March

March came and went so fast but here are a few of the things we did. It snowed really hard and the kids had to go out and build a snow fort. We really did not get that much snow this year so when this storm hit it was enough to get out and make their snow fort.

Makenzie turned 11. I know she really is getting older but she has been fun this year. Some of her favorites this year. Color-Blue, Food-Egg Drop Soup, Activity-Being with Friends, she loves to Sing all the time (it never ends), she has started Piano this year and likes it for the most part except the practicing when it's cutting into her time of doing something fun. She has been very helpful for me lately. She has been a lot of fun and I really do love that she is getting older. In the past I have bought Birthday presents for them but I have decided the best way to do their Birthday's are to take a day and go shopping with them. I love it, they pick out what they want and I love having that one on one time with them.

Makenzie could not decide on what she wanted to do this year for her Birthday. It was down to a week before her party and I had to get invitations out and she still could not decide on what she wanted to do. Even after she sent out her invites she would come and ask what I thought about this idea or that. Finally two days before her party I sat her down and told her I was not doing everything she wanted and she needed to pick a few things and call it good. She decided on doing a "Movie" theme night. The girls all came in their pj's and they made their own pizza's, Played a game and got prizes, then moved onto the Movie part. I set up a concession stand and had popcorn, drinks, and candy. They had to buy them with their tickets and then they went downstairs to watch the movie. I think they watched about twenty minutes of the show and then went into her room and played "Truth or Dare". I tried to get a good picture of the girls but what can I say they were all pretty silly.

Happy St. Patrick's Day. The leprechauns showed up and made our breakfast green. Side note Josh does work with General Mills company and he had to make a visit to the plant one day. When he came back to work this hat was sitting on his desk. They thought it was very appropriate and asked if he got to see how "Lucky Charms" were made. They all got a good laugh out of it. He of course thought he should wear it all day for St. Patrick's day. Don't worry he didn't leave the house with it on.

Spring Break was spent at my parents house. It was a nice get a way for us. We got to spend time with Troy and Ann's family. We went down early because Josh was going riding that direction with a bunch of his buddies. We did a lot and it seems like the only time I pulled out the camera was when we went swimming. One of the days the kids thought it was warm enough to pull out the swimming stuff. They didn't last long in the pool because they were all scared of the bees that kept flying around. My parents also had a really big Russian Olive Tree in their back yard and it fell over while we were there so the kids made forts out of it and had a lot of fun playing.  We also visited my grandparents, made some amazing cupcakes, lots of fun crafts, and enjoyed General Conference.  

Rylee and Kaitlyn

Bailey and Makenzie

Makenzie, Bailey, Brody, Spencer, Hannah, and Nyah right before they jumped.

We also went to the Museum and had fun looking at all the dinosaurs. It was really fun to see the different sizes of bones compared to our bones and other animals. Spencer loved seeing how big they really were.

This bone was actually pretty heavy. Some of the bones that were in the dirt still looked like rocks to me. Its amazing that they can see it and know to dig it out.

The kids were being silly.

Like I said before March came and went so fast and these are only a few pictures of what we did. Oh well.

February Happenings...

There are a lot of pictures this time around. We started off the month by getting all of the girls ears pierced. We have said to the girls that when they turn eight they can choose if they want their ears pierced or not. Makenzie chose not to pierce hers when she turned eight. Hannah decided to have hers done and Makenzie thought that if Hannah was brave enough to do it she thought maybe she could. We get there and Hannah picks hers out and sits down in the chair but then kept backing away from the lady because she was going to do them one at a time so she decided she didn't want to do it. Makenzie wanted them done so she sat down got her ears marked and another lady showed up to help. She went first and then Hannah decided she would do it with two ladies at the same time. I have to laugh at these pictures because they really do say it all.

                                           Makenzie before.

                                          During

                                          After

                                          Hannah before.

                                          During

                                          After
Then there is Kaitlyn she is only six and we started to walk away and she burst into tears because she had to wait two more years to get hers done. Truthfully, she has been the only one BEGGING me to get hers done for two years now. Josh and I looked at each other and then decided to ask Makenzie and Hannah if it was OK for Kaitlyn to get hers done on the same day as them even though she wasn't eight. They both agreed that it would be so cool to have all of them done on the same day. She was so excited and the girls will all remember that day.

                                          Before

                                          During

                                          After
Next up was Hannah's baptism, I can not tell you how excited and happy she was that this day was here. I on the other hand was excited that she made the choice to get baptized but was an emotional wreck. The High Councilor in charge called me the Thursday (two days) before at about eight in the evening asking me to speak at the Baptism. I also had family showing up that night. It all turned out fine because I used part of the talk I had given to our primary kids two weeks before hand for their baptism preview. It was a great day for her. Family and friends all there to support her what more can you ask for.

                                            Josh and Hannah before.

                                           Josh and Hannah after.

                                           Kaylin, Josh, and Hannah

                                                 The family

                                            Everyone that was able to make it.
Makenzie and I were able to go skiing with the school one Friday night. I should say I skied and she snowboarded. It was fun we went up with some friends and at first Makenzie was upset with herself for not remembering how to do it from last year. After I got her up the lift she was fine going down. She actually did a really good job. It was a lot of fun to get some alone time with her and get to talk to her about anything and everything. It sure does make a difference when there is only one to give your attention to instead of all four at the same time most days. It was also fun for me to get away.

Hannah started basket ball back in December and I am now just getting a couple pictures on. They have had a game every Saturday since the beginning of January and their last game was this last weekend. I am glad that it is over because that meant way more shuttling kids around, but I am a little bit sad for her because she was really starting to enjoy it and understand it. Their team was an all girls team and all of them that played was there very first time playing it. I have to admit they were not very good when they first started but half way through they had learned some plays and how to screen people. After the last game they had a fun little awards thing for their team and Hannah got the best "defender".

That about sums it up for February except for you add in Valentines day that we did our traditional Valentines dinner, a few parties that we went to, Josh being gone for two weeks, a couple doctor visits, getting the kids to piano and practice and I think we are all caught up. Are you tired yet cause I sure am. This next month should be nice and quiet I hope.

Hannah turns eight

So Hannah turned eight I can't believe it. I feel like we have been celebrating her birthday forever already and we will still continue until next month when she gets baptized. I am so excited for her. She really wanted a friend birthday this year and I really didn't want to do it but how can I say no when she asks so nicely. We did a friend party last weekend and she wanted it to be a pajama party so her friends all came in their pajamas. They each made their own pizza and then went and danced downstairs while they were cooking. After dinner we played a few games, Josh scarred them all with his masks, and had mini Oreo cheesecakes for desert. I hope the girls didn't leave to scared I told them all I was sorry and that Hannah has to live with that stuff everyday and one little girl told me she felt sorry for Hannah. It was pretty funny. A little bit about Hannah she loves good food not just the boring stuff but she is my little food critic. In preparing the menu for the week I ask every child what they want and Hannah came up with Ribs, Steak, Hamburgers, and Gorgonzola pasta. For her treats for her party she asked for Oreo cheesecake, for school mini cupcakes and her birthday dessert was cheesecake. Let me just say I am happy make these foods for her because I know she truly enjoys them but can I also say I want to be done with cooking for a while.

For breakfast on her Birthday she wanted cake batter pancakes of course in the shape of an "H".

This is the night of her party. Side note Josh asked me what she picked for her treat and I told him it was Oreo cheesecake and he looked at me and said these kids wont appreciate that kind of thing. I will have you know I only had one left that Josh and I had to split I think they were a hit with all of them.

Hannah opening her presents with grandma and grandpa on skype. I love the fact that my kids are getting older because that means I can do more fun things with them, don't get me wrong I love them when they are little but for me I think things are more fun when they actually appreciate the effort and time you are making for them. Hannah is playing the piano now as well as basketball and I am glad they are both making her come out of her shy little shell a little more. She is the sweetest girl and is always making sure everyone is happy. It is hard for her to see someone sad. She has been my buddy lately always following me around wants to help me with anything, if all the kids are downstairs playing she is happy to be upstairs with me. This year her favorite color is pink, she likes to play basketball, be with her friends, ride her bike, and be with her family. Her favorite foods are steak, ribs, egg drop soup, cheesecake, and salad.  She cant wait for her big day I am so proud of her and the choice she is making.  

DARE Graduation

Makenzie is in fifth grade this year and that of course means DARE Graduation. Sorry the pictures are so dark. Can I just say it started at seven and went until nine. It was really long but it was fun to watch.

Makenzie is on the top row second girls in the pink shirt.

Getting her certificate from her teacher and the principal.

After they got their certificates the DARE Officers are all in a band and they played a couple of songs. The kids loved it, it was a concert just for them.

The rest of December

Finally I am getting around to posting these pictures. We Spent Christmas with Josh's side of the family. We spent Christmas Eve at Ryan and Lynette's house. Sorry for the picture overload.

Amazing potato soup and bread bowls for dinner.

Ryan telling everyone a story.

The kids went looking for Santa because they thought they heard something on the roof.

They found an early Christmas present that Santa dropped off.

We made Santa some cookies and of course the reindeer food.

Opened Christmas pajamas and headed home. We also went caroling, saw a big nativity set, and skyped with Casey and Amber who were not with us. Tons and tons of things all packed into one night but it was so fun to be with family and enjoy one another. We got home put our cookies out and spread reindeer food out front and put the kids in bed. On Christmas morning we were expecting the kids to get up really early but they slept in until 7:45. They got to check out what was in their stockings before we ate breakfast and went to Church. Can I just say that I loved having Christmas on Sunday it made us all remember what the true meaning of Christmas is all about.  We also put a picture of Christ on our tree and told the kids that after Church we would open presents. It worked out beautifully after Church we all took our time opening presents. I felt like it wasn't a big race to open the presents but they all took their time enjoying the present they had opened. Christmas day was spent at our house and everyone came over for dinner and the family exchange. We had more good food and way more laughs. Josh's dad does this thing a couple times throughout the year where he will say we are having a talent show and money will be handed out. This was no exception if there was a talent done money was passed out.

Josh and Makenzie did a duet to Justin Bieber's "Mistletoe" song it was really good.

Josh's mom and brother Cory played a duet. Cory's wife Stefanie played the clarinet. Ben, Hannah, and I think Kelsey played a song on the piano. Lynette and Josh sang a song together, and the other kids either sang or danced or did whatever bestapapa (Norwegian for grandpa) asked them to do. In the end everyone ended up doing something and money was handed out to everyone. It is always a fun time when he does this because everyone gets involved and it becomes in a way a challenge. We went to my parents for New Year's and spent a couple of days with my family. Sorry there are no pictures of that weekend I relaxed and didn't pull my camera out once. We of course ate good food, played games, watched movies, and had fun being with everyone. We did the usual things too like riding the 4-wheeler down into the canyon as well as hiking down. We also went and saw my grandma who was recently diagnosed with cancer and has not been doing very well. It was fun to see her and on the day we went she was up and moving around it was a good day for her and I am glad. We have also figured out that a few of our kids lately have been getting car sick which equals no fun driving. I of course get car sick so when it comes time to help them with anything I am of no help. I think the next time we go anywhere they will be getting Dramamine before we go.  Wish us luck with that I hope it works or by the next time we go anywhere our kids will have grown out of that phase.  Let's hope.  

He did it!!!

Josh Graduated from BYU-I on Friday December 16, 2011. What an awesome day, he did it, and we are so proud of him. He worked very hard to get through school.  It was not an easy task for him to work full time, go to school full time, and keep his family happy but he did it all.  We love him very much and think the world of him. I should say We all made it through with him, because when the dad goes to school and works the days become long and we all have to work together to get through the day. I am not going to lie I am so happy that he is done. At least for now, who knows what next year may hold. Masters anyone?

When the kids saw him after the first ceremony they ran to him and gave him the biggest hugs.

Us

Family that came to the second part of the graduation. Ryan and Lynette's family and Josh's Mom and Dad.

The family shot

This was in the big BYU Idaho Center. There were over 1,200 graduates this semester. Elder Quentin L. Cook came and spoke to all the graduates.

I have to say that we were seated in our seats at 4:30 and we didn't leave until 9:30. I was worried about how the kids would act and how well they would sit for both ceremonies, but they did really good. We did have a break in there to walk to a different building for the second one. It was a long day for all of us but we are so proud and happy for him.  Now onto Real life.   

Finally catching up... I guess thats what happens when you have a life.

We went to Troy and Ann's house for the weekend for two reasons. Nyah was getting baptized and Ryder was getting blessed. It turned out to be an amazing night. The week before for Thanksgiving Bailey broke out with Chicken pox. None of the other kids had so we assumed they would be alright for the big weekend. We got there Friday evening. When we were about an hour away from their house Spencer started saying his tummy hurt. We got him out went to the bathroom and said he felt better after that. Well ten minutes away from their house he threw up. We discovered that he gets car sick his limit is about three hours in the car and then he starts complaining his tummy hurts. This happened to us this summer when we went for a family reunion. So not just a one time thing. Anyway we got there in the evening with a fun mess to clean up and discovered that Ryder the baby was breaking out. Saturday morning Nyah and Rylee both broke out as well. We thought for sure that it wasn't going to happen but after talking to their Bishop he said it was okay if we did it after everyone had left the building. It was such and amazing experience to be a part of that. They ended up baptizing Nyah and blessing Ryder that night with just family members there. They will never forget that night. Hopefully my kids do not get chicken pox so far so good.

All nine of our kids their five and my four. 

Troy, Ryder, and Nyah

Nyah and Hannah
This week Hannah's class went on a field trip to Zions Bank and sang Christmas songs and decorated their tree. Their class worked all week on making different ornaments and filled the Christmas tree at the bank. The bank also surprised them with little cupcakes for them. Sorry the lighting was awful and my camera is crappy which equals not very good pictures.

Hannah's class she is in the blue dress on the front row.

By the tree they decorated.  Now I think I am all caught up until next week.  Like I said before that's what happens when I have a busy life this gets put on the back burner.