Thanks Tyson and Tanner!

I got out of the shower the other morning and this is what I saw! A face off right in my family room.

Memorial Weekend

Why is blogging so hard for me?

We were so excited for to go on our first camping trip of the year on Memorial weekend. Grandpa Hallows got a little tent trailor last year and he let us use it which was so fun and perfect for our little family. We met Grandpa and Grandma and Tim and Anita's family at Maple Grove. It was so beautiful and we had a blast despite the NON-STOP rain.

Chad couldn't wait for the kids to go fishing for the first time. They we ALL gung-ho, including Brooklyn but only the boys came home with fish. Brooklyn came back to camp dry heaving and crying, totally sick to her stomach. She was so sad for the fish and kept saying, they took them away from their family and friends. I don't know where she got her animal loving ways from, but she was heart broken.

The boys on the other hand were so excited and Chad couldn't believe they actually caught fish. Colin's was the biggest, which he was sure to tell everyone. Anita cooked them up and Mason loved it. Colin, not so much.

Then on saturday, we went to the Aurora Cemetary with Tim and Shyla and Grandpa and Grandma. The kids were facinated and Mason and Colin couldn't quit running all around (on top of people). It's good to be reminded of the family that has gone before us and the struggles and trials they had and what we come from. Hopefully, it helps us want to be better.

Easter

I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me, Confused at the grace that so fully he proffers me. I tremble to know that for me he was crucified, that for me, a sinner, he suffered, he bled and died. Oh, it is wonderful that he should care for me Enough to die for me! Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me! (“I Stand All Amazed,” Hymns, no. 193)

I am so blessed and have so much that it overwhelms my heart sometimes.

Spring Break

I am so behind...

That's life huh. But better late than never so here is my post from spring break. We went to Moab one day and Goblin Valley one day. We had such a great time hiking, four wheeling, swimming and exploring. I couldn't believe I had never been to Goblin Valley before, I highly recommend it. We played sardines and explored all over rock formations, tunnels and then found a canyon called little wild horse and did a hike there. That hike was probably the coolest hike I have ever done. It started out wide and then went down to slot canyons that were so beautiful and I forgot my camera-duh!

If you have been to Moab before I am sure you have seen the big sand mountain just off the road before you turn off for Arches. We have always wanted to stop there and let the kids play so we finally did it this year. It is this crazy steep hill that is just pure sand. The kids love to climb to the top and run, roll, sled, oh what ever, down the hill.

I couldn't even watch the kids when they were climbing up because I was sure one of them would lose their balance and then tumble backward FOREVER. They just played and played and burried each other and had a great time until it was time to go and they were covered in sand and I mean, every nook and cranny was filled with sand.

The Hair Cut

"Before"

"After"

I know it's silly but I have been having a hard time parting with Colin's hair. I guess it's like letting a part of my baby go. But I know he is growing up and I can't do anything about that. He eats like Tyson (my 18 year old nephew) and when I try to carry him to bed, his legs stick out so far I end up banging them on the wall...oops!

So, he got a little hair cut (bangs...a lot) and I didn't cry so I am guess that is a good sign. Still, he will always be my baby.

10 Years

Love is the very essence of life. It is the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Yet is is not found only at the end of the rainbow. Love is at the beginning also, and it springs the beauty that arches across the sky on a stormy day. Love is the security for which children weep, the yearning of youth, the adhesive that binds marriage, and the lubricant that prevents devastating friction in the home. It is the peace of old age, the sunlight of hope shining through death. How rich are those who enjoy it in their associations with family, friends, and neighbors! Love, like faith, is a gift of God. It is also the most enduring and most powerful virtue. -Gordon B. Hinckley

I can't believe we have been married for ten years. I know people say it all the time and I never really understood but time really does fly. It has been such a fantastic ten year and I always tell Chad, he is my lucky charm because my life has been so blessed since he came into it. The joy of being a wife and a mother is the greatest joy of my life. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

Happy Birthday Chad

Yesterday was Chad's birthday and if you don't know what a great guy he is, I am going to tell you.

First of all he has a wicked sense of humor. I mean wicked because if you don't know he is kidding, you might be a little upset. It has taken me years to figure out that he is kidding about 98 percent of the time. He has quick wit and comes up with stuff so quickly and seriously that I still fall for his antics sometimes.

He's about the handiest guy I have ever met and still am amazed at the thing he can do. I am always wondering, "where did he learn to do that?" There is nothing he can't do.

He is earnest and full of integrity. If he says he is going to do something, he is going to do it and do it right and then some.

He is always helping people. Seriously, I should charge rent. He is always happy to help anyone and NEVER complains...and I mean about anything.

He is the best dad in the whole world. The kids love it when Dad is home. They wrestle, play the Wii and of course they play every sport. He even plays Boogie Super Star with Brooklyn which includes a lot of singing and dancing (very hilarious).
It isn't uncommon for Chad to be in the yard playing football, basketball or some made up game called attack with the entire neighborhood. Neighbor kids knock on the door to see if Chad can play.

He takes very good care of us all and in his quiet way, is the most unselfish person. In fact, I often wish he was a little more selfish of his time with me ;).

I could go on and on about how strong, handsome....but I will spare anyone reading this. I know it's going to be hard not to be jealous but in addition to all these thing, he is very adorable. Flannel and all.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHAD! WE LOVE YOU!

Our New Laundry Room

I am so mad at myself for not really taking a "before" picture because unless you have seen it, you wouldn't believe the transformation. Since we moved into our new house, the laundry room has been a very sore spot with me. When you have a new house, you hate to complain about much but it really was the most ridiculous room.

Try to get this image in your head. There were no cabinets, just a shelf that seemed to attract every "what should we do with that" item in our house. Then, there was the "mudroom" that we actually had to pay to upgrade even though we lost a half bath in doing so. Well, the so called mudroom was a bench which they enclosed so there was no place for shoes. The bench was so high that even I was uncomfortable sitting on it to put my shoes on so it became a catch all for more of those strange items in our house not to mention, lots of smelly shoes. Then several feet above the bench was some hooks that were so high that even me, at 5 foot 7 inches, had to get on to my tiptoes to hang anything up. I am telling you, it was the most dysfunctional space in history.

Well, I have always had grand plans for this space but there is this issue of money that always seems to hinder my grand plans. So I waited and waited and researched and researched and finally, after much searching and getting bids for cabinets, I found the deal of the century on KSL.com (love that place).

What you are about to see really needs to be appreciated in person so all are welcome to come have a look. I must also mention that NONE of this would have been remotely possible without my extremely talented, handy man, Chad. He did demolition, repaired walls, painted (with a little help from me), hung the cabinets, made a little bench, did trim and then topped it off with more cubbies and crown molding. It looks AMAZING! Each of the kids has their own locker that they can't wait to decorate (inside only) and Mason has his own cubby that he is going to put all of his trophies in and I don't have to see anything out of place. I love it! Thanks Chad!

St. Patties Day

Happy St. Patties Day from the O'Kilgore's! Hope yours was complete with green milk, green cookies, all things shamrock and messes from the Leprechaun's of course! I swear there is a leprechaun that lives at my house all the time and likes to make lots of mischief. When I ask the kids how every single toy in the toy room got dumped out again, they have no idea. A wee but curious, isn't it? May the luck of the Irish be with you.

Happy Birthday My Mason

Today is my Mason's birthday and he is turning six. I can't believe six years could go by so fast.

Here are a few things about my Mason.

He was born on 3-3-2003 and 13:00 hours. I guess his lucky number will always be three.

Mason was a sweet, serious, beautiful baby, always looking around, taking in the world.

Mason hardly ever fussed and when he did, it was because his ear drum had burst.

Like his father, Mason is a man of few words but those words really count!

Mason is really sweet and great at sharing, especially with his mom. If he has a treat, he will always save some for me. If we are laying by each other on the couch, he will cover me with his blanket.

Mason loves chocolate (like his mom) his stuffed puppy Dexter, sports, Lego's, playing the Wii, playing and wrestling with his cousins and best buddy Bridger and of course his Dad.

Mason is also learning to read and doing really, really well.

Mason is really handsome and has eyelashes that are so long, they almost go above his eyebrows.

Happy Birthday Day Mason, we love you so much!

The Birthday Marathon

Mason's birthday started on Sunday at Nonna's house with dinner and lots of presents plus cake and icecream of course. Then it went on into Monday with dinner and more presents with Grandpa Bob and Kathy at the yummy peanut place "Texas Road House." Giddayup!

Then on to Tuesday, the actual birthday. More presents in the morning (he woke up at 6:15 asking if it was time to open presents yet-Waah for me!) then off to school where he get's to be the VIP at school allllll week long!

Then at 4:00pm it's off to Classic Fun Center with three neighbor kids plus Brooklyn, Mason and Colin.

Then back home for pizza and cupcakes (all football themed).

Then back home for more presents and to end a very special day, a visit from Grandma and Grandpa Hallows. Some how, birthdays should only last for one day, right? But it worth it to see how happy Mason was and it was a lot of fun too!

Valentines Fun

I am a little behind but wanted to post these valentine pictures just as a reminder to ourselves of what kind of a week it was. It seemed like the kids celebrated non-stop. We dipped chocolates, made cookies, decorated boxes, made cards, dipped more chocolates...and then, Brooklyn got sick on friday and couldn't even go to school for her own party (so sad) so I wanted to post the darling box that she made.

Then Saturday morning (Valentines), we woke up to lots and lots of snow. Chad borrowed our friends four wheeler with a snow plow on the front and he and Colin shoveled out the entire neighborhood. When Brooklyn saw them she said, "mom, is that what you got dad for valentines?", I wish! So after a day of playing in the snow and me and the kids making cookies Chad and I went on a date. We ate at a not so nice, Mexican resturant and then went to Home Depot. Now before you go blaming Chad for this romantic date, you should know, it was all my idea!

Draper Temple Open House

We took the kids to the Draper Temple open house on saturday night. It was quite an adventure. We had a little trouble with the "silent" tour but I thought the kids did pretty well. They loved the celestial room, the baptistry and especially the bus ride back to the church. "This bus is the awesomest cause it has TV's and a potty".

The cookies at the church were also a big hit.

The temple was beautiful and hopefully the kids had a glimmer into eternity and will remember something about it. If nothing else than the good feeling of being there with their family.

Boys will be boys

The boys have taken up a new pass time that is pretty funny to watch.

They strip down to shorts only and then put on their winter gloves and start boxing until someone cries. I promise neither Chad nor I put them up to this,

they just made it up all on their own.

Should I be worried?

Our Weekend

Chad is so handy, there is just about nothing he can't do. He spent Saturday morning helping our friends paint their doors, then advised them on how to hang crown molding and chair rail. Next, he was putting a new starter in his car. How does he even know how to do all these things?

Then it was off to Mason's basketball game. He loves it and really takes his job defending seriously. He defends his guy even when his team has the ball. Way to go Mason! You are AWESOME!

And then there was the SUPERBOWL

Yes, it was the Superbowl they were watching. We went to my brother Rick's house and had yummy food and lots of fun. It was a basement full of smelly boys (Mason and Colin were in heaven) and the occasional visit from me and Brooklyn. The girls stayed mostly upstairs and enjoyed some girl time. We did get a text or phone call every now and again asking for more food. You would think Terren would have learned his lesson from when me and my sisters were younger. You never know what you might find in your food.