Lookin' Forward to...

1. A long awaited homecoming.

This afternoon our family as well as some neighbors lined the neighborhood with 40 American flags to welcome home a Husband, Father, Friend, and Neighbor...Major Dale Draeger.
My heart goes out to his family, he has been serving in Iraq for the past year...

What a joyous day tomorrow will be for his family to have him home again!

The neighborhood is excited to have him home as well.

Seeing all those flags touched me and made me realized just how lucky we are to live where we do and have the freedom that we have; to walk down our streets, live in the homes we do, go to the store, knowing that we are safe.

I want to publicly thank the men and women who are serving our country and thank them for all their hard work and sacrifices they make so I can be who I want to be, live where I want to live, say what I want to say, have what I have...all in all...MY FREEDOM!

THANK YOU!!!

2. LONG HOT SUMMER NIGHTS

Here is to the Summer nights...

Cassie showed us tonight a preview of what these summer nights will hold for her.

She loves to play and playing hard is what she does best.

3. My Sister Feef and her Husband Kory are expecting their first baby.

Today I found out the fun and exciting news! Congrats to the both of you!
They have been married for almost 2 years and have been trying to have a baby for the past 6-8 months, it has been an up and down roller coaster for them.

With a lot of prayers and faith, they finally will get to see a glimpses of what Dan and I deal with and all other parents deal with on a daily basics, but being able to be a parent is so worth it. When the two of them go out to dinner with the 6 of us in our family OR something as basic as just coming over to hang out, they both (Mainly Feef) get a bit overwhelmed with the kids...At least they will start with just one baby, not four at once...well here's to hoping, right?!?! You two will be great parents!

I always knew that I was a Princess...

Saw this quiz on my girlfriends Heather's blog and thought it would be fun...Quick, easy, 2 minutes max...try it and leave a comment on what princess you were... I was surprised to find out who I was...Mulan!!! I am not sure that I have even seen the 1st movie all the way through I know that I for sure haven't seen the second one!!! Surprisingly, I do sound a bit like Mulan, I better watch the movie and see for myself if I am like her.

You Are Mulan!

Strong and spirited. You're no one's girly girl; actually you are very determined person with a strong sense of self. Never let go of that! The only thing that equals your sense of self is your family, but the traditions of society can always be bent to protect something or someone you love.Which Disney Princess Are You?

Don't forget to leave your comment...

Sunday Best

This morning before chruch we had some "extra" time, (which by the way, doen't happen all the time) so with all of us looking good (with hair done and no dirt on our faces)

in our "Sunday Best" and the sun shinning, it was the perfect photo opportunity.
I am happy with the way they turned out,

I was able to catch some great smiles and personality in the picture.

These pictures though they took only a few moments, I will hold these pictures like tresures.

***(I am so lucky and extremly blessed for the family I have. They are my most important people in my life and without them and would be lost. All of them are my everything! They bring my happiness and fill my life with great joy. Dan is the best dad and super husband. Being married to him the past 9 years has been pure bliss, I know that sounds silly, but it is so true, Dan is the best man and is ALWAYS thinking of ways to make me happy. That is one thing he streves for. Our happiness. He makes everyday perfect. I love him so much! Thanks Dan for being you and loving me for me. )*** I am not the type to boast and brag, but my family is something I don't take lightly and I hold dear to my heart. I love them all!

Love your family!

After this "test" we call life is finished, our Family is the only thing we can take with us.

Forever is a long time, so fall in love now and enjoy eachother now; querks and all. :)

***Now go and give someone you love a kiss and tell them why you love them!***

THEN and NOW...

*Cassidee and Carson back in November 2005 in the NICU*

*Cassidee and Carson just the other night April 2008 on the couch*

From the day these two were born, they have had a bond that is different from my girls.

Knowing that wherever they go, they will always have a friend/accomplice. Maybe it is the bond that formed when they were still inside my tummy; 7 1/2 months is a long time to be with someone in tight coders. They have always had their own langue with each other and are always looking out for each other. Don't get me wrong, they do have their moments where they fight and want what the other has, but what siblings don't?

From the very beginning as well, their personalities were formed:

Cassidee was only 4 lbs. and while in the NICU she had to learn to fight, and by doing so she was in there for only 14 days. Well, that fighter is still inside her today. She has the personality to do what she wants and when she wants it. (Note: that is why potty training hasn't happened yet, she doesn't want too.) She likes to be the center of attention and and is the always up for getting into trouble. She is a cuddlier and loves to give "loves" to people. She is the outgoing one and is constantly waving to people saying "hi."
Carson on the other hand has always been the laid back, easy going kid. When he was in the NICU, he would just lay under the lights in his bassinet (Working on his tan) while tests were being done. He is more shy and reserved, but get him fired up and he will let you know. He loves to rough house and wrestle, but at the end of the day, he wants to be held and cuddled. He is for the most part happy and that smile of his is brightens up my day. He loves to help with stirring up trouble and blaming his sister, but hey what are brothers for.

Being a Mom of twins has taught me some important things in life:

Have patience and lots of it!

Learn to laugh

Just get through this day, the next hopefully will be better

"Things" can be replaced, time can not

God does have a sense of Humor and laughs at my daily

Silence is not always good

Two is better then one.

I love you guys and though you keep me on my toes, I know (I would tell people if God wanted me to have 4 kids then I would have to have twins, because this pregnancy (3rd) was going to be the LAST ) that I was suppose to have you both and I wouldn't change anything about you, either one of you. You bring all kinds of emotions to my life; good and bad, but mostly good. :)

I am the lucky one to have you and thanks for teaching me things about life.

Motherly Opinions needed: Please leave comments...

The other night, Dan was in Best Buy with ALL 4 kids while I was shopping next door at Ross-(Thanks Dan for the "ME" time) This is what happened when he had the kids:

He took in my laptop to get looked at and within minutes 3 of the 4 kids were in tears; Lanie hurt herself, Cassie wanted out of the cart, and Carson was "trying" to play with the line separators; Dan kept telling him NO...Well, it was crazy and Dan was trying to talk to the customer service guy...Well, so with the kids crying a "BIG" man comes up to Dan and pretty much tells Dan to control his children, "NO ONE wants to hear that in Public" is what he tells Dan. (That is the nice wording) So my question for you is...What would you do???

***(Dan kept his cool, (He wanted to punch the guy, but He didn't want to leave me alone with 4 kids while he was in jail...)I know I would have done something or said something I would have regretted, but Carson throw his shoe at the man as he walked away.***

I have learned that nothing you do as a parent is public is right: In Boise the twins had a melt down to say the least (huh Jenny) while we were in a store; I could have done nothing right; I let them cry and I got the worse stares, BUT if I would have spanked them in public, I would have gotten stares as well...Either way, I couldn't win...

What do you do??? HELP!!!

Going "GREEN"

What is Today???
Happy Earth Day!!!

So why are you looking at a empty pop can???
Because this can...

...and this purse is a way I am going "Green"

Look closely and see what the purse is made of...

POP TABS!!!

Now this is something I can do for the planet...Go "Green" and still be fashionably "in"

I have to admit that I am not as good as I should be at the whole "going green" kick, but we are trying. I know that we have only one Earth, so we better take care of it and though I won't be here forever on Earth to enjoy all it's beauty, my Kid's Kid's Kid's Kid's will be, so let start now and take care of what we have left of this place we call "HOME"

Learning how to recycle and cut the usage of power and water helps and just beware and educated on the Earth helps as well.

I know that just me or just the next "Joe Smoe" can't do it be ourselves, so who else is up for the challenge of preserving the Earth and all of "Mother Nature's" wonders???

Happy Earth Day!!!

I would love to hear other ideas to what others are doing.

What makes me Happy?

Tonight for "Family Night" we talked about what makes us Happy and what makes us Sad...

It was fun to hear the different things that tickle our fancies and what makes us who we are.

It just proves that we can be "different" and still be a "Happy" Family...Pun totally intended!

Carson

Age 2

What makes him Happy:

*Basketball *Dum Dum Suckers *Cowboy Boots *Dirt *Green Monkey Blanket *Superman

*Messes *Buppies(Sippie Cups) *Hot Dogs *Rough Housing *Cars/Tractors *Sleep

*Cabella's Fish Pond *Riding his Bike

What makes him Sad:

*Sharing *Nursery *Car Seats

Dan

Age 30

What makes him Happy:

*Family *Cut Grass *Weekends *Golf *My Wife *Newport Beach Trip *Church *Showers

*Christy's Unmentionables *ESPN *Dt. Dew *His Truck *Utah Jazz/Chicago Cubs

What makes him Sad:

*Tax Season *Gas Prices *Losing his Hair

Delanie

Age 5

What makes her Happy:

*Snuggles *Playing w/the family *Riding her Bike *the "Beach" *Glittertoes

*Primary *Nana & Oma *Skittles *Snow White *Flip Flops *Cartwheels *Swimming Pools

What makes her Sad:

*Getting Hurt *Biting her Finger while eating *Blisters from shoes

Cassidee

Age 2

What makes her Happy:

*Ice Cream *Dress-up *Little Mermaid *Nursery *Bubbles *Skirts/Dresses *Outside

*String Cheese *Taking Baths *Swing sets *Pop *Shoes; NOT on *Trampolines *"Hugs"

What makes her Sad:

*Bed *"NO" *Shopping Carts

Christy

Age 28

What makes Her Happy:

* Sunny Days * Clean House *Peanut Butter M&Ms *The Gospel *Red *Fresh Flowers

*Naps in my bed *Bling *Romantic Comedies *Clearance at Target *Surprises *Music/Dancing

*Dt. Dr. Pepper w/Sonic ice *Family & Friends *Scrapbooking *Blogging *Pedicures

What makes her Sad:

*Crying Kidos *Rain *Goodbyes

Mackenzie

Age 7

What makes her Happy:

*Summer *High School Musical *M&Ms *Disneyland *Playing w/Family *Her Bed

*IHOP *Crafts/Drawing *Horses *Movies w/Pappy *Jump Roping *Reading *Rainbows

What makes her Sad:

*Sunburns *Walking Home Alone *Running Errands

***Making this list was good to see and helped us focus on enjoying the simple things in life and to remember what might be important to one person might drive the other person crazy, but we need to stay Happy and when one person is happy, everyone else is happy too.***

Personal Challenge: Make a list and see what makes you Happy.

In the words to the famous 1990's Song: "Don't worry, Be Happy now"

8 is Great...

...well almost.
Mackenzie will turn 8 this Sept. and when she turns 8, she will be able to get baptized.

This afternoon, Dan and I both had the opportunity to go with Kenzie to our wards baptism prep class. This meeting is where Kenzie and the other kids that will be baptised this year were able to ask questions and find out what is it going to be like to be baptised. They got to see the font and meet with the bishop, so when they turned 8, it won't be "scary."

It is hard to believe that "my number 1" is going to be 8. I remember like it was yesterday bringing Kenzie home from the hospital. Where does the time go? It makes Dan and I proud that Kenzie wants to be baptized and follow the example of Jesus. I know that she is young, but that doesn't mean she don't know Heavenly Father. I know that she has a testimony of Jesus.

Being Baptised is an important part in the Mormon Church. We know as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, that we should follow Jesus' example and obey Heavenly Father. Being baptised is just part of the plan that Heavenly Father has for us.

Once you are baptized, you are clean, All your sins from that moment are gone; forgotten, and you receive the Holy Ghost. A gift from a Heavenly Father. To learn more about our church and what we believe, visit http://www.lds.org/.

Here is Kenzie with her Primary Leader, Eliza Livingston: She is a great example for the kids and I know that she has a testimony of baptism.

Here is Kenzie with Bishop Bassett: I know that he is a good man and has a testimony of Heavenly Father and wants the kids to be like Jesus.

You can tell be the smile on Kenzie's face that she is excited for turning 8.

Mackenzie, you are a beautiful girl with the whole world ahead of you. I know with your helpful and loving heart, you will accomplish many great things in life. You are a smart and determined girl and you try to do what is right. Thank you for your example and strength in the gospel; you are a great example to your friends and family. We love you tons and are blessed so much to have you for our daughter. You also make our Heavenly Father proud. Know that we are always here for you. Thank you for being YOU!

Boys Weekend

When the boys are away, they really know how to play.

This past weekend Dan, his Dad (Opa) and 2 of Opa's buddies went to West Yellowstone to go fishing. This is something that the "expert" fishermen have been doing for the past years and this year Dan got to go. He couldn't turn this experience down, Fishing with his Dad; he hadn't done that in a long time.

Look at Dan's faces, you can tell that he is really enjoying it.

Look at the Fish, it has ICE on it!!!

This picture is just a piece of the beauty that that got to experience.
While they were in West Yellowstone, there was 10 feet of snow and the temp. was in the 20-30s. Brrrrrr!

They saw buffalo and bald eagles and lots of fish. Dan caught about 20 fish the entire trip.

Funny Story: The drive up, Opa was telling Dan the "Dos and Don'ts" of fishing the river. Telling his secerets that he had learned from his years of experience. One thing was watch were you walk and don't fall; the rocks can be slippery. SO, they got there and started fishing, about 5-10 minutes into it, Dan catches his first fish of the day...well Opa was soooo excited that he comes running to Dan to take a picture and FALLS into the icy cold water face first. (temp of 30 degrees) He stands up covered in water and smiling says to Dan, "I told you to watch were you walk."

These are memories I am glad that Dan was able to make and remember of his Dad fishing this trip.

Opa showing off his form on the Madison River:

...Looks like the form and skills had paid off. What no kissing the fish Opa?

Well, these "boys" had a fun weekend and a great time together. They wonder if their "Old" bodies will be able to do it again next April. They will, but maybe it will be later Spring. Remember, you are only as old as you think... SO you'll be there again next year catching more fish.

Where a "Kid" can be a Kid...

...and Moms too.


Here is our afternoon at Chuck E. Cheese in a collage of pictures:
As you can see, We ALL had a good time.
What more can you ask for then games, prizes, pizza, and Chucky himself.

NOTE: Lanie is NOT in the pictures with Chucky, she was under the table hiding and when he came near, She hide more.
She wanted nothing to do with him.
All the other kids loved him and there was hugs all around.

Also, when they sing the song on TV that "Chuck E. Chesse's is a place where a Kid can be a kid," they mean it...
Jenny and I had a good time laughing and being "kids" as well.
We are such wannabes, but we know how to have fun!!! (and look good at it.)

All and all, we had a great time with the kids, eating pizza, playing games.

Ready or Not Boise...

Here we come!!!

So here are the kids buckled in not knowing just how long the ride is...TomTom says the trip is 5 hours. WOW! Am I really going to drive that by myself with 4 kids? I must be crazy.

See, it is Spring Break for the kids and Dan is doing his thing with is Dad; Fishing in Montana;

so let the adventure begin...

Look, I am doing it... During this, all 4 kids are with headphones on watching Alvin and the Chipmunks and I am having my own mini concert with my IPod.

We did stop in Twin Falls for lunch at the Golden Arches (MickeyD's) and I took everyone IN. (Bathroom Brakes) Let's just saw after Cassie spilling her chocolate milk and having fries thrown at me and having people if I needed some extra help, (Yes, can you come the rest of the way with me in the car?!??) Next time it is going to be DRIVE-THREW!!!

WE MADE IT!!!

(NOTE: Cassie NEVER Napped, Little Stinker!)

After that ride, the kids wanted to jump around.

Everyone wanted to Dog pile. (Kenzie, Carson, Me, Bryant, Lanie, Jenny, and Cassie) before bed.

This picture makes me laugh: The kids lining up before bed. Does it remind you of a certain movie; The Sound of Music. These are my VON Trap Kids singing "Goodnight"

Well, We are here, invading Jenny's and Zac's home. Nothing like welcoming them to our chocs. Thanks to Jenny for letting us spend Spring Break with you guys.

Stay tuned for updates and our mini outings...

Cover up that Gray...Please.

Just for MEN...Or in this case...Pappy.

Paps never had sons of his own, but I think having two Sons-in-law is even better...

Those three do wild and crazy things; and some how Dan and Kory got Paps to color his hair!

I don't know if they bought him a round of golf or it was a dare gone bad, but Pappy was a trooper and went ahead and colored his hair, Well...I actually did it.

Who would have thought I would be a hairdresser for my dad, but looking at the pictures, you can see that I enjoyed it more then He did.

It was funny to listen to him during the whole experience...I am glad that we got it on video and still photos because I can guarantee this will not be happening again.

And when all was done, I thought he was lookin' good; He didn't look like he was robbin' the cradle anymore :)

...BUT He was out of his comfort zone and the Son-in-laws (and even his own wife) that He loves so much had a a good time teasing him.

So most of you think like my dad does: 73% think that is it better to leave the hair natural and let the gray show proudly.

We love you Paps whether you are gray or not, but thanks for an evening of laughs.

Way back when...

yes, it is true...

This is me way back when.

This was me 10 years ago back in High School. GO OLYS!!!

WOW! I know, where did that girl go, well after being married to the best man ever for almost 9 years and have gone through 3 pregnancy (one with a set of twins) my body went through a change; You know what they say, once you have kids, good luck getting your girlish figure back. And the funny thing is, I thought I was FAT back then...What was I thinking?!?!

Oh well, that was then and this is now and my life is great! I am happy, healthy, and extremely blessed. I wouldn't change anything about it or Myself...

But since my 10 year reunion is this Summer, I thought I would write what high school has taught me in my life now as a wife, mom, and friend...

• Get involved in everything! Find out what you are really interested in.
• Nobodies perfect, be a friend to all no matter who you are: popular or geek
• High School does not prepare you for real life; High School is TOO easy.
• Don't date just one boy, Mr. Right will come when the time is right and least expect it.
• Kiss butt with seniority; it gets you places and pays the bills. :)
• Sleeping is good, but don't sleep the memories away, life goes too fast.
• Have fun! It is ok to be real and crazy. Be who you want to be.
• Some how parents are right, even if we still have a hard time admitting it.

Well, looking back on it, High School was fun and if I could I would do it again, only because I have learned so much in the past 10 years and what is REALLY important in life.

It will be fun to catch up with old friends and see what life has given them.

Watch for this Summer for the 10 year Reunion.

GO OLYS!!!

Note: I would love to hear peoples comments about the poll and hear why they answered the way they did:

Should I go?

results were:

Yes go was 56%

No was 12%

Wait till the next was 32%

A shout out for Miss Kim!

Yeah for Miss Kim!!!

Delanie Loves Miss Kim and Loves Preschool as well!

This picture was taken the day before Spring Break and she loves Miss Kim so much,

we wanted to thank her for all of her time and hard work that she show for the kids.
I am always so impressed when Lanie brings home her work and the activities Miss Kim does with the kids. No wonder Lanie complains when she doesn't have school. (Two days a week is NOT enough for this girl) She always tells me just how boring it is at home on the "No School" days.

She has been able to go to school with her "boyfriend" Conner; but she would never admit that he is her boyfriend. Corina and I have the wedding day already planned. Sorry other boys, your heart won't get broken with this one. When the two of them play, Lanie is already the little "wife" and tells Conner what to do and Conner listens and Lanie actually helps Corina clean her house...What??? She doesn't do that at her own home.

Those two are funny together, when the play Lego Star Wars on Xbox Conner has created a "prettier" Princess Leah for Lanie. Amazing! I don't even know how to turn our Wii on, let alone create certain people.

Well, be watching in a month for the class field trip to the petting zoo...Lanie is actually letting me go to this one, unlike the pumpkin patch!

Thanks Miss Kim for everything you do!!!

Newest Olympic Sport...

...Sit N' Spinning.

Watch out you Hamm Twins, (male Gold medal Gymnasts) these twins might put you to shame...

Watch the video and you'll see their partner's routine.

Their Form, their Timing, and their "Kiss-Up" Waves... Everything is on.

They are sure to win the hearts of judges around the world (or at least mine) and earn perfect 10s.
And their "costumes," it helps with the speed and your able to see the form; the twins prefer it this way. The least amount of clothes is better. :)

These two practice this everyday and keeps them entertained for awhile.

The funny thing is, that they actually go faster on their tummy then on their bottoms.

Mark my words, You will see this dynamite dual in the Summer 2024 Olympics Games.

Remember: You saw it here first. :)

It's begining to look a lot like Christmas...

...in APRIL!!!

I mean come on! This is suppose to be Spring, NOT Winter!!

Why the SNOW, I know that we need the moisture, but what about what I need;
the SUN, the WARMTH, the kids OUTSIDE playing.

This is what our front porch looks like; ready for Spring and flowers.
What about the tulips and daffodil's that have already started to grow, now GONE due to the yucky SNOW!
I think that I am going to protest: NO MORE SNOW! NO MORE SNOW!

I think this picture says it all... NO MORE SNOW!