Merry Christmas!

To My Democratic Friends:

Please accept with no obligation, implied or explicit, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all. I also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2011 but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great. Not to imply that  America  is necessarily greater than any other country nor the only  America  in the  Western Hemisphere. Also, this wish is made without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual preference of the wishes.



To My Republican Friends:

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Bailey's Birthday

The week of Halloween is always super crazy around here.  We had Bailey's birthday, Fall Festival at Kaden's school, the ward Halloween carnival, Kaden's Birthday, our community Octoberfest, and a trunk-or-treat with friends.  It was CRAZY!  We were all Halloween-ed out before Halloween even got here!  So here's the first of the pics - Bailey's Birthday!

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I can't believe Bailey is 5 already!  My kids birthdays are always bittersweet - it is so much fun celebrating and making the day all about them.  But it makes me sad to think how fast they are growing up!  Ok - anyway.

Bailey wanted to take cupcakes to preschool for her birthday.  We tried some flower cupcakes - I thought they turned out pretty cute and Bai LOVED them.

Opening presents bright and early before Kaden had to go to school.

very excited about her "high heel flip flops"

Lex and Bai enjoying the toys and dress up shoes

 Ready to go to McDonalds for lunch



 She chose a carousel cake (at least that's what it's supposed to be)

 Happy Birthday Bai!  We are so glad you are part of our family.  You are such a sweet and kind little girly girl.  We love you!



A friend took this pic of Lex - and I LOVE it!

For some reason when I look at this picture I just think of what a strong little personality Lexie has - and how all of my kids have such different and distict personalities. Even though their stubborn and strong-willed behavior can make me crazy, I am going to try harder to appreciate their strengths.  As my mom just reminded me, they have to be strong to face everything they will deal with in their lifetime.  I just hope I can steer these headstrong little children in the right direction!

2 Months Old!

I can't believe Kolten is growing so fast!  Here he is at 2 months (October 4th).  I would keep him this age forever if I could - he is SUCH a content, happy baby and such a little cuddle bug.  I just love him

Kolten's Blessing

Kolten was blessed on September 26, 2010.  Matt gave him a beautiful blessing.  Thanks to all the friends and family who came.  It was so much fun having everyone here - a perfect day.

To My Grown-Up Son

My hands were busy through the day;
I didn’t have much time to play
The little games you asked me to.
I didn’t have much time for you.

I’d wash your clothes, I’d sew and cook,
But when you’d bring your picture book
And ask me please to share your fun
I’d say: "A little later, son."

I’d tuck you in all safe at night
and hear your prayers, turn out the lights,
Then tip toe softly to the door…
I wish I’d stayed a minute more.

For life is short, the years rush past…
A little boy grows up so fast.
No longer is he at your side
His precious secrets to confide.

The picture books are put away,
There are no longer games to play,
No good-night kiss,
No prayers to hear…
That all belongs to yesteryear

My hands, once busy, now are still,
The days are long and hard to fill,
I wish I could go back and do
The little things you asked me to.

Alice E. Chase – 1975

First Smiles....

.....I LOVE THEM!!

 (9/24/10 - 7 weeks old)

Bathtime

Just a few quick bath pics

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First sponge bath

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First "real" bath 

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First bath in his bathseat and in the laundry sink

(my favorite place to bathe babies)

(Notice a pattern? Bailey LOVES to help bathe Kolten)

Go Panthers!

 We just finished another season of flag football.  Kaden had a great time - his favorite is playing quarterback.  We had a really good coach and a great season!  Go Panthers!

Bling

Bailey has been sucking her thumb since she was a baby - and I have been dreading this day just as long.  I knew it was not going to be fun to break this girl of the thumb sucking habit - but when the dentist told me it was messing up her teeth, I knew it was time.

We decided the bribe motivation would be getting her ears pierced.  She finally decided she was ready to give it up - so after a few weeks to make sure it really stuck - Bai got her ears pierced!

 She was kinda in shock after the first one, so the lady quickly did the second one.  Then she got a little upset...

...but it didn't take long for her to cheer up and get a good look at her new bling!

Kaden's treasure hunt

Kaden decided to make a treasure hunt for an FHE activity a few weeks ago.  He went to town with yellow post its all over the house.  My brother and sis-in-law were here for FHE that week - so they got the pleasure of participating.  We were all dying laughing by the end.  You just had to be there...

August 2010

Just tryin to catch up on the many, many pics I need to post!

Kaden's first day of first grade went pretty smooth.  The poor thing gets SO nervous - he coudn't eat the night before or that morning.  He wanted me to walk him in, but once he found his line he was fine and definitely did not like the hugs, kisses, and picture taking.  To bad! I did it anyway...  He got a great teacher and really seems to be enjoying 1st grade.

All the kiddos lovin on baby Kolten

Bailey's newest hobby is doing the dishes - no complaining here.  She actually does a good job.

This so captures their personalities - Bailey's ballerina pose, Kaden being silly, and sassy little Lex!

Love this one

Bailey has always been too scared to ride the motorcycle with Dad.  He decided to ride it to drop her off at dance (which is really close).  She was too scared to get on - I kinda forced her on - and she LOVED it.  She begged him to pick her up on the motorcycle too!

The boys ready for church!

Little mister Kolten (4 wks old)

Lexie's favorite book is The Very Hungry Caterpillar - Kaden was so nice to read it to her over, and over again.