oh me, oh my...

Annie

2011-09-29T10:42:00.009-06:00

She made it. Annie Kay Stocks, that is. I am so in love each time I look down at those little chubby cheeks and doll lips. Love is instant when you have a baby. Instant.

Her birth: Her EDD was September 25th. I have had my other two kids early so I was planning on an early birth with Annie. I had been dilated for some time, and the doctor just couldn't believe that my water had not broken on it's own so on my appointment on September 6th, when I was a 6+ and she was literally knocking on my door down below, he sent me over to Labor and Delivery. She was ready. I was a bit nervous and frantic. I called my mom and she brought the kids over after she picked them up from school. The kids gave my tummy one last kiss and I checked in. Jon was on his way from work so soon we would meet up.

For this entire pregnancy, I didn't know what I wanted in terms of pain relief. I considered the epidural but knew in my heart that that is not what I should do (based off of past experiences). I just figured that there were other medications I could get to "dull" the pain. I didn't do a whole lot of study on natural childbirth but I did try to mentally prepare myself for what would be (or what I thought would be).

Okay, back to the night she was born. I checked into L and D around 4 or 5 pm. They hooked my IV up and because with my previous pregnancies I was Group B + I opted for antibiotics as a precaution. As the antibiotics ran there course, my contractions picked up on their own (no pitocin, which I did not want :) Even though I was pretty sure about my decision, the doctor still suggested that I meet with the anesthesiologist. I did so while at a 7 and he told me that there really isn't much for medications (besides the epidural) that he could give me if I wanted any pain meds at this point. I didn't need anything at this time so Jon and I decided to just go ahead with the our "original" plan and proceed without the epi. The nurse assigned to me was fantastic. She delivered her babies natural and was a great coach alongside Jon. She told me that most women coming in with a natural childbirth plan usually don't follow through with it and she told me that I could do this if I wanted to. I never really thought about giving in. Just getting her here, safely, was my driving force. I appreciated that nurse and feel pretty lucky she happened to be there that evening.

Doctor checked me and didn't want to break my water until a full course of antibiotics had run through me. By 10:15 pm, he checked me and I was at an 8+ and getting near. Up until this point, pain was there, but I could bear it and coped well. It was time, so they broke my water and things just picked up fairly fast from there. The contractions were intense. I don't have any other words for the extreme pain I felt, it was a bit of a blur during this time. At 11:20, the pain was at its' peak and the pressure to push was imminent. I told them that I was going to have to push and they told me to wait, that I was almost there, but to wait until I was complete. By 11:26 I told them it was TIME!! I was not quiet during these last 5 minutes so I just remember numerous people coming in and out and then someone checking me and yelling for the doctor. Annie was on her way.

The doctor just made it in time and didn't have time to really prep himself or the delivery table. I told them I needed to push and within 1 minute, she was born. Screaming to fill her lungs with air. She was my biggest baby at 7 lbs 10 oz. And, surprisingly, she was the earliest at 37 w 2 d gestation. I immediately held her and loved her. She was COVERED in vernix (the nurses said it was more than they have ever seen). She was lovely. Her name didn't come for days later as I just didn't have the right name for her yet. I liked Margo but Jon wasn't convinced. The kids wanted Margo but mom trumped their decision and I wanted the name to come from both Jon and I.

We all love her to pieces and the kids couldn't be more happy with their little sister (although they still call her Margo and occasionally Sam will say "What's that baby's name, again??")

Here are some pics I have taken since her birth. I have a friend who has taken some amazing pics as well and I will be posting those soon!

In all her glory!

Annie and her big sis

In the sunshine- to rid the jaundice.

Big brother

The Baby Scoop and a VENT

2011-08-23T08:36:00.004-06:00

Well, since I really don't talk much about this baby on the blog... here is a little update with some ramblings on the side.

I am due with baby TRES (as in #3- guess I could have wrote that) in several weeks and am between 35 and 36 weeks as of now. I went to the DR last week and because JUST FOR FUN (ha), my DR checked where I was... EEEEKK. I think he screamed a bit under his breath when he told me that I was 4cm and 80% effaced. I kind of panicked for a second wondering if his measurements are off (hey, maybe is phalanges are really small... or would that be really big???) EWWW. Sorry, that may have been a bit too much! Honestly, I don't know how they measure you, maybe a mini measuring tape!??

Needless to say they don't want me to do much, if anything for another week and half. I am trapped in my house, on my bed or a couch and it is JUST NOT MY CUP OF TEA. I like relaxing, but on MY time! Now the baby blanket that needs a swath of ribbon or lace (from a fabric store that I now dream of perusing the aisles of) will sit there staring at me like a kid in time out. I trust Jon with many things in my life (actually MOST everything) but a couple of yards of lace or ribbon for my blanket is not something I would trust him getting :) Alas... So long, lengthy list of to-do items I needed to finish up before baby.

And to top it off, I have a fabulous group of friends that have put together a brunch to celebrate this baby. They have made the MOST KIND effort to relieve my lonely pregnancy and here I am: stuck. Well guess what world... I am not having this baby until after the brunch. That is pretty much the only thing that I have to look forward to since I can do little much else. So if my water breaks at the brunch, so be it. I trust this baby would want a little excitement while coming into this world, Right?

Another Year Wiser

2011-07-28T18:55:00.002-06:00

It's that time of year again when the kids start school. We are on Tracking School so the kids started back on Tuesday! Belle is in 3rd grade and Sam is in 1st... ALL DAY! I am finding myself a bit lonesome in the afternoons... missing my Sammy Bear! It amazes me each year how much my children grow even from the short 6 week summer vacay they have! I adore these beauties!

it happened

2011-04-11T10:34:00.005-06:00

it happened. sam grew up. he is so special to me. he is six today and i love him six BILLION times as much as I did when he was born.

i feel incredibly fortunate to have children to raise. i know i have been given so much. i have no good descriptive words that tells of the true depth of love and utter joy my children give me. there are none.

challenges/hurdles are all around. my peace comes from my children. their love tickles me inside and out.

happy b-day my big, birthday boy. here's to a pirate b-day worth more than GOLD.

Sam 6th b-day invite

IDEAS

2011-02-03T16:53:00.005-07:00

In case someone still DOES look at my blog for unknown reasons, we are all alive and well! Seems as though the Holidays are busy and I look forward to down time in January, but not so. Work is as busy as ever and family is even busier.

I have been trying to keep sane with some hobbies in the mean time. A few of my recent favorites are anything with FABRIC, BAKING and PARTIES! I have so many fun projects and tutorials that I want to try but still haven't tackled. I'm always looking for something new, so if you have a fun website that you love that contains projects, ideas etc, by all means... Share! I would love to see/hear of any fun new ideas of what you have tried! Send me an email with pics or call me and we can CREATE together! Below are links to some of my inspiration!

Prudent Baby (great EASY tutorials with fabrics)
Hostess with the Mostess (party planning ideas GALORE)
How about Orange

impending doom

2010-08-22T21:48:00.002-06:00

so i am not much of a pessimist nor are my children but something funny occured this eve.

Backup a week: our cat likes sam's room. so much that, he has marked his territory in there and i wasn't too happy about this. since then, i have SCRUBBED his carpet numerous times becuase the smell just wasn't coming out... (sidenote: cat has been banned from this room- his door is shut 24-7). so this past week i have gone in out of his room putting laundry away, getting him ready for bed etc. and his room CONTINUES to stink-a-roo! i again, spent hours scrubbing his floors wondering HOW on earth this cat has been getting into his room. as brilliant as i know i am, this was not one of those moments. today, jon astutely asks if maybe it is SAM peeing on his carpet........

DUH.

glad: that sam is an honest-abe and admitted to the whole thing.

sad: that he cannot walk ten feet to his bathroom in the mornings to get it done.

as WE were cleaning his floors for my fifth time this past week, i gave him a look and said, "sam, i am not happy about you peeing on your floor. please do not do this again. if this happens again, you will have a more serious consequence." sam kindly apologized, kissed my cheek and said, " if i do it again, i will be doomed?" yes, sam..... doomed!

ants... in my pants

2010-06-28T14:20:00.018-06:00

okay, so i hate blogging. clarification: i hate blogging about myself but i do love reading and perusing blogs... many a night has been consumed by YOU and your darling blogs. i've been a bit antsy about our family blog and the lack of commitment i have had with it. for journalism's sake, here is a wrap up.

sam is a complete cutie pie.... CUTE! i love his little boyish voice... He is always full of energy and is NEVER mad or angry, always friendly. such an easy going boy. L-O-V-E his personality! wish i could take a few lessons from him. all about sam:

had crazy-tons of hair... such a little man... i shaved it all off cause SOMEBODY curious decided to take the scissors to his lucious locks...

learned to ride his bike! YAY... such an athletic little guy... both Belle and Sam taught each other.

got a new set of BUNK BEDS for his birthday (maybe i'll post a pic later) ...they are bright blue and remind me of what childhood should be like. it was about time this kid got out of a toddler bed.

is learning like crazy in a new program called KUMON... (a great structured program in which i quite like)!

belle is as cute as a bunny and as sweet as sugar... MOST of the time! she is a good girl! honest and kind and usually quite respectful but when she is ready to HORSE around, there is no stopping this girl...

she LOVES animals. she adores our cat,TODD. in fact, she carries todd around like a baby... EVERYWHERE. poor kitty. if she isn't carrying todd around, she IS the cat... on the ground, licking my legs and putting giant holes in the knees of her pants.

a few more copper FRECKLES have been added this summer to my blue-eyed belle. have i mentioned my love for her freckles? i love em. they are unique and beautiful, just like her. i tell her that i have to kiss each freckle before she goes to bed... that got old FAST.

she has lost so many teeth i can't keep track... but she sure can. she just tapes her baby teeth to her mirror cause the TOOTH FAIRY lets her keep them... nice fairy.

last but not least, family pics have finally rolled out of the stocks' household. we really haven't had a good photo of our family for years and it was about TIME. here are a few more snippets of pics that were taken. if you are interested, my friend KATE took them. she is splendid in all things if you asked me. x0

I'm a lucky girl

2010-03-13T12:59:00.003-07:00

... no doubt.

I need a little trip...

2010-01-06T18:52:00.004-07:00

Where shall I go? hmmmmmm

I thought about SF... I LOVE San Fran but then I thought "Been there, done that".

I am seriously considering driving myself to the airport one of these days, hoping a cheap flight to nowhere in particular and just exploring a new place... Milwaukee maybe?

A Memory: yummy cheeks

2009-12-30T13:57:00.002-07:00

Isabelle Eden 03/2004
*love this pussy cat*

New Email

2009-12-18T16:36:00.003-07:00

I have a new email address... please use this new one to contact me from now on!

lindsayeden@live.com

p.s. Catch our family Christmas letter above!

Happy Holidays!

Instructions = Egg Nog

2009-11-22T21:17:00.002-07:00

Sam: {spoken matter-of-factly} "MOM, liten (listen) to my instucksons (instructions). If I can wath (watch) Scoob Doo then I will give you a sapize (surprise)."

Me: "Hmmm... a surprise?"

Sam: "Ya, a sapize (surprise). I will give you some ummy (yummy) EGG MILK (egg nog)!"

(so much for bribing my child with egg nog... tables have turned... seems he thinks that I love it as much as he does)

sun and fun

2009-10-18T11:55:00.017-06:00

We traveled to California for a VACATION EXTRAVAGANZA... we haven't had a family vacation aside from camping for... ever! Here are some pics:

Started at Disneyland...
Beach...
San Diego...
Beach...
Deep Sea Fishing...
The Zoo...
Beach...
Coronodo Island...
Seaworld...
Beach...
FUN, Fun, fun.

NOW for the mounds of laundry dusted with sea sand.

french fries & maple doughnuts

2009-09-22T10:33:00.005-06:00

1. About time for me to post? yes! About time for me to get into shape, **double** YES! I have been wanting to get a personal trainer for a very, very long time. So this last week, I finally took the leap. Jon is such a good guy! He and I are doing this thing together. Couples Personal Training... HAHA. sounds funny, I know!

2. I did this because I need to be accountable. This was my solution.

3. This morning... 5 am to 7 am, kicked my rear-end (and all the flab in between).

4. I'd like to say that I am getting *back* into shape, however, I don't think I have ever been in shape.

5. I have hesitated to tell anyone just in case I mess up and fail. I guess I am conquering my fear of acceptance of failing by posting about this... one more thing to keep me accountable.

6. I hope to keep a running tab on my losses and (with a little help from my trainer) there will be approximately 100 of them to come. (Ya, I know... that is a lot, but we all have our vices, mine just happens to be french fries and maple doughnuts)!

Rainbow Brite

2009-07-01T15:44:00.008-06:00

Having fun with a front porch picture:

untouched

night light

zap from heaven

long ago

new look

2009-06-04T14:00:00.001-06:00

trying this on for size. who knows if this is what I will stick with. still cannot figure out the dates on my posts. hmmm

Silly Sam

2009-06-02T11:33:00.004-06:00

Sam is silly. I just absolutely adore his funny personality and the way he talks. He makes me laugh *and SNORT* all the time. Sam loves to sing. Especially his song entitled, "You and me and us". He often adds the names of his favorite people in his song such as Spiderman, Heavenly Father, and Aladdin. However this time around he just liked to sing the chorus until he was ready to be done and told me to "push the button" in order to turn off the camera... a little morsel of a treat is my SNORT at the end. Enjoy.

Right now...

2009-05-30T12:33:00.004-06:00

I am working.

I am eating my favorite mac & cheese on my favorite bowl.

I am drinking something I told myself I would stop drinking...

Dang it.

facebook freedom

2009-05-20T07:37:00.005-06:00

I am free! I AM FREE!

I just love that word. This word *FREE* evokes many thoughts into my head such as:

~buy-one-get-one FREE shopping... sometimes KOHL's will do this... I love it!

~a FREE kids meal at Chick Fil A ***YUM*** with a lucky coupon I find from time to time in my mailbox.

~a random item or FREE piece of furniture you see on the side of the road that someone is tossing out (boy, I have found some fun, eclectic things on the side of the road!)

~the FREE bottle of conditioner you get when you buy the Shampoo! YAY!

But most of all! I love the feeling I get when I have a little more FREE time. Not a lot of FREE time. But just a titch more!

So what do I do with some of this FREE time? I blog, of course.

AWWwwwwwww.

Freedom.

From.

Facebook.

Amen.

P.S. if you didn't catch the jist of my post, I am no longer on Facebook... have I, at all, mentioned how great it feels? ;-)

Well, it's a start...

2009-05-12T20:10:00.002-06:00

I love, LOVE nurseries...

not the kind that harbor 18 month old children for two hours on a sunday morning (although, these are not at all bad and definetly serve their purpose= free babysitting)...

I am talking about the kind that produces lush beauties of all colors during certain seasons... Ahhh... the kind where I walk in and could drop $500 in about a half hour. This is somewhat strange to me as I am really no green thumb, in fact, most plants or flowers find there way to the garbage bin roughly two weeks after a purchase cause I just don't have a knack for it... AHHH, but I still LOVE those nurseries!!!

So, with my recent conundrum of front porch blues I found myself scouring nurseries today! So fun! I really could spend a grundle of time and money (two things of which I lack). I did, however, settle on few things to spruce up the palette. In person, the flowers really are quite stunning... this picture doesn't do it any justice. So if you are up for a Sunday drive to Daybreak, stop by and see my porch, (and me) if you'd like ;-)

Next UP... the front door! stay tuned...

I love my porch...

2009-05-01T11:14:00.010-06:00

... but I need some help!

I absolutely LOVE my home. I love the color (perfect soft yellow). I love the trim (crisp white). More than anything, I LOVE my unobstructed, mountain valley views from my porch. I sit on my porch every chance I get! No kidding. The shade it provides in the late afternoons is perfect and the views it offers every other second of the day are stunning. BUT I NEED SOME HELP!! My porch is, simply stated- Boring. My front door- Bland. So that is the predicament. I am asking for a little advice, thoughts, brainstorming from all of my AMAZING friends... Right now the palette is bare but the potential is great. I know many of you are fabulously creative and have an eye for color... so help me!

I am thinking I want some colorful, pretty hanging baskets between the pillars. Don't forget the colors, what palette would you recommend, types of flowers etc.?

Now, for the door. I have been looking into a fresh shade of green... any opinons, I simply love apple green, but this may be a bit strong, maybe a muted tone of apple green? Your thoughts? Other colors, be it completely different than what I was thinking... I want to hear them all! Now is the time to sprout some creative thinking!

I take constructive criticism quite well :-) so please tell me your thoughts on the door color. Give me your opinion...

something.

2009-04-20T10:26:00.002-06:00

honestly, I haven't felt the need to update this crazy blog for a couple of reasons:

A. I am most likely the only one who reads this thing;

B. facebook is so much easier to catch up with people.

I admit I am lackluster when it comes to posting funny stories, memorable moments, pics and such, however I actually do keep up with many of my friends blogs quite religiously... therefore, my blog suffers to catch up with the rest of the world and I just don't feel a real desire or need to post. Rather, I just read... others... blogs. I am learning more and more about myself these days and this has been an epic moment... i like to read YOUR blogs and NOT post on mine... kind of unfair, i know. for humor's sake, here is something.

Enjoy and keep blogging, cause chances are, I won't be ;-)

LUCKY YOU!!!

2009-02-20T13:09:00.006-07:00

I love making things!!!! I love creating, concocting unique items, foods... whatever!! I thought that this was such a fun idea that I am going to pass this on to all my friends that read (or wish they read) my blog : )

So here ya go!!!

Lucky you! The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me! My choice. For you. This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:

1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make!

2. What I create will be just for you.

3. It'll be done this year. {might be a little while}

4. You will have no clue what it's going to be. It may be a story. It may be poetry or maybe even some creation I haven't even invented yet (but Heaven knows it will most likely be totally fabulous and creative... :). I may draw or paint something. I may bake you something and mail it to you. Who knows? Not you, that's for sure!

5. I reserve the right to do something extremely strange.

The catch? Oh, the catch is that you must repost this on your blog and offer the same to the first 5 people who do the same on your blog. The first 5 people to do so and leave a comment telling me they did win a FAB-U-LOUS homemade gift by me!

* *Oh, and be sure to post a picture of what you win when you get it!* *

schizophrenic blogger

2009-01-26T12:23:00.003-07:00

I am a schizophrenic blogger. I need help! When I say schizophrenic, I am talking about my blog layout. I can't seem to find anything that I love! Does anyone out there know of something fun or creative to use as my blog template? Until then, I will be changing this blog layout 'til I find THE ONE... be prepared : O

random

2009-01-16T09:19:00.003-07:00

I am a random person. I do random things at random times. Here is a random photo of some random people whom I randomly love. amen.

to you, from us

2008-12-22T21:08:00.003-07:00

Wishing all our friends and family a simple, happy Christmas and a very peaceful and prosperous new year. I have two happy and healthy children and a hardworking husband and that is enough for me! Love to you all!

Everything's gonna be okay...

2008-12-03T13:20:00.002-07:00

You know those days when you just don't want to be awake any longer. You would rather crawl back in bed and sleep. Or, better yet, you would like nothing more than to get in your car with an endless limit on your credit card and just... go. My days of late have been just that. Mind you, I have responsibilities to take care of... uh, you know, kids, a husband, a job- life! And I shamefully DO NOT have an endless limit on my Visa.

So here I am, wanting to post something uplifting and non-depressing, if for no one but my own self. I have had a good day, wait, great day. Nothing of which was heralded by angels or skies parting with rays from heaven bellowing light below. Just pieces of life fitting together perfectly like your favorite puzzle. So many unknowns in my life, just have seemed to work themselves out. I know, sounds crazy but today just happened to be one of those days that I am glad that I have had some sense of patience and endurance... I am happy today. Life is a good thing.

If you have ever wanted to see me sans mascara...

2008-11-30T19:54:00.005-07:00

... here is your big fat chance! Jon has wanted to take me skiing for years and on Thanksgiving morn we thought it was as best a time as any! I have never ached in every inch of my body as I do now! OUCH... I fell so many times, I lost track after the first dozen. Jon and I figured that I rolled, tumbled, slid, and toppled down the bunny hill more than actual skiing. I think I may have said a bad word or two... OOPS! Jon was a saint considering my trials with the hill.

long time, no see

2008-11-16T19:26:00.009-07:00

So as I have sauntered through life this past month, I have actually logged onto my blog, opened up a new post and even scrawled out a few sentences onto my keyboard... but alas, not much really came out. In fact, nothing TOO fascinating or post-worthy has even happened. I guess I could have vented about a few things that have irked me in the last few weeks... but who in the H wants to read about that? I do have to admit, that I am actually excited for the Holidays. This is one thing that has kept me sane. The feeling in the crisp air, homes smelling like pine trees and cinnamon... yummmmm (the cinnamon, part that is). Yep, I am a nerd and I love the happy feelings I have this time of year, so enjoy your friends and family this year, cause I know I will!!!

Here's what you've missed ; )

Sam in a basket...

Belle in her boots...

Spidey, a cheerleader and Dorothy (OH, MY!)

quirks

2008-09-29T21:08:00.006-06:00

1. i have been known to eat only the white stuff out of the oreo and toss the black stuff.

2. sometimes i drink out of the carton of milk... when no one is looking.

3. i take glamour photos of myself... i have a lot. i am not vain. i just discovered the photobooth feature on my mac and can't seem to end an internet session with out posing for a few... they are priceless!

4. i am scared of putting my hair in a pony tail. i hate my neck and pudgy face so i NEVER put my hair up.

5. sorry, but i like weird names like penelope and ernie.

6. i spit. i try to hide it, but i spit all the time. i especially like to spit while i am washing my hands. i just spit, spit, spit-a-roo while i wash away!

your turn... tell me your funny quirks on your blog! it kinda feels good to let it all out!

call me crazy...

2008-09-07T18:23:00.002-06:00

I know, I know, my blog seems to change like a poopy diaper, but I have always been the type of person that switches things up now and then... so this is my fallish looking blog template (for now). Does anyone out there know of any other great places to get blog templates? Shoot me some ideas if you have any...

week in review

2008-09-02T16:40:00.007-06:00

*lost camera at bear lake
*did TONZ of kindergarten homework
*made yummy fajitas
*found cat scratches on leather car seats and steering wheel, dashboard and ceiling fabric... stupid me... sunroof was open.
*played a new game: ticket to ride. so fun!
*picked out cabinets. so excited!
*found camera in mysterious place
*scooped poop
*after about a week... i finally shaved my legs. i know, gross.
*painted my toenails
*hung out with good friends
*planned a future vacation
*sung twinkle, twinkle about 20 times in a row

gonna jump

2008-08-24T23:13:00.004-06:00

so, i am going to just vent and ramble on for a moment; if you aren't in the mood to read, i completely understand! as some of you may or may not know, jon and i have been living with my parents for some time, and we have now made the ENORMOUS decision to jump...

i am assuming you may be asking:

jump off what,
jump to where,
how high,
how low??
who is doing the actual jumping...
will she/he bounce if they jump?

i know, too many questions. well... (not so big for some of you, but big for me)... i am talking about the big jump into the housing market! i am soooo scared to own a home again... all the responsibility, the time, energy. but one thing is for sure, my sanity needs this move. i am about to strangle someone...

a memory

2008-08-03T21:46:00.002-06:00

Hi guys, so I am finally getting around to this memory post that I have wanted to do for a few weeks, but just haven't had a moment to sit my butt down and DO it. So, humor me... cuz this sounds like a fun post to try! Here are the instructions:

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you.

Kinda fun...

picture tag

2008-07-18T09:18:00.009-06:00

Here's how it works...for each question, look up the answer on google image search. Then choose your favorite image from the FIRST PAGE OF RESULTS ONLY. If you want to do this (which I would love it if you did) please post in my comments that you completed it so I can view yours. If you need clarification on any of them leave a comment. Here's mine: (P.S. sorry that the pictures are so small... I tried to make 'em bigger but I'm just not that smart!)

my age

a place i'd like to travel to

my fave place

my favorite object

my favorite food

my favorite animal

my favorite color(s)

town where i was born

town where i live

a past pet

a past love

my best friends nickname

my screen name

my first name

my middle name

my last name

my bad habit

my first job

my grandmothers name

my college degree

what i'm doing right now

cute bum

2008-07-07T21:13:00.002-06:00

oh, how lucky would I be... with a firm hiney like thee

Sweet Baby Mac

2008-07-01T11:19:00.006-06:00

A friend of our family through the ward I grew up in had a very tragic loss this past week. She lost her baby at 40 weeks. She was due the 28th of June and lost the baby in the womb on the 26th. This sweet tribute touched me and reminded me just how precious families are! You are in our thoughts, Cali and Josh!

http://www.babymckallister.blogspot.com/

Fish Lake via Belle

2008-07-01T10:57:00.004-06:00

At a recent trip to Fish Lake, Belle took up a new favorite pastime... Photography! It was fun to see her interpretation of our little trip. It may be a little boring for most, but us mothers understand the joys of creativity!! Although there is little representation of any 'fish' or a 'lake', I think she has an eye for color... wink, wink! Enjoy...

my little bengal paw

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

Belle loves animals and anyone who knows her, knows this. She would prefer a national geographic to Dr. Seuss any day. And out of all of the animals... tigers are definitely preferred! So when we found out about the Brighton High School Bengal Paw Preschool (whew, that was a mouthful) she just had to be part of it!!! Actually, truth be told, it was all me... it was economical, structured and oodles of fun! My little graduate moved from preschooler to kindergartner in a blink of an eye. Isabelle, you are so full of beauty, innocence and pure vivaciousness and you're all mine! I am a lucky mom...

a REAL game

2008-05-04T21:59:00.003-06:00

We took the kids to a game at Rice-Eccles last night. The REAL team played David Beckham and the LA Galaxy. We had such a fun time with our friends the Benson's and some of Jon's other co-workers. We tried for a family picture, but Isabelle wasn't cooperating too well, hence the redhead looking away...

Tiff the Goat

2008-04-07T11:53:00.003-06:00

Funny haha... I just overheard Belle playing with her animals. She kept calling one "Tiff" so I asked her if she named one of her animals. She said, "yes, this is Aunt Tiff the goat". I had to laugh and think wow... she must really love my sister Tiffany if she is naming her GOAT "Tiff". No one else has earned such an honor! Congratulations Tiff, Isabelle loves you!

facebook

2008-04-07T11:42:00.004-06:00

so i have to say that I tried facebook last night and created an account. this was actually fun... how you are connected to people from your past and the ease of communicating. i think i am a fan! i especially like how you can see all of your friends photo albums all with a click of a button- very COOL! try it, you may like it too!

Hi

2008-04-06T19:21:00.013-06:00

My fabulous friend Lis sent me this list of stuff to answer! Kinda FUN!

1. What time did you get up this morning? 8:00 am. kinda slept in. WOW... that is a first

2. What do you usually have for breakfast? my favorite breakfast is Cream of Wheat, but sometimes I only have time for cold cereal. I ate Rice Krispies this morning! Yum Yum.

3. What is your favorite CD of the moment? I am always last to catch on to something... I am loving Michael Buble these days... fave song: Quando, Quando, Quando. Right this moment, I am listening to Led Zeppelin's KASHMIR (good song too).

4. What kind of car do you drive? Honda Accord

5. Favorite sandwich? Honestly, I love the elementary school squashed ham and cheese sandwich they would serve. I still crave one of these now and then... and I really don't know how to make it like the lunch ladies did!

6. Favorite item of clothing? I love my denim pencil skirts. Perfect for spring and summer and dressing up and down. LOVE IT.

7. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? New York (never been), Figi, Norway (or something scandinavian).

8. What color is your bathroom? gross, boring, white (my parents basement bathroom)...

9. Where would you retire? I think I'd love the warm weather in the country somewhere, tall grasses, wild flowers and my nearest neighbor a mile away.

10. Most memorable birthday? My sixteenth birthday with my CRUSH, Matt Cantwell there! Gosh, I liked him!

11. Favorite sport to watch? NBA or college football

12. Are you a morning person or a night person? definitely NOT a morning person! If I could sleep in until 10 or 11... I would love it! I like to stay up late but night-time always tends to make me goofy and silly!

13. What is your shoe size? VERY BIG

14. Pets? yes, penny lane... the poo eater... I hate to say this, but I think I want to get rid of her! ANY TAKERS?

15. What did you want to be when you were little? model, fashion designer.

16. What are you today? busy mom and caseworker for state of utah

17. What is your favorite candy? i love the little colorful candy coated licorice pieces you get in the big bins at the grocery store!

18. What is your favorite flower? bright pink peonies... but they don't last long enough.

19. What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to? really, i look forward to most days... I love getting stuff done!

20. What are you listening to right now? I am listening to my itunes on my computer with the movie CARS in the background.

21. What is the last thing you ate? vanilla yogurt

22. Do you wish on stars? all of the time! I am kinda silly like that!

23. What faith are you? LDS

24. Who is the last person you spoke with on the phone? Lisa, last night before we had a GIRLS NIGHT OUT!!! SO FUN!

25. Hair color? if you asked my husband- orangey yellow (courtesy of bad hair-dye job).

26. Name of your favorite school teacher? Mrs. Green- 2nd grade. She loved me even though I was a little different!

27. Chocolate or vanilla? I used to be all about chocolate... but my tastes have changed a bit and I like vanilla these days!

28. When was the last time you cried? I can't remember! usually i just get welled up tears in my eyes but never cry too much!

29. What is under your bed? nothing... my bed is currently without a frame and is directly on the floor!!!

30. What did you do last night? had a great time with my friend Lisa cruising all over SL last night! i could just talk to that girl for hours and hours and never get bored...

31. Favorite smell? I love the smell right after it rains and baby lotion on a newborn.

32. What are you afraid of? public speaking... mean people... dying

33. How many towns have you lived in? Around 11: Aurora CO, Cottonwood Heights, Cedar City, Las Vegas NV, Palm Harbor FL, Tarpon Springs FL, Sandy, Rexburg ID, Provo,Lehi, Salt Lake City.

34. Do you make friends easily? Yes, I think so. I like making friends!

Guess Who...

2008-04-03T10:38:00.003-06:00

My little guy loves his bis sis more than anything. Always trying to be just like Belle. Sure he is boy thru and thru to the core, but at times, a bit of Belle shines through. Pink shoes and all...

Gone With the Tonsil

2008-03-20T21:36:00.003-06:00

Today was a day of emotions, two-fold to be exact. One: LOVE- because of how I truly feel when taking care of my sweet little children, especially when they are in pain, thankfully my empathetic self kicks in by pure nature. Two: CRAZY- because of how I feel when taking care of said children (out of love still) but a feeling of absolute craziness for what a tonsillectomy will bring- vomit, whines, more vomit, a whole lot of extra laundry due to vomit, sad eyes and more vomit. I think that poor Sam has thrown up more in 10 minutes than he will the rest of his life. Hopefully the vomit is ending and the healing beginning!

I love my Sammy Bear more than words could ever portray... enough to put up with a years-worth more of vomit! Thankfully this won't be the case.

i'm alive

2008-03-09T20:54:00.004-06:00

Yes, it has been over a month since I updated my blog, but really nothing super crazily (not a word, i know) interesting, important or downright fabulous has befallen me as of late (I guess the really bad home-hair-dye experience might qualify as interesting but definitely not fabulous...). And, I must preface, i really don't care much about my typos or being grammatically correct these days, so please disregard my illegal use of commas, made up words etc.

I did get a tag from a friend, Candace, and I will definitely follow up with that later in this post, but first off, I thought I would let you in on my night. I just have to say that tonight, while I was getting ready for bed, I made a big mistake. I took my contacts out BEFORE I located my glasses. Mind you, there are several problems with this, first off- (the obvious) I am blind at this point and cannot see 2 inches in front of my face which makes finding said glasses nearly impossible, second- I have THREE pairs of glasses AND still could not locate one pair. After, literally holding my face within inches of every item in my room i finally found a pair: the GIMPY pair which is missing a nose piece and half of the frame (i propped them up by taping them to my face. HOT STUFF hugh... good thing i am already married). So, why do you need to know this, YOU DON"t but i need to vent! This is how much I wanted to blog, even when I cannot see and my GIMP glasses are digging into my nose, i still feel the need to update my peeps. Maybe all of this kookiness is the result of the cold medicine I am on.......

On I go:

All About ME...

Ten Years Ago:

I was at Ricks College, just finishing up my 2 year degree. Living it up with gals at the Baronessa D-5. Good times, good memories! I remember making a lot of pizza's, breadsticks and no-bake cookies, shopping at Porters Craft which was the highlight of my Friday nights and the bloody thumb incident (that is for another post).

Five Places I Have Lived:

1. Palm Harbor, FL
2. Cedar City, UT
3. Las Vegas, NV
4. Aurora, CO
5. Rexburg, ID

Five Things On My To-Do List:

1. Visit my grandparents
2. Do my laundry... it is piling high
3. Research a kindergarten for Belle
4. Look for a new house
5. Research nano-technology (yes, that is what I wrote, I help Jon with his homework!)

I Enjoy:

... Sleeping in until 9 am, a long hot bubble bath, cupcakes, camping, libraries, my computer, shopping for clothes for my kids, looking at real estate, baking, riding bikes with my family, a shortish hike, reading blogs, making cards, playing with my kids, going to a movie with Jon.

Three BAD Habits:

I have soooo many bad habits I really don't know how fair it is to only pick three, but if i have to choose, they would be:

1. picking my zits (in the complete WRONG way, as my husband would put it)
2. talking toooo much and putting my foot in my mouth all of the time (oops, i combined two in one)
3. pulling out all of the dark, coarse hairs out of my head. why do i do this?

Five Things You Might Not Know About Me:

1. I love to sketch out and design clothes
2. I love to sketch out and design homes
3. I have always wanted to work as a fashion designer or for a big fashion mag (surprising yes, considering my being somewhat unstylish in real life)
4. I kissed Jon first
5. I really like playing with my kids toys...

Five Jobs That I Have Had:

1. Caseworker
2. Special Education preschool teacher
3. Worked at a Laundromat
4. Galley cafeteria at Ricks College
5. Private Tutor for an Autistic child

What Will Be Going On In Ten Years:

I will be 40. how wierd is this. Jon will be 39, Belle will be 14 and Sam will be 12 and hopefully, we will have had experienced many a fun trip. I hope that Jon will have graduated at this point, but we can all hope. I would like to be settled into a nice family neighborhood... i'm not picky, anywhere within the United States will do. Who knows, we may be in another state. That would be fun and definitely okay with me. Maybe another child or two. Well see. I guess i am open to whereever the wind blows us!!!

Vegas Vacation

2008-02-01T15:35:00.000-07:00

We took a short family vacation to Vegas to visit my brothers, Mike and Dan, right before Christmas. I meant to post some pics a month or so ago, but just haven't. We had a really nice time! Visiting Mike and his family was really relaxing and they are such great hosts. It was also nice to spend a little time with Dan and his cute girlfriend, Lexi! Thanks again, Mike and Mel, for such a great getaway!

obsessed

2008-01-29T19:49:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been obsessed with something, anything? To the point where, seriously, it consumes you!!!! I am so totally there. I have never really thought of myself as someone super political, but as of late, I am consumed with the presidential primaries. It has gotten to the point that I can't stop checking news websites for updates, latest articles etc. for information. I have even stooped to an all-time low... I listen to talk radio... ME, LISTEN to talk radio! From the moment I get up in the morning until the second my head hits the pillow, I am reading up on political media on the internet or listening to CNN or FOXNEWS. I know that this is unhealthy for several reasons, 1st: I get mad and upset when I read something I don't like, 2nd: I am losing sleep, even my dreams are all political these days and, 3rd: Neglect of my children- We just ate dinner while huddled around the TV watching the Florida Primaries. Seriously, I am SICK. Other, more rational people, have told me that it is just to early to be sucked into this, but alas, I have been sucked in-DEEP!

Help.

ridiculous, silly goose

2008-01-25T15:41:00.000-07:00

You know when life gives you lemons and the proper thing to do would be to turn these lemons into a tall, refreshing, sweet glass of lemonade... well I have a confession, I have let those lemons ROT. I have been on a roller coaster of emotions as of late and therefore, have not posted. But today, Belle did something cute that made me giggle a bit. Think I'll share!

This morning, while eating breakfast, I was talking to the kids and said the word "ridiculous". Belle immediately yelled out, "MOM, DON'T SAY THAT BAD WORD!" (Sometimes, I think that Isabelle thinks that big, long words are bad words... I really don't know why!) I had to laugh and told her that it wasn't a bad word. That it was like being "silly". She tipped her head to the side and with deep concentration said, "Ohhhhhh." Later today, the kids and I were playing and I called Belle a "silly goose" and she quickly piped up with a girly smile and pretty voice, "I am a ridiculous, silly goose!" Sure enough, another moment I realize that kids listen to everything you say!!!

You know you need to re-think your parenting skills when...

2007-12-30T17:22:00.000-07:00

*you rely on the nursery snacks as a sustainable breakfast for your two-year-old.

Yay, for 11 o'clock church next week! Maybe my kids will finally get a Sunday breakfast!

Twas' the gift of Christmas spirit

2007-12-26T14:14:00.000-07:00

Christmas was so peaceful this year. I am not sure why this year was different than other Christmas pasts. It may have been the serene, sparkly snow that glistened on the trees, shrubs and nearby roofs as we awoke yesterday morn. Maybe it was the excitement I felt by teaching my kids the true meaning of Christmas. This year was just SO different. Pretty packages and yummy treats paled in comparison to the blissful feeling of simplicity we felt by being together as a family this year. I can't say it enough, what an important gift my children are to Jon and I, I am reminded of this gift especially at this time of year!

a belle prayer

2007-12-04T21:12:00.000-07:00

Just got done saying our family prayers and I just had to chuckle during belle's prayer. First of all, this child gives some crazy long prayers. I am so glad that she has so much to be blessed with and thankful for... but whoa! Tonight, she all of a sudden started to tell Heavenly Father about some things she has been asking for for Christmas. I normally would redirect her but it just sounded so cute and full of personality...

"umm, Heavenly Father, bless my family, umm bless me, umm... umm thank you for my family and the white snow, I love Jesus, umm I love primary and my friend Katie, bless mommy's friend Alisa, bless daddy's friend Cliff, umm... umm... umm santa's gonna bring me a GREAT BIG BLACK PONY, big, BIG, BIGGEST EVER (as she motions with her eyes closed and her arms out wide), umm and a tiny brown snake (in a quiet voice with tiny motions to indicate how small...still with her eyes shut)." So innocent and so sweet... i couldn't imagine my simple life without my cute kids.

elf yourself too!

2007-12-02T21:26:00.000-07:00

my friend lisa told me about this... funny! check IT out.

Temple Squared

2007-11-28T07:41:00.000-07:00

My side of the family went to temple square this past weekend. It is always a nice visit. I love seeing the temple lit up at night. Belle is so cute when referring to "the angel with the flute". She likes Angel Moroni the best! It was chilly outside but this outing is always a family favorite! Happy Holidays.

my 6

2007-11-20T16:51:00.000-07:00

Even though I know that I am probably one of two people, maybe three, that will read this, (no pity intended- I like small, intimate groups) I will go ahead and follow through with this (thanks, Lis)! Maybe, it is a good thing not too many people see this! Enjoy...

1. I have never had a cavity.

2. Phrases I say often are:

WHOA mamacita
Catchy
Umm, that's too bad
Poop goes in the potty
It is time to be a little girl not a tiger
NO biting, or scratching- even if you are a tiger
I love you too much to argue
Umm, maybe next time
Kisses for mommy
knucks

3. I like to pick out all of the red tablets out of the TUMS bottle... i won't eat the green at all- ever!

4. I guess personality wise, (I don't know if to many people know this about me), but seriously, I can't stand, CAN'T STAND when people are left out of things, games, playdates, social events, activities, ANYthing! It just kills me when I walk into church or relief society etc. and see someone alone and if you look closely, you know they are in need of someone, a friend. I LOVE this and espeically like the chubby, simple gals like myself... I don't care about their physical appearance... I like lonely people. Call me crazy! I think that I generally have always felt this way, and I wish I would have been more assertive about this in my younger days, but now when I see someone struggling, sitting alone, left out, I absolutely love becoming their friend! I think that I wear my emotions on my sleeve and I know that there are plenty of other things to feel sorry or sad about... feeling lonely shouldn't be one of them.

5. If I was not married with children and worked as a caseworker in the social services, I would either be a fashion designer, own a cute, corner flower shop or do humanitarian work in Africa.

6. My initials spell LEGS... too bad they're not my best feature.

Honestly, I truly do not have too many friends or family that blog (however, to clear up any misconceptions, I do have a great deal of friends and family... just none who blog) so to follow through with the whole "pass it along" theme, I will tag those I know haven't already been tagged (according to my knowledge)! DRUM ROLL- I tag Candace. Yep, that is it, but I was always taught that quality was much more important than quantity and Candace is definitely quality! If this whole blog tagging ends with me, I guess I will have to live with the consequences.

bugs and a bad mommy

2007-11-05T18:33:00.000-07:00

This past week has been all but calm. I think that everyone in our family has been sick with either the stomach flu/gastro issues and/or a terrible cold... the kind of colds that the aroma of Mentholatum and Vick's vapor rub are longed for! I was so dizzy, I think that I almost passed out leading the primary music for our primary program on Sunday (that would have been a sight)!

Halloween was actually fun this year... the kids were old enough that they were excited about the tricks and treats. For nostalgia's sake, Belle was the same Siamese cat I was when I was five (my grandmother made the costume for me way back when)! Sam was a cute "buzz-year to-rescue" (in his words). Sometimes I really feel like a bad mom. Example 1: dramatically telling Sam that there are spiders on the floor of the chapel each time he tries to get down from the pews to escape (needless to say, he really hates spiders and this has worked)! Example 2: not taking ANY, NONE, ZIPPO pictures of my children on Halloween. Thus, due to the latter example- no pics!

BOO!

2007-10-30T19:59:00.000-06:00

click here for a fun site to visit with lots of halloween activities for everyone! have fun...

Photo Album

2007-10-25T14:48:00.001-06:00

one more kiss

2007-10-24T15:22:00.000-06:00

kids are funny. every night when i put the kids to bed, sam always takes my face and leans me in so very close to his face that i can see up his nose and he says "kiss mom, kiss mom". he continues to do this 10 or so times "one more kiss mom, one more kiss" all the while grasping my face with his cute, chubby hands. the best part of it all is that he isn't trying to be silly... he SERIOUSLY wants more kisses and would kiss til morn. gosh i love the funny, quirky habits kids have.

a day like this...

2007-10-16T21:15:00.000-06:00

only means that anything added, is bonus material. i think a red lollipop was warranted.

Reflection

2007-10-01T14:21:00.001-06:00

I don't know why but as autumn begins, the days seem slower to me and this is the time of year that I often think so much about my life, my family. Maybe the changing of the trees from greens to bright reds and golds... Maybe the crisp mornings... Maybe, just maybe, I am actually realizing the goodness I DO have in my life. I am finally understanding why children are so innocent and happy... as a child, life is fun to learn from and there is ALWAYS love in there hearts! I was watching Belle putting puzzles together yesterday. She was so beautiful and pure, the way the sun shone through the window and lit her hair up to a sparkling red shade put me in awe of her splendid simplicity. She turned to me and said, "mommy, I am so happy your mine." I feel so lucky...

The Middle-Aged Mom... Not Me!

2007-09-26T09:48:00.000-06:00

I woke up this morning really feeling bummed and a little sad about the fact that I was born on September 26, 1977. I think that it was really 1981 but my birth certificate says otherwise. Maybe I am living in a world like Truman in the Truman Show! Maybe what I thought was true really isn't so, but is BETTER! Anyhow, idealism aside, after I examined the new crows feet around my eyes that popped up mysteriously over night, I literally looked into the mirror and said, "this could be the end..." but then came an annoying rebuttal from my own head "I think I am going to make it the beginning..." NO JOKES! I really said this to myself. I am going to change the way the "middle-aged" women is looked at (at least to those who know me). For crying-out-loud, I still love huge hoop earings, black nail polish, funky bags and MTV... I don't feel "middle-aged"!!! I don't think I look "middle-aged" and for pete's sake I certainly don't act "middle-aged"!

Well, I guess this happens to everyone, I just don't feel like it should be happening to me. NOT YET at least!!! I mean, don't you think a person should be the age they feel... Well, then I guess I am 25. YA, that sounds about right. YAY!!!

BFF Benson's (an ode to the Benson's)

2007-09-20T10:47:00.001-06:00

K, I know that the Benson's are going to think we are just crazy friends once they read this post, but I have to say that they are just some of the raddest, narliest, coolest, most tripppin couples Jon and I have ever met... (I have to preface this by saying, Jon's good name should be completly removed from my off-the-wall banter on these posts, because he truly knows what a nut I can be sometimes and as hard as he trys, he is unable to make me bite my tongue)!! I just wanted to make a quick mention to the Benson Family (Tyler and Lisa and cute little Ava). We met eachother when both of us couples lived in Pinnacle Reserve apartments in Draper about five years ago... I remember thinking, "wow, that is a dang cute couple, they'd never want to be our friends!!! We're dorks!" But I guess crazy cosmic occurences can happen and the Benson's were doomed. Between late night games of playing Settlers and long talks about everything under the sun, we really hit if off immediately. And still, with kids added to the mix, we all get along and always have a good time. I don't have any pictures of this cute family (note to self: get a picture) but check out their great blog in MY FAVORITES... Lisa is already a pro!!! We love you guys!

Our Summer in a nutshell!

2007-08-27T11:53:00.001-06:00

Are we really having fun?

2007-07-11T18:43:00.000-06:00

I know that I am going to sound very stereotypical about my upcoming comment, but I really did not realize how much fun my kids (let alone myself and Jon) would have at the old Classic Waterpark in Sandy. I grew up near this place and all I remember is a washed up, dirty water park and a roller rink that really seemed to echo Magna rather than Sandy, Utah. But I stand very corrected!!! This place was so much fun! The water park was perfect for young and old alike and wasn't too crowded at all! After the crazy fun time we had splashing around in the water, we headed inside for a cool off and to play in the bounce house area... WHOA! So many bounces to choose from and the kids bounced their energy right out (BOUNUS: great naps were had by all afterwards)...

My Water Babies

2007-07-03T19:29:00.001-06:00

It is has been soooo hot these days, that each time I step outside the house, I feel like I just poured a glass of warm water down the back of my neck (ie. a little perspiration)... I really do love the summer though! It is especially fun to play with the kids outside. My perfect day would be sitting by a huge pool on a soft lounge chair (with my sunscreen on of course), drinking something yummy and cold and watching the kids play in the pool while reading a book or magazine... WELL, I guess I will have to settle for our 4 foot blow-up pool (which I struggled blowing up) and a hose for the kids to play with! Lots of fun!!!

Dirt, Smores and Bugs, OH MY!!

2007-06-28T20:18:00.003-06:00

Our summer has been filled with all kinds of fun outdoor activities and among our favorites are camping and hiking... this past week we went camping with Jon's family! We had a nice time catching up with family and the kids played from sun-up to sun-down with their cousins... Aside from the dirt (Sam liked to eat it, Belle liked to roll around in it) we made some great memories and snapped a bunch of fun photos!

Card Time...

2007-06-20T19:55:00.000-06:00

I love making cards! I just find that it helps me relax, express my creativity and have fun! This past week, I made some cards for my in-laws from beatiful pictures that my father-in-law takes on their various trips... I am not the most talented photographer, so I enjoy others photography! Here are a few samples of the photos.

Belle too, has found the love of creating... here are a few more pictures of our cards... I love my Isabelle!

Hats...

2007-06-07T14:16:00.000-06:00

Nothing too interesting has really happened to us, so I thought I would share a couple of pictures of the kids I took the other day. If you know my kids, you know that they LOVE hats! Sometimes, I find Sam using all sorts of various items such as lunchboxes, baskets, purses etc. as a hat. I tell ya, they love their hats. I have found that I really enjoy my kids at the simplest of moments...

Need a laugh?

2007-06-06T12:28:00.001-06:00

Really, this is how I feel everytime I ride a rollercoaster!!

Penny Lane and the Snail Bait!

2007-06-05T19:23:00.000-06:00

Last fall, we adopted a cute puppy, Penny. Belle is especially fond of this little ewok. She really is a cutie pie (minus the occasional poo eating) but aside from this, she is important to our family! This past week, she chose to eat some snail bait (on accident of course) and ended up at the Pet ER. Wow, I truly think our animals get better medical care than us! Luckily, she has survived this horrific ordeal and is right back at eating her poo! Yay, I think?

Actually, we have found that feeding her an occasional altoid (crazy huh) really stops this... who would have thought that! We love our Penny Lane!

Getting Started... Our Trip to Moab!

2007-05-27T20:41:00.000-06:00

Well, to be honest, I think I want to start this as a journal for me and the kids more than anything... I also have to say, that I don't even know if Jon and I have enough friends or family to make this blog even worth it, but we will see:) Little does, my friend Candace know, she is the one that has inspired me to do this! Thanks Candace!

I wanted to share photos of our latest trip to Moab (in April). We had fun spending time with all of my side of the family and found out what a great little hiker Belle is! She and Sam especially liked the sand dune area right before you reach Moab. I cannot believe how dirty two little kids can get... Nonetheless, good times were had by all!

FYI... I really don't love being in pictures, so I will definently get the rest of my cute family in as much as possible!