Rollin'

Brent called me last Thursday at about 6:30 a.m. to let me know that he had been in a car wreck. He was fine, but the car was another story. There was a guy driving really slowly in front of him so he went to go around and hit some black ice. So... going about 60 m.p.h. on the freeway, he slid all around until he was facing oncomcing traffic, hit the gravel on the side of the road, and flipped and rolled the car. I still can't believe that he came out with only a bump on his head. He wasn't even that sore the next day. I am so thankful that he is alright and was able to make it out of such a horrifying experience!

Halloween Happenings

We had a great, but exhausting Halloween. On Monday, we had a Halloween party for FHE. We decorated pumpkins and sugar cookies. We tried to make the pumpkins look like the girls if they were pumpkins. Ally's is making a silly face. Taylor's has big eyes and we put glasses on it. Bailey's has a huge smile.



The girls had a great time, don't let the prison faces in their photos fool you.



We celebrated Brent's birthday on the 28th with a ward party. Brent and I are the activity chair people and so it was a very busy day. We have a huge ward and I am the only member of the activities committee that is home during the day. We decided to make soup for 400 people and it was tiring, but the activity had an amazing turnout and everything looked great. Brent had a really quick birthday party when we got home that night. You can see that we must have been very exhausted because I didn't even think to take pictures.



Finally, for Halloween the girls loved trick-or-treating. In the picture of Taylor and Ally, Ally is making a super hero stance and so Taylor of course has to do the same thing. It was the same deal with trick-or-treating. Ally was in full treat gathering mode. She would run as fast as she could from house to house. Taylor loved getting candy too. It was so funny to see her face. She was trying to compute how if you knock on a door, you get a piece of candy. I figured that we could just go to every other house with her so that we could keep up with Ally, but it was not so. She would not skip an opportunity for treat gathering.




It was a great Halloween and I hope that everyone else had a great time!

Change, Change, Change

We have really been enjoying ourselves lately. Over Conference weekend, we went to Brent's family cabin at Island Park. We made a pit stop at warm river where there are fish that eat what ever you throw in the water. My whatever, I mean that we didn't have bread so we threw Cheetos, and they loved it! After Warm River, we went up to Mesa Falls. It was so pretty! All of the trees were turning colors and the waterfall is always fantastic.
I'm posting this picture because it is the only picture in existence where everyone is actually looking at the camera. Nevermind that no one is smiling...they are looking!


Conference was great! I loved the talks and we enjoyed being up at the cabin. It is always so peaceful up there. I love being in someone else's home because it is easier for me to just sit and enjoy rather that mull over 2,000 things I should be doing.

The next weekend, we got a ton of snow. I couldn't believe it!



Taylor and Ally went outside and built a snowman with Brent.



The day they were out, there wasn't much snow, but Brent still managed to find enough snow to build a snowman and still pull them around the back yard on a sled. It was especially funny when he would hit wet grass. It's just not as slippery, and he had to give it a real heave-ho!



As I sit and write this post, I am just amazed at what can happen in a short amount of time. A lot of little things have showed me that my girls are growing up.
Ally learned to ride a bike! She usually doesn't do well when she gets hurt, but she was so determined to learn that she would totatally biff it and then she would get up and go again. She is learning a ton in kindergarten and is always writing down letters and making her own flashcards. It is crazy that she comes up with all of this information that I didn't teach her.
Taylor is bound and determined to peddle her tricycle. She is potty trained and turning two on Sunday.
Even Bailey is learning all kinds of things. She learned how to use a sippy cup and go backwards down the stairs.



These all seem like little things, but it is crazy how much all of those little things added together can change what I do. Someone else teaches Ally for three hours a day. I only have one diaper to change, and I don't have to guard the stairs, are things that come to mind.
I always thought all of that progress would make me sad, but I am just proud of my girls. I am amazed at how determined they are to learn new things, and mostly, I am thankful that I get to be a part of it all.

My Daughters, the Lamanites

So we did a FHE the other night where we acted out the story of Ammon with King Lamoni's sheep. Ally really wanted to do that for her lesson. It was hilarious. Ally was running around with her hands tucked in her shirt because her arms were cut off. Bailey was truly offended because someone had thrown her sheep around, and Taylor was having a great time scattering her sheep. Comedy!

The Day Ally Didn't Come Home From School

The title is scary, I agree, but the actual story is just as horrible. Ally walks home with some older kids from school, and on Thursday, they came to my house and said that Ally was with them as they were walking and then she was gone. I went up to the school, and she wasn't in her classroom. We went to the office and she wasn't anywhere in the school, in the neighborhood, or on the buses. Panic hit. I couldn't even breath. I thought that someone had snatched my girl! The office secretary had to call the police. They came to the school and started getting information on my daughter. Her height, weight, etc. They asked if I could get a current picture that they could send around and put on TV. I couldn't believe what was happening. It is one one my worst fears actually coming true.
After about a half hour, a bus driver called to say that she did have an extra kid on the bus. It turns out that a teacher told Ally that she should get on the bus because Ally was by the bus lines when she was trying to walk with the other kids. We have drilled into her head that she obeys her teacher and so she did as she was told. Poor Ally got on to the bus and got scared when it started to go and drop kids off. She was afraid the bus driver would drop her off somewhere and she would just be lost, so she hid. I can't even begin to explain how relieved I was when I saw that Ally come off of the bus. She felt the same way. She wouldn't even look at the entire school faculty, the police, or the bus driver.
I guess that is a lesson for moms everywhere. You have to find a way to tell your kids to obey their teachers unless the teacher says something they know is wrong. I just wish it didn't take something this traumatizing to teach me such a simple lesson.

The Goings On

Well, we finally traded in the paint flaking, only drive in town without air conditioning, check engine light eternally on malibu for a tank.



We decided it was time to upgrade our vehicle because our kids didn't fit in the jimmy. This isn't just an excuse to get a new car. To get our kids in the jimmy, we had to start by putting Ally in the car and doing her seat belt. If you put Bailey in first, you can squeeze your hand past her car seat to latch Ally's seat. Next comes Bailey. We put her in next because when Taylor is in, I can't fit Bailey over her. By the time the circus is over, I usually can turn around to see someone looking at the show.
To keep me from teaching the kids some choice four letter words, we decided that something needed to be done, and it came in the form of a suburban. I will say that it takes some getting used to. Driving a car that big is quite an adventure when you try to park, or more importantly, pull out of a parking space. It is a great car though.



I always thought that my kids were so good to each other in the car. Well, I have learned that it was because they didin't have room to maneuver. Now that we have the suburban, they are always harrassing each other. It is a trade I'm willing to take.

The other fun news is that Taylor got a hair cut. It is really cute. She likes it a lot. When she saw it, she said, "pretty hair," and then she looked at the other side and said, "more pretty hair." Comedy.



This last photo is of Ally going to school. Taylor has to copy exactly what Ally does so she has her own backpack. I think it is so sweet.

Something old, something new

Well, everyone, we decided that we are not going to sell our house. It is amazing how the Lord can make his wishes known. We really tried to get to Idaho Falls and nothing worked out. Finally, we decided to pray about staying, and, sure enough, we are going to stay here. We are just excited to have some definite direction.



One nice thing about staying here is that Ally's elementary school is just across the street. Yes, I have a kid in school. She did great. She sat on the carpet, told her teacher EVERYTHING that she knows, and said, "bye mom" when it was time for me to go. No tears, apprehension, nothing! She is really ready for school.
Bailey is crawling. I was hoping we could put off crawling a little bit longer, but there is definite drive for Bailey to keep up with her sisters and find stuff to put in her mouth. The picture I posted is her enjoying some ice cream sandwich.



That reminds me, Brent got Taylor out of nursery yesterday, and they were waiting in hall for me to get out of class. While they waited, Taylor helped herself to some old gum in the garbage can. GROSS! I guess Bailey putting stuff in her mouth won't top something like that.

More Reunion Fun!

Every year Brent's family (by family I mean everyone down to the millionth cousin twice removed) gets together at Teton Canyon for a family reunion. If you have never been to the Teton mountains, it is a place that you cannot die without visting. It is beautiful. The girls love to run freely, eat whatever they want (Bailey is enjoying some Cheetos below), and play with cousins and get so dirty that they are hardly recognizable. Ally loves to crawl, roll, and jump in dirt. You should have seen the bath water when we were done. Gross.





One thing about the reunion is that it is very cold. I know that it is summer, but it gets frigid at that elevation so we decided this year we would stay at a hotel. I can't believe that I have gotten to the point in my life that I can't hack staying in a tent for a few days with my kids, but that time has arrived. Brent and I woke up after a long night in the hotel and were so thankful that we didn't add crammed tent space, freezing night air, and bear country to mix of sleepless night.
Even with the convenience of a hotel, we really missed being up at the reunion and enjoying the evenings around the fire and staying up late visiting and playing games. It's just not the same when you stay down the road. Don't be surprised if you see us in a trailer next year.
One part of the reunion we love is going to this great mountain waterfall just off the table rock trail and take a family picture every year. It is fun to see the changes over the years. We had a great time with everyone and look forward to next year!

Happy Birthday Ally!

Ally turned five on July 8! She started the day pretty funny. Whenever I asked her to do chores she would just tell me, "Mom, I'm five now." I'm not sure why five means that you are freed from more work. I've been waiting for years for Ally to be old enough to pitch in. She quickly learned my plans for her, and I have to add that she is always good to help.



During the afternoon, I atempted to make a doll cake for Ally. That was not my best hour. I learned a few lessons that day. One-you make a cake that already has a hole so you don't just blindly shove a poor doll into unsuspecting cake. I had to tell Ally that the big fissure in the back was just her zipper. Second, don't use a Barbie. Their freakishly long legs make it so you have to have a cake about a foot high to begin to make it look like a dress. Finally, leaving the decorating to the pros. I am not a cake decorator and so I finally let Ally and her friend Scott help on the cake so I could have someone to blame the "creative" results on.



Anyway, that night, we had a birthday with our little family, Grandma and Grandpa Freeman, Carolee and Amy. We had her favorite meal: chiken nuggets, french fries, chocolate milk and a toy. I couldn't complain with that one. Ally made the cutest hats for everyone, and she loved all of her presents. It was like she was so over stimulated that she opened them all and then could only focus on one gift. Pretty funny.
Overall, it was a great day for Ally and she is still reveling over being five and looking forward to kindergarten. We love her and are so lucky to have such a good kid in our home!

When it Rains, It Pours

If this title was literal, there would be family falling from the sky in droves. We have had a great, family filled past two weeks and we are exhausted from cousin slumber parties, late nights games, kids sleeping in new places, and late night movies. It has felt like a slumber party that lasts two weeks!
Here's the low down:
We went to the temple on Tuesday the 10th because it was Brent's grandparents' 100th anniversary. A good portion of their posterity was there. I think I really got an idea what the Celestial Kingdom will feel like because the session was filled with only family. It was so fun to be there and experience that. It makes me want to live better. I also learned that it is a good thing that we have eternity in the next life because it will take that long to catch up with everyone.













The night before, we went swimming at the hotel where everyone was staying. The girls really liked playing in the water. Taylor is quite the dare devil.




Over the weekend we went to Buhl and spent more time with family. It was great to see everyone. I think it is so funny that in Brent's family, the adults can out play the kids. All the kids go to sleep and the adults are still kicking around into the wee hours of the night.
Ally was in heaven the whole time. We went to church on Sunday, and I think that we doubled the size of their primary with all the cousins that came. She got to sleep in the same room as cousins, ran through the sprinkler, and pretty much disappeared the whole time.
Thanks for a great time everyone!

5 Things You Don't Know About Brent

In honor of Father's Day, I thought it would be fun to write some things you don't know about Brent.
1)He has dimples. Brent gets dimples when he eats or when he sits on the stand and ponders. They are so cute!
2)When he eats, he gets food on his face. It is so funny to watch Brent eat because he always has food to save for later--- hilarious!
3)He is really sentimenal. Brent is a man's man. He watches sports 24-7 and doesn't understand how a woman's mind works AT ALL, but he is so sweet when it comes to memories and family. He loves to show us the house he grew up in and keeps all kinds of things from his past.
4)Brent never yells. I know this may be hard to believe, but he is the most patient person that I know. He has NEVER yelled at me and never gets mad, even if I mess up. I love that about him.
5)He is honest. You wouldn't think that would be a distinguishing characteristic, but he is so honest. It doesn't matter if it is inconvenient, he always wants to make sure that he is honest in everything he does. He is the most honest person that I know.
I love him so much because he is a great Dad and husband. Happy Father's Day Dads!

Family Reunion Fun

We just got back from Brent's parents' cabin for the weekend. It is amazing how a zillion people + a little cabin + lots of rain = a lot of fun. I still can't believe that all forty some odd people were all able to find somewhere to sleep (I use the term "sleep" very liberally). It sure was fun to see everyone. It is really hard to get everyone together very often so this reunion was a special treat.


Speaking of special treats... Just try taking this from Bailey.

Brent's Dad fashioned this really great zip line that starts you on the top of this his and launches you across their entire property Idaho style-- in a rigged up tractor seat.

You want me to WHAT?!?

This might be fun...

WWWWEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!







The little girls really liked a little less risky kind of ride, but this isn't your ordinary swing. It smoothly swings you over a hill so you feel like you are really going for quite a ride. For a baby, being 6 feet in the air is pretty exciting--they loved it.



I think Taylor liked tickling Bailey the most...Brent says that's what I liked. I can''t disagree. That kid has the biggest smile.

Please Release Me, Let Me Go!

In our entire marriage, Brent and I always served in the student wards in different capacities at Idaho State. We have never attended our home ward, but as of Sunday, Brent was released as Bishop. I have never had him consecutively on a Tuesday night and am not sure what we are going to do with him (I'm sure I can find something). He is such an amazing guy and has done such a good job. I have been so impressed to sit back and look at him magnify his calling so well. He bore a great closing testimony and explained that he learned to love the Savior in this calling more than any other time in his life. I feel like we have been so blessed while he has been serving and are really going to miss the bishopric and great friends we made there. We wish everyone we served with the best, and will keep you posted with what our next ward finds for us to do!

To the Rescue!

Taylor and Ally wanted to have blankets on their shoulders today, so I used a clothes pin to put them into place. While I was in the kitchen, I could hear them running around singing the theme song to Star Wars. Even Taylor's version of Star Wars could be recognized. They looked so cute playing together. I am one lucky mom!

Yum!

Can you believe that Bailey is already eating cereal? I said I would wait until 6 months, but it is just too much fun and I couldn't wait.

WHAT HAVE YOU DONE????

This was on Courtni's blog and I thought it looked fun. I think that it would be more fun to read what Hana and Taunia write on this one.
( ) Gone on a blind date
(X) Skipped school- way too many times
(X) Watched someone die
( ) Been to Canada
( ) Been to Mexico
( ) Been to Florida
( XXXXX ) Been lost – Lost in my own town!
(X ) Been on the opposite side of the country
(X ) Gone to Washington , DC
( ) Swam in the ocean
( X ) Cried yourself to sleep
( ) Played cops and robber
( X ) Recently colored with crayons
( X ) Sang Karaoke- church songs at the Y (noy sure I want to admit that)
( ) Paid for a meal with coins only? –
( X ) Done something you told yourself you wouldn't
( X ) Made prank phone calls
( X) Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose
( X ) Caught a snowflake on your tongue
( ) Danced in the rain Would love to, bet BRENT WON'T DANCE!!!
( X ) Written a letter to Santa Claus (just last year)
( X) Been kissed under the mistletoe
( X ) Watched the sunrise with someone you care about
( X ) Blown bubbles
( X ) Gone ice-skating
( ) Been skinny dipping outdoors
( X ) Gone to the movies
1. Any nickname? Mega-a-watt
2. Mother's name? Evelyn
3. Favorite drink? water all the way- not kidding (I do love Root Beer with pizza)
4. Tattoo? Nope
5. Body Piercings? My ears
6. Birthplace? Rexburg, Idaho
7. Favorite vacation spot? Washington, D.C.
8. Ever been to Africa? No
9. Ever eaten cookies for dinner? Yes
10. Ever been on TV? Yes, For anyone who doesn't know, my friend was saved by Harrison Ford and we were on TV all over. I also worked as a field reporter for KBYU and did one story that was aired.
11. Ever steal any traffic sign? Yes- we took a "slow children at play" sign and put it in our friends yard
12. Ever been in a car accident? Yes
13. Drive a 2-door or 4-door vehicle? 4 DOOR
14. Favorite salad dressing? Ranch
15. Favorite pie? Peach or chocolate
16. Favorite number? 1016
17. Favorite movie? Pride and Prejudice- the really long one
18. Favorite holiday? Christmas
19. Favorite dessert? Yes
20. Favorite Food? Ice Cream
21. Favorite day of the week? Friday- Brent has Fridays off
22. Favorite brand of body wash? Bath and Body Works Blackberry vanilla
23. Favorite smell? Rain in the hot summer
25. What do you do to relax? sleep
26. How do you see yourself in 10 years? Done having kids. Happy with my family.
27. Furthest place away this will be read? Probably Australia Hey Court!

First Hairdo

It is an important day in every girl's life when they get their first hairdo. My kids have so much hair that Bailey was already lucky enough to cross that milestone. That means I have 4 girls hair to fix on Sunday. I'll be surprised if we ever get to church on time.

Taylor's Eyes

Taylor's eye surgery went really well. She was really mad when she first got out of surgery so I had them give her some awesome pain medication. She slept for about 45 minutes, and from then on she was really happy. She was excited to see her sisters that night and was eating and having fun. Now, her doctors are keeping her eye dilated so that she won't have any complications. That means we had to figure out a way to let her go outside without being in pain, and this picture is the solution. Cute eh?

Tagaroo

A-Single or Attached-Attached

B-Best Friend-It's got to be my man Brent

C-Cake or Pie-Cake that one depends on the day. If there is chocolate, it is my favorite.
D-Day of Choice-Saturday. I love to have a day off and Brent has Fridays off like Marc.
E-Essential Item-Pony tail holder. Bailey is in a hair pulling stage.

F-Favorite Color-Yellow and Red

G-Gummy Bears or worms- Bears

H-Hometown-Rigby, ID

I-Favorite Indulgence-Chocolate!! I didn't even have to change what Taunia wrote on the last 4 items.

J-January or July-July if you have air conditioning or a swimming pool.

K-Kids-3 When did I get three kids?

L-Life isn't complete without-My family

M-Marriage date- June 22, 2001 (I think that I am the only women alive that forgets her wedding day. In my mind, I was married on the 23)
N-Number of brothers and sisters- 3 sisters 1 brother (well, one was adopted, so I guess I only have 2 sisters J/K Taun!)

O-Oranges or apples-Oranges

Phobias and Fears-My kids getting kidnapped (weird, but true--I have really cute kids)
R-Reason to smile-Tay's surgery went well, we found a new house, and my other girls are healthy and happy.
S-Season of choice-Spring! I love tulips. I look outside everyday to check on their progress.
T-Tagg two people-Nina and Courtni!
U-Unknown Fact about me- I love to build snow tunnels. I could play in the snow even when my kids have gone inside.
V-Vegetable-Corn on the Cob

W-Worst habit-It all stems back to that chocolate addition.

X- X ray or Ultrasound-Ultrasound

Zodiac Sign-Libra

Anybody want a house?

Our second big news is that we bought a house! Yes, we finally accepted the offer for a really great house in Idaho Falls. I fell in love at the entry way. All that we have left is to sell our current house. That ought to be fun to keep a house clean with 3 little girls!
On our way to look at the house, we stopped by the greenbelt with 2 of my sisters and we fed the ducks on a day that actually felt like spring. It felt good to finally go outside for a little bit.