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My baby is 18 months old today! Where has time gone? She's definitely transformed into a toddler the last few months. I love this picture... I had asked her a question and her answer was "Know?" with her unoccupied hand outstretched and upside down. It's too darn cute to hear her version of "I don't know."
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The number of sweet children in my bed at 4:30 this morning.

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The number of visitors we have for the next few days... Aunt Kellie came to town late last night and we are excited to celebrate Halloween with her!

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My friends in Las Vegas have organized a 5k for our friend whose 6 year old son was diagnosed with cancer last month. Please go here to read their story and donate a little to their cause.

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Each pregnancy seems to go by much faster... I'm 14 weeks and counting! Baby #4 is set to join us at the end of April!

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The number of shopping days left until Christmas... it's time to get busy!

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Bill and I will celebrate our 7 year anniversary on Monday! I feel blessed to be with my best friend for eternity!

(Not such a great picture... but I realized we rarely take pictures of just ourselves.)

Happy, Happy Birthday Madisen Dear

My oldest girl turned 6 last Saturday!

We had a friend party on Friday afternoon (since mom didn't think she could do a Primary Program Practice and a birthday party in the same day)! Madisen is into drawing, coloring, creating, writing, painting, etc. these days so we went for an ART THEME.

We created our own invitation- I traced and Madisen colored the paint splotches.
When the guests arrived we put them to work decorating their own paint cans (party favors).
Then we had quick story time with a FABULOUS BOOK that we love about the joy and creativity you get to experience as an artist.

Next we played...
Each girl was given a different color to match up to the pallet. Brown definitely won!

I didn't get any pictures of the girls getting creative with the Fusion Beads, but they were loving it. The activity was fun and manageable because they are old enough to be independant.
Our last activity was to create some chalk drawings on the driveway. I traced the outline of their bodies and they dressed themselves. This was definitely the highlight. They figured out how to erase... this led to many hair do's and a variety of clothing and accessory choices.
They could have stayed out there much longer... but I had to bring them in for cake and presents.



The guests, starting at top left: Lily, Abby, Savannah, Emma, Mia, Alyssa.

On Saturday Madisen got to choose what we had for breakfast... coffee cake and then it was off to the church. Madiesen also got to attend birthday parties for 2 friends, both at Pump It Up ...phew she was ready for an afternoon snooze for sure!

That evening she chose our celebration dinner; Kraft macaroni and cheese (a real treat at our house) and broccoli with lemonade.
We gave Madisen a head with REAL hair so she can practice ponies, brushing, and braids with ease.

Grandma and Grandpa sent a Leapster Explorer with was definitely the hit of the day! Before she even had the wrapping paper all the way off Caitlyn said, "Madisen will you share with me until I get mine for my birthday." We have laughed all week about that!
Madisen has discovered the joy of reading, writing, and school in general. She also loves playing in the backyard, helping mom, entertaining (and bossing) the sisters, creating hair dos, and has expressed an interest in learning to play the piano.

Wednesday in Motion

The Halloween festivities have begun. Yesterday we had a Halloween themed music time... here are the girls eating their smarties and walking in the parade.
Brooklyn was showing us her 'rhythm' with 'Ta-ta-ta-rest'.
Then it was on to the Little Gym where Caitlyn got to wear her PJ's for a pajama party. She even took her sleeping bag which she used for a few games.
Happy Halloween Weekend!!

Happy Birthday To Me

My parents came in town to spend a few days with us... and it happened to be my birthday weekend.
We spent the day at the zoo, had an early dinner at the Rainforest Cafe- complete with a Lava Cake, and then my mom and I attended the General RS Broadcast together. We haven't done that since the year I got engaged so it was really special to be together.

Fire Station

Today Caitlyn's preschool got to go to a BRAND NEW fire station behind our house. It was our first time to tour a fire station (and their first tour to give to children) but Caitlyn was in HEAVEN!
She got to squirt the hose...
Sport the neck brace,
Try on the heavy coat,
And sit by the man all dressed for work.
Oh, and Brooklyn came, too.

The Apple

I was having an apple the other day... and Brooklyn snaked it from me. She practically ate the whole thing. I thought the shirt she was wearing was so... appropriate!

Ghosts for FHE

I'm a firm believer that we celebrate holidays all month! Ie: We've been wearing orange & black as much as possible this month, for play group we talked about ghosts, and our FHE treats will be Halloween related this month.

Last week Caitlyn helped me decide that we were going to have ghosts for our treat. We got the idea from here .
Ours didn't turn out too bad, for being a group effort! Madisen and I dipped the cookies in the chocolate.
Brooklyn's contribution was too keep Caitlyn busy. Caitlyn's job was to put the eyes on, but Brooklyn was eating them faster than Caitlyn could keep them supplied. Look how seriously she takes her job!