a life worth sharing........

liv's baptism

2012-01-27T12:34:00.000-08:00

why....hello again!

2011-12-19T11:49:00.000-08:00

Mom Rach & I

Liv's costume crackedme up this year!
Me & Liv @ Taylor Swift

The boys go on a hunt!

Best Christmas present for your man this year:

2011-12-05T18:55:00.001-08:00

This is by far the #1 Christmas or Father's day gift. Even if us girls do not quite get it- your man will be super excited. You will not believe how much use they will get out of them!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkqhJh2wSgM

By the way the price is so very REASONABLE!

baby Brigg's Blessing

2011-10-11T13:52:00.001-07:00

Brigg's Blessing was a very special day for us. We were surrounded by friends and loved ones. Brigg was especially cooperative that day which really helped me with being able to truly enjoy the wonderful occasion. Thank you to all who participated and traveled to be with us. We love you.

just not really feeling it........

2011-10-11T13:46:00.000-07:00

Today I am sitting here 1:00 in the afternoon with spit up on my shirt and still in my pajama bottoms.................seriously- how can one little guy occupy so much of my time. He is just so fun and very easy to love and cuddle. The other two want to decorate for Halloween today and I know it is my job as a mother to create magic in their world but the thought of getting out the decorations from under the house just overwhelms me...............I feel like just going to the dollar store and buying all new ones- so bad...............

{brigg smiles}

2011-10-11T13:28:00.000-07:00

{life...}

2011-10-07T09:17:00.000-07:00

{TATE}

2011-10-07T08:08:00.000-07:00

I can't even remember if I have posted this already. (and too lazy to scroll through to make certain!) Tate did this project with me and I think it was finally one that held his attention. Unlike Livia and I, he is not very into the crafts and projects moments. He is very proud of his shirt and I am hoping it might replace the three year old soccer jersey that is worn a minimum of 6 times a week! He just knows what he likes right? I am very impressed with how he has handled having Brigg join the family. He has never really been into babies when cousins were born so I was bit worried. I know now that there was no need- he loves his baby brother so very much. We were at the store with some friends and his little buddy said that our baby looked kind of weird - I know it is true because I basically deliver a fetus not a full grown baby and let's face it they are probably only cute to our family. Well, Mr. Tate was not having it! I had to hold him back from going after the kid who made the comment. Don't mess with our baby or Tate will will be the one you have to reckon with. Tate is a great kid- passionate, a little unpredictable- but definitely very lovable.

2011-10-06T14:00:00.000-07:00

2011-09-17T19:19:00.000-07:00

2011-09-15T15:15:00.000-07:00

demolition derby......

2011-09-12T15:54:00.000-07:00

Tate and Livia had the time of their lives at the demolition derby last Saturday. Now Chad and their Uncle Shane want to enter the derby next year. Chad took some great video but for some reason it will not upload. Sadly I was stuck at home being the paranoid mom with Brigg. I know I have to start venturing out with him more but the county fair just did not seem like the best choice- even Chad agreed. Tate has not stopped talking about the experience and now plays for hours with his cars having derbies of his own.

2011-09-10T21:44:00.000-07:00

first day of School........

2011-09-10T19:47:00.000-07:00

The kids are really enjoying school and the fact that they have some really special teachers definitely helps! I love watching them walk to the bus together in the mornings. It is so nice that they have each other. It makes me feel like Brigg needs a sibling that is close in age to him so he can experience a built in friend in the family. No matter how bad Tate and Livia fight with each other they are always fiercely protective and loyal to each other. Don't you remember that?- you can gripe about your sister but if someone also does or even agrees with you for that matter- you just want to beat them up! I really miss these guys during the day........I thought i wouldn't but I actually do.

2011-09-02T09:04:00.000-07:00

{dance}

2011-08-28T16:13:00.001-07:00

Livia had a dance recital last week where she got to show us what she has been working on all summer. It was precious! She always amazes me- she is so shy and timid and always FREAKS out before a recital or primary program and then the minute she gets on stage she just shines. We were so very proud of her and her skills!

a very HOT surprise from Chad......

2011-08-28T16:02:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Chad surprised us by taking our little family to a resort in the Valley. I was so excited to get out of my house and Flagstaff that I did not stop to think just how hot the valley is this time of year {no wonder the rates were so good on our suite!} We actually had a lot of fun in the sun thanks to pools and water slides and a lazy river. Poor little Brigg and I ended up in the Hotel room while Chad and the kids played. I was just thrilled to have different walls to look at! Here are a couple of Pictures from our stay. The kids were able to watch Shark Tails while floating in the pool Friday night. It was called a Swim In Movie Theatre- too fun!

2011-08-25T14:20:00.000-07:00

what I have been waiting for........

2011-08-18T09:24:00.000-07:00

In the quiet moments........

2011-08-10T08:26:00.000-07:00

Another pic by Di

This little guy has turned my world upside down...........and I just love it. It is like Christmas morning every day. I wake up and remember this little present I have been given and I just smile. I can NOT stop kissing on him. He is getting chubbier by the day and he cuddles more than any baby I have had. I am still learning how to be a functional mom of three and counting the days for school to start. Livia and Tate are so good at helping with this baby. I fear that Brigg is going to be quite spoiled by his siblings. I was rocking Brigg in my arms last night and I was completely exhausted and wondering how I was ever going to finally feel rested and then I remembered how long I had been wishing for this opportunity. It put the wind back into my sails and I woke this morning ready to serve my little family. Babies just make me a better person- less selfish...........

Mom's visit

2011-08-06T08:49:00.000-07:00

{my boys}

2011-08-05T20:06:00.001-07:00

Pictures by Di

diphotography.blogspot.com

2011-08-05T19:40:00.000-07:00

Let the fun begin!

2011-07-31T18:45:00.000-07:00

Sweet Nicole stopped by the hospital

Sisters- remember I just had a baby! The face is a bit embarrassing.............

My sister sweetie pie!

Grandma Rhoton with her newest addition

So the past month of LIVING at the hospital has finally come to an end. As crazy as it sounds I miss the NICU. Yes, I am very happy to have Briggy D. at home but the friendships I made with everyone were very special. The ladies (and few guys) that work with these babies are some of the most special individuals I have ever crossed paths with. I love them dearly and could not be more thankful for the start they have given to Brigg's life. We are home now and back to reality. Lot's of laundry and late nights and cries and it all could not make me any happier. Never again will I take for granted the daily happenings of a normal life! My mom is bringing the kids home tomorrow and we will finally be a family of five for the very first time. Brigg is on oxygen and is doing just great. He has the sweetest disposition and has the cutest way of cuddling into your neck. Chad and I have enjoyed just living in the moment with this little baby boy. More pictures to come.

Brigg Darwin Rhoton

2011-07-15T21:41:00.001-07:00

Brigg weighs 5 pounds today!!! He is above his birth weight which means of course he is one step closer to coming home. Everybody celebrate tonight by eating 5 lbs of your favorite dessert!!!

dads.......

2011-06-19T13:31:00.000-07:00

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

Tate- age three..........

2011-06-17T20:39:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to organize pictures and I found this one of when Tate was a little chubby three year old. Who knew that this shirt would become his number 1 favorite all time thing to wear. I miss his little toddler face. He is getting so grown up and sophisticated these days. I love listening to him talk. He has such a hilarious vocabulary and loves to give you EVERY detail of his stories- It can get a little exhausting at times but I love that he expresses himself. Such a good boy........

Da boyz of summer.......

2011-06-16T22:10:00.001-07:00

Popsicles, sprinklers and warm concrete........... a few of my favorite things!

treasure hunting with dad....

2011-06-16T21:58:00.002-07:00

Tate went horn hunting, fishing, and rabbit hunting with his dad last weekend. I love it when my boy comes home and turns the bath water brown! I feel like Chad gives the kids the best childhood by sharing his love of the outdoors. You have to watch the video of Tate finding a horn. Chad finds them first and then makes it seem like Tate is the champion finder- LOVE IT! He always comes home so proud of his finds. He seems to be using his arm more and more which is great seeing as how it has not been bending so well after the break. Did I mention his horrible break healed three weeks earlier than he was supposed to? He was pushing the pins out and they were scraping on his cast. After taking him to get x-rayed, the surgeon determined he was healed and ready to begin physical therapy. He still has some issues with it but he is such a trooper. I can't believe I get to have another little boy to raise and cuddle and send out with his dad and big brother......................I love my boys!

My Montage 6/16/11 at OneTrueMedia.com

2011-06-16T21:58:00.001-07:00

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

getting bigger......

2011-06-16T21:25:00.001-07:00

You really should see me in a bathing suit! It goes straight out. I think Brigg will be one of my biggest babies!

I am done with it!

2011-06-16T18:44:00.001-07:00

(Shannon in boots)

So very sick of putting my feet up! The bed rest thing is hard and I am actually only on a moderate bed rest............ Reading books and taking naps and watching movies is so much more appealing when you have to fight for it. Now that it is within my reach at all times it has lost it's gleam! I just want to do projects and play with my kids! Thank you to all who have stopped by for visits with treats or have helped with my kids- it means more to me than you will ever know......

Tennis

2011-06-16T18:31:00.000-07:00

Livia started tennis this week and I think she is having a great time with it. Tate is bumbed he can't play but he is still healing with the broken arm fiasco. I love the game of tennis and it excites me to think that Liv and I will soon get to play together.

Summer........

2011-06-16T18:14:00.000-07:00

On the last day of school we had a neighborhood celebration. The kids got off the bus to find a water party complete with snow cones! I ate about four of them..........now I dream of them every night. Liv is now a second grader and Tate is a kindergartner. I truly can't believe it. We are going to have such a fun summer!

6th day of bed rest..........

2011-06-01T09:10:00.000-07:00

So my body needs to rest but my brain wants to "NEST"! I am feeling like a prisoner today and even though the medicine is working really well I still am getting contractions especially when I push it too much with getting up. I really thought this little guy would be different but he is reminding me so much of being pregnant with Ms. Livy at the end. I am slowly getting things ready in the baby's room and luckily I have fabulous friends who are willing to help out. I have basically cut in half my expectations of how I wanted the house to be when Brigg got here. I know this picture doesn't look like I am really huge but I think that is the problem- My kids just don't pop out! They squish inside of me and make me feel stuffed. I am just waiting for his arm to pop out of my mouth! (remember that dream sis?) Well, I best get back to bed, I am secretly hoping that since I got ready today Chad will want to take me to lunch!

baby, trucks, wallets and broken bones! oh my!

2011-05-26T08:08:00.000-07:00

A fun filled adventure is always evident in the Rhoton household. It just seems as of late we have have been getting hit a little harder. I am happy to say that (for the most part) we have been handling everything quite well and just have been rolling with the punches. We are the luckiest of the unluckies we always say. After the whole fiasco with Tate's arm (he is doing great by the way) , we woke up last Wednesday and found that Chad's truck had basically been chop shopped right in our drive way in the night. There were tons of parts that had been cut out of the bottom with a plasma cutter and his truck was just a goner. The police man told us that the thieves are professional and target trucks with lifts much like our redneck truck. They steal parts that have platinum in them as well in order to sell the platinum which is going for 1,800 an ounce at the moment. This of course FREAKED the kiddos out seeing as how the bad guys were right under there windows in the night doing the job. It made for some pretty scared little kiddos that just could not understand why someone would do that to our truck. We got through it (I think chad only swore once.....maybe) and then we had the big upset of this past Monday morning when Chad was supposed to work in phoenix and had to go rent a car only to find he had lost his wallet! We could not find it anywhere! Since we only had the Tahoe (truck was still in the shop) I just sent him on his way with my car and my debit card so he would not be late. Wouldn't you know that Monday ended up being the day I went into preterm labor.......oh yes it is true......Briggs decided He was done with this small space he was being forced to live and was coming whether or not we wished it.......I frantically found a way to the hospital and luckily they were able to stop it. I was a little scared being at the hospital alone with out Chad and hoping that my kids were all o.k. I am one tough lady. Chad did high tail it home and was with me at the hospital that night. Thank you di for taking over my motherly duties! I was poked and prodded and finally released and now find myself on bed rest for the third time on medication. THIS WILL BE OUR LAST BABY...please remind me of this because I know in a year or two I will forget again. The happy news to all of this is we finally found Chad's wallet! Tate and Livia had hidden it on Sunday night in a toy box at the end of Tate's bed.

tate and mommy update pictures

2011-05-19T15:35:00.000-07:00

Tate's cast- FINALLY!

2011-05-17T08:09:00.001-07:00

Getting the cast proved to be a little harder for Tate than we had originally thought. He had never seen his pins in his arm and he got a bit light headed at the sight of it all. As the arm was covered, Tate's color returned to normal and now he is the happiest boy alive! We went as a whole family and made him feel extra special. I can rest assured now that he is protected and can go back to being a crazy little boy again.

fort cereal!

2011-05-10T12:02:00.000-07:00

The kids and I have been working on building a fort for them out of cereal boxes. It is a work in progress I tell you! I thought for sure with all of the boxes we had saved including friends and neighbors we would have it made but we are still lacking in boxes believe it or not. The kids still love to play in it and plan to sleep in it this weekend. I have gone through two bags of hot glue sticks in the process. It really is all worth it.

Paisley with glasses.....

2011-05-10T09:58:00.000-07:00

Cute little Paisley got her new glasses a couple of weeks ago. Between her firecracker personality and chipmunk smile she just couldn't get any cuter. She fell asleep in my bed on Saturday after I was reading to her and it just cracked me up how cute and cuddly she was. Why are little glasses so precious!? I could just kiss her cheeks off.

more pics of the tater......

2011-05-09T11:46:00.000-07:00

Tater has been doing great since the little hitch in his giddy up happened last Thursday. He was playing on his rip stick when he fell and ripped his arm stick! He was a tough kid and after Chad and I got him to the ER and found out how bad of a break it really was we were so proud of our little man and how brave he was being. He did end up getting surgery and a few pins put in. He had all of the nurses gushing over him of course. Tate on morphine is even more charming it seems. They even gave him a frog and put a cast on the frog's arm which he thought was so hysterical. Chad and I both stayed with him at the hospital and had ourselves a little slumber party with not so much of the slumbering part. Chad was mostly worried that Tate would not be able to throw a ball. He is healing well. He still has a lot of pain but he is still the happy little boy we love. His Grammie and Pappa came for a visit and took him to Freddies for a yummy milk shake. He has had a ton of visitors and get well calls and gifts. Now Livia wants to break a bone really bad. Livia has turned into little nurse Nelly- she hardly lets him do anything for himself and smothers him with attention. When all of his cousins and friends were here they started playing dodge ball in the backyard so Tate had to come inside. Livia came in with him even though I knew she wanted to stay outside and play. She just couldn't handle the thought of him being left out. For now Tate has a sling and a fiberglass splint with a wrap. There are some pads covering the pins but I have been a wreck with worry of him getting bumped or falling. On Monday (next week) He will get his cast and we all just cannot wait for him to have more sturdy protection. My dear friend Lauralee (who first found Tate after the break ) was such a strength to me when it all happened she was so good with Tate when I was basically falling apart at the seems. I love you Lauralee! well can't wait for this adventure to be over. Thanks for all of your calls and love.

broken bone, broken heart....

2011-05-09T11:40:00.000-07:00

These are the x-rays of before and after Tate's surgery on his broken arm. He is such a little trooper. It was a horrible break and He has handled it all with so much courage. I will post some more pics of him in the hospital.

more belly pics

2011-04-19T20:15:00.000-07:00

I know these pictures almost look as if I am the same size but each week I am gaining pounds galore so I know either the belly is growing or my backside. Tate informed me on Sunday that I was getting really wide these days- I was able to go to church just feeling super about myself. I guess stressing honesty with the kids can come back to bite you in the WIDE butt!

hard life lessons

2011-04-19T20:06:00.000-07:00

As an update, tonight we were able to replace Sparkle with a beautiful female bird named Tweets. Chad even bought some bird toys for the cage which seemed to just make everything better instantly for the kiddos. Liv still gets a quiver lip when Ms. Sparkle is mentioned but I believe her heart is on the mend for sure.

baby is getting big!

2011-04-15T11:34:00.000-07:00

I have been amazed at just how big my belly is able to get! I am already 5 pounds bigger than I was when I delivered the other two. I keep thinking that if I seriously have three more months of growing I will just explode! Are not our bodies simply amazing? At night I am up to sleeping with four pillows and Chad must have finally gotten sick of rolling into fluff all night instead of his beautiful wife because he recently ordered a pillow that supposedly will eliminate all of the chaos I have going on in the bed. I am eagerly awaiting the ups trucks sound each day. Livia and Tate are growing so fast these days. ALL of taters pants have turned into high waters and even Livia seems to be eating constantly and has horrible leg aches at night. I have the baby's room in the early stages of readiness and Tate is going to be getting a new Batman room next week. He is so very excited. I am moving him into my craft room because let's face it- I truly do not have space in my life for crafting at the moment. A season for everything- right? I keep getting so excited for this little guy to be born. I love the thought of having another Chad Rhoton baby with big blue eyes and dimples. I keep having dreams of this little chubby baby hand with the little knuckle dimples pressing on my cheeks. I know the sleepless nights which Chad and I have been free of the past 5 years are about to return and I am trying to prep myself that I will soon have to leave my selfish ways again. For me that is why having a baby is so very special. I feel like it is an opportunity for me to be a better person. We really are working hand in hand with Heavenly Father when we are given the blessing of raising a child. I was thinking last night of all the mommies on my street with little newborns. It was 2 in the morning and I was settling back into my pillow nest and I thought about Divia and Lauralee and how they were probably rocking a baby in their arms at that very moment. I am excited to join them. (please remind me of this sweet thought when it really becomes my reality) Babies, babies, babies. It is all that consumes my thoughts these days. I am trying to download a clip of Tate and Livia when they were much smaller and more controllable!

2011-03-21T12:43:00.000-07:00

IT'S A BOY!!!!

more pictures...

2011-03-20T20:24:00.000-07:00

sleeping on the boat
Avery doing her morning yoga
Taylor marie our sweet!
Tate can drive the boat with his feet!
Livia sporting her new boots from walmart. Lady GaGa in the making!
Eating hotdogs....
EEEWWWWWW!!!
Dad holding Liv's Fish- What a whopper.
They were on a roll!

fishing at Roosevelt Lake

2011-03-20T15:08:00.001-07:00

Chad took the kids and the boat to Roosevelt this weekend for some camping and fishing. I was left behind due to not feeling so well. As excited as I was to have a weekend to myself (moms rarely get that) I was so sad when they drove away. The whole weekend I missed them so much it hurt. I kept calling Chad and luckily he had service so I was able to listen to them have all of their fun. I was surprised to find out that Livia has decided she will NOT touch fish anymore! That's right our little girl who used to kiss a fish dead on the lips and squeeze them until their eyes popped out has now decided she can't possibly touch such a slimy thing. Shocking. I guess she would just catch them and then make her dad do the dirty work. These are some pictures sent to me on my phone so they are not the best. I will post more after I download the camera's pictures. I love that it is like 3 in the afternoon and Livia is just chillin' on the lake in her nightgown. It is always a party with Chad in charge.

the bugs

2011-03-18T19:06:00.000-07:00

These kiddos have gotten so good on their ripsticks! I was so hesitant when they asked for them at Christmas after seeing some kids at NAU riding them but they have been persistent and now they can go just about anywhere! Poor Livia ended up eating it pretty bad that day. It happened only seconds after I stopped recording- yuck!

the pinchers were out!

2011-03-18T18:58:00.000-07:00

We had the best Green party on Thursday! I even painted our nails green........and made a green fruit pizza! We had peanut butter and honey sandwiches on homemade green bread and ate grapes and drank green goddess juice. It was terribly windy at the park but we still had such a great time.

Pecker and Sparkle......

2011-03-18T18:35:00.000-07:00

The kiddos and I recently bought some Zebra Finches. I had a million of these guys growing up so I knew they would be a pet I could handle. The kids were just ecstatic and couldn't wait to get them home. They were so cute in the backseat on the drive home with their little boxes containing birds on their laps. Tate decided to name his little guy "pecker" I nearly wrecked I was laughing so hard. He is so Innocent and does not have a clue what he has named his little bird. Livia chose Sparkle so it is settled- Pecker and Sparkle are now officially Rhotons! We got them home safely but as I was trying to transport them into their cage, I couldn't get a hold of them and they got loose in the house! It was terrible because Livia started crying and Tate was screaming so the birds were all discombobulated and flying into the windows and the ceiling fan. They finally settled in the highest window in the living room with vaulted ceilings. I was throwing tennis balls up into the window hoping they would fly down and I could catch them but it all seemed pretty hopeless. I called my dad and he told me to use Chad's fishing net and put it on a long stick or broom. Livia helped me with this. We tried to catch them again and still had no luck. Tate decided that we needed to say a prayer that we would be able to catch them so we all folded our arms. I tried not to laugh but my son's sweet little prayer about his "little Pecker' and sweet sparkle just about did me in. He did the right thing however because the minute after we said amen, both birds flew down to the ground and I actually caught them! It really was quite a miracle. We have enjoyed our little birdies and love to watch them while we eat our breakfast in the morning. We are hoping for little eggs very soon! If anyone needs a bird I am sure we will have one to spare before too long.......

{downtown}

2011-03-18T18:24:00.000-07:00

the ever growing belly.....

2011-03-18T12:22:00.000-07:00

I am getting a bit obsessed with this pregnancy! We find out Monday morning what we are having!!!!! I have been taking a picture every few weeks to track my progress. I have already gained more with this baby than I did with my entire pregnancies with Tate and Livy! I just want to eat ALL of the time and I can't get enough pineapple, pickles and sauerkraut........weird huh.

Bearizona!

2011-03-15T14:24:00.001-07:00

I did not know what quite to expect when taking the kids to Bearizona yesterday. I was pleasantly surprised to come upon a small little version of Yellowstone! I will have to download some pictures of the animals- they came so close to the car that at times it was a little freaky. We saw buffalo, mountain goats, doll sheep, arctic wolves and of course BEARS! they were everywhere and not shy at all. They would come right up to the car and sniff around. The highlight of the day was the walking part of the park because we were able to see some baby cubs up close. They were so sweet and tiny. Livia was disturbed that they were not with their mommies. The park worker explained that they actually bottle feed the cubs because since the female and male bears live together it just is not safe for the cubs to be with their mothers. Livy still didn't quite get it so the worker then had to explain that the daddy bears will kill the cubs if given a chance. This about did Livs in....... she could not believe that the bears could do such a thing! It really is crazy when you see these big cuddly looking bears that they are capable of being so vicious! the kids had a blast and Chad was so jealous he did not get to come with us. We will definitely be going back again. It is all the kids can talk about today.

muddy horn hunting.....

2011-03-07T12:29:00.000-08:00

Chad and I took the kiddos down by the Grand Canyon this past weekend for a little hiking and horn hunting. This is one of the kids favorite things to do with their dad especially, because they get to sell the horns to the horn guy and make some money. We had a big case of counting our chickens before they had hatched on the ride there. Tate wanted to spend his horn money on a new wii game and Livia wanted to purchase some "fin friends" with hers. It is pretty early in the year still for finding horns but if you are lucky enough then they are usually the big daddy horns. We kept a positive attitude that we would be the victors of the day however, the thick yucky mud threatened to ruin our plans. We had brought the 4 wheeler thinking that some of us would hike while the other two could cover more ground on the 4 wheeler. after suctioning Livia's shoes off in the mud and squishing around walking for a couple of miles we decided our best bet was just using the 4 wheeler. The question was how were all of us going to fit? Chad solved the problem by strapping a couple of Grandpa Sorensen's milk crates on the front of the quad. We stuffed them with coats and a blanket and made perfect little cubbies for Livy and Taters. Since they were on tight and we were only going around 8 miles per hour we felt safe. We ended up getting covered from head to toe in mud and had the time of our lives. Sadly no horns were spotted but our little family enjoyed piling on the quad so much we hardly could care. Chad of course was a little frustrated having to put up with a pregnant wife and two kiddos with short legs (that guy can hike for hours on end and not become winded) one of my main goals for the day was getting the famous wings in Tusayan. We had to strip the kids of their shoes and socks and roll up there jeans to hold in all of the mud and Chad and I were covered but I could not even imagine coming all of that way and not partaking of one of my favorite restaurants! We ended up getting the wings and turning the poor little restaurant into a mud mess. The wings were worth the embarrassment. I think all of the European tourists thought we were the definition of American rednecks. We got home super late and tired as can be with smiles on our faces from a fun day. Maybe we will find some horns yet............I need some extra money so I am motivated this year!

pinkalicious!

2011-02-25T06:57:00.000-08:00

This week has been reading appreciation week at Liv's school. Today they were able to dress up as a character in one of their favorite books. Naturally we have a lot of pink in our household so when she FINALLY decided to be Pinkalicious, I was thrilled! Is she not just a little cupcake doll? I just wanted to eat her up this morning.

tate

2011-02-22T07:30:00.001-08:00

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

{a bit of gripes and a pinch of happiness}

2011-02-20T10:08:00.000-08:00

Looking at the snow.....

my chocolates that never were..........
The "Sickos" pajama party in mom's room
The weekend did not turn out as expected............I am a little bumbed out. We had been planning on going to New Mexico for the long weekend and spend some time with my family (actually Tate had finally saved enough money to pay for the chicken coop he busted at my sister's and we were going so he could help grant fix it....little boys!!- insert a big sigh right here.) We had been looking forward to the change in scenery and I was excited to just get out of the house. Chad is with Shane hunting Sheep so I hate being left behind and usually try to find an adventure of sorts for us to embark on so I don't feel left behind. The plan was going forward as planned (i was even beginning the pre-packing routine until Livia, my tough- rarely gets sick kiddo, complained of a very soar throat. Thinking she would be fine I ignored the complaint. About this time my sister began to cal to say the weather was looking as if a snow storm would be gracing us with its presence- UHG! I still remained positive mind you.........but as the week drew to its end Livia began barking like a little seal. I got her into the doctor only to discover my poor little mite had a double ear infection, strep and just for a little bonus, pink eye in BOTH eyes. I asked her "Livia have your ears been hurting you?" she said, "yes, all week long." Are you kidding me? she never mentioned it once. I was stuck looking like a neglectful mother at the doctors office with needless to say a Very sick little bug. Then the snow came.............Lovey white flakes falling constantly........so the trip- my light at the end of the dark tunnel- was canceled. Last night I got the kids settled with some popcorn and a movie and decided to go and tackle shoveling the driveway. It was the heaviest deepest snow and I was cussing myself for not staying on top of it during the day as it fell. That is right about the time I slipped and fell and banged my bony bum so hard I just cried. I yelled out loud a bad word and even gave a little talking to my hubby for leaving me in this mess of snow and sickness! That is about the time the man caddy corner from me came to see if I was alright (i was laying there in my owl pajamas with a pair of Chad's hiking boots on and a coat I can't even button over my big pregnant belly) I was a sight I am sure. I Stood up super quick and wiped my tears and explained that even though I was grateful for the snow it was really getting my goat at the moment. Is that even a phrase? I think it is but I have never once said it and I felt even more embarrassed. We talked about the snow plow and that our other neighbors who were out of town would sure come home to a mess.........I was secretly hoping he would offer to shovel for me but no such luck- he returned to his own fiasco leaving me to throw my shovel down in utter defeat. I decided to get in my warm bed and read and eat my lovely little bag of chocolates Chad got me- yes that would make everything seem better..............The kids, however, got my bag of chocolates that were by my bed and had eaten every last one while I was out- they actually tried to deny it but I smelled their little mouths and saw the evidence in their teeth and guilty grins. I was ticked- so ticked I actually threw a bit of a fit about how "nothing works out for me!" The kids just stared at me like I lost my mind so I recovered by saying that I was just demonstrating how silly they looked when they throw fits. Tate said "I really need to stop doing that huh......." I had to laugh at it all. Today we woke up to more snow but a very bright day. Tate's throat hurts which is just super. So we are playing hooky from church and I am going to do some sewing projects while the kids trash the house and do what ever it is they do. I might even cuddle by the fire with my kindle or bake something or take a bubbly bath or ...............anything really- the day is my oyster.... whatever that means.

{tate}

2011-02-01T15:12:00.000-08:00

This is what tate did this morning while I was putting on my makeup. I just thought it was cute.

{la la and lalaloopsy}

2011-02-01T14:59:00.000-08:00

livia worked like crazy for this doll. she has been doing great with her spelling and chores and was rewarded with a doll she simply dreamed of....like.....FOREVER! These curlers are some of the coolest things ever. She even slept in them without complaint and the curl lasted a few days. How can you not love this girl to bits and pieces!?!

{little bump}

2011-01-20T07:08:00.001-08:00

I am thrilled! Even though I am sick as can be with this one I can't help but smile every morning that I am finally having another little saggy diaper! I am convinced it is a boy. I had a dream last week that I was getting a pedicure and the entire time I was in the massage chair I was delivering baby boys! I delivered 5 babies total and boy was I exhausted when I woke up that morning! Gotta love the pregnancy dreams. Chad has been a trooper with this "All the time sick" fiasco. However, we both keep saying this will probably be our last addition to the little familia. I know I always said I wanted 8 kids but reality is just so much different than day dreams.............maybe if I did not have to be pregnant that many times I would be on board! Give me all of your name suggestions!

How did this happen?

2011-01-10T08:42:00.000-08:00

Yesterday at Church Chad and I received a shock of a lifetime our little sprite Liv is now in the Senior Primary! I could not believe it............I was stunned. She still is wearing 5T for goodness sakes. Since I am teaching in the Senior Primary I was able to spy on her during Sharing Time and she just looked so tiny compared to all of the kiddos. Last night before we went to bed she and I cuddled for a while and read her new pinkalicious book GG recently gave her. She read the entire book to me and I realized just how grown up she is. Quite the little lady that one. She is so responsible and loves routine. She loves school so much and can't wait to go to the bus stop each morning. As excited as I am for Tate to go to school next year and for me to get the chance to be home all alone with one sweet baby, I realize now how short that window is where our little ones are ours alone. It is hard to let our children grow up. I hate that I take for granted these days and then realize when it is too late what I have right in front of me.

{family picture shoot}

2011-01-05T20:23:00.000-08:00

I am trying my best to hide the baby bump in these pictures and now I am wishing I had just celebrated it! Tate was a toot for these but Chad was a champ. O2 photography took these down in the valley (that is my best friend Rach and her hubby Zach- I will post a link). We had so much fun with them because the husbands could commiserate together about the joys of having sick, pregnant wives- Rach and I are both due in July.

Christmas Morning.....

2011-01-05T20:08:00.000-08:00

Chad made me these nifty ski hooks.

Chad pretty much stayed on the couch assembling and untying toys all morning. What a great dad.

Christmas morning was magical as it is every year. I love having kids. It makes everything extra special all over again. They were so thankful for everything which was my main goal this year. I hate it when kids just expect things. Chad got me a Kindle which I am not sure is a good thing because I have already read five books! I have no self control and this instant gratification movement we have going on is terrible for my personality. A great learning opportunity I guess. We had a relaxing day at home and Chad made me my favorite dinner- why? Because he loves me so very much! Chicken fried steak, Chad's signature Magic Mashed Potatoes and green beans (we are talking the kind drowned in butter with no nutrients left what soever) just like I love them. I had a great nap and the kids played on their "ripsticks" all through the house. I will have to video them and their mad skillz and post it.

North Pole Experience

2011-01-05T19:30:00.000-08:00

For Christmas this year Chad's parents rented us a cabin up in the White Mountains so we could take advantage of the "North Pole Experience". It was a funfilled adventure- we were able to eat dinner with Mrs. Clause and travel through a portal to the North Pole on a christmas trolly. While at the North Pole we toured a classic toy museum made toys with the elves, attended elf university, ate yummy cookies and hot chocolate, and of course sat with Santa himself! But that was not the end of our adventure- we got to read bedtime stories with Mrs. Clause and the next morning we ate breakfast with Santa. It was jam packed full of christmas excitement and truly was magical. Thank you Andrea and Darwin for an amazing Christmas memory! The cabin was a really spacious place for the kids to run. They especially loved their cowbay room that had two sets of bunkbeds in it. Livia and Abbie had to share a bed of course. We made gingerbread houses at the cabin and visited with Grandma Great. She was such a trooper hanging out with the crazies! Chad and I picked her up on our way to Eagar and the kids were so excited to have her join us. We sure do love that special lady.

{nutcracker}

2011-01-05T16:08:00.001-08:00

This year was the real deal! After attending the lollipop ballet each year with Livs she finally got to be one of the dancers! A Chinese dancer to be exact! Pappa and Grandma made it through the two hour performance and I was amazed that Chad and I did as well. I was so worried with how shy Livy is that she would freeze up on stage (it was a real ballet company performance) She lit up the stage and stole my heart! She loved being a part of it all. It was really a fun beginning to the Christmas season.

the tree...........

2011-01-04T16:31:00.000-08:00

The tree this year was quite the experience. Chad was determined to go chop down our tree and in true Griswald fashion we picked the hugest one we could find (remember they always look smaller out in the wilderness!) we would finally hike up to a tree we thought was just perfect and then we would glance behind us and find one that was even better! this went on for some time and all I could think of was my perfect fake one at home under the house. I was trying to be a good sport but it just so happened that I was quite sick with this third pregnancy and kept sitting down and chad thought i was not getting excited enough for this amazing family experience. Why can't men be pregnant just for one day?

baby turns 7!

2010-11-14T07:34:00.001-08:00

Livia turned 7 on Friday and we are so happy to have her little witty self in our family.............She still has not lost one single tooth or gained one single pound believe it or not! I know these are older pictures but honestly she looks pretty much the same. All she wanted for her birthday was a new bike with a big basket and mom and dad delivered. She was ecstatic and rode for most of the day. She helped in making her birthday cake and we waited for our dad to return from an elk hunt so we could really celebrate later that night. Livia has turned out to have such a strong little moral compass. She is known for her quiet leadership skills and her big heart. She is about as shy as can be but we get the privilege of seeing her corky sense of humor at home each day. I love having a daughter to share with. She is a blessing.

dysfunctinal dinner story

2010-09-17T19:20:00.000-07:00

Liv and Tater in the rain

So Chad and I took the little squirts to dinner at Cocoa's on Thursday and it was quite a little experience. We were all in kind of a bad mood and I threw a fit because by Thursday I am just tired of planning and executing meals and I refused to cook. Chad was kind enough to take pity on me and since it is hunting season I pretty much get what I want (love it). Everything was going o.k. until Chad decided that Livia needed to spell all of her words for her test the next day right then and there. He does this every now and then- picks a ridiculous battle that is not necessary but then will let the kids destroy the house while I am away with out even batting an eye. Livia was exhausted and just wanted to eat her stinkin' pancakes but Chad was determined I tell you. He kept saying (loudly) "Livia- spell HAM!" and then she would reply "I just don't want to right now." this would only frustrate him further and he would say: "you better spell HAM right now young lady- when a parent asks you to do something you do it- now spell HAM!" I was soooo embarrassed because the whole restaurant including the waitress were so disturbed. I kept trying so hard not to laugh because I kept thinking of Napoleon Dynamite when he would say " Tina! Eat your ham!" only it was "Livia spell HAM!" it ended with Chad taking Livia to the car crying and me being left with putting all of our food in boxes without making eye contact with the other patrons. it was just a night of dysfunction. Today I keep texting Chad- " SPELL HAM!" It was so unnecessary and luckily we can get a laugh from it now. Sometimes you have to just laugh or you will cry....................................

{tate moments}

2010-09-05T16:31:00.000-07:00

So little man Tate has had some funnies the past few weeks and because I want to remind him of these when he is older and dating, getting married etc. I decided I needed to record this little bit of his history. He cracks me up every day with the way he sees the world. First off he has decided to roll all of his R's. He says he now is speaking only in Spanish but really what he has done is replaced all of the R sounds with the rolled R. "Mom, will you excuse me? I will be RRRRRRRight back." It is hilarious only now I am hoping we have not created a speech impediment seeing as how he does it now out of habit without any awareness whatsoever. The other thing that broke my heart is when he had the realization the other day that he will never be pregnant. It is true- he was talking about how it is only girls that seem to get pregnant and why is it he has never seen a pregnant boy. I explained that Heavenly Father just designed it that way and he got really quiet and then began to cry. Chad was beyond disturbed but I thought it was cute. He really felt jipped. Don't worry Tate, some day you will be really grateful! I will remind you however of that cute little memory- you can count on it. Livia, Chad and I are always in stitches with this little guy around. We love his quick retorts and seeing the world through his perspective. If he wants something really bad he says "oh mom, PLEASE with cheese on my knees can I have that?" he is a complete crack up...................

{livia}

2010-08-31T21:34:00.000-07:00

Livia has gone back to school and I miss her! She is always there to help me out and now I have to run up and down the stairs to fetch my own things- yuck! I took so many pictures on her first day back I was so excited to see them and then realized I did not even have a card in my camera! Tate misses her too- His days are long and lonely again. I will do a retake of the first day of school. I am so sad because I have had the classic first day of school picture (standing in front of the front door?- I know you all have one of those!) since she was in preschool. I can't flake this year. These pictures were taken in Alaska a couple of weeks ago. She is growing up.

came across this one today.........

2010-08-28T14:04:00.000-07:00

First of all I am so sorry I do not have the photos of Kodiak Island up yet- just picture Hawaii- it is that beautiful. The planes that took them there were the ones that land in water. This little bit of footage was a bit much for me to handle. They look like model airplanes dropping them and their gear off in the middle of nowhere. I think Chad keeps me in the dark sometimes for a good reason.

band of brothers {Alaska Sheep hunt}

2010-08-27T21:56:00.000-07:00

I love the way Joe captured these two brothers in their element. This is definitely how they do what they do so well. I am beaming with pride for my hubcap for the way he follows his dreams and makes them into reality. He worked so hard to be able to do this hunt and he deserves the end results. (Shane helped to0 but only a little- why is he always so unorganized?-jk. bff Ricky Bobby- you know I appreciate your skillz)

Alaska {a doozy of pictures}

2010-08-27T16:11:00.001-07:00

checking the maps

Chad calling me with the satellite phone

{deep breath}

2010-08-27T13:49:00.001-07:00

So we pulled an all nighter and made it home Wednesday afternoon from our WONDERFUL, fun filled 3 week Alaska adventure. I have so many more pictures to post and can't wait to catch up with everyone here. I am a bit homesick for Alaska (Tai food and late night laughs with Shannon did me some good- gotta love pregnant women's dreams') and Chad and I are already scheming ways to move there ( don't worry sis- you know we are just big dreamers). Shannon is so close to delivering that little girl that it nearly broke my heart to have to leave right before the due date. We got the kids rooms all organized and decorated and went through all of the little girl baby clothes-I was in heaven. We made it home to our stacks of mail and messages and e-mails and Livia starting school and riding the bus and piles upon piles of laundry and items that need to be put away (I had to borrow two suitcases from Shannon for our trip home- yikes!) A couple of things I realized while on vacation:

it is sooo important no matter how much work it feels like with the preparation etc., to take a vacation away from your life- you come home refreshed and ready to meet your life and commitments head on.

we live in the most beautiful country- Alaska took Chad and I's breath away and driving home to our house from phoenix we noticed all over again how beautiful it is where we live.

Family is the most important thing and making sacrifices in order to make memories and be there for each other is what it is really all about.

Tate has such a potty mouth and i don't know why

I am turning into such a home body- all Shannon wanted to do was to take me to experience Alaska and I was more fascinated with staying home and doing home things (thanks Shannon for showing us such a great time when you are so uncomfortable pregnant right now- you really are a champ.

I will get pictures up of Chad's goat and the rest of our trip as soon as I catch up on my life.

{just pretending}

2010-08-19T11:52:00.000-07:00

Since being in Alaska I have had the opportunity to get to know my nephew a little better. Needless to say, he has filled a little piece of my heart that will never be replaced. While Shannon is at work a few days of the week I have had the pleasure of watching this little one and secretly I pretend that I am the mother of three kiddos. He just fits perfectly with us and he holds his own with his cousins just like a Chad Rhoton baby. He is quite the little thinker- always figuring things out and in deep concentration on his task at hand. He acts like he is so serious but all I have to do is tell him to NOT smile and the big dimple comes out immediately. It is his heart however that touches me the most. He gives kisses to Shannon's belly and talks to his little sister and whenever I put my kids in time out he sneaks over to them to give them kisses and pats because he is so sad they are sad. 2 year olds never share but this little guy will give just about anything to someone if they ask him nicely or his mom asks him to do it. Here he is having to share his Mom, toys and house with all of us and has no idea when we are ever going to leave! He is really independent but he loves cuddles and secrets and his giggle- don't even get me started- it brings me to tears every time- too precious! as you can tell I am just smitten. I am sad for him to be so far away from us- maybe we will just have to move to Alaska- that way I can pretend he is my kid all of the time.............

Chena Lake

2010-08-18T12:59:00.001-07:00

The best part about this day was watching the stealth bombers fly overhead. We played so hard this day and Tanner (AKA Mr. Independent) acted like he was a big kid and wandered around with pregnant Aunt Shannon chasing behind him. My kids are way too easy now and I got to just lounge on the blanket watching and relaxing. I felt a little guilty but not guilty enough to do anything to help. Sorry Shannon.............thanks for the wonderful, relaxing day.

{adventures in Alaska}

2010-08-18T12:13:00.000-07:00

Here are some beautiful Pictures of Chad and Shane on hunt# 1. They came home took us out to dinner and left this morning for part 2 of the great month long adventure. Their plane leaves in a few to take them to Kodiak where they will be hunting mountain goats and hopefully not get eaten by the bears. Luckily Shane has an electric fence they set up around camp so I will rest easy knowing they will rest easy. Notice the glow on my husbands face and you will have the answer to the often asked question of why I let him play so much. He has deserved this plus i love having a husband that is in shape.............it is a win, win really.

{tanner}

2010-08-12T15:54:00.001-07:00

{backtracking}

2010-08-12T13:59:00.000-07:00

Random pictures of the fun we are having. Tanner has been a blast to get to know. He is hilarious and has quite the personality. I love that he is so over concerned with everything being in its place. Sometimes I keep a door opened or something out of whack just to see if he can pass it by without straightening out the situation- no deal- he is on it! He will even turn around and rewind if he sees something that needs closed and then carry on with his original task- too too funny. Kid after my own heart I tell you. Livia was scared to death sitting on the big salmon. We rode a train at Pioneer Park and the carousel and the kids want to go back already. They have been getting spoiled here and even though I am trying to have a routine and some chore time since we are here for such a long time they keep getting out of it some how. I am just a big pushover when they are behaving. we are doing great here but are missing all of our friends at home. We love you guys!

boyz in Alaska...........

2010-08-12T13:35:00.000-07:00

Chad is completely glowing in these pictures. I love it. I love him. They were so cute the night before they left- they each had a section in the garage for their pack organizing. They were weighing everything and analyzing the best placement for things. I hated to say goodbye to him and I got my wish for another night with him because their little plane could not drop them the next day due to bad weather- He was a wreck over it but I was secretly thankful for the extra time with him.

{alaska part 2}

2010-08-12T11:08:00.000-07:00

Today I am sitting on Shannon's front porch trying to picture just how bad it really gets here in the winter. Quite honestly Alaska in the summer is a dream. I talked to Chad last night on the satellite phone and I missed him so badly it almost hurt. He was giddy and content doing what he does best out in the middle of NOWHERE- my sister wants to know where he is and I said- uhhhh....don't really know- somewhere in Alaska where no one lives except bears and wild beasts. (really we get their coordinates each day and I will post them if anyone wants to google earth the boys) The leaves are changing here and since Fall is my most favorite season I am just in heaven. My kiddos are so excited to start the day here and not very excited to end it (the fact that it is still light outside isn't helping that fact) II have tried to make sure the kids have little surprises throughout our time here and on Tuesday Livia got a beautiful new pettiskirt in the mail here are some pictures of her modeling her new favorite thing. Fancy shmancy!

Living in Alaska day 1-5

2010-08-10T11:10:00.000-07:00

I swore I would do such a great job at posting our adventures and here I am on day five without a single post yet!........So sorry. We are in love with this place. the kids are on constant moose watch and we experienced going to church on Sunday in the "North Pole" literally! It is such a beautiful place to live. We have started to get used to the fact it is NEVER dark which is pretty trippy when it is midnight. I have so many pictures to post and I promise I will very soon!

just like Paisley......

2010-07-28T18:22:00.001-07:00

Our sweet little niece Paisley has been through a lot in her short little life. She has had several surgeries for her eye and has had to wear a patch for the majority of the time. She is just a little delight and quite the trooper. The other day I walked in to find Livia playing with her baby dolls and some make shift eye patches. It was so precious. Livia wants a Paisley in our house sooooo bad- maybe even as bad as me- so she just made a couple of little sisters to fit the bill. I love it.

a little hitch in our gitty up..............

2010-07-28T18:10:00.000-07:00

Little bug Tate took a BIG digger at the neighbors' house yesterday. Scared us to death I tell you. He fell off of some exercise equipment in their garage and slapped his face on the concrete. The extra fun bonus is then he stopped breathing and passed out right in front of my sweet neighbor. My kids do this all of the time but she had never witnessed a collapsing child- I felt so bad for her. I ran down to find her a little shaken up and poor Tate a little out of sorts. Luckily Chad was on his way home for lunch so he checked him over and we decided it was nothing a little Tylenol and Wii couldn't fix. you can't tell by the pics but it is still a bit swollen and painful for him. He is back to his old self however and riding all around the neighborhood- one TOUGH kid no doubt about it!

darn this economy!

2010-07-28T13:29:00.000-07:00

Well- biznass was a bit slow this rainy day on our block. Poor kids were so dedicated it nearly broke my heart. They stayed out for 45 minutes with out one single customer.

Even through the rain they remained faithful to their cause.

Tate pleads with the people passing by (which was not very many because of the weather) to try his "super licious lennonade" but there were just no thirsty takers.

Livia organized and reorganized trying to improve the curb appeal while Tate took a little dance break (need I say more..........)

finally after an incognito phone call made by yours truly we had our very first customers! It was AWESOME! Livia was shaking with excitement.

The lemonade tasted GREAT- I think.....................kind of- did I mention the kids made it themselves? should have probably had customers sign wavers or something.

Livia decided that since it was a special day the refills would be on the house. Such a giving little soul that one!

occupied and happy.............

2010-07-27T16:04:00.001-07:00

Best babysitter ever! Just some old clocks, VCR and answering machines will watch your kids for free ninety nine and hour. I got some great reading time in this afternoon. Yes!!!!!

{focus on the heart}

2010-07-19T17:10:00.000-07:00

Tate has really been a challenge for me lately. He is growing up and we are both trying to figure out our mother-son relationship. Of course I still want to baby him and cuddle and he needs that still at times but, for the most part he is turning more independent and a little more self conscious of his image so to speak. I was holding him on my lap helping him write thank you cards for his birthday and we heard the garage door go up (dad's home) he quickly jumped off my lap so his dad wouldn't see him being held like a little one. I supported him even though it hurt a bit to be left behind. I don't want to have some weird mama's boy on my hands after all...... I will just have to take what I can from now on. He is really wild and crazy these days and a bit too much for others to handle. I am starting to wonder if all little boys go through this. I sure hope so. I find that if I focus on his big heart it makes all of the other mumbo jumbo pale in comparison. He still will shock me each day with his growing spirituality which is so very real and sincere. He also hates the thought of someone being disappointed in him and will just do about anything to change negative opinions. He is also learning the value of honesty and I am witnessing him telling truths even if it means big bad consequences. That thrills me to no end because honesty is something I want to instill in my children more than anything. Tate, you are such a good son. I love you so.

{robot tater}

2010-07-12T21:37:00.000-07:00

{robot birthday 4 tate}

2010-07-12T20:57:00.000-07:00

We conquered the 5th birthday this year. I am in a bit of denial that my "baby" is now officially 5. He had a blast with all of his buddies today. My favorite moment was when he robot danced for his friends to his robot music. Morgan helped me with the totally stellar cake (notice the leaning robot- it was so supposed to do that- yeah right!) the kids built a bot out of screws and odds and ends we glued onto magnets ( it was like a mister potato head only better!) thank you to all of the ladies that stayed and helped me through the chaos. The party ended with a bang- the clouds rolled in and we had ourselves a full on monsoon on our hands. The kids ran and screamed in the rain and Tate told me tonight that he LOVED his party and wants to do it again next week.

the 4th

2010-07-07T15:40:00.001-07:00

There is just nothing like spending the 4th in the white mountains. I have yet to attend a parade that makes me more proud to live in this wonderful country. Poor chad was still recovering from his neck surgery. He was a trooper. There is nothing like seeing everyone you grew up with in your hometown with a gaping wound on your neck- lovely. The kids are so lucky to have the tradition of the 4th with their Grammy and pops. I did not want to come home. The dreaded laundry is still piled in my room as I type this...............

{can't we all just get along?}

2010-07-06T20:52:00.000-07:00

Summer has been interesting thus far. I always have so many ideas and plans in my head at night when I am going to sleep. All the fun things to do with the kids and fun projects to accomplish- then the morning comes and I am overwhelmed by children that bicker about- well just about anything and everything. Chad says that is just what siblings do....... maybe because they are so close in age. My sister was almost four years older than me so I don't ever remember this amount of contention. it is really beginning to cramp our style and I am finding that I am thrilled when an opportunity comes for them to be separated during the day. How sad is that? all of my special mother kid summer bonding time is being replaced by a frazzled mother who can't cope? I will just have to do better tomorrow. patience..............love............understanding..........

{splash!}

2010-06-29T16:03:00.000-07:00

crawdad fishing

2010-06-28T10:30:00.001-07:00

While all of the boys were visiting us, we went crawdad fishing in Beaver Creek. It was a jolly good time! They were so excited and could not get enough fun in the sun. You know kids had a good day when their bath water looks like that!

tate

2010-06-18T12:27:00.000-07:00

Livia

2010-06-18T12:17:00.001-07:00

School's out for summer!!!!!

2010-06-18T12:07:00.001-07:00

We are ready for a super fun summer! Tennis, swimming, the lake, ALASKA, family, Karate, soccer, cooking lessons and of course just running around in bathing suits! The kids are just at a really fun age right now- we can do so much.

Plantin' with Pops!

2010-06-05T12:55:00.001-07:00

father and sons

2010-06-05T12:50:00.000-07:00

Us Rhoton women must just be exhausting......... Poor guys- this is what they do after church while we take care of all the kids and make dinner............you know Brian must be tired if he can sleep with Chad's stinky foot in his face.........Maybe it is just that Grammie's is so relaxing!

little fun @ grammies!

2010-06-05T12:43:00.000-07:00

feeling glamorous and laying by the pool! who could ask for anything more!