A glimpse of my life...

baby bump

2011-12-06T09:27:00.001-08:00

Finally past the 1st trimester, and feeling pretty normal! Should be able to find out the baby's sex in about 4 wks..can't wait. Although either would be perfectly fine, it would be neat to have another boy. Duane is already 8. To tell you the truth, I will be shocked if it is a boy...we shall see:)

Ape Caves

2011-10-22T09:27:00.000-07:00

I haven't been to Ape Caves for yrs. Matt & the kids had never been.(aside from Duane, I guess he went with a friend) We finally made it in Aug. The big kids liked it, but Ella was not impressed. Of course it didn't help that we weren't prepared. Even when it is 90* outside, you need jeans & a hooded sweatshirt. We were smart enough to wear tennis shoes, but froze, got cave slime on our heads, & got eaten by mosquitoes. It was fun none the less. :)Mt. St. Helens up close.
Apparently Duane wasn't too interested in a pic. :)
Going down.
Inside of the cave!

Claire & Ella freezing cold and happy to be almost back out.

Picking huckle berries. We went a few times this yr. Matt picked most of them. I love berries, but to be honest, I get bored after about one bush:)
Ella all wore out one evening after her bath.
The girls making dinner. Did it all themselves, including taking orders and serving everyone. They called it the Cowgirl Cafe:)
Relaxing in the yard one Summer day. Ella in her dress up, as always.
Duane with Ariel & Claire Sept. 7th on his 8th Bday.
Ariel Oct. 16th..her 10th Bday
In other news...we got a cute puppy.

In other other news we are expecting #6!! So exciting! Can't wait to be done with the first trimester, & feeling icky. I am 8 wks & 5 days today:) Am very thankful I don't get super sick like my sis Jen . I think I would die;)

Pacific City

2011-08-30T00:48:00.001-07:00

This beach is such fun! View from the top of the sand dune. So pretty!

At the top.

Duane spent most of the day in these tide pools, finding various creatures.

Grandma with Ella & Kate.

Claire & Annaka.

Diana & her girls.

Ella-a speck in the sand.

Climbing up.

Rolling down. That just doesn't even look right, Tavin. haha

My little monkey.

Beach bums.

Hailey.

Ella-just a bit sandy.

Tillamook Cheese Factory

2011-08-29T23:59:00.001-07:00

We stopped at the cheese factory on our way to Pacific City. My kids have never been, and I haven't been in years. It was fun!

Driving the cheese loaf van.

Milking a cow.

And of course, watching the cheese be made.

Pig roast

2011-08-29T17:40:00.001-07:00

My hubby roasted up a pig. We decided to have some fun, and do a Luau theme. Here's a few snapshots.

Spring

2011-06-29T10:31:00.000-07:00

Our cat had three kittens. The kids have been loving it. We're keeping the two boys kittens, but want to find a home for the mama cat & the girl kitten (she's really cute!) anyone interested?:)

Washing daddy's truck.

At the Parade of Bands in Hazel Dell.

Free Popsicles!

Ella with all her loot.

Watching for Cambree.

Here she is. She had to do this for about 3 hrs. They marched 3 miles, I think she was pretty wore out. Cambree was also in the Portland Junior Rose Festival Parade, I didn't make it to that one though, so no pics.

Blue mouth.

...and she's out...

this n' that

2011-05-09T23:53:00.001-07:00

The kids blowing bubbles on one of our rare nice days.

They hauled out all my kitchen gadgets.

Ella is always bringing me flowers:)

You can tell Matt is outside a lot more then me. Man, am I white. Summer where are you? I guess it is still Spring.

Hiking at Moulton Falls.

Out my kitchen window. These two sat like this forever. So funny.

1. "I hungry, Mom!"

2. Cambree says, " The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, hey, Mom?!"

3. Ella & Cambree (my oldest & youngest:) Cam has her rag curlers in:)

4. This is what happens when daddy comes home. Needless to say, I took most of it away from her.

party food

2011-05-09T21:59:00.001-07:00

Our Favorite Cake~

1 pkge. white cake mix

1-3.4 oz. pkge. instant vanilla pudding

1-8 oz. pkge. cream cheese softened

1 pt. strawberries sliced & divided

1-12 oz. carton Cool Whip

Bake cake according to instructions in two round cake pans. Cool. Make pudding according to directions, Chill until set. Beat in cream cheese. Place one cake on plate. Spoon cream cheese/pudding mixture over cake. Layer strawberries over pudding mixture. Place second cake on top. Frost with Cool Whip. Decorate with any leftover strawberries. Chill until ready to serve.

ENJOY! So yummy! (This cake always reminds me of you, Amanda:)

I made Dirt Cups for Claire's party.

I made a Dirt Bowl for Easter.

Dirt Bucket~ ( or cup, or bowl, or whatever you want to call it:)

1 stick butter softened

1 C. powdered sugar

1 -8 oz. pkge. cream cheese softened

2 -3 oz. pkgs. instant vanilla pudding

3 1/2 C. milk

12 oz. Cool Whip

1 pkg. Oreos

1 pkg. (or more:) gummy worms

Mix butter, powdered sugar and cream cheese in one bowl. In another bowl, mix pudding and milk. Fold in Cool Whip. Mix both mixtures together. Crush oreos. Layer oreos & pudding mixture. Place gummy worms in and on top.

This recipe is a HUGE hit with the kids. Last time I made it, it was gone before it even hit the counter.

Claire's 6th Birthday

2011-03-30T22:11:00.001-07:00

A pink heart cake, and 2 of her best friends.

Lots of little girls.

Baby Bella found some balloons.

Loving it.

Claire's pretty jacket from Auntie Jen. Mama's excited:)

Can you tell she wanted a pillow pet?

This gift from Grandma W. was a hit, as soon as it came out of the box, almost every little girl here, crawled in. Don't ask me how they fit.

More pics. of the party on my sis Jen's blog.

I would like to post a couple recipes from the party, but I'm too lazy right now, maybe later.

Knorr Spinach Dip is my fav party recipe, I serve it with french bread. Everybody loves it, so yummy! You can find the recipe here or on the back of the Knorr vegetable soup mix pkge.

rollerskating

2011-03-05T17:59:00.001-08:00

I haven't been rollerskating since I was a kid. It was so fun, and the kids loved it! Even Ella, I couldn't believe she was actually able to skate! She was very proud.

little things

2011-02-24T14:25:00.000-08:00

Levi & Jen showed up on my doorstep yesterday, with this covered cake dish for me. Just because she knew I wanted it. These little things make me happy. Now every time I use it, I will think of her sweetness. I may have to bake something today. A corner of my kitchen. See my awesome restaurant style coffee pot? My hubby got it for free, and gave it to me for Christmas. I love it! It's fast like a Bunn, makes good coffee, pours like a dream, and is perfect for company. Much better then these !:)

Here is what I see out my window at this very moment. I'm ready for warm weather, cute toes, flipflops, swimming, BBQ's, and the likes. I think I have a while to wait, may as well enjoy the snow. It is pretty.

Scandinavian Kringler (Danish Puff)

2011-02-16T23:06:00.000-08:00

I made this today. Delish! My kind of recipe, basic, and the ingredients are things I always have on hand..love that! (although I DID manage to get distracted, and my water&butter boiled over, onto my stove AND floor) I made mine without nuts. These are best when fresh. (pic. from Betty Crocker:) wanted to post my own pic. but Cambree's camera batteries died, and I still don't have one:(

Pastry-

1 cup flour

1/2 cup butter softened

2-3 tablespoons ice water

Topping-

1 cup water

1/2 cup butter

1 cup flour

3 eggs

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Glaze-

1 cup powdered sugar

1 tablespoon butter, softened

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

2 to 3 tablespoons milk

Sliced, toasted almonds or chopped nuts

Heat oven to 350°F. Place 1 cup flour in medium bowl. Cut in 1/2 cup softened butter, using pastry blender (or pulling 2 table knives through ingredients in opposite directions), until particles are size of coarse crumbs. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons water over mixture; toss with fork.
Gather pastry into a ball; divide in half. Pat each half into 12x3-inch rectangle, about 3 inches apart on greased cookie sheet.

In 2-quart saucepan, heat 1/2 cup butter and 1 cup water to rolling boil; remove from heat. Quickly stir in almond extract and 1 cup flour. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, till smooth. Spread half of the topping over each rectangle.

Bake 50-60 minutes or until golden brown; immediately remove from pan to cooling rack.(Topping will shrink and fall) Cool completely.

In medium bowl, mix all glaze ingredients except nuts until smooth and spreadable. Spread over top of pastry; sprinkle with nuts. Cut into slices and serve. Makes 2 loaves, 10-12 slices each.

For all of you who have the Stenersen cookbook, this recipe is in there.

Wow, I haven't posted in like..

2011-02-15T21:51:00.000-08:00

...8 months!! Here's a few things that have happened since I last posted~

- I moved 6 hours away from Cheney.

-Matt turned 32 on Sept. 1st.

-Duane turned 7 on Sept. 7th. (his Golden Bday:)

-Claire started her very first yr. of school. (and loves it!)

-Duane is now in 1st grd, Ariel in 3rd, and Cambree in 5th..which means middle school here..crazy..

-Ariel turned 9 on Oct. 16th.

-Ella turned 2 on Oct. 31st. (How did my baby get so old?!)

-Cambree turned 11 on Dec. 16th.

-I just turned 29 on the 2nd...yikes;)

Well, I'm going to try start blogging again..maybe..;) I started this post 2 months ago, so yea...

Don't mind my blog. It may change daily. I'm messin' with it...

Oh, and here's some pics. If you can see. I didn't feel like posting them all separate. Actually, if you dble click on my collage, I think you can see it bigger..

Warm weather!

2010-06-14T16:45:00.000-07:00

~picnic~

The little girls played for hours outside with water & their dishes:)

Shelley's 30th Bday- 80's Prom Party!

2010-05-22T15:56:00.001-07:00

Getting ready!

my Moms Day wknd

2010-05-22T14:00:00.000-07:00

Hand picked flowers from Cambree Shae.

My sisters & I, with our mommy:) ( I stole a few of these pics from Jen:)

I love them! I am soo blessed to have such an awesome fam. We spent the wknd in Vancouver & had a blast!

Out to lunch...good times...

Junkin'..!

My treasure:) A tin calendar with magnets, that never expires! I love it!

last night

2010-05-06T22:53:00.000-07:00

Cindy, Diana, and I each took our 2 oldest and went out for the evening. Figure we'll start our own little junior youth group:) Take them out once a month or so...how fun would that be?! Lets see if it happens:)

Diana's 30th

2010-04-20T22:40:00.000-07:00

The beautiful birthday girl:)~" Surprise!" She thought she was coming over for a BBQ.

We all met her at the door looking like this.

and the babies:)

Check out all the hair Ella is getting! Fun stuff.

Easter Sunday photo shoot

2010-04-06T13:53:00.000-07:00

Ella Jean 1 1/2 yrs.

Cambree Shae 10 yrs.

Claire Elizabeth 5 yrs.

Ariel Marie 8 1/2 yrs.

Duane Richard 6 1/2 yrs.

My little girls are wearing there Eden's Bouquet finery from Auntie Jen..LOVE THEM!

Someday I will get a nice camera. Mine died several months ago, and I've been using Cambree's. It's a fine camera for her, but I hate it. Ah, well... Oh, and a nice editing program. Then I could have some real fun..lol

Funny photos

2010-04-05T23:38:00.000-07:00

I stopped at the park on the way home from church Sunday to take some pics. I'll post the ones that 'turned out' next.

Ella screeched at the camera..
and ran full speed ahead pretty much the whole time. Made for taking pictures kind of hard. haha (and drew lots of attention)

"Mom, help, she's kissing me again."

Duane asked if he could do a silly face first & a grumpy face last. "Sure, go ahead."

I had Easter baskets for them they didn't know about. Just that if they were good they would get a really cool prize. Well it was the most hilarious thing. Duane was being too obedient. I start taking his pic. and he has this fake cheesy smile. Trying to get a more natural pic. I tell him " Um, just be serious." haha..His neck cranes forward and his eyes bug out. That didn't work. "Um, just relax." His shoulders slump and he closes his eyes...lol!

My failed attempt at having Cambree take a pic. of me & Ella-

"Come on Ella, look at Cambree."

Maybe if I play pat-a-cake with her..

No such luck...

She seen the swings. Can't blame her I guess:)

Lovin' it!
All done....

Four little cousins...

2010-04-05T23:01:00.000-07:00

all dressed in white...

We went to Justin & Diana's for a Easter dinner and I snapped these pics of the little girls. The lighting/reflections/glare is horrible. But, hey, the girls are cute!:) ~Ella~

~Kate~

I think she had enough of this whole picture thing..lol

~Claire & Annaka~

decorating eggs

2010-04-03T12:58:00.001-07:00

Romans 6:8-11
Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:10-12
I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.

John 11:25-26

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.

ready & waiting

So, what do I do with this?

Ah, I see.

Claire's art

The creating.

We decorated eggs and listened to Christian music on Pandora . Love that site!

Hope you all have a great Easter!

Claire & Kate's Birthday party

2010-03-30T14:11:00.001-07:00

~The Birthday girls~

Kate is 1!

Claire is 5!

~Presents!~

Diana with her girls

~Ella~

~Annaka~

Claire with her new babies:)

Diana's Extra Special Banana Bread

2010-03-29T23:41:00.000-07:00

I just got this recipe from my SIL Diana. Figured I would post it since it's extra special ;)

Diana's Extra Special Banana Bread

5 eggs

1 cup vegetable oil

1 3/4 cup sugar

3 ripe bananas

1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp salt

1 heaping tsp baking soda

1 tsp cinnamon

2 1/2 cup flour

2 small pkgs. instant vanilla pudding

Mix in order.

Bake 350* 45 min - 1 hr

Makes 2 large loaves or 3-4 small loaves

I also have a really good soup recipe from my SIL Alena..I'll post that one of these days:)

(I'm still waiting for your recipe blog Diana;)

Tea Party

2010-03-24T23:50:00.000-07:00

Little Claire...she tells me "When I put lip gloss on, I look like a star!" hehe

Sadie invited the girls over for a princess tea party. Too cute!

Serious business...this princess thing..

and of course princess Ella

treats~

Tanner (love the smile:) & Duane sporting his new glasses..he's quite proud

Ella again...dontcha just wanna smooch her cheek?;) Love babies! She is still a baby...right?

Bowling

2010-03-22T20:51:00.000-07:00

Diana and I took our 10 kids bowling. I think people just assume we run a daycare...haha. It was a blast!

Sweetness

2010-03-20T11:38:00.000-07:00

family time

2010-02-21T20:41:00.001-08:00

We took the kiddos to Bonneville Dam Fish Hatchery on the way home.

Wonder how big this one is..

Me wearing my adorable Jellie Babies baby carrier from my sweet friend Michelle. Love it!

Oh, and I even got to see darling Matilda Jane before I left town. My brother Ben & his wife Meg now have 4 girls & 1 boy..just like me:)

escape

2010-02-21T18:16:00.000-08:00

My hubby and I were able to escape for a much needed night away last wknd. (Thankful for family who will take in our 5 little rascals!:) We stayed on the river at Hotel Fifty in downtown Portland. Was a blast! We tried sushi (on accident). Matt patiently followed me around while I shopped. Found the cutest boots ever at Aldo. Got spoiled. I did follow him around at the Sportsman's show though, so that probably helped;)

Celebrating

2010-02-21T17:02:00.000-08:00

My 28th birthday downtown at P.F. Changs..mmm

At good ole' Denny's on my 'actual' birthday for a milkshake. I had oral surgery to have my wisdom teeth removed that morning. I made the girls puff their cheeks to match mine:) Little did I know my face was going to get about 3x more swollen and black, blue, yellow, purple, florescent green...what an ordeal! It's been almost 3 wks and my bruising still isn't completely gone. So, if you see discoloration on my face in the next posts, it's not just a bad makeup job..;)

snapshots of life

2010-01-30T15:42:00.000-08:00

Mostly of Ella. That's what happens when you're a baby. She loves listening to Cambree's mp3 player. Puts it in her ear and starts a movin'...so cute:)

mmm..juice

nerd

peek-

a-boo

You

found me!

Matt helped Cambree make a time machine for school.

Here it be. Cute, hey?

The other kids made good use of the scraps.

Cuties

So sweet

I guess Ella figures this is how you play with a doll house.

I got these sweet tights as a gift from my friend Cachet for Ella. Loves them.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T13:18:00.000-08:00

Christmas Shopping

2009-12-24T12:00:00.001-08:00

Sunday night I went and did my Christmas shopping, from start to finish. Tami and Diana helped me out. Twas' fun!Thomas Hammer coffee..yum! This is for you Rach:)

Posing. Yea, don't ask. That's what happens when you're in Old Navy at midnight.

I had to add these pics of Ella and her crazy mop of morning hair.

Little love!!

Cambree's Party

2009-12-19T11:58:00.001-08:00

Cambree opening her gift from us on the morning of her actual Birthday..the 16th.

Ella Belle..she stole most of the attention at the party!:)

Like how Duane's rolling his eyes? Gotta love him:) Poor kid was the only boy, it's a miracle he survived..or maybe that the girls survived;)

hehe

One of Cambree's gifts was that soda, popcorn, and a Blockbuster gift card. How cute is that?! She got all neat gifts though..thanks everyone! And thanks Grandma's & Grandpa's for the cards!:)

Ella was well taken care of with all the girls around. I don't think she got put down most of the night!

Diana came too..thanks for coming girls!:)

I made them Italian sodas.

I love this pic!

Twister!

The little girls watching a movie after the party:)

White Velvet Cutouts

2009-12-19T01:35:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:

2 cups butter, softened
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
2 cups sugar
2 egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

BUTTER CREAM FROSTING:
3-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar, divided
3 tablespoons butter, softened
1 tablespoon shortening
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 to 4 tablespoons milk, divided
Red and/or green food coloring, optional

Directions
In a bowl, cream butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy. Add sugar, egg yolks and vanilla; mix well. Gradually add flour. Cover and chill 2 hours or until firm.
Roll out on a floured surface to 1/4-in. thickness. Cut into 3-in. shapes; place 1 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 10-12 minutes or until set (not browned). Cool 5 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool.
For frosting, combine 1-1/2 cups sugar, butter, shortening, vanilla and 3 tablespoons milk in a bowl; beat until smooth. Gradually add remaining sugar; beat until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add enough remaining milk and food coloring until frosting reaches desired consistency. Frost cookies. Yield: about 7 dozen.

This is the best Christmas cookie recipe ever! Their not too easy to work with for cutouts, but, oh so YUMMY! I'm going to make another batch and do round cookies:) Oh, and I used cream cheese frosting on mine:)

Christmas cookies!

2009-12-17T23:35:00.000-08:00

I had my fill of cutting out & frosting cookies, for uh, about a yr.

It was fun though!

And the kids enjoyed it!

So, what kind of coffee maker do you have?

2009-12-11T12:25:00.000-08:00

We had a $10 coffee maker for 8 yrs. It was still working great, but I wanted a nice Bunn, with the cool stainless steal pot. I got it and we had problems from day one. The pot would spill every time you poured coffee, just wasn't designed right. Matt got mad one morning and took a file to it, tried to reshape the spout. That didn't work. Then it started leaking, we had to put towels underneath whenever we made coffee. We suffered like this for 2 yrs. Matt went and bought another $10 coffee maker a couple days ago. That cute white one you see. It takes 10 min. to brew coffee, my Bunn took 2. I feel so old fashioned. Just wanted to let you all know I'm no longer living the fast life..haha. Yea, so what kind of coffee maker do you have? I want to know what is the best. In case I try to upgrade again someday.

Girls Christmas Party

2009-12-09T23:15:00.000-08:00

If I was an amazing writer I would Tell you all about our party and Have you ROTFL! But I'm not. (actually I probably wouldn't tell you about it even if I was;) These crazy girls got really creative with the gift exchange and I have some absolutely hilarious pics. I decided it's better I don't post them;) Anyways we had lots of fun & laughs & ate allot of good food!

Thanksgiving

2009-12-08T01:13:00.001-08:00

I know my post is kind of delayed, but that's OK:) We spent Thanksgiving with my family and stayed on the 3rd floor at Windy Ridge (aka my sister Jen's house:). She had a room so nicely set up for us. I am very thankful for all my family, among many other things like a warm house, good food, sweet babies, funny kids, friends, doctors...just to name a few...and most of all Jesus~my savior! The kids helping Jen make desert.

Ella

Duane caused us some unfortunate excitement by getting his finger shut in a door. Nothing like being at ER Thanksgiving night..ha! You can read about that more here .

My wonderful sis-inlaw Tsasa so kindly agreed to changed his Bandage the next day. It was still a little hard for me to stomach at that point.

Anya, Ella & Garret (the oldest of her 5 handsome boys)

Craig & Avoni

Duane whipping uncle Floyd's butt at chess;)

Cambree & Jazlyn. My sis-inlaw Gloria and I were in the hospital at the same time with these two. Born just 1 day apart, they will be ten next week. Crazy how fast that went by!

Ella's party & trick-or-treating

2009-11-02T18:42:00.000-08:00

" What do I do with this?"

I tried to get a picture of only Ella and the cake, but she kept trying to sit on it. :)

Sweet Kate

Dewey lovin' on his sister.

Trick -or- Treat! Ariel the Bum & Cambree as Lola (from Hannah Montana)

Loved there blue hair!

Just had to throw this one in. She looked so cute riding in her big girl car seat for the first time.

And this one...

She likes to dig!

This was at 6 am yesterday morning...little turkey...

Remembering...

2009-10-30T16:40:00.000-07:00

One year ago today I was excitedly awaiting the arrival of my baby girl.

Ella Jean was born October 31st. She was absolutely perfect. Nothing compares to holding your baby for the first time...

We have enjoyed every minute of our little Ella Bella. Tomorrow she will be one. Crazy how time goes. We are so thankful for this blessing in our lives!

Celebrating Fall

2009-10-26T15:11:00.000-07:00

Saturday I decided to celebrate Fall. After seeing Karen's and Holly's adorable Pumpkins, and knowing that I was missing out on the Autumn Festival with my family. I had to have my own little festival. Me and my 5 bambinos loaded up, went into town, and found the perfect pumpkin (above). I must say it was quite cute plain. But we wanted to decorate. Off to the craft store.. I never do anything crafty. It was so fun wandering around looking at all the neat stuff we could do.

Yummy..

First we painted it white...

Then used stencils and brown paint. For the orange leaves I used stencils and scraped away the white paint. I love it!

Every time I look at this it makes me happy! BTW my Pumpkin Bars just came out of the oven..mmm:)

Happy Birthday Ariel!

2009-10-18T14:10:00.000-07:00

8 years ago on Oct. 16th sweet Ariel Marie was born. At 6lbs 1oz, she was my smallest baby..such a little peanut! Here she is just a couple days old. (I don't have a scanner and took pics. of these pics. So they aren't the best.)

8 years old~

Kendra and Ariel

It's so cute how much Ella loves Kate!

Fall fun

2009-10-18T08:04:00.000-07:00

Apple Cider ~

Ella all wore out ~

school days

2009-09-08T18:22:00.001-07:00

Cambree & Ariel on their first day of school. Cambree is in 4th now & Ariel in 2nd. Seems like just yesterday I was in the 4th grade! Duane going to meet his teacher and see his classroom.

Duane on his first real day of school. He did good and even rode the bus.

My 3 school kids.

Duane Richard

2009-09-08T18:00:00.000-07:00

Duane turned 6. How did he get so old? Still trying to figure that out! Saturday night we took just him to find a gift and then for pizza. He said "This is a good day, hey dad." :) I've been letting my kids choose either a big bash or go out for an evening with Mom & Dad. I like it when they choose the night out..more relaxing for me!:) I did bake him cupcakes on his actual birthday and Diana came over with her kids.

Oh yea, and of course Ella came:)

Family reunion

2009-09-06T23:19:00.000-07:00

We had a awesome time, with lots of visiting, fun, and yummy food. I am blessed to be part of this family!

On our way.

Ella with my little sis Tami.

And with my cousin Julie.

My Aunt Judy and Jen.

Face painting...

Visiting...
Miss Ella Belle all wore out.

My beautiful sis Jen 2 days before little Hazel arrived. Games for the kiddos....

My mom & dad doing the blind-folded lawnmower race. This was so funny!

My little bros Matt & Isaiah with Duane.

Tug-A-War!!

My oldest and my youngest.

And I even got to hold sweet Hazel before I came back home. Now my baby seems huge!

Claire with brand new Hazel Jean.

babies

2009-08-09T17:09:00.000-07:00

haha, I love Kate's chubby legs!:) Ella 9mo-Kate 4mo(Diana's)- Blake 2mo(Cindy's) And they don't even look much different in size.

quality time

2009-08-09T16:56:00.000-07:00

Matt playing 'Candy Land' with the kiddo's after work the other day... He's such a good dad, and so much better at taking the time to actually play with the kids then me!

and here is proof:)

2009-08-09T16:25:00.000-07:00

OK, so I know I sound like one of those cheesy moms who acts like she's the only one that has babies that crawl. And it's probably boring to you...but I just think it's so cute!:D Oh, and she claps now too..:)

Ella is 9 months!

2009-08-08T09:55:00.000-07:00

Eating watermelon...

I always find her underneath things. She gets herself stuck in the strangest places sometimes!:)

Playing with the kids...

Ella is crawling! Kind of a late crawler, but that's fine, cuz now she's into everything...time to child proof!:) And she really likes yelling...just to hear her own voice I guess:) it's adorable!:)

little girls & sleepovers

2009-08-08T09:44:00.001-07:00

I let them stay up late and we made chocolate milkshakes..mmm

Duane & Tavin fishing

2009-08-08T09:20:00.000-07:00

with sticks and french fries....... I don't think they were too successful, but they had fun trying:)

My Dewey boy starts school in a few wks. Crazy! Kinda sad my little boy is growing up on me. He's soo excited though...it's cute.

Camp Calvary

2009-08-07T23:33:00.000-07:00

The kids also went to camp at our church. It was 4 days from 8:30am - 8:30pm...they were pretty wiped out by the end, but they loved it! The theme was 'In the beginning' all about creation, and how evolution couldn't possibly be true. Duane and Claire only went for 2 hrs in the evening though, and during that time our pastor did a parenting seminar, which we really enjoyed! Well here's some pics. Cambree & Ariel the first night.. Cambree & Ariel the second night....:)

Claire's excited!

and Duane...

The 4 little campers...

The last night...

Claire was so proud of her T-shirt:)

Music & Drama Camp

2009-07-11T23:12:00.000-07:00

Cambree & Ariel had a busy week at camp. They had lots of fun though!' Bad hair day' these were taken when they got home. Wish I would've got a pic in the morning. Their hair was much more impressive!

'Nerd day' haha, this was awesome. I love these nerds!

Nerd Cambree

Nerd Ariel

Ella at the play. I know her pigtails are silly. But I couldn't resist. Duane says "Mom Ella has horns!" Yea, not really the look I was going for. But anyways...

These two were sitting so nice & quiet & not fighting. I had to get a pic. Unfortunately it didn't last. And I'm not sure what's up with the face:)

The girls on the last day of camp, after their play.

After the play we went to ice cream at Zip's with Justin&Diana, Wade&Susie, and Calvin&Debbie. There was 21 kids between all of us. 21 very hyper kids. I'm not sure if the employees will ever be the same;)

I guess peace signs and bunny ears are cool?

The little kids hoping to shake something out of the machine...:)

4th of July wknd

2009-07-11T15:38:00.000-07:00

Just a few random pics. Ella with auntie Tami. What big eyes you have Ella;) She's 8 months old now..crazy!Ariel holding sweet little Avoni.

Ariel and Sabra.

Destiny and Cambree finally ran out of energy. For a little while.

Cambree got a hold of my camera....

My little brother Craig.

Ella must have played to hard...

and Jacelle:)

Olive Garden~Cachet & Ella

and Cachet's cute boy Mattix

some June pics.

2009-07-10T23:52:00.000-07:00

Ella sacked out at the lake.

wheee...

Ella loved the swings, but held on tight the whole time.

Angel, Ariel, and Cambree

Claire and her pretty blond hair...

Cambree & Ariel playing 'Princess Claire'. So funny, they give her a bell and come running every time she jingles it. Claire loves this game.

At the lake again...

The kids catch all kinds of things under this bridge. Just today I threw away a coffee can full of snails that Duane brought home a couple wks ago(shh..don't tell him, he would be mad at me;)

Me and Diana at Red Robin with our girls..except for Cambree. Ella's in a highchair for the first time while eating out!;)

Little Kate. I love her name too btw:)

Well, I tried to get a pic with Ella.

Playing with my baby.....

aww..kisses..

Ella & Chloe

2009-07-10T23:31:00.000-07:00

I just love both of their names! They better be friends when they're older..just cuz' their names sound cute together!;) ( Chloe is Calvin & Debbie's baby)

Checking each other out..

Hmm..her plug looks fun...

Mr. Duane

2009-06-20T16:26:00.001-07:00

I decided to start taking one kid at a time out with me, when I'm going to the grocery store or whatever. Otherwise they're all crying to go and it's not fair and..I'm sure you know what I mean if you have more then 1 kid! Well last night was Duane's turn. It was so cute how excited he was. We walked to Starbucks then to Blockbuster and I let him pick out a movie. (btw he got 'Garfield's Pet Force' and the kids liked it) Anyway we had fun. He talked the whole time....without stopping!:) And did this when I tried to snap a pic. He thought he was pretty funny!

Cambree

2009-06-15T18:19:00.000-07:00

Cambree and daddy at 5:30am on Sat. Going out to breakfast before her last day of Hunters Safety.

Matt wrote this on his site. I thought it was cute, so I copy&pasted it on here. :)

After months of my oldest asking to sign her up for hunters ed, I finally sat down two weeks ago and looked to see what classes were available for the year. Instructor Tom Higgins had the most classes for the year so I called to see when the next class was. I was surprised when he called back just a few days later and informed me that he had a class starting the following Mon (last week) and had one spot left to fill. We talked for a bit and signed up 9 year old miss Cambree with the hope that she was mature enough for the class. Class ran Mon-Fri 6pm-9pm and Sat 8:30 to completion. These hours left me with little time to spend with her on the book because I start my day long before she is awake and was leaving work early just to get her to class on time. Everyday on the way to class we talked about different firearms and actions along with ethical behavior and whatever I could think of to help her. On Thursday we were told that parents could take the written test on Friday for fun and could compete against our kids to see who would have to buy ice cream. Friday was a half day for Cambree as it was the last day of school so I reminded her that when she got home there would be no time for play and that much studying would be needed to pass the test. I also informed her that a failing grade only meant that she wasn't ready yet and there would be next year if she choose to try again. After I completed my test I went outside and nervously waited for her to finish all the while wondering how she would do. I went back in and checked my results and I received 100%. At that point she was still not finished so it made me even more nervous and I thought to myself how I should have maybe missed a few so I would lose the bet. Finally she came out and told me she had received a score of 1 question wrong. I was soo happy for her. We checked out the question she missed and I can only assume she circled the wrong box because the answer she choose could not have been more ridiculous. I took her out to ice cream on the way home and we talked about what she had learned and how to apply it to the range course the following day. All day today (range day), I helped out in any way I could with the instructors as I wanted for her do well for herself without dad telling her how to do everything. After each station I was able to talk to her and her instructors and they were all very happy with how well she did and in the end, she had passed all courses wonderfully. I really want to send out a huge thank you to Tom Higgins and all the other instructors who have volunteered their time to hunter education. I see the countless hours of preparation that goes into these classes and I can only encourage everyone to go and help out. I also want to say - great job Cambree.

She passed with flying colors. So I get to hunt with her and I don't think I've ever been more excited for a hunt and I don't even get to shoot.

Summer fun~

2009-06-09T16:44:00.000-07:00

yea, we're cool like that

2009-06-09T16:10:00.000-07:00

Amusing ourselves at the dentist this morning. Their prizes are the best. HaHa..doesn't Cambree look like Dakota Fanning?:)

CHECKOUT THE PONYTAIL, CHECKOUT THE PONYTAIL!;) You'd think after 4 girls I wouldn't have to put in a ponytail as soon as it's remotely possible. But I do!

self portrait

2009-05-29T18:05:00.000-07:00

Claire drew this and taped it to the wall (using like my whole roll of tape:) all by herself. She said it's her standing in the sunset. How cute is that? I was quite impressed!

my performer

2009-05-29T16:45:00.000-07:00

Claire randomly belts this out all day.

Thanks to the fact that she has two older sisters that love

Taylor Swift...

daddy's helper

2009-05-29T16:37:00.000-07:00

The plan is to put a little garden here. We'll see if it happens.

just ask duane

2009-05-29T16:11:00.000-07:00

Kate was crying and Duane says to Diana "If you just rub her tummy and say goochi- goochi- goo she'll be happy." :-)

Today

2009-05-27T16:56:00.000-07:00

Me, Duane, Claire, Ella, and Annaka went to story time & the mall.

A blurry picture of me and my awesomest find today. The blue scarf. That does not match my shirt. It's even awesomer in real life!

I'm sure you are all thrilled to be keeping up on my extremely exciting life.

Our Memorial Day

2009-05-26T22:56:00.000-07:00

At the lake. Ella checking the place out...

Cambree tubing.

Claire was so excited to go boating . I took her on the tube with me. She jabbered the whole time. She says "This is the bomb mom! The water smells disgusting, but it's cute." Ha Ha..she's quite the kid..there's a reason we call her 'Goof ' !

Wade & Susie boating.....

Poor Ella couldn't even move in her life jacket!

The boys did some fishing.....

sunday afternoon

2009-05-25T00:42:00.000-07:00

At Justin and Diana's. Best friends (or enemies) depends on the day;) bubbles!

These kids were just fat babies!:) What happened?

Annaka having tea with Ella.

Duane showing Diana how to take care of Kate.

Ella 6 1/2 mo. Kate 2 mo.

planting seeds

2009-05-19T11:13:00.001-07:00

planting...

labeling...

Look at this nerd;) She takes her socks off and does this. She's like a little puppy dog:)

Ella now weighs 14lbs 5oz and is 25 3/4 in. long.

guess what i just posted

2009-05-12T23:08:00.000-07:00

Amazing, huh? Because I never post pics. of Ella. Toys!

She can now sit up. No pillows!

Sorry. She sat there with her big blue eyes looking up at me while I was on the computer, and I just couldn't help but share her cuteness with you.

There you go, Amanda. Now you can see the outfit.

Ella 6 months

2009-05-12T16:24:00.001-07:00

I made this blanket today. Diana helped me. I didn't even know how to thread my sewing machine.(yea, sad:) Nothing fancy, just flannel & cotton. I loved the print though. You can't see it the greatest in here, but the outfit you sent looks adorable on Ella, Amanda. Thanks again!

the wknd

2009-05-11T11:32:00.000-07:00

View from my parents front deck.

Claire & Sampson

We had a graduation party for Rach on Sunday. Little Rachael is growing up;) Dad~Rachael~Mom

And Violet turned 2 on Saturday.

Gorgeous Tami~

Ella & Claire with Grandma

the mirror

2009-05-05T22:00:00.000-07:00

inexpensive entertainment

2009-05-05T21:38:00.000-07:00

gumdrops & toothpicks

Ten years...WOW!

2009-04-24T09:47:00.000-07:00

Of course Ella tagged along. That's OK though. She was perfect.Matt~ (He's not too fond of pictures;)

Anna~

Goodbye Cocoa

2009-04-19T17:18:00.000-07:00

Cocoa is off to his new home. He was a good dog and we are sad to see him go, but our tiny little backyard just wasn't cuttin' it. He will be much happier where he will have room to roam. Cambree Shae~

Just a couple pics from today...

2009-04-18T19:43:00.000-07:00

It was nice and sunny today. I brought the kids to the library. Cambree got her hair cut.(which she is thrilled about!:) I even got my van all clean..yay...I love a clean car!

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T22:16:00.000-07:00

~Romans 6:8-11- Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.~

Ella Jean

2009-04-10T20:43:00.000-07:00

first food

2009-04-10T19:53:00.000-07:00

So excited...
"Is this really for me mom?"

"Pretty good stuff!"

"Yea, real good!"

full and happy...

Ella just started eating baby cereal. We're all amazed...like we have never seen a baby eat before..:) Claire begs me to make Ella cereal all day..she's so proud of her! As you can see Ella is quite proud of herself, she likes all of the attention:)

Kate Elizabeth

2009-04-09T15:06:00.000-07:00

11 days old...

little toes...

Ella 5 months ~Kate 11 days

Ella~Annaka~Claire~Kate Claire & Kate

Spring break in Vancouver

2009-04-06T17:31:00.000-07:00

Ella trying to reach daddy's phone. She grabs at everything lately. So cute!

"I can't get it mom!"

On the road. Notice the fishing boat in tow? Boys I tell ya!;)

Duane just loves Ella!

Our little love bug!!

Cambree making Peanut Butter Balls with Rach.

And Ariel sewing with Tami. Seriously- what would my girls do without their aunties?!

Then the boys playing on electronics...

Danica took good care of Ella when she was around. She got spoiled by everyone! Now hopefully I can train her back into not being held 24/7!

We had fun. Matt fished allot. Me and the kids pretty much hung out at mom and dads. Nice and relaxing! Not to mention mom's yummy cooking & baking...and blended coffees...and teas...thanks again for letting us come stay!

Me and Rachael Smachael:)

Saturday

2009-03-23T08:15:00.000-07:00

Saturday we bombed down to Tri-cities and visited Billy & Beth and Craig & Tsasa. Ella with uncle Craig.

Claire's 4th birthday party

2009-03-20T17:14:00.000-07:00

Me and my birthday girl. She made sure to tell everyone she was the 'birthday girl'! Although her actual b-day isn't until the 25th.~ My 2 youngest~

LeAnna and EllaClaire was excited about her bike. She wanted a 4 yr old bike:)

Opening gifts!

Ella sitting up in her bouncy seat:)

Ella Bella

2009-03-19T13:27:00.000-07:00

Ella is over 4 months old already! She is now 13lbs 5 oz and 25 in long. She loves playing with her toes!:) (maybe someday I'll post something other then pics. of Ella:) And slides right out of her bouncy if we don't buckle her...

Ella fell asleep by Cambree while watching a movie.

Chillin'

Ella rolls around now too, I lay her on this play mat and she rolls/wiggles herself off.

Silly baby!

Ella has been so fun to have around. Look at those little footsies...she giggles when I kiss them:)

Change

2009-03-15T23:07:00.000-07:00

Don't mind the blog. I'm experimenting!

Ella at 2 months

2009-01-09T16:40:00.000-08:00

She thinks she's pretty cool....

hehe, she looks so cute sitting in this seat....a little big girl!:)

Ella is now 10lbs 9oz ~ 21 3/4 inches long

some Christmas pics.

2009-01-02T21:53:00.000-08:00

And I hope you enjoy them because it takes forever to upload photos on here.

The kids trying out their new sleeping bags.

Singing us Christmas songs.

Claire was soo excited to get a dollhouse. Daddy wasn't too excited to put it together;)

Ariel got what she wanted most..a microphone. My girls love to sing!

Dewey's spy kit. He says he's going to be a spy when he grows up.

Look I got a doll! hehe.. Matt asked each of the kids what to get me for Christmas...Claire insisted I wanted a doll. I also got candy, a candle, And a Starbucks gift card:)
Passing the hours while snowed in.

"Is that a good candy bar Dew?"

Skittles from Gramps...

Ella's first Christmas.

"What's this all about?"

Annaka loves Ella.

Duane liked his snake from Grandma&Grandpa!

Rick & Christine

Singing for us.