OUCHIE!

Sorry about the nudey shot - the only pic we have of the splinted cast

A "blinging" kind of surgery

This would be her "pretty" pose - you could tell, right?

Riding her new quad (from Grama Krey) with cousin, Celia

I'm pretty sure I get the mother-of-the-year award for this one! Here goes... Last Saturday night I got Arie up from her nap and changed her diaper on the changing table. In the 2 seconds it took me to throw the diaper away, she had somehow fallen off the table. I picked her up and rocked her and gave her loves, but she just didn't seem quite right to me. Luckily, Aaron was working in the ER that night, so I decided to take her in. All of Aaron's nurse and doc friends assured me that she had just popped her elbow out and once they "popped" it back in, she'd be just fine. However, as Aaron exited the x-ray with Arie he looked at me and said, "Don't be mad but...she broke her arm." I thought I was going to be sick. Sure enough, x-ray's don't lie! On her left hand, the outer bone just above the wrist, it was completely broken. Doctors were talking about overnight stays and surgery. Luckily, the peds specialist on duty that night said that casting it would be just fine. The doc who came in to splint-cast the arm says to me, "WOW! You seem really calm. This must not be your first." to which I replied, "No. I have a 12 and 8 year old boys, which have never broken a bone. And yet, somehow, I manage to break my baby girl." Needless to say, he replied with a nervous giggle and then made a rather hasty exit! 3 days later we were back at the hospital for x-rays. The bone looked good, so they gave her a permanent cast - neon pink! However, signing names on casts is so passe - so we decided to bedazzle the cast! My sister-in-law, Paula, along with her girls came over today to help fancy up Arie's cast - it is, afterall, all about the bling! So, now she is all blinged out! She is moving her arm and using her fingers just fine. We go back in a couple of days for another x-ray, but I am pretty confident that all will be well. And in 6 weeks time, she will be back to as good as new!

PIGGIES!

Arie's hair is growing at a maddening rate! I was sure that when we found out we were having a girl, that she would be blessed with Aaron's hair! Alas, she was born with mine. Poor girl! So far, she just has a girlie mullet - almost non-existent in the front and longer in the back. But thanks to my sister-in-law, I was encouraged to put the hair into piggies. I've been getting more and more brave - doing mini-messy buns, and lately, braids! She looks so cute and grown up in her little piggies and braids. I just had to chronicle it by taking pics. And now I am sharing them with you! Doing piggies and braids on a 16 month old is no small feat, mind you. Especially for someone who can't even braid her own hair! It takes awhile, and I have to give lots of distractions, but in the end, it's all worth it!

Temple Lights

Again with the sideways shot - sorry!

Every year, we like to go as a family to see the lights at the temple. Last year, Arie was little and it was raining and cold, so we opted not to go. It just never felt like Christmas. So this year, Zach was adamant that we go early, to ensure that we see the lights! It was a chilly night, but seeing all the lights, the people and the live nativity is such a wonderful experience. This year, we ventured into the Visitor Center and watched a movie about Christ. It was really quite powerful. I promptly came home and bought the movie! I feel so blessed that we live so close to the temple! It truly is a bit of heaven on earth. Even my children can feel the spirit that resides on the grounds. During this time of year, I am taken back to my travels to the Holy Land, to the birthplace of our Savior. It seems like yesterday that I was out on Shepherds Field, looking at Bethlehem off in the distance, and wondering what it must have been like to have been a shepherd visited by an angel to herald in the birth of the Savior?! I feel blessed that I live in a day in age when the truth of the Gospel has been restored. That I know that my Savior lived and died for me, and that because of his life, I can once again return to live with Him and my Father in Heaven. Christmas is such a magical time! It is a time when the world, collectively, whether religious or not, recognizes and celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.

Merry Christmas!

Santa brought an XBox 360! Mason is sooo surprised!

Arie got a pillowpet

The boys each got some gaming chairs

Stairs shot with Dad

Stairs shot with Mom

Christmas came in two parts for our family this year. We recently moved, and things have been quite hectic ever since. We decided that we all needed a little break. So we spent Christmas at the cabin this year. We learned, however, that it is a much smoother trip minus all the presents. So, we decided to open all our presents on the morning of the 22nd, then leave for the cabin. Santa could then bring the one present he brings for our kids, plus stocking stuffers. The boys thought this was a brilliant idea (and who wouldn't? Open presents twice!!) Growing up, my parents would make us wait to see our presents all that the same time. While we waited for the room to be "readied" we would all wait on the stairs. Thus, the famous stair shot began. Up to this year, we've never had stairs, but we would take a family photo in the hall, which would sub for the stairs. Needless to say, the boys were quite excited that this year, we would FINALLY be able to take a real stairs shot! We opened presents then headed for the cabin! We enjoyed beautiful weather while we were there! Didn't get the "fresh" white Christmas until later that evening when it began to snow. But there was plenty of snow on the ground. Aaron and the boys got a fun day of snowboarding in. Arie and I enjoyed a fun day indoors doing girlie things like baking cookies and painting finger and toenails! Santa actually did make it to the cabin, much to the delight of Zachary, in particular! Amazing that the big guy can find you even when you aren't sleeping in your own bed! We had a wonderful holiday and enjoyed the quiet and solitude that can only be found at the cabin! And we really enjoyed the time we got to spend with each other! Seems that life is just zooming by, and in the day-to-day hustle and bustle, I don't really take the time with my kids to just enjoy them. I look forward to these times when I can really enjoy being with them when the stresses of life aren't dictating what should and needs to be done! We wish all of you a very Happy Holidays!

Christmas Time!

The advent of Christmas is always marked, in our home, with bringing home the Christmas tree. Growing up, my family always went and cut down the tree. Hours, literally, were spent scoping out the farm and searching for the "perfect"tree. When Aaron and I were first married, we continued this tradition until Mason's second Christmas. By then, Christmas tree farms were far away and the thought of traveling 2 plus hours to cut down a tree just didn't appeal to me. Now, we hunt for a lot that carries Douglas Fir (my fav) and call it a done deal. This year, it happened to be raining as we left for the lot. However, upon arrival, the rain let up. And I'm pretty sure I got mother-of-the-year award (from my children at least) for the time it took me to locate and select the "perfect" tree for our home. Drum roll please . . . 10 minutes! Actually it was more like 7 1/2, but we'll call it 10 with having to tie it down to the car! We got home and decorated the tree to our favorite tradition - Alabama Christmas (don't even ask how that got started!) Then Aaron cooked the traditional dinner of sauerkraut and sausage! Again, this tradition began our first year of marriage and we've carried it out. I think we do it cuz of Aaron's German ancestry - but honestly, I'm lost as to why. We just have always done it and now continue because the boys won't let us quit! This year's tree is especially beautiful because only the top 2/3rds of the tree are decorated, to discourage little hands from taking ornaments off and hiding them in unknown regions! It was a great night, and now we are ready for the Holiday season to begin!

Giving Thanks

The yummy pancakes Zach made for Thanksgiving breakfast! YUM!

Arie riding the quad with Auntie Paula

Zach riding the motorcycle like a big kid - without training wheels!!

Mason and Aaron before the big golf game. Have no idea why or how this came out sideways and not smart enough to turn it right side up! So - you'll have to do the sideways look! p.s. - Aaron likes to wear goofy shirts - don't know why, but he does.

Thanks to my bro-in-law, Cameron! He's the last straw in a long line of butt-kicking to get me blogging again. Sorry it's taken me so long, Cam, but this one (and subsequent ones) are for you man!

This year's Thanksgiving, Mason flew to Utah to be with my parents for Thanksgiving. It was a little weird to not have him here for the big day. But, he didn't miss us at all! He was having a blast going to the BYU football game, seeing Harry Potter in IMAX and enjoying a snowy holiday! Back in Cali, Zach and I enjoyed making a yummy breakfast of buttermilk apple cinnamon pancakes while watching the parade. We had our feast at the Krey Kompound (Aaron's parents). Before the big feast, we always have fun riding motorcycles, hitting golf balls and just running with cousins. Arie got to enjoy her first moto ride with Auntie Paula. Needless to say, she was hooked. She basically walked around looking up at people saying "Pees" (please) until someone caved and took her for a spin! Zach is loving being able to ride the motorcycles without training wheels now. He even pulled off a couple of jumps! Then Friday is shopping with the girls while the boys stay home and enjoy watching the kids (pretty much my favorite part!) Mason flew back into Oakland late Friday night. Then he and Aaron woke up Saturday morning to go golfing with the boys while the girls stay home and watch the kids! They always award each other at the end of play with an "appropriate" candy bar. Mason won the "dump" award and won a Baby Ruth (you can use your imagination on that one!) but he also got 2nd place. He was pretty much a trooper since it completely downpoured for their entire first 9 holes! It was a great weekend - one of my most favorite holidays! I am grateful this year for my family. I really have so much to be grateful for, but when it comes right down to it - my family brings me so much joy and happiness!

BYU

It's hard to believe that I was a starting freshman at BYU 20 years ago! And while the body is quick to remind me that I am no longer an 18 year old, the brain still thinks I am. I can recall those first few days, right after my parents left me at the dorms. I was scared and excited, all at once! I knew I was on the threshold of a whole new and exciting world - a story that I could write in any way I wanted! I loved being a student at BYU! I will always look back on my college years as some of the best years of my life. So, when I returned with children in tow, the feelings were quite different for me! So much has changed - I hardly recognized the landscape leading up to campus, much less the campus itself! As we took the boys past various places that I lived as a single student, and then the two places Aaron & I lived, so many memories came flooding back - great memories that I wish I had taken the time to write down when I was living that life! While so much has changed, it was great to walk the grounds of the school again! I bought all the kids their BYU gear (trying to impress upon them the importance of attending school there!!) and we took lots of pics! Life is a funny thing - I am not one who believes in living in the past. I am always looking to the future, anxiously awaiting what life will throw at me. However, I did love living for the moment in the past - re-living those great memories of my days there as a student and a brand-new married girl! Such great memories - good times!

Trip to Utah

Right after Zach was baptized, Mason flew back to Utah with Nana & Papa. Two days later, Aaron and I packed up the car with Zach & Arie, and we too traveled to Utah to help Mom & Dad get unpacked and squared away in their new home. Brooke & Chad's family was coming from Indiana to spend the 4th of July in Utah, so we decided to make it a trip! It's always great to spend time with family and cousins who LOVE spending time and playing together! I was a bit nervous with Arie and how she'd do. But, she did way better than I could've ever anticipated! And Zach loved seeing how the scenery in the country changed! We even played the license plate game - which was way fun for Zach. We made a goal of half the states before we got to Utah. We just barely made with 27 states! When we got to the salt flats, Zach just had to get out to get a "feel" for those flats! He cracked us up when he first stepped down on it, felt that it was a bit "squishy" then proceeded to try to do a cannonball! Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera handy then! Needless to say, he announced that he didn't think the flats were for doing cannonballs in!

Great to be Eight

Cake that Auntie Paula (aka Sugar Mama) made for Zach

Zach & Sugar Mama

Unblemished coin that Zach received from Nana & Papa to remind

him of the day he was absolutely perfect

Yep, that's what Zach says! On Sunday, June 27th, Zach was baptized as a member of the church! Already we were riding on a spiritual high due to Mason's ordination. This was just a sweet cherry on top of an already sweet day! Zach turned 8 back on June 4th, but he decided to wait to be baptized so that Nana & Papa could watch both his baptism and Mason's ordination! It was such a great night! So many family and friends came to watch and support Zach! And Zach really did plan the whole thing! I told him ahead of time that I wanted him to be the one to choose who spoke, sang, lead songs, prayed etc! When it came down to making decisions, he knew exactly what he wanted, and he even called everyone to ask them to participate himself! I was so happy to watch how excited he was. Aunt Misty gave a great talk on baptism and becoming "clean". "Aunt" Cindy gave a fabulous talk on the Holy Ghost. Auntie Emma lead the music while Auntie Jen played the piano. Mason gave the opening prayer and I gave the closing prayer. He had Papa and Popi be the witnesses while he was baptized. Then all his cousins and friends sang a song after he was dressed and returned. Afterward, Zach said that during that song, he started to feel little tears in his eyes because he was feeling so happy! It was awesome to watch as Uncles and Grandpas and friends, formed a huge circle around Zach to give him the Holy Ghost. I was overjoyed and really quite humbled at the spirit that was in attendance at that time! And then our amazing Bishop, Bishop Johns got up to speak. He asked Zach to come to front with him, and then he preceded to ask him all sorts of questions about the Gospel, to which Zach proudly answered each and every one of them! Then the Bishop asked Zach if he's ever born his testimony. Zach answered no, but the Bishop asked if he would, with his help. Then the two of them, working in tandem, proceeded to give a powerful yet simple testimony! I couldn't believe that was my little Zachy up there, standing so tall and straight - looking out at the crowd of family and friends and proudly telling us those simple things he knew to be true! I am so grateful for this Gospel - which leads us and guides us with our Father in Heaven securely by our side! How grateful I am to know that despite the fact that my children will grow up and away from me someday, our family unit can remain intact! That we can live forever, together, someday! I am proud of you Zach, for taking this very important, first step in that direction! Thank you all for helping to make this a wonderful day!

Twelve is Swell

Sunday, June 27th, was an amazing day for our family! First, Mason received the Aaronic priesthood at Church. Nana & Papa, Grama & Popi, and Aunt Misty got to be there. Aaron, the Bishop, Uncle Juan, "Uncle" Ken, Popi, and Papa all helped to ordain him to the office of a Deacon. The spirit was so strong! Then the Bishop asked Mason if he would bear his testimony. It was short and simple, but WOW! Was it ever strong! I don't really know how it is that I was picked to be his mom?! He is such a strong spirit! Whenever people ask me how it is that I've raised such a great young man, my response is ALWAYS the same: he just came that way! There is a definite reason he was the one chosen to lead the way for the children in our family! It's hard to imagine that I have a son in Young Men's now,but I do! He is so excited to be entering this new chapter of his life, and it makes me so proud to call myself his Mom! And I am continually reminded and grateful for the wonderful supporting family I am surrounded with! Thank you Nana and Papa for coming back from Utah to be there with us! Thank you Grama & Popi for taking time out of your busy Sunday to support us! And thank you Aunt Misty for taking the time to spend the entire day in a much warmer-than-you-are-used to, Antioch! But mostly, thank you Mason for being worthy to receive such an honor!

Scout Campers

The sign Zach made for our returning scouters

Patiently awaiting the return . . .

Mason and his HEAVY pack - but he did it! He carried that thing for

two days! Way to go Mason!

Two good looking boys! Well, they may be good looking -but the smell left A LOT

to be desired!

This summer has been crazy! And it started off with a bang. Mason turned 12, then two days later, he and Aaron were headed to Camp Oljato (Scout camp). We decided to let Mason go up for the first few days alone, so he could bond with the other boys. I really didn't think it would be a big deal for me, but as it turned out, that first night I was sick to my stomach and couldn't sleep! I've read a ton of books on how to raise your children and help them to learn and grow. But no one has ever written the book on how to begin to let your children go! It was a lot harder for me than I thought it would be! However, Mason did AWESOME! He earned 6 merit badges total - which is a ton! He set a goal for six, and totally rocked it! He came home with Dad talking non-stop about all the fun adventures they had! It was a great intro into the scouting program for Mason! And now he's set some new goals for himself: he really wants to get his Eagle by 16! Mason is an amazing young boy, and I know that if he sets his mind to it, he can totally accomplish anything he wants! I have to add that while it was great to physically watch him mature and grow, I was a bit weepy. I have so much more compassion now for my parents. It's really hard to watch your children grow up and in some ways, grow away from you. It's a totally good thing, and needs to happen. But, in all truth, it's just going way too fast for me! As the boys grow, the clock doesn't slow down any - in fact, it just speeds up! BUT, I am so grateful that I've been given the opportunity to be here on this earth with these kids, and be given the chance to be their mom! What a great life it is!

Ears

Olivia and Arie before they got their ears done

Olivia, just after she got done with her pretty, colorful flower earrings

Preparing for the shot - doesn't Arie look excited?!

Both pierced, and both happy!

So, Olivia went first, then it was Arie's turn. I held her head to make sure she didn't move. There were a few tears, but it didn't last long. And now she is so cute with her little diamond earrings in! I know that this may kill my poor mom, but I'm having fun with my daughter. And if, as I'm sure she'll say, I will pay in the eternities for this, at least I had fun for what I will pay for!