Brian & Audrey Victor Family

More Crew Pictures

2011-11-28T14:03:00.000-08:00

I finally got a chance to go out and take Crew's birthday pictures today!

I had to order the large balloons online,

so they weren't here for his birthday.

Then the throw-ups started going around.

Then it was windy!

So today was the day!

I love how they turned out.

What a cute little man I have!

Crew's Birthday

2011-11-22T13:51:00.000-08:00

My baby turned a year old yesterday!

How can that be?

They grow so slow inside my tummy,

then they come out and time flies by!

Look how he's grown!

Picture Chaos!

2011-11-18T09:55:00.000-08:00

Does anyone else have this hard a time trying to take pictures?

Maybe having eight kids under the age of nine has something to do with it!

Aren't they a good lookin' bunch of cousins?

And one smokin' hot proud Grandma!

Trying for a Christmas Card

2011-11-02T07:27:00.000-07:00

After the last attempt and having to many of the pictures not turn out,

I borrowed a camera from a good friend to try to get a picture for the Christmas card.

These all didn't make the cut,

the kids are becoming less and less tolerant of my picture taking.

I did manage to get one for the card, so that is done!

Can you say Yay!?

Camera Testing

2011-10-18T09:14:00.000-07:00

I took the kids out on the mesa trying to test my camera.

It's been acting pretty funny lately, giving me blurry pictures or not wanting to shoot at all.

I was able to catch these though out of nearly 100 pictures shot.

I love my kiddos and can't believe how fast they're growing.

They are all so much fun at the stages they're at though.

I can't believe we have another one on the way!

In case you' re wondering

2011-10-07T15:45:00.000-07:00

We had our ultrasound today for baby number 6!

Yes we are crazy!

But if your gonna do it, better getter done!

Baby BOY is due March 19th

(imagine baby is sitting on a glass table and your looking up from underneath)

Nasty!

2011-07-30T18:08:00.000-07:00

This is an actual conversation I had with Bode only moments ago as I was clipping his fingernails after his bath...

Bode (as he's pulling his hand from mine) "Don't clip my fingernails! I like them long!"

Me (knowing how the boy likes to pick his nose) "I know why you want them long, so you can pick your nose."

Bode (with a little chuckle) "I like to pick my nose. And eat my buggers when I'm hungry."

Me (totally grossed out at this point, I knew he picked not ate) "Bode, just tell me when you get hungry. I'll feed you food, not buggers."

Bode "But when I don't like the food, then I like the buggers."

So obviously I need to make him eat dinner, even when he doesn't like the food.

Otherwise he's going to fill up on BUGGERS!

NASTY!!

I have the neatest friends!

2011-06-21T17:23:00.000-07:00

My talented friend Nicole watched a few of my kiddos

for a few hours this morning while I ran errands.

This is how they looked when I returned!

(a peacock, chosen by Hayley)

(a butterfly of course)

(and a dragon)

I love it!

And she did all this while watching eight kids!

Pretty amazing! Thanks Nicole!

A New Ride!

2011-06-06T18:54:00.000-07:00

(for Crew, that is)

Look what I got for my birthday!

I have a bike trailer already but the four older kids all know how to ride

and Crew just doesn't sit well enough on his own to ride in that alone.

So I asked for a seat to go on my bike.

And Crew loves it!

He fell asleep on his first ride in it.

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!!!!

2011-06-01T06:54:00.000-07:00

HELLO SUMMER!

Yesterday was the kids last day of school!

I can't believe how fast this year went.

The kids did awesome in school and had a lot of fun.

I thought it would be fun to compare pictures from the first and last day.

I think Hannah has definately grown the most.

She looks so much older to me.

I'm going to miss my little kinder :)

Gone is the look of worry from this studly kid!

And look at my little poser!

It really went by too fast!

Riding Popcorn

2011-05-13T12:37:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday the kids and I headed out to my Mom's while Brian was at the station.

After Silas got home we went down to Great Grandpa's barn to see the new baby,

and to ride old Popcorn.

Hayley was so excited to get to ride by herself.

They were in the round pen most of the time,

but she even got to ride in the wide open spaces for a bit.

She loved it!

Gage and Bode thought it was fun to get Popcorn going!

It wasn't even a trot, but the boys were sliding off and having fun!

Silas even showed the kids how to mount the horse!

Easter Pics

2011-04-22T09:13:00.000-07:00

I took the kids out to try to get some pictures the other day.

Man is it difficult with FIVE!

I didn't get as good as pictures as I had envisioned, but they did OK.

I really love the location, maybe I'll try again.

Part of the problem was the darn sun.

Maybe we'll get an overcast day soon and I can try again.

This is the best I could get of them all.

Crew would hardly look up because the sun was too bright.

He's definitely not smiling like the Crew we're used to.

His Faux-Hawk fell!

2011-04-09T08:52:00.000-07:00

And this is how he feels about it!

My baby needs to stop growing

2011-03-21T19:24:00.000-07:00

He's four months old already?!

I really don't like how fast time flies when talking about my babies.

I have been eating him up and am in no hurry for him to hit those milestones.

I want him to stay a baby forever.

Crew has really discovered his voice this month.

He loves to hear himself talk, and scream, and growl!

He knows how to get our attention when he wants it, and I love it!

I really need to video the growl, cause its the cutest!

I just love him to pieces!

Bode's Four Year Pictures

2011-03-14T07:27:00.000-07:00

So last week I finally got around to taking Bode's four year birthday pics.

The morning we went out it was raining, (which you can't tell in the pics, but it was)

Being overcast made for perfect lighting, but also hides the mountains which would have been in these shots.

I guess you can't have everything.

Bode did great and even smiled between making funny faces at me.

I can't believe my baby is getting so big.

He's showing me how old he is!

A little bit of Crew

2011-03-05T07:28:00.000-08:00

We bought Crew a new toy.

I think he likes it, don't you?

And who can resist a naked baby?

I'm just loving this!

TOO CUTE!

Crew Bear

2011-02-22T18:09:00.000-08:00

Yesterday my sweet baby turned three months.

I am in no hurry to have him grow so fast, so somebody please stop time.

I love how smiley and happy he is.

I have been blessed with good babies, but I think he is the best yet.

Maybe that comes with being number five.

Look how much he's grown! 

Laughing All The Time!

2011-02-09T14:53:00.000-08:00

Crew has started to laugh on a regular basis now.

It's so darn cute!

How was your week?

2011-02-05T10:08:00.000-08:00

It has been a long week at our house.

We had a COLD storm blow in to NM and it was COLD!

So cold, in fact, that the kids had off school...

Tuesday because of snow,

Wednesday because of freezing temperatures,

Thursday because it was so cold the diesel gelled up for the buses,

and Friday because NM is running out of gas to heat the schools.

What is that?! Running out of gas?

So there has been a lot of lounging around at our house.

(also alot of fighting, kids telling me they're bored, and kids being in each others space)
The kids got their fill of more Wii time,

They got to have friends over to play,

And we all had fun snuggling with Crew.

Who doesn't enjoy holding a sweet baby?

Needless to say, we are ready for school to be back next week.

We all need some structure back!

My little Diva!

2011-01-30T19:36:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I asked the kids if they wanted to go on a bike ride

Of course they all wanted to go,

so I asked them to get ready.

This is how Hayley came out of her room.And serious too!
I, of course, made her change into something more appropriate for the activity at hand.
FUNNY GIRL!

This little piggy...

2011-01-25T19:56:00.000-08:00

Bode likes it when I play "This little Piggy" with his toes.

The other day I caught him doing the same with Crew.

Only this is what I heard, "This little piggy went to Target..."

Cousins on the Porter side

2011-01-22T08:20:00.000-08:00

My sister and her family are in town this weekend.

And what do we do when all the cousins are together?

Take a picture, of course!

Crew had his two month shots earlier that morning

and was running a fever, so he was not having it.

Otherwise we'd have gone to a neat outdoor location

But I think we did OK

Considering there are 8 kids under 8!

And what a good lookin' bunch of cousins if I do say so myself!

8 Weeks Already?

2011-01-16T15:11:00.000-08:00

This boy is getting so smiley!

I LOVE IT!

Last night while grabbing a few things at Walmart,

I decided to grab a pack of socks and try these leg warmers.

I'd seen them before I was even pregnant and knew I wanted them.

Then I found out how to make my own and decided to try.

They turned out so cute I just had to make a shirt to match for church today.

LOVE IT!

I love my baby!

2011-01-07T15:35:00.000-08:00

I can't believe how big my baby is getting!

It really makes me sad how fast time goes.
He is smiling now and I especially love his big eyes looking right at me.
He is so fun to have around!

Coreen's little guy Cole is infatuated with Crew.

Everytime he sees him he wants to touch him

and kiss him and feel his face against his own. Its pretty cute.

After several kisses Cole said, "Hold you" and tried to pick Crew up.

So I sat Cole down and put Crew on his lap.

Look how happy he is holding his cousin.

Happy Birthday Gage

2011-01-05T20:24:00.000-08:00

Today my first little man turned 7!

I think he had a pretty fun day.

He got to stay home from school and do whatever he wanted ALL DAY!

He played the new Wii (which he got a few games for)

He went shopping and picked out his own birthday outfit

Seen below in these birthday pics that he posed himself for and chose the location.

He really is enjoying the new Wii.

Of course he got his cake. . .

And some more presents!

He got not one, but two nerf guns.

We couldn't have him running around shooting unarmed targets.

So the second he has to share with whoever he's attacking!

All the kids had fun with those guns.

We might have to buy a few more! :)

Gage is my sweet little boy.

I love him to pieces and I'm so proud to be his Mom.

He really is tender and (most of the time) wants to make everyone happy.

Of course he's all boy and goes around punching and kicking everywhere,

But his personality is so sweet and reserved.

I love the kisses he gives me without having to ask for them

And I love how quick he is to obey,

not only Brian and I, but our Heavenly Father.

He really tries to do whats right and I can already see his little testimony growing inside.

I wish he'd stay little forever.

Brian's Fire Crew

2010-12-31T21:09:00.000-08:00

Today Brian's crew asked if I could take their pictures.

It is their last shift together before the shift change at the new year.

The photo shoot was scheduled for 3pm which would have given adequate light for a good photo.

I showed up (along with all five kiddos) just as they got called out of course :)

So we sat around for about an hour hoping it would be a quick call, no luck!

So we went home, only to get called back about half an hour later.

So I get all the kids loaded again, and as I'm pulling out of the driveway, Brian cancels me cause they got called out. :)

So we go back in the house and finally at about five Brian calls and they are headed back to the station.

So we load up a third time and race over to the station trying to beat the sun going down.

(all this in 20 degree weather, can we say BRRRR!)

No such luck! It was pretty far gone by the time we got to take pictures so these aren't as good as I'd hoped to get.

I really had to work some magic in photoshop but they turned out OK.

Brian has had fun with these guys but will be moving to another shift for the new year.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-27T12:01:00.000-08:00

It has become a tradition of ours to help Brian's parents set up the luminarias on Christmas Eve.

They live on a cul-de-sac and every house on the street sets up luminarias.

It is a sight to see!

And the kids love to help set them up (or play with cousins while Daddy does the work)

Christmas Eve night the kids got to open one gift

which every year happens to be a new pair of jammies courtesy of me :)

Here's Hannah hugging Gage to thank him for the gift he bought her.

SO CUTE!

Gage got his first real gun this year.

It is a Red Ryder BB-Gun and he thinks its pretty neat to have a gun just like Dad.

The girls got this cool desk thanks to uncle Silas for building it

and Grandma Porter for painting it.

The best part is the chalkboard top.

The girls love it!

The kids got way to much stuff

and had a ton of fun!

Christmas came and went way too fast this year.

I think next year we'll start our traditions and activities earlier :)

Who loves the SNOW?

2010-12-17T08:55:00.000-08:00

WE DO!

I could hardly get the kids to eat breakfast

when they woke this morning to all the snow.

They played in it for a good hour this morning and came in frozen.

(We don't have the best selection of snow gear, seeing as we don't get much of it)

And my favorite...

I just had to bundle him up and bring him out

for a photo in his first snow!

Isn't he cute?

Growing Crew

2010-12-12T09:13:00.000-08:00

I can't believe how fast its gone.

3 weeks already?!

My baby is too big! And changing too fast!

Look at the chub coming:)

Dance Recital

2010-12-12T06:42:00.000-08:00

Remember Hannah's little dance class she started a few months ago?

Well, yesterday she had her recital,

and let me tell you, it was SOOOO CUTE!

Hannah was a little nervous with all the people watching

(notice the lack of her usual smile)

But she had a lot of fun and enjoyed herself!

They had to pull her bangs back to do the face painting,

I promise I did do her hair!

Where's The Line To See Jesus?

2010-12-09T14:37:00.001-08:00

I love it!

Daddy the Hero

2010-12-02T14:04:00.000-08:00

Did a quick photo session

with Crew and Daddy when

Brian got home from work this morning.

I couldn't help but post these.

I think they turned out adorable!

He's Here!

2010-11-26T11:37:00.000-08:00

Our little Crew was born Sunday morning at 5:02am

Things didn't go as planned (they rarely do when it comes to births),

and I had to have a C-section

Which really stinks being number 5

But we can't complain, baby Crew is here healthy and strong.

And we just love him to pieces!

Our first family picture as a family of SEVEN!

We are blessed!

Halloween Fun

2010-10-31T10:07:00.000-07:00

The kids had fun parties at school on Friday,

they had alot of fun last night

at our ward trunk-or-treat!

and today we get to visit Gma Victor (at the hospital)

and Daddy (at the firestation)

Then the costumes can finally get put away.

That's too much Halloween for me!

Just for Hannah

2010-10-21T09:47:00.000-07:00

Hannah started a little ballet class yesterday.

It's very low-key and perfect for Miss Hannah.

She was so excited to come home from school

and get to put on her new leotard and ballet slippers.

She had so much!

Fall Festival 2010

2010-10-16T07:00:00.000-07:00

Last night was the Fall Festival at the kids school.

They'd really hyped the kids up about it at school

and our kids couldn't wait!

The kids had alot of fun doing little carnival games

and winning prizes!

Gage's favorite was the race track they had set up with these little scooters.

Bode had fun in the jumper,

(which I couldn't get close enough to get a good picture)

and of course he loved the big bus

that the Sheriffs parked and let kids walk through.

Hannah loved everything she did,

that's Hannah!

But she was so excited when she saw her teacher

running the 'Duck Pond', she just had to do it!

And I saved the best for last!

Hayley wanted to try the 'Ping-Pong Toss'

because she could win her very own goldfish!

They had four balls and on her third toss,

she made it!

She was super excited!

While I was busy catching her ear-to-ear grin,

they let Hannah throw her fourth ball...

And she made it!

So we made it home with two new pets!

I'd say the evening was a success!

My Newest Favs!

2010-10-14T16:09:00.000-07:00

I took these last night

as we walked along the ditch in Corrales.

I wish we could afford that little village :)

33 weeks

2010-10-05T13:17:00.000-07:00

Isn't that long enough?

I feel like I've been pregnant for two years

I'm sooo ready to have this little guy in my arms,

instead of in my belly. :)

They estimate his weight at 4lbs 12oz

He already looks chubby to me.

I love the 3D ultrasounds!

I don't know why I waited so long

2010-09-20T17:38:00.000-07:00

I had seen these hair towels a long time ago

and thought they were neat but never did much about it.

Hayley has so much hair that I have to wrap it after a shower,

but a whole towel was heavy for her little head and would never stay on long.

I finally decided it was time to make some of my own.

I didn't have a pattern, just a picture

so I decided to wing it and see what happened.

I put a button on the back side and sewed a rubberband to the tip.

I love how they turned out.

So much more comfortable for the girls

to wear long enough to actually do some drying.

They stay on great and look cute too!

Here's a shot of the back side and how they stay on so well.

Just when I needed it...

2010-09-17T08:20:00.000-07:00

I was having one of those days getting the kids ready for school today.

No one wanted to do their chores or even get dressed for that matter.

I had already spanked (I know, I'm such a mean mom) one kid and yelled at another.

As I was doing Hannah's hair she looks at me in the mirror, with the biggest grin and says,

"When I'm a Mom, I'm going to take care of my kids just like you do."

It definately made me change my mood and the morning finished better than it had been going.

I just love my babies!

Labor Day Weekend

2010-09-06T19:40:00.000-07:00

Our weekend was pretty chill.

We hung out and relaxed for the most part.

This morning though, we wanted to do a fun activity together

so we decided on bowling!

The older two had been once before but that was nearly four years ago

So it was fun to take them,

and they all had fun!

I got in trouble quick for using my flash

so the pictures are pretty grainy,

and Bode and Hannah move to quick

to get any bowling shots of them.

But I did manage to catch this beauty.

These two were concentrating so hard to tie their own shoes

It was so cute, I just love it!

Colorado...

2010-08-30T14:02:00.000-07:00

This picture is my favorite of the whole trip!

We drove up to Vallecito Lake

Saturday morning for a quick overnight trip.

It was a fun little trip with boating, hiking, eating,

fishing (for some), and lots of playing outdoors!

We also did a bit of lesson learning but that's for another time!

Fun for Bode!

2010-08-26T14:44:00.000-07:00

The big kids have been loving school!

They've kept busy and Bode has adjusted well so far.

He got to have a play date today

and invite over his buddy Ashton.

They had lots of fun

and even talked me into getting out the pool!

Kindergarten Girl!

2010-08-20T09:03:00.000-07:00

Hannah could not contain her excitement this morning!

"Mom, I can't eat I'm SO EXCITED!"

And she didn't eat her breakfast.

"Mom, I can't stop saying it 'IT'S MY FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL' I'M SO EXCITED!"

As soon as we got to the school grounds

they were gathering kindergartners to show them where to go.

Hannah was all to happy to depart from us and go her own way.

After the bell rang they showed the kids where each class was to line up.

Then her teacher Mrs. Clink led the kids to their classroom.

And here she is sitting at her desk ready for school.

It's so fun watching her in all her excitement!

Now, what to do with only one at home...

First Day of School!!

2010-08-18T13:07:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day of school!

Let me just tell you it was a SCARY DAY.

Last year Hayley went to a charter school with less than 150 students.

(and Gage and Hannah were homeschooled)

Today it was public school with nearly 1000 students.

It's an understatement to say I was nervous.

It probably added to my nervousness that Gage wasn't excited about going.

(can you tell?)

He asked several times in the past weeks to continue homeschooling.

After we walked Gage to class and got him situated
I asked him to smile for a picture.

This is the best he could muster in his own nervousness.

But all my fears were in vain.

The kids couldn't stop talking the entire way home,

telling me all about their day and all the things they got to do.

Hayley is in 3rd grade and Gage in 1st

It's going to be a fun year!

Now if I can make it through Friday sending my baby girl to kindergarten :(

Family Resemblance?

2010-08-08T10:57:00.000-07:00

We have always thought Bode looked most like Brian

But lately, we have had more and more

friends and others comment on

how much Bode looks like Brian

I decided to go through Brian's old pictures

and do a side-by-side comparison

If only Bode had the red hair!

Fun with Family

2010-08-01T06:31:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we went to Edgewood for a fun get-together.

Jon came from Denver to take Julie and little Sara home with him.

(Good for them, bad for us! We'll miss them)

Sara has become quite attatched to Hayley.

The kids had a lot of fun playing with cousins.

Somehow the boys got Hannah to pull them around.

And then the big kids came out to play!

Uncle Silas and his bud Orin decided to practice team roping on the kids.

(I'd have to say my favorite part was the new style of cowboy boots with the shorts!)

Here Orin has his head (or chest for safety) and Silas is going for the feet!

Gage had so much fun running for them,

he must have done it over thirty times.

I will miss little Sara and her BIG attitude.

It looks like she's singing, but don't let her fool ya.

I had called her name to lok at me so I could take her picture.

This is the look she gives me, like she's telling me off, but silently!

Pretty funny now, but wait till she's a teenager!

Hannah was the first to notice the rainbow

and wanted me to take a picture of it.

So of course I included her!

Thanks Mom for having us all out!

July 24th Fun!

2010-07-27T08:01:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we met Brian's family

(all but Dwayne & Amy & girls)

in Showlow Arizona.

We rented one big cabin

and just had fun playing all weekend.

My Best Friend

2010-07-22T05:47:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's been ten years since I married the love of my life.

And I can't believe he is at work today :(

Happy Anniversary Babe!

I LOVE YOU!

"You're more than a lover

There could never be another

To make me feel the way you do

Oh we just get closer

I fall in love all over

Everytime I look at you

I don't know where I'd be

Without you here with me

Life with you makes perfect sense

You're my best friend!"

-Tim McGraw

More Fourth Fun!

2010-07-05T14:45:00.000-07:00

Last night Brian was still on shift so the whole crew invited their families for a party.

Darin and Deanna and their girls came along and the kids all had fun.

Brian took the kids on a tour and showed the kids the different apparatus.

Then they pulled the ladder truck out and showed the kids how high it could go.

The kids wanted to see someone climb the ladder and they all started to chant, "CLIMB IT! CLIMB IT!"

So Brian did :)

After seeing all the fun toys we went inside and had ice cream sundaes with the crew.

It's no fun having Daddy work on holidays,

but we're sure glad he's close enough to home that we can visit when he's working.

Happy Fourth of July

2010-07-03T12:30:00.000-07:00

We've started our celebrations early!

After taking Dad to work bright and early,

we headed over to church for our Ward Pancake Breakfast

and, of course, bike parade!

The kids all had fun riding with their friends.

At about 9:55 I get a call from Brian.

He tells me he's in the firetruck waiting for the parade to start, at 10!

WHAT!?!

I had asked him earlier in the week if they'd be in it,

of course he waits till last minute to let me know.

So I loaded up the kids and high-tailed it over to Rio Rancho to catch Daddy in the parade.

I basically had the kids jump out of the car before it was even parked to start running.

We made it in time and got to see the whole parade!

Yeah!

Here comes Daddy!

We Love You Daddy!

Update!

2010-07-01T20:24:00.000-07:00

Well, he lost his first tooth yesterday,

got a dollar from the Tooth Fairy...

and lost his second tooth today.

I think Gage is trying to get rich off his teeth.

(You can see his big teeth already half way up, coming in behind his baby teeth.

No wonder they got pushed out of the way)

Gage hit a milestone!

2010-06-30T16:39:00.000-07:00

Gage lost his first tooth today!

He is super excited to put it under his pillow tonight

and see how much money he'll get.

I love the hole in his mouth.

And the tie goes to...

2010-06-23T13:06:00.000-07:00

THE BOYS!

We had our ultrasound this morning

and baby boy #3 looks perfect!

We're excited to add another boy to the family.

And I'm excited to finally get to pick some things out at Joanns!

Doesn't he look so cute already? (and a little alien)

About time for an update :)

2010-06-20T20:34:00.000-07:00

Today we had a BBQ at Gma & Gpa Victors.

I took my camera purposefully thinking of capturing some photos to update my neglected blog!

Bode was especially lovin' the swing and just kept asking to "Go Higher!"

Hannah has learned to swallow air and burp, I know, very lady like!

She was running towards me and burping when I caught this gem :)

Gage found this fallen limb and was trying to take off in flight.

I think I actually got quesy watching him spin.

Hayley and Hannah both have been giving their American Girls alot of attention lately.

Hayley is showing Shelby her special placement and meal of pancakes

(complete with butter and whipped cream)

that she made herself for her little "Natalie"

I couldn't help myself

2010-05-28T06:31:00.000-07:00

I know I usually put photo sessions on my other blog,

but this one's special because she's my niece.

I took her out yesterday to do her one year pictures.

And just to brag on my sister Julie, she's the one who made the cute skirt and appliqued the shirt!

I think they turned out too cute!

Scouting Locations!

2010-05-18T15:42:00.000-07:00

I have driven past this lovely spot for a while now

wondering if it was accessible for pictures.

So today we went for a little adventure through a few fences and over a ditch,

but ain't she a beauty?

To bad I can't say the same for the expresions of the kids.

You'd think I just woke them up AND beat them!

I guess they weren't up for posing.

But I love this spot and if anyone needs pictures taken I'd love to go back!

I tricked him!

2010-04-29T12:07:00.000-07:00

Gage loves his hair long so he can run his fingers through it.

The only problem is he hates having it combed.

So it looks blah and I was getting tired of it.

So I tricked him while cutting his hair and gave him a mohawk!

I think it looks pretty cute, but he hates it!

And wants me to finsh shaving it.

I had to bribe him with the finish job in order to get these pics of him.

Fun with the kids!

2010-04-26T17:51:00.000-07:00

Last week I took the kids to Explora.

After going weekly last semester, it seemed like ages since we had been.

The kids had fun re-exploring everything,

And trying out the new exhibits they've added.

Hannah (and Hayley when she comes) always loves the arts & crafts center.

I stabbed my finger pretty good trying to poke a hole in a yogurt container with kid scissors!

Gage made a few cars with sails and fun racing them!

This exhibit is annoying!

You're supposed to try and find the highest note, only it just keeps getting higher

no matter how many times you go around the circle.

He looks pretty concentrated on hearing the sound, but don't let that fool you

It is loud!

It turned out to be a fun afternoon,

but we had an unhappy Hayley when she found out what she missed.

Bode and the Dentist

2010-04-22T09:34:00.000-07:00

This morning Bode had his first visit with the dentist.

He looked a little nervous before it got started,

but he did so good and did everything they asked.

I know I'm a dork taking pictures,

but he was so excited and so cute!

It's that time of year again!

2010-04-05T07:11:00.000-07:00

The kids love the mesa, exploring and shooting rockets!

The lack of wind was perfect for rockets yesterday evening,

so we went out and shot it a few times and let the kids chase after them.

My sweet Hayley was baptized today!

2010-03-27T21:07:00.000-07:00

I know, alot of posts have been Hayley lately,

but she's turned eight and that's a special year.

She chose to follow our Savior's example and be baptized today!

I couldn't be more proud of her and the example she is in our family.

I finished her baptism dress early in order to take some baptism pictures.

They turned out great! She looks so pretty in her white dress.

I even had to time to get one printed on canvas

and we displayed it at the baptism.

(You can't tell from the picture but it's a 16x20 I ordered online from Winkflash, and they did awesome!)

(I found this idea online of course and thought it was so neat I just had to share.)

So we bought Hayley her very own set of scriptures of course,

then I gave them to my mother and had her mark her 20 favorite scriptures.

(She highlighted the scripture and then we put a one dollar bill to mark the spot)

So Hayley gets to go on a treasure hunt and find her "treasures in heaven" that Grandma left for her.

The only catch is that she has to read each scripture before taking the money.

The day was a success and my big girl is sleeping now.

I absolutely loved experiencing a baptism as the mother,

It makes me beyond happy to see my children choose the right!

I can't wait for the next one...

but time goes too fast!

Hayley's Birthday Pics

2010-03-24T19:25:00.000-07:00

So I went a little crazy with the pettiskirts.

Hayley got two for her birthday.

This one seemed to fit her personality a bit more,

and what better backdrop for some birthday pics than a graffitied wall or two!

Hayley has become quite the poser, I can hardly get her to smile anymore.

Our Own Photobooth

2010-03-24T10:32:00.000-07:00

Normally we don't let Hayley watch Hannah Montana

but since it was the final show and Miley's leaving,

we let the kids watch it.

When I saw this scene with the very large photobooth,

I knew I just had to try it.

So I set up a sheet,

and told the girls to "pose away"

They loved all the posing, and then I let them pick 5 favorites.

We blew them up to 8x10's and modpodged them to foam board.

I love how it turned out,

and it's now hanging in their room.

Sorry about the glare on the photos, I tried without success to get a good photo without glare.

Hayley's Birthday

2010-03-22T07:13:00.000-07:00

We had a party over the weekend with the Victor side

and Hayley got to open her new pettiskirt outfit.

She's so excited to wear it to school today!

This pose was her idea!

Hayley is my smart little cookie.

She's always been very perceptive (or nosey, whichever you prefer)

She is my big helper around the house

She loves to learn and is loving going to school

I am so proud of her!

Today I have an eight year old!

AHHHH! That makes me old!

Happy Birthday Hayley!

New Wall Art

2010-03-14T15:29:00.000-07:00

This beautiful frame was made for me by my brother-in-law.

(and given at Christmas, I know I took forever to get it hung)

It's hard to tell from a picture but there is pink under the black

and I LOVE IT!

I finally got the pictures done that I wanted in it

and I love it even more!

Thanks Jon!

Bode's Birthday Pictures

2010-02-28T08:56:00.000-08:00

He is such a little cowboy!

Head On Collision

2010-02-26T11:42:00.000-08:00

This morning as I drove through Corrales,

(mind you the speed limit is 30mph, so I was going pretty slow)

A not-so-smart bird flew a little to low,

and met my windshield!

The bird was like the size of a chicken,

it was huge!

And it hit my windshield hard enough

to put 6 cracks from top to bottom and knocked my rear-view mirror off.

Maybe I shouldn't drive for a while,

I'm not having the best of luck!

Today is Bode's 3rd birthday!

2010-02-23T18:12:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Baby Boy!

I made this little car cozie

because cars are basically all Bode plays with

so I knew he'd love it.

When he opened it he wasn't sure what it was,

or what to think...

But once we opened it and he saw what it was,

He said, "COOL!"

(that's why his mouth is like that, I caught him mid-word.)
He loves it!

My Mom gave him a new pair of boots,

which he's needed for a while,

since his last pair were so tight he couldn't fit socks anymore!
He's my little cowboy
His shirt has to button and his pants have to have belt loops,
or he won't wear them, No Joke!

He digs cars, and things that open,

so when we saw this little guy we knew Bode had to have it!

How Was Your Morning?

2010-02-16T09:23:00.000-08:00

So this is my tire this morning

not even two minutes after dropping Hayley off at school.

I don't know how it happened,

I stopped at a stoplight and everything was good.

Then I tried to go when the light turned green

and I couldn't, flat tire!

Grandma's House

2010-02-05T14:10:00.000-08:00

I am really loving Hayley having Fridays off school.

It makes for some fun times!

Today we spent the morning on the other side of the mountain at my Mom's.

She got quite a bit more snow at her house and the kids had fun.

The most I did in the snow was walk.

What, don't you walk in words?

The snow had fallen earlier in the week and had already melted about 4"

The kids had fun trying to walk on the crunchy snow without falling in.

If you look close behind Hannah's feet, you can see how far she got.

Bode didn't like touching the cold snow with his bare hands,

so when he'd fall, he'd just wait patiently for me to come help him up!

YOU HAVE TO CHECK IT OUT!

2010-02-02T12:43:00.000-08:00

So my baby brother Silas

(who isn't really a baby anymore at 22)

has been working with wood for over five years.

He makes some AMAZING things.

I don't have to tell you that,

because you can see for yourself on his new blog

(courtesy of his best sister, ME (: )

(Oh, and I have a button on the side for future ease)

Frosty!

2010-01-28T11:32:00.000-08:00

We love the snow around here!
The kids had fun helping me make a snowman
and Hayley will be suprised when she gets home from school
because it's only raining there (ten miles from here).

Gage thinks he's too cool apparently!

Bode making a snow angel if you look closely.

Sick Day

2010-01-27T11:08:00.000-08:00

This morning started out fine.
The kids had breakfast, we took Hayley to school
And then while I'm cleaning up the kitchen Hannah comes to me and says,
"My tummy hurts. My throat hurts."
She walks about two feet and looses it all over the floor.
The good news is she was on the tile, and she hasn't done it again!

But it's already turned into a movie day and that's OK by me.

Birthday Boy!!

2010-01-05T10:28:00.000-08:00

My big boy is really getting big!
He's SIX today and he's lovin' the attention.
Happy Birthday Gage!

Just a little funny . . .
Hannah all day yesterday kept saying,
"I can't wait for tomorrow!
To see Gage SIX!"
She was obviously expecting a big change in him.
This morning after seeing him she said (all bummed)
"You don't even look six."
Pretty cute I thought!

Christmas Day!

2009-12-27T07:52:00.000-08:00

Christmas morning is always fun
watching the kids get so excited opening their presents.
I think Bode won the prize for being
most gracious and excited at whatever the gift!

The girls got American Girl dolls from their Grandma
and so I made them jammies to match.

And my favorite of the day,
these ADORABLE bunk beds my brother and Mom made for their dolls.
TOO CUTE!

Christmas Eve

2009-12-26T08:07:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve we got a special visit from
Santa & Mrs. Claus before they had to go deliver!
Hannah was by far the most excited about it.
She even argued with Hayley and Gage
that they were in fact the real Santa & Mrs. Claus.

The kids got to open their new Christmas jammies
but were way to excited to sit pretty for a picture!

Explora's Last Day

2009-12-07T12:49:00.000-08:00

Today was the last day of the kids explora class.
They have loved the interaction with the other kids
and also having a teacher besides Mom.

Bode loves the exhibits with air.
Here he is watching his paper helicopter fly.

Hannah always loves the bubbles.
Here she is making and catching her own bubbles.

She kept staring into them and calling them her "snow globe".

SHOOTING!!!

2009-11-28T06:40:00.000-08:00

Brian has wanted to teach the kids
some gun safety so yesterday we took
the kids out to let them shoot for their first time.
I only allowed Brian to bring the 22
(if you know Brian you know why I had to limit the guns).
We invited some friends to come along
and they brought a few pistols.
It was a fun afternoon!

Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T18:41:00.000-08:00

George Washington's Thanksgiving Proclamation, 1789
A NATIONAL THANKSGIVING
Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and
Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me "to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:"
Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted; for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.
And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations, and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally, to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.

Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the 3d day of October, A. D. 1789.

Why do I even try?

2009-11-18T06:47:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I tried to take
the kids picture for our Christmas card.
(Don't worry, I didn't spoil them, that pictures not posted.)
Anyways, I think I've worn out my kids
because it's getting harder and harder
to get them to cooperate all at the same time!

Lake Dillon, Colorado

2009-11-15T13:26:00.000-08:00

Brian, Bode and I just got back from a little get away.
Lake Dillon is at the top of the Rockies about ten minutes from Breckenridge.
It is beautiful! And it is cold!
We had fun doing a little sight seeing
and a little relaxing!

Thanks Mom for watching the kids!
Sure appreciate ya! Sure Love ya!

This was at the Frisco Museum. A little house and some artifacts

from the original mining town way back when.

The original one room school house from the town.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!

2009-11-05T08:21:00.000-08:00

Conversation with Hayley this morning...
Hayley sees a box of tampons in my bathroom and says, "I know what tampons are now."
Me, "Oh yeah, who told you that?"
Hayley, "No one, I saw it on a commercial."
Me, "So what are they for then?"
Hayley, "They're to put in your underwear and they help grown ups move."
Me, "HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

I could not stop laughing!
I love how literal kids take things.

Happy Halloween!!

2009-10-31T09:01:00.000-07:00

Last night we got to enjoy our ward Trunk-Or-Treat!
It was so much fun and the kids got way too much candy!
We had a rock star, some sort of cat, and a couple of cowboys!

I made this as the grand prize for our cake walk.
It was chocolate cake with chunks of peanut butter cookie,
chocolate frosting, surrounded by kit kats and topped with reeses pieces.
Enough candy for one night?!

This was the extent of my costume.
I'm not a big fan of dressing up
but my nails were nice and long,
so I painted them a spooky scene!

Happy Halloween!!

I LOVE FALL!

2009-10-29T11:44:00.000-07:00

It has been FREEZING here lately!
So we've (by that I mean I,
because my kids don't seem to mind the cold)
stayed inside and done alot of this...

And even some of this!

I LOVE FALL!

Transformer Buds

2009-10-21T10:10:00.000-07:00

Gage and his best buddy Hayden
are really into Transformers.
When I found these shirts and beanies
I just had to get them.
Don't they look cool?

Homeschooling Benefits

2009-10-15T16:13:00.000-07:00

Today we got to go on a fun field trip!

We went to McCall's Pumpkin Patch in Moriarty

and we got to spend the day with Grandma Porter!

My kids are so over me telling them to smile so I get what I can anymore

They got to climb a fun hay pyramid!

And Bode was so proud with how high he got!

Hayley and Gage were my only two to make it to the top

Hannah was just fine with staying low

They got to feed some apparently starving goats

I was actually surprised when they weren't scared

And of course, I love having boys!

I tried to make this picture appropriate for a "family" blog

without taking away from the cute-ness

I'm not sure what's going on in this one

apparently just hangin' out

Before & After

2009-10-13T14:18:00.000-07:00

Ever since we moved into our house (4 yrs ago),

I have wanted to paint the cabinets to update my kitchen.

Well, I finally talked Brian into the idea

so here is my proof of work for the last week.

I love love love how it turned out!
I even made a new valance, appliance covers, and apron to match.
I feel like I have a brand new kitchen! I'm done!

I'm so LUCKY!

2009-10-11T16:50:00.000-07:00

I have the cutest kids in the WORLD!
OK, so I'm a little biased,
but don't they look cute in their Sunday best!

Proud Aunt Bragging

2009-10-06T10:13:00.000-07:00

Our niece Abby finished filming her very first feature film

this summer and I'm excited to say the trailer just came out

and it looks like the perfect movie for my kids to enjoy.

Everyone has to go see it.

I think it comes out in February.

(Abby is the twelve year old co-staring next to Arthur)

GOOD JOB ABBY!

Pretty Darn Clever!

2009-09-29T15:48:00.000-07:00

SPIDERS ANYONE!

2009-09-29T13:46:00.000-07:00

My kids, I should say my boys, were beside themselves when Daddy

brought this new guy home from work.

Brian asked them if they wanted to touch it, and so without hesitation

Bode reaches in and full hand grabs it!

I wasn't quick enough with my camera:(

AHHHH!

We quickly explained that touching meant more of a one-finger-pet than a full-hand-grab!

Explora/Homeschool Fun!

2009-09-21T19:47:00.000-07:00

I have Hayley and Gage in a homeschool science class at our local science museum. They have been learning alot and having a lot of fun.

I just hang out at the museum with the other two and they have fun doing all the different exhibits.

I think this one has to be a favorite of all the kids. The air holds a ball up but for some reason the kids think its for their face!

Gage learning to walk on stilts!

These mega-sized bubbles are the greatest!

Did I mention... I HATE BUGS!

2009-09-03T15:24:00.000-07:00

The girls we're playing outside last night after dinner when all of the sudden we hear Hayley and her "blood curtling" scream. She had apparently sat down next to this little guy!

Since he was dead the kids all wanted to touch it and Gage even picked it up.

GROSS!

Springer, NM

2009-08-31T15:12:00.000-07:00

This weekend we were able to go up to Springer to visit Sean & Beka.
(Brian grew up with Sean and his brothers) They have close to 500 acres there.
We were able to go on quite the walk and it was really neat to explore.

I think this is my favorite picture from the day!

Hayley was ahead of me on the walk but when she spotted this log,
she ran back to me and asked,
"Can we take pictures on that log?"
And of course she had to pose!

(This is Sean & Beka's oldest Taylor. Hayley and Taylor had just finished putting on make-up in case you were wondering about the purple)

They have this old abandoned house on their property

that was built way back when, it was awesome!

This is their little guy Jordan who was such a ham in front of the camera!

I guess this old tub was here just for me!

Gage loves to climb on everything!

Sean and a few tag-a-longs gathering eggs!

In the middle of the tour we came around the corner
to find a lovely little SKUNK!

It turned out to be a really fun day!
Sean and Beka were awesome to let us come at the last minute.
I hope they had as much fun as we did!

I really do have good kids!

2009-08-19T15:54:00.000-07:00

I was doing some laundry this afternoon and when I emerged this is what I found.

Not sure who they're in training with, because that is SOOOO NOT ME!

Hayley had Hannah being her backup singer/dancer. It was pretty cute!

We love to jump!

2009-08-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

Lately my kids think it is such a treat when I jump with them.

They all get really excited and every one of them has to be jumping with me.

(I guess the girls thought they were helping me by sticking their arms out too)

Suprise!

2009-08-12T16:39:00.000-07:00

Hannah got a haircut! And I LOVE it!

Here are the before and aftersThe kids always have fun out at Grandma's. Of course the boys couldn't resist the tree well full of water. Well, neither could the girls but I took this picture before the girls joined in.

We also all got to do some riding.

"You can take the girl out of the Honky Tonk but you can't take the Honky Tonk out of the girl!"

Fun day for everyone! Thanks Grandma!

Good Friends!

2009-08-07T08:18:00.000-07:00

Last night we had a nice visit from our friends the Wamboldts. I went to high school with Ashlee, we were married a week apart and have had our four kids pretty close to each other. We even were lucky enough to live walking distance from each other for a few years. We have a lot of fun memories together. I love having friends that we can be apart from for nearly two years but feel like we haven't missed a beat when we get together.

Their oldest Noah is almost a year older than Hayley, and we arranged their marriage almost the day we had Hayley. The kids have always agreed is the funny thing. Noah now lives 8 hours away from us (and has for about 2 years now) but Hayley still tells people that Noah is her boyfriend. It's the cutest thing!

Last night they put together a little dance routine dressed as a cowboy and his damsel in distress (I guess)

My camera and picture fetish have rubbed off a little with Hayley. She took plenty of pictures to remember the night by.

They both kept acting shy. Too cute!

And just for old times sake. Here are some pictures of them at ages 2 & 3.

Their first kiss and I caught it on camera.

These are going to make a great slideshow at their wedding reception :^)

SUMMERTIME

2009-08-03T15:56:00.000-07:00

We love summer and swimming in the pool, even if it is in our own backyard!

I love it when they stay in so long their little toes get all wrinkley!

Hayley had already been in earlier and wasn't going in this time due to a certain bodily secretion. Thanks BOYS!