The Ovard's

Rafflecopter Launch party Giveaway!

2012-01-09T19:29:00.000-08:00

Rafflecopter is having a giveaway to celebrate going public. See the info. below on how to enter to win an ipad2 and a kindle fire.

Check out the new Rafflecopter entry form while taking a crack at winning some awesome prizes:

http://blog.rafflecopter.com/2012/01/rafflecopter-launch-party/

Snowmen

2011-12-18T18:18:00.000-08:00

Spent the weekend crafting, and of course the kids wanted to paint too!
Here Zach is painting his little snowman.

Here is the snowmen that I was making. I got this great idea from another blog called So You Think Your Crafty.
I decided that I want to make one for myself, my mom, and my mother in-law.
I think they turned out pretty cute if I do say so myself.

Here is a closeup of one of them.

Kylie painting an apple that goes with her teacher's gift for Christmas this year. I will have to post on that one when we get it finished.

Visiting Santa 2011

2011-12-18T12:50:00.000-08:00

For some reason Zach decided that he needed to be afraid of Santa this year!

Kylie forgot what she was going to ask for as we were walking out the door. I told her that she must not have wanted what ever it was too badly if she couldn't remember it.

Here we are with the little stinker who was so not afraid last year, but this year he wanted nothing to do with the big guy.

When we walked out and he realized that he hadn't told Santa what he wanted for Christmas, we had to go back in so he could try it again. He sure doesn't look too happy though!

Craftaholics Gift Exchange 2011

2011-12-04T21:48:00.000-08:00

I once again participated in the Craftaholics Gift Exchange.
My partner Kimberly was from South Carolina.
Here is the gift that I made for her!
Hope you like it Kimberly!

Halloween Swap with the Mommy Files

2011-10-29T20:51:00.000-07:00

I participated in the Mommy Files Halloween Swap again this year.
And of course I forgot to take a pictures of all the fun things that I sent, but here is a picture of the items that I received. My partner just happened to be Shannon from the Mommy Files.
I hope that she likes her package just as much as we liked ours.
My kids were drooling at the yummy cholcolates and my 3 year old was excited about the pumpkin shaped Macaroni and Cheese. This just happens to be his staple food and this point and time. It's what he always asks for.

Kids New Pictures

2011-07-13T23:10:00.000-07:00

Here is the updated pics for the kids in 2011.

Creature Day at the Library

2011-07-13T23:02:00.000-07:00

The kids wanted to go to story time today because they were having an activity called Kim's Cold Blooded creatures. At first I was wondering why, as both of my kiddo's don't like those kinds of things.

Here Zach is sitting with his friends waiting for the show to begin. He actually only sat like this for about 5 minutes and then he was everywhere else.

Kylie holding her little cousin Brooklyn, and you can see cousin Trista off to the side.

When it came time to holding the creatures the kids lined up like crazy!

Kylie headed in the direction of the turtles.

And Zach didn't have a care in the world. He was just running around having a great time. When it was time to go, the lady with the very large snake did not have anyone in her line, so I asked Zach if he wanted to hold the "big snake". I thought for sure that he would say no, but to my surprise he said yes. And walked over to the lady and let her put this gigantic thing on him.
Zach weighs 36 pounds and the snake weighs 45 lbs. He was never scared, but he sure has the look that it is pretty heavy!

4th of July

2011-07-13T22:54:00.000-07:00

This year we celebrated the 4th of July in Henefer again.
Here the kids are watching the parade. (Which just happened to be the shortest parade that I have ever seen.)
And also doing fireworks at Grandma and Grandpa Ovard's in Henefer.

Swimming Lessons 2011

2011-07-13T21:21:00.000-07:00

This year for swimming lessons both of the kids were really excited to go. Kylie has become quite the little swimmer over the last couple of years and Zach was just as afraid to get wet as he was last year, but he was always excited to go and get in the water.

Here are a few pics from their days at the pool.

By the end of the two weeks Kylie was diving pretty good. This was one of her first ones.
A little knee bending going on there!

Craftaholics Gift Exchange

2011-07-05T12:08:00.000-07:00

This is my 3rd time participating in the Handmade Gift Exchange organized by Craftaholics Anonymous . It has always been a lot of fun to try to come up with just the right thing to make for someone that you have never met before. My partner this time was Anne from Washington. She told me that she loved Summer time and being able to spend time with her family. Her favorites were the color purple and anything with Dragon flies. So here is what I made for Anne.

A summer block with Dragon Flies!

Anne sent me this crocheted blanket that I can cuddle up with when it gets colder. (Which I hope is not for awhile, as it seems like the warmth just got here!)

Thanks Anne! It looks great on my couch and matched the family room really well.

Kitchen Cabinet Fix

2011-06-27T14:01:00.000-07:00

We have been saying for a little while that we just needed a few more cupboards in our kitchen. So we decided that when we went to Salt Lake the next time we were going to see what we could find.
As you can see from this picture we have a rolling (white) cart that holds a lot of things like towels, tape, pens, bills, ect.

The two drawers right next to it were always filled with junk.

When we were in Salt Lake with our cousins for the Parsons outing we went to IKEA and found a cabinet that we thought would work just great. The only problem was going to be getting it in to the car.
Trunk view after all purchases were inside from all the stops.

Here is Zach's little spot that was left for him.

And Kylie directly behind him in part of the backseat.
She looks really tired, because not only had we spent the day swimming and shopping, but she also fell asleep on the way home.

Here is the cabinet in it's beginning stages.
The color is not exact to our cupboards, but close enough.

Here it is all filled up, with room to spare.
We were able to empty the white cart, 3 drawers, and a couple of shelves in the cabinets so that we can reorganize some other stuff to make it more easily accessed.
Now all we have to do is go back to IKEA and get the door that goes on the front of it!

Stay tuned to another day, when I show you what I did with the white rolling cart that we were using before. Lets just say that it is now organizing all of my AVON stuff.

Flower Bed Make Over

2011-06-04T08:38:00.000-07:00

The flower bed in the front of my house, has needed some major help for a couple of years now. But this year, I had finally had enough.
This picture that you see here is actually what the whole flower bed looked like before I started, totally filled with weeds and grass. (I forgot to take a picture of the whole thing before I started.)

Here you can see besides the small patch of weeds that are left we (Kylie and Me) had started taking the bricks out too that were lining the sides of it. (Easy way of saying that we had extra bricks left over from building the house and this was a cheap way to border the flower beds.) The grass was over taking the whole flower bed, as it decided to grow through the holes that are in the bricks.

Here is the finished look after all the bricks are gone, and no more weeds in sight!

Now this is what it looks like with the new landscaping bricks that we bought. It looks so much better and hopefully will be mostly weed free. I lined most of the bed with the black weed blocking stuff.

Now all I have to do to complete the look is add a few more flowers in between the three that come back every year. We just have to wait for no more freezing at night.
I must say that I did a pretty darn good job!

Potty Training

2011-06-03T20:29:00.000-07:00

Zach turned 3 in April, and I decided that no matter what he wanted, we were going to get the potty training done this summer. He was very attached to his diapers and he wanted nothing to do with wearing underpants.
So the Saturday after school started, we woke up in the morning, put all of the diapers where they could not be found and put big boy underpants on.
He was not too impresses, but went with it. (after all there were no diapers to be found anywhere in the house.

Here are two pictures of our first go at it. The first two days were not so great. We had accidents more than we made it to the potty. After he had the first #2 accident, he said, "well mom, I guess I will have to wear diapers again."

When the 3rd day arrived, I tried to put a pull up on him because we were headed to Park City to get some things from Home Depot. He was having none of the pull up. So we went with out little potty seat in tow and he made it to the potty everytime. He has even made it five days in a row with waking up dry (even though the diaper fairy comes in the middle of the night and puts a diaper on him.) Thursday we even made it with Zach asking to go potty, and he ended up with a #2. He is getting to be such a big boy and we are so proud of him.
He even tells me now, "mom, I'm going to try to potty so I can have a treat!" What a big guy!

Zachary's 3rd Birthday

2011-05-31T12:07:00.000-07:00

This year Zach's birthday just happened to be on Easter Sunday. So we kind of celebrated all weekend long so that on Sunday we weren't hurrying to try to get a party in before we had to leave Green River and head back home.

So Friday night we let him open up a present from us so that he would have a chance to play with it during the weekend.

He was so excited when he saw that he got a Lightening McQueen Remote Control Car.

A big coloring book from Grandma and Grandpa Brian

Kylie even picked out a few special things on her own for Zach this year.

A big dump truck from grandma and grandpa parsons + some clothes and pajama's for the summer. Now if it will just warm up I can actually let him wear them.

When we asked him what he wanted for his birthday he always said that he wanted a green ball. So this is the green one that we found.

Blowing out the candles!

Canyon Lands National Park

2011-05-30T10:37:00.000-07:00

This year for Easter weekend we went to Canyonlands National Park

After living in Green River for 23 years of my life, I can honestly say that I have never been to this part of the park. We have been to Dead Horse Point a few times, but never ventured into Canyon Lands.

This isn't the best family picture, but here we all are.

For some reason on these trips with my parents, Kylie always finds a tree to pose by.

Mom and Dad

Zach just had to show grandma the crack in the rock.

Rabbit Romp Gift Exchange part 2

2011-05-29T18:40:00.000-07:00

When we got home from our Easter Weekend, I had a package waiting for me in the mail.

I received these wonderful things from my Rabbit Romp partner.

She went above and beyond and sent me so many nice things.
I feel really stupid that I can not remember who my partner was. I waited so long to post on it that I completely forgot.
SORRY!

Easter Egg Decorating and Egg Hunt 2011

2011-05-29T17:14:00.000-07:00

For some reason it took me awhile to get the rest of April around to getting posted.

Here are some pictures of the kids decorating eggs at Gma & Gpa P's house.

This was Zach's first year of really trying by himself and he did a pretty good job. He just wanted all the eggs that he colored to be GREEN!

Tryin to be careful. You can see the egg getting ready to make a big plop into the color cup.

Kylie is getting to be quite the pro. This year she tried making some that were two colored instead of just one.

Lookin for eggs in the backyard.

Grandpa wanted to mow the lawn, and we had to make him wait until they got all the eggs out of the way.

Zachary found some hidden under the porch.

Workin together!

I am not quite sure what this face was for.

Sand Dunes - Easter Weekend

2011-04-28T18:45:00.000-07:00

While we were on our four wheeler ride, we found the sand dunes so we got out and played for a little bit. Zach wanted to play with the toys that the kids packed.

Kylie immediately grabbed one of the sleds and started heading up the hill.

She wasn't quite sure what to do so I decided that I better be a trooper and hike up there and go with her.

Lets just say that I was not going down the hill very well.

Zach decided after a little while that he wanted to go up to. But when it came time to going on the slide he decided it didn't look to great after all.

My mom even made the little (not so little) hike up the hill..

When it came time to rolling the eggs down the hill Greg and Kylie decided that it would be funner to throw them.

And then take a hike up a little ways.

Kylie actually kept hiking for a little ways and got quite far.

I didn't get a picture, because it was too hard to see her.

Then as we were getting ready to leave, my dad and Zach were going up a couple of little hills, and my dad got stuck. But, Zach sure had the biggest smile on his face every time he came up that hill.

Four Wheeler Ridin - Easter Weekend

2011-04-27T18:02:00.000-07:00

Over the Easter/Spring Break we went down to Green River to spend some time with my mom and dad.

On Friday they took us out for a four wheeler ride to a small patch of sand dunes, and along the way on the ride we saw this geyser just out in the middle of nowhere. It wasn't very high, but kind of cool to see.

Greg came with us too, as his little family was in Canada visiting with Heather's dad and mom.

Zach and Kylie looking for a drink before we took off again.

Zach was so excited to be riding the four wheelers. He even rode with Uncle Greg for a little while.

Kylie rode with her dad!

Mom and Dad

Thanks for a fun day!

The Rabbit Romp Exchange

2011-04-27T16:48:00.000-07:00

Wendy over at Craft Goodies was hosting a Rabbit Romp and I decided to participate.

The rules were that you had to include a rabbit in your craft.

I decided to make my partner Terry from Cherished Treasures, an Easter sign, with some bunnies to go on the side. I also found her a fun little Easter notepad and a chocolate bunny.

I hope that she liked them, because I had fun making them!

Kylie's Face Painting

2011-04-26T15:00:00.001-07:00

Kylie participated in Arts kids this year. One of the days they learned all about face painting.

This is what she looked like when she came home.

Let's just say it took her a long time to get all the red washed off!!

Dad's and Doughnuts 2011

2011-04-26T15:00:00.000-07:00

We had out annual dads and doughnuts day in March, where the dads and kids get to have time together to share a book and eat a doughnut.

Kylie and Dad sat out in the Kiva to read before going to get doughnuts.

Zach wanted to have nothing to do with reading this year. All he wanted to do was play on the computers in my classroom.

Kylie's Birthday Part 3

2011-04-25T16:37:00.000-07:00

Kylie also had a small gathering of friends for a party this year.

We used the theme of Camp Rock and sang and danced our way through the afternoon.

Here the girls are practicing their singing skills.

Eating cookies and milk. The sugar cookies were shaped like stars and they said, "Rock Star" on them.

Being silly and having fun.

Opening presents......

More dancin to the Wii.

Do we love this new game or what?

Kylie's Birthday Part 2

2011-04-25T16:24:00.000-07:00

Grandma and Grandpa Ovard brought the kids over so we could have cake and ice cream for Kylie's birthday. (Look at Zach! He is helping his sister to blow out the candles.)

Having a little Wii fun at our house with Drew and Trista. Kylie got The Kids Dance game for her bday.

Kylie's 9th Birthday Part 1

2011-04-25T16:15:00.000-07:00

I have been a slacker when it comes to blogging this year. I decided it was about time I got myself caught back up.

Kylie turned the big 9 this year, and it seemed like we just had one party after another for her.

This is when we were in Monroe with the Parsons Family. All of her cousins were there to share the day with her.

After having cake and ice cream everyone gathered in the family room for a big dance party with the Wii. It was quite the fun had by all.

Valentine Exchange

2011-02-14T16:38:00.000-08:00

This year I participated in the Re-vamped Valentine exchange. This is the Valentine that I sent to my partner Wendy. A little block that says Sweet Heart, some X & O magnets, and some fun lip gloss that I sell from Avon.

Wendy sent me these great candy jars filled with candy.
And the package even arrived on Valentines Day!
What a great surprise when I opened my mailbox!

Christmas Morning 2010

2010-12-27T21:42:00.000-08:00

There was no waking up early at our house on Christmas morning.
My kids like to sleep in. So when Kylie came in to wake us up at 8:00. We decided that we had all better get up.
Kylie was excited when she saw her things from Santa, but her first comment was, "I didn't ask for that!" (Meaning the scooter.) It was on the original list so I am sure that Santa some how saw that she wanted it.

Zach was also excited after he finally woke up. He is still at the age that he did not understand waking up early to see what Santa left. Zach's favorite was the Thomas the Train Set.

Grandma and Grandpa came to spend Christmas with us this year.
Grandpa wasn't feeling his best, but the kids had fun having them here.

Kylie was so excited when she opened her Madame Alexander Doll.
It was just the one that she wanted.

Grandma and Grandpa got ice cream bowls that said, Big Scoop, and Little Scoop from my kids.
Both my kids and grandpa love ice cream!

Christmas Eve 2010

2010-12-27T21:31:00.000-08:00

We have a tradition in our house to open new pj's on Christmas Eve.
The kids were excited to see what they were and pose for pictures afterwards.
We were just excited that Zach was starting to feel better, because the day before he was hitting temperatures of 105 degrees. It was really scary...

Zach was being so cute as he copied everything that his sister was doing.

My New Car

2010-12-27T21:26:00.000-08:00

On December 23, we decided to do a little car shopping.
I had my previous car for almost 9 years and the car itself was almost 10 years old. It was still running great, but we, as a family were ready for a vehicle that had a little more room.
We ended up buying a 2009 Saturn Outlook. It drives great and there is so much more room than what we had before.

Mommy Files Santa Swap

2010-12-27T21:16:00.000-08:00

This year I participated in the Santa Swap from the Mommy Files. My partner just happened to be the same partner that I had for the Halloween Swap as well. She did an awesome job in putting together a great gift box for me. She got me many great things that were just right for me. Thanks again Linda. I am enjoying everything!

She made this cute decoration. It fits in well with my other Christmas decorations.

3rd Grade Christmas Program

2010-12-27T21:07:00.000-08:00

This year the kids at the school presented Christmas programs during their specialists times. Parents were invited to attend and watch the kids perform many Christmas songs. Our music teacher Mrs. Given, did a wonderful job of getting everything organized and ready to go. They all did a great job.
Here is a couple pics of Kylie singing with her class.

Neighborhood Gifts

2010-12-27T21:02:00.000-08:00

This year for neighborhood gifts I took a candle (sugar cookie scented) and monogrammed the family letter onto the front of it.
With each different family Monogram I came up with a different saying that would include the letter of their last name.

Ward Christmas Party

2010-12-27T20:55:00.000-08:00

This year for our Ward Christmas Party we had a yummy ham dinner followed by
the primary kids singing a few songs.

Zach wanted to go up on the stage too, but he sat behind the bells with Tessa.

Then Santa surprised the kids with a visit so they could give all their Christmas wishes. (This was the 3rd time we saw Santa this year!)

Zach's Gingerbread House

2010-12-27T20:50:00.000-08:00

After Kylie came home telling Zach about her big day of making a Gingerbread house, he just had to make one too. (I am sure that Kylie was doing a really good job of planting the idea into his head too!) They both had a lot of fun working together.

They both had a lot of fun working together.

Visiting Santa in Henefer

2010-12-27T20:43:00.001-08:00

We went to Henefer's Town Party to see Santa this year.
We ended up waiting for about 45 min in the cold to see the big guy.
Zach loved Santa this year. He just climbed right onto his lap and told him what he wanted for Christmas! Cousins, Drew, Trista, and Brooklyn also came with us!

3rd Grade Gingerbread House Day 2010

2010-12-03T23:30:00.000-08:00

Every year in the 3rd grade, we have our annual Ginger Bread House Day. This year was the first year that I did not just get to sit back and watch all of the kids make their own creations. With Kylie being a 3rd grader I actually got to sit down and help make one.
She knew exactly what she wanted to do and the only thing that I really had to help her with was putting the frosting on the house and the ground.
Here she is just decorating away.

Gift Exchange Gift (From Me)

2010-12-03T23:22:00.000-08:00

These are the gifts that I sent to my craft exchange partner, Taylor.
A home made Christmas card. (This idea was thanks to My sister in law Tristen)
We made these on our crafting night during Thanksgiving.

Some winter magnets.

And a Christmas sign!

I sure have fun doing these craft exchanges. It is so fun to get a surprise in the mail.

Decorating the Tree

2010-12-03T23:17:00.000-08:00

The day after we got home from Thanksgiving, we decided to get out the tree.
It takes quite a process to get out the tree and move all the furniture around so that it can fit in just the right spot. Needless to say, it took me 5 days to put the ornaments on it.
Zach was just having fun being right in the middle of everything. Kylie loves to help me fluff the branches. As soon as the tree was up, Zach's found hisfavorite place to be.

Craftaholics Gift Exchange 2010

2010-12-03T22:57:00.000-08:00

Once again this year I participated in the craftaholics gift exchange. This year my partner was Taylor, and she sent me some great gifts for both me and my family.

This cute hair bow that Taylor said was "Taylor Made", my daughter absolutely loves.

My kids love advent calendars. They love knowing how many days left until Santa comes.

Taylor also sent us some Reindeer food, which my little man Zach wanted to take outside right away so that the reindeer could bring Santa to our house. She also gave me a yummy smelling candle that we are all enjoying in our home.

Thank you Taylor for all the wonderful gifts. I hope that you have a Merry Christmas!

Thanksgiving Craft Time

2010-12-03T22:48:00.000-08:00

This year during Thanksgiving, all the girls got together and did craft night. Each of us brought a craft for the other to create.
Mandy and Tristen were helping Kylie to make one of the crafts that Mandy brought for us to do. We painted all of the kids hands black so that we could get their hand print on a piece of muslin to put in a photo frame. Zach did a pretty good job when it was his turn. The end result turned out great.

Grandkids

2010-11-27T20:17:00.000-08:00

We had a chance to get all nine of the grandkids together to take a quick picture.
As you all know getting that many to hold still and look at the camera, can be quite the process. But the kids all did well, and we were able to snap a few shots.
From L to R: Kinsey, Sydnee, Nathan, Chloe, Kylie, Rylee, Brailie, Allie, and Zachary

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-27T19:43:00.000-08:00

This year for Thanksgiving we met in Monroe and celebrated the day at my mom and dad's new home. There were many from both the Parsons family as well as the Brian family. As you can see from the pictures, we had a very enjoyable dinner with lots of family.

The Night Before Thanksgiving

2010-11-27T19:33:00.000-08:00

The before Thanksgiving some of the grandkids found the santa hats that my mom likes to use to take pictures in.
Rylee and Kylie, wanted to have a girls picture together. (Sydnee was asleep and the other girls were not there yet!)

Zach and Nathan being the only 2 boys with 7 girls in the family wanted to have their picture together too!

Here are the 4 of them together!

My dad with his hat! He has a new best friend on his lap.
The dog (Roxy- Ryan and Tristen's dog) followed him everywhere he went because he kept feeding her.

Nathan with Grandma!

Family Pictures

2010-11-17T20:07:00.000-08:00

This year we all got together to celebrate Grandma Brian's 80th birthday. After having dinner, we went outside and i had my brother take a picture of my little family so that I could have something to use with our Christmas cards this year. I think that it turned out pretty good!

I also wanted him take a picture of the kids. Kylie's turned out really well, and of course little man Zach would not even pose for a picture. So I will have to get one of him later.

There are also pictures of the whole Parsons clan, as well as the whole Brian clan. So as I get them I will post them.

Enjoying the 1st Snow Fall

2010-10-25T15:16:00.000-07:00

Kylie and Zach just hurried home and play in the snow when we got home from school today. Zach did much better this year, last year he hated the snow!

Halloween Blog Swap

2010-10-25T15:13:00.001-07:00

This year I participated in a Halloween Blog Swap with the Mommy Files.
Here are the goodies that I received from my partner. I can not believe all of the wonderful things that she sent.
Thanks Linda! My family and I are enjoying it all!

Spooky Reading Night

2010-10-09T12:00:00.001-07:00

Every year own PTA sponsors a spooky reading night to start off the book fair at the school. Kylie really wanted to go, and we didn't have their costumes ready yet, so we settled on some halloween hats that we had in the closet.
They listened to some Halloween stories, danced to some Halloween music, and had yummy donuts and homemade rootbeer.

Here the kids are dancing to the music, although they look like they are just standing there.

You can't really tell from this picture, but Zach was having some fun
What a cutie!

So I went to the spooky reading night as a parent wanting to just enjoy the night with my kids. While I was there I had to put my teacher hat on and take care of a problem child who seems to lack respect for others. He decided that it would be fun to throw a chair at another child who was there, and it smacked her on the leg and she had this lovely goose egg sticking up. I first took care of the naughty child (9 year old) taking him back to his parent explaining the problem, and then finding an ice bag for the other child. What a way to end a fun night with the kiddo's. NOT~!

Ouch!

2010-10-09T11:55:00.000-07:00

My two kiddo's and I made our weekly trip to the library and while we were there, Zach decided to take off running, trip over his shoe, and land head first into the floor. Luckily for us he did not get a goose egg at all, but it sure sounded like he hit hard. It kind of looks like he has carpet burn more than anything else.
So I wanted to put some ice on it when we got home, and he would not let me. The only thing that I could find that would help was to put one of my headache masks on his head. (Its one that you can keep in the freezer.) He looked quite silly, but it helped.
Here he is reclining in front of the tv with his mask on!

Melon Days 2010

2010-09-24T15:47:00.000-07:00

In GR for the annual Melon Days celebration.
The kids always have fun being able to see Grandma and Grandpa, and playing with their cousins. There is always plenty of melon to eat and yummies to eat while on the park. The kids love going to watch the parade to catch candy and ride around with grandma on the golf cart.

First Day of School

2010-08-26T15:43:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that we are heading back to school already. It seems like the summer just flew right by and we missed it.
Kylie is a big third grader now. So hard to believe that she is in the same class that I teach now.
Her new teacher is Mrs. Duffin.

Zach was mad because he wanted to go to school with us. He kept saying, "I go you!" So he was not about to get his picture taken. That is why I am in the picture with him.

Back to School gift for Kylie's teacher.

2010-08-26T15:37:00.000-07:00

Kylie wanted to take something to her teacher for the first day of school, and I saw this cute idea on one of the blogs that I follow. I will have to see if I can find out which one it was.

Anyway so you take fortune cookies and half cover them in chocolate.
We used purple because that is Kylie's teachers favorite color.

After the decorating, we put it into this cute chinese take out box with a sign that said, "I'm so fortunate to have you as a teacher!"

Kylie helping to put them into the box.

We also sent her with a Pepsi since that is also her drink of choice. Just like me!

Cookie Decorating at the Fair

2010-08-26T15:28:00.000-07:00

I took the kids down to the park for the cookie decorating contest. Let's just say that there were more kids there than they planned for, and they had to cut all the cookies in half.
Zach had lost all interest in putting anything on his cookie that he had it almost gone by the time the had the frosting even out on the table.

Kylie decorating her cookie.

The finished product.

24th of July revisited part 2

2010-08-17T20:53:00.000-07:00

On the Sunday before everyone went home mom wanted to get a quick updated picture of everyone. For 8 little ones to all sit at the same time for a picture they did pretty good. I am not saying they were all angels and everything was perfect, but they did pretty good.
From L to R: Kinsey, Rylee, Allie, Sydnee, Kylie, Nathan, Zachary, and Brailie

The whole clan.
Kalen, Kinsey, Kelly, Carrie, Zachary, Kylie, Dad, Mom, Rylee, Nathan, Ryan, Tristen, Sydnee, Allie, Greg, Heather, and Brailie. (Mandy is missing cause she did not want to have her picture taken.)
The kids all had a fun time being able to play and run around with each other in the new big house.

24th of July revisited

2010-08-17T20:48:00.000-07:00

While we were visiting Grandma and Grandpa in their new house in Monroe, the last day the kids were able to help with a little re/un decorating of the wallpaper. Kylie and Zach had a blast!

Riding in the Fire Engine

2010-07-29T09:27:00.000-07:00

While the activities were going on at the park, they were giving rides on the fire engine. Kylie, Zach, Nathan, and Allie (Uncle Greg too!) all caught the last ride of the day.
Zach had a great big smile on his face when he got off. He had a blast.

My Little Worker!

2010-07-29T09:23:00.000-07:00

This year for the 24th celebration my mom and dad had a cotton candy/snow cone booth.
Kylie was a big helper, with putting the flavors on the cones. She was having so much fun that she never wanted to go home when Zach and I left.

24th of July

2010-07-29T09:04:00.000-07:00

For the 24th of July this year we went to Monroe, (which seems to have become a tradition that last couple of years.) This time we were not all staying all over the place at many different houses as we were all able to stay in my mom and dads new house in Monroe. It was great! Lots of room to move around for both the kids and the adults. The only thing missing for me was a great bed to sleep in. (Long story about blow up mattresses!)
Here most of us are waiting to watch the parade. We didn't get to the parade early enough so we ended up on the side of the street that had all the sun shining directly on us. But we ended up having fun even if we also got a little sweaty. We even got to see cousin Jesi, on her float. She was Miss Sevier 2nd Attendant.

Fishing

2010-07-17T11:18:00.000-07:00

Kylie had fun fishing. She even learned how to cast her line at one of the last stops that we made.
Kylie with the first fish of the day, and her very first catch ever.
From the expression on her face you can see that she had not idea what to do with it.
Grandma helped her to reel it in.

Exploring

2010-07-17T11:07:00.001-07:00

While we were fishing. Zachary had more fun wondering off exploring.

Zachary coming to share my chips.

At the end of the day Zachary just plum got too tired and had to rest. So he slept through the last stop.

Provo River Falls

2010-07-17T10:50:00.000-07:00

In July we took at day trip with my mom and dad through the Uintah Mountains.
These pictures are from our stop at Provo River Falls. We also stopped at Bald Mountain for a minute when the truck started to over heat! OH NO!

Cheer Camp

2010-07-17T10:41:00.000-07:00

Kylie attended the North Summit Cheer Camp again this year..

4th of July

2010-07-04T21:03:00.000-07:00

This year for the 4th of July I decided to have a booth at the park in Henefer. I had a couple of homemade items and also some of the Avon products that I sell. I did ok for the first year, if I can come up with some great ideas, I might do it again next year.

When we were done at the park, we hurried to Grandma and Grandpa's house to pick up Zach so that we could go and see the parade. Little did we know that the parade had already started and just as we were going to get in the car, the parade came right in front of the house. So the kids got the candy and we didn't have to go anywhere to see the parade. I liked that!

Cousin Whitney (WE) became one of Zach's favorite people this weekend, cause she would take him on rides on the four wheeler. (Don't worry everyone he always had a helmet on when they were moving.)

Christmas in July Gift Exchange

2010-06-27T20:54:00.000-07:00

During December, I participated in the Craftoholics Gift Exchange.
They had another one called Christmas in July, and I decided to participate again.
This is the craft that I sent to my person.

USA blocks.

A USA themed plaque with the families last name on it.

Playing Outside

2010-06-27T20:00:00.000-07:00

Just a couple of fun shots of the kids playing in the sun.

Organization

2010-06-27T19:31:00.000-07:00

So we have had this shed that we purchased at Sams Club sitting in our garage for well over 6 weeks taking up lots of space. (The boxes were huge!) We finally decided we were at a point that we could get it put together.

Oh my h#*%!!!! Can I just say. I don't ever want to do that again.

When we went to start, (10:30 a.m.) Kelly decided to change the base that it was going to sit on from a gravel base, to a ply wood base. (3 hours later) We were actually ready to start building the shed.
After getting about 4 of the walls up we found out that we didn't do as good of a job at getting a flat base as we thought we did. Thus the beginning of a really really really long project.

After we hit a point in the directions it said that this step requires three adults.
Great! Now what?
Kelly called his brother Brock, thankfully he was able to drive over from Henefer to help us out.
Brock left at about 11:00 p.m.
After making sure that Zach was asleep I went back out to help again with the finishing touches and loading some of the stuff inside.
Let's just say that after jumping in the shower to wash away the grime of all that work, and finding a snack to eat, I was STARVING! I went to bed at about 2:15 a.m.
What a really LONG day!
So here is a couple of pictures of the whole process.
And this is what the garage looked like after we finished.

More Fence Pictures

2010-06-27T19:22:00.000-07:00

A couple more pictures of the fence posts all cemented in.

Starting of the Vinyl Fence

2010-06-23T11:49:00.000-07:00

This year we got a little bit of money back from taxes and decided that we were going to put a fence up in our yard. Our neighbors are really who got us looking at it, cause they really wanted to fence their yard and have us share the cost for the piece in between. Which seemed only logical. After getting a few bids and getting the cost to where we felt comfortable spending that amount of money, we decided to go ahead.
Here is a before picture as they were starting to lay the posts on the back lawn.
The view of the swing area. Notice the small dirt pile at the bottom of the picture. It does not stay that small by the time they are done.

Father's Day Card

2010-06-23T11:45:00.000-07:00

I am the nursery leader, and I wanted to have the kids make something for their father for fathers day.
I got all the cards started at home, when we got to church we had the kids help to glue on the little popcorn pieces, and then they got to draw a picture inside for their dads.
We sent them all home with a bag of home made caramel popcorn. YUM!

Sleepy!

2010-06-23T11:41:00.000-07:00

After a hard day of playing, Zachary tired himself out and this is how he fell asleep.
He sure has been falling asleep in funny places lately.
I think his little body just finally gives out on him.
One day he fell asleep while eating popcorn, and when he woke up, he thought he was still eating it.

Learning to dive

2010-06-23T11:28:00.000-07:00

Kylie is now swimming on a level 3.
In level 3, you get to learn how to dive.
When she first started, there were quite a few belly flops.
You will see from that pictures that through the two weeks she gradually gets better to where she is diving pretty darn good and off the diving board too.

Splash!

This one is going to flop!

The splash is much smaller on this one.

Good starting form.

Lookin good!

Off the diving board.
Good job Kylie!
You are really doing great!

Kylie's Swim Lessons

2010-06-23T11:17:00.000-07:00

Kylie lucked out this year and ended up in a swimming group with only one other person. So she had a lot of one on one time with the instructor.
She also got to meet a new friend.
She has improved a lot since last summer.
She really surprised me at how well she can swim.

Zach's Swim Lessons

2010-06-23T11:12:00.000-07:00

Zach was not going to get in the water with one of the instructors so I got in with him for his first year. On the days that the water was warm he was a little more willing to move around. When the water was colder all he wanted to do was cling on tight.
Here is one of our first attempts to jump in the water. He got a little better at this as the time passed.

First Day Swimming Lessons

2010-06-23T11:09:00.000-07:00

Here we are getting ready to leave for our first swimming lessons.
The first picture is blurry, cause Zach decided to try to move just as the camera was clicking.

Playing with Cousins after Sydnee's Blessing

2010-06-22T17:48:00.000-07:00

At the end of May we got together with Ryan and his family for the blessing of their little girl Sydnee, and to celebrate Nathan and Rylee's birthday's. I got a couple of pictures of all the kids playing together outside after we ate dinner, but unfortunately I did not get any of little Sydnee.
\

Kylie and Allie pushing Zach down the sidewalk.
Plus one of Tristen's cousins, sorry I can not remember her name.

Allie taking her first ride on the mini four wheeler by herself. She wasn't to sure what to think of it when it took off on her.

Kylie and Allie

Zachary

Nathan and Zach

Allie and Rylee

Kylie hitting the ball to Uncle Greg. She was hitting it a lot better than I thought she would.

Zach playing with Buzz Lightyears wings. (At least I think that is what it was.)

Poem Day at School

2010-06-20T21:40:00.000-07:00

The week before school got out Kylie's class had a Poem day at school.
Parents could come to school and see their kids recite one of the poems that they had memorized, plus see them act out a mini play. In the play Kylie was the narrator.

Her poem was titled "Love"

Waiting while the other kids were presenting.

Mini play!

Teacher Appreciation

2010-06-19T17:45:00.000-07:00

For teacher appreciation Kylie wanted to make something for her teacher.
Using an idea that I got from Girls Camp last year.
We took a wood block painted it and Modge Podged some paper to it for a photo holder.
The next day at school, I snuck into Kylie's P.E. class and took a picture of the whole class so that the teacher wouldn't know we were doing something for her.

Kylie loves to paint and chance that she can get.
I have not let her get into in too much yet.
Maybe one day she will paint as good as she draws.

Here is the finished project.
On the little wooden pencils it says, "Mrs. Mills is Great, Awesome, #1, and things like that"
It turned out really cute and her teacher loved it!

My Little Golfer!

2010-06-19T17:39:00.000-07:00

Zach's favorite thing to say is "In the Hole!"

Zachary's 2nd Birthday

2010-04-24T20:53:00.000-07:00

Two years ago today, our little guy Zachary joined our family. It has been an amazing two years, and he has grown and learned so much. Where did the time go?
We started the celebration to Zachary waking up to a new bike (from mom and dad) and a Thomas the Train Tent from Grandpa and Grandma Parsons. Zach was having fun crawling around in it with his sister, and Grandpa said that he wanted to get into it to. I don't think that Zach and Kylie thought that he could really do it........So here is grandpa with the kids in the tent.

My new neice!

2010-04-24T20:50:00.001-07:00

My new neice, Sydnee Grace was born on April 9th.
I went to the hospital to see her and had to settle for a picture of here through the nursery room window. After she was born the doctors were concerned about her breathing so they were monitoring her pretty closely.
I am proud to say that she soon got the breathing under control and she was able to go home as planned with her proud mommy, daddy, brother, and sister.

Fun at Grandpa and Grandma's

2010-04-24T20:45:00.000-07:00

While we were in Green River for Easter we were not able to go for our annual four wheeler ride, because of all the wind. So Grandpa took the kids on little rides around the yard. Here are a couple of them.

One night after dinner we found the three kids, Kylie, Zachary, and Allie, laying on Grandpa and Grandma's bed watching cartoons.

Easter Saturday 2010

2010-04-03T22:04:00.000-07:00

On Easter Saturday we usually get
together with my mom and dad and
take a four wheeler ride into a small
section of sand dunes just outside of
Green River. This year we decided
that we wanted to do something a
little different, so we loaded up the car
with a picnic lunch and headed out.
We ended up driving towards Moab, UT,
crazy I know since this is the time of
year when all of the jeeps are out
at the jeep safari. Anyway the traffic wasn't
too bad and we ended up driving through
Arches National Park. We got out and hiked
a little so that we could get closer to some of the
arches. Here are a few pictures that we took
while we were there.

Easter Egg Hunt 2010

2010-04-03T21:53:00.000-07:00

This year for Easter we are in Green River. Last year we started having an Easter Egg hunt with
the grandkids that were here, and we just had to do one again this year. My kids love being able
to go and look for eggs in Grandpa and Grandma's back yard.
Zack on the look out for some eggs. He was funny to watch because he would step right over the top of some if he saw one that was a little ways away.

Easter 2010 Decorating Eggs

2010-04-03T21:49:00.000-07:00

Kylie loves to decorate Easter Eggs.

Zach even tried coloring on a few this year.

Green Carrots and Jello Giveaway

2010-03-19T21:02:00.000-07:00

Green Carrots and Jello is having a great giveaway for Friday only. Even if you miss the great give away, they have great products that you can use all year long. Go and check them out. I love their their clip art.

Kylie's Baptism

2010-03-06T21:17:00.000-08:00

Here is a couple of pictures that we took of Kylie before she got baptised today. She was surprised to see that when we got to the church, they had a dress for her to wear instead of a
jumpsuit. We were glad to see that Grandpa Jay was able tomake it to the baptism as he has not been doing very well.

Not Fun Friday

2010-03-06T21:11:00.000-08:00

After having a fun day at school for Dads and
Doughnuts, Kylie and I came home to find water
all over the counter top and floor just as you come
in the door from the garage.
This picture her is just above the kitchen cabinets
where most of the water was coming out. It ran down
the walls, landed on the counter and fell to the floor,
leaving such a fun mess to clean up.

This is a place that was a little higher up on the
ceiling that was also dripping a little bit, but no
where near as much.

Here you can see the path that the water was
making as it fell behind the cabinets.

Now we will probably have to cut a hole
into the ceiling so that we can see if
we can find the leak.
Not the greatest start to what was supposed
to be a great weekend, as we
celebrate Kylie's baptism.

Dads and Doughnuts

2010-03-06T21:06:00.000-08:00

Friday was Dads and Doughnuts day at
school. As you can see from the picture
there were many dads who came to share
the day with their kids.

Here is Kylie as she is waiting for it all to begin.

Kelly and Kylie in their little spot that they
found to read together. And of course eat doughnuts.

Birthday Slumber Party

2010-03-06T20:56:00.000-08:00

We had Kylie's birthday party with friends
last weekend. She got to invite a couple of
her friends to a birthday sleepover.
After having pizza and other yummies....

I took some material and sewed each
of the girls some pillow cases.
While I was busy cleaning, they sat down
and added their own fun decorations
to their pillow cases using fabric
crayons.

They each had a lot of create ideas and they
turned out great.

Cupcakes and ice cream were a big hit. For
some reason the sprinkles were the thing to
load the sundaes with.

After opening some fun presents the girls posed
together for a picture, then got their sleeping bags
out ready to watch a movie.

Bowling for Kylie's Birthday

2010-02-26T19:16:00.000-08:00

We decided to take Kylie bowling for her birthday and she had a blast. When she first started she was just pushing the ball down the lane, then after watching Kelly and I, she started to try it the other way. She did pretty good. There were a couple of times when the ball came backwards instead of going forward. So we had a good laugh and she would pick it up and bowl again.

Zach was just fascinated with everything around him. During the second round of games we let
him play too and he loved going up and helping mom and dad push the ball down the lane.
There were a couple of times that we wondered if the ball would make it all the way to the end, but it was a lot of fun.

8 Years Old

2010-02-26T19:02:00.000-08:00

Kylie turned 8 this week, and she has been super excited because she gets to be baptised. The big
day is just one week away. For her birthday she actually got up and got dressed for school in a very timely matter. (I wonder if it had anything to do with opening presents.) She never gets ready without arguing about something. Zach gave her a Barbie doll that she just loved. She said it was a Green River barbie cause it had a thing of cotton candy in its hand. She also got a new DS game, some clothes for her doll, and her first set of scriptures.

Visiting Family

2010-02-26T18:57:00.000-08:00

During Presidents weekend we went to Green River for a couple of days to visit with mom and dad, then we went to Monroe to visit with Grandpa and Grandma Brian and also see Mom and Dads new house. While we were at Grandma and Grandpa's Zach was being his usual shy self to start out with and then he warmed right up. He is a little tease and kept playing with and teasing grandma out of her seat. It was really cute to watch.

Watching TV

2010-02-26T18:54:00.000-08:00

The other day I walked into my bedroom and saw
the kids sitting together like this watching cartoons.
It was too cute not to catch with the camera.
Sometimes they get along so great, other times
Kylie just likes to pester him like crazy.

Should I be Worried

2010-02-05T21:48:00.000-08:00

My little guy likes to go around the house and put everyone else's shoes on. The other day he walked out of my closet wearing these. One brown dress shoe and one black one. He went everywhere before they finally fell off.
He is such a little character!

Doll Clothes

2010-02-05T21:40:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago, my mom and dad came up for a visit. They got to watch one of Kylie's games and we shopped for Kylie's baptism dress.
On Sunday afternoon my mom sat down with a new pattern that she had a whipped out this cute dress for Kylie's doll to wear. It turned out really cute.

Just two days later we found out that Kylie was invited to a friends birthday party and the theme was American girl dolls. So we called grandma up and she hurried and made another one for her friend. My mom is great at doing things like that. She had it in the mail within a day and a half. Your the best mom!

LICORICE

2010-02-05T21:38:00.000-08:00

My little man loves his licorice.

I love the little mustache look!

Jr. Jazz

2010-02-05T21:32:00.000-08:00

Kylie is playing Jr. Jazz again this year. She seems to be having a lot of fun, and not being as afraid of the ball as she was last year. She will at least go after the shot a little more than she did last year.

Creative Play

2010-01-31T21:54:00.000-08:00

I was sitting at the computer one afternoon and I had not heard anything from Zach for awhile.
I asked Kylie if she knew where he was.
The funny thing is, is that he was right behind me in the box and all of a sudden I heard this little giggle sound.

I hurried to grab the camera cause he went back in there after he peeked at me the first time.

This is his cheese for the camera.

Christmas Morning at the Parsons

2010-01-21T19:55:00.000-08:00

Anxiously waiting for the ok to go upstairs!

Nathan and Rylee with presents from Santa!

Kylie found some presents with her name on them!

Here is Zach's stuff, he was still to sleepy to be interested.

The soccor ball woke him up a little bit. He loves to kick the ball around.

Kylie wanted an American Girl Doll really bad. Santa found her a Madame Alexander doll, and she was ok with that.

Kinsey playing with her little doll house.

Rylee and her Barbie house.

Nathan got a Leapster!

Kylie was way excited to see her DS. She said, 'Mom look what I got! I didn't even ask for it! But I wanted one really bad!"

Kylie with her doll.

Zach and his Police Bike.

Kylie has always wanted to have a flat iron for her hair ever since Aunt Mandy did her hair for her with one awhile back.

Zach loved his Mickey Mouse couch from Grandma and Grandpa.

And this is the I learned my lesson present.
Kylie gave Zach a Little People Tractor, and he just happened to be in the room with me when I wrapped it. Oh my goodness was that a mistake.
Everytime he saw that type of wrapping paper he would cry and say Tractor!!!

Kylie also loved her new roller blades that she got from Grandma and Grandpa.
Too bad she has not been able to use them yet.
There is still too much snow on the sidewalks and new stuff coming!

HO HO HO

2010-01-21T19:47:00.000-08:00

On of Zach's favorite things to say for Christmas was HO HO HO!
Here are a couple of pictures that I snapped while he was saying it.

He is such a little cutie!

Christmas Eve Jammies

2010-01-21T19:34:00.000-08:00

All of the kids posing in their Christmas pj's. It was really hard to get all 7 of them looking at the camera at the same time. My little guy Zach was the worst one of all. He sees that there is a camera and he wants to run the other direction.
From L to R: Zach, Nathan, Brailie, Kylie, Kinsey, Rylee, and Allie.
Thanks Grandma and Grandpa Parsons for the fun Jammies!