Attempted Family Pictures

I took some family pictures of my sister Stacy's family two years ago. They actually turned out pretty darn well considering I didn't have a dslr then and a clue what I was doing. So we thought we'd give it another go this year. I have a better camera and they have since had another baby, but we thought what the heck? And we figured we'd have Stacy snap a new of us while we were there. I hadn't planned on doing any family pictures this year being 8 months preg and all. Anyway, it was pretty funny. NONE of the kids would cooperate, at least not at the same time. I think/hope we got a few for Stacy and Johnny that will work- after a little editing. But man, my kids were so done before we even started shooting. Here are some of the results. Pretty funny. We ended up not using these for our cards, and went with a family shot on Huntington Beach from Labor Day weekend. :)Better luck next year- and perhaps a morning photo shoot.

I personally think this was our best shot. (above) at least we're all consistent :-)

Weekend Getaway to Jersey

So, I have an awesome husband who let me take off for a long weekend for a girls trip, to New Jersey. Because where else do you go on weekend getaways? I got to spend 5 fabulous days with 2 of my most very favorite people in the universe. Amber and Tara. Both of their husbands are doing podiatry residencies in Vineland, NJ, so naturally I had to go visit. That whole weekend was like one giant breath of fresh air. It was so, so nice to have a little break from being a mom and not have to get after kids for a few days. Amber and Doug were quite the generous hosts. They kicked their girls out of their own bedroom and let me sleep in their bed, fed me, drove me all over the place and stayed up late to hang out even though they were both crazy tired and sickly. Those Doxey's are good people and sure do love them!

This tree lives in Tara's back yard. I'm jealous. There were trees like this all over the place, and apparently just 2 weeks prior it was 10x's prettier. I'm not complaining. It was gorgeous everywhere.

We three girls spent Saturday in Philly and saw us some sights. Including China Town.

Reading Terminal. This place is pretty wild. I loved it! It was crazy busy that day, but we survived and even found a tiny table to eat lunch on and of course had our fair share of Hope's Cookies. Oh how I miss those things.

Then Amber fell off a building. Not really, but sure looks that way.

We attempted to take some pictures in front of Independence Hall, but had a rather hard time not laughing, and laughing, and not being able to take a single normal picture. I think we're about to jump here. I may have gotten an inch off the ground.

Now this guy was something, we couldn't get over his jacket. He was our tour guide through Independence Hall. Pretty cool seeing the exact spot where our country became our country.

Our original plan included a trip up to NYC, but Hurricane Sandy didn't like our plans. This spot behind Ind. Hall reminded me a lot of New York, so more pictures!

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. There are 1000's of soldiers buried under this park and that flame burns continuously in their honor.

We thought we'd check out the Liberty Bell, ya know, since we were right there

The world's cutest street. I feel for the people that live here, they probably never have a moment when tourists are taking pictures in front of their house

If you think you've ever had a good doughnut, you haven't. Unless you've had one from the Amish market in Vineland. I'm not a big doughnut person, but these puppies are confectionery perfection! Unbelievably yummy!

We devoured the entire dozen in minutes. Really, probably like 5.

Hey! I guess we did get one normal picture! and we're showing off the cute scarves we got in china town

Elfreth's Alley- the name of the world's cutest street

A very large head of cabbage for sale in Reading Terminal

Doughnuts!

My first, and probably last cheesesteak. Not that great, really not that great for $9.50 But we had to get one.

I loved every moment of the weekend! Even though I think I'm still coming off the sugar high from eating more sugar than a normal person eats in a month. There was So much great conversation and so, so so much laughter!! I hadn't laughed that hard, that much in awhile. I peed my pants. Really, I did. Amber took a picture. (I blame it on being 7 months preg) I feel so blessed to have such wonderful friends and how it could be years between visits and we pick up right where we left off.

Thanks Amber and Doug for letting me stay, Tara for making sure I didn't lift a finger while I was there, Benton and my mom, Stacy and Ang for watching my kids so I could go and play all weekend.

To my kids: Election Day 2012

I'm sitting in the Denver airport waiting for my flight and thought I'd write a wee bit about the election, 2 days ago, and why I felt so heart broken, defeated and sad yesterday. I'm doing much better today, thank goodness, but he reasons for those feelings are still there, and not going anywhere even though I am trying my best to have faith and deal with the cards we have been dealt. That being said, I'm using my cell phone, so ill probably get sick of typing on the tiny keyboard and will likely put off finishing it until later, and hopefully I do. 

I was wallowing all day yesterday. All day. It was not my favorite day, not by a long shot. Romney lost the election and it seemed like all hope was lost. I read dozens of blog posts, Facebook statuses and had many conversations with a lot of friends and all of their concerns echoed my own. It seems like there is so much more to worry about now, and with good reason. I watched my kids run around the yard playing and laughing and not having a care in the world. How I envied them and their joy. But it is for them that I worry the most. It is you, macey and crew and this unborn baby, that will pay the heaviest price for the choice our country made 2 days ago. That is why mom was so emotional and crazy yesterday. ( I'm sure these pregnancy hormones helped a little). I worry about that you will not know the great America dad and mom and all older generations glad the privilege to grow up and live in. You may not fully understand what the "American dream" is all about. You will be surrounded by people that truly believe you don't have to work for what you want and need and what the wonderful value of hard work is worth. I worry with all the taxes and inflation and whatnot that is surely coming our way that we will not be able to provide the life for you we would like to. We will make do and be happy though, that is something the government cannot take away from us. I'm afraid for what you will e taught in school. I have a notion of the ideas and tempatations and things you will be bombarded with: the breakdown of the family, gay marriage, legalized drugs and so many others to add to what is already out there. We will be tested everyday and even though our job as parents will undoubtedly get harder and harder, we will do our best to step up to the plate to instill in and teach you true and honest virtues, to live the gospel and to not be afraid to stand for what you know and believe in. 

I want you to why I voted for Romney. It wast because he is republican or a Mormon. It is because I truly believe he was what our country needed at this time. He recognized the severe economic crisis we are in and what will happen if it isn't fixed. He had a real plan to fix it. I voted for him because I do not believe in the redistribution of wealth, and I don't believe the government has the right to tell us who has too much and who needs more. Our country needs and thrives on rich successful people. They provide jobs and help keep our economy going. I whole heartedly believe that everyone should and can work hard and make a living. All the handouts our government are giving out is making people lazy and allowing them to feel entitled. This is so detrimental to our nation, and future. Life is not easy, it wasn't meant to be easy. I voted Romney because he would have done away with Obamacare.  Don't even get me started. We need to take care of our health and bodies!! That's our best defense now! I voted for Romney because he never would have apologized to terrorists for our having he first amendment and freedom of speech. He never would have blamed a terrorist attack that killed american ambassadors on a video. I voted for Romney because he loves God. He would not dream of removing Him from his platform and making Him and religion obsolete. He recognizes we have this great country because of God. This is the promised land founded by men who were inspired by God. 

I could go on for days I feel. There are so many reasons why I voted for Romney and why I'm so sad he didn't win. After my initial reaction and wallowing, I have read and listened to several scriptures and quotes from prophets and apostles.  They have helped me remember its going to be ok. The best thing we can do is still the same. Love the gospel and trust in and love The Lord. We need to have faith in America , it is still great. We need to earnestly pray for our leaders. Yes, things are going to get bad, times will be hard. We will have to fight harder than we know, I think. We will face ridicule and hardship for our beliefs. But we will press on in righteousness. We already know who wins and how it all ends. We alresdynknownwhos team were on,and it is essential we never stray away from that. America's greatness will be restored and we will be ok. 

Fall Break- Part 1

Fall break doesn't mean a whole to us as a family yet, since none of our kids are in school yet. However, it does mean all of our cousins our out of school for the week, and that always means a good time. This year, Stacy & Johnny, Katie & Brian, Pete & Ang, and the kids and I (poor Benton had to work) spent and entire day at Schnepf Farms. 7 hours to be exact. I didn't think it was possible to spend that much time there, but we did and to be honest, we probably could have stayed a little longer. Having 13 cousins to entertain and ride rides together makes it a much easier and less stressful and therefore more enjoyable experience for us big kids. It was a fantastic day, filled with roller coasters, flying bees, pig races, 4-seater bikes, and we even had some clouds and a teeny bit of rain to add to the awesomeness of it all.

 Macey's first non-kid roller coaster. She made the height requirement by 1 inch! She looks to tiny! She said it was scary, but still liked it enough to ride it again. She's our little dare devil.

A very common site. Uncle Brian is the world's biggest kid magnet and his super strength just adds to it

Oh these bikes!! I got my cardio in for the day on these puppies. I pedaled 3 kids, by myself. Will was supposed to help but he couldn't reach the pedals. If you think I'm a wimp, you obviously haven't ridden one. ;)

Not even the babies missed out on the fun. James and Ivy were happy as can be all day

Alice and her mud puddle. She b-lined and jumped into that thing any chance she got. She was beyond filthy!!

Oh, Uncle Brian- never a dull moment

The one and only picture and proof that I was there that day, pregnant and all.

Face Painting!!

Room for 3 on the flying bees

A My Little Pony Birthday

 Macey turned 4 and so we partied in style, My Little Pony style. This party was highly anticipated for weeks, at least by Macey. It acted as quite the bargaining chip many a time along the way. :)

 No Pony party would be complete without "Rainbow Dash" cupcakes. They turned out pretty darn cute if I don't say so myself.

 The birthday girl hanging by the food table (wearing the outfit Aunt Charla gave to her 10 minutes earlier) complete with "Pinkie Pie's Popcorn balls", and Flutter Shy's Watermelon- not pictured are the "Apple Jack Caramel Apples" the girls made.

 Another must at a pony party- Fruit Loop rainbow necklaces- fruit loops seriously lack in the blue loop department, that was all the blues in the entire box!

 "Belyse", Brielle and Brooke- Macey's Cotter cousins in attendance

 Jane showing off her hand work with the footloops

 Miss Kalei was full of smiles- Oh- and she is showing off her "Cutie Mark" all the girls got to pick out and put on their own cutie mark upon their arrival, because what's a pony without one?

 Some of our cute party goers. (Macey was ANTI pictures the moment the party started- silly girl)

 We played a rigorous game of "pin the cutie mark on the pony"

 Of course there was a pinata

 Present time! And Macey refusing the picture

 This picture is so funny to me. It portrays Bella and Macey to a T

 That little  cupcake looks pretty pathetic with that big candle, Macey didn't seem to mind too much.

 Rainbow Cupcake and Rainbow Ice Cream for all!

 Bree- she wins for best pictures of the day. She was pulling faces like mad. Love that girl!

Crew must've used his 6th sense and woke up just in time for cupcakes

Thank you to all who came and helped make Macey's birthday so memorable for her. She was in heaven and still talks about her pony party to anyone that will listen. I can't believe Macey is already 4! We sure do love you and all your sweet spunk!