Halloween 2009

If you look closely you can see Braden's eyes. Both Aleah & Braden were frightened of a scary monster!

Aleah would say with candor, "trick or treat... thanks for my candy!"
We came to a house with a little dog and Aleah gasped and said, "don't eat my candy dog!!"

halloween couples party

We had a great time at Lisa & Tammy's Halloween party last weekend. There were plates of halloween finger food, great decor and fun games! Shane dressed up as Hercules and I was Cleopatra.

I'm convinced...

that it's hard to get everything done in one day because TIME is moving too fast!

Addy is 4 months old already!

My how time flies when you're having fun. Addy is doing great. Of all my children she has been the easiest newborn to care for. She adjusted to earth life very quickly. She slept through the night after about a month. She is always smiling at everyone. She loves to laugh and kick her feet. The first time I put her on her tummy she rolled over on her back. She especially loves to watch her brothers and sister play. She is a joy to all of us. And now that she is 4 months old momma is starting to feel like herself again...most of the time.

We were running a little behind but finally were able to bless her a couple Sunday's ago. She is a sweet little girl with a promising future ahead of her!

Conference Weekend!

Last Saturday Shane flew to Kansas city for a highly intense 5 day, 'GAMA Essentials of Leadership' course. Since Shane was going to be gone, my mother joined me for mother-daughter week together. We loved listening to the General Conference talks...as always, weren't they so inspiring? We did a lot of window shopping at Hobby Lobby, the Mall and Sams Club. We put up home decor and love to gabb together, mostly about politics and what we think the future will bring.

We kept it simple for ourselves. We didn't cook, bake, clean (except basic keep up) or stress out about much. Instead we ate junk foods like pizza, hotdots, popcorn & chocolatey treats. The kids loved it!

Our fun didn't stop there...we read a new book my mother co-authored & published which I couldn't put down. It's fantastic! We also read a book called "the Color Code", a detailed description of your personality style. We each took the personality test inside answering the 45 questions ourselves first, then to be sure we were accurate answered them for each other. We both came up with the same numbers. I like the book because it gives you an understanding of your strengths and limitations according to color category. Another fun tidbit, Mom learned how to text message on her cell phone for the first time. Maybe she'll surprise me and send a text one of these days.
Thanks for a super fun week mom!

A couple things that may be beneficial for you. There is a baby sling made by TM 'Lite On Shoulder'. It's a great to have because it holds the baby in well. Unlike the store bought ones, it doesn't sag when you place the baby inside. It feels very light on your shoulder so you can carry the baby around for long periods of time, at church or wherever you go. http://www.slingcarrier.com/ . It takes a little while to receive because they only make it upon ordering. I also wanted to recommend a few good books that I've recently read: "The Undaunted" by Gerald Lund, it's not in a series so you can start and finish the one book. ..and "Daughters of God" by M. Russell Ballard. Fast and easy, he gives a classic message to and about women. And the last book "My Dear Sisters Inspiration for Women" from Gordon B. Hinckley.

Evan & Sarah Stout

My cousin Sarah got married in the Seattle temple to an awesome guy, Evan Stout! I don't have any pictures to post because I wasn't able to attend the wedding due to bad timing with the baby being born, but I am very happy for the two of them. They are both incredible individuals & lucky in love!!

Braden & Aleah's birthday!

The theme for the party was "Fun in the Sun" swim party

Braden 6 yrs old! Aleah 2 years old!


they got the coolest homemade cards...





Braden & Aleah make the first hit on the pinata ...



Plenty of candy in each of their bags!


Hailey & Aleah



Aleah got butterfly & flower cupcakes and Braden got a fun in the sun cookie cake

Aleah kept repeating "look fire!....it's hot" as she stared at the candle on her cupcake. Aiden couldn't wait to blow out Braden's candles! Good thing mom bought the candles that relight... it was quite the laugh watching them blow out their candles over and over!

Preschool & Kindergarten

Braden and Kyle were so excited to start school! Kyle was especially anxious to go to the Red Barn preschool(same school Braden attended). He's has been counting down the days since April! It is finally here and Kyle was all smiles. He was pleased that his big brother could show him around his first day. My tiny litte ky-ky is growing up!


Cindy Martin, a good friend from my ward started doing preschool a few years ago. Braden loved it and learned a lot in her class. We are so glad she is teaching again this year!
----------------------------------------------

BRADEN'S FIRST DAY AT KINDERGARTEN!


Braden is a brand new Kindergartener! He couldn't wait to be in his classroom and was especially excited to wear his lightning mcqueen backpack. The boys had so many good things to tell me when they got home. I am sure Braden & Kyle will have a great experience this year!


Mrs. Brinkerhoff

The day before school -- Aug. 20

We went to Peter Piper Pizza to celebrate the close of long summer days...after this evening full of pizza, icecream, games and rides, the boys were ready for school to begin the following morning!







Daddy & Braden earned enough tickets to buy whatever three nicknacks they wanted behind the toy counter!

Saturday

Our family joined the rest of our ward friends in a park at White Sands. The kids played on the covered playgrounds and water ground. It was great amusement and kept the kids busy for a long time! We enjoyed a potluck(slow cooked homemade barbequed roast, rolls, salads, chips)...yum!



Andrew, Braden and Kyle...buds

Aaron's Farewell- Aug 16

Aaron was called to serve in Ghana, Africa! Last week he flew straight to the MTC in Ghana! We are a little nervous for him but at the same time confident that he will be safe and protected there.



During his farewell speech, Aaron expressed that he had a desire to go on a mission to serve the Lord & his fellowmen, and because he was guided by the example of his older brothers who all went on missions. He used his experience at basic training as the theme for his talk. He made several comparisons between one who serves his country at war vs. a missionary serving the Lord in spiritual war. I liked one example he gave of how people in the world are being wounded in the spiritual conflict of life and that he looked forward to helping and serving the people in Ghana. Aaron will be an incredible missionary!!


Also, I finally got to meet Tori, my sweet new sister-in-law for the first time, and the new little additions to the family: Bracken, Izzy, Nicole & Gavin!

Happy Birthday to me! Aug 7

My dad couldn't wait any longer to see his grandkids, especially Addy! He and mom drove all the way down from Washington State to stay with us for 2 weeks!
Lisa was able to make it down to celebrate our 32nd birthday together!



On the day of, Shane took us to eat at one of my favorite places to go on date night: Farley's. It's not that their food is so incredible, but they do have a variety of games to play which makes for a fun experience. After eating dinner, we played pool & shot baskets until midnight. Once we get going, we tend to get a little competitive! So here are the results: Lisa won us all in the basketball tourny(of course), and Shane and my dad were a tie in pool...and to remember the night, Shane retrieved stuffed animals for everyone!

We had a great time while grandma & grandpa and Aunt Lisa were here. Grandpa & Grandma worked dozens of puzzles w/ Braden, we went shopping, ate out, had lots of backyard fun, etc etc. Dad even cleaned and detailed the cars inside and out! The kids liked using the humungous soapy sponge to scrub down the cars!




Dad's timing was perfect. They were here to celebrate my birthday on the 7th and my Dad's on the 14th. They were also here the Sunday Shane and I spoke in Sacrament meeting! We are so glad they could come and we look forward to Christmas!

new bikes!

Well, the kids got them awhile ago but here's some recent pictures of them riding them. Aleah can't reach the pedals yet but likes to sit on it for fun.

So I hired a new cleaning crew

The boys are a great help! They know how to clean the whole kitchen by themselves now!
They pick up trash, scrub dishes, load dishwasher properly, and wipe counters clean...



The top drawer of our old beat-up desk collapsed. Braden took it upon himself to fix it without us knowing it. Shane thought I fixed it, and I thought he fixed it. Finally after a week one of us brought it up that it had been fixed. We were surprised to learn that Braden did it. It took some thinking to clean up the terrible mess inside, put the drawer back on it's (half broken) track and neatly organize everything! None of us even wanted to attempt it since we plan to buy a new one. I asked Braden how he did it...he said he thought "it may be really hard but did it anyway."


I took some pictures of their little "tv room" set-up made from boxes and lids.


Daddy & Addy
Addy is growing and changing every day. She's smiling and starting to hold her head up.

Addy is 6 weeks old!

Slip N' Slide

Aleah on the slip n' slide

4th of July

Shane's parents and brother(Aaron) came for a quick visit to see the baby! On the 4th we had a cookout at Aguirre Springs and watched fireworks from the balcony of the Farm Bureau state office. They brought gifts for the kids too!

Farewell Sis...

...and we are going to miss you terribly Aunt Lisa! You are too far away in Utah...just stay here with me forever...okay?

Won't you miss......changing diapers, unpacking boxes, doing dishes, breaking up fights, cooking, mopping, hydrogen peroxide & bandaids, having two little boys frequently ransacking your room, laundry, being wedged between two car seats in the backseat of the van, being spit-up on, bathing dirty kids, and a certain little girl yelling your name early in the morning, frequently handing me bottles of water/boppy pillow, folding LOADS of laundry, cleaning up broken glass, scrubbing four toilets every other day?

Just remember..... how you love my homemade shakes and asian veggie stir fry's, Mom's visit from WA, Seinfeld & Golf, sneezing at the same time, Scrabble marathon, eating tons of double stuffed oreo's, Aleah's smile, making of an LDSsingles profile, bubble baths, the 4-day planner search, relaxing with the kids on the trampoline, dryers chocolate brownie fudge icecream, Shane's kickball & other spats, when Addy was brand new, teaching Braden how to read, flashcards, the shuttle, laughing over anything & everything in the early morning hours (out of sheer exhaustion), the Farmers Market, dressing Aleah up, smooching on Addy's cheeks.'busy bees' $800 dollar charge, Kyle's singing...

Lisa, we will miss you. You have been so good to us the last two months! I was able to fully enjoy Addy's newborn weeks having you by my side. Your organization, patience, letting me sleep and positive attitude kept me sane and my children happy. Your presence in our home has been a great blessing and you are welcome back ANYTIME! We love you! Good luck in utah!!



---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Manager's motto: "I'LL SLEEP WHEN I'M DEAD"

It is official! Yesterday one of Shane's agents (Mike Garcia) took first place in the company's 'Blue Vase Contest' for new agents! Shane had four agents in the contest and all four achieved 'Elite' status with Mike winning the whole thing and setting a new New Mexico state record with 870 points! The previous record was 514 so he killed it! There were over 30 new agents in the contest company wide. Only seven total got Elite and four of the seven were from Shane's agency! You astound me babe!! It is simply amazing what you have done with this Agency! I don't know how you do it but you know how to get it done!!!

Thursday

I don't have much time but I thought I'd post a couple pictures of Addy, etc. She is about three weeks old now. Having number four has kept me extremely busy. Thank goodness Lisa is still here...It seems like I spend most of my time with Addy while she takes care of the other three. Addy sure eats a lot! Also, we finally got all but 10 boxes unpacked, so we are getting settled in. My mother has been gone for a little over a week now. (There is picture of us below at the Sunset Grill Sonoma Ranch golf club restaurant). We are missing you Mom! Scrabble just isn't the same without you. ;-)






Lisa & Aleah

Grandma is in town!

she brought gifts for everyone!



We are excited she is here with us. We love you Grandma!!

Her name is

Addison Kate! (Kate named after my mother and grandmother)

little Addy kate patty cake ;)

Our baby is here!

We haven't quite decided on her name yet, (surprise surprise!)but we thought we'd post pictures.

Born June 2, 2009 5:32pm
Weighing 5 lbs 15 oz. 19 inches long



Birth story:
After FHE on Monday night we all went for an evening walk around our block which helped start my labor. Around 10pm I started contracting. At 1am contractions were 20 minutes apart. I called Melody, my midwife in Utah, and she booked a flight and would arrive at 11:43am. By 5am contractions were 5 minutes apart. By 8am they were 3-5 minutes apart. I told my body to slow down and laid down. Contractions stopped and I fell asleep at 8:30am. I woke up at 10am but contractions didn’t start up again until 1pm, just as soon as Shane and Melody walked in the door. It’s amazing how much control your mind has over your body in many respects. Melody checked the baby’s heart tones and position. She was slightly posterior so she had me get in the “stink bug” position for 20-30 min. We were so happy to see one another. We talked about everything from gardens to birth stories and food storage.
She checked me and I was dilated to a 6, completely effaced. Shane pressed my knees in to relieve pressure on my back and pelvis during contractions. Melody was in back of me pressing down on my hips and back, relieving pressure upward and all over, taking away 50 % of the pain. Shane then made homemade warm packs using chucks pads and towels and Melody got a warm bath going. I got into the tub and felt immediate relief. Melody played soft music and put a fan on to cool the upper part of my body off. I silently prayed, asking for nothing, because I knew the Lord knows what I need much better than I do. I was then prompted to pray for “strength.”
Melody called for Shane and told him to get into the tub with me. He sat behind me and we all chatted, then Shane asked if I wanted a blessing. To my surprise, in the blessing, he said the Lord would give me added "strength.” He reiterated that the Lord would give me STRENGTH three more times. We both couldn’t hold back the tears. It was neat and special how that worked out! I didn't tell Shane about my prayer until after the birth. I am thankful that Shane could be so in tune with the Spirit!
Melody checked me and I was dilated to an 8. I told her she couldn’t be serious because I was hardly in pain. She said I was progressing very quickly and had me change positions, so that I sat long ways in the tub with Shane in front of me and Lisa in back of me. I had 3 really hard painful contractions and then they subsided. We all chatted for a little bit, then she checked me again and said I was at a 9 ½ and ready to push. I asked her how that could be because I wasn't in anymore pain then I was before and didn't feel the urge to push? She said, “you will, just give it a push. She’s ready when you are.” So, I breathed in and pushed hard, and suddenly I was thrown in to a long (5 to 10 min straight) laborious painful push and I couldn’t stop it. Melody encouraged me to slow down and do little pushes so I wouldn’t tear. I did that for a couple minutes and then her head and half of her body slipped out into Shane's hands. Melody instructed him to leave her face down and keep her that way as he pulled her up out of the water so she wouldn't get water in her nose. Everyone encouraged me to push again but I was still caught in too much pain and felt I couldn't go on. They gave me additional encouragement to finish. I knew I had to, to get the baby out once and for all so the pain would go away. I breathed in and pushed until the rest of her body slipped out into Shane's hands. She had a little bit of a hard time breathing at first so Melody siphoned her nose and patted her back gently and she made a little cry. I was relieved! It was a beautiful birth. I was more tired to begin with then I was with Aleah's birth because I was up for so long. I'm really grateful for that blessing of added strength. I know without it, I would have been in MUCH more pain.
We are so excited to have her here! She’s tiny...We have her in premie diapers. She is a real sweetie. She is eating and sleeping well!







Aleah loves the new baby so much. She throws a tantrum when her brothers hold her!

Aleah's obsession

Aleah has a habit of smearing food and other things on her hair. We have to watch her closely at the dinner table or something like this(pictured above) will happen! Three days ago Lisa found her in the bathroom with a big glob of Vaseline in her hand. She told Aleah "no no" and turned to get a towel. Aleah threw her hand up as fast as she could and smeared the vaseline all over her head. We tried washing her hair with three different shampoo's and it still won't come out! I even tried using dish soap...

Does anyone know what get's vaseline out of hair?


Dad blow drying her hair to get the volume and curl back:


Aleah is 20 months old now and talking in full sentences (three to five words at a time). She counts 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 9, 10. She sings "twinkle twinkle little star" all the time. She loves to play with her brothers as well as push, hit, scream and throw things at them. Anytime she's upset it's Kyle's fault. One night I walked in around 10pm, she had been asleep for a couple hours. She rolled over and muttered, "Kywle NO!", then fell back to sleep. Poor guy!! He's so sweet to her all the time! She loves to eat. She eats more off her plate then the boys plates combined. She also loves to get dressed up. When I get her clothes on, she'll say, "peretty or "cuuuuute!"
She enjoys reading books, taking baths, running (esp. away from parents), jumping on the trampoline and running through sprinklers. She has a little rasp in her voice and fun fiesty personality. She is the sweetest, cuddliest little girl! She loves to climb into bed with me play picaboo, get tickled and be silly. She gives us the best hugs and kisses. We can't get enough of her!

Braden's Preschool Graduation

Braden had a great school year and made a lot of great friends~most of them from our ward. His teacher said he was good example, very athletic, good listener, quick learner and never does anything half way. She informed me that he was the reason she did not quit doing "Prize Box" halfway through the school year! I was very happy to hear this! To get prizes the students must do something good like be quiet, put supplies away, raise your hand before speaking, answer a question correctly, etc.

A few of my favorite preschool yearbook pictures...


First day of school


Last day of school

Braden grew one inch this school year. He is 3 feet 9 inches tall at the end of school.

I enrolled him into Kindergarten, Shane and I met with the teachers and took a tour of the school. It's new and has a big library where we can check-out children's school books. I am hoping he get's into the dual English/Spanish class so he can learn to speak Spanish!

final thoughts before I deliver

Shane summed this pregnancy up for me last week when he said, "It still hasn't hit me yet that we are pregnant. It is so unreal." It's gone by so fast. One minute we learn i'm pregnant and the next it's d-day?? Where did the time go!

Where I live the hospitals will not allow me to VBAC(vaginal birth after cesarean), even though I've already had two. Sad huh? But it is legal to birth at home with a midwife. That's okay because birth is a normal life event. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else but in the comfort and privacy of my own home with those I love around me.

I know that I am not the most suitable candidate for homebirth. I am physically what my grandma calls "a delicate flower," and she is right! However, the Lord knows my strengths and weaknesses and will help me in all ways if I pray and exercise faith.

Today it is all hitting me that soon I will walk through that painful valley...but I am still at peace and know that whatever happens is the Lord's will and he will get me through it. It is through my weakness and infirmities that I have learned of Him and seen his mighty arm work miracles in my behalf. My birth experiences has helped me come to understand and know personally, that the power to do anything comes only by His grace.

It's so easy to forget that this life is a test. It is human nature to constantly seek for comfort & stability. But we can lose out on so many blessings when we do this.
I pray that the Lord will comfort and sustain me through the birth.

Mother's Day Surprises!

I had a very memorable Mother's Day this year! Braden woke up at 6am and decorated the living room with pictures he had colored and drawn for me at school and home. He waited for me to wake up (which was 7am) and promptly and sweetly wished me a happy mothers day and gave me a hug. Then he told me to close my eyes, took me by the hand and walked me over to the table and couches. I opened my eyes and saw all the beautiful things he has made at school all lined out and organized! After we looked over all of his beautiful drawings he told me to sit down. He brought me a beautiful vase he made at school with a purple flower pen. He truly wanted me to know how much he loved me and wanted this to be my special day! He has been talking and planning Mother's Day for a week. My heart is so full.
As soon as Kyle woke up, he presented a purple heart shaped pillow and wished me a happy mothers day! He hoped to sing a mothers day song but we could not come up with one. He thanked me for being his mother and gave me a hug. He's such a thoughtful boy. Aleah told me she loved me all day long! Shane treated me like royalty and presented my Mother's Day gift right after church~a sweet card and a beautiful new mirror! It is the perfect gift. I love my family!! They bring so much joy and happiness to me!

We finally moved into our house this week. Our ward family has been so helpful. We appreciate them! My sister Lisa has been here for a couple weeks helping us move and taking care of the kids while I tried to keep my puffy feet up. I am so thankful to her for all she did for us. I could not have survived this move without her! She got this whole place 80% unpacked and semi-organized for me, ALL the while helping me tend the kids. She is coming back soon to stay for awhile and be with me at my birth and beyond. She told me she "hasn't missed any of my births and is not going to miss this one either!"
My mom provided us with meals that included dinners and dessert, and gave Shane and I a very generous gift. Mom, how do you always know what we need no matter how big or small, then provide it? You are amazing!!

I've noticed toward the end of all of my pregnancies a trend. I suddenly become an ornery perfectionist. Does anyone else go through this phase? How do my loved ones put up with me when this happens?

Pictures of our new home...

We are enjoying our house. We have a big back yard that is all grass, roses & flowers! (It is hard to find a home for sale here with a yard like this). Inside the house, the finish work is gorgeous. The house is all one one level, something I learned that I prefer after building the other home. It also has a 15-20 ft. storage room!!

Shane had a birthday!

I've been so busy lately, I can't seem to keep up in the blogging department! Shane turned 30 years old last week(April 18). I can't believe you're only 30 Luv! You've accomplished so much the first 30 years of your life!

Hope you enjoyed your day golfing with your buddies and the barbeque at the park.

Saturday, Mar 7~A Windy Day

I usually dread the wind, but it was exciting for us to get to fly Kyle's birthday kite at the park. The boys said it was the "best day of their lives." To top it all off, we heard the popsickle man and sang along to his tunes until he was finally in view, and we could wave him over. Aleah didn't want any help eating her blue popsickle and ended up a real mess. She kept hollering, "soap! soap!" We couldn't stop laughing...






For Easter we decorated lots of hard-boiled eggs and joined our ward for a picnic & easter egg hunt. I didn't bring my camera, but the kids had a great time filling their easter baskets with eggs & candy!!

What's for dinner?

This question is bad enough in the present day when we have all the resources we could possibly need to make a great meal for our families. Imagine how you would dread this same question if there came a time when you are relying solely on your own food storage and preparedness items! scary thought, but it doesn't have to be!
Last month my ward had a prepardness enrichment class and our prepardness leader showed us all kinds of ways to use powdered milk in your meals. I got lots of great new ideas and a recipe packet and she even made a delicious chocolate decadent dessert.
I shared ideas about sealing in jars items (such as dried fruit, dry pasta, chocolate chips, granola bars...endless possibilities!) that don't require a pressure canner, just a Food Saver jar saver attachment. It's so great to have these foods on a shelf, ready to use for years-- no refrigeration required. I also brought my manual washing machine, which uses the same technique a washing machine does only manually.
My favorite emergency item is my sun oven. If the sun is shining, which it is 99% of the time here, then you can cook almost anything! I've made a chicken and rice casserole and other dishes and plan to experiment with a lot more. the sun oven is like having an outdoor crockpot. the temperature can only reach about 325 degrees, so everything takes about twice as long to cook. that's okay, because you're not wasting a ton of electricity, precious fuel, propane, wood, or charcoal, just to get a pot of water boiling! it's so easy to use and there are so many great reasons to have one.
Pictured below is a dinner that I made in January -65 degrees, with the round roaster that came with my sun oven using just the sunshine as a heat source! You can add whatever vegetables(freeze dried too) to make it a well rounded meal. You can see that the chicken is fully cooked. I removed the chicken and arranged it on top of a bed of rice & veggies. Next time I will have to snap a picture of homemade bread in there!
what are your favorite food storage/emergency preparedness items or tips?