Independent?

I've always thought I was pretty independent. It doesn't bother me at all to drive down to AZ every summer with just me and the kids and stay for a month. But, Wade leaving me home with the kids while he goes away is not the same! I have a new appreciation for all of you mom's who have husbands that travel all the time. You are amazing because I don't think I could handle it. My kids & I need Wade's influence in our home DAILY!

Spring is here

Back in April the trees in our neighborhood were gorgeous for a couple of weeks. I love driving into the tree lined streets when they are all in bloom & my tulips in the front yard are just the visual happiness I need to feel like the end of winter is finally here. Spring is so fickle it's like your on this roller coaster just fighting to get to warm weather. I mean it's May 19th (Happy Birthday Danny:)!) and it was snowing on Monday this week but 74 today! YEAH! My Arizona bones need to feel the warmth.

Easter Sunday

We went to the temple to see all of the beautiful flowers before having dinner with our friends the Arial's.

LOVE THEM!!

TOO BRIGHT! The pictures were hard to take it was soooo bright we could hardly keep our eyes open but all of the tulips were pretty.



Cameron, Jamie, Lincoln & Beck Arial

As good as it gets:)!

Brady & Savannah wanted to test out their camara skills. I loved the flower shot and couldn't resist posting a picture of my hot husband!

Happy 7th Brady!

Patient, sweet, loving Brady! I can't believe that you are 7 already. You were the baby for what felt like forever. I am so lucky to have you in our family.

He wanted a turtle for his birthday. He did get a real one also which, a month later he still has not named.

Party at Wahooz!

Happy 13th Savannah!

Clean Before :)!

After! Paint tag

Let's see if I can name them all- Jill, Emi, McKenzie, Hailey, Sarah, Hanna, Tasha, Makaylah, Becca, Allysa, Jessica, Brynn, (front row) Savannah, Natalie, Gabby, Laila

Ruby LaPreal

{ Ruby's Blessing Day}

I just love her little hands! Ruby is wearing the same blessing dress that Savannah & Abigail wore. Lurlene (Wade's mom) made it for Savannah out of an old lacy tablecloth and I love it.


Ruby LaPreal gets her middle name from my Nonny (grandmother) on my mom's side. I hope that Ruby has her generous heart, her loving personality, and her gift for helping others feel of worth. We found out later that my great-grandfather's sister was named Ruby so I can't wait to find out more about her to add to the story of her name. It must have been meant to be.

We had friends to stand in on the blessing (Bryce & Cameron & Nate) but we sure did miss having family this time around. Sometimes it's hard to be so far away!

March 2011- Trip to Utah

Ruby at 5 months. The PJ's say it best. Lucky Me.


The kids and I went to visit temple square and when Abbie saw the temple she said (in her dramatically excited arms extended way) "They built this for MEEEE?!"

We stopped at Shashone (sp?) Falls in Twin Falls, Idaho on the way down. While Wade was taking a test the kids and I went to see it. It was sooooo windy.

It can actually be pretty if you crop out all the buildings and power lines.

March 2011-

Max got the Excellence in Academics award! He's one smart kid.
Ruby decided to try baby food. We tried every kind and she doesn't like ANY of them:).

Our 'pretty pretty princess'! Below she's in a hat Savannah made for her that she wears at some point almost everyday. Wade LOVES that hat on her. Me not so much. Especially right after I finish her hair.

February 2011

Don't let the tears fool you:)! As soon as she saw me coming she whipped those tears of remorse up instantly. She cut a big hole in the front of her shirt with 'safety' scissors that I can't get to cut paper. She was so so sorry for ruining her shirt.

Ruby at just under 4 months old

January 2011 - I know it's late but at least I'm not a year behind!

Birthday Boy Max turned 10! He had his party at 'Bounce' which is the perfect place for 10 'smelly' boys to let out some aggression and have tons of fun!Max & Jake Andrew "trying" to make a bundt cake for a Sunday evening snack. This was not how they imagined it but it still got devoured.

Accessorized Abbie!! Happens everyday. . . She's either calling Wade or Stephanie. Love HER!