The Atkin Gang

Happy Birthday, DUSTY!

2009-05-23T13:38:00.000-07:00

Today is my brother's birthday, he would have been 48 years old this year. Unfortunately we just don't get to celebrate it with him this year, he passed away about 3 1/2 years ago from colon cancer. Ya know, I have really become to absolutely HATE the word "cancer". I think I could go a billion years with out ever hearing that again. (I just don't think I'll have much luck with that though)

Dusty is a giant of a man if I ever knew one. Not to say that he was perfect or anything, as we are all human, but I have never seen anyone (personally) become closer to that as he did in his final months. He became so close to our Lord and Savior. I admire him so much for that and for so much more. Dusty absolutely loved life. He did more is his short 44 years than I think I would ever do in a lifetime. I sure love and miss this guy so much. What a reunion I have been planning when I get my turn to go home. Oh how I look forward to embracing both him and my sister Tina, who left us about 19 years ago. Wow, how time has gone by.

Happy Birthday, Dusty!

We all Love you SO much!

Greene Family Photo Shoot 2009

2009-05-01T15:49:00.000-07:00

Is that not a good look'in family...

...who aslo knows how to have some fun

Bryana, Matt, Peyton, Tatum, and baby Kade

us... Cindy, Jeremy, Cassidy, Taylor, Emma, and baby Ryann

Sandy, Tucker, Madison, Sadie, Noah, Drew, and Aly

Mom, Dad, Suzy, Brandon, and Jake

Suzy, Brandon and Jake

Derick, Tristyn, Ashtyn, Kaidyn, Jackson, Dustin and baby McKenna

Jay, Brooke and Aaron

Savannah, Aaron, Niki, Meghan, baby London, and baby Ella

Savannah, baby London, Meghan and baby Ella

Mom and Dad

Mom and I

Mom and Sandy

Jay and Mom

Mom and Bryana

Mom and Brandon

Mom and Madison

Niki, Mom, Savannah, baby Ella and Meghan

Easter 2009

2009-05-01T14:45:00.000-07:00

Easter was a little different for us this year. It seems that we came to the cliff part of our life's hike about a week before Easter. My sweet mom unfortunately found out she had pancreatic cancer at the same time Jeremy's dad's colon cancer turned very aggressive. Both of us were torn in different directions and it became quite the uphill climb.

However, it is amazing how you realize how MUCH you love those close ones around you and how you can get a good perspective on life. Somethings that you think are so important just are not that big of a deal.

It has also been a time that our family has become truly indebted to good friends. With both Jeremy's family and my family dealing with major trials, I depended on the strength of some amazing friends for support with my kids and basic life stuff. Thank you SOOOOOO much for your true Christ-like service!

Through everything, I was still able to get some sweet Easter smiles. You gotta love the nature of an innocent child.

Ended the evening with an Easter Dinner at Grandma Greene's

The girls helped Grandma Greene with her famous fruit salad. And yes, that entire bowl got filled up by the time they were done.

Grandma's Birthday

2009-05-01T14:25:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Grandma Atkin! We love you and are so grateful to all you do for us.

Ryann's 1st Birthday!

2009-05-01T12:06:00.000-07:00

Oh sweet baby doll! How time has flown by...

Ryann had her 1st birthday in March.

These three kiddos were so excited to have little Ryann join us. It was quiet the struggle of who got to hold her.

Bald and lov'in it! Like father like daughter

Cassidy is so good with Ryann. Half the time Ry prefers Cassidy over mom or dad. Thank goodness for big sisters, for both my sake and hers.

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY RYANN!!!

Does that smile not just melt you? Gotta love those teeth.

"What is this brown stuff? CHOCOLATE?!?"

Emma's 4th Birthday

2009-04-30T13:57:00.000-07:00

As long as we are playing catch up...

My Emma had her 4th Birthday in February. I can not believe she is already four, she is stuck at 18 months in my mind.

Emma was a very even-natured baby and toddler. She was very easy going and happy.

Emma found her current sassy personality around the age of 2 1/2. But we still love her more than she will ever know, sassy and all.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY EMMA!!!

Thank you Grandma Tami! We love you very much.

Quinci, Ryann, Taylor, & Emma

Oh, how we love those dress-ups. The dancing outfits that rarely go a day without being worn.

Thank you Grandma Atkin! We just love the Tinkerbell house SOOOO much.

Happy Birthday, TAYLOR!

2009-04-28T15:59:00.000-07:00

Ok, this is a really old one, but for journal purposes I am adding this in. Besides Taylor's baby pictures are just too dang cute to not post.

My big guy turned 7 yrs. old in November. (it has just taken me forever to post about it). Wow! Does time fly when your having fun, or what?

Taylor is such a good kid. We enjoy having him in the family soooo much!

Happy 7th Birthday!

One of my proudest "mommy" moments this year was while I was cleaning the glass of our back sliding door, when Taylor came up and asked for help with something. The entire time he was asking he watched every stroke of the paper towel and Windex. I explained I would be able to help him as soon as I finished cleaning the glass. He stood there for a moment, then leaned over took the paper towel from my hand and said, " Here mom I'll do it, you missed a spot"
.

I had to seriously hold back my tears. I was so dang proud of him for having those instincts.

A good birthday dinner at Taylor's favorite restaurant... Good 'ole Serrano's
We love you Taylor SO much! Our family would not be the same without you.

To All the Moms!

2009-02-03T11:30:00.000-08:00

Okay, so this is the funniest thing I've seen in a while. I was trying to figure out how to set it as my blog's background music, no luck.

IT IS SO FUNNY!!!

This one goes out to all the moms out there that at times feels like they are in the same rut I am.

ENJOY!

(don't forget to scroll all the way down and click pause on the music first)

So if you are like me you will push play again and laugh even harder the second time. We have a couple of "Father's DNA" walking around at our house.

So it Begins!

2009-01-30T22:14:00.000-08:00

I knew the days of laying a blanket down with a couple of toys were over, but I didn't know we were so close to the ones where I just can not humanly possible keep up with a BUSY toddler. And she is only 10 months old.

She is gets EVERYWHERE!!!! She thinks she is so much bigger than she is. Okay, maybe that is a little denial setting in, but still. Oh, Ry what are we going to do with you?

I Made BREAD!

2009-01-30T22:00:00.000-08:00

Yeah! I made bread from scratch. I ground the wheat from my food storage and everything. I feel so domestically successful.

Bless my mom's heart, who by the way I think is the most amazing, generous, genuinely caring person I know, she came over one day last week and sent the whole day teaching me bread making skills and canning chicken skills. We got 5 loaves of bread made and 14 jars of chicken canned. What a productive day!

Too bad that feeling left as fast as the day did. Hmmm... what do you do?

Look at my wheat bread just rising away!

I love you mom! Thanks!

Fun in the Snow!

2009-01-30T20:43:00.000-08:00

Couple of weeks ago we bundled up and headed to the snow. The kids had a blast and will not let me put the snow boots away in hopes that we will be able to go again before is starts getting warm for good.

Emma just ate and ate and ate that snow. She was just shivering inside and out by the time it was time to go.

Ryann didn't know what to make of the snow at first but quickly got the hang of it. Until nap time came that is.

Ashtyn and Cassidy had a ball going down the hills as well as everyone else

Jackson

Cassidy

Yes, Emma is still eating the snow.

For some reason it was a struggle actually getting away(which may be a slight understatement), but once we got there we all had a GRRREAT time.

"Punkie Bruster" Quinci

2009-01-20T13:59:00.000-08:00

This was just the cutest moment...

The kids were outside playing and out comes our neighbor, Quinci. She was just skipping as hard as she could with lopsided ponytails just flopping as she skipped. I could tell that she had just gotten up from a nap and the outfit was to satisfy her mother's request of long sleeves and something warm on her legs. I love the color combination.

If I wasn't outside I would have been rolling on the floor. You are too dang cute Quinc.

I just love this child's spirit. Thanks for sharing it with us Quinci!

Sweet Cassidy

2009-01-20T07:20:00.000-08:00

Now don't fall over of amazement... 2 posts in one week!

Cassidy had a crazy hair day at school the last few days before winter break and I just couldn't go without sharing this...

She was So cute and was in the best mood that day, so the hair just bounced as she walked.

Would this just not be the life! In a soft cushy chair just for you, someone bringing you food, cleaning it up when your done... oh, I really think I could do that for a day or so.

We call this Ryann's pink "Where's Waldo" pj's.

I Feel like a Human Again!

2009-01-18T19:09:00.000-08:00

Oh, sweet sigh! The holidays are over (as much as enjoy them when they are here), our spat with RSV is over, and a trip to the ER (I'll explain later) is over. Whew! What a season!

I finally feel like I have a grip on my life again and am ready to get back to reality, and catch up on an enormous amount of blogging.

Soo... almost a month late... We had a awesome Christmas!

This going to be a long post and I will not be offended if you skip parts... I know it is long but wanted to include all of it for journal purposes.

Getting Ready for Christmas

everyone participated in setting up the tree and decorations, it was a nice change to the usual "mom doing it by herself". I think we found a new tradition!

even Ryann had a stab at the tree branches

Turned out fairly good, huh. The best part are the homemade ornaments. I have really come to absolutely treasure those!

(note all the ornaments strategically placed about a foot off the ground)

Holiday Candy Making

in efforts to keep an old holiday tradition alive, we made Christmas chocolates. Oh, the kids thought they were in HEAVEN!!!!! lick'in and paint'in and lick'in and decorating and just a little more lick'in.

Ryan was still trying to figure all it out. I could tell she knew something was different between her pretzel in her hand and the yummy chocolate in Cassidy's.

Sorry Ry, there is always next year.

This was part of the lick'in

School Programs

Cassidy did an awesome report on Freya Stark and then got to dress up like her for Cassidy's cottage fair night, where all the kids got to show their stuff to the parents. She did such a great job.

This quarter Taylor's cottage was "Plymouth plantation" (studying about the Pilgrims, etc.) He really enjoyed it... however not as much as the "sweet shop" he studied the previous quarter.

Emma had a little program at preschool. She decided she was going to be shy that morning, even though all I heard for about a month is all the little holiday songs being belted out of the back seat of the car. Funny how they do that.

Christmas Morning
The kids were so excited! It took them forever to fall asleep, especially Cassidy. She just knew she was going to catch Santa in the act. Ahhhhhhhh... no pressure or anything. It was neat to watch how excited she was.

I just had to document Emma's "do" in the above picture. I was just rolling on the floor when I saw it. She didn't seem to care and just loved her new Hannah Montana outfit.

What an awesome brother to share with is baby sister! Too bad she didn't get any of the good stuff inside.

Christmas lunch with the Atkin's
It has always been so neat to have both mine and Jeremy's family close that we are able to go and visit everyone on the holidays.

Jeremy's parents are always so good to us at Christmas... they always put so much thought and effort into making Christmas nice for the kids. Thank you so much for all you do.

Hmmmm... yeah, I am just going to have to taste it!

Dinner with the Greene's

We finished the day up with dinner at my parents and all the Gang. Wow, how we have grown over the years. There were 41 of us, 1 on the way (that we know about), and 3 missionaries... What a crowd!

Meghan, Sweet baby Londyn, and Mom

It didn't take the kids long to start breaking in all the grandma gifts.

Sandy and her sweet family... plus a few extras

We had an amazing day! I think the best part it spending it with family! I sure feel blessed to have the family I do. Especially my husband and kids.

Where-O-Where has November Gone?

2008-12-09T13:56:00.000-08:00

Wow! Where did November go? I think I have been saying that for about 2 months now... hmmm... Oh well onto the next month (the crazy month... AHHHHHHH!!!) However, I am bound and determined to not feel so crazy chaotic. We will see how things turn out.

So about November...

Some of Jeremy's family from Vegas came down for Thanksgiving and the kids has soooooo much fun together. They made Christmas trees out of upside down ice cream cones, and just loved it... Thank you Tami and Scott for some good memories.

Cassidy, cousin Brooke and cousin Morgan

Now those are some SWEET girls... hehe
Emma was heart broken when her Christmas tree was chopped down.

Taylor's going green... hehe

Sweet Madison!

Taylor and Logan

I have a feeling these boys are going to be good buddies when the age gap starts shortening.

More November Fun

2008-12-09T12:01:00.000-08:00

So for a couple of weeks my creative daughter has been building her very own airplane. She has been spending every extra moment after school, roping in anyone that is willing to help and using any scrap piece she can get her hands on to put together an airplane.

The finished product had a sheet over the top of the metal canopy. Who knew where they were going... but very creative none the less. Go Cass!

Cassidy and Aly

Emma has been so proud of her "peddo-ing" lately. She just absolutely loves to ride her bike. It is either barbies or bike riding... that is her world, except for her friends of course.

These pictures does not do the "Blue" justice but... on the way home from school one day Ryann got a hold of a ribbon, that for some reason was colored with blue marker hmmm... wonder how that happened, and just came out with vibrant blue hands, tongue and lips. Sweet baby! will she survive her siblings?

Jay's Wedding

2008-12-09T12:00:00.000-08:00

My nephew, Jay, got married over Thanksgiving weekend to the sweetest little girl. They make such a cute couple and compliment each other so well. Congratulations guys!

Some how I didn't get a picture of the bride and groom together, bummer.Jay and my mom

Brooke and her dad

Emma and Kaidyn (my brother's daughter)

My Dad and McKenna

He is one of the few people I ever see her go to happily. Must have a that special touch!

A Child's Innocents

2008-11-25T15:09:00.000-08:00

So Emma and her little friend, Quinci, were riding in the back of the car on the way to pick the kids up from school and had the most cutest conversation that I just had to share...

It started with a barbie conversation (of course) and how they both "needed" to go to Walmart so they could get a particular barbie. As if Emma doesn't have enough... poor deprived child... I tried to explain that it was something Emma needed to talk to Santa about, and this was there response....

Emma: Where is Santa?

Quinci: He is coming to town!!!!! I have a sign on my door and guess what it says...

Emma: What (with a roll of the eyes)

Quinci: That he is coming to TOWN!!!!!

Emma: (unsatisfied) Well where is he?

Me: (trying to hold back my laughter) He up at the North Pole, where he lives, making all the toys for your presents.

Emma: Can I go? (coming from the child who was terrified to even look at him at the mall last year)

Me: to his house?

Emma: Ya

Quinci: I wanna go too!

Me: Well, we can't go to the north pole this year, but maybe we can go see him at the Mall. He visits there.

Quinci: Ya, and we can go tomorrow.

Emma & Quinci: YEAH!!!!!!!!!

Mmmmm... now where did they pick up that we are going tomorrow. Sorry Kelly!

Ya, this picture was taken the same day... and yes they have on different outfits... don't you love this age!

Taylor, our Pro Baseball Player

2008-11-18T11:05:00.000-08:00

Taylor has been playing couch pitch this fall and is just loving it. There are some kids on the team that needs their focus redirected from time to time... Taylor is definitely not one of those. He sits at the edge off the fence and anxiously awaits his turn with bat in hand.

He has quite the big swing! In the first 3 games, he amounted to hitting about 12 times and hit a home run at least 10 of the times, most of them soring over the kids heads into the outfield... Can you tell he has a proud mama? Whew Hew Taylor!

Keep it up buddy, you can support us all when you get into the Pros. he he! Jeremy already has it all planned out. He sits there just beaming as he cheers his son on. Go Taylor!

Ryann's 8 Months!

2008-11-18T11:04:00.000-08:00

Ryann is growing up way too fast!!!!! Last Tuesday she turned 8 months, wow where has the time gone?

She thinks she is bigger than she is. We are crawling everywhere now, it is still an awkward crawl, with big arm motions and everything, but she is getting the job done and that is all that matters to her.

The scary one is she has been pulling herself up to her feet and walking along the couches for about 3 weeks now.

She still is working on her tummy control, she still spontaneously falls backwards and then just look at me like..."MOM! how dare you".

She also thinks she can tackle the stairs as well. WHEW! did we get a heart-a-tack on that one!

Where did October Go?

2008-11-08T13:06:00.000-08:00

Wow! Did the month of October just fly by, or is it just me? No looking back now... October is gone and we are well on our way to the holidays. AHHHHH! Man do I have some catching up to do on this blog...

A True Emma Moment

2008-11-08T12:30:00.000-08:00

So Emma was Sharpay for Halloween. The costume was bought about 2 or 3 weeks before Halloween, but wasn't allowed to be worn until the big day.

Side note: (We have had past experiences where the kids wore their costumes before Halloween trying to get the maximum use out of them... and they got tired of them . Which then turned into a battle because their mean 'ole mom just wouldn't buy them a different costume because they changed their mind as to what they wanted to be. So a new rule was born in our house ... Halloween costumes do not get worn until Halloween actually comes and THEN they may be worn and played until the little hearts in our house are content. )

Anyway back to my story... Emma was just busting at the seams to wear her blue Sharpay costume. She could hardly contain herself any longer, so when she got the "OK" to get her costume on for her preschool Halloween party she could not even wait for her mom to finish feeding the baby to help her with her dress and make-up kit, which had to be hidden as it was mysteriously broken into several times. So when I came downstairs after finishing with Ryann this is what I found...

hmmm.... now how are we going to get that one off.

The rhinestones ON the lips must be a new thing.

She did finally let me help her get things cleaned up. That sure was some RED lipstick though.

She is so cute, even though she is so mischievous.

Halloween

2008-11-08T12:00:00.000-08:00

Halloween was fun for the Atkin's... The kids started off the day with a literary parade at their school, where they got to dress up like a character in a book. Then with one class following another get to march around, inside and out, the whole school with their book in hand. It makes it slightly more difficult for the parents making sure their costume can go with a book character, but a cute idea none the less.

Taylor has made it easy for me picking a ninja for the second year in a row... Which went along with the Magic Tree House's Ninja book

Cassidy was a fairy (didn't want to wear the wings though) from Alice the Fairy. I just love that book. It is one that I can read over and over to my girls and not get tired of it. It must be the little 3yr. old's sassy personality I relate with or something. (don't you say a word Jeremy)

Jeremy was... well his was self explanatory. Poor Guy! It's ok, I still love you Jer.

We ended the night with a potluck get-together in the front with some neighbors, friends and a little family. We blocked off the street, pulled out the chairs, ate some food, had a fire, and ate some candy of course. What a night!

"Ok, we smiled... now for the good stuff!"

Those are some handsome boys.

The Walkway is Done!

2008-10-08T11:40:00.000-07:00

I hadn't posted the final pictures of the walkway yet because I was waiting till we got a little of the green back in... so... close enough. This project proved to take a lot more sweat and time than originally thought.

I am so excited how it turned out though. Thank you so much Jeremy for all your hard work you do. I am sure you just roll your eyes (discretely of course) every time I say, "So I have been thinking...". Thank you for always so politely indulging me. I sure love you!

Didn't he do such a good job!

Gotta Love Cousins!

2008-10-08T08:08:00.000-07:00

Cousin's are one of the best kind of friends.

Ryann 6mo, Kade 8mo, McKenna 9 1/2mo

( Kade in my niece's son and McKenna is my brother's daughter)

It's been 14 years!

2008-09-22T22:54:00.000-07:00

So, 14 years ago today my hubby and I started our journey with our first date. It seems like a life-time ago.

We were high school seniors at Gilbert High School (I just dated myself didn’t I? oops) and it was about two weeks away from the infamous Homecoming dance, and a couple of mutual friends were getting together to watch a movie at a friend’s (Cam Heiner, for those of you who are dating yourselves back like I am) house, nothing spectacular, but it is the company that counts. Right?

It was that night that Jeremy planted the first kiss, right there in my parent’s driveway as he dropped me off. He wasn’t about to waste anytime. That hasn’t changed over time either… I love him for that, even when I like to pretend that I don’t.

I sure feel incredibly blessed to be his wife! He is truly my Superman! I feel so safe and loved by him, it is an amazing feeling. He loves me through all my sassy, spit-fire personality and that takes a very big Superhero to do.

He has given me the four of the most beautiful angels, and I hope they all have his wonderful outlook on life. I admire you more than you will ever know. I love you, Jeremy.

Taylor and Jeremy. Yep... he is swimming in the blowup pool in his clothes with his 1yr. old son. What a dad!

Jeremy and Cassidy, during swim lessons. She held onto his neck so tight.

Jeremy and Taylor

Jer, Cassidy & Taylor at Disneyland

Cassidy, Taylor & baby Emma (Easter morning)

Cassidy, first time fishing. Even though she caught the fish she was not going to get any closer.

Jeremy being patient with Emma, as she just would not get off the quad.

The Family at Disneyland

Chill'in with Ryann

Thank you for the past 14yrs… it has been the time of my life! and I wouldn’t do any other way than with you.

Laundry Treasures!

2008-09-19T12:34:00.000-07:00

The only good things about doing laundry is smelling good and the treasures that gets left in the pockets... the unclaimed change, $$ dollars $$, and the occasional happy baby. hehe

I love her smile!

These are some of my favorite people!

The Best Game Night Ever!

2008-09-18T11:20:00.000-07:00

Girls, you knew this was coming...

So, last weekend we busted out a game that we have had for a long time but just haven't played. This ended up being the most silliest, funniest game. It is called Would You Rather?, it has questions asking would you rather be one things or another, and then you have to correctly guess what the group would prefer in order to advance further. The fun came when you drew a challenge card that had a choice of six of the most outrageous challenges to choose from. You needed to complete one to get the next level and three to win the game. OH!!! did we have a good time with this...

Karissa, a good neighbor, started out the challenges with...

Drink like a cat (with no hands and lapping liquid with your tongue) from a glass for 30 seconds.

Her little Emily had no idea licking from a bowl was allowed at the table.

Her husband got the next one...

Let someone use make-up to draw a fake mustache and fake eyeglasses on you face. Leave them there for the rest of the game.

He really had to work on his serious face when it came time to collect his girls for the night saying, "come on girls it's really time to go" with his tiny little glasses and mustache drawn on his face.
The kids just couldn't believe the silliness going on
Jeremy was the next to fall victim ...

Continue participating in the game with a spoon in your mouth for two full player turns.

This proved to be an incredibly long time when your wife... who is thoroughly enjoying the enormous wooden spoon in your mouth... is the next player and is dragging it out as long as possible.

It wasn't long until the drool started playing a factor. Thank goodness Ryann's burp rag was handy.

Cheryl, a good neighbor and bishopric member's wife, challenge read as follows...

Continue participating in the game while holding your tongue with your hand for two full player turns.

Jeremy was not happy when Cheryl only had to suffer for a short 30 seconds or so, as the next two players quickly landed on "lose a turn"

Jeremy had the fortune of landing on his second challenge on his very next turn. It read...

While blindfolded, allow the group to put as many bad smelling items they can find beneath your nose, and inhale deeply again and again until you can guess two of them.

Boy, did I have fun with this one.

I just couldn't resist getting Jeremy's very own stinky, crusty, lawn mowing socks from the garage... who knew how long they have been there.

You know you've got a good neighbor when he is willing to go into your bathroom, pull out your wet toilet plunger, secretly hold it under your nose while you try to guess the smell, and holding his laughter in while you think it is a diaper the whole time. You were close, Jeremy. You are a good sport .

Karolien and Gary... you guys really missed out! ... don't worry we saved the best challenges for you

Happy Birthday!!!

2008-09-16T08:10:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to publicly say, "that I Love You!" I know that sometimes I can be a big dork... Thank you so much for putting up with me over the last 9 1/2 years! You are the best mom in the world to our children. They are so blessed for that! I am so honored and feel blessed to be your husband. Happy 31st Birthday!!!

Love you with all my heart!
JB

Camera Happy!

2008-09-08T14:44:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun with my camera this morning. I am really starting to feel the bug again. Pulled out the better camera and went to town with my two little girls. Poor Emma and Ryann.

"Okay mom, I'm tired now"

Now I just have to get my hands on Cassidy and Taylor.

Where ever you go, I will go too!

2008-09-03T13:26:00.001-07:00

So Emma just doesn't leave Ryann alone. Whether she is in her bed, in her bumbo chair, in her bouncy chair while I take a quick shower, or on the floor for some tummy time; it doesn't matter Emma is always there. I love how much she loves Ryann!

Are those not just the cutest little girls? Dress-ups and all.
Ryann's face says, "Save me mom"

Things are Starting to Take Shape.

2008-09-02T11:04:00.000-07:00

Isn't he doing such a good job? I am so excited.

Let me know your vote...

1. Should we keep the grass (making it fill the area a little bit more)
or
2. Tear it all out putting raised decorative block flower boxes (filling in between with rock)?

Emma's in Preschool. YEAH!!!!!!!!

2008-09-02T10:47:00.000-07:00

We went to our first day of preschool. I am just twitter-painted! It was just a parent orientation so I didn't actually get to drop her off, but exciting none the less. She has been just dying to go to "my class at Cambria's house" (her teacher's daughter). She is so bored with just me and Ryann at home.

She even gets to bring a backpack, which is just her cherry on her cake.

She is growing up so much. I can't believe my little Emma is going to preschool. WOW!

Yes, we had to bring the swimsuit with us. It didn't make it to class though. I think she is going through summer withdrawals.

New Walkway!

2008-08-31T16:33:00.000-07:00

We...I mean Jeremy has started a project in the front yard that I just can't wait to see completed. If it goes as planned it is going to look really good.

One of our neighbors gave us an enormous amount of street pavers. Indicating if we would haul them out of his garage that day, we could have them all. Who could pass up an offer like that? So of course we had to think of the most elaborate/destructive way to put them to use. After much planning (a whole hour and a half) with our master-mind neighbor, Scott, Jeremy began tearing up the yard...

We decided to make a couple of walkways and planter boxes, after tearing up some cement of course.

Taylor tried to keep cool as much as he could. Don't you love AZ

As you can see, it took a couple rounds of spray paint before a plan was actually decided on.

There is nothing sexier than my man "in the zone"

Can't wait to post the pictures when it is all done. PS. Scott thank you so much for all your help and late hours. You are ranking up some major payback points.

I am Still Waiting, JB!

2008-08-25T14:35:00.000-07:00

Hehe... inside joke.

Girl Time!

2008-08-17T08:24:00.000-07:00

Nails have been the hot topic in our house lately. The girls earned a couple of fake nail sets out of the treasure box and that was all it took. We have been painting, sticker-ing, rhinestone-ing, glitter-ing and anything else they could think of to do on their nails.

P.S. don't mind the messy table in the background, we had a couple of projects going on this week

For some reason the nail filers were just as exciting to get as the nails were

Ryann's 5 month now

2008-08-17T07:57:00.000-07:00

Wow! I can't believe how fast the time is fly'in by. Ryann clocked 5 months this past week. She has really been a very sweet, happy baby for us. She has even blessed me with sleeping all night long since she was 3 or 4 weeks old. I sure love her for that!

Emma wanted to share those fruit snacks with Ryann so bad. She really worked hard on convincing me that she would only tear off a little piece to share with her. Oh... are we going to have to really watch that one.

Taylor just can't seem to get enough of Ryann. His relationship with her has really surprised me. I did not expect him to love and dote on her as much as he does.

Outfitted for Some Hard Work

2008-08-14T09:47:00.000-07:00

Who new that pulling weeds in the backyard not only needs gloves to protect your hands but your eyes and ears need to be protected as well.

Go Taylor and Ben!

Emma did her best to keep up with the boys

Who needs a weed-eater when you have Taylor around

Taylor should have used the better glasses, cause it looks like his must have been defective

We sure love you, Taylor!

Student of the Day

2008-08-14T09:36:00.001-07:00

Taylor came home from School Tuesday so excited to share that he was "student of the day".

He got to bring home the teacher's extremely large math display papers and honored with a snazzy star sticker, that we just had to display on our forehead.

I am sure there had to be other things and privileges involved, but this is all I got out of a 1st grader.

Congratulation Taylor!

1st Day of School

2008-08-04T12:47:00.000-07:00

Taylor and Cassidy could not wait to start 1st and 3rd grade.

Jeremy got to walk them into their lines and said that Cassidy took the older sibbling role very well telling Taylor to go play on the swing and she would come check on him. As for Taylor, Jeremy said he was high five'in all the boys as fast as he could, whether he knew them or not.

I think they are going to have a great year at Eduprize.

Ms. Sassy!

2008-08-04T12:07:00.001-07:00

Camping with Derick's (brother) Family

2008-08-04T12:02:00.001-07:00

Emma being Mischievous in the Car

2008-08-03T15:05:00.000-07:00

So one of the reasons I had to go ahead and start my blog, instead of waiting, was to share this moment. I was heading home from swim lessons at my moms and noticed Emma was digging in the swim bag. Frustrated, I turned around to tell her to put everything back and saw this...

What you don't see in the picture is that she had her asthma inhaler in her other hand and was so proud that she was doing it "by myself, mom". All the frustration left and I had to just pull over and take a picture.

Oh my sweet, sassy Emma what would we do without her.

Yeah! I finally started my blog

2008-08-03T14:56:00.000-07:00

Holy Cow! I have wanted to do this for some time now, but had a list of projects I thought I need to complete or at least start before I started a blog... Oh well, they will still be there tomorrow.

So here I go, YEAH! I am so excited.