The Blue Eyed Bunch

Family Photos

2012-01-28T19:54:00.000-07:00

A sample from my latest family photo shoot. CLICK HERE

2012-01-24T17:22:00.002-07:00

I dropped Brad off at his awesome Scout leader's house today for scouts. She drives the school bus and had it parked in her driveway. Rylan said, "Look Mom! They have a bus too!"

Magic?

2012-01-19T18:56:00.001-07:00

James loves to pull the vent cover off and put things in it. Sunday, he put himself in it! He thought it was pretty cool, for a little bit.

ok, it's not funny anymore! Get me out.

2012-01-14T16:50:00.000-07:00

Hey, hey, hey, check out my new ride.

Go ahead and laugh, I don’t have much pride.

For us, it is just what we need, a little slice of heaven.

Because coming this spring is baby number seven!

Another baby!? Oh we feel the joy!!

Except for Aubryn, because it’s another boy.

I admit I don’t get goose bumps every time I see my man.

But do I ever, when I see him drive this van!

Haircuts!

2012-01-14T16:49:00.000-07:00

Christmas Eve 2011

2012-01-14T16:25:00.001-07:00

Eight years

2012-01-11T09:01:00.000-07:00

It has been eight years today since Isaac died. It seems so kind of strange. I never imagined being at this point when I was in the thick of my grief. I'm even feeling a little guilty and sad that this day actually snuck up on me. That has never happened before. I usually anticipate it with uptight feelings. I have had sick little ones. They are miserable and I have been engrossed in their care. Well, I have nothing more to say. I feel sad thinking about that awful day. But I do feel joy and peace knowing he is well and we will be reunited. God has made a beautiful plan for us to be together and rise above death.

Merry Christmas!!

2011-12-23T11:06:00.002-07:00

2011-12-20T13:26:00.000-07:00

"Mom, Rylan sticked his tongue out at me!" Reagan said.

"Why can't you guys be kind?" I asked.

"I was going to be kind, but then he sticked his tongue out."

"Well, somebodys got to be kind first."

2011-12-13T12:04:00.000-07:00

Reagan to his friends, "Hey guys! With eternal perspective, I have the greatest idea! Wait here and when I say, 'I'm ready!' then that means that I am ready."
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Last week (I was 19 weeks pregnant) I had a lady ask me if I was going to have my baby soon. I laughed, "no!"
"When are you due?" she asked surprised.
"Not till May."
"Are you sure there is just one in there?"

My self esteem was squashed. So, just in case that random lady falls upon my blog, here are the things you should say to a pregnant lady:

1. You look beautiful
2. Would you like a treat?
3. Here, sit down. Better yet, lay down and I will get you a drink with a straw so you don't have to lift your head.
4. You are doing a GREAT job!! (doesn't matter what she is doing. dinner, laundry, mothering, cleaning)

The Greatest Gift

2011-12-11T13:08:00.001-07:00

What do you want?

This Christmas time of year my kids are being asked this question a lot. "What do you want?"

Reagan wants a skateboard, even though he already has two. He says he needs another one to practice on to do tricks on the ones he has.

Aubryn wanted an ipad, now she wants a puppy. (It’s not going to happen.)

So, now I ask you, what do you want? What would be the greatest gift you could receive?

Russell M. Nelson said, "In the temple we receive an endowment, which is, literally speaking, a gift."

"Obedience to temple covenants qualifies us for eternal life, the greatest gift of God to man. Eternal life is more than immortality. Eternal life is exaltation in the highest heaven- the kind of life that God lives."

D&C 6: 7,10, 13 says,

7. Seek not for riches but for wisdom, and behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded to you, and then shall you be made rich. Behold he that hath eternal life is rich.

10. Behold thou hast a gift, and blessed art thou because of thy gift. Remember it is sacred and cometh from above-

13. If thou wilt do good, yea and hold out faithful to the end, thou shalt be saved in the kingdom of God, which is the greatest of all the gifts of God; for there is no gift greater than the gift of salvation.

President Brigham Young said, "Your temple endowment is, to receive all those ordinances in the house of the Lord, which are necessary for you, after you have departed this life, to enable you to walk back into the presence of the Father… and gain your eternal exaltation."

We need to prepare to enter the temple.

This gift, the temple endowment, was given to us by revelation. Russell Nelson continues, "Thus it is best understood by revelation, prayerfully sought with a sincere heart."

Elder Nelson says, "Spiritual preparation is enhanced by study. I like to recommend that members going to the temple for the first time read short explanatory paragraphs in the Bible Dictionary, listed under seven topics: "Anoint," "Atonement," "Christ," "Covenant," "Fall of Adam," "Sacrifices," and "Temple." Doing so will provide a firm foundation."

"Each temple is a house of learning. There we are taught in the Master’s way. His way differs from the modes of others. His way is ancient and rich with symbolism. We can learn much by pondering the reality for which each symbol stands. Teachings of the temple are beautifully simple and simply beautiful. They are understood by the humble, yet they can excite the intellect of the brightest minds."

Preparing to enter the temple and making these covenants keeps us clean and worthy. The temple covenant and any covenant with the Lord, is not restrictive, but protective. "Such a concept is not new. For example, if our water supply is not clean, we filter the water to screen out harmful ingredients. Divine covenants help us to filter out of our minds impurities that could harm us. When we choose to deny ourselves of all ungodliness, we lose nothing of value and gain the glory of eternal life. Covenants do not hold us down; they elevate us beyond the limits of our own power and perspective."

There are many blessings to being faithful to our temple covenants.

I want to share with you one family’s story.

http://lds.org/ensign/print/2010/02/the-promise-of-the-temple?lang=eng&clang=eng

"Every activity, every lesson, all we do in the Church, point to the Lord and His holy house. Our efforts to proclaim the gospel, perfect the saints, and redeem the dead all lead to the temple. Each holy temple stands as a symbol, as a sign of our faith in life after death, and as a sacred step toward eternal glory for us and our families."

"The temple is the house of the Lord. The basis for every temple ordinance and covenant- the heart of the plan of Salvation- is the Atonement of Jesus Christ."

So, what do you want? What gift do you want?

John 3:16-17

16. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

17. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

God gave us a gift.

John 14:27

27. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

The Savior has given us a gift.

I know if we prepare to enter the temple, and then regularly attend and stay true to the covenants, we can have eternal life and have true peace and happiness.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

2011-11-28T08:52:00.000-07:00

CLICK HERE to see a family photo shoot I did on Sunday. Fun!!

What Are You Thankful For?

2011-11-24T20:44:00.000-07:00

Before this video I was combing Reagan's hair. He asked me, "Mom, are you making me cool?"

I said, "Do you want to be cool like me?"

"No, I want to be cooler."

Then when his hair was done, he admired himself in the mirror. "I am handsome! I like this haircut. Oh, I look good. I am as handsome as a tyrannosaurus rex!"

When we finished the video he said, "OH NO! I remembered something else I was thankful for. My body! And Jesus. And my nose. And my tongue. And...."

Happy Birthday Aubryn!

2011-11-24T08:35:00.001-07:00

I LOVE this girl! She is bright, happy and beautiful (inside and out). She can get along with anyone. She is a great friend. Where Aubryn is, there is a good time!! Love you, Aubryn! Today, I am so thankfu for you!!

2011-11-22T21:29:00.000-07:00

Elder Nelson tells this story about the airplane in his book, "The Gateway We Call Death" which I highly recommend, especially if you have lost a loved one.

On a cool note, the man playing the part of Elder Nelson on the plane is my dad!

2011-11-21T13:14:00.001-07:00

2011-11-18T13:24:00.002-07:00

Ever stood to loose what you love?

Everything is Going to Be Okay!

2011-11-15T08:34:00.001-07:00

Three years ago this month I experienced one of the most terrifying moments of my life.

Before I tell about that, I am going to share the worst moment of my life. This is deeply personal and a bit out of my comfort zone, but I feel compelled to write this.

January 2004. It was a cold Sunday morning. We wondered why our 19 month old had not woken up for the day. My husband went to check on him. I will never forget the sound of my husband’s voice. I ran. Our son was gone. I knew it. We called 911. I followed the directions from the 911 operator and was doing CPR on his lifeless body. "It’s NOT working!" I kept shouting. The sounds will forever be imprinted in my mind. The sound of my air going into his body, but no life coming out. Brian and I hysterical, wailing. The distant sirens that could not come fast enough. I knew he was gone. There was no life there. He was gone. They flooded my home. They worked on my son. I sobbed and rocked. I saw Brian and the neighbor give him a blessing. I saw my precious three year old standing in the corner watching. Watching the nightmare. Another neighbor swept in, wrapped Brad in a blanket, and took him. This vision will never leave me. All of my senses remember. My Isaac was gone. He was gone. I had plead for his life, yet he was gone. I had plead for his health, yet it had taken him away. I had tried to make deals with God. I told God that I would raise him to be a good missionary if he would just grant him a healthy body. God’s will prevailed.

My heart had a huge hole ripped out of it. My heart ached and hurt. I was overwhelmed with hurt and deep sorrow. The Holy Ghost comforted me. I knew God was mindful of me and, through time, everything has been okay.

November 2008. It was a Sunday afternoon. My husband, kids, and I were watching a movie in our bed. Brian’s body jerked. I looked over at him and saw emptiness. His eyes were dilated and his body struggled intensely. I called 911. "Something is wrong with my husband!" His body got worse in every way. I thought he was leaving me. He then went limp, gray, and lifeless. "My husband is dying!!" I screamed at the operator who continually told me to calm down. This single moment slowed down to almost completely still. My thoughts were several. First I thought, If anyone is ready, Brian is. Second, my kids. I looked up to see Brad standing and watching much like he had done several years ago. Aubryn was at the foot of the bed, hands in her mouth, balling. I motioned to her to come on to the bed by me. I was kneeling over Brian. I thought, "They are watching their father die!" I put my arm around Aubryn trying to comfort her. "I am going to be a single mother."

Then I heard and saw a very slight and shallow breath. "He’s breathing!" I told the operator, "But he is still not okay!" Paramedics arrived. Brian was not okay. They took him. Neighbors stayed with my children and another neighbor drove me to the hospital. I felt lost. What happened!? What was wrong!?

When I arrived in the emergency room I hurried to his curtain. I cautiously opened it. There was Brian sitting up in the bed. "How’s it goin’?" he said. I was shocked! I was confused. I was grateful. I was worried.

Many tests over time revealed a horrible answer. Brian received Priesthood blessings. Fasting and prayers by armies began. We consulted top doctors and specialists. We listened and discussed.

I knew God’s will would ultimately be fulfilled. I have faith that through God, all things are possible. I wanted more than anything for Brian to be healed, and I plead for that. But this time, I made no deals. I said, "Thy will be done." I heard in my head, "Everything is going to be okay." I felt peace. I felt overwhelming peace and comfort embrace me. I still did not know what was in store or how it would end. But I knew Brian had made the right decision. I knew I needed to stand beside him, support him, and sometimes defend him. He never questioned what the Spirit told him. He never doubted. "We will grow old together. I promise." He said as he held me. I hoped he was right. Desperately.

Now here we are three years later. We have since had another child and God has blessed us with another on the way. I never thought this would have unfolded. Never. Brian is feeling great. His condition has not worsened in any way. I am so grateful for my husband who is in tune with the Spirit and does not question. He listens. He acts. He has courage and FAITH. God loves us. And, Everything is going to be okay.

Hymn, How Firm a Foundation.

Compliments to Brian for his birthday

2011-11-03T10:42:00.004-06:00

Halloween

2011-11-02T12:51:00.000-06:00

I know it is blurry, but it is the only shot of all of them.

Happy Birthday, BRIAN!! (Nov 1st)

2011-10-31T21:01:00.000-06:00

Happy birthday to my best friend and LOVE of my life. For Brian's birthday I gave him a list of 37 things I love about him. This picture reminded me of on item on my list. He is a huge support to me. No bigger moment than the birth of a child for that trait to shine. I thought it would be cool for him to read 37 things other people love and admire about him too. I am posting this on facebook as well and hope by then end of the day there are 37 kind words for him to read. (I opened the comments) Thanks!!

2011-10-31T12:27:00.001-06:00

I didn't think it was possible to have every family picture look bad.

2011-10-30T22:37:00.000-06:00

This is the best one.

I said, "Make sure your bumbs look good."

REAGAN!! Someone tell him it's not funny anymore!

2011-10-27T11:18:00.000-06:00

"I think I know why the video isn't working. It's because it is rewinding." Reagan said about a video that wouldn't load on Youtube. Then He added, "I think I know why your computer isn't working very good. It is running out of gas."

2011-10-14T17:57:00.002-06:00

"Mom, can I go to the party?" Rylan asked.
"No. It is just for adults." I said.
"Just for adults and dads?"

2011-10-09T07:47:00.000-06:00

"Buuuuuuuurrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrpppppppppppppp. Excuse me. Excuse me. Excuse me. I said excuse me three times because it was such a long burp." Reagan said.

2011-10-08T09:21:00.000-06:00

My kids and husband have been playing Monopoly for what seems like 12 hours straight. They are really into it. Rylan wanted to get in on the fun. He walked to the table and said, "I want to play. I want to be this guy."

Nobody paid attention to him. They were to enthralled in their game. So he started moving his guy around. Brad noticed. "RYLAN! Don't! Dad, he's moving guys around!"

Rylan took his guy and put him in the jail spot and said, "I'm in trouble."

Lord, I Love the Way You Hold Me.

2011-10-05T07:42:00.000-06:00

I am really loving this new Christian song.

2011-10-04T16:22:00.001-06:00

I pulled into a parking slot at Walmart with Reagan, Rylan, and James. I said, "You guys need to be good in the store. That means you need to behave."
Rylan replied, "Mom, we are bein' havin."
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"I'm gunna over-splode!" Aubryn said while trying to do homework with her little brothers distracting her.
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"I wanna treat, Mom." Reagan said.
"What do you want?" I asked.
"Hmm. Something not good for me."

Attempting To Take My Kid's Photos

2011-10-02T21:05:00.002-06:00

After we went to a cute fruit stand where I had planned to take their photos and we had to leave because Reagan and Rylan started throwing peaches into the road, we stopped at the empty church peach orchard. There was no one around, so I knew we couldn't make too big of a scene. It was getting dark, and my good dusk light was gone. Regardless of lighting, I think it might be worth paying someone else to take my kids pictures. What a JOKE! But I did come wout with a few decent ones, mostly of Aubryn.

Wondering why I even tried.

Work it!

"I AM smiling."

Brian got the camera!

2011-10-02T20:43:00.001-06:00

Brad's Conference Choir

2011-10-02T20:41:00.002-06:00

My little point-and-shoot camera could really zoom in, but I couldn't hold it steady! Brad was looking good up there.

Brad had the wonderful opportunity to sing in the Saturday afternoon session of General Conference. He had a great experience. He did not get a lot of camera time, but you can see him at 1 hour, 58 min, and 20 seconds into THIS LINK of the broadcast. Listen to them sing! They are wonderful. There were also some amazing messages shared. Brian and I were able to be there live. This will definitly be something we will always cherish.

Family Photo Shoot

2011-10-02T20:22:00.000-06:00

SEE PHOTOS HERE

I am still learning as I go. I couldn't get these kids to look at me and not their parents! Still, super cuties!

Another Family Photo Shoot

2011-09-28T22:07:00.001-06:00

SEE THE PHOTOS HERE
This is my friend's cute family. Her husband passed away this month last year. He was the same age as Brian. My friend wanted his motorcycle in the pictures. What a great idea!

MOM! DAD! MOM! DAD!

2011-09-25T21:46:00.000-06:00

About 6:45 a.m. I woke up to a distant cry. I listened for a minute and determined that it was coming from the field behind my home. I had slept with my windows open. Next I tried to figure out what I was hearing. The more I listened, the more I thought it sounded like a young child crying out, "MOM! DAD! MOM! DAD!"

Brian woke up soon after I did. He listened for a brief moment and jumped out of bed. He looked out the window. We heard it again. "MOM! DAD! MOM! DAD!" He started throwing on his clothes and said under his breath, "I’m coming!" He ran down the stairs, out the door, and around the block to the field.

I checked to make sure our kids were all in bed. I wondered if one of them had maybe wandered out of bed in the night and woke up scared somewhere. They were all sleeping. I went back to the bedroom and watched Brian out the window. He was looking all around. Again we heard the cry. He hollered, "Where are you!?" That was the last cry we heard. I got dressed and ran out to help. He checked the canal. I checked garbage cans.

Nothing. No more cries. We were baffled.

We saw a couple cats run out of the field. Was it the cats? I swear we both heard "mom" and "dad". I guess we’ll never know!

On a positive note, I found my tripod I left in the field a few days earlier. I didn’t even know I lost it.

A photo shoot!

2011-09-25T21:41:00.000-06:00

I recently put the knowledge I learned in my photography class to the test. Brian's sister's family got to be the guinea pigs. HERE ARE THE PHOTOS.

James' Birthday

2011-09-25T21:37:00.000-06:00

Reagan's Birthday!

2011-09-25T21:09:00.000-06:00

Back tracking a bit here. I wanted to post some pictures from Reagan's birthday.

Please Bless...

2011-09-21T11:40:00.000-06:00

"Please bless Easter and Halloween. Please bless Winter. And please bless the food so we don't die."
-Reagan during his blessing at dinner last night.

If you say this, you must be Reagan.

2011-09-20T12:30:00.000-06:00

"What the craps!"
"Holy craps!"
"Crazy carrots!"
"I'm gunna beat you up." (instead of saying he will beat you in a race or something.)
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Last night at dinner Aubryn told Reagan that there is a real queen in this world. She is the queen of England. Reagan's eyes were huge and his mouth wide open. He was speechless. Then he said, "WHAT!? I DIDN'T KNOW THAT!"

Happy First Birthday, James!

2011-09-15T07:26:00.001-06:00

Reagan is 5 years old!

2011-09-08T08:21:00.001-06:00

I wish there was some way for you to understand the volume that Reagan has. He is so loud! If this picture could capture sound, you'd all be plugging your ears and running away.

Summer Please Don't Go!

2011-08-31T14:38:00.003-06:00

First Day of School (6th and 1st)

2011-08-31T14:26:00.001-06:00

It's not the end of the world!

2011-08-18T19:40:00.003-06:00

I am going to start sharing some of my favorite songs.

Happy 3rd Birthday, RYLAN!

2011-08-12T09:52:00.001-06:00

Rylan left being 2 with a bang. He pulled the stuffing out of some pillows and threw it everywhere. "I having a party!" he excplaimed to me when I found him. (I am finding batting EVERYWHERE!) He also got into my nail polish and painted his toe nails and 3 finger nails pink. He actually did a pretty good job! I thought I would find polish spilled all over in my bathroom, but he got it only on him. Maybe he will be an artist!

2011-08-09T03:07:00.003-06:00

Happy Birthday Anjie!
Love, Brian

2011-08-08T22:21:00.000-06:00

Rylan recently became a big boy. He goes in the potty! Woo Hoo!!

The other night he was sitting on the toilet before bed. He looked between his legs and said, "There's an eyeball in my poop." Brian looked. Sure enough! There was an eyeball in his poop! It was looking right at us. Rylan kept saying, "There's an eyeball in my poop." We got all the kids out of bed to come and see, because how often does this happen?! Sorry for you, he flushed it before we got the camera out.

This story reminds me of Reagan's blue poop.

I can't come up with a good title for this. Hmm. Something about brown eyes, maybe? Any ideas??

2011-08-08T22:07:00.001-06:00

James, mid sneeze!

2011-08-08T22:06:00.000-06:00

I told Aubryn that she needed to do something nice for Grandma for sewing her a pretty skirt. Aubryn said to me, "I allready did something nice for Grandma. I made her look pretty. I brushed her hair and made her cheeks not so wrinkly."
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When Reagan changes his clothes he is like a stripper gone wild. He rips his clothes off and swings them around and throws them as hard has he can. Tonight he got in trouble for whipping Rylan with his pajama bottoms similar to guys in the locker rooms with wet towels. One day he flicked his shoe off with such force he hit a frame with glass and busted it. I am trying to teach him to take it easy when he changes his clothes. So, the other night he was getting ready for bed and took his underwear off normally, without incident. He said, "Look mom! I'm taking my underwear off politely."

SAN DIEGO!!

2011-08-03T12:06:00.002-06:00

This is the first half of pictures. When I get the rest from my friend, I'll post them too!

Baby in the Bath!

2011-07-24T21:36:00.001-06:00

Sunday Morning

2011-07-17T15:41:00.000-06:00

Sunday morning. Just typing that fills me with emotions. Getting all kids dressed somewhat decently and fed for 9am church is only half the battle. (Brian did start dressing Rylan in James’ clothes from yesterday. He didn’t even notice except to say, "This shirt has food on it." I ran over to look, wondering how his Sunday shirt was dirty before he put it on. "Brian." I said, "Those are James clothes!" It was a very snug fit.)

Once we start trying to load the kids in the van is when the real fun begins. "Everybody in the van!" I shout. That is the cue for the little boys to open the garage door and get every trike and bike and go cart and scooter and anything else out of the garage and take OFF. I seem to be surprised every time. I walk out to the van ready to go, thinking, "THIS week we will find a seat in the chapel!" only to discover that NO one is in the van.

"Reagan!? Reagan? REAGAN? Where is Reagan? Is Reagan still in the house?... Rylan?! RY-LAN!" Rylan is down the road in the "only-goes-DOWN- the-street-go-cart". I walk down the street with a baby on my hip in my heals and skirt to get Rylan. As I go, I discover Reagan hiding behind the neighbor’s truck. He is on his bike wearing his helmet over his freshly combed hair. It seems I am always reminding him to put his helmet on, but today, the day his hair was combed and has hair spray in it, is the day he remembered all by himself. "Hurry up and get in the van!" I holler to him. Off he rides.

I continue to walk to Rylan who is waiting patiently. He says he can’t ride it up and wants me to carry it. "It’s easy." He tells me. So, I start up the hill, dragging the no-go cart with a baby on my hip in my heals and skirt telling the 2 year old to head to the van over and over because I know he will forget. Then Rylan changed his mind. He wants to ride. "Push me!" Now I am pushing the 2 year old up the street in the go cart with a baby on my hip in my heals and skirt saying, "don’t steer into the grass!"

Reagan rides by me on his bike again. "Reagan! Get in the van!"

"I am. I’m just going here first." Zoom. Off he goes again.

I have lost my patience. "Come on! We are going to church! We don’t want to be late. Why did you put your helmet on? Put your bike in the garage. Hurry up! GET IN THE VAN!!!"

Finally! We are in the van and pull out of the drive way. I look over and there is my neighbor sitting on her porch. Lovely.

WHY do we do this? Is it worth it? I hope so!! Actually, I know so. Nothing that is worth it comes easily. I know the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is true. I want my kids to know that too.

2011-07-17T15:29:00.000-06:00

"you move over. No you."

2011-07-14T18:02:00.002-06:00

"Brad! You are the meanest kid on the whole world AND earth!" -Reagan

"Good bye 10. Hello 11!"

2011-07-07T21:46:00.004-06:00

That is what Brad told himself early this morning when he woke up near the time he was born. Then he went back to sleep. We spent the day at Lagoon with cousins. Tonight the neighbor has promised a super duper fireworks show.

On the train!

COLOSSIS!

Sticking together, Aubryn and Maddie.

Waiting in line.

Music Express, before it started.

Birthday treat, Jello!

None of these things tie together...

2011-07-06T16:04:00.000-06:00

But I don't want to forget them.
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Last week I was by Reagan while he was saying his prayers at night. He blessed "Parker Smith". I had no idea who that was. Later I realized he condensed two ladies in our ward that we pray for on a daily basis. Sister Parker and Sister Smith.
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At the reunion with the water slide, we were getting ready to go and Rylan got his thumb shut in the back of the car door. It shut all the way and his thunb was in the back where the hing is. Within a short time, you could NOT tell AT ALL that anything had happened. His thumb was totally fine. He was blessed!
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At another reunion that was this last weekend, my kids were a little nuts. The best example of that was when Reagan put a sliced olive IN HIS NOSE. I thought for sure we were going to have to go the doctor and have them get it out. He was able to blow it out. I couldn't even see it in there. I'm glad he was able to blow it out, just wish he would have waited for me to get a tissue.
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Yesterday Aubryn came up to me and asked if I could get her some matches. I said no. She kept asking. I said no several times. Finally I said. I WILL NOT GET YOU MATCHES. Then she said, "OKAY. Do you know where I can find some?"

Reunion low lights / high lights

2011-06-30T16:27:00.000-06:00

Driving 2 ½ hours without air conditioning, windows down, and temperature dial in the van turned to hot. / Having the volume in the van so loud from the wind noise that I didn’t hear much fighting from the kids.

Sleeping in tents/ Brian walking into the boy cousin tent and saying, "Whoa! It smells like B.O. in here." Then Adam said, "What’s that? Barbecue sauce?"

Baby puking on me throughout the night in my sleeping bag. / Someone (Janice) letting me use her hot shower in the morning. (THANKS!)

40 degree nights, brr/ 70-75 degree days, ahh

Sleeping on hard ground when air slowly leaked from air mattress. / Appreciating the pioneers.

Fevering baby. / Sitting in the shade of the tree all day.

According to Rylan some friends (basically that refers to all the people there) told him he had a "poopy face." He said he told them, "Don’t! Friends!" / having plenty of friends for my kids to play with.

Running up and down the hill checking on and finding kids. / Kids never got bored.

Having cookies, brownies, and yummy food provided. (because I kept eating it all!) / Having yummy food, cookies, brownies, provided!

Brian and Maddi colliding on the waterslide. / Have a super fun water slide for everyone to play on all day long.

Reagan slipped and scrapped his leg, fell off the teeter tauter, and got a "bleedy owie." / Reagan didn’t stop playing all day.

Wondering who all these people are. / Getting to know new people and seeing familiar faces again.

"I can ride a 2 wheeler!"

2011-06-20T15:04:00.000-06:00

This is what Reagan declares to everyone he sees today. It is followed by Rylan saying, "Me too!"

When Reagan first got the hang of it he said, "Allright! I'm going to do this every day and every morrow!" As he kept at it and got better I told him if he could ride from our driveway to the neighbor's and back again without stopping, I would give him a treat. He started off and I told him the treat was ice cream and he said as he rode up the sidewalk, "Ohh. I can DO this! I CAN DO THIS!!" And he did!

Happy Father's Day!

2011-06-19T15:00:00.000-06:00

Happy Brian when he first became a father!

Conversation During Fireworks

2011-06-19T14:50:00.000-06:00

oooohh
aaaaaahh
Grandpa: I think this is the big end.
Grandma: I have a big end.
Grandpa: But your end doesn't explode.
Me: Sometimes it does.

Photos

2011-06-15T21:33:00.000-06:00

before crop.

Cropped just a tiny bit.

I'm taking a Photography class from Nathan Caulford. He has a blog HERE. I have learned lots so far with LOTS still to learn. I have home work and thought I'd share some of the pictures I have taken for practice.

No photo shop used on these except for the tiny crop on the close up of Aubryn. I have been practicing different things I am learning with each picture. It has been fun, but more challanging then I thought it would be. Photography is complicated and I have a new respect for really talanted photographers. I have a long way to go still.

2011-06-12T17:53:00.000-06:00

"Mom, look. The jello is movey." Reagan said. I laughed. He said, "Really. look at it."
-
I said to Aubryn, "Can you open the fridge for me? Hurry. Quick as a cat."
She stopped and looked around. "There's a cat?"

2011-06-12T15:54:00.000-06:00

"Mom, you know what I am going to do to my kids when they are naughty?" Aubryn asked me. She was unimpressed with my discipline skills. "I'm going to put peanut butter all over their faces and make them clean it up. I'm not going to clean it up."
-
"Heyyyy, Man. Man! Hey Man! It's time to take our naps, Man." Reagan said to Rylan.
-
"MOM! MOOOOMMMM!" Rylan called from his crib. I went upstairs and into his room.
"What?" I replied.
"Here's a booger for you. I picked it from my nose."
"Thanks."

2011-06-11T16:41:00.000-06:00

"See. Her did it." Rylan said when Aubryn got him out of his crib after I said I would do it.
-
Reagan wants to look like a "dude". That means he wants to look cool. He was upset about his hair.
-
I told Reagan we were going to eat at a barbecue and he said, "I hope they don't have peas."
-
Reagan woke up from his nap crying hard today. He had a bad dream. I asked what happened. He said (through his gasps and tears), "There were these guys telling me to lay down. I called for Dad and he just said, 'na na na na.' "

2011-06-09T17:31:00.001-06:00

"Dare me to hornk it?" Rylan said to me as he was supposed to be climbing back into his car seat and stopped at the driver's wheel. "Look at me, I drivin'"
-
While driving in the van today I asked the kids what we should get Dad for Father's Day. Here are some suggestions: a bag of chips (not Doritos!), and the "greatest idea" from Reagan was a fast rocket that could take us to outer space, and Aubryn said a motorcycle. Those are super ideas!
-
Rylan never uses the word "and". He uses "even" instead. As in, "Even Reagan?" when he is told it is nap time.
-
After watching ISAAC'S VIDEO Reagan said, "I wish Isaac was still here. He look likes he was fun to play wif. I wish I could play wif him."

Eternal Perspective

2011-06-08T13:57:00.000-06:00

THIS is WONDERFUL!! If you have a long drive ahead you can download it HERE. This man has been through incredible trials and has learned so much. This is worth listening to.

James First Word!

2011-06-07T17:39:00.000-06:00

He has said this SEVERAL times today. He can also clap and wave! He is growing up!

James First Word!

2011-06-07T17:38:00.001-06:00

http://youtu.be/yXHQOwn81lU
He has said this SEVERAL times today. He can also clap and wave! He is growing up!

What We Did

2011-06-05T21:44:00.001-06:00

Yeah for self timers and other people's flower vases at graves.

Usually we go swimming on Isaac's birthday. That was one of Isaac's favorite things to do. This year we had to change plans. One little boy at our house recently had some "intestinal issues". Swimming pools have rules about stuff like that. Luckily for us, Chuck E Cheese does not! So we went there! We had a great time. One of my favorite moments of the night was when Brian asked, "Where's Aubryn?" I thought he was joking at first. He wasn't. Then he saw she was dancing in front of the blue screen and was on every TV in the place.

Another funny moment of the day was when my SIL called me the morning of his birthday and asked if I was missing my boy. I said, "Yeah." Then she said, "Is he having lots of fun?" I paused and then realized that she was talking about Brad who is vacationing with Grandma and Grandpa. "Oh, yeah. He is having lots of fun." (Thanks Julianne and fam for coming to Chuck E Cheese with us)

Figured out his video!

2011-06-02T17:12:00.002-06:00

We made this video sideshow for his first birthday. After he died, we added video to the end and showed it at his viewing.

Remembering Isaac

2011-06-02T13:06:00.000-06:00

Happy birthday Isaac! 9 Years! I tried to post a video of him, but can't figure out hoe to convert my VOB file. So, a picture will have to do.

James

2011-05-25T23:18:00.001-06:00

Rylan joined in at the end

LOVE this one!

We are a Happy Family

2011-05-25T23:11:00.000-06:00

Reagan said after walking in from the backyard as dinner was cooking in the oven, “What stinks?! What’s that smell in the kitchen?”

Early Isaac Birthday Celebration

2011-05-25T23:05:00.000-06:00

Isaac's 9th birthday will be June 2nd. (He would be in my Primary class)

Isaac’s birthday is coming up. Brad will be out of town for the birthday, so I decided to do some of the traditions early so Brad could be with us. The kids and I painted some little things to put by his grave. We bought donuts and ate them at his grave. That afternoon as we were preparing the items to take to the grave, Reagan started asking about his death. Then he asked, “So, he is in a wood box?” He seemed troubled. I found the book of photos from Isaac’s funeral and showed them to Reagan. There was a picture of Isaac in the casket. He was very interested in the pictures. I could tell he was thinking. He said, “His body tried to go to heaven, and it did.”

1/2 Marathon

2011-05-25T23:00:00.000-06:00

At the finish line eating Twinkies

Kristy, Julianne, Brian

Almost done!

Cheering squad! (Reagan, quit poking the baby!)

Brian ran a ½ marathon on Saturday morning. He did great! He even enjoyed some Twinkies at the finish line. (Which Reagan called Winkies, then the next day he wanted a Pinkie.) The race started on the other side of the mountain and he ran through the canyon and ended in downtown. He drove his car to the starting line and on Sunday evening we drove over the pass (or as Rylan put it, the “scary drive”) to pick up his car. The next day Reagan said, “Mom, did you know that there is still a world on the other side of the mountain? They don’t have as many buildings over there though.”

The Final Straw, AGAIN!

2011-05-25T22:48:00.001-06:00

I think I must have innocently prayed for patience. I should be more thoughtful about what I pray for. I keep having this thought, "If ONE more thing happens, I’m going to loose it." Then one more thing happens and I’m not sure how to loose it, so I think it all again.

One of the final straws was Monday when my boys, Reagan and Rylan, (who blame the other until I decide to punish both of them and then they say it just happened all by itself. I will never know.) dumped a large bottle of bubbles in the carpet. This is day three of steam cleaning. I think I am getting close to getting all the bubbles out. Monday night, after much lecturing and Brian’s encouraging, the boys told me they were sorry. Rylan said, "I sowwy. Now I have ice cream?"

This morning while I was getting dressed the boys went out front, and started riding their trikes. Both were still in their jammies and barefoot. When I walked out Reagan was at the top of the street (our street is a slight hill) riding full speed down the middle of the road. Nice.

2011-05-14T22:38:00.000-06:00

If Rylan wants more, he wants "lotser".
-
I asked Aubryn today if she lovered her life. She said yes. I asked her what could make it better. I thought she would say if she had a sister. She responded without a thought, "If Isaac were here."
-
I was helping Reagan learn to ride his bike. He was talking under his breath to himself, "I know I can ride it this way! I know I can ride it this way! I know I can ride it this way!"
-
We recently bought and put up a trampoline. It has been so much fun! Today I was jumping on the trampoline with the kids and Reagan came over to me, "Mom, I need to tell you a secret. " Then he wispered in my ear, "I love you." I giggled. Then he said he had another secret and wispered in my ear, "I like you too."

On a sad note, we came home later this evening to find our brand new, super fun, trampoline had blown up and over the fence. It is bent. Luckily it didn't damage anything else, like the next door neighbor's house or the two cars right by where it landed. I am sad. I asked my insurance agent (my husband) if it was covered. Unfortunatly, our deductable is more than the trampoline cost us. bummer.

The kids who make me a mom!

2011-05-07T22:19:00.002-06:00

Kid Talk 2011 from anjie hawks on Vimeo.

2011-04-30T19:44:00.000-06:00

"Some of the poops not drowning." Reagan said after he flushed the toilet and not all of it went down.

The Greatest Day Ever

2011-04-28T11:49:00.000-06:00

Today was suppossed to be the greatest day ever according to Reagan. Brian told him, "We can do water balloons." They have so anxious to play with the water balloons.

Reagan just ran downstairs saying, "I'm coming!" He ran into the kitchen and out the back door in his SWIMSUIT. He was grinning and super excited. It is about 60 degrees. He ran around the patio for a minute. Then he came back into the house and said, "I'm going to get my coat on!"

Dreamer

2011-04-17T18:38:00.000-06:00

Untitled from anjie hawks on Vimeo.

Build the Angel

2011-04-17T16:27:00.000-06:00

I teach the 8 and 9 year old children at church. When we finish our lesson early we sometimes play “build the angel” (my churchy version of hangman). In my game I draw parts of the angel until the halo, then I win. I also make the word puzzle directly related to the lesson. Today we talked about Christ healing the sick. So the word was “compassion.” Sounds good, right?

First letter a kid picked was S.

Second letter was A.

I didn’t even realize what I had written on the board till I turned and looked at the kids. They all had their hands over their mouths and were making a sound similar to, well similar to one you would make when your Sunday School teacher writes a swear word on the board.

Hurry! Someone guess P fast! That is right, I am building angels.

Inspirational

2011-04-10T12:52:00.000-06:00

Hillari's story in the Salt Lake Tribune
This is a friend of mine who's husband died a few days before James was born. I am sharing this story because I think she is a great example and it will halp us all to be more grateful.

...Then you might be the parent of children with pneumonia.

2011-04-07T17:20:00.001-06:00

lethargic Rylan

If your heart aches knowing your child is in pain with every breath...

If you don’t flinch when getting puked on...

If you wonder how high your ear thermometer can go when recording a temp of 104.5 degree...

If you loose your cool with the unlucky 100th telemarketer calling...

If your two year old won’t move off the couch except for when they fall off, and then they just lay on the floor...

If your two year old won’t talk because it triggers coughing fits...

If you fight with the doctor for your third child in a row who has gone to the doctor in less than 5 days to get a prescription you know they will need before they need it and when the doctor reluctantly gives in with a promise to put a note on the kid’s chart in bold letters you STILL have the nerve to ask for bubbles...

If you were awake more than asleep for countless nights...

If you leave all your groceries on the belt at the register and leave the store because the checker doesn’t care that you dropped your coupons one isle over...

If you feel overwhelmed with gratitude when your two year old starts walking around and talking...

If you are extremely thankful for motrin and antibiotics...

If you wonder what your problem is that you need this kind of experience as a reminder to cherish your healthy kids...

If you feel happy inside to find your two year old is well enough to make a big mess again...
-
Rylan touched my heart one day while he was sick. I was telling him a story in the thick of his sickness when he would barely moved or talk. I said, "Once upon a time there was a little boy named Rylan..."
He interupted me and said in a whisper, "And Reagan."

Rylan feeling much better with a mouth full of mascara

Conversation with Rude Telemarketer:

2011-04-01T13:56:00.001-06:00

Me: Hello?
Rude man: Hello. It's nice to hear a cheerful voice. I get a few of those, you know what I mean.
Me: Uh huh.
Rude man: I'm calling with the firefighters for children burn victums...blah blah blah.
Me: [reading facebook]
Rude man: M'am?
Me: Uh huh.
Rude man: Great! Would you like to contribute $150, $100, $70 etc....
Me: Oh, I don't want to give any money.
Rude man: But you just commited to me that you would!
Me: Oh, I'm sorry. I wasn't listening.
Rude man: You weren't listening!? Don't you want to support children who have been burn victims?
Me: I don't want to give any money.
Rude man: I'm not asking for your money. I'm asking for your support! How would you feel if one of your children was victim of a horrible burn? Wouldn't you want the community's support?!
Me: I don't want to commit to giving any money today.
Rude man: Well, thanks for wasting my time!

2011-03-30T16:44:00.002-06:00

"Mom, feel my cheek. It feels like little stuff is coming out." Reagan said.

I felt his cheek and said, "Uh huh."

Then he said, "Yeah! I'm going to be a dad soon."

While Playing Paper Airplanes

2011-03-29T15:16:00.001-06:00

"Rylan, do you want a hug? Lets do a hug." Reagan said.

Then Reagan and Rylan gave each other a big man hug. The kind that football players give with big slaps on the back.

Then right back to throwing planes.

I figured out what is more embarassing...

2011-03-24T21:23:00.001-06:00

then your cell phone ringing in a quiet chapel full of sisters listening to Michael Ballam speak. It is when the toy frog you are holding in your hand (MY HAND!) to show to your baby goes off.

RIBBIT. RIBBIT.

RIBBIT. RIBBIT.

RIBBIT. RIBBIT.

I was still edified tonight. He shared one story about President Hinkley when he came to the set of the movie they were making for the temple. President Hinkley told everyone to gather around. He told them that after Adam and Eve were kicked out of the garden that Adam was allowed to come back to the garden. Did you know that? He would bring his sons to the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Adam told his sons that this was the place that their mother ate them out of house and home. Bro. Ballam said that no body laughed. Then President Hinkley hit his knee, pointed at them, and said, "Gotcha!"

Gru called my house today...

2011-03-22T21:07:00.000-06:00

I swear it was him. Here is the phone call:

Me: Hello?

Gru voice: Hello. Is Brian there?

Me: No. Can I take a message?

Gru voice: There is no message. What time will he be back?

Me: Later

Gru voice: I will call him at that time.

If I were a telemarketer I would use different accents with each call. That would be fun.

2011-03-22T11:31:00.000-06:00

I asked Rylan, "What are you eating?"

He answered, "gum."

"Were did you get it?"

"The garbage."
-

I said to Reagan, "I won't help you if you act like that."

Reagan said, "I'm not acting!"

2011-03-18T13:42:00.000-06:00

I was talking to my kids at lunch about how they were all my babies.

"Is Dad your baby?" Reagan asked.

"No." I said. "Dad was Grandma Jenny's baby. And Grandma Jenny was Great-Grandma Hamblin's baby."

"Who was Grandma Hamblin's mom?" Aubryn asked.

"I'm not sure. It keeps ging back all the way to Eve. Eve was the first mom on the earth."

"I bet Grandma Hamblin was Eve's baby." Aubryn said.

2011-03-18T13:38:00.000-06:00

Riding home from a friend's house Reagan said, "I want to be a police man."

I said, "oooh. That will be fun when you grow up."

"I will put you in jail."

"Why? What did I do?" I asked.

"You wouldn't let me play longer."

"Okay. Who will take care of you while I'm gone?"

"Hmm. That's the problem!"

2011-03-17T17:03:00.000-06:00

"BE QUIET, BRAD! BABYS SWEEPING (sleeping)!" said Rylan.

Honey Bunches of ?

2011-03-15T12:18:00.000-06:00

Aubryn, Reagan, and Rylan were eating their lunch outside today! It is a warm 52 degrees. They were enjoying some peanut butter and honey.

Reagan came inside, "Mom!"

I thought they needed more food or drinks.

"Is honey bee's poop?!"

2011 Flu Season Awards

2011-03-04T11:54:00.005-07:00

Best Picture goes to the thermometer when it finally read a normal reading after days of fevers.

Best Action goes to Rylan for his puking in the car.

Best Drama goes to Reagan for his desperate pleas to be held.

Best Comedy goes to Aubryn who after being the first to get the flu 4 weeks ago told Reagan, who is in the thick of it right now, to get away from her so he wouldn’t get her sick.

Actor in a Leading Role goes to Rylan. He portrayed the "sick boy" in a way that made you feel his pain. This was a tough one to call. Any of the nominees could have won.

Actor in a Supporting Role goes to Dad who continued to work and support us while he suffered the symptoms. He also played a major role in caring for the afflicted.

Actress in a Leading Role goes to Aubryn. She lead us all into this.

Actress in a Supporting Role goes to Mom for all her support, love, hugs, holding, rubbing, bathing, rocking...

Animated Feature Film goes to "Super Why", "Cat in the Hat", and "Bug’s Life" for being the favorites viewed by the sickos.

Cinematography goes to Brad for his lighting adjustments in his room to pitch black.

Costume Design goes to Mom who declared it pajama day over and over.

Directing goes to Mom for directing, "Turn your head into your shoulder when you cough." "Eat your Motrin." "Let’s wipe your nose." "Hurry to the potty."

Documentary Feature goes to Mom who documented the events of each day to Dad.

Documentary Short Subject goes to Brad who caught up on his school subjects in minimal time after missing school.

Makeup goes to Mom only for her mere attempts to cover up her dark circles and weary eyes.

Music goes to the children’s laughter, which is music to a mother’s ears after the children have been ill.

Short Film goes to Mom and Dad for their nights of short sleeping moments.

Sound Editing goes to Brian for the many Priesthood blessing he pronounced.

Sound Mixing goes to James. Lots of sounds from this poor baby that make parents worry.

Visual Effects This is a toss up. All are nominated and awarded for their sunken in eyes, heavy eyelids, pale faces, and crazy bed hair.

Special Effects goes to Reagan who pulled a 103.7 degree temperature while on Motrin.

Writing goes to Brad for his eloquent writing about this season on his blog.

2011-02-15T14:47:00.002-07:00

2011-02-15T14:43:00.001-07:00

2011-02-15T14:42:00.001-07:00

LOVE this one

A Hunting We Will Go

2011-02-15T14:32:00.002-07:00

Hey! Lets give a two year old a gun, but make sure he can't see first. I had nothing to do with this picture, but it is one of the funniest I have ever seen. The sucker stick that looks like a cigarette is a nice touch.

Brian took the two boys hunting with his BB gun. They shot the picture
of the rabbit that was taped to this box Reagan is holding.