The Brown Family

My favorite Smiles!

2010-01-13T15:26:00.000-08:00

Valley House needs your Help

2009-12-05T09:24:00.001-08:00

I love the Christmas season. It is wonderful time to give back to those who need it . I started a little project in October collecting item for the Valley House. I used coupons to buy item that were free or close to free. Most of the item are travel size but every little bit helps.

I called the Valley House to see what the really need. The manger their was very touched to have some extra help. They are in need of bedding and dishes. They will take whatever you have of these items.

As woman come to the house the usually have no item with them. The house provides them with a safe place and fresh start. The have twelve studio type apartments that need to be furnished each time a woman comes. When she feels confident to leave she can take the furnishings with her. They are always in need of bedding and dishes (pots pans etc).

When I hear stories like the valley house I feel compelled to help. My life has been blessed a thousand times over. I cann't want t go through my things and find bedding. We have way to many blankets and pillows. Plus I am excited to clean out my cupboards and give what extra I am not using.

IF you have anything you would like to give you please let me know and I will come and pick up. Take it over to the Valley House before christmas.

Happy Birthday to me!!!

2009-12-05T09:09:00.000-08:00

I turned 28 in November. Age is just a number to me. I truly believe you are as young as you want to be. You can't do nothing about getting older so you might as well go with it!

I had a wonderful birthday! Mike and the boys spoiled me with gifts and flowers. Mike's parents watched the boys so we could go out to dinner! My parents always call first think in the morning to sing happy birthday. Plus Mike and I went and saw Twight:) LOVED IT!!! My girl pals took me out to dinner too! IT WAS A PERFECT BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!

My love affair with coupons!

2009-11-29T17:19:00.000-08:00

If did not already know I am mad in love with couponing. I have a blast finding the hottest deals. I bought almost 200.00 dollars worth of food for under $15.00. Thanks to www.athrifymom.com!!!

Little Buddies!

2009-11-29T15:33:00.000-08:00

Kenyon and Dylan are at a wonderful stage. They play really well together. Kenyon is sweet with Dylan. He is alway willing to share with him. Dylan just wants to be by Kenyons side. I can not wait for a few more years to go by so Bray can join in.

Halloween Highlight!

2009-11-24T15:37:00.000-08:00

Halloween is one of our favorite holiday! Mike and I have fun dressing up. We mostly enjoy the excitement of the kids.

Craving pumpkins with little boys was not going to happen so we painted them:)

Kenyon loves pirates! If you notice his foot up on its toe..........it is his pegged leg!

Braylon loooovvvvvvveeeeeesssss candy. If you notice closely he has two suckers in his hands. After we were done trick-or-treating he would not let them go!!!!!!

Our ward party!

Kenyon's face cracks me up! He road his bike from house to house collecting his candy!

Mike had an AWESOME costume! He was Pee-Wee Herman.!!!!!!!!!!

I dressed up as a sixties go-go girl! My whole goal was to pull off a beehive in my hair. No easy task!!!!! It was painful and difficult to achieve.

For about the last 3 years we have went to an adult Halloween party with some of our good friends. We look forward to it every year!!!!

One huge cheesy smile..................I know. But I want to show of the hair!!!!!!! I had a hard time getting the right effect with Short hair. It was tricky!!!!

Over all I thought we looked pretty darn good!!!!

We made spooky teeth out of peanut butter, marshmallows and apples. It was fun!!!

We had a blast at the corn maze! Cold but Fun!

Walnuts anyone?????

2009-11-23T14:26:00.000-08:00

Fall is my favorite time of year. I can never get enough of crunchy leaves, the beautiful colors and the brisk air in the morning. One thing I will admit I am not crazy about doing is canning or working in my garden. I was taught the value of hard work and the rewards of canning growing up. I am passing these lessons down to my boys. They are little so most of the project is my but they have helped pull weeds (and a few green tomatoes)! We have a huge walnut tree in our back yard. This year I finally figure out how to harvest walnuts so the boys and I spent a few afternoons working on those.

Happy 5th and 3rd my little pirates

2009-11-21T20:54:00.000-08:00

Kenyon and Dylan have the best time dressing up as pirates so it was only natural we had a pirate party.

If you can tell this is a treasure chest full of gold jewels and skeletons! I had the best time decorating the cake with Keno!

This video is slow to start but stick with it.............when the pinata does brake it is a crack-up! I should explain that Kenyon would not let any hit his pirate ship pinata so I had to make one. Watch to see how awesome my job of constructing is.

We are going to miss summer :(

2009-09-03T14:42:00.000-07:00

Can who tell who is who on there matching bikes. Almost every sunday this summer we would take a walk around CSI campus. The boys had a blast riding their bikes around!

I love Bray's big brown eyse. He hated that hat..........sorry bud!

We went to Boise for a couple of days in August and played around. The kids had fun playing at the whale park (this park has a different name which i dont know because it is shaped like a whale and has a spout...............thereforo kenyon called it the whale park!

Every Sunday six newpapers are delivered to our house. Kenyon loves to read the funnies. We would eat breakfast out on the patio in the morning!!!

I am going to miss garage sales! My patio table I picked up for $30.00............LOVED that deal!!!

Mike has had some great times with his moped. Each summer he is sad to put it away!!!

My thirfty little garden!

2009-08-17T19:00:00.000-07:00

My first pepper is on..................................... I cant wait to make salsa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gasing up at the Pump!

2009-08-17T18:54:00.000-07:00

I found Dylan one day laying on our hammock like this! He was sucking on the pump from his gas tank with a blacket over him. Little boys do the cutest things!

I am Head-oVer-hEEls, CrAZy, mAd in LoVE with CouPOns!

2009-07-21T07:07:00.000-07:00

Here is my Albertson's run last night! I bought..........

10 Jet-puffed marshmallows
2 oreo's
3 peaches
8 jars beechnut baby food
6 bottle of Nesquik
2 six packs of Nestle water
2 disposable cameras
4 gallons of milk

For a grand total 52.96..............I paid 3.02!!!!! I wish I could say I just walked into Albies they had everything already 80%. I used 28 coupon! I did 4 transactions at the register! I spent about at least 1 hour getting ready (maybe two, I like to be organized).

Our trip to the Springs over the 4th!!!

2009-07-17T13:13:00.003-07:00

I am crazy about my Guys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kenyon Loved driving the four wheelers!

Dylan had the cutest smile in this picture!

This is a big gun at the park in Soda Springs

Kenyon and my Bro!

My Sweet Grandma Grover...........my mom's mom! She is very specail to me.

My boys dont get to see her very often so I was glad we made the trip

Braylon melted her heart but he doest that to everyone!

We went to the Logan Zoo!

Roasted mallows, bike rides & playing in the lake = guy time!!!

2009-07-08T18:03:00.000-07:00

Our family went camping up north towards Redfish Lake! The lake is beautiful there! I was able to relax and enjoy my sweet boys and wonderful husband.

Camping is a blast for the boys..............They get to stay up passed their bed time and eat junk food before bed. Kenyon calls this "Guy Time"!!!!!

He was a good sport most of the way but he just couldnt stay wake any longer.

Brayon is a snuggle bug and everyone in our family likes to get in on the action!!!!

Mike and Dylan goofing around! I love this pic!!!!

One of my best buddies Amber Nyman and her darling little girl!

Swimming at Easley's Hot Spring. They water is warm and relaxing!

Super Kenyon!

Dylan loves to ride his bike!

The the last couple of years we have a tradition of camping up north with the Nyman' s and Greave's family. We have such a great time every year and this year was no different. The kids rode there kids and roast marshmallows. I spent most of my mornings on the beach while the kids played. Mike's phone had no cell services so he was not bothered by work. It was just what are family needed.

Wordless Wednesday!

2009-06-25T08:19:00.000-07:00

I saw this clever idea on someone elses blog and I liked it. So the thought is to post pictures that speak for themselves! My boys are always up to something fun so .........................here it is!

Happy Father's Day Mike!

2009-06-22T21:23:00.000-07:00

Our boys are crazy for super hero's. They love superman because he is strong. Batman is awesome because he can fly. But in the eyes of our boys their Dad is the ultimate "Super Hero!" Kenyon and Dylan cant wait for there dad to come home in the evening. They love to do anything with him. Mike enjoys boating, riding the lawn mower and camping with them. They know if they walk past him they are going to get kissed.

Our house is blessed with a special Dad! I am grateful my boys have a wonderful role model to look up too! I hope they are just like him when they men! We love you Mike..Daddy...Daa!!! Happy Father's Day!

Krazy Cheap Huggies!

2009-06-11T21:21:00.000-07:00

Here are the purchases I made last night. If you link onto http://www.krazycouponlady.blogspot.com/ under "Krazy Cheap Huggies" she explains the math and where to find the coupons. I uses 18 coupons and make 2 trips to K-mart. Total was $199.76 I paid $55.43. K-mart has a large stock of huggies so there are plenty.

14 packs of Huggies (3.50 a pack)
2 packs pull-ups (thinking ahead)
huggies Lotion
2 packs Pedia Sure Nutri-Pals
huggies wipes
5 jars Gerber baby food
3 Finger Foods
1 Gerber puffs
3 water bottles
4 Graduates dinners
plus, a $14.00 Catalina to use later

Sorry this is only half of the purchase. I forgot to take a picture of the rest but you get the idea!

Here are some types I have learned along the way..........

First you need to start taking the paper or buy it on Sundays. Our local paper does not have all the insert it is missing the Red Plum and P&G. Normally I buy 5 at the Dollar Tree because they are only a dollar instead of 1.50. Then I collect about 4 more inserts from family and friends. Sometimes I have to buy the Idaho Statesman (Boises paper) but I hate doing that because it is 2.00 a paper so I have kinda found a way around it by ordering coupons on ebay. They are cheap and it is a great way to stock pile.

Now your coupons need a home to stay organized. I keep mine in a binder and insert the coupons into baseball card holders. They are clear plastic (you can find them at Target in the baseball card section) insert that clicks into the binder. I have they divided into different categories so they are easy to find. I take the binder every where I go so I never miss a deal!

Then I stock my favorite blogs! I have been couponing for almost 2 months now. It is see to see what is a good deal and whats not. I the beginning I just copied the transaction I saw on the blogs till I got the hang of it.
Play by the rules. Don't expect stores to bend their rules for you. Don't clear the shelves only take what you need. Be a team player! One bad apple ruins it for the rest of us honest couponers.
On Krazy Coupon Lady she has a link tilted "10 days" which will explain more!!!!

There is a whole language and lots to learns but anyone can do this. I would love to help anyone get started. Feel free to ask questions.........it helps!!!!!!!!!!!

How far does your dollar take you????

2009-06-05T15:11:00.000-07:00

I paid 4.20

Total at the register (one trip) was 57.20

Total for the week was 412.63. I paid 62.35!!!!

Now I would love to tell you this was easy and no work or effort involved . I wish I could just walk into Albertson's with everything already 80% off. The truth is I have spent endless time searching my favorite blogs for the deals http://www.athriftymom.com/ and http://www.krazycouponlady.com/ . In five days I made seven trips to Albertson's . I used 147 coupons and did 24 transaction at the register . Plus to add some spice I had three big helpers along for each trip!

I paid 32.20

Total at the register was 122.56

(there is a ton of items in is this pic so look close)

I took this picture almost three weeks ago so I dont remember the details on this one but I am sure you get the idea!

Kenyon's graduation!

2009-06-05T14:58:00.000-07:00

Kenyon and his teacher Miss Sharon!

We was so cute and fun to watch with his classmates!

Kenyon was glad his Grandma Cathy could be there!

Kenyon graduated from pre-school! He had a wonderful year! Mike and I have

enjoyed watching the progress he has made the last year. Kenyon is very creative and loves to learn! We love you Keno!!!!!!

Our Train Adventure!

2009-06-05T14:32:00.000-07:00

Here we are on the train getting ready to start!

Mike and Braylon!

Kenyon loved the trains!

Towards the three hour ride they were ready to get off!

I just love his little smile. He was the best sport!

We got sleepy along the way.

They just hung out and took it all in!

Kenyon getting on the train!

Dylan getting on the train!

Kenyon and his funny face! He was so proud of this bow and arrow he made.

They were so excited to sleep in the trailer it was hard to fall asleep!

Our kids love dress-up! The looked so cute flying around the park!

The middle of May I decided it was time for our family to get away. We decided to take our little guys on a train ride up by McCall. I found an awesome deal on train tickets for Thunder Mountain Train Line in Horseshoe Bend. Our boys love trains and play with them daily so this was huge deal for them. We took our trailer and stayed in Boise at an RV park. The whole trip was centered around the boys. I wanted them to have a weekend were the could decide the pace. They Love It! I am not sure who had more fun the boys or Mike and I enjoying them!!!!!

I ran a 1/2 marathon....What was I thinking!!!!

2009-05-15T12:49:00.000-07:00

I am a little behind on posting these pictures. I am sorry! Life with three kids gets tricky. I had a wonderful experience training for my race. I spent almost all fall getting ready for a 13 mile race in January. I trained with my very good friend Laura Allen. We worked hard and followed our training schedule. Nothing good of prepared me for the morning of the race. I was not nervous but about the 3rd mile in I started to hate myself. What was I thinking, 13 miles is crazy! I started to get my confidence back around mile 6 til I was lapped by the elite runners, who only add one mile left.... what a crappy feeling :( But I recharged again and I found strength to keep pushing. I tend to cry when I run. The last 10 months have been up and down for me. I cried the last two miles lost in deep thought of how my life has changed for the better. St. Geogre is beautiful. It was a great run!

It was a wonderful sight to see Mike and the boys at the end!

We talk often about teamwork at our house. How important it is to cheer our family members on (I just love it when Kenyon repeats the good things I tell him and not the bad he sometimes hears!!!!) He was my number one fan cheering me on. Thanks bud ;)

My good buddy Laura. Yes, I felt as bad as I looked!

Here I am at the end. I was crying so hard I could not breath BUT............. my little legs did!

My pictures are not in order. Waiting for the race to start!

Looking back...........

2009-05-13T12:13:00.001-07:00

We made pizza one night. He thought this pizza face looked just like him......you be the judge ;) look close for the smilely face.

I love this picture in their mathing Claude Brown attire. We take pride in our family business. Mike is the fourth generation to work there which makes Kenyon the fifth.

Mike is great to keep friday night our date night. He loves to take me out to dinner just the two of us. I will admitt I am quite a bore and would rather go the bed on friday with the boys. Mike is great to keep the spark alive in our marriage. So here we are before we leave for dinner. Kenyon loves it when i dress up. He always tells me I look fabulous! I love him for that!!!!

There faces tell it all! Kenyon and Dylan are best buds. They play well together and fight even better :)

This pic is funny but very cute! Dylan fell asleep here after lunch (you can tell by the crums) . It actully took me a minute to find him.

My ipod and I picked 98lbs of tomatoes last fall for canning. It really

Mike and his good buddy Shawn Hanko went to a Redskin football game last fall. Mike is a huge Redskins fan so this was huge for him!

Last fall I did a large amount of canning. I canned almost 100 jars of tomatoes, 75 jars of applesauce and endless jam. I worked in the afternoon so my babies could sleep. Kenyon played with his train in the "snow" and love it!

Kenyon Libre

2009-04-15T12:14:00.000-07:00

"Nachoooooooooo"

"Sometimes, when you are grown up, you wear stretchy pants"

"your Claycy"

Weekend Away (Just the 2 of us!!)

2009-04-11T11:42:00.000-07:00

For Mike's Birthday I gave him tickets to see the Jazz vs. the Suns! It was a Blast!!!!!!!

Waiting for the game to start!Missed Mikes head on this one!

Mike loves, loves this picture. If you look close right behind him in the grey shirt you will see Steve Nash! One of Mike highlights.

Happy 30th Mike!!!!

2009-03-16T08:38:00.000-07:00

Dylan eating cake and loving it!! ( the light got his ear funny!)

Mikes yummy, yummy cake from costco!

My friends all did a race together because the boys were to wild. I would list who people are but I dont know with there helmets on.

Mike is on the left end and some of are other friends getting ready to race.

Mike has been feeling a little blue about turning 30 so we had a grand party for him at Naz Cart. As a surprise to Mike I asked some of our friends to share one of their favorite memoires of with him................... So here they are!!!!!!

Ryan and Roxanne (Mike older brother)

Our good friends the Harper's!

Annette (Mike cousin)

Mike's parents

Braylon's Sealing Day!!!

2009-01-30T07:39:00.000-08:00

Braylon was sealed to his family on January 24 in the Twin Falls Temple. It will always be a special day for our family. Seeing all three of our boys dressed in white melted Mike and I. We are so very lucky. We are in dept to Braylons birth parents for such a beautiful gift. Thank you!

Dont my sister (on the left in the pink jacket) and I look so much a like.

Braylon's Blessing Day!

2009-01-27T13:50:00.000-08:00

Braylons blessing day was a speical one. Mike gave him a wonderful blessing. We can never thank Heavenly Father enough for this little boy!!!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-27T12:33:00.000-08:00

Christmas Day!

2009-01-26T14:55:00.000-08:00

An hour after we opened presents!

Kenyon playing with his new trains.

Dylan opening presents.

Braylon loved his new gift from Santa!!!

I know this is an odd picture but let me explain. We just got this table and already my kids think it is a sand box so................ I asked Santa for a glass top. I love it!!!

Christmas Eve at Grandma Brown's

2009-01-05T12:18:00.000-08:00

Cookies for Santa!

2009-01-05T12:04:00.000-08:00

Kenyon made sure Santa was taken care of. He left him some yummy treat for him and his reindeer.

Christmas Eva Night!!

2009-01-05T11:07:00.000-08:00

My family came to us this year for Christmas. It was fun to have them all here. We wanted to start a new tradition of acting our the nativity scene.

Dylan was a Wise men

My brother, Brett, was the shepherd. My baby sister, Jamie, was the angel!

Mike and I were Mary and Joseph. Somehow we forgot to take a picture of baby Jesus, Braylon.

Kenyon played and excellent wise men!!!!

My dad was a good sport to play the third wise men with the boys.

Dylan was a crack-up with his safety goggles on.

A Shoe Box Christmas for Children in Need!!

2008-11-16T20:40:00.000-08:00

The holidays are among us and life is about to get crazy. I am just bracing myself for what is yet to come! I look forward to good food, time with family, and sharing Christmas with my kids. Our home has been so blessed this year. We have been given the ultimate gift of a new baby and all three of our guys are healthy. Life could not be better so I feel it in me , more than ever this year, to give back.
In relief society today a woman made announcement about "Shoe box Christmas gifts gathered for children" . An article was published in the paper with all the details. She passed the article around the room and it touched my heart. Here is a direct link to give you a better idea www. samaritanspurse.org. The shoe box gifts are for needy children worldwide. The Christmas project hand-delivers eight million gifts to children in over 90 countries. Children who are suffering from natural disaster, war, terrorism, disease, famine, and poverty. Things are children will, hopefully, never experience in their lives.

The boxes are filled with simple things like school supplies, toys, necessity items, candy and a letter of encouragement. The web site brakes down exactly what supplies, toys and such to buy. A donation of seven dollars is needed to ship each box also. My first thought was to put together several boxes but seven dollars adds up. Sooo........If you fell inspired by this cause you can make a box. I know money is tight, so if you can only do one thing that is wonderful. Call me and I will come pick it up. Every bit counts!

It ends November 22, which is this Saturday, so I will be gathering the boxes Friday. If you have questions call. We all have big heart and want to big back for the blessing we have. Here is a terrific chance to teach our children to give back. What a fun way to spend FHE!!

Big News! Our adoption is Final.

2008-10-31T07:25:00.000-07:00

We have a final date for our adoption. On November 13 we go before a judge and sign legally for our Braylon. We have been waiting four months for this day to come. What a journey our family has been on. I don't think I have ever been this emotional drained. Even though we have had some struggles he is so worth it. Braylon has brought so much love into our family I cant wait to see what the years have to bring us. Everyone who meets this little boy cant help but love him!

The adoption will be final for Mike and I when we can take our family to the temple and have our little Braylon sealed to our family. I can not wait to have my whole family in the temple. For one day we will have a taste of heaven all dressed in white. My little boys will be able to feel and see what the temple has to offer them. I can not wait to share this experience with them.

Many thanks are in order. Thank to our family who never questioned our choice and welcomed Braylon in. Our parents have played a large part in helping Mike and I anyway they could. We love you so much! Thank you to friends who have brought yummy dinners and diapers for the babe. We still have not yet bought diapers for our 4 month old. Thank you for taking that pressure off our budget. A quick thank you to Laura Allen. She is my running buddy and good friend. We are training to run a half marathon together in Janaury. She has picked the pieces up many times for me. She has let me cry as I need it on our runs. Thank you Laura you are much better than thearpy (cheaper too:)!!!!). Thank you must go to Nicke Cutlure also. Her back ground as a social work came in very useful to us. We needed it as weed through different lawyers and adoption agencies. Many phone calls were made to Nicke those first few weeks. I have a cell phone bill to prove it (money well spent)!!! Thanks Nick!!!! We are surround by the best family and friends. We love you!!!!!!

Our Sweet Cheeks!

2008-10-27T09:35:00.000-07:00

The first day we had Braylon Kenyon asked me if we could bring sweet cheeks home with us. The name has stuck with him. As you can see, Braylon fits right into our family. We are so crazy about this little guy. He is a wonderful baby.

Braylon is kissed on endlessly. We can not help ourselves he is just too cute!

He likes to sleep with his hands above his head. In fact, I know he is going to sleep for at least three hours if he is in this spot. I thank my good friend Marie for lending me her baby swing.

What has Dylan been up too!!

2008-10-26T19:08:00.000-07:00

Dylan loves art projects. I picked up these cute pumpkin masks. The kids had a blast painting them!

Dylan can not get enough of Kenyon! He loves spending time with his brothers. They had the best time making Carmel apples.

Yard work is a big project for our family. Everyone has a job to ease up the load. The boys responsibility is to pick up the walnuts from our walnut tree. They moan and groan but the have fun.

Kenyon first day of pre-school!

2008-10-22T15:37:00.000-07:00

Pre-school has been a new pace for Kenyon. His two favorite things are his friends and art time. Kenyon is a busy guy and I wish I could glue his bum to his seat. He will not sit still in school. He gets up at least 10 to 12 times fora potty break in two hours. Kenyon and I are both working on our patience. I know you can do better Kenyon. I am cheering for you!

2008-08-30T20:06:00.001-07:00

We have a new baby at our house!!!!!!

2008-08-05T10:48:00.000-07:00

Our newest family member Braylon Jacob

Braylon first day home from the hospital
Two Days old
Braylon first camping trip to Red Fish Lake 7 days old we had so much fun!!!!!!!

We can longer keep him a secret, not that we were tring too, but the story is very personal to Mike and I. We have needed some time to recover from the shock and emotional roller coster we have boarded. It has been 5 weeks since we brought our new little baby home and it is time to tell his story.

Our home has been blessed with a new healthy baby boy. His name is Braylon Jacob (in about 4 weeks his last will be Brown!) he was born July 18, 2008. He weighed 6lbs 10oz, 19 inches long. He is perfect in every way ! We are now in the process of adopting him. Yes, I said ADOPTING!!!!! We can not believe it either. There is no denying he belongs to us. He has been in our home since he was two days old.

Braylon's birth parent are two very special people. They looked above their own needs and wants did what was best for there baby. They gave Braylon to a family who would care and love him endlessly. We will always hold them special in our heart for such a gift. When they asked if Mike and I would care for him we did not think twice. In fact when we saw him for the first time I knew he was meant for our family. The spirit spoke so loud to my heart I could not deny what the Lord was asking of me. When Mike took him in his arms for the first time, in the hospital, tears filled his eyes. I had seen this look before on Mike's face when he met his two other sons for the first time. The spirit consumed Mike and I, we knew what our future was with this little boy.

Kenyon and Dylan have taken to him very well. We have had no problems transitioning through this new phase. We explained very carefully to them that they were no being replaced. Mom and Dad had so much love to share with all of our boys. They have only loved and accepted Braylon from the minute we brought him home. What a joy to have three beautiful little boys in our home.

Thank you for the meals, gifts, and love we have received. We truly have been blessed.

Happy Fourth of July!

2008-07-09T13:52:00.000-07:00

Dylan's first sparkler at my parents home.
The fireman spray foam into the park and the kids can play in it.
Kenyon had a blast playing in the foam.
This picture did not turn out well but it is still darling! My baby sister went to the drive-in together. We had the best time. We had a wonderful 4th. I love my family for making it memorable for us.

We went camping!!!!!!!!

2008-07-01T14:46:00.000-07:00

We bought our camp trailer back in October and we finally were able to use it. We went camping over by Sun Valley last weekend and had the best time!!!! The boys played and played in the dirt, climbed trees and played in the water. They were in HEAVEN and I must say I was too ! I was free to play with the guys because everything was organized and easy to put together for meals. The boys were a mess by time night fell but no big deal. They took a nice warm bath and went right to sleep in there bed. Mike and I watched a movie and snuggled in our bed. It was wonderful. We have a new meaning of camping now and the word "tent" is no longer included!!!! The whole idea of buying our trailer was to make fun memories with our boys and we are!!!!!!!!

A NEW ROOF!!!!!!!

2008-06-24T15:30:00.000-07:00

We have done several different projects to our house but this by far is the largest we have taken on. Putting a new roof on our house definitly finished the look outside. We are happy it is done. We had alot of help from family and friends "Thank you" to you.

Party Time!!!!

2008-06-23T14:35:00.000-07:00

What is the deal with Mud and Boys?!!!!!!!!

Captain Jack and his 1st mate!

2008-06-23T13:46:00.000-07:00

My kids love to play dress-up! Here is a great picture of them playing pirates.

2008-06-06T07:28:00.001-07:00

This is Kenyon's new way of enjoying shopping!!!!!!! He lays down in the cart and fells asleep almost every time now. He does not like the lights in the store so he wears my glasses. He looked so comfy and cute I had to catch on film.

Six failed attempts!!!!!!!

2008-05-29T09:50:00.001-07:00

If you dont like needles look the other way!

2008-05-28T13:22:00.001-07:00

I have been a full time mommy for quite sometime now. I love spending my days with my two little guys. I hope the days of hugs and kisses from them will never end. Even though they keep me soooo busy it is healthy for a mom to have something of her own. Since, I have had my kids I have been interested in the medical field but where to start???? I have two little babies who I did not want to feel pushed side because there mom could not be settled in the present. How does a woman find the balance between her personal goals and her family.

When I finished the phlebotomy course in the fall it started a flame for me. It inspired my to keep pushing to complete the nursing program. I know I am on the right path for myself and my family. The older I get, I understand the person I want to become and what lesson I want my children to learn. It is important for my to obtain an eduction. I don't feel like i can push my kids in that direction if I don't achieve it myself.

Who knows when I will be able to get into the nursing program? Between kids, more babies to come and my job & Mikes job ............who knows?

Now that I have told a long story, here is a picture of me in action drawing my brothers blood. You cant tell from the picture but about 30 seconds after it was taken Brett passed-out. I am not joking! He does not do well with blood or needles. I felt bad but he handled it well. I love him for being my experiment.

Kenyon's new look!

2008-05-28T12:47:00.000-07:00

Kenyon is starting to show interested in his personal look. Which is funny he would care because as soon as I open the front door he is covered in dirt. He picked his clothes and dressed himself and come down stairs SOOOOOO PROUD of his self. I loved his new look but it got even better when I brought the camera out. I would like to say I helped with this pose but it was all him. Pay close attention to the foot pop and the placement of the arm. This kid crackes me up!!!!

Dylan the Gourmet Cheif.......Maybe!!!

2008-05-06T12:43:00.000-07:00

I work quite a bit in the evenings so Mike has got the role down of Mr. Mom pretty well. I usually have dinner ready when Mike gets home in the evening but somtimes they depend on P&J's. One night I came home to find Mike in the kitchen making dinner with little Dylan by his side. Whenever Mike does the dishes he wears his denim apron. Dylan looked so grow up and no longer our baby it pained me. I love to see him grow into his little self. Mike said he never tried to take the apron and stood on that chair for almost an hour. He just played and ate his food. Maybe we have a Chief in our future........we will see!

Kenyon did it. He is potty trained!!!

2008-05-06T12:19:00.000-07:00

It took sometime and some clever thinking to get him potty trained but we did!!!!!!!! Kenyon loves Thomas the train so I used it to my advantage. If he would go potty twice in the toliet he would get a train. Over a two week period he collected almost 80 trains and then sum. Those of you who have ever purchased Thomas trains are probably doing the math in your head of the cost but thank goodness for EBAY!!! I bought them all from a woman who did not know what she was selling for only $40.00. Sooo for two dollars a train we got the job done! We gathered then all together to show them off. Great Job Kenyon!

Hinckley Challenge

2008-02-20T09:12:00.000-08:00

The passing of our dear Prophet as left me to think of my own life. When I look back over his 97 years here on earth I am taken away by his accomplishments. I think of the steps I take in my daily life to better myself, and I definitely can see room for improvment sooo...... I am taking on the Hinckley Challenge to read the book of morman in 97 days. The challenge started on Feb 4th and ends May 10th so I am slightly behind. I love to read so I am going to dig in and finish this goal.
I hope to gain two things from this, one a better understanding of the Book of Morman and the stories in it. Two, I hope to become closer to our Savior, who has given me so much and give little back to him. To any one else who could find room for improvement in their own lifes take on the Hinckley Challenge go to http://www.hinckleychallenge.com/.

Today is our 7th year Anniversary and counting.......

2008-02-15T20:04:00.000-08:00

Mike and I have been together for seven years now. It is amazing how quickly time goes by not even realizing it. I am gratful for the life we have created together. Our home is always full of laughter and love. Our two little boys can not wait till five for Mike to come home and play their version of kiss tag!!! Mike always brings a warm laid back vibe to our home. I am so glad he is mine!!

I am not a good blogger!

2008-02-13T20:47:00.000-08:00

I have done a poor job keeping up on our blog. The idea behind it is to keep our family and friends update on our lives. I will do a better job! Things are always moving forward for us. Life is different from day to day with two little guys. Our baby, Dylan, has learned how to express him self with words. I love watching my kids achieve new things but Dylan learned to use the word "no" I admitt, I did an eye roll! I want him to say mama, maybe soon! Kenyon is working on potty training. Someday, Kenyon will say, "Mom I need to go potty." Insteed of hearing "Oh, No Thanks its stuck now." We believe in teamwork, him and I will push forward til' we get the job done (hopfully soon). One thing Kenyon has mastered is his use of his imagination. Two things he likes to do is play dress-up and art projects (which is code for playing with glue). Life is still pretty much a party around here, and we love it.

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-01-01T12:03:00.001-08:00

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-01-01T12:01:00.001-08:00

Check out my Slide Show!

2007-11-19T11:30:00.000-08:00

FAMILY PICTURES!!!!

2007-11-14T12:39:00.000-08:00

We just had some, much needed, family pictures taken and the turned out GREAT!!! Take a look and give me some feed back! www.addisonphoto.com

Gino Gin & his lady Diva Dina!

2007-10-21T19:59:00.000-07:00

Mike and I were invited to a murder mystery party. Mike's character was Gino Gin. The silent but bold bar tender. I was Diva Dina an up and coming movie star. We had a great time putting our costumes together and acting out our roles at the party. I was voted best dressed for the evening (which secretly was my goal). Mike earned the most money through out the evening using only his charm. We had a great time!!!