Enjoying the Journey

Bragging

2012-02-17T17:26:00.004-05:00

I am not a creative mom--at all!! But my girls are obsessed with tutorials on YouTube. After watching this tutorial I figured I could pull this off. And we did:

The kids put together a Mermaid Party and invited Jane's friend Ashlee. They decorated with all of their Little Mermaid memorabilia and even wrote out an agenda for the party (she's her mother's daughter).

At the end of the party she said, "Well I think that was a success!!"

Too cute!!

But that is not all --after much work and studying this week on some very hard spelling words...

...the kids both got 100% on their spelling tests!!!!

I am one proud mama:)

DisneyWorld Day 7

2012-02-05T17:43:00.006-05:00

Lesson #15 - SPEND TIME AT THE POOL

It killed me every time my kids asked if they could just go back tot hotel and swim. Here we were at Magic Kingdom and my kids were begging to swim. Because Disney closes early in the winter, we had plenty of time to swim.

After a morning of swimming we went back to Magic Kingdom for one last day.

Lesson #16 - USE FAST PASSES

It killed my kids to wait in line. Oh how spoiled kids are these days:) But it was nice to have fast passes for the more popular rides like Splash Mountain and Space Mountain.

And one final ferry boat ride to the parking lot.

I will always go to Disney in the off season. I know it is a pain to take kids out of school but it was so nice to escape the cold and head to "Paradise" and the lines were never any longer than a 25 minute wait (except Tinkerbell:)

We had so much fun!!! It was good to get away just the 5 of us and spend time with each other. Worth every penny!!!!

DisneyWorld Day 6

2012-02-05T17:28:00.007-05:00

Lesson #14 - SPEND A LITTLE EXTRA MONEY ON A PARK HOPPER PASS

We didn't want to waste a whole day at HollyWood Studios or Epcot because we heard it was for older children. So we opted to go back to Animal Kingdom. I wish we could have seen what for ourselves if we would have enjoyed the rest but we didn't want to risk it.

Aly chose to spend her money on getting her face painted. It cost her $15 and she thought it was worth every penny. She loved it!!!

She did look beautiful. We had to make a few stops to the bathroom to catch a peek.

Back to Mount Everest!!

Animal Kingdom closes at 5 in the winter so we left and headed to Downtown Disney.

The kids loved Downtown Disney. We ate at a restaurant on the water, participated in the Dance Party, and played in a few shops. We also frequented the Ghiradelli Chocolate shop for their free samples--yum!!

DisneyWorld Day 5

2012-02-05T17:10:00.007-05:00

Back to Magic Kingdom!!

for some reason Tobe did not want Pinnochio's signature. I'm not sure why but he wouldn't allow him to sign. Weird kid!!

Aly told Daisy that her bow looked pretty. By now she was warming up to the characters a little.

We finally found the princesses. Aly was in heaven. She kept saying, "I think they love us" while we were waiting in line. She would just run up and hug them. It was so cute.

She told Cinderella that she loved her. Cinderella wasn't quite sure what to say. It's funny what a real princess can do to a young princess in training:)

Space Mountain is Jane's favorite ride. Again, Aly couldn't go on it.

Tobe wanted to ask Jasmine why she shows her belly button. Brett threatened him with his life. Oh Tobe!!

Waiting for the parade!!

Lesson #13 - LET YOUR KIDS RIDE THE TEA CUPS ALONE

They'll enjoy being on their own, and you won't barf the rest of the day. Everyone wins:)

This was our late night. Aly didn't quite make it.

DisneyWorld Day 4

2012-02-05T17:02:00.005-05:00

Animal Kingdom!!!

They had a petting zoo. Tobe didn't like this much because he was scared of the loose animals running around. Aly and Jane loved it.

The favorite ride of the trip was Mount Everest. Unfortunately Aly couldn't go on it. The kids and Brett loved this ride.

Lesson #12- CHECK THE HEIGHT REQUIREMENT

I wish we would have gone a little later so Aly could ride on all of the rides. Oh well!! There were only a few but she was a little bummed.

This is on the Dinosaur ride at Animal Kingdom. A little scary!!

DisneyWorld Day 3

2012-02-05T16:16:00.005-05:00

Lesson #7 - GET A CHEAP HOTEL WITH A CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST AND A FREE SHUTTLE IF POSSIBLE
The reason I say get a cheap hotel is because there is plenty to do at Disney. Spend as little time at the hotel as possible. Ours didn't have a free breakfast but it had a shuttle to Disney which saved us $14/day. Parking is expensive.

Lesson #8-LET THE KIDS DICTATE. THIS TRIP IS FOR THEM:)

LESSON #9 - CHARACTERS!!!

Let's talk about the characters. See as many as you can. That is the kids' favorite part. After all they are the REAL characters. We bought cheap Mickey Mouse journals from Walmart before we left so we didn't have to spend a fortune on the autograph books at Disney and we had plenty of pages for all the characters. The autograph books at the park don't have many pages to fill.

Another thing is grab a map and location for the characters. I thought they'd just be walking around but they're not. They have certain locations and lines:)

Aly loves to pose

Aly was a little scared of the characters.

Lesson #10 - SEE ALL THE SHOWS, PARADES, AND FIREWORKS

Brett and I would split off to get good seats and it was worth it. You are up close and personal to all the characters and it really is so magical. The kids loved sitting through all of the shows.

Plus it gives you a chance to rest your feet.

Lesson #11 - SET A LIMIT ON HOW MUCH TO SPEND ON SOUVENIERS

I let my kids have $50/each. Unfortunately this isn't much but it is way too easy to overspend on all the fun stuff. I gave them 50 one dollar bills before we left and if they were naughty (my girls have been fighting like mad lately) they'd have to give me $1 at a time. Aly ended up with the least, 41; Jane had 46 and Tobe had 48.

Tobe had eyeballed some Cars 2 and Toy Story toys earlier in the day but we didn't want to carry them around all day. So we told him (in Tobe terms) that we had to ride 10 rides before we could go get his loot. He asked, "Do we have to start at number 1?" It about killed him but he lasted and was so excited to spend his money.

DisneyWorld Day 2

2012-02-05T15:58:00.006-05:00

Sunday we hung around the beach most of the morning.

Lesson #6 - IF YOU TAKE AN ENTIRE LOAF OF BREAD TO THE BEACH, THE BIRDS WILL COME

(in flocks) This was a little creepy. Brett and Aly were the only brave ones. The birds would flap in mid air and stare at you until you gave them something. Yikes!!!

We left Daytona and headed toward Orlando. Brett had free tickets for Universal Studios from Comcast so we went there to finish out Day 2. If you don't have free tickets, you can forgo Universal Studios. Save your money and time for the magic of Disney:)

DisneyWorld Day 1

2012-02-05T15:26:00.006-05:00

We've had a few people ask us to report tips we learned while taking this trip to Disney. Brett and I found ourselves comparing things we would do again, and some we wouldn't. All in all it was a fabulous trip. We made some fun memories and we learned a few lessons. So here goes....

Lesson #1- IF YOU DRIVE THROUGH THE NIGHT, YOU HAD BETTER BE PREPARED!!!

(with a plan, cokes, naps, and a hotel reservation:) We had planned to leave Saturday but there was word of a storm blowing through so I was packed and ready to go the minute Brett got home from work on Friday. We began our trek with thought of stopping when we got tired. Between the two of us we made it all the way but then had no plans of where we would stay for Day #1. If we booked a hotel that early in the morning, we would have to pay for a full day. So, we stopped at a rest stop and slept for an hour. Not sure if I would do this again, but we were glad we were there. The kids did great because they slept most of the way:)

sleeping at the rest stop

Lesson #2 - "A1A BEACH FRONT BOULEVARD" WILL HAVE YOU SINGING ICE ICE BABY ALL DAY:)

And it did. Brett couldn't stop reminding me that we were driving on A1A. It really does exist. We took our time on it too because we had to kill a few hours until we could check into our hotel.

Lesson #3 - DO THE BEACH FIRST

By the end of the trip we were exhausted. We were so glad we had gotten the beach out of the way before we started Disney.

Daytona Beach, Florida

Lesson #4-SPEND AS LITTLE AS YOU CAN ON FOOD

We still spent a pretty penny on food for a family of 5 but we tried to scrimp where we could. We used gift cards, PB sandwiches, granola bars, and shared meals at McDonalds. We ended up buying dinner at DisneyWorld one night and it cost us $43 for crappy food. We felt robbed and wish we wouldn't have done that. If I had it to do over I would have planned the meals a little better.

Olive Garden at Daytona Beach (in our jammies:)

Lesson #5 - GIVE YOURSELF A DAY TO RECOVER FROM DRIVING

We were super glad we had a couple days to recover from the drive before we started Disney. We needed it and the kids did too.

Day 1 over and we were beat!!!

December 2011

2012-01-02T18:47:00.009-05:00

Sadly I have no pictures of Christmas this year. I took a lot of video but no pictures...oops!! We had a great December. The weather was warm. Really!! it was super warm. We did our advent activities which we look forward to every year. And we spent a lot of time together as a family. We've been super lazy over the holiday break and I've loved every minute of it. We've stayed in jammies til late afternoon (and sometimes all day:), we've watched lots of movies, and eaten lots of treats. We've finished 3 puzzles, made lots of bread with my new bread maker, and taken oodles of naps. I've enjoyed having my family all home for over a week but I think it's time to get back to routine.

Here is a recap of the month in pictures:

We went to the mall to see Santa (they don't let us take our own pictures..ugh!!) but we still managed to take a few of the night and of course of Justin Bieber!!!

This is Jane's friend Ashlee

The Children's Museum with the Kennett's and Boothe's

We are all a little girl heavy in our families so the boys stuck together.

These 2 were a little scared to see Santa. They are trying to talk each other into sitting on his lap.

Aly was trying to be brave.

The whole gang!!

We had our 2nd annual Dutch Present Party!! We invited the Kennett's, the Boothe's, the Alcorn's, the Page's, and the Newell's. We decorated cookies, played games and of course opened the Dutch Present. It was super fun!!

Christmas Eve we always spend at the movies and out to dinner. We went to see "Arthur Christmas" and then ate dinner at Olive Garden. I love this tradition because I don't have to cook and the movie eats up a lot of the day.

After dinner we open the present we have bought for each other. We draw names and open them on Christmas Eve so they are special and don't get mixed in with the loot Santa brings. I absolutely love this tradition. The kids get so excited to buy things for each other.

Jane bought Dad bop-it and a puzzle.

Aly bought Mom a necklace and new running clothes.

Dad bought Aly a "grown up" outfit and a pearl necklace.

Tobe bought Jane a new Barbie.

And Mom bought Tobe a "boy" barbie so he doesn't have to rely on the girls sharing with him.

Everyone loved their gifts!!!

2000 piece puzzle!!

I hope you had a wonderful holiday season. We did!! Lazy and wonderful!!

Jane's Baptism - November 19, 2011

2011-11-28T16:32:00.009-05:00

Jane was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on November 19, 2011. We had so many family and friends attend this special day. Many of them traveled far, from Colorado, Utah, and Washington DC. It was so fun to have so many people there.

Our good friends Doug and Lyndee Kennett took these pictures of Jane in her baptism dress.

Erica, Spencer, Grandma Jeanne, Grandpa Randy

Grandma and Grandpa

The 2 witnesses: Grandpa Earl and Grandpa Randy

This is all our wonderful family. How loved and special we feel.

We had a picture taken of everyone looking at Jane because she kept saying, "All these people came just for me:)"

Cousins!!!

Jane was baptized in the same dress that I was baptized in. My mother made it for me and saved it so my girls could wear it.

Brother Rock--our dear home teacher gave the talk on Baptism.

My good friend and Jane's piano teacher Jaime Page played the piano for the baptism. She also helped Jane play the prelude music.

We had many of our dear Indiana friends there too. It was such a special day for Jane and for her proud parents. The spirit was so strong and I felt there were heavenly angels present as well. My mother wouldn't have missed it for anything and Jane and I both felt her near.

Many thank yous to all who attended!!

Halloween 2011

2011-11-28T16:23:00.004-05:00

Again, Tobe hates to dress up. After much stress and contemplation, he agreed to wear the Thomas Costume just to get candy. It came off the minute he got home. I'm not sure what I'm going to do with that boy.

The girls and I were witches!!

All our loot!! Our neighbors all get together at the end of the street to hand out their candy. They put signs on their doors to come to the end of the court. We were passed up by many trick-or-treaters because they didn't think we were home. We had lots of candy left over!!!

Parke County

2011-10-27T18:53:00.008-04:00

It is Fall Break here in Indiana!! The kids are out of school until Monday. Brett took the day off and with the Boothe family we visited Parke County.

Parke County is the Covered Bridge Capital - there are about 31 covered bridges around the area.

I've never seen a real "Goat -Tee". Yucky!!

Indiana is so beautiful in the Fall.

We love to get out and explore the state of Indiana. There is so much to see. I have to admit- the midwest is beautiful,esp. in the fall.

Entertainment on a Budget

2011-10-24T11:41:00.004-04:00

Brett and I have been trying to follow a strict budget for the last little while. With Christmas coming up and our anticipated trip to DisneyWorld, we've had to tighten the belt a bit. So we've had to get creative to be able to keep the kids entertained and prevent ourselves from going a little stir crazy.

I had a groupon that I had bought a while back for 2 hours of bowling at PinHeads. We invited our friend Morgen and took the family bowling. It was super fun-but I must admit, the kids did not last the full 2 hours. They got bored.

I had a coupon for free underwear at Victoria's Secret. Aly LOVES the "underwear store" because of all the make-up samples. I hate to say it but we frequent VS because it is a cheap outing for my little sparkle princess and me:)

The Children's Museum has a Haunted House every year for Halloween. In support of my budget, Lyndee went to the Library and cleaned them out of their FREE tickets so we could all go. The kids dressed up and we had a blast. Brett even joined us on this event.

We've tried to take advantage of all the nice days to go to parks and walks with Theo. We've also enjoyed the cold rainy days by snuggling up in blankets watching movies and making treats:)

Tis the season!!!

What We've Been Up To

2011-09-26T20:21:00.007-04:00

I've been a blogging slacker lately. I try to get by on a few posts a month to keep my family updated but I need to be better at documenting our life. I don't keep a journal (maybe someday) and I terribly wish my mom did--so--here is my attempt (for now) to update on the happenings of the kiddos. They are growing up way too fast.

Jane attended a birthday party for her best friend Haley. They got make overs and were treated like "stars". She came home with a fabulous up-do and green sparkly eye shadow. Lately she and Aly have been looking up make-up tutorials on YouTube and then recreating them with the iPad. I need to figure out how to edit the 21 minute video so I can post it. It is darling. These girls are so creative and so passionate about fashion:)

Jane is doing really well in school. She comes home with 100% on all of her spelling tests and is even given the "harder words" test to challenge her. She needs the challenge. She's super smart.

She's been talking about becoming a dentist lately because she wants to be rich, but then watched the Firehouse Dog movie and now she wants to be a firefighter and marry a dentist. She's a smart one!!!! Too funny!!!

Here is Tobe and Aly at Tobe's genetic doctor follow up. They are watching a movie on the iPad. (Have I mentioned how much I love my iPad??). Tobe's doctor has now officially diagnosed him with PDD (Pervasive Development Disorder) which is on the Autistic spectrum, however, it is very high functioning. He also takes his Carnitine supplement every day. We are all hoping to see some improvements in this school year. I feel like we are on a good path for success.

He is doing pretty well in school. He is picking up on a lot more concepts and is a lot more aware of his surroundings. The other day he kept saying he wanted to be "exit" from school. After ignoring him for some time I finally asked what he meant. He said when his friends from school are not there the teacher marks them "exit". You mean absent?? Yep!!

He still hates wearing buttons, jeans, plain t-shirts without logos, and church shirts without sweater vests. I have been to the GoodWill a couple of times just to keep up with his obsessions--but we are working through it:) He is still such a joy to be around (when we're not doing homework:)

Dad had to get in on it too:)

Aly!! What can I say about Aly?? She is a 16 year old trapped in a 4 year old's body. She has so much personality that I can't quite keep up with her. I am so enjoying spending my days with her and soaking it all in. She makes dance parties for me (in which I have to wear make-up and a dress of her choice:), she asks "Why" after EVERYTHING!!! and I mean it when I say everything!!! I am teaching her the ABC's and so she is constantly looking for them on billboards, street signs, etc. She is super smart and likes to learn.

The other day we were making the kids pick up weeds and put them in the garbage. She was so not happy about that. She kept whinging and complaining and finally said, "This is SOOOO embarrassing. Our friends are going to laugh at us if they drive by."

She finally opted to sit in time out instead of getting her hands dirty. She is too funny!!

We took the kids to a park that was built as a kid size community. It had a bank, pharmacy, general store, jail, and pet shop. It was so cute and the kids enjoyed playing like they lived there. We've been waiting to go back but the rain, rain , rain has prevented us. Hopefully soon!!

Aly and I went to an archeology center for a field trip the other day. Here she is holding a snapping turtle's shell. She wouldn't go near the real turtle though. Yuck!!

Here's my diva digging for bones or any kind of remnant of former life:)

Brett wanted me to make his coworker a quilt. He promised to help--and here is evidence that he did. I won't show pictures of the squares he messed up on the sewing machine:)

Here is Aly last year at Tuttles Apple Orchard....

...and here she is this year. She's grown a bit. She's definitely thinning out. I realized the other day that I no longer shop in the baby/toddler section of Target for their clothes, and I no longer qualify for the Toddler Parking at Marsh. :( My kids are growing up :(

Back to the Apple Orchard. Aly and I got to take another field trip with friends from church. We had a fun time.

I've taken up running again with some friends from church. I go at 5:30 am but it's nice to get it out of the way. Last weekend we did 11.19 miles. I am glad to be back into running. I've also taken up Zumba. I am really liking that and it's a nice mix-up with the running. Now if I could just stop eating I'd be in great shape:)

Indiana is getting the "I Am A Mormon" campaign. We will have LDS commercials, billboards, and other advertising outlets so people will learn more about the church here in the area. We are so excited!! As we anticipate a temple here in the near future--many questions are starting to arise. We can now create a "profile" on Mormon.org and share our beliefs with others. You should all go on there and check it out. It is fabulous!! I am so blessed to be a part of this here in Indiana. It's exciting!!

Well that is all for now. We are busy but happy!! Life is good.

Camping at Clifty Falls

2011-09-10T20:20:00.006-04:00

Last weekend Brett was supposed to reserve us a place at Clifty Falls State Park here in Indiana. Well when the receipt came through it was for this weekend:) That is why we did a mock camp out last Friday--we couldn't disappoint the kiddos. But it was worth the wait. We had a great time camping with the family this weekend.

Nice grassy campsites with nice plumbed bathrooms. My kind of camping.

Aly kept saying "This is my first time camping FOR REAL!!!"

There was a park directly across the street from our campsite. It was perfect!!

We took the kids on a short hike on Friday night.

After a rough night sleep-we were ready to go again.

The kids pretended they brought their own "electricities" (electronics) and kept taking pretend pictures of everything.

We found this really cool and really long tunnel. The kids lasted about 100 steps before they were freaking out.

We climbed these stairs toward the end of an already long hike so you can imagine how tired the kids were. Tobe was in tears toward the end, Aly was on Brett's shoulders, and Tobe kept saying "I Hate This Hike!!" but by the time it was over--he loved it!!

We crossed the Ohio river and stepped into Kentucky. The kids just wanted to say they've been to Kentucky!!

And that's the end of our camping trip.

Peace Out!!!

Labor Day Weekend 2011

2011-09-06T08:57:00.007-04:00

Every year on Labor Day weekend I start a little pity party for myself because my family all gathers in Payson, Utah for their annual tradition of "Payson Onion Days". I hate to miss it every year but realize it is part of the deal of living 1500 miles away. So we created our own fun this year and I have to admit--we succeeded!!!

Friday Night we camped out in the back yard and roasted s'mores!!!

Only Aly and Tobe lasted in the tent all night. My bed was too tempting!!

Monday we went to Turkey Run State Park and hiked around. It was 1.7 miles of dirt, water, rocks, ladders, hills, and FUN!!! The kids (and the dog) did great. No complaints, no injuries, only 3 pairs of dirty, muddy school shoes--bummer!! But we had fun and that's all that matters:)

We wore Theo out. It took him all night to recover.

Happy Labor Day Weekend!!!

New School Year 2011

2011-08-23T09:21:00.006-04:00

Last week we said good-bye to summer (boo-hoo:( ) We have had so much fun hanging out at Lyndee's pool (with or without Lyndee:) ). We had one more day of pool fun before school started:

Tobe-Aly-Brynley-Sam-Jane-Kyler-Brooklyn-Savanna

Wednesday August 17th was the first day of school.

I took Jane school shopping this year....

and Daddy took Tobe school shopping this year.

Normally I don't buy shirts that excuse or explain your child but I was not in charge this year. I guess Brett was just giving the teacher a heads up:)

Jane and Haley at the bus stop.

We have quite a line of kiddos at our bus stop.

The kids have great teachers this year. We have a good hold on Tobe and how to best help him so I am crossing my fingers for a fabulous school year.

Now it's just this little cutie and me at home--all day. No kindergarten pick-up just a full day of play time with my baby girl. I think I am going to enjoy this:)

Three Years

2011-07-31T19:44:00.002-04:00

My mom passed away on July 27th, 2008. This past week marked 3 years. Wow!! Sometimes I feel like the time has crawled by while other times it seems to have gone fast. Either way, I miss her daily but I too am grateful for her daily for all she taught me in the 30 years I was lucky enough to learn from her. She was an amazing woman!!

We sent balloons to heaven. Aly kissed her with lipstick, Tobe wrote his own this year, Jane's is always sweet and heartfelt, and Brett's expresses his appreciation for me. I love reading all of them and I know my mom did too:)

Aly's 4th Birthday

2011-07-31T19:30:00.006-04:00

On July 26th Aly turned 4 years old. I can't believe my baby is 4. Where does the time go.

Did I mention she is 4 going on 16? She still is as girly as they come. Make up, finger nails, sparkles, pink to name a few of her favorite things. For her birthday we took her and her friends to get mini manincures.

Picking out their polish color.

Savanna

Alyson

Brooklyn

Aly messed hers up in a second's time so here is her redo.

Julia

Jane

Haley

Tobe couldn't be left out ;)

Brynley

Drying:)

Happy Birthday Little Miss Aly!!!

Utah 2011--Week 4 (final week)

2011-07-31T19:14:00.009-04:00

Gardner Village

4th of July Celebration--Impromptu Talent Show

Making Mom's Freezer Jam

Spaghetti Factory

Staying at Jenn's and doing her nails

Farewell LUAU Party

Again, you can't have a party without forced games:) We actually love Dawn's games and the kids even request them. Here we are playing Minute to Win It!!!

Saying Good Bye:(

I absolutely love coming to visit family for the summer. I know it's a 25 hour drive, 5 weeks, 24/7 family time. But I adore my family and we will continue to make the trip every summer. I am just grateful that I have a loving supportive husband that allows me to leave him for so long and a family worth coming for.

I love you all!!

Utah 2011--Week 3

2011-07-31T18:50:00.010-04:00

I spent the 3rd Sunday with the kiddos at Grandma's grave. Then we went to Temple Square and ended up at Ashley's to attend church with her.

The next day we woke up early because we had dentist appointments.

That night we went to the Concert in the Park--Peter Breinholt.

During my Birthday Lunch, the kids played in the slip and slide.

Wednesday we got haircuts and visited with our beloved Lehi friends. We just love these people. They are such good friends.

Then off to the Zoo with Grandpa and Roe!!

Then we headed to Cherry Hill in Grandpa's trailer. The kids LOVED this. Not only did we get to "camp out" but we got to golf and ride the water slides ALL day.

The kids requested that we stay at Grandpa's house. They love to run around the upstairs and play "work" in the office. Some things are just tradition:)

This ends Week 3!!

Utah 2011--Week 2

2011-07-31T18:33:00.008-04:00

We began the week with a Mexican Fiesta for Father's Day and to see Adam and Steph off. They moved to Washington DC and while I am sad they won't be there for our summer visits, I am super happy that they are closer to me--yahoo!!

Then Ashley and I took the kids to St. George--I love St. George

Grandma and Grandpa's Grave

We swam, ate, hiked, ate some more, and even watched Taylor's basketball games. Ahhhh the Happy Place!!! (Jake asked if the skies are always blue in St. George--yes, yes they are Jake:)

Utah 2011--Week 1

2011-07-31T17:52:00.010-04:00

The first day we were there we had a Welcome Party. Dawn had her fun games planned and the whole family was there.

Here is Tobe in the big foot relay.

The kids after the relay races.

The next day we had a Picnic with Mom

I love getting together at the cemetery. One of my favorite things to do.

Then we got Pedicures

and Manicures

Wednesday we had a luncheon with our good long time friends the Tylers. My mom and Debbie Tyler were best friends for many many years. We grew up with their family and still keep in touch. Again, this is a tradition when I am in town. I love being with them. It reminds me of the good ol days.

Kami Tyler Bigler

We've multiplied:)

Tobe loves "Grandma Debbie"

Here is Haydee and Tobe reading books. I had great intentions of doing this every day. It didn't happen. We were having too much fun.

The South Town Mall. The kids love to ride the merry-go-round and eat the free chicken at the mall. Josh and Megan are nice enough to join us:)

My sister Ashley ran in the Ragnar Race. She came through Henefer Utah at about 1:30 am. Jane and I stayed up to cheer her on. We made some great memories and Ash was happy to see us:)

This ends week one!!

Colorado 2011!!

2011-07-31T10:48:00.008-04:00

Brett and I got home on Sunday at 1:30 am. I taught Relief Society, packed, slept and headed out Monday morning, June 6th for Colorado.

We made it all the way, 18 hours to be exact, in ONE day. Way to go Us!! Grandma Jeanne helped with the kids and helped me stay awake.

The next day the kids were wiped out.

This trip we stayed with Ashley and Logan. Here is our warm welcome. Ashley is so good to us.

The girls had fun loving on Baby Tatum and Tobe had fun playing with Reid

We went to a bounce house with our other cousins Spencer, Jamison, and Everett.

Then we had a BBQ and roasted marshmallows.

Ashley treated the girls to pedicures. It was their first time ever getting their nails painted professionally. They LOVED it.

Thanks Ash for having us and making our stay so fun!!!!

Anniversary Trip....10 Years!!!

2011-07-31T09:57:00.014-04:00

Brett was in charge of the anniversary this year and since we got married in December, we thought we'd take a warmer, summer trip, to Massachusetts. For various reasons, we've been wanting to see the church history sites while we live so close to them. It all worked out that Grandma would be here to watch the kids while Brett and I took off into the sunset:)

Our first stop was Niagara Falls Canada

Then we stayed in Rochester, New York

We asked a nice lady to take our picture by the lovely river running through the city. She did a great job, don't you think:)

We went on a jog in Rochester around the river. It was a beautiful morning but Rochester wasn't a beautiful city. It was actually yucky and dirty ;)

Next stop Palmyra, New York

We got there in time to do a session at the Palmyra Temple. Unfortunately Brett only had these clothes to wear into the temple. They let him in anyway and provided him a white shirt. It was a great experience!!

Joseph Smith's boyhood home.

The Sacred Grove.

The Churches on all 4 Corners!!

This is where they published the Book of Mormon for the first time.

The visitor's center at Hill Cumorah

The Hill Cumorah!!

David Whitmer Farm

The majority of our trip was spent at the Berkshires of Massachusetts

Brett ordered a lobster tail. We were informed that they don't serve only lobster tails in Mass.

We got the whole thing; eyes and all:)

This is heading up Mount Greylock (the highest point in Mass)

We (well I) loved stopping at the fancy chocolate shops in town. These moose are made out of chocolate.

Our last night there we ate at a gorgeous restaurant that over looked all of the Berkshires. It was beautiful. We had been out all day on a bike ride and exploring Vermont so we didn't have time to change our clothes for dinner. So we ate Sea Scallops in gym clothes:)

On our way home we stopped in Harmony, Pennsylvania

The restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood

The Susquehanna River

Last stop; Kirtland, Ohio

Isaac Morley Farm

The Kirtland Temple

John Johnson Farm

Then we headed home. It was a fabulous trip. We reconnected, regrouped, relaxed:) Thanks to Grandma for her time share and her time and patience to watch our kiddos (and dog:) We had a great time!!!

Grandma and Grandpa's Visit!!

2011-07-31T09:48:00.003-04:00

Grandma Jeanne and Grandpa Randy came to visit us in May!! They were here for Tobe's birthday, the Indy 500 race and then Grandma Jeanne stayed to watch our kids while Brett and I took a trip to Mass, and then she kindly drove with me to Utah. We had a lot of fun while they were here.

We rented a Surrey and rode along the canal walk in Indianapolis.

Here they are at the Indy 500 race. Brett was able to get tickets through Comcast and you can't love in Indy without attending at least one time...right?

Again, we love having visitors!!!!

Tobe Turned 6!!!

2011-07-31T09:40:00.004-04:00

On May 29 Tobe turned 6 years old. He feels so big now and love to tell people he's 6:) We planned to go to the splash park but it was super cold this day so we grabbed our jackets and played on the playground at the park. I brought a couple of games as well.

Pin the nose on the clown.

Theo joined us and Grandma Jeanne and Grandpa Randy were in town too!!

Happy 6th Birthday Tobe!!!

Jane's Piano Recital

2011-07-31T09:37:00.002-04:00

Jane took piano this year. She actually really loves to play and really hates to practice:) She did a fabulous job on her recital piece.

Way to go Jane!!

Chicago!!!

2011-07-31T09:27:00.003-04:00

Aunt Dawnie and Uncle Aaron came to Chicago for a dental conference. We were invited and put up in a hotel to join them. The girls and I drove up while the boys stayed back for a Father's and Sons campout.

Dawnie brought make-up and fingernails and took us out on the town. The girls felt so spoiled. The best part for them was the elevator buttons, the credit card key to the hotel room, the swimming pool, and the toy at McDonalds (because Mom never buys them a toy).

We love having visitors!!!

Thanks Aaron and Dawnie!!

Easter 2011-New Addition

2011-07-28T10:37:00.005-04:00

Here is my attempt to catch up on all that has happened since I last posted. Here we go.

Easter was a big deal this year only because we completed our family with another boy...Theo!! Brett had been looking for a while for a new puppy for the family. We visited our local pet store and fell in love with Theo. We even named him at the store before we took him home.

Here we are at the Pet Store. All the kids loved him. Even Tobe who wasn't very convinced we needed a new puppy. Daddy and the girls did not want to leave the store without him.

So when the kids went to bed Daddy went back to the store and brought him home:)

He's doubled in size and energy but we love having him our family. We feel that he complete's our little family nicely.

Spring Break Part 2

2011-04-15T10:30:00.000-04:00

As luck would have it, our Spring Break and my sister, Ashley's Spring Break landed on the same week. Her kids were going on vacation with their dad so she was able to come and spend the whole week with us. Yay!! We loved having her and I loved just spending time with my sister.

During the cold winter months the kids and I often escape to the mall to play on the playplace and visit the Disney Store. Well with my little Fancy Girly Aly, we have added to our ritual the "underwear store". Aly loves to visit Victoria's Secret where I willingly let her use all the make up samples to paint her face:) Ash took a picture of the result:

We went to a Pacers game.

Brett got Larry Bird to sign his tickets for my nephew Rustyn.

We visited the Children's Museum:

Ash and I went to the Louisville Kentucky temple.

And this is the day she left:( Jane begged to be checked out of school to say one final good-bye to Aunt Ashley. I am a sucker and let her. So we took some pictures outside of her school.

It was hard to say good-bye. I just love my sister. Without my mom around, my sisters have naturally taken her place. I am so lucky!! Thanks Ash for spending the time you could have had all to yourself with us!! 3 rambunctious kiddos and me:) We love you!!

Spring Break Part 1

2011-04-15T10:00:00.000-04:00

We have been so lucky over the past few weeks to have family come to Indiana to visit us. I am always so humbled and grateful when people come all the way to Indiana. I mean really, who comes to Indiana for any other reason then to see US?!? We must be special:) or we just have really great family:) BOTH!!

Brett's sister Erica and her family (Jamey, Spencer, Jamison and Everett) came on their Spring Break to visit us. We had such a great time. I need to get some of their pictures because since I'm not on vacation I seem to forget my camera..duh!! We went to a Pacer's game, the mall, the Children's Museum, the Speedway and a drive through the city. It was fun just letting the kids play and catching up on each other's lives. There's nothing better than family!!

Tobe wasn't feeling well so he opted for the bench on the Merry-Go-Round. Poor kid!!

As I mentioned, Tobe came down with some sort of infection (ears, sinus, finger??). This is how his thumb looked one morning and he said, "Mom, this kinda hurts." Ya think?!?

All in all we had a great week with the Stanworths. Thank you so much for spending your Spring Break with us!!

Madagascar LIVE!!

2011-04-15T09:12:00.002-04:00

Every so often Brett gets tickets from Comcast to events around the city. A few weeks ago he got tickets to Madagascar LIVE!! I took Jane and then invited my good friend Lyndee. She has twin girls and we only had 2 extra tickets. I felt bad making her choose between both of her girls but it didn't seem to be a problem. After all, ALL kids need a little one on one time with Mom. I know Jane loved every minute of that:)

Look at those smiles. They had such a great time.

Thanks for going with us Lyndee and Brynley!! We had a great time:)

(pictures taken by Lyndee)

A Good "Birthday" Weekend

2011-03-19T04:13:00.005-04:00

This winter has been very hard for me. I've always joked that I'm not a winter person, but really I think it is becoming a serious matter. This last 4 months have been some of the most challenging months of my life. A lot of gray skies in the literal and not so literal sense have hovered over my home. I've learned a lot, cried a lot, and leaned a lot on those who love me most. And here I am. I have survived. My tulips are blooming and the sun has shown it's lovely face in the last few days. Spring is in the air and I think no one is more happy than I am. (well maybe my sisters, brothers, and Brett-for my sake:)

Last weekend amidst the gray, I had made up my mind to pull out of the funk if just for a moment to celebrate my wonderful husband's birthday. He is such a great person (believe me I KNOW!!!) He is patient with me. He truly loves me and his children. He wants what's best for us and he tries with all his might to bring joy to our family. He always looks on the bright side of things which is something that is difficult for me. He is such a great example to me.

We started the weekend off with a "late over" with the kids and Haley (Jane's best friend). We got in our jammies, grabbed our blankets and popcorn and watched Ramona and Beezus.

nice picture of me-I know

The next morning was Brett's actual birthday. Jane had made him a card with some coupons in it. (free back scratch, an hour of uninterrupted reading, a bike ride with Jane, a Saturday afternoon watching sports, etc. ) She couldn't wait to give it to him.

We then made him breakfast. Well the kids and I. Tobe kept telling him the night before that he was to stay in his bed until breakfast was ready. So the secret was out and Brett knew just what to do. He did wonder why it was taking so long:)

Jane made the pancakes and eggs all by herself.

Tobe layed out the bacon.

Aly stirred the pancake mix.

And voila!! There you have it....

Brett felt very loved. The kids picked out a green work shirt (green being Brett's favorite color) and Tobe even made him his own card with the words "Hape Brthda" on it.

I got him the new Thomas S. Monson book. But his real present was coming later.....

We had planned to go out for his birthday. He chose the restaurant using our restaurant.com coupons. It was a very fancy restaurant (esp for what we were doing after-which was still a surprise to him). We sat by a fireplace and enjoyed a quiet, relaxing, yummy dinner and then....

Went ROLLER SKATING!!!!!

Yep!! You read that right. I had found a Groupon for 2 admissions, 2 roller skate rentals, and 2 sodas for $12. You can't beat that. A night of absolute throwback fun, holding hands, skating to the loudest music I have ever heard with the man of my dreams. It was a blast. It's been a while since we've done something FUN and we so needed it.

I think he had a great birthday. He is very loved!!

We now have many fun things to look forward to. A few visitors are heading this way (visitors are a lonely girl's best friend--just so ya'll know--hint hint:), we have a few trips (one being our early 10th Anniversary celebration, but Brett's in charge of that), my trip to Colorado and Utah for the summer, and this next winter Brett and I have a plan of attack. Jane's baptism, Nauvoo for Thanksgiving, and maybe even a trip to DisneyWorld in the awful month of January:)

Aww!! The sun is beginning to shine:)

February is Over...Check!!

2011-03-01T09:09:00.008-05:00

Looks like this has become a "monthly" blog. That's about all I can muster up these days. February is over which means I am closer to warmer weather and my trip to Utah--things I look forward to:) Here is how we spent our February days:

At the beginning of February we had an ice storm which closed school for 4 days. Wow!! We were going a little stir crazy being stuck in the house. Our street was literally an ice rink. I have some fun video of sledding without a sled, but I'm not sure how to get it on here. I wish I had pictures of outside, but all I have is some of us stuck inside:

Jane painted the kids faces with red marker to make it look like they were bleeding. Weird? I know. Oh the things they do to keep busy.

This next picture needs no words. In fact it'll make you speechless......

Jane took a few after school classes including balloon making which was her favorite:

The absolute BEST part about February wasn't the ice storms, the 6+ days of cancelled school, the 2 hour delays, the below freezing temps, the flooding, the replacing our sump pump (just in the nick of time for the flooding:) Nope!!! Wasn't any of that:

Joshie, Megan and the BABIES came to visit. As much as I say thank you to them, they will NEVER know how much their visit meant to me. I am so lucky to have such a great family--that is why I miss them soooo much:(. So anyway, Josh came and brought his lovely wife Megan, their adorable babies, Benny and Colin and the sunshine. We had the best weather of the month while they were here so we got out and did some fun things.

Here we are at IvanHoes in Upland, Indiana. It was an hour drive (with babies, that is a good nap and a little peace and quiet:) just to get ice cream. They have over 100 sundaes and shakes to choose from. Yum!!!

Josh and Benny

Here we are enjoying the sunshine. Seriously a week prior to this visit, the lawn, sidewalks and streets were covered in 6 inches of ice so I'm not kidding when I say they brought the sun:)

Colin can walk.

We went to an indoor waterpark.

We rearranged the room to keep the babies in. They still found their ways out but it helped for a bit. Those boys are so busy but so dang cute!!!!

We went to the zoo.

This is the night we sent Megan and Josh out on a date so we could have a little time with the babies (they both like their mama--A LOT!!). Tobe loved playing big brother and he wanted his picture taken with the boys. (Most of their visit Tobe was worried about their wardrobe, and the fact that they were messing up his trains. He kept asking Josh to get the babies back on the airplane so they would stop messing with his trains--oh that boy)

Joshie is still their favorite uncle. How can he not be with a Star Wars t-shirt and an IPad. He's the BEST!!!

We were so sad to see them go. They are so fun to be around. I just barely cleaned the hand prints off my walls and windows:( We needed a little Benny and Colin hit for a while.

Thanks for the visit!!!

Last weekend the kids created a little camp out in the kitchen. They even roasted strawberries on a lantern. I think we are all longing for warmer weather.

So there you have our February. It went by much faster than January and we are that much closer to summer. Man do I need to live in a warmer climate. I am not a winter person, if you couldn't tell. But I've survived......barely:)

Surviving January

2011-02-01T10:15:00.007-05:00

Well I have to admit, I haven't felt like blogging lately. Mostly because we haven't done much. It's too cold here. We stay home as much as possible. Which leads me to the next reason--staying home makes me grumpy. I go stir crazy when I am stuck inside. So January in Indiana=Grumpy Mommy=Watch Out!!!

But to survive the awful, dreadful month of January we have done a few things.

Our home teachers gave us (pretend) Missionary Tags. The kids think they are so cool. We had to get a picture of our Missionary Family:)

Brett won a 2 night stay at the Hilton Hotel. We have been holding onto it for a while because we could never justify getting a sitter for us to go. Brett came up with a brilliant idea of taking the whole family and instead of 2 nights we'd get 2 rooms. So we took the kids 5 miles down the street to the Hilton Hotel. (We left the kids in their own room and ours didn't connect--needless to say we got an early morning phone call informing us that the kids were being too noisy--oops!!)

Tobe kept asking if he could bring his toys to show Haydee (his cousin) and he kept saying ,"Is this the hotel with the 6?" I wasn't sure why he was asking all that until I put it all together.

Tobe thought we were going to Utah. Vacation usually means Utah to him. And we usually stay at the Motel 6 when we travel back to Utah. Poor kid. I don't think he lacked in fun though. He'll have to wait a few more months for the Motel 6:)

When we got home our house was freezing (Brett likes to save where he can so for our one night away he turned off the heat:) So we all snuggled in our bed and the kids were out like a light. We had too much fun!!

Brett took Tobe to the Bull Riding competition Saturday night. The girls stayed back and had ice cream and movies.

Lastly we had an ice storm last night. Seriously everything is covered in ice. This snow on our back deck used to be just that...Snow!! Now it is a sheet of ice. Along with everything else.

School is closed for the day so we are having a jammie and movie day.

This last picture is for my sister--I changed my room around in my quest for a change of scenery. I gotta get out of the house. I'm going a little batty.....

Spring please come early this year!! Pretty please!!!

Jane

2011-01-13T13:11:00.005-05:00

Jane loves to draw and write letters to me (to anyone really). She's learning so many new things in school and she is so expressive. I love her love notes, not so much her mean notes ("mom I'm mad at you" notes). I am glad that she can express herself through drawing and writing though. Some I keep and tuck away in her file, many get tossed in the trash, some go in her "special drawer". But I thought I would share these.

(you'll have to click on them to enlarge so you can see what she has written)

This was hanging on our door for a couple of days. I love the part about not playing on Sundays. So funny!!

These drawings are from a book about my family dog. Dudley was my parent's dog. Dudley loved my mom (and I think she secretly loved him:). When my dad remarried he decided to get rid of Dudley. My sister Ashley took him in and he became their family's dog. Anyway, he passed away a couple of weeks ago and this rocked Jane's world. She was so upset. She cried herself to sleep for a couple of nights. She felt robbed that she didn't get to hold him one last time. It was sad really.

This last one is from Monday night. Jane felt like she was getting in trouble a little more than usual and she felt it was time for her to go and find another family. So she began packing her bags and writing farewell notes. I asked her where she would go in such cold weather. She thought it through and decided to go somewhere close so she wouldn't get too cold. Then she decided that she wanted to go to a family that would take her to church. So after some thought, she came up with Courtney's family. He is in her 1st grade class and they are in the same primary class. So this was perfect. I suggested she call them first to make sure they could take care of her. She didn't want to do that. She just wanted to go. She kept saying "I have to go...sigh". Tobe was bawling. Aly was asking if she could have all her stuff that she couldn't fit in her backpack. It was quite a sight.

Here's her note.

She made it out the garage door and was back in less than 1 minute.

Apparently we're not doing too well on "bringing happiness" to each other. Huh!! We gotta work on that a little more. I am happy that she decided to stay. I informed her that no one would love her like her family loves her. She was ok with her decision to stay too:)

"Bring Happiness To Each Other"

2011-01-07T10:50:00.003-05:00

A couple of years ago I stopped making New Year's resolutions (let's be honest, they were always the same 1-lose weight, 2-read scriptures every day 3-etc etc and when I messed up the first Tuesday of January, they were shot for the rest of the year. oops! I'll try again next year:) you get the picture.) So I have been coming up with "themes" to describe how I want to live my life for that year. Last year was "Enjoy" and I truly did enjoy the year. I had a great year.

Here are the top ten of 2010:

1. Josh (my brother) and Megan's twins were born and I got to go see them:)

2. I learned to sew

3. I ran 2 half marathons

4. Brett and I went on Youth Pioneer Trek.

5. We visited Utah for the summer.

6. Tobe started school. Jane started 1st Grade.

7. We lost first teeth.

8. We added 2 baby girls to the Hatch family

9. Brett and I celebrated 9 years of marriage.

10. Jane's Party

I "Enjoyed" 2010. But it is time to put it behind us and look forward to 2011.

During Family Home Evening we decided that we would have a family theme for the year. The theme is "Bring Happiness to Each Other". We discussed what makes each of us happy and we thought of ideas to make each other happy. Brett and I have agreed to watch TV a little less and be with the kids a little more. I have agreed to allow toys on my main floor so the TV can stay off and the kids get more play time-this will be tough for me:) But as I look for the silver lining, it will also teach the kids to pick up after themselves every night when mom's tired of the toys.

Anyway-I am anxious to see how this changes the spirit of our home.

Here are a few pictures of things that make Aly happy, and I have to admit, they make me happy too:)

She says she looks like a rock star

She is addicted to the computer at age 3 (along with the rock star on top of the "bootiful" outfit-with about 4 layers of make-up.)

I love days when we have no where to be and I can just stay home and "bring happiness" to my family:)

Christmas 2010

2010-12-29T08:14:00.007-05:00

We've had a good Christmas this year. We've done some fun things. So here is a recap before I put our Christmas decorations away and begin making plans for the New Year:)

Monday, December 20 Brett and Tobe went shopping for their Christmas presents and then went to the Pacers game. The girls stayed home and had pizza, ice cream and a slumber party.

We did save a place at our party for Dad and Tobe.

Tobe had lost his tooth that day so the tooth fairy found him in the basement and left him a dollar:)

Wednesday, December 22 we awarded the best decorated house. We love this tradition. We drive around and look at lights and then leave a wrapped gingerbread house kit for the best house. We then come home and make our own gingerbread house.

Thursday, December 23 we had some friends come over for a holiday party. Food, decorating cookies, games and more.

We were even lucky enough to get a visit from the big guy. Santa stopped by!!!

Then we did a "dutch present" (which is what my family called it but I'm not sure why-we googled it and it can't be found) It's hard to explain but I loved it growing up and I think the kids here loved it as well. It's a fun tradition.

I think I've been a little extra homesick this year so I had to squeeze in a few traditions that I was missing from home. Luckily my friends understood and supported me in my efforts:)

Friday, December 24 we went to see the movie Tangled and ate dinner at Olive Garden. (this too is a tradition from when I was a kid and now that my kids are old enough to sit through a whole movie, I am happy to keep it going. It gobbles up the long day of waiting for Santa and I don't have to cook--everyone wins:)

The Christmas Pajamas.

We also open the gift that we bought for each other. Tobe drew my name and he bought me a purple dress. It is super cute and I wear it with pride. Aly bought Daddy a Perry the Platypus from Phineas and Ferb stuffed animal, Jane bought Aly a stroller for her dolls and a Princess Tiana Barbie doll, I bought Tobe "Frank" from Cars, and Daddy bought Jane a Shel Silverstein book of poems.

Saturday December 25. The wait is over!! Santa Claus came to our house and filled the kid's stockings. Aly got make-up and a candy cane (just what she asked for), Tobe got the BIG Mack truck from Cars, and Jane got a sewing machine (which didn't work). Jane is in a hard age because she doesn't want toys, but doesn't not want toys either. Hmmm...Santa had a hard time figuring her out this year. She's growing up!!

Christmas afternoon, we went to the church to eat a Ham dinner and spend time with good friends. This is a nice tradition to give people (without family nearby) a place to go and it's nice to not have to cook a big dinner for a small family. The kids love showing off their new toys and running around in the gym.

We had a good Christmas. In all my homesickness (woe is me-I know) I did manage to stop and think about my blessings and there are many. But mostly as I think of my Savior and what is means to me and my family to believe on His name and follow His example, I am overwhelmed with joy that (in times of loneliness) I am sealed to a forever family. I am so grateful for that.

I hope you all have a Happy New Year!!!

Our Indiana Hero

2010-12-16T10:38:00.005-05:00

After the Indy Star article was written about Jane, someone from the Indiana Pacers contacted us and wanted to honor Jane as an "Indiana Hero" at one of their games. Brett chose the Lakers/Pacers game (Jane will never know or care how cool that was) and we kept it 'hush hush' until last night at dinner. We told her that we were her special guests and that she is the reason we are all privileged to go to the game. (She thought that was pretty neat). We also told her that she'd be honored down on the court in front of the entire crowd; I held my breath, her mouth dropped, and then tears came to her eyes (still not sure why because it was immediately followed by a jump for joy and nervous laughter). Then we got in the car and headed to the game.

We were told to wait here and someone would come and get her to take a picture with one of the players. Brett went with her (with instruction to take LOTS of pictures-which he did) and I took the kids to our seats.

Looking up at the tall player:)

Brandon Rush!!!

She got a medal

She then got to come and sit with the family in the crowd and we were instructed to wait there until after the first time out of the first quarter. Jane would be awarded at the second time out.

She walked on the court and got to stand there all by herself as they talked about her and her generous heart. She looked so tiny out there all by herself and yet so big. I was so proud. The crowd around me was cheering for her.

She was televised up on the jumbotron for all to see:)

It was so cool!!!

The man behind me said, "You must be a great mother", to which I replied "Nope I just have a great daughter."!! And I do!!

A few more pics:

Tobe was in heaven. He loved being at the game, seeing all the people, and just being alive:)

Oh and this was our half time show:

2 naked men doing Cirque De Soilel moves. You can only imagine the kid's reaction to that. It was pretty hilarious. Aly said, "You have to get a picture of that"-- so I did:)

All in all it was a great night!! I'm so proud of her and honored to be her guest at the game!!