The Shores

Christmas Past

2012-01-28T00:14:00.004-06:00

It was another fabulous Christmas in the Shores' house.

In fact, it was 3x the fun with three kids this year.

"Oh yeah, who are you calling lazy?"

2012-01-25T23:15:00.000-06:00

Look at me!

I am sitting like a big boy!

It has been a big week for Crew...

- 2 bottom teeth

- First roll from belly to back

- Sitting for longer than 5 minutes without a tumble

I guess he was feeling the pressure of turning 7 months tomorrow

and not having anything to show for it. Way to go little man!!

Madison Gage. Age 5.

2012-01-15T22:36:00.000-06:00

I always feel so bad that Madi's birthday is in December in the freezing cold and we are limited to indoor partties. This year since the hot tub is indoors at our new house, we celebrated with a winter luau. The girls (and Jakson) had a lot of fun!

A Little Lesson on Faith

2011-12-03T00:50:00.001-06:00

Here are some highlights from a few weeks ago:

Incident #1:

Jaks- "Mom, when am I going to be in Iron Man?"

Me- "You already were Iron Man for Halloween."

Jaks- "No mom, I mean when am I going to be IN the Iron Man movie?"

Me- "You are not going to be in the movie honey."

...and then here comes Madi's contribution from the back seat...

Madi- "Jakson, If you want to be in the movie you can just say a prayer and ask Jesus and he will help

you be in the movie."

Jaks- "Nevermind mom, I'll just ask Jesus."

Incident #2:

I was tucking Madi into bed and she said...

Madi- "Mom, I asked Jesus for something once and he didn't do it."

Me- "Well honey what did you ask for?"

Madi- "I don't rememer, all I remember is that he didn't do it!"

It was really hard not to laugh cause I certainly have felt that way a time or two.

2011-11-13T21:44:00.001-06:00

Jakson and Crew's first wrestling match.

Madi looks extra glamorous with a little eyeliner and mascara leftover

from her Halloween costume the night before.

My boys.

The saddest face. Ever. Crew is sick for the very first time. Poor little guy. He just wanted to curl up on daddy. He hadn't slept all day, he was exhausted, but he just kept fighting it.

2011-10-30T01:36:00.002-05:00

Today was a great day! It was a glimpse of many holidays to come. I have always loved this time of year with the holiday season beginning and so much family time. The best part of the holidays for me is seeing the excitment on the kids' faces. This year with 3 adorable kids we are bound to have 3x the fun. Halloween has already been a blast and it is still 2 days away!!

2011-10-28T22:26:00.003-05:00

handsome little man CREW

JAKSON saw me taking pictures of Crew, so he ran and put his hat on for a pose.

He is a HANDSOME little DUDE too!

Just Another Sunday

2011-09-13T21:52:00.002-05:00

a little sunday afternoon sibling love

Crew's Newborn Pictures

2011-09-02T19:12:00.003-05:00

I should have posted these 2 months ago, but having 3 kids now means I am much SLOWER at getting things done. He really is the sweetest and easiest baby!

He just had his 2 month check-up and he is still little... he is stretching longer, but not mush wider!

He went from the 10th to the 20th percentile in weight and from the 6th to the 60th in height!! He is a little string bean.

And then there were THREE!!!

2011-08-04T01:12:00.001-05:00

Life in the shores house has just been blessed with another handsome little boy. On Saturday we welcomed Crew's big brother Jakson into our family and officially adopted him Monday! It was a whirlwind of a weekend, but an answer to our prayers. Madi is so proud to have 2 new brothers. We love little crew and little Jakson so very very very much!!!

And here is the darling little Crew at one month old.

Crew Weeks 1 and 2

2011-07-12T15:03:00.000-05:00

1 week old

5lbs 10 oz

19 inches

2 weeks old

6 lbs 5 oz

19 3/4 inches

More Cuteness

2011-07-01T00:08:00.000-05:00

Announcing Baby Crew

2011-06-27T20:28:00.000-05:00

Crew Alexander Shores

Born on Sunday June 26th at 12:38 am

5 lbs. 12 oz.

18 inches

The most precious moment. Madi is in heaven as big siser. She is so soft and gentle with Crew. It is priceless. He is already so blessed with an amazing sister to watch over him.

One day old and already the handsomest boy I know. Here he is just after leaving the hospital with our little boy and dream come true! We are so blessed by our Heavenly Father for this beautiful child of God!

Getting Ready for Baby CREW!!!

2011-06-23T11:43:00.000-05:00

All of my fabuous friends and family in San Diego threw a baby shower for me in June. Kortney, Heather, and Jen did an amazing job as always... it looked like it came straight out of a Martha Stewart magazine. They did everything in a sailor theme and it was PERFECT!! I really do have the best friends in the world that love me and support me even when I live in Utah :) There were many good friends and family members that it was fun to see and celebrate with.

I had fun getting the nursery ready. These were the first photos I took. So now there are more little touches and decorations to finish things off. I was really happy with the way the room turned out, especially since I spent less than $200 for all the bedding and decorations!!!

Kung Fu

2011-06-21T18:37:00.000-05:00

If you didn't know it already, Madi is pretty funny and entertaining. Most people don't get to see this side of her because she tends to save it for her Auntie Stacey, Auntie Erin and Uncle Jared. James and I try to sneek peeks, but usually she gets a little shy when we watch. She is always singing and dancing. Usually in front of a full length mirror so she can admire herself!

This year at preschool she has taken some Karate lessons and she DIDN"T love them! Unfortunately for her she can bend like her mama, which means she CAN'T. She would wake up almost every wednesday and say I am not going to karate today. I know she had fun when she was there, she was just frustrated that it was so hard for her. She would come home and try to do the splits and say,"Mom I can't do this, I don't like karate!"

At the preschool graduation they performed their karate as a part of the presentation and Madi was the most animated hilarious one out there!!! I was so proud of her for having fun with it. Here is the cute "orange belt" Kung Fu Madi.

BIG NEWS!!!

2011-04-28T00:46:00.000-05:00

YES, you read it correctly! We are expecting a baby boy! We feel so blessed and lucky to adopt this little guy and have him as part of our family. Madi tells everyone she sees and it usually goes like this...

Madi- "Mom can I tell them something?"
Me- "Sure babe."
Madi- "I'm going to be a big sister to a little baby brother in July!"
Other Person- Looking at me with eyes popping out and jaw dropped open
Me- "Yep! It's true!"

We are having fun getting the nursery ready and buying boy clothes, although I am forbidden to buy more unitl the little guy gets here... I will try, but I can't promise! We are working HARD to pick a name... haven't got very far yet, but we are making some progress. So suggestions are welcome.

Thank you all for sharing in this happy time with us. We are so excited and will keep you posted.

Madison's 4th Birthday... Way Back in December

2011-04-13T00:05:00.002-05:00

It all started with an adorable from my friend Emily. She is SO creative. I saw this adorable movie ticket idea from her and then I ripped it off and made it look almost exactly like hers, but not quite as perfect.

We attached the movie tickets to the invitations and every child had to bring their ticket to get in.

Problem: Having a party with lots of friends in the middle of winter when it is snowing is always a challenge and did I mention with a small living space?

Solution: Turn the living room into one big comfy lounging area, fill it with TONS and TONS of sugar, annoying party horns, cute hats, balloons and a bunch of adorable kids and watch Toy Story 3.

Happy birthday to my little princess! I hope you enjoy looking at these pictures over and over again as much as I do. Love you little girl.

James' Least Favorite Day of the Year 2010

2010-12-10T21:46:00.001-06:00

Madison's Most Favorite Day of the Year 2010

2010-12-10T20:47:00.011-06:00

What mom? I just want a snack.

2010-11-30T22:44:00.000-06:00

I am beginning to really dislike the little pink stool that is making appearances all over the house these days! At least her smile is irresistible.

Better late than never... that has been my slogan the last few months, so here they are...

2010-11-06T17:17:00.000-05:00

Picnics and Hikes

Pumpkin Patch Field Trips

29th Birthdays

Halloween and Costumes

What do you want to be when you grow up?

2010-10-13T21:09:00.001-05:00

At Madi's preschool they have a tradition of dressing up as what they want to be when they grow up for their school pictures. I asked her what she wanted to be and she said...

"A Firefighter"

Isn't she adorable! The best part was she came up to me after I had gone to the store and got her hat and suspenders and said, "Mom next time I have to be what I want to be when I get big, I want to be a mom holding a baby." It melted my little heart. What a sweetie.

p.s. thanks Auntie Stacey for curling her hair so beautifully!

this one little blessing

2010-10-10T01:51:00.000-05:00

When I look at this perfect daughter of Heavenly Father, I know that I could live the rest of my life with only this one, little blessing, from heaven. I wish for another, hope for another and pray for another. However, I really am happy to know that I am a mother. That Heavenly Father blessed my life with one perfect angel to hold, to teach, to protect, to love, to cherish, to laugh with, to play with, to cry with, and to have an eternal family with.

my happy place

2010-10-10T00:55:00.000-05:00

... life has been hard lately... sick, tired, worn out, frustrated, bored, lonely...

i need my happy place

First Day of School... Preschool 2010-2011

2010-09-27T19:33:00.006-05:00

Here she is again all smiles for another year of preschool. She was so excited to get a "suitcase" for school... of course it had to have wheels! She did a little posing in the front yard and off she went to school with her new teacher Miss. Honey.

From cute chubby baby cheeks... to beautiful little girl.

First Day 2009

First Day 2010

I love you my smart beautiful miracle daughter! I hope you have another great year!

2010-08-15T10:39:00.008-05:00

Another PERFECT week camping at the beach!

more to come...

Preschool Graduation

2010-05-27T21:47:00.003-05:00

Easter

2010-05-17T00:36:00.002-05:00

We had a great time at my mom and dad's this year for Easter. The Easter Bunny hid gigantic eggs in the back yard for Nicki and Madi. I guess the rest of us were too old. Madi made out with a lot of candy, coloring books, bubbles, and even a new outfit. The Easter Bunny is definitely in and economic crisis like the rest of us! Even thought we had a great time with the family and all of the Easter festivities, most of all it was a great day to remember our Savior, Jesus Christ and the gift of the atonement. I am so grateful everyday for the blessings I receive because of His willingness to atone for our sins. I know that my Redeemer lives.

And the Winner Is...

2010-05-05T13:41:00.003-05:00

JAMES!!

James entered his first writing competition and submitted a short screenplay. He is such an amazing writer (that I already know), but it was nice for him to be recognized as such with an award. He won the First Place award and $500 prize money. I am sure it is just the start and that there will be many more to come.

Look How Cute We Are

2010-04-28T16:22:00.004-05:00

* There used to be a picture of us here, but James saw it and removed it!

**or, James saw it and figured everyone already knows what Jabba the Hutt looks like and does not need to be reminded. In addition, people may think that I was about to eat a woman and her small child and call the authorities. We get enough police visits from Chris' anger issues as it is, thank you very much.

It has been a long time since we have had a picture will all 3 of us actually smiling!

The Sleeping Banana Princess

2010-04-28T09:55:00.004-05:00

After reading this post and looking at your pictures you are going to think two things:

1. What a silly girl!

... and...

2. Why is she sleeping on the floor next to our bed again?!?

First off, she is silly and second, we had company in her bed for an entire week. This is not a normal privilege.

First, one night last week she woke up at 12:00 a.m. and said "Mommy I am really hungry." I figured she must be so I got her a banana. I went to the bathroom and came back to see half of the banana eaten and her sound asleep and holding on for dear life to the remainder. She must have know that if she made a mess there would be no more bananas in bed in the future.

Last night was the best! I went in to hug and kiss her after my indoor game and saw a piece of lace peeking out from under her blanket. I thought it was a headband and tried to pull it off, but it was a little bigger than a headband. I started to lift up the blanket and Madi said, "Mommy I'm wearing a princess dress from your drawer so I can be a princess!" I pulled up the covers and there was my adorable 3 year old wearing my Lingerie!! She definitely looked like a princess to me.

This banana eating princess dress wearing little girl can sleep in my room any day if she keeps me laughing this much!

What Moms CAN'T Do

2010-04-13T19:51:00.001-05:00

Madi got a new bike, a big girl bike with training wheels, from the overly generous Easter Bunny this year. And then it snowed for 2 days and she couldn't even try it on for size. But when she finally did we rode it and rode it and rode it. She was so cute and loving it! She could do it by herself immediatly, but got nervous when it would shift onto the training wheels. She had the balance down so I would let go and show her that she didn't need my help and could do it all by herself. The minute I would let go she got nervous and would say, "Don't let go mommy, I need more practice!" It was so cute, but like every good mom (ha ha) I wanted her to be the best and do it without my help. I didn't want to make her scared of it on her first day though so I promised that I would not let go and as hard and tempting as it was, I stuck by my promise.

But then daddy got home from work and Madi wanted to go show daddy how she could ride her new bike. So they set out to ride around the block and Madi came running in the house yelling "I did it Mommy, I am NOT scared! It just did this (and she proceeded to model shaking motions with her body) and I did it by myself!"

Sometimes a girl just needs her Daddy. I am so glad that there are special things in her life that get to be her and daddy things and that they have time to play, learn and grow together. I think she has the best daddy ever!

Sleeping Angel

2010-04-08T02:32:00.001-05:00

My favorite thing to do every night before bed is to sneak into Madi's room and give her one last kiss on the cheek or forehead (whatever is visible) and whisper I LOVE YOU and make sure she is tucked in and warm before I collapse into my own bed and fall asleep. The best part about this routine is that somehow no matter how quiet I am or how asleep she looks, she KNOWS I am there. She will whisper back in the sleepiest little voice things like "Hi mom", "I love you too" and "Thanks mom". Being a mom doesn't get any better than that. As our family anxiously awaits another child through adoption (shameless plug) I have been reflecting on how lucky we are to be parents already. I think of the many great men and women who struggle with fertility and don't have any children yet, and feel so blessed by my Heavenly Father. I am thankful and grateful to have my little "Sleeping Angel". Do I wish and pray for more? YES! Am I okay with waiting and knowing that things will happen when and how the Lord wants them too? YES! I am happy. I am a mom.

This picture is almost 3 years old, but it is one of my absolute favorites. She really is a sleeping angel!

My Pretty Petals- Wedding Flowers

2010-03-29T00:58:00.002-05:00

For years I have wanted to start my own floral business for weddings and events.

This month I made my dreams come true and My Pretty Petals is now officially open for business. In the last three weeks I have already booked 4 weddings!! I am really excited and hope I stay busy through the summer while I am not teaching. Check out my website and tell all of your engaged friends.

www.myprettypetals.com

Here is my logo and some of my photos

Miss Madi in March

2010-03-23T23:51:00.000-05:00

March has been pretty dull in our house, but Madi has still managed to keep herself entertained. She is always up to her darling little shenanigans. For example...

What is missing in this bed an hour after bedtime?

Oh yes, the 3 year old

Oh wait, she is as snug as a bug in a rug... In her mommy's bed

She is one sneaky little ninja.

Madi waited a long time to build a snowman and finally got her wish a few weeks ago. After 5 minutes outside this is what she was doing...

not helping with the snowman, but wandering the yard with a butter knife.

Have no fear though, the snowman was built by daddy.

After about 40 minutes I thought maybe I should go check on James and make sure he was still alive and this is what James was doing...

Yeah, you guessed it ... building the abominable snowman in our front yard.

I love my 2 weirdos very much!

Here's an Update

2010-02-19T07:51:00.006-06:00

I made the mistake of leaving James home alone with Madi last Friday, so they went to the pet store and came home with "Nemo". Let's Just hope he lives longer than a few weeks so I don't have to explain the cycle of life to Madi!

We went to the Bean Museum last Saturday with our next door neighbors, the Longs. Their little boy Austin is exactly a month older than Madi and they are best friends!

... Yeah I don't know why they are leaning... I guess the best possible conclusion is: They are 3!

Madi celebrated Valentine's Day with her first Valentine's treats. She made them for all of her friends at school. (Note to self, don't buy them until the night before next time so that we don't have to talk about them and carry them around the house for 2 weeks!)

We took Madi out bowling and it was the worst $22 ever spent! Okay I might be exaggerating, but we drove there played and were home within the hour. Not a good time/cost ratio, but we had fun.

Couldn't resist the cool shoes!

After about 20 minutes of bowling this is what Madi did...

James and Madi have been busy making forts and having lots of fun while mom is busy teaching. Hopefully someday soon Mommy will get to be busy making forts while daddy is busy working. Dad better enjoy it while he can. Madi doesn't even realize how lucky she is to have so much precious time with just her dad.

... and that is the end of the update.

Happy Valentine's Day to the Man I LOVE!

2010-02-15T09:46:00.005-06:00

It was a short 5 1/2 years ago that our love began with a phone call...

"Hello, Is the most gorgeous girl in the world there?"

"Yes, this is Chris."

"Will you go out to dinner with me tonight?"

"I would love to. As long as it is not seafood."

Well it definitely wasn't seafood. It was Taco Hell. I should have gasped and ran, but who was I to deny a good looking boy a night out? And besides I love Taco Bell. That day as we sipped our Baja Blast Mountain Dew we knew it was love at first sight. The picture is proof. He can't even take his eyes off me while he drinks.

The dinner was followed by some playful wrestling... the "G-Rated" kind.

And the date was sealed with a smooch!

Here we are February 15th 2010.

The little Rascal (Madi) is away at Grandma's.

We are headed out today for our Valentine's date...

*Lunch at Taco Bell (Some things never change)

* Movie in Salt Lake

*Walk around and enjoy the city

* Check-In at the hotel

* A little wrestling... now the "PG-13" kind

* And many, many smooches!

Happy Valentine's Day to my one and only true love, Mr. James Paul Shores.

2010-01-31T21:13:00.006-06:00

Madi loves hanging out with her Aunties (Erin, Gioia and Stacey). This morning she was downstairs with them getting her nails done, something she does often, and they were able to catch her doing some performances. These are all things she has learned at her preschool. She loves school and she is so smart. She also has an amazing teacher that does a fabulous job!

Now Showing...

Madi singing the Months of the Year song

Madi reciting the Pledge of Allegiance

Madi singing the Money Song

Madi singing the Days of the Week song

* I apologize for the poor quality. They are from a cell phone.

Daddy's Proudest Moment

2010-01-29T09:34:00.002-06:00

For those of you that don't know, James and I despise character clothing. Madi has a few, but they are only allowed to be jammies. In fact I can actually say James HATES Dora the Explorer! He forbade me to ever let Madi watch it, buy a toy, clothing etc.
I was a good wife and obeyed his demands... like always :)

... But then one day a certain grandmother and aunt by the names of Pat and Nicki decided to infest our homes with not one, not two, but dozens of Nicki's old Dora videos! Now our once innocent daughter has been overcome with Dora's influence.
Let's just say James is less than ecstatic.

... I don't like Dora myself, but it is was pretty darn cute when I was flipping channels for Madi and I accidently put it on a Spanish cartoon channel and she said, "Mom this is Spanish!" and then a few days later when we were checking out at the grocery store and out of no where Madi counted to 5 in Spanish, "Uno, dos, tres, cuatro, cinco!"

Dora is NOT cool, but Madi sure is cool.

2010-01-22T10:05:00.001-06:00

ABC's of Me

A - Age: 28
B - Bed size: California King
C - Chore you hate: Washing Dishes
D - Dog's name: None
E - Essential start your day item: Morning Urination
F - Favorite color: Turquoise
G - Gold or Silver or Platinum: Silver
H - Height: 5' 6.5987"
I - Instruments you play: 'Rock Band' Drums and NOT well!
J - Job title: 2nd Grade Teacher (Glorified Babysitter if you ask my husband)
K - Kids -1
L - Living arrangements: 6 bed/ 3 baths
M - Mom's name: Pat
N - Nicknames: Volume, Nugget, Dink
O - Overnight hospital stay other than birth: Bone Marrow transplant (5 weeks in 2007).
P - Pet Peeves: My husband saying he doesn't want a drink at the movie theater and then drinking all mine before the previews are over. Love you babe.
Q - Quote from a movie: I fall asleep before they start talking :)
R - Right handed or left handed: Right
S - Siblings: 4 sisters and 2 brothers
T - Time you wake up: 5:30 am
U- Underwear: Yes
V - Vegetable you dislike: Mushrooms
W - Ways you run late: Always. I forget that it takes 10 minutes to get Madi into the car. She is usually putting the keys in my door, running around the front yard, putting all her "things" in the car.
X - X-rays you've had: Lots, but last week was a Chest X-Ray.
Y - Yummy food you make: Sweet Pork tacos
Z - Zoo favorite: Tiger
ITS YOUR TURN NOW!!!!!!!!!!!

Christmas... Christmas... and MORE Christmas

2010-01-16T17:01:00.092-06:00

This year Christmas was fabulous as always... even though I enjoyed most of it from the couch and bed. I was sick with fevers, head cold and a miserable cough. A cough so bad I cracked a rib! I spent Christmas Eve morning at the doctor, Christmas Day and the rest of break on the couch and in bed. Madi was so patient with me. She wanted to play with all of her new toys and would just just play next to me while I slept. Here she is reading me some of her new books with her stuffed animals.

We spent Christmas Eve at the annual Widdison Family party in our new Christmas Jammies and then headed to my mom and dad's to open our Sibling Gifts. My sisters (who live with us) stayed the night at my mom and dad's, but James, Madi and I went home to our house.

We woke up Christmas morning and had stockings filled with goodies and presents from Santa. It was so fun to see Madi so excited. Every present she would say, "Who is this From?" or "Thank you mommy it's my favorite!" James bought me the best gift... a really nice Digital Camera! Now I just need to start figuring out how to use it. I need to prove that it was a good investment. James got shoes, clothes, a wallet and other practical stuff. He was sad that there were no toys... maybe next year. This year was my turn to be spoiled! Madi got more than her little heart could handle: ponies, pet shops, books, stuffed animals, cash register, games, toy laptop, Cinderella doll, candy and more.

I feel so blessed to have such and amazing husband, daughter and family. I love the holidays. I love eating, playing, talking and laughing with all of them. It gets loud and busy and crazy, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. I love our different personalities, our stubbornness and our kindness. I am so glad that our Savior Jesus Christ provided a way that we can be a family forever.

Old McMadi Had a Farm, E-I-E-I-O

2010-01-05T10:50:00.000-06:00

We celebrated Madison's birthday this year with a farm themed party. I made the invitations using Lettering Delights clipart and fonts. It was a lot of fun and really cheap to make them!

After we cancelled the party due to illness and rescheduled for the next Saturday the party was a big success. All of her friends were able to come and have a good time. My friend Holly, that I teach with, let me borrow the barn from her classroom and I made some life-size animals to decorate.

The kids had fun playing in the barn, wearing their cowboy hats, fishing for ducks and winning prizes.

A little farm bingo...

Getting candy from the horse pinata...

Eating pizza, chicken nuggets, fruit, chips, cupcakes and ice cream.

I had a lot of fun making the pig, chick, and sheep cupcakes with my sister Erin. They were so fast and easy to make. I love cupcakes!

Everyone was happy and went home with a sugar high!

And the little birthday girl went down for a much need 2 1/2 hour nap!

Madison Gage is 3 today!!

2009-12-06T13:45:00.005-06:00

My little miracle baby is 3 today. I wish I could say we celebrated with a great party yesterday, but James and I have been in bed since Wednesday with coughs and fevers! We have the flu! I think we might be the last ones in the state of Utah to finally get it. Maybe next year we won't procrastinate the Flu Shot.

We had to cancel Madi's party yesterday and postpone it until next Saturday. She wasn't too sad. All she really knew about the party was that Grandma and Nicki and her friends were coming and she was finally going to get to open her presents. So being the great parents we are we sang her Happy Birthday on Friday (2 days before her birthday), let her open her presents from Grandma and Grandpa Shores, Aunt Erin, Aunt Gioia and Aunt Stacey and then we shipped her off to Grandma and Grandpa Leavitt's house to play with Nicki for the weekend. Now James and I can get better without getting the birthday girl sick. I had so much fun planning her party this year and can't wait for next weekend.

In the meantime here are Madison's 3-year old portraits. This year I went cheap and did them myself... it is pretty obvious. The quality leaves a lot to be desired, but the subject is absolutely BEAUTIFUL, HAPPY, and FUNNY!

At this point in the photo shoot Madi realized she was a little model and began her own posing! She is such a ham and always makes me laugh. I love her to pieces!

Who couldn't love this ridiculously fake laugh?

Family Picture 2009

Not my favorite, but I think the older I get the pickier

I get. This is the first year I started noticing wrinkles. The quality isn't great because we just took them in the backyard with my old camera. A new camera is the only thing on my Christmas list so hopefully Santa brings me one!

Happy Halloween 2009

2009-11-04T15:06:00.000-06:00

Cinderella

When I showed Madi her costume a few weeks before Halloween she said, "Mommy is that my Cinderella? I LOVE IT!"

Madi is obsessed with dogs! Here she is hugging and loving on a ceramic dog from her Great Grandma Widdison's front yard. Maybe I should have dressed her up as a veterinarian.

The little princess went for a walk out to visit the horses while everyone was getting ready. On her way back to the house she was running and lost a shoe. It was just like Cinderella losing the glass slipper. And just like the real Cinderella, Madi didn't stop to grab it... she just ran through the whole field and garden with one shoe.

"Granny" Shores was able to join us for Trunk-Or-Treating. She was a little slow and awnry, but we were glad she could join us!

I LOVE My Husband!!

2009-10-27T19:33:00.000-05:00

So I came home from work on Wednesday and found this...

... you are thinking "No big deal, a fridge." But let me just say that we were out of tupperware because every piece we owned was crammed in the fridge full of leftovers! My husband (without me asking) cleaned it! That is why I love my husband!!

It is so clean you can see your reflection.

I am publicly declaring my "Thank You" to the best husband ever!

A busy month...

2009-10-15T15:05:00.000-05:00

Madi has been working on her artwork. Her faces now include hair and the sides of the head. Maybe ears will be next.

Gioia's Birthday! We celebrated with a little backyard b-b-q, volleyball, and the girls went to a Lonestar concert. Good times as always.

Erin, Mom, Me, Gioia, and Nicki in the middle.

(We missed you Stacey... too bad you had to work.)

Mini Golf Date with the little munchkin

She golfs like her daddy... what a cheater!

Even a cheater deserves a kiss if he's cute.

A fun adventure at Pirate Island

Madi with her favorite Aunt Nicki

We said goodbye to our good friend and Madi's boyfriend!

John left us for sunny California... who can blame him.

Madi and Uncle Jared. Madi and John.

She misses her friend. She picks up the phone often and says, "I need to call John."

Kylie and Bailey Rock!

2009-10-13T21:10:00.000-05:00

Kylie was my amazing student last year and her twin sister Bailey was in another class, but I like to pretend like she was my student too. Their awesome mom was also my Room Mother. Lucky me! Their entire family is wonderful, just the best kind of people I know. I am fortunate to call them all my friends. This month Madi and I went to watch the girls play soccer. They are so great, they both scored! Then a few weeks later Madi and I took them to see Kelsey play soccer for the BYU Women's team. I had a lot of fun! They are the best!

Kylie and Bailey

Can you find Madi?

Getting Kelsey's autograph

Wedding Flowers

2009-09-13T20:39:00.000-05:00

I did my first wedding flowers (other than my own) for my friend Shay last December. The photos are not very close-up, but you get the idea. The Bride, Shay is way more beautiful than the flowers. Thank you Shay for being my "first".

I had my second attempt when I did the flowers for my cousins wedding last month and they turned out very beautiful, if I do say so myself! The pictures on the other hand, not so nice. Good thing I wasn't her photographer. When she gets her real pictures then I will post some better ones. I had so much fun making the arrangements, bouquets, corsages, and boutonnieres, thanks Breann.

So if you are getting married, or know someone who is contact me and I would love to do your flowers. I am gathering experience and adding to my portfolio... so get me while you can afford me because pretty soon I am going to be way out of your price range! Ha Ha!

San Elijo

2009-07-26T11:02:00.000-05:00

We just experienced another great year beach camping. My family has been going every year since I was a little little girl. Each time we go the memories get better and better. I love spending this time with my family in one of my favorite places doing just about everything:

Swimming
Surfing
Body Boarding
Body Surfing
Snorkeling
Riding Bikes
Bocee Ball
Croquet
Reading
Talking
Playing Cards
Eating
S'mores
Campfires
Laughing
Digging Holes
Football
Napping
Relaxing
Sandcastles

... and just a little bit of sibling rivalry!

Kevin, Kade, PJ

Nicki and Madi

James

Stacey and Chris

Luke

Chris and Madi

Salt, sand and water makes great Bedhead

Lovely Ladies

Cheesie Pie

Madison and Luke

4th of July

2009-07-06T07:50:00.000-05:00

I love the 4th of July because it is in the summer, the weather is always beautiful, and there are always lots of things to do with the family.

This year we started celebrating the 4th of July early. On Thursday the 3rd we went to Mount Timpanogos and hiked to the caves. None of us had been there and it was a steeper hike than we expected. Poor James hiked it with 50 lbs. of dead weight on his back: Madi 37 lbs. plus the carrier and snacks!! I felt bad, but he is such a stud he was still the first one to the top. After all, I married him for his bulging muscles. The hike was beautiful and the caves were amazing.

On the morning of the 4th my sisters and I woke up early at 5:45 and headed up Provo Canyon for our 11 mile run! We timed our running perfectly to end at the Freedom Festival Parade where My dad, James, Nicki and Madi were waiting. After watching a little of the parade we went home and mom had breakfast ready and waiting. We then headed to Seven Peaks Waterpark for a very relaxing and fun day. Following the waterpark was a B-B-Q at our house, cards, fire pit with s'mores, and sparklers. We didn't even watch the fireworks because we were more interested in stuffing our faces with the scrumptious s'mores!!

Ouray and Yankee Boy Basin

2009-07-02T09:28:00.000-05:00

We just went on a weekend getaway to Colorado. It has been a long time coming. As we were driving there we realized the last time we were in Montrose was at Christmas. Jared was able to make the trip with us and we had a lot of fun with mom and dad. On Friday we went up to Ouray and walked around town. Madi had fun running up and down the streets, since she is finally big enough to go without being carried or in a stroller. We were going to hike up to a waterfall, but it started raining and James, Madi and I all had flip-flops on. Dumb Californians! Next time we will be better prepared. Here are some photos from the day...

Madi, Grandma and Grandpa Shores

Chris, Madi, and James

Possessed Madi

James, Madison, Christine

On Saturday we made the treacherous, but absolutely gorgeous drive up the canyon to Yankee Boy Basin. We tried to make this drive with my family when they were in Montrose for our wedding four years ago, but we didn't make it to the top. It is a really steep and narrow drive with no railing. My mom is afraid of "scary narrow dirt roads straight up the canyon with all of her beloved children in the car!" When we got to this spot and my dad squeezed my mom's Excursion under this overhang my mom convinced my dad that if he didn't stop he might be leaving Colorado a single man! Needless to say this is where we stopped and turned around.

This trip we made it to the top and hiked around for a bit then enjoyed some yummy snacks.

Madi and Daddy

Madison did a lot of this...

We saw more waterfalls than I could count. About every 1/4 of a mile on the drive up we saw one coming off the mountains and at the top of the basin there was a waterfall every couple of hundred feet! Some were big and beautiful and others were smaller and you could walk through them. Everything was so green and wet this time of year.

Jared, James, Dolly, Roger and Blue

Madi and her favorite dude, Uncle Jar-Jed

** No pictures of me on this hike... I was the designated photographer. I know you are all so sad, but don't worry... I will make an appearance soon :)

2009-06-03T15:57:00.000-05:00

I just love all the cute little things Madi does. I love that she plays "make believe". Just today when she woke up from her nap she got her baby doll and said, "Oh I missed you! I had to go to school. I missed you!"

Everyday when I get home from school Madi runs out to the car and says, "You go to school? I missed you!"

It is always extremely hard to leave and go to work, but coming home to my little Madi makes it even harder sometimes. I dream of the days that I can spend more time with my little munchkin.

2009-05-17T15:24:00.000-05:00

Everyday with Madi is a new adventure. At 2 1/2 she is still as independent, smart and funny as ever. Here are a few of my favorite moments from the last couple of weeks.

* Prayers: Madi has become very proficient in her prayers. She prays for almost everyone in the family ( Mom/Dad, Grandmas/Grandpas, Aunts/Uncles, Cousins, Great Grandma, etc.). But my favorite part of her prayers are how detailed they have become. Last week she thanked her Heavenly Father not only for her house, but her bed, and her table as well. The other day she asked James to go to the park. He told they could go after her nap. So at nap time when Madi was saying her prayers she said, "Thank you for the park. Thank you for the slide. Thank you for the swings." I am pretty sure she was just making sure Daddy understood that she was serious about the park and didn't want him to forget to take her when she woke up!

* Time out: Just a few weeks ago Madi was having a rough day and not listening to anything she was told. It was dinner time and James and I were frustrated so we said, "Madi if you don't stop crying and eat your dinner then you need to sit on your bed." We had never done any form of timeout with her before so we figured she would ignore us (like she had been all day)... However, we were surprised when she said, "Okay, I sit on my bed." She walked to her room, got on her bed and sat there. We were in the kitchen looking at each other thinking, "Wow, that worked." About a minute later Madi yelled to us from her bedroom, "I done crying. I get down now?" We just started laughing... it was the funniest thing ever. She comes walking out of her room sits down and starts eating dinner. Since then she has had to sit on her bed a few times to calm herself down when she is being a drama queen.

But yesterday was the best! James was playing with her and fake crying. Madi looked at him as serious as can be and said, "Daddy no crying. Go sit on your bed two minutes!" James stated laughing and said, "I was just playing." Madi then deferred to me and said, "Mommy daddy not sit on his bed!" And being the fabulous mother and wife I am I said, "Honey you heard her go sit on your bed for 2 minutes!" Hey James, what goes around comes around.

* Reading: Today in church she wanted to read anything and everything she could find. And by reading I mean spelling out the letters of any word she sees. In the middle of sacrament (when it is dead silent) she says, "E-X-I-T... mommy where is the R? I can't find it!" and everyone looks over laughing.

*Sharing: Madi and I cooked cinnamon rolls for breakfast on Saturday and after waiting a bit for daddy to wake up I decided he might need some prodding. So I sent Madi into the bedroom with two cinnamon rolls on a plate to wake up daddy. When Madi handed them to James, this is what they looked like...

Did you notice she licked/bite the frosting top off the one on the left? What a good little helper. She obviously doesn't want James to eat too many calories!

* We sure love this little girl!

What a difference a year makes!

2009-04-20T22:53:00.000-05:00

My family (most of it) ran in the Salt Lake City 1/2 Marathon AGAIN this year! We had so much fun last year we decided to make it a yearly tradition. Maybe next year we can get my LAZY brothers and HUSBAND to do it!

Last year my goal was to finish, and I did. This year my goal was to run it in under an 11 minute mile pace.

The RESULT... 10:07 minute mile pace! so my official time was 2:12:39!!

I took 33 minutes off my time from last year, and that makes me smile!

Here I am getting my victory kiss

Here is our official FINISH ORDER picture... (I went from 5th to 1st this year)

Here are my sisters. We ran the first 12 miles together and then split at the last mile and it was every chick for themselves

We are already anticipating next year! My goal next year is a 9:15 mile pace... dream big right?

"Mommy, My Turn!"

2009-04-16T19:52:00.000-05:00

I finally got my first HAIRCUT! I have been waiting a year and a half, but it was well worth it. Brooke (My Hair Stylist Extraordinaire) did a fabulous job. I can finally wear my hair down without looking like Billy Ray Cyrus.

While I was waiting on my hair to process, Madi said:

"It's my turn Mommy!"

I already planned on having her get her first trim, but she was much more excited when she thought it was her idea. Here are some shots of the beauty queen. The trim was so little that it didn't even call for before and after shots. I am probably the only one who can even tell it is a tad shorter. Daddy and I are just not ready to say goodbye to the adorable curls!

Grandma and a Baby

2009-04-09T21:09:00.000-05:00

Grandma and Grandpa Shores came for a visit a couple of weeks ago. It had been awhile since they had been out to Utah. We had a great, but too short weekend. While they were here we visited my cousins family and their new little boy, Keenan. Madi loved holding him. However, her favorite part of the visit was jumping on the trampoline and playing cars with Jonah and Andrew.

* Note to picture- this is the first picture I have ever seen of Madi where her head doesn't look bigger than mine.

"Potty Mouth Update"

2009-03-15T18:01:00.000-05:00

For all of you that were second guessing whether or not you wanted to let your child play with mine, I am happy to report that we have seen some fabulous improvement. I got a little nervous in sacrament meeting, at church today, when her little toy went rolling out into the aisle... I was preparing for the worst, but instead she just quietly picked it up. That's my girl! I have not heard the naughty word in 3 days!!

Face of an Angel, Mouth of the Devil

2009-03-10T19:05:00.000-05:00

Looking at this face makes me think about how sweet and loveable my little girl is. Although adorable, this little one is too smart for her own good. For those of you that remember an earlier post a few months ago, I am sorry to say I am back again reporting some bad news. We learned early on that Madi is very attentive to the adults in her life and their trademark sayings. In October Madi started say "CRAP" every time she dropped something. I must admit that I take full credit for that saying.

However, this time I do NOT take credit for her new "choice" words. I blame them 100% on her babysitters (Daddy, Auntie Erin, and Auntie Stacey). By their titles you would think she was in good hands, but I am starting to rethink my choice in daycare.

On Sunday morning I very nicely asked Madi to put the cushion back on her chair. And she responded in the most annoyed 16 year old voice, "Dammit, Ughh, Stupid" as she threw the cushion back on her chair. Yes that was all one sentence that came slurring out of my 2 year-old's mouth!

I looked at her shocked... and did my best not to laugh. Then I ran in the bedroom and woke up James to tell him about our daughter's "potty mouth". Since Sunday I have been teaching her (every time she says dammit) that it is not a nice word and that we say "uh oh" instead. Now if we can just teach DADDY that!

It is not all dad's fault though. James is notorious for saying, DAMMIT. Erin is notorious for her moaning, UGHHH, and Stacey is notorious for always saying, STUPID when she is frustrated. Hence the combination of "Dammit, Ughh, Stupid!" So thank you all for being such great role models in Madi's life. I couldn't raise her without you!

2009-02-26T14:41:00.000-06:00

Madi came and brought me lunch today at school like a good little girl. She was being so good I decided to let her stay and play with the class a little bit. We were having a math lesson on Congruent Shapes and she was a big help. She heard us talking about circles so she drew as many as she could fit all over my boards while the class was working.

I told my class how much Madi loved to read and tell stories. They asked if she would read one to them. I didn't think that she would be brave enough... but I guess I was wrong. She read them one of her favorite books, How Dinosaurs Go To School. They were so quiet and attentive... I wish they were that well behaved when I was teaching!

This Post Is For The Grandmas...

2009-02-02T09:15:00.000-06:00

Madi is getting so big and so smart. As a teacher I know the capacity that children have to learn so quickly, but as a mom it still amazes me. Madison is doing something new each day that just simply amazes me and makes me feel so proud. So Grandma Shores and Grandma Leavitt, here are her accomplishments just after turning two:

- potty-trained (except at nap/bedtime) 90% of the time!

- Counts to twelve and can identify some of her numbers: 1,2,3,and 6...she really likes 6 for some reason:)

- Can draw a circle and a smiley face

- Knows her shapes: circle, square, and triangle

- Know all the words to "I Am A Child Of God" and "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star"

- Says prayers at every meal and snack and nap and bedtime, or whenever else she feels the need :)

- Knows some of her colors: red, yellow, pink

- Can identify some of her letters: h,w,d,a,m,f,i,e,g...Not sure whey those are her favorites.

- Can spell her name: Madi... it is so cute. I write her name and then she says "M" "A" "D" "I"... then I say, "What does that spell?" then she says, "Madi" and points to herself! It is so cute!!

- Has "Meno" a.k.a. "Nemo" memorized!

- Can completely dress herself from undies to pants, shirt, jacket, socks and shoes all by herself! She will not accept help... she it very independent.

- Can go potty all by herself and brush her teeth all by herself.

- Can make her own chocolate milk and tries to all day long.

- Can still give the best hugs and kisses, smiles, and laughs that any mom could ask for!!

I love my little girl so much and love watching her grow and learn. I am so lucky to have you both as moms and Madi is so lucky to have you both as grandmas.

Post Christmas Fun

2009-01-08T14:18:00.000-06:00

DISCLAIMER *** I finally had time to get caught up on my posting... so keep reading until you get bored or fall asleep, whichever comes first! ***

When we got back from Colorado my sister-in-law Kortney came to visit from San Diego with my three adorable nephews (Kade 5, Nolan 3, and Luke 1). We had so much fun with them, especially Madi. She was so excited to have some kids her own age around.
We spent New Year's Eve with Rockband, Fireworks, and food.

Dad pretending he is too big to play with fireworks...

The next day on the 1st we went sledding at Rock Canyon Park.

The kids had so much fun that they went sledding the next day in our front yard on a three foot hill of bushes covered in snow... Hey it worked!

Luke wishing he could go sled with the bigger kids, but it was nap time!

Christmas 2008

2009-01-08T13:58:00.000-06:00

We had a great Christmas and New Year's. We were lucky enough to spend time with my parents and James parents and see most of our siblings and some of our extended family.

The best part of Christmas this year was waking up at our own house and opening presents. It is the first year that James and I have been home on Christmas. We went up to the Widdison family Christmas Eve party and had so much fun. We had dinner, a cousin gift exchange and a white elephant gift exchange for the adults. My 2 Great Grandmas were there also and it was nice to spend time with them. After the party my parents and my little sister, Nicki, followed us home and spent the night at our house. Erin and Stacey live with us already (in the basement), so we all opened presents together in the morning and then had brunch.

Madi with all of her presents

Madison played all day long...

On Friday we drove to Colorado to spend time with James family: Roger & Dolly, Matt & Charlotte, Jared, and Blue. We had a lot of fun eating, playing games, watching movies, and eating some more. It was fun and relaxing as always. We also got to celebrate my sister-in-law Charlotte's birthday. It was nice to spend time with her and get to know her better. I didn't take any pictures over the couple of days while we were there, so sorry.

This picture is actually from Thanksgiving when we cut down our tree in Colorado.

Madison's Sesame Street Birthday Party

2009-01-06T15:06:00.001-06:00

Well I am a month late on this post, but I'm sure you all don't care because most of you have been too busy to read my blog anyways.

I was so excited for Madi's birthday this year, because she actually understood presents, candles, and singing. In fact I think I might have been just a little more excited than she was.

I had made some life-sized Sesame Street characters and decorated 'til Elmo was everywhere. While Madison was taking her nap we got everything out so she would be surprised when she woke up.

Needless to say, she was...

This was her face as she came down the hall and caught her first glimpse of Elmo, Cookie Monster, and Big Bird. James' goal was to give her a heart attack or make her little brain burst with pleasure... it didn't happen, but we came close!

I made some really fun (and super easy) Cookie Monster cupcakes and an Elmo cake. I can't take credit for the cake though because I ran out of time to frost and my sister decorated the whole thing for me. Thank you Erin.

It was a wonderful party filled with lots of friends and family. Thank you everyone who came to celebrate and make Madi's day so special.

Our First Family Photo...

2008-12-15T11:58:00.000-06:00

I got my birthday wish this year... a family picture with James smiling, Madi happy, and me with hair!! Last year we never got a picture of the three of us that was "acceptable" to publish.

For my birthday my great friends Brenden and Shay took our picture and some of Madi. They turned out really nice. Thanks guys.

Here is a preview...

Happy Early 2nd Birthday Madison!

2008-12-04T09:49:00.000-06:00

While in Colorado we had an early birthday celebration for Madison. We weren't sure she would know what was going on, but she sure did. She sang Happy Birthday to herself, blew out the candles before we were done singing, and ripped open her presents!! I would say she definitely knew what was going on. The next day James and I found her closing her matching game then opening it over and over again saying, "Yeah!" She was pretending to reopen all her gifts because they were so much fun. She got her first My Little Pony, Memory Matching Game, and a Block/Shape Puzzle Cube.

Thank you Grandma and Grandpa Shores for such a great second birthday! We love you!

No Blue!

2008-12-04T09:22:00.000-06:00

We had a great time celebrating Thanksgiving with Grandma & Grandpa Shores and Uncle Jared last weekend. Madi loved having her grandparents attention and love. However, her undivided attention went to their dog, Blue. Madison loves dogs, especially ones she can boss around all week. Here are some of the things she liked to say to the dog:
- "Come here Blue"
- "Down Blue"
- "Sit Blue"
and her favorite...
"NO BLUE!" as she threw her arms out or pointed her finger at him!

Here is a great picture of her and Grandpa hanging out in the back of the pick-up so Blue won't get her baby doll.

Here she is taunting Blue.

Enjoying some much loved puppy kisses.

3 Steps to Pottytraining a Bunny

2008-12-04T09:10:00.001-06:00

Step 1: Show immense enthusiasm for potty training...

Step 2: Make sure you don't fall in...

Step 3: Smile to show encouragement and celebrate success! This step is usually followed by "Good Job" and continuous clapping!

Happy Halloween!

2008-11-03T21:31:00.000-06:00

I was so excited for Madi to dress up for Halloween this year. Last year I was in the hospital and she wasn't walking yet, so our costume choices were limited. This year James picked her costume... who would've guessed. He said by next year she would know what Halloween was and would most likely be telling us which princess she wanted to be. Being as James is a Batman fanatic... He choose Batgirl! She did make the most adorable Batgirl I have ever seen and I did have a great time making her costume. You must also know that Madi LOVES Elmo so of course her costume was not complete without her Elmo bucket. Here are some pictures of sweet little Batgirl.

We went trunk-or-treating in Hooper at Madi's Great Grandparents. My Grandpa Cooks chili for hundreds of people and everyone lines up their cars to pass out candy. Madi was a little nervous when we first got there with all the masks and scary faces, but after a few minutes she warmed up to the idea of costumes. At about the third car she had the whole taking candy from strangers thing down too. We trunk-or-treated for and hour and then went back to my Aunt and Uncles. When Madi saw that the kids were going to do more trick-or-treating, she was all about that. Grandpa took her out with Nicki for another hour and when she got tired he carried her on his shoulders. What a great Grandpa!

Here is a fun picture of most of my crazy cousins and my Aunt Carol. We had a great time celebrating with them. We are so lucky to live so close to such a fun and loving family.

Trick-Or-Treat Day 2008

2008-11-01T22:23:00.000-05:00

This Halloween was great at my new school. They go all out for Halloween. The parade and party were so much fun... Most of the parents that come to watch the parade dress up as well. I dressed up as a clown... Kinda scary I know! I had to put my crazy hair to some good use.

Here is my great class... I know every teacher says that, but they really are.

Here are my two newest best friends... Fellow Second Grade teachers Linda (Minnie Mouse) and Holly (Wind Up Doll). They fill my long days away from Madi with laughter. We spend so much time "Playing" I mean teaching, that one of my students said "You love Mrs. Deaver don't you?" At least once a day I will go looking in one of their rooms to ask them something and they will be missing... so I will pop into the other room and low and behold there they are having a pow-wow without me... how rude :)

James or Chris?

2008-10-27T21:55:00.001-05:00

I saw this tag and thought it looked like a fun one to brag about my amazing husband!

What is his name? James Paul Shores
How long have you been married? 3 and 1/2 years.
How long did you date? We dated for 5 months and were engaged for 5 months.
Who said "I love you first"? He did.
Who is smarter? He is better with literature and grammar, but I kick his butt at math!
Whose temper is worse? His.
Who does the laundry? We both do. He usually puts it in and I fold and put away.
Who does the dishes? He usually does. I do them about 3 times a week and he and my sisters do them all the other days while they are watching Madi. We don't have a dishwasher and we wash dished about 4 times a day... I am not joking.
Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? He does.
Who pays the bills? I do... he doesn't even know what bills we have, where the stamps are or how much money is in our bank account. He is cute, not bright :)
Who cooks dinner? I cook for Madi and I. James doesn't get home from school til late and he eats way to healthy to eat our dinner. He eats spinach, cottage cheese, eggs, chicken and protein shakes a million times a day! you think I'm joking, but I'm not.
Who drives when you are together? He does, unless he wants to eat, then I do.
Who is more stubborn? We both are... but I like to pretend like he is.
Whose parents do you see the most? Mine. They just moved closer so now we see them a lot more.
Who proposed? He did.
Who has more friends? In San Diego I do and in Utah he does. But let's be honest... all his friends think I'm cooler.
Who has more siblings? He has two brothers and I have 4 sisters and 2 brothers.
Who wears the pants in the family? I always wear the pants! James even says I love my short hair because it makes me "the man" even more!
Who is taller? He is.
Who sings better? He does. I am tone deaf.
Who is first to admit it when they are wrong? I am. Even if it wasn't my fault. He likes to hold onto grudges and I like to get over it :)
Any Special message for Hubby? You are the hottest guy I've ever known. I love everything about you. I am so thankful for all of your patience and support through all of our struggles these last two years. You are smart, wise, funny, kind, and have big muscles... what more could a girl ask for. Thank you for being my best friend and my Indian Outlaw :)

HSM 3!

2008-10-26T21:45:00.000-05:00

I didn't know exactly what I was getting myself into when I said yes on Thursday night! I came home from school and my lovely sisters said, "12:01, are you in or are you out?" I said, "I am in." Then they said good give us your credit card so we can buy our tickets to the midnight showing of High School Musical 3 before they are sold out! If you know me well, then you know that I fall asleep in almost every movie... and the though of staying awake at a midnight showing was a far fetch. So I put Madi to bed at 8 and then took a nap myself from 8-10:30 before the movie. It was well worth it! My sisters and I had a blast acting like little hyper girls... oh wait we do that everyday :)

This is on the way to the theater...

This is waiting in line- Erin and Stacey bought just a couple of things to eat: grasshopper cookies, coke, rockstar, water, swedish fish, twizlers, reese's peanut butter cups and of course miniature hershey's bars! I think we gained about 10 puonds each!

After the movie we were even bigger dorks and posed next to the poster outside the theater! Ya I know you're jealous! James wanted to go really bad, but he had to watch Madi. I promised him he could go to HSM 4!

Zoo Trip to Hogle

2008-10-26T21:25:00.000-05:00

Over the fall break at school we were lucky enough to enjoy some beautiful weather and visit the zoo again. Grandma, Grandpa, Nicki and Blake joined us for the day. Madi is so lucky to have half of her grandparents live so close now. If only we could convince the other grandparents to move a tad closer!

Madi loved looking at all the animals, especially the big cats. She would just point and say "Roooaaarrrr". Thanks to grandpa she was able to have a great view all day!

The tiger was out on the prowl so we got to see him up close and personal. Every time he went around the corner Madi would throw her hands up and say "Where he go?" She would do it over and over so dramatically. We love our adorable drama queen!

One the best things about Hogle Zoo is how manageable it is. It is the perfect size for Madi to walk (About 2 hours to see it all) then they have a playground, train ride, and carousel for the kids. It is just enough, but not too much!

The weather was perfect for a lot this... walking. Madi of course was way to big for a stroller so we slowly walked all day and it was great.

2008-10-18T18:21:00.000-05:00

My class went on a fieldtrip to Cornbelly's last week. It was such a great day with my class and all of the kids had so much fun. The highlight of the day though was being able to bring Madi along. I spend all day with my class who I adore, but it was so nice to be "mommy" all day too. Madi absolutely loved everything there and was kicking and screaming when it was time to go home. Here is just a little sample of all the fun things we did...

Picking out a pumpkin in the pumpkin patch

Madi kissing her "baby pumpkin"

Mommy and Madi needing to kiss the pumpkin

Proud little owner of a perfect handpicked pumpkin

Crawling through the tunnel

Sitting on the train

Rubber Duck races

Riding on the animals

Bouncing on the "Pillow" trampoline

Playing teatherball with Auntie Stacey

Playing in the corn pit

Being buried in the corn pit

The biggest rocking chair ever...

Mommy and Madi

At the end of the day this picture sums it up. I am the luckiest mom in the world! I love Madi so much and am so grateful for the day I spent pretending I didn't have a day job!

Erin

2008-10-17T19:01:00.000-05:00

My sister Erin is the best sister that you could ever ask for. She is always so selfless and and helpful. She is always there for me and my family. It was funny because just the other night James too mentioned that she was one of a kind and couldn't ask for a better sister-in-law. She is always there when I need a quick babysitter or when I need some company. Basically I just wanted to let everyone know how amazing she is and I love her to death.

The Manila Mummy!

2008-10-12T22:53:00.000-05:00

Every other Friday my students have the chance to participate in our Fun Friday Club. I have fabulous parents that come in and plan great activities to reward the students. This last Friday they turned eachother into Mummies! It was so cute to see them all having such a great time. At the end they decided to use the extra toilet paper and wrap me up too! It was so fun... although it got a little hot in all that paper and they kept trying to knock me over! I love my class so much... they are the sweetest, cutest and smartest kids!

Nicki's Special Day

2008-10-12T22:44:00.000-05:00

This weekend we were able to attend the baptism of my littlest sister Nicole. It was such a nice day and she looked so beautiful. Madi thinks her aunt Nicki is the greatest thing in the world... next to Elmo that is :) As you can see every time we tried to get a picture of Nicki, Madi had to jump in and be the center of attention... she must get it from her dad (ha! Ha!).

Boating with Grandma and Grandpa

2008-09-29T20:14:00.001-05:00

We had the chance to go boating with my Grandparents on Saturday and it was a lot of fun. I have to say thank you grandpa because you spoiled us and we love you. My grandpa tried to ditch us and go four-wheeling instead, but we begged him and he gave in to all his wonderful granddaughters. We love you grandpa!

Madi and the cousins

She looks petrified, but she loved it and didn't want to get off!

Enjoying the ride (Madi and Mommy)

Gioia and Alysia about to fall

Gioia trying to ride a pony... she didn't really get that we were tubing...she's a little slow

Chris, Erin, and Stacey... trying to act tough, but Grandpa threw us off pretty easily

My beautiful sisters: Gioia, Erin and Stacey

The little self absorbed princesses posing for the camera again!

You CAN'T trust daycare these days...

2008-09-29T19:51:00.000-05:00

So I leave my adorable little princess home while I teach with my responsible sisters.. or at least I thought so, because this is what I find when I get home from school today...

... they say she was standing on her tricycle (in the livingroom) and fell off and hit the tv stand... at least that's what they say. The jury is still out on that one!

Oh #@*%!!

2008-09-11T20:45:00.000-05:00

So I've noticed how people always add cute little sayings from their kids to their blogs. I thought I could join this fad by sharing Madi's newly acquired vocabulary. It is pretty cute, but slightly embarassing... Madi has learned the wonderful phrase of... "Oh Crap!" It all started the other day when her Elmo video ended and the vhs tape (we are really outdated at our house) went fuzzy. She put her hands in the air and said "Oh crap!" James and I looked at eachother with the "did she just say what we think she said" look. Well a little while later she confirmed it when she dropped her book and said "Oh crap" again. I must admit it is adorable, but I'm not sure I want to be the one held responsible teaching the questionabloe language to a 21 month old!

2008-09-02T20:12:00.000-05:00

My sister Gioia celebrated her 20th birthday this weekend and we all went to Goodwood and had some fabulous dinner. This is the group (minus James we suckered him into taking the picture) From Left to right... Erin, Nicki, Stacey, Chris, Madi, Mom, Alysia, Gioia (B-day girl) Jonathan.

Birthday girl and her boyfriend Jonathan

Erin practicing for her wedding photos... if she ever gets married :)

Mom and all her little princess'

My sisters boyfriend has a "dark jean" fetish so we all showed him a little leg in dark jeans... we were way too hot for him to handle!

Some More Summer Fun In August!

2008-09-02T19:14:00.000-05:00

Well school started and I am back to teaching second grade. I am so happy to be in the classroom again and truly love my job, but I HATE leaving my little Madi everyday. At least I know she is well taken care of with daddy and all of her aunties she loves so much. Here are some of the fun pictures from our last days of summer in August.

Our last sunny day of swimming!

A walk to Bridal Falls

Madi gets her first bike... Thank you Grandma!

The cutest bum beach bum ever!

A Little Bit Of Everything In July

2008-07-24T11:26:00.000-05:00

So I finally downloaded some pictures from my camera and logged on to do a post... and let's just say I am way behind. Embrace yourself for the following pictures... there are a lot, but they were all just too cute to leave off. Hope enjoy seeing what we've been up to in the month of July!

Lovin' the MUD

Madi loves to go downstairs and play in her room by herself. These are some of the typical things I find when I go to check on her: Reading and lounging on her big girl bed that she doesn't sleep in yet, Or building a crib out of a suitcase. I'm always prepared for pretty much anything when I go down there. She is so creative and fun I just love her to pieces!

Playing X-Box Live... or taking Drive-Thru orders... I'm sure she thinks she is doing one or the other.

So I think Madi is ready to potty train. She is obsessed with taking off her clothes and especially her diapers. It is so hot in our house she sleeps in nightgowns, and we have to cover her diaper with big girl panties so she doesn't take it off. Needless to say James forgot the panties over the diaper and when I went to kiss her good night this is what I found!

Our 4th of July Parade, BBQ, and Stadium of Fire

Seven Peaks... Madi's favorite way to spend a hot summer day!

Too Cool...

Little Miss Secretary... Taking messages on mommy's cell

Feeding ducks... Madi likes to take the one for you... two for me approach to sharing!

Madison's Half-Birthday

2008-06-06T20:35:00.000-05:00

So today Madison is officially One-an-a-half! We had her doctor's check-up today and as Dr. Nielsen said...

"Well she has been big and she is still big!"

Her are her stats:
Height 34.25" (98%)
Weight 30 lbs. (97%)
Head 19.1" (93%)

She only had to get one shot today and she was such a big girl! She laid perfectly still and didn't move while the nurse poked her and she never even cried or fussed! That made me a very happy mom :)

Here are some cute pictures of her that I took after she got home from the gym with Daddy. James takes her to 24 Hour Fitness when he works out and she loves their little bonding time and playing with the kids. When I say, "Madi do you want to go to the gym with dad?" She gets her shoes on, climbs in James' arms and waves to me and says, "Bye". It is pretty cute.

Speaking of talking here are the words Madi has mastered at this point:

Mom/Mommy
Dad
Baby
Doggie
Stacey (her aunt)
Bye
Hi
Madi
Shoes
Uh-Oh
Owie
Thank You
Here Go
Want Some

Some of her favorite things to do are play with her puzzles...

Play outside in her house and ride in her car, and her newest favorite is Rockin' Out with Daddy!! She always wants to be on drums , but sometimes we can coax her into playing the guitar or singing in the microphone.

James 7th... I mean 27th Birthday!

2008-05-30T17:59:00.000-05:00

So Thursday was James' birthday. Since we have been married (3 years) James and I have never had a birthday party with friends. We have always just celebrated with immediate family. James has done so much for me in the last few years I thought it would be so fun to surprise him with a "real" party. I have never thrown a surprise party of any kind and was really nervous and anxious.

His brother Jared and I set it up so that he thought he was going to the movies with Jared and then Jared and his girlfriend, Danielle, would watch madi so we could go to dinner. When Jared brought James home from the movie we would all be out in the yard and yell "Surprise!" Everything went smoothly as planned, but Jared had to kill about 30 minutes after the movie before he brought James home. Trying to stall Jared decided to tell James that he needed to go to the grocery store to get some milk on the way home. So I am at the house getting set-up and James calls to ask if we can just give one of our gallons of milk to jared so he doesn't have to go to the store. I of course know that Jared is just making up excuses to stall so I have to pretend to be the greedy sister-in-law and say... "I don't think so honey. I just bought all that milk and I really don't want to have to go to costco again next week." It was pretty classic. But james arrived at the right time and was completely surprised so the mission was successful.

If you know anything about my husband he is infatuated with BATMAN. So I threw him a Batman birthday complete with a pinata and and Batman cake. I told him maybe next year is he is good we can have a spiderman birthday :)

A New Artist In The House

2008-05-15T10:26:00.001-05:00

So I hear this scrapping noise coming from behind the hallway door... and this is what I find...

... Oh yes, all you moms probably already know exactly what it is! We have a new artist in the house named, Madi who has decided walls are much more fun for pencils than paper! Here is the proud artist posing by her artwork :)

Mother's Day!

2008-05-13T20:52:00.000-05:00

Mother's Day had a whole new meaning for me this year. James and I recently found out that due to my cancer treatments I am not able to give birth to any more children. We feel so blessed to have our little Madi and hopefully many more of our own through adoption. That being said this Mother's Day I was able to reflect on the joy and blessing it is to be a mother. I love my precious daughter so much and can't imagine experiencing this life without her. I know that I am not always the perfect mother, but everyday I love Madi even more (which I didn't know was pssible) and I am constantly trying do better. James' parents gave me a sweet mother's day card and my Mother-In-Law, Dolly wrote the sweetest quote in it. When I read it I realized my best isn't that bad.

"A mother relating to her child in the private intimacy of her home, with no audience but the unseen angels, is the predominant influence for all that is good and decent in the world."
- George D. Durrant

I am so Grateful for my mom that taught me to be loving, kind, selfless, forgiving, and patient through example. She is my bestfriend and I love her so much. I am thankful for my "new" mom, Dolly. She has taught me all of the same endearing qualities as well. I am continually learning from these two amazing mothers in my life and everyday I look up to them for love and guidance. Thanks Moms!

This is an old picture of Madi and I

My Mom (Pat) and Madi

My Mother-In-Law (Dolly) and Madi

Splish Splash I Was Taking A Bath

2008-04-25T18:55:00.000-05:00

Madison was being a little ham in the bath today. She will hardly ever smile at the camera so I took advantage of the opportunity and caught a picture of her beautiful happy smile as well as her mouth full of teeth.

And yes I know it's probably not the healthiest thing for her to drink her bath water everyday out of the cap to my shave gel... but you try explaining that to her cute little face when she is having the time of her life :)

Salt Lake City Marathon

2008-04-25T18:46:00.001-05:00

On April 19th some of my family and I ran in the Salt Lake City Marathon. Here is us all stinky and sweaty after running the Half Marathon (13.1 miles) holding up our finishing place on our hands. We didn't come close to winning the race , but we all did so well and competed against each other. I had been planning to run the Full Marathon in June of 2006. I was about a month away from the race and had Madi growing in my stomach. I thought my training was going great until one day I just felt like I hit a wall and had no energy to run. I decided no to run the race and soon found out I had cancer. I then understood why by body didn't feel like running. It obviously thought pregnancy and cancer was enough to deal with. So this last fall while I was lying around in the hospital I came up with this great (I think I was delirious at the time) plan to run the Half Marathon in April. I somehow convinced my mom, dad, sisters (Erin, Stacey, Gioia and Gioia's Boyfriend Jonathon) and my Aunt Karen to compete with me. I am so thankful for them participating because without them I don't think I would have followed through. We all had such a fun time and a great weekend. Who knows maybe we will make it a yearly tradition and get the rest of the family involved next time.

Goggle Girl

2008-04-25T18:42:00.000-05:00

So Madi found these goggles... need I say more!!

Point Loma Tide Pools

2008-04-25T18:32:00.000-05:00

One of James' favorite places to go when we visit San Diego is the Point Loma Tide pools. It is always such a beautiful walk along the cliffs and fun to play in the tide pools. Unfortunately we went at high tide and didn't get to venture down too far with Madi. We still had a great time though. I miss living by the ocean so much... It is my most favorite place.

Madison was so cute. She would walk around and pick up the rocks one by one and hand them to James. She thought she was a good helper cleaning the beach up! Then she found a little puddle to play in. I just love watching her little mind work as she explores and experiences new things. Watching her learn is definitely one of the most rewarding experiences for me as a mom. I am so thankful for her sense of adventure and curiosity.

Easter!

2008-04-11T12:04:00.000-05:00

So this blog is a little late, but I have been sick for over two weeks now while in San Diego with my family so I just haven't cared much. Easter was so fun this year with Madi. I understand now why my parents love having everyone around on the holidays because they really are all about the kids. We re-started our old Family Tradition of going to El Monte Park the Saturday before easter for a picnic and egg hunt. Here are some pictures...

Victoria and Nicole

Luke

Nolan

Kade

Madi and Luke

Coley, Gioia, Madi, Jonathon, Stacey

The Family... most of it at least

Madison actually knew what to do with the eggs... I was surprised because usually her attention span and patience aren't long enough to actually look for multiple eggs without pulling the first one apart to get the goodies... although that came very quickly as soon as her basket was filled.

On sunday Madi and I got really sick and spent the day on the couch... and then I spent the next coupl of weeks there with all the bugs that were going around. Oh well it was better to be sick with my family around to play and help with Madi then in Utah alone. We had a great family dinner on Easter Sunday as always.