The Burkinshaws

Downtown Denver with the Kiddos!

2011-09-15T13:29:00.000-07:00

Easter 2011

2011-04-21T23:33:00.000-07:00

I've realized for a long time now that there is no greater wealth than to be able to be the Father to these four beautiful children. Navie 8 yrs, Blakely 7 yrs, Jagger 4 yrs and Greer 2 years... Happy Easter! I Love You for always!!!

Happy Birthday Greer!

2009-12-12T11:43:00.000-08:00

A year ago on the 11th the most precious baby entered our world. I know that every mother dotes on their children and thinks they have the best kids in the world however I have to say that truly Greer is amazing! There is never a time that she isn't smiling or laughing. There is constant joy that surrounds her at all times. The children love to be around her and want to hold her, play with her, and have her join them in everything they do. She never has a problem with it which is shocking because several times I have turned around to find Jag on top of her pinning her to the ground and she will just lay there and not make a sound. She has however learned to swing up at me hoping to land one once that will get him off. Then Blakely tries to carry her all over the house and wants to be the second mother (not the best idea). I can honestly say out of all the children that Greer is the most happy, most content, joyful little soul. We love you Greer and we cherish every waking moment with you. We feel so blessed to be able to spend time with you and watch you grow. As small as you are you have a huge personality and an even bigger grin. Your spirit glows and I know you that you have great things ahead for you. Love you always and forever...

Halloween 2009

2009-10-31T21:18:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Halloween this year for many weeks. First we started with a pumpkin carving fiesta at Grandmas a couple weeks ago. Then of course there were all the Fall festivals that we attended. Last but not least the holiday itself finally rolled around. All the kids were so excited to go trick or treating but first we started at Grandmas house. She is so fun and the kids love how she dresses up like a witch every year. She makes a witches brew and all the children get to add to the mixture by adding frogs or spiders or eyeballs whatever Grandma has laying around. When the dry ice goes in and the bubbling starts the children are thrilled. We enjoyed pizza and goodies then headed to our neighborhood the hit up the neighbors. Ryan and I started with all the children together then I went home to hand out some candy myself. Just to let you know how busy our neighborhood is I bought 6 bags of candy and didn't start handing them out until most children had already been out for an hour or so and still ran out. We just can't keep up with all the activity around here. It is so much fun though because the neighborhood really gets into it. There are haunted houses and bonfires and food around every corner. the kids came home with full baskets and tummy aches and hit the sack pretty hard. This is such a fun holiday and we look forward to it every year. Jag want to know if he can go trick-or-treating tomorrow. Cant wait for next Halloween to roll around already!

P.S. We are all so proud of Jagger who decided to wear the costume with "boobies" after all !

Mommys turn!!!

2009-10-31T21:10:00.000-07:00

Thanks to wonderful husband, Navie and Mommy got to spend some quality time at the Suns season opener home game Friday night! It was so much fun. Navie had so much fun at the Suns game and she absolutely loved it. Right when we walked in we got free tee-shirts and had great seats as well. It was such an exciting game and we beat the Golden State Warriors to top things off! I must admit I think that Navie was more concerned with when she was going to get her cotton candy then most of the game but she did know that the jersey she had on belonged to the best player of the game. Steve Nash!!! She kept telling me that she was cheering him on because he was the cutest one. I think she just felt cool that she was wearing his number. Another highlight had to be the half time show, we got to see some true magicians. I have to admit I was highly impressed and Navie was standing and cheering she thought it was fabulous! Thanks so much Navie for being moms date and for showing me such a wonderful evening! I look forward to our next mommy, daughter and cant wait to see what we will do then! Love you sugar...

Fall Festival #2

2009-10-28T21:46:00.000-07:00

Our ward has a Fall Festival every year in a green belt in the neighborhood. It has become such a big event that this year they asked every family that comes to bring a pot of chili and a pie to share. Fliers go around to the entire neighborhood the week before so we plan on a lot of people. It is such a fun time to be with family and friends. This year was unique for one reason the WEATHER! I know everyone that reads this that is from somewhere other than Arizona will be laughing at me, but we were freezing!!! The high today was in the low 60's and tonight the low was the mid 40's. No costumes just pants and coats. Yes people we own coats and we dusted them off and used them tonight. Overall the weather didn't dampen our spirits it was so fun and once again a successful evening out with great friends! I just love this time of year. I wish it would be this way year round!!!

A special Sabbath

2009-10-25T22:37:00.000-07:00

This Sunday was our wards Primary Program. I must say this time of year rolls around and Ryan and I get very nervous that our girls will be too shy to participate. What a special surprise it was when both our girls bravely walked to the pulpit and said their lines so confidently and clearly. Our leaders did such an amazing job this year and there was just such a priceless spirit that was abundant. They had the great idea of asking all the children to wear white, you wouldn't believe the sight of a hundred children standing and singing in unison about their Savior dressed like pure angels! I must admit the part that choked me up the most I am going to share with you. There is a song called "A Child's Prayer" and the children sang the first verse to us that goes as follows:

Heavenly Father, are you really there?

And do you hear and answer every child's prayer?

Some say that heaven is far away,

But I feel it close around me as I pray.

Heavenly Father, I remember now

Something that Jesus told disciples long ago:

"Suffer the children to come to me."

Father, in prayer I'm coming now to thee.

Then the congregation responded by singing to the children the second verse in unison we replied:

Pray, he is there;

Speak, he is listening.

You are his child;

His love now surrounds you.

He hears your prayer;

He loves the children.

Of such is the kingdom, the kingdom of heaven.

I felt as though my children were asking me a question and I had the wisdom to answer them and help them to understand our eternal plan. What an amazing Sacrament and I hope that everyone reading gets the opportunity to see their wards Primary Program and witness the children teach us about eternal families. I love the examples my children are surrounded by and those that take time out of their lives to bless them by teaching them. Thank you!

Fall Festival #1

2009-10-25T22:28:00.000-07:00

This past weekend the school held their annual Fall Festival. We suited the children up in their gear (Navie cheerleader, Blakely Snow White, Jag Boxer & Greer chicken) and headed out. We spent a wonderful evening at the school with friends and family. They had bounce houses and a haunted house. Music was playing and cake walks with goodies to win. There was a parade and prizes along with food and candy galore! The kids had such a great evening and they really enjoy seeing their school buddies. Once Halloween comes we are hoping that Jag grows fonder of his costume. There is a suit that you put on him that has muscles and a champions belt hooked to it. While I was trying to get Jag dressed he looked at me and said "Mom I don't want boobies!" I spent forever trying to convince him that they were muscles and not "boobies" however he still opted to not wear the main part of the costume and only put on the robe and gloves! I don't know what got into him a lot of people would die for those kind of "muscles" or "boobies!"

A night under the STARS!

2009-10-25T22:19:00.000-07:00

Ryan recently told the girls how he used to sleep outside as a kid on his trampoline. Of course after the story was told the kids wanted nothing more than to do the same. Now Mommy said "No WAY!" There is a definite reason that I was born when the luxuries of beds and feather pillows were around. I do enjoy camping if it involves fishing, or the best when it involves a cabin. I just don't think I was up to the camp out that evening. It has been getting chilly at nights around here so with the girls (including Hailey and Lauren) all bundled up and Jag and Ryan armed with their flashlights we set up the tramp. I got out every heavy blanket and also soaked the kids in some bug spray for precautionary reasons. The children were so excited they could not stop talking about their special camp out. Ryan scoring some major points pulled the car around back and hooked up the TV DVD player and they watched a movie and ate snacks as well. Around 1 am I woke up to my little girls climbing in bed with me and Jag had somehow already come inside and was already asleep in my bed. I guess waking up outside wasn't all it was cracked up to be. Props to Hailey Lauren and Dad that pulled it together and stayed outside all evening long. Overall it was a great memory and I am so happy that the children are getting to create memories with us. Although I am not planning another night time sleep out, the laundry lasted me for days!!!

Suns Game!

2009-10-17T21:06:00.000-07:00

Ryan got ahold of some tickets to the Suns preseason game and thought it would be a great way to spend some quality "boys time!" Since Tanners birthday was the day before the extra ticket went to him. They had great seats and Tanner even made the big screen as the "Best FANS ever!" Ryan said that Jag hardly blinked the whole game he was so excited. He taught him to say "go suns," he also came home and told me that he "BOOed!" I guess you do need to know them both for games. They got popcorn, cotton candy, and stomach aches to go with the entertainment! Afterwards they hung around and got to shoot some free throws and take pictures on the floor. Overall the boys had a great time and would love to visit the Suns again. As well as the rest of the family!!! Go SUNS!

Dress- Up

2009-10-12T20:55:00.000-07:00

The other day I had turned my back for a moment and heard some laughter that seemed like it needed some acknowledgement so I turned to see these two goofing around. Lately Jag has gotten a little rough with Greer and we have to keep reminding him that she is just a baby! But this day they were actually getting along and having a swell time. Jag was dressing up Greer in his ball caps. She actually kept them on her head and laughed and laughed about it. I got some quick shots of it before Greer could reach me. She instantly crawls to any camera that is down at her level!!! Love you kiddos...

Night at the Dodge!

2009-10-12T20:38:00.000-07:00

Thanks to our fabulous neighbors the Bogans we had an incredible night at the Dodge theatre, I might add in a private suite. They invited us and a few of our friends to the Frank Caliendo show that evening. Since they are good friends with Frank we got the added bonus of meeting him before the show and taking some pictures and mingling. We also got to meet his opening act (which the name eludes me at the moment) but he was a hilarious man as well. Overall it was a great evening filled with laughter and good friends. I must give the award for most entertaining to Ben Stapley due to his contagious roar and excitement. There is nothing like being around pure entertainment and constant humor. I love to laugh and boy it sure makes your worries disappear and your cares float away. I think we could all use some extra laughter now a days and I got my fill for sure on Saturday evening! Thanks Bogans we owe you big time!

Welcome

2009-09-30T13:11:00.000-07:00

Tylee Afton Jardine

Sept. 29th 4:08 pm

7 pounds 6 ounces

19.5 inches long

Proud Parents Jonathan & Jaimie

plus baby brother Creed

Reflecting

2009-09-29T20:10:00.001-07:00

I sit here this evening sorrowed by yet some more sad news. Some friends of ours just lost their 28 year old sister in law to cancer and she leaves behind a husband with four very young children. It has been a whirlwind this past month to say the least. We have watched a close family struggle after losing their 6 month old son to a heart defect, a close family friend close to death after a severe heart attack, a father with brain cancer and an unknown future, a political un-justice brought against someone we cherish, families that have lost their homes, family members troubled by lifes' journey, many good people looking for jobs to try to help support families, divorces, a friend whos' son just had his eye removed due to cancer, a great woman and mother in our ward that starts her chemo very soon for breast cancer. I am shocked at how much seems to be taking place that can be classified as "unfair" or "why me" experiences. No doubt there are times in my life where I feel that I am being "punished" so to say, but as I look at all that is taking place around me lately I can't help but to say to myself "Why not me!" I feel so overwhelmingly blessed and fortunate. I can't express to my Heavenly Father enough how grateful I am to have been spared some challenges that I feel so many others are having to endure. It does not mean that I do not suffer with these souls that are suffering. I have done a lot of crying and a lot more praying. I have felt pain, sadness and despair with family and friends that are swallowed up in tragedy. I mourn with those that mourn and grieve along side others. I am fully aware that my time will come to be tested and tried to be thrown into the refiners fire. I feel that we are all given our individual challenges in order to try to perfect our beings. We must pass through the sorrow to see the blessings. I have not experienced much yet in my life but I can tell you that what I have been through has taught me one very monumental lesson. I am not alone! There have been times in my short life that I have truly felt surrounded by angels and the presence of a spiritual calmness. I try daily to see blessings through sadness and happiness through pain. I am not even near perfect but I feel that I am trying hard to be positive with lifes' challenges. A very special person once told me that only "You can make you happy!" I am praying for everyone that has been afflicted by sorrow and want you all to know that there are reasons for the pain some that we wont find out for a very long time but everything will eventually be answered. Love to all!

Happy Birthday Son!

2009-09-29T09:47:00.000-07:00

Our baby boy turned 3 yesterday and it was bittersweet. He is such an angel that it pains me to see him grow up. I know it is necessary but it seems like just yesterday he was born. We had the usual party Sunday at Grandmas, followed on Monday (his actual birthday) with a trip to Peter Piper Pizza with his buddies. That evening we had some friends and family over to celebrate with ice cream cake and conversation. Thanks to everyone who showed love to my precious son and helped us celebrate his special day! He is so entertaining for his father and I. We seriously bring him into our bed at night just so we can talk to him and listen to his responses. Overnight he has learned to reason with us and explain his way out of almost anything. He is a very gentle, loving, enthusiastic, soul. His favorites right now are trains, any sport, the Wii (he can operate the whole thing by himself), saying prayers "all by myself", "dum dum dinosaur" (Night at the Museum movie), Dora, Peter Piper Pizza, riding his bike, washing his hands (he loves running water, squirt bottles, anything that can cause a mess), Baby Einstein videos, footed pajamas, his nightly access to his binky, playing any game of Daddies phone, making phone calls on my phone to unsuspecting individuals, and his buddies Crew Dylan & Madison. These are just a few of the things he talks about daily. He honestly is the best little boy and I feel privileged to have him. Jagger, we love you dearly and enjoy you every minute of every day. We are excited to see who you mature into and treasure your wonderful personality. We love you love you love you.... On a side note he is finally potty-trained with very few accidents! Yeah for all of us...

Ward Camp out 2009

2009-09-23T13:11:00.000-07:00

Ryan and I made the decision to go to the Ward camp out this year. We have passed it up before but due to the age of our children and their excitement we thought we would give it a try. It took several days a whole lot of borrowing and list after list to get prepared and ready for what is a 24 hour trip. We are not campers and had seriously nothing to bring along. After hitting up all of our friends and neighbors we scraped together a tent, tarp, sleeping bags, lanterns, flashlights, blankets, and all the other "outdoor " necessities. The children were thrilled and we loaded up and headed north to the Tonto National Forrest. I love the outdoors one of my favorite hobbies is fishing and I really enjoy the mountains and pine trees. Not going to lie though sleeping outside, dirty is not high on my list of things I want to do. We didnt get up there until after dark and setting up a tent that you are unfamiliar with in the pitch black with only lantern light is not an easy task. Thanks to the Hunts we ate well that night and throughly enjoyed ourselves. Although it was cold we slept warm and were well rested the next morning. U nlike many of our co-campers we had a pleasant evening. I am a night owl and sat up outside watching the skunks come in and clean the ground. I think they were in heaven considering how much food had been left on the ground. Those little scavengers sure cleaned up well. The turnout was amazing over 250 people showed. We were treated to a breakfast the next morning and tons of entertainment. There was a zip line, fishing, s'mores, creeks to explore, friends to play with and campfires to throw things into and watch them burn. We had planned on staying late into the afternoon however mother nature had different plans. When the black cloud began to roll in and the thunder and lightening got fierce we decided it was time to pack it all up and head home. On the way we stopped at the fish hatchery and fed the trout. The kids thought this was the most fun and so did our husbands. Quite a few of them had a contest to see who could swipe one of those fish up into their hand. Brent caught a live one and Ryan scooped up a dead one and violently wiggled it hoping that all who saw would think it was still alive. Overall we all had a great time and to be honest I think that we would all be excited to do it again. Thanks to Gilbert 3rd for putting it all on and for Ryan for all the effort getting ready to make sure we were prepared. Enjoy all the pictures I will post as many as I can.

Father Son bonding...

2009-09-23T13:07:00.000-07:00

The other night as I was cleaning up I overheard Ryan reading something out loud. I followed the sound and quickly realized that he was reading to Jagger. Who can pass up a photo opportunity like that. These are my two boys reading and sharing some QT together at night. I love my boyfriends!!!

Welcome

2009-09-23T13:02:00.000-07:00

Jack Brandon Burkinshaw

September 21, 2009

7 pounds 7:00pm

Congratulations to Brandon & Meghan Alexis & Olivia

BITER!

2009-09-20T22:19:00.000-07:00

I have never had a child that had a problem with biting. I always hear the horror stories of mothers saying that their children bit someone at school or in nursery or at playtime whatever... I however have never encountered that. Don't get me wrong my children do their fair share of inflicting pain, they love to hit and pinch. I definitely have pinchers!!! Greer though has decided to show me something new. She is definitely a BITER! With five teeth already she can sure pack a punch. She is a kisser and she puts a little spin on the end of her smooches. She will chomp down on you and actually leave marks. It is so hard to try to pull her off because all you can do is wait for her to ease up. Ryan has figured out a way to put all this to good work. Since no one else will touch his feet he has to get his pedicures somewhere!!! Just teasing we would never wish that upon anyone...

Nap Time!

2009-09-20T22:16:00.001-07:00

School wears these babies out! I am telling you it is so hard to keep their eyes open after a long day at school... Guess they are so smart that they use up all their energy!

2 Sisters!

2009-09-14T15:35:00.000-07:00

Here is Blakely and Greer around the same age in the same outfit. So stinking cute I just love the girls! Can you spot the differences? Maybe the hair... Maybe the cheeks... Maybe a lot of things but you can definitely tell they are sisters. Love you babies!

Scrub a dub dub...

2009-09-14T15:31:00.000-07:00

Three babes in the tub... with one bystander!

We just can't get enough of these kiddos. Love you munchkins!!!

Jags 1st day of preschool!

2009-09-08T23:01:00.000-07:00

Jag was so lucky to get into the best preschool around. Mrs. Aimee Lunt started preschool and she has taken on 12 children including Jag. He has been so excited to go to school like Navie and Blakely do. He talks all the time about when he gets to wear his "hat pack!" Yes, folks he picked out this bad boy all by himself. in case you cant read it, it says Mr. Strong. He packed it full this morning with trucks, trains, a bracelet for Blakely, and a lunchables (he thought he ate lunch at school like his sisters do) I have not seen him this excited in a long time! I asked him to pose for the camera and this little stretch leg stance is what he gave me. He is such a character and I enjoy him being around immensely. He was so happy to get there his only confusion was why he wasn't at the school that his sisters go to. After he got inside he sat right down and started to play he never even looked back my way. He was so thrilled to be around Crew and his friends that he was not attached to mommy at all like the girls were! I am so proud of him and the fact that he was such a good boy at school (Mrs. Aimee said so) he really enjoyed learning. He came home with a wonderful painting and stories to tell. We are so excited for this year and are anticipating his progress. We love and adore you Jagger and miss you while you are gone those short few hours but know that you are where you want to be and are growing. Have fun baby!

Labor Day

2009-09-08T22:55:00.000-07:00

For Labor Day Ryan spent some QT with the kids. They got to go bowling and play with friends and cousins. Jagger is obsessed with the Wii and bowling so I am sure this was a small dream come true for him. These kids are at such a fun stage and when their attitudes permit them they have a super time together. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be their mother and I learn form them daily. We hope you remember all the fun times that you have and continue to make more precious memories! Love you babies...

Innocent prayers

2009-09-06T23:32:00.001-07:00

My little Jagger has decided that he wants to say the prayers every single night "all by his self!" They are so precious and he always starts well, then after a few repeated sentences they turn to his counting. He makes it until about 10 then looks up and asks me "What else Mom?" He is so sweet and tender hearted and we love and cherish him to death! I am so proud of him and the good boy that he is!

When moms away...

2009-08-30T21:34:00.001-07:00

Dad MUST play ALL night long!!!

SLIGHT Obsession!

2009-08-30T21:20:00.000-07:00

There is no way to deny that I am obsessed with this little girl. She is wonderful, amazing, funny, independent & talented!!! Can you tell that her mother is writing this? No, not bragging at all... She is not the best eater (which is evident by her size) that doesn't mean however that we don't spend a LOT of time trying! She has 3 teeth on top and 2 down below and her most comfortable way to get through this teething thing is to bite her tongue or her gums with her bottom jaw. It is quite funny to watch because she looks like she has an under bite or that she hasn't learned to suck her tongue inside her mouth. She just crawls around all day and minds her own business. She has started to pull herself up onto anything that she can reach which makes me so sad! It is hard to see your baby grow up so fast and to see her almost walking at 9 months which is way off from my other three that weren't walking until 15 months, at least! She eats a whole lot of paper (she finds scraps all over the floor) regardless of how good I am at cleaning the floors. She is still a little peanut and that is another reason that she looks so weird to almost be walking. She is just a small bald thing crawling and standing all throughout the house. Man Ryan and I adore her to pieces and we cherish EVERY minute because they pass by far too quickly! Love you Greer!!!

A FUN school day with Daddy!

2009-08-22T12:17:00.000-07:00

So Daddy decided that it was time that he treated the girls to a FUN filled day regardless of if they were in school or not! The day started early (too early for Mom) with a bike ride to school. The girls absolutely love this, I understand but wish they would wait until the weather isn't triple digits to do so! Ryan was such a good sport and got ready and the caravan was off. That is everyone except Blakely who threw a fit about riding and ended up having to catch a ride from mom. The ride must have been at a leisurely speed because they pulled up right as the final bell rang and had to hustle to inside. Then Ryan met the girls for some lunch and took Jag along. After lunch is recess and he continued his father of the year campaign and followed them outside. I am so glad that a little bit of me has rubbed off on him and he took the camera with him and came home with several new pictures. The girls love him and he better keep showing up now because we assume that like all children some day the girls wont want their parents around anymore and this whole experience would have just been one embarrassment after another! Thanks for being so involved Ry-Guy and for showing the kids that you care so much. We love you kids and are so happy that you are ours!!!

The next generation...

2009-08-20T20:27:00.000-07:00

There are several boys in our neighborhood that are hooked at the hip. They have been friends for so long and are constantly running around together. I have a feeling I found the "Next Generation!"

Meet Cordin Howard, Jagger Burkinshaw & Crew Lunt!

Tanner the BMX Pro...

2009-08-20T20:15:00.000-07:00

When people talk about "God given talent" Tanner Lunt comes to mind for me. This boy hardly tries and still wins every BMX race that he is in. He got started in this sport because his buddies were racing and he thought it would be fun. He showed up to a race borrowed a kids bike and with jeans on and everything WON and beat everyone. After deciding that he really liked it his parents got him a real racing bike and helmet and let him have at it. This boy is non stop. He shows up to whatever race he has time for and wins them all. He has advanced into intermediate racing because of how many races he has won. I just love this boy and the fact that he entertains us with his sports is such a bonus. We cherish those Lunt children and love them all to death!

Everywhere into Everything!

2009-08-20T19:49:00.000-07:00

I cant help but to laugh every time I see this little girl crawl around! She is so small yet so mobile. Overnight she started to crawl around and she wants to explore everything. She does not like normal baby toys or saucers or swings, they keep her immobile. Instead she likes to go out on her own. She has eaten several pieces of paper before I found them, several times she has a mouth full of some sort of perfect size "choking" object, I have no idea how she does it. You cannot turn your back for a moment or she is gone and with her size you really have to look for her. She is a hit everywhere we go! I take her to the grocery store and people stop to talk to her and make her smile (which isn't hard at all)!!! At the gym (I am not lying) there is a girl in Kids Klub that instantly puts the other babies down when she sees me walk in, to grab Greer. She never puts her down. She holds her the whole time! There is something about Greer that draws everyone in. You just want to hold her and squeeze her and tickle her like crazy. She is always smiling and it is highly contagious. I adore that girl and love absolutely everything about her. Love you baby!!!

And so it begins....

2009-08-10T22:05:00.000-07:00

School started today and I am so surprised but the girls were so excited that they woke me up at 7am dressed and ready to go! I thought there would be nerves involved but they were truly ready to go. I think once they got to school Blakely thought twice about it, but Ryan took her and calmed her down and she bravely strode ahead! Blakely got Mrs. Johns (Navies old teacher) and Navie got Mrs. Hazen (which we have heard is phenomenal) we were really happy with this years teachers! I think our children are in for a great school year ahead of them and many lessons learned. They both came home with stories to tell and excited for tomorrow. Blakely was a little worn out but hey we aren't used to long days like that. We love you girls and are so happy that you have chosen to be so excited about education. We hope those feelings continue through the years!!!

The end of SUMMER 2009!

2009-08-10T21:55:00.000-07:00

These are just some random photos that show what we did towards the very end of summer! The Hunts hosted a Barbeque that was great fun and an even better place to mingle with friends. Rustin found a new toy. Toy is the appropriate word due to the size of the thing! What is it with Rustin and tiny toys?!* The kids have enjoyed being at home this summer but I think (no, I know) that we are ALL ready for school to start! It was a wonderful summer and the time flew by I can't believe how quickly it went. I need to always remember to cherish these times they sure go by FAST!!!

Up up & away...

2009-08-03T10:45:00.000-07:00

Greer has taken off. After a couple weeks of wobbling on her knees up to her feet she is finally crawling. She is a little over 7 months old and is enjoying her new found freedom. You can't keep anything away from her and we have already had some choking incidences because of nice "little" toys she is finding on the ground. She is such a happy baby still and we cherish every smile and laugh that comes from her. What a perfect little angel and "little" she definitely is!

Family Reunion 2009

2009-07-27T13:42:00.000-07:00

This summer our big vacation was our family reunion to Montana and then to Utah! We were so lucky to be able to stay in my Uncle Lees cabin and he was gracious enough to allow us full access of his ATV's, boat and house! We had a wonderful time to say the least! To be honest with you I have recognized that I am truly a mountain girl. The scenery the weather everything suits me to a tee. I could easily move to the mountains and be happy forever. My bliss was standing on the banks of Cliff Lake at dusk and casting into the depths over and over! It was the highlight of my trip. I love to fish and very rarely get the opportunity to do so. The only down fall was my fathers crash into a tree in which he suffered some rib injuries and some open wounds. I think that about the time we are ready for another reunion he will be healed and ready to give it another go! We had campfires, made s'mores, played cards and washers, rode ATV's, mingled with the herds of cattle, fished, went on hikes, shot at targets, ate and ate and ate (Dairy Queen ice cream cakes were in full abundance, thanks Aunt Chris and Uncle Lee), watched movies, laughed with the family, plus my favorite we floated the river on rafts one afternoon! I cannot express how much I enjoyed the Montana adventure, thanks Mom and Dad for putting everything together and making sure that we all spent some quality time together as a family! I think I have found where I want to retire and live out the remainder of my years! I am hoping I somehow get put into Uncle Lees will!!!! Please please please...

After we came home from Montana we went to Uncle Mikes house to spend time with Mamaw and Papaw. They just keep getting more and more great grandkids every vacation (plus more to come :) We played a lot of cards and spent time with my Aunt Diane Uncle Dee and all their kids and their kids kids!!! I loved being in Spanish Fork I love the small town atmosphere but you can get to a big town quick. We were there over the 24th of July which is Pioneer Day and got to experience all the hoo rah that accompianies it! The parade, games, booths, vendors, and fireworks. We actually had our own fireworks show thanks to Jason and Todd unfortunately it was cut short due to rain (I love the rain enough that I didnt care much) Jag was in heaven watching the display! We had a surprise trip home on the airplane thanks to Spencers inability to pack well and made it home in one piece! I can't express my appreciation enough to all those who made this trip possible. I cherish the time that my children get to spend with their cousins Aunts Uncles and grandparents plus great- grandparents because I was so privy to that as a youth. Family is so important and I love mine deeply. I am grateful to each and everyone of you and can't wait until our next trip together. Maybe this next go around we will leave the deadly disease at home and everyone can be healthy! Love to all!!!

The Finale!!!

2009-07-07T21:50:00.000-07:00

These pictures are the rest of Navies birthday, including the cookie bouquet from Nonna Poppa Nacky and Uncle Dave! She loved it she was very protective over her silly face cookies and was sad to see them go! We spent her actual birthday at the Westin Kierland Commons and swam had pizza and cupcakes and a great time with family and friends! We sat on a golf course to watch fireworks and relaxed and just had a very fun family filled 4th of July! We have some very great friends here in AZ and I love feeling so close to good people. It is almost like having more family around! Thanks Hunts for a great trip and even better memories. In closing I just want to say how grateful I am to live in this country and to have our many freedoms. I am humbled by those that choose to serve our country and keep us free so that we can live in peace! We are free to celebrate because of those brave individuals that keep us this way! Love to all on this very special holiday...

Kick-Off to a GREAT week!

2009-07-01T22:21:00.001-07:00

This year for Navies birthday we are actually in town! This leads to the first ever friends party that Navie has ever had. She is turning 7 on the 4th and she wanted to have her girlfriends enjoy a swim party! Thanks to Pam and Destry and their fabulous pool they let us invade their back yard and host a great party for our eldest. She had her good friends come and they swam, ate cupcakes and per Navies request a pinata. A special thanks to Daddy for being our "pole" that the pinata hung from. He got a great bicep work out and some of these girls hit with a vengeance. I think that everyone enjoyed themselves and it turned out to be a great and wonderful afternoon. Thanks to my girlfriends for helping and hanging around to help monitor the swimming and to Grandma and Macy and Marley for helping as well! To our dear sweet Navie, we love you so much and we are so excited to watch who you will blossom into. You are a great example to your siblings and so fun for us. We feel so blessed that you came to us first and that you have helped us learn how to be parents. We adore you and we are so proud of who you already are... Here's to many more years! Plus many more parties!!!

My BABY!!!

2009-06-28T23:08:00.000-07:00

She has her first tooth! Bottom, just peeked through the other day... Odd thing is I can only feel terribly sad about it. They grow too fast and I can't slow it enough! Oh where is my newborn. On the other hand she is six months old and only 13 pounds. She is definitely a peanut. However she is full of smiles and pure joy! The happiest baby EVER!!!

Mourning for Michael!

2009-06-25T15:55:00.000-07:00

I cant believe it I am in shock with the rest of the world... Michael Jackson has passed away from cardiac arrest this afternoon. I grew up listening to him and dancing my life away mainly with my cousin Aubrey. I will treasure his music after all he is the "King of Pop!" I guess everyone knows how much I love him because my phone has been ringing off the hook. So goodbye Michael you will be missed!

Poor Monkey!

2009-06-23T14:32:00.000-07:00

My poor baby has been so congested lately that after a couple weeks of it not clearing up I decided to take her in. I know bad mother for waiting so long but we have been through this enough that I thought I could beat it with our nebulizer at home! Turns out the poor monkey has a double ear infection with bronchitis. I guess I learned my lesson and will be more haste in my future medical decisions. What a wonderful baby though, you would never know she has been sick she still always smiles and laughs. Such a happy and pleasant spirit! I adore her!!!

The pictures are from Fathers Day! The kids all made Ryan some home-made cards. It was super cute! You are such a great dad, Ry-Guy!

Happy Fathers Day!

2009-06-20T22:18:00.000-07:00

To the very special men in my life I want to wish a very wonderful Happy Fathers Day to them! I feel that I had the best father ever. I'm sure a lot of you feel the same way but it is hard to explain just how wonderful my father truly is. He is a caring thoughtful hard working tender hearted grateful man. He is the best confidant and you can always trust him. The older I get the more grateful I am for my dad. I learn from him on a daily basis and I want to be more like him. He is a strong leader in the church and so many look up to him. I am also grateful for my Papaw and how wonderful he is. I feel so blessed that I was able to be raised by them and to see him on almost a daily basis. These blessings are hard to realize until you have lost them. The fact that I don't get to see him nearly as much as I would like to makes me grateful for my youth and all my memories. I also am grateful for my Grandpa J and all that he taught me before he passed. I know that he is a strong leader and a great "father" even on the other side. Finally my "Father" in law Gail. He has been so good to me and my family and so willing to always come and help. I fear sometimes that we call on him far too much and that he is going to tire of us. However I have learned that he never fails to follow through and he always wants to be there.

Now to the "father" of my children Ryan. I am so grateful for you and the fact that you have made it so important to be a good father to our kids. I think that the children have been extremely blessed. They will understand how truly lucky they are the older they get. You always go out of your way to talk to the children and reason with them, to take them on "daddy dates" and to spend quality time with each of them. You are lovable and entertaining and the children love "their Daddy!" Thanks for all you do for our family!

I am so grateful for all you "fathers" and for the examples that you all have been to not only me but my children. I love you all dearly and miss you all that I don't get to see. I can honestly say that I have not had one poor male role model in my life and that is something of an accomplishment in and of itself. That is a rare occasion now a days! Loves and kisses and many wonderful wishes sent to you all on this holiday!!! XOXO

Oh Blakely!!!

2009-06-18T21:39:00.000-07:00

I am sitting on the couch this afternoon when Blakely walks in and hands me the phone and lets me know that it is for me. This is a common occurrence in our house all my children love to answer the phone but Blakely especially loves to also make phone calls. The lady on the other end informed me that it was 911 and she was wondering if we had an emergency. It took me a while to realize that Blake had called and then just sat and chatted for a while with the lady before handing it over to me. I think that Blake realized she didn't know how to answer the questions that were being asked. I assured the woman that there was no emergency and that my 5 year old must have been "making calls" and she finally believed me and let me go. I know several of you that get phone calls from her on almost a daily basis. She absolutely loves the telephone! Sweet precious Blakely she was scared to death and really upset after I let her have it for calling the police but hey at least I know that if something is ever really wrong maybe she'll remember the number. If I haven't traumatized her enough!

Time Flies!!!

2009-06-12T10:32:00.001-07:00

I am so super sad my baby is 6 months old and it seems like yesterday that she was just born! She has been a precious little peanut and I absolutely adore her. She surely is little... By far my tiniest one that I have had! Of course with Burkinshaw flowing through her, her head is large and in charge. She is a beautiful girl and so happy all of the time. I never know when she is awake because she never cries. She sits in her crib and just smiles and laughs and coos at her blankets. Her siblings adore her and maul her constantly. I am shocked that she still likes small people and isn't scared of them. I can't turn my back for a second without someone picking her up and carrying her off somewhere. I love to snuggle her and I look forward to the times when the kids are all asleep and her and I sit in the front room alone to talk and bod with each other! I love this stage of life and I am trying to soak in every single moment so that I can cherish all the memories. Greer, Mom and Dad and your sisters and brother love you to pieces and feel so blessed that you joined our family. You are such a wonderful spirit to have in our household and we can't imagine life without you. We truly adore you and look forward to all the many years ahead!

Potty time!

2009-06-10T16:49:00.001-07:00

We're attempting wish us luck!

Summer Fun!

2009-06-09T21:38:00.000-07:00

We have jumped into this summer with both feet. I thought that the kids were going to be really bored and require a lot of entertaining. Come to find out we have been so packed with stuff to do that the kids have hardly noticed that it is almost mid June! Time is just flying by. We are swimming a lot and keeping the shelves at Wal-Mart very low on sunscreen. We have spent a lot of time with cousins and friends and with the family! It is so enjoyable to see the children play so hard that at the end of the day they can hardly keep their eyes open long enough to make it through dinner. Thanks to everyone who has helped to entertain and loaned their pools to us at moments notice. We look forward to the rest of the summer...

10 Milestones in 10 Years

2009-06-08T21:52:00.001-07:00

Today Ryan and I celebrated ten years of marriage. It is hard for us to believe that we are getting older!!! I decided that I would write down ten milestones that took place in these past ten years some good some not so good but ALL learning and growing experiences that have made us better people and a tighter couple!

1. The purchase of our first house together. I remember feeling so grown up and thinking that it was so fun to "play house" permanently.

2. This might sound cheesy to some of you but when Ryan bought and surprised me with my first car I remember feeling so cool. To have someone purchase something for you of that magnitude made me feel special. Even though it was a need because we were both working and needed our own forms of transportation.

3. Ryan starting his very own business with his partner Rustin Randall. It was so awesome to go to "Mainstream Wireless" and hang out because my man owned it. We had some great times with all our friends there and some not so great times with all the times the cops had to come and investigate the robberies. Ryan became a dang good detective if you ask me. Or anyone else he caught the guy himself!

4. The birth of our first child Navie. I don't think that you can ever truly prepare for how your life changes when you become a parent. It has been wonderful yet scary and challenging all together.

5. The surgery that changed a lot for us. Every once in a while we think about this and wish we could rewind the clock. However I think that Ryan and I have matured and learned a lot about ourselves going through this experience.

6. The birth of our second daughter Blakely. Life still seemed pretty easy with two!

7. The sell of the Burkinshaws and Randalls baby "Costa Vida." That restaurant was so much fun and we have some amazing memories there. Those boys put in a lot of hard work and really established themselves during this step in their business. It was sad to see it get sold but it felt like we had come full circle and really accomplished something great!

8. The birth of our first and only son Jagger. I think that it was fulfilling to have a son after thinking that we were only going to have girls. Don't get me wrong we cherish our girls but it is nice to get to see your world through the eyes of a rough, car playing, skateboarding, wild but terrible sweet loving little boy! I adore watching Ryan with him!

9. The purchase of our home that we live in now that feels like we could stay in for a very long time. I love to plant my roots and it makes me feel extremely satisfied that we have not only a neighborhood that we love but that is full of children and a great school district to send our children to. Plus add a great ward on top of that.

10. The birth of our daughter Greer. I forgot how wonderful it feels to have an innocent sweet baby around the house and to see the children shower her with attention and love. We cant get enough of her and love to watch her grow everyday.

Ryan, you have been so instrumental in helping me grow into the person that I am more proud of today than I was in the past. I feel that we have grown closer and are learning everyday how to become more united and unified in our eternal goals together. I am proud of the father that you are to our children and for how they love to see you and spend time with you. Thank you for sacrificing for me and for showing me what it means to love with you whole soul! I love you Ryan and here's to ten more!!!

Little Helper!

2009-06-05T23:41:00.000-07:00

Jag has become my little helper as of lately. Now it could be because he likes all the noise that comes with the"helping" machines or that I am praising him enough that he loves the attention. Once again (I have no idea how) I have a child on a nebulizer. Greer has that raspy breathing and so I started her on the breathing machine to help her break up the congestion in her lungs. Jag found this whole thing fascinating, he obviously forgot what it was like to be on the other end of the machine. Every time I start it up he says "Mom, I hold it!" He is insistent!!! He just sits there and follows Greers face around as she turns to look at everything. He makes sure that it is always by her nose and that she is getting a good mist right in her face. His other obsession is our "Shark vacuum" he loves the thing. He turns it on and goes around the house looking for something to suck up. Sometimes he even helps it along by throwing food on the floor so that he can have something waiting for him and his noisy sucker. Finally his last fun chore is rinsing out his dishes in our water fountain by the sink. He climbs on the counter and regardless of if the plate is paper or not he is cleaning it off in a waterfall of H2O. This is the messiest of all his likes and it is hard for me to let him do it all the time. I have quite a clean up after these episodes. Jag is such a great kid and I absolutely adore him and everything that he does. Way to go Jag for being a helper, just try to hold onto this trait for a while OK!

An Addiction!

2009-06-01T21:11:00.000-07:00

My mother introduced me to something that I have just grown to obsess about! She was visiting and I was complaining about how "streaky" my mirrors and windows were. My mother quickly took me to The Home Depot and bought the most fabulous thing in the world. It is a double sided squeegee!!! It has a fluffy pad on one side and a blade on the other. You spray the window down then rub it with the fabric and squeegee it off. I am crazy about it. I can honestly admit that my mirrors and windows stay so clean that I lay in wait wondering when someone will touch them so that I can clean them again. I just get the biggest satisfaction cleaning the glass. So to you mother, thank you for showing me something wonderful and hopefully next visit you can share how to get those showers sparkly clean!!! I am secretly hoping that there is a new fun tool involved in it!

Thanks!

2009-05-24T23:51:00.000-07:00

I forgot to give a well deserved shout out to Mrs. Johns, Navies Kindergarten teacher and to Miss Christi, Blakelys preschool teacher. They are both so wonderful and I cant believe how much my girls learned this year. Navie especially seems to have just soaked it all in. She is an amazing reader and they have done some wonderful projects. Mrs. Johns has patience that is just unreal. I hope to see her soon!!! Blakely just makes me sad to think that she will start all day Kindergarten in August. I literally cannot believe it. I hope that Navie plays big sister and takes care of her. Navie just seemed to be a little more prepared for school. We held her back so that she would be the oldest and she went to a year of Early Learners first. Blakely on the other hand cant do that so she is starting younger than Navie was. I just want to hold onto my kids and keep them from getting older. I love you girls and keep on learning it is the most important thing that you can do. Otherwise known as please follow your Dads example!

Last day of school...

2009-05-21T08:14:00.000-07:00

I cant believe that my oldest is now at the last day of Kindergarten. It makes my heart break! She has done remarkable this year. Her teacher is extremely impressed and thinks that she is more than ready for 1st grade. We were worried as parents at the beginning because of how shy she was but she has definitely come out of her shell. She is a social butterfly and loves all the kids in her class. She has brought her yearbook to school everyday these last few and is having kids of all ages sign her book, including her parents! We are so proud of all that she has done and the example that she has set for her siblings. We cant wait for school to start again next year and for her to take on another challenge. Thank you Mrs. Johns and Mrs. Nagel for the dedication and hard work that you have put into teaching our Navie we appreciate it all! Good job Navie for accomplishing such an "unknown" goal in our family and for doing so well at it! We love and adore you!!!

Preschool Graduation

2009-05-20T22:49:00.001-07:00

Today was Blakelys graduation from preschool and boy was it ever an adventure. She was so spooked before we even got there that I knew it was not going to be good. I tried to be positive and encouraging to her (I even bribed her with a trip to Peter Piper) if she would do well and sit on stage with her fellow classmates. She was crying before we got out of the car. She bawled when I tried to leave her with the teacher, but I thought she would calm down if I just walked away. As the whole class started their walk on stage Ryan had the camera rolling and we waited and waited and waited... Finally the last student took their seat and there was... NO Blakely. I went to see what was wrong and there she was standing in the curtains sucking on her hand. I told her that I would sit with her if she would just go out there and join the class. So I spent the remainder of graduation sitting in a toddler seat on stage between two little boys (who by the way I apologize to their parents it was probably hard to get a snap shot of their children sitting next to Goliath in the baby seat) with Blakely on my lap. Needless to say I have friends that were quite entertained by the whole scene. No pictures sorry! Eventually we got a picture of Blake with Miss Christie. Ryan and I are very proud of our little girl, it seems as though all of our children are shy in preschool. I am in awe of how fast time flies by we have two girls that will be in all day school starting in August. I need to slow my family down and try to breathe and cherish every moment. We love you Blakely and am so proud of all the hard work you have put into school this year. You will be fantastic next year and will love Kindergarten! You are such a sweet angel Bakers!!!

My Kiddos...

2009-05-17T22:36:00.000-07:00

Here are just some random photos of the kids. I recently trimmed the girls hair and they thought that it was so fun. They were so excited and saved baggies of their hair. They would trim their hair on a daily basis. Jag on the other hand we are letting his locks just grow. I think this boy needs some more hair so we will see how it goes. Not much happening right now just getting ready for the end of school and the beginning of the much "mother dreaded" summer. Let me explain lots of heat, lots of down time, lots of "wanting friends" ALL the time! I am going to stay positive and do my best to entertain the children to the fullest this summer!!!

Happy Womens Day!

2009-05-10T22:10:00.001-07:00

I think that this day is reserved for so much more than mothers! Not just moms but grandmas, sisters, aunts, friends, and everything that is considered a "mother" to something. I just want my mother to know how much I truly love her. She is been such a great example to me and to my family. I love teasing her about how much of a hard time I gave her growing up, however I am sure that she will be the last one laughing at some point and time. I love to hang out with my mother and that seems to be such a rare thing. Most people can get too much of their parents I am just the opposite. I love to play games with her, small talk, eat her food and watch her interact as a "Nonna!" She is wonderful and I cant say enough about her! I also want to tell my other mother Lenna how much I love her. She is such a rock I think that this whole family would be lost without her. She is always thinking about others and continuously going out of her way to make sure everyone is taken care of. To say the absolute least she is a trooper. I also adore my Mamaw and Grandma J, sisters and sis-in laws, cousins, Aunts etc. I think that so many have contributed to how I want to be as a mother. I feel truly blessed to have so many genuine examples in my life. I hope that someday my children will be able to look at me and realize that I did my best but more importantly love them unconditionally. What better form of success than to see your children grown and be good people. I love to be your mother Navie, Blakely, Jagger and Greer. God truly gave me the best blessings that I could ever hope for. You have made my life full of Joy!

ELMO Live!

2009-05-03T22:22:00.001-07:00

Thanks to Brandon my brother-in-law, Ryan had four very close seats to ELMO Live on Saturday morning. The three oldest kids joined him and they had a great time. Ryan said they were so close that all the characters came and hugged the kids. I am so proud of my children for not freaking out at having any "character" that close to them. Usually that would not be something they were interested in but he said they did great. Thanks Brandon for sharing your tickets with us that helps our kids make priceless memories.

Random thoughts...

2009-04-27T22:39:00.000-07:00

The other day after bath time Navie asked me if Greer was going to be a tiny parent. To give you background on this story Greer is small, so small in fact that we have her on a diet that is trying to bulk her up (it is not working that well) all the children hear us talking about how small Greer is and how we hope that she'll start growing soon. I asked her what she meant and she said again "You know one of those small parents that are only this tall." She then held her hand up to her waist. I asked her why she thought that and her reply was priceless...

"Because I think it would be cool to be a leprechaun for a Mom!"

1 step forward, 2 steps back

2009-04-27T22:24:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Ryan went out and finished teaching Blakely how to ride a two-wheeler. He had started a month or so ago but she never seemed too interested until lately. She picked it up quick and was on her way without any help whatsoever. She was so proud of herself, and so were we! At grandmas on Sunday night she had taken her bike to show everyone how good she was and she decided to join Navie and Maddie on a little ride. She tried hard and pedaled as fast as her little legs would go but she was on a teeny tiny bike and couldn't keep up. Needless to say she face planted it on the street. The asphalt was unforgiving and before her Dad could run out there to rescue her she was pretty beat up. She had a goose egg on her forehead the size of a golf ball followed by a black eye, bloody nose, road rash that stretched from her face to her legs and a wounded sense of accomplishment. Ryan tells me that the minute he picked her up and started back to the house for medical attention she stopped her crying long enough to tell him to go back and get her head band! That's my girl always worried about her goods. Anyway she seems to be doing way better now she just let me know that she didn't want to ride her bike anymore. We were so proud of our little girl today when she informed me that she wanted to get back on her bike. So even without her wounds healed she hopped back in the saddle and went for a ride today. She did so well and I am glad that she overcame a fear of hers. Thanks Blakely for teaching us all a great lesson today!

Cousin Camp 2009

2009-04-22T21:43:00.000-07:00

This post could go on for days but I will try my best to summarize the amazing time that we had in Colorado this year for Cousin Camp! We got there on Tuesday and met up with Jeriannes family, Tara Comfort (my cousin from KC) and her children, Aubrey, Brianne, Jaimie & Creed, and Lacey Bates (my other cousin or 2nd or something) and her two girls, of course Jacqui, Mom, & Dad (eventually) were all there as well.

Jerianne is so creative and very organized and without her things would not have been what they were. The first day they kicked off celebrations by getting their own shirts and some small toys to use at the Butterfly Emporium! We then went to the Butterfly house and got to see way more than just Butterflies. There were insects of every kind and some that I still close my eyes and can see SCARY! I am proud to say that many of us came home with the "I held Rosie" sticker (she is a tarantula in case you are wondering) supposedly she is harmless you couldn't have made me believe that though. Then we came home to bug stew and Mud pie full of insects! What a fun day we had. Every evening was ended with a story book read by the amazing Nonna that pertained to the days theme!

The next day was Pirate Day and we all went on a treasure hunt with are pirate hats on. We then played some pirate games and followed that up with a trip to the Aquarium. It is one of my most favorite places to visit in Colorado and I am soooo jealous that they have things like this there. My kids are in love with the place. We finished it off with dinner at Long John Silvers. Weird but everyone of us adults were looking forward to Long Johns, or Short Jack Golds as we call it it is a favorite of ours. Must be a KC thing! I thought that maybe Jack Sparrow would join us for some festivities however he never showed. Sad I know!

The following day was Hawaiian Day... Ironically that day we received over 2 feet of snow. Now I absolutely love the snow it was a blessing for me. I stood outside and just soaked it all in. I swear I am a mountain woman stuck in a desert! The kids got to go to the local swimming hole. Inside at the country club my parents belong to. They would have stayed there all day it is by far their favorite thing to do. We came home and did a pinata and then made some sleep over pillows. Jacqui painted all the girls nails and then they watched Bolt on the big screen.

We also spent many afternoons at Jaimie and Tios house. They have a real functioning outdoor playhouse filled with furniture and fun stuff. They also have plasma cars, barbie electric cars, tree swings, an awesome swing set, and best of all for me a razor motorcycle (fat boy style) fully loaded with flames and all! There house is definitely a one stop shop. Thanks for letting us invade guys!

This trip was unforgettable and I pray so bad that it becomes a yearly adventure. I love to see my children be surrounded by their cousins and family members that they don't get to see as often. It is such a blessing to have family and memories with that group. I am especially happy that I got to see my Grandma J. She is having vision problems and this might be the last time that she got to "see" us. She also got to meet my two youngest children for the first time. There is plenty that I missed telling but thought this post would got on forever. If you want to see and read more and for sure in better style you can visit my sisters blog at www.theconroys.blogspot.com She is an extremely talented writer and summarized the visit into days. Thank you thank you thank you to everyone that spent so much time planning and preparing for this adventure I think that it was amazing cousin camp! Love to all!!!

Easter 2009

2009-04-12T21:42:00.000-07:00

What a great Easter we had this year. Everything went smoothly from dying the eggs to finding them. We had our annual hunt at Gail & Lennas and grandma never fails to put on a show. The kids literally had hundreds of eggs to find and each child came away with cash and candy. We celebrated Blakelys birthday again this time with the family and of course she was on cloud nine! Thanks to everyone who made this holiday special and exciting.

Blakely turns 5!

2009-04-10T21:03:00.000-07:00

For Blakelys birthday today we took her three good friends Presley, Josie, & Ali along with her sister Navie and brother Jag to Disney on Ice! We had a great time and I think the kids throughly enjoyed themselves. It was a great program and lasted just the right amount of time. I thought that it would be difficult for Ryan and I to handle all these kids but they didn't move from the time that it started to the time that it ended. They were wide-eyed the entire time! Afterwards we came home to pizza, cupcakes and ice cream and of course to presents. Blakely had a great time and she is already talking about what she is going to do at her next birthday! We absolutely love you to pieces Blakely and your Dad and I feel honored that you chose to come to our family! You have brought enlightenment, joy, laughter, and of course a little bit of drama into our home. We are so anxious to see who you become and we hope that you continue down the road that you are traveling! I know that your whole family loves you and that your extended family does as well. Always remember how special you are and how much you are loved! Here's to many more amazing years with you...

A Big Weekend!

2009-04-09T21:33:00.000-07:00

This is a great weekend for our family. Not only is there Easter but our precious Blakely turns 5! More on that later... To start the weekend off Ryan and his mother took our kids to the Easter Pageant at the Temple in Mesa. It has been a tradition and hopefully someday the kids will get a deeper meaning out of it. For now I think they just enjoy spending time with their Dad and Grandma and of course the cousins. It is hard to think of these "cousins" as anything less then are other two kids! We love them! More fun weekend posts to come...

34 things...

2009-04-04T17:58:00.001-07:00

I forgot to write my 34 things that I love (or that you may not know) about Ryan so here goes...

1. He has perfect teeth

2. He has the perfect shade of blue for eyes

3. He always wants to help out his friends

4. He adores his children

5. He wants a motorcycle

6. He loves ice cream regardless of how full he is he can finish almost a gallon

7. Growing up he was an amazing soccer player and could have gone far with it

8. He gave up soccer for skateboarding and injuries

9. He loves movies as much as he loves ice cream

10. He loves new gadgets like computers, and trinkets

11. He loves the smell of horse poo-poo

12. He is more loyal to his friends than I have ever seen anyone be

13. He would live his whole life spur of the moment

14. He is very driven and successful

15. A lot of people come to him for business advice

16. He is very book smart (he flew through BYU)

17. He still is in touch with many high school friends (that is amazing to me)

18. It is almost impossible to buy him a gift

19. He loves fish and all seafood

20. He hates clouds and rain storms

21. He speaks spanish ( I love that about him)

22. His dream is to start a charity

23. He can lose weight just by thinking about it (he sucks)

24. He loves to read

25. He can easily be the life of the party

26. He has a great sense of humor

27. He loves to snow board (although it has been a while)

28. He is a very calm discipliner to our children (way more than me)

29. He loves to create memories

30. He loves to travel

31. He loves Argentina

32. He would move to California tomorrow

33. He enjoys watching news channels

34. He is a uber fabulous amazing enjoyable wonderful man and an even better father!

We love you Ry-Guy!

More Birthday shout-outs

2009-04-03T08:42:00.000-07:00

The list never ends this time of the year... We have so many birthdays and a lot of them I don't even post about! This one is for Ry-Guy! He has a birthday today and I think that I am more excited than he is. He told me last night that he is not thrilled about getting older but I look forward to it. I think age is a state of mind and so long you stay young at heart you stay young forever. I don't know if our children will agree with that later on but it sure is a good thought for now. Anyway Happy Birthday Ryan we hope that you have a great day followed by a wonderful year. You are not old to any of us and we enjoy spending time with you and growing "old" with you! We love you!

Updates

2009-03-31T15:36:00.000-07:00

The kids have had some fun these past couple of weeks with their cousins and friends and mainly their Dad! Ryan took the girls along with some others to the Freestone Park and they got to ride the train, feed the ducks, and play on the playground. They love that park and I must say that it is absolutely beautiful this time of the year. It seems to be the "place" to have your photo taken because of all the scenery. Jag is now constantly telling me how he wants to go to the park and ride the "choo-choo!" I am so blessed to have my nieces and nephews live so close to us. Our children are always entertained by them and we have a lot of fun memories together. I have a built in babysitter with Hailey and I don't know what I do without her. Some cute things that my kids are doing right now are... Jag is always entertaining his favorite saying is, "Mom I mell cow." He smells cow, he also likes to do pig noises and scare you with bear growls. He will talk your head off and you can barely get a word in edge wise. His favorite thing to do as of now is ride his bike. He will no longer ride in the buggy he insists on riding his bike on our rides and now they are MUCH slower. Blakely is a baby mother. I cannot turn my back or next thing I know she is carrying Greer everywhere. She loves to feed her, hold her, bathe her, play with her you name it she will do it. She still changes clothes about 7 times a day and always insists on having her hair done. I often wonder whose child she is?! Navie has turned into her Dad she only wants her friends. She gets home from school and we see her for a total of about 3 minutes before she is out the door and on her way to her friends. They will play all day everyday and we have to demand that she finally comes home at some point in the evening. She loves school and enjoys being gone all day and constantly entertained. Greer has turned into a sweet child and has become much more content. She is always smiling and cooing. I am in love with her and so excited that I get to spend time with my sweet baby. It is hard to know that you are done having kids and so I am trying to treasure every moment of her. I adore my family and couldn't be more blessed!

Spring Break

2009-03-31T14:34:00.000-07:00

It was hard to leave this year for Spring Break because the weather here was just beautiful but we decided to go and take advantage of our annual passes to Disneyland before they expired. We took off on Wednesday afternoon and spent the next two days between Disneyland and California Adventures. The kids had a great time (even though Blake and Navie were still getting over an illness) they loved every bit. I have always been a kid at heart and I enjoy Disney anything as much as the next five year old. The weather was amazing even though at night the children thought they were going to die of frostbite! The kids still begged to go swimming one afternoon and luckily the pool was heated. I am so grateful that we have the opportunity to do things as a family while the kids are young and create priceless memories.

Birthday Shout-Out

2009-03-28T03:44:00.000-07:00

I am super late in posting this birthday but late is better than never. Another very special man in my life is my Papaw! He has always been such a wonderful example to me and someone that I cherish every moment with. We were raised practically next door to them and what a great blessing that was. I am so sad that I don't live that close to them now. Thank you Papaw for being so amazing and we wish you a Happy Birthday and a great year to go along with it! Love you for always and ever!

Happy Birthday!

2009-03-22T22:18:00.000-07:00

To the best dad and Poppa ever! We just wanted to wish you a very public Happy Birthday and express our appreciation for all you do for us. This family would fall apart without you! We love you dearly and are excited to see you!!! Thanks for always being the example of the person I would like to become you are wonderful.

Lucky Ducks!

2009-03-05T20:35:00.000-08:00

My mom and I took the kids to Freestone Park today to feed the ducks. Once Jag found out what we were doing he could not stop talking about it. "Feed tha Ducks!" The ride could not have gone faster!!! We seriously had a swarm of ducks around us. Once they realized that it was feeding time they started at us from across the pond. The kids loved it. Nonna was such a good sport at teaching the children which were the girl ducks and boys, how to ration the bread, and pushing them on the swings. It was a great day overall and not to mention the weather was amazing! Mid 60's a little overcast and a small breeze. Gorgeous!

Wacky Wednesday!

2009-03-04T08:01:00.001-08:00

This week is Dr. Suess week at school and today was Wacky Wednesday. All the kids were supposed to dress crazy and funky hair-do's. Navie gets very nervous that she will be the only one that shows up crazy so it takes a lot of convincing that she will NOT be the only one. Yesterday we spent time picking out our outfit and Hailey and Laurens as well. I think that she will have a great time, although she didn't allow that crazy of hair. Four braids was all I could talk her into!

Plus check out my precious baby. She is a smiling and laughing soul (when she is not screaming and wanting held ALL the time)!!!

Finding Joy!

2009-03-03T22:28:00.000-08:00

I am starting to try to look at "Finding Joy in the Journey!" I want to soak in the good and the wonderful so that I can remember all the happiness that I have been blessed with. I truly feel as though I have been blessed beyond... I sometimes wonder how I became so lucky. My children are healthy and happy. We have food on the table and clothes on our backs. We have a roof over our heads and we have laughter. Laughter is the best medicine so they say. Laughter IS the best medicine. So therefore I am looking at the positive and the blessings. I need to acknowledge how much the Lord has given our family. I want our children to be grateful for their blessings and that can only start by example!

Today the weather was unbelievable I cannot express to you all how amazing it was. It was a little overcast and the anticipation of possible rain was wonderful. The kids all came over and there was bike riding, basketball, dress-up time, tag, and wrestling. The children were so good and it was peaceful to watch them play and laugh. I am so grateful for family and my children who help me to see the happy side of life, even when things seem gloomy. Children are innocent and pure and interacting with them on a daily basis is joyful. I feel closer to the Lord around my kids. I love you kids and am so grateful for you!

Happy Birthday to me!

2009-02-24T19:37:00.000-08:00

For my birthday this year my mother and sisters and sister-in-law all pitched in to fly me out to Utah with Greer and Jag to spend some time with the "girls!" We had a good time and spent a lot of time bonding. For entertainment purposes I am going to list 31 things about me that you may not know, or every want to...

1. I play the violin

2. I danced in college (if you want to see our Nationals video go to my face book page)

3. I love ding-dongs

4. I love playing cards (and beating Rusty)

5. I am a very touchy person, I love hugs and touchy stuff

6. It is a good day if I put clothes and make-up on, I love to stay in my PJ's

7. I love Biggest Loser

8. I couldn't survive without Wal-Mart

9. I am anal about my house and I clean it daily

10. I won't go to bed with dishes in the sink

11. I love doing yard work even though I get injured all the time

12. I love to color but only with markers (new ones, preferably)

13. I love the snow and seasons (weird that I live in AZ)

14. I wish that I could tan, but I only burn

15. I don't like shopping online

16. I lose my phone or wedding ring at least once a week

17. I hate talking on the phone

18. I love bike rides (when the weather permits)

19. My favorite ice cream is Baskin Robbins Pink Bubblegum (nothing can beat it)

20. I love brownie batter (not a fan of the cooked brownies)

21. I am a natural brunette

22. I don't like jewelry (I barely even wear my ring)

23. I love family time (nothing beats hanging with the fam)

24. I love to decorate

25. My favorite color is green

26. My lucky number is 5

27. Age doesn't matter to me I don't care how old I turn

28. I am a big fan of plastic surgery

29. I love vacuum lines in the carpet

30. I hate to dust!!!

31. I love the smell of Pine-Sol

Extras- I love the smell of gasoline, I love Americas Next Top Model (like you couldn't tell from the picture), I am a huge fan of reality T.V., I would love to have a mini-van, When my kids are happy and playing well there is nothing more peaceful in the world, I hate reading, I love to get a good back-scratch. There are so many things that I am thinking of but I am only 31... Maybe next year I can think of different ones.

Thanks to everyone who gave me love on my Birthday!

Valentines Day 2009

2009-02-14T22:52:00.000-08:00

We had a great day today with the family. The kids woke up to a little gift from Cupid and they enjoyed coloring all morning. I must admit however the best gift to give Jagger is a helium filled balloon, he will play for days with them. Then we had brunch at Grandmas house. Roll-ups with all the fixins' the kids love being at Grandmas because it means all the cousins and lots of play time. Afterwards Ali and Macy and Lauren and Hailey came over to play so needless to say the kids were not hurting for entertainment. Grandma then watched all the kids at night so that the adults go go out to play. However to get to the more important part of Valentines Day one must always mention their "one!" My one so happens to be a special soul. It is hard to describe someone that has been there for you through the ups and downs and the merry-go-rounds of life. I think back to when I first got married and thought "Wow, I was just a baby." I have grown so much and learned and experienced and there has been one constant through that all. My Ryan! He is thoughtful and caring and goes out of his way to express love and endearment. Regardless of where he is he makes sure that I feel special and loved. It is hard to come across these holidays because of how truly thoughtful he is. I am always thinking of something creative so that my gift stands a chance next to his. So on this day I just want to express my love for "my love" and let him know that I adore him and have grown to be only half of what he can make a whole. Thank you for all of your acceptance of me and for our beautiful children. Life can only be moving in an eternal motion and ahead I see rainbows and butterflies. Love to all on this special day!

P.S. I added some oldies but goodies of Ry-Guy and I. Plus Tanner is the BMX champ. The boy does not even try shows up for meets borrows someone elses bike and in his jeans is smoking the competition at the races! Way to go! Seriously he is a natural, first place!

Food for Thought...

2009-02-12T20:45:00.001-08:00

The time to be kind is now

The place to be kind is here

We needn't be told the way to be kind

For the way to be kind is clear

But it's good to pause and remember

In the heat of our stress and drive

The very best time to live

Is while we are still alive.

The time to be happy is now

The place to be happy is here

The way to be happy is to make others happy simple enough, I fear

But the simple things we are apt to miss

As we struggle and fret and strive

Forgetting the very best time to live

Is while we are still alive.

During this season of love I pray that we hold each other a little tighter, that we speak a little softer, that we remember that life is short and time flies by. We will look back on our lives and only certain things will matter to us. I think that everyone knows what those things are and we need to always remember how blessed we are. I am trying to be kinder, more forgiving, less quick to judge and softer around the edges. We are all a piece in the making and I only pray that someday I feel worthy to be called a timeless masterpiece!

Funny kiddos!

2009-02-04T22:26:00.000-08:00

I am sitting tonight coloring with the girls and the following conversation takes place...

NAVIE- Mom, you are a good colorer it is because you are old. All old people can color good. The older you get the better you are at coloring and since you are 40 you are almost as good as Nonna!

BLAKELY- Navie, Mom is not 40 she is 50 that is why she is getting better at staying in the lines. Once I am 50 I can stay in the lines too.

NAVIE- Well the best colorer is still Nonna, because she is the oldest!

Sorry Mom but at least they didn't guess your age. Wow, my birthday is just around the corner and my children have aged me 20 years! I need that TLC show "10 Years Younger!" Maybe they could teach me to scribble so that my children think that I am in my 20's wouldn't that be great! Or at least I could get the Botox that I have been wanting. My children have been making me laugh a lot lately. After having a fourth child and all of them barely two years apart things around here have been hectic thank heavens for laughter!!!

I wanted to post a few pictures of how weird my children sleep. Navie will NOT sleep in a bed she refuses to sleep by any windows. Therefore she sleeps on an Elmo couch on the floor and half under the bed. Blakely sleeps in the bed but will never sleep the right direction. Trust me when I tell you that you never want to share a bed with her. Not only that but she is a teeth grinder and that is one of my BIGGEST pet peeves to hear people grind their teeth. Jag won't go to bed unless he can sleep with some of his balls and his "bubble gun." It is not a bubble gun it is a Nerf dart gun (thanks again Jaimie and Jon this kid is obsessed) he will not go anywhere without it and he cannot cock it himself so I do ALL day long. Did I mention that I do that ALL day long seriously ALL day, when can they make a gun like that that a 2 year old can do himself. Plus he has not succeeded at shooting until he gets them stuck on my ceiling and I walk around with a towel jumping trying to knock them off! Boy that kid is crazy right now. Don't worry all you moms out there I do go into his room at night and remove all the "extras" from his crib! I love these kids and enjoy seeing their personalities grow and mature daily. Slow down though because time is growing fast and I am trying to soak it all in! I love you all.....

AZ Cardinals

2009-02-01T22:10:00.000-08:00

We still love them we always will. It was actually a great game and we had a great time with friends watching it! The Cards really gave it their all and we appreciate that. I hate to see losers at the end of such an important game, but someone always loses. This go around it just so happened to be us. Thanks for the great season and we look forward to many more to come!

Reality...

2009-01-23T23:08:00.000-08:00

I just realized the other day that I need to post stuff on here that my children will love to read and cherish later on. I need to get better at posting the everyday wonders. So to start tonight we had a rotisserie chicken that I grabbed the grocery store. As I was uncovering it Navie and Blake were watching every little move. Navie then turned to Blake and said "you know what this chicken is made of, pig." I had to laugh! Jag is an angel and has a great new talent of taking my hair elastics and slingshotting them into the chandeliers. He loves it but only feels successful when it gets tied up and stuck there. He thinks he is so good and waits for me to get a broom to knock it down. Blake has become the little "mother" in the house and has really surprised me. She makes all the beds in the morning and then picks up all the clothes. She is great at folding laundry and putting it away. I am in awe of how much this little 4 year can handle. To be honest the only thing that worries me about her is that she is not so good at holding babies. She likes to move them around and flop their heads back and forth and push on their legs. I have to monitor her like a hawk when she holds Greer. Bless her heart. Greer is becoming just wonderful her thrush is all gone and she has settled down dramatically. She loves to be held and always wants someone near her. I admit she must be spoiled because if you put her down and walk away she is really good at starting to cry. I love my children with all my heart and feel blessed everyday that I am around them. I am always trying to improve and be the mother that I had. I have great role models and and can only aspire to be like them. Mom thanks for all your help this past week and for straightening out my game. For a peek into Ryan, something that I love about him but that you really have to pay attention to notice is his whistling. No matter what his mood is whenever he is walking somewhere or getting something or passing by he is whistling. I don't even think that he realizes that he is doing it I'm sure by now it is purely habit. Regardless of why he does it it brightens the mood around here. To me there is something about hearing a thing as casual as whistling that makes you happy and think of children playing and innocence. I love the little things about Ryan that most don't know. He truly is one of the most sincere, thoughtful, intelligent people that I know. I am blessed to have this family and I pray daily that I don't forget that. I love my family and I want them to always remember that.

Scott Hamilton?!

2009-01-20T23:57:00.001-08:00

So for Tommy Stapleys birthday they rented out Polar Ice and had bunch of people come to play broom ball. It was a great time and we got to catch up with so many people that we hadn't seen in a long time. Thanks to the Stapleys we always have fun things to do. They invited a lot of their friends and then let everyone invite friends as well. We had no idea that someone knew the famous ice skater Scott Hamilton! We were all thrilled to see that someone famous was there. Now you might not recognize him but look hard because we know for sure this was him he was doing some triple sow cows and triple toe lutzes, it was truly amazing and then he turned int Apollo Ohno and started speed skating. This guy was truly talented!!! I feel so honored to have hung with someone so skilled...?

P.S. Does anyone think Nates helmet is, I don't know, a tad bit small?