Moore Family

what keeps us movin'

2012-02-02T23:28:00.000-07:00

This little girl has started talking up a storm. Most of the time repeating what she hears us saying, which can be worrisome from time to time!
Her current favorite is Dora. She loves to watch "Boots."
She's still obsessed with her so-called blankets, it's a real problem!

The other day we went to get the kids from school and arrived about 10 minutes early. She hates her car seat and as soon as the car stopped she wanted out. I let her out and she sat on my lap. She continued to play with all the gadgets that the front seat had to offer. She kept pulling on the windshield wipers and spraying the spray, she did it over and over until I told her to stop.

Mom: "Maggie now stop or else your going to have to go get back in your seat."
Maggie: "Okay, GOSSSHHH!!!!"
She seriously sounded like she was 15. Wonder where she heard it? To this day she can't just answer with okay, it has to include the gosh on the end.

Carter has been taking snowboarding lessons on Friday's after school. The bus would pick him and about 15 others from his school on Friday, his short day, and take them to the ski resort. I think overall it was 6 Fridays. He had a blast riding on the bus with his friends but was so disappointed when they couldn't take classes together because they were all at different levels. We are so proud of how well he has done. His class took the ski lift up the very first lesson.

So many things about this top picture make me laugh!

Last Jr. Jazz game of the season and these boys went undefeated the whole way. Us parents can't wait to get them in some competitive ball next year. All these boys go to school together. (a couple of the players and coaches are missing)

Bess is rockin' her spelling. Her teacher started doing a challenge spelling test, after Christmas, for those that she thought could take on the challenge. She has had a perfect score + all her bonuses! And I have to say that some of her words can be a little tricky at times, especially for a 1st grader! She's a smarty!

It finally snowed!

2012-01-23T21:31:00.000-07:00

We had a very brown Christmas break this year. It didn't seem much like the holidays when it was almost 40 degrees and no white snow to be seen, the mountains were even quite bare!

About 3 days before the kids were to head back to school we finally got some snow. They couldn't wait to get on their snow gear and head outside.

Bess decided it only made sense that if there are snowmen that there has to be snow women too. So she was adamant that her and Glen make one. I think "it" turned out lovely!

That was until they told me she was me. Ouch! I think she looks a little more like Benjamin Franklin?

They spent a good four hours making some great memories in that snow & I loved seeing the big grins on their faces!

Christmas 2011

2012-01-16T19:23:00.001-07:00

In true Kendi fashion, I was awful with taking pictures Christmas morning. However, the video camera was going at the same time and do have it mostly documented there.

The kids had a great Christmas this year. There were lots of smiles and happy faces for a good part of the next week.

While out on school break we did some snowboarding, went to the movies, went swimming, and hung out with family. It was very relaxing and much needed!

It was great to have my parents for Christmas morning and breakfast. Something we'll always remember and treasure.

The big surprise came after all the presents were open and breakfast was eaten......Carter's dreams came true. (I haven't truly decided if it's Carter's dreams or Glen's yet?)

These are the type of pets you HAVE to get when you have a dad that is allergic to the "true pets." Glen went to an allergist about 2 months ago to find out about all his allergies that have been bothering him. The doctor made him promise that we would never own a dog, even a hypoallergenic one! Sad day for us. Especially our pet loving Carter.

Glen found Diego on KSL about 3 nights before Christmas morning. Our neighbors were very kinda and let us keep him at their house. They actually didn't want to give him back!

Glen and Carter are currently learning out to teach this parrot how to talk. They have already decided the first thing he will say is "Go Broncos!"
We'll let you know how that goes!

Creating a Tradition: Grand America

2012-01-04T22:02:00.000-07:00

About 3 days before Christmas we made our way downtown to go have dinner at Little America and participate in the cute scavenger hunt that Grand America had going on.

This is the closest my kids came to Santa this year. I kept asking them if they wanted to go see a real live Santa someplace and they all kept turning me down.......crazy if you ask me!

When I was searching for Christmas activities to do as a family during the month of December, I was excited to see that The Grand was having a scavenger hunt around the hotel based on the children’s book, Maurice on Holiday. The hotel has 18 beautiful displays placed around the lobby level of the hotel wherein the children have to find a star with Maurice in each illustration.

When you locate the star in the giant illustration from the book, you then have to match it up with a code on the clue card. Some of these were really hard! Loved it.

The hallways are wide and it was not crowded at all so the kids could run around and tire themselves out.

This is the 400 lbs of gingerbread (the cupola) where Maurice lives. I think the kids appreciated it more having just made a gingerbread house of their own. It smelled delicious.

When you complete the hunt, you take the card to JouJou (the hotel’s cool toy shop) where they give you a sticker …and you check out their cool displays!
Then you take the sticker to La Bonne Vie where the kids get a special star cookie.
Maggie enjoyed looking around the toy store!

It was fun to get out of the house and make some memories. The story was cute and the illustrations were great. The treat was delish. If The Grand does something like this every year! We will be back.

Meet "Dad-En"

2011-12-30T22:43:00.001-07:00

Maggie is one smart girl! She has combined her dad's two names to make one simple name. It's quite catchy & has a great ring to it. It's got us all calling him this new name.

School Happenings

2011-12-27T21:13:00.000-07:00

Both kids had a fun little Christmas program, where they each preformed 2 songs with their grade level. It was fun to listen to the different twists on some of the same old Christmas carols.

The next day I headed back up to the school to help with Carter's class Christmas party. We planned a minute to win it theme party with Christmas ideas. I think the kids enjoyed it.

I love the little bit of innocence they still have at this age. I was watching all five of these kids trying to cram on 2 chairs and the little girl that is sitting next to Carter (she has been in school with him since preschool) was trying to stay on her chair and had her hand on his knee trying to hang on. Neither one of them even noticed it or even seemed to care. It's great that they don't find that awkward.....YET!

Merry Christmas Eve!

2011-12-24T12:27:00.000-07:00

Just a few holiday happenings....MORE to come!

Bess had a little dance performance in which she did a great job. I am not sure who is enjoying dance more, Bess or her dad watching her? He asks her to practice for him almost daily and she is very happy to do so! Leaves a big grin on both of their faces.

These 3 girls are all cousins. Bess sure loves taking lessons with Mary and Emily. I guess she'll be a honorary cousin in this picture.

After her quick performance we had to race off to Carter's basketball game.
Have I told you before that basketball is my favorite sport to watch? I know I have! I really have enjoyed watching these boys grow up together playing this sport. They are getting good too. Undefeated so far! Good job boys!

I love that she had absolutely no shame in climbing those bleachers in her dance getup.....I had to record this because all too soon she's going to be dolling herself up around these older brother friends of hers and hiding in her bedroom because she has crushes on them!

Pinterest Lovin'

2011-12-20T14:01:00.002-07:00

I have heard so many people getting addicted to Pinterest or saying it's really time consuming that I have stayed away from it until I had a good friend tell me just how awesome it was this summer.
I finally got on board around September. I personally think it's the best thing out there. So many great ideas from so many wonderful sources. I am just not quite sure why people get addicted or find it time consuming? I also don't know why people wouldn't want it in their lives!
It's a great filing system for all those wonderful ideas you come across or for extra great ideas from others when you need something..........party planning, cooking meals, hair ideas, home decorating, church info.....LOVIN' IT.

I recently experimented with a few things that I found through Pinterest.
Who doesn't love a gorgeous picture of the temple? So glad this turned out and it's great to enjoy on my wall.

Also another free print. Sent this baby to Costco and BAM, a new Christmas decoration. Plus the frame was just something I had already and I spray painted it white.

Now that thing that I always need help and ideas with is dinner. I saw where this was listed as the THE BEST white chicken enchilada recipe ever!!! I had to try it. We had this for Sunday dinner. I would say it was ok. I actually have another recipe that I like better but heck who doesn't like some new ideas for dinner.

For all of you out there that have not jumped on ship, I say it's time. Those two negative things I heard about it at first are so not true (at least not for me). It's easy after you spend a minute or two on it to figure out and it has not been addicting. Yes I like to browse on it when I need something or when I have some extra time but I never am on it longer than 10 minutes at a time. So if you do join, add me as your friend. I'd love to see your wonderful ideas as well.

To those that I am friends with, happy pinning & good day!

Christmas Piano Recital

2011-12-15T08:47:00.000-07:00

We loved getting into the Christmas mood listening to beautiful music performed by awesome kids. Carter now has added a new song to his list that he can play over and over and over.......& he leaves us all singing Gilligan's Island. Not quite "Christmasy" but he's happy with himself.

His teacher is the absolute BEST! We love him & he's great about pushing Carter in his own way. Heaven knows that I (mom) am torturing him to keep with it. He may even tell me not to pick him up from lessons because he doesn't want to go or threaten to run away when he has to practice but when I pick him up from lessons he has a new will to get better and keep practicing. It's just what we need!

Bess is starting with him in January. She can hardly wait! Let's hope I have enough hair left on my head to get through two practices. I keep telling Carter, "One day you'll thank me."

The Kids and I/Maggie's new tricks

2011-12-12T16:05:00.000-07:00

Lately Glen has been crazy with work.....like up to his eye balls, not able to talk to me on the phone work. If he's not out of town, then he's leaving work by 7 and not getting home most nights till 6:30 or later. We only hope things slow down soon, however job stability is a good thing!

This has left the kids and I to entertain ourselves, and let's be honest Dad is way more exciting! Still we are managing.

Gingerbread houses are always a must, even if it's just the cheap Costco easy put together house. We missed going to Grandma's house and doing them but we're hoping for next year!

Maggie was quick to join in, mostly to try eating the treats.

This is also her famous smile when the camera or anyone's phone comes out! Oh so funny!

Once she decided the candy was not that easy to get into she decided the box looked fun to play peek a boo with.

Since she was in such good spirits we thought we would ask her to show us how to pray.

And that in a nut shell is the fun we have! Now you can see why we are missing our dad.

Our Thanksgiving Treat

2011-12-05T08:55:00.000-07:00

We were so lucky to have Uncle Ryan come join us for our Thanksgiving this year. He's always a treat to have around and special to us because we don't see him very often with living in Seattle.

Saddest thing is I only took pictures the very last evening he was here & only of him and my girls playing. I was so mad at myself when I realized I hadn't pulled out the camera once that weekend.

Maggie was hamming it up for us all this evening.
She was also enjoying the attention she was getting!

We still managed to have some undocumented fun. We went bowling, went to movies, did some shopping, at lots of food, and just enjoyed each others company.

I love my siblings and the time we get to spend together. SO very lucky to have my sisters live close by but also grateful that even though my brother is far we can still maintain our closely knit relationship.

You may just have to watch for this guy coming to a TV near you soon..................details to come on that. Can't say much now!

MaggieD'Moo

2011-11-16T10:20:00.000-07:00

Love this little girl. She keeps me a hoppin'.

I feel like I have been awful about updating "my journal, her baby book" on the happenings in her life. I always heard people get this way with their 3rd's and 4th's and what not but let's be honest I was never great at it with my 1st. So now is the time to just throw out all the little tricks this spunky one has up her sleeves.

Maggie was my slowest child on her speech but whoa has she ever made up for it. She's now saying full blown sentences. "I want my baba." "Where dit go?"
She has Bess's name down perfectly. Still working on Carter, I think she calls him "bubba" from time to time. She also can say Papa, but is still working on Grandma.
She has plenty more words and sayings but those just happen to be a few of "our" favorites.

As I have mentioned before, she is my busiest child. Never stops. Also my most social. Do those two go hand in hand?
If we go some place public she has to make sure everyone there sees her. If people happen to acknowledge her then they are done for. She is now going home with them.

She's still loving her "blankies." I really need to figure something out about that.....it's not a good thing! (if some of you know what I am talking about).
And of course her "baba" full of apple juice.

She loves her sister. They really do have the best little relationship. I hope that always continues. She has a love/hate relationship with Carter. He likes to tease her and she likes to tell him "no no no" while she shakes her finger at him. Yet he truly has her back. Glen put her in time out a couple days ago for her throwing a fit and Carter bawled and thought his dad was totally in the wrong. He thought it was the most awful thing for a child her age to be in time out. "She doesn't understand."

I didn't really think fits started till they turned 2. Actually, I forgot everything and maybe I was just hoping they didn't start until 2. Maggie turned that theory wrong. She has some of the best fits ever. Full on floor kicking and crying.

This little lady is my day. ALL DAY! I love her and am soaking up the time she and I get to spend together. She is a kick and we both get good laughs throughout the day with each other.
However, I am willing to loan her out for a couple hours a day if anyone is interested? She's a great time and is for sure to be your bestest friend!

Halloween Festivities 2011

2011-11-02T14:50:00.000-06:00

I think we crammed it all in this year. Including a hay maze, pumpkin pickin' patch, and hay ride. However, you will not see any of those pictures because this mom is terrible at remembering to bring a camera along. You'll just have to believe me and imagine in your mind the grand time that was had by all!

Pumpkin carving will go down in history as one of my least favorite things to do. I still managed to pull it off with a half smile on my face and a cleaning rag in hand because after all it's about the chillins' and Glen!

Carter carved his own pumpkin this year. He was quite pleased with the turnout and didn't even care that it was just your regular ol' traditional face.

Bess chose a cat and got lots of help from her daddy.

Maggie was just quite content to be in the thick of it and help join in the mess making. Reminder for next year, baths after the gut cleaning process.

Now the school halloween parade is where the fun is. I enjoy seeing all the different costumes and ideas that people come up with. Gives me lots of ideas for the years to come, but then I always seem to forget by the time the next halloween rolls around.

We had to be up bright and early to make it to the school for the parade. It was worth it though.

Carter opted to wear his football costume again this year. We bought him a ninja costume but he was not all that thrilled with it and found it kinda "nerdy."

When we started looking for costumes about a month before halloween Bess found the perfect costume. She wasn't even sure what it was but she had to have it and knew exactly what she was going to be.

She showed her dad and he quickly turned it down with the skirt being way too short. She was so bummed and every time we would look at different ideas she was still drawn to this one costume. What to do in situations such as this????? A personal seamstress you say? Correct-O! That's just what daddy and Bess did. A short phone call to Grandma and a trip to the fabric store and VOILA! The day the actual costume came in the mail may have just been the best day of that little girls life. She was on cloud 9!

After wearing her costume all day at school on Monday I asked her what she told people she was dressed up as. Her response, "an I-HOP girl." Huh? I had to think a minute about that one. Yes, a waitress of some sort but why I-HOP? OH, I see the misunderstanding, a car-hop girl.

She was a 50's car hop girl. However, sometimes she gets her decades a little off and says she is a 80's girl!

Didn't Grandma just make this little girl the happiest little girl in the world?! Complete with the exact colors that she wanted even. We're so so so lucky to have a professional seamstress as a Grandma!

The smartest thing I did this year was chose to be Carter's room mom. It's the greatest, no party planning and just helping. I can help, but can I come up with good fun ideas? No! (pinterest has been a good thing in my life).

I manned the bobbing for donuts. Ugh! I swore by the end of it that I was going to be so sick. If I hadn't just about died sick last week from being so sick, then I am 99% sure I would currently be puking my guts out. So many kids dropping their donuts on the ground and eating them and their nasty dirty hands touching every donut they saw. Not to mention a sick little girl who couldn't get a hold of her mom and was about ready to lose her cookies.

The rest of the day and evening flew by. So fast that I didn't even get a good picture of all my kids together.

Our Car-hop girl was already worn out before the trick or treating even began.

But this little lamb was just getting started. She loved this new concept. Only thing is she doesn't know how to say trick or treat so instead she would just say, "thank you."

Her very favorite thing was to come home and pick out all the dum dum suckers. She was so happy that I let her get in the bath with 3.

Now her mom just needs to find a place to hide the rest of her "good" candy from herself!

UEA

2011-10-26T20:07:00.000-06:00

We spent our UEA weekend up in Park City. We had blast just hanging out with cousins, swimming, and eating junk (and more junk).
The fall weather up there was perfect. I wish I had actually taken more pictures away from our condo to show you just how beautiful the fall colors were.

I loved my morning runs on the trail right behind us. I also loved that I just walked right out the sliding glass doors and was off. It's the simple things, I guess.
It was also great to have our own private hot tub. The kids still preferred the luke warm outdoor pool at the hotel and then running back to our condo.

The greatest part to the kids was just having 3 whole nights of sleepovers with their cousins. They were so easily entertained and happy to just be together.

I think I could spend every weekend running away up there. It was perfectly relaxing.

However, this little girl was not feeling so well.

She had a fever the whole time we were there and didn't sleep so great either. Her fever was gone after a trip to the doctor and our first evening home. I guess she was just home sick?!

Regrets

2011-10-17T23:35:00.000-06:00

I don't know what it is about seeing my kids asleep at night that makes me start to think about regrets from the days failure as their mother.
A lot of people say "No regrets!" like they really have no regrets in their life.
I just don't understand that.
Because I have regrets. Boy oh boy, do I!
One of my biggest regrets is forgetting just how fast they really do grow up. Instead I spend my day caught up in keeping up.

When I see them sleeping I realize just how perfect they are and how innocent (most of the time) they really are.
I really do like being a mom and I know it's important but do I totally get it? Heaven knows I don't know what I am doing most days.
Many nights I lay in bed with tears in my eyes for the love that I have for these little beings. I want them to be so happy and to experience all that they came here to do. I don't want them to go through heartache or ever have to experience pain.
I need to be better about letting my dishes pile up for weeks. I need to spend more time outdoors with them making mud pies and more time just sitting and listening.
I envy my friends who get it.
None the less I wake up in the morning refreshed and ready for a recharge on my motherly duties.
I know it's all about hindsight and there's no point in dwelling on the past. I just need to love them now.

'Cause this really is the best.

Family Time

2011-10-11T13:59:00.000-06:00

Our new family activity that we all seem to be enjoying. We hope this fall weather can last a L O N G time so we can keep soaking up these bike rides.
Can't think of anything better that I would rather be doing?!

My Boy

2011-10-04T08:35:00.001-06:00

I love the fall weather in Utah. I really wish it lasted longer than just a couple weeks. It's great not to have the heater running or the air on and very relaxing to have the windows opened up letting the cool evening air in.

We've been enjoying this weather with watching Carter play flag football again this year. Glen was very disappointed when he learned that we were late in signing him up for tackle. As it turns out I have actually heard it's a good thing that we wait until next year.
This year the teams are set up with 3rd and 4th graders. Again it's been fun to watch and Carter always makes anywhere from 1 to 3 touchdowns each game. He's great at snatching the flags off also.....what would you call those guys?? See this mom needs to prepare herself for the football lingo.....I need some TIME!

Glen took both kids fishing Saturday afternoon in the canyon. They had a blast. Wish I had pictures to show. Carter has loved fishing since he was 2 1/2. I remember being in the hospital the day after having Bess and Glen and Carter brought me a fish they caught as my gift!
He truly dreams about catching fish. His daddy has taught him well.

Carter came home the about 2 weeks after school started with a paper that looked something like this:

C ool
A rtistick
R aper
T
E
R acer

I truly died laughing and actually took a picture with my cell phone before I had him finish it and correct it. I love the pure innocence that Carter still possess. I worry very most about him right now just because he is so innocent about what the real world is full of.
He doesn't much worry about the drama or crude things that get said at school. He just does his own things and has fun.

We really love this little boy around here. We're lucky to have his spunk and character to entertain us.

Maggie's 1 Year Pictures

2011-09-21T10:00:00.000-06:00

I am not going to sugar coat things here, this little girl keeps me on my toes during the day. I actually start to celebrate now when I know the kids will be getting home from school. She's been far too spoiled with attention, so during the day when it's just her and I according to her I need to put on a good show! & let's face it, I am lame! Bess by far is the best!

These pictures were taken way back in July, right after she turned 1.
Really not sure what we would all do without this little tornado around?!

That one Summer we Went to Montana

2011-09-12T23:29:00.006-06:00

Wow summer literally flew by for us, I still hunger for the non-committal days. So today I blog instead of dealing with my heart racing from all the papers the kids bring home from school and activities they need to be to. I'll feast off of blogging about our wonderful time to Montana (aka Carter's heaven on earth) instead.

We started our trip out very early in the morning so that the kids would sleep and we could get some good driving time in. The one BIG HUGE thing that save us on this trip is my sister Megan and her husband Kurtis. They were flying up so they offered to act as Maggie's parents on their flight. It was like a early Christmas for us all, as Maggie is a nightmare just to drive to five minutes in the car with. A big HUGE thank you to them!
We drove straight to my aunt's cabin on Flathead Lake (my personal heaven on earth). We spent 3 days there on the lake relaxing, boating, and taking in some clean fresh air.

That's some cold water!

Maggie's first time "fishing" and being at the lake.

Success for Glen. All 3 of his kids enjoy fishing!

Traditional baby bath in the cabin sink.

One of the biggest reasons we wanted to get to Montana this summer was to visit my grandma and grandfather that still live close by. My Grandma spent the time with us at the lake and it's time we will always treasure with her. Seeing your grandparents getting older is hard!

My grandpa is now 92 and still lives on his own across the border in Canada. My dad was kind enough to spend one day driving over to get him and take him back just for us to get to see him. Sure do love this guy!

One evening was spent doing family pictures in this gorgeous field.

It's always a great time "at home." Even though I haven't lived there for almost 15 years now a piece of me will always long to be back. Carter would pack his bags and move there tomorrow if we would let him. He cries and cries when it's time to leave. Who knows, maybe one day we'll find him living on a big ranch up in the middle of nowhere Montana loving life! & we can hope that he'll invite me to visit!

One Last Hurrah!!

2011-08-25T16:10:00.000-06:00

We decided to make a tradition of going up to Park City to stay before school starts, for one last shindig before we're back to the races.

We headed up there this past Saturday night for all the fun.

We had a blast swimming, doing that Alpine Slide, and eating at our favorite restaurant. Those 24 hours flew by and I think we all could agree that Marriott Mountainside is our favorite hotel that we have stayed at up there. Very family friendly and lots for the kids to do. Too bad the fun stuff can't last forever!

Getting ready to take off on the lift.

Waving goodbye to Maggie and I. I promise I was THERE!

Maggie and I wait.

Daddy and Bess win!

Carter is 100% sure he lost only because his slide was broken!

Bitter Sweet

2011-08-22T11:03:00.003-06:00

I've been going back and forth in my mind on my feelings of school starting. I think the kids were ready in their own way and I was tired of entertaining.....TV watching was becoming a all day everyday occurrence last week.

This morning as I dropped them off at school I was kinda sad. It's always hard for me to send them out in the big wide world with all the influences around them. I know they are good kids though and and they will make great choices.

Carter told me as I was taking this picture below that it was a girly pose. He's kinda right, poor kid! He still did it for me, just to make me happy!

Bess has the same teacher Carter had in first grade, Miss Christensen. He was sure to tell her all the ins and outs on how she runs her classroom. All day school, no snacks, and packed lunch may just kill this little girl!

And she's off.....

And he's off to 3rd grade!

And she's home moping in the loneliness.......she's going to miss them!

Island Park Family Reunion

2011-08-09T16:45:00.000-06:00

The day after Maggie's birthday we headed north to spend some quality time with Glen's brothers and sister (minus Joel & Erin :( ).
We love to see everyone and it never seems like it happens very often with everyone all over the place, so we really look forward to the time we do get to spend together.

I have to say that Bess was in heaven with all her girl cousins. There is a plethora of them! Only 3 boys out of all 13 grandchildren are boys. But Carter still managed to fit in quite well. He spent much time on the boat, trying to fish, spending time in the hot tub, and playing card games.

We can't forget all the eating that took place along with s'mores making.

We spent one evening playing the game Minute to Win It. Joni and Paul were so awesome and put together the whole thing. My kids thought it was the best thing ever. They came home and wrote in their journals about the reunion and one of the things they both kept talking about is this game. Funny what things really stick in kids minds!

We were sad to have the reunion over and back to normal life. It helped that Madison came home with us. We love having this college girl close(r) by. We look forward to her short and sweet visits!

I don't know about everyone else but we are all ready to start planning another get together SOON!

Happy 6th Birthday

2011-08-03T10:05:00.003-06:00

We have some major celebrating going on at our house today! Love this little lady and all the girly-ness she brings to our home!

Bess Goes to Montana

2011-08-01T16:45:00.001-06:00

June 8, 2011

This was Bess's second summer of flying up to spend a week with Grandma and Grandpa in Montana.

She's so lucky to not only have this experience but to also have her best friend, and cousin, to share it with.

My kids look forward to this all year long. If you ask Bess what she enjoys the most about going up there she'll quickly respond with "going to the dollar store and hot tubbing." What memories!

Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!

My Baby turned 1

2011-07-31T21:30:00.003-06:00

So sad how far behind I am on my blogging. Especially such important events as this!

July 6, 2011

Maggie had a wonderful, low key 1st birthday. Not much more she could have asked for......well maybe more family in attendance but overall I think she was very happy.

My sister, Brenda, made her this yummy and darling cake. She was not very happy with the sparkler that we put on it though.

Her very talented Grandma made the darling birthday outfit!

This little girl has brought so much happiness to our home this last year. She completes us so perfectly with her sweetness. We love you Maggie Moo!

Starting to get weepy

2011-06-30T09:48:00.002-06:00

Never have I ever been so sad to see my kids turn 1. This time it's not good. I look at these pictures filled with tears in my eyes. How can it be??

Summer's HERE!

2011-06-23T12:57:00.002-06:00

FINALLY!

Much needed supplies: popsicles, cold pool, coke (for mom), & WALKING!

Dance Recital 2011

2011-06-19T22:01:00.000-06:00

Bess had her spring dance recital the beginning of June. She looks forward to this day all year long. She's so brave about getting on the stage and performing and quite enjoys it. I think she mostly enjoys putting on all the makeup and getting dolled up. She also enjoys having as many family members as possible there to watch. About 2 days before the recital she started freaking out that there just weren't going to be enough in the audience for her so she called all her grandma's to see if they could make it. Too bad they all live so far away! We'll have to try to post the video for her Grandmas.

This year she danced to Somewhere Over the Rainbow.

Bess has been dancing with Mary and Emily since she was 3. She loves her friends!

Where did May go?

2011-06-06T17:10:00.000-06:00

When we weren't swimming in the pools of rain this is where you would find us, ALL (OK most) of May. I love watching my son play baseball and the team unity it brings. Do I like T-Ball? I say NO! but we sat our years through it and now we are on to machine pitch. Oh Glorious, glorious machine pitch, I thought you would never come!

Although most of our games were rained out and we didn't have time to make them up before tournaments we still had our fill of games. Sometimes 3 nights a week, sometimes double headers that put us at the ball park for 4 hours.

I realized on Carter's very last tournament game that I had not taken one picture of him the entire season. Good thing the purse camera came in handy this game.

I can actually say that I will miss baseball until next year.

Megan graduated! So proud of her accomplishment and hard work. Now it's time to find a real job.

My kids are so lucky to have Aunt Megan. She is truly Maggie's second mother. Did I mention they just bought a house literally 4 streets over from us? PERFECTO!!!! (at least for me).

Eric, Glen's little brother, left on his mission. He is going to serve in Mexico. We were lucky to have stay with us up the minutes before he left for the MTC. It was fun to actually have a missionary staying in our house. He's such a great kid and so easy to have around. We can hardly wait to hear all about his mission and write him lots while he's gone serving the lord!

Carter is still plugging away at the piano and actually really starting to enjoy it. He had his end of the year recital where he played, "It's a Grand Ol' Flag." He had the song memorized for almost a month before hand. I can officially say that we're ready for him to memorize a new song. I think we have all been walking around singing that song morning and night for far too long. We'll definitely be ready for the 4th of July!

Who doesn't love a good long weekend? Who doesn't love spending time with Grandparents? in one of the most beautiful places ever? We are so lucky to have Grandma Berger only 4 hours away about half of the year. The kids love it there. It's memories that I know they will always remember as I remember similar trips as a child to my own grandparents house. I loved the time spent at their ranch and

Even though the weather wasn't the best over Memorial Day weekend we still had a great time and were spoiled incredibly.

Grandma was there to save the day. Carter needed a knights hat for his puppet (more on that later). Who better to create something? The kids really enjoyed watching how a sewing machine works!

And that there is our May in a nutshell!

Daddy's Girl

2011-05-21T22:44:00.000-06:00

It usually only takes our kids about 2 years to figure out that their dad IS the best. After that, all I am good for is something to eat and some clean laundry. He is pretty cool and fun to boot!

Bess has always been a early riser, just like her dad. (Carter and I need to be dragged out of bed) Hence they get to enjoy having breakfast together, just the two of them, Mon.-Fri.
Most mornings I don't hear much conversation, just cereal chomping. Shortly after you'll hear the front door shut as Glen heads off for work. Next you'll hear the pitter patter of Bess's feet as she runs for the window to wave and blow her daddy a kiss goodbye. It honestly happens every morning, those 5 work days a week. If she happens to miss him, she's in tears. Daddy eats up every minute of it!

Bess had her Kindergarten program and talent show last week at school. She has known for over a month that she needed to come up with a talent. It could be anything, a joke, draw a picture, sing a song, dance, etc. Bess knew from the very beginning that she wanted to play the piano. Great! let's teach her a song. Nope, she wanted to write her own song. Only thing is the song was different each time she played it and you never quite knew how long she was going to be playing it.
I really tried to convince her to to do something different but she wanted nothing to do with it.
Her dad helped her come up with a name for her song, "Crystal Palace." She did great and wasn't scared at all to show her "talent."
Only 3 1/2 days left of kindergarten. Wow this year really flew by.

Swimming

2011-05-12T10:53:00.000-06:00

Here is Maggie at 9 months with her first swimming experience. I think we can say she enjoyed it thoroughly!!!! I feel confident in saying that we'll be spending alot of our summer at the pool this year.

We stayed 2 nights up at a resort in Park City over my birthday weekend in April. They kids loved it and swam the whole time.

My Mothers Day

2011-05-08T09:54:00.005-06:00

Today I am very grateful to be a mother. A mother to 3 HEALTHY, mostly happy, children. I think of all those women out there that struggle with either getting pregnant, having healthy children, or mothers that die way too young.

Most mothers days I wake up expecting to be catered to and have everything perfect for my mothers day. This one is different for me. This year I am just happy to be here with my family. Grateful to see their little faces. Happy for their beautiful cards they picked out and ones they made me from school. Enjoying their kisses and extra special hugs.

Some days are rough, I won't lie! BUT I am SO lucky to be a mother and I hope I can continue to be thankful everyday for the gifts I have been given.

Spring Conference 2011

2011-05-02T15:10:00.000-06:00

It's hard to believe from these pictures that it was SPRING conference.

We were lucky to have out of state visitors for the weekend. It was great to have Rhett and Garrett. I told Glen I think they were by far the easiest house guests we have ever had.

They came all the way from Virginia to attend conference and tour some schools for Garrett. They also came with extra tickets to the sessions. It was perfect timing. Glen and I decided about a year ago that we thought it would be a great tradition to take our kids to conference the year they turn 8.

So Glen, Carter, Rhett, and Garrett headed down for the Sunday afternoon session of conference. They met up with Madison, Eric, and Austin.

Glen sent me a text after conference was over saying, "Carter didn't make a peep."

Madison was kind enough to send me these pictures. Looks like everyone had a great time and was happy to be where they were! Thanks for the tickets Rhett, they are hard to come by here.

We were lucky to have Eric come over for dinner afterwards. We are really going to miss him when he leaves on his mission. Even though we don't really get to see him very often, he is such a refreshing person to have around. We love Uncle Eric and will be writing him lots when he's on his mission to Mexico!

A Decade Later

2011-04-28T07:30:00.000-06:00

Glen and I were married 10 years ago today on a beautiful spring day. A perfect day. I wish everyday life could be as perfect as that day......but I am glad I married the perfect person and together we have a near perfect life!!!

I feel pretty lucky to have 10 years under our belts and these 3 cute kids to show for it!

I am so glad we found each other!

Space Wood Derby

2011-04-23T22:58:00.001-06:00

We now have a scout in our house. It's so fun! & makes me feel a bit old. I remember when Carter was about 1, I was called to be the den leader to the new Bobcats......NOW I have a Bobcat. Where does time go?

Glen and Carter got their box kit to make their car at the beginning of January. They worked on it the day they got it. Those two are so much alike. Once they set their minds to getting a project done, it has to be done that second. They had a blast making it and were really looking forward to racing it.

Instead of derby cars this year they took a different spin on things and did space vehicles.

Even though we didn't end up racing them and just had more fun figuring it all out Carter's was generally the winning vehicle. Not quite sure who was more proud, he or his dad??!!!
It was a very fun night with a great group of scouts!

Seattle Trip March 18-21 2011

2011-04-17T22:20:00.002-06:00

My brother has lived in Seattle for the last 3 years and we finally took a trip out to see how he lives life. It was such a great trip that was WAY too short. He was a great tour guide and it was lots of fun to see where he works and lives.

We did lots of eating, shopping, walking and visiting. I have to say by far my favorite thing though was just being with all my siblings. It's so great that we are now all grown adults and really do enjoy each other. My other favorite thing was touring the hospital where he works. Pretty intense stuff he does every night. He saves lives and that's pretty awesome!

Maggie was a pretty good traveler. She had lots of people willing to hold her which really helped me. This was her 2nd plane trip.

The first night in true Seattle fashion we got rain. It didn't stop us from doing a little touring downtown and eating at the cheesecake factory.

The next morning we slept in and it felt so good! It was a beautiful day and perfect for touring Pikes Market and the surrounding area. Ryan didn't mind carrying Maggie around, she attracted alot of attention, mostly the women folk! Even random people were asking to take her picture?!
As we were walking down to Pikes Market there just happened to be a protest going on against the war. We walked the same path as the protest. It was quite interesting and kinda funny.

My cousin Abby also flew in to join in the fun. It was great to have her around. My mom's cousin lives close by and also tagged along for the weekend.

The next day consisted of eating way too much food and shopping. The trip was just not long enough to get it all in. We'll be back!

It was a great trip. Seattle is a fun city. I can hardly wait to go back! Thanks Ry!

Snowboarding

2011-04-13T13:05:00.002-06:00

Carter and Glen decided to take some snowboarding classes this year. In these videos this is their 4th lesson. I was quite surprised to see just how great both of them are already doing.

Carter has decided he thinks he'll stick to skiing. Always a good thing to figure out.

We're so lucky to have about 4 ski resorts within a 15 minute drive.

Next year Bess and I (Kendi) are going to take lessons. We're both very excited!

Sorry about the sideways videos, can't figure out how to turn them!?

Carter's Baptism

2011-04-05T18:58:00.000-06:00

This has been a very exciting year for Carter. So much to celebrate and lots of growing for him. He was very excited about his baptism, I would even dare to say he was more excited about it then his birthday. Lots of preparation goes into get baptized, FOR EVERYONE!

He was lucky to have lots of family members here for his special day including all his grandparents. What a great kid he must be.

There were 4 other baptisms the same day as his so the chapel was mighty full. We were the last group to leave. It was great to have so many of the people you love in one room. Carter had great support not only from family but from our ward. Both sets of his primary teachers were there, last years and this years. We have a great ward!

After Carter's baptism we had a little luncheon there at the church. Yummy food and good company, ya can't go wrong! One thing I have learned is I need to turn my camera over to others on occasions such as this, I NEVER get enough pictures. Same thing with Maggie's blessing, one day I'll learn!

It's so great to be eight!

Carter's Bday Party

2011-03-27T21:22:00.002-06:00

We really struggled on what we could do for Carter's birthday party this year. I couldn't imagine having 15, 8 year old boys running around my not-so-big house, the weather is not nice enough in Feb. to do something outside, and I didn't want to start selling my valuables to be able to afford doing it elsewhere.

After some searching I finally came across the perfect solution. Airborne Sports Trampoline Arena! It's a building full of trampolines, I mean FULL. They even have them on the wall. The kids had a blast playing some dodge ball and running around. The adults even had some fun!

8 months

2011-03-23T19:13:00.005-06:00

(maggie and uncle kurtis- 1 day before she turned 8 months)

I have so much blogging to catch up on. We've had some exciting things happen the past couple weeks, and I will get there. For now I have to write down these things about Maggie being 8 months before I forget and she turns 9 months and has a whole new slew of tricks.....I can see them coming, AH! she's growing too fast.

*says "da da"

*only gives kisses to mommy or herself in the mirror

*claps her hands, especially when she is eating something yummy

*loves pizza and spaghetti

*still loving her blankets, especially the tags

*learned how to flush the toilet....over and over and over

*likes being outside

*very busy and always on the move

*still loves anyone that pays attention to her

Fishing

2011-03-11T19:49:00.003-07:00

(self portrait left on the camera)

Tonight, sitting at the table over dinner

Bess: "Hey, Carter who do you think is the most beautiful girl ever?"

Bess: "Oh, and Carter you can say one of your sisters or Mom."

Carter: (silence)

A tub in the kitchen sink

2011-03-03T19:02:00.000-07:00

Maggie was being really fussy one night while we were trying to get dinner made and on the table. She loves her baths but I knew that it just couldn't happen right at that time......well at least not in the bathroom tub but we could make it happen in the kitchen sink. She loved and it and was very happy. She had everyone right there, giving her their full attention and was high enough to be in the know of what was going on.

Carter is such a great big brother. He really loves his sisters. It's fun to watch the interaction between Carter and Maggie. Carter doesn't pay near as much attention to her as Bess does. Bess is a little bit much to Maggie. She can get in her space, if you know what I mean.

But when Carter shows Maggie some attention, she's smitten. At times it's almost like she does stuff just to get him to notice her. She loves her brother!

First Lost Tooth

2011-02-28T21:42:00.000-07:00

Bess totally surprised us with losing her tooth. We had no idea it was even loose. She never mentioned one thing about it. I think she feared her dad pulling it out if she mentioned something, so she chose to keep it on the down low. That, or maybe it was never wiggly?

She took the plastic lid off of her frosty cup and out it popped. She didn't even really know what was going on. She thought she had something stuck in between her teeth and was digging around trying to get it out when she realized it was her tooth missing. There it was laying right on the ground.

It's kind of fun to hear her talk with a little bit of a lisp. I don't even think anyone would notice it but since I am her mom and around her all the time I can definitely hear it.

Pretty cute little smile!

Maggie's First Trip to the Zoo

2011-02-24T19:07:00.000-07:00

We were so lucky to have such a beautiful Saturday the beginning of February. I think it was around 55 degrees. We jumped on the opportunity to be outside and to show Maggie just how much we enjoy spending time at the zoo.

We're not totally sure how much she really got out of it but she was so good and really never made a peep. She was sure worn out after being there for 3 hours.

She loved the carousel. I kept saying "WEEEEEEEEEEEEEE" and she was making a similar noise right along with me. It was so cute!

Basketball 2010-2011

2011-02-23T13:24:00.000-07:00

Carter's basketball has come to end for this year. He had games every Saturday from the beginning of Dec. till to the beginning of February. It was a long season but we really enjoyed going to the games and cheering his team on. I do have to say basketball is my favorite sport to watch and having your son playing is just an extra bonus. Most of his team have been playing together for 3 years now and they are really starting to work together well.

T-R-O-U-B-L-E

2011-02-18T07:44:00.000-07:00

This little girl is into everything. She's doing things already that both my other two kids didn't do until way later. She 's moving too fast for her own good and getting hurt doing it. She is too small to be pulling herself up to furniture and really isn't scared of much. I think she needs to slow down. I want my cuddly little newborn back!

February 14, 2011

2011-02-15T19:22:00.013-07:00

Carter turned 8 yesterday. He has been extremely excited about his birthday this year. Most mornings we have to literally drag him from his bed, but not yesterday morning. He woke up with the biggest smile and was ready for everyone to be up.

We celebrated by having his favorite dinner Panda Express, opening presents, and some cheesecake. He got some really neat presents. Thanks to everyone! We're now ready for some good weather so he can get out and ride around on his electric scooter!

Next up, party! Then we're on the look out for a new suit, something he has also been looking forward to & last but not least his baptism! Yeah for being 8!

*******************************************************************

We do really do enjoy celebrating Valentines Day as much as possible while still trying to make Carter feel important too.

Bess eating her valentine lunch before heading off to school.

Valentine Cards

Carter also made a very awesome locker valentines box. They both had very fun parties at school and got hopped up on sugar. It took some time for them both to finally fall asleep last night.

Blackmail pictures

2011-02-10T13:03:00.006-07:00

Bess likes our photo booth, on our computer, a little too much! I just found these gems today in the trash. Guess they didn't make the cut!

Have I mentioned that my future with this little girl worries me???

Say it ain't so!

2011-02-06T21:27:00.003-07:00

It's really going WAY too fast. 7 months today.

She's crawling

has 2 teeth

and

really wants to keep up with her siblings (I haven't decided if it's because she wants to get away from them or to be doing what they are doing)!

January Blahs

2011-01-26T21:22:00.002-07:00

Utah in January is not exactly where you want to be. Cold, dreary, smoggy, and did I mention COLD? I can't totally blame my January blues on Utah, it's just not my favorite month. However, it does seem to be zipping right along. I guess having 3 kids to chase around helps.

Carter is still doing basketball and has exactly two more Saturdays left. He then starts snowboarding lessons. He's pretty stoked about that. I think Glen is just as excited as he signed himself up to take lessons too. Hopefully no one gets too frustrated that they never want to see a ski hill again.
It's crazy to think that Carter will be 8 in just a couple weeks. I am getting a little emotional at the thought of him getting older. 8 is a big year. He can't wait to get his first suit. That is one thing he asks about every Sunday. We'll see how long that lasts after he actually gets it.
Glen brought home his Space Derby Car the other day for the big scouting event in March. Carter wanted to build it right that very minute!

Since Bess was 3, Bess has acted older then she really is. When she was three it was a little endearing but now we have an over-emotional, dying to be Selena Gomez nightmare on our hands!
She worries about things that no 5 year old should even care about, cries over someone looking at her a certain way, and sasses back like no ones business. Many times throughout the day I have to remind her to take a deep breath in, and a deep breath out. It does seem to help.
She had two of her girlfriends over today. They played a few games on the Internet, put on some makeup, and made up dances to Taylor Swift. These are the things that make her happy.
She actually is a great little mom to Maggie. Maybe "too great" at times.

Maggie. All I need to say is teething. Enough said!

So between no sleep, driving everyone everywhere, breaking up fights, and wiping tears I am still alive......barely! I am glad that I have friends and family that understand and relate. They make my job easier.
I have actually managed to get on the treadmill and wipe the dust of the P90X DVDs a few days. It's a good release. Now if there were only more hours in the day and not in the middle of the night, maybe I would actually accomplish more?!

I got my very first blog book in the mail the other day. It was the greatest feeling to finally have at least ONE book done. I decided to do it by year. So it's my 2006 book. Crazy huh? Lots of catching up to do.

Bear or Monkey???

2011-01-09T18:10:00.000-07:00

.....or Helga the Viking baby (as Glen calls her look).

Maggie turned 6 months on the 6th.

-This little girl definitely knows what she likes, and what she DOESN't.........she's not afraid to let you know about!
-She has one little tooth that is trying it's hardest to come through and it's making her life miserable.
-Not only can she sit but she also get on her hands and knees and rocks back and forth and then when she sees something she wants she kind of leaps at it landing on her belly.
-She loves her sister and brother. No one can make her laugh quite like them.
-Her blankets and bottom lip are still her favorite soother.
-Her favorite time of day is bath time & her least favorite is getting dressed!

I think it's pretty obvious this little girl has taken over the blog & has us all wrapped around her chubby little finger! Life is just so much more exciting with her around!

New Trick

2011-01-03T22:21:00.005-07:00

Enjoy, while I think of a way to make her stop growing!

Christmas Week

2011-01-01T20:49:00.001-07:00

****these pictures are in no particular order****

We've had a great Christmas & a great break from school. I can hardly believe that I actually don't want the kids to go back, even with all the fighting.

We were very lucky this year to have my Grandma come and spend it with us. The kids love their Great Grandma Mary and so do I. My parents did most of the work to get her here, and yes it's ALOT of work, and for that we are very grateful. We even had Grandpa and Grandma here Christmas morning! Lucky us!

Poor Maggie was sick most of Christmas. Dang ear infections! She tried her hardest to be happy. I am almost 100% sure that she has to be teething too.

Christmas evening was spent at my sister Brenda's house. We had a yummy ham dinner along with playing some good old Wii. Family really is the best thing about Christmas. Grandma Mary bought all the girls these cute hats.

Christmas eve was spent together going to the movie. The adults minus Grandma and I went to see True Grit. Grandma was nice enough to take all the kids to Yogi Bear and I just tagged along last minute. I wasn't even too upset when I spent most of the time out in the hall with Maggie.

It's been so great having Daddy home a few extra days here and there. He's been very busy entertaining. He's taken the kids to movies, swimming, bowling, and played multiple games with them. He wanted to take the kids sledding and skiing but it's been way too cold. Like single digits COLD! Brrrr.....

We even got a quick little visit from our favorite 1 year old. The kids love Aunt Joni! and Paul too.

Holiday Happenings

2010-12-27T21:00:00.002-07:00

I have to admit. I am not a huge fan of Christmas. There are reasons and maybe one day I'll explain them however, for now that's not what this post is about. Even though I am not a fan I do love some of the traditions and happenings that go along with Christmas.

One of them is family time. Uncle Ryan came to visit about 2 weeks before Christmas. We all had fun being together. I didn't get many, actually any, pictures. But I did find these gems taken by Bess and some left on our photo booth.

While Ryan was visiting we were able to watch one of Carter's first Junior Jazz games. It's hard to believe that this is his 3rd year playing. His team is getting good. Most of them have all been together for the three years and they are starting to work together. It's fun to watch.

Santa visits are ALWAYS a must! Especially for a first timer!

We spent an evening on the ice. Well Carter, Daddy, and Bess did. Maggie and I sat on the sidelines and cheered them on. Carter was doing great by the end of the night. We all had a blast.

Bess did a little dance performance one evening. She did great and had a blast doing it. This girl loves dancing and is often found making up her own dances. She enjoys entertaining us with each show.

And this, well........just because!

What's better then a fresh clean baby out of the tub? Love her!

Decorating the Tree

2010-12-08T12:14:00.013-07:00

All we have done this year in the decorating department for Christmas is put up the tree and our stockings. Sad sad sad!!! One day I'll be on top of my game, one day!
I actually did pull out the camera the day we put up the tree and caught some quick pictures.

I have often complained or been a little embarrassed by our tree and it's ornaments but this year I realized I actually REALLY love the story my tree tells. Each ornament has a story behind it. It's not fancy or beautiful but it's about who we are and I really like that.

It's always funny to hear the stories Glen tells about each ornament that is his from his childhood. The kids love to listen and create their own stories with the new ornaments they get each year.
I really try to find an ornament that represents something big that happened for them that year or something they were involved it. They love it! & I happened to notice a "new ornament" was on their Christmas list for this year.

This little Piggy

2010-11-30T18:00:00.006-07:00

.....will be 5 months on Monday.

Oh, I could seriously eat her up!

Throw a little frosting on her and gobble her right up........even with the sleepless nights!

Crazy Utah Weather

2010-11-24T18:21:00.000-07:00

Saturday - we spent 4 + hours out raking leaves. Glen bought 45 leave bags last Saturday and we only have 3 left. Lots and lots of leaves.

Sunday - SNOW, lots and lots of snow. In fact today we only had an hour of church because there was no electricity in the building. Great day for building a snowman......or just sticking your face in the snow?

swimming, swimming, just keep swimming

2010-11-17T09:16:00.002-07:00

*Sleep...who needs sleep? Yeah, you can pretty much guess what life is like around here. How could my baby go from being my best sleeper to my worst?

Before we went to Oregon she was actually doing ok. Since we have been back it's been bad. Then last Monday she got her shots and a cold to boot. Just when I thought things couldn't get any worse, they did! I would say I average 3 hours of sleep in a 24 hour period. Scary huh?

*Is it bad that I just took down my Halloween decorations? On Nov. 15th? Last year I had the excuse of being newly pregnant and just not feeling up to it. This years excuse, see up above. What will my excuse be next year?

*I have an internal struggle going on inside my head lately with trying to lose this baby weight. Oh how I want it off, but oh how will I ever find the time?

*Laundry. It never ends. It's always there.

*In all honesty, I wouldn't change anything about my life right now. My kids are sweet and still (relatively) like me. Maggie pretty much adores me and heck she doesn't mind that I have stinky breath in the morning.

I get to drive my kids to school and watch them walk in safely. I get to see them home from school and hear about their adventures. I get to watch and help them learn new things. They keep me laughing and happy.

I am often stopped by women, whom have older kids that are now gone from their homes. They make mention to really value this time because it does go by so fast.

I have found myself really enjoying Maggie. I truly don't want her to grow one more pound or on more inch. I notice myself holding her longer and kissing her more then I did my other two. I wished them growing up too fast and it makes me mad at myself. I don't want to take this time for granted.

Bling Bling

2010-11-10T19:27:00.008-07:00

Bess and her cousin Reese decided it would be fun to get their ears pierced together. So when Reese turned 5, this past Monday, we had a party at Claire's. Gotta love ya some Claire's.

Glen was a little hesitant of letting Bess get them pierced. Both Carter and Bess begged Glen to let her do it. Yes, Carter! (not sure why?) So Monday about 10 minutes before the event was to take place, Glen gave his go ahead. Secretly he was hoping that after Bess watched Reese get hers done that Bess would no longer want to.

Well that backfired!

Once we got to Claire's the girls decided Bess would go first. & that she did. She was so brave! No tears or anything. However, mommy shed a tear watching, I am a baby.

Next up, Birthday Girl!

Nope she wanted nothing to do with it. She wants to wait till she's 6.

Little stinker!

4 months young

2010-11-06T09:34:00.001-06:00

I had my moment the other day. I put size 2 diapers on Miss Maggie and they fit. I teared up a bit. That night when I was going to bed, I cried. My baby is growing up & watching it is hard on me this time. Pretty positive our family is complete and she's growing way too fast!

Football player, Mermaid, & Cat OH MY!

2010-10-31T21:34:00.000-06:00

I think it's so great that in Utah they celebrated Halloween on Saturday this year instead of Sunday. Just one advantage to living here!

Friday the kids had the day off of school, another bonus! So Thursday was their Halloween parade and parties at school. I signed up to put Carter's class party on. What was I thinking? I truly don't enjoy planning parties. It's just not something I am good at. Poor kids, had a pretty lame party if you ask me. However they all seemed happy and it's over, that's all that matters!

While partying it up in Carter's classroom, Bess paraded through with her kindergarten class.

I stopped by her classroom just in time to see her modeling her costume!

Another advantage to living in Utah is having my two best friends here. My sisters are the best! My kids are also very lucky to have their cousins to grow up with. Spending Halloween with them was very fun!

Bess was in heaven! She LOVES herself some chocolate!

And our yet another bonus to living in Utah is Grandma and Grandpa's coming to visit! It's so great. Maggie was our little kitty.
I didn't go all out on her costume, but she was very happy and quite content with the way it all turned out.

Labor Day Weekend 2010

2010-10-29T20:04:00.012-06:00

Yes, indeed I am behind!

With the arrival of our little Maggie, we didn't get the chance to go to Ashton this summer. We love visiting Grandma and being in Ashton is like the cherry on top! We decided Labor day weekend was a great time for little R & R right before school craziness started.

We arrived just in time to do a fun little experiment that grandma had purchased and then off to bed!

The next day we planned a trip to Warm Springs to float down the river and have a picnic. Carter and Bess bravely hopped in the water on the tubes with daddy but soon realized that Warm Springs really wasn't very warm. Panic took over!

After a little lunch Grandma decided to show the kids that there wasn't anything to be afraid of and that she could even tough out that cold water!

Carter decided to give it another chance. He LOVED it!

It was a great long weekend. It was something we all needed. I know I took advantage of catching up on some lost sleep, it was heavenly. Pretty sure the dark circles under my eyes are screaming for a trip back!

Thanks Grandma!!!

Grandma Wanda

2010-10-25T13:39:00.005-06:00

Glen's grandma passed away this past Wednesday unexpectedly. We loved Grandma Wanda so much. She was the BEST at remembering every important event in each of her kids, grand kids, and great grand kids lives. Every birthday, anniversary, Christmas and other occasions we always received a card in the mail from her. She is going to be greatly missed by us and many others.

We were lucky to have her living close by. I am so glad that she came to Maggie's blessing and I was able to capture this candid shot with her. My favorite picture from that day!

Wanda Lambourne Moore Wood 1923 ~ 2010

Born August 4, 1923, in Salt Lake City, daughter of E. Chauncey and Lillian Jenkins Lambourne. Graduated from East High School 1940, attended the University of Utah and the University of California, Berkeley. Married Fred M. Moore January 3, 1946. He died in 1992. Married Don C. Wood June 14, 1993. Administrative Officer for 30 years for the Rheumatology Division, Department of Medicine, University of Utah Medical Center. Awarded "Employee of the Month" for the University Medical Center in April 1984. Active member LDS Church, serving in several capacities. Was ordinance worker for many years in Jordan River Temple, Nuka'alofa Tonga Temple, Salt Lake Temple, and Atlanta GA Temple. Served four church service missions and with husband Don C. Wood served Church Educational System mission to Tonga (So. Pacific), and 18 month temple mission in Atlanta, GA. Long time member Tuesday bridge club and Cottonwood Club. Loved tennis, golf, spectator sports. Survived by sons James (Deborah), Salt Lake; David (Viera), Santa Fe NM; stepchildren Michael (Susan), Longmont, CO; Diana (Garth) Abbott, Las Vegas; Jeremy (Patty) Wood, Florida; Julianne (John) Felshaw, Seattle; Marcus (Diane) Wood, California; 16 grandchildren, 18 step-grandchildren, 57 great-grandchildren; brother Wally Lambourne, Salt Lake; sister-in-law, Bonnie Lambourne, Salem, UT. Preceded in death by husband Fred Moore, brother Keith Lambourne, stepson Ronald Moore. Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 23 at Millcreek Second Ward, 4220 South Jeannine Drive (420 East) (sign at 4200 South 500 East). There will be viewings from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday at Larkin Mortuary, 260 E. South Temple, as well as 11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. before the funeral at the Stake Center. Interment: Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. 10600 South, Sandy.

It's the Great Pumpkin

2010-10-11T08:10:00.000-06:00

Glen decided this year instead of growing lots of pumpkins he was going to grow one HUGE pumpkin. He took great care all summer long growing this massive pumpkin. We got the seeds from our neighbor down the street last fall and have been saving them all winter long. I won't go into great details of what Glen had to all do, but we all enjoyed watching it grow.

Glen figured out how much the pumpkin weighs by measuring it (some special pumpkin weighing thing). He figures it weighs around 200lbs.
While we are thinking of cools ways to carve this years pumpkin, Glen is already planning ahead on how to make next years even bigger!

My Blue-Eyed Girl

2010-10-06T08:25:00.000-06:00

Today Maggie is 3 months old. Wow how time has really flown by.

This past month with her has really been fun for me. She is a very sweet little girl, now!

She's my best sleeper. Puts herself to sleep & goes to bed by 8 and I don't hear from her until about seven hours later. She's awesome.

Other facts about Maggie:

HATES her carseat
loves baths
loves to give kisses and growls while she's giving them
has the chubbiest thighs
is very ticklish and gives great laughs
has a VERY loud cry, usually when she's in her carseat
has beautiful eyelashes that curl up
sucks on her bottom lip when she's trying to soothe herself or go to sleep

This little girl brings so much joy to our house. We feel so blessed to have her!

Carter's New Obsession

2010-10-02T15:19:00.005-06:00

Carter started flag football two weeks ago. Bess has dance on the same night so I was unable to go watch his first game. Glen and Carter came home with the biggest smiles on their faces. I guess Carter happens to be a football prodigy?!

I decided this last week that I needed to see it for myself. I am not going to lie, I was quite impressed! He's awesome and made some great plays.

I hope he sticks with FLAG football and scraps the real football stuff. This mom can't handle the roughness of it all!

Maggie is so lucky and gets to tag along everywhere we (I) go.

She couldn't quite decide if she wanted to suck on her hand or lower lip to make it through this event. Poor little girl!

Horseback Riding

2010-09-28T21:21:00.000-06:00

One evening, at the end of August (yes I am behind in blogging), we took a little rode trip up to Oakley to ride horses. My brother in law's family has a cabin with horses nearby. Kurtis promised the kids this summer to take them up and he decided it was time to make good on his promise!

It was a beautiful evening but by the time we got up there we didn't have much light left to ride for long. The kids had a blast! and the adults even got in on a little of the fun. Of course I was on baby duty and picture duty so I wasn't able to saddle up. Next time!

Here's how Maggie spent the evening:

Sometimes Life is Overwhelming

2010-09-23T12:31:00.002-06:00

Do you ever feel like things will never be just right, that you're ready to throw in the towel?

Well I often do!...............especially lately.

When I start to feel down or get negative about this or that I start to think about just how lucky I am and how I really need to live more simply.

This picture helps remind me just of that.

My neighbor next door is a sister to these twin girls. They're such a great example to me on just how wonderful life really is if you just live it simply.

They work at McDonald's 2 days a week. They take the bus to work and if you see them walking from the bus stop home, you'll find them holding hands as they cross the street.

If you run into them at the store, just know you're in for a hug and a whisper in the ear on just how much they love you.

They spent an afternoon at my house not long ago holding Maggie. It was so enjoyable to talk to them and get a better perspective on life from their point of view.

I asked them about their job, they take great pride in it. I asked them about the duties they do at home, they split it as to who does the outside work and who does the inside work, completely happy with what they do.....no complaining.

They work in the nursery in their ward and some Sundays they have 2 kids and other days they have 12, but no complaints.

They're so lucky to have each other. It's times like this that I realize I need to take more advantage of my relationships with others that are close to me.

A Blessed Event

2010-09-13T16:00:00.000-06:00

On Sunday August 29th, we blessed our Maggie June. We were pretty positive that she was going to cry through the whole blessing but she pleasantly surprised us and was very alert and quiet.

It was very neat to see such a great group of men in the circle We sure are lucky!

The weather was beautiful that day and we were able to celebrate afterwards with a luncheon in our backyard.

The only thing I regret from the day was not taking more pictures. I should have assigned that duty out.

Two Months

2010-09-06T21:18:00.007-06:00

Can't believe this little girl is already two months old. These last few months have really flown by. She keeps us on our toes or should I say pacing the floors. She hasn't been the happiest baby but we are coming up on better days and she is getting to be so smiley and alot happier. Some things about our little Maggie that I don't want to forget:

she doesn't like a pacifier (tried 4 different kinds)
loves to suck on her hands
has the worlds LOUDEST cry
we've known since she was a week old that she was going to have blue eyes
she doesn't like her car seat
she is trying hard to talk
already knows how to throw temper tantrums and arch her back when she's mad

This little lady is very loved! She's definitely turned our lives upside down but we really wouldn't change one thing about it!

I am the luckiest

2010-09-02T13:21:00.008-06:00

Love these kids!

Kindergarten, here comes Bess

2010-08-30T15:30:00.000-06:00

Today was THE day and from what I can gather it was successful.

As soon as we got up to the school (afternoon kindergarten) we were greeted by the worlds best big brother. He was so excited to see his sister and welcome her to his school. I think he will enjoy being the big man on campus to her.

Bess is also lucky enough to have some of her besties in her class. I have a feeling it's going to be a good year for her!

School is Cool

2010-08-23T20:28:00.000-06:00

As Carter was getting ready for school this morning I had to keep reminding him just how great school is. No, actually he didn't fight me too bad. I think he had the first day jitters but nothing like last year.

I was remembering last year at this time calling my mother in law up bawling over how I was going to get this kid to go to first grade. It only took a couple of days and he had it down.

I am glad this year he seems a bit more excited about it.

I asked him what he thought of his teacher and he said, "She's nice, I really like her but they are always nice on the first day of school." True my friend, very true! No, we're actually very lucky to have such a well behaved young man.....and handsome if I say so myself.

Bess doesn't start until next Monday but she's very excited to start Kindergarten, even if there are 38 kids in her class! Oh the joys of being a parent. Always a battle somewhere!

.....................................................................................................................................................

Back to school Bash

We decided to go stay in Park City overnight before school started. We had a grand ol' time golfing (our hotel was right on the golf course) , swimming, and going on the Alpine Slide. We all had a blast and were very tired by the time we got home.

The Parties

2010-08-15T21:29:00.014-06:00

For almost a year Bess has been talking about her next birthday. Not being the smartest mom, I told her she could have her real first birthday party for when she turned 5. Not the best year for me! So with a 4 week old in tow we tried to pull it off. She was happy and that's all that really matters!

Weeks before hand she told me she wanted a "ballet party." I wasn't quite sure what she meant by that but with the help of others we created a house full of 10 happy dancing girls.

We recruited a top-notch dancer to come and teach the girls 2 different dances. They loved Haley and thought she walked on water. I think they could have watched her dance the whole two hours.

After the girls had the dances down they had to get ready for their performance so we did some hair and makeup.

I asked Bess what kind of cake she wanted for her birthday. After I talked her out of the fancy penguin cake that she saw in Aunt Melecia's book she decided she would have her favorite pazookies instead.

The girls got new tutu's and special wands for their dance performance. They did marvelous!!!

Glen was out of town of town on Bess's birthday so we wanted to celebrate together and give her our gifts before he left. Somehow her birthday lasted a whole week!

the Best BIG Sister

2010-08-03T21:42:00.010-06:00

Today Bess turned 5. I am very sad to see my little girl grow up. I wish she could stay my cute little 3 year old forever, but it's not going to happen, so I guess we'll celebrate ALL week long and hope that this next year doesn't go as fast as the past the last 5 years have.

Happy Birthday Sis!

the Life of a One Week Old

2010-07-13T19:48:00.012-06:00

We're all still adjusting to having a new baby in our house. Not alot is getting done, alot of tears are being shed, and tons of smiles being made.
I wish I could shrink wrap her and enjoy her tiny little toes and fingers, smells, and noises forever. However, I will gladly wish away these sleepless nights!
I have a saying in Carter's room that says: "Babies make days shorter, nights longer, and home happier." So very true!

Here's some pictures of our little miss!

We're In Love

2010-07-09T10:19:00.004-06:00

Our lives have been totally turned in side out and we are loving every minute of it. Not alot of time to give details and such now but we just wanted to show off just how beautiful our little girl is. We can't get enough of her and are enjoying every second of her. She's pretty special.

Carter's Turn

2010-06-26T20:31:00.008-06:00

Carter left for Montana on Wednesday. He couldn't be more excited. He's dreamed about this trip since Bess went this last winter. This kid would pick Montana over Disneyland any day. We've already heard some great stories that include him snaring a gopher (ground hog).

Bess is quite enjoying her "alone" time. She loves any kind of extra pampering she can get and daddy sure knows how to deliver. She's a true girl!

She's very very very excited for her new little sister to come, however I think she might have a rude awakening when she realizes she now has someone else she has to share time with.

Just 9 days!
Glen has been going through some major nesting. Yes you heard me right, Glen! Actually we both have been going through it however his projects are making a mess and my instincts are dying to make everything clean. I finally made him give me a day that he would have his stuff done so I could start on my own. We'll see if he keeps to his time line.

Actually he exhausts me. His projects are really huge projects and he just keeps going from one to another without even slowing down. I wish I had that energy!

As for summer, we've managed to keep ourselves busy. Between swimming lessons, zoo visits, snow cones, park dates, going to the movies, BBQ's, climbing trees, and breaking up fights it's been good! The heat has become a little unbearable for this old lady but I really can't complain because up until the last week or so I had it nice. I'll just have to handle these swollen feet for 9 more days!

Spring Things

2010-06-02T21:34:00.002-06:00

We've had plenty of activities to keep us busy this last month.

First up is Carter's piano recital. He did awesome and I actually think he's starting to enjoy it. He'd never admit it but it's great to see him progress and enjoy some of the songs he's learning.

Every year for the past 6 years we've participated in the Cystic Fibrosis walk here in Salt Lake. My "bestie's" little girl Gracie was diagnosed with the disease when she was born, just a few short months after Carter.
This year Lora was in charge of the whole walk. She did an awesome job. The walk was held downtown Salt Lake. It was fun for the kids to ride their bikes on the streets of downtown. We had a fun morning and afternoon participating.
Next year I've promised myself to do more work in helping such a wonderful cause.

Next up is Bess's preschool program. We are quite sad preschool is over. She really enjoyed this school year and we are definitely going to miss her teachers and friends. Her and I are still adjusting to being together ALL day long. Those 3 hour 4 days a week were too good to us!

We also had the opportunity to attend Carter's first grade program. He did an awesome job at memorizing his own part and putting on quite a great little show!

That same day his school put on a special picnic lunch for family members. We got lucky on the weather and enjoyed a great lunch ALL together!
Only 1 and 1/2 more days left of school! We're so excited to sleep in and not make school lunches, WOO HOO!!!!

This year was Bess's LOW key dance recital. She's a great little dancer and seemed to not be scared about being on the stage at all. We were very proud of her! She's waited all year for this special time to wear makeup. This little girl scares me. She asked me today to help her write, "I want to be a high school girl." Pretty sure that her emotions are just about there!

I figure if you've lasted this long reading this blog you deserve a good laugh, plus out of pure disgust, and just to show that I am actually at these events is a picture. It's all for your pure enjoyment! Who doesn't love a picture of a fat pregnant lady? Go ahead, click on it and blow that sucker up! It's a good one!

5 weeks and 6 days

2010-05-24T16:15:00.001-06:00

....but who's counting? I am ready physically for this baby to be here but mentally is a whole other story.

I knew the month of May would fly by with all of the end of the year school stuff (and it's just getting crazier) but I am also realizing how much we still have left to do before we actually welcome this baby. Plus my kids are so EASY right now, what am I doing to myself? Real major stress here!

I finally took a picture of my kitchen, the part we have finished. We still have to pick out paint color/wallpaper, knock down the wall, and put in some new lighting ALL within the next 5 weeks (hint hint Glen). I love the way everything has turned out so far and I am really happy with all the decisions that we made. Making decisions is one of my major downfalls!

We've been a bit sidetracked as we (okay Glen, the slave behind these projects) have started some other projects, like kids bedrooms and such. As soon as those are complete I'll post pictures as well.