Many things...

Congratulations are in order...Baby Blake Madsen was born today at 3:45pm weighing in at 9 lbs 1 oz...Way to go Shan and Todd he is another chubber and SO adorable.

From one baby to another...well this is my cute baby. We just couldn't get enough of this little thumb sucker. You see he loves his thermal blanket. Now, we have him leave his blankie in his crib. But when baby Rigdon comes to our house Caleb instantly goes over to him and steals away his blanket.

Oh, just so cute!

And the only bad thing with the day... a Green Smoothie gone wrong. So here was my lunch (and sharing with 5 kids and my sister). But sadly I didn't screw on the bottom tight enough so when the frozen yogurt went in it exploded. Not to mention it exploded down the side of the stove. AHHH Thanks to Krista she helped me pull out the stove, clean everywhere. Sadly, the smoothie no longer held any interest to us because we thought we were cleaning up throw up. Really, as gross as it looks it was honestly the most annoying thing I have ever had to clean up. Yucky stuff. So I will take a few days off and I will try it again. I don't know that Krista will ever trust me again with a smoothie.

The last of them...

Here are the final birthday pictures for the little guy. With three birthdays in a row it's quite the process to schedule three different birthday pictures. Actually it's worked out well. I do it on Jared's day off and take one kid at a time. So it's all about them and not a LONG process. Today we were in and out in just about 10 minutes. I was totally pleased with them. What a cute little monkey boy! We love you our baby Caleb.

And the Winner is...

All of us of course. So here we are sporting our medals. The RAINY night passed...an early morning happened and a wet run began. Considering the nerves and the excitement of the night we had a great time. Bring on another half marathon! Speaking for myself only I really had a great time. My body felt good and it was a very enjoyable run. Not to mention that the weather could have been SO much worse. There was a point in the canyon that the rain was falling, we just happened to be running down hill. I started to wonder if I might make it down faster sliding on the road on my bum. But thankfully I stayed upward and kept on trucking. This was an awesome journey and I literally enjoyed myself very much. Since running is all about running your time that you set for your goal I did. I came with in one minute of that...and yes that included a 10 minute delay for a potty break. So I really would have smoked my time had I not HAD to use the restroom. But that is the joy of an early morning run and having to wait your turn. Well, ladies here's to the next race...who's going to pick it this time???

Posing with the ladies!

The bigger group. (Still missing about four people!)

Here is Krista and Riley, my sister and her hubby. I have to wait to get more pictures off their camera to post a few more group shots.

Family Pictures

Here's to a family picture...it's been about um...three years! Well, thanks to Amanda and her parents AMAZING backyard we snapped a few. I am just so glad we ended up with a few of the kids looking and even smiling...why does taking a family picture have to be so challenging sometimes? Oh, well we have another three years, right?

I just love this one...how cute is that little guy in the middle? Sadly, the sunshine wanted to peak over the backyard, so the camera caught the sun, but either way this picture is so adorable! Cute kids!!!

The sun did the same thing on this one, but oh well it's so wonderful to have a picture with Jared and I.
THANK YOU AMANDA...and Emily for doing Alayna's hair! Seriously, taking pictures require so much help!!!

The final week...

Most of you know that I have been training the past 12 weeks for a half marathon. I must admit that I am SO excited for it to get here. It has been one of the best personal journeys of my entire life. This post is to simply document why I decided to run a half marathon. As I sat in Relief Society today and listened to the lesson on writing in your journal. I realized I haven't even documented this journey. This decision started exactly 1 year and two months ago. I was pregnant with my third baby and suffering from some complications from being pregnant that I didn't relize would eventually push me to the point of pre-term labor. On April 11th, 2009 around 10pm I was sent to Alta View Hospital where I was then 31 weeks pregnant and dialated to a 4. My body wanted to have this baby but because of much prayer, a preisthood blessing and a wonderful doctor all things happened just as they should. Me delivering a healthy baby boy at 38 weeks. This is when the "half marathon" journey begins. It was probably around bed rest week 5 or 6 when I realize this isn't going to change for a few more weeks. I was literally glued to the recliner, more comfortable than not sitting in it, but incredibly tired of sitting and relaxing in it. Not to mention I entered this pregnancy, running and being fit hoping to reach my personal "weight loss" goals. So being put on bed rest was a shock and a slight disappointment. I must admit that Tuesday night on bed rest were my favorite...why you ask because of one show. The Biggest Loser. Yes, I love this show. I have watched nearly all seasons except for one or two. I still LOVE it. But this is when I was overcomed with emotions. Watching these amazing people turn from people like me, sitting on the couch (me due to bedrest, them due to choices) but going and running a marathon. Yes, I was inspired. I was completely motivated to the point it burned in my soul. That night I said, "If they can do this so can I!!" So with that in mind I delivered this baby and started working my way back to being me, one day at a time. So as I sat on this idea for several months I began getting that little fire or voice within me say, "Now is the time..." So I turned to my dearest friends who I feel support me with all my wild wishes! And I convinced them to join in the experience. We have encouraged each other in so many ways, than just running. I am so appreciative to them for their continued support and friendship. Those long Saturday runs on 11800 South wouldn't be the same with out everyone. So because of this one experience I had and convinced my friends to join me we have a great group finishing this journey on Saturday. There is Emily, Amanda, Andrea, Amber, Camille and Krista. (I hope I'm not leaving anyone else out!) But here's to the women running this journey with me. As I have shared on previous early morning runs. I have had many "tender" moments of loving these dear friends. We truly inspire one another to grow and achieve goals. Thanks for being my "train" and letting me be your caboose and "pushing" you all to the finish line! Here's to the last week of running and as the ad says, "PAIN YOU ENJOY!" I have enjoyed the pain so far and I hope to enjoy and finish the journey on Saturday! Until then here's to an easy week of running, resting, and eating some good carbs! GOOD LUCK HERRIMAN RUNNING GIRLS!

(Here's to a sneak peak at the offical finish line! We drove down last night to see the actual route...we wanted a picture incase we never make it to the finish line!!)

Finally I know...

Thanks to Jared reminding me how important the 1st year birthday is...even if he is a third child! Some how life, memorial weekend and my upcoming Relief Society meeting has taken my days and filled them! So thanks for his encouraging words we made a MONKEY cake for Caleb. This kid has got a big mouth, big two teeth and some ears that most people would laugh at...but not his family! We just adore this kid. So here's to a birthday MONKEY cake for our special little guy. He was just as thrilled to see the candle again as he was to munch on some cake.

Oh, he's learned the "cheese" face already! Cute kid...Can you see those teeth? Honestly, they are so BIG!

Here's just a cute smiling picture of my favorite one year old ever. Little Caleb we love you! We know the love is still strong because Jared and I still fight over putting him to bed. Somehow that's the best part of the day...snuggling you and seeing you suck your thumb. Are we the only ones that thinks he looks like a monkey??? Cute kid!

Memorial Weekend

Here's to Memorial Day Weekend! Here is the view from Herriman Cemetary. We don't know anyone YET who is going to be buried here. But I must admit my parents decided that this is the place for them. So that made for interesting conversation with the kiddos. We were out for the night for some quality family time, having pizza at the park and the park of choice was right next to the cemetary. So I must admit it started out a wonderful holiday weekend!

Here we are battling the sun for a picture. If we faced the other direction the picture was black. If we faced the sun on the side bad light too. Yeah, I need to take a photography class to figure the lighting thing out! Either way my favorite part of the picture is me holding Jake with a great mom hold to keep him in the picture. And then there is Caleb...just having some more dinner...eating Jared's head! Sweet Alayna just jumped up and gave us her sweet smile, despite the sun!

YIKES...is this a reflection on the possible future? Well, I sure hope not. the adults under the pavilion were cracking up laughing at her hand on her hip and her intensity in making a "pretend" phone call. Randy (Jared's dad) gave Caleb this old cell phone as a toy. But Alayna insisted on carrying it around in her jacket and acting like she was making real phone calls. Oh, my little girl please stay little just a bit longer. Since I'm thinking about her growing up here is our conversation and cute moment on Saturday morning.

Alayna is by my bed drawing a darling picture in my gratitude journal. It happened to be a picture of me. (If you haven't seen her people picture drawings you are missing out!) I was looking down on her just thinking how this sweet little picture will soon stay and the sweet little girl drawing it will grow and get old. I was taken over for a brief "OH...my little girl...stay little" moment. When I said, "Alayna, don't grow old." She said, "Sorry, Mom I have too." I said, "No really Alayna please stay my little girl, don't grow!" (I'm hugging her and keeping her from drawing which she is putting up me oozing all over her but trying to maintain composure.) To which she replies, "I'm sorry mom, there is no other way. That's the plan. But don't worry I will still love you when I'm a mom!" I laughed and said, "I'm not worried about that I know by then you will LOVE me the very most, it's when your a teenager." She then laughed and said, "Mom, I will love you forever!" At which point I gave her another gigantic squeeze and hugged her so tight she screamed. Honestly, do they have to grow up?

Speaking of growing up, Caleb has. He's one years old and WALKING! Yeah, for those of you that celebrated with us just a week ago, as of June 1st (at Olivia's birthday party) he took his first two or three steps. Tonight he did about 6 or 7. He even managed to walk one handed with his thumb in his mouth! (Brian and Ashley don't worry we will get you online to have you witness it first hand!) This picture is even showing off a little ball quilt that I managed to sew for him for his birthday. Cute Aunt Ashley sewed one for Jake and let's just say it's his own personal lifeline that he can't live without. So I insisted to collect darling flannel fabric from Walmart and sew the little man one too.

Here's to another wonderful Sunday cooking away with Brian and Ashley. Yup, you guessed it Margarita pizza! Yum. Really, why don't we eat this everyday???

Aunt Ashley and the crazy man!

Oh, and here is one of my new favorite additions to the home. We have placed a United States map under my other favorite home item (my plastic table cloth from Walmart). This map has allowed my kids to discuss where family and friends are traveling, living and talking about. It's so cute because even Jake knows just by mentioning a handful of states. Brian and Ashley were impressed to have the kids know where Texas was!

Thanks to Grandma Suker she baked little Caleb a cake that he was able to do anything he wanted to it. He really didn't care for the cake but he did love the candle! Thanks to everyone in sharing in the great weekend together as family. A major thank you to Randy you funded the long weekend trip so Brian and Ashley could come and visit! Honestly, we are so blessed to have such a great family. This was a good holiday.

We have another Birthday!

Happy Birthday Caleb! You guessed it we have another birthday if that's possible!!! Happy Birthday we LOVE you!!! He's one years old and trying to get places on his feet. He is one happy little guy with four teeth and still loving two naps a day! I can't wait to go and get his birthday pictures taken...so fun. I doubt he will stay still for one picture. This kid is ALWAYS on the move...one wiggly little guy!!!

Preschool Graduation

Honestly can it get any cuter than this? I seriously doubt it! Every parent just gasped with the "AHHHH...so cute!" phrase when the kids walked out. They were literally, "adorable!" Here is Miss Alayna proud as can be that she passed preschool and received her award or diploma.

Just smiling and happy!

Here's to the graduating class of 2010...from preschool that is! The best part of the program was when the kids all sang, "I'm Proud to be an American" it was so moving and let's just say I was filled with tears. Every time she has sang it with me at home I tell her I love that song. But when all the kids were together singing it was wonderful. It sure does make us proud to have these kids instill some American pride. It was darling from start to finish! Alayna had a little poem to recite with a friend. And don't you worry she wanted her fair share at the microphone so she grabbed it and forced it closer to her mouth and spoke up extra loudly...all the parents let out a laugh because it was so funny. That's my girl wanting to be the star of the show! Miss Karie does a wonderful job as a teacher and Alayna kept saying the morning before the graduation..."I can't wait to get there to give her a great big hug!" Now that preschool is officially over Alayna is sad because she wants to see Miss Karie again.

Mr. Handsome

"Look it's me...I turned three!!!"

Of course I took Alayna in to get her pictures taken not more than two weeks ago and they didn't email you all of the pictures. So I had to scan them in...but now with Jake they emailed them all to me! So it was great...I just download them and then upload! SO EASY!!! Now going forward I don't think I will order nearly as many. I just like to have a few to remember how cute they are.

Let's just say this kid couldn't be happier to have had a birthday! He LOVES anything that has to do with his birthday...so seriously getting his pictures taken was SO easy because I told him they were his birthday pictures. I'm not sure if he thought there was a cake waiting for him or what! But either way he was adorable!!!

Life with SEVEN Children

Here's to the mothers of SEVEN out there. Let's just say that I am still living after having watched my own THREE children and Shan's FOUR children. Oh, we had them from Friday to Friday. If it's possible to look past the reality of having that many kids we had a great time. Shandra doesn't believe me when I tell her we had a really fun time. I made sure my schedule was clear of anything and we simply did FUN things. Shan was cute to leave fun prizes or presents for the kids each day to look forward too. So that helped create fun things to do each day. We had pizza, movies, classic skating, the mayan, artic circle, cookies, new books, etc.

The kids are showing off their excitement for pizza and a movie!

Due to the RAINY weather all week I had to think of something fun for us all to do. So we headed off to Wal-Mart to pick out fabric for new pillowcases. It was fun to have all the kids pick out their own. This allowed for one day to be spent indoors and snuggle and watch a movie with their new pillowcases. It was SO fun to watch their excitement and love towards their new pillowcases.

Here we are with our six monkies at the mayan. Thanks to my neighbor I left Caleb home to sleep...not sure that I could do all seven out of the house at one time! This was Jake's birthday so it made for a fun day for him too!

Here are my cute kids. I must say that yes I did get teary eyed because they had to leave. Shan and Todd have done a wonderful job raising such cute kids. Not to mention Alayna adores the older cousins and Jake and Isaac live to hang out together. Really the week flew by and now we just get to keep hanging out with them because they are still off track!

Here are to the lessons I learned as a mother of SEVEN:
1. Wake up early and exercise...I mean like 6:30am (This is VERY early for me!)
2. After you exercise, shower and be done with that activity. Because if you don't it won't happen until night time! Really, I learned this first hand!
3. No matter what read your scriptures and kneel in prayer, everyday! Because this is truly the only thing that will prepare you for battle all day long!
4. Enjoy them. Because really kids are adorable. Enjoy talking to them and tucking them in. Kids are so sweet and I just love them!
5. Don't be alarmed if two little boys run around naked 80% of your day...really what is the deal with potty trained three year olds and their difficulty of getting all their clothes on?
6. Make easy dinner meals...or really all meals must be thought ahead in advance...because once it's rush time you better be prepared!
7. Always use paper plates. Because after each meal your kitchen still seems clean!

So for the next time I watch their kids I am ready for anything! Bring them on!!!!

So good.