Blake

It was Blake's birthday on Wed. I just can't believe that he is 10. It is amazing how quickly time flies. We call him our ADD child because most of the time he is in a world of his own. We know that it isn't true because he will entertain himself for hours in his room when he is supposed to be cleaning it. He is very silly. We have laughed for hours at some of the videos he has made of himself when no one else is around. He is also fascinated with knowing how and why things work the way they do. That also means that his mind goes crazy when he can't understand why he has a certain punishment or when things seem unfair to him. Blake loves anything electronic. Computers, Wii, cell phones, ipods, anything. He likes to hold the GPS that I got for Christmas while we are driving around in the car. He is amused by some of the oddest things, but he also recognizes some very interesting things as he is quietly observing the world around him. A couple of months ago we were driving to his soccer game up in Heber and it was only me, him, and Kodee (because no one wanted to be stuck watching her). We actually talked the whole drive, both ways. I remember that they were really interesting topics, and since Kodee was asleep, I turned the radio down and just savored the time together. Most days don't find a lot of 1 on 1 in our house, so I remind myself to enjoy these moments when they present themself. Blake is a good kid. He loves to play with friends. And he is very smart. I asked Heavenly Father that if He was ever going to send me a boy, please send me 2, so that they will have each other. I have to remind myself that Blake is living proof that our prayers are answered.

Science Fair Project....

is done for another year!!!!

A Do Nothing Day

Keea is huge and only a few of us can control her. She is getting better when no one is around.

I decided not to clean today. These are some of the things I did instead:

Ok. I did vacuum the living room, did the dishes, and folded clothes. I also went to Sadie's soccer game this morning. She won. Trevor won his game yesterday also. Too bad I was driving back and forth instead of watching him. I really love to watch my children and their accomplishments.

Gary went to the BYU vs. San Diego State game on Wed. He said it was the best game he's ever been to. When he got home he stayed up till wee hours of the morning helping Trevor get his Science Fair project done, because I refused to help with it when T picked out his project. This is what I found when I got up the next morning:

I don't think it had anything to do with T's project!!!! But Gary did say that I'd got "Jimmered" whatever that means. Looking forward to Sunday, Church and our day of rest and time with the family with not much else on the agenda until Mon. when the chaos starts all over again.

Meeting Kevin

Jordan and Kevin came to visit this past weekend. For Family Home Evening, we took a vote to see if he could be in our family and these are the comments that were made:

Kodee: Kevin's not a grill, he's a boy!

Kenzie: I gave him a hug!

Blake: Who's Kevin?

Trevor: He's funny and friendly. Needs a little work on his funny faces.

Sadie: He fits right in.

Brooke: Well......I suppose he's alright. He's pretty cool, but don't tell him I said that.

Gary: Dude, is that my jacket?

Me: It was very comfortable.

The kids were all really excited to meet him, so we stayed up late on Thurs. night. It was a good thing that was the only school night, because we stayed up late every night. Kenzie couldn't take it Friday night and fell asleep on the edge of the couch. Good thing we noticed rather quickly and carried her to bed. It was nice to have Sanae take their engagement pictures on Fri. and Jordan's dress was done being altered, so we were able to pick that up as well. Some major items to cross off the list.

As parents we were a little anxious about meeting Kevin and who was taking our daughter from us, but it went quite well. I kept looking for reasons not to like him, but really couldn't find any. He just fit right into our family and we had so much fun. Watching them reminded me of when Gary and I were engaged and so giddy for each other, o.k. sometimes we still act like that. But they were so cute together and I'm glad they make each other happy. We can't ask for more than that!

We also had a lesson on Temple Marriage from the FHE manual. It talked about some of the qualities that we need to have in a marriage and a sense of humor was actually in there. At least we have something going for us!!!!

Ok, Kevin, the vote was unanimous, you're in!!!!

Sleeper Sisters

Brooke is the only one who doesn't own one, so she borrowed Sadie's!!!

Happy New Year!!!!!

We went out to dinner New Year's night. It's always fun for us and nice to have all the food hot and ready at the same time and no clean up!!! I love it except for the cost. We also had them bring ice cream for Kodee's birthday.

And it is nice for us to read our last year's goals and make new ones. This is something we always do the first FHE in Jan. I'm really proud to say that as a family we were able to finish reading the Old Testament. It has taken us 3 years to read it cover to cover. Now we have moved on to the New Testament. Our goal is to finish around August and then have time to read the Book of Mormon in the last couple of months of the year. Obviously we have set several individual goals and a few more family goals, but it really is nice to evaluate where we are as a family and where we are headed.

Dakota Lynn Haynes

Kodee knows her full name and there is a reason for this. She runs our household!!! This is what she has been known to do quite frequently:

She probably peed her pants and took them off. But she is actually playing with the nativities on top of the piano. Now you know why she is our last. We just can't handle anything else.

This was after going to Temple Square. It's a good thing that not only does she have a cute bum, but she has a cute face as well.

Dakota you make my life more interesting every day and I am grateful that Heavenly Father is wiser than I am and knew that we needed you in our lives. I love you baby girl!