True Companions

Ellie hair cut :(

2012-01-11T18:23:00.001-07:00

We took Ellie to get her haircut today. She wanted to get it cut to her shoulders but I couldn't bring myself to have it done that short. I love her long hair.

Before

Good bye beautiful golden locks. :(

She had about 6inches cut off.

The aftermath

After

It's really pretty and it's still pretty long. It's super healthy too. I love my beautiful girl.

I'll be honest...I cried a little. haha!

Trevor's 6th Birthday

2012-01-04T22:05:00.010-07:00

Happy 6th Birthday to my sweet Little man!

He got some awesome books from Aunt Chelsy and Uncle Rand. Trev LOVES reading so much.

Brian, Ellie and I gave him Wii Party. He was so excited to get back to Utah to play with it on our Wii.

We also got him Hot Wheels Wall Tracks. He was super excited to play with that too. Unfortunately, he had to wait to get back to Utah to play with that too.

Grandma and grandpa gave Trev "Wipeout" for his DS. They miss having him around all the time. They loved watching the show "Wipeout" with him. He would jump around like a crazy kid. Plus, he would memorize all their nicknames. He is hilarious!

We had to go to Red Robin. He LOVES their mac-n-cheese. Of course, he got his free dessert too, but he hardly touched it.

I love my silly kiddos!

Everyone!

Best buds.

I could squeeze him to death!

Ellie, Trevor and Hyrum.

Grandma and grandpa with most of the grand kids.

Trevor is 6!

We got the ugliest cake on the planet from Walmart. I guess that's what I get for doing everything for his birthday last minute, right?

He had to wait to open uncle Kevin's present until he got home from work. He got A Sonic Wii game. He was so spoiled.

As ugly as the cake was... it tasted YUMMY!

CHRISTMAS 2011

2012-01-03T23:01:00.009-07:00

Christmas time is always so fun! This was our year to be in Cali for Christmas so we spent some time with Utah cousins before we left. We did a small gift exchange. The kids had a blast. They love each other so much!

Ellie received nail polish and we gave Lila a Lalaloopsy coloring book. They were both in heaven!

We gave Logan some awesome wristbands for basketball. Somehow I didnt get a good picture of him wearing them. Sorry Bud!

Trevor received some Mario Kart jammies which thrilled him. He asks to wear them every night.

Ellies loving her polish. She has each of her fingers painted a different color.

We gave Noelle a journal and a pad of paper and pen. I think she liked it.

Here's Trev and Ellie in the car on our way to California. They were very happy to be entertained by music, DS, and movies.

I figured Brian and I needed a pic too.

CHRISTMAS EVE!

We have a traditon in my family to open jammies on Christmas Eve. We all have to look good in pictures on Christmas morning. LOL

Cute Little Emma (another cousin) wont leave Ellies side. Almost every pic I have of Ellie has sweet little Emma in it. So Funny!

Unfortunatley, we ran out of time on Christmas eve to make our normal cookies so we decided that Santa would like a cinnamon roll instead. I think Santa was pleased. We also didn't have any normal carrots for the reindeer. I dont think they minded either. Ellie had to write a note to let Santa know about the carrots and the milk in the fridge. These are my most favorite parts of Christmas.

CHRISTMAS DAY!

Ellie woke up first and was so excited. I made her lay on the bed with me for a bit and then we decided it was time to wake up the boys. We tried Trevor first. He was so tired though. He laid in his bed and said "Just bring me my present". I laughed so hard I almost cried. I couldnt believe any could would say that on such a BIG DAY! He eventually got up and was all about helping daddy get up. Brian wasn't too pleased. Oh well...IT'S CHRISTMAS!!!

We finally got daddy up but as you can tell Trev was still really tired but Ellie was ready to go. We finally make it out to the tree and the kids were ecstatic! I didnt get any great pics of what the received. From Santa they both got a scooter. Ellie also got a Lalaloopsy doll and Trevor got Squinkies. I think Santa succeeded.

My pics are all out of order now. Its all good. They still make sense...I think.

Emma got some blocks but still just wanted to be with Ellie.

Trev got his awesome Jimmer jerdey from uncle Kevin.

Camera fun!

2011-12-08T17:25:00.002-07:00

This is what we do in our spare time. LOL!

ARGH!!!!!!!! LOL

WOW!! I'm really bad at blogging

2011-09-30T14:33:00.001-06:00

Ellies baptism announcement

2011-03-13T23:07:00.000-06:00

Update...kind of!

2010-10-03T19:22:00.003-06:00

So I've been really lazy and haven't updated forever. Trevor has been hogging the computer too. LOL

I figure I'll do a quick update about everyone. Brian is still working at ADP. He enjoys it as much as you can when you work for someone else. LOL

Ellie is loving school. She is such an amazing student. She has tons of friends. Especially boys. It kind of freaks me out that she is so liked by boys. She has already had a boy call her his "G" friend. HAHA

Trevor has started preschool and is doing so well. His teacher has already told me that he is her favorite. He is reading and loving every second of school. He is so sweet. He is my best little pal. He follows me everywhere.

As for me, I'm just hangin out trying to figure out where we are going to live. We are still with Brian parents and they are amazingly kind. I love them so much. I don't really do much except drive kids back and forth to school, go to the grocery store, a little sewing and reading as many books as I can find. I really need to find a job or something worth while.

This is my post for now. Maybe I'll put some pictures on later.

2010-08-02T12:01:00.005-06:00

I know I really need to update. I haven't been taking alot of pictures recently. I've been driving around ALOT looking for houses. I haven't made much time for blogging. We still haven't found anything. The one house that I really liked got sweeped out from under us. I'm going to look at more today. Wish me luck. I really need it.

Here are a few photos of some of the vegatables that came out of my weird garden. They are all deformed and they don't taste good. Oh well, better luck next year. Hopefully we will have our own place by then.

Tomato

Zucchini Cucumber

Our pool

2010-07-18T17:34:00.002-06:00

We are having a blast in our new pool. Ellie has been spending every waking moment in the pool. She is a fish and so tan it's crazy. We've had cousins over and Grandpa even got in the pool. It was totally worth the money.
Trevor has even gotten to the point that he will go underwater. He's getting much more brave.
~
I did swim lessons with Ellie since she was five months old and I was lazy with Trevor and he didn't get swim lessons until he was two. So, he is a little more leary of the water. This pool has totally been a great thing for him. He is getting more brave all the time.
~
I've even gotten in the pool a few times. It's been about 103 degrees here and the pool was a nice break from the heat. Anyone can come swim if they would like. We always need friends.

Folsom Lake

2010-07-05T17:37:00.005-06:00

Brian had work off today so we spent the day at Folsom Lake. It was the first time the kids or I had ever been there. Brian spent a lot of his childhood on this lake.

It was so beautiful and clean. It is at it's capacity already this year and there is still more snow melting. I had a great time watching the kids and Brian play. I got in the water too, but only to my bellybutton. (I'm a whimp). Plus there isn't any pic of me... I hide behind the camera and I'm the camera happy one. LOL

The kids had a blast being thrown around by Brian. He is such a good Daddy. The kids love him so much... as do I.

Lulu came to lake with us too. She was hilarious. She kept biting the waves and jumping away from them as they crashed on the beach. She was a good little swimmer, but she didn't like being pulled into the water. She started to get nervous and was shaking. That's when we decided we needed to go home. We will try again without Lulu next time so we can stay longer.
I love being that close to the lake. It is only about 5minutes away from my in-laws house. I plan on spending lots of time there this summer. We had a blast :)

2010-06-23T22:58:00.002-06:00

I'm in Utah. I just thought I would let everyone know so they can all come shower me with friendship.

My Favorite Things

2010-06-12T23:25:00.008-06:00

For some reason I've been thinking about my most favorite things. Maybe it's because I have nothing better to think about right now.

Here is my list (in no particular order) for posterity. LOL

My sweet sister

Candles

My clean kids

Soft quilts/blankets

Tiny shoes

Tulips

The temple

Lotion

My hubby

Sleeping

Purses

The smell of Gain detergent

The computer

Scriptures

Clean teeth

Jammies

New shoes

Baby lotion

Clean house

Music

Dancing like an idiot

Hot Baths (They fix everything)

Nice clothes

Hugs

Strawberries

Quilt/Fabric stores

Pedicures

Swimming

Lulu

Sleeping babies

A good book

Kisses

Newly washed sheets

Hot Sunny Days

2010-06-07T17:20:00.004-06:00

While Brian was in California and I was in alone Utah, I decided to keep myself busy. I got obsessed with fabric and sewing. I made some bags and skirts and other stuff. But my favorite thing to make was my quilt. I wanted something bright and springy. I finally finished my binding last night and now I can use my quilt. I love it so much. My favorite part is the backing. I used that really soft fluffy fabric. It is so warm and cuddly. Ellie and I curled under it together this morning and talked and giggled. She said she loved it because it was soft. I hope to have many memories with my quilt.

Now I'm going to work on my next quilt for Trev's bed. I'm excited to start the process all over again. I love my quilts!

Goodbye Grandma Cake

2010-06-04T21:17:00.003-06:00

I was able to have my mom (Kate) ride out to California with me so I wouldn't have to drive by myself (Brian was driving the big truck). She stayed for a few days and then had to go home. We took her to the train station, with a lot of help from google maps, and were able to say goodbye. It was hard knowing that I was going to be all alone in California. We had to say our farewells quickly since the train doesn't stop for long. I was sad to see her go, but I know I will see her soon. I love you mom. Thanks for coming with me. I'll miss you mucho!

My Crazy Siblings

2010-06-01T23:18:00.004-06:00

Most of my siblings were able to help me load our truck to move to California. It was a long hard day, but being with my family almost made it fun. This picture was taken after all was loaded. I was so grateful for all the help. I'm going to miss them so much! I love you all :)

Computer Time

2010-05-12T22:13:00.003-06:00

We went to St. george and this is how we spent our evenings after the kids were in bed. I love my quiet time.

Fire with Brians family

2010-04-25T11:40:00.004-06:00

While in California, we had a dinner and roasted marshmallows at Brian's brother Shaun's house. We had a lot of fun. So did the kids.

Efraim and Hyrum. These are Shaun and Lacey's kids. They are a lot of fun!
Brian and Shaun
Trev catching bubbles on his wand.
Trev and Hyrum are going to be good little friends when we move to California.
Gary and Debbie (my amazing in-laws). She's the one who got my kidney :)
Aren't we so cute? JK. Taking your own pictures never turn out very good

Shaun has a tree swing in his backyard. Ellie loved swinging on it. She is so awesome.

Trevor

2010-04-19T10:10:00.004-06:00

I was making beds and cleaning rooms this morning and I found this apple in Trevors room. I laughed really hard. I obviously need to cut his apples up for him.

Trevor has been so funny lately. He has been wanting his sunglasses at all times. I gave them to him this morning and he put them on to watch TV. He is the cutest little boy ever. He makes me so happy.

Easter Pics

2010-04-07T12:00:00.003-06:00

Here is my cute kids in their Easter outfits. It was finally warm enough to get some nice pictures outside! I love their sweet little faces. I'm the luckiest mom ever!!!

Our Train ride to Cali

2010-04-04T18:16:00.001-06:00

Easter

2010-04-04T18:03:00.002-06:00

We are spending Easter in California this year. We dyed eggs and had an egg hunt. We've had a fun Easter!

I made a skirt for Ellie for Easter. It was so much fun. Why can't boy clothes be cute and fun?

Brian's Gone

2010-03-14T21:37:00.003-06:00

Well... It's actually happening. We are moving to California. Brian got a new job out there. Boo hoo :( Brian left today. I will be joining him at the end of May after Ellie finishes school. We will be able to visit each other over the next couple of months. I'm planning on going out there for spring break. I will be riding the train. I'm kind of excited but nervous about the long long ride with 2 kids. I plan on coming back to Utah a lot. I cannot be away from my sister for long. It's been really tough to think about not being able to see her whenever I want. I'm in denial about the whole thing. I keep thinking that maybe Brian won't like his new job or he'll just miss Utah (haha) and he will move back before I have to go anywhere. In my dreams. LOL! Well... If anyone wants to hang out please feel free to call or come over anytime.

2010-02-21T19:50:00.002-07:00

This is the poster my sister Maggie made for all the nurses that helped out after the surgery. The floor we were on was called 9 long. It is a famous floor. There is even a poem written about it. I am so grateful to all the wonderful nurses and doctors who are so willing to help out strangers. What a great job. Maybe one day I'll be a nurse. haha. I'm my dreams. Thanks again to everyone!!!!

Thank you Thank you Thank you Maggie

2010-02-05T20:37:00.004-07:00

My wonderful sister, Maggie, is my all time best friend. She has been amazing through this surgery process. She was able to come to San Fransisco and take of my kids while I was in the hospital. My sister in law Chelsy helped too. Children were not allowed in the hospital at all. I missed my kids so bad. Maggie and Chelsy took turns watching the kids so that they could come visit me and Debbie. My final night in the hospital Chelsy decided to take all the kids (including Maggie's little girl, Lila) back to Gary and Debbie's house in Sacramento. Maggie stayed with me in the hospital that night. I was so so so grateful for her sweet spirit and loving attitude. The next day I was able to go home. She was very helpful with getting me showered and getting all my stuff together. I love her so much. Thank you Maggie. Lots of Love!!!

After the surgery!!!

2010-02-04T21:13:00.009-07:00

I just wanted to update everyone with how the surgery went. Debbie (my mother in law) and I went to San Fransisco on Thursday the 28th. We arrived and had to wait a few hours because we were the 2nd surgery of the day. Finally around 11 they had us come to pre-op. Lots of family came to show support. We felt very loved. I went into surgery about an hour before Debbie to get my kidney all prepared. The nurse gave me a medicine to help me relax before getting anesthesia. I fell asleep instantly. Debbie says she got the same stuff and it didn't make her fall asleep. She actually remembers entering the operating room and she moved herself onto her own table. Apparently I'm a light weight. Good thing I don't drink. Haha. After surgery, I awoke and slightly remember being wheeled to my recovery room. When I finally really woke up. I was sick beyond belief. They had me on an IV with a narcotic called Diloted(sp?). I was so very nauseated. I couldn't move with out feeling like I was going to throw up or that my head would fall off. They tried some nausea meds (Zofram). It didn't work at all. So then they decided to change my narcotic to Vicoden. It was just as bad as the first, so then they gave me another nausea med called Regalan(sp?). Again, It didn't work. Finally after 3 days of misery, They took me off all meds and just gave me Tylenol. Yes, just Tylenol. I finally started to feel much better. I was able to eat again and they said I could go home. I was the happiest person ever. I forgot to mention that while at the hospital they made me get up and walk. I thought I was going to die. You should try walking when you feel like throwing up with every step. It was horrible. I walked to Debbie's room. She looked amazing. She used to have a yellowish color to her skin and nails and almost instantly after the surgery she turned pink. I was so happy to see that it was working. It has been 1 week today. Debbie and I are both out of the hospital and are doing pretty good. It hurts to move too much and I can't really use my ab muscles (not that I had a lot to begin with). The pain is controllable. Walking is hard but required. I actually went to Walmart to get some more Tylenol. It about killed me, but it felt nice to get out of the house. Up until today I've just been doing little walks around Gary and Debbie's driveway. I'm sure people look at me like I'm crazy. I walk like I'm 90yrs old. Haha. Everything is going to be good though. I know things will heal quickly. Debbie is doing great too. Most of her levels have dropped to a normal range and the kidney is working at a great percentage. She is slow moving like me, but we will heal and all will be well. I feel so blessed to be able to participate in such an amazing thing. Debbie is an amazing woman and she deserves the best. I pray that things will only continue to get better for her.
Here is a photo of my wounds. I think they will heal nicely. I also got a video of the surgery if anyone want to watch it. It really isn't too bad. Not a lot of blood! Thank you everyone for your prayers and concern. I've definetly felt loved. Hopefully I will feel well enough to come home soon!

Kidney Donation

2010-01-10T23:24:00.003-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,
I just wanted to let you all know what’s going on with me. There have been a lot of questions and I wanted to share with everyone the details. My mother in law, Debbie, is in bad shape. She has had only one kidney since before Brian was born. She now has what’s called Cystic Kidney Disease, which means her only kidney is failing. Currently it only functions at 8% of what it should be. On January 28th I will be joining her in surgery to donate my left kidney.
We have known for quite some time that she would need to get a kidney transplant. Upon hearing the news, and since, I have felt that the person who would be the donor would be me. Debbie was not going to let me apply to be the donor. While there were many people who volunteered and were tested, none was found to be a viable donor for her. Finally, after months and months of searching and testing, she had to be put on dialysis. She has been going 3 times a week, 2 hours at a time, for the past six months (approx). So, I finally got them to send me the paperwork. I’ve been through the testing and have been found to be about as genetically perfect a match as they could find for Debbie.
Again, the surgery is going to be January 28th. We will be in California for 3 weeks. 3-5 days will be spent in the hospital. For 6 weeks after the surgery, I will be required to take it easy…lifting nothing heavier than a gallon of milk. I’m not spending 3 weeks away from my children, so they are coming with us. We’ve had family and friends offer to help with the kids while out there and here at home. In fact, Maggie (my sister) and Chelsy (Brian’s sister) will be coming out as well. We gladly accept any and all help with the children as Brian will still have to work (started a new job last week). He’ll be with me the whole time, and of course I will be his priority.
I want everyone to know that I chose to do this. NOBODY (not Brian, and certainly not his parents) pressured me to do this. As I have prayed and fasted, I have grown more and more comfortable in this decision. I am not nervous about the surgery at all. It will be lathroscopic surgery, performed in a hospital in San Francisco that does 300 of these every year. They have a perfect record pertaining to the health of the donors after surgery. So I am comfortable and at peace with the decision. I only worry that Ellie and Trevor are taken care of while Brian is so focused on helping me. So again, we are grateful for the offers of help, and any more that come.
My mother in law is one of the most amazing women I’ve ever known, and I’m excited and humbled to be able to serve her in this way. Hopefully, this will insure that my kids get to have their wonderful grandmother around for many more years!
I love you all,
Emily

We've moved

2010-01-08T19:42:00.002-07:00

I'm so happy to have our own place again. Ellie is loving her new school. Trevor loves following me around as I organize things. I'll post pics when it's all put together.

Noelles post

2009-12-17T22:39:00.001-07:00

This post is for my neice Noelle. I haven't posted in along time. She keeps bugging me to update it. So here it is. I LOVE YOU NOELLE!!!!

Our Trip to St. George

2009-11-09T20:23:00.006-07:00

We had a blast in St. George. It was a much needed break. The kids had a blast at the little splash park.
I love how Ellie is helping him rinse the red dirt off. She is like another little mom to him.

He hates laying in water, but he did it for me because I asked him too. What a sweet boy!

I love her face in this pic. She was so surprised.

On our walk around my dads house!

I was camera happy one night. I took pics of everyone making funny faces. I didn't post the one of me because it was really really ugly.

Halloween!

2009-11-08T20:47:00.005-07:00

Happy Halloween! I'm really late getting these posted, but better late than never. This Halloween was a lot different than years past. We have always been in a ward where they do a Trunk-or-Treat. Now that we are living with my dad things have changed. His ward does the traditional door to door style. It was a lot of fun. I don't know which way I like better. They both have pros and cons.

Door to door-

pro: They have to work for their candy.

con: I have to work for their candy.

Trunk or Treat-

pro: They get lots of candy quick and they show off their costumes to most everyone.

con: Not everyone goes to the trunk or treat so some neighbors get left out and they get lots of candy quick.

Here a few pics from the day. We had a great time!

We had fun carving pumpkins. Trevor wouldn't get his hands dirty so he just watched. I made the vomit pumpkin, Brian made the Y one and the other two Ellie designed!
We went later that day to my sister Maggies house. The kids just played and had a good time. Aren't they all so cute?!!

Ellie as Tinkerbell

Trevor as Thomas the Tank Engine. I think it is an ugly costume, but that's all he wanted to be. Oh well, at least Ellie let me help with her costume.

Tonz-o-candy

We had such a crazy night full of excitment that when I went to check on Trev to put him to bed, he was already asleep on the floor holding some chocolate. So cute!

We were all exhausted. What a fun day.

Reflections contest

2009-10-25T23:08:00.006-06:00

Ellie has been really excited about entering into "Reflections" at school. We entered in 4 different areas. She is multi-talented. This years theme is "Beauty is". She was excited to do all the projects. I hope she gets a prize for one of them.

Her poem (Literature)Visual Arts- She painted a caterpillar (obviously). She loved all the beautiful colors.

Photography. She took this all by herself. She did the set up and everything. I wasn't even there. She is amazing! She called it "Flower Eyes". cute huh?

Her 4th entry was Musical. She practiced the guitar really hard. I don't think it fits under the Reflection guide lines very well, but we thought we'd try. Isn't she cute though?

I would like to thank Janet for all her help and kind words to Ellie in this process. We had a blast!!!

Family Pics

2009-10-24T19:34:00.003-06:00

Here are our recent family pictures. Don't be surprised when you see the same picture on our Christmas card. Haha.
We really look like we love each other...
we do!

I have the sweetest kids ever! I love my family so much. I am so blessed to have them in my life.

Nice Car, but it must go...Daddy wants the money....and a truck!

2009-10-02T13:46:00.008-06:00

Anybody who is interested in a great car, here she is:

$9500 will purchase this beautiful 2002 Honda Accord EX. Fully loaded, with leather interior, tinted windows, traction and cruise control, 6 disc am-fm stereo, 6 Cylinder V-TEC engine. At 91,000 miles she has the looks of a rookie but the experience of a veteran!

If you know of anyone who's interested in a car for themselves or their college students stranded at the dorms, have them give me a call (801) 787 - 6528

My Summer Scrapbook Pages

2009-09-25T15:41:00.003-06:00

I just started digital srapbooking this summer. I suck at it, but it's really fun.

Wheeler Farm

2009-09-23T12:22:00.002-06:00

Wheeler Farm is so much fun for kids and it's great for parents too because it's FREE. Trevor and I went one day while Ellie was at school. Grandma and Grandpa came with little Logan. It was fun to let the boys play in big tree and to see all the smelly animals.
Me and Trevor hanging in a tree.

The ducks would eat right out of your hand. It was kind of creepy. Trevor liked them.

Stinky Pigs.

He is so handsome. I love this pic.

Ellie's first day of School

2009-09-05T22:48:00.004-06:00

Ellie was really excited to start school. She has been ready to make new friends.

Ellie eating breakfast!

Swim Lessons

2009-08-14T10:47:00.003-06:00

We really needed something do while living with my dad. I signed the kids up for swim lessons. They both love the water. Trevor won't go under water too much yet, but Ellie is a little dare devil and a really good little swimmer. It's been really fun. I'm sad it's over. Now we need another activity.Trev getting ready to go on the diving board.
Ellie is a fish.

Nice form Ell

Trevor was so excited, but scared to jump. They ended up dropping him in the water because he wouldn't go any farther out on the diving board.

Ellie with her teachers

Trev with his teacher.

My mom and I

2009-07-24T16:11:00.002-06:00

This is my mom Kate with me. I actually like this pic of me so I thought I would post it.

One of my favorite videos

2009-07-23T21:17:00.002-06:00

I love this video. I was just looking through my pictures and came across this. I forgot how funny it was. Gotta love Hannah Montana. Apparently Trevor does.

Blogging

2009-07-19T16:28:00.001-06:00

I really suck at this blog thing. I don't know how to center my title. If anyone knows please HELP!!!!!!!!

My old house

2009-07-10T22:29:00.004-06:00

I took a picture of our house for the last time. We are going to miss it. It will be good to start in a new home though. We are going to miss all of our friends and neighbors, but hopefully we will be back in the county soon.

Ellie lost her first tooth

2009-07-07T00:43:00.002-06:00

Ellie has had a loose tooth for forever, it feels like. She finally lost it on the 3rd. I tied a piece of floss around it and told her to pull. She pulled it 4 or 5 times and it popped right out. She had the cutest expression on her face. I wish I would have recorded it. It was so awesome that she pulled it out herself. She was so proud!!!

I love her new toothless smile!!!

Hailey's wedding

2009-07-05T22:57:00.004-06:00

This was at my friend Hailey's wedding. Ellie was the flower girl. It was so cute. We had lots of fun. I really hate typing so if you want to know more just call me. haha. Trevor and Brian
Me and Hailey
Ellie and Hailey before the wedding

Awe...so beautiful.

Ellie and Jezelle (the other flower girl)

Austin and Hailey Evans

Cute Trev boy!!!

My sweet poser

My babies

Ellie and Jezelle walking down the aisle.

Our Christmas trip to California

2009-01-17T13:19:00.012-07:00

We go to Cali every other year for Christmas and Thanksgiving. This was our year to go for Christmas. I was excited to go to the warmth. When we got there it was warmer than Utah, but not warm like I wanted it. It was overcast and rainy most of the time. Ugh. I'd rather have snow, which apparently Utah got a ton of while we were gone. Oh well. We had a good time anyway.

Here is a bunch of pics from our trip. Ellie never sleeps in the car. She rarely sleeps at home too, but for some reason she was tired enough to fall asleep on our 10 hour drive to Cali. It was very peaceful while she slept.

Trevor on the other hand only slept for a few minutes, but he was happy as long as he had something to eat and had a movie going.This is Trevor and his cousin Hyrum playing a game on the computer. We were happy to be out of the car.

We had the chance to go to the Oakland Temple and to San Francisco to see "A Christmas Carol" at American Conservtory Theatre (aka ACT) during our trip. The kids stayed with Brians uncles family.

This is Chelsy (Brian's sister) at the temple. I never thought she could be such a poser, but apparently she is really good at it. Chelsy thinks Ellie got the posing talent from me. I don't think so. haha

All of us at the Oakland Temple.

Me and Bri in San Fran at Union Square.

The boys (Brian, Kevin and Rand) being goofy in front of the Nike billboard. I could have had a blast in San Fran there is so many fun stores. A shoppers heaven.

Christmas eve we went to Brians uncles house and we did the nativity scene. Trevor wouldn't participate, but Ellie was the the angel and Hyrum was a sheep.

Aren't they cute.

Ellie showing off that she is 100% loved.

All the little kids drew names and exchanged gifts. We didn't have our kids participate so we brought them something to open fom us. Ellie got a yoyo some earring, a braclet and some lipglss. She loved it.

Trevor got a Light sabor. He was thrilled.

When we got home from the party we opened our pajamas and read a book. The kids were excited but very tired.

Christmas morning the kids were so excited. Ellie got just what she wanted from Santa. A pink Lock box and HSM dance mat.

Trevor got some Mickey Mouse bubble bath and Marble Works. He is obsessed with it.

I think Brian was having as much fun as Trevor with it. haha

Ellie and Trevor both got a ton of other things from us and everyone else. I didn't get hardley any pictures of Trevor opening presents he only wanted to play marbles.

This is the eisel Ellie got from Uncle Shaun. He made it. She was so excited. She is a little artist. Trevor really liked it too.

All in all we had a great Christmas and our kids made out like bandits. We had a good time.

I screwed up

2009-01-07T11:12:00.002-07:00

I totally messed up my blog. I need everyones blog addresses. I lost them all. If you want to email me or just comment with your blog address that would be great. Thanks. emilymcfadyen@gmail.com

Large Post... for me!

2008-12-02T19:30:00.008-07:00

My friend Natalie challenged me to put a new post on this week. I've decided that I'm not very good at blogging. I like to read other peoples, but I don't feel like I have anything to say on my own blog. So, I'm going to babble about nothing just to say that I posted something. haha.

This is Brian hanging blinds at my moms house. I was camera happy so, here are a bunch of pictures that are pointless.

Brian doing the "Captain Morgan".

BrianActually posing for the camera as "Captain Morgan".

My 92 year old Grandma (Ninnie). She is almost all blind. She can see out of one corner of one eye. I hope I never get that way. Ugh. That would suck.

Me with Ninnie. I was showing her how a digital camera works. She was amazed with how far technology has come. She told me that when she was growing up they didn't even have cameras in most homes. We are so blessed now days. We all need to count our blessings.

I got the kids ready for bed and I went downstairs to check on some things and I came back up and Ellie was holding Trevor and reading him a book. I love these kind of moments. It makes being a mother worth while.On December 1st we have been married for 8 years. It has gone so quickly.For our anniversary we went to Olive Garden for dinner (mmmmm). Then we went and did some Christmas shopping. We had fun. We were acting like idiots (Well I was) and I went little camera crazy at the mall, but it was fun.

I was trying to act like the young Women in our ward. They all do this in all of their pictures. It's really funny.I got one of Brian being a nerd. He told me not to put this on here so, of course, i had to put it on. hehe. I'm such a mean wife. =o]

We decided this is what life looks like when you are on acid. It looks like fun, but you really feel like crap. Not that I know.

Us in front of the mall tree. Taking pictures by yourself looks like crap.

A lady walked by and watched me trying to take our picture and she offered to take one. It looks better than the one I took. Isn't Brian so cute?

Here is Ellie tonight. I thought it was ironic that she was wearing a BYU baseball t-shirt and a tiara. It totally fits her personality.

She wanted to pose by the flowers. She is not camera shy. As if you couldn't tell.

"Take a picture of me smelling the flowers" she said.

"Take lots pictures" She said. So I did.

I hope this was a good enough post for you Natalie. haha. Maybe I'll be better about updating the blog...maybe

Snow

2008-11-14T15:49:00.003-07:00

It snowed on the 5th. Ellie really wanted to make a snowman. I sent her out to make one and she needed my help, of course. So, I went out and basically made the whole thing and then Trevor realized I was outside and he has to be where I am 24/7 so he came out too. Ellie put the scarf, hat and gloves on the snowman. Trevor just threw snow everywhere. It was fun.

Halloween

2008-11-07T16:32:00.002-07:00

Ellie and Trevor were so cute on Halloween. Ellie loved to wear her costume, but Trevor screamed and kicked and cried while I put his costume on. He finally got used to it. They ended up having a really fun day. Brian andI were worn out by the end of the day, but Halloween isn't fun unless you get all hopped up on sugar and then crash hard...right? Normal Ellie pose.

Trevor still crying about his costume. haha.

I Love my Wife and Kids

2008-10-21T20:41:00.003-06:00

This weekend was the UEA weekend. Emily, Ellie, and Trevor went to St. George and spent Saturday, Sunday and Monday with Emily's dad. I couldn't go with them because I had some Stake YM meetings that I was in charge of on Sunday. I've always known that I love Emily and the kids immensely, but I came to another realization...I hate being away from my family for any amount of time. I've gone out of town for business trips before, and I've hated being away from them then. However, this time, I literally felt sick the whole time. Sunday, after church, i couldn't focus on anything. I just wanted them to be home...but I knew they were having fun visiting Grandpa Greg and Grandma Janet.

I love Emily more than anything in this world! She is my Angel...as Elder Holland expressed in this last conference. She is the most wonderful and beautiful wife; and I often feel that I haven't done nearly enough to deserve her.

Ellie is a beautiful, feisty little 5 year old and, thinking about it, I wouldn't have it any other way. We definitely have our work cut out for us as she grows.

Trevor is such a soft hearted little kid. The way he says "I love you too" is awesome.

I'm so blessed!!!! Just wanted to express it.

My sisters new baby

2008-10-21T17:51:00.002-06:00

This is my cute new neice, Lila Jane. She was born on October 14th. I was able to be in the delivery room with my sister. I felt so blessed. She is so beautiful. I'm the luckiest aunt ever.

Dying my hair

2008-10-12T17:38:00.003-06:00

It has been 6 years since I've dyed my hair. Hailey encouraged me to do it. I have been thinking about it for a while. It isn't a huge change, but it sure does make me feel like I look better. haha. Before
After. I also look better when I do my hair. That always helps.

Didn't get the house

2008-09-25T09:31:00.004-06:00

Well, our house didn't sell and we didn't get the other house we really wanted. But, that's okay I guess. You don't always get what you want when you want it. Anyone who tells you otherwise is selling something that doesn't work.

Speaking of selling something....since we didn't get our other house...the GINORMOUS entertainment unit with book shelves that we were going to use is up for sale. It doesn't fit our current home, so if anyone wants to buy it....let me know

Babysitting Maddness

2008-09-22T13:50:00.005-06:00

I watched my brother Adams 3 kids while they went out of town and then it was my sister Maggies birthday and she needed someone to watch her 2 kids. It was a crazy night. I had a total of 7 kids. It was total maddness. They had a blast though.All crammed into my family room on the air mattress and couches.
We went to adventureland park to feed the ducks. The water was really low and it smelled bad, but the kids still had fun.
Just the girls. Sarah, Rebecca, Noelle, and Ellie. They have so much fun together. Ellie is the youngest by 5 years, but she definetly fits in just fine.

Fun Day - Sep. 11

2008-09-12T10:30:00.002-06:00

Today was pretty fun...I spent some time with my brothers in law, who share my birthday, and we hit some golf balls at the driving range and had lunch. When I got home, Emily sent me on a scavenger hunt throughout PG, AF, and Orem that ended at Tucanos where we had dinner. It was a fun birthday.

Of course, there's nothing like celebrating the fact that mother nature has beat up on you for yet another year...haha.

Ellie's 1st day of Kindergarten

2008-08-25T15:31:00.011-06:00

Ellie was so excited for her 1st day of school. She had to pose. (Of Course)
Strike a pose.
Outside her school
Trevor was so sad. He wanted to go to school with Ellie. It was so sad. He kept saying "I wanna go to school".
She had to be the first in line. Of course.
She got to choose where she sat. She was so independant. I love it
In the car after school.

Cute questions that her teacher sent home. I recorded her answering them. She is adorable.
I tried to put a video of her answering the questions, but it wouldn't work. It tried for over 2 hours. I wish I could have gotten it on here. It was really cute. If you want to hear her answers just let me know and I will email you the video.

Dance Dance Revolution

2008-08-25T15:12:00.006-06:00

We had some friends (Karyn and Richard) over to play DDR last night. It was so flippin' funny.Brian and Richard Karyn, me and Brian
I think Brian is trying to take me down. Never gonna happen.
Trevor and Micah trying to play. haha.

Mountain Biking at Sundance

2008-08-25T13:40:00.006-06:00

We went moutain biking in sundance on Saturday. It was way fun. I didn't do very well. I think I would have except the tires on my bike weren't very good for mtn. biking. Everyone went down the mountain twice. I only went once. I was slipping all over the place and I really didn't want to die. ha.

Brians dad, Gary, was in the chair lift with my kids and was able to catch some pictures of us coming down the mountain.

Brian, Chelsy, Kevin, Me, Amelia, and Rand (Chelsy's husband)
My cute family after Brian came down the second time.
Brian and Kevin
Trevor was so tired. He wanted to go home. He is such a mama's boy. I love it.
Brian's parents (Gary and Debbie)
Ellie posing as usual.
Playing by the water while we waited for the others to come down.
Feeding bread to the fish!

Rock Climbing

2008-08-25T12:51:00.006-06:00

Me, Brian, Kevin (Brian's little bro), Amelia (Kevin's girlfriend), and Chelsy (Brian's sister) went to the quarry in Provo on Thursday. We had a blast. It was my first time climbing. It was so much fun. I totally kicked trash, especially Brian's. haha. I want to go again. Me and Amelia wearing the same outfit. (No it wasn't planned).
Brian and I getting ready to climb. Wahoo!
Me kicking Amelia's trash.

Brian climbing the wall. What a stud!

Chelsy getting pushed back to the wall by Amelia

Kevin Showing off.

Brian Regan Concert

2008-08-19T18:54:00.009-06:00

Brian and I at Brian Regan. Love it.
Steve and Deelisa Panton. Awesome friends.

Laurel and David Lowe. Some of my best friends from high school.

The Girls. Me trying to be sexy. haha. Never gonna happen.

Brian Regan. He is so stinkin' funny!

Fun Weekend

2008-08-18T08:36:00.004-06:00

Thursday Night, Emily and I went with Laurel and David Lowe to see Brian Regan at Thanksgiving Point....FUNNY!!!! We also hung out with Steve and Deelisa Panton there, while running into Becky and Greg Johnson...long time no see!

Friday and Saturday were spent camping up at Current Creek with the Pantons and the Willes's. Pretty uneventful and relaxing...with the exception of Coco (our beagle) taking off in the woods for two hours, Emily and Ellie worrying themselves sick as a result, and then Coco returning covered in fresh cow poop! UGGHH!

Em and the kids are awesome!

Day 2 of Emily at Girls Camp

2008-08-07T00:02:00.003-06:00

Well, today was a little more normal for me in that I worked for most of the day at the office. Maggie was nice enough to watch the kids from about 9:30 until 4:20. The kids and I had some dinner and then we drove up to Mutual Dell and took an extra blanket, batteries for the camera, and a Cherry Limeade from Sonic to Emily. We miss her tons and she misses us, but she is having a blast with the girls and leaders up there. The kids and I are excited to hear her camp stories when she gets back! (We heard a couple, but we'll let her fill the world in on it)

Day one of Emily at Girl's Camp

2008-08-05T23:33:00.002-06:00

I helped Emily get off to Girl's Camp for our stake today. It's weird being on the "staying" end. I'm usually heading off on a business trip or to some camping trip with the scouts. I have to say...no fun. I'm busy, of course!

Got the kids up and dressed
Fed them breakfast
Did laundry and cleaned up the house (in case anyone came to see it)
Took Ellie to swim lessons...Trevor and I played with cars while we waited for her.
Dropped the kids off at Emily's sister Maggie's house
Went to work (realized I forgot my computer and had to go back home to get it...ended up working from home)
Picked up the kids and took them to Bajio for dinner...then picked up some milk at Macey's
Mowed the lawn
Bathed the kids and watched the movie Cars with them
Did some work to clean up our hard drive on the laptop and now I'm on the blog.

Most of this is all in a day's work for Emily...who is the most amazing woman that I could ever have hoped to marry. Which brings me back to the fact that it's only been 15 hours and I miss her like crazy.

Camping with the Family (End of July)

2008-08-04T21:10:00.007-06:00

We spent 3 days camping up near Strawberry Reservoir with Chris and Shelly Willes and their kids, Steve and Deelisa Panton and their children, Harold and Melanie Becht and crew....and, of course, Keira!. Tent Trailer, Crayfish fishing, kayaking, swimming, campfires, log teeter-totters, strange animal noises and a very funny snipe hunt. All-in-all it was awesome and we're ready to go again...after Young Women's Camp!

2008-07-29T15:26:00.002-06:00

Here is Brian teaching Ellie how to ride her bike without training wheels. She loved it and she started to catch on. Brian was worn out by the time they finished. He got quite a work out.

Home from Zion's Camp

2008-07-19T22:11:00.000-06:00

I spent 5 days in the wilderness of Joe's Valley in Southern Utah with the young men from the stake. I hiked almost 20 miles in 2 days, got rained on, had canoe wars, and loved every second of it...except for the part where I had to be away from Emily and the kids for 5 days. Even though the experience was awesome, the boys were great, and the spirit rocked....I still had a hard time being away from my beautiful wife and kids.

Pictures are forthcoming!

2008-07-18T23:26:00.000-06:00

This is the first tag that I have ever posted to my blog. It sounded like fun so here it goes...Heres a little game! I like games....who doesn't? Leave a comment on my blog of a memory that you and I have had together. It doesn't matter if you've known me for a short time, or a long time, anything you remember! Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. Ready, Set, GO!

Moving Answers

2008-07-18T22:38:00.000-06:00

I've had a few people ask me where we are moving to. We found a house in American Fork that we love. It has 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. It was built in 2006. It is very nice. The only problem is that it is in a short sale and they can't accept our offer until our house is under contract. It is kind of nerve racking. We might be homeless for a while. ahhhhhh. We haven't had any offers yet. Hopefully soon. If you want to see the house we are trying to buy go to utahhomes.com and in the address area type in 554 N 1200 E. You can take virtual tour. It is kind of confusing if you haven't been in the house, but you can still see how beautiful everything is. We don't really have a reason that we are moving except we really like this home, so NO I'm not pregnant. Everyone asks if we need more more room for another baby. No. We will stay in this house if we can't get that other house. At least that's what I think. I hope that answers everyones questions. =]

My House is for Sale

2008-07-17T20:12:00.001-06:00

Brian and Emily's Trip to Cali

2008-07-16T15:45:00.001-06:00