A Cousin Party!

Grandma Denny and Grandpa Barainca had this great idea to get all the cousins together for a party. Since the group has nearly doubled in size we went to the great restaurant of choice, Spaghetti Factory. It was a fun filled night of lots of pictures and new introductions to new cousins and spouses. Grandma Denny, THANK YOU for this fun chance to get acquainted and learn more about each other.

This is Leah and Brandon. They are cousins to Jared. They have been married for five weeks and are enjoying every minute of being newlyweds. They are living down in Provo attending BYU. Congrats on the wedding!
Here's Cameron. He's a personal favorite. He has the ability to ask the most entertaining and direct conversation starters. You are never left with a dull moment when he is around! Thanks for making us all laugh so hard!


Kelsey and Nathan. Kelsey was celebrating her birthday, and she just moved down here to attend UVU. She is an absolutely darling girl. My Alayna LOVES her. Kelsey let Alayna try on all her super FUN shoes when we were in California, and Alayna has yet to forget that fun girl moment. Nathan has recently returned home from his mission and is back at BYU.
Heather (Jared's sister), Jason (Jared's brother) and Mike. Heather is Jared's sister and she had the most exciting news of all...her offer was accepted on a condo! Congrats, we are SO excited for her. I wish I could announce the same for us, but we can't! Way to go!

Allie & Karl. These again are Jared's cousins. Allie just graduated from BYU and Karl is still attending. They are living in Provo too. (What's the deal with all these BYU - Utah county people?) Just kidding. They have been married for a year or so!

Here is Jared and Lisa, Jared's other sister. Lisa is down visiting for a week from Nanaimo, Canada! I have been lucky enough to visit her and her husband, Matt in Canada! It would be hard for me to come to Utah and visit if I am living where she does. So we are grateful we got to spend time with her too.

Ashley and Brian. They have been married for...Oh...I think two years? Here's a MAJOR cool shout out for Ashley...she just stared her MASTERS in Health at BYU. YEAH! She's a girl after my own heart and passion for Health Education. I really am living vicariously through her studies. I'm having the kids and she's continuing her education. For those of you who don't know, that's what I got my BS in. So you go girl! Brian is the smart and talented bro-in-law (Jason you are too!). He is also getting his Masters in Accounting at BYU. I won't say it, because I'm not happy with the fact that they are moving to Texas for a job there. We love you guys! They are the fantastic Aunt and Uncle to our crazy kiddos. What a cute couple! We love you guys.


Here's another picture of the gang!

Bring on the babies!

Yeah, Steph is in town again! It is always SO fun to get together with Steph. It's been so long since I actually saw her little girl, Aja. She's a few months older than my little Jake. She is such a cutie. Except when she's giving her scowls...but I don't blame her, I know who her daddy is! (ha ha ha Johnson!)

Baby Aja, Stph, Heather (Steph's sister) and new baby Alison! Heather, it was SO great to see your new little bundle. I LOVED her hair. It was so adorable!

This is a picture showing off all the babies. Desiree is about to deliver in two weeks or so and Stevo has another baby baking in the oven and due in February. And, no I'm not announcing anything baking in my oven! But I thought it would be funny to trick you all! Hey, we had a great time and we visited FOREVER! I love having such GREAT girl friends from the good ole Utah State. Thanks, ladies.

Our Family Fun Food Filled Labor Day

Some would look at this and think, "WOW, what a mess!" But for us we think this equals fun. Jared has a LOVE and PASSION for Italian food. Since he served his mission in Rome, Italy, he has TONS of memories of "Rosa's Meat-a-balls!" So we decided to make a day of it. A very LONG and messy day. Alayna was in complete heaven. She really enjoys cooking with us. She's actually really fun to have in the kitchen!

While Jared worked on the Meat-a-balls Alayna and I worked on the homemade pasta. It was SO messy but really worth all the hard work.

The final project. Yes, everything you see is FRESH and very tasty.

Here is the proud Italian himself! He was pleasantly surprised with the YUMMY flavor. I think we might just have to encourage him to cook a little more often from the memory of his mission.

I want a bike like my Daddy!

I couldn't resist taking a few more pictures of our little Jake. The mail was just delivered, and Jake plowed towards the pile. He grabbed the "Bike Magazine" of Jared's with his chubby little hand. He would not let it out of his sight. Alayna, took her "High Five - Highlights" magazine and was like wise in heaven.

I just couldn't help but take these pictures for Jared. This way Jared will know that his little guy is always looking up to and wanting to be like his Daddy!

He's pointing and thinking I'm sure... "Daddy this is the one I want!"

I just want to be like you Daddy! The cute part after he was done reading it, he walked down the hallway and placed it right by Jared's bike. Some how little kiddos are so smart to figure out things.

Uncle Brian & Aunt Ashley

Today we had a special occasion. We were able to attend the setting apart for Jared's brother, Brian. He was called to serve as the 2nd counselor in the bishopric. It was great to be able to support him and spend time with them. Ashley as usual provided a FANTASTIC meal. Brian really has it LUCKY to have a wonderful wife who cooks amazingly, every single night. So we were able to reap the rewards of that. Brian, you will do great and you will learn tons I'm sure!


I must give a shout out to the best Aunt and Uncle these two little kiddo's have. They think so often of these two little kids. They surprise them with gifts, toys, books, etc. Alayna really enjoys spending time with them, because they play with her and pay so much attention to them. Since we were coming over to their house today, Ashley saw this cute igloo tent at IKEA, and had to buy it. It was filled with blankets, books, toys and yes, two presents.
Alayna & Jake were very grateful for their kindness. I think their smiles show how happy they were today. Ashley just finished that adorable boy quilt for Jacob. It's in the bottom left corner. It was ALL BOY! The entire drive home we heard, "BALL, BALL, BALL, vrmm, vrmm!) As a mother, you always hope that your kids will be loved and cherished. So thank you Ashley and Brian for loving our kids so much.

*Here's a follow-up story to which college Alayna is planning on attending..we had to go on BYU campus to attend Brian's setting apart. So today was the lucky day of BYU student wards. The campus was "decked" out with new freshman students. Anyways, it brought back SO many memories of attending my first year of college and a singles ward. Everyone was looking their "Very" best. But the funny thing was, I was explaining to Alayna how we were at BYU and she said, "This is where I am going to come to school, and being married!" I replied, "Yes, you will..." She then stated, "I won't have to ride the school bus here, because I will meet my prince!" I just had to laugh! She really is set on attending BYU and that she will meet her "Prince Charming" here. So with or without her fathers permission, she is set on attending BYU like her Aunt Ashley and Uncle Brian! But Alayna has the same idea to meet a "Prince" at BYU as all the other young ladies that were storming the campus today! Oh, the joys of being single and searching. I'm sure glad to be off of the "Menu!" (pathetic!)*

Twins!

These two girls have been inseparable. They really have so much fun together. Yesterday, we had to bring them home from our fun Park City vacation. They weren't the lucky grandkids chosen to stay the whole time in Park City. Kierra and Conner were. Shan & I wanted to do a little bit of shopping at the outlet stores on our way home. Lame, nothing to report other than these .99 cent matching pj's. So these girls came up with this great idea..."Mom, I have a great idea...we can wear these as pj's then wake up and pretend their clothes, then sleep in them again, then wake up and be dressed for the day!" Hey, for two days I haven't had to worry about getting her dressed or getting into pj's. So really I think the .99 cents we spent has been well worth our time!

So happy to have a sleep over with her favorite cousin Livvy.

Happy to be hanging with her favorite little cousin Alayna.

So, happy together!

Our Families Annual Park City Mini-Vacation!

We love our Park City mini-vacations! My parents use their time-share for 7 days to let the grand kids come and party! Alayna was sobbing on our way home saying, "I don't want to leave our vacation house today...I want to stay 5 more days! I love vacations!" We all agree with her, we LOVE our vacations. We really are spoiled. My parents have introduced the BEST way to live. Work hard when you have too, but PLAY more often. We really have been blessed to go to so many vacations. Near or far we love them all. Our kids especially have been conditioned to vacationing. They love all that it entails, swimming, walks, playing tennis, play grounds, stories with Grandma Lou & Papi, having sleep overs with cousins, staying up late, eating yummy food and staying in vacation houses. We truly LOVE vacationing!

Here's the fun when we have no high-chairs! It made for a very messy kitchen and no sitting children. (Alayna is wearing Jake's pj's...we forgot to bring hers! Oops.)

This picture is mainly for Shandra and Krista. (Please read my exasperation in my writing) Every single...every single family vacation they insist on doing and coming up with the most ridiculous competitions. I don't understand why it bugs me so badly, but it does. I'm even a competitive person, but their "lame" games are so silly! This picture is showing that they even at the park came up with an "obstacle course" at the park. It wasn't too much longer when we arrived at the pool and they were doing MORE silly competitions. Now, they tease me and come up with the most ridiculous competitions to simply get me to roll my eyes and say, "Give me a break!" I think the harsh reality is that I am not as fun or talented to do these childish things!! ha ha ha
This picture is to document how Isaac and Jacob spend 90% of their time together...yes, that is fighting over toys. The only thing missing from this picture is the "SQUEAL" from Jacob that inevitably follows each time a toy is taken away. Somehow Isaac manages to get Jake to squeal more than anyone else. Shandra and I truly just laugh at the two of these boys. Jake's the loud feisty one and Isaac is the quiet, "I'm not doing anything wrong!" little guy. But they both know that they are up to trouble. Oh, they will love each other sooner than later!

Every morning we would walk down to the famous Park City park. The kids LOVE the tire swing.

Kennady, Issac and Jake.

This is a picture to remember how my dad "attempted" to hide behind the trees, to scare us all. Even though we knew they were hiding, it was precious to hear the cute little girls giggle like crazy and really believe in the fun of scaring people. Having such a great "Papi" or Grandpa is so key to a healthy development as a child.

The cute Madsen family...Uncle Toddy, Aunt Shanee, Kierra, Conner, Olivia and Isaac.

Logan & Sawyer...this is there typical look...Who are you? And why are you talking to me? You are not my Mom! We love these two handsome little buddies. They are referred to as "The boys" from all the cousins or when they are talked about the kids say, "The one...I think it's Logan...or I think it's Sawyer..." It really is fun to hear the cousins normally guess right, but they really aren't 100% certain who is who! My mom was pointing out specific identical traits of these little guys. She was telling us how identical twins are mirror images of each other. They run swinging the opposite arms, calics on opposite sides of the head, they throw balls with the opposite arm, eat with the opposite arm. One's a lefty the other is a righty! These little guys are so handsome! (Logan is the one with the scrapes...he fell at the swimming pool...sorry little guy!)

Just humor me!

Just humor me for a minute. The crush continues...I must admit this little guy holds a special place in my heart! His chubby legs, arms and kissy cheeks.

Yes, he is blowing me kisses!

And those dimples make it impossible to not just tickle and squeeze him!

He knows how to be so adorable! He has these two calics in the back of his head that forces his hair up into a Mohawk. His dark brown eyes make him just a heart throb. I know, cheesy...but I don't care. He really is the cutest little guy. Thanks again for humoring me! :0)

Our little Climber!

Okay, so here is Jake's newest interest. I has figured out how to climb. He carefully turned over the laundry basket to realize that he could stand on top of it. This is making life more entertaining. He also has grown just to the right height to reach up on the counter and pull things off. He can reach the box of Kleenex and pull them all out. (This is a daily hobby for him!) Hopefully I have wised up and put them up higher! But some how he manages to find that one thing in arms reach. Here goes for baby proofing all over again!

Education Week

Here's to a girls "week" out!

Aunt Shelley, Me, Emily, Mariam (Emily's Mom), Aunt Carol.

Lynette, Emily, Me

Okay, so I took these pictures from Emily's blog! She brought the camera this week. This was a fantastic experience. I was able to attend three full days. I lucked out with the perfect babysitter! Shandra and I coordinated a baby swap. They are going to Disneyland in a few weeks, and I'm going to keep baby Isaac. So, with that being said, she had my kiddos! I really LOVED every minute of it.

Here's to a couple of things...First off, I had a blast staying over two nights with Emily, her mom and her Aunts. Emily and I were able to have a sleepover in a fun grand kid bunk bed room! It was so great to spend TONS of hours together and to talk, talk, talk and talk more! Especially with out our hubbies telling us it was time to go home! Or having to end a conversation because of screaming children. I was shocked we were able to actually have complete thoughts and conversations. It was absolutely wonderful. Thanks to Aunt Carol that let us sleep at her house. It was so kind of her!

Next, I highly enjoyed being spiritually fed, hour after hour. It's amazing how the Spirit teaches you in any class. I learned so many things about myself, weaknesses and strengths. If you read Emily's blog you will know that she and I had very similar feelings. We were taught to read our patriarchal blessings, pray and the Lord will guide us in our path. We were instructed to write down 100 goals! Surprisingly I am on my way. I am realizing that goal setting is a very important thing for me as an individual, mother, wife and daughter of God. Its been fun over the past few days how often I think, "Oh, this is something I must put on my list!" It will be a life-long journey of progressing and becoming more like our Savior. I'm VERY excited about a new way of thinking!

(Emily I put this on for you!!)

I can't leave off the highlight of the week, I got to meet Merrilee Browne Boyack! For those of you who know me, you know I absolutely think the world of her. She is the best speaker and author. She is an advocate for mothers, families and raising children independently. I highly recommend her books and lectures. If I wasn't so "star struck!" I would have had Emily take her picture with me, but I felt like such a dork telling her, "I think your so awesome!" (ha ha ha) I didn't have the nerve to ask for her picture. Oh, well I gathered enough courage and I introduced myself...I even shook her hand (that's huge for me!)

Here is her website info...you can buy her books at any bookstore too...ENJOY...http://www.boyacks.com/Merrilee/index.html

Oh, there are so many great stories, I could go on and on...next year I want you all to join me!

Here's a Shout Out to a very funny man!

If you need to laugh harder and smile more than you have in a long time you must check out Brian Regan. I'm sure you have all heard of him and many of you have been privileged enough to watch his comedy routine. Well, tonight we were some of those lucky thousands of people that got to see him in person at Thanksgiving Point. It honestly was great. My family has watched nearly all of his material that is out there, but tonight he only repeated about two routine's and then a few by request! So we got to laugh super hard at new material. I wish there was a way to quote him in this post...by attempting to use his voice, but it's all his dorky voices and body gestures that just make you smile.

So, here is a shout out to http://www.brianregan.com/!

Something to consider...

(FYI this is NOT my foot!)

So, this post might make you all sick...so sorry in advance. I just simply have had it! I need suggestions to a "miracle" drug, cream or something that will help with cracked heals. I know, nobody likes to discuss feet! But yesterday, I had quite the experience. I had a little crack in my heal that appeared and then over the span of a few hours it grew larger than an inch. I'm serious. I was barely able to walk around, so I was limping not trying to put weight on it. Now, keep in mind I had a pedicure only a few weeks ago, so I do think I keep up with the maintenance of my feet the best I can. So, with that being said, I returned home and Shandra (sorry Shan) she gave me this great idea so I thought. She said, "How about you put super glue on it?" I thought, "Hum..I think I just might try that!" So I hobbled the best I could down stairs to find my super glue. I told Jared what I was doing, and he raised a slight concern about it being an open wound and the possibility of an infection. Well, I was desperate so I really was tuning him out. I glued up my gaping wound and that was that. Within minutes I was saying, "Wow this is amazing!" I explained to Jared how I think I have found my new best friend. So I enjoyed the freedom of pain for about ten minutes. Then just as suddenly as the pain was gone, my foot was overcome with the most severe itching and throbbing pain. I found myself itching right above the crack. So for the next 2 hours, my foot began to swell leaving my foot aching and I was trying to hold back screams of complete agony. I know, it seems ridiculous to have had so much pain over something, but I have NEVER experienced anything like this. It didn't help that I had to be at a social event with new friends from Jared's work. I had about had it. Finally the bbq was over and I got in the car, I just had to let out a shriek of pain! The pain now was filling my entire leg up to my rear end! Seriously, I had no relief. It is hilarious to think of the mental games I was thinking...will they cut my leg off? And if they have to I really don't care, it hurts that bad!


So by morning, I woke up stepping onto my foot, realizing all the pain was gone. Oh, what a relief. But with that being said, I soon realized that my foot felt like it was releasing pressure. I looked down to my foot and it was...(This is the gross part!) oozing gunk. (I spared the details!) So now I am left with a leaky heal and no pain.


So needless to say, I will NEVER do this oh so perfect remedy again! I'm hoping to spread the news to not try this. But I'm hoping to receive some advice and tips on how to cure this oh so disgusting thing! Again, sorry for sharing such a disturbing story!!! :)

New activities of the week...

Here is a picture of Jake doing what he does best! Make messes and NOISE! He finally has learned how to use one of his Christmas presents. He has learned how to place the drum strap over his head. The funny part about him walking around with this set up is that his balance is off. And for those of you who know how Jake walks anyways, he looks like even more like a "drunken sailor"...well that's what we call him! I laughed though last night, because Alayna was teasing him. (Shocker!) But she was sitting on the toilet...and yes, she still was able to make him scream. But Jake eventually learned how to walk sideways with his back to her on the toilet and hold his hands up high so she could grab the drum sticks. He's really becoming such a fun little kid. He is learning so much and saying several attempted words! (I really think he's a cute kid with his big belly showing off and his chubby little arms. It's impossible not to smother this kid with kisses!)

Here is a cute picture of Alayna LOVING the Olympics. I think she has caught the Olympic fever, just like us! Everyday she is asking if she can watch the gymnastics and swimming. She really thinks it is such a treat to watch them! I'm glad to see her show interest in something other than "Disney Princesses!"