The Viking Spot

And so goes life . . .

2010-05-15T20:02:00.000-07:00

These past few weeks have been crazy! We have had some tough blows lately. One of my good friends in Palmdale (one that actually DOES stuff) announced that she was moving. I'm currently in intense denial because I still have a week left. Dylan was also diagnosed with ADHD and we have been trying to figure out all that goes with that and what he needs. We have been stretching our budget (nothing new really, just getting old) and we had some tough news from extended family as well. It has been a rough time, but I am grateful that I have my kids who continue to make me laugh and who don't complain when our entertainment is something like "lets go to the library" or "how about recycling cans today." You gotta love that kind of enthusiasm for everything in life - even the small things.
So today I am so GRATEFUL for my kids and how they make me see life from their perspective and keep me laughing!

Project time!

2010-04-24T23:02:00.001-07:00

So this week was time for a project. I just needed something big to do and I chose our upstairs bathroom because some genius had put carpet in half of it which was completely NASTY after being exposed to our kids for a year so Dylan and I ripped up the carpet and linoleum and then I spent a week laying tile. It is a small space, but it was hard to find the time to complete the tasks. I did though and I LOVE the results. Here are the before and after photos!

Spring Break 2010

2010-04-04T12:35:00.001-07:00

So for Spring Break we had planned to drive to Ohio and visit family, but after some car repairs, a fridge repair and a broken sliding glass door we decided to stay home. It was a bummer, but here are some fun things we did instead.

Chloe got these goggles in her Easter basket and wore them for hours!

The boys and I made a tent. It filled the living and dining rooms and we left it up for the whole two weeks. The kids loved it and slept in it several nights.
We bought a trampoline that bent within 5 minutes of jumping, but it di make a good tent for the kids picnic.

The rest of these pictures are from Santa Barbara. We drove up for the day with Rob's mom and we had dinner at this restaurant that is literally right on the sand called the Fishhouse (I Believe) the food was great and the view was better. We sat on the patio and there were heaters so it was perfect!

The girls enjoying the beach

The boys built a hut with the rocks and some drift wood/palm tree branches. It was fun! Here's Zach inside helping getting it set up.

Griffin and Dylan dragging a peice over.

Here they are at the restaurant. The beach is literrally right behind the plexiglasss. Just like 7 steps down to sand and then 15 yards til water. If you ever get to Santa Barbara you need to go here!

Dylan's Baptism

2010-03-25T14:17:00.001-07:00

Dylan got baptized last Saturday - March 20th - and it was beautiful. I will admit I was a bit stressed especially when we didn't leave on time. Then when Rob forgot his white pants I was irritated. But, thanks to Brett and his smart comments by the time we arrived at the church all was forgiven.

Dylan was so excited! He loved all the attention and the talks - everyone did such a good job. He said the font was warm and "kinda like a hot tub." What a Dylan comment to make. Rob was hanging up towels and doing stuff so Dylan had about 30 seconds in the font before Rob and he was just roaming around. SO DYLAN!!!! It was very special and I am so proud of Dylan for this decision he made.

We want to thank all the friends and family that came to support Dylan on this special day. I know it was an effort to travel, but it is very appreciated.

Griffin's play

2010-03-25T14:07:00.000-07:00

Griffin was in play called Showstoppers at school. They did old TV show songs like Green Acres and Mr. Ed. It was really cute. This is a video of one of my favorites - Gilligan's Island. Griffin is in the back with the glasses (he's the professor) and his best friend is next to him. It is cute. I used my camera to shot the video so it is a little unsteady. Hope the video comes through.

Olivia Fife

2010-02-12T09:14:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of my neice who was stillborn on January 28,2010. To say that we had been anticipating her birth is an understatement. The yougest cousin is now 20 months and for our family that is the largest gap we have ever had. We were so excited for Olivia! Heavenly Father had other plans and has taken her home with him. We will always miss her! I wrote a poem about Olivia for Heather for Olivia's service. I have posted it here. All my love to my sister and her family for their loss! We will always love you Olivia!

Olivia’s Poem

Olivia, Olivia how I dreamed of a night
Your brown hair so soft and new and your eyes so full of light
The way I would love to hold you close and welcome you here
I would kiss your face and beam with pride with Daddy standing near.

Forevermore I will picture your sweet angelic face
And dream of you, Evan and Audrey in a lovely place.
The brief moments we shared together passed by way too fast.
How I long to be with you and see your smile at last.

Sweet Olivia did you know your name means Olive trees?
They give to earth a quiet strength, simple beauty and peace.
From the flood in ancient days it was the first to grow
A beauty like those aging trees I knew you would show

Then from the Garden long ago the master bent in pain
Did grasp onto an olive tree and find his strength maintained.
From that act long ago comes the promise of forever
That knowledge gives me peace - our family cannot be severed.

Olivia, so perfect, how we long your face to see
Instead I’m left with memories of what I’d hoped would be.
You have returned to loving hands in heavens far above
Everyday we'll miss our baby and dream of you - our love.

For now we are separated and though the years seem long
Through love of our family and the gospel truths so strong
We will wait to reunite and hold our cute baby too.
Goodbye for a time, Olivia we'll always love you!

End of summer fun!!

2009-11-04T22:25:00.001-08:00

So at the end of August all of my family got together and had some fun! It was great to see all the cousins together and we had a great time. Perhaps it is that it is getting colder here (40degrees or so in the morning) or what but I am suddenly missing these summer days.

Chloe - such a big girl!
Savannah learning to be a fish!

Our sweet Zach - happy anywhere!

Dylan just chillin'

Griffin always the stud!

All the cousins except for two. I just LOVE the beach!

Savannah's new do!

2009-11-04T22:13:00.001-08:00

So, a couple of months ago, while I was cutting the boys hair, Savannah came in and cut off one of her ponytails (she had part down, but two ponytails on the side). It made me sick! We have sinced fixed it and her hair is much shorter and you can still tell, but they did a good job of hiding it as best they could.

This is after the haircut. Not too shabby.

During the haircut. At first they said they could not help me, but one of the ladies tried and she did a great job.

This is what it looked like on the side she cut. You can't tell, but her hair in back was down to almost her bum!

From the fron. You can see how long the other ponytail was.

Magic Mountain!!!

2009-08-18T17:04:00.001-07:00

Rob's mom bought us annual passes to Magic Mountain and we have been having a blast. The girls are loving the kiddy area and while the boys find pleasure in these rides all of them have taken to the roller coasters. They LOVE Revolution (1 loop) and Griffin is dying to ride the more extreme roller coasters. They all went on the new Terminator ride which is kind of looks like an old time wooden coaster, but it goes CRAZY fast. I will admit I was a bit nervous about it, but we went on (even Zach - who is 5!) and it was fun and everyone loved it. Here are some of our calmer pictures.

Rob and Chloe. They love this ride!

Griffin and Savannah on the kiddy coaster

Dylan and Zach on one of those rides that goes up and then like falls down and bounces

Chloe and Savannah on the same ride. This is Chloe's FAVORITE ride. It is fun to watch her ride.

Pioneer Park

2009-08-18T16:42:00.001-07:00

Pioneer Park is one of my favorite places to go with my kids. It is one of the perfect places where they stay entertained and have a blast.

Emilee with

Dylan enjoing the water

Griffin teaching Chloe how to avoid the water.

Savannah and Aubree! They are so CUTE!!

Zach just chilling!

Pioneer Day

2009-08-18T16:32:00.001-07:00

Each year for Pioneer Day we go on a hike.

Usually we go to Peters Canyon in Orange, CA and the kids have a really great time. This year my mom came too and that was great. There is some complaining and some rough moments, but overall I think it is a good experience. We talk about the pioneers and why they did what they did and why we remember them. We try to sing songs, but it usually does not go over very well. It is a good time to think about how hard the trek from Illinois to Utah must of been and the kids by the end are VERY grateful that we live in an age with air conditioned cars. This hike is about 2 miles I think and I have been doing it for about 5 years. The first year Griffin was 3, Dylan was 2 and Zach was like 5 months. That was a rough year. It has gotten easier and it is FUN!!! Anyone want to join us next year?

Bottom Picture is the beginning and top is towards the end.

Living it UP!

2009-08-18T16:24:00.001-07:00

I thought this was a cute picture of Savannah living it up with her cousin Riley. She can get people to do what she wants!!!

Griffin had his mowhawk for 6 days. His friend (who does NOT usually have a mowhawk) also had one. They had a fun afternoon.

We're Back

2009-07-06T16:43:00.000-07:00

Well since it has been almost a YEAR since I posted I figured I better get back into it. Everyone is a year older and I now have an 8, 7, 5, 3 and 1 year old. We are having LOTS of fun and enjoying summer a WHOLE lot. We have moved into a new house (one of our own!) and we love it it. It is big enough and comfortable and it is worn in enough not to make me crazy when the kids are, well, Vikings. Rob got a new motorcycle and he is loving the freedom of cruising around without depleting our wallet in gas money. He takes off every chance he gets and we miss him! But at least he is having fun. We have done some fun things like camping with our ward and the Morgans at El Capitan and going to Vegas for Rob's sister's wedding. I have posted some pics to get up to date somewhat, but check back soon as I PROMISE to keep up this time.

Pictures are from today back to Easter.

Griffin cut his hair this morning. He promises to cut the rest off when a friend from our ward makes good on his promise to have him come over and swim and have hot dogs if he cuts his hair.

This morning before the hair cut.

Fourth of July fun (except Chloe who is exhausted, but she did do one sparkler!)

Savannah was the flower girl at Nikki's (Rob's sister) wedding. Isn't she cute?

Camping with the Morgans! SO FUN!!!! Plus our tents were behind this picnic table and look at that Awesome view. It was great!

Our boys were VERY into the fire. Surprising I know. They made sure it kept going and LOVED putting in the dried grasses to keep it BIG. Such boys! Such Vikings!

Zach's Preschool graduation. He was SOOOO cute and we were so proud!

Zach and Chloe at Zach's preschool graduation.

Me and my favorite people at Grandma's house.

Dylan's end of the year field trip to the Aquarium of the Pacific. He waited for almost 1/2 an hour to touch this fish. He was so excited!

I just love this picture of Chloe.

Easter Sunday! It was fun. Plus, Heather especially, check out the paint on our front door and let me know what you think. I will try and post a better pic soon.

Our latest creation

2008-07-20T23:50:00.000-07:00

Summer is a time to play and have fun at our house. Even I postpone housework to play with the kids. So tonight Rob made a video, perhaps because of the state of our house, and it is really fun to watch. The flag under the American flag is actually a Viking flag (not the football team) that we found on Ebay, of course, and we have hung it on our flag pole. It seems the Vikings officially have a compound! Enjoy!!!

Song: Immigrant Song by Led Zeppelin

Fun in the sun!

2008-06-14T20:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my kids last day of school and boy, I could not be happier! It was a crazy last week. I spent most of my time at the school and we had programs and awards ceremonies and parties. It was nuts!! Plus, Rob was sick two days which really worked in well. But we made it through. Zach's last day of school was last Thursday. He had a really fun year and as their end of the year party the whole class went to the water park here in Palmdale. It was great and I pulled the boys out of school and we all went. My mom was suppose to come, but her class schedule is so hectic she couldn't get away. Rob was my backup, but when he went to ask for time off he realized he was already in the negative (whoops!) so it was just me and the five kids. What an adventure! The day worked out really great though and Rob picked up the girls after work (about 2:30) so it was not too bad.

Fun in the sun! Savannah is such a ham!

Just loving the day playing all together!

Today we went to a birthday party for one of our good friends son. They had it at their brother's house and this is the slide he has into his pool. It is 16 feet high and 34 feet long! It was crazy FUN!! It looks so much higher from the top! I definitely would LOVE to have something like this when we buy a house! We had a great time. We were the last to leave and we could have stayed all day. It was a really fun time!

Here is Dylan giving the slide a go!Griffin's turn!
Zach was scared of the slide. He went down once at the beginning and then refused to go again. Then about 30 minutes before we left he climbed up the steps to the top and asked me to catch him at the bottom. After that he was hooked and I could not get him off the slide. It was great fun! Such a fun day! Thanks Kim and Don!

Things I love about kids . . .

2008-06-02T19:35:00.000-07:00

Griffin decided today that he wanted to make brownies by himself - without me doing it and he did do most of it too. I will admit that I did pour the saucepan of hot cocoa and butter into the batter (for obvious reasons, I think) and that I did pour the bowl full of batter into the pan (the thought of him dropping that and it splattering all over my kitchen made me sick), but beside that he did do it all himself. He was really cute and determined. Here he is while it is mixing (he told me that it already smelled liked brownies - so CUTE!)

Here the kids are enjoying Griffin's brownies. I will admit that I have not eaten any as I am cutting such food out of my diet (mainly because once I take a small bite I can rationalize eating half a pan), but the kids all asked for seconds and loved them!

Once Savannah saw Griffin cooking she decided she would help with dinner. See how happy she is as she puts sauce on the pizzas. Yes she found the most efficient way was with her hands . . . mmm yummy!

This weekend Dylan watched a cowboy movie with Grandpa. So, Dylan said yesterday as we had some IBC rootbeer with dinner, this is what the cowboys were drinking in the movie yesterday when they were drinking at that counter and then throwing and breaking the bottles. I am going to let him believe that as long as I possibly can. So cute!

Finally my sweet Zach. Everytime I start getting really frustrated and I may raise my voice a bit or close my eyes for a second he comes up to me and gives me a great big hug and says, "You are the best mommy ever!" I just love that and EVERY time it melts my heart and makes me feel instantly better. I just LOVE kids!

FHE ideas

2008-06-01T14:01:00.000-07:00

This last week for family home evening we decided to use the article in the Friend that is about the first presidency. We read the article and while we read the kids were supposed to draw pictures of the new first presidency. It worked so well. After we judged the pictures and everyone got a prize and a treat. They loved it. Try it - I'm sure you will have as much fun as we did. Here are their pictures.

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-05-29T21:03:00.001-07:00

This last week we went with my family (parents and sisters) to a beach house in San Diego. We had the best time! It was relaxing and fun and the kids did great. We went on a train ride down to downtown San Diego and the kids played at this park right next to Padres Stadium. They had so much fun! We also celebrated Savannah's birthday while we were there - I can't believe she is 2!! She had a great birthday and was so excited. All I said was lets go open presents and she went running right to the table and was so excited. It was so cute and I am glad she could have all her cousins around to share the day with her. The whole trip was wonderful and I have posted this slide show so you can share some of our memories. It really was so fun. The hardest part now is trying to get back into school to finish off the school year.

Rob's Birthday

2008-05-25T11:24:00.000-07:00

Well, we have had a fun week and I will post all about it, but I wanted to start with Rob's birthday. He had a great time with everything he got and everything he got to do. He first got a drum set (given a week early because of our trip) and he has loved it. Thank goodness for Craigslist as I would never have been able to purchase such a great set for that price. He also got tickets to the Metallica concert at the Wiltern and it was awesome he said because it is such a small venue. Then for his birthday he went to see a friend play in a band and when my sister could not sell her Weenie Roast tickets he got to go to that also with his sister and once again see Metallica play. He said it was the best birthday ever.

Another week . . .

2008-05-12T18:37:00.000-07:00

Funny Dylan

Loveable Savannah
Serious Griffin

Well another week has flown by. I honestly don't know where they go. Here are my two guys, as I finally finished unpacking the suitcase from Utah (I think they want to go back). I honestly feel like I am always cleaning and organizing and yet my house is always destroyed. Such are the joys of family life.

Speaking of motherhood, being as yesterday was Mother's Day I wanted to say some words to my own mom. My mom is amazing. She has had some rough years and has had some intense heartache and through it all she has stood strong. She trusts the Lord above all and has not let others actions or behavior dictate her own. I love that. She is a great listener and so fun to have around. When I need a project done I know bring her into it is going to get it done faster than anything. Plus she is a woman of her word. If she says it then you can bet it will be done. Most importantly she has always been at my life's great moments to support and show her love. I love you mom!! I have written a poem for this occasion! Here it is.

Once we lived in a beautiful place

Full of love and light and heavenly grace

A plan was made to send us to earth

We would forget all things at birth.

But alone we would not be,

Our Heavenly Father would give us a key

Just to remind us of where we come from

To love us, teach us and guide us some.

The mother is the key so important

The baby so sweet, she loves in an instant

Together each will grow and learn

Having fun and trials at every turn

The mothers place is sacred and noble

Through days of cooking, cleaning and fables

A bond is developed that can never be broken

The love of a mother that can never be spoken

The look in a baby's eyes says it all

As if the baby remembers the fall

And in a mothers love and embrace

The baby can still see the father's face

The simple love in that child's eyes

Can lift her up and becomes a mother's prize

The thanks that she seeks is simple, too

It is given in each hug and love you.

I love my mom and even more, I love being a mom. My children are my whole world and whether a good day or a not so good day there is no where else I would rather be than with my sweet family. I hope you all feel the same and that everyone had a great Mother's Day.

My sweet Chloe
Zachary at Jijitsu.

Utah is great

2008-05-04T13:38:00.000-07:00

We went to Utah last weekend. Well, I did with the three youngest (Chloe, Savannah and Zachary). We had a great time. We stayed with Kelli and her gang and despite all the kids and a late night scare we had so much fun. Kelli has an amazing house and backyard and my kids loved it. It was fantastic! Kelli also taught me how to make bread and Orange Julius and is getting me recipies for all kinds of fun things. It was great to just hang out and have fun with such a great friend.

We also went to Matthew's graduation from BYU it was lots of fun. Can't believe my little brother is SO old!!! Just kidding, but it was lots of fun. We enjoyed hanging out in Salt Lake and in Sandy at my uncle's house. It is just great spending time with family and friends.

Chores

2008-04-21T22:25:00.000-07:00

Well, I must say that since our weekend away (only one week now) I have been feeling very frustrated with my children and other issues and have been quite snappy and not very . . . um . . . lets say upbeat. So I have decided that instead of being frustrated and irritable I am going to try chores. Each of my kids have a daily chores (simple stuff - one takes out the trash, one empties the silverware from the dishwasher and one wipes down the countertops and table at the end of the day) and along with that they will each have a dog job (daily) and an outside job (every other day) then they will empty the car and all the trash cans and wipe down walls on Saturday. It seems to be working fairly well. If they do their jobs all week long there will be a treat on Saturday afternoon. If they do all their Saturday jobs then we will go to the park (or somewhere else fun for them) Saturday afternoon. In addition, if - like tonight - they are completely not listening (when I put them to bed or other times) instead of being frustrated I will put them to work. Tonight, I made them straighten the rooms, vacuum the family and living room, put away laundry and clean up the girls room. Not only were my nighttime chores shorter, but they got more tired and went right to sleep. I am hoping this might restore some sort of order to our house, but we shall see.

Thanks for all my girlfriends

2008-04-13T13:31:00.001-07:00

I spent this last weekend (well Friday to Saturday night) down in OC with two of my most favorite people in the whole world. And I realized, once again, how much my girlfriends mean to me. Of course, Rob and my family help me with so much, but I don't think I would be half the person I am without my girlfriends. I can honestly say that whether we are hanging out at home, the park, the beach or even just working side by side to clean out a fridge or pack up a house I always feel better when I leave. I love that our kids are eachothers great friends and whether we see you once a year or more or less than that they always seem to pick up where they left off. At times, my girlfriends are there for me to vent to, cry to or just to help me out and at times, I am there for them (I hope). My girlfriends hold my darkest secrets and they have seen me at my worst and at my best. I know you all know who you are so I won't mention your names, but I want you to know that you are my heroes and my best friends and that you guys make me a better person everytime I see you or talk with you. I am so glad I met you, that I know you and I hope I always will because heaven knows how much I need you!

Moving!!

2008-04-10T11:08:00.000-07:00

Well, we got notice around the start of March that the people we were renting from could no longer rent to us. Something about the structure being too large for the property or something like that. At any rate we needed to move and we looked to buy and looked around a bunch, but the market here is crazy bad and things are losing 10 - 20,000 a month in house values and we decided to wait and see. So we rented a house from a couple in our ward that was moving to Utah and could not sell their house and it is working out so far. The house is cute - little and yellow with a picket fence and it is on an acre and 1/4. We love it and the kids love it even more. The boys ended up with the huge room and they get all the toys in there and are just LOVING that!! We decided to move and then moved within a week and a half and it was crazy. We are all settled now except for some stray boxes in the living room.

Oh and did I mention that during all this we decided to get a dog. His name is Angus and he is a sweet mastiff. He is only 6 months old, but is already bigger than most full grown dogs. He has been an adventure.

Dylan's B-day

2008-04-10T11:00:00.000-07:00

Dylan turned 6 on March 14th. He had a big b-day party with a jump house and slide and cotton candy and popcorn. He was so excited!!! He had some of his best friends from school come over and they just had a great time.

Here he is enjoying his birthday night out at his favorite restaurant. - Red Robin, YUM!

Such a fun day!!

Zach's birthday

2008-04-10T10:50:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been a while since I blogged, so I thought it would be a good idea to catch up. First things first, Zach turned 4 on Feb. 7th. He is such a big day. He had a great birthday and we took him out and he got to stay up as late as he wanted and then the next day I surprised him by having his cousins come up and we took him to Chuck E. Cheeses. He loved it. But then for like 2 weeks afterward he kept saying he was 5 because he had had two birthdays. Such a smart, cute kid!!!!

The loss of a prophet

2008-01-28T08:48:00.001-08:00

Last night the beloved prophet

Gordon B. Hinckley died. I can not express how sad I am for the loss of such a great man. I feel he was a gift from a loving Heavenly Father who served his community, his state, his nation and most importantly his Savior in an incredible manner. The loss to me personally as one who loved to hear him talk and to the church as a whole can not be expressed in words. The only positive to his passing is that he is now reunited with his beloved wife and with those prophets who have served before. While the earth mourns today the loss of a truly great prophet, I am certain that Heaven rejoices the return of a king. Of course, President Hinckley will be the first to crack a joke. Oh how we will miss him. How glad they must be to have him home.

Snow Fun

2008-01-24T22:59:00.001-08:00

Today there was a big storm up here and while it did not snow at our house we drove about 15 minutes away to Leona Valley and had a bunch of fun. Well, except for Savannah who REALLY thought it was WAY too cold. The snow was really coming down and was blowing right in her face, but that was enough for her. She got in the car right after the picture and did not come back out. Lucky for me, Rob forgot to change from his work clothes and didn't want to get them ruined so I got to play in the snow with the boys. We had a grand snowball fight, made a snow man and even made snow angels. Who knew such things really happened in Southern California. Lucky for us and such a great day!!

Our houses

2008-01-23T09:48:00.000-08:00

Some of you have been curious about our new living situation. So here it is for all to see!

Old house (so nice)
New house (so cheap)

Yes it did take a lot of pride swallowing to move. One of the harder things I have had to do. On the up side, we are paying off bills and furthermore, the picture below is one half of our back yard - not to mention we have a Huge front yard where the kids can ride their bikes. It has been hard, but I feel the Lord has blessed us in giving us this house, in our following through and moving here and in making our new house feel very cozy and quaint instead of cramped and crowded. We are very lucky to have found it in this area and especially close to the kids school. It's not perfect, but it is only temporary and if the market keeps going in its current direction. Rob and I will eventually be even more happy with our decision to move here.

Such a little girl

2008-01-23T09:45:00.000-08:00

This morning I had Chloe under her little toy and Savannah was bugging me to move her, I couldn't figure out why, but she was persistant and eventually I did. When I came back to the room this is what she had done. SO CUTE!!!

We definitely have girls now. I love it!

We all made it!!!

2008-01-01T10:38:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone!!! Well we have traditionally in the past celebrated the new year at 9 (East Coast time) and then sent the boys to bed. This year everyone stayed up for the festive event. Savannah took a long nap and Chloe was asleep until about 11:30, but come midnight everyone was up and we officially rang in the New Year together. We had a great time as you can tell.

One more thing . . .

2007-12-30T20:13:00.000-08:00

I realized that I failed to thank everyone who came. My mom and Dad, my sister Megan and her kids, my brother Matthew and his wife Britney from Utah, Ali and her kids, Rob's sister Nikki and Brett, my friend Kim and of course Heather and Doug and Rob's mom. We can't thank you enough for sharing this special day with us. Also special thanks to Jacob who shared this special day with Chloe and was also blessed today by Matthew. It was a great day for our whole family and Jacob looked handsome, but, in my opinion, Chloe stole the day with her special personality and her beautiful face. Here are some more pics of just Chloe so you can see how beautiful she was today.

Thanks again to everyone!!!

Chloe's Blessing Day

2007-12-30T19:34:00.001-08:00

Well today was Chloe's blessing - it was wonderful!!!! We had my family for lunch and Rob's family for dinner. Everything went smoothly and I was able to just enjoy the day. We had some last minute ups and downs. Evan and Alicia (our great friends) weren't able to come (Get better soon Alicia) and Rob's dad got the flu and wasn't able to come either. However, Heather and Doug made it which was unexpected, but so great and also Rob's mom decided to come last minute with Marc and it was nice to have her here also. We hope all who are sick will get well soon and enjoy the pics of Chloe on her special day - she is such an angel.

Our Sweet Chloe

All the Vikings in their Sunday best!

The whole gang

Me and my precious girlsRob and me and our sweet angel Chloe

Zach's Preschool Holiday Party

2007-12-13T23:00:00.001-08:00

Santa and Chloe.
Today was Zach's Preschool's Holiday Party. We had lots of fun. Santa came and each kid got a present. They loved it! Zach was so excited! He loved that we all stayed and was so excited to see Santa and that Santa had brought him a present. It was great.

Zach and Savannah put a few sprinkles on the cookies we made

Dylan and Savannah having a good time

Zach and Griffin

Zach singing Jingle Bells with his class

Zach and Savannah with Santa. I think Savannah is warming up to Santa.

Fun in December

2007-12-11T10:56:00.001-08:00

The kids are out for the winter break now and I am so thrilled to have them all home all day long!! We just have such fun when we can make our own schedule. We still do school work, but we get to play together and have such fun - I am so excited!!

Here is a picture of the clan with Santa. Savannah is still a bit scared of him, but at least she is not screaming this year.

This is the boys at their soccer awards ceremony. They had such fun with their team and their team only lost one game all season long. It was fun. They start basketball in January and that is the sport they really love so we will see how that goes.
Hope everyone else is enjoying their Christmas season. We will post more fun things soon. We love to be busy, busy, busy with so many fun things!!!

Rob at work

2007-11-29T09:07:00.001-08:00

Well, I am so proud of my darling husband and the great job he does at work everyday that when he brought home these pics the other night of him working the traffic over our head I just wanted everyone to see!

He Looks so serious!

Guess he can actually smile while holding thousands of lives in his hands.

Keeping those skies safe for us!!! You just got to love your local Air Traffic Controller!

Chloe Anne Beck

2007-11-21T11:49:00.001-08:00

We welcomed to our family our newest addition Chloe Anne Beck on October 26th. She weight 7 pounds 8 ounces and she was 19 inches long. She is a great baby and the whole family just adores her. Here are some pics for you all to see her.

She is adorable!!

2007-10-11T16:47:00.000-07:00

I will post all about our move in a bit, but I thought you would all love this quiz. It is pretty cool. I belong in Rome. Take it and find out where you are. It's fun.

http://www.blogthings.com/whatcitydoyoubelonginquiz/

Moving up . . .

2007-09-18T17:16:00.000-07:00

Well, it looks like we are moving up in the world or at least moving forward. We are busy packing and patching up odds and ends around this place and I am starting to get anxious to be settled again. It is hard having to keep things running on a regular schedule and then on top of that packing and getting ready to move. But, at least I am busy and hopefully that will help my last few weeks of pregnancy fly by. Ironically, since Rob and I decided to move he has actually gotten two increases at work. Funny because if we had known that we might not have moved. All and all I do truly believe this is an answer to prayers as it will get us in a much better situation finacially and on top of that to have these raises means we can just do it that much faster.

Oh, and our van needed to have some repairs done - a belt and some hoses. Sounds cheap, huh? Well, not so much, but for the first time in a long time we are able to pay for it ourselves. So that is a great feeling.

Kids are all doing well. I think they know things are all topsy turvy so hopefully we can get settled and unpacked quick and then we can relax for a while before the baby comes. Which my doctor said that October 26th looks good (he even wrote it in my chart - yahoo!!) So we will keep you posted. I am voting for Chloe for a girl and Carter for a boy, but Rob is not decided so we will see.

Zach's first day of school!!!

2007-09-11T20:11:00.000-07:00

Today was Zachary's first day of school!!! He was so excited. With Griffin and Dylan having started over a month ago he was dying to go to his own school. He did great, too. He was calm and made some friends and they said he was VERY well behaved - go Zach!!!

We are so proud of our little man. Here are some pics for you to enjoy!

Selling to fit

2007-09-10T17:50:00.000-07:00

I know most of you live to far to see/buy any of this stuff, but we are selling the stuff below because it won't fit in out new place and if anyone knows anyone who is looking let them know we have the following things for sale.

Thanks.

Kenmore Fridge (asking $175)

Train table (with all the pieces) asking $50

Piano works well - asking $350

U-shaped Couch with two rolling ottomans asking $150

Hutch/China cabinet asking $50

All prices are OBO.

Thanks

Good, Crazy Times

2007-09-10T08:49:00.001-07:00

Well, I have been meaning to post for some time now, but it seems like life just gets crazier every day. We have been doing some fun things and we were getting settled in our school routine. We have this opportunity to move into a smaller, less nice place, but we will save almost $1000 a month because they pay utilities and the place is much cheaper. So, once again, weeks before my due date we are packing up the house and trying to move. Such FUN!!! Enjoy the pics and hope all is great with each of you.

Wild Rivers FUN!!!

Making Cookies!

My Girly Skills

2007-08-27T19:30:00.000-07:00

Well, I know for LOTS of you mom's with girls out there this will seem a bit silly, but I did Savannah's hair a new way and I think it turned out really cute. Take a look at the pics. I just find it fun to be able to do this stuff since my boys, for some reason, won't let me do it on their hair. Also, thanks Heather for the cute clips - they make all the difference!

Education Week/Birthday Fun

2007-08-25T09:48:00.000-07:00

Well, I just got back from an AMAZING week at Education Week up at BYU. I had such a great time. I loved the classes I took and I really learned a lot and refocused myself on the gospel and the things that are most important to me. It was really an awesome time. Thanks Mom for going with me and for giving me such an awesome Birthday gift. Looking forward to next year. Also thank you to Megan for watching my 4 kids all week so I could go. Everything and everyone looks great and I really appreciate you doing this for me. Finally, thanks Rob for always being so great and letting me do the things I want to do. I had a blast and am so grateful to everyone who helped me out so I could go.

Yesterday was also my birthday - the BIG 30!!! It was lots of fun and I had a great time. My mom and I were going to stay at State Line and drive the rest of the way home this morning, but we didn't want to be there after such a great spiritual week so we just drove home. I was really glad to spend the last couple of hours of my birthday with Rob. He did not know I was coming home, but while I was getting ready for bed he went downstairs and got me some ice cream and put a candle in it for me. So sweet!! It was really a great birthday with the last day of Education week and then a great drive home with my mom and then some time with Rob at the end of the day to top it all off.

I am glad to be home, but I miss being at Education Week already. My kids have been lots of fun this morning and we have a fun day planned. I feel so lucky to have such a great family.

The first day of school!

2007-08-17T08:32:00.000-07:00

Well, Monday was the first day of school. Griffin and Dylan both went off great. They are both enjoying their teachers and having a fun time, although they do not like the early mornings (school starts at 7:35am). Dylan's teacher I have heard mixed reviews on, but all the parents who have had boys in his class have loved him, so even though at first I thought about switching him, it doesn't look like that will happen and so I will reserve judgement and will see how it goes. So far Dylan is loving it. Here are some pics for all to enjoy.

Last weekend of summer . . .

2007-08-11T22:55:00.000-07:00

Well, we have had a very exciting weekend, well at least for a family with four young children. First we went on Friday to see the kids teachers for next year. Neither of my kids got the teacher they wanted, but I am sure it will work out for the best. Griffin got a Mrs. Hanson who is teaching the 1st/2nd grade combo class I don't know anything about her, but the plus is his best friend from Kindergarten is in his class with him so that will be nice for him. Dylan got Mr. Lindoff. He was not my top choice, but I am hoping that it will work out. Unfortunately, his best friend from preschool got someone else and so that will be hard on Dylan, especially since they do not have recess or lunch together. At any rate, school starts Monday and so we will see.

Friday night Britney and Matthew came to stay the night with us. We stayed up late chatting and then enjoyed our traditional Saturday morning pancakes. Afterwards, the three boys, Matthew and I went to the primary activity day - water fun. Needless to say none of us walked away even a little bit dry, but we did have TONS of fun!!! We had a great lunch together and then spent the rest of the evening/afternoon playing games and hanging out. Thanks Matthew and Britney for coming up to see us - it was so much fun.

Tomorrow, Dylan gives a talk in primary and then we will come home and enjoy an afternoon of getting ready for school and playing games together.

I am so sad summer is over and so NERVOUS for my boys to start school (especially Dylan). I am sure everything will work out just fine!!

Summer Fun!!

2007-08-08T20:13:00.000-07:00

Well we are finally back from our summer trip. We spent one night at my sisters house, 3 nights in San Diego in a hotel, 7 nights in a hotel in Irvine, 3 nights at my mom's house and then 2 nights at a friend's house. It was so much fun - thanks to everyone who let us crash at their place.

We had a great time mostly just going to the beach and swimming. Some park days and just enjoying friends and family. One of the highlights of our trip was a lunch with Shamu at SeaWorld. It was so fun and amazing how close you can get to the whales. Our kids loved it!! I have posted some pictures below of our adventures.

Griffin and Dylan start school on MONDAY!!! I can't believe summer is pretty much over! We find out Friday at 4 who their teachers are so of course I can hardly wait!!

July 4th

Griffin at Magic Mountain

Griffin at Magic Mountain by Goliath

Zach and Dylan feeding Dolphins at Sea World

All my boys enjoying the Dolphins

Lunch with Shamu - you get SO close to these amazing creatures!!! It was so fun.

Don't know if you can tell or not, but at the end of our table there is a little black bump that is Shamu's head!! It was right on the other side of that netting - SO COOL!!!

Rob running with Griffin and Savannah in the MCA Olympics!!

Almost all the men running the last leg of our opening ceremonies for the MCA Olympics!

Griffin's new favorite game chess with Grandpa!! Zach and Alexis helping the game along.

All the cousins (minus sleeping Nathan) at the beach!

Dylan loving the beach!

Savannah and Aubree enjoying the day together!

Zach posing for the camera!

Great friends enjoying time together!! Ethan and Griffin.

One of our favorite families spending the day at the beach with us!!!

Thanks for sticking all the way to the end of this monster post. Next time I promise to post sooner and not so long!

Enjoy the rest of summer!!!

In the Beginning . . .

2007-07-14T19:51:00.000-07:00

I have several friends who have started this and I think it is great fun to peak in every once and a while and see the updates. Hope you will come back and check our postings every now and then.

This summer has been quiet so far. We have been at home and playing around the house and in the yard. It has been HOT, but we manage. The boys have had fun and that is what matters. Savannah has gotten so big and now sticks right in the middle of all the boys. They are great with her and usually the only argument is over who gets to help her.

Rob and I are doing well. We find it is and adventure everyday to find out what else the FAA will do to make Rob's job more miserable, but at least it keeps us guessing. I guess the most important thing is that I would still rather be with him than anyone else on earth and that together we find a piece of fun everyday.

We hope everyone is having a great summer and please leave comments and check back soon for an update.