A day in the life of the Hallows' Family

Merry Christmas from our home to yours!

2011-12-17T09:00:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

First and foremost, from our home to yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. We love to get letters from family and friends during the holiday season and get updated on their lives and truly never think that people are bragging or boasting about themselves. So, if you feel that way, we are sorry but only want to share the joys, highlights and wonderful things that mean so much to us, with you!

This year was to say the least a busy one. We became foster parents in 2010; however, we never received a placement until early this year, when we were asked to care for a 10 week old baby girl. Our lives were changed, our schedule and everything now revolved around this precious baby. She was such a blessing in our lives. We truly needed to have her, all of us healed in so many ways due to her simple presence. We had her in our home for 7 months and enjoyed every single minute of it. We forgot how much time babies take and how much gear they have too, but we wouldn’t have traded that for anything in the world, it was so much fun. We felt truly grateful for the opportunity to raise her for that time.

Austin will be just two months from turning 18 when you receive this letter and is a senior in high school. He is preparing all his college applications and getting ready to graduate and begin the next step in his life. Leah, on the other hand is not sure she’s ready for all this to happen. Wasn’t it just a short time ago that he was a young boy getting ready for a full day of school in first grade? Austin decided to forego swimming this year so he could have a little more free time in the winter. He’s playing rec basketball, will probably do a little snowboarding, and will have more time to get ready for spring baseball.

Colton hasn’t changed much and as we pulled out the baby books this year, he was a strong personality from the start! He fortunately has channeled it into sports and loves wrestling at the moment, although I am not sure I do! He loves about every sport, depending on the season. He loved having a baby around the home and was always doting over her and if she even cried one second he was there tending to her every need and want. He was a terrific diaper changer too and he has very protective instincts.

Kaden has gotten to be a bit sassy and bossy in his advancements in age. He will say something to us and then say “alright?” while shaking his fists down at the ground. It is so hard not to laugh at him because it is truly hilarious but if you do that it will turn to the opposite extreme and he will then run into his room crying! He too has enjoyed the wrestling gig and often times he will be at a match and look over at us to see if we are watching and give us a great big grin! He’s a solid kid and doesn’t have much fear of anything. He really likes the skate park, doing tricks on his scooter, playing football, etc.

Steve is still working at Zion’s Bank. He enjoys raising these boys and watching them become the independent individuals they are. He loves watching them participate in their activities and teaching and coaching them. He really enjoyed golf this summer. It’s the most he’s gotten out for some time now, since the boys are getting older. He even bought Colton a jr set of clubs for his 8^th B-day.

Lastly, Leah kept busy exercising and training for to run a half marathon in February on behalf of children with heart defects. She is training to run another this year, she says it keeps her winter weight off. She still coupons like crazy and we now have 456 razors on hand! In case of an emergency, we’re hoping we can barter toiletries, soaps, razors, shampoos, etc for food, since these are what we have most of in our storage.

It was truly a wonderful year of just enjoying our home, friends and family nearby. Life sometimes gets so busy you don’t realize all the fun and excitement you need are right in front of you, and it truly was. We also are so grateful and thankful for our health, family, friends, jobs and our faith! Sometimes the simplest little things are often the most profound. We wish for you and your family a happy holiday season and prosperous new year.

Love, Steve, Leah, Austin, Colton, and Kaden

Elfy has arrived!

2011-12-02T09:48:00.001-07:00

Elfy made his debut a few nights ago and the kids have been so excited to see the tricks and funny things that he has in store for them this year! Elfy was caught watching TV when the boys woke the other morning! They left him a note telling them what they wanted and he wrote them one back telling them to keep their room clean! Of course Elfy doesn't spell very well, so Kaden wrote him a not back telling him ever so bluntly how to spell and at the end of the note he writes in his bossy tone "all right"! I wanted to tell him that that was spelled incorrectly too!

Elfy must have been thirsty last night and didn't know what that white stuff was in the jug, so he magically turned it green, we caught him enjoying his normal beverage almost. Later that day we found him with his feet up in the air diving into the homemade chocolate chips cookies I made!

I was accused of possibly touching Elfy and he looses his magic when touched by humans. Last night Elfy protected himself from the many hands that might encounter him "accidentally" and hid under a drinking glass! I am pretty sure he is safe inside there at least for today anyway!

My tree went up the day after Thanksgiving and truly this picture doesn't do it justice, it really turned out super nice and is 12 feet tall but this picture makes it look skinny and small....sure wish pictures did that to me! hehe I love the holiday season and thankfully the snow has NOT come yet, I hope it doesn't slam us all at once! Most of my shopping is done too!

Halloween and Perfect Weather = lots of candy for me!

2011-11-21T12:30:00.003-07:00

The weather on Halloween was superb! It truly was lovely,
and the amount of candy was very evident of the weather. Grandma Sally gave out her traditional big candy bar, of course my boys went there a couple times and a few days after to get their special candy.

Colton has the same tongue action as his Dad does when he is intently doing something! The pumpkin carving was fun this year, but next year I am getting my own pumpkin, I wanted to do my own thing and the boys wouldn't let me!

Colton was a dead or hurt dirt biker but, his costume ideas and mine naturally were very opposite! I did all his makeup and he went into the bathroom and rubbed most of it off!

I thought he looked fantastic????

See all the make up is now removed!

Kaden of course is much more amicable with things! He let me do a dry run on his makeup on Saturday and I shouldn't have because the first time it looked way better!

Kaden was Dracula and I must say a might good looking one!

A few friends who live elsewhere came to enjoy the trick or treating in our neighborhood along with the rest of Heber Valley! I bought 18 bags of candy and when we got back around 7:15 there were cars lined up in front of our house and I was done! I shut the light and we had dinner! My mom was with us this year and we sure enjoyed her time with us over at least one holiday!

Summer fun happened so fast!

2011-09-09T21:04:00.001-06:00

I had all these fun things we did all summer long on this post and for some reason it all got deleted, now I am wiped out and will have to add it another time! That is frustrating!

Yes, Kaden is wearing Austin's swimming speedo! He thinks he is a stud in it too!

We bowled one day and they loved it, just wish it wasn't so expensive for each game....we could have bowled all afternoon if they let us.

We had endless fun this summer, we loved having our sweet baby with us too, she is such a sweetheart and has brought a spirit into our home that was greatly cherished and loved. My boys all three of them, dote on her like nothing I have seen. If she even begins to fuss or cry, she is picked up immediately!

FIRST day of school!

2011-09-09T20:57:00.000-06:00

Colton is going into 3rd grade and his teacher is Mrs. Mellen!

Kaden is going to be a first grader and his teacher is Mrs. Limb!

They get to go to school together....well that lasted for a day or two anyways.

It happened so fast! My baby is in school all day now! Austin is a senior and is graduating! Why do they have to grow up?

Presenting the next son in the family's sporting gigs!

2011-08-08T22:14:00.001-06:00

Colton is truly an athlete although he gets easily bored and doesn't like the practices! I know just where he got that from too! It was baseball season and so the kid can sport the attire full on whether it fits him or not if its the sport he is into that day, he is wearing it, no telling him otherwise. Often times Austin is like where is my baseball jersey, I say go look in Colton's room, yup its in there hiding in his sheets or something. He so looks up to his brother.

He sure does dress the part but, really wasn't that interested in playing after the first couple of games. He got hit with the pitches the first couple times at bat and that didn't feel that great, apparently! We had to bribe him to go to the games!

So sweet!

He did manage to get a few good hits!

So on with the next sport, I think golf is a lot less dangerous!

Or swimming in the sink works for us too, the parents and team members are great in this sport!

Colton got these clubs for his birthday and he is so proud of them, and is ready to go!

Kaden's Kindergarten Graduation

2011-07-31T15:04:00.001-06:00

This is a little late and so will some of my upcoming other posts but, I am doing it.
I like the concept a ton but I get so distracted with lifes things and the to do list!

Kaden looks so handsome he sure has grown up a lot!

He was peeking out the door and he was the first in line! He is unlike his mother in that regard, I hate being in the spotlight and he loves it.

Precious is all I can say to describe this, well sad too! My baby is going to be in school all day long now.

It was a long day of fun and he just couldn't bear to take that off. To this day, he still puts it on and wears it in the house. I am going to have to hid it so I can save it in his treasure box!

Kaden's Golden Birthday

2011-07-20T07:52:00.000-06:00

I can't believe my baby boy is now 7! Seven years ago I had this sweet boy on July, 7th! He has brought so much joy and laughs into our home, he is a treat to have and call our son.
Usually I have the boys parties together since their friends are the same but with it being his Golden birthday, I wanted it to be all about him.
He choose a repitle party and it truly was the best party as in it was really educational as well as being different and fun. There were 12 kids and our adopted grandma Sally.

Kim and her son, from Kim's Creatures brought us 20 different reptiles to explore.

Kaden got to be their personal assistant for the party, he loved every single reptile!

All the reptiles were named and were very well cared for.

This Dragon was my fav, he would just lay on your chest or shoulders like a baby! Too bad they smell in their cage or I would get one. She would eat right out of your hand.

This cute turtle was the size of a half dollar!

I am deathly afraid of snakes, apparently it doesn't run in the family! Kaden loved them!

And no matter the size either! By the end of the party, I held one in my hands that was all coiled up. I have come to realize its not the snake I don't like its the way they move that creeps me.

Sally on the other hand, was in love with the snakes, even resorting to kissing the princess!

This is Kaden's love, Lexi Vought, she babysits for us but, he just has a special connection to her. I think its so neat how our boys have such great relationships with our friends and neighbors, I always was that way too!

Colton was a bit more reluctant and cautious of the reptiles, but he loved the dragon too!

One was not enough for Kaden!

I have made this cake before but this time I did some cool things with frosting and freezing the cake first it turned out great if I might say so myself. The cake tasted amazing too.....I used the cake mix that you add butter instead of oil and what a difference it tasted way better.

Kaden wanted his own cowboy hat so that is what we got him....he loved it!

I am sad to see my babies growing up but, I am enjoying them more and more as they get to developing their unique personalities.

Cowboy UP!

2011-07-15T07:27:00.001-06:00

The boys are really into the cowboy thing lately...they have been going to rodeos with Colton's friends, Brayden, since his sister is in them they take the boys and they love it! I can't get them away from there once I bring them and they last for a few days usually. I do a lot of bribery!

This is a priceless shot!

We took Grandpa Fred to the local Ream's store for some new boots when he came to visit and I decided we should play dress up with Austin! I think he could pass off the cowboy look pretty nicely!

If you look closely, Colton is sitting on a calf. He was working in the shoots all day with his friend Brayden and Brayden's dad.

Colton and Brayden in their absolute glory!

Mother's Day....a priviledge denied to many!

2011-05-08T14:54:00.002-06:00

Today is a special day for us Mother's even if we still have to wipe a bogey nose or clean up the dishes or wipe off the counter or make the pasta salad! I want to curl up on the couch, read a magazine or just veg, but truthfully I can do that if I really wanted too...but I choose to be the Mom and that is a job that has no breaks, no paid time off or holidays and by goodness, I am soooooooooo ok with that as there are so many women out there that would beg for this opportunity and find challenges in getting it! So today, I am ever so thankful and grateful for the opportunity to be a Mother and even though I am not a mother to all of mine today, God has given me an opportunity to mother a child who couldn't get that right now and I treasure that opportunity each second I can. I never ever thought I would want the job of raising another child but, I never have I been paid so little yet feel rich inside. Today I am a better mother to my own child as I teach others how to be a parent and how to be the example I should be for all children in this world. I can say today that motherhood is the best job I have ever had and although I can go to work and make good money, I choose each day to be a Mommy and I know the riches are really disguised as blessings! I love you Austin, Colton, Kaden, Avery and Baby Taj, your examples to me are far beyond anything I could learn in a professional setting!

I had the privilege of having two moms growing up and when I was young I thought that it was awful that my parents were divorced, except on holidays it was great, still is too! Hehe! Today, I reflect back on both of their mothering and recognize that I am who I am today because of the tender ways that each one of them taught me. They had different qualities I was going to need to be a mother someday. Each of them had their very own specialties and I took the positive from each one of them and I want them both to know how very, very important they are to me in my years, young and old! You often don't recognize things until your placed in situations yourself and have the chance to look back and see what the really reason or message were behind those things they did or said!

Happy Mother's Day to all the mother's and to those who mother others!

Junior Prom Growing UP!

2011-05-02T16:56:00.001-06:00

Junior Prom..where did the time go to? Its not fair that they grown up so darn fast! This year has been abundant with dances and prom! I surely don't remember this many! This is when I am grateful he is not a girl, as dresses are way more expensive than renting a tuxedo! Austin's date spent over $400 on the dress alone...not to mention the new earrings, necklace, shoes and purse that go along with!

I think that they are a very daper looking couple and I absolutely love this dress!

Austin went with another couple but since they are seniors, they didnt' come to the house to take pics and promendade either.

They thought that the cuff links were super cool!

He really looks like his Dad in this picture!

I thought I was gonna cry when I got to dance with him at the Promenade but, it was a joyous fun event and I felt so honored to be dancing with such a sweet and handsome boy!

He does have that show off side of him and that is from his father too!

This is in the high school gym where the kids came out to do their promendade dance! It was so sweet, at the end the boys each gave their dance partner a single white rose!

Grandma Hallows and Austin slow dancing.....sweet! She didn't want to it but, I think she secretly loved it!

Prom is not what it used to be.....we ate dinner at a hotel and then danced and then left to go to a better after prom party! These kids dated Friday night, then all day Saturday and then after the Prom too! Whew that is a lot of one person for a date! I know he had a great time and it will be a great lifetime memory for him!

Spring Break in Florida....blissful!

2011-04-25T10:40:00.000-06:00

It was a long day at the Dallas Airport.....5 hour layover! Thank goodness for electronic devices to occupy boys minds and fingers!

We had a relaxing first day at the pool well the mini waterpark at the resort! The kids played mini golf, swam, paddled in the lake, looked for lizards and bugs!

We went to Seaworld, my favorite place....I think it was a hit with everyone truthfully!

Those animals are so talented, well the trainers are I guess! It was fascinating to watch what they can do! I have always loved Seaworld!

My mom is not a roller coaster rider.....this is the kiddy one, she handled it very well!

The boys inside the tub of a fishtank!

This picture is so sweet, brothers waiting for the show in the "Splash Zone" the insisted, I sat somewhere else of course.....

We went to Hollywood Studios Disney park with my brother's family and also my mom! This was waiting for the ride Toy Story! We rode it twice it was way cool!

Kaden loved Landon...is 5 and Kaden thought since he is smaller and younger he was going to be the caretaker of him.

Landon 5, Miles 7, Colton 8 and Kaden 6....the cousins!

The stunt show was the best show at the park....we totally digged this action pack show that demonstrated how they do chases and crashes in the movies! The boys, big and small, were so enthralled with this!

Steve and Austin went to ESPN sports center one afternoon, Mom and I went shopping!

The best day for me was right here, Indian Rocks Beach. My brother's inlaws have a close by the beach and we spent the day there...not nearly long enough at all!

The boys loved digging in the sand...we could have skipped all the other places and just came here and it would have been their fav!

It was enjoyed by all I think!

Grandma Barbara and the 5 grandsons!

The whole gang....it was so much fun....until we meet again!

Colton's Baptism and Birthday!

2011-04-10T18:40:00.000-06:00

Today was a very special day for us all! We gathered together to celebrate the baptism and birthday of Colton Craig! I truly can't believe that he is 8 years old! The time flew by and just last year he told us he wasn't getting baptized, and as it got closer his tune swiftly changed and he couldnt' wait for the day. Its rare that you can get baptized on your birthday since in our church its only done on the first Saturday of the month. So this was a birthday gift to Colton as it was orginally set for the 30th of April.

I had these pictures done for the baptism program, Steve reminded me that I used to make fun of people who did that....well I didn't know it was such a big deal to get baptized, I was a new Mormon, give me a break! :)

Colton does have a very tender sweet side! I absoutely love this pic of him helping his little brother with his tie! I can't even do it! This is a picture made in heaven!

Austin was able to baptize Colton and Steve confirmed him. As I look back at what I was like at 17, I was in no way the fine example of a young man that Austin is, I am so proud of his accomplishments and choices.

Look at these studs in suits!

I am sure surrounded by good looking men in my life.

We had a great day at the baptism, Kaden gave an amazing and touching talk, he is not afraid to speak in front of people, it terrifies me! We spent the afternoon enjoying one anothers company with extended family and close friends at the Hamlet Clubhouse! It was a wonderful day, I feel so grateful and blessed in my life. Thank you Colton for making the choice to get baptized, we are so proud of you.

Behind again....life gets busy!

2011-04-03T09:05:00.000-06:00

Ok so in a nutshell......

Our Caribbean Cruise to Belize, Costa Maya and Cozumel was fantastic, I totally needed that blast of sunshine and that it was! A blast and full of sunshine. I am so proud of my husband for all his hard work so that we enjoy these free trips. Its a nice way to reconnect, relax and re-energize our lives. We also got to fly into Miami and meet up with my Mom on our last day...We cruised the streets of South Beach and Miami. Its not the most fav place of any of us. The strange congregate there I believe! Weird Weird and I am used to that kind of stuff!

Belize was by far the port of call, we went Cave tubing, that was so neat...you go through these underground caves on tubes with headlamps on and float along with the river current. It was way cool.

Costa Maya was nice except that it was hit by a hurricane several years earlier and they never really bothered cleaning up anything most likely by the looks of it due to money. I took pictures of the homes these people lives in, if you can even call them homes...more like shacks. The people seemed happy and content despite not having very much of anything. Truly we are blessed country no wonder they all want to come here! We rented ATVs and had a great ride through the city and along the coast. We both got our henna tattoo's there...its a ritual when we go to Mexico. I got a heart with wings for Avery.

Cozemul is such a gorgeous place, I love the crystal blue water that doens't look real its so blue! We went to the beach and rented chairs for $2.00 its was the cheapest day trip and one of the most relaxing...I sat in the sun all day, my favorite thing to do on vacation. No one at home would recognize me on vacation, I am truly a different person. No agenda, no email or phones to respond too, I read and eat all day!

Baseball season began in sunny St. George, we played really well, although never won a game...but had the lead all the way to the end, can't figure that one out! It was just nice to be outside and with our family enjoying what is spring all over the place except in Heber.
March 10th was Avery Ann's Angel day and it was a good day overall. I felt very peaceful and knew that she was with me. Steve had a bit of a harder time but, overall time has helped us heal, although her place in our lives will never be replaced. Kaden took the balloons from the Relief Society Birthday party and we brought them to her grave..Kade kept calling it her special day! How sweet is that?

Ethan's Run....Half Marathon

2011-02-20T17:20:00.000-07:00

Are words really necesccary! Well Kaden thought they were, the night before the race, I got these notes in an email, they were all I needed to make it to the finish line!

As a surprise to my friend, Jen, I signed up to run this race in November so for Christmas, I sent Jen a box with my itinerary and some pink hair dye.....let the journey begin! I have been running for a while, but when I heard about this half marathon for children affected with CHD, I knew I had to be there! Oh course the fact that my good close friend and warm weather were there too, this had Leah written all over it!

I slept terribly, you know your getting old when you can't have comfortable sleep overs anymore! I was nervous about the race, I set expectations for myself and hate letting myself down...I knew there was going to be emotions, which I am not always comfortable with, etc. but overall it was monumental for me!

No sweat yet! We colored a piece of our hair hot pink to match our outfits! We were sisters in heaven who found each other on earth, I love this girl!

Jen, Leah and Jeanette!

On the way to the race, being a Saturday, there were tons of garage sale signs, everywhere. I joked with Jen and said if there is any signs, I might have to make a detour.....this was the first sign and I was ready to leave her!

But as you can see, I hung on and at this point mile 11, I wish I had left for the garage sale.

But of course that wasn't an option...this was the home stretch uphill if I might add! That race was almost half uphill, hence my sore hip and foot.

At mile 12, Jen was like, lets sprint to the finish line, I was like heck no....I am not going any faster than this, I was pooped out! I saw the finish line and what do you think I did? Yup, pushed it to meet my 2 hour mark!

It was so neat to be in a race, with people who were there for a purpose, to help and give of yourself. As I was running, I realized that this pain was nothing compared to what those kids have to endure. My pain would go away in a few days, theirs wouldn't, if they even made it on this earth! I had a moment of tears on the run, when I was behind a lady with a picture of a baby pinned to her back, I bawled thinking of why I was in here in the first place. Avery Ann, you have made my life into something that I have never wished for but looking back, you have changed my world into something better. Today I walk with more love, more patience, more understanding, more hope, more desire to be better than I was! I know that losing a child is not a trial anyone should have to endure, but I can truly say that it has defined me and my life for the best.

I was not praying but stretching......the pain was worth the glory....and I will do it again! I don't know that I could have done it without Jen, she and her family were all there supporting and cheering us on, along with angels from above!

3A State Swim Team Boys take State!

2011-02-15T13:27:00.000-07:00

What a Day it was! It was a very eventful weekend to say the least!
Austin's father flew in from Tuscon, to support Austin and it turned out to be a fantastic time.

This kid has an amazing spirit about him.......Praying before his 100 Breaststroke Swim!

This is the one and ONLY Gold 1st Place that Wasatch got over the entire weekend.
Ben Kowalis, Austin, Troy Olgivie and Paul Mair won the 200 Freestyle Relay!

These little guys look up to Austin more than he really realizes... The whole swim team dyed their hair black for the State Meet and they so wanted to be just like Austin so we did the same to their hair. They now don't want to cut if off either.

Living in a small town sure does have some perks others don't. When the team came into town after the meet, they stopped and had all the team get onto the fire trucks and parade down main street. Then they went to the high school and we had a pizza party...then they went to a teammates home for an after the party type of party~
The events keep happening as this is the first state title that Wasatch High School has ever gotten in swimming period!

These boys made history, not only that but with only one gold first place ribbon. They have consistent and competitive swimmers across the board, not just a few that make the team what it is. We won because of the overall strength of the swim team and we consistently scored points. Even with losing almost 30 points from a DQ and then Austin's race where he had to re race it just five minutes after something caused a false start. Ugh Ugh..I was so angry Austin used all his energy to swim it the first time and ultimately missing out on a 6th place ribbon!

Its all over and done with but the memories are still so fresh, we are way proud of that team!

Region X Swim Meet Champs!~

2011-02-14T12:59:00.000-07:00

2011.... Bring it on!

2011-01-15T13:02:00.002-07:00

Happy Year 2011! We chose to stay in warm St. George over the new year, although warm was a subjective term considering it was a mere 35-40 degrees. When I think warm that is usually not the temp. I reference. However, no complaints from me as we missed the largest snow storm of the year and I was able to run outside and enjoy the scenery of the red mountians with snow topped dusty peaks! Red rocks and white snow, what a delightful view. We didn't get snow at our place, but there was several inches of snow in the higher elevations.

We both were like quick get the camera....this is such a sweet picture to us! I hope in years to come that they can look back at these posts and pics and remember all the fun we had together and the things we did.

We had a fun night with just the two little boys, dancing, eating, more dancing, playing games and just enjoying one another. We really were looking forward to the first night St. George, but it was too darn cold at night to even venture outside, so we enjoyed the fireplace...even roasted marshmallows over the open flame.

Our new family goal this year, we opted out of resolutions...is to have less screaming and yelling and loudness! I can tell you, its half way through the first month and our home is much more peaceful and less stressful.
I hope you all are enjoying what 2011 may bring. Remember how important your thoughts and actions are!
It’s not how good you are. It’s how good you want to be.
Make 2011 your year to be the best you can be!

Christmas time is always a fun time!

2011-01-06T13:01:00.003-07:00

So often we forget about the Christmas season with all of the parties, gifts, to do lists, and such that the time we get to reflect back on what just happened is when the dust begins to settle! Like now when I was putting away the Christmas stuff I was able to enjoy the ornaments I got when I was a young girl, reminisce about my past years of Santa joys. I wish it was the other way around but its not, so I will relish in the time I have now to do that.
I have always wanted a nativity set, my grandmother and aunt made them years ago in ceramics class and they have always reminded me of them. This year I was able to grab this gorgeous pearled ceramic Nativity from the thrift store for $10.00. I was in my glory as I always am when I find a deal, but the best part was that Steve made me the manger right before Christmas and truthfully it was my favorite gift. I will treasure this piece of Christmas forever and hope that my children will have the fond memories that I do of my family Nativity.

The tree that I wanted was over $600, so we used our old tree this year and I will have my 12 ft. tree for 2011! It was so cozy and cute, we enjoyed each night laying around watching TV, reading or watching meow meow fish for ornaments in the tree!

Santa's sleigh was full this year, the ping pong table took over the family room and now its taken over a room in the basement. Kaden broke it on the second day but Dad got it repaired in no time. Its even stronger now!

But it just wasn't all presents this year, the notorious coal has found its way into the Hallowsboys stockings. Yes, I was about 7 when I first found the coal in my own stocking so it must be the year for that. They of course thought it was a novelty, proudly displaying their pieces. When we went over to grandma and grandpa's for Christmas dinner....that was the item they brought to share! I think the point was missing....

Warning label on the ping pong table read.............

The boys and our family were very blessed for the holiday season....We had a good time, plenty of gifts and love and snow!

Our Christmas Letter to You!

2010-12-15T16:41:00.000-07:00

I am being so lazy and not sending out our letter this year.....I decided to put it on our blog instead so we can have a record of it in the years to come.

Dear Family and Friends,

First and foremost, from our home to yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. We love to get letters from family and friends during the holiday season and get updated on their lives and truly never think that people are bragging or boasting about themselves. So, if you feel that way, we are sorry but only want to share the joys, highlights and wonderful things that mean so much to us, with you!

The last year we wrote an annual Christmas letter was in 2007. As you all know in 2008, we found out about our sweet baby girl Avery Ann, and we just couldn’t write, then in March when she was born, 2009 Christmas just didn’t feel the same for us. We celebrated as normal but something was just missing. We hung a stocking for our special angel, but we were still mourning her presence in our lives. So all in all……we have 3 years of reporting to do in this letter. Stop, don’t the throw it out just yet, we will keep it simple.

Not much new to report in the way of big changes in our lives overall. We are truly grateful for our health, family, friends, jobs and our faith! These simple things often go unnoticed and with the unsettled world right now, we know we are blessed with these things and truly depend on them each and everyday.

Steve is still at Zion’s Bank, not much has changed here, just grateful to have such a wonderful employer today. This fall, Steve and his Dad went out hunting for elk and were unsuccessful, so Steve said, “next year, I am taking a golfing trip instead with all the money and time it took to go hunting!.” Steve coached Colton and Kaden’s baseball team this year and loved it, I am hoping it will become an annual thing; he is so good with children.

Austin, oh my goodness, am I actually writing this?, is a junior in high school. In March he got his drivers’ license and a set of new wheels, new to him that is! He has been swimming and playing baseball for the high school team since his freshman year. This year in baseball, he had a great season with a three run homer one game, then the next game a grand slam home run. The swim team took 2nd in state, two years in a row; they are looking for first this year! Not sure where Austin has gotten his swimming abilities from since no one on my side of the family going back as far as I know, can swim at all. I can doggy paddle on a good day!

Colton is still Colton, only wiser and smarter! His personality is so much like Leah’s that it’s uncanny! They can be the best of friends one moment and at each others throats the next and never holding a grudge. Colton thinks he is one of Austin’s buddies; he wants to do everything that Austin does, not excluding, wearing cologne, listening to the same music, playing all the same sports, dressing like him and sometimes trying to say what he says! Colton has a natural competitive character trait, we hope that he will take this strong will and really put it into sports and school. He is now in 2nd grade and really has shown his strengths already, spelling and math! Whenever there is a reading assignment that is not his game.

Kaden- we are not sure of his age, since he turned four, we told him he couldn’t’ get bigger! He is six years old now and is in Kindergarten. He loves school, tries to make up homework, copies Colton’s and can’t stop reading chapter books! Well, at least there is one reader in the family. He is so precious and we mean that in everything he does. He wants to do the right thing and is very obedient. However, if he does get mad, you better put on some earplugs, cuz its gonna get ugly. The boys have been sharing a room for the last 3 years, and Kaden has since relocated back to his old room, since Colton always wakes him up in the morning. This kid likes to sleep and relax, just like his Daddy!

Lastly, but of course not least, Leah, Leah, Leah or should we say now…..Leah and Colton, just never shut down. Steve thinks that she needs meds to combat her never ending energy and enthusiasm for life, she just needs a vacation every month and all will be happy. The real estate world has surely changed, but, she is still dabbling in managing rentals. Her new professions are bargain shopping and exercising. The kids are in school most of the day, so she has some much needed down time to herself. Our Christmas this year is all paid for by her couponing/rebates and what she acquired at garage sales this year that she sold on ebay.com for over 700% of what she paid for it!

This summer we spent a lot of time camping at Campinland’ and made some great memories with our friends and family. With 3 boys, its inevitable that we are ATVing, hiking, camping, outdoor kinda family. The boys got to ride a friend’s motorcycle this summer and that is all they talk about saving their money for. Kaden has learned to drive the ATV that we bought them, cuz it has gears, all by himself…he shifts, puts it in reverse, and begs to ride it every chance he gets. We let him drive us around all the time; he is so good at it. We wish for you and your family a happy holiday season and prosperous new year.

Love, Steve, Leah, Austin, Colton, and Kaden

Thanksgiving weekend!

2010-11-30T21:57:00.001-07:00

I am so cold, even in the house, I just want to snuggle with a blankie and my computer by the tree until April. I soooooo get why animals hibernate now! They have the right idea. We had a wonderful Thanksgiving, just us in St. George. It was cold there too, but not in the single digits, like Heber. We are thankful we have a home, a job, each other and great things in our lives. I said a gratitude prayer on Thanksgiving night and I think it was over 5 minutes long of just counting and thanking my Heavenly Father for all my blessings. We did a similar thing around the table, we each shared individually what we were thankful for, then we each said one thing we were thankful for about every one of us. It was very emotional, healthy and funny all at the same time. Well Colton made it funny, when it was his turn to say what he was thankful for about Kaden, he said,"can't I say what I am not thankful for about him...cuz he is evil and mean" and we all cracked up, we told him we would come back to him...and each time..he just kept saying he is evil and mean. He finally did say a nice thing after we threatened him with having to clean up all the Thanksgiving dishes. Which took over an hour to clean...why is it that you cook for hours, clean up for hours, and only eat for 20 minutes? What is wrong here, oh and I almost forgot, plan and shop for a few hours too!

I cooked everything myself, first time for that and it was so yummy....Steve cooked the bird, as I refuse to touch that thing! Kaden even was like, what is that Dad?, its gross, I am not eating that...well he did, as it was sooooo good. Its amazing how a $6.00 turkey (which in reality I got paid $4.00 to buy it, but that is another paragraph) has provided us with 7 yes I said 7 meals. Thanksgiving dinner, lunch the following day, dinner that night, I am making Wild Rice and turkey soup for me and another family out of the carcasss, 2 freezer meals with the left over meat. Now that is stretching a dollar....

Speaking of dollars, I did the Black Friday gig, never again....what a waste of time, literally got my 4 items in 10 minutes, waited in line for yes.....2 hours......I am the most impatient person I know. If it wasn't for my phone and solitaire, it could have been a whole lot worse. I did it and can say I did...next year I sleep and buy on Cyber Monday, the deals were awesome there too!

Which brings me to my other paragraph. I have been so busy with all the rebates that are out right now, I can hardly organize them. Tonight I had to get them all ready to be sent out and I have to date sent out $315 worth of them, with about $100 more to mail in. That is actual dollars that will be sent to me in the mail. Yippee....especially when they come floating in the mailbox after Christmas along with the Amex bill! And then.....all the deals I got at Garage sales this summer, I saved them in a box and sold them on Ebay for a net of $320.00! I think I should say Merry Christmas to me! So I bought myself a few gifts just in case I didn't get them from Santa this year. Hehe! I love a surprise, NOT! Its amazing what people spend on Christmas....I sold a game that I bought for $1.00 to someone on ebay for $102.00. I can't believe someone would pay that for a 30 year old electronic game! That was my claim to fame sale of the year!

Halloween Good times!

2010-11-03T15:30:00.002-06:00

Really the pics would be enough but, Colton was a Ninja, he couldn't resist the sword purchasing opportunity at the store! He sure is a consumer just like his mama!

Oh yes Steve was classic 80's stud! He was wearing ladies size 17 stretch, skinny acid washed jeans...His brothers Loverboy "Get Lucky" Tour 1982 shirt! He was so perfect with his mullet, he had some unseen confidence that night as he tried to breakdance on the dance floor...he leaned down to politely tell him that he forgot, he was never allowed to dance in public and he accidently kicked me in the lip! He was grooving or so he thought he was!

This picture is so what we would have been like it we met 25 years ago! I seriously was dressed the way I would have dressed back then...minus the blond wig of course! Feather earrings and all!

Kaden was a computer geek/nerd, he played the part well too....He said in his classroom that the teacher told him he had the best costume....I couldn't agree more, you could just eat him up he was so precious.

Our wonderful neighbor, Sally, the boys consider her to be their other grandma! Every day is trick or treating for them at her house....they get a piece of candy after school each day from her. They love it. I hate it...sometimes we have to do a vacation from the vaction though.

Notice the empty beer bottle in Steve's back pocket....he thought that was a cute addition to his costume.....we went to another party before ours and got it! I don't think Steve has tasted beer even! Man that was some makeup job! Blue grey eyeshadow better never come back in style or I am boycotting...just like the skinny jeans, I hate them still.

Crazy hair day at school! Colton said almost won! I think it was way cool!

Notice the tattoo, the hat and the skinny jeans....I would say this should be a costume in itself????

I found this picture on another camera and had to add to the post....he is so funny with the arygle socks and computer bag! Pocket protector and all!

Gotta love the walkman attached to my belt baby....couldn't find any cassettes though to play in it....Colton asked me, "Mom what is a cassette?" I am getting old I think!

Preference.....I prefer my son not to keep growing up!

2010-10-31T09:43:00.000-06:00

But I know that is NOT an option. I realize that our job is to teach them and prepare them for their next adventures, but why does it go by so fast? He was just 4 telling me that he doesn't like my attitude....Now, I don't like his! Hmmmmmmmm
He is gorgeous, there is no question in my mind about that! I am glad he doesn't know it as much as I do cuz, the amount of girls now is plenty!
This Preference dance was girl ask boy and I think there was a couple girls that wanted to ask Austin, but as I say, the early bird gets the worm! Becca was the lucky girl! They went shopping and to Coldstone Ice Cream then out to Mexican food and then to the Mobsters Ball!

Homecoming Week!

2010-10-13T07:21:00.002-06:00

It was a fun filled week for sure but, to end the festivities was a formal dance. Austin asked one of Steve's high school friends daughter, Maddie to go with him. He put pennies all over her room and made a poster that said, "It only makes cents that you go to Homecoming with me" and spelled out his name in pennies. It was such a neat way to ask her. I never was asked that way, it was in the middle of accounting class, when we shouldn't be talking that I was asked to go to a dance.

If I might say so myself, they are a very good looking couple! I can't believe my little boy is turning into man right before my eyes!

I am NOT his date...but always will be his favorite, I hope!

I don't know why, but this picture is precious to me! Its pure and innocent and their smiles are so genuine!

Of course, they had to do an all weekend long date...Saturday they went to the zoo for a scavenger hunt.

Overall..it was a great week, lots of activities and fun times.

The football game was so much fun...the little ones got to form a tunnel for the football team and they thought they were the stars of the night!

Colton thinks he is a football player, he wears this outfit almost daily....I have to wash it at night. Take notice of the black under the eyes...that too is a daily application.

All alone, now our fun filled summer has passed!

2010-09-07T13:27:00.002-06:00

The house is silent, except for the ticking of the clock! Not so sure I like this. My sweet Kaden went to school today. Colton went last Wednesday and Austin last Friday, so grateful I still have 2 Guinea pigs and Meow Meow here, although Meow Meow can't be counted on lately. I love being alone but not really. I have so much I could do, but don't want to. I think I will eat the rest of the brownies I made that should do it! Then of course I will feel guilty and have to go run it off, then I am exhausted, kids come home and I want them to be gone again. Oh the cycles.....what to do what to do!

Summer is not over yet, I will NOT let it leave until the first day of Autumn, my next favorite season. But there is a chill in the air and that means that after my fall comes that awful season which in my opinion should be cancelled. I am already starting to get (Meow Meow just showed up, she must be feeling guilty too!) a bit anxious about the white crap. I am not going to talk about it! Change the subject.
Campinland was frequente often this year, we had lots of great fun weekends with friends, boating, hiking, swimming, relaxing and of course on the motorcycles and ATVs.

Colton went the real salon to get his hair done and thought this contraption looked rather cool, so we encouraged him to give it a try for blackmail purposes later in life.

Riding home from baseball each week!

The Eccles Dinosaur Park made our list this summer. We went with Kiki and the boys had a great time.

Kaden thought he had talent, he stuck two raisenetts up his nostrils...I laughed so hard stuff came out of mine.

Yup, just what it looks like....shhhhhhhhhhh he has no idea I documented this. It was too precious, he didn't even have on his shoes...we were at Bridal Veil Falls and nature called! No bathrooms close by so we headed for the woods.

Summer with my boys this year was awesome....we ran and ran and ran and camped and had the best time. This is truly to document for myself since I am an uncommitted journal writer.

We are up to 3 pets in our home now...and Steve said he never wanted any! How do you tell a kid he can't have any pets, that is wrong in my opinion, pets teach kids responsibility, nurturing, love, well those are the good things...there are many downsides but I am going to focus on the positive as I always do anyway. Each day we had a quiet time about 4pm so they could read, relax, play videos games in their bed, something so I could really have a break. It turns out that the pigs (Chocolate and Fauxhawk) both needed some quiet time too! Steve and I could NOT believe that they fell asleep in their arms, but these animals are really great for kids and Kaden packs Chocolate around like its his baby! He even talks to it like he is the Dad. That boy is going to make a great father someday, just like the one he has.

The Heber Rodeo was so much fun this year. This was the first year that I took the boys and they were in heaven. As you can see they dressed up like what they thought to be cowboys.

The weather was perfect, the boys had made their own front row seating.

My adorable sweet niece, Cassidy, came with us, we had front row seats!

Boy this blog post is a long one! Maybe I should have made a few posts instead. Well your near the end now, for our weekly date night, we each take turns planning the date, this week Steve borrowed his friends Jeep and we had a blast jeeping up the mountains were we live. It was so much fun, but even more beautiful. I do love Heber in the summer, spring and fall..but winter it sucks! I am such an outdoor girl, that when I have to be confined inside, it makes me bitter. I know, I have to be patient, it will happen and I will have my sunshine home.

My boys are in school and I have lots of time on my hands now, but I truly miss them being here. Until next summer, for more fun adventure, thanks for the memories.

St. Louis Cardinals Baseball Boys

2010-08-19T13:06:00.057-06:00

I am behind on the blogging as usual.....but our summer has been jammed packed with so much fun there has been no time to document it! Baseball season was busy this year with all the boys playing and on the same nights....and with Steve coaching the little ones and wanting to be at Austin's games it was a juggling act for sure. We managed and it was fun. Although sometimes it was painful to watch the little ones not mine of course but the other kids play or attempt to play baseball, I have good memories.
Steve was such a great coach, he truly has a way with children, much more patience than I could have had...I am too competitive and they frustrate me with their carefree pick the clovers in the grass out fielding!

I am just wondering what Kaden was thinking.....
"should I look up at the ball or keep my eyes on the bag?, what did Dad say again?, Mom, I am thirsty, when are we getting treats? Oh here comes the ball I think!"

He sure has a hard act to follow with his older brothers and he wanted to take on that challenge with his hitting. He pounded that plate at least 3 times and cleared off all the dirt prior to any swinging action.
Colton and another neighborhood boy were on the same team, they both have high school age brothers who play baseball and it showed, these little boys played ball very differently than the other kids. They were in the car on the first game night and I could hear them chatting in the back, Riley, "do you like the Red Soxs? Colton, "No they are WEAK, I like the Yankees"....WEAK, that is not a word in the vocab of a normal 7 year old! All the boys were dressed to the nines with their gear, from batting gloves to sliding shorts.....if Colton could keep the cup in his pants, he would have worn that too! Until next year.....I will miss baseball season.

All work and no play?

2010-08-18T00:55:00.000-06:00

My little boys are sure workers, just like their Momma! Our friends, Danny and Toni, own The Stew Pot in Heber and the boys think that they
should be able to work there since we are friends with the owners. They showed up with their aprons on and ready to of course, eat before they worked.

We needed a screen door put on the garage man door since we live next to a farm and lots of flies.....Colton basically installed the whole door with instruction from me. Seriously he has talent in this department.

Kaden's talents lie in the lawn care business, he wants to edge, spray weeds, mow and cut the bushes whether they need it or not.....Oh and no matter whose yard it is either. He starts the equipment himself, reads the instructions on the machine and gets them going, even when I can't. The other day he weedwacked our neighbors back yard area, well maybe 1/4 of it, then knocks on their door asking for his money.....Some business strategy he has going on there.

Occasionally we let them wash the car...well attempt the car, themselves get most of the washing ! Lots of yelling going on too...."he is spraying me" meanwhile, one whole entire bottle of car wash is used up and my driveway has turned into a slippin slide.

Bear Lake 2010 Good times for all!

2010-08-03T18:09:00.002-06:00

We took the ATV's on the beach, it was so cool to ride them on the sand and in the water. Kaden is a super driver, I mean that, he is very cautious and we just let him drive us all around, he of course loves it. Cotlon drives us around too and believe it or not he is not the crazy boy he is off the machine. He tells us to slow down and Kaden tells us to go faster.

Austin doing what he does best, relaxing!

Kaden took the challenge and decided he would let the cousins bury him.....Colton took the opportunity as a good one to tickle Kade's toes!

The boys rented these super cool bikes, and the boys and I went for a bike ride.

The Hallows' beach spot! We spent 2 days at the beach there. It was blissful, I love the heat and was soaking it up all day! Bear Lake is so gorgeous, its the Utah Carribbean. This is our 3rd year in a row that we have gone. This year we went with the entire Hallows' clan, in celebration of Koze and Andrea's 50th Anniversary which was in January, but since they were on their mission, we waited for them to return and suprised them with this camping trip.

Even the big cousins were in on the sandcastle building, it was a great time for all the kids big and small!

"Tres Amigos" AKA Austin, Brennan and Mason They are all so tan, tall, but most importantly great young men!

Happy Anniversary 50 years is a long time, they are wonderful examples to us all and we are proud of them.

Ashley and Kaden helping with the sandcastle building.

All in a day at Bear Lake!

What has been keeping us busy this summer......

2010-07-20T00:00:00.014-06:00

olton wanted to have a lemonade stand, I finally allowed it to happen...although he wasn't satisfied with just selling lemonade. He started to bring out items of his that he was going to sell to earn more money. He had some old sneakers, a water gun, bike pegs, and some soccer gloves. It was hilarious, I thought for sure he is my son! Earning a buck or two! Not a bad trait to pass on if I might say so myself.

He has quite a consumer crowd, it was a lucrative sale he thought with $12 earned!

One Sunday afternoon we went to the lake by our house and Austin went for a canoe ride, he sure has had some fun in the water this summer as you while soon see. I thought this was hilarious...he borrowed Colton's snorkling set and too small life vest! He has a great sense of humor.

Austin and I went to Youth Conference with our church this year, it was such an amazing experience, we both felt so spiritually filled but I guess that wasn't enough for Austin. This video is of him jumping of a 25 foot cliff in Flaming Gorge.

Happy Birthday Kaden the big 6!

2010-07-15T13:54:00.001-06:00

Kaden and Colton had their combined birthday party last week on Kade's actual birthday...selfishly it was more for me as 20 kids at my house is enough to stress me out fully! Its over, we are all happy and the kids had a blast! We rented a 32 foot waterslide and they played on that thing and jumped on the tramp for hours. The kids are so cute, no one was afraid of it either, which suprised me as it was a bit high when you are only 2-3 feet high yourself.

Colton picked out the cake, but Kaden enjoyed it the most as you can see from the picture.

Kaden has been such a blessing to us, he is the sweetest one in the family by far...he loves to be the peacemaker, the tattler, the one that wants to go to church, the one that will break down and share, the obedient one...we sure came to us, we love you sweet boy!

We asked Kaden if he could please not turn 6? I said your 6 now on the morning of his birthday and he said, "no, I am not 6 until after I eat my cake!"

Schools out for Summer....

2010-06-11T00:13:00.003-06:00

Kaden with his kindergarten teacher, Miss Dahl, he loved her. One day he told me, "I am going to marry Tessa, since she doesnt' have a dad yet!" Then the next day he said that he was going to move to China with her. I said how will you support her, get a job at a bank. How sweet is that?

He has an animal report to do the last week of school, so he choose a snake to do it on, we borrowed our neighbors snake, RAY. It was a hit, Kaden loved the attention and getting a chance to use the microphone was a hit for him as well.

It was the first official first day of summer vacation today, I am not sure how I am going to get through summer if it is anything like today. Chaos, chaos, chaos......Colton refused to do the homework book that last week he was estatic about. He told me I am the worst mom in the world, he left his report card and water park pass at the baseball field.

Kaden of course was all excited, he couldn't wait to do his homework book, did his chores without me asking and he told me how much he loved me....talk about polar opposites!

We are babysitting a snake for the weekend, I HATE snakes and so does Steve..if that thing gets out, I am moving. Maybe the cat will get it instead. No she won't......Colton has it in the closet with the door closed and the light on, he says it needs warmth or it will die....great idea, I think I will put it outside tonight! Its only going to be 39 degrees tonight, sure hope the garden makes it since winter hasn't left Heber yet.
I was at the nursery yesterday and was asking the attendent what vegetables have the the shortest maturation time.....he was like does it really matter???? Yes, when your season is 45 days long. I have come to the conclusion that you need just freakin buy the veggies at the store to avoid this. I keep having to return the plants as they are turning up dead often from the cold!

Enough complaining about the weather and the pea size hail we had on both Sunday and Monday night, its Summer vacation and we are going to enjoy it to the fullest. I have us packed with trips, camp outs, days trips, and much more! I love the summer time it really invigorates my spirit like I need any more invigorating. I love to wake up and have nothing specific going on that day too, so that is what we did today.....until the boys wanted to go to the local skate park. It was a windy cool day, but that didn't stop them..they had a blast with the skater dudes as they call them. Colton said, they think I am so cool mom! Yeah Colton, I bet they do! What a role model, NOT!!!! Tight purpleskinny jeans...who manufactured those things?

Playing en Playa!

2010-05-29T20:49:00.002-06:00

As you can see by the absolute lush green landscaping...spring has arrived somewhere in the world and we had to go there to get at it! For our honeymoon 9 years ago we went to Cancun and on one of the excursions we took, we were in Del Carmen and said one day when we come back, it will be to here! It is much more private and remote, yet less Americans here....we for sure were the minority! We had a great time to say the least!

We relaxed, ate, slept, ate, ate again, slept and repeated for 6 blissful days!

Well one day we went into town, which was absolutely lovely of all the towns we have gone to in Mexico and there have been plenty, it was very classy and clean. We had massages in a very nice spa, shopped or should I say hunted for our list of treasures..hammock, swing chair, PURE vanilla(no corn syrup crap added), Oakley sunglasses for Austin,and necklaces for boys! We did it in record time and even got a chance to relax in this open air bagel cafe that was upstairs and so cool, not literally of course but I wasn't complaining!

Why the picture of the salad, one might ask? Well not to mention the food was like eating in a fine dining restaurant for every meal....well they were fine dining restaurants but, even the buffet food was the best we have ever had...better than some cruises even. Hence the 3 pounds I added to my body!

On night we were eating at the Mexican restaurant and Steve had some potatowith his entree and he asked the waiter for some sour cream....ok the waiter came back with this salad as fast as he could and was like here you are sir, I almost lost it, I spit some food out both sides of my mouth I laughed so hard..they obviously noticed something was wrong with my lack of ability to control myself..he comes back to table and I try to say with my 4 years of high school Spanish, "crema de blanco por el potato"....oh, si si....now there are 3 of these cute little Mexicans working on getting the sour cream.....they return with a bowl of green soupish stuff maybe????? I am really having a difficult time trying NOT to embarrass any of us...but its not really working well... so at this time I think the entire staff is navigating this extraordinary request, so a busboy or some other helper thinks he knows just what we are trying to convey to them, he proudly comes out with a bowl of some creamy dressing like ranch and we are satisfied as one more episode might get me locked up somewhere. Steve is SO composed throughout this event, I can't fake it even an ounce....we have some good laughing material for the balance of our trip.

This was Iguanadona as I have affectionately named her....I never really did get that close though, but she was out every morning same place, same time, as I went to the gym each morning, said hello, walked past her as freaking fast as I could then said hello on my way back.....she was faithful! There were some other critters too that were around as the resort was tucked in a forest and I mean a dense, thick forest....that opened up to the Gulf, it was lovely. The lemurs were out eating in the palm trees, all the time and there was this bird that whistled it sounded like a guy whistling, I talked to him too and said thanks every time I heard him give a holler.

I was in the sun as much as possible, Steve on the other hand got sunburnt in the shade with his shirt on! I went from walking the seashore, to reading, to the water, to the bathroom, to the restaurant, to putting on Steve's sunscreen, to soaking up the sun, all in a day! Boy my decisions were many but very easy to make each and every day. I noticed that I really am a creature of habit myself, Iguanadona!

As you can see it was beyond perfect, I think that heaven might be like this or it should be~

There was a full moon on the last night, it was hard to get a picture but it was picture worthy to say the least. I had a wonderful time, thanks honey for a great birthday present~

Baseball bliss

2010-05-05T21:38:00.001-06:00

Today was a surreal day for some reason, watching my son play baseball, looking at him as a young man, had me reflecting back on the life that has lead him to his successes on the field, in school, in church, as a friend, and as a son. I know that it was not all nurture but, nature too that helped to shape him into the fine boy he is! I am so proud to have my children, they bring me such happiness and such stress all within a minutes time too! Today was the last regular season game and of course they won both games...I believe they are 13 wins and 4 loses, not too bad. I will be glad when the summer baseball games begin so that I don't have to wear snow boot and a winter vest in May.

Austin playing first base!

On the mound!

There is something about watching your children playing sports, on stage, giving a talk, whatever it is, that brings you such a sense of pride and that was ever so present today watching Austin on the field.

After the game, I had to rush home, so did Austin, to attend a church fireside. Well, that feeling of pride and that I am in the right space, doing the right things theme continued to overwhelm me. I have never been to a fireside before and the speaker was the producer/writer of the movie, "The Other Side of Heaven", a fantastic LDS film. It testified to me that I am in the right place, at the right time for the right reasons. Not that I was questioning it today in particular or anything...but there are days when I wonder if all my hard work
is worth the sacrifices I am making and yes it is, don't give up, get up and do the best you can each day, because one day the reward will be another moment you will be proud of as a mom, as today was for me.

Can we please?

2010-04-29T13:48:00.002-06:00

Well Meow Meow, aka, Ciara and kitty, has done an exceptional job at keeping out the voles in our yard this year. We are thankful that our yard doesn't have those road maps from these critters and that we don't have to see them. For a while there, everyday and I mean everyday, Meow Meow, was bringing me in a vole, half alive and putting it right on my cream carpet in the living room. Then after a few yellings episodes and some slapping on the butt with a magazine...she decided to then start to deposit them at my car door in the garage instead....she is learning, as I was more accepting of that than I was the house....especially when they aren't all the way dead and they escape or when she is done playing with them, she leaves them for us to find....I am not the biggest fan of the Cat and Mouse game! Although, I usually am the winner....I found the last alive mouse in the Goldfish cracker bag that I opened right in my face! I was on the phone with my friend and she was like what just happened?

We have not seen very many more voles and the season is changing until the other night. Austin found it in the basement and he said mom its HUGE, like a rat. I was thinking rat, like a sewer rat, 6-8 inches long. Well it was more like 6-8 cenimeters long and round..he had been eating in our basement for a while, food storage down there, he was a fatty! The whole family embarked on the hunt...Kaden with a broom, Colton with food, Mom raised the treadmill, Dad was cooking and Austin was looking! HMMMMMMMMMMMM what is wrong with this picture? Nothing apparently cuz the boys thought when we find the bugger, we'll just keep him....Hence the picture. Yes that is a water dish and a dish filled with cheese....

Spring Break....St. George 2010

2010-04-19T00:13:00.001-06:00

As most know, I absolutely love St. George! So do my boys, we had a great time with terrific weather too! The little boys and I went down with Kiki and her girls. Kiki and I were both on the go, ready to not waste time sitting around, we did more in three days than I do in a week there alone, it was great times. Steve and Austin came down mid week since he had baseball games and Steve couldn't take off the whole week and I was not about to wait at home in the cold weather for them. We hiked, played tennis, swam, explored and had great fun playing nonstop! We went into a store down there and the boys thought it was the coolest thing to get their very own shopping carts, I agreed until they started filling them up with things they wanted ME to buy! It was so cute, I am sure you can agree...look at how happy Colton looks.

There was a Jumping Place so went there when the weather was cooler, I even took a dive through that little whole there, if you look closely, those are my legs, Colton was photographing!

We also got haircuts down there too...amazing what intrigues a boy in a hair salon? It was the hit of the place....there was some extreme fighting going on as to whose turn it was next. I thought it would make for some great blackmail in years to come.

For as many years as we have been going to St. George, the Wildlife Museum, never really sparked my interest......but with a coupon to get in FREE, I thought its worth a shot. To my surprise and boys too, we really enjoyed it. There were stuffed animals from all over the world in there, big and small, cute and scary. There was even a dress up area for kids to put on some hunting attire...Colton was happy to model that for us here. He is a ham sometimes, but other times he runs when I get out the camera.

A bunch of Austin's friends were in St. George for spring break and they had so much fun together, a bunch from his swim team and baseball team. They were affectionately know as the "ST. Jorge Amigos".

Sad its over as I know that Spring has not really arrived back in Heber and if my place was not rented out, I would have kept the kids out of school another week and literally waited out the storm or storms.

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday Colton

2010-04-09T00:27:00.023-06:00

You are now 7, that is such a big number for a little guy! Where has the time gone, literally I can't remember but its now in the past and you are so grown up, so handsome and so determined. There is not a day that goes by without you making me laugh and scream all in a matter of 5 minutes. I love that you know what you want, how you want it and try to change your mind might call on an act of God. Not sure where you get it from but, I don't worry about you in that you are confident and comfortable with yourself, a quality most lack. Colton, you are in the first grade, making strides in learning and growing more agile in sports and in all that you do. I know that you wanted to add candles to that cake, but really did we need that many? Who is 83 anyway? Another display of your way or no way! We had Grandma Sally and Grandpa Phil over for Red Velvet Bundt cake that I made and it didn't even fall apart! I am getting the baking thing down now.
Happy Birthday my sweet boy! We love you so much!

Easter memories

2010-04-05T14:56:00.004-06:00

This egg Colton made for Avery girl! They so love her and oh my gosh I just forgot I have to go the cemetery to pick up the stuff or they will throw it all away!

I am sure there will be a day when I have to hide the eggs for Steve or him for me because Easter is so much fun around here. I had to hide the eggs harder than Steve did, I was like hello Steve, these kids aren't two anymore (of course we wish they would stay that little) and then the boys were finding them all day long. There is another mom, look! It was cute.

We didn't really do much except eat, watch conference, and play with the bunny stuff. Relaxing is always so much work, well for me it is!

Last week Colton got sent to his room for some poor choices, so when we went in there later on, he had made a saying on the floor with his "Bendaroos" that he got for Christmas, in case you can' t read it, it says, "Dad is the meanest" well in colton's phonetic spelling.

The Fort

2010-03-29T10:51:00.008-06:00

Dad and the boys working on the new lower fort!

Kaden on the rope swing made with a piece of wood a base of an orange cone.

The Old Fort up in the tree over 15 feet. Heartattack scary!

The weather in Heber is not predictable, nor does it seem to go in my favor either. I love the sun, I could live in the heat over the cold any day. Well if winter was the three months like the calender says, I could handle that. Yucko! But I never focus on the negative.....soooooooooo

when the sun does shine, I set my sites on the outdoors, along with the boys...we have been rollerblading, playing baseball, basketball, biking, going to the fort in the field behind our house. Now its these things that make me appreciate Heber much more. This fort is so cool and so scary at the same time. The boys love it, so we took them yesterday afternoon. I was like no way can you go here without me.....Its truly a work of lets be nice "art". Some others have constructed this thing with a pulley cable even to hoist things up there. Wow! My boys think its the the coolest thing in the world...Colton brought a bag over there yesterday with the following contents: 2 hammers, a box of nails and his Book of Mormon, and that is it! Not sure what the rhyme or reason was but it is what it is. I immediately was looking around for another spot on this gigantic tree seriously the diameter is like 20 feet and that is not an exaggeration. Steve located a spot that could suffice but it was about 15 feet lower than the other one and that made us both feel better. Colton took to it and started building away, those nails and hammers sure were a lifesaver...well not really as he didn't want to leave at all. He was in his glory for sure. He loves to build, arrange, and put things together that is what he can truly focus on well and he does....Kade of course was happy swinging on the rope swing that swung over the little creek. Colton's friend, Ethan, was there as well and he did something wrong in the building plans according to Colton hence, Colton's reply....."Ethan was choosing the wrong, good thing I brought my scriptures with me." Steve and I couldn't stop laughing, he can be such a sweetheart then in a moments time turn vicious. Ugh..I know I gave him that personality...its has served me very well 95% of the time! So I am going to try to embrace it the best I know how.

Baseball season has started and it is fun, we have been to two games only but both games Austin was the starting pitcher and did well the first game and not so well the second on the mound however, he made up for it with a three run homer out in left field! It was a beautiful hit and I know he needed that after his mound performance. When we got home, he said I was throwing strikes...that umpire had no teeth on the bottom and his right eye was all jacked up! LMAO...the other game the umpire has a HUGE 6 inch hole in his pants...so glad he had on some pants underneath those....Seriously it was so hard not to look at it every single time he bent over.

Kaden......as precious as ever, I tell you that kid makes me want to have ten more, well not really. He is reading so well, and loves it too! Tonight our family home evening lesson is on reading our scriptures more and then going to the library, he is so excited.

I can only Imagine................

2010-03-10T06:00:00.001-07:00

What my sweet baby girl would be doing today, who would she look like, would I have to get a job to support her clothing habit....or would that be mine? I wish I could say that this was all a dream and that this never happened to our family. But since I can't, I have chosen to look at the positive things that our trial has helped us achieve in such a short time. As I reflect back on Avery's journey, I can't seem to grasp how I made it through that period of time. I was with someone today and I shared with them that it was as if I was being guided literally, to take each and every step & breath. I was given a very special gift when I needed it most and for that I will be eternally grateful. My husband and I became like one again, we gained strength through each others struggles and good times. We needed one another, we felt strong in the presence of our children, their innocence and tender spirits showed us what was really important in life. We cherished our family, our friends, ourselves....just a little bit more as we embraced life for another day, as our journeys are not our own.

Sweet Avery Ann is still here, somehow she lives on with us in our daily lives, as my boys would have it no other way. There is not a day that goes by that Colton and Kaden don't talk about or pray for her. My boys have given me a gift that I don't know if I could have given myself. They have the faith that is untainted by the words of the world, their innocence is untouchable, they believe what they are told! They teach me day after day that Avery is our family forever and we will see her again.

Until we see her again, we will enjoy when she shows off her presence, as she visits us in many forms, sometimes as a ladybug, sometimes as a butterfly...and often times she says hello to us in the form of some coin on the ground. A friend of ours, who also has a special angel, gave the boys piggy banks and said that whenever you see money on the ground that is Avery telling you hello! We relish in that notion, and every time we spot a coin on the ground, we pick it up and say hello Avery! She shows up a lot in our lives and it may seem corny to others, but we will take all we can get and the smile it puts on our faces and in our hearts.

Today we will celebrate instead of mourn the short life of Avery. The little boys have requested a birthday party at the cemetery, pink cupcakes and messages attached to balloons telling her about the special spirit she has brought into our lives. I will tell her, Life is not the same, life will never be the same, life goes on....we love you so much Avery, thank you for the strength and courage you have given each of us! Happy Birthday to you!

Sweet Sixteen or not?

2010-02-17T18:25:00.007-07:00

Not wanting to throw off his Mommy's schedule, Austin Keith Arce Hallows arrived exactly on his due date and my mother's birthday, February 24, 1994 at 6:10am. Weighing in at a 9 lb. 8 oz. and measuring 21 1/2 long, he was no lightweight. He gave us all a struggle with 26 hours of labor.....it was exhausting. The first thing I noticed was his beautiful lips and nose...He won't agree with the nose thing, but it was cute back then. He had dark brown hair and dark brown eyes, so much for the blond hair and blue eyed baby girl I always wanted....but nonetheless he was a wanted wonder to me.

This child has of mine has ceased to amaze me yet he wouldn't believe that with all the chores he thinks I make him do. Looking back....my fondest memories are:

He learned to read in kindergarten

He told me when he was 4 that he didn't like my attitude

He never stopped watching these three movies..."Space Jam", "Little Rascals" and any episode of "Barney"

He was a great baseball player at age 7 and he still is a great player...I love to watch him

He would want to sleep with me and when I wouldn't let him, he slept on the floor beside my bed, he still loves to sleep with me and I love it too!

People constantly come up to Steve and I, telling us how great of kid he is, that is music to a parents ears.

I can go on and on...but I won't bore you with the details of how grateful I am to be able to call Austin my son. Today, the boy stands 5"10", 145 lbs and size 13 feet.....

I had a suprise birthday party for him with all his friends....it was a suprise until he had to walk in and he knew something was up! I thought I did a great job and was pleased to be able to keep it from him for that long. They played water polo in the clubhouse and ping pong for hours...The kids didn't want to leave, I had to tell Austin to tell them, we have to go now......

Happy Birthday my sweet sixteen boy! We love you lots!

Future Swimmers....LOL

2010-02-09T21:34:00.003-07:00

These boys idolize their brother, Austin, even though its not reciprocated. Well somedays.....We had a swim party for all the team here and the boys dressed up in Austin's swim stuff. I couldn't stop laughing it was so cute. Just look at the way Kade is standing. He is so ready. I hope he can swim like that in the future...as of right now its not looking good. Colton has really gotten the hang of it, he is a swimming away. I want to keep them into swimming, its a great sport, as we have discovered.

2010 State Swim Meet

2010-02-09T17:32:00.003-07:00

I am sorry, look at this kid, he is a stud. That body is amazing!
We were up above the pool and Kaden called down to him to look at us!

This was the pool at BYU, it was an really neat experience to be in there.

The team captains get in a huddle before the meet, jump up and down chanting...its exhilarating!

Getting ready for the Breaststroke!

This swim meet was my first one, last year he was only an alternate but this year he swam in three events, the 200 Relay, the breaststroke and freestyle. I am not sure where he got his swimming ability since, I can't swim, my mom can't swim, my grandmother couldn't swim and even my great grandmother couldn't swim. Must have been from his dad's side of the family. His dad could do every sport with such excellence, I think that is where he gets that from....but of course the body and good looks must have come from me. hehe

Overall the girls and boys teams are stars in my eyes but, this year they proved it with taking 2nd in the State Championship. The took 2nd last year too and were hoping to take 1st but Park City who they beat in the Regional Championship just the week before came up with more points. It was the most fun I have had ever watching a swim meet, as they tend to get monotonous. My throat was killing me, towards the end, its SO close you are yelling at every race hoping they place. I am so proud of my son who did so well even though he didn't think so. He is swimming faster and better than those who have swam for years....this is only his second year with no formal training ever and he is in state....he may not have won any title this time but he looked hot trying. Way to go Austin, I am so proud of you.

These are the days we will remember forever!

2010-01-26T14:22:00.004-07:00

We had a wonderful Family Home Evening last night, we talked about how Grandma and Grandpa Hallows are serving a mission in Independence, Missouri and what happened to Joseph Smith. The kids are so much smarter than we think, just sitting still and being quiet you will probably find that out about your own children as well. Colton was in charge of the song, so of course, he gets my itouch, puts on Van Halen, we all dance around the living room, swinging, laughing and really making fools of ourselves, but enjoying every minute of it. Steve had an epiphany as all that was happening, he said, you know that these fun evening spent as a family will be soon turn into memories for our children. Last year, I had ordered some vinyl lettering and had the saying, "these are the days we will remember forever" put on the wall, for times just like this. Its the little things that make the big picture so wonderful. We ended our night playing hide and seek, Kaden picked that game....Colton had a great hiding place, as you can see, in the pantry. I am sure he was eating in there too!

A few years ago, I bought my friend a set of angel cards, she said they were actually her first set, she later confessed. When Avery died and became an angel, she gave those cards back to me and they have been sitting in my guest room. I use them once in a while, but lately I have been using them more and the boys like to use them to...Well they play with them and the other day, Kaden, now to be known as only Kade, (He has asked us that we now refer to him as Kade, not Kaden.) wanted to draw a card, I told him to ask the angels a question. He looked puzzled like huh? why? What does it do? He did, then he was playing with the cards, I was making the bed, cleaning up around there, and he was asking me to spell words out for him. I wasn't paying much attention to it but he was asking me to spell out what he wanted to ask his angel. He said he picked angel Isabella, cuz he only likes pretty angels. I have the note of what he wrote and will treasure its innocence forever.

"Angel Isabella, we need are baby back any day close two today"

Ugh that brings me to tears still everytime I see it. He is so precious and sweet, he makes it so much more tolerable to deal with the loss of Avery. Today, we had to go to the dentist, and its right near the mortuary, I was tearful, remembering my last hours holding her were spent there. I am really doing well, but grief doesn't go away entirely it just gets a little easier. I had tears in my eyes, when we were getting out of the car, and Kade gently wiped my eyes and said, do you get sad when we talk about Avery, no I replied, do you? No, it makes me happy, he said. Truly it makes me happy too, she is my child and always will be, so of course I enjoy talking about her. What parent wouldn't?

The Griswold Family Party!

2009-12-27T17:51:00.007-07:00

Cousin Eddy's children!

We all fit nicely into Clark's family room!

Kaden was the first to open his gift, his words exactly, "I always wanted this!" Daddy said, what is it?, Kaden replied, "I don't know!"

Clark didn't sit much this night however, his family sure was gracious in hosting this Griswold Christmas Party!

The dessert left us all speechless, except Leah. She never is speechless!

Austin seems to believe that he is the man of the house trying very hard to convince the cousins of the same.

The college cousin got a well needed package full of highly nutritious meals to keep his figure and bank account in check.

This hat has been a big hit amongst the follow Griswold's

The position for most during the evening.

This is the Hallows' aka Griswold Family, minus Dad and Mom Hallows' who are serving an LDS Mission in Independence, Missouri. We sure do miss them!

Our cousin Rusty, aka Zach really is very well suited for this hat!

It sure was a terrific evening, everyone got such great fun gifts, hopefully everyone was very happy. The food was super good as usual. Steve made fun of Leah's Raspberry Pretzel Salad but everyone else loved it. Mom would be so proud of my jello salad experience while she is away. There might be some competition when she returns. Barry and Lanett aka Clark and Ellen really did a wonderful job at hosting this event in their home. We played a game of Cranium with each family being a team, all the kids even participated, it was fun but the President of the family Marcia, thought we should open gifts as the kids were anxious, that is by far their favorite part. Cassidy got a digital camera from Santa and she learned lots of new tricks yesterday on how to use it, she will soon be showcasing a video presentation to all at the next family gathering. I think this Christmas was wonderful and I hope that 2010 brings us all much happiness and blessings beyond our desires.

The Christmas Tree decorating Event

2009-12-15T17:16:00.003-07:00

Everyone wanted to help except when we had to decorate the top half of the 12 foot tree. Its a beaut Clark, Steven said and it sure it. Its also so large that it takes up almost half of my family room. We traded trees with our neighbor this year, as they needed a smaller one and we needed a bigger one since we they ran out of tree permits this year. Its a fake one but if its possible to say, its really growing on me. I leave it on all the time, its so festive and bright and since we didn't put it up until a week after Thanksgiving I want to get my time with it as it will go down pretty quickly after the man comes. Which is another story. Colton and Kaden think that it would be so cool to catch me kissing Santa Claus this year. They are really taking to the music and magic of Christmas they are 5 and 6 now, and might be Colton's last year of believing as he is already questioning who is real and who is a fake Santa. He is too smart for himself, I tried to spell something out the other night to Steve and Colton was like that spells plant! I might have to learn Portuguese so we can communicate without everyone knowing what we are saying.

We also have Elfy, who is the magical elf that appears right after Thanksgiving and watches over my boys during the day and reports back to Santa on their progress. He moves spots each night and its always a treat to wake up each morning to see the excitement on their faces when they have found out where Elfy landed for the day. You can't touch Elfy or else he looses his magic power and therefore won't return the next day, that keeps them from them climbing up on things to retrieve Elfy and then ultimatly misplacing him and then I am frantic trying to find him a new resting spot for the day. He sure does have some fun spots to hide and the boys think its hilarious how he hangs on things some nights....I have been woken from a dead sleep panicing that I forgot to reposition Elfy. But all is well so far, as he has not failed us yet.

Its stinking cold here in Heber but this week, its a heat wave. We got almost a foot of wet snow last week, I embraced that stuff, got all bundled up only to be sweating an hour later from sheer exhaustion trying to build a snowman family...what was I thinking. I stopped at 3 that snow was so heavy, I could hardly lift up the middle ball to make Steve, I told him a diet was necessary. Kaden and Colton both wanted me to make sure that we made the snowMEN anotomically correct! Ah...no but and weiny are needed boys, they are snowMEN still. I think next time it snows, I will get the other kids done. For now, I enjoy the snow, as its beautiful for the holiday season...after that you can leave it up in the sky.

I did have a picture of the tree all finished decorated but I can't seem to get it downloaded without a lot of trouble so maybe next time.

Twas the Disneyland Vacation

2009-12-04T22:28:00.009-07:00

It all began on a cold windy day

hoping not to be halted along the way

We journeyed along

For what felt like so long

To the stop of the day

Las Vegas OK!

My kids were all frightened by sights not usually seen

I tried to detract them but their eyes were a gleem

Don't look around

For the sights were not fond

They were scarred~

So they said to everyone they had met

When you go to Vegas be sure not to take the cards

of the ladies on the ground.

Then all the next day, not a car was moving, not even an foot

but you sure got the look

move your car or you will get took

No one cared, they sped by as if on wings

Then halted to stop just moments away

for a day and a life on the LA freeway.

We made headway that day to Disneyland we will stay

Not for a moment, not for an hour, we did not stop to ponder

We dashed and we dreaded the next line where we were headed

The boys all armed in their strollers, due to mom and dad now with bad shoulders

No longer could we contain the excitement, for the drive home would be SUCH enjoyment

We journeyed we traveled, we arrived back in Utah without any hassles

The trip is now ended, with pictures in tow, so long Disneyland until my grandkids have to go!

The Breadman!

2009-11-30T11:15:00.000-07:00

Kaden and his friend Adam were bread making partners, with a little help from mom.

They were so excited to make bread in the class. Kaden was worried since we had to leave early that I would forget his bread.

Just in time to leave, our bread was ready to be brought home for the rising and oven ritual.

It truly tasted as good as it looked....but it won't give Grandma Hallows' bread a run for the money. Kaden as you might guess from the picture was extremely proud of his bread.

A year ago......many hearts were broken!

2009-11-13T10:20:00.008-07:00

I can't believe it has been a year ago today that we found out about our Sweet Avery Ann's heart. I remember it so well, yet it was still a daze, if that can actually be. I remember the OB telling me that it was a perfect forming baby, right on with the dates, etc......but with some hesitation he said he was not able to see all the chambers of the heart and wondered if it was because of the way she was positioned....come back next week was his response. I had some nervousness about it but nothing that was overly concerning. We went back a week later and he said that we need to be referred to Utah Valley for a more intense ultrasound, now the nervousness was compounded so intently I didn't want to wait, so I muscled my way in to a same day appointment only to be even more devasted that the news did confirm my nightmare. Steve and I were sitting in the ultrasound room as they probbed and prodded their way around me.....it seemed like forever waiting and not seeing any facial expressions that were encouraging. We met with the genetic specialist and OB and they told us our options....we did an amnio to see if there would be other defects, it was all surreal. This is NOT happening to us, is it? Well in our sorrow, I thought I should find out the sex as we previously were not going to, so that I could be closer and bond with this precious child...of course it was a girl, the girl I always wanted. Bittersweet was an understatement! I have never shed so many tears in my life....I think that day, I began my grieving process.

We prepare ourselves and embrace our bodies for hurt, but it seems to never evade anyone. I sometimes think, why am I doing so well, I lost a baby? Shouldn't I be a mess, shouldn't I be balling everyday, why does life still go on? I don't know the exact answer but I know that I was blessed with a unusual amount of strength, hope, comfort and understanding! These past months have been overall really good, we have days of tears, laughs, yelling, messes, all the usual things but there is not a day that goes by that there is not a mention of our Avery Ann. She lives in our hearts, in our souls and in our life....my boys add in their daily prayers, "we pray that we will never forget our sister Avery." She made such an impact on so many lives, she has made many better people and I know its made lots of positive changes in our own family.

Last years holiday season was an emotional one, but we held on and we hope that this holiday season can help us to reflect on our growth, our gratitude and our family no matter if one is temporarily missing.

Halloween was a blast this year!

2009-11-02T11:00:00.003-07:00

Colton wanted to be skeleton/skull face, so I thought I would paint his face for him cuz he said he hates the smells of the masks. So I sit him down to begin and all he wants to do is itch his face! Well makeup and itching don't go together that well. It took me half an hour to paint his face and less than half an hour for him to smear it all off. Ugh! Oh well it was dark out!

Steve was dressed as Warren Jeffs, the Polygamist that is in jail, and us girls (Kam, Me, Shanna, Tonya) were his wives. We had a neighborhood party adult that was so much fun.

Kaden was dressed as an old man and our niece, Ashley was an old lady, they were so stinking a cute, I could not stand it! Every house he stopped at, the people were like, look how cute he is. He even did the walk with his cane, it was hilarious!

What do you do when home with flu?

2009-10-28T17:24:00.008-06:00

We have been confined to the house since Monday and its been a pleasant and peaceful week. I got lots of things done around the house that I have had on my to do list but as far as the boys go, well they spent their days doing tons of workbook sheets aka their homework they called it and.........Kade turned into a photographer. See for yourself. There were tons of photos on the camera when I went to download them, he took pictures of the TV screen, the computer, some self portraits, some of me looking less than favorable since we didn't have to leave the house, I took full liberty of pajamas till much past noon, makeup and the chi didn't see me for days, hence the reason those are not posted.

Family History

2009-10-27T09:34:00.007-06:00

This Sunday at church I participated in a Family History Genealogy class that they offered, it was perfect timing as I was thinking this winter I really need to work on my family history and the names that I have done already are almost completed. I am ready for the next stage and that I am sure, will be a bit more daunting of a task than the first round, but I am committed to it. I updated my files on the computer and in doing so, I had to add my sweet Avery Ann as a birth and a death, that just didn't look right to me on the computer, not right and not fair. But then I was sitting in class and our bishop gave me my records and I noticed that it was that exact day 6 years ago that I was sealed to my husband. That was a blessing to me as I was so sad already, but having the knowledge that I do about being together forever gave me a sense of peace and comfort. I will be with my Avery again as well as my entire family if I can continue to progress and get all the family names I can through the temple. I am so grateful that I have my husband and my boys that I need to remember that when I begin to feel the great loss of not having Avery here with us today. We miss her so much. She is truly not forgotten, each and every prayer that our boys say, has mention of her and how we will never forget her. They are so precious, we went to the pumpkin patch this weekend and they picked out their pumpkins of course they were so big I had to carry them as they couldn't and they picked out three tiny pumpkins for Avery's grave. But we grew some of our own this year and we brought her the tiniest one of the patch. They suggested we paint the pumkins pink...ah I think orange will be just fine.

We had such a great time at the pumpkin patch this weekend. The kids didn't want to leave.

Thank you for the Miracle of Life!

2009-10-13T18:07:00.004-06:00

I had the great honor to be a part of the birth of my dear friend, Jen's little boy, Krew Michael on Saturday, October 10th. Not only did I get to be a part of the birth but I gave him his middle name, which has my name in it spelled backwards.

What an amazing experience it was. Jen wanted to have Krew naturally, after I had Avery naturally. We both had epidurals for our first three....why not go out with a bang I guess we both thought. I have never been on the other end..no pun intended there, of birth but I will say that it was a very neat experience. I am grateful for those who choose the medical field as a profession, including my wonderful & amazing sister who is a Nurse practioner and my stepmom who is the charge nurse of the Emergency room. Thank you! I think I like being a labor coach better than I would a nurse. I really thought after have 3 different doulas/labor coach myself, I was much different then they were, (no offense if you are reading this). I never said more positive, affirming things as I did for those 4 hours.....last night as I was going to bed, I was like you can do this Leah, close your eyes, its ok, breathe....in out.... allow yourself to sleep now LOL!

When Krew finally arrived I thought, he is gorgeous and I mean gorgeous. He has lots and lots of dark brown curly hair. That must have explained the bottle of Tum's Jen wouldn't go anywhere without. He was also huge....for a natural birth 8 lbs. 14oz. WAY TO GO JEN and only 2 pushes.

Jen said with every contraction, she visualized Krew sitting on a cloud surrounded by all of those relatives that have passed, waiting to push him off the cloud into the loving arms of those waiting below. I can't tell you how that touched me, I know my little Avery is up there amongst her other family and friends doing the same thing, cheering them on and telling them to say hi to her mommy and daddy. Avery was there on Saturday not only helping Jen but helping me to be ok with this process and not scared or angry, too continue processing lossing her. It was a healing experience. I had tears in my eyes when I saw Krew's head coming out but when I turned toward Jen and saw her face look like it was going to blow up, I had to refocus quickly, that was until I saw little Krew's finger when he was in the warmer.......I cried again because they looked exactly like Avery's fingers, when she held my finger in her warming bed. Symen, Jen's husband, put his arm around me, no words were said, just peace felt.

Jen, thank you for this chance to continue to heal my own heart and be a part of this new beginning, it's beyond words. I love you and am grateful you are part of my life. Thank you again for allowing me this opportunity to witness the miracle of birth. Your a stellar patient!

Fall has fallen!

2009-10-11T17:13:00.003-06:00

Fall is such a gorgeous time of year and truthfully in the Heber Valley its breathtakingly beautiful. People come here from all over to see the leaves on the mountains change color but its such a short time of year that I often miss it with life, saying I will go to the mountains tomorrow to collect leaves or ATV ride, but this year Kaden had an assignment to go get some leaves for his classroom so we made it out there before they all changed.

I think this week we are going to try to take a ride on the Heber Creeper railroad through the canyon and get a last look at the fall season. The boys have off from school this Friday and Saturday, so since we aren't going to St. George this time, we will do some fun day trips.

How fast can we go?

2009-10-04T22:36:00.007-06:00

We spent the weekend at "our Campinland" property out in Fruitland, it is going to probably be our last for the season and we sure ended with a bang. Our friends, came along and brought their 50cc dirt bike and 90cc four wheeler....well you might as well thought they belonged to my boys because as soon as they got a feel for those wheels, all they could do was take a bathroom break and they were on them again for 2 days straight. All we heard was, "I just barely got on it" from both of them...they were in the height of their glory. Its amazing to watch them from super cautious staying close to us, to riding down the hill, to around the loop, to saying lets go for a ride and you drive your own wheeler Mom and Dad. I am not ready for these little guys to grow up. Steve and I really enjoyed watching them ride.

On Sunday morning, Colton was up at 6am, ready to go for the day. He was super serious when he was riding, very focused too. Kaden on the other hand had the hugest smile on his face the entire time. Even when we were telling him firmly to stay on the right side of the road, he was still grinning. Kaden thought he was an expert much more than Colton, he kept asking if anyone wanted a ride, he did find a few takers...he made sure they held on nice and tight too!

Over the past few weekends, Steve has been building an outhouse on the property, as the one we were using has since been sold with the land (it was the neighbors). Its quite the master bath, larger in stature than one would expect for a outhouse. It has seating for 3, but we elected to only put one seat in there for privacy sake. Kaden wanted to be the first one to use it, sound effects and all, must say, works well! Its got plenty of ventilation but, Kaden thought it could use some more privacy so he started duct taping up all the open areas/holes. Its got character, but lets just say, I won't burden Steve with building our home ever. He did a great job considering he did it himself, well with a little help from of a 5 and 6 year old.

We love it up there, its so peaceful and serene. There was a full moon over the weekend, it was so clear and bright! My favorite part about camping is the fire, its so mesmerizing and calming to me. I think I sat most of the weekend, seriously, I know I did and enjoyed every second of it. We ate lots of treats....the best chocolate chip cookies to be had, homemade pumpkin pie and these awesome highly caloric puffed rice balls, mixed with sitting equals lots of motivation this week to be had at the gym. I am forgoing the scale till Wednesday when I have time to redeem myself.

On the way home it was quiet, we looked in the back seat and there we found Austin's friend, Jordan, with Austin & Colton resting their head on his shoulders, along with kitty asleep on Colton's lap. It was so cute. They were exhausted.

Look at this Palace aka "The new high school"

2009-10-02T09:51:00.004-06:00

Wow, pictures don't do this place justice, its truly amazing, beyond words as well. But pictures will simply have to do.

Their home economics room....Its a full restaurant kitchen.
This is the agriculture and mechanics garage!

Broadcasting studio, YES, a real live studio.....

One of the three workout gyms!

The main gymnasium, with a running indoor track around the top!

Austin started 10th grade, yup, now a Sophmore! I remember when I thought sophmores were way older than me, of course, I was only in 7th grade. He is so growing up, literally and physically. I can't believe it, its really surreal to see it right before you eyes. He is if I might say so myself an awesome guy. Truthfully, I am not sure he realizes just how awesome he really is. He is handsome, smart, great athlete, beautiful skin color (no acne either), spiritual, caring, loving, polite and overall a pretty decent kid. Steve and I constantly, at least once a week have someone say something to us about how great of a kid he is. We don't always tell him but truly we are very thankful for our first to set such a great example for his siblings. I hope the others don't feel like they have a hard act to follow. I am not a bragger but I feel like I need to document this, as this is considered my journaling.

No wonder he likes to go to school, I took like 50 pictures, because I couldn't believe my eyes, I was floored with this place, I said where can I sign up to go back to school. The outside is just as amazing too! If you come out of high school with no direction, I am thinking you weren't paying attention, this place has so many options and choices for children these days. I am happy to pay my increased taxes for such an amazing job and honored my son can attend. I just hope the education matches this caliber.

First Days of School

2009-10-01T09:25:00.003-06:00

As fast as summer came and went, the first day of school seemed to come even faster. I was not prepared, not in anyway. I was excited about the fact that I could get a consistent schedule and have some free time everyday, but that was bittersweet, I miss them terribly when they are gone. Its quiet around here, very quiet!

Colton goes to first grade, alone, unassisted, bye mom, I can do it myself! No fear, nothing! Off he goes on his bike.

Kaden on the other hand started almost 2 weeks later at the same school, he is going into kindergarten. He wanted us to walk him in, stay there, and if he could that was the first and last day he ever wanted to go to school. He would much rather stay home with me, shopping, eating out to lunch, getting treats at the store to keep him from bugging me, relaxing watching Dora or simply being with his mommy.

Well school has been in session for just a month now and I find myself busy with my household jobs, but I still look forward to 3:30pm when my boys rolls in the driveway for a quick hello and they are off, to play, visit friends, afterschool activities, etc. Colton likes to stay homebound more than Kaden but its Colton who is off, to his friends house, I swear my friend must think she got another child overnight, as he always wants to be at their house. Well then Kaden is lonely, so he leaves too and goes out to play. Alone again, this house is so big, it echos and its just me breathing....LOL. I think come winter months, I will wish for them to be able to go outside and play again but for now as usual, I accept what is and work with it to the best it can be.

Summer fun happens too fast!

2009-09-20T20:22:00.013-06:00

Campinland sitting around the "family room" aka fire pit.

Kaden jumping off diving board in St. George
Colton doing it after he saw his brother, he felt it was safe to try it!

Love the skater look

Or the biker look?

Or the no fear I can do any ride look?

Over the July 4th holiday, the boys and I got into the van for a road trip to see Grandma Barbara in Santa Rosa, California. We spent a week there, had lots of fun, shopped, ate good food, and enjoyed the entertainment California provides. We went to Six Flags, Discovery Kingdom, the little boys wanted to go on rides that they clearly were much to little to ride. So the ones they could ride, they rode and rode and rode. I was dizzy watching them. Colton is much to big for his body and brain. To say the least, we got our moneys worth there. We celebrated Kaden's 5th birthday in California as well, he got to go mini golfing for his party. He was a hacker but didn't know the difference, he was thrilled with a hole in 203 strokes...who is keepin score anyway?

Austin played baseball for what seemed like 12 months, and had a pretty good season. Grandma and Grandpa were able to watch him play a bunch of times, and he "girl" friends in the neighborhood and buddies also watched him play, of course those games he was not playing his best, those dang nerves. His brothers loved going to the games and many days they would dress up as a baseball player and emulate him at the park. They truly idolize their big brother.

Grandpa and Grandma Hallows embarked on a journey we never saw coming from them, they went on an LDS Mission to Independence, Missouri Visitor Center and Carthage Jail. We are so happy and proud of their sacrifice to serve. They left on July 6 for the MTC and left for Independence a few weeks later, all when Mom was sick with Pneumonia and didn't even know it. She is trooper. They were supposed to work in the Mission Office but after training in the Visitor Center for a while, their true specialties came out and Mom really has the knack to strike up a conversation with just about anyone, no really they thought that it was a great fit for them to be there and the Mission President changed their assignment, they of course were thrilled.

We made it home in time for Dad's 38th on July 13th! He said this one was a hard one to digest. I guess we aged a lot this year with the loss of Avery and all that we had been through, although I still feel like 29, oops did I mention I turned a year older on June 4th. Moving on.....our anniversary of 8 years was on July 28th. We celebrated it somehow, just can't remember...oh ya we went somewhere fun right....honey help, what did we do..this is when my calendar comes in handy and that aging thing takes over.

We went to our St. George condo a few times this summer oh yes, that is what we did for our anniversary, see its all coming back to me...with the kids but we sure enjoyed them. Steve bought us concert tickets for Def Leppard and Nickelback for Mother's day and Father's Day this year but he tried to say they were our anniversary present as well, I didn't buy it...he always tries to stretch the gift, pretty soon is was gonna be my Christmas present too!

We also enjoyed our Campinland a lot this year as well! Although someone broke into our trailer this year, not much damage, took our surround sound, a bunch of DVD's and ruined the door but that didn't stop us from catching lizards and bringing them home to our kitchen floor for further enjoyment and entertainment. We did some geo caching with some friends for the first time and I loved it. Its hiking with a purpose.

It seemed like every weekend was filled with some activity that kept us truly entertained, engaged and exhausted. We loved every minute of it and wouldn't trade our craziness for anything in the world. Well Steve might, but not me. Enjoy and I promise, I will get better at this blogging thing.

Colton is 6 going on 16!

2009-04-09T17:27:00.002-06:00

Wow time flies by, the last time I wrote on this blog was Austin's 15th birthday, almost 2 months ago. I think I might combine Avery's blog and this blog together, so I only have to do one update not 2.

Colton got a scooter for his birthday, I was trying to read the directions to put it together and he practically had it all put together before I was done reading. He is so mechanical it amazes me. I ask him to do things that I can't do. He is brilliant in that department. There is a skate park by the baseball fields where Austin plays and we took the scooters there today for the boys to play....yup this is the going on 16 part. He was riding that scooter like he has done it many a times before. He was even dressed like a skater, much to my dismay. He had on Austin's black football jersey, black pants, black sneakers, black helmet, with a purple and white shell necklace. A sight for sore eyes in my opinion but he thougth he looked cool. As Kaden would say, I want to wear my "dude" pants that have rips in the knees. They hang out with their older brother too much.

I told the boys to not go in the skate park without me....Colton obeyed me for once but Kaden didn't...I go over there and he says, "I went in the skate park on accident Mom!" We told the boys we were filming a skate movie so they were showing off with their best moves, Kaden did a wheelie high, he called it!

As we were trying to watch Austin play baseball. Austin is playing left field and pitches. He had a great day hitting today, a single, a double and a triple but no outfield action, he said he was bored out there. They won both games though.

These boys make me a very happy mommy, they give me something to smile about everyday, it makes life so worth it!

2009-02-23T13:20:00.004-07:00

15 years ago today.....I had my first son, it makes my eyes fill with tears as they grow up so fast.

Today, my eyes are filled with tears of joy for the wonderful young man he has become!

Kaden is a dad in the making....this baby Jario might have to be added to the will, she is so permanent a fixture.

He is so proud of the fact that he has lost a tooth!

Happy Birthday Austin! Austin is 15 years old today.....Oh my goodness I feel old too then! Actually I am very proud of my son and all his accomplishments and the young man he has become. As I am preparing to birth my 4th child any time now, and I can remember oh so well the eager anticipation of being a first time mom. Austin has taught me so many lessons in life and has brought me so many blessings in life as well. I can't believe the qualities this boy has and how each day he stresses me out but yet can turn that around with his charm, humor, and Witt! At 5'7 1/2" tall, 138 lbs. and size enormous feet, with a head full of thick brown hair (that he tried to dye black at swim party) he is simply gorgeous and I am not just saying that, he is a looker, no mother could be prouder! He finished out his swim team being an alternate for the state championship, but never ended up needing to swim, however the boys took 2nd in the State of Utah and their coach won Coach of the Year. I think next year will be a big year for him swimming wise. He is now trying out for the High School Baseball team. He is doing well academically in school but sometimes that teenager attitude in him gets him into some trouble in the mouth department. No his braces are finally off, but he can debate and argue and lip off like the best of them. But his mom is no sissy here and will take on his challenges any day....and I always get the final say! Colton oh Colton....As many of you know...I have restricted his diet to eliminate artificial flavoring, coloring and high fructose corn syrup...not entirelly but very small amounts! And with Colton's personality, much like mine...He likes to take matters into his own hands...I was cleaning his room this morning and looked under the bed to find....a half gallon of vanilla ice cream, scoop and all, and the Klondike bars I bought for myself melted. There was GRATEFULLY no mess...it was all in the containers thank goodness. He finds ways around things which as a parent scares me. He is going to be the one to watch. Colton does have a very sweet and loving side which he shares with me often. He and I have a very special bond together and I hope we can keep that nurtured and strong as he grows to be a teenager! Last week he lost his first tooth, it become loose on Monday and he had it yanked out by Thursday. Now he has another one loose but he hasn't fussed with that one much, he got a $2 bill from the tooth fairy which he was quite pleased about. Kaden for the past month has been carrying around this baby doll from my niece she was getting rid of it at at garage sale and Kaden pulled it out of the discard pile to put in his own pile. Well about a month ago he pulled it out and Jario has been a permanent fixture in his life. She is changed, diaper and all daily, feed and taken everywhere he goes. It has gone to show and tell 3 weeks in a row, the teacher said two week ago that he told the kids they could "pet" it but last week he said "no one can touch her, she is special to me"! I am so touched by his nurturing and loving side but it makes me wonder what he is thinking. Maybe this is his way of preparing for Avery, whom he calls Avery Ann, not just Avery. Steve and I are anxiously awaiting the new addition to our family with much anticipation and anxiety. We know things will be different but not sure how, when, etc. I have put my real estate license on inactive status and don't plan to do any selling/buying for a while. Life and things have taken on new meaning to us. We hope that life won't change too too much in a negative way but are willing to accept all that our Heavenly Father has in store. I hope that I can keep this blog updated as it is a great escape and I am sure someday when I look back on it...I will be glad I did it. Until next time....

Pregnancy Photo Shoot

2009-01-30T16:28:00.007-07:00

Since this is probably going to be my last baby and its a special little girl, I had some pregnancy photos taken and wanted to share them with you.

Kaden and Colton are so excited to have Grandma Barbara here...Kade keeps saying, "I wonder how her hair is?" He heard me telling my mom she needed a new hairstyle and they never miss a thing do they?

Only a short time before she will be here and we are so looking forward to having this special little spirit in our home.

Winter Break

2009-01-10T13:41:00.003-07:00

We are a little out of order here but at least I am posting right? Christmas was delightful this year...the boys loved each and every second of it. The tree was huge but gorgeous, we went out into the forest and cut it ourselves. A few days before Christmas the sunset was so beautiful I rushed to find the camera as they go behind the mountains so fast...I am grateful I was able to capture it.

The little boys, Steve and I went to St. George over New Years and went hiking the Red Cliffs National Park...The boys were in heaven, we saw Indian ruins, someone gave us some arrowhead shards, they loved those. Colton was especially interested in the Indians and how they lived and such. He keep saying Dad be quiet, Mom lets talk about the indians.....so we came home and research the Anasazi Indians on the internet, he was particularly intrigued with them talking about them the entire rest of the weekend.

Some funny quotes the boys said to me this week...

Colton saw his play but real (no service) cell phone not the charger the other day and he grabs it from the drawer and says ugh its so irritating when my cell phone is not charged.

Kaden was making mac and cheese for lunch today and I tried to put in the milk and he says....don't mom that is not cool.

Austin's Swim Meet

2009-01-10T13:25:00.002-07:00

As you most know Austin is on the high school swim team, his coach called me during winter break and asked me why Austin wasn't coming to practice anymore? I said he was getting very burnt out and tired of it...They practice 2 hours in the morning and again after school for 2-3 hours. Then he comes home falls asleep and doesn't have time for homework or chores. So he was failing in his AP Geography class and needed to make up a bunch of assignments is why he wasn't going to practice plus he had to do some volunteer work on the Polar Express Train in town that last week. Well the coach told me that was too bad because Austin was one of the top 5-6 swimmers on the team and he was only a freshman. He said Austin has natural talent that he can't even teach some of his other swimmers to do and Austin does it without having to be taught. He said it will be a shame if he doesn't at least finish the season and then not come back next year would be a sad story. I talked to Austin about it and he agreed to finish the season as they have a chance on going to state finals in the next few weeks depending on how they finish in the next couple meets.
Well, Austin had his last swim meet at the home High School this week and I went for the very first time. Wow it was HOT up in those bleachers and all those bodies around. I survived though, it was my first swim meet I was ever at in my life, strange but true. I was SO proud of him and his accomplishments I decided to brag a bit about him and show off some pics. He raced a relay with a team of four, all of which were older than him...He is 14 and his team mates were 16 and two that were 17...he was swimming the 4 by 200 relay..he was also the anchor (the last swimmer)....meaning he is the fastest of them all. They were behind the whole time and Austin dove in and swam so stinking fast I couldn't believe it...that would have taken me 10 minutes to complete and he did it in about 25 seconds..phew I was floored hence, the reason the team came in second place.
Then we waited for another almost 2 hours for his next heat that is what they call them and boy was it appropriate that day cuz I was HOTTER than I cared to be and with being pregnant I was feeling it! So this heat he was swimming the 100 yard freestyle and he came in 3rd again he was the youngest swimmer at 14, with the others being all 16 and 17 years old. I was such a proud mom.

Happy New Year 2009!

2009-01-01T10:03:00.000-07:00

Well everyone has asked me to send them a pic of me pregnant, so here it is. I am pretty much all belly with a bit of arm flab and back sag. I feel great and everyone tells me how good I look but as you know (those who have experience pregnancy) you always feel so big. I have gained over 40 lbs. so far and still have 2 months to go. I go see a new Dr. in a week and a half and I will know more of what is going on as far as delivering, then a week later we go see the cardiologist again and tour the hospital so we know what to expect when Avery arrives. We will keep you posted on what we learn in the next few weeks.

Christmas was awesome this year, my husband spoiled me and got everything I asked for....the boys got a slimmer Christmas and it was just as delightful as they weren't overwhelmed with loads of stuff, I think that is the way to go. I am going to keep that up for the years to come. We really enjoyed the white christmas that we were blessed with as well, haven't seen one of them in years. Austin is getting so big I can't believe it..truly he is growing like a weed thank goodness the style is to wear your pants half way down your but so his pants look longer than they are or else I would be buying new shoes and pants monthly. He is now 5'7 1/2" and size 13 shoes were the last pair I had to exchange for size 12 from Christmas. He is very into his body these days...some older high school girls were working with him on the Polar Express this year and one of them must have grabbed his arms and told the other one feel his muscles! That made his day as now he is constantly posing around the house with no shirt on lately saying in a mature, deep voice...."hey mom, how you doin?" Teenagehood is a strange time of kids lives.....I know its survivable as I made it through but wow its so weird.

We are in St. George for the New Year, its so warm, yesterday at 5:30pm it was 59 and I was so happy....I love to see the snow in December then I am ok if it leaves us. I am going to go for a walk and enjoy it while I can this week.

We hope you all have a wonderful new year!

Halloween Fun!

2008-11-14T15:42:00.000-07:00

Enjoy the halloween pics as my life is so darn busy these days that I can't even seem to get them off the camera and onto the computer but I have managed to do that so here they are!

Colton was a race car driver by night and Batman by day, Kaden was Big Bird the entire time even before Halloween started...Austin waited until 5 minutes before his party to get his costume together...I asked him everyday for weeks what he wanted to be and he couldn't decide so he threw on a wig, some glasses and a referee shirt!

Steve and I were invited to a party but Steve got sick so I went alone but I still had a blast. I was a nun and my priest stayed at home. I won the most original costume prize....well obviously I would as there seems to be so few pregnant nuns these days.

Colton is not liking Kindergarten, he says its too many days and lately he has been saying that he is feeling sick and gonna throw up so he can't go! Kade on the other hand can't wait to go and wants to go even if its not his day. I couldn't have more opposite boys. Austin is doing well in school and loves the swim team however, he is never ever home anymore. He leaves at 6am and comes home at 5 at night five nights a week. He only eats and sleeps here but his rooms seems to show much more wear and tear than that.

We are going to be spending the holidays with Steve's parents in our condo in St. George hopefully with warmer weather, although we have only had one snow storm this year. I am sure grateful for that.

The Elk Hunt was successful!

2008-10-04T09:07:00.000-06:00

Well I won't say he is a mighty hunter just yet but he sure enjoyed it! Austin wanted to tell me all about it but I couldn't shoot an animal no matter what it is so I dont' have details on it...all I know is he got it in one shot from 375 yards away with a big gun, scope and some guts.....He was on a high for quite some time.

Maybe he will add to my post when he wakes up this morning or afternoon, dang teenagers can sleep...I think I was like that myself. Not the little ones they are up at the crack of dawn wanting to eat, drink, play outside in their jammies and then there is the cat who wants me to feed her, let her out or turn on the faucet so she can drink some fresh water...she won't drink from a bowl, spoiled.

Fall is coming here and really I can't believe I am saying this but its a refreshing change of scenery and weather...still warm but nice outside to do chores, walk, play with the kids and the rain seems to come at just the right times..when we need it most. I like to be inside and work around the house when its raining...I love to hear the rain even more but our ceilings are so darn high we can't hear it.

We are diligently trying to finish the 3 rooms and bath in our basement. When we bought the house it only had the family room and storage room finished....we are thinking about moving the boys down stairs to make room for the new addition to our family that is due in March. Yes, don't fall off your chair...I too never thought I would be the proud mommy of 4 children but I am happy to say we are all excited...Colton and Kaden are really excited...they will make great big brothers we hope.

I thought our new little girl kitty would be enough for my craving to have a girl baby but it wasn't. We are hopeful for a girl but expecting a boy of course...We will not be finding out what it is either so don't ask....Kiki is also pregnant as well for those of you who know her...so we will be pregnant at the same time but she is only 2 weeks along and I am 4 months.

I am not trying to brag but my super talented husband has done it again......But I will!

Yes, he has won yet another trip the 3rd one this year....however this time its different, we get to take the money and go where we want to go, so we are going to take the kids with us somewhere. We have to go within 2 months and we are leaving for a Mexican Cruise in a week....so its gonna be hard to plan something that fast...I would like to get a winter cabin somewhere who knows we haven't really found out what we are gonna do...maybe go see my mom??? Hadn't thought of that one yet, MOM?

School has begun!

2008-09-04T14:33:00.000-06:00

Well it was a week ago now and we are all finally adjusting to the new schedule and life. Austin started high school oh my gosh I have a high schooler...I don't look like I am out of high school yet!!! Hehe He is on the swim team at school and loving it...they are doing water polo now its a work out he is pooped all the time. He couldn't play football cuz his wound on his leg wouldn't heal completely and it might have gotten ripped open and he or me didn't wanted to chance that. I think he just wants to wear a speedo wink wink! Well he is liking school after changing his schedule 3 times I think we got it...It was a bit too easy for him and we wanted him to try to get a bit more rigorous schedule to help him with his future schooling...so that is finally done now, he is taking Spanish so I am excited to be able to communicate and practice with him when he finally can say something other than hola! He is going hunting next week with Steve they got a Bull Elk permit which I hear are hard to come by and they have a hunting guide on private property which should mean they are guaranteed some form of elk. They are starting shooting practice so he doesn't hit Grandpa Fred or Grandpa Hallows on the trip. I think it is going to be a memorable male bonding trip...I will post again when the hunt is over.

Colton is in Kindergarten at Jolley Kids and he goes 4 hours a day and then a full day on Thursday and I love that...He starts Karate today too...he thinks he is a ninja and wants the uniform only. He is so sweet and the new food and herb regime we have him on is working wonders, he is new and improved for the better. Its Kade now that is giving us a hard time...He is a complete Klutz he falls, slips stuff, runs into things multiple times a day its constantly a cry for help from him. He is really sweet and loves his new cat he holds her like a doll and she just lets him until she has had enough then she bites him and he lets her loose till a few more minutes pass and he has forgotten she bit him. He is in nursery school and wants to go everyday and wants to do his homework all the time. He is a bit bored at home with me alone since all his friends are in school full time now. He is gymnastics so at least he has some other activity to entertain him.

Well now that school is back in session life may have some more structure and I will keep this blog updated much better. Enjoy!!

Trying to update this more frequently

2008-07-11T17:24:00.000-06:00

But as you know its not always easy to sit in front of a computer with 3 boys needing something from you all the time. Plus the internet is a time hog, if I don't take control of it...So updated some things to make it more aesthetically pleasing....Any and all feedback is always welcome.

Well we had a very eventful last week! My sister came to visit us, great fun....then we left for Campin' Land with our friends. We had a great time...the boys love being outdoors...Steve built them a sandbox on the property under a huge tree, we made a bench on one of the fallen trees it was so perfect our friends suggested it and its so cool. Our property sits at the top of the hill and we have a view that goes on and on it seems, so we make this bench to sit on and watch the sunset...of course I am so exhausted at sunset time that I didn't get to see it...But next time.

On Saturday, Austin was riding Steve's ATV, a powerful, big machine, and went down a much to steep hill and rolled the ATV over him and his passenger (a 10 yr. old boy with NO helmet on) and we ended up going to the ER for 50 stitches. The Doc on duty said you are so lucky the stick didn't penetrate deeper because it was right over his main artery in his leg. He was scared and worried, but it wasn't bleeding a lot so I felt like it was gonna be ok. He is doing well despite scratches and bruises all over his body.

Kaden turned 4 on Monday, July 7th....My baby is growing up...He said if I turned 4 that means I am still little right? So you still have to wipe my butt....and no more sippy cups right? That kid is so funny. We rented a inflatable castle jump/bounce house and it had a water slide attached to it as well...It was a huge hit literally...Then I made a snake cake, the boys thought that was so cool. It was a busy and exhausting day! Everyone had a great time, including daddy and mommy going down the water slide. Oh course Austin had to sit on the side watching because he couldn't get his stitches wet yet...too high of a chance of infection.

Steve's birthday is this Sunday....good ole 37th birthday....Wow we met 8 years ago in September.

We have been doing some fun stuff on our home lately...stamped a patio in the front area to sit on with our chairs and relax...which we don't do enough of....and then we are building a pergola over our existing deck in the back, that should be done next week...we are really looking forward to that since we face West at night and early morning is the only time we can use our deck in the summer because its so hot and sunny. We want to eat dinner out there, so this pergola will allow us some shade finally. I will send pictures when it complete next week. I have been painting all the wood this week so that they can start framing on Monday.

Life is never dull and always full, but we wouldn't have it any other way.

Cowboy Colton and Kaden

2008-07-01T23:17:00.000-06:00

Are these not the cutest boys you have seen...Their bedroom now that they share a room is cowboy theme. So my sister made them each a scrapebook page for their wall and so we had them dress up in their cowboy duds and we took these photos from our backyard. It was perfect time and the scenery was fantastic....The gods were watching out for us...since it took them forever to get dressed. Yikes that was a nightmare they hate to be told what to do!

Cut off all my hair!

2008-06-28T10:33:00.001-06:00

Everyone has been asking me about my new haircut, which I love by the way....My hubby does too and Austin said you look HOT!

We are enjoying the summer its finally here, spent last week in Arizona at our neighbors house from Heber, it was amazingly gorgeous after the ride there and back it was all worth it! The pool had a lazy river, slide, rope swing, hot tub, fire bowls....It was like a resort out side with the mini golf course, outside kitchen/bbq area and they had a full theater with a big popcorn stand. My kids had a great time so did I. Austin went to spend the week after with his dad, he came to pick him up from there. He looked so different than when I last saw him 8 years ago. Austin had a great time and he really misses his dad in his life.

We are working on our house and yard a lot it seems like lately. There is always something to do. Steve and Austin built the boys a sandbox under our deck and put up a basketball standard when I was in AZ with the little boys. We are trying to finish our basement completely we have 3 bedrooms and a bath to complete. We are in no hurry as its only more space to clean and keep track of but we have no space to house a guest....so when we do, like my sister who is coming over on Monday will have to take route in Austin's room.

Kaden learned how to ride a bike with no training wheels a couple of weeks ago and now he thinks he is superstar on two wheels...trying to ride with no hands, lifting legs off of the wheels, that is just what happens when you have older brothers I suppose. Kade will turn 4 next Monday, he is sooooooooooooo excited he has been telling us all including Austin and Steve for the last couple of months, whenever we get mad at him, he says you can't go to my party then with the most serious face. Its hard to take him seriously when he looks at us like that.

Colton is Colton. Never wears shoes or shirts out anymore...he thinks he is a stud or something I think. He is now riding the same bike Austin uses, that is when Austin is not on it. Colton wants to grow up so fast I don't like it. He really likes to imitate Austin. He will be in Kindergarten OMG...where has this time gone.

Austin is backpacking the high Uinta Forest w/ scouts right now....and has been this week. I hope he did ok he was very nervous and thought he might get lost. They had to bring in all they needed by hiking up 6 miles and camping under stars....Yikes in my opinion. I will report on this next week.

I am couponing as usual...always looking for good deals as usual I have showed a couple of friends how to do it now so it been fun sharing things we find.

Steve is enjoying his job...he moved offices in the bank a month ago so now he says he is so much more productive because he doesn't have the distractions he had before. Now he works a full 20 hours a week! Just kidding those bankers hours are true ya know!

Well got to go and gather some stones for the landscape.

Caribbean Cruise Trip

2008-06-02T14:26:00.000-06:00

We had the time of our lives. Steve won this trip too! We went to Jamaica, Cayman Islands, Haiti and Cozumel. Sunshine, food and fun what more could anyone ask for!? The boys missed us lots but they are getting used to it now...we always come back to them but they are still so little they really miss us. We really did nothing but lay in the sun, eat, sleep, dance, relax and have a great time reconnecting since its so hard to do that with 3 needy boys at home.

In Jamaica we were told we had to go to Dunn's Falls. Its waterfall that end up in the sea that we started at the bottom and walked our way up to the top. It started to rain on us but it was so cool, nothing I have ever done before either. We went to Jimmy Buffett's place and danced while the husbands all watched...they aren't much in the way of the dancing machines.

Grand Cayman is absolutely gorgeous, the crystal light blue water and the white sandy beaches made you not want to get back on the boat. It was very clean, and very americanized if you will.

I could live there so could my husband because apparently that is where all the USA banks have their sweep accounts...They said there are over 500 banks on this not so big island.

Haiti was gorgeous...not in a bad section but our friends who did the zip line said that at the top of the zip lines was an armed guard with an machine gun ready to go...Yikes I am so happy we live in a free country.

The boat we went on has been the absolute nicest cruise line we have ever been on. Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas...It had a ice skating rink, a mall, a movie theater, a rock climbing wall, mini golf, surfing/flow rider. You seriously could not even have to get off the ship and be fully entertained 24/7.

We will be back there for sure..We highly recommend that ship to anyone even thinking of another line. Top of the line in our opinion.

Enjoy!

As usual time flies by to fast

2008-05-31T22:13:00.000-06:00

Well summer or spring I should say has finally made its way to Heber Valley Utah. I was outside today and got an actual burn I was so excited. The boys played in the sun for hours on end. Colton was so excited to go outside and play that he forgot to put on some clothes, but thank goodness he remembered his helmet though.

Kade told me today to please put on his babushka/handkerchief over his head because he had to go and babysit the neighbor kids. He looked like a little old grandma! It was precious but I had no camera around. Kade loves to ride with big brother, he says he wants to ride with no training wheels now cuz he is a big boy.

Austin just spent a week at EFY which is the church based youth camp. He came home and said it was the most amazing and awesome experience. He danced every song at the dances he said, they had lots of spiritual classes, fireside, etc. He wants to go back again next year.

We are going on vacation to Arizona next week so for sure we are going to experience heat like no other..but I am not complaining its been way cold here for over 6 months.

Enjoy the post..I know they are few and far but at least I am making an effort.

Life in the Hallows' Household

2008-02-16T10:39:00.000-07:00

Well we are still enduring the winter snow, ice, wind chill, and beauty. The snow really is gorgeous but when you tons of it, it begins to get old having to plow and shovel multiple times a day sometimes. The snow is actually glittery and lovely but I am looking forward to the green grass and spring.

The boys have been sledding down the piles of snow that are around our home. Its taller than they are believe it or not.

Colton is learning how to read now in preschool, the teacher says he is way ahead in his class and he was so excited when he passed off his phonics. He likes to do his flashcards but more than that he likes to test me on the flashcards. He thinks he is the teacher and me the student. Kade actually is really learning too a lot since Colton is, he wants to its working out great for us cuz I teach once and they each learn. I have been really enjoying being a mom, staying home with them, I got a Kitchen Aide mixer for Christmas and love it...been baking and cooking and even sewed my family room curtains. I am going to be making curtains for my bedroom in the spring after I decide on a new comforter set. I have to keep busy in the winter when my work is slow. The boys have been really enjoying me being a mommy lately. We have been playing Candy Land all the time. Colton despises loosing, as a matter of fact if he is not winning he tries to cheat so he can win. The other night Steve went out of town with his friend, so I let Colton sleep with me and he was dreaming and sat up in bed and said, "Kade stop cheating" guilty conscience I presume.

Wow time flies

2008-01-10T08:31:00.000-07:00

We had a very busy last 2 months. We went to Mexico the first week in December on a trip Steve won. It was so much fun..probably the best one we have had yet...well it sure does help to know more people then you can do things with them. We left in a snow storm and came home to a snow storm, but enjoyed 85 degrees most of the week! It was lovely. We just had a fireplace installed in our basement its absolutely the most coziest place to be now. We love it down there and the room is huge so the boys drag out all their toys and play down there like its football staduim. Meaning yup they throw around the football and what nots!

Christmas was great...as usual too much to much stuff! We have some gifts yet to open stilll but are using them for a time when they get bored and want something new! We had two trees this year on upstairs and one down....the boys decorated their tree and we cut down a 12 feet tree for the family room. It actually lasted and wasn't dropping needles with every breathe we took. I watered it 2 a day then gave it soda once as I read and wouldn't you know it worked.

Austin is doing well he got Guitar Hero for Christmas and has turned into a full fledge teenager for sure...Pictures tell a thousand words! He is snowboarding and playing basketball and just got finsihed with 4 plays in drama class, 2 of which he was the lead....He remembered all the lines and when someone forgot their lines, he was whipsering it to them on stage...So cute he has a knack for that acting bit his teacher said. I was so proud of him...plus he is getting more handsome each and every day. He has finally finally passed me in height which of course is NOT saying much cuz on a good day 5'2" and three quarters is my actual height...He is about 5'4 now.

Colton is still a handful..he is in preschool for the 2nd year now and can recognize and say all his letters...If he forgets a letter he hits his head and make a grunting sound..Just like me, he hates not to know something that he knows he knows! He is a handful but is getting easier to handle everyday. It takes so much patience to be a stay at home mom, I never realized it, going to work is WAY easier. I used to think the opposite was true, boy was I wrong.

Kaden can't get anymore precious but he does all the time. He is always saying, "MOM?" I say what Kaden, he says, "I love you" sometimes he even does it to Colton and Austin which is rare cuz they are always picking on the litttle guy. He was saying his prayers last night and said thank you to god for turning on the snow! He blesses everything that comes to his mind and loves going to church. Well at least there is one saint in our family!

Steve and I are well. We had a great 2007 and look forward to the many joys that I am sure 2008 will bring. I am actually don't fall off the chair really enjoying being at home with my children these days....I am more calmer and content with it for some reason. I have been doing a lot of cooking and baking, over the holiday I baked everyday...well now that explains my 5lbs I can't get off... I have been decorating my house well the basement, refinishing furniture all of Austin's bedroom set which is 9 pieces...it came out great I will send pictures, making curtains for my living room because I couldn't find any that were long enough that weren't $250 a panel, I think they turned out gorgeous....well see what Steve's mom says...she is the real test cuz she is the one who taught me how to sew in the right direction..DUH! I was having troubles with my machine and she came over to check it out well I was putting the fabric in the wrong way...I didn't know I could actually do that. Well I better get on with my day. Enjoy!

Gettin better its only been a little over 2 weeks now!

2007-11-10T16:38:00.000-07:00

Halloween was so much fun...The boys dressed up like pirates. All Colton wanted to wear was the pants, the headband and the earing, NO shirts nothing that came with the outfit. And as soon as Colton was dressed he ran with the neighbor kids and we had to go looking for him. Kade was so happy just to sit on the doorstep and hand out candy to everyone...We ran out of candy had over 200 pieces. It was like nothing I had ever seen before. Austin of course went out with his friends as a hippie and at his candy the first night. He is worse than the little ones.

The other day I took Colton and Kade to storytime at the library and the narrator dressed up as a grandma with a white wig. Colton was standing over me and he was eye level with my hair and was looking at my grey hairs obviously..I thought he was gonna blurt out..YOU HAVE THE SAME HAIR COLOR AS MY MOM! That was my clue to make my appt. with the hairdresser for a highlight. Wow close call on that!

I have been having to hide all the halloween candy from even myself now...And the last place I hid it was over the microwave so Colton couldn't get at it. Well he found a way, he brought over the bar stool and then set the step stool on top of the bar stool for more height. He didn't even fall that looked so unstable if you asked me. He always shares a piece with Kade when he gets his counterband though....so Kade will get in trouble too!

The other night the babies and I were taking a tub together...and I noticed my legs were getting to look less desirable as I am gracefully aging....NOT and I said to myself, "I am getting OLD", Colton then said and gonna die Mom and live with Heavenly Father? I said no honey I am justing getting older, like Grandma Barbara. OH well when you die, I want to go with you to live with Heavenly Father.....Kade goes not me, Dad and I will stay home.

Kade of course is still the same cute adorable little guy.

The picture download was not working before!

2007-10-23T15:28:00.000-06:00

Maybe not once a week

2007-10-23T15:07:00.000-06:00

I thought I would wait until Halloween but I said I would try to do this at least once a week, that might be a stretch though. Anyway....nothing really exciting to report lately...except Kade's choice words for few new things he has discovered. I bought a step stool so I can reach the shelves in my closet that are 10 feet high...why would any builder make shelves that high..its so frustrating trying to put stuff up there then need it again the next day of course being the 5'3" that I am...Well Kade got onto the stool and noticed my jewelry box and jewels...he was in his glory. Donning everything that he saw that sparkled or not! He was yelling for me to show me all the "jerley" he found. So now we ask him to say jerley all the time..its really precious.

Austin will soon get his cast of but not soon enough if you ask him. He is anxious to play basketball again but we are not sure if that is gonna happen. We are going to sign him up for guitar lesson I think soon so he has some extra curricular activity to entertain him.

Colton loves preschool...this week they have their halloween party he is gonna be a pirate..but has changed his mind several times already...too bad so sad the costume is bought..they are both going to be pirates..they are fighting over who is going to wear the earring though. I might have to break down and buy 2!
Kade crys when we won't paint his nails...a bit worried there!

Well we just got our itinerary for our 3rd cruise of the year....Mexican Riveria on December 1st for a week. We are excited about it and hope that the weather is better there than it will be here...With over 8 inches of snow we are going to be in for a long winter I believe.

Well enough for now...I think I might hire Julie to do this for me...just kidding

It has been 10 months since last Blog!

2007-10-05T15:40:00.000-06:00

Well all is well now life sure has been hectic lately. I have not really anything exciting or earth shattering to report...just a few updates... We moved in May, we love our new home, but it takes so much time to get things the way you want and need. We have been busy traveling this summer with and without the boys...enjoying the funny and not so funny things they say to us each and every day!

Last night I was making dinner and Kade was sitting at the island on the barstool and he asked me, "what we havin tonight mom?" So grown up! Kade is an absolute angel, he says I love you all the time, wants you to hold and kiss him....well the other one, read on to see how he is

I told Colton we had to go to church the other morning so he needed to get dressed, he said, "church sucks" so matter of factly.
Colton had pictures today at school, he so did NOT want to wear his church clothes obviously, but he did.......however he wanted to wear his hair in a mohawk no negotiating there he won! Colton is truly me in every way except appearance. He is very sensitive to smells, noises, doesn't stop talking, wants to do it his way ONLY, he is never wrong, doesn't mind, yells and uses any word that is inappropriate that he has heard from anyone...especially Austin whom he truly adores and looks up too!

Austin is for sure a 13 1/2 year old teenager....he is very sweet too when he wants to something, I mean when he wants to be.....He was playing football till he fractured his growth plate in his right ankle, now he is mastering the Playstation. He likes not having any chores although the dr. said in a week he can start to walk on it so he will be helping out again around here...Grandma Barbara's visit sure did spoil him. He has no one to do stuff for him now...cuz I have plenty to keep me busy.

I really like the idea of this blog thing, but I think I like better reading what other people write rather than write my own stuff. Needless to say that is why you haven't seen anything in 10 months. Its really like a journal entry so I better keep up with it either in my journals or here...Cuz you don't remember what these kids say from day to day..cuz the new things are so frequent!

Doing well

2007-01-18T14:48:00.000-07:00

Austin started taking Spanish classes and each day he comes home trying to talk to me...he tells me that I have to communicate with him in Spanish from now on....Well he only know like 10 words so there won't be no communicating there huh? He got his report card and got all straight A's expect for a B in Science I asked him why and he said that on a test someone asked him something so was talking and the teacher ripped up the test for a score of ZERO....Well that is what happens when you are in the real world I told him. He was at the Orthodontist yesterday and you have to sign in for your appt. and the nurse told Austin that this girl signed in after him and she saw his name on the log and said, "Austin Hallows, he's HOT!" He was like doing some funky dance saying I'm HOT, I'm HOT....he is his father for sure!

Colton's vocabulary is amazing....some frequent words he is now trying to incorporate into his speech. Impossible, Awesome, and FREAKing. He says them somewhat in the correct speech pattern but you understand what he means most of the time. Kade and Colton are in the is jungle gym play class together and Colton took to it immediately...running the class, the most vocal, tells stories about everything the teacher mentions...etc...Kade, he stood on the side lines with his hands in his jean pockets watching ever move that was made...he wasn't too interested in participating...but when he did Colton made sure that he told the teacher to NOT hurt his brother, Kade.

Steve renched his back the other day...He said, "I sure do miss your mom's backrubs now". He couldn't even get out of bed. I had to call the Dr. and have them call in meds so he could move. He is up and moving but not at full capacity yet. He had a chiro appt. today and a massage scheduled for tommorrow so we will see how the weekend ends up so we can go have some fun in the snow.

I am doing fine not as busy right now thankfully since I am taking January and February off from work for a break. I am enjoying my boys more and more each day...They are always making me smile or laugh at the funny or not so funny things they do. Colton wants to snowboard everyday although I don't let him since its been only 10 degrees for the past 10 days. It feels like the winters in CT that is why I left there in the first place. I hate it! I prefer it when it snows at least its pretty and cold.

2006 Christmas was Wonderful and White!

2006-12-28T13:19:00.000-07:00

It was a great day even down to the 6 or so inches of snow we had. Colton said awesome to everything he got but surely his favorite item was his last minute request for a red snowboard. Well he got it and has taken it everywhere with him even to bed one night. The day after christmas we took him to the park and he proceeded to snowboard down the sledding hill that everyone else was sledding down. He has NO fear whatsoever and told me to watch out he was gonna go over the jump. His tongue was half hanging out of his mouth, he was full on ready to snowboard away. He is so much like me its too funny...after he opened each gift he took it to the place it needed to go..he got some computers games..he said, mom should I put these in the office? Ok sure son go ahead. Then he got some new underwear and he went right upstairs and put them in his underwear drawer. Carbon Copy Colton. I had rough night of sleep the other night and was sleeping on the couch in the morning and Colton comes down full of energy and yells MOM...I had my face under the covers and I looked up and said with a scowl apparently, WHAT? He gave me the meanest look and said, "Grouchy!!!!" and walked away.

Kade was just happy to open the gift not really that excited as to what he got or not. Opening the gifts were truly enough. Yesterday he bit Colton for taking his candy cane and I put him in timeout strapped in his booster seat, but forgot to make sure the booster was strapped to the chair, he got off the dining chair and was walking around with the booster seat strapped to him...I had to put my face in a towel to not laugh at him it was hysterical.

Austin got everything he wanted on his list except a watch he said..not bad since his b-day is in only 2 more months..at least there is something left for me to buy. He has been snowboarding and absolutely loves it. Of course he is so athletic and great, but he needs a haircut so bad I hate looking at him...as you will see from the pics I post. He is surely getting to be a teenager, we are gonna go at it one day he is sooooooooooooo sassy.

Santa Clause bought our family 2 snowmobiles for christmas. We went out the other day and I almost tipped it over on us....don't panic mom I am still learning its just like driving an ATV or motorcycle, its just getting used to it.

Getting ready for Christmas

2006-12-20T13:49:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I have a second or two to write something. We got 14 inches of snow the other day and it looks really promising for a white very white christmas. I am excited for that. I love that I can write to everyone all at once so productive for those that are so busy like me. Its hasn't slowed down for me in the work arena and it usually does around the holidays....I guess the world is changing unfortunately in that area. Well an update on the boys...yesterday I was cleaning up the kitchen and the boys got out some blue cheese dressing and some carrots and sat under the stools at the kitchen island and I said what are you two doing?, Colton replies with, "we are having a carrot party mom" oh....ok

Then it was a rare occassion but I had a bad morning our pipes froze and I had no water, real estate deals going crazy and I wanted to crawl under a rock and hide but knowing that my house my fall or burn down if I did that I just took a quick cat nap on the couch. Colton apparently only took a quick short nap too because no sooner did I start to drift off, did I hear dishes being put away in the kitchen...I opened one eye to peek at the clock it wasn't Austin yet so I just drifted back to sleep thinking this was my imagination.....NOPE I woke up and Colton said, "mom look what I did? He unloaded the entire dishwasher and showed me where he put everything...only one thing was in the wrong place I couldn't believe. He is so amazing its scary to me. Next he will be saying I just drove Austin to school for you mom....

Well stay tuned for the next adventure...will return shortly I promise.

Thanksgiving

2006-11-24T15:11:00.000-07:00

Was uneventful...we went out to eat cuz I hate to cook and it seemed like a project I didn't want to endure and it was a holiday, don't I get those days off in my job? It was a buffet but the boys each wanted us to hold them so how do you hold a kid and get two plates full of food? Well we never figured it out either but, we did manage ok. I am still full from the days events but at 6pm last night we all were like, are you hungry? me too now what? Cereal?

Steve and I decided to try getting up at 5am to be at the stores but 6am....we made it by 7am and it was so crowded and apparently everyone was so excited to get up and spend their money that they forgot to put on deodorant. There was that many people and it stunk!!!!! Yuck, I said honey its not worth it to save $5.00 here and there...I save us so much money all year long lets go out to eat. We made it home with some good deals but I am done with that ordeal for the rest of my life!

The boys are wonderful, messy, cute, a pain, hard, sweet, and expensive...Austin costs us a fortune this year. He wants expensive stuff these days. We he deserves it. He got all A's on his report card 3.8 GPA and his team won their Football Championship for league. He is one heck of a kid I say! Plus not to mention he is so good looking, of course he doesn't want his haircut lately its the style or so he says...I think he is much cuter with short hair.

Colton is a pill, wait I mean Colton needs to be on pills. He wears me out. He is so cute yet such a devil at the same time...I dont' understand it. I know mom he is me...Steve always says don't get mad at him Leah, he is you in my body!

Kaden is our angel he is sweeter than any of my boys. Now his new thing is he knows how to take the childproof lock off the doorknobs and comes in our room in the middle of the night saying I want to stay in your bed for just a wittle bit! I promise!

Cooking skills

2006-10-20T14:35:00.000-06:00

Well it seems as though Colton has gotten some cooking skills that I didn't have nor want. Maybe from the other side of the family. What 3 1/2 year old do you know who can cook? He has made when I was up in the shower, waffles with butter and syrup for himself and Kade, oatmeal for himself and kade, a milkshake with the blender and most recently he made popcorn and didn't even burn it. He always wants to bake something....I have to constantly watch everything he does, he is so destructive sometimes.

Halloween is around the corner and Colton can't decide what he wants to be but I have decided for him...He wears all the costumes we have around the house sometimes changing them 3 times a day. He will be Buzz Lightyear and Kaden will be Woody from Toy Story. Colton put on his Buzz costume, got on the kitchen table and proceeded to fly literally tried to fly...He soon discovered he couldn't but that didn't stop him.

Number 36 Fullback Wasatch Wasps

2006-10-03T14:28:00.000-06:00

Austin loves sports more than anything else I think...and so does his brother. He had a great game with a touchdown and a interception... He is doing well in school too with all A's and one B+ which he is trying hard to bring up but his forgetfulness gets him in trouble. He is so darn handsome as you can see from the pic well maybe not. Everyday he comes up to me and measures how tall he is getting anxiously waiting to bypass my height. Sooner than later its gonna happen...he has only an inch to go, its not saying much that he is gonna be taller than me but I don't let him in on that secret! He has size 10 in men's shoes now....Huge freakin boats. Its funny to watch the little boys put on his shoes and try to walk around they look like they could ski in them. Well off to do something while they are all asleep.

Kaden says the funniest things now

2006-10-03T11:16:00.000-06:00

Where is Colton? He just couldn't get enough books in the bed that night.

Kaden got stung by a bee today and he told me that he doesn't want the bee to eat him!

That band aid picture is one from another boo boo he received when he bumped his lip...insists on a band aid for all ouches!

I asked him how much he loved me and he told me "Too much"

Kaden told me that he was sick the other night while I was doing our rock a bye ritual and I said what is sick? my cheek I just laughed and laughed he is such a joy of child.

When you ask him to do something he says, OK in the most tender voice its precious.

Life in the fast lane

2006-09-14T14:26:00.000-06:00

Colton loves his preschool. Kade always wants to go with him. The other day at the table eating lunch Colton said, "Cambrey showed me her underwear at preschool today!", oh really what did you say?", I asked. He replied, thank you!" He is a trip I swear I just can't explain him. Austin is doing much better with his injuries. He had his first football game, he didn't get to play a lot but his first play was an interception and he ran it back for 10 yards breaking a few tackles along the way. He is such a handsome loving boy. He loves school they girls are starting to surface on little notes I find in his pockets. "who do you like? Call me Jordan 654-1234 oh my!

2006-09-05T17:42:00.000-06:00

Well today was the first day of school for Colton. He was all prepared ready to go with his backpack and 4 popsicles in there which I had to promptly remove or the teachers might not like me too much the first day. I think he was worried they would not have snacks there or something. Clearly 2 hours was not enough time for me, but he enjoyed it.