It's Christmas Time

Like all of you, we have had a busy few weeks around here. Christmas time is so much fun, but it is going by way too fast!! First, Brandon turned six! I really cannot believe that I have a six year old. I know alot of you have kids that turned six this year or who will be very soon, so I know you know what I mean when I say it seems like we just had his first birthday party:) We had a party scheduled with his friends at Boondocks, but a big storm came through on the day of his party so we had to reschedule it. I have to say that he took it like a man (as Derek would say). He was pretty sad for a few minutes, but then, after I explained things he understood & was okay for the rest of the day. I think Peyton was more upset than he was!!
The kids each had their Christmas programs last week. They were both so cute up on stage singing their Christmas songs. Brandon would not tell me what songs his class was singing, because he wanted it to be a surprise & of course, Peyton couldn't stop singing her songs all week.
I hope all of you have a great Christmas & are safe during your traveling. We miss everyone & can't wait to see your cute Chritsmas pictures of what Santa brought you & your family!!

Trick or Treat

I hope everyone had a great halloween. My kids had a blast & even a little rain could not dampen their excitement. As always, Peyton had to be a princess, but this year it was the Barbie Island Princess. Brandon changed his mind so many times but saw this Power Ranger costume at Costco & finally made a decision. We actually bought it a month a half ago. I'm surprised it made it to halloween.
Earlier in the day, I helped out with Brandon's school party, & it was so fun to see him in class with his friends. Then, that night we went up to Derek's parent's house for dinner & then did a little trick or treating in our neighborhood. For a small neighborhood. they scored pretty big with the candy.

Fall Happenings

After the freak snow storm at the beginning of the month, the weather here has been so great. They call it Indian Summer. Whatever it is, I love it:) We've been able to be outside & enjoy the warmth for the whole month of October!!
We've been saying all summer that we would take the kids camping. Since summer is over, & we never actually took them, Derek had this bright idea of camping in the back yard. We bundled them up in warm clothes & sleeping bags & Derek "camped" with the kids in the tent. They loved it & actually made it until about 5 a.m. Brandon got too cold & wanted to come in. I opted to sleep in my warm bed. I kept telling them that pregnant mommies don't sleep in tents!! We also went to a pumpkin patch, had a picnic in the mountains & for the first time in I don't know how long, Derek & I went to a Halloween party with our friends. It was a murder mystery dinner & it was so much fun. The theme was 80s & it was hilarious to see the 80s fashions back in action (crimped hair & all). Thanks to those of you who helped put on such a fun night!!
Fall is my favorite time of year & this has been a very fun month. Hope everyone has had a great October & can't wait to see all the cute pictures of your kids on Halloween!!

Snow in October!!

So we woke up Sunday morning to this!! They said there was going to be some snow flurries, but I never imagined it sticking like this. It looked like December instead of October. The high on Sunday was 40, & it was a record for the lowest high this early in October. I really hope this is not an indication of how this winter is going to be, because if it is, then I really need to think about moving back to Florida!! What were we thinking when we decided to come to freezing Utah?!? As sad I was, I'm pretty sure the kids were happier than I was sad. They jumped out of bed & couldn't wait to get on their snow gear & play in that mess. They made snow angels & threw snow balls until it melted & they came in crying. I told them there would be plenty more snow in the next few months so not to worry. It will definitely return with a vengence I'm sure!!

St. George Marathon

This past weekend was the St. George marathon & Derek decided to run it again. I think he's nuts & the training is crazy, but I am proud of him for setting a goal & sticking to it. The weather this year was terrible. It poured the entire 26.2 miles & to add to the torture there was also 15-20 mile per hour head winds. I was stressed just standing in the rain waiting for him to finish, but when he finally did cross the line, I was definitley a little relieved. The kids had a blast swimming in the pool & hanging out at the condo. The weather was beautiful every day except for the race. In the last 32 years it has only rained twice for the race. I told Derek that was just his luck & that means the next 15 years should be great weather!!

It's a....

We found out last week that we are having another girl!! I was absolutely shocked. I knew 100% it was a boy; well, that's what I get for thinking too hard. The kids were a little disappointed, because they both wanted boys. Brandon wanted a brother to play XBox with & Peyton said she didn't want a little sister to play with her toys. After a few days though, they have become a little more welcoming to the fact that a girl will be joining our family!! I'm excited to have more bows, bracelets & dresses. Everything looked good on the ultrasound which was the most important thing. Now the count down really begins to January (that seems so far away)!!

I know it's been a while!

How is everyone? I know that it has been a while since my last update. I've just decided that I'm not a very good blogger, but anyway, I thought I would share what has been going on in our lives for the past month and a half (if anyone still checks my blog anymore)!!
After being in Florida for a month, we finally decided that it was time to come home & see Derek. Since then, we went to a Bees game with the in-laws & some cousins, Brandon started soccer, & both my kids started school. Brandon is in kindergarten & is loving it. He says his favorite part is riding the bus with his friends. Peyton started pre-school 2 days a week & thinks she is a big girl now because she goes to school just like Brandon. It's kinda' wierd having both of them gone for a few hours a week, but I must say that I love it. It will be especially nice when the new baby comes along!!
I hope everyone is doing great & to those of you with kids starting school, I hope they are enjoying it (& the moms too)!! Thanks for being patient with me & my lack of blogging:)

Family Pictures and...

Since we haven't had a family pictures in a year and half, I decided it was time for a new one. My cousin just started a little photography business & was nice enough to come to the beach & take a few pictures for us. I am actually surprised that we got as many as we did. My kids were pretty grumpy & my husband was even grumpier about the whole thing!! Oh, the joy that is family picture day:)

I know that some of you know already, but I am pregnant!! So, if you were wondering what's with the big shirt & why I look a little chubby, that is why. I wish I could say that I was about 20 weeks (because I look like it), but sadly enough I am only 13weeks. Luckily, though, I almost done with the whole morning/noon/night sickness thing & that is very good news. I am due January 23 & am a little nervous about having 3!! I already had my first appointment & there is only 1 little heartbeat. Derek had me convinced that we were having twins...I thought of you Lindsey!! We are very excited!! So all of you with three, I will be calling for a little advice:)

Where are we?

I'm sorry I've been out of the blogging world for a while. We are actually on vacation in Florida with my family & are loving every minute at the beach. I thought I would post some new pictures so you wouldn't have to look at our annoying sunday drive pictures anymore. The kids are having a blast with all of their cousins, & I am loving having Derek here with us this year (he hasn't been able to come for the last 4 years). Also, my best friends from college all came yesterday with their kids, & it was so wonderful to see them & see how much their kids have grown (we were missing 2). We haven't all been together for 2 years!! That is way too long.
Thanks to all of you who actually update your blogs, because I have loved reading all of your new blog entries & seeing what all of you are doing for the summer. Miss you all!!

Sunday Drive

This past Sunday, we thought we would take advantage of late church (our church starts at 1:00) & actually do something productive with the morning hours. So, we decided to go for a little drive up American Fork Canyon. It seriously is like 5 minutes from our house, & this is the first time we have ever driven up there!! What a shame, because it is a beautiful canyon. There is still snow at the top so we couldn't drive as far as we would've liked. We drove as far as we could & then came back down & made it to Tibble Fork Reservoir. We were able to take a few pictures of the kids before we had to head to church. It was an absolutely beautiful day, & we are looking forward to spending a lot of time there this summer!!

St. George Trip!

I absolutely love St. George, & I was lucky enough to get to go last weekend with 4 of my great friends from Ohio, Gretchen, Stacie, Melissa & Harmony. Wish everyone could've gone!! It was a super quick & relaxing little trip. We talked, hung out by the pool, shopped, ate & talked some more. The perfect get away. I just wish it could've lasted another week or so (that's not too much to ask, is it?). I also have to admit that I had my first In-N-Out experience, & I'm pretty sure I now cannot live without it. That place is so dang good! Thanks Stacie for letting us stay in your condo & thanks girls for rearranging schedules so we all could go. We don't do stuff like that often enough & it was so much fun!!

A Few of our April Happenings!

It has been a little too long since I last updated this thing, but we've had a pretty fun April. Brandon had a field trip to Farm Country at Thanksgiving Point & for some reason, I thought I would volunteer to chaperone. I think it is safe to say that it will be a while before I volunteer for something like that again. It was a lot of fun with A LOT of kids!! Teachers are seriously amazing people!!

Brandon started tee-ball this month. He keeps saying that he just wants to hit, but Derek has been working with him on fielding the ball, & he has started to like being in the field more.

One of my favorite things that happened this past month was we got our very first yard!! It is so nice to send my kids outside to grass instead of dirt & Derek has enjoyed doing yard work for the first time in 8 years. I wonder how long that will last!!

Peyton turns 3

On April 6th, my little Peyton turned 3. I still picture her as a baby, but I guess it is time to accept the fact that she is no longer a baby. She is growing up so fast & becoming quite the little sass. All she wanted for her birthday was Dora, Dora, Dora, so she got a Dora birthday party with her cousins, a Dora bike & helmet, & a Dora suitcase (for when she goes to see Grandma & for when she flies to visit Nana). She also just had to have a pinata, because her brother had one on his birthday. She picked out a Diego pinata (it looks a little freaky, I know) which I was a little surprised about, but I told her it was good to mix it up a bit. She had a blast opening her presents & having a whole day just about her. Now, if the weather would just get warm enough so she could actually ride her bike, she would be one happy little girl!!

March Madness!!

Wow!! March has flown by, but I think that probably has to do with the fact that we were lucky enough to have so many visitors & fun things going on this past month. First, Erin, Abbie & Landon came to visit all the way from freezing Minneapolis. Then, my mom (aka Nana) & my sister spent their spring break with us, which I have to say was a rip off for them. They left 80 degree temps only to be welcomed to snow, wind & rain in Utah, but we're definitely glad they decided to visit, because it was great to see them. Next, Nicole, Maddie, Cole & Ellie flew in for a quick visit from San Antonio, & we were able to spend a little time with them. Finally, Melissa, Zach & Luke decided to leave Boise to spend their spring break in Utah with family & friends. It was so great to see everyone, & we are so blessed to have so many wonderful friends all over the place. Sad, that it didn't work out that we could all be together at one time, but we'll take what we can get!! Kids are getting big & growing up way too fast.

Easter was wonderful this year. Easter is one of my favorite holidays because it means spring is on the way, & it also helps remind me of how grateful I am for our Savior and for his atoning sacrifice for all of us. The kid's had 3 Easter egg hunts & are definitely candied out. Finally, Derek took me to the Rascal Flatts concert. It was my Valentine's present this year & probably the best Valentine's present ever!! He's got his work cut out for him next year if he wants to top that!! Hope everyone is doing great & that y'all had a great Easter:)

Goodbye Winter!!

Since last Wednesday was the first official day of spring, I thought I would say a proper goodbye to winter by making a little slide show of our winter memories. Looking through the pictures we took over the last couple of months made me realize that winter can actually be fun, & although this winter seemed especially cold & long, we did have some fun times playing in all of the snow we had this year. To be honest though, I am happy to see winter go & for the somewhat warmer weather to be here. So, happy spring everyone & peace out winter!!

And the winners are...

Angi Peterson
Stacie Neeley
Ali Stewart

I am so sorry that I am a little late posting the winners. Hopefully, I will be getting your prize to you in the next week. Thanks so much to everyone who left a comment. I was really afraid that no one would want to play along with me, so thanks everyone for playing. Now, pay it forward!!!!

Pay It Forward!!

This is fun!!! Be sure to leave a comment if you want to play... I won a drawing on my friend Melissa's blog, so now it's my turn to "Pay It Forward"! This is how it works... You simply make a comment to this post in the next week and on Tuesday March 18, I will put your name in a drawing and the three people that I draw out will get something from me! Winners will be posted on Wednesday, the 19th. If you win, be prepared to PAY IT FORWARD! This is so much fun... Remember don't enter if you don't want to "PAY IT FORWARD".

The Aquarium!

I am happy to say that the kids & I finally did something: ) It seems like we were always going & doing fun things with friends when we were in Ohio (maybe it just seems like that, because I am really missing Ohio), but lately, I've been a slacker & haven't felt like going out in the cold. On Monday, my mother-in-law had a fabulous idea. She wanted to take all 5 of the grand kids to The Living Planet Aquarium in Sandy. The kids had a great time looking at all of the fish. Brandon loved driving the simulated boat, & Peyton loved petting the starfish. They were both pretty scared of the sting rays though, so neither one of them would even think about sticking their hand in the water to pet one of those. Although the Aquarium is no Columbus Zoo, it was still pretty fun, & it was so nice to get out & do something with the cousins. Here are a few of the pictures we took...

Sleepover!!

Last Friday night Brandon had his new B.F.F, Tyson, sleep over at our house. It was his very first time to have a friend sleep over all night, & I'm pretty sure I'm in denial about how big my little boy is getting. I always thought sleepovers were for moms with older kids, not me! I guess it's time to admit that I have a kid old enough to have sleepovers!! They had so much fun playing together. I put them to bed about 9:30, but I could hear them in his room playing until about 11:30. They looked so cute & peaceful sleeping in their beds with their little blankets. They were even more excited to wake up & play again:) I think that having him sleep at his friend's house next time will be a little harder for me, so thank you Amy for being so brave & allowing Tyson to sleep here first. You're great!!

Happy Valentine's Day!!

In honor of this day of love, I just wanted to say a little something about my hubby...I am so grateful to have him in my life. He definitely is my other half & is everything I am not. He has a calming effect on me that I can't even explain & has given me 2 wonderful kids. I am the stressed out one in the relationship, & he is so layed back which is something I defintely need in my life. He works so hard so that I can stay home with my beautiful kids & spend money (that one's for you, babe): ) Just wanted to say I love you & I am so happy that you are my valentine!!

I got this idea from Mindy's blog. I thought I would tag myself & a few others so we could all have a chance to talk about our husbands on Valentine's day!

Full name: Derek Ray Morris

How long have you been married: 8 years in July

How long did we date: 5 months & then we were engaged for 4 months

Who said I love you first: Derek

Who is taller: DEFINITELY Derek!!

Who sings better: Me (& if you've ever heard me sing that is not saying a whole lot b/c I'm pretty sure I'm tone deaf)

Who's smarter: Derek (hats off to him & to all of you for spending 8+ years in school)

Who does the laundry: Me & I'll be honest, I am not a big fan.

Who pays the bills: Derek but I do the budget (that way I get get more money than he does)

Who sleeps on the right side of the bed: Derek, but I wish I did because it is closer to the bathroom & the kids still wake me up no matter what side of the bed I am on.

Who mows the lawn: Considering we've never had a lawn, that's a tough one, but I'm pretty sure Derek will be doing that once we actually put our yard in.

Who cooks dinner: Definitely me, but Derek makes a mean pancake!!

Who drives: Derek (as I mentioned before, I'm the stressed out one)

Who's more stubborn: Derek, although he would say it's me

Who kissed who first: Derek did on his birthday. It probably should've been me, but I was too shy to make the first move

Who asked who out first: Derek (if you call "hey, when are we gonna' go out?" an actual invitation)

Who proposed: Derek (he asked me on February 29, 2000. So we only get to truly celebrate our engagement every 4 years. I'm sure he planned it that way, one less anniversary to worry about)

Who has more siblings: We both have 4 siblings. He has 1 brother & 3 sisters & I have 1 sister & 3 brothers.

Who wears the pants on the family: Derek....the key is to make them think they do, but in all actuality we know it's us, right girls?!?

I tag: Melissa, Erin, Gretchen, Harmony, Stacie, Amy Elmore & Amy Stewart...have fun girls!!

Love you babe!! Thanks for always making me laugh & for being my knight in shining armor. The kids & I got trapped in a blizzard/snow/wind storm for 7 hours last night (2 hours in the car & 5 hours in a gas station) & Derek hiked a mile in the blizzard to come be with us & eventually get us home. You're the greatest!!!!!!

My Sweet Little Peyton

So, I walked in my room yesterday, & this is what I find. I'm pretty sure that this is about the funniest, cutest thing I've ever seen!! She goes to the bathroon all by herself now, which is a blessing & a curse. I love that she is so independent, but she always has to take her pants all the way off & then likes to walk aroung naked until I threaten to send her to time out!! I just couldn't resist taking a picture of her cute little bum. It's times like these that being a mom is so much fun. The next time I get frustrated & think why do I even try, I'll have to look at this picture to remind me of why I ever had kids in the first place!! Here's to all of you hard working moms: )

One Year Ago Today...

Derek & I were taking a trip down memory lane & started thinking about what was going on last year at this time. Alot has happened in the past year, but I definitely remember this. I just thought I would share my memory...

It has been exactly one year since Brandon had surgery to fix his broken arm. We were visiting my family for Christmas last year & the day before we flew home (January 3, 2007), he snapped both bones in his right arm. He had to have surgery to reset it once we got back to Ohio (6 days later), & I was so sad watching them wheel him into to operating room. He was screaming for me, & I'm pretty sure I was crying for him. Luckily, everything went well, & his arm healed perfectly. Thank goodness for great doctors!! I'm sure it won't be the last time we end up in the E.R.

Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas to all of you!! We hope that you all had a wonderful & safe holiday. It was so great to see some of you & to those we didn't see, we sure miss you & hope all is well!!...We had a great Christmas here in our new home. It was so great to wake up on Christmas morning with our own little family & celebrate. We've always been at one of our parent's homes on Christmas morning, so this year was extra special!! The kids had a blast playing with their new toys & opening them as fast as they could. Brandon asked for a set of golf clubs, so he can go golfing with his dad, & also surprise, surprise, Transformers!! Peyton asked for a Princess scooter & anything My Little Pony or Princess. I wasn't quite sure if she would be able to ride it, but she is actually doing okay. She puts her ponies in the little basket and rides up & down our little hallway!! After we opened all the presents here, we went to Derek's parents house & opened more gifts!! They had so much fun this year, & we had a blast watching them with all of their new toys. Christmas is so much more fun with kids!!

Brandon's Brithday!

Wow!! I cannot believe that I have a 5 year old. My little boy is growing up way too fast! We made the mistake of letting him watch transformers & ever since then he has become OBSESSED!! So, obviously, he just had to have a transformer birthday bash & that is what we gave him. We had transformer cake, a transformer treasure hunt in search of the allspark, a transformer obstacle course (to see if they were strong enough to become Autobots) & a transformer pinata!! Needless to say, I am completely transformered out, but he had fun, I guess!! We only invited 5 kids, but I'm pretty sure I was maxed out!! It was crazy & fun: )