Potter 5

New posts

2012-01-01T14:13:00.000-08:00

Posts are all out of order....
Bob gets an award for planning a sweet family vacation. We didn't go far, just a quick flight to Arizona but it was 7 days of pure heaven. I was kicking and screaming to get back on that plane. There is something about having dad around that makes things a little more fun. One of the highlights for the boys was going to the ASU football game. Sydney and I went for a night swim, ordered in room service and relaxed that night.

The resort we stayed at was a hit. It had a mini water park. We spent a lot of time soaking up the sunshine!

What my boys love most right now.

Nicholas is all about football and Isaac is all about any sport he can get his hands on. They will be playing on a basketball team together this winter, I can't wait to watch!

Thanksgiving feast!

The day after Thanksgiving all of the cousins met for an intense bowling game.

Cabin time with the Adams family!

Sydney is in love with Cooper, they are so stinkin cute together. We caught them playing house, calling each other mom and dad.

EVEN MORE POSTS BELOW!

Life is normal again!

2011-12-31T07:35:00.001-08:00

CHRISTMAS EVE

This is my favorite pictures, it shows how these 3 boys feel about Sydney.

There were over 50 people at this fancy family shin-dig. It is always wonderful seeing cousins that were almost like siblings growing up.

They opened their Christmas eve pjs and set out cookies for santa that we made earlier. SO anxious to see what Santa was going to bring.

CHRISTMAS MORNING

Look how excited Nicholas is ....

After church we headed to my parents for dinner and gift exchanging.

Isaac and his "twin cousin" Emerson both got spy gear and have put it to great use already.

All the kids are awake now, but I have more to catch up on so stayed tuned!

Pregnancy

2011-11-10T07:07:00.000-08:00

This pregnancy started out with bleeding, then moved on to a lovely infection. I was dehydrated, nauseated and sicker than I though humanly possible. At 15 weeks I started having really bad stomach pain. I knew something was not right. I honestly felt like my whole body was poisoned. I made a visit to Urgent care on a Saturday night after not being able to take it any longer. My doctor was out of town. They found a dangerous bacteria that was threatening to put me into labor. I was put on bed rest and given medication. The side affects were nausea and drowsiness. I did not know the sickness could get worse. Oh but folks, it did. I could not get myself out of bed for the life of me. I spent day after day, week after week rolling from my bed to the bathroom floor. It was awful. AWFUL. AWFUL. I was so out of it. I NEVER answered my phone or the door. I would however respond to certain special people through texting. My house was a tornado, and basically things were upside down around here. I openly admit, I am a prideful person. I refuse help. (A huge fault of mine) I am a tough girl, I can handle it. My husband kept saying he was going to get me a nanny. I would refuse, I kept saying "tomorrow will be better." Needless to say, we hired a nanny, someone to clean my house weekly and milk delivered to my house every Wednesday. This has by far been the hardest 5 months. The part that is so frustrating is that it's just pregnancy. I don't have to look far to see how blessed I am. I can't imagine feeling sick or in pain each day from an illness or going through a divorce(especially with kids involved) or dealing with a death. There is a special place in heaven for those that have to suffer, I just know it. I have been humbled, I feel like I got a small glimpse into what some people deal with most of their lives. I am a changed person.

It is what it is and I have felt good for 4 days now. Lets keep our fingers crossed:)

AND now to the EXCITING part. Well Well my friends, do I ever have news for you.....We are having another GIRL!!!! Boy-Boy, Girl-Girl, couldn't ask for it any better way. My due date was April 5Th but as of yesterday it is now April 12Th. I am 19 weeks.

Anyone????

2011-11-09T04:14:00.000-08:00

I need some serious in put here. We have booked a Disney Cruise, it is part of the kids Christmas gift. Bob and I have been very, very hesitant the whole time but his family will all be there and we hate to be the bums that don't make it. I will have a barley 3 month old and a 2 1/2 year old plus the boys which will be easy. Am I a fool? A new baby and a 2 year old. Will it be more work then its worth? I have heard 2 horror stories from moms that took a baby. Oh what to do? Also most every cruise line said 6 month minimum. Disney is 3 months. I just can't decide if it's really a smart move. HELP? ANYONE? Any suggestions?

The past few months

2011-09-25T09:19:00.000-07:00

I lost my camera in the reservoir on one of our boat excursions. I think Sydney is an easy target to blame, she can't defend herself! I have a few pictures sisters have emailed to me and some blurry pics from my phone. Better than nothing.

The past few months:
-Nicholas turned 7
-Primary program is over. ahh, huge relief
-Denver trip with sisters
-Sydney potty trained
-Bob and I celebrated our 9th anniversary
-I turned 29 on 9/11
-SLC get away with kids, who knew such a simple trip could be so fun?!
-Attended a banquet where my parents received a wonderful award. (post of its own)
-play dates and more play dates with cousins
-Made it to a few Chuckars baseball games. Box seats are the only way to go with small kids.

SEVEN YEARS OLD

This is how they started out, gearing up for the limbo.

A couple minutes later it turned into this!

Happy Birthday to my oldest! There are so many days I wonder how I could do it without Nicholas. He is a great help. He is known for saying "yes ma'am" to me and prides himself on being a first timer. Nicholas is the child that has tried my patience no question. Not because he is wild or naughty but because he is very creative. Nicholas is a hands on learner therefore most things around our house get taken apart and experimented with. He is such a leader, perfect for being the oldest child. We all adore this boy so much. My VERY favorite time with him is right before bed, he turns into a chatter box and tells me every detail of his day. I love to hear everything he has to say. Right now Nicholas loves foot ball, skiing, tennis, swimming and playing with Isaac.

PALISADES WITH COUSINS

Visiting the Young's and meeting baby Thomas

It really is not fair how tiny Nikki is, just not fair:)

I absolutely loved spending time with and snuggling T-man. He is the most adorable and content baby. I won't get started with my flight home. Lets just say it was a complete disaster. Lets also just say I have been REALLY sick this pregnancy.

Isaac at his last t-ball game. He did really well and had a fun season.

Me and the boys gearing up for a big golf game at the 14th annual Nelson family classic.

I am not sure how I don't have Sydney in any of these pictures. She is always tagging along too. She has personality like no other, she is happy and the most social 1 year old (almost 2) I know.

Number FOUR!!

2011-09-22T08:27:00.000-07:00

These 3 are excited to welcome another sibling April 5th!! I'm 12 weeks along. We are all looking forward to another baby joining our family.

Boating!

2011-07-21T13:29:00.000-07:00

To say we are enjoying our summer is an under statement!

It turned out that Nicholas was legitimately a good driver.

Isaac is a bit on the wild side. (like his dad) He is soaking wet and there was no such speed as to fast.

I was on the boat too, see, here is proof!

Fireworks

2011-07-06T17:04:00.000-07:00

Here is the start of blogging about what we have been up to.

Best firework show west of the Mississippi. Sydney was scared the night before at our family firework show so I was a little worried about how she would be at the river. She clapped the whole time saying "yeah fireworks". I think it's because they were further away.

This 4th was a little different than the rest, it all started with my cousin Ben. He was so sick that he missed his flight and later that night went to the ER. We thought it was a horrible flu bug. He ended up with something else. Then everyone was falling like flies. 11 people that I know of ended up with the flu bug. Bob being one. I am crossing my fingers the rest of us don't get it.

There are posts below and more to come. Nik this is for you, we missed you but can't wait to meet baby boy!

Rexburg Rapids!

2011-07-06T16:02:00.000-07:00

This water park opened up a few weeks ago. It is clean and awesome for all ages. We all had a wonderful day.

Michele, I have a lot more black-male pictures of you so you better watch out!!

THE 4th OF JULY

This picture makes me laugh, Every year, my uncle and dads cars are in the parade. After the parade we have a family car rally. There were well over 20 cars to choose from and what did Bob choose? A ford truck.

I think I like Ben's choice a little better:)

This just might be tied with Christmas for my favorite holiday. Growing up there were 20 cousins on my moms side who were almost like siblings, 18 were all together.

Farr's hit 100 years!

2011-06-20T22:50:00.000-07:00

My grandpa always said, "if you're healthy the sky is the limit, make your dreams reality!" 100 years ago today marks the day that Farr's ice cream was created by my great grandpa. Although my Grandpa passed away over 12 years ago, I know he would have loved to be at tonight's event. Farr's is now in the genus book of world record for scooping the most ice cream in 1 hour. Our goal was 5,000, we hit 6,300 the first hour. There were over 10,000 people there tonight. My hand is sore from scooping but it was an awesome night! Great work Bill and Kevin for keeping the family business strong.

Nicholas and my grandma who is 87 years old and you would never know it.

Isaac was suppose to be helping, later I found out he ate 3 ice cream cones instead. I guess that is what I get for not feeding them dinner before.

The video from the news is on the link below for family that lives away.

Idaho Falls Company Celebrates 100 Years and World Record - KPVI News 6 - Pocatello, ID

2011-06-20T22:46:00.000-07:00

Idaho Falls Company Celebrates 100 Years and World Record - KPVI News 6 - Pocatello, ID

2011-05-27T07:24:00.001-07:00

My Kindergarten graduate.

My pre-K graduate

Lately people have been asking how old my little girl is, I am always wanting to correct them and say, "Oh you mean my baby girl?" She is still our baby. In school last month, Isaac's teacher asked who had a baby at their house. Isaac raised his hand, I realized then I should quit calling her baby and move on to toddler. Oh it PAINS me.

I hope you enjoy the Sydney shrine!

The Greenbelt

2011-05-27T07:10:00.000-07:00

Mindy, you did a great job capturing the order of Nicholas' proud moment.

Wanting to catch a baby duck.

SO close

Mission accomplished. He is still telling people about his accomplishment.

Sydney trying to do what big brother did.

You never know when someone is taking a picture of you.

Books

2011-04-30T20:20:00.000-07:00

I have always had a love for children's books. I remember at Utah State I had an hour between classes and instead of walking all the way back down the hill just to come back up I would go to the book store and buy or look through children's books. I think I have passed this love onto my children. We have read just about all of the magic tree house series and and some of the Junie B. Jones series which the boys found to be hilarious. I took Sydney to the library the other day while the boys were in school and came home with the first book of Harry Potter. It is 17 chapters, I am thinking it will take a couple weeks. We decided to read each book and then watch the movie. I thought I would be reading it to the boys but much to my surprise my 5 year old is the one reading most of it to the rest of us. Here he is in all his glory! (Kindergarten can't come soon enough.)

BMX has begun! Today was Isaac's first time racing the whole track now that he is 5. He did great.

I asked Nicholas what he wanted to do this summer, he said BMX, hiking and work with dad. So here we are, another year of good old bike racing.

Sydney is the cutest cheerleader. She was out there yelling yeah Isaa, Yeah Ni Ni and clapping away. I told Bob that soon enough the boys will be cheering her on at her dance recitals but for now, she will be on the bleachers rooting for her big brothers!

Having a dinner break before the main event.

Both boys took 2nd place at the main event, I can not even tell you how fun it is for me to see them so excited. Sometimes I think the parents are having a better time then the kids.

My awesome sister and her family came to cheer the boys on. Have I mentioned how much I love having them back in town. I LOVE it so much! I think we see each other just about every day:) Our husbands are like brothers that they never had, it makes it that much better.

There are a couple of videos I want to post, they are on Bob's phone so when he's back I'll put them up:)

I would also like to introduce you to the newest member of our family....

This is Hop-along, also known as Hop.

Hop makes his appearance just about everywhere. This little bunny is the sweetest pet yet. If you look close, you will see the little guys shadow in Nicholas' Easter bucket. That's right, he went on the egg hunt with Nicholas.

He spends a lot of time in the sand box.

Show and tell day at Nicholas' school.

Pet day with Isaac. I kind of think he was the favorite pet there:)

And sleeping buddies. We moved him, don't worry. He licks Nicholas but that is the only person he will lick. We are training him to use a litter box and he is already starting to come to his name. Who knew rabbits were so darn smart?? Not me.

Well this was sure fun to have some peace and quiet and get a lot of blogging in. Hope you enjoy!

Easter egg hunt & singing with grandpa

2011-04-27T11:27:00.000-07:00

Life is good!

2011-04-26T10:11:00.000-07:00

Let me back up in time and tell you about a conversation Bob and I had 9ish years ago. We had been dating for over a year and it was time to talk about the big "M" word. We stayed up one night and told each other our concerns about getting married. They seemed SO real at the time, here they were... Bob's concern, afraid he wouldn't be able to hunt enough. My concern, the fact that I would have to give up traveling. Anyone who knows Bob can see that his hunting lifestyle is not lacking because of marriage. He assured me that traveling would just turn more fun because I would have a partner in crime. I held him to that promise and our first 2 years of marriage were one adventure after another.

9 years and three kids later I have lost the gypsy in me. Completely gone. 100%. We always said for our 10 year anniversary we were going to travel to Paris and Rome. Well guess what I have to say about that, this is as close to Paris as we are going to make it until the kids are older and can join us.

We left the kids for 4 days and flew to Vegas. It was wonderful once we were there but gearing up for it was horrible. I was a nervous wreck. But hey, now we have a trust fund and a living will set up for our kids. lol. And now the secret is out that I have major issues that I seriously, seriously need to get over. (Anyone know a good counselor haha) I don't travel without my kids, there is a time and place for everything and now for me, it's being a mom. A paranoid mom. In my defense, since I know you are all worried about me right now, Bob and I go out EVERY.SINGLE.FRIDAY. I leave them happily, its just the flying, and the fact that Bob and I are together. Strange I know but really, I can't help it so be nice.

Besides the fact that leaving them was hard, once I got there I was so relaxed and we may have had a little too much fun away!! Lucky for you, you get a peak at our one and only long distance vacation away from the kiddos. (maybe)

Barry Manilow concert. I was so proud that I actually knew 3 songs:)

Who's who?

Good night!

18 Months

2011-04-12T11:52:00.000-07:00

It's amazing how much you can fall in love with someone in 18 months. Sydney lights up the room with her personality.

As proven in this picture, Syd has no stranger danger. At times it can be quite difficult, other times just endearing. She loves animals and baby dolls right now. She pats the baby and says night night and makes her little beds. It's crazy how natural it is for her to be a little mommy. The boys were not that way. Nicholas and Isaac will say things to Sydney that they have heard me say, I think it is adorable. Such as, "Oh Sydney, I love that little brain of yours",or "your my best little friend."

Then and Now...

This is what happens when she is left alone with her dad.

I never know where my camera is. These are all with my phone so the quality is lacking.

Selective hearing

2011-03-18T10:06:00.000-07:00

Me: "Isaac, get your shoes on...... get your shoes on Isaac....seriously, you still don't have your shoes on...ISAAC I have asked you a million times to GET YOUR SHOES ON!!"
Isaac: (Still quietly watching his show) "Mom, you've only asked me 8 times, not a million."

2011-03-09T07:10:00.000-08:00

This is a pretty close resemblance of what the cute girl looked like who brought me my cookies. Do you think I have a problem?

These bad boys happen to be my favorite. Bob came home from work yesterday and I was laying in bed. That only happens when I am pregnant. All I could mumble out of my mouth was "you don't want to know why I am so sick." His reaction was priceless, "WHAT, your kidding me?" while his face looked totally sick. hahaha "NOPE, not pregnant my dear, just ate 11 cookies in one day." As much as I pride myself on being a very healthy person I can sure indulge in the things I love. Just a word of advice for those of you that love these like I do, don't have 11 in one day!

P.S. I gave 3 boxes away yesterday!

Ramblings by Hayley....

2011-03-05T13:08:00.000-08:00

Why do i blog? Honestly, i keep up on a photo album for each kid, i write in my journal from time to time and i don't have a ton of family that even looks at my blog. All the reasons I hear from most of you. I also don't have a lot of creative ideas to share or funny stories really. I go through phases of thinking it's silly but then guess what, i still post! Basically I find it a fun way to waste time (like Facebook) yet feel productive because I am talking about my chillins. I guess that is the conclusion i came up with. Anywho, i am sure i will continue to ramble. That being the case, I will share one thing i am very excited about and one thing that makes me sad today.

Britt, my sister that is exactly a year older then me is moving back. I screamed when she broke the news. Maybe Bob is right after all, i am a little animated. (Or a lot) I just can't believe it. We have boys that were due on the SAME day but she came 10 days early. They bought an amazing home already and will move into it when her kids are through with school.

Now to the downer. Bob's California family came for a visit last week. They wanted to check out beautiful IF in winter... ha. His cousin has a 14 yr old and a 5 yr old that wanted to give skiing a try. Anyway we had a really fun and BUSY week. I felt like we were on vacation too. The last day they were here, Eric his cousin was feeling sick. He went to the doctor as soon as he got home and found out that he has cancer. He will have surgery tomorrow and then possibly start kemo after that.

Since i don't want to end on that note i will keep rambling...
Nicholas and Isaac had their first tennis tournament today. I was one proud mom. They played 8 year olds since there were no other 5 and 6 year olds. Nicholas won one and Isaac lost 5-7, not bad for being 3 years younger. Right after that we had Nicholas' last basketball game for the year. Oh and Bob had lasik eye suregery on Thursday, anyone who has been thinking about it should DO IT. He feels like a new person. He has 20/20 vision. Ok I'm done.

There's a first time for everything

2011-02-08T08:21:00.000-08:00

Every one's got to experience Blast off and ghetto heise hot springs at some point in their life.

This was her first picture, she is in mid dance. You can't really tell but she was such a goof that i am shocked we got some decent pictures.

I decided to surprise Bob with Valentines pictures of the kids. The boys did such a good job of keeping it a secret with me. Syd's first valentines pictures at 15 months.

Some social days from 2010

2011-02-07T07:30:00.000-08:00

Tyler and Erin's annual Halloween party. And yes, my costume took a lot of time so don't make fun of it.

Christmas PARTY at our house. The white elephant gifts were hilarious. We also played the newlywed game and i am thinking some of you need to get to know your spouses better.haha

Christine's graduation party!

There are some friends that are pretty much like family.

Cabin trip with the Branson family.

Two more years and Ali and Sydney will be starting dance together!

When you can pull a sweet move like this, I'll claim you as my really good friend. (Shane, i know how much you love being all over the Internet, don't hate me for posting this!)

I hope you enjoy a peak into our real exciting social life:)

Every girl has one!

2011-01-26T10:56:00.000-08:00

My weakness in one word...SYDNEY. Oh how I love to shop for her. I have been looking for her spring wardrobe and I am sick of the normal stores. I have been searching for fun, different, funky or unique outfits. I found one awesome website that maybe some of you already know about. www.chasing-fireflies.com. I love some of their items. PLEASE share some of your favorites, i would love to know.

I thought this swimsuit was darling until i saw it was $88, lets be realistic here.

I found this at www.sweetdreamsmychild.com, it's made by JoJo design. Only $29, not bad.
If only i could or had any desire what-so-ever to sew:(

One thing i have enjoyed making the past few years are children's hats. www.hatsbyhayley.blogspot.com remember that? Well, that was before i had my own girl to make them for. I have had so much fun making her some really cute hats and guess what...She hates them. So funny to me. I will try and find a picture of her screaming and pulling off the annoying things. Oh well, the hospitals will have warm hats to give to new babies!

Don't hate me.

2011-01-24T19:28:00.000-08:00

I know, i know, I am one of the few that feels this way but I love winter! I love bundling up and going out in the cold, i love being in a warm house on a cold day. I love to ski, snowmobile and build snow forts. It is just so pretty.

I am thinking the rest of my family feels the same way.

It has also helped that we have had a few trips in the warmth the past couple of months. Bob's 91 year old grandma passed away in November. We met in California to celebrate her life with Bob's entire family. She will be missed and never forgotten.

STUNNING, the man holding that adorable baby girl is just so good looking. The cute little guys in suites below aren't so bad themselves!

It was a LONG day for a one year old. She was a trooper.

We got the last 4 seats on the plane, i was so relieved that we made it on and weren't stuck driving 16 hrs!

The Middle Child

2011-01-16T08:24:00.000-08:00

I think i deserve bragging rights for my now FIVE year old boy. You only have a birthday once a year and besides, parents should be their kids number one fan right? Isaac was born an old soul, i really think he was born full of knowledge. He retains information like nothing i have ever seen. His latest fascination is foreign language, especially Spanish. For his birthday we took the kids to Legoland in California. There was a girl speaking Spanish in front of us waiting to get on the ride and i hear Isaac say "hola", then nothing, so really loud i hear him say "hola" again. Then he leans to Bob and asked how to say "I said" in Spanish. The girl never did hear him but Isaac was sure going to try and carry on a conversation in Spanish.

Isaac is a competitive child, Nicholas is playing on a basketball team and on our way to the games Isaac is in the back coaching him. "Now Nicholas you be aggressive, get in there and get that ball."

Last week i picked up Isaac and a friend from school, out of the blue Isaac said, "My dad was excited that i was born" He went on to tell his friend that dad never had a brother and he was excited to have brothers for each other. Really i have never met a more hands on and amazing dad then Bob. I tell Bob he has the fun part, he can't clean very well and chooses not to do laundry much but when it comes to being a dad he's more than exceeded my expectations. He is incredible with our kids. It is so fun to watch. Isaac, you hit it right on, dad is SO excited that you were born and i am glad you know that!

I thought i would teach my kids to ski at age 4. Bob and i lined up a babysitter for Isaac when Nichoals was 4 and we were going to take just Nicholas. Isaac cried for an hour straight. The babysitter got here and Isaac kept saying mom, please let me come, i promise i can do it too. I gave in and sent the sitter home. Why did i doubt this child? He was on the chair lift and cruising down the mountain right beside his brother.

Just like potty training, riding a bike with out training wheels, BMX racing, reading, or sports, it all seems to come pretty natural for Isaac.

He is the one to remind me it's time to read scriptures at night and after someone gives the prayer he always says "thank you." Just a random thing i think is cute.

Isaac's new thing is to tell me, Bob, Nicholas and Sydney that we are his BFF's, where he got that from who knows but i love it. We were on the ski lift the other day and he told me i was his ski BFF. I'll gladly have that title.

He is a great big brother, Sydney loves to play peek a boo with him and take baths with him. I was getting mad at Sydney the other day, talking to her Stern. She was going for the light sockets for pete sakes...Isaac told me if i said it nicer she would stop. Protective over her already.

Because Isaac is competitive, things have to be very fair around here. I literally had to count the Christmas gifts to make sure the boys had the same number of presents. He doesn't understand quality yet, it was all about being equal in quantity. If i pour chocolate milk, it has to be the same amount as Nicholas. (Which cracks me up because Nichoas couldn't care less, they are so different)For Nicholas' 5th birthday we took him to Disneyland and Isaac never, ever forgot. He reminded me that he couldn't wait for his 5th birthday. (He chose Legoland instead.)

His imagination is unreal, he came home from school and asked if he could have a spy birthday party with his friends. So last minute i threw a spy party together. It took some thinking. With this kid, i would expect no less.

One last thing, he is very obedient. I tell him once and that is all he needs. He is a great eater and sleeper which is huge since I have one very picky eater and another one that doesn't require much sleep at all. Bob and i wonder often, where this kid came from. I would have a million more of him.

I love his rough and tumble side and his sweet side. He is an absolute joy to have in our family and never, NEVER leaves room for a dull moments around here. We love you Isaac, you are a very special boy:)

Keep enjoying life Ike, this picture says it all!!

2010-12-24T21:47:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!

I wish you all a happy new year and hope it's more like this...

NOT this.

This month has been awesome, there are few things better in this world then the month of DECEMBER. Food, parties, friends, family, chocolate, and of course best of all reflecting on the birth of our savior.

Mini vacay...

2010-11-28T12:51:00.000-08:00

Day ONE: Excited to try french food, walk into the restaurant that smells so good only to find out they are closed:(
Day TWO: Call to book our dinner Cruise on the Columbia river and they tell us for the next two days they won't be doing the cruise....WHAT? lame.

Pros and cons to just showing up somewhere with no plans. I can not tell you how nice it was to be kidless, friendless, no work, church or other responsibilities for a few days. I really, really like this guy! We had an absolute blast.

Christmas shopping for the kids

We had the pool to ourselves.

2010-11-21T19:59:00.000-08:00

Sisters by chance, friends by choice.

We are FAMILY......I've got all my sistas with me. My theme song for this post:)

That's right, we went to "So you think you can dance" live, the whole rest of the night i wanted to show off my amazing dance moves!

STRIKE A POSE

Independent & intelligent women, i tell you what. Oh how i love "my" posse!

Here are some of the up and coming ladies waiting to join the group.

Oh you little chillins, practice up on your shopping skills and maybe we will let you tag along sooner than later!

Locals....

2010-10-29T06:44:00.000-07:00

For you locals, this is a MUST. We spent hours exploring each maze, riding the train, trying out the corn rocket and picking pumpkins. It is by far the best one around.

I hope you have a happy halloween! (Isaac even has the pirate face down and Syd will dress up tomorrow as a witch)

Obsessed!

2010-10-22T07:53:00.001-07:00

I wanted to write more about Sydney but didn't have time. One measly picture doesn't cut it for this big girl.
Syd weighs 20 lbs, has 7 teeth, is a great eater, happy almost always, loves to dance, and follows Nicholas and Isaac everywhere. She gets into things she shouldn't. . . toilet, plugs etc., eats toilet paper at any chance, and is very affectionate. This girl loves to be snuggled and kissed, I don't think she knows any different! She says dog, cat, grandpa, grandma, dad, momma, buck, bottle, night night, and blabbers ALL the time. More so than the boys did (Must be my daughter). Sydney loves anyone who will give her attention but has her few favorites. Grandma and Grandpa (both), Aunt Patrice and Aunt Angie. She pats us on the back when we pick her up and yells down the stairs to dad even when he is gone. Thats where his office is and she knows it. Sydney loves to explore her surroundings and loves to look at books. We all love her to pieces. I might even be a little obsessed and that's just fine, right?!

My life long BFF!

Nicholas helping her pick out a pumpkin.

Loves daddy time.

She is going to be tough, she already loves to wrestle with her brothers.

She is really into animals right now, especailly dogs.

Is there such thing as picture overload? Oh well i couldn't resist.

Birthday girl!

2010-10-13T17:05:00.000-07:00

She scored at the big birthday bash. She no longer has to play with balls and trucks!

Field trip to the airport.

Isaac has talked about this day for a month now, he is in the most amazing preschool (pre kindergarten if you ask Isaac)!

Someone else thought it was pretty fun as well.

11 months old

2010-09-21T10:19:00.000-07:00

Sydney was our 10 month old walker, has 4 teeth (sponge BOB teeth teeth that is) and is a very easy going child. She says buck (thanks to her daddy) and dog and of course dadada all day long. We absolutly adore you baby girl!

Since the boys have school pictures today and Sydney is almost ONE i decided to try a little photo shoot with her. Maybe for your first birthday Syd i'll get you professional pictures!

2010-09-19T07:38:00.000-07:00

Don't be fooled by her innocence!

I love that this girl is into everything and so curious. She keeps us busy that's for sure!!

The kids and i were excited to watch my friends kids for the night. Our first two are almost exactly the same age. Laura and I were about Nicholas and Braden's age when we started playing. It's awesome having a life long best friend.

Both Britt and I were widows for the week. She came for my birthday and stayed a few days. It was SO much fun. I have a lot of wonderful friends but nothing trumps a sister! All of the 18 cousins on my side get along great which makes it that much more fun.

TRIALS....
This past month has been interesting to say the least. Some of my close friends have been talking to me about their horrible marriages. One in particular is such a SAD and heartbreaking situation. Satan is real, he is targeting the family more than ever. It is the daily habits that are so important. I am human and far from perfect(i know you are all shocked by that) but there is NOTHING or NOBODY that i will let get in the way of the things that are most important to ME! I read an article that if you have not read and have time, you can look it up. It put a lot of things into perspective for me. The article is "How will you measure your life" by Clayton Christensen. Anyway, i usually stick with the fluff and kids on this blog but hey, this can apply to anyone, no matter what the trial is! You ll have to google it, everything is being slow on my computer.

One more fun thing and then I'm done for today:)

Although the five of us girls lead completely different lives and really couldn't be more different, we still have a great time reminiscing and laughing together. These are wonderful women!

Happy Anniversary to us!

2010-08-20T23:49:00.000-07:00

Eight years of marriage, i don't know what to think. I feel like it has flown by but i can hardly imagine life with out Bob in it. There was major chemistry between us from day ONE. There is just something about him, i can't explain it! He is the PERFECT fit for me, i love this boy.
Eight of my favorite's:
1. Spontaneous, he is seriously the most fun person i have met.
2. Hands on dad, rare to find i am learning.
3. A loyal and committed husband
4. FANTASTIC communicator. He has taught me a lot in that area
5. Confident and out going.
6. He has the same core beliefs as i do which makes life a lot more smooth.
7. Determined (This is the thing i adore about him more than anything in the world BUT at times the thing i dis-like most of all as well.)
8. OK, of course his amazing body, big blue eyes, amazing smile and you get it, i don't want to make you all gag so I'll stop!

We had Tai food for dinner and then did some major exploring!

SO, fall is about here which means one thing for me....HUNTER'S WIDOW. Therefore i will be blogging in the middle of the night when i can't fall asleep. Lucky for you all i will be a much better and more loyal blogger!ha

We have enjoyed watching the chuckers baseball games this summer. The boys love cousin time.

The first part of the summer hardly seemed like a real summer. The weather was bad and we were busy with swimming, baseball, soccer, and travels. The last month and a half is what i call a real summer. Relaxing, no schedule and a lot of play time with the kids & Bob. I have loved it so much.

2010-08-20T16:33:00.000-07:00

2010-08-13T13:32:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of brief clips from our summer 2010

Headache....

2010-08-03T13:45:00.001-07:00

I can hardly look at this picture without getting a little teary eyed. I experienced the most horrifying night of my life last night. I took the 3 kids swimming, i know i am out numbered but Nicholas is a great swimmer and Isaac is getting there. Anyway, the boys got in the pool, i was getting undressed and putting sunscreen on Sydney when i look over and see that Isasac is completely under. I had Sydney unbuckled except for the top buckle and she was up high on a table. I immediately jump in to save Isaac, pull him up and make sure he is OK. He was fine once he quit coughing. I was just grateful he was coughing up the water. I hear Nicholas yell, "SYDNEY, SYDNEY." I look over and she had finagled her way out of the top buckle and was standing up about to fall smack on the concrete....it was a pretty far distance. I swam faster than i thought possible yelling my baby, my baby. I missed her by seconds, she fell right in front of my eyes and screamed unbearably. I thought i was going to throw up. Right then Bob showed up, he looked at us and was not sure what was going on except that Sydney's eyes were rolling back and she was pale. We grabbed our belongings and i told Bob to call the pediatricians office and see what to do. They told us to go straight to the ER. Sydney was trying to fall asleep in the car, i kept singing to her and rubbing her face hard not letting her fall asleep on me. Then we called our brother-in law who is a doctor and he said if she is not throwing up and there is no knot on her head there is nothing they will do at the ER. Just watch her carefully. We went home and had a great friend come over to help Bob give her a blessing. She seemed dazed for 30 min and then was back to her normal self. ME on the other hand, could not pull myself together the rest of the night. I was up all night watching Syd and having nightmares of Isaac drowning and Sydney having permanent damage. I felt guilty and horrible. The thing that still gets me is during this Nicholas kept saying mom, give me Sydney right now, right now, right now. She needs me, i can make her feel better. He also kept asking if she was going to die. I just lost it. I love these 3 so much. Nicholas is such a little dad to Sydney. He tells me often that she makes him so happy and he has never loved something so much. Having siblings is UNREAL!

Finally 46"

2010-07-20T14:15:00.000-07:00

I could not help but post Nicholas and Isaac's first REAL experience to lagoon. They both did the water slides and Nicholas did all the big rides, including the white roller coaster. Isaac was a bit to short and very sad about it. We had a memorable day.

Exhausted!

Swimming at the hotel

A few of the girls having a fun play date at the splash park. My friend just emailed this to me as i was blogging. I thought i would throw this in as well:)

Birthday Bash and More.....

2010-06-29T18:30:00.000-07:00

My boy is 6, he is the best kid in the world.

This birthday party was a HUGE success. Watching all of the kids laughing and running from ride to ride for an hour and a half was entertainment. During lunch several kids asked if they could stay forever.

All 15 kids were fantastic.

Portland/Washington vacation...I LIVE for vacationing!

It takes too long to download all my pictures so i will write a few of our favorite activities from the week!
Jeep riding
Lion king in theatre
OMSI museum
Camp fires
Fishing
Swimming
Hiking
Amazing restaurants
Of course spa day
Relaxing
Pony rides
Day cruise on the Colombia river where the boys got to have a turn driving the boat.

Inside the submarine

Updates on the kids....

Nicholas played in the spring season of soccer and really enjoyed it. He has also been taking private swimming lessons. He needs to be ready for boating season! He and Isaac are on a t-ball team together which makes the running around wonderful for me. Bob takes the boys twice a week to the BMX track where they have races. They absolutely LOVE it and come home exhausted. Nicholas is enjoying reading, playing in the sand box and many play dates with friends. He is my helper, he loves to cook and clean, we love this boy!

I love this picture, look at his helmet hair, he worked SO hard for this trophy...he got 2nd place.

The good looking coach!

Isaac is a goof! He is full of personality and really has been so easy from day ONE. I signed both boys up for fall soccer and the guy there said there really were not enough coaches for the 4 year old teams. Long story short he talked me into coaching. Hilarious i know, don't you worry, i will be practicing up on my soccer knowledge and we will kick some butt. (i have never kicked a soccer ball in my life) Isaac is very passionate about t-ball. He is always wanting to practice and lets me know before each game he is going to hit a home-run. He also loves BMX. The other day he was feeling sick so i told him he should stay home with Sydney and me. He begged and said he felt great and he needed to get a trophy, i decided to let him. He got 1st place and fell asleep the rest of the night about 5 minutes after. Poor guy ended up having strep. It was horrible. He is an amazing reader and asks me to give him homework every morning. He might be my smart nerd!!

Sydney is all over the place, she is incredibly busy and jabbers constantly. She has got to be the happiest person i know. She eats, sleeps and plays well. Yes, she is a perfect baby. She wants to hold my hands and walk all around. Everything goes right to her mouth,therefore i keep a good eye on this baby of mine.

Sydney had her 1st plane ride a few months ago and enjoyed the lemonade most of all.

A little excited!

2010-04-05T13:06:00.001-07:00

The countdown begins....heading to my favorite get away on earth, Palm Desert!

A few days before Easter i was putting the boys to bed and Nicholas said a couple of times how he could hardly wait until Easter. He said he couldn't wait for all of the candy and gifts. Well, good thing he said that because i really didn't have much planned. I made a quick trip to target, had a scavenger hunt and egg hunt put together in no time. We had their favorite breakfast, cinnamon rolls and then went through the real meaning of Easter. I guess it was a real success because so many times last night i was told it was one of the best days ever. It doesn't take much!

Sydney....another favorite topic of mine! She rolls all over, says dadadadad often and yesterday started scooting around a little bit. She will be 6 months on the 14Th, i can hardly believe it. Nicholas and Isaac get her laughing so hard sometimes, and she has started rice cereal and her veggies. She is a great eater so far.

I know this blog post is full of very interesting information that i am sure all of you care so much about:) Useless facts are so much easier to type then to write in my journal!

When i grow up....

2010-02-24T18:29:00.001-08:00

I hope to be just like Bob's grandma. She is 83 and had heart surgery 2 weeks ago. We went to Utah for a few days to visit her and made a little vacation out of it.

Who looks that amazing right after surgery? When she came out of surgery she asked the Dr. if he thought she had a few more years to live. He said of course and she told him she was going to leave the hospital and get herself a new car. She makes aging look so fun! I just love this lady.

Bob giving the boys diving lessons. I am sure i have said this before, but truly these kids of mine are so lucky to have the dad they do. He is 1 in a million in every way. I am sad for winter to be over and his busy season to start up again. We love having him around, he makes everything more fun.

I love this baby of mine, especially her rolls!

Nicholas skiing

2010-01-27T08:03:00.000-08:00

Isaac skiing

2010-01-27T06:44:00.000-08:00

Keeping kids informed

2010-01-21T21:20:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Nicholas came running down the stairs in a panic. He kept saying "mom, mom", over and over. I thought maybe his fish was dead this time. Ok not really but i knew there was something important he needed to tell me. He told me he needed me upstairs right that second. He proceeded to tell me there was an earthquake in Haiti and they need our help/money. I have never seen such a concerned 5 year old. Just two days prior Bob and i had been wondering what we could do to help a bit. Of course nothing more was said or done (i know sad huh?) BUT thanks to Nicholas not dropping it we sent some money and a & copy of Isaac's hand print that he insisted they needed. It made me realize i need to keep my kids up on current events, they are a lot more interested than i realized. Kids come to earth more aware and smarter now days i swear it. Hopefully next time i will be the one to inform them of such disasters not the darn tv.

Drama at the Potter house

2010-01-19T11:18:00.000-08:00

On Saturday Bob & I were on a date when we got a call from the babysitter. He said Nicholas needed to talk to us. Nicholas burst into tears and told us the devastating news, Rhino his best friend (gerbil) had died. We were just finishing dinner and told him we were on our way. When we got home Bob took Rhino from Nicholas and was going to put him in a box until we could burry him the next morning. All of the sudden Bob was still, look, look! he is breathing. Nicholas started screaming, he was beyond excited. Although he was taking shallow infrequent breaths he looked like he was on his way out. Bob was not going to let the little guy die without a fight. He told me to call the vet and hand him the phone. (At this point i was bursting into laughter, really Bob, you are serious? oh and he was.) The vet told him to come in and it would be an $80 charge. Ok, the gerbil was $10 like i was going to pay $80 just for the vet to tell us he had a possible few days to live. Bob was really going to do it but asked the vet if there were some home remodies we could try. He told us to mix orange juice with his water for vitamin c, wrap him up and put him under a light so he would be warm. I have never seen such a thing, Bob nursed him back to life. He started breathing normal, walking and drinking but was still in bad shape. The boys stayed up until 11 when i forced them to bed and Bob came in to bed at 3 and told me the news.......Rhino didn't make it. Nicholas woke up earlier than normal, darted into the kitchen where we had left Rhino, noticed he was gone, came into our room when Bob broke the news. He was one upset little boy. He went in the other room and wrote Rhino a letter and told us to come to his funeral, it would be held later that night. These were his final words:

Dear Rhino,
We miss you. You were the best pet. We tried to keep you alive, but didn't. Sorry. Now we only have a fish. I want you to be safe in heaven.

Love, Nicholas

I would look on my camera to find a bunch of random pictures of Rhino. Obviously taken by Nicholas.

If you look in Nicholas' hand you will see he is holding his little buddy. Anyone who came over met this guy (sorry about that people) & when friends were over he was right there with him. So funny to me!

What i learned from all of this:

1. Bob would do anything for his kids even if it means an $80 visit to the vet.
2. I must be the devil because i was cracking up at the whole situation, i never have and i guess still don't like little critters as pets.
3. Nicholas is the sweetest little boy in the world. I love this child, he is so sensitive and loving.
4. We may be in the market sooner than later for a dog, i have a husband who said that is a crucial part of a boys childhood.
5. I have said it before, Nicholas is my animal LOVER & i realized that more then ever this night.
6. Gerbils are dang fast and hard to catch, Rhino gave me some gray hairs. From escaping out of his cage and crawling all over our guests durning the night to rescuing him in our vent system & many more stories in between.

All about Sydney!

2010-01-07T14:58:00.000-08:00

My baby girl will be 3 months on the 14th of this month. She gets cuter by the day! If Sydney even acts like she is about to cry everone runs. It is hilarious.

(Sydney & Hazel)
She smiles & talks often. If only i could freeze time!

2010-01-02T10:24:00.001-08:00

Sydney's blessing that Bob gave her really was one of the best i have ever heard. We love every single movement from this girl. Right after he handed her to me she threw up EVERYWHERE. That being the case i only got one picture that really does not do this baby justice on her big day. I am going to have to do a re do here soon.

Bob & I had 30-40 people over afterward for lunch, thanks to all the family and friends that joined us!(especailly the travelers)

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas.

The Christmas Eve party!

Sydney all dressed up for the party & baby cousin Russell

The boys reciting their poem at the Christmas program

This is my favorite picture from Christmas morning, i looked over to find Sydney covered in her new little dolls. The boys kept laughing telling her she looked like ET. (for you ET watchers you know what part they are refering to)
We got the boys a WII, it has already gotten a lot of use. We also got each of them a transformer & a leapster which i would reccommend to any parent for their child. It keeps them entertained for quite a while.

No wonder my moms hands were tired, she had SO many gifts to wrap, this was not even a third of them.

A week at the ZERMATT RESORT

The 6 of us sisters were treated to a wonderful morning at the spa.

My dad treated the guys to a biatholon competition, it consisted of cross country skiing & shooting. A competion of any kind with this group of guys is a sure success.

Snorkling/Scubadiving through a cave. I was shocked at how well the boys did, i guess when you take them this young they have no fear.

While the girls pulled late nighters talking and laughing the boys headed to their nightly meeting spot for an intense hearts tournament. If any of you know my husband at all, he LOVES this game and takes it very serious, also Chris we love your good luck glass you carried faithfully with you each night!

Michele cracking us up, i don't think she knows i snapped this picture.

(i am sad we are missing Todd, Strebel & dad in this picture)

Sledding

Nicholas is my animal lover, althought he enjoyed sledding i think the highlight for him that afternoon was finding his new best freind chocolate chip. A MOUSE, yuck but he was certain that his new found friend would now be a part of our family. Sorry buddy a gerbil is enough for me!

We went swimming in the indoor/outdoor pool with waterfall hot tubs that were my personal favorite!

The picture of Isaac jumping in the pool was a big moment. He leared to swim in the deepend without floaties. (I am hoping now he can teach me!!ha)

Just about everyone except families with babies (myself & Barbs) hit the slopes

The kids stayed entertained with the game & movie room down the hall. They had x-box along with others and a lot of kid friendly movies playing on the big screen. We celebrated 4 birthdays, ate at some great restraunts, and ofcourse hit the Park city outlets on the way home! With 14 adults and 17 kids all under age 11 we had an amazing vacation. Thanks mom and dad for the perfect & most memorable Chirismas gift ever.

2009-12-05T12:09:00.000-08:00

This pretty much sums up family pictures for us this year!

Oh Isaac, he is quite the character. This boy is full of personality, making all of us laugh constantly. He soaks up and retains information like nothing i have ever seen. Not much bothers this kid and he has such a care-free spirit about him. Anyway, i thought this picture was so cute!

This is why....

2009-11-24T17:35:00.001-08:00

we need to move to the country!

All 3 of my boys are in their element.

Thanks Britt and Nikki for making Sydney's first mini trip so much fun!!

Doing what girls do best

Eating & visiting (celebrating the birth of baby boy Nelson)

Just a few.....

2009-11-17T15:23:00.000-08:00

Fall Festivities

2009-11-02T08:21:00.000-08:00

The cutest trick or treaters

Isaac shooting his web and Nicholas #1 bike racer

Halloween Party

We have such fun friends!!

Neighborhood trunk or treat

Don't you love the costumes!?

This is real blurry but these are 4 of the 6 boys in kindergarten that get together every friday and play their little hearts out. They are all such darling boys. Nicholas also had his costumer parade at school along with his halloween party that he talked about the rest of the day.

We went to the Melaluca halloween adventure as well, the employees sure put a lot of time into it, i was amazed at what they had done.

I lost my camera for a week and was so sad that i couldn't take any pictures of the new babe. She has been the perfect addition to our family. I took her to her two week check up and she has gained almost a pound in two weeks. I was so proud of her. No wonder i feel like nursing is a full time job though, the girl is an eater. I love the picture of Sydney and Bob taking their Sunday nap together.

Kissable lips! Do you think she is sick of having her picture taken? I started laughing when she finally put her arm over her eyes.

She is awake a lot more now, i love her big blue eyes!

I can't believe how lucky i am to have such wonderful friends and family. I captured only a few people meeting Sydney for the first time. The Branson family, Nikki & Chris, Great Grandma Lou and the Streble cousins.

Every night while i read the boys a story in bed they switch off holding her. It's fun to see these tough little boys soften around Sydney, they think she is the cutest thing ever.
Stay tuned...Sydneys new born (2 week)photo shoot will be next, i don't get them back for 2 weeks.

Special girl!

2009-10-21T09:18:00.001-07:00

It is amazing how much they change every day. We sure love this little bundle!

Sydney Nicole

2009-10-17T19:51:00.000-07:00

Wednesday October 14th was her big day! I went in to my regular check up that morning and my Dr. said the baby had not grown in 2 weeks. He did an ultrasound and said she looked very healthy but needed to come out because she was not growing. Everything went really well, i am lucky and have fast labor and deliveries. There is still nothing like bringing a little miracle into the world. I love being a mom!
6lbs6oz and 20in

Isaac kept rubbing his cheek next to hers and giggling. He would say over and over "oh she is just so cute." He also told Bob that Sydney has small boobs. That kid is so funny.
Nicholas is beyond excited. He wants to hold her every second and will tell anyone who will listen about his sister. He came home from school Thursday and told Bob that he raised his hand and announced to his class the big news. The fist thing he asked when he saw her was "Do all girls come out with bows in their hair?" Bob and I are enjoying having another baby around, it has been very peaceful. Today Nicholas said "Wow mom, you really like baby Sydney don't you?" I have a hard time putting her down, i know how quickly the time passes and want to soak up every second.

2009-10-12T06:10:00.001-07:00

Grandma and Grandpa came to visit, not many pictures but we loved every second of having them.

Sugar n' Spice

2009-10-02T07:51:00.001-07:00

and everythig nice, thats what little girls are made of!

My sisters and mom put together a family luncheon, i forgot to take pictures of presents and amazing food. Also my friends had an open house for me and baby girl. I have felt so special the last few days. The boys have been helping me put her clothes away, pack the diaper bag and clean her new toys. The Dr. said he would induce me on the 16th, 2 weeks from today if i don't have her by then. We shall see what happens.

Firsts

2009-09-17T09:16:00.000-07:00

Nicholas on his way to start at the big school. He is loving it, i can't believe i have a kindergartner.

Isaac's first day of preschool, he was so ready & excited to go. Have i mentioned how much fun these 2 little boys are? We are really enjoying having them around.

4 weeks left until we will be getting some pink around here. I have been working away on the nursrey and organizing this house. I must be at the "nesting" stage!

Fire Fighters

2009-09-03T18:53:00.000-07:00

LOS ANGELES – The U.S. Forest Service says arson is the cause of the wildfire north of Los Angeles that killed two firefighters. Deputies have launched a homicide investigation. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is looking for the person who set the fire that's destroyed more than five dozen homes and burned 226 square miles.
The two firefighters died Sunday when their truck careened off a steep mountain road.

I have such a soft spot for these firefighters, with a husband who fought wilderness fires for years i saw up close the sacrafice, danger and hard work they all put into keeping us safe. They are heros!

Bob & Harjo in Nevada our 1st summer married. I was a widow that summer, and was lucky if i got to see him every 16 days for 2 days and then he was off again.

Bob was the lead sawyer on the crew, the guy with a chainsaw in his hands at all times. It is actually a pretty cool & unique position in the fire world.

This last picture was taken mid day but the smoke from the fire was blocking the sun.

7 Wonderful Years!

2009-08-20T06:42:00.000-07:00

So, you know the cheesy romantic movies and books you read and want to almost throw up?? I have to admit, i feel like that is what i am living. It started out that way, love at first sight (well lets be honest, it was possible it was lust at first sight!)We dated for 2 years and have been married for 7. As different as we are there is something that clicked between us from day one.
The past 7 years:

Almost 3 kids
Both College Graduates from USU
Fun travels
Interasting jobs
Started up a successful business together
Bought our first home 4 years ago
Hard times
Learned and still learning the true meaning of compromise
Made life long friends
Many great concerts (if something ever happened to him i don't think i could ever go to another concert, that is our little thing)

I have to tell you all haha, the 4 of you that even read this thing, i just read this to Bob and all he said was "Oh Hayley that is so damn cheesy, you are not really posting it are you?" (hope the language didn't offend anyone) If you know Bob at all, you could have probably guessed that is what he had to say about it. On that note, yes babe, i am posting it and sure love ya.
Happy 7 years to us!!

2009-08-12T05:51:00.001-07:00

LIKE FATHER

My favorite part of the whole thing is the fact that his number is 530 (Nicholas 5, Isaac 3 & baby 0)

2nd place, he did awesome!

His biggest fan club

LIKE SON

Cousin Jack came to cheer them on

Showing off their ribbons, Nicholas took 3rd and Isaac 1st. It was the cutest thing i have ever seen. They have another race tomorrow, this time for a trophy!

Here are all but 2 of the girl cousins, it was a great weekend catching up with you gals!

I stole a couple of these from my sisters blog!
That's all for now.

Musicians in the making

2009-07-22T19:46:00.000-07:00

I think our love for concerts & music

(Blues traveler, not my favorite)

has been passed down to Nicholas and Isaac

They were even getting some crowd involvement

I can't forget to mention their proudest day yet

Making $14

2009-07-17T21:58:00.000-07:00

My conversation with a 3 year old.
Me-Isaac, where did you go?
Isaac-Work with dad so i can earn some money.
Me-what did you do?
Isaac-Oh mom just boy stuff that would be really boring for you. I made a lot of dollars.

I have 13 weeks to go and still thankfully feeling really good. To my suprise i am really loving having a belly, this has by far been my best pregnancy. The boys are always kissing her and talking about her. We are very anxious to get this little girl here!

Blake Shelton & Julianne Hough Concert

2009-07-17T07:26:00.001-07:00

It sure makes life fun having a built in best friend to live with. We had a great date, got double massages, dinner and a concert.

Sneak Peak of family pictures

T-ball

2009-06-26T14:51:00.000-07:00

Not sure why you can't post comments below....
I love that they were able to be on the same team, it has made summer a lot of fun for all of us.

2009-06-26T14:26:00.001-07:00

Disneyland, baby shower, birthday and more.....

2009-06-26T10:29:00.000-07:00

Happy 5th birthday Nicholas

Katie's shower

Some Highlights....

2009-06-03T09:38:00.001-07:00

Since i am going to make this into a book i am trying to write little things on here and post more often. I need to be better.
The past few weeks
-Boys started t-ball and are on the same team
-My siblings and i threw my parents a suprise 60th b-day dinner for friends/family
-Father and sons campout which was a huge success
-Spent time in Island park
-Got a ton of spring cleaning done, yes late but oh it felt good!
-Spending a lot of time outside in this wonderful weather
-Nicholas had his preschool graduation and we celebrated after it with some friends, we went out for Mexican food
-The boys have spent some time at work with their dad

Happy 60th Mom and Dad

Favors for the guests

Preschool graduation with his best buddy Braden

Saying his memorized rhym, he did great!

They got to go to the camp out with their cousin Emerson which made it so fun.

I think the camp out wore Isaac right out!

It's a.....

2009-06-01T09:51:00.000-07:00

GIRL!!!!
I have been trying to hold the tears back all morning. Wow, i am in shock and beyond EXCITED! We took the boys with us and they were so darling, i think we all kindof thought it was a girl. So, as most of you know i married and guy who loves kids. I asked him if he was excited and he of course is but said does this mean you want to be done now that you have a girl? He sounded worried that i was going to say yes (because i hate being pregnant)but the truth is i love these little people too so bring on 5 more. ha ha just kidding!

Heaven Sent

2009-05-12T07:45:00.000-07:00

One funny thing...When Grandma Carla comes to visit the boys always ask if it is thier birthday, she brings so many fun things for them and they are not use to that from me.

I married into the most amazing family. There are 3 kids, only 1 boy (Robert of course) and i will have to say it is kindof nice. I know i will always be the favorite daughter-in law!! Pregnancy is not my favorite thing in the world. I know like many of you i get relly sick. Carla came to the rescue, she took over on the laundary, cooking but most importantly the boys. They have a bond i have never seen before. It is amazing to me. I almost cried along with Nicholas and Isaac when we had to say bye. We loved the help and her compay! But guess what? I am So incredibally happy to say i think i am all better. I am 17 weeks and feeling great. I find out in 3 weeks the gender, i can hardly wait.

THE SAND BOX PROCESS

I was amazed at how hard Nicholas and Isaac were working to get this done. This was one of my favorite family nights yet!

It is now complete with the trucks and toys to play with

I love my new built in babysitter. I was just telling Bob we might need to hire another secretary but nope, i can do it now that the boys are entertained outside for a longer time. They love it!

Fears?!

2009-05-11T11:25:00.000-07:00

Please tell me i am not the only person with silly fears! When i was little i got stuck in an elevator two different times and being closterphobic anyway that didn't help the situation. I avoid elevators at ALL cost. A few years ago on a cruise the food was on the 12th floor, i faithfully took 12 flights of stairs 3 times a day. No way was i going to take the elevator. Poor Bob would meet me at the top. Ok you get the idea....
WELL, we took a little trip last week to Vegas. I knew the place we would be staying at only had elevators but i was so desperate for some sun i didn't mind too much. We got there at 1 a.m. with 2 sleeping boys, got checked in and up to our 4th floor room we went. The elevator closed and i started talking to Bob trying not to pay much attention that we were on the elevator. It doesn't move, i push every level and it did nothing. Out of nowhere it starts going up to the 15th floor. I was just excited it was moving, so I could get out somewhere. It gets there and stops and will not open. We look down and see a slot for a key in the elevator so we try it and then push our floor, NOTHING. By this point i just kept saying Bob is this for real? Oh my gosh, get me out of here, is this for real? I am stuck in an elevator?? What is going on. On and on kind of starting to panic. Thank goodness that my husband has patience. He looked at me and kept saying don't you dare start freaking out, get to the back of the elevator, i'll get us out of here. It felt like hours but finally he got us back to the lobby. I went to the lady at the front desk and asked where the stairs were located,told her the elevator was broken and i refuse to ride it. There was a line behind me saying the same thing. So glad i wasn't the only one. The darn lady didn't program our elevator key and she said the stairs were for emergencies only. Obviously she didn't realize this was an emergency for me! During all of this the boys woke up and didn't go back to bed until 3 a.m. Well, glad to say it didn't happen again and i had no choice the rest of the trip but to take the elevator. Hopefully i am getting over my fear!!

This was Bob most of the time, we just felt lucky to have him with us during his busy time!

The 2 little fish

For Robert's birthday we had his mom watch the boys and we headed to SLC. It was so much fun. We met up with some friends Saturday night for a super-cross race which was actually a lot of fun.

Happy Easter!

2009-04-13T13:56:00.000-07:00

I am pretty sure Easter was bigger this year then Christmas. (Grandma was here, that explains it all!) We had an Easter party with my family, friends and then yesterday with just the 4 of us and Bob's mom. I have some other cute pictures i will put up as soon as i get my plug working again.

Laura & Mike had one huge hunt with atleast 300 eggs. The kids all went wild. I hope you guys do it next year!

Exciting News!!

2009-04-02T09:50:00.001-07:00

Monsters vs. Aliens

This movie was very entertaining, Nicholas and Isaac were glued to the screen the whole time. I would reccommend it to anyone with kids.

The Happiest Place on earth, here we come. For Nicholas' 5th birtday we are taking he and Isaac to Disneyland. (Not until June) He will hopefully get to have lunch with Mickey!

The most exciting news for us......I am PREGNANT! Some of you already know but we are more than ready & excited for baby number 3 to join our family.

Latest adventures around here.....

2009-03-22T08:56:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Bob & I taught Nicholas to ride his bike with no training wheels. It was a big and very proud day for him. It took about an hour and the whole time Isaac kept saying come on Nicholas, you can do it. It's a lot of hard work but you are doing so good. Nothing feels better then to see their little relationship, it is so special and life long.

Today Nicholas asked why people can't just go to church naked. Oh wouldn't that be so easy, i am with you on that buddy! ha

Isaac always askes when he can have a baby brother, he said boys are cooooool and he always likes them but girls are only sometimes cool so he would really prefer a brother. Nicholas wants a sister so i'll see what i can do about getting twins here.

Here are some random pictres to go along with the post!

s1600-h/2594_57986309661_500794661_1391462_7315829_n%5B1%5D.jpg">

Super Nanny!

2009-03-19T09:19:00.000-07:00

Bob's cousin Eric came and stayed with us this past week. He was amazing with the kids. Every time i turned around he was coloring with them, giving horse rides, making milk shakes etc. Eric has cerebral Palsy so he is hard to understand sometimes but Nicholas & Isaac seemed to have no problem. I told him to move here and be my super nanny. We had a wonderful time, it is a weekend to remember!

First time on the ski hill.

We took the boys skiing a couple of times this year. They honestly are naturals. It was incredible to me how well they did. This will be our new family winter sport! Nicholas had great tecnique and Isaac headed straight down the hill as fast as possible. Oh i just love the ages they are at.

2009-02-16T09:42:00.000-08:00

Nicholas gave a talk in Primary and did such a great job. I think he had more fun practicing and teaching us other random information. Don't you love their choice of clothing, it cracks me up what they come out wearing sometimes.

They got Madagascar 2 for Valentine's day so ofcourse we had to have a movie night with treats!

We went to some friends house and all the kids came out dressed up. I think Batman secretly has a crush on Batwoman.

They also got to go sledding behind the snowmobile, i think this was a huge hit for the kids.

We went to the air museum, i am serious when i say they are into airplanes. This was amazing for them, they got to sit in some and pick out their own toy planes at the end and you would have thought they were at Disneyland.

As you can see things have been pretty low key around here lately. We had a very romantic Valentine's day...ok so i am kidding, if you call a gardening seminar, naps, dinner at the church, & games with friends romantic then i guess it was.

Boys Night Out!

2009-01-15T20:29:00.000-08:00

I had to share the sight i saw when i came home from girls night. Bob was actually really excited to have a party night with Nicholas and Isaac. From the looks of it, it was a real success. They are the luckiest kids in the world to have Bob for a dad, he LOVES kids and would have 10 if possible.

Building forts & eating quite healthy!

Nicholas got to go to work with dad for a couple of hours today, he felt so big!

Nicholas thought it was fun to walk through the tree Bob just cut down

Party Time!

2009-01-11T07:49:00.001-08:00

Winter Wonderland

2009-01-10T19:05:00.000-08:00

Our little man is 3! Isaac has brought nothing but joy to us, he has been the most happy & content child from day ONE. I have lucked out with having two easy & happy babies. Isaac's personality is unbeleivable to me. He is our little rough and tumble boy but the second someone is sad or hurt he is the first to make sure everything is under control. His memory is amazing and the way his little brain never stops is my favorite. I am just CRAZY about him!! I will share one funny Isaac comment...Chirstmas Eve he told us we needed to go to bed so we could wake up and celebrate Santa's birthday. I laughed and then sat their thinking about what they really learn in the Potter home, apparently not much.

All week he made us aware he wanted a guitar & a gun with a scope(not real ofcourse) That's what he got and has not put them down since

I decided to make a panda bear cake since they have been so into Kung Fu Panda lately, he was excited about it.

A few highlights from 2008 Christmas:
CHRISTMAS MORNING(always my favorite)
My mom and dad's grandkid Christmas party(hilarious)
Making a gingerbread train (our new tradition)
Playing games and going out to movies(our new favorite family activity)
Nicholas singing his heart out at his preschool program
Driving down candy cane lane/looking at lights
Christmas dinner out with friends
Christmas Eve with my family where Santa makes a visit
Our trip to Washington, a whole post on its own
Watching Christmas Vacation on Christmas Eve and reading Polar Express before bed
Making cookies for Santa
I love this time of year, it is wonderful to spend quality time with family and great friends.

Isaac helping Grandpa Rich shovel

Nicholas & I on a night hike at Bob's parents house

This is Nicholas playing one of the games aunt Patrice taught everyone
We also went to the fire station, a jet plane/car museum, fun restraunts & sledding. His parents are amazing hosts.

The guys got a day of pheasant hunting and the girls got a day at the Portland mall

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-19T12:00:00.000-08:00

Our photographer canceled on us so we just took a few snap shots. None of which will go out on a Christmas card but fun to have!

I never know what to put here! (worlds longest post)

2008-12-10T21:01:00.000-08:00

Where do I begin with such an eventful week? I experienced my 1st car wreck, lets just say my new birthday car isn't so pretty at the moment. Instead of my Christmas treadmill, it will now be a Christmas work out video. I have been on the run all week. Tonight I was in charge of our Relief Society Christmas party. I had everything under control and Bob had planned all week to watch the boys for it. UNTIL....his bucket truck at work was having problems and the only place that could fix the darn thing was in Salt Lake. He has to have it for tomorrow for a large job they are starting. No problem, he needs to do what he needs to do. I am left with NO babysitter. I call my mom, she is gone to a work dinner party with my dad, sister, same thing. At this point I am getting nervous, I have 15 min until I need to be at the church to set up. I literally tried everyone. I guess my only option is to take the boys, I couldn't miss it, I had to conduct this whole party and introduce our speaker. I sat down with the boys and told them I would put a movie on in one of the rooms and they had to stay in there and be good. I put their coats on and we run out the door to get in my dad's truck (that I am borrowing for 2 weeks while mine is getting fixed) to find Isaac locked the keys in the truck. The truck had everything I needed in it. All I wanted to do was sit on the garage floor and cry. I didn't have time. I call my dad and tell him there is an Emergency, I am sure he is thinking someone was hurt. He had to leave his work party to bring me the spare key. I made it just in time to throw the boys in a room, get some decorations up and kindof think about how I would introduce our speaker. Sometime during the night I noticed I grabbed my brown shoes with my black pants, I seriously thought I left the house with black shoes. It was kindof funny. Now for those of you who saw me tonight, there is no way you couldn't have noticed, it was ridiculous. Thanks for being polite though. In the mix of the week I ended up with the flu and and a lot of kid messes to clean. (you will see one below)

The week is about to get hilarious. The 12 year old boys at church desperatly need a coach for basketbal tomorrow. Guess who they asked? Yep, ME! That's right, I said DESPERATE. I am not one who can say no, just like when no one could play the piano so I said I would, I made it through but it was mostly the right hand with a few left chords when I felt like being daring.

The crazy part is, I have never felt so blessed like I have been this week. It is situations and experiences like these that make me depend on the lord. Do you know how many prayers I have said this week?? lots. The most important things in my life are in place and there is nothing more I could ask for.

I love all of my blogging buddies who will let me vent, well I guess you really have no choice do you? I will end with a picture that explains some of the chaos. Good night all!

A couple of cute things I wanted to share:
Isaac kept telling me he didn't lock the car door, it was papa, he said it over and over and poor papa wasn't any where around to defend himself. It was pretty cute. Also when I got in the wreck Nicholas and his friend thought it was so cool. They were talking back and forth and it went something like this...Wow, did your mom just wreck? Ya, that was pretty cool. Do you think we will get to meet a real police man? I sure hope so. So on and so on. I started to chuckle, I am sure people thought why is that girl laughing, does she know she just wrecked?
They do and say the funniest things, really I find myself laughing often. I sure love my little guys and my big one too!

Just a few random pictures to end with. A post is never as fun if there are no pictures.

Sister time!

2008-11-18T07:09:00.000-08:00

Dinner out

Night out to the ballet, it was a fantastic production

We had an incredible time together, lots of laughing, shopping, eating and playing.
Angie is the sophisticated yet adventourous one in the family
Michele brings a whole new meaning to the word happy, always positive
Britt has a laugh that is contageous and my life time partner in crime
Nicole is the peacemaker, they saved the best for last in every way, she is beautiful, intellegant and so much fun to have around.
Mom is a busy body who has great advice. We all want to emulate her life

Trip to DC

2008-11-13T10:25:00.000-08:00

I am still in DC and as you can imagine a big talk around here is politics. Obama didn't have my vote but I do support him 100%. I beleive he is doing what he feels is best for the country. All that can be done, is to hope and pray for this country to work together and improve. No matter what religion, background, or party we chose, we are all toghther in keeping America strong.

WASHINGTON - All smiles and compliments, President-elect Obama and his wife, Michelle, called on President Bush and first lady Laura Bush Monday in a White House visit that was part political ritual, part practical introduction and a striking symbol of the historic transfer of power to come.

The president and Obama talked war and financial crisis. Laura Bush and Michelle Obama talked about raising daughters in the nation’s most famous house.

Here is Ry and Barbs beautifful colonial home, I will post more pictures later.

Happy Halloween

2008-11-01T08:50:00.001-07:00

We told family that we would post costume pictures. I am on a roll lately, there has just been so much going on i guess!

Nicholas had his compass & binoculars around his neck.

Looks like we had enough, I scratched Isaacs back for a couple of minutes and apparently it put us both right to sleep.

2008-10-31T08:19:00.000-07:00

Life the past couple of weeks:

Nicholas just started t-ball camp. It is a parent-child hour of learning the sport. He loves spending that hour alone with Bob. When he got home I took the boys to get new summer toys. They picked out t-ball/golf gear, sidewalk chalk and other outdoor toys. Makes my life easier when they are entertained.

It is so fun watching them play catch.

5 of the 15 cousins, we had such a fun weekend with the Groberg's & Strebel's

Bed time routine

Family night this weeks was feeding the ducks, this is my favorite area in Idaho Falls

Imaginations:
I got out of the shower yesterday when I heard the boys yelling my name. They were so excited for me to try a yummy treat they had made for me. It consisted of cascade, hand soap, milk, yogurt & things like that. So sweet of them. They told me once I was done with my treat to get on the plane & we would be leaving shortly to California. Here is the plane I rode in. Thanks for such a fun day Nicholas & Isaac!

They are great little helpers

Happy Birthday Bob!
Bob's birthday is next week so I have been spending time deciding what to get him. He got himself a new pair of riding boots but I need to come up with something. I have been thinking though how lucky I am to have such a great guy. I came up with my top ten favorite thing I love about him, thought I would share:
1.His love for life
2.He stands strong for what he believes in
3.After almost 6 yrs of marriage he still looks at me like I am the most beautiful person in the world (obviously love is blinding!)
4.He irons his own clothes (one thing I don’t like to do)
5.Amazing cook
6.Lets me decorate the house
7.Works very hard & smart
8.Great provider for our little family
9.Spontaneous…. Bob can make anything fun
10.The way he loves our boys, he is a family man!

I have fun making birthday cakes for the boys, here are a few

Hunting Adventures

2008-10-27T20:57:00.000-07:00

Saying goodbye to daddy. Nicholas especially was sad to see him leave for the third time. They really can't wait until they are big enough to join him.

Hunting season has finally come to an end at the Potter house. We are excited to have Bob home from three backpacking deer hunts.

Hunt 1: Solo Wyoming hunt, where he shot a 26" 5x4.

Hunt 2: Wyoming again with his dad. Bob was his "guide", Rich shot a 26" 4 pt.

Hunt 3: Sawtooth mountains in Idaho, this was a tall 4 pt that was only 21" wide.

The packout is intense with the boned meat, cape, antlers and camp loaded into one pack.

Since he was little, Bob has hunted everything from alligators and turkeys to deer and elk, but his passion is clearly high-county mule deer. Just in the past eight years, he has harvested 10 bucks. He has shot deer in 6 states. Anyone who has been in our garage knows this is no exaggeration.

2008-10-22T15:48:00.000-07:00

While I was a hunter's widow for a little while my sister and I headed to Lagoon with the kids. I also have the best mom in the world who came and took my boys a couple of times. They went to pick out some toys. Look how excited they are. The day after Bob got home we headed to the pumpkin patch.

Kids, Kids, Kids

2008-10-12T13:20:00.000-07:00

I was 7 years old when Laura moved in down the street. We met the summer before the new school year and seemed to hit it off. We were inseperable from then on. Our first 2 kids are only a couple months apart and play very well together. It is fun to have such an awesome life long friend!

Nicholas and Isaac think they are going to be professional bike riders someday. They make me a bit nervous at times. They are ALL boy. I think it is funny how Isaac tries to copy Nicholas. He'll get there one of these days.

A little mud on the tires

2008-10-12T12:44:00.001-07:00

WHO'S BEEN EATING MY FOOD?
I went down stairs to grab something out of the food storage and realized why the kids always want to play down stairs. Most of the yummy treats were gone, do you blame them? They know good food when they see it!

I think I am out numbered in the Potter house. Whenever Bob asks the boys where they want to live,they say the country. He told them once we were on some acerage he would get them a dog. We spent the day driving around only miniutes away from where we have property. I guess it was time to get the car a little muddy. It really is pretty and I have to admit I am kind of getting excited about it too.

LOVE-HATE SITUATION

2008-10-06T10:17:00.000-07:00

What a morning, I thought I would share about it while it is fresh on my mind. Last week I started a class at the gym. It's a boot camp class. It has been pretty intense and I have been very sore but I can do it no problem. Well, today I show up at 9:53 a bit early so the only one there, she tells me to start running. She never said how long so I just kept going. One by one someone else would join in and by the time class actually started I had ran 8 times around (which may not seem to bad for some but running is not my thing) I am in a full on sweat. She tells us to come on over so we can start the class. START THE CLASS? I was dying and the class hadn't even started. I kept wondering to myself how i was going to get through this hour. We did an obstycle course and ran stairs and by that point I was thinking about telling them I had to pick up my little boy from preschool so I could leave early. My pride kept getting the best of me (it does that a lot) and I kept pushing myself. Now they tell us to partner up. No big deal until I look and the only person left was atleast twice my size and pure muscle. Oh no, I am in a panic, she is going to throw me to the ground. Pride can only go so far, I am kindof scrawny(is that even a word and how do you spell it?) Anyway, we put the bands around my waist and hers and try to hold the other person back from running. I am not kidding, I was trying with all I had in me and she ran like it was nobodies business. Well then it was my turn to run while she held me back and I seriously could not budge. I think she could see how hard I was trying so she let up a bit but wow, if I am not one buff, inshape mama by the time this 4 weeks is up then there is no hope for me. The moral of the story is never show up early or even on time and don't forget your water. I forgot to mention that part, I had no water, oops.

Potter Happenings...

2008-10-02T23:28:00.000-07:00

One of Bob's employees was cutting down a dead tree when he realized down fell 2 baby squirrles. He took it upon himself to rescue them, he and his wife are now proud owners of these two little rascles. Nicholas and Isaac have had so much fun with them. They got to feed them a couple of nights ago and now keep begging for some themselves. (Dream on) but we will gladly babysit!

I went and helped out with the preschool fieldtrip at the airport. This was a dream come true for my boys. They were fascinated with what the pilot had to say and have been talking about it since. His preschool is amazing.

Bob and I have always enjoyed live concerts together. Music makes me happy. For my birthday he suprised me with Montgomery Gentry tickets, it was SO much fun. They sing one of our all time favorite songs, Lucky man. You should listen to it if you don't know what I am talking about. It seems like a lot has been going on. I think in every aspect of my life right now I am suppose to learn patience. I just have to say I can't believe what some people have to go through, I am THANKFUL for my life and especially for the fact that I have an awesome marriage. I guess here you have it, this is what has been going on around the Potter house. I hope everyone is doing well!

Assistant Attorney in the White house

2008-09-19T08:28:00.000-07:00

PEOPLE IN GOVERNMENT
I.F. native's new job has him reporting to Bush
Idaho Falls native Ryan Nelson is comfortable as a White House lawyer, but he has the pedigree of a formidable candidate should he ever run for elected office. On Monday, Nelson, 35, will take over as deputy general counsel for the Office of Management and Budget, which reports to the president....(this is the only portion I could get online sorry family members, I will send you copies)

It was a surprise for me to see my brother on the front page of the newspaper. I think he is living his dream career. Ryan & his family have had so many incredible opportunities the past 12 years. Thanks to them I have been able to see many sights back east and learn more about our amazing country. I also got to travel Europe with them. They always seem to be my personal tour guides. I am proud of all he has accompished but most impressed with the fact that his wife and 5 kids are, and always will be his first priority.

A Week of play before the wedding

2008-08-19T18:10:00.000-07:00

We spent some time in Utah and Island park with the family. I also added a couple of Bob's hike to Mt. Borah which is the highest peak in Idaho, I was so proud of him. These next posts are long so be prepared.

Wedding

2008-08-19T17:33:00.000-07:00

It was such an amazing day, Nicole and Chris are perfect for eachother and seem VERY happy. It was fun as always to a be together as a whole family for a week. My awesome brother flew all 7 of his crew out twice this summer from DC, talk about loyalty, he & Barbs are the best!

Summer Vacations

2008-07-24T17:08:00.002-07:00

We had a Nelson reunion over the 4th where we spent time in IF and then headed to Sunvalley. It was an amazing couple of weeks. Bob's family met in Washington for a week, I notice I don't take the camera when it's only adults but we were pampered. His parents are amazing. We had spa day, shopping, whitewater rafting, adult dinner to my favorite restraunt in Hood River, hot tubing, met up with old friends and the pictures say the rest. We came back and decided to put our house for sale. We will be sad to leave the neighborhood and so many great friends but we are looking forward to the change as well. I also joined a USTA tennis league. It has been great for me, the girls are a lot of fun and I am getting good exercise. The business is crazy busy, I can't complain about that and I am soon to be a hunters widow. I think scouting will start in a few weeks for Bob. Thats our little life the past month or so.

2008-07-24T17:08:00.001-07:00

2008-07-24T16:35:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Nicholas

2008-06-28T16:51:00.000-07:00

I thought it would be fun to have a Chef party for Nicholas. We had 15 kids, they each got an apron and hat and went to town making pizza. We had facepainting, a piniata, games and then a motorcycle cake. (The day before his b-day he informed me he wanted a motorcyle party so I had to throw that in.) It turned out to be a huge success, Nicholas had a fun day.

SuMmEr FuN!

2008-06-28T16:12:00.001-07:00