Little Rodgers Neighborhood

Happy Birthday Jonathan & Faith

2012-02-02T23:36:00.000-08:00

I remember when I was younger thinking how neat it was that we had so many twins throughout our family. I always thought it would be so great to have a twin, and I remember my Aunt Kathy telling me that only some cool kids get one, but that I was special because I was adopted.
Then when I was a little older and found out we were getting twins, a boy and a girl, plus their baby sister, I thought our family must have been super cool, lol. Even though I was young, I still remember the very moment when Jonathan and Faith were taken out of the car, and set on the front lawn. I fell in love with them right there and then, and I knew I never wanted them to part from us. They both had such tender smiles, and beautiful eyes. They were just learning how to walk and still a little wobbly so I chased them just in case they fell on there cute little bottoms. I never wanted them to grown up, but I learned to deal with it, lol. Some of my fondest memories were laying on the front room floor and Faith and I would trade off scratching each others back while just talking about everything, sometimes nothing at all. I would spend hours reading Dick & Jane books with Jonathan, and his eyes would just light up when we read, it really was worth all the time in the world.
I just can't believe they are 17! How did so much time escape from my sight?
I am so proud to have them as my younger siblings, and I hope you both had a Happy Birthday! We really enjoyed celebrating with you!

Remember how cool you guys are, and how you are never alone because you always have each other!

I Have Always Imagined That Paradise Will Be a Kind of Library

2012-01-30T22:19:00.000-08:00

"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you'll go."
-Dr. Seuss, "I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!"

Ryan and I spent the morning with the girls at the Library, it was a wonderful way to start the day!

The Best Way To Keep Children Happy Is To Make The Home Atmosphere Pleasant

2012-01-28T23:12:00.000-08:00

While Scarlett was taking her afternoon nap, Elizabeth and I sat on the couch giggling while taking silly pictures with each other. I wouldn't trade moments like that for anything! I love just laughing with her, she truly brings so much happiness into our home.

"And The Grinch, With His Grinch-Feet Ice Cold In The Snow, "

2012-01-22T22:56:00.000-08:00

I don't know why, but whenever I think if playing in the snow with Elizabeth, I think of the movie The Grinch. Probably because Elizabeth LOVES that movie, and it's always on during the Christmas season, and she LOVES the snow.
Even though the snow wasn't soft and fluffy, she still wanted to go play in it.
This girl LOVES the snow, she must have gotten that from Ryan, because I don't find it that pleasant freezing my tooshy off making balls of ice and then throwing them at each other. However Elizabeth thinks throwing snow balls is like the most hilarious thing ever invented. Don't get me wrong though, I will get good and cold to see her smile and hear that adorable giggle of hers!

Everything Is More Fun With Friends

2012-01-21T22:41:00.000-08:00

Oh how Elizabeth adores all her friends, especially Kiley and Hayden. The Campora's used to live next to us, but Kiley and Elizabeth had so much fun, we couldn't let that friendship get away. Elizabeth just shines for days after playing with Kiley and Hayden. I'm so glad that she has such great friends!

The Smile That Flickers on Baby's Lips When she sleeps...and eats

2012-01-19T22:29:00.000-08:00

Scarlett is rather a picky eater, only because she does not like texture at all. However, she LOVES bananas!

Look For The Girl With The Sun In Her Eyes

2012-01-05T22:07:00.000-08:00

Our little Scarlett is just full of Sunshine! No matter if she is making a mess and getting into every and anything she can get her hands on, she still makes us smile and our hearts fill with sunshine when we look into her beautiful eyes!

For Where Your Treasure Is, There Will Your Heart Be Also

2012-01-04T21:29:00.000-08:00

We believe in Family Scripture Study! Although I have to be honest, this hasn't always been the case. As Elizabeth has gotten older I realized like with everything else, we have to teach by example. Elizabeth doesn't know how to read, so she has us whisper in her ear and she says it out loud. Sometimes she will tell us she knows what it says, and points to a scripture and says 'and it came it pass, and it came to pass'. Which makes us all giggle a little. Her favorite part is when we finish a chapter, she gets to draw a picture on that chapter heading with her colored pencils. I hope that she continues to have a love for her Scriptures as she grows as Ryan and I do.
After we are done reading, she usually still wants to 'pretend' to read, and normally falls asleep on her scriptures and when I see her laying there I think of this scripture.
Treasure up these words in thy heart. Be faithful and diligent in keeping the commandments of God, and I will encircle thee in the arms of my love. D&C 6:20

Farewell 2011

2012-01-01T17:32:00.000-08:00

I took some time today to count my blessings...simply because it makes me happy and I wanted to recognize all my father in heaven has blessed me with this past year.
2011 was a fantastic year filled with Laughter and Love! I thought it would be easy to pick just a couple favorite memories, but it was truly impossible! Memory after memory kept flowing into my mind.
I think the greatest blessing this past year was Scarlett Read becoming the newest member of our little family! How proud I am to be her mommy, her and Elizabeth are truly the best part of mine and Ryan's life.
I don't want to forget some of my most treasured memories this past year. They range from Holidays to Birthdays. Family trips going the cabin, circus, Lagoon, Park City, Zion National Park and to attending almost all of the Temples in Utah. Cousins moving closer, rescuing baby birds, Kid History, motorcycle rides with papa, summer festivals of concerts, chalk festivals, Greek food,roasting marshmallows, swimming days and days and days at my parents, holding a 60 pound Boa, and watching Elizabeth give her first talk as a Sunbeam.
Yes, this past year was defiantly filled with Happiness, and it makes me excited to look ahead and see what the future of this new year holds for our family!

New Year

2012-01-01T16:40:00.000-08:00

We started off the new year with some fun with Landon & Mary Cleverly and their darling family. Elizabeth was in heaven playing with Brighton, and it was nice just spending time with great friends.

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T23:36:00.000-08:00

We spent New Years Eve with some of our very best friends! Landon & Mary Cleverly and Bryce & Rachael Garff. We have been friends for years and we always manage to have a great time filled with laughter with them! We even met a new couple, which is always a fun thing. The kids had a great time playing together and it was just nice ringing in the new year with people we love! Here is to another wonderful year!

Friends are God's way of taking care of us

2011-12-31T21:58:00.000-08:00

Most of you know that Ryan is a convert to the church, and I know that I brag how we had the most incredible missionaries. But, I'm going to brag some more because I want you all to fully understand how truly blessed we were. I know Heavenly Father wanted Elder Baxter & Elder Wright to teach us, I have never doubted that.
It's crazy to think that Austin Baxter was just a brand new missionary out in the field when he met us. You would have never known it though, when he spoke to us, we knew what he was teaching us was true. He had a passion and knowledge of the Gospel and he wasn't afraid to share it...or challenge us.
We just had a connection with him, and he truly became such a dear friend to us. Him teaching us about the Gospel changed our lives forever. I loved that he was there to see Ryan baptized, and we even had our endowments done at the Bountiful Temple, so Elder Baxter could attend. We wouldn't have wanted it any other way.
Him and his sweet wife Sarah, whom I just adore, came to visit family during the holidays. Ryan and I always got our hopes up that they would have time to visit, and they didn't disappoint. We were so happy that we were able to see them.
They truly feel like family to us, and we feel so blessed to know them.

Primary Pajama Party

2011-12-31T20:31:00.000-08:00

Ryan and I were just called to be Primary teachers for the CTR 8-9 year old class. I am so excited to be back in the primary, and extra happy that my teaching partner is my sweetheart! Plus, Elizabeth loves to see us in primary.
The primary threw a breakfast party for the kids to meet their new teachers. It was fun getting new kids in our class, and to see Elizabeth interact with her class. I can't wait to see what Primary will hold for us this year!

Chalmers Christmas Party

2011-12-28T17:25:00.000-08:00

Our family Chalmers Christmas party is something I look forward to every year. As our families have become so large, we just don't see each other as much as I think we would all like, so our Christmas party is always so much fun. I hate to brag, but our family is filled with so many amazing people, and I feel so lucky that they are all related to me!

Relaxing with the Family

2011-12-26T17:46:00.000-08:00

What better way to spend the day after Christmas then relaxing with the whole family. It was seriously so nice just watching movies, playing with all our cool toys, watching Adam try to dance, working on a puzzle, visiting, napping, eating yummy food and laughing.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T14:12:00.000-08:00

Can I just say how much more fun and exciting Christmas morning is with kids! Elizabeth's excitement and happiness brought so much joy to my soul.Christmas morning was filled with giggles, smiles, and love.
Every year Ryan and I say how weren't not going to spoil Elizabeth, but we are weaklings. She was totally spoiled. Scarlett on the other hand didn't care about her presents, she was in heaven with all the boxes and wrapping paper!
Ryan spoiled all of his girls, including me! He thinks I'm hard to buy for because I only ask for books. So I was happy when a box came in the mail earlier in the week, that said KindleFire on the side...Ryan was not happy that I saw the box.
He completely surprised me with an awesome new camera though! I take A LOT of pictures, my family teases me all the time that the paparazzi are coming when I get my camera out. However, I have never really had a nice camera, so I wasn't expecting him to surprise me with one, but I'm loving it! I get all giggly when I take pictures now!
Thank you babe for such a thoughtful gift, I can't wait to capture our memories!

After an early church meeting we gathered at Scott and Holly's house for a delicious Christmas morning breakfast.

After pigging out on yummy food. We had a crazy present opening fest! It was seriously crazy with all the kids, trying to keep order and watch everyone, but it was fun nonetheless.

Then we headed over to wish Ryan's dad Rodney and his younger brother Randy a Merry Christmas. They showered the girls with gifts. Scarlett was fast asleep in the car, so Elizabeth was happy to help open the gifts for Scarlett.

We then headed up to my Aunt Barbara and Uncle Ray's home for dinner. Normally we go up to Ogden to my Grandma Isabel Taintor's, but she recently had a couple surgeries so my Aunt Barbara hosted. There wasn't as many cousins that made it, but it was nice just visiting with the small group that was there.

After a long day, we still had it in us to go to the Turners and watch a movie. It was a perfect way to end a fun filled day. I hope you all had a Merry Christmas with your loved ones and that throughout the busy day you all took time to remember our Savior and Redeemer Jesus Christ and the love he has for us.

Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T00:22:00.000-08:00

we celebrated Christmas Eve with dinner at Ryan's aunt Roxie. Elizabeth adores her cousins, whom spoiled her and Scarlett with fun gifts.

After dinner, we all met up at my parents. I love getting together with my family. I think it's because we like to laugh.

Then we did one of my favorite traditions! The kids all get dressed up, and then my dad reads the story of the birth of Christ. The kids love it, and I love it cause we can all take time to remember our Savior.

Then it's GrandMerry jammie time! Elizabeth always looks forward to getting her Christmas pajamas.

Cousin Clan

2011-12-22T23:12:00.000-08:00

October 30, 2011
For Christmas I gave my parents a picture of all their Grandchildren. It was such an adorable picture I can't help but to share it.

Happy Birthday Mooch!

2011-12-21T16:50:00.000-08:00

We celebrated my awesome mom's birthday as a family. I hope you had a wonderful birthday mooch!

Temple Square

2011-12-20T00:10:00.000-08:00

The Turners and us decided to go freeze our little buns off at Temple Square, but it was well worth it seeing the beauty of the Temple lights.

Mom's Graduation from Massage School

2011-12-17T22:29:00.000-08:00

She did it! She not only survived but thrived throughout massage school. This is something I think she has wanted to do for a very long time, and I'm so proud of her for putting it into action and completing her goal! She is a great therapist and I look forward to getting worked on by her! Congratulations Mom, we are so proud of you!

So Sweet

2011-12-06T00:40:00.000-08:00

Cookies Cookies Cookies

2011-12-05T00:16:00.000-08:00

If you ever what to see a huge smile, just tell Elizabeth that we are going to make sugar cookies. She loves sugar cookies, but her favorite part is to frost them.

Bountiful Utah Temple

2011-11-30T16:59:00.000-08:00

"As we touch the temple and love the temple, our lives will reflect our faith. As we go to the holy house, as we remember the covenants we make therein, we will be able to bear every trial and overcome each temptation."
—Thomas S. Monson

Our November Temple pick was the Bountiful Utah Temple. Ryan and I were able to do baptisms. Normally they prefer the youth to do baptisms, but it was early in the morning and there wasn't any youth, so we were lucky enough to do baptisms. While we were waiting to go in to do baptism there was a young girl and her parents. I talked to her mom afterward, and she said that since the girl was young she has asked that for her 12th birthday present all she wanted was to go to baptisms with her parents. So, they took her out of school because it was her birthday to do baptisms for the first time. I thought that was so neat that this young girl had her eye on such a fantastic goal and I was there to witness and strengthen my testimony. As we were leaving and asked someone to take our picture, it was fun to think that back in 2007 we came specifically to the Bountiful Temple to get our endowments, so that our amazing missionary Elder Austin Baxter could be there with us! Attending the Temple this morning was such a great way to start the day and a wonderful reminder of what a huge part the Gospel plays in our lives.

I'm Thankful for...

2011-11-26T23:35:00.000-08:00

I'm so thankful for my awesome hubby who continues to amaze me with his kindness and love for all those around him. I'm thankful for our beautiful girls and all the joy they bring to our lives. I'm thankful for all my wonderful friends and family who make me smile and encourage me to do better. I'm thankful for my knowledge of the Gospel and the beauty and happiness it brings into my life. I'm so so thankful for the amazing family I have, they continue to fill my life with laughter and happiness. I hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Oh Christmas Tree

2011-11-25T23:50:00.000-08:00

Elizabeth had a blast helping us put up the Christmas tree.

I'm Thankful for Elizabeth

2011-11-17T23:06:00.000-08:00

Elizabeth and I spent the afternoon making a turkey. Elizabeth listed all the things she was Thankful for as I wrote them down. I know that I am thankful for Elizabeth and how she can always brighten my day with her smile.

Happy Birthday Caleb

2011-11-13T14:28:00.000-08:00

We spent the evening at the Taintor's home celebrating Caleb's 5th birthday.

Elizabeth & Amari

2011-11-11T09:13:00.000-08:00

I am so grateful that Elizabeth has so many great friends. She truly loves her friends. This is Elizabeth and her friend Amari that she just adores.

Finger Painting

2011-11-07T08:06:00.000-08:00

Me and my girls joined the Turners for a finger painting family home evening. We all had a fun time. I even did Scarlett's hand print, and couldn't get over how cute and tiny it was on the paper.

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T07:53:00.000-07:00

Wasn't it just Halloween? I can't believe this year, and how quickly it has passed! We were happy to have one of our favorite holidays finally here though! We Rodgers just LOVE Halloween! We celebrated at Holly's new house with all the family. It was really fun to watch Elizabeth's face light up when she yelled trick-or-treat.

Family Fall Pictures

2011-10-30T14:02:00.000-07:00

I feel so lucky to have such beautiful and wonderful daughters, and an amazing sweet hubby that is my best friend. I always look forward to getting our family pictures taken to watch to see how much our girls have grown. Thanks to my cousin Jon for taking them, they turned out great!

Pirates vs Big Foot

2011-10-29T14:16:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Jaden's birthday by attending an event that Scott and Jaden played in given by the gangrene film festival. pirates vs Bigfoot was the main event of music that we went for, but before the concert, they had a bunch of animals that the kids could hold. Somehow Ryan got me to hold a 60 pound Rescued Boa, and Elizabeth pet a tarantula, and a couple snakes. The kids loved it. It was really fun way to spend the evening celebrating Jaden's birthday.

Preschool Halloween Party

2011-10-27T17:29:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth LOVES Halloween. She loves pumpkins, leaves, scary masks, ghosts, skeletons (she is always talking about bones),and of course CANDY! She was so excited for her preschool Halloween party, and even asked GrandMerry to paint her face. She didn't want Scarlett to miss out on the fun of dressing up either, even though we didn't go to the party. Elizabeth and Gabe looked so cute, and they had so much fun.

Smile

2011-10-25T17:45:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth loves getting her teeth clean, and she gets excited about getting pink flossers in her bag after her cleaning. I love this girls smile!

Cove Fort

2011-10-23T08:47:00.000-07:00

On our way home from Zion National Park, we decided to stop and take a tour of Cove Fort. We had an awesome missionary that gave us a tour. It was really neat learn about the history of this fort.
The fort was built to offer protection and refreshment to the traveler. Beginning in 1847, pioneers began settling the high mountain valleys stretching from Idaho to California. They came here to worship in peace and to build homes and communities. The fort is made of lava rock, which workers hauled from west of the property. The fort is 100 square feet, 18.5 feet tall, 4 feet thick at the footings and 2.5 feet thick at the top.
In 1867, the prophet Brigham Young called Ira Hinckley and his family to come and direct the building and operations of the fort.
Cove Fort has been restored to bring the past a little bit more to life. This is the only fort built by the Latter-day Saints in the 1800's that still stands.

Zion National Park

2011-10-21T15:55:00.000-07:00

We decided since we were making a trip down to the St. George Temple, we should just head down to Zion National Park. When I was young, this was the place to go, I think every year we made it down to hike angels landing. Those were some great memories, so I was excited to go camping and make some memories with our little family. I'll be honest, I actually wasn't ecstatic to be going camping with a baby, but she did really well, she must be a natural camper!
I remember when I was younger, besides angels landing, I always looked forward to hiking Emerald Pools. Back then, you would hike up, and jump in the pools to cool off. There were always little frogs on the rocks, it was always so fun. Unfortunately you can't get in the pools anymore, and to be honest with the looks of the water I wouldn't take my chances. The water is defiantly not the clear emerald that I remember.
However, it was still fun hiking up with the family, and the kids had fun climbing the rocks and playing in the water.

10.22.11
Although we heard the water was cold, we still got in our suits and hiked the Gateway to the Narrows. We thought the water wouldn't be that bad, and we would hike up the water once we got to the opening to the narrows. Man were we wrong! That water was ICE COLD! I don't know how the kids were playing in the water, because when I stepped in the river my bones hurt, it seriously was frigid! The kids still had a good time, and the adults had a good time sitting in the sun watching the kids, lol.

What is camping without sitting around the fire and cooking some yummy S'mores!

St. George Utah Temple

2011-10-20T14:52:00.000-07:00

"You are never lost when you can see the temple. The temple will provide direction for you and your family in a world filled with chaos. It is an eternal guidepost which will help you from getting lost in the 'mist of darkness.'"
—Gary E. Stevenson

Our October Temple pick was the St. George Utah Temple. For some crazy reason we left the Temples that were far away for the end of the year. We thought since we were driving so far away, we might as well make a family vacation out of it. We decided we would all take a camping trip to Zion's National Park, and we made a marvelous pit stop at the St. George Temple. Since we had all the kids, which some were youth that could enter the Temple, we all decided to do baptisms. We all took turns, and it was such a wonderful spirit there with all the kids. Sitting and waiting with my younger sisters, I couldn't help to be grateful for the Gospel and all our trials and blessings we have had and made it through with our heavenly father guiding us as a family. Also, it was so fun to see our shared excitement in doing the work of the Lord together. I am so grateful for my family and that we were able to attend the St. George Temple together.
I urge you all to make it a goal to attend the Temple, you will see the blessings flow into your life like a river.

So, when I said we had a the whole family, that included 16 kids...yeah, you heard me. Lucky for us there was a city park up the street from the Temple. The kids had a blast running around playing with each other.

The Temple was so beautiful, every time we go to a different Temple, I always take time to really look at it, and I'm continuously amazed by the beauty of the Temple.

Elizabeth's Fire Station Field Trip

2011-10-18T15:22:00.000-07:00

I have to warn you that these pictures are super blurry.
I had to blog them though, cause Elizabeth looks forward to her preschool field trips every month! This month was fire safety awareness. I leaned this because the first day of preschool this month she told me to make sure to stop, drop and roll if I was on fire. She was so excited when she found out she was going to the fire station on her field trip. All the kids thought it was pretty neat that the fire fighter showed them all his cool tools that he uses on his fire truck. I even learned a few new things which was interesting. I'm happy that Elizabeth had fun, and I'm glad Ryan and I could give her a safety plan if there ever was a fire.

31 Weeks

2011-09-29T12:32:00.000-07:00

The Greatest Show On Earth

2011-09-23T10:19:00.000-07:00

Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus have come every September since I can remember. My parents took me when I was about Elizabeth's age for my birthday one year, and I still remember how exciting it was. I always wanted to go back, but every year the circus came and went. Even as I got older I would think how exciting September was because the circus was in town.
I have told Ryan about how fun it would be to go, and he is the best, because he surprised me with tickets for us to take our girls!
Elizabeth even learned about the circus in preschool the week before we went. She was most excited about seeing the Ring Master and the elephants.
It was so cute, when the Ring Master came out, Elizabeth just squealed with delight yelled "MOM, I SEE THE RING MASTER! I SEE HIM!!"
I'm so glad that we were able to make some great memories, and I will treasure them always!

Pet Store Field Trip

2011-09-20T10:18:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth had her first field trip. This week she learned all about pets, so her preschool took a trip to the pet store. The kids had so much fun. Elizabeth's favorite part was when the parrot talked to her, and when the puppies licked her hands. It made her want a puppy even more. The kids were lucky enough to get a goldfish as we left, they all were very excited about that, although the parents had a little bit of a different expression on their faces, lol.

28 is old right?

2011-09-19T11:07:00.000-07:00

I realize I'm not 80 years old, but I'm starting to feel old. However, my family keeps telling me to wait till I'm 30...then I can be complain about getting old, lol. I'm so grateful that I have such an amazing family. I have always been very content at spending most of my time with my family. I am the happiest when I am with them. Just sitting around talking, teasing, eating good food and most importantly laughing...we all laugh a lot. My birthday was wonderful because it was filled with happiness and laughter, and I can't wait to see what this next year hold for me!

Had my birthday lunch with one of my besties! Love you Jackie girl, you are the sweetest!

Spent the rest of the night with great company! Thanks everyone for making my day!

Logan Utah Temple

2011-09-17T10:40:00.000-07:00

"It is in the ordinances of the temple that we are placed under covenant to Him….[If] we will enter into our covenants without reservation or apology, the Lord will protect us. We will receive inspiration sufficient for the challenges of life."
—Boyd K. Packer

Our September Temple pick was the Logan Utah Temple. I can't believe we only have three more months of our goal, it truly has helped me become closer to my Savior. I think we are going to make this goal a tradition.
I challenge you all to make attending the Temple a goal for you, even if it's just once a month, you will begin to see the blessings pour into your life!

Love Their Great-Grandma Julia

2011-09-17T10:08:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth just adores her Great-Grandma Rodgers. We don't have a lot of family on Ryan's side, so it's nice for Elizabeth to have Grandma Julia involved. Plus, Elizabeth just loves going to visit her, and I think it brightens grandmas day to see the girls.

Where Does Your Allegiance Lie?

2011-09-17T09:52:00.000-07:00

Love My Little Bug

2011-09-16T09:59:00.000-07:00

Scarlett is just the sweetest thing. I have to say she has been a lot harder for me, but she is most defiantly worth it! We love her so much and are so happy she is a part of our cute little family!

29 Weeks

2011-09-15T11:28:00.000-07:00

They are GREAT Grandparents

2011-09-11T09:42:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth always informs me when I talk about her grandparents, that they aren't her grandparents, they are her GREAT grandparents...smart little bugger.
I love my grandparents so very much. My dad's father died when I was about Elizabeth's age, but I still have memories of him pushing me on the swing at the cabin and sitting on his lap and touching his face. I can't tell you how much Keith, my grandma Taintor's boyfriend of almost 11 years has stepped up and been an amazing grandpa to all the grandchildren and great grandchildren. Plus, you get to witness how much he adores my grandma, which is very sweet. I'm so grateful that Elizabeth and Scarlett have such GREAT Grandparents.

Greek Festival

2011-09-10T10:31:00.000-07:00

We had to take the time to go to Salt Lake to go to the Greek Festival, and man was that gyro well worth it! Best food ever!

One Last Swim

2011-09-09T11:31:00.000-07:00

We decided since the weather was still rather warm, we would have one last swim. The adults however did not take a dip, because the water was pretty cold. Although, my dad kept saying "It's the warmest the pool has ever been". Then we would add "at this time of the year". Which is true, normally we are never swimming this late in the year, but I'm glad the kids were able to take one last swim.

Happy Birthday Gabe

2011-09-08T10:51:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth LOVES her cousin Gabe. They spend so much time together, and love every minute of it...most of the time. Gabe turned five, and invited us to go to the treehouse museum, and the kids had so much fun playing and using their imagination. Happy Birthday Gabe, we love you!

First Day of Preschool

2011-09-06T10:05:00.000-07:00

This can't be right, my baby can't already be old enough to go to preschool!
She sure is, and she couldn't be more excited for preschool, and the best part, she gets to go with her best buddy Gabe, who just happens to be her cousin. Which makes leaving mommy a little easier, however it didn't make it easier for me. I'm excited for her, and it will be fun to see her grow and learn even more.

27 Weeks

2011-09-01T12:20:00.000-07:00

Yeyow Grapes?

2011-08-28T18:14:00.000-07:00

If you haven't heard of KID HISTORY, you need to youtube it, it's hilarious!
Elizabeth thinks it's the funniest thing, and one of her favorite quotes is "I like yeyow grapes, green grapes, and purple grapes, and red grapes and yeyow grapes".
She got some grapes out to eat and thought she was being pretty funny.

"What in the freak just happened?" Kid History, that's what!

2011-08-27T19:15:00.000-07:00

Why do we like KID HISTORY you ask...because we LOVE to LAUGH!!
We went to the premier of episode six, and it was defiantly worth it!
It was hilarious! I laughed so hard that my face hurt, it was great! Last time we went, we didn't take our kids, lol, this time we went with everyone, there was 24 of us and it was awesome!
Thanks Kid History for making us laugh and appreciate the funny things our kids say!

Cooling Off

2011-08-27T18:07:00.000-07:00

It has been so hot, that we thought it would be nice to cool off before we headed to kid history, Jumping in the pool felt so nice!

Jump On In

2011-08-26T18:02:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Amari

2011-08-26T11:22:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth had so much fun at her new friend Amari's birthday party. She couldn't stop smiling the whole time she was there.

Swim Swim Swim

2011-08-25T21:35:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how much time Elizabeth and I have spent at the pool so far this summer! She has loved being at the pool, and it's been nice watching her turn into a little fish.

Snorkeling With Papa

2011-08-24T16:30:00.000-07:00

Enjoying the Sunshine With Some Playground Fun

2011-08-23T15:40:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth's cousin Gabe spend the morning playing at our house, so we decided to enjoy the sunshine outside! They had a lot of fun playing, and even Scarlett and I were able to enjoy the weather!

26 Weeks

2011-08-23T13:54:00.000-07:00

Manti Utah Temple

2011-08-20T13:55:00.000-07:00

"There, in the house of the Lord, you can learn what you need to know to be truly free. There, tucked away from turmoil and strife, is the chance to be totally unselfish—a rarity in today's world."
—Robert L. Simpson

Our August Temple pick was the Manti Utah Temple. It was a very long drive with two children, but it was well worth it driving into that little town and looking up on the hill at this beautiful Temple! It looked like a castle, I couldn't get over it's beauty. I told one of the temple workers how beautiful it was and she told me it took 11 years to build, how grateful I felt for those Saints that took part in building this incredible Temple.
I have to mention my amazing sisters that came along and babysat my kids so that I could attend, they are awesome for doing that for us!
I challenge you all to make attending the Temple a goal for you, even if it's just once a month, you will begin to see the blessings pour into your life!

It's What Fun Is!

2011-08-17T13:18:00.000-07:00

The Turners had some extra tickets for Lagoon, and we couldn't pass them up! Ryan took the day off and we had a blast together at Lagoon.
It was so HOT,and so we spent most of the morning at Lagoon-a-beach. Elizabeth had so much fun, we barely took a break from going down the slides with her.

After dinner we decided to leave the beach and hit the rides. Elizabeth is so shy I didn't think she would really go on any rides, but boy was I wrong. She was a brave little thing, she went on so many rides that I thought she would be scared of, and she would just laugh the whole time. She had so much fun! We are defiantly investing in season passes next summer!

Two Very Tired Munchkins

2011-08-15T14:38:00.000-07:00

This is what happens when you sit on the couch with two very tired little girls.

Teething

2011-08-13T14:42:00.000-07:00

Scarlett is teething a little bit, and so now has a new favorite toy.

Swim and Smiles

2011-08-12T21:22:00.000-07:00

Carrot Coma

2011-08-12T14:33:00.000-07:00

Scarlett has started eating baby food, and she really loves her carrots and sweet potatoes.
While I was feeding her carrots on my lap, she started dozing off and slipped into a carrot coma.

24 Weeks

2011-08-10T13:39:00.000-07:00

Gettin' Our Swim On

2011-08-09T14:44:00.000-07:00

My sister had a couple of her friends over and Elizabeth made a new friend named Amari, and they had so much fun swimming together. Yay to making new friends!

Summer Lovin'

2011-08-08T22:23:00.000-07:00

July 3, 2011

Happy Birthday Amelia

2011-08-07T10:32:00.000-07:00

My cute niece Amelia turned 2 years old. She got a ton of books for her birthday, which is exactly what she loves the very most! Happy Birthday Amelia!

Hyrum's Baby Blessing

2011-08-07T09:35:00.000-07:00

I am so grateful that my brother Adam and his family have moved back to Utah, and just in time to be all together and be part of the blessing of their newest addition!

LOVE LOVE LOVE Scarlett's LAUGH!

2011-08-06T16:19:00.000-07:00

Having Fun

2011-08-05T14:21:00.000-07:00

My family got together for a bbq, so all the cousins could go swimming together. Elizabeth just got a puddle jumper, so she was having a blast swimming with it. Scarlett got a hold of a empty water bottle that was making noise and she was full on attacking it, it was hilarious.

For some reason I didn't take any pictures of all the cousins swimming together, but I did get this picture of my niece Amelia who is just adorable!

Doesn't Take Much

2011-08-04T16:16:00.000-07:00

I have learned a new trick. If Scarlett is tired, all I have to do is lay her on the floor or in bed, and put a blanket by her face and she will fall asleep! It's been magical!

23 Weeks

2011-08-02T10:06:00.000-07:00

Can't Help Herself

2011-07-31T14:53:00.000-07:00

Scarlett loves to suck on her hand, but if she gets a hold of whoever is holding her, she will latch right on, lol.

Salt Lake City Utah Temple

2011-07-30T11:11:00.000-07:00

"I know your lives are busy. I know that you have much to do. But I make you a promise that if you will go to the house of the Lord, you will be blessed; life will be better for you."
—Gordon B. Hinckley

Our July Temple pick was the Salt Lake City Temple. It was our wedding anniversary, which made it even more special. Ryan and I actually weren't married in the Temple, but we were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple just a week before Elizabeth was born. It was so nice to spent that time with Ryan and remember the covenants we made to one another. I love Ryan so very much and truly feel blessed that we are sealed to one another for time and all eternity.

I Guess Cows are Her Favorite

2011-07-29T14:58:00.000-07:00

Scarlett is really started to like this tummy time pad, she especially likes the cow. She thinks it's funny when I push on it's face and it makes noise. If I lay her on the pad, she always manages to get over to the cow.

22 Weeks

2011-07-27T09:41:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Ryan

2011-07-26T10:59:00.000-07:00

We spend the 24th up at the cabin, and decided last minute to celebrate Ryan's birthday up there since the family was going to be all together. Then afterward Holly suggested we watch a movie in there theater for his birthday, and everyone wanted to join. Holly's kids got creative and decided to throw Ryan a ZOMBIE party...cause I mean, who doesn't like ZOMBIES? They made masks and everything, it was awesome. Ryan even took his new mountain bike for a ride down Holly's backyard, it was a fun night, Happy Birthday Babe!

Pioneer Day Weekend

2011-07-25T11:33:00.000-07:00

It's always been a tradition to spend most summer holidays at our families cabin, but with the flooding, this is the first weekend we were able to go to the cabin.
We stayed up late playing games, and got up early and had a yummy breakfast.

After breakfast, before the Turners got to the cabin, we decided to go hike Red Rock with all the kids. The kids had a lot of fun, and didn't even really notice that we were being eaten alive by mosquitoes, lol. Once the trail got to steep for the small kids, we decided to turn back. My dad, Mystery, and Faith decided to continue, and about 5 minutes after we had separated we heard the girls screaming. Ryan, Adam and Jonathan ran to find that they had disturbed a bee hive, and they were all getting stung. Needless to say they got out of there fast, but with some wounds.

We headed back to the cabin to find the Turners had arrived. Even though the weather was a bit rainy and cold, we couldn't make a trip to the cabin and not get in the river. It was ICE COLD, so Ryan was the lucky one between us to get in the river with Elizabeth. Although, when it was her turn to ride down on Ryan's lap, the tube flipped and she was fully emerged by the ice water. She was NOT a happy camper. She was super scared of the river after that, but I didn't want her to be scared. We practically forced her to go down the river again to show her it wasn't scary, and I'm glad we did, cause she had fun.

After we all got warmed up from being in the river, we played some Frisbee and visited, and then got ready for dinner. We celebrated Ryan's birthday while we were there. Kennedy and Seth even sang Happy Birthday to him in German. It was a nice ended to a fun filled weekend.

oh, I almost forget to mention that we caught a water snake and my dad thought it was a must that Scarlett got to pet it.

S'mores

2011-07-23T10:52:00.000-07:00

The family got together at the Turners new house, and we all roasted s'mores in their awesome backyard! I love spending time with my family!

Peter Breinholt Concert

2011-07-22T10:43:00.000-07:00

What better why to spend a nice evening than with the family, sitting out on the grass enjoying some great music! We all headed out to the Sandy City Amphitheater to enjoy an awesome Peter Breinholt concert! The kids had a blast dancing around all night, it was great!

21 Weeks

2011-07-19T22:29:00.000-07:00

Turners Big Move

2011-07-16T17:55:00.000-07:00

Well, Scott and Holly made the move! I never thought I would see the day that they would move, but they did it! They moved to Bountiful! It was weird to see their house so empty, but I am excited for their new adventure!

Sister Love

2011-07-12T11:34:00.000-07:00

20 Weeks

2011-07-12T09:46:00.000-07:00

tired baby + comfortable bumbo seat = sweet dreams

2011-07-10T11:37:00.000-07:00

Baby Chuckers

2011-07-10T10:25:00.000-07:00

when my mom was gardening about 3 weeks ago, she accidentally uncovered and scared off a mother chukar from her nest. She went back later to check if the mother had returned, but the eggs were cold. my parents did some research and kept the eggs in an incubator for the past 3 weeks. There were 10 eggs, 6 chukars survived. we got to see them hatch, it was quite incredible! my parents took the chukars to Wasatch exotic pets/wildlife to be prepared to return to a field. Elizabeth thought it was really cool to watch the birds hatch, she said that we were all animal rescuers like Diego.

She Sleeps A LOT!

2011-07-09T11:41:00.000-07:00

19 Weeks

2011-07-06T15:19:00.000-07:00

Fun Filled Day

2011-07-04T11:30:00.000-07:00

I love after a long fun filled day that the girls fall asleep in our bed. They are our little cuddle bugs.

Happy 4th of July!

2011-07-04T00:34:00.000-07:00

With the Taintor's return home, it was so fun celebrating a holiday with the whole family! We had a lot of fun in the pool, from going down the zip line, to games that we haven't played in the pool for years! Then everyone brought fireworks and we combined them with a lot of the neighbors, so we had a lot to enjoy! Driving home and watching the sky light up with beautiful fireworks was a perfect end to a wonderful evening with the family!

Seriously, This Girl Loves Her Olives!

2011-07-03T10:03:00.000-07:00

Eaglewood Fireworks

2011-07-02T10:28:00.000-07:00

we scored awesome seats on the turners front lawn for the fireworks. We had a great group of family! The Taintor's made it from Milwaukee, we are happy they are here for good!! It was our first time meeting their newest addition Hyrum, and he is just adorable! We also had Josh and Jeanene Grimstead and their darling girls, Don Kopenhefer, who is Danille's father. Then also my parents and the kids. We all had a great time enjoying each others company and of course the fireworks!!

KatiAnn's Baptism

2011-07-02T09:49:00.000-07:00

"We are given the gift of the Holy Ghost after our baptism, but often we leave this gift on the shelf, forgetting that He will help us in the most important judgments of our lives. The Lord gave us this gift, knowing we would face difficult decisions in life. Listening to this voice is vital in developing good judgment." -Gregory A. Schwitzer

We were all so proud to be a part of KatiAnn's special day! It was really exciting to see her make the decision to be baptized, and I'm so glad that we were there to support her.

Hot Tub

2011-06-29T10:21:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth is super excited that papa has finally opened the hot tub!