A rose by any other name

Cali had her 4th birthday party yesterday. She wanted a flower party. The day of the party I had the girls decorate flower pots with stickers and glitter glue and gems. They played games and had a pinata and cupcakes. I completely stole the flower cupcake idea from my sis-in-law Julie....but otherwise the ideas were mine. I think they had fun...Cali was definitely exhausted by the end of the day.

Happy Birthday Cali!!!

Today Cali turned 4!! She has been such a wonderful joy. She has such excitement for life, she always wakes up with a smile and hits the ground running. Her tremendous energy and creativity are so fun to watch (and exhausting to participate in).
Thank you for all your hugs and for always saying that we will be friends forever. I love you !!!

ALOHA!!!

Well, We are back from Hawaii and trying to get back into the swing of normal life, We had no problem living the "aloha life".
We packed up the kids and got on the airplane for the wonderful 6 hour flight over. We landed and were met by Lala and Papa, the kids (big and small) were so excited to see them. After that it was just a week of fun crazy chaos in the sun. We swam and snorkeled from 8 in the morning until 6 at night and the after the kids were asleep, Derek and I would force everyone to play cards until 11:00 (2:00 AZ time).
It was so much fun to visit with Paula and Steve and to see how much they are enjoying their mission, Derek got to go out with Steve to go check on mission housing and he came back very grateful for our living conditions.
I would have posted some wonderfully moving, funny, adorable pictures of our trip at this point but some jackhole stole my camera....so whatcha gonna do?
Aloha and Mahalo!

Tag You're it!

For Soren's birthday all he wanted was to play Laser Tag. So we booked a party at Stratum Laser tag and Soren and 10 buddies went to town. At first they were all a little skeptical of the loud music, dark room and crazy paintings on the wall. They were so funny, they all just ran around me shooting each other and never venturing past 6 feet away from me.

After awhile they gathered their collective courage and started exploring. Everyone had a great time and it was very entertaining to watch.

I am so glad that I followed through with this party. Soren had a great time and I think his friends did as well.

Happy 35th Birthday!!!!

Today is Derek's birthday. We had a very relaxing Sunday, listening to conference and then going for a picnic in the park.

I want Derek to know that I am so happy to be married to him. I could not ask for a more loving or thoughtful husband. Derek is such a wonderful father to our three children, He always makes time to play with them and is very supportive in the things they like to do.

Thank you honey for being my rock and for loving me.

I LOVE YOU.... HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SOREN!!!!!

Today is Soren's 6th birthday! He has been such a joy. Derek and I are thrilled everyday that we get to have such a sweet spirit in our house.
Soren is a wonderful helper and a loving big brother. Cali and Sawyer look up to him and he has never let them down. Derek is happy that he has someone to play video games and go camping with.
I am so proud of Soren. He is a tough boy, but he still needs my hugs and kisses, and that just melts my heart.
I hope that your birthday is wonderful.
WE LOVE YOU!!!

So Funny

Spring is in the "ACHOOO"....Air!

"Sniff" Phoenix had a plethora of rain this winter so this spring we have been treated to "Ahchoo"...lots and lots of Flowers. up where we live the landscape is awash in yellow brittle brush "ahchoo"... while it is very pretty right now I am suffering with major seasonal allergies "sniff"..Also, I know that in a couple of weeks all this beauty with be brown nasty weeds. So I am trying to enjoy it while it is here....just from the safety of my house and car! "Ahchoo...ahchoo"!!!

Easter 2008

HAPPY EASTER!!!!!

We had a fun photo shoot for Easter. My sister in law Liz, bought baby chicks and made some fun props. The kids had a great time, Sawyer was alternately enthralled and terrified of the chicks.
We hope that you all have a wonderful Easter and remember all that Jesus suffered for us and his glorious resurrection.
Happy Easter!!

March Madness!!

This month has been super busy (I don't really have anything to show for it but trust me). Anyway, We have had a lot of birthday's and I just wanted to wish every on a Happy Birthday... so here goes. "Happy Birthday to you, Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday dear Emi, Oliver,Brig, Brayden, Eve, Jake and David...Happy Birthday to you!!

He walks!!!

Sawyer is 15 months and I was wondering if he was ever going to walk then, when we went to Las Vegas, I said Sawyer lets start walking. Apparently he agreed because he just stood up and started walking around the hotel room. He is having so much fun with his brother and sister. He thinks he is such a BIG kid. I am pretty sure he is our last and so I am a little bittersweet about him losing something from his babyhood, but he is such a joy.