June 28th!!!!!!! REMEMBERING

Here we have pictures of Mayah. The first one is when she was about a month old. The next is right after she was born and the third is our big two year old today.

I know we already celebrated Mayah's birthday but I had to post about her TRUE day. I can't believe it has been two years. What a day it was on June 28th, 2006. We were so happy to be having another girl. You can never have too many princesses. But soon after she was born there was some difficulties and she had to be ambulanced to another hospital that was capable of taking care of her. We are so grateful it was only for a couple of days. What a blessing it is to have her. She is so full of life and has such character to her personality. And yes if anyone wants to know she has that typical red headed fiesty attitude too. I wonder where she gets that? :) Mayah--------we are so lucky to have you in our family. What a joy it has been these last two years. Happy birthday sweetie. WE love you.

more pictures

Summer Updates in Washington State

HOLY COW.......We are having a blast. There is a ton of fun and work to keep us busy for quite some time. So many things have taken place that I don't even know where to begin. Don was here for 11 days and he accomplished so much. He used the tractor to pull down a tree. He plowed a large area and cleaned and raked it up and planted grass. He fixed the picnic table. He took the kids to Grand Coulee Dam. We went miniature golfing. Don had a campout and cook out in the yard and since there was no room in the tent for him he slept on a mattress under the stars. He started a fire and the kids roasted hotdogs and ate smores and Don taught them how to make bread on a stick from Bisquick. The kids had a blast doing that. He also changed out a couple of door knobs for my parents and he helped put in a new dishwasher. Don was so sad to have to go home. He said he needed more time to finish some more projects. It was so much fun with him here and he didn't want to go back. We miss you already babe.

The kids have done alot of things already. The best part about coming to Grandma and Grandpa's house is all the things they learn. My dad fixed up a motorized scooter for the kids. They planted flowers in the back. They picked peas. They rode the tractor. They picked strawberries. They got to visit with a llama. WOW. There is so much. I know that my kids are extremely lucky to be able to spend the summer here where they get to experience so much and learn so much and be with people they love. These times are definately going to be memories built that they never forget. SO here are the pictures. THere is alot but it has been awhile since I have updated. I miss all of you back in Virginia but I have to tell you that I miss this place even more when I am not here. This will always be home.

HAPPY FATHERS DAY

I love celebrating special days like this because it helps me to really think about another person and what things I love and appreciate about them. I should do it all the time but this helps me. I have an amazing father and have been blessed tremendously. I also have a wonderful and patient and understanding husband. What more could a girl want? Reasons I love my dad and reasons I love my husband.

Dad

1. I love you because you are a great example.
2. You work so hard for us.
3. The way you are so optimistic.
4. Family means EVERYTHING to you.
5. You know just what to say.
6. You would do anything for anyone.
7. Your amazing touch and ability with children.
8. Your magnetism that attracts others to you.
9. Your ability to see good things in bad circumstances.
10. You are never concerned about you. You are always so concerned about others.

You are amazing Dad and you have a lot of qualities that many people admire. And I want you to know how much I love and appreciate you and all you have done. Thanks for always being there for us and making the memories that you did. HAPPY FATHERS DAY.

Reasons I love my husband:

Don

1. I love you because you are so patient with me.
2. You know how to cheer me up and help me to become better.
3. You work very hard for us.
4. Even when things get tough and you fall----you still get right back up.
5. You enjoy doing things in the outdoors.
6. The tender way that you treat me.
7. You listen. You hear me when I am upset.
8. Your ability to work full time (actually more than full time sometimes) and still be able to help around the house.
9. I love that you have so much knowledge about a lot of things. SO basically you are pretty darn stickin smart. But don't let it get to your head.
10. I love that you have a testimony and that you lead your family in righteousness.

I LOVE YOU BABE and I am so happy that we found each other and that we are able to live our life together raising these amazing kids together. You are so awesome and amazing. I know I don't tell you enough but I do truly love and appreciate you.

OK so since I guess I will talk about me too (from Denise's blog)

WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
NO

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
Yesterday (I know I am a baby)

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING
No and neither did the cooks when I was a waitress

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
turkey or ham

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
Yes. 5 to be exact

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
I have no clue. I am pretty weird. So who knows.

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A Lot?
Too often

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS
Yes.

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
I really don't think so. All depends on how much money is involved.

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
I normally eat oatmeal every morning.

No. No shoe laces on flip flops.

12. DO YOU THINk you 're strong?
I know I am. Anyone want to arm wrestle. You'll lose.

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Depends on my mood. I like alot of kinds but just don't eat it much.

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
Their faces. I admire people who smile alot.

15. RED OR PINK?
Red.

16. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
I have so many. Ummm I wish I were more patient with the kids.

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST
My family.

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU?
Like Denise said, Just blog it.

19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
Black capri's (doesn't the color black supposed to make you look thinner?) NO SHOES

20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?
Hummus with pitta bread (Denise you copy cat)

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
kids fighting and trying to ignore it

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
GREEN

23. FAVORITE SMELLS?
baby wearing baby lotion

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
My friend and business partner.

25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?
Yes!

26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
OK so just in case Don sees this I have to say the Steelers or Penguins (did I get any points for this Don)

27. HAIR COLOR?
Red/Auburn

28. EYE COLOR?
Blue

29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
I wish. They really dry my eyes out but maybe I will try again soon.

30 FAVORITE FOOD?
I don't have any favorites but I just love to eat. I am trying to change this but I am having a hard time finding something nearly as satisfying.

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGs
Happy Endings.

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
I am sorry. I am not a movie person. Give me some games or something active and I am happy.

33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
GREEN

34. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Summer. Don't like to be cold

35. HUGS OR KISSES?
Let me see. All depends on who is giving them :)

36. FAVORITE DESSERT?
Cherry breeze pie or chocolate (depends on my mood)

37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
NO IDEA

38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND
NO idea either

39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
NO time for books right now....actually I can't sit still long enough to get it finished.

40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
No mouse pad.

41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV.Late LAST NIGHT?
Nothing.

42. FAVORITE SOUND
sometimes it is birds singing, sometimes the ocean, sometimes my kids, sometimes it is just NO NOISE.

43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
neither.......sorry I am a country girl.

44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
Morocco

45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
I really don't have many.

46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Ontario, OR.

47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK?
Everyone

48. If you could go back and major in something else or do something else career wise what would it be? That is a hard one. Have to have more time to think.

WE'RE OUTTA HERE

YEAH. We are leaving early in the morning and won't be back for almosst 2 months. YEE HAW. I am not too sure about getting everyone up before 3 a.m. though but hopefully they will be so tired they will sleep on the airplane.

A few pictures from the last couple of days.

Saturday: Don moved all the furniture and cleaned the carpets. HOLY COW. What a difference. You are awesome babe.

Sunday: Don made french toast and let all the kids choose a cookie cutter to shape their french toast. OK so this is why everyone always wants their dad. They are still loving every minute of him. They fight over who sits by him at dinner. They fight over him putting them to bed. And this is what Don says, "guys, mom is sad that no one wants to sit by her". UMMMM actually it is pretty darn nice. I do the day time lovin' and he can do the night time lovin'.

Monday: Caleb had a recorder concert. He did fabulous. The school does a recorder karate. For every song they learn and pass off they get a colored string to tie at the end of their recorder. Caleb passed all of his off and received his black belt. They had the whole class perform and then just the black belts. Caleb was very excited. His brothers and sisters couldn't stop waving to him.

Tues. Well all we are doing today is packing and cleaning. OH SO FUN. :)

Well you all have a great time roasting here while I go back and enjoy DRY open areas. I will take pictures of our fun their and post them. Keep me updated on all your summer fun.

ASTA LAVISTA

Should I leave Mayah in Washington until next year?

OK so I have had my tickets that I bid on priceline for a long time. Mayah is a lap child so it didn't cost anything. Don is leaving the same day but on a different flight (no time to be on my flight because we didn't know when he was having his vacation). So we thought Don could take Mayah there and I would bring her back. That is fine and the airline OK'd it but because she is turning 2 in the middle of the flight I have to buy her a ticket for her return flight. And each of our tickets were only $250 from priceline but for a one way to get Mayah back home will cost $500. I can't even believe this. We leave in 2 days and I have to get her a one way ticket now. Well me being the big baby I am I cried. Do you think they will lower the price if I cry on the phone? What bad news to ruin my day.

Early Birthday celebration

We decided to celebrate Mayah's birthday early so Don could be here with us. We didn't want to have to worry about buying presents in Moses Lake and worrying about if they would fit in our luggage to bring home. So we chose tonight to celebrate even though her day is not until the 28th. But she knew it was "her day". She loved it and she had so much fun. I made her a bathtub cake. The faucet needs some help but as long as the ducks have room to swim that is all that matters. Can't believe she is almost 2. WOW how time flies. What a fun little girl she is. She has so much expression and personality. I think this might be my favorite age. Her favorite things to do........go to the park, climb (she climbs anything including out of her crib), eating, Dora, dancing, riding her tricycle. Her favorite things to say are.....you be nice, I do it, no want bed, go potty (even though she NEVER goes when I give her the chance), wanna movie, wanna dwink (want a drink). And something I find very funny is that she says mom after every single sentence. SO she would say "no want bed, mom", I do it, mom", go outside, mom". Sometimes it gets to the point where you can't understand her because she talks fast and then adds the "mom" at the end. Well Mayah, Happy Birthday girl. You are a wonderful blessing to us and we are so happy you are a part of our lives (and yes even when you wake up 3 or 4 times a night). You're a keeper.

GOING BUGGY

Last night Zach had his 1st grade musical. It was so cute. He was all dressed up like such a cute little bug. Here he is. Way to go Zach on your singing and your performing. You are the cutest bug I have ever seen.

summer fun with friends

I LOVE summer. It means NO school for the kids. It means so much fun. It means spending more time with my kids WITHOUT worrying about homework. It means time with friends. But most importantly it means we get to go back to Washington and be with family. I LOVE IT. There is so much room for the kids to run and so much for them to explore and do. They kids can hardly wait. Only 8 more days. YEAH. Can't wait to see my new niece. And the kids are excited to visit their cousins. Here are just a few pictures of the kids today. They had Mia and Maggie Merchant over to play. Rachel and Mia are so funny. They had this huge plan to have me be the baby and they were the mom's. They put me to bed and had me take a "nap". I was a little concerned until Mia reassured me that she would be able to take care of all the other kids and keep them quiet so I could take my nap. If only that could have been a REAL nap. The kids had a blast. Maggie didn't want her picture taken. But she had fun playing. We all took a walk down to the park and the kids enjoyed themselves........although they really didn't even play on the equipment but preferred to run around and chase butterflies and eat goldfish. It was fun.