Katie

love day

2012-02-14T21:30:00.000-08:00

"Love demands action if it is to be continuing. Love is a process. Love is not a declaration. Love is not an announcement. Love is not a passing fancy. Love is not an expediency. Love is not a convenience. 'If ye love me, keep my commandments' and 'If ye love me feed my sheep' are God-given proclamations that should remind us we can often best show our love through the processes of feeding and keeping."

Love Takes Time- Elder Marvin J. Ashton

photo of the day {heart}:

I don't mind telling you that these are the best sugar cookies that will ever touch your lips or anyone else's.

and the cutest valentine ever (thank you pinterest)

here is the original photo. well... almost.

outtakes

2012-02-09T16:42:00.000-08:00

{I made some orange juice from concentrate and Kaylee wanted to taste it before I finished putting the water in.
"It tastes like table... like sour drink table."}

{Lily showed me how hard she she can bite her finger and it doesn't even hurt!
"Mommy, see that bark mite?? ...I mean... bite... mark?}

{Lily: "Mom, where are we going today?"
Me: "Nowhere. but guess what? Ella's coming over!"
Lily: "Who's Hella?"
Me: "It's ELla."
Kaylee: "ELLA!? The one who tea partied us!!"}

{While reading the Book of Mormon:

Michael: "Tell me what you know about Satan"
Lily: "Um, he's mean... and he drinks alcohol."}

{Lily sat on the potty and Riley sat on a stool in front of her as they had a sisterly conversation:

Lily: "Doesn't it bug you when you have to go potty right before you eat breakfast??"
Riley: "No. 'Cause I went potty on Sunday and Tuesday and Nine and Seven and Ten."
Lily: "and eleven?!!?"}

{Lily: "I'm sooo cold! I'm one hundred feet cold!
Kaylee: Well I'm sixty feet cold!
Lily: "That's a little number! One hundred is bigger than sixty."
Kaylee: "I'm sixty seven ninety-nine one hundred twenty ninety seventy cold!"
Lily: "Well I'm one hundred seventy six eight hundred thirty twenty seven ninety eight hundred sixty nine cold!"
Kaylee: "Wow. You're that cold? I'm that cold too."}

{After several tears and lots of pouting.
Michael: sternly "Lily, come here and sit on my lap so I can talk to you."
Chloe: "oooh, this is gonna be a good fight."

Chloe is our neighbor friend. She's five just like Lily. AND they have the same birthday.}

{Lily was late to tumbling and I sat down to put the socks on her feet that she had been insisting on wearing (so her feet didn't get stinky!). Michael had just finished telling her that she didn't need socks.

Michael: "You guys need to listen."
Lily: "You're not the boss, Dad. Mommy is."}

{Kaylee walked up to the chalkboard and started to read the email address that Zach had written a few minutes earlier.

kaylee: "Peeeeeee..."

lily: "NIS! Penis!!"

kaylee: "penis? why did you write penis?"

Zach's email is c h e o w e [a t] g m a i l. and Lily knows how to read. I'm a little concerned...}

Days 6 and 7 {dinner and button, respectively}

2012-02-07T19:52:00.000-08:00

Pizza Bagels, a favorite; For me because it's EASY and for the girls because they get to make their own dinner!

and the cutest button you ever did see.

Day 5 {10 am}

2012-02-05T20:27:00.000-08:00

yes I skipped day 4. maybe I'll get around to it before the month is over...

Here are Riley and Kaylee at 10 o clock this morning. Church starts at 11:00 and we usually let them watch "church" videos (aka Living Scriptures) before we leave. We couldn't find one today so we let them watch The Snowman.

Today I realized that every time the girls watch that show I suddenly feel very sad and depressed.

Do any of you remember it from when you were little???

Day 3 {hands} and more mallory

2012-02-04T13:57:00.000-08:00

I know I'm late, but I'm a busy mommy!

Mallory's newest thing is her fascination with her hands. It's sooo very amusing to me and when I saw that day three's theme was "hands" I knew that I wanted to photograph her admiring her darling little extremities. Every time I catch her looking at her hands I squeal with delight. I'm glad I was able to capture it:)

also, yesterday was Mallory's 3 month birthday! so here are some more pictures of the baby babiest.

Day 2 {words}

2012-02-02T14:34:00.000-08:00

These are Lily's "sight words"

They are words that she is supposed to recognize without any hesitation.
and she knows them all.
yay!

I had Lily's parent/teacher conference today. My second one ever! I can't believe I'm a big enough girl to be doing such grown-up things!!

Can I boast for a sec?

Of course I can. This is my blog!

Lily is doing really well in school. Her teacher, Mrs. Rudd, told me that Lily is a very bright little girl and a joy to have in class. She talked a lot about how well-behaved she is. Mrs. Rudd said that Lily always minds, she never talks too loud or out of turn. She said that she is very friendly toward the children and she treats them all very kindly. She told me that Lily is especially nice and a wonderful friend to a little handicapped girl in her class. Lily loves this little girl (she talks to me about her all the time). She plays with her and helps her and pays a lot of attention to her. This little girl is very aware and very grateful to Lily for being such a good friend. Mrs. Rudd seemed very impressed with what a "sweetheart" she is.

It makes me such a happy mommy to hear that Lily treats others so well and that she is such a good friend to the little girl in her class. It is of great importance to Michael and myself that our kids learn compassion and that they treat one another and other children kindly. I am so grateful that Lily is such a good and caring little girl! I'm so blessed to be her mama.

photo a day- Day 1 {my view today}

2012-02-01T19:00:00.000-08:00

This looked fun. I thought I'd take it on. YOU should too!!!

We are reading the Book of Mormon to our children. They get to color designated areas on their charts for each portion they read. They are really excited about it and have been begging us to read to them. So this was one of my first "views" this morning, and it will be my last before I go to bed tonight:)

Let me know if you decide to take the challenge so I can follow along!

excellent news

2012-02-01T09:15:00.000-08:00

my 50mm lens is back in commission.

and LOOK at this cutest baby!

"Mom! Daddy's wearing your mommy-thing!"

2012-01-31T11:53:00.000-08:00

So Michael wore my "mommy-thing" on Sunday and Riley thought it was super hilarious.

plus, there is a mutilated balloon hanging on our fridge "so Kaylee can always remember the day she popped it."

Lily got her ears pierced

2012-01-28T15:17:00.000-08:00

On January 7 the girls and I ventured to Idaho falls.

It was all Kaylee's idea.

A few days prior she had told me that she reeeeeeaaaallly wanted to get her ears pierced. Lily followed suit and told me that she, too, would like to pierce her ears. I told the girls that we had to talk to Daddy first and see what he thought about it. When he came home from school we talked to him and he was agreeable, so we made plans to go to Idaho Falls on Saturday and get it done!

When we got to Claire's, Kaylee hopped up into the chair first. Then she climbed down and said she wanted Lily to go first. Lily climbed up and waited nervously but excitedly. They gave her a little teddy bear to hold and then the ladies made their marks, checked and rechecked them to make sure they looked perfect, brought their guns up to her ears, and fired away.

Poor Lily cried and cried.

Kaylee chickened out and announced that she would not be getting her ears pierced that day or any other.

"I will never get my ears pierced! Never, never, never!"

I think that Lily's tears were a result of shock and hurt feelings. I told her that it would feel like a pinch and that it might hurt a little. Perhaps she felt betrayed. Perhaps it hurt more than she actually expected it to.

She got over it in no time. She was happier than happy to have cute little studs in her ears. She loves to show them off. They just look so darn cute in her little ears.

...and maybe a little too grown up.

What happened to my baby?

before and.....

2012-01-25T12:07:00.000-08:00

just before... no after.

she looks sooooo much like her daddy in this picture!

look at those cheeks!

I took these pictures with the intent of getting her hair cut and doing before and after photos. Once I looked at these I simply could not bring myself to let anyone bring shears to those locks!

and in case you're wondering... her hair never looks this lovely when it's down. but still.... I just can't do it.

Panch

2012-01-24T16:35:00.000-08:00

this is Pancho. my brothers stole him from a girls' apartment.

I liked the harsh light that shone on him as he sat on my kitchen table.

we sang happy birthday to zach

2012-01-22T20:28:00.000-08:00

outtakes

2012-01-20T08:45:00.000-08:00

just some things I've heard around my house in recent days...

{"We don't get tattoos because tattoos will KILL you!" -Lily}

{"Hey! There's no reading at the North Pole!" -Kaylee}

{abruptly, after 15 minutes of straight giggling: "okay... all that playing made me have to go poop." -Lily}

Conversation with Riley:

"Mom, look!"

"Awesome!"

"No. It's not awesome." (she shows me an empty movie case- Bedknobs and Broomsticks; uh-oh. not awesome. this is serious...)

"Oh, you're right. That's not awesome. Where did the movie go?"

"I don't know..."

then somberly: "Do you think Zach did it?"

Zach is living with us this semester and he sleeps in the room where we keep the movies. She has a valid concern.

{to Kaylee: "Did you just call me a codfish??" -a Very Offended Lily.}

Conversation with Kaylee

the matchbox got left in reach of the children (don't worry, Mom, it's hidden now!) and Kaylee lit a match. I said to her:

"Ooooh, Kaylee. Please don't do that again."

"Okay, but can I do it when I'm six?"

"maybe"

"seven?"

"yeah"

"eighteen?"

"eighteen for sure"

eighteen sounds like the perfect age to finally be allowed light a match.

a conversation between Lily and Kaylee:

after kaylee destroyed lily's castle:

Kaylee: "Lily, I made you a new sandcastle. Come see!"

Lily lovingly put her arm around Kaylee and Kaylee wrapped her arm around Lily. They walked with their arms around each other to the living room.

Lily: "(gasp) oh, it's beautiful!"

Kaylee: "and I'm verrrry sorry for knocking yours over."

Lily: "It's okay. I like knocking sandcastles over too."

I wasn't present for the original argument but Lily and my friend Mandy filled me in on the details. It went like this:

Lily: "Kaylee! Why did you do that? I'm so mad at you!"

Kaylee: "Well, I'm so mad at you! See ya later!"

Lily: "Alligator!"

If the is the worst my children fight I will be forever happy.

oh. and we can't forget this gem.

Riley is potty training (finally!). She still hasn't got the hang of the undies thing.

around the house (film)

2012-01-18T09:30:00.000-08:00

one of my children took the next three lovely photos

not the best pictures ever but...

2012-01-16T08:30:00.000-08:00

it doesn't matter because look how special!!

august

january

We took this picture at literally, literally at the last possible second. I wish we hadn't procrastinated because it made for a terrible photograph and we had to take it in the same place. but just look at those precious babes! I still can't believe that once upon a time they were in our bellies!

I'm soooo happy that my sister and I have same-age babies!

just like jessie

2012-01-14T07:30:00.000-08:00

Kaylee loves when I braid her hair like this because she looks "just like jessie"

yodel-ay-hee-hoo

mal at two months

2012-01-13T11:17:00.000-08:00

I took these pictures a few nights ago so really she was more like 2 months + 1 week.

Here is my cutie Mally-Girl who brings so much love and joy to my life.

Oh, I love this baby girl!

Gramma's Howe House

2012-01-11T08:00:00.000-08:00

that's what the girls call my parents' house... if you didn't gather...

Uncle Zach with his babiest nieces

waiting to go downstairs on Christmas Morning

not sure why Riley is so sad...

me and Kaylee with the sister-cousins

watching a movie (water for elephants). pretend Geri is between Shane and me.

i want to squeeze her when she wears this outfit

2012-01-10T10:20:00.000-08:00

nothing better...

2012-01-09T09:18:00.000-08:00

...than this right here

wanna know why Kaylee's crying?

because as soon as Geri pointed the camera in our general direction Kaylee suddenly became very tired and just had to lie down.

I'm a mean mom so I made her sit up and smile for a picture

well...

I made her sit up anyway.

today we...

2012-01-08T22:37:00.000-08:00

...learned about a man named George Albert Smith.

...watched Fiddler on the Roof. "as the good book says..."

...had pancakes for dinner per Kaylee's request. I made some delicious buttermilk syrup to go with it. yum.

I love Sundays. I love attending church meetings. I love the teachings that inspire me to be a better person. I am so grateful that we are able to attend each week. I am so grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

santa claus came to town

2012-01-07T22:47:00.000-08:00

We spent Christmas at my parents' house in Independence, California. Every year Santa Claus and his reindeer (including Ruldolf!) appear on the courthouse roof. The courthouse bells play "Santa Clause is Coming to Town" and then he goes downstairs and all the good little girls and boys who live in Independence and the surrounding area get to sit on his lap and his cute little elf gives each of them a present. Inside the courthouse they serve cookies and hot apple cider. It's so fun and cute. I love the tiny town I grew up in!

My girls look like pale little ghosties next to my dad's brown face.

Zach was insanely excited to see Santa. He was, like, freaking out man.

The girls and I posed for a picture with Mr. Claus. Again, Riley was not interested in having anything to do with him.

Geri wore this cute little elf headband all night. Isn't she the adorablest??

geri and kenzie

2012-01-03T13:29:00.000-08:00

I took some pictures of Geri and Makenzie while we were at my parents' in California. I love my sister and my niece. I miss them so terribly much; it makes my stomach hurt.

gingerbread house

2011-12-21T21:48:00.000-08:00

here is Lily's very first gingerbread house that she made at her friend's house. sadly, i didn't think to get a picture of her with it before i heartlessly dumped it (she was at school, of course). so...

here's a picture of just her.

ward christmas party

2011-12-21T21:46:00.000-08:00

this is probably the last time mallory will sit with Santa for the next 4 years.

my kids are scardy cats when it comes to Kris Kringle.

Riley would have nothing to do with Santa. So here she isn't.

Kaylee asked for a dolly and Lily asked for a camera. ho ho ho

study time

2011-12-21T21:44:00.000-08:00

these two are the best study buddies

sand dunes (summer)

2011-12-21T18:21:00.000-08:00

film photos from one of our sand dunes trips last year

teeny babe

2011-12-19T08:30:00.000-08:00

it's all about Mallory lately. these pictures are from when she was like a week and a half old.

her favorite little papoose position on the couch.

I was taking a picture of Mallory and Lily's all, "can you take a picture of me and Mallory? want me to put a headband in my hair??" cute girl.

i love that crybaby face

sweetest

smorgasbord

2011-12-18T11:59:00.000-08:00

this is what happens when you have a mommy who doesn't (currently) cook and when you are at the end of every bag of frozen food.

on a different note... we are having a nice Sabbath day. We are so grateful for the opportunity we have each and every Sunday to attend church and learn of our Savior.

also. as of today Michael and I are the newest Gospel Doctrine teachers. I was shocked when they asked us last week. and it's not team teaching. I don't get to pass the responsibility to my husband. Am I scared out of my mind? absolutely. excited for an awesome opportunity to learn and progress? you bet your buttons.

cousin sisters

2011-12-16T17:09:00.000-08:00

remember this picture??

Here are the best-friend-sister-cousins, reunited. I can't even TELL you how elated I was to meet my most perfect tiny niece!

I'm only posting this pic because I thought it was incredibly ironic that the image number was 6666.

Geri took this pic and the second I looked at it I told her I looked satanic. I didn't see the number until a few days later when I put it on my comp. Ha!

some wedding photos

2011-12-06T21:44:00.001-08:00

Rachel's wedding day was lovely. The ceremony was beautiful. The bride was stunning. The groom was handsome as can be. How I love my cousin Rachel. I'm so happy and excited that she's a big married girl now!

Here are some pictures from outside the temple. I wish I had stayed longer and taken more. dang it.

ps. these pictures are all film. i wanted to get some use out of my (mom's) old Minolta.

the sun flare made me mad that day. i could not keep it out of my photos!

I still think this one is good though because look how pretty my sister is:):):)

more dang sun flare but Geri looks like a celebrity!

Aunt Roxanne and 2 of her SIX girls (jessica and savannah)

I am trying to be just like her. In case you can't tell.

omgeeeeosh. cutest makenzie!

The couple on the left are my Grandma and Grandpa Howe. Aren't they cute?? It seems like we only ever see them when someone gets married.

Uncle Dan, Daniel, Geoffrey

Kaylee looking for Rachel

(yeah, these pics are way out of order)

Zach and Aunt Nancy

The beautiful couple; Tabor and Rachel

sleepy sisters

2011-12-02T23:21:00.001-08:00

this sweet moment lasted just that. one moment.

actually i think it lasted 3 minutes.

our darling mallory has a long way to go before she perfects the art of sleeping.

a very... very... very

long way.

now she is lying across my lap; wide eye-pen o-balled, as my mom and dad would say.

as wretchedly tired as i am, i love and adore her anyways.

i want to kiss these baby cheeks forever.

perfectly tiny

2011-11-22T11:01:00.001-08:00

I can't even tell you how much I adore this smallest-most-perfect-tiny-little-angel-girl! I spend hours every day just holding her and talking to her and looking at her and giggling at every little move she makes. I love her baby noises; the sound of her tiny little breaths, her appreciative nursing grunts, I even l.o.v.e. her saddest little newborn wail!

There is no greater joy than a such a perfect little being. I am still amazed that she is real, that she came from me, and that she is mine all mine:)

in love

2011-11-21T09:05:00.001-08:00

sisters are fun

2011-11-19T15:41:00.001-08:00

3018

2011-11-14T14:43:00.001-08:00

the second night of our hospital stay our nurse told me that before she started her shift she saw on the nursing board (i think??) that someone had written, "whoever gets room 3018 gets the cutest baby!"

i didn't see any of the other babies...

but I'm guessing she was right:)

hospital

2011-11-12T12:31:00.001-08:00

before baby

after baby

there is nothing in the whole world that is as wonderful as a new baby!

This is the first time the girls saw Mallory:)

Our family, new and improved.

My labor and delivery nurse. She was wonderful! I wish I could have all my future babies here; all the nurses were soooo good to me!!

my oldest baby and my youngest baby

Kaylee brought this ducky just for Mallory. She wrapped it up in the blanket with her:)

Here we are getting ready to take Mallory home! Michael was in Blackfoot doing his nursing clinical. We missed him so much!

we brought her home a week ago and we love her more than ever!

Thursday

2011-11-09T20:05:00.000-08:00

Mallory Kate,

For the last several months I have looked forward to each Thursday with anticipation. Each passing Thursday meant I was one week closer to holding you in my arms.

Now that you are here I don't want it to be Thursday. I want to stay in this first week forever. I marvel at your tiny little body. I wonder how it's possible that you are real. Although I carried you inside me for 9 months, I still can't believe that you were in my belly a week ago. I held you across my stomach on your very first night and you got the hiccups. They were the same hiccups that I have been feeling for months. Even then I couldn't believe that you came from me. How are you even possible?

You are a beauty. You are wonderful. You are precious. Your mama loves you. Your daddy loves you. Your sisters adore you. We are so happy to finally have you here. Thank you for choosing our family. I love you, Mally-girl.

Love, Mommy

presenting...

2011-11-06T08:49:00.000-08:00

Mallory Kate Floyd

7 lbs.

18 inches

November 3, 2011

How this baby is loved and adored. How lucky and blessed I am to be her mama.

Never was there a baby more loved than this one.

Your family loves you, Mallory! We are so happy you're here!

Halloween

2011-11-01T08:54:00.000-07:00

We had such a fun "Halloween Day" yesterday. Lily said over and over that it was the "BEST HALLOWEEN DAY EVERRR!!!" She was sooooo happy and excited all day. All three of them were.

We went Trick-or-Treating with our friend Taylor and the kids had so much fun. It was coooold outside and we were happy to come inside to a warm home when we were finished.

The girls all picked their own costumes. I still think it's so funny that Riley wanted to be a doctor. She is the cuuuuutest doctor I've ever seen!

i just found this. it's kind of old...

2011-10-29T08:22:00.000-07:00

Dear Emma,

I love you so much. In 3 weeks I want you to come to my house. And I want to write a letter to Grandma too. Thank you so much for the Raggedy Anne and Andy dolls. Thank you for the letters with us and the cookies. In 3 weeks I want you to come to my house, Emma. and we're making a pirate bed ship. And then you can come with me into the backyard with me and Kaylee and Riley and we can play in the backyard! Or you can draw with chalk with me in the front yard. And maybe you can sleep with me into my bedroom. You can play with me into my bedroom, you can read with me into my bedroom, or you can draw with me in my bedroom. Before we make a pirate ship, we need to make a map. And guess what, Emma? I just turned 5! I love you, Emma.
Love, Lily

ps. I can eat yummy food like graham crackers. And I can drink yummy drinks like chocolate milk. Or I can eat strawberries or cheese and tortillas.

thirty nine

2011-10-28T07:18:00.000-07:00

I was 39 weeks yesterday, which means 6 days until my due date! Yay!!

yesterday

2011-10-27T12:49:00.000-07:00

piggytails

2011-10-26T08:53:00.001-07:00

How I ADORE these!

not too scary...

2011-10-24T22:18:00.000-07:00

...but I jumped just a little when I saw this baby in the car seat. The girls can't WAIT for their baby sister to arrive!

unhappy

2011-10-24T07:47:00.000-07:00

Geri sent me this picture yesterday. ohhhh my goodness how I love it. and how I love that cute baby!

tiny little...

2011-10-23T12:06:00.000-07:00

Rachel Elizabeth Howe. Thanks for finally giving a correct answer, Larkie!

Here is my cute cousin when she was a cute tiny baby.

and here she is just a few years later.

Rachel is getting MARRIED next month. I'm so excited I can hardly stand it!

i'm gonna show off now... just a little.

2011-10-22T08:34:00.001-07:00

I don't know why it's been soooo hard for me to blog this month! Maybe it's partly because I have spent a lot of time crafting for the new babies in our family!! Here is my niece Makenzie trying on her blessing day attire. I made this dress last year in my sewing class. I also made her bracelet and her headband. I have been making cute little bracelets and headband like crazy recently. They are so adorable and I CAN'T wait to try them on our tiny baby in 1 week and 5 days! (btw, since Lily and Riley both came on their due dates and Kaylee came just the day after, I am pretty much counting on this one being right on schedule too!)

Makenzie Lee. cuuuuutest little niecy.

another headband. there are like a million. isn't she the cutest little thing???

and here is our cute baby. I took this pic at 37 weeks and 6 days (so like 3 days ago). I still feel really super good. Sometimes I wonder if it's really possible that she'll be here in less than 2 weeks! I can't wait, I can't wait, I can't wait!

thoughts for the evening

2011-10-17T21:44:00.000-07:00

finally having a dishwasher is everything I dreamed it would be and more!

it is soooo weird to hear Lily READ!

my due date is 2.5 weeks away!!!! eeeeeek!

if you can guess who this cutest child is, I will send you a surprise in the mail.

people who are NOT allowed to guess: a) the person in this picture. and b) my sister, Geri.

can you believe there will be FOUR soon???

2011-10-10T16:43:00.000-07:00

sleepy

2011-10-07T07:32:00.000-07:00

We moved over the weekend and it's not been easy to blog! How 'bout some sleepytime photos of the girls. They're just so adorable and well behaved and easy to take pictures of when they're unconscious.

Riley's ponytail is quite possible my favorite thing ever.

princess day

2011-09-28T19:28:00.000-07:00

today was princess day at school. Lily looooooooved getting all dolled up and being allowed to wear MAKEUP(!) to school! I put lipstick on her and rushed her outside as quickly as possible hoping that it wouldn't get messed up. BUT when I took her pictures it was somehow already smudged. oh well. she's STILL a princess.

26 years

2011-09-28T00:00:00.000-07:00

Disclaimer: I could go on all day about how wonderful I think my parents are. This post does not do them justice!

Happy Anniversary to the two most wonderful people I know. I am sooooo lucky and blessed to call them Mom and Dad!!!

My dad is such an example of everything a man should be. He is hardworking and diligent in all his responsibilities. He works all day at his job and then he comes home and just keeps on working. It is a rare sight to see my dad take a break. Not only does he work hard doing "man" work but he is also helpful around the house and with the children. My dad can often be found cooking a meal or sweeping the floor. I also remember him fixing our hair a handful of times when my mom was sick or otherwise unable to dress us and get us ready. Geri and I were fancy ladies with our hair parted straight down the middle and combed wet and flat to our heads:)

My mom has taught me so many important lessons. She is the most generous person I know. She gives and gives and gives to her family, her extended family, her community, and to complete strangers. She is also the most compassionate person I know. So often I have seen her weep for people she has never even met. When others hurt she truly feels their pain, her heart literally aches when she sees the trials of those around her. She also gives everyone the benefit of the doubt and recognizes that there are two sides to every story. This quality of my mother's is especially beneficial to my husband:) It seems like every time she is present for one of our spats (which are few and far between- or fewer and farther between than they used to be!:)) she is on both our sides. Sometimes this is irritating. Sometimes when I am upset with an individual it feels good to have someone fuel my fire, but my mom will dump a bucket of water on it and put it out. It's because she's smart. It's because she knows that it's much better not to have a fire.

Both of my parents have taught by example. I grew up seeing them kneel in prayer beside their bed late at night and early in the morning. If I was up early enough I knew that I would find my dad at the kitchen table with his scriptures propped up behind his cereal bowl. I have watched my mother give and be overgenerous to people who are unkind and undeserving. My parents have taught us to love and to be faithful and they continue to love and teach us every day. Though we are mostly grown and there are many miles between us, they will always be our parents, setting an example and expecting the best from their children.

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad! Thank you for being the best parents I could ever even hope for!!

I LOVE YOU!

crazy day

2011-09-27T14:06:00.000-07:00

So it's Spirit Week at Lily's school (I didn't realize they did that for elementary school???) and today was CRAZY day. Yesterday was pajama day and Lily was overjoyed to wear her "beautiful pink nightgown" to school. I didn't get a picture but aren't there enough pictures of my kids in their jammies on this blog??
We made sure to get pictures of her in her crazy outfit today. She giggled all morning as we got her ready for school. She was soooooo thrilled to be dressing up so silly!

Tomorrow is Princess Day. I'm pretty sure EVERY day is Princess Day around here.

(another) first day if school!

2011-09-26T15:24:00.000-07:00

Today was Kaylee's very first day of preschool! She was sooooo excited to go and when I dropped her off she was very shy but she didn't cling to me or ask for me to stay at ALL! I was very pleasantly surprised:) I watched her from the observation booth for a few minutes before I left and she jumped right in to the preschool action. I was so happy!!

Riley really wanted to be in these pictures but apparently she didn't care about taking a good photograph.

I just think Kaylee is the cutest thing ever.

I took this one from the observation booth. It's a two-way mirror so she couldn't see me. When she saw this pic she was like "How did you take that??? Where were you??"

Riley and I had a whole hour and a half of Riley and Mommy time. We decided to make playdough.

Here is our creation. He was ill-fated and was squished flat by a Giant Riley Monster.

Kaylee had a great first day. When I picked her up from school she said she didn't learn anything but she ate applesauce and cheese and got to play outside... sounds good to me.

nothing very much

2011-09-25T16:46:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted yet because I want to wait until I do a birthday post for Michael. but.... we just packed up the photo albums and I need pictures of his sweet little angel face as a tiny child. hopefully I can do it next week after we move! oh yeah, and in May half my family celebrated their birthdays and I COMPLETELY spaced doing birthday posts for them. so that will be coming up too:)

and because my blog is all about the pictures, I simply can't leave you with a post withOUT a photo or two.

Kaylee thought that toting the bunny around in this basket was loads of fun. I'm not sure how Snowflake(Rapunzel-Makelle) felt about it....

These two are bestie best friends.

and do I have to tell you they dressed themselves?? i love the outfits they come up with. and Kaylee's clothes are always on backwards, everything from her shirt to her undies. she insists. she says she like them that way.

a surprise

2011-09-22T23:08:00.000-07:00

it's michael's birthday (as of five minutes ago). he is just gonna love his birthday surprise at 6:00am :)

Riley had a lot of fun helping me, but she pooped out loooong before I finished!

just wanted to share...

2011-09-21T09:17:00.000-07:00

we went to the park the other day and I let Kaylee do her own hair. she looked amazing.

Makenzie Lee

2011-09-19T10:23:00.000-07:00

At 6:01 last night, my beautiful, precious, tiny perfect niece was born. She is 7 lbs 6 ounces of Heaven:) I can't wait to hold her!

Makenzie Lee

hair

2011-09-17T11:55:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday I took the girls in to get their hair cut for the last time before Heather graduated!

Aren't they cute?? We didn't change very much on any of them, just trims and curls:)

Thanks Heather! WHAT will we do without you??:(

bunny girl

2011-09-15T06:28:00.000-07:00

For Kaylee's birthday we did something I never thought we'd do. We got her a bunny rabbit! Kaylee is such an animal girl and she adores this tiny little creature. She has already gone through several names. I prefer Rapunzel; that's what Kaylee first named her, but now she consistently calls her Snowflake. If you ask Lily what we named her she'll tell you Makelle. Good thing she is a bunny and not a dog. She'd be quite confused.

meet Rapunzel Makelle Snowflake Bunny-Girl:

This is Kaylee's favorite way to hold "snowflake". She's such a little mommy.

a walk

2011-09-14T08:21:00.001-07:00

eeeeek!

2011-09-09T15:30:00.000-07:00

I was super excited to see my due date on the half and half as I placed it in my cart today. 8 more weeks!

more is more

2011-09-08T17:32:00.000-07:00

Here are a million pictures from our beach day. Kaylee watched me make this post and she said, "Let's just go back to Grandpa Christensen's house. I love the beach." Me too, Kaylee!

Lily makes friends everywhere she goes. The little girl you don't recognize is Lucia. She was our new friend for the day and the girls had lots of fun playing with her.

shower gifts

2011-09-07T13:19:00.000-07:00

Since Geri had her shower on Saturday I can FINALLY blog about the things I made her! I was soooo sad I couldn't be with her but I was really happy that I finished her gifts in time for them to make it to her shower. I was there in spirit:)

This is the first crocheted blanket I've ever actually completed. (I think! Sometimes I forget about things I've made...) Pattern from this book. I LOVED making this afghan! I messed up though! See that ruffled edge? Not supposed to be ruffled. I'm not entirely sure what happened but it might be prettier now than it would have been if I had followed the directions!

front

back

This quilt was my first experience with free-motion quilting. I think I may be in love.

Tutorial here (thanks for introducing me, Heather!!) This is a fantastic quilting project for a beginner!

I am so so so so so so soooooooo so so EXCITED for my tiny baby niece to be here! I can't believe her due date is only a week away. I also can't believe that I won't get to hold her until she is 2 months old:( We're are going to be best skype buddies though. I hope her mommy doesn't mind a never-ending web-cam session!

this pool is open

2011-09-06T07:47:00.000-07:00

While we were at my mom's house Lily REALLY wanted a friend to come play in the pool with them. She had the fabulous idea to make a sign to let people know that, a) we had a pool, and b) it was open. After an entire half day of no takers my mom called the mother of a cute little girl she drives the bus for. Her name is Jessica and she is 7. She played with us all day long the next day. We jumped on the trampoline, we played in the pool, we picnicked at the park, and we played in the stream. It was so much fun!

Jessica looks like she could be their sister!

Riley is the queen of awesome faces. There was not a normal picture of her in this whole bunch.

for the beauty of the earth

2011-09-04T15:35:00.000-07:00

While we were visiting California we took a drive with my family one Sunday to see these pretty flowers and enjoy the beauties of nature. It was quite a long drive but we had a lovely walk. The wildflowers were so beautiful and the air was so fragrant with woodsy, flowery smells. The girls loved every second of it.

"...I'm glad that I live in this beautiful world Heav'nly Father created for me." Children's Songbook #228

Happy Birthday Kaylee

2011-08-29T21:29:00.001-07:00

Kaylee Joann Floyd. August 29, 2007. 7 lb 12oz. 19 inches long.

How did this tiny baby.....

turn into this little girl!???

Kaylee turned 4 today! I'm not sure how it's possible that my children grow up the way they do. We had a tiny little family birthday party. Of course Heather and Taylor came too:)

Is she the happiest 4-year-old you've ever seen??

I know this post is supposed to be all about Kaylee, but LOOK at Riley's face. Seeing her in this picture makes me want to pick her up and squeeze her right this second. In fact, I think I will...

and look at Kaylee's cutest little bashful face. Oh, how I love her!!!!

Lily helped open Kaylee's presents...

and Kaylee held every single one up just like this so I could take a picture.

We got a pull string pinata. The girls have been begging for a pinata ever since we borrowed a library book called, "Hooray, a Pinata" (super cute book!). The pull strings are sooo much better than beating the junk out of a pinata that an adult is finally forced to rip apart.

Me and my 7 month pregnant belly shaking the rest of the candy out.

The wonderful thing about having a family birthday is that the absence of frenzied children scrambling for the pinata candy. The girls have always been very calm and collected when it comes to pinata candy. Here they are demonstrating;)

Here is Michael playing the part of the missing crazy kids.

I am amazed at how this little girl has grown up. Kaylee is our animal loving girl. She loves God's creatures and is sensitive and caring toward all of them. When Kaylee was born my mom said something to me like, "She has such a sweet and special spirit." I've always remembered my mother speaking those words and at times I have wondered about her "sweet" spirit because she can be such a pill! However, as Kaylee gets older, I am able to see more and more of what my mom was talking about. Today in the car we listened to part of a talk by Dieter F. Uchtdorf titled, The Love of God (beautiful. read it. right now). When we got out of the car Kaylee said, "Mom, I really want to see God". I talked to her a little about Heavenly Father and how much he loves Kaylee and then I asked her, "Why do you want to see God?" Sincerely and with affection, she said, "Because I love Him"

It was such a special moment for me as a mommy. She is such a good girl and, like all children, she has such a pure spirit.

Kaylee, I hope you know how greatly you are loved! You are loved by so very many! I am so happy that you are aware of your Heavenly Father and His love for you. And I'm so happy that you love Him. I pray that it continues to grow. I LOVE YOU, Kaylee!! Happy Birthday!

first day of school! first day of school!

2011-08-24T21:47:00.000-07:00

She practically ran to school.

yay!

...and here is how I left her, doing what she does best- making new friends.

Lily gets to ride the bus home from school. Although I had my camera in hand when she got off, I couldn't take a picture because the bus driver was talking to me. :( BUT the driver was suuuuuper nice and I think Lily will love her!

Her first homework assignment was to "skytrace" the number one and sing, "Come straight down and that is all (x3). That's how we write the number one" (sung to the tune of skip to my lou). If only all homework could be so difficult...

sleepy

2011-08-22T23:15:00.000-07:00

Riley whined at my feet as I stood at the sink tonight. I told her I had to wash just a few dishes before I took her to bed. It took me less than 5 minutes but she gave up on me.

ps. we're back home in Idaho. Safe and sound:)

dirty boys

2011-08-16T15:03:00.000-07:00

Who knew roofing was such a dirty job?

we went on a date

2011-08-14T21:55:00.000-07:00

We went out on Friday. I love him:)

family

2011-08-13T10:12:00.000-07:00

Before Geri and Shane left on Monday we decided to do a quick photo shoot. Andrew and my dad had to come home from work for a few minutes just to get these pics.

8 months and 6 months preg with best-friend-sister-cousins!

This was our attempt at an awkward family photo... ;)

and here is a random photo of the girls on a homemade swing by Emma.

last week

2011-08-12T13:54:00.000-07:00

I don't feel like blogging. I wrote a huge post about our crazy week last week but rather than bore anyone to death, I'll wrap it up in a nutshell.

I drove to Salt Lake on Tuesday to pick my mom up from the airport. The plan was to continue down to Las Vegas, stay the night and drive the rest of the way to my Grandpa's house in Southern California the next day. As we came into Las Vegas the air conditioning stopped working. Not cool in 100 degree weather. Literally. We took it to the dealer the next day, stayed another night in the City of Sin (seriously, there is some yuck stuff going on there), and picked it up Thursday afternoon. 10 miles later, my beloved Astrid (Yes, we name our vehicles. My mom thinks it's weird. It's a Howe thing) overheated and then completely died just as we were pulling into a gas station. Fortunately, we were on the shady side of the building where we spent 4 hours waiting for a tow truck. The driver (Jeff, super nice and friendly) picked us up around 10:30 at night. He drove us to Pahrump, NV where my dad was waiting for us. It was discovered that the radiator cap had not been put back on properly and was the probable cause of the car overheating. My dad refilled the engine coolant, made sure all caps were on tight, and on Friday we began our journey yet again. The car began to overheat as we drove through Death Valley and my amazing, good, wonderful, non-complaining and ever-optimistic father drove through Death Valley (110 degrees) with the heater blasting to keep the engine cool. He saved us. My mom saved us. They are good at that. They've had lots of practice I guess:) We went straight to my parents' house in Independence and it never felt so good to be home!

So a 12 hour trip in 4 days. Awesome. I am lucky to be blessed with happy children who are able to entertain themselves. They were so well behaved the entire time. Poor Kaylee and Riley had diarrhea all 4 days. Riley had a terrible diaper rash. We had to make stop after stop for Kaylee to go potty and to keep Riley's bum clean and pain-free. But through the upset stomachs and sore bums they were all so good. The fact that I packed five days worth of snacks helped too.

Okay, that was still long. How 'bout some pictures??

These first two are old (phone pictures) and have nothing to do with anything.

I love seeing things like this when I wake up in the morning. Riley had just woken up when I took this pic but this is how they had been sleeping. I made her put her arm back over Lily so I could get a cute pic.

An embarrassing day at the splash park for sure. Kaylee insisted on wearing this bathing suit that I'm sure is sized for a 7-year-old. It is hidden away for the next several years.

Here is Kaylee swimming in the pool while we were stuck in Las Vegas. We stayed at the Stratosphere Hotel for $33 a night. My mom's a deal finder.

The girls thought riding in the back of the tow truck was a-mazing. They were all asleep 10 minutes later.

ps. are you wondering why my mom flew to Salt Lake in the first place?? It's because neither she nor my husband would allow me to make the 12 hour journey on my own. Good thing they didn't!! Someday Michael and I will own a reliable car and I'll be able to make a trip by myself. I really hope I don't have to go anywhere by myself again though. I much prefer having my loving husband with me.

luckies

2011-08-09T13:04:00.000-07:00

squash flower.

We're so blessed to have such good friends. We asked Heather and Taylor to water our garden while we're away and they are going above and beyond. Like they always do:) We are so excited about our garden. Thanks for taking care of it you guys! We just love you.

pioneer woman

2011-07-31T19:12:00.000-07:00

the only people who will care about this are my mom and Geri. I could blog about my tying my shoes and Geri would be thrilled.
My dad and my sister, Emma, are going on a pioneer trek in a couple of weeks and my mom sent me a bonnet pattern and this cute fabric to make a hat for her. Thanks for cutting the pieces out, mom!! That is my least favorite part of sewing. Without further adieu:

I am obviously not good at silly faces.

One project down. We're leaving for CA on Tuesday! Hooray!!

phone pics

2011-07-30T22:14:00.000-07:00

This is has been a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad week. Michael left us on Monday and then we immediately all got sick. I've had a cold and the girls have had some kind of stomach bug. They've been puking and diarrhea-ing (too much information?) and I've changed the sheets on our bed at least twice a day. I've also cleaned lots of carpet and given lots of baths. I probably don't need to tell you that I haven't taken very many pictures this week. Trust me, you don't want me to document what's gone on at out house. Instead, here are some recent and not so recent phone pictures. If you are my mom or Michael or Geri you've seen them all. Sorry.

I would heart my body too if it looked like this! jk, seriously, I do heart my body. It's done some pretty rad things. Like given birth to the 3 most beautiful perfect angel girls.

Speaking of angel girls!! Check her out! We were able to jump on the tramp for a few minutes today. It was the first time we'd played outside in days!

Through the chaos I have managed to water the garden almost every day. Here is our very first tiny one inch squash plant! yessss! there is hope for our sad garden.

This is from like two months ago. It's Kaylee's signature look. I call it her happy crack. Michael's not fond of that expression. He thinks it's inappropriate.

These pictures are all of Kaylee! We received a couple of bags of hand-me-downs (our fav!) and Kaylee decided to rummage through them and dress herself. Here she is wearing a size 6-9 month RAIDERS outfit. She looked even cooler in person.

For the record, no day or week in my life could really be terrible, horrible, no good, and very bad. I have to say that with the trials I have experienced I have not forgotten to count my blessings. I am blessed every single day of my life! Every hour and every minute. It would be sad and unfortunate if I refused to remember all I have to be grateful for. I am such a lucky and blessed girl! Today my grandpa told me that our trials give us character. Bring it on.

cute mcdonalds girls

2011-07-26T10:11:00.000-07:00

So yesterday I promised the girls we'd have dinner at mcD's. THEN I found leftover pancakes in the fridge and we decided to go to McDonald's for dessert. Just so you know, ice cream is completely unappetizing and rather unnecessary after a meal of pancakes and syrup. I had to force myself to finish Riley's. Tonight we are having "buh-sketti". I can't wait. Healthy(er) and soooo yummy.

oh, and I just realized that I have 300 phone pictures that I've been sending to me email account over the last five years. I can't leave them sitting there so expect to be seeing quite a few blog updates in the upcoming weeks.

kitties and cuties

2011-07-25T18:03:00.000-07:00

This weekend we went to visit Michael's aunt and uncle in Oakley, ID. While we were there the girls got to play with the cuuutest little kittens. Kaylee was in heaven. She is my animal loving girl!!

more film

2011-07-21T18:42:00.000-07:00

I don't know what happened with these last ones:( they prob would have been my favorite.

such a good mommy

2011-07-18T17:45:00.000-07:00

i don't care if sunsets are cliche...

2011-07-17T20:25:00.001-07:00

this one was pretty.

how I love this...

2011-07-16T22:42:00.000-07:00

What will we do when we don't have Rexburg or the splash park or the carousel? What will I do when I don't have tiny children anymore? I love being their mommy.

last post of the semester

2011-07-10T18:07:00.000-07:00

.... well, probably. I'm swamped. In fact, I think I'll send the internet cable to school with Michael for the week.
In the mean time, here are some photos of my beautiful children. Seriously, I am the luckiest girl in the world. I am in awe of my children and their precious spirits. I pray every day to be the best mom possible to these girls. I am so happy and lucky and blessed to be getting another one! Heaven has truly poured its blessings on me. I feel inadequate, but at the same time, I have faith that I can be the mother these children need and deserve.

ps. these are Kaylee's before and after church looks.

the 4th

2011-07-06T18:27:00.000-07:00

The 4th of July happens to be my favorite holiday. We had such a fun day but, unfortunately, much of it went undocumented. We started the day out with a parade, then we barbecued with some dear friends. I made a video of my hamburger for my photo class and I'm sure our friends thought I was just a little crazy. The day ended with fireworks, of course! We were super close to where they were being set off and our girls were SCARED! It was kind of funny:)

In Rexburg the parade has two lines of spectators. The one to the right are the misbehaved children, ready to clamor for all the candy they can get their greedy hands on. The line to the left are the parents who refuse to control their children and make them stand back. {ps. in case you can't tell, on the very left of the picture are Zach and Kaylee. This is the only pic I got of her all day:( }

For the most part we had the girls stay back with us. We did let Lily go up to the naughty-child-line once or twice so she could actually see what was happening (can you see that those kids are almost in the middle of the street??). Kaylee was perfectly content to sit on Zach's lap for the entire parade. She got up a few times to snag some candies that had been thrown over the other kids' heads.

Here are my youngest and my oldest being perfect and holding hands:)

I love this!

Riley was actually able to get one or two pieces of candy all on her own! She is lucky that she has loving big sisters who picked up lots of candy and immediately gave it to their baby sis.

Pee tickets, anyone??

And here is what I did during the bbq, rather than take pictures of our friends and their cute children... :(

summer lovin'

2011-06-29T10:24:00.000-07:00

a recipe

2011-06-28T10:21:00.000-07:00

I don't post recipes because this isn't THAT kind of blog. BUT. I am in looove with this fudge. It tastes just like the center of my favorite candy from See's, the Butterscotch Squares.

yummmmmm.

I don't remember where I found this recipe. It's originally called Penuche Fudge but I'm calling it See's Butterscotch fudge. I'm not even sure how to say p.e.n.u.c.h.e.

See's Butterscotch Fudge

2 c brown sugar (packed, of course!)
1 c white sugar
1 c heavy cream
2 TB light corn syrup
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract

Butter (or Pam) an 8x8 dish. In medium saucepan over medium heat combine everything except for the vanilla. Stir until sugar is dissolved and heat, stirring minimally, until it reaches soft ball stage (234 to 240 degrees). Remove from heat and let cool without stirring. When the bottom of the pan is warm enough to touch pour the vanilla and beat until creamy. Pour into prepared dish and let cool completely before cutting into squares.

yummmmmmm. I am trying NOT to let this be every meal.

I am not a food photographer. Don't trust the picture, trust ME. These are delicious.

Family

2011-06-26T10:58:00.000-07:00

My family was here all week while Emma went to EFY (Especially for Youth) in Provo. It was so wonderful to have them here and it's always sooooo sad to see them go. We met them down in Salt Lake and camped for one night. While we were there we were able to visit with our beloved cousins and we went to the Visitor's Center on Temple Square. Temple Square in SLC has to be one of my favorite places ever in the world. I have so many wonderful memories there going all the way back to before I even had memories!

Here are my beautiful children beneath the Christus. This was such a beautiful room and there is such a special feeling in it.
(Thanks for the cute photo Alise!)

Our family with some cousins in the mix. We were missing our brother, Zach:(

Geri and Cousin Alise

The girls were soooo done having their pictures taken by the time we got to this one. Lily's belly is cracking me up. Time to send that shirt to Kaylee's drawer!

Cousins and best friends. Alise, Geri, Rachel, Katie, Miriam, Emma

Andrew carried Emma on his shoulders and put her on top of our van. What you DON'T see are the millions of teenage boys walking by behind us while we took pictures and teased her. She was such a good sport.

ps. that building behind her is the conference center! Where General Conference is held!!

She is my angel

My mommy and my baby

Rachel, Geri, and Miriam

The girls had the best time flying their Barbie kite at the park with Grandpa.

I asked Lily what she was doing lying on the ground like this and she said, "I am a despicable human being!" You'd have had to seen Tangled to appreciate this:)

Sisters with sister-cousins in our bellies!

The best parents I could even hope for!

With our momma, right before we had to say goodbye:(

as promised...

2011-06-21T22:17:00.000-07:00

some happy news!

IT'S A GIRL!

are you surprised??

I was!! even after three girls. and I. am. THRILLED! I was hoping for another girl; the Floyd sisters are going to be the best best BEST friends!

(and don't feel sorry for my husband; he loves every bit of having all girls!)

meet Baby Girl Floyd #4

day 10 (late!)

2011-06-21T11:47:00.000-07:00

I actually didn't take a picture on day 10. That was the day our first two chickens were attacked and I guess I was sad and distracted. If I HAD taken a photo that day it would have been something like this. This is all we have left of our poor chickens:( and for the record, this is one of Nikka's feathers. Okay, LAST sad post, I promise!

day 13

2011-06-20T22:09:00.000-07:00

I love the pretty spirals that grow on our cucumber plants. These are still inside because I am terrified to transfer them to the garden. Our corn seems like its growing and we still have some carrots, but all our squash plants shriveled up. Oh, and our last chicken died too. It's a sad story but I wont tell it now. Anyways, I am failing as the "farm girl" that I so badly want to be. I'll keep these pretty plants inside until I feel like I can handle another failure! (and I'm sorry these last few posts have been so negative! Better ones are coming up!!)

days 11 and 12

2011-06-20T09:56:00.000-07:00

Our "camping" spot. We were quite surprised when we got to this campground. It was kind of like a trailer park with tents. BUT it didn't matter because we were in the best company we could hope for!

It poured rain all night and Michael and I didn't sleep soundly until 6 in the am! We couldn't even stay the next night because all our stuff was soaked even though out tent was "guaranteed to keep you dry". The fabulous news is that my parents had their camp trailer and we were able to cook and eat inside. In spite of the weather we had such a fun time with our family!

Rest in Peace Leggy and Nikka

2011-06-17T11:56:00.000-07:00

Michael went out to take care of our beloved chickens today only to find that one of them was headless and another was completely gone. I'm so sad. Our poor girls don't even know because I'm too chicken (ha!) to tell them alone.

Leggy, you were kind and beautiful.

Nikka, you were terribly mean and quite ugly and your original name {Hussy} fit you much better. But we still liked you.

Our chickens were so nice to each other. Nikka was feisty but they didn't have a pecking order like chickens normally do. Maybe they just weren't old enough... Now poor Eighty is all alone. Perhaps we'll get some chicks next year to keep her company. Or a rooster. JUST kidding.

ps. Michael and I had NOTHING to do with the naming of our chickens. The girls even came up with Hussy on their own. Don't even know where that came form.

photo journal day 9

2011-06-16T21:05:00.000-07:00

I know I KNOW! You are jumping out of your seat, this is so exciting. It's not. But it IS what I did today. If you want to buy REAL bacon bits at the store you have to pay almost 5 dollars to get two strips worth of crumbled bacon. Your other option is to pay only slightly less money for bacon flavored cardboard. Your other OTHER option that you didn't know about is to make your own!

Steps:
1) freeze your pack of bacon but not completely. {like 30 min or so}
2) open your package {important!} and cut entire mass into 1/4 in strips the long way and 1/4 in strips the short way {its okay if you cut a little bigger}
3) dump into skillet, the pieces will separate while cooking.
4) remove from skillet with slotted spoon and place on paper towels to cool
5) once cool, spread in a single layer on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze.
6) when frozen, dump the bits into a plastic baggie and put them back in the freezer!

Honestly I never even used bacon bits before my sis-in-law, Jamie, gave me the best salad recipe in the world. It's all I want to eat. Every day for the rest of my life. So I need plenty of bacon bits on hand. Plus I'm sure Michael will like to have these to sprinkle on his eggs or in his cereal or something. No one loves bacon more than he does.

i just found this...

2011-06-16T16:28:00.000-07:00

...and I think I need my bangs back.

I love them. but Michael doesn't (in fact, I'm pretty sure he the opposite of loves them). What should I do???

photojournal day 8

2011-06-15T20:58:00.000-07:00

I know this photograph wont be exciting to anyone else. But to me, it is Heaven. Especially after today!

i think i love you

2011-06-15T11:32:00.000-07:00

I have really been wanting to give film a try. so i did. and I think I might be in love...

These are from my first roll. I used my mom's old Minolta and some Fuji film from Walmart.

This camera takes me a long time to focus. Its especially hard to focus on moving children!

In case you can't tell, Kaylee is by far my easiest child to take a photo of. Definitely not what you'd expect if you know my children!

photojournal day 7 (yesterday)

2011-06-15T10:59:00.000-07:00

This is our friend Sierra (she didn't want me to take her picture). We played at the splash park yesterday and even though it was pretty much the nicest day of the year so far, it was still too cold and windy to swim. The kids were all blue lipped and frozen. Sometimes I want to say that I hate Rexburg.... but I just can't. I love it too much to hate it.

photo journal days 5 and 6

2011-06-13T14:27:00.000-07:00

Typically, I hate pictures like this. However, there is something I like about this particular one. Maybe its the lines.

This is her wake up face after a car nap. I think she's perfect:)