The Heiner Family

2012-01-26T12:52:00.002-08:00

The Victory Is In the Doing

My beautiful sister Annie participated in Junior Miss (Distinguished Young Women) last week. For those of you who don't know this program, it is a scholarship pageant, and no, they do not wear swimsuits.

It was a hard decision for Annie whether or not to even do it. Not just because of the huge time commitment, but because ANYONE who has to answer a question on stage in heels, or interview in front of strangers and be judged on it, is stinking HARD!

For months Annie has had 5:30 am practices, mock interviews, talent practices, fitness practices, poise practices and many other rehearsals in preparation for this pageant. (I haven't even mentioned all the time it took my mom and Annie to find dresses, shoes, music ect.)

My sweet, shy, Annie was up for the challenge. I can't even tell you how proud I am of her for even doing it because it isn't for the faint of heart! I of course encouraged her knowing personally how much I grew in the process. Annie knows she couldn't have done it without the support of her family. My mom in particular was her greatest support and biggest fan. My mom taught Annie one of her favorite quotes by Ghandi that states, "The victory is in the doing." This became the Rigby family motto during the process. As we pummeled Annie with questions to help her practice for interview we joked that every question could be answered with, "The victory is in the doing." So TRUE!

Annie, thank you for inspiring me to become better even when it isn't easy. Thank you for showing my own little girls true inner beauty by just being you! Thank you for letting me be a part of this fun experience. I was beaming with absolute delight watching you on stage and seeing the beautiful woman you have become. You have taught us all that the victory is absolutely in the doing! Love you!

I know I look crazy in this picture but man were we glad it was over!

2012-01-03T19:04:00.001-08:00

Christmas 2011

We started like this....

We had fun watching this...

Quick flashback...

Dad brought something in from the garage which quickly escalated to this....

And this...

And yes, we ended up with this.....

Although everything about it screamed "bad idea", our new puppy Buddy is already a part of the family. We haven't forgot about Bella, but I think John is overjoyed about his new hunting "buddy". Ha.

2011-10-17T21:31:00.001-07:00

A Party to Remember

I think everyone has a child that can think of nothing but his or her birthday party ALL year long. For me that child is Kate. I love this about her.
The minute her fourth birthday party ended in Indiana she knew exactly what kind of a party she wanted for her fifth birthday....and we haven't stopped hearing about it since. So I guess I went all out this year and we invited Rapunzel as a special guest. It was a complete success! Ok, Rapunzel got interrupted by Kate at least eight times while she was trying to tell a story, but I really thought it was cute while at the same time laughing in embarrassment. You had to be there but some of the questions she asked completely interrupting her included, "Does your hair really glow when you brush it?", "Are you really married?", "Do you really live in a castle?", "Does Flynn Ryder live with you in the castle?" "Does Mother Gothel live with you?", "Do you have a little Pascal on you shoulder?"
Basically Kate is a hoot. After the party she looked me straight in the eye and said, "This was the best party I've ever had!" She gave me a big hug and a kiss too. I love you Kate. You're five years old!
Thank you Lisa for all of your hard work. I couldn't have done it without your help!

Staring in awe!!

2011-09-07T21:49:00.000-07:00

Preschool for Kate

Another year of preschool for my Kate is here! Can't wait to see what this year has in store for you. Love you,

Mom

2011-09-07T21:40:00.001-07:00

Lilly Faith Turns Two!!

Lilly, I love you! I can't believe you are already two years old! I am still in awe at how much you talk. You can carry on a complete conversation with me. I love how much you smile. I have never met a happier baby! I love your dimples. I love your deep raspy voice. I love that you always take a long nap, and you never put up a fight when it's time to sleep, (in fact, you ask me to lay you down.) I love how much you love your sisters and want to play with them. I love that you want to snuggle with me. I love that your favorite toy is a baby. You constantly ask me to "wrap up" your baby with a blanket. I love how you say "thank you", "welcome" (you're welcome) every time I give you something. Although it hurts my ears because you can scream louder than any baby I have ever met, I love your determination and I'm sure that means you will have a beautiful, strong singing voice. I love you Lilly!!!

Stats at your two year appointment are:

Height: 36" 96%

Weight: 29 lbs 8 oz 85%

Head circumference: 20" 99%

2011-08-27T07:21:00.000-07:00

First Grade

Dear Hailey,

I love you. I loved you from the moment they laid you in my arms at the hospital. I love how kind and loving you are, and have always been. You are always thinking of others. I love your smile. I love how excited you get when I agree to a large snow cone. I love how you will always smile and pose for the camera. I love how you modeled your new school clothes for me like you were walking the catwalk in pure diva fashion. I love how happy you always are. Hailey I love you! I'm going to copy my friend Aibeleen (The Help) and give you these words of advice every day......You are kind, you are smart and you are important. I love you baby girl!

Love,

Mom

2011-05-29T12:08:00.002-07:00

Henefer Memorial Day Weekend 2011

Lilly Picking Up Sticks

Melanie just handed me the laptop. It seems as though I am responsible for finishing this post as she goes to choir practice. Friday night we decided to go to Henefer for the night. My family owns several acres up the canyon from Henefer to East Canyon. They have a campground where several family members park camp trailers for the summer. This time it was just our little family and uncle Ryan. We got there late and Lilly did not want to come inside the trailer for bed Friday night. She could have hauled sticks around the camp all night. She loved the swing, the "weeeee" as she called it. When we would force her into the trailer she would scream "a-side, a-side, a-side." We took her back out a couple more times then finally she wore herself out. With exception to some sickness at the end, the trip was a success!

"weeeee"

Lilly and Dad

Melanie and Ryan did not show restraint in purchasing properties they probably couldn't afford. While playing Monopoly, they demonstrated exactlywhat happened with the recent US financial crisis. Needless to say, I picked up almost all their properties under "house rules" foreclosure. Good for me, bad for them. We had some good laughs and I think their strategies have changed for round #2 in the coming days.

We ended the day on a little family hike. Hailey thought for sure she was hearing a turkey and wanted to find it. We did hear and followed something. I don't think it was a turkey. It sounded somewhat like a turkey but we never caught sight of it. We did catch a few ticks on our hike - 4 to be exact!

Lilly and Kate on the hunt

Rock Chuck Team #6

Henefer Sniper School 2011

Saturday was spent napping, playing games, and rock chuck hunting. Ryan and I sat out on lawn chairs most the day just waiting for those little guys to poke their heads up out of their holes. They have torn up the fields and campground. There are holes everywhere; therefore, their little colony needed some thinning. One of us would spot them with the binoculars while the other zeroed in on the target. Hailey was also quite the rock chuck spotter. She called it "Beaver Hunting."

We loved Henefer and are looking forward to many days spent up there this summer!

2011-05-23T19:10:00.000-07:00

Preschool Graduate

All I can say is.....too cute! She has another year of preschool after this, so I wasn't overly sentimental. Kate's singing part was the white song and I know it well so I might as well write it down for memory's sake...

W-H-I-T-E that spells white sing with me,

Milk is white and so is glue

Ghosts are white and they say blue

W-H-I-T-E that spells white sing with me

The clouds above and the snow below,

Santa's beard, ho, ho, ho.

Mrs. Gourley, her teacher, also wrote this on Kate's report card and I just have to share,

"Kate is doing really well in class. She loves to dance and sing. She has a great imagination. She always tries to make her art projects look the best and she does a great job. She has lots of friends in class. She loves fun music time because she can dance around and sing to her hearts content. She is a great entertainer."

Love you Kate!

2011-05-22T19:30:00.001-07:00

The Wheels are Off....

Well, the training wheels have been off for a while, the girls just wouldn't ride their bikes without them.

I kept wanting to put them back on (I tend to coddle), but my wise husband kept telling me they needed to learn.

Saturday was a big day for Hailey... and for Kate. My sweet, careful Hailey rode her bike without training wheels for the first time. With her fear now conquered she rides like a pro.

Kate was crying on the sidewalk upset that I wasn't helping her. So with Hailey riding on her own, I started helping Kate. Sure enough after a couple tries and with Kate's incessant "Mom, let go" she was instantly a skilled bike rider.

A neighbor saw the girls and told Kate she had some old knee and elbow pads she could have. She won't ride without them, especially since they are princess and say "Believe in Your Dreams" all over them.

We had a great day and many, many popsicles.

2011-05-01T21:32:00.000-07:00

Nana's House

Can life get any better while visiting Nana and Grandpa's house over spring break???

Oh yes, three puppies better.

The girls were obsessed, I'm glad they are still alive, and even more glad we didn't leave with one.

Although they are VERY stinkin' cute.

And to amp up the fun factor Nana even filled nasal droppers with water so the girls could feed them with a "bottle".

Meet Felicia, Lyla and Miguel. (named by Hailey and Kate)

And thank you Nana and Grandpa for the best spring break ever, moose sightings and all!

Hailey's best buddy Ella.

2011-04-07T09:55:00.000-07:00

Big Project

See the desk on the left? It is a great piece of office furniture but why not paint it the color I want it if it is going in my craft room? It took me forever but I finally finished painting it and here it is in all it's glory....

I can honestly say it turned out really well. My husband was against it from the beginning but he now agrees that it looks great. Thanks to Kristy, Hailey and Becca for pitching in! I love that I took the extra time to router out the wood panels on the cupboard doors and have glass put in. It gives it that final touch! I am obviously horrible at taking a "before" picture. The first picture was taken in Indiana when we were trying to sell our home. When I start a project I get so excited I forget to take a picture and remember half way through what an idiot I am. Oh well, you get the idea.

Now to decorate the shelves and organize my craft stuff.

More updates to come on my craft room!

2011-04-06T23:17:00.000-07:00

It's Summer

Ok, it's Spring but my four-year old doesn't know the difference.

I love watching each of my kids. Each one so unique and different. Kate loves to cook and plant seeds, while Hailey loves to draw and create. Kate loves to pick out her own wardrobe while Hailey could care less what she wears (except for jeans, she thinks they are scratchy).

In true Kate fashion she stepped outside and noticed how warm it was and yelled, "It's summer, I need my summer dress and my summer hat!"

She ran upstairs and came down wearing a very summer-like dress. She then proceeded to run down to the basement and came up with my straw hat. I was amazed with her sense of style, let alone where she found that hat in our unfinished basement (it is a train wreck down there).

There are not words to describe how much I loved just watching her blow bubbles and get excited to plant flowers. This little girl really knows how to enjoy life to the fullest.

I love you Kate.

2011-03-29T21:26:00.001-07:00

Flashback

Among the many cute things my Lilly does lately it is when she climbs into the sippy cup drawer that makes me smile. I can't help but be reminded of this picture of me as a baby.

She has many other talents lately though, one of them being her skill of opening the fridge and helping herself to grapes and milk. She has become quite the talker lately too. Her favorite words being: mom, dad, NO, ba-ba (bottle), preee (pretty), hooo cow (holy cow), mow (more), I...U (I love you) and many others. My absolute favorite is when she says "Mom" over and over and over 15 times. For those of you who are familiar with Finding Nemo Lilly acts exactly like the pigeons that say, "Mine?" over and over and over.

I've decided it is her way of having a conversation with me. It goes much like this....

Lilly: "Mom."

Me: "Yes, Lilly."

Lilly: "Mom."

Me: "Yes, Lilly."

Lilly: "Mom."

Me: "Yes, Lilly."

Lilly: "Mom."

Me: "What do you need honey?"

Lilly: "Mom."

Me: "Yes Lilly, I love you."

Lilly: "Mom."

Me: "Yes, Lilly."

Repeated at least five more times.

Love this girl.

Don't think she can't lift that gallon of milk three-fourths full....she can.

2011-01-26T10:47:00.000-08:00

Happy Sixth Birthday Hailey!

We had so much fun celebrating Hailey's birthday party with our family and some of our new neighbors. I thought it would be fun to have a pink party and Hailey liked the idea too. I can't take credit for the barbie cake (thank you Target), but I had fun finding pink candy and putting it in jars with little scoopers for treat bags. Thank you Becca for helping me put together all of the tissue paper flowers, thank you Arlene for the delicious cake poppers, and thank you Deb for the yummy chocolate covered strawberries! To top it off we all participated in Just Dance 2 on the Wii! It was a blast! I love you Hailey!

Happy 7th Anniversary John. I love you!

2010-11-23T15:24:00.000-08:00

Lilly Walking...Finally

At just about fourteen and a half months Lilly has now decided she wants to walk. She still prefers to crawl if she wants to get somewhere fast, but she has finally started to at least experiment with the whole walking idea.

The cutest thing is watching her sling her pink purse over her shoulder just like a big girl. I am amazed at the things kids pick up on.

2010-11-23T15:05:00.000-08:00

Late, late, Halloween Post

Even though we were all infected with strept,(minus Kate and Lilly) we still had a fun Halloween. It has been so fun living with John and Arlene. I couldn't ask for better in-laws. We close on our house on the 29th. We will be official American Fork, Utah residents!! Can I get a woot, woot!

While Hailey lay sick with strept, Kate wanted to make the first snowman of the season. This little girl loves being outside!

Of course I couldn't get her to come inside. She insisted on, "watching the snowman until it melts."

I had to laugh when through the entire program Kate kept yelling, "Mom, mom!!!....I want a witch dress like this!!" (as she pointed to the girl next to her)

Lilly eating Kate's Halloween cookie!

2010-10-31T22:15:00.005-07:00

Miss You

After four years in Indiana, I have to admit I already miss it. I never thought I would say that, but I do. I have realized it is because of the amazing people I was privileged to know and become friends with. They were my family when I had none. To each of you thank you. Thank you for the millions of times you watched my kids, or made me dinner, or went to a late night movie with me, or just talked on the phone. I will miss each of you more than you know.
Some of my friends from the good old Brownsburg ward had a fun last hurrah for me at Chili's before I left. (we missed those who couldn't be there...yes that means you Kasi, Aubrey, Tracey,Kim Flora, Roberta). Short and sweet, I miss you all. To all my Indiana peeps I love you!

2010-10-22T10:27:00.001-07:00

One Sweet Aunt

Aunt Deb asked Kate what she wanted for her birthday, and this was the conversation....

Deb: "What would you like for your birthday."
Kate: "Go to all the stores and get me some cinderella shoes, and if you can't find them go to Disneyland and get them at Disneyland....they have them there, I saw them."

I know that Deb already had a gift in mind if not already bought but sweet Aunt Deb went straight to the Disney store and bought Kate two pair of darling princess shoes! Deb told me she couldn't NOT go to the princess store after she talked to sweet Kate. You don't get any sweeter than that! Thank you Deb!

2010-10-22T10:18:00.000-07:00

Kate's First Day of Preschool

(late post)

Kate loves preschool here in Utah! I love this little girl!

And the pouty face....

2010-10-05T16:43:00.005-07:00

Maui!!!!

From the waterfalls........

To the amazing pool.......

To the awesome hotel.....

To the mouthwatering food........

To the breathtaking ocean.....

To complete and utter relaxation....

To spending time with this stud muffin.... our trip to Maui could not have been better!!!

John has told me for years that because we only had two nights in Salt Lake for our honeymoon that we needed to take a trip somewhere for a "real" honeymoon. I thought our honeymoon was awesome, but John seemed to think that our location could have been better.

Anyhow, John called me randomly one day and told me we were going to Maui. I obviously didn't believe him, but he was serious. We were gone for 7 nights and thank heavens for my amazing mom and the Rigby family for so graciously watching all three girls for the entire trip!!!! To the Rigby family, I am forever in your debt. (thank you Annie, Emily and Lisa for the cute swimsuit cover ups!)

To my sweet husband, I appreciated this trip more six years later than I ever could have as a newlywed.

I love you babe. Thanks for the vacation of a lifetime.

2010-09-11T19:09:00.001-07:00

Off to Neverland!!

I cheated this year and celebrated Kate's birthday early. I figured since Indiana is the only home Kate has ever known that it was only fair to throw her a party with the friends that she has grown up with. We leave Indiana for good in five days!!!

When Kate said she wanted a Wendy and Peter Pan party I was probably more excited than she was (especially since she makes such a cute Wendy Darling).

John thought I was nuts at times because I had Peter Pan on the brain. I was constantly thinking of new things I could do to make it a fun party. I think I have had way to much time on my hands in this apartment. But I wanted to do it for Kate. She deserved every second of preparation I put into it... and it was fun because she helped me every step of the way!!! Having Kate help me and seeing the look of excitement on her face when we talked about her party was the best part of the whole process! I love you Katie!

Can I just thank Nana Rigby right now for the absolutely "Darling" Wendy dress! She made it herself along with the amazing Tiger Lily dress!! Wow mom, you need to go into business. You made my whole party perfect, and the girls couldn't be happier!

Anyway, onto the party...

We had a blast finding hidden treasure, passing the crocodile, and walking the plank. We even made time to sprinkle fairy dust on ourselves while thinking of happy thoughts and "flying" off the bed.

Overall it was a success.

I am just going to miss all of the people in these pictures. Love you all!

The Preparation....

Tinkerbell, Tiger Lily and of course Wendy (who never looks at the camera)

The decorations....

The Cake...

The Games....

And overall the Friends...

And next year.......

You betcha............. Rapunzel party.

2010-09-05T06:45:00.001-07:00

Birthday Girl!

Happy First Birthday Lilly

Ok, so I cheated this year and celebrated Lilly's birthday early. While we were in Idaho Lisa and I decided it would be fun for Lilly and Ella to have a joint birthday party since they are only a month and a half apart. We made birthday outfits, thanks to Nana Rigby, played with fondant and made a cupcake cake...oh, and hit a cupcake pinata thanks to Lisa. All of which we could not have done without great babysitters (thanks Annie and Emily and Nana). It was a blast!!!!

It was a perfect 1st birthday for the girls, complete with loads of pictures.

LOVE YOU LILLY!!

2010-08-29T21:46:00.002-07:00

"The Hurried Child"

I have been thinking a lot about the blessing and responsibility I have as a mother. I have been watching The Sullengers blog (you can read their story here) ever since my trip to Idaho when I learned of the tragic accident that occurred to their 18 month old baby girl Preslee. Although I don't know them, I have been touched by the Sullenger's faith, strength and testimony of the gospel amidst such tribulation. I feel a closeness to them because I visit my parent's ward often and Ashley's father is their bishop.
When the accident happened, our family began praying for Preslee and the Sullenger family. When Hailey prayed, she never forgot to "bless little Preslee." Even though she had never met her, she loved her and even cried because she was worried about her. To this day she continues to ask Heavenly Father to bless Preslee. When I explain to Hailey that Preslee has gone back up to her Father in Heaven she just looks at me and says, "I know mom."
I can think of no greater pain than that of losing a child. In her post today Ashley talks about a book I will read now called "The Hurried Child." Dave Elklind, the author, explains that hurried children are stressed children. He also talks about how young children tend to perceive hurrying as rejection. All of this time rushing them in EVERYTHING (get those shoes on, get in the car, brush your teeth, and HURRY!!!!) has been adding extra stress in my kids lives.
My heart goes out to the Sullenger family. I continue to pray for them. I know that they share my testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints and also the knowledge that families can be together forever. I only hope that I can strive each day to be a better mother to my precious girls.
I need to slow down...be patient with them, hurry them a little less and love them a little more.

2010-08-19T19:46:00.000-07:00

The "belbeteen" (velveteen) Rabbit

Thanks to my phone camera I caught this moment today.

Kate has a new obsession...her "belbeteen" rabbit.

She asks me to read the library book several times a day.

She loves to tell me that her "belbeteen" rabbit is real.

I had so much fun with Kate today.

John worked from home and I was able to leave Lilly with him while she took her nap.

Kate and I ventured on her bike with her rabbit to the dollar store.

She picked a jump rope and a reese's peanut butter cup treat. (have I mentioned living right behind a grocery store is awesome?)

I love small mommy daughter dates.

Ahhhhh, the simple joys of life.

2010-08-16T08:21:00.001-07:00

A Big Day.....

Hailey's first day of kindergarten....sniff, sniff.

Hailey is going to kindergarten ALL day EVERYday and I already miss her.

I've always been a little overly sentimental about things like this so I wasn't surprised when I got a little weepy when I dropped her off. (don't mock me)

She was so excited about her outfit and new backpack.

I can't believe it, just yesterday she looked like this.....

and this...

and this....

and this...

and now she is off to her first day of kindergarten. Love you baby girl.

2010-08-14T16:46:00.000-07:00

Vacation-Final Part

Pool Party

The fun never ended on this trip. Right before we left my brother and sister in-law invited us over for a pool party. So much fun!!

My father-in-law has his own bees and beehives. He harvests over 200 pounds of honey a year. There is no better honey in the world!! My brother-in-law and nephew now have their own bees and beehives. We got to watch the whole process of spinning honey for ourselves. Pretty awesome.

Hailey jumped in the pool and "went under" for the first time!!! She kept doing it over and over!!!

The new puppy Roxie!

2010-08-14T16:22:00.000-07:00

Vacation Part III

St. George

Just a few of the highlights from St George???....swimming, boating, catching frogs, and once again boating. It was sooooo hot, but as long as we were in the water it was great. We went to the Tuacahn and saw Tarzan, and ate at our favorite restaurant The Pizza Factory.

Thank you Grandpa and Nana Rigby, we love you!!!

Ella celebrated her first birthday!!

9 GIRLS!!!

2010-08-14T15:48:00.000-07:00

Vacation Part II

Heiner Reunion

We had so much fun in Utah. We spent a couple days in Alpine enjoying every minute of Grandpa Heiner's farm animals. Hailey learned to ride a horse for the first time. Daddy was so excited he went straight to the store to buy her wranglers and a cowgirl shirt.

It was off to Heber to the Heiner reunion at a family friends cabin after that. The days were spent four-wheeling, crafting, and hanging out with family. Then we attended the Henry Freeman Cook reunion. We miss everyone so much already!!

Daddy teaching Hailey to ride a horse. Too cute.

Face painting by Aunt Deb

The Heiner Talent Show... Hailey and Kate sang "Hey Soul Sister" by Train and the Pippi Longstocking song

Grandpa and Grandma leading us in the song, "Great Big Feather Bed"

This deer was right outside our cabin

Thank you Grandpa and Grandma for the awesome reunion, we loved every minute of it!!!

This is Heber, we attended the Henry Freeman Cook reunion. Addie, Jane and I took part in a little performance that night.

2010-08-06T17:48:00.001-07:00

Vacation Part I

Idaho

Wow. I don't know where to begin. I think first I need to write this down before I forget.

This was Kate's prayer almost the entire time we were in Idaho and Utah on vacation, "And bless we can go to Indiana soon."

Yes, my little Kate has missed her home, the only home she has ever known, good old Indiana. We have been in Utah and Idaho for the past month. It has been an absolute whirlwind.

On June 23rd 2010 I started feeling super sick. I was showing our home in Indiana sometimes up to twice a day which was stressful to say the least. (we are moving back to Utah...surprise!!!) I think stress and nursing never mix for me. I ended up getting the worst case of mastitis I have ever had. I think this is my ninth time getting mastitis to date. Anyway, I couldn't keep my fever down after being on antibiotics and ibuprofen for 24 hours. I felt like death warmed over. I knew something was seriously wrong. I usually get better after a good dose of antibiotics. I drove myself to the ER at 3:00 in the morning, and had to be admitted because my fever wouldn't go down and my heart rate was out of control. I was in the hospital for three days!!! Thanks to morphine, fluids and antibiotics through an IV I was able to get better. All the while we had an offer on our home and I needed to be packing. I was leaving June 29th for Idaho and Utah for a month and I didn't have one ounce of packing done. AHHHHH!!!

Well, I recovered as best I could for the few days before my flight, and left John to do the rest. We ended up closing on our home on the ninth of July and John had to move and pack the entire home himself. I was in Idaho recuperating and I felt horrible not being able to help him, but it all worked out in the end thanks to our amazing ward and friends. From the bottom of my heart THANK YOU!!

So long story short we are back in Indiana....for a while. John is working for another month and a half until his new job starts in Utah.

It was strange not coming back to our home here in Indiana. It was somewhat hard for me, so you can imagine how hard it was on my three year old. Yes, the move has affected my little Kate the most.

Whenever she got sad or tired on our trip she would always say, "I just want to go to Indiana."

It broke my heart that I couldn't tell her that we were going back to our "real" home, but we WERE going back to Indiana. It was hard explaining that to a very stubborn and very homesick three year old. She is my little home body. Even when we make a trip to the grocery store after ten minutes she whines and pleads with me that she just wants to go home!

Kate had a hard time when we first got to our apartment here in Indiana. She didn't want to go to the bathroom and said, "I want to go potty in Indiana." She wouldn't believe me that we really were in Indiana.

A couple days after we got here she said, "This is really not Indiana. I don't like it here. Everything is not the same. Everyone likes our house so much and comes to our house and I'm not their friend." (referring to potential buyers when we showed our home.)

She is doing better now. Kate and I were both wearing necklaces the other day. She looked at me and said, "We both have necklaces, but they are different."

I told her, "But yours is very pretty."

She said, "Yes." and then thought for a minute and continued..."It's like our house, it's different but I still like it."

So what's next? We are looking for homes in Utah and chillin' in an apartment here in Indy. I could get used to living in a small space with no t.v. I have spent more time with my kids and less time consumed with cleaning, television, and worrying about dumb stuff.

Get ready for loads of pictures from our awesome month long vacation courtesy of my awesome mom.....

We flew into SLC and stopped by my sister's home in Pocatello on our way home. It was her birthday! Don't mind how disgusting I look. To my credit I did just fly from Indiana with three kids, by myself, three days after being admitted to the hospital. (cue violin music).

Annie's first time meeting Lilly!

My chunky

Thanks Mom for making the cutest Fourth of July baby skirts ever!

My Grandpa Rigby...We Love You!

Ella's arm is dislocated in this picture, poor little thing.

Rexburg, Idaho Temple

Sorry, but this is just the beginning of the pictures....

2010-06-20T17:11:00.001-07:00

2010 Spring Black Bear Hunt

This past week John went to Quebec, Canada for his first bear hunt and hunt with a bow. He clearly had a great time and is very proud of his new trophy. After a long wait, he shot his bear from the ground at about 15 yards. He saw several bears and finally had the right chance on the last day. After an 18 hour drive home, its good to have him back! Part of the hunt will be featured on the sportman's channel so we will see if John ends up on TV. http://www.theruletv.com/ was in camp filming so we will see what happens on upcoming episodes...

http://www.bigbearhunts.com/ John and his bear guide Claude. Big time size difference, but this guy sure does know his bears!

Bear Bait

Bear Camp

View from camp

First time with a bow.

Another big boar in camp.

2010-05-23T17:52:00.004-07:00

Dance, Dance, Dance!!!

To the two cutest dancers on stage, I love you!!! I had so much fun taking your pictures!

2010-05-20T21:00:00.000-07:00

By the Way...

Nana is here. Hooray!!

2010-05-20T20:55:00.000-07:00

The Cutest Graduate Ever

I can't believe my baby has already graduated preschool. Where does the time go? No matter where we move I don't think we will ever forget our little Christ Lutheran preschool experience. Yes, we are moving. Where? I have no idea, but I know as long as I'm with my family it doesn't matter.
I love you Hailey!

The cutest part of the entire graduation....Hailey and Ben holding hands walking out the door.

Yes, I am a nerd. That is me in braces. LONG story.

2010-04-23T16:39:00.000-07:00

Late Post

General Conference Weekend

Thanks to the coolest and best dad in the world Hailey and Kate enjoyed a large box house, complete with t.v. and blankets. I loved every single bit of conference and feel a greater desire to be a better wife and mother.

My little Kate has become my side kick when it comes to cooking. I think I have a chef in the making.

The other day I stepped back and saw this.

Three swings and three beautiful little girls.

How lucky am I?

2010-04-13T18:43:00.001-07:00

(POSTED BY JOHN) "OHIO STEELIES" This past Monday I decided to take an employee "Tiny" Tim on a little fishing trip. Tim has also become a great friend and fishing buddy. We headed to Steelhead Ally in Ohio just south of Lake Erie. I had a blast and I am pretty sure Tim did too. Now for all those haters out there, don't mock my tight waders - there is an explanation. I "took one for the team" and turned over my comfy, baggy, Orvis waders to Tim while I rocked the spare pair. Needless to say, they clearly didn't fit - so enjoy.

Central Basin Bait and Tackle in Vermillion, OH. I love these little fishing stores.

First catch of the day. We fly-fished most the time; however, we began by just floating spawn sacks down the current with a regular rod and real. Fish on! - after landing this one, I knew it was going to be a good day.

Enjoying the River!

31" - This fish is a HOG! Something to be proud of and Tim's first fish EVER on a fly-rod.

Small Mouth Bass. The steelhead spawn/run is coming to and end. The steelhead will now run back out into Lake Erie. One good indication that the spawn is drawing to a close is the smallmouth move in and can be caught on the river.

30" Steelhead. Nice waders eh? Hope I don't bust a seam.

Fish On! - Look closely.

Tim's last catch of the day. WOW!

2010-04-01T06:41:00.001-07:00

Dress-up with Bella

Yesterday we went to a friends house and their neighbor had a white bunny. Of course my girls just had to have one. Hailey cried for an hour wishing for a bunny and although we weren't going to budge it was hard not smile when she explained, "I'll take really good care of it." If you knew my Hailey you would understand just how well she takes care of everyone. So it isn't hard to think just how well she would take care of a bunny, unfortunately Mom and Dad won't budge on this one for multiple reasons.

John told her that if she wanted to give up Bella, then we could get a bunny.

Blinded by her obsession to get a bunny she said, "Ok, we can give Bella away."

Obviously we still have Bella and we have concluded that Bella is way more fun than a bunny.

The girls have been playing dress up with her all day.

And hey, just like John said, "You can just pretend that Bella is a bunny."

2010-04-01T06:22:00.001-07:00

Feeding Time

Hailey has really started to bond with Lilly. She constantly wants to hold her, feed her or make her laugh. She is my "little mommy". I'm beginning to see glimpses of Aunt Annie and her cousin Addie. Too cute.

Kate wanted in on the fun too!

Can you tell this girl is a poser? Definitely NOT camera shy. Kate on the other hand avoids pictures on all occasions, even when bribed.

We put curlers in Hailey's hair overnight. She was so excited to take them out!

2010-03-25T05:40:00.000-07:00

My Baby Lilly

6 months Old

Weight= 16 pounds 14 oz 64%

Length= 26 inches 54%

Head Circumference: 45 cm 96%

............and the sweetest baby ever.

2010-03-15T16:03:00.001-07:00

Look What We Got...

Thank you John Sr. for the beautiful painting. It brightens my room and my day every time I look at it. It is titled "Spring Moments"... how fitting. Boy are we spoiled. More pictures to come of this painting on my wall...

2010-03-15T15:59:00.001-07:00

Road TRIP!!!

Our little get away to Florida to visit Jess and Gio bless Mariella

I never thought a 16 hour drive with three kids would ever work, but amazingly we had a blast!

My secret weapon......????

Toys from the dollar store wrapped in princess paper.

Call it lame or lazy rewarding kids for being whiny, but it worked wonders.

Oh yes, and Bella came along too.

Kate loved her toilet paper roll binoculars more than anything else.

Hailey of course enjoyed cutting and coloring.

More dollar store gems.

And my personal favorite moment of the entire trip (even more than Disney)

When Arlene and John flew in from Utah and surprised Jessica and Gio....

Needless to say she is screaming at the top of her lungs.

Beautiful Mariella

Dancing Princesses

We had so much fun and can't wait to visit again. Thanks again Jess and Gio. Thank you John and Cheetah for letting us stay at the cottage, and thank you John and Arlene for spending time with us! We love you all!

2010-02-26T18:48:00.001-08:00

Zelda and Beauty

Ok, so lately my little Hailey is full of ideas.

Today she wanted to make a puppet out of a sock.

Yarn, glue, ribbon and a couple of mismatched socks and there you have it....Zelda and Beauty, our new sock puppet friends.

And it only took twenty minutes for an entire evening of fun.

I need to stop what I'm doing more often that seems "important" and just play with my kids.

Yesterday Hailey said she wanted a big box to cut out windows and doors and paint flowers on.

Every day she seems to have a list of To Do's many of which involve crafts.

A usual list includes:

1. painting fingernails

2. Drawing pictures or coloring

3. Playing with babies

4. Eating lunch

5. Going to quiet time

6. Learning her letters

7. Playing beauty parlor

And the list goes on....

I have found myself caught up in chores and multiple other things most days.

More often than not my response is always...."Ok, let's do that tomorrow" and then I go back to folding laundry.

I looked at my kids today and couldn't believe how much they had grown overnight.

It scared me a little and made me realize how precious my little babies are.

And really if I had to choose between laundry and my girls, I choose them!

My mom memorized something that she has always loved and often recites to me.

(It has become my new motto )

"Cleaning and scrubbing can wait til tomorrow

For babies grow up we've learned to our sorrow.

So quiet down cobwebs, dust go to sleep

I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep"

So messy house...bring it on!!!

On another note.... I love my husband! Thank you for being such a wonderful Daddy!

2010-02-21T18:25:00.000-08:00

What a Trooper

I love this little girl!

A double ear infection and RSV can't keep her from smiling.

She is seriously the best baby.

2010-02-21T17:50:00.001-08:00

Ouch

John's absolute favorite thing (besides me of course)....

HUNTING.

To say that he loves it would be an understatement.

Let's just say we watch the hunting channel most nights.

John is bound and determined to get me to shoot a poor innocent Bambi.

I am actually a little excited.

Once I am done nursing, we are going on our first hunt together.

Ahhhh, to sit in a blind and wait for hours and eat candy bars.

This is John's new bow.

Looks like he needs to figure out how to use it.

2010-02-18T19:05:00.000-08:00

Sad

Plain and simple, RSV stinks.