Queen of Kings

The boys at 1yr compared to Paisli

2012-01-31T14:55:00.000-07:00

Bingham at 1yr

Bingham 1yr

Boen 1yr

Paisli 1yr

Next I'll post pics of Brody and I at a year, and just so you can see how much Paisli looks like my mom, a pic of her!

Paisli 1yr stats

2012-01-31T14:32:00.001-07:00

Paisli had her 1yr appt today. She is very healthy and growing very well, finally! She is anemic and has to be on some iron supplements, but should be fine. She is right where she should be on all of her development, except eating. She doesn't like anything with texture/chunks. We have to work on that, especially in the meat department. What do you do to get your children to eat meat, if they don't like chunks? or meat? haha! She has two teeth on bottom and one on the rt top, the other one next to it is coming, slowly but surely! We are late bloomers in the teeth dept!
Here are her stats: Length 30 in- 90% (she shot right up! But I'm going to re-measure her, the nurse wasn't paying attention very well and I'm curious!), Weight 19.9oz- 25% (finally gaining), Head circ 48.4cm- 95% (haha heed! All of my kids have large noggins!) She had to get 5 shots and I felt so bad, but we want this little gal to stay as healthy as can be!

I wanted to compare the boys 1yr stats to hers, so Bingham first: Length 32in- off the charts, weight 24.10oz 75%, head 51.1cm- off charts!
And Boen: Length 31in- off charts, (I cannot seem to find the rest of Boen's stats, I'll look and post later for my records.)

Paisli May my 1 year old!

2012-01-26T12:48:00.000-07:00

We always start birthdays with opening presents. Its harder now that Bingham is in school. We had to get him ready then get Paisli up a little earlier than normal so he could watch her!

Paisli laying on her new unicorn pillow pet!

Paisli feeding her new baby with her new bottles, like the kind I had when I was little with the disappearing juice/milk!

She got this new high~chair for her babies. It is the cutest little vintage pink metal high chair, from the Land of Nod!

She got this stroller and the baby Rapunzel. I had never seen the baby Rapunzel just the other Princess babies with plastic hair, but of course Rapunzel had to have lots of hair. She is just as soft and small as the others tho. Paisli is obsessed with her, and loves to comb her hair. She also got that little umbrella stroller.

She got this cute bday cake, that is so fun to play with. and a leapfrog animal fridge thingy!

Feeding her baby!

I made this garland of Paisli from newborn to 1yr pics! It was fun to see how she has changed!

Newborn, 1wk, 1mo, 2mo, etc...

and backwards: 1yr, 11mo 10mp, 9mo, 8mo, etc...

This is garland I made for decoration for her party, Theme Sugar and Spice which is perfect for a 1yr old. She is sweet like sugar but has so much spice too! And at 1yr, they get their first taste of sugar! We did a little photoshoot for her invite and I decided to put a couple of the pics up too! The window usually hangs in her room with her blessing dress over it, but it matched perfectly!

For this garland I just cut about an inch of fabric then ripped the rest. I then, tyed the ends to some yarn! I am going to make it into a skirt now for Paisli! I love the fabrics and don't want them to go to waste!

I found a tutorial on make homemade crowns and thought I can do that! But after reading the instructions I decided to do it my own way! Their way was too complicated and would cost twice as much! I just bought some lace, then cut it down to the size I wanted, spray painted both sides silver, then let it dry over night. It was stiff, but still bendable. I was going to sew the edges together but ran out of time. I just taped it but plan on sewing it later. I love how it turned out!

I bought these cute paper straws at Zurchers!

We had lots of different types of sugary goodies!

Lollypops!

Here is miss Paisli with her loot from us! I went a little crazy. She got some clothes for her baby Stella, food too! She got those cute cowboy boots from the gap with the cutest outfit, I cannot wait until she grows into it! I also got her a few more outfits and some for her dolls too!

Can't believe she is 1!

I shot of the table of Sugar and Spice! Spicey and sugary candies! Some fruit and hte cutest "1" cake that my mom made!!!

Paisli with her sugar!

The Holli Cake!

More sugary goodness!

I made the yummiest homemade icecream. All you do is get your fav kind of pop (2liters),we used strawberry kiwi shasta, and mix it with a can of sweetened condensed milk. Put it in your icecream maker and walla! So good! So easy!

Its hard for me to have a winter baby, I am used to the summer bday parties. I had a lot of adjustments to make, cut the amt of people down by almost 1/2, bring my outdoor lights in, plan for a big inside mess, and food that won't stain. I made White Chilli (my friend gave me the recipe, I have tweeked it just a bit to my family's liking. I made two crockpots full and it was delish!)

Here is the recipe: 30oz of chicken broth, 4 cans of green chillis (did two hot, two mild), 3 cans of Great Northern Beans, 1 Lg Onion diced, 1pkg sweet white corn (add 1hr before its done cooking), 5 boneless chicken breasts, 1tsp garlic salt, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1tsp cumin seed, and a few shakes of white pepper! Throw all in crockpot. Cook in crockpot for 8hrs. shred up the chicken with two forks. serve with tortilla chips, mozzerella cheese, salsa (made by Grammy), cilantro, and sour cream. So good!

I'm just glad the weather was nice this year. We had a great turn out. Paisli's great grandparents Call and Dogu, GG and we missed G-ma Ruby! I am going to have to visit her this week w/ Paisli. My parents, brody's parents, my sister April and her family, Brody's sisters' Cassi and Nicole and Derrik, We missed Jon, Trent who could only come for a minute, Angie Scott Brighton and Cheznie, and my sister Sammy, Erik and Violet, and of course Uncle Jeff who has never met her, but comes home in less than two weeks! Paisli invited her 3 best friends; Aybrie Oliver and her family, Irie Boss and her family, and her boyfriend, Crew and his family! I had a hard time deciding who to invite, but went with the friends who had babies her age, that she loves!

Ruby had to get Paisli a little mini kitty. She had to tell her all about it, so funny!

the kitty! Paisli with Grammy

Aybrie and Crew kissing, how rude! Paisli was supposed to marry him! It was cute tho!

Grandma and pa Dogu with Paisli!

Paisli with Grammy and Papa! They gave her the cutest little outfit and the little people happy sounds house! SHe loves it!

Paisli snuggling Papa!

Lova!

Daddy sneaking in a few kisses! I am so sad, once again, I didn't get a picture with her, and didn't get pics of her with everyone!

Ruby and Paisli

Birthday Girl!

GG and I found the cutest shoes on See Kai Run! love their shoes, and they were on sale! GG gave them to her and they are a little big, size 3, she has bitty feeties! But she'll grow into them!

Trying them out! They are so good for walking!

Opening another present from GG, her kitty shirt!

Finny taking a break from lightning McQueen, to eat his lolly!

Pailsi with her crown I made her!

She clapped as we sang to her!

She was so worried about her crown!

First taste, she was so dainty about the whole thing!

She didn't like to get dirty!

I finally forced her hand into the cake and it got a little more on it! But she was kind of upset at me!

She kept curling her little toes!

She began spitting and gagging so we cleaned her up in the sink before she threw-up!

Cute teaset from Grandma and Grandpa Great (Call)

Paisli and her friends opening presents!

Paisli's new love, Targhee! with the cute piggy bank Aybrie gave her!

Irie and Brody! She is the chubbiest little cutie!

I wanted to show the lights in the livingroom!

So glad to have this little blessing in our home. After three months in preterm labor she was and is so worth the pain and bordem and stress I/we went through to get her here! She is so bitty, compared to the boys, its fun for me! And I love her big personality! She is so fun to have around, I just wish time would slow down a bit! I will post about her 1yr stats next wk when we get to the dr.

Mini Love Photoshoot

2012-01-17T11:47:00.000-07:00

This digital ecard made with Smilebox

I will do pics of couples of all ages, children, babies, and even some family pictures if you want. If you'd like to book an hour I will give a discount and do it for $100! Hurry fast before all the spots are full! Also, I will see how the weather is and choose a location as it gets closer!

Student of the Month

2012-01-12T20:45:00.000-07:00

I kept forgetting to mention, Bingham got Student of the Month last month. We were so proud! He brought home a certificate signed by the Principal. He also got a special treat and got to eat with the Principal at lunch. He was so excited and we couldn't be more proud of our Bingham!!!

sugar & spice (Paisli's 1st bday invite)

2012-01-12T20:23:00.000-07:00

2012-01-12T20:07:00.000-07:00

Missy moo has a birthday coming up real soon, so we decided to have a little photoshoot for her bday party invites!

The party theme is "Sugar and Spice, and Everything Nice!"

It definitely fits her personality, so sweet but so sassy! Sugar and Spice!

So we tried to throw a lollipop into the mix for the "Sugar" and her outfit is the "spice"!

I know, shocker I gave her a lollipop before she turned 1yr old. I wouldn't usually do that, but it was for her invite! I took it away right after, haha!

It started to get messy anyways!

I'm obsessed with this picture, it shows her beautiful lips and just an angle you don't usually get to see. It will be blown up and put on the wall!

Her top tooth still hasn't pushed through. She sucks on everything, including her fingers!

This is her reaction to peek-a-boo! I love it, she has the funnest personality! "spice"

faker, she is just playing like she is scared for my sake!

haha!

I needed a picture of her darling hands, while we were playing patty cake! and I also got a shot of her outie! She has a hernia and it makes her button stick out!

Notice those little teefers?

Trying to "roll it"

Saying "Yeah!" after patty cake!

She always tickles her belly when her shirt is off! haha!

I am loving her hair! It is coming in like crazy and is the most beautiful color ever!!!

I may have to frame this one as well!

her little tootsies! size 2 1/2 almost 3! Just minis!

Mom, I'm finished with this photoshoot,

...whether you are or not!

I love how she crawls everywhere, even up our stairs and is trying to walk bit by bit!

I will post her invite next!

Family Night Iron-rod

2012-01-12T19:42:00.000-07:00

We have been really trying to do our family nights this year! So far so good! Woohoo!

This week it was on the iron-rod!

After reading in the scriptrures about the ironrod and the tree of life, Brody had a rope throughout the house, and blindfolded the boys, if they held to the rod they would stay safe and find the "prize" at the end!

They made it and the lesson really stuck in their minds!

BYU

2012-01-12T19:37:00.000-07:00

We love our Cougs! Paisli got this cute shirt from Papa (my dad) for Christmas!

I gave Brody his sweatshirt! Its nice when you grow up with a team and you get to keep that tradition alive with your hubby!

Family Night #1

2012-01-12T19:34:00.000-07:00

Paisli's 1st time bowling.

This family night was on good sportmanship.

It went pretty well! (because I didn't play)

Boen loved to do it himself!

Bingham is Boen's biggest cheerleader in everything he does!

Brody showing off his skills!

Good thing the kids had bumpers!

Big push

yay boys!

woohoo!

I want to try!

So big!

Getting a little grumpy, ready for dinner!

Paisli loved the air, she kept trying to eat it!

Paisli 11months

2012-01-03T10:21:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe that in less than a month Paisli will be 1yr! Oh how time flies! She stood for the first time on christmas eve. And now she stands on her own a few times a day. She loves to pull herself up on everything! She loves baby dolls and I love that she does! She kisses everything she sees. She says Dah for Dog and makes a kissy face and does the cutest bark! Kind of like ah ah ah! she always wants to look out the window at the dogs next door and out the sliding door at my moms to see Nike. Paisli seems to be getting some chub on her thighs! I love it! She has two teefers on the bottom and is getting her third, on her top right. It has been keeping her up the past few days. She drinks 6oz of formula ever three hours while she's awake. She is eating baby food three times a day and loves it now. She still has to take the smallest little bites so she doesn't gag! Her health has really improved! I am so happy to have this little spunky girl in my life! She has such a great personality! She laughs and when she smiles she scrunches up her nose and tilts her head back and pushes her jaw out while cheesing it! haha! I love this girl so much! We all do! She wears 6-12mo or 9mo clothes, and size 2 shoes. We'll see if her standing turns into walking within the next month!

Christmas Day

2011-12-30T14:58:00.000-07:00

Rise and Shine its Christmas time!

Paisli is so pleasant, even when you wake her up! haha!

Waiting to go down and see what Santa brought! Did he come?

Were they good enough?

I guess so! Paisli is just looking at everything!

Enjoying her new pink puppy!

What did ya get in your stocking?

This is also Paisli's 11month bday! Only one month from Christmas and she'll be 1yr! Wootwoot! She is such a sweet heart, tall and skinny and loves to yell! She is finnally getting her hair, which is a mixture of colors. She stood for the first time by herself on xmas eve! She loves babies and stuffed animals. I gave her a little christmas car so she wouldn't feel left out and she throws it everytime I give it to her. All girl!!!

There she goes again! kissing everything!

Boen got the Cars 2 Geotrax! boy was he excited! Bingham got a few attachments for it as well!

two candy canes?

Looking to see if he got a glow in the dark Hex bug like Boen got in his stocking...

he did!

Paisli got Beauty and the Beast

Boen got Cars 2

Bing got Lion King

They both got some trios! Which we love love love!

'Boen opening and eating a powdered donut at the same time!

The boys helping Pais open her new Princess bike/pusher!

more>

testing out her princess skills!

lightening mcqueen for his geo trax!

Bing got three games for his leapster explorer, the best thing we have ever spent money on! And a new carrying case for it!

Thanks for the clothes grammy!

Paisli crying in her new Christmas dress and fur, just before church!

After church we went to Aunt Debbies for Christmas Day Brunch! So yummy! and they all looked so darling!

After spending some time at Debbies we went to Grammy and Papa's to talk to Uncle Jeff on his mission. We sure miss him and he is doing well! Its such a fun gift to get to talk to him! He has had over 60 baptisms!!! Woohoo! I totally didn't take any pics at Grammy's dang it! Paisli got a unicorn castle with 5 unicorns in it, Boen got a big box of trios, and Bing got a huge art kit with tons of supplies! We also got some fun things and of course money!!! Thanks Grammy and Papa!

After that we went to Grandma and Grandpa Greats house to visit. Boen got in the dog's cage with it. He spent almost an hour cuddling their puppy! So, funny! Paisli got a cabbage patch kid, Boen got and Barn Uno game, and Bing got Sorry spinners. Thanks Grandma and pa great!

Here is Paisli's loot! She sure got spoiled for her first Christmas! Babies galore, a few books, her bike, a puppy that walks from her grandma and pa, and much much more!

mwa!

I didn't get a pic with the boys and their loots but they all did pretty well! Spoiled rotten! We do remember the true meaning of Christmas! We are so greatful for the best gift of all from our brother Jesus Christ! Hope you all had a wonderfully merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve Night

2011-12-30T13:05:00.001-07:00

Papa

Her is the Angel Paisli from our nativity at my mom and dads!

This year was kind of sad. My sister Sammy moved to Denver a few weeks earlier and so she and her husband and Violet were there. We were sad to have them gone. Also, my sister April was home sick with the flu, her family still came tho. It just wasn't the same without my brother Jeff who is still on his mission in Ghana for about another month. It was a sad year without my sisters and brother. We still had fun. We started at my moms with a fabulous dinner, twice baked potatoes, ham, peas, homemade rolls, and not to mention the clam dip and cheese ball to kick it offf!

After we ate and cleaned up, we did a nativity with the kids as my dad read Luke 2!

It was too cute!

Paisli even stood alone for the first time and we even got it on film! I will post it if I can ever figure out how!

After she stood, she clapped for herself!

Bingham-Joseph, and Ruby as Mary holding baby Jesus!

Hudson was the Shepherd

Boen was the wiseman, Finn didn't want to participate. He missed his mommy I think!

You can see Finny in the background trying to open the presents!

Finny

After the nativity we went out our house for dessert, triffle, and to open cousin presents!

Paisli was first! Thanks Violet for the phone! She loves it!

Finny was second, he got a monster truck and drove it around immediately.

Boen showing off his new alien!

Bing opening up his gift!

He got two Pirates for his ship!

Hudson opening up his present.

Huddy got three puzzles in one!

And Miss Ruby Noel got a lalaloopsy!

After the cousins left we opened our jammies that we get ever Christmas Eve!

Paisli went first!

Such cute jammies Pais! You look so pretty, even though you are way ready to be asleep!

Bingham in his new jams!

Boen in his new jammies!

Christmas Eve Brunch

2011-12-30T12:37:00.000-07:00

We had a Christmas Eve Brunch at our house on Christmas Eve.

It was so fun and a great way to spread out the presents on Christmas, which can get a little overwhelming.

We had Brody's parents, sisters, their husbands and kids, and Brody's grandparents. We also had Angie's inlaws! it was a full house, but so very fun! I made four bacon egg and cheese wreaths. They were very good, and turned out very pretty. I wish I would have taken a picture. We had cinamon rolls, orange rolls, mormon muffins, fruit and an asortment of drinks!

After we ate we opened our presents to eachother. Boy were the kids excited about this!

Paisli is sure getting the hang of opening up presents.

the cousins: Cheznie, Paisli, Brighton, Bingham, and ornery Boen!

As soon as Paisli opens each gift she has to give it a kiss, even when its clothes! Its so funny, I never even told her to do it, in the beginning, but now I tell her all the time, cause its too cute!

Paisli puckering up!

And again!

Going in for the kill!

Paisli had to try out the big bags!

Our comfy blanket from Grandma and Grandpa.

I didn't get any pictures of anyone else, oops! Partly because there were so many people that were sick, I just kept my distance. haha! And the older kids were just all over the place!

It was such a fun morning though!

Christmas lights

2011-12-29T20:34:00.000-07:00

Paisli's first time at the Ogden City downtown lights at Christmas Village!

She loved it, other than that she froze!

Paisli and I taking a quick picture just before leaving!

Paisli Brody and Bingham, Boen was too cold!

Boen is in this one tho riding on Daddy's shoulders!

Girl Cousin Party

2011-12-29T20:27:00.000-07:00

My Aunt Sandi and cousins' Jaclyn and Jami have started a new tradition for Christmas! We get together with the girls only and have a party. Our Speechly family is just too big now with everyone so we didn't want to miss out on seeing eachother. So, we now just go to Aunt Sandi's and have a lovely spread a food, great convos, and tons of laughs! I forgot to get my camera out earlier, but here are a few of the gals that made it!

Holli (my mom), Lauren, my sister April, Me, Jami, my Aunt Gayle, and in the back Aunt Sandi, and Jaclyn. My cousins' Lori, Brooke, Kelsey, Tami, and Sara were there as well. We sure missed those that weren't there, don't be mad if I left anyone out, there are like 20 of us! Of course we missed my sister Sammy, who just moved to Denver. Sheena, my cousin that just had a tubal pregnancy, and had a great scare. Stephanie, who lives in Texas. Aunt Suzan who had a thing at the conf center. Lindsey Michelle Sonya and Aunt Sherrie. And Shannon, Sandi's other daughter, we missed her too!

Grandma and Grandpa "greats" party

2011-12-29T20:15:00.000-07:00

Brighton sitting on Santa's lap at the annual Grandma and Grandpa "great" Christmas party!

Boen fell asleep on the way to the party, it was after the Grammy GG party in SLC, which made for a sad sad boy!

Paisli May was kind of terrified of all of the people there.

The cousins and second cousins and third cousins...

My boys didn't want anything to do with it!

as you can see here!

Chezzie and Paisli had a fun time singing Jingle Bells though!

Paisli on Grandma Greats lap!

watching the kids sit on santa's lap

Dari's turn!

Bri-Bri again!

Paisli didn't know what to think!

she just kept looking at Santa like, what? who are you? where's my mom?

Mom, stop taking pictures, save me!!!

Bingham on Santa's lap!

My cute 5yr old is getting too big for Santa's lap already!

Cheznie couldn't wait for her turn to sit on Santa's lap!

Boen refused!

The Call cousins!

Grandma looking at what Paisli got from Santa!

Every single thing Paisli opened this holiday season, she kissed right away! Without being told!

Cheznie Beth

My little beauty!

Angie, Scott, Cheznie, Brighton, and Baby to be!

Cousin Austin thinking he is so tricky, stealing a few pics of himself!

Brighton and Scott, doesn't she look so much like her daddy?

Uncle Jon creepin' in the background!

haha!

Brody's family, without the most special people of all! haha!

Angie, Nicole, Brody, Julie, David, Cassi

Here we are with our baby girl! The boys wouldn't join us for a picture! The little stinks!

Paisli May

Annual Grammy GG Christmas Party

2011-12-28T13:24:00.000-07:00

Here is Boen and my cousin's little boy Bo!

They are about 5months apart! And so much alike!

A few more of the cousin's at the Grammy Party.

Paisli waiting patiently for her presents!

Grammy giving her lesson! This year it was on America, and had a lot of meaning behind it for us. Our neighbor was coming home that evening from a hospital back east. He had been in the war in Afghanistan, and was blown up in a IUD bomb went off. It was so neat the welcome he received! They had 25 flags in their front yard and yellow ribbon tide all over too! We are so honored to have people like him protecting and risking their lives for our country!

Paisli and Brody!

Thanks grammy for such a fun party and delicious mexican food! We love the meaningful presents as well!

Annual Malan's Peak Ward Christmas Party

2011-12-28T12:24:00.000-07:00

Boen with some of his little buddies watching the Nativity put on by the primary!

The Wisemen (Bingham and friends)

Mr. Wiseman himself.

Listening to Sister Elizabeth Goff, tell stories of Christmas!

Boen, sort of listening!

Little Mister!

Part of the primary singing to get Santa to come in!

Boen on Santa's lap! This Santa has done our ward Christmas parties as long as I can remember! He is the most darling guy ever! He even has a real beard!

Will he get anything?

Bingham, getting a little large for Santa's lap! haha and he's only 5!

Will he get what he asks for?

Paisli's first Christmas party and first time on Santa's lap!

She is too cute! Merry Christmas Miss Paisli!

My three beauties! Love them so much!

Santa Claus is coming to town!

Just an hour before her little tummy flu hit! And you'd never know. SHe's too sweet!

Sickies

2011-12-12T12:09:00.001-07:00

Ever since I got back from France, 1 1/2 months ago, I've had this horrid cough. And one after one, each person in my house has had the stomach flu. Paisli had it this weekend, and now Brody, last of all has it! Paisli is on the tail end, but boy am I sick of this crap, literally! Meanwhile, Boen had to get his birthmark removed this past weekend! He had to go to Primary Children's Medical Center to Dr. VanderHooft, who is fabulous! She recommended that is be taken off due to change. Its better to be safe, and not have to worry about it, as far as I'm concerned. So, on friday we went down to SLC and Boen was put under so they could remove it. I felt so bad for him, but he was in good hands. The nurses and specialist and especialy the anesthesiologist, were all fab! They were so personable and kind to Boen and us! They even brought Boen toys and as many slushies as he wanted. I felt very comfortable the entire time, even though any time a child is put under, its terrifying! As far as that goes, everything is good and he is recovering very well! The first day was tough, he was pretty groggy and in pain. That first night I was worried that I should have taken the heavier meds for him. But once he got to sleep and as long as I stayed on top of the tylenol and Ibuprofin he was okay! I just figure he needs to start building a tolerance for pain and he did very well! I'm allergic to all narcotics, and although the pain can seem horrible at the time, you seem to get better quicker! I've done it with al three c/s and survived! Maybe I'm mean, but I didn't want to find out the hard way if he was allergic too! Anyway, he had lots of nice visitors, both sets of grandparents, his aunt Nicole and uncle Derrik, April and Trent and their kids, and his nursery teacher, that brought him treats and toys!

Boen getting his blood pressure taken.

Boen's pre-op pics!

His cutest birthmark! It kind of makes me sad to see it go, because its a part of him! But its too scary to leave it!

So good bye birthmark!

He'll be cute either way!

Right after surgery, as he was coming out of it!

So, sad and feeling pretty bad!

On our way out of the hospital. I got to push him out in this little car!

Boen got to open an early Christmas present for comfort!

His very own Minky Couture blanket that he designed himself. He calls it the BYU blanket! Its navy with white spots and silver back and trim! I love it and sooooo does he!

He hasn't been able to get it wet and had to leave his bandage on for 3 days.

We didn't even peek! But today was the day to take it off! And it hurt him pretty bad, I felt so sorry, but it'll be good to have it get some air!

And here it is! I swear its the size of my c/s scar! Poor guy!

He'll get the stitches out in about a week!

So, glad he is okay! love my boen!

Christmas Wish Lists

2011-12-04T11:03:00.000-07:00

So, for the later in life, I thought it'd be fun to know what was cool and what my kids actually wanted for Christmas. And of course, will Santa come through? Well, that part will have to wait until Christmas day, but for now here are there requests for presents!

Me: Boen, what do you want Santa to bring you for Christmas?
Boen: Cars2 Geotrax.
Me: What else? Something for Daddy and me to get you...
Boen: I want that Discovery thing you look through and see dinosaurs and it tells about the dinosaurs. (that is what he got for Bingham, he says they can share it!) and a remote control bat, then it turns into real. and a ghost!

Me: Bingham, what do you want Santa to bring to you?
Bingham: Tangled game (for his Leapster Explorer), but I won't play with Rapunzel, I will only be Flynn Rider.
Me: That sounds cool, anything else? Cause you don't always get everything you ask for from Santa, sometimes you get stuff from mom and dad and Santa bring something else. So, any other requests? Like from mom and dad?
Bingham: a doggy?
Me: I'm not gonna get you a dog! Sorry, think of a toy!
Bingham: video game, um I don't know, a roll of toilet paper to put on my head? (so I put one on his head and said Merry Christmas, then he fell over laughing,)
Me: okay go away! haha!

The Eiffel Tower

2011-11-26T15:48:00.000-07:00

My first view of the Eiffle Tower (except for from the airplane). We were up at the Sacre Coeur.

We are on a bridge above the Seine River.

My boyfriend and I! Haha, but it really felt that way!

The Eiffel Tower sparkles at night! I am so grateful I got to see it at night. Something Brody never got to do when he was on his mission. It is lit up but every hour, on the hour it sparkles! AMAZING!

This is a shot from our double decker bus tour. We decided to do this, because when I was in London, it was the best way to get around and see all of the "sites". And it ended up being just as great in Paris! (we had a pass for two days) You can get on and off at every "site" or just keep riding! And it smelled much better than the subways!

Not the greatest shot of me or the Eiffel Tower, but Brods looks cute!

A view from underneath. There were thousands of people lined up to go inside. We didn't get to go, because it would have taken all day and we had lots to do!

From underneath. There were people spitting from the top, so needless to say we did not spend much time at all underneath the tower!

I just wanted to show some of the beautiful detail!

I couldn't get enough pictures of the Eiffel Tower. It is so beautiful and so large!

I thought this was such a great picture with the fountains in front!

I was so lucky to get a kiss! xxxx

Brody's attempt at trying to get a shot of me holding the E.T.

I guess it shows in the picture that I was annoyed with the girl taking our picture! haha!

(so fuzzy)

better!

The bridge that leads straight up to it!

One of the carousels by the eiffel tower.

Sparkle baby sparkle!

I love this shot with the Seine, the tree, the other carousel, and the Eiffel Tower.

I will miss you my friend! One day we'll meet again!

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-26T14:58:00.000-07:00

Grammy and Papa with my kids at our Thanksgiving Brunch!

We had banana bread, christmas bacon, bananas, oj, and hot chocolate.

It was our off year so I wanted to at least see everyone and watch the parade for a little bit in the morning.

This is Paisli's cheese! haha, such a ham!

All of the grandkids with Grammy and Papa!

Bingham, Papa holding Finn, Grammy holding Paisli, and her arm around Violet, Boen, Ruby and Hudson.

Finn doesn't like anyone, but his mom! haha!

Papa Grammy and Violet (we didn't get one of the Maw kids!)

We had an amazingly tasty Thanksgiving dinner at Grandma and Grandpas! (Brody's parents house)

The food was so yummy and the company was fabulous!

Here are the cousins, minus Paisli, standing in front of the Cheeseball Brody and I made, shaped like a turkey!

Cheznie 2 1/2, Boen 3, Paisli 10mo, Bingham 5, and Brighton 5 1/2!

The cook (grandma Julie) and Paisli on her first Thanksgiving!

Sammy Violet and Erik.

We went to dinner last night to say goodbye!

They are moving to Colorado and we are so sad!

But happy at the same time for Erik and his new job!

At least its only an hour flight away!

Thanks Grammy and Papa for dinner!

The beauty-April and her little hunk, Finny at dinner!

Paisli 10months

2011-11-26T14:45:00.000-07:00

Where has the past 10months gone? She is my sweet baby that doesn't want to be a baby anymore, clapping, crawling, pulling her self up to stand, and trying to talk! She doesn't have teeth yet, she doesn't walk, but I think both are coming soon! Love you Miss!

Paisli is clapping

2011-11-23T15:35:00.001-07:00

Paisli is clapping in the corner, to herself! Just wanted to remember this moment. I've never seen her do this before right now!

American Cemetery and D-Day Beaches

2011-11-23T14:21:00.000-07:00

This was probably my favorite day in France!

We drove to Normandy, where the D-day Beaches are and also to the American Cemetery! There is nothing I can compare to this place! I felt so proud that my Grandpa Speechly served in World War II. And

I just felt so proud of our American soldiers saving the French people from bondage!

This picture is taken and Pont du Hoc

The German's had over taken the area. This is a picture of one of the hundreds of holes at pont du hoc where the bombs were dropped.

The American's scaled this cliff in a surprise attack on the Germans!

Its so beautiful!

Brody standing near some big holes!

This is the memorial at Pont du Hoc

If you don't know the story, go look it up! It is such a great victory in American history!

Brody looking out of one of the German hide outs at the top of the cliff!

Another one of the German hideouts.

Inside, you can still see the charcoaled wood, from the bomb!

Here I am at Omaha Beach

one of the Dday Beaches that the American's overtook for the French people!

The monument at Omaha Beach

This is the reflection pond at the American Cemetery (which is in France but considered, American soil!)

I felt like I was in America, because there were so many American's visiting.

There was a special Spirit you could feel here words cannot describe.

Here are the grave markers of the American's lost on French soil.

It is such an honor to be an American.

They went on and on, when I thought I was to the end, I looked around a little building and there were just as many on that side. AMAZING!!!

This is a headstone for an unidentified American soldier.

"Here rests in honored glory a comrade in arms known but to God"

These markers are for the American Jewish soldiers.

Here is a view from above Omaha beach.

This is the ceiling above the memorial area!

This is a map of the battles that took place.

This tells the story of the dday beaches.

These are the named soldiers that gave their life for the people of France.

Inside there was a wonderful movie with the people of Normandy expressing their gratitude, and those that lived through this horrific time in our worlds history. Also, there was a movie of the family members who lost loved ones, that are burried in the American Cemetery. Such a tear jerker. It made me miss my Grandpa so much! I kept thinking about the letters he wrote to my Grandma as they'd tell of their letters.

Normandy

2011-11-17T20:17:00.000-07:00

Meet the Mont Saint Michel

isn't it lovely?

I couldn't believe how cool this place was complete with homes surround the castle, a mote, draw bridge, a cathedral up top, and just so much history. It is surrounded by water and there is out on a little peninsula!

This is at low tide. The water comes in faster than galloping horses.

Oh yes, and lets not forget the canon out front!

see, draw bridge!!! that gate thing goes down and the big door shuts and locks, just like in the movies!

Lets not forget it has its own grave yard.

I just sit in awe of the beautiful stained glass!

inside one of the mini cathedrals.

I love the plants!

all of the details!

a night in not so shiny armor

Quite the hike to the top!

This is a shot of where the water rises.

I shot of the side, overlooking the water.

olden

Can't you just picture them shooting their bows and arrows out this peep hole?

Another view from high up.

This is a shot from the south west side.

And here is our little hedgehog friend that Brody found by our bed and breakfast, or as we called it our bed and bread. Seriously, when I think of a bed and breakfast, I think eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, fresh squeezed OJ, etc... or at least a bowl of cereal. All we got were some croissants and a shot of juice. Not impressed! The place was gorgeous, clean, and large rooms, but they were English and oh so snobby! But we didn't spend much time there, just really to sleep for two nights!

a view of the Mont Saint Michel at night

absolutely breathtaking!

The inside of the Mont Saint Michel at night.

The big doors at the entrance. I love daydreaming about the wars and how they'd peek through this hole and see the bad guys approaching!

And leave it up to Brody to find another creature on our journey!

The big toad!

Check back soon for the D-day beaches and American Cemetery.

Chartres, France

2011-11-13T17:06:00.000-07:00

Notre Dame de Chartres

I couldn't get enough pictures of this. It is so intricate, all of the little details. I just can't understand how they made this beautiful buildings so long ago!

More of the Notre Dame de Chartres

This is behind the Notre Dame de Chartres. I love walking around and seeing what not everyone takes the time to see.

Notre Dame de Chartres

the grounds

Notre Dame de Chartres

a great walkway along the Notre Dame de chartres

A great little river in Chartres down behind the Notre Dame.

I love all of the detail in the bridges, and cobble stone walkways and roads!

Darling little home on a side street.

This is Brody with Mr. Smith. He is a man that Brody became great friends with while on his mission. He had know idea that Mr. Smith was even alive still. He is from the U.S. and was great friends with Eisenhower and some different movie stars from way back when. He was so delighted to see Brody after 8yrs. He was so kind to us and took us to lunch. We spent a couple hours listening about his exciting life in the 30s up until today. He has lived in London and France and of course the U.S. When it was time to go, he walked us to our car and we could just tell he was lonely and wanted us to stay. Which I really would have liked to. Brody met him soon after his wife passed away and he came into his life just when he was needed. I felt like I had known him for years. I told him he should move back to the U.S. and date my grammy. Anyway, so great to meet such and wonderful person and I hope to see him again sometime!

Bonjour

2011-11-10T20:59:00.000-07:00

This is Salamie pronounce it like So lo may.

I guess I better start by saying Brody and I had the priviledge of traveling to France to try and sale Minky Couture blankets. We are so thankful for such a once in a lifetime chance. We had a party at some people Brody knows from serving his mission in France. It was so wonderful for him especially to get to go back and see these people that he hasn't been able to see in over 8years. They truely love him for what he shared with them. He came to them just after the father of the home passed away. It was a hard time in their lives and Brody and his companion came and shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the Morel family. They had been members at one point but hadn't attended church in a long time. Brody lived in Chartres for 8+months and help in reactivating them. He also baptised the wives of two of the brothers. They cherish Brody and he cherishes them. He really feels like they are his family. Although, hard for me since I don't speak French and htey don't speak English, it was such a great experience to be in France and living with an actual French family for a few days.

We had a Minky Party at their home. It was very interesting. There was a big turn out but the whole "home party" thing didn't translate. We did have some sales and had a great time, they just mostly came because it was a party! At their parties they have disco balls and dances, in homes. That doesn't translate to me, but very interesting! They loved the blankets though and encouraged us to open a store in downtown Paris.

Here are some of the goodies we got for the party! Yummy!

This is Brody's favorite drink! Orangina! haha say with a French accent!

I just wanted to show their homes. They are a family that consists of a Mother, and her two sons that each have a house on the property, and their uncle that has one as well. Annie, the mother has her own too! That Rapunzel looking part is where they keep their storage. I was saddened by that. I would give anything to let my baby girl live a place like that! haha! Again, translation!

Brody, smelling the roses on the side of their home!

Everything in France is so lovely!

Dork!

This is Jeremie and Ingrid's home! They have the daughter Salamie and I little boy that I never figured out his name! oopsie, again translation!

This is the home we stayed in, it is the home of Noway (just like it sounds, No way) and Solenn. They have to little boys, Aiden and Ethan (I think)

Rapunzel's tower, haha or storage!

Brody and Jeremie, feeding the horses!

Annie's home (the Morel mother)

Again, Solenn and Noway's home!

Some fun art work in their home!

Solenn-isn't she pretty? She and Ingrid bought me these delightful treats! delish!

Jeremie's home again!

Solenn

Brody with another family he knew from Church! Everyone was so nice and tried so hard to include me!

Ingrid, Brody holding Salomie, Jeremie and their son!

We hope they come stay with us very soon!

Here we are at church!

Alexandra Morel and Brody

Noway and Brody

Brody with Annie Morel

The room Solenn fixed up for us!

Isn't is nice?

More to come...

Halloween 2011

2011-11-10T15:57:00.000-07:00

The boys, carving the pumpkins

Paisli showing off her pumpkin!

I helped with Bing's class party. He is showing his apple, peanut butter, marshmellow, Monster smile!

Bing's class listening to the witch!

She was so dang cute!

Her hands were hilarious!

Paisli enjoying the party!

My little pumpkin!

Paisli picking out pumpkins!

My cheesers!

Love my kiddos!

One more...

She is such a sweet-heart!

Paisli was Little Red Riding Hood!

Bingham as Jack Sparrow!

I can barely tell its him!

And here is the Dragon! grr...

I told him to do a scary face! haha he looks scared, not scary!

Their ya go! grr...

And one more of Little Red!

And all three of my trick or treaters!

Paisli 9months

2011-11-06T15:17:00.000-07:00

Paisli May at 9months

Paisli is growing up so fast! I am sad, but she is still small and so sweet! She is such a joy to have in our wild house of boys! I have such a great time dressing her and curling the little hair she has. And yes, she is getting some strawberry blonde hair, it is beautiful! She started crawling a couple of weeks ago and gets faster each day. I forgot how hard it is to have a crawler. She loves to follow me around and my house wasn't designed for babies! I had to ban the legos and other small toys and now need to get some gates up with all of the stairs. I have to vacuum like 10 times a day. She is babbling like crazy and won't let me leave her sight. She sleeps from 7-8am waking only for a bottle at 5:30am. She is getting better at eating baby food. Paisli went to the Dr. for her 9mo check up and is doing really well. She hasn't gained any weight, and we have to get her back in this upcoming week for her follow up liver function test. But other than that she is fantastic!

Her length is 28in 70%

Her weight is 17.4lbs 20%

Her head is 40.8cm 95%

Big head just like the boys!!! Thanks goodness for c-sections! We are having so much fun shopping for her Christmas and birthday gifts, it is so fun shopping in the pink isles! Love you baby cakes!!!

Auburn Soul Photography Giveaway a Day week!

2011-10-09T15:55:00.000-06:00

Head over to Auburn Soul Photography to enter her giveaway a days!!! Today she is giving away two, YES TWO Minky Couture Blankets, and its so easy to enter! Can't wait to see what she is giving away next!!!

Redondo Beach continued...

2011-10-08T14:24:00.000-06:00

Redondo Beach Aquarium

Boen just checking the creatures out!

Bingham holding a sea cucumber.

Boen showing Paisli a sea cucumber.

He was kissing it for good luck!

Brody showing Pais the big ugly fish!

The boys at Redondo Beach boardwalk!

Such a fun place!

Such beautiful scenery!

Wish I could say the same for the people!

Paisli and Me on the boardwalk!

Stinkers!

We went whale watching.

But the only animals we saw were these fat seals!

Well, and some little boy animals!

Look there is one!

Checking out the seals!

Up at the top of Rancho Palos Verdes!

Gorgeous place!

Bingham just being Bingham!

Paisli looking at her first crab!

Boen caught a starfish!

Bing's starfish!

Isnt' it cool?

We found all these at White Point beach at the tide pools!

The best in Cali-for sure!

If you want to find some creatures, head there!

Brody loves his creatures!

Trying to scream louder than the waves!

Did I do it?

Yes sir you did!

The boys' collection.

Looking and looking...

Sand dollar

Mr. Crab

Brody getting brave as the tide rises!

So impressed he is still standing!

What a great day!

Redondo Beach, where dreams are made...

2011-10-06T19:55:00.000-06:00

Cheznie and Boen at Redondo Beach

2 blocks from Angie's house!

Boys searching for crabs and starfish in the rocks!

Cheznie was our tag-along buddy while her mommy shopped for groceries to feed us all!

She is the hostess with the mostess!

Boen showing off his crab!

Chez sportin' my sun hat!

Brighton Cheznie Bingham Paisli and Boen

The Call cousins!

Pais

Checking out her first crab!

Boen caught a cool star fish at the tide pools at !

my babies! Aren't they the sweetest?

This is at Hermosa Beach!

Miss Paisli May

Bri and Chez

Bing body boarding! He took quite the spill!

More to come!

Disneyland 2011

2011-09-29T14:06:00.000-06:00

This boys dream land!

He asked me every day when we got ready if we were going to "Dineyland"

So it was so fun when we pulled up and surprised the boys!

They were so excited, and couldn't believe it!

Disneyland 2011

This was the 2nd day at Disneyland!

The opening of the Halloween town!

Back to the 1st day! Paisli with Minnie Mouse!

2nd day-smiling for the picture!

too cute!

All the kids with Minnie!

Doing some tricks in the 1hr long wait at the Haunted Mansion!

We love Walt Disney!!!

Jack the pumpkin king out side of the haunted mansion.

They change the inside to look like the Nightmare Before Christmas!

Its so dang cute and probably so much work!

Sorry guys, I was focusing in on Jack!

Boen says this guy is "CREEPY" (his new favorite word)

Paisli, sneaking in the picture!

Doing tricks in line, like usual!

The teacups!

Drinking our tea!

He loves his mickey ears!

My lova!

she was such a good baby!

She loved the rides and was so pleasant the entire time!

The boys!

Dumbo-one of my favs!

Bingham and Brighton at the Sword in the Stone!

Boen wanting to take a turn!

Merry go round fun!

The new Mermaid ride in California Adventures, was one of my favorites!

And the line was nonexistent!

Bing and Bri, so big!

Boen checking stuff out!

He love Disneyland so much!

He got to ride everything except for Indiana Jones!

More of the Mermaid ride, right when you dip down into the sea!

It gets cold and you really feel that way!

Angie, Cheznie, Shauna holding Mayan, Bing, Bri, Brannon, and Rio!

Brody, Paisli, Ang, Shauna, and Bing on the Storybook ride!

the cousins!

Boen, Cheznie, Bingham, Brighton, and Paisli!

just had to get a picture of Finnius and Ferb for my nephew Hudson!

Bingham and Boen playing part in the soldiers from toy story performance!

Aren't these some cute toys?

Boen, Brighton, Belize, Bingham, and Cheznie.

Angie and Cheznie

Bingham and Boen outside of the Buzz lightyear ride!

Bingham was so crazy and Disneyland!

He rode every ride and his favorite was Indiana Jones! or what he calls Indi!

Rio and Cheznie

We had such a great time! Oh Disneyland how we love you!

Boen's 1st Day of Preschool

2011-09-20T16:40:00.000-06:00

I can't believe my baby is going to preschool!

I feel like he just turned 1yr old.

But he just turned 3yrs old!

He was so excited to wear his new clothes and his new backpack!

He loves his teacher Miss Jill!!!

After school he ran to me!

Which of course made me so happy!

And look at that mug, with the red punch stain on it!

Boen with his bestest friend Ryker!

Can you tell his mom and I are good friends?

We even dress our kids alike!

A few of the kids in the class are also in our ward, so I wanted to get a picture! And even a few aren't in the picture! Its a fun group!

And the kids with Miss Jill!

T'was the night before kindergarten

2011-08-29T09:31:00.001-06:00

T'was the night before kindergarten and all through the house,
not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
His backpack was hung by the front door with care,
In hopes that Mrs. Smith would put homework in there.

Bingham was nestled all snug in his bed,
while visions of crayons danced in his head.
And Brody in his pjs, and I in my gown,
had just laid our heads to settled down.

I thought of the fun we had this summer,
to think it was at an end seemed like a bummer.
When what through my wondering eyes should appear,
but a thought of my baby growing up, and a tear.

Will the kids be your friend and call you by name?
or will you be left out of all of their games?
Will your teacher now how much you mean to me?
or will you be another nagging child at her knee?

Then, out of my thoughts some comfort grew near,
I've taught you to love and be kind my dear.
So, you can use your strengths to help you in class,
and in the lunch room and even out on the grass.

You'll be dressed in your best from your head to your toes,
and clean as a whistle from your chin to your nose.
New shoes, shorts, and shirt to start of the day,
I'm sure they'll be dirty by the end of your stay.

I can't wait for you to show me new tricks,
Like reading and writing and arithmatics!
So, off you will go in the morning with love,
and I will know your being protected from your father above!

Paisli 7months

2011-08-27T10:27:00.000-06:00

1-She's getting chunky in the thigh region!
2-She is rolling everywhere!
3-She is saying, "Dadda, Mama, and Baba!"
4-She can scoot a bit!
5-She screams to get us to look at her!
6-She eats squash, sweet potatoes, and any fruit like a champ!
7-She sleeps from 7:30-7:30 most nights!

How much money I spent on decorating my Livingroom

2011-08-24T16:40:00.001-06:00

the shutters on the mantle were found in an old barn-$0
we got the candle sticks on the mantle from our wedding-$0
the mirror is from the DI for $4
we painted the room a pale green about $30
put up a new fireplace screen that we brought from our old house $24
flowers Tai Pan clearance $12
silver candlestick clearance at Tuesday Morning (it was broken) $3
sea shell ball TJMaxx $4

coffee table, found on side of road and painted it white and reused the handles $0
rug bought at Tuesday Morning 6yrs ago $80
books from my Grandma $0
plant from Costco $12

Door-my father-in-law found it in an old barn (we didn't even have to paint it) $0
wreath Target $12 clearance
old window frame we found in our basement $0
plant-Costco $12
candle and thing its in given to us from Brody's grandma $0
old ammo box (the green one) found on side of road $0
chair-Pier 1 $80 (I had points saved up)
green pillow-Pier 1 clearance (zipper is broken) $12

the window frame around the large pics is from our basement as well-$0
I took the pics and blue them up at costco for $5 each
the gorgeous lamp I found at the DI $4
the globe is from the DI $2
teh books are from my Grandma and pa $0
Brody made me that table not sure how much he spent
the wall vinyls are from Joannes $6

a view from one side

a view from the other side

couch-hand me down from Brody's grandparents $0
pillows from Pier 1 and my sister made the little one $16

flag on door-from TJMaxx $2
frame-my mom bought for my wedding $0
old window-father in law found-$0
vintage fire extinguisher-found in oldhouse-$0
rug TJMaxx $6

table and chairs-DI-$30 didn't even have to paint, just cleaned and bought new pads-$15
mini crystal lamp-DI-$3
little candle holder-from Grandma-$0

Daisy chair Brody gave to me for my bday $220
pillow on sale at Pier 1, had a rip in it $16
tree-Tai Pan-$25
frame-DI-$2
picture I took and blue up for $3

books from my Grandparent's library $0
and what I have read and collected over the years $?
picture of Christ-gift from Brody's parents-$0

words

2011-08-22T10:24:00.000-06:00

Oh how sweet are the sounds from a baby's voice.

Paisli has said a few words lately!

"Dadadadada" was first. Then "mamamamama."

and now "bababababa." (when she is holding her babydoll)