Seriously So Blessed Give Away . . .

Ok so there are like 700 people (and counting) entering to win prizes from the glorious TAMN of Seriously so Blessed but hey, ME TOO! She has way cute stuff and is the funniest read ever! So here's my link to enter to win special prizes from the ever so righteous TAMN.

http://seriouslysoblessed.blogspot.com/2008/12/on-1rst-day-of-christmas-my-moprah-gave.html Check it out!

Christmas Tag . . .

Christmas Tag, Thanks Marissa :)

Five favorite treats during the holidays:
1. Chocolate Covered Oreos with candy cane topping - YUM!
2. Egg Nog
3. Anything the Neighbors decide to leave on my doorstep :)
4. Orange Flavored Chocolate things
5. Those little orange chocolate sticks

Five favorite Christmas movies:
1. The Christmas Story
2. The Grinch - "the original"
3. Charlie Brown Christmas
4. Rudolph the Rednose Reindeer - love the misfits
5. The California Raisins Christmas - hard to find, but funny :)

Five Traditions during the holidays:
1. Pajamas on Christmas Eve
2. Hanging socks for advent calendar and picking out an activity
3. Making Thanksgiving Plates at the Hillsteads.
4. Picking Names and Giving Gifts
5. Watching My Kids open their presents

Tag - whoever wants to spread some Christmas Cheer

Artist in the Making . . .

So you are wondering, well Ann . . . where were you??????

I was just sitting in the chair next to them, BUT they were hiding behind the chair and Princess decided to "decorate" the chair and the BABY! I love the 2nd picture where she is pointing out the blob of blue marker on baby's face. Oh my . . .

The gift of life . . .

This is Cody's aunt Carol (on the right) and her liver donor's mother Jeri (on the left). Jeri contacted Carol after she wrote her "donor letter" and they have been friends since the first time they spoke. Jeri's son, Sebastian passed away at the young age of 16 and since Carol had lost sooooo much weight she was able to receive his liver through transplant. Sebastian was Jeri's only child and she is now alone, no parents, no siblings, no other children and Sebastian's father hasn't been around since he was two. We love her, we love her for who she is and for the strength she brings. We also love Carol and can remember all to well the days in waiting. Not hoping for someone to die, but hoping for the chance to live. We are sooooooo grateful for the ways the Lord works and know that Sebastian had things he needed to do at home and that Carol has things she needs to do here. WE LOVE YOU BOTH!

Family Pictures . . .

Okay so here's some pictures from our "out of the ordinary" family photo session. Thanks to Marissa Vargason for snapping the shots!

updated profile and picture

Okay so the other night we attempted to do family pictures of my own family (hard). Now I sympathize more with people whom I torture for a living. Anyways, I had the friend of mine take a couple of pictures of me for a profile picture and discovered something funny. My mom used to always say that she could tell it was me when I was playing soccer because of how I held my hands out. I notice when I drink from a glass I do funny things with my fingers AND apparently when I photograph I put my pinky out! HE HE HE, This is all I can say . . . "when in doubt pinky out!"

P.S. I'll post some of the family sometime soon :)

Halloweenie . . .

Here's pics from Halloween, so much fun, thanks to mom and dad for letting us come down and hang out at their house so the kids could actually trick or treat (there's not a lot of it up where we live because the houses are so far apart). Also, thanks to my bro, for trying to get my car unlocked when the keys got locked in, he he he. With another thanks to the Farmington City police for finally getting it.

On to the pictures . . .
Cowgirl was a witch for trick or treating but decided that for her Halloween Brunch (put on by the cute neighbors) she wanted to be a "beat up" soccer player, she did this all on her own, even down to getting mud on her cleats and trampling over her jersey so it had marks, quite clever!
Princess was . . . well a princess! Go figure. She still has a red scalp from the hair coloring, so she wore a red dress to church to make it all match :)
Baby was a hot tamalie for the family party the Sunday before (no pics sorry) but for Halloween we decided to "spike" her hair (and Yes, that is her REAL hair) and make her a punk rocker babe. And what a scene she made (not that she doesn't always) but it was very funny. Even after a bath the hair is still standing a little taller than before.

We had fun and look forward to next year! Happy Halloween!

This is Cowgirl's post, she is the writer, keep that in mind . . .

Hello everyone ! I am going to tell you about how school is going for me. OK so to day i had an ok day today i got moved from the spot i used to sit in :.( . But i did have a good after noon I did make a pretty freaky witch! Then last Saturday we traded some Wii games for Mario Kart Wii i was pretty sad when we traded my fav game,It was called Zelda Twilight Princess.I am so :( i miss that game so much. But my friend was being pretty funny she said she give me hers for Christmas , but i told her "ok?". But we are having family home evening to night so i got to go


Cowgirl

Kid Tag . . . Cowgirl Version

What is something that mom always says to you?
"Clean"
What makes mom happy?
"I don't know" sad :(
What makes mom sad?
"pictures"
How does your mom make you laugh?
"Say funny things"
What was your mom like as a child?
"Rat brown hair"
How old is your mom?
"29" forever!
How tall is your mom?
"5.2" (she gave me a couple inches)
What is your moms favorite thing to do?
"Get on the computer" I knew she was going to say that.
What does your mom do when you are not around?
"Computer"
If your mom were to become famous what would it be for?
"For her Pictures"
What is your mom really good at?
"Pictures" it's an easy answer
What is your mom not really good at?
"Mario Kart Wii" true that!
What does your mom do for her job?
"Pictures"
What is your moms favorite food?
"Spaghetti O's" this was because we were eating them, definitely not my favorite.
What makes you proud of your mom?
"if she gets first place on Mario Kart" I suppose I am a big disappointment then :)
If your mom was a cartoon character who would it be?
"Princess Peach" Mario on the Mind!
What do you and your mom do together?
"Lots of things"
How are you and your mom the same?
"Eyes"
How are you and your mom different?
"Hair"
How do you know your mom loves you?
"How she acts" ooooohhhhhhh

Thanks Cowgirl! I love you!

Kid Tag . . . Princess Version.

NOW KEEP IN MIND THAT PRINCESS IS THREE . . .

What is something that mom always says to you?
"Thank You" (oh what a good mom I am, he he he)
What makes mom happy?
She wouldn't speak she just kept using her fingers to pull her mouth to a smile
What makes mom sad?
Same thing as the smile, just a frown and she said, "like that".
How does your mom make you laugh?
"Froggy"?????
What was your mom like as a child?
"She got married"
How old is your mom?
"3"
How tall is your mom?
She put her arms up as high as she could, and said, "like that" (and she is probably right, he he he)
What is your moms favorite thing to do?
"Fireworks" What? that was totally out of left field.
What does your mom do when you are not around?
"She Drives"
If your mom were to become famous what would it be for?
"Fireworks" again with the fireworks.
What is your mom really good at?
"The house" ??
What is your mom not really good at?
"I don't know" (that's cuz I'm great at everything, ha ha ha, or . . . she didn't understand the question)
What does your mom do for her job?
"Pictures" wow a right answer.
What is your moms favorite food?
"Pancakes"
What makes you proud of your mom?
"When she goes potty!" Ok, I must explain, when Princess goes on the Potty I say, I am so proud of you, so therefore, she tells me that she is proud of me when I go on the potty.
If your mom was a cartoon character who would it be?
"Max and Ruby"?
What do you and your mom do together?
"Hold Hands" oooohhhhhh
How are you and your mom the same?
"Twinkle Twinkle little star" I am loosing her here!
How are you and your mom different?
"A Butterfly" ????
How do you know your mom loves you?
"Hugs" well at least we ended on a good note!

Fun little tag, I'll have to try it out on Cowgirl when she gets home.

My hubby is turning 28 today (yes I am older than him, he he he, I robbed the cradle). When he was just a wee boy he won a contest and was crowned the "Pee Wee Prince"! Isn't he darling! HA HA HA! Love it! NOW you can see where all my girls get their good looks (especially Princess, aren't they identical!) Anyways, to celebrate we are buying him a deep freezer to keep our cow meat in (and any various wildlife he kills this hunting season), LOL! This is what happens when you are old and married (and he could really just go and buy something, so you are at a loss for gifts) you start buying the things you NEED for your birthdays and call it good. HA HA HA, I am hoping for snow tires for Christmas :) The girls also picked balloons for him that say, "happy birthday princess" and another one that is purple with "Good Luck" written on it. And being the gracious wife that I am, I picked him up some Mindy Mints from Mrs. Cavanaughs (MY absolute FAVORITE). Ain't love grand!

I love you hubby and hope that you enjoy your birthday and your deep freezer.

Cow People . . .

So we are now the proud owners of a cow . . . well I suppose we have been "cow owners" for a couple months now. And I am not sure proud is the right word, but we are cow owners. And further more, we are really only owners of 1/4 of a cow :) Hubby's grandpa bought a cow this spring and we are purchasing a fourth of it for meat. We are really actually excited about it, as it has been grain fed and we know what is in it. It's our way of putting a little less antibiotics and crap in our kids, via our meat. So my question is which fourth is ours, he he he. (This is not the actual picture of OUR cow, his name was T-Bone and he actually went to Cow Heaven on Friday).

My Lolly POP girl!

Ok so two double posts today but those who don't check my photography blog MUST see these funnies of the baby. My hubby's job was to hold the sucker IN FRONT of her, but he let her have it! She LOVED it! I played with the vintage tinting too, kinda fun.

Temple Riders . . .

Ok so I have posted this on all of my blogs so I won't do it again here, but go to either my Photography Blog or my Testimoments Blog and see the fabulous bikes of the Temple Riders! They were so cool and came to oh and aw our youth group! And they succeeded!

So our 6 year anniversary was on Saturday (Sept. 27th) I can't believe it's been that long . . . but on the other hand I can't believe it's only been 6 years, it seems like I have know my hubby forever! (We did date for 2 years before we got married). But . . . We look so Young don't we? Well, at least he does :) I won't go all smoochy poo on you guys since he's the one I need to tell it to not you . . . but I do love him and can't wait to see what our tomorrows bring!

Testimoments . . .

I have decided that since this is my blog and since I will eventually print it out in a book for a "journal".  I am going to share my testimoments.  (These are my testimony building moments).  So bear with me.  But two weeks ago I had the opportunity to attend a stake priesthood leadership training meeting in which the YW presidencies were invited.  The stake president spoke with love and concern for the youth.  He spoke in a forward manner regarding the challenges and confusion out there facing our youth (and children).  

I determined that I need to decide WHERE I STAND!  I know that the gospel is full of guidelines and direction that only lead to happiness, but I don't know if I have ever sat down and said . . . I am LDS all the way, meaning I don't pick and choose the commandments I follow.  So to protect my children and to only make my life a happier one, I decided that for family home evening we were going to sit down and write down our Family Standards.  So my girls would know that our family standards ARE the church standards.  So we went through the things we are (or strive to be) - (I had a little help with this by using the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet - a must read and read and read, religious or not).  We listed things such as we are modest, we are honest, we repent . . . This not only reminds us everyday of the church standards that we live by, but it also holds us accountable, we can't say we are if we aren't.  So we can strive to be what we say we are.  

And on the note of repentance, I had an Ah Ha moment (as Oprah would call it).  A former mission president spoke on how MANY missionaries entered the mission field un-prepared, and not fully ready for they had not repented from all the things they should have addressed. And then he mentioned that they need to know that repentance isn't painful . . . now he went on to say some wonderful things, but this thought, stuck with me.  

For those of you who know me personally. . . I have taken some bumpy roads that have lead me to where I am today.  I have definitely taken advantage of the atonement.  But as I would stand talking to the youth or whomever, and when I had to speak on repentance I always made sure to tell them that it was hard.  (Because I have always heard that it was, that it's through this hard that we are forgiven).  So I made sure to tell them that repentance was worth it but it was hard.  But inside I thought . . . I NEVER felt like it was hard when I did it.  The burden or sin I carried was hard!  NOT the repentance, repentance sets you free of the "hard", now maybe admitting the sin or revealing it is hard, but repentance is WONDERFUL and not possible without the sacrifice Christ made for us! Repentance lifts that burden from your shoulders, just as Christ said, let me carry your load.  

I drove home from that meeting in tears, not because of the overwhelming load that was placed upon us in regards to chastity and morality, but because I realized I HAD REPENTED fully.  I have always thought . . . well I feel like I repented, I have the spirit, I feel forgiven, I have forgiven, but it wasn't hard . . . so did I not do it right?  I DID, I HAVE, AND I AM!  I gained a whole new testimony of the atonement that I have used over and over.  What a wonderful thing, that thru love, compassion, and JOY . . . I repented and was forgiven and returned to a full, GOSPEL FILLED life. 

I challenge EVERYONE to sit down and think where do WE stand as a family or as a person.  Regardless of religion, what do we want to stand for.  And display these things in your home, to remind you daily of those standards that we strive for.

I am TRULY grateful for the Savior, because he saved me!  He is not only the Savior of the scriptures, the Savior of the Church . . . he is the Savior of ME!  I know that while I have been saved once or twice, I will continue to be saved my whole life through until I return home with my eternal family (and probably even after that).

"If we could only understand All we have heard and seen, We'd know there is no greater gift than those two words - Washed Clean."

Boyd K. Packer

P.S.  I decided to start a separate blog called testimoments so that I can put it out there in the "world wide web" for people to stumble upon because who wouldn't benefit from a testimony building moment.  So you can click on the button on the right for my future testimoments.  Also, feel free to share yours too either on your own blog or email me and I can post them on the testimoments blog.  THANKS!

Tagged . . .

Ok so Brittney tagged me and this one kinda looks fun although it seems that she had a lot more fun in High School then I did!

1. Did you date someone from your school? Of course, I was one of those girls that always had to have a boyfriend. So I could name a few :) But we'll leave that in the past.
2. What kind of car did you drive? My mom's red VW Jetta. I thought it was so fun to drive and I remember driving it "dukes of hazard" style up at the B when we were sluffing.
3. Did you pass your driver's license test on the first try? I did, luckily. I had to take the test in SALT LAKE, how rude is that, I don't think I could even pass it there now!
4. Were you a party animal? Surprisingly no, they used to call me a "molly mormon", but it was AFTER high school that I was able to experience the whole "party scene" and then later . . . the whole repentance thing! he he he.
5. Were you considered a flirt? Yup, by my boyfriends. All of this I was totally unaware of. Apparentally, if you touch someone's arm when you are talkin' to them it's flirting . . . who knew?!?!
6. Were you in band, orchestra, or choir? Nope, I don't think the choir teacher liked me, I talked to much. So I opted for Art classes!
7. Were you a nerd? No, but I sure had some great friends that were! Thank heavens for their help!
8. Were you on any varsity teams? No unless "sluffing" was a team.
9. Did you get suspended/expelled? Never got suspended or expelled but I did have A LOT of U's to work off :)
10. Can you still sing the fight song? I don't think I could have sang it even WHEN I was in High School
11. Who were your favorite teachers? Mr. Bailey - current events and Mrs. Hart, my art teacher.
12. Where did you sit during lunch? At Taco Bell or Carmacks (oh the cinnamon rolls)
13. What is your schools full name? Viewmont High School
14. School mascot and colors? A viking and maroon and gold
15. Did you go to Homecoming and who with? Twice . . . a friend and a boyfriend (nobody wants names right)
16. If you could go back and do it again, would you? Heck No, although I will encourage my girls to be more involved, go to the games, go to the dances, enjoy it.
17. What do you remember most about graduation? Ummmm not much other than that it was at Symphony Hall in Salt Lake and we had to weird stupid robes :)
18. Where did you go senior skip day? I thought that was EVERYDAY!
19. Were you in any clubs? No, well sort of the art thing, I liked to draw people though and that didn't get me very far (go figure I take pictures of people now, a lot easier than drawing them)
20. Have you gained some weight since then? A little :) Hopefully not too much but the three kids have added 15 lbs.
21. Who was your prom date? Ummmm a boyfriend and not really all it was cracked up to be. Too much pressure.
22. Are you planning on going to your 10 year reunion? Well seeing that it would have been last year, no. Our class sucks and they haven't ever done reunions. Lame.
23. Did you have a job while in high school? Yes, I worked at the Bountiful Rec. Center (like my bro.)

I now tag . . . Mindy, Liz, Sami and Marissa.

More Peas Please . . .

Peas are the first solid thing we can get baby to eat.   We have tried everything (except we are trying to hold off the sweet stuff) and so far the only thing that she will do is actual peas mashed up, she will have NOTHING to do with the canned baby food.  She almost throws it up!  She needs something with a little bit of texture I suppose . . . . so we are down the road of homemade baby food.

We had her six month check-up today and she is doing well.  She now weighs 14 lbs 12 oz (18%, that's way better than the 4% from our last visit)  She is 25 inches and her head is growing well too!   :)  he he he, I always think that's a funny one.  Big Sister Princess had to take a stroll down to the fish tank with another nurse while baby got her shots because last time she cried harder than baby did.  She did NOT like the people hurting her sister!  This is funny, especially since she didn't even cry at her last shots.  She made a troubled faced and said, in her gruff little voice, "I okay mom!"  The nurses couldn't stop laughing.

Sittin' back watchin' the grass grow . . .

I know that this term is usually used for a sort of "boring" moment, but I tell you what . . . watching our grass grow has been anything but boring. We are thinking that we need to buy a lawn mower soon! We haven't needed one for three years. I can't believe how great it has grown in two weeks. Fun stuff.

My brother on tv . . .

So my brother is an "animal cop" and was involved in a pit bull attack in downtown Salt Lake (it does feel nice to be able to mention locations now that the blog is private) . . . anywho . . . Friday this aired on television, not for the happiest of circumstances but he's got his 15 minutes of fame :)  He is the animal control cop talking about the attack.  He is a VERY talented officer.  We are sure glad he knows what he knows!  Way to go Zach!

Going Private :)

Ok so I have thought this over and have decided that I am going to make my "family" blog private to only those who I intend to see the site (I would just feel a lot more comfortable knowing who is checking it out) so I am making it an "invite only" blog.  Please email me (codyandann@hotmail.com) or post a comment (leave me your email address because I'll have to send you an invite) if you would like to have "permission" to see the blog because I will be putting it as invite only on Friday this week, but I feel better about putting my kids pics on the internet when I know they are somewhat protected!  THANKS for understanding.  

Okay so this tag looks fun . . .

I am: a mother, no doubt about it!
I know: there's a million other things I should be doing right now.
I want: a new camera, three new lenses, and my shopping list goes on . . . but I am happy!
I have: been truly blessed
I wish: my hubby didn't have to drive so far everyday to work (He's working 2 hours away, but at least he comes home at night).
I hate: unloading the dishwasher
I miss: my brother and his wife, We Love you Dave and Kathryn!
I fear: losing a loved one (I almost don't even dare say it)
I feel: excited about the prospect of life and excited about the things I learned about photography at my latest workshop
I hear: the baby monitor and barney HELP!
I smell: Shampoo, I just got Princess out of the shower (it could be worse!)
I crave: Mt. Dew, but I haven't had one for 1 year and 6 months! So I'll keep at it.
I search: ponder and pray, he he he, sorry that's cheesy.
I wonder: How my photo session today will turn out.
I regret: nothing
I love: my family
I care: about giving back, and want to know how.
I always: clean out my ears after the shower, he he he, I just thought I better put something down I ALWAYS do, you have to dry them right! he he he
I am not: a worry-wart
I believe: Faith is Knowing
I dance: with my girls
I sing: Hannah Montanna with my Cowgirl (sad I know)
I fight: exercising, I know I need to do it but who has the time . . .
I write: only in my girls and my journal, and I am even considering changing that to type
I lose: my cell phone alot
I win: hummmm . . . not sure how to answer that one.
I never: have been to Hawaii
I listen: to a mixture of Kids tv shows, baby monitor classical music and guitar hero . . . a beautiful mixture :)
I am scared: of chainsaws (in light of the upcoming haunted house season).
I need: to be wiser with my hubby's money :)
I am happy about: everything, the spirit sure is a good thing. PEACE is GRAND!
I tag: Amy, Sami, Mindy, Marissa and anyone else who wants to do this tag, it's fun to think about!

First Day of School . . .

So the little ladies headed off to school!  Cowgirl is now in 5th grade!  Can you believe it!  And little princess is starting Preschool.  I picked her up from preschool and she was so excited to tell me that she had soooooo many friends, she said, "I have one two three four e i o of them"  Well at least she is learning something :) Cowgirl is just excited to see her friends again, wear her new clothes and that she doesn't have any homework this week.

The Hydro-Seed . . .

They came and sprayed the "hydro-seed" in our yard today!  So exciting!  I have to say a big thank you to Dusty Poulson and GRASS PLUS they did such a Great Job!  They were such hard workers and so thorough on their work (even down to hosing off my driveway when they were done!)  Two weeks ago this was weeds and clay and now I can see it as a great place to grow (both plants and kids)!  he he he.  Exciting stuff!  Ya for lawn!  The kids are super excited and isn't it nice that the hydro seed is even green when they spray it to give you goose bumps about the idea of having a yard in.  They said it should grow in about 2 weeks and that we will need to mow it at least once this year!  YAY!

Happy Birthday Cowgirl . . . . .

Ok so my little cowgirl turned 10 last week and boy is she growing up!  She choose to have a sleepover with a few friends.  We had fun with a cake and pinata and games, she got guitar hero for her birthday and MAN she is GOOD at it!  My hubby and I watched her play it last night and she rocked it!  Happy Birthday Cowgirl . . . I love ya tons!

I got my dream car . . .

Yes . . . it's a minivan!  he he he.  I tell you what . . . I don't care WHAT it looks like on the outside, it is HEAVEN on the inside.  With power sliding doors and space to keep the kids out of each other's arm reach . . . and the DVD player . . . Heaven I tell you . . . Heaven!  he he he!  I never would have thought I'd be the minivan driving mom but I am sure loving being one :)

Oh MY!

So Friday night (late) my computer freaked out on me for the LAST TIME!   I have had it with it and my photoshop was ruined so I talked my fabulous hubby into going to Best Buy and getting a new computer and I'll tell you what . . . it is Soooooooo Great!  I got a new iMac Desktop and it is the coolest thing ever!  It will be so great for my photography business and it is beautiful!  Okay okay, enough I know, but it is nice :)  Anyways, if you are ever in the market for a new computer, I strongly suggest looking into the Mac!

Totally TUBE-ular . . .

We bought a new tube because we are going up to Bear Lake with the family next weekend, and our current tube really beats the crap out of you. So we decided to take the new one out for a trial run this morning! It was sooooo fun! We are excited now for waves! But I do have to say I have a new love . . . . sorry honey . . . but I LOVE wakeboarding. I caught a little bit of air today . . . now I just have to learn how to land it, he he he. Anyways, this is the new tube we got and for those of you headed up to Bear Lake with us . . . be prepared!

Girls will be girls!

We had the funnest "portrait party" on Saturday and we had my little princess and her cousin do pics together . . . aren't they the cutest ghetto superstars you have ever seen!?!?!?

On this episode of cribs . . .

Aren't these memories in the making! I always hear moms tell their kids, "oh and so and so used to climb right in the crib with you" . . . well this is such a true and tell-tell sign of the fun friends these little ladies will be! Princess crawls in with the baby and shows her toys and watches the mobile with her, so when I saw them both under the blankets I had to take a picture so instead of just telling baby how Princess used to crawl in the bed with her . . . I could show her!

Some Beach . . .

Well the Fourth was fun! I sure enjoy having a birthday near the fourth because we can usually get the family together and thanks to my sister in law for taking me to lunch and a movie! Lots of fun! We decided to go out on the lake early to get a good beach spot, so the girls, the hubby and I headed out at 7:30 am and we were glad we did. I bet the lake was full by 9 am. We experienced a lot of interesting things while on the beach (including a hispanic baptism of like 12 people) it was fun and not too hot.

Fourth of July Celebration!

I wanted to invite family and friends up for a Fourth of July celebration! Liberty Days is a very fun, small, down-home way to celebrate the day. We will probably get up and go to the breakfast and parade (9 am) and then hang out there for a minute with the greased pig chase and other country bumpkin stuff. Then we will head out on the boat and try to find a beach spot. Maybe have dinner on the beach or somewhere. And then head back to the park for the fireworks. So anywho . . . call me or email me if you want to come and we'll make it a party!

Grandpa Richards

My mom's biological father, Alden Ross Richards, passed away last week. It was nice to see all of our family again, it seems like it has been a long time since we have all hung out. He was a very accomplished man. If you want you can view his obituary by visiting http://www.legacy.com/DESERETNEWS/Obituaries.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=112365993

A lot of "dam" fun . . .

He he he, my dad will like the title :) We love to play on words. Well, last weekend we were at the Pineview Dam and the lake was so crowded with boats and people that the waves were too restless for us to wakeboard or ski so we went out searching for fun. We found it. We found a piece from what looks like the dock floating in the bushes at the side of the lake so we decided to test it out. This video (courtesy of my brother and sister in law) shows my hubby, his bro, and his twin sisters out on the "dock" trying to make each other fall off! Because it was so crowded you can see all the other boats driving around and we were really attracting an audience. Fun stuff! Enjoy!

Father's Day Ideas . . .

So this year I want to do something special for my hubby for father's day. So I searched and searched online and here's a list of some fun ideas I came up with. (Lots of these ideas came from my hubby's aunt Mitzi, check out her website www.mitzfamilybitz.com there's lots of fun family ideas and ways to improve your marriage.

Here's what I came up with . . . some fun ideas to make this Father's Day Memorable:
1. Breakfast in Bed
2. Take a pad of post-it notes and write down great things or words that describe your "dad" and post them all over the house, down the hall or in a room. You could even put them all over his car.
3. Create a treasure hunt around the neighborhood or house where he can find his present or have small presents at each stop.
4. Write happy father's day with sidewalk chalk on the driveway. Or "We Love you Daddy!"
5. Roll up "I love you" messages and place them inside balloons.
6. Sprinkle candy kisses all over the floor and say "we kiss the ground you walk on"
7. Fill the shower with balloons and leave a note on the shower door/curtain that says "you have been showered with love."
8. Give him a heart attack by placing colored paper hearts all over a door, car, wall or desk. You can even write little notes on the hearts.
9. Place hearts with messages on a string and attach to the bottom of the garage door. The hearts will hang down when the garage door opens up.
10. Pillow presents: leave little treats, notes or presents on their pillow so they will see before they go to bed.

I think I am going to do a few of these . . . hope you enjoy and happy upcoming father's day to all the dads (and dads to be) out there

My first TAG . . .

Scattegories Tag
It's harder than it looks! Use the first letter of your first name to answer each of the following. They have to be real places, names, things - nothing made up. You can not use your own name for the boy/girl names.


1. What is your name? Ann
2. A 4 letter word: aunt
3. A vehicle: Arcadia
4. A city: Anaheim
5. A boy's name: Andy
6. A girl's name: Alexis
7. Dessert: Apple pie
8. An occupation: Artist
9. Something you wear: Arm Band - stretching it here.
10. A celebrity: Ariel (she's a celebrity right!)
11. Food: Asparagus (yuck, how did I think of that)
12. Something found in a bathroom: Air Freshners :)
13. Reason for being late: Alarm Clock didn't go off
14. Something you shout: AHHHHWWWWWWW!
15. An animal: Alligator
16. A body part: Arm
17. Word to describe yourself: AMAZING, he he he he!

I now tag: Marissa, Amy, Kathryn, and Tarisa! You're it!

Baby Alfalfa . . .

While bathing the baby I got a wild hair, or I should say she got a wild hair! We combed it out and got it to stick up in the back . . . it's our baby Alfalfa! The picture on the right is of the original Alfalfa from the little Rascals "Our Gang". They were so much fun to watch! They really do look a like! HA HA HA!

Seeing Stripes?

So you'd think we went to zoo or maybe an African Safari? Well . . . . NO . . . we were driving down the road in N.O. and my cowgirl was of course looking at the horses when she yells, hey there's a zebra! I thought she was looney, but . . . there it was grazing in the field with the other horses . . . A zebra! So lucky me, I had just done a photo session so I had my camera with me so I pulled over and took some pics! Crazy! Who'd of thunk it eh!?!?!?

Summertime and the living is easy . . .

On Monday we went for a walk and enjoyed the great weather (too bad it didn't last!) We took the stroller out (which I love by the way, highly recommend it!) and Princess decided to wear her plastic princess shoes, great choice! We walked over to the park and played a bit, here's the pics!