Markalie

Birthday, Christmas, and Whatever else....

2011-02-11T20:18:00.007-07:00

It has been forever since I last blogged. I didn't do a birthday post for Josh or a Halloween or Christmas post. I am not going to write too much of an update but I will do a short one. I will let the pictures do the rest of the talking.

Ashlyn is doing great. She is in 2nd grade and is doing awesome in school. She amazes me with her kindness and genuine love for others. She is such an example to us on how e did nice should be. She had a friend once tell her she did not like her anymore because she played with another friend and we told her to just say fine I don't need to be friends with you anyway and she comes home the next day and says that she did not say that to her friend and that the friend apologized for saying it. I definitely would have held a grudge and been rude back. Ashlyn is a sweetheart. Ashlyn also is very beautiful. Everywhere we go she gets told she is so pretty. Ashlyn's favorite things right now are playing the wii, reading books,painting, and realizing watching movies. Her favorite snack is Cheddar bacon potato skins and don't even think about having a taste of them when she has a bag of them. Anyhow she is a great kid.

Josh is also doing great. He is full of energy and imagination. He still likes to dress up into costumes. Mostly super hero's now so the whole dressing up like Peter Pan scare is non existent. Josh is obsessed with being with his cousin Mack and talks about him all week until Friday or Sunday when he gets to see him. When he gets a treat he always says I am going to save part of my treat for Mack when I see him this week. He then tends to eat the treat and Josh will decide that he will give him a treat from another day. Josh loves to play with toys. He never gets bored of them but definitely makes a gigantic mess from them. Josh is one of the happiest kids I have ever seen. He is always smiling and always happy and always wants to just have fun. He is a sweetheart to.

"Long Time Nothing New"

2010-08-26T20:56:00.009-06:00

Living on a Prayer

2010-03-04T08:50:00.004-07:00

Here is a video of Ashlyn singing living on a prayer. She really does have a good voice if the songs are not high or rock. I will record her singing to Blink 182 next time and she sounds awesome. Mark and I get a kick out of her singing this one the most though.

Another Year......Another Christmas....

2010-01-06T14:58:00.007-07:00

Well another year has come and gone and I have been the worlds biggest slacker for blogging. There is so much I could say about our kids and what is going on but I think a quick little something and pictures tell the story just as good.

Ashlyn is doing well in her first grade class and learning to read and write so well. So well that Josh and I have been getting a lot of notes from her. Some of the funnier notes are Der Josh, you are driving me crasy but I stil love you. Her spelling by the way. A couple of notes to me: Der mom you forgot to put toylet paper in the bathroom thanks a lot. Another was a sign that said No mom with a drawn picture of me that had a slash through it. I must have been mean that day. Last one is Der mom at school I mis you and I love you. I love her notes. This girl can not be any cuter. She is a sweet heart. She loves to play Mario Bros and rock band and just love spending time with me. I will enjoy it while it last.

Josh on the other hand is quite opposite of Ashlyn in every way. He uses his imagination to the fullest. He loves to dress up in his Buzz Light Year costume and his Peter Pan Costume. He watches the movies and acts them out in costume. He also loves to play with any toy that he has that goes with the movies he watches and acts the toys out along with the movies as well. To Quote him he says things like Reach for the Eye instead of sky on Toy Story. He is very busy and does not stop except at night to sleep. I rarely just catch him sitting down still doing nothing. Josh is also a sweet heart though. If you ask him for a hug or a kiss he will jump right up to do so. Even with people he hardly knows.

Well I probably have rambled on enough. Here are some pictures of the kiddos. As you can see they are getting big and growing up.

Joshy's Birthday and Updates

2009-10-22T13:34:00.007-06:00

Last Saturday was Josh's 3rd birthday. I cannot believe my baby is already 3 years old. He is growing to be so big and has developed such a cute personality. Ashlyn to is growing up right before us and also has quite the personality.

We didn't go to crazy on Josh's Birthday. We had Marks family over on Saturday night after the BYU game and then went to my dad's house or I guess Grumpies house on Sunday for another party for him. I made him a Cars cake (which took all freaking morning to make) and them we just let him play with his new toys. He got a rug that he can drive his cars on and when we unrolled it he said " Oh yeah Baby!" He got a lot of toys that were cars and a Forklift from Grandma and Grandpa Holley. Grandma and Grandpa Webb gave him a bike and his aunts and uncles spoiled him with car toys and movies.

Josh is completely potty trained and has been for about 5 months now. He is finally off the bottle and is just a little love. He will give anyone a hug that asks for one and is never mean to anyone. He loves his cousin Mack and talks about him everyday. He always asks when he is going to come over. The nice thing about the two of them is they never fight. He says totally funny things. Just yesterday I was taking him to his 3 year check up and he said "I am really nervous mommy" and also "I don't like it when they poke my leg I only like when they tickle my ear"

Ashlyn on the other hand is getting so old. She loves school this year and I am so thankful. Her teacher is so good to her and she has found some really good friends. Yesterday she told me a girl named Sierra is her best friend. I have not met her but she always plays with Ashlyn at recess so she must be a good friend. After school gets out Ashlyn likes to strip down to a tank top and her undies and snuggle in her blanket and watch a movie. She just likes to veg and relax after her long day of school she tells me. She hates it when I make her run errands. Ash lost her first tooth a couple of weeks ago and was very excited about it. That night she left her tooth under her pillow and that same night I found a paper heart under mine that said I love you from Ashlyn. It made my heart melt. She has the sweetest and most thoughtful personality. I am not sure of many 6 year olds that would do that. I now call her my heart fairy.

Well that is all. I hate to keep typing. The kids are doing great and we love them so much and are very proud of them. Here are some cute pictures of them.

Ashlyn's first day of school

2009-09-03T10:49:00.003-06:00

Ashy started school a couple of weeks ago and I have been lazy in posting her pictures. She started 1st grade and her teacher is Mrs. P. Ashlyn just loves her and is so happy to have her. She has a lot of friends from her class last year and some new ones from our ward as well. She is enjoying eating school lunch but does not like how long she has to be there now. She comes home saying what a long day it was on a regular basis. Anyhow we are so proud of her and how much she has grown up since Kindergarten!

Two peas in a pod

2009-08-19T10:43:00.005-06:00

Last weekend we had the opportunity to watch my nephew Mack. Josh and Mack are 3 months apart and have just recently started being the best of buds. Josh constantly asks if Mack is coming over or if he can go to Mack's house. He just loves to hang out with him.

So anyhow, Josh was starting to get pretty cranky because he had not had a nap that day so I decided to lay them down to see if they would fall asleep. I laid them both down in Josh's bed and then gave them both milk. They drank their milk and then had about a 30 minute conversation and fell asleep.

The conversation was so funny that I ended up recording some of it on my video camera. Unfortunately it is not new enough that I can post that but I did take pictures also. The conversation went from saying scooby scooby doo to Josh saying " Fart" and Mack replying " can Macky let a fart to? Macky let stinky fart, Mack let stinky poo poo fart" It was so funny. Then Josh started to dose off and Mack kept saying boo to Josh and Josh was getting irritated saying "stop that" Mack proceeded to continue on and Josh finally rolled over smacked mack on the arm and said Stop it and fell asleep. About five minutes later Mack was out to.

Pictures from Ashy's 6th Birthday (three Birthday Parties)

2009-06-29T10:25:00.009-06:00

I will let the pictures do the talking. I broke my hand the other day and typing one handed does not appeal to me. Enjoy!

Spring to Summer Update

2009-06-04T11:25:00.002-06:00

Well school is out and for the most part summer is practically here. We have had an eventful year and have enjoyed it for the most part. The kids are growing and life is crazy.

Ashlyn just finished up Kindergarten. She struggled through a lot of it. She was not used to getting up early and moving quickly to get out of the house. She is a slow mover for the most part. She had a hard time with the fact that girls at the ages of 5 and 6 can already be petty and snobby. By the end of the year she had a complete turn around. She made some good friends and started to enjoy going to school.

When I would drop Ashlyn off at school she had a little 1st or 2nd grade boy who was African American wait for her and walk her in to the school. It was the cutest thing ever. If he was not there it seemed like she always had a boy there to walk her into school. I think we might be in trouble if she already has the boys wrapped around her finger. At the end of the year they do a music dance festival. Ashlyn was so darn cute. She loves to sing and dance and she had to have been the cutest one out there for sure. Anyhow my little girl is getting all grown up and I am so proud of how well she is doing and the person she is becoming.

Now there is Josh. Josh through the school year has kept himself entertained by making mess after mess. He enjoys playing with match box cars and having long conversations with those cars as he plays. He even named some of his cars after his aunt's and uncles. Toshya is a yellow tow truck and Craig is a purple race car. Ash is Lightning McQueen, I am sally, Josh is Mater, and Mark is Dinaco. He also loves playing with Ashlyn's Dora doll house and acts out the show as it is on TV with his toys. He has a good imagination and really cracks me up.

Josh is also quite the singer. When we are in the car he loves to sing any song he knows. He loves singing songs by The Frey, Carolina Liar, All American Rejects, and Taylor Swift. I must say he has a pretty good voice and holds out his notes pretty good for a two year old. He still loves trains and gets so excited when we see one when we are driving. He also loves to say fancy that to things he finds fancy.

Lastly I wanted to talk about the words No Fear. My kids, and mostly Josh seemed to have not fear. We took them to Lagoon last Saturday and Josh wanted to ride on the colossus but was too short. He was so mad when we said he could not ride it. He and Ashlyn both went on the mini rocket ride there. It is like the rocket but not as high. Still scary to Mark and I but not scary to the kids. Josh and Ashlyn just giggled as they rode it and watching them ride it was priceless. We had to take them on it 3 times before we could move to another ride. The also enjoyed the log ride and of course the children dragon roller coaster. So even if Lagoon is totally over priced and a total rip off, it was so worth it to watch the kids have so much fun and have an enjoyable time.

Easter 2009

2009-04-13T09:02:00.007-06:00

Here are some pictures from Easter at my dad's house and also the kids playing in their new play room.

The kids are doing real well Ashlyn is growing up on me so fast. Ever since she started Kindergarten she comes home with some funny new words. The other day she said "that is so freaking funny" I had never heard her use the word Freaking. It was funny. When school gets out for the year she is going to get her tonsils out. She has sleep apnea and when she gets home from school you can tell she did not get her R.E.M sleep. A nap is definitely necessary for her. Anyhow she gets more beautiful by the day and she is a great kid.

Josh on the other hand is quite the opposite of Ash. He loves to tease Ashlyn and it drives her crazy. In the car Josh sings to any song on the radio. He actually knows the words to any popular song. I get a kick out of listening to him. The other day he started singing the All American Rejects new song which I promise I do not intentionally listen to and loves to sing "hope he gives you hell" But it sounds like he is saying El instead of Hell. Josh loves trains still and is in to Thomas the train right now. He is one happy kid.

Overall we are all doing good. Mark is extremely busy with school and work. I keep busy with the kids and working from home. I am not sure where all the time goes in life right now but one day I look forward to it slowing down. That is all I have to say.

Front Runner

2009-03-08T14:35:00.004-06:00

Yesterday we decided to take a trip up to SL to ride the Front Runner trains. Josh loves trains so much and can be coerced into doing anything if it involves a train. For instance he is on antibiotics right now and we will say if you drink your medicine we will drive over train tracks today. He will happily take the medicine with such a simple bribe. Fortunately we have to drive over train tracks to go anywhere from where we live, so it is not that big of a hassle. Also Josh is very shy around people he does not see a lot and usually will not leave my side. The other day we went to visit my Grandpa for his 90th birthday. As we walked in my aunt Karen said hi to him and he walked by with his head down not giving her the time of day. My aunt Karen asked about 1 minute later if he wanted to go see her trains and he said yes, grabbed her hand and went down stairs with her and did not even say bye to Mark or I.

With all that said Mark and I have been very busy. Mark with school and work and both of us with house projects and the kids. So took a day off and drove to SL. We ate lunch at the one and only McDonald's and then hopped on the Front Runner to Ogden. Ashlyn and Josh were both smiling ear to ear. Who knew such a cheap activity could make two young children so happy? They both sat at the window with their heads glued to it watching everything they passed and the trains that passed them. We saw a man roasting a pig on a stick, trashy yards, freight trains, and other Front Runner Trains pass us by. Ashlyn said that when the Front Runner passed it made her busy which means dizzy.

Josh was in his form as he laughed, giggled, and talked the entire train ride about everything he could. On the way home it was a different story. His eyes got hazy and just as we pulled back in to SL Josh was out like a light. Anyhow here are some pictures that speak for most of the day. On the way home we stopped for Banbury Cross Donuts not because we needed them but because they are yummy.

Valentine's Day

2009-02-15T14:43:00.002-07:00

Mark had to go to school all day for Valentine's day so I decided to make a nice dinner at home with the family. I didn't want to fight the crowds and kids when I knew I could make a great dinner from home. Not only did I make a great dinner including Steak and Lobster Tails, but I made a fancy dessert. A girl in my ward taught me how to make this and I just made a few changes to the recipe to make it how I would want it. We had White chocolate bowls that I personally made. Inside the bowls were Chocolate Cake Squares, White Chocolate Mousse, a yummy almond whip cream, sprinkled with a little cocoa powder. I invited Marks parents over to try it and it was delicious. Anyhow Here are some pictures of the yummy food we had.

The Kids

2009-02-15T14:36:00.005-07:00

We got a new camera. Our other new one sucked so we forked out the money for a Nikon D 60. Here are some of the pictures with much better quality.

My Cute little Josh

2009-01-15T12:45:00.003-07:00

I just thought I would do a post about Josh today. He was sitting on that chair watching Cars for the third time today. I kept looking over at him and he would make that cute face in the above picture. He is to me, one of the cutest little boys and has such a great personality.

Over Christmas break Mark decided to put Josh in a big boy bed and get the crib put away. I was unsure about it because I knew that would mess up nap schedules and sleeping schedules. The first night I had to lay in bed with him until he fell asleep. He got up about three times that night and was so loud opening doors and crying I about had a heart attack. After about a week of me laying with him for over an hour to get him to sleep I had had enough. Mark took over and in one night he did not get out of bed or get up looking for me in the middle of the night.

Now when he wakes up in the moring he goes downstairs gets his milk from the fridge in the bottom shelf, brings it up and lays in bed with me while I slowly wake up. It is so nice. I get to stay in my warm bed while he does all of the work.

Josh has turned into quite the cutie lately. He says some funny things that just crack us up. I will quote and explain a few. The other day Josh was petting the puppy and Mark told him don't touch the dogs weiner. Well now every time we pet the dog Josh will say "don't touch dog's weiner" One morning Ashlyn came down in bright pink pj's and josh started calling her pinky dinky doo. She gets really angry when he calls her that so he constantly calls her it to make her mad. I haven't had a pepsi in a few weeks and the other day Josh said "Mommy need Pepsi please" apparently he was having withdrawls like me. When he plays with his toys and there is a action figure or man that goes with the toy he calls it man. He will say "hello man, get in car man, man you are my buddy".

Anyhow Josh has grown into such a cute little boy and I am enjoying most every second I get with him. He has a great imagination and and loves to play with toys. He and Ashlyn fight constantly but they also love to play and be together. He suprised me with how smart he is. Now I just need to work on getting him unattached at the hip. Anyhow I just wanted to share a little about Josh.

Happy Birthday Mark!

2009-01-09T11:00:00.002-07:00

I figured I better to a blog about your Birthday because I did one for my dad and sister! I Just want you to know how much I love you. You are a great husband and dad. Through our ten years of marriage you have taught me so much and become a great person to.

I thought I would list ten things that I love about you and embarrass you at the same time.

1. You are giving. If anyone you know is in need of anything you are the first to want to help them out.
2.You are a great dad! I watch the kids when you get home from work and they get so excited to see you. You take the time to play with them and it is nice that you put Josh to bed now.
3. You watch good shows. I love sitting down at night together and watching our favorite shows and getting excited for the next episode after seeing the previews.
4. You are a good husband. Mostly because you spoil me rotten. I think anything I want within reason you have gotten it for me. You even get me what I want when you know I am being manipulative. You also take good care of me and are always looking out and worrying about me.
5. You are a hard worker. You amaze me because you work full time, go to school, and on the side you do book editing and write white papers for my company and still have time to spend with me and the kids.
6. You are smart. Whenever I need to know how to do something or just need to know something, I know I can call you and you will know the answer. If you don't know the answer you act like it so I will think you know everything.
7. You are clean. I don't think I know anyone that showers as much as you do.
8. You are a great example. Every week you go to church and get us there on time. Before I married you, I went to church but if I missed it was not a big deal. You have been strong in the church and it has been an example to me.
9. You are a good son and brother. Whenever your parents or family needs you to do something for them or be there for them you are always there. You are always supportive of all of your siblings.
10. You love me. I have never had to worry if you love me. You treat me good and I know we will be together for eternity. I know it is not easy to put up with me, but you do and I know you always will.

I hope you have a good Birthday. You are a great person and I probably don't tell you that enough. I am glad I married you and have a family with you. Also try and not get to big of a head from this blog. Happy Birthday Mark. I love you!

Happy Birthday Big Sister!

2009-01-07T11:19:00.002-07:00

Today is my sister Michelle's birthday and I wanted to wish her a Happy Birthday publicly. I have to make up for what I did earlier today. I had called her to see why she was not working and she said she was taking the day off and I said well fine you slacker. I continued on talking and then got off the phone with her. It is not that I forgot what day her Birthday was, but I forgot what day it was all together. It did not even click with me as to why she had today off even though on Saturday she told me she might take it off for her Birthday. I am an idiot.

So I was on the phone setting up a DNS for one of our employees phone line and he said okay it will be ready to go on January 7th, which is today. My stomach sunk and I wanted off the phone with him immediately. Once off, I called my sister and wished her a Happy Birthday and apologized for being such and idiot.

Well Michelle I just want you to know how much I love you and appreciate you. We never got a long growing up, but you are my best friend now. I love that we talk everyday on IM and phone pretty much all day. Even if it is about nothing. I love that we like to watch the same lame shows. I love that you look after me and I look after you. I love that it is just you and me as sisters so we don't have to fight with other siblings. I honestly don't know what I would do without you. Your are the best sister ever! I know mom would be proud of the life you have made for yourself. You are a great cook, mom, wife, sister, daughter, and friend. Happy Birthday!

Christmas 2008

2009-01-01T15:33:00.004-07:00

I just wanted to post some pictures of the kids from Christmas. We had a great Christmas. The kids got way more than they needed but it was sure fun. On Christmas Eve Ashlyn was confused because she came in and climbed in bed with us and said when can we go down stairs. She was pretty upset when I explained it was not Christmas until tomorrow. We had to go down stairs and open one present each. More disappointment came when she opened up her present and it was a shirt. We then explained that mom and dad do the clothes and boring stuff while Santa will bring her the toys that night.

On Christmas eve we went to Marks mom for a yummy meal. I made every one's favorite, twice baked potatoes. We had more food than I could even think about eating. After dinner we went to my nephew Mikey's grave and sang Christmas songs to him. We do this every year and it really is so special. I can feel the spirit so strong there and I never can sing. I get choked up and that is it for me. Mikey was a special boy and I love and miss him so much. No matter how hard it is for Mark and I, we know it is nothing that his parents feel each year as they miss him so much. I am thankful to get to go every Christmas Eve and spend a little part of Christmas with him and his memories.

After that we opened presents at Marks Parents house. Marks mom made the kids all blankets this year. They were so cute and nice. Ahslyn also got a doll that looks a lot like her and she sure loves it. Josh got a pirate ship that he loves as well. Well it was a long day for the kids so we went home and put them to bed. We had a lot of work ahead of us. Did I say a lot of work? What were we thinking. We bought the kids a play kitchen from Costco and it took us until 2:00 AM to put together. The other toys were easy thank goodness but never again. Everything will be put together next year.

On Christmas morning, Mark and I woke up before the kids because we were so excited. We waited for them to wake up and then took them downstairs. Their faces were priceless. We went to my dads on Christmas and they were equally spoiled there to. Josh got a Tool table with all sorts of fun things to build with. Ashlyn got her Easy Bake Oven that she has wanted forever. All together the kids had a great Christmas and mom and dad have entertained kids for a few months until they are bored of the toys. To spare all of you a longer blog than it already is I will just post pictures.

Pictures

2008-12-11T10:42:00.002-07:00

New Things and Updates

2008-12-02T09:38:00.003-07:00

Just an update on the new things in out lives. First and foremost we got a new camera. Not the nicest one we have ever owned but it works so we will take it. It will be nice to be able to take pictures of the kids again.

We also got a new puppy last week. It is a White pure bred Lab. His dad and Grandad have champion lines in them and they are really good looking dogs. Mark did not want to get another black one because it would remind him of Boston so we went with the white one. He is really cute and very mellow for a puppy. He mostly sleeps right now and when he is awake he is not too hyper. We almost have him potty trained. He is really smart. He just goes to the sliding door when he needs to go. His name is Gauge. Anyhow the kids love him and have been taking good care of him.

Ashlyn got new bedding and decorations for her room. My aunt Brenda gave us her my cousin Morgan's old stuff from Pottery Barn. It is really cute. Ashlyn just adores it. When she first got it she took it all out of the box and laid it all out to look at it and admire it. She is pretty happy about it because she had been asking for new bedding. Ashlyn is also doing well in school. We got her report card and she scored above average in almost every subject. I know it's only Kindergarten but as a mom I am still proud. She also sometimes tries to fake sick from school but I am catching on to that one and still making her go. Mark and I are just amazed at how funny she is. She really does say some of the funniest things I have heard. I can't think of them right now but she sure is funny.

Josh is definitely in his terrible two's. He has stopped taking naps which I am not happy about because I like my quiet hour. Ash still takes a nap after school everyday do its hard when the one that needs the nap won't take it. Josh is a total boy. He loves playing with his "yucks" He pushes his two big trucks around all day long. He can entertain himself quite well with toys. He also loves the dog. This dog is a lot more patient with him then the last. Gauge just hides under something if he is sick of Josh. Josh also does not know the meaning of no. I have told him in so many ways and he just ignores me and keeps on doing what he wants. He is one extreme and Ashlyn is the most behaved kid ever. He still loves a bottle and I am not sure how to wean him off that but I plan on it by the end of the year.

Mark and I are doing good. Mark keeps busy with working, school, and working some more. He is currently gong to BYU, getting his MBA. He also works full time and works part time for my company. He is editing a training manual for them and making it look nice and snazzy. I am just being a mom and working from home. I love being able to be home with the kids and also to be able to provide some income as well. I am excited to start playing Basketball this January. I need the exercise badly. Anyhow I think that is all for now. Hope all is well with all our friends and family.

Happy Birthday Dad, Grumpy, and Bumpy!

2008-11-10T10:53:00.005-07:00

I just wanted to do a posting for my dad and tell him Happy Birthday! I know its late but I was out of town last week. I want to thank my dad for all that he has done for me in the past and present. He has always been there for me and my sister as a great dad and he has often times had to be the mom to. Not many dads would go to the store and buy things for their daughters that he had to go and buy. I am so glad that I got you as my dad and that my kids have you as their Grumpy and Bumpy. They both love you so much and get so excited to come and see you. Here are 10 things we love about you!

1. You are always Happy
2. You are always supportive of the kids, Mark, and I.
3. You are an awesome cook
4. You are thoughtful
5. You are forgiving and loving
6. You taught me to be good at sports
7. You make my kids happy
8. You always call me on Mondays
9. You dress good
10. You are very thoughtful

Dad I love you and I appreciate all you have done and do for me. You are the best dad and mom ever! (I hope you don't take that the wrong way)

Halloween

2008-11-03T08:42:00.002-07:00

I thought I would post some pictures from Halloween of the kids. Oh but wait, I don't have a camera anymore. Thankfully other people took pictures for me to post. I did however buy a disposable camera so once those are developed we can add those as well once we scan them.

Halloween was a lot of fun this year. We went to four Halloween Parties. The first one was at my aunt Linda's. We ate yummy Taco Soup and lots of treats. Ashlyn carved her first Pumpkin all by herself. She is very good at that stuff. We played some fun games that brought me back to my childhood as well. We even got to meet a lesbian with big boobs. It was quite the night.

Then the next day we went to my dads house for a party. We carved pumpkins there as well but this time I ended up carving the Pumpkin because Ashlyn wanted to play. Most of the pictures that are posted are from my dads.

The next party we went to was to the Holley's. They rearranged the party so that we could make it to this one. They were going to have it on Saturday and at the last minute changed it so we could all be there. We made homemade donuts, played games, and watched the kids dance for an hour. Ashlyn led the brigade in her dancing tactics and it was quite the show.

The last party we went to was at Marks Grandma's rest home. They had a fun party with a balloon guy, limbo, fishing for a prize, tattoos, and a coloring table. Josh won the costume contest there four kids that one and he definitely got the loudest cheer. His costume in the pictures above got dirty so I pulled out the Peter Pan costume. He looked so cute with it on. I will post those as soon as they are developed. After all the festivities they had trick or treating. Josh and Ash really enjoyed it and they came out with a lot of candy.

Then there was Halloween Day and Night. Josh and I went to Ashlyn's school parade (I can't believe they still do those) and then afterwards I helped out in her class for the class party. Everyone sit for this. They had like six activity stations and I was the reading station. I read a Halloween story to the kids and it was really fun. I met all of the kids Ashlyn talks about and got to know them a little. It was a lot of fun.

That Night I made homemade chili and put it in bread bowls that were colored orange with a green stem so they looked like pumpkins. We had that and donuts. I have to say I make some delicious chili. I then took the kids trick or treating while Mark handed out candy. Josh was a trooper and walked for about 45 minutes and then pooped out. I think Ash for the first time could have gone all night and did not tire. They made out with way too much candy and I will probably end up throwing most of it out but it was very fun. The end.

"You Look Like A Boy."

2008-10-29T08:40:00.003-06:00

Last night I was on my face book account and a really old friend had requested me to be friends with her. I accepted and looked at her account. Anna is her name and we were best friends growing up until I moved away after 4th grade. Anna was a good friend and her mom and sisters took good care of me and my sister when my mom past away. My favorite times spent with her were at her pool and cabin.

Anyhow I found these old class pictures and could not help but post them for all to see. My 1st grade picture there is no excuse as to why I look so bad. I had a mom and I just am not sure what she was thinking on that one. The 4th grade picture is right after my mom died and let's just face the facts. My dad did a great job with us. He cooked, he cleaned, he picked out cute clothes for us, but he did not do hair. As far as Michelle is concerned she attempted to help but I was not the best of sitting still so there you have it. I did my own hair and the results are far from stunning.

So this morning I showed Ashlyn my pictures and said do you want to see mom when she was your age? She looked at the picture and said " You look like a boy mom." She then covered her mouth because she felt bad for saying it but she was only speaking the truth. Mark agrees with Ashlyn and said those pictures don't look like me at all and that if there were not names written on there he would have guessed I was someone else. At least they are honest.

Joshy's 2nd Birthday

2008-10-20T19:31:00.003-06:00

On Friday we celebrated our little mans birthday. He was so excited to have everyone sing to him. He sang happy Birthday to himself all day and pretended to blow the candles out each time. He definitely got in a lot of practice before the big one with everyone there.

We invited Mark's family over for the party because my dad does a separate at his house for the grand kids. We had Pork sandwiches, chips, and salad for dinner. After dinner we sang to Josh and he blew his candles out for real this time. He was pretty happy about that. He opened presents as well and love each and every one of them. He got a big helicopter, new train and tracks, a Caterpillar bulldozer, and some clothes.

On Sunday we went to my dads and celebrated again and he was again as pleased as could be to be sang to. This time he blew the candles out about 5 seconds into the song. My dad and Connie gave him a big fire engine and he loved it. He has not let it out of his sight since he got it. No one is aloud to touch it and it must go in the car with us even though it way to big for his lap.

Overall Josh had a great birthday and I can't believe I had him 2 years ago. He has grown so much. He talks a ton and is such a sweet thing for the most part. He has however started the terrible two's and it came on suddenly. We love him nonetheless. So Happy Birthday Josh.

Oh by the way we lost our camera so we had to take pictures with Marks Blackberry. Hence the low quality pictures. I sure hope we find the camera!

Cream of Wheat

2008-09-24T13:24:00.002-06:00

I know my last post was about Cereal but this one deserves a post as well. Yesterday I was getting Ash ready for school and I was asking her what she wanted for breakfast. She usually just ignores me and does not tell me what she wants. I have to press her several times for an answer. She did the same when I asked her this time.

I got her dressed and we headed down stairs. I was just about to ask her what she wanted when she said to me. "My tummy is cold" I was like okay well your dressed so it will warm up. I then realized she was telling me in her nonchalant
way that she wanted something warm for breakfast. So I played along. I said oh do you want some hot water to eat for breakfast to warm your tummy. She smiled and laughed. I said oh you want Cream of Wheat for breakfast. She was like yes that is perfect to warm my tummy.

I was thinking how it would have been easier to just say can I have some Cream of Wheat for breakfast but she likes to play games and has done this several times in her life. She is learning to be manipulative like me and I can see right through it at least for now I can.

Marsh Mellows VS Frosted Oates

2008-09-24T13:11:00.003-06:00

Today I needed my son to be quiet while I called some accounts for my boss. Ashlyn was at school so I just had to make sure Josh was entertained for about 1 hour. I got out all the toys I hate him playing with because they are so messy. I let him have whatever the heck he wanted basically.

Twenty minutes into calling these accounts I was like wow Josh is super quiet and being really good. I then looked across the room to notice he had gotten a brand new box of Lucky Charms out that had just been opened this morning. He had managed to dump the entire box of them out and was chowing away. Mind you he had had a bowl of them for breakfast already and also some toast and a banana. Anyhow I was like whatever its all dumped out now and he is being good. I will worry about that later.

So about 30 minutes later I had finished calling the accounts and I got up to clean up the cereal. I then noticed that he had managed to eat all of the marsh mellows out of the entire box. Not leaving one marsh mellow and I am not exaggerating here. I was under the impression that the frosted oats tasted just as good. I was sorely mistaken today. Anyhow if there is anyone out there that likes the frosted Oates and not the marsh mellows I have a whole container full of them marsh mellows excluded.

Does it get better than this?

2008-09-04T12:09:00.006-06:00

In the past I have written about things Josh likes to do and how he likes to stick things in cupboards and in my flour containers. Well today took the cake for things he has done. The kid is a nut job and has quite the funny personality. If I were to see myself at his age and maybe my dad can confirm I would say Josh is exactly like I was at the age of two.

This morning I went to pour some milk for Josh in his bottle. I know I know he is getting too old but he loves his bottle. As I poured it chunks of ice came out in the bottle and I was like well I guess the fridge is to cold so I turned it up. After he was done drinking his bottle there were still the ice chunks in there and I thought nothing of it. About an hour later I went to pour some milk into Ashlyns cereal and again white chunks of ice came out.... or so I thought. As I looked closer I realized it was not ice.

Yesterday some time around 11:30 Josh had some marsh mellows. I thought he had eaten them all. Well apparently not. He somehow managed to get the milk out of the fridge and dump a bunch of marsh mellows in the the milk carton. I figured oh well it will just make the milk have more flavor. Well it did not end there.

I went to pour some more milk this afternoon and low and behold I see a fruit loop floating at the top. At this point I decided to drain all of the milk to get the marsh mellows out and the fruit loop. I then found a receipt as well floating in there. I also managed to find a fork at the bottom of the carton. I wonder how that found its way in there. So as you can see my son is a little turd but I love him and find it too funny to be mad at the kid.

First Day of Kindergarten

2008-08-29T10:28:00.003-06:00

Sunday night Ashlyn picked out her outfit for school. She brushed her teethe, picked out her outfit she was going to wear, said her prayers, and went to bed. Ashlyn arose quite early the next morning, probably 7:30 and had a big grin on her face.

She came in our room and was so excited that it was her first day of school. She wanted to put her clothes on right then so that she could go to school but I made her wait until after breakfast. For breakfast she wanted to have pancakes and bacon. She ate all of her bacon and some pancakes. I said that she could then get dressed and ready for school.

For her first day she wore her new pink polo shirt, some shorts, and some pink underwear to match her outfit. She left her brand new shoes at her cousins house in Tooele so she had to wear her older but still new looking shoes. I thought it was going to be quite dramatic but she did not have a fit at all.

I decided I should look at what time school started because I thought it was 9:30 and I just wanted to be sure. Sure enough it started at 9:15 so I said wow we need to get moving. I hurried at took some pictures of her and we headed off to school.

As we arrived I could see the excitement in Ashlyn's eyes. She was so proud of herself and she felt so big now. We got out of the car and my tears began. I was crying like a baby. I don't know why I was crying but I think it's a combination of how proud of her I was and that my first little baby is going to school. We walked to the front doors and there were some sixth graders there to greet her and take her to her teacher. So I handed her off and cried some more.

I had to go inside the school to drop off Ashlyn's asthma medicine so I walked in right behind her. I was still crying and was so embarrassed because people from my ward were there and they saw me. I saw my friend so I went and stood by her. I knew she would not care that I was crying. I had to get composure before walking in the office.

We watched as the kindergartners all lined up in their classes and I watched for like five minutes and Ashlyn never showed up. I then decided I should go find where the crap she went. I went back to the front and found the little 6th grader had no clue what she was doing and Ash was just sitting there waiting to go somewhere. I grabbed her and took her to her teacher and said goodbye again. This time I was laughing because of how retarded the sixth grader was. I told her that Ashlyn was in Ms. Cruz's class and from the door to the hall which is like 10 seconds the girl totally had forgotten what teacher she had.

I then left and got in the car. I started crying again. I am the biggest baby ever. I sat at home waiting to go pick her up. I was so excited to hear how her first day was. I arrived at the school a few minutes early and waited for her to come out. First off they let the kids that ride the bus out. Then the other kids came out and of course Ashlyn is the last one out. She is always so slow. I was expecting her to run up and give me a big hug but instead she ran up to me with a smile and then started to moan in frustration with me.

We got in the car and I asked her how her day was. She started to cry and said I don't remember. So I asked did you meet any friends? Did you color? What did you do. She said Maybe we will talk about it tomorrow. She was just plain mad. I said if I take you to McDonald's for lunch will you tell me. She said maybe. So I took her for a happy meal. After that I asked her what she did and she said we will talk about it tomorrow okay. I finally took the hint and quit asking.

At about 4:00 that afternoon she said to me "I didn't get to ride the bus like all the other kids". She was disgusted with me that I did not let her. I said is that why you are not talking to me. She said yes. I said okay that is fine. I will make a deal with you. I will take you to school everyday and you can ride the bus home each day. I figured it was a good compromise. She agreed and was happy after that. She told me about her day and loved school.

The next day Mark and I picked her up from the bus stop. She had the cheesiest grin on her face just like the one when I dropped her off on the first day. She felt so old and proud of herself. She loved the bus. She did say it made her head spin a little. Anyhow I am very proud of Ashy and how big of a girl she is. Josh misses her while she is gone and says Bus home all day until it comes and we pick her up.

Lunch Party

2008-08-21T20:53:00.003-06:00

I finally found the card reader for my computer so I can post with pictures! Yippy for me. So a few weeks ago I invited my cousins and aunt over for a little lunch party. My sister was also to come but her husband got got sick so she stayed home with him and made sure we did not get it in case she was carrying it. (She was so we are glad she stayed)

My Aunt Linda, Kelly, Cheryl, Kristy, and all of their kids came over around 1:30 and the party began from there. Well I should say I had to guide them to my house first since someone I am not naming any names didn't follow the instructions I typed to her. So we all had food assignments and of course the same person that did not bring my typed instructions again not naming names forgot the chips. So Cheryl and I packed up in her car and ran to Maverick for a couple of bag of chips.

Once we got back I got to work making my famous Pesto Burgers. I promised my Linda she would not taste the meat with my great pesto topping. She does not like meat. I succeeded. She said it was a great burger and that she could eat that again. We also had all sorts of other junk and over all it was a great feast.

The kids swam in the pool, jumped in the bounce house, played in Ashy's room, and did all sorts of stuff. They all enjoyed each other while the girls chatted away and enjoyed each others company. Cheryl also did my hair. She gave me the full on treatment. She colored, cut, and styled my hair. I loved it. Thanks Cheryl my awesome cousin.

Overall we had a great time. I was so happy that they drove all the way out to my house. I had so much fun and enjoyed their company. I love being around my moms family because it gives me a piece of her that I would not have. It brings back good memories of her and makes me feel that she is there with us, happy we are together. My aunt Linda and my aunt Debbie have both been really good about keeping in touch with us and making sure we know our mom. I really appreciate that about the both of them.

Thank you Linda and my girls for coming out to my house and making it such a fun time. I look forward to our next get together that is coming real soon. I love you guys so much and I am so glad we get together once a month. You guys are the best! Michell we missed you and are glad you are all better now.

Olympic Diving

2008-08-13T11:58:00.003-06:00

Last night I turned on the Olympics and synchronized diving was on. Josh and Ashlyn thought it was the coolest thing ever. They would both yell Whoa really loud and then say awesome or nice after each dive. It was so funny to watch them enjoy it. When Mark got home Ashlyn said to him that she watched the Mexicans and the china people dive. It was funny that she was paying that much attention to who was diving. Just thought I would share what we have done the last few days.

Beetle

2008-08-13T11:51:00.002-06:00

Today Josh walked outside and picked up a live beetle. He brought it in the house and went to hand it to Ashlyn. I caught him just before he dropped it in her lap. If it would have landed in her lap there would have needed to be counseling involved. Anyhow I yelled no Josh and he chucked it across the room. I hate bugs. So I had to get the biggest wod of TP and pick it up and flush it. Thanks Josh for being all boy. You are the best.

Quest for Perfection

2008-08-13T11:18:00.002-06:00

Okay so I cant find the thing that hooks in my computer to upload pictures from my camera. I hate writing without pictures two times in a row so I came up with something that I could write about and have a picture. I know for a fact Julia will enjoy this.

So College Football season is approaching. In 17 days the cougars play N. Iowa to open their season. I am so excited for this game and the season to start. BYU is stacked with a huge amount of talented players and coaches this season. If they can go undefeated they can go to a bowl game. I have a great feeling about this and feel that is exactly what will happen. There are only three teams that I think will give them a run for their money. UCLA who just lost their QB to injury, Washington, and maybe TCU.

Some of you may be wondering why the Utes who I like to call the Pukes are not mentioned here. It is simple. They have a terrible immature coach. With a terrible coach it makes for a not so good team. I have seen it with the cougars. Gary Crowton was not a leader and the cougar program went down hill from that. So until whitingham is either fired or resigns I have no worries of them beating us anytime soon.

Some also may wonder why I am a Cougar fan and not a Puke fan. It is simple. Yes I grew up in SL and attended many games at the U for basketball and maybe two football games. I think of the quote from one of my favorite movies called fever pitch. "When did they ever love you back" Well when I married Mark he was a huge Cougar fan and he said I needed to be one to get married. It was not hard to convert. First off When did the U ever love me back? I played basketball in High School and wanted to play at the U when I graduated. Well they totally ignored me taking two other girls that I played against as part of their team. As I recall it I was better than the two of them. I out scored both of them when playing them and I also held them to some of their lowest scoring games defensively. So why would I be obligated to be a fan of a school that is stupid? Hiring stupid coaches and recruiting sucky players. That is right I would not want to.

I am now and always will be a Cougar fan true and blue. They have better teams, academics, and rank higher in their MBA program than the U does. Sorry to all the U fans for this but I just wanted to give a shout out to the Cougs! Here is to a perfect season.

Memory Lane

2008-07-21T12:32:00.001-06:00

I don't normally do these things but thought it would be fun. I mostly just hate the tag your it scenerios but this one is okay because it is you talking about me instead of me talking about myself.

A walk down memory lane
Heres a little game! Leave a comment on my blog of a memory that you and I have had together. It doesn't matter if you've known me for a short time, or a long time, anything you remember! Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.Ready, Set, GO!

A Renewal of a Friendship

2008-07-12T13:21:00.006-06:00

When I was growing up I had a lot of changes happen in my life that were not so fun. My mother past away when I was eight years old and we moved shortly after that. I started a new elementary school and it was hard. I had to find new friends and I basically started a new life. I wanted to fit in and have a lot of friends. Most people do. When I got in Junior High I still hadn't found my place but I was not giving up. I had friends but they were not that great of friends. There were some girls that I just thought were so cool and I really wanted to be friends with them. One of them ended up being in my science class. Our teachers name was Melvin Barnes which was a great set up for me.

Anyhow one of the girls I wanted to be friends with ended up sitting next to me due to alphabetic seating. I thought well if I can be really funny and bring lots of candy she would for sure like me. So I began saying funny things in class and calling my teacher Melvin. The teacher was awesome and put up with it. He knew I was just needing to show off and be crazy. Anyhow I became friends and hung out with this cool chick a lot after being in that class with her. Her name is Heather (Sharples) Griffin. She was such a fun friend and always treated me really good. We had lots of fun times together. She made me feel like I was cool and always inclueded me in everything. Which is important for a girl in Junior High.

After Junior High, we did not see each other as much. We had separate things we were doing. She was a cute little cheerleader and I was a basketball, softball, and soccer player. We just kind of drifted apart but not because we did not like each other. I thought of her many times after high school and wondered what she was doing with her life.

A few months ago I found her Mom and sisters blog. I would read them to find out about her and what she had been up to hoping eventually she would do a blog. Well one day she finally did one so I told her hello. Since then we have e-mailed each other, talked on the phone, and most recently her and her cute kids and niece came to our house. Come to find out we have a ton of things in common now in our adult lives almost freakishly things and it has brought us together once again. I am not a huge fan of being friends with people from school and most I would rather avoid if I saw them at the supermarket but I was really happy to find Heather. She is great.

Okay I know this is a long blog but I have a lot to say. Yesterday Heather and her kids and Niece came over for a fun play date. We had lunch and my favorite cookies from Schmidts pastry cottage (thanks Heather). Then the kids just played while we talked. It was really cool because it was not awkward at all. We felt comfortable just talking about whatever and hanging out. The kids did the same. Ashlyn loved Ayana and MiKayla. They were so nice to her and they just had so much fun. Zeke and Josh mostly played on their own but by the end of the day they started kind of playing together. Zeke is the cutest little guy with a very cute personality. He is the first boy Josh's age that didn't run the other way when he saw Josh. Josh usually scares other kids away. As for Heather's baby Kingston. He is one of the cutest babies I have ever scene.

All in all it was a really fun day. I was so happy to meet Heather's beautiful children and get caught up with her. Ashlyn enjoyed having some fun friends to play with and really loved that fact that Ayana looked like her. That is so important to her. She has already asked me when they are coming again. Thanks Heather for coming and I can't wait for the next time we get together!

4th of July

2008-07-09T12:44:00.003-06:00

I know its late but I wanted to post our pictures form the 4th. The kids had a great day. We spent the day at Marks parents. We celebrated the 4th and also Grandmas birthday. Josh loves to be thrown down the slip and slide and Ash likes to walk around in her swim suit to see how dry she can stay. Both kids had some fun and love spending time with their cousins. Here are the pictures from the day.

New Pet

2008-07-02T22:48:00.005-06:00

Well we decided to get rid of Manny. We traded him in for a Peacock. Josh was literally choking the dog as he picked him up to play. He loved that dog so much. The dog did not like him. He would growl at him and one day Manny just snapped and went into attack mode on Josh. I knew that it was not time to have a dog anymore. So i put in on KSL to sale him. Luckily he sold in 1 day to a couple that had 1 other dog and no kids. Their dog was their child. I think Manny and us are better off for now. We will try again when Josh is older.

The Peacock however is totally easy going. He does not growl at Josh. He loves it when we feed him and he hardly ever poops on our lawn. He sleeps outside in the tree and only wakes us up in the morning at about 5:00. He is big, so Josh can't choke him. His name is Peacock, for those of you who were wondering on his name. He can come and go as he pleases so we don't have to entertain him all the time or get a babysitter when we leave to go somewhere. Did I mention he was free to. All you have to do is move to the area we live in and they just become your instant pet. We sure love Peacock. Sorry you were not here to see this Mandy. I know you wanted to see one.

5 Years Old

2008-06-29T10:46:00.010-06:00

Yesterday we celebrated Ashlyn's 5th birthday. Mark and I were quite excited for her birthday and we decided to plan a big party for her. Ash woke up at about 7:00 and we all went down stairs and opened her presents. She got so excited over each one of them. She spent time playing with each new thing for about 10 minutes and then would move on to the next. It was really cute.

After that she went on to ask me about every 20 minutes when her "party guests" would be arriving. It was cracking me up because she was so proper about it. She was so excited for her party. I told her that we first needed to go and pick up your cake and candy for the Cinada (pinata). So we went and got her cake and some candy. While at the store Ashlyn in her manipulative mind frame says to me " Fireworks would be really cool at my party". So I bought her some snaps. That entertained Josh and Ash for about a half hour and then it was on to when were the party guest going to arrive again. Well they arrived and the party was started.

Ashlyn's Cousins Alyssa, Ryan, Ethan, Ben, Tommy, Riley, Mack, and McKayla were there. She had so much fun with them. They did the slip n slide, played a ton in the bounce house, played pin the tale on the donkey, and had a pinata filled with lots of yummy candy. They all seemed to have such a good time. Ash enjoyed every second of them being there. Her Great Grandma Hughes came as well as Grandma and Grandpa and her Aunts and Uncles. She had all of her favorite things to eat but I am not sure she ate any of it. She had chicken legs, hot dogs, watermelon, pineaple, potato salad, and potato chips. It all turned out well. She is having a party at her other Grandparents house today so I will post that later. Overall it was a great day. Thanks everyone for making it such a special day for her and for the fun presents your brought for her. She really had a fun day.

New addition to the family

2008-06-18T16:48:00.003-06:00

I just wanted to post this announcement of our new family member. His name is Manny. He is a Mini Pincher/Boston Terrier mix. He is so freaking cute I can't stand it. Ashlyn and Josh went with me to pick him up today and were both so excited. When we got home Josh wanted to just pick him up and hold him and if we tried to take him away he shoved us away. I was afraid he was going to choke him to death. Ash is more gentle and loving with him. Ashy decided on the name because she thought Mark would like it. Of course he likes it. He is named after Manny Ramierez of the Red Sox. Anyhow here he is!

The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly

2008-06-05T08:41:00.004-06:00

Well lets start with the good. Last night as Mark was putting Ashlyn to bed she said one of the funniest things we have heard come out of her mouth in a while. Ashlyn has a stuffed unicorn that she named Polly. She sleeps next to Ash every night. Last night she told Mark that Polly was really sad because some hunters shot and killed her mom. We were laughing hysterically. She was a bit embarrassed after saying it but I did manage to get some pictures. Poor Polly!

The Bad and the Ugly are combined into one story. On my counter the other day I had my onion chopper out. You know the ones with two blades that go in circles and chop onions in a container for you? Well Ashlyn decided it would be fun to play with, so she got it down to play with. I had no idea this was happening or I would have taken it away immediately. I thought they were playing with the many toys scattered all over the floor back there. Next thing I know, Josh is screaming like I had never heard before. I get up and see a lot of blood coming from Joshy's knee. Then I look down and notice the blade sitting inches from his foot. I then grab Josh and run upstairs to get the firs aid kit. I Wrapped him up and headed for the car. I knew that he would for sure need stitches. The little trooper stopped crying by this point so I wondered if he cut through the nerves or something. The cut was pretty deep.

We got to the Doctor and they agreed that he would indeed need stitches. several of them in fact. They gave him seven shots of litocain and started stitching. they had to do stitches in side the wound and then on the outside totaling about 17 to 20 stitches. He was good for the inside stitches not making much of a fuss and then as they did the outside ones, I don't think it hurt but he just kept saying "done, done, done" The Doctors and Nurse thought he was quite the character. They also had to have 3 nurses and the doctor to hold him down. They just said he is really strong. Josh was pretty tough through it all though. He was giving the nurses fives and knuckles.

After he was all done we went to Grandmas to get Ashlyn. He stayed there while I ran to the store to get him some band aids and neosporin. When I got back he was swinging and smiling. I knew he was probably just happy cause the litocain had not worn off yet. He was running and having a great old time.

The next morning was a different story. He stopped walking and just cried all day saying owie, owie. He has pretty much sat in my lap since then. He really doesn't want to walk or move. He keeps saying stuck to me. I think he means his knee is stuck because he does not want to move it. All I have to say is I did not have need stitches until I was 28 years old and Josh was the cause of those. Mark on the other hand had several throughout his years as a kid. Lets hope Josh starts taking after me a little more Mark a little less.

Back Yard Fun

2008-06-01T21:00:00.004-06:00

Just some pictures of the kids in the back yard and some not in the back yard but were to cute to not put on. We are enjoying having grass and not changing Joshy's clothes 4 times a day from the dirt and mud.

Ashlyn enjoys the trees and the birds that all visit to eat out of her bird feeder. She keeps asking when Kindergarten is going to start. She is so confused from going to preschool and then now not having any school. I hope she enjoys school more than I did.

Josh loves the patio and driving his Yucks (Trucks) on it. He likes to put rocks in each yuck and drive them around. His life is complete with yereal (cereal), bottles, and playing outside. As long as he has those three things he is happy. He really enjoys walks in the stroller and splashing in water as well. He is a very happy boy.

We are most excited about this summer and having a yard to play in. We are going to have a fun summer birthday party for Ash and just have lots of barbeque's.

Preschool Graduation

2008-05-28T08:17:00.003-06:00

Last Friday was Ashy's preschool graduation. She was quite the performer I have to say. If you asked me to get up and say a part in front of a crowd I would not be doing that. Ashlyn is not shy and goes up there with great confidence. I am so proud of her. Her part was as follows: "did you know please and thank you are magic words?" She said it with a loud voice and great confidence. She did great.

She also performed some songs and dances and I have to say she has much more rhythm than most kids. Two things now that she definitely did not get from me, stage confidence and rhythm. Her Grandma, aunt Michelle, Ethan, and Grumpy came to the graduation and she was feeling pretty important.

Well she learned a lot through this year. She learned to writer her name, she learned about the planets and space, she learned about dinosaurs, and so much more. Most of all she is ready for kindergarten. Way to go Ashy!

Hot Potato Champ!

2008-05-19T15:51:00.006-06:00

On the way home from picking up Ashlyn from school today, she pulls out a bottle bubbles. I asked her where she had got them and she said "well, mom I won hot potato today in class and I won this prize for them." She was so proud of herself. Her little buddy that I pick up said ya she is the hot potato champion. I was trying not to laugh when I asked how one became a hot potato champion. "Well its pretty easy mom, you just have to not drop the potato and be the last one to catch it." She wanted to call her dad and tell him right away, so with a proud face and a huge smile she called him told him she won Hot Potato. Come to find out on Daddy and donut day at Ashlyn's school, Mark almost won Hot potato as well. Unfortunately he came in second place. Ash one upped her dad on this one. Like Father like daughter. They are just really talented. If only I had such a gift. I can honestly say I never imagined my daughter being a hot potato champ, but I am one proud mom that she is. Congrats to Ashlyn!!!

I think I am getting Old...........

2008-05-13T15:20:00.006-06:00

Well I am 29 years old and in two months I will be 30. Last Saturday Mark, my Dad, and I put in our sprinkling system. After about four hours of work I was slowing down from Jaguar speed to Turtle speed. My dad was slowing down as well but was still showing more strength and energy than I. My dad would ask me to hand him something across the way and about five minutes later I was able to convince my brain to get up and get it for him.

Well eight hours later we had finished. All the pipes were laid and hooked up. All we had left was to bury the pipes which we could not do until we had checked them to see if they would work. Luckily my dad said we could not test them until the next day. I literally could not move. That night I gave the kids a bath and put them to bed and I crashed.

Well 7:00 then next day rolled around and Josh was awake. I am not sure how I rolled my self out of that bed but I did and walking down the stairs was even worse. My legs were so sore from kneeling down and getting up. I didn't even do any cardio and I am this sore. What is wrong with me? I go swimming three days a week, play basketball and softball once a week. I would not have even thought I would be that sore. It only got worse from there. My arms and legs ached all day Sunday and all day Monday. Today, they are sore but I think I will be able to go swimming at least.

So to conclude on my ramblings I have decided I am not just getting old I am old. I feel old and it really scares me. I am not even 30 years old yet. I hope I can continue to be active and do the things I do because if not, I don't want to know what my body will do do from just a walk around the block.

Who let Josh out?

2008-04-29T10:24:00.003-06:00

Yesterday was a nice day. It was warm and there was not much wind. I decided I should take Josh out and wow! I don't think I have ever seen someone let out so much energy. He bolted out the door at lightening speed. He ran to his little red car and took off. He is so fast and I am not exaggerating. He was halfway down the sidewalk before I could catch him. He then went to our back yard where he played and rolled in the dirt. He loves dirt. I swear if there were walls outside, he would have been bouncing off of them. When it was time to load up in the car and pick Ashy up for school there was major avoidance. He ran as fast as he could to get away. I finally got him and he screamed like mad. So when we got home I let him out of the car and he went crazy again. Running straight to his car once again and just loving the outdoors. It is fun to have one kid that is clean and neat. One that does not really care for dirt or bugs and one kid who loves anything that is messy, dirty, and open to run wild. Later that night when I had gone to the gym to excersise Mark took the kids for a walk. Josh was crazy then as well. He was standing in the wagon trying to jump out as it was moving. Mark finally gave up and let him out and he had to run up every driveway and run down it as fast as he could. Mark was nervous thinking he would face plant but he made it safely down each time. Ashlyn of course just walked on the side walk an never wonderd off. Mark eventually had to strap him in the seat belt and pull him home. He is crazy and should be locked in a yard with a fence. I love and wish I had his energy.

More Pictures of the Trip

2008-04-21T12:00:00.001-06:00

We Love Boston

2008-04-20T22:13:00.005-06:00

I wanted to post some pictures from our trip but I seem to have no time at all. We had a great time on our trip. The kids were a lot of work but I am glad that we brought them with us. A family vacation would not be the same without the the kids.

Ashlyn was so good. She loved having all of Grandma, Grandpa, and Amber's attention. Grandma made her popcorn and hot chocolate each night and it made her so happy. She loved going swimming each night with Mom and Grandma. She enjoyed sitting in her stroller and being pushed around like a princess. For those of you know she is not one to want to walk to much. She is kind of lazy that way. Watching her walk down the stairs to the subway was a hoot as well. She has no depth perception and so when she goes down the stairs she is quite timid. She sticks her butt out in the air and leans forward very far. We were glad to have Amber and grandma help her down them as we carried Josh and the strollers down. She was a pro at riding the Subway. She knew that she had to hold on to the metal bars so that she did not fall. As per usual she ate like a horse. She loved the Lasagna the best that we had in Little Italy.

When we were at the Red Sox game she didn't even know there was a game going until the 5th inning when Mark put her on his lap. She was too busy eating a hot dog, peanuts, fries, ice cream, and cracker jacks. Josh on the other hand was busy climbing the bars next to me and taking peanuts from the guy behind us.

Josh was quite the hit at the game. Many fans were fussing over him and telling us how cute he was. At one point in the game like 20 people were turned around talking to him and making a fuss. I just figured that they all just noticed what a cute boy that was sitting behind them and then they all turned back around a a guy behind me told me that Josh was just up on the jumbo tron. All of us totally missed it. I thought they were just thinking he was the cutes little guy they had seen in a while and I was just smiling. I mean I think he is way cute so why would everyone else feel any different. Anyhow too bad we missed it but how cool is that, he made the jumbo tron at a red sox game.

Other things that we did were we drove to Maine and had a Lobster. That was my second of the trip. Boy was it good. We ate pretty good the whole trip. We had all sorts of varieties of food. My favorite had to be the Canoli's from the pastry shop in Little Italy. We went three times to get them because they were so yummy. We went to the beach to see the Atlantic ocean. Josh loved the sand and made quite the mess. He had wet sand all over him. I could go on and on about all the fun things we did. It was a lot of fun. Oh ya and the plane ride home. Much better. Josh was pooped and slept and just drank bottles. He had four bottles in five hours but it kept him quiet. I had to change his diaper twice. Well if I think of more I will post it.

The Plane Ride

2008-04-13T08:56:00.002-06:00

Yesterday afternoon we left for Boston. Mark and I were concerned about Josh being really hard on the plane. I thought we were going to be OK because he had not taken a good nap in the morning and he was looking tired when we were boarding the plane. Well we took off and Josh thought he was on a ride at Disneyland. He was squealing with laughter and saying Wee Wee as we took off. It was hilarious. He had everyone around us laughing. I thought well this won't be too bad.

Then an hour had passed as well as one bottle. He did not fall asleep but was very tired. Mark thought well maybe if we eat dinner and then gave him another bottle when it was dark he would fall asleep. We passed him around to Grandma, Grandpa, Amber, Mark, and myself constantly. Another hour had passed (I forgot to mention we were the second row from the back of the plane) The food finally showed up and they were out of everything that sounded decent. Ashlyn was ornery because she was hungry. Josh was ornery because he was tired and hungry. Mark and I were ornery and exhausted. We ended up with a chicken salad and three fruit/cheese and cracker trays. So Mark, Ash, and I were good. Ash was happy with her food. Now it was Time to focus on Josh. Well four hours and 20 minutes went by and Josh did not take a nap. He wiggled and moved the entire time. He screamed a few times and was so tired. Landing was the same as taking off. Josh thought we were back at Disneyland saying wee and laughing with utter Joy.

He did finally fall asleep. He fell asleep as the cab pulled up to the hotel. He then woke up again and went back to bed an hour later this at midnight eastern time. He then woke up again five hours later and joined Mark and I in out double bed that we thought was supposed to be a queen. He pretty much kept us up the rest of the night. Let hope for better days to come the rest of the week.

Artichoke Buddy

2008-03-31T19:06:00.003-06:00

I just thought I would put some pictures of Ashlyn eating an Artichoke. Ever since she was about 3 years old she has eaten Artichokes with me. I used to have to eat them when she was sleeping because she would eat mine and I would get less than half of one. Now that she is older we have to buy Ashy her own. She downs the whole thing. She eats the leaves and the heart. When she tells Mark to buy her a treat at the stor Mark will sometimes bring home an Artichoke and it is so funny because she gets so excited. Most kids would be dissapointed and be mad it was not candy. Not Ashy it makes her day. She won't eat any other vegetable but she loves an artichoke. Anyhow I get a kick out if it and here are some pictures of it.

Happy Easter

2008-03-24T09:46:00.004-06:00

Easter for us started on Friday. The kids and I went to my friends house in South Jordan for a Easter egg hunt and picnic. Ashlyn made some new Friends that played with her and held her hand. She got to jump on a trampoline and play with a lot of girls. She had a great time until a bee landed on her sleeve. Then the panic attack came on. She was freaking. I thought she had broken a bone or something, but no it was just a bee that attached itself on her sleeve. She is definitely a girly girl. In the process of her freak out she spilled her bubbles and was upset about that. Julie's cute little daughter was nice enough to give her bubbles to Ashlyn. Josh did his usual and fell down on his head many times. Overall it was good times. It was fun to see my friends who and all of their cute little kids. When we were driving away Ashlyn asked if we could come again tomorrow.

Saturday we went to Marks families. They had a Easter egg hunt there as well. It is funny cause Ashlyn does not quite no what to do with herself in these. She kind of just stands there and spins in circles watching everyone else find eggs. I thought this year she would have been able to do it herself. I guess she is not quite there yet but there is always next Easter.

Sunday the Easter bunny came to our house. Ash came in our room and I told her to go downstairs and check all the rooms to see if he had come. So the next thing I hear is our front door unlocking and opening. I yelled down to Ash that it was in the house not outside. She was just going to walk out there in her t-shirt and undies. She is a character. Anyhow she came up about five minutes later to let me know that indeed the Easter Bunny had come and she was quite thrilled over this. She loved her new dress and as you can see they both look pretty good.

Yard Work is hard

2008-03-24T09:37:00.005-06:00

We rented a Bobcat last Friday to move dirt and get out yard ready for grass. Mark put the kids in and they thought they were pretty cool. I wish I had a picture of Mark driving it because he was like a kid in a candy store. It was pretty funny. Here are the pictures.

Mark took the kids on a walk......

2008-03-19T09:59:00.001-06:00

My dearest Ashy

2008-03-12T10:58:00.004-06:00

I wanted to write about my daughter Ashlyn today. Some things get said around her that she has heard and then she asks me questions. I never want her to feel left out from not looking like us or me not giving birth to her. She is the the 5th born of grandchildren on both sides families and the second born as a girl. So this Blog is dedicated to her and how much we love her. Yes she is adopted but we do not feel she is any different than if she were born with our genes. She is still ours and she is a part of our family. In fact I feel that she is just as loved or even more loved from most of those around her because of her circumstances. So here are 10 things I love about you Ashy.

1. You are naturally the most beautiful girl I have ever seen.
2. You are so smart and know more than you should. You pick up on things that kids your age do not. Some things that I wish you wouldn't pick up on you do.
3. You love Josh and treat him so good. He just gets so excited when he See's your face in the mornings. Your a great big sister.
4. You say the best prayers ever. I am so proud of you that you love Jesus and are thankful for him.
5. You tell me that I am your BFFL all the time. I hope we can always be best friends and have a good relationship.
6. You love dad, Josh, and I 25.
7. You have a love for shoes just like mom and dad and you never get your shoes dirty.
8. You eat like a horse. I love that you will eat food that mom and dad love. I love how much you can put away in that small little body of yours.
9. I love how organized you are. I love how you put your candy into colors and types. How you always sort things out into shapes, sizes and colors.
10. Most of all I just love you and every little thing about you. You made mom's dream come true so that I could be a mom and that means everything to me.

Mom and Dad love you so much and are so proud of you. You are a great blessing in our lives. We feel like you were meant to be ours and we are so glad you are.

Kids being funny again

2008-03-03T09:56:00.006-07:00

Its been a while since I wrote about the kids and the funny things they have been doing so I decided to do my next post about them. I will start out with Ashlyn. The other day we were sitting next to each other watching a movie and she said to me "Mom you are my best friend" I of course told her the same. I then asked her how much she loved me and she said "How much I love you is 25". I assume that is a lot. I am not sure she can count past that so as far as she can count she loves me. At night when I am putting Josh to sleep Mark puts Ashlyn to sleep. I always enjoy listening to their conversations and her prayers. Just the other night for the first time she said she was thankful for Jesus. I thought that was so cute. Back when I was sick last summer each night she would pray for mom to get feeling better. Even when I was feeling better she would say it and to this day every once in a while she will pray for me to get feeling better. She also says she is hungry once she is all tucked in her bed. Mark has decided to try and not give her food in bed anymore so he asked if she was going to eat it now or in the morning and she says that she is just going to save it for the morning. So mark says I will leave it outside your room. The other night she requested cheese. Mark said OK I will leave it out side for you and then Ashlyn says well it might get old, just cut it up and leave it in the fridge for me. She is quite bossy. The last thing that was funny she said that night was how long am I gonna sleep for and Mark said 10 hours and she said that's a long time but ok. And lastly about Ash is talking about this picture of her in this blog. The other day I was cooking dinner and I walk over to wipe the table and I notice Ashlyn has put blocks that are square only on each square on my rug. She does funny things like this all the time. She organizes her candy in colors and sizes and her crayons and Markers are all organized as such as well. I start to worry she might be OCD but then I remember how messy she can be and I realize she is probably just really smart and a little anal.

Okay now for Josh. His won't be as long but he is pretty funny himself. Josh's new words are: I Funny, I crazy, Yellow, phone, and Naughty. He laughs at himself all the time and says I funny. If I tell him he is crazy he says I azy for crazy, the other day Ash and I were saying yellow and Josh says Mellow. When Josh sees a phone he always says phone, and when he does something that is naughty he is the first to say that as well. He is such a talker. When Mark takes him outside he heads straight for the mud. He enjoys being outside more than anything. I can't wait till its warm all the time. The other day we bought Josh some Nike Shocks and he walks around staring at them like he is so cool. Josh also thinks he is so big. When I try to give him a sippy cup he won't take it. He wants a cup like mine with whatever I am drinking. Its kind of a pain. Well Josh's funny story of them all is when I was at Costco with Grandma Holley and we were walking by the clothes and there was a lady looking at the woman's swim suits. They are all on those plastic models. She ended up making like 10 0f them fall and it was loud. As we walked by Josh said "ice, ice, ice". That means nice for those that don't know. When ever he or Ash spill or do something we always so nice to them so Josh thought he should say Ice to the lady for dropping everything. Anyhow the kids definitely keep us entertained.

Natalie's Celebrity Look-alikes

2008-02-20T19:32:00.004-07:00

Here are Mark and My Celebrity look-alikes. I think Mark is a definate Kevin Costner/ Keifer mix. I will say mine were a bit shocking. Chelsea Clinton? No way. Let us know what you think.

http://www.myheritage.com/collage

Marks Celebrity Look-alikes

2008-02-20T19:06:00.004-07:00

http://www.myheritage.com/collage

President Monson

2008-02-07T12:21:00.000-07:00

I just thought I would share a neat story about President Monson. Over a year ago my Grandma Webb had past away. We were at her viewing just waiting for the family prayer when President Monson walked in the room. My grandma knew President Monson from when he was younger. President Monsons brother is also married to my dads sister. As he walked in the room you could feel this strong spirit it was awesome. He was directly across the room from us when he walked in the room. He came in the room and walked towards Mark, Ashlyn, and I and shook our hands. He then grabbed Ashlyn's cheek softly and said to her that she was the cutest little girl. It was a memorable moment for me becuase I knew one day he would be our prophet. I will never forget the sprirt you could feel as he was there. He also spoke at the graveside service. He spoke about how important families are. He also told us that we all had chairs up in Heaven waiting for us and that we need to reserve them now. I don't usually asorb many talks and remember them but this one I did and one day Ashlyn will be happy to know how cute President Monson thought she was.

Ashlyn's Cousin and Best Buddy

2008-01-31T20:51:00.000-07:00

This is Ashlyn's cousin Alyssa. She is sleeping over tonight and Ahslyn is so excited. Actually she is out of control hyper. She only gets this way when Alyssa sleeps over. They have so much fun. Ashlyn talks about her all the time. She always says when she gets something new I need to show this to Alyssa. It is very Cute. She once told me that Alyssa is her BFFL. (Best Friend For Life) I am happy that a simple sleep over makes her day. It makes mine to cause they can play all day and I can get things done. Josh also thinks Alyssa is great. He lets her carry him everywhere and squeels in excitement every time he sees her.

Relationships

2008-01-31T17:00:00.000-07:00

Last night I went to a relief society dinner in my ward. It was nice. I met some new people and enjoyed myself a lot. My friend Nicole and I went together and I am always glad to have her to go with me. I have always hated going to those things alone. I had every intention of coming home by 8:00 so that Mark could be free of the kids during his PPI but I just couldn't bring myself to leave. At about 7:45 the Stake Relief Society President got up and gave a great talk. It was a much needed talk on my part. She spoke of our relationship with our Heavenly Father. She said we need to take time to have a relationship with him and to take the time to do the things that helps in having that relationship such as scriptures, going to church, prayer, and much more. She said if we do these things everything esle in life will fall into place. So I ended up staying to listen to her speak and did not make it back for my husband. Once I explained why I stayed he was not mad at all. I am so happy I stayed. I feel I needed to hear that and that I need to work harder at having a better relationship with Heavenly Father. I think I finally have a New Years Goal (even though I really never make goals). I never really cared for Relief Society until maybe the past 4 years. I am glad I am finally getting involved and thankful I am on the enrichment board. It forces me to go to these activites that I never went to before. I guess Heavenly Father knows me better than I think.

Favorites

2008-01-23T20:38:00.000-07:00

I have decided to list my favorite things. I am not going to do it all at once because that requires too much thinking. I will let Mark list his if he wants but here are my favorite TV shows and Movies.

Current Favorite Top 5 TV shows

One Tree Hill

The Hills

The Office

Smallville

Top Chef

All Time Favorite Top 5 or 6 TV Shows

Dawson's Creek

Gilmore Girls

Beverly Hills 90210

One Tree Hill

Party of Five

7th Heaven (until Jessica Biel left the show)

Favorite Movies

Titanic (seriously)

The Bourne's

Sweet Home Alabama

Fever Pitch

A Walk to Remember

Martin Luther King Day

2008-01-22T19:09:00.000-07:00

Mark had Martin Luther King Day off, I did not. Whenever Mark has a day off I always feel so excited thinking oh good he can take care of the kids while I work. By the end of the day I am glad to know he is going to work the next day.

Mark gets a little bored being home. He thinks of projects to do to keep him busy so that he does not get onery. I am totally fine with him doing this because he really does get onery. Well his first project was to shovel the walk. That went well and he got it all done. Next he decided to go to the Home Depot to buy a heater to put in the garage so he can work out there in the cold months. That to went well. Next he decided to take Ashlyn out in the garage to clean out the cars. She was thrilled to go out and spend time with her dad. This is where my day gets difficult and much harder than when he is just gone to work.

So Mark and Ashh are out cleaning the cars and I start getting my orders. Nat can you come out here and get Josh's car seat out so I can vacuum? Can I get some bags to put the garbage in? When you get a chance can you get all this stuff I cleaned out of the car and put it all away? My thoughts were does it look like I am looking for something to do. I am sitting at my computer working and he is handing out orders for his projects.

Next Mark decides to go and shovel the back patio. Ashlyn sees him out there and decides she is going to help. So she goes out and Josh sat at the window freaking out because he wants to go out there. Mark taps on the window and says get him a coat and bring him out. So I get him dressed and send him out. Not even five minutes later he taps on the window and says here you better get him its too cold out here. So now I am having to undress him and put warm clothes on him again.

So do I love my husband? I sure do. Do I love him to go to work? Most definitely.

White Lies

2008-01-15T12:32:00.000-07:00

The other day at church I picked up Ashlyn from her class and her teacher said to me "have fun at Disneyland next week" I looked at Ashlyn and said oh are we going to Disneyland next week? My daughter seems to tell little white lies like this every once in a while. I know that I should not let her do that and explain to her that lying is not good, but I find her to be hilarious and I love to hear the things she tells people. In the past she has told people that we are getting a new car, or that she is getting a toy that she wants or some funny thing like that. It is sad but I find myself more entertained by my children's sayings and the things that they do than any television show or movie.

RANDOM THOUGHTS

2008-01-14T11:07:00.000-07:00

Okay so I have been going on Thursday nights to play basketball with ex-high school and college players. My first time going I was completely winded and I felt as if I was not dressed like a winner. I feel what I did about this completely changed my game last week. First off I made my husband go buy me some shorts. You need to have a nice looking pair of shorts when you are playing ball. Next thing I did was I got myself a pair of Air Jordan's. Those I got for free but they were brand new so I was feeling good. I showed up to the game feeling like a total champ. So I warmed up shooting around and then the game started. I had the game of my life. I scored eight 3-pointers, had 6 blocked shots two of which were amazing and more like a rejection, and need I forget to say I had a sweet reverse lay up as well? By the end of the game I totaled out at about 40 points. You might wonder if I passed the ball at all. I will say yes I did. We were playing four on four and my other teammates had at least 10 0r more points. I must owe most of the credit to my outfit and shoes. I was not winded at all and my shoes gave me the extra bounce I needed in my shot. It has been really fun playing and I have enjoyed meeting new people that love basketball like I do.

As for my other random thoughts. I thought I would explain the Markalie thing. You know how in Hollywood they call Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck Bennifer or Tom and Katie TomKat? Well I find it just fascinating (sarcasm) so I have named mark and I Markalie. I mean I am sure the couples love their lives being intruded on all the time and I am positive they just love the nicknames. I would and I do so now I have one. I know I am not famous but you never know. I could be someday. So now we all know where that was thought up.

The last thing I wanted to get off my chest, is my son, literally. When I am holding my son he sticks his hand down my shirt. He also does when I am feeding him a bottle or putting him to sleep. My daughter did it to. I can't figure out why though. I do not have big boobs so that can't be it. It is really embarrassing when I am holding him in church or somewhere public and he sticks his hand down there and pulls my shirt half way down for the world to see. Ashlyn did the same thing but she would stick her hand down her aunts and grandmas shirts to. Josh only does it to me. I have no problems with my son being a booby man but he is a little young and I have like 10 scratches on my chest from him sticking his hand down there and I am not feeling like I want him to continue with this.

That is all for now.

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-01-04T09:41:00.001-07:00

Funny Things

2007-12-28T10:15:00.000-07:00

Kids Say and do the funniest things. I would like to share some of the funny things that Ashlyn and Josh have done in the past and recently that make Mark and I wonder where they came from.

Starting off with Ashlyn. I am not sure where to start with her but I can start by talking about her artistic abilities. Ashlyn loves to draw, color, and paint. Last Christmas Santa brought her an art table to make her and official artist. One day she drew a picture of the family. The one of Mark was quite detailed and anatomically correct if your know what I mean. Next was my picture which again was drawn in great detail. I am not sure how to explain what she drew but just use your imagination. Mark and decided there and then that we can no longer walk around however we want and when I go to the bathroom I need to shut the door and keep her from seeing things that she would want to draw.

Another funny thing she does is when she goes to school she gets all dressed up and looks like a doll. She twirls around a few times as I tell her how gorgeous she looks. She then heads off to school and when she gets home she runs in the house goes to the bathroom and takes off everything but her underwear. She then proceeds to ask for her "nice and snugly blanket" where she then wraps herself in it and lays down to watch her SpongeBob episodes. We can't figure out why but she loves to just wear underwear around the house no matter how cold it is. She is a child of habit and she does the same exact thing day in and day out. She has to have an omelet with cheese for breakfast each morning. Ten minutes later she will say "Mom I am hungry" She then eats a snack of some sort. She then has to have either noodles or a corn dog for lunch. I have tried to suggest new things to eat but she just sticks to what she likes best. For dinner she will actually eat what we are having most of the time and when she won't there isalways canned ravioli.

On to Josh, He is totally opposite of Ashlyn. He does not watch TV like she does. He does not eat just a few certain things for breakfast and lunch and he does not go around in his nothing but his diaper all day. He does however do some strange and odd things that are quite funny to me. First off he is very busy. He is always into something and always moving. I have some flour and sugar containers I keep in my pantry on the floor. He likes to open those containers up and stash a toy or two in there. I will go to get flour and in there will be a Mr. potato head arm, a wrapper, and a block sitting in there for me to add to whatever I am cooking. He likes to get all my Tupperware out and make a mess at least 3 times a day as well. He also likes the SpongeBob theme song and when it comes on he says "Spa Ba" several times afterwards. Josh is not a man of many words yet but when he does say things it is quite funny. The other day I was playing blocks with him and he was putting them in where they go and I would say "Nice". I then noticed five minutes into it that he was saying "Ice" after he did it. It was really cute and funny. He now says Ice if he does anything awesome at all. Well that is all for now.

Christmas came and went

2007-12-27T17:59:00.000-07:00

For the first time, Ashlyn really knew what was going on. She stayed up most of the night apparently looking at her window waiting for Santa to come. At 5:00 AM she'd had enough and came into our room to express her disappointment that Santa hadn't come. Little did she know he had finished everything up downstairs around 8:30 PM.

Josh didn't know what was going on, he was just happy to get a bunch of crap to tear open. They were both exhausted by the end of the day, as were their parents.

Josh is obviously thrilled to meet Santa...

2007-12-24T11:10:00.000-07:00

Season Greetings

2007-12-20T14:00:00.000-07:00

Seasons Greetings All,

I have an older blog but I have decided to forgo that one and move on to doing a family one. We are ready and excited for Christmas here in our home. Ashlyn asks everyday when she can open her presents. Josh has no clue whatsoever as to what is going on except that there is more stuff for him to get into and he likes that. I am going crazy trying to keep the house picked up all day long.

Ashlyn is 4 years old and she is the easiest kid ever (except when its time to go home from somewhere or when its time for bed.) Josh is the busiest 14 month old I have ever seen. I find toys in my cupboards and flour and sugar containers daily. He likes to take things and stick them in other things. He is extremely coordinated and can already put a lid on a water bottle all by himself. I have high hopes for him to play sports. Ashlyn is just learning to write her name and is loving preschool so much. Her S and Y letters are hilarious and the spacing between letters is amazing. I enjoy watching how much she loves to learn. I never had that kind of desire. I just wanted to play soccer and basketball.

Mark just got accepted into BYU's MBA program. I am excited for him and I think he is a great husband and dad. We have been married 9 years and I cannot believe it will be 10 in November of 2008. Time flies by when you are having fun. I am busy being a mom and working from home. I love that I can be home with my kids and be a mom. I never had that growing up and it was my desire and hope that I would be able to give my children what I never had. Merry Christmas everyone and Happy New Year.