2009 Thanks

So this last year we have had a lot to be thankful for. The number one reason would be my grandma. With out her I have NO idea where we would be. She has given us a home and that is priceless, for all we know we could have been living in our vehicle. Also the Lord has blessed us with our beautiful daughter, Ashlyn. Brian and I have part time jobs that have helped us squeak by, barely. I finished my Associated Degree. I pray that 2010 will bring some new things for us. I pray that Union Pacific will pick up for Brian or that he will find something entirely different. (The last time Brian worked for UP was on May 8th) I start back to school and I pray that I can continue with my education and still have time to be the mom that I should be to my children.

So this year we were talking about what we want for Christmas. I told Teagan I wanted a house, I know a large order, but I can dream. My grandma decided that she was going to buy us a house since we are unable to do so and we can pay her back. We have been on the hunt since early August. We have looked at a lot of houses. We put in 6 different bids. Well one was finally excepted. We closed on December 1st. We are almost ready to start moving in. Brian and I have worked at the house every day since the 2nd of December. Also we have both worked our part time job as well. We painted and cleaned and now we just need to move all of our stuff in. We currently reside in about 400 square feet. And it will be nice to spread out just a little! I am so excited to have a home again, and my grandma is truly the best ever.

I hope that 2010 will be a little kinder to us and to all the others that may be struggling this year. I really do not like to leave my children to go to work, but I am so grateful to even have a part time job at all. I pray that I can have the faith to know that Heavenly Father will provide for us. It has been hard for me to do so this year. 2010 WILL BE A BETTER YEAR FOR ALL!!!

Ashlyn's Blessing

On November 1, 2009 we were able to bless our precious little girl. We are so grateful for this wonderful daughter that Heavenly Father has given to us. Ashlyn is such a great addition to our family. She is so sweet and we love her very much. Thank you to all that came to the blessing. A special thanks to those that drove up from Coolidge, the Skousen's, Carver's, and the Niu's. Thanks so much for being there for us on this special day. Also a big thank you for all the family that joined us. We are grateful for all of our family and the love they share with us. I decided to have Ashlyn wear the dress that I was blessed in. I hope that some day she can bless her little girl in the same dress.

Just had to point out look at Brian and how he is holding Rayle's ear. haha Rayle was trying to run in to the very busy street. What a stinker.

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On a side note: I was painting Ashlyn's new room (yes we are moving :0) and I will blog about that another day) and the room is pink and brown. Teagan made a comment that I want to write it down so I don't forget. He was concerned about the colors and if Ashlyn would be okay with those choices. He said mom what if the doctor was wrong, what if Ashlyn does not grow up to be a girl. I laughed so hard!!!

Halloween

Wow so posting about Halloween now. Slowly catching up. Halloween night our ward had it's Trunk-or-Treat. We had chili, corn bread, hot dogs, and dessert. Then the children did their trunk-or-treating. This year I did not have to buy any costumes. Teagan wanted to be Spider Man and Rayle was Buzz Lightyear. Ashlyn used the fairy wings and a tutu we bought for her first pictures. After the ward party Brian took the boys down the street we live on to finish out the night. It was a nice holiday. We carved our pumpkins the day before. Teagan really like doing this, but Rayle wanted nothing to do with cleaning the pumpkins out.

All our kids dressed up.
Teagan and Rayle at the Trunk-or-Treat

Ashlyn and her First Halloween.

Rayle's pumpkin

Teagan's pumpkin

Teagan working on his pumpkin.

Teagan and Me cleaning the pumpkin out.

Rayle's Preschool Field Trip to the Zoo Oct 28th

So way back on October 28th we went to the zoo for a field trip with Rayle and his preschool. I love going to the zoo with the kids especially now that is cooler outside. It was funny because Rayle shows his true colors around us and he is an angel for everyone else. His teacher finally saw what we are talking about. Everyone always tells us that he is so sweet. He is when he wants to be. ;0) So here a few pictures of our adventure.

Teagan's Halloween Festival

I have some catching up to do...

Back on Oct 24th Teagan's school had a Halloween Festival. The boys really enjoyed themselves. Rayle especially loved the haunted house. It was good to spend time with our family and support Teagan's school.

Our Buzz Lightyear and Spider Man Teagan, Rayle and I on a hay ride.

Video of Ashlyn

Here is a video of Ashlyn for all of you that have not seen her. She is a WONDERFUL baby. She nurses well and is practically sleeping through the night at just 7 weeks old. I am so excited to have a girl. I am loving this girlie thing and love being a mommy to three great kids!

Getting Out

Teagan had a few days off for school this week. Not an October break, but just Thursday and Friday. Weird I know but the rest of the break is over Thanksgiving week. We decided to go to the museum and see the dinosaurs. The boys love this museum. It was the Southwest Museum, but now it is the Arizona Museum of Natural History or something like that. We have not been in awhile. Like Rayle was not this mobile. Let's just say I did not really get to enjoy the visit. I was running and chasing him around. We plan to go back when Brian and I can actually enjoy reading the info, so some time when Rayle is in school. ;0) We did have a good time, and more importantly the boys had a good time. Ashlyn slept the entire visit. :0)

Boys panning for gold...no big gold strikes.
Rayle and Brian on the movie screen.

Teagan and me on the movie screen.

Ashlyn sleeping on our museum visit.

The boys putting a puzzle of a dinosaur together.

Zoo Trip

Today we went to the zoo. The weather has been so nice so we decided earlier this week that we would go on Saturday. Now that Teagan is in school we can't really go during the week. He gets mad when we do things without him. :0( So today was Ashlyn's first zoo trip...she really enjoyed the trip!

The boys love going to the zoo. I am thankful that we are able to go so often with a membership and that the boys do not get tired of going and seeing the same animals. I can't wait until Ashlyn is older and she will get to see and enjoy the animals as well. Rayle is going for a field trip at the end of the month and we plan on going too. Can't wait to go again and walk the zoo. A plus is that you get to see all the animals and get a good hike out of it. The Phoenix Zoo is huge and with all the hills, pushing a stroller can be a workout!

I seriously take pictures like this every time we go to the zoo, but I think it is so funny how obsessed Teagan gets about the maps. He has been like this since he was very little. If the map rips he has a melt down. Today we had to find a replacement. )0:

Today even Rayle got into reading the map and telling us where we needed to go next.
I love my Daddy!Yum, snow cones. They were calling them snow frosty's.I had a great time at the zoo!

Ashlyn's 1st Photo Shoot

When Ashlyn was 3 weeks old we had some photos taken of her. She was so good and Heidi did an AMAZING JOB.

Up Lately

I need to post more! I guess having three kids is hard work, and there is just not enough time to post. I would not trade them for the world though. Ashlyn is now almost 6 weeks old. At her 1 month visit she weighed in at 9lbs 4oz. almost a 2lb gain and she had grown 2 1/4 inches. I can't believe how big she is getting so quickly. Soon she will pass up my skinny minnie boys! A few weekends ago we got the chance to go up towards Globe and stay in a cabin with some friends. It was nice to get out of the heat. Then when we got home it started cooling off and the weather has just been lovely. It is so nice to have the door open in the mornings and enjoy the fresh air. Teagan has been loving school and he is doing well. Rayle loves preschool and his teacher. He has learned SO much in such a short time, it seriously amazes me. Ashlyn is cooing and smiling and is just as cute as can be. It is so fun having a little girl. My friend Diana showed me how to make headbands and flower clips for her. I have made 3 and plan on making a bunch. With the weather so nice we can't wait to get to the zoo again. Here are some pictures because I know that is what most people want instead of words;0)

Teagan and I finishing our walk of 2 miles round trip. Both boys did really good.
We found blackberries on our hike.

Diana having fun on the quad.

Scott, Spencer, Ashley, and Tyler having fun on the quad.

Brian and the boys. Teagan and Rayle on a swing at the cabin. Teagan posing for pictures. Teagan and Rayle in the tree at the cabin. Brian and Ashlyn enjoying the weather and rocking chair.

Teagan helping out feeding Ashlyn. What a great big brother.

My favorite flower clip I made for Ashlyn. I love it with the brown headband.

Made these flower clips for Ashlyn. What do you think?

Rayle and Ashlyn looking at each other. So CUTE!