Jenne family

Christmas came and went.....

2012-01-22T20:43:00.001-08:00

and I had no time to blog about it!! But it was great....we were all spoiled and loved spending time with family!!! So for January....we have been pretty busy playing and having lots of fun, even if we have to stay indoors!! We have been lucky to have lots of visitors to play with too!! So this is what we have been doing this month:

Maddie and Macey (cousins) playing with little princess dolls and having fun (so cute)

Ethan and Brooklyn (cousins) playing with toys (only 1 1/2 months apart). E was jealous when she started crawling away and he just had to watch!!

Ethan with his other little cute cousin, Hailey (and no Em, she doesn't look like a boy!) what little cuties!! Also 6 weeks apart. E is big for his age and Hailey is little, so kinda funny!!

Sam being a big cousin and holding the babies which she LOVES to do!!

E learned to sit up at 6 1/2 months old (he still needs some assistance) but also loves playing with his toys!!

E having tummy time also at 6 1/2 months!! We just love this little guy to pieces. He is such a good, happy baby and just so fun to have around!

Maddie and E after tub time in their hooded towels watching Mickey Mouse clubhouse on my bed after!

Maddie and her friend Ryder had a playdate last week and were playing house all day. It was super cute and during house they were making snow angels (amazing, they actually know what that is since there has been NO snow!!)

and more cute faces

Ethan just eating his toys and watching all the excitement going on each day!

Sammy had her first sleepover last Friday night with her besties-Aze and Ashlyn. They played and colored and watched a movie and ate popcorn. They ended the night reading books in Sam's bed and then giggling until 11:oo pm. Maddie also enjoyed the sleepover with them too!

and sick Daddy of 3 (he got a bad cold this weekend), still playing with the kids even though he didn't feel good:( what a good Daddy!

E learning to play the piano

love how serious he looks!!

and it snowed last night!! We let the girls go out and play for a few minutes before church since it would probably melt before we got home!! They mostly ate it but sure enjoyed it!! Here is to hoping we get more!

HAPPY JANUARY!!!

Oh and here is one of my favorite guys these days...

2011-11-29T16:10:00.000-08:00

I just love to kiss his little chubby cheeks all day long!! He is such a good baby and we just love our little E to pieces!! He sleeps really well, smiles all day, eats a lot, and puts up with his sisters!! We love you almost 5 month old E!!!

Other things

2011-11-29T16:02:00.000-08:00

I got my hair done (it had only been like 7 months since the last time so it was desperately needed)

Krissy babysit the girls for a night so Jake and I went on a real date!!!

and Maddie May turned 3!!!

She awoke to find lots of balloons in her room that we put in the night before (which Sammy LOVED helping with). We had a fun Maddie day for her birthday!! We watched a movie, went to Jump on it, ate dinner of her choice (chicken nuggets), opened presents, played with toys, and ate cake and icecream (she mostly just ate frosting)! We love our Maddie. At three years old she loves:

princesses, dressing up like a princess, watching movies with princesses, pretending to be a princess and a cat, being right by Mommy's side all day, hugging Ethan, playing ponies and pet shops with her sister, and being a BIG sister.

and this is her true side!!!

Where did November go???

2011-11-29T15:57:00.001-08:00

First part of the month, I made the girls matching dresses.

and yes this is the only pic i got of yours truly, Maddie May

And Halloween night!

2011-11-04T09:10:00.000-07:00

The kids had a blast on Halloween night!! We all started out together but Ethan only lasted about 15 minutes because then he was hungry!! I took him him and fed him and gave out candy while Jake took out the girls for an hour. He then brought them home and I took Sammy out again with her friends for another hour! She didn't want to stop, she LOVED it!! She was upset when we missed a house!!! It was a fun night and I am glad that they had fun!!

Happy Halloween!!

2011-10-31T07:57:00.000-07:00

Began with Jake dressing up for work as a British explorer. Not bad eh? Just think of Jane's dad on Tarzan and he fits it perfectly!! (He worked on his mutton chops/beard for about 3 weeks!!)

Pumpkin carving last night
Maddie's pumpkin, she was crying when we were going to carve out the picture that she drew on hers and so we left it as is (Like how she is in the background-she was too grumpy to be in the picture with her pumpkin)

Jake and his pumpkin (his is the big one). He moved Sammy's pumpkin out of the way for the picture but she put it right back in just before I took the picture saying that it had to be in the pic!

Sam and her pumpkin (she even drew it herself) So cute!!

Me and my spider (and yes I used a template). My best pumpkin so far to date I think!!

Maddie not a fan of the guts!!

Sam loving it!!

and more carving!!

and this is where E was!!! Lately he has been holding his head up on his own which just seems funny to me!!!

We are all looking forward to the festivities of the day which include going to Sam's halloween party at her school and being in charge of a game, eating yummy food, and trick or treating with friends and family tonight!! Have a fun day everyone!!

The last few weeks!!!

2011-10-31T07:51:00.000-07:00

This last week we had a little Halloween party with Sammy and Maddie's friends in our neighborhood and Tay!!! We played games, frosted and ate cupcakes, and decorated paper pumpkins. They had lots of fun!!

Practicing princess hair on Maddie!!

Photo Shoot of E at 3 1/2 months!!

Picture of E at 3 months!!

Another week has passed....

2011-10-05T18:52:00.000-07:00

with lots of smiles from E. he is turning into a really happy baby!!

Princess Maddie when Sammy is at school

Sleepover with the newest cousin, Hailey!! Sammy loved cuddling with her (and so do I)

Sam and her bestie Aze dressed to match (even down to their underwear!!!)

11 1/2 weeks he is!!

2011-09-24T13:36:00.000-07:00

Yeah not the best pictures in the world, but the only ones we have taken this week! and Sammy took them. This last week he has found his hands and he LOVES them. He always has them by his face and loves to suck on them, which kind of pacifies him as well which is nice. He has been pretty happy for the most part, as long as we are NOT in the car, and so we mostly hang out at home. He has also started cooing and I can get him to really chuckle if I tickle his ticklish spots-so cute!! The only bad part is that he has been refusing NAPs this week and really hasn't slept at all during the days but.......he sleeps all night which is WONDERFUL. He goes to bed at about 8 and wakes up between 5-7 am or whenever the girls wake him up:) and yes he is wearing bag pj's which are my absolute fav for little babes

Baby E is 10 weeks!!!

2011-09-10T20:30:00.000-07:00

This week we have all been really enjoying little E money!! He has been smiling a lot more, sleeping better, and being a much happier baby. It has taken awhile getting to this point, but worth it!! He loves cooing and being talked to, being held and played with, baths, and watching his sisters play (as long as he doesn't get abused!!). We just love this sweet little baby boy more everyday!! Oh and I almost forgot, he had his two month app this week:

Stats: 12.12 lb-73% percentile

23.5 inches tall-68% percentile

.....can't remember head but it was 20% percentile

What a good little eater he is too apparently as he keeps getting the chubbs!!!!

7 years ago....

2011-09-10T20:27:00.000-07:00

we got married on August 26, 2004!!! We just celebrated our anniversary tonight by going to see the new Harry Potter movie and dinner (thanks for watching the munchkins mom and dad). Anyhow, it has been a great 7 years and here is to many many more!! Thanks Jacob for being such a great hubby, provider, and daddy to the four of us here at home!!!

KINDERGARTEN

2011-08-31T12:31:00.000-07:00

Here we come!!! Sammy started kindergarten yesterday and LOVED it. She is so excited that she gets to go everyday (well except for Sat and Sun she keeps telling me). She has afternoon kindergarten from 12:30-3:30 and one of her besties, Aze is in her class. We walked them to the playground for the dropoff yesterday and Maddie was running trying to go into the school. She said "I go to school too mama" which I had to say "When you get older, but not today. Let's go play on the playground instead for a few minutes" and that seemed to sidetrack her. Like how she is also wearing her princess dress too? Anyhow, I can't believe how old Sammy is and I am so proud of her for being such a big girl and loving it. Yay school!!!

Many faces of baby Ethan!!

2011-08-31T12:23:00.000-07:00

Mischievious

Worried Hungry

Tired

And no I didn't put his common face which is mad!!! He is 8 weeks old now. He is slowly getting happier, a little each day. He hates the carseat and being in the car, which is unfortunate since now Sammy goes to school everyday and I have to run errands once in awhile (go figure). Nights are still hard but we just keep working through them!! We still love our little E and love his smiles (which I also have yet to get on camera yet!!).

Almost 7 WEEKS!

2011-08-21T20:06:00.000-07:00

Yep, almost seven weeks! I wish I could say the time has flown but since he has been colicky-it really hasn't!!! He is actually doing much better now these last few days and I think the medicine is finally kicking in for his reflux. He has started smiling this last week and I love it. I love when he is a happy baby and love his cuddles. Today we got him all dressed up for church and almost a smile out of him before we left!!

Awesomeness by Jacob!!

2011-08-11T18:10:00.001-07:00

No kit required. Just one super awesome handyman and husband who can pretty much build anything I want!!

and the kids are in heaven
it's been great since we have pretty much been stuck at home with grumpy baby!

4 week photo shoot of E

2011-08-11T18:00:00.000-07:00

Almost 4 weeks old here in these pictures but as of today is just over 5 weeks old. Wow!! Time has kinda been a blur these last few weeks. Little Ethan has not been a very happy camper and very colicky. Pretty sure he had reflux, I took him to the dr but was unable to convince him of my diagnosis. But then by last Sunday, it was just getting really bad. He was not sleeping, crying all the time, and just plain miserable. I took him in and luckily this time the dr thought he did have reflux as I said all along!!! So we have him on Prevacid now and it seems to be helping a little but I guess usually it takes a week or two to make a big difference-so we just have to hold out until then!!! Ethan does stop crying for baths-he LOVES them. He does get a little scared when the girls are trying to wash all his body parts but I don't blame him for that!!! He does love to be held and swaddled. He is most comfortable in long sleeve pajamas and with a blanket. Luckily, we keep our house pretty air conditioned and cool in the summer so he doesn't sweat to death!!! He is getting a little better at taking a binky which can help with some of the crying. Hopefully, we can have a happy little baby soon enough!!!

Almost 2 weeks old!

2011-07-17T09:49:00.001-07:00

Well we are finally glad to be home and back to our new real life! Baby Ethan has been a good baby so far. He does love to be held and cuddled. When you cuddle him, he tucks his little feet up like a little frog-so cute. He hates having his diaper and clothes changed and usually cries for that. He loves his baby swing and is learning to like his binky! He has been sleeping really well at night. I usually nurse him at 10:30 or 11:00 pm and then he only wakes up once during the night to eat again. I hope he stays this way!!! His sisters love to hug and kiss him and are getting better at accepting that he is here to stay!!

He is home!!!

2011-07-13T13:51:00.000-07:00

and here he is again. I tried a photo shoot yesterday and this is all I really got!!! But we love him anyways!!

Hospital pics

2011-07-13T13:41:00.001-07:00

Him all hooked up in his little cube!

Mom and Ethan

Daddy supposidly burping him!

The IV was put in his arm, then his head, and then his hand. When the IV stopped working on his head, they washed his hair and unhooked him for a little bit and so I got to cuddle him!

Monday morning, July 11th, when he got rid of his cube and the IV and all the cords and finally got put in a basket like all the other babies! I had to take a picture of this of course since it was so momentous!!!

Ethan Jacob Jenne has arrived!!

2011-07-11T08:32:00.000-07:00

Ethan Jacob Jenne

July 5, 2011

7 lbs 3 ounces

19 inches

Well this little guy has made it here!!! He definitely knew when he wanted to come that is for sure!! He didn't want to come on the 4th of the July and he didn't want to wait until the 6th when I was scheduled to be induced but he picked the early morning of July 5th!! I started having contractions on the 4th before we went to bed around 10. We were all pooped from getting up early to see the hot air balloons at the Provo Freedom Festival, and everything else we had done during the day including Jump on It and going to see Panda 2. I woke up around 1:30 am with painful contractions about 2 minutes apart and I knew it was time to go to the hospital! Jake's parents rushed over to be with the girls and we headed off. We got to the Payson hospital around 3. They hooked me up and found I was dilated to a 5. I immediately requested an epidural but since I tested positive for Strep B, I had to get the antibiotic going and running a bit before I could get it. I finally got the epidural around 4:00 am and wow!!! so thankful that I did. Anyhow, everything went quickly and Ethan was born at 6:54 a.m. weighing in at 7 lb 3 ounces and 19 inches long. The delivery went great and there weren't any of the complications that I had experienced before. They cleaned him up and he tested good for things and then the nurse gave him to me to hold. I held him for a minute (not knowing I wouldn't get to hold him again until 2 days later) and then his breathing got weird and so the nurse wisked him away to the nursery to have him checked out. It took a few hours while they did x rays and lab work to find he had a small hole in his lungs. They eventually decided that it would probably just heal on his own since it was so small. So they brought him back out and the girls and Jake's parents and my sisters and mom was there so everyone held him and passed him around. But a little while later, he started looking a little blue and breathing weird again. So the nurse took him back to the nursery. More tests and x rays were done and a few hours later, it was found that he had pneumonia and would have to be in the NICU. Depending on how he did, he would be there 5-10 days on the antibiotic. But since he was having a hard time breathing, he was put on oxygen and all we could do was hold his little hand (well the one not hooked up to an Iv). This was a really hard and emotional day since I wasn't able to hardly even see the baby I gave birth to earlier. Jake gave both Ethan and I blessings and that really helped to know that everything would be okay. Anyhow, the next day, he was breathing well on his own and they took him off the oxygen. From there on out, every day he kept making improvement and doing really well. Jake's parents, and my parents, and sisters watched and took care of the girls for the whole week that we were at the hospital and I was so grateful for that so I could stay there and nurse and hold Ethan as much as possible. The dr. came by on Monday morning and said that Ethan could be discharged that day and we were so excited!!!! It was so exciting to be able to come home and bring him with us. We have now been home for almost two days and it has been great!!!

SUPER Maddie

2011-07-03T16:05:00.000-07:00

Maddie always says she is "super maddie" and runs around the room doing silly things. Jake took the girls to his office and got this funny picture. She is so crazy!!!

Picnic, Naps and Fireworks

2011-07-03T15:57:00.001-07:00

We had a fun picnic at a park with a bunch of the Jenne clan even though it was super hot!!! We then came home and Maddie and I took a nap while Jake and Sammy went to his office to work on "projects" for a few hours. Then we did fireworks at our house later that night and Jake's parents came over too. The girls LOVED sparklers and were pretty good at it. They also liked the fireworks that we did even though Maddie said she liked them "soft and slow." Silly girl!! And no baby yet!! Last dr. app I was dilated to a 4 and I have been having lots of contractions, just not obviously the real thing yet. He may be waiting until Wed, the 6th, when my dr is going to induce me!! Although I think it would be fun having a July 4th baby!

Let the festivities begin!

2011-07-03T15:51:00.000-07:00

Well the 4th of July weekend started out on Saturday morning with everyone painting (I actually did too after I cleaned up the girls mess). Sammy was being silly, Maddie was serious, and Jake was well who knows-creating something!!!

Yard Sale anyone?

2011-07-03T15:47:00.000-07:00

Friday morning I came downstairs to find the girls having a "yard sale." Sam was pulling out toys from the playroom and Maddie was counting out cards that were "money" so she could buy stuff. Then Sammy was sitting at the little table ready to check people's items out. I bought one of my movies and a necklace for $3 pretend dollars. Not bad. Does this tell you that I like to drag the girls to yard sales with me in the summer?

What do you do in the Summertime?

2011-06-28T12:37:00.000-07:00

Lots and lots of swim time! We have been getting the little pool out here at our house as well as going to Seven Peaks since we have a pass there. The girls have been loving it. The last week it's been in the high 90's so swimming is a great way to cool off. Oh, and also eating lots of icecream cones.

On Baby front, last week I was dilated to a 3 and 90% effaced. I was really hoping he would come this week because my dr is oncall until Fri and then a different dr is on call for the 4th of the July weekend! We will see because the clock is ticking and there is only a few days left!!! I don't know if he will cooperate so I can get my dr. Jake just says he probably won't come until I give him an official name, but I think I just need to see him first:) Anyhow, if he doesn't come before next Wed, the 6th, my dr scheduled to induce me that day. So it's just waiting on this little stubborn guy!!

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-19T13:30:00.000-07:00

We love you Jacob! Happy Father's Day to a great daddy and husband!!! Thanks for all that you do!!!

Rodeo

2011-06-18T20:15:00.000-07:00

Well for the 3rd year in a row, we took the girls to the Strawberry Days Rodeo. They actually really enjoyed it this year and so Jake and I did too!!! They loved the animals, events, and concession food of course! They have been talking about it ever since and wanted to go back. Sammy actually cried when we left that night (although it was waaaaayyy past her bedtime) because she didn't want to leave.

On the baby front, I am due in less than 3 weeks. Yay!!! I have been having a lot of contractions and feel like he is getting big in there but hopefully not too big!!! My dr. app last week things looked good and I am dilated to a 2. I may have to be induced a week early in order to get the dr that I want to deliver me. So maybe I am less than 2 weeks away!!! And no name is final yet, I think I need to see him first. But the little fella will have a name when he makes his appearance!! We can't wait. Maddie keeps telling everyone that she is a big sister and I keep telling her not yet but soon!!! And Sammy has a dolly stuffed up her shirt everyday pretending to go to the hospital and have baby brother. So cute!!!! We are all very excited and anticipating his arrival.

I have a 5 yr old!!!

2011-05-24T15:36:00.000-07:00

and I am finally now posting. Yes, I didn't have the internet for over a week and a half and it felt like forever!!! We had a VERY busy past two weeks with three different birthday parties for Sammy including one of those parties for her and my sister, Jake going out of town and then camping, my brother leaving on his mission to ROMANIA, and my sister in law and family coming to town (which meant I got to do a little scrapbooking-yay), and Sammy's preschool graduation. Needless to say, I am looking forward to a little break, even if it's only 6 weeks, before baby brother makes his appearance (and no, we don't have a final name yet!!) Anyhow, back to Sammy-she is now 5 and we are so happy to have her in our family!!!

Likes: learning to read, playing with her my little ponies and pet shops, watching movies, playing outside, swimming, playing with Maddie and friends, favorite food is still noodles, and she loves pink icecream.

Dislikes: getting dressed and undressed (she is VERY slow at this), getting ready for bed, showers, potatoes, and going to the store with mom (with dad, it is a different story!!)

More recipes and naughty kids...

2011-05-02T16:17:00.000-07:00

yes mine have been very naughty lately so today I cooked two things that I really love. The first was this amazing chocolate cake that I got from my friend Diana that she saw on good things utah so I am not quite sure where it actually came from!!!

Amazing Chocolate Cake

1 pkg devil food cake mix

1/2 c. sour cream

Fudge Frosting

1 c. sugar

1/2 c. evaporated milk

1/4 c. cocoa

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/8 tsp salt

1/2 c. butter

Make devils food cake mix according to instructions on box and add sour cream to it. After it has cooked, make the frosting. Melt butter on med heat. Add sugar, milk, and cocoa. Stir and bring to boil for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool for a minute or two. Then stir in vanilla and salt. Beat mixture with wooden spoon for a couple of minutes and let mixture vest. Then beat again until thickened. Then punch holes all over cake and then pour frosting on top. Excellent to eat warm.

Then for dinner I made this. And yes, I made dessert first, who doesn't?

Chicken & Broccoli Casserole

which I stole from Jake's grandma Hadlock

3-4 chicken breast

A big bunch of fresh broccoli

1 can cream of chicken soup

1/2 c. mayonnaise

1 tsp. lemon juice

1/2 c. chicken broth

1 c. grated cheddar cheese

Boil chicken in small amount of water (reserve 1/2 c. for chicken broth) and season. Steam broccoli until crisp/tender. Heat soup, broth, mayo, and lemon juice until warm and add cheese and let melt. In 9x13 buttered glass pan, layer chicken on bottom, broccoli on top and pour sauce over top. Mix 1/2 c. crushed cornflakes (I also use ritz crackers if I don't have cornflakes which is what I did today) with 1 Tbsp. butter and then sprinkle on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

NOTE: I have frozen this meal and it just isn't that great. I think because the steamed broccoli just doesn't do that well reheating up for some reason.

Happy Easter~

2011-04-24T16:18:00.001-07:00

The girls had a fun Easter weekend filled with lots of activities including playing with cousins, a birthday party at jump on it, an easter egg hunt at grandma and grandpa's, a big family dinner, and the Easter bunny making his appearance last night so a morning full of excitement. We talked about the true meaning of Easter and Sammy even said in her prayers last night to "bless Jesus since he died so we could live again." What a smart girl. Maybe Maddie will get it in a year or two! I am also thankful our Savior atoned for us that we can live again and that there is a time of year that we can reflect and think more about Him.

Matching hair

2011-04-08T13:37:00.000-07:00

The girls both wanted messy buns yesterday and so we did them!!!! Maddie was into the poses for some reason and she had some funny ones!!! We then went to Jungle Jims with Lera and the boys and Diana and her kids. The kids all had a blast. They LOVED the rides. Totally worth $8. We were there for 3 hours which is also pretty long. We ate lunch after and they were really GOOD eaters because they were so hungry. It was a fun day and passed by quickly which was nice since hubby is out of town for a few days!!

Sour Cream Noodle Bake

2011-04-08T12:31:00.000-07:00

Sour Cream Noodle Bake

from here

I also added a few ingredients to mine and I think it turned out so good! It tastes a lot like my lasanga but easier and I froze half too!

1 1/4 lb ground beef

1 can 15 oz. tomato sauce

1/2 tsp. salt

freshly ground pepper

1 Tbsp. parsley flakes

1 Tbsp. basil

8 ounces egg noodles

1/2 c. sour cream

1 1/4 c. small curd cottage cheese

1/2 c. sliced green onions (less to taste)

1 c. grated cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brown ground beef in large skillet. Drain the fat and add tomato sauce, parsley flakes, basil, salt and pepper. Stir and then simmer while you prepare the other ingredients. Cook egg noodles until al dente. Drain and set aside. In a medium bowl, combine sour cream and cottage cheese. Add some more ground pepper. Add to noodles and stir. Add green onions and stir. To assemble, add half of the noodles to a baking dish. Top with half of meat mixture, then sprinkle on half the grated cheddar. Repeat with noodles, meat, then a final layer of cheese. Bake for 20 minutes, or until all cheese is melted. Serve with french bread. Freeze: I then froze half and it will cook on 350 for 45 minutes.

Lost puppy

2011-03-29T19:30:00.000-07:00

So the adventure of today was that, a lost puppy! The girls, Sammy and Aze, were in heaven and packed it around all today, even in a little doll blanket when they thought she was getting cold! We eventually found her home and the girls were so sad. Maddie wasn't quite sure what she thought about it, but did pet it a couple of times. I have never seen Sammy carry something around so much, it was so cute, but not to worry-we will not be dog owners!!!

Taking it easy

2011-03-24T17:34:00.000-07:00

Well today was a take it easy day as Maddie got her tubes put in yesterday. She had a pretty rough and miserable day yesterday but woke up today feeling a lot better. Her and Sammy played together happily most of the day and it ended with them in princess dresses dancing and then playing in laundry baskets. I thought it was funny they could fit in such a little basket with their big ol' dresses. And yes, we also watched Cinderella twice today too with Maddie repeatedly telling me today that "Momma, dreams do come true. Princess said so."

Our little trooper

2011-03-22T08:42:00.000-07:00

is getting tubes in her ears tomorrow. I didn't really want them but since she has had about 8 ear infections in the last six months, that is more than one a month and makes for a miserable Maddie May. I hope we can get our happy little Maddie back and that all goes well!

Happy Birthday Jac-ub!!!

2011-03-14T11:57:00.000-07:00

He turned the big #29 on Saturday! Woot! WOot! We love you! And don't worry, we celebrated in style. My mom watched the girls Friday night while we went to a yummy Thai restaurant and then stayed the night at the Anniversary Inn. On Sat. he went golfing with a buddy and then came home and opened presents and then we headed over to his parents house for a yummy rib dinner and more presents and chocolate cake and apple pie to top it off. Here is to another year of being with the best daddy and hubby ever!! WE love you!

20 Minute Photo Shoot

2011-03-08T18:52:00.000-08:00

Well my sister wanted some pics of her boys and so we decided to try a little photo shoot today. Even though we started out with snow this morning, they still worked!!! The kids actually cooperated pretty well. And I can't believe Maddie is actually smiling, her REAL smile in these!!! What a cute 4 1/2 yr old and almost 2 1/2 yr old!

Happy V day!

2011-02-16T13:41:00.000-08:00

A fun Valentines day was had by all. We were watching Sammy's cousins and so during the day we went to the park since it was a whole 53 degrees outside. It looked warm when the sun was out but as soon as we got there, the sun went away:( So we played with friends, made cupcakes, the kids had pizza for dinner and everyone was in bed by 7:30. Jake suprised me with a bouquet of my favorite gerber daisy flowers and mint chocolates from Rocky Mountain chocolates which I LOVE. How did he know? After the kids went to bed we ordered Cafe Rio and watched a movie. All in all it was a fun day!!!

sickos? no surprise there

2011-02-10T15:29:00.000-08:00

which is why I haven't posted for awhile....but I have spent a little time making these!!!

cute Valentine board (my sister's creations)

used a 12x12 board that we had cut courtesy of Lowes and then covered in vinyl, and wood pieces

apron skirt I made with Emmy

which we stole from here

and can you see my belly starting to emerge?

other than that us sickos are just trying to not be sickos anymore. lots of diego watching and orange juice sipping...

Maddie is potty trained!!! (well mostly)

2011-02-01T15:06:00.000-08:00

I think anyways!! She has only had one accident in the last week or so (the basket incident). She is loving her panties although for some reason lately she loves taking them off and just walking around carefree!!! (Actually I think she is right now as I am blogging) I am so proud of her and it is so nice. She was so difficult and stubborn since I have started and stopped 3 different times in the last five months. She still only stays dry at night half the time, but hopefully we will get there soon!!! Yay Maddie May!!

Our new pet

2011-02-01T15:03:00.001-08:00

Rudy which Sammy named and we have now had for almost a month. He is doing here what he loves best-EATING hay. The girls just adore him and I have to say for a pet that he is not that bad. He is mostly in his cage, learning to be potty trained (hence the liter box which he is sitting in), and does come out a few times a day and runs around and plays with us.

visiting my far away sister

2011-02-01T14:54:00.001-08:00

the last week in Cedar City involved a lot of:

Movie watching

Playing hide and seek
(Funny story while I thought Maddie was being all cute hiding in this corner in the basket, she was actually going to the bathroom-yes in the basket)

Painting projects

(which I will post when mine is finished, and yes, I let the girls paint without shirts because I didn't have aprons for them but at least the pictures are modest!)

Little blue handed girl

(think she enjoyed painting her hands more than her block)

and the only shot I have of my dear sister Emily.

We also made lots of sweets and yummy food, played lots of games, the girls rode bikes and played at the park, sewing and painting project, and just hung out!! It was fun and I can't wait till we play again.

Pretty Girls

2011-01-24T12:50:00.000-08:00

I swear they just get prettier everyday.

Stats on Sammy: loves Mario Party (as of late), great little eater and still LOVES noodles, loves preschool and playing the friends and Maddie, sings songs that she makes up all the time, loves doing puzzles still, wants to have pretend birthday parties all the time for everyone, gets so excited for FHE, loves primary, loves to cuddle up and watch movies, loves to be outside, even in the cold!

Stats on Maddie: still sucks her thumb when she is tired, fighting her naps (and winning a lot of the time), loves oatmeal and fruit, loves to pick toe jam out of her and others toes and calls it "toe jammies", loves to watch Beauty and the Beast as well as Diego, loves Mommy and Daddy to sing her songs before bed and says "Twinkle me" meaning twinkle twinkle little star, loves her grandpas, loves to be held and cuddled, says funny things like this morning Sammy was being grumpy and Maddie said "you grumpy pants Sammy"

Looking so old these days!!!

Scrapfest

2011-01-24T12:48:00.001-08:00

Last Fri and Sat I went and scrapped with my friends in Salt Lake and we had a blast. It was a fun break and I got lots of pages done!!!! Yay!! We are planning to do this 2 more times during the year and it makes me so excited!!!

Catching up

2011-01-24T12:42:00.000-08:00

Maddie lovin' climbing on the dinosaur bones!

Silly girl!

Aze & Sam

Already catching up you ask? I know. I promised I would blog almost all my pictures....and I am already a little behind. The weather here has been cold and dreary and so we mostly have been inside. My friend and I have been walking in the mornings at the mall after we drop the girls off at preschool, but last week there was no preschool!! So yeah, it was kind of a long week but we survived. One of the days we walked, the kids played at the treehouse and had icecream cones. Gotta love the cell phone pics!!

Sammy's first

2011-01-08T19:06:00.000-08:00

time skiing. We just took her to Sundance to the tow rope (so it was free) and luckily Jake's parents had some little skis from when they were little that we used for her. She did pretty good. But after about 4 times down, she was done!! She said she was too tired and couldn't do it anymore. So that is probably it for this season, hopefully next year she will like it better.

New Year and so new messes!!

2011-01-07T13:30:00.000-08:00

It started out while I was making dinner. I saw Maddie and her partner in crime, Ryder go upstairs. No biggie. They were quiet and being good or so I thought. A few minutes later I found them doing this!!

Maddie decorating Rye's face, and then he would do hers (with some play lipstick Sammy got for Christmas so luckily it came off easily)

What mischevious little faces!

Cute smile and nice face by the way!

I like Maddie's smile and that Rye was checking himself out in the mirror!! Seriously, it was hard to get mad at them, they were too cute!!!

Christmas Part 2- Christmas day

2011-01-02T17:07:00.001-08:00

Well late on Christmas Eve we drove back home from my parents so the girls could wake up at our house on Christmas day. The funny thing was Maddie is the one who always wakes up early at our house and we were actually all awake by 7:15 and were waiting for her to wake up!!!

Santa brought Sammy a beauty salon and Maddie a little car. He also brought them games, movies, playdoh, puzzles, and blocks. They loved it all and Maddie was totally into opening the presents!!!

We then played for a bit and then got ready and were to my parents house by ten. We then had a yummy breakfast there with the traditional sticky buns and omlet casserole. We then went downstairs to open presents.

My mom got spoiled by my dad this year who got her a nice camera and a Silhouette (which we helped guide him to)

Krissy opening her presents

Riley being silly and putting things on his head and climbing in boxes!

Sammy in love with the pillow pet Tay got her!!

Sammy got a big Pet Shop set from my parents along with a cute outfit and puzzle. I tried to get pictures of Maddie but she was just running around everywhere. She got a Little People set, outfit, and puzzle too.

Jake and I and the Hendricks got a really cool electric fireplace from my parents. We already put ours in the basement and it looks awesome and heats up our downstairs too!!

Emmy and Wes made it up for Christmas and it was a lot of fun with them there. They received a really nice headboard set and dresser from my parents for Christmas. We played games all the time including Just Dance and the boys played basketball on the Xbox. I am sad they had to go back to Cedar City but me and the girls are planning a trip there at the end of January when Jake goes out of town and so are excited already for that!!

Christmas came and went in a flash!!

2011-01-02T16:50:00.000-08:00

Well the Sunday before Christmas, we spent the night with Jake's parents. They cooked a yummy ham for dinner and Trent & Shireece and kids were there too. It was fun. Jake's parents spoiled us and got Jake and I each a Kindle for Christmas which I had really been wanting. I have already read quite a few books on it already!!! Sammy received some pretty princess dresses for the princess Tangled and her really long hair. It looks really cute on her. Maddie received a fun block toy as well as them both receiving the Little People Nativity set which I really wanted for them. They played with it all week long, moving around baby Jesus so different people were watching Him be born.

On Christmas Eve, we went up to my parents house early in the afternoon. We had snacks, played games, and enjoyed the night. We read the passage from Luke while the kids acted it out. Unfortunately, Taylor wasn't there and so Scott had to fill in and be Joseph-what a good sport!!!

Sad that this is the best picture of Maddie!

I love how serious Sam was as the passage was being read.

Joseph and Mary (aka Scott and Sammy)

We also had the regular gingerbread house contest. The teams consisted of me and Krissy, Scott and Jake, Emmy and Wes, and Mom and Dad. Sammy and Maddie were constantly switching teams and eating the candy although Sammy would keep asking during the contest "Who would like my help making their house" to which everyone demanded her!!

Jake was struggling a little with his frosting

Great grandma and grandpa were our judges. We all got nominated for different things so I am not quite sure who really won.

Our Frosty

2010-12-21T12:49:00.001-08:00

Last Saturday we built a frosty and the kids were very excited. Although, it was mostly Jake and I building him while the kids ate the fresh snow. Frosty didn't last too long though because later that day it rained and the next and so now he is pretty much gone!!! But it was fun while it lasted!!

Round 2

2010-12-15T19:36:00.000-08:00

Remember this a few months ago?

Well I started round 2 of potty training about two weeks ago. I decided this time that I would just go with the flow, not get angry, and just be pleased if she went. Last week, she didn't do so well and I didn't remember so well to take her. But this week, she has been doing awesome!!!! She has been wearing padded panties (which are great) and she has been telling me when she has to go and only has a had a few accidents. I love that when she is actually going potty she says "Momma, it's still coming. still coming" as if I don't know. She gets rewarded in Starbursts and asks for an orange one after each time (which now that I think about it, am almost out of orange). It's funny cuz Sammy thinks she gets Starburst too for going, which usually I let her have one if she washes her hands (smart thinking eh? since she isn't too good at remembering to do that). The other day Sammy said "Mom, I just went stinky. Does that mean I get two Starburst?" and I said "Nice try, but no." Doesn't hurt to ask does it?

Naughty or Nice?

2010-12-11T07:21:00.000-08:00

Well we will never know because our kids refused to sit on Santa's lap. Sammy actually jumped into the strolled and cried as soon as it was our turn. Maddie wouldn't let go of Jake and so this is the picture. The kids loved being there at the mall up until it was their turn to see Santa. There was fake snow and Mrs. Claus gave them a little stuffed reindeer. I watched dozens of families go before us with little and big kids happily sitting on Santa's lap and getting cute pictures-but not my little family!!! Maybe one day.....

I tried to get pictures before we left of the kids and the tree and Maddie of course was uncooperative, hence the no smile.

Sammy of course looking cute and happy as usual (I love this age!!)

Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu

2010-12-11T07:18:00.000-08:00

Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu

3 chicken breasts
9-12 slices of swiss cheese
9-12 slices of ham
1 can cream of chicken
1/2 pt. sour cream

Cut each breast into 3-4 pieces. Roll each piece of chicken in cheese and then ham. Set in greased casserole dish. Mix soup and sour cream together. Pour over rolled chicken. Bake at 350 for 1 hour 15 minutes. Serve with rice or noodles. (I usually half this recipe for our family)

I made this last night since Jake was actually home and forgot how GOOD it was!!

Amazing Chicken Alfredo!

2010-12-02T11:23:00.000-08:00

Chicken Alfredo

2-2.5 lb chicken breast, cut into pieces and cook in frying pan
1 jar 16 oz. alfredo sauce
1 can cream of chicken
3 tbsp. ranch dressing
1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp. chicken boullion granule
1 1/2 tbsp. dried chives
1 tbsp. dried parsley
1/2 c. milk

Heat slowly all ingredients except for chicken. Whisk on low heat till bubbles and then add chicken and stir altogether. Serve with noodles. Makes 4-5 servings.

I just made this a few nights ago for a birthday bash at my house. And I am making it again tonight for a friend that has a new baby because i forgot how good it was.

FOR FREEZING: This recipe is also great for freezing. I would just cook some noodles, put in a pan and top with sauce. Freeze. To serve just pull out of freezer and cook on 350 for 1 hour and serve!!

Lovely Tree

2010-12-01T19:37:00.000-08:00

Here is the lovely tree we hunted around for at Beck's Farm and then chopped down over Thanksgiving weekend. I think it's the prettiest tree yet. Sorry this picture isn't so pretty!

Winter! Christmas! It's all here!

2010-12-01T19:19:00.000-08:00

So I just love this time of year. The snow is perfect for December, so fitting and the kids are just loving it! I love Christmas lights, the smell of a real tree, furnace going, cold air, warm oven, Christmas decorations and goodies, and shopping. Sammy is so excited to count down for Christmas and she is just really excited for Santa. The other day it snowed quite a bit during the night and so after church, her and her daddy went to play (mostly he dragged her around in the sled because it was really cold)!

Death by Chicken

2010-11-22T19:19:00.000-08:00

Death by Chicken (good name huh?)

Bacon (12 slices)
1 1/4 c. rice
chicken (I usually do a 2-3 breasts cut into pieces)
salt and pepper to taste
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 c. water
2-3 healthy dashes garlic salt
1 tsp. oregano
2-3 Tsbp. parsley flakes
1/2 c. mozarella or provolone cheese

Line a 9x13 pan baking dish with 12 slices of uncooked bacon. Pour a cup of uncooked rice over the bacon.
Arrance the chicken over the rice. Salt and pepper the chicken.
Whisk together the soup, water, garlic, salt, oregano and parsley. Pour the soup mixture over the chicken and cover with foil. Cook at 350 F for 1 hour, the last 5 minutes take out and sprinkle with cheese and then put back in.
FREEZING: I usually cook this and then freeze it. Then to unfreeze cook on 325 for 1 hour covered.

Chicken dinner

2010-11-22T19:10:00.000-08:00

Chicken Terrrazini

1 pkg. (7 oz.) spaghetti, break into thirds
1/4 c. butter
1/4 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 c. chicken broth
1 c. whipping cream, half & half, or whole milk
2 tsp. dry sherry or water
2 c. cubed cooked chicken
1 can sliced mushrooms, drained (if you like them)
1/2 c. grated Cheddar cheese

Cook spaghetti according to package. While cooking, melt butter over low heat then add flour, salt and pepper. Cook until smooth and bubbly. Remove from heat. Stir in broth and whipping cream. Heat to boil and stir constantly for one minute while boiling. Take off heat and then stir in spaghetti, water, chicken, and mushrooms into sauce. Pour into casserole dish and sprinkle with cheese on top. Cook on 350 F for 30 minutes uncovered.
FREEZING: Take out of freezer and cook at 350 F for 1 hour. (This also does 2 8x8 pans for me).

Fudge Chocolate Cookies

2010-11-22T19:07:00.000-08:00

I also just made these tonight-hit the chocolate spot!

Fudge Chocolate Cookies

1/2 c. butter
1/2 c. Cristco
1 1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
Cream these together and add:
1 3/4 c. flour
2/3 c. cocoa
1 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. salt
Blend well and add:
1 1/2 c. semi sweet chocolate chips
Bake on 375 F for 8-10 minutes. Don't overbake!

Cubano Mac & Cheese

2010-11-17T15:19:00.000-08:00

We just had this freezer meal for dinner tonight. So yummy!

Cubano Mac & Cheese

1 lb. elbow pasta
salt and pepper to taste
3 Tbsp. butter
3 Tbsp. flour
1 c. chicken stock
2 c. milk
1/4 c. mustard
3 c. swiss cheese, shredded (plus a little more for top)
1/2 c. pickles, chopped
1 lb. thinly sliced ham, chopped
a little parsley

Cook pasta just shy al dente. While pasta is cooking, heat in skillet butter. When butter melts, add flour and cook one minute. Whisk in stock, milk, and mustard and bring to boil. Stir in cheese in figure eight motion, saving some for the top (like 1/2 a cup). Fold in pickles and ham and season with salt and pepper. When pasta is done, drain and combine with sauce. Transfer to pan and sprinkle with cheese on top. Cook in oven on 400 F for 5 minutes.
FREEZING: Pull out of freezer and bake on 350 for 1 hour and enjoy! (This also makes 2 8x8 tin foil pans for me)

Cheesy Potatoes

2010-11-17T15:13:00.000-08:00

Cheesy Potatoes

1 24 oz. frozen shredded hashbrowns

1/2 c. minced onion (about 1/2 onion)

2 cans of cream of celery soup

1 8 oz. cream cheese

1 1/2 cups Monterey Jack cheese

1 1/2 cups cooked, cubed ham

1/4 tsp. pepper

1 c. cheddar cheese

Soften cream cheese and cube your ham. Then cream the cream cheese and 2 cans of celery soup together. Then stir in chopped onions, ham, cheese and pepper to the soup mixture. Break apart frozen hashbrowns and gently stir in. Then place in foil container and cover and freeze! THIS MAKES 2-3 8x8 containers for me! Bake uncovered 1 hour at 350 degrees. Pull out and top with cheddar cheese if desired and cook for a few more minutes until cheese is melted.

Freezer Recipes-1st one

2010-11-17T15:03:00.000-08:00

Best Lasanga Ever

1 lb ground beef

1 large can tomato sauce

1 Tbsp. basil leaves

2 Tbsp. parsley flakes

1/2 tsp. salt

1 small carton cottage cheese

1/2 c. Parmesan cheese

1 egg, beaten

1 box lasagna noodles

2 c. shredded mozarella cheese

Brown hamburger; add tomato sauce, basil leaves, 1 Tbsp. parsley flakes, and salt. Simmer for 15 minutes. Mix cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and remaining parsley flakes. Cook noodles as directed. Layer noodles, cottage cheese mixture, mozzarella cheese, and meat sauce in casserole and repeat. For normal cooking, bake in covered dish at 350 for 40-45 minutes.

FOR FREEZING: I USUALLY MAKE 2 8x8 PANS (I BUY FOIL PANS AT THE DOLLAR STORE). I pull out of the freezer and then bake covered at 350 for 1 1/2 hours.

Keeping busy

2010-11-11T14:39:00.000-08:00

is what Sam always does, especially since the last two days I have been out of commission thanks to a nasty cold. Her and her friend have spent many hours today working on these little people creations. Not bad eh?

we have all been sickies

2010-11-10T20:50:00.000-08:00

this week. but this was a cute picture I took of Sam at the pharmacy yesterday. She told me that she wished she could wear glasses all the time and i have to admit she does look pretty cute!

Sunday....a day to rest and craft?

2010-11-07T15:26:00.000-08:00

I was inspired by sister in laws wreath here and which is also found here. Mine obviously turned out a little differently because I improvised-just using what I had so I could make it today. Instead of having a frame, I actually made one out of cardboard and covered it with fabric. My leaves ended up being a little bigger than the frame but it still looks cute i think. It actually only took about 2 hours to make-not bad for a little Sunday craft.

Silly Little Girl

2010-11-03T20:46:00.001-07:00

my Maddie May is getting so much bigger everyday. She LOVEs LOVes watching and singing to Diego, playing outside (and today in the leaves), starting to potty train and then refusing to go ever again (yes I am giving up), wearing hats (can't you tell, hers and her friends), refusing to smile or be in pictures (yes we got luckY) and chattering away almost with real sentences. My silly little girl is growing up!

I do love my kids I promise

2010-10-21T11:56:00.000-07:00

but some days.....which has been this whole week! Maddie is entering the terrible two's I feel and Sammy is sleep deprived and an emotional wreck since Maddie has been waking everyone up at 5:30 each morning. Aghh.......but at least it is making me get my rear out of bed to go running. Anyhow, we tried a photo shoot yeserday as we were all trying to get out of our moodiness which worked out ok.

One funny thing I can think of this week is Maddie calls rocks "rockets" and loves picking them up and throwing them. She has also been watching wonder pets which pets is sounded "butts". And she calls my sister Missy "Missys" all the time. So cute. But such a little stinker!

Girls Night Out

2010-10-06T12:51:00.000-07:00

While the men were at the priesthood session of Conference, we went with our friends to the Discovery Park (close by our house) and then out for icecream afterwards. The kids had a blast at the park, and Diana and I had fun chasing after them all because it didn't take long to keep losing them in that huge park. So that was OUR girls night out (sorry Ryder you are the only boy).

Sammy sayings for the day

2010-10-02T19:25:00.000-07:00

"Mom, can you go to dot com on your puter (computer) so I can play some games?" Sammy asks this morning.

Conversation on our way to the park tonight
Sammy: Mom, are you going to die before I get growed up?
Me: I sure hope not, that would be sad.
Sammy (very matter of factly): If you had superpowers then you wouldn't get died!
Me: Nope, no superpowers here. Just a plain old mom.
Samy: Well I think you need to get superpowers and then you can get all the bad guys in town.

I guess she thinks pretty highly of me and my kung fu fighting skills or something! What a silly Sammy Jane!

2nd week of potty training.....

2010-09-22T19:21:00.001-07:00

and still going strong! Maddie loves going on her little potty. This week she has stayed pretty dry a few days (minus nap and bed) and the last two days has even told me when she has to go (sometimes). and baby days are over.....

as she got her own toddler bed and we put away the crib. She only came out of her bed a few times the first night and since then has done great! She loves it and I love that she loves it! Although I haven't loved the 6:00 a.m. waking days when she appears at my bedside wide eyed and bushy tailed. Today was better though and so I am hoping it will stay that way.

and Sammy of course has to help her break in her new bed!

Preschool Firsts

2010-09-08T11:38:00.001-07:00

Yep I now have a preschooler. She loved it. Too bad she had a little cold today or she probably would've loved it more. Still so cute....and no I did not cry (almost last night though).

Look at me go

2010-08-29T12:50:00.000-07:00

So I have been on a sewing craze lately. Sammy has desperately needed some new dresses since she has grown out of everything lately. Yes, she definitely hit a growth spurt and grew two inches in the last few weeks! Anyhow, check out this creation! I did copy a pattern but man, I wish I could make it in my size!

P.s. doesn't she look old?

Happy 6th Anniversary!

2010-08-29T12:36:00.000-07:00

Well here is to six great years of being married! My parents were gracious enough to take our kids for two nights so we could enjoy ourselves this weekend. We went to the temple, out to eat, played tennis, watched Knight and Day which I loved, shopping, and to Seven Peaks. It was fun to have a little break and my hubby all to myself (which doesnt happen much)! Here is to another great year!

Partner in crime

2010-08-23T19:20:00.000-07:00

Today while I was cooking dinner, Maddie and Ryder wanted to wear princess shoes (don't tell his mom or dad please!)
This is Maddie's attempt to smile for the camera

Them eating snacks and watching Elmo a few days ago (they could make a cute couple when they are older just saying)

Such sweet things....

2010-08-12T11:53:00.000-07:00

(and yes they are sporting the new headbands I made last night!)
but they are eating so much it's driving me crazy! "Mom, I am hungry" is a line I hear ALL day long!! I used to think maybe they weren't eating enough at each meal, but trust me they are! I am thinking serious growth spurts here. Let me give you the current rundown of each day:

7:00 Am KiDs WaKeuP
7:15 aM reAdy fOr breAkfast
Maddie: eats usually two bowls of oatmeal, a whole yogurt, some fruit (banana, grapes, peaches or pears) sippy of milk of juice, and some cereal
Sammy: bowl of cereal and boiled egg/scrambled, drink
9:15 Am reaDy foR snAcK
11:15 am reAdY for moRe SnaCk (I hold them off till 11:45 for LunCh)
1:00 pM MaddIe naPs
2:00 Pm saMmY nEedS snacK
3:30 MadDie waKes Up, ReaDy foR moRe SnAck & DrInk, SaMMy eAts wiTh heR
4:00- everYonE wAnts PopsiCles inCludIng neIghboR frieNds
4:30-5:00 p.M. I staRt maKing diNner
5:15 Pm- KiDs ravEnous, gIve sMall SnAck if dinNer sTill neEds 30 miN to Cook
5:30-5:45- Eat dinNer
7:00 KiDs eAt smaLL snAck or TreAt beFore Bed
7:30 Heaven- My HunGry eveR munChing kiDs go To Bed! Yah!

Sunday best

2010-08-08T19:40:00.000-07:00

and this is the best we got! Why can't kids just cooperate a little more when you want a good picture? And yes, Sammy picked out a dress today that was long-sleeved. It was not a battle worth fighting for!

This face reminds me of the other day when Sammy passed some gas. Jake said "Sammy, what do you say?" and she said in a funny voice "excuse my butt!" We tried really hard not to laugh and it took all we had to look serious as we explained that's not what you say. I don't know where she got that from but she is always saying something ridiculously funny.

Maddie is really such a little bookworm! She always has books and is carrying them around talking jibberish and Sammy says "Mom, she is just learning how to read like me!"

Silly girl! I just love her. She is my happy patch. I heard that phrase recently and it fits Maddie to a tee. She is always making us laugh by her silly little personality. I just want her to stay little forever!

Old bikes become new!

2010-08-08T19:28:00.000-07:00

We found this little beauty at DI for $5. Totally worth it, has kept Sammy busy for many many hours this last week.

Maddie then got the hand me down bike which she loves! I didn't realize she would like riding it so much. She loves to say "bike" and cries when she has to come inside!

And yes, they are riding in the garage. Neither Sammy or Maddie have quite mastered the brakes and our driveway is downhill-not a good combo. So they have been riding in the garage this week (it is a little cooler that way).

$2 Animal Farm deal

2010-08-03T20:11:00.000-07:00

Sammy loves riding the ponies. She was so excited!

Riley is nine months old and I think even he liked seeing the animals today!

Riley and momma

Isn't this a great spot for them?

Sammy was feeling brave petting the cow!

Maddie loves animals. She was so excited to see the horses but once I put her on one, she didn't really like it. I couldn't get her to hold on so good thing I was holding onto her!

Tay picked the biggest horse to ride!

All in all, it was a fun day. Glad we went early to beat the mad rush and the heat! The funny part was Sammy telling me which bunnies were girls because they had eyelashes. The boys don't apparently!

So cute

2010-08-03T20:08:00.000-07:00

I love this girl! She loves to watch shows with her sister before bedtime, even though most of the time she is sucking her thumb and throwing her body all over the couch! What a cutie!

best way to end a day

2010-07-26T20:06:00.001-07:00

Icecream cones are the new favorite treat before bed and even Maddie is happy to get in on them (And yes, notice how Maddie refuses to smile for the camera but the 4 year old is more than happy too). I guess my love for icecream has rubbed off on them!

Girls getting bigger

2010-07-19T11:57:00.000-07:00

I feel bad that I haven't been taking pictures very well lately, so I need to be better. I made these cute matching skirts for the girls and so that gave me a pretty good reason to take some before church yesterday. If only they would cooperate more.....

I think I am in love.....

2010-07-14T13:45:00.000-07:00

with this little beauty! I got her for my birthday from my awesome husband and in laws and there is just no words to describe how awesome she is (and yes, it is a she). I have been in heaven the last couple of days making various little things and the list of what I want to make is endless....and don't even get me started on the strong feelings I have for fabric right now! All day, I wait for a spare moment to learn her different tricks. I go to sleep thinking of what I can do tomorrow. I just love her!

Oh....and here is just a sneak peek of one of the things I have made with this sweet thing. So all in all, it's not so bad being 28.

Taking a little trip to Cedar....

2010-06-27T18:52:00.000-07:00

City to visit my sister Emmy and her hubby Wes. My youngest sister Krissy also came down with us, and was great help on the three hour drive there and back! We had a blast going to all of their really cool parks down there, the city pool, playing insane amounts of nerts, watching chic flicks (thanks for letting that go on Wes) and making delicious dinners and desserts since I was with the master chef Emmy! I won't even say how quickly the three of us girls downed a chocolate sheet cake we made! It was fun to go down there for a couple of days and we can't wait to go again!

Maddie at the park trying to hide

Em & Maddie having a blast swinging!

Sammy=future gymnast I am sure of it

Maddie=also future gymnast. loves hanging from monkey bars. pretty strong little chubbs here

Tea Party

2010-06-16T17:27:00.000-07:00

Today's adventures included painting my bedroom/bathroom, while the girls had a tea party. It was cute that even Maddie was invited to it (with some convincing from Mom). It did end in disaster but fun was had by all. I will post pics of my completed bedroom when finished. I should have taken before pictures but didn't-oh well!

Maddie 18 months old!

2010-06-12T21:14:00.001-07:00

I can't believe little Maddie is 18 months old now! She is such a crazy cutie and we love her! She does constantly keep us on our toes and is always suprising us!

Loves: apple juice, playing outside, running (yes running and tripping) to the park, swings, slides, mommy, Sammy, daddy and grandpa especially, brushing her teeth, eating toothpaste and chapstick (I try not to let her eat too much), attention, being held, playing in the sandbox, popcicles, fruit snacks, pretzels, her blanket and dolly, sucking her thumb

Not Loves: baths, getting dressed, getting diaper changed, Sammy ignoring her, long car rides, pack in plays, skipping her nap

She is learning to talk and it's always funny what she repeats after me.

Manny-Sammy

Papa ju-apple juice

Bite- Bite

Mow-More

Out-Outside

Baby-Dolly & Blanket

Ebow-Elbow

Well that's all the words I can think of for now. Anyhow, we love you Maddie May!

Also, I am saddened by the lack of postings I have done. I don't really have any excuse except for that I have been lazy and enjoying the nice weather outside lately. I am not going to slack off anymore though!

Day after Princess turned 4

2010-05-18T11:11:00.000-07:00

Time for another party! It was crazy getting one party ready after the other, but Sam had a blast. She kept asking if her birthday was today again (on Sat) and I kept saying no but you are having another party. She didnt really get it though and kept asking and so finally I said "Yes it's your birthday again today to which she responded "Yes! I knew it!" So a lot of family came for a barbeque (thanks for the good cookin' Jake) and we even had a pinata for the kids which they loved. Sam loved all her presents (maybe not right after opening since presents were opened in a furry, but over the last couple of days). Thanks everyone for coming and making Sammy feel special!

Princess turned 4

2010-05-18T10:54:00.000-07:00

Sammy loved decorating the house on May 14th! She loved this poster that we hung on the door. Everything was princess themed. We had lots of helium balloons and crepe paper everywhere!

All her friends came over at 1:30 in the afternoon and began the party with making bead necklaces and bracelets. Not too many of them finished anything!

We played a few games including kiss the frog and dressing up like princesses and princes (we had two of them). Jake took the kids on a treasure hunt and they LOVED it!

When it was time to open presents, Sammy proceeded to sit on her princess chair with her legs crossed and told her friends to get her presents for her! (Yeah kind of bossy). All the kids helped open the presents and it was over in about two minutes flat (and there were a lot of presents!)

I can't believe my sweet Samantha Jane is now 4 years old! She seems so big and can do so many things. She loves to play outside and with her friends and with her baby sister. I love that she is so sweet with Maddie and is a good helper to Mommy and Daddy. We love you Sam!!

Trip Report

2010-05-11T13:37:00.000-07:00

Sorry to be so slow. Last week was so busy! Getting unpacked, cleaned, and laundry done and then getting ready for all of Sammy's birthday parties! Now I can give a play by play of our trip, which sorry to bore most of you cuz it is mostly for me since this is pretty much my journal these days.

Monday, May 3rd-dropped the kids off at Grandma and Grandpa Jenne's at 8:00 a.m. and then headed to the airport where we met up with Mis and & Kal. Our flight took off at 11:00 and we arrived in Long Beach at 12:00 (and no it took longer than an hour but with the time change....) Once we arrived, I was immediately in heaven because of the shining sun and how warm it was outside. I was surprised by the Long Beach airport though and how run down it was especially since coming from the nice SL airport. My dad & brother then picked us up at approximately 12:48 pm (I only know this because we all made bets and Jake was only one minute away from the actual time they arrived). We then headed to the Carnival ship where we proceeded to check in. My parents were kind enough to take our suitcases so we didn't have to pay to fly them there. As we were checking in, Wes (Emmy's husband) pulled out an emormous pocketknife and said "Can I take this in" to which we all responded "NO" and so they had to go put it in the car before proceeding to check in. We all got on the boat around 2:00 and of course headed to the buffet where we stuffed our faces. We then checked the boat out and before we knew it, the boat was launched. We didn't actually get to see this launching though because we waited and waited at 5:30 and then finally left just after six to the dining room, to which it then took off right after. We had a great beginning dinner and everyone again stuffed their faces. Afterwards, I can't really remember what we did. But it was fun. We hit the sacks sometime that night to which Jake then woke up at 4:00 a.m. the next morning and roamed the boat for a few hours before the rest of the world woke up!

Tuesday: The boat anchored by Catalina and so we took a ferry over around 9:00 to hit our 9:30 kayaking time. This was by far the best part of our trip for most of us. It was so fun kayaking in the ocean down the side of Catalina where there weren't many people. We saw a sea lion and luckily no sharks. We went about 2 miles down and then stopped for a bit. Our guide gave us cookies which were good until Missy laid on them. Wes & Jake found lunch for us! Well not really but a big daddy crab and a wee little crab. So that was fun. We also hunted for seashells and found a pink one for Sam. After our kayaking adventure (and no one tipped) we met up with Mom, Dad, Krissy, and Scott. They went parasailing which we didn't see since we were kayaking but heard it was AWESOME. I can't wait to see pics of those! We then had a snack and then went snorkeling. We saw TONS of fish but the water was really cold and even with wetsuits we didn't last more than 45 minutes or so. After, we got back on the boat and ladadadaa. Not really sure what else we did. Oh yeah. The formal dinner. Dressed up, took some pics and stuff. Maybe a show. Arcade games later.

Wednesday: We were in Ensendada Mexico. The boys left at 8:00 a.m. to golf and didn't meet back up with us until 6:00 p.m. that night. Apparently they did 18 holes at some really cool place. Us girls went into the city and bought some souvenirs where I unfortunately got pick pocketed. That part stunk but everyone loaned me some cash so I survived. We then came back and ate and waited for the boys. When they didn't show, we went back over again so Emmy could get a sparkly bracelet that she had desperately wanted. We took a taxi ride back which was kind of scary and I am suprised we survived but we made it to dinner and there met up the boys. My mom was worried that something had happened to them, but I knew better. The funny part of the night was the note that Missy wrote. She left a note to Kal saying "We went of the boat. We will try to be back by dinner." Funny how one word can make all the difference. Of instead of off. So the boys were looking all over the boat for us. Kinda funny. Also note: if any of you or we go on a cruise again with a group of people, take walkie talkies. There is really no way to communicate with anyone since your cell phone can't be on. Makes it a little tricky to find people. Anyhow, we had dinner and later that night caught a comedy show which was REALLY funny. We also watched the boat pull out of Ensenada and that was really cool too.

Thursday: Day at sea so we went nowhere, rather we stayed on the ship. Jake, Krissy, Wes and I hit up the waterslide and boy was that fun. I learned the trick to going fast and so we FLEW down that slide. The sun was out and it felt so great. We layed by the pool, swam, ate fries and burgers, mini golfed. I also jogged around the top of the ship (they had a track) and so that was really cool. Best way to run I have found yet. At dinner that night, we celebrated Em's birthday and so that was fun. We also watched some of my family gamble and only Em came away with $25 in winnings. Later that night we packed up our stuff and hung out.

Friday: Ate breakfast and then pretty much got off the boat. My dad and brother gave us a ride to the airport. We flew and were home to pick up the girls at 4:30 to which they didn't really even seem to miss us but we sure missed them and were ready to be home. All in all, it was a great trip and I am glad to have written a novel about it!

Sail Away

2010-05-02T07:20:00.000-07:00

Well tomorrow Jake and I are headed on a 5 day cruise to Mexico with my family! Jake's parents are graciously watching our kids and hopefully they will be good as we have never left them for this long. I can't wait to relax, tan, sightsee, eat, and everything else! So long till next week!!!!!

Beach Party!

2010-04-20T19:37:00.000-07:00

So now I actually have something to post, as the sun shined down on us yesterday and we had a little pool party (the beach part was the sandbox so sand was involved folks!) The kids had a blast. Sammy's cousins, Parker & Macie joined in the fun while Maddie was napping mostly. Sammy's little friend Aze and her brother Ryder was also there in attendance. It was a fun day full of sunshine, jumping, popsicles, and sandy bodies-what more could a kid ask for?

Little Bug #2

2010-03-29T04:24:00.000-07:00

Doesn't she just make you laugh? I love how happy this little bug is. She loves to play with toys and seriously is almost always happy. I wish all babies were like her. Now at 16 months she can say "doggy" "duck" "daddy" "moma" "ball" and I think "bam bam" is Sam Sam. She doesn't talk much but does a lot of grunting. She loves loves loves to play in the sandbox and could seriously play in it all day! I can't wait for more warm weather. She loves to gives "bam bam" hugs which is super cute too. Thanks for being such a good girl Maddie May!

Mr. Time

2010-03-19T16:09:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to ask you how does time fly by so quickly? I used to have this sweet little baby and now as I look at her she has turned into a beautiful girl. How did that happen? I used to think that you did things so slowly and that every day would last forever, but now that I look at Samantha today, I realize that is not the case. It seemed like just a few days that she was born, and then that she learned how to say "ball" and "papa." Now she knows her alphabet and is trying to sound out words and says things like "mom, that is so adorable." I will try to not take you for granted and enjoy what you give us!

Happy Birthday hubby dear!

2010-03-12T16:00:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to say Happy Birthday to the best hubby ever, Jacob Aaron Jenne. Your the bestest dad and hubby a family could ask for. Thanks for staying around the last five years. I hope it hasn't been too hard on you. We love you! And 28 is great they say!

Jenne style week

2010-03-10T15:27:00.000-08:00

aPParently eating Cheerios off the floor like a kitty, is way more cool than eating from a bowl like a normal person. Sammy is a PreTend kitty on a daily basis and Maddie seEms to follow suit. Good thing she has an older sister to teach her the roPEs huh? (I do sweep and mop my floors pretty much every day if you are wondering)

PLayIng outside in the 50 degree weather. Not ideal but we work with what we have!

My latest CReatIon. Don't worry I copied it from the million awesome BloGs I like to follow although I did change a few things myself. Instead of using wood, I just covered styrofoam with fabric and a staple gun. I then made the awesome ruffle one following the tutorial from the other day with the ruffle skirts. Look at me! So the whole project cost $4 for foam (Roberts with coupon), and $4 for fABric (only needed 1/3 of yard of each).

Next I am on to vinylizing (is that word?) my kitchen chairs and I would like to figure out a simple pattern for dress up dresses for Sam. She is getting too big for her old ones and not enough costumes for PLAygroup DaYs.

Sunshine and sewing

2010-03-03T15:30:00.000-08:00

So the girls have been loving the sunshine this week, it's been SO nice! The last three days it has been like 55! What a nice change from the cold, but supposidly it's going away and a storm is moving in darn it! Anyhow, I tried to take pics of the girls since I haven't in forever. Maddie is 15 months and Sammy is almost 4! How time flies. Anyhow, I made these cute skirts from some of my old tees (which I copied from here) and tried to get pics of the girls. Sammy cooperated and Maddie was not!

Here is a new one!

2010-02-20T00:09:00.000-08:00

So it's kinda been awhile. My sister is doing better and slowly recovering from her accident. I have recently discovered a new addiction: SEWING. I am trying to improve my skills and actually have been enjoying it in the process. Latest goal is dress, a purple dress in fact. I will post later if my skills beat expectations! And here is a picture that made me smile so hopefully it will you. Notice the tight fitting pjs on Maddie enhancing her little bum which I love! ANd yes, the scooter was inside, waiting for spring and warmness to come!

Today I am thankful

2010-02-08T20:20:00.000-08:00

for my sister Emmy also known as m&m or emmy lou. I love this girl a lot and am glad that there was a miracle today in her behalf because I don't know what we would do without her. And if you are wondering what I am talking about, she was in a bad car accident this morning. Luckily, she is alright but tomorrow morning I am headed off to Cedar City with another wonderful sister and mom to go visit her. We love you emmy lou!

A new addition to the family!

2010-02-05T20:26:00.000-08:00

I have a new nephew, Jack! Isn't he adorable? And way to go mommy, since he was almost a 10 1/2 lb baby!

Maddie found Sammy's boots while she was gone to play today!

And the picture you have all been asking for. Please don't comment on how tired I look, I know.

What to do in the Wintertime?

2010-01-31T17:32:00.000-08:00

Haircuts!

Sammy and I both chopped off our hair. I love how easy it is to do her hair and less tears involved. Thanks Danielle!

A day at Jungle Gyms

(you really can't go wrong for $6-we had a B1G1FREE) with their buddies Ryder and Azelynn

Painting kitchen cupboards (I got half done this week-now I am thinking it's a good thing I don't have so many cupboards!) oh and I will post before and after shots when it's all finished

And last but not least COUCH JUMPING (which pretty much was the highlight!)

Painting, Scrapbooking & Princesses

2010-01-21T19:04:00.000-08:00

Well I have always wanted to get rid of the honey oak in my house. It just wasn't my style. I have always wanted to change them and so I finally did! I started last week and just finished the banister. It was a ton of work but totally worth it. Next up: kitchen cupboards! The girls were really good about it and even Sammy told me it was pretty!

Before picture (well I had kind of already started but it's the only one I got)

After picture (taken 5 minutes ago)

Next up: Scrapbooking. Last weekend my friends and I did another scrap sleepover and it was so fun. I got 11 pages done and even got 4 hours of sleep (yes, we stayed up until 4 am). Good company, good food, good scrapbooking and so RELAXING. We then decided that we are going to do this quarterly. So if anyone is up for the challenge, we would love to have you join us. April can't come soon enough!

This picture is after Tiffany took her 16 pages home with her!

Yesterday: playgroup. Sammy loved it. Her three bestest friends came over with most of their siblings (we missed you Carter) and they had a blast! Ryder was the only boy and a little outnumbered but he didn't mind when all the girls wanted to play dress ups. And can you believe we had enough dressups for all 6 princesses!

And even Maddie had fun!

So that is what we have been doing in a nutshell the last two weeks!