Hendricks' Diaries

Taylor's new hair-do!

2010-03-31T20:42:00.003-06:00

Taylor has great hair. It's not too thick, not too thin. It's super easy to work with.... as long as it's clean. She has had some of the cutest haircuts.... from bobs to layers to just long and straight. She's been wanting to keep it long this past year. So to change things up a little without cutting the length, we went for bangs! Here she is

She said to me afterwards, I feel like a different person. A big change for never having bangs before. She loves it and I LOVE it!!

It's like starting all over again!

2010-03-24T21:54:00.006-06:00

The other day something happened and Steve said to me, you need to post it on our blog. Every time I think about our blog it makes me cringe to think about how I've neglected what was once the very thing I looked forward to doing everyday or so. So after trying several times to get back into it, I am trying again and hoping to stick with it.

Starting with the latest here.......... this summer we will be leaving this

And will be trading it in for.....................

From Colorado to Florida!! Although I am overly excited to be back on the beach, this will be a tough move for several reasons! We will be so sad to leave the most amazing friends, awesome cadets, further away from family, great schools and ward and of course the Air Force Academy. Steve is taking a classified job at Eglin Air Force Base.

We will be in the panhandle, next to Destin/Ft Walton beaches.

Another adventure in the Hendricks' Family!

Now........ I just need someone to buy our house!!

Another Year Older

2010-01-21T14:47:00.006-07:00

Our Mason is 4 today!! It seems just like yesterday I was in labor at the hospital w/ Steve and my two girlfriends Heather and Danell. It was the best labor~ we laughed and talked until it was time to push!! Once he was born, the laughter started again! We are so blessed to have our Mason! He brings so much sunshine to our family. Happy Birthday Mason! "I love you more than the ocean!"

January 2009 - with a look like that, it's no wonder he gets away with a lot!

February 2009 - he loves airplanes and his dad!

March 2009 - he is active and happy!

April 2009 - He is not a fan of underwear!

May 2009 - doesn't like to be left out, his first camping trip with the boys

June 2009 - anything to be funny
July 2009 - loves to play, especially in the sand

August 2009 - loves to smile for the camera

September 2009 - can pout like no other

October 2009 - loves Thomas the tank engine

November 2009 - loves the kittens on the farm
also November 2009 - loves to bang on the piano

December 2009 - loves food and anything Christmas
January 21, 2010 - loves life and loves turning 4!

Don't Faint!

2009-09-11T23:54:00.009-06:00

It's not that I have given up on our family blog! You know the saying, if you don't want to do something any excuse will do. Well, that really isn't the case here. I used to be really good at posting when Steve was deployed and the nights were mine! That's when I would curl up on the couch, turn on the TV and type away. Steve has been on me for months (6 to be exact) along with other family and friends, to get back to blogging. I wasn't sure I could even remember my login info and password. But it opened on my first try and my blog is still up, so I am putting aside the overwhelming thoughts of where to begin and I'm just going to post something
(still not too sure where to start??)

The family! Of course, where else would I start, my life does revolve around them.

Here is the most recent fam pic from last weekend, don't be shocked we are at a football game.

College football has begun (not sure it ever ends in this house). But nonetheless, games are in full swing and the males in this house couldn't be happier.

Although you wouldn't know it by Mason's pouting

First Day Of School
Preschool, 1st and 3rd

Mason 3 1/2

Taylor 7

Preston 9

It's a start!

California Family Summer '09

2009-07-08T18:35:00.000-06:00

Summer = Fun Family Time

Cousins

Great Grandpa

2009-07-07T21:57:00.000-06:00

Our last day!! We had such a great trip. Hard to believe we went to celebrate our 10 yr anniversary. Where does time go?

We took a tram to the top of a ski resort. The views were beautiful. We spent a lot of the time talking to the kids. They were at my parent's house in California for the week.

The closest we came to wildlife

Steve imitating the bear

And another bear

And another one!

And finally back home to our own "Moose"

Anchorage, Alaska

2009-07-06T21:47:00.000-06:00

After we got off the cruise ship, we headed into Anchorage. We rented a car and toured around for a few days.

This was a one way tunnel, the only way in and out of where the cruise ships docked
Finally... cell phone reception.
Which we didn't mind not having!

WOW!! I think this was used to remove snow/ice from the train tracks

God's Country!!

An old little town where we stayed at a bed-n-breakfast

Everything grows in Alaska because of all the rain!

I have never seen dandelions this big!

We had a cabin all to ourselves for the night

And to top it off, our own secluded hot tub!

Although I was anticipating a bear to appear at any moment

College Fjord, Alaska

2009-07-05T21:36:00.000-06:00

Our last day of cruising was spent at College Fjord. The Glaciers were AMAZING!! The Captain got us the closest the park ranger had ever been to the Glaciers there. We were about 300-400 yds away. The Glaciers were continously calving. It was a clear day, no rain, no fog... almost unheard of.

Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska

2009-07-04T22:18:00.000-06:00

The 4th of July was spent on the ship cruising through Glacier Bay. Each day we slept in more and more! We didn't get up til later to see the Glaciers. I'm sure we missed some great stuff, but we did enjoy what we did see!

And, the weather was amazing. The crew could not believe how lucky we were to have such warmth and sunshine.

Skagway, Alaska

2009-07-03T22:06:00.001-06:00

Skagway was is a small town in Alaska. We went to great show that about the town and a greedy gold miner that once lived there. We later went to his graveside.

We also took a shuttle through the mountains and into Canada.

BEAUTIFUL!!

Juneau, Alaska

2009-07-02T19:41:00.000-06:00

Our next stop, Juneau. Which is the Capital of Alaska.

The highlight of this stop was our helicopter ride to a glacier.

WOW!!!

Mother's Cookies, yummy!!

A Bald Eagle

Another bald eagle

Getting ready to take off in the helicopter

You can't leave Alaska without having Alaskan King Crab!

Another Bear

Lots of shopping...... Steve was so thrilled.... NOT!

Relaxing before dinner

Beautiful Sunsets. This was probably 11 0'clock at night!

We could not have asked for better weather the entire week!

Our Matri 'D who took care of us all week long!

Not only did we get a private table by the window every night,

he would order special appetizers for us that weren't on the menu.

We had fun getting to know our servers!

We were spoiled

Out on the deck around midnight

Libby Riddles was the first female Iditarod (dog sledding) Champion.

She came on board to talk and sign books

Great entertainment

Ketchikan, Alaska

2009-07-01T19:33:00.000-06:00

Our first stop was Ketchikan

We went to a lumberjack show and saw some of the

totem poles that the small town is known for

We saw whales while we were having dinner

Happy 10th Anniversary

2009-06-29T19:17:00.000-06:00

For our 10th Anniversary, Steve and I went on the most amazing Alaskan Cruise!!!

We flew into Vancouver and toured around the day before our cruise ship left

It didn't take us long to find the food and sun as soon as we boarded the ship!

The staff took great care of us!

The Maitre D' gave us a private table with an oceanview every night.

The Captain of the ship!

California Beaches Summer '09

2009-06-26T18:16:00.001-06:00

One of our favorite things to do in the summer, head to the California to see family and hangout at the beaches

Taylor had already been out there in CA for a week

before we got there. We were so excited to see her!!

Forester's Last Days

2009-06-24T18:10:00.000-06:00

The day that the Forester's movers came, the kids came over and spent the night! After a long day of playing, they were all exhausted!

Lauren, Preston and Natalie always have so much fun together
One last time at 5 guys!

Patsy's last night in Colorado Springs... this was in between all the tears!!

Scout Camp 2009

2009-06-19T18:03:00.000-06:00

Scout Camp 2009

Bowling
Archery

Golfing

Mom and Son lunch and a cute skit

Flag Ceremony

Preston and me!!

Taylor Flies out to California Alone

2009-06-18T17:55:00.000-06:00

My cute little Taylor girl!! The past 2 years Preston has been able to go out to Steve's parent's farm in Nebraska all by himself. He has competed in 4H riding horses. Taylor has been too young to compete and has felt a little leftout. So my mom asked if she could come out to California for a week by herself. WOW, the thought of Taylor alone on the plane made me so nervous. But she really wanted to go and I knew she would have the best time. So..... Steve and I decided to let her get on that plane and fly by herself.

So here she is waiting to board

She made friends with 2 other girls that were flying without parents
If she only knew how sad I was to say goodbye

I waited for the plane to take off before I left

And so what did I do as I waited?? I took pictures of her plane

more pictures

the last one I could get!!

Pool time!

2009-06-17T17:48:00.000-06:00

So while Preston has been at football camp the past week.... Taylor, Mason and I have been hanging out at the pool with friends!

Football Camp 2009

2009-06-16T17:43:00.000-06:00

Since we've been here, Steve has helped with the Air Force football camp each summer. The coaches let Preston come and participate for free. It's a great camp and the highlight of Preston's (and his buddies) summer

Future Falcon??? We'll see!

Last/First day of school pictures

2009-06-15T16:59:00.001-06:00

Every year I get the kid's first day and last day of school pictures by this flag!! The last day of school was a little crazy this year. Taylor had the stomach flu so I was inside taking care of her. I asked Steve if he would take a picture of Preston by the flag before he left.... this is the picture I got So I made sure to get a picture of Preston and Taylor (I'm not sure where Mason was??) before we all went every which way during the summer

Mason's first day Feb '09
First Day August 2008

Last day May 2008

First Day August 2007

First Day August 2006

First Day August 2005

Doggie Days

2009-06-13T17:39:00.002-06:00

Taylor and I went to Doggie Days at the Shops at Briargate.

She LOVES Hogan and was so excited to take him on an outing.

It was a fun afternoon together.

Matt and Ashley are FINALLY married

2009-06-06T18:22:00.000-06:00

After being engaged for almost 2 years.... Matt and Ashley were married in the Salt Lake Temple. We were so happy to be able to be there. Steve assigned to help with a Generals retirement, that of course prevented him from making it to the wedding, so the kids and I were there for the wedding and then Steve flew out for the reception that weekend

Everything was beautiful and we were so happy for them and happy that they are in our lives!

The end to a great night and a great week!

Utah Trip 2009 PART 2

2009-06-03T17:56:00.001-06:00

More fun pictures of our trip

My brother-in-law Gus took my BEAUTIFUL sister and I out to dinner and dessert!!

Red Mango...YUMMY!

My nephew Dallin's soccer game, he's such a little stud!

Tylie-girl laughing

Another great thing about our trip, I got to see more family!!

My cousins Dailee and Macy both graduated from High School

My sister, me and cousins Danielle and Sarah

We always have so much fun when we are together.

There is never a dull moment

My Nani Jo and all her granddaughter and great granddaughters

The kids with great-grandparents... Nani Jo and Papa Bud
My cute cousin Macy girl with Preston

LOVE this picture of Mason and his great-Nani Jo Mason and my cousin's cute kiddos

We all met up at the park to play and eat the day before we left

Nani Jo with her great grandsons

Papa Bud was really cute, he kept on putting tootsie rolls in Mason's pockets

Steve and Uncle kids giving the kids a whirl of a

ride

Tylie is so stinkin' cute!!

Giddy Up!

Utah Trip 2009 PART I

2009-06-03T17:32:00.000-06:00

The kids and I went out to Utah for Matt and Ashley's wedding. We got to spend the week with my sister and her darling family! The kids LOVED playing with their cousins and I LOVED being with my sister and her hubby!

Mason and Tylie, can they be any more opposite??

Taylor and Kailee

All the cousins. Dallin had school that week so we didn't get to play with him as much during the day. So when he was home, Preston was happy to have his buddy.

We took the kids to Thanksgiving Point. I love that place.

Water, mazes and fun things to climb on and through, what more could a kid want!

Saying goodbye

2009-06-01T16:57:00.001-06:00

The Forester's moved to Colorado Springs same time we did 3 years ago. We instantly became friends and 3 years later, we consider them more like family! We are going to miss them terribly!! I wish themthe best of luck as they venture to San Antonio for Joseph's allergy fellowship. We know that this is not a goodbye, it is until then!

We will for sure be seeing them soon, just not soon enough!

The boys go off camping

2009-05-31T16:48:00.000-06:00

Steve and his buddy Robert took the boys camping with our church

Preston looks like he got a great night sleep doesn't he??

Taylor and Baseball

2009-05-30T22:25:00.000-06:00

Taylor took a shot as baseball after soccer! A lot of standing around, it was not really her thing! But it was fun to watch her wack that ball out of the infield!

Matt's Graduation Week

2009-05-28T00:19:00.000-06:00

After the BolderBoulder I had to get home and get ready for Matt and Ashley's family dinner. Graduation week was a busy one. Monday we had their families over for pizza

Tuesday was Matt's graduation parade

Tuesday night Steve swore Matt in as an Officer

The day after graduation Matt and Ashley left for Utah. It was hard saying good-bye. They were with us every other weekend for the past 1 1/2 yrs! We are going to miss them. But they needed to get back home to get ready for their wedding next week!

Last Day of School 2009

2009-05-27T17:06:00.000-06:00

Last day of school

As room mom of 2 classes, I couldn't get through the day without my Diet Dr. Pepper!

The kids went out to the front of the school and got to watch the Thunderbirds perform for the Air Force Academy Graduation. My favorite part of Grad week!

The Thunderbirds perform for about 30 minutes. Today the weather couln't have been any better. I love this picture with the mountains in the background.

Right above us

My annual last day of school treats.

Taylor's class hatched and raised ducklings. They follow the kids around.

Performing

Taylor and Mrs. Wilson

Taylor and Mrs. Carter

Last day of school = here comes summer time!!

I love this boy!

Bolder Boulder 2009

2009-05-25T00:09:00.000-06:00

Patsy and I ran the BolderBoulder this weekend! It was a 10k. The race was crazy, there were over 50,000 running/walking. All along the route are people cheering, BBQing, hanging out, nothing I have ever seen before. We stayed at the hotel the night before with some other friends. I am thinking this is going to be an annual thing. Steve and the kids even came up the day of and surpirsed us and cheered us on. It was great.

Cheesecake Factory the night before, eating our carbs
Outside the hotel the day of the race, sleepy eyes!

Getting ready to get on the bus that took us over to the race

After the race

BolderBoulder, we'll see you next year!

2009-05-23T00:05:00.000-06:00

I don't know what we are going to do when the Forester's move this summer!!

They are our family here in Colorado!

We are going to miss them!

Taylor's Birthday Party 2009

2009-05-22T23:53:00.000-06:00

We promised Taylor a birthday party this year. Because she has a summer birthday, we did it in May before school got out. We did a "bug" themed birthday for her. I think everyone had a fun time. It was raining so we had to move the party inside!! 20 kids inside..YIKES.. but it all worked out, thanks to wood floors!

Spring Football 2009

2009-05-16T17:43:00.000-06:00

Preston and his buddies played their first season of flag football. They had a great time and even went undefeated. They were really fun to watch.

And as you can see, he's a very PASSIONATE player!

2009-05-15T23:47:00.000-06:00

A group of us went for dinner and dancing before Patsy moves to Texas

Zion's Mall

2009-05-14T23:26:00.000-06:00

I have been the Enrichment leader in my church since January of this year. Which means I am in charge of activities for the women. I saw this idea online and it was a hit with the ladies. It was a lot of work but totally worth it. We set up the church like a mall. Each sister got a bag with an itinerary for the night. They went to different "stores" where they were spiritually taught and uplifted. The teachers made the night, they were amazing. I couldn't believe all the work that went into preparing for each class.

Mother's Day 2009

2009-05-10T22:48:00.000-06:00

What makes me the luckiest mom in the world

3 words...Preston, Taylor and Mason

Field Day 2009

2009-05-09T23:18:00.000-06:00

Mason and I went to Preston and Taylor's field day at their school. What I love about these pictures, the way Preston and Taylor treated their brother!

I love when they get along!

2009-05-08T22:53:00.000-06:00

Every year Steve's department plays the cadets in different sporting events. The last events was a baseball game and then we all got together for a BBQ. The kids always love going and joining in on the fun.

Field Trip

2009-05-07T22:59:00.001-06:00

Today I went with Preston and all the other 2nd graders on a field trip up to Denver. I love that he still wants me to sit by him on the bus and makes sure I am not too far away from where ever he is!! I LOVE my Preston!

Rockets

2009-05-06T23:04:00.000-06:00

Today I let the kids miss school and we went up to watch Steve's class launch their rockets

Texas With My Girls

2009-05-03T22:39:00.000-06:00

Audrey and I met up to visit Rachel in Texas. These were some of my bestest friends while we lived in Virginia.

We had a great weekend!

Pedis
Piano Bar in Dallas

Retail Therapy, we were told to get away from all windows as there was

a tornado warning

Lots of yummy food

50 lb weight limit, I did pretty good

And coming home to kids waiting for me on the corner!!

A great getaway and great to be home!

Birthday Party With the Girls

2009-04-24T17:25:00.000-06:00

For my birthday my girlfriends took me to Park Meadows for a night of shopping, dinner at cheesecake factory and lots of laughs! I really do have the best girlfriends! Oh, and who could forget a gift certificate to a spa!!

2009-04-21T17:17:00.000-06:00

Nice spring weather=getting out of the house!

We went with some friends to the zoo. The highlight is always feeding the giraffes.

More Snow

2009-04-18T17:04:00.000-06:00

I am a Southern California girl!! When Steve and I left CA on New Year's Day in 2000, I didn't think that 10 years later I would still be living in snow. Boston, Washington DC and now Colorado Springs...... well, it is what it is. So instead of making lemonade out of lemons, we make snowmen out of snow!!

2009-04-17T17:21:00.000-06:00

Once a year the spouse's from Steve's department do a big breakfast for them. I love that we do this. I always like to stay a little longer and go to a couple of Steve's classes with him. We talk to the cadets about family life in the military and answer any questions they may have.

And don't tell Steve this but even though I give him a hard time, I do think it's cute that he always introduces me to the cadets as "The Hot Mrs. Hendricks"

Packing Bags

2009-04-16T17:10:00.000-06:00

This summer Taylor is going to fly out to CA by herself. She will spend a week with my parents all by herself before we all go out a week later. This all came about after Preston talking about going out to Nebraska each summer for 4H. She can't compete in 4H until she's 8, but she can fly on an airplane alone!

She was so excited when we told her that we had booked her flight. Next thing I knew, she was upstairs packing bags.... only 2 months early!

Easter 2009

2009-04-13T14:48:00.000-06:00

Happy Easter!

Easter Eggs 2009

2009-04-12T14:42:00.000-06:00

We had Preston's best friend's family over to dye Easter eggs with us

We love the Brill family

Waiting to see the Easter Bunny at the mall

Our soccer girl

2009-04-11T14:25:00.000-06:00

Taylor is a go getter out on that field! If it's weren't for the freezing cold weather, I think she would love it even more! Here are a few pics of her season

Of course I'm right out there cheering her on!

2009-04-10T14:38:00.000-06:00

Valerie and Issac came over to make sugar cookies with Mason and me!

Mason just wanted to play and Issac just wanted to eat the dough! nevertheless, it was a lot of fun and I'm not sure how I didn't even get a picture of the finish cookies!

2009-04-08T14:23:00.000-06:00

Taylor and her dog! She also got to bring Andy the Antelope home from Kindergarten today, so we took a picture for her journal entry

Flat Stanley

2009-04-07T14:01:00.000-06:00

Flat Stanley came to us from the kid's cousin Dallin!

Thanks for thinking of us buddy! We enjoyed showing Flat Stanley around Colorado

Hot tubin in the snow

2009-04-05T14:12:00.000-06:00

One of the best times to go in the hot tub is when it's snowing outside!

It's even better when our best friends, the Foresters, join us!

Patsy heading out with a bowl of ice cold water to dump on Steve and the kids

Hiding away

A hot bath!

Love these girls!

They are like cousins!

Taylor and Hannah

And after all that, Patsy and I alone with our root beer floats that Steve made for us!

Glenwood Springs

2009-03-27T13:40:00.000-06:00

One of our favorite places to go here in Colorado is called Glenwood Springs. It's about a hour from us, close to Aspen. They have a natural hopt springs that we can't get enough of. Plus, the hotel has an indoor slide and you can take a tram to the top of the mountain where they have a few rides and a cavern.

Mason excited to go up the moutain on the tram

It's like holding back the tide

Up we go!

A big snow storm came in the day we were going to leave. The power even went out for a hour or so. So we ended up staying an extra night. We got home early evening on Steve's birthday! We found a cheesecake mix in the pantry and whipped it up in a hurry for Steve!

Happy Birthday Lovie!

One of our favorite places to go here in Colorado is called Glenwood Springs. It's about a hour from us, close to Aspen.

Twilight Party

2009-03-25T14:07:00.000-06:00

Our friend had just gotten back from Forks, Washington, where Twilight was filmed.

He picked up Victoria and had a little party!

Wedding part II

2009-03-23T13:27:00.001-06:00

The day before we all relaxed and enjoyed manicures and pedicuresThe day of the wedding, we went to the on site spa and salon for hair and make-up, I of course didn't need my hair done!

Little touches to the weddin

They have great friends, we all had a ton of fun

Eric is an officer in the Marines, he wants to be a pilot

Beautiful Heather! Stunning bride!

Heather and her Mom

Brunch the day after the wedding, we were exhausted!!!

And maybe we were a little dilerious

THE END!

Heather's Wedding Part I

2009-03-22T13:05:00.003-06:00

I just spent a wonderful weekend in the Amish country in PA! Heather and Eric's wedding was one of the most beautiful weddings I have ever been to!

I met these college kids from Oregon on the plane going out. They were going to Washington DC for the week to volunteer to help with the homeless! They were so cute, they wanted a picture together. We are now facebook friends.

Heather's Bridal Shower
Hanging out afterwards
Rehersal, Heather was so clam the entire weekend.
She was so organized, it made me want to do my wedding all over again!

What's the Amish Country without a horse and buggy

Rebecca and I stayed in the honeymoon suite with Heather the night before her wedding Off to Rehersal Dinner

These were cute bags and goodies that Heather and Eric gave to the bridesmaids

The beautiful couple, SO HAPPY!1

The last night before their wedding

Honeymoon suite with our tonight/ not tonight pillow!

Pinewood Derby

2009-03-18T13:00:00.000-06:00

Pinewood Derby March 2009

Birdhouse

2009-03-10T12:57:00.000-06:00

While I was at Timeout for Women, Steve and Taylor built this birdhouse for fun.

He is the best dad!

Keith's Visit

2009-03-09T12:45:00.000-06:00

Steve's brother Keith came out for a weekend visit

Basketball game
Boxing at the Academy

Teasing Taylor

At work with Steve, playing with gliders

Great brothers, Great buddies!

Thanks for the visit Uncle Keith
We love you!

Marianne

2009-03-08T12:51:00.000-06:00

The Bell family are good friends of ours from Virginia. Their son plays football for BYU and so we got to see some of the family when BYU played Air Force back in November.

We got to see them again this weekend when BYU girl's basketball team played Air Force. I came back early from Timeout for Women so I could see her mom, sister, brother and his family. Marianne was one of my Young Women when we lived there! We love the Bell Fam!

2009-03-07T12:35:00.000-07:00

We had a great weekend up in Denver for Timeout for Women

Great friends, food, retail therapy and a great spiritual boost

Mark Mabry who was the photographer of

Reflections of Christ

Kenneth Cope - musician

Saw a friend from VA!

And coming home to cute little notes all around my room from my

Taylor girl

2009-03-04T12:00:00.001-07:00

We love Air Force girl's basketball. I love how the students are so great with my kids. what a choice experience for my kids

Here they are with Remi, she is a great girl. She's been over to the house a few time and the kids get to see her around at different events.

Preston's friends from school

Too good not to post!

2009-03-03T22:46:00.000-07:00

Giving Up Chocolate

I was walking down the street when I was accosted by a particularly
dirty and shabby-looking homeless woman who asked me for a couple of
dollars for dinner.

I took out my wallet, got out ten dollars and asked, 'If I give you
this money, will you buy chocolate with it instead of dinner?'

'No, I had to stop eating chocolate years ago', the homeless woman told me.

'Will you use it to go shopping instead of buying food?' I asked.

'No, I don't waste time shopping,' the homeless woman said. 'I need to
spend all my time trying to stay alive.'

'Will you spend this on a beauty salon instead of food?' I asked.

'Are you NUTS!' replied the homeless woman. I haven't had my hair done
in 20 years!'

'Well, I said, 'I'm not going to give you the money. Instead, I'm
going to take you out for dinner with my husband and me tonight.'

The homeless Woman was shocked. 'Won't your husband be furious with
you for doing that? I know I'm dirty, and I probably smell pretty
disgusting.'

I said, 'That's okay. It's important for him to see what a woman looks
like after she has given up shopping, hair appointments, and
chocolate.'

Tell me this isn't good!

2009-03-03T11:57:00.000-07:00

How could a 8 year old not love scouts!

Butterfly Pavilion

2009-02-28T12:21:00.000-07:00

We took the kids up to the Butterfly Pavilion up in Denver

And when these 2 don't get along, they get to hold hands!

First Day of School: Take 2

2009-02-27T15:31:00.006-07:00

Here is Mason on Preston and Taylor's first day of school in August

Mason has had a year filled with plenty of Dr appointments and procedures! Last year at his 2yr appt I expressed concerns about his speech. It seemed as if we were constantly having him seen for ear infections. Tests showed mild hearing loss and he started private speech after numerous appointments. While Steve was in Iraq he had tubes in his ears and that seemed to improve his speech.

In January, after he turned 3, I had him evaluated through our School District. After another round of tests and appointments, we found out that he had a clogged tube (which we have no idea how long it was like that nor did we know that was possible). Again his hearing test showed hearing loss. Fortunately after the tube was unclogged with drops, we got our first positive hearing test since this all began. I was RELIEVED and so happy to say the least.

The evaluation team recommended speech and preschool twice a week. When I got to the car after the meeting I cried. First because I was so grateful for the help available to him and second was for my own selfish reasons, he's be starting school earlier than planned!

This past week Mason had his first day of school

I had to switch out the flag in the front of the house for a picture.
This is the flag the kids stand next to every first day of school!
(The yard doesn't look so nice compared to August)

The preschool is actually at Preston and Taylor's school, he likes that he gets to go to their school and it's very convenient!

He was excited for school. Here he is running up the ramp to the classroom door.

Once we got inside he was a bit more clingy. I stayed for a short while and he was okay when I left. His teacher said he had a great day and he willingly went back his 2nd day.

I must say that I have enjoyed 2 mornings by myself this week.
It's been 8 1/2 yrs since I've had that!
Remind me again,
Why was I crying for my own selfish reasons
when I learned he was going to school 2 x's a week?

Mardi Gras

2009-02-26T21:38:00.000-07:00

Mardi Gras was a blast last weekend at our friend's party
The Cajun food was yummy, the friends were fun and the beads came without strings attached! (if you know what I mean)

Taylor with her friends

Our friends had the craziest beads!
No Mardi Gras party is complete without a King's Cake

Okay, so I didn't wear gold, purple or green... which I had no idea were Mardi Gras colors!
I did learn a few things about the celebration that I never knew

laissez les bon temps rouler

2009-02-25T16:20:00.000-07:00

Our Love Day 2009

Class Parties
Late night preparations for a special Valentine Breakfast

The kid's woke up V-day morning to "Heart Attacks" in their rooms

My little Valentines were so excited to give me their cards and gifts which included
a BIG Hershey Bar, a little bear that lights up and a big stuffed rose (in Mason's hands)

The table was ready and on the menu......

Heart shaped scones!
Taylor burned her little elbow on the pan, but it was in no way going to stop her from helping. She's a tough little girl

After a fun morning together, Steve took the kids to Matt's track meet while I went and was pampered at the salon

I then got to open my gifts from

And Steve got some more threads for his closet... notice the shirt he has on!

I was then taken to a YUMMY dinner at

And a little shopping at Cherry Creek Mall with a very secure man... the picture tells it all
A cute romantic movie

Then home to fondue with Matt and Ashley

A day filled with lots of LOVE!

2009-02-24T21:28:00.008-07:00

As I was going through our pics of the past 3-4 weeks, half of them were from sporting events. I have to admit, when you live where the weather is freezing and great entertainment is just 10 minutes away, it's hard not to take advantage of it!

The month started with Super Bowl
Matt's track meets.
We are needing a picture in the short shorts! Next time!

BYU Boys Basketball team came and of course AF lost
We still had a great time with all our BYU friends and the kids
LOVED running around with their friends

Mason was sure to stay entertained with his popcorn that he refused to share

The kids bug the bird every chance they get

And the bird even got on the ground to wrestle with Mason or was that Mason wrestling him?

If ever there was an entertainer, it would be my 8 yr old. Preston was hamming it up for the big screen. The longer the camera was on him, the more he entertained

Preston dancing (my camera was on a weird setting... of course)

Steve, the instigator of most sporting events

No game is complete without getting on the court/field afterwards

And for Taylor, it's getting to see her favorite cheerleader Meredith, who is graduating this year so we are glad her little sister will still be here.

Getting to see the Falcon

The best way to coordinate a night out with the girls? I schedule something on the same night as a girl's basketball game. It never fails that Steve will take the kids to the game for a fun night and cheap entertainment! He even takes the camera and gets all these great pictures for me.

Steve did this, teaching his son at an early age!

Taylor loving the attention

I'm telling you, great entertainment for the kids!

My first AF hockey game, but of course no pictures of me!

A fun night

And our last sporting event of the month!

Next month instead of spectating, the kids will be participating.
Can't wait!

Lifelong Friends

2009-02-15T11:42:00.000-07:00

You know those people that you don't know the most about, but you have a unique connection that will make you lifelong friends?? Well, these would be those friends. The guy sitting second in from the left and then man 4th in from the left, standing behind his wife in the red sweater. Well, those men are the men that were deployed with Steve in Iraq. They were workout buddies, roomies, breakfast/lunch and dinner dates. They were the men who took care of Steve and he took care of them. I am forever grateful to these great guys and for the sacrifice. I am also grateful for their wives. We kept each other sane, updated and helped keep things in perspective! Thank you for lifelong friends!

Friends and Food

2009-02-11T11:26:00.000-07:00

Cheesecake Factory w/ Patsy

Her sister and friend were visiting from Florida

Decorating Valentine cookies with the spouses from

Steve's work YUM!!

She's on a roll

2009-02-10T16:22:00.003-07:00

In our house we have a "X" system for disciplining and when I do use it, it works really well.

On our way to school this morning Taylor asked if I was going to make a BIG chart. Having no idea what she was talking about, I asked her what the big chart would be for. She said that the chart was for the x's when she and Preston fought. I asked if she intended on fighting with Preston that much. She said "Yeah."
(like a duh..... of course I fight with Preston that much)

My response .... speechless!

Screwin' Around

2009-02-08T20:47:00.003-07:00

This morning I was fixing Taylor's hair for church. The right side of her hair was a little natty. I asked what happened to her hair. Her response:
"Mom, I was screwin' in bed"

If she only knew!

Manitou Springs

2009-02-07T11:31:00.001-07:00

When the weather get above 50 degrees here in Colorado, we are out and about!

Today's adventure, Manitou Springs

It's a hard life!

2009-02-04T15:23:00.004-07:00

Every morning the kids know that before they walk out of their rooms there are 3 requirements:

1. dressed for school
2. rooms picked up
3. beds made

Honestly, their rooms are usually always clean because they usually don't spend much time in them (and picking up daily keeps it from getting out of control) and getting dressed is usually an easy task (well at least for Preston.... being male does have it's advantages).

The biggest complaint comes from having to make their beds. And trust me, I hear whining about it more times than not. It's like I've just asked them for an arm and a leg! Like life is so hard.

The other night Preston and Taylor were in cahoots! After we tucked them in, they must have each gotten up and made their beds. When I went to check on them before I went to bed, I called to Steve to come see how they were sleeping.
On top of their comforters! Those little stinkers! I let them be for the night. In the morning I asked why they didn't sleep under their sheets? Of course the answer was "We don't want to have to make our beds."

The first reason why I have them make their beds is because messes drive me crazy and an unmade bed makes the room look like a disaster. The second, although it should be my first, reason is that it's a simple everyday task to help teach them some responsibility.

Next time I see them on top of their sheets, I can guarantee that I won't let them stay that way for the night! Somehow I just know that the slacking has just begun!

Wanted: Someone to Potty Train a Stubborn 3 yr old

2009-01-28T16:19:00.004-07:00

This lighthouse cookie jar only means one thing in our house........ potty training time

Steve proposed to me at a lighthouse. So when we got married, this was one of those funny gifts that someone gave to us. I'm not sure why I kept it at the time and the lighthouse was put away in a box until 4 yrs later when it came time to potty train Preston. And then 3 yrs later for Taylor. When you push the button on top, the light comes on and makes a fog horn sound. Same when you open the jar (which is great because no sneaking treats without me knowing). Preston and Taylor LOVED getting their treats from the lighthouse after they went potty. It worked wonders with them! 1 day and 3 days to potty train, to be exact!

Well now it's Mason's turn and unfortunately the cookie jar has been on my counter way too long and isn't seeming to work in my favor right now. The hard thing is that he is so smart but too stubborn! This is why I KNOW he gets it.....

Today I took him to his audiologist apt. I couldn't leave him alone in the waiting room so I took him with me to use the restroom. When I was done he looked at me, clapped his hands and said "Good Boy Mom."

If anyone has any advice, PLEASE............ I need it. If he isn't wearing anything (I mean NOTHING) he is usually pretty good about going on his own. But as soon as I put on underwear, pull-ups or diapers, he won't use the toilet. Unfortunately with apts, kid's activities, errands, etc. I can't stay at home all day everyday to train him.

What do I do??

If I Only Had A Brain

2009-01-27T21:19:00.005-07:00

Okay, so the title of this post is not very nice, but it is funny.

One of our closest friends, Ed, was in town this week for business and was over for dinner on Monday night. After dinner we let the kids go down to the basement to play Wii while us adults visited. All of a sudden we hear Preston get upset with Mason and runs upstairs to tell us that Mason put 2 Wii CDs in the console.

Panicked, I went downstairs and pressed the eject button and nothing came out. I unhooked the console and brought it up to Steve and Ed to fix.

The guys spent about 30 minutes taking the console apart. I was hoping that they'd be able to get the CD's out because I knew there was no way Steve would buy another Wii after this incident.

Well, they get it apart and press the eject button. It makes the sound of ejecting but nothing comes out. This happens a few times. I then asked them if there was even a CD in there?? Steve just looked at me! I called out to Preston to come here. I asked him where the CD's were that Mason put in the Wii. His reply "downstairs"
Ed and I laughed, Steve just shook his head. Sure enough, all the games were downstairs and the Wii console was empty.

Yes, if someone only had a brain!

Steve and Ed proceeded to spend about 45min trying to put the console back together.

Taking the Show to Starbucks

2009-01-27T16:06:00.005-07:00

The temps only got up to about 15 degrees yesterday. I can only take so much of being inside and then I've got to get out!! Steve was going to be home a little later than usual so I decided that after I picked kids up from school I would take them to Starbucks.
The show went like this:
I get to the counter to order.... impossible for kids to make up their minds, not a surprise
Mason decides to try to climb up on the refrigerated display, trying to get to the "cow" (carton of chocolate milk) while I am trying to get the other 2 to decide what they want
Mason gets mad when I take him down (more than once)
Mason takes off his boots and socks (something in his boot was bothering him) and starts running around Starbucks while I try to pay
Mason decides to sit on the table instead of his chair or stand on his chair instead of sitting on it
Mason refuses to keep the lid on his chocolate milk and I of course let him keep it off
Mason doesn't want his coffee cake but heaven forbid he let anyone else have it
I take Mason outside to scold him in the freezing temps for misbehaving
Preston tries many times to take Mason's food (even though I told him not to touch Mason's food) and Mason freaks out over Preston touching his food
Finally Mason lets Preston have his coffee cake
Taylor just sits there, enjoying her hot chocolate and coffee cake
Mason leans over the table and spills his chocolate milk all over, including on Preston
Taylor gets up to get napkins
By now I'm sure that everyone is Starbucks is staring
I sit Mason over to the side and tell him to sit, he knows the tone of my voice is not good and DOES NOT move
We start to clean up the mess and my sweet Preston says to me "Mom, we'll get this. It isn't fair that you have to clean this. You brought us here and paid for our drinks and food. Let me do this."

We quickly cleaned up the spilled milk. I loaded the kids back in the car and took the show back on the road to home!

Happiness

2009-01-26T08:31:00.002-07:00

Today I am HAPPY because..... after being stuck in the house for a week while Mason had the croup, I am FINALLY going to the gym! That may sound silly but the gym is where I find my sanity and something that I do just for me. So here's to wishing you a HAPPY MONDAY and I hope you find the time to do something that makes YOU happy!! (and no feeling guilty)

2009-01-25T20:20:00.003-07:00

Last night our good friend's, Jeanne and Robert, daughter was baptized. You know those events that you attend where you feel the Savior's love so strongly and you know you are in the right place doing the right thing? That's how I felt last night. I left the baptism with a renewed dedication to try to be a better person each day. I am thankful that I was able to be apart of Chelsa's special day and to feel the Savior so close in my life.

Jeanne, Patsy, Suzanne, me and Chelsa

2009-01-24T12:54:00.002-07:00

Remember my blog last week about college football season being over and looking forward to a break? And then I posted about being totally wrong and told you about the recruiting luncheon Steve was asked to go to last weekend??

Well, guess where my hubby is AGAIN today, right now as a matter of fact (on a Saturday, right in the middle of the day, the only day out of the week that we don't HAVE to be somewhere and the only day we can go off and play as a family or get to do's done) If you guessed recruiting luncheon, YOU ARE RIGHT! UGH!! Frustrating? Actually yes! (at least he takes Preston with him and Preston loves it just as much if not more)

When he asked if I minded that he went, I asked if he really wanted to go. Of course he said yes so I said yes! I am now having to hope that this does not become a Saturday afternoon habit! And last night as we were going out to dinner he spends the entire time in the car talking to his buddy about football, he is now going to help with the football camp this summer (which he's done in the past and is a lot of fun) and has planned our Super Bowl party for next weekend.

I was CRAZY to think that football season ever ended! I think today I have to come to terms of the "year around" theory! Somethings never end~

Okay, I'll get off my soap box now! But there are no guarantees that I won't back on it anytime soon!

2009-01-21T21:00:00.000-07:00

Happy 3rd Birthday Mason! You have somehow managed to grow up way too fast!

2 days old

1st Birthday

2nd Birthday

3rd Birthday

Here are some of my favorite things about Mason

Our family can't get enough of him! He truly is the baby in this family.
He gives the FUNNIEST faces, even his mad faces are funny
He can play for hours with his Thomas trains, cars and GeoTrax
He has the cutest little manners.... at the table he'll ask on his own "May I be excused please" he hardly ever misses a "your welcome" he'll often remember to say "thank you" and he's funny when he's grouchy at the kids and says "please don't do that"
His prayers ALWAYS start off "Heavenly father, thank you today" and despite when everyone else folds their arms, he interlocks his hands and bows his head
I love when he says to me at night "rock me Mommy"
He loves his "blankie" and has to be tucked in every night with his "blankie" and "sippy" of water (the only one out of the 3 who has even been clingy to anything)
His 2's weren't too bad... even though he did throw the biggest tantrums out of the 3.... body on the floor and all. Or if you were holding him, his body would just go limp. I would have to walk away because they really were funny.
I love when he kisses and hugs me throughout the day and says "I love you." Or if I say to him "I love you Mason." He'll quickly say back "I love you too."

Mason, Happy Birthday to you and many more!!

Mason's Birthday

2009-01-21T11:17:00.000-07:00

Mason's 3rd Birthday

A day at the park with friends

Listening to family sing happy birthday over the phone

His favorite movie and toys right now, Cars

Friends over for cake and ice cream

Opening gifts

Happy Birthday buddy! We love you

2009-01-20T21:17:00.002-07:00

Laughter.. something I can never get enough of!

Taylor and Hogan

2009-01-20T11:09:00.000-07:00

Taylor loves our dog Hogan. What is so cute is the way she carries him, on her hip like someone would carry a toddler!