trapped...

Anna is a busy girl. She is very imaginative and creative. She goes into countless worlds in her head and as she is there she will create wonderful little contraptions like the one below. I was cleaning the kitchen. I filled up the water filter and went to put it in the fridge...

One of these days, when my house is actually clean, I am going to just follow this little girl and the trail she leaves behind her. Sometimes {well lets be honest EVERY DAY} I am blown away by "creations" she makes. I don't know how you people keep clean houses. I just don't have the energy.

she is wearing an extra pair of pj's on her head as well as an extra pair of panties.

goin' for a run

Anna got ready this morning; it was one of those mornings where she was in la-la land talking to herself every step of the way. She got into my exercise clothes. She found my sports bra; went ahead and put it on. Found my gardening hat and put on Quinn's Crocs. Then she says, "mom, I'm just gonna go for a little run. I'll be right back." Quinn really wanted to be in the pictures but we were working on potty training so he is missing the bottom half of his clothes, otherwise I would have just put the workout attire up!

Watching the Stars

These pictures made us laugh so hard! One evening last week Adam and I were both doing our own things and the kids were just left to entertain themselves. So they got out their little chairs from the little table, covered it with a soft blanket, filled their bowls with potato chips, and then covered themselves with another blanket. They sat in the front room...just chatting away watching the "stars". The blinds on the big window that they were facing were closed so mostly they were just enjoying each others company! So cute!

the JOY{s} of my Life...

...comes from these two little people. these two little people have taught me more in the last 4+ years than the rest of my life combined. they have taught me what it is to LOVE, to SACRIFICE, and to have PATIENCE. In short these little ones have brought me closer to my savior, Jesus Christ. I thank my father in heaven every single day for these little angels who have come to earth to change my life forever. Thank you my sweet children for calling me your Mother.

This is Anna, last tuesday night. I came home from Mutual. I (the mother) did not make my family dinner before I left. I came home to my 4 year old who was worried about me because she knew I didn't get anything to eat. The great thing was...I ate it all. She was right on. I was starving. She made the peanut butter sandwich all by herself. I loved the cheetos. and the pops: icing on the cake. She is so thoughtful. I am so glad she takes care of me.

this my friends is the sweetest mother's day gift I have ever seen. Yesterday we went to my mother-in-law's house. While I was inside reading the latest edition of Martha Stewart, my little girl was outside slaving away on this gift. Her creativity astounds me. She cut a flower for every single box, filled it with dirt, watered it and put it in the back of the car to surprise me when I got home. i wish so bad I would have taken a picture right when I saw it. It was beautiful. It didn't last very long but I loved it!!!

The sucker Q earned for getting his haircut. Love this kid.

Happy Mother's day to ALL women. I am so PROUD to be a mother.

Is he really that OLD?

I am in denial my brother, little, little brother has been called on a mission. The only thing that makes me is OLD. I am so proud of him. He is such a good kid with a fantastic heart. The people of Merida, MEXICO are going to be very blessed to have him for 2 years. Love you Brian.

this is a picture I found of merida, yep not feelin too bad for you. When Adam and I take our trip to Cancun, we will be sure to go to the beach for you.

the intense excitement filled the room as he opened his call.

Intently listening....

he reads the call...

hugs all around

what a great group of friends. those are the kind you keep forever.

the family

for those of you who know my family, it shouldn't surprise you in the least that my dad broke out the guitar for "La Bamba" with 15 boys at the top of their lungs, followed by chocolate malts. love it

grandpa and grandma C

Brian and his equally cute girl. friend.

Love you Brian!!!! I am so extremely excited and proud of you!

University of Utah GRAD

My cute little sister graduated this weekend from the U. I am so proud of her. And frankly she should be proud of me for staying awake for the whole dang ceremony.

I had to include this little picture of My little bro, isn't it so fun to think you're so hot?! Of course you are hot, Brian!

The Happy couple.

The Ericksons

(Ryan's littlest sisters were at my mom's house watching my kids, so nice)

I made this cake special for AMy.

at least that's what I told her...costco special!