In My Life

I Like Where We Are

2012-02-06T22:23:00.000-05:00

I am just generally so happy lately. I feel really blessed with my family. No, things are not perfect, and they never will be. But pretty darn happy.

Gracie and Lucy.

Preston and his Grammie blankie.

Waking up.

Happy boys.

Messy boy.

Seriously cute.

Grace won one of the gift baskets at the school fund raiser. She was planning on winning, so of course, she did. She won a ton of barbie stuff. That night this is how I found her sleeping. What a cute girl. She is so sweet, she gave a new barbie with it's stuff to Lilly and a new barbie with it's stuff to her friend next door. What a good girl!

Walk Like a Man

2012-01-31T20:57:00.000-05:00

Preston is always getting in the fridge or the dishwasher. Crazy kid.

And we are mobile!! He walks like a drunk chicken. I love it. We all gather around him every night to clap for his walking. It is the best family time.

They say it's your Birthday

2012-01-25T19:50:00.000-05:00

Our baby is ONE!! And man, he is a busy, happy boy! He needs NOTHING, so we got him a bunch of balloons, which freaked him out at first. And we also got him one of those weird singing toys with big lips.

That cake was a HUGE mess. And totally worth it! Preston is the PERFECT addition to our family. I love this boy! I was so worried about how Lilly would do with not being the baby anymore, but she is happier than she has been her whole life. Grace and Lilly are FABULOUS big sisters. Preston is just a joy, and I feel so blessed.

We are family

2012-01-20T23:57:00.000-05:00

I can put these up now that Christmas cards have gone out. Stinkin cute, huh?

When I'm 64

2012-01-20T23:51:00.000-05:00

My Aunt Delene scanned this pic of my Grandma and Grandpa C. It was taken at my parents wedding. I love it!! Man, I miss that lady.

Life is a Highway

2012-01-20T23:31:00.000-05:00

I am not gonna lie. I have had a hell of a week! I went to court for Preston on Tuesday, his birthmom was going to sign away her own rights for us. Bryant met her at court last month and she loved him and decided that this would be the best life for Preston. The state told us that they would also have the paperwork ready to terminate her rights, just in case. So Tuesday, the birthmom did not show up. She is missing again, and she did not sign anything. AND the state did not do the paperwork they said they would. Preston turns one year old on Monday, so they start to put his court dates further apart. So they will terminate rights on April 17th. We were supposed to be able to adopt him on March 31st. Poop. Our permanency hearing is now scheduled for 12-12-12. Freaking December!! I know he is ours, and I would much, much rather wait to adopt him, than wait for him to come into our home. He is perfect for this family. And I know it will happen. I just want it all.
I have offended a RS sister terribly and I don't even feel bad about it!! She is a woman who will always be offended. So really, it was only a matter of time. It was about a funny story about my kids that is already on this blog, and it had NO swear words. And it fit the lesson. I overshare everything, so it is safe to say we were probably never gonna be bffs.
My camera has been missing for a month, but I just bought a new(used) one, so I expect it to show up any day. Now I just have to buy the memory for the new one. So we will have pictures soon.
We got an offer from the state for a one week old baby girl today. I have eaten my weight in chocolate, trying to know the right thing to do. I think I just want to get all the kids I can, because they are so hard to get. I feel so guilty. But I really don't feel like she is ours.
Speaking of swear words the other day Lilly and Gracie were playing a game that one girl had to guess a word that the other was thinking. Lilly told Gracie that the word started with a D. But it's not damn, so don't guess that word. HA! Don't worry, I won't tell that story at church.

Merry Christmas!

2012-01-01T22:49:00.000-05:00

What a wonderful holiday!! I LOVE Christmas!! This year for Christmas Eve we went out for Chinese, as is our tradition now. We went with our good friends the Lunt's. Then Megan had some great Christmas fun planned for the kids. First, chimes.

Then the puppet show.

Christmas morning was made all the better just because we have 3 kids.

Overall it was a sweet quiet holiday for us. I am so grateful for those, we miss being around family so much this time of year, but somehow it makes me reflect more on the purpose for the season.

And there is always a mess.

Before church the girls were already decorating the jewelry boxes Grandma and Grandpa gave them.

The girls had filled their good job jars again, so this time we went out for pedicures. It was so wonderful. Aunt Misty made the hats, and oh my!! Everyone loves these girls in these hats!!

Gifts

2011-12-03T21:14:00.000-05:00

My wonderful friend Tracie made these great hats for the girls and I. We really tried to take a great picture of us wearing them. The hats are super cute.

Haul Out the Holly

2011-11-29T19:30:00.000-05:00

We decked the halls on Saturday The kids are really good at getting it out of the box and spreading it all around. Preston LOVES the lights. The girls think we need even MORE decorations. I think we are just right!

Blessed

2011-11-25T20:53:00.000-05:00

I am just feeling super blessed this year. We have our baby, and our dear friends the Barr's drove all the way from SA to spend the week with us. It was the BEST WEEK EVER!! I wish they would just come live with us forever.

He LOVES the red cake!

He LOVES Miss Tracie.

I LOVE Miss Tracie. Please come back.
We had the best holiday, and Trace and I (way more me) did so well Black Friday shopping. 158 dollars for a trampoline with the enclosure and it lights up when you jump. Bryant's gift is done, and 2 wheeled scooters for the girls (also, a new vacuum, and crock pot, not gifts). We were home at 11:15 pm. Amazing!

Very Thankful

2011-11-19T11:13:00.000-05:00

Have you ever seen a cuter Pilgrim?

Thankful

2011-11-14T20:30:00.002-05:00

I am a lucky mama.

Shower the People you Love

2011-11-09T19:50:00.000-05:00

What amazing girlfriends I have!!! Today I recieved a "Baby Shower in a box"! The kids and I had SO MUCH FUN opening this box, with a gift from all 6 of my Texas girls. I had happy tears running down my face. I am so very blessed.

Tiffany even made American Girl Doll clothes for my girls. They are in heaven!

We used Amy's gift tonight! And we have tons of super cute clothes to choose from for tomorrow!

They Did the Mash

2011-11-03T19:42:00.001-04:00

The mermaid preview.

Trunk or Treat night!

AND the BIG ONE! Our wonderful friends the Mauck's went with us to Trunk or Treat, and then had us over for chili and trick-or-treating on Halloween. Great holiday - loved it! So glad it is over!!

Someone broke some of our pumpkins on Halloween night, when Grace saw them in the morning, she said, "Well, that isn't very Christlike."

Girl you'll be a woman soonn

2011-10-30T19:47:00.001-04:00

Tonight both girls were helping me get lotion on Preston and dressed after bath. I said "Wow it takes 3 women to get this job done!" Gracie immediately responded with, "Yeah but 9 men!" I laughed and Bryant said "Hey, that's not funny."
What a smart girl!

Let's talk about Sex Baby

2011-10-26T22:04:00.000-04:00

So I made a HUGE mommy mistake the other day when my mom was here. Grace threw up one night so she was home with my mom and I. I got a text from my dear friend Tracie, saying how her husband, an elementary school principal, had gotten this very explicit report from a third grader. I read it to my mom, (the text, not the report) and Grace immediately asked,
G -Mom, what's sex?
B - Me cursing in my head!! Why did I say that word in front of her!?!?! - Well, it is how a mommy and a daddy make a baby.
G - Like in the mommy's tummy?
B - Yes
G - Oh, we don't need to worry about that - we are all adopted!

Smart Girl!! So glad that is the way it went!

O R E O

2011-10-25T20:36:00.000-04:00

We gave Preston his first oreo! He loved it!

Mother Dear

2011-10-25T20:33:00.000-04:00

My mom came for a visit!

You Are the Apple of My Eye

2011-10-16T20:04:00.000-04:00

So, we got a groupon to go to the apple orchard, and we had a GREAT DAY!! Actually our day started with a little hike and family pictures that I WON! More to come on that next week when they are done. So we drove straight to the apple orchard after pictures, we petted things, we picked apples, we did the hayride. Bryant didn't even complain about missing the BYU game! It was such a good family day. Of course all three kids lost it on the way home, because it had been a long day, but it was so worth it.

Another One Bites the Dust

2011-10-16T19:56:00.000-04:00

Lilly lost her first tooth last Friday night. She is looking so grown up lately. I wish I could slow her down.

Life is Good

2011-10-13T20:16:00.000-04:00

Jacob and Lucy, looking outside.

Lilly and Jacob, man, they are cute.

We are a Happy Family

2011-10-08T22:36:00.000-04:00

I am one lucky mama.

You should see her callouses. This kid is all over the playground.

Little mama number one.

The dog going down the slide.

I am LOVED!! Either that or I have the most delicious zit cream ever. This kid gives those giant open mouth kisses all the time. It is wonderful.

More Baby

2011-10-02T20:00:00.000-04:00

Onto night 3, the end of day 2. He is just such a happy baby!! He slept 10 hours last night. He puts up with being hauled and mauled so well! We are just so happy!

Baby Mine

2011-10-01T17:46:00.000-04:00

MAN, ARE WE A HAPPY FAMILY TODAY!! Last night at dinner at Adobo - 6:30pm, we got THE CALL!! And he was at our house by 9pm. His name is Jacob, he is happy, busy and beautiful!! He is 8 months old. And the girls are over the MOON! They are the BEST big sisters EVER! He doesn't like to go to sleep, but he slept 7 hours last night straight, once I got him down. He has strep right now, and he was meth exposed at birth, he is slightly developmentally delayed, but we will catch him up! We are so happy!!

I Get Around

2011-09-27T21:09:00.000-04:00

We are so lucky. We always get the best neighbors. These are our neighbors from Decatur that we always talk about and miss. We have had 2 of our friends from that neighborhood visit us. The girls were in heaven to have Mr. Greg and Miss. Aileen come visit. Their grown daughter moved to Milton, and now we get to see them every time they come see her!! LUCKY!
We also got to see Mr. Alex, and I don't know why I didn't grab the camera. It was a wonderful visit, and they are just some of the best friends a family could have.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

2011-09-19T21:02:00.000-04:00

Sorry Tiff, not your best shot.

Jackie and her favorite magazine. Isn't she so stinkin cute?

My first time eating at Rudy's. Lame I know! Bryant said we had take out from there before, but I don't remember, it was delish. We all gave Suzie her surprise baby presents when we were there. And we all gave name suggestions for her baby girl coming in November.

For Jackie's kids.

So we asked these to men to take our picture for us. They did and then handed back an extra camera. They had accidentally taken pictures of us on their camera too.

I am in the purple shirt in this one. Right before we left. It is hard to leave these chickas!

I can't begin to express how I love these women. Each one has strength I wish I had. They amaze me and influence my life everyday. I honestly adore each one. We had our annual girls trip this year in Port Aransas, TX. It was fabulous! We ate great food. My cheeks hurt from laughing so much. I learned new things. One day we shopped, one day we went to the beach. Many of us got a cold, none of us slept that great, or went to bed. We all purged all the yuck, and left with all the awesome.
This year we did a 'My Favorite Things' weekend. So we all brought our favorite 'thing' for each other, we also brought a list of our favorite books, and a few of our favorite recipes.
I hear from at least one of this group almost everyday, and it brightens my life. They are positive and I am so blessed to have them.

Rah, Rah, RahRahRah!

2011-09-04T21:11:00.000-04:00

GO COUGARS!!!

What a fun family weekend! We drove to Ole Miss to see them play BYU. Now, I don't make any claims to like football in anyway, but going to a BYU game in person is pretty fun. And going with this family - is AWESOME!

We have a niece, Abby, who is a freshman at Ole Miss. She let us follow her around for a while - even thou we were dressed in our BYU shirts and hats. We took her to IHOP, and she showed us around a bit.

Then - THE GAME!! The very, very best part about the game was Grace. She was so into it. It was so funny! She was yelling the whole game, her voice should be gone. Strangers came up to us after and told her that BYU only won because of her cheering so loud and long. People were high fiving her and lifting her up, it was fun.

The girls made it through the WHOLE game, we only went out once for shaved ice and popcorn. They were so much fun. It was overcast so that helped, but I didn't think they would hang in there the whole game.

The wheels on the bus

2011-08-25T20:19:00.002-04:00

Why Baby Why

2011-08-15T18:50:00.000-04:00

Why do they grow up so stinkin fast?? They are so hard to get in the first place, then they go and grow so fast. It was Gracie's first day of 1st Grade, she has Mrs. Wells, and Lilly's first day of Kindergarten, she has Mrs. McGinnis. They both had great days and I am so happy for them. I had a harder day than I thought I would. I totally cried. We let them take the bus then we followed the bus and saw them in their classrooms. Lilly was POOPED at the end of the day.

I really should be happy as a clam! What is wrong with me?!?! I got a pedicure with a friend, then I met 16 ladies out for lunch at Sweet Tomatoes. Then I bought all new kitchen towels. Super easy day. I just worry that I will feel useless for the rest of the year. I read once that a good mom works her way out of a job. I don't know if I want to be unemployed around here.

Lucky

2011-08-14T20:11:00.000-04:00

Really I just don't know how we keep getting so lucky with the neighbors we live by. I had Hannah and Emily Mauck for a few days this week, and it was so easy. You know how some kids you can't wait for them to leave, these are not those kind of kids. This was so easy and the girls get along so well. We are in gymnastics together, and they just entertain each other so wonderfully. I cleaned the pantry while they were here.

Lilly has wanted a barbie car for her birthday, since last Christmas. I found one on Craigs list for 65 dollars. I had to buy a battery, but they have LOVED it. It really has been pretty fun, it is just so dang hot to be outside like they want to be, and I can't very well let them drive around without me there.

Rollin'

2011-08-12T22:46:00.000-04:00

Gracie told me in May that she couldn't see very well. Well, Gracie being who she is, I thought she just had another case of drama and I didn't do anything. I took her to the pediatrician for her yearly last Thursday and thought, I better go ahead and have her eyes checked, because at her age it is optional. She totally failed the eye exam. So we went to the pediatric optometrist. I told him how I thought it had been a case of drama, and he said, 'Nope, this is definitely not drama.' So she will be in glasses now. She is still as cute as ever and LOVES her glasses.

Shout Hooray!

2011-08-02T21:46:00.000-04:00

I know, I have put way too many pictures of Lils in here. BUT if you know our family, which you must because you are reading this, then you know we have come a LONG, long way in these 5 years. Lilly and Gracie were supposed to be sisters and we all are a family planned by God.

Happy Birthday Baby!! You are very loved.

Like it's 1999!

2011-08-02T12:44:00.000-04:00

This was such a fun party. We were at 'Out of the Box Art Studio' Each kid made a sea creature that will be fired and I will give them later. We had pizza and rice crispy treats (thanks for the idea Jen!) The kids absolutely LOVED IT!

Man, she is just such a beautiful 5 year old.

Her little bestie - Emmy.

Blowing out the candle.

I am so lucky to be her mama.

Oh, What do you do in the summertime?

2011-07-19T20:10:00.000-04:00

The girls wanted to do water balloons. And of course, it got FUNNY! Watch the video is is only 8 seconds, but you'll laugh.

Gracie in the 4th of July Parade wearing her "I put ketchup on my ketchup" T-shirt.

Neighborhood princess gymnastics.

Have you ever wondered how long Lilly's hair is - well here it is. It just goes up instead of down.

Strawberry Feilds Forever

2011-07-16T19:20:00.001-04:00

With a Little Help from My Friends

2011-07-03T20:24:00.000-04:00

What a DAY!!! Bryant made sure I had a great day!! I slept late, and when I came out they said go back to bed we aren't ready for you yet! So I finished my book. It was NICE. Then Bryant had decorated and made breakfast. I got great gifts that were beautifully decorated by my kids. Bryant put the kids to bed and made the dinner. Good man.

My favorite gift is my life gift from my parents. This means I will only get a card from them to celebrate from here on out. I got this wonderful used piano. I love it. I quit piano when I was about 16. I hated it. Our kids are taking this 3 year music course, and this year they start on key boards. I want them to learn music, and no better way than having a piano in your home. I have been so surprised at how much I have been able to pick back up so fast. I love it.

Church was a little crazy today, I was put in as RS President. It was a weird day. I am so grateful for my husband today. He has been constantly reassuring me about how this is really a great thing. And about how he is here so much more and will be my help. I am actually very excited about the women I am going to be working with. Today in my blessing I was told we wouldn't be able to contain all the blessings that would come from this calling.

Come on Over

2011-06-30T20:10:00.000-04:00

Lilly and I did this ourselves today!! All by ourselves!! I am so proud, she looks so cute and I did it!! She threaded the beads, and sat so good. It is our first time doing this successfully, it took us about an hour fifteen.

Here Comes the Sun

2011-06-30T20:04:00.000-04:00

BEST VACATION EVER! Bryant had to work, so I guess it probably wasn't his favorite. His company needed him in Orlando and was willing to put us up in the Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge. It was wonderful. The drives there and back were NOT the best, but 7 hours in the car with a 4 and 6 year old really just isn't that fun no matter who you are. The hotel had the best pools and the girls and I would just go and chill for the day. They had so many cool animals to see and we could see so much from our balcony. We didn't go to any Disney parks - I know that seems insane, I have been told already. BUT the girls have been 3 times, and last time they whinned the whole time about how the beach is more fun. So we just hung out and relaxed. So nice.

Looking for lizards, a highlight of every day!

So much to see!

Downtown Disney we went and saw Cars 2. It was fun.

On the ferry at Downtown Disney.

Same picture as last year!! I will have to switch this one for the one above sometime.

Stuffed alligator - they wouldn't stand by it because it was scary.

Zebra bum off the balcony. We saw elands, giraffes, ostriches, zebras, blue heron and pelicans.

Kids on the balcony.

The lizards. We had so much fun looking for them. We have them here, just not as many. The girls were mesmerized.

Lils ready to swim.

Grace ornery about something.

Lava Colada. SO GOOD.

Dance party! Tiff, Brooklyn and Lexie drove over for our last day of fun there, and I can't even tell you how happy that made me!! It was the best day.

Super Trouper

2011-06-30T19:49:00.000-04:00

Earlier this month Gracie lost her first tooth!! She was so brave and funny about it.

She was all for tying it to the front door and slamming it shut. The rule was only Grace could slam the door. She tried 3 times, then we decided we would have to do something else. She was SO BRAVE!

And Dramatic.

Finally she just let me pull it out after dinner. The toothfairy left five bucks!! And there was fairy glitter on the pillow. We heard that it is more just because it is her first tooth.

I'm so Glad When Daddy comes home

2011-06-23T19:21:00.000-04:00

These are the pictures Bryant got for Father's day - along with our Mothers/Fathers day grill. He is such a great Dad. I feel blessed that he loves our girls so much.

Love, Love, Love

2011-06-20T13:22:00.001-04:00

Oh, how I love this man. Today is our 14th anniversary. I am proud of us. I am amazed at all we have been thru together. I am so grateful to have him and be sealed together forever.

It's My Birthday Too

2011-06-18T20:09:00.001-04:00

This is the e-mail I sent out for my own birthday party. I have had people offer to do it for me, but I love my own birthday enough to just do it myself. The way I see it I really should have stopped having birthdays a long time ago, but somehow God let me stick around thru some crazy stuff, I should celebrate that I am still here and doing great. I thought it was very Grandma Hansen of me.

Hey All!! My birthday is coming up! Actually it isn't until the 3rd of July, but we are going out of town right before then. So if anyone wants to go to lunch with me this Thursday, June 23rd at 12ish at Jason's Deli on Windward I would LOVE it!! This is a non-gift giving lunch, bring your kids if you want, or don't if you don't want. I know some of you work and I am so sorry if you can't make it. Know that I love you anyway. If you got this e-mail and you don't even know me, well come anyway - I would love to get to know you. I am fun, and cute, but not cuter than you. So basically just what everyone needs in a friend. If you see that I left someone off of the list - send this to them too. Please let me know if you can come, I don't wanna go by myself!

Becca Castleton

210-885-1551

American

2011-06-14T13:41:00.000-04:00

American Girl Dolls. Our girls have caught the obsession. THEY LOVE THEM. Every morning Lilly combs her dolls hair, and she pitches a fit at night if we tell her they can sleep in their clothes. Grace got Julie and Lilly chose Rebecca. We totally stole the idea from the Becksteads to have them save their allowances to purchase their dolls. The sales lady sat and counted out over 100 one dollar bills. My parents gave them money for their birthday's to get them there faster.

So far we have made cardboard houses for them. I have made about 2 outfits each. They are not cute. But the kids love them, and we all love not saving 32 dollars for an outfit for a doll. Now the neighbor kids want some of our fashion wear. I am having my girls turn in good behavior jewels for the clothes I make. What should I have the neighbor kids do?

Rolling in the Deep

2011-06-07T19:33:00.002-04:00

I have decided that it is okay for me to post my feelings here right now. I will post publicly after things are official and real - which is totally fine, it is my journal after all. When I want everyones attention I'll FB.

I am about to be called as Relief Society President. Those words scary the snot out of me. Our Bishop has talked to Bryant, but not me yet. When Bryant told me, he didn't want to, but I can be persuasive, I said a bad word. Shit, I said Shit. I am feeling more comfortable with the idea now that I have pondered it for a few days. We have a really big ward with lots of clicks. It was a ward made out of a few other wards about a year and a half ago. I really only know the 4-6 year old kids, because I have been in Primary. I love Primary. And our Primary needs me. I really don't know the women. The women don't seem to know each other. Everyone is SO BUSY. The women are all those uber gorgeous kind of girls. I kinda don't fit. Not that I am not gorgeous - I totally am. I am my own kinda beautiful - but I am more fun to hang out with than just this fabulous exterior. I am hoping that I will discover that about more of these ladies. My stomach hurts just thinking about this. How do I call councilors? What the hell even happens in RS? I don't even know. How do they work visiting teaching? I don't want to go to that many meetings. In fact my sister and I decided that I will refuse to even meet with the Bishop to receive the call unless he guarantees chocolate in his office to deliver the news. The good parts are that Bryant is around more than he has ever been. He can help and carry the load. Lately I have been frustrated with him because he is here, but not doing enough. Well, really I am not letting him do much, because I like the way I do it better. This will force both of us to work as a team again. God really does have some big plans for us sometimes. I haven't even read my scriptures in a week. I say bad words and I drink Diet Coke religiously. I can think of better people for the job, I know - the Lord wants to teach me, I just don't wanna learn.

NEXT. Our baby situation has been MOST frustrating and I am loosing my cheery, pleasant, joyful attitude. Basically I am loosing my eternal perspective. We turned our paper work in for this kid in October, 2010. They had to have all these meetings to approve us to continue with foster to adopt because we want an infant or very young child. They wanted us to take a 3-4 year old. We finished all our home visits and classes by the end of January. Our home study should have been done mid February. It is just done now. Our social worker is a knob. I want to punch him. I keep telling myself that our kid isn't ready yet, and I just need to endure to the end. Enduring sucks. But what is my next choice? We have talked about going back to private adoption, but that has it's problems too. We have decided that if we don't have a kid by the end of the year, we will buy one. I mean do a private adoption. Same thing. Bryant has really taken the heat on this one. And again, he is around so much more that it has been good. Really I know everything will be fine. I am allowed a lapse of faith from time to time.

So there it is. I vomited it all out. I think I will sleep better tonight.

Dog Days

2011-06-03T20:31:00.000-04:00

When I was little I wanted a pretty cut and grow my dad said "Go cut the dogs hair." Today my kids wanted to cut their dolls hair so I sent them out to cut the dogs hair. She looks a little funny, but you have to look close.

She is a naughty dog. But she and Lilly love each other so very much. Lilly tells Lucy all her secrets. She goes over and lifts Lucy's ear. Then she whispers in her secret then she closes her ear. I think it would be funny to know the things the dog knows.

They Say It's Your Birthday

2011-06-02T20:21:00.000-04:00

I hope he had a good day. He got to sleep in. Then he had to work. We got him a BYU jersey with 'Castleton' on the back (it was a pain to get done - but it seems like it is right up his alley), a BYU hat, which I get to wear, and an old navy t-shirt. We blind folded him and took him to Red Robin, it used to be one of his favorites, but he didn't know there was one here. We had a wonderful night. The girls were so excited with each piece of his birthday. I sure love him.

2011-05-25T20:14:00.000-04:00

Lilly graduated from Preschool yesterday. I can NOT believe she is going to kindergarten so soon. She has had a great teacher and a great year.

Lilly's 'Brown Friend' Owen. These two are hilarious together.

It was Gracie's Field Day today. It was a lot of fun, and very funny to watch.

They had to get these long wet socks out of a baby pool and fling them around their heads like a helicopter while they ran. It was great!

Grace and Hannah.

So tomorrow is Lilly's last day of school and Gracie's school party, that I will help at. And like any smart mom I am going to get a massage while they are at school for the last time. Man I need it.

Beach Baby

2011-05-25T20:02:00.000-04:00

Princess Tiana

Bryant had a business trip to Tampa so the girls and I went along. IT WAS GREAT!! Just what this family needed. AND we got to hang with the Becksteads. Perfect.

Tune Thy Heart to Sing Thy Grace

2011-05-14T19:11:00.000-04:00

This is my favorite.

How is our baby 6 years old? It seems like not that long ago the nurse handed her to me and said 'empty arms, no more.' She is beautiful and wonderful. She is happy and kind. She is busy and dramatic. I adore her. She is almost done with kindergarten, and of course she loved it. It is a great place to socialize! She takes music lessons and gymnastics. She wants to be a rock star or a veterinarian when she grows up. She hasn't lost any teeth yet, but wants to so bad. She has two adult teeth coming - those baby ones just don't want to get out. She thinks she knows everything about everything, especially fashion and nutrition. She drew a food pyramid for my mom, and her primary teacher. She loves Popsicles and sushi. She would watch T.V. all day if we would let her. She loves to stand about 12 inches from the screen. She cannot hear you when she is watching, she is just in the Gracie Zone.

I am so grateful that she made me a mom. It has been the best and the worst job anyone could ever have. I am so very grateful for all the friends who have helped us learn to be parents.

Party!

2011-05-14T18:59:00.000-04:00

Grace had a 'Glamor' Party at the place Lilly gets her braids. All the girls got to dress up, nails and hair done and glittered, make up, a craft a fashion show and cake. It was GREAT!

Tis the Season

2011-05-13T14:42:00.000-04:00

I feel like all we have done lately is go to the end of year perfomances for everything! Music class, kindergarten, gymnastics will be soon. There is so much wrapping up. It is kinda nice to be done with so much!

Bust a Move

2011-04-30T20:11:00.000-04:00

Lilly has been asked to join the team at gymnastics. She really is amazing. Even more so when you remember her club foot, and how she wasn't supposed to be able to jump with both feet at the same time. I will let her go as long as she loves it. But I do think 110 dollars for a warm up outfit for gymnastics is seriously ridiculous. Good thing we don't have to have one until she is 6.
Man, I am proud of this kid!

I Believe in Christ

2011-04-24T20:40:00.000-04:00

Aren't they beautiful girls!

We had good friends over for Easter dinner, and it was a perfect night.

I am so grateful for this time of year and the reminder of all my Savior has done for me. I am so grateful for the blessings of my faith. I am grateful for my family and the knowledge that we are forever.

I'm so Glad

2011-04-10T20:22:00.000-04:00

Day One

HOORAY! My parents came to visit us in GA. We had a wonderful time, and I am so grateful they came.

On the way home from the airport, we got rear ended. My car isn't bad, but the idiot driving this green truck who caused the accident, is not insured.

Day Two
We went to Savannah - the kids were monsters on the drive, but we had a great time.

Dinner at Vinny Van Go Go's - so much fun.

Day Three
We took a trolley that you hop on and off of all around Savannah. It was perfect weather, a wonderful day. Grace threw up at Ruby Tuesday's at the end of the day, but still it was great.

This is the phone booth that Julia Roberts hides in or near in the movie - Something to Talk About.

Day Four - we drove home, again with the crazy kids.
Day Five - we went to Costco, my mom had me paged at Walmart, and we took Dad to the Home Depot so he could do projects around the house.
Day Six - We went to the aquarium, and I forgot my camera. It was fun to take my folks where me and the girls hang out.
Day Seven - We tried to have lunch at the American Girl Doll Store, (it is all Lilly wanted to do with Grandpa) we didn't wait for the hour to eat, so we went to the food court and chased down the Easter Bunny.

Day Eight - Braids at the salon, then played with friends.

Day Nine - Brunch at the American Doll Store with reservations. What a good sport my dad was!

Then to the zoo - we had not been yet, and it was so great!

Baby Panda Po.

Lilly had had it at the end - see her pitching a fit in the bottom of this picture?

It was a WONDERFUL spring break around here!

Stay

2011-03-31T19:57:00.000-04:00

Bryant gave me this balloon for Valentine's Day. He also gave me purple tulips. The tulips died a long time ago. We still can't get the balloon off the ceiling.

What a Big Surprise!

2011-03-28T18:52:00.000-04:00

Head Lice SUCK!! Grace has been telling me for 2 weeks that she has it. I was sure she just wanted it because it has been going around. She even took herself to the school nurse on Friday. The nurse told her her scalp is just dry. I have been checking her all the time. Turns out I didn't even know the right way to check or what they really look like. They - and their eggs - are reddish brown. The only part that is white is the egg shell after the bug hatches. Do you know how impossible it would be to find the buggers on a kid with reddish brown hair?? So Sunday night we had a bad storm, so she was scared and Bryant let her sleep with us. She was scratching her head in her sleep. So around 6:50 I got up with her and went to do a black lady dry scalp treatment. I got all the oil in, all the tangles out, and I thought I saw one more tiny tangle so I grabbed it with my fingers. That was the first one. I pulled out 5 with my hands, all the time becoming more freaked out.
I called a friend from the grocery store - I bought everything they had for head lice - she said stop, call the Lice Lady. I am so, so, so glad I took her advice. The Lice Lady was so nice. She knows everything and could tell me what was myth and what I really need to do to take care of this. She checks the whole family for free. She didn't find any on Bryant or Lilly. But lucky me! She said I had caught them only a few days ago, Bryant and I never would have found them on me so early. Those buggers are so hard to find, school nurses don't do it right at all. She comes back in 7-10 days to re-check us all. Her work is guaranteed for 30 days. She helps you prevent it as best you can for the future. Flex spending pays for her. I am so grateful that I can say - we are totally lice free, for now.

Fat Bottomed Girls

2011-03-23T19:18:00.000-04:00

So my cousin Tracie started this fitness/health challenge and I decided it was a good time. My weight had been creeping up for a long time. Not fat, but not fit. I am so, so glad that I am doing it. I had lost some weight at the beginning of the year by myself, but this has been so great with the support of a team. The challenges have been great, and I have lost a total of TEN pounds since the beginning of the year. I'm pretty dang proud. Not perfect, never will be. But I do have more energy and I am getting back into some much better habits.

When I told Bryant how much I had gained since we got married - almost 14 years ago - he was a good husband and said, "oh, you were just much to thin when we got married." Good boy.

The Rules:

WEEKLY POINTS--Each Monday you will report your weekly points in six categories totaling 135 possible points.

1. Exercise: You can earn up to 35 points each week for exercise. You earn 5 points for doing 30 minutes of exercise and 7 points for doing 45 minutes of exercise up to 5 days per week. If you do more than 45 minutes of exercise or more than 5 days per week, WAY TO GO! But you do not get any additional points, and you can't carry the points or minutes over to future days or weeks of exercise. 7 points x 5 days = 35 points possible each week

2. Sweets: You can earn up to 30 points each week for not eating sweets. Each day that you eat no sweets, you get 5 points up to 6 days per week. Each day that you eat one sweet, you get 2 points. If you eat two or more sweets in a day, you get 0 points. What constitutes a sweet? Brownies, cookies, cake, ice cream, candy, donuts, or anything sweet that's preventing you from being healthy. HOWEVER, PLEASE NOTE THAT EACH WEEK YOU GET ONE "SWEETS DAY" THAT DOES NOT COUNT AGAINST YOUR POINTS! Special occasions do not get extra free sweets, so use your free day accordingly. If you don't use your sweets day, you do not get any additional points. 5 points x 6 days = 30 points possible each week

3. Fruits/Vegetables: Each day that you eat at least 5 servings of fruits or vegetables, you get 3 points. Each day that 3 or more of those are vegetables, you get 5 points. According to www.mypyramid.gov, 1 cup of raw or cooked fruits/vegetables or 100% juice, or 2 cups of raw leafy greens can be considered as 1 serving. 1/2 cup of dried fruits is also a serving. 5 points x 7 days = 35 points possible each week

4. Water: Each day that you drink at least 64 ounces of water, you get 2 points. 2 points x 7 days = 14 points possible each week

5. 9 p.m.: Each day that you stop eating before 9 p.m., you get 2 points. 2 points x 7 days = 14 points possible each week

6. Team: Each day that you are in contact with a team member by any method (email, phone, blog, text, voice mail, telegram, Facebook, U.S. Postal Service, etc.) you get 1 point. Through personal experience I've found that encouraging, motivating, sharing experiences, and staying accountable to others helps us to be more successful as individuals and as teams. 1 point x 7 days = 7 points possible each week

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2011-03-17T19:41:00.000-04:00

Miss you much

2011-03-14T11:41:00.001-04:00

I have been working on my scrapbook. I have to be caught up every May. So I just scrapbooked my grandma's funeral and it made me sad. I was just missing her, and then my other grandma too. Recently my sister and aunt have been mailing me funny things they have found at grandma's house. So I wore my grandma jewels to church yesterday. It did make me feel better. Good thing I didn't just carry around the huge bunch of plastic grapes they sent, or wear my rain bonnet.
ps - my mom made the dress for a birthday a while back, still love it!

Run Baby, Run Baby, Run

2011-03-10T19:58:00.001-05:00

Who knew? Grace can break dance.

Gettin DOWN.

RUN.

Grace and her teacher Mrs. Jones

Breaking the banner.

It was the "FunRun" at school today. Gracie was so excited and she ran her heart out. She ran 36 little laps. The goal was 35. She was such a joy to be with. We danced all over when she was done. As much as I have complained about the fund raiser, this was so much fun. They had the kids totally syked to get donations, and it was over the top. But they really had a great time when it came to the run. So glad Bryant and I got to be with her today!

Nothin' much

2011-03-03T19:42:00.000-05:00

Man, aren't these some stinkin cute kids!

Lilly curling up on the heating vent. I used to do that when I was little too.

Sunday cuteness.

Hannah, Grace and Lilly eating oranges.

Really nothing else to report. My allergies are driving me crazy. Lilly's tantrums seem to be doing much better. Gracie has a UTI, which I should have figured out last week and didn't - oops. Bryant is liking his new job, and that is a great blessing for all of us!

Hey Ya!

2011-02-24T13:25:00.001-05:00

APPROVED!!!

Almost

2011-02-04T12:03:00.000-05:00

SO, we had another visit with our Social Worker, (who looks like Darius Rucker) today. I thought we would be done and done - but no. We are missing 2 plug covers, and we already had to put locks on all our storage room doors. He wants different locks after all that work Bryant did. Lame. AND he says that we probably won't get a baby. I say just wait and watch. Heavenly Father makes families, not social workers. It will be good, and we will get there soon enough.

Hey Ya!

2011-01-31T19:45:00.000-05:00

So stinkin happy!! Tiffany and family came to visit for the weekend, and I loved it!! They were supposed to go sledding, but we all took the CNN tour instead. It was cool, I am so glad I got to see that, and SO glad I got to spend time with them. They were just a joy to be with. We had tea at the American Girl doll store. My girls even got to eat with loaner dolls. It was so fun. We ate so well all weekend. I still feel full and it is Monday. The girls have talked about Brooklyn and Lexie all day. And how they want American Girl Dolls.

Island Girl

2011-01-19T08:33:00.001-05:00

So after ALL THAT SNOW I thought I was going to loose my mind. Because from December 22nd to January 18th. My kids had 3 days of school. THREE. I NEVER thought I was one of those moms who would be so excited for the kids to be in school. I loved the first 2 snow days. But by the 4th I had used ALL my powers of entertainment. I felt like the referee. We made slime, and playdough and had all the girls from the neighborhood over, and we went to their houses, but I was worn out. Bryant came home from California and said, 'we didn't get to go to South Carolina for Thanksgiving - let's go now!' And go we did. It was heavenly!!

Lilly LOVES hotels, and the Double Tree in Savannah was 'so fancy!'

The BEACH!! If ever a family loved the beach it is us. The girls were in heaven. It was chilly, but not bad at all. We collected shells and dead starfish. I made Bryant throw out the dead starfish on the way home at a gas station because they were stinking up the car.

Bryant's cousin Kimi, and her twins, Claire and Jaxson. We had so much fun with them. The girls had a blast with Camden Kimi's 6 year old. We got to visit with Aunt Jan, and Scotty and Racheal. We had great food, and just a good break!

Oh, the weather outside is frightful

2011-01-12T15:18:00.000-05:00

It snowed!! And I have loved having the kids out of school again. Only now I am ready for them to go back!! They have only had 3 days of school since December 23rd. AND it is still really icy out there. I don't think the buses can make it tomorrow either. We have had a lot of fun in the snow, and we are some of the few who have the gear for it.

Hannah, Emily, Grace and Lilly by the fire. We watched Despicable Me.

Bryant was finishing shoveling in the dark, he came in and said, dinner can wait, come have fun with me and the kids. And it was. That wonderful unplanned family fun. Good job Bryant.

And a Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T19:15:00.000-05:00

Ringin in the NEW YEAR!! We let the kids stay up as late as they could. I don't know how, but they made it until after 11. This was me and the kids making dinner, and being silly.

Doesn't she do great cross eyes?

Liz, this is the hair color I was telling you about. I am liking it a lot. I think it almost looks the same as my salon stuff. And you can't beat the price.

Time to call it like a dead dog.

Yeah, she never really pooped out.

Today for fun we went bowling then we went out for Chinese. It was a great day. We had so much fun as a family. The girls were in heaven.

AND they both got more strikes than me, and almost more than Bryant - with the bumpers up for all of us.

Can I handle the seasons of my life?

2011-01-01T19:09:00.000-05:00

How is this possible. Kids really do put your life into fast forward. Here are some old pictures I was looking at and wondering where those babies went.

Grace is 3.

Lilly is 1.

Not quite one.

Just before turning 2.

A medley of ABBA from Gracie 3 and Lilly 2.

I wanna hold your hand

2010-12-30T16:17:00.002-05:00

This is the gift Kris made for my parents. Cool, huh?

I Cry The Day that I Take the Tree Down

2010-12-30T16:16:00.000-05:00

The last time for a while with the wooden nativity. Grace made them sing in a choir. I love this set, I made it last year with friends in Decatur.

Me and the BEAST!! Lilly has thrown so many tantrums lately, she is so lucky we love her so darn much.

The poser. Always photo ready.

I am so grateful for this time of year. I love the joy that comes with so many of us remembering the birth of our Savior. I love the surprises that we spend time working on for our loved ones. I am so grateful for my family and my faith.

And to All a Good Night!

2010-12-30T16:09:00.000-05:00

WHAT A GREAT CHRISTMAS!!!

Aunt Laura told us about a great idea - SMASH the gingerbread houses!! It was fun.

I think we have this picture with the girls getting progressively older about a 100 times!

Snuggle up for 'Dispicable Me'.

Grace did this ALL herself. It says " Dear Santa, We Love you. I know that you say no crying." Awesome!

Let the crazy goodness begin!

PILLOW PETS!!! From Grami and Grandpa.

Lilly left Santa a fruit roll-up. That is a very Lilly thing to do.

After all there's only one more sleep 'til Christmas!

2010-12-24T20:25:00.000-05:00

HOORAY!! Poo Poo and Yara are here!! Yesterday we made them go to the aquarium, because my girls love it and that is what they wanted to do with Poo Poo.

Baby Logan watching the fish. So cool.

We got to go in the ballroom that is usually closed, and we stayed for a long time, it was so cool to see the Beluga whales so close. They are Lilly's favorite. If you ask she will give you a Beluga kiss.

So glad they came to visit for Christmas!

Devin did a really amazing slide show for his family for Christmas. My girls just loved dancing in their pajamas and new tutus with their shadows.

Logan the drummer boy at dinner tonight. Sushi!!! A big hit with our family. I think Grace out ate all the adults.

Gifts

2010-12-20T11:56:00.000-05:00

Earlier this month our ward had a GIANT ward service project. They planned and planned. They had everyone meet at Camp Twin Lakes, and did a million service projects. They had 180 adults and 100 kids show up even with an hour and a half drive each way. I did not go, I was sick, and I am only allowed to lift 15 pounds. When I heard about all they were taking on for this project I thought they were crazy and no one would show. I was amazed to hear the stories of what happened and how much people did to make this work.

Noel

2010-12-18T21:02:00.001-05:00

The girls and I went to a WONDERFUL Christmas party that some people from church threw. They had their whole garage decked out in kids Christmas projects. They had all the gingerbread houses ready to rock. Then a fire pit and hot chocolate with s'mores. I feel like I had a good chance to talk to a lot of people and settle in to this ward a little better. My camera is slowly dieing, so it wouldn't take pictures, just video. We have had one great - busy day!

Nutcracker

2010-12-18T20:58:00.000-05:00

So, our kids were sealed to us in the Bountiful temple on December 15th, and December 17th two years apart. So we try to do something special as a family for our "Anniversary" around this time of year. This year we went to the Nutcracker and the girls LOVED it!! It was just a local production, but they did a great job.

Keep on Movin

2010-12-18T20:55:00.001-05:00

This week we got to the end of gymnastics again for a minute. I have to say, Lilly is really good. And Grace really has a good time. I love that they are in separate classes, but the classes are held at the same time.

I wish I had to put them in a pose. Nope, they are all good on their own.

Gifts of Christmas

2010-12-11T20:51:00.000-05:00

The last two years my mom has let us pick the presents for ourselves and the kids and it has been so fun! This year we let the girls pick their own. Lilly picked hair of course, she is obsessed with hair. We have seen the movie 'Tangled' and loved it, so she bought a puppy and the hair from 'Tangled'. Gracie bought a cake baking and decorating kit. Pain in the rear for me!! But she loves it. So we are happy. I bought new shirts, and Bryant is putting his towards exercise stuff.

Holy Night

2010-12-07T08:09:00.003-05:00

My good friend Jen H. asked us if we wanted to go to this nativity open house and "Chords of Faith" performance over the weekend. I am so very happy that we went. I feel bad Bryant was out of town, but for my kids I am so grateful. It was a WONDERFUL start to the season. The kids LOVED seeing all the nativities, and talking about baby Jesus and the Wise Men and Mary and Joseph and the Shepards. The music went straight to your heart. It was a great night. There was an African Nativity, and Lilly got so excited - "MOM - BABY JESUS LOOKS LIKE ME!!!"

Pat-a-pat-a-Pan

2010-11-27T10:18:00.002-05:00

Hair

2010-11-27T10:16:00.002-05:00

It is a big hair day at our house. They have been naked for an hour beccause I told them I would give them a bath. I should really get to that sometime.

Thru the woods

2010-11-25T19:21:00.006-05:00

I stole the idea from a friend and for FHE we did smores in the fireplace.

LOVE these turkeys!

The kids were awesome the morning we were in the ER until 3am. They played nicely and let us sleep - of course there was a mess, but sleep was worth it.
I entertained the girls and kept still but giving them fake fingernails.
Grami always comes up with something fun to pass the time - pine straw sledding. Kids loved it!

The surgeons! I had a great nurse who sent home supplies for the kids to take care of me.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

I'm not gonna lie - it hasn't been the best at our house. My hysterectomy went great. Bryant's mom was here to help after and really it was so easy as far as surgery goes. I am so glad I did it and I wish I would have done it sooner. I ran into problems when the following Friday I had a fever. Bryant called the doctor and they had me take a lot of drugs, the fever left and I was high as a kite. The fever came back the next day and the doctor's office said I needed to go to the ER. I hate the ER. I fought Bryant pretty good about going. We went, because he won, and we were there from 9pm to 3am. Thank goodness for our wonderful neighbors watching the girls. So I had a UTI and pneumonia. I have felt like crap for a week. It just feels like it has been forever, and now I am just so tired of feeling sick. My chest hurts. Bryant has been great - he thankfully cancelled his travel for the week, but we also cancelled our Thanksgiving vacation. And we had some wonderful help from our ward. Friends brought us over plates of turkey and everything else. So here are the highlights - and I promise things will be better, I am just worn out tonight.

Sunday Bloody Sunday

2010-11-04T19:35:00.003-04:00

You aren't gonna wanna read this. But if you do - go ahead and congratulate me now! After 5 years of infertility treatments before we adopted Grace, my body has had it. It has been a bloody mess. My last period was 14 days, the one before that was 5 WEEKS. It has been like this for years. Ridiculous. So next Friday November, 12 I am having a total hysterectomy! HOORAY FOR ME!! It is just time to have the plumbing removed. I have done LOTS of other treatments to avoid this, but there comes a time to just get it over with. And then that will be the end of surgeries for me!! I did my pre-op stuff today and I did NOT pass out - again congratulations are in order. The only lame part is that I have to wear this tag on my wrist until after the surgery. Hello - that is a week away. At least it is cold and I can just wear long sleeves. It is just so they can give me blood if I need it. They don't want to have to deal with it at the hospital so they make me wear it all week. Oh, well. I would do a lot worse things to get back to good.

I'm a mean old witch with a hat

2010-10-31T22:06:00.002-04:00

We have been really lucky with our next door neighbors these last two moves. Our current next door neighbors are heavenly!! They have a 5 year old and a 3 year old little girl - so my kids are loving life. I already love Lynn, the mom, she has been such a blessing to us. And the dad is great too!

They had us, and some other friends, over for chili tonight for Halloween. It was very fun. The dads took the kids trick-or-treating after and the moms passed the candy out. We had 7 little girls there- it was so cute. We had great weather and perfect company!! A wonderful night!

Jubilee

2010-10-25T19:39:00.003-04:00

So our area doesn't let the kids wear their costumes to school, but they do have a 'Vocabulary Parade'. Lilly calls it the Caterpillar Parade, because she can't say vocabulary. I would call it that because it was so, so slow. This is Gracie and her class.

Lilly and her 'best brown friend' Owen waiting for the parade. These two are a hoot together.
Grace got the word MAY. So we had to make a hat like the month of May. This is our creation.

Boo

2010-10-25T19:27:00.005-04:00

This year Grace is the blond. She is a rock star and Lilly is a cat. I think they are so funny in the costumes they choose to be.
Our ward had a GREAT Trunk or Treat. It was at this Christmas tree farm that smelled so good. We had a chili cook off and hay rides, and smores. It was great. I feel bad Bryant missed it, he got a migraine at the last minute.

They really do fit the parts don't they?

5 Little pumkins

2010-10-14T21:28:00.005-04:00

This first pic is of Grace in our 'Napoleon Dynamite' wig and Lilly in the pirate wig. It was hilarious!!!

I actually think it should be mandatory to see at least one pumpkin patch or fall something this time of year. My friend Megan and I drove an hour to see two places. Neither held a candle to the one in Illinois, or Texas. I guess it isn't perfect here. We still had a great time and the kids got to shoot three ears of corn at an old car. We bought a BIG pumpkin, and enjoyed our friends.

PS - thanks mom and tiff for the push to blog this week!

Some Days You gotta Dance

2010-10-14T21:19:00.004-04:00

My friend Sofia from Decatur came for a visit and we had a great time. We went to the Aquarium and the Children's Museum, so glad I bought the year passes for the Aquarium. The girls had such a great time together. Lilly has missed her Celeste so very much!!

Nothin to say

2010-09-28T20:06:00.003-04:00

I have nothing really to blog about. It is weird. I feel neglectful to my blog that I love. Life is good. Things are well. Grace and Lilly love school - after some rough starts for Grace. I have a few free hours each week while Lil is in PreK (3 days 2 1/2 hours a day). I don't take kids to the grocery store anymore - it's NICE. I do volunteer at Gracie's school about once a week. We are working on our Foster to Adopt stuff, but I don't get into the doctor until October 12th, so we can't turn stuff in and start classes until after that. But I am okay with that, because all seems calm right now. Bryant has had to take on more responsibilities at work, but that isn't his fault, and he does a good job of making it not cut into 'my' time. I am just so glad I like that guy so much. I still have to see a GYNO for my continuing girl problems. (Stupid fertility drugs.) But I really am blessed. Life seems easy for a minute. I am totally jinxing myself, I better stop.

Remeber when

2010-09-14T20:34:00.002-04:00

Ever had one of those days?

Slipping through my fingers

2010-09-07T21:35:00.000-04:00

Lilly and her imaginary friend Alotta.
She is 4 - and proud of it. How did we ever make it this far. I cannot believe this tiny little fighting spirit. She amazes me.
Heading to Preschool. I can't believe she goes so easy and loves it. I am so grateful for the blessings of this baby.

Smile

2010-09-05T19:40:00.001-04:00

We were bored, boredom can lead to messes - but this one was fun.

HI Lilly

2010-09-02T13:50:00.002-04:00

Lilly got twenty dollars from my grandma, Lilly's birthday was 3 days before my grandma passed. And we got the card exactly on Lilly's birthday. So I put the twenty on the fridge with a magnet, and I have been having a hard time spending it.

So today Lilly and I went to Target. She got to pick whatever toy she wanted with her money. She picked a little computer, and has been so busy with it all afternoon.

Lilly with her money.
I love this kid!
Target Slurpee, and breaking the computer open.
Lilly the mommy. I have had to be quiet while she feeds her baby a bottle and works on her computer at the same time.

These two weeks with Grace in school and Lilly and I together every day have been priceless. She is the funniest kid I have ever met. She says things that crack me up all day long. She will snug and nap in the morning if I want, she helps with chores, she is a JOY! She never whines to be with friends or doing something else. I guess I have been lumping them together way too much lately. I really need to get some one on one time for Gracie. This time with Lils has been so much fun.

Simply the Best

2010-08-31T17:03:00.002-04:00

I went to San Antonio for the annual girls weekend - my face and belly ache from laughing so much. I adore each of these women. They are such a blessing to me. They know WAY TOO MUCH about me, but it's okay because I have their secrets too.

School bag in hand

2010-08-23T13:39:00.002-04:00

Lilly and Lucy after Grace got on the bus.
Feeling a little nervous.
At the bus stop, right across the street.
Gracie's 'action' shot.
Last week at Ikea!

KINDERGARTEN!!! How did we ever get here?!?!? We just got her the other day, how can she be 5 years old?? She was so excited. She got on the bus and was happy as a clam. Bryant, Lilly and I followed the bus to school. I am going to claim it was so I could drop off supplies. She was a little anxious when we left school. Lilly and I went to lunch at Chick-fil-a with friends and now I am about to go get her off the bus.

And she says it was "PERFECT!'

People are talkin

2010-08-11T22:29:00.002-04:00

Two FUNNY things Grace has said lately.

We had worked in the yard as a family and we were so sweaty and dirty. I took a shower and bathed the girls and I was doing their hair when Bryant came in and jumped in the shower. Grace Turned to me and with some surprise in her voice said, "MOM, what is the matter with Daddy's vagina?" I laughed so much.

The next one was when we were driving as a family to the Mormon night at the Atlanta Braves game. A car cut right in front of us and Bryant had to hit the brakes quickly. He yelled out "Criminy!" To which Gracie said, "Dad, why don't you just say shit, like Mom?" Yep, I apologized to my kids and I am being careful with my words.

But I feel it close around me

2010-08-05T21:33:00.002-04:00

My grandma Hansen passed away tonight. She was one tough lady. She loved to travel and play games, and walk. I knew she wasn't doing the greatest, but when I got the call on Monday that it would only be 2 or 3 days at the most, I was shocked. I will miss her dearly. I am so greatful to my brother and sisters who took the time to be there for her last days. Love you.

Awesome things about Grandma:

1. She took us to Hawaii when I was 13. To cut down on food costs she brought a suitcase full of food. She packed a frozen turkey, a canned ham, ramen noodles and everything else you could think of. It was funny.

2. I wasn't grateful enough when I was young. She always went out of her way to buy us extras, clothes, movies, she took each of us for a few days each summer all by ourselves.

3. When I was about 11ish, maybe older, she took me shopping for a new dress. While we were shopping she found some earrings for her, and asked my opinion. They are crazy, ugly. They are clear plastic bunches of grapes that hang way down. I am going to wear them to the funeral. I remember feeling so grown up that she would want my opinion on something that she would wear.

4. When President Kimball died I was very worried. She was taking me to a 4-H awards night, just me and her. She spent the whole drive explaining that all was well.

I will miss you grandma.

You put the lime in the coconut

2010-08-01T21:03:00.003-04:00

I don't have any idea what they are doing, I don't even know how it got on my camera.

We are a happy family

2010-07-26T20:46:00.003-04:00

When we were in UT my parents got us together for family pictures. Here is a sampling.

We are a happy family

2010-07-26T20:34:00.010-04:00

I love this one, except for my cleavage.

Jim's family.

Kris's family.

Grandkids, and Grandparents.
My kids feet are the easiest to pick out!

Sisters.

Lizzie's family.

When Grandpa comes

2010-07-24T18:26:00.003-04:00

I took my Grandpa C. out to lunch with my kids. We went to Artic Circle. It was the first time I had been with him by myself in so very long. It was so much fun! I will do that every time I come now. I had his undivided attention! The kids had so much fun with him. He was tickling them with the straw wrapper. After lunch he showed me all his old photos he had got from the photo exchange, including one of his grandpa. It was a perfect afternoon. It was so nice not to share him.
My Grandma Hansen isn't doing very well any more. I worry about them. She is so small and she eats all she can. It was so good to see them. I miss them a lot. When my Grandpa C. asked about my Hansen grandparents, I told him and he cried. My Grandpa Hansen is having a lot of trouble with his memory.

Lilly took this one.
Lils took this one of my Aunt Kaye. It was great to see her too.
Michelle and 'the Lilly's'!! I have missed the Swensen family so much.
The crazy kiddos, at Red Robin.
I finished Jim's birthday present - I started in January. I am glad to be done with that project, but I did tell my dad I would knit new Revolutionary War socks for him.
Michelle and I. Love you!!