Promise.....Forever

Bridger Byron is 1!!

2012-01-19T15:19:00.000-08:00

Bridger loves to clap! We were singing happy Birthday and he thought that was great!

He also loves phones! In fact he has known from an early age that you put a phone up to your ear and say hi, He used to put his little hand by his ear every time he said hi, it was so cute! Chad would tease me and say he sees me on my phone way too much!! Not true.....not all the time anyways!

The Birthday cake tradition!! He did not get as messy as I thought he would though.

Three of the loves of my life!

My parents took our whole family to Chuck-a-rama for dinner and since it was almost Bridge's B-day I let him go to town on this key lime pie. Sorry my camera is so blurry!!

Him eating the key lime pie was the highlight of the night!! He was totally posing for the camera.

Here he is posing for my Dad's camera!

He is thinking, "wow, I really made a mess!"

I wanted to put these pictures up to show just how big Bridgers head is! His head is in the 100% percentile, meaning it is not even on the charts! He needs a big head for that huge brain he has in there :) I still can't believe my baby is 1!! He has been such a great baby. I am trying to enjoy every phase and moment because he is my last baby. He does some really cute things. He is really into Mom (me) and he will choose me no matter who is holding him. He loves to wrestle on the ground with his dad and he thinks he is pretty tough as he crawls on top of Chad and tries to body slam him. He claps, waves, says "Hi", LOVES the bath, has mastered the stairs, and tries to sneak into the bathroom to play in the toilet every chance he gets. He will walk across the room to people, but he is too chicken to just walk without someone waiting with their arms open. He is a great eater and some of his favorites are, green beans, kiwi's, grapes, avacados, bananas, pears,chicken nuggets, hot dogs, and waffles. He still sleeps great, but has definately gotten sicker than my other two kids. Poor Bridge picks up every little virus that goes around. He loves to snuggle, and he has a stubborn streak and lets you know how he feels for sure. He still laughs up at me at night when I sing to him at night, and it still melts my heart. I feel so lucky that he was sent to our family, and I just know he is one special little boy. I pray I can live up to being the kind of mother that he deserves.

Andi went on a field trip with her preschool class to Albertsons. It was really fun and they got lots of food.

Fall pictures

2011-12-17T15:30:00.000-08:00

My kids love the hot tub at Grandmas house, and Chad decided to take Bridger in and he loved it! Think I might have another water baby.

Some of the Fife cousins and Kemper at my moms house

The big Bridge and Chad

The pumpkin patch that we had in our back yard garden.

Kemper with one of his friends Avry, sitting with all of our pumpkins!

All the men and the boys went on a hunting trip this year. They used to go every year but then stopped for a few years. I hope they keep the tradition going. Kemper loves it, and someday Bridge will be old enough to go to! I don't know how much hunting the men get to do with all the kids, but they still had a blast.

Chad actually built this stove to keep the huge tent warm. My man is so dang handy to have around!

The one and only deer that was shot. Brett shot it, and you can't see but it is actually a spike.

The boys shooting their bb guns! If this is not a red neck picture I don't know what is :)

My husband has also been killing plenty of ducks this year as well. He has friends from work he goes with and also his brother and brother in law Jeremy. Kinda sad, and the jerky he made was pretty gross!

Bridger at the Carlson's pumpkin carving party. We have been invited for a few years now and the kids love it, and get to play with some other cousins they rarely see.

All the finished pumpkins!

Chad and Kemp showing of their creation

Andi really just wanted to snuggle hers

Halloween night before we start our trick-or-treating! Andi is a princess, Bridger a monkey, and Kemper is a bucket zombie from his favorite game called Plants vs. Zombies, google it if you have never heard of it.

We all met at The Gage's house and here is Brett with his three seriously cute BSU fans!

Here is the group before we headed out for the night!

This monkey suit barely fit him, my fat little monkey!

Gone running!

2011-11-09T21:14:00.000-08:00

A week ago Chad and I went with Brett and Emily to Pocotello where we met Grant and Shalie so we could all run the Just Cuz half marathon there. Chad did not run, but he did a great job taking pictures and being our driver! It was so fun, realy cold, but fun! It was so great to see the Morgans and to all hang out and have a couple days kid free! Everyone did so great. I am so proud of Grant, Shalie, and Brett for rocking their first race!

We were already freezing before we got in the bus to head up the canyon.

Grant, Shalie and Me on the bus. I was like the 5th wheel with my running couple friends! They made me feel wanted though ;)

My Gages!!

The race director had organized a flash dance before the race. It was pretty awesome. Grant actually went up and joined in although you cant see him in this picture.

Thought this picture that my husband took was cool cause its black and white and you can really see how hard it was snowing.

My dad was in Pocotello the same weekend for work (small world!) and I thought he was too busy to come but he was there at the finish line! It was so great to see him, and such a nice suprise! This is me when I realize he is there in the green jacket.

Our group after photo.

These Morgans are so amazing! Thanks for the Verizon shirts Grant!

Me and my biggest supporter!

The boys before dinner

This is kinda an inside joke!

I am the 5th wheel in the middle remember!

The TOU Marathon in September. The rest of the group is missing from the picture though! Emily finished at 4:09 and I don't know where she was when we took this. My bro in law Chris ran it too but I don't know where he was either. I was not sure I would survive this race, Bridge was only 8 months and my body was just not bouncing back like I was hoping it would. I did survive though, and my time of 4:28 was sooo much better then I thought it would be. I have never been more stressed about a marathon before. I have to say some thanks to my brother kip for harrassing me every day until I signed up for the marathon. I was not going to do it. Huge thanks to my sis in law Emily for dragging me through those horrible long runs, and telling me I could do it, and just kicking butt in general. And to my husband for being so cool about all the time spent training, and for telling me I would regret it if I did not run it. You were so right babe!! Thanks for letting me do what I love, and being happy that I love it!

We sure did earn those freakin medals

The babies waiting for us to get done with our marathon

We went to Lagoon with the Gages, and the Fizers, and my mother in law, the day after the Marathon. My wonderful mom took Bridger home with her so that I could go on rides with Chad and my older two kids. It was such a blast! And I did a horrible job with pictures. The day went by way to fast and then it was back to reality.

Still catching UP. More summer fun and the Frodsham family reunion.

2011-10-17T15:56:00.000-07:00

At the fair with cousins

Charli and Bridge

Bridge with the best Grandma ever!

A huge part of our summer.....the ice cream man

Family home evening in Grandpa's hot tub. It is so nice they live less than a mile away now!

The annual boy trip

Family reunion! So much fun

Ashley and Andi on the boat

Even at the family reunion he found time to fish

More summer fun!

2011-10-17T15:20:00.000-07:00

Kemp and Emersen went fishing with Chad a few times together

Shalie, Grant and me havin some yogurt!

Bridge already loves the water!

These two are so close, and had a great summer

This picture is so hilarious cause of his expression! He looks so mad and crazy!

We went camping and Kemp made a friend and fished with him all day!

First time on the swings at the park!

August Birthdays. (Kemper and Andi)

2011-10-17T14:43:00.000-07:00

Having 2 birthdays within a week of each other makes August a crazy month! Luckily they are summer B-days so we can have some serious water fun! Can't believe Kemp is 7 and Andi is 4 now! Their little lives are flying by and i wish they would just stop now! Both their parties were a big success and some great memories were made!

Camping

2011-07-31T08:52:00.000-07:00

Hangin by the fire with my boys!

This is the first on MANY pictures of Andi with her best friend/cousin Reese. They are so cute together

Waiting for a grown up to put their helmets on and take them for a ride!

Andi with Chad on the trail they took to go......wait for it......FISHING :)

Good old Brethy(aka Brett Gage) taking two of his kids Eli and Reese on a ride

We took Emersen my neice with us camping. She is with us alot, and we love her. She has only been camping once and she was so so excited to come with us. The kids were carrying their takle boxes, and they had a great time fishing. This kis Kemper, Emersen, and Eli.

On the trail! Don't think we did not eat the one fish they caught!

The water was freezing, but all the kids were brave and got in at least once.

The sexy man with the perma farmers tan is my husband! He was taking the kids across the river to a beach spot.

This was so awesome! Emily took most of her clothes of and took a little swim.

A little cold there Emily?? This is why we love to go with the gages, so entertaining!!

Getting eaten alive by mosquitos though. Kemp ended up with twelve bites on his neck! No matter how much repellent I put on. You can see Hudson in this picture too. The Fizers came up the second day. We love hanging with them too. We are so lucky to have such great family around us.

Waiting in Chads truck to go fishing......Cmon, lets go already!!

The BIG Bidge! He did so great on his first camping trip. Never complained, even when I left him a little too close to the fire for a bit and his face ended up all red. Emily pointed this out! After I realized there was no permanent damage it was pretty funny!

Little Macie! She was so great too. Emily and I are lucky to have two great babies that are already natural campers!

Eli on the log. The kids had some fun games they played with the logs. His orange hat always made him pretty easy to find!

Andi loving on Macie. Personal space Andi! Poor Macie is trying to be patient with her!

This could be on a post card!! So cute!

Told you there are lots of pictures of them! Notice Andis hand on Reese's though!

The second night my poor husband got sick. I felt so bad for him, and he fell asleep by the fire. We were totally laughing though cause it looks like he is passed out from all the pot he was smokin or something. Emily captured the perfect picture with this one!

I think the girls were playing some puppy game on the stumps. It was a great trip! We have not been camping nearly enough this summer. I am hoping we can get some good trips in the next couple months. Thanks Gages and Fizers for being so fun, and awesome!

4th of July fun

2011-07-18T14:27:00.000-07:00

All the kids sitting and watching the show at Emily's in-laws place. It was an amazing show!

Gerry had glow in the dark sticks for all the kids. It was a huge hit, and here all the kids are swarming him to get them.

My brother Kyle and me, you can also see Byron and Rachel with little McKenley

Reese and Andi. It is so cute how close these two have gotten. Best friends!

I took my niece Emersen with us. She had a blast out there.

Eli, thinking he is pretty cool with the Roman Candle!

Kempers turn!

My little Andi-pandi. She loves the sparklers for sure!

My sis in law Emily and Reese. Arent they so pretty?!!

Rachel and McKenley. Her little family has been going to this celebration for a few years now.

Emily, Brett, and Reese. I just love your snuggie Brett. I hear he never leaves home without it!

This was so cute. Andi and McKenley thought they were so funny by hiding under one of the tables and playing scared.

It is just way too fun though!!

Had to throw in a couple pictures Emily took at Roaring Springs. Like I said, Best Friends!!

Arent they all so cute! Roaring Springs has been such a blast this year. The kids are loving it!

This 4th of July was really great. Except for the fact that Chad had to work....so lame :( My brother came in to town though so that was fun. We had a jammed packed day of fun. At my moms, then at my mom in laws, then I convinced my brother to come with me and my kids, plus Emj (my sisters daughter) out to Emily's In laws house for their huge firework show they have every year. Emily has invited us every year and we just never got out there till now. I am so glad we went, it was the best show ever! My kids will never forget it. The Grovers, and my mom-in-law and her boyfriend Tom were there too. Bretts mom and dad made us feel really welcome, and they are so nice to have this big party every year! I was telling Emily we will be coming next year, and Chad will be coming too for sure!! Thanks for having us Brett and Emily!

The Big Bridge

2011-07-11T19:31:00.000-07:00

He is such a happy baby

He really does love his daddy!

I was not planning on pictures or I would have dressed him cuter

Big brother is still her world

I am really late on posting these of course! The Morgans came to Boise(we love that!) and Shalie was really sweet and just took her camera and took a few pictures, of mostly Bridger, but some others too. They look so great, and really capture his wonderful sweet smile. I just wanted to write a few things down about him so I won't forget. I can't believe the Lord sent me such an amazingly sweet little spirit. I don't know that I deserve any of the incredible children he has sent me. I am sure most moms feel that way though.

Bridger Byron
Nicknames include: the big Bidge, Bridger Byron Boy, baby Bridge, boy number dos. Chad can take credit for almost ever nickname in our house. And he is always coming up with new ones.
20 lbs! He is only 6 months.
2 teeth already on the bottom, with more on the way.
His hair goes into a natural fohawk
Smiles constantly
Sleeps like a champ ( through the night and 2 really good naps)
Always been a belly sleeper, but now he rolls on to his back in the night alot.
Makes a sheep sound all the time. We say its his signature sound. I have to get it recorded
rolls over front to back and back to front and can make it all the way around the room like that!
He loves our dog pepsi, and he will laugh everytime he sees her.
Eats like a horse, and always wants more baby food.
Laughs at me everynight when I hold him and sing, before I lay him down. Melts my heart.
Loves the water already
Lights up everytime he sees Kemper or Andi

So many other things I could write about my little guy. He has been such a joy in our house. I know some of these things I might forget with time, so its good to write it down for the blog book.

Did I mention that we fish.....alot??

2011-06-16T20:07:00.000-07:00

I feel like I have so many fishing pictures. And these ones are only from the trips my husband actually remembers to bring the camera. Chad and Kemper both love and I mean LOVE to fish. In fact, I would say it is quickly becoming their thing. Andi loves it too, but she does not have the same level of intensity that Kemp does. Just like Chad, Kemper would sit there all night if he could. I have always meant to write this story down, so this is a good time since we are on the topic of fishing. On one of their fishing trips a couple years ago, Chad told Kemper they had to leave, and Chad had made a critical error throwing back a small fish, thinking they would have caught a bigger one by then. Kemper was SO MAD, furious really. So he followed Chad to the truck, yelling for everyone by the crowded greenbelt to hear, and I quote, "That guy!! (pointing his stick at Chad, telling an innocent bystander) is the WORST fisherman EVER! I mean, we go fishing, and he promises I can keep the fish, then he throws it back!! (turning to Chad now) Why do we even freaking go fishing dad, IF WE DON'T KEEP THE FISH?!" Chad told me all this later when they got home. Chad just kept walking, trying not to laugh. After he calmed down and they were driving home in the truck he asked Chad, "Dad,you are not going to tell mom about my fit right??" But of course he did! And Chad and I laughed about it for like an hour that night.

S'mores with some more Hessings!

2011-06-16T19:48:00.000-07:00

I love the way Chad makes S'mores! You have to melt the chocolate first, so delicious.

Kemper with his cousins, Ben and Jake. Looks really good Jake!

Andi waiting patiently for her smore.

Peyton made me a smore. So sweet of her!

Kenzie and Luke

Bailey. I can't believe how old they are all getting.

A few sundays ago we invited Chads brother JR and his wife Claire, and their 6 kids over for S'mores. It was really fun, and of course who does not love smores right! The kids had a blast and ran around outside the entire night. I just love this family, and I am so glad JR lucked out and got Claire to marry him ;) and we have her two wonderful boys as new additions to a quickly growing extended family.

Saying goodbye to preschool....till next fall anyways!

2011-05-29T16:35:00.000-07:00

Heather is giving Andi her Smiles for Miles award.

The 4 kids wearing the hats are the ones that are graduating so they won't be coming back in the fall

I love that she has been teaching them the Pledge every day. It was so cute to hear them recite it

Chad had to work so Kemper came with me to cheer her on.

It is sad to say goodbye to a great preschool 3 times a week, but summer is almost here. I never thought I would do a home preschool, and I really, really never thought I would love it so much. Andi had such a great year at Heathers Feathers. Heather is amazing. She got her teaching degree but she just loves teaching younger children in her home. Andi learned so much, and she just blossomed socially. I knew there is no where else I would want to put Andi next year. So we will be excited to start again in the fall!

Last field trip of the year to the discovery Center

2011-05-29T16:21:00.000-07:00

Andi and her preschool class and Miss Heather, stoping for a picture in between seeing all the amazing nature!

I thought this was so cute!! They all just started holding hands on the way in

Listening to the presentation

Look! We are owls Mom!

Andi getting ready to go to school with her queen for the day poster. Her teacher Miss Heather makes their birthday really special this way.

First fishing trip of the year!

2011-05-29T16:10:00.000-07:00

Dinner time, and taking a break from fishing

She is a natural with that fishing pole!

Kemp is so good he does not even need to stand up ;)

You can always tell when my husband has had the kids for a few hours! Andi looks a little homeless!

Not the best picture of my little Andi, but I just loved that Chad took a picture of the two of them together. I could not go because I had to work.

We are definatly a family that loves to fish. And as soon as it was warm enough to stand it, Chad took our two older kids with him fishing. They had a great time, even if the fish didn't bite that afternoon.

Easter

2011-05-29T15:58:00.000-07:00

I only took like one picture with the kids in their easter clothes! It is the first picture I have of the three of them. That is pretty sad!

Easter Weekend

2011-04-27T17:01:00.000-07:00

Look what the easter bunny brought!! I didn't get a picture of my kids in thier easter clothes though! I can't believe I forgot that.

My kids LOVE bubbles. What kid doesn't though, right?

Check out Bridgers huge double chin! He is waiting while his sister and brother go on an easter egg hunt. I just love this hat my friend Alisha made for him. So cute!

After the easter egg hunt at Aunt Emilys neihborhood the kids stop to check out thier candy.

Eli and Andi. Hey Cousin, what did you get??

At G ma Sharon's Apartment complex for another Easter celebration. With dinner, Volleyball, and of course an egg hunt. The kids had a blast there. Here is Kemper with Luke, and Jake.

Andi and Hudson. 3 1/2 and they still look like twins!

Peyton, and Halle, at the playground at the apartment.

Love this picture of Emily and little Macey.

Almost all the cousins on the Hessing side. Bridger is not in this, and neither is Zach and Dixie's adorable little girl because they live in Elko.

Andi is becoming such a little ham for the camera. It makes taking her picture so much more fun!

Easter celebration at my mom and dads house.

Kemper's eggs were the soccer balls.

Each grand child had 10 eggs to find, in thier own color. Eliminates all conflict :)

Snugglin up to Dad.

All the cousins on the Fife side now.

Emma, and Bridger

It was a great Easter Weekend. With way too much candy, and lots of cousins. I feel really blessed my kids have been lucky enough to have all the cousins from both sides of the family all living within 4 miles of each other. How amazing is that?? I am sure they will grow up thinking that is normal, but I know we are really fortunate to have so much amazing family. And Grandparents close by. I never had that, ( in the same town I should say) and I love that my kids are so close to thiers. And my kids are getting old enough to understand the real meaning of Easter, and that is the best part of this whole weekend.

Updates

2011-04-21T18:18:00.000-07:00

Kemper and Andi love the sandbox.

Sorry this is blurry, my camera is pretty lame. Bathtime with Big brother!

Kemp is such a big help, he is the best big brother ever!

He is such a smiley happy baby. But for some reason when I get the camera out he gets all serious.

Snuggle time with dad. He was laughing at cooing at Chad while he talked to him.

Always looking for his thumb

Andi's newest thing is holding Bridge.

So much to say, and I have waited way to long to blog! I have been busy, and we didn't have our main computer hooked up for a long time. 3 kids, a new baby, a new house, starting work again. It has been a great new adventure. Chad and I bought a house, which is really exciting, since we have been renting for the past 3 years or so. The kids are loving the new house. Complete with a big backyard, swingset, sandbox, garden, toyroom, and a park across the street! Chad has been really busy with his full time job as a sheriffs Deputy, and he has had side construction jobs on all his days off lately. I don't see him much :) but I know things will eventually calm down.

I feel like someone is going to pinch me and I will wake up. Right now life is so amazing, and a big reason is my wonderful bundle of joy. Bridger. He is such a great baby. He has been sleeping through the night for a couple months now, (He is only 3 1/2 months) He is happy, and he saves his best smiles for mom. He has been a blessing to our family. I can't wait for him to wake up every morning so I can see his happy smile.

Kemp is doing great in first grade, and has lost 4 teeth now which he is so proud of. He is growing up way to fast though. And becoming a little boy. He is not as hyper as he once was, and he has the best conversations with us, and always has so much to say. He is counting down untill the 4th Pirates of the carribean movie comes out. He has a small Johnny Depp obsession :) its pretty cute!

My little Andi is loving pre-school, and our swingset. She is still my tender snuggler that crawls in bed with Chad and I every morning. She is loving veggie tales right now, and Tangled. Which she watches every day. She is adjusting to not being the baby of the family anymore. She knows she still has her dad wrapped aroung her finger though!

Chad and I are liking our new ward. I am sad I had to be released from the Stake YW pres. But we are excited to see what will come in this new chapter of our lives. We are only ten minutes from our old neihborhood and friends, so that is really good.

Fife Family McCall trip 2011

2011-03-21T20:40:00.000-07:00

Maddux and Kemper with the very popular Pokemon Book

Me and my man

Kyle and Dad

Most of the trip we spent doing this!

I discovered later that Kemp was getting sick. I can totally see it in this picture

Andi, thinking she might drive

Me and my Pandi girl

Chad digging the snow tunnel. My brothers said he wouldn't or couldn't do it. But that if he did they would spend a whole night in it. Chad took that bet.

Kyle is the only one man enough to attempt the night in the cave. Notice the sign Chad made :)

Kyle looks pretty awesome here.

Kyle took blankets and cushions (I am serious) he was all about the comfort.

He is ready for the night!

This is Kip, Dad, and Chad, looking into the snowcave at Kyle.

Kip and baby girl. Nora.

Andi hanging with Bompa

Probably the only time Chad held Bridge the whole time :) My mom had him constantly

My little Bridge!!

Andi went in to say goodnight to Nora and Amy

I joked with my Mom that she was my nanny. It was so nice, she insisted on holding him and feeding him the whole trip. It was a welcome break, I must admitt. I hope I can be a Grandma like her someday.

Cause my mom always had the baby, I got to spend some quality barbie time with Andi.

Andi loves her little bro

A random picture of Kemper and Andi with my sisters kids after a dip in the hot tub at Grandma and Grandpas house. The girls didn't get to come to McCall, we missed them.

Another great year at McCall. This time was a bit different cause I had a 6 week old baby. At that time he was still pretty fussy in the early evening hours. My mom was amazing and took him, and didn't mind at all he hated his evenings. It was such a great time though. The snow cave was the highlight of the trip. Chad dug it, and Kyle said he would spend the WHOLE night out there. So he made his bed, Chad made an air tube, and a piss pot. Yes, a piss pot. I want to go on record to say Kyle USED the piss pot, ha ha! He went out and they sealed him in about 2:00 am. And he snuck into the house at about 5 am. So we congratulated Kyle on his NAP in the snow cave. But he was the only one that attempted it, so gotta give him some props!

Getting bigger every day!

2011-02-11T19:13:00.000-08:00

Chad thought this was a brilliant idea bathing Bridge in a pot! It was pretty cute, and he loved it.

They are going to be best buds even if they are 6 years apart!!

Kemper got student of the month for his grade so we went to a breakfast at his school. He loved having his little sister there to congratulate him.

Bonding time with sister and Dad.

I just don't know where he got those lips!

In the early morning hours we sometimes bring Bridger in the bed with us, as you can see like father like son

He has been really loving bathtime. He would stay in forever if I let him.

We have been adjusting to big changes at our house. Bridger is 5 weeks, and he and I are really starting to figure each other out. I will confess I have never been great with newborns, in fact I will freely admit I am not that much of a baby person. But I have tried to just take a breath and enjoy even the hardest days. He really is a great baby, and now that I am getting more sleep, I can see that even more. There were a couple weeks he would not nap, and seemed to be fussy all the time. I decided to turn him onto his belly to see if he would nap. It was a turning point for sure. He loves his tummy, and its the only way he will sleep. I find myself checking on him alot since they say they should not sleep on thier tummys. But I say, if thats the only way the kids will sleep.....and our mothers did it that way right! :) He naps like a champ now. And he is already sleeping 6 hours straight at night. And he is smilling at us more and more every day. Kemp and Andi have been great, and have adjusted just as well as I thought they would. Three kids is definatly alot more laundry though. Crazy how just one more can add so many clothes!!

If you want to take my picture, you better wrap me up!

2011-01-12T16:48:00.000-08:00

I have never had pictures of my kids taken as newborns. Sad but true. This time around I decided since I know a great photographer, and she is my best friend and all, :) I would give it a try. I was hoping to just get a couple cute pictures, so I was really excited when we did! The only catch, we discovered, is he loves to be swaddled and wrapped. It is the only way he will sleep. So naked pictures were out of the question. Oh, and my husband keeps our sunroom really cold. and the space heater can only do so much.
I just love his big lips, and he is so sweet. I am so glad I decided to do it. And thanks to Jess for being so patient with my baby, who was playing hard to get for the camera.

Welcome Baby Bridger!

2011-01-08T09:58:00.000-08:00

Chad and Bridge. He is one proud Dad!

"Hey, I know You!"

You would think is was a really rough day from this picture of me :)

My sister, me, and big sis Andi.

My wonderful Doctor. It took him a couple minutes to cry, but then, he really let us have it. He did go through alot that day!

Kemper is soooo in love with him. He has like a perma grin whenver he is around him, and constantly wants to hold him. And I am sure Bridge didn't mean too, but Kemp definatly got the first smile from his little bro yesterday.

He is finally here!! My not so little man weighed in 8 lbs 11 ounces, 22 inches long. Wow, I could not believe I had that big of a baby in me. No wonder he was draining my energy. Its too baby he didn't take all the calories from me that I consumed over the nine months, ha ha!

I went in Wednesday morning for a scheduled induction. They started me, and I got my epidural. I didn't waste any time getting it. I am so glad because it worked SO great. I was totally relaxed all day, and feeling nothing! There is no other way to go...for me anyways :) It was great to just lay there and talk with Chad, my Mom, and Jess came in for most the day too. I really could not have asked for an easier labor, and delivery. And my recovery has been easy. I pushed a few more times with Bridge because of his postitioning on his way out. And with the exception of our first night at home, he has been so easy. Knock on wood.

We are all so happy to have him here, and although there are big changes, I want to just try and enjoy every moment.

Bring on the Sledding!

2011-01-01T10:37:00.000-08:00

Chad did lots of sledding with the kids since I couldn't do any. It was hard to just watch....pregnancy, boo.

Andi actually went down the hill this time! She usually won't even go down slides at the park

My friend Sommers and her so cute little guy, Slater. He was so good and just hung out and watched.

My little daredevil cruising down the mountain.

Scott made lots of trips up the hill with all the kids too.

Alisha and Toms baby Rory. She is so cute in that pink snow suit. She can't wait to go sledding next year :)

Shaydon was also fearless, and he owned that mountain.

Buddies from birth. Andi and Shaydon. They went on the sled together alot.

Tom, after a victorious run from the very top. I am suprised he didn't hurt himself this trip. He usually does

Chad built us a fire. We roasted marshmellows and had lunch and snacks. Nice and toasty!

Avry and Edyn. I don't think these two ever took a break the whole time we were there.

Andi loves Sommers.All those playgroups I guess! She took a moment and snuggled up to her.

Chad and I took my niece Emersen with us. She had so much fun, and is always a little ray of sunshine.

Love these two!!

A few days ago we went up to Grimes Creek with some friends to do some serious sledding. We love this spot, and go a couple times at least every winter. I was pretty much there for moral support, I thought sledding 9 months pregnant might not be the best idea! It was really fun though. The kids did so good, and had so much fun. No one ever said they were cold, or complained about wanting to leave. In fact after over 3 hours of sledding, and it was getting dark, we had to convince the kids to leave. I can't wait to go again in a few weeks when I am no longer with child, and sled with my kids. Sledding really is the best thing about winter. Actually, the only good thing about winter!

Christmas day at Grandma and Grandpas

2011-01-01T09:57:00.000-08:00

Andi and Emersen playing with the new horses Andi got that morning. Andi loves Em j, it is pretty cute.

Some of the mounds of presents at my parents house. I was proud, she actually wrapped alot of them

Shaylan and her boyfriend J Bieber. She is obsessed with him, her parents got her this large cutout and she had to bring it over to show everyone.

An attempt at a picture of all the grandkids. You gotta love candid pics right! :)

Kemp got Shay this bieber calendar for Christmas. Did I mention she is obsessed with him??!

Christmas this year was wonderful. The only negatives were Chad had to work, and my camera was dead on Christmas eve when I went to take pictures of my kids opening gifts so their dad could be there. At least I charged it up in time to head over to the Grandparents house. Next year we will have 3 kids at Christmas. So crazy!! And I will be much better about taking more pictures. And lets hope Chad does not have to work either, it doesn't feel like Christmas without him.

Seeing Santa at the Mall

2010-12-30T16:31:00.000-08:00

We had been waiting for awhile, so they let Andi wait on this giant present.

The Santa was great, and he started laughing when Andi asked for a DS for Christmas!

What a difference a year makes. Last year Andi wanted NOTHING to do with santa, and would cry at the thought of actually having to talk to him. Not this year. She could not get on his lap fast enough. She continues to surprise me. What happened to my shy little girl? Not that I am complaining, it was so fun to see her hop on Santa's lap and tell him her name, how old she is, and what she wants. Maybe she has been watching her brother more than I thought. We all know he does not have a shy bone in his body.

Andi's first Pre-school Christmas program

2010-12-30T16:23:00.000-08:00

I was thinking she would be shy, but she definatly wasnt!

Here they are singing Rudolf, which is her favorite song.

More Santa claus songs. They all did great, it was so cute.

We put Andi into a preschool this year called Heathers Feathers. I had heard great things about it, and I am so glad we put her in. She has loved it, and even though she is young, I feel like she is really learning. And the social aspect has been great too. I am a big believer in preschool, and I am grateful we found a great one! They did a really cute Christmas program and Andi was not afraid of the big room filled with adults. Maybe Kemp won't be the only entertainer in our family after all.

Kemper starts Judo

2010-12-30T16:13:00.000-08:00

We have been wanting to start Kemp in Karate or something similar for awhile now. We have heard it is great in teaching respect, and in patience. Plus it takes alot of energy out of him. Chad found a great place taught by one of his co-workers. Kemper really loves it, and is picking it up really fast. I think we might have found something besides shootin, and fishing, that he will love and be great at.

The first snow of Winter

2010-12-06T08:53:00.000-08:00

Andi and Kemp spent some time with thier cousins Emmersen and Charlee. Here they are eating cookies

There was hardly any snow, but they made good use out of it. This was the first couple inches that has fallen this year. And they were sooo excited to get outside and make the first snowman.

Grant, Chads cousin is striking a pose. Which he does well. He should have thought about a career in modeling.

Chad is loading up the 4-wheelers to take the kids sledding in the mountains.

We love it when Grant and his wife Shalie come to visit. We always have so much fun

Here is Kemp after attempting to ride his scooter in the snow.

My kids with the morgan boys making snow angels.

I had to put this one in here. Andi was upstairs in her room reading, and I realized it was too quiet, so I went up to check on her. She had fallen asleep on her floor. It was really cute, she slept like this for over an hour!

My little snow lovers.

Winter is here in Idaho, and so far we have seen a lot of snow. Both my kids are really into playing outside, and the cold winter is no exception. That is why I keep thier snow gear right there in the downstairs closet where at the first sign of a flake we can get stuff out. The Morgans came to visit during Thanksgiving break and it was great to have them. I didn't take any Thanksgiving pictures though. I have been really slacking. I keep telling Chad it is cause I need a better camera :) eventually I will wear him down.

Kemper's first Basketball Game

2010-11-08T15:28:00.000-08:00

Kemp and his cousin Maddux. They are on the same team.

Andi was their number 1 fan!

Shaking hands after the game. We (the Broncos) beat the other team pretty good!

My brother Kip is their coach! He better take them far, or I want my money back bro!

Its pretty funny to watch these 1st graders try to play, especially since its their first game.

Put me in coach!! I won't let you down.

The circle they do with the other team before every game. All about peace, love and good sportmsmanship. Ya, ya...lets play some ball!!!

I just love how the kid on the left is picking his nose as they are getting ready to do their broncos cheer.

So kemp started Y ball a couple weeks ago. Having never played, at all, it has been fun to see him learn. He is getting the hang of it. However, I might have to accept the fact that my first born might always be way more into outdoor sports (fishing, hunting, shooting, ect) then he will ever be in to competetive sports. I want him to have all his options though, and he has fun, but does not have that desire that I see in some of the young boys on his team. Maybe it is too young to tell, I have no idea, this is our first time with all of this. And Basketball, soccer, or football might be his thing someday. I do see how he lights up when it comes to hunting, and fishing. Wich makes his dad proud, no doubt about that. And someday his wife might be grateful he could care less about fantasy football, or catching up on all his teams. ( Just like I am grateful Chad would rather watch Dexter with me, or go camping for the weekend!) But until then, I am loving watching him experience sports for the first time. And next we will try Karate, or Tao Kwan do.

Just a few pictures from our Halloween Weekend

2010-11-02T14:37:00.000-07:00

Em J and Kemp were the last two standing on Halloween night. And they would have kept going, but I was so done!

The kids are heading out to start their trick-or-treating. They pretty much ran the entire first street.

Before everyone went out my Mom had some really fun games for the kids to play. Thanks Mom!

After Trunk-or-treating the night before, Andi, Kemp, and Maddie had to check out the goods

My little puppy just wanted to be done with all the trunks so she could dig in!

Hey there Jack Sparrow

Sommers and her cute little guy Slater. Sommers helped with the Trunk-or-treat activity

I just had to get a picture of my brother Kip in his sweet costume. Notice the nipple.

My Puppy, and my pirate. Kemp really wanted to stay in character. Although Jack Sparrow is not really this intense!

Andi's charms finally broke him down and he gave a little smile :)

Doesn't it always seem like Halloween last for a week, and not just a night? This year was really fun, but I am not sad to see the Holiday end. Probably because I am so large with child, and Chad had to work for all the festivities. And my kids have sooooo much candy, I am going to gain another 40 lbs from it! The two of them had a great time. And Andi really got it this year, which makes it even more fun. Kemp is going through a Pirates of the Carribean phase (move over Indiana Jones) So I spent alot of time looking for the right peices for his comstume. So worth it though. He told me, "Mom people really thought I was the REAL Jack Sparrow! They didn't even know it was me...Kemper!" :)

Pumpkin Patch

2010-11-02T13:56:00.000-07:00

Kemper, McKay, and Maddux. Kemp has a little hero worship going on with McKay. Can you tell??

My brother Kip is so cute with Nora. He took her around looking for the perfect little pumpkin

Kemper Playing in the corn box. The only thing that is free anymore at the patch.

Charlee and Andi. These two are inseperable. And yes, Andi is pretending to be a puppy....of course

Worst family picture ever! But it was the only one I got, so what can you do!

My sister is really great with Andi. They are really close.

Chad and I. The sun was bright, so we had to squint, Which makes my husband look a little annoyed. :)

Grandma and Grandpa trying to take a big family picture. It was like pulling teeth for the kids. You would think they have never seen a pumpkin before.

It was time for annual pumpkin patch trip with my family. And it was a blast like it usually is. A great way to get ready for all the fun Halloween stuff to come!

Fun times on Dad's days off

2010-10-12T18:54:00.000-07:00

Kemper with his bb gun, and Andi, are excited to be Quail hunting.

My little girl is quite the hiker

We had a long 4-wheeler ride on the way up, so we strapped the dog in her crate so she could go with us.

Feeling a little drafty??

In deep concentration. It is serious stuff

Luckily Andi has shown no interest in guns, yet.

Coming back empty handed. So sad! The quails up there live to see another day.

Kemp and Andi with their first pumpkins of the season. And yes, I did those awesome faces on them all by myself.

the rope chair on a trip to the Discovery Center

Andi needed a little help from Dad

I just love my 2 kids

They have a grocery store there, it is really cute. Andi could have spent hours in there.

Kemp loved it too

Trying out the bed of nails

Those red marks are from her goggles. We finished our weekend at the YMCA for a little swimming. The Fizers came with us, and it was really fun. But this is the only picture I got there.

We like to pack alot of fun stuff in on Chad's 4 days off, and Kemp had a couple days off from school, so it was perfect timing. We always find lots to do, and we have a great time as a family. The fall is perfect weather so we will be doing more 4-wheeler rides before it gets too cold, and probably some fishing of course!

A farewell to Summer!!

2010-09-23T09:55:00.000-07:00

Kemp at Roaring Springs

Andi at Roaring Springs. Finally loving the water

Kemp spending time with his sis before he heads of to the big slides

snack time

Dad and Andi at the lake getting ready to go out on the jet ski

She thinks she is taking this ride solo

Kemp, and Andi

Excited to go on the big tube

Bailey and Dax at Roaring Springs

The best way to get warm. Kemp, Eli and Reese

Shaydon and Andi, in deep conversation I guess

Andi waited for the big bucket of water

These two are so cute. They have been friends since birth. And still having playgroups together

Seriously, they both melt my heart

Aunt Emily and Uncle Brett at my moms pool one day. The kids were loving this game

Eating Pizza with friends and cousins at G-mas pool

I tried to put most of our summer swimming pictures together, and I realized I have way to many. So I narrowed them down. We had a blast this summer, with almost everyday in somekind of body of water. It was great to mix it up, then the kids didn't get bored. This was such a cake summer for me because Kemp swims totally on his own, and Andi is great with her floaties. Being really pregnant and sick for the first part of summer, I will admitt I didn't get in the pool with them much. I know this coming summer with a 6 month old I won't be able to sit back and watch. We made the best of our summer months swimming, going camping, playing at parks, and of course, Lagoon. I am sad to see summer end, but the holidays will be great too!

My boys. First picture together :)

2010-09-02T18:30:00.000-07:00

Chad and I went for my 20 week ultra-sound a week ago, and we found out we are indeed having a BOY! I have always felt like I would have more than one boy, so it was pretty neat to be there with my husband to hear the news. And even better everything looks perfect! My doctor did ask the question, "Do large heads run in the family?" Oh, great....:) Both the kids were excited, but Kemp especially. He has not been shy about telling me he really, really, really, wants a little brother. Now we just get to anxiously wait till January to meet the little guy.

A puppy party for Andi

2010-08-26T13:21:00.000-07:00

Here is the birthday girl helping me ice cookies for her party

Kemp is such a big help for me. He was asking me all day how he could help get ready for her party

Face painting. She wanted to be a pink puppy, of course.

Some of the decorations (thanks Sommers and Jess!)

We had a doggie obedience school. If they did their tricks right they got treats.

Andi is fetching the ball.

I was excited we found this adorable puppy pinata

I can't believe she is 3.

Eating cake and ice cream in their doggie bowls

But Andi was the only one who skipped the fork and ate like a real puppy. She takes this being a dog thing to a whole new level.

My little girl is obsessed with dogs. She is pretending to be a dog a good portion of every day. So needless to say she was really, really, excited about having a puppy party. It was so fun, at 3 they really start to understand the whole b-day thing, and they get so excited. It is bittersweet though. Because she is growing up. And she is, and will be, my only little girl, so I am not ready to let go of her innocent youth. I am sure all you mom's can relate. She has been my little angel since the day she was born. I was sooo nervous about having a girl, and would I have the same love for my second, as I did for my first. It is amazing the capacity of love one heart can hold isn't it? And how when she came it seemed like she was always meant to be with us. And to see the way she has daddy wrapped around her little finger too,(I am not sure he even knows how to say no to her) is a testament to her heart warming ability. She can be shy, and sensitive, but she is also so warm and loving. She loves to snuggle and give kisses. She wants to do anything her big brother is doing. She does that thing where she pats and rubs my back when I give her a hug. She reminds Chad and I every day the she is "Just little" and I wish there was some way she could stay that way. But as long as she is happy and always knows how much me, her dad, and her brother(s) love her, that is all I can hope for.

Camping with The Fizers

2010-08-25T11:25:00.000-07:00

Halle and Kemper. Halle was having fun I promise! I just snapped the picture in a moment she was telling me something about the tractor.

Some of the pictures turned out blury. Here is Chris with Hudson and Kemp. Chad is getting the firewood of the back.

They could be twins!! Andi and Hudson the cutes cousins ever.

Getting ready to go swimming

Little Daxton. I keep telling Krissy I can take him for awhile if she wants me too. He is so sweet, I just love him!

What is camping without shooting soda cans??

This is Andi. I know it is hard to tell beneath the layers of dirt! I have never seen a kid get so dirty, so fast. She was covered. We kept joking about the homeless girl in out camp :)

My boy is 6!

2010-08-20T15:21:00.000-07:00

My wonderful Mom decorated this cake.

Blowing out the candles

All the party animals together

The start of the Indiana Jones obstacle course

They had to drink the bloody, eyeball kool-aid

The deadly balance beam

It still does not seem real that my little man is 6 years old. I wish I could stop time sometimes. He is my wonderfully busy, loud, and tender hearted guy. He is one of a kind thats for sure. Every day he does, or mosty says something, the makes me laugh out loud. My Mom keeps telling me to put it on my blog. I plan on doing a whole post of things Kemp has said over the summer. He keeps us all entertained. And he is such a great big brother to Andi. I know this baby is lucky to have him as a big brother as well. Right now he is really into Indiana Jones, fishing, riding his bike, anything outdoors, and walking the dog for me. He is so friendly with everyone he sees, not a shy bone in his body. I hope he never changes. I told him he can't ever grow up and not want to kiss his mom anymore. He said, "I will always be your little boy mom, and want to kiss you" I am going to show him this when he is a teenager as proof! We love you so much Kemper James, and I feel so amazingly blessed (and not always worthy) the Lord sent you to our family.

The Man Trek!

2010-07-31T12:39:00.000-07:00

The adventure begins!

A motorcyle, or an ATV for every single one of them. Spoiled boys

Chad and Kip at camp

This deer was not shy and hung out frequently with the guys

This is roughing it huh?! Kyle is in the hammock, probably reading some depressing, makes you want to end your life kind of book!! Kyle will know what I mean ;)

The best dad in the world. Catching up on current events!

Andi saying hi to her Uncle Kyle when they got home from the Trek.

For a few years now my brothers, my Dad, my brother in law Rick, and my husband, have been going on a Hiking, fishing, and camping adventure. In years past they have hiked in to their camp sites. And the hikes have not been easy. This year they thought it would be fun to take 4-wheelers, and Chad took his motorcycle. I think some of the boys couldn't handle the hike.....(Kyle ;) They all had a blast, and loved riding on the rugged terrain. My brothers didn't grow up with ATV's like Chad did. So Chad had to take all the 4-wheelers down some rough spots himself. And Across a pretty fast river. I love that I married such a manly man!! When they came home they were all like little sunburned boys telling me excitedly about the trek. I love this tradition they have, and someday soon we will have to start a couples trek too.

Good thing they take Chad with them every year

Round #3

2010-07-09T20:57:00.000-07:00

So I figured it is time to put the good news on my blog. I am pregnant! Everything looks great, and we had our first ultra-sound a couple of weeks ago. I am 14 weeks now. Though, without sounding too whiny, this first trimester has been the longest first trimester ever. It must be my increasingly old age :) but I have been way sicker with this one. And getting fatter alot faster too....but I won't linger too long on that subject, ha ha, plus It makes loosing the baby weight that much sweeter right??

We are really excited. Kemper is asking me about the baby all the time. Right before we got pregnant he said to me, "Mom, why do we have such a small family? Most people have lots and lots of brothers and sisters" I laughed and then said, we were working on it, but that we would never have a really big family. I think 3 is a great number for us. And lets face it, somedays 2 feels like a HUGE family :) I feel really blessed, and I pray everything continues to go well.

We will find out what we are having in August. I would really be happy either way, I do have one of both. Chad told me the other day, he has a strong feeling its a boy, and he has been right about the first 2 so we will see. I say, just come healthy and happy...and sleeping through the night!!! A Mom can dream right.

Our First Week of July

2010-07-06T15:55:00.000-07:00

Kemper and his cousin Kade. So cool

Kade and Kemper with Chase. These boys are pretty funny together

Shalie took these pictures of the kids with their 4th of July clothes on. The group ones did not turn our quite as well as we hoped. But they all still look adorable.

Chad with Kemper

Grant, attempting to look smart, and Chase

Kade, and Shalie

playing games at Strike Zone

The boys took the older kids 4-wheeling. It was raining and cold, but they still had fun. Shalie and I took Kenley and went shopping and got pedicures. I think we had more fun, for sure!

Such a trooper

Back home, Chad helping the kids with the fireworks

Hudson was a bit unsure about the fireworks. So he enjoyed them safely in Grandpas car :)

Andi with an extra long sparkler

It was a great way to start July. First a trip up to Couer'de lane to see some of our absolute favorite people, The Morgans. We probably see them every 6 months or so. And it is always a blast. And luckily, our kids get along really well. Of course we had to leave too fast for Chad to get back to work. So we headed home to Boise to do Fireworks with our families. We had dinner, and did some swimming at my Mom and Dad's. Then we headed over to Grandpa Bruce's house for some serious fireworks. Kemper is really into the 4th. and he has quite the collection of fireworks that he always keeps in our garage. It is so true that kids just make everything more fun.

Swimming fun and Lagoon

2010-07-06T12:38:00.000-07:00

My Dad decided to jump in the boat with Kemper with all his clothes on. It was pretty funny watching him try to get out without getting wet.

Andi has become a little fish. Wich is good, cause we swim almost every day. As long as she has her HUGE floaties on she is good to go.

Aunt Maryellen with Kemper on the Merry-Go-Round at Lagoon. He loves her, thats for sure.

Kemper, Bryce, Andi, Mackayla, and Megan on the Log ride. (Andi was not diggin it)

We have been loving the summer! So much so, that I find it hard to sit down and update my blog. We went to Lagoon a few weeks ago. We stayed with The Silvers (my Aunt and Uncle) What a great time. It was perfect weather, and not too crowded. Aunt Maryellen came with us, and my cousin Shannon and her 3 kids met us there as well. Kemper went on every ride he possibly could, the only ride he doesn't like is the lame, cheesy Haunted ride. So crazy, the Collosus doesnt scare him, but the 2:00 min Haunted ride does. Andi loves the small kid rides, she is not a daredevil like her brother thats for sure. She had so much fun though, she fell asleep in her stroller around 9:00 pm while Dad and Kemper went on some scary rides. It is always so great to see my family in Utah. And my kids have gotten so close with them it is great to see.

Carrie Underwood, Concert #3!!

2010-06-19T14:58:00.000-07:00

The first opening act. The Sons Of Sylvia. They kept turning around while Lex was trying to take the picture

The 2nd opening act. Craig Morgan. He was pretty amazing.

Lexie and I passing time until Carrie came on!

She was flawless. Totally amazing

This was so cool. She Got into this truck and it went right over the top of the audience as she sang.

Here she is reaching out to touch me!! :)

She sang, This Is Just A Dream, while she was swinging on this swing

The Carnival background was so cool. And she blew us away with.. I Know You Wont. Love that song

It was so fun to be there with one of my oldest friends from Highschool, Lexie.

Yes, it is already known, I am a HUGE Carrie Underwood fan. I don't care how many times she comes to town I will always go to see her. She gets better with every concert. I loved how she played the guitar, and she played the piano. She put even more into it this time. I am sure it cost her alot of money. So worth it. Usually we go in a big group, this year it was just Lex and I. We went to dinner before at Bajio (my favorite) And then it was off to the Idaho Center. Poor Lexie got pulled over and got a speeding ticket on the way there. Sometimes cops can be lame. Not my husband though ;) I forgot my camera, so Lexie sent me hers. We had such a great time. I already can't wait for her to come again, you can bet we will be there, and expect more pictures!

1st Grade, here he comes!! I hope you are ready!

2010-06-11T10:14:00.000-07:00

Kemper and his best little girl friend Brooke. The one he said he thinks he is falling in love with :)

My camera was being weird and all the pictures are blurry. But this is Kemp right after he walked the line and got his diploma from the Principal.

I still can't believe my baby boy, my chubby little Arizona (he used to be a butterball!) is done with Kindergarten, and in a couple short months will be a big 1st grader. I can't be old enough to have a six year old!! I feel like I blinked, and he has become a little boy. He is so special. Full of enery, so funny, so smart, and so tender. He is really social, and has no fear. I know he will have no problem adjusting to a new teacher, and to a full day of school. I just hope I don't have any problems with it!!

Our first HALF camping trip

2010-06-11T10:05:00.000-07:00

Our adventure begins! This is Brett in the Weenis

Chad and I took the Regina of course

The kids had lots of fun playing with the toys in the dirt

Chad and Brett chillin together

Alisha took some great pictures in the long grass of Andi. And here is Teyan pulling Ethan and Reese in the wagon. Wich they really loved.

Kemper and the kids took the dog for a walk.

Tom went on the walk with the kids. And Andi decided she was needed a lift at the end :)

Jess is trying to capture a Kodak moment with T and Ethan

Andi loves Pepsi

We decided not to set up Andi's playpen. She did so great sleeping in the bed with dad. She is ready for a big girl bed.

We went with The Marlatts, the Curtis's and the Gages, on a camping trip a few weekends ago. We had pre-paid for this spot. So even though we feared the weather was going to be aweful, we dediced we might as well try. The first afternoon and evening were great. The kids had so much fun. The adults laughed, and we had deep conversations at the campfire. Ya know like...what is a soul mate, really? And was Satan literally a snake in the Garden of Eden? You probably had to be there really :) We had great food too. The next morning it was miserable. Raining, windy, and COLD. The kids wanted to take cover in one of the trailers at all times. By the time we were done with breakfast we all decided we should pack it up and head home. Plus, Alisha and Tom had their baby Rory there, so she was really cold. It was fun while it lasted. We have never had bad weather on a camping trip, ever. It was sad to have to leave, but it was the best choice. The weather has been so lame here in Idaho. I hope it gets hot soon, so we can go and give this group camp out another try!

The Zoo, The Morgans, Parks, And fishing.

2010-05-14T11:10:00.000-07:00

This is my little group I had to watch at the zoo. Angel, Brooke, and Kemper. I went as a volunteer to the Zoo with Kempers school. It was really fun, but soooo cold that day for some reason.

Chad met us down there, with Grant and his boys too. It was great to have them there, and he helped me with Andi, who really loved it.

Eating lunch with his classmates

They even gave Andi a lunch!

The Monkeys were putting on a show for us.

digging up a dinosaur

Grant strking a serious pose under the giraff slide. He is such a big dork :) but that is part of his charm.

Grant and Shalie hanging out with us at Planet Kid while the kids had a blast.

We sat a played card games for hours while the kids ran around. It was so fun to hang out with the Morgans. I love it when they come to Boise. And I keep trying to convince them to move here!

Their little girl Kenley. She is such a good baby. She sat and watched us play cards the whole time.

Kemper, Kade, and Chase. Peace and love, boys.

I took the kids to the pet Expo. It was great to see all the different animals.

Andi and McKayla at the expo. Some cousins from Utah came down for the weekend.

Megan and Emma at Gmas house.

I just love that she is smiling for the camera now!

Some of the boys in the hot

Chad and I took the kids fishing. And by the pond was a great park. So Andi and I had lots of fun here while the boys were playing with worms.

Riding the camel

Still smilling :)

My little fisherman

This is how Andi tries to fish

We got a new camera and Chad finally showed me how to get the pictures of it and onto the blog. So I am playing catch up with this post! I still have more pictures I need to blog. We have been having good times around here. And we love having Chad around 4 days in a row every week. It has been awesome.

Graduation #2!!

2010-04-16T15:50:00.000-07:00

It has been a long time since I did a words only post! But I need to be better about writting things down, and not just putting up pictures. I wish I could put up pictures but like I said before Chad says, NO pictures of him in uniform. He actually keeps trying to get me to go private....but I don't want to deal with doing that right now!

Today was a great, amazing day. I watched my husband graduate from POST. We had lots of family and friends come to see him, and those that couldn't come sent their love :) It was really cool. There were 42 total graduating. Chad has been working hard this past 5 weeks, and he is always in at least the top 5 when it comes to physical exams, written exams, and shooting. I am so proud of how hard he works, and goes after what he wants. And I have to give him a reality check when he is beating himself up about getting a 92% on a test!! Some perspective babe, please :) After he walked the line and we opened his packet on our way to lunch, we found out he had ranked second overall out of 42 deputies for outstanding achievement!! And it was really close. (So of course I have to cheer Chad up about coming in second) It is so sureal knowing how hard it was to get to this place, and how much he went through. And now to get to see this fire in him I have not seen in a long time, he is getting so much fulfilment from this. The Lord really has been good to us. And watching him today and seeing him graduate made everything so worth it. I will hold on to today, on days that are not so amazing. Cause I know as a cop, he will have some hard times. But we are ready and we can handle it together. Thanks for letting me brag on my Man a little bit:) I guarantee it won't be the last time.

Easter and a hamster named Mario (what else would you expect?)

2010-04-11T19:47:00.000-07:00

Kemper and his new furry little friend, Mario. It is fitting he is wearing his Mario Wii pajamas don't you think?

Mario loving this dandilion. Thanks for the tip Aunt Mary Ellen!

Emmersen, and Charli loved playing with Mario on Easter Sunday at my Moms

Chad would say, "Kemper don't kiss the rodent!" :)

My sister read a sweet story to get everyone in the Easter spirit.

The search for the eggs is on!

Kyle hid the eggs, and I think its funny he thought Andi could reach through this thorny bush to get one of her orange eggs. We gotta get him some kids of his own, ha ha!

My Mom and Dad hid a little toy for all of the kids somewhere. And here is Andi with her petshop present.

Shay is reading one of the clues to find her easter present

Maddux and Kemp both loved their bats and ball

taking a break from the candy to play pet shops!

I love catching my boys snugling. If you know Chad, you know, he is a big snuggler.

Chad was harassing Kemper, and of course he thinks it is so funny.

Things are great around our house. The most exciting thing in the last week or so has been the hamster for sure! Kemper is loving him. I have to admit he is really sweet. My Brother Kyle brought him here from Salt Lake. My Aunt Mary Ellen had 11 baby hamsters, and she sold them all really fast. I am so glad we decided to get one. I thought 5 might be a little young for Kemper to have one, but he has been really great with the little fur ball! I would not leave him alone with Andi though, thats for sure!

Some random pictures I never posted

2010-04-11T18:43:00.000-07:00

Just hanging out one taco Sunday

Kemper at one of our many trips with my family to Chuck-a-Rama. My dads favorite.......I have no idea why:)

Not sure what they are doing on my the hood of my parents' car, but I thought it was so funny!

My little man!

Emma swinging with Andi at the park

the kids like to play by a little stream behind my parents house.

My Mom will probably hate this picture! But it is candid Mom! :) someone was telling them something really interesting, ha ha.

Swimming at G-mas with some cousins from Salt Lake that were visiting

I am so ready for summer!!

Ice Cream cones at Grandmas on a Taco Sunday

Yes......Chuck-A-Rama. I feel really bad for the people that clean up after we eat there!

My two brothers, Chad, and Rick, on their yearly Boy Trek.

So I feel pretty lame cause I left my camera on my tailgate, and then drove off with it there! So my camera is gone. I borrowed my dad's the other day, and I found lots of pictures I wanted to go on my blog for my book I am making. Thanks Dad, for all the fun, random pictures you take of the family!

Easter Dinner #1! More to come, we like to celebrate!

2010-04-01T12:18:00.000-07:00

The kids after the easter egg hunt

Grandma Sharon with Kenzie and Bailey

Andi could not wait to eat her treats so she sat down in the grass and opened one of her eggs

Searching for eggs

Emily and Brett's tramp is always a favorite!

Kemper helped Andi find eggs, he is such a great big brother.

G-ma Carving up some delicious ham for everyone to take home

Reese looks so cute in Kemper's Davy Crockett hat. Brett is a proud Dad :)

Krissy's latest addition Daxton. He is soooo cute

Coloring eggs

No way am I trusting my little girl around egg dye. That is why she is naked.

Kenzie is such a great Cousin.

On Sunday We headed over to the Gages house for an early easter dinner celebration. It was so nice of Grandma Sharon to invite all of us, and she made it so much fun for all the kids. Thanks Krissy for always taking so many great pictures. I lost my camera :( wich really sucks, I am so bummed. So I might be stealing other peoples pictures, and my dad's camera for awhile!( I hope that is cool Pa.) We can share it :) Anyway it was a great time, I am so grateful my kids are getting to grow up around so many cousins. It is such a blessing, and I see it more and more as they get older. Chad and I are blessed to have both sides of our families right here in Boise. My only complaint is saving room for all the food, from all the dinners we have every holiday!! :)

The Annual Cluff Convention

2010-03-25T12:26:00.000-07:00

Me and the Family after the Cluff Convention in Provo

Uncle Larry and Aunt Marry Ellen. They were so sweet to let my parents, and me and my two kids stay at their house for a few nights.

Aunt Marry Ellen reading to Kemper before bed. Kemper is still talking about the books she read him.

This bird is so cool. His name is Bayou, and he does all sorts of tricks. He loves Marry Ellen, here he is giving her a kiss.

Kemp had a sunflower in his mouth and Bayou took it. Kemp was a bit nervous at first.

Kyle with his girlfriend Brittany. She is so great. They were discussing their basketball picks.

At dinner, with lots of the cousins and we went to Golden Corral one night. I apoligize for my older, very mature brother Kip in the back. He just always wants the attention, ya know!

Kyle proudly displaying the Cluff cup during his speech at the Convention. He did so amazing, such a great speaker.

Eating at the luncheon after

Uncle Larry made a fire one night and this is Kemp attempting to roast a hotdog. He was saying it was too hot.

So he took a break, and I got stuck with the job!! It was pretty funny

My Dad gets a little camera happy, and he took a picture of my glass of the Coldest water in the world. I use to think when I was young my Dad truly made the coldest water in the world, it seems like it is even now that I am all grown up.

My Aunt Marry Ellen has the greates toys. I would play for hours with them when we used to visit as a little girl. And I was so excited to see she kept them all!! So this was Andi's favorite thing the whole time we were there (the animals were a close second!) Ficsher Price really knows how to make toys.

Really Funny story: On our way to Salt Lake we had a blow out on the freeway. I was with my sister and her two girls, and I had borrowed my sister in law Krissy's Van. We were almost to Ogden when it happened. Luckily, everyone was fine, and I was cool under pressure, and got us safely to the side of the freeway :) But there were tons of cars zooming past, and my sister and I are pathetic, I will admitt, and didn't know how to change a tire! Later a couple cops came wich was great. In the mean time, Emersen, my eight year old neice was crying and scared. The rest of the kids were fine. She was having a hard time. Kemper tried to calm her down a couple times as he looked up semi-interested from his DS. Finally, he looked up at a sniffling Emersen and Said "Keep it in perspective....geeze" and went back to his DS. I could not believe my 5 year old said that!! He seriously cracks me up, all the time. I always think he isn't listening to me, but here is proof he is. I know I have told him many times to Keep it in perspective :)

Kemper holding one of the baby hampsters. Thanks Aunt Marry Ellen, this is ALL he has talked about since we got back!

Stoking the fire!

This is for all you rodent lovers out there, ha ha!! You have to admit they are cute!

The 4 siblings and my parents at the Convention.

This past week I took my two kids, and picked up my sister and her two kids and we headed to Utah to see family and go the Anual Cluff convention. Our husbands both had to work :( but it was a fun road trip with my sister. So Cluff is my Great Grandfather. He did all sorts of things for BYU back in the day, and it is pretty cool really. Anyway, it was such a fun weekend. I am so glad I decided to go and take my two kids. They never really get to see my side of the family in Ulah. We did some shopping, we went to the Dinasour Museum wich was so great. The kids went swimming. Of course I forgot my camera! So my Dad gave me some of his. My cousin Shannon and her teenage girls, and my neices Emma and Shaylan, were so awesome and watched all the little kids while we went to Provo to see Kyle speak at the Convention. My kids LOVED spending time With Aunt Marry Ellen, and Uncle Larry. And are already asking me when they can go back. And Kemper is convinced he has to have a hampster now!

Good times

2010-03-08T09:09:00.000-08:00

Chad made artichokes one night, the kids both loved them

It was Dr. Suess B-day week for Kemper at school. So I took a few pictures of the different things we did every day. Monday was crazy hair day. And then Friday was Dress up like your favorite character from Dr. Suess day. His hair was kinda blue, but you can't really tell in the picture. He also had an inside out day, crazy hat day, and dress in red and white day. He loved getting up every morning last week, thats for sure!

Andi and Kemper like to play in this cupboard in the office sometimes. It is pretty cute.

Kemper with one of his girlfriends :) He told me, "Mom, I think I am starting to fall in love with Brooke" Oh boy.......it begins already.

Andi, Kemper, and Pepsi hanging out in the back of the truck while dad brings lumber out from Lowes

On Saturday, me and the kids went out to a construction job Chad has. It was fun to hang out with him on a saturday. Most of his Saturdays has been spent on this addition.

Chad took a break to fly kites with the kids

Andi, having a snack on the flatbed trailer. I love how she is finally smilling for the camera!!

Chad holding Ethan at Red Robbin, Jess and Teyan met us for lunch after Chads Graduation.

Some qualitly time with Dad! It is so cute to come home from a meeting and see my little family watching a movie in my bed.

Life has been busy, but great at our house. Chad is loving his new job. He just graduated on Friday from the first part of his training. I took pictures, but Chad says NO PICTURES of him in his police cothes, AT ALL. Which is a shame cause he looks really hot in them! He is pretty funny about it, I think they really discourage putting pictures on any public forum. And I am not ready to go private with my blog. So, I will just have to write about his experience so far with Ada County. He just finished his first 6 weeks of training at the in-house Academy. It was so great to see him up there with his fellow officers. There was 8 of them all together. Chad was one of 4 that was not already working for Ada County in some capacity. Pretty amazing when you think of the hundreds that applied with him. He has learned so much, and he knows even more that this is what he wants to do. My Dad, and Chad's parents were there to see him graduate. I got to go up and pin his official badge on him. And we got to hear the Sheriff speak wich was pretty cool. He got Pepper sprayed, and tazored the last week. I really, really wanted to post pictures of that!! He did incredible at the shooting range where they had to qualify for their weapons (not a big surprise, Chad has been shooting since he as 3) I am so proud of him, and it is so great to see him so happy. Tired....but really happy. Next it is 5 weeks at the Police academy in Meridian. I will be really excited to get through the next five weeks and have Chad go to 4 days on 4 days off. And soon it will be summer, and we will get some time off for camping!!! It is funny, I am already thinking and planning our first trip.

My neice Halle is 4!

2010-03-01T08:04:00.000-08:00

The Birthday girl!!

Some of the boys eating pizza.

Bay and Kort

JR and Chad just hanging out

We had some races through one of the bounce houses. This is me and Jennie. And yes, I won!!

Jeremy and Chad racing. It was really close, but Chad was the winner.

Andi. I am not sure what is going on with her hair, but she is still adorable!

Some of the kids waiting for the rock wall

Kemper climbing up

Here is Kemper going down. He has no patience so this is how he gets down fast :)

Jennie holding Reese

Reese is so cute, just starting to walk. Grandma is keeping a close eye

Some of Halle's friends, and Eli in the middle.

Kenidi, Halle and Peyton. These girls are pretty close.

My sis in law Krissy knows how to throw a party. She and Chris invited family and friends to Monkey Buisness for Halle's 4th B-day. It was so much fun. The adults had just as much fun I think. I just can't believe Halle is already 4. I always felt like the kids would stay little. And they just keep growing up!!! And they just get cuter too. Thanks Krissy for the great party. And Happy Birthday Halle Boo!

The Fife family McCall trip. warning: Lots of pictures!

2010-02-16T20:08:00.000-08:00

Andi with her Dad

Kemper and Maddux, Kings of the mountain

Amy and Emma

Andi loved it outside, even though she looks like she is totally over it!

The cutest baby, Nora, and her mom Amy.

Kemper waiting to go sledding

My sexy husband with our kids and Emersen

We took a break from sledding for a kodak moment (I love him!)

Grandma and Andi waving at the camera

The coolest, and the most amazing parents a girl could ever hope for.

Andi really loved the hooky-bobbing this year

This is how we roll! All these were tied behind one 4-wheeler.

My brother Kip getting ready to take the kids around the block

The block around the cabin is perfect for hooky bobbing.

The boys hung out the whole time

When they weren't outside in the snow, they were playing the Wii

My brothers Kip and Kyle having some tamales with Chad

Me, my momma, and my sister Kami

Kami is harassing Chad. She had a great time calling him a "Pig" all weekend. Those, "I smell some bacon" jokes just never get old

My niece Charli was pretty proud of her hair. So cute!

Andi snuggling her dad. one of her favorite things to do.

Bath time! These girls were inseperable the whole weekend

So there is a story behind this random picture. There was an ongoing debate about the what hot sauce is the best, and what to put it on, and the purpose of each sauce. I could write a freaking 5 page report on it, we all heard so much about them. Every 5 minutes they would start in on the hot sauce talk. Boys and girls definatly talk about different things.

So funny! They are kidding I promise! McKay is not really trying to stangle my son :)

Kami and Emersen at her big 8 year b-day party!!

The older girls dropped balloons on Emersen when she was done with her presents

What is a trip without endless hours of Catan. Actually, they played Wii golf almost everynight until 2 in the morning.

Our weekend at the cabin in February with my family is always over way too fast. We had so much fun, and every year it just gets better and better. I am so greatful to have such a great family. The funnest thing was for sure the hookey bobbing. We would hook up sleds and tubes behind the 4-wheeler and we would have kids rides, where we went slow and didn't take the corners too fast. And then we had adult rides, and we would kick the kids off, and we would go as fast as we could, and try our hardest to knock each other off the tubes. I wish I had some pictures of that. I have never laughed so hard in my life. The goal quickly became how to knock Chad off the tube cause he always seemed to hang on. I am happy to say, I did knock him off when I was driving. It is amazing that none of us adults (Shay and Emma included) have ever boken a bone. One of these years probably :) We did miss Valentines, but Chad and I decided to celebrate it this weekend with his B-day. But it was a fabulous weekend. When we pulled into our driveway after the drive home Andi started crying and saying "I want the cabin, go to the cabin" So much for Home sweet home!!

Super Bowl Party at the Fizers

2010-02-11T08:47:00.000-08:00

This year Krissy had a big Superbowl Party at her house. Go Saints!! Not that I really cared that much. It was really fun, Krissy went all out with the food. And Grandpa Bruce did dogs, and a huge slab of meat. My pictures don't even begin to show all the great food we had. The kids ran around upstairs and had a blast. It was really great to have my husband around, he is loving his new job, and he is doing great with the training. He is busy thats for sure, but it is so great to have him at nights. Every single night! I am loving it. Thanks for having us over for a great party Krissy and Chris!

Monkeying around

2010-02-11T08:25:00.000-08:00

I met a friend at a place called Monkey Buisness the other day. Her little boy Ben is Kempers age. They had a lot of fun. And I got to hang out with Kelli (she has a great name!) and we helped the Andi and her little girl Katie go on some of the things they couldn't reach.

Officer Hessing......finally!

2010-01-12T12:24:00.000-08:00

So I wanted to write this latest news down, so someday I can look back and remember how everything we had to go through this past year has been so worth it. And also, how the lows have made the highs even more meaningful, and how 2009 just made us stronger. And I will never, ever doubt again that the Lord hears, and answers prayers.

We found out yesterday that Chad has been hired by the Ada County Sheriffs Office! It was one of the greatest days ever. And a day we have been waiting for. But if you would have told me I would be waiting for it, and so excited a couple years ago I would have said you were crazy! I never thought my husband would want to be a cop. So a year and a half ago when he said, "I really want to be a Cop, what do you think about that?" I was supportive, but in the back of my mind was thinking, this is just a phase he is going through. Chad has always been in construction, since I met him, that is all I thought he would ever want to do. But what I thought was a phase, turned into a life changing journey for both of us. He started right away, testing and applying, he changed his major to criminal justice. He got a job doing Hospital security, thinking that would help his chances. He got a gym membership!! So I knew he was serious :)

And so begins our long road of devastating dissapointments, and amazing victories. Dramatic you say? Well I guess you just had to be there to understand. Only family and some really close friends will understand what I mean. And I don't want to go off on a tangent about all the negative things that happened, mostly becuase there was always so much good to hold on to as well. At his lowest point Chad said, "As long as I have you, and the kids, and you guys love me, we can get through this." And he was right:)

So looking back to times when we thought it was hopeless to keep trying, and when we thought we had lost the fight. Chad ends up getting hired by the department that was his first choice in the very begining, but they had a freeze for a year. So during that year, he was prepared, he learned. Our faith was tested to its absolute limits. And then the time was right, and he was ready, it happened. All the bitter sure does make it sweet, thats for sure.

So this year is going to be great, I can just feel it. Chad gets sworn in on the 25th of this month. He is still doing construction with the buisness he started, Kemper Construction. Ada County is great cause Chad will work 4 days on 4 days off. So that gives him time to do construction if he wants. And he deserves this more than anyone, he has been through so much. I am so glad he set out with this goal, and he was not giving up til he got it. He will be such a great police officer, and he will excel, he does that with everything he does. I know I am a little biast, but it is true! I just want everyone that was there for us to know how much I love and appreciate it. And all that love got me through, you will never know how much it has meant. So bring on 2010! We are ready. And rest assured Idaho is going to be a little safer now, ha ha!

New Years Eve Party 2010!!!!!!!

2010-01-01T20:28:00.000-08:00

I am such a lush, I know. (I don't know what is up with my blog format, this is not supposed to be the first picture, but I don't know how to fix it. It is bugging me!!) sorry, side note :) Tom trying to open our sparkling Cidar I was taking this during our toast!Brett is just way too cool for this partyThe boys playing the new Super Mario brothers wii game

Emily just really wanted to be next to Chad and I!

I love New Years Eve, and I think I am going to make this party thing a tradition. The best part of this New Years eve was Chad being able to get the night off. We didn't think there was any way he would be able to. That means I got my midnight kiss! So it was perfect having him there, along with great amazing friends! We ate great food everyone brought. We played some fun games. Especially one the Marlatts brought called Things. So fun!! The kids were awesome, and just played upstairs, they were just excited to stay up so late I think. I was sad the night had to end, but we finished of with a toast welcoming this new year, and all the great things it has in store.

Some random pictures from our Christmas Break.

2010-01-01T20:02:00.000-08:00

Chad and Kemper with The snowman they built. Chad had the briliant idea to use spray paint! In the last picture you can see the spray paint, my boys are a little strange.Andi, loving the snowKemp and Jake at Aunt Emilys house.Ethan Curtis. So adorable.

We have been doing some fun things these past couple weeks, I have just been really bad at taking pictures, and at blogging! I don't know what my deal has been, another New Years resolution right!