Our Exciting Weekend!

While Mom and Georgia were galavanting around the Holy Land we head to Cedar City to watch the little munchkins! We got there Friday night and Aunt Katie's boot camp began!!! Ali's room was first! The kids all helped out and got it all cleaned up. We enjoyed yummy pizza and a movie and off to bed they went! They all did so good everyone was in bed and I think asleep at 9. Randy would have to confirm that since I think I was asleep at 8:30 OOPS!!

Had to post this pic because I LOVE Alison's bed!

Saturday dawned bright and early for the kiddos but it was good, gave them time for the boys to start on their rooms! We had different ideas of what cleaned looked like but we got it taken care of and they did awesome. At 9 we headed to the church for breakfast with Santa. Randy stayed home with Jaci (He's not a breakfast eater) so I could handle 6 kids by myself! I feel bad I didn't get her pic with Santa since this is her first Christmas, another OOPS! After breakfast we tackled the play room and got things put in place and since they were all awesome helpers we headed to the movies! We went and saw Disney's Christmas Carol. I actually really liked it. The kids said they were scared a few times but I think they were just saying that because they had heard it was scary. They all liked it though. When we got home they all got bundled up and headed outside to try to sled on the lawn (doesn't work too well without a slope) then their snowmen turned into a fort for a snowball fight! Didn't last long though the wind was blowing and it was freezing. They all came inside and got in warm baths (kind of nice having 4 bathrooms to use) had some HOT chocolate and we settled down to watch the Santa Clause. Once again they headed to bed early and without fighting it was great.

Plenty of Bacon for Andrew he was a happy camper and lots

of Chocolate milk what more could you ask for!

I think Jacob really is excited for Christmas!

The Sled was all ready to go too bad there wasn't a big hill in the yard!
Andrew was trying to shovel the snow and make a hill. It didn't happen!
Jacob rolled all the balls for a snowmen then they

decided to pile them up to build a fort instead!

Alison just enjoyed eating the snow!

Everytime I turned around she was eating it!

Sunday we were up and at em to hear to 9 O'clock church in the snowy weather. We got there to find that the power was out in most of the building. We managed though and the kids did great. I was really surprised sitting in sacrament meeting with 7 kids went so well. After dinner we needed to head home and ship the kids off to their next stay until their wandering mom makes it back in town ;)! I'm sure Georgia and Mom had a good time. We did too! (At least that is my side of the story)

Traditions

We have made it a family tradition to go out to eat and then go see the Christmas lights with the kids. We normally go to the Mongolian BBQ and I was considering it this year and then realized that maybe they have peanuts in sauces. I don't think I ever worried before because Andrew really doesn't eat much he's so picky. Maybe they don't even use peanuts but we opted for the Olive garden just to be safe and make sure all the kids actually ate. THEY DID!!! Then we headed to the temple to see the lights and nativity. We headed inside the visitor center to warm up a little and enjoy some of the messages there. The kids enjoyed the Christus and then we walked through the exhibit they had called Reflections Of Christ. It was so beautiful. Some of the pictures I had seen at an exhibit at BYU and I had wanted to see the picture again so badly I was so glad it was there. Then we did the little walk through of God's Plan for families. Or something like that. The kids liked that as well and it had some good messages about eternal families. It talked about the grandparents who had died and how they would be talking about our families to others in heaven and how much they miss us. I thought so much about my dad and how much he does love my little one's. It was a good evening and we had such a good time. There were so many more things to see there I wish we had more time and Jaci would have been a little more patient but 1 year old usually aren't so we will make another trip back to the visitor center another night!

Jaci liked the ornaments on their trees too! OOPS

What a cheeser!

Happy Birthday to the BEST MoM EvEr!

see what happens when you write up your post early and wait to post it! It looks like I celebrated a day early! I know your birthday is on the 9th!!!

Happy birthday Mom! Today you are celebrating on the other side of the world in a place you adore I hope you are having a fantastic day and are able to celebrate without anyone being "stoned to death" ;) (inside joke). Since it wouldn't be polite to post your age I will just say this.. even though you have become a speed limit I don't think there is any slowing you down. So without further ado here are just 55 of the things we love about you! (in no particular order)

1-You're my mom

2-you're my friend

3-you are Amazing!

4- You are so strong. (with all you've been through you keep moving on!)

5- You are responsible (always making sure what needs to get done gets done)

6-You try to live in the moment even when it's hard because we want to know the future NOW

7- You love your family unconditionaly

8-You are a great Mother-in-Law (all the spouses will agree)

9-You are a good listener

10- You reassure me (when I'm not sure of myself you give me strength to do what I need to do)

11-You are supportive of our choices

12- You are a great example (of so many things that would be another list)

13- You are a great teacher (ask any one who's taken your classes)(you did good at teaching us the finer things in life too)

14- You Love the Lord

15-You have Faith

16-You let me know I'm good mom even when I don't feel like one

17- You love my Hubby and treat him so well

18-You are kind

19-you love your Grandbabies

20-You love spending time with your family (and we always have a blast!)

21- You want people to feel loved (and people feel it when they are near you)

22-You are appreciative (of all your blessing and stupid gifts you may receive)

23-you are a hard worker (your yard always looks awesome)

24- you respect me and my family

25- you Love spending time with my kids (really paying attention to them and love them)

26-you are interested in our lives (even though they can be dramatic)

27-You are concerned for us (not nesecarily because of the previous comment)

28-you counsel not command

29- You treat me as your equal even though I am your daughter

30- You are a hugger! I love your hugs

31- You dance with my kids

32-you let me borrow book I never return (if you are wondering where it went I probably have it)

33-You confide in me

34-You make sure everyone feels included

35-You are real (no drama required) you are what you are!

36- You are honest

37-You want your children to love each other (and WE DO!!!)

38- You are Generous

39- You give whole heartedly

40- You are so much fun to be around

41- You have a great laugh (we can hear you all the way to the park ;)

42-You are a good daughter and sister

Kelsie and Avrie wanted to add a few

43- You smell good

44- You take care of your children and grandchildren

45- You buy them things

46- You smile a lot

47- You are the best grandma because you have a treehouse in the backyard!

48-You are Lovely

Those were great (I agree)now... back to my list...

49- You are a good gardener

50- You always have a clean house ( I am so glad I'm not cleaning it anymore!)

51-You know how to throw a party

52-You have a strong unshakable testimony

53-You make home a place I love to be (I love going home)

54-You decorate with style!

55- You have the best quotes all around the house to remind us of great things!

I would just have to say you are just the best mom anyone could have asked for! Thanks for always being there for me lending a listening ear, a warm hug, a quiet laugh or full on giggle. I love you mom have a great day and a wonderful year with many more to come!

Going Private!

so we have decided to finally go private. Any of you who want to keep reading make sure you leave your email so I can add you to our list! We will be making the change at the end of the month!

Deck the Halls!

We finally got the tree up last night and the kids had so much fun! (I say finally because Grandma and Grandpa Richardson have had theirs up since before Halloween!) I am kind of (ok really) a scroodge when it comes to christmas decor. Not that should be a surprise I don't have decorations normally. Anyway I don't have a problem getting things under the tree but I don't like putting it up. I hate keeping kids out of it all day long. So good thing Randy loves christmas and the lights! Randy set up the tree and the kids decorated it. They did it all by themselves with just a little help to reach the top. And yes.... I have been keeping Jaci out of it all morning and trying to stop her from eating the glitter bulbs and pulling the tree over when she grabs the "jingle bells"! Oh the joys. (how much longer till I can take it down?)

Jaci is not trying to decorate she is taking it off! she goes for the little bulbs everytime. Perfect size for hands and mouth!


Randy is more excited than the kids to decorate!! (that's good someone needs to be!)

It's the most Wonderful time of the year!

It's the most wonderful time of the year right? Last weekend was great filled with good food and family. We went to Cedar City for Thanksgiving this year with mom and Georgia and the kids and it was YUMMY! After dinner the kids treated us to a fantastic talent show full of music, dancing, gymnastics, and even a little stripping (that was Andrew he has a habit of just pulling down his pants and showing off his underwear) We all had some good laughs and even Georgia showed us a few moves.

What a ood turkey Carver...you're really gettin into babe!
Mom couldn't wait to eat the mashed potatoes and no.... the spoon didn't go back in the bowl!
Bustin' a move!

Dancing with grandma Jaci always loves that!

Caden was the DJ for the Talent Show

Friday we headed to Provo. We stopped in meadow on the way and we were able to see the beautiful headstone on David's grave. They did a nice job with it. We had a good little visit with Grandma and Grandpa Labrum then continued on our way. I took Avrie shopping for a baptism dress since we won't be up that way again before she is baptized and found the perfect dress for her! Friday night we went to Thanksgiving point to drive through the lights and they even had some reindeer that the kids could get up close to and see. It was so funny because I had them sitting on a bail of hay to take the picture they are all looking at me and then the think the reindeer and coming behind them and they all scream and jump up and refuse to sit back down. People were just laughing because every time they would sit down and turn their backs they were afraid the reindeer were going to come eat them. Andrew did finally walk up close to the fence and then yell out " they Like me". After that fun we went to my friends house to see their cute new baby (well ok she's 3 months old and I'm just getting around to seeing her) She was a doll. The kids had fun playing with other 2 little girls and it was great fun to sit and visit (and have her fix my camera, good thing she is a professional).

Daddy keeping his baby warm!

Sorry no faces they wouldn't sit with their backs to the reindeer!


Took a drive past the temple on our way home!

Saturday was the BYU game and it was so fun to get out for a while. I worry so much about leaving Jaci because she cries every time I leave her unless she is with Randy. I think she might have done ok if her sisters wouldn't treat her like a doll and pull on her and throw her around. (I'm surprised she survives them) So thanks Jane for having a crying baby for 7 hours and 3 other crazy kids! I think it was the first date we have been on since she was born (besides going to the temple together once). I wish I could say I watched the best part of the game but I left a few minutes early to try to visit with Elder Holland and thank him for his loving care of Georgia and their family. I lucked out and was able to speak with him. He was very kind. So even though I missed the best part of the game I got something even better. I didn't feel disapointed at all just sad I left Randy to watch the game alone. Sorry babe! It was a great weekend and I'm glad to be home in my own bed!

Life just Isn't FAIR and neither is DYING!

weird how much our bodies can react to a single thought. I have been thinking about today, I knew it would come, I knew it would be sad, but thinking about it has made me feel sick to my stomach, I don't want thanksgiving. It's made me sad as I cried yesterday just thinking about today. And today when I woke up all I kept praying for is that I wouldn't be angry! I would be, I want to be but I can't be because I know that would just make them upset. I'm talking about my Dad and David. It's been 7 years ago today that dad passed away and 8 months since David left us. I still think everyday that it isn't fair they were taken from us. Is there something different they could have done, different choices that could have been made. Or were there things I should or could have done. Did my faith need to be stronger or is this just part of accepting Heavenly Father;s plan? Somedays I am strong enough to accept that answer, that this was all part of the plan but on days like today I'm just too sad to accept that and I want answers. Why isn't my Dad here to see my kids and play with them. Why isn't he here to council me and hug me. Why isn't he here to comfort my Mom and enjoy a life together. Why isn't David here to be with his sweet wife and care for his Children? To miss these special times that are coming "the Holidays". Life just isn't fair and neither is dying!

However sad and sick I feel today I know they also felt those same feelings and probably feel them now. I know they miss us I have felt that. I know they are proud of us I have heard that! And today though they are gone I am grateful for the GREAT lives that they lived. They lived the gospel to the fullest and were never afraid to share it. Their lives were filled with trials but they enjoyed it the best they could!

Last year I was a little upset Randy bought me this painting for Christmas (he spent too much on it.) However this morning it is the one thing that brings me peace as I have a great reminder that death is not the end. It is entitled HE IS NOT HERE. He Lives and so do dad and David and they are doing a great work on the other side of the veil. I know it is only time that seperates us but that we have been blessed through temple ordinances and we will one day be together again. I just hope it isn't too much longer before we are reunited. For today I will be thinking about the good times boys! Dad laying next to you a week or so before you left us you were playing with my hair and trying to sing to me. I remember helping you get ready for the last time you would ever go to church. I loved seeing you in your highway patrol uniform and how your gun belt would squeek. You tried to help me get over my fear of needles by making me practice on oranges. Took one on one time with me and Kaleb get get our EMT I. I never finished. Precious memories. David though time and foolish choices pushed from my mind the great friendship we shared I am glad I have found some reminders of how great you were to me and how close we were. Thanks for always letting your little sis hang around and for always watching out for me. I love you both!

Getting some practice!

This great Lady in our ward was kind of enough to let me have some practice and take their family pics. I loved how they turned out! Glad she did too! Their kids had the cutest brown eyes and were so stinkin' cute! Thanks Laura!

Happy Birthday my sweet boy!

Yesterday was Andrews birthday. He turned 4. It seems like he should have turned 6 he is so tall so I sometimes forget that he was still only 3. He is taller than most of the kindergarden class. Yesterday we went to Red Robin for his birthday (he chose) and then it seemed warm enough to go to the park but once we got there it was a a bit chilly and the wind was blowing so we headed home to have his little party with grandparents aunts, uncle and cousins. The Prices were also able to come for a little fun.

Andrew doesn't like cake and so we had ice cream cones and he opened his presents. He got lots of cars and a train a new cowboy hat and shirt to match his boots and some "dress ups" I guess for a boy he might not want to call them dress ups but they are boy one's. He wanted to sleep in his iron man costume last night but we were able to talk him out of it. He was in it first that after church today though! (having his birthday close to halloween was a lifesaver to be able to find him some fun costumes to play in)

Just so I remember his favorite things right now are "cars" from the movie, thomas the train and toy story buzz and woody. He finally got a pair of boots from Aunt Stephanie and Uncle Kaleb so he could stop wearing the pink hanna montana boots around. He LOVES them and wants to wear them all the time with or without socks (yes he has blisters but doesn't care) He love Ice cream especially chocolate and mint chocolate chip. He loves CANDY ( I thought Avrie was bad but this boy would live off it and most days he does. He loves corn chips and meat. No matter what meat we have he will eat it so we have to make sure we have meat or he doesn't eat. He also loves chocolate milk and he always has to have a drink (even if it's just water) when he eats a bowl of cereal. He loves to get on the computer to play "PBS kids" even though he just clicks on the mouse and doesn't really play. Andrew loves to be read to and is even learning in spanish.

I just love that little guy. I remember being pregnant with him and I knew it was a boy. I remember feeling so close to my dad when I was pregnant with him too and that was such a great feeling. I also remember being so worried that something was going to happen to him. I felt like I wouldn't have him for long. I am so glad that he has been in our home. There is something so fulfilling having a "momma's boy". He just fills this big part of my heart! He is a daddy's boy too especially at night he loves to have Randy lay by him and he swears they are best friends and he always wants to be "sames" when he gets dressed for church in his white shirt and tie. He is starting to stick up for himself and let his sisters "have it" when they tease him but he has been such a calm, patient, loving little boy. He loves his sisters. He loves to play with all of them and is so good with Jaci they are going to be good friends. He pulls some of the silliest faces when he is trying to talk and especially when you don't really understand him he looks at you like" duh why don't you get it" (I think he learned that from his dad, he gives that look to a lot of people too) I love his blue eyes that seem to sparkle all the time. He is just my little sweetheart and I wish I could have him little forever! Happy Birthday Andrew we sure love you!

Finally Catching Up

Ok so I have been procrastinating the blog. Oh well. Last weekend we made our way down to Tuscon to visit Kaleb and Steph and their cute little family. We headed down Friday morning. We made sure we left nice and early so I would have time to eat at La Parilla Suiza. I think that is how you spell it. Anyway I have only been there twice but I have loved it every time. I enjoyed it this time too.After my yummy meal we headed to Kalebs. We got there in time to get ready for their trunk or treat. The kids had such a great time being with their cousins. Ben and the kids made it over to go too. what was even better than the trunk or treat was watching Ben and Kaleb bust out the dance moves after and the kids enjoyed dancing too and eating donuts and juice! After all the peanut butter was confiscated from the bags we headed home and the kids enjoyed watching movies and staying up way too late.

(Randy was a wonderful Wall Flower at the Dance reminded him of High School! ha ha)

Saturday was Isaacs baptism. It was such a great day and a good time to be with family. Kaleb did a wonderful job and gave him a wonderful blessing. Later that evening the kids enjoyed a pinata and a cute cupcake cake to celebrate a late birthday for Isaac. Since the kids had already been trunk or treating we stayed home and they LoVED handing out candy to the kids that came by the house. They took turns holding the bowl and passing it out and when they got low on Candy they were so excited to get more from their own bags just so they could keep handing it out. (Good thing we took all the good stuff out first). Sunday we enjoyed a relaxing day and were able to visit. Randy got to go ride along with Kaleb and enjoyed that. (I am so glad that it doesn't spark an interest for him to do police work).

(Note where Hailey is standing while Andrew was swinging the bat... yeah didn't work out to well for her he smacked her right in the chest. The kids were good to stay behind "the line" after that!) Sorry Hailey!

Monday we headed home and we stopped at Montezuma's Castle, and old Indian ruin and the kids were so interested in that. I stopped and bought Kelsie and Avrie a bracelet and they were so excited. (Avrie lost hers the next day and so did Kelsie. We found Kelsie's and then it broke but I was able to put it back together. But then Kelsie says.... Mom it must have really been made by a real Indian because it wasn't made very well.) Not that they don't make nice things it was just funny the way she said it. we also stopped at cliff dwellers for a few minutes. Not that it is anything exciting we had just never done it before and figured what the heck we've made a long road trip we might as well see something new. So it was a great weekend and Thanks again to Kaleb and Steph (mostly Steph I'm sure) for the great hospitality and wonderful visit.

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to the best dad ever. Sorry we couldn't celebrate together today but I will enjoy a slice of Pie and some Ice cream just for you! Someday soon we will be able to celebrate just being together again. I love you Dad and miss you so much. I'm sure you already know just how much because I'm sure even though you are so busy doing a greater work you miss us too! Although you are not here with us we remember you,your life, and your example and that is worth celebrating! We love you DAD!

Happy Birthday A LITTLE LaTe

Happy Birthday Kelsie. Kelsie turned 9 years old while we were in disneyland and we were able to celebrate there. Before we left she ws able to go see Annie at Tuachan with Grandma Allred and she had such a great time. I just wanted to let her know how much we love her and are so glad she is in our family. Kelsie keeps us on our toes making sure we are doing things right and is quick to let us know when we are wrong but we try our best. She is doing so well in her school work and now is in Spanish class everyday. She was doing well enough in English we thought we would get her Spanish better. She still loves playing the piano and just picks it up so easily too. Kelsie is pretty easy to please and is so eager to learn new things. Her mind works in miraculous ways. I am amazed everyday by her. She speaks her mind freely that is for sure she just tells you the way it is. Sometimes it is better than others but she tries to do what's right and I am thankful for that. Thanks Kelsie for being a good big sister Happy birthday sweet girl!

All Disney'd out!

ok so 7 days at Disneyland is definitely enough! We had a great time though. We were able to see fantasmic, we haven't done that before and Randy caught the fireworks every night! we saw lots of characters we don't normally see ( I think because of Halloween) we went trick or treating at Disney's California Adventure and got a ton of candy! Kelsie celebrated her 9th birthday with Lilo and Stitch at breakfast and ice cream on main street with her cousins. It was a great time and I am sooo tired. I was really glad we stayed across the street and didn't need to pack kids and strollers on a crowded shuttle. Also made it nice to go back and rest in the afternoon.

The kids always love seeing the characters. We saw Aladdin and Jasmine the first morning right as we walked in the gate. Kelsie was so excited to see Pocahontas since that is who she was for Halloween. She used her birthday money to buy her an outfit and matching shoes. I thought for sure that Andrew would want to see captain hook since he was Peter Pan for Halloween but he didn't really care too much. At the trick or treat party we were in line to see Wendy Peter Pan, and Captan Hook but they left and we saw Jack Sparrow instead. The Witch from Snow white was a new one for us. They also saw the Queen of Hearts and Cruella DeVille. We have seen them before though.
These are some more of the characters that we got to see. Some of them were at the trick or treat party. I always say I'm not going to care about seeing the characters but then I always do! It's fun for the kids to get to see them. Andrew was so amazed my Handy Manny he loved it! Jack sparrow was pretty good lookin' too! (lol) Dopey and the Wicked Stepmother and sisters were new for us.
This was our breakfast with Lilo and Stitch for Kelsie's birthday. It was pretty fun. They showed them how to hula and do some dance where they bang sticks together. Breakfast was average but you don't really do it for the food. You don't get to see Lilo and Stitch very often at the park so that was fun. I think it was the first time we have seen Daisy too.
Andrew and Clayton sat down with that map right in the middle of the road while waiting for Ben and Randy on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and planned out their day and the best way to get where they needed to go. Funny thing.... they both loved it's a small world and it's the one ride the parents get so annoyed going on. It was a good ride to go on in the heat though. I also just loved Jaci's face in this pic This was at breakfast pulling her bitter beer face but she looks like an evil child! what a cutie though I love it when she crunches her nose.
We took the kids to Tom Sawyer island this time. It is the first time we have done that and they loved it. Exploring the caves and playing around and finding the treasure. It was a good place to get away from the crowds too. Dumbo and the teacups were the classics we couldn't miss this time but with 7 days it was hard to miss anything.
Uncle Ben was trying to win favorite uncle status and took the kids to build a bear. They had such a fun time and loved their animals. It worked out good for Kelsie's birthday too she got a present she loved! Andrew obviously loved the Ice cream it was all over his face. I guess I must really like that picture of Jaci I didn't realize I posted it twice. oh well. And poor Avrie I guess that's what happens when you don't get much sleep! she had a few rough moments but I'm glad she worked through it and could enjoy her time at Disneyland.

All in all I would say the trip was a success. We had a great time and it was so fun to see family there. We spent the first 3 days with Ben and Lisa and their family. The kids got along so well and loved seeing eachother. Randy's family was also there and we went to the trick or treat party with them and a few rides the last day of our stay. It was a good week but I am glad to be home to rest. Now the countdown is on for our December trip. ( we figured since we have the year pass we might as well see Disneyland in all the seasons)