Monumental...

Yes it is true, at this point in my life it takes something MONUMENTAL to find time to post on my blog. Sad to admit but in all reality it is the truth.

Well on April 27Th 2011 Mr. Sweet pants

Drew Stephen Maudsley

joined our family weighing in at 7lb. 3oz and 21 inches long.

When we initially found out we were expecting #4 I thought to myself I wonder if I can go the whole time and not finding out the gender, I had my doubts and it was a pretty half hearted thought at the time. But then when I mentioned the idea to Garrett he kind of laughed and said something to the effect of "Yeah, right that will never happen, you can barely wait the 20wks. for the ultra sound". So the game was on, I was determined not to find out and once I made up my mind it was not hard to wait for a little surprise baby. I had two ultra sounds throughout the pregnancy and both times the nurse asked if I would like to know and it truly never once crossed my mind to say "YES".

So I was elated when Dr. Terry pulled this sweet human being (who I could not see) and was crying, and my sweet husband simultaneously leaning down and whispering to me that it was a boy!!!!!! Gavin is no longer out numbered and can be the big brother that he so badly wanted to be to another BOY!

Drew 8 days old

Trying to get a picture of four children where they are all smiling and looking at the camera is nearly impossible.

Story time with dad, Plus 1.

Mom meeting Mr. Sweet-pants for the very first time. And boy did I think he was cute or what? He doesn't cry hardly ever, he is just mellow, sweet and calm. We are truly blessed to have this little one join our clan.

Hello Again, I'm back..

(Sorry, these pics. are in no particular order and do not follow chronologically).

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Wheeler Farm Pumpkin Patch

My five yr. old is now in Kindergarten and thinks she is 15.

St. George Marathon 2010

Kimra looking fresh and ready to go!!!

No words necessary.

30 Seconds to Mars

I Am Beautiful Fashion Show.

My sweet Gavin turned 3. Sad to say this was by far the best pic. I got of the day.

Disney Parade ending our first night at the Most Magical place on earth.

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Gavin wasn't so interested in Belle, he has just finished having a lengthy conversation with Snow White about her red cape. He proceeded to tell her that they had matching capes and that she was the most awesome princess of all because of the cape.

My Grandfather passes away doing what he loves (Golfing).

At the Graveside of Carl Dea.

It has been quite a crazy couple of months, and again I keep waiting for things to slow down so I can simply sit down and post on my blog. Yet as time goes by and more adventures pass, I get discouraged about posting, and I don't feel like I should post if I get chronological out of order.

NEEDLESS TO SAY.... THAT IS JUST MY LIFE.

In August: A few highlights-

*Everyone of my kiddos had Dr. checkups

* My Grandma got married

* Bees games

*Temple sessions

*First day of kindergarten for my oldest child Kenedy

She refused to let me take pics. of her at the bus stop, asked me not to come to the school to walk her in, because she could do it all on her own, acted like she was 5 going on 15. Makes me a little sad to see how much she has grown up. But extremely happy at the same time to realize that she is self-confident and independent.

September:

* Park City

*College football begins

* Rylee is baptized

* Went on a whim to St.George/ Disneyland with some good friend and didn't tell the kiddos until we pulled into the Disney parking lot. We had a wonderful time and Kenedy and Gavin loved the rides.

* My sweet Gavin turns 3. Finally I feel like he has been three for "three yrs. or more already". We felt quite accomplished by reaching this mile marker. Fabulous party at Kangaroo Zoo.

*Participated in a Fashion show for Breast Cancer put on by the "I am Beautiful" salon.

*Went to 30 Seconds to Mars with my Hubby and he snuck us into INCREDIBLE seats.

Love this band.

*Got a new V.T. partner and actually went visiting teaching. I am terrible at this and am trying to turn over a new leaf. So far so good.

Thank you Sara!!

*Had lunch with great friends.

* Volunteered at Kenedy's school.

October: (up to this point)

* Ran the St. George Marathon with my good friend and had a great time doing it. I am so proud of Kimra. It was a hot one.

* My sweet Grandfather passed away and we relived what we love so much about this great man.

* Wheeler farm for Pumpkin picking, hay rides, and corn mazes.

All dogs go to Heaven...

So my friend asked me last week if we would "puppy sit" her Yorkie dogs while she was in Montana and we jumped at the chance.

I looked at the "empty calender week" and thought to myself "this will be perfect, I won't need to plan anything because the kiddos will be quite content playing and taking care of three little pups and their mom.

Well it is day #2 and my kiddos wake up pinning for these cute puppies. They are so attentive and sweet when handling them and they can't get enough of these little fur balls.

I have wondered as I put the puppies back in their crate and they immediately snuggle up to go to sleep if we have worn them out TOO MUCH??

Needless to say my children have been so happy and obedient because of the puppy situation that I truly do believe : ALL DOG GO TO HEAVEN... for how happy they make children.

Samantha Jane turns 1!!

Happy Birthday Samantha Jane

July 23, 2010

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Where does the time go?

I feel like summer has just begun and we have already had one birthday one anniversary, Camp Alma, Girls Camp, youth conference, Holidays, and now my sweet Sam turned one.

She is such a joy and blessing to our family. She loves to think that she is "BIG", as she totes behind her older sister and brother. She has a teasing personality and is also sweet and mellow until you cross her (don't think about taking a toy/treat from this child). And then she pushes and squeals until she gets her point across.

She has ZERO teeth, Yes NONE!

But that hasn't stopped her from eating everything her heart desires. Right now her favorite things to eat are:

* CHEESE

* TURKEY

* PEARS

* PEACHES

* TOAST

* YOGURT

* CHOCOLATE CHIPS

* FRUIT SNACKS

*ICE CREAM

She never grew accustomed to baby food and would rather starve than actually eat any of it. So at a young age she ate table food. And has never looked back.

She loves to snuggle and give hugs and kisses.

She loves the water and can't find even the smallest puddle to dabble in.

She has gorgeous brown eyes and incredibly long eyelashes.

She is dainty and sweet with a side of spice.

We love her so much and have enjoyed seeing her grow. She is the only one of my children who doesn't need a nap.

She likes to tease her mom and dad and she is determined only when she decides it is something she wants to do.

I can't wait to see what this next year brings.

Love you Samantha!!

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Cowabunga Bay!

She loves corn on the cob.

She loves to smile for the camera.

The Fancy Five

My Independent, Sweet Kenedy turned 5 last week. We were in Idaho for a little family getaway and decided to celebrate her birthday. She had asked her Grandma Sydney for a "Fancy Nancy: costume from the Bonjour Butterfly book. She couldn't wait to receive this gift and let me tell you Grandma does not disappoint.

Kenedy refused to take it off all night, she walked around posing for everyone who looked her way.

Special things that you need to know about my Five year old kenedy:

*She is obedient

*kind

*thoughtful

*A good big sister who "pretends" to marry her brother every time he asks (which is every few minutes).

*Independent

*Artistic - She draws much better than her mommy EVER could

*impeccable memory

*Fantastic reader

*Loves to Sing

*Love running through sprinklers, and anything that has to do with water.

*Loves butterflies and bugs

* Write the best letters to her friends and then hand delivers them.

*Is growing her hair out just so she can be like her Aunt Natalie.

She is determined

*A natural athlete

* An average food order from her consists of: Fruit, carrots, cucumbers, salad, and chocolate chips.

*She loves to play games, dress-ups, and hide and seek.

*She says the best prayers, and never forgets to bless her friends and family.

*She will only wear dress, and each dress has an assigned day of the week.

She named our neighbors three new puppies Coco, Sprinkles, and Theodore (of course, because he is the chubby one".

Kenedy is so full of life and has an old soul. She is such a blessing in my life and I am so grateful to be her mom. She is continually teaching me new things, and how we should treat others. I love her imagination and her self-confidence.

Thank you sweet pea for you being you!!

Happy 5Th Birthday

Fabulous and Fancy!

Leaving her mark any where she can.

Love you Sis.

All Children LOVE the zoo, it doesn't matter how many times they have been it always feels like it is the first time. Let me just say I thought this zoo trip was awesome. We got there early before it was too hot, along with all the crowds.

Thank you Jessica for the wonderful day out with cousins!

Logan lent Samantha his sunglasses so she could get a good look of Gavin and Kenedy on the Carousel.

Everyone testing our "Chopstick" skills in the Asian exhibit.

Where do you fit in the Gorilla Family?

Jessica, Kenedy and Logan watching the Gorilla play with his blanket before going to sleep in his hammock.

Baby Suri pushing a pine tree (that he had stripped of pine needles earlier that week) as a toy.

Samantha just chillin' like she always does!!! Such a sweet baby!

Jamming with all kinds of instruments.

We were the only two not scared of the creepy elephant sound and the spray of water from his trunk. Maybe next time Kenedy and Gavin will join us.

Ready to go home. See you next time Hogle Zoo!

We love you.

Pictures are worth a 1000 words!

So yes, I am addicted to getting (not taking) pics. of my kiddos. I can't seem to take a decent photo to safe my life, so when I need to capture my kiddos personalities I call Syd. She is INCREDIBLE!!!! She is always thinking of new places and inventive poses. My kids love her and she makes it a pain-free and enjoyable experience.

These are just a few pics. from her last session, I will post more when I get a second, not that you are dying to see oodles of pics. of my angels but I love her work, and she is so great and capturing my child's personality!