Taylor and Crystal

Chores

2012-02-03T09:16:00.001-07:00

Guess I better fold this laundry before I craft. Being an adult isn't awesome sometimes. (Yes, I know how rough my life is!)

2012-02-02T19:56:00.003-07:00

We had spaghetti for dinner tonight and I couldn't get enough of this messy face!

Fisher HATES "salad". Even a shred of lettuce on a sandwich is death to him. The second he saw it on his plate he had a huge complaint for me. I wanted a picture of his cute pout, but he couldn't help but smile when I got the camera.

Ok. Kenadee has had this craft (Printies) for a LONG time. It was quite the process to get it set up on the computer/emailing back and forth with customer service.... Today I gave it another go and it seemed too clear to me; not sure what my problem was... Anyway, she was beyond thrilled and spent a while on the computer decorating these animals, then stuffing them. It's actually quite a cool craft!

Ugh!

2012-02-01T18:50:00.002-07:00

A couple of my boys don't feel good. They both crashed at 6 pm and haven't moved since.

2012-01-31T20:27:00.001-07:00

I finally started the Valentine's Day decorating! I love my cricut and how fast it cuts out perfect hearts!!

2012-01-30T20:31:00.003-07:00

Finally went grocery shopping today. Jackson insisted on sitting in the cart while playing a game on the phone. It didn't last long after this picture; he was being eaten alive from crackers and cereal.

Lazy day!

2012-01-29T17:19:00.004-07:00

Today has been great! Very laid back, unlike most Sundays. Taylor made some chocolate banana shakes and the kids had some serious mustaches! hahahaha!

Then a little crafting and preparing for Teacher Appreciation week!

Wrestling tourney

2012-01-29T07:54:00.003-07:00

Last night we went up to Bountiful to watch Taylor's little brother wrestle in his tournament. He totally won too!! We were SO loud (anyone surprised?) and so proud of him. It was an intense match, but Sam pinned his opponent in the 3rd round! WaHoo!!!

Sorry for the crappy zoomed cell pictures. I forgot my camera. Again.

Sam is in the black!

The pin!

Proud big brother! I love watching Taylor get into wrestling. He is passionate about it and knows his stuff!!

The kids did AWESOME! I might have been super prepared with tons of food and coloring books, but they were great none the less. They loved doing their own wrestling and making snow angels after the meet.

2012-01-28T13:17:00.003-07:00

Taylor and I had a date last night! We had some Mexican food (yum) then went to the new ice cream place U-Swirl. It was SO good and put all the other self-serve places to shame. SO, SO, SO good!

Taylor didn't think this next story was "that funny". I was dieing though!!

So once we are done eating our yummy treats we head to the bathroom. Too much water at dinner. Well, the men's single bathroom was being occupied. I tell Taylor that he could just use the women's. Well, he follows me in. I was kinda thinking he use it after me, but whatever. Of course someone knocks and startles me. I start laughing all ready. I walk out the door with my head held high, while Taylor makes eye contact with the younger-than-me girl, says, "sorry" and walks off. Bahahaha. Someone totally "caught us" doing NOTHING! I thought it was super funny!!!!

Jackson!

2012-01-26T20:58:00.006-07:00

His boy is getting so smart! We had both the kids' parent-teacher conferences today and both are amazing. Duh! I was a tiny bit worried for Jackson to start Kindergarten... He's never been the "learning" kind. Just all boy and all play. Well, he has surprised me! He's met every expectation easily. He's alert and participates AND holds still during class. He has grown SO much since school started.

This paper he brought home today.... at first I was a little.... disappointed with it. But stepping back and realizing he's halfway thru Kindergarten NOT 2nd grade like his sister... it's amazing and makes my heart so happy!! 3 sentences with beginning, middle, and ending sounds in his words. With capitals in the beginning and a period at the end. Talk about learning lots!!

It says (I think!)

"My brother was looking for his shoe.

I could find my shoe.

I helped my brother find his shoe."

I am SO proud of this kid! I love him SO much!!!!!

2012-01-25T19:25:00.001-07:00

Tay and I went to temple (and Subway) this afternoon. This guy is the best! I love him more and more everyday!!!!

2012-01-24T18:39:00.001-07:00

My baby is growing up. Gulp!! She is a sweet, sweet, funny, girl!

2012-01-23T19:28:00.003-07:00

Today I organized the boys room/games/kids books/puzzles. I love having an organized home. I love it when everythging has a place and is in it's place.

These two played games together all morning. No fights or tears, just smiles!

2012-01-22T20:58:00.003-07:00

Oh this Kenadee girl of mine. She has been super sweet lately. (then turns around and dumps a water bottle on Jackson as we're in the car on the way to church. Anyway...) She's been picking our clothes and setting them up for us the last few days. I actually, and am kinda embarrassed to admit, have been loving it. She's making combinations that I've never done myself. Who takes fashion advice from their 7 year old? ME! So here's my outfit for tomorrow... green work out undies and all! I even have a ring on what would be my right hand too. She goes all out. I love this mess girl of mine!!

Taylor was playing with the camera and taking tons of these close up pictures. I tried a "sexy" face. Hahaha!!

I'm much better at this one....

Here's my man making me dinner.... again.

It was delicious!!

I had a tender hearted moment. Not sure what else to call it.... I was frantically trying to clean up the mess from dinner tonight, the kids were taking turns with demands/questions/comments. I was feeling a little overwhelmed, which, let's be honest, happens MANY times a day. The house was a mess. Jackson asked me if we could work on his valentines tonight. I snapped a quick answer, "I don't know. I still have a mess in the kitchen to clean up." When I walked back in the kitchen after cleaning up a different room, I found him with a broom and he's sweeping the kitchen.

I gave him a huge hug and said "Thanks bud. I appreciate your help." His response? "Mom. Do you think you'll have enough time to do the valentines now?"

You better believe I made it a priority and started those buggers. He melted my heart. I hope I remember to put these guys "first" a little more. Who cares about a tidied house? Ok, I still do, so I guess I mean.... I hope I make more time for what's important to THEM. They mean SO much to me and don't give them the appropriate time or thought sometimes. I'm learning. Some days slower than others, but I'm learning.

2012-01-21T20:45:00.003-07:00

So while my mom and sister are swimming in tons of snow, we're getting rain here. I'm totally jealous too. I wanna get snowed in our house for days. Oh well. I've finally been able to wear my rain boots that I bought myself for Christmas!! I love them. I also got the girls some super cute ones too, but.... they ran in the house while Taylor was taking my picture. Next time. (I thought it would be cute to point my toes in like that. Wrong. I look strange. Lesson learned)

2012-01-20T13:30:00.002-07:00

One hour after running... we went to lunch at 5 Guys. haha! And yet, I can't figure out why I'm not losing weight!! :) It was really fun to spend time with Fisher and Kolbi without the other two kids and the drama they bring along sometimes. We also stopped by the dollar store to get supplies for some valentines. They're gonna be SO cute!!!

Kolbi wanted to drink the Fry Sauce...

2012-01-19T18:12:00.003-07:00

Dinner is always a battle at our house. The youngest two don't eat it well. The oldest two fight and punch and annoy each other.

Blah, blah, blah...

I've been trying new recipes from Pinterest and tonight we tried a chessy enchilada casserole. It was yummy! It was quite interesting to take a picture of it, but I'd reccomend it! Here's the link if you wanna give it a try. http://www.justgetoffyourbuttandbake.com/?p=3352

I love a good deal!!

2012-01-18T18:36:00.003-07:00

This might not seem like a big deal... but it is to me! We've been having major problems with our old printer for years. I'm glad I procrastinated the last few weeks, cause I found a killer deal on this one. AND it has great reviews!!! So I got this printer, 2 packages of color refills (3 seperate colors in each), and one high yeild refill for $75 shipped! The total retail would have been $226. Holla!!!!

Just added: we did "Family Ho Meeting" (in Jack's words) tonight. I had the activity and so we had a pillow fight. It was a hit. I highly recommend it! :)

Every girl needs friends!!

2012-01-18T13:46:00.002-07:00

Last night I had a much needed Girls Night with my good friend, Annie. It's not a girls night if you don't go out to eat, so we used our "Free Meals" at Cafe Rio. Coconut Shrimp day. SO GOOD!! Of course, we did a little fun shopping too. Girls Night NEVER lasts long enough!!

2012-01-16T20:40:00.002-07:00

This little girl is growing up! She is needing more independance than I give her. So today she made some felt flowers hair clips (with a little help with the glue gun) and some cookies all by herself. She is my major helper around the house and with her siblings. She is full of engery and has a good amount of sass to go with it, too. Love this girl!!

2012-01-15T16:49:00.000-07:00

Now I'm sick. Boo. Let's hope this gets over soon. Real soon!

It's finished!!!

2012-01-14T19:57:00.004-07:00

We made the entry way bigger.

Before: (after the wood was ripped out)

So much better! After:

I'm in love with all it!! I'm wishing a dining room table wasn't a necessity cause the kids love to play on it. The flooring even makes the cabinets look way better. I'm hoping not to paint them after all. I just ordered knobs and pulls too! Wahoo!!

Another after. (don't mind the blue/yellow/red combo of decorations... I'm in the process of changing things up. I even painted over the red wall before all the flooring started.)

I'm SO glad we got all this done! I can't believe how low grade the builders do it originally and what they get away with. Oh well. Now we have this good quality stuff that will last for years! YAY!

Go Jazz!!

2012-01-14T14:55:00.004-07:00

Here are pictures from yesterday. It was a LONG day. It started bright and early tearing down beds and rearranging rooms. The carpet man was here at 8:00 am again and didn't leave till 9:45 pm. LONG day! I wanted out of the house and didn't want to hear construction so I headed to IKEA with a my friend, Gwen. Friends are great!! It doesn't open up till 10:00 (dumb) so we went accent pillow shopping at Ross first.

Rushed home in time for Jackson to get home from Kindergarten. Ate some lunch and did some laundry. Then checked Kenadee out of school (she was bummed she didn't get to finish her spelling test. She worked really hard on her bonus words this week). USSynthetic set up a basketball clinic for a few kids of employees with two Jazz players. It was SO fun! The kids LOVED it. Jeremy Evans and Devin Harris were so good with the kids! They have no obligation to do this and don't even get paid for it. I'm so glad the kids had this opportunity!!!

Got a tour of the locker room! It was pretty cool!! Here is a size 17 shoe. WOW!!

I crack myself up sometimes!

Oh man... this little girl did NOT feel good! She threw up ALL over herself and her car seat while we were on the freeway, on the way up to Salt Lake. Let's just say, Taylor would have thrown the clothes and car seat over the edge. It was bad. Then throws up on the brand new carpet (BEFORE it's even installed) in the living room the second we get into the house. Not her best night!

Here's the whole group!

(Fisher just got hit with a ball in the face...)

Here's a family photo for our Christmas cards next year. Haha!

Here was Kolbi's room. Ugh. It's been such a pain moving furniture and appliances around everyday.

2012-01-12T20:13:00.002-07:00

The whole process is taking longer than expected. The kitchen isn't quite finished yet. The fridge is in place, but no stove or dishwasher. I made some tomato basil parmesan soup in the crockpot which turned out yummy; even Taylor (who doesn't like tomatoes much) really liked it! It was nice to eat dinner at home, not at a restaurant. Thanks, Pinterest!!

Here is our two days worth of dishes that had to be hand washed today. Boo. I thought we doing really good too with paper plates.... it didn't feel too good as I washed tonight.

Here's the partial kitchen. I love the flooring!!!

Kolbi and our room got finished today. Ours has some of the living room junk on it to prepare for the living room being replaced tomorrow, so here is a before and after of Kolbi's. I was nervous, but I love it! It is SO soft and has good padding. Hmmm! :)

2012-01-11T21:36:00.002-07:00

Not having a kitchen for two days now has really made me realize how that room really is the heart of the home. Taylor's brother is getting their kitchen floor done too, so we met them at McDonalds for dinner. We're big spenders! After dinner when we were getting in the car, Jackson says, "They are an awesome family!!" haha! He's totally right! The kitchen flooring will be finished tomorrow morning (I LOVE how it's turning out!!), then he's moving onto two bedrooms to carpet. We are SO having a real dinner tomorrow!

(Yep, Megan is totally cross-eyed. Love that girl!)

2012-01-10T16:44:00.002-07:00

It's already getting on my nerves. It was WAY louder than I thought ripping out the old stuff. (we've spent all day downstairs too) SO glad we decided to pay someone to rip it out. It's quite the process. It took him 8 hours. There is SO much dust upstairs.... not sure what I was thinking dusting yesterday.

Now to be a little positive... I took the 3 youngest kids to Cafe Rio today. Yum! Jackson and I ate every single bite of that huge salad!

Fisher wanted to pose by the lamp I re-vamped today. I'm horrible at "before" pictures. The base was dark brown with a boring biege shade. A little spray paint and fabric later... tada!

Let the mess begin!

2012-01-09T19:57:00.003-07:00

Let the demolition process begin! Tomorrow our hardwood floor in the kitchen gets ripped out being replaced with top of the line laminate. It should hold up these kids WAY better than real wood. After that the entire upstairs carpet will be replaced. Wahoo! Our kids have destroyed this carpet! So excited, and a little nervous... I hope the colors we picked look good!

Appliances/table/chairs/stools are all moved out to the garage. Taylor needed to some tweaking so the water and gas could be turned off in the dishwasher and stove... He made a good, very forced, smile!

Here's a good comparison to what the floor looked like 5 1/2 years ago. The lighter color on the left was under the fridge. That wood is beat up!

2012-01-08T15:49:00.002-07:00

Have you noticed that I have a new post everyday. It's kind of a new goal.... It started out that I would post everyday, but changed it a few days ago that I would take a picture everyday. I'll try to post them daily, so I won't get behind.

Today I must have been super hungry after Fast Sunday cause I came home and made these treats.

Devils Food cookies with Andes Mint frosting. Then some cinnamon/sugar-ed almonds. I've eaten too many of them all ready! YUM!!

2012-01-07T20:24:00.003-07:00

Tonight we had a date night! We met at Applebee's with Taylor's work friend Marshall, and wife Brittany. They are SO much fun! I forgot to take a picture there, but snapped this one at dessert at Roxberry. I have the sexiest, smartest, funniest, and sweetest man! Hope you had a good evening too!

Lunch!

2012-01-06T15:48:00.003-07:00

Today I had lunch with these cute girls!

And these cute kids were there too!!

Girl's evening out!

2012-01-05T17:44:00.003-07:00

Back in November, yep you read that right, my mother-in-law's ward invited all the daughters/granddaughters to their "super tuesday" activity. It was a fun getaway with the girls. Jodi had to work; boo! We made cute chargers that said "be grateful," made some SUPER cute cupcakes, got our picture taken, and the little girls got their nails done.

(The ward just handed out the pictures, hence, I'm just now posting. I've been waiting for that amazing picture of me!)

2012-01-04T13:03:00.001-07:00

I love my little helpers!

Sweet baby Lee!

2012-01-03T13:33:00.006-07:00

Oh man. Where to start? Taylor's younger sister, Kristen. Last week she lost her baby at 17 weeks pregnant. It was a boy. They named him Lee Beck Johnson. Kristen needed a c-section to get him out. It was a big shock, to say the least! Today was the burial of their baby. My father-in-law made the casket out of old barn wood. It was perfect! The casket, the beautifully warm weather, the sweet service, the smiles and tears.

I'm so thankful for the knowledge of our gospel. I love that Kristen and Scott were married in the temple and that this sweet boy was born in the covenant. That they'll be able raise baby Lee in the next life. We continue to pray for them and their family, and hope that they feel love and peace in their life. They are wonderful parents and so strong and good examples to us!

With Taylor's Mom and Dad.

Lucy and Mimi had some yellow roses to put by his casket. Beck had a toy truck to give his brother. So sweet and tender!

The Relief Society in their ward brought red balloons for everyone to release at the very end. It was pretty cool.

Sweet Lucy is Kenadee's age, 7, and totally understands and comprehends what happened. She was really struggling. She got to hold baby Lee in the hospital and that helped her get a little closure.

2012-01-02T14:46:00.001-07:00

Jackson and I had fun taking pictures of ourselves at the in-laws house last night. Isn't his hat the coolest?! I love this boy. He is HYSTERICAL!

I ended last year on a good note!

2012-01-01T14:57:00.002-07:00

I did it! It probably shouldn't be that big of a deal, but it is! I read the entire Book of Mormon last year. I've read the first couple hundred pages tons, but finally made it to read the end! We leaders challenged the YW to do it and had a printout of a daily reading schedule. I can definitely say it's made a difference in my life. I'd like to say it has helped me react before, to feel more calm and peaceful... not always though. :)

When I was in Seminary, somehow, I was given the idea to write the date of when I finished reading on it's last page. Yep, it's only happened one other time, 10 years ago. I'm ready to add even more dates!

Christmas!!

2011-12-29T21:55:00.002-07:00

Here is the one picture from Christmas Eve. Kenadee with her cousins up at the Woodruff's home! I always look forward to this party!

All ready for the kids to wake up! Christmas is so magical! I buy too much for our kids every year, but it's so hard not to when Amazon has these sales and I know how much my kids will love them!

Kolbi immediately fell in love with the Mickey and Minnie in her stocking! I love seeing their eyes light up!!

What a beautiful mess!!!

Christmas Adam

2011-12-28T14:20:00.009-07:00

On the 23rd was the Beck family party. It was at a church for the first time, which was a great idea. Tables and chair were on one half and the gym while the kids were running and playing on the other half. It was so nice not to worry about the kids breaking stuff or getting into something they shouldn't. The adult grandkids did the navity while uncle Ramon read some scriptures and everyone sang some songs. Best looking 3 wisemen I've ever seen!! They had the crowd laughing. Santa visited as well! It was a fun filled evening!!

Then after the party we hurried home for our annual "sleep under the tree" night. The kids opened their jammies from us, then we snuggled up and watched Elf. Ohh, how I love Christmas Adam!

One more new tradition!

2011-12-23T08:06:00.002-07:00

Thanks to Pinterest I found another fun idea for the kids. It's called the 'mini van express.' So last night, after watching Polar Express the evening prior, we put the kids to bed as usual, but they found a gold ticket on their pillows. They were SO excited!!! The kids put some slippers on then I used the hole puncher on their tickets before they hopped in the car. We had hot cocoa and treats ready and headed out to the lights at Thanksgiving Point. They even had a few reindeer there. The kids loved everything about it!! I think we'll do this every year!

2011-12-20T10:51:00.003-07:00

The last few days I've been full of totally different emotions....

***One day after my last post saying how blessed I am to have Taylor I find out that my old boyfriend from high school killed himself. He had his demons in high school and while we we dating. They amplified shortly after. He spent some time in jail right after Graduation. It's crazy to think how different my life could have been.... Even though I totally cut ties from him 10 years ago, my heart hurts for him! I am SO happy for the steps I took in my life to lead me where I am today. SO, SO grateful!!

***I woke up to find some super bad news from a neighbor. Not my story to tell... I hurt for her!

***USSynthetic does an angel tree every year. We always grab a few tags that are the same age as our kids. The kids love helping pick out the toys. This year we were asked if we were interested in doing a delivery. Heck YES!! While the kids and I were running errands yesterday we found out the boy in the family we were to deliver to, didn't have a jacket. (I saw a tag on the angel tree that the family only requested socks for their kids. SOCKS, people!!!!) So the kids and I found a perfect jacket and some sweatshirts for his brothers. My kids were baffled that this boy didn't have a jacket!! "What if it were an outside day at recess??" Along with our small donations, there were black bags full of toys for the 3 boys and three huge, heavy boxes of food/household supplies. Taylor and I did the delivery last night while the woman's kids were sleeping. She knew someone was coming and told us the time to be there. It was well recieved. It was a pleasure to help someone who was in very much need! I repeat again... we are so BLESSED!! I am so grateful!

Blah, blah, blah.... Moving on to more fun things.

Before: (I'm on the far right holding Jackson in the orange shirt) A mid calf, flowing, skirt.

After: A new pencil skirt! It took longer than I thought it would. I was working on it alone. Pinning it while I'm wearing it, then off. Sew a line, put back on, pin again... But I LOVE it!

Here we are reading an I-Spy Christmas book. We started some new traditions this year. As part of an advent, the kids open up one Christmas/winter book everyday. Another new tradition is added to Christmas Adam. (Dec. 23) That's when the kids will open their new jammies and a new family game to play. Then (as usual) we'll watch a Christmas movie and sleep "under" the tree!

These two have been SO sweet to each other lately. I'm so happy my kids have each other!!

My new Christmas present!! Taylor replaced the huge tv armoir. He mounted the tv to the wall and bought me a new bookshelf thing to store the movies! I love it even more than I thought I would!! It opens up the room SO much compared that huge entertainment center!

Here's what we're doing today. I made a road out of electical tape. It goes on the couch and under the table. They're loving it! Thanks Pinterest!!

This picture melted my heart! Kenadee can not wait till she gets baptised!!

2011-12-14T13:04:00.001-07:00

I am so blessed! Especially cause I have this guy!

Wow, both of us have changed TONS!! Taylor is the best person for me! He knows how to handle my quirks and flaws. He flatters me everyday.

The other day we laying in bed just giggling and talking about our day. Then he surprised me and said the sweetest thing. He said he was just looking at the little wrinkles by my eyes and how those wrinkles symbolize the 10 years we've been together. The bad, happy, scary, nervous, exciting, tears, and laughs. Like we're growing old together. (we have a long ways to go, but I don't know how else to say it)

It was really cute. He was SO nervous to tell me I have eye wrinkles. I know I do. Embrace it!!
This might not make sense to anyone else. Oh well if it doesn't. I just wanted to remember this moment! I love my husband. He's the best!!

It's beginning to feel like Christmas!

2011-12-07T13:52:00.005-07:00

I love this time of year!! I love the music. I love the excitement. I love the service. I love buying gifts for people I love. I love the time with my family. I love the smell of my tree (in a jar). I love the food. I love the traditions.

Bring on the snowstorms! I wanna be snowed in for days!

Live Nativity

2011-12-04T09:04:00.004-07:00

First and update on Kolbi: yesterday was day 3. She had ZERO accidents. Even with a trip to the mall and out to lunch! She stayed DRY all night last night too. Wahoo!! She's basically a genius!!

Last night we went to the live nativity in Alpine with Taylor's parents and little sister. It was AWESOME! I wasn't quite sure what to expect so we might have been a little cold, but the kids did great. Kolbi 'held' it for 3 hours. I can't really blame her. I wouldn't choose to put my bum on that cold porta potty!

(Sorry for the blurry. I was trying to figure out the 'night mode.')

There were live animals and tons of people dressed up and doing their 'profession'. Very cool.

Obviously following the star to the barn where Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus were was the best part! It was so cool to be able to talk to the kids about His birth as they're looking at it. I might have gotten tear eyed. It was really special to do that with my family. I am so grateful for all the knowledge and comfort our gospel brings to us. :)

2011-12-02T09:32:00.002-07:00

Minnie Mouse panties... I guess it's that time. After way too many nights of finding a bare bum in her bed, it's time to move on. Day one, yesterday, was pretty rough. She was crying and frustrated too, but today is new day and we haven't had any accidents yet. Ok it's only been 3 hours today, but it's looking hopeful!

Little tiny bums in panties are the CUTEST!!

She's crafty!

2011-11-29T22:35:00.004-07:00

I've been having some fun around here lately. I'm on a crafting kick. I love trying new things and learning new skills!!

Some new headbands for the girls.

Part of a wedding gift. Their anniversary is the very middle heart.

A Geo board (??). I loved these when I was little. Just used nails on a painted piece of wood.

Some candy dishes. I LOVE the blue one! LOVE!!! The awesome details pop with that black glaze.

Indoor hopscotch (from felt) for our chilly days.

Made a soccer field from a pizza box and the boys blew thru the straws to make a goal with the cotton ball.

A sweater pillow.

Added the Colts logo to Taylor's huge mug.

A friend is having a baby any day, and they, too, are Apple fans. I love it!

Black Friday!

2011-11-28T09:34:00.003-07:00

I always have a blast shopping late with ALL the women in-laws (plus a few men)! Walmart started at 10 pm this year and there were a TON more people!! Still, us fiesty Beck's got everything on our lists! Nothing like tacos while waiting for Target to open!

This was my first year going to the mall just after midnight.... it was INSANE! It made me even more nervous for my kids to become teenagers. They were snuggling all over. Gag! Then you'd walk into a child clothing store and there would be NO lines. Haha!

I spent WAY too much money, but it is always SO fun. :)

Gobble till you wobble!

2011-11-25T17:02:00.005-07:00

We have SO much to be grateful for!! Our family is so blessed. In years past we've made "thankful garlands", this year we made a tree. It was a huge hit, they loved putting on a new leaf everyday!!

Some of the things that they wrote they were grateful for were:

sunny days,

the Prophet,

family,

blankets,

friends,

missionaries,

the Dentist,

jammies,

toys,

our health,

Daddy's job,

and

Jesus Christ.

I love these little guys SO much! They bring me joy everyday!!!

My in-laws hosted Thanksgiving yesterday. I love it at their house! It always feels like home.

Fisher and his cousin Beck sharing the candy dish.

The bigger kids found Grandma's rake and raked some of her leaves.

I am thankful for a wonderful, supportive, husband. Happy and healthy kids. Wonderful parents and in-laws. Amazing, kind, and thoughtful siblings. The best friends. The gospel in my life and the piece and comfort it brings me. The temple and the opportunity I have to be with my family for eternity.

I love my life and the choices I've made that have brought me where I am today!

We believe that we will win!!

2011-11-22T13:11:00.004-07:00

This last weekend Taylor and I, along with ALL my in-laws went to watch his youngest brother, Sam's, football game. It was the state championship and they (Lone Peak) killed Freemont! 41-21. Sam is a senior this year and we were all so proud of him! He's a state champion!!!!

My good friend watched all the kids for about 6 hours so we could do this. Bless her heart, we owe her BIG!! My amazingly talented sister-in-law, Megan, took all these pictures. Thanks again, girl!

Sam made an important catch for a first down! We 'might' have been screaming our heads off and the cameras zoomed in on us. Haha! We were so happy!

We had the BEST time with this vuvzuela!! A long, loud, car ride home with Tay's siblings! We laughed (at each other!) the whole way!

The family!

Jed and Megan wearing Sam's jerseys. LOVE that girl!

Now, I don't want to sound creepy, being I'm more than 10 years older than him, but this kid is a CUTIE! Look at the smile!

Some lovin' from the ladies!

Awww. Jeri, Sam, and Dave.

We were the best cheerleaders, if I can say so myself! Everyone around us was loving us and our cheers. A favorite was when Jed started yelling "Go warm up the bus!!" Hahaha! I love my in-laws!

Good job, Sam! We are SO proud of you!!!!!

2011-11-19T11:17:00.002-07:00

After a few minor tantrums this morning, Kenadee decided to change her attitude. She got a craft table all set up for her and the boys and they made these SUPER cute turkeys out of construction paper. The boys LOVED it!!

After that she made a list of chores for herself. Make the beds, mop the floors, vacuum, pick up toys down stairs... She was a little Cinderella and we both LOVED it!! She can be a feisty one, but so, so sweet too! Love that girl so much!!

2011-11-14T13:05:00.004-07:00

This Jackson boy makes me laugh EVERYDAY! He is such a handful and is always moving. Really not exagerating at all! At the Primary Program yesterday he sat at the end with one adult to his side, one behind him, and one in front. They've learned their lesson!

We've made lots of puzzles lately. We have more to organize too.

Kolbi has decided she owns the easel. It's not sitting well with Kenadee...

Jackson has decided he LOVES to wash dishes and begs for that to be his after dinner chore! YES!!

2011-11-11T20:29:00.004-07:00

"Awhile" ago we took the kids to Sam's football game. It was a cold(ish) windy night. Lone Peak won, obviously! It was Senior Night and my mother-in-law participated in a "mom of the players" game. It was funny! After the game, the seniors signed a bunch of their own trading cards. The kids loved it! Taylor might have wanted to get Chase Hansen, the QB, autograph. He might have also dared me to give him a big huge bear hug. I declined!

Today is a good day to remember a great veteran! Here is my Grandma Malone at my Grandpa's funeral almost 4 years ago. I still remember everything about that amazing service! Love both of those people SO much!!!

Birthdays!

2011-11-09T14:11:00.003-07:00

Yes, I am one year older and wiser too. It's my last year in my 20's. Ouch! Two of my sister-in-laws thought I was 24 or 25. Hahaha! I had to remind them I have a 7 year old. Birthdays are fun! Friends stop by, family calls, and gifts are a plus too! (THANK YOU everyone!) I can't wait to drop my kids off at a friend's house (in 45 minutes!!) to go birthday shopping and use some giftcards. WaHoo!!

Taylor stayed home from church with Jackson who had a fever Saturday afternoon. While I was gone he decided that he wanted to celebrate my birthday that afternoon cause he'd be gone at work Monday and then we took the kids to Puss In Boots after that. I came home to a cake baked and presents wrapped! Love that man of mine!

He bought me a new sewing machine from Nuttals! LOVE it! It's basically the same one I had but WAY better and made to last a lifetime. It has the same keys/functions/buttons as my last one so I don't have to relearn anything!

A few minutes later I had this beauty! The kids can't wait use it!!!

Water damage!

2011-11-03T19:49:00.004-06:00

I guess you could say I gasp when I saw this in my basement hall yesterday afternoon. Sorry for the crappy phone picture. I had to show my mom!

Long story short... something in our fridge burst and starting leaking water yesterday. It soaked the wood floor and filled up IN the wall (and carpet) under the fridge, in the basement. Thank goodness for home owner's insurance! It's gonna be a long process to fix what seems like a small(ish) problem. Last night when the asbestos guy came over I apologized for taking him away from his family in the evening. He says, "It's all right. I live alone. (Sigh)" Good job, Crystal! Then this morning when the plumber showed up, at 8:00 unannounced, I was bra less. Wow. I'm on a roll.

I'm secretly hoping the hard wood floor needs replacing. :) In the mean time, we have the huge fans/de-humidifiers blowing like crazy. I can't believe how loud they are! You can't hear the phone, microwave, door knocking when it's right next to you. We killed a few hours this afternoon going "truck shopping." I just HAD to leave! Hopefully it won't take a week like they guessed. I'm crossing my fingers it's done tomorrow... The fridge was moved over by the table, the pantry door had to come off, and the entertainment unit is almost in the middle of the room. Ugh. It could be worse though.

On a positive note, last night I tried a new recipe. Well, kinda. It's individual pizza bites. Like pizza monkey bread. The kids LOVED it!! Taylor and I did too. Thank you pinterest! I probably should have offered some to the worker guy. Yep, technical terms.

2011-11-01T22:20:00.003-06:00

Halloween seemed to last forever this year. With weeks leading up to it, making/delivering goodies and doing activities. Planning. Buying. Halloween parties and parades. I'm happy to have it behind us! Let's move on and try to enjoy Thanksgiving.

Last night was beautiful! I'm glad the snow/hail/slush waited till today!! The kids were awesome! Holidays are SO much fun with kids. I swear it just keeps getting better and better!

Here's my trick-sters. A cheerleader. A homeless man. Darth Vader. And Boo, from Monsters Inc.

All the cousins minus Kolbi. Not sure where she took off to... Oh well!

We got WAY too much!!

Trunk or treat!

2011-10-30T22:21:00.003-06:00

We went to the "other ward's" trunk or treat last night. Our ward didn't have one... boo! Luckily our old ward, about 15 houses down the street, had one. They had someone taking pictures too!! Here we are in all our glory! (and no, I'm not dressed as a punk. The faux hawk is probably here to stay! Sorry Mom)

BOO!

2011-10-27T13:33:00.001-06:00

Holidays are fun! They're even better with kids. It just keeps getting better and better. More (and better) costume pictures soon!

2011-10-23T14:11:00.002-06:00

So this guy is basically Taylor's hero. It's Ron Swanson from the show Parks and Recreation. This picture is his new background on his phone. He was giggling at it the other day and showed me this picture.... once again. Kolbi wanted to see, so he shows her. "Oh ya. Grandpa!" Wow. Apparently my Dad is Ron Swanson.

Fall time fun!

2011-10-21T18:25:00.005-06:00

Taylor took today off work so we headed to Cornbelly's for some family fun! It was SO fun!! Taylor did my hair this morning and I sported my first faux hawk! I love it and need to learn how to do it! The kids were SO good. The weather was way warmer than we expected; so great! Enjoy the picture overload! :)

Fall Break!

2011-10-20T19:39:00.004-06:00

Our fall break started off perfectly! We met up this morning with some good friends in Alpine for our annual caramel apple making. What is better than food with friends?!

We met at the family's gymnastic gym. BEST decision!! The 11 kids played great and were totally satisfied!!

These are the beauties we brought home!! The caramel was SO soft and yummy!

Goofball!

2011-10-18T13:02:00.004-06:00

Paying for preschool pictures?? NO thanks. We take enough pictures. (hence the home made shirt...) Well, when they sent home the preview... Taylor INSISTED that we WERE, in fact, going to spend the $10 on this picture.

Fisher is such a goof! He loves ruining a picture. This cross-eyed picture was the ONLY one he had with a genuine smile. Little stinker!!

2011-10-17T19:11:00.002-06:00

Kenadee gave the SWEETEST testimony last week! We went to our good friend's baptism the day before... she gushed about how happy she was for him and that he was making Heavenly Father so happy. Then encouraged all the "little kids" to make the same decision. Awwww! I'm so proud of her!! I can't believe we're about 6 months away from her baptism! I had the idea of using the fabric from my wedding dress to (pay someone!!) make her baptism dress. If anyone knows a reasonable priced seamstress... PLEASE let me know!!

Here's a random craft from a few weeks ago. I've had no storage for all my ear rings. I've doubled the amount of big dangle kind since my short hair cut.... I painted an old frame from DI then put some screening (like from screens from windows) inside it. LOVE it! It's perfect and looks cute on my bathroom wall. I have SO much left over screen so please feel free to take some off my hands!

Progression of the black eye. Still no clue how it got there....

Jackson brought this home from school the other day. He told me the "Be" was him trying to spell "bat"!! I couldn't be MORE proud of him. I won't lie, there have been many times that I've worried about him, but he's surprising me daily of things he's learning! Better believe this sweet piece of paper is going in his "keep forever stash!"

Boring Beck's

2011-10-12T13:28:00.002-06:00

Other than calling Poion Control control yesterday morning, I guess we've been pretty boring lately. Ya, I found Kolbi with my bottle of prescription drugs all around her. The lady from Poison Control said it could give her siezers... so I needed to count the pills that were still there and count backwards from when I filled the prescription. Ugh. It appeared that all the pills were accounted for. SIGH!

Other randoms:

Crazy hair day at school.

Jackson came home from school with a black eye. He can't remember what happened. I'm assuming something happened at home and it took a while to show up. Crazy kid!

Oh, how I LOVE Pinterest! I've always kinda hated that I can't do my girls' hair and have wanted to learn. I've said a million times, I can't come up with my own craft ideas, but I'm great at using other's ideas. I've found lots of little girl hair ideas on Pinterest and have done a new style everyday for a week. She's been pretty cooperative and enjoys my hard work!

BJ's wedding

2011-10-05T14:26:00.003-06:00

We went to Taylor's good friend's wedding Saturday evening. BJ was in the pool when we got there. We were laughing SO hard!! Only BJ. He was right though, it only took him 2 seconds to put his tux on. It was a very pretty ceremony. Lots of food and music too. It's good to see BJ finally happy again. His kids love Jennifer!

Here's my sexy husband all decked out his tux!

Kenadee could NOT wait to see the bride!

Here is BJ and his bride, Jennifer. Plus his sweet little, Gracie.

2011-10-01T13:35:00.003-06:00

Here is Jackson running the football this morning just shy of a touchdown. I'm so proud of him! He's really getting the hang of it and feeling more and more confident! Go Jack!!!!

2011-09-30T13:30:00.002-06:00

A couple randoms from a football game....

My Mom brought some pictures and photo albums for the kids to pick out and choose. They loved it and couldn't get enough of Grandma's attention.

2011-09-23T19:31:00.003-06:00

My Dad bought this truck on his 21st birthday, so.... 1971. He drove it up until a few years ago. He needed a flatbed to pull his 5th wheel. So my cousin's who run a dealership bought the truck off of him, and completely restored it. I wish Taylor and I could have bought the truck; we really thought about it when he was selling it. I LOVE my Dad's genuine smile in this picture! It's a hard smile to capture with a camera! Thanks so much Lyndsay for this picture!!!

Flag Football!!

2011-09-21T20:23:00.003-06:00

Jackson started his first season of flag football a few weeks ago. He was pretty nervous for his first game, but he warmed up real quick! It's so fun to watch these little guys learn. I love seeing my kids happy! I look forward to every game! And, of course, Jackson had to throw in a few dance moves. I LOVE that kid!

Random-ness

2011-09-18T18:32:00.005-06:00

On Fisher's birthday we took him the firehouse and got a private tour. The firefighters were awesome and so friendly! The kids felt so special and loved seeing all the equipment/tools. A couple prizes at the end was obviously a hit!

Taylor was helping Jackson with his football moves. Jackson is in his first year of flag football and loving it! More pictures of his games are coming soon.

Today for a family activity we played Red Rover. Grandma was a good sport and got in on the fun too!

It's already been a week that my mom has been visiting and it's going by too fast! It's so much fun having her around. She is an easy guest to have! Here's to another fun packed week!!

My baby!

2011-09-17T20:03:00.006-06:00

My baby isn't a baby anymore. I think it's official now. She just had her second birthday. It was kinda bitter-sweet. More bitter than expected. I can't believe the last baby I'll ever have is 2 years old! After the boys birthday parties I decided to make Kolbi's more low key.

She totally understood that it was HER day. I'm sure having Fisher's birthday 2 days before helped. She was cute and happy the WHOLE day. She just knew she was special! She opened presents in the morning then after the other 3 went to school we went to the pet store and walked out empty handed as planned. She always misses Fisher and says his name so sad once he gets out of the car, but she did enjoy all the attention though .

Grandpa Beck came over to eat some cake with us. Yep, she enjoyed her bundt cake (with lemon glaze) that was provided by Costco. My heart started hurting when she started blowing out her candles. I can't believe she's that old! It's going by TOO fast! I've made all our kids a "birthday video" of pictures and video clips from birth until their first birthday. It's a tradition to watch them on their birthday. I lost it. I cried thru the whole thing. This little girl sure knows how to push my buttons. She gets into everything all the time, but she completes our family perfectly. Her smile and long curly eye lashes melt me! I love my Kolbi more and more everyday!!!

Fisher Boy!

2011-09-15T15:52:00.006-06:00

Fisher had his 4th birthday a few days ago. We had a day of some serious fun!

Costco had Hero's Day and had an army hummer with soldiers, firetrucks, an ambulance....

Fish loved it! I spotted one of the fireman's jackets and showed Fish how it was our last night. The man let him try on all the gear that had "Beck" on it! His smile is amazing!!

Fisher requested a Star Wars party. I got lots of ideas from Pinterest. LOVE that site! Made some light sabers, used nerf guns to shoot Vader, and had a Jedi Training obstacle course. I think they had tons of fun! I love doing theme parties for the kids, but am always thrilled when they're done!

Fisher is my little piece of heaven! For real!! He is so lovey and snuggles me all the time. He is genuinely a good kid. Yesterday when he went to get his flu shot I told him he'd be getting a shot.

F: "Mom, I don't want a shot."

M: "I know. Sometime I have to get shots too when I don't want to. Sometimes we just have to do it."

F: "Ok."

What kid just calmly says ok?! My Fisher does! He is always helping anyone he can. The morning of his birthday, Jackson is crazily excited for Fisher to open his presents. Fisher says, "But, Jackson, everyone isn't awake yet."

Fisher just keeps getting better and better. He is amazing! I love him SO much! All of our lives are better with him in it!!

Aunt Julie!

2011-09-13T13:24:00.005-06:00

So Taylor's aunt is Julie Beck. Yep, as in the General Relief Society President! Everytime she is quoted in church (which, let's be honest, is a lot!), Taylor leans over and whispers, "I know her!!" She's an awesome lady and an amazing example! Last week she set up a lady's only brunch for her family to introduce us to the new Relief Society book. It was a great excuse to have some girl time! I have a whole new respect for the time and thought that went into making this book!

Then we got to snoop around her office. She has a great view of the Salt Lake Temple! Her office was beautiful with tons of gifts and artifacts from around the world. She has this awesome photo wall!

I LOVE my sister-in-law Megan! We are SO similar. It probably helps out that she is the person who indtroduced me Taylor. We were friends friends and lucky enough to become family shortly there after!

I found this picture that hadn't been hung up yet. I. Need. One.

Book Cliffs Hunt

2011-09-09T21:47:00.003-06:00

Wow, I'm slow on keeping this blog updated. A "while" ago Taylor went on his brother's archery hunt down in the book cliffs. Jed had been putting in for this hunt for years and he finally drew it! It's basically a once-in-a-life-time tag. Jed got a MONSTER deer! He has real deep tines and some awesome cheaters. He was scored conservatively at 190!

I can't put pictures of the deer on yet cause he's gonna be a magazine!! Muley Crazy (the magazine) requested to keep the deer off the internet. If it's a well known deer, then it's not as wanted. Understandable. It will feature later this year or early next year. We are SO excited for him! Here are a few other pictures of the boys hunting. (ugh, those mustaches!!!)

Preschool!!

2011-09-06T14:54:00.003-06:00

This big boy started Preschool today! Fisher was SO excited! He got his first Father's Blessing last night, which was pretty awesome. He looked so big sitting on that chair. He came home from school with a huge smile and an even bigger hug for me! Oh, how I love that kid. He told me, "I didn't even say any bad words!" Ummm, I didn't know that was a worry... I'm glad though! He cracks me up!

Rucker camp out!

2011-09-05T09:22:00.012-06:00

It has literally taken me 12 hours to look thru the 425 pictures from our camp out over the weekend. My Dad's side of the family gets together every Labor Day weekend for a huge camp out. This is the first year I've ever been able to go. It was better than I imagined! Almost everyone brings RV's of some sort. That's were Taylor and I stayed; in my Dad's while the 4 kids slept in the tent. We had SO much fun!!!

I should have taken a picture of the kitchen area. It was bigger than my kitchen in my home. It is unreal!! All the families take a meal to cook/clean for everyone. We stuffed ourselves at every meal. They were all amazing. Yep, Jackson is gnawing on a rib. We had steaks, carne asada, sliders, toast and gravy, eggs and bacon, egg mc. muffins.... SO GOOD!!

There were so many fun things to do. They set up two zip lines. One for the kids at about 75 feet and an adult one around 250 feet. haha! You got going pretty fast!

We had plenty of conversations and relaxing around the fire. There about 80 of my family members there!!

Who can go camping without bringing a few weapons? L to R: Taylor, Adam, Tom, Uncle Leonard, Clint, Craig, and Scott.

Ohhhh, the story about the quads. Lots of my cousins own them. We were finally getting around to taking the kids on them up to Greens Peak. We hadn't gotten 10 minutes away from camp and got pulled over by a fish and game officer. Long story made short, the officer decided to only ticket Taylor and Clint on the cheapest ticket of not having an off road sticker. At least we weren't charged the $200 fine per helmet less kid (we had 3 on the quads).... My family has been coming up here for 15 years and have never seen a cop. We felt bad to ruin the fun for everyone else.

Lots of card games and horse shoes. I love seeing my Grandma getting feisty over a game my Dad named Oh Heck! It lived up to it's name, as usual!

Some ropin' and horseback riding.

Saturday night is the annual Karaoke night. Haha!!! Some FUNNY memories there!

Our second attempt up to Greens Peak. By car this time.

(all husbands must be the same!)

2011-08-31T13:52:00.003-06:00

Kenadee started 2nd grade last week! Man, she makes me feel old. The adjustment has been pretty rough on her. She's come home grouchy and tired EVERY day since.

Yesterday was Jackson's 6th birthday! He and I picked out donuts for breakfast. YUM! We love Lehi Bakery! Then presents and love! (We measured him today and he's 1/4 inch SHORTER than Kenadee was a 5. He's a skinny, little man!

This lucky kid got to start Kindergarten ON his birthday! He was pretty nervous, but tried to play it cool... until I picked him up! He couldn't get into my arms fast enough. I love that he still needs me! It's crazy to think he's in Kindergarten!! He's SO ready and will do awesome!!

I am so blessed to be Jackson's mother! This kid is a wild one that's full of smiles. I sure love him!!

Lego Party!

2011-08-28T20:07:00.004-06:00

We had Jackson's birthday party yesterday! He picked a Lego theme. I bought some silicone molds from Etsy and made some candy and crayons with them. They turned out SUPER cute!! The details on Lego mold are awesome! We had tons of fun games and the kids had a blast! His birthday is on Tuesday... aka the first day of Kindergarten!

Family Pictures!

2011-08-25T19:57:00.004-06:00

Well here they are! I couldn't be happier with how they turned out!! My friend and neighbor took them. Here is Kortney's blog. http://rosyposyphotography.blogspot.com/ She'd love to get her hands on a baby. She was amazing with our kids! Even with Kolbi, who took a L O N G time to warm up to the idea. I LOVE them! I don't know which ones to have printed...

Slip-n-slide!

2011-08-23T14:57:00.005-06:00

Our good friends, Clint and Jayna, hosted the 3rd annual giant slip n slide last Saturday. I arrived solo; Taylor was out hunting with his brother in the Bookcliffs. (BIG news on that soon!!). It is always SO much fun and we look forward to it every year!

Jayna took all the pictures below. I've gotta figure out how to use my camera better....

2011-08-21T20:59:00.005-06:00

Last week the kids took swim lessons. It's only logical to wait till the week before school starts! They loved it and did really well. We'll go back to this lady next year.

Other Fun!

2011-08-19T16:53:00.004-06:00

My friend, Maggie, had her baby this past Monday. Us girls used it as an excuse for one more reason to get together before she popped. Olive Garden was SO good!

We also had an Alpine Day celebration with our friends, the Jacksons. Our original plan was to stay there late for the fireworks, but quickly decided against it after our kids had the sleepless campout the night before. Oh, how I love the Jackson family!!

Alpine Days!

2011-08-17T20:36:00.003-06:00

We camped out.

We didn't sleep much.

We ate too much.

We laughed hard.

We cheered on the 5k runners.

We watched the parade.

(the big kids were in it with Gma)

We smiled big.

We love Alpine Days!

2011-08-14T18:45:00.002-06:00

I was hanging outside on my blanket while the kids were riding bikes, and Kolbi came and tackled me. Little stinker girl!

Kolbi smashed Jackson in the door and gave him some loves to feel better. Then she pretended to hurt herself, to make Jackson laugh. That is exactly what Fisher does, when he hurts someone! It's so funny how fast they learn. This little girl is handful! She is always full of mischief (and tears!).

Sneak Peak!

2011-08-12T07:34:00.002-06:00

We had our family pictures taken yesterday morning by our friend and neighbor Kortney. She was great with the kids! I am so happy with how these turned out; I can't wait to see more!

The 9 best years of my life!

2011-08-10T09:53:00.003-06:00

Monday was our Anniversary! It was relaxed and very enjoyable. We try to do something to involve the kids on our anniversary. It's a celebration for them too. It's the day they got a forever family too! We had plans to grill some ribs at home then take the kids bowling. Well, the battery in my car gave out and needed to be replaced. So it was a no go on the bowling. Even though nothing big or crazy happened, it was a great day! I love my husband more and more everyday! He is determined. He is amazing. He is sweet. He is strong willed. He is sensitive. He is sexy. He is happy. He is hilarious. He compliments me everyday. He is SO smart. He is a good snuggler. He is a teaser. He is tender. He is thoughtful. He is generous. He is MINE!

His final grades from the summer semester were posted last night. He is amazing! He is the kid I'd hate in college... the one that gets 100% on a final. As a wife though, I couldn't be more proud!! Wahoo!!! Happy dance for my sweetheart!

Here we are with our brown and butterscotch toppers! Yum!

Oh, did I forget to mention I chopped my hair? I love it! Two days later, it's still a shock to see it in the mirror, but it's fun. It's edgy. It's easy. (soaking wet to done in 5 minutes!) Like my morning bed-head? haha!

Family Weekend of Fun!

2011-08-06T16:45:00.006-06:00

We've had a great weekend already! Yesterday Taylor and I went on a day date to the golf course. I "played" my first 9 holes of my life. I am beyond horrible but it was so fun. I felt so weird trying to swing a club instead of a bat. By the end, I got decent at chipping.

Then after we dropped off the sitter we headed up to the Alpine splash park. It just so happen that lots of Tay's family didn't have plans so they met us there. My mother-in-law brought over some pizza for everyone to make the evening even more perfect. It was PERFECT weather! Everyone had SO much fun.

This morning we got some donuts from the best bakery around (we happened to be there at the perfect time and saw my cousin who I haven't seen in forever!!) Then we headed to Bridal Veil Falls. We had SO much fun. I love my little family. We are happy! We hiked more than planned (hence the dress and flip flops) Kolbi wouldn't stop hiking around. She kept telling us, "Let's go!"

2011-08-03T19:58:00.003-06:00

The other evening we had a neighborhood bbq and got rained out,
right at the kids' bed time. Taylor decided to turn some music on from his car and we had a little dance jam in our front yard. I love moments like these. I love my little family!

He's growing up!

2011-07-31T21:01:00.002-06:00

We took Fish's training wheels off tonight! He was beyond ready, and got it his first try! Good job Fisher!! We are so proud of you!

Summer Lovin'

2011-07-29T13:24:00.004-06:00

Fun in the sprinkers!

Picnic at the park!

2011-07-28T20:40:00.002-06:00

The kids have said some funny things lately.

Fisher, "Mom, I wish girls had weenies."

Me, "Why?"

Fisher, "So they could pee easier."

We were at Walmart the other day. Kenadee has asked for a map of the United States. I found a puzzle of America. She was holding it as we walked up to the cashier and says, "Mom, do we have to wash this before I can play with it?"

Poor girl is so used to me at DI that she's forgotten what brand new stuff is like. I can't believe I admitted that! That is sad!!!

2011-07-25T18:46:00.002-06:00

More phone pictures....

There was some left over scraps from our girls camp pj's so I made something for each of the girls.

I sent this picture to my Mom. I use to eat ice cream straight from the carton. We made some home made last week and this is the only way to eat it, in my opinion.

My friend Gwen, let me borrow this little bike for Kolbi. She can't get enough of it and begs to go outside!

Kolbi wanted to join the kids in doing head stands. What a goof ball!

New Toys!

2011-07-22T11:54:00.004-06:00

One morning Taylor's Galant wouldn't start. It was a small issue that got fixed within a few days, but I decided he needed a new car. We got this 2010 Mazda6 from an auction. It is awesome!! Taylor couldn't be happier with his choice!

I've been wanting a bike and trailer for a long time. Like, mulitple years. I finally got serious and was googling 'beach cruisers'. Tay had NONE of that. He's convinced I'm gonna do triathalons. (Umm.... never say never... I guess) He wanted me to have a road bike so I could use it for excerice too, not just to cruise. Wow, do I feel silly now! I didn't think I'd ever be into to road bikes and I thought Taylor was crazy. But it didn't take long for me to realize I LOVE my road bike. We go all over with it. To the park, McDonalds, the grocery store. On those rides I have Jackson jump in the trailer too. Kenadee does a GREAT job!! I am in LOVE! Today I went my farthest, 20 miles. It's so fun to average 17 mph vs. my 6 mph while running. I didn't realize how tired my legs were until I got home this morning and I was shakey. SO much fun!!

Also, Taylor's work, US Synthetic, was awarded the Shingo Prize. What? You've never heard of it?? Me either. I've learned lots lately. It's the world’s most prestigious award for
operational excellence. Called "the Nobel prize for manufacturing" by BusinessWeek, The Shingo Prize was established in 1988 for the purpose of educating, assessing and recognizing world-class companies for creating a culture of continuous improvement through employee engagement and effective leadership. US Synthetic is the first and only company in the upstream oil and gas industry and in the industrial diamond industry to receive the award. It's a big deal. For real. To celebrate the company's success, US Synthetic gave every employee a new iPad2!!

Wahoo for new toys in our house! And even more important, that my husband has a great job!

Pool Party!

2011-07-15T16:00:00.002-06:00

We went swimming today with my sister-in-law and her sisters. This is the first private pool we've been to this summer and we. were. in. heaven! The weather was perfect. We had great company.

My little dare devil jumped off the diving board very first thing. Jackson, on the other hand, was SO scared. He sat on the end of the board and had to hold my hand till he scooted off. Yep, even with a tube around him he was that scared. Luckily he warmed up after a while and was having a ball.

Fish's tube a little wider than the other kids and kept getting stuck in the slide. haha!
Kenadee learned how to blow the water out of the tubey-thing... (technical term)

With some friends!

Kolbi couldn't get enough of the water. She wasn't afraid at all and actually climbed in with her dress before I had a chance to get her suit on.

SO proud of this kid! He's always been the timid one when it comes to new things. So glad he enjoyed himself. Can I just say how much I LOVE my camera. 4 pictures a second... pretty awesome to capture all this.

2011-07-13T13:28:00.002-06:00

Yesterday was Taylor's birthday. I love this man more than I can describe. He is amazing. He's sexy. He has so much determination and drive in life. He is way too patient with me and my craziness. He's happy. He makes me want to be a better person. I am blessed to call him my best friend, the father of my children, my partner, and my husband. I love you more than ever, Taylor and am so glad you're my eternal companion!

2011-07-11T20:41:00.002-06:00

These boys are mess. Especially together! They can be some major trouble makers, but can be so fun to watch play together. Jackson has been begging for more water goggles, since only Kenadee has a pair. At Walmart this morning we snagged 2 more. Fisher left them on ALL DAY LONG. I kid you not! They might have been a "tad" too tight... it looked like he got punched in both eyes when he took them off. Oh, and the best part is that Fish calls them "wogger goggles." Haha!!

Grandpa Beck came by to say an early Happy Birthday to Taylor. The kids HAD to go for a ride in the Bronco.

We've had rain almost daily the last week and half maybe. Finally, the kids danced in the rain. Check. Kolbi wanted to be like the bigger kids, but took one step out there and ran back in the door. She fell hard too from her wet feet on the wood floor!

Our recent fun!

2011-07-09T13:45:00.004-06:00

The big kids get SO frustrated with Kolbi when they try to set up dominoes. She'll hardly let you set up one before knocking it down. She thinks it's so funny!!

I made a shirt!! I'm so proud of myself!! I love using my sewing machine, but I get intimidated really easy with new ideas. I was more patient than normal (dang sleeves!!) and it paid off! I am SO happy with how it turned out. Eventually I'll put either turquiose or green buttons on the bias tape that swoops down on both sides; but I love just like this too!! Better believe I'll be making another one!

We took the kids to get some ice cream today (to get Taylor away from his homework for a minute). What kid doesn't love to pick their own flavor?? Jackson with the sour apple and KitKat though, that was.... interesting.

Grandparents are awesome! Fish asked Grandpa one time to push him on the swing. Wish granted!!

2011-07-07T22:02:00.001-06:00

Our family cleaned the church last night. Kolbi was a big help!

Independence Day!

2011-07-05T14:37:00.007-06:00

This was a very long and great weekend! Super late nights 4 nights in row for the kids. Lots of friends, lots of fireworks, lots of food, lots of smiles, lots of fun! Enjoy the picture overload!!

Taylor literally took about 100 pictures of the kids. This is as good as it gets!

We got some patriotic tattoos! Yep, I'm a nerd!!

An annual family picture.

Dirty Girls Race!

2011-07-02T15:44:00.003-06:00

Mud Runs have become really popular this last year. I have a neighbor who's injured, so I took her place in the Dirty Girls race today. (that's why her name is on the bib) So basically the concept is that you run thru mud and obstacles. This race was 4 miles. It's not timed, just strictly for fun! And it was SO fun!

Well, first off, us four friends left yesterday afternoon and headed up north. We had dinner, went shopping and stayed over night. It's amazing to have some quality time away from kids. After some interesting conversations I fell asleep while the others kept talking. Um, the next morning they 'nicely' told me that moan in my sleep. Haha! I couldn't stop laughing! That's awesome! (maybe I should be more embarrassed...)

We woke up early to head to the race. I love the atmosphere of races! So much excitement! We felt very underdressed compared to the wedding dresses, tutu's, crowns, and yes, even costumes of tampons. Um, don't ask me.

I've gotta do a race like this again. The obstacles are SO fun. Tires, rivers, walls, mud, rope wall.... Yep, just plain fun!

Me, Jayna, Natelli, and Tawny

The huge foam ending! AWESOME!!

Yuck!

Lazy days!

2011-07-01T12:22:00.003-06:00

Gosh, I love these kids. They're great! They have their whiney moments (or even days!) but they really are good kids.

This was after one of those not-so-good-days. Kolbi was fiesty all day long. She woke up in the morning grouchy, woke up from her nap grouchy. Just one of those days. When she fell alseep like this that night, I couldn't help but laugh and think, "I hope she read up. She could use a few tips on how to treat grown ups!"

I got a bike and trailer last Friday. I was SO sore from that down hill race that I didn't ride it Tuesday. The kids and I have riden it everyday since. I. Am. In. Love. The kids love it! Jackson's bike is broken so the 3 youngest have all been riding in the trailer and Kenadee rides her bike beside me. Even with a load of groceries (including a watermelon) it isn't that heavy to pull. Road bikes cruise! Yesterday we rode bikes to the pool and the kids crashed on the way home. So cute!!

There wasn't a plan for dinner last night; Taylor was working late. The kids quickly decided it was time to check off "ice cream for dinner". They had healthy snacks a little bit later.

2011-06-29T12:46:00.001-06:00

Blow bubbles... check!

AF canyon half marathon

2011-06-26T13:07:00.002-06:00

So the half marathon was yesterday. I had lots of emotions leading up to the race. I was mostly nervous with a tad of excitement. I was up at 3:45 to make the bus ride up the canyon. The whistle blew (on time!) at 6:00 am. I was hoping to finish in under 2 hours. There was a pacer scheduled to finish at 1:55. I stuck with him for the first few miles, but even going down hill, I was starting to realize there was NO way I'd be able to keep up. I was already playing catch up then gradually trailing off from him. Then something strange happened between mile 4 and 7. I hit the biggest wall ever. I was feeling strange and not like myself at all. My good friend, Jayna, ran up to the mouth of the canyon and ran the last 5 with me. (she was needing a long run for her marathon training) I wanted to cry, but didn't have the energy to. I wanted to stop and sit on the side of the road. Instead of saying to myself "one more mile till..." I started saying "just to the next cone..." It was bad.

I was way behind my planned pace. So Taylor and the kids waited

and waited.
Finally I was in sight.

I felt like I was sprinting by. I gave it everything I could! (Taylor laughed later when I told him, "I wouldn't call that sprinting!!") Aren't those kids the cutest?? I love that Taylor and the kids make a big deal out of my accomplishments. They are the best cheerleaders!!

I still haven't looked up my chip time, but I finished with about the same time as my last one. 2:15. Obviously not my goal, but I am proud of myself that I kept going. My body was definitely off. I was blacking out, shaking, and was dizzy once I finished. I have a lot to learn about diet/liquid both before/during a race. So, I guess, learn and move on, right?!

Every penny from the registration fee went towards cancer patients in our area who can't afford treatment. I wore a pink ribbon in honor of my aunt who just had a double mastectomy due to breast cancer.

I am feeling it today. Beyond sore. Every where. Thanks again to Jayna for sticking by me, I would have been way worse off without her there.