tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41820052144547976642024-02-06T19:21:15.686-07:00Foster FamilyFoster Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02364528712684164309noreply@blogger.comBlogger107125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4182005214454797664.post-25945420960380698752012-05-29T22:37:00.000-06:002012-05-29T22:37:17.305-06:00Bailey's Birthday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My baby turned four! I can't even get started on how that made me feel -- ya'll know by now how it kills me to have my kiddos to grow up so fast. :) We'll just say that my sweet Bailey had a birthday and it was wonderful! Because her birthday fell during the kids' spring break, we were spoiled and got to celebrate a lot. We spent a few days of spring break down in the big city with family. My cute mom and dad took us out to lunch one afternoon to kick off the birthday week celebration.</div>
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After a few days with my parents and my aunt, we headed to my sister's house. Steve had been out of town for a long weekend and was flying back home on Bailey's birthday. Because of flight times and such, we were going to have to spend a good deal of time on the road on our little gal's day, so my sister offered to not only let us stay at her place the night before, but to celebrate Bailey's birthday there as well. (She lives much closer to the airport.) Bailey was in heaven! Having a sleepover and a party at her BFF's house was "a dream come true!" <br />
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Now, my Bailey is completely obsessed with Harry Potter. Really. She has only seen the first movie, but she LOVES it! She watches as often as she can and often quotes lines from the show. Most little girls turning 4 choose princess, fairy, and tea parties...mine was dreaming of a Harry Potter party. Yep, she had been talking about it for months. So, Harry Potter it was.<br />
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My very talented sister made this t shirt for Bailey. She loved it!!<br />
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Here she is enjoying birthday girl status and watching a little Max and Ruby -- her gift from Rachel.<br />
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Bailey was thrilled to have her cousins join her for her party. We started by making magic wands and then dressing up for a photo op.<br />
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The kids played "wizard, wizard, muggle" (duck, duck, goose), "wizard, wizard where's your wand?" (doggie, doggie, where's your bone?), and had a Bertie Bott's every flavor beans tasting contest (jelly bellies). It was fun really fun for the little ones and the bigger ones were really good sports.<br />
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The kids then all congregated on the lawn for a good, old fashioned, very un-Harry Potterish picnic dinner.<br />
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It was a wonderful day that made a huge Harry Potter fan hugely happy!<br />
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We are so grateful for this spunky little gal. After waiting 5 years to get our Rachel, we really didn't know whether we would ever have another baby. Bailey was a beautiful surprise and a wonderful finish to our little family. She is a sweet, gentle, silly, and loving little person with a very contagious smile and giggle. She is a strong little girl, but at the same time, so gentle and intuitive. We love our little Bailey with all our hearts!! Happy Birthday, Bailey!Foster Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02364528712684164309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4182005214454797664.post-38232506961707337962012-05-27T23:35:00.003-06:002012-05-27T23:35:34.939-06:00Random catch up stuff<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm behind. Same story. Let's just get to the gettin'. </div>
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Valentines Day. Let's resume there. We are not big fans of Valentines Day. I say "We" and I mean Steve and I. My girls love it. But, like I said, Steve and I don't so much. I really like the idea of having a day to express our love and appreciation to others. That's good. My family knows I love them every day, though. I just think Valentines Day sometimes gets all out of hand. You know, people expecting a lot and being disappointed. Now, I'm really not speaking from experience as a spurned woman or anything. I just see people every single year hoping and being disappointed. Besides, Steve and I decided long ago that we are just really not mature enough to be romantic. Some people try too hard and we just kind of want to giggle. So, we celebrate Valentines Day as a family day. We like do fun things for the kids and have a special dinner -- that usually involves steak. I decorate the house with tons of construction paper hearts with notes on some of them and we generally get the kids a little gift and some treats. This year I was at the DI and found some Cabbage Patch dolls new in their boxes. So cool! So, the gals got a new (really old) baby and Matt got a game. </div>
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I figure the girls will love this picture someday -- with their sweet bedhead. :)</div>
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One Saturday we took an impromptu drive up the canyon. It was a beautiful sunny afternoon and we decided to just get away for a little while.</div>
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It was so much fun! Steve was looking for fallen branches and sticks to make something, so the kids just ran and explored. We weren't really dressed for the weather, but they had a blast!<br />
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Bailey, who has a full-blown obsession with Harry Potter, started a game of finding magic wands and doing magic.<br />
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I had to add the following picture. The girls were soaking wet and muddy when we got back to the van, so they stripped off their shoes, socks, and pants and wrapped in blankets. Bailey kept peeking under her blanket and giggling that she was only wearing undies in the car. :)<br />
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The elementary school does a little spring song/dance program each year. I remember that Matt's last few years there he didn't so much enjoy said program. Rachel, being a kindergartener, is excited about everything and loves everything about school, so I assumed she'd be happy about the whole dance thing. It was so funny, though, because as they started learning the song and dance/actions to go with it, she kept telling me how "embarrassing" it was. Really?? I asked her why and she proceeded to tell me it was kind of a babyish song and the dance was embarrassing. Little Stinker! She did a great job and the program was really cute, though. I guess she decided it wasn't so bad in the end.<br />
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We have some wonderful neighbors. Truly, we are so fortunate to live by such good people and have such good friends. One very cute little friend decided she wanted to have a tea party and started to invite other children to her party -- without her mom knowing. :) Cute mom decided to go ahead and let cute little gal have a tea party. My girls were so excited to attend and thought long and hard about the perfect outfits to wear. So lovely. <br />
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This year for Saint Patricks Day, the girls decided to try to trap a Leprechaun. Rachel somehow got the idea and was planning it for about a week before ST Patty's. She had it all worked out in her head and sketched up some plans. When I asked her what she was going to use as bait to lure the Leprechaun into her trap, she thought for a minute, then announced, "A girl Leprechaun!" So, we found a box and spray painted it gold -- because a Leprechaun can't resist gold. Then we let them go to work with paint, sequins, and feathers. Last, but not least, They colored a very attractive Lady Leprechaun.<br />
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That tricky Leprechaun worked his magic and outsmarted their trap! He did leave a nice stack of golden chocolate coins, though. He also left those gold beauties spread all over the living room floor. He left them a box of Lucky Charms and a big rainbow made out of Skittles. By that night Rachel was already planning how to improve the trap for next year. <br />
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Spring has been a very, VERY busy time for Matt. He had some really cool opportunities and they sure kept us running. He was chosen to participate in Honor Band at the school. Students are chosen from schools in a handful of districts throughout Utah and Idaho. They spend several days with musicians and professors from the community and Utah State University -- kind of doing workshops and learning new music. Then, at the end of their experience, they performed a concert for the families. It was kind of crazy for about 4 days, but it was a neat thing for Matt to take part in. They did a super job -- and I was amazed that they'd learned so much in less than a week.<br />
At about the same time, he had the chance to be the stage manager for stage crew for the Spring musical. He had a lot of fun learning new things and meeting new people. Steve and I both went a night and saw the musical which was really fun. <br />
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Bailey started Speech Therapy this winter/spring. She is very proudly sporting her new backpack in this picture. It's been a wonderful thing for her and she is a super hard little worker. We love her teacher and Bailey's doing awesome!<br />
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<br />Foster Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02364528712684164309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4182005214454797664.post-86561306854111611872012-03-03T17:43:00.000-07:002012-03-03T17:43:58.981-07:00Matthew's Birthday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In January we officially became the parents of a teenager. Can you believe that? I certainly can't. I promise, I just blinked... for real this time. </div>
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Matt's birthday, as always, was super fun to celebrate. We kicked off the celebration by meeting Nana for dinner. Matt chose Red Robin because he had a hankering for a big burger. Got it. :)</div>
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Matt and cute Nana. <br />
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His birthday was a school day and he also had jazz band practice after school, so it felt like we waited all day long for the "birthday man" (as Bailey called him all week). I decorated his room the night before with a whole lot of balloons and birthday confetti, so he'd be surprised when he woke up. Apparently it was still so dark when he woke up and without his glasses (and in his tired stupor) he couldn't see well and the balloons kind of freaked him out for a minute. Tee hee. <br />
I had asked him what he wanted for dinner on his day -- whether he wanted to choose something special for me to make or we could go out. He thought for a few minutes then presented the plan. Since it was a school night he opted for homemade tiny spicy chicken, THEN he figured we could go out to dinner the next night since it would be Friday night. Now, that's my kind of thinking. We're total suckers, so that's what we did. <br />
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This year Rachel bought Matt a birthday gift with her own money. It was very sweet. She took her little baggie of change and tooth fairy money to the store with her. We had a close call because she set it down at one point, but thanks to an honest and kind mom who was in the store, Rachel and her baggie were reunited. She picked the gift all by herself - she chose a Webkinz 'Mazing hamster. :) Matt was very sweet and almost over-appreciative of her gift. <br />
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So here's the 13 year old and his homemade chocolate birthday cake of choice. He sure is a great kid. I've spent about 13 years being a little apprehensive of this whole teenage thing, but I think we're going to be okay. <br />
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I really can't fathom how the last 13 years have passed so quickly, but I do know one thing - and that's that I sure love being this kid's mom. Matthew is a fantastic boy. He was such a sweet baby and a blast as a little boy. I love that his favorite toy as a one year old was a shopping cart that he put EVERYTHING in - like a homeless man. I love that as a two year old his favorite outfit was shorts, cowboy boots, and a tool belt. I love that at four he opened his own America First Credit Union in his bedroom. No joke, he had "coming soon" countdown signs and everything. When we realized he was totally serious, Steve brought home balloons on that day and a toy ATM machine. I love that he could count to 100 forward and backward before he went into Kindergarten - because he loved counting money. I love that he was so strong and brave during a frightening year and a half of a blood disorder. He became a favorite patient of the lab workers at the hospital. They knew our boy so well, that they had special jobs for him and sent him home with bags of goodies. I love that he prayed for over 4 years for a sibling. He never once doubted nor wondered why it was taking so long for his prayers to be answered. I love that he proved to be such a kind and tender brother to both of his baby sisters. I love that he is such a good student and loves to learn. I love that he has a sharp mind and an awesome sense of humor. I love that he is such a whiz on the computer and is always willing to help his mom catch up to speed. I love that he is a kind, smart, fun, friendly, strong, and good kid. <br />
Happy Birthday, Matthew! I am so proud of who you are and who you are becoming. I am so grateful you are ours!<br />Foster Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02364528712684164309noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4182005214454797664.post-9867117048600929802012-02-12T15:59:00.004-07:002012-02-12T15:59:43.569-07:00Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
First item of business on Christmas morning was making sure that Santa got his milk and cookies. He sure did, and he must have liked them because he sure left these kids some nice gifts. They were a tad worried since they knew that the Elf had been watching all month long... :)</div>
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Every year the kids love it when I take them shopping to get gifts for each other. It's usually pretty cute, because they pick the most random things for each other. This year Rachel got a stuffed monkey from Bailey and really liked it. :)<br />
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Bailey and Rachel both asked for a Baby Alive this year, and happily, they both got one. Who doesn't love feeding a baby doll and changing its greeny poop diapers?? The good thing is that the "food" only lasts so long and then it's just bottles of water. <br />
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I am also happy to report that Matt got yet another version of Monopoly this year. He's been the world's biggest Monopoly fan since he was seriously like 4 years old.<br />
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The ONE good thing about having 1:30 Church time last year was that we had a fun, full Christmas morning before we had to get ready for Church. It was actually a perfect way to spend Christmas afternoon. Our ward had a nice program and we were so happy to have Grandpa with us. <br />
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What a perfect Christmas!!Foster Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02364528712684164309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4182005214454797664.post-59402528336495678572012-02-12T15:40:00.000-07:002012-02-12T15:40:44.250-07:00Holidays<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Perhaps this post should really be called, "A quick recap of Christmas stuff in a few pictures."</div>
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As always, the holiday came and went far too quickly. We had a fantastic Christmas filled with friends and family.</div>
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We made our annual trek down to Temple Square to see the Christmas lights. Always amazing.</div>
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We also had our Family Christmas party at my brother's house. So much fun!<br />
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My brother in law read a Cajun version of the Night Before Christmas.<br />
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I really don't know how much Bailey understood with the Cajun words and accent :), but she was seriously laughing her head off!<br />
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My cute dad would not be too pleased if he knew I took this picture -- and then posted it! You've got to check out his drink, though. It's kind of hard to see, but there is ice in his punch and it's shaped like dentures. Awesome, huh?! I'm not really certain how it all started, but years ago someone started a tradition? No, more like a friendly competition? Not sure what to call it, but we try to find the most unusual gifts we can and then regift them to each other. We often forget who has which gift, and then they pop back up when you least expect it. There is a humming bird figurine, a plastic mold to make a trout-shaped ice centerpiece, etc. (Shhhhh, don't tell, but I think I still have the Hotdogger hiding in the garage waiting to surprise the next birthday girl or boy..)<br />
So, my sister totally won some notariety this year when she found an ice mold that makes denture shaped ice and gave it to my brother for his b-day. Sweet find!<br />
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A few days before Christmas, we met Steve's brother and his cute family for dinner. Buffet with awesome cousins -- my kids were in heaven!<br />
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Steve's dad had come from Arizona to visit us all for Christmas (yay!), so both of Steve's folks joined us for dinner. <br />
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Rachel's Kindergarten class did a super fun activity in the month of December to help them learn basic mapping skills. They made a big Gingerbread man in class one day for a treat, but when they sent him to the cafeteria to be baked, he escaped and ran away. During the whole month they tracked his travels and adventures. (All of us families had been informed ahead of time and had requested help from our family and friends from all over the globe. They sent postcards detailing their "Gingerbread Man sightings.") It was so cool. Right before the holiday break, they received some postcards saying he'd been seen locally, so they set a gingerbread man trap and caught him right back in their classroom. <br />
This is a picture of the map and postcards that had been sent from literally all over the world.<br />
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On Christmas Eve my sister and her family came here to join us for our traditional Christmas Eve fiesta. We stuffed ourselves with amazing Mexican food and played all evening. <br />
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I'm not sure what they were scheming, but I love this cute little jammied cousin huddle. :)<br />
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Rachel and Bailey put our the magic reindeer food and all of the kids put our cookies and milk for Santa.<br />
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<br />Foster Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02364528712684164309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4182005214454797664.post-11976467532689604462012-02-12T14:57:00.000-07:002012-02-12T14:57:01.459-07:00Elf on the Shelf<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We started a fun new tradition this year - Elf on the Shelf. We put in a special order and this super cute guy came to us from the North Pole... by way of Amazon.com. Every morning when the kids woke up, they got to search for where our elf had hidden during the night. Sometimes they found him on a shelf or perched high on top of furniture, but other times the girls found that he'd been a little michevous during the night. </div>
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One morning he was hanging from the ceiling fan and had made snow angels out of flour.<br />
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Another day they found him on top of the refrigerator having a marshmellow snowball fight with some other Christmas friends.<br />
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One night he had been busy making paper snowflakes.<br />
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The girls laughed their little heads off (Bailey was even a little freaked out, to be honest) when they found that the elf had gotten into the clean laundry basket and decorated the tree with unmentionables.<br />
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Another night he enjoyed a little entertainment.<br />
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This was another gut-buster. Funny little guy. :)<br />
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We made play-doh one evening and he helped himself after we all went to bed.<br />
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Our little elf had to return back to the North Pole to report to Santa on Christmas Eve day. When we woke up on his last morning, we found his Nice and Naughty list. <br />
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It was a fun month having our visitor from the North Pole and the kids are really excited about looking for him again next year.</div>Foster Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02364528712684164309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4182005214454797664.post-81792584076095887812011-12-11T10:37:00.001-07:002011-12-11T10:44:32.815-07:00Finishing up Fall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The week before Halloween, our cousins came for a visit and we made our annual visit to the Pumpkin Walk.<br />
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We love looking at the pumpkin scenes and the kids love the picture cutouts.<br />
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Ended the evening with Pumpkin face pizza.<br />
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Kids all ready for the ward Halloween party. (Bailey is in her cooler version of her butterfly costume.) <br />
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On Halloween day our cousins came back up for a day of fun and evening trick-or-treating. (My sister makes those amazing costumes!)<br />
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Rachel's school Halloween costume parade.<br />
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Making oreo spiders.<br />
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Getting ready for an evening of trick of treating.<br />
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</div>Foster Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02364528712684164309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4182005214454797664.post-16793713237495770272011-12-11T10:33:00.001-07:002012-01-09T18:48:51.786-07:00Tooth!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Miss Rachel lost her very first tooth! It came out on 11-11-11.The two bottom front teeth were both loose - one being quite a bit looser than the other. She lost the less loose of the two first.<br />
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The really great part; the part that is fits our Rachel's personality to a tee is that she knocked it out. Truly, she was screwing around and jumping around the living room. When I was a kid my mom called it "rough housing." :) She was bouncing on the couch with the little nubby part of a balloon in her mouth. She told me later that she was biting that one part and batting the inflated part back and forth with her fists. I'm guessing that the nubby thing caught on her tooth and with one last, strong punch the balloon went flying and yanked her tooth out in the process. She ran into the bathroom to grab a tissue because she could feel something "weird." When she came back into the room she finally felt the little spot with her tongue. I saw it all happen in her very expressive facial expressions. She felt the hole and started to panic. Both of us, like slow-motion turned at the same time and saw a tiny white tooth lying on the couch cushion. I saw pure terror in her eyes, so I jumped up and hugged her cheering about how she lost her first tooth. It only took a second until she was happy about it, too.<br />
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Here she is with the offending balloon and her tooth.<br />
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She was SO excited to put it under her pillow, but she was also really hoping to take it to school and show her class. Apparently another child in her class had done that. When she realized that it meant prolonging the Tooth Fairy's visit a whole 3 days, she decided to go ahead and put it under her pillow and bag the whole school thing. <br />
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<br />The next morning she was thrilled to find a little glitter trail on her bed and a shiny gold dollar under her pillow. Hooray for our girl and the cute window in her teeth!<br />
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</div>Foster Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02364528712684164309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4182005214454797664.post-13962717120378083032011-12-11T09:40:00.001-07:002011-12-11T10:14:35.822-07:00A Little Bit of Fall<br />
This time I'm not going to even ask you to imagine that it's still months prior. I'm just behind. So, here's an attempt to fill you in on the happenings of Fall.<br />
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After Rachel got a clean bill of health, we had her birthday party with her friends. A few of her buddies weren't able to come, but we had some awesome little friends come and had a super time. This year she chose to have a Luau birthday party. They started with an outdoor treasure hunt - which we squeezed in between little rain storms.<br />
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The kids found their treasure -- leis, hair flowers, and treats. They played Luau themed games (some of them were a little bit of a stretch, but really, it isn't too hard to impress 5 and 6 year olds...), and ate rainbow cupcakes.<br />
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It was a fun party. Rachel has some very sweet little friends and she loves to be with them. Happy 6th Birthday, Rachey!<br />
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Another exciting thing that happened right after turning the ripe old age of six, was staring dance lessons. Rach was a little nervous, but decided she loved it the first day.<br />
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September also included a trip to the Park/Zoo with our cub scouts. They are a wild, squirrely bunch, but they're great! My kids love it when they get to join in on the fun.<br />
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A little bit of resting...<br />
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Making some belated birthday beignets<br />
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A little more resting<br />
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Homecoming Parade for USU! Go AGGIES!<br />
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Chillin' and waiting for the parade. Love the Homecoming parade!<br />
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Face painting with some cute friends<br />
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A trip to our favorite pumpkin patch to pick our Halloween pumpkins.<br />
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Painting and carving our jack-o-lanterns.<br />
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Let's rewind for just a second and pretend it's still September. Since it's now September (again), it's Miss Rachel's birthday month! Hooray for birthdays!</div>
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Rachel got to share her family birthday celebration with her beloved cousins. The only thing better than 1 birthday is 3 birthdays! My sister made the awesome Angry Birds cake and we had a blast celebrating those cute kiddos. (I love "blowing out the candles" pictures. Cute little puckery lips crack me up. Check out Bailey's little kisser. Heh heh.)<br />
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We also met up with Nana for a birthday lunch. Rachel is her father's daughter and loves a buffet, so we met at Golden Corral. We had a fantastic lunch and had a great time with Nana.<br />
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So this totally killed me! There was a table of some sweet ladies totally playing cards! You'll note little Bailey's partial head in the bottom corner -- I was pretending to take a pic of her, but wanted a shot of the weekly card game. They were darling and lovely lunchmates, but I just couldn't get over it. So funny! A few of them even brought their own tushie cushions. Completely classy ladies playing cards, sipping their ice water, and nibbling desserts. Love it! <br />
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Rachel's "real" birthday was Monday. Saturday evening she started to get sick. It was crazy because she acted just fine one minute, then crawled up onto my lap the next and started to feel warm. She went downhill super fast and had a raging fever by the middle of the night. When, in the wee hours of the morning, her fever hit over 103 degrees, we freaked out a bit. None of my kids had ever had such a high fever. So, instead of church, we spent the day in the ER. The docs were alarmed that her temperature was so high and we had a tough time getting it down. Poor little gal.<br />
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The hospital staff was wonderful. They set her all up with movies and treated her like a princess. She was very sweet and cooperative, but felt miserable. Once they got her fever down, they did a bunch of tests. Long story short: it ended up being really bad strep throat. <br />
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The day of Rachel's birthday she was doing a little better, but she was still one sick little gal. She was absolutely devastated that she couldn't go to school and felt too sick to do much. Seriously. Devastated. We're talking 'weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth...' <br />
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We really tried to still make the day special for her. A lot of sweet family members called and that cheered her up considerably. Our big outing of the day was a trip to the convenience store to get an Icee. <br />
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The day before while we were in the hospital, one of the nurses had asked Rachel what kind of birthday cake she was going to have. While rattling off different flavors of cake, she mentioned an ice cream cake. Rachel's eyes nearly popped out of her head. I don't think she'd ever really grasped the concept of a true ice cream cake. She got it into her little noggin that an ice cream cake would be so very dreamy, and that was all she wanted for her big day. Normally we wouldn't go out and buy a big ol' ice cream cake, but this little girl has her daddy wrapped around her finger and after being with her in the ER the day before, he went out and brought home this little beauty. <br />
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Aqua Sand. One of those gifts that I kind of knew I might come to regret. So fun, but so messy.<br />
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Miss Rachel spent the first 3 days of her birthday week sick. By the end of the week she was, thankfully, able to go school and celebrate her birthday with her Kindergarten class.<br />
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We felt badly that Rachel was so sick on her big day, but are so glad that her birthday celebration turned out to be so fantastic! She had so many phone calls, cards, and visits from family and friends, and we had a fun birthday party with her friends the next weekend.</div>
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We sure love this girl! We waited an awfully long time for her to join our little family and are so grateful she finally made it. She is a strong little girl with intensity just built in. Rachel has a super sense of humor and is a ton of fun to be with. She's become quite a good reader and a wonderful student. Her teacher told me at parent teacher conferences that she was the only child in her class to get a perfect grade in behavior. We are so proud of our girl and are so grateful she's ours! We love you, Rachel! - A bushel and a peck!</div>Foster Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02364528712684164309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4182005214454797664.post-17110013814660388662011-10-27T17:29:00.000-06:002011-10-27T17:29:11.151-06:00Back To School<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It happened. Again. Summer ended. School started. Again.</div>
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Actually, my kids were really excited about going back to school this year. Great time of year.</div>
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A few nights before, we had our annual Back to School Dinner. We used to decorate by hanging Matt's school supplies on the walls - pencils, crayons, etc. We've since stopped doing that has giant binders, calculators, and reams of paper don't hang so well. :)<br />
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Seventh Grade?? Can you believe that? Matt likes middle school and has done exceptionally well. He has made some great friends, loves Math, has dicovered that he really enjoys playing trumpet, and had proven to be a pretty great middle school-er. <br />
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Kindergarten. This one's a biggie. (How did that happen??) Rachel adored preschool and has been a little apprehensive that she might not like Kindergarten as much. I kept assuring her she would love it as much -- if not better, since she gets to go 5 days a week.<br />
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Matt's first day of school. He didn't think it was fair that Rachel didn't have to go for another week. Rachel didn't think it was fair that she had to wait. Matthew's first day went well. He just wasn't too sure he was ready to plunge right back into the routine.<br />
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This was Rachel's back to school openhouse. It was great. She got to meet her teacher and do a little "scavenger hunt" to locate all the things in the classroom.<br />
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Rachel's first day of school! She was sooo excited and a tad nervous. Steve arranged to work later in the day, so we both got to walk her to school. <br />
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<br />It's so hard to believe that my second baby is in school! It really only seems like yesterday... yah, yah, I know. I always say that, but this time I really mean it. Again. :) Kindergarten is the big time. She was so ready, though. Proud of my girl!<br />
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When I went to pick Rachel up, she came running to me and said, "Mom! Kindergarten is a keeper!" She LOVED it. Bailey sure missed her, but was happy to pick her up and play on the playground for a few minutes.<br />
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Daddy and his Kindergartener.<br />
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That night we took the kids out for a celebratory back to school dinner. I sure adore those 3 little mugs!<br />
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Warning: picture overload. This post is a little bit of a purge, I mean, summary. 'Just trying to catch up. </div>
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Like I said before, we did take a quick road trip to Arizona to see Grandpa, but other than that, we just spent the summer hanging and playing.</div>
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One fun day the girls spent playing and swimming with cute friends.</div>
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Here's Bailey showing off some pretty tricky maneuvers in the wading pool. Those are some mad skills.<br />
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Grandma Bailey is wonderful and comes to spent the day with us in Logan as often as she can manage. My kids LOVE having Grandma come and love the attention! This day she brought candy and Bingo. My sister and her kiddos were here, too and sweet Grandma had them all playing. Rachel and Bailey were die-hards and played long after everyone else was done. <br />
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Our Pioneer Day (July 24th) was a fun one! We started the day watching the parade in Logan. Steve worked a closing shift and was able to join us.<br />
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<br />Bailey has come to adore parades. She was anxiously awaiting the action.<br />
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<br />One part of the parade she can't get enough of is the "parade princesses." Check out that wave.<br />
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After the parade, Steve had to go to work (bummer), so the kids and I went to the park for a big 24th celebration. Rachel's preschool class had a little reunion, so we went there first, then headed to check out the rest of the festivities. After having the obligatory snow cone, we joined our first "Family Fun Bingo." It was hysterical! It was a giant bingo game, but they stopped after every handful of numbers they called and played games. It was total audience participation -- games, contests, etc. So stinkin' funny. We had a blast and became tight with everyone at our table. :) It really was loads of fun and my girls even won some pretty impressive prizes. Next year, we're totally there... and on the front row!<br />
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<br />We ended that evening by meeting Steve at a little Chinese restaurant. The kids LOVE Chinese and it was a good way to end a super day. (Look at those sweet, tired faces.)<br />
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To fulfill summer tradition, we made the trek north to the Pepperidge Farm factory and Caspers ice cream. We had some super yum shakes and watched Bailey and Rachel do some serious sugar rush dancing.<br />
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<br />Of course, living by so many great parks, we made a point to visit many times. We are seriously so fortunate to live by some fantastic, safe, clean, and super fun parks.<br />
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<br />One afternoon the kids came with me and the cub scouts to the fire station. Yes, I said cub scouts. That's material for another post and another day...<br />
Matt and Bailey took a little try at "driving" the engine. It was actually pretty funny 'cause we'd visited the fire station on campus another time during the summer for a fun activity sponsored by USU. My kids waited so patiently for their turn to sit in the driver's seat. They were literally climbing in when a call came in and we had to clear out. It was pretty cool for them to see everything happen and everyone spring into action, though. So, when we went with the scouts they were all talking about their other experience and just 2 minutes after they got their turn, the engine got called out.<br />
(So I have to back up and say that it wasn't really funny, like "ha ha" funny. Someone in trouble is never funny. Ironic may be a better word.)<br />
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<br />Rach took a spin on the fire pole.<br />
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<br />As the summer was coming to a close, we headed to the "big city" to do some back to school shopping. The girls were NOT enjoying waiting for Matt to choose shoes and entertained themselves with my camera. This is Bailey doing "praises." (Yep, Steve taught them all that when they were all just little tiny. He enjoys his Gaither gospel music a little too much. )<br />
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Also with the end of the summer comes the county fair. Always a good time. The girls got to don tiaras and try out the princess carriage. Last year we won tickets to the Cache Valley Civic Ballet's Sugar Plum Tea. (It coincides with the Nutcracker). We entered again...come on, lucky ticket!<br />
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One of our last days before school started, we went to Ogden and spent the day swimming at a super duper fun aquatic center where my nephew worked as a lifeguard. We played hard and wore ourselves out. When we got back to Logan we went to a favorite pizza place dinner. (The pizza is pretty good, but the ham and cheese salads are what dreams are made of.) Poor Rach sacked out on this bench while we were deciding what to order.<br />
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<br />Then at the booth. Sweet little sun-kissed, sleepy face!<br />
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<br />Bay stayed awake - barely.<br />
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<br />This was like the third picture I tried to take of Steve and Matt. Steve would smile, then open his mouth right as the picture snapped. Gross. Boys...<br />
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It was a fantastic summer. Like always, it went far too fast, but it was wonderful. I love having the kids home and just playing. It was good -- time filled with family, friends, sunshine, water play, parks, staying outside late in the evening, gardening, sleepovers in the living room, bbq's, and so much more unstructured goodness. Love it. </div>
Foster Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02364528712684164309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4182005214454797664.post-46661219487498855772011-09-19T22:08:00.000-06:002011-09-19T22:08:31.996-06:00swimming lessons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One of the many highlights of the summer was swimming lessons at the aquatic center. Rachel had taken lessons for a few years and loves it, but this was Bailey's first run with lessons. I was actually going to wait until next year for a few reasons. One is that although the lessons start at 3, Bailey was barely 3 and seemed a little young still. The biggest reason is that she had been going through a whole separation thing and had basically been my little velcro baby. She wouldn't go to nursery at church and she really just didn't like to be left with anyone but me. I didn't imagine she'd even want to do swimming lessons. She went with me (remember the whole velcro thing?) the day I signed Rachel up for lessons and literally begged me to let her try lessons. Knowing the the fee was nonrefundable and knowing how she would barely let me out of her sight, I was skeptical. Being a sucker for my little girl, and a sucker for a learning opportunity, I signed her up, too.</div>
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Both girls were super excited the first day of lessons. Rachel jumped right into the pool. (Well, acted like she was going to jump, but at the last minute, dropped to her bum and slid into the pool. For the record, she was jumping for real after a few days.) She was in heaven and loved every minute. Bailey was another story. The happiness turned to doubt. The doubt to fear. The fear to terror. Yep. It was sad. She cried the entire half hour. Now, it wasn't screaming-weeping-wailing crying, but crying all the same. In fairness, it was a lot of whimpering, but she was trying to be so brave. I so wanted her to be successful and she wasn't freaking out so I watched. I figured as long as the teachers still seemed okay and the other kids weren't wigging out, I'd wait. My sweet girl did it! She made it the whole lesson. (I have to interject here that her teachers were amazing and I was very impressed with them.) At the end of the lesson Bailey got out of the pool, smiled through her tears, and told me she liked swimming lessons. Go figure. The next day it took her like 2 minutes to warm up, then she was as happy as a clam for the rest of the session of lessons. Go Girl!</div>
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I had to put this picture in even though Bay's hand is covering Rachel's face. Notice Bailey's choice of footwear. Nice.<br />
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We were so proud of our girls. What a fun experience it was for both of them and what a huge hurtle Miss Bailey overcame! Love those silly, wet mugs!<br />
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Foster Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02364528712684164309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4182005214454797664.post-27168751433772998482011-09-18T12:23:00.000-06:002011-09-18T12:23:31.235-06:00More Summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Every summer it's the same, so I don't know why I act surprised when it zips past as fast as a blink. Although we didn't necessarily do a lot of big, exciting things, we found lots of fun activities to keep ourselves running. It's become a family favorite to "camp out" and watch the Logan 4th of July fireworks. Some fun friends met us to watch this year. </div>
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Sometimes waiting for the fireworks is the hardest part, but the kids did great. Treats and our portable dvd player = quite pleasant wait time.<br />
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The fireworks were great and we had a blast. <br />
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Also in July, Steve had a birthday! I LOVE birthdays. Steve doesn't so much. He's actually kind of a birthday Scrouge. Okay, in his defense, it's mostly HIS birthday he doesn't like. He goes along wih all the craziness for the kids' b-days, he'd just rather forget his own. So this year was no different. He had to work and no one at work even knew it was his birthday. The kids and I swung by the ol' dollar store to get banners, window markers, balloons, and treats. We decorated his car at work in hopes that his coworkers would see and realize it was his b-day. We filled the car with balloons and a banner, stuck a big banner on the back bumper, spread a big sign on the dash, and of course, wrote on all the windows. Along the back window I wrote, "It's my birthday, No big deal." We giggled our heads off imagining Steve driving his car all the way home. He HATES attention and we certainly created an attention-getter. <br />
When he got home that day and told me what happened, I was crying because I was laughing so hard. Apparently his boss caught him on his way out the door and asked him if Steve could give him a ride. Steve, completely unaware of his spiffy ride, agreed. (I was already laughing at this point.) He's not a very good story teller when it comes to his own embarrassment, so I didn't get details (though I tried) of the moment of realization. I just imagined them tossing balloons around so they could even fit into the car. Then, Steve drove this guy to a furniture store on the north end of town via Main Street. I couldn't have planned it better because Main Street was PACKED with people lining both sides getting ready to watch the Cache Valley Cruise In parade. (I snorted at this point. Please, stop! I was begging him to tell me whether he got any waves or honks, but he didn't think it quite as funny as I did.) Apparently he dropped off his boss (who was a really good sport), and high-tailed it home by way of the most obscure path he could find. <br />
I really think he liked his birthday car. :)<br />
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On the 4th of July, we went to Hyrum for the parade. Good times. I love small town parades.<br />
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We got there early, but still didn't get a great spot. Go figure. Who'd have thought Hyrum would be so popular. A good friend was there with her family and invited us to sit with them. Thanks, Guys. <br />
It was a fun parade -- even if Bailey did get a little torked at the "big boy" who "stole her candy." <br />
(For the record, he just got there a little sooner.There was no real candy thievery involved.)<br />
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There is a little park and splash pad near where we live and we had really hoped to make it there much more than we did over the summer. We did manage to go a few times, though, and the gals really enjoyed it.<br />
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We are very excited about the LDS temple being built in Brigham City. It's been fun to see a little bit of the progression of the building as we pass by when leaving or returning to Cache Valley and we are eagerly anticipating the open house and dedication. When we heard that the Angel Moroni was being placed on the top of the temple, we decided to go watch. We found a little spot on the tabernacle grounds and waited in the drizzle with tons of other people. The weather was tricky and the wind was too strong for them to safely place it how and when it was planned, but it was still a good time. We visited and had some really cool conversation about temples. After a bit, the kids were tired of waiting so we walked a few blocks to the home of my friend's sister. They had invited us to stop by and have lunch. We ate and the kids had lots of fun friends to play with. We were getting ready to leave for home when we walked outside and saw them finally placing the statue on the temple spire. It wasn't what we'd planned - to see it from a block and a half away, but it was still neat to see. 'Can't wait for the openhouse. <br />
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Foster Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02364528712684164309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4182005214454797664.post-54303530946493734392011-09-17T18:01:00.002-06:002011-09-17T18:03:43.096-06:00Summer Stuff<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Wow! So I need to share something here. I hadn't posted anything for quite a while (before that last post) because summer was busy, but also because I was so frustrated with Blogger. It was so slow and I couldn't get things to post like I wanted. Thank heavens for my 12 year old. He simply pointed out that I was using the absolute dinosaur version of Blogger. Yep. I knew it had been updated, but I didn't realize it was THAT bad. Uh huh, it was that bad. After tech support stepped in, I decided to try again. Nice. (Thanks, Matt)</div>
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After we got home from our Arizona trip, my sister and her family came to spend some time with us. We had lots of fun plans --which we mostly had to change due to the weather and rain. So we really just spent lots of time hanging out and playing. The kids rode bikes, watched movies, played wii, made a sweet fort out of refrigerator boxes, and had a blast. They live less than two hours away, so it's not like we never see them, but it was just so good to have time.</div>
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A few days after they headed back home, my cute niece from California came. She had come to Utah with some family and we were lucky to get her for a few days. Matt enjoyed hanging out with her and my girls ADORED her. She was a very good sport and didn't seem to mind having two adoring fans hanging on her about every waking second.<br />
One afternoon we headed to the dam to enjoy some sunshine and feed the ducks. It ended up being pretty funny 'cause those darn ducks are so spoiled and fed waaay too much. They didn't want anything to do with the bread the kids were throwing to them. They were so disinterested, in fact, that it ended up being more like the kids throwing the bread AT them. <br />
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We couldn't have an out of town visitor without introducing her to Aggie ice cream. Sooo good. Lemon custard...Mmmm...<br />
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Another ice cream adventure was the phenomenon of the Kitchen Sink at Angies. I love the way the light from the window is shining -- looks kind of like a halo. Heavenly. <br />
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We made our best effort, but didn't quite "clean the kitchen sink." They gave us the bumper sticker anyway. :)<br />
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On our last evening, that sweet gal painted the girls' nails. We loved having her with us!<br />
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Foster Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02364528712684164309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4182005214454797664.post-51886699006419610772011-09-07T08:25:00.000-06:002011-09-07T08:25:19.102-06:00Arizona<div>
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Back in June we took a road trip to visit Grandpa in Arizona. First and foremost, we were missing Steve's dad and always love to see him. Secondly, we were seeking sunshine. For those of you who don't live in Utah, or those who may have blocked it out, Spring here in Utah was wet, cold, and wet. After weeks of trying to stay warm and dry, I turned to Steve and said something very similar to, "If the sun doesn't come out soon, I'm going to have to go looking for some!" Within days we had planned a quick trip to Arizona about 3 weeks later. Wahoo!</div>
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Grandpa introduced us to his favorite Chinese Buffet. YUM! It was so good! We all left with our bellies bulging and a bit more pressure on our snaps and buttons than when we started. </div>
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Notice that there are no pictures of us actually eating. Too busy stuffing our faces to stop and snap any photos. Now, I have come a looong way when it comes to buffet eating. Before I became a Foster, I did not really enjoy buffets. I didn't hate them, I just didn't really like them. I mean, people put things on the same plate that shouldn't even be in the same meal - like mashed potatoes and lasagna. Eeew. I was the kind of kid who couldn't let my food touch on my plate, so you can understand my distaste of the buffet-style cram-it-all-on-your-plate thing. Well, Steve's family are the ultimate buffet fans. They're the type of folks who go at the end of lunch so they pay lunch prices, then stay and eat dinner. They plan vacations around buffets. Seriously. I am happy to report that although I am not a gal who goes at the tail end of breakfast (at breakfast prices) then eats leisurely while they change to lunch fare so I can grub on scrambled eggs and fried chicken in the same sitting, I have definitely come to appreciate and enjoy the buffet. I mean, if I can find something that makes my whole family happy, then it's certainly a good thing!<br />
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During our trip, we visited a giant electronics superstore. Matt was in heaven! I normally don't take pictures of every shopping trip, but the girls found this giant "Angry Bird" and wanted a picture.</div>
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The last time we went to Arizona, we went to this really fun park with fountains and a sort of splash pad. The kids really wanted to go back. Last time Bailey didn't want anything to do with the water, but this year she was the first one in the water and the last one out.</div>
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Another thing the kids were really looking forward to was lunch at the Rainforest Cafe. It was inside this big ol' outlet mall, so we did a little back to school shopping as well as a really cool lunch.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnuPNdGPuNjk2pWl5yK7xZ_LepI112GK_ngbGdkJ_WHPidhH77yTSEV78Ly3MDwe4xGEJZZzMAZrX6q1_-pUOujg7HS1XXq-fBZVdecQOH6gUy24sk2DySedScJmM6KhgO9_ntUH6Sig/s1600/May%252C+June+146.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644805557625805554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnuPNdGPuNjk2pWl5yK7xZ_LepI112GK_ngbGdkJ_WHPidhH77yTSEV78Ly3MDwe4xGEJZZzMAZrX6q1_-pUOujg7HS1XXq-fBZVdecQOH6gUy24sk2DySedScJmM6KhgO9_ntUH6Sig/s400/May%252C+June+146.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> Bailey wasn't too keen on getting anywhere near this elephant. It took a minute to assure her it wasn't real so she'd get in the picture.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrsro60t2S2b0SJcmS76wIsdLePWHsptMmpeUN-1h4U0YTY5vnwxsWS7RzK3Zcq3rdotfIU_rBivcyAMIe70ZI2_OQDzvTPTESkWi5i16o2wkNTs4cVyK-sPH5I9ftKg6-Qinigwg3yg/s1600/May%252C+June+148.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644805383462100562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrsro60t2S2b0SJcmS76wIsdLePWHsptMmpeUN-1h4U0YTY5vnwxsWS7RzK3Zcq3rdotfIU_rBivcyAMIe70ZI2_OQDzvTPTESkWi5i16o2wkNTs4cVyK-sPH5I9ftKg6-Qinigwg3yg/s400/May%252C+June+148.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhROoLVVJKMG7oQLzAk-sER6hUvH6ehcjX7-lGnFojNznJIxJpw6v_gj8dP1GMWqFRqjR-i_YEOULNMjsNyX4L3Fua8Jy8cqUsKWtlvZyA2k7gP6zpEVHxuYYcI43vYOoU5-n_CfGHAsg/s1600/May%252C+June+164.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644805178322934370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhROoLVVJKMG7oQLzAk-sER6hUvH6ehcjX7-lGnFojNznJIxJpw6v_gj8dP1GMWqFRqjR-i_YEOULNMjsNyX4L3Fua8Jy8cqUsKWtlvZyA2k7gP6zpEVHxuYYcI43vYOoU5-n_CfGHAsg/s400/May%252C+June+164.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> So my camera was experiencing some technical difficulties during our trip and the flash was being very temperamental. (Probably 'cause it's getting old and is nowhere near top of the line...) I didn't get very good pictures while actually inside the restaurant. It was super fun, though. We sat right underneath this giant parrot and the kids just kept laughing about being afraid it was going to drop it's stuff in our food while we ate. :) Matt was trying to tease Rachel and told her to be really careful with the banana that came with her lunch because he thought he saw some gorillas eyeing her. It totally back-fired and instead of upsetting her, she thought it was hysterical and choreographed quite a few "be jealous of my banana" dances. Kooky kids.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik4Benuc2UWLctJlpXyuxkTGXTpU4UCUS0pNG9NlD3uUGYO0RUF8P4BQwdxwbNiLl6aP2z3ti31YzXlHku44DiM30fs9-0Yi-Cr9Sb_zHRHvYFADqmpcHvs1K8rnsA7yNnjcvN4cPQZA/s1600/May%252C+June+166.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644804946716605794" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik4Benuc2UWLctJlpXyuxkTGXTpU4UCUS0pNG9NlD3uUGYO0RUF8P4BQwdxwbNiLl6aP2z3ti31YzXlHku44DiM30fs9-0Yi-Cr9Sb_zHRHvYFADqmpcHvs1K8rnsA7yNnjcvN4cPQZA/s400/May%252C+June+166.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div>
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We made our traditional trip to Cracker Barrel for breakfast.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlOXxeC_m1pyrL75hJNj2wwxdVn-nFHIU1zf0hTNARoTPXGaPmN92tpiFWDlIR6B2xkN9jpbJjisJ-LxrT4dard0KoajxwX8kQoFbSjUFNfWZ2CfOfO5HE32bh_mgopxZIwwxoRxaU-Q/s1600/May%252C+June+179.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644804305818988178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlOXxeC_m1pyrL75hJNj2wwxdVn-nFHIU1zf0hTNARoTPXGaPmN92tpiFWDlIR6B2xkN9jpbJjisJ-LxrT4dard0KoajxwX8kQoFbSjUFNfWZ2CfOfO5HE32bh_mgopxZIwwxoRxaU-Q/s400/May%252C+June+179.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div>
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The retail store is always fun to browse through. The girls found some sweet froofy stuff to try out.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGYcN4YmD48JUPAt2PTBzBJNpIvSHqnI94tliqP5MTUwnXuUNAf-Tyc3bR6xifoaqjHc9YfNmftL-ywEzoxrhyphenhyphenlVztnnuJ3oi9mwUvD5KoAIWQHhaA4XtAP00kCdvXqbRZMcQ1DgUbXw/s1600/May%252C+June+178.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644803988136089154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGYcN4YmD48JUPAt2PTBzBJNpIvSHqnI94tliqP5MTUwnXuUNAf-Tyc3bR6xifoaqjHc9YfNmftL-ywEzoxrhyphenhyphenlVztnnuJ3oi9mwUvD5KoAIWQHhaA4XtAP00kCdvXqbRZMcQ1DgUbXw/s400/May%252C+June+178.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><br />
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...Complete with yippy dog.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicczv9nXzkK1ceEHYXg9nX67yVNduVDPvcHUqaAjby0Wkfm7IEtzVKq9dNuokHp0yv08_TtE7w9YDI14EQjWs2LtIL_YNwbn0xD_tEbjbJOwAzu3Ce_Uae8p0LMLgS4qqrZNpVMLeXFw/s1600/May%252C+June+176.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644803791164661330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicczv9nXzkK1ceEHYXg9nX67yVNduVDPvcHUqaAjby0Wkfm7IEtzVKq9dNuokHp0yv08_TtE7w9YDI14EQjWs2LtIL_YNwbn0xD_tEbjbJOwAzu3Ce_Uae8p0LMLgS4qqrZNpVMLeXFw/s400/May%252C+June+176.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a>That afternoon we went to the cemetary to visit the graves. Steve's grandparents on both sides are buried right by each other. </div>
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Rachel was only a year old when her great uncle Donnie passed away, but she knows all about him and how much he adored all the kids.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphenmsSrCnLOTAY38qlFRMYt4sWxe4LkX5IJhSvgQf68hoObrdD_adcsoD8T-1tzGw2nLFyw57vUMs55MXiAjktgqmaIBcEAtTMGv0_fg7Z8fOieMi8xr96_yCUUScMGTqP9_r2CslxGA/s1600/May%252C+June+186.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644803364938623938" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphenmsSrCnLOTAY38qlFRMYt4sWxe4LkX5IJhSvgQf68hoObrdD_adcsoD8T-1tzGw2nLFyw57vUMs55MXiAjktgqmaIBcEAtTMGv0_fg7Z8fOieMi8xr96_yCUUScMGTqP9_r2CslxGA/s400/May%252C+June+186.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div>
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Bailey -- just chillin'. :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9t5WH_0fbNzV8Mib5Q2BtoEfv8UcLxgyhyphenhyphenVMtvEemuywkYbzN0DR8jDIlTd_dhQdBKTv_tl0tVMpadM85lNaYaEA2BkaPo_rwSYZj-sZgI3L-w8vq-kmT_FQFZXnWZCbHfR7Dq6hGqQ/s1600/May%252C+June+187.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644802948333791842" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9t5WH_0fbNzV8Mib5Q2BtoEfv8UcLxgyhyphenhyphenVMtvEemuywkYbzN0DR8jDIlTd_dhQdBKTv_tl0tVMpadM85lNaYaEA2BkaPo_rwSYZj-sZgI3L-w8vq-kmT_FQFZXnWZCbHfR7Dq6hGqQ/s400/May%252C+June+187.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a>We were able to get tickets to see the Arizona Diamondbacks play. Chase field is amazing! There was even a playground for kids, complete with huge TV screens above the play structure so you don't even have to look away from your kids playing to watch the game. It was sweet!</div>
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Grandpa and Matt eating ball park hotdogs and talking baseball: priceless.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrWyH2aVeByqLdA3iXe75pmm-SxjX9abeBwVIBVxmHfrA46HFDiO_aQkKRH1GEXa5fefb-lYp994ACwySx0JVw1wqYuVnJPY-qH-RY8CAPu7VztqzITy68qvFgOuk3n5gESYbBFmzPpA/s1600/May%252C+June+203.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644802613915076834" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrWyH2aVeByqLdA3iXe75pmm-SxjX9abeBwVIBVxmHfrA46HFDiO_aQkKRH1GEXa5fefb-lYp994ACwySx0JVw1wqYuVnJPY-qH-RY8CAPu7VztqzITy68qvFgOuk3n5gESYbBFmzPpA/s400/May%252C+June+203.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOo4I7R78NU7itWndUJyO7OmC-dYynjMMAe3L2uvk8LIc2z8wpyomg6hVotUbrYp_tJNM5rzeMWj87PWiT7T1MzKEQ6aiWkDJduwIC0pK_IQbNGj5hvc3RxHsg8nHXb6rWOYuMg6kLoA/s1600/May%252C+June+234.JPG"></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6IxZe2CRl12Xt6_J8u9dDV1V-fW0JFTQ9M4DmcAOtjH2wF8ejU3xv7D97q3Lyn_69bhUxFUxzbkr7Jl091BkVqinpI1WHpkH9FrEYJu7XntKEX9eWGi0LKG5RODSVQjjobQSuhZctzw/s1600/May%252C+June+235.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644801982993720354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6IxZe2CRl12Xt6_J8u9dDV1V-fW0JFTQ9M4DmcAOtjH2wF8ejU3xv7D97q3Lyn_69bhUxFUxzbkr7Jl091BkVqinpI1WHpkH9FrEYJu7XntKEX9eWGi0LKG5RODSVQjjobQSuhZctzw/s400/May%252C+June+235.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div>
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We topped off a very full and fun day with a trip to Mary Coyle's ice cream parlor. Steve's family has been going there for at least four generations. It almost closed down this last year and was saved at the very last minute. They make one mean caramel cashew sundae!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPRhJzqUkvVAScM2zxbN8cmVj-YAqYS2YCo1Wdm0HRkWIUQYTHVUOk81J8vf15LxMwp56fqzgnjPH1MWAlq3futqe0dLEw_w9yE1cAY4U1RaMe6288xUIYu7tApt0ULXQL2Ip9jE-_Xg/s1600/May%252C+June+240.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644801736404076434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPRhJzqUkvVAScM2zxbN8cmVj-YAqYS2YCo1Wdm0HRkWIUQYTHVUOk81J8vf15LxMwp56fqzgnjPH1MWAlq3futqe0dLEw_w9yE1cAY4U1RaMe6288xUIYu7tApt0ULXQL2Ip9jE-_Xg/s400/May%252C+June+240.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div>
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During our visit, we also headed to the Mesa area and visited Steve's great aunt. It was cool for the kids to meet their great, great aunt. She was a total kick in the pants and we had a wonderful lunch with her. She bought the kids a fried ice cream after they ate lunch and told them that next time we visit, she'd buy them ice cream to start off lunch. :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvo3Cd6vClj7PuTMZ9p8n4_X1pABzafrSYKNEVSBIY7kGCJVZWBpT_9kjuVz2yG0VML-BHnzNOhT1oN1vhfdJt6FFtnwQIiTW5UmTSHQwZ6jHZf-YyIJS3o7WrXwFUqLc_HCafF7mFPg/s1600/May%252C+June+242.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644801547264652610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvo3Cd6vClj7PuTMZ9p8n4_X1pABzafrSYKNEVSBIY7kGCJVZWBpT_9kjuVz2yG0VML-BHnzNOhT1oN1vhfdJt6FFtnwQIiTW5UmTSHQwZ6jHZf-YyIJS3o7WrXwFUqLc_HCafF7mFPg/s400/May%252C+June+242.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div>
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We then spent the afternoon in Scottsdale where Steve's dad grew up. Old town Scottsdale was a blast. A whole store full of westernwear, boots, and hats. Sweet! I'm not sure what Rachel was doing here, but being cheesey! (Do ya love the giant stain on her shirt? She got to pick peaches at Great Aunt's house. She came inside so proud of herself and clutching those sticky, juicey peaches to her little chest...)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsIfJtfuNe8-tmr7QckTrzl6VH9gNTVxnmbxOl1wXDytB0T28PJrn9tcZwsFArjG_Ce6pZXKvyq8_RywqaCJ5Ja9CFNPtIb8246g-46B-cY4f44zJVk79ToHRlupPxdXIvk7oEuPpnKw/s1600/May%252C+June+245.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644799100669357970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsIfJtfuNe8-tmr7QckTrzl6VH9gNTVxnmbxOl1wXDytB0T28PJrn9tcZwsFArjG_Ce6pZXKvyq8_RywqaCJ5Ja9CFNPtIb8246g-46B-cY4f44zJVk79ToHRlupPxdXIvk7oEuPpnKw/s400/May%252C+June+245.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Old Town Scottsdale was really cute - a little tourist-y, but cute.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgslvH4TrGTV0NolhcacWnepDpDP0JWE6MBG6goas_HFqDYgrG9TilHsqiUV60jIg1BkPzCO57eAFJ_LYfOcokcSd5KxY9kHmbyEvBNjqaAtZCGS9ZvjOmtv2Ggf-LQs9ecZ7St1MBVVQ/s1600/May%252C+June+255.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644798874312466434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgslvH4TrGTV0NolhcacWnepDpDP0JWE6MBG6goas_HFqDYgrG9TilHsqiUV60jIg1BkPzCO57eAFJ_LYfOcokcSd5KxY9kHmbyEvBNjqaAtZCGS9ZvjOmtv2Ggf-LQs9ecZ7St1MBVVQ/s400/May%252C+June+255.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgatCSG5N6TWnO_vTKsYg0j3UpIHr7QoTqZoOHZn5zM0gxwK6aZT6Af4K3ghRR1WKwVG3T_mexEUWWG5m55iNlzefl-EFmg2lgaCUWii_pmHp03NqvhXp5I9X6RCRNUwzKb9cW2RKw5Qw/s1600/May%252C+June+256.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644798676383766722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgatCSG5N6TWnO_vTKsYg0j3UpIHr7QoTqZoOHZn5zM0gxwK6aZT6Af4K3ghRR1WKwVG3T_mexEUWWG5m55iNlzefl-EFmg2lgaCUWii_pmHp03NqvhXp5I9X6RCRNUwzKb9cW2RKw5Qw/s400/May%252C+June+256.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><br />
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Remember that sun we went looking for? Found it! :)</div>
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Grandpa remembers going to this ice cream parlor as a kid, so we decided to visit. It's called the Sugar Bowl and was apparently just as he remembered it. A little bit of trivia: Bill Keane who created the comic strip Family Circus, was from that area. In his comics he shows the family visiting an ice cream parlor called the Sugar Bowl. Yep, that's this very Sugar Bowl. Pretty cool. :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkfs_x5dImEPxk8hDz-uZlls1GA9uFHqbLoAkvt7Up90U0OMZudFM-omey9ER0NRRUTigiin7zEq-uU3Lg-h1vscbLhF41z0md6H5A8-jcXeuTokY2CTuOnuC5V8-HiwewKDhBt1WDPg/s1600/May%252C+June+268.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644798253634427810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkfs_x5dImEPxk8hDz-uZlls1GA9uFHqbLoAkvt7Up90U0OMZudFM-omey9ER0NRRUTigiin7zEq-uU3Lg-h1vscbLhF41z0md6H5A8-jcXeuTokY2CTuOnuC5V8-HiwewKDhBt1WDPg/s400/May%252C+June+268.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><br />
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It was a super fun trip, but just went by far too fast! We loved being with Grandpa and appreciate his hospitality! We loved the sunshine and loved, loved the company! We certainly are looking forward to next time. </div>
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On the way home we stayed in Las Vegas to break up the drive. Steve found a raging deal on a hotel. (Another obsession - next to buffets...) And yes, we sure did eat at the buffet.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglC99qPiZzcA2XsLkJM2eAJPhKe3PyNmfNRmiFG4dBzHpUf0s9rYfR2gcALP5QMYYNCdj64hPfMHUfN4E0hP0ndqUuXzBx3w2y6aW0lPY-37d2n96c44UP7oCz2UTfBe9-WOhkEiUmjg/s1600/May%252C+June+278.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644797344834447506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglC99qPiZzcA2XsLkJM2eAJPhKe3PyNmfNRmiFG4dBzHpUf0s9rYfR2gcALP5QMYYNCdj64hPfMHUfN4E0hP0ndqUuXzBx3w2y6aW0lPY-37d2n96c44UP7oCz2UTfBe9-WOhkEiUmjg/s400/May%252C+June+278.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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When we got home we were tired and happy! Thanks, Arizona for the heat and sunshine! Thanks, Grandpa for a wonderful time!<br />
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Foster Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02364528712684164309noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4182005214454797664.post-27201413733574479192011-06-27T22:41:00.009-06:002011-06-29T19:39:58.088-06:00Summer Celebration!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1nHfZ-Rgsaylq14BGwvD327uPnBCgqvVtXs4AFyv90ErbDuIU1HY8pzaYj14QfCWYmGEbEAD0KPC7ld4XjU39kYPhKJ76VD36seUC0d0ukYIA5tlNP3-R9J-MYksT2WIFqoEJ8cOuvQ/s1600/May%252C+June+003.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623128160530975474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1nHfZ-Rgsaylq14BGwvD327uPnBCgqvVtXs4AFyv90ErbDuIU1HY8pzaYj14QfCWYmGEbEAD0KPC7ld4XjU39kYPhKJ76VD36seUC0d0ukYIA5tlNP3-R9J-MYksT2WIFqoEJ8cOuvQ/s400/May%252C+June+003.JPG" /></a><br /><br />The last day of school is always bitter-sweet. My kids love school. I love that. When I was a kid, I loved school; although I may not have always admitted to that. It's always a little sad to say goodbye to friends for the summer and, for me, to acknowledge that another year has passed. (Yah, you probably already know all about my issues and time passing too quickly...) It's a super exciting time, too. It's so good to look and see all that the kids have learned and accomplished in the school year. The very best part, though, is that I get them all home all summer long!!<br /><br />This was Matt's first year of middle school, so it was also his first year with a real yearbook and a yearbook signing day. So fun! He had a blast. Matthew had a fantastic year at school! He adjusted so well to middle school (once again, it was me who struggled...) and really enjoyed it. He made great new friends, loved playing the trumpet in band, and was on the honor roll all year. What a kid!<br /><br />Rachel also had a great year! She came along so well in preschool. She is reading and is so ready for Kindergarten in the fall. (Which, no big surprise, I'm kinda struggling with.... Perhaps I need some therapy :)....) She also met some super new friends and just adored her teachers!<br /><br />Sweet Bailey is just so completely happy that her two favorite people are home for the summer. It has been so fun to have some one on one with my littlest buddy while the "big" kids were in school, though.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikqvQyWUtakB2bYVZTvLuoZvRomKdZz542xCoKfDM4X_cpR1FHwpkRMFZbLyRqGdjbA6Xmtz7OTlWSiyo8GMUlldW03nGueRyRzVMfnBah_eaWFZeivauqLUniEe43AbudMXQYg4LyzA/s1600/May%252C+June+022.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623127982961024546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikqvQyWUtakB2bYVZTvLuoZvRomKdZz542xCoKfDM4X_cpR1FHwpkRMFZbLyRqGdjbA6Xmtz7OTlWSiyo8GMUlldW03nGueRyRzVMfnBah_eaWFZeivauqLUniEe43AbudMXQYg4LyzA/s400/May%252C+June+022.JPG" /></a><br />Matt got out at noon on the last day of school. It was so fun because he got to come with us to Rachel's preschool graduation. It was seriously the cutest thing on earth!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRgdLdbV-HJ2yJxB5qpzYuOvfCX4ixdk12HRNCV9E8GPBCIXNu7dsZvsMxkbA9l0pTgqGLfvd5q3XYwxYEmkDgUtLgP0LRqijOrR3cZxnifgEummC9VTYLxO-ryS16aLsDU24joL9qNw/s1600/May%252C+June+024.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623127800636104498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRgdLdbV-HJ2yJxB5qpzYuOvfCX4ixdk12HRNCV9E8GPBCIXNu7dsZvsMxkbA9l0pTgqGLfvd5q3XYwxYEmkDgUtLgP0LRqijOrR3cZxnifgEummC9VTYLxO-ryS16aLsDU24joL9qNw/s400/May%252C+June+024.JPG" /></a><br />After graduation, we headed home for the rest of the Last Day of School festivities! I'm not even remotely joking when I say I LOVE the last day of school. Below is a picture of the traditional attack with silly string. Yes, they know it's going to happen. Yes, they know that I show no mercy when it comes to silly string. But, NO, they never know when it's going to hit! This year we got them on their way back inside after taking out trash and recycling.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgjZyBH2pg1AZNGTRwMX7u2RdFIE2gq-AuTiKEoND6krS_X3kGwkjJaSSMEdUTsGfuAWEueYARjx_Se2Fq9AK_G6fs8IU_Q4w6RoZiLI-OhtAJ6yR5Rhz037xe23BBmDTE7KIIWEvIYQ/s1600/May%252C+June+036.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623127629124896482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgjZyBH2pg1AZNGTRwMX7u2RdFIE2gq-AuTiKEoND6krS_X3kGwkjJaSSMEdUTsGfuAWEueYARjx_Se2Fq9AK_G6fs8IU_Q4w6RoZiLI-OhtAJ6yR5Rhz037xe23BBmDTE7KIIWEvIYQ/s400/May%252C+June+036.JPG" /></a><br />Our family tradition is to have a big last day of school dinner. Each year Steve and I pick out a country or region and base our dinner around it -- food, decorations, etc. We have had a Hawaiian Luau, Mexican Fiesta, Chinese, etc. We plan it all out and then surprise the kids. They know that we have a dinner every year, but we wait until dinner time to tell them what kind of party we're having. ( For a few years one of us would get them out of the house, then bring them home to the decorations up and the food out. This year, we just sent them upstairs.) Well, this year we chose to have our own mini Mardi Gras. We made chicken gumbo, macaroni and cheese bake, and beignets. Yum! After dinner, we kicked back, stuffed ourselves with the beignets and vanilla cream sauce, and watched a movie.<br /><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-s9Na56070NLynp6JEw7voEqkaUfgcDWwXCU7PttBdT6l7o3oLGqHJrmjh5sm-BLvXqYFY-1FV26zIGiw_rybyY8RRqrbdN1dHVSmnrpkrPFyCyVH_2HVas8vDqCNsUZ1-V-85pPUXA/s1600/May%252C+June+048.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623127355526875842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-s9Na56070NLynp6JEw7voEqkaUfgcDWwXCU7PttBdT6l7o3oLGqHJrmjh5sm-BLvXqYFY-1FV26zIGiw_rybyY8RRqrbdN1dHVSmnrpkrPFyCyVH_2HVas8vDqCNsUZ1-V-85pPUXA/s400/May%252C+June+048.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Hooray for summer! </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcVF4Ni8IT-J_LkRpvZH3CGIZJZK5D_OPUGQ2xp0rEUtqrBay6B-G95nyX4oKO3tBrymJv3dvdbwi7BKtCZ6SEOP9nJrrpIne0bUtRbb1fBgQbmQDtwCeP1bgueonIlLzcuVkuYHGBRg/s1600/May%252C+June+053.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623127138594483074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcVF4Ni8IT-J_LkRpvZH3CGIZJZK5D_OPUGQ2xp0rEUtqrBay6B-G95nyX4oKO3tBrymJv3dvdbwi7BKtCZ6SEOP9nJrrpIne0bUtRbb1fBgQbmQDtwCeP1bgueonIlLzcuVkuYHGBRg/s400/May%252C+June+053.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div></div></div>Foster Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02364528712684164309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4182005214454797664.post-38304360803735129362011-06-24T22:17:00.012-06:002011-06-26T18:27:58.722-06:00Haircut<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRvxDmyLvHZzmCQpv4Uy18GX35_ggWenJvntWW-dZ7M2ulik1rsAHOoCpnCeXGDYLDqAW2dBXosLkiftM-LazBaaSFWTFgT7JF3C_rboab4V60Z4BMKZAYcoHCjeANq9nh7mDb1UiJbA/s1600/Rachel.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 286px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622010783174511890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRvxDmyLvHZzmCQpv4Uy18GX35_ggWenJvntWW-dZ7M2ulik1rsAHOoCpnCeXGDYLDqAW2dBXosLkiftM-LazBaaSFWTFgT7JF3C_rboab4V60Z4BMKZAYcoHCjeANq9nh7mDb1UiJbA/s400/Rachel.jpg" /></a><br />Above is Rachel's preschool picture that was taken a bit before the end of the year. Yep, that's my baby. Well, over a year and a half ago my baby decided that she wanted to get her hair cut short. At that time her hair was still very curly and I couldn't bear to cut off the long ringlets. I pretty much told her that I really, really, really wanted her to wait until the curls were gone (or almost gone) before making the chop. (Both my sister and I had curly hair until 4 or 5 and I could tell Rachel's curls were relaxing so I assumed her hair would do the same as ours did.) She agreed to wait and enjoy her "princess hair." She has revisited the hair cut issue many times and we continued to put it on hold. Well, back in May we took Steve and Matt for haircuts. I don't really recall why we all went, but we did. While we waited for the boys' cuts, Rachel decided that she really was ready for the big cut. Steve was immediately on board. He asked me if I was ready. I figured I'd never really be ready, so why not go for the gold.<br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6FfxB-wFDJvR0Zl_kCpu6oNVa5ub4DCuR4fxzaJ8o54dbD9Jgx17MaGPIJWBjlMi2npV4jNRonO2_EZMad8iE827Jm1oxk3ga26klvhra7Y6eLbtJxq-p4bbN6JqMBgwFvO_jY4Ekw/s1600/May+132.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622010175456042754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6FfxB-wFDJvR0Zl_kCpu6oNVa5ub4DCuR4fxzaJ8o54dbD9Jgx17MaGPIJWBjlMi2npV4jNRonO2_EZMad8iE827Jm1oxk3ga26klvhra7Y6eLbtJxq-p4bbN6JqMBgwFvO_jY4Ekw/s400/May+132.JPG" /></a>Here's the obligatory back view of that long hair. We really hadn't planned the haircut or I would have done a little more to it -- it was looking a little on the stringy side. When it was wet, it about reached her waist. Our cute friend who did the haircut put it in a pony tail and made the first big cut. Rach didn't even flinch. I did alright, too. :)<br /><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQn3BRFhOGd79GpZmanB4xcwYcvmCoDjT6Quc23jkq87138ESeZcTh5zMeeCD5amat6RCvInXrIXPB2CXX5Dse7d0TfeGUskl2PPzAvQzNonsLUju3Sm7XYDfcqWtpiEYan4IrJBE5Dw/s1600/May+138.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622009959937662018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQn3BRFhOGd79GpZmanB4xcwYcvmCoDjT6Quc23jkq87138ESeZcTh5zMeeCD5amat6RCvInXrIXPB2CXX5Dse7d0TfeGUskl2PPzAvQzNonsLUju3Sm7XYDfcqWtpiEYan4IrJBE5Dw/s400/May+138.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Rachel was as happy as a clam! I wondered if she'd have a moment of shock or even remorse -- nope! Not even close. Look at that smile.<br /><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXWVV48SlJI0ePSTHuu0408nESjn04iMsQ_pWp3EgnB4sHgyAE8gwDevgR-yvo9wrIlB7QYEaZcFwdaGSgLdMmHEa2kOPXTpQJKTdDTOc39KM5jcq4QD2vf3fm8mpkNqZSQ3LFWQsogA/s1600/May+147.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622009792850338546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXWVV48SlJI0ePSTHuu0408nESjn04iMsQ_pWp3EgnB4sHgyAE8gwDevgR-yvo9wrIlB7QYEaZcFwdaGSgLdMmHEa2kOPXTpQJKTdDTOc39KM5jcq4QD2vf3fm8mpkNqZSQ3LFWQsogA/s400/May+147.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEzcgi0Kw0svNiEdn8UfRjxlQzVDF3hRZig72_VKbyp2yCL8ifFdkDfxmWkKLo2xalfe2b9cZWgkEsv0hnGPu2WI9_jE6GeG-1QIg87BQyanLLQarlzV1ao_j9arGDJ1aGixXd5W2y1Q/s1600/May+154.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622009628604453058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEzcgi0Kw0svNiEdn8UfRjxlQzVDF3hRZig72_VKbyp2yCL8ifFdkDfxmWkKLo2xalfe2b9cZWgkEsv0hnGPu2WI9_jE6GeG-1QIg87BQyanLLQarlzV1ao_j9arGDJ1aGixXd5W2y1Q/s400/May+154.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div>Rachel LOVES her short hair. It is so much easier to brush (which is the best part according to her), it's cooler, and it's so stinking cute. It took me a minute to get used to it, because I think she looks so much older now, but I love it, too. Darling haircut for my darling girl. </div></div></div></div></div>Foster Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02364528712684164309noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4182005214454797664.post-74325001230645511092011-05-27T21:18:00.017-06:002011-05-28T22:11:43.479-06:00Memorial Day<span style="font-family:georgia;">I love the musical Les Miserables. I have seen it three times and would love to see it another three. Every aspect of the show is moving and inspiring. The question is who do you relate to? Are you Val Jean, running from your past or are you Javert, trying to live the letter of the law and having lost all human compassion. Who is right and who is wrong? Les Miserables brings me a lot of comfort and healing. I can, in some way, relate to every character.</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">I have been doing some reflecting as of late. Maybe it is because we are about to celebrate Memorial Day. I have lost a lot of friends, family, associates, etc.. due to health, self inflicted, accident, age or war. I often wonder what life would be like if I was in the car that night with my friend or why didn't God give me the cancer instead. I feel guilty, at times, for they are gone, but yet I live. I appreciate what I have and I make for damn sure that I work hard so nothing is in vain. So again, as we approach this time of remembering our losses and the emotions that it brings, I am again reminded of Les Miserables. There is a small scene where Marius is in the room where all his friends laughed, played, planned the revolution. After the attacks at the barricade he is deeply troubled; troubled due to the fact that he lost all his friends. He takes one moment and reflects on their lives. He, in essence, has his Memorial Day. You see, he feels guilty that he lives, and yet his friends are gone. He questions their sacrifice, all the while questioning himself. He sings "Empty chairs at empty tables" and I think this is the best song ever written for someone who is suffering from survivors guilt or someone who is still morning a loss. The words are comforting, healing, and honest. Marius comes to terms with his loss, copes and moves forward. I am grateful for that small, but powerful scene demonstrated so beautifully the emotions we go through with a loss.</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">I would ask anyone who reads this post, to take a moment, reflect on your loss, honor the dead and listen to this song which I have provided and have your own private Memorial Day.</span>Foster Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02364528712684164309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4182005214454797664.post-55150458149144344922011-05-15T19:03:00.016-06:002011-05-16T08:55:20.877-06:00Some StuffLast night I sat down to catch up a little. I did a big ol' post -- then lost the whole thing! Darn Blogger! I was ornery. So, It's a new day and I'm feeling a little less snarky, so I'm going to attempt to summon the muses and try again.<br /><br />Matthew turned 12 in January. He definitely was ready to "graduate" from Primary and enter the Young Men's program at church. It wasn't until the end of February that we were able to figure out family schedules and have his ordination, but it was a very cool day and he was surrounded by lots of supportive family. Of course, I have only a couple of pictures of the lunch we had afterwards, but it was a lot of fun and it meant a lot to us to have all of our Utah family make the trek north to support our boy.<br /><br />The picture below is from the Matt's first Sunday as a Deacon and able to pass the sacrament in Church. I only teared up a little. :) We sure are proud of Matthew and the choices he's making. What a good kid.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAvNv7VQ8yCPB4jhPQgXCAGhhZVUqYz9SV8OarKsqgro5CtTLUg2HwrxDjHNwEbQnYV8P0YyhsPdFwTuWnS6LU6NgTGZ1ZO0knBxfmebL38BkPGFogXSxaj0VgUGFFC89_hbfPifHVaA/s1600/FebMarApr+104.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607116373077870466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAvNv7VQ8yCPB4jhPQgXCAGhhZVUqYz9SV8OarKsqgro5CtTLUg2HwrxDjHNwEbQnYV8P0YyhsPdFwTuWnS6LU6NgTGZ1ZO0knBxfmebL38BkPGFogXSxaj0VgUGFFC89_hbfPifHVaA/s400/FebMarApr+104.JPG" /></a><br />One evening after Steve got off work, we all went bowling. The girls were especially fond of the footwear. It was a blast and we definitely learned something about ourselves: we totally stink at bowling. It was a great ab workout, though, for all the laughing we did!<br /><br /><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkgw8V9Ww9P25yEMJvWhQ-9h9RQd4wEgxDv0ZDsBCBlKQPrRWE-TrXv79kzUQjmdUJ1_1xcUKoxTO1bbbs9HcQkb5rqykm-ASZFuHImedYSKBfatpQZRXvGfeXzo1-U4ZAJUHWD45AMA/s1600/FebMarApr+111.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607116116611567730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkgw8V9Ww9P25yEMJvWhQ-9h9RQd4wEgxDv0ZDsBCBlKQPrRWE-TrXv79kzUQjmdUJ1_1xcUKoxTO1bbbs9HcQkb5rqykm-ASZFuHImedYSKBfatpQZRXvGfeXzo1-U4ZAJUHWD45AMA/s400/FebMarApr+111.JPG" /></a><br />Little-known fact: Steve took a bowling class in college. It was for PE credit.</div><br /><div>Another little-known fact: Steve very nearly failed a bowling class in college.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The grade for the class was hugely based on attendance. That was one problem. Steve was carrying a very heavy class load that semester and frankly, bowling did not merit the first spot on his list of priorities. The other problem was that the instructor was a former bowling pro who took himself (and his mullet) a little too seriously. One of Steve's friends signed up for the class with him and bailed after the second class because the guy was such a cocky son of a gun. Go figure. Steve found it so much easier and so much more pleasant to just go bowling on his own time (on his own tab), save the receipt, and turn it in as proof that he went -- thus constituting a "make up" class. So, we spent a small fortune and he did, indeed, end up passing the bowling class. It's pretty funny, though, to hear about his days as the student of a professional bowler. You ought to ask him about it sometime -- and about "shaking hands with the headpin."<br /></div><br /><div>So Steve started his first turn telling Matt that he took a bowling class in college. (Maybe an attempt at intimidation?) He followed that up with a little smack talk about how he was going to kick everyone else's cans. He then proceeded to roll his first ball, got it stuck on his fingers, stepped too far onto the lane, and slipped - falling flat on his hind end! He jumped up so fast and immediately did the scan to see if anyone noticed. Thankfully, the bowling alley was pretty empty, so he had a little laugh at himself. I exhibited some AMAZING self-control, made sure he was okay, and only chuckled a little. I have to admit, though, that we got home that night and I replayed the whole thing in my mind and laughed until I cried. Then I called my sister and told her. Laughed til I was felt sick. (I'm actually giggling a little as I write this. Such a supportive wife.) So Dang Funny!<br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy-7cZMSQC-0qT-clWV2YFI1A15rNMsjJustT6d-w4RYWFNdM75_9geIGAUFolt5E6rZ5mcI6HRTMmX5LsKFIxcEKgg2PoG70BH80H2BmL7kKFEbKOHV7gRYfLf8bHOQUPlmq-3tqngg/s1600/FebMarApr+138.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607115888828377922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy-7cZMSQC-0qT-clWV2YFI1A15rNMsjJustT6d-w4RYWFNdM75_9geIGAUFolt5E6rZ5mcI6HRTMmX5LsKFIxcEKgg2PoG70BH80H2BmL7kKFEbKOHV7gRYfLf8bHOQUPlmq-3tqngg/s400/FebMarApr+138.JPG" /></a><br /><br />The weekend before St Patrick's Day, we made a quick jaunt to Salt Lake to the annual St Patty's parade. I love that everyone claims to be Irish on St Patrick's day! I mean, we really do have Irish roots on both sides of our family and I realize that tons of people do, but even the Lopez family is Irish on St Patrick's day. Awesome! So, if we are all bleeding Irish blood, then we're all brothers. The parade was just one big family party!<br /><br />For the record, the kids were proudly wearing their green, but it was hidden by their jackets. :)<br /><br /><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61G4QfymLeb0MU-Qsw-7RotZXq9MK5huMP_TFWHJTTbYC533tw7nvrdB-LDH56KbP_MinOw5ufzz1HPq4H9FaNVxOSiQ7Hi5bWe2VathtD-dqAM1RqAS_TEgv2X8HgLZ0Z5bcOuJcDA/s1600/FebMarApr+139.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607115650061562082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61G4QfymLeb0MU-Qsw-7RotZXq9MK5huMP_TFWHJTTbYC533tw7nvrdB-LDH56KbP_MinOw5ufzz1HPq4H9FaNVxOSiQ7Hi5bWe2VathtD-dqAM1RqAS_TEgv2X8HgLZ0Z5bcOuJcDA/s400/FebMarApr+139.JPG" /></a><br />On St Patrick's Day the kids woke up to find Leprechuan confetti and (chocolate) gold everywhere. That tricky guy even colored our milk and toilet water green.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4EXZeQOhl6dHU4-YjVrnwGdl-qbqOCB1WG2C6llxk4fCf4Pb89A5BBm2Hk1e9XLEAgLq8sz7bxCH7927OcKsrfRxix84ex38pFoRneS-w-hstRyiOj-NSIkP6PxvynlLSF4e3DcNOQ/s1600/FebMarApr+166.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607115371436606770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4EXZeQOhl6dHU4-YjVrnwGdl-qbqOCB1WG2C6llxk4fCf4Pb89A5BBm2Hk1e9XLEAgLq8sz7bxCH7927OcKsrfRxix84ex38pFoRneS-w-hstRyiOj-NSIkP6PxvynlLSF4e3DcNOQ/s400/FebMarApr+166.JPG" /></a><br />Rachel had a fun St Patty's party at preschool. Here she is complete with shamrock headband and green lips from a big green sucker.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg81nK3a4KHe2MZiezZNNKV-oSVdd1OUfWfcb4iD_NEOyo0594UnlPYUys937bxPHpC7KqMqA02x1HR5P8lz0V-z3JurtW9rG4N4wg48Cjpvm5pvLNEjyuVAX95egtVwpHxtUa5mBzjOA/s1600/FebMarApr+170.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607115166563890562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg81nK3a4KHe2MZiezZNNKV-oSVdd1OUfWfcb4iD_NEOyo0594UnlPYUys937bxPHpC7KqMqA02x1HR5P8lz0V-z3JurtW9rG4N4wg48Cjpvm5pvLNEjyuVAX95egtVwpHxtUa5mBzjOA/s400/FebMarApr+170.JPG" /></a><br />Also in March, we were able to attend Matthew's first piano recital. He's taken piano lessons for several years now, but it was his first recital experience. He was a bit nervous, but did a great job.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmH09bA9D1eTwyD-GBhDKjFEosE5BAFVfi5gVIvDbfjBNnmiYhQ_3eLjoA-y5YWsQiS6XEZFtF2TlEFFclMOQweyi-a6THRAg1Xl3A3zxjLZsvIybdt_I_twRJGfODGpYzsN6cwajmAA/s1600/FebMarApr+177.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607114951795141346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmH09bA9D1eTwyD-GBhDKjFEosE5BAFVfi5gVIvDbfjBNnmiYhQ_3eLjoA-y5YWsQiS6XEZFtF2TlEFFclMOQweyi-a6THRAg1Xl3A3zxjLZsvIybdt_I_twRJGfODGpYzsN6cwajmAA/s400/FebMarApr+177.JPG" /></a> </div><br /><div>He played beautifully and made his Mama proud. :)<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzspCrw46lxYB2HWLDWLAKIC9oiMC5YvhJjQVIKII_ZyNxTr5H2r3iqfGWIL9_FPgYEGujBuzyd1FbRuhq86h9YKK9MLFMSK061ZCaLiJwNxQCw_WmtMTNgF6KmBQwMDQDnS4Kinmy2A/s1600/FebMarApr+184.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607114675842921394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzspCrw46lxYB2HWLDWLAKIC9oiMC5YvhJjQVIKII_ZyNxTr5H2r3iqfGWIL9_FPgYEGujBuzyd1FbRuhq86h9YKK9MLFMSK061ZCaLiJwNxQCw_WmtMTNgF6KmBQwMDQDnS4Kinmy2A/s400/FebMarApr+184.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhou6JOjZBOWohjNyuf1VMHtjtr6OKbyugWr11lMmDznFvgDYlU1MvPR_SsEdPTbwnx2kwjPJbFOPzZSnpWxhORlGB5XmC5yGHE_pCkiGV-rcKeQc-XPvmNiqN3BIoMvsaWx0vU7y9GQ/s1600/FebMarApr+183.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607114447160489698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhou6JOjZBOWohjNyuf1VMHtjtr6OKbyugWr11lMmDznFvgDYlU1MvPR_SsEdPTbwnx2kwjPJbFOPzZSnpWxhORlGB5XmC5yGHE_pCkiGV-rcKeQc-XPvmNiqN3BIoMvsaWx0vU7y9GQ/s400/FebMarApr+183.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Foster Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02364528712684164309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4182005214454797664.post-7037976800505701692011-05-15T18:41:00.013-06:002011-05-16T09:45:24.545-06:00Happy Birthday!Last month my baby turned 3. I really, truly don't know how that happened. I know I share too much about how time is my mortal enemy and zipping away from me way too fast, but my baby is 3, Folks! :) <br />We had a lot of fun celebrating the big 3. Because Bailey's birthday was on Sunday this year, we decided to take her out for her b-day dinner the night before. She chose Golden Corral of the big celebration as her favorite foods are "meat, cheese, and jell0." To her absolute delight, she discovered that the Corral has a cotton candy machine. What?? Anyway, when you're the birthday girl, you get to choose whatever dessert you want, so Bailey chose the cotton candy. (She has a totally phoney smile on her face, but I had to share a shot of the prized treat.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuIRrtAaEUci7pLT3nWiPI9mzQENUropmqCR8vEietzG2ULvXPo3ztAtrwltQs9fO6TJw01X6cBCWJ6IhVU-ZtUgHb0XyDNrZ_1RWuZlIhFbhbDGFtk6-hDrS9vIgl5xWupWSn3v8v3Q/s1600/FebMarApr+194.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607113189550063154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuIRrtAaEUci7pLT3nWiPI9mzQENUropmqCR8vEietzG2ULvXPo3ztAtrwltQs9fO6TJw01X6cBCWJ6IhVU-ZtUgHb0XyDNrZ_1RWuZlIhFbhbDGFtk6-hDrS9vIgl5xWupWSn3v8v3Q/s400/FebMarApr+194.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaWKaqzjAU1dps6bE8B12dkRco0oTwIQqz-qGm6tDO_0gTmA6Vp_xBemG182gtnMMBVdQM9o2XavLBwNTq7N0rOkMY23n2bsRoA1WlWcmrviok5O5EfcfyTd46SBakyqzS0lJLfldP9w/s1600/FebMarApr+194.JPG"></a>I decorated after Bailey went to bed so that when she woke up, she'd be surprised with streamers and balloons. I found this cute little banner at the trusty dollar store and hung it up. It had seriously been up on the wall for at least 20 minutes and I noticed nothing wrong. Matt walked into the room, took one look, and started laughing. He actually had to point out to me that Birthday was spelled wrong. 2 A's. oops. Not so trusty, Dollar Store.<br /><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqrQsIViY_xWRcQdIh3KwqsnTOnc66oOccPVWjshPF2ch9COmkIqXnxAFwlKmjui0NPQZ_Wj9WdJkVmhQOZa2dKrqnDzhp2RJ1Hfx6BgFnk9ZwUtB7rrMJT79Q6KGmbX0l-7XPV-kDhg/s1600/FebMarApr+197.JPG"></a><br /><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxGNfFJj-c-1lhbgjazkBYyPb7ifcLtoH1EAv_FopSuEsZ0qdsEPUJ8pgwPyHLmuKsticPppevBBijAusaSpzRNADutQqr_PR3zkIzFn0nCggmHNJcJ5T2qqkhAeEDY9KKnGpdlG6Dng/s1600/FebMarApr+209.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607110874572736338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxGNfFJj-c-1lhbgjazkBYyPb7ifcLtoH1EAv_FopSuEsZ0qdsEPUJ8pgwPyHLmuKsticPppevBBijAusaSpzRNADutQqr_PR3zkIzFn0nCggmHNJcJ5T2qqkhAeEDY9KKnGpdlG6Dng/s400/FebMarApr+209.JPG" /></a> </div><br /><div>It really doesn't take a lot to impress a 3 year old, but Bailey had a super fun day. Our family called from all over to wish her a happy day. She acted like each phone call was a wonderful surprise.</div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3IqnKOC3RSlDCIerrrAjoBbc24GabUik6DesmVf6c2ET2ATYZpDlzCkAZTz0WU-x6lHwKPSbKZzBBxLXDugCaPgNI1qOL-HKycxgccttkGVWp7lQ391ah6TNJnA-ZFm9ahBo08uM3sg/s1600/FebMarApr+211.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607110679520605058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3IqnKOC3RSlDCIerrrAjoBbc24GabUik6DesmVf6c2ET2ATYZpDlzCkAZTz0WU-x6lHwKPSbKZzBBxLXDugCaPgNI1qOL-HKycxgccttkGVWp7lQ391ah6TNJnA-ZFm9ahBo08uM3sg/s400/FebMarApr+211.JPG" /></a> </div><br /><div>We gave her our gifts and spent the morning together. </div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC3Q_Fh3zYFDUpvJoz9CN_HtejuwdVxNkmc9PAu3BqiLv1LL0xwmH-6vrNwu78oJ5j5sScl5zzT5dFMe2v9eOkh1aR_LLSn6GrIwL38uAWrqw7iNBVnjOgVq8wnSZxMEqahDKrsB4zLg/s1600/FebMarApr+223.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607110472837310594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC3Q_Fh3zYFDUpvJoz9CN_HtejuwdVxNkmc9PAu3BqiLv1LL0xwmH-6vrNwu78oJ5j5sScl5zzT5dFMe2v9eOkh1aR_LLSn6GrIwL38uAWrqw7iNBVnjOgVq8wnSZxMEqahDKrsB4zLg/s400/FebMarApr+223.JPG" /></a> Later in the day we went to Ogden to celebrate with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Bailey adores our extended famiy and loved her party. My sister and mom made her a little baby doll highchair complete with matching bibs and burpcloths. Bailey was in heaven!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijuyl-7mH3jsdl0UcAoede6UWyc0sp6YAob5MRUvTC9FjQSQ5_krHerO3HWC060cz2Q3pZQxSprct_paGFIHgl8M0iCMhQxLEgT_pkrYzcSPKsIysryqlT035TjgFW2ZOz2CPwJfoRVw/s1600/april+042.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607110160214691810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijuyl-7mH3jsdl0UcAoede6UWyc0sp6YAob5MRUvTC9FjQSQ5_krHerO3HWC060cz2Q3pZQxSprct_paGFIHgl8M0iCMhQxLEgT_pkrYzcSPKsIysryqlT035TjgFW2ZOz2CPwJfoRVw/s400/april+042.JPG" /></a> Months prior to her birthday, Bailey decided that she wanted a Minnie Mouse birthday cake.<br /><br /><div>This little girl is constant. Whenever anyone asked her what she wanted for her b-day, all she would say is, "a meemie mouse cake." When we, at first, planned on spending Bailey's birthday alone here at home, I figured I'd make the cake and even if it looked pathetic, it wouldn't matter. We'd be the only ones to see and Bailey would be happy with anything remotely resembling Minnie. Then we decided to do the family party on her actual b-day. Problem. I can make a cake and convice a 3 year old that it's Minnie Mouse. The whole family would be a tougher crowd. -- In fairness, I really don't think anyone would have made too much fun of me, but I was not too confident in my cake making skills. So, my uber-talented sister swooped in and saved the day by asking if she could make the cake for her BFF Bailey. It was darling! There is a glare on the tinfoil in this picture, but it really did look fantastic! Thanks, Beck!! Bailey was one happy birthday girl!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1rzdTxdxmqLZLVurC3-nbyt6TIjoXvDtM55dzLKlpb-HAf_bx45Y8j8TNxar-ScDalYdRWWmNUr2Zc9Jex8VlKgy2AGTE_doLv-aZjVF7gWeg3U37H5wSXrYnj3SsNIeMPCSIX05apA/s1600/april+007.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607108737045668594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1rzdTxdxmqLZLVurC3-nbyt6TIjoXvDtM55dzLKlpb-HAf_bx45Y8j8TNxar-ScDalYdRWWmNUr2Zc9Jex8VlKgy2AGTE_doLv-aZjVF7gWeg3U37H5wSXrYnj3SsNIeMPCSIX05apA/s400/april+007.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFPERlxoHP6Dk-8PcpwNb2aie5nMz0jjEDuRo5cRxbbUbc9OeS0XvHUYUw3JKacH-3K3G2wy53N7fewuo54EmwZKkeql1vCsgdIFCg_LB9UXSZPBSmRYvhx5SiFkPdWXv46bqkwackuA/s1600/april+052.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607108510747317826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFPERlxoHP6Dk-8PcpwNb2aie5nMz0jjEDuRo5cRxbbUbc9OeS0XvHUYUw3JKacH-3K3G2wy53N7fewuo54EmwZKkeql1vCsgdIFCg_LB9UXSZPBSmRYvhx5SiFkPdWXv46bqkwackuA/s400/april+052.JPG" /></a> What a fun day! It was wonderful to celebrate with people we love. We are so grateful for this little girl! Bailey is a gift and blessing to our little family. She had such a tough first couple of years due to illness and other weird things, but she is such a sweet little gal in spite of it all. Everyone just loves Bailey. She has such an infectious laugh and smile and such a silly, sweet disposition. She definitely has a little kick in her and can have a good, strong will too. She is a snuggler and little helper. We love our little Bailey dearly and are so grateful she's ours!!<br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOhaW1hc319v6NbJqHymLeHyKTQH9zn63AfFfxqxuaP97ZYb45Se5LrReodl-SFGpu8o4QYaXrt7QhgfH3puYpOdwPt5e6bc0ojjY6Df9HHKxrZbKyWnjeynZfJtFsnbSEhkLZgjHCuA/s1600/april+006.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607108228772274402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOhaW1hc319v6NbJqHymLeHyKTQH9zn63AfFfxqxuaP97ZYb45Se5LrReodl-SFGpu8o4QYaXrt7QhgfH3puYpOdwPt5e6bc0ojjY6Df9HHKxrZbKyWnjeynZfJtFsnbSEhkLZgjHCuA/s400/april+006.JPG" /></a> Happy Birthday, Bailey! We love you!!<br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Foster Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02364528712684164309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4182005214454797664.post-12151722865816896302011-04-17T19:37:00.006-06:002011-04-17T20:33:29.073-06:00For Therapy...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrM7qOCuaI9XkMeh5GPu0I4iiuP1viWRBuHkckswWuKREngj7d1OoWr2kX6nuTw-gH-hkKlnI_YfIPjDt4_O8f0vKuL3xdcb0ecppYw9nXHBF3kWKFvp7wNlwej1lxA0EnO3VGixW14A/s1600/april+056.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596731925178209298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrM7qOCuaI9XkMeh5GPu0I4iiuP1viWRBuHkckswWuKREngj7d1OoWr2kX6nuTw-gH-hkKlnI_YfIPjDt4_O8f0vKuL3xdcb0ecppYw9nXHBF3kWKFvp7wNlwej1lxA0EnO3VGixW14A/s400/april+056.JPG" /></a> This picture is a self-portrait. It's entitled "Sad, Screaming Rachel." I've decided to post it -- just in case something happens to the hard copy before Rachel's adolescence. You know, before she can take it to her therapist to help explain her childhood. Flashback: We've been enjoying a mellow evening. It's nearly time for the bedtime routine to commence. Dad strolls past the girls' bedroom, notices the pink explosion, and calls the girls to clean their room before bed. Little girls not only DON'T come running, but Dad has to call several times -- becoming a little less than nice by the last call. They are finally in the bedroom and Dad mistakenly thinks that the deal is sealed. Dad leaves room. Girls leave room. (Repeat a few times.) With patience wearing thin, Dad explains to the little ladies that having toys is a privilege and if the toys are not taken care of, they will be taken away. Rachel chooses a very poor time to try out a little bit of sass on her papa. Dad disappears downstairs only to reappear with a big black garbage bag. He proceeds to pick up toys and toss them in the bag. All you-know-what breaks loose! I am watching and begin to understand "weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth." Fast forward 15 minutes. Rachel and Bailey are starting to catch their breath. Swollen eyes and hiccups. They've wheeled and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">dealed</span> with their daddy. He's agreed not to throw the toys away but put them in an undisclosed time-out location until they are earned back. The girls are so exhausted from their complete break-down that they fall asleep before their little heads hit the pillows. The next day Rachel sits down at the dining room table with paper and markers. She creates this masterpiece.Foster Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02364528712684164309noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4182005214454797664.post-30977729541741786442011-04-04T22:14:00.004-06:002011-04-04T22:23:54.499-06:00Kindergarten-- almost!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjywj1h-8K-s56GKXmHQ1obfo9zX1jUZJX1GO3DF0kJR4oUCi09XmD4hghTmIypq-JlQZ6krk0XwL-WgctSEODand27cJy0mrB2qSoPoXnGwuShQ-24iWnsct2WscIQFqiNJjg_RuQJ_A/s1600/FebMarApr+110.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591948388914535970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjywj1h-8K-s56GKXmHQ1obfo9zX1jUZJX1GO3DF0kJR4oUCi09XmD4hghTmIypq-JlQZ6krk0XwL-WgctSEODand27cJy0mrB2qSoPoXnGwuShQ-24iWnsct2WscIQFqiNJjg_RuQJ_A/s400/FebMarApr+110.JPG" /></a> Last month we registered Rachel for Kindergarten. I can say that all nice-and-calm like right now. Wait until August, though and I'll probably be singing a different tune. I cannot even begin to fathom how my baby got old enough to go to school. It happened with Matt and I vowed that I wouldn't let it happen again. :) She is SO excited! She is also so ready. When we went in for the registration and screening she went right with the teacher who was doing the testing and she did an awesome job! We were so proud of her. She can't wait until school starts! I know she'll love it! <br /><div></div>Foster Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02364528712684164309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4182005214454797664.post-38147439799786133782011-03-14T20:14:00.004-06:002011-03-16T14:54:36.758-06:00Drat!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijYgYjdjBXDkiRRYhW0B9DyqYZwSA_5nqCuYi4IO-STcEuLtQJuN3dlC2ZJMjkzND709JZGFneYTgO7jUMKSY0tFaRa7veKs2hjp3kHRbPzBDOKQKcGLtlMtlwnbCTw8zqGhcKOtP0kg/s1600/palmolive.jpg"></a><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNi_HEN2M0Qw31gAVbEYWkMFr8owSPsFwHY_KpEv1pXrXpKJoLRFrtzhnhEtpOditKaQClGJ0TpZj89jUl0TWvH7_0QHgnFCyyQHJ4PWi9z0hEEt1O9TgBp4hZWMmE_YST2m60DfBYWQ/s1600/dishes.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 197px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 132px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584124646699522098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNi_HEN2M0Qw31gAVbEYWkMFr8owSPsFwHY_KpEv1pXrXpKJoLRFrtzhnhEtpOditKaQClGJ0TpZj89jUl0TWvH7_0QHgnFCyyQHJ4PWi9z0hEEt1O9TgBp4hZWMmE_YST2m60DfBYWQ/s400/dishes.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>One night I was reading in bed. My bed-mate was already snoozy snoring so I was using my handy dollar store clip-on reading light. It's the kind of light that is just barely light enough to see; sort of. So I hit the end of my book and glanced at the picture of the author on inside of the back cover. I took a double take. Then a triple. My nose was practically pressed against the book trying to see in my dim dollar light. By George, I'd just finished reading my second book by this same author only to realize I knew her! I went to junior high school with her, but had obviously lost track of her and didn't know her married name. The next day I headed to the library and got more books by her. I had enjoyed the two books I'd already read and she was such a nice girl in junior high.</div><br /><div>So, I enjoyed some of her books more than others, but overall, liked my old chum's writing. There was one book that has stuck with me and caused a great deal of thought, though. It's not so much the story line or anything, but a quirky habit of the main character. This woman (whose name I can't even recall) experienced life, tragedy, miracles, success, you name it. This is the clincher - you ready? When the life, tragedy, and stress hit, she had a peculiar way of handling it. Really ready? She washed dishes!! Seriously folks, she filled the sink with hot, soapy water and washed the spaghetti sauce off stoneware. She'd stick her arms elbows-deep into the comforting suds and think. She'd think, pray, cry, laugh -- a regular catharsis. Her dishwasher sat brand new and unused as she hand-washed amid epiphany.</div><br /><div>This talented author described the suds and warm water in such a way that I believed her...almost. </div><br /><div>I have thought about this over and over -- mostly when I'm washing dishes. I've come to the conclusion that I must be doing it wrong. I don't enjoy it, for one. Also, I don't feel calmed, comforted, or cathartic. Mostly I just feel like I need to hurry and get it over with 'cause I don't like touching used food. </div><div></div><div>In an effort to make this whole thing work for me, I went to the store and bought some new dish soap. Palmolive. I remember having that kind at my kitchen sink when I was a kid. I quite enjoy the smell and thought that perhaps it would make me all nostalgic and comfort-y. All it really did was make me remember the time I washed cupcake tins with it and didn't get all the soap washed out before I baked in them. Blueberry muffins that tasted like Palmolive. Yuck.</div><div></div><div>I tried so hard. I looked at my list of things I would like to do when I feel upset or stressed. Drink Diet Coke, eat chocolate, read a book and hide from the world... nope, no dish washing. Nothing, in fact, that is at all productive or effective in cleaning my house. Drat.</div><div>I was feeling kind of bad about myself, but then started wondering if this lady and her dishwashing-therapy was even for real. Perhaps nobody does that and it was just for the story. You know, like literary license. I thought about emailing the author to voice my concern, but decided not to. After all, I <strong>did</strong> like her books and she <strong>was</strong> such a nice girl in junior high.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div></div>Foster Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02364528712684164309noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4182005214454797664.post-34408623854590327052011-02-25T22:10:00.030-07:002011-02-26T20:58:48.570-07:00WinterDid you see that? This post is "winter." We made it to at least the appropriate season. Never mind the fact that in Utah winter lasts like a year and it's given me plenty of time to catch up.<br />Here's another long 'un. Beware: more pictures, more babbling... :)<br /><br /><br />For Halloween my sister and her family came for the day. It was a blast. We made mummy dogs and Jack Skellington cupcakes for dinner then went to our ward Halloween party and then out for some trick or treating.<br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnEr5cSIJ_YQjt8HPpwjc-1IqV8sjKnEwIUKh8yEOcqdJWC_Zqy3-Ico2DzNFrNRr6-j1bYvpvdJSwxO9hmbrE06TiYrFqOfJStGr1Tw9dtj0PtwLEheVxjDMmdgUkDKwyQEnYcf31RA/s1600/Winter+10-11+018.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577877377430638242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnEr5cSIJ_YQjt8HPpwjc-1IqV8sjKnEwIUKh8yEOcqdJWC_Zqy3-Ico2DzNFrNRr6-j1bYvpvdJSwxO9hmbrE06TiYrFqOfJStGr1Tw9dtj0PtwLEheVxjDMmdgUkDKwyQEnYcf31RA/s400/Winter+10-11+018.JPG" /></a><br />Matt had decided that he didn't want to dress up for Haloween this year. I know, sad. He figured he's in middle school now and all, so he didn't want to do it. At the last minute he decided to wear something simple and subtle. We threw this costume together and in the end I think he was happy he dressed up -- even a little.<br />Rachel changed her mind about 37 times in the months before the big day. She had finally settled on Rapunzel or some kind of princess. I found the blue dress and thought we could make it into a Rapunzel dress quite easily. Rachey tried it on and exclaimed, "It's perfect! I'm the queen of the world!" Yep, so Rachel went as the queen of the world. Aim high, Little Girl!<br />We explained to Bailey about Halloween and dressing up a few months before and listed off some possible costume ideas; one of which was Minnie Mouse. She immediately decided to be Minnie and never wavered.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM5Kg1nY1dFFNeX1aCIlis2knJhjJ3-2lgmIp2SyB6Vnc-xIBjWeaHwIAYciIZzW8ZW9xqJIjURajwFl-wArzZ85ZXI-Hp7Yg39iHIAsILGg_e2IUgrkxaiBZfcFmflIXyN35cvPJOJw/s1600/Winter+10-11+024.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577877171286568642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM5Kg1nY1dFFNeX1aCIlis2knJhjJ3-2lgmIp2SyB6Vnc-xIBjWeaHwIAYciIZzW8ZW9xqJIjURajwFl-wArzZ85ZXI-Hp7Yg39iHIAsILGg_e2IUgrkxaiBZfcFmflIXyN35cvPJOJw/s400/Winter+10-11+024.JPG" /></a><br /><br />The kids and their cousins ready to head out.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgskscymTWV7EGmB-_1jSFpTkGKxDDBarnuQoknfLO17Hwwuiu6aNFH0Z065010LcyndwM8pYZU9dycd30G0JZwt1Sz4BubXw5E8cfAw9A_Y3a4XDVOXiqt7icy_q99fCcIOa5KHKE0cw/s1600/Winter+10-11+028.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577876966071585778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgskscymTWV7EGmB-_1jSFpTkGKxDDBarnuQoknfLO17Hwwuiu6aNFH0Z065010LcyndwM8pYZU9dycd30G0JZwt1Sz4BubXw5E8cfAw9A_Y3a4XDVOXiqt7icy_q99fCcIOa5KHKE0cw/s400/Winter+10-11+028.JPG" /></a><br /><br />We had a fantastic Thanksgiving with my family in Ogden. I'm not really sure what happened that I hardly got any pictures of that day, but I guess I'll just blame it on food hangover. Dinner was wonderful and the kids all went out to play in the snow afterward. So fun.<br /><br />Rachel and I kicked off the Christmas celebrations by attending Cache Valley Civic Ballet's Nutcracker. Steve, Matt, and Bailey hung out together so Rach and I could go.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt2E3hxjgFFL0H_Y-RdTKrhB6sfII2Kk5FOwhTZ0EpA7NG3TFQ3_iiuJc_dRgUVRFiV5jAIp2YflH-quNH-UgztpLcDtjp2OeZQLoOH1o2OlQRmr-pGn4tIcWXECCWksqVaKZb02NlJQ/s1600/Winter+10-11+099.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577876353827300898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt2E3hxjgFFL0H_Y-RdTKrhB6sfII2Kk5FOwhTZ0EpA7NG3TFQ3_iiuJc_dRgUVRFiV5jAIp2YflH-quNH-UgztpLcDtjp2OeZQLoOH1o2OlQRmr-pGn4tIcWXECCWksqVaKZb02NlJQ/s400/Winter+10-11+099.JPG" /></a><br /><br />We attended the Sugar Plum Fairy Tea before where she got to get a pic with the Sugar Plum Fairy and meet a lot of the dancers in the show. She was in heaven! We then went to the Blue Bird Cafe for lunch and sat at the old fashioned soda bar to eat. Then, it was off to the show and she loved it! She did get a little weary near the end, but seemed to really enjoy it.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqeARF0D1tueReptx7lrTayWMBtwK-QHsZTAWanl_0_Kwlv424Ym7soMdFlZgss2-92wHB-fJxJWcQzVaV482jN0I9TsDiaudLoC2DqLh14f35_jdWwnAQtSChBofHZ6aSZb4QvHjUGw/s1600/Nutcracker.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 286px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577875855938967682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqeARF0D1tueReptx7lrTayWMBtwK-QHsZTAWanl_0_Kwlv424Ym7soMdFlZgss2-92wHB-fJxJWcQzVaV482jN0I9TsDiaudLoC2DqLh14f35_jdWwnAQtSChBofHZ6aSZb4QvHjUGw/s400/Nutcracker.jpg" /></a><br /><br />The girls took their task of writing letters to Santa very seriously this year. We heard that the Old Jolly Man himself would be at Macey's one Saturday and they decided it would be the perfect opportunity to hand deliver their masterpieces.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6A4fEtp-tIv8nkBPhwZ7iPpXHkDb220HIYXZDOm174XRLTqWQ8U2cc_W9GGjLTlOzxM2e1N6InMARa6c9A924YS5tkYRxo8ZzCgvo9k96P3snvRtMiBrSj5S38daIiTN3xz2386LULg/s1600/Winter+10-11+116.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577875170091467586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6A4fEtp-tIv8nkBPhwZ7iPpXHkDb220HIYXZDOm174XRLTqWQ8U2cc_W9GGjLTlOzxM2e1N6InMARa6c9A924YS5tkYRxo8ZzCgvo9k96P3snvRtMiBrSj5S38daIiTN3xz2386LULg/s400/Winter+10-11+116.JPG" /></a><br /><br />They were so excited to see Santa and give him their letters. We got there and Bailey made it completely clear that she would happily look at him from a distance...<br />See those poor little teary, red eyes? I guess Matt got too close. She was trying so hard to smile, Little Sweetie.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLw3n_9tbbYermh4BwaH2V6hGTJFnyY5FGCaBEGdEYwnzvhCiK7oMVHgv2iP5-b2dOoPLynXt-1m_JGtV2hSGMXXicnLZMb3FKOMxbuypGpgf2LpAQqCsFtFChSfIZhrJLfp0V4tJ_Xg/s1600/Winter+10-11+129.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577874953761137762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLw3n_9tbbYermh4BwaH2V6hGTJFnyY5FGCaBEGdEYwnzvhCiK7oMVHgv2iP5-b2dOoPLynXt-1m_JGtV2hSGMXXicnLZMb3FKOMxbuypGpgf2LpAQqCsFtFChSfIZhrJLfp0V4tJ_Xg/s400/Winter+10-11+129.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Rachel graciously offered to hand both letters to Santa. Okay, so take a look at that cute little Santa. I swear he was probably 21 years old at most, and weighed 100 pounds soaking wet. He was so awkward and didn't quite know what to do. Sweet kid. Rachel confided to me on the way out that he was "super nice," but she was pretty certain that he was one of Santa's helpers and not the "real guy."<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxg2JvpDghsvKFkdYs1f3tdDzwe4x_AuJkIttCug1b8X4UtLSEl0wUyDM83Udtc833aqBH45Y7N2cHJd1tikzOdulfuBUmdWrC0JmgpmUtxSuGsQQLv0w0svpFrDUcjYSYiGJZlzV_bg/s1600/Winter+10-11+136.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577874748699872034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxg2JvpDghsvKFkdYs1f3tdDzwe4x_AuJkIttCug1b8X4UtLSEl0wUyDM83Udtc833aqBH45Y7N2cHJd1tikzOdulfuBUmdWrC0JmgpmUtxSuGsQQLv0w0svpFrDUcjYSYiGJZlzV_bg/s400/Winter+10-11+136.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Another fun way we got into the Christmas spirit was attending Matt's band concert at the middle school. Rachel wore this lovely pink tiara -- because you should wear a tiara to a band concert.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQ8y8Qjj_ouKl9BUlQiZFz27lVNSCRcamz0TlSZi65qHpUamBnxb_jwxrfhx9aP7dCFUA_LCGPjS7Anny-TTWw_B_XJjLHzBK85IvkNEDtM3SU3Tb1cQPQxl34CqY6AVJtu9gRlpLgQ/s1600/Winter+10-11+162.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577874510122191186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQ8y8Qjj_ouKl9BUlQiZFz27lVNSCRcamz0TlSZi65qHpUamBnxb_jwxrfhx9aP7dCFUA_LCGPjS7Anny-TTWw_B_XJjLHzBK85IvkNEDtM3SU3Tb1cQPQxl34CqY6AVJtu9gRlpLgQ/s400/Winter+10-11+162.JPG" /></a><br /><br />The kids did a great job. Sure, it was the typical Christmas band concert and there were some kind of painful parts, but overall I was impressed. Considering that a large majority of those kids hadn't even picked up an instrument until 4 months before, I'd say they did a super job.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAr7OLYbkghduLy7zWhqsq9VicGHFOBtOI_am69OzbKHIe2kSRrLBpVdhs_ZDGDBrb0lA_-ANp3lwBFidx6OaqiJiH6ytKHa1cW65jMq-Nz3htB8MVcrbl6Z_vdHCCDpuTZ5xVfKsYJA/s1600/Winter+10-11+165.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577874384434806034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAr7OLYbkghduLy7zWhqsq9VicGHFOBtOI_am69OzbKHIe2kSRrLBpVdhs_ZDGDBrb0lA_-ANp3lwBFidx6OaqiJiH6ytKHa1cW65jMq-Nz3htB8MVcrbl6Z_vdHCCDpuTZ5xVfKsYJA/s400/Winter+10-11+165.JPG" /></a><br /><br />The next picture of Rachel was taken the day of her preschool Christmas party. I had to include it because the kid makes me giggle. I had picked out a cute little outfit for her to wear that day. Apparently she had another plan -- and had had that plan for at least a week. She wanted to wear her Santa dress, thank you very much. She, of course, chose to accessorize that not-so-subtle dress with her sparkly red shoes and a big ol' Santa had that said "Naughty" on one side and "Nice" on the other. (She did make extra sure to wear it with the "Nice" side in front. The child was obsessed with being on the "Nice List" and even prayed for it in her opening prayer in Primary one Sunday.) Okay, so it was a Christmas party and she should be able to gussy up a little for it. The part that killed me was that when she walked into preschool, not another child in the class was wearing even a Christmas shirt. Seriously, folks. There was not a stitch of festive fabric on a one of them. Now an adult would feel so incredibly over-dressed or obvious and out of place. Not our girl. She just strutted her little furry red and white self into the class and probably felt even more pleased with herself. Love that Rachel.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuE6oyH_Ki3oRIncFHxI7eXHnhhw_Q98bam9Pcx0n2LovJdCDeobSHWJ0g2J1uGKSr1QpJAS3lpnpTk6kuuBcy0SCy-aXPPeahH3LCoSY77NwZ_KgtNAL0My63BznDLe0D0PQW-ajHcg/s1600/Winter+10-11+175.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577874138955045106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuE6oyH_Ki3oRIncFHxI7eXHnhhw_Q98bam9Pcx0n2LovJdCDeobSHWJ0g2J1uGKSr1QpJAS3lpnpTk6kuuBcy0SCy-aXPPeahH3LCoSY77NwZ_KgtNAL0My63BznDLe0D0PQW-ajHcg/s400/Winter+10-11+175.JPG" /></a><br /><br />The kids in their Christmas church duds the Sunday before Christmas.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpLdA0M3s5Ka7jqjJ-pRKlLl1hXaECLwmH-BRnhroHIRLExCEMPorwqRUSF0A_jauLMu7fblrP8ksdOuwShFLxlhXMJnUxECT3jlYNldfzkemM12xn_8NNCNvLWNitM7MFlzlmUylssw/s1600/Winter+10-11+180.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577873860883653362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpLdA0M3s5Ka7jqjJ-pRKlLl1hXaECLwmH-BRnhroHIRLExCEMPorwqRUSF0A_jauLMu7fblrP8ksdOuwShFLxlhXMJnUxECT3jlYNldfzkemM12xn_8NNCNvLWNitM7MFlzlmUylssw/s400/Winter+10-11+180.JPG" /></a><br /><br />On Christmas Eve, my sister and her family came for our annual Christmas Eve Mexican Fiesta. So Yum! Steve's family has the tradition to celebrate Christmas Eve with a giant spread of Mexican food. He seriously gets so excited about it that he plans the menu weeks in advance. It was pretty amazing, if I do say so myself.<br />We exchanged little gifts with the cousins, played, and made cookies for Santa. The PJ Elf also made a sneaky visit and the kids got all decked out in their new pj's for a picture.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1iIZUwLsCA823cBFK9LO9O9TOGNtYUhi7KLvPVIa6cAIgV4uFqIFEJMWkYQ_ul4QGeBwyPPpsMQMc1EaPR1VF43J08x8xjRn90iZWZoSPgWv_oNiiFIrFT-zejW9i7zULaaX2GigbNg/s1600/Winter+10-11+221.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577873508172555874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1iIZUwLsCA823cBFK9LO9O9TOGNtYUhi7KLvPVIa6cAIgV4uFqIFEJMWkYQ_ul4QGeBwyPPpsMQMc1EaPR1VF43J08x8xjRn90iZWZoSPgWv_oNiiFIrFT-zejW9i7zULaaX2GigbNg/s400/Winter+10-11+221.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Here we all are in our matching pj's. (I don't remember why Bailey was so distraught.)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuN6Fu178xePeIQYe7M2ZyJHKd44A6EVV_DJk0e_EIknra3Weoac4a8uwtRpvnrwXeuQ5CWP20GUpPf4M3Eychn7uTxrAhtWCC7z3kf6QeN1C6Cz4rkNEuQINKI1rXeKuhKDZfTY5lxw/s1600/Winter+10-11+224.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577873292263531410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuN6Fu178xePeIQYe7M2ZyJHKd44A6EVV_DJk0e_EIknra3Weoac4a8uwtRpvnrwXeuQ5CWP20GUpPf4M3Eychn7uTxrAhtWCC7z3kf6QeN1C6Cz4rkNEuQINKI1rXeKuhKDZfTY5lxw/s400/Winter+10-11+224.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Rachel and Bailey leaving Santa's treat.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWhwlQrL0bj46H4k1ZxJL4mqNp1y5TZB7C3JoxwpH1yeWXQaxV9xLbcNaS9KCTM9nHqQwcCqQcmD6R90shE8OYvzIMbPCUjfmz9Z7iYvLTfYqtCyBJ_LNEI01e-JcmAeknw9OzboDRJw/s1600/Winter+10-11+230.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577871121614982098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWhwlQrL0bj46H4k1ZxJL4mqNp1y5TZB7C3JoxwpH1yeWXQaxV9xLbcNaS9KCTM9nHqQwcCqQcmD6R90shE8OYvzIMbPCUjfmz9Z7iYvLTfYqtCyBJ_LNEI01e-JcmAeknw9OzboDRJw/s400/Winter+10-11+230.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br />The next morning Christmas blew up in our house. It was wonderful, exciting, so fun, and soooo messy! Steve's dad was here from Arizona and the kids loved having their Grandpa here.<br />Bailey's presents mostly consisted of baby dolls and baby doll paraphenelia. She also got a little princess folding table and chairs which ended up being one of her favorite gifts. She was so funny on Christmas morning because she was just old enough to understand Christmas and the excitement. Our Bailey doesn't have the best verbal skills yet and couldn't say "Merry Christmas" so she just kept hugging everyone and saying, "Happy to you!"<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsBXYQZARGzhq7AdNsnlxhRIg5CR00obKUV7pY18nGkTuYa9HR7RbLTX21KvZB5aSH18-3E-aMbKnJSLV27qw7aevIm3uWZpB8jTC6SvGua4ZxolHoj28kdzTyxiNBNTQSj-ZAIwRxyA/s1600/Winter+10-11+262.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577870833502413970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsBXYQZARGzhq7AdNsnlxhRIg5CR00obKUV7pY18nGkTuYa9HR7RbLTX21KvZB5aSH18-3E-aMbKnJSLV27qw7aevIm3uWZpB8jTC6SvGua4ZxolHoj28kdzTyxiNBNTQSj-ZAIwRxyA/s400/Winter+10-11+262.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Matthew asked for mainly electronic things this year. I know, it's normal, but I had a little bit of a hard time with it. One reason was because his "stash" looked so much smaller than the others' because the dollar value was higher. (He, of course, didn't think anything of that and was totally excited and grateful for his gifts.) The other reason I struggled a little was because I just plain had to accept the fact that he's old enough to not want toys anymore. I know, I just need to get over it. I did, however, buy him a big Nerf gun, so he could have just one toy...for my sake. :)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB3QNwMecCPAAy2raJ54Qg28XZrRJ3vtBaN_WaE6Mx6te80bX044WIpmBPBi7bGBhIFi39r-sTaH8b258M2rA2ius2EyR0_iR5altEOY7Z-SDcapdRet3MBRGEUDiqMJawxrviE7Mg4w/s1600/Winter+10-11+281.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577870593483090418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB3QNwMecCPAAy2raJ54Qg28XZrRJ3vtBaN_WaE6Mx6te80bX044WIpmBPBi7bGBhIFi39r-sTaH8b258M2rA2ius2EyR0_iR5altEOY7Z-SDcapdRet3MBRGEUDiqMJawxrviE7Mg4w/s400/Winter+10-11+281.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Rachel had asked for a Baby Alive doll and Barbie stuff. She was so excited to get the Barbie "Hospital Girl." She decided about a year ago that she wants to do that for one of her jobs when she grows up -- be a "hospital girl" and take care of the babies in the hospital.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQvSRsh_OZjho2JXhkxCRs7059TC8L4iuL4nDop_lVnh7e3SKgqcAhCDxaUNwzxBDcm7Z69eMIm8ko1Z-nm6qg43QqVZDGhZcYLfLMrMQ4_z5zJP7Urys3ZjSWs8NFntzPBU16FW3EWQ/s1600/Winter+10-11+257.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577870341362072146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQvSRsh_OZjho2JXhkxCRs7059TC8L4iuL4nDop_lVnh7e3SKgqcAhCDxaUNwzxBDcm7Z69eMIm8ko1Z-nm6qg43QqVZDGhZcYLfLMrMQ4_z5zJP7Urys3ZjSWs8NFntzPBU16FW3EWQ/s400/Winter+10-11+257.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Happy to you, Matt!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZE7yfqUfFbvShLRePRfzjLUtJZTaFjOeDlhnBnfopP2qIePYvhanF9mhIyGuuaZxOjmN3zI76q9S-XFAAnR-HGG93ORANpWojSTZzzfxZ5dlHsgm8VsOLyU0drxlahlojo6OAk7e_Qg/s1600/Winter+10-11+267.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577870025160056546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZE7yfqUfFbvShLRePRfzjLUtJZTaFjOeDlhnBnfopP2qIePYvhanF9mhIyGuuaZxOjmN3zI76q9S-XFAAnR-HGG93ORANpWojSTZzzfxZ5dlHsgm8VsOLyU0drxlahlojo6OAk7e_Qg/s400/Winter+10-11+267.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Happy to you, Ray Ray!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh15aEewF5AuyZzlaTgknXQPADN12kM5Ggdyvl34a7nP5gwGutvZWI8_eA7blrRaMtLWs02toJ1WJTs7nXcyT54LU6pIXfZTy01YqFl9P-f5USl77CZG4izFuv0jufWcsPHEH7dRng-5Q/s1600/Winter+10-11+278.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577869786183317522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh15aEewF5AuyZzlaTgknXQPADN12kM5Ggdyvl34a7nP5gwGutvZWI8_eA7blrRaMtLWs02toJ1WJTs7nXcyT54LU6pIXfZTy01YqFl9P-f5USl77CZG4izFuv0jufWcsPHEH7dRng-5Q/s400/Winter+10-11+278.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Happy to you, Ray Ray! (Again.)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYXT8AvNpnkH9H3A-NLEDvYMcyO4GlO78fYu2lO2SrJ4YnFcyt0zvCbKHjlC1BCWLlVX2GeaAF91kxFGqPtIiGPCvdU3BstlxkrjO8p_dpZHcwyge_PTS9Q6HHDXiHcgRAG1VLPsOt1g/s1600/Winter+10-11+280.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577869594398397378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYXT8AvNpnkH9H3A-NLEDvYMcyO4GlO78fYu2lO2SrJ4YnFcyt0zvCbKHjlC1BCWLlVX2GeaAF91kxFGqPtIiGPCvdU3BstlxkrjO8p_dpZHcwyge_PTS9Q6HHDXiHcgRAG1VLPsOt1g/s400/Winter+10-11+280.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Happy to you, Papa!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXWbQ1NSimgQ9a2aOG8Qk2E_NWf-OEfKk-bTuecUoDm-jCRm3ZQ42MzoE-ZYTq8IyI5sO_0k1d0tiID1xvKQWCAKQMHx4P6MzkR8373fAuUCMFJjOpPw7pO-_-YZVo_1esRtQ3X5krZg/s1600/Winter+10-11+286.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577869383546691410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXWbQ1NSimgQ9a2aOG8Qk2E_NWf-OEfKk-bTuecUoDm-jCRm3ZQ42MzoE-ZYTq8IyI5sO_0k1d0tiID1xvKQWCAKQMHx4P6MzkR8373fAuUCMFJjOpPw7pO-_-YZVo_1esRtQ3X5krZg/s400/Winter+10-11+286.JPG" /></a><br /><br />I wasn't kidding. She just kept hugging on everyone and Happy to you-ing. It was so sweet!<br /><br />It was such a perfect day. My mom, my older sister, and her husband came to see us and spent a few hours visiting. It just turned out to be such a great day.<br /><br />The week after Christmas was wonderful! Steve took some time off so he could spend it with his dad. We drove to Huntsville one day to visit the monastery which ended up being a beautiful drive and a cool visit.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimHUNLoZq982PaJjLSb7sXsFgMoeVCaF-4LMzEz3AbCoSQdmOkRBV_7kDXaiYgV3mYhTM-6x5JUyLSYqr1gHOXdvfWVT23V-otg6O_qZSD4zqHdCTi2vAEHI2UcGCCMRAxMVZQqEkUow/s1600/Winter+10-11+292.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577869158923092290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimHUNLoZq982PaJjLSb7sXsFgMoeVCaF-4LMzEz3AbCoSQdmOkRBV_7kDXaiYgV3mYhTM-6x5JUyLSYqr1gHOXdvfWVT23V-otg6O_qZSD4zqHdCTi2vAEHI2UcGCCMRAxMVZQqEkUow/s400/Winter+10-11+292.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy_qLUmSzIRWAm5hN200ewGIZ_yV2wtCYiTK7OfhiQzHD1p5QTuIvq9DGYUTA1pf66zDKbOZh3JKocmgs8XVUOaZXDrcaIeIrtVchMcddiBIDAoaUVIOl62jX1g-t7zuRe5Vc51zSFag/s1600/Winter+10-11+295.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577868955491424242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy_qLUmSzIRWAm5hN200ewGIZ_yV2wtCYiTK7OfhiQzHD1p5QTuIvq9DGYUTA1pf66zDKbOZh3JKocmgs8XVUOaZXDrcaIeIrtVchMcddiBIDAoaUVIOl62jX1g-t7zuRe5Vc51zSFag/s400/Winter+10-11+295.JPG" /></a><br /><br />The best part of the week was just being together and hanging out. We had no busy schedule or agenda just enjoyed the break from everything.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj05kWjgvXpztZT4y8ZDYCU1viUNBal1tMYo-BgA0EAh-bvcQWTC0vgx5TMXpMwuVQ89QJ-nmIyQU2qI8BMIf9XJh1xP8dK1J8zUIhy4DHxKOpifaOYqGVSvlFsh7rVpkgeq1WplYnMAQ/s1600/Winter+10-11+306.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577868645198217458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj05kWjgvXpztZT4y8ZDYCU1viUNBal1tMYo-BgA0EAh-bvcQWTC0vgx5TMXpMwuVQ89QJ-nmIyQU2qI8BMIf9XJh1xP8dK1J8zUIhy4DHxKOpifaOYqGVSvlFsh7rVpkgeq1WplYnMAQ/s400/Winter+10-11+306.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Taking Grandpa to the airport to head home was sad. He, in truth, was probably ready to get back to the warm weather in Arizona and the quiet of a house not packed with three kids on Christmas holiday high. It was a wonderful visit and went too quickly.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjF_PTjm_eMEFnG21VMff_IWfSGrzVdKXeKY9DmJ2vUn3BpUsfpteJNmARdifKbBMd6cmwmiQ2KiLTtlfUoMblx5S20X_GPDWW-AUIcuHxoXABGEDxzmghrVNU2mQUdn2Es4xaQV11TQ/s1600/Winter+10-11+308.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577868376501261778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjF_PTjm_eMEFnG21VMff_IWfSGrzVdKXeKY9DmJ2vUn3BpUsfpteJNmARdifKbBMd6cmwmiQ2KiLTtlfUoMblx5S20X_GPDWW-AUIcuHxoXABGEDxzmghrVNU2mQUdn2Es4xaQV11TQ/s400/Winter+10-11+308.JPG" /></a><br /><br />In our family we don't ever have the post holiday blues because Matt's birthday is in January, so we have that to look forward to as we pack away the Christmas decorations. He decided not to have a party with friends this year, but to go to dinner and bowling with the family instead. (The very unfortunate part of the story is that we still owe him his bowling trip because we nearly all got sick about that time and spent much of the month fighting it.)<br />The day of his b-day was a little different in that he had scouts that night and they had planned a little party for him. We did his family b-day dinner the following night, but still had cake and ice cream after scouts. (And nope, the party hats were NOT his idea.)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijJrSd8LZ-30Pn9mTOZepf-QpAGR0xKl9dBqQHPDjXPFoLBayf51_h-yPwule8er38ohyphenhyphenyszamNgXKu68Ydrz74dcACn1B913_XP8qhYDo6AS_3v3zYVuAqS54HPyFX8uUYpAeucXoAw/s1600/Winter+10-11+328.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577866343892965394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijJrSd8LZ-30Pn9mTOZepf-QpAGR0xKl9dBqQHPDjXPFoLBayf51_h-yPwule8er38ohyphenhyphenyszamNgXKu68Ydrz74dcACn1B913_XP8qhYDo6AS_3v3zYVuAqS54HPyFX8uUYpAeucXoAw/s400/Winter+10-11+328.JPG" /></a><br /><br />It was a fun day for him full of phone and visits from family and friends.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXffjvZ4jyL6bApezKj_jTlndFrGt422gdksIgyB2ALaX8ZiQH5IS62oywqUVDoNTQhcIqH6O2S29b-fVSPl4EX9ub_VGZl41rtOU-WTN4W_m7l2YmzOux306SvuEpL0pSvFkLsKfwrQ/s1600/Winter+10-11+331.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577866056392812178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXffjvZ4jyL6bApezKj_jTlndFrGt422gdksIgyB2ALaX8ZiQH5IS62oywqUVDoNTQhcIqH6O2S29b-fVSPl4EX9ub_VGZl41rtOU-WTN4W_m7l2YmzOux306SvuEpL0pSvFkLsKfwrQ/s400/Winter+10-11+331.JPG" /></a><br /><br />This was his last gift of the night - Monopoly for the Wii. For those who may not know, Matthew was LOVED Monopoly since he was about 4 years old. Seriously. We don't know where he got that from because neither Steve nor I really enjoy it too much. Through the years he has collected so many versions of the game that I lost track a long time ago; Monopoly Junior, the Disney version, the Sponge Bob version, the version with electronic bank cards, versions for the pc, handheld games... you get the idea. We saw this one on sale and figured it would be the perfect gift to end his day.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeWKdHrhfjfL6QKZNbnPlodIfzpcHLXc3B85eY50d9UFygCMFiG2vRvfGHZjWHOXNADD31GOS4MZ4v8E0JC0PjftEygyD7eUSz9JmIoXe0uMjq6CxHJ1v-mMCx8RVwUp2fgGfPWOKmWA/s1600/Winter+10-11+337.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577865272568605922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeWKdHrhfjfL6QKZNbnPlodIfzpcHLXc3B85eY50d9UFygCMFiG2vRvfGHZjWHOXNADD31GOS4MZ4v8E0JC0PjftEygyD7eUSz9JmIoXe0uMjq6CxHJ1v-mMCx8RVwUp2fgGfPWOKmWA/s400/Winter+10-11+337.JPG" /></a><br /><br />The next weekend he continued the celebration with our extended family in Ogden. Again, my amazingly talented sister made the cake. (Her son's b-day was this month, too.) The kids' new love is "Dispicable Me," so she made a Gru cake and Minion Twinkies. It was awesome!<br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIXxDzsnkJK91T0qbvY2_P2BDS8BX4uNAmaO2trQJelxIj0L9BIqzU5MW9X0B2ONs1_MwqmirFIKYO8afY_Bope0Saf_ZGqzeUIKS_AyKX6IMWaXFNMn0eZUFpK8iRhPVafQdgjrUGoQ/s1600/Winter+10-11+340.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577865036100031202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIXxDzsnkJK91T0qbvY2_P2BDS8BX4uNAmaO2trQJelxIj0L9BIqzU5MW9X0B2ONs1_MwqmirFIKYO8afY_Bope0Saf_ZGqzeUIKS_AyKX6IMWaXFNMn0eZUFpK8iRhPVafQdgjrUGoQ/s400/Winter+10-11+340.JPG" /></a><br />Cute boy! I can't believe he's 12!</p><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-CrK_9HXqstbIOpnvRnXdxx45fq9ZFzcblXPEc1dqAAiciCYQHm_ntMato5_kbSvI14xirAtXquTlx5BtUK98jcNwoHxIvAtRhDB4gJW_RU8Mwe8_xOSMU76_ckl67R2sstjWvPKvg/s1600/Winter+10-11+345.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577864753146411554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-CrK_9HXqstbIOpnvRnXdxx45fq9ZFzcblXPEc1dqAAiciCYQHm_ntMato5_kbSvI14xirAtXquTlx5BtUK98jcNwoHxIvAtRhDB4gJW_RU8Mwe8_xOSMU76_ckl67R2sstjWvPKvg/s400/Winter+10-11+345.JPG" /></a><br />This was pretty funny. The kids sat down to eat their cake and they wouldn't open their Twinkie minions. They just carried them around and played with them. Bailey and her cousin Ollie were making them talk to each other in high, squeeky voices.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUOWkY9RIsFufXP-LEjX-PilI-OyVGwt6H-TtgApo8BKKOCzdgcPce0QQGY0VdqTjqUVm_AcwHHT8Arg6rS4GW7zS-KoRDMIVagrV4lOOl4MoGxMG1E6k0wWmb9XEFJ6krb8weAP64fQ/s1600/Winter+10-11+368.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577864098594465906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUOWkY9RIsFufXP-LEjX-PilI-OyVGwt6H-TtgApo8BKKOCzdgcPce0QQGY0VdqTjqUVm_AcwHHT8Arg6rS4GW7zS-KoRDMIVagrV4lOOl4MoGxMG1E6k0wWmb9XEFJ6krb8weAP64fQ/s400/Winter+10-11+368.JPG" /></a></p><p> I'm not really certain where the last 12 years went, but I can tell you how much we love this kid! We, quite often, have people tell us what a great kid he is and how impressed they are with him. Truly, this boy just came good. He is an amazing person and I am so, so blessed to be his mom.</p><br /><p>This picture of him is one of my favorites. He had just turned five and was in preschool. Shortly after Matt's 5th b-day he was diagnosed with a fairly rare blood disorder that affected his spleen and his platelet numbers. It was really frightening, especially since at first we didn't know if it was some sort of hemophelia or even possibly leukemia. Thankfully, after a very long night filled with tears and constant prayer, he was diagnosed with ITP. We spent the next year and a half watching him closely, monitoring his blood, and hoping that he would slip into the little window of children whose disorder corrects itself. Long story short, after the year and a half his platelets had gone back to normal. We consider it nothing short of a miracle. :)</p><p>So, back to preschool and the drippy clown pictured below. For school the theme was "Circus." The kids took a stuffed animal to train (hence, the monkey hanging on his arm) and worked on a little circus act. It was very cute. The day of the performance, the teacher painted their little clown faces and they made big bowties of paper and clown noses from egg cartons to complete the look. Well, we walked home from preschool in the pouring rain and I took this photo when we got home. I adore this picture because it so typifies my Matthew during that time. He was wearing one of his favorite shirts which was from Primary Childrens' Hospital -- he got it on one of his many visits to the hospital. I love that his clown makeup is all runny and drippy from the rain and his hair is matted to his head. The part that melts my heart is his giant, ear-to-ear smile. Even though his little life had been turned upside down, his little boy activities had been severely limited, he was constantly being subjected to uncomfortable blood tests, and he often didn't feel well; the sweet boy had a huge, genuine grin pasted on his face. I love this boy!</p><p>Even though I'm still kind of struggling that my baby just turned 12, I sure am proud of the kid he is and the person he's becoming. I am so grateful for him and his incredible spirit. Happy 12th Birthday, Matthew. We love you!!<br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjIa7nJSQdDP-gvLrxcFxSi_mYobDC3i6Ywf_8zsMrKIBeQvX_UD2EjLB2-y4xH50cXYOr6eAuDHwO0O6Ejs34ffxzMHOYSu9ehXmMyUbrkVBRQ1A3FcDtRWSgNkkgFQCv_jcCPokLVA/s1600/Matt+as+droopy+wet+clown.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 252px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577863640478976690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjIa7nJSQdDP-gvLrxcFxSi_mYobDC3i6Ywf_8zsMrKIBeQvX_UD2EjLB2-y4xH50cXYOr6eAuDHwO0O6Ejs34ffxzMHOYSu9ehXmMyUbrkVBRQ1A3FcDtRWSgNkkgFQCv_jcCPokLVA/s400/Matt+as+droopy+wet+clown.jpg" /></a> </p><p>This last picture was Valentines Day. We gave each of the girls a new dress (which, by the way, are fabulous, spinny dancing dresses) and Matt got some new headphones. Rachel had a little Valentines party at preschool and the girls delivered Valentines to some of their little neighbor friends. We made a really great dinner -- and that was about the extent of our celebration. I sure love this crazy little family of mine!!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_bqKTUJ5ROnC_y4iCxho_Jm9R-3G0ojCTJrL4Kq4QWUw9Sw_CSkuVYhutqejA0f_k0EYxDtWfo2u_WUW7yeJZXE-J_zTPBB0zL9IKyHddOAbLwkn8wKMj5KeLjOkdpM5wpk_cbMOgTA/s1600/Winter+10-11+385.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577862726062425506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_bqKTUJ5ROnC_y4iCxho_Jm9R-3G0ojCTJrL4Kq4QWUw9Sw_CSkuVYhutqejA0f_k0EYxDtWfo2u_WUW7yeJZXE-J_zTPBB0zL9IKyHddOAbLwkn8wKMj5KeLjOkdpM5wpk_cbMOgTA/s400/Winter+10-11+385.JPG" /></a> </p>Foster Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02364528712684164309noreply@blogger.com0