Sunday, May 31, 2009

Memorial Day - Off to the Races

Blake enjoying his day off!

ok so nobody actually raced, but we did have a great time at the dirt bike track! Ashlyn got a few rides from Daddy and Papa Wes (she loved wearing the boys helmets - she's obsessed now) Besides all the guys got a good workout!





watching the "dads" ride the big track


Dusti and Weston

She's pretty cool in all that gear


Our other weekend festivities consisted of cleaning out the garage which looks fabulous now, having a pizza/swim party with Blake's family, and a BBQ with my family on Memorial Day!


LOOK (above) at his lashes, I'm seriously jealous!
Ashlyn loves pulling "buggie" in the Wagon... he seems to like it too


Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Camp fires and Tents

We had such a fun time camping with my brother Steve's family and my parents even came (total shock)! The kids had a great time and the weather was amazing... some went fishing and also swam in a creek on the way home (it was only about 2 feet deep and yes my husband had to swim). We all got tiny sun burns and I'm looking forward to another camping trip soon.


Karsen, Kensi and Maeley


Weston, I forgot a hat to keep his head warm at night so I used a pair of Ashlyn's clean under wear (thanks mom for the idea it worked great)... he slept ALL night!


The men


The camp


The Queen and her princess (that's what Ashlyn calls us) Daddy is a King and Weston is a little king - I'm trying to help her understand he's a prince...


The kids couldn't get enough of the hammock



The girls


The lake they went fishing at


Ashlyn was NOT a fan and wouldn't touch it (they released it because of it's small size)



The fun creek had lots of crawdads and tiny fish



it was so cold, he's pretty crazy


Steve fishing down stream !

Kadee and Chloe came too, she was so awesome and brought a 2 month old and she did great! Thank heavens for travel swings...

Monday, May 11, 2009

9 Months and Super Handsome


Weston is 9 months and growing up so quick

-moves as fast as lightning
-army crawls most places
-loves to stand up to things
-likes to bite (teething)
- 6 teeth so far
-smiles at most everyone who looks his way
-loves books
-likes to pull Ashlyn's hair
-still loves his car seat
-is a great sleeper

*We love him to pieces and feel so blessed he's ours

Sunday, May 10, 2009

my favorite moms...


Today I wanted my Mom to know how much I love her... she is the most selfless person I know and will do/does so much for others! She is constantly making dinner for someone in addition to her family, taking people places that need rides, babysitting her grandchildren, attending the temple, attends a weekly Book of Mormon class, attends mutual, travels to see her other grandchildren, travels to see my brother play football in college! She is always there when anyone needs her - good or bad, happy or sad! She knows how to lift others spirits and puts smiles on SO many faces! I feel so blessed each day that I get to hang out with her and not only call her my mom, but my friend! I love you mom


My sister Melanie(older by 3 years) is a super mom to FOUR boys, in addition to that she works a full time job as a labor and delivery nurse! She is the person I call when I need advice if my kids are sick, or just to vent when I've had a long day! She is so talented at quilting and keeping such an organized home. She is my only sister and sometimes stubborn, but I love her so much - I only wished she lived closer! (hint, hint)


My sister in-law Kadee is a mama to 4 kiddos! Needless to say her hands are full at all times. She is another person I call to chat with on long days or just to talk to an adult rather than a 2 year old. She is awesome at scrapbooking and puts herself last on the list while raising her kids. She has many sleepless nights, but seems to always have time for others! She is primary president and seems to never have time for herself. Kadee is funny, kind and thoughtful!
love you!


Terrie - (for left) is such a wonderful mother in law, she seems to always know when I'm going to need her help and is always willing to watch my kids on a moments notice. She gives so much attention to my kids and makes them feel so special even though there are many grand kids. She did an exceptional job raising my husband and I'm always grateful for that! She is pretty hilarious and always says what's on her mind. She is always looking out for others and has such a tender heart! I love you

(Don't mind me totally pregnant with Ashlyn in the photo - she was born 12 days later)


Stacey - (red dress left of the bride) such a talented, patient, loving, sincere, hilarious, cute, fun sister in-law! She seems to always have it together with 5 kids (including twins)... She's so good at teaching her children the gospel and never forgets to call on birthdays and makes others feel so special and loved! we miss you around here, love you

Jennifer - (bride) so fun, outgoing, can make anyone laugh and is super sarcastic! Jen isn't a mama yet but hopefully soon! She is so wonderful with all the kids and seems to always be in a great mood having a great time! She is a picky eater and I tease her about it all the time. Still waiting to come see your house, love you

Dusti - (black & white dress) so generous and giving to others, always willing to take my kids so I can go on a date with my hubby. She is so talented in all areas and opens her home to many family parties and get togethers. Dusti is a patient mother and is so involved in her 3 boys lives. She makes others feel special and is so affectionate and loving! Thanks for being you, love you

Robin - (black shirt) so spunky and says random things to make everyone laugh! She has a great sense of humor and is sarcastic. She is a good cook all the while having her hands full with 4 kids! She is sensitive but also super tough and such a loyal sister and friend. We have lots of fun doing play dates with our kids or trying to shop! She is a talented artist and has great taste. love you

Kim - (far right) so energetic and loves the outdoors, she works full time while raising her 2 kiddos! Kim is always thinking of others and is so generous, loving and kind. We wish she would visit more often but love getting together with family when possible. She's a great cook and is always up for anything! visit soon, love you

**Today I feel so blessed to have such great women in my life and I appreciate the great examples they are as mothers and as women. They are my family and also my friends - I hope you all know how much you mean to me and I am so grateful for each of you.
Happy Mothers Day!

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Drive-In Movies


This past weekend I was so tired of being in the house and just had to get out and do something "different". I didn't want to walk around the mall, or go to dinner, I didn't want to grocery shop or watch a movie at home. So randomly I asked Blake if he'd like to go to the drive-in! It was so last minute and we actually left when the movie began but of course there were previews. My parents kindly watched Weston(it was his bed time) and we happliy took Ashlyn thinking she would be pretty good! Lets just say she isn't quite ready for a movie theater yet! We watched Ghosts of Girlfriends Past and it was pretty good - we stayed for the double feature and watched 17 Again which I enjoyed and Blake & Ashlyn slept through. You can't beat 2 movies for 2 people for $12. Plus snuggling in the bed of Blake's truck with pillows and blankets and a 2 year old. We will totally go again, we just won't give Ashlyn any sweets!

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Garden Update







Our Garden has been a lot of fun, but also very stressful! We have been competing with insects and birds almost since the smallest plant sprouted... the birds peck at the plants right at the roots and they make holes in the dirt/rows! (They have taken out all of my carrots and bell peppers twice) Of course the insects just eat parts of the plant and depending on the plant they sometimes eat a lot. I'm just hoping we actually get to enjoy food from this garden at some point. I'm sure we'll have to "fight" for it or get to it first. We have put netting over the garden and it has helped some, however birds can perch on anything and if they weigh enough the netting will lower and they can peck at the plants. We have tried sprinkling cayan pepper around the garden the help keep insects away and I think it has helped some, I just think it's time to re-apply after watering for a week! All in all I love having a garden and wish it could be bigger - but I'll take what I can get in my yard! I will of course update when we have actual food growing... until then! I am plating herbs in my various "flower pots" I've had in storage this weekend.