The Mackleys

funeral talk

2011-07-16T21:05:00.000-07:00

First of all, I wanted to thank everyone for coming. A simple thank you really doesn’t seem adequate for all of the kindness, the thoughts and prayers, and the love that has been shown to our family, so I hope that you feel it from my heart just how grateful I am and how much love I have for all of you!!!
There have been many things running through my mind the past few months, and as it came time to think about this talk, the list got longer and longer. So, I wanted to share just a few of the things that I have pondered as we have been going through this trial. As Cale died from a congenital heart defect, things of the heart have been at the front of my mind since we found out about it in March. I also have felt like my own heart was and is breaking for my baby. These things lead me to think about a broken heart and a contrite spirit – As I searched in the scriptures it says in second Nephi, “Christ’s sacrifice answers ends of law unto all who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit.” and also, “may the gates of hell be shut before me, because my heart is broken and my spirit is contrite.” I definitely feel like these are some blessings that I would like to have, but they are contingent upon my actions and attitude. It was interesting to me to realize that a broken heart – which basically means humility and a contrite spirit – which signifies a repentant soul refers to both the physical aspect and the spiritual aspect of our lives. Those two things, our bodies and our spirits both have to be in line with the will of the Lord, and if not, our offering to the Lord, or our lives, will not be accepted. I have come to feel a deeper love and understanding of the Lord’s sacrifice for all of us. I know that we all have to go through a tiny bit of our own Gethsemane, and as hard as it is, I am grateful to know that this trial has brought me closer to Christ.
The next thing that, honestly, I had to keep repeating to myself many many times, was a familiar scripture found in Proverbs 3:5-6. It says, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding; in all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” Another scripture that I feel goes very well with this is found in Isaiah 55:8-9 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” These words have really helped me come to the conclusion that life is really just hard, and sometimes – if not all the times – it doesn’t make sense, but if we trust in the Lord, and follow His ways, everything will work out the way it should.
There is a story that circulates support groups and blogs of families and patients with heart defects, the author is unknown. It tells of a beautiful day in Heaven when Jesus is rounding up his tiniest angels, to go live on earth, and be born. One of the sweetest angels says to Jesus “I don’t want to leave, I like it here, and I will miss you”. He reassures the scared little angel that everything will be okay, and that he is just going for a visit. He is still not swayed on this idea. So Jesus kneels down, and says, “How about if you leave half of your heart here with me and take the other half with you, will that be okay?” The angel smiles and says, “I guess that will work”. But the little angel is still a little scared. “Will I be okay with only half of my heart?” Jesus replies, “I have other angels there that will help out, and you will be fine.” Then Jesus gives the angel more details about his plan. He says “When you are born, your mommy will be scared, so you have to be strong, and when you feel weak just remember that I have the other half of your heart. And when it’s time to come back to heaven, I will make your heart whole again. Always remember that you are not broken, just torn between two loves.”
This story was finished by another mom who lost her baby to the same heart defect as Cale had. It went like this, I have changed it to read Cale’s name:
“When he returned to Heaven, amid tears of joy and hugs in reunion, Jesus asked, “How was your turn on Earth?” The little angel replied, “It was beautiful- so many arms of warmth and love to hold me, smiles through teary eyes to greet me.(I’d like to add, flashes of light and sticky fingers) A king couldn’t have asked for more!” Then tears appeared in Cale’s eyes. “My sweet angel, what is wrong?” Jesus asked and pulled him close. ” I think when I left, I broke their hearts,” he whispered.
“Quietly, Jesus reached in His pocket and pulled out the other half of Cale’s heart. Tied to it with fine silvery threads, were the pieces of hearts of all those the little angel had touched in his brief life. Even as he looked the chain grew and grew.
“My dear little one,” Jesus said, “You did not break their hearts. You brought a piece of them back with you. And one day, they, like you, will return to me for the other piece of their hearts.”
I know that Cale has pieces from many of your hearts, I would like to ask all of you that if there is something that you have learned, or an experience that you have had with Cale, please write it down and share it with me – I would LOVE to have those memories as well as my own.
I’m now going to give myself some advice that I have learned though this trial, so that I won’t forget, and if you want to follow it too, feel free.
1. Make each day count – never before in my life have I lived so day to day. It has been difficult for me to not be able to plan on anything. It was also so wonderful that we had so many days that Cale was still doing well that we could go and do things together as a family.
There is a quote that goes:
"The clock is running. Make the most of today. Time waits for no man. Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That's why it is called the present."
Yesterday is a canceled check; tomorrow is a promissory note; today is the only cash you have - so spend it wisely” Kay Lyons
Spend your time wisely!!!
2. You never know what people are going through – show more kindness and love to strangers and friends instead of judging them. Everyone is going through trials, they may not be big to everyone, but they are big to someone, and small acts of kindness mean a whole lot when you are feeling a burden. Don’t let it deter you if you don’t know what to do, just do something without being asked to do it.
3. Be a better parent – give your kids what they need and not what they want. The only way we will truly know what their needs are, is by being prayerful and diligent in doing God’s will concerning our children. Remember they are God’s children too. He knows their needs, ask Him and He will guide you as you are parenting. Our time is so short with them while they are small, love them, be patient with them and teach them what is right, so that they will love you and love the Savior.
Many people have wanted to know what they could do for our family during this time. It’s hard to know what to say, but as I have thought about everything that has happened, I would like to ask you all to do something that is the most important thing of all, and might be the most difficult, but if you can try, it would be the greatest gift of all. I want with all of my heart to be with all of my family again someday – I include friends and neighbors as family too – and that means that I want everyone to make and keep their covenants, do what is right, be faithful and diligent in having a broken heart and a contrite spirit. Trust in the Lord that His ways will become your ways, and that we may walk in His paths together. Please also, help me when I struggle, be there for Carl, and for Fisher, Ainsley, and Jovi – be a good example to them and love them. I know that this is the way the church is meant to operate, as we lift each other up, we bind families together forever, not just for this short precious time on Earth, but for all eternity!
I know that Heavenly Father loves each of us, and He knows us so personally that it amazes me. He is in charge of all things. I know that our Savior lives and loves us too. I know that His church has been restored in these latter days, and that the power of the priesthood is real and here to bless our lives. I know that we have a living prophet who leads this church in the way that our Father in Heaven wants it to be led. I know that temples are houses of the Lord, and that there is such a mighty and important work being done there. I know that the scriptures are there for our benefit to come closer to Christ. I have been so blessed with this knowledge, and I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Our Family is Forever!

2011-07-15T20:33:00.000-07:00

Baby Cale returned to our Father in heaven yesterday just before 7:00 in the morning. We had decided at 4 weeks old, we wanted to go to Primary Children's and check out what was going on inside of our little guy. Our appointment was on Tuesday at 10:00 - it went well, and surprisingly Cale didn't cry one bit for the echo. However, the cardiologist told us that things mostly looked the same with his heart, and that the right side was starting to wear down, and she thought he would be gone within a few days. This appointment, as hard as it was to hear, was really good to kind of prepare ourselves for what was coming. Even though we knew from the beginning that this would be the outcome, I had been in a little bit of denial, and had developed some hopes that something inside of him had changed, especially since we kept having such great days with him, and he seemed to be such a perfect normal baby. Looking back, I have realized what a huge blessing and miracle it was to have him in our family for so long, I really know and felt how much Cale loved us, and he wanted to stay with us for as long as possible so that we would have some really great memories to look back on for the rest of our lives. I am truly grateful to Heavenly Father for allowing him to stay for a whole month! I just really wish it had been a few hundred more. I have been taught a deeper way to love in the past few months, and I know many others have been changed by the life of my sweet baby Cale. I know that I will miss him so much, but I have a much greater appreciation and need of my temple covenants than ever before. I also have more anticipation and desire for the second coming! I cannot wait for that day to see my sweet precious baby again!
Here is a link to his obituary:
www.allenmortuaries.net

3 WEEKS OLD!!!

2011-07-05T15:25:00.000-07:00

Cale is 3 weeks old today!!! We are so excited to still have him here with us! We have been able to do lots of fun things with him, and he has been able to meet SO many people who love him! I just have to say, I have the best family and friends in the whole world! We have been well taken care of the past few weeks, and I am so grateful for all of the love and support that we have received from everyone around us! The prayers of those who are not around us have been felt and much appreciated also!!!

Cale and Grandma on the swing after the parade.

Watching the parade in Hyrum!

Getting ready for the fireworks to start!

Baby Cale

2011-06-16T20:13:00.000-07:00

Well, after much anticipation, Cale Dean Mackley got here on June 14 at 1:36 pm. He weighed in at 7 lbs. 3 oz. and was 19 inches long. We went in at 8:15 am, had an ultra sound, and he was head down! So, they got the IV hooked up and started me on the pitossin. We waited for a little while, then the doctor broke my water, and a little bit after that I had the epidural. I was feeling so relaxed after that was in, I even got a little rest! When I was complete, they got everything ready, and I pushed through about 4 contractions and he was here! It worked out so great, and everything went as well as we hoped - my doctor had to be in surgery at 1:45, so we made it just in time for him to deliver, there weren't any other complications, he wasn't struggling to breath, or anything else that they had kind of prepared us for just in case. That's really a blessing that everything with the delivery went so well, but at the same time it's kind of the hardest part, because everything is so normal, and he is seriously perfect! It is hard to believe that our time is so limited with this perfect little angel! The kids have been so great with him, and we've had so much kindness and love, support and prayers, we can't even begin to describe how grateful we are for the blessings that have come to our family. Keep praying for us, we know that it is helping so much, and I know that the hardest part is yet to come! We love you all, and thank you again for everything! Hope you enjoy these pictures of our little sweetie!

Here comes baby Cale!!!

2011-06-10T15:38:00.000-07:00

We went in for our appointment today, and the doctor thought he was head down, but we had an ultrasound to make sure, and sure enough, he was still breech! SO, we are going to go in on Tuesday the 14th and see if they can turn him around, (or maybe he will already be head down?) and then they will get me started with pitossin and break my water. If he stays breech however, they will just do a c-section while we are there. So, all things said, we should be having our baby on Tuesday! Yea!!! I have a lot of mixed emotions about it, but right now, I'm pretty excited to be able to meet him and hold him in my arms! Thanks for all of your prayers and support, we will need them especially soon, so keep it up! Love to everyone!

Difficult Post

2011-05-07T21:32:00.000-07:00

I don't even know where to begin this post. I have been thinking that I need to, but I am struggling hard to find the right words. About a week ago, Carl and I started feeling separately that we were no longer sure if we wanted to do the surgeries for baby Cale. We were both feeling so discouraged, and had thoughts and feelings that we didn't think he was going to make it - even if we did the surgeries. Then last Sunday, we were able to discuss our thoughts and feelings with each other, and were surprised to know that we were both feeling the same way. I have been in contact with other families and moms that have children with HLHS, and I have looked at a ton of different blogs, so I feel like I kind of have a sense of different experiences we would have if we chose to do the surgeries. So, I decided to research our other option, and see what it was like for others who did not choose surgery. I still felt like I wasn't sure what we should do for Cale. We also knew that we were going to Primary's later that week, and we wanted to talk to the people there about our options as far as what would happen if we didn't choose surgery.

Needless to say, this week has been a heart-wrenching, faith-building week for me. I have been torn to pieces, I have felt so much love and sadness for my baby, but I have also felt peace and comfort in knowing what we should do, and what will be the best thing for our family.

At Primary's they told us everything looks about the same with Cale - so really nothing new to report there. We asked them, out of all the heart defects there are, where does HLHS rank in severity? They told us that it is about at the top - it's one of the worst ones, which is what we already kind of knew.

We asked them about our options, and what we would do if we chose not to do the surgeries, and they gave us a lot of information about that. They are so amazing there, so supportive of our decisions, and our feelings and thoughts, I really appreciate the people that we have met and been able to talk to there. As we learned about the option to do what they call "comfort care" to let the baby be born in Logan, possibly come home with us, and have him with us until he passes away, we both continued to feel good about not doing the surgeries. We feel like Cale only needs to come to this earth to get his body, and then he can go back home to watch over our family, and continue the work that Heavenly Father has for him.

Please continue to pray for our family, it has helped so much, and we have felt your love and support through this very hard time in our lives.

latest ultrasound pic

2011-04-18T19:56:00.000-07:00

I haven't updated many pictures lately, since we still don't really have a camera, I haven't been taking any. So, here are the most recent pictures of the kids - they were taken at the family snowmobile trip in February. Thanks Micki for always taking a ton of pictures of my kids, and p.s. you could take a few less of me :) Here is a cute ultrasound picture - I can't believe that one exists! Baby Cale at 29 weeks. He already looks like a Mackley!

Second visit to Primary's

2011-04-09T20:41:00.000-07:00

We had our second appointment at Primary's yesterday. It went well. There wasn't really any significantly new news about the baby and his condition, but we were able to ask all of our questions, and get some answers, and then go on a tour of the hospital, and see where we will be staying with our baby. There was even a little boy that we saw that had HLHS, he had been out of surgery for about a day, so he was hooked up to a lot of stuff. It was a little bit hard to see, but it actually helped a lot to see that there were other babies there, with other families that were going through the same thing. After we left, I turned to Carl, and said, "I think maybe I can do this." I think one of the hardest things, but also the most helpful, is having time to process everything, and prepare for whatever will come our way. It is hard to worry and wonder about every little thing, and possibility and outcome that may or may not happen. I am grateful though to know before hand, so that we can be a little bit more prepared for our special little Cale. It feels like at every appointment we have there, we're becoming a little bit more prepared, and we know that we'll just have to take it as it comes, and deal with the issues as they happen. It was so nice to have general conference last week, it felt like so many of the talks were meant for me and our situation. I feel a profound gratitude for temples, and for my temple marriage that seals my family together for eternity! This is such a HUGE blessing for our family especially right now, we know that whatever happens, we can have our baby forever! I also have been so grateful for the priesthood, and for the power that comes through priesthood blessings. Thank you for your continued prayers and thoughts on behalf of our family, we have felt such love and comfort, and we appreciate it SO much! We will go back to Primary's one more time the beginning of May, and then I will deliver the baby at the U of U around 38 weeks. I will keep everyone posted about any updates as they come.

It's potty time!

2011-03-28T10:04:00.000-07:00

I am excited to say that Jovi is pretty much potty trained! This must be a tender mercy with everything else that is going on right now. Last week, Ainsley was having potty problems, I thought it was a bladder infection, the doctor said she had a yeast infection, and some bacteria in her urine that was making it hurt when she went potty, and go more frequently - if that is even possible for that girl! Needless to say, we have spent A LOT of time in the bathroom lately!!! Jovi has also had a new obsession to be naked all day long, and she wants to fight me on everything! Welcome to the terrible two's, huh? I'm going to focus on how great it is not to have to change dirty diapers for a little bit. Also, I just wanted to express my love and gratitude to everyone who has been thinking and praying about our family! We have felt strengthened and comforted by your prayers and concern. Thank you so much!!! I've been stressed a lot about our baby's name, since we found out about his heart and everything, I've wanted to find the perfect name, something that means a lot, and nothing has really hit me. Then, the other day I was searching for names that had the word "heart" in their meaning, and I found the name Caleb - which means (depending on the website) dog, heart, or whole-hearted. It also said that dog was meaning faithful or loyal. Anyways, enough about Caleb, because that's not the name we chose, but it is a name derived from Caleb, which is Cale. When I looked up Cale it said, uncertain - which is kind of how we feel about this baby, and on another website it said slender or thin - and most babies and kids with congenital heart defects are smaller. So, with all of that explanation, we are going to name our baby Cale Dean Mackley. I have to say, after I found the name, I was very nervous to tell Carl, I thought he would hate it, but I guess it must be meant to be, cause he likes it too. We chose Dean for his middle name because my grandpa's middle name is Dean, and Carl's grandpa's first name is Dean, and they have both passed away, I call them our angel grandpas. I hope that they are with Cale now, and watching over us as we go through this trial. Sorry, mom if you hate it, I think we are sold on it, unless something else changes. It's so funny how much better I feel now that we have a name picked out - I don't know why it stresses me out so much.

Not what we expected

2011-03-23T16:01:00.000-07:00

In February we found out that we are having another boy! We are very excited to even up our numbers. At the ultrasound they thought something might be wrong with his heart, so they scheduled us to get a fetal echocardiogram at Primary Children's hospital, we had that visit the first week in March. We found out there, that our baby has hypoplastic left heart syndrome, or HLHS, which basically means that the left side of his heart is underdeveloped, so it's kind of like he has a half of a heart. They can do a series of 3 operations to make it so the right side of the heart takes care of the left side's duties. The first operation will be 3-5 days after he is born, and the second is at 4-6 months, and the third is around 3 years old. They told us that he has a 60% chance of survival to age 5.
Obviously this news came as a bit of a shock, we are feeling overwhelmed of course, but we are hopeful for the best possible outcome. We also have felt so much love and support from our families, that we know we won't have to go through this alone, which is a huge blessing. We are just planning on taking things one day at a time, and putting our faith in God that whatever happens will be the best for our family.
If you know of anyone that has had a baby with HLHS, please let me know, I would love to talk to some other people that have gone through this.
This blog will probably turn into more of an update on the baby's status, so that I won't have to tell a million people the same thing over and over. We appreciate everyone's concern and prayers for our family, I never thought that I would have a trial like this in my life. Feel free to check back, we have another appointment the 8th of April for another fetal echocardiogram at Primary Children's.

Dance recital and other news

2010-12-15T11:56:00.000-08:00

Fisher and Ainsley had their dance/rhythm recital the other day. They both did such a good job, it was seriously so cute to watch them up there, I wasn't sure if they would perform, but they did amazing! Thanks to Grandmas and Grandpas and the Olsens for coming - it was so fun! Here's a little clip of each of the kids. I hope you enjoy them.

Also, some other exciting news, we are expecting our 4th child on June 28. The new baby and Jovi will be almost 26 months apart, Fisher will be going to Kindergarten, and Ainsley will go to preschool. I'm not sure if that will be a good break, or just more crazy!?! Here's a pic of the ultrasound.

In the Christmas spirit!!!

2010-11-29T15:22:00.000-08:00

Well, now that Thanksgiving is over, I'm ready for Christmas!! We put up our Christmas tree and decorations in our house, and the kids are so excited it's really contagious! I also wanted to make sure that I changed my music on my blog so everyone could listen to some great Christmas music, that's one of my favorite parts! Sorry I haven't been very good about doing my blog, since our camera died in Oregon it's been hard to post pictures, but I will try to do better. We actually just got our family pictures taken the other day, so I will put that on here, so you can see how cute my kids are getting. I'm not biased or anything.

Swagbucks

2010-07-06T20:25:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I'm not usually one to promote things like this, but it's kind of a cool thing that I've signed up for, and I've already gotten 2 $5 gift cards to amazon.com, and all I did was search on the internet, so if you are interested in getting an account with swagbucks, click on the link in the sidebar. I'm pretty excited to use some of these gift cards for christmas presents and such. It's always nice to save some money, right?

New pictures

2010-05-14T18:16:00.000-07:00

We got an 8x10 of this one.

This was Fisher's "silly face"

My little boy is getting so big!!!

We got an 8x10 of this one.

We got a 10x13 of this one.

We got a 8x10 of this one.

So, we went to JC Penny last night and got pictures for the kids' birthdays. They turned out really cute. Fisher wanted to do some silly faces, him and Ainsley did such a good job. Thanks Micki and Lexi for giving them lots of practice in front of the camera. We had to wait a few minutes for the photographer, so she gave us the free smiles by wire, so I could download all of the pics. Here are a few of my favorites.

Good Canning Recipes?

2010-04-21T15:03:00.000-07:00

So, I've been on this food storage kick the last few months, and I'm really excited to start canning food. I actually canned taco sauce today! I'll put the recipe at the bottom. Anyways, I was wondering what are your favorite canning recipes? I would love to have a bigger collection of great things to can. I'm planning on canning some of Carl's elk that he shot last fall. I've done chicken, and it's amazingly simple and handy to have on hand, the only problem was that it was gone too fast, and I have to do it again. Here's my list of things I want to can:
-Potatoes
-Sweet and sour sauce
-Pork
-Sausage
-Pizza sauce
-Hamburger
-Cheese
-Butter
-Syrups
-Applesauce
-Elk stew
-Fruits
-Veggies
-Salsa
Anyone want to come help me can??? If you have done any of the above, or have a good recipe, PLEASE let me know!
Here's the taco sauce recipe if anyone is interested. I found it on www.homecanning.com
5 C. water
3 C. tomato paste - I used 4 6oz cans
1 C. cider vinegar
1/2 C. corn syrup
2 T. chili powder
1 T. salt
1 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp. hot pepper sauce
For instructions, follow link.
I got 6 pints out of this, but they weren't full - the recipe says 6 half pints, but I got way more than that.
Happy canning everyone!

St. George

2010-03-06T14:16:00.000-08:00

We went to St. George last Saturday through Wednesday after Carl's Grandma Weight died last Friday. It was a crazy get everything ready and go type trip, but it turned out really fun, and very nice that we could be there to support Carl's Grandpa and Mom.

On Monday afternoon, Jovi started getting spots all over her body. We weren't sure if it was an allergic reaction, or what, so when we got home we took her to the doctor - turns out it was a virus that made her have spots and diarreah. No fun, but at least it wasn't anything worse.

This is at the Sand Dunes in Snow Canyon. We burried the kids, gotta love Fisher's face!

Fisher in the hole.

Jovi in the hole, and not very happy.

Chachi in the hole.

This was at the end of Jenny's Canyon.

This was on our hike to the temple quarry. The kids took off, they had a really fun time.

This is at the beginning of the temple quarry hike. (More like a walk)

4 generation picture.

Driving down to St. George. The kids did way better than I thought they would. We bought DVD players, and that helped a lot, you can see that's what Fisher is looking at. Naps also helped a lot. It was so awesome to be in the nice weather, I got to wear shorts, and flip flops. I was sad to come back to Cache Valley snow on the ground, but I have high hopes that it will be spring here soon!

I'm back!

2010-02-25T10:13:00.000-08:00

Here's Jovi, Brigham, and Isaac at Brigham's birthday party last night. What cute little cousins! Jovi just started pulling herself up to everything this past week.

For Valentine's Day we had a candle lit dinner, the kids loved it, so we had to have the candles lit a few more times for dinner.

Pajama babies snuggling in mom and dad's bed.

Jovi's Christmas goodies.

Fisher and Chachi playing on Christmas morning.

Well, it's been a while, but we have internet again. I got a new camera for Christmas, so that was exciting. Ainsley is potty trained, so now we only have one in diapers! All three kids have grown up a lot, and Jovi crawls on her knees sometimes, but mostly just army style. This last week she started pulling herself up on things! I can't believe it, soon she's going to be walking. The pictures show how big they are all getting.

Cold showers, worked for us

2009-09-11T20:57:00.000-07:00

Thanks everybody for your advise. Fisher has actually been potty trained since the beginning of August, but we don't have internet anymore, so I haven't posted anything. My neighbor told me about giving them cold showers when they go in their pants, so I figured it was worth a try. It only took 3 showers, and he's done great ever since. He is now afraid of cold showers, however, but I think he'll probably grow out of that. Our summer was busy, but we had lots of fun. We are enjoying the nice weather, and I'm hoping it doesn't turn cold any time soon. Fisher started pre-school, and he LOVES it. It's very nice that my next door neighbor has it at her house. Well, that's a short little update. Here's a pretty recent picture of the kids.

HELP!!

2009-07-23T11:57:00.000-07:00

Okay all you moms out there, I need your help. Fisher is being potty trained, and he is doing super good with peeing in the toilet, however, he hasn't really had a successful poop for a while. He does not have a regular schedule on when he poops, because I think he holds it in until it's impossible to do so anymore. Anyways, this is all probably WAY too much info. but I'd really appreciate some tips or any advice to help him, cause I'm tired of cleaning up poopy messes. However, I do have to say, it's nice to only have 2 in diapers now, and I keep trying to convince Ainsley she wants to be potty trained too. I actually don't think it will be much longer for her either.

Fun, fun, and oh yes, more fun!

2009-07-09T09:18:00.000-07:00

We've been pretty busy this past month, we've been able to do lots of fun things with our family. Carl went to scout camp for 4 days, we went to a Mackley reunion, had my sister and her family here from Missouri, and of course the 4th of July is always an adventure sleeping outside under the stars, and playing volleyball, seeing the parade and fireworks, eating pizza at midnight, etc. We've just been having too much fun for our own good.

We went to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple open house, and then to The Spaghetti Factory to eat after - Carl stayed home to put up flags the next morning for scouts, so it was a little crazy doing everything solo - my family is so nice to always help me out with my three kids, especially when Carl isn't there.

Here's Ainsley and Jovi - what cute sisters!

Fisher's taking Chachi for a ride on his new "car"

Here are all of the grandkids on my side - including Madi and Flint that got to visit this last week from Missouri. It was pretty much crazy trying to get a cute picture of everyone, there was at least 2 crying children at all times, so this is as good as it gets, I guess.

We went to Lagoon the day after boating, it was really fun. Everyone was dying of the heat, so we went on all the water rides, and then it started to pour! Then we all froze - summer in Utah, gotta love it. I think playing in the rain was the funnest part for Fisher and Ainsley, they loved it, but got drenched! We went home after this.

Here was Jovi's blessing day. Thanks to everyone that could come, we are so blessed to have such a great family!

This is everyone on my side that came.

And if everything that we've been doing hasn't been enough, we are currently trying to potty train Fisher, again, and as you can see, he's tired of it already. Okay, actually we had gone to the beach to have a picnic with the Olsens, and he fell asleep on the way home, and when I brought him into the house, he found his blanket on the bathroom floor, and went back to sleep.

It's been a month already?

2009-06-08T13:40:00.000-07:00

It's still hard to believe I have 3 kids!

The Olsens came to see Jovi, and we ate lunch at the park - it was so much fun, we hated to see them leave!

Day Out with Thomas! We went and rode on Thomas for Fisher's birthday - it was pretty great. He loved it. The train ride wasn't really worth the money, but it was fun - thanks everybody who came to be with Fisher - that made it even more special for him!

What cuties!

This was at the "imagination station" they had a bunch of train tables with trains. Fisher could have stayed here all day.

Here was his birthday cake I made. We ate it at the Dairy Keen in Heber after the train ride, I didn't have my camera there, or I would have got a picture of him blowing out the candles.

Here we are boarding the train!

This was Memorial Day weekend, we went to put flowers on my Grandparents graves in Richmond.

Last Saturday we went to Willard Bay - it was really fun, and turned out to be a nice day. Carl and Ainsley took a nap under the tree.

Fisher had a blast playing in the sand and water, and loved riding in the boat!

I don't know why, but I always love the pictures of kids falling asleep at the table, so I was so excited when Ainsley fell asleep while eating, and then she did it again yesterday! I guess that's what happens when you have church during lunch time and nap time.

Welcome to our family!!!

2009-05-13T13:21:00.001-07:00

We are so excited to have a new little one in our family. Jovi Renae Mackley was born at 12:25 pm on Saturday, May 9, 2009. She weighed 8 lbs. 6 oz. and was 19 inches long. She is perfect! Here are some pictures. I'll post some more later.

Jovi and cousin Brigham

At the hospital.

After her bath - she's so pretty!

Here's the proud Daddy giving Jovi her first bath.

What a chunk!

Easter and Baby Animal Days

2009-04-20T14:18:00.000-07:00

Here's Chachi with her Easter basket. She loves her new baby and bottle. She's been really good about not having a bottle herself, but she does try to drink the baby's juice.

Chachi loved the chocolate eclairs I made for Easter.

Here she is after finding her Easter eggs - she didn't waste any time once she found out there was candy inside.

Fisher finding eggs around my mom's yard. And, yes, those are his old 18 month pajamas he's wearing - I guess that's what happens when we forget an extra outfit for him.

Chachi's headed straight for the neighbor's dogs. She really didn't care too much about looking for the eggs.

Here's Fisher holding up his Easter basket. He was very excited that the Easter bunny left a basket for him.

Chachi and Fisher holding a little bunny. Baby animal days was pretty fun, we didn't stay too long, but it was great to see the kids with the baby animals, they really liked it.

Here we are with the baby ducks.

St. George trip

2009-03-24T14:48:00.001-07:00

Carl went to Devil's Playground last weekend with the scouts - he had a great time, as for the scouts, I'm not so sure.

Here is Carl's "project" he is putting in a new motor in his truck, and he was very excited to get the old one out - it was quite the feat. Now he just has to put the new one in.

We went to the Draper Temple open house, it was really beautiful, and fun to be able to take the kids with us. I was glad for the stroller for sure.

This was on our way back from St. George. We stopped at a gas station, and got candy necklaces. Those are a definite must have for our next long trip. And, Fisher decided he wanted to use his legs as the paper - he is a mighty fine artist, I must say.

We stopped at Cove Fort on our way back also, it was really interesting, but pretty cold.

This was a hike up in Snow Canyon - it lead to this arch (the top right hand corner) it was pretty great. Carl was pretty tired after because he carried both kids the whole way. Fisher loves to run, but hates to hike.

Here we are at the start of the hike.

This was after lunch at the Sand Dunes in Snow Canyon. What a face! She had fallen that morning at the swimming pool - it was a sad, nasty bonk that looked horrible for days! The rest is red sand mixed with watermelon juice from lunch.

Carl got buried, and Chachi was trying to find the rest of him.

Playing in the sand.

This was on our ride to the tunnel in Zion's National Park. We wore the kids out!

This was on our hike up to the Emerald Pools.

Fisher was a little poser - he was so cute to smile when we would take pictures.

This was at the beginning of our hike to the Emerald Pools.

This was at Carl's Grandma and Grandpa's house in Leeds. Sunday after church we went back and had dinner there with his Aunt and Uncle, and then we played some cards.

This was a pretty great trip, we got to do and see lots of fun things, and we all had a really great time, thanks Carl for having a business conference down there!

Heber snowmobiling trip

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

So, a few weeks ago we went on a family snowmobile trip to Heber, we took the kids snowmobiling the first day for a few hours, and then went back to our cool hotel to swim. We had a really fun time. Saturday we got to swim again, and then played games while the others went snowmobiling the whole day. Then before we went home, we went to eat at this cool place. Well, at least it's cool for 3 year old boys.

Here we are at the Dairy Keen in Heber. My little train lover was in heaven! They had trains going around inside, and a train table with toy trains, and also a train ride that almost bucked him to the ground. Fisher said this was his favorite part of the trip.

Here's me and Fisher sitting by the fire after we had lunch. He was such a good trooper the whole time, but he was a little clingy.

Ainsley was so tired, and grumpy, so Carl took her for a little ride before we went up the mountain, and almost as soon as the machine had started she was asleep.

Carl and Ainsley at lunch. She did really good the whole time too. She slept mostly while riding the snowmobile with Carl. I was really glad they were so good, because I hadn't planned on them going so far or for so long.

Here's Fisher asleep on the snowmobile with my dad. He was so nice to have Fisher on his sled the whole time. Fisher loved it!

Here's Chachi strapped to Carl. It's hard to know if she had a fun time, I guess sleeping is a lot better than screaming, right?

This was before we went up the mountain, Fisher and Micki were playing in the snow for a long time, he kept finding "clean" snow to eat. It's good for their immune systems, right?

Quick Post

2009-02-16T14:52:00.001-08:00

I put curlers in Ainsley's hair - it was so cute, until she started ripping them out.

Isn't she adorable?

We went out to play in the snow! I love little marshmallow babies!

Cute kids playing on the kitchen floor. I loved that Ainsley was laying down to look at her book. What a cutie!

She had propped herself into the corner, it was so cute, but taking the picture woke her up. Oh well. And, she hasn't had her binky for about a week now! Hallelujah!!! We are currently working on the bottle. She had her 15 month check up the other day, she weighed in at about 18 1/2 lbs. and 29 inches. She was 2% in weight and 10% in height. Hopefully someday she'll be able to be in a forward facing car seat!

Much needed get-a-way

2009-01-29T15:10:00.000-08:00

Me and Carl went to the Grey's River, in Wyoming with my family for a fun snowmobile trip. We left the kids at Carl's mom's house, she was nice enough to watch them for 4 days! We've never been away from them that long. I must say, it was nice, but we missed them a lot too. It was a lot of fun. We snowmobiled on Friday and Saturday, then went to church in Etna on Sunday, and some went to see the Tetons. Here's a picture of the Tetons that Carl took. I didn't go, but stayed at the cabin, went in the hot tub for a little bit, played cards, and relaxed. After all, it was a vacation, right? Then we came home on Monday.

Here' the cute cabin where we stayed.

Me and Carl in the loft we shared with Tyler and Afsonai. We didn't get any snowmobiling pictures, we forgot the camera both days, but it was amazing!

This was just last Monday, Carl and Fisher made cookies for our family night treat. Fisher loved it, he was snitching the whole time! Carl was too, in fact.

Here's Fisher's "sad face"

Here's Chachi's "sad face" . . . I think she wins the contest.

Fisher and Ainsley playing in the closet together.

Fisher had pulled his chair up to Chachi's they are getting to be so cute together, I love it when they play. Fisher was making Ainsley laugh today in the car, it was so much better than when he takes things away from her, or knocks her down and makes her cry. I'm sure I've got much more of both coming my way.

Christmas Pictures

2009-01-05T10:41:00.000-08:00

Here's Ainsley's pile of Christmas presents. I didn't get one of Fisher, cause he was too busy playing with all of his stuff.

Here is Fisher with his new Cars race track. He also got James the train with tracks, and a Thomas with tracks - he can hardly get dressed, eat, or do anything else but play with his trains. Santa did a great job this year!

We were opening presents from the family.

Fisher and Ainsley coming down the hall to see what Santa brought. We had to wake up the kids and convince Fisher to come out to see what he got.

Grandpa snuggling with Ainsley and Doll. This was after she threw up all over herself and me, and her jacket was the only thing we had to put her in.

Grandpa holding up the angel (Ashton) to the cute little sheperds (Fisher and Cameron).

Chachi looks so much like Carl in this picture - it's a little scary. They even have the same double chin!

This was Ainsley when she first came out Christmas morning. She opened her presents from the family before Fisher was even out of his room.

What a cute little sheperd boy. He kept the towel on his head quite well, I was surprised!

Overall, we had a great Christmas! It was so fun to spend time with family, we loved every minute of it. It was an amazing blessing also that none of us got sick over the holidays (except for Chachi's random throw-up on Christmas eve). We are very excited for a new year at our house, and a few new changes in our family. We hope that we will enjoy this year as much as the last one!

IT'S A . . . BABY!

2008-12-19T15:08:00.000-08:00

Well, we had our ultrasound today, and it's official, there's a baby in there. Much to the dismay of many, we are not finding out whether it is a boy or girl, well, at least until it comes out, then hopefully we'll know. Anyways, here's a scary 3-D picture of our baby, isn't it cute? Everything looked great, so we were very excited about that.

New Pictures

2008-12-18T13:57:00.000-08:00

"Grandma, here we come!" The kids had their first real sleepover at my mom's the other day. So, we packed their bags, and they were carrying them around ready to go. They did really well without us. Actually, I don't even think they missed us.

Here's Chachi in her new Christmas pj's from Grandma Cookie, and apparently she thinks that ornament is a cookie.

I was putting dishes in the dishwasher, and Chachi was playing in cupboards, like usual, and I went over to see what she was doing, and first she was standing in the pot, and then she sat in it, and got stuck. Good thing she was stuck so I could grab the camera. Chachi stew for dinner anyone?

Here are the drinking buddies. Are mine the only kids that go through juice like no other? I think we need a bigger juice budget!

Fisher's trying to restrain Chachi for the picture, he looks pretty proud of himself. This was at Carl's grandma's Christmas party. We had a really fun time, and lots of yummy food. It was nice, all of the grandkids, except Chachi and Coby were big enough to just play together. Fisher loves playing with his cousins.

Here's Fisher in his Christmas pj's he LOVED them, he kept feeling himself, because he thought they were so soft! Thanks again Grandma Cookie!

Christmas Time is Here!

2008-12-03T09:39:00.000-08:00

Here's our beautiful Christmas tree. Fisher helped put the tinsel on, as you can see. He had a lot of fun decorating it, and watching Carl put on the lights.

This was the USU football game on the 29th. It was a lot of fun. Everyone was there but my mom, we missed you mom!

This was at IHOP after picking out our Christmas trees. Fisher adopted himself into the Olsen family.

Here were the rest of us at the other table. It was sure fun to be with everyone the whole weekend.

Here we are picking out our Christmas trees. We got some good ones this year! Me and the Olsens had been up since 5:00 shopping, it was fun, but I'm definitely not going to Walmart next year, I'm not even going to look at their ad! We went out to Cabela's too later that day - it was pretty fun, Fisher loved the animals, but Chachi just wanted to walk around the whole dang store. I managed not to get any pics of Thanksgiving day, but it was a great day.

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-26T10:10:00.000-08:00

Since Thanksgiving is tomorrow, and I'm feeling quite grateful for everything that I have, I thought I would do a post on how thankful I am for a great husband and father of my children. He is so good with them, and they love to have him home. This is their favorite game to play, the kids get so excited. This video was taken kind of at the end of their playing, so Carl is a little tired. It also shows you how good Chachie is walking. It was so funny the other day, Carl was at work, and Fisher was looking around for him, so I told him he was at work, and Fisher says, "Ugh, work and scouts!" in this angry growly voice. It was so funny - it's true though, if Carl is gone, it's usually to work or scouts. Anyways, I don't know if you'll see this, but we love you Carl! I hope everyone has a happy, safe, and grateful Thanksgiving tomorrow!

Little Mite

2008-11-14T13:36:00.000-08:00

We had Ainsley's doctor appointment today. It went well, besides the fact that we all had to get flu shots - ouch, I hate those things! Anyways, here are the stats of our little one year old. She is 27 inches long and 16 lbs. 12 oz. She is below the charts just barely. Her head is 60th percentile though, so I guess that's good, if you like looking like a dum dum. Well, we love her anyway, she's our cute little bug.

Pig tails and puddles

2008-11-08T13:51:00.000-08:00

Here's Fisher by a tower Carl made - his favorite part is knocking them down!

Here's Fisher in his cute Home Depot apron (courtesy of Afsonai).

Here are Ainsley's very first pig tails - they were very cute, but, from the front she didn't look any different. It was easier to do her hair than I had imagined it would be. Gotta love seat belts and suckers!

We went out after it rained to jump in the puddles - By the time we got out there though, there was only one decent puddle left. Oh well, it was pretty cold, and he didn't want to stay out too long anyway.

Happy Birthday Chachi!

2008-11-03T09:07:00.001-08:00

Here's Ainsley on her very birthday - we had a fun day, we went to the USU football game with both grandmas and grandpas, then we had some yummy Aggie ice-cream - a perfect birthday treat!

This is what Ainsley looks like a lot of the time - it's hard being one! Okay, not a lot of the time, just when she falls, wants to be held, or Fisher does something to upset her.

This is Ainsley's birthday cake - she loved it! It was chocolate inside, and she ate the whole piece! Thanks again to Wendi for getting it for her!

Me, Fisher and Ainsley - we celebrated her birthday at my Mom's house, she got 3 cute new outfits, and circus animal cookies, and a baby doll. She's so spoiled!

She's very interested in this package!

Here's my little pumpkin a year ago! It's hard to believe she's so big.

What a difference a year makes! We sure are glad that Ainsley is in our family! She is such a good girl, and she brings so much love and fun into our home! We love you Ainsley!

Call me crazy

2008-10-24T13:21:00.000-07:00

Today I had my first doctor appointment. It was pretty great, I had an ultrasound, so I finally know what my due date is. I'm due on May 8th. I'm actually really excited for this due date - I thought for sure the ultrasound was going to say May 27th. So, I'm glad that Fisher will get to keep his birthday to himself. We are just going to be celebrating birthdays however, the whole month of May at our house! We are very excited to be having another baby!

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-23T09:44:00.000-07:00

Introducing . . . Nemo and Squirt!

We went to Boo at the Zoo - at Willow Park Zoo. It was pretty fun. Everyone thought their costumes were so cute, and as you can see, they are. Thanks to Laura I got a great deal on them. I can't wait for Halloween! At the zoo, Fisher just wanted to eat the candy, and not put it in his bucket. He's got a lot to learn.

Ainsley's been taking more steps lately, it won't be long now. And she loves to crawl up the stairs - as if my job wasn't hard enough. I have a video of her walking, I'll have to post it a little later.

2008-10-17T10:11:00.000-07:00

Cute pictures

2008-10-13T09:11:00.000-07:00

Fisher decided that the binky looked fun. So, instead of having him take Ainsley's all the time. I gave him this one, cause it has covers that close over the nipple, and Chachi can't figure it out. Anyways, he thinks it's a pretty fun toy.

Fisher playing with Thomas. What cute kids!

Alright, so I know I've mentioned before how crazy Fisher sleeps, but this was just the weirdest. He never sleeps straight like this. It kinda freaked me out, cause he looks like he's dead. The pale face, and juice-stained lips don't help.

Chachi likes the beaters! I was making that yummy fruit salad with the vanilla pudding, buttermilk and cool whip, and well, she's hooked! What a face!

I had to do something, so here's Chachi in the high chair with a sucker. What a good mom I am. At least she's happy, and contained in one place, right?
Fisher was nice enough to pose for me - what a cutie!

Is there any question?

2008-09-05T11:07:00.000-07:00

Well, not that there ever really was a question, but these pics show how much my kids look like their dad. Too cute!

Need I say more?

The best and worst hunting trip ever!

2008-08-28T15:41:00.001-07:00

Here was Fisher's favorite part of the trip! We couldn't get him off of the 4-wheeler. He even slept there.

This was our cute little campspot. It was SO fun!

This was at the beginning of the trip, we stopped in Vernal to see the temple. Fisher learned how to say "Angel Moroni" It was pretty fun to see it.

Here is inside the Dinasour park museum. This was really fun, a little too old for Fisher, but we enjoyed it.

Here is Ainsley getting warm with Grandma, it was pretty cold there. Does anyone else think of Alien when you see this picture?

Here is Fisher in his fairly clean blanket - by the end of the trip it was very dirty. He insisted on carrying it everywhere! In fact he's carrying it around right now, after many washes.

This was our fun picnic by Hacking Lake. After lunch we hiked around the lake to do a little fishing, however, Carl twisted his ankle, and that was the end to his great hunting trip.

So, for me it was one of the best hunting trips, because Carl didn't get to go very often, and could stay with us, and do more 4-wheeling, but for Carl it was the worst hunting trip because he couldn't walk, let alone chase down a deer. And he didn't even see one buck the whole time. Also, the truck was leaking oil for the last part of the trip, but luckily when we were in Vernal they could stop the leaking in order for us to get home, but the kids had had it by then and were all but unbearable on the ride home. So, I think that is the end to family hunting trips!

Longer out than in

2008-08-25T08:45:00.000-07:00

Well, Ainsley is almost 10 months now, it's hard to believe how fast time flies - when you're not pregnant! At her 9 month appointment she weighed 16 and a half pounds. - 12th percentile and 27 inches - 8th percentile. But she has an above average sized head. What can I say, I have smart children. She started crawling soon after she turned 9 months, and she wants to stand all the time now, so I hope walking isn't coming around the corner, but I'm sure it will come sooner than I want anyways.

Messy faces and fun places!

2008-07-29T15:01:00.000-07:00

So, we've been back from Flaming Gorge for a few weeks now, but I'm needing to re-live some memories. Man, was it a fun trip!

Here we are swimming in horseshoe canyon

My favorite times of the trip were when the babies were sleeping!

This was just one of the beautiful sunsets that we saw as we were coming in from the lake.

This is one of my favorite pictures - Fisher is totally lounging by the fire, Caprisun in hand - what a spoiled little boy!

Ah, peace. We love life jackets because they keep our babies safe, however, we hate them because they keep our babies screaming.

Messy face #1 - this was on the way home from church, we got ice-cream cones, and this is what we found when we got back to the campsite - serves us right for breaking the sabbath.

Messy face #2 - this was in the boat, she decided now was a good time to LOVE nilla wafers!

Fisher helping Grandpa drive the boat - I think he loved this activity more than almost anything else on our trip.

Messy face #3 - you can't really see it, but she is chowing down on Carl's ice cream or popcicle or whatever it was that we paid a fortune for at the marina. I loved the butterfly sunglasses on her too, but she did not love them so much.

What a sweet girl! You too Ainsley. If any Coast Guard officials are reading this, just notice that she is asleep, and not that she isn't wearing her life jacket.
Oh, my favorite trips are at Flaming Gorge! I love it there, I can't wait for next year!

Ebleskivers

2008-07-22T11:41:00.001-07:00

So, this is what an ebleskiver pan looks like. When you cook the ebleskivers, you heat the pan, and put in a little bit of crisco in each cup.
Here is the recipe:
Mix the following together
3 egg yolks
2 Tbs. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
2 C. buttermilk
Add to the following mixture
2 C. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
Then fold in last
3 egg whites whipped until stiff

Put a spoonful of batter into each cup, then cook on medium heat. The tricky part is turning them. We use a cake tester, or a hat pin works.

We usually top them with melted butter, and syrup or powdered sugar. They're really yummy. Our family even has an "Ebleskiver party" just before Christmas - we make up excuses to get together I think. I have had ebleskivers for as long as I can remember, the recipe comes from our Danish ancestors. Since I've been thinking about it, I'm going to have them for dinner tonight, yum!

I'm Back!

2008-07-20T19:19:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm very glad to say that we have the internet now at our house! Hooray! These are the pictures we got the other day - I was so happy with them. I went to JCPenny to get them done. Don't I have adorable children?

We just got back from Flaming Gorge last night, I'll have to post some pictures, I've got some good ones!

Today is my birthday, and Carl has been great! He had given me a cute outfit on our trip, and he made me dinner today, and cleaned up - it was amazing! He's also been changing Fisher's poopy diapers all day - and apparently Fisher has been holding it all for today, because he's been stinky a lot today. I LOVE birthdays! Well, I can't wait to get back to knowing what everyone is up to!

Quick Update

2008-06-15T19:52:00.000-07:00

Well, we are in our house, and we LOVE it! We don't have the internet set up yet though, so that is why there are no new blogs - I must say I get a LOT more done around the house without TV and internet. We will be getting the internet soon, so keep checking. I wanted to thank everyone who came and helped with the move, it was SO nice - it would have taken me months to do what we did in a day. I will update a little later, with pictures, so don't forget about my sad little neglected blog.

2008-05-19T10:47:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of our house in Hyrum that we are in the process of buying. We are so excited to move in - only a few more weeks!

This is the living room.

This is the family room downstairs.

This is the front of the house.

This is the master bedroom.

This will be Fisher's room

This is the upstairs bathroom

This is the kitchen.

Graduation!!!

2008-05-06T14:05:00.001-07:00

Yeah!!! He made it! We are SO excited to be done with school, I'm not sure if it's me or Carl that is the happiest to be done. He started his job Monday, and I have to say it is very great to have him home in the night, and to be able to do things together as a family! I know it's only been two days, but it's great!

We had such a fun day with everybody - thanks for coming! There's nothing in the world like family! We also got to show off our house that we will move into the end of this month - that was really fun to be able to see it with everybody there. We can't wait to move in and have it be ours! It will be here soon though, and there is a lot to do before then.

Ainsley turned 6 months on the 1st - I can't believe she is getting so big - it's getting extremely difficult carrying both kids around these days. She is such a cutie - make sure you check out here cankles!

So, I had the camera on the table the other morning at breakfast, and Fisher was pulling grumpy faces, so I kept taking pictures, and then I would show him, he loved it. It was really funny, cause he'd be all upset and I'd take the picture, and then he would be fine to see the picture. He is my drama king for sure!

This is the infamous fling the head back move.

We learned the sign for grumpy, and he thinks it's funny when I do it, and then he'll pull faces.

This one is my favorite! Welcome to my life. He must be turning two soon, how exciting.

Top Ten Reasons I'm excited to get a house!

2008-04-14T12:46:00.000-07:00

10. More than one bathroom!

9. Fisher and Ainsley can have their own rooms, which means they won't wake each other up anymore!

8. A bigger kitchen!

7. A dishwasher, whose name is NOT Carl or Lisa.

6. No more hearing upstairs neighbors' "gaming parties" until 2 am!

5. More storage/cupboard space!

4. A garage!

3. Our own mailbox!

2. No more hearing upstairs neighbors!

1. Our own front door, and of course, MORE SPACE!

For those of you who don't know, Carl has a real job that he is going to start the Monday after he graduates. It is in North Logan, so we will be staying in Cache Valley. We are very excited for him to be done with school, and of course to start making some money so we can buy a house. My kids are both napping, so I better get something done.

First Kiss / 5 Months

2008-04-03T13:52:00.000-07:00

So, I was watching our little neighbor girl, Ari the other day, and they were sitting by each other, so I grabbed the camera, then I told Fisher to giver her a kiss, and this is what I got. I LOVE this picture, it makes me laugh that she totally gave him a kiss too, and their eyes are both closed - too funny!

This picture was taken right after the first - typical "that was weird" looks on their faces. Kids are great aren't they?

Yea! Ainsley turned 5 months old! Man how time flies. She pulls the cutest little sad faces - except when the camera is out, she's all smiles. I had to take quite a few to get this one.

Here is my squeally little baby! She has definitely found her voice, and she is using it quite frequently. And, p.s. I stayed up late last night making her hair bow, I thought it turned out rather cute, if I do say so myself.

Cousins!

2008-03-28T15:09:00.000-07:00

We were just able to spend a few days with my sister and brother-in-law from Missouri, and their two adorable kids - one of which we had never seen before, so it was a lot of fun for Fisher and Ainsley to be with them. I think Fisher wanted Madi to be his girlfriend, really he LOVED playing with her i.e. chasing her around the house. I also have some cute pictures of the Olsen kids, and the Godfrey kids - we LOVE cousins!

This is the Easter egg hunt - it was SO much fun. Fisher was really into it. He even put the eggs back when I told them they weren't for us.

Jane and Fisher on the cooler in Grandma and Grandpa's hotel room.

Here are the kids playing "Apple" Aunt Taunie was improvising when no one had a ball to play with.

Uncle JD holding Flint and Ainsley. Don't forget to look at Kristine in the background, I'm pretty sure she is feeding Cactus.

Which one is the real baby? Too precious, Flint is such a cutie.

Flint and Ainsley loved to lay by one another - I even saw them holding hands a few times. I think they want to be kissing cousins.

Micki was pulling Fisher around in the stroller - he LOVES it, now every time we're over there, he thinks she should drag him around the house. Sorry Micki. And it looks like we have the Von Trapp family singers in the background, "Cu-koo"

Here is Fisher and Micki and my mom dying Easter eggs . Fisher loved this activity a little too much. It was however a big giant mess when he tried to stir or do anything with the egg. So we had him color some with crayons, and that was working good, until he just decided to smash the eggs on the table. Surprisingly enough some of his eggs survived, and turned out quite good, thanks to Grandma.

3 cute little babies! Cactus Jack aka Heath, Flinty, and Ainsley. Flint is 6 months, Ainsley is 4 and a half, and Cactus is 2 months. It's amazing how much difference there is in only a few weeks.

Naughty Napper

2008-03-28T14:57:00.000-07:00

Okay, so this was a few days ago, I had put Fisher down for a nap, and I think I had to go in to get a diaper for Ainsley, and this is what I found . . . Yes that is diaper cream on his cheek, and wipes pulled out all over the changing table. What worried me the most was that he had climbed up there and was sitting on the changing table playing for who knows how long. I was a little shocked when I went in his room, but I think he was more shocked when I told him not to move, because of course I had to run and get the camera. He held perfectly still, and as you can see, still has the "I know I'm in trouble, please don't get mad at me" look on his face. I definitely laughed first, but told him if I ever found him up there again, he was going to get a spankin'. So, when do they get out of the climbing stage? I'm SO ready for that to be over - we've also found him in the crib WITH Ainsley, the crazy stinker, I am looking forward to the day when they'll have their own rooms.

Friends

2008-03-17T12:22:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of Fisher and Benjamin standing at the table to eat. Benjamin only stands to eat, and so of course Fisher had to stand too. I am also watching Benjamin a few times during the week, so they get to play quite often - Fisher loves the company - Benjamin is WAY more fun than mom any day.

I LOVE this picture - don't they just look like the best of pals? Fisher had to have his arm around Ainsley - too precious!

Well, not too much has been going on, last week Carl had his Spring Break, however it didn't really seem like he had much of one, he was working on his Senior design project with his group, and working, etc. He did have an interview in Salt Lake, and we're really hoping he gets that one, we'll keep you posted. It has definitely been fun though to have him have interviews and job offers and things like that - however I think it makes both of us feel like graduation is closer than it is. Carl has Senioritis really bad, so we're hoping he passes all of his classes. Fisher was sick this past week too, and that was not fun - however I do feel like more of an accomplished mom, I've now had to clean up poop and throw-up from the carpet - oh the joys of motherhood. I can't complain right now though, cause both kids are napping!! I better go get something done.

4 Months Old

2008-03-06T09:17:00.000-08:00

So, Ainsley turned 4 months old on the 1st of March - she is getting SO big, as you can see. She had her 4 month check and shots - not fun. She weighs 13 lbs. 2 oz. and is 24 inches long! She's actually still pretty little for her age - 37% on weight and 44% on height. We're so proud of her. In this picture she is wearing the dress I made for her. It turned out better than I thought it would - I still am in shock that I actually made something that she can wear. It's been really fun using my sewing machine though, however I think trial and error might not be the best way to learn how to sew - I need to have someone show me how to do things other than straight lines, hint hint Mom. And, I suppose using a pattern would help too.

front back

Sneak Peak

2008-03-03T09:38:00.000-08:00

So, I realize that Halloween is still pretty far away, but I couldn't resist trying on these cute outfits we got from the Disney store online. My little Squirt and Nemo are going to be the cutest little trick-or-treaters! I don't know if you can see in the picture, but there is even little Nemo's lucky fin.

Hardware Ranch

2008-02-28T12:49:00.001-08:00

These are my great shots of the elk at Hardware Ranch. I especially like the one with the elk's behind looking at us - but you have to admit the two bulls in the back are pretty nice, I definitely think Carl would shoot them. Carl was trying to teach Fisher that the elk say, "shoot me"

Here we all are at Hardware Ranch before getting on the sleigh ride to see the elk. We had quite a crew, Reed and Laura, Jamie and Steve and all of their cute kids were there. It was such a fun time! After we went to Cafe Sabor, and then back to our house to talk and the kids played in Fisher's room - notice they're not really playing with each other - kids that age are so funny.

Weekend with the Olsen kids

2008-02-23T20:07:00.000-08:00

We had the Olsen kids stay at our house for 4 nights and 5 days. It was quite an adventure in our 2 bedroom apartment. We started off at the A&W with Wendi, Eric, and my mom and dad, then we went to the dollar store to get some squirt bottles so that we could spray the snow different colors - sorry no pics, but I did get a great video of Carl jumping into a snowman, and a Christmas tree. We had lots of yummy dinners, we went to Firehouse, we saw Alvin and the Chipmunks, went to church together, and watched some great movies, it was really fun.

This was Fisher in the morning watching cartoons and the girls still trying to sleep.

This is Ainsley with cinnamon lips - you know Lexi and her cooky ideas.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2008-02-14T12:02:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a great Valentine's day! This is Ainsley's V-day outfit - I think she looks pretty lovable! We had a fun day - Carl got me flowers and the satin lips from Mary Kay - it was very sweet. I gave him a 2 year subscription to Field and Stream - how romantic! He loved it.

So, Fisher has been OBSESSED with Cinderella lately - he would seriously watch it non-stop from when he gets up to when he goes to bed. It's kind of nice to have him sitting still for awhile, but I feel like such a bad mom, he's so little.

Okay, so I'm really wondering if any other kids sleep in such funny positions like Fisher. Every time I go in his room, he looks so funny, not to mention uncomfortable - and he's ALWAYS in the bottom corner of his bed. Let me know if this is normal. But hey - if he's sleeping I don't care what position he's in.

Everyone needs to go to http://sassybabies.com to vote for Fisher as the cutest baby! We all know he's the sassiest there is.

Ice Fishing

2008-02-11T07:51:00.000-08:00

Eskimo Fisher to the Rescue!

We went ice fishing at Manatua a few weeks ago with Reed, Laura and Cameron. It was pretty fun for our first time ice fishing, but it was pretty cold too. As you can see, we bundled the kids up pretty good. Ainsley really is in there.

We were having a great time, fishing, drinking hot chocolate, talking, and sticking our feet in the ice hole. Actually Cameron stepped into the hole on accident, so needless to say that ended our ice fishing trip. Fisher's pants kept coming up and his legs were freezing, so I took off my 2nd pair of socks and put them over his legs, shoes, everything - he looked pretty silly, but stayed warm.

Here's Carl pulling Fisher and Ainsley on the sled back to the car. Aren't they cute? They only tipped over a few times, but little Ainsley stayed asleep the whole time.

This is Ainsley at 3 months exactly. "If you chance to meet a frown, do not let it stay!"

"Quickly turn it upside down and smile that frown away!"

This was just one morning - the kids love to snuggle in our bed.

I walked into my room to find Fisher in my shoes - he just looked so darn cute, I had to take a picture.

I wanted to make a treat Sunday night, and of course Fisher wanted to help, so he was stirring some flour in a bowl, and somehow fell off the chair with the bowl, and well, the picture explains the rest.

Photo Tag

2008-01-23T13:39:00.000-08:00

I have been tagged. If you are reading this, you have been tagged as well. It's actually quite fun to go around your house and take random pictures - just do it.

Kristine, I am only doing this for you because I know how horrible those last few pregnant days can be. I hope you have that boy soon! Can't wait to see him. This should make you feel pretty good about your house. Here it goes:

1. Picture of my shoes/closet.

2. Dirtiest part of my house I keep putting off cleaning.

I can't WAIT to get a dishwasher!

3. What my child (or children) is/are doing while I'm posting this.

Aren't they sweet?

4. Best decorated part of your house right now.

Fisher loves magnets, too bad he doesn't like to keep them on the fridge.

5. What I would buy right now if I had $100 to spend on me.

This is a mommy cover - don't you just love nursing in public?

6. What I would buy my husband if I had $100 to spend just on him (or one of your children or your dog) and he/they would wear or use posted item.

his is just an elk decoy - not a real elk. He wants one to go archery hunting with? I don't get it either.

7. New years Resolution.

Try and loose my mama pouch, or in other words; to excersize 5 days a week, and not eat past 8:00 - that's when yummy treats taste the best!

I have to say, I am doing pretty good - at least for a few more weeks, right?
Also, I'm trying to be better at sending birthday cards - sorry everyone who has a birthday past May.

8. Favorite Activity this or last week.

We went swimming at the Bountiful Rec center, it was SO much fun. I didn't get any pictures, cause we forgot our camera. I'm sure I could get some from Micki or Lexi though.

We went bowling on Martin Luther King day - I feel that it helped me understand civil rights issues a little better. Isn't this a great pic? I wish I could have lived in the 60's.

9. Photo of the inside of your fridge.

Gross - I really do have spilled Jell-o in there. Definitely time to clean it out!

10. Favorite movie you've seen in the last six months.

We've been watching the first season - it's really good.

I haven't seen this yet, but I want to - it looks cheesy, I love those kind.

Ainsley's Blessing Day

2008-01-08T14:29:00.000-08:00

Thank you to everyone who came to Ainsley's blessing. It's amazing how many people love her so much already! It was so much fun, I was so glad that the weather held out at least a little bit, until we were done. Well, here are some cute pictures from her blessing day. We missed those who couldn't make it, but love you just the same.

Here is a picture of Fisher, he fell asleep in Ainsley's swing. He likes to swing in there sometimes, and I guess it made him sleepy - it really was the cutest thing!

Here are my two boys doing the dishes - I train them early! Fisher loves playing in the water!

I took Fisher and Ainsley to the doctor yesterday for their 2 month and 18 month appointments. It was pretty nuts. I had 2 screaming babies for a little bit after they both had to get three shots - fun times. They are both doing very good. Ainsley weighs just over 11 lbs. and is only 21.8 inches long - she's a shortie, but we'll keep her. Fisher is about average weight and height, but he's 70th percentile in head size - it's cause everyone keeps telling him how cute he is.

Thanks to Kristine

2007-12-26T10:33:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to finally find out about blogs. If it wasn't for Kristine, I never would have figured this out. So, here is my first try at blogging - is that really a word? Well, today is the day after Christmas, and we have really had a great time this year. Fisher started getting the idea of opening presents, but we couldn't get him away from one thing, to open the next. He's been really enjoying his fun, new toys and books. Thanks to all of the people who got him such cute things - he loves them all.

I want to let everyone know that we are blessing Ainsley on Sunday January 6th. Our church starts at 9:00 - I'll let you know the details later.