LOVIN' THE RIDE

Comings and Goings...

2010-11-18T21:00:00.000-08:00

Well, now that bronchitis and a sinus infection are out of the way...i'm trying to get back to "life". I'm wayyyy behind, but here are a few things that have happened in the last few weeks...

Halloween came and went...Garrett was a "Scary Skeleton", Nick spent hours making an amazing ghillie suit, Jessa was "Flo" the progressive girl and Em was a "50's girl". Jordan had a baseball game on the night of our ward trunk or treat and on Halloween night - both boys had a special fireside to go to...so he was out this year!

The next weekend, Mark and I took Jordan and Nick to Cali. We had a blast! We left on Friday night and drove to L.A. We spent Saturday at Magic Mountain and rode all of the roller coasters!!! It was a total marathon and we had soo much fun. Then Saturday night, we drove down to San Diego. On the way we stopped by Mark's old neighborhood in Irvine. It was fun for the kids to see where Dad spent some of his childhood. On Sunday, we went to the Maritime Museum and to the Midway Aircraft Carrier. The boys loved it. We drove home that night and got home around 12. What a whirlwind of a trip! It was so much fun to be with our boys!!

2010-11-02T11:18:00.001-07:00

Emily Ann loves a good drink from QT. Last night at dinner she said, "Look Mom, I have a QT!" Love her!

2010-10-30T09:50:00.000-07:00

School was about to begin and my baby girl was going to start kindergarten. She had just turned 5 (2 weeks before school started) and her life was about to "begin". To put it lightly, I began to panic. I talked to Mark and told him my feelings and He made sure that I knew that He supported me. Long story short, we only get one chance with our kids. I get to do this one time and then she'll be gone. I'm so glad that we decided to wait. I LOVE having her home with me. We do everything together. Most of her other friends are in kindergarten or preschool so she gets her mom in the morning. She goes to dance each week (which she loves) and we are zooming through Junie B. Jones books. Recently we decided to do "Friday Field Trips". Yesterday was our first outing. Em just learned to ride her bike without training wheels and that's all she wants to do! So, yesterday we rode our bikes all the way to Subway and had lunch. It was so much fun!! I'm treasuring these moments that we have together. She's growing up wayyy too fast!!!

Taking a little break...

Em wanted to take a "funny" picture!

Eating at Subway!!!

2010-10-28T20:20:00.000-07:00

2 weeks ago, my little Garrett got baptized. It was a very special day. He took his baptism very seriously and came out of the water with a huge grin on his face.

He thinks that the Gift of the Holy Ghost is very cool. A few days ago, this is the conversation that we had in the car:

Garrett: Mom, can we go trick-or-treating on halloween night?

Me: I'll have to talk to your Dad about it Gar.

Garrett: Mom...oh Mom...hold on a second (he cups his hand to her ear) Hey Mom...the Holy Ghost just told me it was okay!

He is such a funny little boy!

My Sweet Nick has turned 12!!!

2010-10-27T21:47:00.000-07:00

Today was my sweet Nick's 12th birthday. I remember with such clarity the day he as born. He was so sick and such a sad little thing. My heart was so full, but also quite broken because of the condition that he was in. The love we immediately felt for him was indescribable. Who would have known then what an AMAZING little man he has turned out to be. He truly lights up my life!

We are so proud of him. All he can talk about is that he will become a deacon on Sunday. We are so excited for him and the young man that he has become! Love you Nicholas... xoxoxo

2010-10-27T21:43:00.000-07:00

So today has been a wee bit crazy! I let the kids ditch school today...and it was still a little out of control! I promised that this afternoon, we would carve the pumpkins. This picture pretty much sum's up the day...

2010-10-26T23:08:00.000-07:00

I walked into the bathroom this afternoon and this is what I found..hmmm :)

2010-10-25T12:46:00.000-07:00

Ok..I'm back! I'm adding my blog to the long list of things that I need to be better at! Our life is moving way too fast and I've got to be better at documenting it! This is a picture of my baby and I after church yesterday...Love Her!

Carrots!

2009-02-18T20:08:00.000-08:00

Our ward has a wonderful garden that we can help ourselves to at harvest time! Well, Alicia brought home a huge garbage bag full of carrots and here we are, sitting in the driveway trimming them up! They were delicious and the kids had a great time munching on them!

Today, I canned 10 pints of carrots! I wanted to use them and decided that I could bottle them up and use them for soups, stews, carrot muffins, cakes, etc! They turned out perfect and we're headed out there Friday morning to harvest some more! They also have a ton of snap peas ready...any ideas????

2009-02-08T09:17:00.000-08:00

Jessica and Emily had their dance recital on Friday night. This was Em's first year in dance and she took a ballet class. She has LOVED it and looked forward to it every week. She had no fear dancing in front of a crowd and it was so much fun to watch her!

Jessica took a hip hop class. Jessica has a definite love for dance and she did a wonderful job! We are so proud of our dancing girls!

2009-02-07T13:36:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a one of those busy days that feel good when all is said and done! I got multiple batches of laundry done and folded, the office and kitchen de-junked, dinner prepared early in the afternoon and I made this...

I canned some Great Northern beans. It was so easy and simple and they turned out perfect!(except I hadn't wiped my jars off before I took the pic). One of our favorite meals is White Chicken Chili. I have canned chicken, canned green chili's and now the beans!

2009-02-06T11:37:00.000-08:00

Lunch When the Big Kids are at School!!!

Every day, lunch is pretty much the same at our house. I'm not a big fan of the television. We just don't watch all that much of it - especially during the day. The TV is never on during breakfast or dinner, but lunch is another matter. Barney is on at 12:00 every day and Garrett and Emily love to eat lunch in front of the TV. They put a towel down on the floor and they have a little picnic. I put their cups in a little dish so they won't spill and off they go!

Emily blowing a kiss...

Little Buddies!

Saturday Riding!

2009-02-03T07:59:00.000-08:00

Saturday riding was perfect! We went out to our favorite "play" spot in the desert for a few hours of relaxation! It was a blast!!!

Jordan speeding towards me...with no hands!

Saturday was Em's first time on our little quad! She was soooo excited!

Daddy getting her quad ready!

There she goes!

Mark taking her down the trail...eventually we got on my quad and just rode next to her! I was certain that her little thumb was tired, but she never wanted to stop! She was fearless and I'm certain that we have another little Garrett on our hands!

Jessica!!!

Garrett jumping...

Nick flying...

Jordan soaring!!!

Dancing Queen!!!

2009-02-02T08:11:00.000-08:00

Emily Ann had pictures for her Ballet Class...what a beauty! :)

Emily and her friend Olivia.

She LOVES her dance class!

2008-12-17T21:58:00.000-08:00

Crazy Hair Day for my crazy little kids! Love them!

2008-12-15T20:12:00.000-08:00

Mommy...I really want my ears pierced!

Are you ready??

I'm soooo excited!!!

Ready...set...Go!

I love my new earrings!!!!

Riding...

2008-12-07T20:13:00.001-08:00

Riding is one of the most relaxing things in the world to me. It's kinda like doing the dishes (my favorite chore) but it's fun.... I love the warm water running - I'm a cold wimp. I love the way the noise of the sink lulls out all of the other sounds in the house...i can actually think without being distracted:). I love the instant gratification of it all...the kitchen is perfectly clean...I LOVE a clean kitchen...okay back to riding...:) When we ride, all that you hear is the quiet roar of the bikes...a good place to think. It's usually warm and It's always beautiful! Don't you love my comparison :) Well, there there is nothing that I would rather do than go on a Saturday ride with my family. Yesterday - we went for an afternoon ride...it was 71 degrees outside and perfect! We went with our favorite riding companions and between the 3 families, there were 9 kids! We always are quite the sight!!

Just starting out...Jordan is on the white quad and Garrett has the blue helmet on.

Our favorite place to go is Box Canyon. We're just getting ready to go in! It is narrow and there are lots of boulders to climb over...the kids love it!

This is where we like to stop for lunch. Notice the cross at the bottom of the hill. A man died here in November. Opps...not good!

These are the view's that I love. Pictures don't do it any justice! Can't wait for next Saturday!!!

Houston...we have a problem....

2008-08-29T21:40:00.000-07:00

THIS

OR THIS???

Yes...we have a bit of a problem at our house...we are divided :)! Don't know how

we're going to make it the next 3 months....good thing we love each other!!! Even little Garrett tells me every day who HE'S going to vote for! (I haven't had the heart to tell him he has to wait another 13 years.) It makes our nightly dinner conversations a little bit more exciting than "What's the best part of your day?..." We are a household full of strong opinions that's for sure! (Go Obama!!!) oops.....

Best Friends

2008-08-28T20:46:00.000-07:00

Mara and Emily are best friends. They can play for hours and not get tired of each other! Mara came over this morning and they spent 45 minutes washing my sliding door with water:)! I have to limit Em to water or she will go through a whole spray bottle of window cleaner in one setting! Love those little girls!

2008-08-21T12:14:00.000-07:00

The Rest of the Trip....

Interestingly enough, we had a definite routine at the Lake. Every day was the same...Here was our schedule:

- Wake when the sun rose.

- Eat breakfast

- Go out on the boat and knee board, wake board and ski.

- Come back to camp and eat lunch

- Go for a swim

- Go back out on the lake to tube

- Come back to camp and eat dinner.
- Fish and play in the sand until it was too dark to see :)

- Light up the lantern, play some competitive UNO, eat oreo's and pudding.

- Go to bed!

It was pretty funny - because there was never any change in our routine...all the kids wanted to do was be on the BOAT!

The big kids exploring on their rafts.

Emily making cake...her favorite thing to do!

Mark and the boys swimming.

Mud fights - the kids had LOTS of mud fights!

Don't you love the sand in the braces?

Nicko fishing....

He caught one...actually -he caught quite a few!

My little Garrett!

more to come....

2008-08-21T11:37:00.000-07:00

Lake Powell Day 1

I know these days, I'm a little slow on the bandwagon...but I'm finally getting around to posting our annual week in heaven. This year was a first for our little family. We were ALONE!!! It was a little strange at first and definitely a ton of work, but once we were there and all set up it was an amazing week. We felt like we were all alone in our little world. Here is our camp - Mark made our shade structure and it held up perfectly all week. The first day there, we spent most of the day setting up camp and then relaxing....

Camp

Camp view from our tents.

Mark and the tents - Jordan and Nick shared the little one - the rest of us in the big one. Lucky for them, their little tent held up the best! One night, we had some crazy wind. Mark was up half the night holding up the tent. Finally it calmed down and he went out to check on the boat only to find out the the anchor had come up. We had to wake up Jordan and Nick - it took a few minutes as they were zonked! Nick stood outside our tent and held it up off of the girls and Jordan came down to the water with Mark and I to help with the boat! It was quite the night!!!

Notice the potty tent! I love that thing! :)

Funny...

2008-08-19T21:41:00.000-07:00

My Nicholas:

"Mom...I've decided I never want to become a famous person! Do you know why? (continuing without waiting for reply :) ) I never want to end up on that show - (in a deep voice) "Where are they now?""

My silly boy!

2008-07-13T22:38:00.000-07:00

Emily Ann is Three!!!!

Happy Birthday Baby Girl

2008-07-10T15:52:00.001-07:00

Okay...it's been so long since I've blogged, I think that I've forgotten how :)....I haven't know where to start -so here goes:

We have had the BEST summer! I am dreading the return to school in 2 1/2 short weeks. Usually, I'm at least ready for our "schedule" to return, but this year I'm NOT!

We just returned from Hermiston and had an awesome visit with my family! Except for a visit to the mountains, we didn't leave Hermiston! I got used to driving 25 mph wherever I went and loved how it took less than three minutes to get ANYWHERE! The kids were constantly swimming in "shammy's" ( as Em would say) little pool, having air-soft wars with their cousins, family kick-ball games, sleepovers, visiting the park, eating TONS of ice cream and enjoying 2 weeks chore free! I loved the nightly 1:00 a.m visits with mom and laughing with my sisters! We really missed Mark and were so glad to have him join us for the last few days!

The one day that we did leave Hermiston, we went on a hike at the north fork of the Umatilla River. It was beautiful!

The trail was dense and full of little blue butterflies.

Little Em - yes don't you love the cast! On the way to Oregon, we stayed at our good friends - the Seeley's. On Sunday morning before we left, Em fell down the basement stairs. She broke her arm! Poor little thing! She's a trooper! Second broken arm and she's not even three!!!

My little cutie.

I love this picture of Mark and Garrett. We waded in the Umatilla after our hike. It was amazing there! The water was a little cold but felt so good!

Jordan and Nick crossing the river on the slippery rocks.

Jessica!

The boys were showing us their brute strength!

They make me laugh!!!

Em is strong too!!!

2008-04-21T12:57:00.000-07:00

EMILY...

We went once again to the Dr. this morning to find out that Emily has pneumonia. He lungs are full of junk!! On top of that she has asthmatic symptoms so her breathing isn't so good. We're on day 6 of high fevers and feeling yucky. Now she is on some major meds and we hope to see some good improvement. She is going back to the Dr. on Wednesday morning - so hopefully we'll see some results by then! She is such a good little patient! It's amazing how happy she is being so sick. Everyone else is well (thank goodness!) and we'll be glad when daddy gets home!!!

2008-04-20T21:40:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I Wonder....

It's been quite a week at out house. Mark has been gone and Em has been really sick. I had to teach Relief Society today and Em still had a high fever (5 days and counting...). So, I stayed home until I had to go to R.S. and left the kids to keep watch over the baby. Jordan has been babysitting for some time now and does a great job...but today while I was gone I think that they must have decided to party. When I got home it looked like a tornado had hit it...there had been some attempt to pick up, but unfortunately, they didn't cover all of their bases. When I went upstairs to change my clothes I found large lids to the rubbermaid containers, all of the couch accent pillows and some big quilts. They had been sliding down the stairs on the lids! Then I found Emily's mattress in the hall with all of the sheets and blankets off (no the bunk bed has NOT arrived yet - hopefully this week). I have no idea what they were doing with the bed - nor do I want to know!!! Needless to say I was not a happy mama! We spent the next 30 minutes digging out from the mess and they were trying to make up for their "fun" time! When we were done, out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Nick sneak out to the backyard. This was what he was doing...I love that little boy!

2008-04-20T18:17:00.000-07:00

NASCAR BABY!

Well, for the last 13 years, Mark has been dying to take me to a nascar race. We've been a little busy having babies and more babies and more babies, so this was my year! Last weekend we went to Phoenix International Raceway and saw more then I ever could have anticipated (If you've ever been to a race, you know exactly what I'm talking about :))! Honestly, tho...nascar fans are the nicest bunch of people...yes I saw plenty of the stereotypical fans - (I have never seen so many missing teeth and men without their shirts on and sagging grandma's) But honestly, I have never been around to many nice drunk people!!! :) We took Jordan and Nick with us and had the time of our lives! It was SOOO much fun! I'm hooked! It's amazing at the complexity of it all and I loved every minute of it! Here are some pictures of our day...

The view from our seats. We sat right on curve 4.

Jordan and Nick listening to Uncle Jame's headsets. He had it tuned in to Dale Jr's radio so that they could hear him and his pit crew talking!

We got "Pit Passes" so we got to go down into the pit before the race. This is picture of us standing on the race track. Jordan has become very "anti-picture" and Nick decided to put a bracelet in his mouth for the picture...nice :)! Dontchya love how we support our driver with our shirts? :)

This is our friend Doug, Jordan, Mark and Uncle James at Dale Jr's pit.

Jordan and Nick sitting in front of Dale Jr's tires at his pit.

The boys are standing in front of Dale Jr's Semi-trailer.

Nick with the 88 gas can!

Here were are again!

As they were clearing us off of the track before the race began, we were able to see the 88 car being brought out on the track by the pit crew!

The boys with their matching hats...they were so excited!

Nick got a little tired near the end of the race... It had been a long day, but the boys were troopers and had a blast. Can't wait for next year!

2008-04-09T21:19:00.001-07:00

Holy Cow....it's been too long since I've visited my blog....but it's only because it's BASEBALL SEASON!!! Mark is on the board this year as well as coaching 2 teams. I help purchase the food for the concession stands - So GT, Em and I are at Costo and Sam's ALOT! Needless to say, we eat at the baseball park, and some nights (when it's 10:00 and we're STILL there) i think I should just pitch a tent and sleep at the park! I'm convinced that Em is going to get some serious cavities at the rate that she is downing those ring pops! As crazy as it is, we are not yet sick of ballpark food, or the games, or the endless amount of time that it is taking up in our lives! Ask me in 6 weeks tho :)! All of the kids except Emily are playing ball...here are some of our pics from the first week: (I'll get some better ones of Nick and Jordan's are still coming...stay tuned)

2008-03-25T13:26:00.000-07:00

Speaking of quotes:

The other day, Jordan randomly walked up to me and said:

"Mom, it nice to be wonderful, but it's more wonderful to be nice!"

Alrighty then Jordan...It made me laugh - so true!!!

Then, I was driving in the car with Garrett and Emily when Em asked me to roll the window down so she could throw out a little piece of paper that was in her hand. Before I had a chance to reply, GT piped up his little sing-song voice -

"Emily, you can't glitter - it makes Jesus sad when we're glittering!"

2008-03-17T11:27:00.000-07:00

As I was reading last night, I came across this quote. I am inspired by it!

Let nothing perturb you, nothing frighten you. All things pass. God does not change. Patience achieves everything.

~Mother Teresa

2008-03-11T14:35:00.000-07:00

5 Things no one ever bothered to tell me....

p.s....there are a lot more than 5 :)

that going to the gym daily for 8 weeks wouldn't even make a dent on my back fat!

that little girl's hormone's kick in when they're 6 weeks old!

that yes...sometimes you will "yell" at your children!

that racquetball is so much fun!

that certain sticky snakes have the capability of staying on your ceiling for 2+ years! (I know that someday it WILL fall!)

2008-03-10T20:40:00.000-07:00

Best Buds...

Ezra and Mara came over on Friday. The kids have so much fun together. We spent the whole afternoon outside. What fun they had!

I had to put in this last picture of Jordan. His little tongue is sticking out as he is trying to fix his bike. Ever since I can remember, he sticks his tongue out when he is concentrating on something - whether it is baseball, or homework, or fixing his bike :) I also love his knees - all black!

2008-03-10T14:33:00.001-07:00

Every few years, it's a good idea to drain to pool and start with fresh clean water! As you can see, we did it! The kids thought it was very cool! Here are some pics:

Dontchya love the white ring on the tile...that will be coming off :)

Yes, I realize that there are electric cords in the water that the kids are playing in...but i promise - it was safe! (really i do :))

2008-03-10T14:15:00.000-07:00

A Monumental Event...

Yes, it truly is monumental! For the first time in 11 1/2 years, we took our crib down! For weeks this is what I've been hearing:

"Mommy, I need a big dirl bed like Jessa's!"

"Mommy, Daddy needs to get me a big dirl bed!"

"Mommy, can I pllllleeeeasssee have a big dirl bed!"

"Mommy, when is Daddy bringing home my big dirl bed?"

So finally, we ordered a new bunk bed for Jess and Em. Unfortunately, I didn't want to hear the begging and pleading for another 8 weeks until it arrived. So, Mark picked up a new mattress and brought Em home her "big dirl bed!" She's happy, and we're happy. She's doing great in it and makes a point to tell everyone she comes in contact with that she has a "big dirl bed with no sides."

The first night that she slept in her bed, I found her like this:

Back in bed...without waking up...gotta love falling off the bed 2 inches onto a very soft princess pillow!

Tucked back in! Night Emmy!

2008-02-21T09:07:00.000-08:00

Crazy Hair Day...

It was recently Crazy Hair Day and here are my crazy kids!!!

Crazy...

Typcial...

Jordan is sporting the "glitter" look. He's getting old!!!!

Nick is in "mohawk" mode with purple and blue sections of hair that fade into eachother!

Jess had me braid her hair the night before and here are the CRAZY results - also with purple and blue accents.

She scares me.... :)

Garrett also has a mohawk (with purple and blue)....that smile kills me!

Top view of GT.

Emily Ann couldn't be left out of the action...

Pretty crazy hu? (Sadly, when you are the youngest and the paint runs out...you aren't able to get too crazy!)

2008-02-15T11:46:00.000-08:00

Every other friday is "Deep Clean Day". Every other friday, I have two little helpers scrub my bathtub!

2008-02-05T20:24:00.000-08:00

We were tagged! Here are 8 things that you don't know about Garrett Donald Woolley:

1. I am crazy! I love to "jump". I jump my motor scooter, my bike (I even built a tower of skateboards to jump over), and a few weeks ago, I jumped my quad over a big hill and flipped myself off! Thank goodness I wear my helmet! I have more bruises than any of my brothers and sisters!

2. I hate to be alone. I have to know where my mom is at ALL times! And...when I go to my friend's house, I have to know where their Mom is at ALL times!!!

3. I love to eat salad.

4. I like to organize things for my mom (I wonder where I get that from???)

5. I always tell my mom that someday I'm going to buy her a red Ferrari. I'm going to buy myself one too!

6. I'm going to live around the corner from my mom and dad. Just the other day, I took my mom for a bike ride and showed her house where I'm going to live. It's empty now, so I think I'm in good shape. I always tell my mom that she's going to cry when I am grown up.

7. I know my tires. Mom got new tires on the Yukon and before she had even told me where she'd been, I told her that the new tires looked really cool. My brother wondered which tires got replaced and I had to show him that it was the ones on the back. My mom just stood there with her mouth open.

8. I like to yell. My mom tells me that it's not necessary, but I still like to yell!

8 things you don't know about Emily Ann Woolley:

1. I can get out of my crib now. My mom said that I've been in the crib longer than anyone else and it's time to get a bed!

2. I LOVE treats...any kind of treats. Not veggie's - just treats and diet pepsi. Mom keeps me at bay - life's not fair!

3. I love to count. Counting is fun and you can always distract me with it!

4. I'm very prim and proper. The other night mom told me that it was dinner time and I said in my sweet little voice - "No thank you mom!"

5. I am a pro bike rider. I asked santa for a "purple princess bike" for christmas and he brought me one! It is my favorite toy!

6. I have a little doggie. (No..not a real one.) I take it everywhere with me and if I get tired of walking him on his leash (no-that's not real either), my daddy puts him in his pocket to keep him warm. Sometimes my brothers or sisters will step on him and I suddenly start yelling at them to get off of my doggie! They move really quickly!

7. My favorite way to have my hair is in two ponnies.

8. I made up a song that I love to perform to my family. The tune is Jingle Bells and this is what I sing over and over and over and over...

Jingle Bells

All the Way

Ho Ho Ho

McGuire, Kennedy, Gabe, Elias, Cannon and Dayna - You're it!

2008-02-05T20:13:00.000-08:00

Love my little Garrett....

Yesterday morning, I was home doing laundry. It was a quiet morning and I decided to turn on President Hinckley's funeral as I was folding. Well, before the funeral even started, the tears began. I don't cry often. My friends tell me that I have a glandular problem and so I figure that maybe it's all connected :)...but anyways, whenever I get teary, my kids are instantly worried and somewhat amazed at the same time. Garret was worried and here is a portion of our conversation:

GT: Mommy...what's wrong?

Me: Oh Garrett - I just love him...I just love him so much!

GT: its okay mom - he'll always be in your heart!

What a sweetheart! I have such a tender spot in my heart for President Hinckley. When Mark and I got married, we looked back at the last few years of our life and made a vow to each other that we would never turn back. We would always press forward in the gospel and work hard to attain our goal of attending the temple and increasing our testimonies. As I grew, I feel like I was constantly reaching for the words and teachings of our great Prophet. I did love him so much.

2008-01-31T20:05:00.000-08:00

Me and the Gang...

I just turned 33 years old. My thoughts.....

1. Growing older doesn't bother me...in fact - bring it on! What DOES bother me is the fact the older I get, the faster time seems to fly. I don't like it! I remember when I was 15. The day after my 15th birthday I was ALMOST 16 - those 364 days until my 16th birthday occurred were the longest of my life! Doesn't work that way anymore!!!

2. The older I get, the more that I realize I KNOW NOTHING! I remember when I was 18 ( let alone 25) and thought that I'd pretty much figured life out... well almost, but I realize now that it was supposed to be that way - it's how i made it through those years! :) Now, I'm humble enough to realize that I'm fairly clueless and just doing my best to figure it out along the way!

3. I like where I am. I have no desire to turn back the clock and do it over again.

4. I want to slow down this year and savor life a little bit more. I love this quote:

Here are some pics from the big day:

I'm taking this picture as i'm lounging on the couch while Mark is hard at work making my birthday dinner! He is quite the chef! He made "to die for" bbq chicken that he placed on a bed of fettuccini. He served it with steamed vegi's and yummy parmesan cheese bread! SOOOOO good. He even served it on my plate for me! He worked really hard. He coordinated it so that it was all done at the same time!!! :)

Mark made me a lemon cake with cream cheese frosting! So cute!

He then thought it would be funny to make a mess out of my face! :) Em decided to take a lick of that oh so yummy frosting!

Another year down....

2008-01-29T20:42:00.000-08:00

Well, It's late and Mark just ran off to another fire! Thank goodness, it's only 6 miles away, but apparently it's pretty bad and involves 2 houses! So sad. It's been another busy day, but was nice to have Mark home for dinner with the kids.

Jessa began her 2nd session of dance tonight. She decided to show me her new routine and there was Mark mimicking ever move. She caught on and proceeded to teach her dad her dance routine. We laughed so hard! It was pretty funny. I wish that I had a picture!

During dinner, Garrett and I had the following conversation:

GT: Mom, you always loved me except when I was three.

Me: Why didn't I love you when you were three?

GT: Cuz when I was three, you would always sit me on a chair!

I then had to explain that I love him always and no matter what - even when I had to wash his mouth out with soap...I still loved him! :) Little bugger!!!

I came across this cute picture of the kids from Christmas - They're pretty cute!

2008-01-24T20:20:00.000-08:00

Surprise!!!

Yes, I am alive...:) and happy and well! Don't quite know where to start, but I figure that I've got to start somewhere! Here are some of my ohhhh so random thoughts 3 weeks into the new year:

1. I have a new addiction..I LOVE to exercise! I've been getting up at 5:15 ever morning to go the gym and as exhausted as I am the majority of the time, I can't seem to get enough. I look forward to the next morning the minute I get home and I've decided that I am really enjoying this new stage in my life.

2. I have known Mark for 13 years and still miss him during the day when he is gone, still get giddy thinking about him and I am so blessed that he is mine...enough said!

3. I wish that I was more patient.

4. It is time to register GT for kindergarten and I am so sad...

5. Hannah Montana is pretty cool. :)

6. Jordan is very brave.

7. It's soooo time for bed!

2007-12-13T15:24:00.000-08:00

My new walls...

It seems like I've been trying to get this project done for months now! I'M FINISHED!!!

2007-12-12T20:35:00.000-08:00

I have never liked public restrooms...

We've been out running quite a few errands this week as it is that "special" time of year! Emily is now obsessed with public restrooms. She loves lining the toilets with toilet paper. She needs to be in the stall all by herself - preferably with me on the other side of the bathroom. I peek in and she is sitting there prim and proper looking around as if each stall is a magical and wondrous place. She loves to flush the toilet and each time she does it, she claps her hands with all of the energy of her little 2 year old body and giggles and giggles and giggles! She loves washing her hands and it's an especially good restroom when they have a hand blower! OH MY! I still don't like public restrooms!

2007-12-10T08:52:00.001-08:00

My little dancing girl...

Jessica is had her hip-hop recital Friday night! She loves to dance and I love the way she sings or counts to the beat while she dances! It was so much fun to watch her!

Jessica and her friend Maddi.

2007-12-09T16:09:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm having a bit of a "early-life crisis" (cuz I'm definitely not "mid-life" yet!)!! You'd think this would be a happy and momentous occasion in my life. I should be out having a party, going on a shopping spree, having a diet pepsi/chocolate binge - but instead I'm ready to cry...You see my baby has potty trained herself! I know - I've decided I'm probably crazy - but what this means is my children are growing up! I realize that's that whole point of this little ride I'm on called "motherhood" but I still don't have to like it! They are sweet, innocent, and light up my life and I never want it to end...but the clock just keeps tickin! This is the 1st time in 11 years that we have been diaper free! Kinda amazing isn't it???

I do have to say - we're not TOTALLY diaper free yet..she refuses to wear underwear! So, we wear a completely dry diaper every day...she wakes up in the morning dry - stays dry - wakes up from a nap dry, etc...Silly little girl!

2007-11-29T20:04:00.000-08:00

November Catch Up!

It's been so long, I'm doing some major catch up! So here goes...

Last week we took a 3 1/2 hour quad ride in the desert mountains! I love it there! Garrett is all smiles and Nick is tired of having his picture taken.

Em, Jess and Jordan

Emily's-a-strippin! She decided that she didn't want her shirt on anymore - so she took it off and put it in my pack!

Silly Girl!

Thanksgiving Dinner. It was just the 7 of us this year. We had a wonderful weekend and although I missed being with our extended family, it was nice to have a quite (or not so quiet):) weekend at home.

Jessica made our cute name tags for Thanksgiving Dinner.

Goofballs!

More goofballs!

On Veterans Day, (and Jordan's Birthday) our ward held a little parade in our neighborhood. We began at our house. The kids decorated their bikes and we made quite a little sight as we wound our way through the streets that morning. We ended at the Primary Presidents house for cinnamon rolls and juice. It was a fun way to start the day. There's Jessica in the corner!

Getting ready to leave...

Cheesy Jordan!!!

This year, Nick played soccer for the first time since he was 4. He had a blast and loved it! These pictures are from his soccer award party. He's the cutie in the middle! Can't you tell??? :)

Nick is receiving his trophy. He earned the "Most Improved Player" award. His coach is in the military and expected a lot from the kids...they really responded to all of his yelling :)!!

Garrett is in pre school this year. He loves it!! We went a beautiful new fire station in Gilbert for a field trip. This is their "Theater Room". Actually, they called it some sort of a conference room...We thought it was pretty amazing! There are 3 cascading rows of leather recliners.

There is the screen...

Garrett and his class standing in front of the fire truck.

Garrett and Ezra are in the same class. I love this pic! Typical! They always have to be wrestling!

Garrett and I are waiting for our turn to get in the fire truck! We left Emily behind on this trip. I love to be able to spend alone time with my babies!

Sitting in the fire truck! We'd make awesome firemen!

This picture was taken at pack meeting. Nick and Riley are playing an Indian wrestling game. Nick got his little tail kicked. It's not fair when the other boy is twice your size! He did use up every ounce of strength he had though!

Jordan received his "Arrow of Light' award! We are so proud of him. It is the highest award that you can receive in cub scouting! Don't you love the face paint! He wasn't thrilled! (with the paint that is:))

Emily Ann...I'd just gone grocery shopping and she had to make a tower! Love her!

And last but not least...you know you are a nascar fan when your 2 year old insists on sleeping with her big brother's nascar underwear over her mismatched pajamas!

2007-11-20T20:32:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving Recipe

Yes, I'm sooooo behind on my blog, and yes I promise to do better! :) So, with that said, my friend gave me this thanksgiving recipe and I thought I'd post it! It looks yummy and she is an amazing cook and said that though it sounds a little strange, it is delicious!

Cranberry Salsa

4 crisp apples chopped small

2 jalapenos (or to taste depending on how strong) seeded and chopped

3 green onions chopped

handful of cilantro chopped

1 can of whole cranberries (not the sauce)

Dash of balsamic vinegar

Salt and pepper

Mix and serve. Especially good on a turkey sandwich with some good bread and some muenster cheese or cream cheese!

I can't wait to try it! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! I'll post soon! I promise:)

2007-11-05T20:42:00.000-08:00

Okay...I'm officially tired! Really I am :). It's been quite a week. A week ago Saturday, Jordan fell on his bike and hit his shin on his pedal. It caused a little scrape that I didn't find out about until a the next day. A few days later, he started complaining that it was bothering him and by Thursday night, it was warm to the touch and looking a little strange. Mark and I both looked at it and thought it was odd. On Friday morning, he got up and went to school as any other normal day. But the time he got home, he was a mess. He had a fever and a splitting headache and his leg was a MESS! It was burning hot and covered with little boils. By Saturday night, after going to both the Dr. on Friday and the Emergency Room on Saturday, we found out that he had a nasty staph infection! YUCK. So, needless to say, he is on some strong medication for the next 20 days. Fortunately, the medicine has kicked in and he is doing soooo much better. Thank goodness.

Nick on the other hand is on the down hill slide! He hasn't been himself for over a week now and I had him to the Dr. today. He's had fevers off and on and constantly wants to sleep. Strange for my little one that has NEVER needed sleep! :) His Dr. couldn't figure out what was going on and I took him in for a series of blood tests today. Hopefully in the next few days we will be able to solve our mystery!

On top of it all I still need to clean my house, get my grocery shopping done, get to the fabric store for a project that I'm working on, finish my project :), Organize a meal for 600 at our school next Saturday (I just found out about it last week - I even have a budget of $200...hooray:)), help get ready for the primary activity on Monday, make cupcakes for the soccer party on Thursday, get ready for Jordan's Arrow of Light ceremony on Wednesday, etc., etc., etc., and make sure my husband and children are healthy and happy! I know I can! I know I can! I know I can!!!!

5 Days in Paradise

2007-11-03T11:59:00.001-07:00

Cannon Beach, Oregon

Yes, it really was paradise..wet, rainy,sunny at times and absolute paradise! There were 6 of us for the weekend doing a whole lot of nothing and laughing so hard that we pulled a few tummy muscles! I am eternally grateful for these women in my life! They are the epitome of true friends! Here are some picture from our trip!

My bedroom...I called Mark after the first night and told him that I needed an ocean in our backyard! :) What a sound to fall asleep to!

Cleopatra - No..really Tiff..we'd just had an afternoon and evening in front of the big front ocean window making cards and needed some FOOD!

Haystack Rock...we tried to brave the waves and reach the rock - not a good idea ..even at low tide. I'll save the near drowning story for another day! :)

Haystack Rock again! So pretty!

The six of us...Tina, Shawna, Stacy, Tiffany, Luanne and Me..holding little Rachel (Stacy's new baby)

Shawna feeding the seagulls!

In the hot tub overlooking the ocean!

Luanne and Shawna at the Cape Mears Lighthouse...I love the Rocks in the background!

At the Cape Mears lookout point.

We spent a day in Portland and visited the Portland Temple. This is taken at the Atrium inside of the temple!

Yes, that is me in front of the prettiest tree at the temple! I miss those colors!!!

Multnomah Falls! It was freeeeezing cold!!! Brrr!

Mom and Dad were at the coast for a Judicial Conference. They came up to Cannon Beach and we were able to meet for dinner! It was soooo good to see them!

Playing!

2007-10-22T21:38:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm back from my "5 days in paradise"...(I'll post pictures of that later). Mark deserves the "Dad of the Year" award and spoiled them all rotten while I was gone. All that Garrett and Em wanted to do this morning was play with mom. I made some play dough and this is one of our creations:

Funny little men...

My little partners!

2007-10-15T23:10:00.000-07:00

Jordan came to Mark and I last week and asked if we would buy him a lizard. Mark wasn’t thrilled, but eventually I persuaded him (they’re only going to be little once! J). Monday night for family night we ventured to the local Petsmart. Jordan and Nick pooled their money and donated $85 dollars to the cause. We donated to the rest of the cause. Needless to say – we had no idea what we were getting into. . .

Spike is now an official member of our family. He is sooo cute! He is living the lizard life of luxury – He get’s fed collard greens and mustard greens in the morning, get’s misted at noon and receives little ALIVE baby crickets dusted with vitamins each evening. His cage is at a constant warm temperature during the day and cool at night! WHO KNEW!!!

It has been an experience, but we are all enjoying him so much! Mark is the funniest because he worries about him as much as the rest of us!

Spike sleeping...what a life!

Setting up his terrarium. – oh the things we do to make our children happy! :) I really do love Spike!

2007-09-17T21:13:00.000-07:00

I'm Failing....

Well, I had a conversation with Garrett in the car today and I've decided that I'm completely failing...We got the new Friend in the mail and he was looking at it as we were going to pick up the kids from school. There is a picture of the temple on the front cover. Our conversation went something like this:

Garrett: Hey mom...I think this temple is the one at Grandma's house.

Jill: Why Garrett?

Garrett: Well, It has that "golden guy" on the top.

Jill: You mean the Angel Moroni?

Garrett: Ya mom...What is that thing in his hand?

Jill: It's a trumpet Garrett.

Garrett: Ahh..So he played that during the War?

Jill: What war?

Garrett: The war when Jesus died.

Well...we talked about the "war when Jesus died" - (I have no clue where that one came from) and on and on from there...nice isn't it?

Then came the second realization of failure...Some background..I believe that our conversation started with all of the talk of the trumpet. Our Bishop plays the trumpet and is extremely talented! Here are the two sentences that made me sink a little lower in my seat:

Garrett: Mom, you know that "Missionary Guy" who has candy in is office?

Jill: Um Garrett..you mean the Bishop?

Garrett: Ya Mom...He plays the trumpet good doesn't he?

That's it in a nutshell! I'm not doing so hot! I think I'll move to Australia!

2007-09-16T18:45:00.000-07:00

Emily Funny...

I was putting Em down for a nap when all of the sudden she said, "Mom, my bum burped!" Well...you know what happened! I got a good giggle!

2007-09-15T14:40:00.000-07:00

Random Pictures... I just love this picture of Emily. Love matching pink bows in their hair.

Emily loving on Nicholas.

So the other day I asked Jordan and Nicholas to do the breakfast dishes. Sadly for me, I'm fairly controlling over my dishwasher and don't often have the boys do the dishes - they always empty the dishwasher and clear the table - but I get the privilege of loading and washing up! I know...it's a little problem of mine. Anyways, it's very obvious in this picture! Love the gloves, garbage bag apron and don't forget to check out the dishwasher. Notice the pitcher on the top shelve! :). Needless to say I had to teach the boys how to properly reload!

2007-09-14T16:10:00.001-07:00

Okay...I'm so far behind on my blog...uggg! It's been quite the month! Over the next few day, I'm going to post - post - post until I'm caught up! It's amazing how a little bit of sickness can put me behind! Thank goodness all is well now and we are back to normal here at this crazy house :).

Mark and the boys got home Sunday night from their "Boys Weekend". It was quite disconcerting to hear Garrett tell me all week long how excited he was to go to "Vegas!"

Three years ago, I gave mark a "Nascar Experience" for his birthday and he was finally able to experience it this weekend! He took the three boys with him and they left Friday night and stayed in a hotel by the Las Vegas Speedway. Early the next morning they went to the Speedway and began. Mark said it was the time of his life...I told him that it was too bad the scouts weren't watching! :) He got to race 8 laps around the track and went up to 132 mph! The boys had an awesome time watching their dad. Grandma and Grandpa Woolley met them there from St. George and hung out with the kids while Mark raced. Afterwards they went back to St. George and spent the afternoon swimming in the pool. They slowly made their way home on Sunday. Apparently, they had the greatest spitball fight in the world at Pizza Hut in Flagstaff and it even spread out into the parking lot afterwards. The cars were great cover! It sounded like they had way too much fun! I'm so grateful for Mark - that there is nothing better to him then spending time with his kids! Love him!!

Get Ready...

Get Set...

Go!!!!

And going 132 mph!!!

I love the fact that it's so easy to get out of these things!!!

Is it really over???

They staff at the raceway was so kind to the boys. The loaded them up on this van and took them on a ride on the racetrack. The boys LOVED it!

I love these pictures of Mark and the boys! They're such buds!

Best Friends! I love the fact that they all have their Dale Jr. shirts on!

Cool Engine!

One of the highlights for the boys was sitting in the number 2 car!

Life is good!

2007-08-14T21:32:00.000-07:00

Lake Powell

We just got back from our annual trip to Lake Powell. Mark and I have decided that there is no other place we'd rather be. We love going on vacations with our little family, but for us - our Lake Powell trip is pure relaxation! There are absolutely no distractions. There are no televisions, no cell phones, no radios - no unfamiliar people walking through our little village! It's pure and simple time spent playing with our kids with nothing in the way! A little piece of heaven on earth.

Here are some of my random thoughts from Lake Powell 2007:

*Going without a shower for 4 days really isn't that bad! Lake baths are quite refreshing!

*Catching fish all day long in the lake is truly an art-form....just ask Nick! He can tell you that the fish DO NOT like red licorice as bait...bread works much better.

*Jordan, GT and I were on a wild tube ride one morning and he fell off and wouldn't let go of the tube as he was holding on with one hand and I was yelling in his face to let goooooo!!! Mark stopped and he climbed back on with the one hand that he was still clinging to the tube with and he proceeded to tell me how "AWESOME" it was...i thought he was going to break his arm...crazy boy!

*Never get a pedicure BEFORE Lake Powell...save your pennies and do it afterward! The sand does a number to those pretty nails! :) opps

*Garrett's favorite phrase was "NAIL IT DAD!" That little 4 year old was brave enough to hang with the big kids! He was flipped off the tube as much as anyone!

*Jordan discovered the fun of double knee boarding! Two kids would knee board at the same time and try to see who could push the other off first!

*I've never seen such a beautiful sky at night! The heavens are amazing!

*Beware of rattle snakes at night...especially on the trail to the bathroom...Nick has the rattler to prove it!

*Emily amazed everyone with her lack of fear when it comes to the water. She was never our of our sight!

*Jessica is my little 6 year old who is all grown up! Here only girl cousins that were at the lake this year were 10, 13 and 14. They were so good to her and let her be their little friend for the week! She showed off her great swimming skills and was never-ever out of the water!

*Mark and I have decided that it's amazing that while at the Lake, you eat food that you'd never make at home, but for some reason - a the Lake it always tastes soooo good!

*I can never get over the fact that Mark and the boys brush their teeth with the lake water! It must be a guy thing...do they realize how many people use the water as their personal bade?

*It never ceases to amazing me how much joy I get from watching my family be happy!

2007-08-06T12:34:00.001-07:00

2007-08-06T12:27:00.001-07:00

2007-08-01T13:00:00.000-07:00

Lunch Time Funny!

Today at lunch, both Emily and Garrett asked for milk. After a few minutes, Em changed her mind and told me she wanted water instead. I walked over and told her that she needed milk to help her bones grow healthy and strong. Garrett proceeded to tell her that if she drank her milk, her boobs and her head would grow big (as he cupped his hands in front of her chest). Hmmmm...maybe I didn't drink enough milk as a kid!

2007-07-31T21:09:00.000-07:00

It's Been a little crazy around here....

I had to post this picture of Jessica. Last week, we ventured into Phoenix. The kids and I spent a night at the Pointe Hilton Resort. The prices go wayyyy down in the summer and it's a fun little getaway! In the back of the resort, they have a water park just for the hotel patrons. It was great fun for the kids. In the park, there is a lazy river. At one point in the river there are some rapids. It was Jessica's favorite part! We had just finished playing in the wave pool and were walking towards the lazy river when Jess and I had a cute little conversation.

Jess: Hurry mom...we need to get there quick so that we can see the rabbits.

Jill: What jess? (I'm thinking - Are there rabbits hopping around this place?)

Jess: Mom - we need to hurry to the rabbits!

Jill: I'm sorry jessica, but I don't understand.

Jess: Mom - you know - bunnys - the rabbits in the river!

Ahhhhhhh....I realized that I'm just a little slow...the RAPIDS! Silly me!

School started yesterday....I'm such a wienie! I was such a blubbering mama! I told Mark that it's a good thing that I ran in to the Principal after I dropped Jessica off...i had to get control! This is the first year that Jordan wanted to walk to class on his own! Dang! I still got to walk Nick...but he stayed a good 20 paces in front of me! This is Jess before we left! My big first grader!

Nick on his first day! He's in 3rd Grade this year!

Jordan is in fifth Grade. Next year on to Jr. High!

Emily just had her very first haircut! She had a little mullet going on that we had to trim up! So Serious!!!

There's our happy girl! She is so proud of that fact that she got her hair cut!

2007-07-19T21:34:00.000-07:00

Emily is 2!!

Emily's birthday breakfast...she wanted "pantakes!"

Right before nap time, Ag and Tim brought Emily over her 1st birthday present of the day...She went to bed with most of it! A new bracelet, necklace, sunglasses and sippy cup! We left the ball downstairs! :)

Posing with her birthday crown on.

Talking on her new cell phone!

Opening her stroller. She was so funny when she opened her presents. She got so excited that I was sure that she was going to hyperventilate! It was great!

For those of you who are wondering...yes it's a black beetle cake! :) I thought the pink bow would be a nice touch!

Blowing out her two birthday candles!

Licking the frosting off the candles - a must!

I had to include this picture..Nick is trying to convince Emily to give up some of the candy on the cake! I love her little expression! Happy Birthday Emily!

2007-07-19T21:23:00.000-07:00

Last night, we were all sitting in the family room when suddenly, Garrett came up to me with big crocodile tears. He had found the super glue that had been sitting on Marks knee (he had been fixing something and had apparently been a little distracted at the time). Well, next thing you know, his hands are covered with it. He was bright enough not to put his hands together, but all of the little creases in his wrist were stuck! Needless to say, we spent the next 30 minutes working on getting the glue off. He was not a happy little boy. After doing the best that I could, he sadly went up to bed with lots of lotion on his hands. "Mom, it feels like my hands are covered with rocks," he said! Poor little Guy!

2007-07-13T15:13:00.001-07:00

I love those quiet (and sometimes not so quiet) moments when you're talking to your kids and get a glimpse of what is going in that little head of theirs. The other night, Mark had gone to pick up the boys from a friends. The girls were both in bed and Garret and I were sitting on the couch in the office waiting for the boys to come home. We decided to turn off the office light so that we could surprise Jordan and Nick. We were talking and this is a glimpse of our conversation:

Jill: Garrett - what do you want to be when you grow up?

Garrett: (With no hesitation) A Bear.

Jill: A Bear???

Garrett: Yes Mom...I want to be a bear!

Jill: Well Garrett, how will you become a bear?

Garrett: Heavenly Father will kill me and then I will be a bear! (At this point, I remind myself he's four :). Mark said that I should have told him to go and find the lights on the mountain! I think we've watched "Brother Bear" a few too many times)

Jill: But Garrett, I doesn't work like that!

Garrett: (heartbroken) But Mom...why not???

Jill: Heavenly Father gives us just one body. When we die, we go back and live with Him. We can't come back as a bear!

He was so disappointed! We went on to talk about all of the things he could do when he "grows up". Maybe he'll be a bear trainer!

2007-07-11T22:01:00.000-07:00

I love these pictures! Emily is completely OBSESSED with what we call "black beetles". I really have no clue what they really are. They are these little black bugs that seem perfectly harmless! (I hope!) Every where we go, she has her eye open for them. When she finds one, she will pick it up and come running up to me as fast as those little legs can carry her! "Black Beetle! Black Beetle!" - she yells! Her eyes will be huge and she'll have big smile on her face. There is no such thing as "The Itsy Bitsy Spider went up the water spout..." In our house, it's "The Little Black Beetle..etc."

One morning, she made it outside bright and early. There were several black beetles on the porch and Em was in black beetle heaven!

Don't you just love the little rat's nest in her hair? She wakes up with it every morning!

A perfect close up! So cute aren't they? Ewh......

2007-07-08T19:49:00.000-07:00

Well, we're back from Nauvoo! What an amazing trip it was. I really wondered if it would affect my children - as they are so young! It did! I am so glad that we went now...as it is just one more small piece to build their testimonies upon! We have had some great talks and I could see in their countenance that they were impacted from the great events that took place there!

Em sharing the ipod with Jordan. We figured that we clocked 3800 miles on this trip. Great memories!

Jessica while waiting in line for our wagon ride. We took a wagon ride up to the point in Nauvoo that Emma and Joseph loved to look over the Missouri River.

Garrett waiting in line too! What a doll!

Em is sitting on the fence with an oxen and the temple in the background as we were walking along the "Trail of Hope" on Parley Street. It was amazing and the the spirit was so strong. Nick, Mark and I got to read many of the pioneer testimonies together. He was fascinated by the strength of the pioneer children and what they had to endure.

We went to "Sunset on Parley Street". It was a fabulous night full of music and skits put on by all of the missionaries in Nauvoo. The kids got to make hats and participate in a parade. The loved it. We were on the very end of Parley Street and had the river and plenty of firefly's in background! What a view!

Jessica, Emma, Preston and Garrett playing at the Nauvoo Visitor's Center.

Emily and Garrett in the parade at "Sunset on Parley Street".

Jordan watching the performance at "Sunset on Parley Street". Mark, Andy, Kendra and baby Issac are in the background.

We are singing Nick's song at our family dinner! Hooray Nick!

We are parked in front of the site of Mark's Great Great Great Grandpa Edwin D. Woolley's home site (we think :)). Beautiful!

Mark and I at Carthage Jail.

All 5 of my brothers and sisters and I had a baby boy born to us in one single year. Garrett was the first. These are the 5 of them in age order! Garrett, Collin, Preston, Ezra and Caleb. They are such friends.

The 5 kids in front of Carthage Jail. They are standing below the second floor window that Joseph Smith fell out of when he was killed.

Emily...what more can I say???

2007-06-18T21:47:00.000-07:00

Well...I believe that it's very easy to underestimate my children. All day long, Emily has been walking around the house saying "my Daddy swim with Emmy". So tonight for family night, we went out for a family swim. Mark and Em were swimming around and all of the sudden, I looked over at the wall of the pool. Mark has his hands on Emily's and is showing her how to hold onto the edge of the pool wall and do the monkey crawl. I thought - there is no way she can do that alone! Well within moments, she monkey crawled the whole width of the pool by herself (with daddy's hands only inches away in case she slipped). My little girl who is not even two is growing up way too fast!

2007-06-16T20:59:00.000-07:00

Well, there are not many things that I'd rather do on a Saturday then go to the lake! It was 109 degrees today and the lake was emerald green in color! We all played way too hard and got TOO much sun! The kids did awesome - brave little souls! They even got to see mom do a 360 on the knee board! Oh what a thrill :). In the meantime, I think that I drank half of the lake and fell so hard that I'm not looking forward to waking up in the morning! :) We left at 8:00 this morning and got back at 8:00 tonight! Needless to say...the kids fell into bed!

Emily's sleeping space! What a great place to have a nap!

Garrett taking a little doze!

Jordan wake boarding!

Jordan knee boarding!

Relaxing while the kids are taking a dip!

Emily with Nick and I on her maiden tube ride! She loved it and would have stayed on the tube forever!

Goofy kids! Jessica's friend Maddie came with us today.

My view from the back of the boat as we are speeding to the other end of the lake. What a day!

2007-06-15T21:57:00.000-07:00

I love watching my big kids helping out my little ones..just using their intuition...it makes me smile! Today, as we were walking out of the store, Emily was determined to walk alone and she started to wander off. I quickly picked her up from the middle of the street and she was not happy with her mama! Jordan was walking next to me with bags in his hands and she lunged at him crying "BUBA!" She was not happy with me and only wanted her Buba. I quickly took Jordan's bags and Jordan carried her to the car.

As we were driving, Em decided that she was going to pester Garrett and she began to continuously whap him! Little Pill!!! Garrett was mad and the next thing you know, Nicholas is hovering over Emily from the back seat and gently stroking her face. "Em...please don't hit Garrett...it's not nice," He said in a soft singing voice. It was so precious and she instantly stopped.

I just love it when they watch over each other and are AWARE of each other. I always tell them that NO ONE is more important then their family. Sometimes it's just nice to see them observe what one of their siblings is in need of and then act on it.

2007-06-09T11:23:00.000-07:00

I've decided that I'm most assuredly in the perfect phase of life :). I'm sure that there are many that might disagree, but I know that it is what it is! There are very few sleepless nights, and we all just have so much fun together...especially being entertained by Em and GT. They've never experienced a broken heart. They are all as innocent as can be. They want to do what is right. They still laugh at their dad when he breaks out in boogie! They still think it's cool to hang out with mom. There is a song that says "I wanted it all and that's what I got." That's how I feel and I'm so grateful!

2007-06-08T13:47:00.000-07:00

Okay...so this is my typical life:). No, Emily is really not going...just pretending to. She wants to be just like big brother nick! Hmmmm...maybe this is why the tree is dying!!!

My sweet Jessica! I love this picture. She would be in the pool all day if she could!

Jordan and Nicholas are practicing their "start off position" that they learned in lessons. They swam lap after lap that morning.

So, Nicholas has had "long" hair for EVER now! But, with summer here, he decided it had to go! This is his "before" picture! What a little stud!

This is the hottest barber in the world, doing the big haircut!

Here is their audience! It was quite an exciting night at out house.

And this is the finished product! Such a cheese!

2007-06-08T09:41:00.000-07:00

This is Jordan and Nick after swimming lessons (Emily too). So much fun!

2007-06-04T22:42:00.000-07:00

5 good things:

**Jordan and Nick started swim lessons today! Hooray!! They love it and are just focusing on swimming strokes!

**Jessa made up 5 (at least) new cheers and has signed me up for cheerleading lessons every Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. (She is the teacher of course :))

**Garrett tried with all his might to convince his friend Porter that he was "either 10 or 8 years old" today

**Emily says she has "happy feet" and breaks out dancing!

**I got a surprise phone call from one of my bestest friends today...made my day! Got a sweet card in the mail from another one...I miss them all so much!

2007-06-02T21:03:00.000-07:00

Well, okay...so I've decided that if I'm on the computer already, I might as well do something productive :).. My little ones are growing up so fast and I figure that this is a way to journal a little bit of our life and share it with those we love. So having said this, I have no clue what I'm doing as far as "Blogging" goes. What I do know...I have 5 amazing children and an even more amazing husband. Our life here in AZ is crazy, but there isn't one thing I would change. I'm just loving this crazy ride I'm on!