Just_us_three

HUEBNER CHRISTMAS

2011-12-25T11:51:00.001-07:00

When we got married Troy said the German Huebner way was to open all gifts on Christmas Eve. So we do. I like it. Santa still comes too. To celebrate with just the three of us this year we started with a little Luke 2 and singing. ...then it was present time.

Christmas Day started at 7:30am. Not too bad. I asked Kate if Santa had come. She said he had, but I don't think she had even gone out and peeked.

Other fun December moments...

EARLY CHRISTMAS

2011-12-21T21:14:00.003-07:00

We celebrated Christmas early. It was great to be together again after 18 months of LDS mission serving parents. (Yerevan Armenia) We did it rural Moapa style and even had fireworks thanks to Uncle Robert.

Happiest Girl!

Cousins in Armenia t's

Newest and most favorite addition to family.

Her name is Taytum!

Lacey, Robert, Bri, Mom Knox and the square paper at the bottom is Troy hiding his cute bald -i-ness I love!

Still Happy!

The gift is a wooden pomegranate carved salt holder. It represents fertility and we could use that in our family. Each family received one.

And this cool hand carved Noah Ark. Mt. Ararat is on the outside of the boat. Armenia claims it as their mountain even though it is in Turkey.

Dad got cash for garden soil, wood for mounting his trains and a shed.

Robert and Bri playing with the Ark.

My Mom and Aunties. I am named after 2nd...Diane.

Me and my sisters.

Just posing.

Knox and Kate.

(Someone needs to teach me how to get the kids in focus. I am not a photog.)

A benefit of living in the middle of no where.

(If you were traveling I-15 in Nevada near Glendale and you saw a show off to the east that was Uncle Robert giving the drivers a show and doing a test run for our own special show...he is awesome.)

When Troy and I got married and left the reception they did fireworks too.

Yep these are the awesome big ones like you can shoot off in Utah now.

So that is how we Jones' do it.

Merry Christmas to all.

Thanksgiving...

2011-12-02T14:49:00.001-07:00

For thanksgiving we headed to G ma and Pa's house in Arizona. It was wonderfully warm and we got lots of Vitamin D. We had thanksgiving dinner out in the orchard. All the kids ran around and had a great time.

They're Back!

2011-12-02T14:47:00.001-07:00

Of course the first place to go when you come back to America is In an Out!

Exhausted but home.

Grandma gave Kate a necklace with an ARMENIAN K It is a "Ka" We are so glad they are home and will hang out with them until they are sick of us...11 days.

Halloween

2011-11-01T19:05:00.001-06:00

The Thinker

Littlest Pet Shop Lady Bug

Walking to Preschool

Class of 2024

Kate actually took this one.

This lasted for about 5 minutes.

Then there was this. We had trick or treaters dance for their candy. Troy was a DJ in college. I hooked up his speakers and amp and we had great dance and halloween music blasting the neighborhood.

Carnival Hair and Crushes

2011-09-27T16:39:00.002-06:00

So apparently there is a boy in preschool named Conner. Kate has told both me and Troy she wants to marry him. Monday I spoke to a woman who was his grandma. As soon as I said I was Kate's mom she said oh Conner is in love with Kate. I laughed so hard. It was mutual. But it gets better. Conner is saving for a diamond for Kate. He told his mom he needed to get Kate a diamond. As he looked at his mom's ring he said it was too small and Kate needed a big diamond. How the heck does a four year old know about diamonds.

What do you do?

Kate is pretty stubborn, everything and anything must be her idea. There is often bargains and deals being made when asked to do anything. Well doing cute girl hair is so never going to be my future unless she decides it. I have to beg to comb her hair or curl it for church. Last Friday Kate came home looking like this. I was SO jealous.

Paddle Surf Adventure

2011-09-06T13:17:00.003-06:00

On Labor day we had ourselves a new family adventure. We went to Jordanelle Reservior and tried paddle surfing. It was so much fun. Imagine a flat kayak you stand on and then you use a long paddle to move around. Kate climbed on the front of my board and had a blast. Sometimes she sat there other times she tried standing up. She did great. There was a rope she could hold onto to help her feel secure. She also got a big stick to help paddle. We did it for about an hour. I wish we could of taken our family picture out there it was awesome.

After that we went to the beach and had snacks and played in the the water. It was a nice cool cloudy day. Jordanelle has lots of camping and picnic areas with cabanas and grass. We will be going back again.

You can see what paddle board surfing looks like from the people in the last picture.

Luv this kid

2011-08-24T13:28:00.004-06:00

I am feeling very thankful for this beautiful, smart, funny, little four year old. After a few tough days I have been subtly reminded how lucky I am to have her in my life. I love her eyes, her smile, her sense of humor, and yes even when she "toots" like her dad. I love hearing her sing songs she has learned or made up. I love when she just moves her lips when she doesn't know the words to a song. I love watching her dance around the room, play house with friends and most of all I love it when she says you are the best mom in the world and gives me a hug.

Birthday girl.

2011-08-03T12:52:00.001-06:00

Lets start at the end.

Mermaid pinata (no pictures mom was done!)

Kitchen floor=mashed cupcakes

We had pizza, fruit and chocolate cupcakes.

Opened presents, and danced in a circle around the birthday girl.

Crafts on the deck: coloring hello kitty and making butterfly hair bows

13 screaming girls and monsoon weather hits.

Water balloon fight, mini pool and slip n slides.

All = one very happy 4 year old.

Kate was so excited to have a birthday. We made a paper chain so she could keep track of the days. One day she woke so early and had our swim suit on ready to go. Every morning the first words out of her mouth were can I go rip it now. Meaning ripping off a link of the chain.

Kate received wonderful gifts and I think had a pretty special day. She has many friends many ages and the older girls helped me keep order and helped the little ones with their crafts.

It was a super special day for Troy and I too. We are so blessed to have this little girl in our life. It wouldn't have happened with out her precious birthmother. We are so grateful to her and love her very much.

I have to add a few funny things that Kate has said lately. She was playing with a doll and there was a boy friend mentioned. I asked Kate what is a boyfriend? I don't know. Is it a boy who is your friend? No. Well what do you do with a boyfriend? You kill him!

laughing: that is right.

She also tells me she can do what ever she wants because she is four. She doesn't want to be a teenager. And she doesn't want to die. Although when she plays with her friends they sure do "die" a lot.

The other day I walked in the room saying I am so hot. Troy said, I am hotter. (as in good looking) Kate then tried to say she was the hottest but said. I am very very warm.

She makes us laugh a lot. She is growing up way to fast.

New Kitty

2011-07-21T18:43:00.003-06:00

Kate got a new kitty. Well really it was supposed to be for Fathers Day. Her name is Ruby and she is loved, mauled, strolled, microwaved (play kitchen), backpacked, dunked, and played with all day.

Kate's chores include feeding Ruby and cleaning the poop box. She says she hates the second and somehow Mom and Dad end up doing it.

We took her to the vet for some shots and Kate came along and was fascinated by it. Kate is very curious. This kitten is too. Ruby is either in spaz mode or sleeping. It is fun to watch her attack everything. Ruby is very independent and if you pick her up when she doesn't want too you hear about it. Funny just like Kate...

Princess Festival 2011

2011-06-22T15:45:00.011-06:00

WHAT IS HEAVEN FOR A THREE YEAR OLD? THE PRINCESS FESTIVAL!

Saturday morning we took Kate to the Princess Festival. She put on her best princess dress got her hair curled and phoofed, put on lip gloss, mascara, and rouge and we were ready to go.

The festival has their own Princesses along with all the classic Fairytale Princesses too.

We got every princesses autographs, stayed away from the princes, (they were scary) Peter Pan was okay though. Did service for Kids in Kenya, watched plays, did a craft and ate a corn dog. It was a wonder day.

This event supports a wonderful charity.

To learn more visit: www.quietway.org

I love Utah!

2011-06-22T15:40:00.003-06:00

My own back yard. My own camera. No funny bizness.

ROCKWELL 525 Moab to St George Relay

2011-06-12T20:28:00.008-06:00

THE TEAM: DON, DAVE, BLAKE, TROY.

TEAM LOBOTOMY.

DON and DAVE.

DAVE at Duck Creek

6 miles to go and he is done. BIG SMILE.

ALL DONE! 137 miles in 29 hours

DON

THE HAND OFF. SLAP BRACELET BATON.

BLAKE at Enterprise to St George. Last leg.

DON IS FINISHED!!

FINISHERS CIRCLE.

Instead of a medal they got cool rings.

I just want it known to all. MY HUSBAND IS AMAZING!

He rides a road bike, a lot. He has gone about 300 miles in 3 days, 70 miles in a few hours, raced criterions, climbed mountains, he has even taken Kate up south fork (a mountain) But this weekend he conquered a great challenge. In a team of four they road all day and night from Moab to St George Utah. That is 400 miles. Troy was the #1, Dave was #2, (this is a co-worker and the elder of the group), Don (the brother-in-law) was #3, and Blake was #4 (and about 20 years younger than at least 2 of the others we won't say who.)

They finished 14th over all. (40 teams started) They finished safe. There were two bad wrecks, (one of which Dave watched in front of him. Both riders are alright though even one having a broken neck and one having a broken collar bone.)

Kate and I decided to go as support. I am not sure we were all that much help but it was fun being in the truck together for 2 straight days, (we got a hotel room for the night.) The team had about 1.5 hours of sleep, if that. The solar shower broke after the first use and so they road together in Don's truck all night stinky, and sleepy.

Troys legs of the race, (not his actual legs on his body) Always finished at a higher elevation than he started. He had a lot of climbing, mostly climbing. Dave had some killer climbs too with crazy downs, (boulder mountain in the dark, and cedar mountain the next morning.) Don had the most miles to do. He also caught and passed a lot of people each time. Blake had extra motivation because his Mom was racing. Blake did a great job and finished the race Saturday around 3:30pm. Dave and Troy road in with him across the finish line. (Don is a busy man needed to move on to the next adventure in his life...girls camp)

This drive is scenic eye candy. I really wanted to stop all the time and play on the rocks, in the rivers, (it was hot and even the dangerous mountain run offs looked inviting) under the arches, hike the trails, have a picnic, just be able to relax and take in the beautiful and incredible sights. I did manage one fast jog up a hill to the mountain meadow massacre site for some very quick pictures.

On the way to Monticello.

Cedar Mountain: Duck Creek area.

Mountain Meadow, Massacre Site.

All I can say is I am so PROUD of all of them they rocked it. I am even a little jealous. (a lot actually) Well done TEAM LOBOTOMY!

(I guess you must need a LOBOTOMY to do the race again, but you know Troy he is already making notes on what to do better for next time.)

( I will be there too.)

PS I wish I had taken more pictures.

SWIM CLASS

2011-06-12T20:16:00.002-06:00

We are having a blast at swim class. I think the teachers may be a little tired of hearing the phrase, "look at me teacher." I think Kate says it at least 100 times a class. She is a little fish still. She is almost floating on her back. She has been seen swimming the crawl and even licking the side of the pool. I would say we are getting our moneys worth and more. She has two good teachers, Scott and Jessica. They are good with the kids and patient with them too.

What I learned in preschool.

2011-06-01T10:58:00.008-06:00

I have tried to keep everything that Kate brought home from preschool this year. Some of it was edible and didn't make the camera, some was played with and is now in the place of lost toys...somewhere. I thought it would be fun to keep it all and take photos of it then maybe I won't feel guilty throwing it all away.

We have a really great teacher who is so creative and attentive to the children's needs. Kate adores Ms. Myrna. We are so lucky to be able to go again next year. It will be three days a week... (yay! oh was that out loud.)

She made an all about me book.

Practiced her name everyday.

Practiced letters.

Did crafts.

Stories.

Snacks.

Music.

Played.

Met a real bunny.

Made new friends.

Gave mom a break. (whoops how did that get in there;))

Don't leave the scissors in the drawer...

2011-05-03T17:41:00.006-06:00

The other day Kate and her friend were playing out in the kitchen. I kept hearing the garbage can lid open and close. After the 3rd time I thought uh oh? This is what I found. They were so excited to show me their new hair cuts. I then told them they shouldn't smile what they did was bad and they were in trouble. (I was laughing inside though and sort of in shock)

We are lucky to have a gifted visiting teacher save the day.

Sunday we made necklaces for grandma to give to the youth in Yeravan, Armenia at youth conference. I enlisted some of our young women to help me. It was a lot of fun stamping the word courage on 90 washers. Here is a link to do them. Use a magic eraser to wipe off the sharpie off. They are not perfect but made with lots of love.

http://downloads.sugardoodle.net/images/stories/wn1.jpg

My sister gave me the cutes little vases perfect for my tulips. I just wanted to show them off. We really need the sun to show up for more than a day. I want to garden so bad. I can't wait to get started this season.

EASTER FUN

2011-04-24T14:49:00.004-06:00

Dad and me.

Easter Dress.

The trail led to this.

Bunny POOP, ewwww!

When I woke up sunday morning I discovered Bunny poop in the hallway.

Saturday night we decorated our eggs with dye, stamps, glitter and stickers.

Friday we went to dads work and decorated cookies and had our face painted.

2011-04-24T13:42:00.002-06:00

Possessed.

That last post is possessed. I swear. I have no idea how it got so big and published then unpublished.... sorry about that.

Fair time again.

2011-04-24T13:41:00.002-06:00

This is my 3rd attempt at doing this post. My pictures will not upload. So if they do not upload again you will just have to imagine these pictures.

We went to the Clark County Nevada fair. I was a lot of fun. The kids all got to go to the carnival, the dads go to go on the rides with them. The moms ate fair food. Troy and I took the kids on a very short camel ride which was very cool. Then it was straight to the pony rides. Each kid had their own pony and had a great time.

yay it worked!

April 3, 2011

2011-04-03T19:43:00.006-06:00

This is one of Kate's best buds. I caught them buck naked getting into costumes. Then once they were dressed they put on a performance.

"Strike a pose girls."

This is what we woke up to today, 5-6inches of it!

We had a fun dinner with the family too. I was the favorite aunt for supplying the caffeine free Mt. Dew. We BBQ'd despite the snow that was falling and ate a ton of 2nd favorite aunt Melissa's sugar cookies.

MARCH

2011-03-30T17:10:00.004-06:00

We made bunny buns. It is from the friend magazine. I wonder why they put faces on the bunny buns but maybe the bunny is looking over his shoulder. Ours are just the "buns."

We got to spend the day with our friends. The play dough was a big hit. We (mom) made doggies for everyone, and a bed, and a ball, and a bone...

Kate came into my room asking for her "toes." I had no idea what she was talking about so I told her to go find them. She came back with her "tools" to fix my drawer like her dad fixes the truck.

March.

2011-03-09T14:07:00.001-07:00

Princess

Dinner for a princess

Kate is a wiz on the iphone. It is one of her favorite things to do with her dad.

V is for volcano. Preschool craft. Edible cake volcano with frosting, candy rocks, toy dinosaurs and a tea candle to light.

The last month has been a little crazy. Kate has been a super big girl helping me. I did another IVF cycle but it didn't work, or we say the babies didn't grow. She understands a little and we all were very sad. It just isn't our time I guess.

(Inthetrenches-IVF.blogspot.com)

We have also been busy with gymnastics, preschool and playing with friends. At night we are reading our scriptures and Kate has her own little mini Book of Mormon. She likes to find a number three and says she is reading that scripture. She repeats after us and reads two verses a night. But everytime we say "wherefore" she says, "wherethree" and gets mad if we don't say it too. It cracks me up. Last night it was "where-eight." Kate's sense of humor is strong and she loves to joke around all the time. To our frustration sometimes, especially when we try to get ready for bed.

She loves playing the three little pigs. One of us gets to be the wolf and we chase her around the house. This saturday we are going to a production of Peter and the Wolf. We have watched the Disney version of it and we love to sing the music around the house. I think it is a ballet and symphony for kids. Kate loves music a lot.

neglect

2011-02-19T11:35:00.002-07:00

This blog will be neglected for a few weeks as I work on a new blog. Feel free to browse.

inthetrenches-IVF.blogspot.com

Cinderella

2011-02-13T19:28:00.002-07:00

We went to our first Ballet. It was Cinderella performed by the BYU ballet. It was lots of fun and we got to dress up, and attend a princess party before. The fairies gave the girls suckers. Kate did really good. She sat on her Dad's lap and I watched them. She asked tons and tons of questions. It was fun to see her beautiful little face light up with delight and wonder and she watched the ballerinas perform. It was a super fun night.

All the pretty princesses.

Kate with the ensemble and Fall Fairy

Winter Fairy

This is Kate's Primary teacher she was the Fairy God-mother

Grandma Pat

2011-02-07T19:17:00.003-07:00

Saturday we meet a very special person. Grandma Pat. This is Kate's birth grandma. It was very fun to meet up and exchange pictures and stories. Grandma Pat made Kate a quilt. We put it on her bed and that night she said, "mom this blanket is very special to me."

1/29/11

2011-01-29T16:37:00.003-07:00

I just love these two...

Today is a big day. First of all it is Troys birthday. He is 40something. I am very grateful he is such a loving and wonderfully, supportive husband.

It is also the day we went to see Judge Taylor in Provo and officially adopted our sweet Kate Abigail. A few days later we were sealed in the Manti temple.

Goings on...

2011-01-28T17:33:00.003-07:00

New Cousin!

Mom I need to make boobs (we had been playing games with toilet paper)

Sweet baby girls.

Cupcakes at the park.

New favorite game "photo booth."

Crazy cousins.

Arizona

2010-12-28T10:28:00.002-07:00

This cracks me up. It is difficult to get everyone on the same page for our photo shoots.

Gma, Pa and the grandkids.

Kate did not want her picture taken.

This is the best we could get.

December.

2010-12-20T17:20:00.001-07:00

This is splash mountain. She says it was her favorite ride? Looks like it.

We just got back from Disneyland. It was so much fun. Kate is just over 40inches tall and could ride all but 3 rides in both parks. So yes we took her on all the scary rides.

These other pics are just some of my favorites. Kate is growing up too fast. She is very independent. She is also very strong-willed. We are working on sharing, being kind to others and obeying mom and dad. Its not easy for any of us somedays. But she is loving and kind and very social. Kate loves to play with mom; princesses, blocks, coloring and she loves to help me cook. She also helps dad in the garage working on the car and truck. She can be happy and laughing one minute and crying the next or vise versa so yes we have a little drama queen. I tell her she is my princess and she says no mom I am Kate Abigail Huebner. So funny. I guess she is just our perfect little 3 and a half year old.

Finally snow that sticks. It was perfect for building our snow family. We had to get carrots for the nose the eyes are rocks and the mouths wood chips.

Here is a link to Kate's first dance recital. She was awesome.

DANCE Recital 2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_z6Szg54h6Y

Autumn TIme

2010-11-06T21:39:00.004-06:00

New Booster.

"mom I need to take a picture of the sunset"

Play date

More October fun...

2010-10-31T15:04:00.000-06:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

This cute fairy is Terrance from the Tinker Bell Movies. He is showing us how to fly. Terrence is a pixie dust fairy.

After surveying the entire neighborhood the majority said Troy looked 10 years younger with hair. This was very important to him.

Silver Mist and Tinker Bell.

At dad's work party Trick or Treating.

This is Kate's Preschool Class. Her teacher is awesome. She also loves Halloween.

This little Fairy did not want her picture taken.

These two decided to draw with markers all over their face and arms. It is hard to see though.

October

2010-10-25T17:51:00.001-06:00

October has gone by way too fast. Kate is loving preschool. Her teacher is so creative and that is perfect for Kate. She comes home singing new songs and playing new games she has learned there. Dance class, well,I know she likes going there. But I sadly have to admit she is the child that when they say run in a circle this way. She automatically goes "that" way. She takes cuts, and is usually trying to take off some part of her outfit. We haven't gotten naked yet, but it has been close. She often comes running out and tells me she just needs to give me a kiss and a hug. She has such a fun personality. She is learning dance though because she will show me what they practice. Today they got to wear their costumes for the recital, a dark purple tutu and fairy wings. Kate's tutu ended up around her neck, but she wasn't the only one she just started the trend. I think she will be a future trend setter for sure.

We went to Wheeler Farm to go on the hay ride, corn maze and pick a pumpkin with some friends. Kate could have stayed there all day she loved the animals and as I found out later, picking up rocks. Her coat pockets were full of rocks. We have been there before with Troy's work for a fun summer party.

We also did a very quick trip to AZ to see G-ma and Pa. It was a lot of fun even though it was only a 4 day trip. Kate traveled in the car really good. And we didn't have any potty accidents. She wears "unders" now with out any problem. (Her name for underwear)

Kate is mastering the art of parental manipulation. she knows all she has to do is flash that smile and give a big hug and she owns us. Especially when you are getting mad at her for being naughty. The other day after a time out before I could even get the words out she said, "Mom I understand, if I wine or cry I get a time out." I usually conclude a timeout with "If you _____then you will have a time out, do you understand?" She is a really bright girl and remembers everything. How can you not love that.

Shoofly Preschool

2010-09-15T13:49:00.002-06:00

Kate is going to preschool. We are so lucky to have a talented teacher close to us to teach Kate. This is the 2nd day of school. (no batteries for the camera day 1) She has 2 friends in class with her and has 6 kids total. I will have to take a picture of the things they do in there for another post.

On the first day I asked if I could curl her hair and she said but mom its not church. I did manage to get curls.

Ballet

2010-09-03T17:14:00.002-06:00

Dance class

2010-09-03T15:34:00.000-06:00

Kate is the front black leotard.

Its official she is a ballerina...and a painter.

swimming

2010-08-24T16:06:00.004-06:00

I am trying to upload a video of Kate swimming.
She is a fish.
A self taught fish.
A fish with no fear.
Favorite: underwater tea party.

Not like me at all.

2010-08-11T18:30:00.005-06:00

Today I watched a video by my favorite artist. I guess I had an epiphany, or her words led me to remember or realize some things my soul really needed. I don’t write like this ever but I feel like I need to keep these feeling someplace I won’t forget them again. What better place than facebook, my blog and our adoption website.

I am not one to share my feelings with others not even my husband most of the time. They are very private and I do not want to be judged or told what to do by others, funny because I am a coach by profession always telling others what to do. I live my life as a coach, observing and fixing and offering up unsolicited advice when I think I know the right way to do something. That is probably why I am sharing this, incase it helps someone else’s soul too.

So here is what I don’t want to forget: “Be where your feet are.” My above-mentioned favorite artist did a series of paintings to go with that beautiful phrase. (She is my favorite and I am being selfish by not sharing her name. Someday my garden-shed/retreat/happy-place will be filled with those paintings.if you are computer savvy you can figure it out.) No more focusing on where I was, what I could have been. Having goals of course but not taking for granted the chapter of life’s book I am currently in. Cherishing it, loving it, soaking in every moment good and bad.

“I am who I am, an individual.” As a new clueless mother I looked to those around me for examples of how to be a good mother. I have a lot of really great examples all around me; friends, neighbors, a sister, my mother, my mother-in-law, sisters-in-laws etc. Yes I am watching all of you daily. Unfortunately I have gotten caught up in my flaws and how I can never do what so an so does, or listening to conversations thinking I don’t do that, and letting it all just crush how I feel about myself as a mother, a wife, and as a person. I often felt lacking in so many ways. (If you don’t please tell me your secret.)

So when my favorite artist said, “ …I used to think that there was a thing I was supposed to be that I didn’t quite fit, …then I realized I totally made that up. God wants me to be an individual, but doing that with what I have been given.”(MFA)

Duh. It pierced my heart.

I do not have to be anyone but who I am right now in this minute. I will learn, I will fail, I will be judged, I will grow, and I will get better, I will take notes. That is all I can do. I want to say I will never forget these pearls of wisdom, but I will. (that is just me, forgetful.)

Thank you favorite artist. I know you will never read this but today you saved me.

Boulder Ride 2010

2010-08-10T18:23:00.009-06:00

Troy did it again the 23rd annual Boulder Ride. Started by Monte Bledsoe and a few others 23 years ago. From what I have learned they took a pair of flip flops and a credit card and rode about 240 miles. Circleville Utah to Torrey to Escalante back to Circleville. There are some serious climbs, decents and sprints to the city, I guess town signs. It is some of the most beautiful parts of Utah. I would recommend driving it if you are not up for a bicycle ride. Some train months, others not at all but they do it. All I can say is I hope to do it someday. I really do. But until then my sister Raegan and I are one of the wives following in the trucks, or the SAG wagon. This year I took Kate with us. She did great. There is a lot of stop and go for the SAG so she could get out and play. This year was a lot cooler in temp than last year. They had rain and hail, thunder and lightning and perfectly cool sunny mornings. From what I hear and true to this years trip we had the cop pull them over and cause a pile up. One biker lost from that due to a bent tire. Thank goodness it wasn't Troy or he would have lit into that cop even more than I imagine he did.

There was a little detour adventure this year taking another road to Antimony and then back tracking to Circleville. Again gorgeous county but rough road. It had less traffic which was safer for all especially the fearless, teenagers riding with us. Those boys were really nice to Kate. She was flirting a lot with them. (oh great) there was 15 riders total and 13 finished or did the whole thing. Arta was the only woman and on day one she ripped open her knee on a newly rocked road. She was amazing.

the pelaton

Activities in the truck.

coming up calf creek.

Beautiful glowing sister and baby whipple

right in the middle is a gray spot, that is the road.

Escalante river

Blake...gotcha!

Our family at the Boulder mountain summit.
Activity: drawing on rocks with markers.

Don is who all the riders want to be.

My little model.

Kate really wanted to go with the riders this morning in Torrey.

Some of the boys, they dressed the same that day Moapa Valley jerseys.

Don, Chad and Monte

Activity: glitter tiaras

Circleville start

THe BIRDS

2010-08-02T17:24:00.003-06:00

I look out the window this morning and see these cute little birds...awe. So I take a picture...cute.
Then I realize they are pooping all over the deck...yuck. They must think it is a party on my railing because a few more join them...then I realize if they think it is a party they will be back. So I go chase them off... I am clapping my hands and talking to them like they are going to listen to me...Go away little birdies, they don't just fly away they start to dive bomb me, closer and closer...what the.. this is creeping me out. The movie The Birds comes to mind and I think this is going to hurt if they hit me and what if they have some disease...(I take after my mom)...Holy crap they are getting really close so I pick up the ice cream maker and start waving it around yelling like a crazy lady...sorry neighbors.

Well it turns out they just wanted to keep eating the dried out sunflower heads I left on the deck that never got planted this year. I moved the sunflowers and haven't seen the birds again...unless they are off getting all of their bird friends to come attack me when I don't expect it.

******************************************************************************************

This is what one looks like after a fun day full of adventures: a walk to Edens (well a ride in the bike trailer), a Movie: Flipper, Lunch, falling on your head, then 3 hours of the pool, a stop at the snow shack and then home. Whew. I am tired too.

Although her face looks like she has blood on her mouth it was the melonberry shaved ice. It doesn't give it justice, her mouth and lips were seriously blood red. The red circle above her eye was a running accident and a swim noodle, luckily she bounced on the noodle first or we might of gone to the ER and not the pool.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO KATE

2010-07-29T15:36:00.011-06:00

My baby is three. Oh man is she three. It really has gone so fast. We had a fun day of celebrating with friends, and family.

We woke up, went to a movie at the library, then over to a friends to play on the water slide, had a nap, then hit our favorite Pirate Island with Dad, and then home for cake. A great day.

But this day would never have happened without a special person, Kate's birth mother. We are so honored she chose us and we still marvel at the miracle that happened in our life.

The question is...when do the terrible twos really end. hahaha

Camping

2010-07-18T19:35:00.001-06:00

Kate and I went camping alone for a night and then Troy drove his motorcycle up. It was a family reunion on my mom side. We had a great time. There are 7 girl cousins (2nd and 3rd cousins) under the age of 10. There were 8 trailers and 3 tents. We had a tent. Kate did so good at night slept through the whole night. We got a shower one night and even managed to wear our "unders" most of the day. We bought us a tinkerbell sleeping bag and had to practice sleeping in it all week.

My parents there in picture only.
(serving 18 month mission in Armenia)

Awesome tree fort that was already built by a person named Chris in our camp ground.

Our buddy Ashley. We dressed up and danced to Disney songs playing on the piano.

June and some of July

2010-07-13T09:07:00.000-06:00

Most recently we hit Brianhead for a family vacation with Troy's family.
It was really fun, road biking, mountain biking, walks to the store, ATVs, story time with G-ma, movies, cousins, crafts, and tons of food.

The aunts, uncles, g-ma and pa.

The cousins.

Fairy Princesses

Fourth of July we spent sick. So it was low key throwing of snaps and sparklers and early bed time. Then Monday when we felt a little better and went up to the neighbors to watch fireworks.

Grandpa and Grandma have headed out on a Mission for the Church. The went to Yerevan, Armenia. They will be there 18 months. They stayed with us before leaving.

My first chocolate cupcake of the summer.

Dad and Kate swinging.

One of my friends.

Family Pictures: hear, speak, see no evil.

Brooke's Family

Kate, Hans, and Knox

Grandma and Grandpa

We also did our first class away from mom. Kindermusik. Kate loved it. Lots of singing, crafts and snacks. We did a session of swim classes too. Kate passed Pre-1 and meet a new friend. We stayed everyday after class having lunch, and swimming with her new friends Kali and Jaycee and Lindsey. The first day Lindsey wasn't there after class and having just learned each others name Kali and Kate called each other Lindsey the whole time. It was funny, but we got it figured out. Kate will swim under water and swim to the side or me in the 2 feet pool. She loves the water.

This week we are going camping without dad for a day and a half, then he will join us. Kate is so excited to go and so am I.

Flower Girl

2010-05-21T14:01:00.008-06:00

We went to Vegas for Brianne's wedding. It was a gorgeous place. Kate was the flower girl and the boys ring bearers. They had a long walk to make to get to the site. A water fall on the left and a lake on the right. They may have been distracted a bit. The security guard even tried to keep them headed in the right direction. They finally made it and liked it so much they did 2 laps down the isle. Cutie pies. Brianne looked amazing and it was a happy day.

Bridal Shower was awesome thanks Jenny.

Ouch.

2010-04-27T17:25:00.001-06:00

"mom I'm brave"

Sounds of happiness quickly change to terror. There were no witnesses just a loud bump. She says she fell off my bed; a far way to fall for a little girl.

Friends

2010-04-27T17:24:00.002-06:00

best buddies
rollie pollies
future gymnyst
swings

Easter fun 2010

2010-04-04T19:59:00.010-06:00

We started our fun at the Valley of Fire. If you ever have time to drive through it is a beautiful place for a picnic. (not in the summer 100 degree plus)

The first thing Kate did was stick her head in the sand. She loves dirt!

Annual Easter egg dyeing at grandma's house. The eggs were delicious.

Above our heads are Indian writings or petroglyphs.

Kate and Knox at the bottom of Ataltal Rock.

These holes were called "tunnels." This is my favorite hole in the park. I have lots of pictures with different heads peeking out of it. It is located at the visitor center.

Kate and Hans. Pucker up cousin.

MY FAMILY

2010-02-18T14:56:00.011-07:00

This is my family. We are close. There are over 50 of us. I love that we still get together. Bogh Family reunions are some of my fondest memories as a kid. I thought my cousins were so cool. ...they still are. When you grow up in the Nevada desert coming to lush Utah was like heaven. Now the great-grand kids are having kids. So here are some pics from our last get together. There are some pretty amazing people in my family.

THE WEEKEND.

2010-02-18T14:25:00.000-07:00

Grandma and Grandpa took Kate this past weekend while I was at a volleyball tournament with my club team. She loves it there. Here is a bit of what went on, written by my mom.

Kate Capades

Best line of the weekend:
"This morning she said, (referring to her magazine) [this is a fisher price toy magazine]
"It is messed up and I'm not happy!"

We lost her in Raegan's BIG house. She was hiding and would not answer us calling her. For a few minutes I started to panic and thought how am I going to explain THIS to Troy!

She pottied once in the toilet. Immediately, she says, "Grandpa come and see"

She ate myrrh. Bob looked up myrrh poisoning. She would have had to eat a lot to have minor stomach problems. She was fine!

Her and Knox FLOODED the bathroom the first night. The second night they really FLOODED the bathroom. No more cups in the bathtub with those two gigglers.

Best toy of the weekend - "Fisher Price" advertisement catalog.

The good news is she only hit a couple of times that I saw. (I'm not sure what happened at Raegan's) She never whined or threw fits.... started to after her Mother arrived today!

After she drove away, Hans said I wish Kate lived in Nevada. I miss her.

Ditto from Grandma!

Some funnies.

2010-01-26T16:02:00.001-07:00

The other day I got it in my head we were going to go for a walk. It was sunny and looked so nice, little did I know it was in the 20's outside. But you can't tell a 2 year old no after you say we are going to go see the horses at the park. So we got Kate's baby and baby stroller and headed to the park. I of course ended up carrying both Kate, baby and the baby stroller. We made it to the horse. The horse gave us a side glance and continued chewing on the hay. Kate said "horsey come over here" ...and it did the horse walked right over to Kate and put its head down to her level. It was a little strange, but I swear that horse heard her and obeyed. This isn't the first time either.

My grandfather raised horses. My mom said he was a lot like the man in the movie the Horse Whisperer. Kate's birth mom loves horses too. I hope to give Kate the opportunity to ride horses if she wants to. It seams like she may be a little horse whisperer herself.

Sunday night we turned on the TV and started watching ice skating. Troy asked Kate if she wanted to be an ice skater. (there was this little 10 year old boy who was amazing) Kate immediately jumps up and starts skating around the kitchen, pushing with her feet like the skaters on TV, then the girl on TV pulls her foot up over her head. Kate stops, stick out her bum, grabs her foot and tries to pull it up over her head. I was laughing so hard. She is such a little character sometimes, no, all the time.

She is constantly talking now. She even makes up stories. Basically it is lying but in a healthy way. It is normal childhood development Troy says. He read all about it once. She is using her imagination. Like yesterday at lunch she is telling me about her brother and sister which don't exist.

We love the Walt Disney Princesses. We listen to Pandora.com radio and have a station just for all the Disney music. She can tell me the movie as soon as she hears the song. We dance and sing every day.

Well no pictures this blog but I will try to get some on soon. We got a little video of the skating. I hope it turned out.

Sledding

2009-12-31T21:49:00.010-07:00

Christmas Eve we went sledding. SO FUN!! All of Troy's family but the Marrow's were their. (sad) Kate and Troy didn't want to go home.

Huebner Clan

Troy played with his RC snowmobile.

After it was pizza and games.

Christmas Time

2009-12-31T21:39:00.005-07:00

Kate had g-ma and Pa playing all day with her and the new Christmas toys she received.
We continue to spoil her I admit it. But it is really fun.

How many Christmas dresses can one 2.5 year old have. Well this year it is 3. I only bought one of them. We have the best neighbors and are thankful for their donations.

I love this picture! Everyone looks great. Check out Pa's new glasses.
(Insight Eye Care in the University Mall insighteyecare.org)

Nusery Nativity...ya we did it.

2009-12-21T16:11:00.011-07:00

We are Nursery leaders. I may have mentioned it before. This is Troy's dream job. Me, well I have grown to love it and hope we get to stay a little longer. So Sunday we decided 10 minutes before church we would do a live nativity and tell the kids the story of Jesus' birth. It was kind of cute. The older ones really liked dressing up the little guys watched and listened. (I am sure they were listening to every word as they puttered around the room looking for the toys) So here they are. Yes our costumes are a bit ghetto but for a 10 minute raid of the house I think we did pretty good. Plus everyone was deck out it Christmas clothes we had to take pictures.

First singing time! A Favorite!

Sheperds

Some say there were sheep there but I think Tweety had to be there too.

Our Beautiful Angel.

Wisemen and women.

Wise woman.

Everyone. Mary got a little sad and is in my arms. Joseph is in the brown towel. (look familiar)

THE END!

Quick pictures

2009-12-20T22:42:00.008-07:00

Kate looked in the mirror after this hair-do and said I am sleeping beauty. Here she is practicing for future piano recitals.

The pose.

Always got to "See" the pictures.

Big CHEESE!

Just in case you are wondering we are wearing our PJ's. Comfy and cozy in the house. Instead of being all stressed out about what to wear and match or will Kate destroy her hair before Kat comes to take our picture we went with the casual look. I highly recommend it.

JUST BEING CUTE

2009-11-17T13:46:00.002-07:00

This is a happy moment.

My summer project...fini

2009-10-21T17:00:00.023-06:00

This is my summer project. I did a lot by myself. But I had some help too. So thanks to my Parents, Chance, Brent and Braden, for the slave labor and yes Troy even managed a few hours too. I like how it turned out. But the best will be in a few years after everything grows for a while. I can hardly wait for next spring.

This is my yard in the winter.

This is the temporary garden box. We tried out square foot gardening.

This is the hole that Chance dug. He was great.

Then came the ground cover and what! 5 yards of dirt back in the hole.

Garden growing.

I found a great stone yard by the railroad tracks in American fork and for about a 1/3rd of the cost of the other big stone yards I bought two pallets of limestone quarried in Manti, Utah. Not to mention great service and tips for building my wall and patio.

I only hurt my back 3 times. Thank goodness for 800 mg ibuprofren and massage.

So some times the wall just sat there. It is like putting together a puzzle.

Wall complete!

Flagstone Patio Complete! Did I mention 2 yards of sand back into the hole.

New garden boxes complete. Someday I want red brick boxes but that will come later along with a 6x8 barn style shed. For now that area is "Kate's dirt" her sandbox.

Another fun puzzle to figure out.

I bought this table and chair set when we first moved into the house 9 years ago. I knew someday it would have this place to live.

The garden grew! And gave us swiss chard, peas, spinach, tomotoes, potatoes, banana peppers jalepenos and basil.

So this is what used to live there. I always have awesome gardens. Is it luck or a gift passed down from my late Grandma to my Dad to me. I like to think it is the second. Green thumbs.

ALL DONE...for now.

What will be next...

The last month

2009-10-21T16:57:00.000-06:00

Kate loves Mac, Mac loves Kate but sometimes "mackie did it" and I see a scratch on her hand.

We have been having a very fun October. We made our annual ride to the pumpkin house to buy our pumpkins. We loaded up the bike trailer and Kate had fun riding with the pumpkins. She says a lot now. "spooky halloween night...Boo!" is my favorite when she sees a yard all made up for halloween.

We have a streaker in the house. Notice the pile of clothes and the diaper on the floor.

We had a fun Saturday with Dad at the Park and then went and bought "Kate's big girl bed."

Last week we hit Disneyland with record numbers of people. It was supposed to be a slower time of the year but no way. IT was so crowded they added 2 extra shows of Fantasmic one night. I had a blast anyways. It was fun to see Kate's reaction to the Disney Land characters. She now loves the princesses. She also had her first public tantrum waiting in line to see the princesses. It was all my fault. I took a bite of her fruit bar and she "wanted the big one" not one with a missing piece. We jumped out of line and went and had lunch with our friends.

We swam inthe hotel pool, got no sleep, saw aunt Brianne and old friends from San Jose days.

I love Disney land. Troy says every 5 years but maybe I can talk him into going again sooner than that.

Night number one

Day 2 still happy

Little sleepy. It was hot waiting for the dumbo ride.

We always ran into the characters at the right time, when no one was around.

California adventure had some of our favorite rides. Toy Story, Monsters Inc, the Aladin show, and It's a Bugs life water park for kids.

Silly faces with aunt Bri.

Krissa is a good buddy.

This is the water park. About two seconds later Kate was running naked away from me down the street. Too bad we didn't have a video camera on her. It was so funny.

Kate liked the characters but wouldn't go see them by herself.

Aunt Brianne bought Kate a Princess plate and stickers. Kate loves the stickers and her closet walls are full of them.

The end.

My Hero

2009-09-28T12:38:00.004-06:00

Troy, my amazing husband loves to be active. Swim, Bike, Run...and even with bad knees.

He trains really hard. This year his final triathlon was cancelled. We were so bummed. It was a lot of fun to do last year. It was in Ogden, we were going to make it a annual vacation. Hopefully it will happen next year.

So he and a friend decided to do one in DayBreak instead. Two days before that one the lake they were supposed to swim in was closed due to round worm. YUCK. This was another huge disappointment. So they were bussed to a pool for a 75 yard swim then a short mile run back to the transition area and then the 11 mile bike ride and 5k. Troy is really strong in the swim and the bike. So he was upset about finishing the season and possibly his triathlon career with the changes.

But my hero was amazing and took 4th in his age and 18th out of the 174 males.

He has announced to me he will do 1-2 tri's next year. I hope to do some too.

This picture is from the Camp Yuba triathlon. He took 3rd in his class and 8 overall.

On a whim I did it too. My goal was to do it under 2 hours. I did. But I only trained 7 days and still did it faster than my first ever tri, with training. That is depressing, sort of.

End of Summer

2009-09-09T14:56:00.014-06:00

So it is the end of summer. I hate it. I need another month of hot and sunny days at the pool and in the garden. We have had a really fun summer and this fall is going to be great too. We have some fun trips planned.

Kate started a play group. This week was at our house. Here are her little buddies. She runs around saying c'meer buddy. They follow each other around and always have to do the same thing. We are learning to take turns and share.

silly faces

the kids in the neighborhood are so nice to Kate they give her so much attention. Which she loves and let's be honest... demands.

Ashley is still a great friend.

Dad and Kate love the rain.

please notice how many hair bows we are wearing.

Dad and Kate also get their groove on. It is a little like the "lord of the Dance" in our kitchen.

BOULDER MOUNTAIN

2009-08-17T14:09:00.024-06:00

Last week was quite an adventure. I came out of my "retirement" to do a volleyball camp at MVSH. It turned out to be a blast. I only wish I would have taken some pictures of those kids. They were very hard working and respectful and it was just fun!

Kate came down and spent time with the cousins and me-ma and bob's. (that is what she calls grandma and grandpa) They even came to the gym for lunch.

Wednesday night I headed off with Raegan and Don to meet up with a bunch of other people including Troy to do the Boulder Mountain ride. I was apart of the support or SAG wagons.

This ride has been going on for about 24 years. It starts in Circleville, Utah Day one is a ride to Torrey, Utah. Day two is the climb up boulder mountain ending in Escalante, Utah. Day three is over the hog's back and through the Red Canyon, then Panguitch and finishing back in Circleville.

It was a lot of fun to watch them suffer....hahaha. But I have been motivated to be ready for it next year. It is a goal. They race for town signs and summits, ride in a peleton, wait for the slow pokes, wreck, fly down mountains, pee off in the bushes, eat candy, rice crispies, goos, drink special formulas to keep hydrated, ( accelerade, gatorade, V-8 pineapple juice) run over dogs who chase after bikers (if that was your dog we are truly sorry, we were just passing the bikers and it didn't/ couldn't stop, it did get up and run away though) and boy do they suffer.

But every year they come back and do it again. Monte has done it 21 years. WOW!

So enjoy the pictures. Do they motivate you?

The begining.

At the first stop.

A good warm up.

Bryan the Mortician.

Pee break.

Don the puller.

yes they fly by you all the time and stupid motor homes.

Raegan doing a recital for the cows at the summit of Boulder.

She got that at The Flute Shop outside of Escalante. A cool little shop to buy fun stuff...

Like my hat? Purchased at the Flute Shop.

This is the top of Boulder mountain.

Paul and Raquel

Chad and Cinnamon

Nice hat hair Steed.

The Steed Family. Watch for Phil to be riding in about 16 years.

Annette is an awesome 1/2 marathoner.

This one says it all.

Laura watching the boys ride up the "Wall."

Bryan taking his sign. Wait did he even stop in Henrieville?

Still smiling!

Proud of you honey!!!

Pioneer Day Celebration

2009-08-17T13:47:00.020-06:00

Our ward had a small celebration on the 24th of July. There was tons of yummy chili, cornbread, and rootbeer. Felt like more than half of the ward was gone off on family celebrations of their own but for those who attended they got to see the parade. People gathered at our house to watch. It started off with the young boys on their bike flying down the hill, racing to the end. So that was kind of quick. Then followed the young kids and parents helping to keep them on the road and on task. The finale was Kenton zooming past us on his long board. Then we all headed up to the Bishop's house for the delicious food. So for those of you who missed it, you missed out on a fun friendly exchange of "ward-i-ness". Maybe next year...

this was all I could get they were so fast. that is Parker.

2 years old

2009-08-17T13:24:00.009-06:00

July 26th 2009 was Kate's Birthday. This day is the most special day of my life. A wonderful amazing, courageous, beautiful woman gave birth to Kate that day. There are not enough words to describe all of my feelings for this moment. Nor am I eloquent enough to truly express what that day was like. Or how much gratitude and love I have for Kate's birth mother. All I know is my life will never be the same and for that I can not thank her enough.

Here are some new favorite pictures of Kate.

Hiking with Daddy.

She loves dirt. This pile is now smaller and in the back yard. It is "Kate's dirt," she says.

We love the pool.

The best way to get anything done is to have Kate join in the activity. Here she is making bread and tasting the flour. yumm!

We got ready for a fun day at the aquarium with daddy. She especially loved her little piggy tails in her hair. Kate loves to look in the mirror at her self and make faces. I need to get that on camera it is hilarious.

New finger paints from Eden for the birthday.

Mee Ma and Bob ( or grandma and grandpa) have neighbors with kittens. They were fun and Kate loved them. It almost made me want to get her a kitten... almost.

Family Reunion

2009-07-22T14:43:00.017-06:00

So up to Brian Head we went for the Huebner family reunion. We stayed in a nice large cabin home. Perfect size for the 24 of us. 10 adults and 14 kids 10mo.-14 years of age. Kate falls in as the 12th grand child.

Kate had a blast with her cousins, running around the house watching "potty power", story time with G-ma, hiking and riding the ski lift up to the top to have a picnic. We didn't sleep much. We did get to relax and not have to think about life for a few days. That is sometimes so nice.

It was fun to see the Morrow's. We wish they lived closer to us, G-ma and Pa too.

In Parowan we had to stop at the store because I forgot some food in the fridge at home. As I was walking out I passed a familiar face. We both stopped and turned and looked at each other. It was Brenda from SJSU volleyball 1995. How random. Her and Daphne live in Las vegas and have a 4 year old son now. They work in education. Both of them were in the Kinesiology program with me at SJSU. Daphne played basketball. At church on Sunday I ran into Jeff Robinson, older brother to classmate Casey from the valley.

Of all the places to find old friends.

Now we are spending the rest of the week at home finishing up Troy's list of things to do around the house.

I can dress myself

2009-06-17T08:02:00.007-06:00

Mom says I am growing up too fast. I am getting a diva attitude. I blame Mom and Dad. They adore me so and are easily manipulated. Here is a little update on ME.

Hans and Knox came over yesterday. We went to "Jump on it" and jumped so hard that at the end we were laying on the trampolines to rest. (pictures coming, they are in aunt Raegan's camera still)

I am getting to know my colors really good. I love bay-bos. (rainbos)

Grandpa came over to play for Orem Summerfest. We went swimming and then to the parade. I love grandpa. Sometimes he is "resting his eyes" and I have to wake him up. I yell, "Paw Paw!"

BIG Bear had to smell the flowers on our walk. He is part of my growing entourage.

Lately I have been exploring clothing, taking it off, putting it on, choosing what to wear. Sometimes I nail it and get lots of compliments, like at church last Sunday. (no picture available but I picked the "purple" dress) Other times I try to be helpful and get my own clothes on. We have even gone shopping at Target with the mini mouse slippers on.

Well that's me for now, cya.

A day

2009-05-15T21:45:00.002-06:00

So our wonderful neighbor spent a few hours with us capturing a day in our life. She is a great photographer. If you want more info about her let me know.

Normally we would probably be in our jammies or sweats. We dressed up for this day. We will treasure theses pictures and hope you enjoy them too.

polish time
our room

ring around the rosies

favorite book

goofy, silly

color time

more ring around the rosie

lip gloss...love it.

just a great day.

THE FAIR, EASTER AND FAMILY

2009-04-17T12:06:00.019-06:00

FAMILY FUN!

THE FAIR!

WHO IS THE EASTER BUNNY?

APRIL 2, 2009

2009-04-02T14:20:00.012-06:00

Kate has a hard time waking up in the morning.
It takes us a while to get going so we decided to
do a photo shoot.

Kate loves big bear. They are buddies and do
everything together. This is how I found her.

Grandma made Kate an apron. She loves to help
me cook, do the dishes and clean up the table. If
only that would last forever.

We started Teeny Weenie swim class this week.
Kate loves the water. She wants me to let her go
and tells me "no" a lot. She doesn't get the whole
drowning thing yet. We go 3 days a week. Funny
thing is it has snowed each day we have gone. So
we bundle up to go swim.

Have you ever seen the show toddlers and tiaras.
I saw it for the first time and freaked out. WOW,
crazy moms. This hair is as poofy as it gets for
Kate. No spray tan, hair pieces and $1000 dollar
dresses.

Big Brown Bear says hi.

toe nail polish and potty chair

2009-03-06T13:39:00.006-07:00

So I find Kate with her shirt off trying to get her pants and diaper off outside of the bathroom door. She wants to use the toilet. Not really use it: she just sits on it, grunts, signs all done and then we flush the toilet. All finished I continue to getting ready and in she walks with big, brown, bear. BBB needs to use the toilet now.
Me: BBB doesn't need to use the toilet.
Kate: MOM!
Me: BBB does NOT need to use the toilet.
Kate: MOM!
Me: Okay BBB can use the toilet.
BBB uses the toilet, all done, we are happy now.
5 minutes later Kate has to use the toilet again. This is not something I want to deal with all day and at the same time I can not tell her she can't use the bathroom. Pre potty training and all.
So off we go to Walmart. We came home with a lot more than a potty chair. But we are all happy now. Even puppy has been able to use the potty chair.

I have been waiting for the day that I could get polish on Kate's toes with out her putting it directly in her mouth after. What a fun mom and daughter moment.

What to say...

2009-02-23T14:45:00.005-07:00

Sometimes, well a lot of times, I just don't have much to say. So I am forcing my brain to try and recall memorable things to say. Pretty much this will all just be random ramblings.

Lets start with Troy. He got a job, a new road bike, and a cold from all of the stress. He is really liking his new job at Control4 they do home automation. Someday if I disappear it is probably because the computer controlling our home has taken over and trapped us or Troy has lost it and locked me in the house all by using his iphone (he doesn't have one yet.)

We got called to be nursery leaders. Basically babysitting for about 2 hours kids 18 months to 3 years of age. Troys dream job, not so much mine. We have learned about the peepee dance, snacks, germs, singing time and 2minute lessons.

I have been coaching a club volleyball team of 15-18year-olds. We took first place in the Las Vegas Classic 18 club division.(164 teams) They were great! In system almost all of the time. The rest of the time is spent with Kate. I have learned how to make rolls from scratch by hand, literally no Bosch involvement at all. (thanks Luisa) I am looking forward to spring and getting my garden plans fired up.

Kate is 19 months on thursday. She runs, climbs, jumps, and explores everything. The other night as she was crying to stay awake in her crib I watched her take a bottle and feed her bear-bear. She has a good imagination developing. We bake cakes in her play kitchen, color with crayons, ride around on the plasma car, feed Mac, feed the fish, FEED OURSELF, do the dishes together, get snacks and love to bounce on the horse and the jonny jumper. We are getting ready for swim class the end of March and thinking about dance/tumbling classes. Do they even do that for toddlers? Who knows?

Kate is starting to say a little more, NO is still the favorite, dada, moma, ma (mac), bow (elbow), toe, na (knox) and Bear. The words are coming but it is still easier for her to sign so she does that. Kate still plays with Ashley and Krissa. Her new playmates are Eden, Malia, and sometimes Carter and Cooper.

So that is what we are up to. Nothing glamorous, just simple and Just us three.

Even Fairies have Morning Hair...

2009-02-21T10:14:00.007-07:00

Presidents Day Weekend/ Valentines Day.

2009-02-18T18:05:00.008-07:00

Kate got to stay with her Grandma, Grandpa and Aunt Raegan this weekend while I went and coached volleyball in Las Vegas. Her is some of the fun.

Hans, Knox, and Kate

NO!

2009-02-03T14:51:00.008-07:00

NO...Do you want to eat? Do you want to get down? Do you want to come with me? NO, that is the answer I get to everything now. I always new Kate was very independent, from the first day, I knew. That need to do things herself is so strong. She is learning and growing so fast I can hardly keep up with her.

WHAT'S NEW!
Kate all of a sudden loves the johnny jumper again and goes crazy jumping around.
She has figured out how to ride the plasma car all by herself. (I highly recommend you get one holds up to 250 lbs and is hours of fun when you are trapped in the house for the winter. www.plasmacar.com)
She loves to play with her friend Eden.
Mom and Dad got called to be nursery leaders just in time for Kate to go to nursery. yeah.
Dad got a new job!
Mom started coaching club volleyball.
We got a fish tank.

More Holiday Pictures

2009-01-06T21:31:00.004-07:00

I decided to final "contribute" to Brooke's blog with some of my Christmas pictures. These are all from Christmas Eve. It was fun to have the Huebners visit for so many days. Hans & Knox miss Kate! They always get excited to see her pictures.

Troy probably thought he got away without Brooke knowing about this near crash playing airplane but the camera never lies.

Crashing or not Kate loved it!

Cute but a little blurry.

We love & miss you guys!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS REPORT

2009-01-05T18:38:00.023-07:00

Here is Kate and BFF Ashley playing with Kate's new kitchen she got from Mom, Dad... and Santa? Her aunties gave her a wooden smoothie maker, and pots and pans. This present came in 2009 after we had recovered from the trip. She loves playing with it. She even went and washed her hands with out any encouragement from me. She is such a smart girl.

We had family pictures at Troys house. It was a zoo and so fun. Crying kids, cussing dads and toys flying across the grass. I was laughing inside the entire time. When you ask Kate to show you happy this is what you get. We are working on emotions. I swear she does this just to perturb me. But it is so funny and cute. Except when you are taking family pictures.

Kate loves her Daddy. Lately it is who she yells for when she wakes up. But she still wants her mommy to put her to sleep at night. She is very jealous of other kids and even throws tantrums if I pick up another kid, or feed her cousin cheerios in church. The terrible twos are already here. I am scared.
There are 14 total. 2 have yet to be put on the wall.

Kate wanted to play inside the sack. Who knows why. She also loves to get into the big box the diapers come in from costco.

Bathtime fun with the cousins. I asked them to stick out their tongues and they did.

This is how Kate rides. She travels really well. And makes sure she is comfy the whole way.
Christmas morning Kate is opening G-ma's gift.

This is the Christmas program at Grandma and Grandpaws house. (not a mistake that is how he signs it on paper, grandpaw.)

We have a group of mini pianist in the making. Kate loves the piano. We really need to get her one sometime.
Kate has watched her dad pump up the bike tires and now tries to do it herself when she can get her hands on the pump. This is before church in her christmas dress.

We survived! Driving about 23 hours total for the trip. 16 cousins, 10 aunts and uncles, 2 grandmas, 2 grandpas, and 1 girls night at the movie Twilight. Whew. It was a lot of fun. Except for driving in 40 mph head-wind all the way to AZ.

Kate was in heaven the whole time, loving the attention and playing with the cousins. It was good to escape reality for a while.

See back in the end of November. Troy was told to relocate to Santa Clara or lose the job. After 12 years at National Semiconductor we are sad. We love our home and neighbors and friends here in Utah and have chosen to stay. So on the hunt we go. Anyone need a good analog audio electrical engineer? We will survive, because we have prepared just in case this happened. I guess 8 years of no kids and working too much actually paid off for us. heh.

I know there are a lot of people out there in the same situation. Our prayers go out to you. There are going to be difficult times ahead. If we are prepared we will not need to be afraid or worried.

This is my Happy Holiday Report.

HOLIDAYS

2008-12-06T12:30:00.009-07:00

The first official all day lasting hair-do. Kate actually asks for hair clips now. They only stay in a minute, but hey that's progress. If only her bangs would grow.
Aunty Bri was here for thanksgiving.
Family photo op.
Our only holiday tradition pre-kate was to go see the lights on temple square on Christmas Eve. This year we will be at Grandpa and Grandma's house so we went with everyone the day after t-day. Kate had to walk everywhere herself. And I in rushing to get everything forgot her coat and gloves on the couch at home. Luckily it was not too cold that night.
Maybe getting a picture with Santa can be a new tradtion. Kate wouldn't even walk up to Santa. I wouldn't either he wasn't very jolly that day.

We do have a new family tradition for thanksgiving. This is the FIRST ANNUAL PUMKIN LAUNCH
We chucked the pumpkins over the yard and into the canal that runs behind our home. After we ran out of our own pumkins we decided to go steel the neighbors. Barb and I hit two houses but we knocked on the door and asked to take them. We are not criminals. These new pumkins were huge and mostly landed in the back yard with two people trying to throw them at a time. It was super fun.

Whew...catching up.

2008-11-06T13:41:00.020-07:00

Knox took a few headers at our house. He is a tough little boy. We call him crash now. Hans didn't want his picture taken.

Halloween is our favorite. Kate was a good witch. She was so cute and her and Troy had fun together.

Kate wasn't into her hat.

A few Saturday's ago we went to our Aunt Sharon's to deep clean before they returned from their mission. Here are the cleaners. Everyone worked really hard.

My first big Hike 4 miles round trip!

When I got home I gave bunny a ride in the baby Bjorn.

I really love Pa.

Funny Picture

2008-10-14T15:32:00.004-06:00

Waking up with a new hair do! Mom walked in to get me from a nap and busted up laughing. Then she ran and got the camera.

Eating a banana. I am a picky eater and like to do everything myself. I had to have the whole banana before I would eat any of it.

Walking and more...

2008-10-02T11:56:00.011-06:00

The past two weeks have been all about books. We read and read all day long. Kate can point out dogs, cats, elephants, monkeys, and tons more. She loves her lil people book with tabs you open to find things. She has a really good memory. Again we think she will probably cure cancer or do something wonderful. (remember 99% for head size here)

For FHE monday we all rode our bikes down to the pumpkin house. They sale pumpkins for a great price. Kate picked her very own pumpkin. She calls them balls. We also decorated the house with the scary Halloween decorations. She points and says BOO! She is so funny.

We went to the zoo. Kate loved it! She pointed at everything. We spent more time holding her so she could see up close rather than riding in the jogger. It was a supper fun long day. First to Ogden for Troy's final triathlon of the season then the zoo then to the Wilk's for a BBQ. 16 hours later I think we made it home.

This was a few weeks ago. I am just slow to blog. She is a cruising now. Everywhere she can go.
Which of course means she falls and then we have to kiss it better. But she gives me a kiss, I don't kiss her booboo.

Here we are helping mom dig a hole for the "fat albert" pine we bought. Kate was the measuring stick.

I am not spoiled.

2008-09-11T09:20:00.008-06:00

THE CLOSET

First half... ...second half just one drawer...

So I started to think about the fall and winter and that maybe Kate might need some clothes or a jacket. So I hit old walmart (yes we do shop there now that I do not work. Troy just has to suck it up if he wants me to save money) I came home with a bunch of Halloween decorations and for Kate some knit pants, a hoodie, and socks and shoes to thrash outside.

Then later that day I started to go through her closet. I probably should have did that before the trip to the store. Kate has received a lot of clothes from her cousins and the neighbor girls that are a few years older than her. Turns out after pulling out the next size 18months, well she has 5 jackets, 7 pairs of pants, 23 dresses, 13 skirts and well a lot more. WOW what a wardrobe for a 13 month old. She is lacking for nothing right now and I don't need to buy her any new clothes until she is probably 3. I have to add these are very nice hand-me-downs too.

I am so grateful for these clothes. Today we will hit walmart to return some things.

Kate is getting so independent. I finally gave in and let her feed herself some mac and cheese. It ended up everywhere and was a fun finger painting activity after she finished eating. Its hard to tell but her face and hair are covered in cheese.

My First Triathlon

2008-09-08T11:13:00.007-06:00

Saturday was Kate's first triathlon. We wouldn't have made it there with out her. Dad set 3 alarms for 5:30am the only problem was we were supposed to leave at 4:45am. So when Kate cried at 4:38am there was a bit of panic. We made in plenty of time though. Troy likes to be there early anyways so we had a big window.

Now to clarify Troy did this Triathlon, Brooke and Kate watched. On the ride down Kate slept, Troy drove and Brooke pretended to catch some ZZZ's. We got there and it was so cold. 44degrees. We hung out in the car watching Baby Divinci and eating yogurt for the first time. (Those of you who really know Troy know that eating in his new little car is a big deal. We had no spills.)

There were about 300 participants. Troy did well finishing in the top 15 over all I think. We don't have official times yet. They used a really weird timing system. The athletes had to wave their wristband over a box at every transition. Then I think there was some technical difficulties or something.

While Troy pushed his body to the limit Kate and I walked around checking out all the doggies. I guess people who like to Tri like Dogs. There was dogs of all sizes. We had a very fun saturday.

Sunday was a pretty fun day too. Regional Stake conference and BBQ'in with Troy.

Dad doesn't take steriods but he sure does drink a bunch of protein and recovery shakes. I like to play in the pantry.

All my friends ride on their scooters at my house. Someone left one by me and I had to try it out. (all by myself)

Its September!

2008-09-04T10:50:00.006-06:00

Wow its September. Life is cruising fast. I feel like I can hardly keep up with Kate. She is not officially walking yet but she has taken a few steps around the house. She would rather hold your hand and walk or crawl. She has excellent balance though and will dance and even try to jump when she is standing.

She now says hi, bye, and da along with the good oldies ma and ba. She makes the funniest faces. Troy looked at me the other day and he made one of Kate's "faces" so I think she gets them from him. She still loves her friends that come over daily Ashley and Krissa. She cries when they leave.

2008-08-07T13:42:00.001-06:00

Kate is one! We had a fun birthday party planned. Starting with the family over for a BBQ, cupcakes and presents. Then an outdoor movie to celebrate with the neighbors and ward. Kate is sort of a celebrity. Everyone loves her so much. So we thought we would treat people to home made icecream and homemade rootbeer. Well 15 minutes before party time a notorious summer storm hit. It was a wicked one too. So some people came over those brave souls enduring the wind and rain. We celebrated inside. It was a crazy fun evening. Kate crashed out around 9:30pm but the party went on. We have wonderful loving neighbors that we adore.

As far as her one year doctor appointment. She is growing and is a normal little happy girl. Except when she goes to the doctor. She just cries the minute the nurse tries to measure her for height. I couldn't even get her settled down for the doctor, poor little girl. She survived vaccinations and all. Kate is 50 percentile for height, 29 inches; 50 percentile for weight, 21lbs; and 99 percentile for head size. She will definitely be curing cancer or doing something fabulous with that brain.

The next day we headed south to spend a few days with her aunt Bri and tending the nephews Hans and Knox. (just for the record brad & angeolina did not think that one up first) We got to experience what it would be like to basically care for twins and a 3 year old. Whew I am tired but Kate was in heaven.

While there we went to see some dolphins and white tigers at the Mirage Hotel. It was a hot day! but fun!

New trick: Kate can fold her arms and bow her head. She will even close her eyes sometimes. It is the cutest thing ever.

Videos

2008-07-26T16:23:00.004-06:00