The Journey Of Us

(Christmas lights 2011}

2012-02-01T20:59:00.000-07:00

Don't let this adorable face fool you... we are just minutes away from a total meltdown.

Always Kaya's favorite part of Temple Square. She never wants to leave this room.

My two favorite people!

She loves her Bunny

Kaya makes a great photographer!

I think this is where the problem was. As soon as Greg took her off of his shoulders.... our night was over!

Actually, a pretty flattering picture considering the attitude she was sporting. haha

And..... we're done. :)

I realize some of these posts are a little out of order. Sorry about that... I have no excuse. Christmas lights this year was fun for about 2 minutes before Kaya had a meltdown in the middle of Temple Square. We did what we could.. took some pictures and went home. Can't say we didnt try. :) Overall, we made some good memories and saw some pretty lights.

{It's a new year * 2012}

2012-02-01T20:44:00.001-07:00

This guy... I love. New Years Eve was spent with my favorite guy. We wanted to keep things kind of mellow this year, so we went for Sushi and then the Comedy Club (which was hilarious, by the way) and then back home to watch the ball drop! It was perfect. We always have so much fun together. For example.... leave us home alone, with a camera... this is what you get. I'm excited for this new year. I think 2012 will be full of excitement and change... and I couldn't be happier about the prospects.

{I'm a reindeer}

2012-02-01T20:30:00.001-07:00

Kaya had such a cute little Christmas program for Preschool. They sang lots of songs and looked adorable doing it!

{Christmas 2011}

2012-02-01T20:26:00.001-07:00

Christmas Eve is always a house full of cousins, presents, fun and the spirit of giving! (and a little chaos)

Best Friend Cousins

All the grandkids! Ayden, Kaya, Kinzie, Max, Stella and Linkin

Ashley and Tyson made the best won-ton's!!! Yummy!!

2 peas in a pod, for sure

Mary and Joseph

Stella insisted on being baby Jesus

The funniest Christmas scene ever. Thats baby Jesus on the floor.

Add caption

Sisters

The traditional Christmas morning pic at the top of the stairs

Seeing her presents for the first time!

This face shows the amount of excitement that Kaya had the entire morning!

Christmas was so much fun this year! 5 years old is the magic year. Kaya loved every minute of the holiday season. She is growing up to be such a sweet young lady. I love her so much, she has made Christmas so magical. My favorite quote from Kaya this season was: "Mom, can you believe some people think that Christmas is only about giving presents?? We know that Christmas is about Jesus and his birthday, huh? That makes us pretty lucky, I think. " Thank you Kaya for showing me the spirit of Christ every single day.

{absolute magic and wonder}

2011-12-09T21:04:00.001-07:00

This year has been so amazing for Christmas. Kaya is in absolute wonder. It's so much fun. She is a full force Santa believer. It's the cutest thing I've ever seen! Leslie and I took the kids to see Santa and get their pictures taken. Kaya wrote Santa a letter. It said "Dear Santa, Thank you for bringing me an Elf."
{We got the 'Elf on the Shelf' this year and she LOVES it. I will post more about that later.}

When we got the kids pictures taken, One of us had to put on a big belly and dress like Santa. Leslie was the chosen one, because we figured Max would act best for her. The session took a total of 5 minutes and I think they got some great shots. Such a fun time for the girls and some cute pixx for the Mama's!

waiting to give santa their letters

santa read her whole letter

{Fall, Fall, Falling 2011}

2011-10-26T11:23:00.001-06:00

Fall is my very favorite season of the year. It always makes me so happy for the leaves to change color and to see all the pretty sweaters, scarves and amazing boots that come out of everyone's closets. The weather is so perfect, the smell of the mountains and yummy pumpkin goodness is enough to get my mouth watering as we speak. It seems like there are so many fun activities for kids during this season as well. We started our season out with Gardner Village. We took Kaya to see all of the witches and pumpkins on display. So much fun.

This year Greg and I decided it would be best to paint our punkins instead of carving them.. It's more fun for Kaya because she actually gets to participate in the creation. We forgot to take pixx of punkins the night we painted them, so this is the only one we have. Kaya's pumpkin is the big one on the left... its a butterfly and on the back is a caterpillar. Kind of a sweet idea.. Mine is the one next to hers and the only one we are missing is Bunny's punkin with a huge 'U' painted on it. (For the University of Utah for those of you not in the know.)

I took two separate trips up the canyon last week. One with my favorite guy and the other with my favorite girl. Both experiences were amazing. The canyons are gorgeous and it made me feel so lucky to live 15 minutes away from the top of one of these beautiful mountains! I'm surrounded by canyons with lakes and rivers and gorgeous trees. It's beautiful and I love living in Utah.

My canyon adventures with my man:

My canyon adventures with my wo-man and my dad:

Kaya and Papa taking it in.

Cascade Springs up Am Fork Canyon

Such an amazingly beautiful place.

And finally... Thriller! I have wanted to go see this production again for years and Greg agreed to go with me. The performances are so amazing, they even entertained Greg for the most part. If you are in the Salt Lake Valley and haven't had a chance go see it.. it's a must for the Halloween season!!

She's 5 going on 16!!

2011-10-26T10:45:00.001-06:00

Happy birthday to the most beautiful, fun, smart, loving and sweet 5 year old! I couldnt be more blessed to be your Mommy. You have shown me more strength and courage than I ever thought I had and you have given me more love than I ever thought I deserved. You changed my world, 5 years ago and I couldnt be happier with my little partner in crime, that I have been so extremely blessed with! Happy Birthday sweetie...I'm so glad you are mine!

This year for Kaya's birthday, she wanted nothing but a bike. Greg and I decided one evening that it was time to try out a bike with no training wheels. To our surprise she caught on rather quickly. She loved every minute of it and has wanted to do nothing else but ride a bike since that day. She has had lots of practice at her Dad's house and with 'Bunny' to make her a riding guru! Soooo, obviously I had to get her a big girl bike for her birthday and Greg got her all the essential bike accessories, like a helmet, a bell and a really cool water bottle that sticks to her handle bars.

I showed up as a surprise after school on her big day with a whole handful of balloons and her bike hidden around the corner. I told her to close her eyes when she got outside because I had a surprise... she decided it would be best to close her eyes the entire way out of the building! (So cute!) When we got outside, there was Papa and Stella waiting around the corner with the bike and a camera to wish her the happiest birthday, ever!!! She was so excited and then stopped for a minute and said "wait, is this for me?" haha

After the 'long' bike ride home (I basically ran with her the entire way home) it was time to party! Kaya decided she wanted to go to Jungle Jim's with all of her favorite people for her birthday. We basically had the entire place to ourselves. The kids just went on whatever rides the wanted however many times they wanted and had so much fun.
The guest list included: Me and Bunny, Mimi and Papa, Stella (Leslie was missed because her best friend got married the same night), Linkin and Blake, Ashley and Tyson, Jeffy, Bill and Rama, Ashlyn, Kaylee, Braxton and Kari and Ari. We even got a special appearance by Grandpa Capener. We really appreciate all the love that was shown to the little bug on her big day!
Some of her favorite gifts from the party where her bike accessories of course, all the barbie dolls, the jammies from mimi and the load of gifts from Bill and Rama. You all spoiled her rotton. Thank you everyone!

On the way home from Jungle Jim's Kaya said "That was the best most funnest birthday ever! Can I do that again next year for my 6th birthday?" I guess we will see if that's what she wants to do in a year! Happy Birthday Baby girl!! I love you!! xoxo

{Circus Freaks}

2011-09-24T15:49:00.001-06:00

Greg and I took Kaya to the circus last night. She has been waiting for this event for a month now and was so excited she could hardly keep herself contained. Unfortunately, she woke up yesterday morning with a really high fever and a cough. As I was getting her some medicine she started crying and said, 'does this mean we can't go to the circus?'. I asked her if she still wanted to go and she said, "YES!". So we got her all hopped up on children's triaminic and headed downtown to see The Ringling Bro. and Barnum & Baily's GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH..... So... In my opinion, if you are going to have your catch phrase be 'The greatest show on earth'.. then it should be, at least, semi entertaining. hmmm... how do I put this? Greg and I were pretty bored. They brought the horses out to do their 'tricks'. I kept waiting for them to do something cool, but all they did was run around in a circle for about 8 minutes... then they exited and everyone clapped. I leaned over to Greg and asked, "am I missing something? Did they just do something cool?" He laughed and I knew he felt the same way. Luckily for us, Kaya couldn't get enough of it. She kept saying, "is it almost over? cause I don't want it to be over, ever!" They had Tigers and the greatest thing about the tigers were that there were 12 of them... thats a lot of tigers in one vicinity. The elephants where my favorite. Kaya loved how they held trunks to tails in a line of 8 elephants. There was one pretty cool performance by the acrobats.. but other than that.. it was pretty cheesy and really long. Hopefully that will give Kaya all she need for Circus time for several years! All in all we had a pretty fun evening and Kaya made it all the way through the circus without a fever. Greg was a good sport and carried Kaya all the way back to the car cause she was cold and feeling a little sick. Thanks muscle man!! We think you are great!! xoxo

{Happy birthday to me!}

2011-08-21T09:19:00.000-06:00

This year was such a great birthday, thanks to Greg! We went to breakfast in the morning with his parents, and stuffed ourselves with an all you can eat breakfast buffet. When we got back home, I opened up a present from Greg.. The new Jimmy Choo perfume!! MMMMmmm it smells SO good! His parents complimented that gift with the Jimmy Choo body lotion. People, I smell really good!!! Next, we headed to the farmers market downtown, at pioneer park. Walked around and enjoyed the SLC weekend flavor. Next up was one of my favorite parts of the day: a 2 hour birthday nap! I never get naps.. and this was such a nice birthday treat! Next up on the docket was a hike to donut falls. This one was especially great, because Greg isn't a huge 'hiker'.. he prefers to call it a 'walk'. It was so beautiful up in the cool mountain air. We hiked up the rocks, through the waterfall to get to the very top. Its so amazing how some fresh mountain air can really relax me! We went back home to shower and change and then headed out for some sushi, downtown! Before we left, Greg pulled out another box.. some of the cutest Seychelles heels! He spoiled me rotton!! Loved the food, loved the company, loved the day!! We finished the day off with a movie and a cuddle. Couldn't have asked for a more perfect birthday. Now today, we are having the family party.. Kaya is pretty excited about some birthday cake and presents. She loves birthdays, even if they arent her own! oxox

Donut falls

On our 'walk'

{Happy Birthday Gregory!}

2011-08-02T21:40:00.000-06:00

For Greg's Birthday, I wanted to do something really special because its been 5 years since he's been home for a birthday. I decided to take him up to SnowBird for the day and enjoy a day in the great outdoors! We enjoyed the 'all day activity pass'. It was so much fun! We rode the zip line, the alpine slide and some ride that shook us around like a rag doll... not sure how fun that one was.. but we had a good time laughing hysterically at how ridiculous one another looked! We took the tram all the way to the top of the mountain to take in the views.. it was gorgeous! We spent most of our day up in the mountains and then as the air cooled we decided to go get our food on at Stone Ground, downtown SLC. We went there for Valentines Day and Greg fell in love with one of the dishes there. I had to take him back for his birthday so he could enjoy it to its fullest. After we stuffed our belly's we went back to his house and I had him open his present. Over all, I think the day was a success! Happy Birthday, BB! I think you are the greatest.. here's to the best year of your life! ;) xoxo

cheesy gross kissing picture for your viewing pleasure.

{Johnson Family Fun}

2011-07-03T11:20:00.000-06:00

Ashlyn, Kaylee, Billy, Alex, Braxton and Kaya

Kaylee

Ashlyn

Alex

Bunny jumping with Kaya even with a sprained ankle.

Braxton

Greg and Rama pulling Kaya down the slip n' slide cause she was nervous to do it on her own.

Big Dub

We were trying to get a photo and I had stayed mostly dry all day long and Billy through a bucket of water on my legs and I jumped up and hit Greg in the jaw with my shoulder.

Warning Billy to stay away from me with his water bucket!

My favorite guy in his 'spider man super hero shirt'.

Emerson

More reasons why I love this guy.

Kaya hit the ball several times, thanks to her awesome coach!

My all star

Waiting for fireworks

We celebrated the 4th of July on the 2nd of July at Greg's parents house. And in Kaya's words "It was AWESOME!" We had a lot of fun with yummy food and LOTS of water games. Kaya had so much fun with all of the kids and especially on the slip n' slide. Ending the evening with a great firework display by Greg's brother. Such a fun time.. Thanks Johnson's for including us in your family fun!! xoxo

{fireworks}

2011-07-03T11:06:00.000-06:00

So fun to have Kinsey and her kids in town!

The following pictures are reasons I love this guys... cause he loves this girl!

xoxo

I Love July because I love fireworks!! So much to be enjoyed and this year Kaya really enjoyed them too! Me and Kaya and Bunny went to a park to watch some great fireworks that a friend put on for the community. We had a little BBQ and some play time on the swings and then off to firework heaven. We Oohhh'ed and Ahhh'ed and clapped and laughed. After all was said and done we layed on our blanket and the tickle monster came out to play... we laughed our guts out then went home for a very good nights sleep!

{mommies and daughters are special}

2011-07-03T10:50:00.000-06:00

I

asked Kaya where she wanted to go for her Mommy/Daughter date and she requested temple square without hesitation. She loves that place.. not only does she love to sing, "I love to see the temple", around every corner.. she loves the beautiful flowers and the beautiful temple. She especially loves the statue of Christ in the visitors center. She sat in front of it for a really long time without saying anything. I quietly whispered that we should go to the next room, and she said..."Just one more minute with Jesus, Mom." She is such a little sweetheart and I enjoy every minute with her! xoxo

{Puppy Love}

2011-07-03T10:45:00.000-06:00

Kaya is a lover of all things small and cute... so you can imagine how much she loves these puppies!

{2011 end of year preschool BE-formance}

2011-06-08T19:45:00.000-06:00

Family Pixx 2011

2011-06-04T17:43:00.003-06:00

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To Love another person, is to see the face of God

2011-05-30T10:56:00.000-06:00

Last night I had the pleasure of attending Les Mis in SLC at Capitol theatre. Thank you, Krista for the ticket. It was a solo ticket, so I went by myself and sat in between two strangers. It was an amazing, emotional and spiritual experience. I had an extremely hard time staying composed through any of it.

One of my MANY favorite parts was during the first act when Fantine was dying. I guess it struck a chord with me, as a single Mom. Fantine worked so hard to give Cosette a good life, but always seemed to be falling short. You could feel her undying love and devotion for Cosette. Even on her death bed she makes sure Cosette will be taken care of.

This story of selflessness, love, devotion, revolution and true forgiveness is one of the greatest stories of all time. It was a life changing experience that made me reflect on my own life. Making me realize the true importances in this life and where my priorities need to be. The greatest gift you can give to another person is the gift of yourself.

"To love another person is to see the face of God." -Les Miserables

{blossom}

2011-03-25T13:22:00.001-06:00

'The flower doesn't dream of the bee.. It blossoms and the bee comes.'

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{happy green day}

2011-03-20T16:47:00.001-06:00

One of Kaya's favorite holidays is St. Patricks day because she gets to eat green food! She thinks it's the coolest thing ever. This year we went over to make our green dinner with Leslie, Joe, Stella and Max. (Leslie made the adults a delicious 'pot of gold' (corn chowder)).

I thought green dinner and wearing all green for the day was a great St. Patty's day.... BUT.. Leslie had to one up me and tell Stella that the Leprechaun's came and went potty in their toilet. (she put green food coloring in the toilet bowl) Kaya was certain the Leprechauns wouldn't forget to potty in her toilet either... One problem.. I left the food coloring at Leslies house while making the kids green dinner. I had to think quick. I looked in the spice cabinet and found green parsley flakes.. Or what happened to make great green leprechaun doo doo. Kaya thought it was the greatest thing she had ever seen. She made everyone come check out the surprise that was left in the potty! Since when was St. Patty's day suppose to take so much effort? Haha At least Kaya loved it.. That's all that matters.

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{Loveliness}

2011-02-25T12:55:00.001-07:00

Sometimes it takes the absolute worst things to appreciate the loveliness of nothing.

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{Funny Baby}

2011-02-24T10:09:00.000-07:00

Kaya grabbed my face before bed and said. "Mom, you're so cute, I can't stop looking at you!" I started laughing so hard and she looked at me very seriously and said, "Seriously, Mom. You're adorable!"

Ha ha! I love my little munchkin. She always knows how to make me laugh. She is growing into a beautiful little lady.

Thanks Kaya for always making your Mama smile! xoxo

{quote}

2011-02-21T11:23:00.001-07:00

"You don't really understand human nature unless you know why a child on a merry-go-round will wave at his parents every time around - and why his parents will always wave back."
- William Tammeus

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{angel baby}

2011-02-18T22:28:00.001-07:00

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{Be Mine}

2011-02-18T21:37:00.001-07:00

Best Valentines ever!! Xoxo

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{love day}

2011-02-14T15:22:00.001-07:00

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Inquisitive

2011-02-10T12:42:00.001-07:00

Kaya: can I feel your eyebrow? I never feeled an eyebrow before.
Me: sure
Kaya: That feels weird. Wanna feel my eyebrow mom?

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Quote of the day

2011-01-21T14:17:00.001-07:00

He didn't tell me how to live. He just lived and let me watch him do it.

Clarence B. Kelland

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{Roller Derby Baby}

2011-01-16T13:36:00.001-07:00

YouTube Video

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New Years Eve 2010

2011-01-02T00:24:00.002-07:00

A perfect start to 2011! This is going to be a great year.. I can feel it!

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{photo booth}

2010-12-30T10:11:00.000-07:00

seeing double

cyclops and the two headed monster

Elvira

sick and twisted

comic book super heros always win

we're blue do be do ba do be do be do ba

I love this girl!

mama alien

baby alien

Just before baby alien bit the mommy alien's face off

what is happening right now?

surprise!

{Christmas in Your Heart}

2010-12-30T10:06:00.001-07:00

Kaya was Mary this year in our Family Christmas Pageant.
She took her roll very seriously. When she got all dressed up she said "Mom, you're gonna
want to get a picture of this cause I"M Mary, and THIS is baby Jesus!"

Mary and The Angel of the Lord looking at Baby Jesus

Mother Mary

Kaya wore this Christmas Bow on her head most of the night

Leslie and Baby Max (Baby Jesus in the Pageant)

Shazam! Unto you a child is born.

Ash and Max

Joe.. Our filmographer

Tyson

Dad

The best Grandma "mimi" in the world!

The entertainment (Stella, Kaya and Linkin)

Waiting at the top of the stairs to see if Santa had come on Christmas Morning

Kaya in front of her loot

Linkin just couldnt help but dance! (like usual)

{Preschool Christmas Program}

2010-12-16T16:31:00.000-07:00

Kaya and Stella had the cutest Christmas Program for Preschool! They had tons of songs and ALL of the kids sang their little hearts out. They had Santa Hats and Instruments and they had such a good time. After the performance, I told Kaya that she and Stella where the best singers and she said.. yeah, I guess we were! Then she told me that she got a tear in her eye during one of her songs, and she was trying really hard not to cry cause she was feeling Christmas in her heart. It was so sweet. These girls are getting so big and so much fun.. Im so glad they have each other to share their childhoods with. We love you Stella.. Thanks for being Kaya's best friend!!! xoxox

The girls Preschool teachers

Best Friends Forever!

{Santa's List: a catalyst for confession}

2010-12-15T17:23:00.000-07:00

Kaya: "Jeffy showed me Santa's good and naughty list, I cant believe I'm on his good list even after I threw a toy and hit Stella in the forehead! Don't tell Santa, I think he didn't see!"

{Walking in a Winter Wonderland}

2010-12-12T16:08:00.003-07:00

I am especially loving the holidays this year. This whole month has been filled with fun Christmas activities that have helped get me into the spirit of the season. The lights at Temple Square are an absolute MUST or it just wouldnt feel like Christmas. After the lights, Greg and I watched the Chevy Chase Christmas movie, that I had never seen before. So funny!! I can't believe that was a first for me. This is the only time of year that I am ok with cheesy movies, and cheesy music... so I eat it up for the entire month! Thanks to Kristin and Chris for coming with Greg and I to enjoy the scenery. Still a few weeks til Christmas and I've still got several other Holiday activities planned. Im sure there will be more pictures to come.

{not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse}

2010-12-09T19:43:00.002-07:00

Kaya and Stella were in their first Nutcracker this year. They did such a great job in all three of their BE-formances. They LOVED that everyone came and watched them be prima ballerina mice! Being backstage with all of the other dancers was so exciting for the girls.

Thanks to everyone who came out to watch them and show their support! We love you all so much and appreciate all of the great people in our lives!

We will keep you all posted for the spring recital.

adding to the drama backstage with her silly faces

Mom!! Don't embarass me in front of all these people!

The fan club!

Kaya did such a great job in the nutcracker as a mouse this year! She loved dancing on stage for everyone to see!!

Kaya's newest idol, the Snow Queen!!

{The Midnight Hour}

2010-11-15T21:55:00.003-07:00

Do you not know that there comes a midnight hour when every one has to throw off his mask? Do you believe that life will always let itself be mocked? Do you think you can slip away a little before midnight in order to avoid this? Or are you not terrified by it? I have seen men in real life who so long deceived others that at last their true nature could not reveal itself; in every man there is something which to a certain degree prevents him from becoming perfectly transparent to himself; and this may be the case in so high a degree, he may be so inexplicably woven into relationships of life which extend far beyond himself that he almost cannot reveal himself. But he who cannot reveal himself cannot love, and he who cannot love is the most unhappy man of all.

Søren Kierkegaard, Either/Or

{Whats your Love Language?}

2010-11-15T21:50:00.002-07:00

We can recognize the in-love experience for what it was;a temporary emotional high and now pursue real love with our spouse. That kind of love is emotional in nature but not obsessional. It is a love that unites reason and emotion. It involves an act of will and requires discipline, and it recognizes the need for personal growth. Our most basic emotional need is not to fall in love but to be genuinely loved by another, to know a love that grows out of reason and choice, not instinct. I need to be loved by someone who chooses to love me, who sees in me something worth loving.That kind of love requires effort and discipline. It is the choice to expend energy in an effort to benefit the other person, knowing that if his or her life is enriched by your effort, you too will find a sense of satisfaction the satisfaction of having genuinely loved another.The Five Love Languages p.35-36

{Change Something}

2010-11-15T12:14:00.002-07:00

{Tips on being a Hipster}

2010-11-15T11:57:00.000-07:00

The main thing would be to focus on talking about the environment. Have a strong opinion and NEVER agree with anyone else—even if you do.

Please, do not wear anything that has a label unless it is really old.

Do not conform, unless its with the mass of other 'hipsters' that make you indistinguishable from one another.

And one last tip, don’t shower.

{an addendum}

2010-11-09T10:32:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Leslie and Stella were driving in the car, and out of the blue Stella said to her Mom... When Kaya was holding my foot in the window, I saw two people helping her. Leslie asked her who those two people were? Stella replied that it was Jesus and a girl... Leslie tried to get more out of her, but that's all she had to say about it.

I truly believe that God is watching over us... Thank you for protecting our children, and for the blessings you so freely give my family, each and everyday. We are so blessed.

{Kaya is a hero}

2010-11-02T10:59:00.001-06:00

We had a miracle yesterday! Stella and Kaya (3 and 4yrs) were playing in an upstairs bedroom this afternoon, the ice cream truck came by and Stella and Kaya jumped on top of a chest under the window to stop him...the window was opened and Stella fell, knocking the screen out and fell through the window onto the very small, very steep, 3ft over hang,... Kaya grabbed Stella's only little foot left in the house and was hanging onto it trying to keep her from falling all the way out the window.. they were both screaming like crazy for help. Les and my Dad heard them. Les ran upstairs and Dad ran out the door to check the window. She was hanging right over the concrete driveway. If she would have fallen, I

think it may have killed her or at least seriously injured her...I know there must have been angels helping Kaya hold onto little Stella Boo! It amazes me that Kaya even had the instinct to grab onto Stella's foot, and the fact that Kaya could hold Stella for that long is a miracle! Thank you for the angels that watch our babies!

xoxox

{BOO}

2010-11-01T20:47:00.000-06:00

Linkin and Kaya as baby skeletons!

Cindy Loo Hoo (Kaya), The scary witch (Stella) and the funny bone (Max)

Witches for the preschool party

Cindy Loo Hoo hair

My Beautiful Witch!

{Happy 4th birthday}

2010-11-01T19:53:00.000-06:00

Mommy LOVES this girl!!

Baby Max is a rock star too!

Nothing like a mean game of duck, duck goose!

All those London, London bridges falling down!

Party Like a Rockstar!

Long time BFF's : Kaya and Ari

How do you afford your rock n' roll lifestyle?

We gotta fight, for the right, to parrrrty!

{truth}

2010-10-03T12:42:00.001-06:00

You know what's so good about the truth? Everyone knows what it is no matter how long they've lived without it... No one forgets the truth... They just get better at lying.

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{Hip hop and ya don't stop}

2010-09-09T21:14:00.001-06:00

Kaya in her sweet little track suit headed to her first day of baby hip hop! She loved her class and already thinks she's a pro. Her teacher, Miss Natalie, is great! She goes every week and will have a performance on stage in the spring.. she is most excited about that part. Kaya has always been such a little dancer.. I think this is the start of a lot of dancing shoes!

{sassy pants}

2010-09-06T13:56:00.002-06:00

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{Kaya's first primary talk}

2010-09-05T16:03:00.000-06:00

Kaya did such a great job on her talk.. she wasn't even nervous! I was so proud of her and she was pretty proud of herself too! Good Job Kaya!!! Mommy loves you!!! xoxo

{Kaya's new cousin}

2010-08-29T14:07:00.003-06:00

Kaya was so ecstatic to meet her new cousin Maxwell.. When Leslie was pregnant with him, Kaya would make sure to hug baby Max every time she saw Lessy. Kaya said she wants to be the best big cousin ever.

Today Leslie changed Maxwell's diaper.. Kaya looked in the diaper in horror and asked.."did I have one of those things when I was a baby?"

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{baby Maxwell has arrived}

2010-08-27T10:25:00.002-06:00

Baby Maxwell arrived on August 24th around 10pm. Weighing in at a whopping 7lbs 7oz, 19 1/2 in long and SO stinkin' cute!! Mama and baby are doing great!! A big thanks to Les and Joe for letting me be apart of the birthing experience again! There is nothing more Amazing than witnessing a new life enter the world!!! Congrats to Les and Joe.. And to Stella for becoming a big sister and to Max for having such a cool Aunt as myself! Love you guys!! Xoxo

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

{If it gets any sweeter than this.... I don't wanna know...}

2010-08-18T20:16:00.000-06:00

Sometimes my life seems so crazy and busy... I feel like its spinning and spinning and then I get a glimpse of this sweet little face and everything stops... nothing else matters... and I want to be in the moment with her... Kaya keeps me grounded and I realize that she is all I really need. Whenever I'm feeling the stress of single mommyhood, I look at her little face and know that I wouldn't have it any other way. 'If it gets any sweeter than this... I don't wanna know.' I love you Kaya bug!! xoxo

{pre-school}

2010-08-12T16:13:00.000-06:00

First day of preschool!! Having your best friend cousin in your class makes it even MORE fun!!

Miss Charlotte

Mommy can't believe Kaya is old enough for preschool, but Kaya is SOOOO excited!

Best friend kisses

Best friends go to preschool together! :)

Hey, hey.. we're the Monkey's!!

Perfect form!! Kaya will rock it on the court with the boys!

{thank you}

2010-08-04T21:19:00.005-06:00

When the Japanese mend broken objects, they aggrandize the damage by filling the cracks with gold. They believe that when somethings suffered damage and has a history it becomes more beautiful.

~Barbara Bloom

To all of the gold in my life... My family, my friends, my baby girl... and even to the ones who put me in need of so much gold! I appreciate you. Thank you for filling my cracks and making me who I am today. Thank you for the life experience and for getting me this far in my life. Thank you for making my soul beautiful. Thank you for the Gold.... and thank you for filling my cracks, and making me stronger than I have ever been.

{It should be a crime}

2010-08-01T14:31:00.004-06:00

To be this cute!! I got Kaya some new school clothes to start pre-school in. We went down the the Lehi 'Train Station' and
had a little photoshoot. What a little Ham!! xoxo

{I'm all shook up}

2010-07-13T15:57:00.011-06:00

I'm all shook up over Elvis!! I went down to Las Vegas with a bunch of my girlfriends and Jake. We went to see Viva Elvis...6th row!!! It was amazing! What a heart throb. I now understand why he was such a big deal. The performance was unreal as it told the story of Elvis' life. The dancing was amazing and the singers who sang along side the voice of Elvis were moving. By the time the show ended we all wanted to Elvis memorabilia and we all downloaded his songs.. next on the list of things to do is watch all the old Elvis movies! What an amazing life he lead... my favorite quote from the show, by Elvis was:

“When I was a child, ladies and gentlemen, I was a dreamer. I read comic books, and I was the hero of the comic book. I saw movies, and I was the hero in the movie. So every dream I ever dreamed has come true a hundred times...I learned very early in life that: ‘Without a song, the day would never end; without a song, a man ain’t got a friend; without a song, the road would never bend - without a song.' So I keep singing a song. "

This trip to Vegas was different than all of our other trips because we had a friend down there that was...lets just say.. a high roller! Thanks to Nate for the great seats at the Elvis concert and for letting us crash at his place with the amazing pool. For taking us all out to dinner at one of the swankiest places in town and for a memorable night at the club.... as VIP as it gets! For one night we were all high rollin'!! Thanks Nate for hookin us up.

Lets not forget to mention my hot friends! Thanks to Krista, Kristin, Amber, Whitney, Marianne, Corinne, and Nate for making this such a memorable trip!! So many laughs... episodes of intervention on the way down and good times in the pool! I am a lucky girl to have not only beautiful people in my life, but also the most kind and generous and giving people I have ever had the privildege of knowing! I love my girls!! xoxo (missed you dani and kim!)

Going to this amazing dance club in the Hard Rock Hotel was crazy and fun and we danced til we dropped...although it made me realize..... I'm too old for clubs. It was a good time, but boy was I happy to be going home at 3am!! At least I went out of that scene with a bang!

Nate!! You know how to rock the party that is Vegas! Thanks for the good times and your generosity! You are awesome and you left us with the best Vegas trip I have ever been on!

It's always fun to escape on these mini vacations with my girlfriends.. it gives me a break from work, and life but Im always happy to come home to my little munchkin who always says....'sooooo, tell me about your trip!' and then we chat like she is older than 3 and we talk about her weekend with her dad and I tell her about how much I missed her and then we get in good snuggles and fall asleep. I love my little Kaya and the older she gets, the more I miss her on my mini excursions. I guess there are good things and hard things about being a single mom... but she always falls in the category of good!

Viva Las Vegas!

{little girls make the world go round}

2010-07-08T09:34:00.004-06:00

Kaya and Lily soaking wet and freezing after playing in the fountain by Happy Sumo!

Kaya and Ari being silly at the Arts Festival in SLC!

I am so lucky that 2 of my very best friends (Brandi and Kari) had babies the same time I did... and now Kaya has 2 besties (Lilly and Ari), jut like I do! I love seeing them play together... it's so cute! They never seem to miss a beat, no matter how long its been since we've seen them. Kaya loves her little friends and I hope they will all love each other for a very long time!! We love you Brandi and Lily and Kari and Ari!!! xoxox

{This Is The Place}

2010-06-23T22:18:00.007-06:00

We took the girls up to This is the Place Monument. They had a great time... We got to go on a carriage ride pulled by great big horses, ride a train, make candles, find gold in the river and trade it for candy at the old west bank (kind of a rip off if you ask me ;)), stamp leather, pet all the baby animals at the petting zoo, and explore some pretty cool old pioneer houses! It was a hot day and I started to realize that I wouldnt have lasted very long in the 'olden' days with no air conditioning!! Jake bought the girls necklaces and candy and they couldnt have had a better day!! Thanks Sophie, Claire and Jake for spending such a fun day with us!

{Lazy Summer Days}

2010-06-23T21:30:00.004-06:00

Kaya loves it when her cousins are here for the Summer! It means lots of swimming, playtime and fun!! Leslie has a pool at her place, so we frequent this spot on these hot Summer days. Kaya is a little fish... she loves the water and thinks she is so big with her floaties on! Cousin time is Kaya's favorite time! We love you Kinzie, Ayden, Linkin and Stella (and soon to come Max!) Thanks for being our BFF's! xoxox

Ben Harper - Walk Away

2010-06-17T21:31:00.000-06:00

{summa' time}

2010-06-17T20:15:00.006-06:00

Summer time means weekend trips, friends, farmers markets, bee's games, triathalon's, parks, canyon runs and bike rides, and lots of pictures!!

Not only is my friend Josh amazing he won 3rd place in his division at the triathalon in St. George! It was so much fun being at the finish line and being part of all the excitment! I was so proud of Josh!! Congrats!

Loves working less than half a mile away from Provo canyon! Lunch breaks are amazing!!

Kaya has Insomnia some nights.....

Jake, Sophia and Claire

Bees games and fireworks!! I LOVE Summer!!

{such a lady}

2010-06-17T20:11:00.003-06:00

Along with Kaya's big beautiful eyes and long thick lashes, she was born a girly-girl through and through. Its just a part of her. She likes to wash her hands immediately after they get dirty, she loves to wear twirly skirts and dresses, she loves to play 'Mommy' and she always sits like a little lady.

St.George/Vegas

2010-06-17T19:48:00.007-06:00

I love living in Utah because you can get out into nature so fast and with lots of variety! Danielle, Kristin and I decided to take a little weekend trip down to St. George.. went on a beautiful hike... saw 2 desert tortoises, ate at our favorite Thai restaurant and did lots of relaxing by the pool..... then met some friends in Vegas for the last night! So much fun with lots of laughs, ipod karaoke, secrets and thousands of more inside jokes... I love my friends...

{my little bird sings a song}

2010-05-10T21:44:00.001-06:00

{A Mother's Love}

2010-05-10T21:30:00.003-06:00

This was the best Mother's Day yet! Kaya was so adorable all day long. She got to sing in the Primary program Sunday morning (although, we practiced the wrong song all week, and she 'whispered' on stage...'MOM, I DON'T KNOW THE WORDS TO THIS SONG!' ) She drew me a picture and made a frame to put the picture in... she hid it behind her back and made me guess what it was... I guessed all the logical guesses first... a puppy, a new car, a boyfriend... she giggled through each and every guess... until finally she pulled out her little picture and frame and showed me every detail of how it was made.

Kaya is the sweetest little girl in the world. I am so thankful to her for making me a Mommy. Being Kaya's Mama has given me meaning and purpose in this world. She gives me reasons to be better and try harder. She unknowingly pushes me to do things I never could have done on my own. She has taught me more lessons on love, kindness, patience and forgiveness than any other person could have ever taught me. She is wise beyond her years. She is my little angel... my daughter... my friend... Thank you for choosing me Kaya, to be your Mommy! It is the greatest blessing of my life!!

I would also like to thank my own Mother for teaching me the epitome of Motherhood. She is the most amazing, selfless woman I know. My Mom has always been there for me.. weather it be a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on or a place to live when life got too rough. My Mother has always been there to pick me up when I had no one else.. She is my best friend, and my confidant... my example. I appreciate all that you do for me Mom.. thank you for always being there for me, and for teaching me how a Mom is suppose to be. You have taught me to love unconditionally, turn to God in my time of need and to let the unimportant things roll off my back... thank you for being you, Mama!! I love you and look up to you more than I could ever express! xoxo

{prayer}

2010-05-10T21:26:00.003-06:00

{festival of colors}

2010-05-10T21:16:00.005-06:00

Started out nice and clean and white....

If you've never experienced the Harre Krishna, Festival of Colors...... you are missing out! We had so much fun throwing chalk on each other and random people, dancing to crazy music and divulging in a culture and religion that is so different from our own. That's the point of the festival... the celebration of diversity and color! Such a cool experience... I can say that this will not be the last time we go celebrate the Festival of Colors!!!

{My Darling Starling}

2010-03-14T13:14:00.003-06:00

Happy Valentines Day to my little Love Bug!! xoxox

(I needed this today}

2010-02-21T10:20:00.001-07:00

No matter who you are or what your beliefs.. I think these words will touch your heart.

We Did It!!

2010-01-23T14:54:00.005-07:00

We did it! Thank you so much for your support and love! We more than tripled our original goal of 100 hygiene kits... 300+ kits!!! Thank you so much for helping us make this happen! We were amazed at the love and support that came from all over not only our immediate friends and family, but this spread like wildfire.. we even had a few random international donations from people who had heard about our project! Thank you for making a difference and for being proactive to make the world a better place! We love you all! May God bless the people of Haiti and may he help ease their suffering and unbelievable heartache... I thank my very many blessings everyday for the blessings in my life and I am thankful I was able to share what I am so blessed with every single day! xoxo

{blessed}

2010-01-18T21:44:00.002-07:00

Today I feel a certain amount of gratitude. Maybe it is stemming from all of this effort we have put in for our Haiti relief project? But today, I feel so blessed to be who I am, living where I do and knowing the people I know. I think if we take a minute to step back from our lives, no matter the terrible things that are happening 'to' us... we have amazing blessings all around us! I dont care who you are or where you live, or if you just lost your job, or if your boyfriend just broke up with you or if your wallet got stolen, or if your car just died or if you are broke as a joke. If you are reading this, chances are you have internet connection, most likely in a place you live, or someone's house who loves you enough to let you mooche off of them... In a Country where we have the freedom to do as we please, no matter our political opinions or agendas. You and I are lucky... and blessed... and I think its about time I start looking at all the things that I have, instead of all the things that I haven't.... Look around you... I think you will notice the same thing... and if not... look harder.....

UPDATE!! Thanks for your continued support!

2010-01-17T18:05:00.001-07:00

WOW!! Thank you to EVERYONE for being so GENEROUS!! Our hearts are full of love for all of you!!

We posted about this project Friday afternoon and we're already so close to getting what we need for 100 Hygiene Kits after only 48 hours. We feel so blessed to know so many giving people!

Here is what we still need for 100 Kits - if things keep going at the rate they have been maybe we can make 200 Kits!! Please feel free to give items that we already have - the donations will be put to good use by the Haitian people!

Soap - NEED 128 bars -(3 for $1 at Dollar Tree)

Toothbrushes - NEED 130 (Can buy for .15 cents each at amazon.com)

Toothpaste-NEED 70 (2 for $1 at Dollar Tree)

Towels (15x25) - NEED 190 (can get at IKEA for .49 cents each)

Combs - have all 200!! THANK YOU!

Gallon Ziplock bags - Have all 100! THANK YOU!!

Remember - we will take cash donations too if that is easier for you! Contact me or my sisters or you can send money through PayPay toleslieamoss@gmail.com!

Thank you Thank you! We still need your help!

2010-01-17T12:34:00.000-07:00

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!!

The support we have already received is overwhelming and we can't thank you enough! Keep the donations coming!! Our goal is to make 100 Hygiene Kits - but if we get more supplies or money we will make MORE!!

Here is an update on what we have and what we need!!

Ziplock Bags - 100 - enough donated to make 100 kits

Soap -200- Received 30 full size and 20 travel - STILL NEED 160 bars (3 for $1 at Dollar Tree)

Toothbrushes -Received 127 - STILL NEED 173

Combs - Received 144 - STILL NEED 56 (6 for $1 at Dollar Tree)

Toothpaste - Received 30 - STILL NEED 70 (2 for $1 at Dollar Tree)

Towels (15x25)- Received 10 - STILL NEED 190 (1 for $1 at Dollar Tree)

We've also received cash from some generous donations- THANK YOU!! We will take money received on Friday night to purchase any items we still need! So far we have $110!!

We can't thank you all enough for your generous support in this project! We could not do it without you!! If you want to help assemble the kits come to Leslies house Saturday morning at 9:00 am... we'd love your help :)

We love you!!

xoxoxo
Leslie, Whitney and Ashley

Help Haiti

2010-01-16T15:51:00.001-07:00

Dear Friends, friends of friends.. of friends.. of friends (ask everyone you know to help!),

Our hearts are broken for those people in Haiti. We can't even begin to imagine the heart ache of the people devastated by this massive earthquake. Not being able to find your family, not being able to find food or shelter.

Did you know that 80% of the people in Haiti live off less than $2 per day? Most the people don't have electricity or running water. This country is poverty stricken and they need our help, TODAY!!

We have decided to organize a project that will directly help the people of Haiti. We have decided to assemble 100 Hygiene Kits - but we can't do it alone.

Will YOU help?

This week we are asking for donations to put these kits together. Here is what wee need. (All items can be purchased at Dollar Stores)

100 Gallon Sized Ziplock Bags
200 Plastic Combs - no sharp edges
400 Toothbrushes - must be packaged
100 Tubes of Toothpaste
200 bars of soap
200 15x25 inch hand towels - can be purchased or made with terry cloth by zig zagging or surging the edges

Please help us reach our goal of 100 Hygiene Kits. If everyone would just provide ONE item we know we can make this happen!! (Or even better - rally everyone you know, family, friends coworkers and get lots of items to donate). NO DONATION IS TOO SMALL!

Donations can be dropped off at Leslie's house. 111 Chandlerpoint Way, Draper, UT 84020

If you would like to help assemble the kits please join us on Saturday January 23rd at 9 AM at Leslie's house.

If you would like to make a monetary donation to help buy supplies you can send a check to my sister Leslie or you can send money through PayPal (leslieamoss@gmail.com).

100% of what is donated will go to making these kits.

Together we CAN make a difference! Together we WILL make a difference!

Will YOU help? Please join us! (or start your own project!!)

Call Leslie at 801-755-5962 or Whitney at 801.347.6725 with questions.

xoxo

Leslie, Whitney and Ashley

{only me}

2010-01-03T16:17:00.002-07:00

"Nobody sees what I can see, for back of my eyes there is only me.. and nobody knows how my thoughts begin, for there is only myself inside my skin."

- Margaret Hillert

{magic in the air}

2009-12-27T01:01:00.007-07:00

Christmas was so much fun this year... it really does come with a little feeling of magic in the air. The possibility that the impossible could happen, the love and laughter from the little ones and the general spirit of giving... Kaya gave me a new meaning of Christmas this year... Thank you little one... xoxox

{A Christmas Miracle}

2009-12-24T14:51:00.003-07:00

So.... This has been such a fun year getting ready for Christmas because Kaya really understands what is going on this year! She is so excited for Santa to come. We have written him letters (asking for a play kitchen), sat on his lap at Macy's (asking for a play kitchen)... and Santa even sent her a video message (telling her he was going to try to bring her a play kitchen if she was a good girl)... Anytime you ask Kaya what Santa is bringing her she says... Santa told me he was bringing me a kitchen!! Needless to say... this entire Christmas has been wrapped around a play kitchen. So, I was prepared for this and had one ordered over a month ago! I had until December 28th to pick it up. I decided to wait a little while so that Kaya wouldn't find it hiding in any closets. I went to pick it up last night with my Mom. I brought the email confirmation with me and headed to the pick up counter. They scanned the bar code on the computer and said, ok.. we will be right back with your purchase. I waited.... and waited.... and waited... and the lady finally came out and said... I'm sorry... we can't find it... ?? I was like... you have to find it! You don't understand what a big deal this gift is... so she went back and looked again... and I waited.... and waited... and waited.... she finally came back out with another older woman and a tall, bald, lanky man... all three of them told me they couldn't find it.. they were sorry and this never happens... I started to panic! All I could think about was Kaya waking up on Christmas morning to no kitchen and then at 3 years old deciding there was NO Santa Clause!! The little old lady looked me in the eyes and I did the only thing I know how to do when I'm stressed out... I started to cry... at that moment this little old lady knew how important this kitchen must be to a special little girl. Her eyes welled up with tears and she said...'honey, don't cry.. now I'm going to cry." So she told me that the tall, lanky man who was a manager was looking in one more place.. and she was going out to the floor to see if any had been restocked. Apparently my Mom followed the old lady and gave her the sob story that I was a single mom and had worked really hard to get this kitchen for my daughter (which is true, but I don't like to make myself sound that pathetic. ;)) That made the old lady work even harder... they searched the entire store high and low... they were all sold out of kitchens of every kind. Finally, the little old lady went to the front of the store and found a kitchen in the 'returns' section. She and my Mom hauled that Kitchen all the way back to the back of the store. Along the way I guess there were 2 separate occasions were two people asked if they could buy the kitchen, but the little lady just said no and kept pressing forward... They scanned the bar code on the kitchen and it was 3x as much as the original one I had paid for! I knew I couldn't afford that, but at this point i was thinking in my head that I was willing to take out a small loan to get whatever kitchen i could get my hands on so that my baby would wake up to a kitchen on Christmas morning! After about 2 hours of this... 4 people came out including the manager and the little old lady... and I burst into tears... The manager said... 'now stop crying, I have something to tell you. we don't have that kitchen anywhere, I can't find it in any other stores either... (at this point, I was in full on sobs!)" I was thinking to myself, 'where am I going to find another kitchen the night before Christmas eve at 11:30 pm??" Then I was thinking.."Please God, just because I'm not the perfect person doesn't mean Kaya should have to pay the price! Please let them find her kitchen!' Then the manager said... 'please don't cry, I am going to tell you something good now. I am going to give you this kitchen that is much more expensive for the same price you bought your other one, that we lost." I was so happy that I was crying even harder now! The little old lady was in tears and gave me a little smile, and said... 'he was going to have to answer to me, if he didn't make this happen!' I gave her a hug and my mom who was also in tears gave her a hug too! I thanked the manager and wiped my eyes and said a little prayer of thanks... Christmas morning, tomorrow, will be a happy day! It was a Christmas Miracle!! (also, thanks to my sister leslie who was texting me the whole time and offered to give Kaya the kitchen she bought her daughter Stella, who is 2, instead and Stella could get her kitchen when a new one arrived... She said Stella was too young to know any better... thanks lessy! xoxox)

{An evening at the Governor's Mansion}

2009-12-23T18:34:00.003-07:00

This year me and a select few friends were invited to a Christmas party at the Governor's mansion. It was amazing! It was a black tie event.... catered dinner, photographer, performers and singers... The Governor read us 'Twas the night before Christmas', and then a Dj and dancing to finish off the evening! This is how a Christmas party is supposed to be!! Thanks for the invite Brian!! xoxox

{Christmas Sunday}

2009-12-22T22:51:00.003-07:00

Our Downtown Adventure....

2009-12-22T22:42:00.003-07:00

We rounded up the troops, got on trax, squished on like sardines... literally!! Rode to SLC to find that the Christmas sing a long at the Energy Solutions Arena was all filled up so we decided to go see the lights at temple square instead.... froze our lil buns off but had a memorable night! It's always fun spending time with the Henderson's! We love you guys... thanks for spending the evening with us! xoxox

'Just my body..."

2009-12-20T22:17:00.001-07:00

Last night Kaya fell off the bed which startled me awake and I said " Kaya!! Are you ok??' Then Kaya said "It's ok Mom, just my body fell off the bed!"

True meaning of Christmas

2009-12-13T17:26:00.004-07:00

Kaya loves to watch this, because it is told by a little girl that 'sounds like her'. I hope this Christmas we can all remember what Christmas really is all about and may we let our light shine as a present to our Savior on his birthday....

{Funny girl}

2009-12-06T09:40:00.003-07:00

Kaya is so funny! She is always saying the funniest things. The other day she had this conversation with her cousin Landon:

Kaya: Landon, you are gross, my mom doesn't let me talk with food in my mouth, cause I'm a lady!

Landon: You're gross, you have a mustache!

Kaya: You're gross! Mine is a food mustache and it's yummy!

{Santa Claus is coming to town!}

2009-12-01T21:07:00.004-07:00

Tonight we went to see Santa!! Kaya was so excited to tell Santa that she wanted a new kitchen for Christmas! He was such a great Santa! He was the Santa from the Macy's Day Parade. They fly him all over the country to different Macy's stores, and we were lucky enough to be on the inside scoop to go visit him! He spent lots of time with each of the kids telling them how much Santa loved them! He said, Santa and Mommy can't get you everything you want, but you are sure to get some really great suprises! He was great! Kaya can't stop talking about him and she is just certain he is bringing her a kitchen! (Good thing I have one ordered!!) I am so excited for Christmas this year, because Kaya really understands what is going on! She asks me everyday if Santa is coming tomorrow?! We are singing lots of Christmas songs, and we started decorating the tree tonight! Its so fun for me to watch her enchantment of all the beautiful lights and the magic of Santa. I'm hoping to help her understand the true meaning of Christmas as well.. She is really excited to celebrate Jesus' birthday by giving presents to everyone we love. She is such a sweetheart and I'm so proud to be her mama! Merry Christmas to all of you! We love you so much! xoxo

something fun

2009-11-24T21:08:00.001-07:00

What do you think?

2009-11-15T22:10:00.004-07:00

I found my old baby scrapbook... I havent seen it in years and as I was going through it, I kept getting little glimpses of Kaya in my pictures... what do you think? They are rough scans of old photos... but kind of cool.

{music is love}

2009-11-15T11:47:00.002-07:00

"We all aspire to the condition of Music, because it's the language of the spirit. I don't know of any other experience like it...other than being in love, because music is a force of love. Even when music is angry and agitated, if it's ringing true then it's a force of love. If somebody is coughing up their real experiences in order to make sense of them, then that's an amazing thing." -Bono, 2001

Halloween '09

2009-11-01T21:16:00.004-07:00

Kristin "Cowgirl', Krista 'mummy' and Me 'the black widow'

Kristin, Robb, Uncle Larry, Krista and TR

Nacho Libre

Cavette.... You really should consider keeping this as your new look!

Danielle, Krista, Kristin and Me

This year Halloween was really fun because Kaya really grasped the concept of Trick or Treating! She loved it! Mimi made her Little Bo Peep costume and she looked absolutely adorable! She went out with her cousins and they all made out with way too much candy for their little bodies! After trick or treating Kaya went home to give candy out to the 'halloween customers'. She helped all of our 'customers' very nicely! Then Little Bo Peep stayed with Mimi and The Black Widow went out with her friends dancing to celebrate the great Hallow's Eve with my favorite friends who know how to rock the party!

Albert Einstein really was brilliant

2009-10-11T11:09:00.001-06:00

Fall has arrived!

2009-10-03T15:42:00.004-06:00

Happy Birthday Kaya!

2009-09-29T23:18:00.002-06:00

Kaya is 3 years old today!! I can't believe how fast she has grown up! We had a big princess birthday party! She had so much fun! We played duck duck goose and danced our pants off to 'i like to move it' about 100 times! All of her best friends came and showed there love for our very special girl! I even made a princess cake... this is the most domestic I have ever been and I was very proud of it! Happy Birthday Kaya.... Mommy loves you very much! xoxoxo

2009-09-26T21:53:00.002-06:00

Kaya turns 3 next week!! xoxox

2009-09-22T22:53:00.003-06:00

Every year I make Kaya a Birthday slide show of all of her best pictures of the year! Kaya turns 3 in one week! I can't believe how much she has grown! She is such a joy in my life... watch the video and she is bound to make you smile too! xoxoxox

Return To Yourself

2009-09-11T22:33:00.003-06:00

Your only constant is that you are you, that you have a core of truth within you and a path to walk, and if you allow your core of truth to tell you which fork in the road to take, if you allow that internal compass to tell you which mountain to climb, then you will do well indeed and have a fulfilling, interesting life. ........ You are everything you need to be, just as you are, right now. You are the center of your own life. You are the beacon that shines and shows the way. Be glad when others walk beside you, enjoy their company, connect as closely and deeply as you can, but always, always, shine your own light and walk your own path and allow them to do the same.

Shine out and show who you are, so that people who are looking for someone exactly like you can find you, do not allow setbacks or even major betrayals to dampen your shine and your being!

Here's to a new chapter!

2009-08-22T13:38:00.006-06:00

Thanks Brian for being the Party Coordinator... you are a great friend!

I feel so lucky to be where I am in life! A few months ago I was panicked to be turning 30! But as my birthday approached I realized that my life is so great! I have the cutest little girl in the history of little girls.. I have an awesome family and amazing friends! I wouldnt actually trade anything right now! I am happy with my life and where it is and the people that are in it. I wouldnt want to be turning any other age. I am way better starting out this decade than I was the last! I am smarter, with more life experience.. more loving, empathetic and kind. I am more forgiving and laid back. I am happier, funnier and way cuter! ;) 30 is great! I am happy to be here and ready for the next chapter of life! This is my decade! Bring it on! 30 ain't got nothin on me!

My friends threw me a huge dance party to bring in the new decade! I have amazing friends who I love dearly! Thank you Krista for always knowing what to say to make me feel better! Thank you Kristin for being able to communicate with me telepathically! ;) Thank you Corinne for always being willing to do whatever sounds fun! Thank you Amber for being my Buddah! Thank you Danielle for always carrying around your camera to document my life! Thank you Ashley for relating so well! Thank you Kim for sharing the joys of single mommyhood! Thank you Shar for your kind heart and gentle words. Thank you Kinsey for being my friend through thick and thin for 15 years! Thank you Kari for always being a listening ear! Thank you Brandi for your unconditional love and support! You are all more like sisters than friends and I honestly couldnt be more grateful for the people that you are! Thank you for making this journey not only easier but so much fun!

Thanks to my family who has given me more support and love than anyone could ask for! you have been there with me through it all and I wouldnt be anywhere near where i am now without you! I know it sometimes goes unsaid, but I love you all with everything that I have. I appreciate all that you do for me and Kaya and feel so blessed to know that we will be together forever!

And to Kaya who is the light in my life. The one who makes me a better person, the one who makes me strong enough to lead my life the way that I do. You are my little angel that is here to bring me the good things this life has to offer. You make me better just by being with me. You are my baby, but you seem to surpass me spiritually! I love you with all of my heart and try to live my life everyday so that you will be blessed in the future. You are all that I need and I thank my Heavenly Father every single day for the opportunity that I have to watch you grow and learn and develop into the beautiful little girl that you are. You are the greatest blessing of my life. Thank you Kaya, for being you and for loving me! xoxox

You decide....

2009-08-10T18:12:00.002-06:00

God determines who walks into your life...it's up to you to decide who you let walk away, who you let stay, and who you refuse to let go.

Secondhand Serenade Concert

2009-07-27T22:11:00.007-06:00

This Summer has been pretty good... My favorite thing has been the outdoor concerts... laying on the grass with a blanket, perfect weather and really good friends! This concert was especially good... I am so lucky to have awesome friends who make my life so much better.... even though the music and the lightning storm made me wish i was in love (hahaha) I am so glad I have good friends to share good memories with! xoxoxo

Steve, Kristin, Jeff, Ammon, Me, Jake, Danielle, Jackson and Krista.... the regulars..... Dont ask why none of us are dating.... because none of us really know the answer to that question...

2009-07-25T09:27:00.003-06:00

"We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased."
— C.S. Lewis (The Weight of Glory)

"If we press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end,... we shall have eternal life."
- 2 Nephi 31:20

"premortally, in the most difficult of circumstances, we stood loyally by our Father and His Son, and we did not flinch. The question for us today is: How will we do it again?"
- Sheri Dew

Who am I not to be?

2009-07-24T18:40:00.002-06:00

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

-Nelson Mandela

Sometimes.....

2009-07-24T00:04:00.000-06:00

We have to make hard choices......... and hope they are right.

Kaya's new cousin Linkin Chance

2009-07-12T12:42:00.002-06:00

We are so happy to have little Linkin Chance Hamilton a part of our family... especially Kaya. A few months ago when Linkin's mommy's belly started getting bigger, Kaya became very afraid of Shauni... She didnt want to get near her. Finally after a lot of coaxing she told us what was wrong.... she whispered in a very concerned voice..."Shauni eats babies!!" She looked at us like...why are you guys just now getting this? She's a baby eater, didnt you know?? Poor little thing! She thought Shauni was going to eat her too! After I explained to her that Shauni doesnt eat babies... but she is giving us a new baby in our family... she finally kind of started to understand. I told her that she use to be in Mommy's tummy too. Kaya said, "ya, then I say, Help!! I want to get out!" She was still a little leary of Shauni but now that Linkin is here she is happy that Shauni had this baby! She told me last night the reason Linkin finally came out is because he said, "Help!! I want to get out! So his mommy got him out..."

I Believe...

2009-06-18T23:27:00.001-06:00