Together We're A Family....

Bring on 2012!!!

2012-01-05T09:57:00.000-08:00

OK, so I totally sucked at blogging by the end of 2011, my goal is to do so much better in 2012!!! We had such a great year and hoping for an even better 2012!!!!

~First Day of School~

2011-10-06T14:03:00.000-07:00

My big 1st grader

My ultra big, almost too cool for pictures, 5th grader

Brothers forever

Brooklyn insisted she get a 1st day of school picture too....next year, it could be her having a 1st day too (sniff, sniff)...then again, maybe not!!!

Top 10 things from Summer

2011-10-06T13:15:00.000-07:00

Here is my Top 10 List from our Summer Vacation just to catch everyone up!!!

1*Kindergarten Graduation (not technically summer, but it did start us off!!!)

2*Jackson's Team winning the baseball championship!!! Go Indians!! I love watching him play baseball!!!

3*Kaden playing his 2nd year of T Ball!!! He even switch hits....who knew my kid could even do that!?!?!?

4*Bear Lake...we go every summer and this year didn't disappoint!! And boy oh boy did our sunburns show it!!! OUCH!!! Lots of memories from that!!!

5*Our sweet rat terrier Molly had to be put down...this one is a sad one but still made our summer memorable...we'll miss you girl!!!

6*We celebrated 2 big birthdays in July!! Jackson turned 10 (say what?!?!?) and Brooklyn turned 4 (sniff, sniff) We had a great "Nacho ordinary birthday party" with nachos, margaritas, and a pinata!!! So fun!!!

7*Relay for Life We again participated as a family this year...this is one of my most favorite activites that we do together!!! Cancer has touched us in many ways and I believe us showing our kids how our small contributions can make a big difference is HUGE!!!

8*We got to see some of my extended family this summer on a quick weekend trip to Twin for my cousins wedding...loved seeing my Uncle Randy from Seattle!! We just don't see him enough!!!

9*We sold the Dodge and purchased the Honda Odyssey....which we lovingly call the Silver Bullet) sorry no pics of this

10*We soaked up many warm summer days on hikes, park trips, and just being together!!!

We are a blessed family and can't wait for many more awesome summers to enjoy together!!! Bring on Fall!!!!

Kaden and his sweet teacher Mrs Westwood....he insisted on wearing his suit for graduation and I think he sure looks handsome!!!

Me and my soon to be 1st Grader!!!

Jackson with the Champions!!!

Kaden making a great slide into home plate!!!

Playin in the sand!!!

Brooklyn

Kaden

Jackson

Alli soakin up some rays!!!

Kaden bein a beach bum!!!

The kids with Molly on the day we said goodbye

The birthday girl!!!

Alli are super cool tween!!!

Brooklynne M havin a wack at the pinata!!

Even the big boys gave it a try...this is Eben

Sweet cousins....bestest friends

Brooklyn and Brooklynne

Emily and Alli at the Relay for Life

Brooklyn in her princess gown....the theme this year was Once Upon A Cure

Mommy and Brooklyn walking laps

The big ole Stockwell/Miller/McMichael/Yearsley clan!!!

~Pie in Face~

2011-07-09T21:24:00.000-07:00

Jackson participated in a pie eating contest during the Family Fun Weekend a few weeks ago. Although he didn't win the contest, he had a fantastic time getting super messy!!!!

Look at that smile!!! Can't beat it!!! He had whipped cream everywhere!!!

Our Family Motto.....

2011-06-27T21:07:00.000-07:00

We have this motto hanging on a sign in our Family Room!!! It's exactly what I want the kids to know growing up in this family...that no matter what we start and end with family and that our family is made up of love.

We're sending everyone a little love today!!! Hope you're enjoying your summer!!! We sure are!!! And we're enjoying it the best way possible...together.

Finally an Update~

2011-06-03T13:40:00.000-07:00

Well the stars have finally aligned just right and I'm able to update this blog after so long!!! Between being busy with work and family, our computer was out of commission for a little while and then Blogger was down, but now finally, an update!!!

We've stayed plenty busy this spring so far. Jason's parents and sister Jessica stayed with us for about a week. The kids just love when they get to spend an extended about of time with them. Rick and Jess were able to help Jason with some "honey do" projects that were long overdue!!! And Sue was able to read and visit with me!!! Thanks for visiting guys and we can't wait until next time!!!

All of the grandkids with Grandma and Grandpa McMichael

Auntie Jess with Alli, Emily and Jackson
Wlhile we were in Boise with Jason's family for an overnight trip we were also able to meet up with my Aunt Cheryl and family. It was so great for the kids to get to meet her and visit a little over coffee. The visit didn't last too long..5 kids in a coffee shop is an accident waiting to happen, but we enjoyed every minute we had!!!

Brooklyn and Great Aunt Cheryl

Me and Aunt Cheryl

Also in March we were able to celebrate Allie's 12 birthday!!! She's so excited for next year when she marks the teenage years!!! We had cupcakes and presents. Alli is turning into such a beautiful young woman and we're so blessed to have her!!!

Jason was able to take an extra day with just the girls for Alli's birthday and they spent it doin the all time best girly thing ever!!! Pedicures!!! The girls just loved it and Jason loved bein able to watch the smiles on their faces throughout the day!!! I was bummed I had to work and miss it!!! I love pedicures!!!

And finally on this update we have Easter!!! We had all of the kiddos this year and that makes it so much more fun and special!!! We spent the day before Easter decorating eggs and having a special dinner at my sister's house with her family and our mom. We love getting together and the kids have such fun together!!!

Look at all of those eggs!!! Everyone loved unique creations!!!

Brooklyn getting ready for the big hunt!!!

Jackson hunting. It was sorta like an obstacle course for the older kids becuase my sister has an electric fence on her property too, so they had to crawl on their bellies to get under it at different times. The adults had some good laughs!!!

And finally Easter Sunday brought some new outfits and some fine lookin kids!!! I just love when everyone dresses up and smiles nice for pictures!!!

And our family together after church. We hope everyone's Spring has sprung like ours....It's been an awfully cold and cloudy one so far, so we say BRING ON SUMMER!!!!

Stay tuned for more pics of baseball, kindergarten graduation and summer vacation!!!

Frustrated

2011-06-02T14:40:00.000-07:00

I really need to update this blog in a bad way!!! But I can't seem to get my pictures to upload anymore!!! So frustrating!!! Has anyone else been having problems? We've had so much going on lately....birthdays, visits, easter, baseball, and kindergarten graduation....I'd love to update everyone, but it's all so much better with the pictures, so stay tuned....I'll be back!!!

Heaven is for Real

2011-03-17T09:28:00.000-07:00

I just finished this amazing book!!! It's the real life story of Colton Burpo and his trip to Heaven and back. I can not recommend this book enough!! I know Cosco has it, or the library....grab a copy today and experience a 4 year olds perspective as to what Heaven is like. This is a story that will stay with me forever!!

Family Fun Day

2011-03-02T09:01:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago we took the kids to a family fun day that was raising money for a new park that is being built. It's called Brooklyns Playgound and it will be an all access park meaning kids with disabilities will be able to play alongside able bodied kids. We love this idea and the best part??? It's being built right around the block from us so we'll be able to play there all the time!!! The kids had a blast that day and were able to run off some energy!!

All 3 girls sliding down

Miss B loved the slide!!!

Emily doing the catapult thinga ma bob

Alli running hard before being pulled back

Run Jackson Run!!!

Kaden's turn

Jackson getting finger printed...this better be his one and ONLY time having this done!!

Brooklyns favortie part was the gals that were dressed up as the Princesses!!! Here she is with Ariel.

Here she is with Cinderella. I really wish I could take her to Disney Land while she is still so in love with all of the Princesses. Maybe some day!!!

Love Love Love Day

2011-02-13T18:21:00.000-08:00

What a fantastic Valentine's Day weekend we had!!!! This morning everyone woke to a red rose, boxes of chocolates and heart shaped donuts. My husband is so fantastic at coiming up with little things to do for the kids!!! He's the goofy guy below who can't take a serious picture!!!

Saturday morning I made the traditional Valentines Day breakfast of something pink. This year is was pink french toast. Miss Brooklyn is very happy considering pink if her absolute favorite color!!!

My sweet 6 year old....ignore the sleepy mommy....I had only had 1 cup of coffee at this moment

Mommy hard at work giving the husband a dirty scowl for taking my picture at that early
morning hour!!!

I love making all of the holidays happy and special for my kids. I love that they knew we would be having a special breakfast. I love that they love Valentine's Day just as much. My cute Kaden was handing me conversation hearts all morning with xo or my girl on it. All of our kids are our world, Love you guys!!!

My Lil Ballerina.....

2011-01-21T14:35:00.001-08:00

Lil Miss Brooklyn had her first dance recital a couple weeks ago. She did a ballet and tap number. Both were so stinkin adorable. I'm so happy to have a little girl that I can do girly things with.

Love ya Mis B!!!!

Christmas 2010....

2011-01-21T09:23:00.000-08:00

What a great Christmas we had!!! We had my kiddos for the first part of Christmas Day, and then I went to work and they went with their dad. We had Emily and Alli the weekend after Christmas so they were able to open their presents then. Everyone was spoiled rotten. Something so special that happened this year is we had surprise presents for everyone show up on the store step. We don't know who are secret elves were, but boy we were so blessed to have them thinking of us. The tears were flowing while the kids were opening new socks, pajamas, toys, and blankets from them. So maybe if by chance those elves read our blog, thank you from the bottoms of our hearts!!! We appreciate your thoughtfulness so very much!!!

Every kid got a brand new pair of pajama pants made by Grandma. They loved them!!

Kaden playing with his Paper Jamz from Santa

The boys with their presents from Uncle Kevin and Aunt Jess. Jackson's is a remote helicopter and Kaden's is a Wii game!! Thanks guys!!!

The kids loot from Santa....Brooklyn got a Barbie car and Barbie, Kaden got a Paper Jamz, Jackson got Call of Duty for the Wii, Emily got new roller blades, and Alli got a caboodle filled with girly things like makeup and nail polish.

Thanks to everyone who helped make this Christmas so special for our kids. I just love watching them on Christmas morning. They get so excited for everything, big and small......

Jim Bridger

2011-01-21T09:10:00.000-08:00

Jackson had to do his first big school project. He had to choose someone that has been instrumental with Idaho's history and do a report as well as make a look a like poster to go with it. He chose Jim Bridger, who was a famous mountain man and guide. He is who Bridgers Pass and Fort Bridger are named after. We learned many interesting facts about Jim in all of our research. Jackson's favortie fact I think was that Jim lived with an arrowhead in his back for 3 years after a battle with Indians. After fighting back and forth and some tough love, the project is finally finished. Good Job bud!!!

It's Christmas Night

2010-12-25T20:21:00.001-08:00

It's Christmas Night

by Max Lucado

It's Christmas night. The house is quiet. Even the crackle is gone from the fireplace. Warm coals issue a lighthouse glow in the darkened den. Stockings hang empty on the mantle. The tree stands naked in the corner. Christmas cards, tinsel, and memories remind Christmas night of Christmas day.

It's Christmas night. What a day it has been! Spiced tea. Santa Claus. Cranberry sauce. "Thank you so much" " You shouldnt have!" "Grandma is on the phone" Knee-deep wrapping paper. "It just fits." Flashing cameras. It's Christmas night. The girls are in bed. Jenna dreams of her talking Big Bird and clutches her new purse. Andrea sleeps in her new Santa pajamas. It's Christmas night. The tree that only yesterday grew from soil made of gifts, again grows from the Christmas tree stand. Presents are now possessions. Wrapping paper is bagged and in the dumpsite. The dishes are washed and the leftover turkey awaits next weeks sandwiches.

It's Christmas night. The last of the carolers appeared on the ten o'clock news. The last of the apple pie was eaten by my brother in law. And the last of the Christmas albums have been stored away having dutifully performed their annual rendition of chestnuts, white Christmases, and red-nosed reindeer.

Its Christmas night.

The midnight hour has chimed and I should be asleep, but I'm awake. I'm kept awake by one stunning thought. The world was different this week. It was temporarily transformed. The magical dust of Christmas glittered on the cheeks of humanity ever so briefly, reminding us of what is worth having and what we were intended to be. We forgot our compulsion with winning, wooing, and warring. We put away our ladders and ledgers, we hung up our stop watches and weapons. We stepped off our racetracks and rollar coasters and looked outward toward the star of Bethlehem.

It's the season to be jolly because, more then at any other time, we think of him. More then in any other season, his name is on our lips. And the result? For a few precious hours our heavenly yearnings intermesh and we become a chorus. A ragtag chorus of longshorman, Boston lawyers, illegal immigrants, housewives, and a thousand other peculiar persons who are banking that Bethlehem's mystery is in reality, a reality. "Come and behold him" we sing, stirring even the sleepiest sheperds and pointing them toward the Christ-child.

For a few precious hours, he is beheld. Christ the Lord. Those who pass the year without seeing him, suddenly see him. People who have been accused to using his name in vain, pause to use it in praise. Eyes, now free of the blinders of self, marvel at his majesty. All of a sudden he's everywhere. In the grin of the policeman as he drives his paddy wagon full of presents to the orphange.

In the twinkle in the eyes of the Taiwanese waiter as he tells of his upcoming Christmas trip to see his children. In the emotion of the father who is too thankful to finish his dinner table prayer. He's in the tears of the mother as she welcomes home her son from overseas. He's in the heart of the man who spent Christmas morning on skid row giving away cold baloney sandwiches and warm wishes. And he's in the solemn silence of the crowd of shopping mall shoppers as the elementary school chorus sings "Away in a Manger". Emmanuel. He is with us. God came near.

Its Christmas night. In a few hours the cleanup will begin-lights will come down, trees will be thrown out. Size 36 will be exchanged for size 40, eggnog will be on sale for half-price. Soon life will be back to normal again. December's generosity will become January's payments and the magic will begin to fade. But for the moment, the magic is still in the air. Maybe that's why I'm still awake. I want to savor the spirit just a bit more. I want to pray that those who beheld him today will look for him next August. And I can't help but linger on one fanciful thought: if he can do so much with such timid prayers lamely offered in December, how much more could he do if we thought of him every day?

From all of us to all of you we pray you were blessed with a very Merry Christmas.......

Pink Sparkle Toes....

2010-12-03T07:56:00.000-08:00

I treated Brooklyn to her very first pedicure yesterday.....so super cute!!! She loved it!!! I'm looking forward to many more years of pedicures together!!!

Precious Moments...

2010-11-26T13:50:00.000-08:00

I went shopping with my Bestie Kim early early this morning at midnight, and when I came home this is the sight I got to see when walking through the front door. My 3 babies snuggled up under the Christmas tree. Love them!!!

Snow Fun.....

2010-11-24T09:07:00.000-08:00

Saturday brought a big ole snow storm. The kids loved it, including Jason....they had a great afternoon of snowman building, snowball fights, and whitewashes.....Brrrrrr is what I say!!! They all enjoyed their hot cocoa after to help defrost. I hate snow, but love to watch my kids enjoy it!!!!

Halloween 2010.....

2010-10-29T17:22:00.000-07:00

Brooklyn as Little Bo Peep

Kaden as Darth Vader

Jackson as Prince of Persia

Emily as an Army Major

Alli as a 50s Pink Lady

Thankful......

2010-10-24T14:30:00.000-07:00

So, it's been a rough couple of weeks in our house. It's awfully hard to be thankful in the rough times for all that we've been given. So, since it's the start of a fresh new week, I'm going to list a few things that I'm have made me smile this week.

1*Taking the kids to Despicable Me and listening to them giggle at the funny parts
2*Hearing how much fun the kids had picking apples from the neighbors tree
3*Taking all the kids to pick out Halloween costumes and watching them give a runway show for us and Grandpa and Teresa
4*Having a husband that cleans up kid vomit at 2 am with me (the wretching coming from him was making me laugh at that ungodly hour!!!!)
5*Listening to Brooklyn sing to herself a made up potty song while she tinkles
6*The happy smile Kaden has on his face every morning when he wakes up, comes to my doorway, waves his little hand and says "Hi Mom"
7*The return of the Pumpkin Spice Latte to Starbucks and the friend from out of town that I got to visit with while sipping it
8*Watching Brooklyn go through a bag of hand me downs like it was Christmas
9*Listening to Jackson auction off and ISU Pendant at the Scarecrow auction
10*Smelling the heaters warm up when I turned them on today because I couldn't stand the cold one second longer!!!!

What's made you happy this last week???? Hope everyone smiles lots and feels the warmth and love of family and friends this week!!!

Christmas List.....

2010-10-13T08:46:00.000-07:00

I have started my Christmas List!!!! Have you???? Of course my kids wish lists come true way before mine, but I wanted to give everyone a little peek of the few things I will be asking Santa for this year.....

These adorable pink Dansco clogs for work!!! Plus with the Breast Cancer Awareness Ribbon, I love them even more!!!! Portneuf is having us go to plain ole boring blue scrubs when the new hospital opens, so I think I need a sassy pair of shoes to jazz up the blue a little!!!!

Victoria's Secret Sexy Little Things Perfume....smells sooo good!!!

Urban Decay eyeshadow.....love Midnight Cowboy and Uzi and many more!!!

Mindy Gledhill's new CD....have you heard it???? Love her song Hourglass...and it's All About Your Heart....and basically the whole CD......

What's on your list?????

One Year.....

2010-10-10T12:43:00.000-07:00

This was one year ago today....10/10/09. To celebrate we went to The Cheesecake Factory...yum!!!! I got some of my favorite flowers, gerber daisies all different pinks, and orange lillies..... Love flowers, Love this man, Love this day, Love Love...... Hope you all feel love today!!!!

Jenny Lake.....

2010-10-09T11:36:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I surprised Jason with a trip to Jackson Hole. We went for the day, hiked around Jenny Lake, ate at Merry Piglets, walked around town a bit and then headed home. I love day dates!!! It was an absolutely beautiful drive up through Alpine. All the the trees were changing and so the colors was amazing!!! I'd love to take the kids for a day!!! Maybe next year.

Here we are at the top of the Look out point, overlooking Jenny Lake

At the waterfall

Love the Tetons!!!!

The weather that day was super!!! Our sweatshirts came off shortly after we started the hike. It was so sunny and the fresh air was fabulous!!!! Thanks for spending the day with me babe!!!! Great memories!!!

Bountiful Basket......

2010-09-11T08:26:00.000-07:00

I LOVE the Bountiful Basket program!!! I've just returned from volunteering this week as well as picking up my own basket. It is seriously the best!!! I meant to take a picture, but totally spaced it because I was so excited putting it all away! This week we got cabbage, a honeydew, 5 ears of corn, 5 plums, 6 nectarines, 6 apples, a butternut squash, 4 tomatoes, a package of mushrooms, 4 bananas, a bag of green grapes, and romaine lettuce. In the past there has been celery, yams, strawberries, eggplant. All yummy yummy stuff and stuff that is sooooo good for you! My family has definetly started eating better and has been more adventurous because of this! It is the best $15 bucks I spend each week for sure!!!! If anyone is interested in this awesome program, email me and I'll be happy to give ya the info!!!!

First Day of Kindergarten.....

2010-09-09T20:31:00.000-07:00

Well, the day finally arrived!!!! Kaden got to go to Kindergarten!!! I crawled in bed with him this morning for a little snuggle time before we got up, I said, "Good morning buddy, today is the day!!!!" He pulled back his curtains, looked at the gloomy sky and said, "Mommy, it's still the middle of the night!!!" I assured him it was indeed morning time and that was all it took, he was off and running to get ready. He even helped pack his lunch. He had a great first day and told me he didn't even miss me a little bit. Sniff Sniff......

Kaden and his teacher Mrs Westwood

I swear he's excited, even though his face appears to be that he's going to the dentist and not school!!!

Brothers!!! Jackson was super excited to introduce his friends to Kaden. Jackson made sure to keep an eye on Kaden all day. What a brother!!!

Helpin pack his lunch.....

My babies are growing up so dang fast. Sometimes I wish I could just freeze them where they are right now!!

Leafy Greens.....

2010-09-09T20:24:00.000-07:00

At the end of Jackson's 3rd grade year, his teacher sent all of the kids home with a cabbage plant. The instructions were to plant it, take care of it, and harvest it. They needed to weigh the cabbage after picking it and send in a picture for this contest the Bell Vegetable company was putting on. So, Jackson had his Grammy and Grampy in Marsh Valley plant his cabbage for him and with their love and little bit of green thumb out came this 15 pound beauty!!! We gave the picture to his teacher and she will send it off tomorrow. He was the only one out of his class to return it. The state of Idaho has one winner, that winner receives a $1000 scholarship!!! We've got our fingers crossed!!!!

First Day of School.....

2010-09-02T12:37:00.000-07:00

Today was Jackson's first day of 4th Grade!!!! He was super excited, and a little nervous. Jason dropped him off because I had a mandatory class for work. They stopped and got their weekly hot chocolate this morning on their way. Jason said he was smiling the whole way and practically jumped out of the car at the curb!!!

Kindergarten doesn't offically start until next week. Kaden gets to go next Thursday. He was super sad he couldn't go, and started crying. When I asked him what was wrong he said, "I want you to take pictures of me Mommy" So we did a practice run and took a few of him. He had to wear his backpack and take his lunch box to practice. He'll be sooooo happy when he really gets to go next week.

Jackson picked out his first day outfit himself. I didn't buy the boys much, just new shoes and a couple new shirts. Jackson picked this one out. It says how to be Awesome and lists a bunch of ways, the last way being BE LIKE ME!!!! I couldn't agree more Jackson, YOU ARE AWESOME!!!

Must Have......

2010-09-01T15:34:00.000-07:00

I LOVE cookbooks, I mean LOVE them!!! I have so many and just love to flip through and pick out yummy things to make my family!! I've often said that my calling in life is to feed people. It just makes my heart happy to watch people I love eating good food made by me. If I could make it my job to feed people and pay my bills I totally would!!! So while browsing a few cooking websites I frequent, I found this......I've been searching for a great cake pop book, and here it is!!!! It will most def be on my Christmas list, or Birthday list, or maybe just a because I want it list!!! I can hardly wait to get it and make some yummy treats for the boy's new classes!!!

Family Pics.........

2010-08-19T14:52:00.001-07:00

Jason's folks came and stayed with us for a week, along with the girls. We had lots of fun driving to Roy and seeing all their old friends. Jason's brother Rob was able to take leave from Alaska and come too along with Jason's sister Jessica who lives with his parents. While the fellas were here they were able to help Jason cross off some items from his honey-do list. We were able to get some family pictures taken, who knows when we'll be able to all be together again!!! Thanks for all the help guys and thank you Mom and Dad Mc for everything while you were here!!! We love you!!!!

Pic of the Day.....

2010-08-12T15:40:00.000-07:00

We didn't do much today....pretty lazy summer day of popscicles, fried chicken for lunch, and playing in our own backyard....the kids watched a couple movies.... This is where Miss B decided to fall asleep....snuggled up close to her big brother....love them all so much....

Kicking Cancer.....

2010-07-20T15:43:00.000-07:00

Friday we participated in the Realy for Life as a family. We were able to collect over $300 in donations. Thanks so much to everyone for donating!!! It was such a great night, Jason and the kids stayed till 10, my mom and I stayed till midnight. I think it will be our new yearly tradition. Cancer sucks...it has traumitized too many of my close family and friends. I have a grandma who passed away after having lung cancer, a mom who has survived breast cancer, and a best friend who's daughter was just yesterday diagnosed with a brain tumor. I HATE CANCER!!!! Anything I can do to help in the research and killing of cancer I will do. We had the cutest tye dye shirts for the relay.....they said on the front CANCERNATORS.... and on the back they said Kicking cancers butt one cell at a time...

Me and my hot mama who did kick cancers butt!!!! Whoo Hoo!!!

Birthday Party.....

2010-07-18T14:15:00.000-07:00

We had Jackson and Brooklyn's birthday party this weekend. Nothing like a little slip and slide action in the back yard!!! We had BBQ ribs, corn on the cob, and a Pinkalicious themed birthday cake. Paula even dyed the cake pink so it was pink everywhere. Brooklyn loved it. Unfortunately it was 95 degrees yesterday so the cake had started to melt a little, but it was still super tastey!!! We had our friends the Mustos family, my sister and her kids, my friend Kim, and my mom over. It was nice to keep it simple and just enjoy being together.
Brooklyn by the slip and slide

Bubbles
Brooklyn with her Princess costumes!! Thanks Kim!

Brooklyn, Brooklynn, and Tessa enjoying watermelon!!!

PINKALICIOUS baby!!!!

Gotta love a girl in goggles

Thanks to everyone who helped us celebrate!!!!

CrAZy.......

2010-07-10T21:39:00.000-07:00

This is how life has felt lately....busy busy busy!!! In the last 3 months since I have posted we have moved, school has ended, the sun finally came out, summer sports have started and finished, we lost our pet frog, and we have made so many memories and have had so much fun!!! I just wanna catch this up a little bit for journaling purposes.

We were able to go camping over Father's Day. I think tent camping should be illegal, but the kids had an absolute BLAST!!! Kaden and Emily each caught a fish, all of the kids got extra filthy, and we ate some awesome food. It was a great weekend for sure.

Alli finished 5th grade, Emily and Jackson finished 3rd. Kaden is super excited to be starting kindergarten in the fall.

Alli and Emily each went to church campy for a week. Jackson went to 4H camp for 3 days and loved it!!! He was so tired when he got off that bus, but had so many stories to share!!! He was awarded Most Helpful at camp and that made this mama super proud!!!

We have 2 birthdays coming up this week. Jackson will be 9 and Brooklyn will be 3!!!!

The camera card is lost, so as soon as I remember to get another one at the store and take some summer time pictures I'll be sure to post!!!

So Pretty.....

2010-04-16T17:13:00.000-07:00

Miss Brooklyn helped herself to some fingernail polish she found. She did a pretty good job, minus the smears on her face...guess we'll have to review the difference between lip stick and fingernail polish. This girl loves girly stuff. She carries her purse around filled with lip glosses and applies it as often as possible. Oh we love our little princess!!!

Finally......

2010-04-16T07:41:00.000-07:00

We finally went to the park......it was 62ish I think all day.....the kids played for 2 wonderful hours....I did one of my most favorite things of all time, I laid in the sun and read. We all even got a little tiny hint of a sunburn on our cheeks....oh how I love Spring....thank you for finally showing up. We may just even go to the park tomorrow too.....

sorry for the poor pictures.....I think I may need to invest in a new camera.....but that will have to wait until after the big move....which is a week. I am so so so excited!!! The space + backyard= Heaven for this mommy!!!!

Pinkalicious....

2010-04-09T08:19:00.000-07:00

This book is VERY popular at our house!!! And Brooklyn was so happy when we saw that at Burger King, the toys in the happy meals are Pinkalicious themed!!! She has enjoyed her crown very very much!!!! She is definitely our Princess!!!!

Just in Case.....

2010-03-25T14:58:00.001-07:00

Just in case you've forgotten what we look like, here's your reminder!!! We're alive and well and have been super busy!!! So much to tell, from wrestling and birthdays, to buying a house, and losing jobs, I promise to fill in all the blanks soon...this is my journal and all....so for now, just enjoy the picture and know that we're all doing fantastic and I'll update soon!!! I swear!!! Oh and to kill part of the suspense, I did find my camera thank you!!!

Gone Missing.....

2010-02-18T09:33:00.000-08:00

The camera has been missing for 3 weeks now......as soon as it is found, I will post pics. A lot has been going on, so for memory sake, I'll just post without pictures for now.

I changed my hair color to brunette, and I have to say I'm quite enjoying the change. So, I think it'll be this way for a little while.

We had Miss Emily's birthday party on Jan 30th. She turned 9!!! We went sledding at Grandma and Grandpa Gunter's place in McCammon, and I have to say it was a blast!!! All of the kids had such a fantastic time. And then we drank cocoa around the fire Grandpa Stockwell built for us. After sledding, we headed back home for pizza, presents, and cake. Thanks to my mom for making the cake, Emily loved it!!!

Our Valentines day was a day of love for sure!!! We had pink strawberry nutella crepes with whipped cream for breakfast!!! Yummo!!! Jason brought each girl a red rose home that morning, and little girls just love getting flowers!!! Grandma and Grandpa Mc sent lots of goodies for all th kids, Grandpa Stockwell gave them treats, and Grandma Stockwell spoiled them with presents too. On top of the little treats we gave them they were super spoiled kiddos. That night there was a knock on the door and Jason said oh good your present is here. I really figured it was flowers, which I wouldn't complain about, but oh no, it was 2 delivery men bringing in 3 brand new dressers!!! Just what we needed!! He had had them ordered since before Christmas! What a guy!!! Thanks again babe, they are absolutly perfect!!!

The boys are now in wrestling. They practice 2x a week and the matches will start next month. Both are doing really well, and it's so good to see them get some physical activity!! (Plus they sleep better at night, which mommy luvs!!!!)

So that about wraps up life in this house for now. I'm praying the camera shows up soon!!!

Brothers....

2010-02-03T18:40:00.000-08:00

Today I took the kids to get ice cream after we picked up Jackson from school. While they were sitting at the bar happily licking their swirl cones I get the pleasure of hearing.....

"Jackson, I think you're the best brother in the whole wide world."
"Well Kaden, I think you're the best brother in the whole wide world"

They make my heart melt sometimes..... These are the best 2 boys a mom could ask for, and I get to be their lucky mommy!!!!

Baby Love...

2010-01-22T14:37:00.000-08:00

Jackson loves his cousins....especially when their babies!!! He loves to hold and rock them.

Best Friends....

2010-01-22T14:31:00.001-08:00

Kaden got to have a sleep over with his bestest friend in the whole wide world....Paxton!!! He was so excited to go and be by himself, without his brother and sister too! He has his grandma to himself on the drive too!!! This kid was in Heaven!!! He even picked out his favorite cowboy pajamas to wear to the cowboy house that is the Mitchell residence!! Thanks for watching him Auntie Kass and Grandma!!! I know he had a blast!!!

Hey Good Lookin, What You Got Cookin...??

2010-01-22T14:22:00.001-08:00

Found this adorable bake set for Brooklyn....wanna know the best part??? It was $2.50!!! She pulls it out multiple times a day and bakes. She loves to be in the kitchen with me when I'm making dinner. She pulls a chair right up and has to watch ever so closely to how it's done. I can hardly wait till she can start taking over cooking duty!!!

Broccoli????

2010-01-14T13:13:00.000-08:00

Miss B really does like just about everything, even broccoli. This is her a couple weeks ago at the grocery store with me. I bagged the broccoli and paid for it and she promptly took it out when I had my back turned and helped herself. We had lots of people giggling as we made our way out of the store!!!

Date Night....

2010-01-09T13:35:00.001-08:00

Saw this a couple weeks ago on Date Night...LOVED IT!!! Have you seen it???? If not, you gotta go!!!

Crazy Catch Up!!!

2010-01-09T12:10:00.000-08:00

It's been such a long time since I blogged last, and when I did blog, I left a lot of stuff out!!! Sooo, today I'm gonna try to catch everybody up....starting at Halloween!!! Crazy right??!?!?! I know I know.....but this is for journal purposes too, so hang with me!!!

For Halloween, Jackson was a vampire, Kaden was an Air Force Guy, and Miss B was a witch. The younger two wouldn't pose for any pictures I took, so my memories will have to work. Jackson was a fabulous vampire I think!! We have our talented friend Paula to thank for that!!!

Then in November, we had Thanksgiving at my sisters house. We attempted to get a picture of all the kids with my mom, you can see how that turned out!! Thanksgiving was great though!!! My brother and his wife came to visit and that was fun! It was the first time we'd had a holiday all together in a long long time! We decided to decorate gingerbread houses while we had all the kids together. That was a fun mess!!! And the best part was I had to go see patients for home health, so Jason and my mom had to clean up the mess....oops!! (But great planning on my part huh???)

December brought Christmas, Kaden's birthday, and my birthday...sigh...my last year in my twenties...dang!! But it was a great month besides that!! My birthday was really really good, I was very very spolied by everyone! Jason made my favorite cupcakes, rainbow chip. We had some great family time. We had the pleasure of having Jason's girls with us for 6 days over the holiday, and that was a blast! Jason surpised them and took them to New Moon which they LOVED! And then I took all the kids plus my step sister Erika to the Alvin and the Chipmunks movie. Then came Christmas, and WOW, Christmas with kids is such a blast!!! We were all spoiled very very much!!! Santa brought Alli a guitar, Emily a jewlery maker, The Boys a Basketball hoop, and Brooklyn a doll house. They were all thrilled with all of their new presents! Even the new crayons got smiles! We're really trying to teach them to be grateful for everything we have and all the blessings we've been given.

At the end of December was Kaden's birthday!!! 5 YEARS OLD!!! Where did the time go??? He's a whole hand!!! And he was super bummed that he didn't get to go to Kindergarten the next day. That's due to me telling him when you're 5 baby when you're 5.....hard to explain waiting to a little boy. For his birthday party he wanted to go skating, so that's exactly what we did. We had pizza, cake and presents at the house first. Sponge Bob was the cake of choice this year. Then we converged on Deleta. He was excited to have his cousins there and his friend Jake and Tenley and Maddox. It was great to see Kaden have his very own day! He skated out to the middle and everyone at the rink gathered around him and sang happy birthday. You can tell by his smile that he was on cloud 9!!! The Limbo played as usual, and guess who won.....Jackson!!! He was so funny to watch!! He was pulling all these dance moves and then would skate under. He was so proud of himself when he won!

So that's the catch up for now. I'm resolving to do better these next few months.....we'll see if I succeed.

Kaden getting sang to

Blowing out the candles!!!

Alli opening presents

Kaden opening

Emily opening....notice Miss B and the lip gloss around her neck??? She didn't take it off all day. And she would put it on her lips before and after each present and proceed to share with anyone around. She loved that stuff!!! It was so funny to watch her! Such a girly girl

Miss B ripping it open

The presents Santa left

Grandma (MaGa) with the fantastic 8!!!!

Auntie Jess helping the boys with their gingerbread house

The girls with their mad decorating skills!!!

Jackson taking a bite outta his brother!!!

My little vampire

Jason's Birthday....

2009-12-09T09:17:00.000-08:00

We celebrated Jason's 30th Birthday with some friends. I made tacos and we just hung out. Of course I had to get him a birthday cake from Paula's Cake Creations!!! And since Dr Pepper is his absolute favorite drink, that's what I had the cake made to look like. Seriously sometimes he'll drink 4 in one day!!! It was Pumpkin Chocolate Chip flavored, sooooo delicious!!!

Love you Baby!!! And love that you're older then me!!!

Wedding Pics....

2009-12-03T07:57:00.000-08:00

We finally got our wedding pics back. She took 816 photos and then went through and edited them. No wonder it took 6 weeks to get them!!! We have so many great memories from that day and want to thank everyone who was a part of our special day either in person or spirit. Thanks for all the well wishes and happy thoughts. Enjoy a few of the pictures!!!

Family Pics.....

2009-10-29T07:48:00.001-07:00

So here's the new blog!!!! Together, Jason and I have 5 kids....Alli is 10, Emily is 8, Jackson is 8, Kaden is 4 (almost 5, he's pretty excited about this), and lil Miss Brooklyn is 2. It gets pretty loud and crazy at our place, but oh so much fun!!! So here's the new blog to start our new life together....When I get some wedding pics, I'll be sure to post them.

The Girls

Miss Brooklyn

All 5

The Boys

The little girls

Our crazy crew

Together we make a family