Strengthening Our Family

Peace Out My Brotha!

2011-05-02T18:24:00.000-07:00

How did this guy grow up so fast and become so stinkin' handsome?

Everybody Vogue

2011-05-02T18:13:00.000-07:00

Two Peas In A Pod

2011-05-02T17:58:00.000-07:00

Just when you think that you are about to lose control, they do things like this! I really LOVE these two kiddos...I hope that they are going to be best friends all through out life. This is the most recent pictures of Allyson and Logan.

Allyson Turns 8

2011-05-02T17:04:00.000-07:00

What a great day! I wish that I could have paused this day so that I could experience the spirit pouring out every day! What a testimony this kiddo has, I wish that I could record her sharing her testimony for all of you to here. I couldn't believe my eyes, we had her baptism in the Relief Society room at the church and not a seat was empty! The entire room was full, people were standing and some were listening in the hallway. I was so glad that Allyson was able to experience that. I am grateful to my Heavenly Father for blessing us with such beautiful children, inside and out.

I want to give a great big THANK YOU to my sweet sister Cindy, who gave one of the best talks about the baptismal covenants and thanks to my good friend Erin LaFond! I am so very blessed to have her as a friend. My heart was very full and I am thankful that the Holy Ghost led them while they prepared for Ally's special day. I have to thank everyone that came. It was fabulous and such a sweet experience and very very full of the Spirit. Our bishop told us that it was one of the best baptisms that he has ever been too. Here are some pictures from her special day.

I am so glad to be a child of our Heavenly Father. I am grateful for the gospel and the happiness and peace that fill my heart each time I read the scriptures. I know that my Heavenly Father lives and that he sent his Son Jesus Christ to the earth to die for us on the sacred cross on Calvary Hill. I know that he loves us and wants us all to become more like him so that we too can live with Heavenly Father in the Celestial Kingdom. I know that President Monson is a true prophet called by Heavenly Father to help lead us and guide us in these latter days. I am grateful for my sweet children who help me to live a better life and work harder to become more like Christ. I love them so much and I am grateful for their little reminders of reading scriptures and the desire that they have to want to read them and to say daily prayers. I know that Jesus Christ truly loves us and I am grateful and indebted to him for his sacred sacrifice through the Atonement. I know that it is only through repentance, baptism and prayer that we can truly be more like Him. I am so grateful for all the He has given me, my family, my talents, my testimony, I know that through sharing it, I will always grow stronger.

Head Over Heels In Love

2011-05-02T16:04:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that my Ms. Maddilyn will be turning 2 in 3 months. She definitely has a laid back personality and is quite the entertainer. She makes me laugh every day and makes my heart melt and all warm fuzzy inside. I am definitely head over heels in love with this beautiful little girl. I may be bias but I think that she is the cutest girl that I have ever seen. Watch out boys!

PS I am not so sure how this picture made it to the blog, must have been my cute hubby!

Time Has Totally Flown By Us

2011-05-02T11:36:00.001-07:00

After realizing that it has been almost a year since my last blog, I thought that I owed you guys some pictures! Please Enjoy!

Back to School 2010

2010-08-24T12:17:00.000-07:00

We have been really busy the first few days of school, so I haven't been able to post pictures or anything yet. I only have 2 in school right now, but we are on the waiting list for Pre-K. (Everyone cross your fingers that we will make it in this year) So when Dylan starts, hopefully I will have a picture soon of him as well.

Car Accident August 23 2010

2010-08-23T18:59:00.000-07:00

So on our way to school this morning, we were side swiped by a "under the influenced" driver. Object lesson: Don't take sleeping pills and combine it with alcohol! We have no idea how we made it out alive. Our Bishop had just drove by and said to himself that he thinks he knew our van. Sure enough it was us! Anyway, all I can say is thank you so much Heavenly Father for watching over us today. We had just said a prayer before we left the house for school.

I am so grateful for amazing friends and the priesthood who are inspired at just the right moments. I am so grateful to those sweet amazing angels that Heavenly Father blesses us with on this earth. I am so grateful for my family who is inspired to say morning prayers each morning before school. I am so grateful for my children that are alive. I am so grateful for gospel and for the knowledge of the life after this life upon the earth. I know that Heavenly Father had a hand in this 100%. Thank you Heavenly Father!!!!

2010-08-21T10:45:00.000-07:00

Holy WOW

2010-08-21T10:42:00.001-07:00

Well, I have finally gotten back to this blog thing. I see that it has been forever since I last blogged. Sakes Alive! Time really got a hold of me this time. Anyway, since there is so much to catch up on, I thought that I would reveal our story in pictures. That way I could get caught back up. So enjoy these pictures of what we have been up to the last oh let's say almost a year.

All Growed Up

2009-12-08T12:28:00.001-08:00

So these past few days I have been trying to play catch up from our trip to Oklahoma. Not only have I been doing laundry and cleaning the house, all while taking care of Dylan who has had pnemonia and me with Laryngitis (sp?). As I have been doing this, I have also been putting up the Christmas decorations. It has been fun because the kids have been remembering previous years and so naturally I have been hearing, "Mom, do you remember when....". Well this year I did decor a little different and hung up Christmas ornaments sporadically around the house. I have all small red balls hanging with garland and lights. I happened to have found a big red one that fits perfectly with the rest as a center piece to my garland. Well Dylan, the smart guy that he is says to me, "Mommy, look that ball is all growed up from those ones. He isn't small anymore, he is a big boy like me". The enthusiasm in his voice was just enough to melt my heart. It was so cute that I had to blog about it. One of those had to be there moments. But none the less it was cute to me

School Days 2009

2009-11-15T15:54:00.001-08:00

Allyson
First Grade
Logan
Pre-K

Leaves Are Falling On The Ground, On My Head, on the Ground

2009-11-08T16:07:00.000-08:00

Fall is my favorite season of the year. I love to watch all the different trees turn colors. It is also the one time of year that I have to make my children say something about eachother that they love about one another. (It do it more often than once a year, it just has more of an impact on the kids when I make them use their minds) Everyone knows that Fall is the perfect time year for outside fun. Whether it is from putting up Painting houses and Gardening to hanging up Christmas Lights and raking leaves. We have had such beautiful weather for the past week, I couldn't stand to be cooped up in my house another day, so I took the boys outside and WE ALL played in the leaves.

According to God's Plan

2009-11-06T09:07:00.000-08:00

So being that we are all members of the church and that we all know that sometimes what we think is a good plan and are willing and ready to do that plan, the Lord doesn't always agree! So just to update everyone who has been reading our blog or just started, here it goes.

As many of you knew, we were planning on moving to Oklahoma this next year. Well after much prayer and pondering, those plans have changed. We feel that it is not time for us to leave good ol' Columbia. Apparently there is more for us to do here. The timing still isn't right for us to move after all these years of waiting patiently. With Louis being in school and with personal family situations, there will be no move for us at this time. So sorry to all of you that want us gone, you are stuck with us again for a few more years. (This is where I would laugh in that evil hysterical laugh, but I don't know how, something like mwahahaha.)

Happy Halloween!!!!

2009-11-05T07:55:00.001-08:00

So after a long week of everyone having some kind of flu, only 3 of us were able to go trick or treating this year. Louis was home this year for Halloweeny and was able to take them out while the rest of us stayed home and tried to get better! Maybe next year we will have everyone!

Mother of the Year Award

2009-11-05T07:51:00.001-08:00

So this is the face of Cameron right after he stuck his finger in the burning flame of the candle. Yes, out of 5 children, he is the first to grab the flame. So naturally I did what any mother would do to keep their child safe. I yelled, "NO". Now what? I made my kid cry on his birthday, what a great mom huh!

Happy 2nd Birthday already?

2009-11-05T07:47:00.001-08:00

Ooops, another bites the dust!

2009-11-05T07:38:00.000-08:00

So in the midst of everything, I realized that it is now November, almost half way through, (okay, I'm exaggerating, but you get the idea) and I still don't have any blog updates from Cameron's birthday or even Halloween! So here are a bunch of pictures. Enjoy!

Reflections of Christ......

2009-10-05T19:58:00.000-07:00

After a wonderful conference this session, I have had some thoughts running through my head of what life was like for Christ, this just puts it all in perspective. May we all become more like Christ in all that we do and say!

Guess who just turned 3

2009-09-30T16:08:00.000-07:00

3 Reasons Why We Love Dylan

1. He always has a smile.
2. He loves to give everyone hugs and kisses.
3. He loves to make everyone laugh.

Favorite Ally Quotes of the Day

2009-09-21T16:25:00.000-07:00

"Does Jesus wear the same clothes everyday?"

"Do you think that he takes a shower?"

"Does Jesus wear pajamas to bed when he sleeps?"

Look Who's Turning 5

2009-09-21T08:12:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Logman!

5 Reasons why we love Logan

1. He always tells me he loves me.
2. He is a good leader.
3. He always makes us laugh.
4. He is an eager learner.
5. He loves to help everyone

We love you buddy!

We will truly miss you

2009-09-20T20:16:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox greeting

2009-09-05T13:40:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

True GQ

2009-09-05T11:58:00.001-07:00

I was taking pictures of Allyson the other day and Logan asked me to take a picture of him and his "Kyle haircut". So that is what I did and in return, he gave me this pose! What do you think, is he the future GQ model or what? For those of you who are wondering, Kyle is my nephew and this is sorta what his hair cut looks like~ Logan wants to be just like him and Louis, so he says he will have Kyle's haircut and play football like Kyle and he says he wants to be funny like his daddy.

Who keeps robbing the tooth fairy?

2009-09-04T16:15:00.000-07:00

So there is an ongoing joke in our house about SOMMER TEETH and it goes like this: Whenever you see someone missing teeth, we say, "You have sommer teeth, some are there and some are gone!" I know it's lame, but my kids get a kick out of it~ I love 'em!!!

Look who keeps getting money from the tooth fairy! I tell you what, that tooth fairy is taking pitty on everyone I guess with this recession because when I was a kid, I only got .25 for each tooth lost. It seems that the tooth fairy keeps leaving 1.00 in our house! I think that this fairy deserves a little more fairy dust don't you think?

Hush Little Baby

2009-09-02T17:08:00.000-07:00

She is ever so peaceful when she sleeps! Wait, or is she? I don't think our nights have been going so well lately, so I had to post this beautiful picture as a reminder to me of what she used to sleep like. Ah, so nice! Lol

One Month Already!

2009-09-02T16:56:00.000-07:00

So it seems that the time has totally slipped passed me and I have realized that I have no updated pictures of baby Maddilyn. So, with out further a due.....

Random Thoughts

2009-08-31T17:00:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been a little over a month and we are just now getting into the swing of things around here. Maddie seems to wanna sleep all through the day and never at night. Hmmm. I haven't slept for more than 3 hours at a time since before she was born. She is doing so well with holding her head up and I must say that she is the best eater in the house! It is funny because every time I nurse, the kids are always making comments like, man she is loud. My favorite is from little Dylan, "Did Maddie hurt your belly mommy? We have to put her on time out, okay?"
The kids love her very much and always fight over who is going to hold her first. I think that her older brothers are going to be her watchful eyes. My favorite thing to watch is both Logan and Dylan rubbing her head and leaning in to give her a gentle kiss on the cheek or the head. It is very heart warming, I just wish that I could get a picture when it happens!

We had the opportunity to have her blessed on Sunday. I was listening to the blessing and I am so glad that the Lord blessed us with her to bring us closer together as a family of the Lord. I am so grateful that she has a father who holds the priesthood and appreciates the gospel in its truest form. I know that she is a blessing to us and that she will be there to teach us many things in the future, I can't wait to watch you grow in the gospel and pick a worthy husband and to serve the Lord with all your heart. Maddilyn you truly are a blessing to our family and I can't wait to find out what our journey will be together as a forever family! Many thoughts were going through my head as I sat and battled my kids in the row, but I couldn't help to think about these 5 little blessings from heaven that I have. It seems that these last two weeks I have really fallen in love with them all over again! It has been really nice just to focus on them and their needs. They truly are a gift from heaven. It has been so nice to see them smile. I am so grateful to my husband who holds the priesthood and who supports me as I try to be a good mom. There are times that I know that he gets frustrated with me, but I know that he still loves me no matter what. Louis you truly are amazing in all that you do. Your testimony of the gospel is reflected in your actions every day. Your love for the scriptures is so strong. I am so grateful for the hard work that you do each and every day. I am proud of you for the work that you are doing. I am proud of you for achieving the best you can in school full time and working full time. I am so proud of you for making the Dean's least whilst holding a full time job, going to school full time and raising a family. You Rock Dude!

Cherished Moments

2009-07-25T12:54:00.001-07:00

Our Beautiful Baby Girl Maddie

2009-07-25T04:43:00.001-07:00

Introducing the newest member of the family!

2009-07-24T20:14:00.000-07:00

Maddilyn Nicole Bottoms
7 lbs 1 oz 19 inches
Born July 23, 2009

Louis' New Friend

2009-06-24T21:35:00.001-07:00

I totally LOVE these guys!

2009-06-24T21:32:00.002-07:00

Pretty Butterflies

2009-06-24T21:32:00.001-07:00

Breathtaking!

2009-06-24T21:29:00.001-07:00

This was absolutely beautiful, I just couldn't pass up these pictures!

My Beautiful Allyson

2009-06-24T21:27:00.000-07:00

2009-06-24T21:23:00.000-07:00

Now Your Talkin'

2009-06-24T21:21:00.001-07:00

These are more Ally and my speed! Let's check 'em out

Happy Cameron!

2009-06-24T21:19:00.000-07:00

EEEEEWWWWW!!!!

2009-06-24T21:11:00.000-07:00

This was Logan's favorite part of the Butterfly House!

Can't Forget About These Guys....

2009-06-24T21:03:00.000-07:00

Again, this was Logan's favorite part of the Butterfly House. Dylan was completely terrified.......

Our First Adventure to the Butterfly House

2009-06-24T20:59:00.000-07:00

Outside the Butterfly House

2009-06-24T20:54:00.000-07:00

Bringing Back Childhood Memories......

2009-06-12T11:42:00.000-07:00

I couldn't pass up these pictures. Watching all of the children play in the creek brought back memories of when I was a child living with my grandma and we went to play in the creek all the time. I loved it. Notice how Logan is holding up his shorts so that they don't get wet! Ha! I love it~

Heave Ho, Heave Ho

2009-06-12T11:29:00.000-07:00

I think that we can definitely understand now how the pioneers felt on their trek! I think that it was a lot harder than I had expected. There were muddy hills and steep hills. We actually had two handcarts, but we had to help each other up the hills one cart at a time. I am really glad that I went! The weather was perfect, nice breeze and cool at night! I felt bad because there wasn't much that I could do to help out with the pushing and pulling of the handcarts because I was pregnant.

Hand Cart Treking......

2009-06-12T11:22:00.000-07:00

Finally the rain stopped and we were able to go on our 1 mile trek. That is right, I did it 7 1/2 months pregnant~ It was a lot of fun, along the hike, there were stories of the people and the experiences that they had along the trail. It was very touching to hear the stories of the pioneers and to even try to experience what it was like for ourselves to push the handcarts along the trails. The spirit was very strong as we read the stories. Thanks Fenbergs and Spriggs' for inviting us!

Happy Trails To You

2009-06-12T11:17:00.000-07:00

We had planned to go on a hand cart trek on this particular morning, but it ended up raining so all of us decided to go on a wagon ride to wait out the rain. If you look closely at Logan, you can see that it was a relaxing ride. Apparently he was tired. Hee, Hee!

Who's Child is This?

2009-06-12T11:12:00.000-07:00

I know that this isn't my child, but this little girl is so cute that I couldn't resist putting her on here. This is our friends little girl Addy! Isn't she so cute? Those blue eyes are killer!

On Our Way......

2009-06-12T11:01:00.001-07:00

Some very dear friends of ours are moving at the end of the month and they invited people from the ward to go camping with them in Nauvoo for the last time. So we hopped on the train and went. Well, hopped in our van! My mom and dad were kind enough to watch our two youngest for us so that we could get some alone time with Allyson and Logan. Thanks mom and dad!!!!!

My baby girl isn't a baby anymore!

2009-05-28T18:18:00.001-07:00

Look at that pink face! She wanted to take a picture of her "goofy ear plugs"........Whatever crazy girl!

Our Boys

2009-05-28T18:08:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how big these guys are getting.
*Flick a tear*

My big L Man

2009-05-28T18:06:00.000-07:00

It is so hard for me to believe how big my L man is getting! This is his best friend, literally! He follows her everywhere around the house! Good thing she is pretty content~

It's a bird, It's a plane, no it's Canadian Parachuters!

2009-05-28T17:59:00.000-07:00

These guys were AMAZING! They had smoke bombs attached to themselves and they put patterns in the air that were awesome! I am very impressed with them~

Top Gun in Missouri?

2009-05-28T17:54:00.000-07:00

Are you serious? I think that might be the closest to Tom Cruise I will ever see~Just let me have my moment people!

Fly, Fly Away

2009-05-28T17:48:00.000-07:00

What a way to end the month~ This is where I was when I got fried in the sun! The annual Memorial Day Air Show

"Hoppy Easter" Every-bunny

2009-04-26T11:51:00.000-07:00

My dear neighbors made this for our family and brought it over to share with us this Easter. It is a creme filled chocolate cake, a pregnant woman's dream! Well, kinda~ We just love them so much and they absolutely love our kids, they always are offering to babysit.

Struttin his stuff!

2009-04-26T11:35:00.000-07:00

Ever since he began to walk, Cam has seemed to own the house. I don't know if you can tell or not, but he seems to have a "Joe Cool" attitude. I have no idea where he got that from. LOL I think that his favorite thing to do is walk as fast as he can up and down the hallway. He seems to be growing pretty fast, he last weighed in at 25 lbs. Now, his older brother Dylan, weighed in at 27 lbs. Hmmm, what is wrong with this picture?

Not bad for my first try

2009-04-26T11:28:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't know, I thought that I would attempt to start my own garden this year and well, this is what I have so far. I know it isn't much, but it was the best I got this year. So from left to right I have Tomatoes, Green Peppers, and an over abundance of cucumbers~ I am not quite sure what to think about those yet. So I am still waiting on my tomatoes to come up, I am pretty sure that they aren't going to make it. I guess I will just have to try from the plants sold at stores. Hmmm. We will see! I can't wait to see the cucumbers growing, woo hoo!

We truly are a strange family!

2009-03-31T15:57:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of Louis and the kids trying to kick the top of their head with their feet with out using their hands.....who would have thought up this game you ask? Guess who?

The things we do to pass the time!

2009-03-31T15:54:00.000-07:00

When our car was broken for the 3rd time, we didn't have much to do on the weekends, so this is a little bit of the things we had to do to occupy our time. I guess anytime is precious with daddy home!

Mistro Please!

2009-03-31T15:49:00.001-07:00

I am having a hard time finding the words for this blog today! I am not sure why, weird~ I was folding and putting away laundry one day, and this is what I came out to find! Ally was singing, Dylan was the pianist, and Logan is well, laying on the floor dead! All I could do was laugh!!!! Hope this brings you laughs and warm tickles too~

The Verdict Is In

2009-03-24T17:39:00.000-07:00

I must say thanks to all of you who participated in our little poll that we were having. It was really fun to see everyone's perspective.

I have to say that I was super nervous today walking into the doctors office. I am not sure why, I have been through this 4 other times, but it seems that you are always unprepared for the unexpected no matter what you are facing. The baby was SUPER photogenic and very talkative. In fact, the technician and the doctor both commented on how funny it was that the baby's mouth was moving so much like it was holding a conversation by itself.

Okay, okay, okay! Here it is.........

We are having a baby GIRL!!!!!!!!!!

JUST FOR YOU

2009-03-17T18:42:00.000-07:00

I saw this on my friend Sarah's blog. Now granted, I am not nearly as creative and awesome as she is, but I will try my best to make something cool. It is a great challenge for me, maybe I can think outside the box for once.
The first 3 people to respond to this post will get something made by me! My choice. For you.

This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:
1- I make no guarantees that you will like what I make!
2- What I create will be just for you.
3- It'll be done in the next month.
4- You have no clue what it's going to be.

There is no catch. If you want to do this on your blog then it would be fine, but you don't have to.

Baby Poll

2009-03-10T09:26:00.001-07:00

This pregnancy has got me baffled. I am not quite sure if this is a boy or girl! I know that I have been tremendously sick and my hormones are raging completely out of content and I can't seem to pick myself up off the bathroom floor or the living room couch. So I have officially decided that I am going to take a poll and see what you think. So please tell me Pink or Blue, Girl or Boy~ We will see how acurate everyone will be....Oh yeah, there is no prize, just curiosity!

Girl or Boy

What if the tooth fairy was a boy?

2009-02-19T10:41:00.000-08:00

At Allyson's 6th birthday, we noticed that she had a second set of teeth growing behind her first set of baby teeth. Just like any concerned mother would, I called her dentist to see if this is normal. Well to my surprise, it was normal, however he still wanted to take a double look. So yesterday, I took all of the kids into the dentist office for their 6 month check up and to my surprise, Allyson's was more than a checkup as I anticipated. After taking thorough Xrays again, they discovered that the root on Ally's two front teeth were EXTREMELY long so they had to do a surgical "wiggle". I don't know if you can see it in her hand, but the root is the long white thing, one of the longest roots I have ever seen. After the trauma of the blood and anesthetic, Ally was sure happy to know that the tooth fairy would be coming to her house. This was our discussion:

A: "How does the Tooth Fairy come in the house?"
L: "It all depends, sometimes she can fly through a window, or sometimes she can come through the door."
A: "What if my door is locked?"
L: "Then I guess that she will have to knock on the door".
A: "But then I would see her and she wouldn't be able to leave me a surprise"
L: "Well then we better leave the window and the door unlocked so that she can come in."
A: "Mommy, what if the tooth fairy was a boy?"
L: "Then he would look pretty funny wearing tight tights and fairy dust"
A: "That would be really funny, what if she looks under my pillow and doesn't see it under my pillow?"
L: "The tooth fairy knows where to look, that is one of her special things".
A: "What if she can't open the tooth box?"
L: "She can wave her special fairy wand and it opens up or sometimes, if it is small enough, she will take the whole box and put it in her special bag!"
A:" Oh okay, goodnight mommy! I better go to sleep before the tooth fairy comes."

She was so excited to find the money in the morning, she had to wake everyone up to tell us! Yeah Ally~ (Now go back to bed it is only 5:30 in the morning!

I'm a Big Boy Now!

2009-02-15T19:24:00.000-08:00

I know that I am totally going to end up jinksing myself with this, but I am happy to report that Dylan is finally potty trained!!!!! YEAH~ We haven't had any accidents for at least a week (knock on wood) and we aren't using pullups at all anymore! We have graduated to the big boy underpants, Elmo and Sesame Street to be exact! He has woken up with a dry bed everyday this week and all last week. He is so proud of himself that he even goes around the house singing the potty song and high fiving everyone in the house. Come on all you mom's, you know that you have heard it or even caught yourself humming it in your head while cleaning the house or maybe even when you were on your way to the bathroom too. All of those potty stories are nothing but a reminiscent of time. It seems like only yesterday, I was trying to teach you how to put your clothes on. Yeah Dylan, we are so proud of you! Keep up the excellent work~

Is she cut out to be a super star?

2009-02-11T14:18:00.001-08:00

There is always that feeling of over joy as you sit back and watch your child do something to make you proud. Well, last night I had the privilege to attend my very first school concert for Allyson I have attached some of the pictures that Louis took and I am still trying to download the video! As you will find out shortly, Allyson stole the show, I have yet to figure out if that is a good thing or a bad thing. She had MANY compliments from the audience and definitely from her music teacher and her classroom teacher! Thanks kindergarten classes.

Ally's Birthday Post

2009-02-11T13:59:00.000-08:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Random Photos of Our Good Days!

2009-02-03T09:13:00.001-08:00

I thought that since I have really been having some trying days, that I would take some photos of the kids so that I can have some memory of the good ol days!!!!! I remember whens, and you used to love each other you know!!!!!

From The Ugly Duckling To The Beautiful Swan (We just haven't gotten that far yet)

2009-02-03T08:58:00.000-08:00

BATHROOM RENOVATION!!!!!!!

Every woman who has ever been pregnant knows that there always has to be changes done somewhere. It is called the nesting stage, well unlike most women, my nesting stage always comes early during my pregnancies. So we have been trying to work on updating our bathroom. We just started the project last Saturday and so we haven't gotten very far. Well as most house projects go, there always seems to be a snag somewhere along the line, well ours was found!!!!! We found that we have to replace the drywall around our tub and quite possibly the flooring in front of our tub. There were holes hidden behind the wallpaper that are obviously going to have to be fixed. So what we thought was going to be a quick fix, is going to take some time. But that is ok, that just means that I get a new bathroom! YIPPEE!!!!! More finished project pictures to come~ Stay Tuned!

All smiles

2009-01-28T18:23:00.000-08:00

No ladies, you are not seeing double, so don't worry about having your eyes checked again! I just couldn't make up my mind as to which one I liked the best. So you get two for the price of one. These pictures were just so cute that I had to post them for my family and friends. It is so amazing to me that even in the womb they are happy! So HE/SHE is waving in the top right picture and in the bottom left picture, HE/SHE is really relaxed with the hands behind the head and one of HIS/HER legs is propped up on the other. That is some serious slackin' chillaxin!

So I went in for my ultrasound today and they did their normal check on the baby to make sure that the due date was still the same and to measure the baby to see if HE/SHE is growing properly and growing according to the guessed due date. The baby measures about 3 days less than what my due date is, so maybe if I am REALLY lucky, maybe HE/SHE will be born three days later on my birthday!!!! I already share my birthday with my sister, so why not have the opportunity to share it with my own child. We will just have to wait and see!!!!

Curious Minds Want To Know

2009-01-25T17:21:00.000-08:00

So I am guessing by all the "How are you doings?" that have been made and all the strange looks that I have been given recently, by now many of you have already figured out that the rat got out of the bag!!!! Plus, since I can't seem to hide it any longer, YES we are expecting baby number 5. This was completely planned, no accidents and no unexpectedness. We don't have many details other than we are beginning our 4th month this coming week. For those who wish to know, I am due August 8. In the beginning, there was a few tears shed by me, mostly of being scared! We are very excited, but nervous as anyone with 5 children should be, but we know that we are doing what the Lord has asked of us and surely we will be blessed, sooner or later!

By the way, anyone looking to sell a huge van, we may need it! LOL

Feeling Under Pressure??? Not at all.

2009-01-17T08:56:00.001-08:00

Well I have to say that I know that it isn't completely over yet, but for the most part, we have graduated from diapers to big boy under wear!!!! Weee haaaawwww!~ Now, the test is, can we go potty outside of the home bathroom? We will wait and see tomorrow at church~

Oops, I spoke too soon~ But made progress, Dylan just had a poopy accident cause he couldn't get his underpants off. But at least he made the connection! So this is the 3 bath he has had today due to the first two getting ice cream all over his body. That is his reward for going poop and pee in the potty.

Louis is at work today and so I am here taking care of the house today, except I haven't done anything because I have been having to run Dylan to the bathroom and changing Cameron's diapers. Now, here is the funny or not so funny part. Cameron has had non-solid diapers for about a week now, we are still trying to figure out why. So as I am cleaning up Dylan from his mess, here comes Cameron down the hallway with his diaper, leaving a trail all the way down the hall. So here I am cleaning up the hallway with a bleach water in one hand and the can of Lysol in the other to get the stench of the poop out of my house.

At this point, I am thinking, "What am I doing?" I am so frustrated at this point that all I can do is write about it on this silly blog so that I can just read about it and laugh when I calm down from all this craziness. I was doing good until Cam woke up from his morning nap! Not that it was his fault by any means, but I am feeling the pressure at this point as you can imagine! But none the less, one is half way to being potty trained and one is well, still a baby!

Ah the things children do!

2009-01-14T06:06:00.000-08:00

This morning was a late start for us at our house. We were trying to get everyone ready to go for school this morning and when the boys were all done, some how they were able to get my set of kitchen tongs and chase the cat with them. My poor kitty was so afraid, "MEOW" she said. The next thing I know, poor Pepper is caught in the grasp of my kitchen tongs and my 4 year old son, who by the way was laughing the whole time. Need less to say, we had a discussion about being kind to animals. Is this really how my day is going to go today?

Like Father, Like Son

2009-01-13T09:50:00.000-08:00

Louis is notorious for thanking me about dinner being made when he sees that I am working hard on dinner. Today we decided (ok, I decided) that for lunch we would have leftover spaghetti and salad. So I am heating it up in the microwave, then proceed to dish out the spaghetti and this is what cute little Logan says:

Logan:"Thanks for making dinner honey"
me: "Why you are welcome dear"
Logan: "I am not a deer, I'm a Logan."

Car Blues

2009-01-13T06:57:00.001-08:00

Anyone who owns a vehicle must have gone through this at one point in there life. Turn key, engine doesn't start. Yep, that is us! We have been stuck at our home since Saturday with no way to get out. I just am waiting patiently or impatiently, however you look at it, until we can figure out what is that has our van sick! Louis has always been really good at diagnosing the problem, but for some reason, this time we are stumped. So we will be using the little car until we can find out what is wrong with the van.

HURRAY!!!!!! Another Successful Attempt

2009-01-03T11:26:00.000-08:00

Go Dylan Go!

As many of you may already know, I started several months ago at potty training and had one successful potty day. Ever since then, well, it was unsuccessful, so during the holidays, I didn't even try. Some may say that I was dumb for giving up, but I didn't want to add to the stress of the holiday season anyway.

Now that the holiday season is over, I have been, this last week, trying again. No success~ UNTIL TODAY!!! Little Dylan was so upset today and afraid to poop in his Car Pull-ups. So we asked him if he wanted to go potty in the big boy potty. Of course I was quite skeptical because there was no success this week, not even with pee. To my surprise he ran to the potty and grabbed the potty seat and put it on the toilet, climbed up and with a little patience, he began to poop in the potty! We were so excited that we did the potty dance and gave stickers and M&M's.

Grandma and Grandpa Simpson with 6 grandbabies

2008-12-29T18:44:00.001-08:00

Grandma and Grandpa Simpson

Logan, Kyle, Cameron, Dylan, Allyson and Samantha

Simpson Family All Grown Up December 2008

2008-12-29T18:40:00.001-08:00

Mom and Dad, then in birth order from right to left, Shalene, Cindy and Laurel. (Probably should have sat opposite, but oh well. We know what we were trying to accomplish!)

Definitely a boys Christmas....

2008-12-29T18:36:00.000-08:00

From Spiderman, to Bowling, dinosaurs and guns.....Dylan and Cameron seem to be lost in all that paper! Where did you go?

And then.....

2008-12-29T18:29:00.000-08:00

Hannah Montana's

"New" body guards.

More Christmas 2008

2008-12-29T18:23:00.001-08:00

Christmas Stockings

Take note that my nephew has everyone at gunpoint at this moment. Ah, the spirit of Christmas!

Leaning Tower of Angels!!!!!

2008-12-29T18:18:00.001-08:00

So it wasn't until after the tree has been put up and decorated when I notice that our tree is leaning ALOT! Oops....oh well, what memories can be drawn!

The Green Kitchen Monster

2008-12-22T18:41:00.000-08:00

Does anyone ever get the feeling that you are being watched? Or just a funny feeling that something was off? Well today I know that I was being watched, take a look at what was taking peaks at me! No matter how you move, it still watches you! Pretty creepy huh!

I am not sure how the eye got stuck to the wash cloth, but I didn't even notice it until I just happened to set the wash cloth down right after I stuck it in soapy water and this is what I found staring back up at me! Talk about your weird happenings.

The All Around Husband Award

2008-12-22T18:37:00.001-08:00

Okay ladies, your eyes are not deceiving you, Louis truly is doing CRAFTS!!!!! Well, to some extent! What a wonderful husband I have to help me when I am in crunch time just days before Christmas! Thanks Honey!!!! (I won't tell anyone that you are domesticated to some degree)

Bedtime Stories

2008-12-21T17:29:00.000-08:00

Our FHE tonight was about feeling the Holy Ghost and knowing when to recognize it.

Conversation between Allyson and Mommy tonight at bedtime.

Ally: "Mommy, I really need to talk to you."
me: "About what sweetie?"
Ally: "Sometimes it is really hard to obey and sometimes it is hard to be a mommy"
me: "You know what Ally, you are right!"
Ally: "Maybe you and I can work on it together."
me: "I think that I would really like that Allyson. How did you come up with this?"
Ally: "The Holy Ghost told me to tell you".
me: "Well you know that the Holy Ghost is pretty powerful and maybe we should do what he
says, huh"
Ally: "Yep, I love you mommy!"
me: "I love you to sweetie!
Ally: "I hope that you have a good rest tonight and you feel better tomorrow".
me: "Thanks Allyson!"

Out of the mouths of babes!

Stinky Situations

2008-12-03T09:27:00.001-08:00

Those of you who are a bit queezy or easily nauseated, I hope that you take my caution to the wise. Yesterday I was trying to take care of 3 sick boys and one sick mommy, plus clean my house and do laundry. Well I finally had decided that I wasn't winning the battle. Anyway, I noticed that Dylan had a stinky diaper and that I needed to change him, so I go into the other room to get the wipes and diapers, when I returned there was no Dylan. I am thinking, okay he knows it is diaper changing time. Anyone with a 2 year old, or at least in my house, diaper changing is a chore. Literally having to chase and WWF wrap to get the boy to sit still. I am looking for Dylan at this point only to find him in the bathroom no diaper sitting on the potty seat, smeared up his back and down his legs and yes a little on his face and now on his hands was poop. All over the toilet seat, potty seat! YUCKY!!!! I said all that a sick mommy could say who was pleased to see her 2 year old attempting to get on and off the potty by himself, "Dylan, are you serious! Good job for sitting on the potty, but next time let's tell mommy so that she can help you". Need less to say, after that was bathtime! Yeah Dylan, Boo Mommy for having to clean it up~

Tagged Again!

2008-12-02T09:29:00.000-08:00

8 Shows I Watch:
1. Super Nanny
2. CSI Miami
3. Eleventh Hour
4. The Big Bang Theory
5. Two and a Half Men
6. CSI Las Vegas
7. Rock of Love with Sharon Osborne (I know, bad isn't it)
8. Biggest Loser

8 Restaurants That I Like To Eat At:

1. Outback Steakhouse (Only on our Anniversary)
2. Wendy's
3. Loon Sheng Chinese
4. Subway
5. El Maguay's
6. Chevy's
7. Macoroni Grill
8. Ruby Tuesday's

8 Things I Did Today:
1. Took Ally to school
2. Unpacked the suitcases and car
3. Did laundry
4. Took Logan to the doctor
5. watched a movie with the boys
6. Took Logman to the doctor
7. Took the Kids to a birthday party
8. Laundry

8 Things I Am Looking Forward To:
1. Christmas
2. Bedtimes
3. Louis Graduating College
4. Cameron walking
5. Having a bigger house
6. Being debt free
7. A Clean house
8. Me time

8 Things On My Wish List:
1. Jewelery
2. clothes
3. lose 100 lbs.
4. My sister to get married
5. A bigger house
6. A Maid
7. I could be closer to family
8. Live where I can where shorts and t-shirts all year.

8 People I Tag:
1. Bethany
2. Emily E.
3. Jessica
4. Julie
5. Kelie
6. Tina
7. Tammy
8. Emily L.

Overwhelmed with Gratitude

2008-11-26T11:01:00.001-08:00

I know that to some this may seem like another cry fest, but I just wanted to express some feelings that have been in my heart this last week. I am thankful for my family. Most of all my children. Even though I complain alot, I have never forgotten the joy that they do bring to my life. I am grateful for their testimonies of the gospel and the strength of the Holy Ghost that is in there cute little bodies. I am thankful for their responses when they are in class or when I am at home teaching them. I am thankful for their obedience when in other adults presence, and for the smiles that they give to others. I am thankful for my boys and their hugs that I get everyday!

I am grateful for Logan and his love for prayers. Never a day goes by that Logan has not reminded me to say a prayer at dinner time or at breakfast and lunch. I am grateful for the pictures that he draws for me when we are at church or even when he is at school. I am grateful for his ability to make new friends and be happy! I am grateful for Logan's stories that he tells to our family. I know that the Lord has blessed him in so many ways and I can't wait to experience them with him along the way.

I am grateful for Allyson and her testimony of Jesus and the scriptures and the reminders that she gives me to read my scriptures. I am grateful for her happiness and love that she shares with me and her friends. I am grateful for her love that she shows to her teachers at school and in primary. I am grateful for her teachers that have taught her gospel principles and the importance of going to the temple, past, present and in the future. Most importantly, I am grateful for her love of modesty and when she shares it with her friends at school and at church.

I am thankful for Dylan and his kisses that he gives to me each day. I am grateful that Heavenly Father allowed him to stay on this earth with us. I am grateful for his strength to fight through his illnesses and complications at birth. I am grateful for his smiles that he shares with all. I am grateful for the opportunity to be his mother on this earth. I am so grateful for his touch and his breath and his love. I know that he will be a very strong missionary someday in the future.

I am thankful for Cameron and his ability to make all of my children smile. I am thankful for his happiness. I am grateful for his ability to share a room with his brothers and sleep through the night. I am grateful to her his first words, mamma, dadda, etc. I am thankful for that cute little pout that he does right before he cries. I am grateful that he smiles and is happy most of the day.

I am grateful for my husband and for the love that he has for me. I am grateful for the opportunity that the Lord gave me to meet him. I am grateful for his love of the priesthood. I am grateful for his love of the Temple. I am grateful for his ability to do a little bit of everything. I am grateful that he has been given the opportunity to go to school and he is. I am thankful that he wants to better himself for us and for himself.

I am most grateful for my Heavenly Father and for the love that he has for me. I am grateful that he knows who I am and knows the tribulations that I will face. I am grateful that he is there for me to call upon when I am need of comfort. I am grateful that he is there when I need to talk. I am grateful that he has blessed me with the ability to feel the spirit through tears and through testimonies. I am grateful that he has blessed me with this wonderful family and I am truly indebted to him. I am grateful that He is merciful and kind. I am grateful for the friends that he has blessed me with in my life who have come and gone or are even still a part of my life.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

Allyson's First Book....

2008-11-19T16:37:00.000-08:00

Many of you may think that I am crazy for feeling this way, but this is my first time having a child in school. It has been many years since I have waited for this moment. Yep, that moment of your anxiety of parent/ teacher conferences. I attended my first one last week with Allyson's teacher Mrs. Duncan. Now, many of you would probably think that kindergarten is a breeze, well if you had a cool teacher. Well, here is the issue, I am really game for old school teaching. There is a lot of good that could come out of that, but I was skeptical just because of the way that Ally learns. Well, I was pleasently surprised when I got nothing but great reports back from Mrs. Duncan. Allyson is a great student, listens well, follows directions, and is a great reader. WHAT???? She is reading already? I asked. Allyson read her first book to the entire class this week at school! I couldn't have been any more proud of her. She is a leader in the group reading and she is definitely an "A" student. I am so proud of her. She works very hard in class and even brought home a solo certificate that states she sang a solo in music class. I am really amazed with her studious endevours. She has been nominated as a student of the week and a star student in her class. GO ALLYSON~! We are so proud of you!

In Our Spare Time....

2008-11-19T16:20:00.000-08:00

Can you imagine????? I am busy cleaning my house, thinking that my Dylan is sitting quietly watching Baby Einstein. I think that all is well. A little too well, I enter into the kitchen only to find my son, sitting on a chair that was pushed over to the counter covered in Peanut Butter! Yep, that is right, peanut butter that was safely snug in the cupboard~ So even though you have your house baby proofed, it isn't always!

Today, I was cleaning the kitchen and I found Dylan in my Den with diaper cream. How do you ask did he get that? The same way he got the peanut butter. HE CLIMBED~! I have a hoodlum on my hands....I have managed to keep them away from this stage for a while, but I guess that it was too good to be true.

AAH!!!! I love you Dylan~

IF YE ARE PREPARED, YE SHALL NOT FEAR

2008-11-05T19:21:00.001-08:00

We Thank thee oh God for a prophet to lead us and guide us in these latter days!

I've Just Been Tagged!

2008-11-05T17:25:00.000-08:00

Darn it! I thought that I would be able to slip through the cracks! Thanks Jules!

7 weird things about me you may not know

#1. Um....I am all over weird! This is stinking hard..... Okay, I am fascinated with smells. Anything that smells is always a plus in my book. My husband makes fun of me because I can't stand the smell of a dirty house. Those of you who have been to my house or know me, know that I have to have smelly goods (aka glade plug ins or candles) in my house all the time. However, I am currently out! Sacralidge!

#2. I love Pinesol and bleach! (Again with the smells) Does this count? I have to clean everything with Pinesol and bleach (not together, just one or the other) because it smells so good. In fact that is all that I clean with.

#3. I'm a Pyro. Ever since I could remember how to light a match, I have been fascinated by fire. I have always been able to start big fires and maintain them. I think once, I went camping and I started my sweatshirt on fire. I still have that sweatshirt to this day!!!!! I got lost in this trance of deep thought when I watch fire. I have a wood burning stove in my house that we nearly have to call the fire department on because our fires are too big for the stove. I remember one time, Louis opened the door and smoke came out first and then poof his eyebrows were singed! Thanks Louis for letting me tell that story!

#4. I am a prankster. I love to play pranks on people. For instance, the missionaries came over for dinner one night and well, lets just say that it is a good thing that they didn't have any appointments afterwards, cause they were soaked! I also have vaselined the missionaries car and put confetti in the air ducts so when the heater or ac came on.....well, you get the picture. Just remember, if you get ideas, I get revenge!!!!!!

#5. I can burp REALLY loud. Sorry this may gross you out! I have learned over the years to burp just as loud as a guy! Especially after a soda~ HEHEHE!

#6. I collect cows. I have always loved cows. I have cows in my kitchen! When I lived at home, I had a cow collection. Not so much anymore, but I do still love them. I have a few still. I will one day have my own cow. Or at least think I will.

#7. I hate stuff touching my feet. I can't stand to have crumbs or sticky or anything on my feet when I walk through my house or anyone's house. But here is the weird part, I hate to wear shoes...... I can't stand to wear shoes, so naturally, I will get things on my feet and then I freak out because there is something on the bottom of my feet.

I am sure that many of you can think of more weird things, but that is all that I can think of right now. Sorry guys! I am pretty boring......

Now I am tagging 7 of you (this is hard, I have too many friends): Angela, Becka, Lisa, Jessica B., Codi, Megan, Sarah B.

Let Children Be Children

2008-11-05T16:42:00.000-08:00

My little soap box:

I think that maybe I had better write some of my feelings down! So my daughter tells me that her school principal got on the intercom at school and told everyone on Monday Nov. 3 that Barack Obama won the race! Now, correct me if I am wrong, but wasn't the election on Nov. 4? How in heaven's name did this man know that? Then I find out that in school today, her teacher passed out pictures of President Obama and decides to teach politics to a class of 5 year old children that should know nothing about presidential campaigning at this age.

Now, maybe I am not understanding enough to know, why my 5 year old daughter is having to learn about campaigns and world issues and gay rights. My understanding was that I am sending my child to school to learn how to read and write and spell. Has our world changed that much for me to want to switch schools because of the violence and lack of discipline at her school or pull her out of school period? Maybe I am over reacting, but something as adult as political issues? Seriously, Let children be children. We are already rushing them to know so much in this dispensation!

So today my daughter brings home this picture of Barack Obama colored very well with markers and crayons and this was the conversation:

Mom: "Who is this?"
Her reply:, "Mommy it is Borack Obama, my teacher says that we can't call him that anymore." me: "What are we supposed to call him?"
Her: "President Obama, my teacher says that he is a great man and will do alot to the country to help us. Nobody knows that he is a bad man and that he is going to hurt us."
Mom: "Your right, but he isn't a bad man. He is our President and we have to respect him and we must obey his laws"
Her: "Does he have to follow the commandments?"
Mom: "Well, not everybody knows the commandments, but hopefully he does follow them."
Her: "Why is he a bad man mommy?"
Mom: "He isn't a bad man, he just has different choices that he has made."

I know that this is all part of the Lord's plan, but I am a nervous wreck at how fast this is all happening! But I know that I will be okay! I am so grateful that I have a testimony of this church and that as long as we stand firm in our beliefs and stay strong in our testimonies, we will overcome this and we will be closer to our Father in Heaven. I know that when we call upon the Lord for guidance and council, he will truly be there as long as we do our part! Our children are the future leaders of the church, it is my prayer and my hope that I can teach my children how to be strong leaders in this world and to be able to stand as a witness of God at all times and in all places. I will do all that I can to teach them about testimonies and the importance of following the commandments and morals and hope that they will have a love of the scriptures and for the gospel as much as I do. I want them to know that I have made mistakes in this world and I know that we can be forgiven as long as we repent and are humble in our hearts and minds. Really, they are little children!

Annual Trunk R' Treat

2008-10-30T09:07:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!!!

Cameron Puppy

Cowboy Logan, Kitty Ally, Batman Dylan

Even Super heroes have to stop time once in a while.

Newbie Higgs carving pumpkins! Go, Higgs, Go!

Purrfect!!

Time Management and Productivity!

2008-10-24T17:07:00.000-07:00

Okay, set aside the fact that my laundry basket got dumped over and the dog is now sitting on the laundry, and there is toys and clutter everywhere, but my two boys decided that they would make good time with boredom. Here we have cowboy Dylan (Yeehaw) and Horsey Logan (neigh, neigh). I am quite impressed that he (Logan) volunteered for this. I couldn't help but to capture this on camera so that I could use this against him for the future! I love you boys!

Following In Our Footsteps

2008-10-24T16:54:00.000-07:00

I never understood what was meant by you must always set an example so that your children can follow in your footsteps until today! While us was picking up the living room, I found Dylan down in the den going through all of the clutter baskets that we set out for the kids stuff during the day. I found stuff that I had just picked up all over the floor, so naturally I was upset, but then my little monkey does this.....Who can be mad at that! I love my Dylan and my fuzzy slippers. ( He has something in his hand that he picked up to put in the basket. Though I am uncertain what it is.)

~Farewell Elder Barry~

2008-10-21T19:22:00.000-07:00

It was a sad night tonight for the Topps Family~ Our kids have become quite attached to this set of missionaries for some reason! It has been kind of neat to watch them interact with the missionaries. We just wanted to post a photo in memory of Elder Barry! We will miss you!

Sleep, Baby Sleep!

2008-10-21T19:05:00.000-07:00

Today I was working in the kitchen trying to clean up from breakfast and lunch. I asked Dylan what he was doing and he told me that he was looking out the window at the Kitty. So I continued to do my work in the kitchen. The next thing I know, it was completely silent, so I went to go check on the boys. I found Logan playing with his train set on the floor and Dylan like this. It was too cute to pass up. Sleep my little monkey! I love you sweet baby!