The Stod Squad

I am still alive....

2011-10-03T21:19:00.031-06:00

But just barely! Life has been so busy! We have been sooooo busy and a lot has happened since my last post... so much that I don't even know where to start or how to catch up!!! I have been terrible about getting pictures of everything. I need to do better. I feel awful about how much I have missed capturing in pics but I can't really change it now! :( So, here is my attempt at playing catch up-

June-

We went to Utah for a few reasons. 1- My brother Kevin got married. Can you even believe that I didn't get one picture of any of the wedding happenings? What a bad sister I am!! It was a really great day. I got to play the piano while people were arriving for the ceremony. It was fun! Kevin and Clair seem really happy together and I am so happy for them!! 2- Masen did his second year of BYU football camp. He got to play in the stadium this year! It was pretty big time! He had a lot of fun. He does it with his cousins, Ethen and Zak. They have a good time together!! 3- All of the kids took swim lessons from their aunt Heidi and her family. I LOVE this swim school! They are so amazing! Kaylen was terrified of the water at the beginning of the summer and now she jumps off the side, goes down the slide, and swims like a champ!!! It was a jam packed trip but it was a ton of fun!!!

Here is the one pic I got of the football camp-

Here are some pics from swim lessons. Somehow I didn't get any of Jay and Brae. But rest assured, they were amazing!! ;)
This first one is Heidi throwing Kaylen off the diving board. This was the last day of lessons and Kaylen refused to try so Heidi took things into her own hands!!!

This next one is Mase doing a front flip off the diving board. He was pretty proud of himself!

Mase rocking the goggles. He makes those things look good!!!

A couple of days after we got home from Utah, Scott's brother Brent and a few of his kiddos came out to visit. Chris and Kaylee needed some dental work done. We did some swimming and just had a pretty relaxing weekend. It was a short trip for them but we sure enjoyed having them!!

July-

A few days after they left, my brother Mike, his wife Lisa, and their three kiddos came out for the Fourth of July. We had so much fun! Lisa and I took Braedy and Emily to see Monte Carlo. It was a cute show and it was so fun to have some girl time! Mike and Scott went golfing, and took the kids up on the Monument. The kids played hard and we swam a lot. Our next door neighbor has a huge Fourth of July party every year complete with an amazing fireworks show. So we sat in the backyard and enjoyed the fireworks. It was so relaxing and so much fun!!! I just wish I had more pics to share!! :( Here are a few-

After that, we had a couple of weeks where we just hung out and did the everyday stuff. Scott celebrated his 38th birthday on July 17th! It was on a Sunday so I made some sweet pork burritos, cilantro lime rice, and a mexican lemonade. It was yummy! Scott LOVES pie so we bought a couple of pies instead of having birthday cake. It was fun!!

About a week later, Troy and Lisa and their kiddos (everyone except TaeLor :() came out for a visit. We swam a lot (again) and just relaxed. It was so much fun! We love our family!!!!

The last weekend in July, Scott took all the kiddos to our Ward's Father's and Kid's camp-out. They had a great time and it was a nice break for me!! The kids all LOVE camping but man alive was it a lot of work getting them all out the door! So worth it though to see those smiling faces when they got home!! My parents came for a visit that weekend, too. The trip was short and sweet. We played cards and relaxed.

August-

The first weekend in August, we went camping with Scott's parents, Troy and Lisa and their kids, and Kevin and Heidi at Miller Flats up above Price, Utah. It was so much fun! I was exhausted by the end of it but it was so worth it!! After camping, we went to my parents to clean up and rest for a couple of days. Then we took our annual trip to Lagoon! The kids look forward to this every year!! Except for Jayden who doesn't appreciate amusement park rides! My dad took Jayden to a reservoir to go fishing in a canoe! Jayden loved every second of it! He said it was the best day of his life!!! Thanks, dad!!!

Here are a very few pics of camping. It was a beautiful campground!! Thanks to Kevin and Heidi for scouting it out for us!!

After we got home from that trip, we headed right into all the back to school festivities- registration, back to school nights, etc. School started on the 24th of August. Jayden is in 9th grade, Braedy is in 7th, Masen is in 3rd and Kaylen starten preschool on September 7th. (No back to school pics!) Since then, Jayden has completed driver's ed, Braedy completed a season of volleyball on the school team (which she loved and improved a ton!!) and Mase has started a new season of flag football. Kaylen is also taking an art class which she is enjoying more than I can even put into words!! Life is busy but I am loving every minute of it! I will be better at keeping things updated! I'm sure everyone has given up on me and this silly blog!

Quick catch-up!

2011-06-10T22:59:00.003-06:00

I just realized that it has been almost 3 months since I posted anything... and a lot has happened! I don't know why I have such a hard time keeping up with my blog. Well, actually I do... Life is BUSY!! And I feel overwhelmed!! I keep thinking (and hoping) that life will slow down and get a little easier, but it doesn't. I LOVE being a mom and I am so grateful that I can stay home with my kiddos and enjoy watching them grow up! It just gets so crazy and busy and sometimes I just don't know how to deal with it all!! I'm learning though and hopefully someday I'll have it all figured out! I just hope it's before all my kids grow up and leave me!! ;)

So here's a quick overview of the Stoddard happenings for the last few months-
Masen played football for his second year. He loves it! In fact, he told me that football is his life! It surprises me that he likes it so much because he is such a shy kid. But put some pads and a helmet on him and he transforms into an aggressive little nugget!! His team didn't win a game which was kind of sad but Mase told us at the end of the season that he was the second best player on the team! :) I'm glad he has so much self confidence!! He played guard the whole season. He loves defense because he can tackle. It's pretty fun to watch him!!

Braedy had another great season competing in gymnastics. She only made it to 2 out of the 3 meets, but her team took 1st and she took 6th overall at both of them. She is taking a break from gymnastics this summer. She has been doing it for five and a half years and she is a little burned out. She's debating weather or not she wants to go back. She wants to try some new things so I don't care either way. I just want her to be happy!!!!!

Braedy also went on her first temple trip! (Which is why she missed the third meet.) The youth in our ward travelled to Draper, Utah and performed baptisms for the dead. They stayed overnight in some of the leaders' parent's homes. She had a really good time and loved being able to go to the temple! She has been waiting all her life for the opportunity! She can't wait to go back!

Jayden got his braces off! He looks great! It was a little traumatic because he was supposed to get them off in March but he didn't wear the elastics on his braces like he was supposed to so he had to keep them on for another month. When he finally got them off, he was so happy! Now, it's a struggle to get him to wear his retainers! If it's not one thing, it's another, right? I can't believe how fast he is growing up! He starts HIGH SCHOOL in the fall! And he is going to be starting driver's ed soon!! In Colorado, kids take driver's ed at 14 years old, get a learner's permit at 15, and their driver's license at 16. I am dying! I don't know how I got so old so fast!!

Kaylen and I wrapped up our year of rotating pre-school. It was so fun! I loved having her and her friends in my home every few weeks. It was so fun to see her interact with her peers! She is going to an actual pre-school in the fall. Still just 2 days a week but it will be good for her to be in a different environment and without me!

Masen finished 2nd grade, Brae finished 6th, and Jay finished 8th!! They had lots of fun end of year celebrations and field trips. None of which I got any pictures of! I have been terrible!!

Jayden went to another week of Scout Camp. He loves it. He loves being outdoors and everything that comes with it. He fished for his dinner twice. The first night, he didn't catch anything so he didn't get dinner! But the second night, he caught a 12 inch brook trout, cooked it over the camp fire and ate it! He said it was one of the best things he's ever eaten!!!!! He's so funny! I thing he brought home most of the dirt from the mountain! ALL of his clothes were so dirty!!

Braedy is currently at her first year of Girl's Camp! I can't believe it! I have been a wreck all week! I worry about her because she has such terrible allergies and she has a hard time dealing with things when they aren't perfect! But the Young Women's President was only up there for a day so I got to talk to her and she said Brae was doing great and having a wonderful time and she didn't she any signs of allergies!! Yay!! She comes home tomorrow and I can't wait!!

Scott is in Moab right now playing with a few of his partners. They are mountain biking and river rafting! He told me that he might die on this trip but his life insurance is paid up so I should be fine! Ha ha! He is soooooo funny! The Colorado River is really high (pretty much flooding) and that is the river he is going on! They are crazy!! He texted me last night and told me that he hurt himself mountain biking. He is getting so old!!!

There has been a lot of other things that have happened too. Small things, just all the day to day happenings. It has been chaotic! But I love it! I just need to figure out how to deal with it all without getting down! Depression has been an issue off and on in my life, and I have been seriously struggling lately. I don't know why, I have so much to be grateful for! I just need to learn how to enjoy the journey! Life is good! God is great! And I am so blessed!

Vegas, baby!!

2011-03-27T21:13:00.019-06:00

Actually, Henderson but close enough, right? We went to visit my brother and his family over spring break. He is in dental school at UNLV. They have a 9-month-old baby boy that we have never seen before so we figured it was about dang time! Scott drove down to Vegas with his buddy Sam. They met up with a bunch of other guys for a few days of golf and NCAA basketball action. They got to watch BYU win a couple of awesome games and then lose miserably!! The kids and I drove down a couple of days later. We had so much fun eating out, playing games, late night talking, and just hanging out!!

We went to Lake Mead one day to feed popcorn to the fish and we had a picnic lunch. My kids love Lake Mead!!

What a bunch of cuties!! Ally is behind Kaylen. Pretty sad that's the only pic I got of her!!

Two of my favorite people in the world!! Leah and Corbin

Big Mase in action!!

Jayden kept trying to catch a fish with his bare hands! He was unsuccessful and pretty bummed about it!!

Crazy kiddos!!

On the way home from the lake, Chloe started falling asleep. Kaylen tattled on her because I never want her to fall asleep in the car because it's usually in the evening when she wants to fall asleep. Anyway, I told her it was OK and then I said, "You can fall asleep too if you want." She said, "I can?!?!?!" After I assured her it was alright she was out within 30 seconds! I had to snap a pic before I got them out of the car! Such cute girlies!!!

I forgot to pack church clothes, so while Dave and Leah were at church we got really bored and put all the kids up on the shelf. They stayed there until Dave and Leah got home. We thought we were really hilarious but I don't think Dave and Leah agreed!!!

Dave and Leah have a game called Just Dance on the Wii. It was sooooo fun and addicting! We spent a good amount of time playing it. Dave is the master at it and he doesn't even try! The rest of us are like totally into it and getting all sweaty and out of breath. And he just stands there and basically moves the arm with the controller and he KICKS BUTT!! It's pretty funny!!

Masen and Kaylen just dancin'!!

Me and Braedy

Cute Corbin!

Jay-Dawg and Bigsie dancing away to Cotton Eyed Joe!!

Dave and Leah letting loose!!

Me and Kaylen getting our groove on!!

Jayden really wanted to go to Hoover Dam so Scott and I took him, Masen and Kaylen. Braedy opted to stay home with Dave and his family. It was amazing! I would have liked to do a guided tour and go inside but we just parked and walked on top of it. I'm glad we went though.

Looking out on Lake Mead. The water level is super low! Kind of scary!!

Jayden looking over the side of the dam!

Looking down from the top of the dam!

At Hoover Dam. This is a new bridge they just built and it is REALLY high!!!

We have so much fun with Dave and Leah! I wish we could see them more! Thanks for having us guys! Hopefully it won't be so long before we see you again!!!

Kaylen Rae is four-years-old!!!

2011-03-24T13:56:00.011-06:00

Kaylen turned four-years-old on March 2. (I know, once again I'm behind on blogging!!!) She has been so excited for her birthday so on the morning of her birthday I told her that she is four now and she looked at me and said, "No, I'm not, I'm not big yet!" I guess she thought she was going to be noticeably taller overnight!! We had a really low-key day. We have been so busy lately that her birthday was almost an afterthought. She chose to go to Chuck-E-Cheese's for her birthday dinner. Not my favorite but she (and the rest of the kids) loved it! Here are some pictures of her opening presents.

Kaylen and her new big girl bike!! She loves it and wants to ride it all the time!!

The lovely store bought cake that Kaylen picked out for herself! I was a little lazy this year!!

Blowing out the candles. Not sure why she's standing on the counter... I must have been really tired because I don't even remember that!!

I have been doing a rotating pre-school with some other moms in my ward and it has been so fun!! So instead of doing a separate birthday party for Kaylen's friends, I combined it with pre-school. She had so much fun!! We had a pinata, and some cute cupcakes that I decorated with flowers made out of marshmallows. But I didn't get any pictures of all of that. Just opening presents.

They all wanted to be in on the action and no matter how many times I told them to back up, they kept crowding around her. She loved it though! These kiddos are so much fun!!!!

Kaylen, Hannah, Nicholas, Edison, Jesse, Lincoln, and Taylor after all of the festivities! We had a lot of fun!!

I can't believe that my baby girl is four! She is so much fun to have around! I can't imagine life without her!! She is so funny and has more personality than any one little girl should ever be allowed to have! She loves being social and asks me everyday, "What do I have today?" She constantly wants to be on the go and is always upset when we don't have anywhere to go!! Kaylen has a lot of spunk and just loves being alive. She is almost always happy and somehow sees the good in any situation. I have so much to learn from this little girlie!! I am so grateful that my Father in Heaven sent her to me!

Of Things That Matter Most

2011-02-24T12:54:00.004-07:00

(Warning: Long and very contemplative post.)

As long as I can remember, I have wanted to be a mom. I have been very blessed to have four amazing children who came to us very easily. I have enjoyed being a mom. I have seen hard days, discouraging days, depressing days, and days full of heart-ache. But the good definitely outweighs the bad. Being a mom is the most rewarding thing I have done in my life. I'm not talking about the laundry, dirty diapers, snotty noses, or looks-like-a-tornado-just-came-through-here messes.

I mean those moments when my three-year-old randomly tells me that she loves me. Or my eight-year-old says he wants me to go on a field trip with him because I need a break from working so hard. Or my twelve-year-old decides to pick-up and vacuum the entire house so I don't have to do it. Or my fourteen-year-old stands up for his values even when it isn't the popular thing to do.

Lately though, I have felt completely overwhelmed. Like I don't know what I'm doing. Like I'm not doing enough to prepare my kids to take on what the world throws at them. Like I'm focusing way too much on the day to day grind and not enough on my relationship with my kids and showing them how much they mean to me.

One of my kids told me recently that they think about what life would be like without them. How much better everything would be if they weren't here. It made me feel awful. Like I am the worst mother in the world. It made me realize that I am not doing enough to make this child feel loved and cherished.

Then, as I was talking on the phone with my dad, he reminded me of President Uchtdorf's talk in the last General Conference. He told me he thought it would help me to read it again. He was right! Pres. Uchtdorf reminds us to simplify and seek the things that matter most.

Reading this talk again reinforced to me that for now, my kids are what matters most. My relationship with them, teaching them the gospel, strengthening their testimonies, and creating life-long memories for them is what matters most. When they are grown, they won't remember how clean the house was or how many cookies I made for them or if I made it to every field trip and class party. But they will remember the times I was there for them, the long talks, the hugs, the advice, and the love they felt.

"Strength comes not from frantic activity but from being settled on a firm foundation of truth and light. It comes from placing our attention and efforts on the basics of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. It comes from paying attention to the divine things that matter most."

Life is so busy and I feel like I'm running crazy most days, but I'm renewing my focus. I am going to slow down and always be aware of and focused on the things that matter most.

Eight is Great!!!

2011-02-01T14:07:00.008-07:00

OK, so it's only been a month since Masen was baptized. I'm not too far behind, right? Masen's big day happened on New Year's Day. 1-1-11. He has been so excited for the last year to be baptized and he was so happy when he was finally able to actually do it!! He could hardly sleep the night before and could barely stand it on the actual day because he had to wait until 5:00 p.m.!!

Masen and Scott before the baptism.

Everyone that was able to come to the baptism. From the left- Jayden, Grandma Garmire, Grandpa Garmire, me, Scott, cousin TaeLor, Aunt Heidi, Uncle Kevin, and Braedy, Masen, and Kaylen are in the front.

The family! I love that Mase and Kaylen are hugging! Masen's baptism has made Kaylen really excited to turn eight!!

Masen after the big event! He has been asking for a suit for a while now. We got him one for his birthday and he was so excited! He has worn it every Sunday since his baptism!

We are so blessed to have Mase in our family. He is such a joy and so fun to have around. He is a great example to all of us in everything he does. He got a set of scriptures from my parents for his baptism and he hasn't missed a day of reading since then! He is so happy that he is finally a member of the church and I am so glad that he realizes how important it is! It was a great day and I'm thankful that some of our family was able to come. He was confirmed a member of the church and received the Holy Ghost the next day in Sacrament Meeting. Of course I didn't get any pics that day! We are so proud of Masen and his decision to be baptized!!

A post for Leah!

2010-12-07T20:10:00.013-07:00

My sister-in-law, Leah lives in Henderson, NV. We don't get to see each other very often and she has been a little irritated with me as of late and my lack of posting. Well, here ya go, Leah! Pictures of the fam!! Can you believe it? I bet you never thought you'd see the day!! My good friend, Monica Hudson took family pictures for us and did a FABULOUS job! She makes us look good!!

So, hopefully this is the start of something good! Maybe I can get back into the swing of things and post more than once every 4 months!! No promises.....

AWOL

2010-11-04T05:56:00.002-06:00

That's what I'm gonna be this whole weekend!! I am leaving tonight and not coming back until Sunday (maybe)!

Ever since school started in August, I feel like I have been running myself ragged trying to do everything and be everything for everyone. And it feels like I'm chasing my own tail! I never really get anywhere and it's just never enough! The last month or so, I have had a few melt-downs. Sometimes it really gets to me that I can't do it all and especially that I can't be perfect in everything. (That's not so much to ask, is it?) I have just felt so very overwhelmed and being the mom has felt a lot more like work than I ever wanted it to. I love being the mom (for the most part) and I want it to be fun!

So, my solution is to get away for a while. I think when you remove yourself from the situation, it makes you realize how great you really have it. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, like that. (And hopefully it will make the husband and kiddos realize how great they have it, too!) I'm not going anywhere special... just home to my mom and dad. You know, the place where I feel safe and accepted. (Maybe it is somewhere special after all.) I am going to do some Christmas shopping, go to the temple, and visit with my Grandma. I cannot tell you how excited I am to have a break and just be Brenda for a few days!

But you know what? I have a sneaking suspicion that by Sunday I will be 100% ready to be the mom again! (OK, maybe 99%.)

Resolve!

2010-09-22T22:59:00.002-06:00

I have been absolutely awful about posting lately. I guess I went through a little bit of a blogging blah! Plus, my life has been so darn crazy lately, I sometimes don't know which way is up! I guess that's called having four kids?!?! I'm so busy but not really because of me- it's the kiddos that keep me running! But I'll tell ya- I wouldn't want to be doing anything else right now! I love being a mom and raising these kids! Even on the hard days.

Jayden, Braedy, and Masen are all taking piano lessons! FINALLY! I have wanted to get them started for a while but was just so nervous to try a teacher that I didn't know anything about. I took a chance and just called one and we love her! She is really great and the best part is she comes to our house! Which saves me a lot of time!!

Jayden is still busy with scouts and young men's. He is now a Star, working on his Life, which I'm told is the lever just below Eagle! He has really awesome leaders and I'm very thankful for that because I know nothing about scouts! He is loving it! He loves all the camping trips and outdoors stuff.

Brae is still rocking in gymnastics. She hurt her toe last week. I ended up taking her to the doctor the next day to make sure it wasn't broken... it wasn't, thank goodness. She just stubbed it really bad and got a big gash above the cuticle. The doctor said she will lose her toe nail for sure! :( It will take about a year for it to grow back! I'm just glad it wasn't anything more serious! She is loving middle school which is a huge relief for me. I was a little worried about her but she has transitioned great and made tons of new friends!

Mase is loving second grade. We just found out on Monday that he will be tested by the school psychologist for the gifted and talented program! He has already been given a test and he tested at or above the level for the program. I am a little nervous and pretty dang excited to see what the psychologist has to say about him. We will have a meeting with her after she tests Masen. He also cannot wait to be baptized! He turns 8 at the end of the year and he talks about it almost daily! It is so darn cute to see how excited he is to be a member of the church! He is such a cute kid!

Kaylen started pre-school a few weeks ago. 5 other mothers in my ward and I decided to do a rotating pre-school so I get to teach in my home every 6 weeks. I got to have my first turn last week and it was so fun! We have 3 girls and 3 boys so it works out pretty good. They are all such darling kiddos and it is really fun to see Kaylen interact with her peers. She tries to be so grown-up around her siblings so it's nice to see her act like a 3-year-old. It's also really nice to have a break twice a week. It's also a little weird. Sometimes I feel lost... I've been raising kids for 14 years so it's crazy to have time to myself. But it has been really nice.

Next post, there will be pictures and I am making a promise to myself to be better about posting. This is really the only journal/scrapbook I have right now so I need to be better about it! I keep waiting for life to slow down but it refuses to do so! It just keeps going faster and faster! Maybe I can find a way to add about 12 hours to each day....

What happened to the lazy days of summer?

2010-07-20T21:43:00.002-06:00

I feel like this summer has flown by!! We have been so busy and so much has happened! And now I can't figure out why my pictures won't download! I'm so bad on the computer!

We spent 3 weeks in Utah... Mase did the BYU football camp and all the kids took swim lessons from their awesome Aunt Heidi and her family. We stayed in Provo with Troy and Lisa and their adorable kids. We got to watch Tae dance... ShE iS aMaZiNg!! And we got to see Zak play baseball. It was really fun!! I always enjoy spending time with Troy's family. The kids get along so great and I love Lisa and Troy!!

After that week, Scott had to come back home to work but the kids and I went up to my mom and dad's. We spent Father's Day with them and spent lots of time with my parents and Scott's parents. It was really relaxing and lots of fun. My parents took Brae and her two cousins Savanna and Emily to the Manti pageant. I tagged along since I was husbandless! It was the first time I had ever been and I loved it! It was so amazing and me so very grateful for the early Saints!

The next week we got to attend the wedding reception of our niece Kira and her husband Nick. It was really nice. Kaylen was a flower girl and got to wear a pink and green tutu. She loved it!! Scott flew back into town the next day and we took the kiddos to Lagoon twice in the next 3 days. It was such a blast! Braedy and Masen love all the rides! Kaylen still isn't too sure about them but she still had a ton of fun. Jay doesn't care for rides so he stayed home with his fav cousin Thomas. They live in Canada so we don't get to see them very often.

It was such a fun trip and the kiddos had a great time with their grandparents and cousins but I'll tell you what- I was so ready to come home! I am a tiny bit of a control freak and I hate living out of a suitcase!! So it felt really good to get home but then we decided to move!! So we went from living out of suitcases to living out of boxes!! I finally got most everything put away yesterday. It feels like home!! We love it! We went from 1400 square feet to almost 2700!! It is so much better and the kids all have their own rooms which is so nice! The kids have been having a blast and I am enjoying the space.

Now, Scott has planned a trip to Hawaii for just the two of us! Can I tell you that this will be first trip for just Scott and I since we've had kids? I'm a little nervous and a lot excited! I've never been away from my kids for more than a night or two but it will be good for them and me! When we get back from that, it will about be time for the kids to go back to school! It's crazy that my last post was about school ending and now they are going back! I'm not quite ready for it and neither are they but I guess that's how it goes, right?

It's been a fun, crazy summer! It's gone by way too fast! And I really hope that time slows down soon because life is passing me by and I don't like it much! Here's to the rest of the summer!!

Schools out for Summer!!!

2010-05-25T14:07:00.002-06:00

Well, technically not until tomorrow but I thought I better post before life gets cRazY!! Brae graduates from 5th grade tomorrow! When did graduating from elementary school become such a big to-do? It wasn't a big deal when I moved from 6th grade to junior high but both Jay and Brae have had big programs! It's a lot of fun but seriously, it's elementary!!!

The kids are stoked (is that word even cool anymore?) about summer! I'm sure they have visions of zoning out and playing on electronic devices all day long everyday, not even using their brains. At all. I sure hope they aren't completely devastated when I inform them of my visions. Chores, math facts, reading, writing, OUTDOOR activities.

Here's a question... When did being a kid change so drastically? I remember leaving my house each morning of my summer vacation and only coming home to feed my face. Now, I watch my kids spend their summers on the couch in front of the TV or computer screen. I feel like my kids are missing out on life! That's why this summer is going to be different! Even if I have to force them to enjoy sunshine and nature!!

I'm ready for the lazy days of summer... sleeping in, nowhere to go, vacations, popsicles, swimming, sunshine, camping. But the best part is just a change in the scenery of Life!

(And come August, I'll be ready for the scenery to change back!)

Introducing..... Elizabeth Arden!

2010-05-21T14:42:00.003-06:00

OK, it's really Braedy dressed up as Elizabeth Arden! Brae had a 5th grade biography showcase today. She got assigned Elizabeth Arden which she was super excited about.... she's all about make-up!! She has been working on it for the past 6 weeks or so. She did all the work by herself. She had to research, write a report, decorate the board, write a speech, make a prop, and dress like Elizabeth. Then she spent the whole day today (except for a short lunch break) presenting it to all the parents and other classes. She did a great job and I'm kind of proud! I think Braedy is just glad it's over! Maybe. She did get to wear make-up (mascara and lip stick) so she might have been OK if it lasted the rest of forever.

Family Dinner

2010-05-19T17:06:00.003-06:00

by: Jayden Stoddard

It's Sunday; It's time for
Family Dinner again.
We start to pour
The punch and laughter begins.

The little cousins run around
To stall time until dinner is done.
How funny it is to watch the young jump around.
Night is coming and the moon replaces the sun.

The smell of roasted chicken fills my nose
And everyone gathers and sits down.
We pray and bless the food
And dig in until no one can take another bite.

The young get sleepy;
The family starts to leave
Until the house is empty.
Oh, how I love family dinner!

(I have to admit, I cried a little bit!)

What life is all about....

2010-04-20T19:26:00.003-06:00

It's moments like this that make everything I do worth while!

Self Portraits

2010-04-20T19:15:00.003-06:00

Playing catch up!!

2010-04-16T14:35:00.018-06:00

We took a trip last month to Moab over Spring Break. We went to Arches National Park and Dead Horse Point. It was so fun! We hiked all day and swam in the evening. The kids had a blast and we were all exhausted by the end of it! Here are a million pics... I couldn't narrow it down any more.

A big, beautiful arch!

Jayden, Kaylen, and Braedy

There are so many cool things to see!!

Another amazing arch!

This is a little embarrassing but I thought this was a miniature rock formation....until I saw another one and another one and then Jayden told me that they are markers to keep people on the trail!! It's a good thing I have a boy in scouts to help me!!

WOW!!

Mase pretending to be a lizard in a little cave.

Jay standing at the bottom of a rock wall we had to climb down. It was a little scary but we made it without any injuries!!

Braedy holding a big rock.

Another awesome for at Arches!!

Mase lost a tooth!! And thanks to my sister-in-law, Lisa, my kids all think that the tooth fairy brings $5 if you lose a tooth on vacation!! The tooth fairy came through!! Thanks, Lis!!

Watch out for cows!! We had to slow down and wait for these guys to get out of the road!!!

Hiking, hiking, and more hiking!!

Stunning view at Dead Horse Point

Brae, Mase, and Jay

Kay Rae and 'Nangla' the owl in the back pack. She thought it was the coolest thing!! 'Nangla' is the souvenir Kaylen picked out. She named her all by herself!

Mase and Brae

The kids thought this crow was so cool and had to have a picture of it!!

The kiddos and me. We didn't want it to end!!

Pictures!!!! (Long overdue)

2010-04-12T14:31:00.013-06:00

I know it's been WAY too long since I posted pics but here ya go!! I didn't want to overload this post with pics so I'm going to spread them out over a few different posts.

Here are some photos from Easter. The kids were so excited. Except for maybe Jay... you can see it in his face that the holidays just aren't as exciting as they were when he was little. (Sniff, sniff....my boy is growing up!) Jay and Scott went on a youth temple trip to SLC on the Friday before Easter. They did baptisms for the dead that night and then stayed with the YM's president's parents and in-law's houses. The next day they were able to go to the morning session of conference!! I'm so jealous! I've never been to a session before! They had so much fun! Jay didn't want to go at first and I kind of forced him but when he got home he was so glad he went. It was a great experience for him.

When Jay and Scott got home Saturday night, we colored eggs and got all overly excited for Easter. They woke up Easter morning and searched the house for their baskets. The Easter Bunny is getting more clever each year, it took them quite a while to find them this year!! They spent the morning hunting for eggs and eating candy. Since it was General Conference, we stayed in our p.j.'s all day and stuffed ourselves with Easter goodies while we listened to all the amazing speakers!

Masen started playing football a few weeks ago. I really have mixed feelings about this. He is in full pads and helmet and he's playing tackle. He's 7-years-old people! Scott is totally loving it and I am too just because Mase loves it sooooo much! But it scares me a little bit. It's a learning league for 7-9 year-olds so he is the youngest one on his team going against 9-year-olds!! He comes away from every practice and game with a huge grin on his face though. HE LOVES IT!!! He is definitely his daddy's boy! Here are some pics of Scott and Mase in the front yard.

AHHHHH!!!

2010-03-05T10:05:00.002-07:00

Life is CRAZY! I feel like I've been running since before Christmas! I keep waiting for things to slow down but it's so not happening! I finally changed my background- it's no longer Christmas, but spring! I feel like that is a huge accomplishment! Here are a few things that have happened in the past few months....

Braedy turned 11 on December 2! Eleven-years-old people! My little girl is growing up and I can't stand it! She has already told me what she wants for her birthday this year- a tube of mascara and a gym membership. That seems pretty easy!! She is so excited to go to Young Women's this year. I don't really share that sentiment. I'm freaking out that she is growing up and becoming an independent young woman! It happens too fast! I told my friend a couple of weeks ago, I want to give my kids wings and let them fly but can't I put a leash on them so they just fly around me? I'm really struggling with letting go!!

I took Braedy and her cousins, Savanna and Emily to the Nutcracker with my parents. It was so fun! The girls loved every second of it (and so did I). We went to the Spaghetti Factory and Temple Square afterward. It was the best outing!

We stayed home for Christmas this year. It was really fun. It's so quiet and relaxing and the kids had a blast! They woke up at 4:30. Every single one of them! They were soooo excited! It was really fun!

Mase turned 7 on December 27. He had a great day. We took him to Chuck E. Cheese's and he was in heaven! I just have one question- Why do you have to pay a fortune for crappy card board pizza at that place? It sucks! But it's worth it to see the kids having so much fun together!! Mase is so excited to turn 8 this year! He cannot wait to be baptized!

Our niece, Chantel got married in January so we went home for that. It was so fun and she is really happy! The kids had a great time with their cousins and it's always fun to be around family. Kaylen still talks about the princess at the temple.

I went to Time Out For Women in Ogden with my mom and my sister-in-law, Lisa. It was AMAZING and a much needed break for me! I got another break a couple of weeks later when I went to Denver for a day with my good friend, Amy. We got our hair done and went to dinner. It was so fun! But sweet little Kaylen got a hold of some scissors while I was gone and cut her hair in four different places! I was so mad! I had just had her hair cut to even everything out so it would grow out good! I guess she'll have short hair for a while but that's OK- she looks adorable! (I'll post pics soon)

Kaylen turned 3 on March 2. We celebrated a couple of days before. She had a lot of fun and is so excited to be 3. She says she is big now! Good to know!

Well, there's a quick catch-up on what's been happening! Pictures to follow soon!

Merry Christmas!!!

2009-12-24T11:37:00.002-07:00

So, I know what a complete slacker I've been with my blog. I'm not going to bore you with my lame excuses. I just wanted to say that I am so grateful for this time of year when we get the opportunity to reflect on the life of our Savior. We all are so blessed to have such an amazing example to look to and the knowledge that He has paid the price for all of our sins that we may live with Him again someday. All we have to do is accept the gift that He has given each one of us. Doesn't it feel wonderful to be so loved?

I hope all of you have a fabulous Christmas and a wonderful New Year!

Kaylenisms

2009-11-08T22:13:00.002-07:00

Kaylen says the funniest things! And since I still don't know how to download pics to my mac, I thought I'd at least share some of the funny things she says.

I was running my fingers through her hair and she pulled her head away and said, "Don't touch my hair, mom! It's gorgeous!"

She also tells us, "I'm gorgeous!" anytime she is in trouble. I assume she thinks that means she should never get in trouble.

Every time she tells us about something she did, it always happened "last night". It doesn't matter if it actually happened 5 minutes ago, or 5 days ago.

She got a sucker out of the pantry when I had told her she couldn't have one and unwrapped it in front of me with a big smirk on her face. I took it away from her and told her that mommy had said no. She yelled at me, "No! You told me yes!!"

We were in the mall and she saw that they were setting up the place where Santa sits and she got really excited and started talking about Santa and Christmas. I asked her if she liked Santa and she told me, "Yes, I want to hold him!" Santa will be at our mall starting Saturday and I am so excited to take her! I think she will be the only one of my kids who will actually sit on his lap. My other three have always been a little terrified of jolly old St. Nick!!

She will bring a book to me and say, "Read to me, mom." So, I start reading and get through about 2 pages before she takes the book from me and says, "Now I read to you!" Then she moves her finger along the words and makes up her own story.

She thinks that any little kid is automatically her friend. It doesn't matter how old they are. Even 10-year-olds are her friend in her mind. She will go up to any kid and just start talking to them and ask them if they want to play with her. I think it's annoying to some of the older kids but I love that she has such an out-going personality! She will even see pictures of kids and tell me, "Mom, that's my friend!!"

We were in the car the other day and she wanted to listen to Taylor Swift. I didn't have the CD in the car so I told her that and she said, "Dang it!" So, we were just listening to the radio, and the introduction to Love Song came on and she gasped and said, "Taylor Swift!" I think it's amazing that she can already recognize songs like that!

I love Kaylen, she makes me laugh every day and I am so grateful she is a part of my family! I just have to say that I am in for it! The next 18 years are going to be a roller coaster ride with this one!

Yes, I'm a slacker, but I have good reason....

2009-10-06T22:44:00.002-06:00

Our computer totally crashed about a month ago. It was absolutely fried and the geek squad guy that Scott took it to said it would cost more to fix it than it would to get a new computer. So that's what we did!! Scott decided that he wanted a Mac this time around and that is what we ended up getting. Now, here is my problem- I don't know anything about Mac's and I'm still learning how to use it! I still haven't figured out where I'm supposed to put my memory stick in to post pictures. So that is why I haven't posted in so long!! My goal is to have it figured out this week so I don't get any more behind!!

So, here are some things that have been happening in our lives. Jayden told me last week that he is starting to like Grand Junction better than Boise!! I cannot tell you how happy this makes me! He has really struggled making friends here and his comment tells me that he finally feels accepted and feels like he has friends here now. Yeah!! He is trying out for the school basketball team this week. It's been really tough but he feels really good about it. He will make one of the teams. (Everyone does.) They have three teams A, B, and C. They put each kid on one of the teams according to how good they are. He is hoping for A but feels like he will at least make B.

Braedy joined an after-school program called Girls On The Run. They are learning about self-esteem, peer-pressure and body image while training for a 5K. Scott and I are going to run the 5K with her on November 7. She is loving it! She is also doing great in gymnastics. She just conquered her round-off, back hand-spring and is pretty dang stoked about that!!! She has just decided to join the school choir so that will be fun, too! She definitely loves to stay BUSY!!!!

Masen is not loving school this year!!! I think having to go all day and not having as much play time has made it really rough on him. He gets kind of tired and ornery but despite all of that, he is doing great in 1st grade! He gets 100% on his spelling test every week and gets his entire homework packet (that is supposed to be spread out through the week) done on Monday night. He loves to learn but would prefer to do it at home!! He is definitely our home-body. He is still loving gymnastics and is doing well. He can't wait to turn 7 (3 more months!) because then he can play football!

Kaylen is, well, for lack of a better word, Kaylen. She is such a busy little girl and into EVERYTHING! She doesn't like the word no and thinks that is an invitation to push her limits. She has been soooooo different from the other three and is definitely my test in life. Despite all of that, she is such a stinking joy! She is hard to handle, but she makes me laugh everyday, she is very loving, and she loves life. She loves to be on the go and gets very upset if she is left home from anything, even the grocery store!! She is the opposite of Masen, she loves to go, go, go! She thinks everyone is her friend and has to say hi to every person she sees. She has to talk on the phone to everyone that I talk to. It's really hard to explain to her that she can't talk to the lady at the orthodontist's office, or the secretary at the elementary school.

Scott is keeping busy with work and his calling in young men's. He has a fantasy football team that holds a lot of his attention lately and he just got NBA League Pass so we can watch ALL the Jazz games. (I'm excited about that one, too!!)

I'm going nuts trying to keep everyone's schedules straight and making sure everyone is dropped off and picked up at the right time. Oh, and making sure Kaylen doesn't ruin anything that is important to anyone (which happens a lot and of course I get blamed every time!). I also spend a lot of time at my second home, the gym. To date, I have lost 28 pounds. Not as much as I'd like but I haven't been as dedicated the last couple of months. I'm definitely happy that I'm losing, I just need to get back on track and be completely serious about it again. I do great with the work-outs and cardio, it's the food that really trips me up. I like it too much!!

Anyway, that's what we've been up to. I promise I'll get this computer thing figured out and get some new pictures posted soon.

Heigh ho, Heigh ho, it's back to school we go!!

2009-08-19T14:31:00.002-06:00

So, it's the middle of the week, but my kids started school today!! CrAzY!! It makes me a little sad that the "lazy days of summer" are over! I love summer! It's good to get them back in school and a little more regimented, but I'm really sad to see summer end!

Jayden is super excited to be getting up at the butt-crack of dawn again. He has to catch the bus at 6:30 so I get the fun task of prying him out of bed and getting him moving. Actually, he's really good about getting up and getting himself moving. He's a great kid! He had mixed emotions about starting school this year. He was excited to go back to school but was anxious and worried about the bullies from last year. He looks a little startled in this picture because it was still dark in our house, the flash was so stinkin' bright, and he was trying really hard to keep his eyes open!!

Braedy and Masen don't have to be out the door until a little after 8:00 so that's a little more manageable. Braedy is always nervous for the first day of school but she was pretty excited too. We met her teacher on Monday and she seems super nice. She also has a lot of friends in her class so that always makes it easier. Masen has been excited for school to start since it ended last spring. All summer he kept asking me, "When am I going to be in first grade?" I think he was just excited to be like the big kids and go all day and eat lunch in the lunch room. His teacher seems really nice, too. When we met her on Monday, Mase wouldn't even look at her. I asked him if he was going to talk to her on the first day of school and he said, "I'll probably just talk to her on the second day." He was kind of bummed because his two best friends from last year aren't in his class. Oh, well.

Wednesday is early day so Brae and Mase got home first. Braedy had a great day. She really likes her teacher and had a lot of fun. This is her last year of Elementary School! Time goes way too fast! Masen found one of his friends from last year at recess so he was pretty excited about that! He had a lot fun, too. It was funny because he was so excited to eat in the lunch room but ended up taking his lunch today. He says he's going to do a "pattern" and switch off every other day. He's so funny!! They both seemed to have a great first day!

Poor Jay doesn't get home until almost 4:00! It's a long day and then he has homework on top of that! He scared me when he came home because he came in the door with a frown on his face and acting like he had a terrible day. But then when I started asking questions, he broke out in a smile and told me how awesome it was! He has a couple of friends in most of his classes so that helps. But BEST of all- the bully is not in ANY of his classes!!!!! I couldn't be happier and I'm sure Jay feels the same! I am so relieved that he had a good day! I hope this year turns out as good as the first day was!!

Our very own metal mouth!!

2009-08-18T16:27:00.003-06:00

Today was the big day! Jayden got his braces!! He wasn't very excited about it and was even a little nervous. But it wasn't as bad as he'd imagined and he thinks he looks OK. Here is a picture of him right before we left for the appointment.

And this is a picture of the end result. Pretty handsome if I do say so myself!!

He will have them for about 2 years. I can't believe he'll be in 9th grade when he gets them off! CRAZY!! He also had to have some bite blocks put on his back teeth which make it so he can't bite down all the way. It's going to be a little hard for him to eat for the next couple of months. I keep telling him it will all be worth it in the end!

Our 2 week road trip!!

2009-08-13T14:05:00.040-06:00

We took an insanely long road trip! The kids and I left for the Provo area on the 26th of July. My sister-in-law, Heidi and her family do swimming lessons in the summer so we took advantage of that. Then we headed to Ogden for a week and then to Bear Lake for a few days. It was so long and exhausting but so worth it! We all had so much fun!! Here is a little bit of what went on.....

Kaylen was a little too young for lessons this year so luckily, there was all kinds of toys and a nice playground to keep her busy! Next year, she'll be in the water!!

On the first day, Masen wouldn't even put his face in the water! By the end of the week, he was doing front stroke, back stroke, knee dives off the side of the pool, and jumping off the diving board! He rocks!!

Braedy wasn't too excited about swim lessons but ended up having a blast. She struggled with diving until Heidi told her, "It's just like doing a handstand in the water!" and then she was doing perfect dives!

Jayden had no desire to take lessons. He was actually mad at me for signing him up. But by the end of the week he didn't want it to end! He struggles with diving but so did I. He learned a lot and got so much better!!

After swim lessons, we headed to my parents house for a week. We got a very pleasant surprise when Dave and Leah and their girls decided to come and spend some time too!! They only pics I got were of the kids "swimming" in the hot tub! They had so much fun catching up with their cousins and spending time with their grandparents! It was a lot of fun and went by way too fast!

The last weekend of our trip we had a mini family reunion on Scott's side. Scott flew into SLC and then we drove up to Bear Lake and stayed the weekend with Robert and his son Cody, Troy and his family, Byron, Kevin and Heidi, and our family. We went up Thursday and came back Sunday. We rented a jet ski and had a blast on that. It was a little colder than I would have liked but it was awesome to just hang out and relax with our family. Here are a few pics.

We picked a bad weekend to go to Bear Lake. It was so cold! The water wasn't bad but I don't think the temperature ever got over 80 degrees! So, we spent a lot of time playing in the sand on the beach! It was so fun! The kids had a blast burying each other and Uncle Kevin and Aunt Heidi!

Beautiful Bear Lake in the background!!

Troy and Lisa's cute kids!!

Kaylen usually missed out on the first part of each day at the lake. She always fell asleep on the way there.

Crazy Mase! We were freezing so we hung out in the car!!

On Sunday, we decided to take a tour of the Minnetonka cave in St. Charles Canyon. It was really cold but lots of fun. The kids loved it, especially Mase and Ethen because the were vampires the whole trip and vampires live in caves! They even turned into bats a couple of times.

The crew-Braedy, Zak, TaeLor, Ethen, Jayden, Masen, Kaylen, and Rian.

While we waited for our tour to start, the kids had a blast feeding the chipmunks. They were really friendly and not at all scared of us. Kevin told Jayden and Zak that if they caught one, he would give them $100. I told Jayden he wasn't allowed to pick one up because I didn't want him to get bitten. He thought I was ridiculous and just plain mean until he say another boy pick one up and get bitten! After that, I think Jayden thinks I might be a little smarter than he previously thought!!

I just have to say how blessed I am to have such a great family! I had so much fun with everyone and I'm so glad that I have such a great relationship with each one of my family members! It sucks living so far away but I guess that just makes the time we have together even more special! Thanks for everything, everyone!!

Toothless at last!!!!

2009-07-24T11:19:00.004-06:00

Masen watched all of the kids in his Kindergarten class lose their first tooth, one by one. Some even lost 2 or 3 or 4 teeth during the year. He kept asking me, "When am I going to lose a tooth?" I kept assuring him that it would happen before school was out. Well, the last day of school came and he still hadn't lost a tooth. It was very devasting for him. He thought that meant that he was the youngest one of all his friends! Poor kid! Anyway, the last few weeks he has had four really loose teeth but he won't let me touch them. Last night, Scott was getting him in the bath and said, "Let's surprise mom and pull your tooth." Masen was all over that! I guess he trusts dad because he is a dentist! So, Scott pulled his tooth and the Tooth Fairy visited and everything! He is so excited to have finally lost his first tooth!

He is a little self concious now. He doesn't think he looks like himself. I think he looks absolutely adorable!!

This is Masen holding the loot that the Tooth Fairy brought!

16 miles with a 50 pound backpack? I'm glad it wasn't me!!

2009-06-12T22:21:00.024-06:00

Jayden had an overnight hiking trip last month. They had to pack everything they would need in a backpack (including all the water they would need for 24 hours) and hike 16 miles round trip! I think that just sounds like torture but he LOVED it! He had lots of fun and Scott was able to go so that made it even better! Scott took the camera with him and did a great job taking lots of picutres! Here are a few!

The whole gang!

Is he really a boy scout? Where has the time gone?!?

He even did a little (pretend) rock climbing!!

Our now experienced hiker!

Scott took lots of scenery pictures! It looks beautiful up there!!

There were TONS of lizards! It was heaven for Jay!

Ah! A snake!

Jayden LOVES the critters!

He had a GREAT time! There are not a lot of boys his age in our ward but the few we have are good kids. He also has really awesome leaders who don't let the boys slack. Jayden has accomplished a lot since we moved here! He's looking forward to the next camping trip!!

Playing catch-up.....once again!

2009-06-11T15:45:00.007-06:00

OK, I know it's been a month and a half since I put anything on here. If there was an award for the biggest slacker blogger, I would totally win! My kids have kept me busy the past few weeks. I have way more pictures than I want to put in one post, so I am going to spread them over a few days! I'm going to start with Braedy's gymnastics meet. It was the first weekend in May. She did AMAZING! It was the first time she competed individually. She was absolutely nervous but I was very proud of her! Here are just a few pics. Sorry they are so dark, I don't know what happened!!

What a cute gymnast!!

Braedy doing her floor routine. This was her first event and she was super nervous! She went a little faster than she should have so she had to stand and wait for the music to catch up at the end. But she recovered and did great on the other routines.

The beam. Braedy doesn't really care for the beam. It's a little scary to her.

The uneven bars...Brae's fav!!

Getting her medal!! She wasn't too excited to be standing in front of all those people so she jumped down before I could get a good picture of her!

She also did some vaults but my camera takes forever to snap a picture and I didn't get a good one of her vaults. Overall, it was a great experience for her. She had a lot of fun and it was awesome to see how much she has improved! Grandma and Grandpa Garmire were able to be here for her meet and they took her out for a milkshake afterward so that made it even more fun!!

Also, she found out yesterday that she is moving up to the next level! I really like the gym that she is at right now. She has improved more in the last 8 months than she did in the first 3 years of taking gymnastics.

Easter Duds

2009-04-26T22:19:00.003-06:00

My kids in their Easter outfits. It was just taken today so it's not even on Easter but they still look good, right? Since Jayden wears a white shirt and suit now, he only got a new tie. Poor kid!! And I have to point out Jayden's new 'do. He's had shaggy hair for a while now and I have hated it! I know it's the style but I just couldn't stand it. I chose not to fight him over it because he is getting older and needs to have his own style and opinions but I was really starting to go crazy!! My tongue was starting to hurt from biting it so hard!! Anyway, when we were at my mom's for Easter, he saw a picture of himself where he had short, spikey hair. He looked at it for a while and said, "I want my hair to look like that!" So I jumped on that and gave him a haircut!! I just had to point it out because I think he looks so handsome and I'm just excited that he has short hair again!!

A long overdue update!

2009-04-25T20:53:00.035-06:00

I think I am probably the worst blogger in history!! I don't know why I put it off for so long because then it takes me forever to do one post! And it probably takes forever for you guys to read them! I'm sorry! I'll do better, I promise!! Here's the update-

The first weekend in April my youngest brother Dave and his cute family came to visit us. We had so much fun but of course I didn't take very many pictures. I am famous for that!! We watched conference, went to dinner a couple of times, Scott and Dave went golfing, and we did a lot of just hanging out. It went way too fast but we enjoyed every minute that they were here! Thanks for coming guys! We went hiking on the Monument but didn't make it to our destination because poor Chloe fell on a cactus and got prickly's all over her leg! We got them all out and she was fine but she was so sad so we turned around and went home. We got a good hike in though and the kids had fun.

Dave, Chloe, Leah, and Ally.

Mase with the little girlies. He thinks they both are so cute. I think he's right!

All the girlies! They had a ton of fun together. Ally and Braedy played Pet Shops the entire time. We moved Brae's bed into the boys room and that's where Ally and Braedy slept. Chloe slept in Kaylen's room. It was tight quarters but so much fun!!

Cute Ally Kristine! She is such a sweet girl! She was fortunate enough to get to see Dr. Stoddard and we are happy to report she has no cavities! Yea, Ally!!

Kaylen and Chloe had a blast together! They played so good the entire time. The fed each other, took baths together, and just had a great time. It was so fun to see those little girlies together!

We played TONS of Guitar Hero. It was so much fun! Dave is AMAZING at the drums! I can't even make it through a song on drums! I guess guitar is my instrument! Look at the concentration on their faces!!

We went to Utah for Easter. It's always a good time when we get to spend time with family. We went on Friday and came home Monday so it was a little bit longer than the usual quick weekend trip. Thank goodness!! We were still as busy as ever and it always feels like we never get to see everyone or do everything that we want. Oh well. There's always next time!!

Kaylen with her Papa and Grandma. She LOVES getting to see them!!

The Friday before Easter, I had Emily and Savanna sleep over at my mom's with Braedy. They had lots of fun together! I only took a couple of pictures.

The girlies with their Easter art projects. They had a ton of fun!!

Emily, Savanna, and Braedy in the hot tub!

The day before Easter, we had a birthday party for my Grandma Pingree and an Easter egg hunt for the kiddos. It was lots of fun and the kids got WAY more candy then they needed. WARNING: PICTURE OVERLOAD!! Sorry about all the pictures but there were so many to choose from and they were all too cute!!

Grandma Pingree on her 85th birthday!! She is such an amazing lady! I hope that I can someday be as wonderful as she is! Hope you had a great day, Grandma!!

These pics are on Easter morning. I didn't get very many. I guess I wasn't in the mood or something. I didn't even get pics of the kids in their Easter duds! Maybe I"ll do that this week!

Kaylen with her Easter Basket.

Mase and his Easter Basket. Jayden and Braedy slept over at their Grandma Stoddard's house so I didn't get any pictures of them with their baskets.

Kaylen and her bubble gun. The Easter Bunny was really nice this year!!

Well, there ya go, my long overdue update! Hopefully, I won't wait so long between posts this time!

Random pictures of my kiddos...

2009-04-01T18:55:00.009-06:00

We haven't been doing much lately. Same old boring stuff!! We have an exciting weekend coming up though! Dave and Leah and their girls are coming to visit! I cannot wait! Anyway, here are a few fun pics of the kids...

Braedy, Masen, Kaylen, and Scott. Mase LOVES his baby sis! He's a "little" over-protective of her!!

Mase, Kay, and Scott. For some reason, it's really fun to hang out in mom and dad's room!!

Masen's favorite past time- Nintendo DS. Kaylen is obsessed with watching him!

Classic Kaylen.

Bug and Rae Rae playing Webkins.

The girlys!! Brae is such a great big sister, she's so patient with Kay Rae.

My cute boys! They have lots of fun together!!

This is Kaylen doing one of her favorite things....talking on the phone! We are so in trouble! She is only 2 and every single time one of us is on the phone she comes up to us and says, "I talk!" She loves it and will jabber forever! We have to pry it out of her hands!!

The Colorado National Monument!

2009-03-29T21:43:00.007-06:00

My mom and dad came for a visit last weekend. It's always such a good time when they come. The kids really look forward to it and love every second of the time they get with Grandma and Papa. I cannot believe I didn't get any pics of my parents but it doesn't really surprise me. When the camera comes out, they disappear! I need to get some of them with the kids, though. Good memories!! Anyway, we never do a lot when they come, they just like to spend time with the kiddo's. We did a little shopping, I tried to get my parents to play Guitar Hero but only Dad tried it out. He didn't last long though. On Saturday we drove up to the Colorado National Monument. They have lots of hiking trails up there so we tried one out. It was so much fun and so beautiful! We decided we need to go every weekend and try a different trail. Here are a few pictures.

Masen, Braedy, Kaylen, and Jayden. There are lots of cool places to take photos. The hike was pretty easy, (even Kaylen walked the whole way) and the scenery is AMAZING!!

My four cuties up on a big rock. Daddy and Grandpa helped them get up there. We like this picture because of the awesome background. The Monument is beautiful!!

We found this really large lizard under a rock......Oh wait, that's just Mase. They had lots of fun exploring.

Braedy, Jayden, and Masen climbed up on this little hollowed out part of a rock wall. They were pretty brave! I don't think I would have done it!

Kaylen felt left out of the last picture so she wanted to climb up on this little tiny ledge and get her picture taken but when I put her up there, she got a little freaked out. So, I climbed up with her. She wants to be big so bad!!

We tried a new restaurant afterward. The Grand International Buffet. I am not a fan of buffet's but Scott really wanted to try it so we did. It was actually really good. It is mostly Chinese food, which I love, and it was pretty delicious!! We hung out on Sunday, went to church and played around a little. Then on Monday we sent the kids to school, went to breakfast and then they started home. Their time here always goes WAY too fast and it's always sad to see them go. But we had a great time and I am so grateful that they are willing to make the journey to see us so often! Thanks mom and dad for a great weekend!! We love you so much!!

I'm a blogging SLACKER!!

2009-03-27T14:55:00.018-06:00

Almost three weeks have passed since the kiddo's had Spring Break and I'm just getting around to posting about it! What a terrible excuse for a blogger I am!! Anyway, Scott had a corporate meeting in Denver the week of Spring Break so we decided to make a family vay-cay out of it. Our awesome friends from dental school graciously offered their house to us and we took them up on it. Mike gave up his "man cave" for four whole nights so we would have a place to sleep!! What a guy! We went to the Denver Zoo the first day we were there and it was awesome! We were like the only people in the whole place, the weather was perfect, and the Millward's are just way too fun to hang out with! One little down-fall; I forgot my camera! Does that sound familiar? When do I remember it? I have to thank Lindsay for taking all these pictures of my family and then burning a CD for me so I could have them! You are the best!! Here are a few pics, and sorry for the overload, there were too many cute ones!!

Our awesome friends, and most gracious hosts- The Millwards, Lindsay, Braelyn, Maddox, and Mike. Thanks guys, you are the best!!

This is our family on the first day of our fun vacation! We had such a blast!

We were way too lazy to keep getting Kaylen out and back in the stroller, so Scott just lifted it up with her in it so she could get a better look at the animals!!

Just the girly's!!

Jayden and a peacock. He wanted to touch it so bad but his mean, old mom wouldn't let him. I was afraid it might attack!!

I'm a hippopotamus and I got kiddo's on my back!!

All the kids (minus Maddox) on the ox and wagon. Westward, ho!!

The kids were amazed by this gorilla. It just kept staring at them. This was the one animal that Mase couldn't wait to see!! There is also a really funny story about the gorilla and me but it's too racy to post on a family blog! So, if you want to hear it, you'll have to ask me in person!!

On Thursday, we went to this awesome place called Amazing Jake's. It is like 95,000 square feet of fun...arcades, laser tag, rides, mini golf, go-karts, etc. and they also have a buffet which we had for lunch and wasn't too bad! It was awesome because the schools in Denver weren't on Spring Break so we were about the only ones in the whole place!! No lines, no crowds, just lots of fun with great friends!!

Masen, Braelyn, and Braedy.

Jay and Kay Rae on the train.

Brae and Mase on the Slime Buckets, a ride similar to the Tea Cups in Disneyland.

The two Brae's on the Slime Buckets!!

Our little biker chick! She loved this thing! We could not get her off of it!

You guys better not be laughing!! This is me attempting a silly dancing game. I have to say...I was pretty dang good!!

Jay-D and Bug on the Go Karts.

Scott and Big Ol' on the Go Karts.

This ride was called The Frog Hopper. It just goes way up and then kind of drops you down a little at a time. The kids LOVED it!!

This picture cracks me up for a couple of reasons. One- Lindsay looks like she could be one of the kids and two- Masen looks like he is going to throw up but he loved it and kept going on it over and over and over!!

On Friday, we just hung out around the house for most of the day. Scott took our kids and Braelyn to the park that is right by their house, and they had fun exploring the field in their backyard. We also took Jayden, Braedy, Masen, and Braelyn to see Hotel for Dogs. Everyone loved it except for Braelyn and me. We were buddies during the movie, we kept each other entertained until it was over. Then, that night, we left all the kiddo's home and went to Rodizio Grill. AWESOME!!!! It was so yummy!

We had such a blast! The entire way home my kids kept talking about how much fun they had and how we need to go to Denver more often! So, get ready for more invasions of the man cave!! Thanks, Millward's, for an awesome week! We can't wait to come back!!

One year older and wiser too!

2009-03-06T14:27:00.002-07:00

Happy Birthday Dad!! It is days like today that I really miss living close to family. I want to be at every celebration but I guess that's part of life!! Anyway, it's my daddy's birthday today and would you believe that I don't have one decent picture of him? All the pics I have are of him with other people and he is never looking at the camera! But I still wanted to wish him a wonderful birthday and let him know that I am thinking of him! He is the best dad I could ever ask for! He is, and always has been, there for me no matter what. I couldn't ask for anything more! He is the easiest person to talk to and he has helped me with so many issues in my life. I also love his sense of humor and the way he tells-it-how-it-is. The thing I love most about my dad at this point in my life is watching him with my kids. He is so loving and kind. He can be silly or serious, tender or teasing and I love that he is always willing to take the time to teach my kids anything and everything. Thanks Dad, for being a wonderful Father and an amazing "Papa"! I love you more than I could ever tell you! Hope you have a fabulous day!!

2 years ago today.....

2009-03-02T14:42:00.007-07:00

I am so amazed and a little sad at how fast time has flown since our little Kaylen Rae was born! She is growing up way too fast and I don't like it! She doesn't care though and just keeps getting bigger, smarter and faster every day! Here are some pics of her from the last two years...

We celebrated her birthday over the weekend since Scott had to work tonight. We took her to dinner on Friday and then had a little party on Sunday night. She got lots of fun toys and had so much fun. She loved being the center of attention! And her sister and brothers were more than happy to oblige!

The "cheesey" birthday girl! This is what we get now when we tell her to smile!

The awesome cake professionally decorated by Mase and Brae!!

Blowing out the candles! She was a little nervous about the flames and needed some help blowing them out!

A new baby doll cradle! She spends lots of time rocking her babies to sleep!!

Her very own mailbox! She is expecting lots of mail from all of you!!

New "petties" from Grandma and Grandpa Garmire. I think she was just as excited about her new clothes as she was about her toys!! Such a girl!!

I am so grateful to have Kaylen Rae in my life! She has been such a joy to our family. She is a very happy girl and has been such an easy baby. She loves to laugh and to make others laugh. She has a very sweet heart and can't stand to see others cry. She is first on the scene to give hugs and kisses whenever necessary. I can't say how blessed I feel to have her. She has taught me so much! I love you Kay-Rae! Happy Birthday!!

14 years? Time flies when you're having fun!!!

2009-02-17T19:52:00.003-07:00

What is his name? Scott Earl Stoddard

How long have you been married? 14 years! How did that happen? We're old!!

Who long did you date? 2 years before his mission, about 4 months after his mission.

How old is he? 35

Who eats more sweets? He does. I am more of a salty snacker.

Who said I love you first? I honestly can't remember! How sad is that?

Who is taller? He is but only by about 3 or 4 inches.

Who can sing better? I'll take this one. He says he can't so he doesn't ever try.

Who is smarter? Let's see..... he went to 21 years of school so I'll say he is. But I like to say I'm smarter in at least one or two areas.

Who does the laundry? I do. Scott is banned. When we were first married he tried to do laundry and ruined my favorite sweater. I think he did it on purpose so he wouldn't have to do it ever again!

Who pays the bills? Mostly me.

Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Me but it has changed in every home we've lived in. I always sleep on the side closest to the door.

Who mows the lawn? No lawn to mow but when we had one, Scott did.

Who cooks dinner? I do. I think Scott only knows how to make Ramen noodles and PB&J. But he's an expert at both!!

Who drives? He does.

Who is more stubborn? I am. Poor guy has had to put up with me for 14 years!!

Who kissed who first? I waited very patiently for 6 months for Scott to kiss me!!

Who asked who out first? I asked him to a girl's choice dance. Scott was my older brother's friend for about 3 or 4 years before I asked him out. When he figured out that Brenda Garmire was the one asking him to the dance he said, "Mike has a sister?" I guess I made a great impression on him!!

Who proposed? Scott. He had gone ring shopping that morning but made me believe that he couldn't find anything that he liked and could afford. Then he took me to dinner in SLC and then we walked around Temple Square. He then proposed in front of the Temple! How romantic!!

Who has more siblings? He does. 6 brothers, 1 sister. I have 3 brothers.

Who wears the pants? We take turns.

I can't believe it was 14 years ago today that we were married! Time has flown! I am so grateful that he has stuck with me for so long! It has been quite a ride but I wouldn't trade it for anything! I love you, Scott!

I got tagged!

2009-02-07T14:55:00.002-07:00

Directions fill out 6 quirky things about yourself. Then choose six people to be tagged and let them know by commenting on their blogs.

1. I am addicted to reality TV! If it's reality, I probably watch it. I'm not sure why, I guess I like getting a sneak peak at other people's lives.

2. I hardly ever wear make-up. I feel like it's a waste of my time to put it on. It doesn't help me look any better. Maybe I just don't know what I'm doing!!

3. I don't really love breakfast. I'm not sure where this comes from either but, I would rather just wait until lunch. Or sometimes I'll have dinner leftovers for breakfast. I love to go out to eat for breakfast, though!

4. When I grow up, I would love to be a Crime Scene Investigator.

5. I'm addicted to Deseret Book. I could spend an entire day and all my money in that store!!

6. I really love to cook and bake but I don't do it very often because I hate what comes after it- THE CLEAN-UP!!

So, now you know a little of how quirky I am! I tag Lisa, Heidi, Traci, Lindsay, Hollie and Lisa. Can't wait to see how quirky everyone else is!!

Sappy and spiritual...

2009-02-06T17:04:00.003-07:00

I found this quote while peeking at other blogs of people I don't know. It made me cry. I think it is prety awesome! It made me realize that everything we go through is meant especially for us and will only make us stronger. We just need to do our part by staying close to our Father in Heaven and putting our faith in Him.

GOD
Before He sent each of His children to earth, gave each of them a very carefully selected package of problems. These, He promised, smiling, are yours alone. No one else may have the blessings these problems will bring you. And only you have the special talents and abilities that will be needed to make these problems your servants. Now go down to your birth and to your forgetfulness, Know that I love you beyond measure. These problems that I give you are a symbol of that love. The monument that you make of your life with the help of your problems will be a symbol of your love for me, your father.
-Blaine Yorganson

I love this girl...

2009-01-30T14:34:00.004-07:00

This little face is one of my favorite things in the whole world! She makes me smile all day long and I am so grateful for her! I just had to share these two pics. I think they are pretty cute!!

Happy 30th to Kevy Jay!!

2009-01-30T14:27:00.005-07:00

So, for four years in a row, Scott's brother Kevin has come to visit us for his birthday and to get his yearly dental exam. We always go to Outback Steakhouse and have cake and ice cream. I was really bad at taking many pictures (as usual) but here are a few of the cake. We are so glad that Kevin and Heidi like to visit us and especially to celebrate Kev's birthday! Thanks for coming guys! And we hope you had a great birthday Kev!!

Catching up!!

2009-01-16T14:44:00.028-07:00

OK, I know I have been a big time slacker with my blog. But with the new year, I am turning over a new leaf. I will not procrastinate any more! Not only with blogging but with everything in my life! I don't know why I have such a hard time with procrastination but I do. Anyway, that is my New Year's Resolution- to quit procrastinating!! So, here is our life from the last month. Except, that Masen had his 6th birthday on December 27th and I didn't have my camera. We were in Utah and I forgot my camera, AGAIN!! He had a great day and had lots of family around to help him celebrate. We love you Masen!!

The Saturday before Christmas we were invited to go sledding with some friends in our ward up by Powder Horn Ski Resort. It was a FREEZING day but other than that it was really fun. The kids all had a blast but were ready to go within about 30 minutes because of the ridiculous temperature. As you can see by the last couple of pics, Kaylen HATED being cold. By the end of our trip, she was sreaming!! Oh, and Scott didn't go in the outfit pictured in the first shot here. Unfortunately, he thought he might stand out a little too much so he put snow pants and a coat.

Here are some long overdue pictures of Christmas. We had lots of fun! Christmas Eve day, Scott had to work in the morning. So, the kids and I played games and put a puzzle together. That night, we read the story of the birth of our Savior and opened new pajamas. Christmas morning was lots of fun and chaos! The kids all got just what they asked for. I guess they must have been good kids all year!!

These next pictures are of Brae and her cousins Savanna and Emily. The had a CRAZY New Year's Eve sleep-over at Savanna's dad's house. They played games, watched movies and had lots of fun! Maybe a little too much fun judging by the tired looks on their faces!!

This is a picture of Kaylen all ready to go to church. My mom cut her hair while we were in Utah and she did a great job. Now all I have to do is put a little spray gel in her hair and scrunch it a little bit and this is the result! I think I might have to keep her hair short because she will not keep bow, barretts, or elastics in her hair!

Head injuries and snow boots

2008-12-19T22:27:00.009-07:00

The last few days have been a little bit traumatic at our house for Mase and Kay Rae. On Wednesday, Kaylen walked with Scott and Mase to the bus stop and on the way she got running to fast and ended up on her head in the street. She got a little scraped up but nothing serious. There is a pic of her poor head below. Also on that day, she climbed up on the top bunk in the boys room. Masen yelled at me that she had climbed up there but of course I had dirty hands from making cookies so I told Mase to hold on a second. While I was washing my hands, I heard a big crash and then a blood curdling scream. I went running in there and asked Mase what happened and he told me that she jumped. From the top bunk!!! Luckily she was more scared than anything and stopped crying after she got into my arms. What a dare devil!!

Now on to Masen's injury. I took the kids to see Madagascar 2 today and we got there just as it was starting so I sent the kids in to get seats while I waited for their pizzas to cook. A few minutes later Jayden came running out and told me that Mase had bumped his head really hard and was crying hysterically. I told him to try and calm Mase down and I would be right there. He went back to do as he was told only to come racing back out at top speed to tell me that his head was swelling up really bad. Then Brae came out with Masen and boy, was Jay right! It was huge! I asked for some ice and they gave me some in a plastic glove. We had to fill out an incident report but they were nice enough to let us do it after the movie since it had already started. Anyway, by the time we got into the theater, the previews were still running so we didn't miss anything. I guess what happened is Mase thought Jay and Brae were holding the door for him but they weren't and as he tried to walk through the doorway, the door smacked him in the head! He has been in a lot of pain tonight but is asleep now. He cried when we got home and he looked in the mirror! And he is already refusing to go to church on Sunday because he doesn't want anyone to see his bump! Poor guy! The pictures do not do it justice, plus this is two hours post injury and the swelling had already gone down a ton!

We have had a couple of inches of snow in the past few days which, in the minds of my kids, means we all need snow boots, gloves, scarves, and hats. So, those things have been strewn all over my house. I get the lovely job of either pickin them up of dodging them and walking over them. Anyway, Kaylen loves wearing Masen's boots so I had to snap a couple of pictures. She looks kind of funny especially with no pants!!!

Our Braedy Bug!

2008-12-18T14:02:00.010-07:00

I just wanted to post a few pictures of Brae. She is such a joy to our family and I'm so glad we have her!! She is such a great help to me and heaven knows I need all the help I can get! She is a very responsible girl and always wants to do what is right. She is a great student. She loves to read and write.

She is a wonderful sister and always wants to help her younger brother and sister. She has helped Masen become a great student as well. She loves to teach. She is loving and tries really hard to be kind.

She can be a little bit crazy!! She is our dare devil and will try just about anything once. She loves to stay active. She loves gymnastics, basketball, riding her bike, and playing at the park.

Braedy Lyn is a great part of our family. Heavenly Father knew that we needed her in our family and we do! She is a wonderful example to her younger brother and sister and is always thinking of others.

I am so grateful to have Braedy as a part of my life. She is such a joy to have around and I can't imagine my life without her!! I am so grateful that she loves the gospel and wants to follow our Savior. I love that she calls me on things that I do or shows that I watch that she thinks may not be appropriate. She is a sweet spirit with a lot of fiestiness and I wouldn't want her any other way! Happy Birthday Braedy Bug! We all love you very much!!

Braedy's Birthday!! (really late) December is TOO busy!!

2008-12-17T22:04:00.016-07:00

Does anyone else feel that there is too much going on in December? I feel like I have way too much on my plate right now and blogging has been put on the back burner! Anyway, I found a couple of minutes and I just had to post Brae's birthday eventhough it happened over two weeks ago! I know, I need to do better! Anyway, she had a great day. I took cupcakes in to her class and surprised Braedy. We went to Chuck E. Cheese's (not my favorite but Brae's choice) and we took Braedy's friend Mistie. The kids had a blast and of course I left my camera at home! Here are a few pics of opening presents and blowing out candles.

The weekend after Braedy's birthday we went to Utah to see the Forgotten Carols. That is what she wanted to do to celebrate her 10th birthday and it was AWESOME! We went to the Spaghetti Factory before the play with Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle Mike, Aunt Lisa and Cousin Emily. Then we headed to Cottonwood High School and met up with Uncle Kevin, his girlfriend Claire, cousin Savanna, and Claire's daughter Jordin. Braedy LOVED the play. She was bawling by the end of it. She told me she felt the Spirit really strong and that's why she was crying!! It was really neat and I'm so gald we did it!! (I didn't get any pics of Kevin and his fam. Sorry!!)

As a side note, Kaylen LOVES to get into my make-up and I usually don't think much of it because she just pretends to put it on. But I guess I didn't screw my mascara cap on tightly one day because this is how I found her...

So, she needs some practice in the make-up application area but I think she has a few years before it really counts!

Also, I need to repent and do better!! I took my camera with me when we went home for Thanksgiving but the battery was dead so we didn't get any pics of that. And Masen had a DARLING Christmas Program a couple of weeks ago and I grabbed the camera bag with the camera and camcorder in it as I was going out the door only to find out when I got there that both batteries were dead!! So, from now on, I am going to charge the batteries after each time I use them!! Hopefully that will help me and I will have more to post!!

Family pictures

2008-11-25T13:25:00.003-07:00

We had our family pictures taken last week and it was honestly the best picture experience I've ever had!! Take a look at some of them at this address www.plushmoments.blogspot.com She is seriously such a great photographer and, I'm glad to say, now one of my super good friends!! Check it out!

It's been a while...lots of random pics!!

2008-11-23T21:35:00.006-07:00

OK, so I haven't posted in a while and I guess I've taken a lot of pictures so here is a really big post with LOTS of random pictures. We are having a lot of fun here and settling in nicely. Jayden has made lots of friends but since he goes to Fruite middle, most of them are in Fruita. He does have one good friend that lives close so that helps. Braedy has a really good friend at church who is switching schools next week and she will be going to the same school as Braedy and she will be in Brae's class too! We are very excited about that! Mase just loves life. He misses the tramp but is loving his school and teacher and seems to have lots of friends. Kaylen is just happy to be here. She loves here siblings and is growing up way too fast!!

We have a really cool park within walking distance of our house. There are two ponds there were our kids love to fish. It's free and it's catch and release (my favorite kind) so I love it and so do the kids. It is Jay's favorite thing to do and he drags the other kids along, unwillingly most of the time. They always end up having a blast though.

A few weeks ago, my cute hubby gave me a break and took the three older kids to Grand Mesa while Kaylen was napping. It was fun to just relax for a while but I am a little jealous I didn't get to see this in person! It's beautiful!! It is the largest flat top mountain and Scott just found out that it is an inactive volcano!! Interesting!!

Kaylen got a new winter hat and I thought it was so cute that I had to take a picture of her!! She thinks she is pretty cool with it on. She usually rips every hat off of her head but for some reason she keeps this one on. I'm happy about that!!

Scott and Jayden took a trip the weekend of November 14 to Denver to stay with some good friends from dental school. On Saturday they went to Colorado Springs to see BYU play Air Force. They had lots of fun and Mike and Lindsay's little girl Braelyn loved Jayden and he kept her entertained the whole weekend. Thanks Millward's for entertaining my boys! Oh, and to my brother Mike, notice that Jay is wearing red and black, that was for you!!!

Masen learned about the letter H last week in Kindergarten, so they had a 'Hilarious Hat' day on Friday. When we started brainstorming about what to create his face brightened and he said, "I know!! I want to make a turkey hat!" So this is what we came up with! It was a lot of fun and he LOVED it!

OK, so I jumped the gun just a little bit and put up our Christmas tree! We aren't going to be around after Thanksgiving and then it's Brae's birthday that Tuesday so I just wanted to get it out of the way. One more thing to check off the to-do list!! The kids were extremely excited! Mase is our Christmas boy so of course he was in heaven! Kaylen kept saying, "Oooooo, pretty!!" I don't think she quite knew what to think about all of it but she enjoyed herself!

Crazy Eights...I got tagged!!

2008-11-10T23:10:00.002-07:00

Crazy Eights

Leah tagged me.

Eight TV shows I like to watch:

1. Biggest Loser
2. House
3. Intervention
4. Top Chef (It starts again Wednesday!! Yeah!!)
5. Project Runway
6. Jon and Kate Plus 8
7. The Office
8. Spongebob Squarepants (It's the funniest cartoon I've ever seen!)

Eight restaurants where I like to eat:

1. Olive Garden
2. Bajio
3. Goodwood
4. Red Robin
5. The Cheesecake Factory
6. Garcia's (miss it!)
7. P.F. Chang's
8. In and Out

Eight things that happened today:

1. Cleaned out the garage
2. Started laundry (but did not finish)
3. Cleaned the kitchen
4. Drove around with Scott to scout out neighborhoods
5. Looked at a really nice house
6. Went to dinner with Scott
7. Bought Jayden some new fishing stuff. He's becoming quite the fisherman!!
8. Talked to dad on the phone

Eight things I'm looking forward to:

1. Thanksgiving- Family, food, shopping...who could ask for more?
2. Braedy's birthday (#10, can you believe it?)
3. Going to The Forgotten Carols with Mom, Dad, Mike, Lisa, Emily, Kevin, Claire, Savanna, Jordin, Scott, Jay, and Brae for Brae's birthday.
4. Christmas
5. Seeing Dave and Leah and their cute girls!!
6. Masen's 6th birthday
7. Snow (but I don't want it to last long)
8. November 24th because it will be the day after we have to talk in Sacrament meeting!!

Eight things on my wish list:

1. That all of my kids will stay close to the Savior and always love the gospel!
2. Continued health for my family
3. Happiness
4. To sell our house in Boise
5. To magically lose weight really easy (that really is wishful thinking huh?)
6. That I could see my extended family more
7. That I was going to Hawaii with my mom and dad on Wednesday
8. That I had enough money to pay off all our debt!!!

Eight people I tag:

I don't think eight people read my blog so, if anyone reads this and wants to do it, that's who I tag!!

Halloween Fun

2008-11-04T22:22:00.010-07:00

I know I'm a little late getting these pics up but I guess better late than never, right?? We had lots of fun on Halloween night. Jayden went trick-or-treating with his friend Daniel. It was kind of weird for me but he is 12 and I guess parents and younger siblings just aren't cool anymore!! So I headed out with Brae, Mase and Kay and Scott met up with us after he got off work. Mase still doesn't love trick-or-treating. It's fun for about 10 minutes and then he keeps asking, "Can we go home now?" Kaylen, on the other hand, LOVED it!! She ran up to all the doors and said, "Tit-or-teat!" Then after they gave her the candy she said, "Do do!" (thank you) then, "Bye!" and then proceeded to blow thousands of kisses. It was hilarious! She is such a friendly, out-going little girl! Where did she come from? Anyway, we had lots of fun and got LOTS of candy!

The awesome pumpkins. The kids had lots of fun carving!!

The three musketeers!!

Princess Leia (a.k.a. Kaylen) She hated the wig.

The Black Spiderman NOT Venom (there is a difference) (a.k.a. Masen)

Hannah Montana (a.k.a. Braedy)

Two weird scary guys (a.k.a. Daniel and Jayden)

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!!

2008-10-29T14:05:00.003-06:00

Anyone who knows me, is aware of the fact that I LOVE fall. I'm not sure what exactly it is that makes me love it so much. It could be that my first baby was born in the fall, maybe because the weather is cooler (and everyone knows I hate the heat!), or possibly it's because the holidays are just around the corner and I absolutely love Thanksgiving and Christmas! I cannot wait! My kids think I'm ridiculous because I have already informed them that I will start listening to Christmas music and watching Christmas movies on Saturday!! I just love the feelings associated with these holidays and the fact that we always get together with family. I LOVE IT!!

Anyway, Halloween week has been a blast! My kids have absolutely loved it. On Tuesday, we carved pumpkins. It was really fun but Kaylen wasn't sure what to think. She was pretty scared of the jack-o-lanterns at first but after a while, she was giving them all kisses. We also had our ward trunk-or-treat party. It was really fun. The Young Men had a hot dog eating contest but Jayden didn't know about it and filled up on chili before the contest so he couldn't participate. He watched though and told me afterward that he is "totally gonna do that next year!!" I was an idiot (again) and left my camera home. But the kids looked great and I will for sure get pics on Friday.

Braedy and Masen get to dress up for school on Friday. My kids have never been able to do that! Every school they have gone to just has just had "fall" parties, so they are pretty stoked about that! Poor Jay has to miss out! He never got the chance to wear a costume to school and now he's in middle school and they just don't do it! Oh well, I guess he'll survive.

I hope you all are enjoying the fall as much as I am! Take care!!

Our aspiring photographer!

2008-10-21T22:42:00.009-06:00

So, Braedy grabbed the camera the other day and just started snapping away. Here are some of the pics she took.

Scott making a silly face.

Mase looking a little tipsy.

And then a little mad.

Kaylen and me.

And a couple of self portraits!

I think we need to get her employed! She's pretty good!!

Celebrating the big 1-2!!

2008-10-21T22:34:00.008-06:00

Here are a few pictures of Jay's birthday celebration. I was dumb and forgot my camera when we went to the pumpkin patch and dinner but I got the presents and cake!! Anyway, it is really fun having my parents here for the party! Jayden was ordained a deacon on Sunday and went to Young Men's for the first time. He is pretty excited about and we seem to have a good group of YM in our ward. Happy Birthday Jay!!

Everybody loves Jayden!!

2008-10-16T22:23:00.013-06:00

Today was Jayden's 12th birthday!! I do not know where the years have gone!! We let him open one present (a Nerf double barrel shot gun) took him to dinner at The Golden Corral, bought him some new fishing lures, rented Nim's Island (which, by the way, is a very cute show) and let him stay up until 11:30 to play his Nintendo DS (that was probably his favorite part). We are going to finish celebrating this weekend when Grandma and Grandpa Garmire come for a visit. We are planning to go to the pumpkin patch and corn maze, out to dinner again, open the rest of his presents, and to wrap it all up, church on Sunday where he will be ordained a deacon and receive the Aaronic priesthood!! How exciting!!

Anyway, I just wanted to post a few pics of our firstborn. He has been such a joy to us. He is a very easy-going kid. It takes a lot to upset him and even when he gets upset it doesn't take much to calm him down. He is a great older brother and sets an amazing example for his siblings. He knows right from wrong and always chooses right. He stands up for what he believes in without fear or regret and I have to say I really look up to him for that. Jayden has taught me so much in the time he has been in my life and I can't say how much he means to me. Jayden, you're amazing and we all love you very much!!

Loves the outdoors and exploring!!

What an awesome big brother!!

All dressed up and looking fine!!

Jay loves to swim anywhere!! This pic is at Flaming Gorge.

Jayden a little on the crazy side!!

Not too fond of the water slides but a good sport nonetheless!!

Our handsome "muscle man"!!

Happy Birthday Jayden!! We love you!!

Kaylen's Aftermath

2008-10-13T20:57:00.002-06:00

Masen and Kaylen were playing in one of the bedrooms when we heard a blood curdling scream. Scott ran in there to find out that Kaylen had head butted Masen. He decided that (eventhough there was absolutely no blood of any kind) he needed a band-aid. He put it on himself and he is pretty proud of himself. He said he is going to wear it to school tomorrow!!

Home Sweet Home in the GJ!!

2008-10-08T21:36:00.006-06:00

Well, I finally got everything unboxed, found my charger, charged my camera, took pictures, and got around to posting!! Yay me!! Anyway, the bedrooms are too small to get a good picture so there are just pics of the living areas. It's a smaller home than we are used to but it's really nice and cozy. I really like it. I'm not sure that Braedy appreciates sharing a room but she's surviving. Barely though, Kaylen wakes her up every morning around 6:45 and Braedy is our sleep-in child. The kids all are doing well. Jayden has made a few friends but has a hard time with the fact that they all seem to like to swear! He started orchestra at school and can play Twinkle, Twinkle little star on the violin!! Braedy has made lots of friends and seems to be adjusting fine. The next thing on my to-do list is find her a gymnastics place. She is going through withdrawals!! Masen loves it here. Of course he's still pretty young but he seems to really love it. We were driving around town the other day and he started to recognize some places we've been before and he said, "Oh, I know this place! I'm starting to get used to this town!" He is such a cute kid with a great out-look on life!! And little Kaylen seemed out of sorts for the first few days but she is beginning to get used to the new digs. Things are good, now we are just waiting for people to come and visit!! Love you all!!

I'm still alive!!

2008-09-30T17:26:00.002-06:00

No, I have not fallen off the face of the earth. I have just moved to Grand Junction, Colorado!! We left Boise on Thursday, September 25 and arrived here on Friday. It was a whirl wind and our house is still a huge disaster but it gets better everyday. We just found the box with our computer in it last night and Scott spent the afternoon on the phone with Qwest trying to get the internet up and running. I tucked my camera in my purse before we left Boise but not the charger and the battery is dead! So I don't have any pictures of the move. And I have not found the charger yet so you all are going to have to wait patiently for pictures.

Braedy and Masen started school today at Appleton Elementary. They both have very nice teachers and had an awesome first day. We just got Jayden registered at Fruita Middle School today so he will start tomorrow. He informed me that he is 99% nervous and 1% excited. Everyone at the school was very nice. I just hope the kids are as nice!!

We went to our new ward on Sunday and everyone was very friendly. I think we are going to love it here! Scott starts his new job tomorrow. I hope everything goes smoothly for him. I will get a post with some pictures up as soon as I can!

STAR WARS FANATICS!?!?!?

2008-09-16T20:24:00.002-06:00

OK, I know I'm like really early for Halloween but with moving and everything else going on in our lives, I decided to get a jump on it. When the kids saw this Princess Leia costume in Kaylen's size they HAD to have it. So that is what Kaylen is going to be. We tried it on her and of course Masen had to put on his Aniken costume from last year and have their picture taken. The funny thing is, after I take the kids pictures for anything now they tell me, "Go put it on the blog!"

Hammin' it up for the camera!

2008-09-16T20:19:00.003-06:00

Mase wanted me to take some pics of him today and these poses were all his idea! The first one is just a crazy face. After I took the second one, he said(while giggling uncontrolably), "I'm saying 'No, don't come near me!'" He is such a goofball!!!

Braedy's Project

2008-09-16T20:08:00.005-06:00

Braedy had her first project of fourth grade. She had to come up with a new state symbol for Idaho. She did Mr. Potato Head as the state toy. This is what she wrote-
I think that the new symbol for Idaho should be a state toy. I think that Mr. Potato Head should be the state toy because the state vegetable is the potato and I think Mr. Potato Head would represent the state of Idaho very well. There are lots of children in Idaho and children like to play with toys so I think a state toy swould be a good choice. When Mr. Potato Head first came out in 1952, you had to have your own potato to put the parts on. Idaho has a lot of potatoes so this would have been a good state to live in when it was new. Mr. Potato Head has been around for 56 years so even parents and grandparents know about this toy and everyone likes Mr. Potato Head! You can also dress Mr. Potato Head in different ways. He can be a fisherman, which is something a lot of people do in Idaho. He can dress as a school kid to show the importance of education. You can also dress him for special occasions such as birthdays and vacations. Best of all, he can be dressed in American colors to show how great America is. I think Mr. Potato Head as the state toy would be a great pick for Idaho.

I think she did a pretty good job!

Rub-a-dub-dub, a cute girl in a tub!

2008-09-15T21:56:00.003-06:00

Kaylen LOVES to take baths! She is so cute and funny in the tub! I snapped a few pictures the other night and had to share. Brae was in the tub with her but she made me promise on my life that I wouldn't put any pics of her on the blog. She is growing up! Anyway, here is Kaylen enjoying a bubble bath.

And here she is with a little punk hair-do courtesy of big sis.

On a totally different note- I am a single mom for a few days! Scott left for Denver this afternoon to sign papers and take a test for his new job in Grand Junction. So it's just me and the kiddies! Kind of weird considering Scott has been around all the time since the last week in August as he has no job right now. Then, he gets home on Wednesday night and starting Thursday night, he gets to be a single dad! I am going to Henderson, NV to stay with my brother and sister-in-law, Dave and Leah. Leah and I are going to Time Out For Women on Friday night and Saturday. I am so excited! But I dont' really get to see Scott for a whole week! It is going to be really strange but I am looking forward to my time away. Things have been crazy around here lately so it will feel good to just sit down and relax for a day or two! We are hoping to move to Grand Junction next week but we still haven't heard on the house we want to rent so as soon as I hear anything, I'll let you all know! Have a great week!

Name Tag

2008-09-09T23:30:00.003-06:00

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car)
Tessie Suburban

2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (fave ice cream flavor, favorite cookie)
Chubby Hubby Nutter Butter

3. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name)
B Sto

4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal)
Yellow Dog

5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born)
Garmire Ogden

6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first)
Stobr

7. SUPERHERO NAME: (”The” + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink)
The Blue Dr. Pepper

8. NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers)
George Wallace

9. STRIPPER NAME: (the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent, favorite candy)
Romance Skor

10.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names )
Pingree George

11. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: (Your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter)
Bateman Baltimore

12. SPY NAME: (your favorite season/holiday, flower)
Fall Daisy

13. CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”)
Pineapple Caprisie

14. HIPPY NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree)
Pancake Scrub Oak

15. YOUR ROCKSTAR TOUR NAME: (”The” + Your fave hobby/craft, fave weather element + “Tour”)
The Sewing Sun Tour

I tag anyone who wants to do it. It's kind of cute and fun!

Funny place to eat!

2008-09-08T18:01:00.004-06:00

This is where my kids have been eating their meals for the last 2 1/2 months. There is a semi-good reason behind it though. We had our house "staged" to put it on the market. The stager thought it would be a really good idea to put a glass-top table in my dining room. Yeah, he must not have any kids because it is the absolute worst thing ever to have to clean after four kids have had their grubby little hands and food all over it! Anyway, I have resorted to putting Kaylen in her little seat on the counter and the other three at the bar but the barstools are too short for our high bar so they end up sitting on the counter with Kaylen! It's kind of funny but it works and it will only be that way for a couple more weeks.

Sweet sisters

2008-09-08T17:56:00.004-06:00

I am so envious of my girls! I never got to experience having a sister of my own so I am living vicariously through them. I thought this was such a tender moment. Braedy was rocking with Kaylen so I had to snap a few pics. They are so lucky to have each other!!

Oh no! Another year older!

2008-09-08T17:40:00.007-06:00

It's that time of year again! I am another year older! Yikes! It was a really fun day. My parents came up and surprised me on Friday. I had no idea they were coming and it was such a fun surprise. On Saturday (my actual birthday) we cleaned the house because we were having an open house on Sunday so we spent the morning washing windows, scrubbing floors, cleaning bathrooms. You know, the really fun stuff to do on your birthday! Then we went to Roaring Springs for one final summer thrill and then to dinner at Olive Garden. Braedy picked out the fun cake for me. It looked just like a giant hamburger and french fries. It was a really fun day!

Here is what my awesome husband got me!! My very first piano! I've had it since March. He surprised me with it while I was in Utah with the kids. I told Scott that it is my present for everything this whole year. I love having it and hopefully we will get the kids in lessons soon. Jayden, Braedy and Masen all want to learn.

Tag, You're It!!

2008-09-03T12:57:00.002-06:00

The ABC's of me...

A. Name something you are ANAL about.
Um, that would have to be the way my house is cleaned. No one else can do it!! It has to be done in a certain way with things being put in a certain spot. It sucks because I have a really hard time letting go and letting my kids do things. Does any one know a good therapist!?!

B. Name something you BELIEVE in.
I believe that there is a Father in Heaven. I am so glad that I know that because I don't know how life would ever be worth living if I didn't.

C. Name something that CRAMPS your style.
My weight. I always say to myself, "If you were thinner..." I guess that is something that I need to work on.

D. Name something you love to DRINK.
I've been trying to tell myself that I love water, that it's my favorite but any one who truly knows me can tell you that it's Dr. Pepper or Coke.

E. Name a memorable EVENT.
I have way too many to single out just one, so I'll name one that is coming up. Jayden will turn 12 and receive the priesthood next month! (Man, I'm getting old.)

F. Name something that FREAKS you out.
The thought of losing a child. If I even lose sight of my kids while we are out and about, I immediately imagine the worst. I can't imagine what it would feel like to actually lose one!!

G. Name a GAME you love to play.
If it's a game, I usually love it but my favs are Phase 10 (that one's for you Leah), Scategories, Sequence, Pounce.

H. Name something that makes you HAPPY.
My family. There is nothing better than being surrounded by loved ones and sharing good times together.

I. Name something you like to IMAGINE.
I like to imagine that when my kids are all grown, they all have strong testimonies, are happy, and contributing members of society. And that Scott and I are travelling around the world.

J. Name something that brings you JOY.
The gospel. I love it! I can't imagine my life without it.

K. Name something that you KNOW.
I know we are moving to Grand Junction in about 3 weeks and I have way to much to do!!

L. Name something you want to LEARN.
I want to learn to play the guitar and the violin.

M. Name something that makes you mad.
Stupid drivers.

N. Name something that you NEED.
I need a shower every morning. It wakes me up and makes me feel like I'm a person.

O. Name something you would like to OWN.
I would like to own a boat.

P. Name something you like to PLAY.
The piano. It is a passion of mine and I'm so glad my mom made me practice.

Q. Name something you would like to QUIT.
Yelling. I'm really good at it but I hate that I do it. My kids hate it too.

R. Name something you like to READ.
Anything from Deseret Book. I'm obsessed with that store right now. I can't get enough!!

S. Name something you want to START.
Packing. I cannot seem to get my act together!

T. Name something you like to do with your TIME.
Blog, read, spend it with family.

U. Name something UNKNOWN about you.
I hate mornings!! I am a total night owl.

V. Name something you consider VALUABLE.
My family and the gospel.

W. Name something you think is WONDERFUL.
Being a mom. It is everything I dreamed it would be and more!!

X. Name something you are EXCITED about.
Going to see Dave and Leah and going to Time Out For Women with Leah!!

Y. Name something you YEARN for.
To be settled and know that we won't have to move again.

Z. Name something you have a ZEAL for.
Life and what it is going to bring next!

I tag Leah, Lisa, Lisa, and Lindsey.

...Can't forget the baby!!

2008-08-25T23:19:00.004-06:00

Kaylen didn't start school or anything but I think she is still worthy of a couple of pics!! Enjoy!

Oh the faces she pulls!! I wish we could have a camera on her 24/7! She is quite the character and keeps all of us laughing!!

What an angel! She looks so sweet and innocent in this picture but if we could only look into that devious little mind to see what she is really thinking!!

I guess being the baby of the family you can sometimes get over-looked so she is learning very young to fend for herself. She got the pantry door open, climbed up on a big bag of flour, and helped herself to the Skittles. She is quite the independent girl!!

Summer is officially over!!

2008-08-25T22:47:00.008-06:00

Well, it's that time of year again! When we say good-bye to yet another lazy summer, and hello to another year of school! I have no idea where the last three months went! It seems like school just ended! And can I just say that when Jayden was born almost 12 years ago, the thought never crossed my mind that he would ever turn into a middle-schooler! I guess you just don't think about those things when you are holding a brand new baby! But here I am, sending my first-born off into the cruel world of middle school. I am WAY too young for this!!

Braedy ready to take on the fourth grade! I cannot believe my kids are so big!!

Ready to head out the door at last!! Kindergarten, here Mase comes!!

Cute Masen. He was so excited to start Kindergarten, it just couldn't come soon enough. He woke up around 7:00 and dressed himself, made his bed, combed his hair and then spent the next hour and 45 minutes repeatedly asking, "When is it time to go?"

Braedy and Masen were both pretty excited. Braedy was a little nervous but she sure doesn't show it!!

Jayden on his way out the door. Notice the faint hint of worry and stress on the poor boys face!!

This is Jayden after his first day. He realized it isn't as scary as he thought! What a relief!!

Silly girl!!

2008-08-23T14:24:00.000-06:00

On the way home from the water park, Kaylen was being very silly so I snapped some pics. Her personality comes out really good in these pictures. She is such a fun and crazy little girl. So glad to have her in our family!!

Lazy Days at Roaring Springs

2008-08-23T13:49:00.000-06:00

This is where we have spent most of our time this summer (when we aren't in Utah). It has been so much fun and the kids love it. I can't believe summer is over! It's kind of sad! Sorry about the overload of pics. There were just too many cute ones!! Enjoy!

Scott and Brenda on the Road!!

2008-08-22T14:34:00.000-06:00

Scott and I took a really long but super fun road trip. We are looking to relocate somewhere in Colorado so we dropped the kids off at Grandma and Grandpa Garmire's on Thursday night and drove on to Provo to stay the night at Troy and Lisa's (thanks guys!!). On Friday morning we drove to Grand Junction, CO to take a look at a practice there. I loved the town. It is very deserty but it was so pretty and quaint! I really liked it but Scott isn't too sure about the small town thing. It's growing on him. Friday afternoon we drove to Glenwood Springs, CO which is in the mountains and is such a beautiful place!! Our good friends from dental school, Ben and Sarah Thornal live there and we stayed the night with them. It was such a blast! Thanks guys!! Here's a few pics from our stay there...

On Saturday afternoon we drove on to Highlands Ranch, CO to stay with some more dental school friends, Mike and Lindsey Millward, a.k.a. Team Millward. They live in a beautiful city just outside of Denver. It was so much fun! Thanks for having us guys! Mike, thanks for the perfect steak! It was awesome! We had so much fun hanging out and playing Rock Band. Here are some pics of that...

We had a lot of fun on this trip but we were gone way too long from our kids! 6 days! I've never done that before! It was a good break but I was so very happy to get back to them!

Jayden Scott

2008-08-12T22:40:00.000-06:00

I just had to put this picture on here because I think it is so cute! And I have to say, I never thought I would be the mother of a 12-year-old! (He will be 12 in October!) I get to take him to middle school registration on Thursday and I'm beginning to wonder when my kids decided they could grow up without my permission! Anyway, I'm very thankful to have such an amazing kid as my first-born. He is such a sweet boy and so very helpful to everyone!! I love you Jay!!

Another trip to Utah!

2008-08-12T22:34:00.000-06:00

We took another trip to Utah the first week in August. We went down because our sweet nephew, Zakry Troy was baptized on August 2nd. I left my camera at my mom's house so I didn't get a pic of him. (ARGH!!) It was a great day and we are so proud of cute Zak. Scott came home on the 3rd but the kids and I stayed for the next week. We went to the zoo on Monday, SLC to meet up with a friend from dental school on Tuesday, Lagoon on Wednesday, and back-to-school shopping on Thursday. It was a fun-filled week but we were all glad to be back home. I'm still not very good at remembering my camera so here are the few activities that I did remember to take my camera to. Thanks mom and dad for having us! Thanks Ray and Arlene for babysitting whenever I need you!! Thanks Lisa, Celeste and Cristy for playing with me! I am so blessed to have such amazing family and friends!!

Our trip to Hogle Zoo

2008-08-12T22:30:00.000-06:00

We went to the zoo with Lisa and her kids on Monday, August 4. It was very hot but so much fun! Thanks, Lisa, for going with us and saving me so much money! You're awesome! Braedy wasn't feeling the best that day, she had a head cold but other than that it was a great day. We went to the Spaghetti Factory afterward. I forgot to take my camera in there and was bummed because Mase fell asleep on the table and Kaylen fed herself for the first time! That will teach me to forget the camera!!

Playing with Cristy Echols

2008-08-12T22:01:00.000-06:00

I found out my good friend from dental school, Cristy Echols, was going to be in Utah the same time I was so we made plans to get together with our kids. Both of our husbands were at home working! I went down to her mom's house in Draper and we took the kids to Wendy's and the park. It was so fun to catch up with her!! Thanks for making time for me Cristy!! You're awesome!

Sandy Point Beach at Lucky Peak!

2008-07-28T13:41:00.001-06:00

Trying to catch some "pets"!!
Braedy
Masen
Jayden and his best friend Sawyer

Krazy Kay Rae

2008-07-28T13:34:00.000-06:00

It's so fun having a toddler around! We never know what she's going to do next! She loves to be the center of attention so she's always doing something to make us laugh!

I'm a Princess!!

2008-07-28T13:24:00.001-06:00

You Are Snow White!

Pure and trusting. You are a gentle soul who can get along with just about anyone. Everyone you meet instantly falls in love with you. How can they resist? You have a pure, lovable nature that's irresistable. Just don't trust everyone who comes across your path.

Which Disney Princess Are You?

Kay Rae's hair

2008-07-19T10:38:00.001-06:00

Kaylen is finally getting enough hair to actually do things with! These are pics of her first pony tail and then some pics of her with a faux hawk in the tub!

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-07-19T10:34:00.001-06:00

Morning Mase

2008-07-19T09:58:00.000-06:00

Masen is such a morning person, unlike his mom and dad. He is always so happy to be awake and always "needs" his cereal the second he's up. I'm so thankful for his wonderful example and maybe someday I'll be able to follow it and be a happy morning person!!

Jayden's 5th Grade Celebration!!

2008-05-29T16:27:00.000-06:00

Jayden had his 5th grade Celebration today, May 29,2008. I cannot believe my boy is moving on to middle school! Why do kids think they have to grow up? Anyway, it was really fun. They performed four cute songs and I cried. Jayden got four awards, a Helping Hands award for volunteering to help out around the school, a Best Reader award for meeting his AR goals, Outstanding Citizenship award for good behavior, and the Silver President's Education Award for good grades. He is amazing and we are so blessed to have him in our family!

Kaylen's First Piggy Tails!!

2008-05-29T16:17:00.000-06:00

Kaylen has a really nice mullet going on right now which is a great look for her but no fun for me because I can't do much with her hair!! I decided to try piggy tails in the back and this is the result!! I love it! We do it a lot now. The one draw back is it makes her look older and I don't like that! She has to stay a baby as long as possible! They always grow up too fast though!

Beautiful Brae

2008-05-29T16:09:00.001-06:00

Braedy Lyn is growing up way faster than I want her to. She loves to do her own hair and pose for pictures. Here are a few of the latest.

Masen's Pre-School Graduation

2008-05-29T15:52:00.000-06:00

Mase graduated from Brite Kids Pre-School on May 22, 2008. He had the best year and the best teacher. She was a cute little lady from our ward who does it out of her home. He absolutely loves her. She did lots of field trips and lots of other fun things. Mase says he'll miss pre-school a lot but he is really excited about Kindergarten!!

Bathing in the sink!

2008-05-29T15:40:00.001-06:00

Kaylen thinks it's pretty cool to bath in the kitchen sink. She first did it when Grandma Stoddard watched her for a weekend. Grandma can't kneel down because of her bad knee so she bathed her in the sink. Now Kaylen thinks it's awesome!!

Pee Wee Football

2008-05-29T15:22:00.000-06:00

Masen had his first season of Flag Football. It was AMAZING!! Actually he only played in two games and them broke his elbow. But I have to say he loves playing. He even got tackled a few times and loved that! I thought for sure he'd hate it after being tackled but I think he actually prefers that over the flags! He's a natural! ;)He is the one in the Spongebob hat. Their team name was the Raiders. They didn't win many games (maybe one) but he had a blast!!

Kaylen Rae- Our little ham!!

2008-05-29T15:17:00.000-06:00

We were on our way to Utah for a visit. Jayden had his swim goggles in the car and to entertain Kaylen, he put them on her. She thought she was the coolest thing ever and left them on for about 10 minutes. It was so hilarious!! She had us all rolling on the floor!!

Mom and Dad's visit

2008-05-27T23:05:00.001-06:00

My mom and dad came to visit over Memorial Day weekend. It was so fun but I was dumb and didn't take any pics! I don't know why I never think about it! We went to see the new Indiana Jones movie. It was so good! We took Jayden, Braedy and Masen with us and left Kaylen with our niece Kelsie. Thanks, Kelsie!! Dad did a whole bunch of fixing around the house. I don't know what I would do without him! Thanks, Dad!! It's sure nice to have such caring parents!

New stuff coming soon!!

2008-05-27T23:00:00.000-06:00

I know I have been terrible about putting new stuff on here! Just wanted to let everyone know that there will be new pics by the end of the week! And I promise to do better! Even if it means calling you every single day, Leah!!! Lots of love to everyone!!

Kaylen's 1st Birthday!!

2008-03-17T13:30:00.001-06:00

2008-03-17T13:00:00.000-06:00