tilleys

2011-12-30T11:05:00.030-05:00

I am "little" behind on posting. We went to a place called Clark's Trading Post (http://www.clarkstradingpost.com/), lost/got our camera stolen and I have not posted since. For Christmas Zion got me a new Canon Camera that I am in LOVE with! Most of these are from the old camera or phone pictures, but they will have to do.

The pictures from this post are from September thru November (and a few in December). I will post another one in a few days.

Aiden got a new firetruck for his birthday.

We celebrated with dinner at Chili's for Aiden's and Zion's birthday.

Colton slept.

Aiden was a little confused why they were coming to his table singing loud with ice cream.

But he loved it anyway!

Brooklyn and her little friend Olivia.

Tia passing the time while waiting for Aiden to get out of school.

Colton still had jaundice for a while after he was born and

his numbers were still pretty high for a while. The doctor wanted to get some blood tested but needed more than what they could get in his heel.

Try finding a vein in a 2 week old baby...not fun...poor little guy.

One of our favorite things...the indoor playground and Oreos.

4 months

He was sick for a month with a bad cough, sneezy and runny nose, pink eye...so I decided to try solids early. His first bite, guess he watches us more than I think.

Aiden loves to sing to Colton and Colton loves to listen.

"Throw me on the couch, daddy! Throw me on the couch," is a common phrase in this house.

LOVES bathtime!

I am not a fan of Candlepin bowling but it is easier for the kids.

The ball is smaller and weighs a lot less. The pins are tall and skinny. It is harder to knock the pins down but the kids dont care...they have bumpers.

Thanksgiving (almost 4 months).

4 months

Tia's birthday

Aiden had a "Turkey Day" at his school for family. We went to go and eat lunch with him.

Lunch with our friends after story time.

Colton, Tia, and I go to the library once a week for story time while Aiden is at school.

Sharing her dog.

The only thing I love about the snow is their rosy cheeks when they are done playing.

Halloween.

Gotta love after holiday sales.

Waiting for her shots.

Happy birthday Brooklyn!

2011-09-19T08:58:00.016-04:00

Fun on the boat

Pound

Aiden went to "Kindergarten Kamp". One of his projects.

Dock's ice cream. In total, they went 6 times. :)

Working on his homework.

Poor Tia had to get surgery on her finger again.

I planned this so my mom could help her eat.

They love animals. Cows, chickens, turkey, pig, goats...

Trip to the firehouse.

UP movie.

We picked my mom and Matt up in Boston the beginning of August

and stopped and had some fun.

Sharing a cookie in the Italian disctict

Tia wanted the coins cemented in the ground. Was confused why she could not get them out.

Sharing some gelato.

Oreo Cannoli...yum!

A trip to Boston could not be complete without a trip to the park.

Sharing some O.J.

A trip to the pound. Sure do wish we had a dog.

We had a birthday party for the kids

Anyone ever heard of a snipe? Fun little game.

Aiden's present

Tia got 6 little Webkins. Cool stuff.

"hello?"

Jacob here is your lion.

Tia wanted in on the action, too.

Couldn't get enough of Uncle Matt.

More icecream.

More feeding the ducks.

He was excited because he got a front row parking spot at Walmart.

Home made ice cream

We had dinner outside...they loved it!

The cook. Burgers tasted great!

Everyone at the table had left. Matt was finishing his 5th piece of BBQ corn.

"Uncle Matt........

...........what's that smell!!!??!?!"

Hanging out at the airport.

2011-08-12T17:19:00.000-04:00

Colton Edward Tilley

9 pounds 6 ounces

20 inches long

2011-07-11T10:08:00.023-04:00

FINALLY! I get a new phone. Jumping on the wagon and getting a Droid 2.

So excited. It comes tomorrow!!

Our new car. It was much needed, especially when this new little boy comes.

I was (and never wanted to be) a soccer mom...but I have to admit, I LOVE my new car.

After this van, I could never go back to a car.

Honda Odyssey...I'm in love.

It's been all about butterflies the last few weeks in this house.

We had fun making paper towel butterflies.

My mom got us a butterfly habitat for Christmas. We could not wait to use it; it's too bad we had too as we could not get larva in the winter.

After waiting a few weeks after we ordered them, they finally arrived.

5 little caterpillars. They were so tiny. It took a few weeks for them to grow and by that time they were huge. The kids had fun checking on them and seeing how big they were getting. They would not wait to see what would happen next.

They finally made a cocoon and attached themselves to the top. I had Zion then attach them to the habitat...nasty job.

After a while they finally hatched, one by one. The kids got so excited to be able to see them come out and finally walk around and try and fly.

They were excited to be able to let them go, too. So after a day or two, we took them outside to let them fly.

This is the third one they let go. They were so excited as it flew around for a minute then came back and rested on the ground. We originally had 5 of them, all but one turned into a butterfly. It was a fun experience and we can't wait to do it again next Spring. Thanks mom!

My little butterfly!

Cute Tia, every time she sees a butterfly outside, she calls it "her" butterfly.

Aiden had to get in on the action, too.

I got Tia a new bed about a month ago.

She loves it. :)

Her new favorite thing is raspberries. She loves to put them on her fingers.

Aiden and I put these together for his teachers at pre-school.

Aiden walking in to "graduate" from pre-school.

Aiden and his teacher Miss Nancy.

She wants to be just like her big brother.

Aiden also finished his first swimming lessons and is now on his second class.

Doing great! I wish I had more time and energy to swim with him at the beach.

Feeding the animals at the strawberry festival.

Aiden took his training wheels off one day and within minutes was riding around with no problems. He has taken one good fall (the second day of riding) and scraped his elbow up pretty good, but is doing great!

He can stop, ride, and go all by himself. Gives me a while to sit and relax without helping him.

So proud of him!

They said they wanted to paint something and I asked them what they wanted to paint. This is what they chose. :) (the baby).

Playing the guitar.

We went with some friends to a rare animal showing. This was a huge python. Also saw a kangaroo, porcupine, legless lizard, parrot, and a few other exotic things.

Went strawberry picking. I am not going to lie, it was rough. Being 34 weeks pregnant and having a 38 week stomach was a workout to say the least.

It as fun, though. I can't help but think of my dad whenever I am cutting up strawberries.

I remember my dad stopping at fruit stands to get a flat of strawberries and spending a ton of time and effort to cut them up and make strawberries for eating, shortcake and waffles or his famous strawberry pizza.

If only he would have had these little handy tools when he was cutting up strawberries it would have saved him a ton of time. These two tools are a life saver.

Daddy showing Tia what to expect when we go and see the fireworks that night.

Excited to do sparklers

Tammy and Stewart were in town from NY. They had some fun with sparklers, too.

Waiting for the show to start.

Zion enjoyed them, as well.

I won some tickets to water park. Whales Tales.

Not sure what to expect as I have never been there before.

It was not bad. The kids had a ton of fun.

My favorite thing was this little water park for the littler kids. I could sit on the edge and watch them play. The lines were long for the other big slides and rides, and since Brooklyn was too little to ride them, and I was too big, we stayed here a lot of the time. We all had fun, though.

2011-06-12T20:33:00.016-04:00

Found a few: The walk in NY

There was a raffle at the walk and the kids (actually Zion) was wanting to win this thing.

He won. He actually won! I don't know who was more excited...

Zion or Aiden and Tia. :)

Enjoying a brownie.

Sully and Tia are in love.

A little worried about Aiden and if he is going to fall

They love to play together

Aiden started swim lessons last month. He LOVES it!!

I have to deal with this everytime we take him to swim lessons.

She wants to swim, too.

We did quite a bit last month. Zion was off for a week in between jobs so we packed in a ton of family stuff.

**Click on this photo to enlarge it. Tia's face makes me smile**

Taking part in some cuddle time while watching a movie

We went on a Cystic Fibrosis Walk in NY. The kids and I had fun at the hotel having a dancing party. They love to dance. (I took a tons of pictures in NY and of the walk, and I am not sure where they all went. Crossing my fingers hoping I find them.)

Fun at the park

"How much do I weigh, mommy?"

Ready to be done with this one. Only a little bit longer and counting down.

This is me at 29 weeks.

He is such a boy. He now cannot smile or stand "normal" for a photo.

Fun playing together. This one makes me smile.

We have only had one boat day since the summer started. Its been rainy and overcast.

But the day we went out was perfect.

Waiting for Aiden to get out of school

We went to Beans and Greens (a farmstand with a place to pet some animals.)

This was their opening day so we had some fun on a tractor ride.

They love to go to the arcade for games and fun.

A fun day at the park with friends.

Ready to go to the beach

Passing the time on a hot and humid day. They love forts and movies.

Zion loves his job...his dream job!!

2011-05-05T14:12:00.013-04:00

Spring, oh how I love you! (I made this sign) :)

Aiden trying to decide whether or not to eat his "chick."

I think all of my family is putting on some weight with me.

Guess thats what winter does to a person (and pregnancy).

We filled up the bird feeders a few weeks ago. The kids had fun watching the birds come and go.

Daddy decided it was a good idea to buy some silly string at the dollar store.

Kids had fun!

My favorite thing about Spring....ice cream and walks.

Look at that form. :)

Grandma ice cream (sherbet).

"Aiden come back and push me!"

They love to watch movies. I think we have seen Despicable Me and Tangled

14 times in the last two weeks.

"Let's listen to the babies heartbeat."

Brooklyn looks like she wears the same thing every day.

She has a few pairs of "warm and cozy" jammies and she would wear them out if I let her.

I have to pick my battles I guess as she wears them alot around the house.

Hope she changes her mind when it's 85 degrees outside with 90% humidity.

I had made a few dinners for friends over the last few weeks and

Aiden always thinks it is funny when I wear my apron.

Oh, my FHE board is a HUGE hit. The kids love it as they ask every day to have it.

It is so easy to keep track of who does what and is a

good reminder to actually hold it every week.

http://www.understandingmormonism.org/family_home_evening

She reminds me so much of me when I was her age.

Daddy is working on the door and she wanted to help.

(And here she is again wearing two of her favorite jammies).

Thanks for the outfit and purse grandma B!

I was lucky enough (cough, cough), to take both kids with me to my doctors apt this week.

They were perfect except for the last 5 min. or so.

I usually plan my doctor's apt. while Aiden is at school so I only have Brooklyn. But I had to change my apt. and that meant taking Aiden with me, too.

Won't do that again!

Visiting daddy at lunch time.

Ready for the island's (and pregnancy yoga), Aunt Sara!

Since we put out the bird feeders, we have had this pair of ducks come and visit us daily. Believe it or not, they hate the bread we try and feed them, and LOVE the bird seed on the ground.

Zion's work had a surprise party for him today and we surprised him by showing up at it.

He has such a nice group of people who he works with and it is kind of bittersweet to leave it.

It was a going away party as well as a baby shower. It was a great surprise for both of us!

Zion got a new job! It will be in Manchester working at a company called DEKA.

He calls it the job of his dreams and can't wait to start.

He will be a software engineer and the kids and I are all so excited and happy for him.

He has worked hard for this and it has finally paid off!

2011-04-01T15:16:00.016-04:00

We had a ton of fun going to Fun Spot and playing mini-mini golf, playing on the toys, playing all the games and trying to get as many as tickets as we could, and lastly, taking this picture right before we left. Aiden was not happy that Uncle Matt was touching his head.

We took a picnic to the indoor playground here in the Belknap Mall.

Wishing they could fit into the castle to play.

My mom wanted to show Matt the lake during the winter.

Preparing for snow cones.

My mom's 3rd birthday dinner. Cafe Rio salad. Yum!

Zion and Matt decided to make a snow man.

"My hands are freezing. I need new gloves!"

Prunes for buttons, blueberries for the mouth, and Oreos for eyes. Nice idea mom.

Turned out great and they had a fun time doing it.

My little mooch!

Went outside the next morning and saw her Oreo eyes and wanted to eat them.....

...and everything else.

Aiden's prayers end with....."I pray for a pet Unicorn. Amen."

BAPOY!

We went to go visit the animals (1 bunny, 5 dogs, and about 12 dozen cats.)

Everytime she would give the dog a bone, she would run to Uncle Matt and laugh.

Wendy's had a GREAT deal a month ago.

5 junior Frosty's and 5 Junior French Fries for $1. Yes you read that right, $1!!!

How can you not buy 20 packs?

We have turned it into lunch's and dinners'. Buy something from the dollar menu and you got some good eats. :)

My mom and Matt left from Boston. The day we took them back to the

airport we stopped in Boston for a good time.

The North End is made up of a gazillion Italian people, shops, food, everything.

Since Matt got home from his mission in Italy less than a year ago, I thought he would LOVE it.

He did. Had so much fun walking down the street seeing who he could talk to in Italian.

Next time we will have to spend more time down there, in warmer weather.

Stopped by the famous "Oyster House" for a Boston Clam Chowda' lunch.

So Yummy!

For the appetizer they give you corn bread, good corn bread.

Tia and her doggy bag. She would not put this down.

Canole

Munja Munja, Matteo!

Aiden's new curtains.

I was trying to find some new curtains for Brooklyn's room, but since I could not find anything I liked (for under $50 for two windows) I decided to make them instead.

And while I was at it, I made some for Aiden's as well. LOVE THEM!!

Brooklyn's new curtains.

Match my chair, walls, her bedding so well. Again, LOVE THEM!

(Keeps her entertained as well with checking out the dogs.)

Zion's last time drinking his Mate. Bitter sweet.

Tia's last time.

The pregnancy is going great.

This baby boy moves ALL the time.

I mean constantly moving. I don't think he ever sleeps.

I am in trouble if he comes out like either Aiden or Brooklyn.

I will totally have my hands full with all three and totally looking forward to it.

August will come sooner than I think, and I can't wait for it.

For now, I will enjoy pregnancy, my kids, and soon to be warmer weather.

Zion applied for a few jobs in the last few weeks.

Cross your fingers!

Were ready to go!

2011-03-21T11:00:00.013-04:00

Gotta give a shout out to Matt who stayed home with my kids

so I can go on a trip with my mom without them. Although I missed them and Zion, it was heaven to go places without having to worry about them. Thanks Matt!

My mom and I took a train from Manchester to NY. A 5 hour trip and it was fun. We had lunch, and played cards, talked without kids yelling or asking for something. Weird...and nice!

I think the score is 5-6 mom, your lead. You owe me a game of Skip-bo.

The Today Show desk is behind us...check!

As we made our way into the Lego store, I was amazed.

This sign (4'x'4) is made up of lego men (and women). :)

Click on the photo to enlarge it and you can see the "people" with hats and all...amazing!

This is the dragon head (all made from legos), and the body was all around the store,

coming out from the ceiling in different parts.

A huge wall (floor to ceiling of legos)

Rockefeller Center...check!

As I went on to research something on it, I found this site.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rockefeller_Center

Pretty cool to learn more about where you visited.

Indian band in the subway...check!

My moms birthday lands on the 17th (St. Patrick's Day)....and we were still in NY.

My aunt and cousin gave my mom a pedicure (scrub, lotion, massage, and paint).

She LOVED it and deserved it. :)

Mary Poppins broadway show....check!

http://www.broadway.com/shows/mary-poppins/video/145374/show-clip-mary-poppins-montage/

I went in with high expectations as it's a broadway show.

It was more to me like a play I could watch in my own town....a little

disappointed but it was nice to go and see.

They changed alot of things, added things, and took things out. It was OK.

Starving one night we went in search of Carnegie Deli.

(In checking out that I spelled it right...I got to their website.)

Just look at that photo that first pops up.....it was huge. I mean HUGE! We had to split it and even then could not eat it all.

http://www.carnegiedeli.com/home.php

NY cheesecake is good, they also post their recipe. Wow...500 degrees, I could never bake anything with that hot of a temp.

http://www.carnegiedeli.com/recipe.php

We went to a taping of the Martha Stewart Show. Cool! It re-affirmed my thoughts of her...boring; but the show however was not. The guy in charge was pretty funny and kept all of us entertained and active/awake! We also walked away with more than $500 worth of "stuff"...cool stuff. :) A very cool pedometer, a facial scrubber, and a tool that records all of your REM sleeps along with a few other things. I was glad to carry that bag around all day.

Hanging out on the Ferry to go back home (Staten Island)

My uncle is on the left (my mom's brother), and my cousin (his daughter Jenna) in the middle.

There are always shows/movies being taped in NY.

This was just one of the three being taped in that spot that day.

We walked the whole Brooklyn bridge (Over a mile long going and then over a mile coming back). I figure we walked about 3 miles just for the bridge. The views were spectacular, and pictures just do not do it justice so I posted none.

My parents went to NY last year and saw Ground Zero, this year it was not the same.

The only piece of 9/11 was a wall mural and a few flowers. I did not feel the somberness (is that used right?) that my mom said that she felt when she was there last year. To me, it just felt like a construction zone. The building on the right is the first completed building....freedom tower.....love it. You can read more about it here.

http://www.glasssteelandstone.com/BuildingDetail/439.php

Across from Wall Street there was the George Washington museum.

We originally went into to get warm as it was very cold that day, but it was actually very informing...I did learn things that I did not know before.

Behind us (Jenna, Tashina, and I) is the slab that G.W. stood on while making his speech.

Standing around talking about the impact that Tsunami and earthquake in Japan had on the stock market. (My mom so excited about the ticker). Behind us was a news team recording an interview about that same subject.

Click on the photo to enlarge and read what is says.

Goes with the above info.

This is the cemetery that is also at the church. This church was the church in the National Treasure movie (the first one).

These vaults/tombs as they called them were ancient.

Wall Street Bull...check!

On the ferry. Statue of Liberty (check!) behind me.

The statue of Liberty is very, very big. 305 ft. tall.

Broadway show again, Lion King. Check!

Not sure if you can see my hand in the shot as it is kind of dark, but we wanted to take a picture in front of the Lion King board. Everyone was walking in front of the camera preventing us to take one without some random person in the shot.

I had to throw my hand out and tell people to stop walking in order to take a good photo.

http://ppc.broadway.com/shows/the-lion-king/videos/

To be in the seats, watching the show is spectacular.

Watching this little clip is good, but not as good as actually being there. Amazing.

"Slimy, yet satisfying."

These are the steps leading up to Lion King. I took the steps.

My mom and uncle taking the escalator. :) hehehehe

My mom saw that I took the picture and walked down the

stairs and then walked back up to get more steps.

New Yorkers dump their garbage on the street daily then garbage men come and pick it up.

Weird to see garbage all over the street. I even saw people going to thru the garbage. Yuck!

Time Sqaure is well....amazing! (A car on a side of the building). A few nights we were in TS at night and even thought the sky was dark, it was like day time. Pretty cool.

NY is truly the city that never sleeps!

My mom and I made a list of things we wanted to see and do while we were on our trip in NY.

I was excited to be able to check the things off of our list when we did them.

Some of the other things included:

See a rat in the subway

Ride the subway

Almost get hit by taxis while crossing the street

Central Park

Grand Central Station

All were amazing and a ton of fun. It was a blessing to be able to spend some time with my mom and family. Love the Walkers. They were so gracious (thanks Jenna and Tashina for giving me your bed).

My mom and brother are coming back in August when the baby is born and going to take a trip to NY. So excited for Matt to be able to go there.

2011-03-21T08:37:00.008-04:00

Matt and Aiden

My moms birthday was on the 17th and Shireen's birthday was on the 18th.

We had a family get together on Sunday with spaghetti dinner (with homemade sauce made by Zion's dad-YUM! ) and some awesome cake!

Helping grandma blow out the candles

This was finally crossed off my list...our Family Home Evening Board.

With some ideas from my mom, I LOVE it and can't wait to put it up!

Tia was very excited to assign Prayer, Lesson, and her favorite, Treat!

Matt and Tia sharing some salsa. I'll be honest, never thought either one of my children would ever be interested in salsa and chips....but this little girl could not put them down!

The Leprechaun visited us and left us some green milk with some candy.

We made some green pancakes to go along with the green day.

Tacos with the works*...my favorite dinner..EVER!

*= guacamole, avacado, and sour cream.

Matt sporting a very girly apron...he did not want to get his shirt dirty.

We are having a boy!

I saw this picture on my sister's mother-in-laws blog last night.

I miss my dad. With my mom and brother being here,

it just seems like we are missing something.

I keep thinking every time we do something fun or when my mom is on the phone that she should call or is talking to my dad.

My mom and brother flew into Boston a few weeks ago with very little (Matt-2 hours, my mom-0), sleep. The back seat was so tired on the way back...they needed a nap.

You can never eat anything without Tia wanting some.

Crazy Matt!! My mom dared him to go outside in the snow without any clothes on.

Note: The temp that day was about 20, with windchill feeling about 16.

He even did a snow angel in the snow!

In February our family spent a weekend in Boston and we went to Toy Story 3 on ice!

It was awesome, Zion and I had as much fun as the kids.

One of the highlights was swimming.

Indoor swimming pool+2 kids who have not swam since last summer=TONS of fun and laughs!

It was a great trip!

2011-02-13T19:28:00.009-05:00

Having fun at the dog sled races.

Aiden, Jake (Zion's sister-in-laws nephew), and Tia

I took the kids and a friend of Aiden's (Alyssa) to the Dover children's museum this past week. All kids have been atleast once, but I have never been. It was cool, even for a big kid like me.

Digging up dinosaur bones

I got the kids these little chairs so they can sit and read their books.

Reading is fun again. :)

Brooklyn with her favorite things: blankey, reindeer, and her dog.

You can always get a smile out of her when these three things are around.

Aiden got a Twister game for Christmas. He wants to play it every day.

Zion's aunt Ferris, and cousins Alec and Evan (and Maggie, the dog) came from Maine for a short visit a few weeks ago and the kids had a blast with all the attention.

Snow ball fight! The boys were such good sports!

I ordered a pregnancy Yoga DVD and for some reason Aiden LOVES to do it with me, on a daily basis if I would let him. His favorite move is the butterfly.

She loves to steal and wear this pink shirt we got when we did a walk

for Zion's cousin, Ed, who had cystic fibrosis.

The kids love to go to the dentist. Aiden goes by himself to his room (he is a big boy), and I go with Tia. They both do so well. Our dentist is great!

2011-01-25T10:52:00.011-05:00

This cute boy makes me laugh. When we were in Cali, I had to share a room with him.

He woke me up bright at early every morning with a smile.

He wants to go outside even in -15 degree weather.

"Can I have some hot chocolate now?!"

Now this is what I love to see!

Talking to grandma before she goes to bed.

My uncle passed away on Friday. He had had a backache earlier in the week. Went to the doctor and the doctor gave him an rx for his back pain.

Friday, he fell to the floor, and passed away before he got the hospital.

One of my favorite places to go in Fresno is Red Robin. Tia wanted

a bite of my moms burger.

Sara was reading a Christmas book....

...every one was asleep.....

...or not paying attention.

We gave my mom and Matt plane tickets.

Matt is going to Italy!

Since as long as I can remember, we get fruit in our stocking. Fruit cocktail, bananas, oranges, apples... We make our traditional fruit salad for breakfast.

Such love bugs.

This is where we often found them. But them being two, did not last long.

Sharing a daddy/son moment....eating an oreo.

After much persuasion from my mom, I FINALLY cut this girls hair.

I cut about 3 inches off. She does look much better, but I miss her little piggy tails.

We cut down our own tree this year again.

We had time to cut down the tree in the afternoon, right in the middle of her nap time.

She was so tired.

Piggy back rides on papa.

He is growing up so fast!

We got a new sliding glass door and windows. We love it!

This has been a hard year. I am glad to see it over.

We lost our little girl Madeline last January. That was such a hard time, and still is when I think about it. We had another miscarriage in July. Uggg....

Had quite a few offers on the house, so stressful going thru trying to sell. I do love this little house, but will be glad to see it gone when we sell this year?!

Overall, the kids and I took 4 trips to Cali to visit my family. We spent a great deal of time with them and I am grateful for that. My father passed away the beginning of December. We were "prepared" for it, but not really. I miss him so much. I think of a song on the radio, and think what a great song, let me call my dad and tell him to listen to it.

Aiden likes to say the prayer (alot), and most time says something like, "hope that grandpa is having a good time in Heaven." It is nice, and cute, and hard.

My dad over the years has helped me do a number of things around the house, one of them is change out of the light fixture in my room. I think of him when I see it. I am tempted to take change it out. I am not going to.

My family and I have had a great support system thru all of this. Great friends and great family. Thank you, all of you, for your prayers, thoughts, and out poor of love.

My uncle, pictured above, with his wife, just passed away this week. His funeral is today. All but one of my aunts and uncles are able to attend his service. That's nice.

The couple I took care of is no more. The man, Fred, got a terrible cough, and it did not get better. Went to the hospital, found out he had pneumonia, cirrhosis (sp?) of the liver, along with many other issues. He passed away within a week of being admitted (he passed away only 5 days before my dad).

Ruth (the woman), was moved to be closer to her son and his family in CT. I miss her. I miss him. I miss them both.

My brother and mother are/will be soon in Hawaii visiting my sister and her two kids this week. Lucky! Wish I was there. A high of 80 degrees today. Oh, how I wish I was there.

My mom and bro are taking yet another trip here in March for about 3-4 weeks. My brother is staying with the kids (heaven help him) for a week while my mom and I go to New York. Not only am I excited to go as I have never been, but I will be with my mom. :)

It was a Sunday (December 5th), I was not supposed to take a pregnancy test until that next week. I felt I should take one that morning and knew what he result would be. Positive! I felt different. This pregnancy felt different. After loosing two babies earlier in the year, I was a little scared. But, I know that in August a little (in my case big) baby will be born

and we are over joyed!

I am due the beginning of August. Aiden thinks it will be a boy. As do I.

We will find out in March.

I am tired....all the time. Craving everything only once. Chinese pork fried rice, Sierra Mist, corn dogs, hamburgers...no wonder why my scale says 10 pounds heavier! I love it!! hehehe

2010-11-23T13:31:00.024-05:00

We had the opportunity to go and support Mike (Zion's bro) while he ran in the Turkey Trot. 10k! Crazy guy. His goal was 1:10. He ran it in 1:04. Way to go Mike!

We had a blast...thanks for inviting us!

(Mike is the guy in the white shirt and black hoodie).

Shireen, Mike, and David.

Aiden loves to ride with grandpa on his awesome scooter. Seriously...this thing is awesome.

Retail in the amount of $50,000+, how can it not be cool?!

It can lay him all the way back. Stretch his feet out. Raise him to about 6 ft. tall

Indoor and outdoor mode. Awesome!

my big boy

Quiet time

Tia's new bed. I figured since now that she can climb out of her crib with her eyes closed, it was time to take the front off of it and turn it into a day bed. Wrong! It lasted two days. She is too little to be big enough to stay in bed. She never slept. So back on it went. We will try again in a few months.

Practicing his smile for his school pics.

Birthday girl

At her doctors apt. she got weighed and measured.

Height: 34 inches 50%

(means there is 50 kids that are taller than she is, and 50 that is lower).

Weight: 25.6 lbs. 30%

Head circumference: 47.2 cm 45%

BMI: 15.6 25%

This chocolate color is not attractive

For all of our birthdays while we were in Cali. Everyone had a cupcake to celebrate.

My sister was great at making all of them. Elmo, rainbow, SF Giants, eyeball, you name it.

She did awesome.

They did a good job sharing most things.

Tia took this one

From my last Cali vaca. Matt and Tia.

This was a while ago at the beginning of school.

But I can always count on Tia in welcoming Aiden back to the car after school.

She cries when he gets out of the car. :) Brotherly/sisterly love.

A little squished in the Target shopping cart. The smiles did not last long on this trip.

This little sucker will rip your mom's bumper right off of her car...literally!

Stupid re-bar. Sorry mom.

Ah...my poor children. They always get quickly decorated birthday cakes.

I always think I can wait until the last minute, and it always takes longer than I had planned.

But this sucker was good!

Tia and her new doll.

Tia licked my camera lens, so it is a little foggy, but this is on the way into the airplane.

I love this photo. It means that I dont have to watch them, even for a minute. :)

Inside of the cake. YUM!

My little baby...er...toddler.

I received a cd from my mom a few weeks ago. A Christmas CD. Josh Groban, Noel. One song in particular (Thankful), made me really ponder what I am thankful for. There are so many things in our every day life that we don't even notice until we are without it. Hot water, heat for our house, music, a car that when you turn the key to start it, it will start. Family.

As most of our friends know, my dad was diagnosed with ALS in March, two years ago. A quick (but too long) death sentence-for anyone who knows about ALS. Thru my families struggle, it has made me realize and be thankful for everything in life. Good or bad. He struggles to eat, cough, scratch his nose, and even breath. It made me realize that even the breath we take is such a gift.

ALL that we have been given is a gift from our Father in Heaven. We have been so blessed this past year, in all things; more things than we can recognize. I do not know why things happen the way they do or why they do, but I do know that we have a loving Father above who loves us and blesses us each day.

During our last Family Home Evening, I asked my family what they are thankful for.

--Aiden said he is thankful for Jesus and the gospel. He is also thankful for his warm bed and his bike.

--Brooklyn said she is thankful for her blanket as well as daddy.

--Zion said he is thankful for his children (and me :), I had to throw that in there), his job, and the gospel.

--I am so grateful for my family. Immediate and extended. We are so blessed to be living here close to Zion's parents and we receive such support and love from them. I am also thankful for my parents and brother and sister. I have had quite a few opportunities to go and see them this year. I am so thankful for that time that we spent together.

I believe in forever families and I am grateful for that knowledge and belief that we will be together again some day.

Happy Holidays!

2010-10-24T16:09:00.005-04:00

Grandma Barbara (Zion's grandmother), came to see Aiden sing and to see Brooklyn.

Snagged a photo before she left.

Aiden sang in Sacrament meeting today during the primary program in my parents church/ward.

He did a great job! He sang better in church today than he did when I recorded after the presentation. I had to bribe him to sing this...

2010-09-22T15:26:00.008-04:00

Busy last few weeks, lots of pictures. I could not fit all in one post, so make sure to look at the next one as well! Enjoy!

Dinner, kids favorite. Hot dogs.

Always eating...

Beautiful water...

beautiful mountains...

Soooooo tired after camping.

psssst: Aiden is faking!

Happy 28th birthday Zion!

A taste of his own medicine, re-light candles.

They would not blow out. hehehhehe

"Can I have more?!"

We went out to lunch for Aiden's birthday. T-Bones. So good.

His own birthday song and cake...it could not get any better.

Yes it could! He wanted to go on a train ride...so off we went.

The conductor found out it was Aiden's birthday (how could he not, he was singing happy birthday to himself all day!) So he spent some time with Aiden talking and coloring.

Grandma's eyes are closed...

Aiden's eyes are closed....

They gave Aiden some icecream for his birthday. Kids loved it!

2010-09-22T13:56:00.019-04:00

She was not supposed to eat anything solid the day of her surgery...but she wanted heart waffles....I could not resist!

Zion's birthday present came....

a 23" computer monitor...

Very big...but he loves it!!

Aiden had to get a physical for school.

75% for his height 41 1/2 inches

75% for his weight 40 pounds?

We love apple picking

Her bag was so heavy...but she would not let me carry it! Stubborn...just like her mommy!

Fun fall activity with great grandma Barbara

Happy Birthday to me!

What do I need a helmet for?!

My new bike!!

Tia is doing great! She was a real trooper through this whole thing.

After 4 doctor apts, she finally had her stitches out.

There was only 3...

She was a little worried about the doctor taking them out!

She only cried for a minute. The doctor came in and started to cut her stitches. After the first stitch was cut, she told the doctor thank you. The second stitch, she said thank you. The third she said thank you. Bye! SO cute...my cute little girl!

2010-09-02T14:50:00.010-04:00

We have already had a very busy month of September/end of August. Here are just a few of our busy lives.

Ah...these eyes! A familiar site for the last year. Bloodshot, sleepy...Zion has been working on an app. for the Android phone. He has done a fantastic job programming it. He finally added more features to his "paid version", My Pantry 2. It has officially been out and on the Android market for a week and a half now. I am proud to say he has broken his own record, and has had 275 downloads in a week and a half. It costs $.99. You do the math. He is always saying, "I am making money while I sleep. I am making money while I swim." Proud of him, but not surprised! :)

My poor little Tia. At breakfast the other day, I was trying to teach her to do thumbs up. In trying to straighten out her thumb, I figured out it would not straighten. Freaking out, always thinking the worst, took her to the doctor. The doctor sent us to an Orthopedic Surgeon. Conclusion: She has Trigger Thumb. She has to have surgery on her poor little hand next Thursday, one week from today. Her hand needs to be cut open and have the tendons cut.....I stopped listening after that. Anyway, keep her in yours prayers this next week as we will need it.

Went to NY a few months ago....had to put these pics on as the kids love to see themselves with her. Best and most patient dog, ever!

Sale...I had to clean them out. $1.48 for Oreos!?!? How can you not buy that many?

Our favorite muffin mix, and cake mix. Don't forget the $1 for a bag of goldfish! Stocked up for life....or for a while.

Wish we were there dad for your birthday! Hope you had a happy one!

She has a little pouty lip.

Loves to help me with the warm clothes fresh from the dryer

Zion...big month for him. New app. New job. More money in our pocket. Love it!

He has earned a new job (in his same company, EFI Vutek). His job, customer service/order entry. Not in his desired field, but it is out of shipping and more money. Can't complain.

My soccer boy

Tia...what can I say about her. She is potty trained. One day she took off her diaper, wanted to go in the big potty, and has not looked back since. She has had an accident, maybe two, but she is pretty darn good at this potty training thing. She likes to wear big girl underwear.

Aiden getting his first, paid, professional hair cut.

Looks very good if I do say so myself.

First day of Pre-school

"Mommy, where is Aiden. He is supposed to be sitting next to me."

She enjoyed sitting out in the open playing on the Ipod. There is usually fights over this thing....none today!

Aiden got whatever he wanted to eat the whole day. This is his dinner. Hot dogs, french fries, soda, watermelon, corn on the cob and homemade icecream and Oreos for dessert. He loved his first day and can't wait to go back.

2010-07-22T14:29:00.006-04:00

Making homemade icecream, very excited, both of them!

Joshua's blessing day (my sisters baby).

My sister's husband's family and ours (minus Zion).

Money, money, money, money, money!

"Playing" a game with uncle Matt. Aiden's controler was not plugged in...hehehe.

My mom and Aiden planted these sunflower seeds last time we were in Californja, in April.

This is one of their sunflower in July. They are HUGE!

Fun on the 4th

My brother and I went to San Fransisco to go and pick up my sister

and the kids from the airport.

We wanted to stop and take a walk on the Golden Gate Bridge, but we missed the exit.

This is our $6 picture, and our only one.

Love smiles.

Looking at some pigs.

Summer walks. Love it.

2010-06-15T13:56:00.011-04:00

Driving with mommy

I love this picture

Boys will be boys

What else but working on his app (we call it programming)!

My mother's day gift from Zion. I LOVE it! My new bed.

Fun at the park

Always prentending to talk on the phone

Lunch time

"I love my daddy"

She thinks she is being sneaky using his computer

She loves to be naked

"Is the popcorn ready yet, mom?!?!"

Ready for the beach

Mariah and Tia

Playtime at the park

Soccer babe

Finally hit over 5,000 downloads on his app! Yeah!!

Our little baby girl. Madeline Rose Tilley.

Aiden and his friend Alyssa

Loves to play daddy

Aiden loves to put these wings on and pretends he is going to fly

to "Californja" to visit grandma, grandpa, Uncle Matt and grandma Barbara.

"Fruits and veggies give me soft poo poo, mommy!"

Motorcycle week here in Laconia, NH.

Tire swing at his new school.

This looks so much like me when I was her age.

Aiden's first day of preschool. He got accepted and will be starting

in September. He is so very excited.

2010-04-21T16:44:00.009-04:00

Loves her uncle Matt.

I hire my mom to do my taxes, and I pay her in food :)

My little model, Tia.

Taking a stroll...

While camping, my mom burned her foot. She was cleaning out a dutch oven, and the boiling water splashed and got on her foot. A few hours and a few hundred dollars later, she received second and third degree burns on her foot. Poor mom. It will take at least a few months to heal.

Helping grandpa at work.

A usual site camping. The babies (Brooklyn and Heidi's little girl, Afton) loved to take walks. Aiden came along for the rides.

Malibu was great!

This is the wheelchair we used on the beach for my dad. The HUGE wheels made it easier to move on the sand. It was awesome...and the kids loved it!

Uncle Matt has candy.

We went to the Park with McKenna and Nicole. So fun!

"Mom, put me back in the tub!"

Zion's grandma lives in the same city as my parents. Double duty with the grandparents.

My dad used to comb my hair when I was little. I used to love it. Looks like Tia loves it, too.

They loved to turn the music up way loud and dance.

At Costco, eating the samples.

Aiden got tired of standing around while he was eating the samples. He took a seat.

Nap time!

Happy Birthday mom!

Lunch with Peggie at Red Robin for my mom's birthday.

The Leprechon made our milk green.

My dad's braces. Aiden liked to wear them.

Chillin' in grandma and grandpa's bed watching cartoons.

2010-02-24T22:19:00.006-05:00

They love to read together

"Get out of my face, mama."

Aiden gave his first talk on the 14th of Febrauary.

He did such a good job and he was so proud of himself.

Ice Skating on Opechee Lake

Aiden gave up trying to skate and crawled to shore to get his boots on.

Nana stayed with Tia

He is such a good figure skater.

Loves her Cheerios book

2010-02-19T19:24:00.007-05:00

Love is in the air!

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad.

28 years together.

2010-02-01T11:46:00.014-05:00

My children cannot see a playground without wanting to play on it....even if it is only 6 degrees outside.

Playing Jenga
Aiden and Zion went to Meredith to go watch the Ice Fishing Derby on Saturday.
It was only 4 degrees.
A very cold Aiden
With my dad's help (via phone), I changed this light fixture.
Go me!
Thanks dad!
(It was connected to the wall; I thought to take a photo after I had already removed it)

Can't help but kiss her all the time

Her attempt at a smile
"Cutie boy Aiden."
Tia likes to help with the laundry

(Aiden's underwear on her head)

I wish.......

I could sleep anywhere

Hey everyone, go and check out this cool website. Right now they are giving away a pretty apron. Go enter for a chance to win!

http://santasgiftshoppe.blogspot.com

2010-01-19T21:15:00.007-05:00

Zion made my mom chocolate cake with HIS frosting....
After 6 inches of freshly fallen snow, we made snow cones
Watching "Cloudy with a chance of Meatballs"
Aiden is hard core
We played games nightly. This night was Jenga.
Our favorite was Pirate Farkel.
Anyone ever heard of that one?
Enjoying some 40 degree sunshine.
Thanks Erica for the snowsuit and boots.
Perfect!
Thanks for coming to visit Mom. We miss you already.

Tia looks like my cousin Nicole when she was younger. Don't you think McKenna?

Fun making Oreo pops with an idea we got from my Aunt Michelle's blog.

She is also doing a monthly giveaway so go check it out!

http://michelles10things.blogspot.com/

Eyeing those pops

Aiden cannot let a mechanical device in the house without checking it out

My moms new Chocolate phone

Tia was in a time out and Aiden could not let her take it alone

Our faith has been tested during these last few weeks....
but we have grown closer to each other and closer to the Lord.
We know, as sure as ever, that families are forever. We KNOW that.
We are so grateful for good friends and family that has helped us get thru this difficult time.
Your thoughts and prayers are appreciated.

We lost our baby a few weeks ago. I was 5 months pregnant.
We named her Madelynn Rose.
A beautiful name for our beautiful angel.

2010-01-04T21:04:00.002-05:00

Fun Time
She cannot see a pair of glasses without putting them on

Loves being outside

A great birthday would not be complete without a birthday cake with lots of "balls"!

Enjoying some Oreos!

Enjoying some OREOS!

2009-12-21T17:16:00.004-05:00

Hard at work
I had to bribe him to even go say hi.

"We are here...we are here!!"

Making sugar cookies

Decorating sugar cookies

Tired after a long day of shopping

Made it on my blog again. Yeah!

This is his new pose-who taught him that?!

Love seeing my children...quiet.

The snow is cold!

2009-12-14T07:58:00.008-05:00

After pulling some teeth for a few weeks, we FINALLY were able to go and cut down our own Christmas Tree. After three years of living in NH, we headed out to the farm.

Aiden was very excited to go out in search of the perfect tree. After searching for five minutes for my missing glove, we decided he could not wait any more and left the warmth of the car.

After just about five minutes of searching Zion found it!! $40 of greatness!

Aiden got to help net the tree.

Surprisingly, Tia got into decorating the tree as much as Aiden did.

90% of the tree, they decorated! They did such a good job.

This is how I see Zion after work 100% of the time.

He has been working on programming a program for me to help

with shopping, coupons, etc. called My Pantry.

After teaching himself to program on JAVA, I must say, it was worth the countless hours and lack of sleep (on his part) working on this awesome project.

His latest hobby? Converting his JAVA program to be compatible with the new Android phone.

She would not take these off.

2009-12-02T13:23:00.003-05:00

Newly listed for $185, 000

3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 bath

1,664 sq. ft.

Detached one car garage

On Lake Winnepesaukee in Laconia, NH

New carpet and tile downstairs

**I would like to move, make a bid**

2009-11-05T11:40:00.008-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY LITTLE 1 YEAR OLD!

21 wild Turkey's by my house
Excited to be able to climb the stairs. She loves it!
Aiden can't just sit still and do something. He always has to be moving.
He started out laying down reading a book.
This is how I found him 2 minutes later.
Let's play ball, daddy!
Had fun going Trick-o-Treating

Horton costume was a little too small this year.

Thanks Grandma B.

My little Ladybug

Thanks mom!

Carving Pumpkins

2009-10-27T12:23:00.012-04:00

http://have-joy.blogspot.com/2009/10/give-away-california-caramel-company.html

California Carmel Company...nothin' better!

You all have to go to this website and check it out!

My parents, sister and her son, Jacob, came to visit us a few weeks ago.

I wish I could post more pictures of everything we did...but I don't have the patience to sit here forever while these pictures upload.

We had tons of fun while they were here and it was so sad to see them go!

We miss you guys!!!

My parents ditched us and went to NY

Playing cards

Celebrating the babies 1st birthday! Jacob wanted some cake NOW!

Papa and Tia watching TV

Pumpkin Festival in Keene

Pumpkin Festival

Brooklyn Bridge in NY

Ready for some dinner

At the Sandwich Fair

One of the last train rides

Apple picking

My dad was in the bathroom and Tia wanted in...or wanted him to come out!

Aiden thinking he is a kitty
Nana and Aiden playing at the Children's Museum

At the Children's Museum

Hanging out

2009-09-27T21:07:00.003-04:00

My big 3 year old boy had his check-up this week.

He is in perfect health.

34 1/2 lbs. 80%

38 3/4 80%

Aiden is checking Tia's blood pressure :)

Baby #3 is on his or her way!

Estimated due date is May 30th.

We are so excited for this new change in our lives and can't wait

until he or she is here. Only 8 more months to go! :/

2009-09-17T17:41:00.001-04:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ZION!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AIDEN!!!!
Zion and Aiden both had wonderful birthday's!
Zion's birthday was on the 14th, and Aiden's was on the 15th.
I did not have my camera at the time so these recent pictures will have to do.

2009-09-01T12:30:00.002-04:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!!

To my friend...

my hero....

always my dad!

Good lookin'! I am so lucky Aiden looks like you!

Singing to Tia

Nice pose, dad!

Try as you might, you will never get me to take this picture off of here! haha
Mom and Dad

2009-08-18T10:35:00.010-04:00

We had Brooklyn's 9 month (2 weeks late) appointment yesterday.

She is 18 pounds and 1 oz. 40-45%

27 3/4 inches long 50%

Head circumference 50%

She is standing on her own for 10 seconds at a time, trying to take a step but yet to make it!

She started climbing the stairs a few weeks ago.

My little girl is growing up.

Time for another one Zion?!?!

Aiden doing his favorite thing...playing with his many trucks.
Trying to keep Tia away from his trucks...

Daddy found a snapping turtle and brought it inside to show us...whatever prompted him to do this with two active kids....who knows!

Not happy Aiden is taking picture of her with no clothes on!

Playing together.

Aiden loves to take daddy's IPOD and play games on it.

He has gotten pretty good.

Sportin' Red Sox

(Sorry dad)

Aiden LOVES to make anything he can lick the bowl and spoon after

My sleepy boy

Aiden takes some good pictures!

Hanging out after berry picking

Waiting for daddy to go get ice cream for FHE

Could not get enough of berries

You should have seen his poop the next day! :)

Tia loved 'em, too!

Me (just in case you did not know)

Here is Aiden, picking and eating!

This is Aiden's bucket...he walked away with NONE!

Tia hanging out in the sun!

............

Aiden wanted to write you a letter:

zxxfcffffczhhdtww53333jhbbhujhjjhjhgffdsewiyljpp[]lkmmmmmffswwwheeyyyturo;,

gvcxzzzdebvxftrfrZfdzsddfg . , ,kv,\ggg

ggggggggghjjjjkkkkvhnbnnnnnnnmmmmmmSGZHDULK

GFUHHN

KKK/////JNJJJJJ;/////

///KKKJKKKKKKKIJHHHYY6NHHJJKKJKJKKKKLL,MMUIKKJUUUJ

OIIOIOOOOOuww.ikmmmmmmnmmnm,mnnnnbnnnjmnn

............

Translation: I write another letter. I am going to go to McDonalds, museum, down to the beach, go to the boat, and go on the boat, play with the trucks at my house.

Come to the door and they will come and play with me and the trucks...that will be fun!

2009-07-29T10:41:00.014-04:00

Loves his Giants shirt grandpa gave him!
Happy Tia
Aiden eating his little "trees"

Dad and Aiden swinging

Trying to teach Aiden how to drive

Now if he cold only reach the pedals...

Brooklyn

Zion got some dirt from the field

We stood in line for 20 minutes to get this $5 icecream, and he loved every minute of it!

She liked to copy other people around her.

She would throw her hands up in the air and scream as loud as she could.

She was so content like this, I held her up for 10 minutes.

Aiden had two Fenway Franks...loved 'em!

Eating at the famous Oyster House in Boston

Riding the bumper boats at Clark's Trading Post

Aiden's two favorite things....Oreo's and the bathtub

Clark's Trading Post

Aiden won this umbrealla at a carnival we went to.

He was so excited when he got to try it out that night.

Aiden and Alyssa playing at the park

2009-07-13T17:49:00.016-04:00

I have to say these strawberries will be that much better because we picked them.
I think Aiden ate more than he put in his basket
After an hour of being there, he is putting his 5th berry in his basket. :)

Aiden was such a big help!

My nephew, Jacob. Same age as Brooklyn and just as cute.

Walking to the park...I love to match them.
Aiden loved taking walks with my dad.
He thought his scooter was awesome.
(We took one visit in April to go camping,
and one visit in May for Skye's wedding.
Both times we got to spend time with my family).
One view on Matt's hike
My brother Matt is on a mission in Italy (same place where Zion went).
Enjoying some of the sights.

Keeping up with my blog is kind of like writing in my journal...I do so good

for a few months, then I skip a few weeks, I fall behind in posting pictures and events.

I get so overwhelmed when I think about how much I have to add to catch up, that I want to forget it all together. So, in trying to break my bad habits (and skip the last 2+ months), I am posting the most recent pictures of our little family.

Does not matter what it is, but they both have fun doing it together (this time they were cleaning the window).
So tired after playing at the park.
Fun in the Sun

Aiden playing with Alyssa F. at the park

All of the rain last week drove a little nasty mice family into my living room.

It took Zion and I 3 hours to catch them and set them free (I was all for ending their life).

Zion (thoughtful Zion) decides that they might be hungry after all the running around and decides to feed them some cheese. They did eat it...even after I sprinkled it with Bleach). HEHEHE

Aiden is willing to scratch anyone's back at anytime of the day.

Went to a local carnival this week and Aiden did a great job at dunking!

Got two in a row. (Guess he got his mom's arm) :)

Getting ready to go to the beach.

Aiden (for some very odd reason) ate some toothpaste he found in the bathroom.

I called poison control center, they told me to give him dairy to neutralize it.

He was more than willing to do that.

Aiden and Aiden :)

Hanging out at the park

She loves to be pushed in the swing

4th of July fun

Too bad it rained most of the day!

Loves to do anything daddy does

I am so blessed to have two wonderful children and a hard working husband. Zion works full time at EFI Vutek. He is taking online courses, full-time, enrolled in the Master's program. He works hard at work, comes home, play's with the kids, then works again on his homework.

Aiden will turn 3 in September, and is looking forward to it more than anyone else. He gets a big boy bed, a new booster seat, and his favorite (and reminds me of it DAILY), chew gum! He cannot get enough of outside. He lives, eats, and sleeps anything outside. His favorite drink is Orange Juice and will, without fail, always ask for it. :)

Brooklyn (Tia) will be 1 in November and is growing up way too fast! She started crawling last month, and a few weeks later was pulling herself up on things. She is taking steps with help and I am sure it will only be a matter of time before she does not need (or want) any help. Earlier this week Zion ran into the living room after he heard a loud cry. Tia had the charger cord to the laptop in her mouth and got a full shock. Woah boy did I feel bad as I thought I had just baby proofed the week before. I am at it again!

I am currently working 8 hours a week taking care of an elderly woman.

I enjoy getting out of the house and doing something without the kids (and getting some adult conversation).

We are lucky Zion's dad is home for the summer to hang with the kids while I am working.

It gives him (and the kids) a chance to hang out and they look forward to each day. I am enjoying being a mother to my two kids and watching them grow. It brings great joy to our faces to see our children grow in a happy and righteous home...which is what we have always wanted!

2009-05-08T14:16:00.010-04:00

Happy Mother's Day Mom!!!

I know you are so far away

But don't worry, I'll see you in May

Only 6 more days

I will always follow your ways!

I love you, mom. Thank you for being a great example!!

This is my pathetic attempt on writing you a poem.

Good thing you love me already. :)

Happy Mother's Day!!

Aiden getting X-rays on his legs
Here we are again...6 month check-up and shots
Weight 15 lbs. 5 oz. 55%
Length 25 1/2 inches 55%
Head 16.5 inches 25%
(Small head, but her head is full of wonderful brains, follows after her mommy!)

Zion and his baby girl, James and his baby boy.

James (Zion's BFF) came for a surprise visit from WA.

Aiden is trying to show me that his name is on his strawberry!??!?!

My sister wanted him to eat it and said to him, "Aiden that one has your name on it so you have to eat it." HAHHAHHAHAHHAHHA

The simple mind of a child.

Loves playing big brother/cousin to his two little babies in the back
Aiden took this one.
Go me....10 and 2!
Playing with Luke at the park
Tia face
So happy to be riding on this ride
I'll leave the cooking to the experts...Zion

My sister and her son, Jacob (4 days younger than Tia) eating bananas.

Yummy, Yummy....

Showing off

FHB (Future Heart Breaker) :)

LOVE 'EM

...now only if I could walk in 'em...

2009-04-27T08:19:00.008-04:00

Yesterday Zion finished his last day of class. He now has his BA in IT. He has worked so very hard this last year despite working full time, have callings in church, two kids and a nagging wife (he still maintained a 3.0+). He has enrolled in the Master's program and starts this week! Good job, Zion! I am so proud of you!!

2009-04-13T17:23:00.006-04:00

We missed Zion

Tia and Jacob, my sister's son who is 4 days younger
Aiden and grandpa posing in front of a train :)
Almost family pics (we are missing Zion, Blake (my sister's hubby) and Matt (my brother)
Aiden and grandpa playing on the beach

Daddy and Aiden playing on the beach

Tia and Jacob playing on the beach

Tia and my sister, Sara

Looking for crabs

After a LONG day of playing on the beach and after his daily shower, he was so tired he got dressed and never got up!

The kids made bags to collect their Easter eggs in during their hunt and this is the beginning of Aiden's.

His hands (face, legs, arms...) were soooo dirty the entire time.

He loved it. :)

2009-03-29T20:49:00.004-04:00

Sick of #1

(You can't see but just imagine it all over the floor and carpet.

He wanted to be a big boy and show me he went all by himself!)

Sick of #2

(And it's all over the front and back!)
I am ready to go home.
Mom and dad help supervise Aiden going potty.
Mom and dad changing poopy and stinky diapers.
Mom and dad cooking.
Flip flops.
No sweaters or long sleeves.
75 degrees.
Don't you wish you were me?

We will be leaving to go home (all of us) tomorrow morning.

Zion will be back in a week, and the kids and I will be back the 22 of April.
See you when we get back....we'll miss you!!

2009-03-25T22:33:00.002-04:00