Napping on Daddy

Just a cute moment of Adam and Trenton. Trenton loves it when Adam rubs his head and usually falls asleep. This trick doesn't work for me only for Daddy. He has the magic touch.

Thanksgiving 2010

So I know I am a little behind on the blog. I am trying to catch up starting with Thanksgiving. We originally planned on going and spending Thanksgiving with Adam's family as per tradition, but due to circumstances out of our control we ended up having to stay home. So the night before Thanksgiving I rushed to get a good meal put together and even cooked my first turkey. It was only a six pounder, but it suited our family just right. Everything turned out great! We Had an awesome meal and even had a few pies for dessert. We spent most of the day eating and watching Harry Potter. Not a lot else happened. We missed spending time with our extended family and wished we could have been there, but it was fun spending some quality family time too, just the seven of us. We are so grateful that we have such an awesome family and feel very thankful for the abundance of blessings that the Lord has given unto us.

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Just the Boys

Nothing but Smiles!


Trenton had to show off the cute shoes that
his Aunt Lacey made. Thanks Aunt Lacey!


Austin & Jaxton hangin' out in thier pj's.


Happy Boy!


Our little 'monkey' in his monkey room.
Finally got the crib up. Isn't he just the
cutest little monkey ever!!!

Halloween Fun 2010

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Fall Updates

Wow! It has been awhile since my last update. I have been taking a lot of pictures lately and just now got them all sorted into a slide show.

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We wanted to thank all the family and friends who attended Trenton's Blessing. We really enjoyed spending time with all of you. Also, I would like to thank the grandmas who made things for Trenton. His blankets, booties, and hat are adorable.

Austin's First Day of School

Austin started preschool. He loves it! He couldn't wait to start school so that he could have new school clothes and a new backpack. He is sure growing up fast! In a few weeks he will be five years old. I love watching how much he is already learning. It is hard to believe that next school year Jaxton can start preschool because he will be three years old. So I will have four kids in school next year. Wow!

Trenton Two Weeks Old

I can't believe it has already been two weeks since our little Trenton was born. It seems like he is already growing too fast. We are adjusting to having a new baby in the house again. The adjustment hasn't been too difficult. Trenton is a pretty good baby and at the moment he spends a lot of his time sleeping. The three older kids are keeping busy with school, but seem to find time to hold and play with their baby brother. Jaxton has been a big helper. He is very good at getting diapers and demands to hold his little brother every day. I was afraid he would be jealous that the baby would get more attention, but he doesn't seem to mind too much. We would like to thank everyone for all the gifts, meals, and warm wishes. We feel very blessed to have such a great circle of family and friends to share in our joys.

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Baby is Finally Here!

Trenton Joseph MacPherson
Born: August 25, 2010
Time: 2:55p.m.
Weight: 7lbs 13.9 oz
Length: 20 inches

Mom and baby doing well. (pictures aren't in order)

First Day Back to School

The girls started their first day back to school today. They said they had a great day. I totally forgot to take their pictures before school, so I caught a couple shots of them when they got home. After they did their homework, we made cupcakes and dinner. The boys are with grandma tonight so it was fun just spending some time with my girls. Can't believe how grown-up they are getting. Love them both!

No Baby Yet / School Starting Tomorrow!

Picture for the Day: After a long day of shopping with Daddy, Jaxton just couldn't stay awake until dinner was ready.
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Just a quick post to say that the baby is still not here. He is taking his sweet time and enjoying the last few days he has snuggled in my belly. My doctor is currently out of town until Tuesday. I also have an appointment that day so who knows, maybe by Wednesday? We will keep you all posted.

Anyway, this is a big week for us since the girls start school tomorrow. The other day, I took them to the school to meet their new teachers. Surprisingly, Makayla has the teacher she had in Kindergarten who is now teaching 3rd grade, and Kelseanja has the teacher Makayla had for first grade. We really like both teachers so I think it is going to be a great year! Also, Austin was accepted into the preschool that my friend's little girls is going to! He is super excited and starts school on the 31st. So life at our house is going to get really crazy really soon with three kids in school and a new baby! It will all be good in the long run though.

Kids Doing Crafts

The kids have had fun doing crafts with their Aunt Kaloni. She has been staying with us for two weeks now helping me out and also ready to babysit when the baby decides to come. It is interesting what the kids and their Aunt have found to do with pipe cleaners and pom-poms.

I took the photos with my new telephoto lens(Sony SAL-75300 75-300mm F/4.5-5.6 Telephoto zoom lens) the other day when it came in the mail. I haven't been able to experiment much, but these photos were all taken with it. The pictures of the kids doing crafts I took between 5 and 15 feet away from the subjects. The pictures I took of the scenery I was standing on my back patio. The houses are from the neighborhood behind me. I took shots fully zoomed out and then fully zoomed in to tell the difference. The distance to where I am is the same. The zoom is amazing to see the detail I can get from so far away. I love my new lens! Can't wait to try it out more!

***Just a little Note: My mom has also been here helping. Both she and Kaloni have been very helpful and I thank them for all the work they have been doing taking care of the kids and helping around the house with chores and meals. I really appreciate it. Thank You both! Love you lots!***

My Birthday

The 16th was my birthday. It started out with a early morning wake-up call from my friend Shelly who wished me 'Happy Birthday'. The girls were with my mom in Vernal, but Adam, the boys, and my sister Kaloni all went to iHop for lunch. Then I wanted to get the layers back in my hair so Adam dropped of Kaloni and I at the mall while he ran another errand and I got my hair cut. After my haircut, Kaloni and I wandered the mall a little bit until Adam got back. Before going home we stopped at Barnes & Noble where I found a new game called Literati. We then went to the store to get some things for dinner. Did I mention that the whole day was overcast and rainy? I loved it! When we got out of the store there was a giant full rainbow in the sky. Beautiful! How many people get rainbows on their birthdays!!! Anyway, I also got a voicemail from my friend Camille and a text from my in-laws, also a phone call from my grandma. Later, my mom showed-up with the girls and after a quick dinner, my family had me open presents. I got two new lighthouses for my collection, a couple utensils for the kitchen, some fingernail polish, and some clothes. Thanks Mom and Kaloni! The gift Adam and the kids gave me didn't arrive in the mail until later, but they gave me a telephoto lens for my camera which is awesome! Thanks everyone! After presents we had not cake, but peach and berry cobbler. It was just what I wanted and was very yummy considering it was made with fresh peaches and berries! I had a great birthday and want thank everyone who shared and also wished me a Happy Birthday!

Family Visiting

This August has been fun! My sister Lacey and her daughter Annelise came for a visit for a few days. They live in Massachusetts so we don't get to see them very often. My mom and my other sister Kaloni also came. While they were here we did a little shopping, went swimming, played games, and had some yummy blueberry pancakes. Some of us also visited the Butterfly House. (I didn't go so I don't have pictures.) My kids were totally enthralled with their little cousin, which at times, may have been a bit overwhelming for her since she isn't used to having so many kids around all the time, but overall I think they did well. We were all hoping that the baby would come while they were here, but he didn't. My sisters also helped me with some much needed yard work which I can't thank them enough for doing. Annelise took to Adam pretty good. He had her laughing more than once. We aren't totally sure if she really liked him or if she was missing her daddy, but it was cute watching her smile. Anyway, we all loved seeing Lacey and Annelise and wished we lived closer so we could see them more often, but I am very grateful that they came to see us. Thanks for the visit! Love you!

P.S. My Friend Leslie came over one day so we caught a quick picture of the both of us with our prego bellies. Both of us expecting baby #5.

Updates...

Working on updating the look of the blog which may take a little while, but I have a little update on the baby: Went to the doctor today and I have only gained about half a pound in two weeks, I am 1 cm dilated, about 50% effaced (thinned down), and the baby's head is really low which is probably why I haven't been able to walk that great for a couple weeks because it hurts too much. What does this all mean? Well, it means that I could have the baby any day or I could have the baby in a couple weeks...I think that after next weeks appointment, which I am pretty sure we will make to, we will have a better idea. The doctor I saw today wasn't my regular doctor because my doctor got called to the hospital at the same time as my appointment. The other doctor said that if I was dilated to 3 cm and contracting then she would have sent me to the hospital. But I haven't been having very many contractions yet. Anyway, who knows maybe the next post with be about the baby's arrival.

Not too much happing here

Nothing exciting going on this summer with us. Since the 4th of July we haven't done very much because I haven't been feeling all that great. This pregnancy has been a rough one. Hopefully, within the next three weeks it will be over and I can get back to feeling better again. The other kids have been completely board. Kelseanja and Austin just got home from spending a week with Grandma. They got to go swimming and spend a couple days at the cabin. Austin ended up being sick for part of the visit which wasn't too fun for him, but he is feeling better now. Austin also learned how to whistle while he was away. Kelsea told me that she taught him.

While they were gone it was pretty quiet with just Makayla and Jaxton here at home. Makayla had a sleep over with a friend, went to a play, and had a mother-daughter night at the movies and the bookstore which was great fun for the both of us. Adam and I went to a movie, and Jaxton was grumpy and sick all week. I don't understand why my kids are getting sick in the middle of July. It is crazy!

I also took advantage of a quiet night shopping alone and got most of the kids' school supplies. All that is left are shoes and clothes. All the backpacks, pencils, folders, etc are all ready to go. Austin is excited to try out his new backpack although we won't know until August if he will be going to preschool or not. Even then if he is he wont start until September. I did all the paperwork in May so if all goes well he will be fine, but you never know. School starts on August 23rd for the girls. It is going to be a little crazy having a new baby, which we are hoping will be born by August 19th, then school starting so close afterward. Both girls will be attending school all day which I am looking forward to, but it also means two kids to be off to the bus by 7:20am instead of one. I think they will be walking to the bus stop until it gets cold now that they can walk together.

Yesterday, we met with Mom and traded kids around. She now has Makayla for the next two weeks or so and Kelseanja and Austin are home now. Let's just say that the house isn't as quiet as it was last week. It is interesting how when you split your kids up for a little while you learn who is responsible for certain messes in the house. When they are all home it is hard to always narrow in on the culprit, but now I know who is doing what which makes it easier for me to know who need to clean the messes up.

Anyway, I managed to catch a few cute pictures of Jaxton over the last week. He was having fun with his new book and then insisted on playing dress-up with his hat, vest, new orange shirt, and hippo even though it was around midnight. That is what I get for allowing him to take a late nap. But he was so cute! It will be interesting to see how he reacts when the baby comes. I asked him if he was going to be a good big brother and his response was: "Nope." I am not too worried though. He really likes babies and he will eventually get used to being a big brother. It still amazes me how much each of my kids have grown up so much. There is nothing like preparing for a newborn to show you how big your other kids are.

Fourth of July

This year for the 4th of July, we went to church, came home and had lunch and a nap. For dinner we had the classic hot dog and hamburger picnic dinner. We let the kids ride bikes which we don't normally do on Sundays. Jaxton even showed us how he can now reach and peddles and push himself on his bike. It is amazing how fast he learns and picks things up from the other kids. (I am happy he is no longer scrapping his shoes on the ground when he rides.) Then after cleaning-up we got ready and went to the park for fireworks.

This was our first year actually watching the fireworks from the park since we have lived here. It has always been from a distance because we figured it would be too crazy trying to get good seats since half the valley pretty much camps there all day. This year we braved the crowd, which was mostly settled down in their spots by the time we arrived, and managed to get great seats! There was an older couple who told us that they always come to that spot every year and that it was the best spot. They were right! Maybe we will see them next year. The kids were all excited to see the fireworks and could hardly wait. Kelseaja kept asking me when they were coming. Austin hadn't really seen big fireworks up close before and since he couldn't see them yet he figured they weren't going to start. He kept wanting to go home and do sparklers instead. Makayla was just being goofy climbing over Adam, and Jaxton got a little grumpy because he couldn't figure out what we were doing. he hasn't seen fireworks close up either. When the show started, all the kids were glued to the sky. They loved the fireworks! For the city cutting back this year, we couldn't tell. Even the couple behind us thought they did an awesome job and said that things were synced a lot better than last year. We did have to walk a few blocks back to the van, but overall the kids behaved, we had good seats, and the show was really good.

When we got home we did our own little package of fireworks. Usually, our neighbors are around and we combine fireworks, but this year they left. We invited a new neighbor over to join us. After our package of somewhat boring fireworks were finished. Then we all did some sparklers. The kids had so much fun with the sparklers and also poppers that they were sad when it was all over and they had to go to bed.

In the end we remember all the sacrifices made by many men and women through out the years for us to be able to live in this great nation. And while it is not perfect and many of our freedoms are being threatened right now. I love it here and feel very blessed for everything we have. GOD BLESS AMERICA!

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Weekend at the Cabin

After the baptism, we made a quick stop at my grandparents' house where we filled up water jugs and I took some quick snapshots of the flowers in my grandparents' front yard. They were all so pretty I couldn't resist posting them. Then with our friends, The Buddecke's we traveled up to my grandparents cabin. We only spent one night and one day, but we managed to roast marshmallows and play games. We also, took a tour of the Flaming Gorge Dam where we learned how the Dam works and we also got to see and feed the fish at the bottom. The kids were a little board, but they liked the fish. We then went to Red Canyon Overlook so our friends could see the spectacular view. We saw deer, yellow bellied marmots, and Adam and I got to see a mother moose and her calf run across the meadow. It was amazing although my friend's husband was jealous because he had never seen a moose before and wished he could have seen them. I guess I should have woke him up. Anyway, we had a good weekend with our friends and wished it could have been longer.

Makayla's Baptism

On June 19th, Makayla was baptized. It was such a beautiful experience! Not to mention she was beautiful. Thanks to all the family and friends who came to support Makayla and who made this day possible. Also, to all provided food for the lunch afterward. I don't think I have ever felt the Spirit so strong as the moment Makayla received the Holy Ghost. I have been to many baptisms, but it is totally different when the one becoming the newest member of the Church is your own daughter. Both Adam and I are very proud of her decision to follow Christ. She is such a special little girl and we are so happy to have her as our daughter. We hope that she will continue to choose the right and be a good example to those around her. We love you Makayla!

Boys Playing in Water

While their sisters were spending a week at Grandma's house the boys had fun playing in the water. I got out the Slip n' Slide and swimming pool and the boys had fun! I was surprised that Jaxton even wanted to play in the water. They were so cute watching taking turns sliding and slipping. Even if the water was very COLD.

Family Trip to Arches 5-27-2010

Last Thursday, we got up early and headed to Arches National Monument which is only about a two hour drive for us. We first hiked the upper viewpoint to Delicate Arch. We wanted to hike to the arch, but we weren't sure how the kids would do. This is really our first hiking trip as a family. The kids did pretty well hiking the half-mile up trail to see the arch. I on the other hand fell behind partly because I am packing some extra 'baby weight' literally and partly because I would stop and take pictures. It also was about 95 degrees and the wind was blowing pretty hard. We all made it though and enjoyed taking in the beautiful view.

After lunch, the next hike we went on was around The Windows. We took the long route which was just over a mile around. There were loads of other hikers and a few were amazed to see Jaxton climbing and hiking like the other kids. He hiked the whole way we didn't have to carry him at all. At one point along the trail Adam got out a tool he uses at work to measure wind speed, humidity, and temperature. The wind speed was 35mph. Crazy! Nearly enough to knock both he and I off our feet. Needless to say it was difficult wearing our hats.

Adam and the older kids also hiked around Balanced Rock which only took about 15 min. I was wiped out and Jaxton was also getting sleepy so we stayed in the van where it was nice and cool.

By this time I think we had all had enough hiking for the day. We decided we would have to explore the rest of the park another time. My friend Kim works at Dead Horse Point so we drove up there to find her. She ended up not working up there that day so we went and found her preparing for a lecture she was giving at the Info Center in Moab. She gave us a quick run through of her slide show and we learned a little about Dead Horse Point. It was good to see Kim and will have to visit her another time when she can go hiking with us. All in all it was a fun trip.

Surprisingly, none of the kids slept on the way home, but all went right to bed and slept in Friday. Not bad for the first day of summer vacation!

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Last Week of School Activities

After, school the girls and I were stranded at the school because Adam had taken the van to get an oil change. Of course, while they were doing that they had to replace a couple minor things, but it took forever for them to finish. Thankfully, the boys were at a babysitter. The girls played on the playground and I took pictures. No real surprise there. They are both doing so well at crossing the monkey bars. Too bad they are going to have to wait until next year to play on the school playground again.




Right after Kelseanja got her certificate, I rushed over to Makayla's classroom because I had brought them cookies and drinks to celebrate Makayla's birthday. I also brought her balloons which I know she was excited to get. I was even able to get a picture of Makayla and her teacher, Mrs. Orehek. Happy Birthday Makayla!



The day after the b-day party, Kelseanja's Kindergarten class had a little Graduation Ceremony. The kids sang probably twenty songs or more. They all did such a good job! Then Mrs. Bainter presented them all with certificates for passing Kindergarten and also awards for things the kids improved and excelled in during the year. Kelseanja was so nervous, but she did well. One of the awards that she got was for her neat writing. Congrats Kelseanja! After the awards were handed out, we watched a slide show of pictures from the year. All the kids did so well and all of them had someone there supporting them for graduation.




Kelseanja's friend Ana's b-day party. Ana had a big party and invited the whole kindergarten class, including teachers, parents, and siblings. At the party, they served dinner, cupcakes, cotton candy, and had a bump n' jump. The kids all had a blast! Some of them were a little goofy. It was so fun to see all the kids playing so well together. Ana opened her presents and really loved the slip n' slide that Kelseanja gave her. Yay! for birthday parties!