Hadlock Hideaway

We have nothing... but yet everything!!!

2010-05-11T15:45:00.000-07:00

Have you ever known that you were being tested, to learn a lesson so that you could be blessed?
Yes, I know that it is kind of a weird question.
I feel this way.
I felt it little bit ago.
Even when I was going threw it, I knew it was a test.
I felt like I was failing it, but yet I didn't do better.
It was a really hard week...
But I will try not to make excuses.
Soon after, knowing that I didn't pass the test, we got hit hard.
Everything started braking.
No money was coming in.
So, easy to forget...
I want to be better...
I have been trying hard to do better...
I have seen the Lord work his miracles when we obey.
I have been blessed with good neighbors and friends.
Thanks for helping me through a hard time.
I will learn my lesson soon.
I hope ;)

Needed Comfort

2010-04-05T12:50:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Easter and in between conference sessions we heading out to go to Tony's parents house.
While we were outside loading, I got the news from a friend that my neighbor had passed away after battling breast cancer for more then a year.
At that point the kids were not aware yet.
(They have four kids.)
My heart sunk when I heard.
She is an amazing women and a wonderful Mom.
I was reminded of a childhood friend who just a few months ago lost his wife to cancer.
(Leaving behind three kids.)
I am humbled with how precious our life is.
I remember on my mission, how it felt when you first got there and it was exciting and new.
Then you learned and grew in your calling...it was like a life time in eternity.
Near the beginning part of the middle of it... it seemed that it would never end and that it was really hard!
Then you past the hump, it keeps going, and you keep plugging along...until you realize that the end is near and you are running out of time quickly!!!
So, you hurry and try to get done as much as you can!
I like to reflect back on that and compare it to my life here on Earth.
Just like on my mission, my life feels at times that it will go on forever!
But then I am reminded at times that it will not.
I need to work hard and do all that I can so that it wont be to late and I can look back and be able to say... I did all that I can.
I need to get rid of the fluff and get down to the really important things about this life.
We've been given this time as a gift to grow, love, share, prove, and save those around us.
Are you making a big enough difference?
I will work harder.

Ward Dance Party!!!

2010-04-05T12:38:00.000-07:00

Even Megan had fun at the Ward Dance! (I can't believe that she turns one this month!) This is what inspired the idea of Bekah's Princess Ball Party this Friday. She LOVES to dance and had a blast. I don't think that she ever came off the dance floor. The boys had a blast with the balloons and their friends. Here are a few shots...
Now that is a smile... now you see why we're doing a dance party :) Thanks Rochelle for a great night and for the idea!!!

This is Bekah with her best friend!

:)

2010-04-02T09:47:00.000-07:00

Okay, I am finally doing better on my Angela's Accessories blog. Now I will try harder on this one. I think at this point it is a little over whelming to really go back and try to catch up. So, I am going to start writing and posting with the current stuff and then do memory post and pictures as I feel so inclined :) Let's just see how it goes. And Rochelle, even though I have done horriable with this new years resolution I am doing good on most of the others. I have done my Visiting Teaching every month so far this year and am plugging away at the BOM before June :) Working out is still a work in progress too ;)

First I wanted to share some thoughts that I have been having lately. I got to go to the Young Women Auxiliary Training Meeting last night up in Salt Lake with the General YW Presidency. We sat just a few rows away from them and I just must say, they're AMAZING women. We were reminded of the promise that says "When two or more are gathered in my name, then there I will be also." (Not positive that that is an exact quote, but it is pretty close.) There it is again...when you do his work, we can demand that he is there to help. Just like if we follow his commandments... he has promised that we will be blessed and those blessings can not and will not be held from us. We can as we follow the commandments, demand those blessings from our Heavenly Father and we should ask for them. I have been putting this to the test. AND IT WORKS!!! I love how the church for sees a need of the people of the church and they fill it. Plus their are not many churches that tell their women to become scholars of the scriptures (did you notice that in the vt message this last month?). Love it! I love that we are encouraged to "be strong and of good courage", to lead and teach our families and the people around us. I love that we as WOMEN can stand tall! I am so grateful to have witnessed so many things that have only strengthened my testimony of Jesus Christ. Satan is out to make you as miserable as he is, DO NOT LET HIM WIN!!!!

Okay, that is all I have to say, for now. :) Love you!

Here we go on the new year

2010-01-09T22:22:00.000-08:00

Okay, I have a ton of New Years resolutions this year... Which normally I don't bother doing them the the beginning of the year and just make them through out the year, but this year I am motivated.
Although many people have thrown in their own challenges in the mix... trying to not accept to many and just hoping that I will not be crashing and burning with all of them in a not to far off date. One of my goals is to do better with my blog. It has been ages since I have posted anything. So, I will be going through all of my pictures (which I have also been horrible about taking...) and organizing them while putting a summary on here to catch up a bit and be able to get on with the new stuff going on. :) Not sure really how soon this will happen, but it is in the works... of course so are my Christmas cards still :)

My Dad's birthday!

2009-10-24T12:01:00.000-07:00

I just realized that I didn't take a better picture of my Dad at the party. (How did that happen?) He is the one in the above picture in the middle. He is also named by my kids Grandpa Byrne the one that gives them candy :) Although that is the first thing that they think of when you say his name, it is by far not the only thing that they love about him. We are always grateful for his help and willingness to watch and play with the kids. Ben loves that he will take time to make smoothies with him and Erik love to wash dishes with him. His birthday is in July ( I know, I know, I am a HUGE slacker!!!). We love you Dad/Grandpa Byrne.

As you can see food is the way to Ben's heart :) We love to watch him eat... although I hope that he doesn't have our food issues.
We met at a park, here is everyone playing red rover.

Ben and Bekah were so cute walking down the pathway together. I love it when they're nice to each other.
This is my oldest brother and his family, my how they've all grown!
It was a great night!

Win Free Family Photos!

2009-09-23T09:22:00.000-07:00

My friend Julie is giveaway family photos!

All you need to do is go to

http://jktphoto.blogspot.com/

and follow the rules... then wait and jump for joy when

I WIN!!!

Lol, just kidding.
I will be excited if you guys win too.
But I REALLY want it!!!

We haven't had family pictures done in like EVER!!!

So, that is how I feel... with all honesty!

Finally the 4th of July!

2009-09-17T09:54:00.000-07:00

Way... way long over due! I thought about just not posting this, but I wanted to... So, someday I will be caught up and stay caught up... Maybe...okay in my dreams... We had a blast on July 4th! We had friends and family over for our first ever luau! Now it is to late for this year, but we will be doing this tradition every year... so plan on it!! Come next year!!! Some day our hope and dream is to really go all out for this day, but we still had a blast with what we had this year!

Here is Justin (my brother) and my Aunt Frannie (or that is what I like to call Francis anyways:)
This is my brothers Cory and Cody (yes, their twins) and my Dad.
This is my cute little niece that also turned one on this day!
Cody and his soon to be wife Melina... well, now that it is getting posted late... it is coming up next week!! We're really excited for them... aren't they cute!
The rest I will only comment here and there... as you can see we ate great food... even grilled pineapple! Played games...
Hung out...
Played sand box and swing set...

I have the cutest kids EVER!!!! Oh, and do notice the little firecracker bows in Bekah's hair... Way to cute!

Sang to the birthday girl...
What a cute messy girl...
And an even messier girl...lol
Tony made pinacalodas and virgin margaritas for everyone... of course using nothing other then the best blender around... the Vita Mix!
Me and my sis...
We did sparklers...

And had a blast watching Lehi City's fireworks in our back yard with patriotic music Tony put together to go with the show... perfect ending to a perfect night!

Ben fell asleep half way through the fireworks... poor kid was tired out!

Thanks everyone coming we had a blast! Make sure to come next year! The people are what makes it perfect!

Equal in all things...

2009-08-12T21:32:00.000-07:00

Okay, my heart is heavy tonight...

I know that there needs to equal in all things... good and bad... but I am ready for the good to get a little bit ahead. Satan is working hard (while I say this... my immediate family is fine so don't think other wise.)...he really is...very hard. I have decided that I will not...I mean it... I will NOT let him win. I am so grateful that my testimony goes deeper then the surface of my skin! I can not deny what I have learned, what I know, and what I have seen. I am so grateful for a husband that loves me and stands by me. I am so grateful for my kids and I hope that I can teach them and guide them to with stand Satan. I am not perfect but will try to be the best that I can and turn the rest to my brother, and friend Jesus Christ.

Expressing myself

2009-07-26T16:36:00.000-07:00

Those of you that know me really well, probably know that I don't always make a lot of sense. Things just don't come out of my mouth the same way that I've thought them in side my head. Even while I write on my blog I realize later that it isn't really what I was trying to say. Why am I thinking about this now? Because I have said some things lately that I look back and wish I just never opened my mouth to say. On top of that too... I have noticed more and more with each pregnancy, that I am a complaining idiot while pregnant. I know that sounds harsh, but it is true. I am sure that I drive all of my close friends and family crazy while I am pregnant. (I drive myself crazy, so I know that I do... so, don't say other wise.) Then after I am pregnant I am trying to stop the complaining and start trying to fix what I have messed up. Okay, now even while I am writing this... it isn't coming out exactly how I wanted it to. My point is that I don't say or get across what I want to and I sound like a bigger idiot after each kid. I stood up a couple of weeks ago in Relief Society to share a couple of thoughts, and then my daughter started fussing in my arms... it all came out wrong and I sounded selfish instead of the selfless... which I maybe (selfish), but my point I was trying to get across wasn't. I just wish that I could share my thoughts with out feeling so dumb afterward. I just needed to get that out. Thank you all for being my friends!

2009-07-24T13:50:00.000-07:00

Tony has been training the kids to walk on his back. The kids love it and Tony gets a back massage. What can I say... it's a win, win!
I keep risking it all and moving her, but most of the time she moves back. Maybe she missing being in this position in my tummy...
I finally threw this away! LOL!! What is it, you ask? Well, when I was 9 months old we moved houses. I went back with my mom while she cleaned it up for the people moving in. I took it upon myself to crawl down the stairs and brake my leg. I had to learn how to crawl 3 times. This is my cast. Cute little thing, but I decided there was no need to keep it. I'm such a pack rat!!!
This is a spider that was crawling on Bekah. She FREAKED!!! Hmm, wonder why!?!

Byrne Family Reunion

2009-07-24T10:49:00.000-07:00

Above is my Dad and his 2 sisters together at the reunion. Their parents, my grandparents, have all passed away.
This is Jack and his wife. His favorite thing to do is give people a hard time:)
We had a water balloon, or the kids did. It took them a long time to fill up the balloons...
and no time at all to pop them all.
So much so, that they resorted to finishing the fight up with buckets.
Then we all went down to the lake. Bekah had a lot of fun with Uncle Devan!
I went a little picture happy, and then I couldn't narrow the ones to post down much.

This is my niece Brittany... I really like this picture.

Bekah loves to play with her ears. It is a huge stress relief for her. So, it was cute when she started playing with Devan's ears while on his shoulders. She looked relaxed.
My Mom and sister Amber with some random boy...
I loved the weathered sticks...

My nephews...
We had a lot of fun, and for lunch we did "Stone Soup". Every one just brought one or two items each to put into the soup. It turned out really good. I thought it would be to hot for soup, but even though it was hot... it was just fine.

All of our family reunions fell on the same weekend. In fact this same day, we had the Munford in Cedar City. We only ended up going to this one because we didn't really have money for gas or the time that we needed for the other one. Although I think Tony was disappointed (he looks forward to the Munford one every year... it was for the best considering.)

I hate morning glory!!!

2009-07-23T14:19:00.000-07:00

This is my house. Yes, I would love to do many things to this flower bed. Although when the time comes, we seem to be short on the funds. So, here it is. Believe it or not this after I pulled some huge ones. My poor neighbors. This probably drives them even more crazy then me... if that is possible. Then I weeded.
Sorry to say... it is needed again. This morning glory weed is horrible. It grows way to fast! Before we laid our sod down... I went out determined to get the weeds out as much as possible. Once I got four feet down and hit a root system that was thicker then my arm... I admitted my defeat. Although I have been taught that you can use vinegar on it... after a few times that it should take care of it, or at least tame it. I did it once so far. It is a bit better in spots... I must do it again. If you want to use it... Drizzle it on the stem.

Hadlock Family Reunion

2009-07-23T13:15:00.000-07:00

We attended the Hadlock Family Reunion at Washington Park (a few weeks ago... behind again on the blogging... but who's keeping tabs, right?!?). We took the kids that I watch with us, since it fell on a Thursday. They all had a blast. We had lunch when we first got here, and then they played on the swing set, bounce house, in the creek, and in the water fountains. They later ate cotton candy, snow cones, and scones. We all played water balloon volley ball to end the day with a splash. Then we ended up meeting up with there Dad to drop the kids off, and headed over to Grandma and Grandpa Hadlock's house to eat pizza, and bath the kids.
Bekah got her pants dirty right when we got there so she didn't match all day.
I love when they help each other out. Way to be the man BEN!!

She was trying so hard, but it was in vain. I am glad that she tried:)

Tony's uploaded photos

2009-07-07T14:55:00.000-07:00

All of these pictures are from Tony's phone. I just noticed that he finally uploaded them. We were are my parents house a few weeks ago, and we saw Bekah sporting this outfit. It's the new way to wear a shirt! She makes me smile:) The below picture is the dance program that Erik did at his school. Tony and I had to split up, he went to the dance program and I went to graduation. I was sad to miss it, but you do what you have too.
Tony and the boys love to go to fathers and sons camp out! They've done it for the last 2-3 years and I am sure that it will continue. It was kinda fun to hang out with my two little girls at home too:) Looks like they had fun from the pictures:)

There was still snow!

Here is a picture of Tony with a bunch of his friends. He has a great group of people that he went to school with at Utah Valley. So, when he got to do commercials for UVU, he got all of the old group (or most of them) to come and work it with him. A couple of them even came from out of town... Hawaii and California. He loved seeing them all again.

Stake Lagoon Day

2009-07-02T08:03:00.000-07:00

Last year we decided to try out the stake Lagoon day. It worked out so great to get in free and then use the coupons for the rides, get a treat and then call it a day, that we went again this year. Although we were a little pressed for time this year (and my camera died too). But over all we all had fun and the kids still are small enough that they still think that we're the coolest ever for taking them. We were kind of surprised that they let Bekah on the above ride, but maybe they didn't want to mess with the big man holding her:) Erik was on the inside trying not to fly into his brother and smash him with a big smile from ear to ear. Ben was just sitting and enjoying. Not worried, and just had a content smile. Tony wasn't sure were to put Bekah, but decided that next to him would be best (so, that he could protect her).
We also got to ride the Merry go Round and the train. Then we got ice cream. That pretty much sums it all up, but with 4 small kids, it was enough.

Pudding Anyone?

2009-06-29T16:45:00.000-07:00

We made pudding. They enjoyed it... can you tell?

Do you move her or not...

2009-06-29T16:41:00.000-07:00

When I saw Megan in this really uncomfortable position... I wondered if I should risk waking her up and move her, or just leave her until she wakes up to move her... What would you do?
I did move her and risk the quiet... she stayed asleep... Luckily!

My Mom turned 60!

2009-06-29T15:09:00.000-07:00

This is what a bag of chips looks like after it runs into Bekah...
My Mom turned 60! Just a couple of days after the boys birthdays... so we surprised her with at get together at my sisters house. These pictures aren't the best, but it was a fun night. We played a game called Martini, oh I mean, Partini. Lol, my sister kept calling it Martini... so I had to keep teasing her about it. Isn't that what sisters are for?

We had a lot of fun and the kids always love seeing there Grandparents and cousins. I am very grateful for my Mom and all that she does for me and my family. She is who helped me through to the end of my pregnancy. Coming and cleaning my kitchen once a week (that was about as often as I would fall behind). Thanks Mom for all that you do for me. I love you!

The New Cool Toy!

2009-06-29T14:47:00.000-07:00

For the first time (So far) we have been sucked into the "what's cool at school". The boys been collecting them and trading these Bok-u-gons for sometime. On one hand it's been fun to see them be overly generous with there trade... but more times then not, I see them using there friends over generousness to get more. If fact, my boys had to earn there first one, and before they had it in there possession... Erik had received 2 from his freind. One with promises to give him his new one when it is earned and the other he gave him a McDonalds toy. I made him give both of those back until he had the toy to tride straight accross, and a fair trade. They have been learning a lot from this though... and so have I. I have new adventures to look forward to with school years coming up!

Boys Birthdays and Megan's Blessing

2009-06-26T13:17:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, the boys are 2 years and 2 days apart. So, each year, so far... I've had a little bit of a challenge. The parties usually end up being HUGE. So, since we are down right broke right now. We tried really hard to keep it simple. (Which is also hard for us... as most of you know... we Think BIG most of the time.) So, since the kids all wanted to see "UP", we decided that this gives us good reason to go see it. SO, they each got to bring a friend and made it a "Late Night". When the kids first got to our house at about 3pm we blew up balloons... lots of balloons and put paper inside that had things written on them. Then we had the kids go around the house and gather up some things that they thought the bunch of balloons that we had could lift. This it the little train house being lifted.

Then after the two activity's, Tony was back with the Pizza. We all ate and then headed off to the Movie. When we returned, we had them all sit, jump, and poke at the balloons to try and pop them. Then whatever it said inside, they got and it went into their goody bags to take home.

It wasn't so easy, so Tony soon took a pin and started poking it as they sat on it.
Then we enjoyed the cup cakes and ice cream.

Tony took all the kids home at about 10pm. I was surprised how wired all of them were still at that point. Of course they did have the sugar boost! As the party took place on Ben's birthday. Erik had Megan's blessing on his birthday. We sang to them both with the family... they don't really look happy in this picture, but it is mostly because I pulled them away from cousins.

It was a celebration of life in many ways. Birthdays, Blessing, and Tony's Parents Anniversary.

Emily

2009-06-26T10:42:00.000-07:00

This is Tony's sister Emily.
She has been working really hard during her school years to get the pay off that she has just received.

She graduated from High School with honors.
She graduated from Seminary.
She also graduated with her associates from Salt Lake Community College.

Next year Emily starts up at BYU!
Way to go smart cookie!
Tony and I are very proud of you!

Just Plain Outside Fun

2009-06-17T14:23:00.000-07:00

We were able to go to Emily's (Tony's sister) seminary graduation, and then hang out with the family afterward. The weather was perfect. Oddly there are not any pictures of Emily in this post, but that will come in a bit.
This is there cousin.
Ben and the cousin.

I have each day scheduled with something for the kids to look forward too. Since I am watching the 3 extra kids through the summer... we needed it. Although after the first week, the weather hasn't been the same. This was our first and so far only Wednesday Water day. (all are welcome to come play in the water with us on this day!- After seven kids, what is more?) Brittany and her kids joined us on this one.

I realized after we had it all planned out that I didn't find out if I still had the pool and sprinkler from last year. SO, when I couldn't find it any where... we did water guns, and the in ground sprinklers. It still worked out and everyone had fun. We now have a pool for next time. Oh, and I used that spray sun screen and I think that the wind caught it just right more then I thought. Most of the kids had the weirdest streaks on there backs and shoulders. Oops. I felt horrible.
This isn't the best picture, but this is Brittany's new puppy. He's a cutie and reminds me of my old dog Lucky.

B E N-Bennie

2009-06-16T06:33:00.000-07:00

On the first day of Preschool, Mrs. Patty called Ben by his full name Benjamin. He quickly corrected her and said his name is "Bennie". So, she wrote Bennie on his paper and he corrected her again. "No, my name is Bennie, B E N." Since then he's realized that Ben is spelled B E N. I love this guy. Sometimes he can be in his own little world but he loved preschool, and he loved Mrs. Patty. Ben hardly ever wanted to tell me right after he got home about what they did at school, but things would leek out here and there. It would sometimes stop me in my tracks. Mrs. Patty did get through to him and if he would have his way... he wouldn't go to any other teacher... EVER. One of these instances was when he started saying a word and then counting on his little fingers and then saying something like... dinosaur, that has 3 words in it. It took me a minute by what he meant it that it has 3 syllables in it. I thought it was cute that he called them words, but other wise would get them right every time. (of course I tried to correct him on that, but it will click when it clicks I think.) Ben does have one more year of preschool, and then he is off to Kindergarten.
The boys were all playing most of the time on the stage.

Bekah, stress reliever. Binky with the ear rubbing... it really works for her. Although soon we are going to try and give the binky's to the Binky Fairy. (wish me luck!)

He is so cute and proud. As Erik is of him too. And frankly I am also. Love you B E N.

Discovery Field Trip

2009-06-15T11:11:00.000-07:00

For Ben's last Preschool Field Trip we went to the Discovery Museum at the Gateway. The kids love this place! We got to take Erik home early from his graduation so that he could come too. Here are some pics.

In each section, Bekah would find something and be there most of the time... When she would finally find something else to do, it was time to move on. But they had a blast!

Erik's Graduation

2009-06-13T07:49:00.001-07:00

Erik has been growing so much lately. We have started a couple of new stages of the growing years. First, Erik has lost his first and second tooth. This was probably a bit harder then it should of been. A little over 3 weeks before this happened (one week before Megan showed her little face) we looked into his mouth and noticed that his permanent teeth were growing in right behind the baby teeth. Although the baby teeth were loose, they weren't getting pushed up and out. Then soon after Erik was up all night with huge amounts of pain. We looked in his mouth again and you could see a huge cavity in his back molar. (#30- for all those who know, okay well I used to work at a Dental Lab.) I took Erik to (sorry to say) his first Dentist apt. ever. He was really brave. They cleaned his teeth, and then told me they really should crown the other tooth. He said that he wont get that tooth probably until he was 12 so to just pull it will probably cause more problems. So, since I was due in a week, I had them go ahead. They gave him some sedative that made him act really loopy. (he said that he never wants to feel like that... so maybe drugs will never be an issue) He hated the laughing gas, and even did it with out it. Luckily the dentist was really fast, and it was over quickly. I thought for sure that Erik would hate the dentist after that... but in fact he said later that night at dinner, that he liked him (the dentist). So, Maybe the fact that he has a cool silver tooth, and the pain is gone trumps the bad experience. As for the big teeth coming in behind the baby, well, the dentist said that it shouldn't be a problem as long as they fell out with in 2 weeks. So, Erik had the big job of wiggling them a lot. Then when they were really loose, Tony helped pull them. The first one was hard for them to get a good grip on. They worked for longer then and hour wiggling and pulling. Finally out it came, flying out of Erik's mouth... Tony then stepped on it and jumped quickly (so not to hurt it)... it got stuck to his sock and went flying... we looked everywhere... the tooth still has not been seen... Tony felt horrible for loosing "His first sons first tooth". Luckily we knew that the tooth fairy understand that things can happen, so she also takes notes when they get lost! So, with inflation he got $1 for each tooth. The permanent teeth are coming forward on there own. I am not sure if there is enough room, but it looks like it wont be as bad as I thought.

This is Erik's first school project- They researched an animal of there choice, and had to prepare an oral report, and show where they live in the shoe box. Believe it or not he told me everything that he wanted to say, and although I helped him find stuff he could use that we had around the house and helped with the glue... he did do most of it. I was very proud to see him deliver it to his teacher also. Great Job Erik! This is what he said...

Pigs are cute.
They have piglets a lot.
So, they can grow up to be happy and a family together.
Mud protects them from insects and the sun.
A snout is a nose.
One thing that they will eat is garbage.
Pigs are funny to watch.

They pig is made out of a partly blown up balloon. It made a perfect porky body, and great snout! (okay, that part was my idea.)
Here we were off to the Kindergarten Graduation!
Erik, was so distracted through the whole thing because his hat was way to tight. He was trying to be good, so he never took it off, but it was clearly driving him crazy and as soon as he had the okay, it was off.

This is pretty much what Bekah was doing through the whole thing.
This is him and the gift from Mrs. Belnap.
Here he is with Cayden. (the boy that I watched for the whole year.)
Erik and his teacher, Mrs. Belnap.
Here his on the play ground.
Here we go on to First Grade! One kid gone for the whole day... that will be bitter sweet.
Your Mom and Dad are very proud of you Erik!

Potato Bugs!

2009-06-13T06:31:00.000-07:00

Potato Bugs have been a big thing for the kids this year.
They love to collect them and see how many they can find.
Lately Ben has decided that it he loves to have them as pets.
So, he brings them in to the house.
First day he used a paper cup,
and was very protective and loving to his little potato bug.
It was then that I realized that Ben is a kid that needs a pet.
I asked him what animal , if any, would he want.
He let me know that it would for sure be a Potato Bug.
Here are the kids collecting the poor little bugs.

Ben's Potato Bug that was in a cup got thrown across the room twice.
Just from kids not remembering that he was in a paper cup.
Then he died.
Then the next two the day after I had him put in a Tupperware with holes at the top.
He got food for him to eat.
He lasted for one more day then the first.
But has since past also.
Hopefully we can convince Ben that another animal would make a better pet.

My 2 New Best Friends

2009-06-10T12:59:00.000-07:00

Okay. I know what you all are thinking, but the truth is the truth.
Have you ever hear of putting a tennis ball in your dryer?
Well, I think that this is the same idea.
You put these in the dryer and they bounce around and help your clothes dry faster.
Which I have been having a really hard time with how long my clothes have taken to dry.
So, there you have it. I love these guys.
They make my life easier.

Beginning of Summer fun

2009-06-10T10:57:00.000-07:00

At the start of this year, Bekah was all of a sudden afraid of the swing again. So, while I was in the hospital, Grandpa helped her get over this fear. (yes, last year she wasn't afraid at all) Now she if she is outside, she wants to be on the swing. In fact when I returned, she would stand by the swing and scream until someone would come push her in the swing. Lately it hasn't been as bad and others have helped me out by pushing her for me, like Erik, Devan, Cayden, and Hailee.

The week after the baby...

2009-06-10T08:10:00.000-07:00

With in the week of having the baby, Tony had to leave for Chicago for a business trip. Luckily my parents were able to help me. One morning I woke up to this on the table. Bekah had tried to help herself to breakfast. She was very nice to not disturb my sleep... sigh.
The boys got to make cookies with Grandpa... Can you tell what there favorite part was?

Yummy!
Megan was just chilling...
While Grandma and Erik helped me make there job charts. With a new baby comes more responsibility! Acctually Tony and I planned out a way for the kids to do chores, to get money (10 cents per sticker), then use it in the family store for things that they need and want (Or to put towards going to disney land). So, far it has worked great!

The New Baby Post!

2009-06-09T13:05:00.000-07:00

This is Megan seconds after her birth. I told the story earlier, so I wont go into details... I'll just show the pictures. Here are the kids holding her... They are so proud of there little sister. They've been really good with her all the way around.

Grandma Hadlock holding her...Grandma Byrne holding her...

Grandpa Byrne Holding her...
Proud Papa...
Uncle Cody and his soon to be wife Melina holding her...
I spent a lot of time alone with her in the hospital... I took this one while I was just watching her sleep.
Babies always look so small in Tony's arms.
Here she is already to head home for the first time. I always feel so bad for there little neck in these car seats...
We exchanged presents at home between the kids. Megan gave her brothers and sister a bucket each for the sand box, and each one of them gave something to Megan...

I think that they're all pleased.

It's been a delight to have Megan in our family. I love seeing her change so much each and everyday.

Random Pics and a Kool-aid Stand

2009-06-08T12:40:00.000-07:00

I love it when the kids all of a sudden are getting along. Laughing and playing together. This doesn't happen very often, so when it does, I smile and enjoy!

Another random picture! We have finished our basement for those of you that don't know, and it is cooler down there. So, back when it was still pretty cold, I was in the kitchen and Tony comes up with my pink fussy slippers on! I had to laugh at the sight and take a picture. Hehe!
The Friday (or was it the Thursday) before I had the baby we had a Popsicle stand and then it turned into a kool-aid stand.

One of the cool hang outs in the front yard is on top of the mail box...
It was pretty hot this day... Most of the Popsicles melted by the time they got sold... or eaten. Same with the Kool-aid.

Some times being a kid is really just plain hard!

2009-06-07T07:01:00.000-07:00

Easter was a very busy weekend for us. I was really nervous about before hand (since I was due with in two weeks with Megan, and had already had a very busy week). Over all it turned out to be a very nice weekend. Thanks April and Mike for sharing it with us!

April, Mike, and the kids came to stay on Friday night and stayed through Sunday night. These are some of the events that took place during that weekend. The Easter Egg Hunt... it was colder then normal and we were short on cash this year, so we decided to do the hunt at home instead of going to the one at Thanksgiving Point. This left time to take it easy and color the eggs too. Here is Amber and Bekah ready for the hunt.

All ready, here they go...

Then they colored eggs...
Mike and Aaron...
Coralynn...
Mathew...
Amber...
Erik...
Ben loved to color the eggs this year, so he colored them...
And colored them...
And colored them...
Until, they were a mixture of greens and browns... I liked them actually... He was proud!
Then the Easter bunny came Sunday morning...

Then we all went to church. If you notice, Ben and Bekah are missing from the picture...

This was Bekah. Long weekend and REALLY ready for that nap.
Ben has a habit of changing with in seconds of getting home from church. He was changed before we even thought about doing one.
After that, we had the rest of Tony's family over for Easter Sunday dinner. It was nice and we even had enough places for people to sit. Thanks to my parents, who gave us there dining room table. I will post pictures of some of the home changes soon.

I found the camera cord!!!

2009-06-06T11:18:00.000-07:00

Yes, ladies and gentlemen... I found the camera cord!!! Yeppy! So, I will be posting all the pictures that I've been wanting too. Then I will try to do better at posting more often again! Our ward did a service auction for Enrichment and it was a blast! Tony got to be the auctioneer. I gave one free flower arrangement, and then a custom flower arrangement (they buy the stuff and I make it- which I still need to do... Sorry Jessica!). But the free arrangement Laura wanted on her birthday so I delivered the one above. I got a free hour of weeding and Jeanette did a great job in my horrible weeds in the front. (Although it is much needed again, so for any one that wants to do service... this is one that I will not turn down... lol).

Below is way back in March... (hmm, well I said that I was behind!). We took my friend and next door neighbor Rochelle out to Applebees for there half of appetizers and of course we made them sing to her. This was back when she announced that she was newly pregnant, later finding out that she's having twins! Good luck with that Rochelle, you know where to find me if you need some help!
Here is Crystal and Britt....
Sorry that this one is blurry, Someone from a neighboring table took the picture for us.
Michelle...
Wesley, Kelli, and April...
It was so fun to go hang out with the girls with no kids... that doesn't happen very often! By the way girls... it is needed again!
Bekah turned the big 2! I ended up copying what Wesley did for her little girl and did a tea party! She got a tea set for her birthday, right before the party and then we used it. So, now she calls that tea set "My Party".
All the girls were all dressed up. It was a lot of fun and they were all so cute. Unfortunately my camera wasn't fully charged, so the pictures are lacking.

Bekah has been a real joy lately. She can be on both extremes, of nice and mean, but most of the time she will pick to be nice and nurturing. I am not sure if I said this already, but while I was in labor, Bekah was right there helping me breathe correctly, and rubbing my back. I am so grateful that she is a part of my life!

I was Super Mom for a Day!

2009-06-01T08:13:00.000-07:00

I woke up at 6:30 this morning ready to take on the world. All the kids were asleep still (including the baby and husband) so I went to tackle the house. I finished most of the dishes, got through a few loads of laundry, did the shipping and got it to the mail box, put away some clothes... then I thought of all that I could try to fit into the day and feel like I was a "Super Mom" for once. Now this is the lame blogger part of me... I was already thinking how I could post all that I accomplish. Then as I was thinking about all of this... I came out of my closet to find Bekah with a huge smile on her face. She reached up and gave me a huge hug and I decided that I was already a "Super Mom" and I have accomplished a lot already. Yes, I hope that I am able to do all those things on the list soon to get them out of the way, but first and fore most

I am just grateful to be MOM.

The Job Change

2009-05-18T09:09:00.000-07:00

This is my husbands new logo!
For those of you that didn't know, Tony has left Rivital and is now on his own with his friend and partner Jared.
They've been wanting to do this for a long time and a couple of months ago they felt that it was the right time.
Although the transition has and is difficult I know that they're good at what they do.
They'll do great and I am excited to see them succeed in with there dream.
Good luck Tony and Jared, we're here with nothing but support!!!

Love you Hunny!!!

And if any of you that need video work done... send it their way!!!

The Labor Post

2009-05-13T13:25:00.000-07:00

On the morning of Monday the 27th I woke up at 3am and couldn't get back to sleep. I decided to go down stairs and watch Gilmore Girls. (Tony and I had been watching it together... we were on the 7th session and he had gotten a little bit ahead.) At about 4am I started having contractions. More intense then any so far, but nothing to bad or consistent yet. At about 6:30am I woke Tony up and was debating on calling to cancel watching the extra kids for the day. I told him if this isn't the real thing that I'd feel bad about canceling... He told me that he'd help and just to let them come. So, through out the day... they didn't stop, but they were still really random with the time in between each one. As they were getting worse with the pain, I had gone to the hospital twice with Bekah and they sent me home... I wasn't going to be doing that again!!! So, I waited. Later my friend Brittany called to see if I wanted to go for a walk to see if they'd progress.. I had been thinking about doing this all day, so I took her up on it. We went on the walk around 3:45pm or so... they did get really close, more intense, and even though when we returned they went back to not being consistent... As soon as I sent Brittany home they were killing and REALLY close together. Tony called her back to see if she could stay with the kids until my parents got there. Called my parents and had them on there way. The kids mom came to get them. We got to the hospital at 6pm. I was dilated to an 8. The doctor (We got Dr. Dayton... an old friend of my family) made it there just in time, I got an epidural just in time... and she was born at 6:47pm!!! I came during the switch of nurses and we had at least 10 people all running around to get things together. It was fast and crazy. After wards, is when I thought of the fact that I probably shouldn't of bothered with the epidural, but I wasn't really thinking and I wasn't thinking that it would be done so fast. But Megan Elaine Hadlock is here and she is perfect. She was 7lbs 2ozs. and 19 1/2 inches long. She ended up being my first child out of the four that didn't have to be put under the bili lights for a week! I was thrilled with that news. In the past... my first week is filled with there little screams from the little tanning bed. The only thing is that she will be the only one with out a tanning bed picture... one thing that I can surely do with out! This picture is the one that they took in the hospital...

I can't find my camera cord. (The reason for the late post!) So, these are some that Rochelle took for me! I will post more later, when I find my cord...

I like this picture because she is a real eater... infact when she was first handed to me she was searching for the food on me and knew right where to find it! Since she was still trying to suck afterwards we allowed the nurse to go ahead with the binky. (Usually I wait to give it to them until I know that it wont be an issue with the feedings, but for her I knew that it wouldn't be.)

Welcome to our family Megan!!!

TIme Bomb!

2009-04-06T09:01:00.000-07:00

Okay, this it the month of my pregnancy I always feel like a TIME BOMB that is going to go off any second... or just be a dud and never go off. There is something like 23 days until my due date... so, how do I feel? Over all I seem to be doing okay... but the added stresses of late and being so HUGE... will not make the last few weeks of this pregnancy any easier.

For those of you that don't know, Tony has left Rivital and has gone out on his own in the business world. Don't get me wrong.. he is very talented and will do extremely well, but the timing! Plus with that I will have to admit it has been really nice having him around more. We have been getting everything arranged and taken care of in his spare moments. The basement is soooo close, and it's nice to have the extra space. I think that my biggest worry is that I am still pregnant and all that brings with it... like emotions. Things have already have shown to be promising for him. SO, his new business is named Stage 12. Good Luck Tony and Jared!!!

Today, Bekah has turned 2. Wow, and she has been growing amazingly fast! We're having a Tea Party tomorrow with some of her little friends, and she is sooo excited. She keeps carrying around or pointing to the invitation saying "My Party". So, I will have to post pictures of that later in the week.

Plus tomorrow night I am having an Angela's Accessories party at my house tomorrow night. Everyone that would like to come is invited. Come any time between 7-9pm. We're also having Jessica's Gems and Mymby. So, come on over....

Yet another update!

2009-03-26T09:01:00.000-07:00

Well, needless to say... I've been really bad at updating my blog lately. So, here are some things that have happened through out the month of March. Above is a picture of Devin when he turned 10 near the beginning of the month. Below Erik has been very creative making forts for himself... so far they've been for just one person, so we're working on getting better at making them bigger. He also has been building houses for his trains and other toys out of blocks. I love how creativity can save you money... you don't have to buy the Thomas round house for example.
At the same time, Ben and Bekah were making a bed for them selves and then taking these plates, like they were driving a car.
At nursery on Sunday Bekah really enjoys singing time. Even though while she is there she is usually really tired, she comes home singing all the songs. She found one of her old hats that doesn't fit anymore and started to sing "Bekah __ __ HAT" which is Bekah wears a hat. She kinda hmms and dances inbetween the words that she doesn't know. I had to go ask her teacher what all the words were again.

Erik's tower...
Here is another fort they made out of the bunk beds... this one does fit more people...

Sorry I tried to roate this one, but it wasn't staying that way...The boys weren't letting the girls in the fort... so they were having there own fun.
Okay, I have mixed feelings about these next pictures. Mostly frustration. Ben took Itty Bitty soccor last year and would not do it. He would not let me sit down, would hide behide me, and I tried everything. So, I wasn't going to do it EVER again. But Ben has grown a lot the last year and loves preschool, so when he begged me for weeks to do soccor... I reluctanly signed him up for Itty Bitty sports (included all sports). He promised he would play and let me go sit down. So, did it happen... NO... he freaked out right when se entered the gym. All the excitement had disapeared... He acted the same way as last time. But this time I had Bekah, Kambree, and am a house with pregnancy. There are a few (very few) moments, I was able to get him to do something... or to let me sit down while he walked around on the lines of the gym in his own little world. SO, next year... it will have to be a sport that I can leave him there alone... I think that would work better. If there is a next time...

This is the girls watching them...
On his last day, Erik stayed home from school, so he tried to help out getting him to play.
So, that was the first part of March. It's been an up and down one. I will have a more serious post later on what is going on with Tony's job, the baby, and such.

Little tid bits...

2009-03-10T13:38:00.000-07:00

Okay, yes, you may have to blink to make sure that you really do see what you see... but I asure you that you do. This is how I found Bekah awhile back. In her brothers boots and something that she pulled out of the clean clothes that keep piling up... I had to take a picture... Below is a picture of what I found her room to be like right after I found her. Keep in mind that I cleaned it up not even an hour earlier. I think that she loves to clean, but when it is to clean she loves to mess it up too... it's almost like she can't stand it being to clean. It's probably all my fault, but I really want to change this habit.When I have the camera out lately (which hasn't been often enough) the boys want me to take pictures of them posing or being silly.

Kambree (the little girl that I watch) turned 3 last month. We had some friends over for cupcakes.

When asked if she had fun and what her favorite part was, she said all excitedly it was that "all of her friends came to her baby sitters house." That made me smile and I was very glad that I made an effort. Below... Kambree and Bekah are eating lunch later on in the afternoon.
Okay, this picture has some explaining to go along with it. Yes, this is my soap in our dish washer door. Like I said earlier, Bekah loves to clean. One of her favorite things is to unload the dish washer with me. She stands on the door to reach, and helps hand me stuff, match up sippy cups with there stoppers and tops, and stack things. She has gotten so good at it that I almost look forward to her help. Then when it is emptied... she gets the soap out of under the sink and has me open it and then she puts it into it place in the door.
Although one day I went to empty the dish washer and found the soap at the bottom of the dish washer still in the wrapper! She had done it all by herself with out me. Since she usually fills the soap right after we unload... I usually just check to make sure that it is closed.. and it was. Now I take time to make sure:)
Ben and Bekah were all woren out from a busy day!
Tony's sister April turned the big 30 and threw herself a party. Since it was close to Mardi Gra... they took on that theme. The kids had a blast. I only have a few pictures because my camera died soon after I opened it, but here is what I got. Bekah was taking as many necklaces as she could find and wearing them around, holding as many coins as possible.
Ben loved to do the same thing...
Here is the birthday girl...
The Hubby helping out... Way to go Mike!

I thought this was a funny one of Bekah, so I just had to included it... she was getting frustrated with me for taking so many pictures of her... but I couldn't get a good one.
The following week we attended another Mardi Gra party and managed not to get the baby in the cake both times... yeppy! I forgot my camera for that one though. Oops. Both were a lot of fun. Thanks for the invites!

I do have more pictures that are sitting inside my camera, so I will have to do another post like this one soon.

Laziness

2009-02-25T12:56:00.000-08:00

This is probably going to come accross as another complaining post.
But it isn't meant to be.
I do admit that I have been frustrated with myself because of this fact, but I am not really complaining.

I have been wanting to be so lazy lately!

I blame it on the pregnancy.
Is that the real case... I don't know, but I am going to stick to that excuse because I can.
I want to sit on the computer and just play games, or go to sleep.
Of course I force myself to do other wise and get frustrated with not staying focused.
Not being speedy at what I am trying to do.
When I get started finally... I get annoyed with interruptions.
I keep working on it... maybe the real reason is because I am a bit over whelmed lately.
I will go set my timer and get something done.
Thanks for letting me get that out.

Want something handmade by ME?

2009-02-18T11:07:00.001-08:00

Well, all you have to do is be one of the first five people to comment on this post and offer the same thing on your blog! Easy, right? Well, of course there are rules.

1- I make no guarantees that you will like what I make!
2- What I create will be just for you.
3- It'll be done this year.
4- You have no clue what it's going to be.
5- I reserve the right to do something extremely strange.

The catch is that you must repost this on your blog and offer the same to the first 5 people who do the same on your blog. The first 5 people to do so and leave a comment telling me they did win a FAB-U-LOUS homemade gift by me! Oh, and be sure to post a picture of what you win when you get it!

So there you go! Hop to it!

Arrh...

2009-02-18T10:24:00.000-08:00

Erik was relieved to get an invitation to his friends party (why isn't really important).
It was a pirate party.
He had so much fun and this was his new get up when he returned.. doesn't he make a cute pirate!?!

If you like this... then go enter the giveaway!

2009-02-10T12:30:00.000-08:00

So, here is Bekah sporting the next giveaway item. So, if you like... GO ENTER! All you do is leave a comment... but there is a way to get 2 entries.... very simply announce the giveaway on your blog.

SO, Hurry! The last day you can enter is on the 17th!

Bekah's first tea party

2009-02-09T13:28:00.000-08:00

Bekah, Kambree, and I got invited to a birthday tea party. Above is the little birthday girl. She turned 2. All the girls got all dressed up, played, and had little snacks, apple juice, and cup cakes. It was a lot of fun and Bekah's first one. Here are some of the pictures that I snapped at the party...
Here is Kambree waiting patiently.Bekah liked to pour the drink... she is sporting my dress that I wore when I was little.
Isn't she so cute?!

All of the girls together... except for one... she fell of the couch right before the picture... oops.
We asked them to make silly faces...
After the party we changed out of the dresses really quick and then got Ben from school. Which is just a few houses down. I looked back to find Kambree dossing quickly.

Only a little while later I found Ben like this...
And Bekah like this...
Apparently they were all tired out from a long day!

Getting to some good reading!

2009-02-09T11:02:00.000-08:00

Bekah just went onto our bed and pulled out the Scriptures (the Book of Mormon) and started to read it. It was so cute it quickly earned it's very own post. The fact that the BOM is upside down makes it all the cuter. Kids know a great thing when they see it. I love this girl.

I have to admit that I haven't wanted to change my scriptures since my mission. They're all marked up and pretty... The bible is even piled with referances and things that I've learned. I love it! Although I have been loving it... I have also decided that I need to put them aside and study from a new set. Although we've been unable to afford a set. So, I decided that I was going to get a BOM that wouldn't set us back at all. I told Tony of this, and a couple of days later he came home with a few. What a nice hubby! One of my goals is to read every day. By myself and then with my kids. I am also striving to say my personal prayers morning and night and praying nightly with my hubby. So, that is the plan.

ROLLER SKATING!

2009-02-09T10:52:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago... I know... I am way behind. We went to the Free Classic Skating Night for Erik's school. I think that it is a fun idea that you can rent scooters now. Erik really wanted to do this although, Ben did not. I didn't think to bring the stoller to take Bekah in, and I'm pregnant. So, Tony took Erik around once and then Ben convinced them all to move onto bigger things.

Bekah and I hung out and I pushed her on the scooter off of the roller rink.. which she loved and didn't want to stop.
This is the bigger and better thing... This was a huge climbing and jumping thing. They had a lot of fun in this one.

Bekah had a blast... can you tell?

How addicted are you?

2009-02-08T19:49:00.000-08:00

77%

So, I thought this was kinda funny. How addicted are you?

Helping the Homeless...

2009-01-30T08:30:00.000-08:00

Above is a picture of the back of our mini van stuffed with all the goods that everyone donated to the homeless. Instead of doing the normal neighborhood gifts, I proposed that we all give the things that are not needed by us, but can be used by them, to the homeless. New or Old. My friend Jamie helped me out with this and I am so glad that she did. With all the flyer's and such it was a lot more to take on then I was thinking that it would be. I set up an appointment to go help serve dinner at the shelter for January 3rd. Then we collected everything that would be needed. Everyone was so generous. They gave everything from clothes, food, cleaning supplies, money, and even underwear. As you can see we packed our mini van to the max. We took the women and children's clothes to the Rescue Haven for women and children and then went to the men's Rescue Mission. Where we also served the meal.

They have you come and sit in their nightly nondenominational church service, and then you go set up the food and serve. (They have a cook and some homeless that help out in the kitchen.)

The service was a Preacher from another faith. They have Preachers or Bishops switch off giving of there time. Which made for an interesting time for us volunteers. First the Preacher rocked out on the gatuire, and we sang hymns. I probably shouldn't say this but I think his secret dream is to be a counrty singer. Then he preached to us. So, there are a few things that I learned from this guy.

He said that if Jesus stepped into the room at that moment that nobody would know it was him. So, I must say... I sure hope that I would. Even if I did not... there would be at least one or more that would know. Plus, if there is children in the room... they will for sure know.
He said that everyone lies. Every church lies... even his church... even him. (Although he did point fingers else were... which made all of us a little uncomfortable.) Now even if this is true... (Which I do not believe that everyone is perfect, of course. I do not believe everyone has the problem of lying.) I am beyond grateful that our Heavenly Father (Who doesn't lie.) gave us a way to find out for our selves that something some one tells you is true or not. Ask on bended knee and he will tell you what is true or false.
Even though it is not always an appropriate time and place for you to correct or testify... through example you can leave a mark.
That I am grateful for the knowledge that I have of the Savior and all that he has done for us.
That people may feel the warning signs of the spirit and mistake them for the real thing.
That I would not be surprised if this man has ever lived in Stanton, VA.

Enough said about that. I loved that we were able to do this part of the service. We got to talk with the men in the kitchen before we served and they were so nice, funny, and had purpose. They are making a difference there and yes, I hope to do it again in the future. This made our Christmas Season one of the best ever. Below are pictures of the people that went with us. Thanks guys!

They took turns taking the pictures.

Yeppy! My computer is up and running!

2009-01-27T11:04:00.000-08:00

I think that the title says it all. I hope to be posting pictures again soon. I know that I have a few... although still no party pictures...

Surprise BIrthday Bash!

2009-01-25T15:18:00.000-08:00

Okay, for those of you that did not know... yes, I turned 30 yesterday! Crazy! I thought that this would be no big deal. I'm not one that had higher expectations that didn't get met in the first 30 years of life. I just wanted to be done or close to done having the kids by this age. Which is almost the case. If we have only four... then I will be 30 and if we do decide that my prompting to have one more boy is correct, then I will be around 32... which is close. We'll cross that bridge later. I have been fine until I got to this week and it was such a hard one that it hit me... I AM TURNING 30! So, the day mentioned below ended with a parent teacher conferences that I took Erik too and then we went to Thanksgiving Point for a treat. Although since Erik hadn't eaten yet, I decided to buy him dinner too. It was fun to spend a little one on one time with my growing boy. He has been amazing me lately with all of his questions and deep thoughts. An example of one is today while we were on our way to church... Erik said. "Mom do you remember when you were trying to make spaghetti and the lights turned off and were off for a long time. I prayed that the lights would turn on and stay on and they did?" I told him I did and that it is nice to know that we can ask our Heavenly Father anything and he will make it happen. In fact looking back. He prayed the first time that the light would go on... and it did, but then it turned off in a few short minutes later. Dad wasn't home and Erik was scared, so he prayed again and asked that this time will he turn them on and keep them on.. and he did. I am glad that he has a great memory and keeps that with him. I love that boy!
Okay, now back to my story. After my outing with Erik, I was to go on a date with Tony. We were going to do it on Friday, but then we "had a hard time getting a baby sitter for both nights". On the way out Tony told me that we needed to stop by a place called Noah's and visit a client that was getting married. I decided that this was okay because I've never been there and wanted to see what all the fuss was about. He kept saying that he needed to call some one to find out which room it was in. I kept telling him that it wasn't a big deal because I am sure that they had signs telling you were to go... but he replied that he likes to be prepared. So, he called, and then we headed up. As we entered the room... Tony pushed me in front of him... what this is your reception is what I thought as everyone in the room yelled "Surprise" and sang HAPPY BIRTHDAY. I was shocked and Tony said that I turned bright red. It took me a minute to take it all in, but Tony had gotten me good. You see I had told him that he had to give me a party this year or he was in trouble. So, of course I was expecting one, but he told me that we would do a small on in the basement on Saturday, then he said that I couldn't ask any questions...Which I must say was really hard because I knew that he had many shoots lined up and was really busy with work... so I wanted to try to help. Although I found out afterward that he had a ton of help from some friends and family. Thanks for all of your hard work everyone and for all that came and spent the night with us. Tony went all out! He rented out 3 rooms at Noah's, got it catered, and rented the ice skating on the roof. One room was were we ate, and listened to Tony's friend Danny sing to us. He is really good... I will have to get an example from Tony. Tony had made a slide show of my life which played behind him and then Tony made a speech that brought a tear to my eye, and sang a song with Danny. It was amazing and I must say I have the best husband in the world! Another room had a pool table and then the other they hooked up Wii and Rock band.. Thanks Britt for letting him use it! Although I must say by the time I got done saying hi to everyone... it felt like I was saying good bye. That is how many people came. I felt very loved and grateful for all of the poeple that I know and love. Thanks for making it the best birthday ever! I don't have any pictures since it was a surprise and I still don't have my computer anyways... so I hope to have some soon. Although I wish that Tony had encouraged me to look in the mirror before I left... because of my crazy day and such... that never fit in the schedule... I had been saving a shirt that I wanted to wear to Saturday's party, so I liked the one I had one, but it wasn't the one in the plan. Infact, when I got up at 6:30am that morning and threw on my cloths in the dark and ... I put my shirt on backwards! Or at least the under shirt one... No one could really tell, but I knew. LOL, no matter I had a great time and loved my husbands hard work and planning. thanks for coming everyone! I missed those who couldn't make it, but I understand life. Thank you!

Mommy Woes...

2009-01-23T21:52:00.000-08:00

Now where do I get started. I have much to say and not really much time to say it in, but I need to get it out and say it. For one my pregnancy mom brain is driving me crazy. I wonder if this is what old people feel like when there mind is going and they start to realize it. This has been an extremely bad week with this and I'm not sure how much more of this that I can take. I will share a few examples of my week.
First off Ben has preschool on Tuesday and Thursday. I took Ben on Tuesday and then on Wednesday I took him again. Thought nothing of it, and didn't see the teacher right when I got there and just sent him in. Then 45mins later I get a call from one of his friends wondering if he can come play (he is also in his class). So, I said.. "isn't Owen... OH, NO!!!" Yes that is about when it had set in. I called his teacher and apologized immensely for my stupidity. Oh, course she was wondering why he was there, but she is way to nice to make a fuss. I picked him up and he went to his friends house.
My second major happening this week, that kind of sums up my whole week is this... I stopped in at my house to pick something up. I knew that it would only be a second so I left Bekah and Kambree in the car. I was gone less then a moment. I left the car running and while I was inside.. Bekah was so kind as to lock the car! Yep, both the girls were inside and the car was on! I knew that Kambree would figure it out if she whated to, but she didn't want to. I was trying to get Bekah to play with all the buttons on the door (since most of them would open the door or roll down a window)... but of course when you tell them too.. they do not want to! Bekah also turned up the volume on the radio to blasting and so I was yelling just to get them to hear me... Although because I had to yell for them to hear, Kambree thought I was yelling at her and didn't want to do it even more. I tried to make it my voice sound like I wasn't but have you tried that when you're freaked out and having to yell for them to hear! It was really hard to do. Since it was also about nap time, Kambree tried to put herself to sleep... talk about trying to scare me. Finally the boys got home from the bus stop. (Which is where I was headed to.) And Cayden was a really good big brother and tried to talk Kambree into it. Although it took awhile, he was making progress with her. I went and got suckers for encouragement. Kambree really wanted the suckers. Although when she tried to get to the driver seat... Bekah would attack. So, finally Bekah went to the back... Kambree went to the front... and with in mins. the door was unlocked! It only took about 45 mins. and many prayers later. OH, man those are the times that your life seems to slow down to a stop. Yes, they both got the biggest hugs ever, and the suckers...

Can you see how my week went though? Although the night did turn it all around... there is more to come. I will get to that soon.

Finally Potty Trained!

2009-01-21T06:51:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to announce that Ben decided that it was time to go in the potty. All I did was have to say okay. He goes into the bathroom by himself, goes, and takes care of everything! He turns 4 in June... so, I am thrilled that he finally made up his mind. That is my Ben... Very head strong and that works in both ways. He loves to make up his own mind and when he does... it is done and there is no going back. Which I knew was going to have to be the case with going potty. So, after many potty battles... I decided to wait. Man it was much easier when I did! Now we're working on the night time. He stays dry every other night or so... he is a very heavy sleeper. WAHOO Ben is potty trained!

On top of all that great news... Bekah is also going pee in the potty most of the time now. She comes and lets me know when she wants to try to go... and most of the time she does! I still leave her in the diapers since it doesn't always happen and it doesn't seem to discourage her like it would most kids... we're just taking it at her own pace. I must say though... if I can have them both potty trained by the time the baby comes... I will be a very happy camper! WAHOO!

Something that I've been dying to share!

2009-01-19T07:54:00.002-08:00

I know that we all love free stuff!
So, here it is... Angela's Accessories is starting something new, that I want to let you all in on!

A monthly give away!

That is right! We're currently giving away some of our NEW Valentines bows!

All you need to do is click onto the link and leave a comment!

Tell all of your friends! Help spread the word.

Since I haven't had a computer we're a little short on time.

You have until Friday!

Good luck... I hope one of you WIN!

Computer Down and Counting

2009-01-15T09:00:00.000-08:00

So, We've been blessed to have to replace some items lately. Can you tell that I am thrilled...? Our computer is now dead. Along with many other things lately...

So, I will not be on much for a bit until we can get this fixed. (I'm on my friends computer at the moment.) I will keep you filled in when I can and hopefully get a chance to catch up on all of your blogs soon.

Fun in the Snow with Zina

2009-01-09T13:04:00.001-08:00

We had our friends little girl stay with us last weekend while they were in Vegas. They had fun one night playing in the snow. It started getting dark when I took the pictures, so they didn't turn out the best. Erik and Bekah enjoyed putting snow on the slide and sliding down it.

2009 New Years

2009-01-09T12:40:00.000-08:00

Okay, I'll be honest. I wasn't feeling very good when New Years rolled around so out of the invites, I took my parents because the kids are comfortable at there house and I figured it would be less work. Plus my cousins came into town. So, here are some of the fun shots of mostly the kids...

10, 9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2...

1! Happy New Year!!!

My mom did some fun activities for the kids. Hand made noise makers, and they colored the other side of these poppers and then she stuck them to the ground and they had fun popping them... as you can see.

Bowling Family Night

2009-01-06T12:50:00.000-08:00

On the Monday after Christmas we took the chance to do what the kids had been bagging us to do... go Bowling! They all love it! Since it isn't really a cheap activity these days.. we don't go very often. Some our friends were so kind as to join us. This is their little boy Preston...
Bekah beat all of us by a mile...

Ben did it by himself this time...
Daddies little girl...
Erik learned how line up the thing all by himself...

Our friends... they do have two other kids, but the pictures didn't turn out to well...
We all had a blast... Thanks guys for going with us!

Mr. Potato Head Fun!

2009-01-06T05:58:00.000-08:00

Ben got two Mr. Potato Heads for Christmas. (One for him and basically one to share.) The boys all enjoyed playing with them together...

Pictures say a million words, so this is all that I will say...

Great Friends!

2009-01-06T05:52:00.000-08:00

I was really excited to go and meet up with my old roommates and friends. We call our selves the "dinning club". That is because we tried to get together (usually with our families) about once a month. Although Monica has moved, so it had been awhile since the last time we saw each other. We decided this time we'd get together with just the girls. It was so nice to chat and catch up with each of you ladies. Thanks for a great time!

Christmas Day part 2

2009-01-06T05:25:00.000-08:00

After opening the family gifts, and Santa's... we headed over to Tony's parents for Breakfast. We then went sledding. I went down a lot more then I thought that I would. Bekah and Ben always needed help back up the hill, so it was easier to go down on a sled then walk down. Although one time I went with Ben and Bekah down and we hit a bump just right to bruise my tail bone pretty bad. Besides that and the wind it was a lot of fun and Bekah is a natural. Here are the shots of this.Tony made sure that every one went down okay, and gave pushes most of the time.
Mathew was pretty good at this ski thing...
Erik has always loved sledding... he wanted to go by himself most of the time. I think that was because he went just the right speed for his liking.

Ben and Bekah went most of the time with each other...
After sledding we went to see a movie and stuck with our tradition of eating at one of the only restaurants open on Christmas... Mi Ranchito.
I was worried that cramming so much into our Christmas would make it unenjoyable, but when the day was done... I loved it. We had so much fun spending time with each other. I loved every moment of it. I am so grateful for a wonderful husband and the greatest kids in the world to be able to spend the day with.

Santa and Family Presents

2009-01-04T16:10:00.000-08:00

Okay, we're up at about 8:30am, and ready to see if we've been bad or good this year. (Man, I have gained some pregnancy/holiday weight this season.) Dad went and made sure everything was ready and ...Here we go... Bekah got a stuffed dog that is really soft...
Ben with his loot...
Erik with his loot...
Tony with his Santa gift...
Hmm, wonder what is in this box...
Erik is careful about opening his gifts. (Later he told Tony that he must not of been a good enough boy this year because he didn't get more geo-trax then he did. Poor kid. He always has a very short a precise list, but Santa only gets what he can afford.)
Ben was less then careful opening his... he just wanted to open his fast and see what was inside.
This is Ben's present to Bekah.
Ben loved helping her open it...

Ben was being silly with the stockings...
This is what was in Bekah's big box from Ben... the stroller. She got the boots from Santa too...
Me and my little princess...
This was a good start to a long good day. I was given a NEW CAMERA (so from here on out they will be taken with the new one... Thanks Brittany for letting me use your for so long... it was good to have one!), a roasting pan, new miracle blade knives, candy, soap from Bed, Bath, and Beyond (that is kind of a tradition now... one that I like.)... yep I got spoiled. I think over all the kids got what they wanted too... I am sure that Tony didn't, but he just kept telling me he wanted to get out of debt... so that is what I am going to try and help do this new year...

Christmas Eve!

2009-01-04T15:57:00.001-08:00

Every year on Christmas Eve we go to the Byrne side of the family. We have a simple meal, act out the manger scene like we have for all of my life, and the open presents. Now we do it as the youngest baby in the family is baby Jesus. Bekah is only the youngest that is in town, so that she got to play him for a second time. She loved it. liked being snuggled in the sheet in the cradle. In fact even when we took her out... soon after she went back in. Here are some of the pictures from this event.Erik was a King...
Spencer was Joseph, and Brittany was Mary...
Dawson was a King, Shepherd, and anything that he could get away with.
Aaron was our hip Star. I sent this star home to my family when I was on my mission... I never thought that it would really last this long...
Ashley was the Angel...
Ben didn't want to participate... but doesn't mean that he didn't have fun...
All in all it was another enjoyable night... the kids were really excited about getting Cars, the movie... Thanks Justin and Lori and family. On my side of the family my oldest brother has 4 kids, Amber has 5, Esther has 3, and I have 3 1/2. Devan is also expecting... so there is 15 almost 17 kids.

Yummy Tacos!

2009-01-04T15:49:00.000-08:00

If you know us, then you know that I have very picky eaters... Although each child is either a little less picky or just a different kind of picky. Here Bekah decided that she loved tacos... I first gave her everything just on the plate, but when she saw Mom have a real taco... she insisted on having one just like that. I loved to watch her enjoy it. I get that chance very often. Most of the time it is a whole bunch of complaining and trying to get me to make a hundred different things. That is my biggest frustration... so, this was really nice.

Snow Fun

2009-01-04T15:34:00.000-08:00

We only had the kids that I watch for a few days over the Holiday brake. This was one of the days. While the girls were asleep, the boys went to play in the snow. They couldn't figure out the snow man making, but that didn't hurt the fun any. Here are the pictures that I snatched.Snow Angels...
Trying to walk in snow past your knees...
Snow Balls...

The 1st of many...

2009-01-04T15:01:00.000-08:00

Now This is the beginning of many posts to come... I haven't had time to post about much of Christmas, New Years, Volunteering at the Rescue Mission, and all the in between.

So, here it goes... This is the Hadlock Family Exchange and Party!
Bekah was having a great old time on climbing on Grandpa. She was actually climbing on Grandpa and Dad... jumping in between them and sliding down them. Who needs to really buy a jungle gym... when you have them around.
I didn't realize that this was the only picture that I got of Erik this night... he was all over the place with the cousins. I don't remember what he was doing at this moment either.
I love how this picture turned out with Ben and Dad.
When we arrived we had dinner, hung around talking, playing, singing Christmas songs. Then we opened family presents. Tony gave this hat that we got from Demi-Dos with a flower that I made on it to Emily. I think she looks cute, although the picture doesn't do the hat and flower justice.
Over all it was a very enjoyable evening and Tony's parents were more then generous to us. They gave us a digital frame that I have been wanting... along with other things. The best part was spending good time with the family. Tony's sister has five kids now, so with our 3 1/2 kids their is 8 1/2 kids on the Hadlock side. It made for some good times.

Baby Tracker winner!

2009-01-04T14:27:00.000-08:00

Thanks to those 3 that voted on the Baby Tracker... I think that I am going to go with the winner. Which is the Green Pregnancy Lady one. I have come to terms with it being four days longer on it... Just means that I may go even earlier... cross my fingers! Okay, not to early, just okay if I don't go all the way to 40 weeks. Lol!

Things that I have done

2008-12-26T17:05:00.000-08:00

Things I've Done. To participate just copy and paste in your own blog, and bold all of the things you have done. (in my case...mine are the green)

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen an eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

60 out of 99....Brittany I had to see what I would get... I beat you by 13!

Just Some Thoughts and Feelings

2008-12-26T16:13:00.000-08:00

I will have to be honest about Christmas... I was a little humbug this year. I am not sure if it was the cruise that through me off or the many kids that have been over lately or just the fact that I am pregnant. I just wasn't in the mood to do all the work that is involved and wanted to do more then just simplify this year.

Of course their are other things that come into play here too... the basement is very close to being finished and Tony and I both know that the money needs to go towards that. Plus I believe with our family that the true meaning of Christmas is easily pushed aside. I decided to change that a bit and started a neighborhood charity pool, and volunteer. So, instead of the many neighbor gifts that are given out, we asked people to give to the homeless and then on the 3rd we're taking the items to the shelter and serving them. Many worries have come from what my neighbors really think of my trying to change the tradition, but then I just remember that it doesn't really matter. It is fine with me if I am the only one doing it, but they know where my extra clothes, food, toiliteries, cleaning supplies, and money are going this year. I must say though that I have been amazed and humbled by my neighbors. Many have jumped to the chance to help others, and many have went above and beyond the normal.

Even though I started out being humbugged this year. I have to say that this has been one of the best Christmas times of my life. Now I remember a lot of Christmases over the course of my years... almost 30, but there are 2 now that stick out above the rest. One being when my family had NO money. My dad had been out of a job for years and we lived in a house bigger then we could afford. Somebody did the 12 days of Christmas for us. This wasn't just any 12 days of Christmas. This person went above and beyond. The first day for example was a huge Christmas tree (which we were happy for since we didn't have one) with huge pears neatly hung all over it. Then it ended the night before Christmas with a dinner grander then you can even think of. We were over whelmed that year with the service and generosity of who ever it was doing it. Yes, we tried hard to figure it out, and yes we did get wrapped up in what we'd be getting the next day, but in the end and years later that isn't why it will always be remembered as one of my favorites. It is because of the service.

This year is going to be like that too. Erik wishing that he could go see us take all this stuff to the shelter (Although they said no small kids... for good reason). It's been about giving this year. Yes, of course our kids got gifts, and and yes everything on their very short and exact lists to Santa. Even with that it was more about the giving, and the time we got to spend together this year.

I don't mind that our Christmas tree lights were all broken when we put the tree up 2 days before Christmas... or that any lights didn't work this year, or that we can't get out of the drive way because of huge amount of snow, or that I had to do my shopping a few days before Christmas to have no kids with me. Why? It's because we had a tree with all the other trimmings, we didn't let the snow stop us if we wanted to go any where (I didn't have to be to the bus stop 3 times a day, and Tony was home to drive everywhere else.), and at least we were able to have presents that were just right for each person. I am so grateful for my family and for my neighbors. People make life meaningful.

Thank you for all the love and support this Christmas. Thank you for putting up with me and letting me into your lives. I love where I live. I love my husband. I love my kids. I know that none of this would be here if it wasn't for my Savior Jesus Christ. Thank you for giving your life for me, for every one that I know, or have met, or will meet, and the billions that I will never meet. Thank you for your loving sacrifice that is the true meaning of Christmas and what it is all about.

This has turned out to be a great Christmas!

On the ninth day of Christmas I got all of this...

2008-12-17T11:45:00.000-08:00

On the ninth day of Christmas I got all of this...

12 stinky diapers,
11 sticky spots on the floor,
10 prayers for help,
9 kicking tantums,
8 meals in a day,
7 crying children,
6 crafts to hang on the frig,
5 more loads of laundry to do,
4 more spills and messes,
3 minutes to breathe,
2 crystal candlesticks broken
2 broken dishes
1 broken table
and
1 broken changing table

Okay, I am trying to make fun of my day, but it is only 1:30pm and all of these things have seriously happened already today. I am trying to get a breather while I vent for a minute. I love kids, but is it really necessary for them to destroy everything in there path?!? I am starting to wonder if I have lost all control today. Please tell me that I am not the only one out there that feels this way!

Okay, I am going back to it now... thanks for listening to me rant and rave.

Here is my solution for now... I took them all down stairs into our just carpeted basement and let them run around the center 10 times or more to get all that built up energy out. Then I put two of the girls down for there late nap (of course not planned that way...).

Of course it didn't totally work.. Kambree peed her pants again sometime while she was running, and they still have been fighting a bit. Hopefully they had fun and will brake less stuff though.

I am having a...

2008-12-13T14:33:00.000-08:00

Okay, Okay... so I hope everyone made their guesses already. Boy or Girl. My guess was a Boy! Tony's was a Girl! So, who was right...

YEP.. Tony... I am having a GIRL!

I was totally shocked. Not in a bad way. I want another girl, but I totally thought I was having a boy and so when she told me that it was a girl.. I asked her if she was positive that she didn't see anything extra there. It was for sure a girl though. So, we're looking for a spunky name to call her. I have felt her for at least a month already and she is active. So, if you have any ideas let me know. We are wanting to use a family name as the middle... maybe Angela or Elaine if we can find a good first to go with it. I am right on with the date... or she is a week bigger. She is healthy and growing properly!

Wesley this one is for you!

2008-12-13T14:22:00.000-08:00

My friend Wesley is in London with her husband and I was able to help her out by watching her kids for a few days. It was a lot of fun having them here. Aside from the crazy moments and all the ear infections I think that it went pretty well. They are well mannered kids. Thank you Wesley for letting have them here in my home. Sorry that these are so late to get posted.

While all the boys were at school, the girls had a pretzel snack and watched Baby Bach. My camera wasn't fast enough to get them all looking at the same time. I told them to say cheese, they'd look quick, say it and turn their heads back.

I caught Owen in the middle of play and he didn't want to be serious with just a smile...

I love how Leah just peeks up at you. I bet she is loving not having Bekah surprise her with a hit now and then.
Thanks again Wesley. Have a wonderful flight home.

It's been SEVEN years!?!

2008-12-12T16:46:00.000-08:00

Yep, we had our seventh wedding anniversary last Sunday. Which we celebrated mostly on the cruise. May I just say that I love this man! I wish that I was better at expressing how I really feel. I was going to go back and post some pictures of when we knew each other from our missions, and then some from the wedding, but since we didn't have digital cameras in our possession back then... it is a lot more work then I have time for right now. So, instead I have some of my most current favorites of my Hunny.

Tony is a great father. Here he is with Bekah in the hospital. Daddy's little girl. I love to see the kids light up when Dad comes home. Erik loves to play games with Daddy-Dad, and Ben loves to snuggle him when ever he can get a chance. I am grateful to have a man that cares about his children a great deal.
Tony has always loved vacations, and as you can see he enjoyed our last one. As I did too. Isn't he cute! I knew that he was the man for me after the first couple of times that we hung out after our missions. As we were feeling the same, it was a quick from there out. Here we now expecting our fourth kid (Yes, I did find out and I will post soon about that...). Amazing how time flies. My love for Tony has only grown. Thanks Tony for being my Hunny and I am excited for what the future holds for us. 123 Forever!

Picture Tag

2008-12-10T06:36:00.000-08:00

Here we go... I was tagged by my friend Sara. Here is the fourth picture from the fourth file and now I'll explain it. This is Bekah and Erik right after Erik and Ben's big birthday bash last June. It was a Buzz Light Year and Woody party and everyone was dressed up to look like them. I like how Erik is posing, and Bekah's smile is priceless.Okay, I tag... Rachel, Heather, Allison, Brittany, and Kathryn.

Last of the Cruise shots... I sware!

2008-12-08T10:44:00.000-08:00

Here we are back to San Diego. This is my brother heading to get a ride to the air port. We got of the boat at about 11am. When was our flight.... 6pm that night... so what did we end up doing?... Saying bye to the boat...
Kissing American Soil...
Taking our luggage back to the hotel that we stayed at before we left... Tony had a connection there, so they held our bags for us. We went below and looked at the old safe (it used to be an old bank).

Here is Tony using the phone booth... yep, still works.
Then we walked around the huge out door mall, got some food, just after this a man stopped us to resit some poems to us for some money. I was annoyed because of my pregnancy bladder needed to be unloaded. Then as we were about to be able to pull away... I got a prompting to give him my Book of Mormon that I had in my purse. Sad to say that my first reaction was that didn't the spirit understand that I needed to pee! But I gave in to my feeling and put the church web site inside it and gave it to him. My friend Lizza and I bore our testimony to him and ran to the bathroom.

We ended up going to Twilight since it was the only moving playing in the right time frame. I haven't read the books yet. The movie was better then I thought it would be. Then we went back to get our luggage and headed off to the airport. After a safe trip home I got to see my kids. Since they've had every emotion with me. Shown with winning, crying, smiles, and tantrums. They were really good while I was gone, I am not sure if they just needed to let it all out or what... I will be glad when things are able to get back to normal here.

Towel Animals

2008-12-08T10:40:00.000-08:00

I loved coming in at night and seeing the different animals that our cleaning people left us. This first was my favorite. Isn't he cute!?!

Did you guess what they all were?

Ensenada Excersion

2008-12-08T09:29:00.000-08:00

Does this boat look familiar? It looks kind of weird since I took the picture from the bus window... but if you guessed the Black Pearl from Pirates of the Caribbean.. you're right. They said that it was just waiting to get sent to Miami to make another movie.In Ensenada we did the Taste of Mexico excursion... best thing that we could of done. After the short tour we went to a restaurant.. Mango Mango and had a cooking class. Here is what we started with.
Yummy peppers...
This is the chef that taught us... he was really funny and gave many people a hard time.
Yummy... more peppers.
We first made salsa, and then made that into guacamole, and then we made tomales and tostadas. Tony's favorite part was getting a drink with mango and pina colada. We all got certificates saying that we passed the class. It had all the recipes on the back... Here is my Dad sporting his.
Then we went shopping. This was a much better experience here. They were a bit more reasonable, and we found some nice pull overs for the boys, and a dress for Bekah (we did get a purse for Bekah in Cabo too). Here is Andrew sporting a hat and his new pull over. (he didn't get the hat).
My Mom really wanted to get a guatar that she found for $70... Tony helped them find the best one... They ended up getting it for $6o or so.
Over all it was a fun time in Ensenada... We were limited on what we could do because of me being pregnant... But I was glad that we did this cooking class. The excursions sure did wear us out... they all calapsed on the bed...

Cabo part two

2008-12-08T08:52:00.000-08:00

This is when we headed for the bus or the by land part of our excursion. Tony was asking his brother to pose for a picture when our tour guide came by and posed for him... he was a fun guy.First we went to see them blow glass. Way cool... This is him starting out.
Then they blow it into shape.. can you tell what it will be yet?
Then they kind of turned it over and shaped the neck.
Placed a handle on it... Yep you guess it right... a pitcher to hold liquid.
This is a tree that they did mostly our of blown glass ornaments... I wish that I could of taken home enough ornaments to put on my tree... I doubt they would of made it home though.
Then they took us to a restaurant... just for a drink and a good view.

Then onto the shopping... Although shopping in Cabo sucked. Yep, everything was way over priced and they were mean about the bartering that they expected you to do. We did find this store called Big Tony... That was pretty funny.
Then we went to a cactus farm. It had hundreds of types... this is my dad taking a picture of me the same time as I was of him.
These are my favorites...
This purple one was so neat I would put it in my yard if I could find it again...
For a moment I forgot that I was in Mexico...
After the tour, we still braved the streets and bartered a bit. This family played music for money. The kid was awesome.
I am sure they get most of there tips because of this kid... we even gave him a bit.
Next time we go to Cabo... the beaches are were we will be...

Cabo part one

2008-12-08T08:24:00.000-08:00

We arrived in Cabo on our third day. The area was gorgeous. This is my favorite picture of the pelicans. Here is Tony on the small boat that took us onto the land.
Here is Tony with his Mom, sister, and brother. (His dad didn't come because of his oxygen unit).

Our excursion that we took was.. Cabo by land and sea.... This is the sea part... here is our mom's on the tour boat.
Tony with a view...
A sail boat with the view.
Here I am with our ship in the background.
Emily and I.
My Parents.

It was a lot of fun to see all the views... I wont share them all here. Trust me it was pretty.

Second day on the boat!

2008-12-07T13:36:00.000-08:00

A lot happened on this day, although we didn't get very many pictures. This is Tony and I right after we changed out of our formal wear that we wore for dinner. We ran into some friends in the hall...Here are the friends that we ran into... Christie, Prime, and Anna...
After this we all went to karaoke... which was a bit to serious, most people that sang, could really sing... and didn't ham it up at all and I think that is the most entertaining. Below is Prime with all the single women that went with us on the cruise.. most of them are fans of Veronica Mars.... I couldn't pass up the picture though.
Here is Tony singing... He was a bit disappointed since his voice was shot from being sick... He still did a great job.

After this we split up.. Tony went to play cards with the guys and I went to watch the show that was going on. Then I met up with him and stayed up way to late waiting for him. We only had brought his key and I knew that I'd fall asleep before he made it and he'd be stuck outside the room... so I waited.

On our way..

2008-12-07T13:23:00.000-08:00

Tony is here waiting for the boat to leave...This is after our safety thing... we ran out to see the boat depart... and ran into my parents...I made them take this picture.... hehe.. I love it!
So, they had us take this one...
Tony is pulling faces in almost every one that we took of him...
The San Diego port that we just pulled away from...
This coast guard led us out of the bay and made sure that everyone stayed clear.. he was quite the show off... and that gun...
Here I am with the sun set and the wind blown hair...
While we were out there we finally ran into my cousin Marcie and her friend Steve. Marcie now lives in San Diego, but she is from my family in Ohio. It's been a long time. It was so good to see her and get to spend some time with her. They were so much fun.
Here we are with more of us...
My mom got cold.. I told her she looks like a nun. We laughed...

The night was followed by a wonderful meal in the dining hall, an introduction for those fans for Veronica Mars that still came even though it was canceled, and a night to get used to the rocking....

Flight, Hotel, Here we go!

2008-12-07T12:51:00.000-08:00

My Dad came to get the kids, took them to eat and then dropped them off at my brothers house. My sister took us to air port. Yep, when we go on vacation everyone is effected! We flew out to San Diego on Friday with some friends and Tony's family. It was a pretty good flight except for the poor kid hacking up a lung the whole way there. Tony and I realized that we haven't flown together since our honeymoon seven years before. Tony has been on many since then for business and 3 years ago I went to my brothers wedding in Navoo, but other then that it is the first time together since then. (In fact almost exactly because as I am writing this... it is our 7 year anniversary.) So, when we got into San Diego... we took a taxi (my first) to the hotel and got settled in, then we went to dinner. The next morning Tony and I relaxed in our room and watched Momma Mia. Then my family got there from the airport. Here is my dad... My mom fell asleep, and here is Devan and Ronna...

Tony is excited... that is my dad's head in front of him...Here we go to the ship... This is me in front of our home for the next five days...

A few shots from before Thanksgiving..

2008-12-07T12:24:00.000-08:00

Bekah really wanted to take a bath and wasn't about to wait for me! She jumped right in and started playing.. I was glad that she waited a bit to turn on the water...We were able to have a play date the Friday before Thanksgiving. Erik has wanted his friend to come over for a long time. It was the same day that I was in charge of the ward play group that morning and so they got to decorate the cookies that I had left over...
Have you seen these cereal straws that are just like those cookies? Well, my kids love them of course... isn't she a cutie..
Tony got to play some games with Erik and then they had a tickling match.. I think Tony won.
The Wednesday before Thanksgiving, I had all six kids (plus one) and no school, so we got creative. Here they're wearing their Indian hats. It's their hand print colored and cut out to be the feathers...
The packing was crazy... It is a lot harder to pack for 3 kids (that would eventually not be together), trying to figure out what to wear when you've been pregnant only in the winter and you're in between sizes (Thanks to all who let me borrow clothes!), trying to wrap things up, and spend as much time with the kids as possible. Bekah loved my suitcase. She kept playing peek-a-boo in it.

Home at last...

2008-12-05T09:46:00.000-08:00

I'm home! I will be honest it was a nice brake, but really hard to be away from the kids. I will be posting all the pictures when I get caught up on the laundry, shipping, and time with my kids. But for those who are curious... Since I couldn't call from Mexico and talk to the kids I had the people watching my kids post to a blog called Cruising the Seas. If you would like to see it.. the link is http://cruisingtheseas.blogspot.com/
I am so glad that I set it up and that everyone that had my kids were so willing to post to it almost every day. It would of been a lot harder if I didn't have it. It made my day being able to see what they were up to. There are some really cute pictures. Thank you guys for posting and taking such good care of my kids for me! The internet was really expensive on the boat and really slow, so there aren't that many posts from me. I will make up for that when I can. Thanks again Rochelle, Crystal, Wesley, Brittany, Justin and Lori! Plus Allen and Dave for painting our basement while we were gone... it looks awesome! Carpet will be in soon!

Family Preparedness

2008-11-24T11:42:00.001-08:00

Have you ever seen or heard of people cooking from apple boxes!?! Well, in an emergency you can! The right amount of coals under the rack with your food on it and an apple box on top can give you the same temperature as an oven. So, on a Sunday evening not to far off, we made these with my family. My Dad has been making sure that we're all prepared. So, here we are...This is my sister Amber...
This is my brother Justin, his wife Lori and my Dad...
This is my brother Dallan and his wife Amelia... (She hates pictures)
The cousins all got to play together and had a blast! I bought this dress for Bekah and just meant to try it on... and when I went to take it off because it was to big, she wouldn't let me...
This is Dawson...
Bekah on the chair... they were all getting spun around...
Dawson and Easton spinning Ben in the chair...

The kids love going to Grandma and Grandpas house. They are very upset if we don't go every Sunday. We love you guys! Thanks for helping us be prepared.

Cool New Boots!

2008-11-17T17:14:00.000-08:00

Erik loves his new boots. He insisted that I take a picture.. and then a close up. You can't really tell but the shirt that he's wearing is a transformer one that he payed for himself... since it wasn't really a need when we went shopping and I didn't have enough money for the needs and extras... Still feel a little guilty about making him buy it by himself, but it's a teaching experience right? (Ben got a blue one.)
I love this kid. He is very thoughtful, caring, and learning so much these days at school. Which he loves. He loves having a lot of friends. He keeps telling me that everyone in his class knows his name... although then I ask him if he knows everyones names and he says no. I think that the social adjustment in school has settled down and I am so grateful for that. I had forgotten how difficult it was in kindergarten.

I am so grateful to have Erik in my family and to be able to watch him grow in so many ways. I am glad that he has good friends and that they keep learning everyday how to be better friends.

Erik had the Primary Program this last Sunday and he was so excited. He practiced his line and the songs a lot to make sure that he had them down. Then the night before he made sure that he called Grandma and Grandpa to remind them to come. I was woken that morning to his face right in front of mine and him asking "Aren't you so excited?!?". I love it. He did so well with his line and sang really loud on all the songs. I love how he's growing out of his shyness.

Erik thank you for being my son, and being in our family. You did great on your Primary Program.

Solving a Problem...

2008-11-12T15:59:00.000-08:00

We have had the same coat rack since we got married (not shown... sold it already at the garage sale). It was one of those sticks with the post coming out of it... I loved it, but it wasn't covering our needs any more. So, we saw this at Ikea, and as soon as we could... we got it. I love it and it has been such a life saver. I have been training the kids to put all there stuff in it. Other then not being able to find Erik's back pack at the moment.. it has been easier to keep track of things.
Then I went threw all of the winter hats, gloves, and such and made sure that the kids at least have one each.... preparing to go shopping.. which was explained in an earlier post... Ben, kept them on for the rest of the day... in the house. He told me he was going to pray for snow to come soon... oh, boy... do we really want more snow yet!?!

The morning after the candy feast...

2008-11-12T15:43:00.000-08:00

Since the kids got so much candy, I wanted them to have a good breakfast before they jumped in with the candy...We had scrambled eggs, bacon, and orange juice.It started out normal and then I think the Halloween came back out in them...

There eyes got all buggy.. maybe they had to much candy already!

The truth is they got these at the Halloween Party in the pinatas... We all had a great laugh!

Halloween Day...

2008-11-12T14:30:00.000-08:00

On Halloween day... we had a fun filled day. The 3 older boys, Erik, Cayden, and Devin got to wear there costumes to school for there parties. I missed the parade from running late.. Erik still tells me how I missed it...oops. Then they came home, we ate lunch, wrestled, cleaned, and ran over to the neighborhood Halloween party... It was so fun for all the kids.. and there were a lot of kids... They got to slide ....Bekah got to play with cups... which kept her busy for at least 20 mins. Just putting them inside one another and taking them apart... this makes me wonder why I spend any money on toys...
Erik was having a blast until soon after he got hurt on his lip... he didn't handle it real well, but got going again near the end of the party. This was one of the games... eating dough nuts off the string with out using your hands.
Bekah liked this bowling one with the cups... the girls that did the party... did a lot and were really creative.

I actually didn't have my camera.. (in fact I was horrible with the picture taking all day) I stole my friends and made her send some to me. At the end they did 3 pinatas and had fancy cup cakes. Yum!

After that the other kids went home with Grandma and I took the kids to the trunk or treat. Which was crazy big this year! Tony always meets us there from work and then he passes out the candy while I take the kids around. Although the boys didn't want to wait for the few minutes late Dad and I let them go for a few minutes by themselves near by. Then Tony came and I took Bekah around looking for the boys as we went... they made it back soon after me and told him that they went to every car.. but that was only one side of the parking lot. Bekah hit every car in the whole place and got really good at saying please or "pees". I think people gave her extra because she was so cute. She was really good at only taking one piece when they let her pick, but if they didn't let her do that or put it right into her hand (so she could place it into her own bucket) then she thought they didn't give her one and she made them give her another. She learned quickly how to work the system.

I then went back, got the boys and tried to race them around to hit the other cars for them... they also did pretty well... Then we all went back to our house and continued the traditions.. we had some friends over and ate Tony's chili and I had made his mom's wassail. Which are both really good on a cold night.. although this Halloween wasn't cold now was it.. The kids got to have mummy dogs.. then like usual the kids go back out with dad. Although my kids were the only ones that wanted to this year... especially Bekah! Tony said that when they got to a house with the lights off they passed it. The first one Bekah looked confused but let them pass it.. the second one though... she grunted and marched up to the door and knocked anyways determined to get candy from every house. I told you she learned how to work the system... lol.

They all had a blast and were worn out at the end of the day.. although none of them wanted the day to end. Our friends were going to watch The Nightmare Before Christmas at there house after wards and Erik was upset that we were being party poopers and decided not to go. Don't feel to bad for him though.. they invited him to watch a movie the next day.

Thanks for every one that shared Halloween with us. It was a blast and I can't wait until next years.. although I think that our candy stash will last... Here are a few pictures of the party at the house... here the kids are playing together..
Here are my kids after they got home from all the trick or treating...
Here is the tired out dirty cow... the bum is still my favorite on her costume ...

Um, another Halloween Post!

2008-11-12T08:51:00.000-08:00

Ben was really excited the Thursday before Halloween to go to school and have the Halloween Party. He insisted on wearing the mask, but the compromise was to lift it so it wasn't right on the face.... This is Ben with Mrs. Patty (his teacher).
This is Ben and his "best friend"...

This is Ben riding to the party on his big wheel. He loves the big wheel and he is really fast on it. At first when he started riding his wheels all over, and to and from the bus stop.. I wasn't looking forward to waiting for him everyday... although soon he got faster then me...
Ben is growing so fast and loves going to school. I am so grateful for his hugs, kisses, and that he "loves all people". He is very loving and usually if he is mean to someone, he doesn't realize how rough he's being. I love having him our family!

Pumpkin Tradition

2008-11-09T14:21:00.000-08:00

We have had traditions that stick and ones that don't. Carving pumpkins is one that has stuck and we've done it every year. I love to do this. Even though I am the one that seems to have to clean out the inside of every pumpkin and it makes a huge mess. I love it. I love cooking the seeds after wards. I love seeing the kids get excited and come up with all of there own ideas. I love Halloween! We carved the pumpkins this year the Monday before Halloween for FHE. Tony was a little later then planned, but all went well except for Ben fell asleep on the floor. We tried to wake him up and get him all excited again to do the pumpkins. He wasn't having it... he was walking around, came over to the table even, and then made a sharp turn and sleepily climbed up and over the back of the couch and fell back to sleep like this....
We then decided that we should just put the poor kid to bed... Tony saved his pumpkin to carve later with him... they ended up coloring on them instead later in the week.. I just realized that I don't have pictures of that:(Bekah didn't realize what we were getting into at this point, she was really excited since Erik was so excited. Erik had the best time. He had been planning the face on his pumpkin for weeks. This day couldn't of come fast enough....

Bekah's finished product... (Tony helped her)
Erik's finished product....
Then here is my pumpkin...

Besides that fact that we were missing Ben, it was an enjoyable time.

Bubbles

2008-11-09T13:48:00.000-08:00

The boys had asked if we could do bubbles and the neighborhood kids also brought bubble stuff over, and the kids that I watch brought some bubbles also on that same day. So, on one of the last warm days of the season, we got to have some bubble fun. These are the pictures that I took...

A Mother's Day

2008-11-07T19:38:00.000-08:00

Okay, this is one of those.. letting out stress and frustration kind of post, so I can understand if stop reading right here.

Right now my kids are fighting sleep and giving me every excuse in the book to stay up and after the day that we had.. I am trying to just be patient and wait it out until they're asleep and I can recharge for tomorrow. (Does anyone else have issues with relaxing until you know that they're all fast asleep?) Anyways, that is what is going on right now, but let me tell you about the day that we've had...

My day started with trying to get Erik off to school on time as he not only dragged his feet (like he always does in the morning), but also gave me a lot of attitude and many different answers of why he wouldn't do the things that he knew he needed to. Example: Will you get dressed please? I don't want to go to school today.. (This being after we went together to triple R night at the school and he told me how excited that he was to go to school in the morning.) This was just one of many. So, then I finally got him fully dressed and made him eat cereal out of bag on the rush to the bus stop... since we're so late.

Another thing to note it that I didn't have the extra kids today, so I had high hopes of getting a lot done. I made sure the night before to prepare for todays happenings and even got all the coupons organized so that I could hit the sales. Plus yesterday I had my cleaning lady come and so the majority of my house was pretty clean.

With that... I believe that Bekah isn't used to being so clean and was on a mission to mess it up again. First she riped all of Erik's school info and sight word flash cards all over the table and floor...
Gotta love the cuteness.. but AAAHHHHH!!!Then she got a hold of the coupons.. pulled them all out of the nicely organized box and dumped them up all over floor... all while I left into the office for a min. to get the sales off of pinching your pennies. So, needless to say, I didn't go hit the sales today. I followed Bekah around all morning cleaning up messes.. I am determined to keep the house as clean as possible.

Then when Erik got off the bus we were off to my mom's. Tony and I have planned to go to lunch every other Friday when I don't have the kids. My mom watched the kids, and lunch was nice. (from here my plan was to then go run errands and get the kids some clothes.) But since we decided to go in one car, my hunny needed to run some errands before I took him back to work. Which wouldn't of been a problem, but it we ended up taking him back to work at 4... we didn't start at noon, we started close to 2. Anyways, then I started my errands at 4.

I had to run to Micheals and check to see if I could find an exact flower... something that for normal people would only take a moment to do... my kids were fighting with each other and had to make sure that they were in front of the cart or on the side and tipping it over threw the whole store. The grand finale being at the check out line Ben saw gum that he wanted and when I said No, you have gum in your Halloween candy at home.. he threw the biggest tantrum that he has ever done in public. One lady that was observing told me to hang in there. I think she was proud of me for saying no, lol. Outside of the store, the boys didn't wait for me and jetted out into the parking lot in front of cars.

Now this is were you say.. you must of went home, but no... I pressed on knowing that I don't make it down to Orem ever any more, and didn't know the next time that I would. I went then to Mervins, I needed coats and clothes for the kids and wanted to take advantage of the going out of business sales. (Which by the way are only 30% right now... I bet they'll get better.) The boys wanted me to take the double stroller so that they could take turns in it with Bekah... the problem that I found is that Mervins is not made for a double stroller! It had been so long that I've been to a store like that... I had forgotten. I made another realization in there today too... they price the boys clothes double what the toddler clothes are! My boys are both in the XS boys shirts and still in 5T pants, so we went to both sections... let me just say I am so thankful that they fit in 5T pants! I would hate to spend $30 on one pair! Coats with the discount would of been $45... fI couldn't bring myself to do that either.... I did find 2 pairs of pants for each of the boys, a dress for Bekah, and a shirt for each of the boys... plus they each really wanted transformer T-shirts, and I told them that wasn't a need right now and that I could only afford the needs right now (there are just to many needs).. I told them that they could use the money from there piggy banks to pay for them. They both decided they wanted them bad enough so that is what they did.

After that, we stopped by Pebbles in My Pocket to look for a certain brad (that they didn't have in). Here they had toys and so they were sad that this was a quick trip.. in fact Bekah was determined to stay. We then got McDonald's for the kids to eat on the way back, and so that I could brave one last stop at Old Navy... the kids really needed coats! After a while of fussy kids, and more tantrums.. we finally left there with 2 coats (at 50% off), 2 sweaters for the boys, a dress, 2 pants, and a shirt for Bekah, and 3 PJ's.. one for each one of them. Let me just say this is the first time that I have needed to buy a new season of clothes for all 3. Wow! We then went home, unloaded, and they got into there new PJ's (although Erik took all the tags and such off his and then we realized that when he placed them back on the rack before deciding to really get them.. he picked up a 2T the second time... so we'll be going back tomorrow... *sigh*

Then that brings us to now... when the kids have been interrupting this whole time that I've been writing and it is now 45 min. later and they have just now stopped making noise in there room.

Now I am sorry to complain, but it was sure nice to get that out. Some times I just need to vent. Thanks for those that listened.. or I guess read.

Halloween Customes

2008-11-07T09:39:00.000-08:00

Okay, this took place the week before Halloween. Tony did a serves project in the morning while I took all the kids to Super Saturday, then to my parents to finish up the last of the garage selling. Then onto a Halloween party at Tony's work to make an appearance (For which Tony met up with us for), and then off to the ward Halloween Party (While Tony did a freelance job). Here are the kids in there costumes. These turned out a lot better then the ones on Halloween. Here is Erik as Thomas the Train... Bekah as a Cow (Monica if you ever want to borrow this one let me know!)....
I love the stuffing in the tummy and bum...
Here is Ben as Spiderman and with the killer muscles!

I will get Halloween on here soon..