Kyler's Field Day

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

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?!?!

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!

Spring Fling Tourney

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

Kallie Brielle

7 lbs. 5 oz.

20 inches

1/7/11

10:13pm

On Our Way...

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

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

Christmas is Coming...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.