Reading to a 1 yr old...

As each of my children have grown out of the newborn stage I think I have forgotten what to do. Seriously, reading books with Alayna and Jake is a daily event at their ages of 5 and 3. But then there is little Caleb who I would have "thought" would just squirm off my lap and wiggle down. But then one quiet afternoon I picked him up to snuggle and I grabbed a book...Yes, I'm a horrible parent. It was my first book I "read" to just him. Yes, on Sunday he looks at books that I prop up at him during Sacrament meeting to keep him quiet, but to actually read to just him it hasn't happened. So to my surprise he sat so cute and excited on my lap. He LOVED it! I was having such a great time with his excitement that I had to have Jared do the same thing with him today. So as usual I had to snap a photo to document his love and excitement for books! I hope it continues because his other two siblings LOVE books, so I will need his love to continue!

Seriously, here is a cute kid. Well, now that I have crossed this milestone of opening up books and reading to him. I guess it's time to put books in his bedroom now to read to him more at nap and night time.

Here is his other trick. He pushes the stool over to the counter to attempt to climb up. I watch him carefully as he was plotting to make steps out of my kitchen drawers. Jared and I were thinking he was a little out of control, more than the other kids until we found a picture of Jake standing on laundry baskets, his high chair and doing the same things as Caleb. So we were quickly reminded that they ALL do the same things! I guess he's not as aggressive and wild as we thought! That's just ALL of our kids in general. Good thing we LOVE them! :)

Herriman Town Days...

Honestly, does it get any better than the SUMMER HOLIDAYS? I think not. There is something about dressing the kiddos up in red, white and blue and just loving every minute of it. For me, it's the traditions. From early morning until night. I love having those warm hot days of fun outside. Why we haven't incorporated some swimming in it yet I don't know! So Shan & Todd put up that pool!!! Anyways, here we are representing our little family at the Herriman parade on Saturday morning. (Jared was at the church doing the monthly cleaning...way to go honey!) I woke up early at 5:45am to run a long (7 mile) run with Camille. We had debated back and forth to run the Herriman 10k...but when we heard the starting time was 7am...we passed...because we KNOW how HOT it gets...and then to run 6 miles in the heat...NO THANK YOU! So just as we were finishing we were passing all the runners. Oh, boy did it feel great to run, be done and to have done it for FREE! (That paid for our pizza later that night!)

Jake & Isaac enjoying the parade...I love how TALL Isaac is and how SHORT Jake is.

Jake, Isaac, Conner and Olivia. Alayna & Kierra went to a cabin with my parents. They returned for the fireworks but missed the parade.

Here is a cute family picture of us sporting once again the RED, WHITE and BLUE! The fireworks were great again as usual! We can't wait for Riverton next weekend!!!!

Haircuts, Sandwiches and Walking...

The day had to come...I know some of you mothers out there are yelling at me in that "how-dare-you-ever-cut-a-babies" hair kind of voice...but it had to be done! When you realize your little guy has more of a mullet and curls than any "boy haircut" than it must be done. Sorry, I had taken enough. Loved the "old-man" look and "shag" but the buzz had to come eventually!

Goodbye LONG hair!

Hello "dorky" baby as Jared called him! Yes, his hair grows VeRy CrOoKeD...Oh, the joys....What did I uncover? And the teeth...I have to admit this picture just makes me LAUGH and giggle as I look at it. He's just adorable, with or with out hair.We also like to call him Mr. Cheese...

Does he really look that different without all those long locks of hair??

Here is Jake's new Summer look..he informed me that he would like to be referred to as "baldie." As for Alayna I warned her last night that if she did not allow me to "do her hair" today than I would cut her hair too. She reluctantly agreed to letting me do it, she looked adorable. (I just didn't get a picture of it until after she took a bath!)
Here is to a "family sandwich" the kids thought they were so funny tonight when they started jumping and laying on Jared. Then they decided they were going to make a sandwich. Dad's the bread, Alayna is the meat, Jake's the lettuce and Caleb was the cheese. I was the bread but then they changed me to be the one to eat the sandwich and Caleb was the bread. Really does it get any better than some quality family time on a great summer evening? I think not!Yes, he is walking. He officially today has taken off. He also has learned how to get in a standing position from a sitting one. My little guy is getting big!
I also had to document Caleb's favorite words, "No-No" sad but true they are his first words. This would be him going over to the BBQ and trying to touch it...then repeating to us, "no-no!" He also says, done or "dun" and "eh-dun" for all done, and who can't forget, "ah-oh" yes, the Uh-Oh has arrived. Oh, he also points to everything saying, "thisss?". He has turned into a major jabbering baby who really, let's his presence known. He is a handful at home and at church! Ah, you have to love this age from 1 years to 18 months!!! :) (Yes, you did read TONS of sarcasm in that sentence!)

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.