essie love

my kind of camping.

2011-05-21T11:36:00.000-07:00

Saturday night we went out to dinner with Granny, Pop & Judy at Sauce. Then we went camping! In our back yard! It was awesome: beautiful weather, kids loved it, easy and best of all, little miss Tess could sleep in her crib inside! We roasted marshmallows, made s'mores, told spooky stories (ever heard of the "ghost cow"?) and Mike sang us to sleep with his music. Mom joined Tess inside about 5 am...but the rest of them lasted all night and wanted to do it again the next night! Great memories.

six weeks

2011-05-19T10:52:00.000-07:00

Couldn't love this six week old baby any more than I do. Man, those cheeks! I kiss them all day long. Lucky mama.

Tangled.

2011-05-14T09:03:00.000-07:00

Avery turned three and she wanted a Tangled party. We invited our family and close friends to celebrate with us and I had a lot of fun planning this shin dig. I also had a lot of help with food...I didn't do it on my own. Avery's amazing nursery teacher made her cake and it was so perfect. Avery loved it! And it tasted awesome too. Dinner was yummy...Mike smoked a brisket and pork shoulder, a few friends brought salads, Queen Ju Ju dressed up like a "queen" and Princess Avery sure thought that was special. We set the tv up outside and the kids watched "Tangled" while we ate yummy dinner and spent time together. Avery had a great time blowing her candles and opening her gifts...she got a lot of Rapunzel goodies, dress ups, clothes, art supplies...you name it. Thanks for all who took the time to celebrate with us. My favorite part was after it got dark, Mike and friends lit 3 floating lanterns and sent them into the sky. Everyone watched and waited and cheered when they took off. It was awesome. The details were fun...the Rapunzel hair on the front door, the "Rapunzel paints" for a favor, Pin the frying pan on Flynn Rider, sidewalk chalk, the banner of pictures that my friend Stacey took of our little tangled girl. It was just a fun time, great food, good company. I cannot believe Avery is three. She is so grown up, so smart and funny. She is unique and dynamic and people cannot help but love her. She is a blessing and pure entertainment to her family. She loves her baby sister. She looks up to her big sister and wants to be like her. She worships her big brother and he takes care of her. I am blessed to be the mom of these naughties...I really am. Happy Birthday Avery May!

One Month

2011-05-07T09:35:00.000-07:00

Tess baby is one month old.

It's crazy how time on the "baby out of the womb" side goes so quickly in contrast to "baby inside of the womb" time. The last month of pregnancy is like a minute counting, aching, waddling mess. And this past month has been one of joy. Pure joy and enjoyment of this little peach. Granted, the bags under my eyes are the size of a small state...and there's nothing glamorous about a post-partum body or mind (I've been riding the hormone roller coaster). But it is a special time, one not to be taken for granted. But sadly one that passes too quickly and because of the lack of sleep and sanity, maybe one that we don't remember like we should. I have sincerely tried to take it all in. Enjoy just staring at her and marveling at the miracle her little fingers, toes and lips are. She is a beautiful girl. She is lovingly called "Tessie", "Tess baby", "Tessie Tess", "Tangled Tess" and "Tiny"...She is especially loved by her big sister Avery. The video monitor has been put to good use as it is my right hand man after finding Avery IN Tess's crib. (We've also found her with her fingers down her throat...and she's moved her across the house more than once). Needless to say, I'm on my toes. Tess is sleeping in her crib and has been since week 2. I just can't deal with the baby noises :) She is doing pretty well the last few nights, giving me 4 or 5 hours at a time. She has the dreaded newborn rash but hoping that clears up pretty soon. She is holding on to her dark hair, she has long, dark lashes and the biggest poutiest lips. I love those lips. She also (don't hold your breath) has blue eyes. Our friend Margarita said with surprise "She has eyes blue"...so that's our favorite saying. Whether or not she stays eyes blue, it's not likely. But they are big and beautiful. She is a good baby, pleasantly sleeps and eats and bats those big eyes in between. She likes her swing, tolerates the bath, and loves going on walks in her stroller. She has attended more baseball games than any one month old and she is loved by all. Payton and Sydney beg to wash their hands and hold her. They really are great with her. Sydney is a good little mother hen. She thinks it's pretty special to be big and able to help. I have to say 4 hasn't been too huge of a transition for me. Not like 3 was. I am feeling great and loving being a mom to these kids. So my house isn't the picture of perfection and I don't cook as much as I should...I am draggin my feet big time getting back into my church calling, taking it one step at a time, but I am enjoying myself. I am certainly too hard on myself, hate to look in the mirror, etc. But I am trying to remember that I am doing the most important work I could possibly do now. It's our Heavenly Father's work and as daunting a task that seems...He helps me do it the best I can. I am thankful for this month of joy. This addition of joy to our home. Love you baby Tess.

Avery.

2011-05-06T11:38:00.000-07:00

Avery is 2...nearly 3.

Avery is a pistol :)

She is funny.

She is a favorite at nursery.

She loves nursery and playing with the "tids"

She loves to play with "Tendall"

She can't say her K's :)

She dances and wrestles and fights.

She loves to play with Sydney and Payton.

She loves baby Tess (to a fault...)

She likes to watch shows on the i-pad (dora, caillou, bubble guppies, arthur)

She loves to take a bath with bubbles.

She pees her bed when she naps.

She likes to read books.

She loves "Tangled"

She likes to play outside.

She cannot wait to get big and go to pre-school.

She is one of a kind.

She'll talk your ear off in her high pitched voice :)

She has a love/not love relationship with her daddy ;)

She is a blondie.

She is petite.

She is a good eater.

She likes treats.

She likes to touch and kiss and love and touch her baby sister.

She likes to go to AJ's.

She is a good singer and makes up her own lyrics.

She sleeps in the bottom bunk.

She likes to walk on her dad's back.

She loves her mom.

She likes to run around in her panties.

She is the best.

xoxo, Aves.

Sydney.

2011-05-06T11:24:00.000-07:00

Sydney is 5. Almost 6.

Sydney is in Kindergarten.

She is our mother hen...

She is a sensitive, sweet girl.

She is BEAUTIFUL (as a boy in her class would say...)

She loves to hold baby Tess.

She is a helper to Avery and includes her.

She loves her friends, mostly Sophie.

She loves to play and swim.

She just got her hair cut short and it's so cute.

She is fun and creative.

She loves to draw and color and make a mess.

She loves going on Daddy daughter dates.

She loves new shoes (and she has big old feet!)

She loves to wear dresses.

She goes to Let's Play Music and is great at it.

She is Sydney Sweet Cakes (to Dama Dama)

She loves Aunt Judy. They are two peas in a pod.

She has beautiful eyes.

She has a body and disposition like her mother.

She's sleeps on the top bunk.

She always does her chores (with a little reminding from mom).

She's a good friend.

She is a blessing in our family.

love you so, Sis.

Payton

2011-05-06T11:14:00.000-07:00

Payton is 8.

Payton is great.

Payton is our only boy...but he is the BEST boy.

He is finishing up 2nd grade in about a month.

He loves his friends...Spencer is his best friend.

He loves school and is so smart.

He made it into ELP.

He is playing minor baseball and learning a lot.

He is a great big brother and takes care of his 3 sisters!

He loves to hold baby Tess.

He is kind and has a good attitude.

He plays the piano and just had a recital :) He memorized both of his songs!

He is athletic and runs super fast.

He is determined and when he gets something in his mind, he cannot drop it (like buying a camera with video...about drove me nuts!)

He is a friend to all.

He just got his hair cut short and spiky like his dad's.

He loves to play.

He loves cub scouts.

He is sensitive.

He likes to eat corn on the cob.

He likes candy.

He loves to read.

He is a collector.

He is AWESOME.

Love you Payt.

the first four weeks...

2011-04-30T10:01:00.000-07:00

The first four weeks are filled with lots of diapers and not a lot of sleep. Lots of baby curled up sleeping on my chest in a little ball. She is such a sweet little bundle. The first four weeks were also very much without a decent camera (sad) but here are a few that I got with the wal mart cheapo before my mother's day gift arrived (thank you Miguel). Love this baby!

baby and baseball...

2011-04-18T13:03:00.000-07:00

Payton has been busy playing minor baseball the last month. He is practicing hard with his dad and is hitting lefty. He's one of the smaller boys in the league but he is fast. His team is the Knights.

Mike's new baby: the green egg. He is a smokin' fool. And we all reap the benefits!

The rest of us are all busy loving baby Tess. She is (knock on wood) such a good girl...eats, sleeps, eats, sleeps, wakes a little :)

We've had a lot of family around...which has kept the big kids occupied. Tess and I have been resting, watching "Friday Night Lights" and feeding! Thank goodness for netflix and good friends that bring me treats.

Tess Marie

2011-04-13T11:49:00.001-07:00

Just a few pictures of our life since little miss has joined our family. 4 kids has made us officially a for real family :) Tess really has brought such a joy and light into our home. Our kids love her. LOVE. It's a sweet, special time. I hope to soak it all in...

baby Tess.

2011-04-11T11:28:00.000-07:00

April 7th, 2011...Tess Marie joined our family. She was born at 3:21 pm and weighed 8 pounds, 3 ounces. She is a lengthy 21.5 inches long. She has dark hair and blue eyes. She has bits and pieces of each of our kids and a few of her own. Some say she even has a bit of her mama in her.

Here's the brief story. If you don't like pregnant/postpartum dialogue, just skip it:

So turns out I was GBS+ this time around and needed antibiotics before delivery so we went in at 7:30 am on Thursday. Brookie was our sweet heart nurse and she had the room all dolled up for the arrival of our little one. She made us feel very loved and comfortable and I love her so much for it. Basically, just hung out all morning. The penicillin hurt like a mother going in my veins. Oh my goodness. Ice packs seemed to help but it was quite uncomfortable. Michael stuck around but was on the phone. Conference calls with British man from the delivery room bathroom, anyone? sheesh. Luckily, Kate came down to chit chat a bit later and I had some company :) Brooke started the pitocin about 10:30...the contractions started to steady up and get a bit stronger, nothing I couldn't talk through. Dr. McNeal was set to come in after 1:00 pm so I got my epidural about 12:30 pm. That is seriously the worst part. Mike was holding me in place, CRNA is taking her dang sweet time with set up, all the way my nerves are shot, I'm almost shaking with anxiety, squeezing Mike's arm...he's absorbing all my anxiety AND watching the needle go into my back. He turns greenish/gray and has to be convinced to sit and drink some juice. It was hilarious but dreadful. At least he didn't pass out. We got all the business done, doctor broke my water at 1:55...I was dilated 5 cm and 90% at that point. Brooke pulls out her magic peanut ball (peanut shaped yoga ball) and slides it into position which helps to open up the body. Man, it worked! Sooner than later, I could feel a lot of pressure...we called Brooke. 9 cm and fully effaced. Doctor was called back and we were all ready to go. Kate was snapping some photos :) and we were excited for the arrival of our new babe.

I pushed through 5 contractions or so. Little Tess was posterior which meant she was a little tougher to get out! I had to find my chi for just a minute to get that stinker out, but it happened and I only had to get one tiny stitch :) too much info? sorry.

Coming out, she looked so big and chubby. She is a bit of a whopper! Little sweet Tess was placed on my chest right away and it was quite emotional. What a blessing it is to suddenly have this tiny little piece of heaven handed to you. And you love her. endlessly. It truly is amazing. Mike was so sweet and supportive, stood by my side and no phone calls during delivery ;) It was so special to have nurse Brookie and Aunt Kate there.

Thanks to my parents who came to support us and help with the other kids. They brought them down soon after delivery and the kids just loved her. it really was special to see them react to their new sister. Avery's little expression was priceless. Sydney and Payton were both so excited to hold and love her.

I was starving! Had a bit to eat and spent time with the kids, Mike and my parents. The girls got to help Brooke give Tess a little bath. It was so sweet.

Hours later (when my right leg finally came to...) we were turned over to postpartum and Granny, Pop and Judy came to visit. They didn't stay long but they were sweet with baby Tess. Roger is really proud of her namesake, his own mother, Marie. He was quite emotional and very sweet about it.

Kate came back later in the evening. We visited and loved baby. Mike went home with her to get some sleep in his own bed. I fed little Miss and sent her to the nursery for a few hours.

Friday, Miguel showed up nice and early to hang out. Tess had her visit from the pediatrician and she gave us the thumbs up to go home. Krista Tanner came to visit. It was nice. Tess passed her hearing test and my parents brought the kids down again. Mrs. Kolodny had her baby Friday morning (crazy, right?) and she was right down the hall so we went to visit her. The hospital has a beautiful little zen garden outside with a playground and benches. We went out for a little bit. It was peaceful there. The kids went home and we got packed up and ready to be discharged. It was a quick stay :) But that's what happens when you're self pay!

Mike has been smoking the green egg like crazy. It's very very nice to have him cook! and he is exceptional. He did ribs friday before Payt's game. Saturday he did prime rib and Sunday we did pizzas. He's amazing and I have to say, this is one hobby I am very supportive of!

Kate left Saturday morning. I was so glad to have her here. She is a supportive sister and the best friend I have in this world. It was a special thing to share this time with her.

Mom and Dad stayed through the weekend, took the kids to Peter Piper, hung out and helped with odds and ends around the house. It was so nice to have them here. I don't get them here too often and what a treat it was to have them come meet our sweet baby. They left this morning. Sydney and I both cried.

Tess.

She is a dream. She is so beautiful. She makes me smile just looking at her. Night one was a bit of a joke :) She had an upset tummy and we were up walking quite a bit. My milk came in yesterday and she has been getting full and is much more content. I should probably stop taking the percocet so I can remember what's happening in the night :) It's funny how I almost giggle when I hear her cry and have to get up...I actually don't really mind it! I love holding and snuggling her. She is just such a tiny little peach. She is a great nurser. She came out "rooting" and really hasn't stopped since. She is going to her well check appointment this afternoon. All in all, she's healthy and I am so grateful. She is a beautiful gift from Heavenly Father. She just fits in our family, she is just supposed to be. The kids love her. They fight over holding her :) lovely.

I am trying to rest. I am trying to enjoy her every little minute. I am feeling great, tired and crampy...but overall, just blessed. Michelle did sharing time yesterday and had all the kids write me notes and she brought them over after church. They made me cry, they are so sweet. I am thankful for the support in my life. Friends and family have been so great.

Speaking of friends...turns out Tay had her baby Sienna about 1 1/2 hours before I had Tess. Amazing! Her story is hilarious, "gas & air" and yelling at mid-wives and on and on! She was 4 days overdue and we had been talking like everyday. England has that social medicine thing going on so they do it quite differently than we do :) It is quite sweet that our little girls share a birthday. Even an ocean apart.

So I am overwhelmed with love for my girls and my boys, too. Mike and Payton singing to the guitar last night just makes me so happy and proud. Mike is an amazing man. He is my rock and my support and my best friend. I don't know what I would do without him in my life. I am so happy to share these babies with him. And I am so glad they have him for a Dad.

I know this post is dramatic and oozing with baby love...but it's history and it represents my current state of hormones! Welcome to our family, Baby Tess. Stay little, please. Let me enjoy your every move.

xoxo. Sarah

Maternity pictures...

2011-04-04T16:50:00.000-07:00

So I was having thoughts. What if this is my last baby? What if this really is the last time my body is a home for a little one? Though I don't know the answer completely, I knew I better have some proof. So I called on my super talented"team" Natalie & Stacey. Nat tamed the lioness locks that are my hair when I am pregnant and Stacey Kay Hemeyer took some pictures...better late in the game than never, I guess! This was April 1st...97 degrees outside, mind you...and 6 days away from having this little Miss. I'm a brick house, I know. But at least I have some sort of documentation of the wonderful transformation that is pregnancy. It's horrible and wonderful and uncomfortable and an absolute miracle. I am thankful for this day. I am glad I braved up and did it. Thanks to my girls. All of them.

PS. Stacey is amazing at what she does...check her out www.staceykayphotographyblog.com

pre baby weekend.

2011-04-03T11:28:00.000-07:00

So I was pretty sure I couldn't sit around all weekend waiting for baby, waiting for Thursday, waiting, waiting...SO we went to the Arizona Grand Resort for the weekend. It was awesome. Figured it might be the last time we can get out and do something like this for a while, so we went to play. We all had a great time. As soon as I got over my self-consciousness and decided to ignore the "oh.my.gosh. that girl is a bomb waiting to go off" looks and conversations (yes, I can HEAR you), I really enjoyed myself too. I read and lounged...sat and watched the kids in the wave pool. The kids LOVED the lazy river, kiddie pool, basketball hoop, slides, dancing on stage, pina coladas, movie at the pool...it was awesome. Sunday we watched Conference in the room and hung out the rest of the day. What a great idea by me, I will admit. Much better than sitting around waiting.

ten years.

2010-12-28T22:17:00.001-08:00

Ten years ago today I married this good man, Miguel. Now...four babies, a mini-van, a dog and many miles later, we are still standing side by side on this road. And I'm happier than ever. I love you Michael, truly I do.

Christmas 2010

2010-12-25T14:53:00.000-08:00

We had a Rammell Family party at Grandma Moulton's on Sunday, exchanged gifts and had dinner. It was a lot of fun. Then we went on a sleigh ride at Kari's house...he has Grandpa Moulton's sleigh and horses. It was such a fun time, good old memories came back to my mind. It was fun to have Mike and my kids experience it too. Payt rode behind on a sled and had a great time. Sydney got to "drive" the horses and Avery and Arleigh sure looked cute all bundled up. Carolee had made "spudnuts" and hot chocolate for us after our ride. Yum.

Christmas at the cabin is a wonderful time. It is cozy. The kids "bombed the hill" plenty, rode snowmobiles, played and played.

Mike and I went out to Idaho Falls for lunch with Tay and Rachel. It was good to see those girls. And then we picked up Ann. It is good to have her back. Payton was so happy to see his dog.

We went to Jackson on the 23rd. The weather was beautiful! We took the kids to an indoor water park and they had so much fun. We shopped, walked around and went to dinner. It was a good day.

Christmas Eve, everyone went skiing at Targhee...everyone except me and the babies :) We did get to go up for lunch and watch the kid on the hill. Payton really picked it up, even went up the big hill. Sydney went to ski school, it was her first time...and I think she enjoyed it. It was sure a beautiful day for skiing. I found myself being a little envious that I wasn't on the hill! shocking, I know. We had dinner and a little program, kids got jammies from one of Santa's elves :)

Christmas was great fun, lots of toys and treats. The kids all got a dvd player in their own little carrying case. Avery got her doll "Julie", Sydney got princesses, Payton got wii games...madden 11 in particular. I got Le Creuset pans!!! And Mike got nothing :)

We hope you all had a Happy Holiday Season. xoxo

Payton's Baptism

2010-12-18T14:28:00.000-08:00

Payton was baptized in Driggs, Idaho on December 18th, 2010. It was a beautiful winter day and he sure looked handsome in his white clothes. Mike baptized him and he too, looked pretty sharp in his white jumpsuit from the 1970's! We had a lot of help to it a very special day. A lot of family came to support Payton. The kids sang "When I am baptized", Grandpa Rammell spoke about baptism, Pop spoke about the Holy Ghost. Everyone did a great job. The Spirit was very strong and I know that all of us felt it. Payton said the water was COLD when he went under...he was shivering in the dressing room! He was also confirmed and received the Holy Ghost that day and had many special hands placed on his head during his confirmation. How blessed we are to have such a wonderful, supportive, loving family. Thanks to all who made the trip. We had dinner afterwards at the Chappell cabin. It was very fun and again, thanks to all of those who helped make it so beautiful. What a perfect day. Love you Payton. So proud of your decision to be baptized.

additional joy...

2010-12-14T10:19:00.000-08:00

Here's a little peek of our newest bundle to be...amazing that I love her already.

When I was asked to be Primary Pres in the summer, I was obviously nervous and overwhelmed. But most of all, I was concerned that our desire to have another baby would have to be put on hold or I might have to be checked into some sort of mental institution :) I prayed for peace. During my setting apart, the Bishop said something that has stuck with me ever since that day and helped me through hard, pukey days and lonely, worry-filled nights. He asked that the Lord might bless our family with "additional joy"...and that spoke to my heart. So it is with peace and happiness that I introduce our new daughter, our addition of joy, coming April 2011.

Payton's parties.

2010-12-06T14:19:00.000-08:00

Payton had 2 parties for his 8th birthday. The first was on his actual birthday and we went to dinner at Oreganos. We also celebrated Aunt Judy's birthday that night too. It was a fun time.

Then Saturday he and Spencer had a "football" party at the park. There were tons of boys and flag football, an awesome cake and tailgate food. The boys had a good time and we are sure happy to be able to celebrate with the Prestons. They are wonderful people and great friends. It was sure a fun day.

Happy Birthday Payton, can't believe you're so grown up. We love you even if you can't keep your eyes open in pictures :)

8 is great!

2010-12-03T10:53:00.000-08:00

Eight years ago today, my life changed forever. And it's all been a blessing ever since. This boy is a joy to our family. He is best friends with his dad and has a soft spot in his heart for his mom. He is the first grandchild on both sides...and though, none will admit it, he might be the favorite :) He is super smart (thanks mom), super athletic (thanks dad) and he has a kind heart. He is adventurous and fun. He loves to play and read. He is in "running club" after school and has run 43 miles in the last few months! Payton, you make us so proud. You are sensitive and emotional (please don't mention the words d-o-g or d-o-d-g-e-r) but also super tough and fun to be around. He is a friend to all, even his sisters most days. Love you buddy, can't believe you're 8. Congratulations, you made it! Happy Birthday.

Thanksgiving and Family Pictures...

2010-11-28T13:25:00.000-08:00

We had a beautiful Thanksgiving here in Arizona. All the Vans were together and we were able to get some family pictures taken. Matt's friend, Ben Christensen, took them and I think they turned out really great. Lots of kiddos, can't believe they're so big. And #9 is surely on her way in a few months. We went to Dave & Buster's for dinner and lots of games and over-priced prizes after pics! The kids had a blast.

We had Thanksgiving dinner at Judy's this year. Dave and Tracy came to town and we all celebrated Granny's 80th Birthday together. Joan put a lot of effort into a display of Granny's favorite things and we took turns asking her questions. It was fun to get to know her a little better :)

The weather has been lovely. We had turkey day soccer game at the park Thanksgiving morning with all the kiddos. The cousins sure love being together. We had a great holiday week.

Catch up. again.

2010-11-08T14:07:00.000-08:00

Well, I should be fired from the blogging world, it's true. And whether or not I have any good excuses, doesn't matter so much. But I am going to attempt to play catch up really quick.

Ah, the summer. It came and went. We spent some time in Idaho and Utah...not our usual six weeks thanks to a little something called Primary. My mom turned 50 and we had a celebration! My cousin had his "newly-wed celebration" and that was really fun. Mike and I sang "Huckleberry" and Payt made his performance debut with "Big Green Tractor". He did amazing. Driggs was beautiful, lots of cousin fun and horses. The fourth of July was great, as always. Hot air balloons and parade in Victor then fireworks in Idaho Falls. We took Little Ann with us, so that was fun. And crazy...3 kids and a dog in one mini van. wow.

And back home to the heat. School started before we knew it and now I officially have two kids in school all day. Sydney loves Kindergarten and Payton is a top notch 2nd grader. So...it's just me and Avery home and it couldn't have come at a better time. Because end of August hit and Dora was suddenly Avery's babysitter because I either had my head in the toilet or I was asleep. I seriously think I slept most of the month of September. It's been a rough few months, but I am happy to say that I am offically happy about baby #4 joining our family! We'll be a full fledged family come April 18th! We don't know if it's a girl baby or a boy baby yet...will keep you posted if I can get the guts to go find out.

Before the nausea hit, I did get to go back to Connecticut to a high school friend's wedding. I got to spend time with dear friends that I hadn't seen in a long time. It was great fun and quite a festive event. Not to mention, I love the East coast.

So that's my story.

Primary Program was last week and went off without a hitch! It really went great and I couldn't be more proud of these kiddos. Halloween was fun, as always. The kids were so excited to be all dressed up, especially our little butterfly Avery. She did the cake walk at least 100 times..."i love this game" she would say. She also said that while trick or treating. She is one funny girl.

The weather here in AZ is at it's prime and that makes me happy. I guess it's a good time to cover up this baby chub in sweaters and boots :)

OH...and I got a new nephew. Bennett Andrew. He is beautiful. and so is his mama. He came to the world a little quicker than anticipated and surprised us all. He was a tiny little bundle (3 pounds, 9 ounces) but is growing stronger and should be going home from the hospital very soon. We are so grateful for the progress he's made and how strong he is. I also am so impressed with my sister through it all. She is one strong mom and I look up to and respect her endlessly. She is a blessing in my life. I was so thankful to be able to go up to Utah after he was born and spend time with her and the family. I feel blessed to have been able to help with his first bath and watch him eat for the first time. And to shop for teeny tiny clothes with his mom. And to love Arleigh during this difficult transition. Heavenly Father surely blesses us each day.

Alright, if anyone even reads this blog anymore, enjoy the pics. If not, so be it.

Cowboy Miguel

kids found & rescued Hoppy the bird...

thought this was funny...Driggs hippies were not thrilled Glen Beck was speaking at the Huntsman Country Club for the 4th of July...we didn't go, but heard it was awesome!

mom's 50th

old friends
first day of school
Halloween 2010

homeless pixie

2010-06-22T13:27:00.000-07:00

We had our first "hair tragedy" in our family. 3 kids and this has NEVER happened...until now. Maybe it was because she had to share her birthday with her Father this year or maybe because her birthday was on a Sunday, I don't know...but Sydney Kate took matters into her own hands and trimmed her own hair and then hacked her sisters! Good thing Sydney's hair was in a pony-tail or we would have been in real trouble. I must say, it could have been way worse but Avery May was homeless looking for two days :) And now, thanks to a sweet friend of mine, she is all better...she has turned into a pixie! I keep calling her "pixie" and she says "I'm not pixie, I'm Avery May!" She's a cute little half homeless pixie :)

homeless...

Pixie!

Little Ann

2010-06-22T12:02:00.000-07:00

Meet our newest addition. It's sort of unbelievable to me that we are dog owners, but we are. And what's even more unbelievable is that I like her! She is fun and pretty obedient and she is teaching Payton some responsibility and confidence {he wears a noseplug when he cleans up poop...soooo his dad's child}. Not sure I am really up for her riding in the car with us for 15 hours to Idaho :) But I'm sure she'll have fun up there. Macky & Will got a dog named Dodger and the boys are anxiously looking forward to Ann & Dodger's first meeting. Again, cannot believe these words are coming out of my fingers...

A little background on why she is "Little Ann". Payton and Mike read "Where the Red Fern Grows" about a year ago and it's been nothing but dog since then. Payton cried many a tear for a dog. He begged and pleaded and saved money {just like Billy} and so this mom couldn't resist. I remember reading that book as a family growing up and there sure wasn't a dry eye in the room. It teaches many good messages and I recommend it to any boy. or girl. or parent.

So...Little Ann is part of the family. "yittle ann ann" as Avery would say. She also says Ann Ann is a "chocyat Yab" and it may be the cutest thing ever.

oh the joys. every boy needs a dog, they say.

Sydney Kate is 5!

2010-06-22T11:07:00.000-07:00

It's official, the girl is 5! And a sweet 5-year-old at that {minus the birthday hang-over yesterday aaaand the crazy mess she is with all her artwork & new toys!} We celebrated Sunday on her real day {along with Daddy on his Father's day} and then her "friend celebration" as she calls it, was yesterday. We swam and had lunch and it was fun. Miss Avery is getting to be quite the little fish, I tell you what. Good times. And today, I will be playing clean up!

We sure love you Sydney...you are sweet and sassy and full of goodness & tender tears. I hope one of these days you learn to not be petrified of Little Ann. But the truth is, you get your nervousness from yours truly, so I can't be too surprised :) You are a light and a blessing to our family. Love you forever.

baby shower...

2010-06-22T10:22:00.000-07:00

I have been planning a baby shower for one of my dearest friends and I have to say, it's been so much fun. And the end product surely was a success. I will just post a little peek at the decor. It was lovely and I really can't wait to squeeze her little one to come! A big thank you must be given to my hubby...Miguel. He has been very patient with all of my shower-prep/wheatgrass growing/over-the-top shenanigans. 'Tis true, we women are silly when it comes to the details, but I enjoy those parts the best...so a thank you to you, Mike {doesn't he look skinny & handsome in that picture?} Also, a thank you to my partners in crime.

I think Shenise said it best: "it was a pleasure doing business with you". It really was.

shock of all shocks...a new post!

2010-06-20T23:20:00.000-07:00

I'm back. I know there's no real good excuse for being 6 months absent from the blogging world...but my computer has been broken and I have been major busy. That's it. The blessed computer is up and running again and I have come to a realization that I am not ever going to not be major busy, so I must just deal and move on. I know I have a lot to catch up on, surely a few pictures to go along with the festivities, but most of the pictures will have to wait. Lots has happened in our busy lives since we left our hearts in San Francisco ;) Here's a few:

New nephew and trip to Utah

swimming lessons
Let's Play Music recital

Avery turned 2!

end of 1st grade for Payton

Visit from Aunt Kate & Arleigh Bug

time with extended family in Idaho

new puppy {Little Ann...and yes, hell may have frozen over}

2 trips to Disneyland

new church calling {we'll talk about that one later}

I turned the big 3-0!

baby shower for a dear friend

Sydney turned 5!

and that's what you missed on Glee :)

30th Birthday warm butter cake and dinner @ Mastro's. {maybe if I stop eating warm butter cake, my arms won't look so large?} yummo!

You'll have to turn your head on this one but thought I would share Miguel's creative side ;)

There is much more to be said but I have fallen asleep twice writing this post. ta-ta! xoxo

Aves is 2!

2010-05-14T17:45:00.000-07:00

Avery turned 2 and had a fun beach party with friends and family. She wanted a pink Dora cake, so I did my best! I thought she turned out pretty cute. We had a great time and she was thrilled with the crown and clip on earrings...Happy Birthday big girl, can't believe you're two.

I left my heart.

2010-01-12T09:50:00.000-08:00

I think I managed to surprise Mike with his Christmas gift this year, folks. It gave me MAJOR anxiety, but I planned a little trip to SanFrancisco. He grew up in Antioch {about 30 miles away} and hadn't been back since they moved like 15 years ago! I hadn't been since about that age too when we went as a family {Jared was a baby}. And it really was a wonderful couple getaway trip. We realized that we hadn't really been on a trip without friends or kids for like 9 years! what? yes...it was due time. We had a great time.

Here's our trip in pictures...

{Friday-New Years Day} We arrived into Oakland, rented a car and drove to SanFran. Checked in to our hotel at Fisherman's Wharf. Then we walked and walked. We had crab & more crab! We went on a bread tour at Boudin's {just for you pop}. We walked to Pier 39. Later we drove down Lombard street, went to see Coit tower and then back to the hotel for a little rest. Then out to dinner in China town...it was a little rainy and just beautiful down town. We ate at a small chinese place we were recommended to go to and it was off the chain delicious! Definitely suggest House of NanKing, people! Then we hustled to Market Street past Union Square and saw Wicked at the Orpheum theatre {thanks G & J}. I had seen it a few years back, but I liked it even better the second time around. I only had to wake Mike up once ;) He said he liked it too. It was a wonderful way to start the new year!

{Saturday} we woke and had breakfast at a yummo little place "hollywood cafe" {thanks, yelp.com} then we just drove around. We went to Golden Gate Park, saw the "painted ladies", drove throuagh gay central {oh my goodness}, had lunch with a friend, dessert at ghiradhelli square {AMAZING}! Then we went on a night tour of Alcatraz. It was sooo interesting and a little creepy. We made a little stop back at Boudin's for a late night bread bowl & chowder. yum!

ok, let's be honest...he still did quite a bit of this :)

{Sunday} left our hearts in SanFran. Drove out of town and literally minutes out of the city, to beautiful hillsides and foggy valleys. We went to Walnut Creek and with Mike's elephant like memory and the little known device called the I-phone, we tracked down Granny & Pop's old house in Walnut Creek. We also went to Mike's house in Pittsburg and then on to Antioch. We saw the old house on Chelsea Ct. and then made a little stop at Belshaw Elementary. It was a walk down memory lane for Miguel and it was really fun for me to see his old stomping grounds. Then to Oakland...a few minutes at the temple {fyi. you have to drive through the ghetto to get there} and then to the Oakland Coliseum to watch the Ravens smash the Raiders. I could do without the Raiders fans...they are ruthless. It was fun to watch the Ravens play :) We got to visit with some of the players & their families after the game. Then off to the hotel and out to dinner {more crab}. We flew home Monday morning....picked up the kids and drove to St. George. Then bombed home Tuesday.

Thanks to A & J for keeping Payt and my mom for keeping our girls

Driggs

2010-01-11T15:09:00.000-08:00

The whole gang in Jackson Hole
Our family.

Sammy & Avery.

On the 26th of December, we headed to Driggs to stay with A & J and crew. It is so beautiful up there. We did fondu and opened presents. It was really fun. Payton & Sydney sang "feliz navidad" again and then the boys gave us a sweet rendition of "Rudolph". Willy was always just a few words behind :) The kids snow mobiled and shot hoops in the play room. Mike & Jared took Mack & Payton skiing at Targhee one afternoon and they did great. I got to go out to Rexburg with my Aunt Chris to the Rammell Family Christmas party at Grandma Rammell's. It was a lot of fun to catch up with some cousins. I also had breakfast with Jessica and Ashlee the next day. Such wonderful people. Mike got to go flying with Roy and shot a fox and missed a coyote :) He said it was he about froze to death but it was one of the funnest things he's ever done. We went to Jackson one day and it was soooo cold! But we got our "old tyme" pictures taken for the WANTED wall downstairs and that was fun. I also went to visit Grandma Moulton one afternoon. She is doing well. We headed back down to Utah on New Years Eve but we left Payton in Driggs to play with his cousins a few more days. We did fondu and the chocolate fountain at Kate's and rang in the new year! It was a wonderful 2009...looking forward to 2010!

Happy New Year.

Island Park

2010-01-11T13:35:00.000-08:00

We bombed from Mesa to Menan on the 23rd of December. Wow, that might be a record for us! The kids did surprisingly awesome. We stopped in Utah and met up with Andrew, Jenna & Quinn and then went to Menan to Mike's parents'. Can I just say that I really have a soft spot in my heart for their home in Menan. It is just like home to me, can't really explain. It's just lovely and warm and fun. We sat around the fireplace, Mike and Andrew shot at things off the back deck. Dama Dama made us yummo breakfast in the morning and we wrapped presents. Then we hit the {icy} road to Island Park where we met the rest of our family and Art & Nae & their kids. We had a wonderful time eating, playing games {ticket to ride}, Mike accompanied on the guitar as we sang {Payt & sis sang "Feliz Navidad" at the top of their lungs, girls sang "Star Bright" for old times sake}, Dad, Stuart & Andrew read stories {Merry Christmas Jimmy, my favorite} sat in the hot tub {kids had competition who could run and lay in the snow the longest before returning to the tub}, kids sprinkled reindeer food outside and left cookies for santa, sledding {grandpa pulled the girls...the loved it}, cross-country skiing {I ate it twice, mike face-planted once...sooo funny}, played with our new toys {baby girls fought over Avery's new car constantly, I got a "flip", payt & his I-touch and wii madden, Sydney & her tag reader and fiesta dora doll}. The weather was beautiful and clear. We got to talk to Jared on Christmas and it was great to hear his voice. He sounds like he is doing great and loving West Virginia. I failed and broke my month long hiatus from diet coke. oh sadness. And it wouldn't be a Rammell family gathering without throwing up {Sydney} and a dislocated shoulder {dad falling down stairs getting water for the pukey girl @ 5 am}...all in all it was an AWESOME time.

Thanks all.

Sydney & Avery...
Arleigh & Aves...

Grandpa reading Christmas stories.
cross-country skiing.
Games & puzzles...Rose, Payton & Max
Pod & Miguel...aka "Conner"

Payton loves his I-touch. Thanks Dad!

Santa brought Avery a "brrrrooooom, brrroooom" and she loves it.

Santa had to search high and low to find "Fiesta Dora"...it was number one on Sydney's list!

Avery & Quinn in the tub.

Andrew & Mike shooting things. {it looks like Andrew is dangerously pointing the gun at my husband's face, but I swear, he's behind him. just an optical illusion} Gotta love Menan!

Chef Sydney helping Dama Dama make pancakes Christmas eve morning!

Festivities...

2010-01-11T11:58:00.000-08:00

I was determined to do something "festive" each night the week before we left to Idaho. We had a lot of fun together. We got our tree, we went to Cherry street with friends and had hot chocolate. We went to see Santa land his helicopter! And we went to the annual boat parade at Granny & Pops house. We read Christmas stories each night around the Christmas tree.

It was a wonderful time together as a family. Merry Christmas! Girls in their Christmas dresses from Dama-Dama...
Payton and Santa--don't you dare ask for a puppy!
Sydney sitting on Santa's lap. His elves gave her a tea set!

Santa came by helicopter! The kids loved watching him circle closer and closer...it was very exciting. Avery didn't like the "windy" blowing everywhere, so she layed right on her dad's shoulder. When Santa got out of his helicopter and lifted his bag of gifts, it was so heavy, he fell over on the ground! What a funny Santa. The kids thought it was so great.

We got ourselves a "little tree" this year and the kids were big helpers picking it out and hanging all the decorations.

Sydney got to hang the star this year.

Soccer "champions"

2010-01-11T07:19:00.000-08:00

Soccer season finally ended and of course, our last game of the year {or the "championship" as Payton calls it} we played Mike's cousin Kristine's team {Spencer is also on their team}. Needless to say, the anticipation and strategic practicing was weeks long and exhausting :) Mike couldn't lose to a girl! Let alone his cousin! It was all too serious for me :) It was a good game...lots of fun. Hoping Kristine has no hard feelings toward her meany pants cousin, Coach Mike. Blue Thunder played hard and pulled it out in the end :) Our team had a pizza party after and got their trophies. Good times. Sydney had her last game & party too and she even scored 2 goals! She really was starting to get it and actually enjoy it by the end of the season. Way to go Blue Magic!

Coaches of the year :)
Parker, Spencer and Payton. Soccer buddies!

Go Blue Thunder!

Sydney Kate...our little soccer player! She scored 2 goals in her last game!

Sydney and her soccer friends having pizza.

Sydney Kate and coach Mindee! And Sydney's first trophy. woo woo!

Payton's Place

2010-01-10T21:42:00.000-08:00

Payt and Pop

Blowing the candles...Happy 7th Birthday Payton!

Mom and her boy

Singing with his weird face :) He kept moving his mouth so funny during the performance. ?!?

Oh, my baby boy! He turned 7 and I cried. It was actually a really fun day...he had a christmas concert at school and then we went to dinner at a restaurant called "Payton's Place". He thought it was pretty cool. Love you buddy!

Payton and his best buddy Spencer are just six days apart...so they had their "friend party" with a bunch of friends at "Aqua Tots" swim school. It was super fun! The kids swam, had pizza and cake. Then the boys opened presents. Happy Birthday boys!

Tucson

2010-01-10T21:21:00.000-08:00

Ok...I was lucky enough to be able to go to Tucson to spend a few days at Canyon Ranch with Amy & Joan. Words can't really describe this place. Let's just say I found my "chi". And I worked out and ate healthy and LOVED it. We were constantly on the move...all sorts of classes and workshops, cooking demos, watercolors, photography, tons of creative and unique workout classes and mediation. OH...and the spa treatments, let's not forget those! It was fabulous. plain and simple. It was maybe a once in a lifetime kinda thing {let's seriously hope not.} Just had to share a few pics. love you canyon ranch. love you forever.

Thanksgiving pictures

2010-01-10T20:27:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving in pictures. What a wonderful day and time to celebrate one another and our many blessings.

We had a beautiful day...love to you all.

table setting :)
Granny & Pop with all 7 of their great grandchildren {one more on the way in February}

Gangsta Aves and Gangsta Coos...

Sydney Kate enjoying her meal! She was such a good helper setting the tables...

all the boys: Max, Sawyer, Payton, Willy and Mack.

The Turkey Trot at Payton's school. The boys did awesome!

Blue Lily-Family Pictures

2010-01-10T20:07:00.000-08:00

Wendy Whitacre {aka Blue Lily} took our family pictures in Phoenix in early November. She was wonderful and I thought they turned out pretty great...

Giving Thanks.

2009-12-04T11:27:00.001-08:00

We had all the Thanksgiving festivities at our house this year and I have to say...I loved it. Everyone pitched in to help so the stress was distributed evenly among us {ok, just among the women but what else is new?} and it really was wonderful. My parents and two youngest brothers were able to come down, which was super fun for me. Mike's mom and dad were in town and his siblings came too. Mike's grandparents and Aunt & Uncle were also able to join us. It was a busy house but the food was awesome and the company was even better. I am a bit perplexed at how close together thanksgiving and Christmas are...I barely got my thanksgiving stuff up before I had to take it down. Maybe we could change Thanksgiving to the second Thursday in November, huh? Oh well...bring on the holiday cheer. I got the fall leaves down and the Christmas bulbs up this morning so maybe I can start playing Christmas music. Oh, and start shopping. sigh.

Love to you all.

Happy Halloween

2009-11-03T19:59:00.000-08:00

What a fun holiday. I just love dressing up...seriously, I planned these outfits for weeks. My husband thinks I'm o.c.d. Ok, maybe I am. But come on, take a look at Dora. She is perfect! She was so much fun this year, loved every minute of it. Boots the monkey, on the other hand, not so much. She was a little under the weather and didn't smile at all. At least she let me take some pictures before she ripped off the hood. Payton was Bumblebee the transformer because he refused to be Dora's cousin Diego or Swiper the Fox. "Oh Man!" Anyway, every year our neighborhood has a Halloween Carnival on our street and hundreds of people come. Homemade rootbeer {my favorite part}, cotton candy, sno cones, fishing pond, hot dogs and chili, cake walk, face painting and on and on. It is a ton of fun and everyone really goes all out with the costumes.

Boots, Dora & Bumblebee
Dora & Boots

This pretty much sums up Avery's feelings about Halloween and her dumb costume. At least it wasn't her middle finger :)

Popeye the Sailor Man and his girl, Olive Oyl.

Payton's buddy the Storm Trooper & our Bumblebee

"I am what I am." Please note the full bottle of gel in my "finger waves".

Kendall and Avery at the preschool Halloween Parade.

Dora the Explorer and her bunny friend, Mikelle.

fall.

2009-10-23T11:48:00.000-07:00

Yippee for P mountain!
Chappell Apples :)

P-town in the fall.

The fam. outside of "Maestro's"...I overdosed on crepes and cinnamon gelato. delish.

These two are just too fun. Arleigh got stitches in her head a week back, poor girl.

Mike and the Q man.

"Papa" and his girlies.

the pumpkins. Andrew's is the far left...he is too crafty :)

Our other pumpkins.

Sydney and mom in the pumpkin patch.

Aves and her punkee.

Aves & Aunt Kate

sisters.

Sundance.

Payton jumping. he was doing back flips and everything! what a kid.

Climbing the rock wall. He did so great for his first time.

Sammy.

In the orchard.

wild things :)

girls riding the train.

daddy and giggly aves.

this girl was in heaven riding through the mountains on the "brrooom brrroom" with her dad. she loved it.

October break was last week and the kids had no school. so we packed up the van {correction...I packed the van} and went to Utah for the week. It was so much fun. We had a few days of chilly weather, one rainy day that ended in a full rainbow across the entire sky and the rest of the week was just beautiful and sunny. The leaves are all changed now, reds and yellows and orange. The kids made me stop on the side of the road all the time to collect the different colors. I got to spend time with my mom and sisters. We did a little shopping :) We went to Max's last football game and it was so fun to see him play. We went to a fall festival at Thanksgiving point which was really a lot of fun for the kids. Payton and Max went on all the rides including a climbing wall and big bouncy tramp. All the cousins had a great time playing together. Avery & Arleigh are buddies. We went out to dinner at Sundance with J&A and D& J. It was beautiful up there. We had a great time at the land in Alpine...picking apples and riding the rhino. The boys shot sling shots and climbed the trees. It was so much fun for all of us. I even made yummo apple crisp with the "Chappell apples"! Payton brought a whole box home and sold them at his corner sale yesterday {while I was at work...I probably wouldn't have let him sell them, they are too yummy} He is hilarious. The Rammell fam went to Santaquin to the "Red Barn" and went on a hay ride, picked out our pumpkins and then back to Kate's for soup and carving. It was a lot of fun. The babies loved it. Avery kept saying "punkee" and held on to her tiny pumpkin the whole night. Good, good times. Too bad we ended the trip by getting up at 2:45 am and bombing the whole way home. yikes. I am still recovering from that part :)

mexico.

2009-10-01T13:32:00.001-07:00

Poolside & the beach. Perfect combo.
What Miguel spent his time doing a good majority of the day {Notice laptop not far from reach}
What Sarita spent her time doing the majority of the trip...{pina colada and book in hand}

My post will be brief because I don't want to rub it in too much ;) We had a wonderful vacation with a few friends to Puerto Vallarta. The accomodations really couldn't have been more perfect and the amigos there offered us way too much food, snacks, fruit, & peeenya coladas at 20 minute intervals. I gained 5 pounds, I'm sure, but it was worth it. I read 2 books, soaked in a few rays, lounged and went to church in espanol. loved that. We watched movies in the theatre every night...and played games. I even zip lined through the jungle! We had to rappell down in a few parts and I thought I might pee my pants, but I actually wasn't that nervous and had a really fun time. Thanks to Mike's parents who watched the kids...they had a great time with Pop and Dama Dama. Good times across the border. I love Mexico.

Magic and Thunder

2009-09-14T11:45:00.000-07:00

Kids had their first soccer games this week! It was so fun. Both teams are BLUE this year...Sydney's team is the Blue Magic and Payton's is Blue Thunder. Sydney was hilarious and seriously could have cared less where that ball was! I had to make myself sit down and stop screaming more than once...cuz really, was my screaming going to do any good? not so much. It was fun though...lots of grass picking and nail biting :)

Payton, on the other hand, is in the big time now. It's like a whole new game...with GOALIES. It was really fun to watch and though I am really looking forward to games a month or more from now when it's not blazing hot, I loved watching Payt play.

Go BLUE Magic/Thunder :)

partying with the cousins...

2009-09-14T10:37:00.000-07:00

We are pretty lucky to be related to Jared & Amy who plan such fun vacations and let us tag along. We spent a long weekend in Huntington Beach for Mack's fifth birthday. The kids had a ball together at the beach & on the waterslides. I had a much-needed, very relaxing few days and except for a small bout with the stomach flu, we had a fabulous time. We also got to spend another long weekend over Labor day at Lake Powell with our family. It was very nice to be ALL together...it has been a while. We even managed to get a few family pics. The kids played so hard and came home SO exhausted, but it was a fun time together. Sydney and Avery loved to ride the jet ski with Mike. Payt & the boys went from the beach to the "hot pool" to the beach again. The weather was nice and food was great...and Avery even kept her life jacket on without a major fuss, so we had a great time.

I really am not even going to pretend that I don't think this girl is the cutest thing ever...

Aves loved riding the jet ski with her daddy.

tan babies.

Avery and her stringy, sunscreen, mullet hair...probably should do something about that.

Wee and little Aves.

All the grandkids with Pop and Dama-Dama

The whole bunch of us

{and proof that I went on this trip...the only picture taken of me...

maybe cuz I hadn't showered in 3 days???}

Sydney and the pet frog that died the next day. bummer ;)

Lots of boys...Jared, Will, Payt & Mack

Brunch at the Hilton...

little did we know we'd see ALL 5 of the chocolate covered

strawberries again on our ride home :) yucky.

Payton {6} Mack {5} Sydney Kate {4} Will {3} Avery {1} Sam {4 months}

{these are totally in the wrong order....}

Transformers cake AFTER!

Transformers cake BEFORE!

Happy Birthday Macky! We love you...

Skinny Miguel and the SPRINKLES cupcakes.

{Mike definitely regrets eating 4 of them.

And we are ALL trying to forget hearing them coming back up...lovely.}

"Strips" in honor of POP

Love these two beach bums.

Preschool

2009-09-14T10:28:00.000-07:00

Our sweet Sydney started pre-school again this year. She loves school. She stamps and colors, is learning to write and even helped plant a garden with one of her teachers. She is growing up so fast, can't believe it.

first grade.

2009-08-20T10:15:00.000-07:00

for me, first grade was BIG. I learned to read. I made friends that lasted me through high school. I loved Mrs. Mckinney. I got to bring the "friendship bear" home when I was student of the week. It was all very significant. And now I own one of those first graders. Wow. He loves it too...so big and independent. We are very proud of Payton and his ability to make good decisions and choose good friends.

All men? or just MINE?

2009-07-30T09:53:00.000-07:00

So we were out of eggs and Mike wanted to make his specialty omelette, so he said he was going to run get some. Ok, so I said, could you grab some milk and bananas while you're at it? thanks. and then he returned...with this! This is NOT the first time this has happened, either. What is it with men and surplus? I will give him props to sticking to the list {I am totally guilty of going for one or two items and coming home with a cart full of stuff I didn't plan on buying}...but honestly, this family of five surely can't consume 3 gallons of milk and 54 eggs before the expiration date! Love him for his efforts, though! Needless to say, we've been eating a LOT of the specialty omelette!

entrepeneurs.

2009-07-25T15:36:00.000-07:00

These two have been in the money making business the past few days. Literally, all on his own, Payton got this idea and dragged his sister along. They've been selling otter pops on the corner in the blazing heat! It's been fun to watch them make signs and stand out there. then run to the garage to get otter pops whenever they get a "customer". Truthfully, I think Sydney's sale tactics {a pretty darn cute face} are beating Payton's! But they are a good team...! They even had a little finance lesson with their dad...paid the bank {me...who bought the otter pops in the first place}, tithing, and split the rest 50/50. It was good to see them work for something for a change :) And thanks to all you neighbors {and strangers} who forked out a whopping .50 for an otter pop! {Payt started at a dollar...I had to work him down a little!}

Tahoe.

2009-07-22T13:53:00.001-07:00

So...after 3 weeks of vacation, Mike and I needed a little break! We got to go to Lake Tahoe with friends for 5 days and it was such a fun little getaway. My mom came to watch the kids, so we left Avery for the first time {Ah!} and she did great. It was so beautiful there...I couldn't get over it! We went for the Celebrity golf tournament...and let me tell you, I am part celebrity now! I had such a fun time celeb watching. We saw a ton of athletes and a few tv stars {kevin from The Office, Pres. Palmer, Carlton from Fresh Prince, Ray Romano} My list of stars could go on and on! It was sure fun to shmooze with the VIPs for a few days. We rented bikes and rode to breakfast. We took a boat on the lake and man, was it beautiful. They don't call it Tahoe blue for nothing! We saw Harry Potter {long and overrated} and we ate a lot! It was so very much fun. Not to mention we spent time with great friends! Mike celebrated his 31st birthday while we were there and he kept saying "best birthday ever"! Seriously, what more could a guy ask for? Beautiful place, not a bad looking wife :), golf all morning {even if he's the caddy's caddy}, walking amongst the celebs, REO speedwagon and STYX concert...right up front! We had a fabulous time! Anyways, Happy Birthday honey.

Celebrity Golf Tournament

beautiful place...Lake Tahoe

Tahoe Blue! The water was so cold and so beautiful. This
was before the tubing ride with the girls! good times!

{my arms are still sore...}

Happy Birthday Miguel!

17th Hole.

"Rock On" faces at the concert

Tanners and Vans

proud to be an American...

2009-07-22T13:21:00.001-07:00

How lucky we are to live in this great country. Even if we have issues :) God bless the USA.

Idaho.

2009-07-22T12:43:00.001-07:00

Ahhh, Idaho. We got to stay at Mike's parents house in Menan, Idaho for a week or more. I don't have pics of the river, which was sooo high because of all the rain. Or the life-size mosquitos. Or the jet skiis and the amazing sunsets. or the hot tub and all the kids running around naked...but if I had, you'd see that it was awesome. Preston Rammell had his farewell the following Sunday so we got to go to that and have a brazilian lunch afterwards. I was in charge of the brazilian limeade {with my helpers Kate and Laury...} It was a fun time, got to see Kambria and her sweet baby Augustus. Dave, Tracy and Wrenn came to visit from Colorado...along with Granny and Pop. We spent a lot of time at the RV Park, kids LOVED the playset and the store. Pop and dama dama gave them lots of fun crap :) and Avery and the squirrels stole a LOT of candy off the bottom shelf! {seriously, the squirrels Love the m&ms} The fourth was awesome. We went to Driggs...Victor parade, teton springs for swimming, emporium for a huckleberry shake. Then off to Idaho Falls for the fireworks which were seriously awesome this year. The LeSeurs from our old ward happened to be staying at the park, so that was fun. Kristine and her boys and Terry and a bunch of folks were there. We had a great time. Can't beat Idaho on the fourth of July.

Not in Idaho...but I got to see Amy Jill briefly for lunch on our way back through Utah! love this girl. too bad I look 5 months prego in this picture.
Bear World petting zoo. Payt loved the goats.

Pop and all the kids on the Rhino at the park. fun times.

Victor Emporium, Victor Idaho.

patriotic bunch...

these two had lots of fun playing together...it was nice to have another girl around

Little miss Aves and her hats.... love her!

Relaxing at the Idaho "falls" watching the ducks and dodging goose poop.

Utah.

2009-07-22T12:06:00.001-07:00

Utah was beautiful, lovely weather...even quite a bit of rain. We started by going to the temple with all my brothers and sisters, and parents. It was really nice to be together. Then Sydney's birthday! Can't believe she's four. She shares a birthday with her dama-dama, so that's always fun. Thanks to Amy & Jeannie for putting on such a fabulous flower party. The pinata from the 50 foot ceiling beams was a big hit and Sydney was very polite in thanking everyone for their gifts. It was a supter fun party.

Lots of love and smiles from this little guy...our newest little Sam. What a sweet "Sam I am"!!!

lots of cousins...

sweet Quinn. He's grown so much and is seriously his daddy's child!

Lots of these two peaches. They were so cute together. Arleigh would say "oooo" and just want to kiss Avery. Avery warmed up after a while and they got along quite nicely. Love having these two so close. I am lame and didn't take too many pics...but it was equally as nice to hang out with Arleigh's mama. She is a gem. Mom was preparing for Bijou market...sewing up a storm...so me, kate and Jenna were quite busy working on tags and displays and pics. It was really a lot of fun.

Family pics...

Elder Jared Boyd Rammell...Charleston, West VA mission!

Jared's farewell was Sunday...and he did an absolutely beautiful job on his talk. He is so great and so ready to go. Kate, Jenna and I sang "Beautiful Savior"...which was nice. We had lunch at Todd and Jill's and it was so nice to be around all of our family. We had a country picnic of sorts, it was yummy. Lots of people came down to support Jared. He is going to be a great missionary. "Take me home, country roads"...

Sydney and Dama Dama on their big day!

Newport.

2009-07-22T11:52:00.001-07:00

We made a quick trip to Newport with friends before heading north. The kids had an absolute ball on the beach. Avery loved it and surprisingly didn't eat the sand. We got to see blake and mikelle, which is always a treat. All the adults took a midnight bike ride {not enough bikes=mikelle and I on the boys' handlebars...ouch!} to get thrifty's ice cream which was soo funny and quite a long adventure. We had a great time!

29.

2009-07-22T11:35:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am just shy of a year from thirty. Officially, it was a great birthday. Thanks to Mike the poet and buttercake. {Mike was quoting Whitman in my bday post, fyi}. We went to dinner at el postino and dessert at Mastro's. the company and conversation were funny and comfortable...so it was a great night for me. Lots of cards and goodies from my kids, which always makes me feel loved. Not to mention your kind comments. Good day, great. looking forward to next year :)

four and one

2009-07-11T14:07:00.000-07:00

I have obviously been out of town and on blog hiatus. and yes, I have a billion pics from our trip to post. But I am most excited about my two girls and the pics that my wonderfully talented photographer friend took of them for their 4 year and 1 year pics. I love them all and could hardly choose which ones to post. but here you go. My friends name is Talia and you can find her at expressionsbytalia.com (jenna, I know you taught me how to link, but I forget :)

Enjoy and look for more pics asap.

family pics

2009-06-25T19:23:00.000-07:00

First of all, last post was awesome and officially the most comments I have ever had on my blog. Love you all. It was a great birthday, your words meant a lot.

We had our family pics taken this past weekend, wanted to share my favorite...my kiddos. more to come.

HAPPY BDAY TO MY LOVE!!!!***FROM MIKE

2009-06-15T10:37:00.000-07:00

For Sarah's bday I'd love if everyone could comment and write what you admire most about her. Thanks!!

Sar, I know you are reading this and rolling your eyes. But, the best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more, that plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds, and that's what you've given me. I love you....Mike

a chip off the old {yummy pebble ice} block

2009-06-10T17:41:00.000-07:00

This girl is one after my own heart. Admittedly, I am a super fan of Sonic...not their food, just their large diet coke over pebble ice, add vanilla. Yummo. As you can see, Avery is a fan too. I love this girly.

summer's here.

2009-05-26T15:00:00.000-07:00

it's officially summer and the fun begins. Today, for example, movie at 9:45 am...all you can eat popcorn. Costco for sample time and a few necessities. Swimming. naps and "PUNCH OUT" on the Wii. Swimming again and dinner with friends. Ay-yayay...I'm exhausted :)

We have a graduate on our hands, folks. Payton officially graduated from Kindergarten last Thursday and it was "his" very own day. The program was very cute and he sang out wonderfully. His school song to the tune of "Puff the Magic Dragon" runs through our heads ALL day long! He got his diploma and they announced what each kid wanted to be when they grow up. And what do you know? Payton wants to be a UFC Fighter! A big thank you to his dad and BJ Penn for that one. After, we had cookies and said good bye to friends. Then he chose Charlestons for lunch {he loves their SALAD silly boy...} and then home, swimming again, bikeride in the rain {me on the pink cruiser, girls in the trailer behind Mike) and then Bahama Bucks for a Bahama Mama Rama...our favorite!
Good times with my favorite people and oh, so proud of our boy.

Sydney, too, finished her first year of pre-school and we are equally proud of the progress she has made this year. Her teachers say she is just so confident (like she really lacked in that area) and she is learning to write so well. She is also an ARTIST by nature and creates, creates, creates. She is the biggest mess-maker of all time. But I love her. We call her Sydney Kate Commando lately (for obvious reasons that we will not discuss...)

Avery has enjoyed all of the festivities. She is walking like a pro and is on her feet the majority of the time now. She is a sweet girl and is loving the pool and eating popsicles.

Here are a few pics to enjoy.

help please.

2009-05-18T07:52:00.001-07:00

I have a one year old that I am struggling to find good things to feed. Do any of you have suggestions on things to feed these little ones? I know this is my third time around, but I am at a loss :) Thanks.

one final birthday post...

2009-05-16T19:37:00.000-07:00

I know, enough about avery & her birthday already ;) but I wanted to post a picture of her 2 cakes. Her birthday was the 14th and even though we weren't having her party & her "real" cake til Friday, Mike was insistent that we do something and this is what he came up with. All Avery really wanted to do was touch the flame anyways and truly, I think she liked the first one better! Love you Aves.

Gangsta' Bling...

2009-05-16T16:18:00.000-07:00

We had a fun little birthday party for our Gangsta' Aves. The chocolate cupcakes were the best part of the whole night ;) {Kate's recipe and the best things I've had in a while!} Avery was a sweet little one year old. She didn't love the cake thing, though. she ate a few raspberries off the top and then said "All done!" over and over til we took her out. She is so funny. It was a great time, swimming and all the kids. THanks everyone for coming and celebrating with our gangsta.

birthday photo shoot

2009-05-16T16:05:00.000-07:00

5/14/08

2009-05-14T22:57:00.000-07:00

One year ago, I was blessed with another beautiful baby girl. I love this little one so much and cannot believe she is a whole year old. How lucky we are to have enjoyed her days, her sweet little person. She is a blessing to our family. This past year has literally flown by. I look forward to the years to come but I have to say I am a little sad to watch my baby grow. She is such a good girl, she loves her mom and dad. She adores her brother & sister. She is talking so well and toddling around on her tiny feet. I love you Avery May. I hope you have a fun gangsta party tomorrow and know that one year ago today, you made your mama very happy. I love you baby girl. Happy Birthday!

Mother's Day.

2009-05-10T21:31:00.000-07:00

It's been a lovely day. Many, many notes and drawings from my kids. They are quite the little artists. And a sassy swim suit & cover from Mike :) Good day. church was nice, always is when those little voices sing! loved it. So sorry about the previous post, by the way...it's pretty graphic. He is on the mend. We are just glad he's home and not hurt worse than he is.

I am reading a book by Elder Holland and have found so many good passages in it regarding parenthood and motherhood. A whole chapter is devoted to mothers. I loved every word. But this is the quote of the day. It rang true to me as I sometimes feel overwhelmed at the undaunting responsibility of motherhood. Not to mention the ever dreary world we have to raise them in. I simply love these words:

"Our children take their flight into the future with our thrust and with our aim.
And even as we anxiously watch that arrow in flight and know all the evils that can deflect its course after it has left our hand, nevertheless we take courage in remembering that the most important mortal factor in determining that arrow's destination will be the stability, strength, and unwavering certainty of the holder of the bow."

I am thankful this mother's day for my mother. For her unwavering certainty and her example to me throughout my life. I was blessed to be raised by parents who led by example and I never doubted their love for each other nor their devotion to the gospel. I hope to do the same.

California Race

2009-05-09T15:48:00.000-07:00

After 4 months of preparation and over a thousand miles of training, here is how our epic mountain bike race ended.

Easter fun.

2009-04-17T22:39:00.000-07:00

So we had a great Easter. The weather here could not be any better, so we have been spending quite a bit of time outside. The good old easter bunny was a tad on the l-a-m-e side, due to a procrastinating mother and depleted shelves at target. The kids loved the egg hunting business. I am so over the sugar high, but they looked cute in their easter gear anyways ;) Sydney found the "grand prize" in the hunt at Judy's and Payton was sorely disappointed. Sis was sure proud of herself, though. It was a nice day. We went to the Easter pageant earlier in the week with Aunt Jen & her cute kids. I also had a visit from a roommate from Ricks (it was great to see you Rach). I have really been touched by the spirit of Easter this year. It is such a miracle and such a blessing to all of us. I am just so thankful.

We also started swimming lessons last week. It has been surprisingly great. Sydney cried the first 2 days but now she is really getting the hang of it. minus the diving board, she is just a tad nervous about that whole deal. Payton is improving though, it's good for them.

Miss Avery is quite the girl. She is nearing her first birthday and I have to say, I am a little bit sad about it. She is getting so big and I just love her so much. I am sure she'll be walking soon and she's got a load of teeth popping through. She holds the cell phone and says "Hi Da"...funny. Speaking of "da", she just adores him. I've been working a bit lately, so she spends quite a bit of time with him and it's great for both of them.

Anyways, here's to a great weekend!

big news.

2009-04-11T11:53:00.000-07:00

Monumental moments in our family this past Wednesday. Big news, big wonderful news.
First, 7:03 am, a 6.5 bundle of baby was born. His name is Sam...Sammy :) Welcome to the world beautiful baby.

And later in the evening, this handsome guy {my little brother} opened his long-awaited mission call. Hooray for Jared...we are so proud of him. He has been called to serve in Charleston, West Virginia. "Country roads...take me home to the place I belong." Any of you that saw the office this week, it was just for our Jar.

So glad for these two.

i love my sister

2009-03-30T15:39:00.000-07:00

I know I am a loser blogger. I am disappointed myself when I see the same old posts here on the blog. I hope to do better.

We had a fun few weeks. Spring Break was just that, a nice little break from school with beautiful spring weather. This weekend has been nearly perfect weather. I am in love with Arizona in the spring. I am growing basil, cilantro, rosemary & thyme. And I planted flowers. We spent 12 hours at the dunes {that's enough for me} and it was actually really enjoyable. Mike's mission friend & his wife came with us and it was nice to spend some time with friends.

Kate & Arleigh came to town for a few days. LOved it. Arleigh & Avery played, Kate & I just yapped and made bread {yes, we are little red hens...we ground the wheat & made the dough & baked the bread...YUM} we went to the cutest park. We shopped, ate out a little too much {sorry, Kate} and we went to the botanical gardens which were really neat, esp the butterflies. However, I bent over to take a picture of the girls and got skewered by a cactus in the backside. yikes. I pulled 3 huge pokies {for lack of a better word} out and it was like needles. that'll teach me. yowza. It was a lot of fun because the girls are just at the same stage, doing the same things, etc. Arleigh is a sweet pea. We were sad to see them go. Come back ANYTIME!

I have to say that Avery is a crack up right now. Mike says she is "so smart". And I agree. She is mimicking. And she is wise, I think. She gets what is going on around her, it's weird. She teases and plays. She is standing, wobbling, crawling up the stairs. saying words, signing a few, sleeping through the night {praise the heavens} and waving, blowing kisses, dancing {shaking her head side to side}. I just love her like crazy. She has her daddy wrapped too. She loves to be outside, loves the swings at the park {arleigh & avery went swinging together, loved it!} Alright, enough of my swooning, just wanted to document the sweetness of our ten month old.

lots of love from beautiful Arizona.

Little Nash.....

2009-03-08T10:37:00.000-07:00

just too cute.

2009-03-03T20:48:00.000-08:00

I had to post a few more pics because I am way behind on my blogging and they are just too cute not to post. Everybody is doing great around here, loving the great weather lately, wish it would last longer. We are excited for our brother/uncle Jared who is getting his mission call this week. yay! love you jar! I am busy...too many things to do. I have been quilting with a group from church, what? yeah, I am trying to use that sewing machine ;) Thinking about planting some veggies. didn't know you could grow things in AZ, but apparently you can. Webelos {enough said}. And lets just mention facebook. I am very new to this phenomenon and I have reunited with many friends. it's fun, though it is yet another thing to waste my time staring at. yikes.

loves.

t-r-o-u-b-l-e

2009-03-03T20:47:00.001-08:00

Ok, so this is what I found this afternoon. No, she didn't fall, but it was close! She is getting so confident and adventurous. She definitely loves her freedom and thinks she's so big. What am I going to do with this pill? climbing on everything these days...guess I have to buy a dreadful gate. I haven't had to deal with this before. definite plus of living in a rambler ;)

"Angry Face"

2009-02-06T10:11:00.000-08:00

Avery is 8 months old. She LOVES signing time, she smiles whenever she hears it. She is getting two baby teeth. She is not such a big fan of baby food these days. She is getting to be a better sleeper...she goes to bed awake and cries her little self to sleep. She has an "angry face" and she knows how to use it! She is crawling all over the place. She loves the bath tub and splashes with the best of them. She has a decent sized booty...but teeny tiny feet. She loves her mama. She also likes her brother and sister. She loves her daddy too, mostly when he sings her to sleep. Avery is starting to try lots of foods...cheerios & chocolate & crackers. She likes big people food. She's the thirstiest baby I've ever met. She loves to drink water & juice. She loves her cousin Arleigh. She says mama, dada, ball and all done {or that's my interpretation of her words:) She knows the sign for sleep. She gets dragged along as I suppose all third children do...misses naps, hops shopping cart to shopping cart, and most of the time has a smile on her face through it all. She is a gem. I love her to bits.

"kind of a big deal..."

2009-02-06T09:43:00.000-08:00

Besides the fact that I just found a HUGE-O scorpion in my front room. and that's a big flipping deal, these are a few other things that are kind of a big deal, right now :)

We went to see our Suns play! Thanks to Bunkers for giving us the tickets, they were great! And our kids loved it...we were glad the Suns won. {our record is not so great this year} Got to zoom in on my Leandro and Stevie, and it's always funny to see Shaq's big feet. During quiet moments Payton would yell out "Shaq!!!" and everyone around us would laugh. Didn't get a knod from the big diesel, maybe next time! It was lots of fun. {forgive Mike, who cannot take a picture without sticking his fingers in front of the flash...}

All these cute grandkids are kind of a big deal! Wow, haven't we multiplied? We think they are so fun...

Avery is on the move! She thinks it is a Big Deal! She is a cute little crawling baby. I have lots to update about her...{see next post} The snotty nose in the picture is appropriate since that's another big deal...she's getting two tiny teeth on bottom and that's making her a miserable human being!

Yes, Michael is kind of a big deal...he is a bjpenn.com celebrity and I tease him endlessly. He went to Vegas to support his brah and even though his brah got worked, no seriously WORKED, he had a fun time hanging out with them. I'm teasing honey, I know you don't really think you're a big deal :)

making juice and shooting hoops...

2009-01-20T20:41:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to post a few pics of what we've been doing...
Mike and the kids have been juicing oranges and MAN, it is good. The kids love it, drink it straight from the juicer :)
And Payton started basketball! He had his first game last Saturday and he did great. He shot about 5 baskets and made 2! He sure looks cute out there and is enjoying himself and practicing at home with Dad.

my nephew Quinn

2009-01-09T15:07:00.000-08:00

thought I would post another pic of my newest sweet little nephew. He is home now and doing well. love him!

happy new year baby

2009-01-08T17:49:00.000-08:00

We had a fab time at the New Year's bash this year. It has been months {literally} since Mike and I were out on the town without baby in tow. So it was a nice little date night. Friends of ours rented out the ice skating rink and the boys all played broom ball and we skated {Kris was talented on the ice and oh so entertaining...Leigh & I were more conservative, we'll call it} I ate ice one time and still have a huge bruise to prove it. We ate lots of goods and rang in the new year with sparkling bubbly and noise makers. It was really truly the most fun new years party I have been to. We need to make it a tradition! Enjoy the pics...hope your '09 is filled with lots of love.

tooth fairy

2009-01-07T08:51:00.000-08:00

Well after intense debate, it's official that the tooth fairy is a girl. And she is broke right about now because Payt's teeth are dropping like flies. Monday after school his bottom right was totally bent down and facing towards me. So he pulled it right out {with a little encouragment...funny how pain is obsolete when it's sure to result in cash} and wow he was sure glad to find $5 in his tooth fairy pillow Tuesday morning. Tuesday night after dinner he was messing with bottom lefty and then I pulled it out! He didn't even blink! I'm afraid the tooth fairy set herself up for bankruptcy by leaving $5 the first night...so now he has $10 in that lightning mcqueen wallet! He is so happy and sticks his tongue through his gap. funny boy.
Monday night we went to dinner with Granny & Pop. Payt showed them his loss and suddenly Roger disappeared to the bathroom. He came back to the table and smiled at Payton. He had a gap too! Payton's eyes were so shocked! {Roger had taken out his bottom mouth piece} It was funny. Then Pop put in back in...and then Payton was really shocked! Funny story...Joan was driving Payton to school yesterday morning and she was asking him about Pop losing his tooth too. Payt said "it's not magic. There's Santa, the tooth fairy, the Easter Bunny, Jesus & Heavenly Father. That's it." He's got that right!
He also told me that the tooth fairy is rich {as I was prepping him that sometimes the tooth fairy doesn't bring the same amount of money for EVERY tooth} and that she builds her house with all the teeth. That has got to be one nasty house! Anyway, there's a tooth fairy buzz going around our house. It's new and exciting! He struggled horribly to keep his eyes open for a picture so this is as good as it gets! Congrats tooth-less Payt!

Christmas pics...

2009-01-04T09:22:00.001-08:00

We had a great Christmas holiday. lots of fun together and lots of pics. Here are a few...

meet q

2009-01-01T08:40:00.000-08:00

Quinn Andrew
12/31/08
6 lbs 6 oz
love him...

a little love

2008-12-28T18:44:00.000-08:00

alright, I know I haven't posted Christmas pics yet, I will get to it. I have made a goal to clean up the wrapping paper and boxes and tremendous amount of mess and toys first...

and I almost didn't post this cuz I am not a huge fan of "love ya" posts...but it's my 8th anniversary. YES, 8 years...makes me feel crazy old. And I had to document something somewhere.

Love you, Michael. I really do. Thanks for everything you do for our family. and for me. You make me feel safe and protected. You are a wonderful dad. You are one of a kind, that's for sure. Happy Anniversary. Here's to many more :)

history...

2008-12-20T09:05:00.000-08:00

I have to post this before I forget...
So I mentioned before that Payton is in Kindergarten. He is learning so much and nearly reading, sounding out lots of words. He loves his teacher and his friends, it has been a good experience. In fact, he helped his class win a pizza party by collecting the most canned food to donate to needy families. Thursday night Payt and Mike took the wagon around the neighborhood to our good friends and asked for dontations. He did all the talking himself and I was a proud mama. And then taking him to school yesterday with a wagon full of food, all the kids looking and saying "Payton, you're going to make us WIN"...it was so fun. He was so happy. And indeed they did win. So it was a good day for all of us.
And then there are lots of behaviors/words/attitudes he is coming home with that I am not thrilled about, including the Santa Claus questions, which I also mentioned before. Add sarcasm and even one "shut up" and it makes me cranky. Anyways, this one was funny: He has learned many poems and christmas carols. He's been singing "Rudolph" with all the "like pinnocchio" add-ins that we all sang when we were in elementary too. But this kid never ceases to make me laugh out loud. In the car on the way home from Flagstaff, he said, "mom, listen, I thought of a good one" and proceeded to sing "Rudolph" from the top with all the usual funnies, until the end when he said "Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer, you'll go down in history! Like OBAMA!" Oh my word, I was first stunned, because I really didn't know that he even knew who Obama was...then it caught me so funny, I just died laughing. He is a clever smart little cookie. He then went on to tell me that Obama is the new president of the United States. Guess he's learning something in Kindergarten! Merry Christmas...

it's beginning to look a lot like christmas...

2008-12-18T15:29:00.000-08:00

yes, it's official, I have the christmas spirit at last. I don't know what's wrong with me...but with all the "busy"ness of my life, moving and chaos, I have not been able to think about or embrace that it was really Christmas. But I got over myself, put up a tree & a little decor {very little} and yesterday we took a little trip to the North Pole! yes, you heard me right. We went to Williams, AZ (close to Flagstaff..and don't tell my kids that's where they went, they slept on the way up and when they awoke, there was snow everywhere and we really had them fooled. Sydney kept saying "this is amazing!"...it was amazing to hear her say that and see her bright eyes. Maybe I should disclaim now that Sydney is my favorite child right now...she is so easy to please and I could shop for her ALL day and she loved the "skating" in the snow{skating=running/falling/spinning. Anyway, back to the North pole {I do love my other kids, by the way} We went to the depot and got our tickets for the Polar Express! We ate a delicious dinner before, got hot chocolate and waited at our train stop in the FREEZING snow...climbed aboard, had more hot chocolate and cookies, sang songs, read through the story as we took the train to the North Pole and then we saw Santa and he came aboard and gave the kids each a bell. It was perfect. We stayed in a hotel there near the railway and then had breakfast this morning and came home. The roads were covered with snow and it seriously looked like Idaho and then before you know it, you're down the hill and back to the AZ we all know and love. I had a great time with my sweet hubs and kids. It will be a fun memory for us. The kids all "believe" that's for sure. Even though Mr. Payton is quizzing us out on all the Santa logistics :) He's a thinker, that one. Anyways, now that I have had my share of winter wonderland, Merry Christmas! Our love to you all.

Avery

2008-12-12T12:34:00.000-08:00

Our little baby girl is 7 months old! I can't believe it. She is getting more fun and expressive and sweet as the days go by...She said "da da" (why is this ALL of my kids first word?) and she smiles when she sees her brother and sister. She loves her mama. She hugs my face and kisses when I get her out of bed. She is growing too fast, last appointment she weighed 14 pounds. Her nick names are "Aves" "Gangsta" and "Bumbo" (possibly because she lives or has lived {next story} in that thing for the last 3 months. Ok, so don't turn me in to CPS or anything, but she was sitting in the bumbo on the counter while I was cooking. I forgot the chicken on the grill so I went hurriedly to check it, barely got around the corner and bam, she leaned into the sink to get her spice bottle she was playing with and all I see when I come around the corner is bum and legs sticking straight in the air, head first into the granite sink. If it hadn't freaked me out so bad, I would have stopped to take a picture because it was so funny. Poor baby. No more bumbo on the counter ;) Avery loves to be out and about, especially outdoors. She sits up and plays with her toys. She is a mover, I think she will crawl soon. She has totally struggled in the sleep department her whole life :) but recently she has given me a few nights of peace. Hopefully we will continue with that! She goes to sleep for her dad really well and she doesn't love the binky anymore! What? I know, I am mad about it, but what can I do? She is starting to eat more things. She loves to eat real food, not so much the baby food...she's a girl after my own heart...loves the treats. We are blessed to have her in our family. She is quite a girl.

Sydney

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

And here's an update on our little miss Sydney. She had her dance recital this past week and it was so cute. Please note, this is the youngest age group her teacher has and they some are a little shy and lots of times they just dance aimlessly and Sydney is always having to watch what the other girls were doing ;) BUT it was darling and the songs were just too cute and it made me have the Christmas spirit for the first time this year! Hope you enjoy the pics and video. She is one beautiful dancing girl. We are proud of our sis.

Payton

2008-12-12T11:37:00.000-08:00

Here's a quick update on the 6 year old, yes folks...he turned 6! He had a really fun party with ALL of his friends (23 to be exact & my oh my, it was busy) and it was great. Payt wanted a Suns basketball party and it was just that, lots of balls and the bounce and a pinata and face painting (thanks Hailey)...it was a fun night and Payton truly is thankful for his friends and misses his friends from the old neighborhood desperately. We'll have to get him over there to play more often. Thanks a million to all of you who came and helped and brought wonderful gifts for our boy. He had a blast. We love you!

hiatus

2008-11-20T09:36:00.000-08:00

Um, did you think we were all dead? Well, it was a close call, but we are all alive and well. Officially moved into our new house and officially worn out. Rammell trip to Cali was a good time, so many pics to post but you'll have to settle for a few of the kids at the beach. Big event: Payton cut his hair! He looks handsome I think. Halloween was fun as always (so happy to have the cake walk in our driveway this year!) Princess Jasmine was the highlight for me this year. Watching that long pony tail swing as she RAN house to house trick or treating made it all worth it! (thanks mom for saving the day) Mike has returned from Hawaii (cauliflower ear and all) and he didn't die so we are thankful for that. I went to UT for a visit and Jenna's baby shower for our little Q and it was lots of fun (I'll have to post those pics later) Mom, Kate & Arleigh came to AZ for a few days and helped us get organized. We still have a long way to go but I have to say it's been kind of a fun project and I am really loving this home. Hopefully all of you haven't stopped checking my blog because I have been such a slacker! I have missed all you bloggers ;) Much love and enjoy the pics. And Happy Thanksgiving. Can you believe time flies so quickly. My baby is six months old {that's a whole other post, I will get to it}

Pics from Hilo......

2008-11-13T13:36:00.000-08:00

I don't have much time, but wanted to post a few pictures.

home again...

2008-10-22T17:46:00.000-07:00

Well home for a few days til it's no longer home. yuck. I don't love moving or huge changes...but it will be a good one for us. The house is coming right along and we are hoping to be moved in by Halloween (so Amy & Jared have a place to stay ;) Our Rammell family trip to Cali was awesome and more pics to follow asap. I had to post this picture of our girlies. They both look like their dads in this pic, I think! Mini Mike & Mini Andy? what do you think?

moving.

2008-10-10T10:42:00.000-07:00

I hate moving. Ok, I try not to say hate around my kids...I really dislike moving. As exciting as this whole thing is, it is work. Now that I think about it, maybe most of you don't know that we are moving. Well, we are--not too far away, though. It will be a good change for us and I am anxious to have it all over and done. Mostly excited to stop walking around boxes in my kitchen and family room :) and stop having anxiety at night about decisions that I've made in the other house {we are remodeling}. most of all I need to get some new pics up so I can get the "stringy hair" picture off this blog. I am sorry you all had to see it for so long. After this whole moving hoopla, I will make a concerted effort to actually do my hair on a regular basis. yikes.

Star Student

2008-10-02T22:36:00.000-07:00

Our sweet Payton was star student of the week last week. The letter of the week was appropriately "P" and he was so excited. We got to make a fun poster all about him and Mike and I even got to go to lunch with him in the lunchroom, which was fun for all of us. Friday all the kids wrote a page for him and they compiled them all into a little book...he was thrilled. Each page was about the same, cute picture of Payton drawn by each kid, the date, and "Payton is...nice. smart. cool." It is cute and he loves it. His teacher said he kept asking all week when the kids were going to make his book. We chatted with her at lunch and after clearing up some concerns she had about Mike {rumor has it he is going to train to BE a UFC fighter for 6 MONTHS...funny} she was really nice and complimentary of Payton :) She said she just loves him and he is a great student. He is learning a lot, brings home TONS of work from school...including many drawings (I am including a picture of one because I thought it was so funny...it's a drawing of bats if you were wondering) and really doesn't mind his homework so much. We love our star student!

4 months of high maintenence

2008-09-26T07:51:00.001-07:00

I finally got Avery into her pediatric "well check" and she is "well". Actually, after four months of having an appropriate nick name of "high maintenance"...I am pleased to say that she has turned a leaf and has become a chubby, happy baby. She is a joy to me, I love to squeeze her! Thought I'd give a little update of what she's up to these days. She has officially found her feet and she loves to grab them and stick them in her mouth {see photo}. I think it's so cute. She grabs for toys and sits up so great in her bumbo. She is smiling and talking, laughing and cooing...all those cute baby things. She is also slobbering like crazy. Hoping that ends soon. She is sleeping better all the time and starting to lay down and put herself to sleep. Still loves her binky, pulls it in and out of her mouth, drops it most of the time. She is exhausted by about 8:30 at night...she basically falls asleep in my arms if I don't get her to bed soon enough. That is nice to have a few hours with all the children asleep. She is 13 pounds of love with a slightly flat head on one side :)(why do they tell you things like that? rude. It totally freaked me out) that I am anxiously engaged in trying to correct!! She loves her brother & sister and her daddy. But I think I am her favorite. I feel bad for this third little child...she just has to be dragged all over, in her car seat the majority of the day, no real naps. She is a good sport though, love her to pieces. If you are all wondering why we ocassionally refer to her as "gangsta"...here's the story. Mike has a way of making nick names stick and it has... he turned her bow to the side of her head one day and started calling her "gangsta aves" and then the kids made up a song about it and we all sing it often :) "Gangsta, Gangsta Aves...I'm so pretty I have to say...Gangsta" {repeat endlessly} Anyways...love you Avery girl!

my baby

2008-09-15T22:09:00.000-07:00

Ok, so this is out of the blue...Avery doesn't look like this anymore! She is officially 4 months old but that's beside the point. I had a goal to be in bed at 9 like the rest of this family, but I sat and wasted time for another hour or more. I have been playing a bit on the website I mentioned before {and because you all asked so nicely... picnik.com} It is kind of fun and since I have started the photoshop "how to" lessons about 30 times and had to stop to attend to little naughties, this will have to do for now. I played with this pic of Avery...she's a sweet little one. Miss snuggling that little body but I sure am enjoying her giggles and chubby legs. She is happy and a sweet bald little girl.

update pics

2008-09-09T16:02:00.001-07:00

Here's a few pics to update the world on what we've been up to. And I have been trying my hand on photo editing website my sis in law told me about!

Winner Winner, Chicken Dinner!

2008-09-09T10:15:00.000-07:00

Seems as though my husband and this man, BJ Penn, are bound to be life long "bradas"...that is if Mike survives his two weeks of training. Yes, he won the shadowboxing contest and will be going to Hilo, Hawaii to train. Only my husband, that's for sure :) Anyways, thanks to all who voted. I am nervous, I think Mike is too. Maybe that's why he's in the garage training as we speak :) Loves!

chip off the old block?

2008-08-27T11:15:00.001-07:00

LOL (laugh out loud)

2008-08-26T20:51:00.000-07:00

Just a few things today that have made me smile and literally laugh out loud. First, most of you know we have 3 kids now...yes, 3. And needless to say I will be investing in a mini van asap. I have realized that I am officially "that mom"...the one who is running around crazy trying to get things accomplished, dropping kids off in every direction. It's exhausting! But it's fun and what else would I be doing if I wasn't? I won't answer that because I can think of about one hundred things :) This is what I am supposed to be doing and really, what I enjoy. These kids are such a joy to me. So back to my laughing out loud. I walked past my little calendar in my kitchen this morning and realized that it is still set up as "MAY"!!! That just goes to show when the world went crazy. Thanks in majority to our new little bundle. And I went to change it and said, forget it...I'll wait til September! And then Sydney Kate, what a girl she is. She practiced jumping off the side into the deep end with her dad so she could do it at swimming lessons off the diving board without crying and then go straight to the store to pick any prize she wants. This goes to show that bribery works because she didn't cry today and jumped off twice. Yes, that means I bought 2 prizes...what can I say, I am a push over. So, she chose Giselle & Robert dolls from "Enchanted". Ok, so now "McDreamy" is around our house and every time I look at him, I just have to laugh because it really looks like him and I'm embarassed to say it makes me excited for Greys to start up again! He is a cutie. And so I'm off to bed (with visions of Dr. Shepherd dancing in my head) :)

Hawaii or Bust!

2008-08-20T08:22:00.000-07:00

THANKS to all who voted for this silly competition...thanks to you he's #1 and now in the top twenty. So if you have a second, vote one more time and see if he can win this thing already!

Viva Montana!

2008-08-19T09:55:00.000-07:00

Mike & I were invited to go spend a few days in Montana with a bunch of couples. It was glorious. My mom came to watch P & S and we took Avery. A big thanks to my mom who took such good care and even got Payton through his first week of Kindergarten. The trip was so relaxing and nice. The atmosphere was just beautiful and so comfortable. And the views out our door were breathtaking. Avery was such a good girl. She loved riding on the boat, it put her right to sleep (we did that a lot ;) and the company was very fun and entertaining. The food was out of this world, really. A big thanks to the Tanner family...
HIGHLIGHTS:
Allegient airlines and the entertaining (though expensive) raffle & dollar game
Our lake suite
Cherry orchards and delicious "ranier" cherries
Taking the boat to dinner & the awesome sunsets
Francis the masseuse
Pizzas in the outdoor oven, delicious pizza sauce & Pizookies with homemade ice cream.
The olympics
The name game
The soda fountain with the best DP ever!
Brannon's entertaining stories and just plain funny self
Watching Mike chase the chickens
Waterslide down the mountain and water that comes from the "earth"...it was freezing!
Spending one on one time with my sweet Aves
Ben & Jerry's
Meeting new people

Hope you enjoy the pics. It really is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been.

Here's to..

2008-08-11T08:46:00.000-07:00

here's to my sweet Payton on his first day of Kindergarten. Oh, he looked so handsome this morning and he was so excited as he tore the last link from his paper chain! Mike and I took him over this morning and pulling past the junior high, he could see lots of cars and kids and parents and he said "wow, this looks kinda scary." But he was fine, didn't even bat an eye when we left him at the classroom. We are so proud of our little, well sort of getting big, guy. He will do so great. LOVE YOU!

Home Sweet Home

2008-07-28T22:27:00.000-07:00

Well, back to reality. AZ actually is a nice place to be and there's nothing like your own bed. It was hard to want to leave our wonderful time in Idaho. And lucky lucky me, I got to stay in Utah for 5 days with Avery and just hang out with my family. It was awesome. Kate & I tended babies and hung out with mom and dad. I just loved that time. AND to top it all off, my husband wins an award. He took Payt, Sis and Max to California for the week...even took them to Disneyland. What a trooper! And he even had a good attitude about it. I don't know where I got him, but I sure like him :) I miss my Kate & Arleigh that's for sure. I never knew how much fun it would be to have babies together, me and my sis. She sure is the best friend a girl could have. We got the girls pictures together, we'll see how they turn out. Officially, I do not want twins! It was hard to get them to cooperate...one was either bawling or sleeping or hungry at all times. Oh, and also got to go have lunch with all the Larsen cousins, so fun. These pics are just random shots...the family pic is at Mike's lame 30th birthday party, one of "Aves & Arls" as Sydney calls them, and my girls in their pink tutus that my mom and I made them. hope you enjoy.

Avery & Arleigh Blessing Day

2008-07-10T08:08:00.001-07:00

July 6th was a special day around here. We had so much family here to support us as we blessed our sweet babies. Mike and Andy both did a beautiful job and it was such a pleasure to share this day together. I was so thrilled to have all of my living grandparents there and several aunts, uncles, cousins, friends. Though we missed our Andrew, Jenna & Jared! It was just a beautiful day and I hope one that these little peas will look back on and know how special they are. Kate is such a sweet little mom, she loves that girl to pieces and Andy is equally as head over heals. I am just grateful for my many blessings...and so thankful to have Avery in our family.