ABC... 123

Bringing Home My Baby...

2011-12-23T11:59:00.005-07:00

Right when I woke up this morning I immediately thought about what happened today 7 years ago. I was finally able to bring my sweet baby home. It was such a happy day.

Blake is such a light in my life. For many years I have thought that he was wise beyond his years or I would say he has "an old soul." I was reading in the B of M and this described Blake perfectly, he has a "sober mind." Blake is such a good boy. He knows what is right and he is not afraid to share what he believes with anyone. I really admire him. Heavenly Father knew I needed my sweet kids. I love them to pieces.

Blake getting ready to open his present.

I absolutely love his face. Pure Excitement.

Blake has wanted a remote control helicopter for a LONG time.

I have to share the story of finding this helicopter. Remote control helicopters tend to be really pricey. I was so bummed to see how expensive they were. Since my finances right now are extremely tight I thought there was no way I could get this for Blake. I said many prayers asking Heavenly Father that if it was His will I could find a helicopter for Blake that I could afford. I was at TJ Maxx and saw a few helicopters there. The price was still $60-80. Barf. I then proceeded to the checkout and had decided to get Blake something else. Out of the corner of my eye I see the side of a box shoved in with some random things. Lo, and behold, it was a remote control helicopter at a price I could afford. Coincidence? No. MIRACLE!! I was so grateful and said many thank you prayers. The Lord is mindful of everything. I am so glad Blake liked it so much. It was an absolute tender mercy.

Happy Birthday Blake I sure do love you!!!

So Random

2011-12-08T11:04:00.007-07:00

A fun FHE activity with Mater!

Both Blake and Ashley were a little weirded out by it.

My kids have this new thing they call "Hot Chocolate Dances." Before bed they have hot chocolate and dance with each other. They really do love each other, even though half the time Ashley is trying to beat Blake up. Ashley puts up her fists and says to Blake, "you want a piece of this?" The funny thing is, she is dead serious.

A little nerf battle before bed.

These next pictures were taken by Ashley. Blake and Ashley decorated the tree all by themselves they just told me where the higher ornaments should go. They did a great job.

I think Blake is kissing his muscles. I have no idea. :)

After his hot chocolate, I think Blake is about to start break dancing. This boy has some pretty sweet dance moves, it is a riot to watch. For the family talent show we are doing a dance to "Dynamite," with Blake break dancing and Ashley said she and I have to do the "Sprinkler." She is so funny.

Blake has been home most of the week with a terrible head cold. Poor guy. The nice thing is I haven't been called into work that much this week. It has been so nice to have more time with my kids. Time goes by way too fast.

Funny Ashes

2011-11-23T09:30:00.005-07:00

First thing in the morning yesterday Ashley wanted me to play big Legos with her. She then had the idea to have her animals eat together. She brought Blake's crocodile over and very politely said to her animals, "Don't worry guys, he is a friendly vegetarian." She is so funny!

Same, Same

2011-11-15T19:33:00.003-07:00

This picture was taken when my Nanny (Dad's Mom) was 30 years old, she had been divorced for two years. My Dad is the one on the left. I will be 30 in May and I have been divorced for two years. I really hope I can raise my kids as well as she raised her boys. She has been my shining example through all that I have gone through. It is nice to know that I have a Grandma that has experienced and felt the same things I have. I have felt her helping me so much from the other side. Thanks Nanny, I love you!

Halloween 2011

2011-11-01T18:58:00.002-06:00

Batman and BYU cheerleader.

Ashley wanting to "just go" and not take pictures.

Excited Batman.

Ashley was Tinkerbell for school.

Life has been crazy lately. I don't even know if anyone still reads my blog. For posterities sake I thought I should update the blog book.

My Cute Kids

2011-11-01T18:38:00.005-06:00

Blake did this face all on his own. Blake getting ready to go to his Western Singing Concert. It was really cute. I, of course, forgot my camera.

Ashley saw this shirt hanging up at Target and said to me. "Mom, that shirt is so blingin'!" I had no idea she even knew that word. She loves anything that sparkles.

Love this picture.

Spider Guys

2011-11-01T18:33:00.003-06:00

They love to play Spiderman together.

Both of my Babies are in School

2011-11-01T18:15:00.004-06:00

August 23rd, 2011 Blake starts first grade. He was up before me and fully dressed, he just needed my help cutting the tag off of his new Green Lantern shirt. I think he may have been more excited to finally wear the shirt than school.

September 7th, my baby starts preschool. I did better than I thought I would. I did get a little teary eyed seeing her walk in and I walked back to the car alone for the first time without a child still at home.

Love her poses.

Then she was sick of pictures.

Summer 2011

2011-11-01T16:47:00.003-06:00

This was a daily scene at our house this summer. We spent so much of the summer in our bathing suits at the pool or on the lake.

Cassi water skiing.

Cassi again.

Poor Sicliy broke her arm. BAD. I was there when it happened. Her arm looked like an S. It was so terrible.

The summer of the broken arms. I broke my arm, Jace broke his arm twice just weeks apart. My Mom broke her arm and Sicliy broke her arm for the 2nd time. We are a site.

My "transformer arm." I got the funniest reactions when I wore it out and about. Little boys always thought it was "cool," and some others thought it was gross and darn right scary. :)

This is Blake the Power Ranger. This was my nephew Jordan's (who is now 17) costume when Power Rangers were big. Blake thought it was so awesome, even if it was really small on him.

This is what I found when I went into the bathroom. Ashley doing her makeup.

Grandma Lowry

2011-06-26T14:26:00.012-06:00

My Grandma and Grandpa on their wedding day June 3oth, 1949. Such a cute couple. My sweet Grandma died June 12th, 2011. It was so nice to be able to go up to Canada for her funeral and see family that I hadn't seen in a really long time.

I was able to have some really good talks with my Grandpa while going through some of my Grandma's photo albums. My Grandpa told me how they met and that he first noticed her at a dance. My Grandma had black hair and blue eyes. My Grandpa's words were, "she was stunning, and so light on her feet while she danced." My Grandpa asked if he could walk her home, while they were walking out of the building, my Grandma said to my Grandpa, "I am going to California to marry a millionaire." My Grandpa replied, "I have a dollar in my pocket." My Grandma said, "That will do!" and squeezed my Grandpa's arm. My Grandpa said after she did that he knew he had a chance. They dated for a year. My Grandpa would hitch hike every weekend to go see my Grandma.

My Grandpa said that when he first met my Grandma's parents, my Great Grandparents, my Grandma Passey said to my Grandma, "oh, I could go to the end of the world with him." So funny.

My Grandma died 2.5 weeks shy of their 62nd wedding anniversary.

The day of the funeral, right before the viewing, I had the wonderful opportunity to talk with my Grandpa for 10 minutes, just he and I, sitting right beside my Grandma's casket. The things that we talked about and the advice my Grandpa gave me I will forever cherish. My Grandpa was so cute, even though I am 29 years old he still offered his knee for me to sit on like I did when I was little. I sat on a chair right beside him this time. :)

My brother and cousins.

My Grandpa right before he dedicated my Grandma's grave. My Grandpa has taken care of the Taylorville Cemetary for the past 30 years. He made sure everything was as perfect as possible to have my Grandma buried there.

My Great Grandma and Grandpa Lowry are buried right by my Grandma.
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My Grandparents head stone.

At the graveside with my flower from the casket spread that my cousin Shaula had made.

Patti and I enjoying some yummy Canadian Ginger Beef.

Baby Henry and I. Every time I see him he reminds me of Blake when he was little.

We took the RV (Harvey) up to Canada. My Dad driving with his RV hat on. My Dad has a different hat for every vehicle he drives. So cute.

Jeannie, Honey and Sicily.

Mom and Patti. My Mom is amazing, we left for Canada 2 days after she had surgery on her arm.

Some sweet Phase 10 action going on. Can you see Jeannie and Honey in the mirror?

Driving in the RV made the trip up to Canada seem really short. It was really fun.

Honey and I with major wind blown hair after we had to run up the I-15. The wind was so bad in Montana that it had ripped part of the awning off the side of the RV. We had to run up the I-15 to make sure no cars were coming so my Dad could turn the RV around. Gratefully, a nice man stopped and helped us get the awning off.

Half way there!

I had to take a picture of Jeannie making a sandwich in the RV. For years the smell of sandwiches in the car has made her feel sick. Right after I took the pic and she gave my Dad the sandwich she felt so sick. Bummer. I gave her one of my motion sickness pills.

I am so glad to report that all the way there and back, I didn't get motion sick once! Woo Hoo!

May Happenings

2011-06-26T13:58:00.005-06:00

Blake and Ashley wanted to wear costumes to the mall. I told them they couldn't, but then Micki said if they get to wear costumes she would too, hopefully hindering them to want to wear costumes to the mall. She is hiliarious!

Ashley's face when Micki said she was going like that. :)

Blake and his new smile.

On May 23rd, I was surprised with the sweetest surprise birthday party at work, put on by the 6th graders in McKay Perkins class. It was so cute. They went all out. They gave me this banner, a JB poster, and chocolates. They had even decorated the windows in the classroom. It was so cute and totally caught me off guard. It made my day. I wish I would have had my camera.

Me and my new Biebs poster.

My kids are getting so big so fast.

We love oreos at our house. This is what happens when Ashley gets the Oreos. She just likes the middles.

According to Blake this is what "put your laundry away" means. :)

Just Call Me Grace...

2011-06-26T13:18:00.005-06:00

Back in April I broke my arm roller skating for the first and last time. I had never roller skated before in my life (obviously :)). It was for Blake's school skate night. I also worked at the school. I was having fun going around and around, then one of the boys said, "Miss Allen, I think you should get off for black out because this is your first time roller skating." I really wish I would have listened to him.

I told my sister Patti, who was with Ashley, that I was just going to go around the rink one more time. I started going and all of the sudden lost my balance and fell backwards with my arm outstretched. Holy Cow!! I heard my arm snap and that is when I felt like I was going to pass out. I managed to get up and got over to Patti. All I remember saying was, "I think I broke my arm." She said I looked green. I don't remember much after that. It hurt worse than having a baby. I was in labor with Blake for 16 hours pre-epidural. Come to find out I had a radial head fracture (elbow) because I had hyper extended my elbow.

I was in a cast for 2 weeks and then in a brace for another 2 weeks. I went one week with out running and I couldn't handle not running so I ran several weeks with a broken arm. My doctor just told me, "you can run, but if you fall you will break that arm again." Well, I did fine until June 6th. I fell. Hard. On cement. I rolled my ankle on a rock, right in front of a huge family gardening in their front yard! I am sure it looked hilarious. My pride was definitely hurt more than I was. While I was going down I just thought about my arm. I rolled to my left side and took it in the face, knee and ankle. Gratefullymy arm was just fine. I am sure that big family had a good laugh after I turned the corner. :)
4 days after the fall.

4 days after. My ankle was swollen FOREVER. My knee looked nasty so I didn't take a pic of it.

I start physical therapy on my elbow on Tuesday.

Biggest Blessing

2011-04-13T22:33:00.006-06:00

7 years ago today I found out I was going to be a Mom for the first time. I was so excited and terrified at the same time. I had just finished my last class at BYU earlier that day. I felt "funny" and was wondering why I started to cry while I walked away from taking my last final. That night it was confirmed why I was so emotional. Blake and Ashley have been gone since last Friday and I miss them terribly. It is fun to go out, spend time with friends, and get stuff done while they are gone, but nothing compares to being with my kids. They are the best part of my life. When they are home I crave a clean house, but when they are gone and the house is spotless, I crave kid messes. Even though it has been hard being a single parent, the blessings out weigh all the frustrations. My kids have taught me so much. I love their unconditional love and their unwavering faith. Heavenly Father knew I needed them. They are my biggest blessing.

Blake Makes His Debut and Going a Hundred Miles An Hour..

2011-03-17T20:30:00.007-06:00

A few weeks ago, Blake played with my Dad's band for the first time. He was so happy. He played again tonight with them. He now says he is an "official" member and asked my Dad how long this band will last. :)

Lisa is the best violin/fiddle player ever and has a great voice.

My sister Micki has the prettiest alto voice and she can harmonize with anyone. I am just a band groupie.

My Dad getting down with the music. He has played in bands since he was 16. I was Blake's age when my sisters and I sang with my Dad's band at the Calgary Stampede in Canada.

Blake did so well. My little lefty.

Random pictures. This is the cute invitation that Ashley and I got for a Valentine's Party. The party was so cute.

My sweet former Activity day girls heart attacked my back door and gave me the BEST sugar cookies.

Blake found this old picture on a piece of paper. When I saw it, it made me get teary eyed. I wish my kids were still little like this. Ashley had the mushiest baby cheeks that I loved to kiss and make her laugh. Time goes by so stinkin fast.

Ashley sacked out on the floor. She rarely does this, but always falls asleep in the car and now tells me if we are going anywhere longer than a 5 minute ride, "wake me up when we get there."

I got a job a week ago. It was a tender mercy right when I needed it. I have the best Mom in the world who watches my kids for me. She is the best! I have really enjoyed working with the great kids that I aide. I feel like I am going a 100 miles an hour though. There aren't enough hours in a day to do everything.

I told Blake I had a job interview so he set up a play office in the playroom and called me in for a "Blake Interview." The first question he asked me was, "What is the worst thing you have ever done in your life?" :)

There's A Big Beautiful World Out There!

2011-03-03T14:53:00.004-07:00

By: Nancy Carlson

There's a lot to be scared of, that's for sure!
There's that mean looking dog, and booming thunderstorms.
There are rollar coasters, and scary stories in the news.
There's a lot to be scared of, like getting up in front of a whole bunch of people, and spiders and other creepy crawly things.
There are clowns, and spooky shadows in your room, and people who look different from you.
All this scary stuff can make you want to hide under your covers and never come out.

But after a while, hiding under your covers can get pretty boring.

Maybe that scary dog only looks mean.
If you hide under your covers, you won't see the rainbow after the storm, and you might never enjoy the thrill of the roller coaster ride.
If you hide under your covers, you'll miss your mother saying everything is going to be all right, and you might never know how great you sound singing a solo.
If you hide under your covers, you might not see all the interesting things in your own backyard.
You'll miss laughing out loud, and you won't see the stars come out.
And just think of all the new friends you'll never meet.

There's a lot to be scared of, but there's even more to look forward too... so throw off those covers! There's a big, beautiful world out there waiting just for you!

This Book was written on September 12th, 2001.

I thought this book that we got from the library was so cute. I wanted to put this in for Blake and Ashley's blog book.

Mommy is so proud of you both for always standing up for what is right and not being afraid. Mommy loves you Blake and Ashley!

Happy, Happy Birthday My Baby Girl!

2011-02-25T13:24:00.006-07:00

I can't believe my baby will be 4 tomorrow. This is a picture I took of Ashley and I when she was a week old. I am doing this post today because she will be with her Dad tomorrow for her actual birthday and my feelings are way to tender to do it tomorrow. I am so happy that she is four, but it is also very emotional that my BABY is 4.

I still remember how my eyes stung when Dr. Reese turned on those huge lights when it was time to deliver. I had been up ALL night in labor for 19 hours. I remember saying, "Ka-chow," I was so tired. :) When Ashley was about to come out she gave me the hardest kick ever. Then and there I knew she was going to be feisty, and she sure is.

It was so nice to be able to hold her right after delivery and she didn't have to go to the NICU like Blake, and she nursed right away. The doctor said that he had never delivered a baby with a grumbling tummy, she was starving. My water had broke right when I was getting up to go have lunch, that was 12:20pm, she was born at 7:46am, we were both starving.

Ashley is so much fun. She can be very girly and then all the sudden play super hero and swords with Blake. She is also the first one to start throwing her fists at Blake. She can definitely hold her own. Ashley loves to sing and dance. Two weeks ago we were at Macey's getting groceries and Ashley was belting out, "It's a quarter after one, I'm all alone, and I need you now." I got several comments and smiles. The young BYU kids thought it was great she knew that song.

Just last night Ashley was having a hard time falling asleep so she wanted me to crawl in bed with her. Her bed is her crib turned into a toddler bed. I was so happy it didn't break, so I could draw circles around her eyes. I have never laid so still in my whole life. I was waiting to hear some cracks or something. :)

We love our Ashes! Blake and I would be so sad of we didn't have her. We love you baby girl!

Funnies

2011-01-22T15:24:00.003-07:00

I was just going through some papers and found a list of funny things Ashley and Blake have said in the last few months.

While Ashley was doing Jillian Michaels with me, she looked up at me trying to pick up a weight. "Oh Mom, looks like my weight is stuck to the floor."
Blake after watching Sound of Music, "they should call that The Neverending Sound of Music."
Ashley had been asking me to come help her in the bathroom a lot. I said, "Ashley you are almost 4 years old, you need to be doing this all by yourself. She replies, " I go potty all the time by myself when I am in the bathtub." Gross!
Blake, "Man ,that Justin Bieber sure sounds like a girl."
Blake, "Mom, your teeth are as white as white paper with no scribbles on it." Thanks Blake. :)
At 4am one morning this week I could here little feet coming into my room. I heard the click of the remote for the TV in my room, next thing I knew Ashley crawled into bed with me and asks, "Hey Mom, do you need a steam mop?" Dang Infomercials.

December to Remember

2011-01-06T16:46:00.007-07:00

Ashley and her crazy hair! My mom put a cup in her hair to make it stand up. Hiliarious!!

Blake turned 6 on Dec.17th, the night before his birthday we went to Pirate Island to celebrate.

The bday boy!

This picture makes me laugh. Classic Ash.

Okay, this is what happens when I tried to take a pic of all three of us. I had no idea it was zoomed in all the way. :) Our first ever attempt at karaoke at Pirate Island.

Blake "opening up" his bday present. Does a target bag count?

Playing with his new criss cross crash.

The cars go so fast on this thing, it is pretty awesome!

Blake and Ashley were with Eric Christmas Eve and morning, they came back at 1pm and we opened presents. They are so sweet they wanted me to open the present they got me first.

Opening presents

pillow pets

Ashley really wanted a walking kitty. She was sure excited!

Merry Christmas to me! I got a new car. My cousin Jim totally hooked me up with a 2009 Honda CR-V that only has 6,000 miles on it. I absolutely love it!! It is the best! It drives so well, and has so many fun features. I am so grateful.

Ode to my Camry...

2010-12-20T09:49:00.004-07:00

Definitely not the best morning to take a picture!

Tomorrow my awesome parents are flying down to Phoenix to get my new car. I am so excited, and so grateful that they are doing this for me. Before I get my new car I thought I would pay tribute to my Camry. Here are some of my memories of this awesome car:

I got my drivers license in this car
I drove to all three of my graduations in this car (high school, Ricks and BYU)
I drove up to Ricks my freshman year in this car with my parents. One of the tires blew on the freeway, I was sure we were going to die :)
I drove to get married in this car, and we paid my parents a dollar for the car so my parents could say they "sold" it to us. So nice of them.
We got new tires on the car and not a week later two got slashed. I cried.
Drove to the hospital in the middle of night in labor
Brought Blake home from the hospital after 6 days in the NICU
Drove to all my doctors appointments for my kids
When I was 8 months pregnant with Blake I managed to lock BOTH sets of keys in the car. in the middle of no where, near Moab. That was interesting.
Drove to law school in this car
Drove back from law school completely heart broken. My Dad and I had drove down to Vegas to pack up the kids and my stuff. I was the only one in the car following my Dad in the Uhaul. I bawled the whole way back. I remember just barely being able to see the red lights of the Uhaul. My radio in the car doesn't work, but while I was trying to get it to work the only song I heard was Taylor Swift's "White Horse." So grateful, the Lord has healed my heart. I never want to feel that kind of heartache again.
Drove to get divorced in the car
Drove Blake to his first days of preschool and kindergarten

My kids and I have had great memories in this car. This car has been so good to me. It has 231,000 miles on it. It drinks oil like a champ, going through one of those 5 quart jugs in a month. I am grateful it has held up for this long and has not given me any major problems. I hope my CR-V will hold up for 17 years like this Camry did. :)

Happy 6th Birthday Blake

2010-12-17T08:44:00.006-07:00

Blake is 6 today! Yeah! He is very happily playing on the floor with his new Hot Wheels Criss Cross Crash.

It was 6 years ago today that I became a Mom for the very first time. After a 21 hour labor, I just got to give Blake a quick kiss and he was wisked off to the NICU. Finally, after two hours I was wheeled down to the NICU to see Blake. When we entered the NICU there was this woman who met us at the door, and very excitedly asked, "Is Blake your baby?" "Yes," I replied. "He is so cute, and he even has dimples." she said. Come to find out she was the new mother of the other baby in the NICU who was being adopted. Blake and Hayson were the only two babies in the NICU at the time.

As I was wheeled to Blake's bedside he was sleeping under a oxygen bubble thing and seemed so peaceful. I started talking to him, and his eyes started to flutter open and he was leaning to the side where he could hear my voice. What the doctor said next I will never forget. "He knows your voice, he is looking for his Mom." Those words pierced my heart. I know newborn babies can't see very well, but as Blake opened his eyes and my eyes met his, it was like he was saying I am yours, and you are mine. It was so touching. I just stroked his little hand. Well, they weren't that little. One of the doctors said while looking at Blake, "look at those paws on that boy, he is going to be a ball player."

I am so grateful Heavenly Father sent Blake to our family. He is such a joy. He is such a good boy and he is wise beyond his years.

We love you Blakey Baby!

Catching Up

2010-12-14T09:09:00.009-07:00

Blake and Ashley having fun with the Halloween costumes Grandma got at the after Halloween sale.

Ashley loves sunglasses.

This wig is the same color of Ashley's hair and I wanted to see what Blake would look like with it on. :)

I laughed and laughed. :)

The kids making "barf." A mixture of yogurt, grapes, some kind of seeds and other nasty things. Ashley said, " Mom, do you want to try some of our barf?" Yeah, no thanks.

Ashley got her first hair cut. It was a TINY trim.

Last month I came home and found Gilbert like this. I bawled. We had had him for 16 months. I took a picture because my kids were with Eric. I ended up just leaving Gil in the bowl until they got home (only a day later). I cried again when we flushed him. My kids were sad, but I definitely cried the most.

Blake wrote me a cute note. "I love Mom."

Ashley got into some old makeup. Do you see it even in her teeth? :)

Blake, Ashley, Lucy and Clay. Ready for church. They came out for Thanksgiving and "Thismas." Christmas at Thanksgiving. The exteneded family gift exchange. I couldn't find my camera that day, but found it the very next day. I hate that when that happens.

Ashley and my sweet white elephant gift I got from Mindy. Now Uncle Spencer says I have no excuse not to run in the rain. Hahaha.

Cute, cute baby Henry. He looked so much like Blake did when he was little, I had to take a picture.

My little buddy.

Lucy and Henry.

Ashley wanted her pic taken too.

She pulls the funniest faces.

Blake opening up an early birthday present from G&G Livingstone. They may be still in Canada on his birthday.

He was so excited to get a Woody doll with a string. Thanks G&G!

Grandma is so nice and let Ashley open one of her birthday presents early.

The puffy skirt Ashley wanted!! Thank you G& G!

Jessica and I at Cyndi's. Cyndi is the hostess with the mostest. She did not want me to take her pic. Cyndi you always look great!!

Getting ready to decorate cookies.

One cookie decorated. Ashley has not been letting me do her hair lately. Its driving me nuts. She swirls her finger around her hair and makes serious snarlies. And she wonders why it hurts so bad when I brush her hair?

All kiddos busy at work.

Mindy Gledhill - Hourglass

2010-12-12T21:51:00.001-07:00

I went to a Mindy Gledhill concert this past summer and loved it. I love this song. With my baby boy turning six this week, I really want time to slow down. I love love love my sweet kids.

Denver and the Soup and Scoop

2010-11-02T09:24:00.007-06:00

This is my nephew Henry. I hope it's okay that I took this from your blog Hon. I just want to eat him up. Last weekend we went to Denver for Clay's baptism and Henry's baby blessing. He is such a snuggly baby. He has a very "familiar" look to me. He kind of looks like my kids did when they were babies. Henry is a big boy. He is 3 months old, but he looks at least 6. He is so cute. While we were out there I got him to do a belly laugh. It was so cute and he was cooing a lot. I loved holding him and having him snuggle me with his cute little baby head. Can you tell I am a bit baby hungry?

Blake lost his second tooth while we were in Denver. Thanks Honey for encouraging him to pull it out.

Blake, Henry and I.

The kids with their faces painted. I LOVE Kaycee's expression. Those are play earrings Ashley has on. :)

My pretty girl.

Ashley coloring her pumpkin at the soup and scoop.

Getting the guts out.

Jeannie don't kill me! This is my oldest sister Jeannie. She can still fit in her 9th grade graduation dress after 6 kids. That is AWESOME!!!

Ashley posing for some pics. Ashley told Uncle Spencer that she wanted a mustache so he gave her one!!

Blake and I carving his pumpkin. I was so dead tired, we had gotten in from denver at 12:30am the night before.

Ashley and my niece Cassy with her Lady Gaga wig and glasses on.

Two Gagas.

Ashley's pumpkin on the right. Grandpa Allen grew Blake and Ashley's pumpkins in his garden.

All done! Thanks Micki for the pictures.

Now I am all caught up on my blog. While I was typing this Blake and Ashley are sitting on the floor of the living room sorting halloween candy. Ashley said, "Wow Blake that candy (bottleheads) looks like medicine." Blake replied, "Ashley we never take medicine unless we need it, if you do, that is called doing drugs. Miss Hansen taught us that." My kids make me laugh every single day!!

Halloween, Block Tutorial and Random Stuff

2010-11-01T08:09:00.004-06:00

Optimus Prime and Tinkerbell. I was so glad the rain let up so we could go trick or treating. The kids and I were in the car during the day and it was just raining and raining. Blake asked if the rain would stop before trick or treating and I said I hope so, and then Blake said if not we might not be able to trick or treat. After hearing that Ashley put her fist in the air and looked out the window of the car and said, " Curse you rain!!" It was hiliarious!

Ashley tired of taking pics, so she is pulling faces. :)

Blake before school with his face painted, masks weren't allowed. I am grateful my mom is such a good face painter. Ashley with a puppy face.

BLOCK TUTORIAL:

I have had lots of people ask me how to make the vinyl blocks and they are super easy. Buy a 8 foot 2x4 at a hardware store. I got mine for free thanks to my parents shed. I made the "Give Thanks" and "Believe" from 8 feet of wood. Next you cut them into segments. The first block is 8", second 6", third 5", fourth 6", fifth 8", sixth 7". For the "e" for the end of believe that was 5".

Next you sand and paint the blocks, leaving one side not painted where the craft paper will go. Leave them to dry on the non painted side (obviously :)). Next, once they are dry, trace your block on the chosen craft papers. Hobby Lobby has really cute paper that is usually40% off. Helpful Hint: trace the block on the back of the printed paper that way you don't have to erase lines. Once the paper is traced and cut, glue it on the block with a glue stick make sure the sides are well glued. I then sanded my edges, this is optional. My mom has a great vinyl letter machine that made the letters. The font is Font Sparkly. Then for the "believe" I used a sparkly glue, you can use sparkly modge podge. For the "give thanks" I used matte modge podge. These are super easy. I am telling you, if I can do it, anyone can.

Ashley is now in a booster seat with a back. This is her old car seat. When I made the change I almost cried. Good thing my sister Micki was there or I would have. My kids are growing up way too fast.

Ashley didn't want to brush her teeth one night so she hid under her bed. This is what she looked like when I found her. I just put the camera below her bed and pressed the button. I love this picture!

Reverse Trick or Treating. The YM and YW of our ward are awsome. Matt (far left) even took my garbage out for me. Such a nice kid!

Blake's pumpkin. A spider. Ashley's pumpkin is on my sisters camera.

I was going through pictures and found this one that I had missed. The kids and I on Blake's first day of kindergarten.

This is Shirley. I forgot to mention that we had Shirley for a week and then she ran home. (I hope.) She was in heat so who knows where she went. :)

The kids feeding her cheetos. We miss her.

Being Crafty

2010-10-30T08:51:00.003-06:00

I made this "Spooky" at my friend Heather's house and was so amazed at how easy it was, so I made one for Thanksgiving and Christmas the other day.

Sweet Deals, Potty Mouth, BBall and More...

2010-10-27T17:45:00.006-06:00

First off, excuse the mess in my entry way. It snowed this morning so we had to bust out the snow gear. Ashley took this picture of me. It is to show my $34 dollar top to bottom outfit. Everything you see that I am wearing including the boots and necklace came to a grand total of $34! Such awesome deals thanks to my sister while we were in Denver. Her goodwill there rocks! I got the sweater and jeans there.

Ashley was taking my picture and she said she couldn't do it, so I was walking forward while she took this pic. and out of frustration she says really loud, "D@#n it!" My first reaction was to laugh, then I realized she got this from me. I say that bad word when I am frustrated with the kids. Like the time Ashley poured apple juice in Blake's new shoes, or when they haven't been listening or if they have been non stop fighting. When Mom says the "d" word they know I mean business! After Ashley said that Blake came in from the other room and said, "I heard Ashley say a very bad word!" I need to not say that word anymore, even though it was really funny.

Blake and Ashley at G&G Allen's. They really do love each other.

Ashley and my boots. She loves them. I got them for $7 dollars last winter at Target.

Chico and (my hand) . Chico thinks he lives here.

Blake "calming down "Gilbert after we cleaned his bowl. We have had Gil for almost 16 months. I can't believe he has lived this long. He loves to follow us in his bowl around the kitchen. I have only seen him puff up once.(He is a betta) That was right before he killed Gary the snail we put in there to help keep his bowl clean. The pet store said that snails were great companions for bettas. Well, not for our Gilbert. He likes riding solo! :)

Blake at his bball camp. He has done so well.

My camera absolutely stinks. Here is Blake practicing passing with one of the coaches.

I came back from a run and my kids were sharing the tricycle. It looked so cute.

Last week we went with my good friend to Cornbellys. It was so fun. Here are Blake and Ethan on the bouncy things.

On the fun cow tractor ride.

Blake on the big bikes. They are like big trikes. Ashley and I went on the adult ones and a guy had to give us a running push because me legs were almost too short for the pedals. It was hysterical!

Blake and Ethan on the train ride.

Ashley and Camden. They are such cute little blondies.

In the fire truck.

Ashley and I in the Princess carriage.

My little princess. They have dresses for the girls to wear for these pictures. Such a cute idea.

Blake had his last day of camp today and they had a bball game. Blake scored two baskets. It was awesome. There is only one girl in the whole camp and look how close she stands to my son! So cute!

Blake getting his prize for finishing the camp.

This past weekend we were in Denver. It was a very fun time. More pics to come!

My Blakey Baby

2010-10-08T14:33:00.003-06:00

On Wednesday Blake started his month long basketball camp called, "Little Hoopsters." He loves it. When we got there Blake told them his name, they gave him a ball, and he made a basket first try! Yeah! It is so fun to watch him.

Blake loves to climb things. It is in his blood. I hope we don't have to go to the ER anytime soon.

Yesterday Blake lost his first tooth. It was quite the event. His tooth had been super loose for a while. His gums right below the tooth were starting to look red and inflamed. My mom tied a string around the tooth, but that caused it to bleed quite a bit. Blake opened his mouth to have me take the string off, but all I could see was blood all below his teeth and oozing onto his lip. Blood makes me feel so sick and light headed. Blake and I went upstairs for my mom to take it off and pop! it came out. At that point, Blake was hysterical. Screaming and crying, Ashley was jumping up and down so excited and I was sitting on the stairs feeling kind of light headed. I wish I would have gotten it on video, it was hilarious.

Blake woke me up at 2am this morning so excited to see what the tooth fairy brought him. He knows it is me. Before bed he said, "Mom since the tooth fairy is you, can I get 5 dollars instead of 1?" Yeah right.

Comings and Goings....

2010-09-30T16:45:00.005-06:00

Blake being a leopard. He was hiliarious!

Ashley and her sassy poses.

We have been going to the park ALOT to feed the ducks. This certain duck sure thought Ashley was great.

Blake's new trick. He walks in his sleep. I was still up talking to a friend on the phone and he walks in and does this. Um, okay.

While at the park we were turning a corner and heard this hissing sound. Of course, my first thought was SNAKE!! It was this very protective mother. We stayed clear of her.

Blake LOVES to feed the mice around the pond. I thought it was gross at first, but they are so small and cute.

We hiked the Y a few weeks ago. It was the kids and I first time. They did great.

Us sitting on the Y. It was a much easier hike than I anticipated. The kids did great. Near the top Blake said, " Boy, my body sure doesn't move as fast as it use to." He is so funny.

The view from the top.

Random Picture. Ashley woke up one night and wanted chocolate milk. I woke up the next morning to find evidence of how tired I was in the middle of the night. :) Oh boy!

New hair color! Blake's school had a carnival and the kids got their hair dyed.

Blake's new do.

Ashley loving her, what she called, "Hannah Montana Hair."

The high school girls at the booth got such a kick out of Ashley's white hair turned pink that they took a picture. They said Ashley was their favorite of the night. Luckily, Blake's hair washed right out. Ashley almost a week and 4 washes later still has little remnants of pink in her hair!

Lo and behold, Blake did catch a mouse from the park in his water bottle. I was so shocked. We brought it home to show G&G and then let it go back at the park. Sorry the pics are so fuzzy.

"It goes by fast...."

2010-09-12T13:07:00.009-06:00

Last Sunday during Sacrament Meeting I was at my whits end. I had just finished taking the kids out of the chapel, put them in chairs in a classroom, and told them that they can't fight and talk so loud in church. They both sat there and agreed to be quiet. We then entered the chapel again and sat down. Not 30 seconds later Blake was egging on Ashley and she erupted in her ear piercing cry, and said really loud, "I hate you Blake, you, you, dummy head!" Ashley knows she is not suppose to use the word "hate." I was ready to put the smack down. I grabbed both kids by the hands and we bolted for the door. I was so mad, and I think the whole congregation could see it and for sure they all heard my kids. Ashley on the way out of the chapel dropped her kitty Trixie and I just left it on the ground, therefore her crying got even louder. I was so done!!! I had to remember I was still in the church so my yelling was a little quieter in the classroom, but not by much. A cute old lady in the ward came in and gave Ashley her kitty and I thought, lady you are ruining the effect here, but Ashley was sure grateful. After 15 minutes of sitting on chairs with arms folded and having almost every privilege taken away, the kids and I headed back to the chapel, this time they didn't move a muscle until it was time to go to class.

After I dropped the kids off at Nursery and Primary, Brother Wright, a sweet man in the ward came and sat by me. He said, "How are you doing?" I responded, "I'm grouchy, my kids are driving me crazy." I couldn't lie and say, "I'm great!" He then proceeded to tell me time goes by so fast, that this too shall pass, and before I know it they will be all grown up. As he was telling me this tears were welling in his eyes. His kids are now 22 and 19. He said with only two kids it goes double fast. I am grateful that he took the time to talk to me, I'm also grateful I didn't burst into tears. It was close.

Today was Regional Stake Conference, that meant the kids had to sit and be quiet for TWO hours verus just one on other Sundays. I was hoping that the stuff I got the kids at Target, in the dollar section, and the many prayers I said would keep them quiet. They did so well. I was SO glad. Brother Wright was sitting behind us and anytime my kids looked back he would give them two thumbs up. It was so sweet. I am grateful for kind people who offer help and encouragement.

Time does go by fast. How did my cute baby boy go from this little guy to going to kindergarten?

How did my cute baby girl get to be 3.5 so fast?

I am grateful for the little reminders that time is precious and goes by way too fast. Even if I almost lost my mind last Sunday. :)

Blake Starts Kindergarten!

2010-09-01T18:36:00.000-06:00

Grandpa Allen came over and gave Blake a great pep talk. So sweet.

Blake ready to go. He wanted to do a funny face. :)

Blake outside his kindergarten room. He knows his door is the one with the frogs on it.

Blake putting his backpack on his hook. After this point he just walked right in and turned the corner and never looked back. Right when he was out of sight Ashley says really loud, "Wahoo! Let's go get some smoothies! I love spending time with you Mom!" I was too busy laughing to cry so it worked out well. Yeah for Arby's $1 strawberry banana milkshakes.

This is what Ashley did for the majority of the time Blake was at school.

Blake's class coming out. You can't see his face, the little boy in the orange shirt stepped right in front of him. Dang!

Blake after his very first day. His crown says, "Hero." Blake said he had lots of fun. He was a little nervous this morning. While we were in the car going to the school Blake says, "What if I get sent to the principals office, and I have to get detention." What??!! I reassured him that he would not get sent to the principals office. I think he has been watching too much iCarly.

Back to School Night

2010-08-31T22:29:00.001-06:00

A quick picture heading to our very first back to school night. How did I get old enough to have a child in kindergarten? Time has gone by way too fast. Blake's first day is tomorrow. I hope I can fight back the tears.

Blake and Ashley with his teacher Miss Hansen. I think she will be wonderful, and she told me she is a germaphobe too. Perfect! :)

Blake's cubby

Blake's coat hook. Very first one next to the door. It pays to have a last name that starts with an A.

My pretty girl and I.

My handsome man. Blake took this one himself. Made me laugh when I saw it.

Just having fun.

Blake gave a talk in primary. He wanted to wear a tie. He looks pretty snazzy, and Ashley looks darling in her dress.

Ashley, my little fashionista. She comes up to me wearing this and said, "Don't worry Mom, it's me, Ashley."

This is Sister Brough. She was my life saver at church. She sat with us at church and was Ashley's Nursery leader. Her husband was the bishop. They just moved out of our ward. So sad. She is like a 3rd grandma to my kids. I will be forever grateful for Sister Brough.

Summer Fun

2010-08-20T15:28:00.001-06:00

This picture makes me smile every time I see it. Ashley's first time wearing goggles. Yes, she didn't brush that day. :) We have had a really fun summer, it has gone by way too fast. It was fun to see Marcie and Brackon and their family and to meet baby Kade. He is darling.

Ashley in her floatie in my parents little above ground pool.

Ashley in her sweet life jacket my mom got for her. It doubles as bumper pads on the slip and slide! Blake and Ashley spent 3 weeks in July with Eric and they came back fish. Eric is a really good swimmer and he did a great job teaching them.

Two nights before they left for Vegas I came in before I went to bed and found that Ashley has crawled into bed with Blake. So cute. They had such a fun time in Vegas and I had a great time too! Is that awful to say?

Spanish Fork Rodeo. The bucking broncos.

The #1 roper in Canada.

I don't know why I added this pic. Just cute cowboys, I guess. :)

Not the best picture of me, but I took the kids to their first Rodeo. It was the Salt Lake County Fair and Rodeo. It was perfect rodeo for kids. It was just the bucking broncos, barrel racing and of course, the bulls.

Love watching the barrel racing.

I would LOVE to do what this girl does. She did the greatest tricks while riding her horse.

Doesn't that look fun??!! I think in my next life I want to do that. :)

This is a bad picture, I was trying to watch the bulls and snapped this pic without really looking at the camera. Blake asked me if when he is older he could be a bull rider. I don't know how those mothers can even watch.

Blake and Ashley on a ride at the fair.

I'm so sad this turned out fuzzy. I missed Ashley waving to the crowd of people immediately after getting on the horse. She loved the show girl on her horse too!

Blake riding, he was more nervous than Ash.

It cost a dollar to feed a bunch of goats and it was hysterical. I wish I got more pics, but my card was full. These goats are so aggressive. Blake and Ashley both had a cup full of carrots and Ashley was the perfect height and they knocked her cup out of her hands. JACKPOT! Luckily Blake saved some for her.

Once we got in there, I heard Blake say really loud, "Oh dear, oh dear, nice little goat."

Blake prayed that he would find a snake in the backyard and he did! He was so happy.

All last week Blake was complaining that he wanted a pet that he could pet and one that would walk around the house. He would say, "All I have is a darn fish who is really boring. "On Saturday this dog just showed up at our house. Blake played with her ALL DAY. Hence, he is still in his jams. I called 3 shelters and left my number with the police department if anyone was looking for her. No one has called. Blake named her Shirley and she is such a sweet dog. I am not a dog person, but she is so fun and well behaved. She is already house broken and barely barks. My Dad really likes her. Maybe more then all of us combined like her. :) A tender mercy for sure.

She is so pretty.

I can't believe Blake starts Kindergarten in just over a week. Time has gone by way too fast. I wish I could just push pause so my kids wouldn't grow up so fast. They are so much fun.

May and June

2010-06-30T16:34:00.000-06:00

Playing hide and go seek.

There they are!!

Blake and Uncle Spencer playing with Blake's soaker football that he got from Grandma and Grandpa Allen for preschool graduation.

In May it was my birthday and my sweet kids got me a new vaccuum. Thanks Mom and Dad. :)

Blake and Ashley told my Mom that I didn't like sugar and cake has sugar in it, but that I really like Oreos. So funny!

I had a great birthday. In the morning I ran a 10k up Provo Canyon and was so suprised and pleased that I finished it in 48 minutes.

Blake loves to go look for snakes in the backyard, he is such a bravesoul to hold one.

The first part of June Blake and Ashley were in swimming lessons. They loved them and they both did really well.

The light was horrible, but if you look close you can see Ashley and her class.

After swim lessons.

A few weeks ago I took the kids to see Spongebob and Dora at RC Willey. Yes, there are people in those costumes. Ashley was a little freaked out.

Uncle Luke (Eric's Youngest Brother) came over this morning with the rest of the family to say bye to us. So sweet. Luke entered the MTC today and is headed to Lima Peru.

Blake and his first cousin on the Allen side Aspen. She is a month today and is such a doll.

15 years ago today...

2010-06-16T19:14:00.000-06:00

15 years ago at 4:25pm my 3 sisters and I were in a very serious car accident. Patti (20), Micki,(16) Honey (14) and I (13) were driving from Regina, Saskatchewan to Cardston, Alberta to stay at my grandparents house. My Dad had just been called to be a mission president in Detroit, Michigan so my parents were already in UT getting ready to enter the MTC ,and were visiting my oldest sister Jeannie and her family in Logan, UT.

I was sitting behind the passenger side where the door is missing. They had to use the jaws of life to get my sister Honey out who was in the front. I have no memory of being taken out of the car or being strapped to a backboard. Honey and I were both asleep when the accident happened, and we both had our heads resting on the windows, so when the accident happened we both took the windows out with our heads. Thus, the reason why I can't remember being taken out of the car.

There were many miracles in this accident. The first that we all survived. My sister Micki and I both were not wearing our seat belts. Micki saw the whole accident happen and she said that when the two cars collided instead of going forward she felt two hands on her shoulders push her back down in her seat. We had our four quad scriptures in the back window they didn't move, Micki's Work and the Glory book flew out the window. :)

My sister Honey remembers my sister Patti handing her the car phone and Honey could hear my Dad giving her a blessing over the phone. Come to find out that when our stake president whose house we had stayed at the night before found out about the accident he called my parents and my parents hit the floor on their knees, and my Dad blessed each one of us by the power of the priesthood, Honey heard the exact words my Dad had said. Honey later found out in the hospital that the car phone had been broken in the accident.

The other man's car. As you can see, he unfortunately didn't make it. We later found out that he was from Ethiopia and didn't understand that before entering the highway he had to stop at the blinking stop sign and blew past the rumble strips. We broadsided him going 70 mph.

The brake pedal stuck to the ground from Patti pushing it so hard.

I got stitches on my cheeck from my glasses. I had such a bad concussion that I threw up 11 times in half an hour. It was insane! I really don't remember much due to my concussion, I do remember asking the paramedics to leave me alone so I could just go back to sleep. :)

My sister Honey with stitches in her head and a broken collar bone.

My sister Patti getting her knee cleaned out. She cut it on the steering wheel.

My brother John was at the MTC at the time. Here we are together before my parents got set apart. My parents and my brother were in the MTC at the same time. Don't you love my glasses? :) These were my old ones because my new ones got mangled in the accident. I don't think my new ones were much better, it was the nineties people! :)

As I think back I cannot believe that this happened 15 years ago. This experience really strengthened my testimony at the age of 13. I am so grateful that I have all my family members. It could have so easily taken one or all of us. I know we had angels around us that day. Maybe, just maybe, it was our future children protecting their mothers.

A "Hairy" Situation

2010-06-09T08:35:00.000-06:00

I love coupons! I love getting a good deal. I love seeing my grocery bill or another bill shrink because I have slammin' coupons. This week I learned the hard way that not all coupons should be used. I got this great coupon for a haircutting school. I thought, I need a haircut anyway, score. Wrong! Wrong! I got my haircut, well butchered, just butchered. It was AWFUL! I really wish I would have taken a picture of the massacre before I got it fixed, but frankly I never wanted to remember that haircut. EVER.

Gratefully, I went to a great salon last night and Leisha did her magic and saved my hair. I told her what happened and her first response to my hair was, "Girl, she gave you a full on mullet." It was that bad. Leisha is my new best friend! :)

Here is my hair now.

Who Let the Dogs Out??!!

2010-06-06T21:40:00.000-06:00

I have debated putting this on my blog for fear that I may offend, but it was too funny and I know Blake will get a kick out of this when he is older reading this blog book.

Yesterday the kids and I were coming home from running a ton of errands and we passed Petsmart. On Saturdays they have Adoption day so they have a whole bunch of dogs in this one fenced in area on the corner. We were sitting in the car waiting for the light to turn green when Blake was watching the dogs and all of the sudden said to me, "Wow, Mom look, that dog is giving the other dog a piggy back ride!!" I looked over and just started laughing!! :) How do you explain that one??!!

Blake's Preschool Graduation

2010-05-24T10:03:00.000-06:00

Blake and his class.

Blake saying his part. As you can see Blake is tall for his class. :)

This part made me cry. They had the music and everything.

Way to go Blake. He was so proud, and he was also proud that he never had to go in the time out chair all year.

So cute!

Ashley and I with the cute grad.

With Grandma and Grandpa Allen

With Manny

With Micki and Spencer. Thanks for taking the pictures and for the present!

A Heartbreaker and a Milestone

2010-05-17T17:13:00.000-06:00

Two Sundays ago at church a lady in our ward came up to Ashley and told her how beautiful she is. Blake piped right up and said, "Did you know that when I was younger a lady told me I was a heartbreaker?!!" Blake is so funny. He is such a handsome and kind little boy. He has gotten a ton of attention from the little girls at preschool. Just last week as he was getting in the car he said, "Mom, now three girls are in love with me, Catherine, Callie and Lilly." I tell him it's because he is so handsome and kind, and I remind him that we don't kiss the girls! It is so funny when I come to pick him up and hear the three girls say, "Bye, Blake." He just blushes and waves. So cute.

Blake has had this teddy bear since he was one. His name is "Bapa."

Ashley and her favorite person. Jordan made it to the State Championship finals in the hurdles. He was one of the only sophomores and he did AWESOME, it was so fun to watch him.

Blake learned how to ride his two wheeler today. I am so proud of him. He and I are so much alike, it was fun to help him and see him figure it out.

Ashley loves this tricycle and rides it so well!

And he is off! It was so fun to see him get more brave and say, "Mom let go, I can do this." I am sure I will hear him tell me this his whole life.

Catching Up

2010-05-02T08:59:00.001-06:00

Happy Easter! Can you feel the love from Ashley? :)

Hunting for eggs

Ashley's big girl bed. It was totally me trying to keep her little in her crib. It was long overdue. She loves being able to get out herself.

I watched my two neices for a day while Mindy was in Seattle. Ashley could not get enough of baby Annie. Ashley frequently asks me, "So Mom, when are you going to have a baby?" My response, "I have to get married first, Ash."

This month the kids and I have been sick, sick, sick with awful colds. Blake has had a cough for over a month! First he was on Amoxicillin, then the cough was still there, took him to the doctor and found out he had "walking pneumonia." What?!! So he was put on Zythrimax and Albuterol. The doc said if the cough does not go away he needs to come back and get a steriod. Heaven help us! Poor boy. Ashley has been on Amoxicillin for the past week. Things are looking better for us.

Ashley and Blake with their butterly nets like Maggie and Josie. Gotta love the dollar section at Target.

My parents are the best! My cute Mom made the kids boxes for their butterfly nets. Blake named his net, "Old Reliable." He says that is the name of Spongebobs net.

My awesome friend Jessica was asked to present a booth at BYU's Women's Conference and she asked me to be her assistant. It was so much fun. We met some great women who have gone through terrile things, but are so much stronger because of them. Our booth was named "Thrive, Not Just Survive the Difficult Times."

Okay my camera is the pitts. That is what I thought before Jessica told me yesterday that I had it on the wrong setting. Ah,woops! So sorry for the major fuzzy picture. Jessica can you send me the pics that Christina took? :)

The cute ladies we met at the "Blended Family" table. They gave us great advice.

My old stomping ground. I worked here for a year. It was so much fun!

Two of the most amazing people you will ever meet. Jessica and Cyndi. We are single mothers that have very similar life experiences. They are the best. I love you guys!

Blake and Samuel playing.

The difference between boys and girls...

2010-04-01T13:13:00.001-06:00

Two weeks ago I was outside with the kids and I went into the house to get the kids some juice, next thing I knew I heard Ashley screaming. I ditched the apple juice and booked it outside. A million things were racing through my head. I ran outside and found Ashley with her pants around her ankles, screaming. It was quite obvious what had happened. She said, " I tried to go potty like Blakey." She was so sad it didn't work out like she thought. But most of all she was sad because she got pee in her new pink shoes.

After trying to get the real story out of Blake he confessed that he peed in the yard first. Gross! I explained to him that we don't pee in the yard.

Well, today in the car on the way to the doctor Blake was talking about the incident again. This time Blake said very matter of fact, "Mom I know why Heavenly Father gave boys "apernis'," boys need them to go the bathroom at boys camp. You are allowed to go to the bathroom that way at boys camp. Girls just sell cookies."

I was laughing so hard I could barely see!

" Why do the days go by so fast??"

2010-03-17T16:28:00.000-06:00

This is what Blake asked me last week. The days do go by really fast.

Uncle Luke (Eric's youngest brother) got his mission call to the Lima Peru South Mission. He leaves June 30th. It was so fun to watch him open up his mission call. After Luke, Blake will be the next "Elder Allen."

My sister Micki took the kids and I to McDonalds. The kids were in heaven.

Ashley opening up her sweet birthday present from Micki. Thank you Micki!

Ashley's treasure map to find her birthday present. Micki drew it.

Ashley on the hunt.

Opening her present!

The birthday girl wearing her birthday crown.

Blake had me take a picture of him and we sent it into the Lego Jr. Magazine. Blake is anxiously awaiting the issue with his picture in it.

My kids have been really grouchy with each other lately. It is mostly Ashley bugging Blake and pushing his buttons and Blake coming to me crying. I used to do the same thing to my sister, so I guess this is payback. I told Blake to stick up for himself and he quickly went into his room and came out wearing this. He took me literally. :)

Okay, this is a really bad picture. We got a snail for Gilbert's bowl. "Gary" eats all the left over food on the bottom of the bowl. It is fabulous! I almost died laughing when Gilbert first saw Gary moving in his bowl. I have never seen Gilbert flare up before. He got so big and turned a slight reddish color. I wish I had taken a picture.

This is a picture of Blake's cute little friend Bryan. He absolutely loves Blake. His mom called me last Friday morning saying that Bryan was dying to play with Blake and instead of Blake going over there, Bryan really wanted to come play here. So he did. Whenever he sees Blake he gives him a huge hug!

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Blake was yelling "Happy St. Patrick's Day."

Happy Birthday Pretty Girl!

2010-02-26T08:27:00.000-07:00

Ashley and her Dad

This picture makes me cry, so sweet.

My baby is 3 today! 3 years ago my water broke at 12 (noon) February 25th, and Ashley was born at 7:46am February 26th. She was so worth it!

Ashley is such a fun,energetic, smart little girl. Just yesterday Ashley was laying in the middle of the floor with her eyes closed and she says to me, "Mom, I'm just saying my prayers, don't worry I'm not dead." She is so funny.

Right now Ashley loves boys! If boys are around, Ashley is so happy. She still says she is going to marry her 15 year old cousin Jordan.

Ashley is such a little mom to Blake and his friends. She likes to tell them what to do. If they don't listen, oh boy! Ashley is as fiesty as they come, I wonder where she gets that from? :)

I am so grateful that I have Ashley in my life, she is so much fun. Happy Birthday my pretty girl. We sure love you!

Random Fun!

2010-02-24T10:22:00.001-07:00

Ashley loves to sleep in my bed. Ashley said she was tired late one afternoon, and next thing I knew I went into my room and found this!

Blake's Valentine's for his preschool class. Blake told me that he is "totally in love with" a girl in his class named Catherine. Oh dear!

Here the kids are at Pirate Island. Their hats are on wrong, but they had lots of fun!

This roller coaster is from Cedar Point! I think it was Blue Streak or the Gemini. Shout out to all the Michigan people!

Last week I went to a great hockey game. It went into over time and ended in a shoot out. I think it would be so fun if Blake played hockey. We'll see. Not many people go to hockey games, notice all the empty seats?!!

A sweet fight that was getting broken up!

We were really close to the players. Thank heavens we weren't too close that we could smell them.

The dumb mascot! He wouldn't leave me alone. Did I ever mention mascots freak me out?!! They do.

Eating at Tapanyaki. It was so cool. I thought, "I wish I had my camera", and I did have my camera! This never happens.

The cook doing cool tricks with the egg.

I made the mistake of telling the cook that I had never lit a match because fire scares me a bit. He got a good kick out of this! :) At Tapanyaki you sit at a table with just random people. Our cook was taking forever to get there, and the host came over to tell us that he will be here shortly, and a guy at our table says, " What is he just getting off the freeway?" I thought that was so funny!

Helping Ash take pictures of Blake and I. So funny!

Ashley's perspective!

An Interview

2010-02-13T09:48:00.000-07:00

Just a few minutes ago, Blake and Ashley were sitting at one of our little tables in the living room sitting across from each other. I walked in the room and Blake says, "okay Mom, now it is time for your temple interview." Last December Blake and Ashley came in when I was having my temple recommend interview. Blake asked me a whole bunch of questions, some were very close to the real questions. Blake has a great memory. Some of the other questions he asked were, "Have you been good?, Do you know the gospel is real?, Do you say pledge allegiance to the flag?" Blake cracks me up! Now he is interviewing Ashley and he just said, " Ashley you are being naughty, get out of my office!"

No More Diapers!!

2010-02-04T13:14:00.000-07:00

Miss Ashley is now fully potty trained. She is doing so well. I can't believe that both my kids are out of diapers. Now I have to convert Ashley's crib into a toddler bed. I am taking baby steps, how on earth did my kids get to be 5 and almost 3 so fast???

Ashley and Blake wearing their new shoes and jams. Ashley slept the WHOLE night in her new boots! She is so funny.

Blake wrote my name all by himself. As you can see I'm a great photographer. :)

Blake put he and Ashley's picture by Gilbert so he wouldn't be lonely. How cute. Happy 6 months to Gilbert. We have had him for 6 months and he is still alive. Though, I think Blake's prayers have brought him from the verge of death more than once!

Boy Crazy!

2010-01-17T09:53:00.000-07:00

This is my little Ashley, boy crazy and she is only 2! Yesterday, while we were at Wal-Mart waiting in line at the pharmacy, Ashley saw a handsome guy and smiled at him and he smiled back, and Ashley reached out from the cart and grabbed and tickled his arm. Kind of AWKWARD! He was very nice about it all though.

Last Spring while at Wal-Mart again, Ashley was screaming that she wanted out of the cart, I got her out of the cart and she went RUNNING down the frozen aisle and saw a young 21 year old guy and started hugging his leg. I was dying! I grabbed her arm to have her let go, she hesitated. I am so glad that these guys are so kind.

Whenever Ashley sees a cute boy she says to me, "Mom, who's he?", "What is he doing?" It cracks me up! I am glad she has good taste, and I hope she gets a daughter just like her someday!

The Day After Christmas

2010-01-09T11:21:00.000-07:00

The day after Christmas my parents took us to dinner at the Roof at the top of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. It was awesome. It is a gourmet buffet. I ate so much, it was great. All these pictures were taken by my sister Micki. We missed Marcie and Brackon and John and Mindy. Thank you Mom and Dad!

Christmas Day

2010-01-09T11:08:00.001-07:00

A few days before Christmas Blake asked me what kind of cookies Santa likes, I told him Santa loves Oreos. :) Blake said "maybe Santa would like Wheat Thins". I said, "No, I think Santa REALLY likes Oreos." Anyway, Blake and Ashley spent the night of the 23rd with Eric and while I was cleaning the morning of the 24th, I found some wheat thins on our "chimney" on a plate covered with Saran wrap. I just laughed. I wish I would have taken a picture. So, Christmas morning he found this!

Ashley loves her Cheerleading outfit! She loves to say, "Go BYU Cougars, WHOOOOO!"

Ashley playing with her pollies!

Christmas Eve

2010-01-09T10:20:00.000-07:00

We had a great Christmas. Since my family is getting so big we have Christmas festivties at the Church. We had a great time. My parents are wonderful and are so generous, the Blake and Ashley loved their gifts from them. These pictures are kind of out of order, thank you Micki for taking these. I ALWAYS forget my camera.

Thank you Marcie and Brackon for the awesome gift! The grandkids waiting to open their presents from G&G.

Micki and Spencer

I love this picture! Honey and Ryan

My sister Honey and I.

The Nativity. Ashley is just going to town on her lollipop and drinking her water.

The Lambs

So cute.

Johnny, Blake and Grandpa

Ashley was so tired and busy! :)

I love this picture!

Blake and his Iron Man he got from G&G, he loves it!

Blake's Birthday Party

2010-01-09T09:57:00.000-07:00

Blake has such cute little friends. He had such a great time at his party. Thank you Micki and Mom for all your help. Birthday parties are alot of work, I was exhausted after, it was well worth it though!

Happy 5th Birthday Blake!

2009-12-17T08:23:00.000-07:00

Blake is 5 today! I can't believe it. 5 years ago, Blake first blessed my life, after a 21 hour labor. I was so happy to finally meet him face to face, but all I could do was give him a quick kiss before they wisked him off to the NICU. I am so grateful that Blake is healthy today.

Blake is such a blessing in my life. He is so funny and so tenderhearted. He always tells me that when he is a teenager he will take care of me. He thinks I will be an old granny by then. In the summer Blake would pick me flowers from my parents rose bush, and now that it is winter he draws flowers for me. One night a few months ago, when I was feeling very overwelmed, Blake saw me with tears in my eyes. Without me saying anything, Blake looked me square in the eyes and said,"Mommy, when I am married, I will never make my wife cry." I can't believe he was only 4 at the time.

Blake has such a fun personality. His comedic timing is perfect and he doesn't even know it, which makes it even better. Just this morning, Blake when he woke up said to me "Mom, how old am I? I replied, "You' re 5!" he answered, "Well, I am sure not any taller!" I think he was hoping he would be taller today. :)

I have always felt that Blake has an old soul. When he was a baby, he just looked like a little man. Blake does so well with all that he has gone through. He is the first to remind us to read scriptures and say prayers, and is so excited to serve a mission when he is older. Blake's pre school is going to be singing at a nursing home tomorrow, and for weeks in his prayers he has been saying " please help the old people to enjoy their Christmas lunch and like our singing." So cute.

Ever since Blake was born Christmas has always been emotional for me. Blake came home from the hospital two days before Christmas. I will never forget the first time I had to say bye to him while he stayed in the hospital, and I was discharged. It was so hard. Silent Night was playing in the NICU. Even now I have a hard time singing that song without wiping tears. They are tears of gratitude.

I think the Lord has taught me and is teaching me a great lesson. Some of the best and worst things in my life have happened just before Christmas. I am grateful for this. Christmas is to celebrate the birth of our Savior. We can do everything and anything with His help. I am so grateful I have my Blakey baby. Happy Birthday my sweet baby boy!

Fun in the Snow!

2009-12-13T13:11:00.000-07:00

Blake and my Dad getting ready to snowboard down the hill in the backyard.

Blake stands on the inside of my Dad's board between my Dad's feet. Blake LOVES it.

Blake absolutely loves the snow! I, on the other hand, am going to be a snow bird when I'm old.

This is what I saw when I checked on Ashley during her nap. She has a hammock full of stuffed animals above her bed and I guess she wanted to sleep with ALL of them!

Little Moments...

2009-11-29T18:42:00.001-07:00

Blake and Ashley love to play together. They both have great imaginations. Well, I walked into their room and found Ashley in this...she says they are playing "toilet," and she is the toilet.

Okay.

My kids have loved watching "UP" lately. Anyway, Ashley came with me to Sunday School today because she has a cough. Some visitors were introducing themselves and one guy's name was Russell. Ashley was so excited and really loud said, "His name is Russell, he is Russell!" That just made her day!

Getting Ready for Thanksgiving

2009-11-23T15:20:00.000-07:00

Blake's cute indian hat he made in pre-school

Blake made pie and a pilgrim hat in pre-school today.

Blake and Ashley playing in the sprinkle of snow we got a few days ago.

My divorce was finalized last monday, I love the quote that says, "every ending is just a new beginning." That is how I feel. We have a lot to be grateful for. We are counting our blessings.

Perspective

2009-11-15T16:00:00.001-07:00

I love people. I love talking with people and really listening to them. People are genuinely good, I think it's people's choices that can make or break their lives.

I have so much appreciated the kindness that I have been shown while going through the hardest trial of my life, thus far. I have seen how genuinely people care and how sweet they are. A few months ago I had a sweet widow sister in my ward come talk to me. She was a lifesaver. Her perspective and wisdom was so what I needed at the time. I love older people, they are so wise, warm and kind. I know the Lord puts people in our lives for a reason.

I think for a portion of my life I was nervous of people. Not to sound weird, but I cared more than I should have what people thought of me, now I realize it all doesn't matter. I know the deepest joy and the greatest sadness comes from our relationships, not what we have or don't have.

I have talked with women who have gone through heart wrenching experiences and they are SO amazing. I have learned that when people really open up they have so much to offer and I learn so much. In whatever trial we are going through, you can be certain that someone is going through the same thing. Reach out to them, they will bless your life.

Catching Up

2009-11-04T21:32:00.000-07:00

This is the neighbor's wonderful dog, Chico. We get all the perks of having a dog without the poopy part and expenses!

I'm not really a dog person, but I love this dog. He barks all the time at people in the neighborhood, but if he is out when I come back from a run, he will run to me. It is too cute.

Blake and his buddy, Bryton wrestling. They absolutely love it and play so well together.

Ashley playing dress up.

Blake and Ashley home from the dentist with NO CAVITIES! Woot! Woot!

Our "Put on the Armor of God" FHE. My Dad has all his mountain biking gear on. The kids absolutely loved it.

Blake with Grandpa's helmet on.

The annual Soup and Scoop! We carved the pumpkins in my parents garage.

Ashley and her FAVORITE person, Jordan. Look how excited and nervous she looks! :)

Blake's pumpkin.

Ashley and Blake's pumpkins.

Go Cougars!

Blake getting ready to go to his pre-school Halloween Party. He was an indian.

Ashley using mascara for nail polish. Ugh!

Come to find out Blake did this! Ashley said she wanted to "fweak you out." I think I freaked the wrong way.

Ashley came to me the other day and said her baby was sick. I asked her what was wrong, and she said her piggy had kissed her baby and now her baby has swine flu! I really think my 2 year old is a genius.

Cooking

2009-10-27T22:18:00.000-06:00

I am not a good cook. I don't like to cook and I don't think I am very good at it. Now that I don't have another adult to cook for I really am a short order cook.

Well, last night my family had our annual "Soup and Scoop". This is a halloween party where everyone brings soup and then we carve pumpkins. Well, I made potato soup. This was my first attempt at making home made soup. I thought it turned out pretty tasty and so did those that tried it. Anyway, for lunch I had some of the left overs and Blake walked over to me and said very worried, "Mom, why are you eating barf!"

Family Pictures 2009

2009-10-20T18:30:00.000-06:00

Thanks to my sister Micki. As you can see the kids had a hard time looking at the camera! :)

Endurance

2009-10-15T22:13:00.000-06:00

Today I did something that was very hard for me to do. For a few months I have been working on running this hill (almost a mile of hill) that has frustrated me because I haven't been able to finish it without stopping to walk. Well, today I told it who was boss! It felt great. Even though everything physical in my body was screaming at me to stop, I persevered and did it. As I was doing this I thought of all the emotional and down right hard hills in my life right now. I don't want to sound like I am complaining, but life is NOT easy, nor perfect. A friend of mine asked me how to increase spiritual endurance and I thought just like in physical running in order to increase your endurance you have to do hills, just like in life we are all going to face our emotional and spiritual "hills". Sometimes I find myself when I look at other people's blogs I think,"Wow, they seem to have the perfect life," or "I wish I had that." But I have really come to realize that blogs are really what the author wants them to be. We will all have our struggles in life. It is part of life, but the key is how we CHOOSE to deal with them. Life is really all about choices and self mastery. I can honestly say that the experiences that I have gone through and still face have broken my heart, but they haven't broken me. I am so grateful! It really is true, "that which doesn't kill us only makes us stronger." But it is still a choice!

Who are you going to Marry?

2009-10-08T09:43:00.000-06:00

Ashley informed me this weekend that she is going to marry Jordan. Jordan is my 15 year old nephew. I told her that she can't marry Jordan because he is your cousin, and we can't marry cousins. She just looked up at me and replied, "Mom, he is just Jordan." She said Jordan in a very dreamy way. She sure likes Jordan. This fall we have been able to go to some of his football games and Ashley loves it, especially the cheerleaders. When we were leaving she said she wants to dance and hold the fuzzies!

Laughter is the Best Medicine

2009-09-26T22:37:00.000-06:00

I think my kids are some of the funniest little people. They are always saying or doing funny things and I just have to write a few down.

A few weeks ago before Blake started pre- school I could tell he was getting a little nervous for school to start. He told me he was nervous because he couldn't write a "k" in his name, but I reassured him that Miss Angie would teach him how to write a perfect k. Well, I guess that wasn't all he was nervous about. A week before school started he got some mail from his teacher and it was addressed to Master Blake. (Don't say that too many times.) A few days later my sister Micki asked him why he was nervous for pre-school and he replied, "I'm nervous because I don't know Kung Fu!" Blake has seen Kung Fu Panda and he thought in order to be a "Master" he had to know kung fu for pre-school!

The day pre-school started I was getting ready and walked out fully dressed, but had my curlers in my hair and teased Blake if it was okay if I took him to pre-school like that, Blake answered, "Okay Mom, but you will just have to go with a blanket over your head!"

I think everyone knows that Ashley is a very LOUD child. She cries loud, laughs loud and sings loud! Last week Ashley and I went to Wal-mart while Blake was at pre-school and Ashley was loud. She wasn't crying, she was singing. She was singing really loud, "Hey, hey, you, you , I don't like your boyfriend," and " Fire burning on the dance floor," I got some really strange looks. I tried to get her to sing quiet but she just kept on singing. To end her singing, Ashley said a prayer. A nice prayer, that everyone close by could hear. I hope she gets a cute daughter just like her!

Pre- School and Potty

2009-09-13T17:46:00.000-06:00

This week Blake started pre-school again. He loves his new class and new teacher. Ashley wanted to dress just like Blake on the first day, so she did! Ashley also started to potty train. She is still working on it and she told me yesterday that she doesn't want big girl underwears she just wants diapers. Um, no. Hopefully we soon will have more successes than accidents. My pics as I uploaded them are just uploading as words, does anyone know how to change that? Computers and I are not friends. Anyway, it has been a week of change for us. The first pic is of Ashley with my really old pair of glasses upside down. She cracks me up. The other night the kids and I were jumping on the trampoline and I told the kids that since I have had them I can't jump on trampolines for very long, if you have had kids you know what I mean. :) Anyway, Blake just says, "Come on Mom, just hold your inner breath." Okay, whatever that means!

13.1

2009-09-06T22:13:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I ran a half marathon! I really can't believe that I actually did it and finished. This is actually a picture of my sister Honey and I in Denver, but I didn't take any pictures yesterday. I was too much of a chicken to run the Spanish Fork Half because I had only ran 8 miles before and I didn't want the pressure and not getting a good night's sleep the night before. So I did my own. I still didn't sleep the night before so I might as well just have done the Spanish Fork half. Anyway, from Vivian Park in Provo Canyon to my house in Orem is exactly 13.1 miles. My Dad dropped me off at Vivian Park at 7am and I started. The run was BEAUTIFUL. I had never run down the Provo River trail, it was awesome. I must confess that when I got to the point where I only had a mile left I got tearied eyed and couldn't believe what I had just done. It was a great feeling. I felt like humming the chariots of fire theme. We are sent here to do hard things and we can do it!

For Blake and Ashley....

2009-09-01T22:25:00.000-06:00

This month's Ensign has some great advice that I want to write down for my kids and my future posterity that will one day read this blog book.

"May I invite you to rise to the great potential within you. But don’t reach beyond your capacity. Don’t set goals beyond your capacity to achieve. Don’t feel guilty or dwell on thoughts of failure. Don’t compare yourself with others. Do the best you can, and the Lord will provide the rest. Have faith and confidence in Him, and you will see miracles happen in your life and the lives of your loved ones. The virtue of your own life will be a light to those who sit in darkness, because you are a living witness of the fulness of the gospel."

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "The Influence of Righteous Women," Ensign, September 2009.

"The point is this: when you are having a bad day, you've got alot of company- very,very good company. The best that has ever lived."

"In fact, it ought to be a matter of great doctrinal consolation to us that Jesus, in the course of the Atonement, experienced all the heartache and sorrow, all of the diappointments and injustices that the entire family of man had experienced and would experience from Adam and Eve to the end of the world in order that we would not have to face them so severely or so deeply. However heavy our load might be, it would be a lot heavier if the Savior had not gone that way before us and carried that burden with us and for us."

"I testify that bad days come to an end, that faith always triumphs, and heavenly promises are always kept."
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, "Lessons from Liberty Jail." Ensign, September 2009

Mommy LOVES you Blake and Ashley!

The Last 8 Months in a VERY Big Nutshell!

2009-08-16T21:19:00.000-06:00

My heroes. Blake thought it was so great that Grandpa had a super hero outfit too. I must admit that I am the worst at remembering the camera and taking pics of my kids. These pics are back in January and progress till now and I will give a brief synopsis of each month.

Ashley playing with some play googles. Frankly, January was a blurr for me. I was an emotional wreck. Running was my saving grace. I also enjoyed during the school year going to the temple each week with my sisters. Thank you so much Mom for watching the kids for me.

In February Ashley turned two. I let her decorate her cake all by herself. She wanted to make sure the 2 was really pushed down in the cake.

Also in February, Blake and I were able to attend the Draper Temple open house. He loved it!

In March, Ashley got her front tooth fixed. She and Blake both went to the dentist. She had 1 cavity and Blake had none! Blessed day! I ran a 10k and was so pleased to have finished it in under an hour, that was my goal. I also had the privlidge to attend baby Gracie's funeral. The Gledhill's are amazing. Gracie died just 18 days shy of her 1st birthday of a heart defect.

Here are Blake and Ashley on Easter Sunday. We had Stake Conference that Sunday and walked into the building with Elder Richard G. Scott! I was so glad I wasn't yelling at my kids before I saw him because he was walking in right beside us. He was so kind to us and talked with the kids.

Blake helping Grandpa wash his car.

Ashley gave her doll some "medicine."

Ashley the makeup artist!

Blake and Ashley love Aunt Micki and Uncle Spencer. They have been SO good to us. We really appreciate them.

In May it was my birthday. It was such a fun day. My friends and family made it great.

Love these girls!

Ashley the artist, again.

In June, we went to the Kelly Clarkson concert. Marsha and I.

Marci and I

All us girls. I honestly don't know what I would do if I didn't have these amazing friends.

I know this is a bad picture, but if you look really hard you can see Kelly on stage, she is in yellow! :)

Ashley talking to Daddy.

We have had a really fun summer. Every Wedsnesday we would go to a movie at the Scera with Patti and her kids. The movies are only 65 cents each. What a steal! We have also been boating with Grandma and Grandpa and on Uncle Brent's new boat. I tried waterskiing for the first time and got up for 3 seconds. But it was well worth it. Here is Ashley crashed on the couch after a long day. Feeling the love.

I went in to check on the kids before I went to bed and this is what I found. So cute.

Blake and Ashley worked so hard for their new fish Gilbert. I had a chart that had things the kids had to do (brush teeth, do jobs when asked, play nicely together etc) each time they did one of these things they got a sticker, once the chart was full, we went to Wal-Mart and got a betta. Ashley calls him "Govert."

Blake having breakfast with Gilbert.

In July, the kids and I and my parents and my neice Kennedy went to Denver for Rylee's baptism. It was so great. Blake and Ashley really love going to baptisms. Earlier that morning my sister Honey and I ran a 5k. It was my sister's first one and she did awesome! I will have to steal pics from her blog. In the middle of July we got to go to the Oquirrh Mountain open house and this time Ashley came with us. I loved that I could be in the temple with my kids. I love to watch them get very reverant and just look at everything. At the end of July we had a Livingstone family reunion. There was some serious slip and sliding going on.

Blake is so excited that the corn that he and my Dad planted is all ready. Blake loves to see how tall "his" corn has gotten. Any time on the way to the lake and we would pass a corn field Blake would say, "My corn is alot taller than that. Now, Blake says he wants to be a gardner. This makes his Grandpa Allen very proud. Eric's dad teaches Horticulture at BYU!

Last, but not least here is Ashley with three layers on. This is what happens when she helps me fold the laundry. She wants to wear as much cloths as possible.

Are you still awake? Super long post. But that pretty much sums up what we have been up to lately. I have really enjoyed getting into running again. I am thinking of running a half marathon next month. I will let you all know if I actually do it.

New Blog, New Chapter

2009-07-28T15:03:00.000-06:00

Can you believe it, I started blogging again! With my old blog printed in a book, I feel that I can start a brand new blog. I first just want to express my heart felt thanks to all of you that have helped me so much during this trying time. You are truly amazing. This blog will just focus on the postive in our life and not the negative. I want my kids to see that we can become better, stronger people even when things are really hard. This quote has really helped me:

"Mortality is a period of testing, a time to prove ourselves worthy to return to the presence of our Heavenly Father. In order to be tested, we must sometimes face challenges and difficulties. At times there appears to be no light at the tunnel's end—no dawn to break the night's darkness. We feel surrounded by the pain of broken hearts, the disappointment of shattered dreams, and the despair of vanished hopes. We join in uttering the biblical plea 'Is there no balm in Gilead?' (Jeremiah 8:22). We are inclined to view our own personal misfortunes through the distorted prism of pessimism. We feel abandoned, heartbroken, alone. If you find yourself in such a situation, I plead with you to turn to our Heavenly Father in faith. He will lift you and guide you. He will not always take your afflictions from you, but He will comfort and lead you with love through whatever storm you face."

Thomas S. Monson, "Looking Back and Moving Forward," Ensign, May 2008, 90

Here is to a new chapter in our lives!