The Hall Family

Our Life in Pictures

2010-11-11T18:37:00.000-07:00

Well we have been busy this Fall. The kids are in school, but like Darren and I are in desperate need of a break. We are heading to California in 2 days and will enjoy 9 delightful days away from everyday life. Disneyland has been a favorite of ours since we were married, so we have gone almost yearly since Madison has been born. I thought I would update our recent pictures and make room on the camera for vacation ones. So enjoy!!

Lucas had officially learned to walk (Oct 30th). It is so fun to watch him.

The kids and I spent a fun afternoon at Gardner Village. I just love their backgrounds.

Madison was a pirate for Halloween

Marli was Strawberry Shortcake (I love her costume)

Lucas was my itsy bitsy spider

Lucas and Marli love cuddling with Darren on the LoveSac. It usually ends up with one or all of them asleep.

Another cute picture of Luke walking

Brad Paisley Fun!

2010-10-01T18:15:00.000-06:00

So I was lucky and won tickets to the Brad Paisley concert. I took Allie and had the BEST time. I wasn't a very big Brad fan before the concert but he was an incredible performer and got me hooked. We got to the USANA Theater and went to will call to get our tickets and can you imagine our surprise when we saw where we were sitting. 2nd. Row. We did have one experience that put a twist in our perfect night. A CRAZY sick guy kept bugging us and saying very innopropriate things to us. Luckily the nice people sitting behind us helped us out and got security. So I didn't get to enjoy Darius Rucker but by the time Brad came on we were ready and excited.

This was the crazy guy (kissing, not getting kissed) who kept bugging us. This other guy was really pathetic too.

There was a weird guy in front of me who kept holding his drink up, so Allie thought she would try it so see if it would help enhance the concert. I think it did!

This was the background as Brad sang Water

Did I mention we got awesome seats?!?!

Luke's Birthday Pictures

2010-09-09T19:50:00.000-06:00

My incredibly talented sister Allie took some pictures of Luke for his birthday. I am biased but I think they are the cutest thing EVER. I have more posted on Facebook, but here are quite a few.

Lot's of FIRSTS

2010-09-09T19:25:00.001-06:00

So this Summer has been full of a lot of firsts in our house. Lucas turned ONE, Marli started pre school, Madison started first grade, Marli is in soccer and I have two kids in school at the same time!! HOORAY.

Here is a run down of everyone and then enjoy all the pictures:
-Madison: She is loving first grade. Having a full day at school is so exciting for her. I was worried about her being gone and having to eat lunch at school. She didn't want me anywhere near her school on the first day. I walked to get her and she yelled for me to go home and that she wasn't going to tell me about her day until I went home. So I think it's safe to say that the adjustment has been for me, not her. She is so intelligent and such a great kid!
-Marli: This kid is so headstrong it isn't funny. When she wants something she lets the world know. She will do what she wants on her terms. Yet, underneath is still my sweet girl who cares for others. When I walk her to preschool she will turn to me and ask, "mom are you okay, do your feet hurt". She loves school and tells me about her day within seconds of me picking her up. I can see that she misses Maddie during the days she is at home. She has also started soccer, and really is picking it up. The outfit drowns her and she thinks by throwing her body over the ball no one can get it from her.
-Lucas: My baby is growing up, and it is so much fun, yet sad at the same time. He has 5 teeth now and his smile is completely different now. He is sweet and loves to lay on me. He is obsessed with sports, he is always holding a ball and throwing it just to crawl and get it. I am no longer worried about his sisters surrounding him with girl toys and him not wanting boy toys, he is a boy through and through.
-Amber: Well I am constantly balancing and organizing my time. I feel like I am running around doing something for someone at all times. I wouldn't want it any other way though. I love my family and friends. Speaking of family, my mom recently turned 50 and has decided to move down to St. George. She has sold her house and is making the trek down there in 2 days. Over the past two weeks I have been helping her pack and get ready and we have grown close and so this move is really bittersweet for me. I couldn't be happier for her and the fact she is fulfilling a life long dream, but having her so far away will be sad for me!
Darren: Not much new in his life. He is a hard worker and keeps me sane. We work well together balancing time with kids and each other. GREAT GUY this one is.

Now here are pictures of our life. Enjoy.

Clayton and Marli sharing tips for beating that darn silver team.

Marli is the goalie even though the official jersey is inside out and backwards.

Marli had enough soccer for the day.

Marli enjoying her first day of preschool with her friend Grayce. I love Lucas in the back in his jammies.

She loves school and her teacher.

Madison on her first day of school.

Gotta have the backpack shot.

Madison and her good friend Eva.

Lined up and ready to start the day.

a;;

My mom's car. Allie and I decorated it while she was at work.

We did an awesome job, and she was very surprised.

My Baby is ONE!

2010-08-08T22:08:00.000-06:00

Yesterday Lucas turned one. What a year this has been. How is it that after you have a baby the time flies by so much faster than when you were pregnant? Luke has been such a joy in our family. Darren and I knew we only wanted 3 kids and we were prepared to have another girl. When we saw a boy on the ultrasound it was clear to me that our family was then complete. Madison and Marli have loved having a brother and Luke just loves the attention. He is such an easy going baby. The fun things he is doing now: clapping hands, walking around walls and furniture, crawling on feet and hands, says cucka when something is bad, says Uh Oh, Num Num when he is hungry, and of corse momma and dad. He didn't have any teeth until this past week and now has one bottom and one top coming in at the same time.
Here is some pictures from his birthday party. We rented a big inflatable movie screen and projector to watch the movie 'UP' in our backyard. I decorated with a movie theme and had individual popcorns for everyone along with a big assortment of movie theater candy. We had a great turn out! After cake and ice cream we gave the birthday boy his cake and he played a little but didn't like the frosting all over his hands and was done. Lucas helped opened presents and started to get overwhelmed by everything. He got some really cute clothes and gifts. Thank you all for coming and making his day so special. We have great friends and family!!!

Summer So Far

2010-07-26T22:41:00.000-06:00

Here are some pictures of our Summer. I feel bad, I couldn't find my camera and so I haven't been taking as many pictures as I normally do. Cleaning under the couch has its advantages I guess.

Marli at a Fashion Show for Persnickety

Madison at the Fashion Show

Luke getting his first haircut

After the haircut (handsome little guy)

Marli loves to get all dressed up and show off and have her picture taken

The kids and I got to get away to St. George. They love their cousins.

When I have three cute kids, how could life not be good?

Luke at Darren's work, name tag and all

We love visiting Darren at work

Marli wants to be put to work too

Luke is so cute in the morning with is p.j's on

Here is Marli on her 4th birthday!! What a big girl.

Madison wanted to show off some cute new school clothes

My silly girls!

I have to admit I have a little crush on this guy!!

Jumpin' Jacks

2010-04-28T21:20:00.000-06:00

I found a really fun place to take the kids yesterday called Jumpin' Jacks. It's a place where big bounce houses are placed around a giant room. My kids LOVED it. They had free face painting, a balloon artist, Munchin Radio, and Winnie the Pooh for the kids to enjoy. It was the perfect day to go, there weren't more than 15 kids the whole time. Since Madison is off track it has been fun doing different activities with the kids. The weather will be cold the rest of the week so I need to be creative. Tomorrow night they are going to be models for a fashion show at the Oh Sweet Sadie boutique in Daybreak. I'm sure I will post pictures of that. I am on a blogging roll and will do my best to keep it going.

Here are some pictures from Jumpin' Jacks.

A Day Out With The Kids

2010-04-26T16:36:00.001-06:00

This morning I took the kids to Gardner Village. They wanted to feed the ducks and walk around the shops. Well it went well. They did feed the 4 ducks there and I had to stop them because they were feeding them way too much. Poor Ducks!!!! They weren't as patient with me while I wanted to look around the shops. In every shop they wanted me to find them something or run and play. I did find them some fun play dough at the cute new toy shop. We had some lunch and I got some cute pictures. I need to come up with more ideas for the Summer or it will be a very LONG one. Madison will tell me how BORED she is all the time. Maddie and Marli luckily spend their days outside on the trampoline or swing set. Maddie is off track for 2 weeks so they will be having so much fun outside!!! I sure love my kids.

Little Bo Peep

2010-04-26T16:19:00.000-06:00

Madisons class has been learning Nursery Rhymes and they were eached asked to recite one for the parents. Madison was given Little Bo Peep. She practiced it for 2 weeks and in that time I heard it so many times I find myself saying it out of the blue. Marli is also an expert at telling everyone Little Bo Peep. Here are some cute pictures from the program at school. I think Madison is the cutest in her class!!!

Spring has Sprung

2010-04-21T09:56:00.000-06:00

Instead of trying to explain why I haven't blogged and make up excuses, I am just diving back in.

Life has been crazy for us the past couple of months. Darren was offered a job at Chase Bank and has been working there since the end of March. He is enjoying it a lot and it is nice having him work closer to home. Marli is so cute, she tells people her daddy works at the piggy bank. It has been a change for me transitioning to being the only one home during the day. I really got used to Darren's help with the house and kids. I really appreciated him and all he did. He is such a hard worker and am lucky to have him.
As for the kids, they are getting so big. Madison has decided she wants to be an astronaut when she grows up and talks about it all the time. Marli is becoming our LOUD child. When we go anywhere she decides she wants to talk really loud or start singing. Lucas is 8 months old and is so much fun. He is always smiling. He loves to roll around and eat just about anything he sees. Here are some random pictures of the kids.

Madison made her own astronaut costume.

I took the kids yesterday to get their pictures taken. I think they turned out awesome!!! I love having photogenic kids. Yesterday went so smoothly. I didn't yell for them to get dressed, get their hair done or keep clean. They were excited and cooperative. Madison and Marli love cameras so any chance they get they are posing. Lucas was a little more confused. He didn't give any of his super big smiles, but I love the smiles he did give.

Love and all that mushy stuff

2010-02-14T11:17:00.001-07:00

Well today is that day of the year that people do that love stuff. Don't get me wrong I love any excuse to tell my husband I love him, but I think it's sad to see the commercialism put into this day. We went to the store last night and I couldn't believe how many flowers and balloons they were selling. We couldn't even drive into the District because of how many people were trying to do the expected "date night". Here are two pictures showing the people I love the most in this world!!! Happy Valentine's Day.

My Birthday Girl

2010-02-14T10:58:00.000-07:00

Madison turned 6 on Feb. 3rd and had her first birthday party with friends. She had a pink party. Her best friends came (Felicia, Grayce, Juli, Kenzie, Eva and of course Marli) and she was loving her day. We decorated goodie bags, made pink and white bracelets, decorated cupcakes, had heart shaped sandwiches, painted our nails pink, did a pinata and of course opened presents. I do have to send a very BIG thank you to my mom, Allie, Becky and my neighbor Niki for their help with the party. It was a huge success!!

February Resolutions

2010-02-14T10:48:00.000-07:00

It's only the 14th right? Okay so I need to be better at keeping this up. Last month I didn't do as well as I would have liked to with my resolutions. Darren and I did manage to go on two dates. One was to Avatar and dinner (thanks to Dean and Georgia for babysitting) and the other was a trip to IKEA and having the kids play in their play zone while Darren and I ate in the restaurant. I really tried to compliment someone everyday and it did make me feel better, so that is working and I will continue that one. As for the treadmill thing, well I am still finding it being used as a second closet more than a source of exercise. I also didn't do well on my Dr. Pepper plan.
So this month here are my resolutions:

Continue to compliment someone daily
REALLY try to get on that darn treadmill more
Continue going to my Love and Logic class and practice the exercises at home
Appreciate my family and spend quality time with them
Show more love and support to Darren while he looks for a job

I will do my best this month to do these things.

Madison Lost Her...

2010-01-28T22:33:00.000-07:00

Yes it's finally out! She has been working hard on this tooth for about a month now. She is so happy, and has already put it under her pillow eagerly awaiting her loot.

The Logic of Kids

2010-01-21T19:22:00.000-07:00

Madison is at an age where we love to ask her questions. Her reasoning and explanation of things are so original and cute I have to record some of them here so I don't forget.

Last week it was foggy outside and she told us "the sky must have been too heavy so it dropped the clouds on us".
I made stew the other night and she asked me what was inside of it. I told her meat, carrots, potatoes, celery, onions and gravy. She said "oh I'm allergic to gravy, infact it's the only thing I am allergic to".
She loves playdough, and told me one day that she knows how to make it. I asked her to tell me and she said "you make dough like for bread and then add food coloring like Grammie puts in her pancakes and then put it in the fridge to get cold and hard."

I know I am drawing a blank to many more, but I will continue to record them so I don't forget. I just love the innocence of children. My kids teach me so much!!! Today I enjoy being a mom (this does change from day to day).

Just Some Random Pictures

2010-01-17T10:58:00.000-07:00

I know there is a lot of pictures of Luke, but I can't help it. He is at such a cute stage right now!!

Look who is rolling over now?

January Resolutions

2010-01-06T17:11:00.000-07:00

Instead of doing yearly resoultions I thought my goals will be more effectively acheived by doing them month by month. Every month I will post new goals for that month and then report my results at the end of the month. It will keep me motivated to come up with ways to improve myself and hopefully I will better meet them.

January Goals

Run on the treadmill atleast 3 times a week
Compliment somebody everyday
Drink more water, hopefully discouraging me from drinking Dr. Pepper so much
Go on a date night twice this month
Finish reading the book on being a better parent and implementing the suggestions

I could easily come up with more, but I feel if I list too many I will get overwhelmed making it hard to accomplish them. I will list new ones every month and may possibly do some of these every month until it becomes habit in my life. I want to be a better person this year and am willing to make changes as needed.

Better Late...Right?

2009-12-30T18:46:00.000-07:00

Okay so I realize that I didn't blog over Thanksgiving or Christmas. Time just flew by! I do have some fun pictures from the past month.
Lucas is now 4 1/2 months old and went to the Dr. last week. We found out we weren't kidding when we say he is our "chunky monkey". He is in the 83% for weight. He is a whopping 17 1/2 pounds. 3-6 month clothes didn't last long in our house, we are slowly getting right into the next size. He is getting so active and wants to sit up. He is constantly smiling and looks for me wherever he is. Darren sings for him which gets him laughing. Madison and Marli are playing (bugging) him constantly and it requires constant supervision.
Madison is enjoying Kindergarten and learning so much. Her reading is improving and loves to sound out words and do projects and crafts all the time. Darren built her and Marli a craft table in the basement and they are constantly down there playing and creating new things. She recently had a Christmas program at school and sang so well. She loves the attention she gets. Christmas was so good for her this year. She counted down every day that went by and always wanted to know if we could just open one present everyday. We finally made it to Christmas and she wasn't disappointed. She really appreciated everything she got.
Marli is doing so well. She was thick into the Christmas craziness too. She is my dream child, when I ask her to do something she is quick to say "okay mommy". She wants to read and do homework with Madison so it has been fun watching her learn. I can't wait until she is in preschool to really see how she does. She got a lot of coloring activities for Christmas and just sits and colors for so long.

Other than that not much is new. Darren is still in looking for a job, and we are optimistic this new year will be a good one for us. This year has been a roller coaster of events for us. When Darren worked at Wells Fargo he became really good friends with Susan Powell and we have been devastated to learn that she is missing and has been for 3 weeks now. We have been dealing with these emotions that are so new to us. I just hope the case gets solved soon and closure can be brought to friends and family. I have realized as dealing with this that life is short and to enjoy my loved ones as much as possible. Christmas time is such a great time to remember what is important and enjoy my loved ones. I am looking forward to a new year and the new possibilities it brings.

Look at my big boy.

I love this picture of him.

Madison is being silly and thinks she is Rudolph.

Marli is my poser!

This was the picture on our Christmas card!!

Getting Older and Having Fun

2009-11-15T13:16:00.000-07:00

We have been having fun enjoying the warm weather lately. I took the kids to a fun park and they had such a great time playing. Madison is such a social bug that within 5 minutes of going to the park she had a new friend. She does this at the store, school, library and park. Her teacher told us she is the one at recess everyone flocks to. It is so nice having her be so independent. Marli is the shy one who hides her face when anyone looks at her. She will cry in the store and say "everyone looking at me". She is total opposite Madison, but I love the tender side it brings out in her. Lucas of course just loves looking around and discovering new things. He loved the park too.

Lucas is now three months old. He is so fun to watch. I have been amazed at watching him grow and discover the world around him. He smiles when he sees me anywhere near him. He loves his sisters and almost laughs when they play with him. He is gooing and it is so cute how much he tries to "talk" and how much energy it takes him. As much as I would love him to stay teeny I am excited to see what he will do next.

My favorite people!!!

This picture was taken right before we went to Disney Princess on Ice. The girs loved getting dressed up. The show was amazing and they sang along to the songs and danced along with the princesses. It was a fun family night!!

Fun Pictures

2009-11-01T11:06:00.001-07:00

Lucas was our "chunky monkey" for Halloween. Look at those cheeks!!

I love this picture. He always puts his hands under his face.

Marli got herself dressed for a cold day.

He is all smiles lately, and we love it!!

Madison at Kindergarten doing her parade for Halloween

Our little genie

The audience who came to see Madison do her parade.

Before our Halloween party. I was a chic from the sixties, Lucas was a monkey, Marli was Ariel and Madison was a genie. Darren was a sixties dude, but we didn't get a picture of him.

Hectic Times!!!

2009-10-23T20:29:00.000-06:00

Well we have had a lot happen to us recently and it hasn't been as easy to update the blog like I had hoped. Well first at the end of September Darren lost his job. It hasn't been easy, but we are adjusting the best we can. So he has been home everyday looking for jobs and also applying for unemployment and fun things like that. To add to the stress the same week he lost his job his dear Grandpa Ray Hall died. This came as a shock to us. We packed up our stuff and left for the funeral Thurs. Oct. 8Th. Madison has been off track this whole month so that was in our favor. We left Thurs. and stopped in Vegas that night and stayed at the Stratosphere which was a lot of fun. Friday we drove the rest of the way to California and stayed with Tim and Lexi. It was a really nice time with family! Saturday was the funeral and it was truly amazing. It was done very well and he was honored and spoken about in the highest regards. I know we will really miss him. I was amazed at how much family that traveled from so far to be there. It was a nice but tiring day. Sunday we went with the rest of the family to Disneyland and that was so much fun for the kids. It was the busiest day I had ever seen, but we still had a great time. Madison and Marli loved having their cousins with them to go on rides with. I was mad because at the funeral our camera died and requires the batteries to be charged with a specific charger, which of course, was at home. So we didn't get any pictures at Disneyland. Monday we left around noon and drove straight home. Talk about a VERY long day in the car!!! We got home at 12:30 that night and that concluded our short but sweet vacation.
My days are blurring together with Darren being home. I know things will work out, but it's the waiting that kills me. I got really sick this past weekend with strep and was out of commission for a few days. I am now feeling better and ready to face a new week.
As for the kids they are doing wonderful. Madison is enjoying her time off school, but is getting excited to go back to school and for Halloween. Marli is turning into our TV watcher. She can sit in front of it as long as we will let her. When she isn't watching it she is singing the songs she learned from the shows. Then we have little Lucas. Did I say little? He is anything but little. He is gone from being a small skinny baby to a chunky one! He is smiling now and goo'ing. I could just watch him for hours and never get bored of him. We love him and the girls so much!!!
So that is our lives, as stressful as they are. Let's hope things settle down and we can start to enjoy the holiday season.

This was taken in the front yard of Tim and Lexi's in California. Madison and Marli love their Grandpa!!

A quick family picture before the funeral.

Darren was a pallbearer at the funeral.

Lucas getting big!! He needs eyebrows.

His cute new smile!

Loving My Kids

2009-09-22T11:14:00.000-06:00

Madison has started Kindergarten and LOVES it. I really have no idea what happens in class when she goes. She tells me every day that she is the best in her class and gets to be in charge all the time. Either she is one amazing student or getting to be quite the story teller. I have loved watching her learn and become so independent.

Marli has had some adjustments to make. She has had a hard time with Lucas being born and Madison going to school. We are seeing just how sensitive she really is. After Madison is dropped off at school I tell her it's Marli time, and we try to do fun things.

Lucas is now 6 weeks old and is such an amazing baby. He is so mellow and easy. He lets me sleep most of the night and is content to lay in his swing during the day when I am busy. I am waiting for the smiling to start. Oh and his cheeks are so chubby now!

So, overall, things are going very well for us. I am getting pretty good at taking all 3 kids out with me during the day if I have to. We have had meltdowns at the store and lots of spitting up (from Lucas not me). It's reassuring for me to look over at other moms and see they are facing the same issues.

Life With Baby

2009-09-01T10:55:00.000-06:00

Poor Lucas! Madison tries to dress him up. You can tell he doesn't like it. He doesn't stand a chance with 2 sisters.

I can't believe Lucas is already 3 1/2 weeks. He is such an amazing baby. He is so mellow and good. He sleeps most of the night now and he is more alert and awake in the day. The girls have adjusted pretty well to the addition to our family. I never would have thought that adding one more would be so much work. I have found I am constantly helping one kid. I am always tired, but it is so worth it.

Madison starts school in 2 days and is so excited. We got to meet her teacher last week and I know she will do amazing. We practice walking to her school at nights so she will be confident in going. I just can't believe I am old enough to have a child in school now. Marli wants to go with her so bad. Madison and Marli are such great friends, they are playing with each other all day so it will be sad for Marli when Madison is gone everyday.

Other than adjusting to life with a newborn, we are doing well. I am really glad it's September now and that Fall is around the corner.

Well I guess I should be glad I got 5 minutes to blog. Lucas is now fussing, Marli is wanting a snack and who knows what Madison is doing upstairs.

Finally the Birth Story of Lucas Robert Hall

2009-08-14T12:03:00.000-06:00

On Thursday August 6th I was feeling some cramping and light contractions all day and at about 5:00 I thought maybe I should go to the hospital and get it checked out. Darren met me there and the hospital was really busy and it took a long time for them to get me into triage. I was finally checked at a little after 6:00. Nothing had really changed from the day before, which was my Dr. appt. They decided to keep me for an hour and monitor me. My mom came and picked up the girls and then Darren left for a little while to go to a work dinner. I was checked an hour later and there had been a slight change so they wanted me to walk around for an hour and then they would decide if I would be sent home or they would admit me. I was almost ready to just go home at this point, I was tired and hungry. I walked and walked and didn't feel many contractions, so I was convinced I was going home. They checked me after 45 minutes of walking and I had dilated to a 5 and was fully effaced. I was staying!!!!
I got admitted at 9:00 that night and since the contractions weren't bad I refused the epidural. Darren and I just got comfortable in our room and watched TV and I rested and sat on a birthing ball. Around 3:00 in the morning the contractions were a little more uncomfortable and I knew my Dr. wanted me to have the baby drop and descend on his own. I decided I should get the epidural and rest for a little while. I was checked right before getting it and I was almost a 9. I hated getting the epidural it was painful and uncomfortable. I was able to rest for over an hour before I started feeling the urge to push and feeling really painful contractions. Around 5:45 they checked me and the baby's head was about 3 inches from crowning and in 3 pushes he was out.
Lucas Robert Hall was born on 8/7/09 at 5:52 AM, weighing 7 lbs. 1 oz., measuring 19 1/2 inches long.
Everything went really well. We were able to go home Sunday morning. He is a very mellow baby who enjoys sleeping and eating. The girls adore him and we already don't know what we would do without him.

Sad Day

2009-08-01T16:44:00.000-06:00

This afternoon my dear Grandma Christensen passed away. She was taken by ambulance yesterday after being found in her condo. She had suffered a massive stroke and after cat scans last night it was determined there wasn't much the dr.'s could do. My dad flew out to Washington late last night and was up with her all night. She had slipped into a coma and he wasn't able to talk to her. He was able to be with her so that was so reassuring for me. This afternoon she died peacefully. I feel so helpless right now. I am having a baby any day now and so there isn't much I can do. The funeral will be here in Utah so she can be buried with my Grandpa. I am hoping I can atleast make it to that.
My Grandma was an amazing person and had accomplished much in her lifetime. I know she is in a happier place now and so that puts me at ease. She will be greatly missed.

Waiting Game

2009-08-01T16:39:00.000-06:00

I am still hanging in there. I am 38 weeks tomorrow and I still can't believe I will be holding my little guy soon. I am being induced on August 10th, so there is definitely an end in sight. I do have to say this pregnancy has gone by so fast for me and has been relatively easy. I am trying my best to enjoy these last few days, because I know this is our last one. I have loved the kicks, hiccups and the amazing sound of his heartbeat. Now I just want to see what he looks like and how he will compare to my girls. Thank you to so many of you who have been such great supporters in this pregnancy. I have recieved so many well wishes, and gifts. I feel ready to introduce him to the world!!!

All Sorts of New Stuff

2009-07-20T18:39:00.000-06:00

I have been so busy getting things ready for the baby, so I have lacked in my blogging. I am now 36 weeks along and can finally see a light at the end of the tunnel. Pregnancy in the heat of July is not easy and very miserable. I am glad it's almost over. My induction date is scheduled for August 10th. Here is my belly shot. Darren needs to fix the date on our camera, although I do feel like I have been pregnant since 1/1/07.

On July 15th my sister in laws threw me such a fun baby shower. I was lucky to have my family and extended family make it. My sister in laws had such yummy food and made everything so wonderful. I really feel ready to have baby Lucas now. Thank you so much for all who came and all the amazing gifts.

Madison just got her hair cut. I loved it long, but it was getting so hard to do. She has so much natural curl it hurt her to brush her hair. We cut off a good 8 inches, and it is amazing how much it has done for her hair. She looks so cute and she loves to have her hair done now. She loves to pose so that explains this picture.

Baby Stuff

2009-06-29T21:11:00.000-06:00

I have been asked by many what we still want or need for the baby. I am having a baby shower in 2 weeks so I figured this is a good place to list items for those who need help. I don't need anyone to feel they have to get us anything, this is just a list for those who have asked.

0-3 months summer clothes

3-6 months winter clothes

3-6 months onesies

3-6 months sleepers

crib sheets (white, blue or brown)

baby toys (rattles, rings etc.)

infant Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Gas Drops

front carrier for baby to sit in while I get stuff done

burp cloths

bibs

hooded bath towel

bath stuff (lotion, soap, shampoo etc.)

baby blankets

diapers (any size)

diaper/wipe holder

I was also told to put a few bigger items for those who want to go in on a gift.

baby monitor

sit n' stand stroller

Some of This Some of That

2009-06-25T21:32:00.000-06:00

I will briefly go over what we have been doing the past couple of weeks.

- The Rain. Well unlike most people I have loved the rain. It made June fly by for me and one month of Summer is now gone. I was dreading being in my third trimester during the hottest months and now I find it more bearable. I am not loving the fast switch between the cold and rain to HOT though. Oh well, it was nice while it lasted.

- Yard Sale. Our community holds a yard sale once a year and we try to participate every year. Darren thinks this day is as great as Christmas. He spends a good two weeks going through the house and getting rid of anything we haven't used in one month. I have to put the reins on him!!! We did take advantage of this years sale to sell all our baby girl things. We had so many girl clothes and we sold maybe 1/3 of them. I am really sick of looking at them.

- Park City, Darren's Birthday, Father's Day. Well this past weekend after the yard sale Darren and I dropped off the kids and went up to Park City for the weekend. Our friends Jared and Tina also came which made it all the more fun. We wanted to celebrate Darren's birthday and have fun shopping. Well it rained all weekend and so we just went to different restaurants and told funny stories and hung out. It really was so much fun!!! Sunday, Darren's birthday and Father's Day, we went to breakfast and spent about an hour at the outlet stores. We then got the kids and I cooked a nice dinner and made a birthday cake. It was nice to combine both holidays for me!!! Darren got a new big flat screen t.v. and PlayStation 3 for himself and then my mom and sister got him Psych on DVD. So he really had a nice weekend.

-Lagoon. We took the kids to Lagoon yesterday. We got some tickets from my father in law and so it made it possible for us to go this year. The kids absolutely loved it. Darren had fun going on all the rides with them. I, on the other hand, sat in the shade at any chance I could. It was a very hot day and being 7 1/2 months pregnant didn't help. We did have a fun time and I want to thank my in laws for the chance to go!!!

-Pregnancy. I am getting bigger and bigger and getting uncomfortable. I am glad that 6 weeks from now I should be holding my little guy. We have decided on his name. It will be Lucas. So thanks to all those who voted. I am glad I can start calling him by his name rather than "this kid".

Well that's it!

Madison Graduates Pre-School

2009-06-09T20:16:00.000-06:00

Madison graduated preschool yesterday. I, of course, was in tears most of the program. I couldn't believe she is done. I just dropped her off on her first day. She has come so far since then. Her self esteem has improved, and she is such a good friend to others. She has learned so much and for that I am grateful to her teacher. The students started the program off by singing the songs they have learned all year, including one in sign language. They had a really cute slide show of the kids throughout the year and then finished the program off with a mini-graduation walk. Like I said I was a mess, I blame the pregnancy hormones. Darren was there and said he can't imagine how I will be on the first day of Kindergarten. I know she will do well and this preschool experience was a great educational foundation for her. We love you Madison Jo!!!!

Swimming Fun

2009-06-09T20:05:00.001-06:00

I was behind them so this picture is not upside down

Marli and Darren, the beached whale

Darren, Madison, Marli, Jared, Tina and Clayton

My cute family

Our good friends!! Jared, Clayton and Tina

We went this past weekend swimming with our friends. This is our first time swimming this year and the girls were so excited to get in the water. We went to Fairmont Pool and it was a really fun indoor pool. You will notice in all of the pictures that I am not in them. I am not loving pictures of me right now. We had a great time and hope to do it again really soon.

Baby Boy Hall Needs A Name

2009-06-01T11:09:00.001-06:00

Okay we are 10 weeks away from welcoming our little boy. Darren and I have had the hardest time coming up with the perfect name for him. We are finally between two names and we need your help. Please vote for which name you like and this will be our deciding factor. The middle name is Robert so if that helps with your decision then great.

7 Years and Counting

2009-05-18T10:07:00.000-06:00

I just wanted to wish my dear husband a Happy Anniversary. He is such a wonderful person. I thought I loved him on our wedding day, but seeing him with our children and with 7 years behind us I love him more today. He has become my best friend!! There are so many reasons I love and appreciate him. I just want him to know how much he truly means to me. I am grateful for all of our hard times and tests of our marriage, we are so much stronger now. He has taught me so much about myself and for that I will be forever in debt to him. He has so many amazing qualities that there are times I wonder how I lucked out to find him. I definitely married above myself and I consider myself very LUCKY!!!! I am so happy and am having the best time of my life with him and my kids.

I love you babe, Happy Anniversary!!!!

New York

2009-05-13T09:48:00.000-06:00

Better late than never, right? One of my very best friends invited me to New York with her husband and her and it was so much fun. No kids, shopping, eating and relaxing - PERFECT trip!!! Here is my trip report.

-Monday-

Our flight left at 5:00 pm and I was really freaked out because I get motion sickness and this wasn't an hour or two flight. I was so surprised at how smooth it was and how fast it really went. I was able to play games and watch TV. The only bad thing was I had to keep getting up to use the bathroom and stretch my legs. We got to The Waldorf at 11:30 and we were all really hungry so we ordered room service and shortly went to bed.

-Tuesday-

Tina and I woke up and walked to a little cafe and had bagels and juice. We then walked over to Rockefeller Center to take their tour and go to the top. I was totally amazed at the size of all the buildings. People are everywhere walking and the only thing you see in the streets are yellow cabs and black limos. I was not in Utah, that was for sure. When we were at the top we got some amazing pictures of New York. The temperature was almost 90 so I was feeling uncomfortable after we were done there. We went shopping at H&M (coolest store!) and found some fun things. After shopping I was exhausted and so I went back to the room and slept while Tina went out and did more shopping. We got ready for WICKED and walked to Broadway to see the show. We stopped at this really cool 50's diner for dinner. The waiters and waitresses want to be on Broadway so they sing to you the whole time you are eating. It was really loud, but as soon as they started singing songs we liked we loved it, and sang along. We then went to the show and we were blown away by the details and singing. It was so much fun!!! We then met Jared at Juniors, a cheesecake place, and ate cheesecake. I hauled my first cab and we went back and fell right to sleep.

-Wednesday-

We got up and got ready for our breakfast reservations at Le Parker Meridian. We made the long walk (have I mentioned we walked a lot). Breakfast was so good. We each got the waffle that is covered in fruit and then creme brulee on top. Food in New York is not cheap!!! On average we would spend $20 on each meal. Believe me we weren't going to super nice places either. We then went shopping to the Disney Store, Gap, and FAO Schwartz. I loved that toy store, we spent so much time there. It was actually fun being there without kids to chase around. I got to get my picture on the piano featured in the movie BIG. We walked to Central Park and sat there for a while and then stopped in Trump Tower for ice cream. We went back to the room and ended up falling asleep for over 2 hours. It was a colder day so we weren't eager to leave the hotel. Jared got back and we went to eat at this really good place Houston's. I got a big hamburger and was in heaven. We went back to the room and watched TV and went to bed.

-Thursday-

We really slept in and took our time leaving the room. We checked out at noon and then went out shopping. We went back to H&M and hit some other stores. We decided for lunch to go back to Trump Tower for their lunch special. Jared ended up being done with work early and met us there. We didn't want to shop anymore and didn't have time to do much else so we went back to the Waldorf and got our bags and took a cab to the airport. We waited at the airport for quite sometime. Jared was SO nice and gave me his first class ticket. This was new for me and I loved it. The flight home was so long and I was so excited when I saw we were in Utah. I got home around midnight and went right to sleep.

This was such a fun trip!!! I couldn't believe how nice our hotel was. Thanks again to Jared and Tina for this once in a lifetime experience!!! Also a big thank you to Darren for staying home and watching the girls. You are the BEST!

Gardner Village

2009-05-12T16:04:00.001-06:00

Feeding the few ducks there

Tina and Clayton

My posers

Clayton, Marli and Madison

The girls in a really cute sleigh

Now that the weather is getting nice I want to take the kids to do something fun atleast once a week. Today we went to Gardner Village with Tina and Clayton. The girls love going there, because they have ducks to feed. We only saw about 3 ducks today so that was disappointing. With 3 kids it made going into stores a little tough, but we did manage a quick look in a furniture store, a baby store and the candy store (very brief there). I did get a few cute pictures. I'm starting to get a little nervous on how I will take the kids places after the baby is born. I do have a great friend, Tina is so generous to help anytime with the kids. We did have a great time and I'm excited to do something next week.

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-09T16:43:00.000-06:00

I just want to comment on the amazing opportunity I have to be a mother and to pay tribute to the female figures in my life.
I had always heard you will experience no greater love until you have children. I never fully understood to what degree this would be for me. From the moment I have felt my children kicking in my stomach to the sight of them playing dolls together, I am beyond words and expression on how much I really do love them. They have filled my life with such meaning and fullness. Watching each of them grow and develop into their own personality gives me such joy. I ask myself all the time what I did to deserve them. I won't lie, being a mom is hard work, but it is without a doubt the most fulfilling job out there!!! As I sit here typing I can feel the little life inside me moving, and I can't help but smile. I just hope I can be a good mom to all my children and make a difference in their life as my mom did in mine.
Speaking of my mom, how do I even begin expressing my love and appreciation to her? She is unlike any other mom I know. Everybody she meets just loves and adores her. She has a sense of humor, personality, honesty and integrity that people are drawn to. I can't tell her enough how lucky I am to have her as my mom. She has always been more than a mom to my sisters and I, she has been a friend. She is also such a strong example in my life, and I want her to know that. She is a wonderful, loving grandma to her grandkids. I love you so much mom!! Happy Mother's Day.
I would also like to express a very Happy Mother's Day to my mother-in-law. Georgia is such a kind and caring person. I can't believe how much she truly loves her kids and grandkids. It amazes me to see her plan parties and events, she really does enjoy being with her family. I want to thank her for raising such a wonderful son. Darren is perfect and I owe it all to her!! Thank you!!! I love you!
Last but not least I want to express my love for my sisters. Allie and Amanda are not only great sisters, they are amazing moms. I watch them look at their little boys and see the love and admiration they feel and it truly amazes me. I love that they can experience an unconditional love as I have. How can these girls be the same ones I played house with growing up? They have always been best friends of mine and I feel so lucky to be close by to see their adorable kids and have them around for advice. They are great examples to me. I love you guys!!
I want to also say how much I love my youngest sister Becky! She is not a mom, but she is a strong female example in my life. If I had to describe the perfect teenager it would be her. She is so goal oriented it gives me inspiration to be a better person. I can't believe she will soon be heading to college. Words cannot say how much I will miss her!!! More importantly my kids will miss her. I know she will do such great things and become an even stronger person than she is. I love you Becky!!!!

Happy Mother's Day to all you moms!!!

Just a Quick Update

2009-04-26T10:27:00.001-06:00

So I realized I don't update this blog enough. I really have good intentions. I have to admit I have been a bit lazy, our camera's batteries are dead and instead of changing them, I just haven't been taking pictures. I need to fix that problem fast because the girls have been playing outside so much and are so fun to watch.
Well let's see what's new with us? Friday was a big day for Madison, she had her kindergarten orientation. I was sitting there looking at all the other kids and thinking that she doesn't look as big as they do. I am in denial that she really is and she is more than ready for this next adventure in her life. Marli is just as sweet as can be, her personality melts my heart. I have always wanted a cuddly kid and she more than fills that for me. I can't get enough of her sweetness.
As for me I am now 24 weeks pregnant and feeling okay. I just feel huge!! According to my dr. I am measuring 3 weeks ahead. When I asked her if the baby is too big or if my due date is off, she just responded by saying "no it's just your third and you are just really big this time". Thanks Dr.!!!!! I have been keeping busy this pregnancy, I spend a lot of time with friends and family. I am also heading to New York tomorrow for a fun trip with my good friend. It will be so fun to go do one last big thing before baby #3 comes.
For all of you who know us well, you know this baby I am baking does not have a name. We can not agree on anything and it is getting frustrating. I really want to come to an agreement and start making cute things to hang in his room with his name on them. Soon we will post a poll on our blog and see what others think.
Okay well I will post later this week with my trip report of New York!! Have I mentioned how excited I am???

Academy of Country Music Awards

2009-04-09T09:44:00.000-06:00

What a trip!

Saturday

Darren and I left Saturday afternoon and upon arriving in the Las Vegas Airport we were greeted by Dr. Pepper (our host for the trip). We were taken to the MGM Grand Hotel in a nice big bus and checked in. We then went and picked up all our tickets and information from the Dr. Pepper desk. We then got ready for the Dr. Pepper Welcome Reception that was taking place that night in a big ballroom. Well we weren't sure what to expect and being pregnant I thought it would be safe to eat first. So McDonald's it was. We got to the reception and was amazed at how much Dr. Pepper did for the party. It was a complete catered event with a full free bar. So having eaten I felt so dumb. Don't worry I still enjoyed their food. They had a band playing and then from 7-8 Chuck Wicks entertained the crowd. We had so much fun and even got daring and danced a little. When we returned to our room that night we found a welcome gift from Dr. Pepper, they had left us a cool little cooler filled with Dr. Pepper drinks. They had also given us some really nice watches.

Sunday

We woke up and went down to the MGM breakfast buffet (which was also included in the trip). The food was good and we were full and ready for the long day. We did a little shopping and played around in the gift shops. We went back to our room for about 2 hours to rest before the busy afternoon and night. We got ready in our nicest clothes and went to the Dr. Pepper pre-telecast party in the same ballroom from the night before. They also had it catered and it was all BBQ food (ribs, chicken, chili, cornbread, watermelon, corn on the cob). So this was a tough meal to eat in our nicest clothes. They had a band play for us and about 4:00 we left to go get our seats for the ACM Awards. Just so you know, I was wearing the highest heels I had ever worn, and my feet didn't appreciate the surprise going from daily flip flop wearing to these. I was carrying them by now and didn't expect to put them back on. We ended up with really great seats for the show and enjoyed it so much. The energy in the room makes the show even better. We did leave 30 min. before it ended to get to the All Star After Jam early and get a good table. We had no idea but people were buying tickets for the after party for up to $1000 a piece. We got there and did get great seats and enjoyed the free appetizers and drinks. John Rich MC'd the event and was hammered by the time he got there. He was really obnoxious!! We had such a fun night and were amazed by the entertainment. Kenny Chesney, Lady Antebellum, Emerson Drive, Jimmy Wayne, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Trace Atkins, James Otto, Jamey Johnson, and others performed the night away. I physically shut down about 12:30 in the morning and had to go back to the room and sleep. It was definitely an awesome party and I think I enjoyed it better than the awards show.

Monday

So when we woke up Monday morning we were still drained from the previous day. I started packing up our stuff and then we went downstairs and ate at the buffet for breakfast. We then had to catch our bus to the airport and left to come home. We flew in and went straight to get Madison and Marli from Allie's house. We missed them more than we had expected so seeing them made me glad to be home.

So overall it was a very eventful weekend. We never even left MGM. Even if we had wanted to gamble there was no time. This trip was night and day different than last years trip. I am so lucky to have won this trip 2 years in a row!! Darren and I had such a great time and we enjoyed the time away together.

Best Day of Darren's Life

2009-04-02T09:59:00.000-06:00

As many of you may know Darren is a big fan of the band Radiohead. He would tell me when I was pregnant with Madison that she will like his music. Of course, I would tease back and say she would be a country music girl. When she was born he played Radiohead and all sorts of his music for her and I would roll my eyes. Well the other day she watched some of Twilight with me and the closing credits play a Radiohead song. She LOVES the song. She will turn the movie on and fast forward through the whole thing just to listen to the song at the end. So last night Darren put the Radiohead c.d. in the car and turned it to that particular song and she screamed with excitement, to which he said, "this is the best day of my life".

I'm not giving in though!!!!

IT'S A BOY!!!

2009-03-22T09:52:00.000-06:00

Last Wednesday we had the big ultrasound. Darren and I were pretty convinced we would have another girl. After all we figured we only make girls. Well to our surprise we were told without a doubt this baby is a BOY! I was so excited and shocked. Darren was all smiles for the rest of the day. He would never admit it, but he really wanted a boy. We really feel this is a great conclusion to our family. Madison and Marli are so excited. Madison has said from day one that this was a boy, and so when we were told (and shown) it is a boy all she had to say was "I know".
I am really excited for the fact I can go out and buy new baby clothes and not just recycle what we already have. I get to redecorate the nursery and do the boy thing. I do have to say I am a little nervous to raise a boy. I have only known girls my whole life, so this is new territory. Luckily I have two sisters who have boys (well if Amanda would ever have hers). So I will have a few months of practice with them.
Overall we are elated, and can't wait for this new adventure in our family.

Misc. Things

2009-03-11T10:37:00.000-06:00

Here is a list of a few things going on in our lives.

Madison has decided being 5 is not fun anymore and wants to be 20. The most recent thing she is doing to prove her maturity is stuffing her shirts with socks. I have finally convinced her that we cannot do that outside the house. She really wanted to go to preschool to show off her new chest. I kind of miss her just wanting to wear my lipgloss.
Marli, on the opposite end, has decided she wants to be a baby again. I recently bought my sister some baby gifts and she thinks they are for her. I have been looking at a few things for our baby and she doesn't understand she won't be the youngest anymore. It's hard for me to see her grow up. I wish I could keep her a baby. I am trying to show her attention and reassure her that she will be just as important to me when the baby comes as she is now.
Darren is on this weight loss kick. He does the wii fit every other day. Jump ropes, does chin lifts and push ups every day. He really is looking good. I just hate how he is losing weight as I am gaining it. He has been determined not to gain any "sympathy weight". He is also busy with work. Tax season always does this to us. This is the first year they haven't offered overtime, and we are seeing how much we have depended on it over the years. I guess it's just another life lesson on living within our means.
As for me, I am doing well. I am enjoying the second trimester and feeling great. I am in the awful in-between stage with clothes so that is not fun. We do find out what we are having next Wed. so that is something to look forward to. I also had a little luck recently. I won an all-expense paid trip to Las Vegas to see the Academy of Country Music Awards. The ironic thing is I won this exact trip a year ago. It was seriously a trip of a lifetime and something I believed was "once in a lifetime trip". Well, luck had my side again this year. Darren and I are really excited to have a little vacation. We leave April 4th, so watch for a trip report shortly after that weekend. This year my camera will have new batteries so I can capture some shots of my favorite stars.

Bowling Fun

2009-03-11T10:17:00.000-06:00

We recently went bowling with the kids. We figured it would be nice to mix things up and not do the same activities we always do. Madison was so excited to play real bowling. She has become an expert at home playing bowling on the wii. Well she liked the actual game for about 5 frames and then decided it was boring. Marli loved it, but that too didn't last. By the end of the game they were both hungry and tired. So as much fun as it was for us to all go, we decided we should wait until they get a little older. Darren and I realized how rusty we are and were a little embarassed when neither of us even scored 100. I think we will stick to the wii.

The Boring Airplane Museum

2009-03-02T18:42:00.000-07:00

Well 2 weeks ago we were up in Layton with our friends and decided to take the kids to the Airplane Museum in Roy. We went there because it was free, a major deciding factor for Darren. Well the girls liked it for about 5 minutes (which was 5 minutes longer than I liked it). We did find a fun little kids area that kept us entertained for about 45 minutes. Marli just wanted to run through the place hiding behind airplanes and Madison kept wondering if the planes were rides, and when she could get into one. The whole place smelled old and I felt claustrophobic in there. I guess what I have come to find out about myself is that I am not one for museums or places that don't hold interest for me. Drop me off at the mall, movies or home for a nap and I will be a happy camper.

Let's Try This Again

2009-02-27T10:45:00.001-07:00

I am going to attempt blogging again. I tried it about a year ago and didn't like it very much. I have had lots of requests to start one again so here I go.
We have a busy life right now. Madison is in preschool and just turned 5. She acts more like 13 and it makes me sad that my little girl is growing up so fast. Marli is a shadow of her big sister. She loves to follow Madison around and play dress-up, play Barbie's, sing or jump on the couch. They are so fun. I am also pregnant, which makes life hectic. I am constantly tired and my energy level is at an all time low. We are really excited to add a new member to our family in August. Darren stays really busy with work. He is such a hard worker and great provider. He comes home and plays with the girls everynight. He takes good care of us. I stay home with the girls and love watching them change everyday.
I am really excited to start blogging about the fun things going on in our life. So stay tuned...