The Bates Family

Who's Who???

2011-07-11T20:26:00.005-05:00

I'm guessing you all could probably figure out which one is Ayva...but go ahead..guess.

Dear Blog,

2011-07-09T00:33:00.003-05:00

I've been extremely neglectful to you lately and I apologize.

Life has been pretty crazy since Carina has arrived. Lets see, where do I begin. Well we added a new member to the family, finished up my semester of school, said "good-bye" to our Colorado friends (I miss you guys), moved to Utah, had a missionary homecoming (Josh's brothers), put the girls in swimming lessons, had to talk in church, Carina's blessing, family events, 4th of July festivities, trying to get settled in a new place (going well so far), Ayva will start school this year and Carina is growing too fast. I guess that's just life. So, dear blog, I will try and keep up again with our crazy life. In the meantime, here's a few pictures of Carina in April.

I love watching babies stretch when waking up, it cracks me up for some reason.

Apparently they can sleep in any position. She's a great baby, sleeps all the time.

Obviously, always stretching.

My cute cute baby!!

And she smiles all the time!!

(Please excuse above picture, it's make-up from the day before...shower...what's a shower??)

One month today

2011-05-08T14:52:00.004-05:00

I can't believe she's a month already. I've tried to soak up every moment as best I could. She is a wonderful baby. We've been blessed with happy babies! She sleeps and smiles a lot. I love her little smiles, they make me so happy! Her sisters adore her and want to kiss and hug her all the time. Cheyenne says she is the most adorable baby.

I just realized I haven't posted her birth story. It was quite uneventful which was good for us but I'll post that soon.

Carina loves to be around her family. She loves the attention. Her mommy loves to hold her every chance she gets. Her daddy has to fight to get any time with her. Poor daddy! He adores her.

She has been a wonderful blessing to our family and can't wait to get to know her more!!!

Here are some random pictures of her from the time she got home until now.

Thank you Aunt Stephanie for all the newborn clothes. She would be swimming in her clothes if it wasn't for you!!

The girls imitated us with their dolls.

They love their little sister!

I love when she just lays on my chest/stomach.

Little photo shoot

2011-04-30T23:26:00.003-05:00

Just a couple pictures from Carina's photo shoot. I got more of A and C than I did with Carina. For some reason I've had issues trying to get good shots of Carina. Why? I have no idea.

I'll try again but I have my doubts.

This picture took so long to get and was very frustrating trying to get it. They just wanted to giggle the whole time. Whenever I'd say serious, they'd giggle. I may be a bit biased but I think it's a gorgeous picture.

random pictures

2011-04-12T19:53:00.005-05:00

Here are a few random pictures...

When we got home, I couldn't believe how big Cheyenne is. She's not my baby anymore.

Jacqui got me the best nurse ever!! Thank you Jacqui!!

She's a very smiley baby

The girls love her and are always giving her loves and kisses! It's so cute!!

Daddy and his new baby girl!!!

Carina Taylor Bates

2011-04-09T18:43:00.003-05:00

arrived on 4/8/2011 at 8:12am

7 lbs. 12 oz.

20 1/2 inches long

Our little family is already in love with her. She is a very content and happy baby.

The Joys of Pregnancy

2011-03-31T01:25:00.004-05:00

Warning...another pregnancy "poor me" story.

I've been taking the anti-nausea medication Zofran for the majority of this pregnancy and I've been getting it from my doctors office. Haven't had any problems except with the last bottle I received. Instead of giving me Zofran they gave me Zoloft. So I was taking it for about a week and knew something was off because I started feeling sick again.

Well Wednesday morning I felt horrible and had a lovely vomiting session. It was so intense it felt like my face was being ripped off...strange description, I know, but that's the only way I can describe it. I didn't notice it until tonight and this is what I found all over my face...ruptured blood vessels!!

Please excuse the extreme close up but I just had to share.

SERIOUSLY

2011-03-24T17:26:00.002-05:00

I just fell down the stairs again. It wasn't that bad this time, I'm not worried about it. I'm just a little sore again!!! Josh is not very happy, he took my socks away from me. They were the same socks I was wearing the first time I fell.

Maybe I'll put myself on bed rest for the last couple weeks....ha....ya right, with Ayva and Cheyenne who could be on bed rest.

Wish me luck!

A finished project

2011-03-22T17:00:00.002-05:00

I finally finished a project...among many!!!

The girls had no idea what I was doing until I finally assembled it all together and they loved them. They could even tell which one was theirs.

Next project....baby bedding! Cross your fingers, hopefully I can get it done before she comes!

Random update

2011-03-17T12:11:00.002-05:00

Not much going on here besides constantly getting colds. I'm tempted to quarantine us to our house. I'm so tired of being sick because I get them one right after another. Right now I'm currently suffering with this coughing cold for the past 2 weeks and last night I either pulled some muscles or something from all the coughing. It's now painful to cough and doesn't seem to be going away.

I know I'm complaining, sorry. I feel dumb for complaining too because of my sister and our friend's twin pregnancy experience. Apparently, it takes a physical toll on the body and was the hardest physical (and I'm sure emotionally) experience they've had. So for me complaining about all this makes me feel like a wimp.

I also need to stop complaining about all this because I've been waiting about 2 1/2 years for this little one to come to our family so I AM EXTREMELY GRATEFUL FOR THIS!!!

So, not much going on here. The girls are in their PJs most of the time, even when I have to run an errand. I try to get them out of the house but gets a little hard. We go on little bike rides to the park down the street and they run errands with me. I finally got Ayva signed up for gymnastics class and she LOVES it! It's been fun to see her try to figure things out. I'm also trying to teach them how to pick up after themselves when it comes to their toys....and boy has that been an ordeal. Lots of crying from Cheyenne telling me that "I'm tired of cleaning up" or "My legs are tired" or "My arms are hurting from picking up". Seriously, this kid can come up with all sorts of excuses, I had no idea it started this soon. It cracks me up, the stuff she comes up with.

I've got my 3 online classes that I work on at night when everyone else goes to bed. They're not bad classes at all, just busy work stuff but still stresses me out because I have to get my assignments in on time.

I'm also trying to work on organizing this house before the little one gets here. 2 more weekly doctor appointments and she'll be here. She's set to be here about April 7 or 8. I have a "to do" list about 30 items long to accomplish before she gets here. I have my doubts that I'll accomplish this list.

We're just trying to live life for the next few weeks so nothing too exciting going on here.

Happy Birthday Ayva!!!

2011-03-02T22:58:00.003-06:00

My oldest just turned 5 today and yes, I've been emotional about it. I can't imagine why, my emotions have been quite elevated lately.

She has been a blessing to us and a wonderful little girl. She will be an amazing women and I am so proud and honored to be her mother.

She loves and adores her sister (even though they fight...all the time)! She's very protective of her and will be a wonderful example for her sisters.

Happy Birthday baby girl!!!

Love you!!

What do I have to do...

2011-02-19T09:25:00.002-06:00

to stop injuring myself before this baby comes?

Yesterday I took the girls out riding bikes and to the neighborhood park. We didn't last too long out there because Cheyenne started complaining that her hands were hurting (cold). It was a bit cold and I HATE being out in the cold but I tried to suck it up and stay out there for the girlies. Luckily they wanted to go home.

We got right in front of our house and Cheyenne just stopped, she was complaining that her legs wouldn't work anymore and couldn't pedal the bike. Really. Oh goodness, she's the ultimate diva!

As she was trying to get off the bike she pushed it back so I took a step back and twisted my ankle. Oh it hurt so bad I just stood there, at the bottom of our driveway, trying not to look like a complete fool in front of my neighbors. I'm sure my face gave it away though. So I hobbled up the driveway and into the house. It seemed to be ok after a while so I took the girls to the mall to play there.

It felt just fine all day until last night when I finally sat down for a rest and I could just feel it swell up and hurt whenever I put pressure on it.

Seriously, I think we need to invest in some kind of bubble device (Seinfeld) and just live in that until she comes.

Has anyone else out there been this clumsy when you were pregnant?? Granted, 3 injuries doesn't seem like a lot but it sure feels like it when you are pregnant and can only take Tylenol.

Hello blog

2011-02-14T14:45:00.005-06:00

Well it's been a while. Not much going on here, just life. I have about 6 weeks left until we welcome a new addition to the family and it hit me last week....I've got to get all these projects done that I've had lined up for long time now. So here's the first project and I started on these like a year ago. I finally finished and the girls loved them and were so excited to wear them to church.

Granted, I know they look homemade but my girls loved them and that makes me happy. Now, I'm no where near the level as my sis-in-law Leisel but maybe if I keep working at it.

Now here's a little baby lovin'!!!

Just look at those adorable little girls, Steph says that they love to snuggle with each other.

Is that the cutest thing ever??

Twinners are here

2011-01-22T13:14:00.003-06:00

Payton born at 6:53 19 inches 5 lb 10 oz
Brooklyn born at 6:54 19 inches 5 lbs 15 oz

My cute little nieces are here!!! Their mom is a real courageous woman, Love you Steph!!!

Congrats to your new family!!!

Stairs are hard!!!

2011-01-18T22:25:00.004-06:00

Warning: Humiliating Story About Me

Today the girls and I had a play date with a friend. The girls played with her little girl while we talked photography (my fellow photographer). While walking down the stairs with my cameras and computer my foot slipped on a step and I hit the stair right on my bum and then the next stair and the next. My friend (poor thing) had this horrified look on her face as I landed on the bottom step. I'm sure I had this look of pain but trying to smile and laugh at myself.

So I continued trying to keep a straight face and play it off, all the while just wanting to scream and cry. It hurt!

So we talked and talked about photography and I wasn't feeling too bad. When we left the pain just kicked in. I tried to ignore it and keep going with my day but I couldn't ignore it anymore. I called my doctor...Oh, I guess I should explain a bit more, I wouldn't have had a big problem with it but when I fell and hit the stairs I felt it in my stomach as well and it hurt there as well. So I asked my doc if I should be concerned with this. He told me to go to the hospital to get checked out. Apparently, even if you fall on your bum hard enough you could do some damage to the placenta. Oh man, really, my clumsiness could do some real damage?!!! Well duh, I knew that but it sure doesn't make you feel good about yourself when it happens.

Well to ease your mind, the baby is just fine and everything is good...except for my bum. Have I told you that it hurts? So now, I'm sore and in even more pain than what normal pregnancy pains bring.

I know, I know poor me! Boo Hoo, right!!

Note to self...you are going to be very sore tomorrow so stop whining about it tonight!

To demonstrate more of my clumsiness, this is the second fall I've had. On our way to Utah, we stopped at a gas station, I was outside doing the gas and decided to play with the girls through the window. Well, I had to step over the hose. I miscalculated how high the hose was and my feet got caught up and I fell on my knees. Knees hit the pavement first with my feet up in the air and then the hands came down. Oh the pain!!

Tonight when Josh walked in our little room at the hospital, the first thing he says sarcastically, "You need to stop falling." HaHaHa!!! Poor guy, he's had to take me to the hospital so many times. He's such an amazing guy, I love him for always being there for me and even in my clumsy moments. It's got to get to a point where he just rolls his eyes when he hears of these things.

A new favorite

2011-01-11T21:47:00.003-06:00

I did a photo shoot for my friend and her new baby born on Christmas Eve.

Just wanted to share my favorite from that shoot.

TO THE LOVE OF MY LIFE...

2011-01-03T10:03:00.003-06:00

On your special day!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Where do I even start and how do I put into words how amazing you are? (you know me with words...not very good with them)

In our 5 1/2 years of getting to know each other you've been extremely patient with me (and I'm sure that's been difficult). You continue to amaze me with your drive and motivation, your knowledge and the way you learn, your perspective on life and your love for your girls. It melts my heart to see you play with your girls, to see the joy on their face when their daddy plays with them. It's such a wonderful sight!!!

I pray everyday that I can be the best wife that you deserve, even though I have a long way to go! I'm excited to continue to grow and learn with you and from you for the next 50+ years! hahaha Yes 50+ years!!

You are the love of my life and the most amazing person I know!!!

Love you babe!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

A little bit of Christmas...

2011-01-01T13:52:00.002-06:00

I must be a little burnt out from taking pictures because I've been slacking but here's a few that I managed to get over the holidays...

The girls absolutely loved the big box of "white stuff" and had a blast playing in it.

Watching cartoons in the box.

Cute little girls.

Me and my 3 girls at Temple Square.

The girls got their big Santa gifts and love them...

Ayva got a bike.

CRASH!!!

And Cheyenne got a scooter.

Ayva loves her bike and is doing very well with it.

Santa Claus is coming to town...

2010-12-21T23:57:00.002-06:00

I took the girls to see Santa today and they were very good girls!! They cozied up next to him and even linked arms. They were not scared at all...

unlike last year...

IT'S A GIRL!!!

2010-11-29T17:12:00.003-06:00

It's official, we're having another girl!

Josh will definitely be out numbered, poor guy!

We are extremely happy because she is doing well and has no problems that they can see!

WE LOVE YOU BABY GIRL!!!

Rocky Mountain National Park

2010-11-23T21:42:00.007-06:00

Back in August we took a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park with G & G Bates in their new trailer. I don't know that I can go back to tent camping. We did some hiking, fishing, sitting around the campfire, and riding the gondolas (?).

They loved all the little pine cones.

They just couldn't knock that pole down.

Ayva loves to climb.

Grandma and the girls on a little hike.

Ayva loves to pose.

Daddy and grandpa getting ready for some fishing.

Ayva loves to run too!

They had fun using the "noculars"

Feeding the squirrels.

Ayva and Grandpa

Daddy's photography skills.

Gondola's in Breckenridge.

Sweet girls!!!

A very late post but we had a great time!! Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!

what would i do without zofran?

2010-11-21T20:50:00.002-06:00

Apparently I'm not doing much better.

Yesterday and today I've been off the medication (not voluntarily, I ran out) and I've been sick as a dog today. I finally was able to keep dinner down but that's it...burritos...of all things I kept down burritos.

Josh was fantastic in doing all the dishes and my massive pile of laundry! What a great guy, I love him so much!!!

Hopefully I can get more of that magic little pill tomorrow!

The Smallest Prayers Can Save The Day

2010-11-12T10:33:00.004-06:00

Holy cow, long post!

I know I have a bunch of other posts to work on but I just had to share this. Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures. I seriously wish I had some to share with you, so you can see what it was really like.

For those of you who don't know this, my husband is quite the outdoorsman. He loves to be in the great outdoors. He had a hunt yesterday in the Glenwood Springs, CO area and the girls and I decided to go with him. The plan was to go with him yesterday to start the hunt, just driving around, I'm not about to go out hiking around a mountain with two little girls and pregnant. Then do my kind of camping, get a hotel room in Silverthorne which has a big outlet mall. Friday he was going to do some work and go back out hunting while mommy and the girls did our own hunting (shopping, hehe).

So we started the day at 2am, I know I'm crazy for doing this. Another thing to inform you of, a snow storm was predicted for this area. Apparently, it's a good thing because it drives the deer off the mountain.

We got to the area he wanted to do some hiking. So we dropped him off and the girls and I went into Glenwood Springs, had breakfast and while they watched a couple new movies, mommy took a nap in the car. What a bum I am, I know. Very adventurous! Well that comes later.

When we left Josh to his hiking, less than a mile down I-70 from where he was I saw about 4 or 5 deer just on the other side of the cement barrier. That comes in later.

When we picked him up about 10am, he walked to the truck with nothing. He was very disappointed. He saw everything except for what he was hunting for. So I told him I saw them right off the highway. We drove past and they were still there. He didn't know the laws for killing a deer off the side of the highway so he decided not to do it. Could you imagine driving down a major highway and you see a guy with a rifle shooting at a deer right on the side of the road? I can't either but apparently Josh found out this morning that you only have to be 50 feet from the center line of the highway, that's not very far people. So he is now mad at himself for not knowing this information before he went out.

So we finally went up the access road to his hunt boundaries, this part I can handle. It's just driving around and looking out the window. This road takes you all the way up the mountain to about 10 to 11,000 feet in elevation. On our way up there we found nothing and towards the top it started snowing more and more. We kept going because it wasn't that deep yet. Josh spotted some tracks going down the mountain and into some trees. We found a little road going downhill right next to the tracks, so we went down---big mistake!!!

We started downhill in the truck and realized it might be tricky getting back up. It was icy with snow on top. We got to a point where we decided to turn back. No luck people! The truck was sliding around like it was on an ice skating rink. As soon as the tires would spin it would turn the snow into a sheet of ice. It was 8 degrees by the way and our GPS said our elevation was over 10,000 feet. Josh and I got out to assess the situation and figure out a way to get out of this. Oh, there was no one in sight, by the way.

We worked on it a few times, found some small logs to put in front of the tires to get some friction. Remember there's snow everywhere and it started snowing harder and harder. The snow storm was over us at this point. Again, I wish I had gotten my camera out at this point but I was a little preoccupied. When you are a parent and are in these situations, it makes it more scary and urgent.

Stuff to remember....10 to 11,000 feet in elevation (not a whole lot of oxygen), I'm pregnant and not in good shape and it's about 8 degrees and snowing hard. Oh and no one in sight on the top of this mountain. Yah, we were not that smart, we know!!! Needless to say I was not much help! Poor Josh has to do all the work.

So he got a shovel out and tried to dig up the ground in front of the tires--thick thick ice. The ground was an ice block. He worked so hard, getting worn out from trying to break the ground. Poor guy!

Josh suggested to say a prayer. I thought, duh, perfect idea. Since Josh and I were trying desperately to get us out of there, I asked Ayva if she would say a prayer with Cheyenne and ask Heavenly Father would help us get out of this. As I was closing the door I heard her sweet little voice starting her prayer. Believe it or not at that moment I felt extremely blessed and grateful that we have taught our children how to pray, even at a young age.

By this time the truck had slipped and sled all over this area and we had tried many ways to get out. Josh and I started to get worried and anxious. It had been a couple hours and a lot of work. I told Josh if he somehow got the truck going to just KEEP going and not stop to get me because we wouldn't get out of there. We had two little girls, I didn't want to take any chances.

The second time we tried it after Ayva's prayer the truck went and kept going and going up this hill. I stood there in shock and threw my hands in the air and said, "go, go, go!!!" It was a wonderful sight to see that truck going up the hill, all I could do was cry and thank Heavenly Father aloud. I've never done that before, aloud that is, but my emotions were just so fresh I couldn't hold back.

Then I realized, huh, that's quite a ways up to the truck!

I grabbed the shovels and hammer and started to run, how dumb! I lost it after a few feet. My throat and lungs started burning and I couldn't catch my breath very well. Josh started down after me but I waved him off, I didn't want the girls to be up there by themselves. It took me a while but I made it up.

Now this is just ridiculous but as we started to drive away Josh spotted those deer just down the hill again and they were maybe 50 ft from where we were stuck. Poor Josh was just not having any luck!!!

Just a funny side note. As Josh would get in the truck and try to get us unstuck (because I would have no idea where to begin on steering that thing out of there), I was behind the truck trying to push it! HAHAHA What makes me think I could have any impact in pushing this F-150 full of gear and people, not to mention the overall size of that monster. HAHAHA!!! What a funny sight, huh!

We thanked Ayva for her prayer and told her that because of her sweet prayer we made it out of there and that her prayer saved the day!!! She was very happy!

Josh had no luck and we decided just to go back home.

No "hunting" for me! :(

If anyone is up for crazy adventures, you could always come with us!!!

Happy late Halloween...haha

2010-11-05T14:04:00.005-05:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Cheyenne was excited to be the elephant this year and Ayva wanted to be the Little Mermaid. Where the Little Mermaid thing came from, I have no idea.

I know blog, I've been neglecting you for a while now. Things have been crazy around here, I will work on getting this thing updated.

Our Rocky Mountain National Park trip

Josh and the girls trip to Utah, my alone time

pumpkin patch

Cheyenne's Birthday

and

random updates

Happy Birthday Sweet Baby Girl!

2010-11-05T11:47:00.002-05:00

I can't believe you are 3! Where does the time go?!

Cheyenne has become quite the little drama queen. She's very dramatic in everything she does and says.

But she is also my little cuddle bug and gives great hugs.

She follows her sister around where ever she goes and copies everything she says.

She, of course, loves animals.

She loves dressing up like a princess with crown, shoes, purse and all.

She's very strong and has a mind of her own.

She's very adventurous and has no fear, well sometimes!

We can't imagine life without you!

We love you!

Happy Birthday!

Our little peanut!!!

2010-09-28T10:58:00.002-05:00

Baby is doing well, IT was wiggling all around!

Josh is seriously hoping for a boy but I'm thinking IT'S another girl. The poor guy, he just wants someone he can take fishing and hunting.

I'm 12 weeks now and still feeling sick, ugh!!! Will this ever end?!!!

I've been taking an online class and tomorrow I start another class but this one I have to go to the school. OH I'm so nervous, who likes going to class when you're feeling sick? Wish me luck!!!

I still have yet to post about our camping trip with G & G Bates to Rocky Mountain National Park.

9 weeks down...31 to go

2010-09-04T18:12:00.002-05:00

I know, I know I'm probably announcing too early! Oh well, I'm excited!!

I'M PREGNANT!!!

It's been 2 long years of trying, an emotional roller coaster I don't wish on anyone. I know there are some of you out there that maybe tried for longer than 2 years and my heart goes out to you.

So I've been on my deathbed for the past couple weeks but certainly not as bad as Ayva's pregnancy. This is the time when I wish we lived by family so someone could come and baby me, take care of my kids, housework, maybe some school work too (haha). Yes I'm taking classes this semester too. I'm also the Beehive teacher. Anyone have any other ideas to keep me busy?

Josh has been wonderful in taking care of the girls, doing the dishes, keeping the downstairs picked up for me, laundry, dinners and taking care of me. He's great, I don't know what I'd do without him. He's great in every way for me!!!

Well if you'll excuse me, I need to visit my porcelain friend.

Hiking and some randomness...

2010-08-03T15:57:00.007-05:00

We took the girls hiking a few times on this trail and they have loved it.

They love being outside and they love to run!

They were drawing maps to grandma's house.

Ayva loves posing and walking around all funny like.

Off in the distance you'll see a horse, the girls were chasing them.

A little water fun.

A little picnic.

My first day of clinicals. Seriously, white scrubs...oh I'm so glad that's done!

Oh, for those of you that don't know I went through the CNA course in June and just finished clinicals yesterday. The plan is to go on for RN. Call me Crazy!

Girls enjoying a chocolate ice cream cone.

That's kind of been our thing this summer. I'll go out sit with them and we'll tell "ghost stories." That's what Ayva calls them. They're just made up little stories that they tell. They consist of horses, dogs, cats and all sorts of silly scenarios--funny girls!

Arches and Canyonlands adventure

2010-08-01T13:20:00.005-05:00

We spent a day going around Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.

It was HOT, HOT, HOT but it was very fun.

Thanks everyone for the fun memories!!!

How do you go from the above....

to this?

MY LOVE!!!

This is what it looks like trying to get a family picture.

Canyonlands

Just SPECTACULAR views! Loved it!!

It was such a fun trip, thanks to G & G for making it happen and everyone else who came!!

The first day of the camping trip...

2010-07-31T22:58:00.004-05:00

Before the big camping trip we got to spend the first night with g & g in their new trailer.

That spoiled me!!!

Seriously, does she ever not color. You should see the stack of coloring books and coloring pages we have, I just can't part with them.

Anyone have any ideas on what to do with all their artwork???

She finds the strangest positions!

Grandpa and Josh went on a hike, Grandma and the girls went for a little hike while I got to nap. I know...lame but I must justify with the fact that I didn't get much sleep and I was exhausted!

I'm the lamest person to go camping with, sorry everyone!!!

I'm working on it.

More of our Utah trip...

2010-07-31T22:05:00.008-05:00

Tuesday we had a fun day of play.

Grandma got this parachute game out and they loved it.

Oh, she got it this time.

Ayva's collection in the backyard.

Baking cookies with Grandma.

You can always find Ayva doing this, her favorite thing to do.

Cheyenne enjoyed the cookies.

What a cute bunch of kids.

Jack got to taste the cookies as well.

Waiting to go to the park.

Ahh, a sweet sight for any child!

After the park we visited with Great Grandma & Grandpa Bradshaw.

Just a sweet picture.

Again, you can always find her coloring something!

Finally, the Utah trip

2010-07-30T21:03:00.006-05:00

Sorry blog, I've been away for a while!!!

So our Utah trip was back in May and beginning of June. When we arrived at G & G's house we dropped off the girls and Josh and I were able to spend the night and next day together for our 5th year anniversary. It was lovely waking up to peace and quiet, although I missed them tons!

We had a full week of fun! Here are the girls playing with cousin Jack.

We also went to the Olsen's for a picnic then off to the pool.

Aren't they so cute?

That was the coolest pool we've been too! Thanks Olsen's!!!

I think we wore them out!!!

Still more days of fun to come!!!

We have a new cousin/nephew

2010-07-09T09:20:00.003-05:00

Meet REESE ISAAC OLSEN...

He was born on July 7 at 10:15 p.m.. He was 7 pounds, 6 ounces and was 19 inches long.

We're so glad you're here and can't wait to meet you!!

Book of Mormon Stories

2010-07-06T21:34:00.002-05:00

Their new favorite thing to do is sing the "Book of Mormon Stories" song.

Cheyenne's Version

She sings this all the time.

She also sings the "Hello" song and it goes like this...

"Hello, Hello we welcome you to yous class"

Ayva's Version

Ayva loves singing, she's even mentioned that she wants to take a "singing class."

She also loves "Follow the Prophet" , the one she calls "the one that grandma sings" (I can't remember the name of it). Anyways, she loves listening to all the songs on the Children's Songbook CD now!

Josh's New Toy

2010-07-06T21:25:00.002-05:00

Although the girls think it's their truck.

Utah Trip Preview

2010-06-29T23:17:00.003-05:00

The above is just priceless!!!

Things have been a little crazy around here but I'll get this thing up to date soon.

ADORABLE AND BEAUTIFUL MODELS

2010-06-24T17:55:00.002-05:00

What more can I say?!!!

Of course we had to take advantage of our time together and get a few mommy and me shots.

These are just a few of my favs.

Beautiful kids

2010-06-24T17:37:00.004-05:00

I updated my moms picture frames of her grandkids.

Here you go...

ADEN

ADDISON

AYVA

CHEYENNE

BRAMPTON

CARDSTON

Last Day of Cousin Camp 2010

2010-06-16T13:57:00.009-05:00

I'm sure ya'll are tired of hearing about this, seeing how it's taken me forever to get through plus I still have another fun trip we went on to blog about.

We saved our trip to Union Station for Saturday because I thought our dad would enjoy going there with everyone. My dad served his mission in Kansas City many many years ago and he arrived there at Union Station. It is quite the trip down memory lane for him.

Before we left for Union Station...

We made hats for the kids (Annie and Steph did an awesome, amazing job with theirs. My poor girls).

Grandpa and the kids enjoying a piece of cake together---mmmmmmm yummy!!

Grandpa taking them for a walk so us moms could get everything ready.

They have a new exhibit at Union Station with dinosaurs and of course the kids loved it.

This one roared at them while moving his head.

Grandpa (blue shirt) and Steph (pink shirt), I'm sure he was telling her about his arrival for his mission. That door at the end of the hall is the door he came through. Then met his Mission President just to the right from where I was standing taking the picture. He said it looked a little different back then but still has some of the original stuff.

We had a picnic.

We headed outside to see the big dinosaur.

And played around it.

The doors back and to the left of Ayva were the doors my dad came out of after meeting his Mission President.

This was so cute. Ayva took a real liking to Cardston.

One day we were getting into the cars and they were walking out together. Steph grabbed Cardston to put him in the car and I took Ayva to put her in another car. She then told me, "Why is she taking him away from me, he'll be all alone without me." After explaining that he needs to go into another car she said, "I think he should be my brother."

Oh really!!

There was a really cool train exhibit. So many model train tables to look at, I even thought they were cool!

The Crew

(minus Grandpa, he was at a church meeting and Aunt Brittany who was taking the picture)

THANKS EVERYONE FOR MAKING THE WEEK SO MUCH FUN!!!

Day 4

2010-06-10T14:45:00.008-05:00

We took it pretty easy on day 4 because, well let's just face it...we're getting old and we were worn out! Not Annie though, she was going strong. MAYBE IT WAS JUST ME!

We did some crafts in the morning. The girls made these flower foam necklaces and the boys made foam airplanes.

She just wouldn't keep that shirt on.

Aden

Brampton

Cardston (and he had a rough day...keep reading and you'll find out what happened, poor thing!)

The boys were flying the planes down the stairs, it was so cute!!

Grandma doing my job while I was taking pictures.

Addison and Aden with their crafts.

Ayva and Cheyenne and their necklaces (well actually mine and grandma's necklaces, hahaha)

Cardston, Brampton, Aden, Addison, Ayva and Cheyenne

I tried to get as many group shots as I could.

Ayva's new horse shirt (she loves horses).

After crafts we played outside while getting ready to ride on the carousel at Oak Park Mall.

Playing "Ring Around the Bushes"

Carousel Ride, we were on the top level and boy did that make me sick. I get motion sickness real easy.

Play area by the carousel.

Seriously, where did she learn that?

Addison, silly girl, hanging from the castle.

Poor Cardston was playing on the castle just like everyone else and took a tumble. He is such a strong little thing, he kept playing but being very careful with his right wrist. After a little bit Steph decided to get him checked out so we took a trip to the Urgent Care at Children's Mercy Hospital.

While Cardston and Steph were in with the doctor the kids were rolling down the grassy hill having a blast. Poor little Cardston!

Later that night my girls were complaining about their arms and legs hurting. Either they're allergic to grass or they had some serious grass at the hospital.

Here's Cardston after his trip to the hospital. He fractured his wrist! That cast was enormous on that tiny little thing.

To top off the day, we had a little treasure hunt. We had planned for this activity at a park but this day our plans kept changing---lunch with grandpa...nope, treasure hunt at the park...nope, Deanna Rose Petting Zoo...nope. A couple of the days were like that. I think because of weather, if I'm remembering right.

NOTE TO SELF FOR NEXT TIME: Plan out everything in detail and keep to the plan.

I ran out of room on my SD card (I know, shocker right?!!!) at the end of the treasure hunt. Stephanie had made up these bags full of little treasures.

Steph had taken this picture days before cousin camp.

Please excuse the duplicate of this picture below, for some reason it won't let me delete it.

DAY 3 OF COUSIN CAMP

2010-06-07T21:19:00.005-05:00

I forgot to mention our girls' night out. It was the night of day 2. Brittany took Annie, Stephanie and I to a movie, Letters To Juliet. The AMC Theater there in Olathe has changed some since I've lived there. They have the Cinema Suites and Fork & Screen. Britt took us to the Cinema Suites, it was awesome. They have leather reclining seats and a person that waits on you. Restaurant style food and of course concession stand treats. It's quite fancy and was a very fun experience. The other cool thing about the Cinema Suites, you have to be 21 and older.

It certainly was a girls' night out, after the movie we went to Wal-Mart (I can't remember why) but Steph and Annie started trying on all sorts of clothes. Funny thing about that, the dressing rooms were closed so they found an aisle that was out of the way and started trying on clothes. Silly girls!!! They actually found some really cute stuff for very cheap. I'll spare you the details but lets just say we were all cracking up at ourselves, well mostly at those two.

Thank you Brittany for an awesome night, we certainly needed something like that!

Needless to say we got off to a late start the next morning...

We went to Crown Center in Kansas City on the 3rd day where we went to Kaleidoscope. It was a fun FREE place for the kids to play and do art work. Crown Center is a really cool place and I've only been there a few times in my life. A big mall with very cool stores and so many things to do.

The first station they made cone hats.

And of course Steph had to join in and make one herself. She's so cute and creative.

Cheyenne, Addison and Ayva playing around.

Addison, what a silly little thing. I swear, she's as lite as a feather when picking her up.

So many discovery type things to play with.

This room was the coolest. It was a black light room. This station was melted crayon that they could splatter on paper. I think I had more fun with this than my girls. The above is a shot with my flash and below are ones without the flash.

Here they got to make crowns.

Ayva, Cardston, Brampton, Cheyenne, Addison, Aden

This is just a really cool couch and a great place for a picture. Poor Brampton was asleep, although we think he was just faking it. They got so sick of taking pictures, poor kids!

After Kaleidoscope, we went to the Crayola Store. Ayva loves lining things up, especially animals.

They found this train outside of the train cafe and just had to get on. What cute kids!!

That night we topped it off with a little Birthday Party. The 3 boys and my sister Brittany all have birthday's in May but it was a celebration for all of them.

More to come.

Hello blog world!

2010-06-06T21:44:00.002-05:00

We made it back from another fun trip, so I have a lot of blogging to do.

After I get caught up with my massive pile of laundry I'll do some posting. Wish me luck, I hate laundry!!!

Sidewalk Chalk, Water Blasters(thanks Steph), Bubbles and Our Very Own Air Show

2010-05-27T11:30:00.005-05:00

FYI: DAY 2 OF COUSIN CAMP IS BELOW

On Tuesday, the girls and I went outside to play. Little did we know we'd see an air show right outside our house. The Air Force Academy had their graduation yesterday so they had a practice on Tuesday. We got to watch them both. I love watching air shows, probably because of my dad.

Hope it's not too boring, it's just a bunch of pictures of jets.

I told you, right over our house. Ours is that ugly yellow colored house. ha ha ha

Isn't that so cool though?!!!

I love this one with the bird caught in it too!

That is our neighbor's house.

I caught this one with my zoom lens, how cool are those jets!!!

Those are our neighbors across the street.

There's my cute little family.

DAY 2

2010-05-26T17:39:00.008-05:00

Day two was pretty relaxing but still a little chaotic.

This is what the mornings looked like, trying to get up and get ready. Annie was always up and going early.

The weather ruined some of our plans so we had to make other plans.

We went to the Great Mall to get out of the rain.

THEY LOVED THE MERRY-GO-ROUND, WE COULDN'T GET THEM OFF.

There was a little fighting over the zebra so they compromised, what nice sisters!

Brampton's ready for take off!

Cardston and Cheyenne taking a ride.

They also got to do some crafty things.

Cheyenne's horse that she colored.

Aden's horse.

And Ayva's, I missed getting shots of the others.

Then Grandpa took them all out for rides on the "BIG" bike.

Cheyenne looks like she's thinkin', "I'll just lay back while grandpa does all the work."

Not sure exactly who started this but I found Cardston and Cheyenne doing this all week and thought it was so funny. Silly kids!!

Payzant Cousin Camp 2010

2010-05-25T21:34:00.010-05:00

So my awesome cousins the Jardine's gave me this wonderful idea of cousin camp.

Last week we had cousin camp in Kansas and had an amazing time. We had 6 of the 9 cousins there (we missed you Leisel, Kira, Kamber and Kendi).

It was so fun hanging out with everyone. Thanks Mom and Dad for letting us do the camp at your place, we had a blast!!!

Aden, Ayva, Brampton, Addison, Cheyenne and Cardston

Stephanie did an amazing job with the shirts, they're so cute!!! At the bottom she had little hand prints with each of their names.

FOR THE BOYS

FOR THE GIRLS

Isn't she awesome!!! She is so creative!!!

We all hung out in the basement and the kids loved sleeping in tents.

Cardston and Stephanie

Getting ready to go to the Kansas City Zoo.

TUESDAY AT THE ZOO

Annie and Addison

They love the elephants.

It's hard to get a good picture with the girls.

I had to hold onto them.

Cheyenne and her faces.

Ayva got tired of walking around.

We finished off the Zoo day with a few rides on the carousel.

After the zoo we stopped by the library to get some books for story time. Then we had a little down time, mostly for us oldies.

Always putting on a show!

Story time with Grandma and Grandpa.

After that, bedtime (sigh), now we can relax.

That was DAY 1, the rest will be coming soon.

How long does it take to paint 2 little toddler beds?

2010-05-12T16:21:00.002-05:00

Roughly 3 months!

Well, if you live in Colorado Springs and it can't decide whether it's spring or winter and the wind blows like crazy.

And of course if you do projects like me. I'm quite the perfectionist when it comes to doing projects. Everything has to be perfect and if it's not...START ALL OVER AGAIN!!!

I was so excited when I bought these beds for the girls and couldn't wait to get started. After a while I just wanted to throw them in the dumpster.

But I didn't, I kept going. I was determined to get these puppies done.

And here's the end result (they were white)...

BLACK BEDS FOR LITTLE GIRLS

They will look girlie when I make their quilts and other bedding (along with another project that, hopefully, will not take another 3 months).

I'll spare you the details of this dreaded project but lets just say I had to start over a few times (I hate sanding).

My poor family had to suffer through all this. I took over the garage as my workshop, sorry Josh and got the family HIGH on many occasions with the never ending spray painting. Wind and spray painting don't go well together. Snow and cold weather and spray painting also don't go well together.

The girls were just sleeping on a queen sized mattress on the floor. Fun for them, they loved it but I've been wanting to get them their own little beds and decorate their room....girlie mixed with my style. So these beds were the start. They love their new beds and are sleeping very well in them.

THANK YOU FAMILY FOR BEING PATIENT WITH ME ESPECIALLY JOSH!!! YOU ARE THE BEST!!

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-09T22:44:00.003-05:00

Hope you all had a wonderful day!!!

I just love this little thing, she's so darn cute!!!

Today at church she crawled over to me, sat on my lap and said, "I'm safe now."

Sigh.

That just melts my heart.

My New Hero...

2010-05-05T18:27:00.003-05:00

Leisel Payzant

If you haven't checked out her craft blog, you need to.

She amazes me with all the stuff she's been creating and a lot of it! Where does she find the time?

She has these tutorials and giveaway going on right now. It's a single dress pattern for the giveaway and the tutorials are taking that pattern and changing it up a bit. She has put up so many different versions and they are adorable!!

Not only is she doing that but she has a contest going on too--So you think you can quilt. Every month the contestants enter a quilt they made and every month is a new theme.

Go check out her blog.

This is just one of my favorites!

And isn't that little thing adorable too, she's my cute niece!

Line 'em up!

2010-04-29T11:00:00.002-05:00

This just cracks me up. The girls, mostly Ayva, will gather all their animals and line them up where ever they are. I find animals lined up in our bedroom, on ledges, in their room, in the play room and now on the ottoman.

THEY LOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE ANIMALS!!!

April Showers Bring May Flowers???

2010-04-25T09:30:00.003-05:00

IS IT REALLY APRIL?

We may not be getting any May flowers.

This is what we woke up to Friday morning.

This is our backyard.

Later, when it died down a bit, the girls ventured out to play in all the "white stuff."

They had a hard time keeping their eyes opened but they eventually got use to it and had a great time. Their Christmas presents are finally getting some use.

Cheyenne had a hard time walking around.

Ayva loved eating the snow!

This is what it looked like by the end of the day.

And this is what we woke up to Saturday morning. It again snowed all morning but this time it was a wet snow.

Ayva's 4 year photo shoot

2010-04-23T17:27:00.008-05:00

She's my little model! She was such a trooper, it started to get chilly but she kept posin' for me! I had so much fun working on these.

Enjoy...

Can anyone find Ayva?

Easter

2010-04-09T20:21:00.003-05:00

I've been away for awhile, sorry blog, but I'm back. Well, for now anyways.

So our Easter weekend was pretty quiet. Saturday we ventured out for our first fishing trip this year. Also the first time Ayva went without a diaper. She did very well. One of the times I helped her squat on a slope and I had to hold her there for a while and she said, "I can't take it anymore!" That kid makes me laugh!!!

When we got back home I noticed my lower back started to tense up a bit and just tried to ignore it and headed to Wal-Mart for some shopping. When I got to Wal-Mart, Oh Man, was I in some pain. But I had to do the shopping, we didn't really have anything to eat and it was Easter the next day and the Easter Bunny, of course, had to do some shopping.

Every step I took was painful and I almost fell over a couple times. How embarrassing would that have been?!!! Man I'm so old!

Oh and because I was in so much pain, I kept forgetting things I had to get, so I had to go from one end of Wal-Mart to the other about 3 times. I know, so sad for me! But with all that pain, this Wal-Mart trip felt like the longest trip ever. Funny little thought, the whole time I was there I kept saying to myself, "I can't take it anymore!!!"

Just FYI, I hate the Wal-Mart I went to. It's always so busy and I can never find the stuff I'm looking for because they're out. So that just added to my frustration.

I got out to the car, loaded everything in the car (still even more painful), slowly sat in the car and just lost it! I called my hubby and was crying to him about it all and he asked if he needed to come get me (how sweet is that?). I may have taken him up on that offer but the girls were in bed. When I pulled into the garage he was there to help me out of the car and into the house. He put me on the couch and told me not to get up for anything. What a sweetheart!!! That made my night!

The pain only lasted a couple days so no big deal. Unfortunately, I was down for a lot of Easter but the Easter Bunny came to our house and the girls loved it. That's all that matters, right!? Daddy hid some plastic Easter eggs in the backyard and then had fun with bubbles they got in their basket. I skipped out on coloring eggs and good timing, I wouldn't have been able to do it with my back.

Oh, we DVRed General Conference so we watched Conference all day Sunday.

The reason for my back issue....well....we got the girls toddler beds off of craigslist and I wanted to paint them black. The first night I was in the garaged bending over, painting some pieces. I'm assuming it's from that. Lame, I know!!! The whole painting process is a whole other post by itself.

Here are some pics of the girls finding their eggs...

Where, O where did the hair all go...

2010-03-23T11:09:00.002-05:00

Dad, you will probably die when you see these pictures, sorry, but I cut the girls hair off.

Now, keep in mind that Cheyenne is a 2 year old. It's hard to cut hair when the "client" (hahaha) is wiggling around and won't hold still.

So here is the result for my 2 year old. I didn't want it that short but it's growing on me and when it's hair time before we leave the house, I don't have to do much! I love that part!

Excuse the back of her hair in this shot she was rolling around the floor and won't hold still for me, big surprise!!

I've actually had some compliments on her hair when were out and about.

And here's Ayva's. This one was hard because she had such long hair, I almost cried!

But doing her hair is so much easier!!

I'm so glad I did this after our family pictures!!!

THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!

2010-03-15T10:40:00.002-05:00

Thank you all for you're comments, you're all very sweet. I apologize for making it sound like a pity party, I didn't mean for it to be like that but again, THANK YOU!

Love you all!!!

Finally....Family Pictures!!!

2010-03-14T15:18:00.007-05:00

I'm a little hesitant with this post, only because I hate being in pictures!

THAT IS WHY I'M A PHOTOGRAPHER, SO I CAN BE BEHIND THE CAMERA!!!

My very good photographer friend, Karisa, took these for us. We work together in the Young Women and when we get together it's always photography talk.

They are too cute!!!

She did a great job!! Thank you Karisa!!!

What goes on in that head...

2010-03-06T09:43:00.002-06:00

I've started leaving Ayva in panties through the night and for the last 3 nights...dry. Hooray!!!

Until last night!

This morning the girls come running into our room, like every morning. This time Ayva had quite the stories for us. She was so excited telling me that...

Ayva: Cheyenne took her PJs and diaper off and sat on me and peed. Then she put her diaper and PJs back on, mama.

Me: Really.

Ayva: Ya, so I had to get new panties and PJs on, she got me all wet!

Granted I should have done some punishing for the out right lie but come on, what creativity! I couldn't help but laugh, of course I was just coming out of my coma so I wasn't exactly sure what was going on. I was also impressed that she didn't cry when she woke up and realized she was wet and then she got up and changed her PJs and panties all by herself. She told me she even did it in the dark.

Then she proceeded to tell me this story...

Ayva: This is a terrible story.

Me: (laughing) What is it?

Ayva: I saw a weird man come into the house and turned his head all around to hear my noises.

Me: What?

She went on to tell me all about how this weird man went into his house which was on her bed by her elephant pillow. He was scary looking.

She also told me that she was upset about it but didn't cry. What a big girl

Seriously, where does this girl come up with this stuff?!!!

I wish you could all be here at the times of her conversations because I just can't do it justice. I'm just in shock at what comes out of her mouth!

Ayva's Birthday!

2010-03-04T11:20:00.010-06:00

No, I did not forget my daughter's birthday. I'm just a procrastinator.

Her birthday was on Tuesday, March 2. I can't believe she's 4, where does the time go?!!!

She insisted on having a horse cake this year and this is the one she wanted. Not the best I know but she loved it and the look on her face made it worth it.

Her new favorite color is purple. So of course she wanted a purple horse (pink is still her favorite too, so of course that had to be in there too).

To carry on the tradition, we went to Chuck E Cheese for dinner. They loved it, it's one of their favorite places to go! Although mom and dad probably had more fun playing skeeball and basketball, they had fun riding on the horse and the pretend roller coaster ride.

They LOVE that horse!!

Daddy and Ayva shooting guns, of course!

The birthday girl and her horse cake! It took her about five times to blow those candles out. Cheyenne had to help!

Mommy and her girls!

Ayva got some really fun presents! She loved them! She's been wanting some play dough so I gave in!

She got all sorts of art stuff, she's really into coloring!

Thank you to the grandparents for adding to her fun, she loves everything! You made her day!

Angels take care of our missionaries...

2010-03-01T09:07:00.003-06:00

Josh's brother Jimmy is on a mission in Chile. I don't know if you'll know but there was a huge earthquake that hit there very early Saturday morning.

Here is a report from Josh's parents:

"This morning Janelle called and told us there had been an earthquake in Chile. After panicking for an hour or so, we received a phone call from an LDS doctor in Chile that reported to us that Jimmy was injured in the earthquake. As recently trained to do, when the earthquake hit and the apartment started shaking, Jimmy and his companion started running out of the building. Before they reached the outside, a wall fell on Jimmy! Jimmy's companion is uninjured. Jimmy has some minor injuries. He has "road rash" looking abrasions all over, slight head injuries, a broken finger, hurt back, and a bruised hip. The Mission President's wife called later and told us that Jimmy is doing OK and is in good spirits. She said that if the Mission President approves it, Jimmy may be able to telephone us tomorrow. The mission president's wife said that when she saw him being wheeled by wheelchair into the mission home by his bishop, she was overcome with the feeling that guardian angels had been with him."

This is a photo we found on his mission blog.

Here's what the mission president had to say:

"These Elders found themselves being slammed to the ground when a rocky, adobe/brick wall fell on them, during the earthquake. Possible broken finger, but the missionaries are happy and in good spirits!"

One missionary had an old, wobbly, adobe wall around the garden area of his porch tip over on him as he was quickly exiting their apartment, in the pitch dark at 3:34am. He tells us that obviously he had angels helping to protect him, as it fell with its total weight on top of him, but he didn't hit his head, it broke into pieces all around him, and he was able to get to safety. His wonderful companion helped him to a neightbor, member's home, and the Bishop and wife brought him safely to the mission home, where he was treated and stayed the next day. He has a possible broken finger, scratches and bruises, but is healing miraculously...he is happily here in the mission home doing fine, with his companion, where we can actually keep an eye on him!"

We are so grateful that Jimmy is OK. I truly believe he did have guardian angels watching over him. Our missionaries are well taken care of and knowing that brings great comfort.

"Mama, you're kinda mean"

2010-02-25T10:40:00.003-06:00

A conversation with Ayva...

(I was putting her PJs on last night)

ayva: Mama, you're kinda mean.

me: What................I am?

ayva: ya

me: Why do you think I'm mean?

ayva: Because you send us to our room when we're bad.

me: (laughed)

ayva: But I still love you!

me: (laughing again) I love you too!

2nd round..

2010-02-22T22:40:00.006-06:00

of Cheyenne's 2 year pictures.

I know, your sick of all these photo shoots. Sorry!

I did these the same time I did my friend's daughter.

What can I say, she's just adorable!

Sorry there are always so many, I just can't ever choose!

Someone's in their birthday suit...

2010-02-20T22:53:00.003-06:00

Just so you all have somewhat of a visual of my day today.

Yes, I am trying the whole potty training ordeal with Cheyenne. When she has panties on she thinks it's still ok to go potty in them, they're kind of like diapers but without the padding that catches all that pee, right! So I've tried leaving pants and panties off and it seemed to work. When she's naked and she has to go, she'll run to the potty. So today she at least had a shirt on. One minute she's in her shirt, the next she has on her boots and shirt, and finally I find her with

just her boots!

With this girl, everyday is an adventure!

My silly girls!!!

2010-02-19T15:15:00.004-06:00

Whenever daddy gets down on their level, they take full advantage! They love climbing on everything, they're like little monkeys!!

Ayva loves wearing my things, especially if it has pink on it!

I just don't know what to say about this picture.

They love giving hugs to each other. If Ayva runs an errand with me and they are apart for a while, they have to give each other hugs! What sweet girls, I just hope it lasts for a little longer!

They love playing on the couch and ottoman, it's their new playground.

This is the look I get when Cheyenne wants to have treats for dinner. I guess, would treats be any worse than a Taco Bell taco?

Here's a look at the Queen of lounging...

A little update...

2010-02-12T10:25:00.006-06:00

I've been really inspired by my sis and sis-in-law lately with all their craftiness. That wreath of Christmas balls was an idea I got from my sister Steph. She also made this Christmas decoration that our grandma had when we were kids and we just loved it! It's a lazy susan with a collage of different Christmas ornaments.

So I've decided to make it as well, thanks Steph for the idea. I shopped at all my favorite craft stores for the after Christmas sales and got most everything I needed. I also got the kind that you paint yourself so I thought it would be fun to have the girls paint them. They loved it but now I have a few of them that are all one color. Silly girls!

I know, I went a little crazy with the plastic but hey, I am a product of my parents and for those of you who know them understand that this is normal. I think my brother Brandon would be impressed.

Here are my cute girlies on our bed. They love playing on there and of course they have to have all their animals. Well not all of them, their stuffed animals could fill up a whole room. They love animals.

Leisel has inspired me as well with all her sewing. As of right now I don't have anything to show for it but I have several projects I'm working on.

She's also doing this quilting contest on her craft blog and I'm so excited to watch how it all turns out. She's awesome at making quilts!! And other stuff too! Check out the post below!

non-photo shoot post...

2010-02-12T10:06:00.004-06:00

You all are probably sick of seeing all the photo shoot posts so here's a break for ya! Sorry I've just been doing a lot of that lately.

Some of you are probably aware of my very talented crafty sister-in-law Leisel. I've put her giveaways on here a few times. Well for Christmas not only did she make them these adorable stuffed owls (here) but she made these skirts and they are so cute.

We're so lucky to have her in our family!!!

Thank you Leisel!!!

Stunning photo shoot

2010-02-08T21:28:00.004-06:00

Is she stunning or what??!!

I did this photo shoot with my friend and her daughter with an urban feel to it. I loved it, had a great time photographing her. She's a natural model. She'd strict a pose and immediately go to another one and another, etc. She was amazing!!!

Guess how old?

Ya, she's 5!

Giveaway Giveaway....adorable skirts

2010-02-08T10:50:00.002-06:00

These adorable girls are my nieces and they have a superwoman mom. She made these skirts and is doing an awesome giveaway here.

She is an amazing woman and wish I could do what she does!

I love the color ones but I looooooooove the black and gray ones too!

I want them all Leisel!!!

Beautiful baby girl...

2010-02-04T16:02:00.006-06:00

baby Delaney

I got to take pictures of a very adorable little girl! Isn't she gorgeous?!!!

And I love Aunt Verlinda's house for a photo shoot, she has so much to work with I could make a week of it (or longer).

On a side note...no, I still have yet to finish Cheyenne's 2 year photo shoot.