Happily Forever After

October

2011-11-07T15:03:00.000-08:00

October was such a Fun month for us!! Avery was blessed, which meant that we got to have family come visit!! The weather cooled down enough that it was actually enjoyable to be outside so we played at lots of parks. And then of course Halloween!! The boys decided last minute to switch their costumes from Tony Hawk ( skateboarders) to a Vampire and Zombie, so we did a little scrambling to come up with some costumes that they would be proud of. Thankfully we had all the clothes and stuff to use and just needed to get some makeup to make them more realistic!! But best of all I have loved watch both Avery and Tyler grow and talk more and more!! Tyler is saying more and more words every day and becoming quite the little handful. And little miss Avery is in my favorite baby stage. She is so aware and loves smiling and "talking to us"!! I love seeing her recognize her daddy and get the biggest grin on her face when he talks to her!!

Here are a ton of pictures of our fun October adventures!! (I apologize now, there will be a ton of pictures, I just cant pass up on cute pictures of my kids. Especially my sweet Avery!)

At the pumpkin patch!

Avery's blessing day. My Grandma Ed made her blanket and flower for her hair!!

Our Family with Grandmas and Grandpas

I love this crazy shot of my kids with their goofy Grandpas

I still can't believe I have 5 kids

My sweet little lady

All my babies

My handsome Hubby and Avery

So glad my boys actually wore purple ;-)

And Next some park fun!!

So fun

enjoying being outside

2 of my handsome boys!!

And here are just some fun random pictures!!

Fun hat Alexa made at school

I would be crying too, poor thing.

love it!

I can only pray that they will continue to love each other this much.

And now for Halloween!!

Alexa the witch. doesn't every witch have bright pink hair and green faces??

Aren't they scary

Jakob the vampire

we decided to paint pumpkins this year instead of carving!!

The cutest frog I know!!

Conner did the Zombie thing perfectly!!

yes even skeletons where hair bows

The girls!!

Now that we are into November we are getting more and more excited to move back to Washington, and be close to family. We just wished that all our Brothers and Sisters lived there as well then it would be perfect!! But it means yet another move, which mean more packing boxes. But I'm so excited for another adventure!!

And then there was 5!!

2011-09-20T16:01:00.000-07:00

Just about a month ago our sweet little Avery Lyn was born!! I actually made it to my scheduled c- section, so everything was nice and calm and planned. Our little princess arrived with a head of long dark hair, which is different for us!! Our other babies have all had light peach fuzz hair so this has been a fun change.

Avery has been so fun to have around. I thought for sure that Tyler would have the hardest time having Avery around, but he adores her, and is a great big brother. It melts my heart to watch him give her kisses and hugs and want to hold her. And of course Jakob Conner and Alexa have been so good too. Jakob is a true oldest child and is very fatherly, and protective of her. Colin and I can't get to her fast enough if she makes any kind of noise before Jakob is there and taking care of her. Conner loves to sit and talk to her and make faces at her to see if she will smile and coo at him, and Avery seems to love it! Alexa is the true big sister. She pick out her outfits, and makes sure that her hair band and bow matches as well as her blankets and burp cloths!!

For me this time is bittersweet, I know that Avery is our last, so every day as she gets bigger I remember that I will never have another newborn to snuggle, but then in the middle of the night I jump for joy that I will never again have another newborn :)
As this month has come and gone I have been so grateful for For my Hubby and my Mom. Without either of them I don't think I would of survived this last month. And I think the reason Tyler handled Avery stealing his limelight, is because my Mom was able to devote a ton of attention to him and that made him a happy camper!! So Thanks Mom!!

Now here are a bunch of pictures of our Little Miss Avery!! I am so excited to see how her looks will change and see who and what she will look like!!

Miss Avery is here!! All 6lbs and14 oz

First time I got to snuggle her, even if it is just with my cheek!!

The proud parents!!

Real snuggles!!

Her first of many bows ;-)

All of my kiddos!!

Jakob's First time holding Avery

Conner's chance to snuggle her!!

Tyler's turn!! Melts my heart!

Sisters

Grandmas turn, with Tyler's help!!

her first official outfit

ready to leave the hospital!

Her going home outfit!

All bundled up

Big brother Tyler

So precious

Colin and Avery doing the late night Espn recaps!!

Chillin' in her bouncy seat in the kitchen helping me make dinner

Wide awake and ready to get the kids from school!!

This little lady has been such a fun addition to the family and I am so excited for this next year!! Welcome to our crazy life Avery!!

Miracles!!

2011-08-08T17:10:00.000-07:00

As I think back on the 10 + years that Colin and I have been together we have had some pretty crazy (hard) things come our way. I feel like we have gone in stages. Our first 4 years I classify as our "Kid Factory" years. We had 3 kids in 3 years basically. After that we moved onto our "School Days". We sold our house and packed everything and moved to Rexburg so Colin could finish school. It was the hardest best thing our family has ever done. Then we moved into our "Surviving" stage, which is where we are now. We have loved living here in Oregon. We have loved all the new people he have met, and Colin has really liked working for the company that he works for now. But I feel like we have just been surviving. When we found out I was preggo with number 5, I knew that this would be the last kid for us. No doubt at all. But something else starting to happen as well, I started to get that women's intuition (or what ever you want to call it, I tend to think that Heavenly Father knows me well enough that he gives me a heads up in a weird sort of way) that this year was gonna be more then just the end of having babies. In April we found out that Colin's company was gonna close down its doors and move base to the headquarters in N. Cali. The company said that they would be taking employees who where willing to move. Basically no one was including us. But to our benefit the company was nice and gave us all plenty of heads up and they wont be closing the doors here till dec. 31st.. They also offered a huge money incentive to keep Colin working here till then. So once again back to the job search. After my couple hour breakdown (thanks To my Mom and Laura who where there to listen) I realized that this is a great opportunity for us. We have time on our side, and even if we don't find a job by Christmas there will be a big chunk of money coming in that we can live off of. And therefore we can afford to be really picky and hold out for the perfect job. When we finally got to this stage of thinking, I really started to realize all the miracles in our lives. You see we are the only family at Colin's company that doesn't own a house, which turned out to be a big blessing for us. Everyone else on top of finding a job either has a really limited search or has to have the stress of selling a house, and we all know in this economy most of the time it's near impossible. Colin and I have talked about buying a house here, but I just never felt like this was the place where we would be forever. As Colin's interviews turned into job offers I have been so thankful for his company giving us plenty of time and money to be picky. So we haven't felt desperate and have been able to pass up jobs on the east coast, or jobs that Colin felt they weren't willing to pay enough for the work he would be doing, or companies who weren't willing to offer insurance or other benefits. But each time I had to trust my feeling that it was time for us to be out of our "surviving" stage. Then an offer came in from the company who is Contracting with Colin's company to take over the work that he does. The original offer was basically the same that he making right now. But at the time he was in negotiation with a couple other companies and he told this company what they would have to offer him for us to even consider them as an option. Which really is a Miracle that the ball was in our hands and we were calling shots and putting out our demands. Somewhere in the middle of all this we drove to Seattle for a job interview. And we both left knowing that the Seattle area ( home) is where we needed to be. After a week or so later the contract company came back with an offer that beat out all of the other offers. Colin and I couldn't beleive it. We hadn't even considered them an option. Not only had they beat the other wage offers, but they were willing to give us half the money that Colin's company was gonna pay him to stay till the end. Colin and I were amazed that they would do all of this. The only down fall was that he would be working remotely ( from home) and we are both not sure how much Colin is gonna like it. But we decided it was worth it. Before Colin Officially signed the papers we decided to ask 2 questions, knowing that either way we would take the job. The first question" since he is working from home, can he work from home in Seattle?" And Since he will still be doing the same job ( this company is taking over the work he is doing now since no one wanted to move to cali) can he wait to start this job till Jan. and get the full pay out for staying? We figured that it couldn't hurt to ask, whats the worse they could say. No, we are only willing to give you what we offered? With in 2 days we heard back and the biggest Miracle ever they said yes to both of our questions!! Colin and I have been living on cloud 9 and have been loving looking at houses on line back home (Seattle).
As this all has been happening I can help to realize that that feeling I have been having for a while is happening. No more being pregnant, no more school days, no more Surviving days, no more living far away from family. And hopefully no more moving after we get into a house in Seattle. I just have this big sense of its an end of an era. I have no doubt that more things will come our way and that our life will never be easy, But I have learned that all of our struggles and willingness to " go where He wants us to go" will pay off and that there are blessings around every corner!!

Another miracle That has happened some may consider not a miracle but for Colin and I it truley has been. Any one who has talked to me or been around us knows that Tyler is a horrible sleeper, and that getting him to sleep has been a nightmare. It has been weighing on my mind alot as we get closer and closer to adding a newborn. Maybe 2 weeks ago as I was getting ready for bed and saying prayers I remember basically telling Heavenly Father that we need his help and that Colin and I wont be able to handle Tyler and a newborn. The next day around nap time Tyler was a mess but he wouldn't let me hold him, or snuggle him, or lay by him. which is basically how we have been getting him to sleep since he was born. So I just went and layed him down, told him I loved him, and walked out of the room and closed the door. I was prepared to listen to some major screaming and just praying he wouldn't cry so hard and gag and throw up, which is why we haven't been doing the scream it out thing all along. To my surprise he didn't cry but for a second and then he went right to sleep and took the best nap ever. I was shocked. But I have been even more shocked as the weeks have gone by now and he is still doing it. In fact he will instigated nap time/ bedtime and tell us he is ready for bed and not fight us at all!! What a miracle it has been. And once again I amazed that my simple pleas as a mother even Matter to him. And that my Heavenly Father is willing to listen to me and help me with my simple problems!! Its just another Miracle!!

April

2011-06-22T13:20:00.000-07:00

So much has happened the last few months!! Lets start out with April Fools day. We found out that Bowler baby # 5 will be another girl!! I am so excited to have another girl but I am even more excited for Alexa to have a sister!! I love my sisters and the bond that we have nothing can compare to. So for Alexa to have that means the world to me!! This little one seems to be right on track with all my other babies, small! I really am hoping for at least a 6 lb baby. 5 lbs just is to small for me, especially when you figure in the weight that all babies lose in the first few days. My c section is scheduled for August 23, and I am really praying I make it to the scheduled date!!

Next up was Jakob's pine wood derby for cub scouts. I'm not sure who was more excited for it. Jakob, Colin, or Conner!! It was really important that we let it be Jakob's creation not daddy's, so Jakob picked out the shape and model he wanted. he helped cut it out and sand it. he choose the paint color and painted the whole thing. So needless to say we didn't expect to win at all. But much to our surprise his little car won over and over again. Our ward made it a fund raiser and gave the opportunity for others to purchase a car kit and make their own car. So Jakob's car beat out teenage boys, men and women. There were so many people who had better shapes, or whatever else make those cars go faster. the only thing we did to it was once we got to the derby we weighed it and it was under weight so Colin taped on a golf token to get it closer to the max weight.

Way to go Jakob!! We are so proud of you!!

Also in April Poor little Tyler got his fingers slammed in to a door on the hinge side. It turned into a horrible ordeal that involved lots of blood, screaming, stitches, and loosing of 2 fingernails. I am just thankful that my hubby works close and is able to leave and be home within 5 minutes. he was able to hold Tyler and his fingers while I changed my blood covered clothes and call the Dr to see if we should go there or to the Er.

This picture doesn't even come close to showing how bad it was. Lets just say the cut was pretty deep and we are lucky he still had a finger tip

All bandaged up after his stitches but hey still had to put the wrap around it to keep it protected.

And here he is all zonked out in our bed after his horrible ordeal.

I am happy to say that we all survived and that his 2 fingers have almost totally regrown his fingernails that came off.

Our Very Own March Madness!!

2011-04-25T17:11:00.000-07:00

So Any one who knows our Family knows that March is a big month for our family!! Our 3 older kids all have birthdays in March, I know very poor planning on our part!!

And since I never did a post for Tyler's Birthday I'll add it to this post and then this can be the birthday picture post!! We kept it really low key this year since I am preggo again and have not been feeling very well. But the kids never seem to mind as long as they get the presents they want and get to have a yummy cake!!

Your brothers and Sister made you a Birthday sign !!

Poor Tyler, I was feeling so crummy at this point that his First Birthday was pretty simple.
So I threw this cake together and frosted it quickly so its not anything fancy, but he still loved it!!

he sure loved his cake and we have some pictures on our phones of the smashed aftermath, but I'm not sure on how to get the phone picts on here.... another thing for my genius computer savvy husband to teach me!!

A few days later Tyler decided he wanted to eat a marker.....

And he was loving it!!

Tyler you have been such a fun little boy and an even bigger blessing to our family!! I am still amazed at all that has happened since you were born. You have been a trooper through it all! I love that you love to snuggle and you have the cutest smile and giggle!! It really is hard to be mad or sad around you!! I love that you have brought out the best sides of all your siblings, they adore you and would pretty much do anything for you. I love you Little Guy and Can't wait to see what this next year brings your way!!

Now on to our First March Birthday..... Conner!! He turned the big 6!!

All he wanted for his big day was a remote control car

and a bike with pegs, so of course he got both!!

And this is what he pick out with his grandma and grandpa money!! Mouse trap game and a ball to play wall ball with!!

and he really wanted to pick a cake out from the store, this was his favorite he found!!

Happy Birthday Mr. Conner!! You are such a big sweet heart! I love you so much my snuggle bug!

Next up is Jakob, He was lucky enough to be born on St. Patrick's Day so his birthday is always double duty!!

Jakob also wanted a new big bike with pegs and one where the peddles can go backwards and forward!!

For his cake he wanted it to say Happy Birthday Leprechaun boy... and he got it, along with a skittle rainbow!!

And he finally got the hockey stuff that he has been dying for

And it wouldn't be an 8th birthday without getting your fist scout shirt!!

Jakob were has these last 8 years gone? I can't believe you are old enough to be 8. It such a big year for you , and you get to make such a big decision about whether or not you want to be baptized. We are so very proud of you and all the things you are doing this year!!

And last but certainly least the drama queen herself...... Miss Alexa!!

Alexa has known since Thanksgiving weekend when we saw "Tangled" that that was the birthday she wanted!!

She of course had to have a tangled shirt

And she Really needed to have a store bought ice cream cake. And she was so mad when she couldn't find a Rapunzel ice-cream cake. So I told her that she could draw her own Rapunzel and we could add it to the cake. So this is the final product!!

Some how we did not get any pictrues of her presents that she got. So here are a few cute pictures of our Alexa lou!!

on a her daddy daughter lunch date!! Aren't they so cute!!

Alexa you are just a big sweet heart. I love having another girl around!! I love that you are so girlie but also not afraid to be rough and tough!! I love you so much and I am so excited that you are getting a baby sister come August!! You guys will best friends just like Mama is with her sisters, and you will be such a great example to her. And between the 3 of us we will keep the boys in check!! Love you little Miss!!

Jakob's Big Day

2011-04-25T15:30:00.000-07:00

March 26th was a big day for our family!! It was the day Jakob got baptized. In our church We believe that a child should be baptized at the age of 8 for more info click here!! Jakob has been so excited and Colin and I just can't believe that our oldest is 8 years old!! We had lot of family come in town to be here for his special day. And we so thankful for all the love and support we get from our family!!

Jakob we are so proud of you!! You are an amazing young man, and such a great example for your younger brothers and sisters!!

Colin and Jakob dressed and ready to go!! Jakob loving his new suit, and tie that he has to tie like Daddy

Jakob and I before he was baptized

Dressed in white!

After he was baptized and dressed back in his suit we were able to take a bunch of pictures!!
All my babies!!

All the cousin that were there that day!!

The Family

Jakob with Great Grandpa Moon, and Grandma and Grandpa Moon

Jakob and Colin with Grandma and Grandpa Bowler

Jakob with his Great grandpa Moon, grandpa Bowler and grandpa Moon
It really meant a lot to us that they all were able to come!!

All the guys!!

After he was baptized we all headed back to our house to celebrate. We let Jakob pick what food he wanted on his big day, he of course wanted pizza!! And Costco cake, which I didn't not even question. It meant less baking/ cooking for me!!

Alexa and Bailey having fun

Tyler enjoying the cake!!

The next day we headed to Grandma and Grandpa hotel to swim and enjoy our last night with everyone before they had to leave again. It was the perfect ending to a perfect weekend!!

Daddy and a Tyler getting warm

Conner swimming

Jakob was one big fish!!

And our cute Alexa

All the water bugs enjoying the hot tub!!

My Random Thoughts....

2011-02-02T16:51:00.000-08:00

Lately I have been feeling really bad about totally neglecting this blog. But I haven't had anything that has been real blog worthy. So I thought I would just post some of my random thoughts.

- My Husband is AMAZING, and I would not be surviving right now without him!!
- I never thought anyone in my family would miss snow, but my kids ask when its gonna snow, every day.
- Moving to a place where you know no one is really hard :(
- I feel like almost everyone I know has just had a baby, or is pregnant. I'm so excited for everyone!!!
- I'm really wanting some chocolate cake!!!!
- I miss Rexburg (minus the snow)!! I miss our friends, I miss living by my sister and brothers and their wives.
- All day kindergarten is the best thing since sliced bread!!!
-" Faith In the Lord means Faith in his timing", some times I tell myself this many times a day
- My family is everything to me!!!!
- Some days I get nothing accomplished except taking care of my kids.
- This summer Is gonna be crazy!!
- I find I dress myself and my children according to my moods which translates into colors. So most days we all match and I have no clue till someone points it out. So weird!
- I am so ready for Tyler to start walking.
- August can not come fast enough.
-My Hubby Rocks!!!
- I need a girls night out!
- Life with 4 kids is nowhere as bad as I ever imagined. Going from 2-3 was by far the hardest.
- Never realized how proud I would be to be an Aunt and to watch my Siblings( and Sibling In-laws!!) have kids. At this point I get more excited for them to have kids then I get for myself!!
-Can not believe that my oldest will be 8 in March. It has gone by sooooo fast and I am so proud of him!!
-In my experience baby boys are so much more cuddly then girls!!! So I am glad I had 3 boys and Tyler loves to snuggle still!
- Life is hard.
- I wish I was sitting on a nice warm beach or lake chatting with my sisters while the kids play!!

I know this is random but I thought I would just do something different!! Hopefully I will have better stuff to post about later!!

The Big Move!!

2010-11-12T15:45:00.000-08:00

I am So behind its not even funny. I am gonna try and catch up!!

The end of September my hubby was offered a great job working for Musician friend. He helps deal with all the computers and their programs. The job is in Medford Oregon. Which is down closer to California , which of course = way better weather then Rexburg and even Seattle. So of course we couldn't pass it up. Part of the perk was that the company paid to have a moving company pack and move us. I was thrilled!!! As it turned out Colin had to start work before the moving company could come so my mom was nice enough to come and stay and help out for 2 crazy weeks. I had really wanted Colin to be the one who stayed with the guys who packed and loaded us. Oh well, It was a little awkward to watch a bunch of strange men, go through and touch and pack every little thing we own, but not awkward enough to not do it again :)

The Boys room all packed up!!

The moving truck was huge, it pretty much took up the whole parking lot of our apartments

lining up all our stuff to take on truck!!

They are the master packers!!

All done!!!

I cant believe that the move is behind us!! Medford is great. It's still on the smaller side of a city, but it has everything you need. I am so in love with being back closer to stores and having options!! The kids have made some fun friends and the boys are loving school!! So far Oregon has been nice to us!!! But I am still getting used to not pumping my own gas. It goes against everything I know to hand a stranger my card and let them have at it, Im just saying

Washington!!!

2010-08-25T10:30:00.000-07:00

My parents came up in July for My brother Jordan graduation (congrats Jo!!), and his daughter Sydney's baby blessing. My kids and I were so excited to see them. But when they got here It was my sister Laura and her kids that totally surprised us. It was so fun to be surprised and to have the whole family here for those things!! Then we decided that the kids and I would drive back with them and get them in swimming lessons with cameron and brady!! It was so fun to be there, my kids loved every second and are ready to go back!! Here are some pictures from our great adventure!

My dad with Tyler at Jakob's soccer game!

Jakob the soccer star

Cameron and Alexa had so much fun together

Conner and Brady practicing their soccer skills

Swimming at the hotel pool

Laura and Tyler

We were so excited to be in Washington for Cameron's birthday, and of course the girls had to match!

Then we got to go to the beach with grandma and grandpa Bowler. It started out as overcast but turned into a nice day!! So fun!!

Found some dead crabs

And some live ones

Alexa got soaking wet!

Tyler getting his toes wet!!

At the fish ladders, at the ballard locks

lots of fish to see

The kids being goofy

SWIMMING LESSONS

Jakob did such a good job!!

Then Grandma Moon took us to see Toystory 3 in 3d

The kids had so much fun

After our 2 weeks in Washington, My dad and I, plus the kids drove down to Utah where my brother Jordan's daughter was about to have open heart surgery. My dad was able to be there and wait with them through the surgery and I was able to up after she was out. She is such a fighter. And I am so proud to say she is home and doing so good! I wish we lived close to them still (they moved to Boise) so that we could see her often. We love you Syd!!

I am so thankful for my parents and all that they do for my family. It is so comforting to know that we are their number 1 priority (along with my other siblings and their families of course!!) and that they will do anything and everything for us. They spoiled us rotten, they fixed my broken van, they fixed me when I had a breakdown, and they will never let us go with out. So Thanks Mom and Dad. for everything. And also for my sisters who helped fix me when I had a breakdown. All of your support is what keeps me/us going!! Thanks for everything you guys!! Can't wait to come back!!

Oh what do you do in the summer time?

2010-06-29T08:53:00.000-07:00

We love to go to the splash park...

and ride the carousel

And snuggle each other

Tyler loves to grab his monitor in his bed and say ma ma ma so I know hes awake from his nap!!!

And he loves to learn to sit up

And giving us big smiles

We also love watching and listening to the Thunder storms that roll through!!

and going to watch April's basketball games

Ands watching Alexa dance at half time!! ( I apologize for the length of the videos I have no idea how to edit them, sorry)

And last but certainly not least Alexa has learned to ride with out training wheels!!

We have been having a Fun summer so far!!

My oh My!!!

2010-06-08T19:24:00.000-07:00

"Break out the rye-bread and mustard grandma, it's Grand Salami Time! "

Good ol Dave Neihaus! Man I miss Seattle.

OK well its not grand Salami time, but it is T-Ball time for Conner! It has been so fun to watch him. He is just so cute and I really just get such a kick out of him!!

See what I mean, he is just so darn cute!!

He takes playing first base very serious

Go Conner Go!

Waiting for his turn to bat

I love the tongue and the concentration!! His dad and older brother do the same thing!!

So cold out

Yes we are working on his bat throwing issues.

And then this is Conner on his last day of preschool, he had such a blast!

And now he has learned how to blow bubbles with his gum, and this is the result.......

Everyday he does this, and every day I scrub it off. Not so fun, but he is sure proud of blowing huge bubbles!! What a cutie, I think we will keep him!!

Aren't they just so cute!!

2010-05-31T09:34:00.001-07:00

My boys are really starting to hate matching!! I wonder if they will wear coordinating colors so its not the same, but will still match?!

At the falls

Jakob's school program

Tyler's first bites of frosty, he loved it!

And I just thought this pose was pretty funny. Poor Tyler

Mommy Dearest!!

2010-05-09T20:16:00.000-07:00

Today I have felt spoiled, well all weekend actually. I love that I have a Husband that can take over the troops when I am down and out, and on Friday and Saturday I was down and out with the flu. And then of course Today they spoiled me with gifts and yummy food, who could complain!! But as I was reminiscing on this last year, and trying to remember if I knew if I was preggo with Tyler last Mothers Day, I realized that everything big that has happened this last year for me and my family, my Mother has been there, or should I say here. Which is a big deal since she lives 800+ miles away.

Its so weird to remember being a bratty teenager and wishing my mother out of my life, and how I just couldn't wait to be married and be a mother and not "need" my Mom any more. I was crazy, cRaZy. I think I have needed my mother more in the last 8 years then ever before. I haven't needed her Money ( although it's nice some times I'm not gonna lie!!) or her to drive me places, or to help with homework, or remind me of curfew, or .... I could go on and on. She has been the first person I call when my babies are sick and I don't know what to do, cause she knows everything! She has been there to tell me I CAN DO HARD THINGS over and over again. And then she is there doing what every great Mother does for her kids, doing everything she can to make it Easy for me, even if it means she has to sacrifice. Then when I crumble and think I have nothing left, she is there to pick me back up and remind me once again that I can do it! This last year has been such a hard one for me. I am a planner. I have to think through things and plan it out in my mind, get a mental picture of how things will work. If I can do this then I can handle anything. My Mom Knows this, so when I found out that I was pregnant this last time. I called her with in minutes of finding out. I was crumbling fast. She talked to me for hours helping me get my mental pictures and to figure out how we would make it work with Colin in school and in our tiny apartment. Not to mention the hell the first 5 months bring me with being so sick. She is always there to help me find the blessings!!

And As my 4 kids get older I have come to appreciate even the small things that she did/ does day in and day out. Dinner on the table, Laundry done, lunches made, house clean. It all seems so easy but just those few things can take all day. And then we have those crazy times when I text you at 2 am to tell you my water broke, and 13 hours later you and dad are here taking care of my kids for us. And then you stay for weeks sleeping on an air mattress to help us all figure out life with 4 kids. So thanks Mom for everything you have done for me this year, and ever. You have been my rock, my back up plan, my nurse, my nanny, my therapist, my chef, my seamstress, my chauffeur, My MOM! I know for sure that I would not be the Mom I am today for my kids with out you as my Mom! You are simply the Best!! I Love You!!

And I just want to take a Minute to wish a Happy Mothers Day To my Mother in law who raised an incredible son/ father, and to my Sisters and Sister in laws. You are all awesome and with out your friendship and examples I would be lost!!

He Did It!

2010-04-22T07:50:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time ( about 4 years ago) Colin decided that he wanted to go back to school. I will forever remember the moment when he told me. It will be engraven in my mind for a long long time. We were sitting down stairs in our house in Washington. I was holding Alexa, she was just a few months old. And Colin said "I think I want to go back to school". Colin has been going to school since I met him. Every time we had a baby he would take a semester off, so I assumed he was talking about a school in Washington, one close to home. Then He continued that he wanted to go to byu or byu-i. The feeling of everything falling out from under you is what I felt. I knew that it meant that we would be selling our house, walking away from the perfect job, and leaving all our family and friends behind. I also knew my husband well enough to know that we would not be purchasing a house where ever we moved. My hubby is to logical to purchase a house for just a few years " It not worth the investment". So that meant an apartment which meant getting rid of alot of things, basically a whole basement of furniture, and a garage full of stuff. Then we discovered that BYU-I would accept all his credits. So the decision was made. We were moving to Rexburg. I was terrified, I didn't think we would fit in. That we would be the only family with 3 kids and the town would be full of farmers. We sold our house.

packed up the moving truck,

and headed to Rexburg. My brother had looked through an apartment for us. But we had signed the papers sight un seen. That took alot of faith on my part. We got here, and the apartment was small but we fit, who knew we would even have room for one more kid! Colin and I swore that the place we moved into is where we would stay till his school was done, and we have. We have an over flowing storage unit, but we have made it work. And since then I have watched the blessings pour in. We moved into a great ward, and Colin found a great job with the City of Rexburg who would let him leave whenever for his classes. We have made so many great friends here. We have been privileged enough to be here along with my brothers. And we have been able to watch both of them fall in love with the girls of their dreams!! And we also get to be here with my sister April and have been able to go to some of the basketball games she has been coaching. Plus we have got to here and get to see baby Sydney!!

And since we have moved here this has been my Husband life and how we see him the most, doing homework

Notice the earphones to keep the noise out.

And After 2 1/2 years of hard work on Colin's part. He finally did it, He Graduated.

Most of our family was able to come and help celebrate his hard work. which we are so thankful for all of the support it meant alot to us. We recognize that our move to Rexburg made it that Grandparents/ parents would have a much longer drive to visit the grand kids. And it has meant the world to us that our kids are important enough to you to make the trip many many times!!

Graduation day came. I decided that I wanted to take some thing to Colin's work so that all the city employee would know that he had done it. So I took a bunch of balloons to his office and then we took enough nacho stuff for all the employees to eat up on one of Colin's favorite things!!
then later that day it was graduation time. Alot of people offered to watch our kids during graduation. But it was so important to me that our kids get to watch their Daddy Graduate. Hopefully it will make a lasting impression and help them to realize that going to college is worth every sacrifice.

Colin has made some really good friends in his classes, and really respects his professors. I am just so grateful to everyone who has made this crazy journey enjoyable. We have had so many people think we that we were crazy from walking away from such a great job. Even the Mayor and headhanchos from the city when Colin interviewed told him he was crazy when they saw on his resume what his old job was and how much he was making. But this decision is something that I knew was the right thing and will Never question.

Trying to get this picture was so hilarious, Alexa was screaming, and Jakob and Conner we doing what boys do best, goofing off.

I just want to tell Colin how much I love him, and how proud of him I am. I know it wasn't easy. And everyone I know is amazed that you could go to school and work full time. What can I say you are superman! Congrats Babe!!

Now on to the next adventure. Finding the perfect job. we have been fortunate enough that Colin has a good job so we can afford to be really picky in our job search. And who knows we might just keep the job he already has. So stayed tuned for the next chapter in our adventure!!

Easter outfits a week early!!

2010-04-01T15:31:00.000-07:00

Since General Conference is on Easter and we will be staying home and watching in our jammies, I let the kids wear there Easter outfits this last Sunday. I first would like to thank my hubby, he is such a good sport and is always willing to match the rest of the family. He was even willing to wear a purple tie, but unfortunately I couldn't find any that weren't flowery. So green it was. And every time i have my kids dressed to match we get so many compliments about how cute they look. For me it was the just how I was raised. We always had coordinating Easter outfits!! And I also need to thank children place for always having matching outfits in all different sizes, I have taken advantage of this many many times, and will again for Colins graduation!!

My Tyler is getting so big, he is really filling out

The Kids were fighting over who got to hold Tyler for the picture so they each took turns

Our Cute family !!

To my Alexa Lou-

2010-03-30T08:10:00.000-07:00

Miss Alexa,
I am so glad to have another girl in the house. You are my partner in crime!! And the 2 of us just have to stick together!! I was so happy the day we found out that we were having a girl. I was even more excited when I got to hold you. You were so teeny tiny, and such a sweet heart. I should of know that you would be drama all the way. Who was I trying to kid you have the "Moon Girl" gene!

Now you are 4 and such a beautiful princess. I love that you love to put on your makeup like Mommy. And get dressed up! I love that you get just as excited about new hair bows as I do. It has been so fun to watch you go into primary and love it. I love to hear you singing the primary songs all through out the week. And I love to hear all that you learned in your class. I hope you stay this excited about church for a long long time!!

And I have loved watching your motherly instinct come out with your new brother. I was so nervous before he was born that you would just be rough and tough with him. But you are not. I love to hear you talk to him the way I do. It reminds me every day that you are watching my every move and listening to what I say. You are just so sweet with Tyler. He is so lucky to have a big sister like you. I also really enjoy having you help me cook and do chores. You are so good at helping me unload and load dishes and laundry. Believe me some day you will get tired of that but for now its fun to watch you be excited!! I also love that you would rather watch cooking shows then cartoons, and then you try and apply it while we cook together. You are just so smart. Maybe someday you can cook us gourmet meals, because I know you will be better at then me !!

I also love you personality, and that you have discovered that posing for pictures or making faces is just so much fun. I love, love, love that you love musicals and I love hearing you sing all the songs. I finally have some one who will go with me to those musicals and movies. I am so excited!!

And I love that you let me use you as a model for my creations. You are so good at it, even if you pick your nose while doing it ( see pic. below :-) ). I Love that you want to carry purses around and that you want to make list of stuff we need from the store like mommy. But I also love that you an get down and dirty with the boys and you are not afraid of some dirt, or a ball, or anything your brothers do. I know I can always count on you to keep them doing the right thing even if I'm not around!!

I am know you are so excited for preschool next year. And honestly I just cant beleive that you are old enough to go and that you are big enough to ride a bike. I wish i could keep you my little princess side kick forever. But I know there is so much more in store for you this next year, I just cant wait to see what it is!! I love you so much Alexa! Happy Birthday big girl!!

Here are some pictures from her birthday!!

Birthday breakfast

And here she is with some of her presents, she started out wanting a princess Tiana( sp?) birhtday. So we bought all the decorations and stuff for a party. But then great grandpa Moon bought her a strawberry shortcake play set. And she fell in love and then changed her mind as to what she wanted. so she had princess decorations and plates then spur of the moment strawberry shortcake cake.

Her new big girl bike which I don't think we will need to keep the training wheels on for long!

And like I said her spur of the moment cake that my frosting was too runny and I did one handed because Tyler just wanted to be held that day. so this is what she got, a printed colored strawberry shortcake cut out and taped to a straw and stuck in a cake that the dots are not very good due to runny frosting and one handed momma. But she loved it and that's all that matters right!!

Can you tell?

2010-03-29T15:00:00.000-07:00

Can

You

Tell

Who

Who?

To my Dear Jakob-

2010-03-22T09:36:00.000-07:00

Dear Jakob,

7 years ago you made us parents, and it has been such a fun adventure. Daddy and I are so proud of you and all the things that you are doing.

I love all the snuggles you give me, I love that you still come in and give me good morning hug and kisses when you wake up. And how aware of my feelings you are. You are just so loving. I love that you adore Tyler and want to read to him and hold him all the time! You are such a good big brother, and both Daddy and I both know what a hard job it is to be the oldest, but you are such a good example to your brothers and sister.

You just blown me away with all the you have learned and your desire to figure out how everything works. I pray that your desire to learn and read will continue your whole life. I love how much you love your Daddy, and want to be just like him. He is the perfect person to have as an example!!
I have loved to watch and hear how your testimony has grown. I love to hear about your experiences with your friends where you have been able to exercise your simple faith. And I love that you want to go to Japan on your Mission just like Daddy. You will be such a good missionary!

I love you so much big boy! I feel so privileged to be your mom, and cant wait to see what this year has in store for you.

love, mom

here are just a few pictures from his birthday!!

a new Wii game

he has been dying to read this book!

To my Sweet Conner

2010-03-09T07:48:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that you are 5 now. You are getting so big. I have really watched you grow up this year. You are such a big helper to your dad and I. You are so smart. I love watching you play and use your imagination. I love having you help me in the kitchen and I love how you love anything dough. Play dough, pizza dough, roll dough, bread dough. You are becoming an expert at rolling and kneading!! I also love to watch you dance. You really have the moves!! And even your cousin Brady likes to dance like you!! I love listening you figuring out words that rhyme. I Love listening to your prayers, and hearing you tell us about all you learned in primary. And how cute are you in your suits with your scriptures and your "Future Missionary" tag. You will be a great missionary some day!! I also love snuggling with you and getting all of your cute love notes. But most of all I love your big smile and your big gorgeous eyes.

I also love you being silly, like when you decided to dress up in Alexa clothes and poses like she does!! You come up with the craziest things!

And it has been so fun to watch you be a big brother to Tyler. You love him so much and always make sure he is included in everything even if he is to small to do it!! What a sweet heart you are.

Conner we love you so much and are so glad you are part of our family. I know you are so excited to go to kindergarten, but I will be so sad to have my Conner Bug be gone. But I know you are ready. I love you so much, and I look forward to this next year and all the crazy adventures we will go on together!! love , Mom

Here are some pictures of Conner on His big Day!!

Eating his birthday breakfast

I love the look on his face as he opened socks! I know church socks aren't exciting but you really needed them.This is much better. I knew lego's would do the trick!!

the finished product. Good job Conner!!

Changing

2010-03-05T11:40:00.000-08:00

This post is mostly for Grandmas and Grandpas, and family out of state!! So for the rest of you I'm sorry but this post will just be a bunch a of pictures of the little Mr.! Tyler is getting bigger, his cheeks are filling out and are just so fun to kiss!! He is getting into my favorite baby stage. He is smiling and interacting with us . I Love to hear him " talking" and kicking his legs and using his hands to bat things.

Just waking up

Snuggle time

Playing with his big Sister

This is one of my favorite times of the day, along with the kids, When Daddy comes home!! I love to watch Colin interact with Tyler and He can always get him to smile and talk. He is such a good Daddy!!

Tummy Time

Just waiting for him to smile....

Well there is half a smile!!! He is just so cute!!

Every day I am amazed at Tyler and the fact that he is even here. I am continually thankful and so very grateful for my Heavenly Fathers hand in my life. Because if it had been left up to me this perfect little munchkin wouldn't be in my life, and that would just be oh so wrong. I think that Heavenly Father knew that with Colin's school coming to an end and another big life change coming up I would be stressed, and over thinking things way to much. So he sent me this Sweet Little Angel to focus my energy into, and enjoy his sweet spirit. So that I wouldn't worry to much about what is to come. Because When you are a Mom to 4 great kids, one of them being a sweet 8 week old, you cant help but focus all your energy and thinking on them, and just surviving the (minute, hour) day. And once again He has taught me that if I just have some faith in Him, everything will turn out just the way they are meant to be. The way they should be!!

I must be crazy

2010-01-28T17:36:00.000-08:00

This is, I believe the first blog post I have written. The following story is straight from my mouth, and I am quite proud of what I did today! Enjoy...
-Colin

While I was over at the Police Department yesterday helping fix some computer problems they were having, a few of the officers told me that they were having TASER training in the morning. I thought nothing of it, but a few of the guys suggested that I come and participate.

Later on in the evening I got a call from one of the patrol supervisors about a computer issue, and he too suggested that I join them. The thing they didn't tell me was there was going to only be 3 of us getting tasered. The rest were there just to watch and have a fun time.

All day long I kept getting calls from the PD about the same thing. I told them that I couldn't dedicate my day to the training, but I will show up at 3 to participate in the games. I don't think they took me seriously, but when I showed up at 2:50 they all had a laugh and asked if I was going to do it.

With something to prove, and to become part of the brotherhood, I told them that I was ready! With the 2 other officers already taken care of, it was now my turn. I don't know why anybody would subject themselves to 50,000 volts with 2 amps (it must be a manly thing), but I was focused and ready. The video below tells the rest of the story.

Entry wound

These are the prongs they shoot

Thanks Babe!! I think you are right when you said that its just manly, because I cant think of any reason why any one would volunteer for that. You crazy macho men.

So I couldn't let a post go up with out a few pictures of our cute little man. I cant believe he is 3 weeks already. We are loving him so much, but I think he might have his days and night mixed up. I keep praying that it will start working it self out. Until then if Colin or I look like we are asleep on our feet, well we certainly wish we were!!

Conner playing with Tyler

The Bowler Boys!

Bath Time!! ( I love this picture of him!! He is changing so much)

Alexa having her snuggle time

Now its Jakob's turn

Baby Tyler!!!

2010-01-13T16:24:00.000-08:00

Well these last 9 days have just been crazy. I am finally getting around to the pictures that I have promised my sister, and rest of the family. So here is the story and all the pictures to go with!!

I was scheduled to have a c- section on the 11th almost 2 weeks before my due date. Everything of course was scheduled around that date including my parents coming up to help with the kids. So on Wednesday morning the 6th at 2:45 am when my water broke I almost had a panic attack. I had no one to watch the kids no back up plan, nothing. And let me just say having your water break on its own, instead of the Dr. doing it in the hospital, is quite the experience to say the least. I can't even imagine having that happen in a public place. I was embarrassed enough walking into the hospital while leaking fluid. After hitting my hubby ( who had only been in bed for an hour because of homework) to tell him what had happened we were able to get a hold of my sister ( who had only been asleep for an hour due to fun college life :-) and have her come watch the kids!! Thanks April you are a life saver!! We got to the hospital and after some test to check if my water was really broken ( whatever, of course it was, did they think i just walk around and continually wet my self) they called the Dr. and we were able to finally get he ball rolling. Our precious Tyler was born at 7:56 am and was a whopping 5 lbs 15 oz. and 19 inches long. I don't know why but beside Jakob my babies have all been teeny tiny. I would just like to say that I was so nervous that my kids would be so bent out of joint when Tyler came along, but it has been just the opposite and love him so much and have been the best helpers and love to snuggle and kiss Tyler as much as they can!!! I also need to thank everyone who helped us on Wednesday. When My water first broke I texted my mom and jokingly told her to start driving ( they live in Washington) cause my water just broke. Well she was not messing around and both her and my dad were in the car and on there way here with in an hour. She also took over calling people who could help watch the kids till they got here so Colin and I wouldn't have to stress about it. My parents have been life savers. Thanks Dad for coming and helping with the kids. And Mom I would not be surviving if it were not you. Thank you for coming and staying and be willing to sleep on an air mattress for 2 weeks and take care of everything for me. I love you guys!! I also need to thank Ryan and Stacy Graham for first of all answering their phone so early and also for taking the kids for a while. You were such a big help, thank you!!! And then of course to my sister April and brothers for each taking turns watching the munchkins and for driving them up to the hospital. Thanks for making everything run so smoothly.

Tyler is such a sweet baby. He loves to snuggle and be held. He has had jaundice and has had to use a Billi blanket to bring his numbers down . But he has been a trooper. And we love him. I think we have decided that he resembles Conner's baby pictures the most, so we will see if that holds or if his looks will be totally different. Here are a ton of pictures of our cute Tyler!! Enjoy!!

Colin getting all dressed up in scrubs to go into the operating room with us

Here he is!!

First bath

Snugly jammies

Daddy and Tyler decked out in their foot ball gear, you got to start them young you know!!

Conner and Alexa with the flowers from Colin's work

Tiny foot!!

Uncle Blake

Uncle Jordan

Conner's first time holding Tyler

Alexa first time holding him

Jakob's first time

Day # 2

Daddy and Tyler

Conner with balloon he picked out for Tyler

Tyler and his frogs

My oldest with my youngest

Uncle Brian

Grandpa finally made it after along drive

Grandma Moon

Our glow worm, using the billi blanket to help with the jaundice.

Our first family pictures as a family of 6

My sweet boys

Tyler getting ready to go home!!

All strapped into his car seat!

welcome home tyler

He may be a thumb sucker??

the kids giving a quilt that my mom made for tyler the snuggle test, I think it passed!!

Tyler and his snuggly football blanket

he is so stinkin cute

Daddy and tyler, I just love that cute brown beanie that I found for him he looks so cute in it.

Life with 4 kids has been ok so far, but my mom has been here every step of the way so when she leaves i might change my mind. I'll let you know

Christmas in Rexburg

2010-01-12T13:12:00.001-08:00

This year for Christmas we decided to stay home, we had a great time. It was a nice relaxing day. But we still missed our family and all the fun that we missed. But I think we did a good job of creating some good memories. Here are some pictures from our Christmas!!

This year our Christmas outfits were black and silver!! I thought we were looking pretty good!!!

On Christmas eve we decided to take the kids and go see Chipmunks the Squeakwll and play Some of the games they have at the movie theater. We had a blast!!

Then we headed home and did our traditional Christmas Eve routine. Part of which we all get new pjs!!

Then the kids decided they wanted to all sleep in the same room for the night.

Christmas morning, Alexa got a caboodle to keep all her makeup in. She still is packing this thing around.

Conner got the Handy Many tool shop

Princess set from g& g moon!!

green scooter from g & g moon

Keyboard from g&g moon

All the kids got Knitted hats from G& g bowler!!

Jakob sporting his new bathrobe

Alexa and her jewelry box

Snow sled from Jo and Nat which they love

Nerf guns

GI Joe dress up stuff

Bathtub little mermaid

Alexa in her new bathrobe and putting on her new makeup

The boys and all there GI Joe stuff From Santa

Colin and his pull up bar, you are so buff babe!!

And then the next day we headed out to get good use of the new snow sled. We had so much fun

We had a great holiday, and had lots of fun with Daddy being Home!!

Our October

2009-11-02T10:47:00.001-08:00

Well this last month as been a busy one. We have had so much fun. Jakob finished his football season. Conner and Alexa have been loving preschool and doing well at it. Alexa is having boy trouble, she has 2 boys that constantly try to kiss her at preschool. Her teachers tell me that she is really nice to them and tells them to stop. Which I am shocked about cause at home if any of us try to come near her she screams (reminds me of Laura) and starts hitting us. So I'm sure one of these days the teacher will tell me that she wrestled the boys to the ground and smacked them.

Colin and Jakob have been so busy with school, and they both amaze me. Colin just seem to handle working full time and school full like its no big deal. And I am so proud of him every day. Jakob definitely follows in his dads footsteps, school is so easy for him. He most certainly got his math skills from his dad. Jakob loves math and both his teacher and I have been amazed at how quickly he has picked it up and excelled. I will take credit for his reading success. He loves to read and once again is well beyond his level. He also has been having some girl trouble, as in which one is the cutest, which one likes him the most. Apparently the list is long. Conner is just doing so good. He of course is around while Jakob does his homework or hears as we quiz Jakob on math problems or spelling words, so he is picking up on them as well. He can now do all the basic addition between 0 - 10. And is learning how to spell some basic words. Good job Mr.

I am just plugging along. Perfecting the pregnant waddle!! I am thankful (as is Colin and the kids I'm sure) that I am feeling better and back at cooking and baking and keeping food in the house. I have been loving fall and enjoying making all those yummy recipes that I keep finding on food blogs. I also was able to help with our wards super Saturday and I think it turned out great and I came home with some really fun stuff!!

So here a quite a few pictures of our adventures in this last month, sorry so many. Our family decided to be the Seahawks for Halloween. The boys were football players, Alexa the cheerleader, Colin the coach and I the ref. It was a lot of fun and we ran across lots of Seahawks fans here in good ol' Rexburg.

After Jakob's last football game

We found some of the under the eye football stickers at the store and of course had to get them and try them on!!

At the pumpkin Patch

Don't we have 3 cute pumpkins!!

The kids even got to take a ride around the acres of pumpkins on a train!!

Waiting for the kiddos while they ride the train!!

Enjoying a pumpkin doughnut!!

This is a funny story. After the pumpkin patch we headed to Olive Garden for lunch. Colin was decked out in brand makers gear ( shirt and hat. which you can see if you look at Colin in the pumpkin patch pictures) which is his brothers Ryan company. When we got out of the car we see a big truck with the brand makers symbol on it and the guy driving hops out and it turns out to be Ryan's boss and owner of the company who lives in Utah!! I think he was just as surprised to see some one in Idaho wearing his stuff!! Anyways Ryan keep the stuff coming!! Colin is doing good at advertising for you.

Colin got to go be part of potato harvest for one of his classes. But some how we only scored a small back of them.

Here's the family at our ward Halloween party!!

The boys with there friend Ashton!!

And here they are on the hay ride at the school carnival,

after a long day of filling 400 bags with popcorn. Next year I wont be so excited to help out with stuff at the school. Lesson definitely learned .

And here is what happens while I take a shower. Conner and Alexa set up a tea party or more like a milk and cookies party. They took a bunch of my unfrosted sugar cookies, opened all the pop tarts, opened candy that was for trick or treaters, and poured milk. And yes and don't forget the Center piece of pine cones and leaves. They have been trained well :)

My little vampires, and yes the blood is marker, we are still trying to scrub it off. For some reason they tried to put toothpaste on first cause they thought it would make good blood, then they used marker. well the 2 combined have turned into a big scrubbing ordeal.

And Finally ready to go trick or treating!

Don't you love Alexa pose

Some friends of ours in our ward always set up the best yard decorations so here they are at the " haunted house"

My pumpkins with their pumpkins!!

So now we are on to Thanksgiving and to Christmas!! I am so excited for them but also nervous to have the time go by to fast cause after Christmas our newest addition will make his debut and I'm just not ready to tackle 4 kids yet. Oh help !!

Baby, preschool, caramel apples and more!!!

2009-10-01T12:37:00.000-07:00

Well as many of you know we are expecting our 4th child in January. We found out in early September that it will be another boy!!! Here are 2 pictures from our ultrasound!!

Profile, his head is in the middle, then his body goes to the left

The between the legs shot!! The arrow is pointing to his manhood, which in my mind leaves no question :)

Also in September Both Conner and Alexa started in preschool, different ones, but we managed to get them in on the same days at he same time. So 3 times a week I have some free time. And I am loving it and the kids are loving school!!!

Conner after his first day of preschool!

Alexa after her first day!!

For family home evening we made caramel apples, and we drizzled chocolate and nuts all over them!! So yummy

And this is the kids at the farmers market eating some yummy treats!!

Enjoying some fresh corn!!!

Conner picked to have cotton candy, so messy, but so yummy!!

The next 2 are just of Alexa being silly

Rocking a side pony tail!!!

And finally I am hoping to get some video up of Jakob making a touch down ( I need Colin to do it, I don't know how to get the video from the video camera to here) So check back later!!!

Jakobs Firsts

2009-09-02T07:28:00.000-07:00

Jakob has had busy month this last month. He lost his first tooth (without the dentist help). He started first grade!! He had his first cavity free dentist visit. And he has started playing flag football, which of course lead to his first touchdown!!! Way to go Mr. we are so proud of you. We love you so much and you are such a great big brother to your brother and sister. You have also been such a trooper while mommy has been sick lately, but your hugs and snuggles always seem to make things better!! We love you so much big boy!! This year is gonna be a great one for you

Jakob on his first day of school

Then onto his football game, at Jakob's age they play flag football and also the coach is the quarterback and pretty much stays on the field the whole time to help the kids get lined up for defense and stuff like that. His team is called the Broncos and they are still waiting on their jerseys but they played their first game with out them and they did great!!

Jakob being team captain.

Ready, set, hike.

Running his route.

Team Huddle

Right after His touch down ( I was to slow with the camera to get the actual event, Bummer)
He was so proud of himself!!!

Colin getting to be quarterback.

it took me so long.....

2009-08-26T15:32:00.001-07:00

So I finished the update of our Washington vacation but it was dated so far back that I thought I would post a new thing that would let you know that the previous post is new just back dated!!! So scroll down and enjoy all the many pictures of our fun summer in Washington!!!!

Update Continued!!!!!!

2009-08-18T08:45:00.001-07:00

So I uploaded these pictures right after my last update but never got around to adding text, so here it goes.
After the semester was over Colin, April, Brian, Lacy, Jordan, and Natalie all made the long drive to join us up in Washington. Then we went over to Orcas Island for a camping trip. It was so much fun, it was the first time since both of my brothers have been married that we were able to have a family vacation. We had a lot of fun and we even got to celebrate Cameron's birthday while we were there. The kids loved the Star Wars Party and Laura did such a good job with every detail!!! My only complaint of the trip was the heat and the bees, I have serious issues with bees. The kids had such a blast and we loved going swimming in the lake everyday. Jakob and Colin even got to jump off a bridge into the lake!!!! Here are some fun pictures of our adventure!!!

the ferry ride over

Colin setting up our tent all by himself, he is such a stud!!!

Jakob and I

Jakob and April

The kids shaking the ice cream balls so we could have some homemade ice cream!!!

the kids lined up for a donut eating contest for Cameron's birthday ( it was part of the Jedi training!!)

Then the big kids lined up!!!

After the kids passed their Jedi Training they each got to become Darth Vader!!

And of course the Pinata

So cute Jakob

Alexa eating Grandpas yummy homemade salsa

At the Lake!!!

We even got Grandma and Grandpa Ed to join us!!!

Making sand castles

Catching some fish

Good catch boys

Natalie fixing Alexa's hair

Alexa and Lacy being twins with their hair!!

Bridge jumping!! Go Jakob go!!

The crazy kids

up on Mount Constitution

my boys

I just liked this picture, Natalie did such a good job of entertaining the kids on the ferry ride back. Thanks Natalie you are awesome!!!

After camping we were able to head over to the Bowlers house where the rest of the family was already and join them for a few days. We were able to get the I -90 to see the blue angles

Waiting for the blue angles

The boys wanting to be as high up as they could!!!

We also were able to get to the city center where the kids had a blast in the water fountains
!!!

Even Uncle Blake enjoyed Couldn't resist the Fun!!!

We enjoyed getting to be back in Washington and spending time with all our family!!!! We just wish it wasn't such a long drive!!!

It's been way to long

2009-08-12T09:40:00.000-07:00

Wow I cant believe how long it's been since I have updated our blog. I have a really good excuse though. In early may I discovered that we are expecting Baby number 4. And if you know me then you know how very sick I get. I survived May just fine. June on the other hand was a nightmare. Which led to Colin and my decision to take up my parents on their offer and have the kids and I head to Washington for the month of July. Colin was still in school, and of course working. Both full time, which means he had full time homework on top of that. So going to My parents house was the best thing for me and the kids while I was sick. I am so glad we did that. The kids missed their dad terribly but I feel like they actually had a good summer and got to do lots of fun things ( thanks to my mom and sister Laura!!!). So that is my excuse for not blogging for months, I have been sick and gone!!!

So here is my update. Right before we left for Washington, my brother in law Blake got married in the Twin falls Temple. So we were able to have a quick Bowler family get together and that was really fun. Then we headed back to rexburg with Colin's Parents for the 4th of July where we met up with my parents who were there to whisk me and the kids back to Washington. We were able to get to the parade and the kids loved it and got way to much candy!! The next morning the kids and I said our good byes to Daddy and we took off in my parents van to Washington. The kids and I really enjoyed being back in Washington. My paretns were life savers while I was not feeling good, and I am so thankful for them and there willingness to have their quite house taken over by my rowdy kids. It was also so nice to be close to Laura and to let the kids play together. Laura was able to get my kids signed up for swimming lessons with her kids, and they loved it so much. Here are just a few pictures of our first half of summer I will do another post with more pictures from the rest of our stay in Washington!!

Our family waiting for the parade to start!!!

Our cute kiddos, all decked out for the 4th!!

Good ol' Alexa!!

The kids getting a chance to use the hoses from the fire trucks!!

Blake and Kelsie after being sealed

Great Grandpa Rodgers with all the kids.

Our kids outside the twin falls temple

Swimming Lessons

At Woodland park Zoo

So I will do another post sooner then later( I promise) and get the rest of our summer updated!!!

Kindergarten Graduation

2009-06-02T09:46:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday Jakob had kindergarten graduation. He was so excited. He asked for all kinds of things. A graduation card, a graduation cake, a graduation dinner. He did get the graduation dinner!!! I was so proud of him. They sang us a bunch of songs and it was so fun to watch Jakob!!

Singing us some songs

Then he got his certificate, a CD with a slide show of his class, and his report card with a paper from his new teacher for next year.

Jakob with his teacher Mrs Nicholas!!! He sure loved her

And then of course a bunch of family pictures

They boys with Grandma Moon

the bowler boys

And our family!!!!

I have some video that I want to put up that I will add later ( when Colin is around to help).

Jakob I just want to tell you how proud of you I am. I am so glad that you have loved school and set such a great example for your younger brother and sister. We love you!!

New Moon the trailer

2009-06-01T11:11:00.000-07:00

What do you think? Do you like it? What do you think of Jacob phasing?

I needed a little pick me up....

2009-05-20T07:48:00.000-07:00

I saw these 2 videos on my friends blog a few months ago. They really made me laugh!! It helped me to remember that every mom has those crazy days like I do ( even Hilary Weeks), and to not feel sorry for myself. So I needed a little pick me up today and a reminder that I'm not the only one struggling. So I thought I would add these videos for everyone to enjoy and have a good laugh and pick me up!!

Oh yeah remember to pause my music player it obnoxious, I know. Do you like blogs with music players? Should I get rid of it? Be honest tell me what you think?!!

Enjoy the videos!!!

Chopped

2009-05-08T07:18:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was Alexa's first trip to the " hair cut store" as she called it. It was time, I have been trimming her hair for a while now. But her hair is so thin, and stringy and it just wouldn't hold a curl for nothing. So when I went to get my hair cut last week I asked the girl what she suggested to do she had some really good ideas. So last night we went back, Alexa has actually been bugging for it for a while. She was such a big girl, and was so excited. I swear it only took like 10 minutes to cut and it looks so good.

Before- her hair had been in sponge curlers for hours, this was 5 minutes after I took them out.

After, It is almost like she a a-line. it works really well and the lady cut it so it would curl under by itself!! Thank you so much. Now I just need to make sure that one of the hundreds of bows she has will still work in this new do!!!

After wards I told her that I would take her to get an ice cream cone for being so good, but she wanted her "brofers" to come and her daddy, so we picked the up and then off to G's dairy went (the best ice cream ever) What a fun day for a 3 year old!!

My kids do the weirdest things

2009-05-06T09:06:00.001-07:00

Its so true, my kids are weird. You could say they get it from me but I think its all their Dad!!! I think my husband goal in life it to tease everyone and he like to give people a hard time. He is so good at it!!! So I know that my kids definitely get it from him. Here are some recent pictures that I have taken of the Kiddos. Enjoy!!

Jakob put his Daddy's suit coat on instead of his own. He has some big shoes to fill!!

Balloon head

Gak in Alexa hair, It took some serious magic (learned from google) and time to get this stuff out. Gak is now banned from our house cause it also sticks just as bad to the couch and the carpet :(

Conner fell asleep with his finger in his nose, what a weirdo!!

And then Alexa's crazy hair after nap. I think we might have to start calling her Mufassa (the bad lion from lion king) instead of April when it comes to bed head hair. I think April will be Happy to give up that title:)

Our Last Minute Adventure

2009-04-20T07:43:00.000-07:00

Colin works for the city of Rexburg. Last Wednesday he had to work super late covering a meeting the big wigs had where they discuss all the things going on in the city and all the new things that are coming. Any ways because of this he was able put those hours towards another day and come home early. So we decide to use those hours on Friday and have a way last minute adventure to Salt Lake City. We got a hotel and decide that we wanted to take the kiddos to go see temple square!!! I quickly threw stuff in a bag and gathered up all we would need. We did not tell the kids what we were doing. They figured we were going somewhere when I asked them to bring me their toothbrushes!! As soon as Colin got the stuff int he car we were off. The kids only figured out we were going to Utah when they saw the " Welcome to Utah" sign. I had texted my 2 sister in laws and told them of our crazy adventure and hoped we could meet up with them. Ryan and Amanda were able to meet up with us that night at Chucky Cheese. The kids( both big and little ;) ) had a blast!!

The big kids having fun

Amanda and I, you can certainly tell whose daughter is whose!!

Alexa and Alli had fun playing together!!

this is one of my favorite pictures. It was so funny to watch Alli climb on stuff and try to help her parents play!!

On Saturday we were able to meet up with Erin Jeremy and kids on temple square. That was a lot of fun as well. The kids had a lot of fun playing with there cousins. I loved seeing all the things. I loved our little sweet tour guide for the conference center. I learned a lot of things. And it made me realize how much thought and effort our dear sweet prophets put in to each thing they do.

The Maughan and Bowler Kids

Colin decided to take individual pictures of the kids and I thought they turned out pretty cute!!

We were able to go to the roof of the church office buildings and see the veiw!!

So cute!

Stopping to smell the flowers

The kids all snuggled in fro the night in our hotel!!

I am so glad that we did this. We had tons of fun and it was just good to get out of Rexburg. It was weird for both of us to deal with traffic again, and weird people. How easy you forget what the " real world" is like. I don't know if that is a good or bad thing?!

Recipe blog!!!

2009-04-15T13:18:00.001-07:00

So I finally got around to starting the recipe blog that I have been dreaming up for quite some time. It is my way of getting you to share your Yummy recipes with me!! I would love to have as many Contributors as possible, we will be having different themes each week to make it fun. So if you would like to share some recipes let me know and leave me your email address and I will send you an invite so you can have access to the blog to post your recipes!! Check it out http://therecipeswap09.blogspot.com/. We are just getting started and if you'd like to join the fun let me know. If you just want to get some good recipes then keep checking back!! Happy Cooking!!!

Our Easter....

2009-04-13T07:41:00.000-07:00

We had a really fun Easter this year. It was pretty low key but fun. The kids had fun dying eggs, it was fun to watch them figure out if they put it in different colors that it would make totally different colors. They really enjoyed themselves

And then here are the kids showing off some of there Easter treats and their cute new outfits.

Alexa has been doing this thing where she thinks she needs to close her eyes for pictures!!

My 2 handsome boys!!
I Always curl her hair for church. On Easter she had sponge curlers in her hair for hours. Her curl never holds. My sister in laws have even tried but no such luck. The curl is always gone by the time we get to church

My cute kids

Showing off their Easter baskets

Her bow that I made to match her dress!

We had Brian and Lacy over for Easter dinner. Alexa got some play makeup in her basket and Lacy was brave enough to let Alexa put some on her!! So cute!!

So it was a great day. We are thankful that Brian and Lacy were here to celebrate with us. Now the kids are on a huge sugar high from the candy, and grass from there baskets is in such random places. So now I'm off to hide the candy and to trash the grass!! Hope you had a good Easter too!!

My sweet Alexa Lou ( better late then never)

2009-03-25T07:45:00.000-07:00

Alexa, Alexa, Alexa, where to start? I love you so much, but since I found out I was pregnant with you my/ our life has been turned up side down. You were a big surprise to say the least. And to this day you still surprise me. You sure do keep us on our toes. But I love it. I was so excited to have a girl. And I am afraid that I may have created a monster. You love to wear dresses all the time. You love bows in your hair. You love music and you learn the words so quickly!! I am so excited for when you are older and can sit for longer periods, that we will be able to go to all the musicals and concerts together. I have watched you blossom so much this year. You are talking so well, Sometimes I forget that you just only turned 3. Sometimes I feel like I'm talking to older kid. I love the time we get to spend together while your brothers are off at school. I Love that you love to go shopping with me. I Love your cute smile, and funky styles you dress your self in. I love that you want to do dishes with me, but I don't want you to start with that yet. Believe me you have a life full of dishes ahead of you and I want you to stay away from them while you can!!! I Love to see you snuggle you brothers, and your daddy. It is so sweet to see you get so broken hearted when daddy forgets to give you a kiss before he leaves. I know you love him so much!! And he loves you to, although I think you have him a little worried after we caught you kissing Zac Effron on the TV at the end of Hairspray. You are way to young for that little miss!! I love how you are such a good helper in nursery and want to help the kids who are crying. We love you so much Lexa and I know this year you will grow even more and Mommy and Daddy will lay awake at night wondering whats next with you. But you know what I know that I deserve every bit of it ( Grandma Moon will agree). So you go big girl. And I will try so hard to keep up with you. Just please NO more kissing boys, even on the tv. We are not ready for that. Happy Birthday Alexa, we love you!!

My Sweet Jakob

2009-03-18T07:46:00.000-07:00

Dear Jakob, I cant believe you are six. Wow the time has flown by. It seems like just yesterday that I realized that I was pregnant with you. We were so excited. You are so much like your Dad. And that is a good thing. It has been so fun to watch you grow and develop into the big little boy that you are. I have been so excited to see you learn all kinds of fun things this year in kindergarten. The knowledge that you have and the things that you remember or just figure out amazes me. I love how sensitive you are, and also how protective of your brother and sister you are. I love to listen to your sweet prayers, and hear you tell us about all you learned at church, and then ask questions. I am so proud of your ever growing testimony, I know that you love your Heavenly Father and try really hard to choose the right always! I love how much you love your dad, and want to do everything with him that you can. And how proud you are of him, and HE is so very proud of you. I can tell that your relationship with him is going to be something that I will always be jealous of, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Jakob thank you so much for being such a big helper around the house, and with Conner and Alexa. We know being the oldest( both me and daddy are) is sometimes hard with added responsibility but you are so good at it, keep it up little bug!! I love you so very much Mr. But please slow down your growing, pretty soon you re gonna be smarter then me, and taller too and I am just not quite ready for that, after all you are only 6. Happy Birthday big boy! I hope you have lots of fun adventures this year!!!

First day of school

100th day of school ( they got to wear pjs and have a 100 party)

My Dear Conner Bug......

2009-03-07T21:23:00.000-08:00

My dear sweet Conner, another year has flown by, and you are now 4. I can't believe it. You have been such a joy in our family. I have watched you this last year grow up so much. You are now in primary. You love your preschool and learning. I Love that you love to do your
"homework" when your big brother is doing his. I love to watch you sound out words, and practice writing. You are doing so good!! I love watching you be a big brother to Alexa and to sneak a peak at you when you tuck her in for nap time. I love, love, love to watch you dance. Seeing you do your moves brings such big smiles to my face. I hope you never give it up and I promise to get you in the right classes so you can be break dancing before you know it!!!! But the thing I cherish most right now is your snuggles, and hugs and kisses. I love when you come tell me " I love you so much mama". You melt my heart, and I know you are getting older and it won't be so cool to snuggle your mom for much longer, but I will cherish every moment of it now. I love your laugh when daddy tickles you or makes silly faces at you. I love hearing your prayers and blessing that your grandmas and grandpas will come see you. I love that you love and want to be with your daddy so much. And to watch you try to do all that Jakob does. I love that you want to help me in the kitchen, and that you love to wear slippers. You are so special to us and we love you so much. Please slow down your growing, its passing me by to quickly. And I want to remember every second. I love you my Conner bug!!! Happy Birthday!!

after a day of fun birthday shopping

Conner and his best bud, Dad!!!

My dancing homey

There is just a little bit of Laura in there!!

2009-02-25T09:50:00.000-08:00

So I swear my kids have none of my genes in them. If you know Jakob then you know he is a miniature Colin. Conner is looking more and more like Jordan and my Dad. Alexa now she might have more of me then anyone, but some of it I don't want to take claim for. But lately I have been noticing more and more of my sister Laura showing up in her. Maybe its because I miss Laura so much that I looking for it, but I don't think I'm going crazy. Growing up Laura was constantly getting after me (and everyone else) to not touch her. Its not like we intentionally bugged her but if I was sitting next to her in church and my long hair some how touched her she would get mad. Or if you sat too close to her, or looked at her ( ok maybe not that bad). But guess who has been doing this at my house latley. Yep Miss Alexa throws a huge fit if her brothers, or Dad sit any where near her, or if they touch her or her blankets ( which she now calls her Medecine blankets and her heart blanket, go figure). Recentley Alexa has taken to wearing her bathing suit under neath all her clothes and once again this is soooooo Laura. You see when Laura was younger her and her best friend Melissa had this theory that if they wanted it to snow they would wear their snow suits to bed, to school, anywhere they could get away with it. And you know what it some times worked. And then of coure they also did vise versa, if they wanted to see the sun they would wear their bathing suits under their clothes for days!!! I have really been having flashbacks when I see Alexa being so Laura. Now maybe if Cameron starts making brady doing excersises on christmas mornings, or saying "go back in my histroy" Laura will know that Cameron has a little bit of me mixed in there.!!!

Laura holding Alexa And baby brady ( about 2 years ago)

Alexa in her bathing suit phase!!!

Laundry, How do you do it???

2009-02-03T10:12:00.000-08:00

I have serious laundry issues. It seems I always have piles, dirty or clean. I feel like I have tried it all to stay on top of things. I have done all the laundry in the house One day each week. It made for a long day of washing folding and putting away. Then I switched to Doing laundry by room. Colin and mines on Monday, boys on Tuesday, Alexa Wednesday, towels and bedding Thursday. But it seemed like I never had full loads, and I can't just mix whites, darks and reds all in one load for the boys. So Next I went to doing a load or two each day. Now I just do it when I have time. But here is my major problem. I am really good at getting stuff washed but getting it folded and put away is a different story. I have found that I like folding the clothes and putting them away after the kids go to bed and I am watching my shows that are recorded. But the problem with that is that I have baskets of clothes sitting around all day and my kids some how always mange to dump them out and make an even bigger mess. So I want to know what works for you? What is your routine? How about socks? Do you throw them all in a big basket and then mate them all once a week or how do you work it? How do you guarantee the same socks in the same load? Do fold as soon as it comes out of the dryer, or does it sit? Tell me your secrets cause seriously I need a new routine! Help!!!

Proof

2009-01-30T10:01:00.000-08:00

Here is some more proof that my husband is superman ( I have always known but for you doubters, you know who you are, here is further evidence). My husband who is going to school full time, working full time and seems to squeeze in enough time to make sure that our kids are really clueless as to how busy daddy is, got employee of the month this month at work. I am so proud of him. Because he is going to school he has to leave work 3 different times each day for classes. But it seems that that doesn't hinder his work or what the other employees think of him. Way to go my superman. I actually think that he really loves him job. He gets to work with all the city employees, including the fire department, police department, and mayor. Its hard not to miss how fast he runs out the door when either department calls him for something. I am amazed at how much info and things that those guys tell him. Stuff he probably shouldn't know being the computer guy. But Colin loves it, and I love that he enjoys what he is doing, and even more I love that they recognize what a hard working great guy he is. He has been getting a lot of calls from co- workers to come help with their home computers, and they all offer money which is great and has Colin thinking of starting a side business. So we will see what comes of that. Here is the link to the article that was in the city of rexburg newsletter about Colin. I never in a million years could of predicted that Colin would find a job that he loves while on our adventure here in rexburg. I really thought we would just be surviving until we could get out of here. But Colin seems to be thriving, which really helps him get through the long nights of school work, and the small amount of sleep he gets every night. If he didn't love it we would all be miserable!! So Congratulations babe, you deserve it!!! And thanks once again for being our Superman!!! I love you!

Time for an Update

2009-01-20T07:11:00.000-08:00

Wow it has been way to long. I hope to be better at this cause I know that all our family that is in different states like to hear and see pictures of the kids. So I will try harder!!!

We have had so much that has happened since our last post that I think that I will just give you the highlights in the form of a list. I don't feel like spending all day typing out all the details, to much to do. So here it is!

- We had our first solo Christmas. It was just our little family. And it was great, we missed grandmas and grandpas tho. But it was nice to not have to go anywhere and just stay and play all day!

-We had both sides of the family come visit us after Christmas. The entire Bowler Family minus blake. Then a few days after they left my parents and April came to drop April off at school. But we sure missed my sister Laura and her munchkins, it wasn't the same with out her.

- I have now seen Twilight 4 times. Crazy I know. But each time it was with someone who hadn't seen it yet, and I couldn't pass it up. It did help that they moved it to the $2 theater;)

-My kids have all been to the dentist, Jakob had his 2 front teeth pulled. Alexa and Conner did great. I am so glad that our insurance covers our great pediatric dentist. The kids sure love going there. And all the staff is very complimentary of my kids so I love going there too!!

-I pretty much flew solo (everyone els was on the commitee was out of town or busy) for the January enrichment, setting up, teaching, clean up, refreshments. It was alot of hard work but it was so much fun to see how creative the sisters are!

- Went through the house again, and did another D.I . run. Our apartment is to small and we have to much stuff so I am constantly going through stuff trying to minimize.

- took the kids to High school musical 3 at the $2 theater. Did not like it.

- took the kids to go see Bed Time Stories. Loved it!!!

- I have been loving having my sister April here and 2 sister in laws. But I'm still waiting for Laura to move here. It wont happen but a girl can wish, right??

- Colin started school back up, and it seems as if this semester will be the hardest yet. Crazy schedule, Crazy amounts of homework, and no sleep. Really I don't know how he does it. But he does it all very well with no complaining. He's our super dad!!

- Artic circle is adding a play area to their restaurant in rexburg. I am very excited to have somewhere besides McDonald's to take the kids during the frigid winter months!!

-Conner gets to go to the preschool on campus again, and he is so excited.

ok I think that list should get everyone caught up on what they have missed. Maybe my next post will be pictures!!

the wedding

2008-12-09T11:29:00.000-08:00

The Saturday after Thanksgiving my brother Brian got married to an awesome girl. They got married in Twin falls. SO we got to go on a little overnighter. The kids had fun in the hotel. They loved the bath tub!!

The next morning we were up and at them early to get to the temple on time. The kids sure looked cute all dressed up!!

Right as they came out of the temple!!

Lacy was so gorgeous!! And these to have so much fun together!!

Heres our attempt at a family picture in front of the temple. It was so windy

Brian and Lacy at the Luncheon. It was so nice. Good job Mom and Dad!!

Natalie and Alexa

Cute kids!!

Conner and April

After the luncheon was over and we were cleaning up, conner helped by collectin the left over treat buckets. But he never wanted to put them down. Eventuyally we talked himinto hiding them them in my purse. So we came home with mayber 30 treat cups!!

Brain and Alexa at the reception later that night!!

Congratulations you guys, we love you!! And Lacy welcome to the family, I couldnt have asked for a better sister inlaw!!!

Twilight .... Finally

2008-12-02T08:02:00.001-08:00

I know I'm late, everyone has already seen it, I decided to wait and see it with my sisters and mom when they came in town. And that we did. My Mom, Laura, Natalie, Lacy, and I went to go see it. The only person missing was April and we sure missed her. But we loved the movie. Laura wasn't crazy about Edward. But both Natalie and I loved him. I wasn't crazy about the guy they picked for Jacob, but Laura loved him. Other then that I thought it was really good. Sure there were a few things that were off from the book. But over all I walked away from the movie with the same feeling as when I finished the book, ready for the next one. And I will definetley be seeing it again!!!This isn't at the movie( we tried to get a picture but cameras wern't working), so this is us minus Lacy, at the wedding luncheon!!

November in pictures

2008-11-30T19:57:00.000-08:00

Wow has this month been crazy, but so fun. We have been doing tons of stuff. So instead of a long typed post I thought I would just show you pictures of the stuff we did.

We decided to go bowling. The kids loved it and had so much fun!!

Conner had fun hiding among the balls

Waiting for their turns

Alexa's Turn!!

She does the slow grandma roll

Next we decided to make the kids breakfast in bed!! That was a lot of fun, and now they want it every Saturday.

Conners breakfast in bed

Cheese!!

They all ended up in Jakob's bed of course

Jakob now has to get all bundled up to go to school!

The last day of taekawndo

Hi-ya

yep they all broke some boards

Alexa had some help and conners board had a crack in it. But Colin and Jakob did the real deal!

( if you want to see the videos of all of them doing it let me know and I will email you!!)

Pilgrim Jakob

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving. We have so much to be thankful this year. And it was so fun to have all of my family here and get to spend some time together!!!

If you lover her as Much as I do...

2008-11-13T10:36:00.000-08:00

So if you love Girly Do's by Jenn like I do then you need to go leave a "love note" Comment on her blog, she really needs it. She has run in to some meanies out there in hair do land and has said she is going to quit. Maybe just maybe if she gets enough love notes she will reconsider. I have watched this happen with some of my favorite hair bow stores and I just sat back and watched. But not any more. I am tired of all the mean people who are putting these people down. I mean as far as I am concerned Jenn is doing us all a favor. She doesn't need to do it for herself it for us, I love seeing all her creative hair ideas. So we need to fight to keep her around. Go leave her love note!!!!

An idiot living among smart people

2008-10-30T22:04:00.000-07:00

Here's your warning!! In this blog I will be doing a lot of bragging so if you don't want to hear it don't go any further.

When I met Colin I knew instantly that he was very smart, not just book smart, but smart and logical on every level. I am not. I am logical most of the time, very, very observant to little details. And I like to believe, really good at faking being smart. But I know I have some siblings and my parents who know the truth. As I started having kids I have always prayed that they would get his smart genes. And I have suspected for along time that my wish came true, But as a mother you always think your kid is smarter, and just all around better. I, on a daily basis, am at awe at what my kids know and can do, or invent. This morning was the first time I got some actual facts. Today was my first parent teacher conferences. Jakob was so excited for me to talk to his teacher. When I first walked in the door and sat down, she said " First of all, I want to know what you are doing and how you are doing it, cause I want to do the same with my son, and maybe share your secret with some of the other parents." Wow what a way to start off our little meeting. But in the back of my mind I thought " she probably says that to every parent to make them feel good about themselves". It worked!! She then proceeded to tell me how impressed with Jakob she is. How he is a leader in the class room, and when she introduces a new sight word Jakob is usually the first one to get it. She said how impressed she was with his knowledge coming into school, and wishes every parent took the time to prepare their kids like I did ( thank you very much!!) . As I sat and listened I kept waiting for the "but". I mean come on we all know Jakob, he can be a handful, a weirdo, and a very big worrier. The "but" never came. Instead she asked if I would like to see how he did on his state testing. Umm of course. So she shuffled some papers, looked up some numbers then reported to me that he was tied for first in his class for the highest score. There now I have some proof. After that she asked what my secret was? I told her I don't have one, he just got my husband genes. She laughed. She then told me that they retest in January. But that she was not worried cause Jakob can already do all that stuff and he beats the time easily every time. So now I know, Jakob is officially the smartest kid in his class (well tied for first!!)

Now on to my other 2. Conner amazes me every single day. He is different from is older brother in every way. But its been so fun to see him develop his own interests and hobbies. I seriously amazed at some of the objects he can combine to make something. I cant wait to see what he will do with that mind of his. Alexa, oh dear Alexa. we call her crazy lady. And I know people probably think I am horrible mother to call her that. When people come to visit they are calling her that by the time they leave. She is just a whirlwind of energy and drama. She is the girl, drama, version of Jakob. She is my little miss independent and I know that when she wants something she gets it. So if i can get her to focus on the right stuff she will amaze us all. Just you wait and see.

So there you have it. I am the idiot living among geniuses. At least I done a few things right. Hey the smartest thing I have ever done was to marry a very smart man!!

Fun Pictures

2008-10-29T08:16:00.000-07:00

Well we survived this last weekend. Both Colin and Jakob got sick Saturday night, but that was fine. We were able to attend both of the schools carnival and the wards trunk or treat. It was really fun and the kids seemed to have a blast! Here are some fun pictures of our weekend adventures!!!

Rose( sleeping beauty) Iron man, and Handy Manny

He is just so darn cute

She still wasn't feeling quite herself

Iron man with scary teeth

now he's flying

Handy Manny

Alexa and her favorite friend Roxy

The boys, Jakob, Eli, Trevor and Conner

Fun group picture

A big Princess Hug!!

The Worst Timing...

2008-10-23T08:45:00.000-07:00

Well both Conner and Alexa are sick with the flu. Alexa is worse off then Conner for sure. I keep waiting for a phone call from Jakob's school saying your son just threw up all over the classroom. Jakob swears he fine, but hey both Conner and Alexa seemed fine then they threw up. And pretty much I am so scared I am going to get it. Let me tell you about the rest of week, and you will see why. Today I have scouting for food with the scouts, putting flyer's on all the doors in our ward boundaries. Tomorrow morning I am helping to set up for our ward Halloween party. Sometime after that I have to get to Sam's club and get stuff for enrichment on Saturday that I am in charge of all the food. Friday night is Jakob's schools Halloween carnival, and our ward Halloween party that I am taking chili to, and also trunk or treating. After that is done Friday night I am helping to get set up for super Saturday which starts at 9 am Saturday morning. So then of course Saturday I will be at the church all day making crafts and setting up lunch. That is due to over around 3. So at 4pm on Saturday I can then get sick, for that matter my husband can get sick then too. But please not till then. I have been popping vitamin c pills to help keep me strong so hopefully I wont get it. I feel like my hands are gonna shrivel up and dry out from washing them so much, and all the chemicals I have been using to clean up messes, and just bleaching as much stuff as possible. So wish me luck this weekend, and please flu stay away from me.

I just cant believe it

2008-10-13T08:18:00.000-07:00

First off, I know I have changed my blog skin like 12 times in the last month. Sorry I just wasn't happy with anything. And a Big thank you to Colin for taking a break from his hours of homework to finally get a picture up for our header. I love it babe, Thanks!!

It snowing here, and I just can't believe it. It too early. I was enjoying my kids playing out side all day. But no more. It just makes me so sad.

And I can't believe that it has been a little over a year now since we sold our home, and moved to Rexburg.It has gone by so quickly. And something has happened that I never could of imagined a year ago. Our family seems to love it here. Colin loves school, he loves learning. He also loves his job. Working for the city of Rexburg has sure had some great perks for our family. We love our ward, and our callings now that we are out of primary. It has been so fun to watch the kids grow and love it here. The parks and all the fun stuff to do. But most importantly all of the fun friends they have made. It is so nice to know that most everyone around us is a member and for the kids to have lots of friends close by. I also cant believe that Colin only has 2 more full semesters and 1 semester of like 4 credits left. It really is flying by. And i just can't believe it.

Here are some cute pictures of the kids we were able to take at the gardens the other day!!

The big 3-0!!

2008-09-29T08:17:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to tell Colin happy birthday. And to thank him for all that he is to me and the kids. I love you so much. You are my Everything. Here are some fun pictures of you!! Enjoy!!

Surprise Visit!!

2008-09-23T07:41:00.001-07:00

My sister Laura and her family were in Montana for her husbands family reunion. We got a call Sunday after church that they had decided to drive the rest of the way to Rexburg. So we got everyone together for a big family dinner. It was so fun to have them here, I just wish my place was bigger so that the kids had a place to go to get out of the adults hair. It was such a nice surprise. The kids had a blast and so did I. I really miss living close to my sister, we always have so much fun together. Monday morning we went on campus to the book store, then to porters, the best craft store ever! After Jakob came home from school we got everyone together to go to Craigo's for lunch before Laura and Ben had to head out!! Here are some fun pictures from our get together!Got to love all you can eat pizza pasta and salad!!

Jo and Nat

Jakob and Cameron

Brian, Conner, and my goofy husband!!

Laura and I

Thanks for the love note on the fridge laura, that was such a fun surprise to find! I love you!!

Ben, Brady, and Bens sister Jen

Brian and Cameron striking a pose!!

We were so sad to see them go, but we know we will get to spend Thanksgiving together, and have another wedding to celebrate!! We can't wait!!

Congratulations are in Order!!!!!

2008-09-18T06:58:00.000-07:00

Colin and I are both the oldest in our families, besides his sister Erin( he was there, I wasn't) we have had the privilege of seeing all our brothers and sisters get married. We get to add 2 more this Winter. Colin's brother Blake is getting married to an awesome girl Staci this January. We are so excited for them and to be there.Sorry Blake and Staci this is the only picture I had, and it was over a year ago. So if you want to send me one of the 2 of you together I will post that instead.

Yesterday my brother Brian and his girl friend Lacy got engaged. It was so fun to help him figure out how and where. There hasn't been an official date set, but they are thinking thanksgiving weekend. We are so excited for them as well. We love lacy and I know that they are perfect for each other .

Congratulations you guys!!

Blake is the last one in Colin's family to get married, and in my family we only have April left. She will down here in January so you never know what will happen. But we are sure excited to see!!