How Sweet It Is!

My baby is turning 10!

2011-11-28T21:47:00.001-08:00

Wow, where have the last 10 years gone? Seriously, It seems like I just found out I was expecting him.

The past ten years has been filled with fun and excitement.

Skyler is very funny and is making us laugh all the time.

He is a very sensitive little guy. Sensitive to not only his feelings, but those around him too.

He loves being an uncle to Mia and Emmett.

He is a good friend, and informed me the other day, that "I don't play with friends anymore, we hang out. Playing is for younger grades, fourth graders hang out"

He is having fun with his dad and their hunting trips. He took hunters safety this past year, and goes target shooting. He is my sweetheart! I truly feel he was saved to come to our family at this time. He is a ray of sunshine in our crazy life. Skyler, you are such a blessing in our lives, Love ya!

Skyler and Emmett

Skyler and Mia

such a serious little hunter

What a handsome guy!

I'm his favorite!

My two handsome guys!

Family Pictures

2011-10-25T22:15:00.000-07:00

Once again, it was time to have our family pictures taken. It seems like we just had them done, but It was a year and a half ago, and our family is growing so here are some of the pictures.

They were taken up South Fork, Provo Canyon by my niece Alyssa. The hard part now, is deciding which ones to enlarge. any input would be appreciated.

The whole family

Logan

Addis Family

Mauch Family

The proud parents/grandparents

Dad with his boy

Skyler

My beautiful girls

Family Vacation

2011-10-24T21:00:00.000-07:00

We decided about a year ago, that we wanted to take the family to Disneyland for Fall Break.

We headed south in three cars. Most of us stayed with my sister Diane in San Marcos that first night, while Nicole and family stayed with Chaz's grandma just up the road.

Thursday we left Di's and headed to the beach at Dana Point by San Juan Capistrano which is south of Anaheim. We had our hotel there. Friday and Saturday were filled with California adventure, and then DisneyLand.

We had so much fun being together. Just sitting around at restaurants, the beach and the parks. Hopefully some good memories were created for my kids. I know I had a great time, and pretty sure they all did too!

Here are just a few of the hundreds of photos taken this past week.

Getting ready to leave Diane's house

Di has a pond with fish, Riley and Sky tried to catch a fish

My sister Diane with Emmett

Our family at Dana Point Beach

Kelsey and Emmett

My girls

Mark and Skyler

Chaz and Riley seeing how far they could throw rocks into the ocean

Auntie Logan with Emmett and Mia

Addis Family

Logan and Skyler

Mia and Aunt Logan waiting at splash mountain

Toon town was all decked out for halloween

Skyler with cousins

My sister Melinda was down there with Scott and kids, we were able to meet up with them and go on a bunch of rides together.

Riley, Kels, Loges, and Skyler

Chaz, Nicole and Mia waiting for the parade to start

I got to take Mia on the carosel

Mark, and Emmett waiting in line for the Haunted Mansion

Waiting with the cousins

The park was all decorated for Halloween, it was fun to be there to see it.

My whole family at the end of a very long few days.

Disneyland was extremely crowded, but thanks to fast passes, and the rider swap passes, our longest wait was about 40 minutes for the haunted mansion. The fast passes are the only way to do Disneyland. Some of the wait time was 75 minutes but on those rides, we waited maybe 10 minutes thanks to the fast passes.

A trip well worth every penny spent!

Welcome Baby Emmett

2011-05-02T16:23:00.000-07:00

Introducing Emmett Riley Mauch

Born April 19

7lbs 6 ozs

19.5"

Proud parents Riley and Kelsey

Here are a few of the many pictures taken

Both my grandkids, Mia holding her new cousin

Uncle Skyler even got out of school early to c0me see his new nephew

Emmett just chillin on the couch

Isn't he just the sweetest boy ever?

I have been able to be home from work this entire week

to help with Emmett when needed.

I enjoyed every minute of it!

Baby Quilts

2011-04-13T23:00:00.001-07:00

I have decided that all my grand babies need a quilt made from grandma.

So... I have been making a few quilts lately.

This baseball quilt was made for baby Kyle Lundreen, who actually isn't a grandbaby of mine, but is the baby of Julie who is one of my daughters best friends from Jr. high on up.

Julie has always been like my 4th daughter, so I wanted to make a special quilt for them.

They are huge baseball fans, so I found a bunch of fun fabrics and had my friend Lina machine quilt the baseball patterns on the quilt. Click on the photo to see the detail in the quilting.

This quilt is for my grandson Emmett (who is due any day now)

Kelsey and I went to 7 different fabric stores to find just the right fabrics for this quilt.

She chose this fun pattern and fun colors.

We framed some of the blocks in white frames to hang above the crib.

Once again, Lina did the quilting, this time with a fun bubble pattern.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOGAN!

2011-03-29T20:20:00.000-07:00

27 years ago today, I became a mother to a beautiful little girl. Logan Marie.

She is one of the most thoughtful and giving people I know. She is always thinking of others.

Logan has always been there to help out whenever needed. sometimes when i didn't even know I was needing her, she was and still is there. jumping in and filling in for me.

I mean, just look at here isn't she beautiful? inside and out. here are a few pictures.

Just last summer

She graduated last may (with her dad)

Me and her at a temple open house

Aunt Logan and Mia

Skyler adores her!

Happy Birthday Logan...I Love Ya!

I stand corrected

2011-02-28T18:09:00.000-08:00

Ok, I really know how old my kids are. Nicole is really only 26. I can blame the incorrect age on blogging when it is late, and I should be asleep, or maybe I'm getting older and my memory is starting to go, or I was thinking of Logan's upcoming b-day and she will be 27. Or all of the above.

Happy Birthday to Nicole

2011-02-27T22:04:00.000-08:00

This post is dedicated to my Nicole. She turned 27 today. Life has definitely never been dull with her in our family. Even from the start of her life. She came 3 weeks early (thank you!) and labor was 2 1/2 hours from start to finish. (Thank you again, and I am sorry I didn't pass the fast labor gene on to you.)

Here are a few pictures...

She was blessed with an amazing husband.

She is very creative and designs and creates their costumes each halloween, and fills their home with creativeness ( if that is a word).

She is always supportive of her sibs.

And she has given us the cutest grand daughter ever.

Happy Birthday Nicole, I love you!

Look what I got for Valentine's

2011-02-14T14:55:00.000-08:00

We have been test driving cars for a month or so, had it narrowed down to a few. The pilot was always my first choice, but we needed to make sure, so we drove about every make of car out there that was in the cross-over type of car. Once Mark drove the pilot, he was convinced this was the vehicle for us. Yay, for new cars. Actually it is used a 2009 with really low miles.

Happy Valentines to me (and Mark)since it really is for the family but since he put that heart on the window, don't you think it's mine?

Christmas 2010

2010-12-26T22:00:00.000-08:00

I have found through the years, my whole perspective of Christmas has changed. As a child, the gifts were always such a huge part, not only getting stuff, but the giving, I remember shopping for my brothers and sisters, and how excited I was to give them what i had found, just for them. In high school, i remember a family of a good friend of mine that really needed help, especially at Christmas, so we as a girls cross-country team would make ornaments, and sell them to raise money to buy gifts for that family. I remember going with my dad to take a Christmas tree to them and seeing how excited they were. Nothing felt so good as it did to take them Christmas leave it on their porch, ring and run, then hide in some bushes across the street and see the looks on their faces, and the tears coming from their mom.

Now as a mom and grandma, I love to see the joy on the faces of my family as they open their gifts, but even more than that, the fun they have drawing names, and finding that perfect gift for each other.

I love being with myfamily. both my own little family, and my extended family. That is now, what brings me the most joy.

I love the Christmas spirit, that the celebration of our Savior Jesus Christ brings.

Here are a few pictures of this most wonderful day!

Our ward does a Christmas Eve breakfast every year.

This year, Santa dropped in for a brief visit

Mia loved Skyler's harry potter glasses, and opening gifts

All the guys got nerf guns. It was full on war at our house. Bullets were flying everywhere.

Who would have thought these "grown" men would have so much fun?

The girls in their reindeer jama pants

Logan made a cloak for Skyler, and got him some harry potter glasses.

The Addis Family

The Mauchs

Logan finally found the pickle... every year, one of he sibs would find it, She was determined to find it this year, and her determination paid off.

Santa came to our house...and stuff to each other.

Christmas crafting

2010-12-08T22:03:00.000-08:00

I have always wanted to decorate the outside of our house. So this year, I decided to start a major craft project... we made these giant ornaments to hang on our porch.

Mark cut all the ornaments out of masonite

Nicole and Kelsey painted...

and glittered...

I painted and glittered some more...

Until we had made 12-15" , and 18-10"

ornaments. I am still finding glitter throughout my house.

Thank you to my wonderful husband, who hung all these

while I was at work one night. He is such a trooper to put up with all my seasonal decorating.

9 years ago today....

2010-11-29T22:41:00.000-08:00

...Our sweet little Skyler was born. He has been such a blessing to our family.

He makes us laugh. He makes us cry (happy tears), he is very sensitive to the spirit, smart, loves to make voice impressions, loves harry potter books and movies, loves legos, being with his family, and playing with friends. The past 9 years have been tons of fun. Love ya Sky!

Skyler at our family party, yay for Harry Potter legos!

We went bowling for his friends party, They had a blast.

I tried to get a serious picture, not one! I didn't even ask them

to pose goofy, this is just how they were the entire time!

Then back to our house for cupcakes and ice cream.

We missed you Aiden and Kyler!

Halloween 2010

2010-10-31T21:46:00.000-07:00

I think like having Halloween on a Sunday. It spread the festivities over a three day period.

Friday was the school party and costume parade. Saturday was filled with carving pumpkins, making sugar cookies, and then trick-or-treating. Sunday was just a nice relaxing day with a nice family dinner. (I did decorate the table all halloweenish).

The only one I don't have pictures of is Logan. She and her roommate Mare were Mario and Luigi. Hopefully she will post their fun pictures on her blog. All my girls made their own costumes. Ya, they are pretty amazing!

Here are a few pictures of our weekend of fun.

Little bumble bee Mia

The Addis Family as bees and bee keeper, Nicole made all of their costumes.

Army Man Skyler and Mia

Kelsey with her skeleton shirt that she and Nicole made.

Skyler posing

Chaz,Skyler,Mia,Nicole, and Kelsey

Mia and Skyler

The finished pumpkins

Mark and Skyler

Skyler ready for the parade at school

Skyler's third grade, has been learning about economics. They had to make some products to sell, then sell them at school. He (with a little help from mom and sisters), made pinwheels and bookmarks. He had a lot of fun, but was a little bummed when he found out the money they earned, went to their classroom fund for field trips.

Fall Fun

2010-10-17T19:46:00.000-07:00

I love The Fall Season. The weather starts to cool down, and it is the start of the holiday season. I took this past week off work, and enjoyed some time with my family. A few of our traditions this time of year were captured in pictures, so here goes... we went to our family cabin for an evening of dinner and games.

Mare-Kels-Logan

Skyler- Sharon

Nicole-Mia-Chaz

Kelsey -Riley

Mark-Skyler

Mark and Skyler at Cascade Springs

Skyler and Sharon and Cascade Springs

Mark-Sharon-Skyler, every conference weekend, in between sessions we drive up Provo Canyon to enjoy the fall leaves.

Nicole-Kelsey-Mia and Logan at the witches festival at gardners Village

Mia at Gardners Village

Kels-Nicole-Mia-Skyler-Logan-Sharon

Me and Skyler spent Some time on Sat. at Cornbellys

Skyler climbed the rock wall

We went on a hayride...(I have no idea who that random guy is.)

Skyler

Which way do we go? We even tried the corn maze.

It was a beautiful week to be off work.

Family Vacation

2010-08-20T19:05:00.000-07:00

We loaded up the car, and headed up north to Jackson Hole, WY. and Yellowstone. Mark, Skyler and I drove up and Chaz, Nicole, and Mia met us up there. Chaz and Skyler had never been there, so we were excited to show them what it was all about up there. I can sum it all up in one word...AMAZING!

It had been about 13 years since we had taken the girls there. So Mark and I were pretty stoked to go there also, not to mention Nicole who was so excited, she had her list of animals she wanted to see. The weather was perfect, the scenery beautiful, and the animals... we saw everything we wanted, except a bear.

Here are a few pictures of our trip.

The famous arch in Jackson

view of Tetons

Mark and Skyler, Alpine slide

Sharon and Skyler waiting at the top of slide

One of the Bull Moose we saw

Lewis Falls, Yellowstone

Tetons, See that tallest peak? my Brother Andy

Hiked to the top of that. CRAZY!

Old Faithful, and a few of the Buffalo we saw.

Moose just chillin

Castle Guyser

Nicole, Chaz and a very tired Mia

Jenny Lake in the Tetons.

Every Heart Beats True, for the RED, WHITE and BLUE...

2010-07-06T21:45:00.000-07:00

I just love the 4th of July. I don't think I have missed the parade in Provo in 40 something years. Even when we lived in Nevada, we would make sure we came back to visit for all the festivities.

I look forward to it even more now that I have my own little family to enjoy it all with.

My sister Diane always comes here from San Diego and spends the week, and my brother Andy from Idaho comes for all the festivities. It has been non-stop fun for the past week. It always includes; dinner at Mama Chus, shopping, lunch, late nights up talking, as well as the 4th events which included hiking to Stewart Falls, Stadium of Fire which by the way, was amazing with Carrie Underwood. Parade eve party at my brother in laws office in Provo. His office is near the parade route, so the kids 12 and older "sleep" on the parade route to save our spot, while the younger ones sleep in the office. Nicole and Chaz (with Mia in the stroller), ran the 10K freedom run, and Riley ran the 5K. The rest of join the kids for the parade. After the parade we head on over to my sister and brother in laws house to BQ, Swim, Eat snow cones, and enjoy each others company. It is a party that is anticipated by all every year.

Here are some pictures of the festivities.

Skyler at Stewart Falls. It is a four mile round trip hike.

Stewart Falls

Me, Skyler, Chaz with Mia in the pack, Nicole and Logan

Nicole Chaz and Mia

Some of the cousins

Hard to see, but thats Carrie Underwood.

260 Boy Scouts all received their Eagle scout award there at the Stadium.

My nephew Alex was one of them.

My sister Melinda got to go on stage with him.

Logan, Marianne, Riley, Kelsey

Melinda, Jackson, Skyler, Brandon, Drew

Jackson, Skyler and Drew, waiting for the parade to start

Mia

Logan and Mia

Riley and Kelsey

Mia loves her grandpa

Skyler

Mark, Skyler and Me

Mark and Skyler at the pool party

Logan and Kelsey

Skyler, Mia, Chaz and Nicole

Mia

Nicole and Mia

Riley and Kelsey

Logan, chillin by the pool with her snowcone.

I just love everything about this day. I love this beautiful country that we live in. I am so grateful to be in America where I can enjoy the freedoms we have. I am grateful for those service men and women that serve our country. I am proud to be an American, and proud to fly our countries flag.

Kool-aid anyone?

2010-06-03T12:58:00.000-07:00

We have some little entrepreneurs on our hands. Each day this week, Skyler, Aiden and Kyler have been selling kool-aid on the corner. The first day, Kyler and Skyler were out there, and a very nice man came and bought two cups, and gave them a ten dollar bill telling them that this was their lucky day. They sold a few more at 25 cents a cup. The next day the three of them made $6.75. So far today... about 5.00 total. Check out their pictures, love the poses!

Family Pictures 2010

2010-05-31T20:26:00.000-07:00

Since our family has added two members this year, it was time for new family pictures. It was a feat in itself, just to get everyone together at the same time, and have the weather cooperate. Finally, we had success.

So, here are a "few" in no certain order.

Addis Family

Mauch Family

Uncle Skyler and Mia

Skyler

The whole family.

Logan

Kels and Riley, again

Sweet baby Mia

We took over 400 pictures, and probably had 100 of just Mia.

Just the kids

I love this one!

Pat-a-cake

Mark and I

Grandma and Grandpa with Mia

UVU Class of 2010

2010-05-01T16:37:00.000-07:00

A few years ago, I thought this day would never come. As I walked into the Event Center, and saw all the graduates seated I was overcome with emotion. Then again as they moved their tassels from one side the right side to the left, once again emotions came out, and I couldn't even see where Mark and Logan were sitting. Just knowing they were there in that large group of graduates got to me. Then when they both walked out with the whole graduation song going... well lets just say it was an emotional day. I think partly just glad its all done, no more classes, no more late hours doing homework, and no more tests.

Needles to say, I am very proud of Mark for sticking with it when it hasn't been the easiest thing to do amidst surgeries and just plain not feeling well most of the time.

I am also very proud of Logan for setting this goal to graduate, and accomplishing it. She has worked very hard through these past years, and it has all paid off.

Mark graduated first, the Logan. It was good to have the support of family and friends for Mark and Logan.

We had Family and friends over for a graduation celebration at our house that night. Lots of support, THANKS EVERYONE!

So, here are a "few" pictures of the days events

Nicole helped me make this sign, that blew down to a crumpled mess in the corner of the porch by the time we got home from graduation. I'm glad I got a picture first.

My girls waiting for Mark's ceremony to start

Thanks to the D.S. Skyler and cousin Mckay kept entertained

I think Riley is realizing that Kelsey got her need for pictures of every event from me.

Mark with his diploma

Skyler and Mark

Logan just getting her diploma

A very blurry picture of the family, whats up with my camera?

The graduates together

Mark and I

Pinewood derby

2010-04-28T21:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Skyler's first pinewood derby. He has spent many hours in the garage with Mark choosing a design, cutting, sanding, spray painting, and then assembling the car. It was a fun Father/Son project for them both to work on. I kept teasing Mark asking him whose car this really was, his or Skyler's. But in all reality, Mark made Skyler choose the design, help cut it out, sand it, choose the color of paint, and do the spray painting, and then assemle it. Mark did make sure he put lots of paper on the garage floor, and move the car out of the way so we didn't have yellow paint everywhere.

It was a fun night, and brought back many memories back from my 5 brothers and all their cars.

Here are a few pictures of the event.

Here is Skyler and Brother Gaisfordgiving Skyler his award. My dad made these really cool stands for each boy to display his car on.

Aiden and Skyler with their cars.

Skyler picked this unique design for his car.

I kept trying to get him to model it after a cool hot wheel he had, but he was set on this. It ended up turning out to be a pretty cool car.

Mark and Skyler, isn't he so handsome in his uniform?

A very Happy Birthday ...

2010-03-28T14:08:00.000-07:00

to my daughter Logan Marie. She turns 26 on March 29th. As I look back at the past 26 years, I have so many thoughts of Logan. Being the first child, she got to be our "Guinea pig" on raising children. only to find out every child is different, and what worked for her, not necessarily would work for the next one. She has been a joy in my life. A great example of who I want to become. Thank you to Logan for helping to hold our family together. And I hope you have a wonderful birthday....you deserve it!

Miniature Golfing for FHE they all got holes in one!

Logan and Skyler Mirror Lake

Nicole and Logan Halloween 2008

Kelsey and Logan at the air show 2009

Kelsey, Skyler, Nicole and Logan Dec 2009

Family pictures 2007

Family pictures 2008

cake decorating 101

2010-03-17T22:23:00.001-07:00

Nicole decided she wanted to take a cake decorating class. Even though I already decorate cakes to a pretty much amateur level, I thought it would be a fun mother/daughter bonding thing. Besides since I am an employee at Michaels, I can take the class for free. Logan who already took the class a few years ago, thought it sounded fun to join in, and even has her friend Mariane taking it with us. (Kelsey has school that night or she would have joined in the fun, miss ya Kels!)

So with all that said, I made my first cake in the class. It was shall we say... a DISASTER!

It got stuck in the pan, fell apart frosting it, then after getting it to look "Ok" slid in the carrier on the way to class... see Exhibit A.

The finished product (Exhibit B) turned out ok, as long as you look at the other side of the cake. Next week, I am going to make cupcakes and decorate them, because really , how bad can you mess up cupcakes?

Let the games begin!

2010-02-12T22:31:00.000-08:00

Whether they are the summer games or the winter games, I love the Olympics! I just finished watching the opening ceremonies, and found my self getting emotional when our athletes came into the the stadium. I feel so proud to be a part of this great nation.

There is just something about the competition of it all, the inspirational stories, all the athletes that worked so hard to get there, and the time it seems to bring the world together for a few brief weeks.

It brought back so many memories of 8 years ago when we had the games here in Salt Lake.

My favorite part of the Olympics is when the U.S.A. wins a gold medal and we get to see our flag raised, and hear our national anthem. So...for the next few weeks I will be glued to the TV. (Yea for DVR)

GO U.S.A.

Christmas with the Kosters

2009-12-27T20:16:00.001-08:00

Christmas is my favorite time of the year for several reasons.
1. FAMILY
2. Decorating. I love to decorate for the holidays. Mark used to call me the physco decorator, but now he is used to it, and just goes along with it.
3. Celebrating the birth of our Savior.
4. Christmas music and the feelings of peace and the Christmas spirit it brings. love it!
5. did I mention FAMILY? I love getting together with my family. both my own children and my extended family.
6. Traditions, from the sugar cookies (Skyler calls them frosting cookies), candy making with my mom and sister Melinda. Clegg Christmas party complete with Bingo and chimes, Driving around looking at lights, just to name a few.

So, here are a few pictures of the days events.

I have this snowman in our entryway, that thanks to Skyler, became our secret service agent this year. I feel so safe knowing we are being protected!

Santa came to our house. Yes, the time on the clock is 12:50 a.m. and Skyler woke up at 4:00 am wanting to open gifts. We made him wait until 6:30.

The newlyweds, Kels and Riley

Addis family, Chaz, Nicole and Mia

Skyler wide awake and loving every minute of Christmas morning

Logan and Skyler, Logan had shoulder surgery last week, but managed to open things left handed. Skyler's favorite gift, was the Wii.

Grandma, Grandpa and Mia. of course she was just as happy with the gift wrap and bows as she was with what was in the package.

We hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas. We sure did!

Blessings, Birthdays, & Baptisms

2009-12-06T20:46:00.000-08:00

This past few months has been busy for us. Each of our kids have had a major event in their lives. Two through the temple, a wedding, a blessing, and now the baptism. I feel so blessed to have four wonderfuly amazing children. here are a few pictures of a few of those events.

Sweet little Mia. We had the blessing here at our home.
We had 62 people here to support Chaz, Nicole and Mia.
and share this special day.

I just love those little toes!

Isn't she so sweet!

Chaz, Nicole and Mia

Skyler turned 8

Logan made him this hamburger cake

Nicole and Chaz found Donkey Kong 3, his favorite gift.

Skyler's baptism day

Skyler just before the baptism. Skyler's primary class

It was a very special day for Skyler. He had tons of family there to be with him. His school teacher even came. He had Riley give the talk on baptism. His primary class (minus a few, we missed you Aiden) sing a song, and his cousin Alex give the talk on the Holy Ghost. I can't believe my baby is now 8 and baptized. just like the saying "I can't believe how fast he has grown up" or "seems like he was just a baby" but ya, that is how I feel. Love ya Sky!

just a few pictures

2009-11-18T21:30:00.001-08:00

Here are a few pictures from Kelsey and Riley's wedding. some from the temple, and then a few from the reception. It was a very nice day, the weather ended up being decent at the Temple.
It was a little chilly at night, so Noah's reception center let us move from the roof-top down to the Main Ballroom. They were so accomadating and were so helpful from setting the room up for us, to scrambling around to get the video to work and just making sure everything was perfect for us. THANK YOU NOAH'S!

The Beautiful Bride

So Happy

My Kids

My family

my 3 amazing daughters

The reception and Nicole, Kelsey and Logan

Daddy and his little girl

Logan was one of the bridesmaids

What a handsome Group of guys!

My favorite picture of Mia at the wedding

The Candy table was a hit

Nicole, Chaz and Mia

One more of the family

Melinda, Diane and me. My sisters are the best!

This is just a sampling of their big day. We had so much support from friends and family. Family came from California, Oregon, Idaho, and Arizona to share this day with us. THANKS!

Where did the last two months go?

2009-10-04T19:37:00.000-07:00

The last two months my life has been filled with.....

Kelsey's Bridal shoot, me and Skyler paused for a picture

Doesn't she look happy?!

One of my favorite of Kelsey's bridals

Skyler started 2nd grade

Sweet Baby Mia

Uncle Skyler and Mia

This past few months have been filled with planning a wedding, playing with Mia whenever I can, and Skyler and I drove down to San Diego with my parents to go to my nephews mission talk. It was a quick trip, but tons of fun. I did have picutres to document the trip, but since I accidently hit delete all on my camera... well ENTIRE TRIP ERASED! In-n-out burger, Beach, fishing with cousin Eric at the pond in his yard, catching lizzards in Aunt Dianes house. Gone, all gone. I guess we need to plan another trip so I can get more pictures!

I'ts a Girl!

2009-07-25T20:09:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures of our new sweet little granddaughter. I may be a bit biased, but isn't she the most beautiful baby?!

Mia Nicole Addis arrived at 9:47 pm July 24th.

She weighed in at 7lbs. 10 ozs. She is 20" long.

Proud parents are Chaz and Nicole Addis

Uncle Skyler just loves Mia, and thought he should get to hold her first. Sorry Skyler, Grandma got to!

We just love this little girl, and are so greatful she is here after a loooong labor and delivery for Nicole. She is well worth it!

A Quilt for Baby Mia

2009-07-05T21:07:00.001-07:00

I decided, that Baby Mia needed a quilt from her grandma. Having never made a pieced quilt before, I was'nt sure what I wanted to make, so thanks to my mom and her collection of patterns, I came up with this one. Nicole wanted BRIGHT, and that is what she got. It was fun to find all the different fabrics, and fun to put together. I just loved the butterfly fabric I found for the back. Hopefully by my next post, she will be here!

July 4th festivities

2009-07-05T20:16:00.000-07:00

I love holidays! The 4th of July is one of my favorites. I have so many childhood memories of this holiday, and hope to be making memories for my children that they too can look back on some day. I want them to know of my love for this beautiful country that we live in, I am so grateful for my freedoms. My dad has instilled in me a great respect for our nations flag.

With all that said, here are a few pictures of some of the events of the past few days.

A few weeks ago, Skyler and I attended a flag retirement ceremony. His tiger cub pack went and helped get the flags ready to retire. They tied strings to all corners of the flags, so they boy scouts could carry the flags and place over the fire. If you have never been to a flag retirement, I would recommend it. It is an emotional thing to see.

Friday, We had a baby shower for Nicole and baby Mia. This baby has quite the supply of quilts and clothes. Thanks to Kay and Valerie for hosting the shower!

Skyler, Drew and Brandon waiting for the parade to begin.

Swimming at Scott and Melinda's pool. Every year, the party is at the Stones. Always filled with swimming, barbequing, swimming, food, swimming, sno cones, tennis, volleyball and did I mention swimming? My sister Melinda is such a trooper, it is her birthday on the 4th, and she always hosts the party... Thanks Melinda!

We all watched the fireworks together, and lit off a few of our own. Lots of fun and more memories made!

Oh, what do you do in the summertime...

2009-06-14T22:04:00.000-07:00

Me, Skyler, Mark, Kelsey and Logan

We went to the Air show at Hill Airforce. We went there mostly to see the Thunderbirds perform. They were awesome!

Kelsey and Logan, waiting for the show to start.

Skyler and Mark by some old plane. Skyler thought he would solute in every picture, we don't know why, but it was pretty funny. (Note: see Marks wheel chair, with that and his handi cap parking pass, we got great parking right next to the gate... Thanks Mark!) I tried to get some pictures of the thunderbirds, but they flew too fast, and I could never quite catch them in my pictures! Must be the camera... or probably the photographer. ha ha. Thanks to my sister Melinda who must be a better photographer, and took the top picture of the two jets.

Our favorite place to visit in the summer, is SUMMER SNOW. It has hands down the best shave ices around. I always get the usual, half cherry, half grape. Skyler tries something different everytime. We already have one punch card filled up. If you haven't ever tried one, I highly recommend one. WARNING... you may become addicted.

The otheer BIG thing we have done so far this summer, was to go to the REO SPEEDWAGON/STYX concert. Mark and I went with my brother Rob and his wife Laurie. We stopped for dinner on the way up to the RIO Tinto stadium in Salt lake. It was a rockin night. I had forgotten how fun concerts are, especially outdoor ones.

I LOVE SUMMER!

Koster's Rehabilitaion Center

2009-05-24T20:15:00.000-07:00

This past week and a half have been sort of crazy here at our house. On the 14th Mark went in for surgery on his hip. He has had problems with it for quite some time. Through an MRI,they found torn cartiledge and tendons in there, so they went in to repair the damage. They had to dis-locate the hip in order to get to the damage. When they got in there, They found a "crater" in his bone, that was causeing the tearing. The cut a section of bone out, filled it with bone wax ( whatever that is) repaired the tears then put it all back together with two long screws. We do have tons of pictures of the surgery. I could scan them in, but I will spare you the grossness. He's as good as new....Well almost. We have 3-4 months of no weight or pressure on the hip. He stayed in the hospital for 3 days, then we brought him home. We moved Skyler's twin bed into the family room, and set up a place for him to rest. We have a home nurse who comes in every few days to check on him as well as a physical therapist.

Kelsey had her gall bladder removed last Tuesday, and joined the make shift hospital room. The funny thing is, Logan came down with strep on Wednesday. Ok, It probably wasn't funny to Logan, but what else could I do but laugh, and say... NEXT!
As I was getting Skyler off to school on Thursday, he said' Mom, Me and you are the only healthy ones in our house!"

The good news is, Logan is much better, and Kelsey is on the mend and doing much better. Mark on the other hand, well if you know Mark, its going to be a loooong summer for all of us.

To view our "hospital room" visit this...
Thanks for the phone calls, visits, and support. Logan for giving Mark his daily shots, Nicole for the "drug runs" to Walgreens, Skyler for retrieving popsicles, Kelsey for being such a great patient, Jody and Katrina at work for being there to get me through my meltdown at work. Chaz for keeping our lawn mowed. How Blessed am I to have such wonderful support!

007---The new Bond

2009-05-10T14:35:00.000-07:00

The other night, Skyler thought he would dress up, and be "special agent S". He came down stairs dressed in his suit and had a gun and binoculars. He went and cut one of my tulips and pinned it to his lapel. It was a secret spy camera and microphone. Later he was found in the tree "spying" on the neighbor boys playing ball. Oh, to have the imagination of a child!

Back Home!

2009-05-04T11:24:00.000-07:00

Can't you just tell by this picture one reason I am so happy Logan and Kelsey have moved back home... NEVER ENDING FUN!!!

Logan and Kelsey have come back home at least for the summer, for Kelsey, and longer for Logan. Here are just a few reasons I just love having them home...

1- The smell of them baking yummy treats.

2- Their laughter

3- Kelsey singing

4- Having their friends over

5- Their always willingness to help out with Skyler

6- The spirit that they always carry, flows over into our home... I love it!

Although I know I can't keep them home forever, I am going to take it all in, and enjoy every minute of it!

Mom....I love you

2009-04-16T22:04:00.000-07:00

Here's a conversation that I had with Skyler in the car tonight...

Sky- Mom...(long pause)... I Love You. Sometimes I just say I Love You because I forgot what I was going to say.

Me- That's ok, you can say I love you all the time if you want.

Sky- Don't you think it would be really annoying if I said "I Love You" over and over all day long?

I hope 10 years from now, he will still tell me he loves me... even if it is sometimes because he forgot what to say!

These eggs are to DYE for!

2009-04-14T11:20:00.000-07:00

Easter weekend was a whirlwind of activities that left me wondering "where did the weekend go?"

Here are are the highlights of the weekend. The pictures are in no certain order.

It started with the every holiday tradition of making sugar cookies. I made over 100 cookies and 2 dozen cupcakes. The cupcakes were for Skyler's 1st grade class Easter party. The cookies all went to Friends, family and 3 work places...(Michaels, Arrowstar Const., and Dr. Parkinsons).

Saturday morning we had the annual Easter egg hunt at my sister Melinda's house. there were plenty of eggs, and lots of fun.

Sunday was the best. The Easter bunny found our house, and even had a little baby blanket for baby Mia. (aren't grandmas supposed to spoil the grandkids?) All my kids were here for dinner, and we had my parents over as well. I love having my family all together, lots of food, laughing and good memories.

Here's to first's...

2009-03-29T21:01:00.000-07:00

So, Here is my attempt at blogging. Being that I am pretty much computer challenged, this will be interesting, so here goes...

I decided that my FIRST blog would be about my FIRST daughter, Logan Marie. Today is her 25th birthday. She is always willing to help out, talented, smart, beautiful, amazing, and an angel in every sense of the word. I love you LOGAN!