Ashton Archive

Welcome to St George, UT!!

2010-05-23T19:39:00.014-05:00

Look what's blooming in St. George, and all in my own yard!

Boy has it been a WHILE or what????? Yeah, I know....let's move on. Our family moved to St .George, UT on Feb 13th. We have been here 3 months now and have settled in nicely. We are so grateful to have a nice home with a little extra room to move around in. The house has really been fun to enjoy and decorate with our nice views out the back and unique flowering desert plants. We can't wait to see what blooms next!

The kids have all done so well adjusting and we live on a cul-de-sac street with lots of kids and it is so much safer than our busy intersection in our OK house. School will be out for the summer this Thursday and I will be wearing all black to initiate the mourning :( Just kidding! We are excited to spend time swimming and boating and riding our bikes. Darren and I have gotten bikes and have loved the great trails around here. The scenery is really beautiful, just not as green as we were used to in Oklahoma. The ward has been so welcoming and we have made some good friends already. We do miss our Oklahoma friends and were so sad to leave that part of our life behind. I especially have such a warm place in my heart for so many good friends that helped to carry us through such a hard time when Darren was sick. We will always treasure our Okie friends!

There are so many things to do here in St. George!! We have been to Snow Canyon State Park, Zions National Park, Sand Hollow Reservoir, Tuacahn Amphitheatre to see Brian Regan and Kurt Bestor, and we went mountain biking on some local trails and had a fun time without any wipeouts! We have also had three police officers visit from some "Sarah 911" calls. And Cameron got 4 stitches in his thumb trying to slice his own apple. Oh, and a 78 year-old lady ran into us while we were towing the boat and we got to dial 911 for real! The kids LOVED that. Luckily no one was hurt. Except for when Erin rolled up the window on my arm all the way. I'm still sporting a nice black bruise from that!

Lauren turned 10 in March and has liked babysitting everyone and earning some $ for herself. And Cameron turned 8 last week and looks forward to being baptized June 5th. He passed his Bishop's interview today so I guess it's a go!

Darren is liking his job and trying to rejuvinate the adoption program here. His co-workers are all glad someone is finally here locally to help run it so it can really be the blessing it's meant to be. I have started running 3 miles 3 times a week with some neighbors in the ward. The scale hasn't moved much but I am definately getting stronger. It is so nice to be outside here too! Never any humidity and so cooler temps don't feel nearly as cold and we haev beautiful sunsets almost every night. Even if it does cloud up for a while, it seems like they go away i ntime for a pretty sunset. Sunshine is sooooooo good for my soul and I get plenty here. We didn't realize we would like it this much here and feel so grateful that the Lord provided such a good home, neighborhood, and ward for us to be a part of.

Here are some pictures of what we have been up to.

Year in Review Part 2

2010-01-14T12:01:00.016-06:00

4th of July 4th of July

Erin doesn't want to be a poodle for Halloween

Boating with Kneelands - Ryan and Holly
(why didn't I take more pictures?)

Awww! Ewwwww!

My cute cowboy

Halloween 2009

What dance move is this ladies?

Friction anyone?

Never a dull moment

Love my friends

Bustin' a move

Kids in the wedding

Ladies Man

Brandon's wedding

Thanksgiving Imax movie day

Naughty Baby

New house in St. George

Messy Baby

I'll be glad when this phase is over

Goofy Girls

Erin loves her Papa

Lauren gets some boots

Cam's a pro at flying his helicopter
Christmas 2009
Finally lost a front tooth!
Happy 5th Birthday Sarah!

Party time

Year in Review

2010-01-13T10:52:00.005-06:00

The easiest way to sum up last year is through pictures. Since our news of moving to St. George I will commit to more regular posts. I look forward to keeping better track of our comings and goings through our family blog this year!

Big Brother Cameron with bald baby Erin

Family wrestle mania!

Happy 9th Birthday to Lauren...Nice job Sara Lee!

No Sarah, she doesn't need help!

Cameron turns 7 with some Krispy Kremes!
Golf with Dad

Spring Showers (floods)

Cute Sarah

Erin teething on her shoes

Spring Break Part 2

2009-06-12T00:56:00.003-05:00

Then we headed north, back up to Dallas to meet up with friends the Kneelands and Eastmans! A trip wouldn't be complete without 3 days of camping mixed in between it all would it? We went to Lake Texoma and picked a stellar site for all three families. We hiked, played football, kickball and bocce ball until Darren ended all the fun and accidentally dropped a tree stump on Sarah's foot and fractured it. Luckily, it was a very small break and she told everyone that her dad dropped a log on her! She walked around in a boot for a couple weeks and it was all better. We had some great food too. Darren made an oven out of a cardboard box, foil, and charcoal and cooked us cinnamon rolls both mornings. Holly made some amazing dutch oven apricot chicken and rice. The kids built themselves a lean-to shelter like Survivor Man would have done. We had a freakin BLAST! Can't wait to do it again guys!

2009-06-11T23:36:00.003-05:00

Dear bloggity blog blog:

I've neglected

I've ignored

Life's been busy

That's for sure

But I'm back

In full force

Never again to fall of this horse, named blog!

(I'm good...I know ;)

Spring Break 2009

2009-04-08T09:08:00.013-05:00

We did a little of everything this year on Spring Break. We enjoyed some snow, some camping, some sand and sun, and some torrential rains. We could not have packed anything more into this trip if we tried!

Our trip started out on a snowy Thursday leaving from Tulsa. We ended that day back at home and me in my robe, in bed. No, I wasn't sick, I just just kind of had a break - with reality that is. I felt a little crazed and claustrophobic because we had so much stuff packed in our car our faces were smashed up against the windows and the kids had their knees to their chests. After a good night's sleep we headed out the next morning fresh and ready to go.

First, we headed to Houston and saw my sister Amy and her family who hosted our motley crew, thanks Amy! Then to Galveston to see Uncle Brandon in medical school and G-ma and

G-pa Ashton, Ashley and her hubby Kevin. It rained for 3 days straight so we went to the aquarium and played Rock Band. Then I got to hook up with a couple friends from high school which was such a treat! We had fish tacos and caught up on the last 15 years! The sun came out the last day and we got to go play at the beach.

Mom and Lauren in the shark tank

Brandon, Mom Ashton, Kevin, Ashley, Cameron and Lauren at aquarium

How do you like my flash photography despite the sign not to? Ha!

A Little Praise for the Mommies

2009-04-08T08:52:00.002-05:00

Dr. Laura was on Hannity last night and has a beautiful take on mom's who stay home with their children. It really is the hardest job on earth and she gives us a warm hug and a pat on the back! Love it!

Well...hello friend

2009-04-01T14:32:00.005-05:00

What can I say? See, there she goes again...now you know what I've been doing...

So the motivation for this post was the snow flake layout I've had up for 3, almost 4 months now. Sad. But hey, life happens.

Here are some random pics to let you see what we've been doing...

Sledding
Sleeping

Dancing

Birthdays (Lauren's 9th)

Hannah and "My Sarah"

2009-01-14T21:37:00.006-06:00

Sarah's friend Hannah calls her "my Sarah". Isn't that adorable? Isn't SHE adorable? She is my friend Becky's little girl, the one who colors so well. Well they had a playdate a while back and here's some cute shots of their dance party.

Dance Fever Tryouts

Home For Christmas

2009-01-14T21:24:00.004-06:00

We got to spend some great time together for Christmas this year. The kids were angels and didn't fight. They just played and laughed while sugar plums danced in their heads...whatever! I was so ready for school to start back up! We did have fun though! Chucky Cheese's, bowling, badminton in the back yard (thanks Santa) what's not to love? Darren took a lot of time off and we didn't have to travel anywhere so it was relaxed and easy going. Darren got what he's been wanting....ShamWow's and some Mighty Putty (he is a sucker for those tv ads, thanks mom) , and an atomic clock with the weather station outside. He's officially an old man nerd!! Ha Ha! I actually love to see how cold it is and the big numbers are so easy to see :)

Life's Good

2009-01-14T20:59:00.003-06:00

Wow! Sometimes life just gets busy and you have to put things on hold....like blogging. We are all well. Erin is sitting up and starting to eat real food. For a while I thought she was going to do nothing but nurse! She still can't get the hang of a bottle or binky but is starting to eat baby food. Yea! That means options for the mommy...a first with her! She is so fun lately laughing, and giggling. It's sweet at this age because they love you so much no matter what, and mom's just need more love, don't ya think?

Asleep in the tub after throwing up...poor baby!

Chillaxin in my tub!

Mmmmm...applesauce

2009-01-09T21:47:00.002-06:00

I'm still alive. I finally downloaded some pics which I'll post later. BTW, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. We had a wonderful time but missed family. It was nice not having to travel though. Stay tuned...if you still even visit this blog.

Kory and Amber...Caramel Recipe

2008-12-12T23:53:00.002-06:00

I emailed both of you in response to your comments but I guess those auto reply emails don't make it. So here is the recipe:

2 sticks butter
2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups karo syrup
1 can Eagle Brand milk
1/4 tsp salt

Mix all in heavy duty pot. Bring to boil on med high and cook until it comes together in when dripped into ice water, or to 234 degrees. Some candy thermometers can be inaccurate so I do the ice water method. DO NOT OVERCOOK! When the color starts turning golden start checking. Pour into saran wrapped 9 x 13 pan. Cool and turn out to cut. Wrap in wax paper. They are really good with pecans added to it!

Holiday Time

2008-12-02T22:14:00.002-06:00

Time to start the traditions in our house of poppy seed bread making and caramel wrapping. I am ready to bake, bake, bake! I love to have the Christmas tunes on and the tree lit up and bake up a storm. It also helps if it is lightly snowing outside the window. It all adds to the feeling of it all! Mmmmm...I love this time of year. Merry Christmas everyone!

Amy, post the Christmas names...I forgot to tell anyone! Hopefully you still have the paper.

Thanks to Darren and Chad for picking the names this year.

Another Cameron Funny

2008-12-02T22:06:00.002-06:00

A while ago Darren had a conversation in the car with the kids. We had just seen a guy holding a sign on a street corner, begging for money. So he told the kids that if they didn't want to beg on a street corner for money or be a garbage man, or a construction worker out in the hot or cold weather (no disrespect) they should never quit school and go to college. Last Saturday evening my parents took our family out to eat at their favorite seafood restaurant. Cameron was sitting across from me and after looking around the place and seeing all the wait staff he says to me, "So...Mom, all these people quit school?"

The Puppy and The Lost Tooth

2008-11-19T21:32:00.003-06:00

Cameron lost his first tooth tonight. He and Sarah were playing, and he was the puppy. The puppy was chewing on some clothes and she yanked it out of his mouth really hard and out flew the tooth. Forget about the fact that it wasn't even loose to start with or that it was bleeding, he thought it was the coolest thing that had ever happened to him! He wants to show it to all his friends at school and his teacher! It took him a half hour to find it after it was flung across the room. I guess that means the tooth fairy has to come tonight...crap!

Once when Lauren lost a tooth she got a pack of juicy fruit and 69 cents. Yep, that's what was in the coin tray of the car. Then I told her about the tooth fairy. So the next tooth she lost I kept forgetting and by the 4th night as I put her to bed, she handed me her tooth and said with a sweet look in her eye, "Just take it, Mom."

I looked at his mouth close to make sure all was fine and told him to not lose any more teeth because it made him look too old and I didn't want him to grow up too fast. He said he wanted to live fast and die so that he could be with Jesus. Uuuuhhh...what? This isn't the first time he has talked like this. I said, "Why? What is it going to be like?" He said, "Warm and cozy." I think he is right. Times like this I think I need to hug and kiss and love more often and not "cry over spilled milk" so much. We never know what will happen in life! But I'm sure Cameron will be here for lots of years to come giving me grief and helping me realize I need to chill out!

Team Becky

2008-11-14T00:23:00.002-06:00

Today was the funeral service for Duane Scott Summers. It was a beautiful service that was very well attended. I was glad I could be there. Becky and I met when we moved here 5 years ago. She is a saintly mother and a great friend. She has such great common sense and looks at life with great perspective. We have carpooled kids, served in primary together, and are visiting teaching partners. This weekend there will be a benefit for their family at our ward building. We will be selling baked goods and having a bi-ward parking lot sale and all the the proceeds will go to the Summers family. There has also been a fund set up if anyone wishes to donate. Please click on the team Becky button to do so. Read about their family here.

As her friends and brothers and sisters in the gospel we will ever be by her side to listen, support and love our dear Becky and her 7 "little monkeys".

As a side note, I thought it was so sweet at the viewing last evening, beneath the casket lined up in a row were 7 little stuffed monkey's, representing each of their 7 extraordinary children.

To my Dear Friend Becky,

2008-11-10T11:54:00.002-06:00

I just heard of Duane's passing. Oh, how I wish the world could stop for a moment in sweet remembrance of your dear husband. All the demands of life are so pale in comparison to your sweetheart leaving this life. I pray your heart will be able to bear what emotions will come...what you have already been enduring. Please know of my love for you and my prayers on your behalf. I and many others will still be here long after the funeral is over and life returns to normal for so many others. Know you have friends who love and care for you and your sweet children. We won't ever grow tired of you talking about your sweet husband, your Superman, Duane.

With love,
Lindsay

Picture of The Day

2008-11-08T10:40:00.004-06:00

The thought of doing this scares the living daylights out of me!

Ismari, while this may bring a smile to you and your sweet hubby's face it puts absolute fear and panic on mine!! Aaaahhhhhh!

Erin's Ab workout and Dog Hating

2008-11-02T00:45:00.003-05:00

Because the items in this post were unrelated I was going to call it odds and ends, but then, all I could think of was nuts and butts, and rears and queers which is a punch line to a joke my dad tells and so I just couldn't do it. A select few know that joke...thanks dad!

Lately, Erin will lay with her head up, trying her darnedest to try to do a full on sit-up, like if she tries it just one more time.... she'll be able to do it. One and two and hold and again...

Lauren created some fine artwork this afternoon I thought I would share with you all. She hasn't been influenced at all by my dislike for the canine species. Our neighbor's have 4 little dogs and one chased her the other day so she did some journaling to work through her fear. I laughed so hard when I saw the flower drooping because of the smelly poop! Maybe I'll have her enter it in our school's Reflections contest. Think it would win...the theme is "WOW", which isn't what I'm thinking when I see their dog's poop in our yard. I'm thinking, "Where is that pellet gun?"

My Birfday and more Halloween

2008-11-02T00:17:00.003-05:00

I woke up filthy, stinkin, rich on my birthday this year! Darren was expecting some extra $ this month from some trainings he had done. Now, we all know that we spend what we make, but after the baby we are still trying to pay off a few bills. I said, "Whenever you finally do get this money, can I just roll around on the bed with it for a while before it vanishes?" So I woke up to

100 dollar bills on my bed to "roll around in". Heck, the bills can wait, I'm going shopping! He made me breakfast too and we got to spend the day together driving to OKC and back. It was a great day! Thanks for all the birthday wishes from so many of you! Enjoy the pics below...

Money, money, money, money........Moooonnneeeeyyyy!

Trick or treating

Sometimes I think I would never have anything to write about if I didn't have Cameron. That kid has some great material for blogging. He takes the cake again with this one...As he walked away from a house while trick-or-treating he yells back to me, "Mom..... that lady smokes!" And I mean the kind of yell that he would use to tell me the house is on fire! The lady is behind her truck smoking a cigarette, talking on her cell phone, and handing out candy to kids. Talk about multi-tasking! I just moved on quietly and hoped she hadn't seen which mom he screamed it to. So I guess we need to have the talk about why we don't publically humiliate people for smoking just because we don't do it.

Happy Halloween

2008-10-30T20:30:00.004-05:00

80's aerobic queens

Hanz and Franz

Strike a pose, there's nothin' to it...Vogue!

The Witch, the Batman and the Eeyore

Bunny Love

Camera Happy

2008-10-28T20:11:00.003-05:00

Ain't No Such Thing As A Free Lunch

2008-10-28T19:57:00.002-05:00

Cameron came home yesterday with a note saying his lunch account was overdue. I was perplexed because the kid hasn't bought lunch once so far this school year. Today Lauren says, "I know why Cameron brought home that letter about his lunch account. He's eating breakfast in the morning and I told him he couldn't and he said it was okay because it was free."

Aah Hah! I go to Cameron and ask, "Do you want to tell me what you've been doing at school in the morning? "Working hard in my class" was his response. I said, "No, before class...have you been eating breakfast there?" "Yes" he says but has no idea that he is eating on credit nor that I would find out. So he eats here and then eats again as soon as he gets to school and is still skinny as a rail. I guess he needs alot more food but is just too ADD to sit still and eat long enough for his tummy to tell him he's full. He says it was great because he got to eat cocoa puffs with chocolate milk on them. So good to know that our school cafeteria is dedicated to sugaring up our youngsters before a full days work! No wonder I don't let him eat breakfast at school!!!

2008-10-23T23:30:00.001-05:00

This is a site that has some of the neatest blog backgrounds and is also where you can find some pretty cool LDS blinkies ~ for FREE!

Check it out next week to see about the giveaways, new backgrounds, and other new, fun stuff!

8 is Great!

2008-10-18T00:41:00.002-05:00

Tagged by Ismari

8 TV Shows I Love To Watch

1. Fox News
2. The Office
3. Survivorman
4. Planet Earth (Discovery)
5. Seinfeld re-runs
6. Law and Order
7. Paula Home Cooking (Food Network)
8. UFC Fight Night (I know it is totally redneck - Darren has taught Cameron what an arm bar and a rear naked choke hold are)
9. American Idol
10. Bachelor and Bachelorette (just to make fun of...mostly)

8 Things that happened to me yesterday

1. Can't remember so I'll do today...Got kids ready and took them to Target for pictures.
2. Went to Sam's and ate lunch with kids there...they're favorite!
3. Drove home with the sunroof open and windows down singing Coldplay.
4. Swept and mopped kitchen floor.
5. Vacuumed living room.
6. Weed-eated hopefully for the last time this season and swept back patio off.
7. Made fruit salad and scrambled eggs with cheese for dinner and served with last night's tamale pie.
8. Nursed baby and watched Fox News while Darren took kids to school park to play.
9. Made popcorn and watched part the new Indiana Jones movie...so dumb!
10. Watched home videos and wondered how my kids got so big and wondered why I haven't videoed anything for a whole year!

8 Favorite Places to Eat

1. Ted's
2. Fish Daddy's
3. Abuelo's
4. Pei Wei
5. Panera
6. I Hop
7. Outback (#1 pick)
8. Johnny Carrino's
9. PF Chang's
10. Steak and Shake

8 Things I am looking forward to

1. Fall Break being over - I'm out of summer mode and having all kids home all the time!
2. Halloween - my birthday!
3. Candy from kids trick-or-treating bags
4. Thanksgiving and Christmas time
5. Some snow - no ICE!
6. Hot chocolate from QT
7. The rest of BYU Football season - too bad about TCU
8. Lauren being able to babysit in 3 years or so
9. Losing all baby weight and firming up again - wait...does that happen after the 4th baby?
10. Seeing which lesser of two evils wins the Presidential Election

8 Things on my wish list

1. New clothes & shoes
2. More patience so I could go all day and just think of how much I love my kids and not how they just filthed up my clean house!
3. A maid
4. A fenced yard
5. New neighbors on both sides, preferably ones without multiple loud dogs and would it hurt if they were friendly and didn't bring cops and trouble into the neighborhood???????
6. All new make-up and hair product
7. My head of hair before I lost half of it down the shower drain after the baby
8. A freezer stocked with Bluebell Ice cream
9. Grocery prices to fall
10. To go on another cruise someday

8 People I tag

1. Lisa
2. Holly
3. Jen H.
4. Sally
5. Becky
6. Dana
7. Kristin
8. Amy B.

Handbag Giveaway

2008-10-11T21:42:00.003-05:00

This is the handbag I hope I win.

They'll give one away for the next 24 hours to promote their new business. Check it out.

http://www.handbagplanet.com/

My Super Saturday Project

2008-10-11T21:06:00.008-05:00

Check me out!

Check out my cute new apron I made today at our Souper Saturday event at church....yeah, I know, you likey! I was so happy I finished it, but not without the help from my good friend Joni...Thanks, Joni! The link to her website is Modern Myrtle where you can order your own along with several other vintage-esque goodies! I feel like I really need to bake now...time for some cinnamon rolls...yum! This recipe is the best cinnamon roll recipe ever! It's from my friend, Paula Deen, Food Network star. Try it out!

Dough:
1/4-ounce package yeast
1/2 cup warm water
1/2 cup scalded milk
1/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup butter or shortening
1 teaspoon salt
1 egg
3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour

Filling:
1/2 cup melted butter, plus more for pan
3/4 cup sugar, plus more for pan
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
3/4 cup raisins, walnuts, or pecans, optional

Glaze:
4 tablespoons butter
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 to 6 tablespoons hot water

Directions

Heat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water and set aside. In a large bowl mix milk, sugar, melted butter, salt and egg. Add 2 cups of flour and mix until smooth. Add yeast mixture. Mix in remaining flour until dough is easy to handle. Knead dough on lightly floured surface for 5 to 10 minutes. Place in well-greased bowl, cover and let rise until doubled in size, usually 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
When doubled in size, punch down dough. Roll out on a floured surface into a 15 by 9-inch rectangle. Spread melted butter all over dough. Mix sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over buttered dough. Sprinkle with walnuts, pecans, or raisins if desired. Beginning at the 15-inch side, role up dough and pinch edge together to seal. Cut into 12 to 15 slices.
Coat the bottom of baking pan with butter and sprinkle with sugar. Place cinnamon roll slices close together in the pan and let rise until dough is doubled, about 45 minutes. Bake for about 30 minutes or until nicely browned.
Meanwhile, mix butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Add hot water 1 tablespoon at a time until the glaze reaches desired consistency. Spread over slightly cooled rolls.

P.S. I add cream cheese to the icing cuz I like it like that!

GO BYU!

2008-10-01T23:55:00.004-05:00

This I thought was too funny as I searched for a BYU image...

GO BYU!
BYU vs UTAH STATE FRIDAY NIGHT @ 7 p.m.

Aquarium Adventure

2008-10-01T23:34:00.003-05:00

Darren is out of town this entire week in Utah and the free coupons to the aquarium the kids earned for summer reading at the library were about to expire! So we took a trip to see some sharks Tuesday evening. We got to pet sting rays, they are very slimy by the way, and see lots of real sharks in a tank over our heads and around us! It was cool! There were also, moray eels, beavers, otters, and of course, Nemo was there with Dori! We were done after and hour and a half. I can't imagine spending the 60 $ it would have cost us all to get in without the coupons for an hour of fish watching. Fish are fish, man! It was worth the 15 dollars it cost just for me, for all of us to go though! Then to Braum's for ice cream! Can't beat it. What a fun night.

Shark Tank

Fearsome Foursome

Ward Campout 2008

2008-10-01T23:04:00.004-05:00

Lauren and her friends busting out a karaoke tune
3 month old baby's weren't meant to camp
Lauren, Sarah and Gwenny
You gotta problem Dude?

Wow! I don't know if I have ever expended this amount of energy in less than 24 hours before. It was a lot of work to pack, hook up boat, set up tent, lay out beds, have loads of fun singing karaoke, roast s'mores, get very limited sleep, stand up swaying baby after nursing for 45 minutes in middle of night so as not to wake fellow campers, get up, dress kids, eat breakfast, have more fun, take down camp, pack back up, and deal with very fussy baby! But it was all part of the experience! I sang Material Girl with some girlfriends and we rocked it out. We better get good at the camping thing though since Darren is the new Young Men's President in our ward. He was released from our Bishopric a couple weeks ago and then received the YM calling. The only thing I really gained was a husband to help wrangle kids in sacrament meeting, for which I am very grateful! This is a whole new ball game for him. So we may find ourselves on more campouts to come. Goodness knows, he needs the practice! Amy, tell Chad to get Darren a Philmont belt! Maybe he can pick his name this Christmas.

Where Did You Hear That?

2008-09-23T21:45:00.003-05:00

I knew the day was coming. It was just a matter of time. And I knew who would bring it up too. Tonight at dinner Cameron asked, "Mom, is fu** a bad word?"

Mom: Uuuuuuhhhhh, Yeah. Where did you hear that?

Cameron: From my friend at the bus stop this morning. He said "Oh, Fu**!"

Mom: Well, we never say that word. It is used by people who can't express themselves in a smart way. In other words, it makes you sound really dumb, so never, never say that.

Cameron: Why? What does it mean?

Mom: It means whoever says it sounds like an idiot, so that's why we don't say it.

Cameron: Oh, okay.

Let's hope this was explanation enough. And that Sunday Sarah doesn't blurt it out at church saying just how bad of a word it is. Aaaaaahhhhh!

First Giggles

2008-09-23T21:11:00.004-05:00

I didn't quite get it on video but today Erin chuckled her first real laugh at me. It was so cute! She is growing too fast and I find myself wishing I could shrink her back down so she doesn't get so big so fast. Maybe I could visit the Willy Wonka factory and put her through the same gadget that shrank Mike T.V. Think it could work? Today she proved that although she is making milestones, she is still capable of crying non-stop and going all day without a real nap: sleeping longer than 10 minutes without me holding her. Despite her wailings I am enjoying her and loving her coos and squeals. Oh baby, you really are the last one :(

Just Like Grandma Used to...

2008-09-23T16:24:00.003-05:00

I thought of my Grandma Crowther today. When Grandpa died a year and a half ago, I inherited grandma's Pyrex glass nesting bowls and her bread pans. So today, I made her banana bread and mixed it in her bowls and then baked it in her bread pans, just like she would have done. It was neat as I realized I was going through the motions much like she would have done years ago. I miss her.

For Your Viewing Pleasure

2008-09-13T23:16:00.000-05:00

More on The Ribs

2008-09-10T18:24:00.001-05:00

Ok, I am a dummy when it comes to ribs. I have never made them for fear of spending the $ on them only to ruin them and regret it. My lovely friend Holly has shown me it can be done, and done right! Here goes:

1 slab back loin pork ribs (babyback) fed our family of 5 eaters fine...I haven't started the baby on ribs yet.

Unwrap ribs and season with McCormick Montreal Steak Seasoning
Wrap with heavy duty foil and bake on 250 for 4 hrs.
Unwrap and slather with favorite bbq sauce (I love Sweet Baby Rays Honey Barbecue Sauce)
Wrap back up in foil and let sit 30 mins.
I don't have a grill so I finished mine under the broiler for 10 mins. It soaks up the h2o in sauce so the sauce really sticks to the meat. If you have a grill, you can finish on the grill.

Let the meat melt in your mouth and relax into a pork lovin' haze!!

My whole family loved, loved, loved this. I baked sweet potatoes with butter and brown sugar on them and served it all up with green beans and rolls! YUM!

Ode to my brother Craig

2008-09-10T00:01:00.001-05:00

The Milli Vanilli song is for you. I remember when you missed their concert in MD and you kept launching your lacrosse ball around up in your room. HaHa!

Baby Erin 12 weeks

2008-09-09T23:00:00.001-05:00

Time flys by too fast so I though I better get a couple cuties before she fills out any more!

I want my babyback, babyback,babyback...

2008-09-09T22:52:00.000-05:00

Oh yeah, baby. That's right. I made some killer ribs last Sunday for dinner and, thanks to Holly Kneeland, they melted off the bone just like hers. I was going to take a picture to make your mouths water but before I knew it there was just a pile of bones...sorry! Man they were the BOMB! Since I had such good luck making ribs for the first time I thought I would try my hand at another first...cutting Sarah's hair. I was going to have my friend Sally who does my hair do it but an impulse took over and I just started cutting. I listened to her give a hair cutting lesson last time I was over at her house so I knew the basics. I trimmed 4 inches off her hair and it is straight, believe it or not!! So I guess we won't be coming over for a haircut Sally.

Labor Day at Broken Bow

2008-09-03T16:39:00.000-05:00

Rock Band Rocks!

The Lost Boys

Our Cameron Skiing

How do you like that money sucking black hole we call a boat?

Daxton and Sarah

We had such a fun time with the Eastmans and Kneelands over the long Labor Day weekend. I think we have a tradition in the making! Darren grew up with Chris and Chad down in TX and our families have all known each other for a long time. We met at Broken Bow Lake and all stayed in a really "cozy" little cabin called Lookout Lodge. Our kids had a fantastic time together and played, explored, swam and skied. The adults enjoyed boating too but the real fun came when the kids went to bed and we rocked out to Rock Band and American Idol Karaoke! I never knew I could sing so well or tear it up on the drums like I do! Holly, in my opinion, took the "best of" on vocals, although Chris wished he had! Chad and Amanda totally know their way around a rock band! Performing so well, no matter what they did. They showed us all up! Thanks for all the great food too. Holly, I'm making ribs for dinner on Sunday! Just want you all to know how much we love having you as friends and thanks for some great memories!

A Spitting Defense

2008-09-03T16:01:00.000-05:00

I was chasing and tickling Sarah this afternoon and at one point I had her pinned on the living room floor. Her arms were straight up and she couldn't move hardly. She must have felt a sense of desperation because she looked up at me and just spit in my face, as if that was her last defense. GROSS! It may not have scared off a real attacker, but it worked on me!

Oh No You Ditn't!

2008-08-28T08:30:00.000-05:00

Boy, it felt good to have some blood boiling through me again yesterday. Sarah, the baby and I were down at our neighborhood pool chillin' when these riff raff black kids came and tried to swim. I knew them because they hang out at our neighbor's house next door and last year when I was pool police I kicked them out. So I ask the spokesman of the group if they live here in the neighborhood. He said they did to which I said, "No you don't, I see where you walk into the neighborhood from across the street all the time." He told me to shut up. Then the other boy with them admitted to me they didn't live in the neighborhood when the other kid went to the bathroom. He said "Tell me if she starts trippin'" as he left to relieve himself. So I told them again they couldn't swim and he said, "You bettah shut up or you're gonna get your a** whooped." What?? Oh no you ditn't! So I had our friendly Sherrif pay him and his brother a visit thanks to directions from the kids next door. Apparently they don't hang out anymore with them anymore after he assaulted some boys next door last Sunday. Real winner! If I see him around here again I'm gonna busta cap in his...what?? That's right! Darren has a high power pellet gun and I'm not afraid to use it!

Too Tired To Blog

2008-08-21T22:54:00.000-05:00

I'm still here... but lately, blogging hasn't been on the top of my list. Changing diapers and getting Erin to smile has been though. She likes to smile now in the morning alot. Too bad she is all smiled out before her Daddy ever sees it. He gets home just in time for the screams. I'm just glad he still comes home knowing he has to come home to such chaos. I'll update more later, my pillow is calling.

The Days of My Life...

2008-08-14T11:40:00.001-05:00

Erin's Blessing

Cameron and Sarah's idea of babysitting...letting her listen to the hot wheels radio!

Sarah's Blessing Day...Can you tell the picture was taken AFTER church??
Erin's Blessing Dress
Big Sister Helping

First day of School

2008-08-14T09:31:00.000-05:00

Cameron and Lauren had their first day of school Wednesday. Cameron started 1st grade and has the same teacher Lauren had. She is great and was Teacher of the Year in 2007. Let's hope Cameron makes as good of an impression as Lauren did in her class!! Lauren was so excited to start 3rd grade. She got a really great teacher too and has some friends from previous years in her class. Looks like a great year is ahead of us. And boy, is the house quiet...Sarah and Erin and I are going to get lots of naps now!!

Our Crazy Colic Nights

2008-08-10T22:50:00.000-05:00

Erin is doing mighty fine. In our home we have gotten used to the evening wailings of our baby. She has a great set of lungs and knows how to cry, really well. She goes into frantic mode every evening before she nods off to sleep. She is sleeping better and better every night, but can't go without her nightly screams. It is a much different picture than I had of quietly rocking her, singing a lullaby of sorts as she peacefully drifted off to sleep. Instead, I sing the lullaby to myself in my head to keep from holding her too tightly and squeezing!!! Don't call DHS, I'm fine but I do look forward to the day she grows out of this phase. And please no stories about how your kid didn't grow out of it until they were five. I need to be able to believe that this will end soon! On a positive note...she is taking the binky now and seems to like it. See friends...binky therapy worked!!

It Happened to Me...

2008-08-10T22:32:00.000-05:00

This an installment Parents magazine has in their magazine where parents tell terrible things that happened to their kids to warn other parents of hazzards posed to young kids. Well, here's mine...I burned my three-year-old with instant oatmeal. I had heated the milk/water up in the microwave and it had boiled over so it was super hot. I took the glass measuring cup out and poured the milk into the bowl of oatmeal. It boiled up and over the bowl, burning my hand so I dropped it. Sarah was standing right beside me anxious to get her oatmeal and it splattered on her. She got burned on her eyelid, her neck and she has a blister on her forehead. Great mom, I know. So cautious and careful. Needless to say, I felt so terrible as she cried. So...NEVER pour over-heated milk into a bowl of dry instant oatmeal because apparently it blows up and makes a huge mess all over your entire kitchen and burns like the firery furnaces of hell!!

Dr. Jekyl and Miss Hyde

2008-07-29T16:04:00.000-05:00

Here are some shots to prove that she can smile and be happy! The days are so good, and nights?? Not so much.

Like my mohawk?

She is filling out quite nicely, don't you think?

The Experiment Begins

2008-07-28T21:19:00.000-05:00

We took a trip to the doctor today to see if we were doing all we can do to help Erin. I have read alot on milk protein sensitivity and so just as I was ready to cut all dairy out of my diet, the doctor suggested we try this Nutramigen formula. Luckily he gave me samples and we are trying it for 3 or 4 days to see if she gets any better. Tonight is the first night and it is much like any other night so far...lots of screaming except now I feel bad giving her this gross smelling formula and depriving her of nursing, which she keeps trying to do. It is emotional torture. Tune in next time when Erin is still screaming and we still din't know what to do about it. I hope 3 months comes soon and she outgrows it on her own.

My Little Corn Schuckers

2008-07-28T19:50:00.000-05:00

I had a little help in the kitchen Sunday morning. They were all too excited to schuck corn and put the ears in the pot. I remember Mom giving me this job many a time! I was so ready to sink my teeth into some sweet crunchy corn but it so wasn't! Maybe I didn't cook it long enough, or too long but it was bad! I even tried to cook it longer and it was still hard! Maybe the farmers picked it too soon. It couldn't possibly have been
my fault:)

Where Have I Been?

2008-07-24T22:26:00.000-05:00

What? Oh, no, I haven't been out of town. Why haven't I posted anything in a while? Oh because my baby hasn't stopped crying for a week straight! I'm on no sleep, the days are a blur, and when I look at Erin I have mad thoughts like, "Why did I get a crying machine for my 4th kid?" The kids ask what's wrong with her and, trying not to break into tears, I say I don't freaking know!!!! Now she has a stuffy nose, slight fever, and is choking and throwing up and mad because she swallows more air than milk when she nurses! When her eyes lock on mine all I get is a furrowed brow and wimpering as if she is telling me just how miserable she is.

My back is burning my muscles hurt so bad and my kids think my new eye color is red. I caught Cameron today with his hands on her head. She was crying of course and when I was about to scold him for bugging her he said, "I was just trying to give her a little blessing." Poor kid. He just wants peace and quiet too. It has to end soon right? It doesn't help that my other three kids didn't have colic and all were sleeping through most of the night by this age. I know, I had it comin'. Well, the deal is sealed..this is IT! NO MORE KIDS EVER!!! (Friends, please remind me of this entry when and if I ever talk of having another child! Thank you.)

More gifts!!

2008-07-17T23:26:00.000-05:00

I have to post these fantastic quilts my sister-in-laws both made me. They are so cute! I was so happy to get them. They are so well done and little Erin will have a hard time picking a favorite. My brother Stephen's wife, Jenny, made the purple and green one. She also knitted some darling booties with cute little beads. I have gotten so may complements on them! My brother Cory's wife, Jennelle made the pink and brown one. I love the fabric choices and how you put it all together! Thanks for all the hard work! I love them ladies! Thanks!

You got to go MOD!

2008-07-17T23:16:00.000-05:00

I have the most talented friend. Her name is Joni Gardine. Her link is on my list of friends. She has a great website modernmyrtle.com She made me a diaper bag for Erin but she has lots of great stuff. Check it out! Thank you, joni! I love my bag and make women jealous everywhere I go!

"It's an Emergency Mom"

2008-07-15T09:16:00.001-05:00

For a long strech, most naps and mornings for me have been interrupted by Cameron or Sarah coming to my bedside and asking some silly question, or tattling or whining. This morning, however, I hear, "Mom, mom...this really is an emergency." So, I jolt awake in a stupor of having been woken up every two hours to nurse the night before. "Mom, water is just running and running out of the toilet." Oh crap! I realize I really do have to get up and 1st - unplug the toilet, GROSS, 2nd - create a dam so the water doesn't reach the carpet, and 3rd - figure out a way to soak up all the water. Enter, the shop vac. I thanked myself profusely for getting it for Darren for his birthday 3 months ago and started sucking up the inch of water on the bathroom floor. Then I gave Cameron a lesson in plunging so that this hopefully, won't happen again. Guess I'll need a nap for sure this afternoon. Can't wait.

More from Layton...

2008-07-12T22:52:00.000-05:00

Picnic at Aunt Elaine's

Water balloon toss...watch out, here it comes.....

Twin Rides...The Skipper and Gilligan finally realize their dream!

Happy Birthday Ashley!!! The big 20!

Best Buds...until someone threw someone else in the lake..wonder who got thrown in?

Layton Preview

2008-07-12T22:45:00.000-05:00

Andrew and Darren

Watching Fireworks from the deck

Kevin & Ash, Mom and Dad, and Brandon and Gina

Mom and Dad Ashton

Our Trax train ride into SLC

Blair, Wendy and their cute kids, Grayden and Kiryauna

Happy 4th of July!

More to Come...

2008-07-10T13:42:00.001-05:00

Stay tuned for our week in Layton and 4th of July! A thunderstorm made me lose the slide show I had almost completed for this week at Ashton's. I'll have to redo it all. Don't know when...baby's cying...gotta go.

Road Trippin' It

2008-07-10T10:09:00.000-05:00

After 6 days at home with Erin we packed up and all got in our car, hooked on the boat and slowly made our way up to Utah. It was a fine trip and I don't think Erin opened her eyes the entire way. It was painful, however, seeing us get half the gas mileage we usually get towing that boat! Was it worth it? Oh, Yeah!! We had so much fun out on Bear Lake. Chad put forth a stellar effort and finally got up on the wakeboard! Way to go! His core body temperature was so low when he was done his lips were blue for the rest of the day. Cory also got up on the wakeboard and quite easily I might add due to his snowboarding and skateboarding skills.

I think Craig and Tammy knew who the true Karaoke Champs were at the end of that competition. Or do we need a rematch??? The week at the cabin had more in store than just boating and karaoke. Lauren got to horseback ride for the first time. The kids and Dad explored a cave. There was sock wrestling, tug of war, playing in the sand and swimming, golf, star gazing through Scott's telescope (we actually saw the rings around Saturn!), mosquitoes galore, learning to kayak, a week of fantastic food and treats too. Thanks for the Coffee Crisp Auntie Gail!

Seeing my cousins and catching up was so fun. It was a joy to see each family and how they'd grown and meet new cousins we hadn't even seen before! We definitely missed Auntie Carol and wish her the best on her mission in Fiji. Can't wait until we do it again!!

Bear Lake Reunion 2008

2008-07-10T01:09:00.001-05:00

More on Erin

2008-07-09T22:10:00.000-05:00

I went into labor with her 2 weeks and 5 days early. It was Friday the 13th but luckily she came at 1 a.m. on Saturday morning, June 14th. She made a very loud entrance into the world and didn't settle down for a long time. She wouldn't have been so mad if she hadn't come sunny side up and rubbed off her eyebrows on the way out! It must have hurt!

She has been a very sweet baby so far. She already weighs a hefty 9 1/2 lbs. She is still getting the sleeping thing down at night and the hard part so far is deciding which one of the kids is going to hold her. Really, it's Lauren who is totally in love with taking care of her and Cameron and Sarah see her and think they need a piece of the babysitting pie. Lauren has been a HUGE help to me and has cute little names she calls the baby. I would have 10 more if I knew 10 good families that would take them after they turned a year old. We are blessed to have her and look forward to getting to love her into our family!

"Get that #%#@#* camera out of my face! Haven't I posed enough for you crazy people?"

My First Bath

Erin Has Made Her Debut!

2008-06-15T15:21:00.001-05:00

Check these out for starters! Saturday @1 a.m. she was born. She weighed 7 lbs. and 14 oz. and 20 inches long! Can you get any more perfect???

Baby in a Week?

2008-06-12T09:25:00.000-05:00

My doctor finally took pity on me yesterday. She backed down when I told her about Grandpa passing and needing to be at his service. I told her that we induced Sarah 10 days early and she wa 8lbs. 13 oz. Then she said she was leaving town the 19th -22nd of June. When was she going to tell me that?? She she made a call and I'm on a waiting list for next Wed. the 18th to be induced. If I don't make it in that day do I have to wait on my own? I don't know. I am just praying that I go before the 18th on my own or that I get in to be induced on that day. So today I am walking and mowing both the front and back lawns. Maybe I will even do the trimmer...what do I have to lose at this point? Going into labor would be a plus!

You all may be tired of hearing about the drama leading up to this baby and I am frankly tired of it too! Tired of worrying, thinking, anticipating...I'm sick of it. Sorry to bore you all but hopefully Erin will make her entrance soon and end all this nonsense.

Hardly showing???

2008-06-09T19:23:00.000-05:00

This is for my Sister, who thinks I am hardly showing...I can do a bare belly shot if you still don't believe me. That would scare away most of my friends though, so I won't.

Rare Moments

2008-06-07T21:16:00.000-05:00

It is rare to see such a moment between these two. I'll savor this one for sure as proof that she truly can be sweet to her little brother.

Darren came in to join us for scripture reading tonight and saw this masked villan trying to blend in and read with us...can you believe Spiderman reads the Book of Mormon?

Sarah said to me the other day, "Mom can I watch a cooking show?" Looks like she has a hobby in the making. Could it be be her Mom is a Food Network junkie? Here she is mastering the art of macaroni and cheese.

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-06-01T19:33:00.001-05:00

Summertime Fun

2008-05-29T16:13:00.000-05:00

Is that a gang sign? Don't ask me where that came from.

Cameron's 6th Birthday

2008-05-19T19:31:00.001-05:00

Turning six...oh how the days were so simple back then. When armpit farts and hot wheels were as good as it gets! Cameron was most thrilled about the free hot wheels radio with headphones I got free through the cereal box offer. He rocks his head back and forth and says he is listening to cowboy music. He also loved the hot wheels spinner track Nana sent him. He also got a new beach towel for this summer and a face mask for the pool, sidewalk chalk, water guns, and a watch with hands to practice telling time. After we sang and he opened presents the kids had a blast on the trampoline together throwing water balloons. Then Dad hosed them off and we all watched Gladiators! A great birthday and family night all in one!

The assembly of the hot wheels toy

Cameron letting little sis have a listen to his cool tunes

Opening presents

Totally nailed her with that one!

Here is one back 'atcha Cameron!

Junk Yard Okies

2008-05-18T21:07:00.000-05:00

Oklahoma is not the place to have a garage sale if you want to make any sort of profit on your belongings. I made a whopping $4 this past Saturday during our neighborhood garage sale. I had a pack n'play out there, some pottery barn crib bedding, a bouncer seat, baby walker, and a few other things. I had a couple people ask about the pack n'play but apparently 15$ was WAY out of their price range. It was in good condition but used. I had a lady in a red neck twang tell me "Oh that crib leans, I wouldn't put my great - grand baby in that...but I'd take it for $5." Oh, so you're cheap and yet generous enough to take it off my hands. Un-freakin-believable!! I tried to sell a newborn gown for 50 cents and she said "would you take a quarter?" Sure, why the heck not...now I can buy that piece of bubble gum I've been wanting. I get that haggling comes with the territory at a garage sale but here there just isn't any limit. If I would have offered things for free they would have wanted me to load it in their car too!! No more garage sales for me!

I'm feeling the same emotion I felt when we managed the Safari Motel in good 'ol Provo, UT and I was 8 mos pregnant with Cameron. This guy had come around selling books door to door and I was clearly uninterested. He ended up calling me some choice names for not buying his crap and I ended up pushing him out the door of the motel! He claimed "Assault!" And I said, "Please call the police because I know they'll get a kick out of this!" It might just be the pregnancy hormones in me making me so belligerent. Maybe I will mellow out in a few weeks.

Monkey Bar Mishap

2008-05-09T10:49:00.000-05:00

Yeah, you're right, a girl is sounding better and better to me as time goes by. Cameron had a real cast on his arm by the time he was 9 mos. old. It was my fault but it just goes with his M.O. Cam fell off the monkey bars and caught himself with his left hand, luckily. Too bad today is Super Kids Day at school and he won't be able to jump on any inflatables:( He is a tough kid though. There was noo boobing at the urgent care and he took it all like the little man he is. He officially got a buckle fracture and it should heal in 2 weeks in this splint. He can even take it off for baths which means no stinky dead skin afterwards. Yea! I think Darren is most upset because he can't pull him on the boat this weekend skiing. It would have just been a wipe out fest anyway. I guess you have to start somewhere though.

Ashley's Wedding

2008-05-06T20:28:00.000-05:00

Darren and Lauren got to fly to Utah to see Darren's little sister Ashley Elaine get married. She and Kevin Newbold were married in the Mount Timpanogos Temple on Friday, May 2. It was a wonderful day and everything went beautifully. It was a sad day to not have Darren's Grandmother there, who died three weeks earlier from breast cancer. I was glad Lauren could go and have a memory of a temple marriage so she can have that in her mind as she gets older. She loves her Aunt Ashley so much so to be a part of her special day was fantastic for Lauren. Spending time one-on-one with Dad was a blast too she said!

Band of Brothers

Lauren the Flower Girl

Wonder who didn't get measured for tux??? Hello, shirt cuff!

Summer's Almost Here

2008-05-05T20:30:00.001-05:00

What a beautiful day today was! Sunny and 80 degrees. I am totally ready for the sun and warmth. Bring it on! Darren gave the kids a dry run with the trainer skis and I did a little work in the flower bed. The crepe myrtle I stole from my neighbors trash last fall is just beginning to get new growth, although now it just looks like two dead little branches! How exciting. We have eaten two ripe berries off our little strawberry plants with a few more growing fast! It just feels so good to have daylight in the evening and be together as a family mowing the lawn, watching the kids play. Aaaahh, that's the life!

A Trip to the Allergy Doctor

2008-04-28T13:47:00.000-05:00

Cameron Sneezing

Cameron, who we had a hunch was allergic to grass and pollen, went to see the allergy doctor today, since his daily dose of Zyrtec wasn't helping with excema or allergies much anymore. After 64 tiny pin pricks on his back the doctor confirmed that he is allergic to ALL trees, grass, pollen of any kind including weeds, dust, pets and the list goes on. I could see his confidence in the nurse begin to wain as she continued to prick his sensitive back with various toxins. He wriggled around for 20 minutes itching like a dog with fleas, but wasn't allowed to scratch at all. His back looked like he'd been stung by a swarm of wasps when we were done. Poor guy.

Then off to the lab to get some blood drawn. He took it like a champ as they filled ten vials with his "cool" dark red blood. The nurse told him he was the gas station filling up all the tanks with his blood. We were almost finished when Sarah began to wimper and when I looked down at her she was white as a ghost. Her head was sweaty and clammy and she was weak wanting me to hold her. She did this last month at my doctor check up when I got my blood taken and got a shot, except she fainted! I though it was an isolated incident thinking she may have tripped but she fell flat on her face and she acted scared and really disoriented. Kind of funny to see her have a "Darren" reaction not having any clue as to why she felt the way she did. No more needles for Sarah! Thanks for passing on the wimp gene, Darren!!!

Half of Erin's face

2008-04-27T23:03:00.000-05:00

For whatever it is worth, here is a picture of our baby. Well, half a picture. I got several others but in the pictures the face really looked weird and the nose looked HUGE with enormous lips! Hope they aren't too accurate. Can't see how it would be because she was moving her hand in front of her face the whole time. 7 weeks and counting to see her whole face and cute toes too!!

Late Easter Pictures

2008-04-20T23:44:00.000-05:00

So Easter has come and gone...so what, this is what they were wearing so it's all the same. It is as if I said, "Sarah, smile really hard!"

Deep Thoughts by Sarah Ashton

2008-04-20T23:36:00.000-05:00

"I wonder just how deep and cold that water really is. Would this life jacket keep me from drowning? This strap up my rear end really bugs me and Mom is dumb for making me wear it...Cameron didn't have to buckle his crotch strap. Lunch was good though and I got my own KitKat to myself. Are there sharks out here? Maybe just little mermaids...hey mom, can I have another root beer??? "

Don't Miss This...Thanks Amy

2008-04-16T22:37:00.000-05:00

Wednesday, April 30 from 5p-10p!
Join us for 31 Cent Scoop Night at Baskin-Robbins® and help us honor America’s firefighters. Participating stores will reduce prices of small ice cream scoops to 31 cents.* At some locations, you may also have an opportunity to make a donation to your local fire charities.

Who will join me? Darren and Lauren leave that day for Utah so just ladies and kids allowed!

Lauren's Baptism

2008-04-14T11:52:00.000-05:00

We had a wonderful day Saturday! Lauren was so excited and it was so special to see her Dad be so proud to baptize her. We were happy to have Nana and Papa come from Texas and also my brother Stephen and his wife and kids too. Thanks for all helping to make the day a memorable one. She got new scriptures and a special book from Nana. Papa patiently helped her learn how to care for her scriptures and spent time explaining the index tabs and how to use them. It was so fun to see her pure joy at being able to read them for herself and what a sweet moment for a parent to behold! Here is our cute nephew and cousin Rafe. I'm sad I didn't get a picture of the other kids and their family:(Ashton Family

Definitely a Girl!

2008-04-14T11:38:00.000-05:00

I met my new doctor last week. We got caught up to date on doing the necessary tests and shots (rhogam). She did an exam and ultrasound and all was going great until I told her we still weren't for sure on the sex of the baby. She looked and could tell absolutely that it was a girl. I have to admit I was disappointed but as Cameron said in Pre-K, "You get what you get and you don't throw a fit!" So, to work through some of my grief I listed my boy crib beddding on Ebay and that is helping. We are ready and excited for her to come to our family. Darren has a plan to get her here in time for Bear Lake but it may not be suitable for posting so talk to him if you want details....I'll just keep working out and hopfully that will help move it along.

First Day on the Lake

2008-04-05T22:29:00.000-05:00

Yes...this is definitely going to be a fun family tradition. We'll have to sell our unborn baby to afford it all but it will be worth it!

It was only 68 degrees and the water was freezing. The kids were convinced they were NOT going to be cold and were planning on swimming with goggles etc. That is until they felt the water - Ha! Ha! Mom was right again! I can't imagine if it was sunny and hot and we were pulling the kids on the tube or knee board...this will be an absolute blast! Can't wait to have friends and family join us.

This was Sequoyah Bay State Park about 30 minutes from our house. Next, we are trying out Lake Skiiatook. Darren was definitely in his element cruising around the lake scaring the pants off the kids!

I had my first lesson in driving since Darren couldn't back the boat into the lake and drive it off the trailer like I wanted him to. It wasn't that bad though. I think I could get the hang of it.

Ahoy Matey!

2008-03-29T22:44:00.000-05:00

We took the plunge literally and got the boat pictured in the previous post! The day we went to look at it it rained torrentially all day! I said to Darren that maybe it was a sign that we shouldn't get the boat. He smirked and we drove on...until one of our rear tires was punctured by some random metal spear on the freeway during the drenching rain. Thanks to GPS we found a Firestone in under 5 minutes and were able to get the tire replaced but not before Darren pulled the metal spear out and we heard the air as it spewed out the tire rapidly. And then there was the 10 seconds we had to drive in water up to the grill to make it past a freeway on ramp to get to the Firestone. I said, "Okay Darren, maybe THIS is a sign that the boat is not a good move??" But onward we went from the Firestone to the dealer where we looked at the boat and measured the trailer and got completely soaked while doing it. It was a damp, damp day! After mulling it over and when the sun came out the next day it seemed like we should go for it. We have been busy bidding on boating gear on Ebay ever since. I just can't wait to get in the front of that thing and shout at the top of my lungs, "I'm sailing...I'm sailing" What about Bob fans will get that. Good news too that Oklahoma State parks don't even charge you to put your boat in the lake! Bring on the warm sunny days!!

Spring Break 2008

2008-03-29T22:33:00.000-05:00

What fun we had camping! I could have done without the first night where we froze and I didn't sleep a wink. By the end of the next day I was in tears over my exhaustion which didn't last thanks to the 3 Benadryl I took before bed that night. What a feeling getting a good nights rest after being so tired! We had fun tubing on the river, cooking all our meals and hiking; I mean rock climbing thanks Uncle Chad! And poor Sarah sat on a cactus as she tried to catch her breath on the rock climb. Darren and I had to pick those little prickers out of her bum and palms of her hands and once they were out they still stung and she wanted to keep going without her pants on. I regret not taking even one picture because my camera batteries died. Amy please send us all of your shots. There is no way to adequately describe though how good that bed felt our first night home after driving 11 hours straight. When I blew my hair dry for church on Easter Sunday I could still smell campfire!

A Camping We Will Go...and then to Bear Yake

2008-03-15T22:30:00.000-05:00

These are actual pictures of Garner State Park where we will be camping

The time has come and not soon enough! Cameron has been pretending to raft down the river in this boat we have inflated in our living room all week long. I just hope it is warm enough to get wet. 90 degrees please!! We are stocked with all the essentials, powdered donuts, string cheese, peanut M&M's and 4 - 12 packs of soda pop. And some real food too...but anyway we are so excited and if we come back with a boat we can tow it up to Bear Lake for tons of fun!! We are going to make it...this baby will come early enough for us to make it. And if the doctor says it is too soon to travel I'll remind him about the Pioneers that crossed the plains while they birthed their babies. Cause I am so like a pioneer woman, never relying on modern medicine or conveniences to make life better! HA! I'll bring hefty doses of Zoloft and I'll be just fine thank you very much. See you at Bear Yake!

Vote on the Boat

2008-03-15T22:27:00.000-05:00

We are headed down to TX next week for the much anticipated camping trip with the Bradshaw family. On the way Darren has us stopping off to look at some boats he is very interested in. What do you think?

Baby News, not really news at all

2008-02-21T00:33:00.000-06:00

The ultrasound was conclusive today that we have a healthy baby. The sex is still up in the air and leaning towards girl the doctor said. What am I going to do with all Cameron's cute boy stuff? Who is this girl going to share a room with? Another girl won't fit into the pink room. And what about the uneveness of it all?? Three girls one boy?? Cameron needs a brother I have been saying but do I want more blinds snipped across the entire length of the window? No. Do I want more paint spilt on carpet or scratches on our brand new 37 in lcd TV? No. Do I need anymore "no fear" attitude around here? No. So maybe another girl woudn't be so bad. Darren says they are easier, because he knows he was a handful as a teenager. Whatever we get we'll be happy with because Darren says we are sure as he** not doing it again. I'm sorry, did you just carry a child for 9 months and suffer through birthing the baby and the hard sleepless nights nursing, with nipples on fire? No, you didn't. I'll be the one to say we are sure as he** probably not ever doing this again. Thank you.

Orange Spaghetti Puke

2008-02-21T00:25:00.000-06:00

That is what I have been dealing with around here for the last 3 days! Aren't you glad I didn't take a picture?? Anyway, we are all well now, but man that was gross. No one throws up around here. Since Sarah was a baby and spit up we haven't had throw up so I guess we had it coming. Anyway, all three kids got it at once and that was a good thing instead of stringing the puke and diarrhea out over days and days. Tuesday, not one kid moved off the couch or floor the entire day until I made them get in the car so we could get drinks at QT. It was the last warm sunny day for a while and I had to get out at least for a drive. I kind of like my kids comatose and lethargic. Much less arguing and fighting going on. And for Sarah...talking. She has to say Mommy about 5 or 6 times now before everything she says so I feel like saying, "Just spit it out already!" And she must comment on and explain why she doesn't want to do what I ask her to when I ask her to. What ever happened to SHUT UP AND OBEY! I should have had dogs.

The Wrath of God

2008-02-06T20:30:00.000-06:00

Did anyone notice that all the states that huckabee won on Super Tuesday got ripped apart by tornadoes? Hel-lo!! Those poor people, bless their souls, had no idea they were really voting one of Satan's little helpers. He's not the man of faith and goodness he is selling himself to be. Maybe the southern states will change their minds before November and vote for the only one WORTH voting for, Mitt Romney. The nation will then, no doubt, be on it's way back to being the promised land.

2008-02-03T20:25:00.000-06:00

Tonight at bedtime Sarah wanted me to sing her "Row, row, row your boat gently down the street." Okay wahtever....as long as you'll go right to bed.

Finally an Update

2008-02-02T19:26:00.000-06:00

You might not get another for 6 months so I hope you all enjoy it.

2008-02-02T18:54:00.000-06:00

I guess I didn't take a picture of the actual snowman...what a waste! This was when the base got crushed when they tried to stack the middle part on...oops. And whoever heard of a pirate princess?

2007-08-19T18:24:00.000-05:00

Free At Last

School started last week for Lauren and Cameron which means I have 7+ hours a day of just me and Sarah. It has really slowed down the week to have some calm time without all the chaos. Sarah is so easy going and we run errands and go to the gym without any time restraints. Life is good!