The Little Ladies

The Cruise

2011-03-12T15:50:00.000-08:00

I could really get use to a view like this everyday! Here are a few fun shots from our cruise we went on with some friends. We had such a wonderful time!

The boys giving us a Lola pose.
(Jason, Mike, Chris and Corey)

The Ladies
(Tara, Keri, Me and Kimber)

I have to thank our Photographer Chris for this picture. Let's just say we were a little bored one night waiting for something to start and we had a quick photo shoot.

Getting ready to go zip-lining in Belize. SO fun! Well most of it...a guy might have crashed into me and bashed my head into a tree but other then that loads of fun! I survived with just a few bruises and swelling, not enough to ruin my day!

We clean up nice eh?

Corey doing the flowrider on the ship. This was really cool. All the guys and I loved it. All of the other girls weren't cool enough to do it LOL they missed out!

Grand Cayman was my favorite stop! So gorgeous. Beautiful beach, great friend, pina-coloda and french fries...does it get any better??

I will forever look back and LOVE this trip. So many fun memories. A whole week with my hubby, the best friends ever, great food, to many laughs to count!

Makenley's New Hair-do

2010-09-28T15:54:00.000-07:00

A few years ago Adelyn donated her hair to Locks of Love. Makenley always thought the was pretty neat, however she wasn't really interested in doing it. She would say when I can cut 10 inches and still have my hair really long then I want to do it. Well a week ago she changed her mind. We were doing her hair and she said mom how long would my hair be if I did locks of love? I said probably right above your shoulders. She said K I want to do it. I told her lets give it a few days just to make sure you don't change your mind. Well she didn't change her mind. In fact she asked me about it EVERYDAY since! So on Saturday we did it! Before the big cut! I was a little sad to say goodbye to her gorgeous hair!

Good thing it was for such a great cause or I might have been SUPER sad! She was so, so excited to do this!

Here she is holding up her hair!

It turned out so cute! I am proud of her for making a very selfless choice to help a little child in need. Someone is going to get a very pretty wig from her beautiful hair! BONUS:NO MORE TANGLES to brush out!!

The 10 cent Basket

2010-09-15T09:57:00.000-07:00

You know when you look all around the house and there is just stuff everyone...and NONE of it is yours! This happened to me last weekend. Sunday afternoon I looked around and I had just had it! I told everyone to come in the family room I announced that everyone needed to pick up your own stuff! I let them all in on a little secret...I am NOT a maid! So everyone cleaned up their stuff ( including my oldest child Corey!). I told them we now have a new rule. I will pick up the house at the end of the night and put everything that I find in a basket. In the morning you will be able to buy the stuff back from me for 10 cents. If your name if Corey you will pay me $5 for anything I find! They were not to sure that I was serious, however in the morning they realized I was totally serious when this is what they found! I gave them a break this first morning. This was the final warning! It has been a great way to motivate clean up by reminding them they don't want to find their stuff in the 10 cent basket! It has worked great I am not finding people stuff all over the place and I am not feeling like a maid!

5th Grade Camp

2010-09-10T19:45:00.000-07:00

This is my fifth grader getting ready to leave for camp...overnight camp.....my fifth grader!! We do not really do sleepovers. Occasional sleepover once in a great while with a cousin, that's it! so needless to say this was a little hard for me! ( Addy wasn't so sure either to tell the truth!)

It turned out she had a really great time! Nervous for nothing! She loved the ropes course, watching a movie with all the 5th grade girls and getting hot chocolate half way through the movie, and making up skits! (She told me all about the skit sounded super funny...to a bunch of 5th graders that is!)

FIRST day of school 2010!

2010-09-09T08:58:00.000-07:00

It is once again time for school to begin! I can not believe how fast summer flew by. My little ladies were all super excited to start school. So here it goes another year of Manila Elementary! Adelyn is going into 5th grade. Her teacher is Mrs. Dibb. She is in a 5th/6th grade combo class. She is really excited for school this year. She is already having fun with student council and is looking forward to doing lots more stuff this year with student council.
She looks WAY to old. I can't really handle that she is so big!

Kenley heading in to her class!

Makenely is in 3rd grade. She is in Mrs. Long's class. She's so excited about her teacher. She has lots of friends in her class which is always a fun thing right?!

My big 3rd grader! AHHH! What has happened to my little girls!

Alexiya is in 1st grade this year. Her teachers name is Mrs. Frischnect. Her students call her Miss Frish. She is sooo happy about starting school, especially because school this year means school lunch!

Here is my Lexi walking into her class.

Maycie starting school!!!! AHHH! I can NOT handle that she is in kindergarten! She was cautiously excited to start school. She is really happy to have Mrs. Butterfield for her teacher this year. She already feels comfortable with her since she spent lots of time there last year with Me and Lexi.

My big KINDERGARTNER!

The girls all had a wonderful first day at school! Everyone loved their teacher. Maycie handled her first day wonderfully. Only person in tears first day of school....me.

Let the fun begin.

Darrington Family Trip-Camping Style

2010-08-02T15:20:00.000-07:00

Each year we take turns planning a family trip. It was Mike and Jill's turn this year. They planned to go camping at Jolly's Ranch. We headed up the canyon for a great few days of camping. It is no secret in our family that Corey and I are not huge fans of camping. However we had a wonderful time! The kids all had so much fun together.The kids playing in the creek. They played forever building things in the sand and walking in the creek.
We had a Darrington family Olympics. It was a blast. Jared, Isabelle and Caleb getting their soda rocket ready.

The kids watching the Olympics.

Todd and Sadie

Mom and Dad working on their strategy to get their soda to go the highest.

Us getting ready to let our soda rocket to win!!

We played chubby bunny. Makenely got quite a few marshmallows in her mouth!!

Kenley

Addy taking a mud bath! Beautiful.

The kids singing and doing a little dance.

Some of the creations Kenley made in the mud.

Lexi

Having a headstand contest. Randy, me and Addy were the last ones standing. Addy won!

Playing red rover

Caleb and Grandpa sharing dinner together.

Maycie always good for a pose!

All of the kids! This was such a great trip. The kids had so much fun riding bikes, playing in the creek, playing tag on the playground, having cartwheel contests, playing card games and so much more.

Great trip...Thanks Mike and Jill for planning it!!

Happy Birthday Maycie!

2010-07-14T09:08:00.000-07:00

FiVe!!! Blowing out the candles on her pinkalicious cupcakes.

Checking out the goods!

She told me she wanted shoes, clothes, earrings and make-up! She is not girly at all!

Super excited about her new earrings.

I can hardly believe that my baby is officially FIVE!! I love this little girl so much. She makes me laugh with all the funny things she says. Like on the morning of her birthday I asked her if she felt bigger like she was five. She said I don't know but my feet were tingling this morning so I think that means I am big like five! She is a funny kid. She has the brightest smile you have ever seen and loves to show it! She showed her smile a lot last night at Chuck e cheese!! (Yuck!) She loved it and we had a great birthday!

Yellowstone

2010-07-11T15:22:00.001-07:00

Some of my family decided to load up the kiddos and head to Yellowstone so we decided to join them. We went to my Aunt Jeanette's cabin the first night ( thanks Jeanette and Rod!!) and then headed out to the park. Stopping for square ice cream in Swan Valley on the way to Driggs.
The kids feeding the chipmunks that lived under the little cabins we stayed in in Mammoth.

Happy kids!

Me and the girls at the falls.

The falls again BUT this time Maycie is the Photographer!

Makenely took this on of My Mom and Me and Maycie.

Oh so pretty! I didn't take a ton of pictures. Didn't really notice until I got home. I think I was enjoying the scenery and the time with the kids I kind of forgot! That's ok I have lots of memories in my head.

Top Ten Yellowstone Moments....

1. Staying at the Old Faithful Geyser Basin for 2 1/2 hours waiting for the Grand Geyser....TOTALLY worth it! So beautiful and the kids were champs waiting so long!

2. Seeing the two young buffalo's fighting! Hitting heads, scratching feet the whole bit. Then hurrying away when one of the bigger buffalo's came up to them.

3. Trying to find all the USA state license plates. All but two...Rhode Island and South Carolina!

4. Watching a bunch of people being really stupid getting way to close to an elk herd. One guy got stuck in a corner with his backed turned with an elk breathing right now his neck. Little scary. Some people not so bright!

5. The kids "art" all over the road at Keli's campsite.

6. Seeing a bear! I can not tell you how many times I have been to Yellowstone and I have never seen a bear! Super excited!

7. Having the buffalo's cross the road right in front of us. The kids loved it!

8. Getting to spend hours and hours in the car talking to my mom.

9.Listening to the kids get so excited to see any animal.

10. Watching my kids enjoy nature. Even from the car.

Makenley

2010-07-11T15:15:00.000-07:00

This little girl had a super big day last month.....
She wanted to get baptized!

Love this little lady! I am super happy for her for this big decision she made. I know she is excited to have the holy ghost and to share her testimony.

End of School Year

2010-06-10T06:37:00.000-07:00

Another school year is over! I can hardly believe it! Seems like just yesterday I was taking Adelyn to kindergarten and in just a few short months I will be taking Maycie to "the big kids school" to start kindergarten. Makes me a sad. They are all getting way to big. Can't we just freeze life for just a little while? If anyone figures out how to do this let me know! The girls all absolutely loved their teachers this year. So did I! They were wonderful. Lexi didn't want me to put this picture in...but it's the only one with her and her teacher. Oh well! Lexi and Mrs. Butterfield. (Hoping Maycie gets her next year, fingers crossed!)

At the end of the year the school does a Dance Festival. Each grade does a different dance and then performs it on the field for the other students and parents. Lexi was extra excited about it this year. She has watched it for so many years I think she was just so super excited to be IN it this time! She danced to under the sea. She knew all the actions perfectly and sang to the song the whole time. I was so sad I could hardly see Makenely! But she was jammin' and did an awesome job! The whole time Adelyns class was practicing her dance she would tell me mom it is so weird and she would show me a new move they learned that day. I have

say they did have some funky moves! She did great and had a huge smile on her face the whole time, such a performer! Adelyn loved her teacher, Miss Kunz. She was so great! SO nice and positive with the kids. Addy learned a ton from her and Miss Kunz always made her feel like she could do anything she put her mind to!

Mrs. Deaver and Makenley (and Chelsie! He he!) Kenley loved her. I love a teacher that can balance being nice with keeping her class in check and not allowing it to be crazy! All the girls teachers had that this year! Mrs. Deaver was great for Makenley. She had lots of fun ways to keep the kids motivated. Soda pop math, Friday fun club and Deaver dollars.

Apparently when you are in 4th grade you are officially old enough to wear sunglasses and hats during the Dance festival. Seems to be the thing every year!

Addy decided she wanted to run for Student council for next year. She had to write an essay, fill out a questionnaire about what she felt it meant to be a good leader and good example. Then they had to have an interview with two teachers who are over student council. The student body voted. Also the students trying out had to have good grades and the approval of their teacher to run. She made it!! She was so excited! I am so proud of her for being brave enough to try!

Maycie hates, HATES, to be in front of people! I think she was just so happy to be done with graduation that she couldn't help but smile!

This pictures says it all! She was trying so hard to be brave. When she first walked in she had a smile on her face and it slowly faded! Thank goodness for cute Miss Amber who knows she is terrified of being in front of everyone. She was really sweet with her.

Mrs. Jodi, Maycie and Miss Amber.

I feel so bad for Maycie. She really does love school. She loves to sing songs she has learned at school. She can repeat all sorts of poems she has learned at school. BUT when it comes to getting up in front of a big crowd of people...NOT her thing. I totally understand how she feels. I was so shy when I was little. Corey on the other hand gets bugged with it. He doesn't have a shy bone in his body so he doesn't understand the fear.

She sat up with her class. Did not sing one word. Did not do any actions. Nothing.

BUT she stayed up there and only cried for about 1 minute when she walked in! It is an accomplishment in my book! Last year during preschool she didn't make it through one performance and stayed at her graduation for maybe 3 minutes!

Who knows maybe next year we will actually see her sing songs with her kindergarten class!

We had a great school year. Lots of learning and loads of fun! However I am so excited that school is done. I love my kids being home with me!

Let the fun begin!

Disneyland

2010-06-03T08:48:00.000-07:00

This was the most fun trip ever!! We drove down to California on Sunday and stayed until the next Sunday. One full week of family time...heaven! The kids were so excited to go to Disneyland. This has been a long awaited trip. We went about 5 years ago when Maycie was just a baby and Addy was only 5 so it was a much different experience. The girls were up for trying just about anything! We went every ride they were tall enough for. Perfect ages for Disney. There were only 3 rides Maycie couldn't go on.
We took it nice and easy. Had a few times where we just sat down for a few minutes. This was one of those times. Addy snapped this picture for us. This was our first trip without a stroller! It was so wonderful, I felt free! The girls were such troopers. By the fifth day on our way back to the hotel there were two girls who said my feet hurt...so did mine if someone would have offered to carry me I would have been happy with that!

The Rapids. This particular time we got soaked! It was our last ride of the day and we walked back drenched!

I was shocked that everyone loved all the "big" rides. Space Mountain was a favorite of everyone! We were lucky because there really weren't lines we had to wait it so we were able to go on lots of rides over and over!

The Jellyfishes

Pirates of the Caribbean. We walked right on to this ride anytime we wanted. It is a nice on to take a little break on. The first time on most rides Maycie was a little apprehensive. On Pirates she pretended her fingers were guns in case she needed to shoot and mean pirates. Adorable. After each new ride we would ask her if she liked it. Her response was usually I don't know yet. About two minutes later she would say... I loved it lets go again!

California Adventure

Adelyn's favorite ride-California Screamin'

Makenley-Tower of Terror

Alexiya-Muholland Madness and Tower of Terror

Maycie-Muholland Madness and Tower of Terror

The kids all LOVED Muholland Madness! There was on time we went on it 6 times in a row. Did not even get out of the ride! NO line is the best!

The few time we had to wait we played Jon-kim-poe! Pretty much rock-paper-scissors with a little twist. The longest line was for Toy Story Mania. About a 30 min. wait. Totally worth it!

The girls picked these huge suckers for their treat on the first day. It is about as big as Maycie's head!

Favorite rides in Magic Kingdom-

Addy-Space Mountain

Kenley, Lexi and Maycie-Splash Mountain and Space Mountain

The best trip ever. I will always remember it!

Festival of Colors

2010-04-06T17:57:00.001-07:00

The Festival of Colors is a celebration held at the Hare Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork. It is a cleaning ritual. Linda and Larry thought it was would be really fun to go. Corey's cousin, Paige, was in town so we decided to show her a good time! This is taken in front of the temple when we first got there. It is a beautiful building. The girls were so excited to see it up close. We drive by it at least twice a month on our way to Linda's house. They call it "the castle". So not knowing what to expect I knew it would be worth it just to give the girls the chance to see it up close!Our little family + Khyler and Paige

Inside the temple sitting on a little bench.

The girls looking at the shrine inside the temple.Paige was the first one to get a little messy. She was just walking and some guys threw the color powder right at her. I told her it was because she was the cutest!

Here is a look at all the people dancing around and having a great time with the band.

Here are a few of the girls after Grandpa Larry bought us some powder to throw at each other. I was surprised everyone got into as much as they did.

Here are some of the young bucks walking out from the mass of people throwing the powder at each other. People were covered! It was amazing how thick the chalk was on some people.

This is the cloud that was hanging around after the mass throwing of chalk. We kind of stayed out of the mass of people seeing as we had 5 little kids with us and I don't think you could have even seen your hand in front of your face!

I thought this was way fun! All for getting messy!

Lexi was not so sure about this whole thing......until she started throwing the powder then she was all about it! She LOVED going after the adults that were a little apprehensive about getting dirty (COREY!!) !

This is Maycie at the very end of our day! She was so covered in green powder! She and Khyler had so much fun. I think Maycies favorite part was dancing around to the music and throwing the powder on herself!

AHH sorry Corey...I know you didn't want to get messy! Thanks for being a good sport and I know you had fun!

Adelyn was ok with getting messy. She took a minute to warm up and then she really got into it! I think the majority of chalk that is on the adults is courtesy of Addy! She was little nervous nelly when we were on the hill dancing worried that the girls were going to far down the hill and getting to close to people. Love her, she is so much like her little nervous Daddy!!

Now Makenley was a little different from everyone else. She wanted the powder thrown on her from the second she saw what people were doing! She asked a lady to throw some on her withing the first 20 minutes of being there! She absolutely LOVED getting messy just as much as she loved throwing it and getting everyone else messy!

Linda is always a good sport and up for anything!! She gets pure joy out of watching the kids have fun and fun they had! Great idea on her part! She and I decided this needed to be a yearly tradition.

All the ladies jammin' out!

Lexi and Makenley

This was thier hair! The hair I had to take home and wash and be ready for church the next day! I was pleasantly surprised that is washed out quite easily. This was a wonderful day! We had so much fun! Can't wait for next year for this "cleansing" ritual!

Out of the mouth of Babes

2010-03-17T18:54:00.000-07:00

Tonight we went to buy Cleats for Maycie and some goalie gloves for Addy.

Corey to Maycie: Mayc do you think now with your new cleats you'll be able to run even faster?

Maycie to Corey:Duh!!
Ahh gotta love kids! They always think they are the fastest, best, hottest things ever!
And they ARE!

New-Do

2010-03-04T17:37:00.000-08:00

So Macyie has been begging me to let her get a "short" haircut for about 3 months. Finally the other day my friends sister was at her house cutting hair so I sent her over and go it done! She is soooo excited about it! The next morning while I was round brushing it she kept saying over and over...I look so cute! I am glad we finally got it done and that she is so happy with it. She does look pretty darn cute the only bad part is I feel like she looks older, not good!Me and Maycie getting ready to run errands. She LOVES going to the store with me. My great little shopping partner. Costco is her fav!

Here's the cut!

Oh Maycie can we please just freeze you right now this age forever!!!

A Few Highlights

2010-02-08T19:37:00.000-08:00

I know it has been a while so here are just a few things I wanted to touch on. I am not even going to worry about Christmas. Lets just say it was wonderful. We had a great time at my parents house playing games all day and eating yummy food! At our ward Christmas party they handed out Book of Mormons for us to give the gift of the gospel to someone. I took one with full intentions to give it to someone. But I have to admit Maycie absolutely feel in love with this little B of M and has been carrying it with her everywhere ever since. She loves her new book!
On our way to a Daddy-daughter ice skating date for activity days.
(No I am not a Dad...I am a leader!)

Adelyn turned 10! I don't know if this is a "highlight" it made me feel old and sad!

We watched Ashley and Jason's kids for them for a few days and this was something they did to entertain themselves one afternoon.

Alexiya turned 6! She was super excited and requested "Pinkalicious" cupcakes.

(Pinkalicious is a darling book. If you don't have it I would highly recommend it!)

Enjoying the first Snowfall

2009-12-17T14:35:00.000-08:00

The girls were super excited that if "finally" snowed!! As they were getting ready for school this morning they were already asking about playing after school. Lexi was really worried about the snow all melting before she got home to play in it. I assured her that there was way to much snow for it to all melt before she got home at 12! Lexi and Maycie started playing the second they got finished eating lunch. Why do I always forget how much time it takes
to get the kids all geared up for the snow??

Adelyn posing her heart out!

Adelyn and Maycie with their snowman.

Makenley and Maycie getting ready to shovel the walkways.

Makenley is all ready to go!!

Maycie shoveling the driveway. You got to start them early! She was loving doing this. In fact she was really mad when it was time for her sisters turn!

Kenley

Maycie found her bike in the backyard (oops!) she and Lexi didn't believe me that it wouldn't work in the snow!

Getting some use out of that diving board even in December!

Maycie

Lexi and her snow angel.

I love this time of year! I love the snow! And love even more when the kids get so excited to play in it until I drag their frozen bodies in for dinner!

Yeah for mother nature and the beautiful blanket of white outside.

The Aliens

2009-11-16T19:06:00.000-08:00

While Lexi and Addy were upstairs playing today I heard Lexi say that she called Aliens. I thought oh wow what a goof. Then tonight at dinner we went around the table and said what our favorite part of our day was. Lexi with so much excitement in her voice and a certain sparkle in her eyes says that her favorite part of the day was talking to "the aliens"!! I ask her where did you talk to them? She tells me on the phone. Ok. Then again later tonight we got ice cream for a FHE treat and she says to Corey I talked to aliens today...swear on my mom's eyes! After we got home and the kids got pjs on we were gathering to do sciptures and prayers and she takes Kenley in the corner of the room with the phone and starts calling a number...to the aliens. It doesn't work so Corey asks her what the number is, she gives it to him. Corey puts in the number and sure enough it's a real phone number to what sounds like aliens! Corey laughs and tells her he knows another number for some aliens and proceeds to give her his fax number! You know when you think about it with the right imagination it could be aliens!!

Riding Home

2009-11-08T14:23:00.000-08:00

This is what happens when you combine a camera, a 10 minute ride home from preschool and one darling 4 year old who loves to take pictures of herself. This one is my personal fav.
She sure thinks she is funny!

OH Maycie gotta love ya!

Halloween

2009-11-04T19:26:00.000-08:00

HALLOWEEN MADNESSMaycie as a pirate.
Adelyn, Jacob and Annie

This is my cute little nephew, Kaleb, he was the cutest monkey! He is really chunky and I often call him a chunky monkey and on Halloween he really was one. We had him "for sale" at my dad's store.

Lilly

Makenley

Part of our crew. Their was a lot of us!

Jacob ( on the left) asked me if I wanted to take a picture of him and Brady( on the right). I said sure so he and Brady posed for me. I love Brady's face and Jacobs actions. Hilarious!

Lexi as Little Bo Peep

Adelyn, Annie and Rachel

Maycie

I have admitted before that I do not LOVE Halloween, however, I did enjoy it this year! The whole thing. The costumes, the decorations, ALMOST all of it. But come on does anyone really enjoy spending $20 on Halloween candy/prizes? I think one thing that really helped me like it more this year was the fact that we borrowed 3 of the 4 costumes the girls wore, so money saved there! We had a great time going trick or treating at Grandpa's store, making and eating pizza at Grandma and Grandpa's house, then trick or treating some more at our house. I do love seeing all the cute neighborhood kids in their costumes. Maycie stayed with me to hand out candy. It was pretty funny because we were sitting in the front room and she would see the kids walking up and if they looked to scary she would look at me and say, "Mommy maybe you should do this one, it's your turn." Isn't that nice of her!

Thank you Kimber and Lacey for letting us borrow your cute costumes and helping me enjoy Halloween just a little more!!

Hope yours was a great as mine!

Saying Goodbye

2009-10-15T09:17:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we went swimming for the last time for the winter. It's funny because by the end of the summer we don't use the pool as much compared to the beginning of the summer, but now I am missing it already!! It creates lots of great family time. Corey and the girls!
Me and my hot hubby

Adelyn walking up the slide.

Kenley

Maycie. Just looking at this picture makes me laugh!

until next spring!

May I have a moment to brag...

2009-09-18T15:08:00.000-07:00

If you don't want to hear me be a proud mama for a moment you may not want to read this post. I am giving fair warning...so if you don't like my bragging.....well it is your own fault!
At the end of each school year the kids take the Iowa test. This is given nation wide. Addy brought home this certificate from her 3rd grade test on Monday. It says that she scored in the top 10 percent in the whole nation in six different categories! I am so proud of her. I told her I was so proud of her and tried to help her understand what a neat achievement this was. Corey and I took her to dinner on Wednesday to Los hermonos (her choice). She thought it was pretty fun to go on our date with us and loved having one on one time. Even though I did want her to know it was a big deal, I am also grateful that she doesn't think to much of it at the same time. I love that she just thinks cool, not wow I am so cool, you know what I mean right?? I am so proud of her and the great student she is!

1st day of school

2009-09-18T14:54:00.000-07:00

Oh the first day of school....I am such a cry baby!! I don't know what it is about school starting but I always get a little choked up. Not just about my little preschooler or the fact that I had a new kindergartner, I cried just as hard for my 4th grader (which totally freaks me out by the way) and my 2nd grader. I worry about the little things...will they have someone to eat lunch with, will the teacher be nice, will they have someone to play with at recess, and most of all I think it just freaks me out that they are at school for so many hours out of the day. I like the summer where I decide who they come into contact with. I know I am a little cookie but I don't know all the kids at school, their parents that come into class, the janitors or all the people that work at the school. I am a worry wart and I just want them to be safe and be happy. So needless to say I shed a few tears each time a new school year begins. Luckily they all LOVE school and they were all so excited to start! It makes it easier to leave them knowing they are super excited for their new teachers, new friends and most of all learning. I am excited for the new school year and I am happy about the cute teachers they all have. Let the fun begin!!

Funny Thoughts by Lexi

2009-08-28T13:03:00.000-07:00

So we are headed home from lunch today when Lexi spots the temple. She asks me so which is Jesus house the temple or the church? I say both. She says I think the temple is his house and the church is his cabin.

Gotta love the things kids say!!

Discovery Museum

2009-08-21T08:21:00.000-07:00

My sister, Keil, and I decided to fit one more fun thing in to the summer so we headed up to the Children's museum at the Gateway mall. Keli thought the kids would have fun riding trax in to Salt Lake...she was right. They thought that was pretty cool to go on a little train! Once we got there the party really started. The kids had a blast. There is so much to do and not a whole lot of "no you can't do that"s going on. Kids love that! Here they all are waiting to do a Popsicle art project. They painted with Popsicles. Then got to eat them.
Lexi loved this little horse. She got on it several times and thought it was really fun. ( I didn't personally see the fun in it but hey whatever makes her happy!) One of Addy's favorite things was the rock wall. This view is from the opposite side of the wall. She thought it was so cool that you could see to the other side of the wall. She got pretty good at climbing it.

There is a big water thing to play with all sorts of different ways to move the water and catch the water. All of the girls really liked this activity.

Alexiya is a little police officer! There is a little town with a grocery store, house, construction site, farm and gas station. She made sure everyone was following the rules!

Adelyn and Makenley climbing the wall together.

There is a whole news station to play with. I thought it was so cute! The sat down and could see themselves on T.V then there was a weather station where they we standing in front of a green screen so on the T.V. there would be things going on behind them. Pretty fun!

Maycie getting dressed up to do a play on the stage.

Maycie and Lilly building something. There were tons of different things you could build with.

I thought this thing was so fun. Addy loved it. You created a little scene and then took a picture of it, moved the scene, took a picture....get the picture? ( ha ha I am so funny!). When you were done they put it all together to make a movie. Then you could add sound to it.

Putting coins in and watching them roll in and hoping someone didn't grab yours before it was done...that happened a few times!

Yeah for fun filled summer days!!

Wednesday Fun

2009-08-14T08:13:00.000-07:00

Wednesday has been a party day at my place for about 4 years now. About 4 years ago my mom and Keli decided it would be a fun idea to come over every Wednesday and play. In the colder months when the pool is not open we play Cities and Knights. I know the reason they started this in the beginning was that they were a little worried that I might lose my mind after having Maycie. My oldest, Adelyn, was 5 when I had my fourth Maycie. So it was a little crazy at my house and I loved the adult time that Wednesday created! We have had so much fun on our Wednesdays and I am so glad they are still willing to come out every week. In the summer Jesse joins us since she is not working..Yeah!! The kids have lots of fun and we get some good swimming and chatting done!! Kenley going down the slide.

Lexi being a diva.

Adelyn showing us her dive.

Brady being crazy on the slide.

Makenley, Adelyn, Keli, Rachel and Maycie ( not sure what exactly what she's doing but whatever...she's smiling!)

Family Pictures

2009-07-20T13:05:00.000-07:00

We knew it was way, way past time to do an updated Darrington family picture when we looked and realized that Keli and Jared and Mike and Jill had both had 2 more kids added to their families!! My cousin Denae told us she would be willing to brave all these little kids (and the big ones) to do a big group shot. Here is one she did of just my family. Corey is one lucky guy...look at all those pretty little blond girls. He jokes around that he is "a thorn amongst roses". But we all know he's better than a thorn!

The whole group. I will give you a run down. Mike and Jill together in the back are the owners of all the little boys in blue shirts and the little girl in front in the white dress. Keli and Jared are in black. They are the owners of the boy in front in white and the dark haired little girl and the one Keli is holding. Randy and Jesse are in green and white shirts. They are the owners of the oldest boy in green and the little girl in white. My parents are in yellow they own us big kids. The rest of the little girls Corey and I own.....I know they are the cutest ones....don't tell anyone!

Gosh with 14 kids...9 under the age of 6.....a couple of obnoxious boys....mine included!....I think we got a few cute ones!! Thanks Denae!!!

If everyone will stop having babies already we could be done with these "updates" J/K!!

Birthday Girl

2009-07-14T08:50:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Maycie's birthday!! As tradition goes in our family the whole day is her special day to do all of her favorite things, so here are a few things that she picked.Swimming!
Going running with me and Adelyn.

How cute is she holding up her 4 little fingers!! FOUR I can not believe my baby is 4!!!

She got a new outfit for her American Girl doll, nail polish (she LOVES to paint her nails), and "nake-up" as she would say.

On the girls B-day they get to pick where we go to dinner. As hard as we try to steer them in the direction away from Chuck e Cheese and McDonald's some years it just doesn't workout! So we went t0 Chuck e Cheese....the girls had a blast! I guess once in a while we can brave the nasty pizza for the great smiles we get in return!

Happy Birthday Maycie!!

Adelyn's Flower Shop

2009-07-08T16:13:00.000-07:00

My little Entrepreneur

Addy is trying to earn money to go to Disneyland with some of her cousins and my mom. She has done all sorts of things to earn money here and there. I was trying to think of a way she could make some more money and not have it coming from me ; ) . I heard my dad talking about the sidewalk sales on center street for the freedom festival (he owns a store on center) and I thought hey she should make some hair flowers and sell those. So she spent half the day on Thursday and all day Friday down at my dad's store selling flowers. She made 75 dollars!! I think I might need to go sell flowers next time! It was super cute to see how excited she got when someone was approaching her table to look and she was so elated when they bought one!

*Big huge thanks to my dad for letting her sell them at his store and for selling them for her Friday night and Saturday morning!!*

Bear Lake

2009-07-06T18:17:00.000-07:00

For Christmas Linda gave us a trip to Bear Lake. We have never been there before so we were super excited! We had a great time. The weather did not cooperate with us but we made the best of it. Lots of fun playing games, eating good food, playing on the beach and lots of talking! The whole crew outside Minnetonka caves. It was a great activity while it was raining. The girls did awesome walking up and down all those stairs....over 800 stairs!! It was really cool inside.
The kiddos went fishing and frog hunting. It was so cold but that didn't seem to bother the kids!

The very first day we were there started out the warmest so we did play at the beach. The girls had lots of fun playing in the sand....until the wind storm....holy cow it came up really fast!

Lexi and Makenley building a sand castle.

Corey and the girls on the drive there. It was such a long canyon!! Really pretty but long!! Poor Lexi got car sick which is why we stopped and got out for a minute. Overall it was a fun trip. Thank you Linda and Larry for all your hard work!!

LAST day of school!!

2009-06-08T15:10:00.000-07:00

Goodbye to homework, waking up early, carpool, the rush of the morning and the tight schedule of soccer, dance, piano and preschool!!

Hello to sleeping in, chillin' in our jammies all morning, swimming all day, having no schedule and being home more than being in the car!!

I am so excited that school is out!!

*I can not believe how much the girls have changed since the first day of school!*

Talent Show

2009-06-08T14:55:00.000-07:00

Every year the school has a talent show. Every year I have asked the girls if they wanted to try out, just to give them the opportunity. Well this year when I asked Adelyn said she wanted to do it. I said great that will be fun we will sign you up, BUT inside I was SO nervous! I was super proud of her for trying out but so nervous for her and didn't want her to be sad if she didn't make it. I kept telling her I was so proud of her for even trying out and that it didn't matter if she made it just the fact that she was brave enough to try was a huge accomplishment! Well they posted the list of those who made it and she made it along with her best friend Sadie! Oh I was so relieved! I am so proud of her for doing it. I didn't try for so many things in life out of fear I am so glad she tried. She play Fur Elise she did so wonderful!! I am so proud of her!

Preshool Graduations

2009-06-08T14:38:00.000-07:00

Lexi waving hello
Lexi with her teacher Miss Sariah. She absolutely loved her teacher this year!

The kids sang "what a wonderful world" with sign language....one of the cutest things I have ever seen! Lexi has had kind of a hard time with the little performances they have done throughout the year so I was a little nervous if she would stay up there the whole time. I was so proud of her! She stayed there with a smile on her face and sang the whole time, even had a speaking part that she did fabulous on!!

Maycie and Alexiya had the same assistant teacher, Miss Marsha. She was wonderful helped me out more than once with a little girls crying and clinging to my leg!

Maycie and her teacher Miss Amber. She was so super nice. She loved Maycie so much she was always telling me how darling she was and she even looked through the registration forms for next year to make sure Maycie was in her class next year!

How long did it take you to look at this post? That is about how long this smile lasted! She get really scared in front of big groups. She was up there for a few minutes. Once they started singing she started crying. I motioned her to come down to me and I asked her if she wanted to stay. She said no she wanted to go home, so we did!

Maycie's New Sleeping Habits

2009-06-08T14:29:00.000-07:00

How funny is this. She was having a snack I look over and she is out cold! How the heck do you fall asleep on a chair? Makes me wonder if she really does still need a nap!

I love this picture!! Maycie LOVES to play my "compuder" as she would say. The other day she was playing and just zonked out while playing, it was hilarious.

Happy Birthday Makenley

2009-06-08T14:21:00.000-07:00

PARTY TIME!! Makenley really wanted to have a "friend" birthday party this year. This was her first friend party. She wanted to have a swim party which I was thrilled with...super easy for me...yeah! All the girls had so much fun! It was really fun to have her friends over and see all of there little personalities. Thanks to all the little girls for all the laughs and the gifts. Makenley loved her party and I think all her friends had a good time to!

Stand and SHOUT!

2009-04-27T09:08:00.001-07:00

Every month at Manila Elementary the students and staff focus on a specific trait. The month of April the focus was confidence to take action. At the end of the month the teachers select one student from there class that exemplifies this quality. This month Makenley was chosen from her class! I am glad that she has confidence at school and at home. Hopefully it is a trait she will carry with her forever. When you have confidence it is easier to stand up for what you believe and not worry about what others think! I think we could all use a little dose of that!

Makenley we are so proud of you!!!

The 80's called....

2009-03-24T19:45:00.000-07:00

They want their mullet back! Ryan playing the computer with the kids, while Kenley does his hair! Kaycie I totally see why you like him...so freakin' hot!
No really my kids had so much fun with Ryan, Kaycie's boyfriend, the other day. He was such a good sport letting the kids put the wig on him in the first place and then keeping it on for so long! He even ventured outside with the hot look.

Loads of fun!!

My Cute Hubbie

2009-03-19T19:31:00.000-07:00

Do you know what is better than flowers on your birthday, or anniversary or Valentines Day??

Flowers for no reason at all!!

Thanks Corey! I love you!

(gosh I'm not trying to brag lately, I guess I just have some cool peeps in my life!!)

My Unbelievable Sissy

2009-02-26T16:03:00.000-08:00

So we had some wonderful news in our family on Tuesday. My sister, Keli, has been a foster parent to two little girls for over a year. On Tuesday she officially adopted them!!!! We are so excited to have this all over with! My sister has been unbelievable through this whole thing. She is amazing to me. She has so much more strength then the normal person. She has been amazing through her "child" trials. She has always been super supportive to me when I was getting pregnant....even when she knew I didn't want to be! She never, ever made me feel bad that she couldn't get pregnant and I could. She was always genuinely happy for me...I love her for it! Not everyone gets to have a cool sister like me and I just wanted to brag! I love you Keli!!

2009-02-16T09:34:00.000-08:00

8 Things about me:(Kimber's Tag)

8 Favorite TV shows:
1. The Bachelor
2. Grey's Anatomy
3. Survivor
4. Amazing Race
5. Project Runway
6. Top Chef...even though it makes me hungry!
7. America's Next Top Model
8.American Idol
...umm do you think I like reality TV??

8 Things I Did Yesterday:
1. Went to Church
2. Had Family Dinner with the Zimmerman Crew at my house..lots of laughs!
3. Mopped the floor.
4. Played Cities and Nights..Loved it!!
5. Went to choir practice.
6. Played Mophia..always entertaining with this crew!
7. Chatted with one of my favorite people...Kaycie!
8. Snuggled with my Hubbie...I am soooo glad he is home!
....not much to do on a Sunday!

8 Things I'm looking forward to:
1. Helping my sister in law paint her babies bedroom today.
2. Going to a movie with my friends tonight!
3. Having my husband home all week!
4. Running outside...PLEASE get a little warmer...PLEASE!
5. My 12th wedding anniversary this Sunday!
6. Summertime outside at the pool.
7. My spring, summer clothes.(don't you just get tired of the same clothes...I do it in the summer too.)
8. School to be over...I know it is a long way off but I love the summer with my kids!

8 Favorite Restaurants:
1. Tepanyaki
2. Chefs Table
3. Texas Roadhouse
4. Olive Garden
5. PF Changs
6. Outback
7. Bajio
8. Les Hermonos

8 Things on my wish list:
1. The economy to pick up!!
2. A vacation to Disneyland with the kids if # 1 comes through! Keep your fingers crossed!
3. My extended family to all be healthy and HAPPY!
4. Create good memories with my kids so when they look back they remember a fun, nice, happy mom!
5. A new sectional for our family room.
6. One of Corey's closings he has been working on forever to work out! Stress be gone!
7. A getaway with Corey.
8. Perfect kids...is that to much to ask?? They don't have to be realistic wishes right!

8 People I tag:
1. Allison
2. Keli
3. Jesse
4. Mindy
5. Joanna Hawkins
6. Lacey
7. Denae
8. Jill

"Ice skating"

2009-02-05T19:00:00.000-08:00

So tonight was a rare night at our house. The kids were allowed to step on the pool cover. This is usually a huge no no,(it can hold a ton of weight on it, that is the whole point of having it on there is so that no one can fall in the pool unattended, but not the best toy so it is a no,no at our place.) but Corey was out there earlier getting water off and said it was frozen solid.....so we decided to "ice skate" right on top of the pool!

Maycie was a little reluctant to try but with some coaxing we got her out there with me. What a POSER! Sat CHEESE!

The girls showing off their moves! We had a few spills but for the most part they stayed on their feet. I don't know if they had more fun because they were sliding around or just the mere fact that they were on top of the pool cover!

Who knows maybe we will start charging for a season pass or something swimming in the summer, skating in the winter??
Fun times with the Ladies!

Bad Hair Day

2009-02-03T11:41:00.000-08:00

This beautiful hair style is easily achieved. All you have to do is add one cute little girl, one mommy distracted with cleaning bathrooms and..........

.........this stuff right here! So cute huh? If you need any tips or help achieving this look let me know! This slicked back greased look is totally in!

(This obviously happened a while ago, but it was so funny I had to post it anyway!)

Happy BirTHdaY Adelyn!!!

2009-01-30T20:53:00.000-08:00

My Birthday Girl For Adelyn's birthday she decided to go to Brick Oven. She loves the "creamy, creamy broccoli thingy", as she calls it! We had a great time and as always the food was delicious!
I can not believe that my first little baby is NINE years old!!

Lexi and Corey

Makenley and Corey.....ah Cor are you ready for the picture?

Adelyn, Me and Maycie

I love Addy so much!! She is such a sweetheart, the best big sister in the world!! Not only is she one of the kindest little girls she is so gorgeous! Look at those lips!! I would love to just freeze her at this age forever! Thanks Addy for making my dreams come true and making me a mom!

My Computer Is Sick

2009-01-06T15:31:00.000-08:00

I don't know maybe it is the cold weather, or maybe my computer is having the post Christmas blues....whatever it is....it is NOT working right!! So frustrating!! So for now no pictures you will just have to use your imagination! We had a wonderful Christmas. We spent Christmas Eve day up at Linder's house sledding in the winter wonderland of Woodland Hills! It was so gorgeous and so so much fun! We sled our hearts out until it was getting to dark so we went inside to warm up. Linda and Larry had prepared a beautiful meal and we all sat down to enjoy it. After dinner it was time for the Zimmerman Christmas Eve Talent Show!! You have never seen anything like it!! Highlight of the night....of course Ashley and myself singing Up On The Housetop!! We are now a trio with Adelyn joining us this year!! We had a great time singing, listening to some beautiful piano pieces, reading Christmas stories and topped it off with the Nativity starring the Grandchildren. I have to say Cooper was the CUTEST wise man you could ever see...I will try to get a picture later. After that it was time to set out the cookies for Santa, sprinkle our reindeer dust and put the kiddos to bed! Some people put off wrapping so they had to do it all that night(ME!).
Christmas morning was wonderful my kids were so excited to open up some very special gifts. Not from the old man in red and not even from their wonderful parents. They were most excited and headed straight for the homemade gifts they had made and wrapped for each other!! This was my Christmas highlight! They were not concerned with the gifts from Santa, us or anyone else they wanted to see their sisters open the gifts they had GIVEN, not received! It was the most precious thing and I will never EVER forget it!
After all the excitement and fun we ate breakfast...pull aparts, egg quiche, and homemade eggnog....yummy! Then we sat down and played games for hours, went sledding some more, enjoyed Grandma and Grandpas new Wii and had so much fun we decided to stay one more night! It was so nice to be away from everything and just spend time as a family!

Hope everyone had a great Christmas and good luck with you new year!

Halloween

2008-11-26T08:28:00.000-08:00

Addy aka a gogo dancer
Lexi aka A doll

Makenley aka a darling witch

Maycie aka a Bee

Our tradition is to start at Grandpa's store on Center street in Provo and head out from there to trick or treat at all the downtown businesses. It is really fun.

Maycie getting her nails done at one of the stores.

Kenley getting her nails done.

Chillin waiting for everyone!

Happy belated Halloween!!

Our TOTALLY 80's Prom

2008-11-25T19:09:00.000-08:00

So I know Halloween is way way past due....but I just had to post these awesome pictures!!Some friends of ours in the neighborhood decided to have a Halloween party...80's style!! It was a prom. We had the "dance" at Noahs it was so much fun!! Here are a few of the ladies looking so very glamorous!

Da boys singing a little Kareoke!

Are we hot or what? Notice us three on the left all have the same dress just diffrent lovely 80's colors!

I know we are like so totally awesome!

Oh the cute couple! Could our hair be any cuter? I don't think so!! Big thanks to everyone who helped out with the party...especially the Webbs! And a thanks to Tiny for babysitting!

Sweet Girls

2008-11-05T16:08:00.000-08:00

Sometimes you just capture those super peaceful moments filled with so much love!!

i LOVE fall

2008-10-29T09:26:00.000-07:00

We went up to Mutual Dell (american fork canyon) a few weeks ago for a neighborhood FHE. Maycie and I went on a hike and these are a few of the pictures we took. She is the biggest poser.

I love this picture of her on the bridge.

How can you not love the contrast of all the different colors. I love the season changes. I love the fall colors and the crisp morning air. I love winter and the snow. Always ready for spring when it comes and love the summer for the heat and my kiddos at home!

our LAST swim day

2008-10-22T14:21:00.000-07:00

Oh how sad it is to see the pool be closed!! We have had so much fun swimming this summer....but it is to cold and time to say goodbye! Ashley and Jason and kids came over after the girls soccer games and we enjoyed the pool one last time. Except for Addy...she didn't want to swim....all swimmed out I guess. We had such a good time. Maycie
Cooper and Lexi
Maycie

Maycie and Lexi
Khyler and Maycie
Maycie, me and Lexi
Maycie
Makenley

Oh our dear pool how much we will miss you! See ya next April.

San Diego

2008-10-06T13:51:00.000-07:00

This was such a great trip!! It was totally last minute thrown together madness!! I knew I was going to go see Kaycie thanks to a free flight I had from southwest. When I mentioned it to Linda she wanted to come and a few days before Ashley decided to join in the fun! Kaycie didn't even know that Ashley was coming so that was super fun to see her shock and excitement when she saw her "sissy"! We started the trip with some pampering. Pedicures(thanks again Linda!) We were so tired the first night we literally fell asleep at 9:30 which is unheard of with a girls weekend away!! It must have been the wonderful Marriott hotel Kaycies friend, Wilson ,hooked us up with!! The next morning we decided to color our hair.

Kaycie and Ashley both went crazy and went deep dark reds!! I was boring and just had Ash give me some highlights. I know we look hot!!
Kaycie and I having fun taking pictures of ourselves!
Love these gals!
This is the view from our 2nd hotel. Kaycie got us a sweet room right on the beach. The room rents for $599.00 and night!! Yeah good thing Kaycie got an "employee" discount!!
Linda and Kaycie

Ashley holding one of our "pieces".

Why is it fun to pretend to throw up?? I don't know it just is!

The yummiest breakfast place. Broken Yolk.
Walking on the beach.

Happy Birthday Kaycie!! We went around the table and said something nice about her and ate a yummy lunch.

Earlier that day we went and got haircuts. We are looking FIERCE. The guy that did my hair said he was going the next week to try out for bravos show called Shear Genius....so I might be famous?!? Ok not really famous but it would be cool.

We had so much fun!! Thanks to everyone who helped with my kids. Corey, Chelsie and Kimber!! So nice to get away and just relax and be pampered. Thanks Linda for making it that much more fun with your generous heart!!

Seriously?

2008-09-19T02:59:00.000-07:00

So I know that I am getting older and I know that I have the weakest, smallest bladder in the world.....doesn't help that I have had four pregnancies.....BUT for the love can I not go the entire night without getting up to go to the bathroom!!! It is 4 am, that's right 4 in the morning and I am awake as can be for two reasons.
1. As stated above I had to get up at about 3:30 to use the bathroom. Tried to go back to sleep, not happening. You know how when you wake up in the middle of the night and if you lay there to long you start to get really, REALLY hungry?!? Makes me so mad! Hence the bowl of cereal in front of me.
2. Do you ever know that you have to be a wake by a certain time, earlier than normal, so you wake up every few hours because you are sure that your alarm is not going to work right and you will be totally late? This happens to me pretty much every time I have to be somewhere early. I don't know if it is the Darrington-can't be late in me or what but it really bugs!

The silver lining in all of this rambling is that the reason I have to be up early is for Linder, my wonderful mother-in-law and Ashley, one of my best sisters-in-law, are coming to get me at 5:30 to fly off to sunny San Diego!! We are going to see Kaycie, yet another one of my favorite people, for the weekend. At least I can sleep in tomorrow and the next day oh and the next!! Yeah!!
So while I am not enjoying being awake so early, I will defiantly be enjoying myself this weekend!

Preschool Begins

2008-09-12T14:20:00.002-07:00

Holy cow I can not believe that Maycie is big enough to start preschool!! She has been so excited all summer long to start school-be big just like her sisters. It was a little crazy to me to have my baby leaving me for 2 hours....all by herself! She had fabulous time. She loved singing songs, drawing pictures, making a necklace and reading books. She was very brave, not one tear shed(not that I thought there would be...by her anyway...maybe me).

Although Lexi was a touch put out that Maycie started school on tuesday and she had to wait until Wedensday she was thrilled to finally be there! She was so excited to meet new friends and play with some old ones. Her good friend Keaton is in her class again this year. YEAH...it is always easier with a familiar face. She had a great time making a little girl, reading books, coloring me a picture and playing with toys! She loves school and is always so excited to learn. After we got home the first thing she wanted to do was her homework! Is it to much to ask if that attitude about homework could stick around forever?!?

Happy Birthday Corey!!

2008-08-28T08:06:00.000-07:00

Today is my cute Hubby's birthday! Big shout out to his mom, Linder, thanks for raising such an awesome son and for giving him life!! The tradition in Corey's family on birthdays is to go around the room and say something nice about the birthday boy or girl. Well since today is Corey's 33rd birthday I am going to say 33 things I love about him! Here goes.......

1. He is such a wonderful father. Our girls love to play with him! He loves kids and would love to have a few more. Sorry Corey not going to happen ;) !
2. He is a fabulous husband. Super good about taking me on dates and showing me that he loves me. He treats me with respect and I love him!
3. I love that Corey is nice to everyone. He has a way of making people feel welcome and comfortable around him.
4. He is so funny! This is one of the things that I first fell in love with (besides his big muscles). He always makes me laugh. He can put a smile on my face even when I really, REALLY want to be mad.
5. He is handsome.
6. His devotion to his family is second to none! When we first got married Corey stepped into the father role for his little sisters flawlessly! He loves his siblings soooo much. He would do anything for them. He just loves to be around them. I love him for it.
7. I love the way he loves his mom. He thinks so highly of her. Anytime he talks about her it is with love and respect. He loves to tease her but if you know Corey that means he likes you! You know what they say about the way a man treats his mother. It is all true.
8. He is so positive. He tries to look for the good in everything.
9. He is such a hard worker and good provider. He will do whatever it takes to get the job done.
10. I love that he gets sooo excited about things. Christmas, BYU football, Jazz games, his birthday!, our girls sports games and even dance performances. He is honestly like a little kid on Christmas so fun!
11. I love that I can totally one hundred percent be myself around Corey. I was soooo not looking for love when I met Corey so I was not trying to impress him and he still liked me....go figure?
12. He is in the young men's program and he just has a way with the boys they like him and think he is cool yet they respect him and know they can't be ding dongs . I love love this about him.
13. I love his testimony. He is so strong and has helped me become more strong.
14. He is a hottie with a naughty body!
15. I love to hear Corey laugh...it makes me smile.
16. Corey is happy 98% of the time. It is contagious.
17. He is so so good about understanding that I need time to be Jill...not mom, not wife just Jill. He is super supportive about GNO, scrapbook weekends and girls weekends away with my family, his family and my friends. Seriously in the last year I have left at least 6 or more times for the weekend and he is wonderful about letting me go and knowing I come back a happier person!
18. He loves to take me away on vacation. He makes it a priority. It make me feel loved.
19. He is competitive. I love that he loves to win and be the best at whatever he is doing. We are a tough pair to beat at Cranium I tell you that much!
20. I love to watch him play sports. He is competitive like I said, but he is always nice to the people his is playing with and playing against. He is always respectful of the umpires and referees which makes me respect him more.
21. I love that he is a flirt. Good thing I am not a jealous person (unlike him). Most of the time the "flirting" is Corey just being nice and being himself. BUT he still flirts with me like he has to win me over. Love it!
22. I love that he doesn't care that he has all girls. I have people say all the time oh are you going to try for one more so Corey can have his boy.....NOPE! He loves his little girls and has never wished them to be boys. He even lets them play with this hair, paint his nails and show him hours of their dance moves.
23. He loves people to come to our house. He loves people to come watch movies, go swimming, eat dinner, play games ANYTHING as long as they are here. He just loves people.
24. I love his baby face. It means when he his 70 I will look like I am married to a 45 year old. Score for me.
25. I love that he loves my friends. He always asks how everyone is doing and genuinely cares about them and likes to be around them.
26. I love the aura he gives off. He has a great energy about him and he loves life. Really he is a kid stuck in a 33 year old body.
27. I love his willingness to compromise. We learned early on in our marriage we had been raised very differently. Different parenting styles and different marriage relationship examples. We have learned what works for us which would not have happened had we both not been willing to compromise.
28. I mentioned his devotion to his siblings. He also loves my family and makes every effort to get along with them. He has a blast with my family. Sure makes life easier when your spouse likes your family and puts effort forth. I appreciate greatly!
29. I love that he loves to swim. I know this sounds kind of funny but let me explain. At the end of a work day he would rather go outside and chill with his ladies than veg on the couch and watch TV. He is hilarious in the pool throwing the kids around, racing them and doing "tricks" off the diving board and slide.
30. I love to watch him coach his little soccer team. He is so cute with the kids! Almost every parent has told me how much their child loves Coach Corey and loves soccer because of it! I love to watch him running on the sidelines to encourage his team to do their best!
31. I love that he puts up with me! I am glad he has put up with me for 11 years! He is super patient with my flaws and downfalls.
32. He always tells me I am a good mom and that I am doing a good job. It means the world to me!
33. EVERYTHING!! I love this man so much. Sometimes it is overwhelming to really think about how much I love him. I honestly do not know what I would do without him. He is my rock, best friend, person I run to for help and comfort. There is no one in this world I would rather be with than him!!! I love you Corey........I hope you have a wonderful birthday filled with lots of hugs and kisses and fun!

Now it is your turn. In following Zimmerman family tradition you can leave you comment on what you like about Corey. He is going to love this!

Back to School

2008-08-22T09:10:00.000-07:00

Starting school is so bitter sweet! I have absolutely loved having everyone home for the summer. Chillin' all day doing whatever we wanted to do! NO SCHEDULE! (except bedtime that never changes for my poor kids!) At the same time I love structure and schedule. The girls were super excited to start school. Addy and Kenley both got super cute teachers that I am excited to get to interact with this year. While the older girls started school I did get a chance to enjoy some time with the younger ladies at my house. We went to the zoo.....which was a monumental moment in my life. It was the first time in EIGHT years I have gone on an outing with children with NO STROLLER!!! It was fabulous. Not having to maneuver the stroller in and out of places and crowds. The younger ladies and myself....mommy's girls as we have referred to them this week have had a wonderful time! Meanwhile the elder sisters have had a most fabulous time at school. Coming home talking about what they learned and who they played with. One funny story-Makenley came home yesterday and said she had played with a little boy from her class last year named Charlie, he is so cute. She said he told her that last year he had a "crush" on her but not anymore! Crushes what??? She is only 6!! She said she had no idea that he had a crush on her. I think this will be a typical pattern for her through school....so oblivious to things like that, she really just doesn't care. I can only hope it will stay like that forever!! Makenley
Adelyn
So I say farewell to swimming all day, getting up late, hanging out in our pjs all morning, staying at home for days at a time not stepping foot in the car! Hello to getting up and moving, practicing piano everyday, dance classes, soccer practice, soccer games and worst of all Hello to the car which I will now be spending WAY to much time in for my liking!!

ONE good hello.....some peace and quiet!!!

FHE

2008-08-19T09:19:00.001-07:00

Last week for family home evening we thought it would be fun to walk to the Mt. Timp temple and have a little picnic. When we were almost there some of the girls started to complain that their feet hurt. Keep in mind the temple is about 3/4 of a mile from our house. Not that far!! I found myself reminding them about the pioneers and how they walked way further than that everyday!! So the rest of the walk they continued to cheer one another on by saying, "lets be good pioneers!". It was really cute.

After we ate the girls had fun running back and forth and back and forth and back......you get the picture. Isn't it funny how their feet stoped hurting??? It was really fun to watch them hold hands and run together as Corey and I were reminiscing about getting married at the temple and how much the trees have grown and how we were sitting there watching our 4 kids!! Time flies!!

We had such a fun time talking about the temple and having the girls ask us questions about the temple. I think they were a little bummed out that they didn't get to go inside.....someday, someday!!

Lazy Days of Summer

2008-08-19T09:13:00.000-07:00

My little Maycie fell asleep while hangin' out in the pool. We had all of our cousins over and I guess she was just to pooped out to notice that it was sooo loud!!

Oh I just thought it was so sweet. I took her out of the pool and she laid in that floaty for another 1 and 1/2 sleeping!! I am so sad to see the summer leaving us!!

Happy Birthday Maycie!!!

2008-07-29T09:45:00.000-07:00

Maycie is THREE!! I can not believe that my baby is three, but it is true!! We had a great birthday celebration. We had the whole Zimmerman/Darrington crew over for a bbq. Maycie had a great time playing with her cousins and aunts, uncles and grandparents!! Here she is blowing out her candles and wearing a new dress she got for her birthday. This exactly what she asked for a blue dress! (thanks Randy and Jess) She loved all of her new dresses!
She got some fancy new shoes!!

Showing off that she is three!! Since she is now three I will tell you my top three favorite things about Maycie.

1. Her smile. Not only do I love her pretty smile, but I love that it is on her face 95% of the time! Makes my life easier and it always brings a smile to other peoples faces!

2. I love that she is such a mama's girl!! I love when she says mommy nice....daddy eww!(sorry corey) She is always ready with love and a mooch (smooch) for me!

3. Love the way she dances! I am not sure where she got her moves from...but she can shake it! Corey says it is from him...I beg to differ.

Wedding Bells?!?

2008-07-25T12:11:00.000-07:00

So the other night at dinner the girls started asking me about getting married. They were asking me about my dress and all that good stuff. I told them that I still had my wedding dress and after dinner they could look at it if they wanted to. They were all so super excited to look at it and wanted to try it on. One of my own personal memories is trying on my moms wedding dress.... it was so much fun. This memory is one of the reasons I really wanted to buy and not rent a wedding dress and also why I have kept it for so many years.

Here's Lexi being Lexi. She knew we would think this was funny so she had to do it!
Makenley really got into the posing and loved having the dress on.
How freakin' cute is she!! Maycie has the best smile ever!
Adelyn took this very seriously. Kinda freaked me out and made me a touch emotional (I am not sure if it was the thought of them getting that big or thinking how my pocket book is going to shrink when paying for 4 girls weddings!!) Thinking of shopping for my own little girls wedding dress'! Crazy....luckily I still have at least 15-20 years....hopefully!
This was super fun! They all felt so big and grown-up!

Highlights and Lowlights

2008-07-09T09:22:00.000-07:00

So I know it has been forever!! We have had so much going on. Some good some not so good! Lets start with the low light so we can end on a high note! Corey's Aunt Angie passed away a few weeks ago. This is his moms second sibling to pass away in the last six months. It has been a little rough! My Grandma Darrington passed away. This is a high and low. High because she has lived a great life and has been relatively healthy. The low is that it is always hard to have someone die and miss them. My Dad had open heart surgery about 2 weeks ago. He is doing really well....but it was really scary!!! I have never been so scared of losing one of my parents as much as I was then. It was awful to see him after the surgery he looked terrible! I tried so hard to keep it together while I was in the hospital room, but I defiantly lost it as soon as I walked out! I went to see him Monday afternoon and he look amazing and he said his heart feels better than ever so I guess that is a little bit of a highlight that he is doing well. All of the death and illness has made me think and rethink about a lot of things. Life is just way to short to be wasted on silly, petty things! It helps me to remember that my family is the very most important thing in the world to me! I want to spend as much quality time with them all as possible. It also makes me think about my health. I have a renewed outlook on exercise and eating right. It has always been important to me but I have an even greater desire to do it just to insure that I stick around to see my great grandchildren! It also makes me want my kids and hubbie to be healthy so that they will be happy and healthy!! So on to the highlights!! We have had a lot of fun swimming parties with lots of friends and family. Corey's sister Kaycie came in town for a few weeks which is always a blast! My girls absolutely love her to death. She and I are super close and love to talk and play Cities and Knights for hours and hours! Grandpa Don came into town. The girls always have fun with him and you can't really beat Don's milkshakes! My sister Keli found out that she will be able to adopt the two little girls she has been doing foster care for!! She has had them for over a year and I am super excited to have them be permanent nieces!! There is nothing sweeter than seeing a little family be sealed in the temple. I look forward to that in the next few months!! We really have had some fun this summer and lots of good news! I promise some pictures and another post really soon!!

Ahhh......Summer

2008-06-04T12:08:00.001-07:00

I can not express how excited I am that school is done!!! I was so ready for the routine of life to change a little! Anyway the girls had a fun last week of school with lots of activities going on. Addy and Kenley both had field day and a dance festival. The dance festival is super cute. Each grade performs a dance routine. It was really fun. The theme this year was the Old West. Kenley had a little cowboy(or should I say cowgirl?) hat on and danced her little heart out. Adelyn's grade did a dance to Life is a Highway. Let me just say that she has a lot of Zimmerman genes in her she is a PERFORMER! She loves to dance and especially in front of a crowd. Some kids are just doing the motions....not Addy it is full out and a huge cheesy grin on her face! I am glad that she does not get nervous in front of people. It was super fun to watch both of them. The only down side of school being over is that both Addy and Makenley had the best teacher ever!! Seriously they were both super nice but firm and I feel like both girls learned a ton!

I am looking forward to lots of fun this summer swimming, going on "field trips" and just playing with the kids!!

Yeah for SUMMER!!!!!

Preschool Graduation

2008-05-23T19:15:00.000-07:00

This is Lexi's super sweet teacher Ms April. She has got to be one of the best preschool teachers ever!! There was not a class that went by that Lexi did not come home talking about something she had learned and she was constantly coming home with the best art projects!! She does a new theme each year for school this year it was Pirates...Argh! I don't know how she does it but I am super thankful to her. Lexi will sure miss preschool. Lucky for us Miss April lives right next door to us so Lexi will still get to see her!!
Here she is giving her part. "Our grandparents came on a very special day. We sang sea chanteys and got to play". Say that ten times fast! She did awesome.
Here she is with her cute graduation hat! Kind of a little silly that they make such a big deal of preschool graduation, especially considering she will go again next year....BUT how can you argue with how cute she looks in that hat!
During their program the kids sang lots of songs for us. Lexi has come home many a day singing new songs. One of her favorites...My Bonnie lies over the Ocean...I am sure because of her Aunt Bonnie.
Oh Lexi were love ya girl!

Locks of Love

2008-05-07T16:48:00.001-07:00

Adelyn decided a while ago that she wanted to grow her hair out to donate to Locks of Love. So we were very patient for many months for those 10 inches to grow!! At the beginning of April we measured...sure enough it was long enough!! Not only was I excited for her to be able to donate, but I was also really tired of brushing through her hair everyday a few times a day!! So many tangles...so little time!!

Here she is holding up her first cut.

Look at the two sides....holy cow she is so brave! We are so proud of her!

The finished product! She was so thrilled to have it done! When we got home we were looking at the website for Locks of Love and Addy saw some of the kids who had received wigs from the donated hair. She said it made her feel really good inside knowing that someone would be able to have her hair. How sweet is she?? She defiantly got that from her Dad or someone else....I am so proud of her!!!

The big 30 cruise!!

2008-04-21T15:02:00.000-07:00

OH my goodness did we have some fun!! We went on the cruise because Rick gave it to Lacey for Christmas and we all convinced Corey it would be a great 3oth birthday present! We were so right! We had a great time! This was the night we decided to celebrate my birthday, I really not 30 for a few more days!! I will hold on to them for dear life!! I really just want to stay "in my twenties", however the cruise was a great way to get ready for the big 30!!
Here we are at the NOT so newlywed game. It was entertaining....I was so grateful our name did not get picked! Sorry Corey I know you wanted to play!
This is Cabo. It was by far the prettiest place we stopped at. We went on a Catamaran ride to a snorkeling spot, which was not great, I decided I am just to spoiled from snorkeling in Hawaii. The ride over was super pretty and we even spotted some whales so that was really cool.
OH this is not the greatest shot, but it was the only one of us on the boat. The scariest moment for both Corey and I came on the boat ride......we both got locked in the bathroom!! No we are not retarded....the lock was funky! To start with you the door locked on it's own so you had no idea how it locked in the first place. Then it was this little black button that you had to lift up to unlock the door! Luckily Corey and Lacey found me before I got to scared!!
Lacey and Rick on our second formal night(I don't have any on my camera of our first one, I guess you will have to check out Lacey's blog for those!)
OH Lassie after all these years you still do it for me!!
Corey and I on our balcony

Here we are looking way to hot in our gear for the zip line!
On the way to the zip lines we stopped at a Tequila factory. Let me just tell ya how excited we were about that!! The highlight of the stop was that the grounds were really pretty and the stupid guy on the bus that couldn't stop talking about getting his "free shot" the whole ride there could finally shut up! It is amazing to me how important a few drinks are to people!
Off she goes. There were 9 zip lines total.
Corey and I waiting our turn. It was a blast. It was not pretty as you can see from the pictures it was mostly dead trees but it was so so fun!
One morning there was nothing going on so Corey and I decided to do a little dance class before we went to the gym to workout(which happened a whoppin' one time!). Here is Corey showing Lacey some of his moves! He has mad skills...but for real I love that Corey will try anything! Thanks for being a good spot sweets!

This was our ship.
Here we are chillin' at a resort in Puerto Viarta.
This was the pool. It was super pretty.
This is all of us eating lunch. Love the balloon hats, I know we look H-O-T!! Yummy food!
I don't know how to flip pictures once they are on the blog-my bad! This is Corey and I at he dance class.

We really had sooo much fun. It was so nice to get away from real life for a little while. Hanging out at the pool, eating, dancing, napping, eating, playing with friends, no cellphone service, going to shows oh and did I mention eating! When there was nothing to do that was our fall back! A great big THANK YOU to Lacey and Rick for inviting us and an even bigger THANKS to Ashley for taking care of our kids for the week!!

Easter Sunday

2008-04-07T19:59:00.000-07:00

I just can't resist new easter dresses!! Not that Maycie or Lexi need one more dress....so many hand me downs! BUT as my sister always reminds me it is fun for them to get something brand new too!!

2008-03-31T19:11:00.000-07:00

Here are some fun pictures from the Easter egg hunts that we had. The pictures are all mixed up between the hunt at my parents house and the hunt we had at the Barrick/zimmerman house. Anyway the ones in the snow are the pictures from the Barrick house and the ones in the sunshine(one day earlier) are from the Darrington house! Makenley finding an egg hidden in the snow! You wouldn't know it from all the snow but a lot of the snow has melted from their house!
Alexiya finding an egg hidden on one of the outdoor lights buried in the snow. It really was pretty warm!

It was sooo nice outside! We had a great time playing outside! Lexi finding an egg.
Makenley seemed to find the ones that were really well hidden. She loved it!
Here is Adelyn and her 2nd cousin Sadie comparing some eggs they found.
I love this picture of Maycie! She found an egg in between the pillars!
Adelyn was the first one done finding her eggs. Linda hid all the eggs before the kids got there and then let them find a certain number of eggs! They had such a fun time!

We went over to my parents house on Saturday afternoon and dyed eggs, did an easter egg hunt and ate dinner. The weather was perfect!
Maycie coloring on her egg before she dyed it. this was her first time really doing this!
Makenley loved dying the eggs. She is super creative and enjoyed doing this.
Addy had so much fun putting the eggs in diffrent colors on the same egg.
Maycie finding an egg. She paused everytime she found one and looked at what was inside. We had such a fun time at both of our easter eggs hunts!

Poor Lulu

2008-03-21T08:05:00.000-07:00

Well it was that wonderful time of week were you are getting everyone ready for church! Lexi was going to the bathroom before getting into my shower. She opened the glass door and then noticed that she had a little piece of toilet paper on her foot, so she tried to kick it off. Instead of kicking of the TP she kicked the shower door and totally sliced her toe!! Frantically Corey starts yelling for me (he doesn't handle crisis situations very calmly)! I come into the bathroom thinking no big deal, what happened. Then I see my sweet little girl crying holding her bloody foot. Oh her poor little toe! It was pretty nasty and cut really deep. I knew that we were going to be taking a trip to the Doctors office! Side note here- just want to say that Utah Valley Pediatrics is wonderful to always have one office open for emergencies, even on Sunday!! I will take a $15 copay at the office over a $75 copay at the ER. Anyway, we asked Lulu who she wanted to take her and she picked Corey-Yeah so glad she is a daddy's girl!! 30 minutes later they were back with one brave girl and 3 stitches. Here sisters were extremely worried about her and super relieved when they got home and saw that she was doing great!! Corey said she was so good. She was proud of her stitches and showed them to everyone later at church.
Here are her three stitches. This was our first time taking the kids in for an "emergency" thing! I feel pretty lucky and blessed. Knock on wood.
The stitches are out now and her foot looks great!!

2008-03-16T20:56:00.000-07:00

It is just sooo my luck that NOW my zoo pictures will work on my blog! Well now you can see the fun pictures!

Maycie really wasn't to thrilled with the zoo, not a big fan of animals(I have no idea where she could have gotten that from!?!)
Here is the picture of the kids racing the cheetahs
Makenley's favorite animal was the penguins.
Adelyn was posing for this and got very startled by the jaguar in the background.

Alexiya looking at the penguins.
This is the "tickely" picture of the giraffes.

Yeah for fun family outings!!

What the heck?

2008-03-13T12:45:00.000-07:00

So I have been trying to post a new blog for about two weeks, but every time I try to upload my photos it goes all funky on me!!! So frustrating!! What the heck I will just write about our fun day at the zoo......two weeks ago! Anyway it was nice outside and the kids didn't have school so we decided to go to the zoo. We had such a fun day. Here are a few of my favorite things from our fun day.......(in random order...drum roll please)

1. Actually seeing the cougar! I can't remember ever really seeing the cougar doing anything but laying there. It was the best Lexi walked up to the cougar chanting BYU we love you, then she asked the cougar if he liked BYU which I am sure he does.....who doesn't??
2. We were eating out lunch by the monkey cage. While we were eating the monkey was making the loudest noise. I sounded almost like a siren. Not for a minute or two either....the entire time!! Got a little annoying after a while.
3. While walking by the cheetah Addy fell behind a little and began running to catch up. The cheetah thought she was racing and ran with her. It was so cool. We spent the next few minutes running up and down the hill by the cheetah. I think the cheetah enjoyed it just as much as we did.
4. We went into the giraffe building next. There were 3 giraffe kind of cuddling with each other. the one was rubbing his chin along the other ones mane(do giraffes have manes I don't know but now you know what area I am talking about!). Alexiya says to me, "I bet he thinks it feels tickely." Lexi love things that are "tickely", live velvety sweat outfits. Hilarious!
5. Right as we walked by the peacock it flared its feathers.........so beautiful!
6. The girls really wanted to go on the train, because it is soooo exciting, we got on and headed out. They take you to a gate that says DO NOT ENTER and they just go right through it. Now to many this would be cool, an adventure........not when you are a cautious little eight year old that can totally read that it says DO NOT ENTER. Addy clung to me and then we see the buffalo right there, no cage between you and the buffalo! She did not feel that was safe! Oh I love my cautious little Addy!

We had a really great time. It is always fun to see the animals, but there is always a part of me that feels a little bad for those animals stuck there :( . Oh well I guess all we can do is visit so the zoo makes money and can always keep improving on the animals living quarters.

I have some really fun pictures of all of these things.....I guess you will have to use your imagination!

2008-02-29T16:49:00.000-08:00

So no great pictures this week just wanted to give a shout out to my GNO girls! I love you ladies!! Always look forward to seeing all of you and catching up on life's happenings!! Last night was a blast as usual, although I am a little tired......go figure when you are use to going to bed at 10 or 10:30 .........1:30 is a little late!! I will survive!!

This week has been a good one not much going on which never seems to happen. We have been enjoying the warm weather...getting to play outside all that good stuff!! We did go to Kangaroo Zoo on Wednesday, always a hit with the kidlins!! Going to hit the Flash game tonight once again a huge hit for the kids. It is nice that they are getting a little older and we can do things like that and actually enjoy it and not just survive it. I felt that way for years..just surviving the occasional outing!! Having a 2 1/2 year old as the youngest is wonderful!!

Adelyn's Special Day

2008-02-18T12:04:00.000-08:00

Last weekend Adelyn made the decision that she wanted to be baptized. We are very proud of her. She took this decision very seriously. We really wanted her to understand that we get baptized because we have a testimony of the church and are ready to take upon his name and represent him and the church. We wanted her to know it was a choice, a big decision to be baptized...you don't get baptized becasue you turn eight!! Anyway we did lots of FHE nights on the subject, tried to read lots of the Book of Mormon as a family and she even read a lot on her own. I am so so proud of her for taking it seriously and making a very mature choice!
She was all smiles and so was her Daddy!!
It was sweet to see Corey baptize Addy. My cute hubby had a hard time composing himself. I think at first he was trying to traslate in his head the prayer from german to english, but then the moment just got him. I love that he is such a softy!
The night before on our date Corey and I were talking about our memories from our own baptizms. Corey said the one thing that really stood out in his mind was that when he came out of the water he just started to giggle because it was just so neat. Adelyn came out of the water and the first thing she did was let out a cute little giggle!!

Good Times

2008-02-13T14:40:00.000-08:00

So I decided to take some pictures of a very typical activity at our house.....Dancing! The girls do this at least a three or four times a week! They get all dressed up in old dance costumes or they put together costumes and do their hair and have a little recital. I love it. It is one of my favorite things to watch them do. It is one of those times I am greatful to have all girls. I have a crazy feeling a little boy wouldn't enjoy this nearly as much as they do!! Adelyn and Maycie dancing their hearts out!!
Lexi doing a "lift" with Makenley...such talent!
Adelyn is a great partner for Maycie, she always remembers Maycie is just 2 you can't expect her to do to much!!
One of my fav parts is when they pause the music and get into "positions" before they start.
Adelyn's Birthday.............more to come!

This is sooooooooo Maycie!! Swimming suit, boots, make-up.....CHEESE!
We made these snowflake tortillas for FHE the girls thought it was really fun!

Makenley

Maycie
Alexiya

Adelyn

It is so fun to look at these pictures!! I love doing fun things with the kids! Looking at them is a good remider to me that the world will not end if the dishes are in the sink!! I always enjoy when I stop doing the unimportant and do the important like read books, dance, play games and just be a HAPPY mom!!

2008-01-09T12:12:00.000-08:00

Christmas Celebration! These pictures are in no particular order!! These two are of the adults playing games after we put the kids to bed, which went surprisingly smooth!! We had a great time!!

This is my cute nephew Tyler cuddling up to his new toy.
Addy wanted a necklace from Lia Sophia she was so thrilled!!
Gotta love when Mom and Dad get the name wrong on the tag!! I am pretty sure Jackson did not want Hannah Montana barbies!
Uncle Randy teaching Addy and Rachel how to whistle with their hands.
Maycie loving her new Dora jammies!!
Grandma gave all the girls these cute matching nightgowns on Christmas Eve.
Kenley opening her stocking.
Adelyn was playing this game the second she opened it. She played it all morning!

Lexi looking so beautiful in her cousins Hannah Montana wig.
The kids had a blast playing with Keli's train.
Here a some of the kids eating dinner on Christmas eve.
I love both of these pictures of Lulu! Big surprise she is sitting with Corey-such a daddy's girl!!

We had such a wonderful Christmas!! We had a great time at Keli and Jared's house-thanks for letting us all crash your house!! Thank you to all who shared in this holiday with us!! I love this time of year, but I am always glad when it is over and things go back to normal. Normal bedtimes, normal naps, normal house no decoration and a tree everywhere!! We feel very blessed to have family near we did miss those who were not with us!!(KAYCIE!!!)

2008-01-01T09:06:00.000-08:00

December Fun

Well this was quite the eventful activity. A few months ago a few of us from my neighborhood thought it would be fun to take some of our kids to the Nutcracker. Makenley and Addy have been so excited about going..the night finally arrived........we loaded everybody up and headed out into the storm to Brick Oven in Provo.........food was wonderful of course..........went the theater........NO POWER!! They hoped it would be back on by 8 so they had everyone wait and see.......well at 8 they told us the show was canceled........oh no!! There I was with two crying girls sooooo disappointed!! The good new we went to dessert AND we would go back for the show on Saturday morning! Here we are at the show! The girls loved it!! We had a wonderful time. I think we will have to make this a new family tradition.

This was such a Crazy Busy day!! Adelyn and Makenley had a piano recital at 8 AM!!Getting all of us ready and at the recital on time is No easy task!! We made it and it was wonderful!! The girls have both been practicing really hard so they could do their best. Thanks goodness they have a wonderful daddy who worked his morning schedule around them both getting to practice with him!! I love that he plays the piano. (thanks Don and Linda!) Makenley and Corey playing at her recital. She played Happy Holidays and Dance of the Reed Flutes! She did such a great job!! She is doing so good in piano, we are so proud of her!

Adelyn played Angels we have heard On High and The Christmas song. Addy is wonderful on the piano. She has picked it up so quick she has a real talent! Both of the girls are so good about practicing every morning without to many complaints, which makes my job lots easier!!

Next on the schedule was Addy, Kenley and Lexi's dance recital!! Once again getting everyone ready- oh I am tired just remembering it! Getting three girls with stage hair and make-up done is a lot of fun but lots of patience too. Plus Maycie thought she needed a little make-up too! They all did so good! They all defiantly have that Dancing gene in them they all love to perform it is so fun to watch. Adelyn puts on her smile and doesn't let up the whole time she is on stage she loves it!

Lexi was our little mouse. It is funny Lexi will get up on "the big stage" as she refers to it and dance and smile the whole time. Ask her to get up at church to sing with primary-NO WAY! I find it quite funny I guess she has a little of me and Corey in that respect. She did a great job she was so cute doing her little dance!
Makenley danced to Let it Snow! She was front and center for her little dance. When I asked her which side of the stage she was going to be on she told me her class was making a triangle and she was the point. She also does a great job on the stage! She always seems to throw a little wink or kiss in there it is hilarious.

We had a great month filled with all the fun things of Christmas. Another highlight for me was taking the girls to find gifts for a little girl that we had picked of the giving tree. They were all so excited to look for the gifts for her and they just had to be perfect! She had asked for church shoes. Addy couldn't find any just right at two stores finally at the third store she found some that she thought were cute so we finally bought them. I hope that by doing this and picking gifts for each other they felt the true meaning of Christmas and this wonderful time of giving. I know the older girls are starting to grasp it and it make me sooooo happy!

Birthday Girl

2007-12-21T08:36:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday LEXI!!!Oh how lucky are we to have such a wonderful little girl in our home! I love my little Lulu. She is so snugly, always up for a hug! I hear the words.....mommy will you tickle my back.......at least 3 times a day and I love her for it!! She truly is a daddy's girl but I have him on the back tickle. I am pretty sure it is my fingernails but I like to pretend it is just because she wants me to do it! Lexi was such a beautiful baby right from the start. All the doctors and nurses kept commenting to me on how beautiful she was and she is still so pretty. How can you not fall in love with those big blue eyes!! She is a crack up she always keeps me laughing and she loves to make her sisters laugh! I love this little girl so much and am glad she is in our family!! I can not believe that she is already 4

2007-12-11T20:16:00.000-08:00

So we woke up last Saturday to this....TONS OF SNOW!!!! The girls found a new way to go sledding...why not just go down the SLIDE!!!
I just had to take this picture I thought it was hilarious!! Here is Corey still in his church clothes.....add the snow boots.......sweeping off the pool cover with a BROOM! He looked sooo funny! Oh how I love this man that doesn't care to much about looking like a dork!

Adelyn loves the snow! She was so sweet trying to help the girls build a SNOWMAN.
Here is my little angel Makenley making a snow angel. She is so darn CUTE!

I love this picture!! I totally took this picture in hopes of a cute scrapbook page if I am being honest! I think it will be perfect.

Typical Lexi being a little CRAZY for the camera!!

This was taken this week during the latest snowstorm. The other pictures she was taking nap. Don't worry she also got to play that day while her sister were a dance practice. She built a snowman with her daddy.
The girls defiantly decided going down the slide with the sled into the snow was easier than making a sledding path down the small hill in the backyard! They are so smart ( I think they get it from their mom....he he he.....).

My Lexi lulu

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Lexi is so funny! Here are some the latest things she has said that make me laugh. The other night we were having milk and cookies for snack. When Lexi was done she spilled her milk all over the counter, on purpose(I watched)! I said oh shoot Lexi now you have to go to bed right now with no books, not the best idea was it? She says to me Mommy Satan MADE me do it! The following day at preschool she had her card turned over(they get there card turned if they are acting out). She told Miss April, her teacher, that the DEVIL made her do it! Then just this morning she had a few scratches on her face when she woke up. I asked her how it had happened. She said, "I am pretty sure an Alien from space came in my room and did it mom!". Hello where does she come up with this stuff. She is so funny! She definitely has more spunk then the other girls a little more sassiness to her, but she keeps me laughing! This picture is of her and Maycie. Lexi got them dressed for the day. Don't they look lovely! You can't see in the picture but Maycie has bright red striped tights on. Oh you got to love kids!!

Deck the Halls

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For our FHE activity we decorated the Christmas tree. It was a lot of fun! The girls were really excited to put all the ornaments on with the thing a ma bobs as they called them. Really it was the ornament hooks but I thought thing ga ma bobs sounded cuter so I didn't correct them. They did a beautiful job! Notice in the pictures that Lexi and Makenley are in their swimming suits. No we haven't moved to Hawaii or anything it was freezing outside they just seem to think everyday is a good day for wearing a swimsuit. I gave up fighting that battle a few months ago. Wear whatever it doesn't really matter right?!

Lexi first day of school

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Makenley and Adelyn fitst day of school

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NEW BLOGGER

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So I can't believe I am actually going to do this!! I have had so much fun looking at other peoples blogs that I thought it was only fair to add to the fun! Plus it should be a really fun way to let family who are not near see what we are up to! Life is good right now! We have been having a great time with the new school year and all the fun that brings. Adelyn is in 2nd grade now -crazy and Makenley just started kindergarten. I can't believe I am that old-2 kids in school! Alexiya(who will get called Lulu a lot on this blog fyi) is in preschool this year. Maycie and I are enjoying some one on one time together for book and singing songs.

The only problem with starting school is that it means the start of everything else! I now find myself in the car WAY more than I would prefer. What can you do when you have 4 girls of which 3 are in dance all at different times!! It is crazy! Plus Adelyn and Makenley have piano lessons. Soccer is over so that is one last thing to run to-yah! The kids all love dance and enjoy playing the piano.

We had a fun summer with 2 weddings! Congrats Nikki and Ryan(twice!!) and Tyson and Bonnie! I am so lucky to have 2 wonderful new sisters in-law. My old ones aren't to shabby either. We also welcomed two new nephews into the world Tyler Darrington and Cooper McCune! They are both so cute! Jill Darrington is taking way more of her fair share of the boys of the family she needs to spread the boy gene around gall!! J/K we are so happy for them both!

We just celebrated Halloween with 4 cute fairies! Here is my little secret- I don't like Halloween! I think it is a waste of money for the costumes and I loathe having trick or treaters coming to my door after bedtime which is like 7:30! I never really enjoyed the holiday maybe someday I will learn to like it!