Doula Training

Had the best class ever! It was so much fun to meet with girls who are so funny, strong, amazing, dedicated and interested in making birth a non-technological, natural event that empowers women, helps them to be better mommas, and understand the complications with interventions. Had a really good week!

California Pizza Kitchen

While in Utah I got to go out to dinner with all my sisters (minus Kristin-we missed you)

It was so much fun. Sarahs was with us, and we had a great time eating, laughing, having the guy at the table next to us catch Annalee as she fell out of her seat, cleaning up a glass of water that Annalee spilled, eating, and feeding Annalee Maria's grapes from off her salad. Yeah, kinda eventful, could have done without a few of those events, but it was so fun to be together.

Look at that good lookin crew!

Addy's Puppies

Emma is loving those puppies of Addy's. She was so funny with them. She would hold them like a baby and sing to them. I loved watching her with them.

She was sure she would get to take one home. Thing was...darnit they were too little. (and mom said no!)

They were darling though!

While at my parents, I accidentally called Emma, Mara. I said "Mara, go get your pajamas on." Emma looked up at me and said.."Do you mean me?"

Yes sass pants, I do mean you, and you know it.

The mother's curse. My mom always called us all our siblings names, and now I do!

Grandma's Fudge

Every year for Christmas we make my Grandma Chatterton's fudge.

It is seriously the best no-fail, rich and creamy, smooth fudge.

Our whole family looks forward to making it and giving it out.

Caleb had to do a report for school on President Eisenhower. For extra credit he could make the president's favorite dessert for the class.

A google search linked Caleb to a recipe for "Million dollar fudge" that was reported to be President Eisenhower's most favorite dish.

As I started making the recipe, I realized that it was exactly Grandma Chatterton's recipe!

Sam found out we were making fudge and when I told him this story he said

"for real?" Grandma Chatterton made President Eisenhower fudge!"

Yep! She did...well maybe!

Mara's Birthday Party {6}

Mara invited five friends to her party this year! Four from her school class and Mallory who just moved in down the street! She chose a lady bug cake that Sarah and I made, and I picked up the girls from school. They were ao excited. I now know why people use the phrase "giddy as a school girl". We played "Just Dance" and jumped on the trampoline.

Top: Preslee Sowers, Lily LaDeau Bottom: Mallory Krum, Emma Bailey, Jenna Holland, Mara

We made pizza: Lily and Preslee

Emma Bailey and Mara

Mallory and Emma A.

and we made bottle cap bracelets. Mara, Emma, Jenna, Lily, Preslee

Lady Bug Cake for a Six year old Mara!

Yiaya and Papou came for Emma's birthday. They wanted Mara to open her present from them before they left, so early Monday morning, Mara got a early birthday present!

The Long awaited....JULIE!

Surrounded!

I never thought I would see Ryan surrounded by little girls who hang on his every word, and make up funny verses to "The Wheels on th Bus".
Yep! He's whooped. they have him wrapped right around their little fingers. And he loves it....and I love it.

Valentine's Day 2012

Pulling up to Everything!

Yep, She pulls herself up to everything. Even under the table. And she thinks she is so BIG!

Mara is a little mommy! She loves to hold Annalee....

Even when she is bouncing on a bouncy ball (Emma's Birthday Present- Best $7 we ever spent, all kids have loved it!)

Emma's B-B-B-Birthday {4}

Purse cake Please!

Muck boots Thank you!

Phone calls with Grandma!

Gifts Galore!

Sumday best with the Girlies!

LOVE THIS GIRL! SHE CERTAINLY HAS A STYLE ALL HER OWN.

I love Emma for her imagination.

Her love of life

Her determination (most days)

Her sense of who she is

Her poses

Her dances

Her sass!

Love you much miss Emma Lou!

Early Birthday Present

We don't usually have each of the kids buy a present for the one whose birthday it is, simply because we don't need that many things, and that would be a LOT of presents. But Caleb is always one to find something to give. So for Emma's birthday, we saw the fairy lanterns on pinterest and he had to try it. So we cut open a glow stick, shook it into a mason jar, added glitter, and walah! Emma had a fairy lantern to fall asleep with! She loved it! Happy early birthday my lovely Four year old!