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Craig Colorado / Craig Daily Press / Photo galleries / Communities at Work: New chefs in town

So much cute! Lots to share

We have had some major events in the last couple weeks. I am pretty late getting these posted. The day after Memorial Day was Braydens' last day of school. The day after that, Gabriel's last day of school and gradualtion. The day after that was Ashlees' voice recital. Then her last day of school. This last week we have been getting used to summer while still dealing with Andy's crazy schedule. I am happy to report, he is done. For now he will have his weekends off and I am very much looking forward to that. Anyway, here are some pictures of all our stuff! Enjoy!

For those of you who don't know Ashlee has been taking voice lessons. She has been singing since she could talk and we finally found a fantastic teacher for her. It could possibly be one of the reasons we needed to move here. She has developed great stage confidence and is learning so much about stage presence, working her voice and developing strength. I was a little bummed because I thought she was going to quit and when some of the teenage girls found out, I think they got on her enough because she just accepted her new assignment which is "Colors of the Wind" from Pocahontas. Her next recital will be in August. I sure hope she sticks with it. She definitely has a natural born talent. And a STRONG voice for her age.

I kept Ashlee home from school Thursday because she had to wear rollers all day. She was Annie and sang the song "Maybe" and she played Gretel in a Hansel and Gretel piece from the Broadway prodution. She did a great job. I have it on video however, our camera zooms in and out on its own so I don't know if I will download it. I may wait for the disc from her teacher. That should be much better.

Here is our "Annie"

Here is Ashlee in her Gretel outfit. Her teacher let her borrow this great dress she bought in Austria. Ashlee loved it!

DONUTS, DONUTS, DONUTS

Andy bought the kids donuts the other day. Someone forgot to strap Katie in her seat and I had to leave the kitchen for a minute and when I got back this is what I found. Although I took the milk glasses away as soon as I found her. I do not like cleaning milk up off the floor. She was dunking and eating her donut. So cute!

Gabriel graduated kindergarten. We are so proud. Now he can move on to the big, bad world of all day school. He is so excited he will be able to eat lunch at school and get up and go in the morning. Sometimes it makes me a little sad to see how much my kids are growing up but I must say, I am a little excited to have him at all day school too! That means just Brayden and Katie but Brayden will be at school in the afternoon and Katie should be napping so it'll buy me some free time!

Gabe had a part in his pre school program. He did great but was a little nervous. He was one of only a few with his own part.

Katie was ready to go home. We got a pretty leigh she had fun with and I was grateful for since we didn't expect the festivities to last so long. I got it for helping in the classroom.

Gabe got his teacher Delphiniums for her garden. Of course he had to pick the biggest thing he could find. They were practically as tall as him! Here he is with Mrs. Kuberry.

Brayden picked out some flowers for his teachers' gardens and we delivered them to his teachers at the preschool picnic. Here he is with Miss Jennifer(above) and Miss Amy (below). He had them for a few months last year and we are a little sad because he won't have them next year. They won't be at the school he will be going to.

I just couldn't resist these pictures of Katie. Sometimes she is such a poser!

My kids

I thought I would write a little about my kids today. Not in order obviously.

Gabe

Gabriel is quite the addition to our family. We waited for him for five years. I know why we were supposed to wait. He is very sensitive and he tests my patience every day. He is a goofy boy and he always makes us laugh. He likes to tell jokes, and he is always asking about the gospel. He likes to do the right thing however right now he is learning about free agency and how HE chooses right from wrong. He is a good boy though and a great brother. He likes to help me in the kitchen and help his dad around the house and in the yard. He is very happy if he can just be our companion and constantly helping which can be good or bad. We love our Gabrielkatelyn

Katie is our sweet baby. She is learning so much so fast. Although, she is #4 so she is taking her sweet little time walking. With Gabe and Ashlee around to cart her everywhere she probably does not feel the need to get on her own to feet. She is a smart baby and is always happy. She has recently learned that she can scream at the top of her lungs. I am so much more laid back now that I almost have a hard time not laughing when she decides to do this in church. Bad I know, but I just realize they are only so little for so long and I just find it more funny than embarrassing now. We very much enjoy the sweet little sounds and formations of words she has and will surely miss that about having a baby when she outgrows it. We love our baby Katie.

Ashlee

Ashlee is my major helper. She is learning the hard way that I am not so much her friend as I am her mother. She is my savior most of the time and I know why she graced us with her presence. She is a very talented young lady and is growing into a young woman way too fast. We sit up and watch movies sometimes or just talk about things and it is so fun to have a her around. For those of you who do not know, Ashlee is a beautiful singer. We have recently put her in voice lessons where she meets with kids who are 16. She has the best strong voice and is constantly recieving compliments on it. This session of her lessons she is working on opera. I am so excited for her recital. She isn't but it is so neat watching her perform. We love Ashlee. Everyone who has met her loves her too. She is sweet and considerate.

Brayden

Brady is such a sweet boy. We did not expect to have two boys and I feel so lucky to. He likes to please his mommy and snuggle. He is great to help out. Most of the time if I am trying to get the older two to do something to help out Brayden will jump right in and say "I'll do it mommy!" He is very creative and is his brothers' best friend. My boys get along great. Where one goes the other follows. Every once in a while he gets a little carried away with a marker or pen which surprises me because it seems so out of character for him and then I am reminded he is still just my recently turned four year old boy.

All four of our children are so unique and sweet. We feel so fortunate to have all of them. Andy said after we had Gabe we didn't need any more. We had the perfect family of four. A boy and a girl. Now I think about that and to me we have our perfect family of six. Two boys and bookend girls. For us it is just right and I am so happy that we are all able to be sealed as an eternal family. I love my family. Sometimes there is a lot of noise in our house, a lot of a mess, and contention. But I realize a lot of this is for our growth. Not just theirs but mine as well and I love that HF sent them to me. They are definitely choice spirits that we cherish so much.

Mother's Day miracles

My husband is working like a maniac. Really. He is on a schedule of 6 days on 1 day off. He goes to work at 1:15 pm and is supposed to get home at 1:15 am but not usually until about 2:30am. He gets Tuesdays off which usually are consisting of running errands, rest and yard work. Needless to say, I was not so excited for this Mother's Day. Andy got up on Sunday morning and showered so he could make it to 9am Sacrament meeting (our ward meets at 1pm). My children were quiet and getting along and my baby was still asleep so I decided to stay in bed and study some more on my Sunday school lesson. My children came and surprised me with breakfast in bed. Cereal, blueberries and two pieces of toast. With points friendly spray butter even! That was just the beginning. Ashlee got Katie up and fed her and took care of her until Andy came home. Then surprisingly, all of my children got along for the most part of the day and were even great at church! I was so greatful for them cooperating so much on this Mother's Day even though Dad wasn't around. Ashlee and the boys played after church so I even got an afternoon nap and then Ashlee helped me prepare dinner and the boys and baby were in bed by 7:30. Andy switched days off and is planning on taking me out on Wednesday so he didn't buy me the usual flowers but tonight a friend of ours brought me tulips. She said she thought I deserved it for Mother's Day! How nice right? She is a mother too so I feel like they should be hers but I accepted. I love tulips! Anyway, this Mother's Day I thought about how fortunate I am for such great mothers in my life. My mother is such a great example to me. The strength she has in the gospel, the examples she has set for me in nurturing others and serving in her callings. I am so grateful to call her my mother. Then there is my mother in law. Without her knowledge, sweet spirit and wisdom I would not have such a fantastic husband. I am so grateful to her for all of her examples and all of the nice things she has done to help mold my husband into the man he is. Then there are the grandmothers. Without their sweet spirits I wouldn't have my mothers. But another thing I thought about was all of my friends who are mothers. I have so many great friends who are great mothers and who's wisdom help influence me. Thank you. I love the things you share. Your experiences and knowledge have sometimes really helped me in thinking how I can better be a mother. I feel so fortunate for such fantastic examples in my life.

Food Glorious Food!

The weather outside has been so nice so the other night

we decided to eat outside...

Katie doesn't mind sharing her opinion of things

She is always happy to help herself to whatever...

see?...

And she will tell you all about it

We love our cute opinionated baby....

This would be Clean up....

The other night I stole 'la baby from my friend.

She is remodeling her house and so I brought Nathan to come play.

They had so much fun and Katie was telling him lots of stories and showing him around.

Sometimes I think it would be fun to have twins just to see them interact...

But, I don't know how those of you that do it, manage.

Fun to have friends...

I just couldn't resist this picture of Brayden.

Apparently this dirty little rag-a-muffin needs a bath.

He sure likes to play in the dirt...

Can you tell?

Picture catch up

I have so much catching up to do. Andy bought us a new camera and it plugs into our very sad computer so now we can put our pictures on. These pictures of Katie are from her birthday March 24. The pictures of Brayden and the rest are from this last weekend. My brother and his family came so we decided to have a party for Brayden with family here. We had so much fun and although it was short and Andy and I had to work on talks, it was still a blast. Sunday was crazy. We spoke in church, then I was sustained in my new calling (which was not supposed to happen for a few weeks) and then I got to teach the class. When I got to RS I was given a VT route and got to say the prayer. I was starting to feel not needed being in a ward for a couple of months without doing anything. How is that for diving in all in one day!

Katie on her birthday

we had to try her bonnet and new suit her grandma got her. Katie's friend Nathan is about to get her.
Birthday cup cake mmmm....

I think she is in awe.....

Happy Birthday to Brayden!

Andy is a little pyromaniac! Who heard of lighting candles with a blow torch?!

Friends and presents. Brayden didn't even know he was having a party Saturday. What a great surprise!

Company Yay! My brother Danny and his wife Carol came to visit this weekend. We had tons of fun. Thanks for coming guys!

Katie loved her Uncle Danny. She hasn't seen him and Aunt Carol for about 7 months. She sure loves him though. Madi too. Her cousin Madi couldn't get enough of her and she loved to grab Madi's glasses.

Ashlee and Hailey made deviled eggs. They were DELICIOUS!

Sunday, after church our friends next door asked us if we wanted to go for a drive to the mountains. We went and ended up in Steamboat where we checked out a consignment store my friend heard about. Andy could not resist taking this picture of us drooling! Needless to say we are going to try and make it back this week to take a good look.

Easter Day

Well Easter at our house was crazy this year. If you can't tell from my posts, I've been a little scrambled lately. So, I took it upon myself the day before to seem so shocked Saturday that Andy's birthday would be on Easter. I just can't believe it I said. His parents bought him a grill for his birthday and mine (which I let Andy have full reign over. I let him get whatever he wanted because after all if I were getting a new stove he probably would let me get whatever I wanted) and I asked him if that was enough for him to be getting his grill? He didn't think I had done anything for him for his birthday. About a month ago we were in Steamboat and in a store and he had found a Fossil watch he really wanted. Well, I found it in Salt lake and got it for him with some of my trip money. He was pretty surprised when he opened it. I also got him cologne, and a necklace like one he used to love but it had broken because he wore it all the time. He was pretty surprised and that was fun. Our kids always look forward to getting up and looking for their baskets. It is almost like Christmas morning. Katie had the ears of her bunny for breakfast and was really offended when I took it away. Preparing Easter/birthday dinner and trying to get ready for church, I ended up late. Andy went with the kids and I ended up about 30 minutes late to church. When it came time for classes, I got to teach the CTR 4 class. Our wards primary is too big for what they are used to and I have to say, I am so glad after almost 12 years of serving in primary I am so glad I was only a sub. The rest of the day was great. Because we have not had time, we colored eggs that night in Pjs. The kids were happy and didn't even ask about an egg hunt. I am so glad for this because I have really been trying to cut down on the sweets in the house and the candy is now all gone so I don't have to worry about it being around for months to come.

Heart break for a mother

Brayden and Katelyn had their well child checks today. Our doctors office relocated to another town so we had a 20 minute drive. Brayden brought his new DS he got for his birthday and Katie was happy in her car seat like normal so off we went with a pleasant drive. We got to the doctors office right in time for the appointment and they were running a few minutes late so the kids played so nicely on the floor. They had the coolest toys in their brand new office and I couldn't be more proud of Brayden including his baby sister in their play. The nurse called us back and they even got to bring a bunch of toys back with them. We were all playing together waiting for the doctor. Brayden barefoot (waiting to be weighed and loving every minute of that) and Katie in her diaper (loving every minute of that herself). When the doctor came in the two of them were in hog heaven. Katie jumped in our doctors arms and jabbered up a storm while Brayden tromped around playing occaisionally giggling. Everything went so well for both of them. She kept commenting on how well the two of them played together and how well they seemed to be doing. Life was great then the appointment was near an end and the nurse came in and asked me to hand Katie to the receptionist so I could hold Brayden. I knew what was coming. The two of us had been secretly making plans so Brayden wouldn't be so nervous. I popped him up on my lap and had to pull his pants down exposing his leg. He finally caught on and screamed "I don't want a shot!" Here he was having the time of his life so happy and then his own mother has to hold him down to get stabbed TWICE! I know it is for their own good and I have had to do this so many times but I always feel I am betraying my poor kids luring them to the doctor for their yearly poke. Brayden cried. Not out of pain, more like how could you do this to me? And mom how could you let them do this to me? I hugged him got his pants pulled up and tried to help him focus on the chocolate donuts I promised him for being such a little man. I asked him to calm down so he didn't scare Katie and he sucked it up best he could so she could come in for hers. My baby sat there gabbing at that nurse clear THROUGH the first shot before the look of betrayl came across her face. I felt so bad to see my children so happy, having such a great time playing and interacting with all the office staff just to see them so quickly offended. I know it is for their own good, but doesn't it just break your heart having to betray your children so?

Latest happenings

I know I am a slacker when it comes to blogging. Ever since my computer took a dive I haven't even been able to play with it to download pictures. This really bumbs me out because I have lots that has been going on but I can't get the pictures on there. Now my camera is acting up. So our major events lately are:

• We had Katie's birthday. That just flew me for a loop because I was not prepared. Time flies by too fast.
• I went to Utah. I decided to go see my sister in North Salt Lake and help her out for a few days. I got to see Tera, and my friends Chari and Cheryl who I haven't seen since highschool. Chari and I were going to room at Ricks and then I didn't go and she moved away. Lucky for me Tera found her and we were all able to get together. I had a really great time although it is really hard to catch up with people when you have so many kids. I had a really great time with my sister too. I think it was the first time that we have really been able to spend quality time together. Kim is 5 years younger than me and so we have'nt ever really been close until she got married and now all that has changed. Hopefully my four children and I did not freak her out. Kimmie is pregnant with #2 and I think we took her for a whirl (sorry Kimmie) but we also had lots of fun with her little Matthew. And thanks to my bro-in-law Danny for letting me steal her for almost a whole week.
• Brayden is now four. His birthday was yesterday and I can not believe how much time has gone.
• I have been fighting a cold I guess. It started as just allergies but I have been coughing and now I am no good. I woke up this morning and could not hardly move. I have this super fantastic neighbor who offered to take Ashlee to school for me when Andy is on his graveyard schedule so I don't have to drag the two boys and the baby out in the cold. Today I was so super greatful to her for this. I couldn't breathe, move, and if I tried to walk I was hitting walls. Andy got home about 8:30 absolutely ready for bed but since I couldn't talk or walk he made me a Dr. appt. and took care of the kids. MY HERO. Hopefully I can recover quick.
• Sunday is Andy's 30th birthday. On Easter.

That is my busy life in a nut shell right now. This is birthday season. Katie March 24, Brayden April 7, and Andy April 12. We also have extended family birthdays the same time. So many birthdays so little time. Brayden is having a party the weekend after easter because my brother and his family are coming so he will get to have his cousins here it should be a lot of fun.

My baby is 1!

Katie turned 1 today. I can not believe how much faster time flies by the more kids you have. I am going to try and get to my friends tomorrow to see if I can upload her birthday pics. She is so much fun. She is much more petite than my other children but just as fiesty as ever. We had some friends over for cake and ice cream and she had no problem eating her cake. I made bunny cupcakes and I am glad because she might have actually attacked a whole cake and finished it too! We are planning on her being our last baby(although nothing permanent has been done yet) and I am a little sad to know that her first whole year is gone. I am excited to move on to another step in life and leave the tiny baby stuff behind but I am also a little sad to be getting so dang old!

CRAZY FUN!

So this week is spring break for us. The weather is cooperating rather well and I must say I am so happy to have my fam. Back to health so we can enjoy it. Andy is finally back to work and here I am up way too late blogging. I just thought I would update since I got sucked into the computer checking out every one else's happenings.
I have been trying to make things fun for my kids because lately I have been feeling like such a bump on a log. Monday I took the kids to a rec center in Meeker. We went with a bunch of friends and it was CRAZY FUN. We all had a blast. Today I went to a park with friends and when we were done ended up with a couple friends hanging out in my kitchen with about 15 kids hanging out at my house. CRAZY FUN. Tomorrow I am going to try to hang around at home because I really want to get some work done here. My cousin and her family are coming from Denver on Thurs. so I would like to be more prepared for company. We are going to hang out and maybe go on an adventure to Steamboat and Friday we are having a fry party with two sets of missionaries. I fried twinkies for one of our elders and the word got out so hopefully this will be the last time. What can I say but CRAZY FUN!

Poor Andy!

So, we thought we were in the clear the other day. Andy was really well rested and he was able to go back to work. He is scheduled for grave yard this week and when he got home in the morning he was so pale he blended in with the white walls! I asked him what happened. He should not have gone back to work so soon. His job is so labor intensive that he had killed his progress. If you don't know, Andy is an underground coal miner. Have you ever stopped to think about where your energy comes from? Most of it is from coal and these guys work their butts off literally (I can say that since Andy has lost about 50 lbs. just from work alone) digging out energy to be burned. He was hanging cable which weighs about 50lbs. a foot over his head all night long in the depths of hell which sometimes reaches temps. of 130 degrees. He had lost 5 lbs. that night and I guess his body wasn't ready for that kind of over haul. We got him a blessing last night and his fever is down a little today but I don't know that he will be able to go back to work tonight either. He hasn't even moved. I have to say I love my husband so much. Ever since we got married he has worked so hard to provide for us. Given how young we were when we got married I have to say he has done such a good job. There isn't anything he wouldn't do for his family. I don't think I could work so hard through sickness. I had influenza last year when I was pregnant and I didn't even have it that bad since we caught it early but I was sure I was going to die! Poor Andy!

Finally Internet!

Here I am. No pictures to submit yet. We are having trouble with our computer and getting pictures downloaded. I really need to get it fixed because I haven't been taking pictures. My poor kids are not being documented. Mommy of the year! I feel like a crazy person. So if you haven't heard, we moved. We found a great house on a Wednesday, signed a lease and moved by Friday. We love our new house its huge. It is actually a house we wanted to buy but couldn't at the time. The lord sure works in mysterious ways. We are renting this house for not much more than our other one but it is way bigger. It is also really nice and our landlord is great. We had to switch wards but we are excited to be making more friends. I thought I probably better drop a quick note since it has been quite some time. My boys now have influenza and it has been crazy at my house. One crazy thing to another. Now that our internet is finally up and running hopefully I can work on the computer and get some pics up.