Updating and Celebrating

It's been about a year since I have updated my blog.... at no surprise to me and I'm sure at no surprise to others :P
Life has been good to us. We enjoy our family so much it's hard to imagine life being anything but good. We have definitely had our ups and our downs this year but are stronger for them. I started a Master's program and completed 15 credits before returning to work. I found that struggling with work, school and family was a bit much... so we decided to cut out my schooling until better opportunities came our way. Going to work two days a week isn't so bad and I still have time for my family. It seems I get the best of both worlds; however, it comes with a price at times. James continues to work as hard as ever. He does everything he can to make the best life for us. I couldn't have asked for a better man. To come home at the end of the workday and find my house cleaned, my kids fed, and my husband doing homework with the kids. All this after he also put in a days work. He amazes me everyday. James is going to be taking his licensure exam this spring in hopes of becoming an LMSW. We are hoping and praying for the best.
Kristin seems to be doing well. She is in the process of moving and we are excited to have her a bit closer to us. She just turned 11 years old and is definitely the best big sister any kid could ask for!
Quentin has been doing good in school and enjoying wrestling more as each new season comes around. James was asked to coach at Nationals this spring and we are planning on Quentin wrestling there also. He's still the quarky little 6 year old that you always wonder what he's going to say or do next. He is always good for a laugh!
Caroline started preschool and is enjoying learning and trying new things. This last fall she was in a car accident where she broke her leg. She was so tough we didn't even know it was broke! She's our tough, stubborn, sassy, 4 year old girly-girl that is quickly moving onto 16. We better watch out for this one! LOL
Kendrick is turning 2 in April. He is the most fun. I can't help but smile everytime I see him. There's a special spirit about him that brings joy to all around him. He's the perfect glue for our blended family! We are going to Primary Childrens at the end of the month to run tests and make sure everything is still good with his kidney. I'm sure everything will be fine. We feel so blessed.

I love my family. On to another adventurous year!

Goal for this year: Temple Sealing!

Tangled Reggie

I was out of ideas. My cupboard was full (had just gone shopping) but I forgot a few necessities for some of my meals and was without a crock-pot for the other. I had to improvise. I'm so glad that I did! This was a really great meal that my kids actually thanked me for and gobbled up! Oh, and they named it too. Cute name isn't it? Here's the recipe if you would like to try something new:

• Rotini Noodles (use as much as you need for your family, I don't measure ;))


• 1 lb. of Hamburger


• Garlic Salt


• Salt


• Pepper


• 1 can of Cream of Mushroom soup (small can)


• 1 jar of Bertoli's Four Cheese Rosa


• Mozzerrella Cheese

Preheat oven to 350 Boil noodles until soft, drain water. Do NOT rinse. (I actually forgot to and it turned out to be a good thing) Brown hamburger (with any seasonings you desire) After it's browned, add in the mushroom soup and Bertoli's Mix the noodles and the sauce mixture together in an 8x13 pan Add desired amount of Mozzerrella cheese on the top Bake for 15-20 minutes This goes really well with Garlic Bread!

Pink and Brown Baby Shower Theme

My Sister-in-law, Jen, put on the cutest baby shower for my sister Katie. Cute table center pieces, delicious food, and great prizes for your guests! For awesome ideas on how to put on the cutest little girl baby shower, check it out here: Pink and Brown Baby Shower Theme

Varolo is not a Scam!

While searching for a way to make some income, I stumbled across Varolo. It's completely 100% free and easy to do. The way you make money is by watching advertisements and growing a "village" of people who also watch the advertisements. It's pretty simple really. I've found that you can really make this a profit by working on growing a village. Which isn't hard to do! I've been a part of Varolo since the beginning, even before the beta launch, and am pretty excited about all the new things that are coming. Varolo is going to make it's official launch on April 17, 2011. So get your villages going and making money! Seriously, Varolo is not a Scam! I wouldn't be telling you about it if it was!

Home for the Holidays

I am so grateful to have such a wonderful family to enjoy the holidays with. I look at my little family and have to just smile, inside and out. I feel so blessed to have such wonderful children and a great husband. My parents and siblings, and my in-laws, bring such joy to my life and I appreciate all that they are, and all that they do.

During the Christmas Season, I find myself pondering on all the blessings that I have. My family and I are truly blessed. It's been quite a difficult year, but through it all, we can clearly see the Lord's hand guiding us and helping us through it all. We may not always understand the reasons for our trials or what the Lord has in store for us, but if we continue to be faithful and endure through it all, I know that we will be blessed.

Thank you to all of my family who has been there for strength, love and support.

May the Spirit of the Lord find you this Season and Always!

Happy Helpers

This is our Management crew. He gets to sit there and laugh while the rest of us work LOL
Lots and lots of leaves to rake before the snow hits....unfortunately we didn't get it all done.

Caroline had the most fun raking the leaves while Quentin jumped in them LOL

Here's Quentin climbing the tree. I'm glad that we have big, beautiful trees for the kids to play on.

Working makes us happy!

Bath Time!

Quentin and Kendrick got to play in the bath for a little while. Quentin loves having a little brother to spend time with.
Doesn't he look like James here? LOL


Learning to babble and jabber at us. He talks like he knows what he's talking about. Remind you of anyone? ;)

All dressed warm after a nice bath....ready to play trucks with big brother.

Oh, and here are his 6 month measurements!

17 lbs (42%), 27.5 in (85%)