{I am Marci}

{The Square Temple}

2012-01-13T08:02:00.000-08:00

When we arrived Jacob announced there is the "Square Temple"! Well, he is right, but he meant Temple Square...

After another Christmas Party with Marcus' family we headed to see the lights. It was cold, but we saw just enough and the kids loved it!

{Party at Noahs!}

2012-01-13T07:47:00.000-08:00

The Moeller Christmas Party was at Noahs and we had our own private ice rink on the balcony! The kids were excited, but it turns out, ice skates really hurt!! They did try it, but realized it was much more fun to just brave it with their shoes...Santa even joined them on the ice!

See Maizie in the bottom corner?

Well, she promptly walked away :)

But she loved playing with the other girls...

...and wrestling with the boys.

{sitting with Grandma}

{Family Photo with Santa}

{Maizie figured out her own way to get the candy...}

{Glad Tidings Concert}

2012-01-13T07:31:00.000-08:00

I joined this singing group a year and a half ago. My connections to the group were my SIL and my brother's best friend's wife (I know! But we are all somehow connected to her!) It has been so fun to spend time with amazing women who are great moms and know how to take time for themselves to make them great moms! Oh, and they are also talented singers!!

{August 2011 ~ right before Robyn moved :( }

{December 2011 ~ Christmas Concert}

{He really was happy to be there!}

{First and only snow}

2012-01-13T07:26:00.000-08:00

This was the first and only snow this season that landed enough to play in it! Tate and Maizie and Dad headed right out (Jacob doesn't like the cold...smart boy I say!) But Maizie didn't mind at all!

I love that Marcus is about to pass out in this picture...

{funny girl}

2012-01-13T07:17:00.000-08:00

This girl just keeps getting more fun...she loves to let me do her hair so we put these in one night before bed.

She loves to get dressed! I pulled out a dress I wore when I was a little girl, and it matched her blue eyes!

{trying to get a good picture}

{There is that cute smile!}

She loves getting in the fighting action with the boys and they always figure out a creative place to put their weapons. So Maizie came out of her room one day with a creative place for her weapon! Love her resourcefulness!

{It's a...}

2011-12-05T14:17:00.000-08:00

If you haven't heard, we are going to be welcoming another little one to our family soon, and it is a BOY! And boy was I surprised! But excited to hopefully have a little less drama...

A little light bulb went off in Tate's head a few weeks ago after we watched an animated Christmas Nativity. He said, "Hey, we could name the baby Jesus!" And ever since then that is what he has been telling people, that we are having a Jesus baby. Awesome...

Then last night we had the following conversation.

Tate: "We don't want to hurt the baby Jesus in your tummy." (they were playing aggressively!)

Me: "Tate, we aren't going to name the baby Jesus."

Tate "Well, I want to call him that!!"

Me: "You can call him that, but that is not going to be his name."

Tate: "Well, maybe it can be his second name." (I think he meant nickname)

Me: "Okay, it can be his second name."

What can ya do??

{Happy Wedding Day x 7}

2011-12-05T14:16:00.000-08:00

Well, another year rolled around for Marcus and I. On our anniversary date we talked about our past 7 years and how our relationship has changed for the better. I didn't really think that was possible considering how good it was to begin with. But our love has changed...something like this.

"Love is a temporary madness. It erupts like an earthquake and then subsides. And when it subsides you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots have become so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is. Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the promulgation of promises of eternal passion. That is just being "in love" which any of us can convince ourselves we are.

Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident. Your mother and I had it, we had roots that grew towards each other underground, and when all the pretty blossom had fallen from our branches we found that we were one tree and not two." Louis De Bernieres

Thankfully we never had to "work out" if we wanted to be together, that part came easy, and here we are. And I still get excited when he comes home...

{six years and counting...}

2011-12-05T14:11:00.000-08:00

Our little bud turned 6 this year, wanted a Hot Wheels cake and had a fun party with his friends.

But first he woke up to balloons in his bed...

...and his favorite breakfast, complete with the #6!

{Hot Wheels cupcakes for friends}

{Nicholas, Wyatt, Jacob, Kaden and Maizie, all driving!}

{Maizie having the time of her life!}

We love you Jacob! You continue to be the blessing to us that you were the day you were born. You are so good, and remind us to be the same. Don't ever change!!

{conference center}

2011-12-05T14:09:00.000-08:00

Our ward had Regional Conference and we were invited to attend in the Conference Center with the kids! I couldn't pass up the opportunity to take them there since you normally have to be quite a bit older. They were so good and thought the whole experience was pretty cool.

{this is Halloween}

2011-12-05T14:00:00.000-08:00

We had just come home from Disneyland and then got to celebrate Halloween! So we didn't get back to real life for several days...

{Jacob's first Halloween Parade}

{Our Little Gnome}

{Trick-or-Treating at Grandma's}

{Maizie loved running from door to door and was so cute doing it!}

{Maizie with friend Amy stuffing a giant marshmallow in her face}

We carved pumpkins at a ward party this year and Marcus loved using his new pumpkin gutting tool!

{the happiest place on earth...for some}

2011-12-05T13:54:00.000-08:00

I say Disneyland is the Happiest Place on Earth...for some, because after 1 1/2 days, Maizie wasn't of the same opinion. She was fine getting on the rides and during the rides, but any other time was pretty much torture for her. The rest of us didn't really mind, we were too busy being happy!!

We started of with a little known secret in Disneyland...Jedi Training! It was amazing! Tate got chosen to train and was placed on stage right next to the main Jedi.

{taking an ice cream break}

{exploring Toon Town}

{First time meeting Mickey Mouse!}

Day 2 at Maingate

We loved being there at Halloween time!

A highlight of our trip was meeting Jack! Well, Maizie, not so much a highlight as a terrifying memory...

Jacob and Tate completed Wilderness Adventure Camp while Maizie and I took a nap...

Another highlight was our character dinner at Goofy's Kitchen...awesome food! I got to try my first Creme Brulee and it was way better than I thought it would be!

The kids loved having a more intimate setting to visit with some of the characters...

{Tate and Max}

{Maizie and the Fairy Godmother, once again, not a fan}

{Jacob, Tate and Pluto}

{Kids with Snow White}

Day 3 at the Bug's Life show in California Adventure

We got lots of good tips before we went and ended up having a great hotel with bunk beds, using a shuttle and not having to deal with parking, free hot breakfast everyday, and more! I'd love to pass on my tips when you need them! We can't wait to go again!

{Scarecrow Festival}

2011-12-05T13:50:00.000-08:00

The Scarecrow Festival is a tradition for us since my MIL works at the Westridge Academy. Shawn Bradley started working there several years ago and Jacob got a signed picture with him. We ran into him again this year and got another shot...

{Jacob ~ almost 2}

{Jacob ~ almost 6}

{Maizie loving the bounce houses}

{with cousin Bo on the train}

{end of season}

2011-12-05T13:39:00.000-08:00

Just some end of the season pics...

Disregard the slimy green frosting on that cute smile...

{PINK month}

2011-10-14T13:14:00.000-07:00

Did you know it is PINK month? (Breast Cancer Awareness) Well, enter to win a $25 gift card to Sam's Club (a huge supporter) at one of the best blogs around! Fit Me Pink Cause who doesn't want to shop at Sam's?? And for a good cause??!!

{harvest time}

2011-10-06T13:12:00.000-07:00

The kids love harvesting the garden and I often find them out there eating tomatoes off the vine (just like their daddy). So when dad announces they need to pick ALL the tomatoes because of the storm coming, they hop to it.

Now if they will just listen and not pick this (and many more!) little beauty for a few more weeks!!

{squash turned pretty}

2011-10-06T13:10:00.000-07:00

I couldn't stand the thought of eating any more squash so I started painting it. Marcus still thinks we're going to eat it...

{Utah Man Am I}

2011-10-06T13:03:00.000-07:00

Maizie was so excited for her first football game, and dad thought she needed some big red bows, so we made those and she was ready to go!

She didn't care too much about what was going on the field, but loved all the food and other attention she got for almost 4 hours!

This game was during the priesthood session and a guy stood up behind us in his white shirt and tie and a sign that said "My wife thinks I'm at conference." Then he held up this one.

We all thought it was pretty hilarious.

Fun Saturday ending with this sight. (she's trying to pull her shirt down!) I thought Maizie would be exhausted but she talked the whole way home! That is pretty much how she is these days...

{saturdays = soccer}

2011-10-06T12:57:00.000-07:00

The boys are on different teams this season and were excited to have different colors. Jacob has been practicing a lot and improving his skills. He has scored several goals but is becoming a really good defender and loves to play goalie.

This year he got to be on the same team as his friend Wyatt and their team is a lot of fun to watch.

And Tate just loves to run and be outside and play with his friend Landon on his team. But he is also improving and scored a goal last week.

{Meet Me In The Stairwell}

2011-10-06T12:48:00.000-07:00

'MEET ME IN THE STAIRWELL'
You say you will never forget where you were when you heard the news On September 11, 2001. Neither will I.

I was on the 110th floor in a smoke filled room with a man who called his wife to say 'Good-Bye.' I held his fingers steady as he dialed. I gave him the peace to say, 'Honey, I am not going to make it, but it is OK..I am ready to go.' I was with his wife when he called as she fed breakfast to their children. I held her up as she tried to understand his words and as she realized he wasn't coming home that night. I was in the stairwell of the 23rd floor when a woman cried out to Me for help. 'I have been knocking on the door of your heart for 50 years!' I said. 'Of course I will show you the way home - only believe in Me now.' I was at the base of the building with the Priest ministering to the injured and devastated souls. I took him home to tend to his Flock in Heaven. He heard my voice and answered. I was on all four of those planes, in every seat, with every prayer. I was with the crew as they were overtaken. I was in the very hearts of the believers there, comforting and assuring them that their faith has saved them. I was in Texas , Virginia , California , Michigan , Afghanistan ..

I was standing next to you when you heard the terrible news. Did you sense Me? I want you to know that I saw every face. I knew every name - though not all knew Me. Some met Me for the first time on the 86th floor. Some sought Me with their last breath. Some couldn't hear Me calling to them through the smoke and flames; 'Come to Me... this way... take my hand.' Some chose, for the final time, to ignore Me. But, I was there.

I did not place you in the Tower that day. You may not know why, but I do. However, if you were there in that explosive moment in time, would you have reached for Me? Sept. 11, 2001, was not the end of the journey for you. But someday your journey will end. And I will be there for you as well. Seek Me now while I may be found. Then, at any moment, you know you are 'ready to go.'

I will be in the stairwell of your final moments.

God

{day hike}

2011-10-06T12:41:00.000-07:00

My brother and his family were in town from Germany for a week and we spent almost every day together, but only got pictures on this day. We went to Park City, had a picnic and took a little hike and they did a little shopping. The kids were just happy to be outside.

Maizie espescially loved the hike and looked so cute in her pink hat.

{running to catch us!}

{not sure about the steep skinny trail}

{awesome view}

{Jacob taking pictures of us resting}

Sweet Abby and Tate loved being together. One day at the park they were having a race and Abby was lagging behind, so Tate grabbed her hand and ran with (i.e. dragged) her the rest of the way!

{Another First Day}

2011-10-06T12:39:00.000-07:00

After many months of asking, Tate finally got to start preschool again. He is going 4 days a week now, which leaves me home with just Maizie (good thing she loves to shop!)

Tate is very social and loves to smile and laugh. He comes home with new things to tell me every day about school and big hugs and kisses too!

{After the first day...}

2011-10-06T12:37:00.000-07:00

...he ran to me and gave me a big hug.

And he has every day since!

{resting place}

2011-10-06T07:16:00.000-07:00

Grandma passed away in June and we are still adjusting to life without her, but I couldn't pass up sharing these beautiful photos, courtesy of my sister-in-law Erin Gadd from Pink Daffodil Photography

{Jacob and cousins saying goodbye}

{Tate taking one last look}

{Mom and Maizie waving goodbye}

{Grandma's favorite}

{the majority of Grandma's posterity, I know she is smiling about this one}

{a first day}

2011-08-29T09:28:00.000-07:00

Years ago Marcus and I set some goals to accomplish by the time Jacob started Kindergarten, thinking that day would never come. Well it did. Thankfully he was very ready and excited, which made it easier for me.

Even though he had been in preschool for two years, I think he could sense that this was really it. The first big step to not being home with his family during the day. Last night I wasn't feeling well and stayed home while Marcus took the kids to see his parents. When they got home, came and said hi to me and I could see he was holding back tears. I asked him what was wrong and he said he just really missed me. That got me thinking how can I send this little guy away? He is my friend, my protector and my first miracle baby. He has such a tender heart and is always concerned about his family. He has come a long way in the past couple years from being a nervous basket case, to being a friendly easy going student who is okay with new situations.

Just the other day, I went outside to find the boys sitting in their campchairs around a fire Marcus had in the fire pit. I stood their for a second and then Jacob asks me, "Mom, do you want me to get a chair for you?" I don't know where he gets that (okay, I do, he gets it from his Dad), but it just amazes me his level of generosity to others and he is only 5.

Well, I know he'll do well in school and he will be the one standing up for what is right, because he is just like that!

{Jacob and Wyatt}

{Ragnar Reunion}

2011-07-26T10:41:00.000-07:00

Our Ragnar team got together and reminisced/stuffed our faces. Any excuse right? Here are 8 out of 12 of us. We loved our Ragnar experience and can't wait to do it again, right??

Have to sneak in a picture of Maizie, she was begging me to take her picture after the above one was snapped!

My friend Lindy convinced me to run the Deseret News 10k with her, and I'm glad I did. A great course and an even better atmosphere!

{Lindy ~ Marci ~ Tiff}

I set a 10k PR of 54:26...more than 2 minutes faster than I've done it in training, a great way to start off yet another holiday!

And Marcus was soooo happy I was wearing this shirt!

{two short years}

2011-07-26T10:29:00.000-07:00

Two short years ago we had this beautiful baby girl.

One short year ago she had her first birthday.

And last week that baby girl had her 2nd birthday!

We woke her up (at 9 am mind you!) with pink baloons in her bed!

She wasn't sure at first, but then she started going crazy!

Maizie had a Hello Kitty birthday party with her friends...

{Hello Kitty's Art Table}

{Hello Kitty's Yarn Toss}

{Hello Kitty's Litter Box}

complete with prizes and Tootsie Rolls (he, he)

{singing Happy Birthday}

she'd been practicing her blowing...and did it in one shot!

{Amelia ~Riley ~ Maizie}

{Brooks ~ Avery ~ Mattea}

{Hello Kitty bracelet and purse}

Then we had cake and ice cream and more presents with Maizie's grandmas and grandpas!

More singing...

and blowing...

We love you Maizie! You'll always be our baby girl, but we love watching you grow! I wrote down over 100 words you know and lots of sentences too! You may be too smart for your own good, but we can't get enough of it! We hope you know the happiness you've brought into your parents and brothers lives. Things wouldn't be the same without you.

Happy Birthday!!

{3 days of dirt...and fun}

2011-07-26T10:24:00.000-07:00

Last year we camped here, and Maizie was miserable. This year she was in little girl heaven!

She loved the dirt and water and rocks, and I loved that she didn't attempt to eat any of it.

She spent a long time sitting in the soggy dirt by this stream. I was okay that she had a soggy butt most of the trip because she just loved it.

{cleaning the ground up...not sure how that went}

I took a little nap and woke up to Grandma and the kids building this pool in the dirt.

Awesome...

Filing the pool...

{Tate, taking a little nap}

{snuggling with mom}

Maizie has a deep love for marshmallows (or "mallows" as she calls them)!

{Maizie and cousin Spencer}

Showing off my giant marshmallow...

{melting marshmallows}

{snuggling with dad}

{cousins}

{late night gaming}

{making the old folks stay up to play}

Love my babe...

{a bunch of cute girls}

2011-07-26T10:23:00.000-07:00

{Maizie and friends}

{FHE & a rainy day}

2011-07-26T10:18:00.000-07:00

Parker and Avery got to stay with us for a few days. We had a lesson during FHE about work, so then we "worked" to make our own ice cream in a bag, and it was delicious!!

Then we went to the zoo on a rainy day and we LOVED it! No crowds, no heat, and tons of fun!

{roaring like T-Rex}

{flower girl}

2011-07-26T10:13:00.000-07:00

Maizie found some dress up clothes and came out looking like this before church...I loved it!

{parades, smores and fireworks, oh my}

2011-07-05T12:19:00.000-07:00

Maizie was lovin' the snaps...

and the parade...

Then BBQ, smores, and fireworks to top it off!

{BFFs}

2011-07-05T12:16:00.000-07:00

My friend Laci that I grew up with came into town and lucky for us planned get togethers for the rest of us who live her! We picnicked...

and played...

and ran...

and GNOed with our moms!...

{mulligan...}

2011-07-05T12:12:00.000-07:00

Everytime I go golfing I remember how much I love it, so we went the day after we got home from Mesquite with some friends.

{Marci and Lindsay}

Lindsay and I had pink and purple balls...I thought it was cute when our drives landed this close to each other!

{Bryan and Lindsay}

Marcus was proud of some of my shots and we beat the Allens, better luck next time!

{destination...inferno!}

2011-07-05T12:04:00.000-07:00

When I was younger and we were in Mesquite I remember feeling like I couldn't breath because of the heat. But now I just soak it up and I love it! Especially when I get to soak it up with these cuites!

As you can see, Maizie was beyond excited to play in the water. That smile didn't leave her face the whole time!

{the driving range outside the condo}

{Miss America}

{golfing with my babe}

Golfing, swimming, movie going, bowling, relaxing and eating...now that is my idea of a good time!

{our Grandma B's passing}

2011-07-05T11:57:00.000-07:00

My Grandma B. passed away a few weeks ago. I feel like I have been preparing since January when she got sick (under my care mind you!). So I felt surprisingly relieved and at peace. I don't remember feeling that way when my grandpa died. I think it helped that I was able to be with her so much in her final years, months, and even days. It was all a process and it gave me a lot of closure.

That doesn't mean that I didn't burst into tears every so often, but like I said, I felt at peace. It was hard telling the kids because Grandma B. has been more of a grandma to them than a great-grandma. They spent almost as much time with her as I did in their short years. We used puppets and showed them how when a person dies their spirit body leaves them and their physical body stays here on earth. They have of course been taught this before but now it seemed very real to them and Jacob cried, even though he was smiling through it.

They did very well at the viewings and funeral and cemetary. Maizie was all smiles when I lifted her to see Grandma at the family viewing. She pointed and said in her cheerful little voice, "Grandma B."

Apparently this is what you do at viewings these days...:)

{Maizie and Sadie showed up in the same dress!}

Since then the kids have talked about Grandma B. and the other day had this conversation as we pulled up to Grandma Cathy's house.

Tate: "Grandma B. is still dead. We gotta wait for Jesus to come get her."

Jacob: "Yah, and heal her."

I love how they talk about it simply and are learning that this is part of Heavenly Father's plan.

Growing up, Grandma and Grandpa B's house was one of my favorite places to be. Not only was there unlimited candy and soda, but there was also unlimited love and attention. I know they had a part in helping me become a confident young women, one who didn't really question who I was or where I was going.

I was at my mom's one day and stayed to help her and her sisters go through Grandma B.'s stuff. They found these old hats and I insisted they put them on.

{Cathy~Jean~Linda}

I was trying to get them to give me a serious face, but really they just look mad.

{Oh, what do you do in the summertime?}

2011-07-05T11:49:00.000-07:00

We splash,

and swim,

and stuff our faces,

and slide! (haven't got pictures of that one cause I've been the one sliding!)

{girly, girly}

2011-07-05T11:47:00.000-07:00

She spends a lot of time cooking and sampling the goods...I love it.

I watched her butter this bread for what seemed like forever. Apparently she likes a lot of butter.

{Ragnar = torture...but so much fun!}

2011-07-05T10:06:00.000-07:00

This year we were the LeapFrogs, any excuse to wear bright green, right?

{Brianna and I~matchy, matchy~not planned}

{some of team at Van 2's first exchange}

{Carrie and Aubrey exchange}

{Aubrey and Lindy exchange}

{Lindy and Robyn exchange}

{Robyn and Joe exchange, oh wait, it wouldn't be Ragnar if Joe didn't leave someone waiting in the shute...}

{Joe deciding to show up}

{and they exchange, love Robyn's eye roll}

{waiting for Joe, and waiting, and waiting}

{Can you pick me out? Its kinda like Where's Waldo with the striped tights and all.}

{Joe and Marci exchange}

I know you're wondering why in the world I have on all that gear. Ragnar has strict safety rules which is good considering several people have died doing this in recent years. So after 6:30 pm and before 7 am you had to have on a head lamp, tail light, and reflective vest. Nevermind that I was running into the blazing sun, but safety first, right? Oh and my leg was unsupported (meaning my van could not stop to give me water) so I carried my own. Come to think of it all of my legs were unsupported this year...

{rockin' the uphill}

{cheeseburgers and fries at the Lodge, we deserved it right?}

{my a.m. run without any sleep, but it was gorgeous!}

{and more hills}

{with our volunteer Cassie~so glad we ran into her!}

{and 33 hours later we finished...plus we're all still friends...an added bonus!}

{last day with Grandma}

2011-07-05T10:03:00.000-07:00

Grandma had respite care while our family was in town so she could get the attention she needed, so we went to visit her. She seemed good that day so we took lots of pictures.

Turns out this would be the last time my kids would see her and the last time I would talk to her. Grandma passed away one week later...

{cousins at the zoo}

2011-07-05T09:59:00.000-07:00

{more fun stuff with the cousins}

{Alli~Sadie~Josh~Maizie~Tate~Nate~Andy~Rachel~Jacob}

This was in the middle of Maizie's nap so I let her bring her kitty and at one point she was holding its arm and trying to get it to walk alongside of her...so cute!

Daddy surprised us and showed up before he went to school, made all of our days.

Maizie Moo loves all the attention she gets...

I can't believe this is my little baby Alli. Seems like just yesterday she was 2 and we were having sleep overs and watching Girls Just Wanna Have Fun. Now she is my main side kick whenever she is around and I still love to hang out with her!

{more with the kitty}

{getting spit on by the dinosaurs}

{me and my babes}

Already counting the days to see our cousins again!

{60 years young}

2011-07-05T09:55:00.000-07:00

My parents turned 60 this year...

(it was easy for me to remember because I turned 30 and my aunt turned 50)

Their birthdays are a day apart. We had a big surprise shin-dig and had some family in from out of town, so the kids were in heaven...

My kids adore their older cousins because they take such good care of them...

Marcus just chillin...

We did a presentation of skits from thier lives (mostly embarassing ones) and when my dad walked out and saw the sign he said, "oh no." That's right, oh no.

Maizie lovin on some cake...

It was amazing how clean she stayed considering how she was attacking that thing...

{Nate and Maizie}

My SIL spent many an hour putting together a slide presentation of their lives and we all loved it. Especially the finale of my little brother and his family singing Happy Birthday (they are stationed in Germany and weren't able to make it) That brought on the water works from all of us.

Happy Birthday ya old farts!

{summary of summer}

2011-07-05T09:51:00.000-07:00

Yep, this pretty much sums it up. Fun and exhausting...

{a four year old's party}

2011-07-05T09:39:00.000-07:00

With all the running I've been doing, Tate decided to have a Race Party and the kids loved it!

{at the START line}

{Wyatt}

{Jacob}

{Parker and Tate}

{Cole}

{Landon, Zach and Parker}

Most of the kids were confused by the paper at the finish line. They figured they should go under it...

{Zach}

the girls bringing up the rear

{Avery and Amelia}

again with the under...

Start of the baton relay...

only picture I got of the Nike shoe and trophy cookies (hours and hours in the making....)

{love this look holding the wad of cash}

We celebrated more the next day at Grandma Cathy's with all our grandmas and grandpas...

Grandma Cathy made us lemon cake with orange icing...to die for...

He is by far the cutest 4 year old I've ever seen...

{a four year old}

2011-06-08T16:54:00.000-07:00

Tater Bug is 4 years old and has a lot of personality to go with it!! As I told Tate how many days it was until his party and his birthday, he kept telling me, "well, its taking too long!"

Happy Birthday buddy! We love you!

{park day}

2011-06-08T16:52:00.000-07:00

Maizie was loving life this day at the park...

{mommy and maizie's feet}

{family pic}

2011-06-08T16:48:00.000-07:00

{our memorial}

2011-06-08T16:33:00.000-07:00

We go to Heber to visit graves with Marcus' family on Memorial Day. This is how Maizie rolls (upside down sunglasses) and yes it is snowing outside...

{the frog at the Homestead}

{Nelson great-grandkids}

{kids+Grandma and Grandpa Moeller}

{kids+Grandma and Grandpa Nelson}

{brotherly love}

{more brotherly love...I think}

{A Last Day}

2011-05-26T18:52:00.000-07:00

The boys had their last day of preschool (last one forever for Jacob!) and had a little program and refreshments. Maizie was soooooo excited when I pulled out her new skirt and she realized we were going to the school. She marched in there like she was the queen of something...

The boys did good in their program (okay, well Tate looked like he was going to fall asleep and Jacob just smiled shyly, and I loved it all!!)

{Jacob and Tate in plaid}

{boys with their Grandma Cathy}

{boys with friend Cole}

{boys with Maizie holding her third doughnut to go}

{boys with friend Joshua}

{boys with Mrs. Martin}

We are so happy school is out!! Hope it is a great summer before we start up again!!

{ A Marathon Story + some pics }

2011-05-23T18:34:00.000-07:00

Ogden Marathon 2011

It has been an awesome journey leading up to this day...so I thought I would share my experience because people have been telling me I am amazing. Well, I think I am a normal person who did an amazing thing, something that anyone can do if they put their mind to it.

For me running was a motivating factor to get back in shape in between and after having 3 babies, thankfully it was something I already enjoyed doing. But I decided to do a half marathon after my second baby and I did in 2008 but really only trained for about 3-4 months (starting pretty much from scratch). I injured my hamstring pretty early on because I had no idea how to run further than a few miles. I still did the race but was very unprepared for the distance. My sister in law advised me that I should be running consistently for one year before I start to actually train for a race. And this time around that is what I did. I ran from August 2009 to October 2010 before I signed up for the marathon. I started with one mile and it was really hard for many months to get comfortable running one mile. I stuck with that mile for longer than I probably should have because I wanted to run it faster before I moved on. But was then advised to just start getting some miles under me and the speed would come after. So that is what I did. Pretty soon it got comfortable to run 3 and then it got comfortable to run 6 and then it got comfortable to run 6 a couple minutes faster per mile than when I started. So that process took me about one year. For me, the first 3 to 6 miles were the hardest to get comfortable with and after that it got a little easier to add more miles. But it also became more mentally challenging.

Luckily I had two good friends who were starting their training for the marathon when I did and that was a huge motivating factor, to have someone to talk to and run with too. We started adding on the miles for our long runs on the weekend, generally one or two miles at a time.

All the time I put into this really paid off and helped me have a great experience. I was able to run the SLC half marathon in April, and it was really just another run for me because I had already trained up to 20 miles. So I was very prepared for that and it felt great. It was also a big confidence builder leading up to the marathon, because as much as you train, racing is SO much different than any of your training runs. The marathon was harder than I thought it was going to be, but I felt as prepared as I could have been. Another friend told me that is why the marathon is such a special distance because you can only prepare so much for it and the rest is the great unknown.

I'll never forget the sound of hundreds of people running down a remote country road but really only hearing the sound of a beautiful morning. I'll never forget passing Team Bart at mile 8 and not being able to hold back the tears. I'll never forget how motivating it was to see my husband at mile 13, and for him to tell me how great I was doing when I wanted to quite right then. I'll never forget how great it felt to pass tons of people up and down the hills that I had trained well for. I'll never forget getting to the bottom of the canyon after I had told myself for 6 miles "just get to the bottom of the canyon" and only having 3 miles to go. I'll never forget the stranger who became my friend as we motivated each other to finish the last 4 miles. And then I'll never forget the crowd of my family and friends, let alone the hundreds of people cheering me on after mile 26 to finish the last .2 of a mile.

It was one of the most physical, mental, emotional and spiritual experiences I have ever had.

{Lindy, Robyn and Marci @ mile 13}

{Mile 26 ~ .2 to go!

And that is it...I did it. What now???

{30 Years Vibrant}

2011-05-23T18:28:00.000-07:00

My family and friends spoiled me as usual for the days surrounding my 30th Birthday!! It was a memorable one and I felt so good about the kind words everyone had to say about me during this milestone in my life. A card my friend gave me put how I feel PERFECTLY into words:

You're 30, it's true, but not 30 years old.
You're 30 years VIBRANT!
You're 30 years BOLD!
You're 30 years HIP, and you're 30 years WITTY.
You're head of the 30-years-TRENDY committee!
You're 30 years SMOKIN' and 30 years SNAPPY...
You're all that and more so be 30 years HAPPY!

My first 30 have been great, and I have a feeling the next 30 will get even better!

{...Dragons}

2011-05-19T11:59:00.000-07:00

The boys have had the same coach for soccer because we like him so much, but he is lacking on the creativity end as far as their team name. So depending on their jersey color they are the Blue Dragons or Green Dragons...you get the idea. Easy to remember I guess.

We let them play on the same team for one more season before and Jacob definitely needs to be moved, but is loving all the goals. He counted them up one game...six!

Then we practiced that week and I told him how important the defenders are also, so the next game he did awesome defense and held the other team to zero.

Tate just loves to be outside and run...

Jacob is #10...

{Best Buddies}

{the latest bouquet}

2011-05-19T11:58:00.000-07:00

My latest cookie creations turned out really cute...

for Marcus' boss

...and a few friends who had babies.

{mom's day}

2011-05-19T11:57:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day is quickly becoming my favorite holiday because Marcus always spoils me to death, and now the kids are catching on...they all made me feel like a million bucks all weekend long!

I need a better picture but Marcus gave me this beautiful necklace with the kids names on it...I love it!!!

He sent me to take a nap after church and I woke up to the smell of baking bread...that's right, baking bread, and then this on the table! (He had already made me breakfast that morning!)

They tell me they spoil me because I spoil them, I hope that is true.

{5k Run}

2011-05-19T11:51:00.000-07:00

I helped with yet another Stake 5k and it was perfect weather for and easy race. Racing is so much more fun than trainig!

{swagger}

2011-05-08T19:51:00.000-07:00

If you've seen this girl walk around you'll notice she's got a little spring in her step, a little swish in her hips, and a little attitude in her shoulders. And I promise she just came that way. I like to call it her "swagger".

She was hoping to chase after the boys one morning as they left for school but could only find a jacket and shoes (previously she only had a diaper on!)

We've been spending every possible moment we can outside and Maizie has been soaking up this new world in front of her. I peeked around the fence one evening to see her squatting in the grass and adding flowers to a large bunch already in her hand. (I'm still trying to figure out where she learns to do things like that??)

Then she brought them to me while Marcus and I continued working on building a new shed...

I'm also still trying to figure this one out...a baby changing station set up on the couch...

She is too smart for her own good...love it!

{the farm, Wheeler that is}

2011-05-08T19:49:00.000-07:00

Our playgroup goes to the farm a couple times each year and Maizie was in heaven this being her first time to be able to roam around and her new found love of animals!

She just hung out with the boys and picked up big sticks while the moms finished their lunch.

{eggs and candy}

2011-05-08T19:45:00.000-07:00

Easter was one of my favorite holidays as a kid and I looked forward to my Grandma Bartholomew's Annual Easter Picnic. Marcus looked forward to the egg salad, deviled eggs, etc. So we had a great time learning about Jesus for FHE and then celebrating with food and candy!

{coloring eggs}

{my mom's Easter Picnic}

I couldn't catch the boys till after, they got lots of help from their cousins...

{Easter Sunday}

{first haircut}

2011-05-08T19:43:00.000-07:00

Maizie got her first real haircut! (you all know I've been snipping at it since she was born!)

She did awesome for Sheena and just chilled out, lookin' all cute!

{got wipes?}

2011-04-25T15:17:00.000-07:00

{my biggest fans}

2011-04-17T07:49:00.000-07:00

Salt Lake City Half Marathon Race Day

finally came! It was so nice to race after all of the training. I decided to prove my "coach" wrong and not run conservatively. So I let it all out and was able to run around an 8:30 minute mile for almost 8 miles. I slowed down quite a bit for the rest of the race but was still able to finish with an average pace of 9:27 and a finish time of 2 hours 2 minutes. I was really happy with my time and can't wait to do it again because I know I can improve!

I had my parents, my brother and his kids and of course my hubby (my #1 fan) and kids cheering me on at the last mile and it made my whole race worth it!

I've been training with my friend Lindy and SIL Robyn (Robyn will be with us for the marathon!) but we only brought what we were going to race with so had to get a picture later with our medals...

Ya know my #1 fan? Yah he is amazing. He knew what he was getting into last fall when I committed to these races and he not only accepted the responsibility, but was excited for it! He has been the Mr. Mom around here and has picked up the slack with my time being spent in training. And the best part is, I never have to ask or remind him to do it. He just does. He just does the dishes, he just folds the laundry, he just feeds the kids and cleans up after them, he just bathes them and puts them to bed. And you know they adore him because every chore he does with them, he makes fun (and he is a lot nicer than me!).

Well, I couldn't have done any of this without him. He encourages me and praises me and doesn't let a day go by without telling me how much he loves me and is grateful for all I do for him (to which I just laugh!).

Next goal: complete the marathon in T minus 30 days!

{accessorize}

2011-04-11T13:16:00.000-07:00

I got Maizie out of bed thismorning, well dragged her out really, and looked in a few minutes later to find her like this...apparently she wasn't quite ready to get up and moving!

until she saw the camera...

wait, maybe not...

okay, shes happy.

Once she got going she sure wanted to accessorize!

{my heart will go on}

2011-04-04T12:46:00.001-07:00

After a couple tries, we finally made it to Las Vegas to see Celine Dion and it was everything we had hoped for! Especially Marcus, since he is the true lover. We even stayed in Caesars Palace and just had to take the elevator down to see the show. The view from our room was awesome! And The Colosseum was just below us on the left. After the show we stopped at Serendipity 3 for their famous frozen hot chocolate, delicious!

We had to get t-shirts from the show (just like one of my favorite movies!) and everyone in Vegas wanted to talk to us about Celine, seeing as how she was plastered hugely on our chests! But my favorite was the tall handsome white bearded man with his wife in the elevator who took one look at Celine on Marcus' shirt and began speaking to us in his lovely french language! It took Marcus and I a second to register what he was speaking, because ya know that just doesn't happen everyday! Then he said, "Parlez-vous francais?" and my brain clicked in remembering that I DO speak french. So I laughed my best french laugh and said, "un pue, je m'appelle Marci." And we all laughed again. Funniest experience in my life, speaking with french-canadians, in the Caesars Palace elevator!

We spent the rest of the weekend relaxing and eating yummy food, brought some souvenirs home for the kids, and called it a success!

{love note}

2011-04-04T09:04:00.003-07:00

I found this love note on my nightstand one night. Apparently this is what he does while he is in class. It is super cheesy but also very honest and loving, and it melted my heart. I love that it says Marcus {heart} Marci, cause that is the truth! My own personal love story...

{cheese!}

2011-04-04T09:04:00.001-07:00

I'm lovin' the new CHEESE! from this girl, but usually can't capture even the cheesiest part of this smile!

{fishy, fishy}

2011-04-04T09:00:00.001-07:00

We got to go to the Living Planet Aquarium with our friend Wyatt for his birthday. The kids loved it, especially Maizie. I love the look on Jacob's face with that HUGE snake in the picture!

{the dying experience}

2011-03-21T08:47:00.000-07:00

Someone close to me is dying...

Maizie coming home ~ 2009

And I realized yesterday, just being in the same house as her, how close I felt to the veil...and that is an amazing feeling...and I cried the whole way home...because I felt so close to the spirit.

"I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength. I stand and watch her until at length she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.

Then someone at my side says: "There, she is gone!"

"Gone where?"

Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side and she is just as able to bear the load of living freight to her destined port.

Her diminished size is in me, not in her. And just at the moment when someone at my side says: "There, she is gone!" There are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready to take up the glad shout: "Here she comes!"

And that is dying.

-Henry Van Dyke

Grandma's 80th Birthday ~ 2008

Grandma and my mom ~ 2007

Maizie's Blessing ~ 2009

Despite all the frustrations, heartache and suffering, Grandma will have a beautiful reunion the day she leaves this earth, and hopefully we will be able to rejoice in that and remember all the amazing things she did in this life.

{luck of the Irish}

2011-02-28T13:36:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I'm not Irish, but when talking to my boys teacher the other day she told me how LUCKY I am. It made me have gratitude for all of the good things I have in my life.

I've always enjoyed each new thing my children have done, from rolling over to starting to read, and I've never wished they would stop growing or missed the things they used to do. I just embrace it all and look forward to the future. That being said, this song is one of my favorites ~ Let Them Be Little by Lonestar ~ It says exactly how I feel...

I've never felt so much in one little tender touch

I live for those kisses, prayers and your wishes

Now that you're teaching me things only a child can see

Every night while we're on our knees all I ask is please

Let them be little 'cause they're only that way for a while

Give them hope, give them praise, give them love every day

Let them cry, let them giggle, let them sleep in the middle

Oh just let them be little

{truth be told I don't let them sleep in the middle, that is only for my other baby!}

I'm sure I will be sad when they really aren't little anymore, but I've still got awhile for that. I can still hold them on my lap and listen while they tell me about their day (I hope to hold them on my lap even when they're teenagers!) But this song reminds me to never miss an opportunity to let them be kids, to chase them around the house, to tickle them till they're sick, and to just goof off with them! They love that.

I love the excitement they get when their friend Ernie makes a teddy bear cake just for them...

I love that I'm the only thing that makes all this little ones bumps and bruises feel better...

She was so sad :(

On a side note, you know all your babies are sick when you find them like this in the morning...

And this one doesn't even move for 30 minutes after you wake her up at 9:30 am! Just wanted her milk and a tissue...

I've been showing my gratitude to others in the form of cookie bouquets, because really, who doesn't need cookies??!!

and the family loves it because they always get the extras!

{delivered with love}

2011-02-03T13:32:00.000-08:00

My babies got their first delivery in ther valentine's mailboxes today!

They were so excited!

I got these last year on clearance and have been so excited to use them and have several other "deliveries" planned! If you want this fun idea, I saw some little white mailboxes at Target that would be perfect as well!

{my not so "baby" girl}

2011-02-03T13:20:00.000-08:00

She is such a little girl now and surprises me all the time with what she does. She is doing awesome at following directions and rules (except when her dad is around!) She also steps down our porch steps without holding anything! Crazy! But she really should wear this helmet more often with all the tumbling she does! She is tough though and it doesn't seem to phase her.

She enjoys her time to just chill and do whatever while the boys are at school. So she sat behind my while I did dishes the other morning and just "read" her books like crazy! I guess she needed one to sit on as well!

She is crazy about her brothers though! She says "Jacob" and loves to give them hugs and climb all over them! She is also going to nursery now and loving it!! She does so much better during sacrament meeting with a break before hand!

{sunday mornings}

2011-01-24T15:09:00.000-08:00

Usually our sunday mornings are pretty hectic, but we've been loving our 11 o'clock church so now the fam has a little time for this...

Tate made us all some delicious cookies!

Marcus assured me that he was not going to break the chair...I was having a hard time being convinced.

{2010 in review}

2011-01-13T12:11:00.001-08:00

{2010 in Review}

~ Jacob is a completely different kid than he was at the beginning of last year. He used to freak out about EVERYTHING! And now he is just easy going and rolls with life a lot better. He is also a great friend. He makes friends easily and I think it is because he is just a kind, likable kid and other kids are drawn to him. He loves school and is every teachers dream (I know because I was one!).

~ Tate's personality just keeps growing! He makes the funniest faces and says the funniest things, he always keeps me laughing! (I'd like to say he gets that from me!!??) He also came out of the terrible 2's this year and is now a very easy going kid who likes to be rewarded for his good behavior! He loves having laundry parties (I know right!!??). He started school this year and his teacher reports that he is simply a good kid who follows the rules. He has really come into his own this year (with the good example of his older brother to follow!)

~ Maizie had a big year with crawling, walking, talking, running and turning 1! This has been such a fun year watching her grow. She is still the little princess around here and surprises us every day with how smart she is!

~ Marcus and I ran the Wasatch Back Ragnar with my family and had a great experience (so much so I'm doing it again this year!) I also ran several other races and so a great part of 2010 was getting in shape again after baby #3!

(Marci and Marcus on the back left)

I can't believe I'm posting this picture, but here I am after baby #3.

But I'm happy to say that a little over a year later, I've lost 36 lbs (and counting)!

~We spent several days in Mesquite with Marcus' parents, in between Marcus' school, work and being out of town for 2 months! (that was not a highlight of 2010, but we survived!)

{Things I learned}

~3 kids pushed me further than I thought it would, so when I didn't think I could handle it I took this advice. "You don't have to handle it. There is no rule book somewhere that says you have to go through life handling everything. Just muddle." ~15 Secrets To A Happy Home

~Taking time to sit down with my kids and do what they wanted to do gave me more satisfaction than ANYTHING!

~Relationships change, some for the better some for the worse...the only thing I could do about it was think "What would Jesus do?" and do it! Then learn to "do good to them that hate you". Easier said than done, but very important.

~I realized how much I can depend on my husband in any situation. I also learned how much he depends on me. He shared with me some thoughts about how he credits one piece of advice that I gave him years ago, to some success he is having now. I don't even remember telling him what I did. I appreciate both of us being able to help and support each other.

{Looking forward to 2011}

~Our Stake President told us last week that he knew there were miracles in store for us this year if we did the things we should be doing. That gave me great comfort and a week later we had our first miracle. I know things will continue to work out this year.

~I am going to run my first marathon the week before I turn 30!!! I am so excited to finish the marathon AND my 30th birthday!

~Marcus and I will be making our third attempt to see Celine Dion (before you laugh and say "her poor husband", I'll tell you this has been Marcus' life long dream!!) Here we come Vegas!!

~There are lots of other things I see happening in 2011 but don't want to jinx myself! So stay tuned!

{holy bump, batman!}

2011-01-11T13:07:00.000-08:00

The other day Maizie came crying to us, Marcus picked her up and then she was fine. A few minutes later I pull back her hair to see this!!! The pictures don't do it justice because it looked like a huge bubble coming out of her head!

As you can see she didn't seem to mind, but wanted to sit on my lap and say cheese since I had my camera going! That's my girl!

{We met our goal on New Year's Eve!}

2011-01-11T12:02:00.000-08:00

Recently we made a goal to finish the Book of Mormon by the end of the year and on Dec. 31 we did! It was a very surreal and spiritual moment for our family. At the end of our Book of Mormon there was a quote.

The Book of Mormon can help us "come unto Christ and be perfected in him." President Ezra Taft Benson taught the Saints, "There is a power in the book which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of the book. You will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You will find the power to stay on the straight and narrow path" (in Conference Report, October 1986, 6).

This summed up exactly how we had been feeling since we set and met our goal each day. Marcus and I definitely found greater power in doing the things we were doing and found it easier to stay on the straight and narrow path. Just from one simple thing every day!

The boys holding our completed chart!

We spent New Year's Eve with my family and pretty much laughed the whole night. We put the kids to bed in Grandma B.'s family room and this is how we found them.

On New Year's Day we took the boys sledding. My camera got left in the car, and it was so cold that it took one picture (of the boys going down the hill backwards, nonetheless!) and then told me it was too cold and turned off. Rude! Thankfully though it did turn back on once it warmed up.

Last weekend we all went swimming since we had completed our B of M goal and had a blast. Only a couple of not so great pictures because we were too busy swimming! But Maizie loved the water and just dove in, we had to rescue her several times, and even then she didn't seem to mind! She was the CUTEST thing there!

I was happy Tate got comfortable in the water (after his near drowning experience last summer!) and Jacob is just a little frog these days and loved swimming in the lazy river.

{Christmas Morning}

2011-01-11T11:43:00.000-08:00

The boys were thrilled and surprised and EXCITED when they got up that morning. Marcus and I were also so we jumped out of bed when we heard them.

They were happy about their new movies...

...then I couldn't keep up with them after that! But they were especially funny to watch open their presents from each other. It was all they could do to not blurt out what it was before the the other ripped the paper off!

Tate also opened a Spider Man cartoon movie from his grandma and shockingly screamed, "It is a Spider Man movie for us!" Then he looked at me confused and handed it to me like he was in trouble, "No, it is a Spider Man movie for you." Then I laughed at him and he took it back and screamed again, "It is a Spider Man movie for us!!" Too funny! At least he double checked!

The boys had finished opening their presents before Maizie woke up, here she is in all her morning glory!

So glad she could finally open the presents!

She got this cute baby from her brothers and she wanted it OUT of the box before she could move on. I loved it!

She loved her pony from her grandma Lisa.

She also got a bed and some accessories for her kitty. She couldn't wait to get her kitty in the bed...

But really wanted to get right in with it!

Loving her new table and food, she spends a lot of time there!

And of course the boys love to play there too!

We had such a great day, breakfast with Marcus' family and then basketball and hanging out with my family. We even sung Happy Birthday to our Savior and that may have been the best part. Can't wait for next year!

{my season favorites}

2010-12-23T11:45:00.000-08:00

~ 3 Babies in a Box ~

We got a big box early in December that entertained the kids for days, I would have loved to open up a box to see these cuties!

~ Tate singing "Pa Rum Pum Pum Pum" ~

The kids have EMBRACED all the Christmas music. They are always asking me to turn it louder in the car. Jacob has lots of favorites, but Tate's favorite is The Little Drummer Boy. He does the drums the whole time, and I LOVE it! He actually is saying "Bum" while he is drumming, I think that is part of the reason he loves it so much! And Maizie just loves to dance while we all sing!

~ Building this guy with my boys ~

My kids never ask to play in the snow, but the other day Marcus had them convinced they needed to make a snowman before he got home. So a few hours later they were getting restless in the house and I told them they needed to go outside. I was then met with "Noooooo! It is too cold Mom!" But I needed my rowdy boys to work out some energy so I said Too Bad! I got them all bundled up like in Christmas Story and off they went. I looked at Maizie playing in her room and decided to throw on my snow clothes and help them since the poor kids had never built a snowman!! We had a blast! And our snowman turned out pretty good too! (Maizie also enjoyed being unattended. She destroyed a pack of gum, several tree ornaments and tore apart my purse. Gotta love that girl!)

~ Tate squealing at me "I don't like kisses!" ~

So we got this and I trap them every chance I get while proclaiming "Too bad! I'm your mom and I will kiss you whenever I want!!" Muahahahaha!

~ The lights at Temple Square ~

We spent an afternoon with Marcus' family and then evening at Temple Square. Loved it, but especially the kids loved it, just look at those smiles!

{my little buddies}

with cousin Haylee

{little animal}

~ Our Christmas Miracle ~

We've had such a great Christmas season, so it didn't damper our spirits too much when we had to take the van in this week to get the heater working and spend a big chunk of money (that we didn't have laying around with Christmas and all). But it was still concerning to us. Then on Wednesday morning I got home from the gym and there was a message from Marcus' boss. He wanted me to come into the office and said that Marcus didn't know about it. I was a little freaked out but love Marcus' employers so I hoped it would be okay. I packed up the kids and we went. The owner had just left but I talked to their secretary and she wondered how our Christmas was going and the kids told her what they wanted from Santa and I told her about our week. Then she told me how much they love Marcus and that Ray has been thinking about us and our little family and handed me an envelope. I thanked her and we left.

In the envelope was a check that matched the Christmas bonus that they had already given Marcus earlier this month. Marcus and I both cried about it. It just reaffirmed to us that our Heavenly Father is mindful of us and often uses his faithful servants to show us that (Marcus' employer in this case! So grateful for that!) He knows the exact moment that we need a boost, and he never lets us down.

I almost got sad the other day that Christmas was almost here because I don't the magic of the season to be over. But that just motivates me to keep the magic of our Savior in our home all year round.

We hope you all have a Merry Christmas and strive in the new year to be more like our Savior and try to be a little better and to do a little more for others.

{annual friend christmas party}

2010-12-23T11:44:00.000-08:00

This is a party we never want to miss, it is so fun to catch up with old friends and see our families grow...and laugh our guts out at each other. We have a white elephant exchange and Marcus and I really cashed in. The highlights, "The House That Crack Built" children's book (scary!), dolls that remind me of Chucky and I will not allow in my house!, fresh breath checker device (??), and more...

So many kids...and to think these kids came from a bunch of goofballs who were friends in high school!

Maizie overdosing on candy after the kid's gift exchange...

Some of the girls...

Thanks Becca for hosting! We are gearing up our white elephants for next year!

{my babe's birthday}

2010-12-23T11:43:00.000-08:00

My babe had a birthday earlier this month, and we were all super excited to celebrate!! Marcus and I got to go out the night before because he had to be at work and school all day on his birthday. I felt really tired that night and so we just went to dinner. Then in the middle of the night I woke up SICK as a dog! Once Marcus got up he opened his presents (thankfully I had already wrapped them) while I was in and out of consciousness (or at least felt like it) and I told myself I had to get up to make him his traditional birthday breakfast. That consists of lots of greasy breakfast meat and the works, which was making my stomach turn even more with the shear thought of it. Immediately he said, "Don't worry about it babe, we can celebrate on Saturday." and I was out on the couch again. I don't even think I squeezed out a "happy birthday" to him when he got home, I was so out of it. Of course he didn't complain and was more worried about me all day
Well, all that aside, we did celebrate a few days afterward and Marcus got to relax all day and watch football, while the kids and I made his favorite breakfast (which I could still barely look at!) and his favorite chocolate creme cake. I think he had a great celebration-two-days-after-the-real-day!

We love you babe and consider ourselves the luckiest family around to have you as our husband and dad!!!! Happy Birthday!!

{little Turkey}

2010-12-23T11:41:00.000-08:00

That is what she is these days...our little turkey, very mischievous, curious, hilarious and full of personality!

She loves getting dressed in clothes, shoes, anything and everything she can think of (i.e. my belt, everyone else's shoes, hats, bibs, necklaces, capes, backpacks, coats)! This is awesome in the morning because I don't have to fight her to get dressed and now she is more than willing to sit on the bathroom counter and suck on all the hair product bottles while I do her hair (good I guess????)

Every time I turn my back I find her discovering something else. #1 favorite is my purse and all my gum!

Pretty sure she ate an entire pack in this sitting...

She loves collecting things and carrying them around...her kitty, blanket and sippy cups especially!

She is communicating a lot with us. The other day she started screaming when we put her in her car seat and kept doing something with her hand. We finally realized she was signing diaper, so we stopped and changed her and she had a really sore bum (not because she been in it a long time but because it was diarrhea and pretty much liquid, sorry for the detail!). She got powdered up and then she was fine after that. I've been signing a lot to her and now she is starting to use more of them, when it becomes necessary I guess!!

She signs

milk

eat

thank you

sorry (yep, she's had lots of time outs!)

diaper

baby

She also has lots of words coming out of her little mouth. The other day I realized she was saying "sis sis sit" when I asked her to get something. Translation "Where is it?" SO CUTE!!

She makes us all smile all the time and the boys even put up with her hitting them and pulling their hair because they love to play with her and give her lots of attention.

{A great start to the season}

2010-12-10T06:38:00.000-08:00

Our ward has great parties and we had our Christmas Brunch last Saturday where the kids got to dress up and act out the Nativity scene. Maizie saw Jacob and ran right over to him...

{Jacob and Kaden as wise men}

Tate had practiced his song but froze up while singing and just rang his bells...

...and Maizie stole the show with her jingle bell dancing!!

Then we got to go with my brother and his family to the Festival of Trees...we saw lots of old friends and lots of really great trees all supporting Primary Childrens Medical Center...I wanted to buy every single one that hadn't been bought!

But this one was perfect for Jacob and Parker...cousins by blood, divided by alliances!

My mom was on a committee that made this Angel Tree that was in memory of a little girl named McKenna whom I had the privilege of taking care of for many years...

She has since passed and I thought it was a perfect tribute to her life...innocent and unspotted.

Maizie and Lily did great in the strollers for a long time, but Maizie wanted to share all of Lily's blankets!

Then we crashed at Joe's with pizza and the new Christmas Carol (which freaked the kids out!)

A great start to the season!!

Then the other night we found the boys like this...

Okay, so Jacob looks really uncomfortable but I love how much they love each other and rely on each other for things. They are very good brothers.

{the busiest time of the year}

2010-12-10T06:26:00.001-08:00

It is the busiest time of the year, but when I work hard at keeping things organized and in perspective, it is also the BEST time of the year...

We started off with a great Thanksgiving at my mom's...

The boys made butter (well actually their little arms didn't last too long so my mom and dad got a really good work out!)

And the butter was delicious!!

One morning I met up with some friends at the mall and we just goofed off like we used too...

Only this time we dragged our kids into it and they were SO embarrassed...mission complete.

Of course we went to the Utah vs BYU game (disclaimer: I really try not to get emotionally involved in sports, but I just can't help it with this one, and I was nervous all week!)

It really is such a fun game to go to, especially at home...loved this cougar on a noose!

It was such an awesome win!

...and even better it put my husband in a really good mood!

Not so much my brother who was at the game with us (BYU fan, I know, I know) but I think he still had a lot of fun!??!!

{my thoughts on the season}

2010-11-29T09:08:00.001-08:00

"It's the most wonderful time of the year!"

No, REALLY! There is just something about the snow, the lights, the music, that makes me HAPPY! Lucky for me, my husband is even more of a fan of this season than I am. He celebrates his birthday December 9th, so growing up his family would always go pick out their Christmas tree on his birthday. How could he not love it!!

As my children are getting older, I've been trying to figure out how to make this season truly meaningful for them, and for the right reasons. A few weeks ago I had an "ah-hah" moment with my 5 year old while at Costco and I was overcome with the true Christmas spirit and was crying because it made me feel so good. That's right...crying, in the middle of Costco. If you saw me, thanks for not making it more awkward than it already was! (Don't worry, there is plenty more crying in this story!) Since then I have had several great teaching opportunities to help my kids understand what Christmas is all about.

About 2 months ago Marcus and I decided to set a goal to help us be more consistent with our family scripture study. We decided to finish the Book of Mormon by the end of the year, which meant we would have to read a chapter a day and 4 on the weekends. A LOT more than we had been asking our 3 small children to listen to previously. But we talked about it as a family and made a chart to mark off each day and got excited to accomplish our goal. The last two months have been the best months I've had in a long time and the kids have been amazing. I'm surprised every day when they can sit and listen to a lot of scripture reading that is hard for them to even understand. And they notice if we haven't put an X on our calendar each day (that is their favorite part!) Anyway, a few weeks ago we started 3 Nephi and talked about how Christ would be coming soon to the Americas. Perfect timing I would say as we were getting ready to decorate for Christmas!

This morning we read 3 Nephi 17 and I cried the whole way through.

"And it came to pass that when Jesus had thus spoken, he cast his eyes round about again on the multitude, and beheld they were in tears, and did look steadfastly upon him as if they would ask him to tarry a little longer with them. And he said unto them: Behold, my bowels are filled with compassion towards you. Have ye any that are sick among you? Bring them hither. Have ye any that are lame, or blind, or halt, or maimed, or leprous, or that are withered, or that are deaf, or that are afflicted in any manner? Bring them hither and I will heal them, for I have compassion upon you; my bowels are filled with mercy."

"And it came to pass that Jesus spake unto them, and bade them arise. And they arose from the earth, and he said unto them: Blessed are ye because of your faith. And now behold, my joy is full. And when he has said these words, he wept, and they multitude bare record of it, and he took their little children, one by one, and blessed them, and prayed unto the Father for them. And when he had done this he wept again; And he spake unto the multitude, and said unto them: Behold your little ones."

After reading that I knew this was going to be the year that the true spirit of Christmas really came together for our family. My boys have been so interested in the stories of Jesus and ask young, innocent questions as we talk about Him. As we read our scriptures every day, it makes it easy to talk about Jesus and make him a part of our daily routine, just the thing I was looking for this holiday season.

Yesterday we had a great day at home, watching the snow fall after church, staying warm with lots of blankets and Thanksgiving pie to top it off. The kids love to turn off every light in the house and then sit around the tree and sing! They must get that from me! We talked more about Christmas, read our scriptures and then another one of our favorite books "I Believe in Santa Claus". It shows many comparisons between Santa and Jesus Christ, and this is the best way for our family to know about Santa. That he is a kind, loving and giving person, an important symbol of Christmas, and the symbols of Christmas remind us of Christ.

I am so excited to continue the traditions we've already started and to start new ones to help our children catch the true spirit of the season. I have many favorite things about this time of year, but now my most favorite thing is to watch my children's eyes light up with joy when they put their ornaments on the tree, help make gifts for their friends, and sing Christmas songs in the car. That is the only thing I want for Christmas, to see them soak up all the magic that comes with the celebrating of that holy night...

{birthday #5}

2010-11-10T13:32:00.000-08:00

Jacob celebrated his 5th birthday last week! He of course had been planning for months...

Pretty sure Maizie enjoyed the cake more than Jacob did! I love those white teeth amidst all the chocolate!

{Iron Man}

Jacob's birthday breakfast

Can ya see the #5?

I got to go to school with Jacob on his birthday...

Showing his class his birthday spotlight...

And then the birthday party with friends, we all had a blast and the kids ran in a mob to every single thing we did, 11 of them, mostly boys, CRAZY!

Such a funny bunch of kids!

Jacob with cousin Parker and good friends Kaden and Blake

Such a stud...

So many awesome presents from his friends, thank you everybody! Jacob was in heaven on his special day!