Okay time to give a mini update on our lives since we finally recovered from our two 1/2 week vacation. I am so excited because the kids are out of school for Summer break. They got out June 4th, and I am kind of a weird mom because I absolutely LOVE when Summer break comes. I have my moments where they drive me nuts of course, but for the most part, I treasure their company. So I have made up a chore chart and each morning they are diligently working to get their chores done, and then it's computer time, and play. Unfortunately though the weather has hindered us completely of doing anything but being BORED out of our minds by the time 2:00 o'clock hits. Here's a funny pic I took of the kids being Just that...BORED.

So basically we are praying for a little sun.

Most of you know that Chris is a licensed denturist, and has been working toward taking over his bosses business when he retires...well that finally happened on June 1st. Our life has been kind of crazy because we are super busy, but also very grateful that the lord is blessing us with lots of work to give us a good start. I'm really excited and grateful to Chris who has been working soooo many hours to provide for us. I don't know how he does it.

That's pretty much it in the way of excitement (and boredom) for us. :)

We are back!!!! I am so happy to be home, but I wanted to share some pics from the family reunion and also from Nauvoo. The kids loved seeing all of there cousins. Here is Con and his cousin Ryley having a donut eating contest.
Grace took a while to warm up to Grandma. She even took Grace on a ride in the tractor. It was really sweet.

Nauvoo was the highlight of the trip. The spirit was so strong while we were there. Here is a pic of the kids on the steps of the Nauvoo temple.
Grace was fascinated with all the statues. I love this one of Joseph Smith.

Carthage was amazing. I couldn't help but cry as we saw the very hole in the door that killed Hyrum. Plus we saw the Joseph Smith movie they play in Utah, and it is an outstanding movie, and all of us including Halee and Austin were bawling by the time it ended.

Chris' sis Brande who is my age, and so sweet let us stay with her in Branson for two days. We felt so bad because we caught the flu while we were there. :(
Here is Chris with all his siblings minus his brother from Utah. What a wacky and fun group.

We celebrated Halee's 10th b-day while there. It was the biggest b-day party ever! Happy b-day Halee!!!

Here is Christian with his cousin Christian who is only 3 months older, and they look and act so much alike!

We took the kids to an amusement park called Silver Dollar City. It was so fun!!!!! The kids LOVED it!

Halee spent hours in the pool and sun. This pic really cracked me up.
Country living was fun, but I could have done w/out the bugs!!!!

We had a great time, but there is no place like home!!!!

A-Z Tag

A-Z TAG
May 16, 2008
I have been Tagged!
Attached or Single: Attached
Best Friend: Hmm. I have many!!! My husband first and foremost, Tammy, Alexis Sarah Q. Kelly
Cake or Pie: BOTH!!!!!
Day of Choice: Friday because it's the weekend.
Essential Item: Carmex
Favorite Color: Yellow
Greatest Accomplishment: Having all my kiddies
Hometown: Acworth, GA.
January or July: July for sure!!
Kids: 5
Life is incomplete without: My family!
Marriage Date: March 21st 97'
Number of Siblings: 3 sisters one lone brother
Oranges or Apples: Oranges
Phobias or Fears: My kids getting stolen, or hit by a car (since their always on their bikes.
Quotes: Sorry it's kind of long, but truly my fav by Joseph Smith “The Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done.”
Reason to Smile: My husband surprises me with folded laundry, or my kids are not arguing, or I have oreo's and milk.
Season: End of Spring going into Summer
Tag Five Friends: Patty, Erin, Trish, Cindy, Amy
Unknown Fact About Me: Very Favorite Store:
Worst Habit: Biting nails (boring I know)
X-ray or Ultrasound: Ultra sound...what kind of Question is that anyway??
Your Favorite Food: Mexican
Zodiac Sign: Sagitarius-SP?

I won't be posting for the next two weeks because we are going to Missouri for a family reunion and also to Nauvoo. YAY!!!! I'm so excited...I will post pics when we get back. :)

I'm A Lucky Mom!

The past 10 years has been a literal whirlwind when I think of all that has happened and how fast the time went. Somehow in that whirlwind of craziness 5 kids came about. I feel so blessed today on mothers day to realize each miracle in my life. I am such a LUCKY mom, and I wouldn't trade any experiences for anything in this world. Even when life is crazy and want to pull my hair out, life is still oh so good. :) I love you Halee, Austin, Connor, Christian and Grace!

When Grace was first born she was truly a nuisance to Christians perfect little life of being the "baby" of the family. The first 6 months he was never very accepting of her. Here lately though he LOVES to play with her! This morning when they first got up, Christian started pushing her on the little car all around the house. They actually play together. I'm so happy he finally loves her!

Happy Birthday Grace!!!!!!!!

All day I have been trying to figure out where this last year has gone. It can't be possible that Grace is 1 year already!!!! I just love this little girl (along with all my other children) more than anything!! Grace is such a joy to our family. She always makes us laugh, especially at this age when she is attempting to walk and talk, and really developing her own personality. We bought her a doll that coos and as you can see she LOVED it! Here she is planting a kiss right on the new dolly's face....

She wanted the dolls bottle all to herself! She couldn't figure out why no milk came out of it though....

I set the cake right in front of her, and she never once dug in! She barely touched it! I guess I should have gone with chocolate. lol.

Happy birthday my beautiful sweet girl! We all love you Grace!