I hate to brag...

..but Chris and I sure make cute children!

This is NOT an announcement, BUT don't be surprised if one day we announce that we are having another adorable kid.

One more would be perfect.

together again

These two really missed eachother while Carson was in the hospital.

Everyone was so happy to have us all home and together again.

Going to church for the first time after being away for a couple weeks was quite the reunion as well. Our ward family had been praying for Carson and our family and I think everyone was really happy to see him and his cuteness.

swimming after a long hospital stay...

So happy to be free from iv's, picc line, machines beeping, hospital beds, nurses coming in all night, hospital walls and boring tv.

Although we are very grateful for the wonderful doctors, nurses, visitors and great care we recieved!!

Feels wonderful to feel the sun on our skin again and be together as a family again.

Hmmm...this is a curious picture.

One of our FAVORITE places to visit

Grandpa and Grandma P. are such wonderful Grandparents!! Chris really is tremendously blessed to have such amazing relatives in his family. I scored big time when I won Chris' heart. We love going over for a visit and feel so much love from them and for them. We know they won't always be around so we try and visit often and savor their sweet spirits.

When motrin kicks in...

you can do anything!

A couple weeks ago ALL my kids got sick.

Fevers, coughs, body aches.

All of which made them lethargic then whiny back to lethargic and then mostly whiny.

So I of course gave them Children's Motrin to ease their pain.

Then the cabin fever and super boredom set in.

So that of course turns into teasing which turns into fighting.

The cure?

Vitamin D

And a little picnic on the trampoline along with some quad riding.

a wonderful visit!

Courtney and her boyfriend came for a 2 day visit.

They are moving to Florida from Colorado.

My mom, big sis, and little bro drove up from Sierra Vista to see Court too.

This is our first time all together in almost 4 years. Before that it was much longer. We all said our goodbyes and well-wishes to Courtney on her way across country and Josh on his way back up to Colorado.

I love you Courtney! Thanks guys for going slightly out of your way and adding 2 days and hours of driving to your big move! Let's not let it be too long before we get together again!

turns out 4 wasn't enough

November 2006

When I look at this picture it takes me back to when I thought I could be done having kids. I had two of each and my hands felt very full. Whenever people asked if we were done I would say,

"I think so, or we just need a little break."

I am thankful for my break. Even more so, I am thankful for the desire to have more children came back.

Carson fits in so perfectly. It would be strange not to have him in our family.

I love my kiddos SO very much!

I am doing exactly what I dreamed of as a little girl.

I am committed to making sure that no one is missing from our family. Not a single one.

entertaining ourselves

Chris has been gone a lot ever since he was called to be Scout Master a few weeks ago.

Tonight while these kids watched Igor,

this kid made soap beards

and while he called me in every 5 seconds to come look

I played with this adorable kid!

Christmas Day

Every year as my kids get older, Christmas becomes more and more fun. Despite some expensive and picky requests, it is still really fun.

I didn't take a single picture Christmas morning!

Where was my brain?!!

Thank goodness my brain came alive in the afternoon at least.

After a fun time opening presents we took our time getting ready for the day. I actually took a shower Christmas morning! That never happens because I go to bed so late on Christmas Eve, the kids wake up early and after presents we rush off to Grandma and Grandpa P's for some yummy breakfast and Christmas cheer. But this year breakfast didn't start until 10 so it made for a relaxing morning. Then we had some time inbetween get togethers and came home and played with our new goodies. Chris' little sister Lori joined us and showed off while playing Guitar Hero. I'm still practicing my butt off so I can one day beat her!

The gift exchange at Grandma and Grandpa's is always a fun crowded gathering. We have the cousin gift exchange, sibling gift exchange and my favorite: Grandma and Grandpa's turn!

Another successful Christmas has come and gone. It was a wonderful month full of family get togethers and lots and lots of yummy food!

Heaven on Earth

I have been in heaven these past few days. I forgot exactly how wonderful it feels to have a baby in our home. Everyone is really enjoying Carson. I love seeing Chris and our kids gush over him. I cannot say this enough, I am so glad we decided to have another baby! I feel so blessed. I have a wonderful husband who shows me he loves me everyday and FIVE (holy cow) beautiful children! I don't know what I did to deserve all of them.

Thank you Heavenly Father. Thank you.

Can you please help me to remember these feelings I am having so strongly when Peyton flings his yogurt across the table at Ellie. It's really hard to keep these feelings close to my heart in those moments. Especially when Ellie screeches really really loud.

December 2005

These are the last professional pictures we have had taken of our family. It's been over 2 years! I am the worst when it comes to getting them done. It's definately a "mom job" and I am seriously slacking! I'm having trouble deciding if I should just go ahead and get new ones done soon or if I should wait until this next baby is born. We will definately be getting pictures done in the fall. I kinda want to do both.

I love how little and cute they all look! They just grow up way too fast and change so much! Thank goodness I at least have thousands of candids!

fat.tired.grumpy.

A week ago we went to the park on a family outing.

I didn't want to go. I wanted to stay home and enjoy some peace and quiet.

Chris thought that was lame since it was a "family outing".

So I sat there and pouted. With my big gut hanging out.

(I swear there is either 2 in there or I grew more organs)

Chris was happy and played with the kids and took some pictures.

I on the other hand was very irritable.

Especially when Chris thought it would be fun to take pictures of my cleavage.

(yay! I have boobs again!)

So I confiscated the camera and took some pictures of my own.

Preston did a really good job flying Grandpa's kites with hardly any wind!

I didn't stay grumpy for very long when it was mentioned that we could go to Rosa's and get a beef stuffed quesadilla and chips and salsa!

MMMM! Pulls me out of a bad mood every time!

Folding 101

On Sunday after church I told Chris it would make me so happy if I had help with getting caught up on laundry.

I pulled all the sheets, towels, pillow cases and blankets out of our ginormous pile and everyone pitched in.

Probably not the best day to choose to do this, but hey, at least we were working together as a family. Better than sitting our butts down in front of the TV anyway.

Seriously, two words, Love it!!!