Cole Family

Love this picture

2011-02-19T09:16:00.001-08:00

My friend Stephanie did a photo shoot with my kids a while back. This was one of the pictures on the cd she gave me and I love it! Of course the real one is better, for some reason this is dark. Probably my camera. I told the boys that when they have to go into time out they are going to sit there and hold this picture! Thanks Stephanie!

Hannah Lu is 2!!!

2011-02-19T08:01:00.001-08:00

Hannah Lu's favorite thing is Minnie Mouse! Ever since we went to Disneyland she has been obsessed with Minnie Mouse. So it was easy to pick out a cake this year which by the way she wouldn't eat! Funny girl!

I cannot believe she is 2. I seems like yesterday we were at the hospital with her. She has developed beautifully! We couldn't be happier with the progress she has made. Other than having glasses at an early age, she is completely normal and she continues to defy the odds of her syndrome. We have truely been blessed!

We had a little family party for Hannah Lu. As you can see she had a lot of helping hands to open her gifts.

In the end this is what she ended up with! Plus a tricycle! She will be so exicted to have something to ride of her own come this spring! We were happy to have Auntie Amy with us to celebrate Hannah Lu's birthday! Wish we could have had everyone with us! Maybe next year!

Valentines Day!

2011-02-19T07:55:00.001-08:00

Valentines Day....I am not a big fan and never have been. So I decided to make the best of it this year. Shawn even suprised me with flowers! Plus he got a little something for each of the kids. Above is what I put together for the kids. Shawn attempted to pick up some heart shaped pepperoni pizza's from Papa Murphy's but they were all out. So I made cupcakes for dessert after our dinner. A normal Valentines day would have consisted of just a card to one another and a treat for the kids. So this Valentines day wasn't that bad after all this year!

Hannah Lu's hot pink Converse!

2011-01-07T16:21:00.000-08:00

My sister April sent Hannah Lu hot pink Converse for Christmas! She absolutely loves them! Thanks April!

Partied out!

2010-12-26T20:10:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Garrett! 4 years old!

2010-12-26T19:56:00.000-08:00

Garrett wanted a Handy Manny cake this year. Glad I was able to find one! He is so popular, but hard to find. Shawn and I found the only Handy Manny doll at Disneyland and we had to have it! Garrett also kept the tradition (that he started) in giving his cake the Garrett touch. Last year if you remember he sat on his cake at the store. Oops! This year he poked 2 fingers in his cake before we even bought the cake! Too funny! He also has a history of putting the Garrett touch on his siblings birthday cakes as well! Happy Birthday Garrett we love you, and are so blessed to have you as a part of our family!

Jackson got Garrett Handy Manny's helicopter. Garrett had fun puting it together with Jackson.

Hannah Lu got Garrett a fire truck shirt.

Shawn and I got him the Handy Manny tool box. That was the hit present! Hannah Lu absolutely loved it because when you push the button the tools go up and down and sing! I think I am going to have to find something like that for her birthday in Feburary!

Auntie Amy got him a Safari set! He loved it! Thanks Amy we love you!

Christmas....

2010-12-26T19:45:00.000-08:00

Oh the work that Santa puts into Christmas! Doesn't matter what I do, I am always up late!

Jackson opening his ipod shuffle! Now he really can't hear me!

Garrett with his most prized gift! His handcuffs! Could care less about his bike!

Hannah Lu so excited about her baby, she forgot about the grocery cart it came in! I couldn't even get her picture, she was running towards me so fast with it! All in all it was a good Christmas. Now for Garrett's Birthday!

Buried!

2010-12-21T06:00:00.000-08:00

This is right out my front door!

In this picture, if you click on it to enlarge it you can see Shawn shoveling!

First snowman ever!

2010-12-19T13:06:00.000-08:00

While I am in the house tending to Garrett because he is so sick, Jackson is outside playing in the snow. He opened the front door and said "Come and take a picture of my snowman!" He did such a good job!

Pirates of the Carribean....

2010-12-16T16:52:00.000-08:00

I think this was everybody's favorite! We went on it 3 times. Other than Jackson, he rode Indiana Jones 5 times. Hannah Lu loved it too! She would growl at the pirates and got excited when she saw a dog. That was the best part about Disneyland, the fact that we could go on many rides as a family.

Disneyland!

2010-12-16T16:41:00.000-08:00

This is the entrance of the park. We wanted to take a family picture with the mickey flowers behind us, but the band was playing there. Oh well!

The famous castle. They did a show every night with it all lit up. It was pretty. They also had snow machines on top of the buildings along main street, so it would snow during the show.

Its a small world was Hannah Lu's favorite ride! She danced and clapped the whole way through! It is not a short ride either!

Christmas up and ready...

2010-11-28T18:55:00.000-08:00

I got Christmas up a little earlier than usual this year because we are leaving for Disneyland on Saturday.

I decided to hang the stockings up in the living room this ear since we had some hooks left over from Halloween. I think it turned out really cute! My living room kind of feels like a little Christmas cottage. Now wish me luck on keeping the kids away from the tree. Especially Hannah Lu!

First snow!

2010-11-28T18:32:00.000-08:00

The first snow that actually stuck was the so called blizzard. So the kids were so excited to go out and shovel. It was Hannah Lu's first time experiencing the snow. She didn't like it much, and she wouldn't keep her mittens on!

Hannah Lu not so sure about this weather.

Stuck!

2010-11-28T18:26:00.001-08:00

Hannah Lu crawled under my bed to get something she had dropped and got stuck! This is the side rail and all I could see was her leg.

I stuck the camera under the bed and this is the picture I got. She sat up under my bed with her head going up by the head board.

A distressed look!

Cool hats!

2010-11-07T14:28:00.000-08:00

It takes an act of Congress to get my children to sit still and take their picture! My Mom's good friend made these hats for the kids. They love them! Especially Hannah Lu. She got 2 hats, the witch hat, and a pumpkin hat. She wouldn't keep the pumpkin hat on so I could take a picture. Thanks Kim, I will treasure them forever!

Jackson wearing his shark hat. As you can see there are teeth in the front and the back, so the shark is eating his head.

Garrett wearing his one eyed monster hat. There are also teeth in the front and back, but incase you didn't notice, the monster's body comes off of the back too!

Hannah Lu wearing her cute witch hat.

Halloween Fun part 2

2010-10-31T14:26:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween! We had lots of fun, along with many activities this past week! Jackson and Garrett decided they would be cowboys for Halloween, so of course Hannah Lu was a cowgirl.

Hannah Lu, she finally put her hat on for me so I could take a picture

We went to the Jensen Pumpkin Festival friday night for the first time. The traffic was horrible! So next year we decided to go at 6:00pm when it starts.

We had a Halloween party Friday afternoon. We had a great turn out and the kids really enjoyed themselves. Thanks to Andrea Wardle that took a group picture!

This is the decor over the kitchen table. We made and decorated Halloween cupcakes, that the kids snarfed in a matter of 5 minutes! This party was all my Mom's idea, so we would not have been able to do it without her! I remember having a big Halloween party when I was little, so I am glad that my children have one to remember.

My Mom is also the pumpkin carver in the family. My friend Leesa and her girls went with us to get pumpkins, and then for Family Home Evening my Mom carved everyone's pumpkins with the face of their choice! Mom has been here for three weeks now, and my Dad drove down to get her. I am sure they are ancious to return home, but they will be missed. Thanks for coming Mom, we had so much fun, and love you and appreciate all that you do for us!

Halloween fun part 1

2010-10-14T15:29:00.001-07:00

the haunted tree house

the boy's haunted house

the girl's haunted house

My Mom is here to stay through Halloween, and she brought lots of fun stuff for the kids. These houses came in kits and she and the kids put them all together. There will be more Halloween fun to come!

Free ice skating lessons!

2010-10-02T16:45:00.000-07:00

I saw a sign on the fence by the middle school, Free Skating Lessons! So I took the my kids, and my friends. They had a blast! It was really cute. The high school ice hockey team was there to assist the coach that was putting this on. They also had these walker things for the kids to skate with.

Jackson really got the hang of it, and by the time it was time to go he was skating pretty fast.

The coach would blow his whistle and everyone would come in and he would give them something else to work on.

Makayla on the other hand I think was enjoying the attention that she was getting from a couple of the boys from the hockey team! They were really cute with all of the kids.

This young man escorted her out onto the rink because at the time she didn't have a walker. We had lots of fun, hopefully we can do it again.

Our new roof!

2010-09-24T09:42:00.000-07:00

Finally, a new roof we have desperately need for a while now. We new we couldn't go another winter without it being replaced. We have been cleaning shingles up in our backyard everytime the wind would blow, and as you can see in this picture they are curling everywhere.

Shawn helped with the tear off and the clean up. Boy am I glad he isn't a roofer! I am sure he is too! The boys were cute, of course they wanted to help. In the mean time our dryer decided to not work anymore, so I was washing and then taking my laundry to my friends house and drying! Six loads! So I got my work out too!

This was Jackson's favorite thing to do. Everyday he would come home from school and get this huge magnet on wheels and walk through the yard and collect all of the nails. Suprisingly he also picked up staples from when we had the new siding put on!

Yah! Our new roof. We matched it perfectly. Although I would have liked it to be a little darker. But a little late now. Now onto new interior, and exterior doors! Shawn says he is going to hang them himself. That is going to be an interesting process!

Heaven and Hell...

2010-09-22T20:36:00.000-07:00

This is the Mount Timpanogas Temple, with the Herriman (Machine Gun Fire) burning across the valley.

Growing up too fast....

2010-09-16T09:14:00.000-07:00

I went to the dollar store the other day and found a back pack that Hannah Lu could put her stuff in when we go to Salt Lake. I had know idea that she would fall in love! She imediately realized that it was something that her brothers had, and wore it for 2 hours when we got home. Now she has to put it on every morning when the boys are getting ready for school. This morning I drove Jackson to school, and when we got into the car she started screaming and pointing at Garrett's backpack (because he was going to preschool) and saying "mine, mine"! She wanted hers too! I didn't have time to get it for her so we put it on when we got home. She is so funny, and little miss independant!

First day of pre-school!

2010-09-09T08:02:00.000-07:00

Garrett was very excited to go to school today! I was relieved, I thought he would have a hard time. This is going to be so good for him, because he is shy like Shawn. He had his backpack on an hour before we even had to leave, and he wore it until we got to school. He just walked in and went downstairs! Jackson was really cute this morning, he was telling Garrett all about school, since he went for 3 years before kindergarten. He told Garrett that they were going to turn milk blue. Garrett was a little concerned, but I said if they do turn milk blue, he doesn't have to drink it. He felt better. Can't wait to pick him up!

Cole Family Day Camp!

2010-09-07T09:28:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I decided to take the kids to Wyoming where Shawn's family has been camping for almost 2 weeks while the guys have been hunting. Shawn wasn't able to go, but he'll get a chance next weekend if they have not got anything yet. We had so much fun, the boys were in heaven! Of course besides the sweet kitchen set up and the shower, the 4 wheeler was the highlight! Thanks everyone for letting us hang out, and for all of the 4 wheeler rides!

Uncle Nicholas and his wife Brooklyn were there too. So Jackson and Garrett got to go for a ride on the 4 wheeler when we got there.

Uncle Alex, and Papa got back from hunting and at one point he and Auntie Amy and the boys were all on the 4 wheeler at once! A little crowded for Jackson so he jumped off and decided to wait for his turn.

Then Papa (Shawn's Dad) took Jackson for a ride....or should I say Jackson took Papa for a ride. Jackson drove around that campground like he had been driving for years!

Of course Hannah Lu had to have her turn too! She would walk up to the 4 wheeler and say Up, Up! She loved it!

Hannah Lu had so much fun just being able to run free. It took her about an hour to get used to the terrain, with the little bumps everywhere. But she managed really well. We had grilled bagels for breakfast, and Hannah Lu has a half of one in her mouth in this picture, along with her capri sun juice.

Hannah Lu wore her glasses for a little while but they were getting in her way when she would try and climb into a camp chair, so she took them off.

My little cowboy...

2010-09-05T15:05:00.000-07:00

This year the boys have decided to be cowboys for Halloween. The boots we have been eyeballing for several months finally went on sale! They have been living in them. Also next week at Jackson's school is cowboy week to kick-off the reading for this year. So I got him a hat too. He is in heaven, I didn't think that he would wear it like he has. He puts it on first thing in the morning, and wears it all day if he can. Today we had church, and I had to explain to him that we don't wear hats to church. Garrett has been wearing his boots even with his shorts! I normally don't let my children run around in boots and shorts, but he is so happy to have them. I am confident now I have made a good purchase, but I am also glad we waited for the lower prices!

First Grade!

2010-08-25T08:27:00.001-07:00

I can't believe that I have a first grader! It is going to be weird for the first couple of days, with him being gone all day long. He was up at 6:58am this morning, my alarm was set for 7:00am. He needed to come in and wake me up to tell me that I needed to make his lunch. Shawn wants him to buy his lunch, I would rather make it for him because I know he won't eat good, especially when it is something that he doesn't like! I don't think he realizes how long he is going to be at school! These first couple of days are going to be interesting.

The Fashion Show

2010-08-25T08:17:00.000-07:00

I entered Hannah Lu into a fashion show the other day. I picked out her outfit, and shoes, and then brought her back the next day and dressed her up. In the end I got her clothes and shoes 20% off. Hey every little penny counts right? She was really cute, when we walked out she spotted her brothers, and my friends girls, and started yelling, "Hi, Hi". This will probably be the only time that I ever do this, not only is it not fun for me, I don't condone Toddlers and Tiaras!

#1 baby!

2010-08-22T15:11:00.000-07:00

Hannah Lu loves wearing Jackson's skater hat!

playing with Jackson

the hat came off, she was not happy, she managed to get it back on

Terrible 3's!

2010-08-19T13:42:00.000-07:00

So I know this is absolutely revolting, but when Garrett has a tantrum, this is what he does now! Spits, and blows snot everywhere! Then he doesn't want to wear his shirt anymore because there is spit on it. Too Bad! So he throws another fit! Then he strips down! He ends up running around is his pull-up for the rest of the day. Hopefully this is just a phase and it will end sooner than later!

Lately....

2010-08-19T13:35:00.000-07:00

Hannah Lu has been wanting to play outside alot lately, and Jackson has been really good entertaining her! He takes her for rides in the wagon, on the trike, and the plasma car. Now I have to watch her like a hawk because if the boys leave the front door open she can open the screen door and get out!

Enjoying her ride on the plasma car with big brother!

Couple more pictures

2010-08-11T18:40:00.000-07:00

This is Crystal, and Quincy's cute house. It was raining when I took this picture as you can see. No one has grass!

This is their backyard! Yes mostly hill! When we first got there the kids all went out to ride their power wheel four wheeler down the hill. It was pretty funny! Jackson finally did it after sitting at the top of the hill for about 15 minutes!

Our first night at Crystal's house Jackson came downstairs with blood everywhere, and one tooth missing. So I got a paper towel and put some pressure on his gums and his other top front tooth came out in the paper towel! These are the teeth that I have wanted to come out so bad. They have been loose for a couple of months now! So if it takes hitting his face on the rail of the bunkbeds while on vacation, then so be it!!

Our trip to New Mexico!

2010-08-11T13:27:00.000-07:00

This is where we stopped to eat lunch on our way down. It was about 12 miles outside of Moab. I had never been to Moab before. It was so cool Shawn and I are going to take the kids there. The kids did very well with the drive. It actually wasn't that bad, and it only took us a little more than 9 hours. Plus the drive was very scenic! We will definately be doing it again! We had so much fun with Crystal and her cute family, and are blessed to have them in our lives! They are planning on coming up here next spring and we can't wait!

We ate lunch and little starlings, and chipmunks were everywhere so we fed them some chips and crackers. The boys got a big kick out of that!

This was right next to our picnic area

Our babies...

2010-08-11T13:17:00.000-07:00

They were so cute together, and got along so well. Two little miracles!

Landscapes...

2010-08-11T11:00:00.000-07:00

This is what it looked like in Rio Rancho, a suberb of Albuquerque. There is just neighborhoods spread out everywhere. All the homes are earthtones too.

Many of the homes are square. They are very authentic to the culture, I loved them!

Crystal took us to an upscale part of town where they do have grass. Mainly because they can afford to keep it up. Otherwise grass is very scarce!

Every now and then you would come across these teeny adobe houses.

My favorite was the their entry ways with the big gates into their front yards.

Old Town Albuquerque

2010-08-11T10:47:00.000-07:00

Crystal took us to Old Town, Albuquerque, it was really neat. There was lots of little shops, restaurants, and candy! That is all the kids ate! I love all the arcitecture.

Every where we went we got asked if Blake and Hannah Lu were twins! It was pretty funny. It dawned on us though that people were thinking that they were my twins, not Crystal's! Maybe the light skin and blonde hair had a little something to do with it!

This is all of the kids from left Blake, Hannah Lu, Bryan, Jackson, Benjamin, Garrett, Brandon, and Cybil. They all got along great, and had so much fun together!

Monticello Temple

2010-08-11T10:41:00.000-07:00

On our way home it was important to the boys that we stop and see the Monticello Temple. I thought it was cute because they were so excited, and wanted to take pictures. I think the temple was closed, there wasn't a soul around. What a beautiful little temple!

Hannah Lu's last surgery!

2010-07-28T10:52:00.000-07:00

Hannah Lu and I went out to Salt Lake Sunday afternoon. She was scheduled for surgery at 7:30am to have her g-tube hole closed. She did very well, considering they were an hour and a half late getting her in. She has become all too comfortable, I am afraid, of this routine! As you can see in the picture above, she is proping her leg up and she fell asleep like that for over an hour! She liked to have her woobi (her rag) over her face. When the nurses would come in she would play peek-a-boo with them. They all fell in love with her, and were sad to see her go! It takes a special person to do that job and I am glad to say we have come across the best of them at Primary Children's!

Our trip to Seattle, and my brother's wedding!

2010-07-23T15:31:00.000-07:00

My new sister in law, Ashley and my brother Ryan. We are so excited for them and can't wait to spend more time with them! We can't wait until they get down here this winter, to be sealed in the Vernal Temple. We love you Ryan and Ashley!!

The Chair....

2010-07-23T15:10:00.000-07:00

This is my Mom's cement chair. It was delivered after we got back from the beach. She had a slab of cement laid for it and the ottoman that goes with it. The slab of cement looks like hard wood flooring. The kids got a kick out of watching the boom truck.

The ottoman

My Mom (Poppy) and all the grandkids! From top left, Rebecca, Marcella, Chloe, Lorene, Poppy holding Garrett, Jackson holding Hannah Lu, and Lilly in the front.

I knew my Dad got a motorcycle, but had no idea it was a bullet bike!

My brother and his wife rode their bikes up too, they have the matching green ones. Then my sister Patty's friends Shirley and Buddy rode theirs up too! Had to get a picture. Can't say I have seen this many bullet bikes in one place before!

Beach day!

2010-07-23T14:50:00.000-07:00

Jackson and his cousins, Lorene, Rebecca, Chloe, Lilly, and Marcella swimming in the Puget Sound

My sister, Garrett and my Mom walking back to our picnic area. Garrett isn't very fond of the water.

Auntie Patty showing Hannah Lu a sea shell!

Lorene, Jackson and Lilly swimming

My brother Ryan and his wife Ashley wearing their lovely beach gettups that my mom made them! This was a couple days before the wedding.

Back in commission...

2010-06-24T17:42:00.000-07:00

Well I finally got the battery out of the tractor and charged it. For all of you that have riding toys, you know what a pain in the rear it is to charge those things! Jackson rode it for a little bit, and then I put Hannah Lu on it with him. She absolutely loved it, and screamed when I took her off because it was Garrett's turn. Garrett doesn't quite have the whole steering thing down yet so Jackson got back on and gave him a ride. Then the mosquitos came out and we had to go in the house!

Jackson giving Garrett a ride

Jackson riding the tractor, and being silly. I figured I better let him enjoy it seeing how he is almost too big for it!

Catching up....

2010-06-12T12:24:00.000-07:00

Shawn took Jackson and Garrett to Jones Hole so that they could fish the hatchery on the one day a year they offer for free. Jackson caught 4 fish, and the one in the net was the biggest!

Jackson reeling in a little one

Garrett with his camera face, saying I am wet and cold and want to go home!

2010-06-12T12:17:00.000-07:00

Hannah Lu and Brooklyn at the splash park

Jackson wouldn't turn around so I could take a picture

Garrett with his camera face. He wouldn't play in the water.

Hannah Lu standing at the rainbow, not sure about the water spraying out

2010-06-12T12:07:00.000-07:00

Best picture I could get of Jackson at his last game

This soccer season was a little crazy. Jackson had two games a week plus practice. Next year will be even crazier because Garrett will be playing too! I couldn't get good pictures because Jackson was helping the other team out because they were short a player. So in these pictures he is really supposed to be wearing red. He was really cute this season because they had to do this quite a bit for the other teams and he was always one of the first to raise his hand to change jerseys and play on the other team for a few minutes. Especially when he knew some of the other boys on the opposing team! He had a great season this year. We had an awesome and deticated coach that has a love for the game, and that made it even more fun for the boys to play. We will be requesting him for next year! Jackson had 3 goals this season! The most from one boy on his team! Can't wait until next year!

2010-06-12T12:02:00.000-07:00

We finally warmed up a little so the kids wanted to eat their dinner outside. BBQ'd hotdogs, and steaks for Shawn and I!

Summer hairdo's

2010-05-23T11:59:00.001-07:00

Shawn and I decided that it was just too much to get the boy's hair cut several times this summer, so I cut it myself. Jackson started to cry when I told him I was going to cut his hair. They both cried, but got over it quickly. I think their hair turned out really cute!

Sorry Mom.....

2010-05-13T15:54:00.000-07:00

I promised my mom I would never put big bows on Hannah Lu, but I just couldn't help myself! I bought the hat a while ago and I can interchange bows to match her outfits. Plus she actually kept it on!

Mighty Minis

2010-05-01T17:05:00.001-07:00

So my 9:00pm run to the store last night, I came home with these popsicles for the kids called Mighty Minis! The boys were really excited but I said they could not have one until today. Of course they don't forget, and they asked for a popsicle. I got them out and opened them up and handed one to Jackson and one to Garrett, and they stood there and looked at them, and then looked up at me (holding my laughter in) like what is this! Then we all laughed and Garrett got mad and said his was stupid and that he didn't want it. I had to laugh even more. These popsicles are no bigger than an ice cube! These are perfect for them to eat when Shawn is home, because by the time they are even done eating them, they haven't even had a chance to begin to melt!! I think I will be buying these again!

Spring?

2010-04-29T13:57:00.000-07:00

This is what we woke up to this morning.....5 1/2 inches of snow!

Last week we went to Salt Lake for a couple of appointments. Hannah Lu had her routine eye exam and her eyes have gotten worse, so new perscription, and new glasses are on the way! Jackson also had his eyes checked because he has been having headaches, and his eyes are perfect! We stayed at Nanee's (Shawn's moms house) and she has a fire pit so we roasted marshmellows that evening. It was fun, and the boys and Hannah Lu enjoyed it! Jackson burned a bunch of tumbleweeds for Nanalyn (Shawn's grandmother), and Hannah Lu kept saying, "light light light" and was pointing to the fire.

Jackson has been begging me to put the trampoline up and I kept telling him no not until May! Well one afternoon Shawn came home and Jackson asked him to put the trampoline up and so Shawn said, "Hun, come and help me put up the trampoline"! As you can see from the picture above I was right and we should have waited until next month! But we have had some warm days and have been out on the trampoline. Hannah Lu absolutely loves it!

Fun in the sun

2010-04-10T16:33:00.000-07:00

Today was the warmest day of the year! So we headed outside to play for a while. I pushed Hannah Lu around the driveway for about 30 min. and she had so much fun! Garrett wasn't to thrilled about sharing his car, so he walked with us. Jackson just cruised around us on his bike! I am so excited for these spring days! Hopefully we have many more to come!

Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T16:41:00.000-07:00

The best part about this Easter weekend was general conference. What an awesome way to spend Easter day. We got up and had Shawn's yummy pancakes, and eggs, and then Hannah Lu went down for a nap around 9:30am. The boys played with their easter stuff upstairs in the living room while Shawn and I were able to watch the morning session. After the morning session was over and Shawn headed to work, I talked to the boys briefly about why we celebrate Easter. I was suprised when Jackson said "to celebrate Jesus". So I explained to them that we are celebrating the resurection of Jesus. I am greatfull that my boys are beginning to recognize the true meaning of Easter and that its not only about the easter bunny. Then I started my laundry, and folded clothes during the second session while all 3 of my kids were sleeping. I haven't been able to enjoy conference like that in years! What a blessing to be able to sit in the comfort of my own home and listen to our Prophet and leaders. I turned the t.v up loud when the choir sang and it filled my home with the spirit. Every Easter has always been nice, but this year it was extra special to me. I am greatfull for my savior and what he has done for me and that I can return to him someday, and be with him, as well as my family. To top it all off, Shawn and I cooked a Ham for dinner. It was really good!

Easter goodies

2010-04-04T16:35:00.000-07:00

The easter bunny came and left the kids all kinds of stuff. Jackson's and Garrett's favorite thing he left was their skater hats (stocking hats with a bill).

We woke up this Easter morning to snow! This is a first since we have lived here, and ever in my life!

Easter bunny and coloring eggs

2010-04-04T16:23:00.000-07:00

After the egg hunt I took the kids over to K-mart where the easter bunny was. I was shocked by the reaction I got from Garrett and Hannah this year. This is the first time Garrett didn't cry, and Hannah Lu just wanted to stare at him. I got a couple of pictures and then we were off to our next activity.

We got home and had lunch and then colored eggs. Shawn came down and joined in the fun, and made sure we followed the directions to a "T" on the back of the egg coloring box. Not that I havn't ever colored eggs before, but Shawn turned it into a joke, and the boys had fun laughing with their Dad. Garrett eventually lost interest because all he wanted to do was eat his eggs. Finally he dropped one on the floor so I peeled it and he ate it.

Hannah Lu sitting in her high chair eating a Mum Mum, watching the boys color eggs, and Dad be silly. Jackson made sure he dyed a pink one just for his sister.

Easter egg hunt

2010-04-04T15:37:00.000-07:00

Well our Easter weekend began with the annual Vernal City egg hunt. We went to the park at 9:30am, and found a parking spot! I could not believe how many people were there! I am sure it was over 500! The kids had fun, even though Garrett got one egg (because I grabbed it) and Jackson did not get any. He was so mad that he through his basket. But then the girls came to the rescue, and shared some of their eggs with Jackson. Then we went over to the truck that was handing out bags of candy. I think they were all satisfied by the time we left, which was no more that 15 minutes after we got there.

All the little colored spots in the grass are eggs. They are real eggs, and yes some did get stepped on.

No more hearing aids!

2010-03-30T16:04:00.000-07:00

This past Thursday we went out to Salt Lake for many appointments. One of those appointments was with Hannah's audiologist. Hannah tested borderline normal in the sound booth several weeks ago, so we were following up with this latest discovery. Once again Hannah tested in the normal range and so therefore her doctors were comfortable enough to say that she didn't have to wear her hearing aids anymore. It is totally unexplained, and they have never seen this before. Hannah Lu has gone from having a moderate loss of hearing, to hearing within the normal range! We are so excited, and now I only have one thing to worry about her ripping off of her face! As you can see that in this picture she doens't have her glasses on. She is finished with them for the day! What a blessing. They will continue to monitor her hearing every few months, but for now she is doing very well.

Nanee's house...

2010-03-30T15:47:00.001-07:00

Nanalyn hates the tumbleweeds! So Jackson and Garrett and made a huge tumbleweed pile on teh other side of the fence and they all blew away that night! Needless to say Nanalyn was very pleased!

Garrett looking for more tumbleweeds

Hannah Lu and I going for a walk around the house

Jackson fell asleep with Nanalyn on her couch after eating ice cream together. Jackson loves to go into Nanalyn's room and spend time with her. He will always have these special memories. Jackson loved to spend time with Pappy too, when he was still with us. I would always find him in with Pappy eating chocolate, or chewing a piece of gum together. He doesn't remember the times with Pappy as well because he was quite a bit younger, but they are cherished memories for me.

The Zoo

2010-03-30T15:33:00.000-07:00

Auntie Amy holding Garrett, with Jackson looking at the giraffes.

Hannah Lu talking to the porcupines, she loved them and got mad when we started walking away.

Jackson putting his finger on the window and the lizard was playing with him. He was following Jackson's finger up and down and all around. It was really cute.

This peacock spread his feathers out as we were walking by. It was so pretty.

Now you see it!

2010-03-23T18:27:00.001-07:00

This is Hannah's dinner tonight. This is Hannah's dinner every night. I don't know where she is putting it. The g-tube is going away! We will consult with her doctor in May and decide when! What you can't see in this picture is the chocolate milk she was also drinking. She won't drink milk or juice, so I am happy that she is drinking chocolate milk and water. She is eating more than Jackson!

Now you don't!

2010-03-23T18:25:00.001-07:00

The Wuh!

2010-03-23T18:19:00.000-07:00

This is the one time I wish my kid would take a wuh (what we call a binky). She looks so cute with it!

My little book worm

2010-03-18T16:54:00.000-07:00

I guess Garrett was bored because he sat down and picked this book up. It not only is upside down, but if you can't tell it is the Webster Dictionary! Garrett absolutely loves to be read to and if someone isn't available to read to him at that very moment he will pick a book himself and attempt to read on his own. My favorite is when Jackson reads to him. The other night Jackson read Goodnight Moon to Garrett. They are just growing up too fast.

HAPPY ST. PATRICKS DAY

2010-03-17T07:59:00.000-07:00

Last week Jackson came home from school and told me, that his teacher told him, that leprechauns make messes. Well we have never really done anything for St. Patricks day other than wear green. So I decided that I was going to trash the living room, and put green food coloring in the toilets. I had so much fun throwing clothes around the living room, sticking shoes on door knobs, throwing green tissue all over the place. To top it off I left the boys a little treat on the table, gold chocolate coins, and a little green gumball machine for each of them. Jackson woke up and was really disappointed that the leprechauns didn't come until he got down to the living room! They both really got a kick out of seeing the mess! There favorite of course was the green toilet water. I think that I will do this again!

Yesterday was such a nice day, I got our wagon out a took the kids for a walk. I think this is Hannah Lu's new favorite thing to do! She sang and laughed the whole way, it was so cute. I am also finding that she loves being outside like the boys. It is March and I am already sunburned. So I guess I should get the sunscreen out, because it looks like I am going to be doing a lot of this outside stuff this year!

Our hour at the park

2010-03-12T14:56:00.000-08:00

Today we went to the park. Shawn didn't have to work, and it has been really nice the past couple of days, so we ventured out. It was a little nippy, but once we got moving and playing it warmed up a little. In the picture above, I told Garrett to smile and that is what I got. For some reason they can't smile on comand. Oh well. Below are a bunch of pictures that I took while they played.

2010-03-12T14:39:00.000-08:00

Jackson on the slide

Garrett on the slide

Jackson swinging

Garrett swinging

Hannah Lu swinging for the first time at the park. She absolutely loved it.

Supervisor of the year...

2010-03-11T19:03:00.000-08:00

Shawn was invited to an awards ceramony yesterday by homeland security. He did not want to go because it was in Salt lake and there were some mix ups with what hotel he was supposed to stay in, but decided he was going to go anyways. Well he ended up with supervisor of the year award! I am so proud of him, he works so hard, and deserves the recognition. Love you schoooo!

Seven kids....

2010-03-06T17:58:00.001-08:00

Today my friend Leesa dropped Jackson off and her girls wanted to stay awhile, so Leesa and her husband took advantage and went out to dinner. The girls and Jackson wanted to listen to Taylor Swift so I turned it on the computer and they were singing and dancing on the bed! All six of them. Hannah Lu was sitting at my feet watching all the action. It was a busy hour in a half! But it was fun!

The Wedding...

2010-03-02T14:28:00.000-08:00

We went out to Salt Lake for Shawn's younger brother's wedding. It is hard to believe that Nicholas is old enough to be married. I have known him since he was 6 years old! This wedding was planned in 3 weeks, and it actually turned out very nice. It was a fun trip, and to top it off the kids were well behaved! Congratulations Nicholas and Brooklyn!

Nicholas and his Dad (my father in-law)

Alex, Nicholas, Cassie, and Shawn (brothers and sister)

2010-03-02T14:19:00.000-08:00

Me and Shawn

Alex and Amy

Cassie and Joe

Jackson, Garrett and Hannah Lu with Auntie Amy

G-tube Free!

2010-02-26T18:45:00.001-08:00

We have not used Hannah Lu's g-tube for 8 days. I taped it closed because it keeps popping open. She is taking all of her food and liquids by mouth. We are so excited. They (the doctors) make you keep the g-tube in for 6 months without using it, just to make sure Hannah Lu can maintain her weight. I don't think we will have a problem because she is putting the food away!

CURLS, CURLS, CURLS...

2010-02-25T19:38:00.000-08:00

This is what happens when both of your parents have naturally curly hair!

Happy Birthday Hannah Lu!

2010-02-18T20:50:00.000-08:00

Hannah Lu's princess cake that her brother had a taste of before she could get her paws into it This must be the, its my birthday grin

Eating her cupcake, and yes that is her cupcake stuck to her shirt

she was growling at me in this picture, she loved the frosting

Jackson and Garrett helping her open her presents. Of course she would have rather played with the ribbon and paper. I can't believe that my baby is 1. It goes way too fast. Just thinking back one year ago at this same time we had know idea what was wrong with her, and thought that she may not even make it. I can't put it into better words, our pediatrician said "we are watching a miracle". She is such a joy to have. I can't imagine her any other way. Shawn's mom and her husband Jim and Auntie Amy came out to celebrate with us. Hannah Lu got lots of fun stuff! She got 3 pairs of shoes! Yay! She is going to have a shoe fedish like her mother and great grandmother whom she is named after. Thank you everyone! We love you.

THE CAKE BANDIT....

2010-02-18T20:04:00.001-08:00

Garrett has officially tagged each of his siblings birthday cakes, including his own. If you recall, back in July of 2009, Jackson's 6th birthday, there is a picture of him with green frosting all over his face. Auntie Amy caught him in the kitchen before we ever cut the cake. Then of course there was his birthday cake that he sat on because he needed a place to sit down. Which ended up being in the cart, at the store, on his cake. Well Hannah Lu's birthday was yesterday, and low and behold as you can see in the picture above he almost got away with it. Yes,....he is wiping off yellow frosting from his face. He also has it on his shirt. He gets this from his Uncle Alex, they both have a major sweet tooth!

And the walls came tumbling down

2010-02-12T09:23:00.001-08:00

Jackson built this contraption, they called a house, and Hannah Lu came knockin' at the door. So of course they let her in. As you can see above it isn't quite large enough for all three of them. It finally split open and Jackson and Garrett went running and left Hannah Lu inside, as you can see in the picture below. She was very excited to finally have the room that she wanted to move around despite the building colapsing around her.

Best invention ever!

2010-02-10T20:12:00.000-08:00

I don't know what it is about my kids, but every one of them has hated their baths. Jackson screamed bloody murder every time he was bathed. It wasn't until after he started swimming lessons, that he didn't mind them anymore. Now I deal with Garrett, and Hannah Lu. Garrett screams and screams. He will be enrolled in swimming lessons this summer. Hopefully it will get better. He also absolutely refuses to wear this hat to prevent the water from going in his eyes. The past couple of baths Hannah Lu has started to cry when I wash her hair, and she gets so mad that it is hard for me to re-dress her g-tube site. So tonight I tried the hat on her. She actually had a bath without crying. Few, because it is along ways away before I can enroll her in swimming lessons.

Jam Fest

2010-02-07T15:18:00.001-08:00

Hannah Lu just woke up from her nap, and Jackson decided that she was going to listen to some rock n roll. Jackson got a radio from his Auntie(my sister) last year for Christmas. He has always enjoyed country music, but lately I have noticed that he has been listening to head banger hard rock. I don't really approve of that kind of music and have never liked it myself, so I have put a stop to that. This year Santa brought Jackson a Imagination movers CD. He absolutely loves it! Plus for me right? So back to todays jam fest, I suppose it is ok for Hannah Lu to listen to her brothers music since the earphones are plugged into his DS and is playing rock n roll from a motorcycle game that he has.

I should have video taped her because she was dancing and singing to the music.

And So It Begins....

2010-02-05T21:25:00.000-08:00

A little bit a sibling rivalry started up tonight when Hannah Lu became interested in Jackson nintendo DS. She wanted to watch all the colors and movement on the screen as Jackson played mario kart. Jackson getting a little frustrated and pulling away, even moving into a different place, Hannah Lu would follow him. He was not happy when he lost a race because she grabbed it from him. So a little reminder to Jackson(which he is always getting when he and Garrett fight) that she is his sister and she loves him and wants to play with him. So his heart softened and this is what he did in the picture below. She watched him play for about 5 minutes and then she was done. Now if I could only get that to work more often between him and Garrett.

Hannah Lu enjoying being with her big brother and watching the nintendo screen.

Auntie's visit

2010-02-04T07:16:00.000-08:00

Last week my sister April flew into Salt Lake while we were out there, and drove home with us to visist for 5 days. We had lots of fun. The boys were so excited that she was here. She read lots of books to them, and played hide and seek. In the picture above Garrett was hiding behind a washcloth. In the picture below, he is just standing under the deer. As you can see he doesn't quite get the concept. It is a blast to play to play with him. He gives us a good laugh!

Garrett hiding from Auntie

We also went sledding at the golf course, and April took the boys swimming at the rec-center just before she flew out. We had so much fun this last week! Thanks for coming April!

2010-02-04T06:59:00.000-08:00

Auntie and Garrett all bungled up, as Garrett was saying, to go for a walk in the freezing temperatures.

Me, Jackson, and Garrett

Auntie and Jackson

Auntie pulling Garrett on the sled at the top of the hill, because they went down and crashed. Therefore Garrett wouldn't ride anymore down the hill.

Auntie on all fours trying to walk back up the hill. We were laughing so hard she could hardly get up.

New Tools!

2010-01-19T11:55:00.000-08:00

My mom sent this set of tools, to Garrett for his birthday. He has been waiting patiently for about 4 days. He is so excited that we hadn't even opened to boxes yet and he held the plain brown box up and said "I like these"! Of course he was more thrilled once the boxes were open. Thanks Mom he will be occupied indefinately!

holding his tape measure up because it is a little larger than we had expected. It about as big as round as his head.

Spiderman or Fireman....

2010-01-16T08:30:00.000-08:00

......you decide!

Stuck

2010-01-09T20:11:00.000-08:00

So tonight Shawn and I are watching the Jazz game (I'm not really watching, not a big fan of basketball) and I hear, "Mom I'm stuck, Dad I can't get out"! So I get up and walk into the other room and there was Jackson stuck in his basketball hoop on the bed. I had told Jackson to put the basketball hoop away earlier, so this must have been an attempt to do that. Needless to say I thought it was too funny that he couldn't get it off, and so I took a picture. The hoop never got put away. Perhaps tomorrow.

Sharing......

2010-01-06T17:30:00.001-08:00

One thing that you hope your children will learn, is to share. Well seems as though mine know how. I bought popsicles because the kids have been sick, and Jackson got some out for him and Garrett. Well if you scroll down you will discover that apparently both of them shared with Hannah Lu.

Garrett showing me his blue lips

Hannah Lu with blue and green lips

I tried to clean her face, and well it is stained.

Christmas Beds

2010-01-04T20:19:00.001-08:00

Jackson's new bed

Garrett's new bed

Hannah Lu's new bed, well not really new seeing how she is the third child to sleep in it. But new to her!

Couped up for too long

2010-01-02T16:59:00.001-08:00

Well we have literally been in the house since we got home from Salt Lake, christmas eve. We were going to go to temple square but it was snowing to hard, so we were either in a car, or at Shawn's moms house. So today I said I have had it lets go. The boys chose the dinosaur museum, even though they have been there about ten times. We had fun on the inside, but we weren't able to stay out side for very long. It was just too cold. It felt good to get some fresh air anyways. Hannah Lu didn't even mind it. I don't mind the snow, I actually like it. But when your high for the day is 10 degrees, you don't even want to open your front door! Below are a few pictures, they wanted me to take their picture in front of every dinosaur.

I had to convince Garrett that the wooley mammoth wasn't going to eat him

I don't remember what this one is but he was still a little unsure of it.

dusting off dinosaur bones

Happy Birthday Garrett, 3 years old

2009-12-26T20:38:00.000-08:00

Well, incase you haven't noticed yet, not only is the building on fire, but the fire truck itself has sunk into the cake. We went to pick Garrett's cake up this afternoon, and I had it sitting in the cart. I ran into my friend and we were talking, and I felt the cart shake, and when I turned around there was Garrett, in the cart and sitting on his cake. I grabbed him and said "Oh No"! And he through himself on the floor at the store. Obviously he didn't understand the ramifications if he sat on his cake. He is three, he just wanted a place to sit. Everyone kept telling me to take it back to the bakery to have it fixed. I wanted to keep it so that it would be something that we would remember forever. It didn't bother Garrett after about 20 seconds, so it didn't bother me. It was actually pretty funny. I tried to set the fire truck up better because it was inbeded all the way into the cake, but the hole was already to big and it just sunk back down. I pulled the fire fighters back up because all you could see was their heads, and well the building scene is a little lopsided. Garrett would be the one to do this though. We are so greatfull to have him, he puts a smile on our faces everyday. We love you Garrett!

ready to rip into his presents

lots of neat stuff, from everyone. Thank you!

2009-12-26T14:26:00.000-08:00

Arrived home safely Christmas Eve night, in time to prepare. I thought I had it all figured out, because I only had two things to wrap. Santa brought sheets for the boy's new beds. Well Santa was feeling a little guilty because all he got for the kids was sheet, so Santa broke down and got the boys some fighter airplanes that talk. Well like I said I had everything done and wanted to be in bed by 10:00pm, well that wasn't happening. You see the airplanes were screwed.......yes I said screwed, into their boxes. It was the most rediculous thing I have ever seen. I was up until midnight getting those things out of their boxes. Shawn was sleeping because he had to get early for work so that he could be home when the kids got up, so I couldn't have him unscrew the dumb things. My hands are still sore! Anyways we had a good Christmas, and are so thankful for the savior, and having the gospel in our lives.

Jackson opening his sheets from Santa

Garrett opening his sheets from Santa

Hannah Lu got a glow worm in her stocking, right away she fell in love and gave it a kiss

and of course Penny with her new toy from Santa

Christmas in Grantsville

2009-12-26T13:39:00.000-08:00

We went out to Shawn's moms house on Tuesday and stayed until Christmas Eve. We had so much fun. Family, games and dinner. It doesn't get better than that! We drove the van and the truck because we had to bring back the beds, and mattresses for the boys. That was interesting, we barely fit everything. We were able to see Shawn's dad too. The kids were excited to see their Papa. Thanks so much for having us Marie, we had lots of fun, and dinner was really good! Thank you for all of the gifts from Uncle Alex, Auntie Amy, Uncle Joe, and Auntie Cassie. We love you.

Two brothers enjoying their nieces
(how cute is that)

Jackson with his razor scooter that shoots sparks when you put on the brake.
Thanks Uncle Alex and Auntie Amy

Garrett on his plasma car, thanks again from Uncle Alex and Auntie Amy

Gabriel with his new golf clubs from Uncle Alex and Auntie Amy

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2009-12-18T13:07:00.002-08:00

2009-12-18T13:07:00.001-08:00

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And then there was sun....

2009-12-09T07:56:00.000-08:00

I think we have close to a foot of snow

Snow, snow, and more snow....

2009-12-08T10:45:00.000-08:00

It has been snowing since Sunday! It has not stopped once. Here in Utah life goes on. If I were at home the whole city would be shut down.

not too much in front of the house because Shawn has shoveled about 10 times!

Triple Shift

2009-12-06T11:02:00.001-08:00

Yesterday, Shawn worked three out of his four jobs. He got up at 4:30am and went to the airport for the morning flight, then went up to Daggett County for work a road shift until 4:00pm, and then he went and worked a Dam shift until midnight. Home safe in bed at 1:00am, and as I type this post, he is already back at work. He is such a hard worker, and I am greatful for that. These picture above are a herd of rams and sheep that he came across while patrolling the mountain. You don't see these animals very often.

Christmas tree hunting

2009-12-06T10:48:00.001-08:00

My boys on their way out with Dad to find me a christmas tree. It is too hard to take Hannah Lu just yet, maybe next year. So Shawn and the boys went up on the mountain. I am picky about my trees, but Shawn has done a good job picking them in the past. Its funny because Shawn just thinks that it is a pain in the rear to cut a tree down, but I think that he is just as picky as I am. So thanks schoooo, you picked a good one again. Maybe I will have the boys get the christmas tree every year.

the end result

Santa........

2009-12-06T10:35:00.001-08:00

Well we finally got in to see Santa, after waiting in 20 degree weather. Of course Hannah Lu had fallen asleep so I didn't bother her. This year Shawn and I decided that we were going to get the boys new beds so that we can move Hannah Lu into the crib. So I sat Jackson down and explained to him that Santa would fill their socks, but that this year they needed to ask for something that would go with their new beds. So Jackson decided to ask Santa for new sheets for his bed. It was pretty funny, I didn't think that he would actually do it. But it just goes to show that he is listening to me and that he is excited about putting their new room together on Christmas day!

All bundled up and fast asleep amongst all of the excitement

Holly Days

2009-12-06T10:31:00.000-08:00

Friday after Thanksgiving the kids and I, and my friend Leesa and her kids went down town to Holly Days. We do this every year. There are so many fun activities to do with the kids and to top it off it is all free! So they rode horses, got into the fire truck, rode a choo-choo train, Abby and Garrett rode in the little police cars, while the big kids rode on these big funny bikes. It was really fun, and soooooo cold. We wanted to do more, but it was just too cold, and we had to get home and eat dinner because we were going back to roast marshmellows, and see Santa.

Our own little feast...

2009-11-28T08:51:00.001-08:00

We decided to stay home again this year for Thanksgiving. With all the traveling that we have been doing already, and with Garrett having surgery this Monday at Primary Children's, it just would have been too much. So I changed things up a little bit and had a ham instead of a turkey. It was sooooo good! We always eat together as a family but it was fun to have Hannah Lu be able to eat a little with us too! She had some mashed potatoes, peas, stuffing, and bread. She loved it! Then she had some ice cream. The boys played and played after dinner, and konked out around 8:00pm. Hannah Lu was out like a light too. Then Shawn and I discovered that Jackson had eaten the rest of the pumpkin pie. There was about 3/4 left! I can't believe he didn't have a belly ache the next morning. Well it looks like I won't have to cook dinner for the next 4 days at least. We will be having HAM!

They are such goofballs, it is hard to take a picture of all three of them together.

Stylin....

2009-11-17T12:50:00.000-08:00

I think that this is my favorite thing that I have ever bought! Many of you know that when you have a car seat that has been through a couple of kids, it just doesn't come clean anymore. So I found someone that makes seat covers for the brand of car seat that we have. I was so excited when I discovered that they had a moo cow print. It was not difficult to choose from the over 200 patterns that they do have. Now do I get one for Garrett?

Milestones

2009-11-16T15:01:00.001-08:00

Jackson lost his first tooth today. I thought for sure we would have to pin him down and pull it out, but he did it on his own. He is so excited that the tooth fairy is coming tonight. His other bottom tooth is loose too, so he will be racking in the change here pretty quick.

Hannah Lu sat up today by herself. She started fussing because she wouldn't fall over on her own and she wanted to lay down and roll around. I imagine she will be crawling by the end of the year. I just don't know where all the time has gone.

Saving Grace

2009-11-12T13:54:00.000-08:00

I never thought that I would ever witness the outcome of animal cruelty in person, until I got to my brother in laws house last night, and his wife Amy (a nurse) was changing Gracie's bandages. Two weeks ago, Amy was going to pick up our mother in law for a baby blessing. On their way back to the freeway, Shawn's mom spotted this dog in a ditch along side the road. They imediately realized that it was a pitbull, and thought for sure that it would tear their heads off if they tried to help it. But at the same time they knew they could not leave her either. Amy remember that she had a bag of clothes in her trunk that was going to the D.I. and she laid them out on her back seat. Then she went back and picked the dog up, and the dog did not even flinch. She was almost dead. Amy dropped Shawn's mom off at the church and took the dog to an emergency vet clinic. It was there that the vetinarian told her that these wounds were the result of dragging this dog behind a truck. On top of it the dog had barely had a litter of puppies because she was still lactating. The vet is submitting all of the information to the sheriff's department and they will investigate this hainess act. We can only hope that these wicked people are caught. For now, our sweet Amy has brought this dog that they named Gracie into their home, and are lovingly, and patiently taking care of her.

A note of appreciation and clarification

2009-11-07T17:55:00.001-08:00

I just need to let my mom know how much I love and appreciate everything that she has done for us this year. I only see my parents once a year when they come down for Jackson's birthday. This July was the first time I have been able to come home to visit in 3 years. My mom came down in February for Hannah Lu's birth, and because of the extreme complications that followed, she was able to stay to help Shawn and I with the boys so that we could go to Salt Lake (3 hours away) to spent a little time with our daughter. Many of the trips to Salt Lake Shawn wasn't even able to go. He has 4 jobs, and works 7 days a week to provide for our family, and pay the medical bills that we are still getting to this day, 9 months later. Mom ended up staying for seven weeks, and was able to give us the help that know one else could have ever given us, and for that I am deeply greatful.
Most of you know that a couple of weeks ago Hannah Lu had yet another major surgery to fix her cleft pallete. Because my Parents were unable to come down for Jackson's birthday this year, and the kids and I went to visit them in Seattle instead, my Mom was able to come down and help us again with the boys so that Shawn and I could take Hannah Lu to Salt Lake for her surgery. This was the first surgery that Shawn was able to be with me, because he works so hard. Two of Hannah Lu's surgeries I have had the boys with me. These are times that I wished I lived closer to home so that I could see my family when ever I wanted. That is a luxury that I do not have. This has been a difficult and wonderful year. I do not know what we would have done with out my Mom. I have been lucky to see her three times this year, and will not see her again until next summer. Hannah Lu is 9 months old now, and this recent surgery was her fith and possibly not her last. I do not worry about any surgeries that are to come in the future. Of course I hope that she doesn't have to have any, but I don't worry because our Heavenly Father is watching over her, and she is here for a reason.

HALLOWEEN....

2009-10-31T20:30:00.001-07:00

I decided that Jackson and Garrett were going to be Mario and Luigi. Hannah Lu of course is a lady bug, and well you can see what Penny is. My mom came down to help with Hannah Lu's surgery and so this was her first time being here over Halloween. We had lots of fun. My mom carves the best pumpkins, and that is one thing that I have missed being so far away from home. So we went out and got like 15 pumpkins, and my mom carved pumpkins like it was going out of style. Below are just a few of the pumpkins that she carved. Shawn isn't really big on doing holiday stuff, and he was excited about the pumpkins too. We went trick or treating, and everyone loved their costumes but for the second year in a row Penny has stole the show. People wanted to take her picture. So until next year....

Scary pumpkins!