Nichol Family

Swim meet #2 vs Memorial Northwest

2010-05-22T13:23:00.000-07:00

Lily we are soooo proud of you!!! This morning wasn't the easiest for you.

It started out by breaking one of mommy's new containers :( tears were shed but after Daddy held you and told you it was O.K. off to the swim meet you went with a smile on your face. Unfortunately there were more tears :( we didn't get to practice yesterday and this morning you were feeling a bit nervous and were very hesitant to get into the pool.

After a sad encounter with the coach not treating you the way you deserve to be treated, but once again Daddy was there to hold you and comfort you letting you know how much you are loved!!! After talking to coach Lynn :) you were once again excited to swim freestyle. You did awesome. First you did the relay with Lindsay, Danielle, and Kaitlyn. You were so nervous to jump in but after a few seconds you did it! You got in the water and started to swim... you crossed the pool faster than you ever have before. You didn't even touch the lane line :) Way to go Lily!!! You got a Ribbon and a sucker... thing were looking up. When it was time for your freestyle you jumped right in not once but twice. There was a false start of some sort so you had to do it over. You got right back up there on the block and jumped off right when the sound went off... you put Daddy in tears. We love you so much and are so grateful for your example of forgiveness and love. You beat your time by over a minute.

Freestyle 1:05.55

What an improvement you've made by turning onto your back for a breath!!!

You're coaches were proud of you and you got a coupon for a free buffet a CiCi's!!!

You did it Lily!!!

Handsome man!!! You did it again... you beat your times.

You came in second on the 25 meter relay again.

Freestyle 27.59

Backstroke 36.23

You are turning into fishes for sure!!! I love that you love to swim and do so well!!!

Keep up that good work and remember to always "Do the very best you can!" (Family motto)

Medicine time...

2010-05-20T12:58:00.000-07:00

Miss Kali you have not liked taking your medicine for your ear infection.

This is day 9 of 10 and are not giving in. You saw me getting it out of the cupboard and you took off running saying "No like the medicine!"
I'm so glad we are done so you don't have to hide anymore!!! You are so much fun even when you don't want to do something... you sure make me smile.
Sorry you no like the medicine!!! All done :)

Lily's Graduation

2010-05-19T12:41:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Lily!!! You are a graduating Dino!!! You have loved Mrs. Dorsey's preschool for the past two years and now you are moving on to Kindergarten!
You did the big walk on the "red carpet" with the wand to go get crowned!!!

Lily with your Diploma
Beautiful girl you are growing up so fast!!!

Presents from your teachers. They made you a book with your name in it!

I'm glad to see you aren't all grown up yet...

kids will be kids!!!

Giving Mrs. Dorsey her gift!!!

Miss Abbie and Lily! Cute friends :)

Good Bye Klein Forrest High School
It's been a fun 2 years!!!

Hot and cold gifts for Lily!!!
Painting and puzzles and a bag full of fun things for our Kindergartner to be!!!

Lily I love how focused you are at the things you love to do!!!

You are a sweet, beautiful little girl growing up before my eyes...

It's so fun to be a part of your life!!!

You will go far... I can't wait to see what your future holds.

Lily I love you!!!!

Mommy

Happy Birthday to Mommy!!!

2010-05-17T23:48:00.000-07:00

Pizza Party at the Pool

(thanks to Jason & Tiffany for the use of their pool and yummy brownies)
We love to swim!!! When Steve asked what I wanted to do for my birthday I couldn't think of anything I'd like better than to relax at the pool with my family.
Of course that means early dismissal for the handsome man.
Jacob thanks for being such a good boy so you could skip out on school
and be with mama for my Birthday!

Lily is turning fishy on us... looks like she might be a "star-fish"

I love you guys so... much!!!

Present time!!! Jacob, Lily, Kali and Daddy spoiled me...

I got to play hot and cold to find my gifts as they sang Primary songs to me!
Jacob bought me waterproof mascara (I'll need that for this summer)

Lily gave me this beautiful lipstick!!!

You are both so... thoughtful and giving. I will cherish each one since I know how hard you work to earn your own money to buy things with!!! Thanks for thinking of me!

Speaking of Thoughtful we have the most thoughtful Daddy in the whole world.

I didn't even know what I wanted for my birthday but Steven... you have been really paying attention to comments I've made over the past few months. These were gifts from the heart.

I love you more than words can say!!!

THANK YOU my sweet Family for a very....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Swim meet #1 at Spring Creek Oaks

2010-05-15T12:20:00.000-07:00

This morning Daddy woke you up for the swim meet. All excited He said "It's time to get up. It's time for SWIM TEAM!!!" Thinking that would help you jump right out of bed. :) We will never forget your reply handsome man. You opened your eyes and said to Dad "I don't care if it's time for Popsicles!!!" Closed your eyes and rolled back over to sleep. We all had a good laugh and have been quoting you over and over. You are a silly boy!!!

Up you went and out the door in the rain...

Swimming in the rain!!! You were such troopers through the cold and wet weather.

You had so much fun!!! I'm so glad you are loving swim team. You are both learning so much!!!
Kali is a trooper too. She likes the treats.

That smile says it ALL!!!
Jacob: Freestyle 31.81 6th place
Backstroke 40.48 8th place
25meter freestyle Relay 2:17.51 2nd place
Lily: E for effort!!!
You got disqualified for pulling on the lane line but you made it all the way across the pool!!!

Way to go little swimmers!!!

Mother's Day!!!

2010-05-14T10:26:00.001-07:00

Mother's Day!!! It was a very special day for me...

Thank you for dinner and the specail plate for me to eat on :)

Thank you for making it so special!!!

Mother's day started on Friday and ended on Monday.

(Who am I kidding... mother's day is every day 24-7...I'm a mother every day)

Thank you Jacob, Lily, Kali, and Daddy for all my gifts!!!

I love them ALL!!!

My beautiful flowers were hidden underneath the kitchen table on Friday afternoon for me to play Hot and cold to find. (This is one of the kid's favorite games right now!)

Before Daddy had to leave for work he took the girls to the store. Lily picked out these beautiful roses I planted in my garden in hopes they'll last longer this way.

Good old Daddy is always a tease...

Lily put them on the bumper of the Yukon while Steve put the grocery's in the car. On the way home Lily said... "Daddy, the flowers!!!" She thought they were still there as they drove away, not knowing Steve had put them in. He played this one all the way home telling her they would be ok and hopefully still be there when they got home. He reved the engine fast then stomped on the breaks (you're so... mean!!!) When they pulled into the garage sneaky Steve put the flowers right back where Lily had left them!!! She was so excited to see them safe and sound.

I will cherish these roses for as long as I can keep them alive :) but the memory will last forever!

From the HEART, made with LOVE... so thoughtful!!!
Made at school, home, and church! I'm so grateful for Steve and all of the wonderful teacher's that help me teach these sweet children how to GIVE!!!!

Lily's sweet gifts!!!
You waited and waited from Wednesday when you got home from school until Sunday morning right when I got up to give me my surprise!!!
I love how thoughtful and sweet of a beautiful girl you are!
Thank you for being beautiful inside and out Miss Lily girl!!!!
Jacob you are so thoughtful!!! You love giving gifts. I love the excitement in your eyes as you can't wait to see the reaction to your thoughtfulness. I loved the painting you made me in art class of the flowers and the homemade picture heart thing you made in your room, the fun BIG card from school and flower from church... but this one was my favorite!!! I don't know if it was because of the way you read it to me over and over for days with such enthusiasm or if it was because the inside ...

message was not "generic" you told me that these words were the things you typed up as you thought of me and told me that I am: NICE, HAPPY, LOVING, CARING, PLAYING, and a

PURE JOY!!!! Even though I don't feel that way all of the time I'm so grateful that is what you think of when you think of me!!!! YES, YES, YES.... It's ALL worth it!!!

I love you Steve, Jacob, Lily, and Kali who make me the the Luckiest Mommy in the world!!!

I am who I am because of each of you!!! Thank you for making me, me!!!

Love, Your Mommy for eternity!!!

Trial swim meet #1

2010-05-08T18:59:00.000-07:00

Good morning Mariners!!!
6 and unders lined up on the ready benches for their first swim...

Handsome man ready to take the plunge and freestyle across the whole length of the pool.

Jacob's first swim meet and he did it in 29.67 seconds (3rd place for his age group)

Miss Lily girl getting ready to swim freestyle.
You earned that swimsuit sweetheart way to stick with it and "do the very best you can!"

As we got in the car at 6:45am these were Lily's words
"Kali... I am so exciting it's swim meet today!!!!"
You were so... excited and a bit nervous I think. You faced it head on and after every one else jumped in when they heard the sound you did it!!!

Coach Lynn was at the end cheering you on all the way... You held onto the lane line when you needed a breath and to rest but then you let go and swam your little heart out!!! You made it to the end!!! Way to go Lily.. I'm so proud of you.
Time: 2min 19.41sec

Jacob came in 4th place for back stroke pretty good handsome man for never swimming on your back before. I'm so proud of how well you listen to your coaches and do what they say!!!

Yes!!! The reward for all your hard work!

Jacob's field day!!!

2010-05-06T19:04:00.000-07:00

Lined up with his team ready to race... let the games begin!!!
On your mark, get set, go!!!! He was so excited about field day. Jacob asked last night if it was time for bed so when he woke up it would be field day!!! Jacob you are Fast!!! 9 seconds 1st place...
Physically activities are your thing!!!

You were on team #4 in your class. We were so excited to watch you have so... much fun!!!

This years field day was themed around movies. This one was "Happy Feet"

You have some strong little leggies!!!

This one was G-force!!!

You sweet boy!!! I love watching you really get into all you do!

You are almost 7 years old and still have me hold you. You are my little man... I still love having Grandma Quick hold me!!!

It got a little boring for Kali just to watch see wanted to go, go, go too!!!
She is so much like you Handsome man.

Up she goes to do it again and again. No fear this girl is so crazy she was jumping the the top of the tallest slide fire pole area into Daddy's arms over and over.

It's the simple things in life that bring so much joy!!! Lily loving the Ladybug!!!
Kali wanted to love it but it was a bit too crawling she wasn't too sure of that.

"Chicken Run" it didn't balance very well on any ones head.

You tried your best.

The Tigger one was your personal best!!! Way to go you took best Tigger of the day!

You got so much air and made it look so easy!!!

"Monster Inc." monster feet

Way to go team working it... trying to fill the bottle with water from the sponge.

The water felt nice in the 90 degree weather.

"Huck fin" row, row, row, your boat!!!

Snow cone... that was a nice way to cool down. This was one of your favorite rotations!

Dr. Brown's 1st grade class 2009-2010

We ate lunch and then you got an early dismissal (you've been wanting one forever)

We headed over to the pool and then to swim team. We ended the day off at Cici's

Every one was hungry after such a fun day.

Life is good!!!

Jacob's Job in a bag report

2010-04-30T18:09:00.000-07:00

Jacob had the assignment at school to report on one of his parents job's... there was no question as to who he wanted to report on. I love that he wants to be just like his Daddy!!! Jacob you did so... well!!! You got right up there when Dr. Brown asked you to get your bag and come give your report. You were so excited and a little nervous.
Captain Jacob giving his report of the release form he knew so well after Daddy showed you once what all the numbers meant. Dr. Brown's son also fly's so Dr. Brown was liking this too!!!

You did awesome!!! Here you are showing the class the plane your Dad fly's and a picture of you inside the cockpit with Daddy when you were 3!!!
Your class loved the wings you gave to each of them and were in aah of the maps in the sky, you showed them Las Vegas Nevada.

Way to go on your 1st report! You did such a great job! I love you so... much handsome man!!!

Kali's 2nd Birthday

2010-04-07T19:35:00.000-07:00

Kali has decided she doesn't like to sleep in her bed any more. So I have to watch my step when I wake up... I never know where I' m going to find her. Her she is in the hallway so we decorated the closet door for her!!!

After I dropped the kids off at school I asked Kali what she wanted for breakfast...

So as you can see we stopped by the donut store!!!

For dinner she wanted CiCi's!!! When ever I want her to eat this is the
place to go, she eat her fair share!!!

Then we went to "wucky cheeses" It was great. The kids were
full so they didn't ask for the yucky food. We just played, played, played!!!

Kali was so excited she opened the door and said
"Kali do it!!!"
She is 2 now and is very independent!

I love kids!!! They are so much fun!

Kali loves the marry-go-round!!!

We came home for cake and presents. Kali wanted a puppy cake.

I attempted to do my best. I'm not too artistic but she loved it anyway.

Jacob and Lily have been used to helping Kali open her gifts...

No longer!!! She is fully capable and loved tearing into all the fun presents

from everyone. Jacob was so sweet and saved up his money to buy her something she really liked. He wanted to buy her this $25 cash register. So thoughtful!!! Kali really liked the singing princess microphone so he got her that and a scooby doo movie. Jacob is really into buying gifts for others, I love it!!! Lily made her a butterfly at preschool. Grandma's and Grandpa's spoiled her with new clothes (that she loves, what a girl) play dough set, color wonder finger paints, new shoes and pajamas. The princess Jammie's she has on are her favorite!!! The next morning when she woke up she came running to me pointing to her Jammie's and said, "Cinda-da-rella pretties" and wore the the rest of the day. All the fun new clothes yet she insisted on keeping on her P.J.'s

You are the sweetest little girl Kali!!! We love you very much and are so grateful

Heavenly Father sent you to our family!!!

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

Kali's Birthday Eve

2010-04-06T13:13:00.000-07:00

Happy, Happy Birthday Kali dear Happy days will come to you all year...

We have a fun tradition of celebrating birthday eve!!! I sure love Birthday's and like to extend them as much as possible! We love you so much Kali. Can't believe you're "2" Wow!!! Where has the time gone??? I know time will keep flying by. Enjoy life... it's is beautiful just like you!Happy Birthday Kali Emma Nichol!!

Houston Zoo

2010-04-05T12:26:00.000-07:00

We went to the Houston Zoo for Kali's first time. It was so much fun!
We watched the sea lion show

This sea lions name is Kali :)

Hello Kitty!!!

They loved the elephants!

Giraffe's and my cute family!!!

Watching the giraffe "poop"

Kali was so sweet... waving and saying "bye giraffe"

Kids are so fascinated with drinking from a Lions mouth

(Scary!!!)

Petting the goat!!!

We had an enjoyable day at the Zoo!!!

My favorite part was seeing how much they love the animals :)

Such a fun age... I love it!

a hunting we will go...

2010-04-03T19:58:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter!!!! We had a fun weekend these pictures are out of order but that's OK :) Better out of order than not here at all.

Jacob and Lily had to find there hidden Easter baskets. They had liked that. Kali's was easy to find and no picture :(

Lily was getting frustrated so we had to play hot and cold... she got hot in the dryer.

This was Saturday at the school they got all the eggs they wanted!

That is one big basket good thing you got a new "big one" this year handsome man.

Waiting for the sound off to go get as many of the "50,000" eggs as you can get. A balloon popped and kids started running and there was no stopping them. It went fast.

Last year we had an Easter egg hunt at the Parker's outside at night. That used these fun lanterns and had a great time in the dark. This year we did it at home in the toy room. They love going around in the dark. I read D&C 93:39&40 about bringing up our children in light and truth and how the wicked one comes to take away that light. We turned out all the lights and no one liked the feeling of pitch black. When we turned our lights back on I told them how important it is for us to always follow Jesus and asked them if Easter was all about eggs and candy? They said "No Mom it's about Jesus dying on the cross and being resurrected 3 days later." I love that they know the true meaning of Easter!!!

So... handsome (Let your light shine!!!)

Thank you Grandma Quick for a fun present Easter egg hunt!!!

They hunted all over for more fun presents from Grandma!!!

Kali found one with a little bit of sister's help!!!

Parkway/Memorial springs joint Easter egg hunt at the park!

We had so much fun hunting for Easter eggs all weekend long Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday!!!

The holiday's are so much fun with kids. I love to see their excitement over the simplest things.

My favorite part was listening to their simple testimonies about Easter and Jesus and how they Know he is real!!!

This was a great Easter/ Conference weekend filled with lots of "sweet" things!!!(Candy and the Spirit)

2010-03-31T05:41:00.001-07:00

When I went to check on Jacob this morning after getting Lily off to preschool. I saw Kali out of the corner of my eye, asleep on the rocking chair.
Oh, sweet little one! I know you love to "rock a minute" I guess last night you climbed out of your crib and decided to "rock a minute" longer.
I sure love you Kali!!! Jacob and Mama had fun taking pictures of you
sleeping so peacefully on the rocking chair. It's fun to be 2 almost one more week. So independent and adventurous.

Spring time

2010-03-28T17:26:00.001-07:00

We love spring time!!! Easter, warm weather, planting flowers, and fun new church close. Thank you Grandma! We love you!!!!

JAPAN

2009-05-18T14:20:00.000-07:00

Steve surprised me with a trip to Japan for my Birthday!!!

We flew business first class both ways which was nice for 2 reasons

1. The seats lay down almost flat.

2. The flight was 13 hours going over to Japan and 12 coming back

(The perks of working for Continental)

For dinner we starting out with sushi then either steak or fish.

ending with ice cream Sundas & cheese cake!
I think we better not get used to that because when we go to Southwest it won't happen anymore.

Our first day in Tokyo was in Shinjuku. We learned how their temples and shrines work! They were everywhere.

We found a local market to get some bananas for breakfast.

Steve standing in front of the entrance to a Temple in Shinjuku.

This is a Japanese toilet. You are supposed to squat down and try not

to get your business on your clothes.....good luck!!!

I was so grateful for pictures on all the menus and the little bits of English everywhere. Everyone was so helpful and friendly.

This was our first experience of eating out in Japan. It was a fun experience. Find the picture of what you want
push the button and put in your yen. The money was
fun. 1,000 yen was about $10. We ate rice at every meal with chopsticks!!!

This guy was huge... Steve snuck a picture as he got of the subway.

The subway was a fun experience. We figured it out and could get anywhere in Tokyo.

We were amazed at the respect of all the people. People everywhere walking everywhere and when you got to an escalator everyone would get on single file lined to the left so people could pass on the right. It was amazing to watch.

They were so helpful and kind. I think my favorite part was how they bowed. I loved it!!

The other thing I noticed and loved was how modest everyone dressed.

All the men were in suites!!!

As we came down the street in Roppongi we saw angel Moroni... it was such a comforting feeling.

Here we are in the middle of a foreign country not knowing where we were and when we found the temple I felt like we were home (comfortable and safe)

As we were taking pictures in front of the temple, an Institute teacher came out and showed us the MTC and the dorms located next door.

We found a sushi bar. Since we couldn't pronounce the names we just pointed to the pictures. He would make it right there and then put it on the little conveyor belt and it would just come around to you. The plates were different colors (white, blue, yellow, etc.) that was how they new how much to charge you when you were done eating. We kept ordering because it was so... good. I kept asking Steve if we were little pigs. I guess not because the two of us ate for $12,000 yen (that's only about 12 bucks)

Tsukjji market (Fresh fish) This was a smelly little place but we tried all sorts of fishy fish. There were fish and other sea life I didn't know people could even eat.

Every hotel had slippers and robes.

I had to try them out.

We took a tour to Mt. Fuji!!!

This is a picture of a picture of it from the souvenir shop.
Outside the shop it was so foggy you could see about 100 ft. so we didn't see Mt Fuji.

We took a gondola ride by lake Hackone, It went over a sulfur mine so the smell was less than desirable.

This was taken in a subway station, I have no idea what it is, but it looked neat.

Here is our pirate boat ride on Lake Ashi.

If you look close in the water you can see the red alter. If you have been to Epcot in Florida, it was constructed as a replica of this one. (well I don't know who built it first?)

Our last day it was raining... the sweet workers at the market must have felt sorry for us when they saw us look at the rain suites, try the ATM (that wouldn't take our card & the store wouldn't take our credit card) then walk out and stand under the owning deciding what to do since we wanted to make sure we had enough yen to pay for food, transportation and our departure tax. Two workers came out and gave us their umbrellas!!!

Imperial palace east garden.

Mandy wanted this picture because if you look at the date on the board it says 17May, Happy Birthday sweetheart!!!

We woke up in Japan on Sunday morning and I went to bed at night in my own bed Sunday night... 31 hours later. The longest birthday I've ever had. It was such a wonderful experience.

Thank you Steven for a Birthday to remember!!!!

Mother's day!!!

2009-05-10T19:27:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's day!!! I love the homemade cards, sweet hugs and kisses, a little special attention given for the most important role/occupation/purpose a women has to be
a Mother!

My house is smelling lovely tonight... I got some senssy smelling candles today. I love it!!! My favorite was hearing them sing I am a child of God loud and soft as I looked for my hidden gifts. :>

My favorite part is.... the sweet tender voices. The way Lily says "Happy Muddersday" melts my heart. I had her say it over and over. I just love it and am sad to know that it won't stay that way forever. Today I was able to hear Jacob and Lily sing in sacrament 3 songs about mothers. This has to be my all time favorite sacrament meeting all year... well right up there with the primary program.

Jacob's Kindergarten had a special program and cookies and lemonade they called

"Mother's tea!"

I love my family and am so thankful to have the blessings of Motherhood!!!

Steve's office!!!

2009-05-10T08:17:00.000-07:00

Steve in his "office" Wow... there are a lot
of buttons (does he really know what all these do?)

What a view... and it changes constantly.

Thunderstorm over Dallas!!!

Steven thanks for taking pictures at work. We love to see what you're up to!!!

Jacob's Field Day!

2009-05-05T20:34:00.000-07:00

Jacob... you are all boy!!! You have so much energy and you are ready to play hard!!!

Krahn field day t-shirt... you are official.

Here are some of the 16 events:

This one was a relay to see who get get there bag empty first. It was filled with army men, boats, and airplanes. There were 5 kids on Jacob's team and all of them ran as fast as they could they did great!!!

Jacob and his friend/fellow class mate/cousin of our neighbor Jeffery.

When I asked Jacob what he was looking forward to the most about field day he quickly replied

"the snow cones!!!!" I am afraid you were sadly disappointed (not quite as he'd imagined) it was more like eating ice... not much flavor and no fun cone shaped cup.

Oh well you ate in anyway with out complaining.

That is one big giant earth ball... your team managed to push it through the maze with only knocking over a few cones along the way.

This was a fun one to watch you do... had to hurdle over and through a bunch of obstacles first then put on the sack and jump around the cone. You were the fasted kid out of your whole class on everything all day long. What I loved the most is that you had no idea what anyone else was doing you were just out to have fun and that is what you did!

On this hoppity hop ball you took off and did it so easily.

Your balance and physical strength is amazing. You are defiantly

our physically talented handsome man!

This one you balance the ball on the toilet plunger all the way down and back.

You started first (you always seemed to be the first one... maybe you were the team captain??? or maybe you just have a way of getting in there) you took off leaving everyone in the dust. You team can thank you for being so quick.

Bouncing balls off the parachute in the shade... a nice one to cool down a bit.

This was a fun one for team work. You were holding hands and had to get the hoolahoop over one person to the next all the way to the other end. This one was a little more tricky for your team.

Coordination!!!! This was tricky but you keep with it until you figured it out! Way to go Bubs.

You and Nore were the only two who were able to do doubles out of all the Kindergartners and 1st graders. Talk about TEAM WORK!!!

Way to go!!! (What an accomplishment)

To end it off right we joined Mrs. Zarella and all your class for a picnic lunch out on the field afterwards. Thanks to my dear friend Jana we ate well and had a great time being able to spend the whole time there to share in your excitement. (Next year I know what to expect and I'll be a little more prepared)

Jacob has been looking forward to this day so much. This morning in the shower he said with a big smile on his face "I can't wait to get to school!" I can see why... you played hard!!!! I am so grateful to be your mother and to have been able to share in your fun today! I love you handsome man. Love life, play hard, and live life to the fullest.

Easter time

2009-04-17T09:16:00.000-07:00

Easter pictures:
Lily loves flowers and has been admiring her friends "flower gardens" This was my drive to get the weeds out the backyard looking good again. The kids picked out all the flowers they wanted and we planted them in the Flower Garden. In the center I planted a yellow callalily. I think this is my new favorite flower. It is beautiful just like my girls Kali and Lily.

We had easter egg hunts.....

This was our favorite!!!

In the dark with flashlights at the Parker's house!

Easter Sunday. Lily picked out matching dresses for her and her sister.

Following the string to find their basket.

Indy and Jacob

The kids got lanterns for Easter this year. They loved em.

sweet little Kali loves to swing.

This is my favorite... I thought it was Steve but this is Jacob

taking a picture of his shadow!!! Oh handsome man.

Golf

2009-04-14T20:01:00.001-07:00

Handsome man, Handsome man!!! Lovin' golfing with the

FAMILY. We took the kids to hit a bucket of balls

for family night. Jacob has been taking out my golf clubs

to hit balls in the yard. I told him if he'd put them up so he

didn't break any windows we would take him to a special

place made for hitting golf balls as hard as he'd like!!!

He loved it!!! I'm not sure who enjoyed it more Jacob

whacking ball after ball or Steve enjoying a sport he LOVES

with his son who he loves even more! It was so fun to watch.

I loved the quality family time... the girls had fun hitting some

balls too and playing a little putt... putt. Miss Kali sleep in her

stroller right along side us. This was one of those happy days

that you soak in and remember during the ones that aren't so great.

Life is great and the grass isn't greener on the other side. Is is what

you make of it. I read a quote at a friends house that goes something

like this: Life will always bring storms so we just need to learn

to dance in the rain!!! I loved it (I'm not sure if those were the exact

words but that is the message i got from it)

It's fun to be one!

2009-04-07T22:49:00.000-07:00

Birthday eve... the kids were so excited to make cup cakes for Kali
for Birthday eve!!! We sang and anxiously watched her but she didn't like the
feel of the frosting on her hands. We were defiantly more excited about it
than she was.

We decorated Miss Kali's door... Tradition!!!

By the time I took the picture the balloons were

down and right after this picture Kali took the

poster down too!!!

she is into everything. Learning and discovering so much!

Kali liked the presents and the paper of course.

We got her a fun big ball, clothes, and toys to take to the pool (this summer)
We had some of our neighbors over for spaghetti dinner and cake and ice cream.

Kali with our good friend Naysel in the fun new Jammie's she just gave her.
(Thank you!!!!)

We were planning on going to Utah for Easter and celebrating Kali's 1st birthday with our family... but the flights filled up and we weren't able to make it up their for a fun weekend. The joys of pass travel (can't beat the price) it has it good and bad parts.

We are happy to have our sweet little Kali growing up so big...

Kali has been walking for a few months now so of course she no longer walks... it is now run, run, run!!!

She has 8 teeth and a smile that catches every ones heart.

You are a special little girl and we are so Happy to have you in our family!!!

Confrence time...

2009-04-05T19:24:00.000-07:00

April 2009 Annual General Conference!!!

I look forward to listening to the council of our prophet and general authorities. It is so inspiring and a great time to reevaluate my level of commitment to the Lord. This time last year I was pregnant with Kali for the last day. She was born the Monday after conference. Now we have 3 beautiful children who have so.... much energy!!!! I wanted them to watch conference and try to be reverent and get something out of it. If the only thing they learned is that we (mom and dad) love the prophet and want to know what he wants us to do so we listen and

do the things we are taught!

We had treats.... yummy yummy!! Kali loves suckers we found out. It kept her occupied for quiet some time.

As they listened to conference they could get candy for certain words... they loved that and it really worked!!!

We also used the fun activity packet from primary. It was great!! I am so grateful for the opportunity to be feed so spiritually every 6 months. I love the peace and comfort that I feel as I hear the brethren bear witness of our savior and their love and dedication to serve Him for the rest of their lives.

Our weekend

2009-03-29T18:46:00.000-07:00

It's raining, it's pouring, the kids are soaking...

I love the rain!!! It's fun to splash in the huge puddles and run through
the streets kicking the water. I remember playing in the rain as a child
and just lovin' it!!! Unfortunatly as a mother I have to stop myself from
thinking... N0 Don't get Wet (it's definatly work to clean up) but for me the
memories out weigh those heavy wet levi's and tennis shoes that slosh into
the house leaving puddles on the tile floor.

Look at that smile :> she's in her rain boots & rain jacket with her
cinderella princess skirt. All girl but not a bit afraid to get down
and play hard!!!

See what I mean... that smile say's it all!!!!

Even Kali had to get out there!

Memories in the making.... these are the days to remember!

O.k. now that we have seen how much fun the rain can be and how

we get out there and enjoy it well that's only when we're at home

and it's not raining on our PARADE (so to speak).

On Friday Jacob had his Krahn Fun Run and well it's not fun to run in the

rain when your at school... so before school we had our scripture

power and family prayer and I mentioned to the kids that our events

for the weekend would be so much nicer if the rain could work around

our schedule... They know who's in charge of the weather!

The faith of a child.
The sun came out just like we asked for in our morning prayers.

Jacob's fun run was dry, warm, and a great success!

Jacob and Jeffery after running the track for 20 minutes.

Way to go boys! You did awsome.

After the fun run we ran into the EasterBunny at Walmart.

Lily was so excited... she especially loved the candy he gave her.

Kali on the other hand didn't feel the same way... maybe it was

because she didn't get any candy! :>

Friday night was our Parkway ward annual camp out up at Spring Creek park. I don't know about you but I don't like camping in the rain. I am the activities chair and was left to make the decision of weather or not to cancel... I am the worst at making decisions and go back and forth especially when it involves lots of people.

Heavenly Father knows me and loves me dearly... we had prayed for good weather and he delivered. It was a bit chilly but I wasn't picky just simply asked for No rain! Steve wasn't going to make it until late that night because he had to fly and because of the weather in the area I was afraid he may even not make it at all because of delays. I was so excited and overjoyed with the blessing from a Father who knows how appreciative I would be to have Steve's help when I found out that his flight had been canceled due to the weather and he was at home when we were leaving Walmart!!!

Steve and Wyck holding there freezing girls sitting around the campfire.

(Steve on his I phone probably checking opening time)

Jacob and Lily so excited to be sleeping in a tent with daddy!!!

Who needs a nice warm home and soft bed?

I do!!! Well I guess the back off the Yukon will

work for one night. Kali and I stayed warm

but she missed the part about how we were

suppose to be sleeping in the car not playing.

Bundled up and ready for a yummy campfire breakfast!

We had a great weekend filled with ward family, friends,

sunshine and a bit of cool air. It was beautiful!!!

All about me! (Lily)

2009-03-27T07:41:00.000-07:00

This week Lily was spot lighted at preschool. On Monday she presented her ALL ABOUT ME POSTER
She has been looking forward to this for a very long time. She brought her poster board home on Friday and we put it together with all of the pictures of her with family and friends. I was so excited when you said "Mom, will you please come to school to see me do my poster?" My heart was filled with Joy... Of course I said I wouldn't miss it!
Monday morning came around and Jacob was SICK. Steve was out of town and I was left needing to be in two places at once. I am so grateful for Sister Bliss who came so willingly to the rescue to not only sit with Jacob while I went to be with Lily she also kept Kali. I love the sisters of Relief society we really are a group of women who give relief to others!

Lily didn't know I was there yet, she had just came in from playing outside.

Lily and her friends playing musical chairs or as she called it

"High school musical" I thought that was cute.

Here she is so sweet and beautiful showing everyone her poster.

Lily you were shy but loved the attention!!!

You are our Shining Star. We love you Lily. Let your light so shine!!!

Neighborhood spring fling

2009-03-24T20:38:00.000-07:00

What a fun weekend!!! Our neighborhood had our first annual get together. It was a huge success thanks to so many of our wonderful friends. Thank you for ALL of your hard work and awesome efforts... we had so much fun.

We started out the morning running a 5K (@3miles)

Go Daddy Go!!! Some dear friends of our kept the kids

for us so we could both run. Jacob was waiting on the

corner for us!

Here I come (I came in 3rd place for the women)

Lily was so sweet she ran out and gave me a hug.

Then the kids ran a 1K and ran the whole thing...

I wish a had a picture of Jacob running with all his might!

Lily ran holding her friend Lindsay's hand and mine

the whole time!!! They loved it! This was at the finish line!

(Thanks Clint and Jana it's was my favorite part!)

My goal was to do it in less than 30min and I did it in 29.27

Yea!!!!!

Jacob and Lily in one of the bounce houses!!!

Lily at the Easter egg hunt!

Miss Kali wanted to be down and walking

She is such a big girl!!!

The fire department came...

Jacob inside the fire truck

Lily and Lindsay inside the fire truck

They sprayed the kids with the fire hose

they got soaked and loved every drop of it!

Family time!!!

2009-03-15T19:13:00.000-07:00

Families.... they are the best!!! I am so grateful Heavenly Father sent us down to earth in families. I love my eternal family and all of our extended family!

This past week we went up to Utah to spend spring break in the snow!!! Not quite what I remember doing for spring break as a kid. The kids look forward to going to Utah to be with their Grandparents and cousins!!! In fact when Jacob was going to bed tonight I overheard him telling his dad how excited he is to go back to Utah in 3 weeks. (Kali's 1st Birthday) He's already counting down.
Here are some of our pictures of the fun week we had in Utah with our families... (I left the camera in the car sometimes :( I'm trying to do better.) Aunt Steph has some fun pictures of the kids at the aerospace museum at Hill air force base I'll try to get them and add them on!

Daddy and Lily giving each other an Orange kiss!!! We shared this idea with our sweet little Wyatt.... he liked it!!! I loved it too... he is getting so big (almost 3) I think Steph took a picture of Wyatt giving orange kisses.

This was taken before we left. Steve was able to join us for a few days over the weekend to be with me for Ryan Mouritsen's (a dear friends) funeral. We sure missed Steve this week but are grateful that he makes it possible for us to make memories with our family.

We started out the kids and I flying up to SLC on Thursday morning. We would have loved to wait until Friday morning when Steve came but when you fly standby you take what you can get. (Can't beat the price) I stayed the first night at my parents and then on Friday we met Steve's family for Lunch. Here we are at the Golden Coral...

Aunt Whitney lovin' sweet little Kali.... Mommy and Kali!!!

Grandma Nichol took us to an all you can eat buffet... the kids loved it they thought they were in a candy store with the fun dessert bar. They also enjoyed each others company!!! Cousins are so much fun!!!

Great Grandma "B" with Lily, Kali, & Jacob

4 Generations.... Kali, Steve, his Mom and Grandma!

Kali was ready to go and so was Steve.. thanks for the posterity picture!

After we ate Steve came with me to the viewing while LoiAnn took the kids up to Midway. We spent the night up there (the kids love to play up there on the golf cart even if it's 20 degree's)
It was a short stop over for me I went back down to Sandy in the morning to go to the funeral with my parents and friends while Steve kept the kids (Thank you Hun!) Saturday night be dropped the kids off to me at Ashlee's Junior high School play Peter Pan. It was so fun... the kids loved being with their cousins and they loved the play (I wasn't sure how well they would do for 3 hours) It kept their attention and I was very impressed at how much work went into this production it really showed. Great Job Ashlee!!! You were the prettiest pirate you did fantastic in your parts. What fun memories.

Sunday was here before we knew it and Steve was off to flyin'. The kids did so well at Church with Grandma and Grandpa Quick's. Then we enjoyed dinner with my family. It was so nice to see everyone thanks for always making the effort when we come in town. We sure love you guys.

Steph always comes down form Syracuse when we come into town. But they just got a new addition to the family, Chopper (a chocolate Lab puppy) so she wasn't able to. We were so excited to be able to join their family for FHE, and a sleep over!

Here's the kids playing outside but I didn't get one of the puppy...

I don't know who took this picture or even where it is (I think it is up in Midway)

I added this because I wanted to tell the Sill family (Garrett, Stephanie, McKenna, Ashlyn, Colter, Wyatt, and chopper) Thank you! Thank you for opening your home to us and allowing us to join in on the way you live life. Our prophet President Monson has said find "Joy in the journey" You are such a great example of this in all you do but as we were able to have family home evening (we talked about the atonement), family prayer and scripture study with you I felt the such a sweet happy spirit in your home as I watched you teach correct principles lovingly!!! I just really enjoyed being in your home and learning from your great examples of how simple yet important these things are. We do them too... but it's just great to see what we have to look forward to as we continue on our journey when our kids get older like yours are. I'm so grateful for the fine examples that you set. Thank you!!!

The SLEEP OVER!!!!!

Mckenna and Lily. Thank you for being such a sweet heart and letting me sleep in your bed while you enjoyed sleeping on the floor with Lily... She just loves you!

Colter was sleeping until the flash got his eyes (sorry bud!)

Beautiful Ashlyn asleep next to me and Kali... thanks for sharing your room and being such a great cousin. Lily talks about how much she loves you.

Miss Kali asleep warm and cuddly.

Yes... this was taken at the same time the reason I post all the sleeping beauties and price (again sorry colter) Here's Jacob ridin' the horse full of energy while everyone else is sleeping! Not surprising at all. I love you handsome man! I sure hope you keep some of this energy when you get older... you've got life to live and you are livin' it to it's fullest, way to go!

On Tuesday we spent the day playing (I am so gonna love year round school in vegas) I wish everyone could be on the same tract :( we missed you Tanner and Ethan. Thanks for joining the kids Grandma!!! We went to Chuckie Cheese and then to the Aerospace museum.

Mckenna and Colter shootin' hoops

Jacob racing cars... I have to tell you each of the kids got about 20 tokens. Jacob was so sweet and when he'd find something that he really liked he just knew you'd like it too so he'd share his tokens so you could experience the fun. You are so sweet and thoughtful. My favorite one was the card that printed out your picture on it. You made sure everyone had at least one. That was awesome!!!

Sweet Lily girl. I love your pretty smile.

I lost track of how many times you guys rode this jeep... so much fun behind the wheel.

The group... we met a few of their fun friends!!!

That's all the pictures I took. But we had many more fun adventures. Playin' with friends at Natalie's house (Thank you so much for putting together the fun lunch/play group with everyone) I'm so grateful for such wonderful friends that find the time to keep our friendships strong over all these years... What's it been almost 20years. I sure love y'all!

Well this is it until next time...

Examples

2009-02-24T06:07:00.000-08:00

I am learning how important it is to set a good example. I have my good days and my bad ones. We ALL do! Being the MOM is not easy... It's really hard sometimes. I find myself acting in ways that are not at all the way I teach my kids to act. Actions speak louder than words, It is so true! I have actually had some great days lately but I am seeing some of my behaviors coming out in Jacob. He's having a hard time controlling himself at school. He is reacting to others behavior and is emotional at home when things don't happen just the way he wants. He's feeling out of control, hurt, frustrated and angry.
I love him but I find it difficult to love his behavior when he's "loosin' it!" Steve often tells me how much Jacob is like me. I am so sad to say that he gets this from me too... Life throws us curve balls. People don't always act the way we would like them too. (Especially our children) How are we going to let this affect us? Will we react and make a bad choice or will we keep room in our heart always, no matter the situation to Act with LOVE?!!!

John 13:34
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye alove one another; as I have loved you, that ye also blove one another.

This is one of my favorite scriptures. I pray often for this kind of love... the love the our savior has for us. In fact tonight I prayed for it while my children (all 3 of them crying) were complaining and throwing fits over dinner, not being able to play (even though he'd just played with a friend for an hour), everything being too hard, not fair, and the negativity went on and on.
I did it!!! I didn't let their reactions and negative complaining pull me in and React in frustration from all the energy draining that was occurring. I simply slowed down and filled my negative thoughts with something positive. I did not allow the behavior to continue around ME they could go to their rooms until they were ready to act loving. It worked... they didn't even have to go to their room. Kind words began to fill the dinner table and the food I cooked was eaten without further complaints. The kids went to bed with happiness in our home and love in their hearts... Yes!!! My goal for the day was accomplished and I am gearing up to start again tomorrow, and the next day, and...

I read this in my scripture power for the day, I hope it can enlighten you the way it has for me.

"Thinking negatively does not require any effort; maintaining a believing fame of mind, however, requires an exerted effort over a sustained period of time. "
I'm reading Drawing on the powers of heaven by Grant Von Harrison this was from his book.

D&C 6:36, Mormon 9:27
I challenge you to read these scriptures and then try throughout the day to replace any negative feeling/thought with something positive!

"...doubt and faith do not exist in the same person at the same time..." Joseph Smith, lectures on faith.

LoVe OnE aNoThEr

2009-02-19T17:17:00.000-08:00

Valentines Day is so much fun... I love the opportunity it

gives us to share our love for others anonymously!

Cupid came to our house... her gifts put smiles on our faces :>

Jacob - Cars Lily - Lip gloss in a Makeup bag Kali - P.J.'s

Lily asks almost every day to make cookies. She loves to make sugar cookies! I don't know what part is her favorite... eating the dough, licking the frosting off the knife or eating the finished product. She loves it all. I think she gets it from me. I had fun making cookies for all the kids and teachers for her preschool party.

Lily with Lindsay and Molly (her friends she carpools with to school)

Making her valentine bag at school.

Lily's Valentine party at Mrs. Dorsey's preschool.

She was so excited to have us come to the party!!!

Jacob had a valentines party at his school too. He wrote the names of everyone in his class on their valentines... I was so proud of him! He is really do well with reading and writing. Unfortunately I couldn't make anything for his class :<>

I love Valentines day!!!

Is she really...

2009-02-10T14:39:00.000-08:00

10 Months old......
Yesterday I was gathering the dirty laundry from all the bedrooms while Kali was playing in the toy room. I couldn't find her anywhere in the toy room so I went looking for her and this is what I found.... she did this all on her own. I couldn't believe she got the drawers out and was inside of it playing around. Who needs toys? For this 10 month old, mischief is way more fun! She is into everything!!! She is so much fun and her personality is just blossoming. She makes all of us laugh. I am so grateful you came to join our family Kali. You bring so much joy to all of our lives.

Kali girl...

2009-02-05T18:54:00.000-08:00

Well I am going to sleep better tonight. We took Kali into Dr. Lacour again today to follow up with her strange spots... It went well. Kali is doing fine and will have no lasting effects from this. It will just take time to go away. He gave me answers to my questions and left me with peace of mind. I am so grateful for his wealth of knowledge and his compassionate way he has educated me on things I'd never heard of.
I have been more worried about something that is not as bad as it looks... better to be safe than sorry!!!

Family Time = Eternal memories

2009-02-04T12:17:00.000-08:00

Steve had a week of vacation so we decided to go up to Salt Lake and spend the week with our FAMILY!!!

We started out by going to the Draper temple open house. I must admit I had envisioned a very spiritual,quiet, calm, temple experience that I could share in with our children.

First off the spirit really was strong but what was I thinking? Quiet & calm for Jacob... it was too exciting. The kids did a great job but I wish they hadn't eaten chocolate donuts at Gmp&Gma house for breakfast before we went. (whoops!!)

My favorite part was in the brides room with my two daughters!! I looked at Lily and told her that this is the room where you get to do your hair & make-up and put on your wedding dress when you get married! (She is so into dresses and make up right now) Sweet little Lily just looked at me with a great big smile and sighed a happy oh.... I can't explain the sweet spirit I felt and still feel as I think about this amazing experience to be in the temple with her at 3 years of age. I pray that she will return with the man of her dreams to the house of the Lord to be sealed for time and all eternity. What more could a mother want for her daughter! I know it will seem just like yesterday when I will be standing in that room with her again thinking back on this experience. (I am so thankful to my Father in Heaven for this special experience I have felt) Tears of Joy, pure Joy!!!

Our family at the little open house after seeing the temple.
We were shuttled on a bus... the kids loved it!

These 2 temples are the Venezuela and Houston ones

(special places to us)

Miss Lily had snow in her mouth every where we went!!!

She loved it!

Miss Kali's first time in the snow...

she loved watching it fall from the sky.

The rest of the week we spent up in Midway at Grandma and Grandpa Nichol's "hotel" or so Berkley thought when they pulled up to stay the weekend with cousins.

Whitney brought the boys up to play in the snow... THANK YOU THANK YOU!!

The kids had so much fun sledding. Who wouldn't when they didn't have to walk up

the hill! I don't know what was more fun sledding down or riding on the four wheeler

back up the hill to do it again and again and again!!!

Our Grandparents would tell us how they walked up hill both ways in the snow....

Our kids can say they didn't have to walk up or down the hill in the snow (I don't know if that is good or not)

Kali's first time sledding!

Our little Snow Bunnie!!!

Mommy, Kali, & Lily

making snow angels!

Jacob and Lily on their way to ride the sled down the hill.

What a beautiful valley... memories were made that will last forever!

We thought sledding was fun so we thought we'd try snow boarding behind the four wheeler.

Oh what fun it is to ride... behind the four wheeler!!
It feels just like wake boarding so we called it "wheeler boarding"

At night we soaked in the hot tub. Well some of us did...

Lily and Jacob played in the snow and then jumped in to warm up!

Aunt Stephanie and the kids with us soakin' up the heat under the stars at the clubhouse!

Grandma and Kali snuggling on the window seat!

Grandpa, Daddy, and Jacob!!!

My sister Emalee and I out lasted the boys...

We decided the sled was the way to go. All we had to do was hold on and cover our faces. The snow would spray up on us so we couldn't see where we were going. Steve pulled us up and over the jump, we lost the sled right out from under us. That wasn't the only thing I lost... I was laughing so hard I full on peed my snow suit!!! What can I say, after 3 kids my body is not the same... but my heart is. We played so hard I felt like we were kids again. Emalee I will always remember the fun we had. Thanks so much everyone (Ross, LoiAnn, Stephanie and family, Whitney and boys, Emalee & Kendal and family) for a week of FUN, FUN,FUN!

Diagnosis

2009-02-04T06:11:00.000-08:00

Well Dr. Lacour doesn't think that it is HSP. That's good news. He diagnosed Kali with Erythema Multifome. It is a rash caused by an overreaction to the infection (strep throat). It is very rare, a flewk thing that doesn't mean she'll every get it again just something that happened. She is taking a steroid for that and staying on the antibiotic for her strep. I was telling Steve that if she wouldn't have got this rash her strep would have gone treated. (Not good)
I'm still worried and watching carefully maybe I'm just Overreacting... but as a mother and a nurse who knows too much and has seen scary things I think I'm paranoid. I asked question after question and Dr. Lacour reassured me that everything was o.k. even if I didn't believe him. I must have come across that way because I am so concerned. He's going to see her again tomorrow just to follow up and see how she's doing.

In the middle of the night I was nursing Kali and thought I felt some weird bumps on her head. I woke Steve up and just starting bawling. He is so sweet he comforted me and gave our sweet little Kali a blessing. She is peacefully sleeping right now. We'll just continue to watch her closely and have faith that she will be just fine. I know Heavenly father hears and answers prayers.

Kali's Legs

2009-02-03T11:33:00.000-08:00

Poor Little Kali.....

Yesterday we came home from Utah.
Kali threw up on the airplane
but other than that seemed fine
until we got home and I changed her
diaper and found some bruising on
her legs. I called her Dr. office and
the soonest they could see her was on
Wednesday. They were booked in the
after hours that night. I thought I'd just
wait until morning and call Dr. Lacour.
2 hours later I was changing her into
her pajamas and found swollen legs,
more bruising, and red raised welts...
Off to the ER we went. I started out
at Willow brook Hospital ER and after
waiting an hour and only 1 person being called back
I asked how many people were a head of us.... when
they told me at this point(information that would have been helpful before I waited and hour)
that there were 10 people a head of us and would be about 3-4 hour wait. I asked for a place to
nurse Kali and was left with the only options being to nurse in the lobby with a bunch of scary
looking people or go to the car. Needless to say while I was sitting in the car nursing my tried, restless little Kali I called Steve. He gave me a number to one of the free standing ER's close to
our home. I called and spoke with a the receptionist who assured me I'd get right in. So I decided to go somewhere else. They told me then that if I didn't have medicaid that free standing ER's are the way to go. Off I went to start the process all over again. By this time it was after 10pm and I knew we had just begun our fun adventure for the evening so I tried not to let my self get too frustrated about waisting the past hour.
I had a great experience at 24 hour ER, all of the staff was wonderful. Before I could even finish filling out the paper work they had us go back to a room and start the process.
Kali was diagnosed with.... Henoch-Schoenlein Purpura what a name (HSP) It's a vasculitis which is what the bruising is from. When they drew blood from her arm it was crazy to watch her arm go from looking normal to having red raised welts and little round bruised appear all over her arm from the pressure of the tourniquet. She also has step throat. We've started Kali on Antibiotics and will see Dr. Lacour in just a few hours to follow up. We'll keep you posted. Thank you for being there for me last night. I'm so grateful for cell phones which make it possible to have Steve(home with the kids), my parents (in Hawaii), our family(in Salt Lake) feel like they were right there with us.Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers. We love y'all so much. We'll keep you up to date.

Lessons to be learned

2009-01-23T18:51:00.001-08:00

Jacob has been sick all week. We took him to the Dr. twice because his Doctor Dr. Lacour wasn't able to see him the first time! He is honestly the best Pediatrician I have ever met. And I have met my fare share with working with the babies. So after missing 2 days of school we got a heavy dose of antibiotics and some Tylenol with codeine for our sweetest little boy who was in so... much pain with a swollen lymph node the size of... the peach on that picture.
You would have thought life would get better now that we know whats going on and have the medicine to treat it! Little did I know how much I could learn from medicine and yogurt.

Today my visiting teachers came and we had a wonderful discussion about this months message. Having Faith that is steadfast and immovable in... the list was from our General relief society president but the one that was most applicable to me today was being worthy of, listening to, and Doing what we are prompted to do by the Holy Ghost.

Yesterday I had the thought to call the Pharmacy to see if they could do anything, anything at all to help this antibiotic taste a little better for Jacob. I didn't do it... I got caught up in the day and when the evening came and it was time once again to take his medicine that he gages on and gets himself all worked up over. I had a plan! I thought "I" was ready to take this on. "I" had decided to be understanding, sympathetic, and kind so I started out by lovingly saying how I know that he doesn't like the taste of the medicine I tried it in front of him and agreed that it was yucky. But I told him how important it was to take it and that it wasn't a choice of whether he wanted to or not even if he DID NOT like it. He had to take it. I told him that he did have the choice to take it plain or mixed up in yogurt to hide the taste. He chose in the yogurt (good choice). I mixed it up and tried it and it worked great. Unfortunately by this time he had worked him self up so much that he through a fit and would not take it. After I don't know how long of trying to force him to do something he did not want to do... I lost the battle. I threw the spoon and yelled (something I am not proud of and quickly repented of). He ended up eating the yogurt mixed medicine and getting in his bed. When I went into lay with him I apologized for yelling and getting so upset that I let Satan in my heart and pushed the spirit right out of our home :<>"I said a prayer in my heart and Heavenly Father helped me eat the medicine... Jesus stayed in my heart mom!"
One of the things I love the most about Jacob is how quick he is to forgive and how strong willed he is. When he has his mind set on something there is no changing it. My goal is to help direct him for good! Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
So this morning I thought... great I'll just mix his med in yogurt and we will be good to go... Nope! He wouldn't eat his yogurt(med) this morning and I didn't want to go where I went last night and not having enough time to properly handle this I sent him to school happy with a smile on his face and the spirit in his heart but no medicine in his system. My thought was that his spirit is stronger than his infection. We'll deal with this when he gets home.
I asked Jacob before he left for school what flavor he wanted his medicine to taste like and he asked for BUBBLE GUM so first thing this morning I went to the pharmacy and got the med bubble gum flavored! After school I gave it to him and still he faught and complained... it wasn't pink and it still tasted spicy. I decided to not try this time on my own I knew I needed help. So I asked Heavenly Father to please help me. I asked him if he wanted it mixed in yogurt or plain. He said yogurt. So the battle began. The whinning and the crying and the screaming.... but not from me. No I was listening to the little thoughts of what to say as I gave him choices followed with conseqences. 1st he could eat it with out complaining about it and then we would have popcorn and a movie. He lost that one so Lily had to watch the movie alone. Then we went to loosing books before bed (something he loves to do) that didn't work either. So finally I sent him up to get ready for bed and told him when he came back down that if he would do it without complaining I would lay with him. He did it!!!
As we layed there talking about choices and consequeces with the spirit in our hearts Jacob said I chose the consequences tonight... it's not fun. We made a deal that if he would take the medicine, without complaining, for the next 5 days then we wont bring it with us to Utah. I sure hope that medicine stays in TEXAS!
I learned that if we want to learn or teach something it MUST be done with the spirit inable to be understood. I learn more from being a Mother aka (a teacher, an example, a leader, a friend) than from any other experience in life so far. There is no doubt in my mind why we came to earth with a Family to help us return to live with our Father in Heaven.
We must learn to love and to earn the love of those whom we are working so hard to live with for Eternity!!! I love you Jacob thanks for helping me learn what I need to so I can live with our Father in Heaven again!

7 THINGS...

2009-01-18T18:10:00.000-08:00

I have been tagged (thanks Kim)... I am to tell you 7 THINGS YOU DON'T CARE TO KNOW ABOUT ME!

I enjoyed reading about things I new and some that I didn't know about Kim and I did care so here's for not letting you down Kim!

1- Last October Steve wanted to loose some weight and was frustrated by not loosing any even though he'd been running his little arss off. So I told him if he was serious that he could loose a pound a week by continuing to run but he'd have to cut out all the treats... so WE did it! No treats from Oct 1st to just before Christmas. It works... for any of you out there who are looking to really get rid of some of those extra pounds, try it!

2- Self Control... this is one of my goals for 2009. I went almost 3 months with out eating any treats (I've done it twice now) Now you may think that that is a lot of self control but after about 2 weeks when all the sugar is out of your system you stop craving them and it's not that hard. I'll tell you what is hard... One treat a week. Now that is self control. I love treats... we create so many memories and traditions centered around these calorie packed foods. I personally think it's the way us Mormons socialize. It's good stuff. Although I also think moderation in All things applies to these as well. So this year my goal is One treat a week. I'm sorry to say that I am weak. I haven't been able to do this yet but I will continue to try. I am eating them less often (every other day or so)... This is good for us Nichol treat monkey's.

3- Piano lessons... yes I have started practicing the piano again. I am teaching Jacob and Lily the little bit I know. As for me I'm trying to play the hymns made easy songs.

4- This week I am teaching a beginning crochet class to the relief society sisters in the parkway ward. I love creating things. I'm grateful for this gift we have been blessed with as women to Create. I appreciate Elder Uchdorfs talk from last women's conference on this topic.

5- I wish I was in Hawaii... If I could be anywhere in the world with anyone I wanted I would choose to be in Hawaii with all of my family for the rest of this month and next. (We would be joining many of our friends and family who are there right now):) Aloha!!!

6- You would have thought I was the worst wife in the world. I cooked my husband Crab legs one week and the next week I served potato soup. I couldn't believe the look on Steve's face of total unbelief that I could make and serve this for dinner. I learned that this is yet another one of the dinners I will not be making again for my picky eatin' husband. No more potato "poup" in the Nichol home. It was hilarious to see him call his mom hoping to get some sympathy... these were his exact words "I'm telling my mom!" Guess who's side she took? Poor Steven... :<>I am going to bed!

So now I get to tag 7 lucky people... Cindy, Stephanie, Whitney, Bailey, LoiAnn, Allie, Tasha... you're it! (Have fun)

It's a wonderful life!

2009-01-13T09:00:00.000-08:00

I was looking through my drafts that had been started and never finished... I don't know if you have any but in my life it seems I am always starting something and getting distracted by someone or something that is calling (sometimes screaming) for my attention.

I started this one back in November and it was left blank. I liked the title too much to delete.

I'm not sure what my thoughts were at the time but for now I must say Life is Wonderful because...

I am married to STEVEN ROSS NICHOL! He is the most amazing husband and father. I tell him often that he better let me die first (when we're like 90) because no one could live up to all that I've come to expect out of a husband. He does the dishes, cleans the bathrooms, bathes the kids, feed the kids, plays, tickles, wipes bums, rides bikes, chases, and best of all truly loves being with us.

For Steve's birthday his parents sent him some money(thank you!) We went to the bank yesterday and cashed the check. He wasn't sure what he was going to do with it... we looked around for a few things at Wally World (Walmart) but he just couldn't find any thing worth spending his money on. He decided that he knew what it was he wanted to buy with his B-day money... (Family Memories) Now I know this is something you don't buy... but sometimes it does take money to make memories. We love riding bikes as a family and we haven't been able to do this for the past 9 months (Miss Kali joined our family). We went to the bike store and bought a cute pink, happy heart helmet for Lily.

Last night for family home evening we went for a bike ride. Kali wasn't too sure about it at first. She wanted her helmet off. Once we started riding and she could see how much fun it was she stopped crying. We talked about giving with a happy heart and how the gift from Grandpa and Grandma was given to Daddy happily. Then Daddy gave to all of us the gift of riding bikes all together as a family again. We ended the night using the rest of Daddy' B-day money eating dinner at CiCi's Pizza. (The kids favorite place) The whole time while we were eating they were going out of their way to share what they had with each other and us. Lily wanted more noodles so Jacob joyfully shared his. They were just constantly looking for things they could do to give of what they had with someone else and just beamed with joy at the way it made them feel. We talked about how happy Jesus was with their actions and helped them recognize the Holy Ghost.

Last night was one of those days that you wished everyday could be like. It is because of these days that I can say I am looking forward to eternity with my family. All because "someone" took something of his and shared it by looking for ways that it could bring happiness into the lives of those he loves... which truly did bring Joy to all of us.

I hope I can remember the lesson of love and selflessness I learned yesterday and the feelings it brought to our family. Thank you Steve for being YOU!!!

Steve's Birthday!!!

2009-01-08T19:58:00.000-08:00

We started out with birthday eve.. a fun tradition we started about 6 years ago with our dear friends Ivun & Heidi. We had yummy Oatmeal cake cupcakes. Kali was with us too she tasted the yummy cupcakes and had a delicious bowl of oatmeal.

January 8th 2009

Good morning... Steve had to go to work, so we when he got in the shower the kids woke up and helped me decorated daddy's door.

(Thanks LoiAnn for reminding me of this fun tradition we've started with the kids)

Steve was surprised. Then we had pancakes for breakfast with candles of course.

We like to celebrate with food, obviously and we stick a candle in everything.

Jacob and Lily enjoy this so much that we re lite them a few times.

Life is all about the simple pleasures.

When Steve got home from work we had his favorite foods for dinner. Artichoke dip, squishy odes (that's what Lily calls shrimp), and crab legs. The only thing is I think Jacob likes crab legs as much as Steve. He's got good taste in food. Speaking of good food. We ended the night with a delicious homemade cheesecake from Sister Porter. What an inspired woman. We had a service auction for our relief society enrichment and I was fortunate enough to get this cheesecake. Ruth didn't know it was Steve's birthday, it couldn't have been a more perfect time for this act of service. Steve's favorite dessert is cheesecake. And this tasted as good as it looked. Yummy yummy!

We are so blessed to have the best husband and father that exists... sorry to all the other men out there. We love you STEVEN!!! Happy Birthday. Thank you for letting us celebrate your special day. We love you so... much!

a December to Remember

2009-01-01T20:56:00.001-08:00

Well... you are lookin' at the reason why I haven't blogged all month. This little bundle of Joy is all over the place and takes alot of attention. She is crawling up the stairs and learning to go down, putting everything in her mouth and just discovering life.
So I have decided to post a little bit about this month and the fun traditions we started and carried on.

Our sweet little Kali is growing up so fast. She got her two front teeth for Christmas and her own look is starting to develop. She says Da Da all the time and well nothing else. What can I say... She loves her Daddy and her Daddy loves her more and more each day now that she is loving to get down and play. I made her this monkey for Christmas and she loves him!

I thought I'd be the only one who sticks with it and gets the ornaments on the tree but I was pleasantly wrong... Miss Lily loved it and she just kept going and going. The best part was she stood in the same general area and can only reach so high... so needless to say the bottom right side of our tree was nicely decorated leaving the other areas look nearly bare. I enjoyed looking at that spot on the tree all season long!

We put up our Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving. I was so excited to put up our decorations this year because last year we went to Utah for the whole month and so we weren't able to enjoy our fun tree and the decorations. My favorite ones are the ones we have collected for each year to remind us of that particular year.

My parents came for the week of Dec 8th -15th. It was so nice to have them come. We weren't sure what the flights would be like around Christmas and whether or not we would be able to come up to Utah so we just had Christmas all week long while they were here. The kids loved opening one of there gift from Grandpa and Grandma Quick while they were here. Then they were able to enjoy the fun presents with them. They had so much fun... this is one of Jacob's fun shaving kits Grandma's helping him out.

Lily got finger nail polish and stickers for her nail parlor. She sure loves to do nails everyday all day long. She is our girly girl for sure! We love it!

Miss Kali got the gift of Love. A quite book made by Grandma. Grandpa's days were spent holding this precious angle so Grandma and Mama could sew doll clothes and make fun Christmas gift. We spent every night watching Christmas Hallmark movies and just enjoying the time we had together.

Santa came to our house...

He just stopped by and sang some songs with us, gave the kids some fun candy canes and asked them to make sure they left Rudolf some carrots on Christmas eve and get to bed early so he could come and leave them some gifts. The kids loved it! It was so fun to see the surprise in their eyes!

We took the kids to see the light here in a neighborhood called Preston wood. This was my favorite one... You can't see it but it Say's Merry Christmas Y'all on the state of Texas

The kids had a sleep over under the Christmas tree on Dec 23rd

I read Christmas stories to them until they fell asleep.

This is our longest standing TRADITION... from Steve's Childhood. The kids each have a coloring book that they get to color one page of each Christmas. They trace their hand and write their name and how old they are. We take pictures and put it on the page for that year. It is so fun to see how much they grow over the years.

CHRISTMAS 2008

2008-12-26T08:49:00.000-08:00

The stocking were hung by our chimney with care...

And Santa came!!!

Jacob Ross Nichol's Lily Ann Nichol's Kali Emma Nichol's

They were so excited for Christmas!!! Lily loved her matching baby clothes they were dressed as twins all day. Jacob was so happy that Santa brought him what he asked for a Remote control Jeep. This was Kali's first Christmas she loved the paper, boxes, and ribbons. She is crawling all over the place and pulling her self up to everything. With her new toy she got for Christmas she is going to be walking before we know it.

Here they are with their gifts from Santa!

Kali found the cookies and milk we left out for Santa. He finished the milk but left a few cookies

that Kali helped her self too.

Jacob and Lily did chores around the house to help me out and earned a gift to give to each other. They did such a great Job and were so excited to give this year. When Jacob opened his he thought it was for Lily because they both gave glitter paint pens one was princesses and the other was Cars. (The name tag on Lily's gift reads... "To: Lily Meere chrismuse luve Jacob"

Here's Jacob and Lily opening their gift for Grandma and Grandpa Nichol.

I loved the shock on his face to see a helicopter and airplane.

Lily was so excited about her barbie and car.

Steven was so excited... He got a south west model airplane

The kids made reindeer's with their feet and hands

Never enough time

2008-12-18T19:17:00.000-08:00

I am in a season of life that I feel I never have enough time in any given day to do all the things I'd like to do. I know that it will pass quickly and I will wish for these days again. So I am trying to enjoy this journey I am on and love this season of my life. I do love it! I just find my self feeling overwhelmed and frustrated with all the things I'm not getting done. (Blogging being one of them) So instead of letting it get me down today I decided just to write a little something and then as I can I am going to post a few pictures from the past month.
Wow, where has December gone? I am so excited for Christmas I love all the lights and fun decorations. The baking and the yummy goodies which will have to go again after the holidays. Sugar is an int resting thing... it tastes so yummy but it sure makes me feel tired and sluggish.

This month has been filled with fun activities... I was in charge of our ward's Christmas party which was a great success thanks to my wonderful committee.

Then my parents came into town for a week. We had a wonderful time. We went to the temple, sewed Christmas presents for the girls, baked and let the kids open and play with a gift a day from Grandma and Grandpa. It was nice to see them look forward to the opening of a gift and then show thanks for it by using it and playing with grandma and grandpa. We played Rummikub, dress up, read books, shaved Jacob's face, did our nails and makeup... etc. Lots of fun! I traded places with my parents for a few days... well they stayed here with Jacob and Lily while I flew up to Salt Lake to see my sweet sister in law Whitney in the hospital. She delivered a still born baby boy. I was so grateful to be able to sit by her side for a day. Oh how I wish I could do more but I will be forever thankful for my parents and sister who made it possible to enjoy the time I was blessed with to share with her.

This week I went to our Relief society Christmas dinner and service auction. It was a great success. We have so many sisters willing and able to serve each other by teaching skills, baking, cooking, tending, etc. We were able to donate and also bid on services we would like. I baked bread and am going to give a pedicure to Julie Hepworth. I came away with 4 family home evening treats to be delivered, a yummy berry cheesecake (to be shared with Chad Stolle who really wanted kristen to get it) and cards invitation of my choice. I am so excited about this. How fun to give and receive such wonderful talents that we have been blessed with.

much Thanks to be had...

2008-11-27T19:13:00.000-08:00

I am Thankful for a Happy little girl who is so sweet and beautiful...

Kali gets so excited when we come in to get her out of her crib. I just love her so... Much!

Jacob and Lily watching their shows on the airplane ride to see our family for Thanksgiving...

Thank you Steven for buying these I-pods for my sanity... they were awesome!
I am so Thankful for the opportunity we had to fly to Utah for Thanksgiving.
Thank you everyone for changing your plans and letting us eat on Sunday instead of Thursday so that Steve could be there with us. I am Thankful for our job with Express Jet even though Steve had to work on Thanksgiving day!

I am so grateful that Grandpa & Grandma Quick have Spunky for the kids to love. They sure love this kitty... and she tolerates them chasing and teasing her.

Thank you "Luck 7" for always getting together when I come into town. I sure miss you girls and love to catch up when ever we get a chance. I love you girls!!!

Kali taking a bath in Grandma Quick's sink!

I am Thankful for clean, warm, running water!

We take so much for granted.

Kali's first Thanksgiving dinner. Yummy!! Yummy!! She was able to eat green beans, sweet potatoes, pieces of grandma's homemade rolls. She was sad to have it over but was ready for bed! Thank you so much Mom for a Delicious Thanksgiving Dinner!

Here are all the Grand kids on my side of the family. I am so Thankful for Family and all the wonderful memories we share. These are such good kids I just love em'!

What beautiful mountains we were able to enjoy up at Grandpa and Grandma Nichol's home in Midway. The kids love driving around on the golf cart and four wheeler. It is so much fun!

Great Grandma B and Kali

Generation to Generation... I am so Thankful for Eternal families.

Yes I know I will offend some of you including my mother-in-law when I say that I am
Thankful that the U of U won BYU at the Football game!

I am Thankful for fun memories, good food, and a great weekend up in Midway with Grandpa and Grandma Nichol... We love you so much!!!

The kids had so much fun painting, drawing and displaying all of their wonderful art work!

I am Thankful for my creative, happy, fun and energetic children who keep my life full of love and Joy! I am very Thankful for all of my family and friends.

Grandpa & Grandma Nichol came to visit!

2008-11-21T13:27:00.000-08:00

How do you spell Happy? Let me show you in these photos....
H is for Holding beautiful grandbabies. I'm not sure if the girls
or Grandpa and Grandma are enjoying this more.

A is for alot of blocks... 30 but whose counting. Well the box they came in said 3o but that is only if you count the box they came in. Only 29 came in the package. Crazy!

P is for pair... these two are definatly two peas in a pod. Our little lefty took after his Grandpa.
They enjoyed spending the weekend together playing, playing, playing!

P is also for Precious!!! Need I say more.

Y is Yea! Thank you GrandPa & Grandma for coming to visit us. We enjoyed our weekend together and miss you very much!

Thanks for making Texas seem not quite so far away. We Love you!

Halloween

2008-11-09T19:48:00.000-08:00

Kids on Halloween night as a Pirate, barbie mariposa, and a pumpkin.

The kids left their candy on the floor and Kali was so excited she is crawling... there was no stopping her.

Lily loves her friends Danielle and Lindsay they had a great time trick or treating together.

What a sweet little Pumpkin.

What a fun group of kids they had so much fun running from door to door together

Carving pumpkins was fun even though I cut myself...

these little pumpkins are Happy.

Jacob and His best friend Indy at Trunk-or-Treat at the ward party.

Here Jacob is a firefighter on a scooter.

Our family at the Trunk or treat Parkway Halloween Party

We are Happy Hearts... because we got the Job with SouthWest Airlines!

Happy Halloween last month... Yes I know it's better late than never. We are working, working, working on getting the house ready to sell. It's nice to get things done but between that and a sick baby there is not much time for any thing else.

Family Pictures

2008-11-09T19:06:00.000-08:00

Lily started preshcool

2008-11-05T19:39:00.000-08:00

Lily Ann Nichol our sweet little girl.
Today was your first day of preschool. You did so well getting up and ready so early in the morning. Molly's daddy came to pick you up for school and you went so well. You got right in the car and were so happy. You are growing up so fast.

Off you go! Have a great day little miss!

On wednesday we surprised Lily and came to school for the summer birthday celebration.

It was so fun to see you with Mrs. Dorsey and all the teachers. You are loving school and we love you Lily. Don't grow up to fast enjoy this time you will always be our little princess.

Answer to prayers!!!

2008-10-23T19:55:00.000-07:00

This is the happiest man alive... Here's Steve doing his excited little happy dance!

This is what I call a perm a grin!

Wednesday was the BIG day we have been waiting for for the past month and a half. Steve could tell you exactly how many days and hours it has been since he interviewed with

Southwest airlines.

WE got the phone call yesterday afternoon. Steve was outside edging the lawn and I was inside doing the dishes getting ready to go to a meeting at work when the blessed call came. I am so... grateful I was home when it happened. I wish I would have got a picture of his reaction.

Steve came inside all sweaty and dirty from working on the lawn and gave me that look like it's a good thing I love you!

He grabbed me and gave me a great big hug and I thought "oh no... have I done something wrong like scratch or dent the car. " Yes I have been known to do more than that to cars. Then he said "we got the call" He was crying! I was so excited I started jumping up and down holding onto Steve. We just held each other. What a cherished experience. I am so thankful to Heavenly Father that not only did he answer our prayers but that he allowed Steve to be home when the call came in so I could share in our joy and see Steve's excitement.

I was trying to remember the last time I saw Steve this HAPPY. I can only compare it to one other time in our lives. That was the night Steve proposed to me. He can't wipe that smile off his face. I can also count on one hand the number of times Steve has cried. It is not a common thing for Steve as it is for me. He said that when the call came in and it was from Southwest he knew he got the job! Before they even told him he started to cry. I love you Steve!!! You are a good man with a good heart.

After Steve told me we both grabbed our phones and started calling our family and friends.

I asked Steve to wait to tell Jacob until I got home from my meeting. So right when I got home Steve said "Jacob, we have some good news!" I told Jacob "your prayers have been answered."

He smiles and said "You got the Job with Southwest!"

If you ever want something, I mean really want something. Just ask Jacob to pray and ask Heavenly Father. He hears and answers prayers! Jacob has no doubt about that. The faith of a little child.

We have been praying and asking in every prayer all day long for the past few months for this to happen. So we came into the quiet room and knelt in prayer to give our Thanks to a loving Heavenly Father who knows the righteous desires of our hearts and is ready, willing to bless us if we'll ASK!

We asked and asked and asked some more. Now we get to thank him endlessly in each prayer for the next month and a half to show him how grateful we truly are for this new adventure in our lives.

With every adventure there comes it's challenges. Selling a home, (know any one who wants a beautiful home in a culdasac with awesome neighbors) leaving the best ward in Texas! With the most wonderful group of women (and there husbands and children too) that I have been blessed to share the last 3 wonderful years of our life with. We will miss you more than words can say. I have to stop now because I am crying! Thank goodness for pass travel, unlimited long distance cell phones, and blogs to keep us close.

As Allie said we will just let this be a Happy day! We will focus on the good parts and let the rest take care of it self. We have time. We're thinking it will probably happen in the spring sometime. We shall see. I am tired and rambling on so Love Y'all (I will always have a place in my heart for Texas) Every things bigger here... I know my heart sure has grown bigger over the last 5 years we've lived here in this beautiful part of the world.

What an awsome accomplishment Steve! I know not everyone understands how the airline industry works so let me just put it this way. To get an interview with the Best Airline out there during the worst time for Airlines was like finding a needle in a haystack. With alot of hard work and years of preperation for this interview not to mention all the money, it Paid off!!! With the Lords help, you doing everything you could, and great friends and associates helping out by just telling the truth about what a wonderful man Steven Ross Nichol is...YOU DID IT! Those are my three words to you rember that as you use your 3 words to Express Jet airlines "I don't care" Life is good!

1st times!!!

2008-10-15T15:27:00.000-07:00

Jacob came home from school today wearing a different shirt than I had sent him to school in.
He was so excited to loose his first tooth. He pulled out a little treasure box that the school nurse put his tooth in for him to keep it safe. Yea bubs we are so excited for you! You really are getting big and making room for your adult teeth to come in.

Miss Kali just got her first tooth and can you believe it. It came in the very same spot that Jacob lost his. (The bottom right tooth in front) I used to know all the names of them but can't remember what it is called. Now a days I'm lucky to remember the word tooth. Ha Ha!!

Today I gave Lily her first hair cut. I took a few inches off the top so you can see that she does have curles under the top strait part.

Baby Kali is sitting up and playing all on her own. Wow!!! My sweet little baby's are growing up so fast.

It's so much fun to watch ya'll (I can say that since we live in Texas) grow up so big.
I believe it will be gone in a flash. I am sitting here surrounded by laundry to be folded, toys spread from one end of the house to the other, a crying baby and soakin' it all up. I can't believe that one day I will miss this but I know it's true so I am taking the wise council of our church leaders and Enjoying the journey now (words from our Prophet President Monson)

Disney World 2008

2008-10-07T21:40:00.000-07:00

First day of Kindergarten

2008-08-25T15:30:00.000-07:00

Our little handsome man... I can't believe this
day is here... OFF TO SCHOOL HE GOES!

Walking to the bus stop down the street.

Jacob was so excited to ride the bus with all
the other big kids.

He was a little nervous yet he didn't hesitate...

he got right in line and walked onto the bus.

He may have been ready for this big day
but I have been crying for weeks. For my
sake we loaded up in the car right after
Jacob got on the bus and were standing
there right when he got of the bus at school.

We walked him to Mrs. Zarella's class and stayed for a few
minutes. He was nervous and didn't want us to leave. He had
to go to the bathroom so I showed him where to go. When
we got back to class we gave him loves and told him it was time
for us to leave. With a sweet soft sad voice he said " O.K. Mom!"
and walk right in and started playing all by him self.
Jacob you are such a sweet boy... you melted my heart and
I couldn't hold back the tears. Daddy lead me out so you
wouldn't see.

After a long day you finally got home. Full day Kindergarten
from 7:30am- 3:30pm when you get on and off the bus.
Wow! Way to go Bubs you are a Big Boy!!!
We sure do love you.

Lily's Princess Party!

2008-08-24T08:08:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday Eve Lily!

Look at that smile!!! She was so happy even though the tropical storm delayed and canceled many flights making it impossible for us standby (free be) travelers to make it to Salt Lake City for her princess birthday party with her cousins. So we celebrated her 3rd birthday at home in Houston Texas with our wonderful friends.

Lily's bedroom door the morning of her birthday. A fun tradition we started this year thanks to some great examples of friends letting us join in on their birthday celebrations. Jacob was determined that this be a part of his birthday and well when you do for one you do for all!!!

There she is in all her beauty! Sitting on her princess chair waiting for her friends to come celebrate her big day.

She wanted a princess cake and ended up with a Bipity...Bobity...Boo! A magic wand was all I could do. I had been sick all week and was well low on energy and had heard too many stories of sad looking princess cakes not working so well the first attempts. I decided to avoid a possible disaster and took the less stressful option and enjoyed this fun day with my princess!

Princesses and pirates watching Lily open her gifts.

Thank you everyone for making this last minute birthday party a magical day for such a special little oh... Big 3 year old. She has been waiting to turn 3 for a long time and informed us that when she is 3 she will no longer need us to push her on the swing "I am a big girl and can pump all by self." I think she really thought that when she woke up the morning of her birthday she would just know how to do it. How sweet and innocent her little mind is. She will come to understand that you have to work for what you get. But for now I love that she is our little princess and just thinks that things just happen.

I guess she decided since she couldn't pump that her friend Abby who is 3 wouldn't be able to either. Look at those sweet princesses. Lily you truly are a princess in every way. You are so thoughtful of others and wanting to do things that make others happy. Thinking of others needs before yourself, even on your birthday. This is a quality possessed by a queen. Way to make your heavenly parents and earthly ones so pleased to have you as a daughter.

Jump for joy!

2008-08-11T19:05:00.000-07:00

Kali is growing up so fast. I can't believe we've had her in our home for 4 months now! These are some of the new things she is doing...

Kali eating rice cereal. It was a family event. Everyone was so excited for Kali to take her first spoonful. Daddy got the honors then brother bubs was so patient with her as he sat and slowly fed her bite after bite.

There are not many things that interest Jacob to keep his attention span for a long time but Kali has a way of keeping Jacob focused on one task longer than anyone. I really believe that they were special friends before this life. They are two peas in a pod. They both light up the room with their precious smiles when they are with each other. Always full of giggles and grins from ear to ear!!!

Jumping in the Jolly jumper... Yea!!! My arms can have a rest. She loves to be held and well... I love to hold her. I know the day will come all too soon that she will be up and running and the days of holding her will be few and far between. Oh... that's sad!!!

My sweet girls. Lily loves our baby so much. She is so sweet & consoling always trying to make her happy. My precious angels... I'm so grateful that Families are Forever! Everyday my sweet angels our teaching me what I need to do to make this possible! I Love them so... much and pray everyday that Heavenly Father can teach me to love them the way that he loves us. I feel his love (charity) in my life when I am righteous and Do what he asks me to do. It lifts me. It fills me with peace and when I am blessed with pure love in my heart I find my self SMILING singing, and dancing just like I see my sweet children doing as they are truly ENJOYING this earthly experience. May we all Love more like He does. Laugh with our children and at our selves. And live this life with joy and rejoicing with our loved ones.

Distractions

2008-07-27T08:38:00.000-07:00

Yeasterday I was in an accident.

It was my fault... I ran a red light.

Kali & I were on our way to set up for the Ward Pioneer day party of which I am in charge. I had Chili in the front seat, ice, & ice cream in the back and was trying to be careful so the chili wouldn't spill. I knew how happy that would make Steve. He works so hard at keeping the car so nice & clean inside & out. The car in front of me was going to turn right so I decided to change lanes so I wouldn't have to slow down (less chance to have the chili spill) as I checked my blind spot the light was green and by the time I changed lanes and looked back at the light it was red!!! I slamed on the breaks but I couldn't stop in time. I smashed into a Ford F-150. I hit the rear passanger side tire and took it right off. I am so grateful nobody was hurt and that this situation turned out as well as it did. I know it could have been much worse.

Utah in July

2008-07-23T16:08:00.000-07:00

First night there. Kali meeting Grandpa Quick for the first time.

Kali meeting her Great Grandpa &Grandma Parkin.

Sleeping with Grandpa Nichol

Playin' with the garden snake from Grandpa Quick's garden.

Eating lunch with Grandma Quick and cousins.

At the elementary school across the street from Grandma's house.

They serve free breakfast and lunch M-F.

Jacob loved practicing going through the lunch line,

caring his own tray, and learning how to open the

carton of milk. It was good practice for Kindergarten this fall!

Going down town on tracks with G&G Quick & Nichol and cousins.

Jacob and Berkley went up front with the driver and he showed him

all the buttons. His favorite one was the horn of course.

Playing at the Gateway water area.

The water is freezing cold strait from the snowy mountains.

Not quite like Texas water.

After the Gateway we went over to the Brigham Young park just East of

the temple and listened to a concert in the park. The weather was perfect.

The girls had so much fun dancing to the music. Jacob, well he was not feeling

so well so he just layed on the blanket. (Kinda nice!!!) I think he had heat exhaustion.

Our next fun adventure was going to classic water slides with more cousins

and friends. I wish Houston had one of these it was so cheap and lots of fun!!!

Steve decided he wanted to go try out his parents new camper.

We went camping up Big cottonwood canyon at the spruces with

some dear friends of ours. Ivun & Heidi with their 4 kids.
Kali was amazing we put her between us and she slept

through the night!!! Lily won for dirtiest in camp.

We hiked up to donut falls. The kids did great although I think they were expecting

donuts at the top. That's o.k. Jacob enjoyed picking up all the special rocks. He ran out

of room in his pockets so sweet daddy unloaded them into his to help lighten his load (even though he carried Lily all the way up and back since she only had flip flops)

That meant that he could bring home even more now! Just like his grandpa Quick.

Snowball fight!!!! We were so excited to find snow in July. Last time we were in Utah

was in December and they had remembered playing in the snow. On the airplane ride there

I asked them what they wanted to do while we were here and Jacob wanted to throw a snowball at me. I said that we probably wouldn't be able to do that this time since it was

summer. Jacob suggested that we stay until it snowed. I think he would have loved to stay

until winter. They love playing with all their cousins and grandparents. They sure miss them

when were in Texas. My parents have been fixing up the house next to theirs and are looking for a buyer. Jacob came up with a great plan and told grandma that he will live there that way he could come over every morning for breakfast. I know grandma would love us to live closer but I bet after that thought... Texas was sounding good.

Fishing with Grandpa Quick. Jacob caught a fish and we

also saw a few moose. Oh the mountains are beautiful.

Birthday Eve!!!

A fun tradition started with

Heidi & Ivun when we lived in

Linwood Apartments. We had to

look for ways to celebrate during that

time of life. (Steve was on furlough & other rough times)

Birthday Morning. Jacob was ready for his party to begin.

6:00pm seemed like eternity away for his party so we let

him have a few presents through out the day to help the day

go a little faster. He started it out with his new race track.

We decorated Tanner & Ethan's bikes (thank you dear sweet cousins)

for the bike parade at G & G Nichol's ward 4th of July breakfast.

Kali's 1st Fourth of July. Loving on Grandma Nichol & Aunt Whitney

Yea... Party time at last. I asked Jacob if he wanted cup cakes or a cake? He said CAKE!!

I asked him what kind? (Meaning Chocolate or Vanilla) and he responded that he wanted

a TRAIN CAKE. So that's what he got. He loved it!!!

Present time!!! This he tells me was his favorite part.

What a kid!!! Maybe his love language is gifts?

At least he is very thankful... he went around telling everyone

thank you and giving loves. This is his great G&G Parkin.

FIrE wOrkS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kali's Baby blessing was on July 6th. What a beautiful day.

All our family and some friends joined us on this special day

We sure our blessed!!!!

We didn't get many pictures before everyone was changed out of

their Sunday clothes. But I did get one of her in her blessing dress(this is the dress I was blessed in) and me in my temple dress a tradition I've done with all my kids.

The night before we flew home. We were busy packing everything and

we found Jacob laying on G&G Nichol's bed reading a book to Kali!!!!

When we found them I had to get a priceless picture.... Lily wanted to

be in it too!

We sure had a great time. I have many more pictures believe it or not and many others that I wish I'd taken now that I look over the ones we did take. I'm getting better about taking them though and am loving learning how I can use them like this instead of letting them sit in boxes waiting to be scrapbooked one day. We love and miss you all so much.

We are greatful for wonderful memories we have to treasure for a lifetime.

Kali's newborn pictures

2008-07-21T21:02:00.000-07:00

PRECIOUS.....

tInY LitTle TOes

PRICELESS

PERFECT

OUR LITTLE ANGEL!!!

These are just a few of the amazing pictures our friend Ginger captured. Dosen't she do great work! We will treasure these precious little moments forever. They grow too fast!

Jacob's Preschool graduation

2008-05-30T05:32:00.000-07:00

Wow!!! Look at those eyes.
Happy Graduation
Handsome Man!

He was so excited to graduate from being a whale because now
that means he is a Kindergartener. He is getting so big. As we
were driving home Jacob said "I'm 5 now & a Kindergartener"
We did keep telling him that he would be after he graduated.
Man has he grown up over the past 2 years.

Jacob and Indy Nichol. Oh.. I guess that's not a wedding bouquet yet. According to Indy when she gets married she is going to marry Jacob. Jacob informed me that he is not getting married because he dosen't want to move out of our home. Although when he realized it would be with Indy he started warming up to the idea. Wow that would be one energetic marriage.

O.K. I know this is only preschool graduation but I'm sure before I know it he will be getting married. Now is the time to enjoy all these little moments before they are gone.

The diploma was a very fun
telescope!

This was one of Jacob's
favorite teachers.
Lauren & Jacob

Mrs. Dorsey & Bubs

He finally got his squirt gun he's been asking
for... and something to help him practice
writing his letters this summer too!

Baby Kali has joined our family!

2008-04-13T13:43:00.000-07:00

Sunday night before we went to bed Jacob and Lily said goodbye to mama and baby swishy.
Off to the hospital early in the morning.
Lily has loved lifting up my shirt to hug and Kiss her sister. They are so excited to see her!

Kali Emma was born on Monday April 7th at 10:29 am
She's here!
Dr. Hulme broke my water at 9:00am I was at a 3. By 9:45am I had my epidural and at 10:00am I was complete and ready to push. Dr. Hulme got there I pushed with 3 contractions and out she came. Perfect and pettite.

Jacob & Lily
were so sweet and gentle
with their new little sister.

They sure do love her!

OUR First Family PHOTO

Leaving the hospital!

So happy not to have to take the bus. Steve said he would get two tickets.
One for me and Kali!Ha Ha!! What a jokester. He loves to kid.

As you can see Steve has fallen
in love with yet another
beautiful girl!

She's already wrapped her self
around his little finger... no it is
his whole hand. Look out daddy
she's all over you!!!

Kali Emma Nichol

Our perfect little Princess!!!

Jacob & Lily

2008-03-28T10:25:00.000-07:00

What a pretty girl!!!Ready set Jump!

Jacob in his new suit

Handsome Man!!!

"Peek a boo"

Easter Pictures of the Kids before church. Lily is our little princess. She picked out her pretty dress and couldn't wait to twirl in it! Jacob is just our sweet, happy, photogenic handsome man.

Hope you all had a wonderful Easter. Ours was great. As we also celebrated our 10 year anniversary. We are so happy to have these 2 sweet little ones to enjoy it with and one more one the way soon. Yea!!!!

2008-03-28T10:08:00.000-07:00

Our Playgroup Easter egg hunt at the park! Jacob showing us "a big one" egg!
They had a lot of fun hunting for the eggs and then eating all the

Yummy Candy!!!!!

Steve loves being with the kids &
the kids love being with daddy!!!

Easter

2008-03-27T15:06:00.000-07:00

Jacob & Lily

Lily posing with her brother.

Oh how sweet they are being with each other.

Happy Easter!

Our garden

2007-04-02T15:39:00.000-07:00

This is our garden! Startes with wildflowers

Then tomatoes, Zucchini and cucumbers
More zucchini... and a cucumber plant!

At the end is our banana tree.

Lily striking a pose in front of our banana tree

(She is wearing a paper hat that we made)

Kids at play

2007-04-02T15:26:00.000-07:00

They love to play on the front porch.

Jacob holding Lily & both just lovin' it!

sleeping with a frog

2007-04-02T15:06:00.000-07:00

Bubs fell asleep on the couch with his frog