MCPHERSON LOVE NEST

Coco and Lucy

2012-01-25T13:38:00.000-08:00

I finally got a chance to meet up with Leah the other day to make laundry soap and have these two little
ladies play together. Sad we don't live next door to each other anymore but it makes our visits a little sweeter.
Leah took these darling photos that I absolutely adore. Coco perhaps got a little too excited.

Christmas

2012-01-04T12:13:00.000-08:00

Ever since I saw the Movie, The Holiday, I have been wanting to make a version of that magical girly tent/fort.
I finally got to it and surprised the girls on Christmas Eve with their new jammies to open inside. I loved their
reaction! It was better than Christmas morning. Olea said." This is amazing!" in her tiny voice. We read
Christmas stories and talked about baby Jesus. They slept in it all night.

Matching pink jammy gowns for their baby dolls.

While sugar plums danced in their heads.

Miles had an obsession with the tree and loved sneaking behind it and unplugging the lights.

Here he is pouting because I wouldn't let him thrash the tree and get flock all over the house.

This is a random shot of miles checking out that bear inside Cabella's. He kept saying, "WOW!"

I found this letter that Bella wrote to Santa. I thought it was the cutest!

Two happy girls!

Miles wasn't sure about his new bike. He was in a daze for an hour or so.

Day after Christmas we were at Urban outfitters and these three surprised me while I was heading inside by
posing as mannequins.

Having a little fun with all the randomness this store has to offer.

Ben was getting his camera all ready to go to San Francisco to shoot a short film.

and here are some rats he purchased for the shoot.

We took down all the Christmas decor and are now ready for a new year!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-23T11:20:00.000-08:00

This year we had our photos taken In New Mexico by Paul McPherson, Ben's Brother @ Shutterfreak.com

Olea wanted to wear that hat and glasses, her obsessed attire at the moment, so we let her. It's a cute phase, hopefully!

Thanks Paul, You did an amazing job!

Last two weeks in iphotos.

2011-12-23T08:46:00.000-08:00

My favorite Christmas eye candy this year. My little village that fits on top of a cake stand.

my blurry happy boy!

Classic Olea. Cozied up on the couch sucking on her lip.

Gingerbread house decorating, barbie style. It collapsed 3 times.

We went to Temple Square to see the lights. Ben is showing the girls how to squint and look at the lights.

We went on a horse and carriage ride. Miles loved the horses!

Afterwards had hot coco and green frosted tree cookies at the Blue Lemon.

Im so excited to give the kids this vintage record player with all kinds of kids stories and songs.

Last minute teacher gifts.

Smedrick, our elf, got hungry and made himself some tiny pancakes. The girls get so excited each morning to see where he is and what he's been up to.

I got to take my two lovelies the see the Nutcracker. They absolutely loved it! and I loved spending time
with just my girls!

During intermission the girls got up and danced all over the place. Olea has some moves!

This is a picture of me back in my Nutcracker performing days.

Miles loves to be outside even when its freazing!

He can throw a ball further than me and loves to watch football on T.V.

He's my shopping buddy.

My favorite thing I saw while out and about. Twin sister grandma's wearing matching Disneyland sweatshirts holding
hands while walking through the mall.

Making neighbor gifts.

Pretzels and candy cane kisses.

My mom's homemade soap.

Little Clouds to hug for the little neighbor girls.

One of Bella's drawings I found.

Gabby came to stay the night and we bumped into see Santa at the local grocery store.

The only picture I got at the family Christmas party. Happy Olea.

I think Smedrick is home sick. Just two more days!

JD and Emily

2011-12-16T13:11:00.000-08:00

My Cousin J.D. asked me to take his engagement photos. I had forgot how fun it is to use the nice camera. Of course it helps to have a gorgeous couple to photograph. How cool is this, they both served missions where they learned to speak Portuguese. Their wedding is set for January. Can't wait!

Last week in iphotos.

2011-12-06T09:56:00.000-08:00

My two handsomes heading to church.

and us ladies. I love to watch coco in the mirror, she always does these little poses.

Miles looking at a book with Papaw.

We didn't get a permit this year, because they are so stinkin hard to get. So we decided to bring back some of
Ben's childhood memories and go with a flocked tree.

I only had enough white lights to cover a few branches so I just let the chillins get started on decorating.

The next morning.

Got a little crafty and made these paper balls for the tree.

I keep finding little characters like this one in the tree.

Our elf on the shelf came from the north pole and the kids named him Smedrick. He sits and watches all day
and reports to Santa each night. The girls get so excited each morning to find the new location of where
Smedrick is, and what he as been up to.

The first morning, they found him on the mantle holding baby Jesus.

Our ward Christmas Breakfast.

The kids made some fun crafts.

We went to Midway for the swiss Christmas craft show that Grandma and Auntie Gina sold thier fine goods at.
The girls had a ball checking out all the Gingerbread houses.

They decorated Gingerbread cookies too.

Here is Bella after church snuggling in her blanket, on the floor, under the tree.

We played family Hide and seek all evening.

The other day I found this little guy sitting in the girls room, talking to the mermaid.

Bella came home from school yesterday and wanted to put on a party dress and eat nachos and eggnog.

Thanksgiving in New Mexico

2011-12-06T08:37:00.000-08:00

This year we went to New Mexico to spend it with Grams, Paul, Leah and their sweet families. The girls were more excited for this trip than any other! Grams (Peggy) made the most perfect turkey, it was a great trip and I loved thinking of all the things I am thankful for, it turns out, I am super blessed!

a few pics from before the trip
This one of Olea with her cute indian hat on she made at school.

My little man thinks he needs to stand and pretend he is taking a shower in the bath tub.

Bella stayed up till 11:30 waiting for her daddy to get back from his week long trip to San Fran.

I woke up to these two sipping on eggnog with my pink tea cups sitting by the fire.

A rainbow that made me stop and realize how blessed I am!

On the road To New Mexico. Miles was so fascinated with these huge windmills.

The lineup; A Christmas story, Tangled, Scooby Doo, Barbie's perfect Christmas.

They got the giggles

So happy to see Chloe, Ellie, and Grams!

My cute little Nephew, Crew.

Playing in the sand for the first time. We spent the afternoon at the park, the weather was perfect!

Things you see only in New Mexico

Auntie Katie made these cute Mustache suckers for the girls.

Uncle Paul was SO nice to take our family photos on thanksgiving day! he took us on an awesome adventure!
Olea just had to wear those dang glasses, so we just let her.

This is the only picture I got of Kayl and Miles together. Ben is pulling them around on this huge stuffed bear.

Thanksgiving feast.

Snuggles with Grams.

Ben took us on an adventure to Fat Man's Misery.

The girls got to see Santa at the mall.

Time to go home. Grams sent her love wit all the sweet cozy's for the kids.

last few weeks view through the iphone

2011-11-19T23:25:00.000-08:00

We,ve had snotty noses up in here since the leaves began to fall.

Olea's new face, fish lips every-time she sees a camera, or her Thema glasses.

Parents were invited to come to Bella's music class at school.

The girls latest school projects. This isn't even half of them!

Since its been cold, the girls love to play dress-up games on the computer.

My daughter Thelma, or Velma as she says. She wears these glasses all day long, even to bed sometimes.

We took a family outing to Temple Square. It was the first snow fall of the season. The girls loved the city
and especially the statue of Christ in the visitors center. Love that Bella has her baby doll.

Followed by going to "The peanut place" Texas Roadhouse.

Late night sugar high.

Olea likes to change her clothes 24 times a day, this ensemble was kinda cute.

Snuggles. Waiting to pick up Bella from school.

Bella had decorated a whole wall in the play room with all these love quotes like "love is all you need" and
"I give you all my love" and "I'll love you forever". This was my favorite.

Love fall to bring out my vintage boots.

Olea loves to watch Scooby Doo! and she loves to wear her Thelma glasses!

This boy loves to climb and throw everything!

Here he is being a trooper while mom dashes around town getting shopping done.

Some fun Christmas things I found this year.

My favorite is this little church advent calendar I found at DI for 3 bucks!

Date night started out on the freeway where the car broke down and we had to call a tow.
At least we were able to make out in the cab of the tow truck.

We had a lunch date the next day.

I sicker than a dog with the flu and wanted to die! Mom's should be able to have a double of themselves
when they get sick! here I am laying on the floor next to the fire.

Bella isn't too keen on doing her homework! she likes to doodle all over her pages.

These two are buddies. I love thier little relationship!

Me and my sillies.

Was going through some old photos and found this one. Look how little they were with their cute puffy cheeks.
Wish I could freeze time!

Ben's TV show (Knights of Mayhem) aired on Tuesday, Nov. 15th. It was so fun to see is name up there!
He never ceases to Amaze me!

The Farnworths

2011-11-12T12:29:00.000-08:00

My cousin Josh and his wife Kerry asked me to take their family pictures.
They wanted one with his truck that he has worked on for the last 10 years because he has decided to sell it.
Their babies, Bently and Esther were so happy and sweet the whole freezing time!

My boy and I

2011-11-12T11:48:00.000-08:00

The most talented Leah Wright took these pictures of Me and Miles a few weeks back.

Halloween 2011

2011-11-01T12:59:00.000-07:00

It couldn't have been more perfect weather for the little ones to go trick-or-treating, especially in these
little mermaid costumes that they insisted on wearing. I tried to convince them otherwise but they weren't
having it. Ben and I were going to go as Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown back in the hammer pants days,
but we didn't get around to it. Miles through a fit when I put on that big red Lobster costume.
I didn't get a good picture of him because he was freaking out but as soon as I took it off, he walked
right up and sat down for a picture. Of course!
Danny, Jan, Gabby and Rohme came over to go trick-or-treating with us. Afterwards the three girls sat
on the porch by the skeleton and dry ice Ben had set up and scared the trick-or-treaters. I think that
was their favorite part. They could care less about the candy. I'm sad I didn't get a picture of all of them!
Gabby was dressed as Dorothy and Rohme as super man, both so cute!

The last two weeks view from the iphone

2011-11-01T12:58:00.000-07:00

My little handsome. All ready for some pictures. I'll post some soon.

wittle woewa (Lola Bell)

Love this Picture!

Me and my big Seven year old!

Bella's leaf monster.

The girls refuse to eat their sandwiches if they are not cut into a heart.

Bella's school project for Science class

Evidence that Ben was watching the girls. Ice cream!

I love seeing the temple each day while dropping and picking up the girls from school. This morning was especially pretty!

Fulfilling my relief society duties. I was in charge of the table.

Last backyard fire of the season.

My hot man!

We are big punkin seed eaters.

A fun homemade banner.

Getting ready for our sister goodie making party.

How cute are these little Acorns my mom made?

Snuggles and giggles with my baby, love!

Now she wants to be Velma.

My New Niece, Zayla Isadora Scarpino.

Park Play

The girls wanted to make something with my scraps of fabric.

They fell in love with tese on Etsy so we tryed to make some.

it's a flash light

Happy Halloween!

Ben's New TV Series

2011-10-27T09:32:00.000-07:00

Ben has a TV show that will be airing on Nation Geographic, November 15th. It's called Knights of Mayhem. (Full Contact Jousting)
You can see the big add behind home plate at the World Series Baseball game Monday. We are so excited for My Ben and Jessica's Ben.

BIG shout out to the Benjamin's!

visiting from Cambodia

2011-10-13T21:53:00.000-07:00

Rachel, Dan, Jack, Jane and Baby Ben came out to visit from Cambodia for two weeks.
We had been anxiously awaiting their arrival! Jack is way smarter than me, Jane is hilarious,
and Baby Ben is so yummy! I love his cute nose! We managed somehow to run out in our
yard and get a few shots of their cuteness before they left. I already miss them!

a view from the iphone

2011-10-13T21:52:00.000-07:00

Longest picture post in the history.

Miles loves to draw.

At Bella's school fieldtrip to the zoo.

View of the awesome pool from our room in Vegas.

Love this quote. was made all about my boy!

Fell off the stairs and got 2 stitches. They are blue on his upper lip.

Miles getting his stitches out. He freaked out when we walked in the room!

Cousin Ben came to visit, and Miles gave him a warm welcome.

Papa fixing Olea's bike.

Started out just going to get pumpkins and ended up on a hey ride at Hee Haws. Not Rachaels favorite, but the kids ad fun;)
love ya sis!

Love him most!

Sweet Jack and Jane! we had so much fun with them here, so sad to see my niece and nephew head back to Cambodia!

Loving her sweet little four year old innocent self!

Late night ice-cream with the ladies.

Visiting Great Grandma Scarpino.

Early morning church at Mom's. Miles first time to the nursery. He went about half way.

Cutest vintage pony in the nursury.

licking beaters on grandmas porch. She made waffles with huckelberry syrup and whipped cream.

Picked apples with Grandma

Fed the pigs.

Two little mermaids. These are their costumes for Halloween. I couldn't convince them otherwise!

Fall Festival at Bella's school.

My break time.:)

Trippin on his shadow.

Seven

2011-09-27T13:30:00.000-07:00

My Bella turned Seven. I told her she couldn't have anymore birthdays last year,
but she insisted on turning another year older.
She couldn't wait to go to build-a-bear. She has been asking for months, and the time finally came.
We took Gabby and Olea, and together they picked out hello Kitty's. When time to print out the
names they had picked for thier Kitty's, they had all chosen similar ones, LaLa (Bella), Layla (Gabby), and LuLu (Olea).
Afterwards, the afternoon consisted of an Ice Cream Parlor (found the Idea here), Cake and lots of Family!
Bella was as happy as could be! and now.....no more birthdays! seven is just fine for another two or three years!

Almost Seven

2011-09-19T23:15:00.000-07:00

My Bella is almost seven. I won't even get into how weird it is for me
and how I think she should be turning six again, just one more year.
She can't wait to take doughnuts to her class at school and go to
build-a-bear to make a Hello Kitty.

Sisters so sweet

2011-09-19T22:46:00.000-07:00

They love to dress alike,
they love to read story books,
they love to make believe,
they love to giggle.

These photos were taken on two different sundays.
Olea made this heart in Primary and was so proud of it!

Melting my heart!

2011-09-19T22:21:00.000-07:00

Miles is SO fun,
He totally melts my heart!
It's kind of crazy to think that he has only been
breathing for 16 months, yet I can't imagine not having him here!
These are sucky iphone pictures but who knows when I will get more
photos of him in the bath when he is this little.

Last of the summer heat

2011-09-19T22:04:00.000-07:00

Here are a few iphone pics of the kids soaking up that lovely
summer heat! I'm sad to see it go, but excited for fall!

Olea starts School

2011-09-19T21:14:00.000-07:00

Sweet little Olea is growing up way too fast! I'm not too happy about it either!
She started her second year of preschool and absolutely loves it!
Did I mention she cut her bangs the first day. yep.

P.s. she has been begging her dad to take off her training wheels
and the second they were off she was cruising like she was finaly free! We had no idea.

9 years and counting

2011-09-19T21:01:00.000-07:00

So happy together!
September 7th was our 9 year anniversary and I must say,
I love this man more today that ever before!
Sad I didn't get a picture of us.

1st day of first grade.

2011-08-29T11:32:00.000-07:00

Wow, I have a daughter old enough to be in all-day school!
I have loved being momma to my little gals and to see them growing up so fast
makes me want to put a stack of books on their head and demand they stay
small just a few extra years!
We met Bella's teacher last week and since then she
has been counting the days with excitement until school starts.
I packed her first lunch, and off we went. she looks so grown up today!
sniff, sniff
Maybe I'll get the camera out and figure out how to take pictures again.
but for now, thanks to my trusty phone.

saw this cute idea on http://littlelovely.typepad.com

With her teacher, Mrs. McNamara.

End of Summer

2011-08-28T21:56:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that summer has come to an end with school starting.
Why does it go by so fast and winter seems to last forever?
Here are a handful of fun times we've enjoyed in the last few weeks.

Swimming lessons!

Popsicles and balloons make all tears go away!

My boy in the most hilarious poses!

We took a day trip to the desert and ended up at the salt flats.

Daddy brought Root-beer in bottles.

Now we know where Miles got his messy hair from.

Thanks to Bella, I have a picture of me that I don't mind, imagine that.

owie! fell off the porch.

Gabby got Baptized

2011-08-26T11:09:00.001-07:00

I can't even begin to tell you how much I adore and love this little niece of mine! little Gabby just turned 8 and got baptized, Its hard to believe that she is this old already! isn't she so sweet?!

Family Reunion 2011

2011-08-11T14:36:00.000-07:00

Here we go to Grandma's house, the lake house.
This go round, we got a little smarter and rented a pop up camper, which was perfect to park in the woods
next to the lake. It was a blast to see everyone. Each night we went to bed exhausted from playing and
laughing all day long. The girls could live there for good and I sure will miss the view of a mass body
of water to gaze at all day and especially watching my 90 year old Grandma jump roping on the lawn!

These are Pictures from our traditional date to IceHouse Pizzaria and Bakery in Hope Idaho. It's always a great eat
with an amazing view and laughs with my best friend!

The past two and a half months

2011-07-09T15:00:00.000-07:00

Since Miles has become mobile and the weather has warmed up, I have no time to blog! The only time would be during Miles nap,
but then I either need to shower or clean house or give my girls some attention, so I am posting pics from the last couple
of months. These pictures are from my iphone, since thats the only camera I carry with me these days.

The Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving point.

Miles and Lola checking each other out at the park.

The girls loved snuggling with Grams when she came to visit!

The chairs from Alice Lane that have been coveting.

Bella with her Teacher Mrs. Strong all dressed up for the renaissance festival.

and here she is on her last day of school with her teacher and besties from her class.

On an outing to Anthropologie, the girls loved putting on these
reading glasses and begged for me to buy them even though they
can't even see out of them.

When Paul and Katie came to visit, we had a blast with them, especially at the zoo!

The Chandelier came and was a bit bigger than I imagined it. We might move it to the entry way.

Miles fell face first onto the metal bar on our table and put his tooth through his lip.
No stitches, he just took it like a man, so sad!

this is from a trip to St. George to see the most beautiful couple, Tyler and Marlee, get married.

Swimming lessons were so fun for the girls. I have no picture of Olea
because she was having too much fun jumping and splashing around.

My handsome little Miles loves being outside! I love this boy so much
even if he does keep me up all night!

Miles with Grandma, checking out the chickens in the coop.

This was from a trip to Vegas to see Ben's Jousting Tournament for a Docu-series
for National Geographic to be aired in the Fall.

At the local Parade, the girls learned that you have to run and grab if you want a piece of candy.

The neighborhood gang. From left to right, Calum, James, Jackson, Marley, Olea, McCall, and Bella

The girls dressed Miles up like Raggedy Ann. He's probably going to hate these pictures when he gets older.

Flowers from our family hike that Ben helped the girls pick.

These are from my little sis's wedding that I pulled the real camera out for. Isn't she beautiful?!

Tessa, my darling Niece, just turned 3.

Bella fell off her bike and broke her arm. :( I could see right away that she
had to go to the hospital, but she really screamed when I said that because
she thought they were going to cut her arm open like they did mine when it
broke, but she was fine once she got thier. She never took any meds. She's
such a toughy, and now thinks she's pretty cool with her pink cast!

Then I discovered the Hipstamatic app. and have found myself having a bit too much fun with it.
Here is my baby. I love this picture of him in his happy just woken up face!

The girls couldn't get enough of their desert so they used their straws to get the last
tid bits of ice-cream while at Texas roadhouse. (our favorite place to eat with loud and messy kids.)

My sweet Olea Grace that I love to peices!

My handsome Man, I'm a lucky girl!

Bella soaking up the sun at the splash pad, since she can't go swimming with her cast.

The forth of July this year was just like I remembered as a child with the big fireworks.
The girls loved them!, Miles...not so much.

We went to the local Carnival that Olea has been asking to go to since spring time.
Daddy won the girls some stuffed animals and mom went on a creepy Ferris wheel ride with them.

Me with the smartest six year old girl around!

The Fiesta

2011-05-06T18:18:00.001-07:00

Your so sweet,
your so nice,
I like you with beans and rice.
This is what Ben always says to Miles. :)

We thought it appropriate since Miles and Eva Marie
(my cousin Jessica's baby), were both born on
Cinco de Mayo, to throw a fiesta party for the two of them.
Ben was going to make his almost famous burritos and taco's
but ended up getting it catered by La Puenta. It was delicious!
and the weather couldn't have been better.

How cute are these sombrero hat cookies Jessica made?!

The Birthday babies went to town on thier cake, we were all rolling as Miles
bent down and ate straight from the plate!

Miles turned one

2011-05-06T16:03:00.000-07:00

My sweet baby Miles is one year old. That went WAY too fast!
From my journal, May 5th
I never knew that having a boy of my own would be so much fun!
Miles is a dream come true! He is so lovey, cuddly and sweet.
I love his scent, his big hair, the way his eyes go down on the sides,
his palms, the way he crosses his legs and curles his feet up to him
when he is sleeping, just like in the womb. I love the way he looks
when he wakes up, kindof swollen and bright eyed.I love how he
thinks he is so big and wants to be independent when feeding
himself and walking on his own. I love his little man body and how
he is everything boy! I knew that I would one day have you, Miles,
I just didn't know that you would fill my heart up to overflowing!!
You are SO delicious! I kiss you a thousand times a day,
and I love that you let me!

did I mention that he is walking, and even running? he took his first step a month ago
and is now cruising around. He especially loves the outdoors. This picture kills me!

Easter Sunday

2011-04-25T22:57:00.000-07:00

Easter Sunday is one of my favorite days! I love thinking of our Savior,
Jesus Christ being resurected! It is the most amazing and wonderful thought!
That morning the Easter bunny came and brought Christ centered books and blabla dolls.
Bella gave her first talk in Primary, She had already memorized the 3rd Article of Faith in her class at school,
so she was excited and did an excellent job!

I love how they are both doing total fake smiles here and that Coco wouldn't put on her gold shoes.
I wanted to finish making their easter dresses but didn't make it in time.
I'm just happy I found some with sleeves! and I'm still not sure why I didn't get one of Miles.

Happy Spring

2011-04-25T19:56:00.000-07:00

I love when all the trees turn pink and white, and I especially love
orchards full of bloom! but my most favorite loves are my
short people, Bella, Olea, and Miles. I thought I should take a few
shots of them in this pretty season of Spring, its been a while
since I have been able to use the camera. Ben has been so
busy with it. I'll share what he has been up to soon.

The girls went to an easter egg hunt were they got their hands stamped
with this pink easter egg that did not wash off!

I had add pink to one, and I did not tell them to pose this way!

My Benny turned 35

2011-04-25T13:55:00.000-07:00

Love this man of mine for many reasons! he is an absolute charm!!
he just turned 35 years, and is handsomer than ever!!
We celebrated at the delicious Flemings.

one of my all time best dishes!

Here are some random shots of Ben that I found on my phone.
One of these days, I'll get a real picture of him.

Here is a picture of him working on one of his commissioned paintings.
I'll post a shot of it when it is complete.

Giggles

2011-04-02T16:06:00.000-07:00

These two remind me so much of me and my little Sis when we were little! they start
cracking jokes and will giggle for hours together, I love it!
I don't even care that I didn't have my camera on the right setting.
I love these shots of my two happy, beautiful girls!

Olea turns Four

2011-03-25T12:10:00.000-07:00

Why does the time have to fly when I am loving my babies? They get big too fast!
Today is my Olea's Fourth Birthday, if I could put her into a description of words it would be
PURE JOY with a cherry on top! I love this girl SO BAD!, is what I like to tell her.
All she wanted was a princess pony party with her few little girlfriends, and also wanted
uncle Paul and cousin Mason to come but it ended up being an all girl party.
Her favorite things right now are;
Anything purple (wears her purple sweat pants every second she can get away with)
Play's dress up, My Little Ponies, Lala Loopsie, Barbies, her bla bla doll
"Shows" Panyo, Spongebob, Dorothy (the lizard of Boz)
Eats, "peaner butter sandwiches", pizza, chicken nuggets, "brockery" (broccoli), gold fishies
Loves snuggles, wrestling with dad, holding my hand when going to sleep, digging in dirt, blowing bubbles
Wants to ride a horse someday, and can't wait to go to a carnival again.
Does not like school!

I didn't have time to make a cake so I let her pick one out. It had the ugliest dot thingies on it, so I tried
to take most of them off and add some other sprinkles and a pony. She loved it and thats all that matters!

Bella, Olea, McCall, Gabby, Rowan and Marlee

Playing pin-the-tail on the pony.

Coco's 4 favorite snacks of choice, strawberries, grapes, cheezits, and animal crackers.
Drinks were V8splash and fresca mix.

Ben took this photo, her expression is killing me!

Her Daddy got her a big girl bike! she was SO excited!

Vegas round two

2011-03-21T13:24:00.000-07:00

We took the kids to Mandalay bay and spent the day in the sun at the wave pool. Ben got the good loungers right in front of the waves and the band, we had the perfect spot and didn't even see anything crazy except for the big lady that danced an irish jig in her two piece. Afterwards we went to see the sharks and ate at a buffet so the girls could pick some new foods to try. Should have known better, because they headed straight to the desert bar. It was a sweet little getaway.

Lucky charm

2011-03-17T14:36:00.000-07:00

Ben got this shirt for Miles when he was in Ireland. I wanted to get a good picture of him but I Literally had 1 minute to snap a photo and download it cause we are heading to Vegas, this time with kiddos to stay at Mandalay and see the sharks.
Happy St. Patricks day!

Why does my 10 month old look like he is in first grade?

Vegas baby!

2011-03-09T16:03:00.004-08:00

Vegas is good for 3 things, eating great food, shopping, and laying by a nice pool. Just the three of us,
(Ben, Miles, & Myself) dropped the girls off at Grandma's for the weekend while we went to Vegas.
It was just what I needed, to get out of the coldness and spend some time with my guys! I didn't
take the camera, because I would have probably lost it!
Here is the view from our room, Miles loved the huge window to the world of worldliness! actually,
this was our first room, but it just wasn't good enough for Ben so we upgraded

This is our second room, much more satisfactory! and I can't even stand this cute bum!

Here are some views from the ceilings

We had the privilage of viewing some of this masters work, Richard MacDonald, He's friggin amazing!
Someday, I want to sculpt again!!!

We ate the yummiest at Olives, and Mesa Grill
and shopped at the biggest H&M

Here is Ben taking a picture of his meal, He is the biggest foodie ever!

Six and a half

2011-03-02T16:44:00.000-08:00

My Bella is growing up so fast. I caught her singing to her barbies
in her room the other day. She's never really played with babydolls
but she loves her barbies! my Bella is a sweet little girl
with a vast imagination! and she never forgets anything!
Her favorite things right now are reading, dress up/role play
anything to do with drawing or crafts, rollerskating and listening
to her daddy's stories!
I have learned and am learning so much from her!
she will only be six for six more months, and I'm trying to
soak up her littleness as much as she will let me. :(
did I mention, she loves to play to the camera?,
she loves to take my iphone and take a thousand
pictures of herself making silly faces!

He's crawling

2011-02-27T00:14:00.000-08:00

As of the 15th, my baby is crawling. I've really enjoyed his larva phase!
I was able to sit him down wherever and know he wasn't going anywhere,
but now, I am buying gates, plastic plug thingies, vacuuming everyday,
locking doors and watching that cute bum bop around all day! Ben said
he looks like he has a toupee on here. The kid grows hair like no other...
he must be Italian!

He is so mad that I won't let him off the bed while I take his photo!

How I learned of Jonah

2011-02-26T15:55:00.000-08:00

Grams sent me this video, and I can't get
over how genius this little girl is! I learned
everything and more about Jonah! go here to watch.

Winter

2011-02-25T14:21:00.000-08:00

I woke up to snow everywhere, not a big fan of it! but I got these hats for the
girls to give me a laugh in the dreariness of winter. It was a stretch to walk
outside and take a photo of them in the freezing cold, but I'm glad I did!
They are so cute in their fluffy hats!

I LOVE BEN!

2011-02-13T20:45:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!
you make my world go round!

I wanted to make one of these last year but I was preggers and super onery, so here it is, Im declaring my love!
coco took this photo with my iphone

This was my valentine to my family.

I love my job!

2011-02-05T10:35:00.000-08:00

Oh good, January is over! I swear, that month should be discarded!
Sorry to all those January birthday's at least you have something to
look forward to. I haven't blogged for a while part due to me working
on my blog book. I have finished two years and am now working on the third.
I thought I should get a shot of my sweet baby enjoying his two favorite
seats in the house before he out grows them which is fast approaching.
:( makes me a little sad, he is growing up too fast! He loves to jump in
his bouncer and I have to push his chubby legs into his Bumbo seat.
I'm so smitten by this boy! being a Mamma is the best job in the world!
-9 months-

Waiting for Jesus's Birthday

2010-12-28T21:58:00.000-08:00

Christmas eve this year was so fun and relaxed. We had Papa, Rachael, Dan and their kids over for a late afternoon lunch. Afterwards the kids put
Jesus's present (all the good deeds they did this month written on paper and wrapped up) under the tree.
Sang silent night and opened up new jammies to sleep in. It was perfect! here are a few pics of them in the afternoon light.

Miles was cracking me up, I couldn't decide on what photos to post, so I just posted all of them.

I love when they are all content, even if they are watching TV.

Gorgeous family

2010-12-28T21:50:00.000-08:00

I took these photos in November and just took me forever to post. It was my very first time using my new camera, didn't know what I was doing. It was freezing cold, like maybe 10 digrees, so this ended up being a 5 minute photoshoot, but they are so gorgeous it couldn't go wrong.

The Christmas Story

2010-12-20T13:21:00.001-08:00

I saw this on my friend Kiera's facebook page and had to post it. Its the CUTEST video ever made! can't get over it!

Kinder Christmas devotional

2010-12-20T13:13:00.000-08:00

Bella had her Christmas program at school. Ben recorded the adorable thing and he got some cute pics too!

She played the drums to the "Angel band" song.

Ashley, Matt, Eliza and Bob the horse

2010-12-13T19:16:00.000-08:00

Ben got me a new camera but has been using it to film his shows from Ireland to Venesuela and a few closer trips in between but I finally got my hands on it and had the privilege to photograph the funnest family ever! I was rolling from the silliness Matt would throw out! and how darling are their outfits! I decided I want a horse after going to their stable and meeting Bob.

A family portrait

2010-12-06T21:17:00.000-08:00

Running on an hour and 15 minutes of non consecutive sleep from sick baby, sneaking onto a golf course with our couch,
begging Olea to put on her mustache, and asking my brother to snap a photo, this was the outcome. Maybe for a christmas card? perhaps.
I just can't get over Olea's grumpy face with her fuzzy black mustache. It was totally worth it for that!

and one with the grey mustache, I just had too!

Better than Dove dark chocolates

2010-12-05T20:21:00.000-08:00

honestly!
This is what I get excited to wake up to! and so happy for my iphone to capture crazy angles of chub and fluff.

My two little girlfriends

2010-11-23T08:31:00.000-08:00

journal entry (iphone notes) May 2010

My Sweet little girliefriends, I just put you into bed and felt an overwhelming feeling of love for you and wanted to express in a note a few things i love about your two little selves! Bella, I love your beautiful soul! I love you curiosity for the world around you. I love your desire for creativity. I love your pure voice and hearing you sing. I love that you love your little sister and play with her. I love that you are a daddy's girl and want to be with him always. I love to hear your prayers at night, and love that you can't go to bed without saying them. I love that you have a picture perfect memory and that I can ask you peoples names when I forget. I love listening to you play with your barbies. I love that you will let me take your photo and cherish your beautiful little five year old face!

Olea, I absolutely love your size right now! I love that you are a mommas girl and that you still like to snuggle. I love hearing you sing somewhere over the rainbow. I love your intense laugh. I love your floppy body when you run. I love your little chub just above your elbows. I love that you always want to help Bella pick out her name tag when we drop her off to school. I love that you are content just playing by yourself. I love that you want me to curl your hair all the time and put on princess dresses and wear my jewelry and high heals. I love the belly kisses you give me and the tight hugs. Sometimes I leave your hand prints on the mirror and TV for days just to remind myself that you won't stay little for long!

My two little girliefriends, I LOVE being your momma! you make my life so fulfilling. Sometimes I wish I could suspend time to keep you little longer!
You are my sunshine!

-Momma

Halloween 2010

2010-11-05T21:32:00.000-07:00

Rain Rain go away come again some other day
Bella went as Rapunzel, Coco as Dorothy, and Miles as a dirty old man. Jack (Dino) and Jane (Miz Bee) went trick or treating with us to all two houses. The rest of the night was spent handing out candy to all the sillies that braved the blasted rain.

New York, New York

2010-10-21T20:14:00.000-07:00

Ben and I took a trip to New York this past week. It all started with us missing our flight! Ben melted the wheel on my cute luggage from running so fast! After we arrived it was an absolutely perfect trip, up until realizing we left the camera in the back of a taxi, with all the lovely fall photos of baby and hubby and central park, and cool buildings and bums, and food and grand art! Sick I say, just sickening! oh well, Its ALWAYS an adventure with Benny boy! we just have to laugh because we must be the luckiest of the unluckies!
The Met was astounding! The galleries were gorgeous, I want to live in ABC home! and the Chelsea Market was something any foodie would get butterflies at! We took advantage of the fresh seafood market with some fabulous sushi, followed with the most amazing thick, dark, hot chocolate ever! Not to mention that huge all kinds of chocolate chip cookie that I happened to get all over my shirt. I had my camera around my neck and somehow dropped some chocolate from the cookie on it, and as it swung back and forth it made a nice poo like smudge all over the front of me! Just happened to realize right in front of Anthropologie, which was convenient to purchase a top to put on for our stroll on the Highline. Pure bliss! but still can't get over those sweet photos I got of Miles sitting in some pumpkins with his beanie on!
Mom watched the girls and when we got home they ran straight for Ben, not me, guess I could have stayed longer, hmmmm next time perhaps.
These photos were taken on my iphone.

View of a template to look through and match up the buildings from the skyline.

This was the coolest clothing store (All Saints). It had like a thousand old singer sewing machines lining the windows and walls.

Still can't figure out what is going on with this animal!

These are some of my favorite works from the Met.

This is a scary photo for halloween, my almost 6 month old boy looks like a 4 year old and Ben's eye
from the flash looks red and ready to eat miles chub! we were in the most amazing Thai restaurant called Tao.

Rohme at 10 months

2010-10-06T22:14:00.001-07:00

It was time I got a few photos of little handsome Rohme!
This boy loves to eat, he will eat anything! but he especially loves suckers!
so we sat him down with a bunch in his lap to take a picture and at first he was so excited
but then got frustrated and started screaming because he couldn't eat them fast enough.
It was hillarious watching him. He balled for like an hour!

Lola Bell

2010-10-05T16:07:00.000-07:00

This tinsie thing is what we all have been waiting for! Lola Bell is sooo sweet! I finally made it up to Heber to see her new little self, and I about dyed! She is so small. I Love seeing my sister Gina with her little girl!

Right when John got home from work, he walked straight over and picked up Lola Bell. I loved seeing him in his Chef uniform
holding her!

I now have a Six year old!

2010-09-26T16:57:00.000-07:00

My Bella turned six on Thursday the 23rd. I feel like time is flying past me and I don't want my babies to get big!! She started kinder a few weeks ago and lost her other front tooth, and now she decided to have a birthday and be another year older. Right now Bella loves to play with her little brother and sister, she loves swimming and all things with water. She loves reading books and learning new things at school. She loves going to Primary, watching princess movies, and especially painting, drawing and all things creative! So when I was cruising the internet and found the great idea of an art party, it was just the perfect thing for little Miz Bella's 6th birthday party!

The invites

The artists.

The self portraits.

The kids loved painting on big easels that Ben got from his bridge academy.

Special thanks to Rach and Jan for helping to paint rainbows and hearts on tiny cheeks!

The snacks.

This is a lalaloopsy doll that Bella wanted for her birthday. I can't get enough of it,
she's so cute in her uniform, and the box said she is a smarty pants. I love it!
I secretly want her to collect them all. I just wish they had real button eyes.

Happy Birthday baby Lola Bell

2010-09-26T13:36:00.000-07:00

On September 22nd Baby Lola was born. I met my family at the hospital at 3:30. The time I was told that she was going to be taken from a c-section. My sister Gina is a brave soul! We waited and waited and at about 6:00 we were able to see Gina and finaly the baby, but only through glass. She had to be given a breathing treatment for a while due to some fluid in the lungs but she turned out perfect and so beautiful! I didn't get to hold her till the next day and then I forgot my camera of all things! so hopefully in the next day or so I will be able to post some pictures of her, she is seriously a cutie pants!!!
Gina has four boys, the youngest being eleven and now, she got her girl!
Here are a few pictures from her baby shower. I forgot to take a picture after I had the whole thing set up.

Here are The boys waiting to see their baby sister.

Grandma is holding both tubs. Miles, and Rohme

Families are forever

2010-09-26T12:46:00.000-07:00

We had the pleasure of attending the family sealing of Rachel, Dan, Jack & Jane at the Salt Lake City Temple on Friday the 17th.
It was so sweet!
I left my baby for the first time with my sister, im so proud of myself, even though I did get a little anxious after about an hour, and of course he was asleep when I picked him up. Thanks Tara!! afterwards we ate at the delicious Settebellos.

wishing I had a wide angle lense!

Zoo

2010-09-26T12:35:00.000-07:00

A family outing at the Hogal Zoo makes for a great afternoon, especially when the weather is not too hot and not too cold!
I decided the Giraffe is my favorite animal, I would love to have one in my backyard to look at everyday!:)

these three are watching the elephant pee a serious stream!

I think their favorite part was riding in the zoo stroller being pushed and twirled by Daddy!

Miles loves being outside!

Zermatt

2010-09-21T23:56:00.000-07:00

It was our 8 year anniversary and Ben surprised me by a little get-away to Midway to stay in the Swiss Zermatt Resort. We took the kids to stay with Gina but Bella ended up getting sick so we packed up and all came home. The next morning, she was feeling better so we went back and booked another room with the family package and it ended up being alot of fun! swimming, pizza, movie, miniature golf, carousel rides and gelato. Too bad we don't have a photo of the two of us!

Smores

2010-09-20T22:23:00.000-07:00

I wish I would have got a before and after picture of our yard because Ben had a fire pit put in and we have been thoroughly enjoying it these last few weeks! the evenings have started to cool off and we love going in the backyard by the river, starting up a fire, and roasting marshmallows! it feels like we are camping, but yet we are a few steps to the house! just the way I like it!

Rach is going to kill me! we loved having them stay with us and share a few memories!

Here are a few pics from earlier of Ben putting in mulch in the back yard next to the river.

and Bella helping. Looks like Jane is afraid of what's on those hands trying to hug her!

Coco's first day of Preschool

2010-09-12T17:03:00.000-07:00

When I dropped Coco off for Preschool the first day she screamed and I had to pry her hands off me, it was sortof sad, but the third day back, she was super excited and couldn't wait to go! now she loves it! Her teacher is Mrs. Madsen.
Im cracking up at these pictures! she looks so grown up and so flippin cute!

Bella's first day of Kindergarten

2010-09-12T15:48:00.000-07:00

I was so Happy to get Bella into a private school that wears uniforms! although I will miss decking her out every day, it really makes it easy to get her ready for school. She was so excited to start class last monday!
Here is the beauty, sporting her little snageltooth!

When i took her out in the yard to snap a photo, she was so excited, she was dancing around, I could hardly keep her still!

They took the kids outside for flag ceremony. Her teacher, Mrs. Strong is behind her.

Baby Miles Blessing

2010-09-12T14:03:00.000-07:00

We had scheduled Miles Blessing for Sunday Aug. 29th, but Ben found out he had to leave that day for Texas, so we had the blessing on Saturday the 28th at our house. It was a perfect Blessing! Ben coved all the basis, and I felt like a proud Mamma! In the lineup was Ben, Ben S., Danny, Dwight, Ron, Paul, Randy and Josh. We celebrated with a big feast!
Miles woke up that day with his first tooth, so he was a slobbery baby in his blessing outfit that I had bought 6 years ago when I worked at Mom & Me! Somehow I knew I would one day have a little boy!

Proud Daddy!

With Grandma Pam and Grams. His charlie brown expression kills me!

With Grams and Peeps

I can't believe that these three are mine! Bella Lost a tooth and the other one is just dangling. she refuses to let us pull it out! Miles is in another world, he always looks so concerned, especially when the girls are holding him! and Coco is a pure crack up!

See those fingernails? Bella decided to spray paint a wall in the garage! and after her time out session, she found that paint and tagged it again! hmmm, sounds like someone else I know!

Sometimes I wonder if Miles is thinking, Im not sure if I want to be "borned" into this family!

Jack, Jane, Cho+

2010-09-12T13:50:00.001-07:00

We had the absolute pleasure of having my sis-in-law and her two and a half kids stay with us for a couple weeks after coming back from Cambodia! We had so much fun with them here! Jane is the worlds best eater despite her tiniest, and Jack is the best dinosaur roarer! We love this family!

A trip to Sunny California

2010-09-10T12:52:00.001-07:00

I know its been way too long since I have posted something, and so much has taken place these last summer weeks! Not having the internet feels like being left in a room with blank walls! I feel so out of touch with what's going on in the world! I have to admit, when we moved in to our home 8 months ago and plugged in the computer, well the internet just worked, until about 4 weeks ago! and we just now got it hooked up for real. I have a ton of family photos to post for future look backs!
These first photos are from a spontaneous week trip Ben decided to take us on with the Stiers to San Diego. We stayed at a resort in Dana Point that had the most perfect room right in front of the kiddy pool and walking distance to the beach. We also took the kiddos to Sea World, where they thought they were in heaven!

The Steirs took us on a crazy short cut on our way to California where we saw some strange things! the kids loved running on these dirt hills to stretch out from the long drive.

at the pool, the girls would swim from sun up till sun down, never tiring!

at the beach, we rented on of these bikes and tried to get some exercise, but me in a skirt meant Ben had to do all the work while I tried to balance on that tiny seat holding baby Miles!

A trip to the Mall meant a carrousel ride while mom shopped at H&M! I love there little sunburned smiling faces!

If this girl could be a mermaid, she most definitely would! She lives and almost breathes water, sand and sun!

Always finding treasures!!

Bella and Uly were having a blast playing together!

My two handsomes, oh joy!

At Sea World, we spent about an hour admiring the Pink Flamingos while Ben and Bella took the plash ride.

I couldn't wait to watch the girls expressions as they saw Shamu, but of course I missed the best ones!

24th celebration

2010-08-10T08:56:00.000-07:00

Every year we get excited to spend the 24th, Pioneer day, in Levan park. As always we eat good food, listen to a good band and watch the kids play, and play, and finish with an amazing firework show!

They had different workshops and game stations for the kids. This was one where they learned how the pioneers washed their clothes. oh joy for washing machines!

My beautiful cousin Jessie and baby Eva Marie

Coco was learning how to hammer a nail. We just about had a smushed thumb!

Miles telling Grandma all sorts of special things!

My man working hard on his iphone.

Uly dancing new wave to the band!

Little Miz Lavender celebrating her 1st birthday!

The very second the band started, Bella took her chair front and center and was entrenched! tapping her foot and bobbing her head. She didn't move until the man who composed the music came up and asked her if she wanted to sit back with him and the band. She was thrilled! he had her using different instruments and she was working the beat! He told me she was very talented with rhythm. hmmmm, maybe us music fanatics sparked something in her.

how cute is that?!

my boy!

2010-07-28T14:27:00.000-07:00

12 weeks and growing! I LOVE this chubby boy of mine!

4th of July

2010-07-21T12:27:00.000-07:00

Grandma and Grandpa had a get together/sleepover with all the cousins to celebrate the 4th of July. The week leading up to the sleep over was all the girls could talk about! They love going there because they can roam free all day long. There are animals to feed, pastures to run in, a huge garden to eat from, homemade soap and lotion to get clean with and lots of love from Grandma and Grandpa! We had a big dinner and afterwards made ice cream on the porch. The little girls all took turns turning the knob. Afterwards we all enjoyed an evening of games. Thanks to Mom for another fun 4th! now we are looking forward to Pioneer day at Levan park!

Olea was not to fond of the ice cream she worked so hard to help make!

One of my worst moments!

2010-07-13T18:54:00.000-07:00

My baby Miles wasn't acting himself thursday, so I took him into the pediatrition office. His tempurature was 100.4, they put a cathider in him to get a urine sample then sent me to the hospital to get his blood drawn. They pinched and polked for about 30 minutes until they found a vein. An hour later the doctor called to tell me that his white blood cell count was way high so I needed to bring him back to the office to get a spinal tap! I about died when I heard him say that! he told me that they were concerned that it could be meningitis and that it was the procedure they take when dealing with babies that young. I was a mess!! FYI, don't stay in or around the facinity while your baby is getting a spinal tap!!! the worst sound and sight I could have witnessed! it felt like it lasted an hour! they put that freaky long needle in his spine three times till they got enough fluid from his spinal cord! and then gave him two shots of an antibiotic. it was rediculous! and all the while ben was out of town and comunicating on the phone with me. He almost got on a plane ride home, but when the spinal fluid came out it looked clean so we waited for the results. We were so blessed to find out that he just had a virus that his body would fight off naturally. Thank goodness!! I am not cut out for things of this nature!!!
this pic taken from my iphone

pioneer park

2010-07-11T12:37:00.000-07:00

I love the summer! the days are long and warm. Saturday we went with Danny and Jan to Pioneer Park in SLC. The temperature was perfect! my kind of day!

My handsome boys!

why does he always look so concerned? I promise he is smiling and laughing now! I'll have to get some photos of him being happy!

Rohme cracks me up! isn't he the cutest? his eyes are to die for!

sunshine

2010-07-11T12:29:00.000-07:00

Some of the summer activities we have been enjoying these days include splash and play parks. This one is up at the gateway in slc. Papaw came along with us and we all enjoyed the warm sunshine!

bear lake

2010-07-11T08:50:00.000-07:00

We went to bear lake a couple weeks ago with Ben and Jessie's family. We rented a beach house that was perfect for both families and we let the kids go wild with playing in the sand, jumping on the trampoline, roasting marshmallows in the fire pit, and eating, eating, eating! We rented a boat and spent all day on it. I turned into a lobster, and earned about 70 freckles on my back that I am not happy about! but learned that if your back is faced away from the sun you still can get fryed from the reflection on the water!!

Coco and Ben being pulled behind the boat going .0 miles an hour

Bella and Uly out by themselves. Bella Loved it, Uly, not so much!

Poor Baby Miles with his terrible rash, I cant believe how different he looks since that picture a couple of weeks ago!

This was our view from the picknic table where we were eating dinner. Those two lamas were getting it on! and the kids thought it was so fun that they wanted to play along side! That is Garland running after them.

Eva Marie had a serious explosion as you can see and neither one of us had an extra diaper. I guess as cousins we think alike and didn't think we needed to bring any extras to this beach that day, luckily she had some extra wipes stuck in the side door. I opted to take a photo first before helping her out, it was just to funny!

This was my favorite room in the house because it was so bright and had a great view! here is Uly, Bella and Olea giving hugs before we went home.

Bella's preschool graduation

2010-06-12T21:02:00.000-07:00

Bella had her little graduation program a few weeks ago, and it was seriously the cutest! Ben recorded it on one of his pro cameras. I'm so glad because she did her Taekwondo moves and a jungle dance that were killing me, so cute!! I can't believe that I have an almost kindergartner.

3 weeks old

2010-05-29T17:51:00.000-07:00

My new mini guy is 3 weeks old and starting to get some chub, oh joy!!! We went to friend Leah's house for a little play date and she so generously gave of her freaky talent of taking photos to take some of Miles!, I'm totally in love with these!

our little human bean!

2010-05-20T19:11:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it has been two weeks since the little bean has been born. He is starting to get chubba, but still not big enough for me to kiss on him hard!, still waiting, but enjoying every minute with him!

Cinco De Mayo cousins

2010-05-20T19:01:00.000-07:00

Here is a nakie shot of Miles with his cousin Eva Marie, both born on May 5th.
Who would have thought that Jessie and I, bosom cousins, would grow up to both marry Ben's that are both artists that decide to work together and then have babies born on the same day? kinda weird, but it worked out just great!

Introducing Miles Claibourne Mcpherson!

2010-05-08T12:09:00.000-07:00

We welcomed our new baby boy into the world on Wednesday May 5th at 10:55 am he weighed in at 6 pounds 12 ounces and 19 inches! We didn't know we could make boys, but we did and he is perfect! Ben named him Miles Claibourne, and I think it suits him just right!
Many more pictures to come!!

Blossoms

2010-04-30T15:36:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to get out and take photos of my two dotters in the blossoms, so when my super talented friend, Leah offered to take some, I was sooo excited! we thought it would make for a fun Fathers day gift! and I am sure Ben won't see these till then because he is way too busy to go blog hopping, so I thought it would be safe to post!
this first one is of Olea and her bestest friend, Lucy!

Here is one I managed to get of Olea that I love! Bella was too busy exploring with Isaac for me to get one of her!

Easter at Grandmas

2010-04-19T06:42:00.000-07:00

Grandma threw her annual easter egg hunt a week later, which was perfect because you could actually go outside without a jacket or coat on! the girls had been counting down the days until we got to go! the hunt was a success as always, all cousins there and baskets of colored eggs and candy were filled to the brim, even a few coins for the piggy banks.

Birthday boy!

2010-04-11T18:44:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday sweet husband of mine! Your the most amazing man I know! I love you!!

sure wish you would let me take more pictures of you so I don't have to do repeats on the blog!

raggedy ann partay!

2010-03-29T16:04:00.000-07:00

I asked coco what she wanted for her birthday and she told me she wanted her very own cake, a pink ball and some makeup. She got just what she wanted plus a raggedy ann party! I wish it could stay this easy, but they do have to grow up, and I don't like that thought too much! she is at such a cute age and I am loving every minute of it!
these photos are all sorts of blurry, :( new lenses and camera in the works!

Grandma made her this super princess party dress!

this cake is a little scary, and could promote nightmares, but I was short on time!

doughnut cake from Grandma!

2010-03-29T15:55:00.000-07:00

Thursday was Olea's birthday, but we weren't going to celebrate until Saturday when we would have her party. I was feeling kind of bad because I didn't have anything planned for that day, but told her it was her birthday when we woke up that morning, and she kept saying that she wanted a cake! then the doorbell rang and it was Grandma! She had the girls sit down and started layering up their favorite powdered doughnuts and told them a story of a little brown eyed girl that wanted a doughnut cake for her birthday, (it was me from a long time ago!) she lit the candles and Olea blew them out, she was so excited! and made for a perfect birthday!

My Coco is 3 today!

2010-03-25T10:15:00.000-07:00

Olea Grace (Coco),
i absolutely Love your size right now
i love that you still love to snuggle
i love to hear you sing somewhere over the rainbow
i love your intense and infectious laugh
i love your floppy body when you run
i love your little chub just above your elbows
i love the raspiness in your voice
i love that you are content just playing by yourself
i think its funny that your favorite food is peanut butter on a spoon
i love that you want me to curl your hair all the time and where my high heals
i sometimes leave your hand prints on the mirror and TV for days just to remind
myself that you wont stay little for long!
you are my sunshine!
-momma

(Grandma made raggedy ann dolls for all the granddaughters, now its time to prepare for a raggedy ann party!)

Tessa

2010-03-17T15:02:00.000-07:00

This is Tessa, my little Niece who just turned two. she's not very fond of smiling at the moment, but we did manage to get a few fun expressions out of her!

olea GRACE!

2010-03-15T23:33:00.000-07:00

my black eyed baby, Olea Grace is just like her mom, a little clumsy! after looking out the window to see the crazy snowstorm we had last week, she turned around and ran right into the corner of the desk! it was immediately swollen with a dark purple center! she gave a cry like none I had heard before, I knew it hurt bad! so sad! these photos are taken a few days after. To make her feel a little better about her (eye makeup) I went and bought a small barrel curling Iron to give her bouncy curls because she is always wanting her hair curled! she's so girly and yet not so much, my perfect little combo!

My two chefs

2010-03-15T23:09:00.000-07:00

How lucky am I? My man likes to cook gourmet, and daughter wants to be like him! I love a good salmon dish, its my favorite! especially when these two make it!

little italy

2010-03-07T07:40:00.000-08:00

little italy is not so little anymore! Rohme is growing like crazy, and I love it! I got to babysit the other night, check out those cheeks! and my favorite, knuckle dimples!

Valentine in San Diego

2010-02-21T07:29:00.000-08:00

Ben had a business trip in San Diego last week. He surprised me and the girls by flying us out there to spend Valentines together. It was so fun to take my two little girlfriends on the air plane and see them be so excited. I wish I would have got pictures of thier expressions as we took off into the air, even though Bella has flown a bunch of times, it was like it was her first, and to see them both walking down the halls pulling thier own little pink suit cases was so flippin cute! Ben greeted us each with a rose as we came down the escalader to baggage claim. ahh, so sweet!
San Diego was perfect! 80 degrees and sunny, just how I like it! We spent sunday at the board walk with Ben's good friend Gabe and his family. Monday we took the girls to Disneyland. I kept telling them that we were going to see real princesses, but all we saw was the back of Marry Poppins and Burt. We totally spaced that it was Presidents Day, so it was packed! They loved the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, Peter Pan, and It's a small world. Those are really the only rides we went on, but it was just enough, and the girls loved it!

waiting in line for a ride.

after coming out of a ride, she kept saying, it too bright mom!

tired eyes!

The next two nights we stayed in the cutest little blue and white beach house on a pier over the water. You could feel the house move a little when the waves would come in. It was kind of scary, but super fun! We spent all day at the beach. At first, Coco would not walk on the sand because there was sea weed and she thought it was going to bite her toes. We all had to take our turn at explaining that it was just a plant, and would not hurt her, but she was not ok with it until the next day at the beach. Bella is a water girl at heart! No fear at all, she just goes for it, and the whole day we had to keep telling her to not go out so far! she loves to belly surf, and there were some big waves! Wednesday was a sad day when we had to leave the beautiful weather and head home. When we got home to Utah and walked in the door, Coco started crying, saying, not this house, I want the blue house! she thought we had moved to California and wanted the beach house! :) it was a perfect Valentines! Much comparable to last year! What a sweet Man us three girls have! Thank you love!

how come my girls don't like to take a picture with me?

these little girls were part of Gabes family that Bella was able to play with.

a Forever Family!

2010-02-08T19:00:00.000-08:00

Ben and I had the privilege of having Paul, Katie and baby Norah stay with us last weekend. They were sealed in the Draper Temple. It was bitterly cold that day, but we managed to get a couple shots of them afterwards. It was a happy day for all of us, and we were so sad to see them go! we love you guys!

Jane Taylor

2010-01-17T21:32:00.000-08:00

My beautiful sister-in-law, Rachel, came to visit all the way from Cambodia with her two babies, Jack and Jane. We had SO much fun with them, I was sad to see them go back! but we did manage to do a quick shoot with Jane! she turns one soon. Isn't she the most beautiful baby?! I love her!

Its a new year! and were starting off cold!

2010-01-05T20:40:00.000-08:00

In trying to be a fun mom, even though it is way too cold for humans to exist unless under some serious snow suits, I bore the January weather and headed out for a snowman making! The girls could not get enough of the white stuff, they lay in it, and eat it, and try to smell it, and throw it around. I do remember a time in my youth where I actually enjoyed playing in the cold! but I did enjoy seeing the excitement on my girls faces as the snowman got bigger and bigger. He turned into a she, Bella named her Lola!

Gem No. 3, A BOY!

2010-01-01T23:05:00.000-08:00

It's a BOY! I still can't wrap my head around what you do with a boy, but I am sure I will figure it out in time. I had a feeling it was a him, and I was right! We were able to get in on Christmas Eve to find out the sex. Ben and I were so thrilled! It was the perfect Christmas gift to see the little guy stretching and kicking and yawning!
yes, I already have a massive belly!

what Christmas looked like

2010-01-01T22:43:00.000-08:00

It was perfect! Bella woke us up at 7:00am by saying, he came, Santa really came! and ran down the stairs. Ben and I woke up Coco that had climbed into bed with us at some point and informed her of the reality of the day. We watched girls light up with excitement! Santa did come, and brought all the right gifts!, Grandma made special the Raggedy Ann dolls, I made Ben a mustache pillow for his man room, Ben made a fantastic Breakfast! and the girls were finally able to place the Baby Jesus in the manger! We then packed up and headed for New Mexico to visit Grams and Peeps and all the cousins!

Bella's preschool program

2010-01-01T22:30:00.000-08:00

Her preschool is a great one, she's been learning all kinds of things, in particular, taekwondo! and during their Christmas program, they showed off their moves! afterwards the (REAL) Santa came to visit and give gifts! Olea thought she was one of the preschoolers and anxiously hopped up on Santa's lap. She wasn't going to leave without letting him know once again her desire for a barbie and mermaid! Bella, a Moxie girl, and Ariel!

This gem of a photo is a gift the parents were given along with a hand made mug by Bella from her school. Can you believe how stinking cute this is? it was so funny when Bella looked at it, she kept saying but why is my chin like that?

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T06:44:00.000-08:00

While Staying at my moms, I knew I had to get a Christmas card made. I usually like to find cute outfits for my gals, but since we were way out of town, I dug through their suitcase and this is what came of it. I meant to send out cards to everyone, but through the move I somehow lost my big address folder. Imagine that! So here is wishing you all a very Merry Christmas! and if you want one, send me an email with your address, and I will mail one off!

This top one is the one I used for the cards. I just love their expressions!

A couple of silly ones, I want to remember!

new baby Rohme

2009-12-19T20:30:00.001-08:00

This was a short and very sweet photoshoot! I can't even handle how cute and tiny he is! next shoot we will get him with Mom and Dad!

The gift of ART

2009-12-17T08:50:00.000-08:00

If anyone is in need of getting a last minute special gift. Go to www.ldsartgift.com There is a 25% discount available, it only displays after you enter your payment info. The code is merrychristmas all products will ship before Christmas if ordered before Monday!

Sledding

2009-12-14T23:36:00.001-08:00

We went sledding with Ben and Jessie, Adam and Olea. It felt like ten below, and we lasted about ten minutes, but ended with a nice warm curry dinner at our home prepared by my wonderful husband!:)
Ben, Adam, and Benny throwing snowballs.

Olea and baby Lavender

This is the closest we will ever come to seeing Ben resemble the dance of Ballet

All the kids piled on Ben

A two week stay at Mom's

2009-12-14T22:06:00.000-08:00

My Mom and Dad were so generous to let us stay with them while waiting to get into our new home! We were pampered and the girls were spoiled! Great Grandma Allen was there too, and it was so fun playing scrabble every night with her, she may be the smartest and wisest lady in the world, but I still beat her a couple times!
Grandpa with his horse

Bella watching Grandpa heard the cows

Making pumpkin muffins with Grandma

Waiting

Thanksgiving at the church with the whole family!

My beautiful Sister and her family of boys!

baggins the beast!

The girls favorite afternoon activity, jumping on the trampoline with the neighbors cat in 20 degree weather.

Mom at her craft show! She made the cutest aprons and flower pins! lotion, soap, lip balm... she is amazing!

The girls with santa! coco was all about it!

My sweet Grandma!

We made a ginger bread house! Bella couldn't wait! and Coco just ate the candy then went back down stairs to watch the Wizard of Oz! she LOVES it! oh and Bella lost her other loose tooth, you can kind of see it in this photo.

I wish I would have got a good photo of my girls with their great grandma!