IT'S A FRIEND PARTY

Kate was able to have her birthday party this week with all of her friends. We decided to do a color themed birthday party, which was a blast. The kids watched part of Barney while we waited for everyone to get there. (Remember that this is her new favorite right now!)

Here are the birthday guests:

Maddy, the best friend

Jadyn, the favorite cousin

Colt, about the same aged cousin

Hallee, the older aged cousin

Kaden, a neighbor friend

Myah, a neighbor friend that's a girl!

Bridger Bridge --- two days younger than Miss Kate

Then, we started by making fruit loop necklaces and reading Purplicious.


After, we had the kids color their very own rainbows on paper plates and then play duck, duck, goose.



Finally, we had them do a foam craft of butterflies and then played 'pink says.'

Last but not least, we decorated our rainbow cupcakes with colorful candy

Jadyn, Myah, and Colt

Colt and his cupcake

Sydnee

Kate and Maddy

Bridger and Hallee


The birthday girl's cupcake

sang Happy Birthday (thanks for not letting me forget this Ang), and open birthday presents.

Magnadoodle from Syndee.

Kate also received a new shirt, new jacket with a monkey on it (it's going to be a favorite), m&ms, fruit snacks, light up wand, big bouncy ball, plastic golf kit, charmed necklace, and a new book.


I can't wait to read it and let you know what we think. We love the bear books!

The best part of the party was having 2 fantastic helpers to help do activites while I set up the next project, and a friend for me to visit with (love ya Ang). I will always try to do this from now on, and if I don't have a built in helper, I will pay for one. Seriously!!!
Kristian and Faith
Kristian, Faith's best friend

DU, DU, DU, ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST!

Kate, my baby, our monkey, and now 'gooster' has turned 4 years old. The sad thing is that I always remember that in February 0f 2007 I was a wreck, literally. I was feeling big and knew that she was over 8 pounds, though no one believed me and yes, she was over 8!!! My doctor quit, I was assigned to midwives, found another doctor that I wasn't comfortable with, and had a bad experience.

Kate, though, did marvelous! She was healthy, happy, and beautiful! And now, here it is, 3 years down, on her birthday.

We had family over to celebrate her birthday and enjoy the special day with us!!!

A new baby, named "Hannah." Her birthday guest, Aunt Tracy really wanted Kate to name her Tina after her favorite baby's name, but she is sure that her name is Hannah.

Opening a present. This one is a princess backpack with a tent!
Here is her chocolate cake with m&ms!

Ready, set, blow!

Our big surprise came at the end when Kate got her very own bike!

Close your eyes! No peeking!


She is very excited and now rides it everyday inside the house!


Happy birthday, monkey bear! We love you and can't wait to see how big you grow!

THE DAY OF LOVE

This year, we made pink pancakes for the kiddos and told them Happy Valentine's Day! (I am known for doing crazy stuff on holidays to make things special!) I was able to help with Dawson's Valentine's Day party. Faith was actually sick and had to miss it! Bummer deal, though in 4th grade, I think that there are probably worst days to miss!!!


Brandon surprised me by getting us a couple's massage that I hope to use very soon! He is the love of my life and I am so happy to call him mine! I love you squtternut bosh!

ANOTHER DOOR OPENS

I took a job at Aesthetics by Physicians. I am excited to be the Med Spa Assistant and to work with the amazing girls there, Carolyn, Megan, and Kelley! These are awesome woman! This is an incredible opportunity for me to learn more about laser treatments and other med spa procedures that they do. I can't wait until I can share more about what I am doing and learning!!!

LEARNING A NEW TASK

Learning a new task or chore always has a learning curve attached to it, right?

Can you see what doesn't belong in this picture?


Yep! You are right!


This is after the load went through the washing cycle. LOL! We hope that the kids figure out this one sooner rather than later!!!

IT'S OUR ANNIVERSARY!

On February 7th, a very cold and wintery day this year, we celebrated our 10th anniversary of being sealed as a family for time and all eternity. I look forward to this day every year and can't believe how fast it comes and goes.

This year, we wanted to do something extra special for the kids that we would not normally do. The kids had been to Outer Limits once, so I thought that maybe this would be a fun time to play, eat dinner, and just have a good time. Unfortunately, Dawson was pretty sick, so we felt like we couldn't go out. Maybe next year (it's a secret.)

So, we let the kids decide where they would like to go to pick up food. We headed to McDonalds for the kids, The Works for Brandon, and Arctic Circle for me. It was really fun!

full mouth

Faith excited about her chicken nuggets

Dawson is happy too!

Oh yeah! Mcnuggets for me!

Then, after dinner, we sat down to watch Nanny McPhee Returns. Much to Brandon's surprise, we all enjoyed the movie and each other's company.



Here are my kids in 2011! I'm including them all so that you can see how hard it is to get a good picture with 3 gooster children!

ONE DOOR CLOSES ...

February 1st, we had our open house for the new hair salon. This was a bitter sweet day for me. I was able to be with all the girls and visit, but I also knew that this would be the last time that I would be with all of them. February 7th was my last day at a place I enjoyed working at. I will especially miss all the girls!

Afterwards, about 5 of us were able to make it to Farr's ice cream to visit and chat. I enjoyed every minute of it and hope that I am able to get together with the other girls sometime soon!

'GOOSTER'

One day, Miss Kate was talking about how she was a 'gooster.' (Giggle, giggle, snort!) Now,
anytime the kids are being silly/crazy/funny/strange, but loveable, I am sure to call them out as a 'gooster.'

Here is one of our 'goosters' for your enjoyment!