tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53496311364618631242024-03-21T08:24:24.911-07:00UnglamorousThe Justin and Joann Barber FamilyJoannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08642920818240777604noreply@blogger.comBlogger135125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5349631136461863124.post-5209381943929241432010-06-30T17:56:00.000-07:002010-06-30T18:07:07.575-07:00Just to Prove They Know!<p><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyqIWKquu5iPOTZKpv43agTQGUiplSa4tlDmjxnS8I1AUhrYojr2Ez5g8RLlq4VqRIxu20t2WvXZPZm2Hm0aA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><p>Marianne and Allison came home from church a couple of weeks ago singing this song. We thought we'd save it for them to reference a few years down the road.</p>Joannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08642920818240777604noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5349631136461863124.post-72312110105169383972010-06-07T16:36:00.001-07:002010-06-07T16:49:22.202-07:00Where Has the Time Gone?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgykXajBBGbWd_BQFbSYl5L1WxzZ69TJK-aqIZN7zsXqaq4eNomf4P7uuLNYaht60fDWXOrNT_mt4ftes7fr_LRvzMpVIuo5VZAspDNKyM79n4oUVazyi8-7i9sMN4Hc43QmxTqGFV-be8/s1600/5-10-10+075.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480181703477135874" style="WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgykXajBBGbWd_BQFbSYl5L1WxzZ69TJK-aqIZN7zsXqaq4eNomf4P7uuLNYaht60fDWXOrNT_mt4ftes7fr_LRvzMpVIuo5VZAspDNKyM79n4oUVazyi8-7i9sMN4Hc43QmxTqGFV-be8/s400/5-10-10+075.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Well, my friends, it's been over a year since my last post and I am feeling a bit neglectful. But, alas, I'm am back...if you'll have me! There is too much to catch up on since last Spring, so I'll just go on from here, perhaps posting a few of our endeavors that you may or may not have missed. For now, here's an updated picture of all of our sweet little kiddos taken at Alli's birthday party! Marianne is now 6, Allison is 5, Bo turned 3 today and Rachel will be 2 next week. So, here's to hoping I can keep this going again. It's good to be back!!!</div>Joannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08642920818240777604noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5349631136461863124.post-10574508351666249462009-05-30T13:25:00.000-07:002009-06-03T14:13:23.205-07:00Allison's Birthday #4!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUxnpmx0yeE_QqY4LH0qW-8muT5Qo4yt1unTTpddhTIs9ZNXWB2Anlmch6N1FukiAu388cHvICdMWwFPNmPwG7ZQFkHN_N1qLl6uRJ6AafJkej3qY9WayjJKKfrGVQHJc1R-GFDIHoqCM/s1600-h/P5026650.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341716878300566306" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUxnpmx0yeE_QqY4LH0qW-8muT5Qo4yt1unTTpddhTIs9ZNXWB2Anlmch6N1FukiAu388cHvICdMWwFPNmPwG7ZQFkHN_N1qLl6uRJ6AafJkej3qY9WayjJKKfrGVQHJc1R-GFDIHoqCM/s400/P5026650.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Our little Alli Bug turned 4 on May 5th. We celebrated with everyone on the 3rd and had a lot of fun. And, Als had lots of fun playing and enjoyed all of the attetion. So, here's a recap of the day:<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge4bWD9FBubp1fEkO-4GG4LBkAOp3vUIRXGlnHo6RDZZeLpG_rh3y7O_vvySDaoHBr9exw2f4UPc4vr4gGhcvBqUwu6VxLT4Xa9D9maJ6uoz1BPnZDX8VK8AjagE0hXQ4DJh5bMYyGIxA/s1600-h/P5016647.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341716865623955746" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge4bWD9FBubp1fEkO-4GG4LBkAOp3vUIRXGlnHo6RDZZeLpG_rh3y7O_vvySDaoHBr9exw2f4UPc4vr4gGhcvBqUwu6VxLT4Xa9D9maJ6uoz1BPnZDX8VK8AjagE0hXQ4DJh5bMYyGIxA/s400/P5016647.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The night before, Justin set up the tent in the front room for the girls to sleep in. I think they stayed up until about midnight playing in it before they both zonked out for the night. What fun!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUED0wElyBBwlDbDxA5Y6OgmIsSO7codeZ51AsHI5yI1R7pyf5fZC_XdMMwjpZvwb0KHmY1qzrtVbTWF_0Mf5CkWxjiK72VsDGbLf5kzwW1IGSF57hAXEzhXm-l58SGJDYuVABY6Cu3xE/s1600-h/P5026653.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341717206248878322" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUED0wElyBBwlDbDxA5Y6OgmIsSO7codeZ51AsHI5yI1R7pyf5fZC_XdMMwjpZvwb0KHmY1qzrtVbTWF_0Mf5CkWxjiK72VsDGbLf5kzwW1IGSF57hAXEzhXm-l58SGJDYuVABY6Cu3xE/s400/P5026653.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />We invited everyone over for volleyball,<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6eGMd0PvenRLkTF66Py6-kO0C_FUkWgVCyTQVel9wjtnxQThWT-YjFBpqq0I6Sb8skBA1ehrvZ4fIzt_0PrDsd2EQ03MUwnoH34XmTHFK2qq0LEu82j4sLirXV4PzadZsBlsmby0M5Qs/s1600-h/P5026656.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341716881796268834" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6eGMd0PvenRLkTF66Py6-kO0C_FUkWgVCyTQVel9wjtnxQThWT-YjFBpqq0I6Sb8skBA1ehrvZ4fIzt_0PrDsd2EQ03MUwnoH34XmTHFK2qq0LEu82j4sLirXV4PzadZsBlsmby0M5Qs/s400/P5026656.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />some grillin',<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRY5VgLHWPz6kGEWiOvU_zNC_fCJC-E0iz3N3tVbAjj0eRXKj1EoNmkM9PQmcr8CimkzjrXyC4ATGs1rOLsCNiwA4CRCkebRmxswneUPg0NiKtCRXq_O5TAgEh0AmZgVD8jAHCE4KxJio/s1600-h/P5026681.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341716868277946066" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRY5VgLHWPz6kGEWiOvU_zNC_fCJC-E0iz3N3tVbAjj0eRXKj1EoNmkM9PQmcr8CimkzjrXyC4ATGs1rOLsCNiwA4CRCkebRmxswneUPg0NiKtCRXq_O5TAgEh0AmZgVD8jAHCE4KxJio/s400/P5026681.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />presents,<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0OkRf65Nrb-mycjcMu62saMYSKNrRjQNS8M01cwbLdnV8MvIziaf4Vm5AwbLam2uP0uLJe4mqBFSSmaa4L2u3UfQbG99wjguibXXSRipg_45uIIYprqZsGihfBw1L_yztynP3C8W_xsE/s1600-h/P5026691.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341716878266458626" style="WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0OkRf65Nrb-mycjcMu62saMYSKNrRjQNS8M01cwbLdnV8MvIziaf4Vm5AwbLam2uP0uLJe4mqBFSSmaa4L2u3UfQbG99wjguibXXSRipg_45uIIYprqZsGihfBw1L_yztynP3C8W_xsE/s400/P5026691.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />cake and ice cream.<br /><br /><br /><div>Now for the gush! I love my little bug. She is such a joy to be around. She always has a great big smile and hug for everyone. She is such a big helper and loves her brother and sisters. We all love her more than anything. She is the best 4-year-old out there! I hope you had a great birthday, Alli. I LOVE YOU!!!</div>Joannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08642920818240777604noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5349631136461863124.post-91125088595709695512009-05-08T12:28:00.000-07:002009-05-08T12:31:22.242-07:00What the HECK?Pictures of Allison's birthday party are on their way, but I just had to post about Rachel's latest...a new tooth. But, not just ANY tooth...a MOLAR!!! Seriously...what the HECK!?! She has a total of three teeth now. Her front two on the bottom and a top molar. Crazy! She's not even 1 until June 16th! No wonder she's been a little cranky the past few days. Poor kid...poor Mom!Joannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08642920818240777604noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5349631136461863124.post-28299494399697257262009-04-29T17:35:00.001-07:002009-04-29T17:43:00.862-07:00Alli's Turning 4!!!Our little Alli bug is turning 4 on May 5. She and Justin share the same birthday and we are all so excited! We are having a party for Als this Saturday at our house. Hope you can make it!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicIIryw6W7VrQnhUsuoFl4UW0PPij0YkRu6Rj530B46AI_0syRMY2R8ImECI-hIpYEKLMdFxBwJWQBpBU3x6YGNdYN5ZIxm_p2_nGtc4TgpuYkNuq3j86za-7j5aeMgOq5uO8jjJkR8Hw/s1600-h/Alli's_4th_birthday_announcement.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330278245983014818" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicIIryw6W7VrQnhUsuoFl4UW0PPij0YkRu6Rj530B46AI_0syRMY2R8ImECI-hIpYEKLMdFxBwJWQBpBU3x6YGNdYN5ZIxm_p2_nGtc4TgpuYkNuq3j86za-7j5aeMgOq5uO8jjJkR8Hw/s400/Alli's_4th_birthday_announcement.jpg" border="0" /></a>Joannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08642920818240777604noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5349631136461863124.post-74470147732676550982009-04-18T08:24:00.003-07:002009-04-18T08:26:54.063-07:00My Brother, John sent me this YouTube video of one of my piano idols. This guy is amazing. Hope you enjoy!<br /><br />(p.s. Make sure you scroll down to the bottom of our blog page and pause our tunes first!)<br /><br /><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/0v3d6SFcDys&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/0v3d6SFcDys&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="340" height="260"></embed></object>Joannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08642920818240777604noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5349631136461863124.post-15977914274341256112009-04-13T11:28:00.000-07:002009-04-13T12:00:03.878-07:00Happy Easter!!!We have had quite a week and weekend. The kids and I headed down to St. George to visit Grandma and Grandpa last Sunday and got home Thursday night. We had a lot of fun. I helped Jeri and Sally paint the dining room in St. George, we went shopping, the kids played on the rocks, we went to The Pizza Factory and lots of other fun stuff. I, unfortunately, forgot my camera so the only pictures we got were the ones that my mom took while she was with us. So, if you want to see pictures got see her blog <a href="http://akamkg.blogspot.com/">HERE</a>.<br />On Friday, Justin and I, after a long week apart, went to dinner at Texas Roadhouse and to see "Wicked" with two of my brothers and sisters-in-law. Let me just take a moment to say how wonderful and excellent and phenomenal and WOW "Wicked" was! I am so grateful to my parents who got us the tickets. Even Justin liked it and he's not much of a musical nut. Anyway, if you ever have the chance to see "Wicked," don't miss it!<br />So, on Saturday, we had dinner and colored eggs with Mike and Jeri and their family. Then, on Sunday, the kids woke up to find that the Easter Bunny had paid them a visit. The got to hunt for eggs and eat lots of treats from their baskets all before church! I know, horrible! Anyway, here are a few pictures from Sunday's festivities!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBWg3e2d3t89hP11VZCqcKT4DGJYFDUnDxE8FwarH7J2IVC7tVWiKJ5tOoSPPkV-nF6IXvCS74E_1WgcR6N0TAa0rCy7q1zT87qFrtkCNJtUUTgLEu-YYsoszD6elkL-GGIuWxyjZLqhw/s1600-h/P4126603.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324245997017215746" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBWg3e2d3t89hP11VZCqcKT4DGJYFDUnDxE8FwarH7J2IVC7tVWiKJ5tOoSPPkV-nF6IXvCS74E_1WgcR6N0TAa0rCy7q1zT87qFrtkCNJtUUTgLEu-YYsoszD6elkL-GGIuWxyjZLqhw/s400/P4126603.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Here the kids pose with their Easter baskets.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGfAHSqJsc-04ceFH6iSU0vQK__AVUI3pcZ7nCVK_TOEUbT-LBwmC_Ykj6ao_nnG2oH4MxjpE6Ixz-cjRYjhZZirVZqCFlK5h5CgzHDnjAVsCObJ2Df-K-9D2zJ_XGGP0soPTCTagAIC4/s1600-h/P4126596.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324245996415612178" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGfAHSqJsc-04ceFH6iSU0vQK__AVUI3pcZ7nCVK_TOEUbT-LBwmC_Ykj6ao_nnG2oH4MxjpE6Ixz-cjRYjhZZirVZqCFlK5h5CgzHDnjAVsCObJ2Df-K-9D2zJ_XGGP0soPTCTagAIC4/s400/P4126596.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Bo shows off the "Shake-n-go" car he got in his basket. The girls got little boxes with 6 rings in them and each of the bigger kids got chapstick, which apparently is a tradition since Marianne has asked for it for two years straight. Fun fun!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWhPSgZgRYeKNXSlSzKTz2FEh3I4zZAny_pgvG291Z-Z4xhdt90D0Qe0oH6rVhyphenhyphenetnBSB2Wk3KK2qaiV2bkMU4WeraDZHdmntWb72NTA_4s2KjTMIrRElSKpJGGLmUrRm-hwf9TGG8nVw/s1600-h/P4126605.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324245992728590898" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWhPSgZgRYeKNXSlSzKTz2FEh3I4zZAny_pgvG291Z-Z4xhdt90D0Qe0oH6rVhyphenhyphenetnBSB2Wk3KK2qaiV2bkMU4WeraDZHdmntWb72NTA_4s2KjTMIrRElSKpJGGLmUrRm-hwf9TGG8nVw/s400/P4126605.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Rachel wanted nothing to do with her own basket but EVERYTHING to do with Bo's. Who can blame her? Her's had only fishy crackers and Bo's had CHOCOLATE!!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsanEmx5RSjUUhIsjOXGqK-4CQXTL1xcha1eVcRouO8Snn55sG4Sl_dhTxl1dd5cVQc9T6T45ssXSCcRNrpX0X7AjNy4A4oGfZXz2ZrmfFqbfv4WIeIA0JVF8BPwsKeoPqMYeYUbPCMvM/s1600-h/P4126609.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324245778530291122" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsanEmx5RSjUUhIsjOXGqK-4CQXTL1xcha1eVcRouO8Snn55sG4Sl_dhTxl1dd5cVQc9T6T45ssXSCcRNrpX0X7AjNy4A4oGfZXz2ZrmfFqbfv4WIeIA0JVF8BPwsKeoPqMYeYUbPCMvM/s400/P4126609.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Here Marianne finds an egg in the window sill. Sometimes the Easter Bunny doesn't hide the eggs very well.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Q5iWu850JyV2frradGSvZN_jMl8JFbV5ps6or_JZQ5EFDqlJ6wF9SJy4O3wkGc4AEkoJ0Xlj6Z-kwA_eY_Syc3c66SStRvMFp9glqQm-Fc0hwrytAF_W0yNdaLOADhnG_OgPRkDrQ3g/s1600-h/P4126612.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324245776608951362" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Q5iWu850JyV2frradGSvZN_jMl8JFbV5ps6or_JZQ5EFDqlJ6wF9SJy4O3wkGc4AEkoJ0Xlj6Z-kwA_eY_Syc3c66SStRvMFp9glqQm-Fc0hwrytAF_W0yNdaLOADhnG_OgPRkDrQ3g/s400/P4126612.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Allison checks out the orange egg she found hiding in some decorations.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYwZFaSdtnjwC7tPUph9B2dRsiZ9StkwG36oEok0Yi-9PqxqczwkO_IbHeYPCzG-Y8XZBljOr90tBDO-KpWszJyD8Uifv4cHLKPrEVjwF0PVvMw55n-J0PuYn-AoGbwGvFLob74_IWgQA/s1600-h/P4126616.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324245773736513122" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYwZFaSdtnjwC7tPUph9B2dRsiZ9StkwG36oEok0Yi-9PqxqczwkO_IbHeYPCzG-Y8XZBljOr90tBDO-KpWszJyD8Uifv4cHLKPrEVjwF0PVvMw55n-J0PuYn-AoGbwGvFLob74_IWgQA/s400/P4126616.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Bo found his eggs (with a little help from his big sisters). This one he found in my half-dead plant. I think I'll water my two plants today. I wish I was a gardener.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNWecwiER6z1m88cJ5MLBRo4h4IYcl11B-IdtW4NPBzhcIRrqxifCfOornRtsVPn8BPFRlvHxXkMV8qJoKNKMBfly-5rb7vuP19XHlBcdbrFiwtC16N7QxELIiwJkhATBf7xJqT9L_EhE/s1600-h/P4126625.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324245775375225202" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNWecwiER6z1m88cJ5MLBRo4h4IYcl11B-IdtW4NPBzhcIRrqxifCfOornRtsVPn8BPFRlvHxXkMV8qJoKNKMBfly-5rb7vuP19XHlBcdbrFiwtC16N7QxELIiwJkhATBf7xJqT9L_EhE/s400/P4126625.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Here's a shot of all four kids after church. I made the girls' skirts and I was happy with how they turned out. I may even start making them to sell. So, check in soon to if I venture out on that endeavor!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324245771581476706" style="WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjTuwT2DSLjRWzRMA_mPksudBGDe45gkY90S0FebZh5vW10q_Xn8xgQIQ6anJV-odBu7na7BnRdYDELe4IYFS6qwVGMWv6Y4-KyiknD6o6-k_rNI7fft6x1USIM0k70EOf6g-0RtjSoTQ/s400/P4126626.JPG" border="0" /><br />Bo poses in his Easter duds. What a handsome kid!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDH7dbt0qB8qm0CfQCTWuPvRzZxSFqXcgAVG9cMemIlUrKRf4VdRW7v7Pd5HSVabW2Pb37dUvi5FHhsJ4qd6nWWDpFTJMJqpdWOxyYWGhJmJpsxuC7IAlR_WKUd-SJwh-Zg0SjlR12Arg/s1600-h/P4126629.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324245392179678706" style="WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDH7dbt0qB8qm0CfQCTWuPvRzZxSFqXcgAVG9cMemIlUrKRf4VdRW7v7Pd5HSVabW2Pb37dUvi5FHhsJ4qd6nWWDpFTJMJqpdWOxyYWGhJmJpsxuC7IAlR_WKUd-SJwh-Zg0SjlR12Arg/s400/P4126629.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Allison show off her pettiskirt.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimIj2ixqFEErT2GN90GCZmklOcxmW8Qh9ZHttxi1mWWgOGK8pr0TPiV4PW3T6qDGDW7oFa7f8desI7RpRe9ABtvuXzFfr-9cLP3Gqwtga2MjH7WGz-e1MfDkl4jxdd7RizHE7Zn634LSU/s1600-h/P4126630.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324245390564465618" style="WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimIj2ixqFEErT2GN90GCZmklOcxmW8Qh9ZHttxi1mWWgOGK8pr0TPiV4PW3T6qDGDW7oFa7f8desI7RpRe9ABtvuXzFfr-9cLP3Gqwtga2MjH7WGz-e1MfDkl4jxdd7RizHE7Zn634LSU/s400/P4126630.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Allison twirsl for the camerman (aka Justin).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2l0pQEWOX43I3x2ShrLyKoWy_z7225x3NgpXvabWq6PvfpAR5fCIsvpi5tZsl6WmKnTjtnypc1MdoS561oYqUY8M-MRLVhRVmABjQjsKcJ_ebpp7gkJVeLYlM5GAAWjxEM5Nc1sxLKpm5/s1600-h/P4126632.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324245387483850178" style="WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2l0pQEWOX43I3x2ShrLyKoWy_z7225x3NgpXvabWq6PvfpAR5fCIsvpi5tZsl6WmKnTjtnypc1MdoS561oYqUY8M-MRLVhRVmABjQjsKcJ_ebpp7gkJVeLYlM5GAAWjxEM5Nc1sxLKpm5/s400/P4126632.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Marianne posing for her shot. What a cutie!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf2Mij8gStXG_rVwmW67vGPkMh7G9VBjdOOvaCuMZ-E_c4Xex1NhOEjCRhNUfW5Z1ZPXRa5ZkH2zE2EJuIktgwyAZJu5g5oSRb8gOnS7DjBGa5f865s-xdgyonOP4WeP-pIJNGzPmEdELD/s1600-h/P4126633.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324245380658245442" style="WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf2Mij8gStXG_rVwmW67vGPkMh7G9VBjdOOvaCuMZ-E_c4Xex1NhOEjCRhNUfW5Z1ZPXRa5ZkH2zE2EJuIktgwyAZJu5g5oSRb8gOnS7DjBGa5f865s-xdgyonOP4WeP-pIJNGzPmEdELD/s400/P4126633.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Marianne gives her skirt a twirl!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDeRMHkHp5-paInuuTPAvohzqWpWIEldaMcZkf871XM0UD_bO762H_eW6IV48qqyjkNAl1sn72dz7jyKHXv1nDi9i48NQgiFyyq79OIBE0P_JFRkqlWmmhhJ1G-hfuBwDKRMoY0A9k5Is/s1600-h/P4126637.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324245376052564738" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDeRMHkHp5-paInuuTPAvohzqWpWIEldaMcZkf871XM0UD_bO762H_eW6IV48qqyjkNAl1sn72dz7jyKHXv1nDi9i48NQgiFyyq79OIBE0P_JFRkqlWmmhhJ1G-hfuBwDKRMoY0A9k5Is/s400/P4126637.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Rachel was done taking pictures by this point, but she still looks cute in all her fluff!<br /><br />We had a great weekend. Thanks to Phil and Sally for letting us crash at their house last week. Thanks to my mom and dad for the wicked "Wicked" tickets. And, thanks to everyone who humors me by leaving comments on my blog. I LOVE YOU ALL!!! (hint hint)Joannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08642920818240777604noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5349631136461863124.post-55759153091305441172009-03-18T13:20:00.000-07:002009-03-18T13:28:06.428-07:00Sleepy BoyAllison, Bo, Rachel and I went for a bike ride today. I rode the bike I got for Christmas, Allison rode the trail-a-bike (which she was NOT comfortable with) and Bo and Rach were in the trailer behind Als. We rode to the library, about 6 blocks away. The kids loved it...Alli, not so much, but she got used to it when I told her if she didn't cry I'd give her ice cream when we got home. Anyway, it was great to get out and try out our setup in the nice spring weather. Well, I think Bo got a little worn out being in the sun or something. This is what I found about 5 minutes after I put him in bed with his book for a snooze...<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj42cbBlQN_jUZg6_xK5M_zpT9yS9TD7E7qhGfJpepuRXc93Vk2IYS-1_byuATwbJRAk2BrDXRUsbvuhdD8iRwpdniyZI7WEdEPZkMiOItT0i-as79Vw_FlFyI3jb0vn0JMqaO9UCRRDCV-/s1600-h/P3186584.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314626387231276178" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj42cbBlQN_jUZg6_xK5M_zpT9yS9TD7E7qhGfJpepuRXc93Vk2IYS-1_byuATwbJRAk2BrDXRUsbvuhdD8iRwpdniyZI7WEdEPZkMiOItT0i-as79Vw_FlFyI3jb0vn0JMqaO9UCRRDCV-/s400/P3186584.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />He didn't even make it halfway through his Trucks book. Poor little guy.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLY3oA4uxJJbWE_P1jPI_0_ZjUbcY3fD8pswWR8W_kDJuTpMQpe0aeq80kBr05SojbXLHHULRaAnQWQ5ohY8mJwQiztvfMuwbpsw77K3F4XBPCIhOUo44BjtJYiWXX3tZpAmFl43qChhWT/s1600-h/P3186585.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314626392091220978" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLY3oA4uxJJbWE_P1jPI_0_ZjUbcY3fD8pswWR8W_kDJuTpMQpe0aeq80kBr05SojbXLHHULRaAnQWQ5ohY8mJwQiztvfMuwbpsw77K3F4XBPCIhOUo44BjtJYiWXX3tZpAmFl43qChhWT/s400/P3186585.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Yup, he's under there...fast asleep. I love this little guy!<br /><br />(By the way...that's a library book and it was like that when we borrowed it...promise!)Joannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08642920818240777604noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5349631136461863124.post-13163491035003694342009-03-16T10:28:00.000-07:002009-03-16T10:48:25.679-07:00Marianne Learns to Ride a Bike...Take 1On Saturday, Marianne had her first attempt at learning to ride a bike. Justin was excited to teach her and Marianne was very excited to learn. See exhibit A:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgufdzKzifX56Z4JNqnUFDqsocqXWnv_XBaifwRiKnKT192NEZjhOpmx60Dlkglt33XUQOA4XQEblIF36bE5m2AQovslsoLf_wEws-stg2nFrsaZHRBhvovdql39VmHB7Bc5Jais-Z4umtH/s1600-h/P3146575.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313840362298091458" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgufdzKzifX56Z4JNqnUFDqsocqXWnv_XBaifwRiKnKT192NEZjhOpmx60Dlkglt33XUQOA4XQEblIF36bE5m2AQovslsoLf_wEws-stg2nFrsaZHRBhvovdql39VmHB7Bc5Jais-Z4umtH/s400/P3146575.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Exhibit A: Justin and Marianne posing for a picture before Justin sends her off down the little hill on her own. Just look how happy they are!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI97LqGrGrb875QGzJmBlKbh4cvUBPic7iM9TarsbzFBYZhG9A9d4iyHXIU1HhrAPIejigBnLXcEKWB775uY5EAt8vNPgWXPqjNj1Rzy8e5zvPi1ygjgVRUulY5bJjh1af9pm74llRZYK4/s1600-h/P3146572.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313840375749063042" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI97LqGrGrb875QGzJmBlKbh4cvUBPic7iM9TarsbzFBYZhG9A9d4iyHXIU1HhrAPIejigBnLXcEKWB775uY5EAt8vNPgWXPqjNj1Rzy8e5zvPi1ygjgVRUulY5bJjh1af9pm74llRZYK4/s400/P3146572.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Marianne heads down the hill to see how far she can pedal before she loses her balance.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu8GNHMi1sL0zHBki2SRvBubRHto4k1ozZWGaqXmd1QkVlkkJINcyaOzhVoFurcLszp0etrn6fn5_LVzxdPlgROWqcEHg9XaF8eaqGIZdsBykow199WIsGT3OpwEvtkN4rT6bF-bKK3Y7D/s1600-h/P3146573.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313840372042740338" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu8GNHMi1sL0zHBki2SRvBubRHto4k1ozZWGaqXmd1QkVlkkJINcyaOzhVoFurcLszp0etrn6fn5_LVzxdPlgROWqcEHg9XaF8eaqGIZdsBykow199WIsGT3OpwEvtkN4rT6bF-bKK3Y7D/s400/P3146573.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Marianne pedaling and pedaling trying to make it as far as she can before she has to put her foot down.</div><br /><div></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5biiRjhF6FA0dTnOEHtXA26U4t2wIzYQXAEkl7Q9ghC8ZZGTNpX8tOnftcY0co1KtoEPSkhEYGbBc6on4-pXtmcO05OKLJ4Udymdm-r2Uzr7xWkMKd39w1480UDK9g1D_GIPh71MsAHEO/s1600-h/P3146574.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313840376982523362" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5biiRjhF6FA0dTnOEHtXA26U4t2wIzYQXAEkl7Q9ghC8ZZGTNpX8tOnftcY0co1KtoEPSkhEYGbBc6on4-pXtmcO05OKLJ4Udymdm-r2Uzr7xWkMKd39w1480UDK9g1D_GIPh71MsAHEO/s400/P3146574.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Bo helps Marianne push her bike up ths hill for another go at it.<br /></div><div>Marianne made it down the hill a few times before she actually got hurt. She hit the inside of her leg on the seat when she lost her balance. Well, after that, it was a no go! See exhibit B:</div><div></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKhPewVTz_lU0ZLKfcNCL-d3e8wecRnmQBsoxGvgv0J_m8aewd5yxzvM6CsjEJLSzcj9OMeMyf0SPhx8tgsLBhXtJJHV7A4dmolqJiOzCkrqpqmglAN3s3jqMKhKr27SkmtPsCb8lXOb_L/s1600-h/P3146580.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313840379570806930" style="WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKhPewVTz_lU0ZLKfcNCL-d3e8wecRnmQBsoxGvgv0J_m8aewd5yxzvM6CsjEJLSzcj9OMeMyf0SPhx8tgsLBhXtJJHV7A4dmolqJiOzCkrqpqmglAN3s3jqMKhKr27SkmtPsCb8lXOb_L/s400/P3146580.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Exhibit B: Marianne after the "fall." Mom (not knowing the ins and outs of learning/teaching to ride a bike) asked Marianne if she wanted to be done. She said, "Yes," and Dad shot a look at Mom. But, the damage was done and she was an emotional wreck until we let her stop for the day. So, keep on checking in for our next installment entitled "Marianne Learns to Ride a Bike...Take 2."<br /><br /></div><div></div>Joannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08642920818240777604noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5349631136461863124.post-88410868315934115222009-03-12T08:59:00.000-07:002009-03-12T09:01:05.075-07:00Tagged...By ME!I just visited my friend's website, and she had this fabulous "tag" on her blog. I love it because it is a "tag yourself if you want to be tagged" so no pressure for anyone who doesn't want to do it!! How great is that?!So here are the rules: The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me! My choice. For you. This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:<br /><br />1- I make no guarantees that you will like what I make!<br />2- What I create will be just for you.<br />3- It'll be done this year.<br />4- You have no clue what it's going to be.<br /><br />The catch is that you must repost this on your blog and offer the same to the first 5 people who do the same on your blog. The first 5 people to do so and leave a comment telling me they did win a FAB-U-LOUS homemade gift by me! Oh, and be sure to post a picture of what you win when you get it!!!So there you have it! If you want me to make something for you...hmm, what could it be? A new toilet paper dispenser? just leave me a message.Joannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08642920818240777604noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5349631136461863124.post-28494870252236191052009-02-22T21:58:00.001-08:002009-02-22T21:58:12.156-08:00The Survivors Club widget<script type="text/javascript" src="http://widgets.clearspring.com/o/49663ddbe1f1df02/49a23af2c6a60030/49663ddbe1f1df02/220fd57c/widget.js"></script>Joannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08642920818240777604noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5349631136461863124.post-87009516049551415952009-02-16T15:41:00.000-08:002009-02-16T15:57:51.161-08:00My Happy ListMy wonderful sister-in-law, Amy posted a list of 25 things that make her happy. I have been tagged on Facebook about a b-jillion times on people's "25 Random Things About Me" lists, so I thought I would do it here where all my loyal readers can enjoy it. I'm not that huge into Facebook, although it has connected me with quite a few long lost friends. I just like my blog better. Call me crazy! So, here goes:<br /><br />1. Listening to my kids playing from a distance. They don't hold back like they do when they know someone is watching them.<br />2. Laying on Justin's lap while we watch a movie or our favorite T.V. shows.<br />3. Warm snowy days.<br />4. Hearing Allison read to Rachel. I probably enjoy this a little too much, as I sometimes put Alli in charge of Rachel while I finishi dinner, or bread, or vacuuming, or bathrooms......<br />5. Listening to Marianne sing. She has been such a good little singer since before she could talk. She would "uh" the tune to book of Mormon Stories when she was about 14 months old.<br />6. Watching Justin interact with our kids.<br />7. When Justin comes home. I miss him all day long. Sometimes I even play "Devil's Advocate" and try to get him to call in sick on days that I will be home all day.<br />8. The smell of fresh baked bread.<br />9. The taste of fresh baked bread, slathered in butter. Can you guess what I'm doing right now?<br />10. Newborn babies falling asleep on my chest in the fetal position as I burp them...then falling asleep with them.<br />11. Anything purple...Ashley, I want your purple house, too!<br />12. Singing in the car with the girls. We can belt out every song from "Enchanted," "Annie," "The Little Mermaid," and our favorite primary songs.<br />13. Watching Marianne and Allison write.<br />14. Listening to Allison talk. She has the cutest voice of all my kids. (Can I say that?)<br />15. T-shirts, jeans and flip-flops. I HATE real shoes.<br />16. Afternoon naps.<br />17. FINISHING a sewing project and seeing it on my kids.<br />18. Late night games of Sudoku right before I go to sleep. Sometimes I dream of little boxes and numbers. Is that weird?<br />19. Receiving emails. I love when I log on and have 10 new messages...doesn't happen very often, but I love it!<br />20. House hunting. Even though we aren't seriously looking, when we're ready to buy a house, we'll get the best deal out there!<br />21. HGTV<br />22. Campfires and S'mores, but only if someone makes them for me. I'm too impatient.<br />23. Doing hair...mostly just running my fingers or a comb through my girls' hair, but it's fun when they let me experiment with it.<br />24. My WHOLE family....Arringtons, Barbers, Groses, Winegars etc. etc. etc.<br />25. Finding long lost friends.<br /><br />Wow, that was fun! Hope you enjoyed learning a little more about me and my little fam. I would add my encouragement to Amy's. Do this every couple of years and see how much it changes. Thanks for your example, Amy! You ROCK!!!Joannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08642920818240777604noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5349631136461863124.post-44139351902054549812009-02-11T14:02:00.000-08:002009-02-11T14:20:44.794-08:00ChangesTo start off, I have to admit something. I love to change around furniture! I have done it quite often since I was able to single-handedly move furniture around in my bedroom years ago. Well, I finally got Justin to agree to move things around downstairs, which started a chain reaction. We moved the entertainment center over, then the kids toys downstairs where the entertainment center used to be, then we finished by moving Bo out of his big sisters' room and Rachel out of our room and into a room with her big brother. Anyone confused or tired, yet? Here are some pictures to show off all of our hard work! Thanks Justin! I love you!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZqd1bd6T0CM75dBA_zy5rwg-wFIpMQI5xNfpm7TZmhQSChMIhtn7Cx7GJjQFLchtouoKfCbFold5UuX0B-vom9_D5druENiWsWvBqs6FkWGY_kUa6uOkZp7Tdk0eSOYlPW7Y5McNzr32T/s1600-h/P2116432.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301664898606265714" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZqd1bd6T0CM75dBA_zy5rwg-wFIpMQI5xNfpm7TZmhQSChMIhtn7Cx7GJjQFLchtouoKfCbFold5UuX0B-vom9_D5druENiWsWvBqs6FkWGY_kUa6uOkZp7Tdk0eSOYlPW7Y5McNzr32T/s400/P2116432.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Here's Marianne and Allison's spacious room. Now that the crib and changing table are out, they have room to actually breathe!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3qBKbVS4jgOA77Pz2X162CZKIM_OI3Tc1B7Kf28asq-tx76WCslMOfzehyV4-FFzBb5EYsFKvBpPe98nJ8XxiJj9tztXY_pcFIj4WcyVApjIJgktUBhGOtsJh7qTvU_Rf1v-nNObakPw_/s1600-h/P2116430.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301664896642912226" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3qBKbVS4jgOA77Pz2X162CZKIM_OI3Tc1B7Kf28asq-tx76WCslMOfzehyV4-FFzBb5EYsFKvBpPe98nJ8XxiJj9tztXY_pcFIj4WcyVApjIJgktUBhGOtsJh7qTvU_Rf1v-nNObakPw_/s400/P2116430.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Here's a picture from the doorway of Bo and Rachel's new room (aka old playroom).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLoMik7TUiv4Z9-7zWwiMm2TUX3oYIEo9KcixYwjFZ3hq7RGmOPUFsBhAi13kmnz7UlUDmd5ce6IcggrtyWq6YW7xbvniCxiCJ5mPsgOCAIGaueGtQCFsEI56YZffJ5g-y59_n8D5NhHU7/s1600-h/P2116431.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301664892646098018" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLoMik7TUiv4Z9-7zWwiMm2TUX3oYIEo9KcixYwjFZ3hq7RGmOPUFsBhAi13kmnz7UlUDmd5ce6IcggrtyWq6YW7xbvniCxiCJ5mPsgOCAIGaueGtQCFsEI56YZffJ5g-y59_n8D5NhHU7/s400/P2116431.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Here's Rachey in her crib. Since moving her out of our room, she has slept through the night and I have had to wake her up at 7:00 am to eat. (Yes, I am nursing ;)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5gDzh8oWMTJpQ2hMsAQpN5i151c595wz3MYyrxkIS-Sz5Utr3Ry5o9w1Kw8UAZAMzjFqDpPjeB5GTNu3dTfsW2OygyIGaUWGAeXbXKIBTal5vh0JOLwjqeMV07jQAXJSbKTYEzz1Pl47B/s1600-h/P2116429.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301664892668045346" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5gDzh8oWMTJpQ2hMsAQpN5i151c595wz3MYyrxkIS-Sz5Utr3Ry5o9w1Kw8UAZAMzjFqDpPjeB5GTNu3dTfsW2OygyIGaUWGAeXbXKIBTal5vh0JOLwjqeMV07jQAXJSbKTYEzz1Pl47B/s400/P2116429.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Rachel LOVES her new crib! And I love those bright eyes! What a cute little stink!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimOp67MZ8NlmiE89kj1w5nzjxCDdVjqPc43f6vLhOtfKnOpcPVE_8xuYBfB-fg9V73ANVH-1IRdWk3hfgM4GaN0ZM5zcegyp4HpTSG7zZC1FxnVUzkI7qEmVHXz20g7GtBryyvfm5D5OBJ/s1600-h/P2116433.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301664573047967378" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimOp67MZ8NlmiE89kj1w5nzjxCDdVjqPc43f6vLhOtfKnOpcPVE_8xuYBfB-fg9V73ANVH-1IRdWk3hfgM4GaN0ZM5zcegyp4HpTSG7zZC1FxnVUzkI7qEmVHXz20g7GtBryyvfm5D5OBJ/s400/P2116433.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Here's a picture of out new seating arrangment downstairs. You can see some of the kids toys behind the futon.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP7SMWVK7nOZHMwVbBGB-lLVerOcDFt2vAmpU14m4lKM0EXfL266Q0y2S2VA0QJH9Z4DMf4DXQMDHN_yj5dpyDRWMGymM20wK-PwyQhlQ5git7hfXMdYxRii6eSBfZFJCM7MOugtuhY6v_/s1600-h/P2116434.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301664568056500450" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP7SMWVK7nOZHMwVbBGB-lLVerOcDFt2vAmpU14m4lKM0EXfL266Q0y2S2VA0QJH9Z4DMf4DXQMDHN_yj5dpyDRWMGymM20wK-PwyQhlQ5git7hfXMdYxRii6eSBfZFJCM7MOugtuhY6v_/s400/P2116434.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />And, here's another view of the t.v. viewing arrangement. One of these days we'll have a nice plasma t.v...one can dream, right?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyrX-uTYV_1ajKtMkVPWoTJ5SLghh80ou-QWGevQGXfOAODcqF5zAMafXrUNdxZwO5iBl61ryitU-KmoTv296jCEOrgq6Q7lZNuWofv4I08V9naBnqrazXT8k4JB8FzzEXZ73FxwLaPrUS/s1600-h/P2116435.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301664565001620018" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyrX-uTYV_1ajKtMkVPWoTJ5SLghh80ou-QWGevQGXfOAODcqF5zAMafXrUNdxZwO5iBl61ryitU-KmoTv296jCEOrgq6Q7lZNuWofv4I08V9naBnqrazXT8k4JB8FzzEXZ73FxwLaPrUS/s400/P2116435.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Here's a shot of the kids's new playroom. They love all the space and all the light from the big windows. What they DON'T love, though, is that it's about 10 degrees cooler in the basement than unpstairs. We make sure they have socks on their little toesies, for sure!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHorAkMWGOgqVuoz2tvp6MAooau5seRHmIrMoJ1BwFyEENQ3YH_Beb2QeTUnL95qVpYDaBA4Cof0WY2mqmW7GnCj1Nx9bo6_0B7gTraIzMa7oXE_y9B5rXay9D26aMFukCn6-e2ijDiDuF/s1600-h/P2116436.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301664556461227298" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHorAkMWGOgqVuoz2tvp6MAooau5seRHmIrMoJ1BwFyEENQ3YH_Beb2QeTUnL95qVpYDaBA4Cof0WY2mqmW7GnCj1Nx9bo6_0B7gTraIzMa7oXE_y9B5rXay9D26aMFukCn6-e2ijDiDuF/s400/P2116436.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Another shot of the new playroom. The big magnet board you see is one that our friend, Aaron Harkness, built before he died. We feel very forutnate to have a couple of his pieces in our home. We miss him dearly!<br /><br />So, there you have it! We have been very busy and are enjoying the new set up. The kids love their new sleeping arrangement and their new playroom and Justin and I are enjoying having our bedroom back to ourselves!Joannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08642920818240777604noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5349631136461863124.post-35274186768910472732009-02-11T13:57:00.000-08:002009-02-11T14:01:46.674-08:00Bo's Flying Bum LeapLast night Bo was being adventurous. He loves to jump off of things. Well, he has taken it to a new level! Last night he was climbing onto my leg as I sat on the floor. He would then squat down and jump off my leg, pull his legs up and land flat on his little tushy. We were laughing so hard! I love this picture Justin got as he was mid-air. Check out the look on his face! What a stud! Love you, Bo man!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihLxi17LMin9yh3PSk5RFjigjnHPANARb9WC1HZa-OCsjMwRTiqHfCMUehQASUqydfUzyE_C0LfgacTM7UwWQrynPKI0nW9FpzjZpBLM1iKhyphenhyphensjzO-mNHlSjdfhnHnyXp6wAFj7gNQR_z8/s1600-h/P2106422.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301662401847391154" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihLxi17LMin9yh3PSk5RFjigjnHPANARb9WC1HZa-OCsjMwRTiqHfCMUehQASUqydfUzyE_C0LfgacTM7UwWQrynPKI0nW9FpzjZpBLM1iKhyphenhyphensjzO-mNHlSjdfhnHnyXp6wAFj7gNQR_z8/s400/P2106422.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Bo's now-famous "Flying Bum Leap!"Joannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08642920818240777604noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5349631136461863124.post-67349319115608473072009-02-02T14:30:00.000-08:002009-02-02T15:22:03.257-08:00Marianne Turns 5!!!Marianne turned 5 on January 25th! I just can't believe that I have a 5-year-old! It's amazing! This year, it seemed like Marianne's birthday lasted a whole week. Her actual birthday fell on a Sunday, so we celebrated just about every other day around it! Here's a little synopsis of what we did!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Saturday, January 24th - Swimming at the South Davis Recreation Center</span><br /><br />We went swimming at the South Davis Rec. Center in Bountiful. Jeri, Sadie, Aubry, Carley, Madie and Cody went with us, too. It was so much fun. But, next time we go, we're leaving Bo and Rachel with someone else. They HATED it!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyjldfsLe53T3fRL2dQ_i2oV-nuqtPlevrjBsiAezRjRluHXklCZeLMV-9YXX4Z32-wM8in5VdPiSKDll8lNbP77sgEi6aLK_ZULnFuSZRIZWUZQyqIPFWFfnozDRlIiRH5xzutaWxVL0X/"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZ54ElENzMge9CE7aZWXn0L5nyYEOE_HHDlxw1GTQsJhi9fv4SvBaJrMadgECqGm2BTcZ3TdqG9tTFOFElLUXNSOb9ESFpAr_UM2lMUsTiLkBnSNdbQtlzsd8SQs3iPNENoH14FN69D-A/s1600-h/P1246378.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298333699615246402" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZ54ElENzMge9CE7aZWXn0L5nyYEOE_HHDlxw1GTQsJhi9fv4SvBaJrMadgECqGm2BTcZ3TdqG9tTFOFElLUXNSOb9ESFpAr_UM2lMUsTiLkBnSNdbQtlzsd8SQs3iPNENoH14FN69D-A/s400/P1246378.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Marianne (always the poser), Bo and Allison waiting for the rest of our group to arrive before heading to the dressing rooms.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNtHR7O1_geOP24AbEejYAk2YL7xZA_kbmgMrEO_e-SyNCNgOr2BkntMZ8v1OZ3jXVEbs1G8_rGTMYwXrMIRPbp7jXDK94LUugWvvG7T6ugT2zoy-H13QVAal-94uyJ8uYGT65hgf0Smma/s1600-h/P1246383.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298333699643751506" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNtHR7O1_geOP24AbEejYAk2YL7xZA_kbmgMrEO_e-SyNCNgOr2BkntMZ8v1OZ3jXVEbs1G8_rGTMYwXrMIRPbp7jXDK94LUugWvvG7T6ugT2zoy-H13QVAal-94uyJ8uYGT65hgf0Smma/s400/P1246383.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />(L-R) Carley, Rachel, Aubry, Bo, Allison, Jeri, Marianne, Madie and Sadie in the women's dressing room. We're ready to get wet!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298335982519506834" style="WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyjldfsLe53T3fRL2dQ_i2oV-nuqtPlevrjBsiAezRjRluHXklCZeLMV-9YXX4Z32-wM8in5VdPiSKDll8lNbP77sgEi6aLK_ZULnFuSZRIZWUZQyqIPFWFfnozDRlIiRH5xzutaWxVL0X/s400/P1246384.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Marianne climbs the rock wall after her swim.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLakgcUHdwH_dz4WnpPRWzwXKLu8djc_Dipd3cXNk2FLvfz7CgwXjRbX5XPFs05Zh1b6o_Pf2KdlLCDFZ77n1Ta6Nlua5aj4dwPXfzI_4qPNhD4D_cohf63m4cxseaZsV4A2d8O6zjGTBB/s1600-h/P1246385.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298333702166460578" style="WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLakgcUHdwH_dz4WnpPRWzwXKLu8djc_Dipd3cXNk2FLvfz7CgwXjRbX5XPFs05Zh1b6o_Pf2KdlLCDFZ77n1Ta6Nlua5aj4dwPXfzI_4qPNhD4D_cohf63m4cxseaZsV4A2d8O6zjGTBB/s400/P1246385.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Allison is very brave...she didn't even cry when Justin let her go. (At least not as much as her big sister did!)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3jUlgdfif4y1IuuSXfpejQJx0Ag1ijoIBbJY1HB4Io5DqdfDUfDoPk4V40LW7GFS9vZvewo7IPnNw0P2YTtPanK6zUfuAJpD6hsOdFvXoEgUMmKCQPfDHRFUy2jmLshC51Mo7VM90MACk/s1600-h/P1246386.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298333703599992578" style="WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3jUlgdfif4y1IuuSXfpejQJx0Ag1ijoIBbJY1HB4Io5DqdfDUfDoPk4V40LW7GFS9vZvewo7IPnNw0P2YTtPanK6zUfuAJpD6hsOdFvXoEgUMmKCQPfDHRFUy2jmLshC51Mo7VM90MACk/s400/P1246386.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Bo wants a turn to climb, too. What a brave little guy!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Actual Birthday - Sunday, January 25th</span><br /><br />We went to church where the primary sang to Marianne. I was subbing in Alli's class so I got to be there. We came home and lunch and took a snooze. Then, Marianne opened her presents from us...clothes and a My Little Pony play rug. We took invitations around to our family and friends and ended up at Grandma and Grandpa Arrington's house to play with cousins.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Spotlight Day at Preschool - Monday, January 26th</span><br /><br />Justin and I took all the younger kids to Marianne's preschool to read to her class for her spotlight day. Her spotlight poster was up for the whole week and she decided to share the dum-dum suckers she got from the Boli for her birthday. Her favorite book is The Cat in the Hat, but a close second is Green Eggs and Ham. So, we got to read both! It was tons of fun!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Birthday Party - Friday, January 30th</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqBWmffD4BuKNqz8KaQ0nAbevMIhJ8WKjoMktdMPsBXWYrZwHkr6Pvb3CWWPYnI2-54bwZ4jhgxUiUQpc0GNBujMpJzyzyhxir0bHwiJaQcnw85vcF0qre38InMual6F8b2ZZ3YKzQcWvJ/s1600-h/P1306392.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298334079943264610" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqBWmffD4BuKNqz8KaQ0nAbevMIhJ8WKjoMktdMPsBXWYrZwHkr6Pvb3CWWPYnI2-54bwZ4jhgxUiUQpc0GNBujMpJzyzyhxir0bHwiJaQcnw85vcF0qre38InMual6F8b2ZZ3YKzQcWvJ/s400/P1306392.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The cake, of course. Marianne wanted a rainbow and Justin came up with the idea of using Skittles for the colors. The clouds are made of mini marshmallows. All the kids went nuts! Yummy!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWmdx5tdLfxhmjhNTVv4gACdu1KnMt7JlLGuVGlvVKI8iZXpms8Z-FTHphUBaPnQJ1yGw2JLc5riMnErvl-7cxOLEVQVOZCqsX7yVrtE3PxVgz2Sc9kVCudnOAq18tNIiKRMyy0rxAfkWv/s1600-h/P1306395.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298334080598374754" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWmdx5tdLfxhmjhNTVv4gACdu1KnMt7JlLGuVGlvVKI8iZXpms8Z-FTHphUBaPnQJ1yGw2JLc5riMnErvl-7cxOLEVQVOZCqsX7yVrtE3PxVgz2Sc9kVCudnOAq18tNIiKRMyy0rxAfkWv/s400/P1306395.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Marianne opens her gifts. Here, she's holding up a Ring Pop and some candy necklaces from Koby and Sam.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-f0hyphenhyphenXwQkZCv03Gy-QzHvW9EaqxroI84Q4b0V-pUtKPYWI9x8xIdFr_6uMiASPXm7DWbaEgJUu3l9sid7enTrvQw4ynK5iXGmdU87CMhRJdnUAkRNsbW_ELgC81B3CoYsTZt4KWhCxYNR/s1600-h/P1306403.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298334080810641682" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-f0hyphenhyphenXwQkZCv03Gy-QzHvW9EaqxroI84Q4b0V-pUtKPYWI9x8xIdFr_6uMiASPXm7DWbaEgJUu3l9sid7enTrvQw4ynK5iXGmdU87CMhRJdnUAkRNsbW_ELgC81B3CoYsTZt4KWhCxYNR/s400/P1306403.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Marianne opening her new pink camoflauge sleeping bag from Jim, Austin, Kyle and Josh.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsjkX71Gyxixztl3gYz6vWQHLeGt_rtNC9HsgCU5lGJy7CHSJHF-nw45ExNR14sxD_S2-vq-goQ65mXRtutMGTcf52p461xwxZSuW8DNQe3IgqbJO3NaaHo-d2GUy-daP0DVZZj1RQrhQa/s1600-h/P1306405.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298334075461787282" style="WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsjkX71Gyxixztl3gYz6vWQHLeGt_rtNC9HsgCU5lGJy7CHSJHF-nw45ExNR14sxD_S2-vq-goQ65mXRtutMGTcf52p461xwxZSuW8DNQe3IgqbJO3NaaHo-d2GUy-daP0DVZZj1RQrhQa/s400/P1306405.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I LOVE LOVE LOVE this picture of my little Marianne. Isn't she gorgeous!?!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyQuOyDR4nHXNswEvBFW0-ny0WBijQII5sHOmLlNch00CGCt38gWXrqMtUTSS9_Pnv-oClJVbO7VW4T2KEkxGwuFluwo3NGfir_zRynOhOr1rLK4jzuHPcN4s7Th4iuoZKAeZVYXfMXY4o/s1600-h/P1306407.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298334075797958642" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyQuOyDR4nHXNswEvBFW0-ny0WBijQII5sHOmLlNch00CGCt38gWXrqMtUTSS9_Pnv-oClJVbO7VW4T2KEkxGwuFluwo3NGfir_zRynOhOr1rLK4jzuHPcN4s7Th4iuoZKAeZVYXfMXY4o/s400/P1306407.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Blowing out the candles. I have no idea what she wished for. She wouldn't tell me lest it not come true!<br /><br /><br />Justin and I had tried for about a year and a half to get pregnant. When I finally decided to switch doctors to Dr. Healy, it only took us a month for the fertility drugs to work. I found out I was pregnant the night before my Grandma Grose died. Justin and I decided, when we found out we were having a girl that we were going to name her after my Grandma, Mary. We had basically decided on Lauren Mary. But, about a month before Marianne was born, we went to the temple. When we came out, I was asking Justin how he enjoyed the session. He said that it was great and that he had the feeling that we should name our baby girl Marianne. My sweet Grandpa Grose called my grandma his little Mary Ann and even has the sweetest song for her. When we asked my Grandpa if we could name her after my Grandma, his eyes filled with tears and he told us that would be wonderful. So, that's how Marianne's name came about.<br /><br />I love Marianne. She is such a great helper. She loves to take care of her little brother and sisters. She helps me almost every time I ask her to! She is so stinkin' smart. She can count to 100, write her whole name by herself, knows all her letters and numbers and can write them all, too. Her favorite thing to do is color pictures for people. She works tirelessly on pictures (ususally for an entire family), writes "for" and each person's name on every single picture, then autographs it. For those of you who have received these pictures, you better save them. They may be priceless some day! It nevers ceases to amaze me how much joy a child can bring into your life. Yes, it is difficult, but the rewards are a million times more than the trials! I can't think of a better way to have started off our little family. I love you, Mariannie!Joannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08642920818240777604noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5349631136461863124.post-50936159408881830092009-01-03T13:18:00.001-08:002009-01-03T13:32:01.637-08:00Two of Rachel's FirstsRachel has had a few firsts lately. Her first first was rolling over, which she did about a month and a half ago. Next came sitting up all by herself. She mastered that about three weeks ago. Well, we decided that since she is OVER six months old now, that she should probably start trying some solid food. I don't know why I hadn't started this earlier. I started Marianne and Bo at 4 months and Allison at 5 months. Oh well, she has been growing just fine without it. But, here are some pictures to document our first attempt at rice cereal...not too productive!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRxpITK7xcDb6jwupru2eLdC1H0F3ioEIVDCa5kj2V0v9u1Ag5fXr_ggjdrH4pFONEF2BlK2L0SzjFxdpNBxYrVUzE3UnWpRlV4YeV-iX0wfMHaoprX6eglS33IXTXfCwXiPgFWYOrOkNP/s1600-h/PC316341.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287180579182954738" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRxpITK7xcDb6jwupru2eLdC1H0F3ioEIVDCa5kj2V0v9u1Ag5fXr_ggjdrH4pFONEF2BlK2L0SzjFxdpNBxYrVUzE3UnWpRlV4YeV-iX0wfMHaoprX6eglS33IXTXfCwXiPgFWYOrOkNP/s400/PC316341.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Me trying to pry her mouth open with the spoon. This girl has got an iron jaw!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil80Np95YlgWRaWrIkfKutOj9NGcC6oUOc7jpXFFE8YZnOvieDK-YxOmNimia04TsEg9shY7Z21ktvt5Muf340PBNmkXdoc5XHsSZCcwLYyPV6ZQXOtIBni7zQiC8e8PUWYeASPLbhfwLd/s1600-h/PC316344.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287180571356938226" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil80Np95YlgWRaWrIkfKutOj9NGcC6oUOc7jpXFFE8YZnOvieDK-YxOmNimia04TsEg9shY7Z21ktvt5Muf340PBNmkXdoc5XHsSZCcwLYyPV6ZQXOtIBni7zQiC8e8PUWYeASPLbhfwLd/s400/PC316344.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />MOM!!!! What are you feeding me?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDU7CAF4_9WCBQIoTV65igxn42cCd-Ckcqa9PYO6fqeyVjpKf9HgCzDp_OdYjADjNLYG4PRa8caJ4hpnrJYYKmnn2IWuYEaRrLdAtF0GOE4j39u9Ipt9zCewlC2AkW2f7Teb3v_AfpLjnS/s1600-h/PC316342.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287180573662230418" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDU7CAF4_9WCBQIoTV65igxn42cCd-Ckcqa9PYO6fqeyVjpKf9HgCzDp_OdYjADjNLYG4PRa8caJ4hpnrJYYKmnn2IWuYEaRrLdAtF0GOE4j39u9Ipt9zCewlC2AkW2f7Teb3v_AfpLjnS/s400/PC316342.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Really?!? You want me to swallow this?<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw_7Mfqbl_jzlf1Cw4Gy8hSMhL2AeYZhrlQAA8xSoSt0autKTs79Ofi5II1LQ_KBPHnX9xlE99jwqO3ug7QUY6yeHKFDRdjWbrd5LLPbk93CsB3ahS7uVX-ADHUC7FE11B7enjSDts4tAf/s1600-h/PC316343.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287180577486393906" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw_7Mfqbl_jzlf1Cw4Gy8hSMhL2AeYZhrlQAA8xSoSt0autKTs79Ofi5II1LQ_KBPHnX9xlE99jwqO3ug7QUY6yeHKFDRdjWbrd5LLPbk93CsB3ahS7uVX-ADHUC7FE11B7enjSDts4tAf/s400/PC316343.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Am I done yet?<br /><br />She has done better each day. Today, I think she actually MEANT to swallow the cereal. Good girl, Rach!<br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>And, here's the first that <em>I</em> am most excited about....</div><div></div><div>RACHEL'S FIRST HAIRDO!!!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYPEBeopI4BWz85Y3bw5gNJFjTu2pIdJZWrp3VNJkQXV5eXQxb809-PQi-j5-A_lxbA657XJXi9yG43ea84QmX6ywzyB9qYAJyLOuNaeCl-r39xGGGDnTXhQmDmgRtf4bXlbXl4CwWyaKT/s1600-h/P1036356.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287180572459152322" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYPEBeopI4BWz85Y3bw5gNJFjTu2pIdJZWrp3VNJkQXV5eXQxb809-PQi-j5-A_lxbA657XJXi9yG43ea84QmX6ywzyB9qYAJyLOuNaeCl-r39xGGGDnTXhQmDmgRtf4bXlbXl4CwWyaKT/s400/P1036356.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />She was such a trooper and it only took me about a minute to get this elastic in her hair. I added a little clippy later, but it kind of hid the piggy. Go Rachel! I'm so pumped! </div>Joannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08642920818240777604noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5349631136461863124.post-76827580178396863832008-12-31T11:48:00.000-08:002008-12-31T11:55:15.649-08:00Christmas RecapNo more pictures of Christmas, but I wanted to share what else we did. We left Jim and Aimee's house and headed North to my parents' house. They gave the girls dresses and Bo a handsome outfit from Old Navy. Justin and I got Visa gift cards and Texas Roadhouse gift cards. YUMMMYYYYY!!! We hung out they for the rest of the day and then at around 7:00 headed to my brother, John's house to play games. It was really bad weather, but I made Justin stay. We ended up driving home in a blizzard. The on ramp to the freeway wasn't plowed, so we had to plow through about 6 inches of snow in the minivan! AAAHHH!!! It was freaky! We made it home alright, but it wasn't without worry. We had a wonderufl Christmas and have spent every night since partying late into the night. I am so grateful for this time of year. I love spending every minute with my family and friends. I am grateful for my Savior, without whom, I would be lost. I am so grateful for my loving family and especially for my AWESOME husband. I am so blessed with my four BEAUTIFUL children. I love them with everything I have. They are perfect! Thanks for everything! You all ROCK!Joannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08642920818240777604noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5349631136461863124.post-16291533422696105152008-12-31T11:37:00.000-08:002008-12-31T11:48:44.686-08:00Christmas Morning with the BarbersAfter we finished at our house, we headed over to Jim and Aimee's for the Barber Christmas party. We always have breakfast and then open presents. This year the rule was "Homemade Gifts." So, here are a few pictures of us receiving gifts.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS22OfKTzQcCKHf9yMa2DbhwoTReDVUMW40nHoGJ3t8BywRrjheiEnFd6xJ1wN-w28a5Y2eWeHE87J8SfhpaWLawDy0BAAgpze3kX561Ju43dhBHs7EHkCxAZHixtOvu1xvoTEWbhNILSa/s1600-h/PC256159.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286041245879539090" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS22OfKTzQcCKHf9yMa2DbhwoTReDVUMW40nHoGJ3t8BywRrjheiEnFd6xJ1wN-w28a5Y2eWeHE87J8SfhpaWLawDy0BAAgpze3kX561Ju43dhBHs7EHkCxAZHixtOvu1xvoTEWbhNILSa/s400/PC256159.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Mike made Justin this awesome fishing lamp. Yeah, I know! I totally thought they bought it! But, Mike made it by himself! Justin LOVES it!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiesfwzX1sZoWUm4puZtP7YWYhyq-xMnNgBynAuK_U0rKsqyIBp3KABwNrN_iSCTbmymOj35BRooF_4Kov73IgxH6sbIad2f4upNKIzPp5oBpLIO_aS5N-ISXXN0LFXyMZbuKdxIBsR7QAv/s1600-h/PC256174.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286041240791567042" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiesfwzX1sZoWUm4puZtP7YWYhyq-xMnNgBynAuK_U0rKsqyIBp3KABwNrN_iSCTbmymOj35BRooF_4Kov73IgxH6sbIad2f4upNKIzPp5oBpLIO_aS5N-ISXXN0LFXyMZbuKdxIBsR7QAv/s400/PC256174.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Judd gave Bo a book and a blanket that he tied. Bo loves the new book and tries out all of the different ways that animals say goodnight whenever we read it! Thanks Judd!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFHKgWiXh1c5E4P6GJ8QYkL1kIbnroLrch5MOSbgivTa6A9_7uSHsLIeacwIdNp7x0KHkGTSCYrHX-_VrqIVHnZOuKemqiJxijHq2Ie0eJwLiz-_J8G1rol7DbEaE_uHrKcQAXd1cnSirE/s1600-h/PC256175.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286041237297415026" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFHKgWiXh1c5E4P6GJ8QYkL1kIbnroLrch5MOSbgivTa6A9_7uSHsLIeacwIdNp7x0KHkGTSCYrHX-_VrqIVHnZOuKemqiJxijHq2Ie0eJwLiz-_J8G1rol7DbEaE_uHrKcQAXd1cnSirE/s400/PC256175.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Austin made Allison this "treasure box." It's enraved with an "A" for Allison! Inside was a kit to make some necklaces. She loves it. Thanks Austin!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRr_5vaIwLY8Ml96IvXve96k_epz0OdvKZKkTRML8BtshejCFnUwIqYPIFHNx75uxX0kdSACaEUMqOtUXj4tL-I1iv_kCceYWylVbCidsaYW8emaGJXPGpt94O4MPlwhezFMQcwBOUiJJj/s1600-h/PC256173.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286041239634564770" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRr_5vaIwLY8Ml96IvXve96k_epz0OdvKZKkTRML8BtshejCFnUwIqYPIFHNx75uxX0kdSACaEUMqOtUXj4tL-I1iv_kCceYWylVbCidsaYW8emaGJXPGpt94O4MPlwhezFMQcwBOUiJJj/s400/PC256173.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Josh made Rachel a box, too. Her's had some teething rings in it. She has put them to good use. Thanks Josh!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgCcO1s7VoBRZZz8XEJ6gP60n8chzG7GJWJPvj6y6ZDVSfPy4PK7dBi6d4NsOyAIpGOIwWkZPRvrp03ugjk_tqcpSnL8OjlfoTDqJ_q2jHyaOd8RUZmBG5kzrLplBSWM0XH7M6t9_I-bvt/s1600-h/PC256176.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286041236445063170" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgCcO1s7VoBRZZz8XEJ6gP60n8chzG7GJWJPvj6y6ZDVSfPy4PK7dBi6d4NsOyAIpGOIwWkZPRvrp03ugjk_tqcpSnL8OjlfoTDqJ_q2jHyaOd8RUZmBG5kzrLplBSWM0XH7M6t9_I-bvt/s400/PC256176.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Marianne got a "treasure box" from Kyle, too. Her's was pink with "M" on the top. She, too, got a jewlery making kit. She loves them both! Thanks Kyle!</div><div> </div><div>I always love Christmas morning with the Barbers! It's such a fun start to a long day! This year, because the gifst were supposed to be homemade, I ended up doing it all, which was fun. We gave Joe a pair of pj pants, Cami, Sadie and Aubry got bracelets, Austin got a picture of his dog, Macy and some dog pj pants, and Brigham got BYU jammies and a BYU fleece blanket that I blanket stitched around. This year, I LOVED giving!</div>Joannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08642920818240777604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5349631136461863124.post-66492247282427869252008-12-31T11:18:00.000-08:002008-12-31T11:37:03.370-08:00Christmas MorningLet me begin by saying that I HATE that when you upload photos on Blogger, they get all out of order. I usually take the time to put them back in the order I had them, but I have too much to post, so bear with me!<br /><br />I got up at 7:00 to jump in the shower and get ready before the kids woke up...at 8:30! My parents, Dan and Lisa came to our house, too. My mom said that our kids are just fun to watch open their presents. They are getting to be at the perfect age! So, here are just a FEW of the pictures we got of Christmas morning.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcCxcQKCe1bqaR0qnUpVY2VAVwkVMF-T77rSccfe3U74Q37AZcM-qpCaEH9v2I9EgpnB2d-P8u7JISsSL7YeTd_0gbPP5gP_NMS9BWcN-d7q4aZqCUKWTv2s516P4eWtRc7xGvTwtKpLwP/s1600-h/PC256094.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286036324613856882" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcCxcQKCe1bqaR0qnUpVY2VAVwkVMF-T77rSccfe3U74Q37AZcM-qpCaEH9v2I9EgpnB2d-P8u7JISsSL7YeTd_0gbPP5gP_NMS9BWcN-d7q4aZqCUKWTv2s516P4eWtRc7xGvTwtKpLwP/s400/PC256094.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Marianne checking out the stockings before we headed downstairs to open gifts.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhThKpdDo8jsnR9dp7kBS0tBNZFqkrrKUfpkN2TsDVHr1yLQOdGoUskXAPEpKFuGhDrH_dyYkLlFg2jLHDWb6TQoUo3tmEMB6oxZlDYfA6iyTOzD_la5pK1nJJ4LgE0U2z3AFjHivzjZf7L/s1600-h/PC256096.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286036324397290306" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhThKpdDo8jsnR9dp7kBS0tBNZFqkrrKUfpkN2TsDVHr1yLQOdGoUskXAPEpKFuGhDrH_dyYkLlFg2jLHDWb6TQoUo3tmEMB6oxZlDYfA6iyTOzD_la5pK1nJJ4LgE0U2z3AFjHivzjZf7L/s400/PC256096.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Bo sorting through his stocking. He got some Matchbox cars along with all the junk. We really try no to go overboard on the candy. We do mostly crackers, juice, fruit, but we always throw in some chocolate for good measure.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq86Y8pylDilqvFfmAZxvcE-B08v658dEBCJM5jojCDvG9SD2tOVtDCgegQhdIdVD3B5CNbKnX5OjQ-_t7gJLHUwdnER3FuciokfNr4J6c2oYbrDPiwOVPG38PylrzC-Mt0Fh97NsE-PnC/s1600-h/PC256104.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286036303096805778" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq86Y8pylDilqvFfmAZxvcE-B08v658dEBCJM5jojCDvG9SD2tOVtDCgegQhdIdVD3B5CNbKnX5OjQ-_t7gJLHUwdnER3FuciokfNr4J6c2oYbrDPiwOVPG38PylrzC-Mt0Fh97NsE-PnC/s400/PC256104.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The kids got a Little Tykes kitchen for Christmas. It is probably their favorite gift and it was free! Thanks Mike and Amy!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghe67aXmYBHk6nbzjPMi_y1tWuzuKpkTxHgPC7f1v91hb1XZMtFhZD_z0wS2Uf8RM66I2fGKF5kpGCLJ9u5ZUPR71a8CB9l2GFNS_85hGq3jc6KNu0XT86ZJsll1llneUsKfvvcJOTAXWu/s1600-h/PC256097.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286036314168080594" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghe67aXmYBHk6nbzjPMi_y1tWuzuKpkTxHgPC7f1v91hb1XZMtFhZD_z0wS2Uf8RM66I2fGKF5kpGCLJ9u5ZUPR71a8CB9l2GFNS_85hGq3jc6KNu0XT86ZJsll1llneUsKfvvcJOTAXWu/s400/PC256097.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Allison going through her stocking. The girls got little gumball machines from the big man.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP3HtUWW9bz_JGZy9WzIZ_c-sUhHnMTNPZ8d2FfIUO54ll_Pjpoy-EAlxW7pHnksOTjpisAwVrIl-Fcyy4wONMRmPumdNlp0K54udMy-_d66Vf6lHewHfjrTseBrJOccs2kKpywuoawLgg/s1600-h/PC256120.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286036296268720354" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP3HtUWW9bz_JGZy9WzIZ_c-sUhHnMTNPZ8d2FfIUO54ll_Pjpoy-EAlxW7pHnksOTjpisAwVrIl-Fcyy4wONMRmPumdNlp0K54udMy-_d66Vf6lHewHfjrTseBrJOccs2kKpywuoawLgg/s400/PC256120.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Opening gifts. Bo got this hammer and peg set from Justin and Bo DID NOT want to let it go. I felt bad that everytime he opened a present, we would just take it away and make him open another one. Word to the wise: have your kids open the boring stuff first. The clothes I got him were not near as exciting as the toys he got!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwX2JLDP5jXCeBlMxm91YI7bp3q1liyUyc2WPJsBnYZP434SH9tBPUkoEFroherPPFG8Z2bvm3oqraBFIPXVPIrO-dv8Qm9jdf86qtqNISjR8op0QLZVMWUVk_r4Y4_eH-v1JRa3tetxAz/s1600-h/PC256155.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286036904083869026" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwX2JLDP5jXCeBlMxm91YI7bp3q1liyUyc2WPJsBnYZP434SH9tBPUkoEFroherPPFG8Z2bvm3oqraBFIPXVPIrO-dv8Qm9jdf86qtqNISjR8op0QLZVMWUVk_r4Y4_eH-v1JRa3tetxAz/s400/PC256155.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div>Here is Bo after we took his toys away to "make" him open more. He has been doing this "It's the end of the world" routine for some time now. I think it's adorable!</div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvcgDIV6mACs1K3k3161MLU7B_k-9E4NRPm7wmex3JczJfM6OsopoV5kQYBo-V7WpYFinMnWTBoj1cClRwJV2eAy_3viQXRbinbK0ZnqsQyloXqXNITO7cikT3Ewsg0yAZGyRlOWQL-bs9/s1600-h/PC256124.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286036899918679154" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvcgDIV6mACs1K3k3161MLU7B_k-9E4NRPm7wmex3JczJfM6OsopoV5kQYBo-V7WpYFinMnWTBoj1cClRwJV2eAy_3viQXRbinbK0ZnqsQyloXqXNITO7cikT3Ewsg0yAZGyRlOWQL-bs9/s400/PC256124.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Rachel opening one of her few gifts. What do you get a 6 month old for Christmas?</div><div> </div><div>We had a great morning. Here's what everyone got:</div><div> </div><div>Justin: Electric Guitar Amp, BYU football, Monopoly, John Grisham book, socks</div><div>Joann: Mountain bike, pedicure kit, Glenn Beck's "An Unlikely Mormon" DVD</div><div>Marianne: Clothes, games, camera, "Horton Hears a Who," socks, underwear</div><div>Allison: Clothes, games, camera, "Wall-E," socks, underwear</div><div>Bo: Hammer and pegs, Matchbox rescue station, games, socks (I WISH underwear!)</div><div>Rachel: Clothes, toys</div></div></div>Joannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08642920818240777604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5349631136461863124.post-88823161189310705722008-12-31T11:10:00.000-08:002008-12-31T11:18:10.866-08:00Christmas EveEvery Christmas Eve we have a few traditions. Luckily we get to spend it with just our little family. I love that! We gave the kids a bath and let them put on their new jammies. Then, we headed downstairs to watch the original "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" while we wrapped presents for our family and friends. After "The Grinch" we sang some Christmas carols while Justin played his guitar. I love this part the most, especially now that the girls are getting old enough to sing with us. It is one of the few times every year that I get to hear Justin play his guitar that I got him for our first Christmas together. Then, we put the kids to bed and stayed up watching "A Christmas Story" while we wrapped the rest of the presents. We finished at about 12:30 am. Not too shabby, huh? I love our Christmas Eve traditions!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpW8A1n9SBL1o6SAdAs4Gb-EUbuQpKeheBgByYtOk0uDBZNGbYz86guE_T8RevjztnzsIHRVw4KOSjp0n6DQ632V47D7D28xmhp4mvZrkelB2wfmwEVrUl1pKP3Tm-nt0ajzhQebBocwU_/s1600-h/PC246091.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286033905638417650" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpW8A1n9SBL1o6SAdAs4Gb-EUbuQpKeheBgByYtOk0uDBZNGbYz86guE_T8RevjztnzsIHRVw4KOSjp0n6DQ632V47D7D28xmhp4mvZrkelB2wfmwEVrUl1pKP3Tm-nt0ajzhQebBocwU_/s400/PC246091.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Marianne, Justin, Rachel, Allison, Bo and Joann in our Christmas jammies.Joannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08642920818240777604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5349631136461863124.post-28481422375954338432008-12-31T11:05:00.000-08:002008-12-31T11:10:38.639-08:00Arrington Family Christmas PartyMy family's party was on the night of the 23rd. We had Bryan and Becky's family and got them "Family Feud" and lots of candy. My big sister Sharon and her family had us. They gave the girls a basket full of dress up clothes (totally awesome!), Bo some hacky-sac type sports balls, and Rachel a cute little outfit. I wanted to share the outfit that Rachel got. I love it!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI-dPDAO_QETLcYMqrqEAqdn10sl3_wm7u4BlfY7S4gGR_Y2NVA_d9SwtbDAEKMj2MZVmmLYDgMglNR5_w822CcPSmG3zEXr-omZoiQ54Myb4mw8QRJGhnm7CIGsuJ1SND9QeEa7kPZHg6/s1600-h/Pee+shirt.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286032701777637138" style="WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI-dPDAO_QETLcYMqrqEAqdn10sl3_wm7u4BlfY7S4gGR_Y2NVA_d9SwtbDAEKMj2MZVmmLYDgMglNR5_w822CcPSmG3zEXr-omZoiQ54Myb4mw8QRJGhnm7CIGsuJ1SND9QeEa7kPZHg6/s400/Pee+shirt.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />When I showed my mom she said, "I don't think that's very funny." I guess it hit a little too close to home for her! Ha!Joannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08642920818240777604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5349631136461863124.post-19127180668844499572008-12-31T10:49:00.001-08:002008-12-31T11:56:08.867-08:00WE'RE ALIVE!!!I know, I know! It's been almost a month since I last posted. Justin has given me a little grief, but I say, "It's his blog, too!" Anyway, here is what we have been up to for the past few weeks!<br /><br />Allison's preschool program was on December 19th. Her teacher (Justin's sister, Jeri) asked the girls and me to sing "When Christmas Comes to Town." Allison had never sung it in front of a crowd, so I was a little worried about her. I basically thought she would just stand there while Marianne sang their part by herself. Well, such was NOT the case. Alli got ahold of that microphone and WOULD NOT let it go. Marianne and I had to practically yank it out of her hands. You can see that from this picture. Another funny thing is that I messed up on the words in one part. Of course, Marianne knows the song better than I do, so instead of just letting people think that I was doing great, she sat there and shook her head and practically shouting, "No! No! That's wrong!" Yeah, thanks, sis!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_hfxEksZksHGKI6-hov1ZOqAjCcCWcpYRAq6W-VULkebBWiyAcO0ns67VfFrXpKJNLkjhY0_3I7IDhn5PohXQGOlp4fij5AlSrUMKQgCR-S6GzXhpTokn4NOIcjkGg0XXgQr5-wOBTL1/s1600-h/PC196062.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286030022350066898" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_hfxEksZksHGKI6-hov1ZOqAjCcCWcpYRAq6W-VULkebBWiyAcO0ns67VfFrXpKJNLkjhY0_3I7IDhn5PohXQGOlp4fij5AlSrUMKQgCR-S6GzXhpTokn4NOIcjkGg0XXgQr5-wOBTL1/s400/PC196062.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Marianne TRYING to share the microphone with Allison.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnI6grUAn97Ad5qB1B0HjWIxhgDgDAIb7fR2hXGEst17qepdhEBrt0eC45hArMhNcFh0cGR77Yqj1Zeruo5uDcAPy2Z8F1R4GBwBg6TtDQGkWyaGwCYpJ5tXGXcdRkiiiw9C5cE2FV0udJ/s1600-h/PC196065.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286030016922766178" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnI6grUAn97Ad5qB1B0HjWIxhgDgDAIb7fR2hXGEst17qepdhEBrt0eC45hArMhNcFh0cGR77Yqj1Zeruo5uDcAPy2Z8F1R4GBwBg6TtDQGkWyaGwCYpJ5tXGXcdRkiiiw9C5cE2FV0udJ/s400/PC196065.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I put Justin's little brother, Joe in charge of our camera. I was pretty much counting on having one of these photos of his cute family! We love you Brigham, Lizzy and Uncle Joey.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIgrMskOeKeI7sAqHln15XI_XsiQm6FSra2PX3rs5QgE4H-fUV5EKbcKPn_LPm6cH0Y6RPnwafaiwreISZ0tsuxuMQDwzAhYsbMIw5GwmyOoIAFxMpMiNk4aPnIF8uayL5YR0zTllo1hJM/s1600-h/PC196078.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286030010671472754" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIgrMskOeKeI7sAqHln15XI_XsiQm6FSra2PX3rs5QgE4H-fUV5EKbcKPn_LPm6cH0Y6RPnwafaiwreISZ0tsuxuMQDwzAhYsbMIw5GwmyOoIAFxMpMiNk4aPnIF8uayL5YR0zTllo1hJM/s400/PC196078.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Next was Santa's lap. Bo DID NOT enjoy himself!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4uE4nDQoWDxqCdZ2rOmbzicdiF7gwPxqc0KCGZzvMRmxkSFIM3v4evQB1vpkPgBvQuv8rT0LKC2Vw2yVUlGF2mM4ySwh168L-DoDm5lq9rO3QpRKGdjER5aHy-2d0JrghZAdQYsd4qsyx/s1600-h/PC196072.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286030020053017250" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4uE4nDQoWDxqCdZ2rOmbzicdiF7gwPxqc0KCGZzvMRmxkSFIM3v4evQB1vpkPgBvQuv8rT0LKC2Vw2yVUlGF2mM4ySwh168L-DoDm5lq9rO3QpRKGdjER5aHy-2d0JrghZAdQYsd4qsyx/s400/PC196072.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Marianne, ever the big girl, couldn't wait to tell Santa what she wanted!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgopxVk9au5LGSVuI2PEXoFTNanLP9Ezd73L-19hf-kC_cdiUJywy_MxY3Nus6854MVDKu7PVbjYXAke3HmwB4ueoyOEevw1I8kUqIUb1RMxHsADXPbcuyCjrNgNiiOLdKfxw21XdQTyQ0D/s1600-h/PC196075.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286030015973398514" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgopxVk9au5LGSVuI2PEXoFTNanLP9Ezd73L-19hf-kC_cdiUJywy_MxY3Nus6854MVDKu7PVbjYXAke3HmwB4ueoyOEevw1I8kUqIUb1RMxHsADXPbcuyCjrNgNiiOLdKfxw21XdQTyQ0D/s400/PC196075.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Allison, however, would just get close enough to whisper that she wanted a "present" for Christmas. I love this picture!<br /><br /><div>Thanks to Mrs. Eggett for being such a great teacher (and sister, and aunt, and friend etc....) We love you!</div></div></div>Joannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08642920818240777604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5349631136461863124.post-53158788247764260162008-11-25T21:14:00.001-08:002008-11-25T21:51:06.501-08:00What's a Mother to Do?Yesterday, Marianne had a little friend over to play after school. While they were playing, I heard Marianne use the Lord's name in vain. You know the one...the one kids hear EVERYWHERE; "Oh my".....yeah, that one. Well, the first time I heard it, I wasn't positive that that is what had come out of her mouth, so I put it to the back of my mind. Well, the girls were cleaning up the playroom before her friend was about to leave and she said it again. This time there was no mistaking it. So, I quietly told her that we don't say that. Then, after her friend left, I told her that we only talk about Heavenly Father in a nice way and we only use his name when we are talking to Him or about Him in a nice way. I told her that we don't use Heavenly Father's name when we are angry or frustrated, the way other people do. She seemed genuinely sorry that she had said it and said she was sorry. I told her that if I ever heard her saying it again she would get her mouth washed out with soap. So, tonight, we were brushing teeth before bedtime and she said it again. The thing that bothers me, is that it almost seemed like a habit. She just said it so flippantly. How long have I been missing this? Anyway, I took her downstairs to the only bathroom in our house that has a BAR of soap and Justin helped me wash her little mouth out with it. She wouldn't open her mouth, so I basically ended up making her bite it. Yuck! She was crying and crying and my heart was breaking! When we were done, I had <em>Justin</em> try to explain to her why we don't use that phrase; why we don't use our Father's name like that. She continued to sob all the way to her bed. Well, when she got to her bed, she didn't want to say her prayers. I told her that she needed to tell Heavenly Father that she was sorry for using His name the way she did. She just cried and cried and didn't want to have to say her prayers. I was really struggling to keep it together at this point. I told her that she would feel much better after saying she was sorry. I told her that Heavenly Father wants us to be happy and that if we choose the right, we will be. But, using His name the way she did was not something he wants us to do, so she needs to tell Him that she is sorry. How do you explain forgiveness to a four-year-old? Well, after about five minutes of coaxing, I finally got her to say a prayer. She asked Him for the things she needed; to be safe, to have fun, to sleep well etc. Then, I helped her to tell Him that she was sorry for using His name "mean." When she got to this part she could barely speak through her sobbing. I could completely tell that she felt sorry for what she had done. She asked Him to help her to not do it again then closed her prayer. It took everything I had to not break down into tears. I <em>never </em>want to see her hurt like that again! What am I going to do if and when she makes <em>worse</em> choices and makes <em>bigger </em>mistakes? How will I help her to understand the beauty of the Atonement? How will I help her to understand that Heavenly Father loves her no matter <em>what</em> she does? Tonight, I had a very eye-opening experience. It made me realize that no matter what I teach my children, in the end, they <em>will </em>make their own choices and all I can do is love them and try to help them understand that our Father in Heaven loves them as well. It made me realize that repentance is <em>not </em>easy. Sometimes it is difficult to tell our Father in Heaven that we are sorry. But, if we can do it, we will be happy.<br />After Marianne finished her prayer, I laid by her for a few minutes. I told her that sometimes she does things that make me angry or upset, but that I will <em>ALWAYS</em> love her. No matter what! I think if I can help her understand <em>that</em>, I have begun to be a good parent. If I can help her to understand that whatever she does, that just like me, our Heavenly Father will love her unconditionally, I am doing even better. I pray every day for the strength to be a better parent and for my children to <em>know</em> that I love them and that our Father loves them. I only pray, now, that that is enough to carry them through and help them to overcome those trials, large and small, because right now, that's all I can do.Joannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08642920818240777604noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5349631136461863124.post-90383021096163771412008-11-21T12:00:00.000-08:002008-11-21T12:20:35.443-08:00All I Want For Christmas is a New VacuumI have always thought that THE worst possible gift to give a woman on any occasion, whether it be her birthday, anniversary, Christmas etc, would be a vacuum. Well, I am officially changing my opinion. After months of vacuuming with a vacuum that gets clogged at least three times while I vacuum my house, I am asking for one for Christmas. Now, some of you may argue my opinion, stating that a vacuum should be a purchase for the entire family, but I will share with you my argument.<br />I am the only one that vacuums at my house. I am NOT complaining. My husbnad works very hard at his job and this is the life that I have chosen; to stay home with my beautiful children and keep a home neat and tidy. Well, I am a woman that is easily frustrated, so when I have to declog the "joints" in my vacuum after each room is clean, I get very frustrated; mumbling under my breath, snapping at my innocent children, and slamming the vaccum down as hard as I possible can to get whatever is clogging it out. So, needless to say, I am NOT a happy mommy, let alone a happy camper. If I had a vacuum that worked, just think of the frustration that would be absent from my otherwise perfect life! I would be happier. Plain and simple. Also, I would have more time to spend doting on my sweet children, which I love to do. How, you ask? Well, instead of taking me 30 minutes to vacuum the house, plus the 20 minutes I spend cleaning it out, I would be done vacuuming in less than half an hour, with a brand new vacuum. What would I do with all of that extra time each week? Oh, one can dream, right? So, if you still think that asking for a vacuum for Christmas or any other special occassion where gifts are involved, please, by all means come and vacuum at my house, with my vacuum just once. I promise you, that is all it will take. So, for anyone that has an opposing opinion, I welcome your thoughts on the subject. If you agree with me, please, I am begging you, plead with my husband to give me the gift that keeps on giving...a new vacuum. Thank you, and goodnight!<br /><br /><strong><em>(p.s. Yes, this post was written immediately after an hour of vacuuming just the UPSTAIRS of my house! Urgh!)</em></strong>Joannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08642920818240777604noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5349631136461863124.post-63382555908741891222008-11-20T16:02:00.000-08:002008-11-20T16:05:34.122-08:00Not a political blogThis is not a political blog, and will not be used as one in the future. However, I'm so frustrated with how far away we seem to be getting from the Constitution and our founding fathers that I want to share just one thing. This is a quote from Samuel Adams, and it perfectly sums up how I feel, and how I wish our politicians would act. Feel free to comment if you would like, but I promise this will be the only political-ish post on this blog:<br /><br />"If you love wealth more than liberty, the tranquility of servitude better than the animating contest of freedom, depart from us in peace. We ask not your counsel nor your arms. Crouch down and lick the hand that feeds you. May your chains rest lightly upon you and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen.”—Samuel AdamsJustin Barberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11716307849883273558noreply@blogger.com3