You Know You're Pregnant When..............

You have cheese crisps for dinner..........but...........

You have these for dessert! The kids were way impressed with my creations. They were so excited to eat something that looked so fancy. Kiersten told me I should have my own restaurant! Why when I am pregnant dinner never sounds good but I could spend hours on a good dessert?

Hunter gave it two thumbs up!

Kiersten gave it one thumb up and a chocolate drizzled banana up!

Logan wasn't about to put down the dessert to give me his opinion. But from the looks of it I would say he is a two thumbs up as well!

Peter Pan

Kiersten and Hunter are in the Children's Play @ EAC. The play is Peter Pan. They have had a great time being in the play. Hunter is one tough pirate. He loved his costume so much he worn it a lot to just play in at home. He was very excited that I would buy tattoos and let him wear them. He has done a fabulous job! "RRRRRRR......Matee!"

Kiersten is a fairy. She is the prettiest one up there, of course. She was glad she got a part, which surprised me because she is so shy. The plays she has been in have really helped her gain some confidence. Penny Whetten, the director, does an amazing job with the kids. Penny is so good to make them feel comfortable, respectful to each other and helps the kids all gain self confidence. This time the play didn't start until 7:30 which is our kids bed time. I was so worried that they would be so tired, but we have been taking rests in the afternoon to help. So far they haven't complained about it being so late. Although, the first night Hunter said, "Mom I am too tired for play practice." I reminded him that it wasn't a practice that is was a performance. Hunter's reply, "Do I get to wear my costume?" He wasn't too tired once I told him yes it was finally the night to wear his costume. They have two more nights of the play so we'll see how they last.

Girls Only Cruise to Ensenada, Mexico

Since Justin got to go on a "guys trip" back in August to Las Vegas it was my turn for "girls trip". Plus I deserve it BIG TIME!!! So Stacie Harmon and I went on a three day Carnival cruise to Ensenada, Mexico.

This is us doing a little shopping in down town Ensenada. And we came home to the warning to not go to San Diego or Mexico because of the Swine Flu. What do you do?

A really nice guy named Javier, of course, asked us if we wanted to go on a horse and buggy and so we did. I asked him if I could get a picture of the horse and buggy he said yes and simply picked me up and put me on the horse. It wasn't exactly what I meant, but it was fun. This is our ship in the background the Carnival Elation. Javier was a great photographer as well as a tour guide. He couldn't believe I was about 4 1/2 months pregnant, so I liked him! He said I could bring my baby back and get a free ride, but only if I had a girl. Me, Javier and his horse and buggy. It took a little convincing to get Stacie up on the horse but she finally did it. We couldn't always understand Javier but he was really nice and funny when I could. I teased him that he better not kidnap us! This is an adults only patio at the front of the ship. It was nice and quite. I enjoyed soaking up the sun and reading my book. It was such a nice break to relax so much! The adults only patio had two nice sized hot tubs. We never actually got in but it looked inviting at times. This was the first time I have sipped hot chocolate while laying out, but it was actually quite warm if the wind wasn't blowing.

Stacie and I at dinner one night. We sat at a table for 10 each night for dinner. They assign you your dinner tables. It was quite interesting as the first night it was actually just us and a lesbian couple who made out during dinner. But the following two nights four other people joined us and it was quite fun to visit with them all. The food was good and it was just great to not have to go far for dinner. That's whats so nice about a cruise food, entertainment and relaxation all planned for you. We basically just sat back and enjoyed and that is exactly what I did! ENJOYED!!!

This picture is mostly for my kids so they could see the fun slide. Some day I want to take my kids on a Disney Cruise or any cruise for that matter.

Every cruise I have been on has a ice carving demonstration. It is amazing to watch. They said it would take most people, that know how to carve ice, 8 hours to carve this ice sculpture and cost $1000. This guy did it in less than 30 minutes.

This is the final product. Impressive!

This was our home for the three days. I always love to see the towel origami they come up with on cruises. Our room was the very, very last room at the end of the hall so it made eating all that good food come with less guilt because we always had a good walk to get to our room.

This is the center of the ship. Hard to see I know. One of the best shows on the cruise was a hypnosis show. It was hysterical. I laughed so hard and want to take a trip to Vegas to see another hypnosis show. Anybody want to go?

We got off the ship at 9 in the morning and had all day in San Diego. The only draw back was that we had our luggage with us and I am by no means a light packer. Never have been, never will be, so I got my workout in dragging my bag around. We shopped at a nice out door mall and watched the movie Obsessed. It was good and entertaining! We got some funny looks dragging our luggage around the mall. I had fun telling several people that we don't take shopping lightly, hence the suitcases! They might have thought I was joking but those of you who know me know I am serious!!

We then decided a little early dinner at Anthony's on the harbor was a great way to end our day. I've been to Anthony's before with Justin and the kids so I knew it was good and had a beautiful view to watch the sail boats in the harbor.

My shrimp trio dinner was oh so YUMMY! Makes me hungry just looking at it now.

We got back into Phoenix at 7:30 and I stayed over night with Stacie. The following day, Monday, Justin had meetings over in Phoenix so he picked me up. I got to hang out at the Chandler Mall (all by myself!!) while Justin went to his meetings. I had fun shopping and even watched a movie, Dragonball Evolution. I actually enjoyed that movie and the peace and quite without kids to keep happy during a movie!

All in all, it was a great get-a-way! Thanks to my wonderful mother-in-law and Justin for taking care of the kids for the 6 days I was gone. I am not sure if Justin will let me go again without him, at least he said he wouldn't. I reminded him that it isn't his choice! I feel very blessed to have been able to take some much needed (and earned as Justin says) time for myself! Thanks Stacie for the memories! This was the first time I have even taken a real girls trip and I would love to do it again!

Precious Kiersten

Kiersten is just such a thoughtful and sweet daughter! On Thursday I had a big Activity with my activity day girls.................13 eight and nine year old. WOW........CRAZY! They are fun but completely wear me out. I didn't know girls could be so rowdy. I guess I am just so use to Kiersten. Kiersten isn't quiet old enough to be in activity days, not until August, but since I am the leader I let her come. It's one less kid I have to get a babysitter for. Thank You Mom! For this activity I took individual pictures of the girls in my studio and we made cute frames to put the pictures in. This is a Mother's Day gift the girls are surprising their Moms with. Well Kiersten had already made a frame because I needed to know how long it took and if the girls could do it without a whole lot of help. So during the actual activity Kiersten didn't have anything to do. She helped me with the pictures in the studio and then I thought she was up stairs with my assistant and the other girls watching them make their crafts. Nope, much to my surprise she had set the table for dinner (activity day was from 4:30-6:00) complete with glasses of water and napkins, then she laid out p.j.'s for Hunter, Logan and herself. I was so surprised and greatly appreciated her help! She said, "Mom I knew you would be tired after the girls left so I thought of all I could do to help out!" Kiersten is just so sweet and thoughtful! I guess that's why I want another girl, because Kiersten is such a good example and wonderful daughter! Thanks Kiersten for all you do and how helpful you are. I love you so very much!

Hunter Fishing Trip

What a handsome cowboy! Hunter is really into dressing like a cowboy lately. The other day he even wore his cowboy hat, shorts and cowboy boots to preschool. Totally something only little boys can get away with! This was him early Saturday morning while he waited for his Grandpa and Uncle Quincy to come pick him up to go fishing. 7:30 couldn't come fast enough! Hunter had a wonderful time out at Cluff Ponds...........yes we have ponds named after us, what can we saw we are famous in these parts! Ha, Ha! Hunter loved the slimy worms!

Uncle Quincy said Hunter got really good at casting during this trip. A few months ago Hunter had his first fishing trip with Uncle Quincy and it was quite eventful. While Uncle Quincy had walked back to the truck, Hunter noticed the bobber going up and down. Hunter tried to yell to Uncle Quincy, but he couldn't hear him. So Hunter just took the fishing pole and reeled in a Blue Gill. Hunter had never caught a fish before and Uncle Quincy knew this. So he was extremely shocked when he came and saw that Hunter had caught a fish ALL BY HIMSELF! Hunter was so proud, so was Uncle Quincy I think!

Grandpa was the only one to catch a fish, but Hunter loved it none the less. I guess they had lots of bites which at least made it fun. Uncle Quincy then took Hunter and showed him how to gut and skin the fish. Hunter LOVED that part. I only wish Uncle Quincy would have finished the job and showed Hunter how to cook it. Now Hunter can't wait to eat his fish!

Our FIRST Find!!!

We have a new addiction..........Geo Caching!!! It is where you use your GPS to find little treasures or "caches" as they are called. This was our first time doing it and we are so hooked! We now think we will find caches on all our trips and outings. We just got a Joyner Trooper 4 and are loving it. It is a mix between a Rhino and a rail. We are loving that it is 4 wheel drive. It is going to be great fun to find our caches with! The kids were so excited to "go on a Treasure Hunt!" I think Justin and I were just as excited!

The kids looking around to find the "treasure."

What a cute guy and great explorer!

We had a bit of a hard time finding it so the kids ventured over to the river to play!

What fun it is to just be out and enjoying the evening together with my kids! I was so happy that it finally wasn't windy.

Love My Kids!

Well the kids came a running when Justin announced he had found where the cach was!

That little pill bottle is the "treasure or cach." Good job Justin!

It was up pretty high. Inside the bottle was a place to sign your name and then like a lot of the caches you can take a item out and put something you have into the bottle. This makes it especially fun for the kids! They are little things most of the time because the containers are so small, which made Kiersten so happy. She has a little things collection (Thanks Tessa Smith for the idea, Kiersten loves little things as much as you do I think).

Kiersten picked a tiny little bear to add to her collection! She was so happy and can't wait to find another cach!

Hunter got a Incredible's pin and was very happy with his treasure! We look forward to many more finds. Actually since our first find on Tuesday, Justin has been out again by himself and once with Hunter. It's going to be a good hobby for Justin and our family as a well. We just hope for more non windy days before it gets hot!

Sweet Spirited Hunter

Yesterday as Logan was away at preschool and it was just Hunter and I at home, I learned a beautiful lesson from Hunter. I made him a pirate costume for the Peter Pan play that him and Kiersten are in, and he LOVES it! So he was wearing it all morning. I told him he needed to take it off so he could do some chores like clean the basement. So he took it off and handed me the clip on hoop ear ring that goes with his costume, so he wouldn't loose it. I had a bunch of stuff in my hands but I took the ear ring anyways. When he went to put away his costume he asked me where the ear ring was and of course I had no idea! I couldn't even remember that he handed it to me.

We looked ever place I thought I might have put it but no luck.

Hunter then said, "Mom don't you think we should pray to Heavenly Father so he can help us find it?"

I said, "Of course."

So we said our little prayer and as soon as we were done I remembered I put it on the counter in my bathroom. Hunter and I went straight to where it was. I think I was more shocked then him! Hunter wasn't shocked at all because he absolutely knew Heavenly Father would answer our prayer. He was so happy and kept saying all day, "Mom wasn't it a good idea to pray!"

We had a great conversation about prayer and Heavenly Father. I love and learn so much from my children and their PURE FAITH. Thank you Hunter for the sweet lesson and the faith that you have!

HUNTER

For a next door neighbor boy You're a pocketful of joy In your camouflage green suit And your barefoot toes to boot Little fellow that you are In the sky you'd be a star In age I'd say you are three In age could you smarter be? Every question that I ask You answer so very fast "Are you a good boy?" - WOW "I am a bad boy now."

"Am I a bad boy then?"

"No- you're a good boy, Ben."

With brother and sister

You sure are quite a mister.

By Ben L. Smith

written 4-13-07

Monday Night Fun

Because we were out of town all Easter weekend we had our Easter hunt for FHE. We first did the traditional dozen egg game that explains a lot of the details around Jesus Christs death and resurrection. We had been doing that game or story all month to help the kids get the true reason why we celebrate Easter. I was impressed with how well they knew the details and loved telling us the story of Jesus.

Logan finding his first egg. Logan and Hunter running to see where they could find a egg.

Logan was so happy each time he found one he would come show me. Not the other kids they knew to just keep on finding eggs

Kiersten and her piggy basket.

Justin did a fabulous job hiding the eggs.

Justin and I were both proud parents when we saw how the kids all make sure everyone had enough eggs. There was no flighting. It was such a loving evening with the kids I didn't want it to end!

Logan was very happy to find a monkey egg.

"Nader Monkey Egg MOMMY!"

What fun, great and beautiful kids we have!

We then painted eggs.

Kiersten and Hunter were deep in thought painting their eggs.

Logan had fun cause he actually got to paint the egg with the q-tip.