Holidays 2009

Happy Birthday Audrey

Sweet little Audrey turned 3 today... she was sick for part of the day, but wanted McDonalds for dinner. I think she ate 3 fries and 1 bite of chicken nuggets. I wish I coud have forseen that, I would have suggested something a little better! Anyway, she opened her presents and was SO excited about her pink princess dress-up set... it's similar to a white dress up set Hallie got for her birthday last January (Audrey always wants to wear it). Now she has her own and she's so happy! I can't believe my baby is now 3 years old...

I am thankful for...

1. My children (even when they are naughty and I think I can't do this another second). I sincerely love them and love being their mom.
2. Spencer... where have you been my whole life? You are so good to me and I am amazed daily that you are a part of my life. You make me so happy. Thank you... I love you.
3. Our health. We are so blessed to be healthy and strong. I am very grateful.
4. My job. Even when I can't hardly stand it. I am very thankful to be employed, work with people I enjoy, and have health insurance.
5. This country... it isn't perfect, but we are so blessed to have the freedom of making our own choices. And I am thankful to those who continue to fight and are willing to die for that right.
6. My family & friends. After all I have been through over the past year (and more), I am so appreciative of the love and support I have received.
7. Opportunities. Sometimes the greatest blessings come when we least expect them and in the most unusual ways. I am learning to always be open to change and never let opportunities pass me by...
8. Time. Each day is a gift and I am learning to appreciate the expereinces and memories each day brings.
9. Simple things. It doesn't take much for me to be happy and content. I am grateful for the small things in my life that make the journey so much sweeter. And for those in my life that do small things that let me know they care and love me.
10. The Lord. He has blessed me with the above and in so many additional ways...

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Riding in the car...

This morning as I was driving to work with Miss Hallie and Miss Audrey, there was a commerical on the radio about the dangers of secondhand smoke. Hallie asked me what "hand-smoke" was, so I explained the danger of breathing the air around someone who is smoking. I told her about getting the smoke in your lungs and that is isn't good for your body. She thought about that for a minute and then told me "we shouldn't eat marshmallows anymore either". What????? "Yeah, they get smoke in them when we roast them in the campfire, so they aren't good for our bodies." LOL... after I quit laughing, we talked about how marshmallows are ok... and hotdogs too. I love how little kids think... so cute.

Happy Halloween!!!

Hallie as Batgirl & Audrey as Tinkerbelle... at their pre-school costume parade.

My cute girls.


All ready for trick or treating.

Audrey was SO tired... she was not happy about posing for pictures.

Hallie loved her costume... she came up with it herself out of the blue. I didn't even know she knew who batgirl was...

Scary Skeleton Dallin. He was so excited about painting his face... turned out pretty cool!

Quick visit to grandma's.

Pirate Spencer =)

Gypsy Pirate Rachel (love the tattoo Spence drew on me)

Ready to storm the neighborhood...

Sorting and eating the candy

Dallin and Max spent over an hour going through their candy... picking & exchanging it.

P90X

Day 1 of 90 starts today... Spence and I are starting P90X and are gonna get toned and super healthy. I am excited and scared all at the same time. It's an intense workout regimine and nutritional plan. I can do this, but what am I thinking starting it before the holidays? No, it will be fine... the 12 weeks is up just before New Years, so come 2010... we'll be starting the new year out right.

I'm debating posting before and after pics... we'll see how I feel as time goes by. But stay tuned for updates periodically... I am hoping to see fantastic results!!!

Happy Birthday Kesley

Kesley turned 16 yesterday... I know, how is that possible??? She's a sophmore in high school... I don't know where the time went. She wanted Spence and I to take her to the Spaghetti Factory with her boyfriend Devon and best friend Tazia (who also turned 16 the day before Kesley). And then afterwards we went back to our apt and had cake. I think she had a great time....
HAPPY BIRTHDAY KES!!!

Fun afternoon at the zoo...

We had a super fun afternoon at Hogle Zoo with our SIX kids... had a few moments with them all running in opposite directions, but it was a great afternoon. So many cute new baby animals at the zoo. Loved it...

Kids climbing on the bronze rhino.

Dallin, Hallie & Max

Audrey enjoying her ice cream - actually my ice cream that she stole ;)

Ashley & Kesley

Spencer and me =)

baby tigers

baby giraff

baby elephant


cute penguin


black bear