Oh SNAP!

Dream do come true Ladies! How many times have you been elbow deep in a dirty diaper or a mountain of laundry and thought "Wouldn't it be cool if MC Hammer and Vanilla Ice staged a comeback concert in Utah?!"
Well the impossible has happened! Dig out your parachute pants because these one-hit wonders from the 80's and 90's are back!
Now I know Melissa is going to be on this like a rat on a Cheeto, so I am offering my house for sleeping accomodations for those of you out-of-staters who want to be part of this "once in a lifetime event!" For those of you living in the Salt Lake Valley, (aka, Amy and Bec), we can carpool!
But we better act fast because I know these tickets are going to be going faster than Hannah Montana back stage passes.
My one suggestion would have been to add Kid N Play to this dynamic duo for a trio!

But no biggie..this concert is going to be 2 Ligit...2 Ligit to Quit! So STOP and get your tickets...cause it's HAMMER TIME!

Master Mechanic, Master Builder

Dad the Builder, Can he fix it? Dad the Builder, YES HE CAN! So Friday I drove down the street and picked Kylie up. When I pulled into the garage I thought something smelled funny. Then being the astute wife that I am I also noticed the hood smoking and the sound of something dripping beneath the car. I immediately went and got Kody, who doesn't work Fridays, and he quickly assesed that it was antifreeze gushing out under the car.
"Oh, no!" I thought. Not the car that is paid for. Not the car that we only pay liability on. Not the car that we need only to run one more year so we can build our dream cabin. Long story short, my genius of a husband was able to replace two hoses and the car works fine. It did take him several hours because the hoses were in the hardest to reach places of the engine.
Over the years Kody has saved us thousands of dollars in parts, labor, and maintenance by doing the "dirty work" himself.

Dad the Builder, Can he build it? Dad the builder, YES HE CAN! So in that last story I failed to mention that Kody had originally planned to make a headboard for Kylie's new room on Friday, but due to the aforementioned "incident" that project was postponed to the next day.
I am amazed that he even wanted to tackle another project, His back was sore and his arms were scraped and bruised, but he persisted.
Kylie has proven to be "brave" and wants to sleep downstairs in what used to be the guest room so we decided to re-decorate that room to be her room. Tessa will have her flower room and the baby will be in the Ladybug nursery.
Our look online for affordable headboards was a bust so I suggested we make a picket fence headboard. Kody pulled up images and sent to work making a shopping list. He purchased the items Friday night and in 5 hours on Saturday he created the cutest little girl headboard.
Here are some pics:









Kody never ceases to amaze me. I know he is smart, after all he is an electrical engineer, but now I am convinced he can build or fix ANYTHING! Our Hero!

It's a GIRL!

We were so excited to find out that we are having another little GIRL on July 15th. That will bring the little girl count to #3.

I know some of you are wondering, "didn't you want a little boy?" I think boys are great, but the answer is...no. For two reasons: (1)Through the years I have known other couple who have miscarriages, stillbirths, and some cannot conceive at all...so why would a healthy baby (of any sex) not be a huge joy, relief, and blessing. (2) If you have ever met my other two little girls, you would understand why I not so obsessed with having a boy. They are cute and fun, and besides you can never have enough sisters!
Sure we'll have our share of drama when the teenage years come. Sure we probably need to start saving now for prom dresses and weddings, but now we are going to enjoy the thought of knowing in about 20 weeks we will be holding a pink little bundle of joy!

14 Things I Love

#1-Kody
I don't often write about the male in this crazy group of girls, but on Valentine's Day I wanted him and everyone else to know how much I love him. He is the person that can make me the craziest, but I also don't know what I would do without him.

I love his laugh, the way he looks with his hat on backwards, seeing him play with the girls, his excitement over finances, and anything technology related.

He is a great guy, a wonderful father, and my best friend!

14 Things I Love

#2 Kylie

Kylie is an amazing little girl. I love her love for movies, her great memory, and her willingness to always help. She can be emotional at times, like her mother, but I think it is because she such a passionate person. I can already see she posses "empathy;" a much needed virtue in a world like ours.

I love her laugh, her little speech impediments, and even her sassiness. She is the oldest and I will always have a special place in my heart for my first baby!

14 Things I Love

#3 Tessa
My second daughter Tessa is very different from her bigger sister. She learns quickly, is independent, and tough. She is funny and sassy, and very stubborn at times. She has a even temperament, like her Dad, and really britghtens my dad.

Whether she is standing on her head, making fists and saying, "HA-YA," stripping of her pajamas, or wrinkling her nose, she melts my heart. We needed Tessa in our family. We love her so much!

14 Things I Love

#4 The Gospel
I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I have been a member my whole life. I get emotional when I think of the impact this first statement has had on my life and will continue to have on my life. The gospel has helped shaped me into the person I am today and the person I hope to someday become.
I was taught values and principles at a young age. I was baptized. I went through the Young Women's program that helped me build a strong testimony and gave me friends who supported me in standing for truth and righteousness. I attended Ricks College. For me, this time in my life was literally a feast...a spiritual feast. Family Home Evening with roommates, Devotional, Ward Prayer, Institute classes, etc. The gospel encompassed everything. I was able to listen to the voice of an apostle of the Lord. President David Bednar was the president of the college at the time and I feel blessed heard his powerful testimony on several occasions. Being married in the Bountiful Temple was the greatest experience of my life. Since then life hasn't been easy but the gospel has given me knowledge, perspective, faith, endurance, and many other things I have needed.
I know that our Savior lives. There are know words I can write to convince you of theat, but I can tell you that a thousand different experiences and feelins over my life have witnessed that to me. I know that President Thomas S. Monson is our living prophet who guides us. I have been blessed with a special love for the Prophet Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. He saw what he said he saw in that grove of trees. He restored the true church to the earth and gave us the Book of Mormon to guides us.
That is my testimony! I write these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

14 Things I Love

#5 Parents
My parents are great. I don't know how they did it raising 8 kids, but we all have turned out normal and happy so I guess they knew what they were doing.

My Dad worked two jobs a lot of times to keep us all in shoes, but he never complained. My favorite memories with him (there are alot) are him throwing us on our bed before bedtime, and boating. When I was about 8 or 10 my Dad bought a boat. We probably didn't really have the money but he realized the importance of making memories. Weekends and even weeknight evenings were filled with boating. Through these experiences we learned responsibility, safety and we had a lot of fun!

My mom worked just as hard as my dad to keep everything running smoothly in the family. One thing I love is that my mom always did something special for holidays. Ice cream for breakfast on April Fools Day, pink milk on valentine's day, and green eggs on St.Patrick's Day are just a few of her signature celebrations. She also supported us 100% in our schooling and our sports. She also was a great mom during my teenage years. Even my friends liked her!

My parents have made the biggest difference in my life. I often think how different I would be if I were born in a different family. I love my parents and am grateful for all the sacrifices and hardwork they put into being good parents and the effort they STILL are putting in so they can be wonderful grandparents to my children!

14 Things I Love

#6 Sisters
When I was younger and would be fighting with my sisters, my mom would remind me that some day I would be sorry because, “my sisters would be my best friends.” How come moms are always right?
I am lucky enough to have 5 sisters. 5 best friends.
Laura is the oldest and she was the mother of many of us when we were younger. She was the prefect little girl. Never got messy, knew how to do her hair perfectly, went to bed early, and got up early. Everyone would comment how nice she was.
Heidi is my little sister just after me. I wasn’t a very good big sister but she always forgave me. Heidi is a very spiritual and kind person. She is bubbly and happy. We have a lot video of her as a child just smiling into the camera. She has a great smile. I was always jealous of her dark eyes and hair.
Becca was one of the “little girls.” She is very organized and on top of things. Goal oriented and kind with the body of a model. She loves adventure and is constantly on the go.
Amy was the baby of the family. Quiet and a little shy, she has grown into a fun-loving, outgoing, gem of a sister. People say we look the most alike which is a compliment to me and little bit of a slap in the face for her. She is funny and we are grateful to have a talented beautician like her in the family.
Aly, the baby, came eight years after the rest of the family. She has been a lot of fun. She is very creative and we love reading her stories! She has been a great aunt (more like a big sister) to all the grandchildren and is always willing to help.
As for sister-in-laws, let’s just say my brothers are very lucky. Not only did they get great wives but they kept their sisters happy by picking women who are beautiful and fun. Traci and Brittany are great additions to our family!

14 Things I Love

#7 Brothers

To help with #7 and #6 on my countdown I thought I might add a family picture. This was our last family picture taken in December.
Back row:Jeremy, Laura holding Kelcey, Heidi, Lance, Bubba, Traci, Jonathan, Brittany holding Colton, Amy, Becca, Michelle holding Tessa, Kody

Front row:Cameron, Taylee, Aly, Great Grandma Memmott, Grandma LaDean holding Lucy, Grandpa Mark hodling Nyah, Carson, Kylie, Jocelyn.

So #7 Brothers
I have two brothers Jonathan and Bubba.
Jonathan is the oldest in the family and is a great big brother. Of course he went through a spell in his elementary/middle school years when he teased us girls relentlessly but he grew out of it and by high school he was giving me a ride to school every day, picking me up from practice, and taking me and my non-driving age friends to our activities. He is generous and kind and hopefully you have a guy like Jon in your family or at least your ward. He works construction and is the guy that will help you make or fix anything. He has an even temperment and is a great example to me.

Bubba at 6'3" is my LITTLe brother. His real name is Justin but no one ever calls him that. He got his nickname when he was only a few months old and was sporting a double chin. The name stuck and he grew into it. Bubba is a great big teddy bear of a guy. Even at a young age he would spend all his money on little gifts for everyone for Christmas. Some of them were atrocious but you kept them anyway because you knew the love it was given with. Bubba also is a great person to call if you need help...you know oil change, brake change, etc.

My brothers are really great men and I am lucky to have them in my life.

My brother-in-laws Jeremy and Lance are great too. Each of them brings a little something to the family. Jer is the entertainment and Lance is the quiet smile!

14 Things I Love

#8 Grandparents
Grandparents are wonderful. I was lucky to have both my grandparents live just blocks away. I could write volumes about both grandparents but will stick to a few special moments.
My parental grandparents I visited on Sundays. My grandpa was a very knowledgeable man especially the gospel who would call me a “purple people eater” when I wore a purple coat as a young girl. My grandma always has a smile and I wondered how she could raise that many children (11) and still have a sense of humor and good attitude. My grandmother passed away, but I am lucky to still have my grandpa.
I was very close to my maternal grandparents. I spent a lot of time with them. My grandparents raised a very large garden on the ½ acre behind my house and so much of my summer was spent at their side planting, tending, and harvesting the fruits of our labor. My grandpa always had a nickel or a stick of Wrigley’s gum for us. Grandpa’s lap was a favorite spot and he built the best tire swings. He had a great laugh and a robust hug. He taught me hard work, kindness, and humor.
My grandmother always inquired about how we were doing in school and always commented how proud she was. She writes the best birthday cards (most of which I have kept to this day) that make me feel loved and appreciated. From her I get my love of learning, my frugality, and my drive to go the extra mile.
My grandfather passed away about 10 years ago after returning from his third mission. My grandmother had, until a couple months ago, has been the epitome of health. In her 80’s she has never taken prescription drugs and took her first ibuprofen a couple months ago (this after delivery 9 children!). She is a true example of enduring to the end.
I appreciate and love my grandparents and am lucky to be their grandchild!

14 Things I Love

#9 Teaching
I come from a family of teachers. My grandpa was a professor, and my grandma and a couple of my aunts are teachers as well. My mom, though not an educator herself, held many jobs at the local elementary school and had friends that were teachers.
When I was little I use to line up my dolls on the couch and play school. I think most teachers will admit that they have a little bossiness in them too. We like to be in charge of people, in a good way.
My patriarchal blessing talks many times about me teaching in various capacities.
I love that I get to express my creativity through my teaching. It is very rewarding to feel like you play a part in the educational process.
I taught kindergarten for two years after college and am in my 4th year of running my own preschool. It is a lot of hard work but I really enjoy it. It is the only thing I have wanted to do (besides being a mother) and hope to be able to do it for a very long time. I am very passionate about education, and enjoy being involved in the process.
I love meeting all the wonderful children in the community and getting to know their parents. I love the conversations I have with them…everything from what they did during the weekend to what they want to be when they grow up.
I would love to post some pictures of my preschoolers but because of their will only post one of my and my FAVORITE preschooler!

14 Things I Love

#10 Friends
I have been so lucky to have had so many wonderful friend throughout my life who have truly shaped who I am today.
Some of my first friends were my cousins. My mom and her sisters are a very tight-nit bunch and so my first sleepovers, playdates, etc. were with my cousins.
Next, there were my childhood friends who made school bearable. Many of these friends I was lucky enough to attend elementary, middle, and high school with.
My High School friends were awesome. They were so much fun. There were the girls from my ward who I was lucky enough to share a tent with at young women’s camp. My teammates who were always there to support me after a tough loss and those girlfriends that made my birthday special. Finally, that crazy group of guys who let a girl tag along with them as they played Frisbee football and cruised the ‘vard making trouble.
There are no words to describe my Ricks College friends. I literally knew no one up at Ricks, but I was lucky enough to live in the Normandy where good times and good friends were in abundance. My first roommate Kari will always hold a special place in my heart. Hours after becoming her friend people would ask if we were from the same town. Jean, Janet, Jessica, Miranda, Melissa, Ranie, Heather, and Miranda all made my time at college a great experience. Beth, my friend, helped me through a tough sophomore year. She is the type of friend who will listen to you vent for hours, and take a ridiculous exercise class with you just for fun. Alice, Laura, Tasha, and Arianne…you, my faithful roommates, are also loved and missed.
Jen made the transition to USU bearable and even helped me find my future husband…now that’s friendship!
Finally, all the friends that I have made since becoming an adult have truly been a blessing. Friends from work, friends from church, friends of friends, friends who confirmed their friendship on facebook …don’t think because I haven’t named you personally that you are not on my list.
I am truly a blessed person and only hope that I can be as good a friend as others have been to me!

#11 Sports

Sorry I realized that last posting would be incomplete without a shout out to my mom, who was the greatest sports mom ever. Decorating lockers, working concessions at games, organizing team dinners, providing team snacks, and most importantly being a shoulder to cry on.

My mom attended almost every single one of my games in all my sports. Whether it was a Basketball game in Tooele, a Volleyball game at Sky View or a softball tournament in St. George, my mom was always there. I didn't get any scholarships for my play and never went on to play in college but I appreciated all the time and effort my mom put into me and the thing I enjoyed.

Oh and I thought you might like some funny pictures. These will be really bad quality because, let's face it, I haven't learned to scan pictures!






Go Jr. Jazz

Gotta Love the 80's cap and earrrings!

14 Things I Love

#11 Sports
I have been a huge sports lover ever since I was little. In elementary school I wished I could play touch football with the boys.
In middle school I played on recreation teams for softball and volleyball. Our softball team was really good and won 2 years in a row.
I learned the rules of football by asking my brothers while he was watching.

In high school I played 4 years of volleyball, 4 years of basketball, 3 years of softball, and 1 year of track. I learned to have a love/hate relationship with Sports. I loved my teammates and working hard, but the politics and the stress got a little much at times. It's weird to look back and realize that I never went home after school EVER! Volleyball conditioning started in August and then the end of a sport usually overlapped with the conditioning for the next one. Summers were pretty busy as well with camps.
I really liked Volleyball. I didn't have a lot of natural ability in Basketball but made up for it in hustle (I was a way better defensive player than offensive), and then the sport I truly felt I had natural ability in, Softball, went south my Junior year. My coach wanted me to play Varsity catcher, a position I had NEVER played, and then benched me when I didn't do as well as he wanted. So my senior year I did track and field which I loved. Less pressure. I really liked throwing the javelin.

Even now I love sports. I like to play soccer, volleyball, softball, and basketball. I love to watch sand beach volleyball and football. I don't think my husband realizes how lucky he is to have a wife that enjoys watching football and actually knows what is going on.

So this in probably one of my passions that I feel the most distant from right now. Maybe when the kids get a little older I can join a city league or something!

Any of you play?

14 Things I Love

#12 Books
I am not ashamed to admit it. I love to read. I loved reading as a young child and today wish I could find more time to read.
MY favorite childhood books are The Boxcar Children (this is the original first version not the series), The Grumpus Under the Rug, The Secret Garden.
In my middle school years I read every Jack Weyland Book (Charly and Michelle & Debra were my favorites). I also discovered I loved books about the Holocaust. I read the The Diary of Anne Frank, Number the Stars, and A series of Books by Bodies Thoene. I also love adventure, survival stories like Hatchet.
My favorite type of book is what I call Historical Fiction. I loved The Work and the Glory Series. I enjoyed reading the Twilight Series and can't wait to get my hands on some more books.

Being a preschool teacher I have a children's book fettish. I have hundreds and hundreds of them. Most are for preschool but Kylie has quite the library of her own. I love Llama Llama Red Pajama, Ping, How Do I Love You?,Parts, Piggie Pie, Click Clack Moo, Cows that Type, and MANY MANY more! If you ever have a question about a book I either own it or have heard about it.

Don't tell my husband but I have been buying and saving chapter books for me to read to Kylie when she gets older. I want her to love books too. I have the Little House on the Prairies series, all the Junie B. Jones books, The Ramona the Paest series, the Ralph S. Mouse Books, The E.B. White Books (Charlotte's web, etc.) and the Patricia MacLachlan Books (Sarah Plain and tall).

Sorry this is such a long post, even I didn't realize how paasionate I am about books, but I vividly remember books read to me like Night of the Twister, Summer of the Blackberries, Bridge to Terabithia, The Giver. They all captured my imagination. I kind of think it's a shame when they turn great books into movies because kids see the movie BEFORE they read the book and it takes all the imagination and wonder out of reading. The pictures in your head can never be captured adequately by a movie.
PLEASe share some of your favorite books (any kind) with me!

14 Things I Love

#13 Movies
I love movies. I watch quite a few movies but don't love them all. My childhood movie favorites included Pete's Dragon, Mary Poppins, Care Bear Movie, Man From Snowy River, Back to the Future, Goonies, Karate Kid, Gremlins. In College I watched Anne of Green Gables, Clueless, Pride and Prejudice, and Can't Hardly Wait. Some of my all time favorites are Life is Beautiful, Awakenings, While You Were Sleeping.
I really like movies that touch an emotional chord or ones with great plots. I love trying to figure out the story before the end.

Of course there are tons more that I enjoyed. Help me remember more great movies by sharing your favorites!

14 Things I Love

In honor of the month of LOVE, I decided to countdown 14 things I love.

#14 Chocolate
Chocolate is like laughter, I need small doses of it all the time. I'm not a big fan of dark chocolate but it will do in a pinch or sugar emergency. German or Swiss chocolate is the best but I don't have anymore family members going to mission in Europe so American Chocolate will sustain. My favorite candybars: Caramello, Toffee Symphony, Almond Joys. I especially like anything chocolate with caramel in the middle but not a huge fan of fruit in the middle. My favorite cookies are the Samoa Girl Scout Cookies but they are too expensive so I substitute Little Debbie German Chocolate Cookies.

What is your favorite chocolate?

In parting, a thought "All I really need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt!" Lucy Van Pelt (Peanuts, by Charles M. Schulz)