Neva Stuart Mix

VOTE for Kolter! He made MJ's Model Search Top 10!

2011-12-15T11:05:00.003-07:00

Meet our darling Kolter whose big brown eyes will steal your heart!

Kolt has a big heart and always keep everyone laughing.

I am so excited that Kolter made it as one of the Top 10 Finalists for the Matilda Jane Model Search. From here he needs your vote to move on the the final 3. So please vote for Kolter!

http://www.matildajaneclothing.com/vote_viewproducts.php
Follow the link to Matilda Jane's site and you can vote, by adding Kolter to your cart, and then checking out (just as you would if you were shopping on the site). Just be sure you fully check out and get a “receipt” for your vote.

I have to say that out of almost 1000 entries, all three of my boys made it to the Top 30. How 'bout that for making a mom smile :) Ky and Karst, you are so handsome too!

Too Big, Too Fast

2011-12-06T23:15:00.001-07:00

This little girl is going to be 11 months old tomorrow, and I'm feeling a little sad about it. Why do the days go by so quickly. It's sad for me to think that before long we won't have a baby around the house anymore. After all these years of babies... Oh well, I guess it's on to new things.

Kallie is such a little doll. I love this girl to pieces. She has started saying her version of words. She says "hi dad" to her daddy when her calls us on the phone. She also tries to say the kids' names. It's so cute how she gets excited when they will come home from school. When she hears the door open, she knows that someone is home and she can't wait to see who walks around the corner.

Although Kallie isn't walking yet, she has mastered crawling and when she is on the tile, won't touch her knees to the floor because it hurts. She is trying to get all four of her top teeth, and I hope they come in soon so she doesn't have to suffer the pain too much longer! Any day now...

We love our baby girl so much!

Baby It's Cold Outside

2011-12-01T14:12:00.002-07:00

Brrr. That wind is so bitter cold! December is here and we have cold, winter weather to go along with it. I am happy that December is upon us. I love the Christmas songs on the radio and I'm starting to get into the holiday spirit. Christmas cards are printed, now for the hard part of addressing them and getting them out before Christmas. ;)

Two weeks from now I will be done with all my finals and just beginning the few weeks break before I start school again in January. School has gone well, and although it hasn't been the easiest, most ideal situation, trying to juggle my life as a mom with school, I am so glad that I'm doing it. I have learned so much, even things that can help me in many ways as a mom, and I have many reasons already that have made going back to school a worthwhile, life-changing experience. I just wish there was a way to keep up with all the things in my life that have gotten so far behind, blogging is just one of many. Oh well, since there isn't a magic spell that can freeze time while I get caught up, (although I wish there was!) I guess I will just keep going, and maybe someday, someday far, far away, I will have my list of things to do all checked off, with a little time to spare. Just a little. ;)

My Boys

2011-09-24T21:45:00.026-06:00

I love watching my boys play their sports. After our neighborhood started a little soccer league, I finally convinced Kolter and Karsten that they should play. Ever since Kyler decided he didn't like soccer at age 5, he has told everybody else that they don't like soccer either, and they haven't wanted to play...until now. They are loving it, and I am loving watching them. So now not only do we get to go to Ky's football games on the weekend, we have the little boys' soccer games on Wednesday nights. Something tells me this is just the beginning...

Lil' Red

2011-09-11T16:03:00.005-06:00

After almost three weeks in a splint, when the swelling finally went down on Kenzlie's broken arm, Dr. Chamberlain decided she needed a cast. When they were all out of pink and purple casting material, we decided to go for red, since after all, Kenz is Lil' Red, her nickname coined by Grandpa Nev. Two weeks down in the cast, and two more weeks to go. Luckily, Kenzlie hasn't really been bothered much by her cast, and since it's waterproof, I haven't either.

Kambrie started choir at her school this week. She seems excited about it. I'm glad she wanted to do it since she hasn't wanted to do anything else.

Kolter and Karsten started a neighborhood soccer program this week-their first time playing soccer. They both like it, pretty much anyway. Kolter was a little mad because he thinks Karsten is better than he is. Poor Kolt is always so hard on himself and never gives himself credit for anything. When he was supposed to turn in his homework for the first time this year, he told his teacher he forgot it because he knew his self written sentence wasn't perfect.

Kyler had his first football game yesterday. They played Moapa Valley and domintaed them. All these years later it still feels good when Moapa gets beat since they were one of our biggest rivals at White Pine High. Kinda funny.

Kallie at 7 Months Old

2011-09-11T15:14:00.000-06:00

Back to School 2011

2011-09-04T08:42:00.001-06:00

Somebody please tell me, where did the summer go? I know summer usually flies by, but this summer seemed to go by quicker than ever, and before I knew it, we were heading back to school. As you can see from the picture, Kyler was not thrilled with the thought of being back in school and "wasting his whole day." Kambrie was excited to go back, and Kolter was too, at least for the first three days anyway. Karsten is loving preschool and everyday he wakes up and asks if it's his school day.

Not only did the kids head back to school, but believe or not, so did I. Yep, I am a college student again, going to finish what I started fifteen years ago and get my Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education. The first week was a little overwhelming, and I literally wasn't sure how I would be able to do it. After the second week, I am feeling a bit better about it though, and although I still know that it won't be easy and that it's going to take a lot of organization and staying on task so I don't ever get behind (on school work and everything else in my life), I know I can do it, and I will.

While Dad's Away...

2011-08-07T19:29:00.000-06:00

Kallie B, Kallie B, You are So Pretty

2011-07-30T18:33:00.003-06:00

Kallie B, Kallie B, you are so pretty. Kallie B, Kallie B, you're looking at me. Kallie B, Kallie B whatcha doin to me. Kallie B, Kallie B, you love the kitty. Kallie B, Kallie B, we love you so much. Kallie B, Kallie B. Kallie B!

These are the words to the little song that Dad made up for his little Kallie B. Every time he sings it to her she smiles so big, kicks her legs and gets so happy. It's become a family favorite around our house, and not a day goes by that somebody doesn't sing it to her, at least five or ten times :)

Our precious Kallie has hit the big six month mark and oh how we love this girl. Kallie is such a sweet little baby and it is a joy to have her as part of our family. At six months old she:
*can sit up
*says "mom mom mama"
*sucks her fingers a lot (it was hard to get a picture without her fingers in her mouth)
*takes two naps a day
*lays down in her crib at naptime and bedtime, gets 3 kisses, and falls asleep on her own (most of the time)
*eats rice cereal and a few fruits and veggies without ever making a fuss
*still nurses
*doesn't cry much
*has crystal blue eyes
*has light brown, strawberry blonde hair
*smiles so big when she sees herself in the mirror
*is loved by all

4th of July

2011-07-06T17:49:00.004-06:00

Winning the Gold, Again

2011-06-27T18:08:00.001-06:00

Utah Summer Games
9u Back to Back Champions
2010 and 2011
Snow Canyon Sliderzz

Sliderzz Nation

The Sliderzz earned themselves another gold medal at the Utah Summer Games this past weekend. They easily won five games to earn the title, making it the second year in a row that they have won the gold in the 9u age division.

It was a fun, leisure weekend of baseball for me. Not having to stress too much about winning sometimes is really nice. Kyler had a repeat of last year's Summer Games when he pitched in his first no hitter, getting another no hitter in the game he pitched with Austin and Josh. Everyone played great. Landon had a grand slam home run in one of the games and they turned a couple double plays. Every kid on the team is playing great baseball, doing their part, and gearing up for next month's Tournament of Champions.

The Caboose

2011-06-08T15:03:00.001-06:00

The days keep passing by, and our little caboose is already five months old. I can't get enough of my little Kallie, and I love on her every second I can. It makes me sad to know that she is almost half way through the first year of her life. I don't think another five months of my life has ever passed so quickly.

Kallie has turned out to be such a perfect little baby. At about six weeks old we realized she was intolerant to dairy and wheat, so I had to change my diet. Right away there was a difference in her, and no longer was she the fussy baby that we had such a hard time with in her first weeks of life. At about four months old she pretty much out grew this, so now I'm back to my regular diet, and Kallie is just a sweet, little, angel baby.

Kallie's big blue eyes and bright smile bring a happiness to each of my days. She has started sucking on her fingers lately, sitting up, and cooing and giggling so much. She also likes to lay on her back and play with her toes. She almost lets me sleep through the night, only waking up once to nurse, and takes at least two or three good, long naps during the day. She is a much welcomed change from her big sister Kenz, who was the hardest baby ever. Kallie is so patient and will entertain herself while I am busy with the other kids. I guess when you are the caboose in a family of six kids, you kinda have to do this.

I guess since I can't freeze time and make her stay little forever, I will have to just keep on lovin our Kallie B and enjoy every second that she is still my baby. Well, actually... my mom still calls my little brother, Kyle, her baby and he's halfway to thirty now. So I suppose Kallie will always be my baby too ;)

Kambrie's Special Day is on the Way

2011-04-28T22:09:00.001-06:00

Kambrie is very lucky to get to be baptized on her 8th birthday. Her cousin, Tayli, also got to be baptized on her birthday earlier this year. So now they think it's pretty cool that Kambrie gets to do the same thing. Kambrie is very excited for this special day and has been looking forward to it for a long time now. I am excited for her, and hope that she will always remember the sacredness and importance of being baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I can't imagine my life without this tremendous blessing.

Kambrie's 2nd Grade Program

2011-04-11T22:56:00.001-06:00

Kambrie had her 2nd grade program the last week in March. I made her let me take a picture of her before the program since I knew I wouldn't be able to get one during the program because I was going to be filming it for Dad, and also holding Kallie. She's such a good sport and always lets me take pictures of her. I love her for that. I think this is her first picture with her new big teeth ;) Anyway, the program was so darling and I so enjoyed watching all those cute kids singing and doing their parts. Kambrie was one of the 7 miners in their cute program about geology.

April Fools Tourney

2011-04-03T08:50:00.020-06:00

The Sliderzz boys played in another tourney this weekend. They did a great job, but they just couldn't get past the 10 year old Rebels this time to win the championship. Although it was a bit disappointing for them to get their second 2nd place trophy in a row, I think they realize that sometimes it's better to play up and get better than to totally dominate every time in your own age division. Ky got his first home run hit off of him in the championship game. He was pretty bummed about it, but it made it a little better that it was his friend and old neighbor, Chandler, that did it. They laughed and joked about it after the game.

Buddies

2011-04-01T00:02:00.000-06:00

This is my new favorite picture. Don't you just love it? I do. It sums up Ky and Kam to me. Buddies. Best of friends. Brother and sister. My first boy and my first girl, making my dreams of motherhood come true. Yep, that's what these kids did for me. And the rest of their brothers and sisters have just kept those dreams coming true.

One of the students at Kellie's photography class captured this shot last weekend. The kiddos got to go and be the models for them to practice all the new things they learned. Since I absolutely love pictures, I was absolutely thrilled at the opportunity, and I am so happy that I get to have some of the pictures.

Kyler's Field Day

2011-03-31T17:07:00.001-06:00

Kyler had his field day today at the high school track. They had already done the qualifying races at school in P.E. class, so these were the finals. Ky qualified in the 100m, and raced his little heart out. It was fun to watch him right before the race started. You could tell he was so nervous and it brought me back to my track days in Jr. High when I would get SO nervous I could barely stand it! Anyway, Kyler finished in 3rd place, just barely behind the second place kid. I was proud of him and it made me happy that it was good enough to get a ribbon. Go Kyler!

Snow Canyon Sliderzz Do It Again

2011-03-31T16:36:00.000-06:00

Over Spring Break Rocky Mountain Baseball holds one of it's biggest tournaments of the year, the March Madness Tourney, right here is St. George. There were 35 teams in our age group from Utah and Nevada, and the Sliderzz were one of those teams in the 9u age division. To sum it up, the boys played great baseball all weekend long, leading them to another championship title.

After pitching 5 innings combined in the quarter finals and semi finals, earlier in the day, Ky had to come in the very last inning of the Championship game when Logan went down with a hurt arm. We were winning by two at the time, but we had to hold the Devils to secure the victory. Although I was super nervous, it seems that Ky kinda thrives on pressure situations and he stepped on the mound confident and ready to throw. Three ground outs later, and no runs scored, the Sliderzz did it again! They were the Champions of the March Madness Tournament. It was so awesome.

Here is what Lainee had to say about the day...
Saturday came, we beat the Edge in the first game and then moved on to play the Marshals. The Marshals jumped up on us quick scoring 6 in the first inning. The boys looked deflated, Gavin and Shane gave them the big pep talk as they were coming off the field. They picked it up and ended up beating the Marshals 14 to 8. Then it was time for the Championship game. Wow there was electricity in the air. Lots of people watching and the boys were pumped to win. It was a tough battle back and forth. In the bottom of the 7th we were up by two. Three outs and we win! Our closer Logan was on the mound, he had pitched great throughout the day and everyone was getting excited because we were so close. Right off the bat he had the batter in a hole with two strikes, then the next thing I knew he was hurt. He grabbed his arm and said there was a burning feeling in it. Everyone was sick.

After evaluating the situation, the coaches put in Kyler to finish the game. Ky did awesome, he looked so confident out there on the mound. The Sliderzz got three outs and won the tournament! It was a beautiful victory.

Seriously?!?!

2011-03-15T21:15:00.000-06:00

You gotta love Kenzlie's eyes closed smile. Yeah, she does it all the time. Nice.

Poor Karsten goes and goes until he hits empty. This is how we found him after a long day of playing hard and Kyler teaching him to ride his dirt bike without training wheels.
Good night little buddy!

The other night we were sitting down eating dinner and Kambrie was telling everyone a story about something that happened at school. All the sudden Kenz says in her cute, little voice, "Seriously?" It was so funny and everyone started laughing. It was just darling to hear her little girl voice say something so grown up.

It's Kenzlie's Birthday!

2011-03-14T22:59:00.000-06:00

Spring Fling Tourney

2011-03-11T20:57:00.000-07:00

The Sliderzz played in a tourney the first weekend in March here in Santa Clara. They played up an age division (10u) and grabbed a few 10 year olds from Vegas since some of our boys couldn't be at the tournament. It was a good tournament and they ended up getting 2nd place.

Kallie's Blessing Day

2011-03-07T22:33:00.000-07:00

Kallie was given her name and a blessing on March 6, 2011. Her name, Kallie Brielle Stuart is very meaningful...Kallie, "most beautiful" and Brielle "God is my might," just seemed to be the perfect name when Danny and I were in our hospital room, the morning after her birth, trying to decide her name. When Kallie was born everyone in the room kept saying "She is so beautuful, she's beautiful." We heard it over and over, and even though I know people say that a lot about new sweet babies, it seemed to stand out to me more with Kallie than any of my other kids. Brielle is a name that I have always loved, and when Danny told me the meaning after looking it up on his phone, I thought that it would be special to have it for a middle name. It seemed perfect in more ways than one.

It was so much fun for me getting ready for Kallie's blessing day. From picking the perfect dress to making her hair accessory and bracelet, I was just enjoying the little details of my last baby girl's special blessing day. Kallie looked so pretty, like a little angel.

We were lucky to have most of our family be with us on that day, and Tara and Kelly even got lucky to be here from Pennsylvania. It certainly was a special day.

One Inning

2011-02-23T15:53:00.001-07:00

Three up, three down. Because we got rained out this past weekend at the President's Day Tourney, that's all Ky got on the mound...one inning. It was a bummer, but his one inning to throw came right after his at bat where he got his first in the park home run. So he was feeling it, and as soon as he stepped on the mound the coach's wife, Doree, said he had "the look in his eye," and we knew it was going to be a good inning. And that it was. Three up, three down. Two strikeouts, a ground out to Ky, and another win for the Sliderzz.

Another Rainy Birthday

2011-02-19T21:30:00.004-07:00

When I woke up in the middle of the night with the baby to hear to rain pouring down outside, I thought "Oh, but of course. It always rains on Kolter's birthday." Yes indeed, Kolter has had rain on his birthday for five out of the last six years, including the stormy night when he was born.

Aside from raining out Kyler's baseball tournament, the rain didn't ruin the day for Kolter. In fact, he got double the birthday fun with a birthday breakfast and his favorite cinnamon syrup pancakes, and also a birthday barbeque with an oreo cake, his choice.

The disappointment came two days prior to his birthday when we had his friends birthday party scheduled. Kolter woke up sick that day, and we had to cancel the party. We'll get it rescheduled, but what a bummer for him to be sick when he was supposed to have his party.

First Smiles

2011-02-10T22:58:00.006-07:00

Kallie is already a month old. On one hand the past month was the fastest month ever, and on the other it feels like she has been with us forever. Of course she is growing already, and her itty bitty newborn clothes are starting to fit a little tightly. Her sleeping habits aren't really habits yet. One night she will sleep well, and the next she will cry for hours at a time. Her tummy gives her problems kind of a lot, and she has reflux too that doesn't make things any easier. BUT, we are still enjoying our little bundle of sweetness, and each day with her is a treasured blessing.

In the past couple days Kallie has made us smile with her first smiles. The first time she smiled, we weren't sure if it could be a real smile, but she has done it again, and again, and again. It seems a little early that at not even five weeks old she could be smiling, but indeed she has, and it's so darling and makes those sleepless nights all the more worth it.

4 weeks old

3 weeks old

Starting the New Year Off Right

2011-02-10T22:20:00.004-07:00

The Sliderzz played in their first baseball tournament of the year over the last weekend in January. What do ya know, they won! They played a total of five games and went 5-0. It was fun to watch a little baseball again after a five month break. It was cute to see the little boys looking a little older. They're hitting the ball farther too. They were off and on, sometimes playing great, and other times looking a little rusty. It was good enough to bring home the first place trophy though. Hopefully it's a sign of a great 9u season to come. One thing is for sure, they looked great in their new unis!

The Best Surprise Ever

2011-01-21T16:47:00.001-07:00

Two weeks ago about this time, I was heading to the hospital to have our baby. I really never could have imagined the extreme happiness that I felt when our sweet baby was born and I heard the doctor say "Well, it's definitely a girl." I really didn't know that I was hoping for a girl, and maybe I wasn't, but as soon as I realized that she was a girl, I was elated.

As our newest miracle was born, I was looking desperately to see if I could see that it was a boy or girl. The umbilical cord was between the legs, so for a split second I thought that maybe it was a boy. But then the doctor turned the baby around, and I could see what I was pretty sure was a girl. Then, when he said those words and the room erupted in cheers and excitement, I knew right then, that our baby girl is what was meant to be. It was perfect. She was perfect. The delivery was perfect, and finally, our family circle was complete.

Thanks Kell!

I don't know where these past two weeks have gone. The time is slipping through my hands like sand that can't be held. I wish I could freeze these moments, the moments that I love to have. Instead, I will simply have to embrace them and live them, each moment to the fullest. Our sweet Kallie, our best surprise ever, will grow each day. Why they can't stay fresh and new for longer I'm not quite sure, but I do know that we love her. She's beautiful. She's darling. She's our Kallie B. Our newest little miracle.

It's a GIRL!

2011-01-08T22:16:00.005-07:00

Kallie Brielle

7 lbs. 5 oz.

20 inches

1/7/11

10:13pm

On Our Way...

2011-01-07T16:13:00.002-07:00

Well, it's time for the baby! My fluid level is too low, so I have to get induced. I'm dilated 3+, so hopefully it will all go easily and well.

Look at that belly! Whoa! So big. Kambrie told me that she thinks there must be two babies in there because it is SO huge. :)

The final results of the gender poll...81% say it's a girl. Crazy. I'm still thinking it's a boy. Danny says girl, Ky and Kole say boy, Kambrie is hoping for a girl and Karsten says it's a girl. Kenzlie just wants it to have red hair and maybe blue eyes too, so she's not the only one in the family that does.

Well, it won't be long now...what will it be?

Still No Baby

2011-01-05T21:50:00.001-07:00

Still haven't had the baby. I shouldn't worry about it much, after all, I'm still four days before my due date. I just think it's crazy how many people I know go two to three weeks early, and here I am, just hanging out, waiting patiently for the little one to arrive. I guess I should just be grateful that we were able to get moved, and now almost totally settled into our new home before life totally changes with a newborn baby. I decided that maybe it's just waiting to come until after I get my blog updated so I can print my 2010 book. In the last house I really didn't blog too much, so I have a lot of posts to make before my year is complete. I started working on it today, (keep scrolling down to see new posts) and hope to be all caught up by tomorrow. After that, the baby can come any day :) I'll keep ya posted...

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T18:27:00.001-07:00

Christmas is Coming...

2010-12-22T08:28:00.001-07:00

Yep, although it just doesn't seem like Christmas could possibly be only three days away, it is coming, like it or not. Perhaps it's the moving for the past week straight, perhaps it's the constant rain for the past week straight, perhaps it's the fact that I still need to wrap all of the presents, perhaps it's because half of my Christmas cards are still sitting in my car waiting to be delivered, (should've just mailed them) or perhaps it's because we have minimal Christmas decorations scattered around the house and no Christmas tree set up yet that it just doesn't seem like Christmas could possibly just around the corner. Oh well, it will come and I will be ready, even if it takes staying up until the early morning hours for the next two nights. So now it's back to moving...what am I doing taking time to blog anyway!?!?!

Terrified Little Girl

2010-12-13T16:35:00.000-07:00

Poor Kenz is terrified of her shadow! Although it's kinda funny, it is SO sad. She just discovered it today, and the first two times she started crying hysterically, I couldn't figure out what was wrong with her. Then, on the third time, I ran to her to try to figure it out and the only thing I could see that was making her afraid was her shadow. Sure enough, that is what it was. Now the big kids are trying to get her to face her fear, but it's not working. She screams, and shakes, and trembles, and just can't get over the terrifying "ghostie" (that's what Ky says she calls it) that is following her around everywhere she goes. Poor baby!

The First Snow Fall

2010-11-26T22:03:00.000-07:00

We decided it would be fun to go to Pine Valley to see some snow and try out the new sleds that Dad bought for the kids. Well, there was plenty of snow, but it wasn't packed quite enough to make for good sledding. We still had fun, though it didn't take long before everyone was wet and cold and ready for the car and some hot chocolate!

The Face of Defeat

2010-11-22T11:48:00.000-07:00

This was after the play off game when we lost to Dixie in a crazy, defensive game, 2-0. After our amazing defense played how they did all year and held Dixie for four downs on the one yard line, we got the ball back and ended up with a game deciding safety. It was heartbreaking for the boys, and as you can see from this picture, Ky was crushed. We were the only team to beat Dixie in the regular season, and Ky had a key interception to keep them from scoring in that game. That day we went home the victors, but when it came time for the big dance, the tables were turned and it was our turn to cry. Not a fun way to end a great season.

When the regular season ended, Snow Canyon formed an all-star team, and we played in a tournament with teams from around the state. We ended up taking 2nd, and although it wasn't fun to lose the final game again, at least they got to come home with a trophy.

My Warrior

2010-11-22T11:46:00.000-07:00

When Ky came home the first night after football practice all geared up in his football pads and helmet, I really couldn't believe that my little boy was big enough to play tackle football. Well, he was, and he did. The Warriors had a great season, only losing one game (their first), and ended the regular season in a three way tie for first place. Kyler played safety and receiver and found a new love for a sport that he had never played before. It was fun watching him play on the high school fields, and made me realize that my little boy is growing up, like it or not.

Dancing Queen

2010-11-18T22:13:00.000-07:00

After taking a couple years off from the dance scene, Kambrie decided that she wanted to take dance lessons again this year. She is taking ballet and jazz at Westside Studio and she is loving it. It was parents day the other day, so I was able to go and watch her classes. It was fun to see her dancing and listening intently to her teachers and trying to do just what they say. The real fun came though, when we cruised home in the jeep, with the top off, wearing our winter jackets, trying to stay warm. :)

Kolter Wins Big

2010-11-02T21:35:00.000-06:00

We were all so excited when we got the call from Albertson's saying that Kolter was the winner of their Halloween coloring contest. It was a big deal for Kolter, and he was even more excited when he went to claim his prize and it was a plastic pumpkin full of candy! He was so cute when he was coloring his picture, trying his best, but not really thinking he would win. It was a fun surprise for him, and definitely made his Halloween.

Learning to Read and Ride

2010-10-26T07:21:00.004-06:00

In the past month or so our little boys have had some fun milestones. Karsten learned to ride his bike, and Kolter is learning to read. They both are so excited about these accomplishments and because of that, so am I.

When Kolter first started Kindegarten he wanted to learn to read so badly. After the first week or so he said he was going to quit school because he wasn't learning to read there. I told him that in order to learn to read he had to first learn the letters and the sounds they make, and then gradually he would put it all together to learn to read. After thinking about it for a bit, I guess he decided that this is what he would do, and soon he started to be more willing to practice the alphabet and sounds. Then, after many learning sessions with his teacher Ky, (he loves to teach his little brothers and sisters just about anything)Kolter has started sounding out words and feels like he can read now. I guess maybe that means he'll stay in school ;)

After Karsten left his bike behind my car and I ran over and bent one of the training wheels, we decided that was a sign that it was time to learn to ride without them. All it took was a bit of practice with Dad, and before we knew it, he was off and riding and asking non stop if he could ride his bike. He'd ride down the driveway, up the street, around the cul de sac, back down the street, up the driveway, and turn a cirlce and do it all over again...and again...and again.

Meet Bell

2010-10-21T22:21:00.001-06:00

Bell is a darling cat that has adopted our family. A few months ago she started showing up on our doorstep and meowing for food. After about the fourth day of it, I felt so bad for her and I decided to buy her some food. Well, that was all it took, and she has been around ever since. She's a great cat, doesn't need a litter box, and is nice to the kids, even Kenz and Karst when they try to pick her up and haul her around with them.

The kids named her Bell because she wore a collar with a bell on it. It makes me wonder what happened to her original family. Someone had to have owned her to put a collar on her. We have asked around though, and nobody seems to know who she belonged to. So, for now she is ours, at least until we move again. Then I don't know what to do with her because we can't take her with us. Anyone want a sweet cat?

Tough Guy

2010-10-10T20:40:00.001-06:00

This is Karsten with his new scar just before he got his stitches out. Poor little buddy got a pretty good cut that required ten stitches when he hit his chin on the metal bumper of my jeep after jumping up real fast from hiding under it.

There was quite a bit of blood and it really upset him so he cried a lot at first. After we got the blood cleaned up and his clothes changed, we took him to the doctor to be treated. From then on Karsten was so super tough. He didn't cry at all when he was getting his stitches, not even when he got the shot. Dr. Chamberlain was quite impressed and so was his mama. He sat completely still and made it really easy for Chamby to sew him up. When we went to get them out, he was equally as brave. That's our Karsten, one tough little guy!

Our Little 18 Month Old

2010-10-06T20:56:00.006-06:00

Yep, our little Kenz is a year and half old now. The little darling is a joy to have in our family. I would have to say that she is still proving to be the hardest of all our kids, though her pretty blue eyes and unique red hair that help her super cute personality be even cuter, make it hard to ever be mad at her. She screams when you change her diaper, she screams when you wash her in the bath, she cries when you comb her hair, she fights when you brush her teeth, she insists on always feeding herself and hates to be cleaned up afterward. Kenz lets you know what it is she wants, and if she doesn't get it she'll let you know that she's not happy about it. If you want to really upset her, just tell her that she can't have her "go go" (pacifier). It doesn't really matter what kind of pacifier it is, but she still loves her binki. Many times a day she will go to her shoe drawer that she can barely reach on her tiptoes, and get out one of her shoes, bringing it to you to put on for her saying "sues, sues." Despite Kenzlie living up to the reputation of a fiery red head, she brings many smiles each day to all of us and we love this little girl so much.

The First Day of School

2010-09-23T18:35:00.003-06:00

Kolter ~ Kindergarten

Kyler ~ 4th Grade

Kambrie ~ 2nd Grade

The summer came and went all to quickly and before we knew it, it was school time again. It's hard to believe that we have three kids in school now. Kolter a big Kindergartner already? How did that happen? On the first day of his school that actually started a week after the older kids, Dad was filming him and he asked him if he wanted to say anything. Kolter looked around and thought about it for a few seconds and then all of the sudden he said "I hate school!" It was pretty funny. I don't think he really meant it, but rather, was just trying to show off for big brother Kyler that was standing there. Yeah, Ky has said that many, many times. Kambrie on the other hand, LOVES school. She has decided that when she grows up she wants to be a teacher, and she is already practicing in her room that she has now turned into her very own classroom.

The 6th Man is on the Way!

2010-08-11T12:13:00.001-06:00

Yep, it's true...I'm pregnant! We're very excited to be expecting our sixth child, and are finally to the point where we can feel good about saying we are done. Although I've been super blessed to have not had as bad of a sick pregnancy as I have in past pregnancies, it still hasn't been easy with moving and having the craziness that summer always brings. The good thing though, is that it has gone by so quickly so far, and it's hard for me to believe that I'm almost half way done. We have decided that we aren't going to find out if it's a boy or girl...why not have a surprise for the last one. As for the name, well, it's hard for me to think that I'm gonna have to come up with another "K" name, but I just don't think we could go with any other letter and have the baby be left out. So, we'll probably stick with the k's, but I really don't even want to think about a name right now. If you have any good ideas, feel free to share.

Losing Teeth

2010-08-04T19:17:00.005-06:00

Well, our girls lost a tooth on the same day! Yep, Kambrie and Kenzlie both lost a tooth two days ago. Kambrie's tooth was ready to come out, but Kenzlie's, of course, was a bit premature. She had a little fall, and believe it or not, it knocked out her tooth. Poor little baby girl. I'm just glad it's on the bottom and not the top since she's gonna be without a tooth there until the permanent one grows in about six years from now.

These pictures were taken the morning after Kenz fell, the day I took her to the dentist. It was so cute to see her in my new favorite Matilda Jane outfit, not even 17 months old, little itty bitty thing, sitting in the big dental chair. She tried to be so brave, but yes, she did cry when they took the x-ray, all five of them, cause it was so hard to get a good shot in her teeny, tiny mouth. When she was all done though she didn't have a problem going with the assistant to pick out her prize...two boucy balls.

Tournament of Champions 2010

2010-07-29T14:04:00.000-06:00

I would have to say the highlight of my summer was the Tournament of Champions. This is a tournament where only the bests teams are either invited to play or have earned their spot by winning a previous tournament. Winning the President's Day Tourney gave the Sliderzz a bid to this year end, big tournament. It was held in Heber City over the weekend of the 24th of July. Staying at Park City with other families of team members was just the beginning of a fun filled three days.

Going into the tournament we knew that the teams we would play would give us good competition, and Danny and I were probably more nervous than Ky knowing that we would have to play tough all weekend long if we were going to come home the champions. Well, to make a long story short, that is exactly what we did, and the Sliderzz earned the title of the Tournament of Champions Champions, making them the best 8u team in the state. We didn't lose a game the whole tournament, and even came from behind to win a couple close games that were needed wins to get into the championship game.

In the final inning of the last game, Ky was playing first, and he made a huge out, that basically, if he hadn't, could have cost us the game. We were up by one, tying run on 2nd, two outs, and the batter (winning run) hit a hard line drive right up the first base line. Ky jumped with all his might and stretched out to catch it, but he didn't. He knocked it down though, and was able to grab the ball and get the out at 1st to end the game. Oh my gosh, it was so intense and exciting!

The Final Out

Every boy played great baseball that weekend, definitely earning the well deserved title of the CHAMPIONS of The Tournament of Champions.

Trophy Bat

Summer Days

2010-07-05T21:40:00.000-06:00

Moving was not the most exciting way to start off our summer, but we did it, and now we're passing the days in this temporary rental, anxious for the day when we can move out.

Changes came in the new house...the dishwasher doesn't work, so the kids are learning to do the dishes by hand. Also, not having the built in pedestals under the washer and dryer makes it very easy for Kenz to climb right in along with the clean clothes! Karsten is still our Karsten though. A cute, fun, loving, little guy that LOVES to play baseball and will hit and hit until you get too tired to pitch him another ball. I guess going to all the Sliderzz games has probably made him want to be just like the big boys.

Winning the Gold

2010-06-26T14:09:00.000-06:00

Stuart at Bat

The Celebration After the Big Win

SC Sliderzz Baseball Team
Gold Medal Winners
Utah Summer Games
9u Age Division
June 2010

Ky Stuart #12

One of the big tourneys for the Sliderzz this summer was the Utah Summer Games held in Cedar City. We played up a year in the 9u age division because there wasn't an 8u age division. We were all pretty excited about the prospect of taking home a gold medal, but we knew we would have to play great baseball three days in row in order to make it happen. There were a few teams from Northern Utah that we hadn't played before, and a good Rebels team from St. George that we hadn't beaten yet, as well as the Cedar Stix that we had split with in the past.

So, we went with optimistic attitudes, knowing that we really had nothing to lose, being the underdog as an 8 year old team. The outcome though, couldn't have been any sweeter for us. The first day brought two great victories over a couple Northern Utah teams, and winning both games on day two secured our spot in the championship game. Kyler had some great pitching those first two days, and when we played the Stix he pitched his first no hitter, in a Sliderzz victory 10-0. Our boys really were playing some great baseball and it was exciting and fun to watch.

The championship game proved to be the toughest match up to that point, and we were going head to head with the Rebels, a team that we hadn't beaten in the last handful of games. It was a battle, but we came out strong to put the pressure on them. After a few innings, they had their rally, and we were behind at one point. Then we came back and the score was tied 6-6 for an inning or so. I could barely handle the stress! It was so fun though, especially when we took the lead and pulled ahead enough to know that we would probably win the game. That we did, and the celebration was exciting and great. I was so proud of our boys and their determination to play baseball like champions, like gold medalists, and that is what they were.

Kanab Heat Stroker

2010-06-07T18:18:00.000-06:00

We kicked off the summer playing baseball at the Kanab Heat Stroker Tournament. Let me tell you, heat stroker was an understatement. It was a good weekend though, and we won the tourney without much competition. Sometimes I like those games though. A little less stress for me! Ky pitched great with the wind up that Uncle Spike practiced with him while we were in Pennsylvania. The highlight for Ky though, was probably his at bat when he batted left handed. He hit the ball up the middle, but got out at first. It was still fun for him to "switch hit."

The little kids tried to stay cool with the neck wraps that we bought, and the coaches were nice enough to let them hang out in the dugout so they could have a little shade.

Trip to Pennsylvania

2010-06-02T18:05:00.000-06:00

We have been trying to sell our house for two and a half years now, and finally we had a buyer and were just waiting for a close date. We pretty much knew if we planned a long awaited trip to Pennsylvania to visit my sister, Taralie and her family, it would probably move things along, just because it wouldn't be the most convenient timing. Sure enough that is exactly what happened.

Nevertheless, we went to Pennsylvania, just Danny, Kenzlie and I, and we had a super fun time with the Jensens. It was great to get to see where they live and spend some time hanging out and relaxing with them. We had fun playing "horse," going to soccer games, eating icees with ice cream, swimming in the river, eating lunch at a shore side restaurant and taking a sunset stroll over the bridge. Thank you Kim and Kyle for taking such good care of the rest of our kids so we could have a little vacation.

Graduation Time

2010-05-28T17:13:00.000-06:00

Kolter had his big day of graduating from Preschool. It was such a cute graduation program. His teacher, Miss Mikelle was a super teacher and always did the best things with them. Kolter said that when he grows up he wants to be a dirt bike rider!

Fishing at Pine Valley

2010-05-23T17:19:00.000-06:00

It's always fun for the kids to go fishing, even if we don't catch a single fish. This time we decided to head to Pine Valley, and enjoy a leisure spring day with the family.

Show-n-Tell

2010-05-18T21:45:00.000-06:00

Kolter took Kenzlie to show and tell today at preschool. He's so proud of his baby sister, and he's always saying to her "Kenz, how'd you get so pretty?" I think it's so cute.

Kambrie #9

2010-05-15T21:09:00.006-06:00

Kambrie had a great season of her second year playing Coach Pitch/T-ball. One night on the way to the game she was in the back seat and said to me "Mom, I'm going to hit a home run tonight." She was very confident, but because she hadn't hit a homerun yet, I was a little doubtfull as to whether or not she would. Well, she not only hit one homerun that night, but she hit two! Each time she got up to bat she got a great hit to the outfield, and since she's so fast like her mom ;) she of course made it all the way home. Now the best part of the story is that almost every single time she got up to bat in her games after that she hit a home run. Really, I think she only hit three times that she didn't. I guess a little confidence goes a long way. I love the pictures above because I took them as she was finishing up one of her homeruns. Our little #9 is turning into quite the little player. Number nine has a great story in our family and it just keeps on getting better. My dad was #9 when he played little league and my little brother, Spike, chose to be #9 too. He wore it from little league clear up to high school. Then the little nephews always wanted to be #9 like Uncle Spike, and now Kambrie wanted to be #9 because of her "friend" Landon that wears #9 that plays on the Sliderzz. I guess it's a legendary number that continues to live on...

Celebrating Kyler's Birthday and Mother's Day

2010-05-11T16:36:00.034-06:00

The Birthday Boy ~ Kyler

Ky with Grandpa Nev and Grandma Terry

Kyler and Grandma Cindy

Me and my oldest-Ky

and my youngest-Kenz

and Danny with his mamma, Cindy

Kyler's 9th Birthday was on Mother's Day this year. No biggie. He was a good sport about it. We just combined his party with our Mother's Day lunch, and was a fun time for everyone.

When I think about Ky being nine years old already, I think, whoa, if I just double that, he'll be old enough to be out of the house. Aaaah, I don't like the thought of that!

Matilda Jane Clothing

2010-05-06T21:32:00.004-06:00

Kambrie's 7th Birthday

2010-05-01T15:58:00.000-06:00

The Birthday Bunch
Cam, Kolter, Karsten, Tayli, Rachel, Kenzlie, Kyler, Kambrie, and Olivia

Blowing out the candles on the cupcakes Dad made for her.

The Birthday Girl ~ Kambrie

Olivia and Kambrie
Fun Cousins

Kambrie celebrated her 7th Birthday by going to the movie and coming home for pizza, cupcakes, and fun opening her presents. She invited two of her cousins, Olivia and Tayli, and two friends from her class at school, Cam and Rachel. Cam is a fun friend that Kambrie gets along with really well. Even though he was the only boy besides brothers, he didn't care and either did Kambrie. She really wanted to invite him. I think it's great that one of her best friends is a boy. Oh, if only it could stay that way ;)

Just Kambrie

2010-04-30T17:17:00.000-06:00

Karsten's Birthday Party

2010-04-27T15:26:00.001-06:00

Beacause Karsten's birthday was on Easter this year we decided to wait to celebrate it until later. So we waited, and waited, and waited! Three weeks later we finally had his birthday celebration. Poor little guy. He didn't seem to mind too much though.

Karsten ~ Our Big Three Year Old

2010-04-26T15:52:00.000-06:00

Here is Karsten's 3 year old picture. I had to take it before he got a haircut and all his precious curls were gone. I love his curls. I wonder if they're gone forever, or if they'll come back when his hair grows longer again.

Easter Sunday

2010-04-25T14:42:00.000-06:00

Karsten's third birthday and General Conference were both on Easter Sunday this year. So we waited to celebrate his birthday and get out the Easter outfits until later on in the month.

A Little Ray of Sunshine

2010-04-22T23:47:00.003-06:00

I'm lovin this picture of Kenzlie. Every day we say that we can't believe how big she is already. She brings so much happiness to us. Her cute little voice as she says her first words, "hi," "puppy," and "mommy" so clearly is so sweet. She finally has gotten in her two top teeth on the right so she doesn't look so silly anymore with only the two on the left. She also has the two middle teeth on the bottom. Kenz has been walking all over the place since about a week after her first birthday and now she also entertains herself playing with her toys. She loves going outside and picking my flowers and playing in the dirt. We love that she still has red hair and her blue eyes. She is a unique, special little girl in the family and we love our little ray of sunshine so much!

Big League Dreams

2010-04-21T09:54:00.003-06:00

Our Easter weekend was spent living the dream of playing in the Bigs as Kyler's baseball team had the opportunity to play at Fenway Park. Fenway Park at Las Vegas Big League Dreams Field that is. It was such a fun experience for the boys and all of us families too. The Sliderzz had a great tournament, which made it even better.

"Real Baseball"

2010-04-07T06:36:00.003-06:00

Kolter finally got to take his turn on the field last night at his first ever baseball game. He was pretty nervous about the idea and wasn't really sure if he wanted to play because he didn't think he would be able to do very well. Well, after his first time up to bat, running around the bases and sliding into home, he came into the dugout and said "That was fun!" On the way back to the car after the game he looked at me and said "Mom, I can't believe that I got to play real baseball," with a big smile on his face.

The Beauties of Spring

2010-03-25T20:30:00.005-06:00

I love the spring. I especially love the beautiful blossoms on the trees in the spring, and it seems to me that they've been extra beautiful this year. For that reason, you can imagine how extremely happy I am that my friend Kellie, with Elements Photography, captured this special moment of my girls.
Go to her blog and check out more of her beautiful portraits. She's amazing at what she does...extremely talented.

Birthday Girl

2010-03-15T22:14:00.004-06:00

We celebrated Kenzlie's birthday today, on March 15th. It seemed it was only fitting to do it on Grandma D's birthday since I know Grandma had her hand in sending Kenz to us.

I love these pictures of my sweet birthday girl. I really can't believe she did the "1." So perfect! More pictures of the party to come...

She'll Never Be 1 Again...

2010-03-14T21:52:00.013-06:00

Today is Kenzlie's 1st birthday. Wow. It's hard for me to believe that our baby, our little Kenzie girl, is one. Where does the time go? It makes me happy as I sit and think of the memories of the past year, but it makes me sad to know that she's growing up so fast. Such is life I guess.

Kenz is learing to walk and has taken a record of eight steps now. The kids like to count them as she walks. She can say "hi" and holds the phone to her ear and says this. She also loves to chant "SC, SC, SC, SC." It's a little cheer that Kyler's baseball team does, and believe it or not, Kenzlie caught on to it after the Presiden't Day tourney and she just randomly says it all the time now. It's so funny. We always make such a big deal about it, so if she wants to get your attention she'll just start saying "SC, SC, SC..." So cute.

Does anyone remember the song by Alabama called Daddy's Little Girl? My parents had it on a tape when we were little and we used to love to listen to it. I thought of it today and wished that I could listen to it. I coudn't find it on iTunes, but I did find the lyrics. It's a sweet song and kinda sums up how I'm feeling tonight.
Love you Kenzlie. Goodnight baby girl.

Here's the birthday girl wearing the birthday present from Kamz that she and I made for her yesterday.

Drift off and dream in your paper-doll world.
Play with the presents from the boys and the girls.
Your big day is over. The cake is all gone.
We sang you to sleep with the birthday song.

No. you'll never be one again.
The two's are tumbling on in.
Daddy's little girl is growing up in the world.
You'll never be one again.

The toy piano is quiet in the hall as Kermie the frog sits watching it all.
And soon your legs will make the tricycle go and take you away from us all.

No. you'll never be one again.
The two's are tumbling on in.
Daddy's little girl is growing up in the world.
You'll never be one again.

Goodnight, Baby.
Goodnight, Daddy.

2010-03-14T14:54:00.001-06:00

What concentration! Little Kenz is learning to walk.

Adding to the Hardware Collection

2010-02-28T20:48:00.000-07:00

The Sliderzz won another tournament this weekend. This time it was in the rain so they only played two games before calling the tourney. We were the only team with no losses, so we were named the Champs. Ky pitched a couple innings and played short stop for the first time. He had fun playing in the middle of the field. I had fun watching him rob a kid of his homerun by throwing him out at home from the cut off after he hit a bomb to deep center. Really, I actually felt bad for the kid who got out :( How sad is that to get a sweet hit and then get out. It reminded me a little of the the time when I was a junior playing in the state tourney. We were playing Hawthorne and Angela Munger (their top dog) was on third base. The girl up to bat hit it to me in center field and Munger thought she was going to score on the tag. I, on the other hand, decided to throw her out. It was sweet. Even I was kinda surprised that I got it there in time. Angela, a friend of mine, was pretty fast. It's amazing what a little adrenaline will do for ya. Anyway, glory days are over. Let's get back to the present...

Ky had a killer at bat at the end of the game. The bases were loaded with two outs and he started out with an 0-2 count. As his mom, you know I was dying. Well, after the count was full and Ky fouled off two more pitches, he ended up getting walked to score the tying run. On the next batter, first pitch was a past ball and we stole home to win the game! Another exciting victory for the Sliderzz.

Where's Rookie?

2010-02-27T21:18:00.001-07:00

Every time I walk by these empty bowls it reminds me that our cat Rookie has been gone for about a week now. He just never came home one night. Even though he was a pretty crazy cat, we're all still pretty sad about it. I guess I'll have to clean up the kitty food, put the bowls away, and say good bye to Rookie for good.

Here's Rookie in our Christmas tree. Yep, he would climb the Christmas tree in the house.

Happy Birthday Kolter!

2010-02-19T21:06:00.002-07:00

Our Kolter boy is 5!

2010-02-19T20:10:00.000-07:00

When they celebrated Kolter's birthday at preschool he got to bring a treat. Yeah, a treat. Well, this is what he brought...carrots with the stems. :)

Champions

2010-02-17T17:58:00.000-07:00

The SC Sliderzz captured the Championship at the President's Day Baseball Tournament. It was such an exciting win for them. They had a great tournament, only losing one game, and everybody playing well to bring home the victory when it counted in the championship.

It was so much fun for me to watch my Ky pitch his his little heart out for five innings straight to win in the championship. It makes all those times catching for him with Kenzlie on my lap worth it ;)

Whenever they win they have this little ritual where they cover home plate with dirt and then leave their "SC" mark on home plate. I think it's so cute.

We had a victory party at our house to celebrate the big win and I made a video for it. Go here to see it.

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T18:34:00.000-07:00

Photos by Elements Photography

Buckets

2010-01-29T21:47:00.001-07:00

This post is for Danny. He LOVES his "Buckets." That's the nickname he gave to Karsten and it has stuck. So now I have a Bear, Spike and Buckets in my family :) Oh, and I guess a Noodle (that's me) too . Anyway, back to my post.

Here is Buckets on a "ranger ride," one of his very favorite things to do since he was about six months old.

January Birthdays

2010-01-23T22:29:00.001-07:00

Grandma Terry shares her birthday with almost all of her Neva grandkids.

Grandpa Dan hangs with Ky after his basketball game that they won just before we shared a birthday lunch with him.

btw...Basketball season is off and running. Ky has already had three games. The first two went into overtime. They won the first one by four and they lost the second one by two after THREE overtimes. They won the third game by about twenty, no overtime needed for that one ;) Kyler has a good little team with about five of the kids from his baseball team on it. They have fun playing a little round ball together.

Kenzlie at 10 Months

2010-01-14T22:51:00.001-07:00

It's hard to believe my little darling is already almost a year old.

At ten months Kenzlie:
-only has one tooth but is getting another one
-crawls around with one leg out
-has started throwing temper tantrums
-will give you a dirty look, she has this little scowl that is so funny
-pulls herself up on things
-loves taking showers
-definately has red hair and blue eyes
-is officially our hardest baby yet

Christmas 2009

2009-12-30T23:12:00.010-07:00

I love these pictures of right before we opened our presents on Christmas Eve. I think they say so much about each kid and their personalities. Well, except for Kenz, I guess. She was on a little bit of a "really tired and a little too much sugar" high. Danny gave her a sucker to try to pacify her and get her to stop crying while we were getting ready to open presents. So it worked, but he forgot to think about how she would react when he took it away. She was pretty upset at the whole situation, but she got over it when the wrapping paper starting getting tossed around.

It was a fun Christmas and I got spoiled, as usual. Santa, or should I say Danny Claus, got me a sweet new sewing machine and a printer too. Now if I only had more time to use them. :)

2009-12-30T08:28:00.002-07:00

It's tradition to spend Christmas Eve with the Neva side of the family at Grandma and Grandpa's house. It's always lots of crazy fun, and it feels good for me to be "home" for Christmas

Don't the girls look cute in our new furry vests?

Merry Wishes for a Joyful Christmas

2009-12-24T02:50:00.004-07:00

Now that I am in my eighth year of being a mother, I finally understand why my mom:
-hid presents in random spots underneath a blanket
-was always wrapping presents at the last second while we anxiously waited to unwrap them, and
-would forget where she hid a present and couldn't find it when she needed it
Yep, I understand because I have done all of these this Christmas season. It kinda makes me laugh :) Anyway...

Merry wishes for a joyful Christmas and may we all take the time to enjoy the little things that bring that sparkle to our children's eyes as we celebrate the humble, yet glorious birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Kambrie Claus

2009-12-22T16:44:00.006-07:00

Since I have so much to do to get ready for Christmas, let me just post another picture to my blog!

Kenzlie

2009-12-22T10:17:00.011-07:00

Our little baby girl is nine months old now. She's a little cutie. One of her fav things to do is stick her tounge out!

I was lucky enough to WIN a watermarking kit from RIta at the CoffeeShop Blog. Merry Christmas to me! Thanks Rita! Now I just have to design my own watermark :)

Memories of Days Gone By

2009-12-12T15:22:00.004-07:00

Christmas time makes memories of my childhood days come to life. This picture captures those days for me. I love it.

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

2009-12-12T12:00:00.004-07:00

The Montana girl in me doesn't let me truly feel like it's Christmas unless there's snow. So, thankfully we got some snow today :)

My Newest Addiction

2009-12-12T02:59:00.000-07:00

Rita at Coffee Tea Photography is helping me learn all I've dreamed of knowing about Photoshop. The best part about it is that it's FREE!!! Really, I could be addicted to her blog if I wasn't careful. Well, for instance, it's 2:30 in the morning (I had to stay up late tonight to finally get my finishing touches done on my Christmas decorating) and I was on my computer for a quick second while I was waiting for Danny to get done playing with the kids' Christmas presents before we went to bed, and I thought, "I just have to check in on the coffeeshop and see what's brewing." Okay, okay, so I AM addicted. Honestly, I could spend all day, every day, learning and editing and creating. I guess my five kids will keep me from doing that though. Someday, someday, someday I will be a master of it all...someday ;) Anyway, if you are not already a master, then you too must become addicted to the coffee that Rita serves up daily. Seriously, check out her blog. It's the best thing I've ever discovered on the internet.

Something About the Rain

2009-12-07T10:08:00.003-07:00

There's something about the rain that makes me want to get all organized and be cozy inside my house. So, I guess it's motivating me to get Christmas going. The decorations and tree are going up today. By this time tomorrow I'll be sipping hot chocolate in front of the fire, enjoying the peaceful, relaxing feelings of the holidays at home.

LOL!! Yeah right! Not if Karsten has anything to do with it. This kid is such a maniac. He has truly earned his nickname as the Destroyer (D2 after his cousin Jamin who was the first Destroyer in the family). Seriously, he is almost too much for a parent to handle. I won't even go into details on all the things he's done, and in the past two days alone. It's enough to make a person go crazy...

The Destroyer

Football and Turkey

2009-11-30T11:39:00.004-07:00

Me and my sis-n-law Mindy...isn't this turkey a beaut?!?!

Well, the football season is officially over now. Ky's team lost out in the semi-finals and Kole's team lost in the championship game. Not totally the way we wanted to go out, but hey, it was a good season all in all. Good job boys.

Thanksgiving was fun this year. We hosted the Stuart family and my mom and dad came too. I cooked the turkey, waking up at 4 in the morning to get it in the oven to make sure it was done by noon. Well, it was done at 9:30, just a few hours early. lol I didn't know my convection oven would cook the 25 pound bird that fast!

Now it's time to get ready for Christmas. I kinda feel like the scruge this year. Why? Don't know. I just can't get into it. Sad. Maybe it's because I vowed to be completely ready for Christmas by December 1st and well, I haven't even started yet. Hopefully once I get the decorations out I will change my attitude, and I will start getting into it. I hope so, otherwise my poor kiddos won't be having much of a Christmas season.

Good Luck Boys!!

2009-11-18T08:39:00.000-07:00

Well, the boys' teams finished up the season with only one loss each. Kolter's team, the Eagles, came in first place. Congratulations Kolter and Coach Danny! I have to say that Danny was more excited about this than Kolter was. It was his first coaching experience ever, so it was great to come in first. He has some fast little runneres on his team and they have fun.

Ky's team is really good. They finished second and they'll be contenders for the championship if all goes well. Kyler finished the season with two touchdowns in each game (except only one the first game). He had a couple interceptions as well. Hopefully he will have great games these next two games too, so they can bring home the championship. Go Bears! Go Eagles!

Ky running for a touchdown. I love this picture cause the temple is in the background. We're so lucky to be so close to a temple.

Kolter gettin some yardage.

Kolter pulling the flag...almost. :)

I Love the Fall

2009-11-18T08:08:00.001-07:00

That's What Friends Are For

2009-11-11T17:19:00.007-07:00

A BIG thank you to my friends that helped me get my BIG pictures. I wouldn't have been able to figure it out without you :)

So this is my little Kenz who is now almost 8 months old. I'm happy to announce that just in the last little while she is getting better about not crying in her car seat and she has even taken a nap for longer than a half hour. Yay! She also
-is officially ready to be done with baby food and move on to the real stuff
-has no teeth
-doesn't crawl yet, but spins around in a circle while sitting on her bum
-loves nursing at least twice in the night (nope, she doesn't sleep through the night)
-loves her kitty, Rookie and the dog, Iron Man
-still has blue eyes and her hair is getting even more red :)
-rips off her headbands with bows and flowers on them (so much for all those cute accessories)
-has a contagious smile that melts your heart

Photo by Elements Photography

American Pride

2009-11-11T16:11:00.000-07:00

Happy Veterans Day Daddy! Thanks for being true to the red, white and blue.

A Chance at Fame

2009-11-08T09:33:00.004-07:00

MTV Cribs is filming next door for an upcoming episode of Teen Cribs. I tried to let them park my pink jeep in the driveway so she could get a few seconds of fame. They denied her though. Dang it. Weird. Who wouldn't want to have a pink jeep, especially if you're a 13 year old boy? lol I mean, come on. Show She-J some love.

Happy Halloween

2009-10-31T23:32:00.000-06:00

The SC Sliderzz had another great weekend of baseball, claiming the second place spot again. So far we've played in three tournaments and we've taken second all three times. They really are a good little team. Ky had his best showing pitching yet I think. He's getting better and better every game it seems, and I'm finally not quite so nervous when he's on the mound. Thanks to everyone that came and watched and showed the family support. We're so lucky to have lots of family so close. We love you. Hope you all had a Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T23:31:00.000-06:00

Kyler as a Ninja. I think he changed his mind six times before he finally settled on this costume. He looked good though. Good choice to end on.
Kambrie as a Princess. She only changed her mind once, but she waited to decide that she didn't want to be a pirate until after I made her pirate skirt. It all worked out though, because Olivia ended up wearing it. Kambrie had fun walking around in her long flowing dress. She didn't want to stop trick or treating until her bucket was full.
Kolter as Bumblebee the Transformer. He knew he wanted to be a tramsformer right from the start. Once he got his costume he wore it for two days straight and he even slept in it. He just couldn't wait for Halloween to come.
Karsten as Elmo.This was his second year in a row to wear a hand me down costume. I guess that's what happens when you're the fourth child. It worked out okay though. He was okay with it, as long as he got to have his sword too. He looked so cute walking from door to door. He wore his costume to the store with me early this morning. Everyone there loved it too.
Kenzlie as a"Ball"erina. I made her costume over a month ago, and then as Halloween got closer I wasn't really sure if I wanted her to be it. I finally decided that it didn't really matter and that she wouldn't care what she dressed up as. So she was a "ball"erina. This picture is before I remembered to put her black under her eyes. That added to the whole "ball" part of it. I guess she ended up pretty cute too.

2009-10-31T23:30:00.001-06:00

Fall Sports

2009-10-29T14:23:00.002-06:00

Even though we're getting ready for another fun weekend of baseball, it's football season around here too. Kyler's football team is undefeated and Ky has 9 touchdowns for the season so far. He's so into the games and I just love watching him play. Kolter's team has only lost one game (Go Coach Danny!) and my cute litttle Kolter has even scored a couple touchdowns too. I haven't brought my camera to even one game yet...I guess I'll have to do that. My friend took some pics of Ky though, so when she passes them on to me I'll have to post one or two.

Happy Kids

2009-10-22T22:02:00.006-06:00

Here are some fun pictures from our UEA weekend getaway to the Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort. I took way too many pictures and I'll have to post some more later, but I just wanted to get a few up for now.

2009-10-22T22:00:00.001-06:00

Just to the right of this tree is Jolley's Gulch. Do you know the story of how this got it's name? I don't want to tell you right now, but man, what a crazy story...

Take a Few Minutes and Watch...

2009-10-16T09:48:00.006-06:00

This was a highlight for me from General Conference. I LOVED Elder Holland's testimony of the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon is an amazingly, powerful book. I have experienced the greatness that comes into your life when you study and read it on a regular basis. Nothing compares. It is true, this I KNOW.

Cute Kenz

2009-10-08T22:45:00.002-06:00

Check out my lil' cutie on Elements Photography's Blog
I'm lovin' her blue eyes!!