PHILLIPS FAMILY

The Princess is growing up

2011-04-03T20:34:00.000-07:00

Ok, here is Annabelle. Truly she was a baby the last time I posted a picture of her. Annabelle is a crack up. She is so sweet and lovable, she wants hugs and eskimo kisses, I love her in my face just being close. She screams for me as soon as she wakes up, I hear a "MOM!" until I go get her. She has these eyes she gives me like she is glaring at me. She can say just about anything you ask her to say but if Gabe asks her a question the answer is always "no." He teases her and says, "Annabelle, do you want to go to Disneyland?" She says "no." It's pretty cute. She loves her Jacey and asks for him all day, "where Jacey?" "cool" (school) "where daddy?" "cool." She is almost 2 and very determined. She tells me "no" and loves to grab who ever she can by the finger and show them what she's doin. We're in the transition of no binkey and some days it becomes a huge problem. I tried chopping off the end of one and she took one look at it and threw it. She's too smart for that trick. She loves to be outside and playing with the boys. Since the weather has warmed up our life has changed. We are all a lot happier to have the freedom of the backyard, trampoline, dirt, fresh air! I love being home and being able to give these kids what I've got. They are truly special.

EASTER CHICKS

2011-04-03T20:20:00.000-07:00

Baby chicks. . .again. My mom is a pushover for her grandchildren. We are already being force fed eggs and now she just got 12 more chickens so the grandkids could have some fun. I have to say i’m pretty happy about it. It really is an adventure that our kids are lucky to have. The chances are good that a few of them will get killed off by the loving hands that maul them!

Annabelle left the chicks before I could get a good picture of her. Instead she was loving on Mitty the Kitty (who by the way is expected to have kitties in about 3 months if anyone is interested)

DURBY TIME

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

OUR SWEET NEIGHBOR LOVES, LIVES, BREATHES SCOUTING. SO NEEDLESS TO SAY HE TEACHES THE 7 YEAR OLD TIGER CUBS THAT ARE NOT CHURCH AFFILIATED SO IT IS ALL HIM. GABE ABSOLUTELY LOVES IT AND I AM SO GLAD THAT HE GETS TO HAVE SOMETHING THAT IS JUST FOR HIM. LAST WEEK WAS THE PINEWOOD DURBY AND IT WAS HELD IN THE CLEGG’S BASEMENT. MIKE MADE A PRETTY SWEET CARE THAT GABE BRILLIANTLY PUT HIS OWN TOUCH ON BY ADDING LEGOS FOR CARGO. THE KIDS HAD SO MUCH FUN AND GABE EVEN CAME IN FIRST A FEW TIMES (WHEW, THANK GOODNESS). HERE ARE A FEW PICS OF THE SPECIAL NIGHT! GO GABEY.

2011-02-08T12:36:00.000-08:00

Mike has been busy working on a project at our house! We moved in almost 7 years ago and we did a lot of work on the house then but left a LOT of work to be done later. Well finally "later" came and we have almost completed "project #1" our basement bathroom. Too bad no one goes down there, we should have started on our master bath. Oh well, I'm glad to have something new to look at! Now just a few more years and I might get a new laundry room!

2010-09-23T13:56:00.000-07:00

So, I've just been looking at peoples blogs for a quick peak and thinking, "that was really fun when I use to share my life with you friends that care. . ." Life has carried me away as usual and here I am months later with no updates. Am I a bad girlfriend or what?

Well, School has started. Gabe is in first grade and loving it. Jace is in preschool at Hillcrest and loving it. They ride the bus home together and think that is so cool. Annabelle, well she is just about as perfect as ever. Except she doesn't sleep like the boys did so I'm forced to be awake at early morning hours when I would rather be sleeping.

Mike the big school boy loves school, he is learning a lot and running a lot. People ask me if I am happy about it and all I can say is it would be selfish of me to not be. No I don't want my husband to get hurt but this is his dream and I will support him in it. Big Mike the peace officer. So what has taken me away, well besides the every day busy life, piano lessons, soccer, school, room mom, bla bla bla. The things that take us all away, I'm just learning how to put it all together. Now I can say I've sad hello to the blog world.

2010-07-09T14:10:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my princess. One year went by way too fast but I do have to say I spent it well with her in my arms 90% of the time! This baby girl is such a joy. She is very VERY loved. I love her content personality, her giggles, her peak a boo's, her smile, her pats, HER.

Sometimes I feel like this too.

This little Piggie!

2010-04-20T21:07:00.000-07:00

My baby has piggies!

A sneak peak

2010-04-20T20:39:00.000-07:00

We were lucky to spend spring break in C A L I F O R N I A thanks to Aunt Terri and clan. To Jace, It was "far far away" He also thought aunt terri's house was called "California" so when we would leave for a day trip he would say on the way back, "We're going back to California!" To Gabe Aunt Terri's house was "The trip." "we're going back to the trip"

Like I said, sneak peak of our trip. We had so much fun having Easter with family. We visited Sequoia and Yosemite. Funny that we left the snow for the sun and drove to the mountains where the snow was! We had a blast hanging out with our family. Jace and Robbie had so much fun following each other around, it was sad to say good buy but we will do it again.

Princess Annabelle is 9 months old

2010-03-25T20:48:00.000-07:00

Today we had Annabelle's 9 month check up

She must be starving, she weighed in at 21 1/2 pounds!

Do you think she'll be tall? She is off the charts at a whopping 30 inches!

She is Crawling, pulling herself up, eating everything (except pistachio pudding)

She's a happy happy girl.

GOTA LOVE MY PRINCESS A!

what a memorable day

2010-03-17T20:26:00.000-07:00

What does St. Patrick's day remind me of? ECUADOR and this little guy that I fell in love with. 9 years ago I got on a plane with 15 other strangers who soon became my friends. It was March 16th, we spent the first night in the nicest hotel in Quito, the next morning we flew into Cuenca and that is where my story is told. . .

(drinking green milk with my first meal at mi casa).

I am so grateful to my heavenly father that I got to go and learn a love like no other, the love of a mother, before I ever had children of my own.

I was still very immature but selfless service does a lot for a persons soul. I know I left being a better person and I know I made a difference in children's lives. This is just one of those children that I loved. (he was my baby) There were 19 babies in the cuna and at least 30 girls in the other orphanage. Isn't he beautiful? He is 10 years old now. . . One day in heaven I hope I get to meet him again.

Vicente Gabriel Born aprox. October 2, 2000

Pictures weren't allowed so I had to sneak in the bathroom with a disposable camera to get this picture of my baby.

Can you imagine dropping your child off at an orphanage?

I witnessed one mother doing so, at least she had the dignity to bring the baby in instead of ringing the bell and running. She looked so heart broken. 3rd world countries bring quite different circumstances than what we have here. I'm glad to be an American.

Seriously

2010-03-13T14:34:00.000-08:00

I wish to Squish!

I want to play tea

2010-03-13T14:28:00.000-08:00

Every day we have a tea party. Jace is learning how to properly hold his tea cup. He has learned that we don't drink bad tea, but mommy tea is ok. In fact for our party he gets us water and it usually comes out of the bathroom sink. Yesterday he served us "bubble water." I made him promise he didn't put soap in it, but there was definitely a faint soapy taste. So all you girls come on over. Jace is a great host, and we can talk about rainbows and puppy dogs!

Jacersarus is FOUR!

2010-03-13T14:09:00.000-08:00

My little Jacer is 4. I can't believe how fast the time really goes by.

I literally stink at this blogging thing. I can't get the pictures in order but at least the invitation is the first pic. Saturday we have an amazing family who joined us at thanksgiving point for a great dinosaur experience. Then on Monday Jace celebrated with his neighborhood friends. Thanks to My mom, Dana and Mindy I pulled it off. I think I forgot that 15 little people are a lot of work and a game takes about 5 minutes max before we lose interest. I also didn't realize that there is a HUGE difference between a 6 year old and a 4 year old, especially when the game is tug of war! Jace had a great day and I want to thank all of you for enjoying it with him.

Thank You Friends!

2010-03-13T14:06:00.000-08:00

On my birthday these lovely friends of mine took me to breakfast. They showered me with gifts and made me feel loved. I had a great birthday and I don't feel a day older. I love the new twenties! I feel alive!

30 years ago today!

2010-03-05T08:59:00.000-08:00

I don't think it was snowing.

I don't know any facts about the day or the year.

But March 5th I was born.

Here I am at age 3, just the age you might see a resemblance. . .

Who looks like this in my family?

(I think I see Paige)

Who has those cheeks and that double chin?

(Annabelle for sure got the chub from me)

Brothers. . . I wasn't bald until I was 3. Look at those locks!

not again!

2010-03-03T14:01:00.000-08:00

On Monday I came home from Costco to Mike yelling, "we gotta go to the hospital, will you take him?" Mike is petrified of cuts, blood, wiggly teeth etc. . . While diving onto the love sac to pick a book Gabe smashed into the corner of the closet and once again we make our way to the doctors office for a few sutures. Gabe is so tuff, he didn't even flinch. Just like when he pulled his tooth out the other night so he could get a dollar.

I am happy to report that he does NOT have chicken pox. I don't know what it was. Just a few spots I guess.

Gabe's cute thought: He is fascinated with his body, questions about what is under his skin. We got a book from the library to explain but he still keeps asking what is under his bones. Finally yesterday I said "bone marrow" His reply: "Like a bow and arrow?"

No mean people

2010-03-03T13:56:00.000-08:00

Jace has been collecting the elastics off of the asparagus and putting them on the door. He tells me, "I am locking the door so no mean people can get in." It is actually getting pretty strong. It might just hold out the bad guys!

Jace's cute thought: after naming off about 5 different things he wanted for lunch I told him his eyes were sounding bigger than his tummy. He thought for a bit then hopped off the chair. "I want to see in the mirror."

I can't get enought

2010-03-03T13:52:00.000-08:00

of this face. She is so special. I am so lucky to have my little Annabelle. Grandma Liston told me a quote I just love.

A son's a son 'til he marry's a wife.

A daughter's a daughter her entire life.

pulled pork

2010-02-27T16:21:00.001-08:00

My favorite place to eat is CAFE RIO.

I haven't been there in at least a year but that doesn't mean I don't love

it, it just means I never eat out.

If you are like me you are always wanted to duplicate the recipe.

I want to learn to make their lime ranch dressing.

My Mindy gave me a great recipe for the pulled pork that I think is close to the real thing.

1 pork roast

1 can coke

1 cup salsa

1 cup sugar

slow cook all day, pull the pork a few hours before serving to let the juices soak in.

I hope it isn't a secret because I just gave it away!

It is delicious and I am excited to eat dinner.

Kamers, sorry it din't work out. Leave little Abby in the oven for a few more weeks.

Take care of yourself.

As for me and my family, we are home bound. At least for a few days.

Do spots always mean chicken pox?

We'll find out if they scab or not.

Gabe has spots on his arm that I discovered yesterday at swim lessons.

No fever, just spots.

The wait is on, but hey we have dinner tonight!

The love of my life, My Mikey

2010-02-14T13:29:00.000-08:00

Mike and I met 8 years ago on January 25th. 8 years ago today we were in Salt Lake at the Cheryl Crow Awards ceremony, he took me on a ridiculously priced, yet very romantic carriage ride and then had roses waiting for me when we got back to his house (compliments of Terri I'm sure) :) After the first date I wrote my dad a note to tell him he doesn't have to worry about me going on a mission because I had "found the boy I was going to marry." By day 3 I confessed my feelings to Mike about how I was going on a mission (his face dropped) but. . . my Bishop was holding my papers because I had met someone. The rest is history.

I tease him that it was his truck that I fell in love with but we all know better than that. ANY one who knows Mike can testify that he is a gem. He has a giant spirit that is even bigger than him! I couldn't help but love him and wish for my life to be complete with him by my side. He makes me smile, he makes me laugh, he makes my heart soar. He allows me to be me, and helps make my dreams come true. He works so hard for our family, I was at the dentist last week and so glad to not be working there. I have sucked enough spit for one lifetime!

Last week Brit and I got to go on a date and see a chick flick. (Thank you Brit). When I got home I was so happy because I love seeing people fall in love but my happy comes because I get to come home to a love story. I am so thankful to be in love with Mike and to truly be living a dream. Of course we have our rocks to climb over like everyone, I don't claim to be perfect. But I will always say with an honest heart "I LOVE YOU MIKE" Happy Valentines Day!

All I need is LOVE

2010-02-12T10:25:00.000-08:00

These little monkeys are the sunshine in my day. Mike and I dedicate our Valentines day to our little ones. It's the day of love so we should share it with those we love.

Gabe is my little Mike who lives his days in his own unhurried ways. He teaches me patience, how to share, how to love, how to be silly. I love my Gabey.

Jace is my little tease who lives his days in bliss. He teaches me how to imagine, how to be brave, how to be dirty, how to laugh. I love my little Jacer.

Annabelle is my little peacemaker. We can't help but be happy when we are with her. She gives me alone time, me and her and our thoughts. She teaches me to slow down, to breathe, to smile. I love my little AnnaBanana.

So much more I could say about my sweeties, I am just so thankful to be their mom, that Heavenly Father loves me so much that he trusted me with these spirits. My next thoughts will be dedicated to the love of my life. :)

Fuzzy hair!

2010-02-11T19:57:00.000-08:00

Do your kids have fuzzy hair? You know, it could mean something? When Gabe was a baby and we were doing all of the "testing," The geneticist was concerned about his hair because it stuck straight up. Well. . . all of my kids hair stands straight up, it adds height and don't forget personality! This picture of Annabelle is about a month old. You should see how long and fuzzy her hair is today!Jace's fuzzy hair was short lived. I don't know if I gelled it or what but he didn't live the way Annabelle and Gabe did at this age.

This Gabey is sooo cute. I love this picture, he is fishing for the cats under the door and having a blast. His hair always looked like this! LOVE IT!

Family Pictures

2010-02-04T11:34:00.000-08:00

A dreaded event in everyone's life has got to be taking FAMILY PICTURES! To catch all the eyes looking one direction and having a cute look on everyone's face is almost impossible. So. . . This is Mike's least favorite thing to do, but it's got to be done. We have to document the growth of our family!

Disneyland!

2010-01-31T15:05:00.000-08:00

Disneyland was not last week or even last month but it has not been documented in my blog world so I thought I would share a few highlights from our awesome trip. Can I just say that COUSINS are awesome. FAMILY is awesome. GRANDMA is awesome.

I Wish for everyone to have a bestfriend named GRANDMA!

Walkin in their daddy's footsteps. Those are big shoes to fill!

Screamin' California made Ky Ky and Gabey SMILE :)

My baby girl is practically perfect in every way!

My Handsome hubby makes me happy!

Zach Attack wouldn't do anything at first. . . then he was unstoppable!

Our trip was most memorable. The kids are asking to go back. In fact I think they asked to go back before we even left. When they say it is where dreams come true I believe it. There is a kind of magic to Disneyland that you don't find anywhere else. But. . . I wouldn't want to be there on a busy day or I might disagree!

kid photos september 2009

2010-01-05T12:22:00.000-08:00

A mile stone to remember!

2009-09-14T20:07:00.000-07:00

Gabe lost his first tooth (the way teeth are suppose to be lost) tonight. I was brushing his teeth (because I am the tooth Nazi and will brush my children's teeth until they are 12) and one tooth looked out of place and I wondered what was wrong. Then I wiggled it and discovered it was hanging on by a thread. I asked him if he wanted me to pull it out or let it wiggle for a few days and he wanted it out. Mike couldn't even think about it and refused to look so I had to take Gabe in the other room to pull out his tooth. It just slipped right out! He is so proud and I am so excited for him but at the same time sad because this is a big step in growing up. Now he really is getting big.

Sunday is a fun day!

2009-09-14T19:52:00.000-07:00

The Boys had a tea party for breakfast Sunday morning while I was busy getting ready for sharing time. I have been living one day at a time with a long punch list this last week or so. I do it to myself and I am almost going crazy. But now Sunday is over and I can get ready for the rest of the week! Annabelle found those fingers that she had in her mouth the minute she was born. She has been going to town on her hands this last week and slobbering, cooing a lot. She is so much fun. We are up to a good 8 hours of sleep each night! Every parents dream. SLEEP. She is getting so big so fast. I have a hard time putting her down, I feel guilty like she needs to be in my arms all the time or at least by my side so I can look at her. But as I mentioned I have felt a little crazy so she has spent too much time in her bouncer watching her toys or hopefully Gabe and Jace! She has started smiling and she has the cutest little dimples that will really show up when some fat dissolves!

First day of First grade

2009-08-23T14:41:00.000-07:00

Here is my handsome Gabe off on his first day of school. When I took this picture I didn't know that my day would end in tears.
Gabe is going to Orchard for a special program that they have up there to help him get a little more caught up before he goes mainstream in our neighborhood school. I think it will be great for him but the transportation to get him there is a joke. It is 2 miles away.
It took him 40 minutes to get to school and I expected it to take about that long before he came home. School let out at 3:30 so when 4:30 came around and I didn't have my boy home I got worried. Finally not long after Gabe was home sopping wet and in tears. Over an hour on a hot bus with no drink or AC. I felt so bad tat he had to suffer through that. It won't be happening again. I guess I have just turned into a school taxi because I can't bare to let Gabe ride the bus for that long. It was hard enough on me that he was gone all day but to have 2 hours extra just for the transportation. I don't think so.

A glimpse of our summer fun

2009-08-23T13:42:00.000-07:00

So My blogging times have turned into big clumps of randoms. But if there is anyone out there that still looks at my blog here is a taste of our summer.

On Monday we ventured off on an overnighter to Goblin Valley with the kids. Funny that it was the last few days of summer and it was our first family vacation. I guess I did have a baby 2 months ago but I just was feeling bad that we hadn't gone anywhere. This actually was in Capital Reaf. We hiked to an arch. It was the first for a lot of things. First camping for Annabelle, First Hike for the boys. We had a lot of fun and I am excited to know that we can go on a hike and camping isn't so bad, I just wont expect sleep!

Annabelle screamed the whole way down, she was a little hot so we doused her with water but she didn't like that too much.

THE GOBLINS

Random picture of Gabe and Annabelle but I couldn't delete it because it is so precious.

Gabe was up first and when Jace got up and came out of the tent Gabe gave him a huge hug and said "Good morning Jacey" It was so cute.

Summer fun in the backyard

Bridal Veil Falls with Ella and Katie Kate

All of the Pictures of Brit and I over the years and I don't think we have one since we got married, so now we do.

Mike is building the boys a dresser and they had a lot of fun helping. Jace especially is the littlest helper boy. He loves to help work.

Fun at Thanksgiving point with the cousins.

Gabes first jump with out a hand to hold. He is getting brave and wants to be just like his monkey cousins Aiden and Kyler.

Jacer and Abby at the watering turn. This was a big summer hit to run around Grandmas lawn with the irrigation.

Annabelle in one of my favorite outfits

We took the boys to trafalga to ride the race cars. The pics of them are too dark but this was so cute of Jace and Mike

A few pictures

2009-07-08T11:09:00.000-07:00

Just having fun with my new camera. I love being a mom.

Happy Birthday Gabey!

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

First BirthdayOne of my favorite pictures
My Mario lover himself

The cake for the "6 up" Birthday boy

I and many others love this little guy. Gabe is such a sweet boy with so much love to give. I will forever be grateful that heavenly father sent him to me. He adds so much happiness to my life and to our family. Happy Birthday Gabey!

my life

2009-07-06T10:35:00.000-07:00

My life consists of staring at this beautiful babe! I am so blessed and I am having so much fun literally just staring.

A is for Annabelle

2009-06-21T16:37:00.001-07:00

Kind of a long post but I might not be back for a while.

Annabelle was born June 16th at 10:01 p.m.

she was 7 lbs 15 oz, 19 1/2 " long

Here are some pictures of the last 5 days of our lives.

Hospital wait

My mom was invited to the birth, her first one she ever saw!

Mikes family is the best support team around, they have been outside the door for 3 births now! Thanks.Annabelle was very "cheesey" the doctor said. She was delivered by Dr. Rees and he made the birth as fun as it can be. She came in 2 hours from the time I was put on the pit. I pushed about 6 times with 3 contractions. Epidurals are great even when they make me loopy!

She instantly stuck her finger in her mouth

Gabe and his new baby sister. Gabe was excited.

Jace took some time to warm up to her. When he first saw her he backed away. We asked him to get in the picture and he said "No" Funny because he had been looking forward to this for 9 months. When I would go to the doctor these last few times both boys would ask me "are you gona bring home baby Annabelle?"

Daddy and his baby girl.

The hospital fun

Dad and his boys

Grandma Louder

Kyler and Gabe are missing the same tooth!

Uncle Russell, Aunt Dana and Jack Jack

Uncle Layne, Kyler and Paige

Mindy, Isaac, Ethan and Abby

Grandma Phillips

Grandma Liston

Grandpa Liston

Jace the night I came home from the Hospital. He was wired.

Sleepy days

Annabelle and her cousin Troy born 3 weeks before her. These little kids are gona be best of friends.

my Grandma Liston. She came over this morning to try and get a promise out of us that we wont shorten her name. We will call her Annabelle. I can't promise anything like that but for now she is called ANNABELLE. She was named after this Grandmas mother.

Gabe told me today. "Annabelle wants me" He is so happy to have a baby in our home.

Jace has turned up the volume x 10 since Annabelle was born.

Mike got us a new camera with our new arrival, we are having so much fun taking pictures. Tonight I hope to have a photo shoot so I can get some precious moments of my baby girl.

A busy eventful week.

2009-05-17T20:30:00.000-07:00

It has been a busy eventful week. I am looking forward to life slowing down, if that ever happens. We celebrated Grandma Louders big win on the Price is Right. A lot of the family got together and watched it together. If you missed it and still want to see it you can go to NBC.com and watch the May 7th showing. Mike's little brother Ryan got married on Friday and that has been exciting. We had family come in from out of town and it has been fun visiting. Jace likes to use Annabelle as a pillow.
Our cute family

These cute boys belong to Mike and I. "The tallest of the brothers"

Mike and his sweet sister Terri

The only picture I have of the bride and groom. Janeals mom made her dress and it was beautiful.

There was an ice cream machine at the reception, oh how lovely and sticky.

We spent yesterday at the lake so Todd could enjoy some boat time. Here we are on the Ion, if you haven't tried it you should!

Gabe makes a great driver

Mike and Kathy were a crack up getting flipped all over the lake on this thing.

Flag boy

Moma's boy

Cute cousins Ashley and Amaya

Mike and Todd

Well it was fun. Annabelle is due in 5 weeks and I have had fun decorating her room thanks to Mindy. The boys are in the "boy room" now and they love their new bunk bed. Soon I will post pictures of the bedrooms, they just aren't complete yet. My builder has been busy and maybe he will get started next week, or the next or. . . . who knows. As for now we are happy. Infact we are glad that our builder is busy at work.

We go to work!

2009-04-30T12:39:00.000-07:00

I told the boys to get ready to go to the Library and they came in with their goggles on.

Gabe and Jace: We go to work mom, like dad

Mom: Why do you go to work?

Gabe: To bring home the baccon.

I guess I need to go to work with Mike someday so I can get a picture of him doing what he does everyday. We are so lucky to have a daddy that "brings home the baccon." In these crazy economic times we feel very blessed to have work and to have Mike who does the best at it. Thank you Mike for being the best husband, dad and friend in the whole world. We love you.

And the next contestant on the Price is Right is. . .

2009-04-27T19:41:00.000-07:00

My Grandma Louder is 90 years old and decided that her life is soon to be over and therefore "the last item on her bucket list is to be on The Price is Right." So with help from my cousin, she and her 4 daughters flew out on a private jet Sunday for the sole purpose of getting Grandma on the show. They had tickets to get tickets so they woke up at 4:30 to stand in line.
Grandma got on contestants row, WON, played a game (details still blurry) WON. Spun the wheel, WON. Show case showdown. . . you guessed it, WON! My mom and all of her sisters were crying and laughing and of course peed their pants through it all. When they finally got out of the show at 4:00 and my mom called me she was still crying. My Grandma is the funnest person alive and I am sure that the show will be a must see. So if you're not busy May 7th at 9:00 a.m. tune in to watch MY Grandma take the show!

spring break

2009-04-23T14:26:00.000-07:00

So when you wake up to this. . . You have to do this. . .
Grandma and her hard working snow kids

There should never be an easter bunny in the picture with the snow man.

We enjoyed a night at the cabin to make spring break as eventful as possible.

Grandpa, Zach and Ky

you know you're a red neck when. . .this is the boy that wears a full body wet suit in Hawaii.

4 wheeler fun.

Jace having a ride on the horse.

So that was it for fun in hour house last week. This week has felt much better with the sunshine. The park and bike rides, walks, backyard, even a few lawns mowed makes spring feel more inviting. The only problem is what I see blowing in out my window right now. MORE CLOUDS. Oh well, we had some fun these last few days.

WHO'S PATRICK?

2009-04-14T12:33:00.000-07:00

I'm not into sponge bob so when Kathy asked me to make a Patrick cake I didn't know who in the heck he was. But after last night we became well aquainted! This is Patrick. He is a pretty cute starfish that I had fun making. I owe many thanks to Kathy for asking me to create birthday cakes for her kids. It is so much fun but of course I am not going to make a cake just for practice, so I need excuses. This is the birthday cake I made for Tyler last year and I think it is my favorite.

Easter time

2009-04-14T12:17:00.000-07:00

Easter egg hunts were fun this year. Not too much candy thank goodness or it would find it's way to the garbage. The boys just love looking for the eggs, they eat a little and then forget about it. Gabe is obsessed with Mario so for his Kindergarten program he wanted to do it on the one and only MARIO. He colored all the pictures and put them on the poster, but the cutting was frustrating him, so I did that part. Crazy to think the school year is almost over.
Cocoa was missing and then I found her, jumping on the trampoline. Jace thought it would be fun to jump with the bunny and scared her off.

My kids were far from scared of the easter bunny, this one was at Gabe's Easter party at school

Honey Do. . . . . .

2009-04-06T21:04:00.000-07:00

Does your honey have a to do list a mile long like mine? I feel like I keep adding to this list. I put on it "paint the base boards" Mike gave that one back to me and decided I would be able to do that. So today I blue taped only the kitchen and front entry. I figure I can do a section at a time. Well, now I need that strong man of mine to open the big bucket of paint for me and put it in a smaller container.
This last week I had an experience with a friend that is OCD that made me grateful that I'm not. I am so glad that I can get things done, I can plan a project and see the end. It's true, I have a long project list but in time I will get them all done and no one is waiting for me except me.
Freshly painted baseboards, soon to be checked off my list!

Dana, this one's for you

2009-03-27T20:55:00.000-07:00

My sista keeps posting pictures of cute Jack Jack climbing higher and higher. Well Mike took this picture at church and Dana, I wanted you to have it!

Meet Cocoa Bunny!

2009-03-23T21:02:00.000-07:00

It didn't take too much persuading to get a bunny in our house but now that it is here Mike has made it clear that it is "Becky's bunny" therefore I am to take care of it. I guess I get that for all the times I tell him to clean up after "His cats!" The kids are thrilled and think it is so much fun chasing her around the kitcken (not allowed on the carpet, soon she will be an outside bunny) Tonight she dropped one little hard poop at a time and if you know about bunnies they are just little marbles. So the boys thought it was so funny chasing her around and then yelling "poop" when she'd let one fall! (I know that sounds grose and so not like me to let a bunny poop on my floor, but. . .)
My favorite quote from the ksl adds was "don't buy a bunny just because it's Easter, that's like buying a reindeer because it's Christmas!"

So on Thursday I decided I wanted a bunny, on Friday morning I asked Mike and he said yes. When Mindy came over an hour later I told her about it and then when I finally found the bunnies I convinced her that she needed one too. SO. . . our sweet friend brought these lop's in a box all the way from St. George on Sunday just to satisfy my craziness!

I wanted to name our's Millie but that was a hard one for Gabe so Jace came up with Cocoa and I thought that fit her well. So come on over and see our new addition!

CHICKENS AGAIN!

2009-03-19T13:59:00.000-07:00

It is the season again for baby chicks! This is the most enjoyable time of the spring, the kids love ever minute with these cute little birds. The only problem is they grow up fast and then they aren't very fun at all. Loves
They enjoy swinging, sliding, tree climbing, wagon rides. What ever their little farmers want to do, within reason.

Only a few days old, Grandma will get a few more and we will have a fun spring bring up chickens!

Kindergarteh bowlilng

2009-03-19T13:52:00.000-07:00

Today I went on a field trip with Gabe's class to the bowling ally! It was loads of fun but my hat goes off to kindergarten teachers! These are the cute kids in his class. I thought this was so cute, one of the kids would throw the ball so slow they would sit down to watch it get to the pins!
Gabe had his own support team. Isaac made sure he was ok with that heavy ball.

Give it all you've got.

Gabe and his sweet friend Isaac having fun.

Terri, this one's for you.

2009-03-08T22:12:00.000-07:00

Everyone else should watch this too buy Terri and family are the ones he's singing with.

JACE"S BIG DAY!

2009-03-08T21:31:00.001-07:00

This is my Jacey who turned 3 today. What a sweet boy he is. Always wanting to help and be involved in whatever is going on be baking or cleaning or playing. He loves playing with his Gabey and enjoyed a lot of hours last night after getting new toys laughing and having fun. It is music to my ears to hear them playing nice with each other which is most of the time.

Jace loves to be the big boy. Today was his big day, but we had his party yesterday at our good friend Dawns Gym. I am sure all of the kids AND adults had a blast. My friend mentioned that all of you Phillips' are just a bunch of big kids. I agree, that's what makes you so fun. Here are a few pictures of the afternoon fun. Jace wanted a little Einstein cake so "rocket" is what he got. I lost a lot of sleep over how I was going to make this one but it turned out pretty cute.

We wanted to take Jace out for his birthday but he wanted hot dogs so Grandma and Grandpa picked them up from Costco and we enjoyed them at home. Much more fun.

Opening presents. Of course he was spoiled rotten. Thanks everybody!

Jace and his Abby stuck in the foam

spectators

Gabe getting ready for the big jump

Most of the kids that were here minus the big kids.

Grandpa helping Jace across the beam

Mike jumping as high as he could

Jace and Paige

why you must light the candles of a cake

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

I forgot the matches so I thought Jace could just pretend to blow out the candles and it would be great. These videos tell it all. Watch the one with out fire first. So funny!

WIT FIRE

WITH OUT FIRE

February in review

2009-03-01T10:16:00.000-08:00

fun month at the Phillips home. Last week for family night we had popcorn and watched Mike cut a hole in the wall for our new cabinet that will hold the Wii, DVD etc.
The boys have had fun helping Dad in the garage with all of the tools. Gabe for the first time has been interested in helping dad "build."

Spring fever has hit and we have been spending time on our bikes going to the "church home" in Jace's words to ride through the "hole" in Gabe's words.

Gabe decided that Jace could ride the little bike this year and he would graduate to the bigger one that is too small also. He is working hard on his independence chart to earn a new Yellow bike. Has any one seen one around?

Mike and I enjoyed another day at Sundance last Saturday. I felt a little too pregnant to be there but had to use the pass so I took it real easy.

Superbowl Sunday and I got involved. (big surprise) I thought it would be fun to make these cute little cookies. I never got around to posting it so here they are.

I will not miss this being a scene at our house. Mike threw his back out on New Years and spent the next 6 weeks begging for a back rub. When I was busy he would take it from anyone so the boys got out the massager and had fun rubbing dad's back. But then they had to have a turn!

Jace decided that these blocks are fun to play with and we have spent the last month building race car tracks and towers and "noah's arc"

Jace and Abby having fun in a box. The joy of being a kid.

Mike got nominated to receive his second miler award for scouting. My Mikey has been in scouts now for 4 years and because he loves it so much I'm sure he will one day be the one who get's his "Golden Anniversary" award for scouting like some dude at the banquet.

That's us in a nut shell this last month. I myself am getting a very big belly. Annabelle is an active little thing, I feel her all the time and it is so fun. These are the good days of being pregnant, if my boys would let me sleep I would feel great.

project complete

2009-02-18T19:21:00.000-08:00

Do any of you have a million projects setting around in your house or in your mind? Well I do and one at a time I am widdling away at them. I had a goal to finish the boys bedspreads before Christmas but that turned into an unrealistic goal. So then I decided that they would be done before the baby got here and a few days ago the finishing shams were complete! They are no pottery barn but they are bright, cute, oh so cuddly and the boys love them. This is Gabe's because his favorite color is yellow, Jace's is identical except his has red trim for his favorite color. Now maybe we can convince Mike to build Jace's bed before June!

Proud to say he pulled through!

2009-02-14T20:05:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Mike asked me what I wanted for Valentines day. I said flowers and he said, "do you want to go pick them out?" I said, "sure." So today I had on my agenda a trip to costco to get me some flowers, but I never made it so I figured I'd get some another time. Well tonight Mike disappeared and left these on the the table. Of course I had to arrange them and I'm not the best at that but they are beautiful and smell so good. So just for the record I love my Mikey.

I reminded him that just 4 years ago he surprised me with my Piano for Valentines day and how I love it. We decided that we would make this a family holiday so we always spend it with the kids. This year we went to Chuckey Cheese and we will not do that on a Saturday ever again. It was a mad house but the kids had fun. Happy LOVE day everyone.

Jace quote

2009-02-06T19:01:00.001-08:00

I read my friends blogs that always have cute quotes and I regret never sharing any of mine. I write them down in my little book, but this one was blog worthy.

Mike: "Jace where did you get that book?"
Jace: "up high"
Mike: "How did you get up high?"
Jace: "I climbed"
Mike: "don't climb up high or you might fall down and crack your head open"
Jace: ran in the other room and came back with another book HUMPTY DUMPTY "like this guy?"

I don't remember reading that book in a long time. That Jace is a funny kid.

RANDOM 25

2009-02-06T18:33:00.000-08:00

25 Randoms about me

1- I clean up my kids toys before they are done playing.
2- For at least 2 days after I mop the floor I spend a lot of time with a dustpan and rag on my knees. (if you haven't noticed I'm psycho sometimes, but once it gets dirt I throw my hands up)
3- My favorite thing to do is sleep, pathetic I know but oh so nice.
4- I knew I was going to marry Mike on our first date.
5- I am a candy attic, not good. I eat healthy foods, I stay away from fatty stuff but oh how I love fruity candy.
6- I have climbed the tallest active volcano in the world 19,384 ft. I didn't even get altitude sickness and one week later I scuba dived 40 ft below. Those were the single days.
7- I love being a mom, my boys bring out the best in me. Although sometimes they make me angry. (like when they make a mess)
8- My worst chore is laundry, I hate every part about it.
9- I love yoga, it is my sanity and I thank Jenne for sharing.
10- I use to race mt bikes, I frequently won 1st place because there were usually only 2-4 of us in the category! thanks for dragging me along on that Brit.
11- The most stressful part of the day for me is night time, getting the kids in bet on time.
12- My favorite movie is Pride and Prejudice
13- I love to read a good book
14- In high school I never read one of the books I turned in book reports to. I owe that thanks to brit and my mom. I am glad that I discovered the joy in reading though.
15- I started taking piano lessons when I was 3 years old
16- When I was young my mom worried about me because I am right brained. She took me to a cooky lady every week to "connect my left with my right"
17- When I get time in life I want to learn to play the violin again. (I played for 4 years when I was young)
18- I can't sing worth beans, my voice can't carry a tune.
19- I can't wait to dig my hands in the dirt and plant pretty flowers.
20- I am sad that I won't be mowing lawns this summer, when I am dirty and sweaty and smell like grass/gas, I secretly feel tuff.
21- I consider myself not very vein. my hair is rarely done, I rarely wear makeup, I only have a few cute clothes (ok I take that back, I use to only have a few, then my bbf Mindy started shopping for me and giving me her stuff. Now my wardrobe has grown a bunch. Thanks M)
22- My favorite color is purple
23- My mom saves my life on a daily basis, if only everyone could have a mom like mine.
24- I am a coupon shopper always out to get the best price.
25- I love giving birth. I love the feeling of a baby in my tummy and I want at least 5 kids.

IT"S A GIRL!

2009-01-30T16:31:00.000-08:00

There isn't a lick of pink in our house but there will be soon. She is due June 23rd and there is a lot going on until then so it will go by fast! Just thought you might want to know.

Big like Dad

2009-01-21T08:56:00.000-08:00

I got out of the shower this morning to Jace in my doorway "mom, don't come in here, I hungry and I make it big like Dad's" What is he talking about I thought. Until I came to see him throwing the cereal box away. The picture doesn't show just how much cereal was dumped. Since I came to see he then tells me "I need milk mom" So he got his milk, pushed and poked at his cereal for a little bit, then got down to play. This kid won't eat, I need some parental advice!

He can see!

2009-01-17T19:15:00.000-08:00

So Gabe has been going to the opthamologist since he was 10 months old. Right before Christmas I got a letter from the school nurse suggesting that he needs his eyes checked. Ya really think I'm not aware of the eye problem? Well, at least they're doing their job at Hillcrest. So Gabe's annual visit came and the blindness was confirmed. His vision is -2.o, he's near sighted. He was so excited to get glasses, He really was hoping for a yellow pair but I guess no one else picks that color, so there was none to be found. He settled for this cute blue pair that mom picked out. The first day with the glasses was fun to see him looking around him, seeing detail he never saw before.

When we got out of the car from picking up the glasses he said to me "where's my suit case for these things?" I got such a kick out of that, we now have an official name for his case. The glasses make me nervous, I'm so scared he's going to lose them I want to glue them to his face. The first day to school with them I wrote his teacher a letter and called her. Am I a worry mom or what.

This picture is of Gabe finishing Jace's cheese and chicken, 2 forks, 2 plates, he must have been hungry!

2009-01-07T20:25:00.000-08:00

Thanks to my brother Scott we can get out of our driveway. We have this neighbor that thinks he's a saint and plows the roads with his blad on front of his car. Well he could do a good job I guess but really he puts the snow in front of everyone's driveways so we get stuck! He also makes my dad mad after he plows the sidewalks with his 4-wheeler, then brother H pushes the snow back up on the sidewalk. What do ya do. I guess get a brother with a bob cat.

For 5 years Gabe has insisted that he hates the snow. For the first few years he wouldn't even walk in it, we would build a snowman and he would watch from the sidewalk, then get carried over for the picture! Last year he got a little better and this year, we thought it would be the same. Last week we went to the cabin to go sledding and he pointed to each of us and said "you, you and you can go outside, I'll stay inside." So that was that, we went and played while he and Zach stayed warm. Today we had the shock of a lifetime. Mike told Gabe he couldn't play the wii until he tried sledding. So went to a fun hill and low and behold. . . HE LOVED IT! He hiked up that hill so many times and went down, down, down. He flew when he went by himself and we stood at the top holding our breath waiting for a scream. But every time he hopped up happy and hiked up for more! Yahoo!

Jace of coures loves every minute in the snow.

Brother Layne has a hurt back

So does Superman Mike (the wife forgot the snowboots)

It was really fun for the whole family to ride down on top of dad!

This is the snowpile in front of our house last night, and Jace digging his way through it!

A few pics back at the cabin, this is baby paige pulling Jace up the hill

A little Snow!

2008-12-30T11:29:00.000-08:00

The boys finally got a sled that fits them. For the last 2 years we have been using an infant sled to pull them around the neighborhood! Not so easy. We built a snowman on one of the first storms, we couldn't find anything for his face so I poked grapes on him with tooth picks! The snowman keeps growing with all of the new snow and the boys keep singing tall, tall, tall.

Gabe's cousin Kyler helped him out to the bus when it was snowing. It talkes Gabe a little while to get use to the snow but now he can run in it.

Yesterday Mike and I braved the crowd at sundance. It was a lot of fun, we found lots of friends and we even survived a full day. In our old age with far and few between trips to the slopes we were impressed to still know we've got a little in us!
Mike owes his strength to P90X
A few more weeks and I might not feel comfortable taking the baby belly down a steep hill on a board. But maybe we can go just once more before then!

Christmas 2008

2008-12-30T10:13:00.000-08:00

Our new family tradition is to make cookies on Christmas eve for Santa. So the boys helped me roll out and cut then frost cookies! It was a lot of fun but I should have made the cookies earlier, they made for a mess to clean up. Oh well. Christmas was a success. I have it on video but failed to take any still shots. Gabe got his leapster and Jace got his Tent. Our family got a wii that has been the real hit for Gabe. He is addicted to Mario Kart and can't stop talking about it. Constantly he is telling me about how he won the race. At first I couldn't watch him play because it drove me crazy, now he usually gets 5th or 6th place. For sure he is better than me, I'm still getting 12th. We have decided to put a time limit on his play time and then he can earn or lose time by doing different things. I think this will be a great bribery tool. Mike has started counting 1, 2 wii. Gabe won't get to wii!

Christmas parties 2008

2008-12-30T09:38:00.000-08:00

This picture goes at the bottom, this blogging messes me up sometimes!

Our underwater camera is so much fun to play with! For our Phillips family traditions we will now swim for our Christmas party every year. Thanks Linds!Gabe and Jace will be thrilled with this winter swim.

Linds and Terrance blowing bubbles

Ron. . . I don't know.

Ryan and Janeal's engagement picture, they don't blow bubbles, you can't even tell they are underwater!

Kathy,Trace and Linds

Kathy and Mikey

Grandma Louder's Christmas party. Traditional Chicken noodle soup and the nativity.

Jace and his cousin Aiden, cute little wisemen.

Eliza and Gabe, little angels. (oops, I deleted the picture)

Don't forget Grandema's traditional flaming cake! It's all about TRADITION!

Christmas Cards

2008-12-07T15:41:00.000-08:00

I got on the ball and got Christmas cards printed so if you want one send me your address please. I have lots, but I'm missing lots. If I know where you live or I will see you soon ignore this post! my email is mb4phillips@gmail.com lol B

Santa is here!

2008-12-05T11:50:00.000-08:00

Did you know Santa comes to town on a helicopter? Me neither, but the day after thanksgiving he did. We waited in the cold for a good 1/2 hour for the late Santa. He made his appearance and it was fun hanging out with family. Next year we will definitely dress warmer!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-29T19:44:00.000-08:00

So much to be thankful for. We are so blessed. At this time for those of you who don't know I will share that I feel thankful that I have been given another chance to have another baby. I lost one in July and I looked forward to the time I could be pregnant again. So now I am and due June 23rd. It feels forever away and I am counting down the nausea. Gabe broke his foot the first of November and it hasn't slowed him down one bit. He didn't walk on it for a week, then he hobbled, then he ran. We are hoping for only one more week with the boot. Lucky for all of us the doctor didn't cast it!
Thanksgiving morning JoJo and I woke up to run the Turkey Trot so we could eat the rest of the day. It was a rainy morning but ended up being great and we were overdressed.

Pilgrams looking off at the Mayflower

The cutest little pilgram I have ever seen. Gabe made this get up at school and I made him model it for me. I love paper outfits!

Tagged

2008-11-11T10:06:00.000-08:00

So this is suppose to be the 4th file, 4th pic. But our files are all messed up and lucky for me at this moment I am on my old computer where my old files are. So here is a cute picture of Gabe hiding in the cupboard when we first moved into our house. He's only one and sooooo chubby. Yum, squish him. I tag Brit, Terri, Kathy, and Kelli

He takes it all in stride

2008-11-09T12:34:00.000-08:00

So on Tuesday we were running a few eronds and finished our last one at the fabric store. On our way out the kids were being so cute and we were all holding hands in a row just minding our own business. Gabe was kind of skipping and then. . . a speed bump jumped out and down he went. The cry was a winded shriek and I knew something was wrong. When we got home I took off his sock and his foot was all swollen. We took him to the doctor and he ordered an x-ray. A few hours later 3 broken bones in his left foot was the verdict. He is such a trooper and never complained of pain after the first day. His main reason for crying was he didn't want to go to the doctor. He's been in a boot since Friday and today at church he walked by himself for the first time since Tuesday. I am sure impressed with the good spirits he is in.

A family of GHOSTS!

2008-11-09T12:30:00.000-08:00

So when I asked Gabe what he wanted to be he said a Ghost. So how easy and fun to make a family of ghosts. Mike wasn't too excited and got dressed for the picture but then promplty took off the costume!. My face is now paying for this day of white junk, but it was fun.

FALL FUN

2008-11-09T12:10:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving point is always full of fun!Jace's favorite part was the maze which he came out with a big gash on his nose that turned into a black eye.

Random picture in the middle, Gabe made pumpkin cookies and he thought it was so much fun!

Another random, Jace helped me rake up leaves when it was warm and instantly jumped in them. I asked him where he learned that and he said "Little Bear"

Back to Thanksgiving point waiting for the cornbelly to open

Gabe's favorite part, why am I not suprised!

Voted best dad!

Snicker Doodles

2008-10-19T14:31:00.000-07:00

So Mike has been requesting these tasty treats for a while and I finally gave in. I love to bake but it really only hits me in the fall time so now our house can be filled with the smell of homemade good! Once again Gabe was at Grammys house so he didn't get to play but Jace sure had fun. I have always admired mothers with the patience to let their kids help in the kitchen. So I am learning to make it a fun experience for both of us. Jace dumped all of the ingredients in after I measured them, then he was the one to turn the machine on and off.
Then the fun part about snicker doodles is rolling them in Cin. Sugar. Jace thought this part was the best. He got his fingers all sticky and spilled a little sugar, "that's ok mom, sticky. . . that's ok." He is teaching me so much patience and I am learning that sometimes I need to give in and not be the one in charge. Yes, it's ok if we spill or have sticky hands. I can clean it up later.
My challenges with a 2 year old are in full bloom. I am learning and I sure do love the little dude. I just wish he could hold off on the wine.

Snicker Doodles

1/2 c. butter

1/2 c. shortening

1 1/2 c. granulated sugar

2 eggs

1 1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

2 tsp cream of tarter

2 1/2 c. flour

Roll in Cinnamon and sugar

Bake at 400* for 8-10 min.

Cinderella Cinderella

2008-10-13T19:43:00.000-07:00

I made this for Amaya's birthday party tomorrow. It was a lot of fun to make and I think I got it down, so if anyone is in the mood for a princess cake give me a call! (way cuter in person)

Pumpkins

2008-10-13T19:29:00.000-07:00

For Family night we took the kids to the pumpkin patch to pick out their favorite pumpkin. Always a lot of fun in October. I am looking forward to the good times at Thanksgiving point this weekend! We love the Scarecrow festival and the corn maze there. The whole reason for this outing was for a few pictures!

Apple Crisp

2008-10-13T19:15:00.000-07:00

So Sunday I wanted to use up some of my yummy apples for an apple crisp. Gabe is a good helper but doesn't love time in the kitchen. With this handy device from pampered Chef he pealed all but the one apple that Jace pealed.

Mesmorized, don't ya think!

So after the apples were pealed they decided to have a tea party and dumped a box of rice crispies and raisins all over the kitchen. Can you hear me yelling, "TEA PARTIES. . . NO MORE"

Then while I was cleaning up they got my mascara out and drew all over them self. Gabe said, "Jacey helped me." Jace said, "Gabey helped me." So who is the culprit? I'd have to go with Jace.

Grandma Louders Apple Crisp

7. c. sliced and pealed apples

1 T. lemon juice

cinnamon

3/4 c. flour

1 c. quick oats

1/2 c. brown sugar

1/2 c. sugar

1/2 c. butter, softened but not melted

Mix apples with lemon juice and sprinkle with cinnamon; stir and put in bottom of 9x13 inch pan. Mix remaining ingredients together like a pastry, cutting the butter into the sugar mixture. Sprinkle over apples. Bake at 350* for 30-40 min until apples are tender and top golden brown.

Isn't that a lost art?

2008-10-12T14:57:00.000-07:00

So my mom and I have been busy this fall as usual. Of course my mom busier than anyone because she is the little red hen. I love pears and our neighbor was giving theirs away, so my mom volunteered me to pick them and then we canned/dried them. We did a lot of peaches and tomatoes too, but for some reason this is the only batch that I was attentive to.

My mom is a superstar. My best friend who I hang out with every day. My boys love her too and always want to be at her house with out me. She is such a push over, they walk on water when Grandma's around. Everyone loves "Ma'ma."

My mom emptied bottles this year that she canned in 1980. That was the year I was born. Can you imagine pealing and bottling hundreds of bottles with 5 little kids and 1 baby? Women were made tough back then and to think that all of that hard work just got put down the drain 28 years later. oh well. Now we're onto grapes and I promise to help with that sticky mess.

SUNSHINE IN OCTOBER

2008-10-09T14:09:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I have a new friend who is fabulous. She is such a good example to me and yesterday she brought me this flower just to "spread a little sunshine" I didn't know people do that. Such a thoughtful girl you are Mindy. Thanks for being such a good friend. I heart you.

The BIKE ride!

2008-10-08T19:58:00.000-07:00

So if anyone is up for some fun and doesn't know where to find it, go ride your bike at the Church. Gabe and Jace think this is the coolest thing ever. We just ride around and around and around and. . . We even have a secret path to the neighborhood next door that Gabe calls the "Hole" we ride through there a lot too! It's fun exercise if anyone's up for it!

Why Gabe insists on riding this tiny bike is beyond me. He has one that fits and he tells me he wants to ride his "little bike" closer to the ground or something.
We have to teach them to wear the helmets so everyone wears them, even the trike rider!

What do you think?

2008-10-07T21:10:00.000-07:00

For Enrichment tonight I made these cookies. Kim, do they look anything like the picture? They were quite a flop if you ask me but I put forth the effort so I had to serve them. So are they Spooky, Silly, or Stupid?

say no to drugs

2008-10-07T21:04:00.000-07:00

Gabe walked off the bus today wearing this big paper cowboy hat that he made at school. It was red hat day and I didn't put the effort into it because it was also picture day, (I didn't want to mess up his hair!) I thought he looked so cute and I was proud that he would wear it.

What did you do while the boys were gone?

2008-10-06T08:35:00.000-07:00

Well, I wish I could say I did something exciting. But. . . This is my dad. I miss him, he's been gone since September 1st. Every year he packs up his truck and heads out to the hills. Where are the hills you might ask? Anywhere there is no civilization! He owns land in Baker Nevada and he may be there, or Ely, or. . . no one really knows. He takes "his men" and they go off to pick the gold, (pinenuts). He lives in a tent for a few months and has his fun. Then toward the end he brings home. . .
These, beautiful jumbo pinenuts. People like them. I have had them around my whole life and I have to say, they aren't my favorite. I can eat a few if they are roasted with salt. But I only need a handful a year. I love them though because they remind me of my dad. The smell of pine gum and dust, mmmm. That is a memory I will never forget. This last weekend Uncle Larry brought home 6000 pounds of pinenuts. Some people have day jobs, some have night jobs. I have random jobs. My most important job is my family, not so random but changes every day. I teach piano every day. I mow lawns all summer/fall. I clean house for grandma every month, I cater weddings with my friend now and then, I bag pinenuts every fall. Why do I do all of these random things. Because I just do. I have done these things for so long it's just the way life is. I can blame a lot of my jobs onto my dad, but I am glad to have variety so life doesn't get boring.
So if you can tell by the picture, I bagged and boxed 312 pounds of pinenuts on Saturday night. That is what I did while my boy was gone!

Carmel Popcorn

2008-09-28T12:49:00.000-07:00

carmel popcorn has been a long time favorite with me. My friends in High School wont remember a trip with out a batch of my popcorn, snicker doodles, chocolate chip cookies and even Japes chocolate chipless cookies!
Now that times have changed the batches of goodies at my house are few and far between. (Mike doesn't like this one bit :) It's all part of the love honey)
Well my kids have been begging for popcorn lately. When I was a Kid I remember visiting my Grandma Louder every Sunday night. She would often have this yummy popcorn for us to eat! So today was the day. For some strange reason it goes with fall. I don't know why because it is always good. It's kinda like pumpkin cookies, I make them once a year.

Gabe loves to go to "Mama's" house after church so he missed out on our fun. Jace loved watching the popcorn "go up high" in the popper and when it came to make the carmel he was all about that Karo syrup. "was at?" (what's that)

He wanted to see the pictures and tried to climb up on the back of his char, tipping it over. I luckily caught him but the chair landed on my toe and OUCH! he kissed it better quickly and soon after he stubbed his toe on the same chair. owies are all a part of the growing experience!

So my little helper got all tuckered out before the fun part came, so this is all in tribute to him. Why my 2 year old thinks he is too old for a nap is beyond me. He is always so tired and I was glad to see that today, he decided he new right what to do.

Now for the Recipe

(From Grandma Kocherhans)

7 quarts of popped corn

2 C. brown sugar

1 C. Butter

1/2 C. Karo Syrup

1/2 tsp Salt

Bring to a boil and stir for 5 minutes over medium heat. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tsp. baking soda. Pour over popcorn. Bake at 200* for 45 minutes stirring every 15! Yum yum

Baking is torture on Fast Sunday!

Poup?

2008-09-26T19:39:00.000-07:00

THE JOY OF BEING GABE'S MOM

Well let's just say having a speech problem can be challenging sometimes (ok, most of the time).

But tonight it brought me a good laugh.

The kids were playing in the sand box and I kept telling them to keep the sand in the box, for some reason it is fun to spread it all over the yard! anyways, I had about had enough when they started scooping it into a bucket OUTSIDE of the box. I said "KEEP THE SAND IN THE BOX" and Gabe's reply was, "I'm making poup mom." I always have to think a little harder with him and Jace to try and interpret what they are trying to say. For those of you who need a mom to interpret what Gabe said, "I'm making SOUP mom."

DISNEYLAND

2008-09-21T15:27:00.000-07:00

Yipee we have ventured off to the beautiful California to make our wildest dreams come true! Our trip couldn't have been more memorable, we had so much fun with our family and we are sad for those who couldn't come, maybe next time.

Our first adventure was swimming in this pool that was heated and most enjoyable! I hate pools that are so cold you have to swim to keep from shivering. Anyways, it was loads of fun and the boys of course loved it. Our next adventure that I don't have pictures of was dinner. Mike and little Ryan took the challenge at the local Mexican joint to eat a 5 pound burrito for a free shirt. Enough said, beans, meat. . . it wasn't nice! But hey, a free shirt, why not!

The boys will always love sitting in front of a TV. The drive was pleasant with 9 hours of movies!

On the beautiful streets of Anaheim

I thought this flower looked like a bird

Fun times at the beach!

Grandpa and Gabe got swept in the waves, Gabe loved it until he couldn't get the sand out of his pants!

Jace was next to get swept in with Grandpa, no complaints from this little guy, he was happy to be in the water

Mike and his mommy

Tim and Jackie

Mike will always be a little boy digging in the sand, Gabe and Tay in the background.

Good sharing brothers (most of the time)

The big Lego store was a big hit, these boys were in heaven, it's their hobby these days.

Wow, look at all the Lego's

Oops, back at the beach, Gabe and Mike.

NOW FOR WHAT YOU"VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR "DINEYLAND" (in jace's words)

Lucky for me these spinney rides didn't make me sick and we did them A LOT. Look at Jace's face, so funny!

This is where Gabe wanted to live for the rest of his life. Not exaggerating we drove Autopia cars at least 20 times. Good thing the line was short!

Keep your eyes on the road kid!

We were the Monkeys in the cage, pretty fitting considering the boys I was with!

I was ok on Dumbo until Jace was in control. We rode this one close to 6 times.

Yep, he's a monkey, he loved his little friend on his back.

This is tower of terror, I have to admit it made me cry and I only rode it once. Zoom in and see my face, it was SCARY!

This rapids one was fun too, Thanks to Grandma and Gabe we could get right on almost all the rides without waiting.

Gabe loved rides he got wet on! He felt pretty cool to be a big kid.

Gabe didn't love rides that were loud and scary ie: Indiana Jones, Pirates, Buzz Light year, Monsters Inc, Pinocchio, almost all of the inside rides were a no for him!

It wouldn't be complete with out the Characters in a few photos. Here's our sneak peak of Mickey (Mimmy Mou)
Pooh Bear

Minnie

Donode duk (The characters freaked Gabe out, he didn't want anything to do with any of them, even with me there to protect him).

Back to Autopia

Lucky for us Jace enjoyed the "race cars" too. He was a pretty crazy driver while Gabe actually could steer, Jace hit you into the middle bar A LOT.

Lots of the family for their last day, we came back the next day to play a little more!

Brothers that Love each other!

This is what you do when you ride a roller coaster. Gabe was pretty bummed he wasn't tall enough to ride Screamin' California. He was only 1/2 inch off but the guy said no. Next time!

Toon town was fun for the kids, they loved the coaster there!

Gabe loved splash mountain too, We did the parent swap and Mike met these new friends, they loved the picture of him and thought he was so funny!

The new Toy Story ride was a big hit, had a long line too but it was worth the wait, the boys loved it, (me too)

That Disneyland is one fun place and I can't wait to go back!

SEA WORLD COMES NEXT!

underwater cameras are cool!
Dolphins are fun.
The sky gondola over the ocean was cool, too bad you had to pay extra for it. Oh well we got the full experience.

Then for some reason we hadn't had our fix on rides we had to go get wet at sea world. Gabe loved it until he discovered I didn't have dry clothes for him at the end of the ride. We did it twice just to make sure we were REALLY WET.

Mike and Kathy, oops I deleted the picture of Gabe and me all wet, oh well the before picture is better anyways! We were drenched, not comfortable!

The shows were fun, we lived it!

To complete our trip we visited Jackies Brother and wife serving at the Temple in San Diego. Beautiful. This temple has a tree in the middle, I saw a picture, it was cool!

' All the coasters Mike could handle for 3 days ahd he wasn't done. He saw the buffalo bills coaster was running and pulled off. He told me "I've been waiting my whole life to ride this roller coaster and it is always closed, I am riding it today" So to make all of his wildest dreams come true, (Guess disneyland wasn't it) he talked Ryan into riding it too. Here is his before picture.
Here is their after picture!

GOOD TIMES!

my little ones

2008-09-08T11:55:00.001-07:00

After the boys ran around chasing each other the other day giggling the whole time my heart melted when the the running stopped andI heard Gabe say, "Jacey, my wove hoding you." (Jacey, I love holding you) I walked in to find the both on Gabe's bed with Jace in his arms.
Today when Gabe got home from school he asked Jace if he would play trains with him. Jace went but then got side tracked. I heard Gabe trying to get Jace to play but he didn't want to, so Gabe started Crying. Jace said "why Gabey crying?" I told him it was because he wanted you to play with him and you wouldn't. Jace gave Gabe a big hug and said "I pay trains Gabe, you want red or wello."
The little ones that make me happy!

What to do with all of that Zucchini?

2008-09-06T09:21:00.000-07:00

Do any of you have TONS of Zucchini and you don't know what to do with it? Well, I don't because my plants didn't grow but I do have sweet neighbors that share and I made a yummy Chocolate cake that I thought you all would enjoy. (I was kinda zucchini breaded out)

1 3/4 c. sugar

1/2 c. oil

2 eggs

4 Tbl cocoa

1/2 c. sour milk (I just added a little vinegar to my milk)

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

2 c. zucchini

I added 1/2 tsp Cinnamon and cloves

Mix all together. The mixture is pretty thick but the Zucchini will give it great moisture when it cooks. spread in a greased and floured 9x13 pan. Bake at 350 for 45-50 min.

I put a 1 cup chocolate chips and 1/2 c pecans on top, I might have liked them better mixed in.

I also added a yummy fudge frosting on top

4 3/4 powdered sugar

1/2 c. unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 c. butter

1/3 c. boiling water

1 tsp vanilla

Mix all together for 1 min on low speed, spread and enjoy.

My husband's HOT!

2008-09-03T20:24:00.000-07:00

So I am sure Mike would be embarassed by this photo and say he didn't have enough air or something but I think he's great. He even has a cow boy arm! Lots of summer days that I didn't go on the boat, sorry but it was early and my sleep is priceless.

Gabe's first day of school

2008-08-31T14:41:00.001-07:00

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL! Not quite the sad event that it is for most parents. As far as Gabe goes he was thrilled to get on the bus and never looked back. We are fortunate to have cousins in the neighborhood to look after him. He has a lot of friends that love him and make sure he is safe. Gabe got yelled at the first day of school to turn around and sit down. When I asked him later he didn't remember. I'm sure he'll get the rules down before the years up! He loves his teacher Miss Thurlow and there are only 5 kids in his class. He is excited every morning when I wake him up, ready to be the big kid he is. He told Jace, "I go to the big school, you only go to Grandma's for school!"

Gabe and Jace
The big Kindergartener
Gabe and his cousins Zach and Kyler
Jace excited to have his mom all to himself, wattering the flowers.

SWIMMIN' IN THE SUNSHINE!

2008-08-31T14:17:00.000-07:00

Just so I can't say we didn't have fun at the lake this summer! after this I hear he peed all over Terri's chair, Sorry Terri, I missed this trip or I would have tried to stop him.

Our neighbors invited us over for a swim, so we loaded up in the wagon. They were pretty much stuffed in!

We took the kids to Scera for one last good summer swim.

Gabe opens his eyes under water. I know, I know, it's pretty natural for most, but for me I have to rub my eyes when someone's splashing. Now Gabe is asking for a pair of goggles, I think a session of swim lessons should come with them. This kid's a fish.

Jace and Gabe just discovered how fun it is to jump off the side of the pool. I tried all summer to get them here and on our last trip they got the guts.

Ok so I am a paranoid parent with a life jacket on gabe in a 3 ft deep pool. After those swim lessons I might chill out.

An evening in SLC

2008-08-31T13:33:00.000-07:00

The fun we have with our family. We love Todd and Meta, Abby, Nathaniel and Catherine. We are so happy you came to visit and we will miss you until the next time we see you. Move again so we can come visit! j/k we can come to Ohio again. We went to SLC and took the kids to the visitor center, then found our way on trax to the Gateway where we all got sopping wet. Much fun always to be had!

And Summer is officially over

2008-08-24T12:29:00.000-07:00

THE LAZY DAYS OF SUMMER ARE OVER. I am not ready for this especially because it seems like I lost the entire month of July due to sitting home. School starts tomorrow for Gabe. YEA, he is so excited to get back into the grove of things. It is definitely going to be an adjustment going to bed on time and not sleeping in until 9. I for one will miss my beloved sleep! It will be busy getting Gabe out the door, teaching piano and getting everything done in the day like lawns that still keep growing. I am sad to see summer go but excited for the smell of fall. What a blessing to have such distinct seasons in Utah. I have missed out on lots of our summer fun photos so here are a few!

Jace on Kyler, Gabe on Zach arm wrestling

Gabe wrestling with Nathaniel, we had so much fun with our cute cousins!
Our cute cousins playing in the sand
Jace basking in the sun
Dad reading Jace a story (his new big boy bed)
Our 24th of July Parade, Gabe turned out to be quite a bike rider this year!
Having fun in the water at deer creak
Golfing in their underwear. The Joys of hot summer days!

LAUNDRY SCHMONDRY

2008-08-24T12:08:00.000-07:00

who hates laundry as much as I do? I and my family sometimes look like we just got our clothes out of the bottom of the basket. Well. . . It is hard enough to remember to change the laundry from the washer to the dryer before they stink. Then by the time I get around to putting them in the basket they came from they are all wrinkly and I'm plain old lazy, so I relentlessly fold them and put them away to wash them again soon.

I have friends that always look like they came from the dry cleaners or their clothes are always brand new. Why is this? BECAUSE THEY IRON! What an invention. I was still too lazy until one day I watched my friend Edy Iron all of her laundry including kids T shirts and I was motivated. Wow, they do look good but that wasn't the trick. The trick was her Iron. So the next day I went out and got me a ROWENTA Steamer and whalah! Ironing is fun when it's easy and I hope from now on I too look like I came from the dry cleaners!

grama grama brought home FOOT PAJAMA!

2008-08-20T19:26:00.000-07:00

So this is pretty funny. I let my mom take Gabe to the store to get him some new Jammies cause she brought some home for Jace yesterday and made Gabe sad. Well. . . she came home with footed jammies for a 5 year old! Found at target all the way up to size 16! what are these people Thinking "He wont get cold now" she says. Oh please, so what do two potty trained boys do when nature calls. what a process. Well they love them so I guess I will have to let them wear them sometimes!

So my neighbor has wondered where I am lately. Well I have been reading Breaking Dawn and let me just say I HATE Bella Swan Cullen. I want to ring her neck. She is the most annoying person and I am glad she is a fictional character or I would have to repent. SO I am only half way done and taking a break because it is DRAGGING on and on. I am glad this is the last book because I can't take another 700 pages. The first Twilight was GREAT! the second one was good, the third one I just wanted to get through it and this 4th one, well I'm only reading it because I have to know what happens. Stephanie Meyer, you are a great writer but cut it down a little, Eliminate about 200 pages and the book would be complete.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKEY!

2008-08-12T15:33:00.000-07:00

To My Mikey who makes me happy. Thanks for keeping your promise and making me smile every day. You are my best friend and the boys' BEST EVER DAD! Have a happy day today.

Bye Bye Binky

2008-07-22T09:54:00.001-07:00

So these binky's look familiar to something hanging around our house. Until Jace turned 2 they were readily available at all times. Then I decided that he could only have them when he slept so they along with his blankey stayed in his bed. He would sneak them sometimes and I am a pushover and just loved to see him cuddly so I rarely took them away, they just didn't leave the house. Well the other day Jace was biting at me and I noticed the space between his teeth. I knowing a lot about teeth and KNOWING that a Binky or bottle are bad for kids ignored my greater instincts and let my baby suck a pacifier for 2 years too long. So now after all this time he has a one day count down until we have a disposal ceremony. I thought we would wait until there was another baby to take over the sucker, but I can't let them destroy my Jacey's teeth any longer. So if your baby sucks on something, pay close attention if you care about their teeth, I wish I would have been more aware even with my knowledge.

Race Car Ralley Birthday Party

2008-07-18T12:43:00.000-07:00

Forgive me for not getting these in order but here are a few pics of Gabe's Birthday Parties. Like I said, on Saturday, I have no photos to post. On Sunday all of the Phillips fam came over for a little cake, so I made 2 cakes, one race car, one track with candy bar race cars. Lots of fun making those cakes! Gabe opened his presants in his race car.
The CAKE
Gabe's Race car track cake
What do you think Gabe got for his Birthday? RACE CARS
He had a hard time blowing out the candles!
Most of the kids all in their race cars
playing follow the leader with Grandma
Baby Paige showing off her race car
Jace in someone's car
Gabe thinks this jump is for him. Really we raced matchbox cars down the ramp, but in the mean time the kids had fun jumping off it in their race cars.

A few 4th of July Pictures

2008-07-18T12:35:00.000-07:00

Our kick off to SUMMER!

2008-07-18T12:16:00.001-07:00

Back in May the day school got out we took the kids to the Zermat Resort in Midway for a little vacation. It was so much fun and the kids had a blast. We swam a lot, went to a few parks and watched a little Tom and Jerry. It was fun for all of us to just hang out, the hotel was comfortable and the pool was clean. We had fun playing with our waterproof camera.

Strawberries for Jace

2008-07-18T11:23:00.000-07:00

so a few months ago I came home with a big box of strawberries and Jace thought they were yummy. Isn't he cute, he kept taking bites out of one at a time and setting them aside. Late post that I wanted to share!

Happy Birthday Gabey!

2008-07-05T21:00:00.001-07:00

Today was Gabe's Magical Birthday. He turned 5 on the 5th! Anyways, we asked Gabe what he wanted to do for his birthday and of course he said RACE CARS! so Mike remembered when he was a little boy and loved to go to Trafalga and ride the go-carts. So we took the boys there and had a blast. It was so fun, we golfed too and got a little arcade in but the go-carts took the cake. Golfing with kids would be fun if you weren't stressed to go fast so the people behind you don't have to wait. Anyways, FUN FUN FUN.
We took a ton of pictures which I would LOVE to show you all BUT. . . When we got home I was busy and Mike was napping. . . the rest of the story is bad so prepare yourselves. Gabe was looking through the pictures and I kept hearing him play the movie of the go-carts and movies from the fireworks last night. Then he came to me and handed me the camera, "fix it mom." I turned it on and pushed the view button and it said NO IMAGES. He deleted all of the pictures from the 4th the balloon festival, past pictures that I don't even know not to mention all of our cute birthday pictures. I felt sick to my stomach and started to cry. He grabbed me around the neck and hugged me big, then said "It's ok mom, buy a new camera." Oh what a boy, he doesn't know pictures are priceless. Well I got over it and now I have this sweet memory of Gabe. I guess we'll just have to go back to the race cars soon and heck, there will be another 4th of july next year right? (I do have some releif, I took pictures with my other camera too, so hopefully I didn't miss out on too many memories).
We LOVE our Gabey Baby and his sweet personality. He adds so much to our home and I am so thankful he is mine. HAPPY BIRTHDAY GABE!

Family Night in May

2008-06-17T21:43:00.001-07:00

I thought it would be fun to make bread but I couldn't find a good recipe so I just made my roll recipe and the kids shaped it. Mike requested cinnamon rolls so that's what I did. Then Mike thought it would be fun to go to the provo airport and watch the planes come in. It was really fun but really cold. The boy's loved it and I am sure we will do it again. GOOD TIMES!

2008-06-15T21:02:00.000-07:00

Gabe and Jace after they were both in bed (might I add, they sleep in separate rooms)
Jace: "Gabe"
Gabe: "ya"
Jace: "Gabe"
Gabe: "Ya"
Jace: "Gabe"
Gabe: "what you doin Jace?"
Jace: "Race cars!"
Gabe: "oh, I love race cars!"

Happy Anniversary

2008-06-15T20:17:00.000-07:00

Still in love!So of course there was no one to take our picture at the top of the mountain. For quite a few years now we have gone biking for our anniversary on the years that we didn't have a small baby. That would be this year! Gabe and Jace with with G-ma and G-pa Liston up to the cabin and had a sleep over. Mike and I went to Midway and spent our last 2 free nights at the Zermat. The first night was a disaster with very loud neighbors that started the Bodyguard at 11:30 with paper thin walls. Then we changed rooms to a nicer room and had a perfect night. We biked up Dutch canyon near Midway for a few hours then rode into Heber for a shake. It was fun but hard to leave the kids. I don't think I could ever do a long trip away from them. Mike leaves for scout camp in the morning but it is different for the dad I think. My kids are mama's boys for sure.

While we were gone Mike and I wrote a list of all the things we remember from dating back in 2002. Here it goes:

The Olympics (snowboarding and Luge events)

Zions with Terri and ???

Early morning workouts

Red Truck

Lake Powell

Wishing star drive

No work just play for 3 months

Swinging in the hammock under the tree

Mikes commitment when I paid for the new tires on the truck!

Music we fell in love to: Ryan Shuppe, Peter Brienholt, Don Conosetti, Josh Gorbon, Jim Brickman, Ben Harper, Jack Johnson, etc, etc, etc.

Our first date was to a Don Con Concert with Todd and Meta, We went to a few Shuppe concerts and even got to go the the Cheryl Crow awards ceremony during the Olympics. I'd say we got lots of concerts in a short time!

Mike's comment when I asked what he remembered "your short shorts!" Well those days are long gone, I even wear a skirt with my swimsuit to try to hide a little!
There are lots of memories and they are all written down but I won't bore you with all of them. I am happy to have such a great husband and a true love. We celebrate eternity one year a time.

Happy six years Mikey!

Pee!

2008-06-11T20:24:00.000-07:00

PEE! Yuck! So when I potty trained Gabe I taught him to go sitting down (naturally). It's only been since January that he has held his own tinkle down and I have been a happy mom with no pee messes to sanitize. Well in the last month he has discovered how fun it is to stand up and I now start all over with the PEE messes. I just spent the last 3 hours on my hands and knees cleaning and my last stop (the bathrooms) brought me to this entry. For the most part he makes it, but there is always the little dribble or the first of the stream that hits somewhere else. Do boys ever learn how to be neat and wipe the seat?!?!? Just my thoughts of the night!

My other thoughts include my wonderful husband of 6 years this Friday the 13th. Hopefully that day isn't cursed because we will be celebrating our love regardless. I can't believe how fast time goes by. A lot has been accomplished in our time together so far, and I am so thankful to be right where I am in life. I love my boys and my house and my Mikey who helps make it all possible. I consider myself a pretty lucky girl. I hope to have more to come of the subject like maybe a wedding day photo but for now words is all I have. I likey my Mikey.

My Spring Slide show

2008-05-01T13:02:00.000-07:00

A recap on the slide show for what has been going on this spring!

New room Decor FINALLY for Gabe

Cakes, Cakes, & lots of Cakes

Popsicles, ONLY in the kitchen

Jace's 2nd Birthday party

A bottle of shampoo dumped out in the tub made for lots of bubbles!

Spring snow for my snow bunny

Kites fly so HIGH

Easter, too much candy that is still in the pantry!

and lots of more fun that hasn't been downloaded! (I am not very quick if you haven't already gathered that)