LOVE OF 8

Sick on Valentine's Day...

2011-02-15T17:30:00.001-08:00

Poor Kenidee- she started feeling sick on Sunday. Ken and My Dad gave her a blessing that night, and I was hoping she would be better for Monday. Not so- she woke up in the night with a fever, so I knew she was staying home.... She was so upset to miss her Valentine's Party at school.

This morning, she still wasn't better. I was thinking it was the flu because she was having the same symptoms as Rylie when she was sick in December.. I called to talk to the nurse this morning and she thought it was the flu as well, but said she should be seen so they could document it... I was a little frustrated because if it was the flu, there isn't much that can be done.

I am very glad I went, because it wasn't the flu at all... Kenidee has the start of an ear infection, and the start of bronchitis! I am also glad our insurance just kicked in, and we got our cards in the mail yesterday!!

This Quote is just for ME!!

2011-02-07T16:03:00.000-08:00

"Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing is like shoveling the walk before it stops snowing" ~ Phyllis Diller

I so love this quote, and when I saw it today, it made me feel a little better! Having three little ones running around, I constantly feel like I am cleaning something up while another room gets dirty! I know it will get better as they grow older... and I am going to try to enjoy this time because I know it will be gone before I know it! My littles ( and Bigs) are growing too fast!!

I am BACK!!!

2011-02-07T13:46:00.000-08:00

Hi ! I know... it's been way too long! I am going to be better at blogging about our life, and also share great deals that I have been finding lately! I am always on the lookout for awesome finds...

~Jen

A GREAT GIVEAWAY!!

2009-08-22T07:56:00.001-07:00

No- not mine- but my friend is giving away some great stuff on her blog!! Check here:

http://4ofeight.blogspot.com/2009/08/where-water-comes-down-give-way_18.html

Good luck!! Hope you win!! (If I don't !! )

New Pictures

2009-03-26T14:12:00.000-07:00

I took Kenidee, Rylie and Braden for some new pictures last month... new but "old" at the same time!! :)

It was fun to do, and they turned out cute! I just wish there was a way to make them stop growing so quickly!! :)

Our Rylie Roo!

2009-03-26T13:51:00.000-07:00

Things have been a little hectic for me since Ken left the beginning of February For Iraq... and I have gotten behind in blogging.

So- Rylie turned three in February! The 24th to be exact. I figured I better do this now since Kenidee's birthday is tomorrow!

We ended up doing a combined birthday party for Rylie and her friend Kelsey at Kelsey's house(thanks Barb and PK!). They had a little Mermaid Party and had lots of fun. Rylie had her sights set on a Dora party so we had a Dora cake at the "family" party.

Kelsey and Rylie tired but happy after their party!

Our princess, Rylie coloring her Ariel picture at the party.

Rylie then.....

and now with Grandma's kitten Xi- Lan!( Kenidee named him after the baby panda at the Atlanta Zoo).

A Special Day

2009-03-24T18:44:00.000-07:00

Today is our 8th Wedding Anniversary. I feel so blessed to be married to such a wonderful man whom I love more every day! It is very tough though- since he is gone overseas again. We will celebrate soon when he is home in June for a break!

Thinking back to our wedding day.... or the night before. My parents flew in the night before, and that was the FIRST time they met Ken! We couldn't afford to fly out before the wedding and neither could my parents, so it just ended up that way.They had only talked on the phone, so my parents trusted that I was making the right decision! It was also the first time they met their Grandkids! Mom and Dad were both so excited- and it layed off some pressure for me- hey, I gave them grandkids right away! lol

Book Giveaway!

2009-03-16T11:28:00.000-07:00

Look here for an opportunity to win $50 of Usborne Books! I love these books and getting them for FREE is even better! :)

http://www.fabulesslyfrugal.com/2009/03/giveaway-50-worth-of-free-educational.html

BOYS = WORMS GIRLS = FLOWERS

2009-03-05T13:53:00.000-08:00

(picture courtesy of thepioneerwoman.com)

I came across this site today with directions for an adorable springtime dessert. This lady is hilarious in her instructions. If you don't laugh- there is a problem with you! (just kidding- but she is funny! )

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2008/04/springy-flower-pot-desserts-a-blast-from-my-past/

I am excited to check out the rest of her site!!

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!!

2009-03-02T14:10:00.000-08:00

Well, Kenidee's prayers finally payed off yesterday- it SNOWED!! She has been wishing and praying for snow all winter- and now that it is March we got it!! It started snowing while we were in church- and all the kids were super excited! They kept running and looking out the doors and windows every chance they got! (Ok- some of us adults were doing it too! )

Rylie didn't like holding it- as you can see by her face! (don't mind our garage doors- they are soon to be replaced! )

I love this photo of Kenidee- she looks so happy!

Unfortunately- we didn't get too much- other areas near us got more, but it was still beautiful and much enjoyed!

Blushing Buttercream Pettiskirt GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-03-02T13:25:00.000-08:00

How cute is this? My girls would both flip if I won this for them!! (so don't go and try to win yourself- ha ha! )

Blushing Buttercream Pettiskirt GIVEAWAY!!!!

Here's Rylie!

2008-12-11T12:20:00.000-08:00

Rylie has been singing alot lately- her favorites are I am a Child of God, Row, Row Row your Boat and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star! Usually she mixes them together, and it is too cute! I caught her yesterday and got her on video!

As usual- she is wearing her princess dress from her Halloween costume! If it is clean, she has it on!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

2008-11-27T16:30:00.000-08:00

I am wishing all of our family and friends a very happy and safe Thanksgiving Day!

I am so glad that Ken was here with us this year- with him being deployed twice during the holidays, and never knowing when he will be gone again, I am thankful for every holiday we get to be together!

Thanksgiving Thought #3

2008-11-27T13:32:00.000-08:00

I am thankful that Ken and I were able to take Kenidee to see Elder Holland and hear him speak at a special Stake Conference on November 9th. My mom stayed home , so she watched Rylie and Braden so we could actually listen. Kenidee was given the choice, and she was so excited to go and hear him! We sat next to our friends, Adam and Arlene Kirkpatrick. Arlene brought crafts to keep her kids busy- so Kenidee got to make the fun pipe cleaner glasses she is wearing!

It was such a spiritual meeting- all the talks were wonderful. Elder Holland spoke to the youth...and told them all to give him 10. Ten years- if they were 12, 13, 14 etc... add 10 years to that and stay true and strong to the church. Most of the most important decisions we make on life are made during that time- and if the youth stay strong, they will stay strong adults. He spoke about President Hinckley and how much he gave of himself. He was even working and conducting meetings three days before he died! Elder Holland joked that even if President Hinckley has thought about retiring to Florida, he wouldn't have known what to do with the golf club! If only we all had that determination and drive- the world would be such a better place!

Thanksgiving Thoughts #2

2008-11-26T06:36:00.000-08:00

Well- today I have to post two things I am thankful for after missing yesterday!

Today , I am thankful for.........

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser !!!! All I need to say is Rylie + Crayons + Wall = Mess! Speaking of Rylie... I have to go run after her, so I will post #3 later today!

Thanksgiving Thoughts #1

2008-11-24T18:45:00.000-08:00

On my friend Shauna's blog, she wrote something she was thankful for and asked those who read her blog to do the same all this week. So here goes... ( don't think you will get off easy, those reading this need to do the same! )

I am THANKFUL for my wonderful husband. He works so hard to provide for us, and is also such a great dad. The kids can't wait to see him when he gets home from work, and I love watching their faces when he is home on the weekends and they know that are going to have him all day! I am thankful to be his wife, and that we were married in the Temple. I look forward to growing old with him and getting to spend more time together!

I'm an Esme.. What about you?

2008-10-31T13:34:00.000-07:00

Take the Quiz and Share Your Results!

Saw this on my friend Kathy's blog... and couldn't resist taking the quiz! The movie will be here soon- only 3 weeks away!

Celebrating Will...

2008-10-31T09:47:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a special day. My nephew Will would have been two had he been allowed to stay here on earth. After picking up Kenidee and Ansley(little girl I watch) from school, we met Heather, Chris and Ben at the cemetery. The cemetery is less than a mile from my house, and it is also known as "Will's place".

Heather brought balloons, and we sent them off to William in Heaven. We sang Happy Birthday, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star (Will's song) and blew bubbles.

How grateful I am for this gospel that gives me the knowledge that Families are Forever. We have the peace and happiness that we will be with him again one day, and that Heather and Chris will have their little boy with them. They are expecting another brother for Ben and William in January (name to be announced as soon as Heather chooses!), and we are excited for his arrival. I know Will is too.

Guess who turned ONE?

2008-09-30T13:28:00.000-07:00

You guessed it! Braden! He turned one on September 21st. We had a small party that day with family and friends... He had so much fun with his cake! Thanks to my friend Kathy (a.k.a "Aunt Kappy" by my girls) for taking pictures(her blog is Serenity Shores on my list). He is my first to start walking before his birthday!

Woohoo! Way to go Braden. Can't wait to see all that you do this upcoming year.... We love you so much!

First Day Jitters....

2008-09-30T10:46:00.000-07:00

Kenidee started Pre K on August 18th (ok... I know I am behind...) , and the jitters weren't hers. They were mine! My little baby is not a little baby anymore. She was over the moon to start!

When we went to the parent orientation the week before, they asked us to drop the kids off, and not go in. SO, on the first day, as I drove up to drop her off, I saw most people bringing their kids in. I was so not prepared.. I had Rylie and Braden in the car, and didn't think it was the best idea to drag everyone, so I had her go in with the teacher's assistant. Kenidee didn't mind at all! I on the other hand felt awful- and cried all the way to my Mom's house. I did feel a little better though after the first week when we got a letter in her folder reminding Parents to use the drop off!

Kenidee did love her first day- although she had an accident during playtime outside! She got on a scooter and fell off hitting her ear on the pavement! Then coincidentally, she woke up the next morning with a fever and headache. Turned out she had a virus and missed the next two days of school! It wasn't the best way to start out the year, but Kenidee loves all the fun she is having, and mom is enjoying time with her two little ones at home!

Girls Night Out

2008-08-06T09:37:00.001-07:00

Guess where we were last Thursday night? Allright- I guess I will tell you ! We were at the George Micheal concert!

My friend Barb called me a couple of days before and said she had been given FREE tickets from her brother in law. The concert was at Phillip's Arena- and we actually had pretty good seats! We had alot of fun- and got to do ALOT of people watching! I guess it's been a while since I have been OUT! lol Thank you Barb for thinking of me!

The only frustrating thing was he started 45 minutes late! Ken found out the next day listening to the radio that he was getting a spray tan! Too funny.... Another funny thing- I saw him in concert in Florida back in 1985 when he was with WHAM! A big group of us from my Youth group from church went. The opening act was the Pointer Sisters! OK- now that I am saying how old I am , I will end this post!

Loving his big sister!

2008-08-06T09:31:00.001-07:00

Braden loved having so many hands to hold him over the summer- especially his big sister- Lexi! This was taken at Grandma's and Grandpas' house after church waiting for Sunday dinner- Yum!

It was a Sad Day....

2008-08-06T09:13:00.001-07:00

When Lexi, Derek and Mikal went back to Utah last month! We are missing them like crazy. As Kenidee and Rylie get older, it is harder for them to see them go too! Braden absoulutely loved having them here to hold him, feed him and play. Here is one last picture before we left for the airport. Ken hated to have to work that day- but felt he had taken off too much time while they were here. I love you Ken for working so hard for our family!

Fun times At the pool!

2008-08-05T15:10:00.000-07:00

During the summer, Grandma took the kids to her friend Joyce's pool. She has one in her subdivion- wish we did! The kids had fun getting to spend time with Grandma, and I got a little break just having Braden at home! Thanks grandma!
The first time Grandma took them, Kenidee only stayed in the kiddie pool, but by the last time, she was coming in the regular pool.

I don't know why this picture went small! Can you see Derek wore his sun glasses all the time?

I did go and take Braden for his first time in the pool. He loved it! In the kiddie pool he could actually stand up and walk around! (Joyce's grandaughter Ansley is in the background)

Fall will be here soon, even though it is hard to think that considering how HOT it has been! I know the kids are going to miss the pool!

June 08- At the Park with the kids!

2008-08-05T07:23:00.000-07:00

Ok- it's been a while since my last post! Sorry!! I am trying to get caught up from the summer. In mid June, before Lexi came out, we took the kids to the park for a picnic. Braden stayed with Grandma, so we could play more with the older kids. Trying to get everyone to smile at the same time is incredibly tough! I don't think Derek likes being surrounded by so many girls!

Derek got pretty hot and sweaty after pushing everyone! They were glad to have him do it!

They all had fun feeding the ducks, turtle and fishes... Rylie got a huge kick out of it!

The park we went to is in the town next to us named Hiram, and is a pretty new park. It has a beautiful pond, and a fun play area. Our picnic was fun- even though Kenidee hated the flies!

Braden is 10 months old today!

2008-07-21T19:39:00.000-07:00

Wow! Time flies! Can't believe he is going to be a year old soon! He is such a sweet baby- and so happy. We are so glad to have him in our family.

Our trip to the Mall

2008-07-21T14:58:00.000-07:00

I hardly EVER get to the mall anymore! But- Friday was an exception! Mikal had a turtle whose name is"Turt"(from the Build a Bear Workshop), and she had a Pawsport that just had to be stamped! So, off we went to the Arbor Place Mall. We went straight to the Build a Bear store, which now Kenidee and Rylie know about! Turt's pawsport was stamped, and we, no I tried to get out of there quickly! Then it was off to the play area in the food court. The girls all had a blast running around and playing for a while, and it was tons cooler that going to a park right now! After playing for a while, it was off to the Dollar Store because Mikal had money burning a hole in her pocket!! She bought some snacks to take on the plane, and a few other goodies. Kenidee and Rylie were excited to pick out one thing each-Kenidee picked a dinosaur, and Rylie chose a stuffed monkey. It was a fun but busy day- when we got back, it was off to eat for Derek's birthday!

Happy 12th Birthday Derek!

2008-07-21T14:13:00.000-07:00

Derek turns 12 today- and we are so proud of him! We celebrated on Friday because the kids flew back to Utah on Saturday. We all went to Stevie B's for dinner, and then had Ice Cream cake and presents at Grandma and Grandpa's!The first pic is Derek and Rylie when he was starting to open presents, and the other pic is from last week when leaving Church! We miss you Derek!

(still getting used to posting pics! )

Jumping on the BLOG wagon

2008-07-15T09:59:00.000-07:00

Wow- our first blog post! I have been wanting to do this for a long time, and am excited that I am finally getting this going! Please be patient - I am definitely a beginner! This will be a learn as we go experience!

We have had a fun and crazy summer....Derek and Mikal came out from Utah the beginning of June, and Lexi got here on June 30th. They go back on the 19th and we are not wanting to let them go! We love it when we can all be together as a family and the time just flies by! I will post pictures really soon....