Wishing for warmer weather...

Where is the Sun?

So sometimes I feel like I shouldn't post anything unless I have something exciting or interesting to say. So I wait and wait, anticipating something blog worthy. And then it hit me... this is my blog and the main reason for it is to document my family's life (as mundane as it may be). So right here and now I vow to blog the little moments, the boring(to everyone but myself) moments and the everyday reality of our life. I wish we were more exciting, or that I was better at taking pictures of my kiddos but it is what it is. Life is busy and I feel that there are not enough hours in a day, so the first thing to go is the blog.

This past week we had a glimpse of spring/summer weather and it rejuvenated me as a parent. I don't feel so uptight and rule bound when we can get outside and adventure. We played our guts out while the sun beat down on us. We thought that winter may have made its way out, only to be slapped in the face once more by major hail storms, rain and snow. So while the sun is hiding here is some things we have been up to:

Visiting the Aquarium and seeing our favorite "nemo" fish

Enjoying a ever changing baby girl who wants to be like her big brother and sister. She turns nine months tomorrow and I can't get enough of her. She is such a blessing to our family and she lights up our day. She doesn't much care for sleep, but who can complain when she is happy when she is awake. She does a wild army crawl (as if her legs do not exist) and is so proud that she can now get around all on her own. She loves to chat and blow bubbles with her brother. She has two fabulous girlfriends Sophia and Brittlynn who love to sunbathe on blankets while the older kiddos scooter around them. Boy does time fly, and I really am enjoying the small moments.

Kenedy started soccer this year and loves every second of it. Even if the first game was cancelled due to snow and the second game was freezing cold and the snow had melted earlier that day. She scored a goal in the net and was so proud (even if it was in her own goal). Lots to learn and more importantly great friends and game treats!!

We enjoy Friday night "movie night" where we eat lots of popcorn and milk duds and stay up as late as we can keep our eyes open.

Making sugar cookies because we are craving something yummy and maybe we are slightly bored. Gavin is super particular and loves to be creative in all aspects of art. Including cookie decorating.

Smiley Samantha is constantly being entertained by Kenedy and Gavin running circles around her. Who needs toys when my siblings with keep me giggling?

She is just barely starting to experiment with food. No, not baby food, real food, she as I have said before refuses bottles and baby food, and has zero teeth but she loves anything we eat and just has to have little pieces. She is sweet and stubborn!!

Olypmic whirlwind

Well I wanted to wait and post this segment on our trip to Vancouver when I could get the best pics. and a well scripted story.

Where does the time go???
We got back and we were thrown right back into the swing of "Real Life". Bummer, I just want to go back and relive that special moment for Torah in slow motion.

Roxy threw Torah a Fabulous party at the Country club after winning the Gold and Lucky us, we were able to join the crew for a wonderful night out. Full of wonderful food, even better company and some WILD lessons in Curling. It got pretty intense.

We all know who is #1...

Heidi, Samantha and I enjoying the warm weather and some incredible snowboarding preliminaries.

Garrett and Sam enjoying the Olympic vibe and shopping in downtown Vancouver.

Wonderful Samantha in the middle of the "All day event" getting ready for a little snooze.

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Torah and Us relaxing before her evening runs. Isn't she such a babe!!!!!
I wanted to just get some of these up before it gets even further behind.

I will post the details as soon as I can so I don't forget what a once in a life time experience it was.

Along with some incredible pics. from my sisters camera and Casey's as well.

WE ARE ON OUR WAY!!!!

It's offical, we are on our way to Vancouver

(tomorrow morning).

Wish Torah luck and cheer her on for the Australian team in the Superpipe on Thursday night!!!!

Samantha can hardly contain herself!!

Torah we love you and can't wait to cheer you on in Vancouver!

VANCOUVER 2010

I have to borrow this post from my sister Heidi, about the opportunity we have of going to Vancouver to see our SOON-TO-BE sister compete in the Winter Olympics. She is an incredible snowboarder and an even more incredible person. We love her and wish her the best of Luck in the next couple of weeks.
Garrett will be in Seattle for work, so we decided to make a trip out of it and mix work with pleasure. So after a few days in Seattle we will head up to cheer our GUTS out for this amazing girl and soak in the awe of the Winter Olympics.

I hate to admit this but how sad is it, that when the Olympics came to Utah I saw very little. I didn't attend any events and mingled minimally in downtown during the two week event. Looking back I was stupid and should have really taken advantage of such a wonderful opportunity to have the Olympics in my own backyard.

So when this opportunity came about, I didn't get my hopes up because I thought we would have to pull a lot of strings to make it work and I just didn't want to be disappointed. But my cute hubby just kept saying "We are going", we can make it work, this is a once in a life-time thing". So he did most of the planning and preparing. And now I can be Giddy and not be disappointed because the strings have been pulled and almost everything is ready (thank you to family and friends for helping with kids, lessons, etc!!!!)

And what makes this even more special is not only am I attending the Winter Games in Vancouver but I get to cheer on someone I Know, and Love, and truly ADMIRE!!!!!

GOOD LUCK TORAH, we love you and all that you represent!!!!!!

Bottle...Baby Food... Cookie?

When I was pregnant with Samantha I wanted nothing more than to be able to nurse her successfully (Without pain, lack of milk, or any other problem that may occur when trying to breastfeed your baby). I remember vividly the moment I met my Precious Sam and as I looked at her face she was sucking, and smacking those lips of hers. I immediately responded "Oh no"! I know, how sad is that.

I was nervous and scared for the pain and frustration that came along with nursing your baby. But I knew I was going to give it my all, and not expect miracles.

Well, needless to say Samantha was a natural and took right to it with no problems. YEAH!!! This is exactly what I had prayed for.
Now six months later she is still/only nursing. I try solid foods and juice in a bottle but she will have no such thing. ABSOLUTELY Not!!!! Just the sight of either sends her into a fit.
So this week Garrett was out of town and she was constantly grabbing for whatever I was eating. As I was eating a cookie she grabbed it and immediately brought it to her mouth.

and this is what I discovered...

A Giddy Sam sucking the bee-jee-bees out of a chocolate cookie.

Duh mom, what is not to love?
So up to this point Samantha solely nurses with a side snack of a cookie, sucker, or pudding. I know I shouldn't be giving her these things but I sometimes cant resist and it is a start to some sort of solid food and not so dependant of Mom. I love you Samantha and you are my precious Angel who knows what she wants.

My Sweet Kenedy .

I was driving in the car a week or so ago, and Kenedy said out of nowhere:



Kenedy: Mom, I don' t want to get baptized


Me: Well, why not?


Kenedy: Just because


Me: Why do you say that?


Kenedy: Just cause mom, I don't want to drown.


Me: (light bulb coming on) Sweetheart you won't drown. Daddy will be there with you, it's a very special day. I then briefly explained to her the process and that she will receive the special gift of the Holy Ghost.


Kenedy: (extremely enthused) I will get a gift? the Holy Ghost?


Kenedy: He is Jesus' friend right?


Me: It is a special gift to help guide you and comfort you...


Kenedy: So Mom as soon as I get baptized and get the gift of the Holy Ghost, Then I become the prophet.

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End of Story, not up for negotiation, she quickly decided that she would be baptized and aspire to be the prophet.

This is my Special Kenedy, she is always learning and achieving and full of such a vivid imagination. The things that come out of her mouth are hilarious and honest and thought provoking and I laugh on a daily basis. She makes me smile.
I told myself I would start writing these things down again, because it is so priceless. So I may have oodles of more short post simply stating a conversation or thought that Kenedy said.

I love you sweet Girl and I know that you can be anything you want to be...

BOOYA!!!!

We are almost to the end of this week and I must tell you my little Gavin has been a CHAMPION with Potty-training. I wasn't sure if I wanted to venture this route so early but Gavin was showing interest and I decided to make the leap and try. So Monday night for Family Night we made a big deal about him getting to pick his "Big Boy undies" and lots of treats and drinks that were just for him. (Thank you Cortney for all your tips and advice, it totally worked).

He loved feeling like he was the most special boy on the planet. We wore him out and he fell fast asleep clutching his new purchase.

And So the Journey began...

This is how we spent most of our recent days, running "Super Fast" to the potty!

This is my happy Gavin after a Successful trip to the potty and getting his umpteenth treat of the morning!!!!

Buddy we are so proud of you and hope that the days to come continue to go as well as this week has gone. Potty training is definitely wearing on a mom, constantly asking and taking him to the bathroom. Dropping everything in a moments notice to make sure he actually tinkled in the potty.