents or Cory's parents haven't seen each other in years. It was fun to reminisce with the Haviland's for a bit. Cory and I were in the same class together all through elementary. I think the only grade we didn't have the same teacher was fourth grade. We were two peas in a pod, her and I . We both got the "Hope of America" award in sixth grade. We laugh about that all the time.

This is us: Me, Elaine, Lorianne, and Cory

Curt, Dennis, and Paizlie.

Who knew two best friends from elementary would be standing together with their preschoolers 30 years later?

(That just made me sound old! ahhhh!)

Jeremy, Cory, and their cute family.

Sam, me, and our cute family.

Ogden Half Marathon.......May 21, 2011

2011-05-29T09:23:00.008-06:00

This was me and my friend, Meghan's, fourth year to run the Ogden Half Marathon. It's crazy to think we have been running together that long. We train every year for this race together. We've trained for others as well. However, we've had injuries, or surgeries that have stopped us from running at times in our other races, but we always seem to pull the Ogden off together.

This year I have to say was our greatest accomplishment yet. We did awesome! We ran an overall average of a 8:18 minute pace. We ran our 13.1 mile race in 1 hour and 49 Min's. We ran our goal and it felt so great to run across the finish line completing it. We figured we were both within the top 10% of our age categories, I think Meghan was more in the top 5 to 10% of her age group. (Yes, Meghan is 10 years younger than me; she's a speedy and keeps me on my toes.)

I am really grateful for Meghan. She and I always help each other to do better. It's never a competition, just two friends helping each other along to become stronger and better. She has defiantly helped me become a stronger runner this year by far.

My last three miles were very difficult. I was DEHYDRATED and sick from it. When I saw the finish line I said to Meghan, "I think I am going to throw up." She said, "Just keep running and don't look up. Look at the ground." That was good advise for me. I just focused down and ran along the side of her. Thank goodness for her support because I wasn't sure I could make it that last 500 feet.

Anyhow, it was a great day! Thank you Meghan. I love training with you and I appreciate your friendship. Here's to many more years of Ogden Halves. Maybe we'll shoot for the full one of the upcoming years. Hopefully, both of us can go injury free to pull a full marathon off together in the future. Note to both of us: TAKE CALCIUM! ;0

This is a CUTE run kit that our friend Carrie gave to us girlies running the race. She gave one to me, Meghan, and Stacie. It was SO darling. It made my day. Thanks Carrie for all your love and support. You are AWESOME!

Meghan and Me!

WE ROCKED IT MEGHAN! GOOD JOB!

Also, Thank You Mom, Dad, Dave, and Meagan for coming up and bringing my kiddos to the race. Your support meant a lot to me. I don't know what I'd do without you. What am I going to do without you here is the next question? :)

Mother's Day!.....May 8,2011

2011-05-27T22:58:00.007-06:00

This year I got spoiled for Mother's Day! I had a wonderful day. Sam and I went on a bike ride at 7 in the morning. Then he came home and cooked a breakfast for a queen. He cleaned and slaved all day long. I got to do just what I wanted. SLEEP! It was AWESOME. I took several naps. I snuggled down in my bed and slept most of the day away. I caught up on the sleep I was lacking. It felt good.

This year we stayed home for a change. Sam made dinner, we played games with the kids, and hung out. I didn't have to do a thing but go to church. Sam spoiled me. It was a perfect day.

The kids were so excited to give me their gifts. Hadlie made me the CUTEST pillow at Activity Days. It said MOM on it. Daxton painted a cover for a planter they made at school with a flower in it. Hadlie helped Tage make me a candy card. Their presents were so cute. I love my kids!

Sam always does a good job with the gift giving, too good sometimes. He got me a really cute outfit and jewelry, he and the kids picked out. Then he got me a Lifetime table I have been wanting. I was very spoiled.

Thank you Sam Dawg and kids. You made my Mother's Day wonderful. I love you all so very much! I am thankful I am your mom. You are the greatest treasures in my life and I wouldn't trade you for anything! I am very blest to have you all.

There is a cute story behind Daxton's gift. He snuck his gift home from school so I wouldn't see it ;) Later on that day he came to me in TEARS. I said, "What's wrong Dax?" He said, "Hadlie accidentally spilled water on my gift to you and it's ruined". I said, "It's OK bud, I'll love it anyways." Then, Hadlie took Dax down stairs and they locked themselves in her room for two hours while they made a new cover for his flower pot. I thought that was SO SWEET of Hadlie to help him and SO SWEET of Dax to be so upset.

Play that UKE.....April 26, 2011

2011-05-27T22:49:00.004-06:00

Hadlie had her spring Ukulele Concert with her 4th grade spectrum class. They all performed so well. It's been such a great experience to watch these kids learn the UKE. We are so grateful to Mrs. Godfrey, the volunteer who has dedicated so much of her time to teach these children. Not only did she teach them how to play the Ukulele but she also taught them how music and math are associated with each other. It was a great performance.

BRAVO!

Easter Family Pictures.....April 23, 2011

2011-05-27T22:39:00.004-06:00

Easter April 24, 2011

2011-05-05T17:22:00.003-06:00

These are some cute pictures of the kids coloring eggs for Easter. We went to Nanny's and colored eggs. Kagen and Grady came with us. They had a fun time.

Cub Scout.....April 21, 2011

2011-05-05T17:07:00.004-06:00

Daxton is an official Cub Scout now! He looks so handsome in his uniform. We went to his first Pack Meeting and when Brother Allred welcomed him into their Den he said, "Daxton, we are so excited you are in our den. You should be the poster child for Cub Scouts because you look so nice."

Sam and I thought that was so cute because Daxton LOVES getting decked out in his uniform. Sam and I often wonder where this boy will go in life. He loves a pressed suit or uniform. He'd wear either one everyday if he could and he's only eight.

What a STUD!

Good Luck in Scouts buddy. We are so proud of you and we love you tons!

Easter Eggstravaganza.....April 16,23, &24, 2011

2011-04-27T14:53:00.007-06:00

The kids attended four Egg Hunt Eggsravaganza's this Easter. Here they are...

April 16th:

Our old neighbors, Mike and Rachel, invited the kids to their family egg hunt. It was a Blast! We went to Rachel's uncles home. He has the most amazing back yard and it was COVERED in Easter eggs and candy. There were a ton of people there and ALL the kids got a huge bucket of candy. The kids had SO much fun.

April 23rd:

Sam took the kids to the West Point Easter Egg Hunt...it was a fast furry of fun!

April 24th:

Easter mornings Egg Hunt and Nanny's house. This was the last time they will hunt at Nanny's because she is moving. :(

Egg Hunt and Grandma Bobbi's new house...

LaSt FieLd TRip....April 14, 2011

2011-04-27T14:27:00.002-06:00

Today was Tage's LAST field trip with his pre-school. The pre-school met a Flint's Nursery and toured their facility. This school year the kids have had a lot of fun and seen some great things on their field trips. I can't believe the school year is coming to an end. Nor can I believe that T-Man is going to be in Kindergarten next year. They grow up so fast.

The BIG EiGhT!!!!.....April 10 2011

2011-04-10T12:42:00.006-06:00

Happy Birthday, It's Your BiRtHdAy DaXtOn!

Isn't it GReAt to be EiGHt?

Dear Daxton,

It's hard to believe that you are eight years old today. This is a very exciting birthday for you. A mile stone in your life. It's the first big step you get to take in making covenants with your Heavenly Father. Dad and I are so proud that you have chosen to become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. We can't wait see you enter into the waters of baptism. It will be a GReAt and SpECiaL DaY!

You are such a good boy. Dad and I love to watch you grow and progress everyday. You are very special. You have a strong spirit and a very strong instinct to do what is right. (I think you are a lot like your dad in that way.) You have a sensitive, tender heart. You are a thinker and creator. You love to do things at your pace just so you can get them just right. You are a wonderful big brother to Tage. You two have a great friendship. I hope you treasure it always. You are a blessing to our family and we love you so much!

Last night I was talking to Grandma Owen on the phone and we were reminiscing about the day you were born. You were my hardest delivery. My epidural didn't work and you were born posterior. Even though you were an average size baby, you were big for me to deliver. My labor and delivery with you was very painful. In fact, so much so that after you were born I felt like I wanted to die because I wasn't sure if I could handle the pain anymore. The nurse asked me what I needed. I told her, "Please just let me die." She then said, "You want to die just after you had this sweet boy?" At the time, I thought I did but looking back on it now, I am so very glad I didn't and I am ashamed I even contemplated it. It was my hardest delivery but you are one of my greatest joys in life.

I love being your mother. We have a special bond. You make me so happy. I know Heavenly Father has big plans for you here on earth. I can't wait to see the amazing things you will accomplish both spiritually and physically.

Here's to another year. Dad and I hope you have a very Happy, happy Birthday! Keep up all the good work you are doing. You are wonderful and keep SMiLiNG! :)

Love,

Mom

Daxton opening his presents....

Daxton's Birthday Party with his friends on the 12th. They went to the bounce houses at Classic Skating. They had a bouncin' good time!

(Alex, Tyler, Andy, Garrett, Hadlie, Dax, and Tage)

Hadlie was flippin' for joy!

To The Dealth......March 28, 2011

2011-04-09T19:54:00.018-06:00

To The Dealth!

Am I an addict?

I am Jen Robertson and I LOvE Coke Zero! Should I? No! But, I do!

There is a story to this MONSTER MUG! While in California visiting our friends, I saw this HUGE Mug on Marks counter. I told Sam, "Honey, That is What I need." Sam laughed and said, "That is the biggest mug I have every seen." "No kidding!" I added.

Monday night Sam took Hadlie, Daxton, and Tage to get doughnuts at Krispy Kreme for their good grades. (They give each kid a doughnut for every "3" they have on their report card. They give up to 6 doughnuts per child, per good grade. We take the kids every term when reports cards come out.) I stayed home and put Paizlie to bed.

I was sitting at the computer when Sam and the kids came home. Sam said, "Hey, I got you a drink and a doughnut." He then walked in with the MONSTER MUG! I started to laugh. "Really?" I said. "Ahhh Yeah!" I replied. Sam, said "Just promise me you won't drink one of these a day." :)

The next day he told his friend Chad what he had done. Chad said, "Are you crazy Sam, are you trying to kill your wife?"

SO...Here's to the Death! One Gallon of Greatness....CHEERS!

LOL!

P.S- My goal is to really drink water from this everyday. By the end of summer, I will have it accomplished. Hold me to it, everyone! Or it will be my death :)

Uncle Dave's....April 8, 2010

2011-04-09T19:54:00.017-06:00

The kids and I spent a few days down in Spanish Fork last week. While we were there we went and saw Dave and Meagan's new apartment. We were going to feed the ducks while we were there but a storm was coming in so Dave took the kids across the street to a playground for a bit.

They were all freezing while playing but they had an enjoyable time. Paizlie stood in their window sealed and watched them from inside where it was warm.

Thanks for playing with the kids Uncle Dave. They love you a lot!

Eyyon's.....March 25-26, 2011

2011-04-09T19:54:00.011-06:00

Sam served his mission in Riverside, California. He has some very DEAR friends that still live near there, The Eyonn's. We wanted to visit them before we headed home from Disneyland. They live about 30 Min's away.

We stayed a couple of days with Mark and Pam. We had a wonderful time visiting with them. It's fun for me to watch Sam get gitty about his mission. He has so many wonderful memories of his mission. The missionary work in their area is very strong and active. It's neat to see how the members are so very close. They treat everyone like family.

Mark and Pam have such a strong spirit about them. They are full of love, generosity, service, and compassion. You can't help but feel at home with them when you around them. They are so much fun to be around.

They took the kids to Tom's Farm on Saturday. They got to ride some tractors, go down a big blow up slide, eat some kettle corn, and even wear a silly hat. They had fun.

After, we went to lunch then headed back to their home. Their daughters friends husband had planned a Huge surprise 30th Luau Birthday Party for her at the Eyonn's home. When we arrived back to their home the kids played some basket ball, air hockey, and soccer. Sam helped set a few things for the party and I did some grocery shopping, getting ready to head back for home the next day.

It was a fun party. They had Hawaiian dancers, a roasted pig, and lots of GOOD food. It was amazing. The dancers were very entertaining.

Sam, Mark, and Pam...

Silly Hats....

Life size Roosters....

Tractor Races.....

Digging in the Dirt....

Slides....

and Kettle Corn...

All on Tom's Farm!

Luau Time....

Thank you so much Mark and Pam for letting us come and stay with you. We love and appreciate you so much. We miss you and can't wait to see you again when you get back from your mission. SUERTE! DIOS LES BENDIGA!

DisneyLand.....March 22-24, 2011

2011-04-09T19:53:00.013-06:00

These are a few of our pictures from our Disneyland trip. We had a fun time. The weather wasn't so great. We got rained on almost everyday and it was a little chilly. We did hit the days right days though for not much rain. Monday, we decided to wait a day to go into the parks. We were glad we waited because it down poured all afternoon. After the rain we went to the beach and the kids played for a while. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday we went to Disneyland and California Adventure. We got showered on here and there but nothing major. Friday morning it rained when we got up so we were glad we chose the right days to go in. It did clear up enough that the kids could swim Friday morning.

We went with Mike, Jamie, Trae, Aizlyn, and Baxter. Jamie's mom, Carrie, and her brother and sister, Shilo and Breckten. We had a fun time. We rode a lot, played a lot, and ate a lot. The kids had a riot with their cousins. It was really fun to see ALL the kids rides the bigger, scarier rides. They were all brave. They had fun on the cute rides as well!

Waiting to go into DISNEYLAND!

Here we are at the Happiest Place on Earth, DiSnEyLaNd!

Tage got to play a tambourine for the Disneyland band. He was shy but didn't skip a beat!

We got rained on a few times. Wednesday night Jamie and I took the kids out for the evening. When we got back we were wet but we still had fun, rain and all.

At the end of the trip we voted:

WoRsT Ride!

BEsT RiDe.... The SCreAMer!

Everyone waiting in line, again, to ride the Screamer.

"ThIs Is AWeSoMe......

Pool Fun....March 25, 2011

2011-04-09T19:53:00.005-06:00

Friday the kids wanted to swim all morning long. Sam and Mike got in the pool with them. They launched the kids into the air so the kids could do flips and back flips into the pool. They all had so much fun doing it. Paizlie had a fun time as well, I tried to pull her out of the pool a few times to come inside and she insisted on staying. These cousins have a lot of fun together. They are all a little crazy!

Bottoms up.....or off!

Huntington Beach.....March 21, 2011

2011-04-09T19:52:00.009-06:00

This is our outing at Huntington Beach. It was cold and windy. Even though it was chilly, the kids had so much fun running the shore line. The tide was high, the waves would crash down getting the kids wet as the water rolled in. It was fun watching them.

We all couldn't believe how much the beach was eaten away by the recent activity from the tsunami in Japan. We didn't get a picture of it, but I wish we had. It was interesting.

Karate Kids In Action.....March 21, 2011

2011-04-09T19:52:00.005-06:00

We took a family trip to California to meet my brother, Mike, and his family at Disneyland. The first day we headed to the beach. Trae found a pole where he could practice his karate skills, like the karate kid did at the beach. We all followed in his lead and tried out the karate kid action. Tage was the only one who wanted to try something else, we should have had him "paint the fence" or "wax" on, "wax" off.

Here we are...

Happy St. Patrick's Day.....March 17, 2010

2011-03-18T21:53:00.006-06:00

This year I thought I would go all GREEN out. My mom used to make a big deal of every holiday so I thought I would try and do the same for my kiddos this St. Patricks Day.

For Breakfast I made my kids: green pancakes, shaped like shamrocks, green eggs, and I colored their milk green too.

For dinner I made white chili, colored green. I made homemade green rolls, and green frog sugar cookies. Then we also had green punch.

I know the kids loved it and had a fun day. They were amazed by all the green things we ate.

(In all honesty, I decided as I climbed into bed that I was burned out. I thought to myself, "NO WONDER I hate to cook. It takes ALL DAY LONG!") Oh well, I guess it's all in good fun every once in a while.

GNO.....March 12, 2010

2011-03-18T21:47:00.004-06:00

CAUTION, their fun can be explosive.....

Caution: Another GNO! This time: CHEESECAKE FACTORY! Ahhh Yeah! Charity had been trying to get us together again and we had a few cancellations but it was finally successful tonight. We met at the "Cheese"Cake Factory. It was a perfect place to meet, as you can see by our "chessy" photos.

We had a fun time, like always. I think the waitress was ready to kick us out because we were there so long. We ate some good food and then finished up with some CheeseCake, of course. It was awesome. Jacinda definitely won the best dessert award. She got a hot fudge brownie that was divine. We all voted for Jacinda to do the ordering for us next time.

Our "Cheesy" pictures at the CheeseCake Factory!

We are from the "West" side, West Valley!

Thanks girlie's. It was fun! I hope we can do it soon again. Every mom deserves a GNO sooner than later! Love you all!

Elders Quorum Makes Region.....March 10, 2010

2011-03-18T21:40:00.005-06:00

Sam's Elders Quorum Basket Ball team made Region this year. They placed 3rd. They have worked really hard on their playing this year. Every Tuesday and Thursday night you could bet they were killing each other on the court.

Me and the other wives would cross our fingers that it wasn't our husband that came home with an injury the nights they practiced. A few of the injury's are as follows: Michael Sharp tore the ligaments in his ankle, Nick Brown got stitches in his head, Sam got hit in the chin, got a bloody nose, a black eye, and jammed finger, Chon Choi sprained his ankle and jammed his finger, Colton Twitchel cut his elbow on Sam's teeth, Jason Nelson jammed his finger, etc. (The list goes on and on.....) Leave it up to church ball for these kind of injuries.

I am sure it's apparent that our ward has a mean lean Basket Ball playing team.....

GREAT JOB BOYS!!!!

Field Trip #6....Winegars.....March 9, 2010

2011-03-18T21:16:00.006-06:00

Tage had another field trip. This month they toured Winegar's Grocery Store. They were able to go into every department behind doors and see all the different kinds of work people do to make a grocery store run. They went to the bakery, the deli, the meat department, the dairy fridges and freezers, the pharmacy, and the bank. They were even able to go upstairs and see where the employees have lunch. They had a cookie and punch there. (That was their favorite part.) They were able to look out the big windows and watch everyone shop. It was fun.

The Apple of My Eye.......March 8, 2010

2011-03-18T20:55:00.002-06:00

I thought this was so cute....

I walked down stairs and Paizlie had helped herself to an apple. I think it was as big as she is. I asked her if she loved it, she just grinned from ear to ear. I was astonished because she never has been interested in eating apples. (The only thing that she has enjoyed doing with them is throwing them off her highchair tray.) I had them sitting in a fruit basket that was just at her level. I couldn't believe she went and got one. Nor, I couldn't believe she was eating it. :)

The next thing I knew Tage was eating a peach, sitting next to Paizlie and her apple. They were both camped out on Paizlie's Dora couch watch PBS Kids.

I love these kiddos. They are getting so big! They are the apple of my eye and can be sweet as a peach too.

Cupcake Fiasco.....February 27, 2011

2011-02-27T20:02:00.010-07:00

See Jen,

These are the cupcakes Jen made.

See Sam,

These are the cupcakes Sam made.

This too is the mess Sam had to clean up after he made his cupcakes.

Don't make cupcakes Sam!

LOL!

I had to post this because I made some cupcakes today and Sam said, "Wow Jen, those sure look good. Do you think I could make some for my home teaching families?" I said, "Sure, make them, then I'll put the icing on for you.

He made the batter, stuck them into bake, and about 10 min's later I started to smell something burning. I ran down stairs and Sam's cupcakes were COMPLETELY overflowing in the pan and baking onto the bottom of the oven. I said, "Oh no Sam." He came down from helping Paizlie and said, "Let me guess, I put too much batter in tins?" "Yep!" I said.

Well needless to say, Sam had a HUGE mess to clean up and all his work was in vain because he couldn't deliver his cupcakes to his home teaching families. What a bummer! I guess he gets an "A" for effort! Good try honey, maybe next time. ;)

P.S. -Just also know that you can't beat my perfect cupcakes! ;)

Finally Home......February 26 & 27, 2011

2011-02-27T19:21:00.004-07:00

Friday afternoon was Paizlie's upswing. We had an awesome Respiratory Therapist help her through out the day and at 2:00 pm her nurse came through the door and said, "I think Paizlie just made her step up. I've been watching her from outside and she just improved immensely. Let's turn her oxygen down." So, her nurse kept coming in every hour and turning her oxygen down. She went from 2 liters all the way down to .5 liter. (.5 was our MAGIC number to get us out of the hospital.)

She stayed on .5 liters all through the night and when her doctor came in Saturday morning he announced it was time for her to leave. Yeah! He did send her down with all the monitors and oxygen to help her finishing recover.

It was so cute because when Sam and I loaded her into the car Saturday afternoon and we pulled out the hospital she started grinning from ear to ear. She jibber jabbered all the way home.

Sam and I were right, when she made the upswing it would be fast and it was. I guess I should have know it was time for her to leave because Saturday morning she didn't seem so scared of her nurse or R.T. When the nurse came in to give her her medicine she sat straight up, didn't cry, didn't fight and took it like a big girl. Also, when the R.T. came in to give her breathing treatment and suction her nose out, she just laid down and started to whimper. I am sure she was thinking, "just hurry and give it to me." I was laughing at how cute and good she was being.

It is good to be home. She is making amazing progress. This morning, Sunday, her doctor called and told us to start weening her off the oxygen and breathing treatments. Hopefully, tomorrow she'll be able to run around without anything tying her down. We're grateful for our blessings and that she is almost done with this illness.

Right before we left...

Paizlie was SO EXCITED to be in the car and on her way home!

Grandpa Jerry and Grandma Bobbi came to visit her and bring Hadlie, Daxton, and Tage home. They sleep over at their aunts Stacey's house Friday and Saturday night. Thanks Stacey coming and getting them. They had fun.

Paizlie watching me making cupcakes....

Of course, I let her have some batter. Yummy!

Hospital time on February 24 & 25, 2010

2011-02-27T10:48:00.006-07:00

These are just some more pictures of Paizlie's stay in the hospital. She had a few visitors while she was there. A couple of our friends, Bishop Park, Megan, Chon, Carrie, and Cori came to see her while she was there. Chon and Sam gave Paizlie a blessing Tuesday night. Megan came to stay with her for a few hours while Sam and I went to Daxton's program on Thursday. Cori and Bishop Park came to check in on Paizlie too.

Once, Paizlie started to feel a little better, the nurses allowed her to take wagon rides around the floor just to get her out a bit. She LOVED them. She wouldn't let me stop taking her round and round. In fact, she spent most of Friday in the wagon. If we weren't spinning around out on the floor, she was relaxing in it in her room.

Here are some pictures from Thursday and Friday....

Bishop Park brought Paizlie a toy to play with while she is there.

He actually came twice to see her.

(He is so amazing and Paizlie LOVES him to death. Most Sundays after sacrament meeting he'll come take her and spend the next hour with her. She loves to go to him. He has gotten her to sleep in church a few times as well. All the children love him. He's got a sweet way with them.)

Paizlie getting suctioned out by the Sharol, the Respiratory Therapist.

(I loved this R.T. She came up with some great ideas to inflate Paizlie's lungs Friday. She did a great job getting out all of the gunk of her and on her way to recovery.)

Paizlie giving daddy kisses....so cute!

Patriot Program......February 24, 2010

2011-02-27T10:14:00.003-07:00

Every year the second grade puts on a Patriot Program at Daxton's school. It was really cute. The kids sang many patriotic songs and many of them had parts in which the talked about our great nation and it's history. They all did such a wonderful job.

Sam and I were a little late getting there because Paizlie was getting a chest x-ray. However, it was a very touching moment for me because Sam dropped me off at the schools front doors, I ran in, and I was trying to let Daxton know we were there. He kept looking around the gym for us but I couldn't get his attention. Finally, Sam walked in and Daxton immediately spotted him. He grinned from ear to ear. Once he noticed we were both there he just kept looking at us and smiling. It melted our hearts. He is such a good boy.

Daxton had a part in his program. He talked about the nations bird, the eagle. He spoke how it was a large bird and weighed 8 to 10 pounds. He did a great job. We, of course, were proud of him.

After the program, the parents were invited back to his class room to see all of the children's animal reports they just completed. They were all very cute. They each had to make a model of their animal they did a report on. The kids were really creative and did a wonderful job. Daxton did his report on Hammerhead Sharks. He got 10/10 on his report. His model was pretty neat too.

We love this kid.

Daxton and his Hammerhead Shark.

Daxton and his teacher, Mr. Hassard.

We are really proud of Daxton. He is such a sweet kid. He is doing good in school. We really like his teacher as well. Hadlie had Mr. Hassard too. He is so wonderful with the kids and really helps and cultivates their creative side as well as their intellectual side. He is one of the best teachers!

Paizlie's in the Hospital with RSV......February 21-? , 2011

2011-02-23T21:40:00.013-07:00

Paizlie started to get sick this past Saturday. She has always had a few problems with her lungs so I started to treat her with Albuterol on Saturday because I could tell her lungs were shut off a little bit. We thought she just was getting a cold because the other kids had one last week. Sunday she started running a small temperature and sounded a little weasy so Sam and I kept giving her the treatments. Monday night she scared Sam and I. About 5:30 pm Sam gave her a treatment and it didn't help at all. Her breathing became very labored and she started retracting heavily. I called Insta-Care and we ran her up to the Tanner Clinic.

The doctor tested her for RSV, tested her oxygen, and did a chest x-ray. I told Sam that I felt like it wasn't going to be good for all the test they were running. The doctor told us she had RSV. She told us Paizlie would need to be hospitalized since the treatments I was giving her weren't working and her breathing was so labored.

Sam and I ran over to the hospital and checked her in. She has been here for 5 days now. Tuesday was her worst day. Her temperature was just over 103 for half of the day. She was so sick. She was very lethargic. She laid on Sam all day long. Wednesday she seemed more herself but her oxygen had to be increased because her sat's were dropping. Thursday the same. Thursday, the doctor ordered another chest x-ray on her because everyone has been baffled as why her oxygen keeps needing to be increased. The x-ray report came back showing only signs of RSV, no pneumonia, or any other problems but minor fluid between the lungs. Friday morning they did more blood tests on her and still they showed to be good, that nothing else was going on. Her doctor ran down to the radiology department to look at her x-ray and he noticed that little parts of her lungs had collapsed from all the gunk in them from the RSV. So, that finally explained why the increase in oxygen. He recommended that she try and get more activity, which is hard because she is so tired and feels rotten. So today, Friday, we are going to give her a few baths, so she'll play a bit. We have and are going to give her some wagon rides. Sam ran home before going to work and brought me her doll stroller so hopefully I can get her to push her stuff doggies around in our room. The respiratory therapist has increased her oxygen to 3 liters now to get some pressure going into her lungs. We will see how it goes. Until now we are still here waiting.....

Her treatments have been a little traumatic for her. The nurses and therapist have to mask and gown every time they enter the room. It's very intimidating. Every time a nurse or therapist enters Paizlie gets scared and has a come apart. She gets so upset, we usually have to pin her to give her her med's. She also has to have a breathing treatment of Albuterol every four hours which is fine but, after the breathing treatment she has to get her nose cleaned out. Sam and I along with the respiratory therapist have to pin her down so the therapist can put saline down her nose and suck out all the gunk. She HATES it. She screams and kicks. She feels like she is being suffocated. It's sad.

To top it off, her tubes she just got a week and half ago have started to drain nasty gunk because she's so sick. So she's had to have another antibiotic and ear drops for those as well. Again, it's so sad.

I have to be honest, it's been harder to be in the hospital this time around with her because she is bigger. She can't lay in bed all day, but she can't really get down and walk around everywhere either because she's hooked up to a few machines and her oxygen. She just wants to be held most of the time. The days and nights have been long. Thank goodness Sam stays most nights at the hospital with her so I can get a good nights rest at home. I need it so I can spend all day here with her. We've been good to takes turns and give each other a break. It too has been a little hard on the kids. They miss her a lot. I am sure they are worried as well.

It will be good to get her home. Sam and I have decided that this trip to the hospital is going to be like the trip in NICU. Paizlie is a very slow recover-er but when she swings up, she'll swing fast. That's how it went in the NICU, VERY SLOW then all the sudden she got better quick and we left. I see the same pattern here. So we will continue to wait for her upswing....

Daddy's cuddle bug...

Tuesday was her worst day, she laid around lethargic. So sad.
Nanny brought Paizlie this cute puppy from Texas. SHE LOVES puppies.

Wednesday, she looked most like this all day. She was just mad a lot.

Tage getting some T.V. watching in while he was here visiting Paizlie.The look on his face is really how exciting it is here :)

Poor Baby!

Thank you everyone for helping us out this week. We have such a great support group of friends and family. Thank you for your prayers, love, and help! It means alot to us.

U of U Gymnastics.......February 18, 2011

2011-02-23T21:35:00.005-07:00

Last year my friend Carrie and her daughter, Cambrie, invited me and Hadlie to a U of U Gymnastics meet. This year we thought it would be fun to go again. The girls get free tickets at their school each year.

We rode the Front Runner up to Salt Lake, then Trax up to the Huntsman Center on campus. However, before we left Carrie's car died. We had a friend of Carries help us jump her car. We ran to Wendy's drive thru, got dinner, and then headed to the U of U.

Freezing Cambrie and Hadlie waiting for the Front Runner...

Carrie and I; it was bitter cold...
Hadlie and Carrie enjoying their dinner from Wendys....

U of U Gymnastics's ROCKS!
I had to be silly and throw this one up....
Carrie and Cambrie.....
Me and Hadlie!
After the meet we headed home. When we got off the Front Runner Carrie's car wouldn't start again so Chon, her husband, came to save us. We had a fun night. It was fun to go on mommy, daughter dates with the girls. The girls had a ball. I think Hadlie was in her element there at the meet. She kept saying to me, "Mom, one day I am going to be as good as those girls." I am sure she will. She is a go getter and she loves tumbling and gymnastics!

Valentines Day.......February 14, 2011

2011-02-23T21:28:00.005-07:00

We started a new family tradition last year for Valentines Day. We have a Valentines Day family dinner. We get a Papa Murphy's heart pizza to eat, we have lime ricky's to drink, and I decorate the table with lots of love.

This past month I have taken on a little bit of cupcake decorating. I am getting better at it so of course, I made Valentine cupcakes. They turned out real cute. They also were REALLY good.

Here is our fun family Valentines Day dinner...

I love my kiddos. It's so much fun to show and tell them how much I love them in a cute way on Valentines Day!

Tubes in Ears.......February 14, 2011

2011-02-23T21:23:00.006-07:00

Paizlie has had one too many ear infections this past year so we decided to have tubes put in her ears. We are grateful for the surgery because we think it will help with a few other problems she is having as well. Her ears are CONSTANTLY full of wax, so we are hoping the tubes will eliminate not only the wax and ear infections but also help her hear better. She is a little bit behind on her speech too.

We had to be to Davis Surgical Center at 7:00am, bright and early.

Paizlie trying to wake up and I am sure wondering why we're out and about at such an early hour.

Paizlie snuggling with Sam in the waiting room.
Waiting for the doctor to come and take her back to the surgical room.

Paizlie and mom snuggling.

I love to snuggle with my sweet kids. Paizlie's surgery went well. It was quick. We were in and out of the surgical center within two hours. However, when she woke up from being under anesthesia she was a BEAR. I am sure she was scared and not sure what to think. She cried for about 3 hours after the surgery, trying to pull out of it. She also threw up before we left the surgical center. I felt so bad for her but I also felt bad for the other patients trying to re coupe from their surgeries because she just kept crying and screaming. It was sad :(....

Paizlie out of surgery, she was NOT happy at all.

When we got home and she settled down she was happy as a lark. She was running around and jibber jabbering all afternoon long. She acted like nothing had even happened. She was very happy. (I think she liked the hearing the sound of her voice because she could actually hear it better.)

Daddy Love........February 13, 2010

2011-02-23T21:13:00.005-07:00

We were in Spanish Fork this weekend visiting family. Sunday morning I walked into my moms family room and saw a stack of three watching T.V. Paizlie was sitting on Tages lap and Tage was sitting on Sams lap. They were enjoying time with daddy.

I had to smile and grab my camera. It was definitely a Kodak moment.

Aren't they cute?

Tage LoVeS his little sister.

Field Trip #5......February 1, 2010

2011-02-07T17:28:00.004-07:00

We went to the West Point Fire Station today. The kids were able to watch a film on fire prevention and what to do in case of a fire, tour the station, look at all the emergency vehicles, climb into one of the fire trucks, and listen to its loud siren. It was one of the better field trips.

Tage and Paizlie on BIG RED!

Touring inside BIG RED!

Poor Sweet Princess P.......January 30, 2010

2011-01-30T14:47:00.004-07:00

Paizlie has the stomach flu. She has been sick all weekend. Sam and I have been up to our elbows in throw up. I think we have washed her bedding at least 4 or 5 times now and changed her outfits 10 or 11 times as well.

I feel so bad for her. It just keeps coming up and coming out. She is such a good girl though, she doesn't complain much and still keeps a smile on her face. I wish I could take it away from her. Hopefully, she is in the last stage of it.

Get better Sweet P!

Happily Ever After.......January 18 2010

2011-01-30T13:57:00.005-07:00

I am in the Young Women's Presidency in our ward. On Tuesday we had New Beginnings. This year our theme was "Happily Ever After". We went ALL OUT PRINCESS. It turned out to be a really fun night.

The beehives were in charge of the food and decorations. Their leader Abbey did an amazing job. She and the beehives made soup, princess shoe shaped bread sticks, salad, and cute princess crown cookies along with princess decorated brownie balls. It was darling.

Our YW President, Cindy, decorated each table in a princess theme. There was: Princess and the Frog, Little Mermaid, Snow White, Beauty and the Beast, ect. We strung lights and huge colored paper balls across the gym as well. It was so beautiful.

The YW leaders made the girls a temple block to take home with them. It said on the picture: I'll Go Inside Someday. (The temple blocks represented their castle). We also had a princess crown for each girl as well.

To finish the princess theme off, we have an amazing lady in our ward who owns a bridal shop and she was so kind to let the girls and leaders borrow formal dresses. Everyone looked so beautiful.

The night went really well. The girls all showed up looking like true princesses. We ate a royal dinner fit for a princess. The new beehives who are coming into YW's this year were introduced, then we had a wonderful speaker, Kristina Green's mom, speak to us. She spoke on her "Happily Ever After"and encouraged the girls to look to the temple to find their "Happily Ever After". She was an incredible speaker. The spirit was very strong. I hope each girl was touched by her message.

After, the girls did a craft I brought; they made a paper jeweled purse. Then, Abbey took each girls picture and also another picture with their mothers.

It was an amazing night. The girls looked beautiful and I am sure they had a royal ball.

Kelsey Larsen, a new beehive who comes into YW this year.

Sonja, Joselyn, and Bailey.

Our beautiful Young Women Princess!

Don't they look gorgeous?

All the leaders and Young Women.

Half of YW leaders.....

All of the Young Women leaders!

We look cute too!

I love being in the Young Women's. Our girls are amazing. They bless my life. I am very thankful for my calling.

Field Trip #4......January 13, 2010

2011-01-13T11:13:00.003-07:00

This morning we went with Tage's pre-school to the Post Office. The kids learned what happens to a letter when it's sent. They walked through the whole process with them; they were able to go in the back and see where they sort, store, and send out the mail. They also were able to see the back of a mail truck full of mail ready to be delivered.

I think the kids enjoyed the field trip. After the tour they got to mail themselves a letter. Hopefully, Tage's letter will be here soon. ;)

Tage on tour....

Lucy and Paizlie checking out the back of the loaded mail truck....

Tage and Lucy mailing their letters to themselves....

Ms. Mary giving the kids a fun coloring book about the Post Office!