Welcome Baby Lincoln!!

My brother Brian and his wife, Andrea had a baby! Well, ok, Andrea had the baby and Brian facebooked me during it. But you get the drift. :) Andrea was a week over due and so they had her go in on Monday morning, December 12, 2010 to start her labor. Part way through the day they decided that he was going to be too big of a baby for her to deliver on her own. So late that night, Lincoln Kurokawa Tingey came into this world weighing 9 1/2 pounds!!!
We are so excited for Brian and Andrea and their new baby boy. Brandon and I went up on Tuesday night after I worked at the basketball game at Viewmont to meet our new nephew. Andrea looked great, the baby was beautiful and Brian had just taken one final. He had three more to go this week. Not the best timing. :) Brian and Andrea, we love you!! Good job, you two make one cute chunk of a baby!!!

Brandon and I with our new nephew!

The new mom!

Proud Dad! (Can't believe my baby brother is a dad!!!)

Baby Lincoln

Party On!

This weekend was definately filled with parties. We had a party for Brandon on Friday night for his graduation. I spent the day making chili. My mom and I went to get Laura, Liz and Luke after school. Laura had an entry in the Science Fair, so we stopped at their school and the kids showed my mom and I where their classrooms are. We got someone to let us into the gym so we could see Laura's project. She did research on our reactions to good smells and bad smells and what our facial reactions would be. She did such a good job!! Lilly auditioned for the school play, so my mom went and picked her up later in the evening, while I got things going at the party. We had a lot of fun at Tara's and the night ended with a fantastic dance party in her living room!!! Yay Eden!

Saturday morning, Lilly, Laura and I went and helped out at my cousin's dance recital. She runs a dance studio and so the girls got paid to help backstage with the dancers. It was definately hectic and we were glad to have grabbed hot chocolate and doughnuts on our way!! After the recital, I showed them where I work and then we went and cashed their checks. Brandon took the twins to lunch at McDonalds and we all arrived back home at about the same time and spent the afternoon relaxing and napping. The kids got to experience the "Santa Party" later that night. By tradition, we get together as a family to eat and at some point Santa Claus ("I know him!") shows up! He plays the piano and we sing a-long and also did the "Santa Sumo". Luke could not contain his excitement and Lilly and Laura got right into the action. It took Liz a minute to process and decide what she thought of it all. In the end, all four sat on his lap, vowed to do a few things like make their beds and got presents. B and I had to leave a little early to go out to his work Christmas party. We lasted about an hour before we decided we missed the kids and wanted to go home. It was fun to eat and spend time with his co-workers. The party was at a club down town and the food was amazing and there was live music. I was especially excited to wear my glitzy outfit. I think we both had fun getting decked out for it.

The twins turn 7 this week and we are really excited for their birthday. Luke keeps letting me know how many more days until his birthday. Liz is very excited to be taking cookies to her class for her Birthday. We had a fun and crazy weekend. When Brandon got home Sunday night from dropping off the kids, I had cleaned, showered and was in pj's. I think we were both asleep before 9 p.m. After this week of work I have two weeks off. I am looking forward to the time off. Weget to have the kids for Christmas Eve and Morning this year and for the last half of their break. We are all very excited!! But who isn't excited for time off from school???

Congratulations Brandon!!!

On Friday, December 10, 2010 Brandon graduated with his Master's Degree. That morning we went to his Hooding Ceremony at Weber State University. The ceremony was small and intimate. It lasted about 30 minutes and those who spoke at it did such an amazing job. They commented on how all the sacrifice are worth it, and how far those graduates will go in life. The closing speaker referred to Randy Pausch,the book he wrote, and how the things in life he regretted were not his embarrassing moments nor his failures, but the opportunities he had not grabbed onto and gone for.






Brandon has worked very hard over the past decade to come to this point in his life, he has made a lot of sacrifices and worked very hard. He had to run into work after the ceremony and so I spent the day with my mom getting ready for his party that night. We had an open house for him at his sister, Tara's. It was fun to be with family and recognize Brandon for all his hard work. He's an amazing man. Brandon, we are all so very proud of you!

You may wanna sit down...

So this was a hectic weekend to say the least. I have been working the sporting events at Viewmont High School for the past couple of years and Basketball season has started up. I had my first game on Friday, so B took Laura and the twins out to dinner. Golden Corral seems to be the restaurant of choice and Liz runs straight for the ribs every time. However, for the second time now, there were no ribs!!!! The world is ending! Lilly had her Christmas dance on Friday and she sent me a picture of her and she looked stunning! She has such a great style!! By the time B and I both got home Friday night, we crashed.


For those of you who know me well, you may want to sit down for this...READY???? On Saturday I woke up at 6:15 a.m. (yes, a.m.). I don't believe in getting up that early. Brandon claims that it is the best time of day; I feel that is up for debate. I went to pick up Lilly at 7 a.m. as she was participating in a Temple activity with our young men/women group doing Baptisms and going out to breakfast. We had hot chocolate on our way to drop her off at the church. I had every intention of heading straight home to go back to bed but then Brandon needed the camera at work and somehow I later got roped into going to Kohl's with my mom, not that I am complaining about that, I got a smashing new outfit out of it! When I finally got to lie down, Lilly was ready to come home! Oh-well, so much for a nap. Lilly and I went to lunch at Chili's before I took her home. It was fun to go out to lunch with her. She got ribs. I checked in with her and she was able to hide them from Liz. I'm thinking we will need to make ribs for dinner soon for our Elizabeth!



Saturday was Brandon's last day working at the hospital for the semester and so he came home early and we both got in a quick nap before going off to the Sandall Christmas party!! His students gave him a really nice gift basket. He has really enjoyed teaching and is looking forward to next semester. The Sandall Christmas party was a lot of fun. It was fun to meet some of Brandon's family that I had yet to meet. There was this massive blow-up slide for the kids, ping pong and when I couldn't find Brandon, I discovered they were showing the movie "Elf" in the other room. Some of us enjoy "It's a Wonderful Life" but my B goes for "Elf". We sang songs and opened presents and ate way too much food. My two salads were a hit! (Thank you Bowman's!) We missed having the kids with us at the party and so did everyone else but we look forward to having them this coming weekend.

Again, another blessing was shown our way at the party with some much needed items. Maybe I should stop being amazed at the love and blessings received. We are getting excited for Friday when Brandon graduates, I don't think it has hit him yet, but I am so very proud of him!!

Turkey day and beginings of Christmas

Here they are, as promised. Brandon and I on Turkey Day at Gramsy's and pictures of us putting up the tree. Luke had so much fun with his dad getting it all organized and put together. I'm not sure how Brandon felt about putting the lights on, but he did a fantastic job!!! Brandon wrapped up his Masters Project that weekend and I was beginning to forget what color our dinning room table was! It is still black, in case anyone was wondering. :)

I have a lot of fun cooking with Lilly and Laura in the kitchen and love that Luke and Liz like to join in and help me out. Liz is getting really good at setting the table! The kids have taken to my brother Paul and Brad (my non-biological brother). He loves to help them make a mess and then leave me with the mess. UGH. Apparently he is shaving that awful beard for Brandon's party....but not for our wedding. Hmmmm.....But Laura and I did get his beard in pig tails the last time we were over! HA!

We are getting excited for Christmas and all the upcoming parties and seeing friends. I am going to the Sandall Christmas party for my first time this year and am very excited. It is so odd to think that this time last year, B and I were being set up on a blind date. Who would have thought this is where we would be????

Blessings and a little bit of bragging....

With Thanksgiving over and Christmas on its way, I can't help but feel excited. I love this time of year. We got some snow this weekend and while I was driving to meet my students this morning I got a phone call from Brandon with some good news. I was overwhelmed with gratitude as I finished my drive and enjoyed the sun hitting the snow. I feel tremendously blessed. I would have never pictured my life where it is, it would have been impossible to. It just goes to show that the Lord has a hand in all things. The kids had really struggled with their last ward, that whole year was really hard. As Brandon and I were looking for somewhere to live, one of our biggest concerns was the ward and neighborhood we would be in. I've mentioned before that the kids love the new ward and are making friends in the neighborhood but this weekend I saw the blessings being given to us even more. Lilly is in Young Women's and our ward had their Night in Excellence last week. The kids records are staying up in their ward in O-town but I have been blown away by the love shown towards our family. Since Lilly wasn't at the activity, her leader saved her the treat from it. A bag of gum balls, and gave them to Lilly on Sunday. Lilly cleverly stowed her bag in her boots, which was hilarious when I look over in sacrament meeting and see her pulling them out!! Liz colored a picture for her teacher and told Brandon that she was excited to go to church. I had not slept well. Ok, I didn't sleep at all Saturday night and finally fell asleep around 5 a.m. When I woke up at 8:20 a.m. everyone was dressed and ready to go. Laura has been leading us in family scripture study at night. We are so blessed by their example. Knowing all to well how hard these kinds of changes are, I feel so blessed that our family is somewhere that we love. Lilly is going with the young men and women this Saturday to go to breakfast and then to the Temple for Baptisms. I am so excited for her. I feel like I am rambling all my emotions but to be honest, I can't help it this morning. I am too excited!!!

I am just so grateful for the blessings that keep coming our way. Moving and getting married and establishing ourselves has left our bank account a little bare to say the least but we have not gone without. With Christmas coming, I think Brandon and I both have been a little stressed. Neither of us had a tree and buying a fresh one, while the best, was going to be hard. Then just a few days before Thanksgiving, my sister-in-law, Andrea, called and offered their spare. I was almost in tears. Silly? Maybe. But I was so excited that we could borrow her tree and lights! On Friday night Lilly, Laura and I went over to Brian and Andrea's and got the tree and some decorations. The three of us had a lot of fun, we drove over to my mom's as well. As I'm talking to my mom, I glance over to see Laura. Standing there, shoving hand fulls of pretzel m&m's into her pockets with the most fantastic grin on her face!!! I believe she filled both her pockets! We drove home and Luke and Brandon put the tree together. We put on Christmas music and the girls danced around. After B got the lights on, the kids put on the ornaments. So, Christmas is officially here!!

On Saturday, Laura and I took off to go see the new movie Tangled. We went into SLC to the Gateway. She had chose to go for dessert after but then I think the smell of popcorn got to her! So we got popcorn, candy and drinks and headed to our movie. I have to say I really loved it. And I shall continue to be cheesy and say just how much I loved my afternoon wit La La. I love to sit and gab with her. Just being around her makes me happy. After the movie I took her up to the State Capitol. She said she had never been there, so, we went. Nothing was open since it was Saturday so we just ran around checking out the dome and some of the art. We then hit Starbucks for Carmel Apple Cider and Salted Hot Chocolate. To my good fortune, Laura thought both were gross (I forgive you Laura) so I got to drink both and we went to the gas station for some hot chocolate. In case you didn't know, regular hot chocolate is much better from a gas station than Starbucks, unless you get the salted kind. TRUST ME.

When we got home Brandon and I took the kids and their cousin Gabe to the library. Luke loves the library. Well, they all do. But when we get there, he takes off and heads right to his favorite sections and starts grabbing books. He checks them out all on his own too. He and I have a routine at night where he reads a book to me (I get beginning reader books at the library) and then I read a book to him. I love that he reminds me every night to do this. He is coming so far in his reading too!! I am very proud of him. Saturday night we made stir fry. Lilly and Laura cut up the vegetables for me and Lilly did some of the chicken. Luke helped me make the rice (pictures soon to follow!). After dinner we went over to my mom's where mom and I introduced them to the game of Donkey! I'm just going to let you sit and be curious as to what this game is. But it was a hit! Sunday we had dinner over with Shelley and Huh and Aunt Cami and MaCayla. I have to say that I had a wonderful weekend with my family!
And now for the bragging.........

Brandon, after 12+ years of schooling (The man has multiple degrees, 1 associates and 2 bachelors) is finishing his Masters Degree; a Masters of Science in Nursing-Nursing Administration. He graduates on December 10, 2010. I am in the process of planning a big old bash for him that night! Brandon spent last week finishing up his project and getting it turned in. He has already heard back and they like it! Which does not surprise me one bit. One of the things that I love about Brandon is how much he values an education. He has sacrificed so much over the years to get his education all with the desire to be able to provide for his family and to help others. He has been working full time for IHC and teaching for Weber State all while finishing his Masters. And in all that, he still made plenty of time for me and taking me out on dates and doing things with our family. I still can't quite figure out how he did it all. If I'm not home to cook, he makes dinner. He starts my car for me in the morning, he spends time with me and the kids. He dances with me in the kitchen. I could go on and on about all the things he does for me....I think I may have married Super Man. Just sayin'.

Brandon, you are quite a man. I hope you know how proud of you we all are. You are amazing for how hard you work and how well you take care of me and the kids. You are always present and listening. I don't know how you do it but know how much we appreciate and love you. There just are not words for how I am feeling.

Well, there ya go. Our blessings and bragging. The kids rock. I totally forgot to mention that Laura is mere inches from having her middle splits!!!! Lilly has her Christmas Dance this Friday and I can't wait to see a picture of her dress....it sounds soooo cute!!! So things are hectic and crazy but we are blessed beyond measure. I hope our families know how grateful we are to them for all their help over the past few months. Brandon and I would be lost without you!

MORE

Here are some more from the wedding. I like the ones of people dancing. Especially the little girls. It was fun to dance with my B and to dance late into the night. Well, late for me that is.

Park City

After the party on the 25th, B and I went up to Park City for a few days. We got a condo at the Silver King Lodge and had a lot of fun eating, swimming and relaxing. I completely forgot to bring the camera so we went and bought a disposable one! I am really big into taking pictures so this was somewhat devastating to me!

During our stay we went for a drive in Heber and decided to go bowling. Last time we went bowling I kicked B's fanny and won a back rub out of the deal. That did not happen this time. I think he had better Karma that day due to paying for the Missionaries who were bowling next to us. I guess I can't win every time. Later that day we rode the Heber Creeper. I will never the face of a man on the train when I asked him to take our picture and handed him a disposable camera. He was really confused!

While we did eat out, we also cooked in our condo. That was a lot of fun. Brandon made me steak and shrimp one night and we rented movies. With it being the end of the summer season, there were not a lot of people up there so things were really quiet. We were on main street late one night and B took me into a chocolate shop and we got a bunch of chocolates and chocolate covered strawberries. It was so yummy! It was a lot of fun to get away and relax. I hope we can do it again soon!

The last few pictures were taken since we've been back and others are just random. One is of the duplex we are currently living in. There is also a picture of what La La put up over our bed. She put it up several weeks ago and we have just left it. We love it. Brandon's dad is subbing as a crossing guard and so that is included in here for fun. He is such a neat man, we are so blessed to have him in our lives.

Random

We had the idea to put out disposable camera's at the wedding. The kids took most of the pictures and we ended up with some really fun ones. I still look back at how fun this all was. It was such a fun night with our family and friends. Thank you to all of you who were able to come!

I have more pictures from the wedding and from the last couple of weeks...will post soon!

Enchilada's anyone???

I have to say that B and I were so excited to have the kids again the other weekend. It wasn't our weekend to have them, but we lucked out. So...two weekends in a row!!! I had been counting down for this Friday. La La has been asking for Enchilada's for a while now. When B and I went grocery shopping last week, we picked up the stuff to make them. When they got in the car, I let her know the menu for the evening, and all four kids were excited. We got home and the twins played while the two older girls sat in the kitchen and talked with me while I got dinner ready. I love that. It is so fun to have them in there telling me about their week and what's going on. La La tends to dance around the room while she talks. I love it. I used to do the same. Her older sister, gets so excited talking about school and friends. Our gab fest ended and B came home and we had dinner. Someone took a bite of the much-anticipated enchiladas and goes; "hmmm....this is different". Uh-oh. The kids keep eating and so does B. But then the youngest girl takes a bite and says; "This is disgusting!". I look at B and he tells me it's the sauce and he keeps eating. I take a bite. Oh man, it tasted like the can. Really? Metal flavored enchilada's. I do not recommend them!

Into the garbage they went and it was breakfast for dinner. The kids didn't want to hurt my feelings, and were willing to eat it. Goodness, no! We got out the cereal and sat at the table and laughed about my enchilada's. I made some cookies later to eat during our movie, and the night still turned out great! WHEW!!! I am going to have to tackle the enchilada's again....just not that sauce. :) On Saturday, B had to teach at the hospital and so the kids and I went to the Library before the oldest and I had a hair appointment. The other three went to spend some time at my mom's while we got our hair done. It was a lot of fun to have some one on one time with the oldest. And now we both have smashing hair!! Wahoo!!

My mom turned 60 Saturday, so that night we went to a surprise birthday party for her at a Chinese restaurant. It was a lot of fun. The kids and B got to meet some of my old youth leaders and more of my family. They had never met my older brother and his wife before. My sister-in-law is from Russia and the kids were fascinated with her accent!! We had a lot of fun going up to Gramsy's after to play games and eat yummy chocolate cake. B is not a fan of chocolate which means I had to sacrifice and eat his piece. It's what you do when you love someone. Sunday was the first time that we were all at church together for all three block meetings. I am excited to say that the kids love our new ward! B and I have prayed that they would be ok here and it was such a relief to see the two oldest come back giggling and excited about their classes and the friends they made. Knowing all too well what it is like to have your parents get divorced, I am so grateful for this blessing of them making friends at church and in the neighborhood.

So, who has an Enchilada recipe for me????

Our friend, Elvis

Well, here it is . . . the moment of truth. Though our personal goals of family and marriage reach much higher, Elvis and all the glitz of Vegas did not disappoint! This was a night not to be forgotten. This time was for us, but we want to share it with you . . . We didn't know the people supporting us that night. We had met them about an hour before the ceremony. The couple in front was renewing their vows after 15 years of marriage. Their ceremony preceeded ours, and they waived off their limousine service to celebrate with us. Sometimes you just have to be spontaneous and have fun . . . Jill, for me, I get "all shook up" as every day since that night gets even better than The King . . . I love you

-B

Halloween Fun

Over UEA weekend, I took the kids to Gardner Village to check out the witches. I'm itching to get back to wander through the stores!! We had a lot of fun eating on the lawn and wandering around. We also went with my cousin Katie and her girls to a corn maze. I think they should give you a map and have a snack shack in it so that you can grab a coke. However, I think the hay slide was the bigger hit! They spent what seemed like forever on it and B and I even tried it out. FUN!! I want one in my backyard! We tried to go all of the girls at once, it never seemed to work out but it was fun trying. Brandon had the kids for Halloween last year so we had them the weekend before, so along with the corn maze we made a haunted ginger bread house. It was a lot of fun. We had some architectural problems and tried to solve them by putting it in the freezer....yeah, that didn't work out so well.

We've been having a lot of fun in our new place. Reading has seemed to become our thing. Whether it's one person reading to the group or everyone with their own book, the two older girls read like crazier and finish a book in one weekend. The kids and I went and got library cards for each of them last weekend and so we've had a lot of fun going to the Library and checking out books. We took B with us this last Wednesday and instead of watching a movie, everyone read! Wahoo!!

Below are some pictures from our trip to Gardner Village, reading and home, the corn maze and the ginger bread house....

Wedding Pictures!! Wahoo!!!

On September 25th, we had a reception in my Aunt Suzi and Uncle Wally's backyard. This would not have turned out so perfect without all the help of our family and friends. I am overwhelmed at the help and support we received. I really can not take credit for anything. Exactly what was envisioned became a reality. We ate and danced all night long, surrounded by candles, lights and amazing family and friends. B and I are blessed beyond measure!Enjoy!! (click on the picture and it will take you to a new window to see them larger....)

Vegas Baby!

We have not had one minute to get internet at our place so updating this blog is proving to be hard at the moment. I wanted to throw up some pictures that B and I took while we were in Vegas. Sometimes I still pinch myself to see if it's real. We had contemplated going to Vegas the night we got engaged, but for several reasons did not go. I think this was the most spontaneous thing I have ever done, and definitely the best! We stayed at the MGM on the strip and had an amazing room. Our adventure started while I was still at work on Thursday when I got a call from B shortly after the students had gone home saying; "Let's go to Vegas!"

I went home, and not having luggage, threw things into bags then into the back of my car. Neither my mom nor Pookie picked up on what I was doing, even when I took my wedding dress out to the car! I went to B's and we moved my stuff to his car. B didn't have any luggage either, so his stuff was also just thrown in the car. We both thought we were busted by his parents, but turns out we weren't. No one figured it out. We were missing for the whole weekend. Either we are sneaky or...

We stopped in Salt Lake City and ate dinner at Squatters. We sat on the Patio and to be honest, I was so excited that I can't even recall what we talked about or did during dinner. I just remember the patio and the lights and being totally exhausted. Now we were really off! We only made it to Cedar City that night, as we didn't leave SLC til late. We were up early and ate super dried eggs and burnt english muffins at the motel, yes, motel. The restaurant had an Excalibur theme. Need I say more? When we got to St. George, we stopped for gas and decided to get luggage. You can't really roll up in Vegas without luggage, right? B got his haircut while I moved all our things into the luggage. A couple of hours later we were in Vegas!! We had no reservation and no plan. I had not been to Vegas since a trip with some friends over spring break almost ten years ago and B had not really ever been. We stopped at an outdoor mall for a few things and then drove down the strip. Michael Buble' was in town. No we did not go, but getting a room proved to take longer. We pulled up to the MGM and Brandon went and wheeled and dealed and got us a room.

Lunch at Caesars. We were not in a rush and ended up having an amazing conversation in our hotel room for several hours before we got ready to go get hitched. It's one I will never forget and one I will hold dear. We got ready and then B whisked me off in a town car to go get our marriage license. I don't know anyone who has done this, so I didn't know what to expect. When you get to city hall there are people waiting outside with pamphlets to their chapels, offering you all sorts of deals. VERY colorful people. I didn't know this then, but B was mortified and couldn't believe he had taken me there. He really is such a good man, it never crossed my mind how weird it was. I was with B. I always feel safe and have fun with him. And I get a kick out of odd people. There is no way to accurately tell you about this or the people there....just know it was awesome.

With our license in hand, we just walked down the street. And there it was, The Graceland Wedding Chapel. We walked in and got scheduled as a "walk-in". While we were waiting, two groups came. One was a group of Argentinians, there with friends to get married. The other group was from California, there with friends to renew vows after 15 years of marriage. We were waiting outside while the other parties had their ceremonies. We had a good time talking with the group from California. After the ceremonies, it was our turn. The Groom (from CA) realized we were there alone and asked if we were. Then he yells, "Guys! We've got another wedding to go to!" This group of people, who spent maybe a half hour talking to us outside before their own ceremony, let the limo go so we wouldn't be alone. Maybe you find this weird. Who does that? I find it amazing and it honestly added to the night. Brandon greeted all of them as they walked into the chapel, shaking each of their hands. Minutes later, we were Mr. and Mrs. Sandall!!

I know some might read this and think we are nuts. But I have to tell you, this was the best night ever! We left the chapel and went to dinner at the MGM's Rain Forest Cafe. We didn't eat dinner til way after midnight! The rest of the weekend was spent relaxing, ordering room service, and exploring Vegas. I know I am leaving so much out of this tale, some of it on purpose. But I hope this gives you a glimpse of our Vegas adventure!

Here are pictures from our adventure!

Signing paperwork and finishing touches....

The people in the white suits and black dresses are who were from Argentina, everyone else was our wedding party.

You are not allowed to take pictures of Elvis with your own camera...you can't take a camera in....B just had to snap this...

At Dinner. Barely married! I love how B's tie is loosened...

Room service anyone??? I LOVE room service and this was fantastic!!

B and I riding up the escalator at the Coke store...

On Saturday, B and I went over to the Coke store. I LOVE this store. We did a sort of "tasting". We got 16 samples of drinks that Coca Cola makes around the world. Not sure if I know what word describes this. Awful? I am super grateful that Coke is available in most countries. I don't recall having anything this gross when I went to Europe but I think I stuck with Coke and bottled water. Which turns out, was a good idea!

B and I having dinner Saturday night at the Mirage. Seriously YUMMY sweet potato fries!!!

On Sunday and went to see the St. George Temple. I didn't know that the grounds were even open on Sunday let alone the Visitor's Center and that missionaries were there to give you a tour. This is a beautiful Temple that I have never seen up close. And it was a lot of fun and interesting to learn about how it was built.

Well, there ya go. What do you think?

Yes. I hog the sheets and dont mess with my mac and cheese!!

We've been in our new place for a couple of weeks now and I have to say that things are getting unpacked faster than I had anticipated. Yay! So, it has come to my attention that, I hog the sheets. I used to be a bed hog as well but having found a King size bed has helped with that. I woke up one night last week to B standing at his side of the bed pulling the covers back in his direction. He had to get out of bed to do this? Am I really that bad?? Apparently so. All I can say is that I don't really have control over what I may or may not do during my sleep!

I had Thursday and Friday off for UEA last week and so got the kids early, well, early for me (11 a.m.) on Friday, and we went out to Gardner Village to check out the witches. The kids had never been out there so it was a lot of fun for me to introduce them to a UEA tradition of mine! We had a Halloween pizza dinner at my mom's and then home for creative sleeping arrangements! Does anyone else remember thinking our parents just had an endless supply of money? No? Well, I did (I fear I may still think that). The kids were shocked that we hadn't purchased four mattresses yet. Yeah....um..... Could someone water my money tree out back? Needless to say, we had a lot of fun camping out on air mattresses and cots and I had a great time hogging the sheets from B.

Saturday's, B is teaching at the hospital so the kids and I hung out at home. For years I have been given crap about all my junk. And I'd just like to announce that I was right in keeping and hauling around my Barbies (and everything else...). The girls busted those out and played with them all weekend! We babysat at B's sisters house and made Mac and Cheese for 8 kids, yes 8. I love Mac and Cheese, REALLY love it. The next thing I know, B and La La are cutting hot dogs and putting them in!!! REALLY?!? Who does that? I firmly believe that you don't mess with perfection. UGH. Well, we needed butter so B ran to our house to get some. There I am pacing. Wondering what on earth is taking the man so long. My tummy was grumbling so bad!!! We live like 2 minutes away...did he go home to make the butter??? Doesn't he know I'm hungry?? And then, he walks in the door. Not just with butter but with a coke and pizza for me (well, both of us). And the guilt sets in. I didn't have to eat hot dog contaminated Mac and Cheese AND the man got me a coke.

So, what have we learned here? I hog the sheets and don't like my Mac and Cheese messed with. Oh, and next time I'm pacing wondering where B is, it's prolly cuz he's thinking of me and getting me a coke. Duly noted.

Family Pictures

B and I decided that instead of doing all the engagements, bridals, etc. for pictures that we really just wanted some family pictures done. A few weeks ago we went into Memory Grove and also just behind the Gateway in Salt Lake City to take pictures. Natalie, Brandon's sister-in-law (and now mine!) took our pictures. We had over 300 to chose from and it was such a hard choice! B and I narrowed down a bunch for her to edit but I'm throwing up some unedited ones becuase I am just too excited!!! I will take time to introduce the whole family later but quickly, Brandon has four amazing and beautiful children. Yes, instant mom! I couldn't be happier!

After pictures we went out to dinner at the Macaroni Grill. Was anyone aware that the brocoli came out in bug chunks? Like mini trees??? Too funny! Lilly and I were smart decided that I would get chocolate cake and she would get cheese cake and then share....best of both worlds! This was so much fun for us to do, such a good memory.  So, here we are....

 The pictures infront of this orange door at Memory Grove are definitely some of our favorites!!  The Oldest is in the back on the right, she is 12 and just started the 7th grade this year.  La La is in the back on the left.  She is 10 and has started on a competition dance team this year (brings back great memories of when I competed!).  Yes.  The two in front are twins.  They are 6 and in the first grade.  They may be twins but they are totally different. These kids are amazing and I can't even begin to describe how blessed I am by having them in my life! 

 All girl.  There really is nothing more to say!  She has a style all her own and is one of the most independent six year olds I have ever seen!  We both share a love of lip gloss and she adores her dad.  Well, they all do.  But who could blame them??

The dancer.  She REALLY loves the color orange and anything that has a peace sign involved!  She makes everything fun and her smile lightens up a room.  She is quite candid and smart, she knows who she is and what she believes.  Something I truly admire.

Yes, she is this pretty in person, and has a great laugh.  She just started the 7th grade and young women's at church.  She is taking French and knows way more than I did when I took it in Junior High!!  She also has a great sense of humor and can always make me laugh.  Come to think of it, all four kids and B can do that. 

"Did you see that cop car?"  Big Man loves everything trucks and cars.  Transformers and Star Wars.  He is always on the go and I am jealous of his energy and excitement for life, it truly is never ending.  He always seems to have a joke or great story to tell.   He also loves Gold Fish, he made a point of making sure I knew this early on.  :)

Well, that is us.  In a nut shell.  Brief I know but there seems to be no time lately for anything...I hope Brandon and I can update you more.  I really should let him introduce the kids in better detail.  I will let him know. :)