Fourty Three Weeks

Crawling. New territory. The basement door is on red alert to always stay shut these days. Gavin is a lean, mean, crawling machine. But it isn't 'real' crawling yet. To try and describe it, he pushes up on his arms and lunges forward and falls. Repeat. It is awesome, and he is getting fast. You forget these things.


And the tongue out is a new thing too. He loves to have it hanging out of his mouth. Rich like to try and catch it. It makes Gavin laugh. Their little games are so cute. The kids say he'll be real crawling by his birthday in two months. I should hope so. Some kids walk by then. My kids have all walked by around 13 months. I'm not holding my breath this time. I'm just enjoying each stage as it comes, lasts and passes to the next.

The drive-in

Peter's birthday is Monday, but we won't get to go do anything just for him that night because Sophie has her piano recital. So we suggested Saturday night. He picked the drive in. To see the new Disney movie Up. What an adventure!! We put Gavin to bed at home with Grandma and Grandpa and the rest of us prepared for a long and fun night. We got a great parking spot and had fun laying all our blankets and pillows out in the back of the van and claiming our spots for the movie. It was funny how it all worked out and Max ended up sitting in his car seat, strapped in so he couldn't wiggle around!! It worked out perfectly. The kids loved the bags I made with names on them full of pre-popped popcorn. And it was fun for them to run around a bit before it got dark enough. Max thought the hood of the van looked like a slide and had fun sliding down. Great birthday activity Peter. The only problem came AFTER the movie when they wanted to stay for the second feature (Hannah Montana). It didn't start till after 11pm and they were wide awake!! We were the mean parents and said no. And it was a good thing. They were conked out in less than five minutes of driving home! We are so doing this again this summer. Why haven't we ever gone before as a family...

Beautiful Ballerina, and Tumbler

Not to be bias or anything, but Sophie was the cutest little girl on the stage today!! She was in two numbers at her dance recital because she toook two classes this year. Tumbling and dance (ballet/tap). Come to find out she thinks ballet is boring, but she is a trooper and stuck it out anyway. But she LLOVES tumbling, and I think she's pretty good too! She was excited to wear her indian outfit for tumbling, with the fringe arm and leg bands. She was such a little princess in her green ballet dress. Good job Sophie, I'm so proud of you! In fact I must have said that a million times because when we got home I said it again, and she said, "yeah, I know you've told me that a thousand times already!!!". Well, I am.

One post at a time

I think about it a lot. How long it's been. Well over a month now. Each day that goes by means a little more detail that I forget and another day that I have to catch up on. So it's not all the way up to date, but it's coming. One post at a time.

Hogle Zoo on Memorial Day

I've never been to the Hogle Zoo before, so today was a fun day. But I think everyone and their dogs were at the zoo today. We parked BLOCKS away!!! And it was SOOO crowded. We went with Rich's parents, 2 brothers, and 2 sisters and their families. So many of us together going from animal to animal was so fun for the kids. They loved the tiny yellow baby monkey on its mama's back. And the giraffes that we could see indoors on the second story where we were face to face with those tall animals. It was great! Sophie was elated when she got to see her favorite animal up close and personal. The penguins! Peter is just happy doing anything with his cousins. Gavin loved his bottles and goldfish on his stroller tray. Of course Max's favorite part was the choo choo train. I can't wait to go back again, on a less crowded day. I love the zoo!!

Fourty Two Weeks

Seriously one of the easiest going guys in the world. Gotta love the cheesey grins he passes out like candy. Speaking of candy. The kids shared with him his first taste of candy this week. They shared their sucker from Grandma with him, and he wouldn't do with just one lick! He wanted more and more!! I guess he is related to his brothers. Mmmm, candy!

Hiking.

What a great day. The kids have wanted us to take them hiking for over a year now, and it finally worked out! If you can call it hiking. It was more like walking on a trail for half a mile, and then back again, but it filled the day and brought smiles and laughter to our kids faces.
They loved the little stream where they could put their feet in and get wet, and throw rocks in. They thought the little steep incline we went up to get to the bridge was challenging. They loved the overgrown tree they could practically hide inside and try to scare Rich and I as we walked by. They loved looking down from the edge of the bridge into the deep river far below, well Max didn't love that part. His feet felt shaky on the slats he could see through, and liked the solid dirt path a whole lot better. Just on the other side of the bridge we found this great hill. If you could call it that. The kids wanted to run up it and see if they could get to the top of it. Sophie was the first to attempt it and my first instinct was to yell out 'No, you'll get dirty!' But it was too late, and they all had a turn, running up, and getting dirty. Rich finally showed the kids up and was able to run up to the top. Dirty and clean old fashioned fun. After a little clean up we ate our picnic lunch. I love picnics. And the best part was this tiny caterpillar. We all took turns holding it on our finger and watching it crawl. It was so cute. And when we were almost back to the car we found thousands of them in a tree. Eating the leaves, and also hanging from tiny silk threads, maybe getting ready to make a cocoon. What a great day...

Tracey Aviary

I had a great day with the kids. We took the day off and went out. We packed a picnic and had the day wide open. We decided to go to the Tracy Aviary. We bought a seasons pass. It has great benefits at a lot of other fun places too, and it was a bargain. It was perfect. Not too big, and not too small, and not crowded today. We missed the bird show, we'll have to catch that next time. But the kids loved everything else. And they loved the wandering peacocks for a while. Until Peter and Sophie tried to come at it from different directions (randomly) and it turned and started after Sophie. She got scared. And then it was practically impossible to take a picture of them with the peacock behind them because they thought it was coming after them still. There wasn't a bird the kids didn't like. It was so exciting for us all. And we didn't know there was a splash park right around the corner at the park. We'll bring our swim suits next time. And couple dollars to ride those fun amusement park rides. Didn't know about those either! We were so tired when we got home, but it was an excellent day.

Fourty One Weeks

Gavin is such a big boy. He likes to eat whole Graham crackers while sitting in his stroller. He prefers one in each hand. And he wasn't scared of the peacock. He can stay awake for long periods of time, even though I still prefer to have him take his morning and afternoon naps. He is a great napper and sleeper. Morning nap is 1 1/2 hrs. Afternoon nap is 2 or 2 1/2 hrs. Night time is still about 12 hrs. And I love the way he kicks his legs and pants like a puppy when he sees something he wants, like his bottle or something. Too cute!

Mmm Mmm Goooood...

My first donut. Bring it on!!! Chocolate frosted and oh-so good...

Happy Mothers Day.

On my top ten list of favorite things is breakfast in bed. I was 'forced' to stay in bed today until I heard the pitter patter of little and big feet bounding up the stairs. Rich likes to pretend that the kids will bring me cereal and milk - having made it themselves. But I know better. I was spoiled with crepes and mixed berries, bacon and orange juice in a champagne glass. And lets not forget that it was complete with a flower on my tray. I couldn't stay in bed very long to eat it because everyone was hungry and wanting to eat MY breakfast, so we took the party downstairs.

And I got something this mothers day that I have wanted for a long time. A Kitchen Aid!!! Yeah! We actually bought it several weeks ago, but have been saving it in the back of my closet for my special day today. I can't wait to start mixing things... Happy Mother's Day.

One of my favorite parts about Mother's Day is in church during sacrament meeting when all the primary kids get up and sing. Both Sophie and Peter were up there and looking at me the entire time. I felt so loved by my beautiful children as they sang those beautiful primary songs from their hearts. Of course I cried a little. How could you not... I am so blessed to be a mother. And the people who have made me a mother are so precious to me.

Sophie - my angel without wings

Peter - my charmer

Maxwell - my sensitive one

Gavin - my laughter

These children of God are such a blessing in my life. I feel so privileged to have been entrusted to their care while we live on earth. I learn so much from them. I learn about myself and I learn about God through them and their simple words and thoughts. I am the luckiest person in the world. I have my family.

Fourty Weeks

Gavin is so easy going and I can find him smiling no matter where we are or what we are doing. He loves the swings of course and I can hear him going ahhhh in his happy boy voice just looking at this picture...

Duck Park

So for Mother's Day I wanted to have a picnic at the park. The local park is so big and beautiful. And full of ducks to feed, and so my kids lovingly call it 'Duck Park'. And that's where we went for our picnic. We made the kids eat first to get it out of the way. Eating always seems like a chore to them when we are at the park. So after like 25 seconds they were done and ready to feed the ducks. This time I pre cut the bread into bite size pieces to avoid whole slices of bread from ending up soaking in the little stream. It was a hit. My favorite was Max's throw. He would start way back behind his back and then end up letting the bread out of his hand just about when it was above his head. He was always surprised when it actually landed in the water and wanted me to cheer him on when he made it. Such fun. No, he's not pushing the merry-go-round, he's just hanging on for dear life!

Sophie loved to hold on and slide across...

Feeding the ducks. Max hasn't gotten the idea of standing still for a picture. One day.

He escaped many times from the family to invade the near by birthday party for a little boy. Max loved his tiny basketball hoop. It was just his size!

KFC

So we got KFC meals for free!!!!! All from Oprah I guess. Such a long line from all the hype. I guess it was all over the internet, texts, and more. We wanted in and so we showed up at KFC with our coupons and had to wait for over an hour for our food. But it was worth it. We took it to the park and enjoyed our dinner.

Thank you Oprah...

IT'S OVER!!!!

Biffy had a celebration party tonight for all those (and their families) that could attend. It was so fun. Everyone brought part of the yummy Cafe Rio dinner and also a dessert to share that we've been missing for the last 12 weeks of this contest. I brought strawberry trifle. My mouth waters just thinking about the yumminess of all the food... I was so stuffed by the end of the night...
Sonali, Heather, Heidi F., Julie, Biffy, Holly, Heidi G., , Shauna

Look at me! I'm a winner!!

So it's over and I can breathe again! This contest has done more for me than anything I have ever done in my life. I am so happy with me results: physical, emotional, and spiritual. And lets not forget the prize! I won $158!!! 3 of us out of 19 ended the contest with perfect scores and so we got to split the jackpot!!! And I'm going shopping for new clothes for my hot new bod!!!

Here is my last entry on the private contest blog.

Well, I have to confess... This last week I didn't exercise much, pigged out on junk and ate till the midnight hour...

Just kidding!!! Of course I pulled through (29 points!!! for the last time for a while - I'll enjoy a little break), but this last week was a hard one. The finish line always seemed right before my eyes :)

My husband was so sweet this morning. He brought me breakfast in bed, if you could call it that. It was a tasty sampler of some of some of the things I've been missing. Peanut butter eggs, sweet tart gummy bunnies, cookies, and dessert bread! So I had a taste, and nothing tasted right. I could only ate nibbles, and I felt a little sick right after - being the first thin in the morning and all. But I sure do love that guy!!!! It was a fun and romantic surprise.

I love shat this contest has done for me as far as changing some habits. I love exercising all the time! I don't feel a need to snack constantly like I did before, I don't really miss most of the garbage I was eating before. And yes, 7:30pm cut off time for eating has been hard, but really good. I don't know if I'll change it or not. Thanks for the extra push, I really needed it!

This contest has been such a blessing in my life. It has been so much more than a way to make myself healthier and more energetic. I feel richer and fuller, I feel happier and more peaceful. I am a better self, wife and mother. I feel more spiritual and my life has started to finally come together in a way that I have wanted for a long time, but I couldn't figure out how to do it. My mother has always said I need to take time for myself. She always asks me what I am doing for me. I always pushed it aside or said 'certain' things were for me, but they weren't - not really. This contest was all for me. I made the decision, and I followed through. And I have seen results. (And not just in the 14 pound lost, 4.5 inches off my waist, 3.5 inches off my hips, and 1.5 inches off my thighs!!!) So I honestly can say that Biffy, this has meant more to me than you would ever know. Thanks for including me. I have loved reading all of your posts and getting to go and make my dessert for the fun celebration party tonight, and I get to lick my fingers!! See most of you there!!!

I'm excited to be done, as I'm sure we all are - truly we are all winners for working so hard and changing our lives for the better! Good job ladies, we ALL did it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thirty Nine Weeks

Gavin can stand up holding firmly onto things like the side of his crib. He especially likes to do this in his crib where he can bounce a little at the same time. Such a fun kid! And another thing. he is still so drooly! Can you see all the drool spots on his onesie!! And I also love his fuzzy hair that sticks up ontop of his head! We love Gavin...
Today he is also 9 months old. I can't believe it. He has now spent the same amount of time apart of me that he spent with me. What a turning point. Growing up everyday.

Kindergarten Program

This was so cute to sit and watch Sophie in her class. They did a great job in singing all the songs about colors, days, months and we can't forget tuti-tah!! She got embarassed by that one, but it is priceless and we can watch over and over on the video camera! She will really miss her friends. Especially Kaitlyn and Kylee, Madison and Mrs. Stanford of course! I was happy that Gavin was so good for the show. It was fun to watch all the parents too. It was an audience full of video cameras!!!

New Carpet

Before

After

Up close

After 11 years of wear, the old carpet HAD to go. It had seen its fair share of love, wear and tear, baby spit up, potty training, purple Popsicles, juice, etc... And no matter how often you clean your carpets, when they are at the stage our old carpets were in - nothing seemed to help. With all the painting and everything we've done over the last 6 weeks, the new carpet was natural and necessary. And I love it! It is so soft and pretty!! Such a nice and welcome feeling to our eyes and bare feet too. We are so happy with how it turned out. And we know we got a good deal too. Rich's dad had us search high and low at all the known and unknown carpet places. We shopped till we dropped and it was so worth it in the end. Happy carpet!

My favorite was that when it was finally put in we sat down with the kids and had them make new rules about the carpet. This is what they came up with.

1. No food or drink in the family room (always been a rule - but not very well enforced before)

2. Keep things picked up (still a same rule as before)

and my favorite...

3. No testing the carpet (Sophie overheard us talking about how the carpet was stain resistant and they guaranteed that ANYTHING could come out of it including grape juice and spaghetti sauce. So she decided we didn't need to test the truth on the guarantee. Funny and smart girl)