The.finn.family.five

Jessica And Ryan Fair Wedding!

2012-01-06T11:14:00.000-08:00

Ok so finally here are the pictures from my baby Sisters wedding in November! It was amazing to be in the Temple with my family, my Grandma and Cousins and Aunt for the first time! It was amazingly spiritual! I cant wait for the day that My Parents, and ALL of my siblings can go in together!!! I am Praying for it to happen soon!!

We had such an awesome but quick trip to Arizona! We stayed with My amazing Cousin Tiffany and her beautiful family! They were so awesome to us, and I'm so grateful for them! I love having such a close relationship with my cousins! I love them all so much and wish I could live closer to them all! Thanks Johnson Family for EVERYTHING! Love you guys!

Here are Lots and Lots of pictures of the trip in absolutely NO order! I don't have time for that people! lol So there are pics of the the Bridal shower,Wedding, luncheon (before reception) & Reception all mixed in together!

The Beautiful Bride Jessica Darling, and her Handsome Beau Ryan!

I LOVE this picture! I just wish the rest of my extended family could have been there! My Mom is missing a Sister and Brother and their family's in this picture! We missed you Peterson's and Taylor's! And if your wondering who is hanging on my Hubs....well that is just my sis! lol

Total elation their off for the "first night!" hehe

This is The Bride and Groom with My cutie patuti Cousins whom are Brothers! Kelly Ross (left) and Shane (right)

Um can you say PERFECT??

Outside the Mesa Arizona Temple

Creating my Masterpiece! lol It did turn out beautiful! :)

Bustin some moves!!!

At the Shower with My beautiful cousin Natalie! She is the closest cousin to my age!

Love my Sistas!!

My beautiful Mom and her girls

hehe I LOVE this picture!

Fair and Roberts Clan

Just out of the Temple as Husband and Wifeeeee

Jess and her Bestie Macey

Love this one too! Her photographer was awesome!

Cute boys!

My Beautiful Amazing Grandma and 3 of her Great Grand kids! 3 of my Cousin Tiffany's girls that we stayed with LEFT TO RIGHT Maddy, Olivia, Abby

The pops and Jess Dancing the "Daddy Daughter" Dance 2 stepping to a little Stevie Ray!

Chris and Nelly!

Groom Bustin some serious moves!

Cutie Cuz as well!

Poor Sophie!

Baby Boy Owie and I dancin the night away!

Bride and Groom outside the Temple with My Parents

The whole Roberts Clan

Hanging at the Luncheon with the Finnestad's and Olsen's! Ross's Parents and Sister and Her Hubs all came to Arizona for the Wedding and to see Ross's Grandparents who reside in Mesa in the Winter!

Kiddos having a little cousin play time!

Jessies Hair!!

One of my Oldest and Dearest Friends Chelsea who works for my parents In Arizona at the Papa Murphys! Love her!!

LOVE my new Sister in Law!!! And She is having a BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jess's reception was so darling!

Jens girls posing pretty while Reece plays with fire???? Hmmmm not surprised!

And again....not surprised! haha

Love me some Bethanie!!!

Had SO much fun in Utah!!

2011-10-12T12:56:00.000-07:00

I had an amazing time in Utah at my Brother's wedding! Ross and I stayed with Chris's new in law's...whom I absolutely adore! He is so lucky to have such an awesome family there to support them! Since my family is scattered from Alabama to Washington! The wedding was beautiful, the bride and groom looked amazing! It was soooooo nice to be there without the kids! That may sound terrible, but I felt like a kid at Disneyland! lol It really was so much fun! Fast but a blast! Wow I just Rhymed! lol OK enough being a dork! So the Rehearsal Dinner was Friday night at the Spaghetti Factory in Provo. Then the wedding and Reception was at a Country Club in Orem, which was a beautiful location! Then Sunday was my Sister Jens Birthday, and we went to Breakfast. I know it was Sunday, but ya got to eat! And then My Mom Dad and Ross and I got to go to the afternoon session of General Conference! Which was amazing! The talks were all awesome! Even though President Monson spoke earlier that day, he still got up to close the session. And the Spirit I felt when he started to talk, and being in the same room was indescribable! I was defiantly in the same room with a Prophet of God! I felt like my whole body was on fire, in a good way! It was amazing! Oh and after we left the conference center, and went over to Temple Square we got to see Elder Orr, who is serving a mission in Salt Lake from our Ward here in OKC...It was fun seeing him!

After Conference we met the newly married couple in Park City, to have dinner, and Ross, and my Dad and I rode the Alpine slide! I haven't done that since I was a kid, it was so fun! I felt like such a dork, my face hurt when I was done from smiling and laughing the whole way down! And the view....man its beautiful there! All in all....a great trip! Thanks so much Groves family for letting us stay with you, we love you so much!

Next up, Arizona for my Jessica's wedding! So excited!

Weekend trip to Houston

2011-09-20T12:24:00.000-07:00

On September 11th we were in Houston visiting friends. They invited us to come down to be a support to their 3 kids who were getting Baptized. And they asked Ross and I to be God Parents! We of course were very honored, and headed down to Houston for 24 hours basically! It was very interesting to attend services for an Episcopal church. They were very welcoming! It just confirms in the end that we all are seeking to do Gods will! The Priest even told me that they have a traditional joint service with the Mormon Church that is just next door to them, every Thanksgiving! How awesome is that! Thanks Lopez Martinez Family, we love you!

Here are all the kids before we went to the rehearsal for the baptism!

Ross and Eric (Dad of the 3 kids who got baptized)

Ross Is Sydney's God Father

I am Mason's God Mother
They Chose to split up all of the "couples" and had 2 parents representing each of the 3 kids.

Cant wait!!

2011-09-20T11:28:00.000-07:00

As you all know my Brother is getting married on October 1st! I am so excited for him and so excited that Ross and I get to go alone! Ross's awesome Mom is flying out so we can go without the kids! Not that we didn't want the kids to come, its just too expensive for us all to fly! Anyway there getting married in Orem Utah, not far from where I was born, and lived the first 10 years of my life! Utah is such a beautiful state, especially in the fall! Really there is no other place Ive seen that compares! I haven't been to Utah since Braeden was about 5 months old for a family reunion...so needless to say, too long! I am sooooo excited to go, even though its only for the weekend! Also Its General Conference weekend!! And I have tickets for the Sunday afternoon session! I cannot wait! Ive never been in person....ever! For those of you who dont know, Our Church holds General Conference twice a year. The first weekend in October and the first weekend in April. The President and Prophet of our Church and his counsels and Apostles and many other leaders speak to all the members around the world those weekends! There broadcast via satellite throughout the world! Ive always watched it on TV or on Satellite at the church, but never actually been to the Conference Center in Salt Lake City (picture below). I'm so looking forward to being near and in the same room as the Prophet, and to hear their inspired messages! I invite you to watch for yourself if you have the BYU channel on your cable or satellite, it will be on Saturday morning/afternoon, and Sunday morning/afternoon! Even if your not a member, you will find the messages that you hear are inspired, and will enlighten you in some way or another!

Salt Lake City Temple

Blessings as of late!

2011-09-16T11:32:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to share some of my feelings about family lately! Last month as you all know I went home to Seattle! While I was there my Older Brother Chris, and my younger sister Jessica got engaged!!! Not to each other of course! lol Anyway I know that this doesn't really affect me personally per say but It does! I have been praying for a long time it seems like for them both to find someone that would make them happy! My brother is 34 and not that that is old but well for not being married yet....kinda! And I have fasted many times for my Brother, who isn't active in our Church anymore! Just wanting him to find a girl who loves him for him! And could maybe even inspire him to come back in to the gospel. JaNelle (my brothers fiancee') is just perfect for Chris! She is just what he needs. He is such a great guy and I'm so extremely grateful that she sees what we all have for a long time! They are getting married 2 weeks from tomorrow!!! I cant even believe it, I'm soooo excited! I will continue to pray that they will soon get to the temple! And then we can all be there together for the first time! I know that they have talked about wanting to be sealed and that makes me sooo happy!

As for Jessica, she is only 26, not old by any means. But I know she has been ready, and waiting patiently for Mr. Right! She is such a great girl and has always been a great example to me! She has always been so strong in the gospel....never wavering! She deserves the BEST and I think she has found it! She is so happy, and Beaming all the time now! (excluding stressed out planning wedding moments) lol But she is getting Sealed for Time and Eternity in the Mesa Arizona Temple on November 5th! Which is actually the day that Ross and I were sealed in the Oklahoma City Temple 6 years ago! I'm so happy for her and So proud of the Woman that she is!

The last few months watching them both meet and fall in love with their soon to be other half's has been so fun and such a blessing! I KNOW that My Heavenly Father has heard and answered my prayers! It makes me sooo happy to see them happy! And I cannot wait for the day that we can ALL be in the Temple together!!! And I cant wait to have JaNelle as my new sister in law and Ryan as my New Brother in law! Love you both! Love you Chris and Jess!

Question fellow bloggers???

2011-09-14T13:01:00.001-07:00

Ok so my blog says I have reached max storage to upload photo's! Anyone else encounter this issue? Please let me know what I need to do?

9 amazing years have flown by!

2011-08-24T10:47:00.000-07:00

Marriage is not by any means peachy! But when I say amazing I'm talking about both the good and the bad times! Truly every time Ross and I pull through a "hard time" we are stronger! I feel so blessed to share my life with such an awesome human being! As much as he drives me nuts, I love him so much more! He has given me 3 beautiful children, whom I absolutely adore! I love being married, even though is can be so challenging! The rewards are so worth it! I love you Ross! Thanks for 9 wonderful years! I cant wait to see whats in store for the next 9!

Back to School!

2011-08-23T07:56:00.000-07:00

Braeden 4 1/2, Reece almost 3!

This doesn't seem like very long ago! Another school year has started....and Its kinda sad! Braeden started 1st grade this year, and Reece is in Pre-k! Its only 1/2 day for her, but its everyday! Im really happy with her Teacher, even though she is not going to our home school. For those of you not familiar with Okc schools...Not every school in the district participates in Pre-k. So there isnt a spot for every child! So basically you sign up, write down your top 4 choices of schools, they pick names out of a hat! And depending on which number your name is chosen, is how lucky you are to pick you #1 choice school! So needless to say, Braeden and Reece aren't going to the same school! Reece's Starts at 8:25, and Braeden is at 9. But they have "rise and shine" at 8:45, so it actually works out pretty good! I have yet to sit down with Braeden's Teacher, but even though she is new, I have heard great things, and she seems very nice! Were still trying to work out a routine...but I'm excited for the new year!

First day of School!

Finally Back to Washington!!!

2011-08-19T14:59:00.000-07:00

It had been 4 years since I went home to Washington! 4 years ago, Braeden was 2 1/2 and Reece was 9 months. I went back for my 10 year class High School Reunion! Yes I am that old! Anyway needless to say we had an absolutely amazing time! I was there for 2 1/2 weeks with the kids, and the very last week, all the fam came! We did so much fun stuff! For those of you who have never been to the Northwest....GO! It is the most beautiful place!

So My Sister Jen and her 3 girls were there all summer, so before the rest of the family got there, we got to spend some fun time with her and the kids cousins! We went to the park...where Reece broke the inside corners of both front teeth! (so fun) It was a really neat park though. (Pictures near bottom) We also went the Seattle Science Center which is the best one Ive been too! They have a really neat butterfly exhibit, and were featuring one called Goosebumps, about different kinds of fears. That was pretty interesting! We also took the kids one day to the local Water/Amusement park call Water waves and Enchanted Village! It was lots of fun! Of Course we also hit the Mall which is Amazing!!! So that was all within the first week and a half before the Roberts family reunion started!

Then Ross, my Brother and his Fiance JaNelle and Jessica my youngest sister, and her fiance Ryan all got there. The first night we had a luau to Celebrate my niece and Jessica's birthdays! That was so fun, and lots of yummy food!

The one picture I have at Enchanted village!

I put Feathers in the girls hair! They LOVED that!

My Beautiful Mom and the babies of the family...Owen and Sophie!

At the Space Needle. This is where the Science Museum is. We also saw an IMAX which was soooo cute! It was called Born to be Wild.

Butterfly exhibit

Here is the first night we were all together celebrating Taylor and Jessica's birthdays! It was alot of fun!

Here is JaNelle (my brothers fiance) decorating the cake so cute! It was so yummy!

The kids helping put together the fruit Kabobs! BTW the fruit was amazing up there!

My Awesome Brother Chris and I

Jess and her Fiance Ryan

Jess and I

My Dad and I

Chris and JaNelle taking part in the festivities! lol

My Beautiful Mom and I

On our way to Bremerton Washington to ride the Ferry into Downtown Seattle!

Tacoma Narrows Bridge

The whole gang on the Ferry! So beautiful!

Seattle Mariners game! JaNelle got a certificate because it was her very first game!

My parents house sits on a hill full of a green belt. My sister Jen and my Mom and Dad made a fun trail for all the kids to play on while we were there! It was so fun! Signs pointing to different spots along the trail!

The Sasquatch we made! He was huge, we couldn't even hold him up all the way! As you can see he is bent at the knee's! lol We nailed him to a tree off the trail! It was awesome! lol

A fun park we took the kids too, where Reece fell on the merry go round and broke her 2 front teeth, and now looks alittle WT! lol

Water fight!

My Dad had to go to his sales meeting afew days after we got there. So he had the kids all draw on golf balls for him to use when the went golfing! I thought they did good! :) I think its Taylor Braeden Reece and Sky's from left to right!

Cowboy corner was the first stop on the trail!

Beautiful Sophie

Reece working the trail! lol

Owen says come on MOM!
Moss garden was my favorite stop on the trail...it was covered in soft squishy green moss!

Kids blackberry picking on the trail! Thats right! They grow wild!

LOOK OUT!!!

Before our girls day out! Lunch and Pedicure's!!

Jessica and Ryan just got engaged! So fun!!!!!

Sunset on Alki beach, Seattle Washington!

Chris and JaNelle got engaged the same day on the beach later that night! We just LOVE JaNelle and Ryan and were soooo excited for them to be apart of our family! And start having BABIES!!! hehe

Strike a pose!

My Dad took the boys mountain biking ( his new favorite thing to do) They all got worked I think keeping up with the 58 year old! lol Ross fell off a little bridge into knee high mud! Notice no shoes! He had to take them off to clean....they were new! oops!

Here we are picnicking before we headed to Snoqualmie Falls!

Family photo ops the last day of our reunion!

Grandpa had to have us represent.....for those of you who don't know he works for Titleist (golf company)

And that wraps up this vacay! It was soooo amazing to be back.....and I cant wait for the next trip! We will be heading to FORKS!!! :)

Recent Summer obsession!

2011-08-11T12:47:00.000-07:00

I started this spring reading "The Work and the Glory" series by Gerald N. Lund! There are 9 books total, and I just started # 7! For those of you who have never read them, DO, they are fantastic! It follows a fictional family by the name of Steed's that is set back in the 1830's. It follows them all the way through the books and tells their story of joining the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There is a lot of historical truth in the books about the restoration of the gospel, and other character's in the books! I have totally been wrapped up in them, and I'm always comparing my life as of late, to what the Pioneer's would to and how different the times are! Its definitely made me so appreciative of the modern convinces that we have, but at the same time I think how nice it would be to have a much simpler life. I just finished book 6 which ended with the Martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, and hearing it take place in a story was so sad and hard to read! But overall its made me soooo grateful for the early saints for their overwhelming faith, courage and conviction!

Spending the 4th in Minnesota!

2011-08-07T15:04:00.000-07:00

We went to Minnesota for the 4th of July this year to camp with Ross's family and had a blast!

Hanging on the fun island before going to watch the fireworks!

Braeden's new favorite things are fishing and tubing! He had so much fun!

Watching the boat parade

Nikki and I

Owen hanging with Grandpa Steve

This firework show was amazing!!

Reece and Auntie Beth

Silly family photo ops!

Love me some Beth! :)

watching the fireworks

Memorial Weekend!

2011-06-08T11:09:00.000-07:00

Over Memorial weekend, our former Bishop let us use their pool while they were out of town, which was soooo nice, and waaaay better than swimming at a public pool with 10,000 people! lol It just made us realize how much we reeeaaalllyyy want our own pool (someday)!

Braeden and Reece had a blast, it took Owen some getting used to the not heated pool, but he floated around for about an hour in this, then was done!

I found this on Owens little floaty after he had been in the water for at least an hour! I thought it was one of those fake rubber ones at first! How on earth it ended up there....who knows!? So funny!

We were invited to a friend's house in our ward for a campfire, cook hot dogs, and smores! They live on 5 acres and have a mini farm...the kids had so much fun! They have a chicken coup that has lots of chickens, and lots of bunnies too! 2 pigs, like 4 dogs, goats and sheep! Here they are running around chasing the goats and sheep! So fun! I told Ross I want a few acres with some animals, he just looked at me like I was nuts! lol It really was fun!

Reece's Dance Recital 2011 and Pre- School program!

2011-06-07T13:35:00.000-07:00

Here is Reece with her preschool class at the mothers day out program she was in this year!

Reece and her best bud Peyton!

I tried so many times to upload her dance video on here and It kept giving me an error message, so maybe some of you out there could tell me what I'm doing wrong? Anyway here she is after her dance recital, they all did such a great job! It was so fun to watch her this year, its just so stinking cute!

All Ready for her Dance pictures

Reecie with Mommy

Reece and Grandma Su

Weekend Trip to Kansas City

2011-05-06T09:41:00.000-07:00

We met Ross's parents and his sister and her husband in Kansas City last weekend for a visit. We just mostly hung out at the hotel, swam, and Saturday night went to a KC Royal vs Twins game. We had a great visit, Thanks Steve, and Su! :)

Winter storm in OKC!

2011-04-27T13:08:00.000-07:00

A few months ago we had 7 total snow days from 2 separate snow storms here in Oklahoma! It really was

nuts! Oklahoma just isn't equipped for that kind of weather! We were stuck in the house for days! Well hopefully that's the last of the yuck weather, but I'm sure were not that lucky! I forgot to publish this post, its only been 2 months ago! lol

When it wasn't 20 below blowing 50 mph the kids got some snow play in!

Easter 2011

2011-04-27T09:27:00.000-07:00

I just LOVE Easter! Mainly because I feel an overwhelming sense of Gratitude for what my Savior did for me! Also because of Tradition, Watching the Ten Commandments Saturday night, Church Sunday morning in our Easter best, coupled with beautiful inspiring messages about our Savior. Then Easter baskets, coloring eggs, Easter egg hunt, and to top it all off a Yummy Easter dinner with some great friends! And even crazy thunderstorms and hail this year!

I hope everyone had as Wonderful an Easter as we did, and hope that we can all Keep Jesus Christ in our thoughts, and daily thanks!

Reece and her Bestie Peyton at their Easter egg hunt at school!

Eating dinner with our Friends, Reece and Tayte decide to dress Owen up in her Princess dress, he loved it and we all had a good laugh!

Visit from Auntie Beth and Uncle Tyler!

2011-04-26T20:06:00.000-07:00

Ross's sister Beth and her hubby Tyler came down to OKC for a visit, and we had a great time! I hosted a jewelry Party for her, which was so fun! We spent a day in Brick Town in OKC, went on a river boat tour of Brick Town which we have never done, it was really fun! Thanks Tyler and Beth for coming to visit, we love you!

Spring Break in Arizona

2011-04-01T10:36:00.000-07:00

We went to Arizona for spring break and had a great time visiting with family! I wish I would have taken more pictures! We got together with extended family a few times for BBQ's and I didnt take very many! Oh well, here are the few that I did get!

The best part was just spending time with my family, seeing my awesome Grandparents. Visiting with Aunt, Uncles, and lots of cousins, one of whom just got home from his Mission, so that was neat to see him! And One of my Best friends that lives there I got to see a couple times!

Hanging at Papa Murphy's

My beautiful Grandma Norma and I at my cousin Melanies house!

Cousins whom I adore! Melanie and Natalie, and I

My Beautiful Mom and Sis and I

My Cousin Melanie! thanks Mel for having us over for a great family BBQ!

Jess and I were camera Happy, well I guess it was me taking the pictures!

Family Pictures with the Finnestad's

2011-02-17T08:54:00.000-08:00

We had new family pictures taken with Ross's family while out there for Christmas. We took them inside a church in town, because outside with 3 feet of snow, really wouldn't have worked! Here are just a few of my favorite ones!

3 Finnestad Kids, Ross with his Older Brother Michael, and younger sister Beth.

Owen was just a few days away from turning 1, so I guess these are his 1yr. pictures! :)

Beautiful boy! He is such a sweet boy, and were so blessed to have him as a very cherished addition to our family! We love you Owen!

Christmas 2010

2011-02-05T06:52:00.000-08:00

We spent Christmas in Minnesota with Ross's family this year and had a great time, Thanks Finnestad's

Catch up! Thanksgiving 2010

2011-02-03T19:07:00.000-08:00

My Parents came out to celebrate thanksgiving with us this year, or last year I guess! We had a great time! Thanks again Mom and Dad I love you!!!

My Awesome Parents!

Sleepy boy

Owens first Thanksgiving

Nothing like paper plates to make it extra fancy! lol

Heading to Amarillo to visit My Grandma

My Dad and I

Grandpa and Owen

Grandpa hanging with kids

Beautiful Mama and I

Reece 4th Birthday

2011-02-03T18:19:00.000-08:00

This year for Reece's birthday party we went to a place in the city called the paint n station! The kids had so much fun, they each got to pick a ceramic item to paint! It was such a cute place, Reece LOVED it!

I made homemade strawberry shortcake cupcakes! Picture doesn't do them justice they were soooo yummy! Homemade strawberry jelee in the center, and strawberry marscarpone frosting, they really did taste like strawberry shortcake dessert!

2011-02-03T12:19:00.001-08:00

help

My baby girl is 4!!!!

2010-11-09T07:45:00.000-08:00

I really cannot believe that Reece is 4! I know everyone says the same thing it really goes too fast! She is such a joy and blessing for our family! She just oozes joy! She is so much fun, and we love you so much Reece! Here are a few of my favorite pictures of the last 4 years with this little one!

Thankful

2010-11-05T08:37:00.001-07:00

Today November 5th is the 5 year anniversary that Ross and I were Sealed in the Oklahoma City Temple! I really cant believe its been 5 years already, and yet it seems like forever ago!

We were married 8 years ago this last August, but when Braeden was about 8 months we were sealed in the Temple for Time and Eternity! For those of you who don't know what that means....Temples are a sacred place for us, where in we make sacred covenants (promises) to our Heavenly Father. And the difference between a Temple marriage and a civil one is that in a civil marriage the covenant that you usually make is till death do us part, or as long as we both shall live. But in a Temple marriage we are sealed together as a family. Meaning as long as we are faithful to God and each other, and keep the promises that we make to God, we are promised that we will be a Husband and Wife here in this life, and the next, and our children are also apart of that promise. Our wedding day 8 years ago was very special, and we were legally Husband and Wife, and Started our life together, and Celebrated that with our family and friends from all over! It really was a beautiful day!

But when I think of the meaning, of what took place in the Lords house on November 5th, 2005 was absolutely amazing! I'm so grateful that we are going to be a family forever! I'm so grateful for Ross, and his willingness to serve his family and the lord! I'm so grateful for all that he does for us, he is a great example to me, to our kids and his friends and family! Today I'm just feeling so grateful for the restored gospel, and the blessings of the Temple, I love to be in the Temple, there is no place on earth you can be closer to the lord!

2010-10-30T20:41:00.000-07:00

Halloween 2010

2010-10-30T19:19:00.001-07:00

Here is Reece with her bestie Peyton before there preschool Halloween party!

At the Red Ribbon Parade

Waiting for the Parade

Carving Pumpkins before a night of Trick or Treating. Oklahoma City moved it to Saturday the 3oth, which I was glad I didn't have to make a decision on whether I was going to let my kids trick or treat on Sunday, I'm just glad I didn't have to think about that!

Ready to head out into the neighborhood!

She cracks me up, she loves to pose!

Ross's Mom Su made all three of these costumes! She is amazing! I hope one day I can sew that good! Wish full thinking! ;)

Oh my he is too stinking cute!

Ok he is done!

Having so much fun! :) It was a success! :)

OU VS. Iowa State

2010-10-30T18:58:00.000-07:00

Ross and I went to OU's homecoming game this year against Iowa State. Ross immediately started feeling guilty, He graduated with his Industrial Engineer Degree from Iowa State! lol So needless to say, he didn't cheer as loud as Id expected! We had a great time. We got to go to the Elite tailgate party, where tons of local vendors are there, you just walk around trying free food, not too bad! :) We had a great time with our good friends the Browns, who live in Tulsa, whom we don't get to see often enough!

I Love Motherhood, I do.........

2010-10-27T12:36:00.000-07:00

Oh how I LOVE my kids! So much, that it hurts sometimes! I just wish that my patience reflected that love! I get so mad at myself at the end of the day, most days....wishing I had more, and then praying for more! Every night in my prayers I'm always asking for forgiveness for loosing my cool, and then proceeding to ask for more patience! Is this normal, or even ok? I sometimes feel like I'm failing my kids. I want to be the Wonder Mom that spends all day entertaining, and playing, and makes fun crafts (for kids lol) and is always loving and soft spoken....Um I'm not really any of those things. I dont loose it everyday, and yes, we do fun things, when I have time. I feel like all I have time for is to clean, make food, try to get them to eat their food, clean up food, laundry, and more laundry, Change diapers, grocery shop, feed the dog, pick up mess after mess, so much energy on repeating myself a thousand times to get Braeden and Reece to listen to anything I say or ask, and a million other little things, and when that is all done, it starts all over again! And yet my house is always a pit! I never feel caught up, so I guess when I do have a "down" moment I should jump at the chance for quality time with my kids, I'm just worn out! I feel guilty for sharing this, even though I'm sure I'm not alone, well I know I'm not. But that doesn't really make me feel better. I think I do have more patience than I did starting out as a Mom 5 1/2 years ago, but then I think no way is that possible when I had 1 sweet little boy, who listen for the most part, and now I have 3, 1 who NEVER listens, 1 who does pretty well for a 5 year old, and well Owen doesn't really count yet! But I feel like I am making progress, or more like 3 steps forward, and 2 back every other day, but that is something right? :) Ross is such a big help, I am so lucky to have him by my side!

But then of course there are those Moments small and sometimes few between, that out weigh the bad, by a thousand! And that is what makes it worth all of the Craziness! Those sweet voices that say "Mommy I love you"! All the giggles, and silly sayings, and smiles, oh how I love those smiles!

And then I think What on Earth do I have to complain about, I have 3 beautiful, healthy children.......I am so blessed, beyond measure!

Family Pictures 2010

2010-10-25T20:52:00.000-07:00

Here are just a few of my favorites, it takes way too long to up load on here! Thanks again Cara, I love them, you did awesome! To bad Photo shop cant do wonders with fatness! lol :)

Race for the Cure 2010!

2010-10-15T09:11:00.000-07:00

Once again our 5th year in a row, doing the race for the cure! Always such a special time with our friends! This year was extra personal for me, my Aunt Susan was diagnosed (Mom's Sister) about 6 months ago, she is doing well, and I'm so glad my Mom has been able to be there to help also with her 4 daughters. I hope I'm able to go the the Phoenix walk next year to be with my family!

7 out of the 11 the kids that were in our group!

Braedens first class party

2010-10-11T20:47:00.000-07:00

Braeden started the year in half day kindergarten, and 2 weeks ago we got a call from the school that there was an opening in all day! Braeden was the first on the waiting list, so they gave us a week to think about it, and we took the whole week! At first Ross and I were a little apprehensive about it, I wanted to make sure I was making the right decision for him, not me! But the more we thought about it the better we felt about it, and he LOVES it! As do I! lol Don't get me wrong it was like he started Kindergarten all over again that first day! I was a little emotional!

So this class party was with his half day class, and was his last day with that class. I thought it was a good farewell!

Fun at the Farm

2010-10-11T10:13:00.000-07:00

This last week Reece's school had a field trip to the Orr Family Farm. And she had tons of fun! The weather has been beautiful! We went off into groups, I had Reece and her bestie Peyton. The girls had a blast!

Trying to get a picture, but as you can see the sun was shinning right in the girls eyes.

bunnies

Here was a rooster just walking around!

Reece, Owen ( my two red heads) and I on the train that takes you around the farm!

on the train

jumping on the big bouncy pillows

Fun Fun day! I think we will go back next week when Ross's parents get here!

Hallelujah!!

2010-09-19T20:17:00.000-07:00

Ok so as you can see, Owen is taking a bottle!!!!! And why is this so exciting....well up until about 2 weeks ago, I was it, meaning he would not even suck on a bottle, didn't know even what to do with one! My fault I know, I should have been more consistently giving him one early on. I'm nursing, and I enjoy nursing other than the fact that it makes me fat, like I actually GAIN weight while I nurse. My Doc says its actually normal, that your estrogen levels when you nurse are VERY low, and there for your body thinks its in Menopause, and what ever happens to your body when your in Menopause, is likely to happen to you while you nurse. Yeah for me, right? What happened to burning an extra 500 calories a day??? Apparently not true for every women, again yeah for me! So I guess that is a little bit of Motivation to say, well he's almost 9 months, we've had a good run, right? I would like to loose 20 pounds, like yesterday! I know that as moms we are sacrificing many things for the good of our children, including our bodies! Anyway but I think just the fact that I'm not his sole food source for now is exciting! Well he is eating tons of baby food and finger/table scrap type stuff now.

So the last 2 days Ive nursed him 3 times! All day!!!! Now here is the funny part....so in order to get him to like the bottle, I first had to find one he would like (Playtex drop-in system with the brown latex nipples) and then get him to drink apple juice, highly diluted of course! He would not touch formula. So then once he got good at that, I mixed a formula bottle with half water/apple juice! I know Mother of the year award right....but it worked! And he loves it, and is drinking out of a bottle....with formula....seriously amazing! lol For me anyway. I am gradually weaning the apple juice out, don't worry, and I think I will continue to nurse at least in the morning and at night, and maybe even a time or two during the day, so I don't explode! But seriously its a MIRACLE :)

Some People!!

2010-09-18T14:22:00.000-07:00

Reece with her Grandma Su this summer

Ok so.... I took the kids to Mc Donalds Friday as I promised for like a week. A friend of mine came with and her little girl who is almost 3. The kids were having a great time, playing for about an hour. At a table close by was an older lady, I'm guessing in her 70's with her 2 grand or great grand Children, I'm also guessing 3ish and 2ish. Anyway after we had been there for an hour or so, she (old lady) came out of the bathroom with her two grandchildren and I guess found Reece at their table, doing who knows what..... anyway she came out of the bathroom and I'm not kidding SCREAMED " GET AWAY FROM OUR TABLE"! Seriously Screamed it!!!! At Reece... my 3 year old! My friend and I were stunned as was everyone else there! Reece of course started to cry, and ran to me. I cant even tell you how MAD I was! I guess my mother protection instinct kicked in. So I told Reece that she needed to say sorry, and got up and walked over to there table with her, and she said sorry through her tears, and than I said "Mam, I'm sorry that she was at your table, I didn't know that she was, but that is NO excuse to scream at a 3 yr old!!!! It took everything I had to walk away then, I sooooo could have said sooooo much more! Try not to sink to her level right? Man it was hard! I hope she did feel bad though, is that bad of me? I wanted to say if she talks to her grand kids that way, I would feel really sorry for them! Or a million other things! Anyway we of course rounded up the kids to leave, I was afraid for the kids lives at that point, seriously this lady was a little unstable! OK so I think that Reece may have been messing with their food....and I know If some kid was doing that to ours, it would be a little annoying, but I would have nicely said please don't touch our food, or told their parents, and so on. But REALLY?? Scream at a 3 year old.....It was like she was treating Reece like a pesky fly, screaming and shewing her away from the table....Crazy huh??? Like I said some people... especially people like that make it very hard for me to love one another the way I know I should!

Oh baby Owen!

2010-09-10T15:21:00.000-07:00

Oh how I love this baby boy! He is such a cheese! Although he is obsessed with Mom right now, and that doesn't leave me much if any free time, he is such a joy! I had to share this picture, I just LOVE it! :)

Preschool here she comes!

2010-09-08T13:39:00.000-07:00

Here is Reece today on her first day of Preschool! She is soooo excited!

Reece and her bestie Peyton! They are so cute together! Reece is little miss take charge and had to show Peyton were she was supposed to put her lunch and backpack, even though Reece only knew this info, less than 5 min before Peyton got there! lol she is too funny! I had to tell her Teachers "make sure she isn't bossy!"

Braeden is in half day kindergarten so I pick him up 2 hours after I drop Reece off. And as I was leaving her school, I told my friend (thinking I just had baby O for the day) "hey you want to go to lunch" So I get in the car, and 1 min later I realize oh crap, I have to get Braeden at 11:20! lol Man its a good thing I remembered! Could you imagine....him waiting for Mom! I'm sure I wouldn't have forgotten but in that 1 min, I was so focused on Reece and picking her up at 2:30....man I'm such a space cadet sometimes!

Kindergarten???

2010-08-27T10:28:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe Braeden has started
How is that possible? Time really does pass to fast these days! I know I sound old, but really every year seams to go by faster! And as much as I find myself wishing my kids were older, and helping out more, I cant even imagine not having little ones! I realize I just need to enjoy every moments, even the ones that make me want to pull out my hair!!!

Braeden is loving his class, but everyday tells me he wishes he was in all day, and I just reply " me too, bud" lol He is in Morning Kindergarten and is loving it, as am I. ;) So far he likes his Teacher so that's good! The School he is going to is brand new this year, so that's been fun as well.

I put Reece in a pre school program for the year as well. So far is enrolled just Wednesday's, but were on the waiting list for Thursdays (cross fingers). Long story, but I thought we were enrolled for 3 days for the year, and had that taken care of since last April, but they couldn't find Reece's form, so here we are! But she will LOVE it, already so excited and cant stop talking about it! :) She starts after Labor Day weekend, yeah! Things will at least be a little easier on Wednesdays! lol

Braeden at the end of his first day of Kindergarten

In his class room

I had to post this picture because he looks so cute! This week they had a different theme for each day, for the kids to wear, one was Oklahoma day, crazy mismatch day, and this day was wear best dress. I tried to talk him into wearing his Church clothes, but that was a no go, so this was as fancy as it got, he really looked so cute though with his button up, sleeves rolled up, and flip flops!

Lots More Alabama!

2010-08-14T12:43:00.001-07:00

My Dad, Brother Chris, Sister Jessica and Ross went golfing while we were there, at the Pensacola country club! So pretty!

Hanging at the beach house!

My Awesome Dad, and baby O!

Owen and Sophie

they are 5 months apart

Our beach house we stayed at! Well the right side of it!

Crab Ross caught

More Crabs! Everyone has crabs haha

and more crabs

Kids playing at the Beach in Pensacola

Jen Mom and kids

Precious Sophie

Jen Jess and Sophie

Silly sisters

Reece and Skylar Taylor and Braeden, at souvenir City

Braeden at this cool restaurant, and they had a live band, a huge sand pit that all the kids played in and little shops!

Braeden with his pet parrot! lol

his face is looking better!

At the restaurant

My Mom Dad and youngest sister, who was celebrating her 25th birthday!

lol this picture cracks me up, this is my brother Chris and brother in law Donnie, but don't they look like such the happy couple! hahaha

Ok so this was so neat! At this restaurant, they had this bubble machine, that would come on like Evey 30 min, and just pour out suds! The kids, or mine at least were soaked! And this was before we even ate, Ross was totally wigging out! lol

Jen and Owen

Still at the restaurant, you can see the stage in the back! The band was an 80's cover band which was fun, but the lead singer really wasn't all that great! lol

Me and my sweet pea

All the kids in the Treasure chest!

Mom and Dad

Chris and Jess on the Pontoon we rented for the day. It was so fun! We went through the canal all the way to Florida!

so wiped out!

Jess and Tay

Jess and I

All the kids right when we took off

We also had a slide on the boat, so fun! Here is Ross!

Sisters :) I miss them!

We had such a great time!

My neice's Baptizm day

2010-08-14T10:03:00.000-07:00

Jen and Her beautiful family

My niece, the Oldest grand kid, turned 8 this summer, and my whole family went out to Alabama to be with her on her very special day! It really was such a special day for Taylor of course, but also for all of us! The spirit was so strong, and undeniably present! My Dad gave an awesome talk on receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and gave Taylor her very own snuggie as an example of how the Holy Ghost makes us feel, all warm and fuzzie! My Sister Jessica and I sang the Primary song " He Sent His Son". Jessica's friend wrote and alto part for the song, and it was so pretty! Needless to say we were all in tears! And then she was confirmed and Member and received the gift of the holy ghost, and later told her Mom " Mommy when Daddy's hands were on my head, I felt like crying" Jen proceeded to tell her that was the Holy Ghost giving her that wonderful feeling so that she would know that she was doing the right thing! So neat! I remember that same feeling on the day I was Baptized!

We are so proud of Taylor and the decision she made to be baptized a member of The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints"! I know our Heavenly Father is very proud of her too! We love you Tay!

All of my family there to support Taylor.

Dad Mom sister Jess, us of course, My brother Chris holding Owen and My sis Jennifer, and Her Hubby Donnie and there adorable girls! Tay is of course the one in White!

Paint, Paint and More Paint!

2010-08-14T09:33:00.000-07:00

We decided to paint the inside of the house this summer. So far I have the family and dining room finished. The color I LOVE, its a greyish blue. And adds a whole new feel to the house, brightens things up and balances out all the warm colors I have in the rooms!

This is the dining room after we finished painting, and have not got everything back up on the walls yet. And as you can see the chair rail is not up, and still isn't, hopefully we will get that up sometime this month! The top color is the same as in the living room and the bottom is a brownish grey! Really pretty! Still have the Kitchen to get done, I'm planning on tackling after school starts!

this face cracks me up, its like he is saying... "seriously mom, another picture?" lol

My little cutie pie! And no he does not take a binki, just likes to chew on it! lol

accident

2010-08-14T09:16:00.001-07:00

Poor Braeden bit it on his bike just a few days after he started riding his bike without training wheels. Ross took Braeden everynight on a bike ride, and did the same that night. There is a hill behind our house, and they were going down the hill and braeden was wiggling his handle bars being silly, and went straight down on his face! I mean didn't even let go of the handle bars, and the whole right side of his face! I was home and on the phone with my Mom when I heard a knock at the back door! I opened the door to this poor kid, and Yes I totally freaked out! This was after I cleaned up all the blood, it was all over his face and clothes! Luckily he didn't need stitches, but man he was beat up! Doing much better now! :)

2010-08-14T08:55:00.000-07:00

Braeden learned to ride his bike without training wheels this summer! Once he learned he litterally took off

More of Summer 2010!

2010-08-12T13:43:00.000-07:00

Going for walks before the heat was too bad!

4th of July

I made Reece's dress, I thought it turned out pretty cute! :)

Owen learned how to sit and play this summer, now he is a pro! I just wish he liked to play on his tummy, so that he can learn to crawl! Is that crazy.... that I want him to crawl? Probably, but I feel like he will have fun and entertain himself more! I need that! :) lol

Reecie and Mommy

Our 1st and only trip to the zoo this year. They have a new Children's zoo there at the OKC zoo, which was neat, but we didn't last long in the heat! the kids had lots of fun though!

Owen's first trip to the zoo

playing in the little stream

Oh so inspirational!

2010-08-11T13:45:00.000-07:00

I am givin such inspriation from this Woman! I dont know her, but like millions around the world I love to read her blog! She is beautiful, inside and out, and I can only pray to have even an ounce of faith that is oozing from her evey pore! I hope by watching her story you will as well!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHDvxPjsm8E

Catching up... Spring, and Summer

2010-08-11T10:59:00.001-07:00

We have had a busy Spring and Summer! Of course with a new baby, it always makes things a little more crazy! # 3 for me has defiantly been that for me, but having Owen join our family has been such a blessing, he is such a sweet baby!

Here as you can see, my kids are NOT afraid of frogs! In fact Reece actually tried to put it in her mouth! Yes I know, she is nuts! :)

they were so proud! At the beginning of the summer, when we get lots of rain here in OKC the frogs, or actually I think they are toads, not sure of the difference, any way they were EVERYWHERE!

Reece cuddling with Mommy

Playing across the street at our neighbors, and great friends of ours! Here is Reece with her bestie Peyton! Isn't she a doll!

My sweetie pie

Braeden trying to act tough! :)

having so much fun!

Braeden Played t-ball again this summer, with the YMCA! I love the "Y"! So NOT competitive, not ready for that yet! He is only 5! :)

Braeden at his pre-k program at the end of the year! He had a great year and Is pretty excited to start kindergarten here in one week from today!!!!

Braeden with his pre-k teacher, Mrs. Brewer, we will miss her so much, she was the best teacher! And so understanding and patient with his "scatter brained" mommy!

Went to Minnesota in May to visit Ross's family and had tons of fun! Here is our little family with Ross's best friend Brandon's family. They had their second baby Easton, right after our 3rd was born!
Here is Ross with his two besties Brandon and Ryan with all the babies that came at the end of 09 and beginning of 2010! So fun!

Nothin like baby giggles!

2010-06-28T12:26:00.000-07:00

I took this cute video of Reece making Owen laugh, and boy was he laughing, it was hysterical!

Sring break trip to Arizona

2010-05-26T08:20:00.000-07:00

Ross and I drove out to Arizona for spring break! We actually caravand with two friends from church. My friend Lauren rode out with me and Owen, Reece and her daughter who is two. And Ross rode with our other friend Brennon, and Lauren's other kid and Braeden who are the same age. The trip out really wasn't that bad, it was the trip home! Because Lauren and I drove home by our selves and 5 kids 5 and under!
Ross flew home mid week to get back to work, and Ill just say we probably wont be doing that anytime soon!

Our trip was so fun, seeing my family, both sisters, and My Mom and Dad. And I have lots of extended family there as well! Jen (my sis) wasn't supposed to be there, but she flew out with her baby Sophie and surprised us all!!! Well actually My Mom and I were the only ones that didn't know what she was planning! She surprised us when we were at a little family get together with all my cousins out there! I first saw her and my Mom hugging and crying and thought she was my cousin, and why are they crying, then I realized it was Jen!! It was such an emotional fun surprise!!!

Here is My Grandpa and Grandma Taylor with my 3 kids

Beautiful Grandma Norma

This is one of those hurricane machines that you get into and it blows like crazy, well this was the beginning when Reece actually liked it, but that was short lived, then she started freaking out, and the door wouldn't open until it was over, poor thing! lol

My kids on a train ride in the Mall with My Mom.

Beautiful baby Sophie

My youngest sister Jessica

My 2 beautiful Sisters, they are the best!

Braeden feeding Sophie

Reecie playing dress up with Auntie Jessies Clothes

Reece with our good family friend Cheryl

Braeden and My Dad

My Dad with both the kids

Jen and I

Owen smiling 2 1/2 months

sisters again

reecie being silly in the car with Jen

I have a 5 yrear old!

2010-05-26T07:52:00.000-07:00

Braeden turned 5 on Feburary 28th! I still cant believe 5 years have come and gone! He is such a good boy! Full of life! He LOVES just about anything super hero, he is loving, so smart, kind, such a great big brother and helper and so silly! Im so blessed to have such a sweet little boy!

We had his party this year at the YMCA pool, they had a room for us to have the cake and gift opening and then the kids got to swim for an hour! I think they all had a blast!

Catch up Winter

2010-05-26T07:13:00.000-07:00

Owen was just a few weeks

We had a ton of snow this winter, here are Reece and Braeden enjoying it!

These icicles are huge the picture doesn't even do it justice! They were more than half the length of the house!