Proctor Peeps

Biggest Longest Years' Worth of Bloggage

2010-12-04T09:25:00.000-08:00

Yes folks I was absent from the blogging world for a whole year!! Last post was last Christmas. You have all harrassed me to come back and of course I didn't think I could stand to do it without catching it up first. Month after month passed and I finally did it...all in one night too! I figured I am up every five seconds with my new babe anyway, why try to sleep in between. If you have some serious time on your hands go ahead and take a peek at our whole 2010! Feels good to be back. ;D

Our new arrival

2010-12-04T02:47:00.000-08:00

My cute neighbor, Leah took these newborn pics of Hudson. She hasn't been doing photography very long but you would never know it. Look at how great these are!

HUDSON WAYNE PROCTOR

Nothing's like a newborn

My cute dad with his 3rd grandbaby

proud dad

I love how his cheek is sucked in as he puckers to kiss baby

She was instantly in love

My helpers helping with Hudson's bath

He was surprisingly calm for his first bath

Fall Fun!

2010-12-04T02:08:00.000-08:00

We went trick or treating with our cousins again this year.

Owen is a blur in this pic.

Brett was a good sport and wore a skeleton "onsie" as he calls it this year

...all for the kids

My cute pirates

off and running

baby skeleton and my baby's daddy

poor dogs

Jamba is so patient

love my dogs

lol

GOOD OL CORNBELLY'S

My kids love this place. A pic with the pumpkin princess

big jumping pillows...so entertaining

Twas a cold gray day. But it was our second time there since we got rained out the first time and they gave us rain check tickets.

Our pumpkins.

pumpkin guts

Time for Owen's white summer hair to get a cut :(

He turned his head while i was doing the side of his head with a level 4 on the buzzers. The outcome was an all over buzz, just in time for the cold weather to settle in.

Crazy hair day at school. I know, not very creative, but she loved it.

Soccer

2010-12-04T01:38:00.001-08:00

We tried soccer with Madelin this year. ...eh...not so much. She did cartwheels and army crawls on the field. She helped babysit the coaches triplets on the sidelines when she was supposed to be rotating in and playing. She asked the coach if she could rotate out early, at least twice a game. She did enjoy the half time snack and post-game treat every game and the social aspect. Kind of a lot of driving and time and energy spent by her big pregnant mom just for that. Oh well, she had fun and that's the point, right?

This was the last game when they all got their medals.

Owen chatting with one of the triplets.
(Sayler)

We saw a lot of this

and this
(the babysitting)

(triplet #2)

and this
(triplet #3)

practice at the park

good stance

just stretchin' the old arms out since we use em a lot in soccer

maybe next year...... maybe not

Milestones!

2010-12-04T01:29:00.000-08:00

Madelin learned to ride her bike without pedals!

She learned so fast once we finally tried it.

Brett was a good teacher and ran along side her so she'd feel safe.

Owen's first day of preschool with Miss Mikki

So cute

Madelin's first day of Kindergarten. (yes, i cried)

So grown-up

Lake Powell

2010-12-04T01:01:00.000-08:00

This was our second year going down to Powell with Brett's family. This year my dad came too! We bring our boat and wave runners and we spend a few days just playing in the sun. Nate and Katie drive out from California, Brock and Steph drive from Colorado, and we just make it happen. It's craziness with all the little ones, but we always have fun.

cousins

Madelin loves Braelyn. It's fun to have the girls close in age

Brock brought his dog Boston. Owen loved throwing her stick for her and Boston loved it too even though it was no more than three feet away.

My dad was suddenly like a little kid when he got on those things. He drove all crazy and fast.

It was fun to see him having such a good time.

My crazies

Madelin and her daddy

My skinny chicken boy

Madelin with Grandpa Honey

Me and my girl

The belly bouncing on the boat

Owen with Grandpa

Cruisin' in the boat. Brett is attempting to have a pirate face

Madelin and Colsen playin' in the warm sand

Jen and Steph making a sea turtle with the kids

Pirate Pool Party

2010-12-04T00:36:00.001-08:00

Since the kids' birthdays are just two week apart we like to combine their parties into one big, invite the whole neighborhood, do something super fun, party. Last year we did pony rides and this year we rented a blow up jumpy house/water slide thingy. It was a good choice. They were so happy. Lots of kids showed up and had a blast. No serious injury occurred which was amazing. 'Twas a bit overcast and chilly, but the kids didn't even notice.

shivering Owen

Love his white summer hair

Madelin and two of her girlfriends Andie and Emma

The cake. I am so proud of myself. I hafta say. Found the idea on Betty Crocker.com

Brett's mom was a huge help. This is her making sure everyone got a cupcake.

The Grandpas

Owen givin' his pirate pinata a good smack

Madelin asking how many times she's supposed to hit it

Opening presents. Next year I'm putting "gifts not necessary" on the invite.

It was seriously like a wedding. Thanks to everyone anyway!
Don't know what we can do next year that will be as fun as that was!? Ideas anyone?

Bear Lake!

2010-12-03T23:41:00.000-08:00

Princess Madelin lounging in the sun

Two of Owen's favorite things...dad and his shark towel
dirty butt

My cousin Jeremy who was gracious enough to let my kids help bury him

My aunts Mary and Marian

Mary, me, and my cousin Amy

Diggin' with dad (or watching dad dig)

Pretending to be a shark with dad

Owen was loving the attention he got from all my cousins little girls. there are four of them around that baby sitting age and they were so cute with my kids. This is Lexi. Don't know how her tiny little body carried him around.

They all got to tie-dye t-shirts

They got to go rock climbing

Owen's little harness was so cute

My aunt Connie and my cousin Ashley took Madelin out in the raft

Madelin and Lexi

My aunt Diane always plans fun stuff for the kids to do. This was a matching game with all their birthdays. They each got a dollar once they found their name. so cute. She also does a money hunt in a big pile of saw dust. The kids love it.

i love this girl

This was hours of entertainment for him...

filling it up, squirting, fill it up, squirt...over and over

They put a water slide in this year!! They could have done this all day.

Look at Owen soakin it up

Madelin with Mckenna

Madelin and Bella. (my cousin Shelby's little girl) She is so sweet and well behaved.

Collecting shells

Don't you just want to bite him? He is so funny.

My cousin Shelby and her daughter Bella. Shelby is my age and has been battling cancer for 5 or 6 years now. Several surgeries to chop it out of her leg and replace most of her leg bones with hardware, chemo, and all the other challenges that come with it. She was in good enough health this year to come out from Oregon and come to Bear Lake with us. She reminds me of my mom because of her good attitude about it all. She is so tough about it and just rolls with the punches the way my mom did with her health issues. It inspires me to be grateful for my health and to never complain when things are hard.

Shelby, me & baby, Sydney (Shelby's sister)

Shelby, Me & baby

Preschool Graduation!

2010-12-03T23:27:00.000-08:00

So proud

Trying to figure out what the moves are that go with the song they sang.
Madelin's girlfriends from the hood

Owen is always so great for pictures. pah!

Who's that weird kid in the background?

Moab!

2010-12-03T22:56:00.000-08:00

We went to Moab most of Brett's sibs and camped out, hiked to the arch, brought our four wheelers and rhino and went riding, biked the short version of slick rock. I had tons of pics but can't find em in my computer. He's just the few I did find.

THE ARCH

While everyone rode bikes and ATV's, Brett drove his truck with the tiny babes sound asleep in the bouncing crazy ride.

Me riding with Madelin in back and my cute neice Braelyn in back.

So fun!

Owen thought he was so cool. He had a blast.

Disneyland with Grandma

2010-12-03T22:11:00.000-08:00

For Spring break me and the kids headed to Disneyland with Grandma.

This is Madelin after a long day of fun.

Owen actually fell asleep while sitting on my shoulders during the big, loud Disney main street parade. That was at about 6:00 p.m. and he was out cold the rest of the night.
This was at Sea World with Uncle Nate who is is dental school out there.

Madelin kept saying "he feels like a balloon, all rubbery" She loved feeding them.

waiting for the whale show to start. Owen didn't love waiting

Meeting the character's was their favorite part of Disneyland

Madelin wouldn't want to bring anyone else more than Grandma

Owen wanted Mr. Incredible to pick him up soooo bad

They were fighting to get in for a good hug

Owen looks so in love. she gave him a big smooch on the cheek with her lipstick

Mmmmuah!

Madelin's pose

Best $12 I ever spent.

Owen was entertained in the long lines with this amazing sword forever

Waiting in line for rides was torture (for all of us)

Blurry, but it's all I got. we got to meet up with Art (my sorta kinda step dad) Art is the Godsend who took such good care of my mom in the last years of her life. He lives in AZ, so we met up in Disneyland. His son Michael works at Disneyland so we got to see him too.

Cheesy Madelin. Oblivious Owen

My sorta kinda step brother, Michael. ;D Thanks for the discounts cute man!!

Hawaii!!

2010-12-03T21:26:00.001-08:00

We went to Hawaii and stayed at a super nice house for free (Thanks Keith) and flew there and back for next to nothing (Thanks Lisa) Yay for great connections and work perks! We invited Brett's sister and her hubby to come along, as well as our friends (The Simmon's) and their brother and wife. It was a blast!

The kids were missed but only a little. :D

They were happy with the loot we brought. A $10 ukelalee and a stuffed sea turtle. a swimsuit for Owen and little sundress for madiloo

Nothing like escaping the Utah weather in March!

Me and Steph by the infinity pool

THE HOUSE

WHALE WATCHING

The little merman

pics don't even do it justice

The green moss was so beautiful. You can't tell in a picture

Crappy blurry pic, but it's all I got. this is out to dinner with the boys. They bought us lays and they smelt sooooo good. Steph and Broc were so much fun to go with. It's so nice to have family that is so comfortable and fun to be around.

DEEP SEA FISHING

my huge fish

some other guys fish

Brett's fish

The guys body board surfing (or thrashing if you choose to get in these waves)

da beach

Valentine's and St. Patty's

2010-12-03T21:08:00.000-08:00

OUR TRADITION

We set up a candlelight dinner and wait for dad to bring home chinese take-out from chin-wah!

So yummy! Owen got into the chocolate covered strawberries before dinner...hence the chocolate lips he has and the chocolate finger prints on the tablecloth by his plate.

Madelin loved the "fancy glasses" with her milk in it

It looks as though they are both about to catch their hair on fire doesn't it?

DISCO DADDY DAUGHTER DATE

Our ward did a cute disco party for dad's and daughters. Brett went to Saver's and picked out some apparel (check out his white 'ked's') and Madelin was so happy. She loves nothing more than one on one time with dad.

look at her smile. so happy

ST. PATTY'S

I didn't get very good pics of it this year, but we got a visit from the leprechaun again. He turned out milk green and left us a box of lucky charms. He left a trail of green shamrocks that led to some gold coin chocolates and he even left his hat behind. Silly leprechaun!

Winter Entertainment

2010-12-03T19:59:00.000-08:00

Madelin's Ski Trip

We took Madelin skiing a few times this winter. She did really well for a four year old. She was so cute in her ski gear with her tiny skiis. (Thanks for letting us borrow Watts fam!) She loooved having a day all to herself with mom and dad.

She insisted that I take a pic of her hugging this tree

Then she insisted that we take some funny face pics

SLEDDING

Owen has that face in every picture when he is cold

Brett is laughing because Owen is screaming, still stuck in the middle of the hill where he fell off while being pulled to the top.

CHRISTMAS MORNING

Me in all my Christmas morning glory. So purty.

Owen loved bring the presents to whoever they were for

Cheeseball

He appears to be strong but our kids weigh nearly nothing since they loath any sort of meal.

POLAR EXPRESS

Santa had a silver jingle bell for each child. They looooved it!

K...I know she looks special ed in this pic, but she was the funnest elf on the train and she picked Madelin up and danced with her. She was "commited" to her character.

This is the face we get from Brett when he tries to get the kids to say "cheese" in pictures. :D

Madelin has his big Proctor smile and I loooove it.

My cute friend Tara came last second and used our extra tickets. Her daughter Nya is one of the sweetest little girls I know. (like mother like daughter) Owen has sad face because he did not want to sit still on the train so my lap was not a fun place to be.

Me and my Owee by the train before departure.

MOLLY MCBUTTER

We got to babysit out cute little neice Molly while Jackie and Kyle went on a cruize with his fam. We split up the time with Grandma. We loved her at our house so much that we called and asked Grandma if we could keep her an extra night. Look at that belly hangin over the strap! Love

Madelin loved being her big cousin

VEGAS CHIRO CONVENTION

Every year Brett has to go to get a certain amount of credits in chiropractic continued education stuff. Lucky for me it was in Vegas and I have a friend who I adore that lives there. One of those friends you laugh with till ya pee. Love my Kara and her funny sisters too.

Her husbo is a fireman so we took the kids to the station. They loved it.

That could be bad.

Owen wanted to stay forever

We hit the local Wal-mart and this was their Santa with a carboard fold-out background. You can't tell very good in the pic, but his belly could not have been more square and pillowish. Awesome!

Instant BFF's Kara's little girl and Madelin

Owen and Kara's little guy lounging in the fireman's lounge

A VISIT FROM THE DAVIS FAM

our kiddos together

SNOW PLAY

20 minutes of bundling and preparation and 10 minutes of play before they want to come in and get warm

owens cold face again

State Farm Fair

2009-12-12T14:54:00.000-08:00

This reindeer wanted his garland of a necklace OFF! Owen was just entranced. He wouldn't look at me to take a pic.

Still so amazed by it.

Madelin flew onto Santa's lap and hugged him around the neck. Owen ran to him too, but hopped off just as fast as he hopped on, so there's not picture of him.

The State Farm bear with my kids (character 1)

The Subway Sandwich with my kids (character #2) and their favorite, by the way.

The clown with my kids (character #3)

These pics are from a State Farm insurance fair that Brett had a booth at. My kids wanted a picture with every weird dressed up person there...including the sandwich from the Subway booth. Ha. Owen had a chocolate chip cookie in one hand and a candy cane in the other most of the time. So he was a happy little guy. They had Santa and his reindeer there so the kids were lovin' that. Random post, I know. I'll have better stuff next time.

Madelin's Warning to Owen

2009-11-18T22:48:00.000-08:00

This week while I was decorating the house with Christmas parifanalia and what not, madelin was "organizing" the stuff I was trying to put together and Owen was of course running around naked as we are potty training him. He is always the first to find the scissors if they are out. I turned around from tying a bow onto the garland just in time to see Owen with scissors pointing down, just centimeters away from his little peeper, just snipping & snipping, with both hands opening and closing the scissors, at a rather speedy pace. I, in my spastic, panicked/ concerned for my childs possible lack of future generationness voice, yelled "Owen! Your're gonna cut your pee-pee off!!!" Madelin, without skipping a beat, as she rarely does, said, "Ya! And then you'll have a girl pee-pee and all the other kids will laugh at you!" Yes, I laughed good and hard at that one....after swiftly removing the scissors from Owens hands of course! I love my kids. The excitement never subsides at our house.

Autumn/Halloweenie!

2009-11-16T20:52:00.000-08:00

We love Halloween @ our house! The kids loooove that mom and dad dress up with them. I always try to be a little crafty and make at least one of our costumes. Owen was the lucky candidate. In case you don't know who I am supposed to be, I am Tiger Lilly, the only other girl role in Peter Pan besides Wendy. I didn't want to be Wendy and wear a nightgown! A shout out to Katie who let me use her old wig so I could be a brunette without dying my locks of gold! It is a good wig, made of real hair so I had at least half a dozen people ask if I died my hair just for Halloween.

I love Owen's huge feather that's almost as long as his arm. Ha. They didn't have smaller ones at the craft store. We got to trick or treat with our cousins this year and it was sooo fun. Thanks for the invite Jeana!
Brett making Rylee wet herself! Poor girl.

The girlfriend Owen found along his way while trick or treating.

Coldie Owee. Loud Madi-loo

The attempted pic to get all the cousins in one shot. (Ya right)

Steph and her cute kitty cat

Grandma and the baby chick! He was my favorite. His Martha Stewart of a mom made it (no offense Jeana) But that woman can make anything.... really any thing at all

Madelin... so happy to be with her cousin Braelyn. They don't look a bit alike. Check out Madelin's running shoes so she can get the most candy in the least amount of time.

Owen at the ward party, asking with his snot-nosed puppy dog face for yet another piece of candy. How could I say no?

Me and my cute kiddos. The reason why Owen is showing a little shoulder is because I made his costume. Sorry buddy!

PUMPKIN CARVING!

Crazies. I love Owen in this one, joining in on the silly faceness

CORNBELLY'S @ THANKSGIVING POINT

For those of you who don't live in Utah, if you are ever passing through during the fall, make sure you get to cornbelly'ss. It's a kids dreamland of super fun fall activities! We love it. We went during the day with our good friends, the VanOrman family and then got sitters at night and went back as couples to do the corn maze and ride the mechanical bull and do the scary stuff kids wouldn't like. Don't be alarmed by this first photo...It's only my inner thigh 10 days after riding the mechanical bull! Brett will die of embarrassment that I posted this, but I had to share. FYI: It didn't hurt while I was riding, but both of my inner thighs got bruised like this and lasted for over 2 weeks! Please disregard the super white pastiness!

My princess and her prince brother

Owen sword fighting with a random scarecrow thing. Check out that forward lunge as he strikes!

the princess pumpkin carriage

The corn box (like a sandbox, only better)

Fun swings made out of old tires. I love this girl in her cowgirl boots.

Owen on the shark swing

Madelin after she mastered the kids corn maze. So proud.

The guys racing the pedal tractors

Me and Owen squeezing into the kids cow train

Madelin snuggled with Westley, her man of choice. He says he's going to marry her. It was such a beautiful sunny day, as you can see. We had so much fun. Let's do it again next year Van-O fam!

Cuties Conversing

2009-11-12T00:11:00.000-08:00

Owen: (pointing to the dogs, one at a time) "Mom! Dat dog name Dar! (Darla)

Dat dog name Jama! (Jamba)"

Mom: (pointing to Owen) "What's that dogs name?"

Owen: (laughing) "Mom... I not doggie!! I'n Owee!"

Mom: (pointing to myself) What this dogs name?

Owen: (laughing even harder) "You not doggies mom, you Owen mom"

Mom: "So my name is mom?"

Owen: "No, it's Lena"

Madelin: (driving in the car) "Mom, my foot has a fever!"

Mom: "Do you mean your feet are hot?"

Madelin: "No, just one foot has a fever and I need you to pull it out with those silver pinchy things

(tweezers) as soon as we get home!"

Mom: "Oh, a sliver?"

Madelin: (laughing) "oh, ya....silly me!"

Random summer stuff I forgot to post

2009-11-03T15:49:00.000-08:00

AT THE ZOO WITH GRANDPA HONEY (QUAYLE)

We got to see the baby elephant there

cute Owen joining the monkey family

My little monkeys

Owen wanted to live in this slide

MADELIN'S FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

She picked out her "fuchsia" top with leggins!

Owen was sooo sad to see her go

He wanted his backpack on too

My little dolly and me

A HIKE TO TIMPANOGAS CAVE

My cute friend Shellie invited me to go with her and her sweet foreign exchange student

crappy pic, I know. It's all I got

In the dark cave

BOATING WITH OUR FRIENDS STEVE AND MIRANDA AND HIS MOM AND POPS WHEN THEY CAME TO VISIT

Owen wake surfing with daddy

Madelin wake surfing with daddy (after she got over the scared out of her mind part)

Cheeseball on the way to the lake

A HIKE UP TO BIG SPRINGS WITH GRANDMA & AINTIES AND UNCLE

cheetos in a hammock when we stopped for a picnic

Madelin loves her grandma to pieces

Owen peekin' out

Owen getting sick of being in there

cute Steph was in town so she came

poor Eric carried madelin most of the way back

HAVING A CAMPFIRE WITH GRANDPA IN OUR BACKYARD

OUR NEW DECK

the dogs basking in the sun

my kids basking in the sun

Twas a good summer

Witchy!

2009-10-26T14:42:00.001-07:00

Me and a few of the fun girlies in my ward went to the witches night at Gardner Village. It was a blast. We danced for quite a while which I miss doing terribly. We were highly entertained by the crazy people there in their amazing costumes and we ate all kinds of delicious treats. In a two hour span I ate 1/2 of a caramel apple (Shared with Sarah B), a whole sack of those yummy cinnamon sugar coated almonds, and 1/2 of a GINORMOUS scone (shared with Shellie V.) covered in butter and some more cinnamon and sugar. It was really quite enjoyable.

My favorite person there was the lady with the pumpkin boobs! Isn't she great?

These are the girls I went with. Krista, the scary one in front, was highly entertaining. She scared so many people by jumping out from hiding spots. We laughed all night.

Sorry so blurry, but it's all I got! This is me and Shellie. She has become a close friend to me.
She is one of thee most selfless, and genuinely caring people I know.

This is Tara. She is my amazing friend who never slows down, always has a smile on her face and a good piece of advice.

This was my 2nd fave . She looked way cooler in person walking around.

Lake Powell (A couple of months ago)

2009-10-21T14:35:00.000-07:00

Owen's hair got whiter and whiter every day

Madelin playing with baby Rylee

Owen distraught that someone has dumped out his rock collection

Madelin doing some night rock climing

Owen entertaining Grandma

Owen fishing with daddy

Madelin snuggling up to Nate and Katie

At the end of August we went to Lake Powell with Brett's parents and siblings and a couple of aunts. It was a blast. We brought the boat and waverunners and had so much fun learning to wake surf . We had a great camping spot and yummy food. We each took a meal to be in charge of and it worked out great. The kids were filthy but happy. And the adults were just glad to have a break from real life. What better place is there to escape to, than Lake Powell. It's paradise.

So, ya know that girl that always has dead batteries in her camera and asks "will you please email me all the good pics you get of this?" That's me at every ocassion, vacation, etc. So thanks go to Jen who so kindly shared her jump drive of pics for me to blog with.

Nate and Katie. (Brett's bro and wifey)

Steph and Brock (Brett's sis and hubby)

Owen throwing his normal fits even tough there was nothing but dirt to throw himself down on.

Cute squishy Rylee with Jackie and Kyle's pup

Rylee taking over Oakley's bed

A spot to be crazy and daring. Look at that blue, blue sky. It is so beautiful there.

Me and Brett wave runnin'

Me wake surfin'

Brett wake surfing. He's pretty dang good at it.

So gorgeous

What a great pic Jen!

Brett's two fun aunts came along for the trip, and his cousin Kayla. It was fun to have them with us.

Jackie, Kyle, and Molly in her teensy tiny life jacket.

More of Owen's birthday in CO

2009-10-21T14:13:00.000-07:00

Owen's birthday landed over a weekend when we went out to visit Steph and Brock (Brett's sister and hubby) in Colorado. Stephanie was nice enough to make Owen a cake. He was so happy about it. Love his smile.

Me and Steph got to go get a pedicure while the boys watched the tykes.

We visited Brocks sister where Madelin and Owen got to collect the eggs out of her hen house.

They were a bit scared, but then they got in there and got em.

Little Rylee got stuck in the 3rd row of the Pilot. She was a good sport.

We went up to their cabin for a night and Brett took the kids for a long ride on the four wheeler. So long that I went looking for them.

Cheese ball kids

The weeds outside were too dry and hazardous to have a campfire, so we improvised and Madelin and Steph roasted marshmallows on the stove.

They were dirty kids and we threw em all in together to get fresh and clean.

We always have fun in CO. We hope to go again soon.

The Pony Party (Back in August)

2009-10-21T13:43:00.001-07:00

Madelin and Owen's birthdays are only two weeks apart, so Brett had the idea to combine the two for one big, good party. We found this sweet teenaged girl on ksl who does pony rides for parties as her little job. The kids had a blast and we just invited the whole neighborhood to enjoy.

Grandpa Quayle was the first guest to arrive. (I requested his help entertaining the kiddos while I finished the last few details) He is always 15 minutes early anyway. Love him.

Brett's cute twinner sisters were our face painters. I guess Madelin wanted her foot painted.

Pony Paradise

Love this boy. He was so happy.

The cakes. So cute, such a great price.

Owen beating on Blue

Our cousin Jamison

Our cousin Braelyn

Happy Sugar-aholic

Madelin got all embarrassed when everyone sang Happy Birthday.

She needed some motherly comfort.

Madelin and her cute friends, Andie & Nya

Owen with his cute grandma Proctor and his ginormous cake.

Emptying the pinata

Bear Lake Bliss!

2009-08-06T14:36:00.001-07:00

We just got back from a lil trip to Bear Lake for my family reunion on my mom's side. As usual it was hard to be around all my aunts who each remind me of my mom in some way or another, but it was also such a good time. I love them so much, and my cousins too. We had so much fun, boating, wave running, diggin in the sand, getting roasted by the sun, swimming, eating, etc. Can't wait till next year!

FEW WORDS....MANY PICTURES

Just thought it might be fitting to start with the most realistic pic of them all.

My darling kids fighting for a spot to sit.

Me and two of my cousins Amy 'n Stacy and me.

Please disregard the pot-bellied midget in the middle.
No, I'm not pregnant, though Madelin asks me at least once a week if I am.

Me and my life long friend Christin and her squisherific baby Olivia.
They are living up there right now and her husband manages the place I have gone to for my family reunion my whole life. (Ideal Beach) It was so great to stay with her for a bit and spend time with them and then get to be with my whole family too.

My funny kids in my uncle Tom's Kayak he brought. That's Madelin's cold water face and she's not even in the water. Ha!

Owen would NOT get out.

Cute Tom pullin' them around for a ride. He brought his sail boat last year.

We all took a spin in the kayak. The kids loved it sooo much.

All the kids were digging a whole while Brett and Owen filled it up with water.

Notice Owen urgently bolting back to the lake to fill his bucket. His hand is reached out to grab Brett's hand for a little assistance with his quickness.

filling the buckets

ready to go pour it in

The next project was to cover my cousin Jeremy's friend Jake with sand.

Owen loved this. Poor Jake got a little flick into his eyes and mouth here and there.

all done
one last flick of sand onto the chest

This is my cousin Jeremy. He burried his and Owens legs. Owen was laughing hard.

Christin's hubby Steve takin' Owen for a spin in the golf cart.

Baby Olivia with a bit of cereal on her chin! She is so smiley and sweet.
She was always giggling at my kids being silly.

So cute. The joy of summer and watermelon slices. My kids played in this tree forever and pretended it was their house.

Owen scootin' around the miles of sidewalk they have there.

Madelin cheesin'

Rodeo

2009-07-17T17:39:00.001-07:00

The beauty of having kids that don't grow much at all is that when the rodeo comes around again, you can pull out that same cowgirl skirt and boots that your lil girl wore last year. She loves them. We will hang onto them till next year! Chances are they will still fit! The skirt has a big ol buckle on the belt and everything! Next year we'll get boots for Owen! Not sure we will even take the kids next year though. They were a little bit naughty this year. ;(

If you look closely you can see a little horse shoe bling necklace on Madelin. That is from several Halloweens ago when I was a cowgirl with all my college roomies. Madelin was sooo excited to wear mommy's old necklace. She is my cute lil buddy.

A few fun summer tidbits

2009-07-03T22:28:00.000-07:00

ON THE FARM

My sister in laws hubby has a grandpappy who is so kind to let us head down to his horse property now and then. The kids ride around and around on the horses and take turns until they no longer have the energy to say "me next, me next!" I didn't even get very good pics of them on the horses, but I got some cute ones of the cousins who are FINALLY back from school! We are so excited they are close now so we can do fun things together. I love this first picture of Owen talking so casually to the cows. It was way better in real life! Wished I had a camcorder.

This is Jamison, the oldest of the cousins. He is holding Jackie and Kyle's new pup! Yup, the ones that just had a new babe of their own! They are the type that can handle it! They just thought they'd throw a pocket beagle in the mix!
The one that looks like she is Madelin's sister is her cousin Brealyn. (I know I have to be spelling that wrong) The one on the left is Kyle's lil sis. Owen is just observing.

Owen was so ferociously saying "Vroom vroom!!" that I couldn't even get him to look up.

This is Kyle who was so nice to take us out on a super hot day and get the horses out and ready! Thanks again to you and Jackie for a fun day!

THE ZOO

On my side of the fam it's just me. So the closest my kids get to cousins are my cousins kids. Makes sense, since my cousins are like sisters to me and my aunts have done so well to take care of me like a mom would since my mom has been gone. This was a day at the zoo with them.

Madelin looooves to hang with the older girls! Could have something to do with how she talks like she's 12. She got plenty of a attention this day!

Owee on the train. I love this sweet boy. He is no longer a babe. I'm a little sad about it.

My cousin Amy bought one of our pups and this is one of her girls(Lexi) with Gracie when they came to get her last set of shots.

This one makes me cry. This is my aunt Marian. She reminds me so much of my mom. When I hug her or hold her hand it is like my mom is right there with me. This picture makes me think Owen is just right in her arms. I miss her so badly.

This is all the girls. Madelin thinks she so cool. I have to admit, she is pretty freakin' cool!

Madelin being carried by McKenna. She did very little walking.

2nd BDAY COMIN!!

Our poor Owen pushes strollers around all day with his car inside of them. Gender confusion? I dunno. We need to hook this boy up for his 2nd bday. Bring on the tractors and power wheels! Sorry Owee!

Happy Father's Day...a little late.

2009-06-26T16:06:00.000-07:00

Here is a pic of me and my cute pops. He is thee most compassionate, sensitive, caring man I have ever known. He is a good friend along with being my daddy!

Here are some funny pictures for you to get an idea about Brett and his work ethic!

We have a dad at our house who never stops working. If it's raining on Saturday, that doesn't stop him. He was out there all day, planting bamboo trees and diggin a fire pit. Doin' his part to make our yard a little better, one rainy Saturday at a time.

Just sprinkling at this point.

I love that there is a rainbow reflection in the window on this last pic. Just diggin in the rocky T-Mountain soil!

On a more serious note... I am really grateful for a husband who will never let his family go hungry. He would dig ditches, work at Maverick, or do what ever he had to, to make sure we survive. That gives me great comfort. I do my share of complaining about him being gone too much, but he is doing his best to provide for us and I thank him for it. Happy Father's Day rainman!

Proctor Calves

2009-06-14T19:14:00.000-07:00

So, we just put our cute Madelin in her first "thing" besides preschool. Gymnastics! She LOVES it! We went to that ghetto, abandoned, Draper Outlets where there is a Danskin store with killer deals. I've found a good workout top or two there for $10 bucks, now and then. It just so happened that their girls gymnastics clothes were 40% off. So, we loaded up. She thought that leotards were the greatest thing ever. She was beaming after the first day and said on the way home, "mom, I sure do love my gymnastics....thanks for signing me up!" What three year old even knows we have to sign her up? (Mine does) Gosh, I love her!

Anyway, I could not help but notice her darling little calves while she tip toed across the beam and jumped and climbed on the gym equipment. I know it's sort of a silly blog to do, but I had to...

Madelin in her "onsie," as Brett calls it.

Madelin with one of the teachers behind her, just getting
ready to move her to the spot she is supposed to sit in.

Madelin sitting in the middle of the circle with the teacher for warm

ups instead of with the other children. (This is after that teacher moved her to a carpet square.

She picked hers up and moved it right back to the middle)

So, here are the calves that Brett does nothing for. Never does he hit the gym or run or even mountain bike, which he loves to do. He has no time for those things and hasn't for years with school and starting a practice etc. I totally made him take this pic, but it had to be done.

Here are my calves that I work my butt off for.

Here are Madelin's calves that she inherited from Brett. She does play a lot

and she's very active, but I am pretty sure they are all natural like Brett's. Lucky girl.

These are little Owee's calves. I couldn't get him to take a good pic, because he didn't understand what I was trying to tell him to do, but he has the beginnings of some really fabulous calves too!

Baby Molly has arrived!

2009-05-22T09:04:00.000-07:00

My sweet sister-in-law Jackie just had her first babe on Monday. When I first met Jack she was still so young, had never kissed a boy or worn a stitch of make-up. Over the years I've been a part of the Proctor fam, I have had the priviledge to watch Jackie grow into an incredible woman with so much talent and so much diligence in living as the Lord would want her to. She will be an excellent mother and she is so lucky to have Kyle, who will be able to match that excellence in his parenting. They are amazing people. Congrats to you! We are so excited to welcome a new cousin into our family. xo

P.S.

2009-05-09T20:27:00.001-07:00

These awesome photos were taken by Angie Monson @ SimplicityPhotograpy.com!

frenchie pups!

2009-05-09T20:11:00.000-07:00

It is a little sad for me to say that this was our last litter of pups! It is a tremendous amount of work and a lot of poop to clean up, but I love raising these sweet little things. Six litters later and I still cry every time one is sent off with his or her new family! Part of my sadness comes from the natural attachment I have from caring for them from birth, and of course taking them from their mama. The other part of my tears is happiness for the new fam. I know how much I love my doggies, as though they were my kids, and I know they will fall in love too. Congrats to all the new frenchy families out there! We will miss those pups! Visit any time.

puppy love

2009-05-09T19:46:00.001-07:00

Quick Easter Picks!

2009-04-12T21:55:00.000-07:00

My sweet neighbor and good friend Leah got herself a nice camera a few months back. She made the mistake of telling me she needed practice and would take pictures of my kids any time. After church today I harassed her to take some easter pics. Here is a snip- it of our photo shoot with my not-so-cooperative kids.....

Madelin yelling HAPPY EASTER!, while a shrap of my windblown,

traverse mountain hair rests backwards on my headband. Owen scowling.

Owen pretending he's on a roller coaster
A cute one of Madelin. She loves him, she really does.
Though you would not know it amongst the daily torture, teasing, and abuse she renders.

Owen on the move. He's so cute, I wanna bite him!

Swipe the pits... then, sniff the fingers. SUPER STAR!

Owen playin it cool and tuff. Madelin being cute.

Doesn't she look great in that color!

Owen finally smiling...and then Madelin talking.

Owen doin' an Easter jig. Madelin sighting aliens? Dunno!?

Thanks anyways Leah! You did great! Maybe we will try again! (Next time you need practice) Ha! Happy Easter everyone!

Conference Sunday Entertainment!

2009-04-08T10:55:00.000-07:00

SUNDAY PAINTINGS

On Sunday, when conference was over, we had some time on our hands and Madelin had been begging Brett to paint with her. I went into the office for about 10-15 minutes to answer some emails about puppies and came out to find this!

Indian warrior!

Rainbow Brite?!

Ready for War!

Don't even mess!

Madelin looooved it!

Blue beard!

Owen saying bow, bow! (rainbow)

Cheese!

Needless to say, bathtime was next. They thought the brown water was awesome! Good times!

Polka-dots

2009-04-01T16:53:00.001-07:00

SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME WHAT THIS IS!!

Owen has red bumps all over. He had this same thing mid-winter when he had a cold. I was told it's just a virus and this is how he reacted to it! He doesn't seem bothered by it in the least. He doesn't itch it or anything. It just looks really bad. After I took these pics, I lathered him up with calamine lotion just in case. He tought that was fun.... he looooves lotion. Anyway, if someone has seen this same thing on their kid, let me know just what he is harvesting.

CUTE BUMB

St. Patty's Visitor

2009-03-28T23:42:00.000-07:00

GREEN EGGS

HAPPY GOLD FINDERS

SAD BOY THAT WANTS THE CHOCOLATE FOR HIS BREAKFAST

GREEN MILK....FREAKS YA OUT AFTER A FEW DAYS

SHAMROCK HEAD

I DO LIKE THEM SAM I AM!

THE TREASURE

Thanks to my sweet friend Megan McEwan and her fun ideas, Madelin and Owen got a visit from a Leprechan! sp? He left a trail of green shamrocks leading to a pot of gold (salsa dish with chocolate coins). He kissed their cheeks and foreheads while thy slept and it left shamrock stickers on their faces. He turned our milk green and threw shamrock confetti all over the place. While he was havin' his party without us, he got too rowdy and knocked over furniture and the toy box. Madelin loved it!! At first she was a bit freaked out by him coming in her room to kiss her. I told her the night before that he might do that and she said, "Mom, just put a sticky note on my door that says 'Leprechan, don't come in Madelin's room!' " She's funny. But she was allright with it in the morning when his kisses had left shamrock stickers. She did say to me that he didn't see my sticky note in the dark 'cuz he still came in. Owen had no idea what was going on, but he was excited about it anyway and got really sad when I wouldn't let him eat the whole bowl of coins for breakfast. He wanted to keep the sticker on his forehead all day. He'd freak out if you even tried to take it. It made for good entertainment for Madelin, the master teaser. Anyway, such a fun tradition, very little cost, not much effort, and the kids love it! For breakfast we made green eggs to eat with our green milk. Good times!

Daddy Daughter Dance

2009-03-18T20:32:00.000-07:00

Our ward primary put on a cute daddy daughter dance in February. Brett moved some patients around and made it so he could be there for Madelin. She was so excited for it. She loves any time she gets with JUST DAD. Whenever they go anywhere without me, she lets me know twelve times, that it will just be her and dad going.

Brett and Madelin before the dance. He brought her flowers (so sweet) and she was thrilled!!

Madelin loooooves friends, so she ditched dad for lots of the dance and participated in the congo line as well. (sp?) The dress she is wearing is from her aunt Jennie's wedding a year ago, which tells you how slow of a rate at which she grows! (My cute lil bug)

shorty...that girl behind her is like "oh, my achin' back!"

poser!

so demure and sweet!

Cados and Puppies!

2009-03-04T15:42:00.001-08:00

AVACADO SHAMPOO

So, being a mother, I am aware that once I get on the phone or the computer there is no telling what my kids will get into, break, stain, catch on fire etc. Well, now I have yet another thing that keeps me from knowing just what my kids might come up with. PUPPIES!!! Seven of them. They are adorable but fragile at just five days old; and if Owen gets into the puppy room he runs straight for their kiddy pool, picks one up and squeezes...hard. Needless to say, I go in to care for the puppies on my own while my kids go wild doing whatever they wish outside of the room. Today I came upstairs after helping the pups each find a milky of their own to suck on and found this......

Owen, even strapped into his seat at the table found some trouble to make! He took his "cados" and made shampoo! This first pic shows how slicked to his head his hair was! I died laughing!
Mean face!

Owen yelling, "CADOS!" Next event for the day... BATHTIME!

AND HERE ARETHE PUPS!

Darla is so content and at peace when she is with them' and a total stress case if she is not with them. (Wish I was like that as a mom)

Such a good doggie mommy!

Late Valentine Blog!

2009-02-23T10:12:00.001-08:00

I DIDN'T DIE OR GET SEVERELY INJURED!!

So, Brett Wayne and I went skiing for my second time ever and his millionth. He was so sweet and patient as I crash dummied my way through the day. (Thanks sweetie) At the end, I made him take a run or two by himself so he could do some of the advanced stuff. I will admit I did pretty dang good for a beginner, and for being on of the most accident prone people I know; but I am bruised and ultra sore now! 'Twas a beautiful and sunny day. We were sweatin' under our coats. Thanks go to Jennie for the use of her skies, poles, and helmet. (Which got good use since I smacked myself in the head with my pole while trying to keep my balance!) Ha, such a nerd. Also, thanks to Jackie and Hillary for watching our kiddos so we could spend the day together.

LABOR OF LOVE!!

About a month ago my handi-man hubby built food storage shelving for me. The first one is rolling racks for canned stuff. (Got the idea from the Bunderson's) I love 'em! The other is just normal shelves. It is so nice the have space for all that kind of stuff. Thanks Bob! (The builder)

SISTA BROTHA

The older they get, the more they play together and take care of each other and get along. Yes, they still have daily thrashings on one another and always will, it appears, but they really do love eachother.

VALENTINE'S DINNER

Brett and I aren't big fans of waiting three hours to sit down at a restaurant on V-day. So, we stayed home, got chinese take-out, and had a candle light dinner with the kids! They loved it. Luckily I was smart enough to strap Owen into his chair before I lit the candles. When I lit them he said "oooooo!" If you are ever looking for a good chinese place, Chin-Wah in Sandy is delicious! It made for yummy leftovers for lunch, after church the next day!

Owen eating Avacados while we waited for dad to get back with the grub. He calls them "cados"

Madelin's chocolate covered strawberry. (She eats the chocolate only) Just as she eats the frosting and not the cookie or cake, or the 'frost' off of frosted mini wheats and never the wheat!

Madelin being cheesy about the valentine 'scene', if you will.

Our Sweet Darla is due in a few days with 7 babies!

We love our doggies!

Madelin takes good care of them and tucks them in for naps!

sibbling snuggle on the bean bag! (Thanks Melissa)We use that thing to death!

Sibling Maintenence

2009-01-30T20:20:00.000-08:00

Madelin is known to be caught when owen is waking from naptime, to be in owen's crib, his socks off, pickin' out the toe jam with much purpose and conviction. Talk about unconditional love. It has become routine. She also loves to scrub his feet in the bath. This moment was worth catching with the camera. Just a little post-breakfast jam pickin'! I died....laughed out loud by myself at this one. Owen just kicks back and watches the seriousness of Madelin's findings. Maybe ya had to be there, but it was funny stuff.

Funny Madelin... again!

2009-01-23T15:23:00.000-08:00

I cut Madelin's hair three days ago. When we were cleaning up I asked her to take my scissors and comb and put them on my bathroom counter. I specifically said "don't play in there, just come right back out." Well, she played... and she cut a small snip out of her hair, right in front. It isn't too bad or noticaeable, so i am not posting a pic of it. The funny part is that I told her 'no treats for 3 days' since this is by far the most horrible thing that could happen to her (in her mind), and at the moment I was rather miffed. So today, on the third day, she is begging for a treat. She got a cough drop and she felt really lucky! Just now she looked at a pack of gum sitting on the counter and asked, "mom, why does gum have to be a treat?" I said "I don't know, it just is. Sorry." Then she said "it's because Heavenly Father sent it here to be a treat.....and Jesus did too." So cute and so funny!! She always makes me giggle. I love her. That's all, just had to share!

A few more Christmas trailers!

2009-01-19T13:06:00.000-08:00

These are just a bunch of random pics from the holiday season. Hope you enjoy!

The shepherd rockin' out to jingle bells after the preschool nativity scene performance.

It would appear that Mary is giving birth, but she is really just sitting that way. Mary was played by Madelin's good friend Sadie. She is about a foot taller than Madelin and so they are so cute together when they play.

They had Christmas cookies to decorate. Madelin wanted to just eat the frosting straight out of that costco sized container! That's me patroling right behind her so she doesn't eat a gallon of it.

Mary and Joseph knocking at the inn

Little miss Shepherd

Madelin proudly holding my friend Melissa's baby Sydney.

Cinderella with jammies underneath singing so seriously,

"A dream is a wish your heart makes."

Owen getting his eyebow sucked by his cousin Rylee

Just lounging in the loot!

My awesome, picture perfect kids in their Christmas Jammies!

Owen wrestling baby Rylee. Poor girl.

Owen getting his ear sucked by his cousin Rylee!

Another tidbit from Madelin

2009-01-04T22:48:00.000-08:00

"You have two choices, mom!"

"oh, really? What are they"

"You can either give me 3 skittles or 5"

"How 'bout none since you're bein' bossy?"

pause...

"ok, just 3"

This comes from the several times a day that I give her two choices just so she feels like it's her idea and she is a little happier with the end result. Man, she's a lil' fire cracker! The fishin' on the potty pick is for blackmale's sake when she is older! She is my source of happiness, daily! So funny!

Christmas time!

2008-12-22T14:07:00.001-08:00

One of the fun things we look forward to each year is the cute Christmas pillowcases that Grandma Proctor so lovingly spends her time sewing for us. When I put them onto the kids' pillows, I threw them down on the ground and they both ran and flopped down on them together! It was so cute. The other pic is the turbo quick pic I took of them while on Santa's lap. (Yes, we are those people that say no to the picture takers and then capture our own moment.) Notice Santa being reluctant to smile in order to teach us a lesson that we better pay up next year if we want a good pic! Ha! Merry Christmas to you too, big guy!

Funny Tidbits from Madelin!

2008-12-10T14:18:00.000-08:00

Mom: "Madelin, what are you going to ask Santa for when you sit on his lap?"
Madelin: "A treat!"
Mom: Madelin, I know you love candy but Santa doesn't make candy! He makes toys! So, pick a toy!"
Madelin: "No, I just want a treat."
Then, at the mall:
Santa: "What do you want for Christmas little girl?"
Madelin: "Something chewy!" (Sugar addict)
Santa: "Ho Ho Huh?"
Anyway, that is my funny little girl whose only christmas wish is that she can have some candy!
Slim Jims are chewy, maybe I'll stick a few of those in her stocking and save us a sugar high!

My neice Sydney!

2008-11-24T12:37:00.000-08:00

One of my best friends in this world, Melissa just had her first babe. She is like a sister to me, so I'm claiming her babe as my neice. This is just a pic of me and the cute little stink. Isn't she beautiful? There's nothing like a brand new baby. Sooo tender. The other pic is of me and my four best friends from high school. Lots of super silly memories with them gals. Melissa is the one on the far left with the belly! The pic was taken at her baby shower. Christin is the one with gorgeous dark hair and the other belly (due mid December), and Sara is the one with the colgate smile and white hat to match. Ha! These girls are so significant in my life and have been a big part of turning me into what I am today. I love them to pieces. We are all so different from eachother, yet it is so easy to just pick up where we left off, no matter how long it's been since the last time we chatted. Cheers to life long friends.

Halloweenie!

2008-11-19T15:33:00.001-08:00

The babes were laughing at eachother when they saw eachother in costume for the first time.

Sorry for the title, but my funny mom used to call it that and I had to carry on the tradition. Well, it was decided very early on what Madelin would be for Halloween. She is obsessed with The Wizard of Oz and wanted very much to be Dorothy. We were lucky enough to have a friend (Andie) who was Dorothy last year, so we borrowed it and the witch costume for me too. I made the Lion for Owen, which I am proud to say turned out quite adorable. And Brett's costume consisted of a cheapo $5 Scarecrow hat & glove set out of Oriental Trading mag, and a plaid shirt from Saver's. (He always gets the short stick) Ha! Some of you might remember the flower hat I made him wear in '05 when Madelin was a ladybug and I was a butterfly. The little pig in these pics is Owen's girlfriend Mya, who lives next door. The Cinderella is Madelin's good friend Graysen, who she loves to pieces. Happy Halloweenie a month late!

A trip to Colorado

2008-11-19T14:28:00.001-08:00

About a month and a half ago we went out to Colorado for my beginner hunter of a husband to take some lessons from his sister's husband, Brock, who has hunted his whole life. They didn't get anything but it was fun for Brett anyway. Me and the kiddos got to hang with Steph and the new babe. We went to a pumpkin patch, and got some good pics. The guys went floating down the river in the rain. (Crazy) It was so fun even though we just hung out for most of it. It was good be with them and see what a cute mama Steph is. Rylee is so darling and she's even cuter with some squish on her! Madelin loves being the big cousin and mothering the babes.

More to come, I promise!

2008-11-18T15:31:00.000-08:00

Little Owee is sick today with strep and a double ear infection! He just woke up, so blogging is done for now. I'll add more later (Probably at 11:00 p.m.)xo-Selena

Madelins' first day of preschool!

2008-11-18T14:49:00.001-08:00

Madi-loo-hoo looooves preschool. I am not surprised because she thrives on friends and just socializing. Plus she thinks she is twelve and talks like she is seven so I knew she would just eat it up. These pics are from her first day of school. She was beside herself with excitement. Thanks go to aunt Ruth who provided the back to school apparel (intended for last year but madelin is teensy). She looks so old in these pics to me. Sorta sad how time flies. We love our Madelin though. She never stops. For family home evening last night we talked about tithing. (Thanks Sophia for the awesome packet) We placed 10 pink peanut M&M's in front of her and asked if she would be willing to give just one of them to Heavenly Father since He had given them all to her. She very eagerly replied, "Yes, I would and I would give one to Jesus too!" Today, while driving in the car she said, "mom, when I go to heaven I am going to bring Heavenly Father and Jesus a whole bag of peanut M&M's!" That just tells you how she thinks and never forgets anything. You can never tell her something and hope she'll forget. She WILL remember. Then just a few minutes later she said "mom, I am gonna ask Santa if I can ride in his sleigh and he might say no since there are no car seats in there, but I will just ask to sit on his lap and hold on tight." (We watched Polar Express the other night, so I guess that's where that came from. She is constantly thinking. I am so grateful to have such a bright and happy girl! (Even if it is exhausting) :)

It's coming!

2008-11-10T10:08:00.000-08:00

So, we just spent about a month without a computer! Thought I'd die! I completely forgot that I have the yellow pages sitting in my tornado of a junk droor! I was just gonna drive aroung and find a store one day because I couldn't google where it was located! Such a nerd. Then I remembered the good ol' yellow pages! Our computer crashed just as I was about to get on-line and blog it up! Plus I was gonna order pictures from like this whole summer! Imagine the horror when I thought I would never see those pics again! Luckily they were able to recover all my important computery goodies, including the whole summer of pictures of my darling babies. Anyway, just wanted to let all yall know why I dropped out of the loop in such a major way! A new ginormous post of a blog is comin'! xo-Selena

Ee- I - Ee - I - O!

2008-09-06T21:05:00.000-07:00

Thanksgiving point has this cute little farm we have been told about a thousand times. We finally went since it's 3 minutes away and only costs three and a half bucks to get in. Madelin loved riding the pony and having a chance to throw on the old cowgirl boots. She even got to help milk a cow. Owen loved chatting with the goats through the fence. It was a good time!

Bear Lake

2008-08-29T21:48:00.000-07:00

Madelin in her baggy swimsuit, overdoing the hands on the hip pose

We went to Bear Lake at the end of July. It is something my mom's side of the family has done for years. I grew up going there and have years of wonderful memories there with my cousins, boating, water skiing, getting thrashed around on those boating tubes together, playing in the sand, roller blading, hunting for boys, etc. Madelin had so much fun playing with what I call her cousins. Really they are my cousins kids and since my cousins are like my sisters, that's what they are. They rode their little bikes around and kicked balls around on the grass and played in the sand. There are pictures here of my cute uncle Tom giving Madelin a little pull around ride on his sail boat. She thought that was awesome. My cute aunt Diane planned it and let us stay in her condo with her. She had such fun things for the kids to do. A pinata filled with loads of candy, a saw dust money search, little crafts to do. She is so great. Aunt connie had goody bags for all the kids so they really got spoiled. It was really nice to spend a whole weekend with everyone together. I love my cousins and aunts so much. They are all so good to me. It was really easy to think of my mom the whole time and miss her even more, because my aunt Marian looks more and more like her the older she gets. My mom was like 10 years younger but aged so much in that last 3 years of being so sick. It feels like I am hugging her when I hug Marian, and feels like I am holding her hand when she reaches over and holds my hand. It makes me miss her, but I love the feeling too. Anyway, sorry to get sad, but it was a really wonderful weekend with some of the people I love most in the world.

Brett finding a new way to contain our spastic toddler

The sugar addict finding all the tootsie rolls she can

Me and my supermodel in denial cousin Amy

Benjiman George Goes to Texas!

2008-08-29T21:36:00.000-07:00

My little Madelin is crushed that Ben is leaving. She really has no idea how long two years is, but she does know that she loves uncle Ben sooo much and that it is a very sad thing that he has left. She is a little relieved when I tell her that he is going to teach people about Jesus, but not much consolation as she does love him to pieces. You will be missed Ben, but we are proud you chose to be there. xo
p.s. Thanks for saving the day LuWain! I showed up like an idiot in my capris, thinking I would only need casual apparel for the MTC. (Never been there before) LuWain busted out a long denim skirt from the dark corners of her closet so that I could be appropriately dressed for the occasion. Sorry for the extra stress on what was already a hard day for you! Gosh, I'm a nerd!

Happy Birthday Madelin!

2008-08-28T17:18:00.000-07:00

Madelin is three...plus a month! Again, sorry for the tardiness. She had a little party with all blue stuff. Blue, cakewith blue Mn'M's. She is obsessed with blue right now and has to eat out of a blue bowl with a blue spoon every morning. Her favorite movie right now is The Wizard of Oz. She is getting ready to start preschool and is soooo excited about it. She is always talking about going to school. I am excited for her because, even though I'm just her mom talkin', I can safely say that she is one smart cookie! She talks like she is 7ish and is really quite the conversationalist. She knows all her letters' sounds and has moved onto the sounds that letters make together (like sh and ch). She loves to learn so it is really fun to teach her. She is still the little social butterfly and never stops asking strangers what their names are. At times she feels so bold to ask for their snacks & treats etc. She is loads of fun. I am so grateful for such a bright and loving little girl. She is one of my best friends in the whole world. I love you Madi-loo-hoo! xo-mama

Happy Birthday Owen!

2008-08-28T17:06:00.000-07:00

Owen is one...plus a month! Sorry I am so slow goin' at this blog stuff. We had a fun little party over at Grandma's house. Of course Luwain took care of everything and made it really easy on me since Madelin's B-day was right around the corner. He is sooo much fun! He has gotten so silly and hyper and just makes us laugh all the time. He has taken a few steps just starting this last week, but nothing regular yet. He is all over the place though, because he can crawl at the speed of lightning. He is learning a little sign language and thinks he is so cool when he does it. He says a few words here and there, which is so fun to see. He makes a dog sound when our dogs get excited that someone is at the door. He is my little snuggler and I am so happy he is part of my life. He brings me so much happiness and has really made it easy to go from one babe to two. He was good from the day he was born. We love you Owee! xo-mom

Big Long Catch-Up Blog

2008-07-25T17:25:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday America! Strollin' to the 4th's neighborhood festivities.

A little boost from a hansom stranger.

For the 4th our neighborhood had a big BBQ and a bunch of big blow up play things. Madelin could have done it for hours but she would have passed out from the heat. So we didn't stick around long. My cute dad got up on there and played with her. He had a close call, but gracefully caught himself without breaking any bones. I laughed till I cried, which I am sure embarrassed more, but it was some quality humor.

St. Louie

2008-07-25T16:48:00.000-07:00

We just got back from a trip to St. Louis Missouri. That is where we went to school and lived for 3 years so we have a lot of old friends and a wonderful ward we left behind, etc. What brought us there was the priceless opportunity to see our friend be married in the temple. His name is Steve Baker and Brett went to school with him and became great friends from hours of studying together. He took the discussions and was baptized while we were in school so, as you can imagine, it was cool to see him take that next step toward eternal progression.

Madelin and Kayleigh had loads of fun together. They would giggle and squeal and laugh and sing. Then they would fight and cry and scream. Then they would start all over with the fun stuff, and then repeat the fighting. We got to stay with our really good friends, The Davis's . They bought our old trailer when we moved so it was kinda fun to be back there, believe it or not. The kids and I stayed for a whole week and never ran out of fun things to d and old friends to see. Thanks for getting married Steve, so we could have a legit reason to fly out. :)

Owen with his little buddy Kaden

On our way to the zoo with my good friend Betsy and Madelin's little friend Taya. They drove 6 hours from Arkansas so we could be together for probably the last time ever. Thanks Alex for being so nice and letting her spend the gas money! You are loved!

Madelin two summers ago, standing by the same penguin you see below. Man time flies!

Owen suffocating the penguin.

Madelin and Owen by the penguins. You can see by Owen's face that it was a hot day!

Madelin and her friends Taya and Gwyn with a sleepy monkey behind them.

After the Zoo!

Just me and the kids flyin' stand-by! Scary! We did well, considering.

Family Camp-out

2008-07-25T16:36:00.000-07:00

This is us camping on the weekend of the 4th. We didn't reserve a spot because we really can't plan ahead with Brett's work. So, we drove up past all the campgrounds and into the wilderness, where they say if you want it take it and plop and camp. We had fun cooking foil dinners and cooking biscuits over the fire to eat with yummy honey butter. Madelin was terrified of the black hole we call an outhouse so I tried to get her to potty in the shrubs. Not gonna happen. So my next attempt was sorta joking out of frustration when I said, "do you want to be a baby and I'll put one of Owen's diapers on you to pee in?" She said "uh-huh!" real quick to that one. So luckily Madelin is teensy tiny and fit into a size 3 diaper. Lesson learned... Ya gotta do what ya gotta do.

Summer Water Fun

2008-07-25T16:30:00.000-07:00

These are just random pics of fun water parties and swimmin' we've done with friends. Madelin has just barely made a break through and will swim with a life jacket on without totally clinging to me in fear. We are so proud and swimming is much more fun for all of us.

Rodeo Kids

2008-07-25T16:16:00.000-07:00

We went to the Rodeo here in good 'ol Lehi. We were gonna go without kids with some other couples, but Brett never sees the kids. So, we slapped on our hand-me-down hot pink cowgirl boots and off we went. Madelin loved it. She kept saying, "I want to try that mommy!!" with each new thing they did she got more and more mad that she wasn't the one out there. It was a late night for kids, but hey, it's summer and they were entertained.

A 'lil trip

2008-06-24T15:14:00.000-07:00

Brett and I got the chance to be treated to a 'lil trip to California. We Went to Disneyland & Sea Word. My step brother Michael works at Disney and got us in. We got to go kayaking out to some caves on the ocean, where there were a bunch of Sea Lions to see up close. We hung on the beach the last day and played in the water and fried ourselves in the sun. 'Twas good fun. Once again Luwain was a saint and watched the kids all weekend, with some help from Jen & Jack. Thanks ladies! Madelin and Owen had loads of fun with you.

Happy Father's Day

2008-06-24T15:01:00.000-07:00

So, I am little late...but better late than never. You will start to notice a trend in my blogging. A whole months worth of stuff all in one big long thang! Here are some pics of our hard working daddy, who we know will never let us go hungry! Anyone who knows what a workin' maniac Brett is, knows what I mean. Thanks for all you do to keep us goin' Brett. We are so grateful. Madelin and Owen both love their daddy to pieces. Mmmmuah!!
Madelin loves to help dad with stuff...fixin' the cars, makin' the fence, layin' out the sprinkling system, etc. (she's really quite handy like her pops.) Owen loves dad to teach him words. Brett asks Owen "where's the clock?" and he points right at it and attempts to say it. It is sort of their thing. He won't really do it for me or anyone else. We love you. XO!

One More Pic

2008-06-24T14:54:00.000-07:00

Forgot to include my favorite pic of Madelin and Tyler. They rode on the front of my stroller the whole day.

TO THE ZOO

2008-06-24T14:27:00.000-07:00

We went to the zoo a few weeks ago with my cute cousin Heidi and her two kiddos. (Whitney & Tyler) Madelin is about a year and a half younger than Tyler and a good foot and a half shorter. They have become really good buddies these past few months and it is fun to see them play. Madelin loves older kids since she talks like she's 7, so she is lovin' her Tyler. She is only a year older than Whitney, so they will be really close as time goes on too. So fun. My cousins are as close as it gets for sisters (on my side) so I am so glad that my kids can have some pretend cousins through them. :)
Madelin loves the Merri-go-round! She calls it the Mullberry-bush-go-round.
She always chooses the Zebra. Here are some pics of us on the new one they've
got at the zoo. Owen looks scared, but he really did like it.

Grandma Cathy

2008-05-29T14:51:00.001-07:00

I haven't written about Mother's Day yet because, needless to say, it is a hard day for me. But I have to say that all in all, it was a good day this year. We went to church and then we headed off to Salt Lake to go visit grandma Cathy's grave. I talk to Madelin a lot about how she is in heaven. Madelin asks what she's doin' and I tell her she's hangin' out with Heavenly Father and Jesus. Madelin's reply every time is, "I wanna hang out with them too!" So when we got there it was like she was ready to just hang out. She helped me put water in the vase and put her purple iris in it. Then she gathered yellow dandelions to put in the vase, so they could float in the water and make it prettier. Then she showed Grandma Cathy her somersaults all around the headstone. It was so nice to have her there with me. Even though having kids that don't know her is one of the hardest parts about her being gone, it is also what makes it a light and happy thing to visit her. Owen just sat very still in the grass, unsure if he wanted to crawl around in it. Brett had such a sweet idea to color over the headstone with paper and this is the picture. Madelin's middle name is Cathy so she thought this was pretty cool. That night we had all of Brett's family and my pops over for some grub. Luckily I have thee best Mother-in-law there is, which helps fill the hole in my heart. XO to you LuWain!

Owen's bag 'o Tricks

2008-05-27T19:45:00.000-07:00

Now how do I get out?
I got this!

Owen is changing every second and he seems to be aware of how cool he is when he learns how to do something knew. My favorite thing he does now is point with one finger to random things and says "goook." It is so cute because he really emphasizes the ooo part and puckers his lips & furrows his brow like he is really trying to tell you something. I don't have a pic of that YET because it is such a spontaneous thing, but I'll be workin' on it. Here are some pics of him climbing all the way into the tupperware cupboard after emptying it, standing up to his drawer in the kitchen (kids plastic dishes) to practice his sippy cup skills, and then some of him with his hand caught in the cookie jar. (A ginormous animal cookie jar from Costco) Hope you like 'em.

Ha ha! I got cookies!!!
Back off Darla!
Diggin' for treasures!

Mission complete!

Fishy Fun with Friends

2008-05-18T14:05:00.000-07:00

So, it has been about a month since we took these pics, but I am still struggling to find the bloggin' fever! I promise to do better. We went to the Aquarium in Sandy with our friends from Orem, who Madelin misses soooo badly. I do too, but my girl really thrives on friends. Well, we spent ime lookin at fish and petting sting rays (de-stung stingrays). All her girlfrinds from Orem are like two years older, but Madelin keeps up since she talks like she's five. After the Aquarium we went to a store my friend Amanda got me addicted to. She is like me and loooves a good bargain. It's Down East Clearance Center in SLC. They have loads of pottery barn kids stuff with names on them for ultra cheap. We found rolling backpacks for Madelin and Owen and had lots of fun rolling them around in them when we got home. Here are a few more pics from that day. The one of Madelin and her girlfriends is blury but it is funny to see her with all the big girls and loving it.

There's no place like home!

2008-04-22T22:49:00.000-07:00

Well I feel a little boastful, but here it is. A few peeps have asked me to post the house on my blog, so they could have a peak. It is fun and really nice to have our own place. Madelin and I get along better now because, even though it is a new, nice house....it is our house to destroy with every day toddler type activities such as; coloring on walls, breaking dishes, spilling fun & colorful things on the carpet, etc.... LuWain was always so very sweet about such events taking place while we were living in her house. For example: the time Madelin puked all over LuWain AND her couch. XO to you LuWain. You truly are the best Mom/Grandma/friend ever!

My Boyfriend Harry

2008-04-19T21:18:00.000-07:00

Brett is out of town this weekend, so we invited my friend Stephanie and her little boy Harrison (we call him Harry) over to play tonight. Madelin and Harry have a love/hate relationship...mostly love. They were running out on the back balcony in their jammies screaming little short, weird screams, and then running back inside. They are so cute together. Here is a pic of them that Steph (his mom) took. She took thrse other cute pics in my previous posts. She is one of my good friends I will keep forever. She is one of those kind I talked about in my profile. The ones you can go without talking to forever, and then you can just pick up where you left off and it is comfortable and fun to be around them. XO to you Steph!

Fun pics of us

2008-04-18T22:15:00.000-07:00

Goin' for a bike ride!

Madelin and her books

Owen: What the? Madelin: Cheeeeeeeeese!!!

2008-04-18T22:05:00.000-07:00

Now Owen is a million smiles a day. Couldn't have gone from one babe to two without him. He is such a good baby. He is changing so fast. His new thing is standing up to everything. He pulls himself up to the shoe basket, his bottom drawer in the kitchen that has all the kids dishes in it, the couch, the benches at the kitchen table. It is so funny to see. I will add pics of it soon. His teeth are all coming in at once. He has four on top and two on bottom, all withing about a month and a half. He crawls up your feet and tries to chew on your ankles like a little critter. He loves his sister and gets sooo excited when she comes in the room after waking up from her nap. It's like he misses her when he is awake and she's not. He is a cuddler, which I love. He will just bury his face in my neck when he starts to get sleepy. Mostly he gets around by army crawling, with an occasional, up -on-all-fours sprint. We love him to pieces.

2008-04-18T21:39:00.000-07:00

Madi-loo-hoo is what we call her. She is the friendliest girl in town. Everywhere we go she asks EVERYONE "what's you're name?" The checker, the bagger, the customers, the people at the park, anyone that comes to our door. She sings songs and talks in full conversation all day...and she's been doing it since she was very tiny. Her new favorite thing to do is to put all of her babies and stuffed animals in one huge pile in the corner of the couch, so they are "all safe together, and no one will get taken by the bad guys."This comes from me trying to get her to stay close by me when we go places, and I've told her that the bad guys will get her if she gets too far away from me. Kinda mean to instill fear in her, but it works so far. Another thing she really loves right now is when we read to her. She is in love with the idea of having us focus all our attention on her. The minute Brett gets home she says, "daddy, read to me!" She is too cute to say no to. So, before he gets in comfy clothes or even eats dinner (@ 8:00 p.m.), he will read a book to her. He is whooped, it's true. She can't just pull one book off the shelf. She wants to read all the books. She has her typical 2 moments every day, but over all she is such a happy part of our lives.

It's about damn time!

2008-04-16T22:10:00.000-07:00

Yeah, yeah, I know...it's about damn time I jumped on the blog train! I just needed a little shove from my good friend/sister-in-law/blog tutor , Jackie! Thanks Jack, you're a peach! Well, here we are, so cool with our own website! What do I write? Seriously folks. Bear with me. How 'bout I just start with some pics of my darling kids and maybe I'll get better at the text as time goes on. Man I suck. Take note that it is after 11:00 p.m. when I am finally able to even post a paragraph. Wish me luck.