Storybook Halloween 2009

This year our little ones dressed up as storybook characters. It all started with Livy learning her nursery rhymes "Little Bo Peep" seemed so appropriate and Paisley her little lost sheep. Brynlie was a darling "Little Red Riding Hood", and of course, every nursery rhyme and storybook character needs a "Big Bad Wolf" to stir things up a little. Livy and Brynlie won the costume contest at our local "Boo at the Zoo", I guess staying up ALL night Thursday night was worth the outcome. Our "l.ittle lamb" Paisley posed so sweet for the camera, didn't she?

October 2009

Silly Monkies at Hogle Zoo!!

We made a quick trip over Memorial Day weekend, to Hogle Zoo. Our kids, as always, acted like a bunch of monkeys. Now did we go to the zoo to see them, or were the animals watching us, you tell me?

Daddy's Girl!

Can I say more, although Paisley loves her "momma time", she has Brad wrapped around her little finger. Whenever Brad is around, she tries to get his attention, and flashes him her heart-melting grin!

Princess in Red!

Here is Jaidyn and Jake getting ready to leave for Prom/Commencement 2009! We had so much fun picking out her dress. Although I about had a heart attack at the price tag, when she put it on I couldn't say no, she looked gorgeous!

I am TOO young to have a 17 year old!

WOW, my "1st baby" Jaidyn just celebrated her 17th birthday, and it seems like yesterday that she made me a "mommy". It's crazy to think that I was her age when I was dating Brad, and she is almost my age when I had her! Jaidyn Brianne born, May 20th, 1992, all 8 lbs. on the dot, and 22". She was my longest baby, and gave her Grandpa Crook 2 birthday presents by making him a Grandpa, but also being born on his birthday too! We are so proud of the sweet spirit she is, and her creative outlets and talents she has brought to our home. She is adored by her sisters and brothers, and she may not believe this, her mom and dad too! All that she wanted for her birthday was for Brad to BBQ, so we celebrated by feasting on Brad's delicious ribs. Oh, and on a scary note, she just got her driver's license, so fasten your seatbelts Idaho Falls! Here are a few pictures from her birthday, celebrating with our family, her "friend-boy" Jake, and her and Grandpa Crook wishing each other Happy Birthday on the phone!

Happy Mother's Day!!

Being a mother of 7 children is the joy of my life! Although at times I wonder what my life would be like if I hadn't chosen motherhood, I am quickly reminded of my 7 sweet blessings Heavenly Father has given me, and trusted me with. My sweet son Jayce had to talk in sacrament today, and broughts tears to my eyes standing at the podium proclaiming his love and thankfulness for me. Each year when Mother's Day rolls around, I contemplate how thankful I am for my own mother, and the example she set for me, and sadly how I swore I would NEVER do things like she did, I am seeing myself turning more and more into her. (I love you Momma)! I need to mention my other "Mom", Linda, my Mother-in-Law, and how much I admire her unconditional love and service she gave her kids growing up. Because of her "mothering" to my husband Brad, she molded him into the loving and wonderful husband he is today!