Sleeping Angels

Ever since Payton was born he slept like this. He was a itty bitty baby and still he slept with his mouth wide open, usually drooling, alot. Matt says he sleeps like me, but I don't think so (actually truth be told, Matt has a picture of me sleeping exactly like that on the couch with one of the babies... shhh.)

We even pray in our sleep at our house... ha. He doesn't always sleep like that but it was funny to catch the pose. He sure does look peaceful though.


This picture is what started all the picture taking. When we put the kids to bed at night we usually seperate them by putting one of them on our bed till we come up and move them. Well, this night I came upstairs and saw my baby girl asleep on my bed, and there was something about her that caught my eye. The picture didn't even do the moment justice, but it was just a moment of awe. I was so struck with this little angel asleep on my bed that I didn't want to lose the feelings of love I felt, not only for her but for my other two angels as well. So I tiptoed over each of them as they slept and snapped a photo. By the time I got to the boys however, they as usual, made me laugh. Payton with his mouth WIDE open and Gabe somehow capturing a bit of his personality even as he slept. There is just something about seeing your children asleep that allows you to fall in love with them over and over each night.

Playing in the Snow

I have to admit that I am sooo not a winter person. When it's snowy and cold I'd rather hibernate than go out and freeze. My kids, however, have a different idea. When we got dumped on in January they just couldn't stand to be inside any longer. So we bundled up and went out to play in the snow. The kids had so much fun, they didn't want to come in, even after they were soaked through. I survived and it was well worth it, especially to see Payton so bundled up he couldn't put his arms down (Christmas story?)

Christmas time project

Okay, so I know this is kinda more christmas pictures but I found these on my old camera and had to post it. I made these little "gingerbread" houses in December. I did use graham crackers to make these (which is kinda cheating) but for the record its harder to make all the walls stick together. I was pretty proud of my little creations so I had to share. Here's the product before we decorated them.

Here's the artists at work...

And Finally, the finished products...

This one was Gabe's (his daddy helped him).

This one was Payton's (his mommy helped him. ha ha. I even took special care to make icicles hanging off the roof. I'm a dork, I know.)

This one was Shayne's. She did hers all by herself. She was so proud of her finished product. I only felt bad that when we took them down to snack on she didn't have nearly as much on hers. :)

Hamster update

Here's our five little surprises. The picture hardly shows just how small they are. The tupperware that they are in is about 5 inches long and 3 inches wide. They'd each fit in a ping pong ball!

Here's one of the babies in Shayne's little hands.

The kids LOVE them! Payton gets so excited when he sees them. He was pointing to each of them and saying "that" in this picture.

Shayne probably likes them the most. She's so cute and soft with them. She talks to them and loves holding and playing with them.

Shayne's First Day of School

You know, before I had kids I'd hear mothers getting all emotional about their kids starting school or crossing another milestone and I always thought "what's the big deal?" Well, I've officially eaten my own words. I'm such a sappy mom!! Its taken me forever to get her into preschool in the first place. Part of it was all the moving we've done and then we got on the waiting list here... but mostly I just wasn't ready for her to grow up and leave. I know, I'm ridiculous, after all, "what's the big deal!?"

Yesterday she started her preschool class and it was hard for me to leave her. I have a hard time seeing her get so big. I want her to stay little forever. Matt talks about her going to her high school prom, and dating, and eventually getting married and I wanna slug him for it. I don't know what it is about my Shayne but I think I'll be one of those pathetic moms for every milestone she reaches. I love you Shayne!

My Happy Thoughts

Lately I've had some time to think about my kids and what each of them brings to my life. They are my pride and joy and they bring so much love and laughter to me every day. I love each of them so much and am so thankful for the opportunity to be their mama.


















Payton is our little funny boy. He keeps us laughing all the time. He has such a good spirit about him. He can be sweet and gentle in one moment and ready to wrestle in the next. He's always ready to play and he's such a jokester. Out of all the kids I think I'd say he's my cuddliest. He gives the best cuddles! He really adds a whole new dimension to our house and I couldn't imagine life without him!















Gabriel is our strong spirit. He came here with such purpose and it shows in all his day to day activities. He's so smart! He talks better than most 5 year olds, and because of this he makes people laugh where ever we go. I have no doubt that he has great things to accomplish in this life, and it is his great determination that will allow him to do those things. He also has such a sweet side. He's so eagar to love and accept people. He is his daddy's greatest admirer for sure. He brings so much to our house that life would be boring and dull without him!
















Shayne Elizabeth is our sweet girl. She has such a good concience about her. She wants to do what is right all the time and to please both her earthly and heavenly parents. I think she's the perfect mixture of sweet and silly. She is always so concerned for others and wants everyone to be happy and loved. She's a great big sister and an awesome helper to me. In a house of brothers she brings a special softness that a mother can surely appreciate.

A Baptism and More Christmas

This last weekend we were able to drive to Idaho Falls to attend my neice's baptism. This is Matt's brother's little girl, and she's come a long way to get to here and we're so proud of her. It was really neat to see her take such a wonderful step. Afterwards we went to their house and exchanged christmas gifts, since we weren't able to spend christmas with Matt's family. It was really fun and the kids were in heaven with a second Christmas. It was a quick trip. We left early Saturday morning and came back late that night, but it was well worth the drive. Thanks again to Brenda (Matt's mom), Krystal and Eric (Matt's brother and wife) and to Devery and Devon (Eric's daughter and son). It was a great day!

2nd Christmas