The Lierd Family

Update!

2011-12-19T13:05:00.000-08:00

I mailed out Christmas cards with our blog info on them, which is so much easier then a family newsletter! However, I haven't been that great on updating the blog! Well, I am finally on break from school, so guess what?? I will be updating all week! We have had such an amazing and CRAZY 2011 year! So come back to see some more! :)

Finally...Updates!!

2010-10-31T16:38:00.000-07:00

I started the "catch up" post in October, so here is April to October with some of my favorite pics:

So I have been way behind on blogging! Try 7 months behind! And we have had so many things happen in 7 months, so I am catching up!! We will start with the most recent and go back to April! If you know me, I take lots of pictures, but blogger takes forever to post, so I only put up a few of my favorites! Crazy how time flies!

October:

This month went so quickly for us! I love halloween and always try to find a family theme for us to dress up as. Kaden wanted to be a shark, so I decided to be a mermaid and Patrick was a fisherman with mermaid bait (big shiny rings) and shark bait (lots of candy)! I had a hard time finding a shark costume I really liked and finally found a potterybarn one in Charlotte, North Carolina! Thankfully, Kaden and I took a quick visit to my mom in South Carolina and were able to pick it up! We got to spend time with my mom and sisters, as well as my uncle who is stationed in Japan and his wife and baby. It was good to see my grandma and aunts and uncles and Kaden loves to play with his cousins! We went to the state fair, boo at the zoo, carved pumpkins, and spent some time to play and just be toghher! We had lots of fun, and as always, it went by to quickly. For halloween, we went to Jodie and Dennis' new house for a costume party and to do some greatly anticipated trick or treating!! In Utah, since halloween fell on a Sunday, most of the state celebrated on Saturday, so we did all of our tricking Saturday night, and even though it rained, it was lots of fun and filled with too much candy!!

September:

This month we celebrated Patrick's 30th birthday! We were going to go to Vegas originally, but with work, school, the hunting season, and the rest of life!!! it didn't work out. So instead, I threw a surprise Vegas themed birthday party! I had an amazing cake made with the "Welcome to Las Vegas" sign, PATTY bingo, a late game of poker, a fajita barr, and lots of fun with friends and family! We also went on our annual friend Waweep trip! It is so nice to spend a few days with our friends and have fun out on the boats, around the campfire and for all the kids to get to play together. We missed Spencer and Shalynn this year, as they were having a new baby girl! We still had a blast though and look forward to next year!

August:

August was another month loaded with activities! We had the Lierd family reunion, lots of camping, and water fun! It rained and was a little cold at the reunion, but we still had fun playing horseshoes, which I did learn to play this year and got quite a few ringers, to my surprise! We took 4wheel and rhino rides, had yummy food, and a good time with all the family! My dad also came down for a visit to Hanksville and we had a geat time sight seeing and taking the boat out for a Sunday ride!

July:

We love the 4th and the 24th of July! Of course, we went to Hanksville for all the festivities and we brought some friends with us. They helped us haul some hay at Patrick's mom's house and then enjoyed the parade, bbq, dance, and fireworks! It is such a great time and I am so glad we get to go down there!

June:

Another hot summer month, so of course, we needed to spend ample time on the lake! We went on the houseboat for a few days and then took a great ride on the lake and went to some Indian ruins, which I had never seen before. They were so neat! The water ended up being so nice this trip and we got a great spot to park the houseboat! Wakeboarding was the goal and the water was perfect for it! We also went to Colorado for the Rivera family reunion! My sisters made it from South Carolina as well as my cousins from Arizona! We had so much fun and to get all the family together, well that happens every 12 to 120 years, so it was great!! We had some great family pictures and celebrated grandmas 3o-something birthday- haha!! I love my family, and love spending time with all of them!

May:

Yet another crazy month! I can't believe it, but my baby turned 3!! We celebrated with a water birthday party that started at home, but ended up at the Legacy Center, as it rained and made our slip and slides too cold for the kids. Kaden had so much though! He didn't even need presents, I think he just loves having all the kids over to play!

We went to Lagoon on his birthday, and I found out that my little baby loves rollercosters and park rides! He couldn't get enough! He also had his lastday of school party and we absolutely loved his teacher this year! We made it home from Hawaii the first week of May and the craziness never seemed to slow down! The summer was a blur!

April:

April's flights bring May tavels!! Whew April seems like it happend in the air! I flew to South Carolina to take Kaden to stay with my mom and sisters, grandma and aunts and uncles for 2 1/2 weeks, while we were in Hawaii! I have never spent that much time away from him, so while we were on vacation, it was still sad to have him gone for so long! He had a great time with my family though and really got to know them! I couldn't have asked for a better sitter!! I left on a Wednesday to take him to SC and came back on Saturday to a house completely painted!! Patrick knew I wanted the whole house painted, so while I was gone, Quinton and him painted..alot! It looks beautiful and was a great Mother's Day surprise! We got pedicures Saturday night and jumped on the 5am flight out to Maui. We had a fantastic time! We look forward to our annual friend trips with no kids, as it gives us time to relax and spend time together with no kids and no worries! This time to Maui, we did a few things we had done before, but also a few things we hadn't! We missed Ashley and Scott on this trip, as they stayed home with a sick baby! We still had a blast with Whitnie and Mark and Spencer and Shalynn. We went on a helicopter tour, snorkeling at Molokini again, but this time we also went to Turtle Bay and Patrick was face to face with a sea turtle! I enjoy snorkeling so so much! We tried paddle boarding and hung out at a few beaches we hadn't been to. Of course, we went to Hana, the boys and Whitnie went waterfall jumping, we went hiking, and swiming, and enjoyed the scenery! A luau and dinner at the PuPu Lounge, of course is also a must and we can't wait to move there...one day! It was a great vacation! can't wait for next year! We also are enjoying thecompany of Patrick's nephew Quinton. He is such a great addition to the family and Kaden loves having another person to play with! He is a fun young man and we enjoy having him around!!

(one of the biggest waterfalls in the world...from our helicopter ride)

(View from our helicopter)

http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/MakingStridesAgainstBreastCancer/MSABCFY11GreatWest?pg=entry&fr_id=28085

2010-10-10T16:39:00.000-07:00

http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/MakingStridesAgainstBreastCancer/MSABCFY11GreatWest?pg=entry&fr_id=28085

The American Cancer Society:

2010-10-07T20:20:00.000-07:00

The American Cancer Society:

Making Strides! TEAM AWESOME!

2010-10-07T20:05:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I have written, and I am planning on updating this weekend! Right now though, I am focused on the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Event! I am currently just a few hundred dollars from my goal and need all the help I can get! Will you help me?? Please go to the posting above and click on THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY and donate! Even $5.00 will make a difference! I appreciate anything you can do!
Thanks, Candace and TEAM AWESOME!

Happy Mother's Day!... this is a long one!!!

2010-05-14T18:31:00.000-07:00

So I know this is almost a week late, but Happy Mother's Day! After South Carolina, Hawaii, and a visit from my mom, I haven't had time to catch up until now! But I do want to say a few things about mothers, mine in particular!! I love her! I have always appreciated my mom, even if we didn't agree (mostly during my teen years! hehe!), but specifically, while she watched Kaden the last 2 weeks, I have a new appreciation for her as a grandmother! I never had to second guess if my child was being taken care of, treated kindly, or listened to. After seeing the bond Kaden and my mom had when she brought him back last weekend, I KNOW that she did all the above and so so so much more! Kaden has great communication skills and speaks very well. You have to listen to him , though and understand what he is telling you or he gets frustrated. My mom takes the time to understand what he is asking for and telling her and I can tell he enjoys talking with her! He understands everything and I know she understands him! He is so picky and a little OCD about how he likes things and she recognizes that and makes him feel comfortable. She loved on him so much and there wasn't a day they didn't have some activity planned, even if it was just a walk down the street to look at the flowers and trees. My grandmother is also a special lady!! She watched Kaden while my mom worked some days and he loves his GG so much! She loves him too and I love that! I don't think I have ever had a babysitter that I have loved so much! I wish my grandma were here so she could tend Kaden while I work and finish school!

Aside from being a great grandma, my mom is a great mom! I know she tried her hardest at everything and worked to support her children and their dreams. Though there were times I thought she was too strict, I know that the private school, strict curfews, and no nonsense parenting resulted in the person I am today! I can only hope that I aquire the work ethic my mom has and her drive and determination to acheive excellence. Even though my mom may at times have a tough exterior, and down to business attitude, when I was growing up, I would catch glimpses of this sweet, compassionate woman, that I have come to respect and admire in my adult life. A great example of this is when she had a terminal cancer patient. I felt like I knew this patient, as my mom spent the weekend nights at her home, managing her pain and offering comfort and care above and beyond what is required of home health care and hospice. I would often hear of this woman and the nights she would have and stories from her life, as my mom shared these, along with her personal experience nursing and providing quality care to a dying woman. In any job my mom does, she has this personal compassionate touch. Of course she strives for excellence, but a piece of her heart is always assisting in that perfection. I come from a very generous family, on both sides, and another favorite moment with my mother is when we were eating dinner one night at a buffet, and a large church youth choir's bus had broken down and they ended up there. When the youth pastor went to pay the bill, he had realized they didn't have enough money. My mom overheard this and looked at me and my sisters and took a vote on whether we should pay for their dinner. We all said yes, not realizing the sacrifice this would be for my mother. She walked up to the counter and paid $400 for their dinner! She asked to remain anonymous, but the youth pastor saw what she did and asked what church she went to. Months had passed and in a financial meeting with our pastor, my mom had noted the large expense that was the cost of that dinner. The pastor went to the secretary and took out a letter. The church choir had written a letter of thanks to the church for their member that was faithful and gave what she had. I know that youth pastor went on to tell that story and I cannot contemplate the number of lives that were touch by my mom's faithful giving attitude! That was an amazing selfless example that I pray I can pass on to my children. She has always recognized when the Lord has provided for her and has always stopped to thank Him. I am proud of my mother and I love her and wish we lived closer!! There isn't a day that goes by that I wish I could just run over to my mom's house and get her advice, go shopping with her, or just sit and drink some rasberry tea on the back porch and talk to her while she gardens. Maybe one day, if I could get my husband used to humidity, we will! Love you mom!!! and thank you for you have done, do, and will do!!

All the mothers in my life are so special! My grandmothers, in South Carolina and Colorado are two AMAZING women...I do not think I could have survived living in the time they did!! I rely on pedicures WAY TO MUCH! They have both raised some of the best people in the world!! REALLY! Besides my parents, my aunts and uncles are forces to be reckoned with! I think between my family, we could run a small country from healthcare to education, to finances, agricultural developement, firefighting, to social services, these people are some of the best in their fields! My heros do not come from popular figures in the world, no, my heros are my family! With my grandmothers being the heads of this family, they have completed nothing short of raising successful, kind, loving individuals, who have acheived many things I hope to in the future. Of course my grandmothers have shaped their lives and I love them for their sacrifices and love, which in turn gives me one INCREDIBLE family!

And of course, my mother-in-law...thank you for giving birth to the love of my life, best friend, and husband! It was the choices you made that gave me the opportunity to have the life that has unfolded. Thanks for sticking in there and years later having my hubby! Thankyou for your kindness and thoughtfulness as I moved to Utah (of all places!) to start a new life in marriage. We appreciate you!

Salt Lake City Marathon

2010-04-21T03:30:00.000-07:00

So if you didn't already know, it has been confirmed.....my husband is a STUD!

Patrick and Mace! Patrick finished in 784th place out over over 4,600!! Their time was 1hr. 50 min. and 2 sec.! That is 7-8 minute miles!! Way to go guys! They never stopped running!

Patrick , Trail, and Mace

On Saturday, he ran the Salt Lake City half marathon with a few friends! He did so great and I am so proud of him! It was fun to see Mace and Amanda! So glad to spend the weekend with good friends and activities!

Here they come!

And there they go!

Kaden was a little grumpy (it was very early on a Saturday!) waiting for dad to come down the finish line, but when Patrick was done, Kaden was so excited and had fun splashing around in the water and playing with the Signing Time Frog! My friend Amanda has some photos, so I will put those up when I get them from her! He was so dang cute with the frog!

The Gateway was so fun! Lots to do and see and of course a little shopping afterwards made it just right!

Hoppy Easter!

2010-04-11T08:34:00.001-07:00

Easter is one of my favorite holidays! I love to have a designated weekend to reflect on what amazing love was shown by the Savior. I also love to spend the weekend with family and friends! Kaden had so much fun this year! We had 2 school Easter parties and lots of treats! He also made bunny ears and really enjoyed wearing them all the time! I do have to say, he makes one cute bunny!
Over the weekend, we decided to go camping with Patrick's family, as we were not able to last year. On our way down, for our 3 hour drive, we read about the Resurrection of Christ and the importance it holds for us. I know Kaden is still little, but he knows Jesus loves him and that is what I always want him to know! When we got down to Hanksville on Friday, we got the trailer and pulled it out to camp! Saturday we went back into to town for the Hanksville 5k! Patrick and his sisters Chevaun and Chylene and her husband Curtis, ran the 5k! Patrick has been working hard as the Salt Lake Half Marathon is just a week away! The 5k was a piece of cake for him, as he came in 1st place for his age division and 2nd place for the whole race! (the 1st place runner was a very experienced....extremely fast! marathon runner from Bull Frog) I am so proud of him and all his hard work to be a great runner! We camped for the weekend just outside of Hanksville and had such a great time! We took a fun ride on Saturday and had a great egg hunt on Sunday. Of course all the kids had a blast riding 4-wheelers and motorcycles, getting extremely dirty, and just being able to play together!

Patrick and his sisters Chevaun and Chylene (and of course...Kaden!)

The 5k runers! Chevaun, Patrick, Chylene, and Curtis Listening to the instructions and ready to go!
Yay!! Daddy Won!
Curtis and Patrick each took 1st place in their age divisions! The girls didn't get a medal, but they certainly aren't losers! Way to go on running a 5k!

Kaden in the Ranger ready for a ride!

Candace and Patrick ready to ride!

Caleb, Sara, Ryker and Chase in the Rhino!

Part of the camp site

Starting the day long ride into the desert!

Chevaun, Dirk, Garrett and Macie in a Rhino! Dirk had the best riding goggles!

The first of many pit stops!

The boys rode their bikes...Braxton rode Patrick's and did really great! That bike was twice his size, but he did awesome! So did the newest addition...The Tracker!

Dennis and Jodie had Brody bundled up in the back seat and took that Tracker everywhere! What a champ!

Coming out of the grand canyon of ditches!

Desert Views!

We stopped to play!

Kids playing tag.

Kaden loves going for rides in the Ranger!

We stopped to have some lunch....and the kids wanted to jump in the sand!

Kaden ready to jump!

Surprisingly, the Easter Bunny found us all the way in the desert in the camp trailer!!

And he brought playdough!!! This was so fun! We heard kaden plop out of bed and then just silence (we could tell he was looking at the basket), then boom boom boom boom....he ran down the trailer and up the stairs to our bed "Mom Dad!! Wate (wake) up!! The Easter Party came!!! Hurry Wate up!" I said "You mean the Easter Bunny", he replies "Yeah that bunny brought me stuff! Hurry!" haha! I loved it!

Uncle Curtis and Kaden built lots of sand castles!

So did Macie!

Uncle Curtis and the other daddys took the kids for a ride in the bus, while the mommys helped the Easter Bunny hide some eggs!

The wheels on the bus go round......the unruly bus crew!

The unruly bus driver!!

The grand Bus!

And the hunt begins!! "Mom Mom...a egg! a egg!!! I found one!"

Kayla and Kaden on the hunt!

This made me laugh!! They remind me of senior citizens in Florida! The sun visor rocks! Kaden made it! This is also a little mini Patrick and Chevaun!

Loving the ring pops!

Brody showed us all what we need to do now that the GREAT Easter weekend is over!

Fight Night

2010-04-11T07:40:00.001-07:00

A few weekends ago we went to watch the UFC fight at a friends house up north. On our way up there we stopped to have dinner with Ryan and Tanya at yummy Tepanyaki!! Kaden loves Baylee! And why wouldn't he....she is the cutest thing!!

The two posing for a picture...they were getting bored and managed to sit on the ledge of the tile, while waiting to be seated! Then Baylee started talking to the asian lady lifesize doll! She was petting her and very interested in her! I wish I had a picture!

Kaden played the field a little when we got to Kyle and Megan's house...He and T on the dog bed...they were kissing each other good night! yikes...a little to young!! What will we do?!

Baylee says CHEESE!!

Ryan R is the best babysitter!! He loves to play with the kids and they LOVE him!

Ryan and Tanya joined in! Too much fun! I think the kids had more fun than any of the adults! hehe!

R.A.G.E.

2010-03-27T06:53:00.000-07:00

Patrick and I are going to Hawaii at the end of April. I have wanted to get my body back for quite some time now. With my health evening out and everything else settling down, I don't have any reason not to focus on my health and body! Especially with this upcoming swimsuit trip, I need my old body back!! haha! At the beginning of the month, I started RAGE bootcamp! I was a litle nervous, because BOOTCAMP is a scary word! I finished my fourth week last night and it was AWESOME! I loved every minute of every workout! Well, there were times I thought I literally was going to die, but afterwards, I felt GREAT! My body is feeling so strong! On the first day you do strength test, weight, and measurement; and again on the last day. On my last day, I almost trippled my situps and doubled the amount of pushups I could do from the first day! I also have lost 10 1/2 total body inches! Not to mention, my family's nutrition has improved 100%! I am doing another month before we go and have some older cute outfits I haven't either been able to fit in or don't feel comfortable wearing in the past 2 years, that I hope I can wear in Hawaii! If any of you are wanting a core workout or just to get down into the size you saw a few years ago, I recommend RAGE Fitness! They are awesome and this has been the only gym, where I have learned fitness, nutrtion, and weight strength. I also love being there and being with the people. I worked hard for the last 4 weeks, 5 days a week, and last night I saw incredible results! I SURVIVED RAGE BOOTCAMP!

Joe, Me, Kenny the trainer, Ed, Keira

The best RAGE team you could ask for! (minus Kyla)

Fridays!

2010-03-26T14:19:00.000-07:00

I love Fridays! My "work" Friday is on Wednesday (I only work on Mon and Wed). I take Kaden to school, run errands, and catch up on household things on Thursday, but Friday...aahhhh...that is the day I feel I have the house cleaned, dinners planned, shopping done, and the opportunity to do what I want to do!! Today is Friday! YAY! I took my time getting ready this morning and watched the end of a movie I missed last night! Then I went to steal Patrick from work, for lunch! We had a great lunch with Kaden! It is nice to go out together during the day, during the week! It has a lot different feel then the weekends...or I might just think it does! To know that most everyone else is having to be busy at work and productive, I take heart in my slow, do what I want Fridays! After we got done with lunch, Kaden and I took a trip through the GREAT BIG Whole Foods in Salt Lake! I love Whole Foods! The one by my house is not that great, it is smaller and doesn't have nearly as much as the Salt Lake one; so when I get the chance, I love to go there! We took our time rummaging down the aisles and picked up some of the best smelling apples (you know they are good apples when they smell so sweet!), oranges, organic lettuce (it is actually greener than the other kind), a great roast for Sunday dinner, some yummy granola chips with strawberries, and a few other organic favorites! Can you tell I love this place?! Our family has been really trying to be healthier over the last few months! We are getting in ample gym time, eating "clean" foods, and cutting back on other unhealthy habits! We are becoming health nuts and talk frequently about nutrition and health! We feel great and love our new healthy lifestyles! From organizing the house to organizing healthy nutrition, we are changing our lives...for the better! On this free day Friday, I downloaded a ton of healthy meal recipes from "Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution.com" and planned out the next month of dinners!

I also got some great lilies! I was surprised to see the bunches and bunches of beautiful flowers Whole Foods had today! They were some of the best flowers I had seen in a long time! I am such a flower FREAK, so of course I grab some!

These lilies are making my house smell amazing! and they were only 5.00!! Needless to say, this Friday has been GREAT!!

Dear Friday,

I love you! Please return every week with your lazy spirit and can do anything and everything way of life!

Love, Me!

Hello SUNSHINE!

2010-03-20T10:53:00.000-07:00

After the snow fall yesterday, we are so excited to see the sun! I went for a pedicure in honor of this glorious day, as of course I will wear sandals tonight! When I came home, Kaden was having a blast outside!! We have definately missed the sun at our house!

Kaden was racing down the sidewalk, as the Speed Racer! I could here VROOM VRROOOMMM!! all the way down the street!

He would stop and "rev up" his engine!

Then go go go .."so fast mom!! faster than you!" he would yell!!

Then he would stand up on the pedals..this was his "trick"...he loves to ride his bike!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2010-03-20T10:49:00.000-07:00

Kaden had so much fun at his St. Patrick's party at school! They had green grapes, peas, celery, yogart, and cookies with green M&Ms. They made "Lucky Irish Men" masks and had a parade around the school! With all that fun, he was so tired when he got home and just passed out watching his reading movie! In true tradition, he is wearing all green and sleeping on a green pillow! hehe!

Valentines Party

2010-03-12T20:30:00.001-08:00

(Roses from my favorite little man! *and Big Man*!)

We enjoyed Valentine's Day so much this year! Kaden is now at the age where he is very active in school and church activities, understands them, and likes to participate! We had a task of making many valentines for his preschool classes. We picked out Cars cards and monsters...of course..his life currently can be summed up in Elmo driving Lightning McQueen, while listening to the soundtracks of Madagascar and the Lion King, racing other hotwheels (obviously being driven by monsters) in the time of the dinosaurs! (Lets just say picking out a movie for the car on a long road trip is no easy task!) Anyways, after our difficult valentine choice, we were able to color and write names for each of his classmates. He is so funny, he actually picked out an individual card and sticker with the candy and playdough, for each child. He was very specific on the color of playdough, candy choice, and character sticker! He was very pleased when the project was complete! He was very excited to take them to school and was very mad when we sent him to bed, because school wasn't until the following day. He had so much fun at his valentine's day parties! I heard all about them the rest of the week! We decided to have a small party at home with just a few friends. Kaden has "grown up" with these little boys and we love their families and hope they will be friends for years to come! It is always funny to see Kaden's WILD side when he is around Tyler and Kody justs just makes me smile with his amazing manners and politeness! We had heart shaped PBJs! Red strawberries and rasberries, strawberry lemonade, pink cookies, and made crafts and of course played lots of games!! Fun times!

Kaden and Tyler with their valentines candy!

Kody working on a craft...so dilligent....with a much longer attention span!

Cute little Kooper and Haylee joined us! So glad they came!

Catching Up

2010-01-24T16:54:00.000-08:00

My pictures have been held hostage by my camera for quite some time! I have finally let them out! These are from October to December and of course are in no particular order, because blogger has a mind of its own!

Kaden Papa and "Susie" in Colorado for Christmas!

My aunt Nancy and Kaden at the "Feed the Children" event in Colorado for Christmas!

Some of my AWESOME Aunts that put on the Feed the Children event! My Aunt Becky started this amazing charity event with Colorado's social services department years ago!

Utah has had some great snow this winter ( i am so sick of it) but it makes for a pretty landscape on our drive down to Hanksville.

At Patrick's sister's house for Christmas. Kaden and his cousins eating some cookies!

Patrick and Charity rocking out to Guitar Hero at the Christmas Party at our house!

TROUBLE!

Friends at our annual Christmas Party

Yes, Patrick is WEIRD!

Mark and Patrick at the Christmas party at our house

Need I say more?! This was at the Turkey Shoot in Hanksville (where Patrick is from) He took some friends out riding and came in to town to shoot a little too! (November)

Dad's bike!

Kaden's bike!

Riding in Caineville

One day in October we went out golfing! Kaden loved it!

One of our neighbors dresses up as the headless horseman for Halloween!

Pumpkin carving with the boys!

We were a royal family this year! We get together at Jodie and Dennis' house and the boys go trick-or-treating! Kaden loved the sword!

Pumpkin carving with Dennis and Jodie and the boys!

Playing with the water games at Cornbellys Pumpkin Patch

Kaden enjoyed taking the "guts" out of the pumpkins!

Weekend of bowling!

Kaden loves to bowl!

Kaden and Anthony at Cornbellys in October

Patrick was excited to get his present this year!

As was Kaden!! Santa brought a big boy bike!

Our first letter to Santa!

Kaden being silly in Colorado at Great Grandma's house for Christmas!

Sistas and babies!

More of my aunts in Colorado!

My best friend Shandy and her amazing little family at Chad's firehouse! (almost a family of 4!) We cant wait for their second baby!

My cute grandma in Colorado!

3 of my favorite men!! My dad, my cute hubby, and my little man! In the underground tunnels at the Air Force Academy in Colorado. Thanks for the awesome tour dad!

I was lucky to win a fully decorated Christmas tree in the Hanksville raffle. How fun! It was super cute!

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree...how you lean! 17 footer this year! patrick is crazy! i love it though!! It was beautiful and smelled great!

Team Awesome! I have led Team Awesome for 3 years now and we were the highest earning team this year in Making Strides Against Breast Cancer! I earned the Utah Paceseter Award and had so much fun at the 4 mile run!! My team is AWESOME!
(October)

Family Pictures

2009-12-11T15:42:00.001-08:00

Wow, I can't believe how long it has been since I have updated the blog! I am so glad to be working part time now and to be able to stay home with Kaden and do the scrapbookie-mommie-hommaker thing again! I love being at home! I used to love being out on the town, but over the past few years I have become a homebody! I will still be busy as I am going back to school for my Masters, but I am enjoying the time to study and really know what I am studying. I know I have lots of pictures to update on the blog, but I can't find the camera at the moment, so these are our most recent family pictures. Kaden is such a ham...I love it!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PATRICK!!

2009-09-28T16:56:00.000-07:00

It is my wonderful husband's birthday today! I wanted him to know how much I truly love him and how much he means to me! He is such an amazing husband and friend! Words can't express how much he is my everything! I love to spend time with him and had a great getaway weekend with him this last weekend. I never get tired of his goofiness and how he always makes me laugh! I have so much fun with him and even when I am trying to be really mad, he makes me laugh!! He is always there for me to talk to about everything and I love his advice and conversation. I know that he will always love me and always be there for me! He is Awesome! That's all I can say- He amazes me everyday!

He is a great daddy and Kaden loves him so much!! Everyday he asks, where is daddy-daddy at work?? He is so excited for him to come home!! He colored a picture for him and the whole time he said "I color a picture for my daddy! I color with the 'bu' crayon for my daddy, I color with the green crayon for my daddy, I color with the yellow crayon for my daddy, and so on.." He was just so excited to do something for his daddy! He loved wrestling around with him this weekend and it was so nice for all of us to be together!

We love you so much!! Happy Birthday, Babe!!

My Silly Kaden!

2009-07-19T10:30:00.000-07:00

I love my little boy! He is so funny and keeps me in good company when daddy is away at work! He always does something to make me laugh and always surprises me with the things he does. This morning as I was cooking him breakfast, he came over to the stove naked and in my highheels!! He said, "I am going to work like mommy!" I had to get a picture of this and then I dressed him and took some more! He is such a cheeser!! At least the dressed photos over power the highheels, for Patrick's sake! haha!

Baylee's Birthday

2009-07-19T10:05:00.000-07:00

Kaden has a girlfriend named Baylee! Her dad works with Patrick and they are great friends to us! She had a luau birthday party, we went to, and Kaden had so much fun playing with all the kids and the slip and slide has become one of his favorite things. He was scared at first, but after the first time, he was hooked!

ONE.......

TWO...

THREE!!!

Kaden and Tatyana with all their leis!

Me and birthday Baylee!

Kaden pulling Tatyana around!

Daddy!! Come Pull Us!!

Birthday Baylee and her mommy and daddy! Good friends!

How many dads does it take to put up a baby swing?? Apparently 3 and 1 to supervise!

Patrick, Kyle, Ryan W., & Ryan R.

I love my hubby!

4th of July in Hanksville

2009-07-19T08:12:00.001-07:00

I'm a little slow putting this one up, but after the water park, Patrick and I really wanted to go to Hanksville. So we went home packed a bag for the next day and drove down that night. It was worth it! I loved the whole day small town celebration. I have never been to the 4th in Hanksville and it was so much more fun than I expected!

The day started with the Boy Scouts cooking a fundraiser breakfast for the whole town! Kaden, Braxton, & Colton enjoyed the bacon! Quinton and Kaden were joking around and my silly little Kaden is such a cheeser!!

Before the parade started, we went to the playgraound a played on the slide, swing, monkybars, and the merry-go-round. Kaden grabbed the monkeybars and hung on all by himself! What a strong little man!!

When we were done playing we walked to get the best spot for the parade. Kaden brought his bike and rode it the whole way...just to remind you...small town-the whole way is a block!

We pulled the truck in at the store and sat on the tailgate, with all the rest of the family, that is not in the parade...most of the town is! Dennis and Jodie were anxiously awaiting next to us and we were all excited to see all the floats everyone worked on!

Here it comes! Patrick's sister and her husband were in the Grand Marshall car. He is the mayor and looked great!!

For the store, they made a neat rock crawler float and Quinton threw out the candy!

Caleb and Sara (Patrick's niece and her husband) drove the dog house they made to raffle off to support the EMTs. Their little man Ryker and Brandon (Patrick's nephew) were on the back throwing out the candy!Braxton rode his bike.....and Makayla rode hers!

There were lots of other things, such as horses, the boy scouts, the ambulance, firetruck, Pete's tractor, the bikers, and lots of fun, but the family was sure the highlight!! Later on, there were games in the park....

Facepainting (kaden got stars on his arms--he loves tattoos!!)

And there was even a bull to ride! Kaden got on and wasn't so happy! and then of course Patrick took a turn, needless to stay his back hurt pretty bad the whole ride home!

We went to watch the hill climb. It was so hot, we were just dripping sweat. Afterwards, the boys ran to play together and get on the water slide. Those two are funny little cousins!

Up next was the mud bog...Denton drove the Orange Crush (a really old truck that has to be pull started) and of course Dennis had to take his truck and 4wheeler to see how stuck he really could get. That was a fun activity to watch! You had to be careful, though, or you would come out muddy!!

Dennis rode in the rodeo, and then took Kaden for a ride on Toby. Kaden loves horses! We might have to get one!! Or at least a dog!

The bbq dinner was great! Kaden loved the grilled corn and even though he was tired, layed on the table to eat a second piece!

Kaden and Ryker again were partners in crime and tried to jump the fence into the rodeo!

And we ended the day with a FANTASTIC fireworks show!

We had a great 4th of July thanks to Hanksville!!!

4th of July

2009-07-12T11:57:00.000-07:00

We had a great weekend over the 4th! If you know us, you know we are very patriotic and love our country. With many friends and family in the military, we are proud to serve our country and it's people, and we are so thankful for the freedoms and opportunities we have here! I love that we can take Kaden to the park or the movies whenever we want and have no fear of anyone bringing us harm. We have the opportunity to own our own home and go to work to provide for our family. We are able to go to church and worship, teach other's children, and our own of the forgiveness we have, openly and freely. Most importantly though, no matter what situation our country finds itself in, hard times come and they go; but our pride and our freedom, are here to stay!

Both Patrick and I had the 3rd (friday) off this weekend, so we took Kaden to a new water park close to our house, with our sister-in-law Jodie and her boys, and her sister Tammy and her kids. Kaden loves to play with his cousins anywhere, but we just had a blast at the water park! It was a great sunny day and a little breeze came through to cool us off right when we needed it!

Kaden went down the big slide with daddy, and then he went down the kiddie slides! He was so brave and loved every minute!

Lake Powell Weekend

2009-07-12T09:28:00.001-07:00

Patrick's family has been having reunions on the lake for a few years, now, and we have loved going! This year the whole family couldn't come, so it was more of a friends and family trip. We still had a great time! It was so good to spend some time with Patrick's brother and sister. Kaden was the only little one there, but even without other kids to play with, he still seemed to have lots of fun! We took him out on the tube. Patrick only drove the boat 5 mph, but it was still quite the adventure for him! When more water would come over the tube, he would yell "Slow down daddy!" He got even braver when it came to jumping off the houseboat! He would jump and swim to Patrick , from a pretty good distance for a two year old! We loved sleeping under the stars on top and Kaden liked them too! I wish we were able to get to the lake more often! This weekend trip was so much fun!

Father's Day Weekend

2009-06-28T20:36:00.000-07:00

On Father's day weekend, we got to steal Patrick the whole weekend! We went to the carnival and the zoo, played in the backyard, and just spent some time together. It was GREAT! Everywhere we went Kaden wanted to be in the middle of us! He wanted mommy to hold one hand and daddy to hold the other. He had a lot of fun and we had a great dinner at uncle Dennis' house before Patrick had to leave. It was so relaxing and fun!

So we let Kaden ride in the little kid rides at the carnival, and yes I was bitting my nails the whole time!! I have always been afraid of carnival rides...the workers always seem a little bit scary and sometimes the rides sound like they are going to fall apart!! But Kaden wanted to go so bad, so we let him and he loved them!! When we left he said "tankchoo daddy for da canrdibul!" (thankyou daddy for the carnival) That was so sweet and made all the worry worth it!

Kaden also loved the zoo! With every new animal he would yell, LOOK! They also had a Madagascar theme, and Kaden LOVE LOVE LOVES Gascar! They were playing the "I like to move it move it" song and he was dancing down the sidewalks, it was so funny! When he saw the Zebras he was yelling Gascar! And yes, he is chasing the Peacock!

Happy Father's Day!!

2009-06-21T07:42:00.000-07:00

Two of the best fathers I know, are my dad and my husband! My dad has always been there for me, even when I didn't know he was or didn't think he was "on my side". He has always backed me up and tried to understand where I was coming from or what I was going through. As a father to all girls, I know some days, it was hard for him to relate, but the fact always remained that he loved us whole heartedly. I see a lot of his love, that I can't remember (because I was so little), or didn't understand, when I see him with my own child. He is such a great grandpa! Kaden loves his "papa" and when we went to the store to pick out a father's day gift, he said "mom, this is for MY papa! oh, I love my papa!" "where is papa?? I want papa!" I wish we lived closer so Kaden could experience my dad everyday, but life has it's way of working, so here we are. I know my dad misses us and thinks about us every day. I know this because he will call or email his little pep talks or words of encouragement, or just a hello. He has always sacrificed for his kids, as I am beginning to understand what that truly means now that I am a parent. I know the stress, worry, uncontrollable and passioinate love he has for his children, and I am so appreciative and thankful! I love you dad!! Happy Father's Day!!

The other bestest (Kaden's words) dad I know is Patrick. He is such a great daddy to Kaden! He is such a great example and I couldn't have asked for anything better in a husband and father. Kaden adores him, as do I, and always can't wait until his daddy gets home! Patrick is such a hard worker and always has his family's best interests in mind! He is a provider and will do whatever it takes, even when he is worn out and run down! He has the cutest patience with Kaden and his "two" phase; as much as he wants to get angry and yell when Kaden is just tired or doesn't understand why he can't have his toy, Patrick just gently says - No son, and waits, even thgouh I can see his frustration begging to get out, he is just patient and waits for Kaden to calm down. Even when he disciplines Kaden, after the time out, and spanking occurs, Kaden comes to him and says he is sorry with a hug and kiss and then Patrick always says, I love you Kaden, but you need to listen better or correct whatever it was that went wrong. His self control in times of frustration or stress really show his love and compassion for his family. There is such a great bond between father and son, as I am learning. Nothing breaks my heart more when Patrick had to work nights and miss the "NI NIGHT" routine...that was their time! Mom just doesn't do it right and sometimes, Kaden misses his daddy's way and cries and asks for him. They have so much fun together! I love seeing them pal around togehter, wrestle and just play. Kaden loves to play outside with dad and I know Patrick can't wait to coach him in all the sports he wants to play. Kaden really looks up to his daddy and wants to do everything he does! Patrick truly leads our family in the right way and tries to teach and communicate in the best godly way possible. I know he loves the Lord with all his heart and loves when Kaden colors a bible story picture or learns something from church. He is a great example in his actions and choices for Kaden and I can only pray Kaden follows in his foot steps. Patrick has told me on several occasions that he just wants Kaden to be proud of who he is and babe- he is and will be! As am I! You are a one in a million, wonderful man and father! You are our hero! You show us your unconditional love every day and I hope Kaden grows up to be just like you!

CATCHING UP!

2009-06-08T21:56:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it!! April and May are already over!! They went by so quickly for our family, that I didn't get a chance to keep you all updated sooo..here you go!! (Most recently)

2nd BIRTHDAY!
My sweet little baby Kaden, is now a wild big boy!! Kaden turned 2 in May and we had so much fun celebrating his birthday with friends and family! We were able to celebrate with Grandpa from Colorado (and Sassy Dixie!), the Lierd's and Whipples in Hanksville and all Kaden's friends with a sports pool party in our back yard. I think he had fun and realized his parents go a little overboard! (well at least his mom-she's crazy!)

WE'LL MISS YOU GRANDPA!!

I did get the opportunity to go home in May and spend some time with my family, unfortunately, it was to celebrate the life of my grandpa and the legacy he left behind. I adored my grandpa, even when he was just a grumpy old man. He always made me laugh and he was so proud of me and even more proud of Patrick and our Kaden! My favorite picture is when Kaden was just 2 months old and my grandpa was so excited to meet him. He called me almost every day after I had him, preparing for our journey home to South Carolina. He just couldn't wait to meet this fine young great grandson of his, as he would say! I miss his phone calls and funny sayings...I can hear his voice as I am writing this and his laughter as I am tearing up over funny memories I have with him! Of course, I can't find the cd from my trip of all the great pictures of him when he was younger and of all my family as we were able to come together in a time of sorrow, so I will have to put more pictures up later. It brought me great JOY to be with them! I love my family! I am a southern girl through and through with a little senorita flair (courtesy of my dad!)! Of course, I am not the cowboy boots type, more southern belle highheels, but the sweet tea taste just the same! My grandpa was as southern as they come and the first time he met Patrick, he asked him "Would you like to see what your new little wife's grandpa carries around with him??" Then he preceded to pull out a little hand gun from his front pocket of his overalls and two bullets..he was proud and packin'!! haha! It was great too see my family! and for Kaden to play with his cousins, he rarely sees. We were able to meet up with my uncle Scotty (who is stationed in Japan) in Atlanta Georgia and drive together to Columbia! What a blessing. The Lord was pretty gracious in how he worked things out. (of course you knew He would be). I have lost both grandpas now and there is something about them, that amazes me. Patrick will be the first to tell you that my memory is not that great, but the Lord has blessed me with the most vivid memories of them. I can't hear the voice of my grandpa on my dad's side very clearly, but I can see his face and his "I love you" expression clearer than I can see now with contacts! And my grandpa on my mom's side, well I can hear his voice and laughter and phrases like "I heard that", as if he were sitting right next to me. Thank you Lord, it is a great comfort! My aunt Rhonda though of a great song and we didn't get a chance to play it at his funeral, but it is on my play list...I Will Rise by Chris Tomlin! We will miss you grandpa!! Larry Clay Rich January 8, 1940 - April 29, 2009

WE WILL MISS YOU ASHLEY!! GOOD LUCK!!

Our ethnic roommate finally left us, as she made good on her goal to finish her Doctorate and move back to Pennsylvania! Ashley was so much more than another house mate, she has become my best friend! (in Utah-don't forget Shandy-you my girl haha!!) Over the past years she has helped fill the missing sister gap from the Carolinas and Colorados to Utah! She was a fabulous nurse to work beside, a best friend to confide in, go shopping, run errands, and just be lazy with! I think the best thing about her was how close she was to Kaden! He loves her so much and she loves him! They were just siblings...they had a love-hate relationship! and when they annoyed eachother, they just screamed till they were laughing so hard, it was hard not to join in with them! I loved seeing someone, not related by blood or any other "serious" connection love my family, my son so much! She is truly an amazing person and I will greatly miss her! She was there for us in ways noone else was or could be, in her Ashley way! She helped me through the fun long days of work, new adventures, the pain of cancer and the walks and fundraisers that would ensue afterwards, the birth of a new baby and the loss of other ones, the family dinners and game nights, the basketball games, and chiro visits, from starbucks in pjs to luncheons at the Grand America...she is the most honest, compassionate, and truly genuine person, I have come to know here in Utah and our respect, love, and good wishes send her on her way!

I love that Kaden looks up at her and just trusts her! It warms my heart to know we have such people love our family so much!!

EASTER!!

We were supposed to go camping for Easter, but Patrick ended up having to work, so we had to stay home, but that was ok! We had a great weekend! We dyed easter eggs and the "kids" were so excited to get their Easter baskets. We got all dressed in our Sunday best and even dragged Ashley with us to church! She was eager and happy to go and the message was great! After church we had an egg hunt in the back yard and my little OCD child, of course had to number and line up all the eggs he found!! Patrick made us breakfast and I made a big lunch with a turkey and all the fixings! It was so much fun with Kaden this year as he could really participate!

FUN OUTSIDE!!

My silly bug! I have the cutest little boy that wishes he were a bug!! He loves being outside and playing in the grass and BUGS! He was so funny today as we played outside..for hours mind you!...and he just kept on going!! He loves to play any kind of ball outside!

All hopped up on cheerios!

2009-03-22T19:51:00.000-07:00

Kaden is the funniest little boy I know! The other day we went outside to play on his slide and run around with the ball, then we came in and colored and played some more! He finally wanted a snack. He has been wanting to eat, talk, walk, and do everything like a big boy, so I gave him some cheerios in a bowl with a big boy spoon (no milk of course...we all know that would have been asking for disaster!). He was sitting on the floor watching Dora with his cheerios, as I cleaned up the kitchen. He always sings and talks to Dora when she asks questions, so when I didn't hear him anymore I went over to see what he was doing. Of course, I had to grab my camera!!! He was so tired, he passed out cold eating cheerios~spoon still in hand! It was the funniest thing! He left a little story, too! I could see, that he had pulled all the pillows off the couch to lay down, after he had pulled out every toy and block in the house, then he drank all his water (from his big boy glass), then wiped his face with a wipe, then went back to the cheerios and crashed...of course this was after he dumped them all out! What a funny little boy! I love having a child! There are so many simple joys I missed out on, without him! He brings so much happiness to our lives!! Our silly little Kaden, all hopped up on cheerios!

My Love!

2009-02-25T20:04:00.000-08:00

Patrick is my love! Kaden is my heart! Even though we don't celebrate Val day that much, I did enter a writing contest, but was past the deadline, so I thought I would share with you all the words I wrote about my love! Patrick is amazing and always says I am his everything and He is truly mine! God was up to a good thing when He brought us together! I couldn't have diagramed, suggested, advised or protested a better husband and father to our children! I love you Patrick...all of you!

EYES

I was walking down the strip in Las Vegas and caught the eyes of a handsom young man. After a few kind words were exchanged, we took a picture together. You can tell from the picture of that first night, that our eyes were filled with hope and joy of what was to come. A year of dating would only brings us closer as we looked for each other’s eyes through the airport every other weekend. It was those eyes that I looked into and trusted the day I said forever to him, and those were the eyes that wept when we dedicated our marriage to Christ. Through his eyes I caught a glimpse of how Christ sees me…a beautiful daughter of His, whom He loves with unconditional love. I saw this through the crowding tears in my eyes as we wept with joy, together at the birth of our first son, and again with sorrow, when the reports came back positive for cancer. It was those eyes I looked into when we lost our girls, and his eyes gave mine clarity when they were clouded with doubt and depression. Those were the eyes that celebrated the news of no more illness and the promise of another tomorrow. When I am frustrated and tired, I look into his eyes for help, rest, and reassurance. The same eyes that project hard determination and strong work ethic, break way to soft laughter and compassion at the sight of his son. Even though they close when we embrace and I cannot see them when he kisses me, I can feel the warmth and love in his eyes. Those are the eyes I see when I close mine and the ones I look forward to at the end of every day. Through the eyes of Christ I see my husband, and he sees me. It is that real unconditional love and compassion I see and when I take my last breath I hope to close my eyes to last sight of my loving husband’s, and open them to the first sight of Christ.

Dinosaurs!

2009-02-25T19:47:00.000-08:00

How could I forget our fun day on Valentine's at the dinosaur museum??!! We had some family in town, so we all decided to go see the dinos! Kaden loved it! Love love loved it! They were amazing and I am so glad we went! After we oowed and awed at all the big animals, the kids got to drill out their very own fossils and make a plaster cast of a dino bone. That was fun! Kaden liked the drilling part. They had to wear safety goggles and finally at the end, Kaden took his off and pushed Patrick away and went to town drilling in the fossil! It was a great adventure!

Happy Valentines!

2009-02-25T19:28:00.000-08:00

Valentine's weekend was actually very busy around here! Patrick and I don't like to celebrate this card created holiday- mostly because the best places to eat are all packed and there are no babysitters! But somehow we got roped into all the festivities. First, though, I love celebrating holidays with kids! I was so excited to make Kaden's Valentine envelope for school and get valentines treats and cards! It was so fun! Of course we were a little different, though! Me being candy paranoid, gave sticker packs for valentine cards and strawberry nutrigrain bars with only heart fruit suckers! Kaden was so excited to come home and go through all his goodies! Friday night we ordered in pizza and had a surprise visit from Patrick's nephew Quinton and his girlfriend and it was nice to have them join us for a vday breakfast! On Saturday night we had a wonderful dinner at Tony and Meg's! We did adults only and had all the boys over at our house with a babysitter and we went over there. We dressed nice and only had candles lit for light. The menu included sald with homemade dressing, steak, lobster, asparagus, potatoes, bacon wrapped turkey, chocolate covered strawberries, brownies, and great QUIET adult company! It was so nice to hang out without the kids! Meg did a great job!

Parent Appreciation Dinner

2009-02-25T18:46:00.000-08:00

I work with the BLUR (junior high) kids at church and help coordinate their service projects. One of my favorite projects they do is for their parents. We have a big appreciation dinner, when the kids get to seve their parents and do a "talent dinner show" for them. It was so fun and the kids did a great job! We love you guys!!!

2009 Up & Coming Woman of the Year

2009-01-31T10:20:00.000-08:00

I don't like to brag much, but this was such a neat experience, so I have to share! I was nominated and chosen as Wasatch Woman's "Up & Coming Woman of the Year 2009" for the state of Utah. It was absolutely amazing! I knew that I had received the award in October, becasuse we did the photoshoot for the magazine and the interview for the article in November, however it was for the January issue, so we had our awards gala on Friday. This has been so much fun! I have met so many amazing women and have many new friends! We got new clothes, purses, jewelry, spa treatments, the works! I can't believe how much went into this and am so grateful to all the sponsers (Macey's, Whimsy Clothing, Tranuility Day Spas, Nuskin, Utah Chamber of Commerce, etc..) and Wasatch Woman! It is truly an honor, and I hope to live up to the title! Thank you, thank you, thank you! The "slogan" for this year, was "Women Who Carry the World". It was so wonderful to meet all of the amazing women I have met and was a bigger honor to be standing beside them.

No matter what situation we find ourselves in, we make the choice in how to handle it. That is what counts, that is what matters. You set the standard for you and you leave your mark on the world. So, know that your mark counts and choose to make it a positive, encouraging mark, that will change the world. You might not change the whole world, but you will change someone's world. Know that, know that with pride and humility, and that change will be amazing.

My Nominatin: (Thank you to all those who participated in the nomination! love you all!)

"Candace is a young woman who meets all the criteria for Wasatch Woman of the Year. Over the past 2 years she has built up a small agency to assisst special need clients and find insuance for Medicare and Medicaid recipients. She recently survived cervical cancer and miscarried twin girls after 4 1/2-months in 2008. After a good friend she met during her own medical problems passed away from breast cancer, Candace has become an advocate for breast cancer research. Last year she ran in the Race for the Cure and raised $5000.00 for Strides Against Breast Cancer. Even though times are tough for her right now, she leads the service projects for junior high kids at South Mountain Community Church and volunteers to coach volleyball at Rockwell Junior high. She is a loving wife and mother. She is a cancer survivor, a motivated business woman, a youth volunteer, a giver of service, and an example to us all. She is someone we want to emulate. On her blog she says, "We could have everything taken away from us, and that would be okay, because we have each other. We don't have the biggest house, the newest cars, the trendiest clothes, or even the best behaived child, but we have a family that loves one another as Christ has loved us, and that is enough!" She is amazing and a role model for anyone to live up to!!

Wasatch Woman Up & Coming honoree: Candace Lierd"

All my goodies and award!

THANK YOU!

Skittles...the new high!

2009-01-19T12:38:00.000-08:00

On Friday night, we decided to have a fun family night, so we went to the Wing Shack and then to Coldstone for yummy icecream! I don't know what got into us, but we were all in a playful mood! When we were in line for icecream Patrick and I were laughing about the silliest things and Kaden was just laughing with us! Then he goes to the other side of the shop and turns, gets in a sumo wrestling pose, gives these "I'm going to get you" eyes to Patrick and full out runs screaing "DADDDADDDAADDAAA!!!" It was so funny! We had a great night and came home and the fun only continued! I never let Kaden have candy and somhow he got a hold of a small bag of skittles. I believe he only ate 3 or 4, but for a kid who never gets any, those 3 or 4 made him CRAZY!! He stripped down naked and was running around the house screaming and laughing! It was hilarious! He has some new elmo slippers and put them on and was dancing so silly! He made Patrick wear them and they danced around for an hour and then he just collapsed on the floor and said "night night!" He wore himself out! So that's what happens when a toddler gets high on skittles! haha!

Kaden running through the house like a crazy monkey!

Kaden dancing with Patrick and Elmos!

Bye Bye Tee!

2009-01-14T20:48:00.000-08:00

So we held off as long as we could! We took down the tree and put away all the Christmas decor on Sunday. If you have seen the verizon commercial when the man has to turn off all his lights and is so depressed.... that is me and well, I wish Christmas was extended! I love the smells and decorations and now I just have big white walls again, with no tree! It was so funny though, as we peeled out the ornaments, and drug the tree through the kitchen, branches of needles were left all over! The tree was very very dead! We loved it while it lasted! As Patrick drove off with the very bare tree, Kaden said... Bye bye tee! muah! and blew it a kiss. He loved plugging the trees in and turning all the twinkling lights on. Christmas was so much fun with him this year and I can't wait until next year!

Sad Day...

2009-01-10T19:16:00.000-08:00

You know that song..."You had a bad day"? Well, I don't know all the words, but I feel like it is playing as my theme song today! It wasn't really a bad day, just a little tough. My very good friend Megan had her baby shower today and I got to decorate her house and while I had so much fun, I couldn't help but remember that this could've have been my time to get all the cute girlie stuff too! arg! I am trying to laugh about it, but at one point in time today, someone asked how I was doing and tears filled my eyes. You see Megan and I had a very close due date. It was her 1st girl after 4 boys and I was having twin girls...so the excitement was high! We both started making bracelets and collecting outfits for the girls and then we lost ours. I have quite a few friends that are pregnant and have recently had their babies and it is getting tougher as those pregnant friends now have cute little babies to cuddle and hold. It seems like all our friends are having girls...it is hard. I am so happy for them, but so jealous at the same time. Is that bad? I know God does everything for a reason, but did He really need to have all our friends pregnant and pregnant with girls, none the less! I know He is a great God and I have faith in Him, but sometimes..... it hurts.

Let it Snow!

2009-01-07T09:35:00.000-08:00

When we got home from the airport, we had left warm weather, in which Patrick was wearing shorts, to 500 feet of snow! Ok so it wasn't that much, but being gone, we weren't able to shovel, so it piled up!

Christmas in Columbia

2009-01-07T08:46:00.000-08:00

Becca, Candace, mom, Megan, & Kaden

Kaden and his great grandparents!

Ruby and Kaden loving on each other.

The famous Maciah Pancake Breakfast bar!

Becca & Patrick

Ruby helping Patrick with his new toy!

the boys playing with Maciah's new sand creation station!

Ruby in the midst of the craziness!

Becca's "on sale" $1000.00 necklace!!

My sister's opening their new purses..so many new purses!

All the kids waiting for gifts to open at Grandma's!

Kaden playing with Great Grandma's singing mice!

Kaden showing off his new Elmo slippers!

Kaden playing with his awesome blocks from Aunt Jodie & Uncle Dennis!

The boys playing with their new toys!

So we made it to Columbia and had a great time! I loved being with my family, but am glad to be home. We had a wonderful Christmas. We opened presents at our house before we left and Kaden thought it was so fun! We are getting a dvd player installed in the truck for Kaden and got him a bunch of movies. We uploaded a few to Patricks new mini notebook, which came in handy on the plane ride. He wanted to watch them all right then! We got some fun wii games and the wii fit board from my dad, which was awesome on new years to go snowboarding! Of course Kaden was spoiled from all his family! He was so excited to be opening gifts with his cousins Maciah and Ruby. He didn't care what he opened, he just wanted to open things! haha! Kaden had so much fun with all his family, especially his cousin Miciah and new cousin Ruby! Ruby arrived the Friday before Christmas from Guatemala! We love her so much and are so glad she is now a part of our family! It was nice to be home with them for the holiday and we love them so much!! My mom has more pictures to send me, so I will add more as they come!

Memphis, TN??

2008-12-23T05:49:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, we left for South Carolina to spend a week with my mom and her family. We should have arrived Sunday afternoon, however our flight through Detroit was cancelled and we were rerouted through Denver. When we got to Denver we originally had a 3 hour layover, then it changed to 4, 5, 6, and finally 7 hours delayed! We were suppossed to catch another flight on a different airline in Memphis to get to Columbia, but because of the delay, we missed the connector. We ended up in Memphis and had to spend the night!! We finally were able to get on a flight Monday at 230pm to go to Columbia. When we got to the gate there was a 4 hour delay, then 5, 6.... needless to say, the flight was cancelled. I ran into a pilot that took us on another flight and he said to come with him and he would get us there. We switched to a flight to Charlotte, North Carolina and landed at 7pm in North Carolina! So sadly to say, 2 days later, we are not even at our planned destination and my mom had to drive 11/2 hours to pick us up!! But we are now awaking in Columbia and are so glad we are out of the airport!!! Kaden did really well and just colored and played in the airport, even without naps! We got to stay in a great hotel in Memphis and had some good Memphis hot wings and bbq!

Winter Wonderland!

2008-12-18T07:48:00.000-08:00

Can I say.. I LOVE CHRISTMAS! Today is a perfect Christmas day! As I sit here in the office, drinking my coffee, I have the Christmas music playing and outside the window, yes, can you see it?...SNOW -lots and lots of snow!! It's cold, so I turn the heat up a little, put on my favorite warm plush robe, and walk by the living room where Kaden is playing with the Elmo phone and coloring, with the "Grinch" on. The smell of pumkin, cinnamon, and sugar cookies is filling my house, as I walk into the kitchen, and just as I pass the Christmas tree, a bow falls, and I put it back on the tree with all the twinkling lights and of course the coffee is just the right temperature. Ahhh!! I love this time of year! Last night when we got home, our neighbor (Kaden's babysitter) had brought over a pumpkin log, and a present for Kaden. We let him open it, because he had already gotten a penguin webkins from Grandpa Lierd earlier, so we said Christmas could start yesterday! It was an Elmo phone and answering machine, where you can record yourself. He has been talking on the phone and listening to himself all night and this morning! It is so cute! He also has been coloring ALOT! He took a special photo album we got in Hawaii and decided to add a little of his own embelishments to it! Then as I get into my purse, I find my pocket nurse cheat book had pictures drawn throughout it's entirety! And why do I want other children??

Kaden looks out the office window and yells "SNOW"!

Body Worlds 3 & Elizabeth?

2008-12-18T07:14:00.000-08:00

I know Elizabeth isn't often a character we think of much, when we read the Christmas story, but the Lord thought it was important enough to put a few words about her in the scriptures, and I agree! I am especially fond of this story, due to our recent circumstances. Last night we went to Body Worlds. It is the most amazing exhibit where they have taken dead body donors and preserved them, so we might wonder at the human body. All the muscles and organs are out on display. It was awesome to marvel at our own bodies as works of art. They had a section with embryos and unborn babies at almost every week. As we got to this part, Patrick and I looked at the small embryos, then as I turned and was linned with babies on either side of me, I fell apart. I looked at Patrick, and said I couldn't do it. We walked to the end of the hall and held each other and wept. I couldn't believe how tender our hearts were still, after the loss of our girls. After the year we have had, there are days when I think we won't have other children of our own, and then get angry and don't even want to try in the future! It's funny how God teaches us his love, in that we are reading the Christmas story, but are touched by the spirit in a whole other way. Elizabeth was well off in years and said to be barren, however, the Lord surprised everyone by blessing her with a son, who later became "John the Baptisit". When Mary came to tell her what the angel had told her, Elizabeth's baby lept for joy in her womb. Elizabeth told Mary that she knew she was blessed, because of the baby's leaping. What joy! God's timing was perfet and made Elizabeth and Zechariah wait to have John so he could play such a vital role in the birth and life if Jesus. When I try to understand why God does what He does, sometimes I get so frustrated, angry, and hurt; then I realize I am not supposed to understand His plan, just follow it. I know we are young and the possibility of children is less than that of others, but we already have 1 and if God wants us to have more we will, in His timing. However, I so wish I was still pregnant along with our friends, Megan, Shalynn, Ashley, my sister, Tiffany, and you too, Rachel! Gosh, could you guys stop being so fertile!! haha! (sorry, not so "Christmasy", but we needed it!)

Christmas!

2008-12-17T07:09:00.001-08:00

So the week before Christmas, in our house, each day, we like to pick a character from the Christmas story (Luke 1-2) and have our family devotion discussing that chracter. So for the next week you get to read our thoughts and joys of the birth of Christ! Christmas is one of my favorite holidays and one of my favorite female heros, just happens to be Mary, the mother of Jesus. I grew up with my dad's family being catholic. There were times when I couldn't understand why they praised Mary so much! Now when I look at her, I am also in AWE! From the very beginning, Mary was a very faithful servant of God. She was told by the angel Gabriel that she would be pregnant, as a virgin, with the Son of God. She was frightened when the angel came, however he told her not to be afraid and that the Lord had found favor in her. What an amazing follower of Christ, must she had been to find favor in the Lord and to carry the Mesiah. As single women, I am not quite sure any of us, would have lived lives that could have found so much favor in Christ. She was a fervant believer, faithful in all aspects, beyond doubt and predjudice, and had a pure love for the work of Christ. *as a side note, the angel also told her that Elizabeth, her much older relative, was with child, too...this is a great example of how God uses woman of all ages to share in their joys and sufferings and how God blesses those relationships in Him.* Mary continues to show her faithfulness and servitude by responding to this profecy with "I am the Lord's servant. May it be as you have said." WHAT??!! I would be freaking out! First of all an angel just came to me and said even though I am a virgin, that I will be pregnant; and not only will I be pregnant, but pregnant with the Son of God! AND you want me to get married to a poor carpenter that works at homedepot and sometimes can't even pay his own rent?? Moving on....As she was about 9 months pregnant, she had to set out on a journey on a DONKEY, with the distance equivalant to that of around 70 miles (like walking from our house in Lehi to North Ogden), in the hot sun and desert winds. This was not a 15 minute drive to the hospital! She is about ready to pop and has no ice chips or pain meds, no body pillows or massages. How miserable! We never hear that Mary was a complainer, though. And of course to arrive to an inn with no room! At this point in time I would be in a cynical laughter and saying "OK, God, anytime you want to be merciful..now would be great!" But Mary, being the humble servant she was, made no complaint and settle down in the barn. So many times we think those precious moments nativities is really what it looked like, however barns are smelly and dirty. Those of you who live on farms know, that this is no place for a sterile birth, however in the midst of the animals, the mud, the scratchy straw (if there was any), the fecal matter, the open environment, in all this, she gave birth to the Savior and joyfully laid him to rest in the manger (which held feed). What bravery and courage, and amazing trust that the Lord knew what He was doing and that His plan was a good plan, despite the circumstances. Again Mary shows us her character when amid all the poeple coming to praise the baby and all the things that had went on, "She treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." She had no complaining, no boasting of all that she did, and no regrets for her faithful decision. As people came to visit the baby, she joyfully let them touch and see, I would not be so gracious! And the burden she carried; every mother wants their child to be great, but raising the Son of God, what an amazing burden. Every fall, every meal, every action and discussion, had to be carefully looked after to keep the Mesiah safe and for Him to fulfill the profecy. After all of this, we move to the crucifixtion, with Mary watching her son, her beloved child suffering and dying, without reason, but that of the fulfillment of profecy of the Savior of the world. What burden this mother carried. It is overwhelming. Yet, going back to Luke 1, Mary rejoiced in a song saying,
"My soul glorfies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me-holy is His name..." Holy is His name, despite my circumstances, despite my fear, despite my lack of preperation. She did not have a delivery room, a baby shower, a baby room, or was even married, yet she trusted and had faith, and lo a Savior was born. This Christmas season, remember the faithfulness of the mother of Christ. He asks all of us to be faithful and if we are, look what He can do with that faith! A verse that has become so famous, many do not realize where it came from, but it was from the merciful birth of Christ and a testimny to us, that if we are faithful, He will persevere. "For nothing is impossible with God." Luke 1:37 Be a faithful servant this season and be amazed at how He uses you!

UTES vs BYU

2008-12-16T16:43:00.000-08:00

So I forgot to put this in the catchup post, but we did watch the game at our friend Doc's house. And yes, the UTES WON! We were very excited...sorry all you BYU fans, they suck!! YAY GO UTES!! We were all in our red and had to show love for the UTES!

Doc sporting his new

hair look with Ashley!

Christmas Tree Hunting!

2008-12-16T16:25:00.001-08:00

We love getting a real tree for Christmas and Patrick is always very particular about the one we pick out! We went up on the Henry Mountains to get one! Can you see our tree? Patrick cut down one for his mom and little sister, Curtis and Chylene got one for themselves and Sara and Caleb, Brandon and Erica got a tree, and so did LeRoy and Jennifer. While we hunted, all the kids got to play in the snow, including my little puppy Kaden! They built a snowman and had a snow ball fight!

Our hunting line of trucks!

The final product! Our ceilings are 20 foot and our tree is alot bigger than we thought it was! It is almost touching our ceiling! We love the smell of a real tree and you can never beat cleaning your floor once a day, to get up all the pine needles!

The camera has been found!

2008-12-16T15:37:00.000-08:00

So Yes! We found the camera and now we can give you an update of the last month!!

So starting with most recent:
THE KITCHEN

I have been redoing our kitchen~ we painted the walls and the cabinets! I painted and glazed and textured. Patrick had to live with the kitchen a crazy mess for a little over a week and it drove him crazy! I have to give him big props for putting up with his random, spontaneous, hippie, world peace and love wife! He is not so sure about it, so you all with have to tell me what you think! The cabinets were the color of the barstools and all the walls were white!

THANKSGIVING!So this year we went down to Curtis & Chylene's house in Hanksville! We were missing quite a few people, but still had a great time! Thanksgiving is one of those holidays that recently people overlook and go from Halloween to Christmas! I hate that!! Let's be thankful, please!! I love Thanksgiving. It gives us time to reflect on the things we are thankful for, to slow down and acknowledge and appreciate the lives we have. I am thankful for my wonderful husband and son, extended family and all the love they give us, good friends and the fun we share with them, all the material things we have...we have a house and transportation, clothes and heat! So many people don't have those things! I am also very thankful for what our Savior has done for us. There are many days I feel like I am done, but then when I think I am out of breathe, He gives me a little more, and then a little more and a little more. Without Him we are lost and with Him we have a place. When I think back to the first Thanksgiving, it reminds me of what this holiday season is all about! People of different races, religions, cultures, were breaking bread together in Thanks to Lord for safe travel, the clothes on their back, and the food on the table. If we made life more simple like it should be, I think it would be such a happier more joyous life! So give thanks for the big things and the little things, too. We came in this world with nothing and leave it the same way, so be thankful for everything that happens in the time in between!

THE JAZZ
For our anniversary, we were going to go to Vegas with some good friends of ours, but alas I had a girls volleyball tournament! In Patrick's words "volleyball is ruining our life"! No I love coaching! So instead, we went to dinner and the next monday went to a Jazz game! Our great friend "the doctor" (he is the chiropractor for the Jazz) lets us tag along and get amazing seats and VIP treatment! We really appreciate him and always inviting us! Kaden loves going to the basketball games!! This one was against Shaq! So he is so much bigger in person. We were so close to him and he is a giant!! The Jazz won of course, no matter how big he is!!

We got to eat in the VIP room before the game and in half time we got to go down for popcorn and nachos. Can you see the outline of popcorn in Kadens cheeks! He loved it!!

Kaden's First School Pictures!

So Kaden had his first school pictures! He was so stinking cute!! I took a picture with my camera, so the quality isn't great, but they were so cute!

TWILIGHT!

Yes I had a night our with my neighbor mom friends, (specifically my friend Jenni)! And we went to PF CHANGS, my fav, and then to the movie Twilight! I did not read the books and neither did she, she just had some extra tickets, so we tagged along with some die hards! We did have a few drinks at dinner, so that could have added to the humor, but at first we were making fun of the whole vampire thing, but then we started to get into it, and I have to say, It was a good movie! Jenni has turned into a Twilight obsessed stay at home mom! love ya girl! I actually might read the books. I thought it would be silly, but it makes you feel good as new love always does and the vampires are actually pretty cool..far from the buffy days I grew up with!

Oh no!

2008-12-12T07:01:00.001-08:00

I am sad to say that recently I have lost my camera. I am sure I have it, I just can't find it! We have been painting our kitchen and getting ready for Christmas, so I have been very busy and haven't been blogging much or at all! The craziness has settled, though, and as soon as I find it, I will post lots of fun pictures and stories!

Comments!!

2008-11-14T15:03:00.000-08:00

Hey guys- I see lots of you have stopped by...you should leave us a little note to say hi! You do not have to have a blog to leave a comment...so before you say goodbye, make sure and say hello!!!

Happy Anniversary!!!

2008-11-13T15:21:00.000-08:00

(This one is going to be MUSHY!!)

November 12 is our wedding anniversary and it was the day I was blessed in marrying the man of my reality. I don't say the man of my dreams, because he rode a white horse and wore tights!!Patrick isn't perfect, but it's in his inperfections and flaws, that I fell in love with him. And I know I am very far from perfect myself, but he always manages to let me know he loves me and will love me forever, even if I pull an "oops", or have a spotted complection some days, or even after I finally realize after a few pregnancies and a few years, I have gained a few pounds! LOL! He makes me laugh at the most simple things, gives me butterflies in my stomach when he holds me, and my heart aches a little every time he kisses me goodbye in the morning before he leaves for work.

When he came home yesterday, I had a bubble bath ready to sink in to, and roses up the stairs leading to it. Kaden was fast asleep, so we took the time to relax in the jetted tub (another reason why I love him-he got me the best bathroom a girl could ask for!) We were remembering the weekend He came to move me from Colorado 4 years ago and asked me to marry him. He was living in Vegas at the time and had his house in Utah and I was living in Colorado. I told him if he wanted me to move, he would have to put a little blinging commitment on my finger! I didn't think it would happen when it did, but I agreed to move anyway. When I had finished up my last nursing shift I headed home to my house in Colorado with my roomates and Patrick had already drove there from Utah with the trailor to help me move. My roomate Barb told me to look in the trailor. I was nervous! I opened the doors and there were flowers on the floor and cutout hearts lining the walls and lots of balloons. He had Keith Urban's "Making Memories of Us" song playing and had made a poster with lots of pictures of us on it. I thought he was going to pop the question, but little did I know he was just building up to a memorable weekend. After we had moved all my stuff into the truck, trailor and my jeep, the next day, we were going to go get dinner at PF Changs before we left for the long drive in the morning. We were kind of sweaty and he asked if we could get cleaned up... I was like "really, it's just dinner with us??" He insisted, so we got all dressed up and went to the Changs. On the way there he had the AC on full blast and was still sweating! I was wondering what his deal was and why he was acting so weird! To my surprise, he had all my best friends and sister there, to give me a good send off dinner. At the end we were all ordering desserts and I was getting so mad at everyone, because they were all ordering these huge desserts, and I knew Patrick was paying, and we could have easily shared a few desserts. (I didn't know he had told them all to order a dessert!) I made us only get 2 cheesecakes and 2 chocolate walls. When the waitress (who strangley I had known really well from college) brought my chocolate wall cake, she kept piling on the berry sauce. I was fighting with her about it and kind of getting mad. (I didn't know she had dropped my very expensive platinum diamond ring in the pot of sauce and couldn't find it)!! haha! Finally she left and then Patrick was acting weird, like he was sick or something and I gave him a hard time, then when I turned back to the cake, I pulled out a strawberry for him to make him feel better. That's when I saw the sparkly ring! I pushed my chair back from the table and Patrick dropped to one knee. The restaraunt full of all my friends and family went silent, and he told me why his heart skipped a beat every time I walked into the room, and that it would continue to skip the rest of his life, and would hope that I would be his wife. With tears in my eyes I jumped up to hug him and the whole place cheered and clapped. I was so surprised! When I think of that moment I still get light headed and so giggly! I love my husband so so so so much! Everything about him makes me melt! The funny thing is even when we try to fight, we end up on the floor laughing and crying because we are laughing so hard. I could go on and on about what an amazing husband and father he is, and how I would be crazy to give him up!! This year he decided to make me a card and was rummaging around in my office and didn't know I was there and asked "What are ya doin?". He popped up, knowing he had been caught and said "Where is the freaking glue??" We just laughed as he yelled at me to get out, so he could finish...after I showed him where the glue box was. It is little moments like that, when I fall in love with him all over again. He has my heart and I have his. We love the lyrics of the Matthew West song "MORE"....."I love you more than the sun -And the stars that I taught how to shine -You are mine, and you shine for me too -I love you yesterday and today and tomorrow -I'll say it again and again - I love your more"...... that is how Christ loved us and how we are commanded to love one another, and Patrick and I have that love! A pure unconditional love. So in reality, he is the man of my dreams, because that man on the white horse was also a loving, strong husband, a compassionate father, and a confident leader of our family; and that is my MAN!"Love is patient, Love is kind, It does not envy, it is not boastful, it is not conceited, it does not act improperly, is not selfish, is not provoked, does not keep a record of wrongs: finds no joy in unrighteousness, but rejoices in truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends....Now these three remain: faith, hope, and love, but the greatest of these is love." 1Corinthians 13

WE HAVE THE MOST AMAZING WEDDING PICTURES, BUT I COULDN'T FIND THE CD, SO I TOOK PICTURES OF THEM WITH MY CAMERA...

Pink in the Rink

2008-11-13T15:00:00.000-08:00

So, most of you know, since my bout with cancer, I have become a huge cancer advocate and love to participate in cancer research fundaisers, walks and anything celebrating life. Last friday night we went to Pink in the Rink. The Utah Grizzlies (hockey team) played with pink jerseys on ice dyed pink and we all got to dress in pink! They had fun little contests and drawings and it was actually a really good game. They managed to tie up at the end and have overtime, then a shoot out! We had so much fun and some of our best friends, Scott, Ashley, & Tyler, Ahsley Johnson, her friends Richard and Robin, Blake and Lisa, all came with us! Kaden had a blast and Tyler was so much fun to watch! He loved dancing with the heavy metal music playing, but both boys were a little afraid of the bear Grizzly!! Patrick and I wore our TaTas shirts...his says "My wife has great TaTas!" and mine says "Caught you lookin' at my TaTas!" It was an exciting hockey game and happened to be the first one that Patrick and I had been too.

Kaden is a little scared of the bear!

So it looks like he is mad, but he was really cheering for the guys!

Tyler dancing to the music!!

Grandpa & Great Grandma Visit!

2008-11-05T09:50:00.000-08:00

My dad and grandma came to visit from Colorado the last 2 weeks of October. It was nice to have them here and my dad really helped out with things around the house that we have been neglecting during our tough month. Kaden love love loves his grandpa and has so much fun playing around with him. Great grandma really wanted to just cuddle him, but he is such a boy and just wanted to run around with grandpa! We went to Cornbelly's and Cabela's, and took many trips to the park. Grandpa did the cow ride at Cornbelly's with Kaden and Great grandma loved watching him run around! We had such a great time with them here and only wish they could've stayed longer! I love my dad so much! He is such a great guy and takes such great care of Kaden. He has many lessons to teach and I am excited for him to retire from the Air Force Academy and take Kaden fishing whenever he wants! My grandma brought hand-made tea towels for me and cooked dinners from scratch the whole time she was here. We started at 2 almost everyday and dinner was ready by 7!! Even though it was hard work, it was well worth it! Authentic Hispanic food is always the best! Patrick was in heaven, but unfortunately was short lived...(last night we had boxed pizza, because I had to coach a volleyball game until 6 and Patrick got home at 7.) Sorry, honey!! You need my grandma back!! I love them both and am thankful they could come visit again and I am already getting ready for the next visit!!

Playing at Cornbelly's

Riding with grandpa on the cow ride

Kaden with Great Grandma at Cabella's

Getting ready for Halloween!

Trick or Treat!!

2008-11-02T19:53:00.001-08:00

So for Halloween, I had a really cute pumpkin costume for Kaden, however, we wanted a family theme...and Patrick was not on board for a family of pumpkins. He wanted to be pirates. Kaden loves pirates and when I got his little hat he loved it even more! We were going to go to Hanksville for their big halloween festival, but we got a late start and instead just went around our neighborhood. Kaden was so cute!! He loved his costume, except when I put a ribbon around his hat so it would stay on...he did NOT like that, but the picture is so dang cute, I had to have it! We went to all our neighbors and they all love Kaden and gave him lots of candy. After we rang the bell, he would wait so patiently! He was so excited to get so much candy and since his mother doesn't let him eat candy, except for this wonderful holiday, he was very excited to eat it...all of it!! Finally on Sunday I said NO MORE CANDY and cut both Kaden and Patrick off! We had so much fun dressing up as pirates and taking Kaden out! I love Halloween!

Kaden not enjoying the hat tied on!

Kaden finally gets over it!

Waiting so patiently for the door to open!

Do I give them some of my candy, mom??

He took only one!

Patrick and Kaden going to the next door neighbor's house looking so cute!

Mommy & Me Photos

2008-10-27T09:46:00.000-07:00

So a few weeks ago, I found a lady on craigslist who needed a glass table and would trade for a photo shoot. We happened to have a glass table we were not using in the garage, so I called and booked the photo shoot for the trade of the table. She only does women and children, but I talked her into letting us do family pictures very soon! I think the ones of Kaden and I turned out great though! He is so photogenic!What a cute little man I have!!

Pumpkin Carving Party!

2008-10-18T06:42:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, my sister-in-law Jody and the boys, Braxton, Weston, & Garrett came over for a pumkin carving party! Chevaun, Patrick's sister, was in town and stopped in and stayed for a little while, and then let Macie stay to play with us! We had so much fun! We had chili dogs and afterwards went to work. Patrick was done first with a skull and cross bones, and he was so proud! Kaden and I made a silly faced pumpkin. Braxton made a Utes pumpkin. Weston did a great job with a spider pumpkin, and cute little Garrett (well, actually Jody) did a very complicated ghost in a forest. By the time it was done, Jody said she would never carve anther pumpkin again! We had a great time and have really cute pumkins! Macie played with Kaden and it was geat for them, because they don't get to see each other that often and Kaden loves to play with his cousins! The kids had fun cleaning out all the guts and carving out their designs. We will definately have to do it again and make it a tradition! One of my favorite holidays, is Halloween, so of course, I loved the pumpkin carving! We put candles in the pumpkins and the kids were so excited. We were all proud of our pumpkins!

The Harvest Festival

2008-10-07T09:41:00.000-07:00

So, Kaden goes to a christian preschool about 15 minutes north of us. I know, I know, he is only 1yr old, but I am way crazy when it comes to Kaden and his life!! He loves going, though! He only goes one day a week, but he is always so tired on the drive home, becuse he played, sang, read, danced, and learned all day. I love that he gets a few social hours with other kids his age, too! On friday, the preschool had the harvest festival. You buy tickets for your kids to do different games and win prizes, and it all goes to support the March of Dimes. We were assigned to bring a cake for the cake walk. The whole week I kept telling Kaden, on friday we get to go to the festival at preshool! When we went to walmart to get the cake mix and decorations, I told him "this is for the festival". He got so excited and said, "Ma, ma, fo me, fo me, fo me in peskool". In Kaden's words (for me for me in preschool) So friday came and we went to the festival and oh boy did he have fun! They had a real firetruck from the city, games, candy, popcorn, and more! Kaden had so much fun, but of course of all the things he liked, it was the big boy slide that was the winner! He is so brave! Usually his class goes to their own playground, which is little for toddlers, but we were on the big kids side. He climbed right up there and asked daddy for help, and then he flew down the slide head first!! He is going to be a little dare devil when he grows up!

Fishing with the fishing pole!! of course this was after he grabbed the all the fish with his hands!

Coming down the slide!

Coming down head first! My brave little boy!!

The ball toss, another favorite!

My Little Pumpkin

2008-10-05T17:40:00.000-07:00

So I know it was early, but last week, instead of being depressed, I decided to go to Target and get Kaden a pumpkin costume and take cute fall pictures. I found "My Little Pumpkin" frames to send to the grandparents. I always send out pictures for every holiday, especially to grandparents and great grandparents. Kaden looked so cute and loved his little costume. He wanted to wear it all day, so I let him! HA HA! What a cute little pumpkin I have!

Happy Birthday Patrick!

2008-10-05T17:21:00.000-07:00

Patrick's birthday was on the 28th of September! Despite our tough week, I wanted to celebrate his birthday and have a fun weekend. We went to Harry O's in Park City after a great dinner at Prime Steak House. We had a lot of fun getting dressed up and going out with Doc, Natalie, Ashley, and Ryan. We had a blast at the club and ran into a few people Patrick knew and some of the Jazz people. We had a VIP booth and had fun relaxing and watching people go crazy. We danced for a while and enjoyed being childless for the evening!

I miss my girls....

2008-10-05T17:05:00.000-07:00

When we got back from the lake last week, I was having problems with my pregnancy. We ended up losing our twin girls on Tuesday the 22nd of September. I will always remember this day. It was so hard to know that my little girls, I was getting so excited for, were not going to come. Getting dressed in the morning, showering, even just eating reminds me how it is not for 3 anymore. It has been hard to know that they are not with me anymore. They were my babies. I felt them moving and kicking and they were always with me. I can vivadly remember the first night Patrick could feel them bouncing around. We were so hopeful that we would get to meet these little girls and it was devastating to lose them. We are doing better, but everyday I remember them and wish so desperately that they were here. Everyday gets better and only time can heal the hurt. I was extremely depressed last week and this week, not as much. I hope and pray that God will heal our hearts and my body, and I know He will. A good friend of mine brought over a song for me to listen to and it has helped me get through this tough time. This song was written for a friend of the writer who had just lost their baby that was 2 months old. If you are going through a loss, this will help calm your spirit....

Natalie Grant - HeldFrom the album Awaken

Two months is too little
They let him go
They had no sudden healing
To Think That Providence
Would take a child from his mother
While she prays, is appalling

Who told us we’d be rescued
What has changed and
Why should we be saved from nightmares
Were asking why this happens to us
...Who have died to live, it’s unfair

Chorus:This is what it means to be held
How it feels, when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive
This is what it is to be loved and know
That the promise was when everything fell
We’d be held

This hand is bitterness
We want to taste it and
Let the hatred numb our sorrows
The wise hand opens slowly
To lilies of the valley and tomorrow

Chorus:
If hope is born of suffering
If this is only the beginning
Can we not wait, for one hour
Watching for our Savior
Chorus: (2X’s)

Friends at our annual Lake trip!

2008-10-05T16:05:00.000-07:00

This year we went to Wahweep. (I am not sure if that is how you spell it) We went with the cute group of friends who Patrick lived with in Vegas and have been great friends ever since! Andea, Tim and their 2 girls- Lexi & Cameron and crazy Coco, Ashley, Scott, and their little boy Tyler, Mark, Whitney and the infamous Bella, Spence, Shalyn, and their little boy Cody. This year we had a little addition of Ashley, Ryan and his duaghter Dylann and Dave. We love hanging out with these people and always have the best time! We made a little camp with our trailers and Mark and Spence brought their boats. Patrick got an ealry birthday present...a camp chef and dutch ovens, which we cooked all the meals in! He was pretty excited to use it. The kids were all walking around in their life vests and looked like little weeble wobble people. They loved the water and playing in the sand. I was ordered by the doctor to take it easy with the twins and while the rest went out on the boat, a majority of the time, I was able to scrap book on the beach. For those of you who know me, you know I am a slacker when it comes to scrap booking, but I enjoyed myself and got Kaden's baby book and our wedding album done!! woohoo 3 years later! ha! Aside from wakeboarding and other water sports, I think the cenus of favorite things is the question and answer game we played, that Scott taught us. That got pretty crazy and will definately be a camping tradition! As moms, we all decided to feel liberated and planned to go skinny dipping at night. None of the boys wanted to join us except for Scott and the guys shined the huge light on him as he ran into the lake naked. It was so funny. We have so much fun with all those guys and wish we all lived closer!

Camping with the Cranes

2008-10-05T15:57:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we went camping with the Crane family for a 3yr old birthday party! It was a lot of fun! We love taking out the new trailer anytime we can! Kaden and Patrick flew kites and had a great time. We went for a ride on the 4wheelers and Mace and Patrick went for a bike ride! We had a gret time!

2008-10-05T15:42:00.001-07:00

Our Mexican cruise was back in May, but people have asked to see pictures and I would like to refresh my memory and go back, as well! We had a blast! We went with some of our best friends and wish we were there right now! The Jazz were in the playoffs and of course we had to watch them..even in Cabo!

BLUR

2008-09-16T15:59:00.000-07:00

I love working with the BLUR group at our church. For those of you who don't know what that is, it is the junior high youthgroup at South Mountain Community Church. I am sad to say that I don't work with them as much as I would like, but I do what I can. Patrick and I were also sad to say goodbye to Phil, our junior high youth pastor. Last wednesday we had a farewell bbq for him and it was amazing to hear the kids come up and share how God changed their lives, and how alot of that was contributed to Phil and the youth program. He is going to St. George to help the church down there. We will miss him! In the meantime I work in the service area and help the kids do multiple service projects through out the school year and it is the BEST job you could have! These kids have amazing hearts and have compassion that I rarely see in adults. I have such a soft heart and sometimes a timid spirit, but man o man!! These kids light the passion in me and if I do say so, myself, they are examples that many of the adults in my life could follow, including myself!

Kaden

2008-09-16T12:16:00.000-07:00

Our little Kaden is now 1 and loves to go go go! He loves trucks! He likes making the "vroom vroom" sound and everytime we get in daddy's truck he says "vroom, ma, vroom!". He also loves to read and look at books. He is so smart and has a mind of his own! We are trying to teach him to be "soft" right now, but he is such a boy, it doesn't get very far! He is also only 1, so what can we expect, right?! He likes to go to preschool and he goes for 1 day a week and always comes home with stories! The whole ride home, when I ask him "how was school today?", he just goes on and on! I can never really understand what he is talking about, but I am sure it is very important stuff! He is learning to color and where his body parts are. He likes to point out his nose and ears and eyes, and one day while we were coloring, he started showing me his nose and his eyes, but he still had the marker in his hand! He had a blue nose and cheek the rest of the day! He also likes....LOVES elmo! We never really had him watch tv, but somehow he started liking elmo, or in his words "EMO". so now we have lots of elmo things in our house! Oh, I could go on and on about this silly little guy....I love being his mommy!

Patrick & Candace

2008-09-16T12:01:00.000-07:00

We love each other so much sometimes, we drive each other crazy! Our favorite things to do these days are not only spending time with each other, but with our sweet little guy, Kaden! We love to travel, wake board, go to concerts with our concert buddies, go to sporting events, family weekends, go to dinner, be lazy together... pretty much anything, just as long as we're together!

Ok, Ok!!

2008-09-16T11:44:00.000-07:00

Ok, ok...so many of you have been asking me to start blogging, so I guess we are jumping on the band wagon and doing it! I hope you all love it!