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A chance to Give... THiS FRIDAY!

2010-03-22T22:11:00.001-07:00

I copied this from Janilynn and Marcus Buchanan's blog. Please help spread the word.

Hey everyone! As many of you know Ben and Carol Huff's little girl Lizzie was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor. She spent a significant amount of time in the hospital and is now home with a long road of recovery ahead of her. We recently found out that they were chosen as the benefit family for this weekend's annual high school alumni basketball tournament. A few of us were talking and wanted to try and help them out by raising some additional money on our own. We know times are tough and it is short notice, but any amount would be greatly appreciated. Ben and Carol are usually on the giving end of things, but now it is their turn to be on the receiving end. If you are willing/able to help please e-mail Janilynn at janilynnb@hotmail.com ASAP for more info (checks will be made out to the Todd Morrison Alumni Tournament)....and spread the word.

Baby Tanner is here!

2009-10-21T10:33:00.001-07:00

Tanner Jason, our sweet little addition. He has been such a good baby and so much fun. Tate and Ellie love him so much! I love that the kids are old enough to enjoy this little baby.
Uncle JASON, who we named him after.

.Our Little Monkey.

.Tate and Tanner. Tate's favorite thing to do with Tanner is snuggle him at bedtime. He also loves carrying Tanner around.... yikes!

Dr. Ferguson. I can't tell you how awesome this guy is! I would recommend him to everyone!This Doctor is the real deal. He is genuine, caring, and knows his stuff. Thanks Dr. Ferguson!

.Ellie and Tanner. Ellie's favorite thing to do with Tanner is smother him! He,he... she loves him to death! Tanner really likes her too!

. Our little family .

check it out!

2009-08-11T15:29:00.000-07:00

Okay, okay, I know I'm not the best blogger but I found a website you all have got to check it out. I love it! Just click on the button I added on the Right (Make and Takes). I am overwhelmed with new ideas, just wondering when i'll find the time...

4th of July and Jeff's Birthday!

2009-07-05T18:14:00.000-07:00

Happy Fourth! We had a super fun day. We have a few little traditions for the Fourth, one of them is sleeping outside in the backyard in tent the night of the 3rd. We didn't do that this year because we had just cleaned up from camping the weekend before for Jeff's birthday but we did keep the tradition of going to our small town's Parade, infact, we were in the Parade! We were with the BCCH float. The kids decorated their bikes and rode behind the truck handing out Otter Pops(which is why Tate had to wear his batting gloves, to keep his hands warm:) BCCH bought 2 thousand Otter Pops and we ran out about a block before the finish line! I guess our Little Town has more festive people than I thought! Tate and Ellie got their faces painted, we watched A LOT of softball the whole week, had a BBQ at Mom's, went to the fireworks, and fired off a few fireworks that Aunt Jamie bought afterwards. One other tradition we have over the Fourth is making homemade ROOTBEER! I love it, it' s so good! I am so thankful for a day to remember our INDEPENDENCE and FREEDOM and the people who have helped and are helping to make it possible. Thank You to those who have served! WE love AMERICA!

Jeff's birthday present was camping the weekend before and this new Basketball Hoop! Tate has been soooo excited to share Dad's birthday present with him. It's so nice to get some cement and get rid of about 100,000 stickerweeds on the side of our house!

A little Guitar Hero can always help get you in the Patriotic mood, right?

Jeff's Birthday! Happy Birthday sweetie! We love you. We like going camping or doing something fun over Jeff's special day (another Tradition). We stayed near Bear Lake, in a TENT for three nights! It was such a great time. We LOVED being away from everything, all the stress that comes and goes everyday was gone (too bad it came back just as quickly). I loved having the time with my little family. It's so awesome to have the time to spend constantly with my kids and sweetheart.

Building sand castles at Bear lake.

Somebody say SMORES EVERYNIGHT?!! Oh, that's heavenly. Notice that Ellie just prefers a Whole Hershey's bar over a S'more? That girl is crazy for chocolate. Tate is a super marshmallow roaster... love that kiddo.

Tate working on Jeff's birthday gift! He made him a stick lastyear too but this year he came home without any bloodshed! We even had Ellie working on a stick with a knife... I couldn't really watch.

I think these kids loved the camping trip too!

T-ball, Father's day, and Rexburrria!

2009-06-26T08:44:00.001-07:00

Happy Fathers Day! We love Jeff so much, he is such a great Daddy and Husband. Some of our favorite things about him is his goofy personality, silly habbits (you know what those are babe!), and the genuine way he cares for us. WE LOVE YOU!
Ellie bought him some new belts to wear to work... practical, I know!

... and Tate found this thing at Smith and Edward's and would not let go! He started crying when I told him to put it back cause Dad didn't need another BBQ tool. Tate said, "but daddy won't have to use a fork to turn the meat and burn his fingers!" It was so sweet that I gave in and let him get it for Dad.

REXBURRRIA... aka REXBURG.

We went with Amber and her boys up to Rexburg to see Rachel. These were the only pictures I got but they are pretty cute. We ate a yummy dinner straight off Matt's grill and then went to this cute little ice cream shop to get DELICIOUS ice cream! After sugaring ALL these kiddo's up we went back to Rachel's. It was a little difficult getting them all to cooperate and go to sleep but it eventually happened. The best part of it all was they even ALL slept in the same room! It was such a fun trip.... ThAnks AgAin Rach!

.T-Ball.

What do I say about T-Ball? It is adorable watching these little kids play! I love it! Tate is so funny out there on the field. He doesn't quite get the concept of letting other kids play their positions. Tate was supposed to be covering 3rd base and he ended up running all the way over by first to get a ball the batter hit. He wants every ball, guess it's not all bad. He is so cute and absolutely loves it. He is pretty serious when he is playing but is having lots of fun. Thanks to his coaches for being so cute with him! I love you #5!

Think she wants to be a cheerleader.... oh boy!

Trying to be crafty!

2009-05-04T08:54:00.000-07:00

I copied this from a friends blog. I thought it sounded like a lot of fun and decided to try it!

This is how it works:The first three people to type "Annie is trying to be crafty!" in the comments on this post will get something made by me! My choice. For you. The catch is that you must re-post this on your blog and give the same offer to the first three commenter's who will also craft it forward.Here are my contingencies:

1. I make no guarantee that you will like what I make!
2. What I create will be just for you.
3. It will be done this year.
4. You have no clue what it's going to be.
5. I reserve the right to make something extremely strange.
6. You must post a picture of what you win when you get it.

Have fun!

.Chloe.

2009-05-04T07:59:00.000-07:00

Oh, I wish I had a picture of you at your birthday party as Hannah Montana. You are the best Hannah I have ever seen! The party was a blast. Ellie and Tate are still rockin' out with their super sweet guitars! Happy Birthday Clo.

Ry- Guy

2009-05-04T07:57:00.001-07:00

We love you so much Ry.... and your sweet RED car!

Birthday BOY!

2009-05-04T07:41:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Tatterbug! We had a great time celebrating birthdays this past week. Tate's is on the 1st, my nephew Ry-Guy's is on the 2nd, and My niece Chloe was born on the 3rd! We got lots of yummy Cake and Ice Cream! Tate got everything his little heart wanted- especially his Nintendo DS. The party was fun. I attempted to make his birthday cake, it's a snake. I love you so much little buddy.

Disneyland Vacation

2009-04-28T12:08:00.001-07:00

Okay.... Here's the scoop on our Family Disneyland adventure! We got to our Hotel on Wed. We stayed at a super cute hotel called the Candycane Inn. It was really convenient, had a continental breakfast, swimming pool, and a free shuttle bus that was super easy to catch there and back. I recommend it to anyone going! The only thing the kids wanted to do when we got there was go swimming! It was a favorite daily activity.

We spent Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in the park. It was really nice because it wasn't super crowded ever. We did have to wait in a few lines but nothing like I imagine it when it's busy. It was a little chilly in the shade and the wind blew quite a bit. Fireworks were cancelled on Friday and Saturday because of the wind.

Ellie was upset because she didn't see the princesses wandering in the park so we went and stood in line for an hour to walk through and meet three princesses. The princesses change out every once in a while so you don't know for sure who you are going to get. We totally lucked out and got Cinderella, Belle, and Jasmine! It was so worth the wait to see Ellie's reaction and hear the excitement in her voice the rest of the week!

This was a big hit with Tate. Jedi Training. The people looked really real! It was so much fun! Tate practices the moves everyday with his new light saber... like we needed another one in our house!

What a magical place..... this is how I found these two sleeping the first night. They snuggled all night!

Of course...... we found an airplane in California Adventure! Tate and Jeff were thrilled. Tate found one of his favorite souvenirs- A little B52 airplane that he carried around everywhere.

Ellie was scared of almost EVERY ride. I don't blame her. They even make finding Nemo ride scary! This little area in the California adventure side was all bugs life stuff. There is a 3D movie that freaked both kids out- I LOVED IT, and there was this little Caterpillar ride that Ellie and I rode on three or four times! She was diggin' it.

My cute little man chillin' for a photo op.

Ellie's souvenir was a build-a-bear lamb. She dressed her in a Snow White outfit. It was so cute! Her name is Lambie.

Lunch with the princesses! I hesitated paying the money to go do this, especially after standing in line for an hour to meet some of these princess already but it made Ellie's whole trip. I think she loved Cinderella the most before Disneyland but I am thinking Snow White and Aurora are now here fav's.

Love, Love, Loved this Cinderella! She was so kind and sweet! Ellie loved her.

Mater. Tate and Ellie loved the "Cars" stuff there. They didn't have a whole lot of things but the parade was really cool!

T-I-G-G-E-R!

Okay, this was pretty much the only ride I REALLY wanted to go on because I remember it from when I was a little girl (Small World). Ellie looks thrilled, right? She did not want to go but ended up loving it! Tate was a really good sport. He went on two rides that I thought he never would do- Grizzly River Rafting (he almost puked after), and he did pirates but didn't love it. I am happy he at least tried it. They kept teasing Jeff that he was going to have to go do the Tower of Terror! Holy smokes.... I think that ride would be pushing my limits!

We went to Newport Beach the last full day we were there. It was cloudy and chilly but the sand was really warm and fun to play in. The water was freezing and crazy people were still swimming in it!!!

Ha,ha,ha,ha.... Ellie was strolling along the beach and this big wave came washing up on the shore! Ellie was running and screaming as fast as her little legs would move. It was so hilarious and I just happened to be trying to take a picture of her!

The kids are really relieved to know that there weren't any sharks that wanted to eat them up.
I could totally be a beach bum! I loved it there!

..... and then we had to come home! We really didn't want to come back to the real world. Tate loved the airplane rides! On the way into Long Beach the airplane did some funky sudden drop. It felt like we were falling out of the sky. I freaked out of course and he LOVED it! When the plane landed there was this HORRIBLY loud noise. It sounded like the whole top of the airplane was going to rip off! I was again freaking out but as soon as it was silent Tate YELLED, "That was awesome!!!!" Everyone around us started laughing their heads off. What a cutie!

.Big Blue.

2009-04-19T08:14:00.000-07:00

Go Aggies, Go Aggies... hey,hey, hey!

We went to Logan on Saturday for the Aggies Blue and White game. We had a great time. One highlight was seeing Big Blue, another was running around on the field after the game. We love watching the Aggies play football especially when we know they are going to WIN!

F.H.E. at Grandma's.

2009-04-10T08:28:00.000-07:00

Ellie's Fish

Tate's fish.

We went up to Grandma's house this week for F.H.E. Tate has been dieing to catch a fish and it's basically a fish farm up there. The fish are GYNORMOUS and so easy to catch. The only problem we had was that they kept stealing the bread off the hook. They forgot that they were supposed to put that sharp little hook in their lip so that we could catch them, pet them, and then throw them back! Tate's fish was huge! Ellie's was still big but looked little compared to the one Tate caught. We love to go to Grandma's and just feed the fish. She has ducks that run around and as you can see very friendly dogs that let Ellie ride on their backs. We love Grandma's house!

Spinlash...what?

2009-04-04T22:47:00.000-07:00

Yeah so Tate never ceases to amaze me! He was laying next to me the other day and reminded me (because he has told me this many times before) that I really need to buy some spinlash mascara so that my mascara wouldn't be so clumpy! What???!!! Yeah... little too much T.V. I guess. Does anyone use this? It would be fun to get it just for Tate's sake. He has seriously mentioned it to me several times. I do try my best to cake on the mascara.... my rule is the more the better. A little secret I have learned is that you should NEVER wipe that little extra glob off the end of your mascara brush when you take your brush out! That extra glob is totally needed for the heavy application of the mascara! I am in love with my Mabelline mascara- the one in the fat, Yellow tube.... and yes, this is all I have to blog about! looser....

My Shinning Star!

2009-03-23T21:13:00.000-07:00

This last week at School Tate got to be the "Shinning Star" for his class. They spotlighted Tate and let him be the "line leader". It made him feel really special. Tate helped us make this poster about himself. Some facts about my little man:
1- Favorite Food- Pizza (cheese)
2- Favorite Football team- KC Chiefs.... of course!
3- He likes North Carolina (basketball)
4- He likes Airplanes (it is in his blood i swear!)
5- Loves the Aggies, especially Gary Wilkinson. Tate loves to go to the games with his dad. He stands up and cheers THE ENTIRE GAME! What a sports junky.
6- Likes the KC Royals!
7- Tate has been to Hawaii, Boston, Kansas City, and ID- Island park and Rexburg.
8- He loves his family (check out his drawing!)
9- He also loves his CAT! You have got to read what he made me write about our "furry dork".
10- Tate loves his little Sister. They are such cute, best little buddies!
We sure love this little boy. He is such a good, kind, well mannered little man. Hopefully he stays that way. We truly are blessed to have Tate in our Family!

Fishing...... yes, I was told only FISHING with his daddy! I about FREAKED when I was told that my son was pretty good with a BB gun! Only because I knew that there were a whole bunch of young scouts in the same area shooting as well! aaaahhh! Jeff said Tate shot really well and loved it. They only caught a few little fish but they both had a great Father-son date! Thanks Jeff for taking Tate along with you. He just told me today that he sure misses his day of fishing and shooting with his daddy!

Great News!!!

2009-03-02T20:11:00.000-08:00

Tonight while we were enjoying dinner together as a family we started talking about what we all wanted to be when we grow up...
Tate is going to be a doctor that fixes peoples bones when they break them.
and...
Ellie, sweet Ellie! She informed us that she would like to be a Farmer who grows carrots. She would like to do this so that she can feed the carrots to Horses! Now picture her saying all of that in the way only Ellie can with her head leaned to her right shoulder, lips puckered, eyes batting, and shaking her head yes. Tates face was red from laughing so hard with his food spilling out everywhere! It was a good time...
I am such a proud mother.... who will have access to all of the carrots and broken bone fixes I want!

I don't want to fall in love.

2009-02-26T21:43:00.001-08:00

My cute little Ellie woke up the other night after a really SCARY dream! Her daddy comforted her as she cried, "I don't want to go to Walmart! I don't want to fall in LOVE!" baahahaha! Is that the funniest thing you have heard? She has been so funny lately, I sure love my baby girl!

one more post...

2009-02-08T22:16:00.000-08:00

We no longer have a home phone! Call my cell phone and if you don't have that number then e-mail me and I'll get it to you! Still laughing.... ha,ha,ha... speedo guy!

USU Speedo Guy!

2009-02-08T22:09:00.000-08:00

Okay... If you want to seriously laugh your head off and understand this picture a little better you HAVE GOT to watch this youtube video. It will explain it all. Make sure you share it with the man in your life- he will for sure appreciate it! I am still laughing....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpHB6W_r9ag

"I'm soooo hungry!"

2009-02-08T19:48:00.000-08:00

This morning.... One bowl of cookie crisp, an apple, a fruit roll up, 3/4 can spaghettios, his bowl of oatmeal plus some of his sisters. Then he was begging for more food as soon as we got to church (1 p.m.) and started crying," I am soooo hungry!" As soon as we got home from church we went over to Ambers for dinner where he ate a Waffle, 3 pieces of bacon, and then a German Pancake. Following dinner he had dry cereal to snack on while running around the house and then just before bed he decided to end the day the same way he started... a bowl of cookie crisp! I better get a second job...

Free Grand Slam!

2009-02-03T07:35:00.001-08:00

Totally going..... Let me know if you want to come. Leaving around noon :) mmmmm....

It's too cold!

2009-01-30T07:58:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures to help BRING ON THE HEAT! I'm SO READY!

I really have nothing much to blog about except for the fact that I am sick of WINTER! I am sooo ready for SPRING and SUMMER! Bring on the heat and sun. I am feeling all cooped up and am running out of ideas to keep my kids busy. Hungry hippos, coloring, and CandyLand are all getting OLD! They think reading is "school work" so that's not the biggest hit either. What are you all doing to stay busy inside and keep your kids happy? Do any of you feel like horrible mothers? I am feeling that way lately. What do I do? Regrets already... no good.

Conversation.

2009-01-21T14:18:00.000-08:00

Ellie- "Mom! Tate ate all of my popcorn chicken!"
Mom- "Okay, Tate. Now you have to share some of your Corn Dog with Ellie."
Tate- "No mom! I don't want too! I don't want her DNA on MY CORNDOG!"

... What in the world? Who could blame the POOR BOY???

.Moments.

2009-01-14T16:15:00.001-08:00

You know those days when everything is going wrong? I have had a few of those days lately and have just felt kinda sad.... Then little moments like this happen that change me. I am thankful for those moments...

This is what Ellie chose to wear! She got dressed all by herself and came into my room and Said, "how do I look mommy?" She made me smile! Yeah.. that is one lip gloss for each pocket!

I caught Elle and Tate slow dancing to some music I had on! It just made my heart so happy..

AMERICAN IDOL!

2009-01-13T09:10:00.000-08:00

Don't forget to watch AMERICAN IDOL TONIGHT! Pray that the pregnant women stay pregnant tonight! Maybe I can sneak into a room and watch tonight:) Yahoo!!! The first part of the season is always my favorite!

Cinnamon Rolls..

2009-01-08T22:13:00.000-08:00

Okay... Everyone that wants the recipe for the best cinnamon rolls ever just click on my link to Jesika. Make sure you leave her a comment as you get the recipe. They are the BEST! Thanks Jess....

Snow, snow, snow....

2009-01-06T16:02:00.001-08:00

I just want to know ONE THING! Who is praying for all this snow???? Hope you own a snowblower! I don't want to hear one more word about GLOBAL WARMING! It's not happening here...
Sledding at Amber's parents house! I am sad to admit this is the first time my kids have gone sledding! THEY LOVED IT... thanks Amber!

These crazy kids BEG me to go outside and shovel the walks. They Shovel for a minute and then they have snowball fights and try to eat as much snow as they can :) They are so fun this year... fun ages!

New Year's Eve of a Labor and Delivery Nurse...

2009-01-06T15:42:00.000-08:00

So... This year my Holiday to Work was New Year's Eve! As you can tell- we had a great time. We were actually really busy but all of the patients were so cool- we all just partied! :) We had SO MUCH to eat... Ring in the New Years! We ate Monica's Meatballs, Connie's salsa, Jesika's Cinnamon Rolls, caramel Corn, soda, water, Cheeseball, I'm sure a few fruit roll ups were stollen from the Doctor's lounge... and um, I'm sure there was more!
Laura, Me, Monka, Jesika, and Kelsey is behind the camera!

Jesika made these Cinnamon Rolls that were TO DIE FOR! Yup, I ate THREE!!!

The Meatballs were DELICIOUS! Only one problem.... we didn't have a spoon long enough to stir them- anyone know what those "tools" are?

He, He, He.... Forceps! THEY WERE STERILE FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!

Oh man... We had a great time! No New Years Kiss this year but we sure had a ton of fun! Thanks girls for spending New Years with me!!! LOVED IT.

So Far...

2008-12-23T20:42:00.000-08:00

SWIMMING... in Nebraska! I am surprised that The water wasn't one big brick of ICE! I NEVER, NEVER want to live in Nebraska in the Winter! I don't know that I have ever been that cold!
Ell-bell Chillin. She obviously feels the same way about NEBRASKA as I do! She would only "swim" in the HOT TUB :) That's my girl.

Two little Monkeys Jumpin' on the bed. After 9 hours in the car, can you blame them?!

My little man... He was running up the stairs at Grandma's house to go Play with the toys. He slipped, fell, and hit his chin on the hardwood. He busted it right open. He Freaked out at first but then he calmed down and was the bravest little boy ever! He was adorable at the Hospital. He was answering all of the questions the nurses asked like he didn't even need us there. "Is he allergic to any medication? " "No" says Tate. WHat?! He was adorable. He even asked THEM some questions :)

Sorry... Had to post this one. He was so tough! I am so proud of my sweet little boy. He HATES blood and needles or even the thought of them! He was So nervous... but did great. I had to grab my camera and take a picture to show him so that he would believe it was bad enough for stitches. He just wanted to leave it like it was!

SEVEN stitches! We really have had a great time. Tate and Ellie have loved "sleeping over" at Grandma and Grandpa's and playing with their Cousins. Tate also has Strep throat! LAYLA- Tate could really use some Kisses!!! :)

We Made it!!!

2008-12-21T21:30:00.000-08:00

We made it to Good old Kansas City safely. I have lots of fun pictures to post.... it will take me a few days to get them on here I'm sure. Merry Christmas to everyone. We love you all!

.BaBy GrAcie.

2008-12-12T06:46:00.000-08:00

Here She Is!

Thanks for the pictures Jamie... Ellie said on the way down to the hospital, "Mom, what's that baby's name?" I told her, "It's Gracie." She said, "Oh yeah, Gracie. She is my very Favorite!"

Birthday Boy!

2008-12-08T11:37:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Uncle Jeremy!...... We LOVE you!

.Baby Gracie.

2008-12-08T11:29:00.001-08:00

Sounds like Baby Gracie is here and she is JUST FINE! Yahoo!!! 5 lbs, 8 oz and 18 inches long. We love you baby Gracie.

Ahhh!!

2008-12-07T23:32:00.000-08:00

My sister's water just bRoKe!!! I'm going to be an Aunt again! It's supposed to be a girl and I think they are going to name her Gracie Maddison?! This will be another Peemie baby though so will everyone say a little prayer for them!

.Turkey Day.

2008-12-02T15:52:00.000-08:00

Okay, Okay... I know I'm way late on the Turkey Day post but here it is anyways :) We had a really good day. Jeff's dad flew in from K.C. and his brother Jeremy came over for dinner. My family all came out- except for Sara (we missed you guys). We ate Turkey, Mashed potatos, corn, stuffing, yams, more Turkey, rolls, jello salad, egg nog, and lots and lots of pie- including the DELICIOUS pumpkin cheesecake pie Mindy brought! Yeah, I am pretty much still suffering from the pants fitting a little too tight! Oh well....
The kids loved their "cute little turkey". They wanted to watch my every move as I prepared the Turkey for eating... sick, huh?

The BoYs can't have a Holiday without football... I swear! Either it's on the T.V. or in the back yard. Even when it's not offiicially "football season" there is always NFL Europe or some other conspiracy to provide some entertainment for these men.

. My Taterbug.

El-bell and Ry-guy! Family is great, isn't it! I love you all. I hope to spend some good time with everyone this Holiday Season.

+Annie.

This is for JesIkA!

2008-11-23T19:24:00.000-08:00

Okay, Okay... Here they are! I have been tagged by Jesika to post some wedding picutres. I told her they didn't make digital cameras way back then and I don't have a scanner so I took pictures of the pictures. Here you go...

Shannon and Chad were our "Brides Maid" and "Best Man". Jeff was roommates with Chad- that's how I met Jeff:) Shannon and I were working at the Pool as lifeguards.

Oh Man! I forgot to tag somebody! I tag Layla and Miss!! he,he... Can't wait!

Fall FuN!

2008-11-19T09:05:00.000-08:00

SO... I can remember playing in the leafs with my Brother and Sisters when I was younger.. much younger.. and it just makes me laugh at how much fun we used to have. We would rake the leafs up and jump out of trees into the big pile of leafs (like it was going to cushion the fall at all). Well, we raked the leafs in our backyard (okay.. Jeff raked the leafs) and the kids had their first experience jumping, "swimming", and fighting in the leafs. It was super cute to watch.

Do as I am doing...

2008-11-14T07:42:00.000-08:00

Okay. I rarely remember embarrassing things that happen to me but I have one fresh on my mind that I thought you would all get a good laugh at. A few Monday night's ago, during family night, we let Tate choose the closing song. Well, he chose "do as i am doing". The action he chose to do is to jump up and down while turning around. Well, it was night time- and who wears their bra at night? Well Jeff and I were laughing hysterically because we knew what was going on and the kids just thought we were having a great time. Picture the "If I do it high or low, if I do it fast or slow..." ha,ha,ha. It was funny! Needless to say we now have to sing that same song, with that same action EVERY FAMILY NIGHT! I now stay fully dressed for family night :) ( I think this post takes care of all the times I have been tagged by everyone about quirks and embarrassing stuff).

Can't hardly wait...

2008-11-13T16:07:00.000-08:00

I love this time of year... mostly because I know Christmas is around the corner. I have been thinking about the traditional candy making day at my house and can already feel my pants getting tighter! I have been making a recipe book for my ward and have so many fun recipes from everyone. I can't wait to try them out! Here is one of my favorites that I am already craving... thought I would share it. Melissa, I want your pretzel recipe! I did have it in my hot little hands and then I forgot it at your house last year.... craving those too (wink, wink).

Growing like a WeEd!

2008-11-03T19:34:00.000-08:00

I can't believe how quickly Tate is learning to recognize his "sight" words and sound out his letters. I thought it would be forever until he was reading but now it's coming quicker than ever. Tonight he wrote this little note and showed it to us! It says Don't like it! It was durring dinner sio I thought he was talking about his dinner but then he told us that it' s a picture of a boy holding a bug. he, he... How cute is he! He is getting so smart... I love it.

No Time To BlOg!

2008-10-31T21:07:00.000-07:00

So, Hopefully your week has been as busy as mine cause I have felt like I am going crazy! We of Course did the whole Halloween thing tonight..... we went to Grandma Cindy's house. Grandma fed us and gave us way too many treats. Jamie also handed out loads of candy to the kids.... Thanks guys!

We went to Grandpa Craig's house. He gave the kids tons of candy. The kids carried around pillowcases this year... an old tradition that we are going to try to bring back. Both kids thought we were crazy when we showed them their "bags" but they got over it!

Tate learned to ride a bike without TRAINING WHEELS! It only took him a couple of days of practicing on his friends bike and he learned how to do it all by himself! He loves it! He said to me, "Mom, don't you remember when you could ride without your training wheels and how fast you could go? Wasn't it so much fun?" He is such a cutie!! Thanks Parker for letting him borrow your bike!

Any of you who know my husband well enough know that he loves jets and flying! Well, my little Tate is the same way- no surprise! Jeff borrowed this flight suit from a friend to wear to work today for Halloween.

This is how far we go at my house with the whole flying and Pilot thing! Tate loves to fly airplanes on Jeff's laptop, he has a flight simulator game. Tate flew airplanes with this REAL pilot helmet on (I'm sure Jeff did too when the kids were in bed and I was at work)!

Maddox

2008-10-30T13:10:00.000-07:00

Maddox rocks! You will be able to order Any Family Meal at the take out on Nov. 5th and the profit (10 dollars for family of 4 and 5 dollars for family of 2 meal) will be given to Daryl and Ashely Larsen. Any meal people! Eat Extra! This is an awesome opportunity to help people we love by eating. Please remember to mention the Larsen family name when ordering and/or paying. Keep getting the word out. I can't believe how well the word is spreading, but we have got to keep it up.

.Larsen Family Fundraiser.

2008-10-23T11:56:00.000-07:00

Most of you know Daryl and Ashley Larsen. For those of you who don't, they are a young couple here in Perry, who just lost their baby to a rare lung disorder. Their loss is truly a tragedy. They are now experiencing the beginnings of what will be a land slide of medical bills. In an effort to aide them, there will be a one day fundraiser at the Maddox Steak House. On November 5, you can call Maddox at 723-2916 and order the Turkey Steak dinner. You can choose the 2 or 4 family meal at the regular price. All proceeds will then be donated to the Larsen family. You do need to remember to mention the Larsen family name when ordering. You can then pick up your meal at the take out window in the back of Maddox. It will be for lunch and dinner. Please spread the word.
Feel free to copy and paste this post on your blog.
+annie

Look Who's Three!

2008-10-19T21:48:00.001-07:00

This is my baby girl when she was just a couple of days old.... where has the time gone? We have enjoyed this sweet little GIRL... never a dull minute! Love you Ellie.

Halloween Birthday Party!

2008-10-19T21:39:00.001-07:00

We had a really fun Halloween party for Ellie's birthday! We had Cinderella, A pretty little Devil, Bumblebee Transformer, Squirt, A KC Chiefs football player (go chiefs!), a Fantastic Four guy, a cute frog, A scary mask guy, Elvira, Joe dirt, Gothic Grandma (my favorite), a pretty witch, a Knicks player, a 50's girl, and a nurse. We played a game outside and then had a pumpkin decorating contest! Here are some of the pictures!

Ellie blowing out the candles on her Jack-o-lantern cake.

2008-10-19T21:31:00.000-07:00

Gothic Grandma, I didn't think mom would even dress up but holy cow- she really stepped it up! Thanks Mom!
Squirt and scary mask man... all in one!
Cute little Frog and Cinderella!
Thanks for the Make up Jamie! I think this is what Ellie will look like for the next few years :)
Ellie on her way to bed... yeah, she had to sleep with most of these things! Thank You everyone for making Ellie's day so special, she had a great time! We love you all.

MaGa!

2008-10-17T09:29:00.001-07:00

ELLIE got a surprise in the mail this morning! Her Grandma and Grandpa who live in KC never miss a holiday or celebration without sending a package! They are awesome! It is hard to have Grandparents living so far away but it has it's perks too.... my kids get packages in the mail and they love it! Tate and Ellie were both so excited, they were shredding the box to get it open. Ellie has been soooo excited for her birthday that it was super fun for her to have a little early birthday surprise today! Thanks Maga and Papa!
She got Polly Pockets that instead of changing the clothes, you swap the heads and bodies! They work great for Ellie... she is loving them!
Birthday Girl!
Ellie with her surprise birthday Package!

Polly Pockets... she also got a Strawberry Shortcake movie and the Barbie Diamond Castle DVD! Spoiled stinker :) Both Tate and Ellie also got Halloween shirts! We + Maga and Papa!

...they say the darndest things!

2008-10-16T20:53:00.001-07:00

Tate came walking out from his room today and said, "Mom, I'm movin' out!" He had Ellie's Barbie fishing net swung over his shoulder filled with his favorite airplanes! I just laughed at him and said, "Wait! Let me get the camera!" What a character....

BuNcO!

2008-10-11T21:57:00.001-07:00

So... once a month we get together and play bunco! This month we all dressed up for Halloween and it was So much fun! Thanks for the picture Brit!

Tagged....

2008-10-11T21:34:00.000-07:00

I was tagged by Chelsie and Torri! This is a fun one! I was supposed to post the fourth picture in the fourth folder and talk about it!
This is my sweet little Tatterbug when he was one. This is him riding his horsie in our old appartment. He got this rocking horse from Grandma Cindy for Christmas and he loved it! I tag Mindy, Heidi, and Janilynn!

+My Love+

2008-10-11T20:37:00.000-07:00

1) Where did you meet? Ha, ha. I went with Burke Hollingsworth, and Krista Wood up to Logan to watch a USU basketball game. We went back to Burke's place after the game- Jeff was his roommate! Chad Panter, Burke Hollingsworth & Scott Findley were some of Jeff's roomates (all "Brigham Boys") I ended up hanging out with Jeff and Chad that night, we went to a dance on campus..... all that and I am still not a true Aggie :(

2) How long did you date before you got married? We met in February and got married in August!

3) How long have you been married? 8 years... yahoo! You know what that means- the big ten year anniversary is coming and Jeff has promised another trip to Hawaii!

4) What is your favorite feature of his? I have always loved his brown eyes and the cute mole on his cheek! What a cutie!

5) What is your favorite quality of his? I LOVE the way he is with our kids! He is so playful with them... he does teach them some crazy stuff like how cool it is to throw stuff up into the ceiling fan and watch it shoot randomly through the living room!

6) Does he have a nickname for you? He calls me sweetie or babe. Infact the kids asked who Annie was the other day! It was funny.

7) What is his favorite food? Carl's Jr.... western double bacon cheeseburger! Yuck!

8) What is his favorite sport? Football, football, and football! He will watch anything with a ball but when it's football season... watch out, he gets a little attached- Go Chiefs!

9) When and where was your first kiss? In the parking lot at his house in Logan. We had been dating FoReVeR... I was about to dump him cause he wouldn't kiss me and then FINALLY- smack! He kissed me good-bye :)

10) What is your favorite thing to do as a couple? Honestly, a little emberrasing to admit but right now we both sit on the couch after we put the kids to bed with our laptops and watch Grey's Anatomy..... thanks Marci!

11) Do you have any children? Tate & Ellie! I had to beg Jeff to get pregnant with Tate. When I told him I was pregnant he got totally pale, his palms were sweating, and he had to sit down! he,he... he did much better when he found out about Ellie:)

12) Does he have a hidden talent? He can sneeze like Donald Duck!

13) How old is he? He is 33!

14) Who said "I love you" first? Oh, man! I can't really remember. I just asked Jeff and he said, "you are supposed to remember those type of things". Let's just say he did, I was probably playing hard to get.

15) What is his favorite type of music? He likes a lot of different types of music. He likes Gary Allen, 311 (back to the good old days), Daughtry... pretty much anything.

16) What do you admire the most about him? I love the patient, loving, forgiving person he is! I need him to compensate for the qualities I lack!

17) Do you think he will read this? Yeah, I'm sure... curiosity will make him! He know's I'm blogging about him... Infact, right now he just peeked over my shoulder!

I love you Jeff!

I tag Monica.... only Monica! This could be a great way to get back at Landon (make it good Packer!)

We + JaMiE!

2008-10-05T07:46:00.001-07:00

My Cute little Sis took my kids on a "date" lastnight. Jamie showed up with these cute rain jackets for the kids to wear! They went to the "big movies" and then to Shopko... early Christmas at our house lastnight! Ellie and Tate walked in the door- both arms full with coloring books, toys, and candy. Ellie was so tired she could hardly walk. They had a great time!
THANK YOU JAMIE!!!

My kids love their Aunt Jamie so much! She has always been so good to all of her nieces and nephews. She has always been so caring and loving and always thinks of others first. I am so thankful for family! We love you JaMiE!

mY liTTle MaN...

2008-09-30T07:35:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of Tate and his first KC Chiefs backpack his Grandma gave him. When I dropped Tate off at the bus stop this morning I remembered WAY back when he would wear this thing around and we would tease about the day when he would have to actually use one! I can't believe how time flies... I am so proud of my little man. He is really loving school. Some of his favorite things are riding the bus, recess, rainy days when he gets to play in his classroom, checking books out about dinosaurs and Jets, and girls asking him, "can you call me your girlfriend?" he, he. He has learned to sight read the words "the" and "we". He loves learning and I love my little man so much!

Going..going....Almost gone!

2008-09-25T21:48:00.000-07:00

SO, I have this SuPeR cute brother-in-Law. I think he is still available for now but not much longer! Girls...get on it! I think I will have to meet you first so be prepared to go through me ;)
Oh, did I mention he has graduated?
He is an Aggie!
Blue eyes..
blonde hair...
need I say more?

Sweet Deal!!

2008-09-25T11:25:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Collette I am going to get even FATTER! I want all of you to join me! Click on this link for your free COLD STONE ICE CREAM! You have to get it today, call me if you want a ride ;)
http://www.coldstonecreamery.com/promotions.html

Picture this...

2008-09-24T07:54:00.000-07:00

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Lastnight we had Amanda Laing take our Family Pictures. I was dreading this for weeks because I have this little girl who really does not like taking pictures and likes to make it really stressful. Oh, and a cute little boy that thinks one or two shots should do and gets really annoyed when we expect him do more. Well, I started the day with the attitude that I would pick my fights with the kids wisely so that they had a good day and were less onery for pictures! Example, Ellie wanted to wear her pajamas after her bath in the morning so I let her put them on and wear them ALL DAY! Oh, and then I let her wear her black sparkly shoes for pictures eventhough I had some cute little white ones picked out. Did I mention the MacDonald's bribe??? Yeah, I bribed them with dinner at MacDonald's if they cooperated. Ellie even let me put curlers in her hair and then curl it piece by piece and spray a ton of hair spray in her hair. Tate had to borrow some shoes from his buddy Parker because we didn't have any black shoes for him, can you believe that? Tate's biggest complaint was that the shoes weren't his, he wanted to keep them! Well, Amanda was amazing and it was actually a really fun time! The best part of it all was seeing my brother Jason and his cute family getting pictures the same time as us! How bizarre is that! Same place, same time, same day- wow! I peeked at a couple of the pictures on the camera and I can't wait to see them! I am so proud of my kiddo's and am thankful that family pictures only happen once in a blue moon for us :)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

A shout out to my sweet husband!!!

2008-09-14T22:03:00.001-07:00

I was freaking out cause I wanted a really cute font for my BLOG and had no idea how to do it. Jeff helped me, it took us FOREVER but he figured it all out! What a genius :) Thanks babe! If any of you need help he will work for Cookies. **** The font I used is Pea Yar Yar. If you don't have this font- HERE IT IS! Just click on this link and download it for free! I want you to be able to appreciate Jeff's hard work++ http://www.abstractfonts.com/font/11415

2008-09-05T20:53:00.000-07:00

ABCs
ABC's "getting to know you"TAG ABC's of you. Each player then tags 3 people and posts their names, then go to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

A- Attached or single: Attached! :)
B- Best Friend: Jeff, of course (when it's not football season) :)
C-Cake or Pie: Cake- mostly german chocolate or tres leche!
D-Day: Saturday!
E- Essential Item: My contacts and eyeglasses- I would be blind without them!
F- Favorite Color: Brown i guess since that is the color of everything in my closet!
G-Gummi Bears or Worms: Bears!!
H-Home town: Brigham City
I- Indulgences: Baked cheddar lays, A&W Root Beer, jolly joes, and Ice Cream!
J- January or July?: July!
K-Kids: Tate and Ellie :)
L-Life is incomplete without: Family and Friends.
M- Marriage Date: August 4th, 2000
N- Number of Siblings: There are four of us, 1 brother and 2 sisters :)
O- Oranges or Apples: I like both but right now I would have to say Apples.
P- Phobias or Fears: someone hiding in the back of my vehicle and popping up when I am driving! Wierd, I know but it has always freaked me out!
Q- Quote: "Choose your love, love your choice.":)
R- Reason To Smile: I smile a lot when we are home together as a family. It's a riot watching Jeff and the kids. Jeff tries to make them laugh by doing crazy things like running into the walls:)
S- Season: Fall, mostly for the colors and the FOOD! I love the spices and ooh, the pumpkin-chocolate chip cookies!!!
T- Tag Three: Brooke, Alyssa, and Brittney. Rachel already tagged me and I haven't done that one yet... I am still thinking about it Rach:)
U- Unknown fact about me: I have never had a cavity! My teeth don't look the best but I have never had a filling.
V- Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animal: I AM A CARNIVOR! Love steak, chicken, beef jerky, ribs... yum:)
W- Worst Habit: Not putting the clothes away after I fold them! I hate it!!
X-Rays or Ultrasounds: Ultrasound, when there is a baby there!
Y-Your favorite food: Chicken Alfredo at the Olive Garden (breadsticks, and salad of course too)
Z: Zodiac Sign: Cancer

A LooK BacK aT SummeR!

2008-09-02T23:20:00.000-07:00

The Fair

Coolin' off on a HOT day.

Fun at the "big pool"

Celebrating the FOURTH with FAMILY!

EiEiO

2008-09-02T22:49:00.000-07:00

We went to the Fair (AGAIN) this year even though we have sworn it off- kind of like thePeach Days Parade! We always go back for more! The fair always makes me realize thatSummer is OvEr! Summer has flown by:(
The kids love the fair, especially the rides and the animals. Jeff and I left the kids at home this year and went to the RoDeO ourselves! It was so much fun.

Pink ISNT just a CoLoR, It's an ATTITUDE!

2008-09-02T01:43:00.001-07:00

Our little girl has taught us the meaning of SUGAR & SPICE! She is so sweet (one minute) and then so cranky the next. There is nothing more entertaining than a little girl in our home!
Top 10 sayings from our little Ellie:
1- "Daddy, mom is not talking nice to me!"
2- "Tate, Don't!"
3- "Get me Chocolate milk, a hot towel, and my Dora Blankie!"
4- "No mom, you do it."
5- "I want my da-da."
6- "I want to wear my jammies!" (every day for naptime she thinks she needs to
change into her Jammies).
7- "I love you mom" (usually right after she gets in trouble)
8- "but is Tate taking a nap too?"
9- "I'm not BUD, I'm Ellie-Belly!"
10- "I wanna hold you!"
She is so much fun! I believe that CHILDREN come with their own little personalities! As you can tell, she is a huge DADDY'S GIRL .... daddy doesn't mind that at all :)

JuSt FoR FuN!

2008-08-27T20:38:00.000-07:00

Here are the directions:1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty cool (and funny) to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.

My First Day of Kindergarten!

2008-08-27T14:12:00.000-07:00

Riding the BUS!

2008-08-27T13:39:00.000-07:00

The day has come!

2008-08-27T12:54:00.000-07:00

My little Boy is in Kindergarten! I can't believe it.
Tate loved the idea of going back to school, especially since he was going to get to ride a BIG YELLOW school bus! I was really concerned about putting my little boy on the bus and letting him find his way home. On Monday we all took Tate to the bus stop. He jumped right on, found a seat, and waved good-bye to us! (snif, snif) He wasn't even scared! I tolerated it all so much better knowing he was excited and comfortable going. I rode the bus home with him the first day, it was fun! Tate got off at his stop and walked home with Amber but I continued on to help all the other kids find their way home- I was on that bus for almost 2 hours!! There were kids that were crying, sweating, and even one little girl was about to loose her breakfast! I felt so bad for these cute little kids! The bus driver, Cal, was really cute to the kids and made sure to check them closely to make sure everyone got home safe :) I am so proud of my little boy, he is growing up so fast!