Birthday Party

Megan had a little party with some of her friends. We kept it fairly small so it wouldn't overwhelm Meg (at her last party there were 12 kids and she didn't say one word the whole party).

They had lot's of fun in the sun splashing and acting like a bunch of silly little girls (as they should :). It was a fun day!

Our Family Blog is 1 year-old

A little over a year ago a friend told me I should start a blog. My response... "A What?" Now everybody is blogging which is fun but more than anything I treasure this blog as a record of our lives... as average and mundane as they may be.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ummm... blog!

Megan turns Five!

Today is Megan's birthday and I'll post more about her special day and birthday pictures soon, I just wanted to share these pics I got of her this morning before we headed off to church. She wanted to have curly hair on her birthday so we did sponge curlers last night. I think she looks so beautiful. She was loving herself and her curly hair.

Our Announcement

My Husband and His Truck

Ain't no board too long or pile too high for Trev and his truck (at least he thinks, I think the cars that had to drive around him might disagree).

One Talented Lady

In RS we are making and filling diaper bags for a local charity and so I took the pattern to my mother when we visited ~since I am clueless when it comes to sewing and she is an amazing seamstress, I'm serious, we have enjoyed many quilts, pj's, dresses, crib bumpers, etc. made by my mother's hands.
Needless to say, I showed her the pattern and within a few hours she had whipped one up. Then I told her I wanted to adjust some things and make one for myself and viola... it was done and look how cute it is.
It is great to have such talent in the family. Thanks mom!

Time to switch it up

If you know me at all then you are shocked that I left this header and background on as long as I did.
What can I say, I've been busy. But, it's time for a change and since in a few months it will no longer be "the five of us" I thought I'd change the title while I'm at it.

Together... it's our favorite place to be

That fits our family perfectly... at least most of the time ;)

A Trip to Remember

We made it to Utah and what a great trip we had! Trevor could only get 1 week off and I wanted more time there with the kids so we left a week earlier and Trev met up with us. It was great to see so many family members and good friends.

Here is a pic of my two dear friends Tiffany and Angie. So fun to sit down with them and visit and our kids were thrilled to play together! As an added bonus I finally talked Tiffany (still working on Angie) to starting her family blog so now I can keep up with her cute family better. YAY

I feel so blessed to have such amazing women in my life.

We enjoyed a yummy lunch at the Olive Garden with a few aunts and a cousin which was fun and I also got to spend a morning at the park for West Bountiful 10th ward's "storytime" and catch up with some great friends and neighbors. So fun to see them and all the sweet new babies. Love you guys!

There are just too many things to write about...

We were so blessed to be able to attend my families annual trip to Bear Lake. It was the first time in many years (if ever) that all of us were there. We had a blast swimming, wave running, playing the wii, golfing, hot tubing, eating, and playing card/board games late into the night. Hallie and Megan were in heaven with so many cousins to play with.

I just love these people!

Melissa and Jeff (aka. Howie) planned a fun surprise for all of the kids and each grandchild got to play "Deal or No Deal" with the chance to win up to $20.00!!! Makenna was the grand prize winner with $20 but Hallie and Megan (and the rest of the kids) didn't come out empty handed. Hallie won $8 and Megan $8.50. It was a lot of fun. Thanks Melissa and Jeff, hope we didn't put too big of a dent in your wallet. ;)



Lot's of fun in the sun at Bear Lake then we were off to Trev's parents home. Trev took the girls up to Causey for the "Cousins Campout" (sorry, he forgot to take pics) and we enjoyed visiting with family and attending a new nephew's baby blessing.

Kaye made a fun little hideout for the kids in the old hot tub and even Julie climbed in and read stories to the girls. They love their aunt Julie, she is the best storyteller around. We also got to attend our old ward... so many good people.

My favorite part about the trip was just the little moments of visiting and enjoying being close to people we have missed.

Unfortunately we spent the last 2 days with the stomach flu so we didn't get to spend time with some of our dear friends which totally stunk but there is always our next trip.

I just want to thank everyone who housed us and fed us and spent time talking to us and letting us be a part of your lives even though we live way out in Kentucky. It was a memorable trip and we are just so thankful.

Utah, here we come... Get the hand sanitizer ready.

Well, I'm heading out (just me and the kids) at 5:30am tomorrow for the airport. We've been so excited for this trip to Utah...

Too bad that today all 3 of my kids were put on antibiotics for strep throat... this should be fun.

Wish me luck!

Happy Father's Day Dad

We've had a crazy Father's Day with sick kids and chaos as I'm trying to get ready for our trip to Utah but I have to take a minute and just thank my dad for being so great. I feel so blessed to have him in my life and so grateful that my kids get to enjoy my dad as their loving "grandpa".

We love you dad and can't wait to spend some time with you in a few days!

Kentucky... seriously?

March 15th 2007- I'll be honest, tears were shed that "match day". Louisville, Kentucky was not my first choice in a residency. "Do people really live in Kentucky?" I wondered.

I wasn't thrilled about living in a huge city full of strangers while my husband worked at a crazy ER downtown with metal detectors and gang violence (talk about education). Honestly, I was terrified but I put on a happy face and stepped forward because I felt the Spirit assure me that the Lord's hand was in it all.

This week marks a year since we moved to Louisville and as I write this post my eyes are clouding with tears... I wouldn't trade this year for anything.

Leaving the comforts of home, family, and friends was (and still is) often so hard to bear. Feeling alone and vulnerable... it has caused some painful but much needed growth.

The experiences we have had here as a family are invaluable. Who knew that residency would be so tough?! I am in awe at my husband's strength, even in the darkest hours.

We've had to lean on each other more and that has united us as a family.

The opportunities we've had to share our testimonies have been so sweet and caused me to look at the Gospel differently. It really is "Good News" and we are so blessed to have it.

The friendships I have gained here... honestly, this is where I see the Lord's hand in my life the most right now. It's like he knew I needed these women in my life and that's why he brought me all the way out to Kentucky. I'm so very grateful.

And so, I've learned in this last year that people DO live in Kentucky... some of the best people I know, and my life will be forever changed because we have this time here.

Moving in -June 2007. Our kids have grown and changed so much in 1 year (and I think Trev might have a few more gray hairs thanks to residency). ;)

Room with a view

When Trevor sets his mind on something- he gets it done.
This particular day he decided he wanted to put in the window for the new room (after working a graveyard and then sleeping about 4 hours... I was nervous) so after measuring and taping then going back to Lowes and buying a different window, measuring and taping and measuring again (this time using string!) Trevor got his saw out and started cutting (at 8:00pm!). Minutes later our neighbor came out to tell us that there was a big storm coming with a tornado warning. Perfect.
Luckily our neighbor volunteered to help us get the window in. Just imagine Trevor climbing a ladder about 15 ft up balancing a huge (it's bigger than it looks, 3ftx5ft) window with one hand and his forehead. It was sooooo scary. I was in the room ready to catch the window and praying my head off.
Long story short, at 2AM the window was done and look how great it looks! We are going to add black shutters to match the rest of the house and a black planter box underneath.
The best part... look at the view we have of the neighbors . Now we can really keep up with all of their comings and goings. heehee

trip to Tennessee

Last week we got to go on a leisurely vacation at Fairfield Glade Resort in Tennessee. We got a great price on a condo through the military vacation club (thanks dad!) and spent a whole week just playing with the kids!

Pony rides, days on the beach, paddle boating, swimming in the pool, bike rides, and hunting for turtles and frogs in the pond were a few of the favorite activities.

My favorite part... Trevor did all the cooking and cleaning up so I could actually have a vacation too!

Good times.

Major Progress on the New Room

Okay, so here are some before shots we took in April I think. This is the hole in the wall we climbed through to work on the new room and pictures of the attic before we put in the floor etc.

Yes, that is sweat. I know, gross, but he has worked soooo hard on this.
This picture was taken in the garage of the new floor we put in for the room. This was a huge step for us... a lot of work!
This picture was taken yesterday. Doesn't it look awesome!!!! It is finally looking like a room and it is so exciting for us.

Here is the new wall Trevor built. It was a little scary cutting down all of the support beams but the new walls seem to support the roof well. The room is about 15ft x 12ft and it will be about 9ft tall at the peak with the drywall up.

Finally a door instead of a hole in the wall. Now it actually feels like it is a part of our house.
Doesn't that door look like it's been there all along! I just look at it and smile.
Last night we were trying to come up with some names for our new room... because every room needs a name right?!
Here were some of the suggestions:
-Living Room 2
-The Coolest Room Ever
- The Room that Daddy Built
-If You Give A Dad a Toolbox

*Can I just say I married such a talented man! He amazes me with is ability to figure things out and to work so hard! Honestly, he has a crazy work schedule then he comes home and plays with the kids and works on the house. I feel so thankful to have such a great husband. He blesses all of our lives in so many ways, this room is just another one of those ways.
Thanks Trev!

Keeping it in a safe place

I was getting some crushed ice out of our refrigerator when all of the sudden there were brown chunks of stuff coming out with the ice... gross!

I didn't know what it was so I emptied the cup and filled it up again but this time there was a big brown square... and then instantly I remembered where I hid my chocolate bar from the kids.