Cassie on love(last year)...

Love is...caring for people, playing with someone you don't or do know, inviting people to your party, helping people that are new to something, doing things for your mom or dad like cleaning the counter and getting married.

Happy Lover's Day:)

Isaac

Isaac turned 2 today and he didn't really have any clue, but he sure LOVED opening the presents and blowing out his candles!  He even did the happy dance...And of course the cake:)  He lOVES candles so much he can't wait to blow them out, so I held him through the birthday song (which consisted of the traditional birthday song and both families crazy birthday songs), but he blew them out and then started into the cake.  His dad made him an Elmo cake that was VERY cute and yummy!  Thanks Dave, I couldn't have stood up long enough to make it.  Yep I am due in 2 1/2 weeks and this boy is big, so I am slow:/  I was very proud of myself for cleaning and organizing the toys.  That was not an easy task!!  So, Isaac still has is own birthday, because brother cooperated and stayed in:)  Now we will see if he will come before or after Dave's b-day:)  Happy 2nd my cute Isaac dude!!

Cassandra Joy Bates

So, Cassie is now 9!  She is growing up into such a beautiful girl.  Her smile is so contagious and I LOVE to see it!  She always revels in the fact that her birthday is 2 days after Christmas, and doesn't feel bad at all:)  So glad her middle name is Joy and that she is my Christmas baby.  She is always thinking about how things work and is so fun to talk to.  She loves to try new things and never wants to miss out.  She never wants anyone else to miss out either, so she loves to share.  She is taking a few of her friends (and Sissies, of course) to Hollywood Connection to ride rides, eat cake and pizza and celebrate.  She couldn't be more excited!!  Happy 9th my sweet Cassie Joy:D

Christmas 2011

Christmas this year was just the right balance of fun, and pondering the birth of Jesus.  Now that the girls can understand things more deeply, we could really focus on His birth and have some great discussions.  There were some "firsts" we did this year.  We saw the New Testament videos on Christ's birth and "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" and really enjoyed them both!  They led to some great conversations.  We went on our first carriage ride at Temple Square and it was SO fun.  We went to the Candlelight Christmas with Nana, Grandpa and cousins (at this is the place...) and it was fun to go back in time.  My favorite was their caroling to us in the street.  We also listened to "The Most Beautiful Story That's Ever Been Told" the song that the ward choir sang at Grandma Kammerath's funeral in June (which made me cry so much I could barely get through the words).  That's one of my most favorite Christmas songs now and makes me think about Grandma too.  It was our "first" Christmas without her and without any great grandparents, weird.

The girls had so much fun giving presents and wanted to pass out those presents first when we got downstairs.  I was so glad that was what they chose to do.  Christmas was great and Isaac and his cute smile were so fun to see.  When we first went down the stairs he saw his basketball hoop and giggled.  It was perfect!  It was so nice that Christmas was on a Sunday and singing in the Christmas choir was wonderful.  I blubbered through the last song-but I can blame that on hormones, right?  Anyway, the parties were great and it was so fun to see family and eat yummy food.  New Years Eve we stayed overnight at the hotel again with Grandma and Grandpa K and Wendy's family and had a ton of fun!!  (but missed those that weren't there:(  Now on to 2012:)

p.s.  Even  though the hormones made it difficult to sing in the choir, being pregnant, I felt so deeply some of the lyrics to the songs.  I've been pregnant (almost due) through 3 Christmases and somehow things just seem to mean a little more...

p.s.s.The girls also had their dance concert and it was really fun to watch them.  They did a great job!

Music

Hello!  Phew, I am almost done with everything "big" I have to do before Christmas...AND I have survived it barely still walking:)  The Viewmont choir concert was last night and today in school and it was great.  Both Cassie and Ashley got to be in it this year.  This year was so challenging and the kids just had a hard time settling down, but they FINALLY did this last week and did a great job.  I heard some singing at the performances that I had never (or rarely) heard in practice, so it was such a payoff.  I never thought this would be something that I would do (directing), but I have had a lot of opportunities to hone my skills.  I have been ward choir director twice and this choir director for 5 years now.  It is something I surprisingly love to do. (At least my back is to the audience;)  I don't like being in front of large crowds and don't like to call attention to myself, but I LOVE music and the joy it gives the audience and the singers (and me).  I love what it does for our souls.  EVERYONE needs it in their life, so if I can bring that joy to other people, then I guess that is my reason for doing it again and again.  It's the same way when I sing or play the violin.   The joy it brings to me and those who listen makes it all worth it.  What a gift!!  Now I am going to take a nap...or maybe in a few days...

Graditude

I first heard this poem when I was a young woman and I have kept it all these years.  It is a great reminder for me...

Some murmur when the sky is clear

And wholly bright to view,

If one small speck of dark appear

In their great heaven of blue:

And some with thankful love are filled,

If but one streak of light,

One ray of God’s good mercy, gild

The darkness of their night.

(Richard Chenevix Trench, in Sourcebook of Poetry, Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan Publishing House, 1968, p. 396.)

Halloween 2011

So Halloween season thus far has been really fun.  I found really fun costumes without a lot of effort to put in on hair and makeup, so maybe that's the reason, but it's been good.  Ashley is Angelica (girl pirate from "Pirates of the Caribbean"), Cassie is Little Bo Peep with her cute bonnet and blue staff, Megan is Dorothy with her basket with toto in it and Isaac is a pirate (because Ashley wanted him to match her and I found the cutest costume online!!)  Anyway, they already wore their costumes to dance class,  the ward halloween party and the school Halloween parade and parties.  Now we just have our Halloween party with Grandma and Dave's production on Monday with trick or treating and we will be officially done.  Dave is working so hard to finish his new skeleton dance for Monday and I think it's really cool.  He just LOVES doing this (even though it means loss of sleep and some stress).  It's fun to see him doing something he loves.  And he is really good at it.  Love you Dave!!!  Pictures to come after Halloween...

I did the cutest craft with Cassie's friends in her class for the Halloween party and I will post a picture of that too-I highly recommend it!!  It was from Oriental Trading company and cost 6.25 for 12, so it was 12.50 for her whole class and a couple extra for my kids to do:)  I loved it because it took some effort, but they could do it themselves for the most part and they can hang it up to enjoy during the holiday.

So...Halloween was AWESOME this year.  The weather couldn't have been more perfect!  The girls and Isaac loved trick-or-treating (Kaitlynne and Ashley took Megan and Cassie around, and Isaac and I slowly wandered around for a little while together-mostly checking out the decor at everyone's house:) AND Dave's show looked great!  The sound took a few more minutes than he would've liked to get started, but it all worked out and everyone enjoyed it.  The skeletons looked great and  he added a few fire affects to the "Pumpin Rot" song.  Such a fun show!!!  Anyway, I am glad to live in a neighborhood where we feel safe on Halloween and where people like to have fun!!  Until next year:)

Ashley turns 11!!

I can't believe Ashley turned 11 yesterday.  It's exciting yet sad both at the same time.  It's fun to see her grow up and do so many things on her own, but I am so glad that she still needs her mom.  She still comes and gives me kisses and hugs and I hope that continues.  Anyway, her birthday party is this Saturday and should be a lot of fun.

Ashley's party was a big hit!  We somehow managed to get everything ready and Mira helped with the cupcakes (thank goodness) and Ashley's friends were easy going, so it was a great time.  They made a Harry Potter movie along with all the cheese and great acting that we were expecting:)  Can't wait til Dave can edit it and she can show her friends.  It's so nice to have good friends who are such great kids!

We made popcorn cupcakes and had Movie decorations along with the red carpet:)  The balloons were a big hit with Isaac (Avery tended him at her house) when he got home and are still going strong!  Birthdays are such fun times to celebrate these precious people who are in our lives.

It's a boy!!

So I am carrying another boy to join our family in the beginning of February and we are so excited!!  The ultrasound this time was really so personal and relaxed and I was so glad we got to do it this way.  Dr. Smith invited us to come to the office this time instead of hospital.  That was nice for a couple of different reasons.  We can't do anything at Alta View because of our insurance, but we could do it in the office AND the girls got to come in (which they don't do in the hospital).  The lady that did it came up from the hospital and she couldn't have been nicer.  She talked through everything she was measuring and was so cute with the girls.  She gave them each a picture of his cute profile to show each of their classes.  She basically talked the whole time and told us that everything was good (which was what I was holding my breath to hear).  The 3D view of him was so cool!  He wouldn't move his hand, so we couldn't see his face, but his feet were so cute:)  Anyway, what a cool way to do our last ultrasound:)  That has sort of a melancholy feel to it, but only a spiritual/emotional level and NOT a physical level.  On that level I am SO ready for this to be done.  Anyway, I can't wait to decide on his name and meet him...he is going to be one loved kid... 

Introducing...our backyard

Okay, so my husband has outdone himself again.  My backyard is almost done and it is amazing.  It can't be beautiful until the playhouse and the flower beds are done, but it is AMAZING!!  He has pretty much created the perfect backyard(at least for me;).  His waterfall, hill, stream and pond are beautiful and so relaxing- the rubber chips are spread out, the bridge in place, the garden growing, the shed in place, the basketball pad ready and our outside entrance kid friendly.  Anyway, I couldn't be more excited and GRATEFUL!!  Now to finish our cute playhouse, get the window well covers on and finish the basement!!  The flower beds will just top it off next spring:)  Yay for backyards!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and fall!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and amazing husbands!!!!!!!!!!!

School 2011

 We've had the first 2 1/2 weeks of school and they have been very good.  All three of my girls are in school all day :) and :( and they love their teachers!!!  Yay!!

 Isaac and I are doing great at home.  He is growing up so big along with everyone else.  He is definitely a boy and it has been fun to notice those differences.  He LOVES balls and trucks and getting dirty, working with tools and doing everything!  He makes sounds with his trucks and loves his mama.  I love my boy.

I love the conversations that the girls and I have.  We talked about being a mom in the car and how it is a real job and something that I love to do, to take care of them.  Cassie chuckled as I said if people say my job isn't a real one, they can do it for a day and they would change their mind:)  Cassie is so fun to talk to and loves life!  She doesn't want to miss out on anything:)  I love to watch Meggie play.  She makes her dollies talk to each other and she really gets into her playing.  She also LOVES monkey bars at school.  She has calluses on her fingers form doing it so much, but it is just in her blood.  What a cute girl.  Ashley is growing up to be quite a young lady.  She loves to read and sing and create stuff.  She has great friends and I am so thankful for that.  I love that they love to still give me kisses and hugs.  I am so glad to be reminded of things by them and I am so glad that I can share the things that I know with them too.  I hope that they know I love them and love who each of them is.  We are all so excited for this little baby who is growing inside me.  I can't believe that it is happening.  Our family will be complete soon and I am sure we will just keep plugging along and trying to do our best!!

End of summer...

We had some great day trips and getaways towards and the end of the summer and I think it helped us feel ready to get back into school and work hard.  We went to Thanksgiving point with Mom and Dad K and all the gradkids, Lagoon with the whole Kammerath clan and we topped it off with camping at the stake property with the Bates'.  We are SO blessed to have family close and that we can be together so often (minus the Idaho Bates' and Las Vegas Zaby's), but even then, we talk often and go on vacations together which helps them not feel so far away.  I cherish all of these moments we have together and that my kids get to know and be loved by their grandparents, aunts and uncles and cousins...

Wolf Creek

We had another fun, relaxing trip to top off the summer at Wolf Creek.  Mom and Dad rented a house and it was the perfect set up.  There were 3 floors to play on, so we could be together or apart:) and they had a great gathering area in the kitchen and downstairs.  We each made a yummy meal, so the food was fabulous and we played, swam and laughed together.  It was so fun to have Josh, Sarah and their lil' ones there this year.  I love family vacations with the whole clan.  The kids have such a fun time together and the adults get to relax more because of that.  Yay for summer!!

Wizard:)

So, the girls finished their last performance of The Wizard of Oz on Wednesday and they had such a great time!!! They had a lot of fun doing it together too.  (it was nice to have Ashley there to "take care" of Cassie.  What a great big sister!)  It was a lot of late nights (especially at the end), but they stuck through it and had energy til the bitter end.  I was especially impressed with Cassie because at the beginning I wasn't sure she would be able to do it(she kept wanting breaks and treats), but that's how you learn, is by doing:)  Ashley did great as a member of the Lullaby League and they were such cute munchkins with those cute smiles (just wanted to pinch those cute cheeks.)  Seeing Cassie come out the first night with that huge grin was so fun.  She was having a blast!(and didn't even itch or pick at anything).  If you know Cassie, you know what I am talking about lol.  And as their mommy, I am so glad that they are still my little girls, even though sometimes they do grown-up things.  They still love their mommy and need her-and I need them too.  Now to take the rest of the summer at a little slower pace...  

lil' peanut:)

So we saw our last little peanut on the ultrasound on Tuesday and (he or she) was so adorable, just kicking away and waving (very active)...Dave came with me and we were both (especially Dave) so excited that our baby looked happy as can be inside.  I hope I can be that happy on the inside sometime soon too:)  Dr. Smith was very excited too and it was fun to sit and chat with him for a minute.  Can't believe we are doing this again, so he we go:)  Aren't we getting too old for this?!?!  No, it'll keep us young:)  Here's to the last time I have to feel pregnancy sickness!!!! Yay:)

More curls?!?!?!

So, my little boy looks not quite so little today.  I told Dave I would get his cute curls cut off, so that I did.  I took a before picture and we'll have to get a after.  He cried through most of the haircut, so I didn't take the after yet.  He looks like a new boy, but YES there is a lot of curl left on that little head of his...so here's hoping for fast growing hair that will bring more curls.  Even Dave thought he didn't look like Dude as much when he got home from work, but he was glad I did it.  Like I said, I don't think it will go straight, and with that cute grin of his, I think he would be cute even if he was bald:)  Just makes me smile thinking about it.  He has some thick locks (like his daddy had) and they still have A LOT of curl!!!  Yeah!!!!

still cursed...

So, this summer has been fun, busy and very predictable...as you can see from the title and if you read my post from July 2010, you would see that we are still cursed.  Now, I am not a superstitious girl.  I don't really give a thought to things like black cats etc;, but we have been blessed with a curse, and this year did not disappoint.  Anyway, I wrote in the former post that Dave was always cursed to be sick on the 2 major holidays each year, the 4th of July and Christmas.  I even had a thought the day before the 4th, hoping that this year might be different.  This year was a bit more dramatic and involved all of us, so I am so grateful that we all came out okay-but I still think we should keep him locked up next year:)...

  So, after Murray fun days, we were driving home and Dave, along with the rest of us, was eating popcorn.  The rest of the story is not so funny and I am yet again so grateful that it turned out the way it did.  He started choking and I was trying to figure out how I was going to get the car safely stopped and try to save my husband at the same time.  I said to Dave as I stared at the dashboard "we have got to pull over".  He took that as "pull over now" and on his way over we hit a girl going the same direction in the lane next to us.  No mind you, I was as shocked as you and was glad that it wasn't too bad of a crash, BUT my number one concern was my still choking husband.  We got the car safely pulled over in a parking lot adjacent to the road and I jumped out ready to do the heimlich.  Anyway, by the time I got over he was out and already stressed about hitting someone etc;  We made sure the other driver was okay (physically) although she was pretty shaken up and had just got her car fixed from a previous crash she was in.  Our neighbor Jeff was the officer that helped us and he was very nice and made us feel better.  I still think that it was the impact/shock of the crash that helped Dave get the popcorn, so I really couldn't have asked for a better outcome considering the circumstances.  (I am sorry that the poor girl had to be involved though:(   Anyway, so here's to hoping that holidays are a little less eventful in the future and this dramatic event possibly ended the cursing altogether...I guess we'll see:)

Grandma K

We had Grandma K for sooo long, that I think it's going to be a while before it feels like she is really gone...at least for now.  But, she is, and she passed her test with flying colors.  I am sure she is happy with those who have already passed on.  I will miss being able to think I might see her at the temple...It was so fun the night that I actually did.  She was a part of my life since the beginning.  What an example of faith.  We won't soon forget what she would say to us if she were her, and that is the magic of Grandma...I will miss the punch (in the little glass cups) and cookies or other treats she would bring from the bakery.   I will miss the waves goodbye at the door that would last til we were long gone.  I will miss her wanting us to sing a song to her.  I will miss...our visits...goodbye Grandma:)

p.s.we had a ward temple night last week and as I was sitting there, I felt like grandma was checking in to see how things were going...that would totally be her job:)  It made me smile and I knew I was in the right place... 

The California/Newport dream:)

Our trip to Newport this year was fun!!  I remember our first year going.  It was 5 years ago.  Megan was 14 months old, now she is 6.  Wow, how all of the kids have grown... and now we have Isaac:)  It was so fun to have the condo to hang out in and the beach and Disneyland to go to.  The kids had tons of fun running around the condo, playing down at the playground, painting, playing games together, running some more:)...and of course the beach.  Basically we all had fun just being together.  Dave has a great video/picture montage of the trip...Thanks Mom and Dad for a great trip!

The Little Things

I went shopping today with my girls earlier in the day, and Isaac later on at night.  They did the cutest things, that I wanted to write them down so I could remember how awesome this day was (even though I was depressed that I shopped and have to take back 50% of what I bought (boo!)

That aside, as I shopped by myself today I ran into the Techeras.  It was so cool to see them and I even spoke pretty good Spanish.  I love that smile that Ina has.  She held my face and looked into my eyes.  What a sweet lady.  They were going back to Uruguay because Daniel's father was ill...glad he can make it back to see him...Then as Meg, Cassie and I were shopping, whenever we were in a parking lot Megan would hold my hand.  I love holding my kids' hands.  As they older it happens less, although when Ashley and I are alone, she still takes my hand:)  The girls were my wardrobe crew and they helped me try on my clothes and organized everything.  Meggie would sit outside the room holding the clothes while Cassie would get them organized for me to try on.  Then I would have to show Meggie each thing I tried on, so we would open the door:)  It was most fun shopping I have had in a long time:)   Anyway, I was grateful for those sweet moments.  Then tonight as I was waiting in line at Walmart with Isaac, I asked him to give me a kiss.  He leaned over and gave me a wet little kiss.  What a sweetheart.  It was great...

I count today as a day with some "tender mercies" from God along with all the drama that shopping for clothes brings to me...He loves me and I am so grateful he shows me:)

Megan's 6th Birthday

Yes, Megan is 6, and I am not happy about it:(  6 seems so much bigger than 5 and it feels like she has moved into the big girl phase of life now...But anyway, I will survive.  I have so many saved memories(thanks to technology) of Megan that if I want her to be little again I can take a trip down memory lane...anyway, enough of the sentimental stuff, Megan turned 6 and it was great!

She had a Tangled party with her friends and they had so much fun.  Dave made a fun card with her posing as Rapaunzel.  It was so cute.  She invited 7 friends (plus her sisters) over and they played a princess game, made their own Tangled hair complete with flowers, did a pinata, had cupcakes and ice cream and opened presents.  It was perfect princess party for a (still) little princess named Meggie:)

She had fun birthdays at both Grandma's and Nana's house and was spoiled in every way!! (Josh even made her a jewelry box cake:)  Happy 6th my Meggie:D 

Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to my mother, mother-in-law and my Grandma K and my grandma's who have left (only for a little while) and still feel close.  My children have the best grandmother's in the whole world!!  Breakfast in bed and a kiss from my man chef, homemade gifts, hugs, grins and little kisses from my little people and not so little people, and it's only 9:30...now on to real life:)  Thanks for such a nice morning:)

Mother's Day is a time to remember, reflect, love, hope, and love again.  I am so glad to have had the privlege to be a mother, although sometimes I don't deserve it.  I hope the good moments I have make up for those not so good ones.  With the Savior's help they will...

Ashely Ann, Cassandra Joy, Megan Kaylee and Isaac David...I love you

Happy Mother's Day!!

Easter

This Easter was fun for the kids.  Our annual neighborhood Easter egg hunt is small, but not too small, and fun!!  We really love it.  It was Isaac's first Easter egg hunting and he was happy as long as he had an egg in each hand.  He didn't worry about picking up any more, and forget about putting any in the basket.  All the girls had fun and Megan even found a "golden" egg.  They hid the eggs very well for Ashley's age group and Cassie was very excited about opening her eggs!!  She and Megan went out on the deck and opened and traded around the winnings...Sisters are so much fun:)  Our Easter egg hunting in the neighborhood is a fun thing to do.  If you add our hunts at Nana's and Grandma's...we are spoiled:)

Along with all of the fun and treats, the Easter program at church was so neat to be a part of.  Ashley, Cassie and Megan sang in the children's chorus and it was beautiful.  The 3 numbers were so powerful for the choir themselves to sing, and I am so grateful that the congregation could feel that same spirit.  Being the director, there is a power you feel from all that are singing that is hard to describe.  I love music about the savior.

Yay for sitters...

All of the girls LOVE to play with Isaac, but one of them (who will remain nameless:) has to be watched while she is doing so.  But anyway, both Isaac and I are lucky to have such wonderful girls in our life.  Ashley entertains Dude and I don't have to worry about him.  It is so nice.  Cassie takes him places and really gets him "involved" in what she is doing.  She tries to put firebugs in his hands and takes him digging in dirt with her.  Needless to say, he LOVES her.  Anyway, we are using and discovering the backyard and we are so excited that we have it this year.  Yay!!!!

Isaac, the sucker pro...

My little Isaac dude is a pro at eating suckers.  I attribute this a lot to the fact that he always has more than his fair share of saliva in his mouth;)  He has drooled from 3 months on and sometimes it has been profusely...So the upside to this is that he knows how to eat a sucker.  He actually knows how to eat most anything (except eggs), but he especially knows how to eat a sucker.  Now, mind you, he doesn't get suckers everyday, but when he gets one the grin that I get from him is worth all of the wrestling I have to put up to change his diapers and clothes-almost:)  Anyway, that little grin and actually watching him suck and chew and devour the sucker is so much fun.  So, today I was taking a break for a minute while he was eating his sucker and I looked up and it was stuck in his hair.  He was just playing around and didn't notice.  I sat there and watched in delight to see if he would notice it was there or if he would just leave it there.  Sure enough, a few minutes later he noticed it was there and tried to pull it out.  That's when yours truly had to assist.  I gave it back to him without too much pulling and he finished it off...and then it was BATH TIME:)  What a cute kid:D

Isaac is walking and Megan's Tooth Adventure;)

So, the boy is a walking machine now...so cute to watch.  On his 14th month birthday he decided that it was okay to start walking by himself.  He is so excited about the whole thing and I just love that grin...you know the one:D  He can open toilet seats now:(

So, it's been a couple of weeks now and he IS a walking machine.  He gets his food and then he gets down and just walks around the main floor, over and over, and picks things up along the way.  Then puts things down and picks other things up.  This continues for a long time until he realizes he is not OUTSIDE and then he starts crying.  He LOVES to be outside.  He will just sit on the grass and look around for like 20 minutes.  Then he will start putting whatever is nearby in his mouth (aeration, grass, dirt, sticks long strands of grass) and chews on it:)  So I am going to have to figure out how to make that happen while still getting my work done around here...wish me luck!!

On Facebook I posted: 

Ok, so the boy is now walking and it is so funny to watch. He uses his arms to toddle along and keeps trying new maneuvers such as picking up objects and taking them along and turning around and going the other direction. Now if he could just be outside all of the time, then all his dreams would come true:)



Megan lost 2 teeth yesterday.  She has had these 2 loose teeth for maybe a couple of months in her mouth.  She did NOT want anyone to touch them, so being the 4th time mom that I am I decided they would come out when they did.  So, one night she bumped her teeth on Isaac's tray and the screaming and bleeding began.  It went like this:lots of screaming by Megan, bleeding, excitement and congratulations from the rest of us, more screaming by Megan, twisting and turning by mom (wow these teeth are stubborn!!) more screaming by Megan until they both decided to let me pull them out.  Still whimpering Megan who eventually calmed enough to be a little excited that she would get 2 dollars instead of one.  The girls were so cute and big sisterly telling her of their first tooth experiences and being so excited for her.  Now, this cute little Meggie has a hole in her mouth and she is growing up!!!  That can't happen, she's my little girl, but inevitably it will:(...and all this during dinner:)

What are commercials???

The kids were sitting at the bar for breakfast and Dave said, "Hey Heidi, Cassie just asked what a commercial was."  Now granted, this is my child who does not like to watch TV as one of her past times, but STILL...she didn't even know what a commercial was.  Yay for netflix and DVDS!!!  We watch our share of movies and shows around here, but commercial free.  I am so glad that we don't have to waste our time watching useless things that someone else decides we need to watch. 

Bates' Nursery by Cassie

Ok, so life with these kids can sometimes get downright crazy, but then....sometimes they are so dang cute you can hardly contain your smiles.  Today was one of those days.  Cassie decided that she wanted to get all (and I mean all) of the toys out and create a nursery for Isaac all over the floor.  So, she had stations set up all over the floor on the main floor (LOVE our addition) and she had Isaac try out the toys at all the stations.  We have some fun toys and I am so glad that we have them, so my kids can play and create...AND when their friends come over they have stuff to play, imagine and create with (ok so I sound like a commercial).  Anyway, they had a great time...the only problem is now it's time for clean-up:)

Ashley, the budding author and creative genius (especially when her mom needs it most:)

So I went into Ashley's classroom to talk to her teacher and she said she had a writing assignment that she wanted me to see.  She has taught for many years.  Anyway, she had given an assignment for the kids to look at a clay dragon that she had, and then describe it for her.  She was SO impressed by Ashley's description and wanted to make sure I saw it.  Mrs. Hall wanted her to get an award for how awesome it was.  Ashley has always been a very descriptive writer and it was nice to see her teacher appreciate her talent.  She showed the principal and her former 3rd grade teacher Miss Miller and they both commented to me.  I am so glad they are recognizing her talents and abilities and helping her develop them.  What great teachers we have!!!

I love what a creative girl and entertainer my Ashley is...she is passing this ability down to her younger sister Cassie, so I am a blessed woman.  She directed a musical at John and Heather's house with the 3 girls and Analisa...so funny and sweet!!  

Basketball Cassie Cassandra4

Cassie loves basketball and had so much fun playing in Junior Jazz this year.  Her coaches were so great to make sure everyone got a chance to shoot baskets in the games.  Cassie tried making some shots, and the last game she made 2!!  I loved that look on her face after they went in.  What a determined girl!!  We love you Cassie Cassandra4 (that is how she signs most things on her papers at school). 

Valentines 2011

Valentines 2011 was a lot of fun.  The kids picked out or made their favorite Valentines and they were just perfect!  Ashley designed and colored her own (love fairy) valentines, Cassie picked out basketball valentines that turn into a hoop and ball, so you can play:)  and Megan drew some beautiful hearts.  Here is a sample of each of them...

The girls got new shirts and chocolate roses on Valentine's morning and Dave made us chocolate chip pancakes (yum)   I rang the doorbell and left their presents for them.  Dave got some See's chocolate and some non girly smelling lotion for his poor hands. lol

Dave took me to Log Haven up Millcreek Canyon and it was so cozy and romantic.  The food was yummy too:) and he brought home some beautiful roses and a twix bar:)  wow, talk about being spoiled.  How fun!!  

Dave is 40!!!

Okay, so Dave is officially 40!!  We celebrated in many ways and he got embarrassed AND spoiled.  He had a party at Grandma's and Nana's houses, and then he got "Harrassed" (as he put it) on his actual birthday.  Nana, Grandpa and I (and Isaac and Megan) went to his office to sing him a song his mom wrote and give him some balloons. I snuck decorations to Andrea who works with him, to decorate his cube, so he would be surprised when he got to work.  The most embarrassing part was definitely the song(the song itself wasn't embarrassing.  Mom wrote it and it was very good!!), and I wasn't much help singing with Nana and Grandpa, because I was either laughing or too embarrassed...Way to carry the song Mom and Dad!!  Mike, Dave's boss, said "At least we know Dave is loved:)  It's true, Dave is definitely loved...The kids made him cards and we had dinner in (Noodles:) and played little big planet.  Dave and I also went on a date cross country skiing to celebrate!!  I didn't want this to be a downer birthday, so I gave Dave a "I don't want to grow up" hat to wear and a "40 and fantastic" pin to wear.  And his party plates said "the party continues"...and so it does.  Happy Birthday Dave, I love you xoxoxox



Facebook post...Happy 40th birthday to my awesome Dave!! So lucky to have this ride with you:) We'll NEVER grow up K??

Isaac David Bates "Dude"

Isaac is one year old:)  I can't believe how fast time seems to go.  He had a lot of fun at his party and LOVED the cake!  We did a ball cake because they are some of his favorite toys.  He loves to chase balls and will push them around on the floor.  He got some fun toys and it was so fun to have everyone come (minus the Zabys in Las Vegas, the Bates' in Idaho and poor Stockton, Jimmy and Jan who were sick-Boo:(  We are so glad you came to our family Isaac!!

Cassie Joy is 8!

Cassie is 8 and is so excited to be baptized.  She is so sweet and will be a great new member of the church:)  She got her new scriptures from Mommy and Daddy and also a hymnbook and Children's songbook.  She got to have her Lion House party with her friends and she was SO excited.  She loves parties and loves to look forward to them almost as much as go to them.  She invited 4 friends in her neighborhood and her cousins Ben, Zachary, Ady and Andrew.  They played pioneer games, made taffy, ate yummy sandwiches, blew our candles and opened up presents.  She also got to take home the leftover cake and a porcelain doll that holds a violin.  What a fun thing.  Thanks Nana, we LOVE the lion house!!

Facebook Post:

My sweet Cassie Joy turned 8 today!! I love all of her questions and philosophies about life. The way she thinks just makes me smile... What a great little girl:)

Cassie was baptized and confirmed by her daddy today. What a wonderful day with those she (and I) love. So grateful to understand what this life is about and have a Heavenly Father and Savior who love us and are patient. So thankful...

 p.s.  Everyone (minus Delaney and Graham) was here for the baptism.  It was great to have an excuse to have everyone together again:)

 

Christmas 2010

This has been a wonderful Christmas season.  The girls really got excited about everything and Isaac loved his first Christmas, except feeling overwhelmed at the big Christmas parties:)  Cassie had so much fun writing to Santa and getting back a signed picture of him.  We got a cute video of her reading her note from him...it's a MUST SEE:)  I love Christmas!!!

Christmas Music

I love this time of year because of all the beautiful Christmas  music.  We saw 2 great programs, Cassie's 2nd grade Christmas Concert and our Viewmont Christmas Choir.  We also sang in our ward christmas program and Cassie and Ashley joined us in that.  I love the music of the Christmas season.

Christmas Dance Concert 2010

The dance concert this year was fun!  All three of the girls had very different dances and costumes and it was so fun to watch.

Megan did "I want a hippopotamus for Christmas" and it was adorable.  Some of her moves were so dang cute I just laugh thinking about them.  She looked so cute in her blue costume!

Cassie's dance was a fun version of "Jingle Bells".  She is turning into quite a good dancer:)  You can't help but smile when you see Cassie up on stage with her cute smile.  Her yellow dress was fun to twist and turn in:)

Ashley is in Junior Starlettes this year!  Her costume is so cute and is one of my favorites she has ever had.  She danced in the finale, so it was fun to see her in 2 dances.

Thanks for the 6 years of shows my dancing girls! 

Halloween-I amost forgot...

So, we had a fun Halloween this year and the girls had fun dressing up.  We even got to dress up Isaac for his first Halloween:)  He was a puppy and looked so cute!  He also had a cute pumpkin hat and shirt he wore to get a picture with Hadley.  Megan was a genie and loved her costume, and especially loved wearing some makeup and glitter:)  Cassie was a vampire princess and she looked great with her black lips, eye makeup and crimped hair.  Ashley was Hermoine Granger from Harry potter and looked like a great Hermoine with her crimped hair.  That crimper came in handy this year.  We had fun parties this year.  First we had the ward halloween party, then each girl had a dance halloween party, school halloween parade and parties, Grandma and Grandpa's halloween party and last but not least our trick-or-treating and Dave's show.  His show was really fun this year.  He has regulars that come every year to see what new things he has added.  He added the goo coming down from the door, the house coming alive with the owner inside and the hand grabbing and scratching the driveway.  It was a fun time for everyone and I love how our neighborhood is a great place to spend this fun holiday!!!!

Disneyworld 2010-Just the two of us:)

I had a WONDERFUL trip with my Dave to Disneyworld this  past week and it was SO FUN!  We went for our honeymoon 11 years ago, and it was great to go back, just the 2 of us.  Now, 11 years and 4 kids later, it was no small feat to get out of town:)  Thanks to our moms and Mira we got to go Wednesday-Sunday.  We stayed at the Caribbean Beach resort at Disneyworld and had our own hammock on the sandy beach that we relaxed on when we had to check out on Sunday.  We made sure that we took our last day easy so we could come back rested and ready to come back to reality, plus it was Sunday.  The flights were good and it was fun to spend them with Dave:)

When we got there Wednesday night we just grabbed some pizza and a salad at the resort and then rushed to bed, so we could have energy for the next day (which was early for us because of the time change).

Our first day was Epcot!  I love that place.  It was the food and wine festival and we tasted food (not wine:) from various countries along the way.  We went to all of the countries and pretty much went on every ride...just enjoying the leisurely pace and really enjoying our surroundings-and especially each other.  I love how much effort was put into making each country feel just right.  We found some "milkys" in a little Japanese store and found little nooks that we hadn't been to before.  We liked the mariachi band playing in Mexico and found Donald dressed up as a "three amigo".  He kissed me on the check (blush) as Dave and I had a photo shoot with him.  We were secret agents with Kim Possible too, which was super cool!!  It rained on and off, but I love the rain, so it wasn't a problem.  It wasn't cold, so it was just perfect:)  We ended our night there with a great sushi dinner at the Japanese pavilion and fireworks.  This week wasn't super busy here at Disneyworld/Universal(minus Harry Potter), so it was nice to not have to wait in long lines.  Epcot is a great park!

On Friday we went off property to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.  I have loved this park ever since our trip with Dave's family 6 weeks after Ashley was born.  My favorite ride, Spiderman, was great and we walked onto it twice because everyone else went to Harry Potter land.  After, we went on what will be our last ride on "The Hulk".  10 years ago, that ride was pretty fun for me, but now it is torture!!  I can't hold my head still and I feel really roughed up after.  I guess that's what happens when you get old.lol  Next we went to Dr. Suess Land and I LOVED it!!  Seriously, can anyone go to that place and not feel like a kid again???  They had their ride working where you get to ride above everything on a little car, so fun!  The Cat in the Hat was great!  I can't wait to bring my kids here...The shirts were so cute here.  I wanted to buy the shirts that said "thing 1", "thing 2"...Anyway, good times.  Harry Potter land did not disappoint.  It was cool to walk in and feel like you were in hogsmead, minus all the people.  I loved the sparkly snow on the rooftops, and the crooked chimneys.  The castle was awesome.  The windows had fun things to look at and the 3 broomsticks was fun to go into.  The wand shop had WAY too long of a line, so we opted for Zonkos.  There we got some chocolate wands and other treats and we got Ashley a pigmee puff.  They ring the bell everytime someone adopts one and say their name aloud and everyone claps.  We got this on video for Ashley.  We drank some butterbeer and REALLY love the caramel whipped cream that was on top.  Some cute girls took a picture of us with our milk mustaches:)  We were on the front row to watch the durmstrand girls and l.....do their routines, so they had us come up first for a picture with them.  It was fun.  As far as inside the castle and on the ride, it was awesome.  The line was very entertaining and so fun to walk.  It even snowed on us at one point.  Anyway, the ride was really cool.  You were really flying with Hermoine, Ron and Harry.  Flying is one of the things in this life that I would love to do, so it was really fun for me.  The part that wasn't quite so fun was how intense the head rattling was on the ride.  I did okay even though it was pretty rough, but Dave hasn't been the same since...Anyway, another great day.  After we went to Bubba Gumps for dinner at the front of the park and went home early (the park closed @ 7).  We stopped at a candy shop on the way home:)  Oh yeah, we park hopped to go see "The Mummy" (SO fun) and some other rides.  It was fun to do some things I had never done before.

Saturday was a great day and we had a lot to do:), but the park was open til 2 a.m., so there was plenty of time.  The whole point of this trip was to have fun, BUT relax at the same time, and we did a good job.  In the morning we went to Animal kingdom and went right to Everest.  It is now my favorite roller coaster.  It was so unique and unexpected and just plain fun!  We got to ride it 3 times.  We went on the Dinosaur ride and watched 2 new shows, the Nemo musical and Festival of the Lion King.  They were great shows!  I like how different that park feels from the rest of Disneyworld.  I got a cute hoodie in the Everest shop.  Their clothes have a different look too and like it:)  Next we went home and relaxed, sat in the hot tub (even though it was REALLY cold) and then went back to Magic Kingdom at 6.  It was a great ending to such a fun trip!!  We ate Clam Chowder on the second floor of the soup place (name?) that looked down to all the busily walking people.  It was kind of hidden away, quiet and a GREAT place to relax!  We went on rides, rocked together on the porch rockers at liberty square, watched fireworks and rode more rides!!!!  We were dead when it was time to go and as we slowly walked out the park the Christmas music was going and they had some decorations that they had already put up.  So, we got a little Christmas too:)

The next day was Sunday.  We had our own general conference in our room thanks to the internet, relaxed, and tried to enjoy each other and stretch out the last few hours...when our room was gone we hung out on the hammocks on our sandy beach and took a nap.  Our trip home went great and we got home at 11:30, just in time for bed.  What a fun time!!!!  Thanks Dave:D

My Facebook post said:

Had a WONDERFUL trip to Disneyworld with my Dave (Disney-freak travel agent husband) and I am trying to come back to reality, but DON'T WANT TO...What a blast!! Thanks honey:)-Thanks Moms K and B and Mira-hope you aren't any worse for the wear:)

Me and my girls

Cassie 5, Ashley 7 and Megan 3

I found this picture on Nana's phone from a couple of years ago and HAD to put it here.  I just thought it was the cutest picture of us, so here you go:)  (If you were wondering, we are at up at the Park City Marriott playing in their dress-ups.)

School Pictures:)

Ashley 4th grade (almost 10)

Cassie 2nd grade (almost 8)

Megan 5 years-old

Isaac 9 months

So here are this years school pictures!!  I am so lucky to have such sweet, beautiful girls! (But don't let them fool ya:)  Here is Isaac at 9 months...love that smile:)

Ashley's 10th birthday!

Ashley's birthday party was so fun tonight!  She chose to go the Mayan.  She had asked us for this party for a couple of years, so we decided tonight was the night.  She invited a few friends and off we went.  I have to say one of the most fun things to do was drive them in the car.  They were so funny and had the best sense of humor.  It really brought me back to my younger years and the crazy fun me and my friends had...I am SO glad Ashley has good friends!  The Mayan was fun and the divers were great!  The girls had a great time watching the show 4 times:)

Ashley celebrated her birthday both at Grandma's and Nana's houses.  On both sides of the family there are so many birthdays in October.  It is a busy birthday month, and so many wonderful people get to celebrate it together!!!

Ashley got so many fun presents and crafts and gets to pick out some more at the store.  She is a lucky girl!!  She loves to DO things, so all of these gifts will keep this girl very busy and happy.  On her birthday morning Ashley got a crepe and bacon breakfast made especially for her by her dad.  It was delicious!!

Just like the Build-A-Bear tradition with Nana when they are 5, Grandma and Grandpa take out each grandchild to dinner and to pick out a gift when they are 10:)  Ashley had so much fun with them and picked out some fun things...

On Facebook I posted:

Can't believe that Ashley Ann came to our little family 10 years ago today!!! I CANNOT BELIEVE it has been that long. I still remember seeing her right after she was born and through the tears feeling like I was looking at a little me:) What a wonderful girl she is. Love you Ash:D

 

 

Soccer

All 3 girls did soccer this year and it was so fun to go and watch their games.  It was Megan's first year and she had a fun with the kids from her grade at Viewmont.  She was a great kicker and her teacher from school got to see her play!  Cassie made some goals and loved to keep the ball going the right direction.  And of course the treat after was what really mattered:)  Ashley was a ball of fire and made her games really fun to watch.  Way to go girls!!

pictures

Eventually I will get pictures posted.  I need to steal Dave's computer and then I can do it fast:)

Meggie and Kindergarten

So Meggie went to kindergarten today and I know she will have a GREAT time.  As she went in the room Mrs. Lightfoot said "Hi" Megan and she was off and didn't look back.  I know she is in good hands and she has some great kids in her class.

Before kindergarten started Grandma took Megan on a date.  They went to Noodles for lunch and got Meggie's favorite macaroni and cheese and then went shopping at Toys R Us.  Megan picked out (surprise) makeup and she has been playing with it since.  It came in a cute carrying case and it has accompanied her many places.  My Grandma Daw did this same thing for me when I started kindergarten.  Wow, I can't believe it has come full circle.  How time flies.

School

Today was the first day of school and the girls were ready and so excited.  Yesterday their daddy gave them all a father's blessing for back-to-school.  It was neat to hear all of the individual things they were told in their blessings.  I can't remember a smoother morning getting ready.  Everyone did great and we didn't really have any huge breakdowns (that is saying a lot with our history:)  I am so excited that they have the teachers they do.  They will learn a lot and most importantly, I know they will love and take care of my girls.  Megan went and had her interview with Mrs. Lightfoot and they got along swimmingly.  Megan is so ready for school and will do great in kindergarten.  Yeah for school!!!

And then there was sod...

Today we got sod.  There is not much more I can say than that.  It speaks for itself.  Thanks to both of our dads, Brock and Daniel (with me as the watering girl:) Dave was able to make huge progress today.  All week he worked sooooo hard to get ready to lay it.  He got rocks and topsoil delivered and then rented a skidsteer and hauled the rocks and topsoil back.  He stayed up late on Friday smoothing out the topsoil, and Saturday they layed it!!!  We have had our plan and I am so glad that is actually happening.  I go out and look at it often, just to make sure that it is still there;)  Now to the rocks...
 

View after Dave's work hauling rocks and putting down topsoil

Here we go...

What a beautiful sight!!!!

3 of my favorite people in the world:)  Thanks guys!!!

Camping and Lagoon!!

This year we had a lot of fun doing things close to home.  Our 2 favorite things were camping and Lagoon...

Dave and I love camping and so do the kids.  It seems everyone can relax and have fun and food always seems to taste better when you are camping.  Grandpa Bates' breakfasts are always so yummy and I CRAVE my parent's dutch oven cooking.  This year we went to the Spruces and
Redman...the kids always seem to find hideouts and love riding their scooters together and they loved panning the river for gold.  The air is so fresh and everything is so beautiful!

I love this photo of everyone snuggling up and watching a flick outdoors courtesy of Dave:)

Lagoon was so fun this year!  The kids could go on a lot of rides and we had so much fun together.  Even Isaac and Hadley went on some rides:)

My backyard oasis

My backyard is transforming right before my eyes...good things come to those who wait!!! Yahoo!!!!!!!!!!!!! and of course it's not happening by magic. Thanks Brock and crew...and of course Dave. Thanks honey!-(post from facebook;)

My Dave has finally done it!!! He is making me a backyard. Not just any backyard, mind you. It will be a wonder when it's finished.

It will have a waterfall, stream adorned with rocks and a pond (Cassie wants a duck and fish:) which you can admire while standing or sitting on the bridge (which Dave and I constructed for our wedding reception. I still want the white bench from Nana's and Grandpa's backyard that Dave asked me to marry him on:)

The playhouse which Dave built with his own 2 hands will be so cute (when I figure out all the decorating details) and will fit the entire family, so we can have a sleepover sometime...

Ohhhh, and I can't wait for the soft grass, so we can sit and run and play.

Then I get to pick out outside furniture and plants flowers in pots and plant a garden and...

on the far side patio we will put 4 square, hopscotch and a basketball hoop

oh and last but not least a shed (a very cute shed of course) to keep all of our stuff in.

Wow, I can't wait!!!!!

Thanks Dave for making it happen and for putting up with my longing looks and comments about outside
while I have been waiting...

Isaac the dude

Well, my little boy is 6 months old and he is a cutie! He is so happy and smiley. That's why we liked the name Isaac so much (because it means "he will laugh or laughter") and it really fits him to a tee. He scoots, rolls over, sits up, drools, smiles, laughs, cries, poops and all the other stuff babies do very well.

He was conceived after much longing and after a loss of our baby about 9 months earlier and another miscarriage shortly after. He came just at the right time though (funny how things work out that way). I am grateful for his unconditional love and sweet way.

We found him a shirt at the mall that says (Sara found it for us:) "DUDE!" Even though his middle initial d stands for David, we say it also stands for "dude"

I hope that we can be good to you Isaac and take care of you just right...Love, Mom

Here is a photo montage of his life so far

Cousins

My children are so lucky that they have cousins their age. I was also blessed with this gift as a child and also with wonderful aunts and uncles, so I know how much of an impact that they have in our lives. But my children are SO lucky to have them on both sides:) And what fun they have together...

Thanksgiving Point

Look at all of these cute kids!!!!

Here are the girls (plus an extra one:)

I love this picture of Mom and Dad:)  I am sure Isaac really IS happy...

Just as summer started all the grandkids (minus Hadley:( although Isaac slept through all lot of it:), Grandma and Grandpa (and Wendy and I tagged along), went to Thanksgiving point discovery gardens. They played in water at the ark, went through the maze, climbed the lighthouse, played in sand, floated boats and played with dress-ups. At one point Cassie said "There are no rules. You can do whatever you want." They LOVED that-and so did I. It was so fun and then to top it off we had lunch and Grandma and Grandpa bought us ice cream cones...
   

Cousin-over

Ady and Andrew came from Idaho this week and the kids had a great time being together. The highlights for me where the new waterslide we purchased (after much deliberation) and the puppet show put on by Andrew and Cassie and produced by Nana.

"Bubble Mania" with Ady, Megan and Ashley in Nana's tub after swimming:)

Andrew and Cassie doing their production of "The Mitten"

Shoppin' with Nana

Time to say goodbye:(, but what fun we had!!

As you can tell from the pictures, the waterslide was a hit. It's the perfect size, and wasn't too hard to take up and down once you figured it out, and was the right price. Thank SOMEONE for making just the right slide-after I looked at all the wrong ones. We gave Andrew rights over the water cannon, because lets face it, he is the only boy of 5 of the grandkids that were here (besides Isaac:) and he deserved it (and he even did pretty good at not hitting the girls in the face-a request put to him by Aunt Heidi)

Andrew and Cassie are the creative types. When they get together there is no sitting around. They go, do and create. This time they made a play based on the book "The Mitten" by Jan Brett. I love this book and so does Nana, because she had all the props and it was just fabulous!! We even got red tickets that got us into the show:)

Ady and Ashley got matching clothes from Nana at Justice for early birthday presents (and tried on more just for fun:).  They had so much fun shopping with Nana.

Megan tagged along with whoever she was "assigned" to and was a cute girl. Thanks for being a good sport Meggie:)

Cousins are the best!! (and so are Nanas and Aunts:)

Family Photo!! Yeah!!

We finally have a family photo with Isaac!! I wanted to take the picture in Grandma and Grandpa's backyard with the tulips, but we had a series of rainstorms this spring that just ruined those plans. By the time we got around to it, all of the tulips were gone, but the backyard still, of course, looked beautiful. One sunday I decided we were going to take it no matter what. It was probably the fastest picture we have EVER taken and it turned out cute. The funniest part is that Dave took the picture pushing the remote from his new video camera that takes great pictures. So, in a matter of 5 minutes we got out of the car, took a few pictures and got back in the car. With kids we know there is such a small window of time when they will be good, so we were back in the car quickly and on our way to Grandma's for Sunday dinner. It was fun to see their backyard again. I want to have a picnic there... So many memories:)

p.s. Dave did "photoshop" the picture to make it just right...I think he did a good job!