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| Easter |
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| Spring Break |
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| Kayla's 1st Birthday |
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| Pinewood Derby. Jaron took 2nd place. 1st place for our Ward. |
Thursday, April 30, 2015
April 2015 Pictures
April 2015
Besides Kayla's birthday April was filled with house hunting. I am not a shopper. I really just don't like it. It's not fun for me. I am a money saver not a spender. BUT I like to shop around and not miss any great deals. Don is a shopper, but he is a bargain shopper too. However, in this housing market, there aren't really any "good deals" right now. We have been looking since he got his promotion and this month we were ready to buy. Bountiful posed a real problem for us; older homes have short ceilings in the basement. This just isn't going to work for us. Other homes in the Bountiful/Centerville area that were in our price range were just a lot of work to fix up. We just weren't up for that. There would have been a lot of compromises. So we started branching out our search. 30 min or under in drive time was the goal. That ruled out anything south of the point of the mountain or too far from the freeway. I was slightly sad by this, I would have loved to return to Utah county where I grew up. This lead us to Kaysville/Layton/Syracuse area. We found some really great homes and put in two offers in fact, but neither home worked out. In retrospect, I know they weren't our home. There would have been some things that I wanted they didn't have. But some of their good points were just too much to pass up. Logically we kept looking, but my heart told me we had already found our home, the first home we looked at in fact. It was a very well maintained home, in a good neighborhood, and the home was very practical. Lots of good things. But who buys the first home they walk through? We did! It has everything we need in a home and we love it more and more every time we look at it. Besides that, Don and I both know it is the place we should be. I really believe in writing down promptings from the spirit. That way when tough times come you have your own words to remind you of what you knew once. So I wanted to write down that as we drove around looking at homes, before we even went in, there was something inside that would say, this isn't it. This home had the feeling of peace and assurance that this was the right place as we drove up. I know that tough times will come and that not everything will be perfect, but this is right place for us. I always find it fun to find out why we are lead certain places and only time will tell why.
So let the fun begin. We are due to close the 21st, but are hoping for an early closing. We will have someone paint some rooms for us then move in on the 25th.
So let the fun begin. We are due to close the 21st, but are hoping for an early closing. We will have someone paint some rooms for us then move in on the 25th.
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Kayla is 1
There are things in life that you just aren't ready for. Kayla turning one just happens to be one of those moments. This past year has been full of struggles for me as a mother. I just don't have enough to give 100% to all five of my little ones. With that in mind I think five is enough for me and I feel that she very well might be the last spirit that Don and I give a body. All those little milestones that happen have been very hard for me. I love seeing them! I love kids! And Kayla might be my last.
Every time Don walks in Kayla melts my heart by saying, "Hi Dad." Accompanied with a cute little wave. Although she says "Dad" the most now, "Mom" was her first word. She also says "Is it" and "Oh".
Kayla loves music and likes to act like she is leading and yell along.
Kayla loves books and she even likes to color now too.
Kayla took her first few steps on April 8th, but has not taken too many more. She still prefers to crawl.
She is my baldest baby, but is growing a little hair on that head now. The top of her head is growing more slowly than the sides and back of her head.
She has the cutest grin, with 6 teeth.
Kayla has total disregard for the word "no." She knows what I am saying but she doesn't listen and often looks at me and smiles as she does things she knows she shouldn't.
We have to put the dog food and water up because she just crawls over and gets it if we don't. She thinks it is a good idea to dump the dog water on herself, until it happens then she cries because she is all wet.
She is weaning herself. Never had a baby that did that. She really is done and prefers a sippy cup most of the day.
Kayla loves food, but it must have flavor; no plain bread, or boring stuff. She eats a lot of peas and bananas, but that is because they are on hand.
Kayla likes to cuddle. She loves to just come and lay her head on you and say, "Awe". We just love this about her.
She is discovering things and into everything. When she finds something she likes she will hold it up for you to see and and, "Ohhhh."
She is just too precious for words. She doesn't have her well child until May 4. So stats and pictures to come later.
Every time Don walks in Kayla melts my heart by saying, "Hi Dad." Accompanied with a cute little wave. Although she says "Dad" the most now, "Mom" was her first word. She also says "Is it" and "Oh".
Kayla loves music and likes to act like she is leading and yell along.
Kayla loves books and she even likes to color now too.
Kayla took her first few steps on April 8th, but has not taken too many more. She still prefers to crawl.
She is my baldest baby, but is growing a little hair on that head now. The top of her head is growing more slowly than the sides and back of her head.
She has the cutest grin, with 6 teeth.
Kayla has total disregard for the word "no." She knows what I am saying but she doesn't listen and often looks at me and smiles as she does things she knows she shouldn't.
We have to put the dog food and water up because she just crawls over and gets it if we don't. She thinks it is a good idea to dump the dog water on herself, until it happens then she cries because she is all wet.
She is weaning herself. Never had a baby that did that. She really is done and prefers a sippy cup most of the day.
Kayla loves food, but it must have flavor; no plain bread, or boring stuff. She eats a lot of peas and bananas, but that is because they are on hand.
Kayla likes to cuddle. She loves to just come and lay her head on you and say, "Awe". We just love this about her.
She is discovering things and into everything. When she finds something she likes she will hold it up for you to see and and, "Ohhhh."
She is just too precious for words. She doesn't have her well child until May 4. So stats and pictures to come later.
Monday, April 6, 2015
March 2015
Another month has come and gone.
The boys are doing great. Jaron is still loving school and all things sports. At the same time he is really liking playing the piano while we sing during Family Home Evening every week. Bryson is really doing well with cooking classes and liking reading a little more. Eldon seems to be doing better emotionally. He is still doing all he needs to and more to be ready for kindergarten. I decided that it was time for a refresher course on parenting to help with Landon issues. He is just one power struggle after another. But this little boy just melts my heart with his hugs and kisses. I have been using positive parenting strategies and really like them. It makes parenting so much more positive. Little girl is the cutest thing on earth I am sure of it. She is eating a ton and getting around the house just as much. Her personality is really beginning to shine.
As soon as Don got the new manager job and we started looking at houses the boys have been really on board with the idea of moving to a bigger place. We said we had to make sure we had enough money for a down payment. Jaron and then all the others very willingly offered up all the money they had so we could buy a home sooner. We aren't going to take the money, but it is such a sweet thing that they are willing to help us. Sunday was Easter and the boys got some money in some of their eggs. Landon is convinced that we have enough now to buy a home. We are actively looking but have not found anything that we even really want to look at.
Don and I went on a date to celebrate Tyson's birthday. It was a really fun night. I sure love Don and being with him. It is so fun to do things without the kids sometimes.
This month I turned 31. I totally forget how old I am all the time and have to ask Jaron to make sure I get my age right. My birthday was a wonderful day. My boys took good care of me and we had a nice night in. Just my kind of thing.
Brittnee's wedding was the most beautiful wedding I have ever seen. Tricia did a great job. Don stayed home to go to his friends wedding. From the weekend we learned that: Pam + 5kids + no sleep + stress = Pam having a major melt down. It was great to see Grandma and Grandpa Gray. Their health isn't the best so they have not seen us since Christmas. It was a really nice visit. Grandpa Gray was the best host. The boys sure treasure these family memories.
And that is a really condensed version of our month!
The boys are doing great. Jaron is still loving school and all things sports. At the same time he is really liking playing the piano while we sing during Family Home Evening every week. Bryson is really doing well with cooking classes and liking reading a little more. Eldon seems to be doing better emotionally. He is still doing all he needs to and more to be ready for kindergarten. I decided that it was time for a refresher course on parenting to help with Landon issues. He is just one power struggle after another. But this little boy just melts my heart with his hugs and kisses. I have been using positive parenting strategies and really like them. It makes parenting so much more positive. Little girl is the cutest thing on earth I am sure of it. She is eating a ton and getting around the house just as much. Her personality is really beginning to shine.
As soon as Don got the new manager job and we started looking at houses the boys have been really on board with the idea of moving to a bigger place. We said we had to make sure we had enough money for a down payment. Jaron and then all the others very willingly offered up all the money they had so we could buy a home sooner. We aren't going to take the money, but it is such a sweet thing that they are willing to help us. Sunday was Easter and the boys got some money in some of their eggs. Landon is convinced that we have enough now to buy a home. We are actively looking but have not found anything that we even really want to look at.
Don and I went on a date to celebrate Tyson's birthday. It was a really fun night. I sure love Don and being with him. It is so fun to do things without the kids sometimes.
This month I turned 31. I totally forget how old I am all the time and have to ask Jaron to make sure I get my age right. My birthday was a wonderful day. My boys took good care of me and we had a nice night in. Just my kind of thing.
Brittnee's wedding was the most beautiful wedding I have ever seen. Tricia did a great job. Don stayed home to go to his friends wedding. From the weekend we learned that: Pam + 5kids + no sleep + stress = Pam having a major melt down. It was great to see Grandma and Grandpa Gray. Their health isn't the best so they have not seen us since Christmas. It was a really nice visit. Grandpa Gray was the best host. The boys sure treasure these family memories.
And that is a really condensed version of our month!
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
March 2015 Photos
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| Kayla uses a sippy cup now |
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| Dinosaur park in Ogden, UT |
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| Kayla 11 months |
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| Mom's 31st Birthday |
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| St. Patrick's Day |
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| Shawn and Julie get married... |
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| ... and Brittnee and Dave |
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| Jaron's leprechaun trap |
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| Where Kayla sits while Jaron practices piano |
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| Jazz game with Dad and Papa |
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| Kayla hates the grass... |
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| ...But loves the zoo! |
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| Blue and Gold Banquet |
Saturday, February 28, 2015
February 2015
So one of my New Year's Resolutions is to focus on things that will last for eternity. One of the big things for me that will last forever is relationships. So to start the month of right we visited my Grandma Barlow. All of the boys came and they LOVED it. She lives so close I don't know why I didn't take advantage of visiting her sooner. The boys get out of school early on Friday and so we just headed her way for a visit. Of course Grandma was prepared with treats. Eldon especially has been impacted by the visit. I hear him telling others often about his visit with her.
Dani Hughes started another one that I totally didn't even have to do. We started monthly Hughes family dinners. I think this will be awesome.
I also have written and planned out date nights with Don and temple nights. "Schedule your priorities." Probably my most favorite habit from Steven Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.
Last thing this month that fulfilled this goal was reaching out to be a better friend. Let's face it, I am not an awesome friend. My introvert self just wants hide away from the world. But people are important to me. So I went down to Santaquin when I was invited to a book exchange party by one of my friends from that ward. It was so fun and I really do love talking books.
This month I also participated in a nickle auction at a friends house. This was so awesome. I came away with some great things for only a few $$.
Jaron finished up his Jr. Jazz season with a bang. They ended up winning half their games. The first game was really bad, but they only went up from there. This last Sat. Don went with him and his team to a Jazz game. They had a blast together.
The day after Jr. Jazz ended Bryson started his cooking class. He absolutely loves it. He loves to cook. He has already gained confidence in the kitchen and started using his new skill of measuring. I love my little sous chef.
Eldon is my snuggle bug and he reminds me every day. I have been really pondering how to help Eldon lately. He seems to be struggling to find who he is. His brothers pick on him a lot and this is really hard for him. I can only do so much to make them be nice to him. Anyway, I am working on it.
Landon is going to be the death of me. I pray every morning (and all day long!) for the patience to keep my cool with this one. He is so stubborn. Don't get me wrong I love the kid and we have lots of good times playing games together. He loves to play games. He can even beat me at Spot It sometimes. Sad I know.
Kayla is all over and as happy as can be. This little princess says mamama, dadada, and just jabbers away. She loves to sing along with us and I love that. She also loves her mama the most and cuddles. I love how when she wants me to pick her up or is telling someone they may not take her from mama she lowers her head towards me. She is so stinking cute, but then all my kids are.
THE BIGGEST NEWS OF THE MONTH? Don's new job is going awesome. He is rockin' the manager job just like I knew he would. He is so smart he is picking up really fast on everything. The hardest part is adjusting to being to work at 3:30/3:45/4:14am. He is getting the same amount of sleep as he was before, his body just is having a hard time switching over to the new wake time. I am so proud of him and it is wonderful having him around more to spend time with us.
I think that's the important stuff. Till next month.
Dani Hughes started another one that I totally didn't even have to do. We started monthly Hughes family dinners. I think this will be awesome.
I also have written and planned out date nights with Don and temple nights. "Schedule your priorities." Probably my most favorite habit from Steven Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.
Last thing this month that fulfilled this goal was reaching out to be a better friend. Let's face it, I am not an awesome friend. My introvert self just wants hide away from the world. But people are important to me. So I went down to Santaquin when I was invited to a book exchange party by one of my friends from that ward. It was so fun and I really do love talking books.
This month I also participated in a nickle auction at a friends house. This was so awesome. I came away with some great things for only a few $$.
Jaron finished up his Jr. Jazz season with a bang. They ended up winning half their games. The first game was really bad, but they only went up from there. This last Sat. Don went with him and his team to a Jazz game. They had a blast together.
The day after Jr. Jazz ended Bryson started his cooking class. He absolutely loves it. He loves to cook. He has already gained confidence in the kitchen and started using his new skill of measuring. I love my little sous chef.
Eldon is my snuggle bug and he reminds me every day. I have been really pondering how to help Eldon lately. He seems to be struggling to find who he is. His brothers pick on him a lot and this is really hard for him. I can only do so much to make them be nice to him. Anyway, I am working on it.
Landon is going to be the death of me. I pray every morning (and all day long!) for the patience to keep my cool with this one. He is so stubborn. Don't get me wrong I love the kid and we have lots of good times playing games together. He loves to play games. He can even beat me at Spot It sometimes. Sad I know.
Kayla is all over and as happy as can be. This little princess says mamama, dadada, and just jabbers away. She loves to sing along with us and I love that. She also loves her mama the most and cuddles. I love how when she wants me to pick her up or is telling someone they may not take her from mama she lowers her head towards me. She is so stinking cute, but then all my kids are.
THE BIGGEST NEWS OF THE MONTH? Don's new job is going awesome. He is rockin' the manager job just like I knew he would. He is so smart he is picking up really fast on everything. The hardest part is adjusting to being to work at 3:30/3:45/4:14am. He is getting the same amount of sleep as he was before, his body just is having a hard time switching over to the new wake time. I am so proud of him and it is wonderful having him around more to spend time with us.
I think that's the important stuff. Till next month.
February 2015 Pictures
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| Jaron's 9th birthday Avengers party |
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| Making a wish |
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| Daddy's new work station |
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| Learning how animals stay warm in winter |
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| Kayla is 10 months |
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| Jaron at the Jazz game with Jr. Jazz team & Dad |
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