Spoooky!

Last night was Halloween and we had a blast! Here is Brady as Bumblebee the Transformer. Carly was a Vampire Princess. Unfortunately, Parker did not get to dress up because of a tragic dinner eating incident. No dinner, No candy. I must admit, I'm getting a little concerned about Parker. We went shopping for our "winter"clothes (which consist of long sleeve tee shirts) and he is still wearing a size 4! He and Brady are now the same size! He is not growing and I know it is because he doesnt eat. Well, the other two got enough candy to last the entire family for a whole year so I am sure he will find a way to sneak a few pieces in. Hope everyone else had as great of a Halloween as we did!

8 is GREAT!

We had Carly's baptism this weekend and it was such a sweet experience. Here she is with Daddy before the service. James performed the baptism and confirmation. During the confirmation he told Carly that she is "a light to her family" and that she should "seek out the Spirit." It was very touching.

Here is the family at the chapel. After seeing the first little girl get dunked under the water, Brady said very loudly, "I don't ever need to get baptized!!"

Grandpa and Grandma Eakins, Grandma and Grandpa Walters, and Aunt Jennifer all came in from out of town for the event! What a lucky girl to have such loving family!

First Day of School!

What a fashionista!
I'm ready to go, Mom!
See my Speed Racer backpack?!
Picture Perfect third grader

After months of anticipation, the first day of school finally arrived today. Parker's eyes popped open way too early and he had his backpack and was ready to go before 6:30 am. Carly was much more reserved, of course, but had to pick out the perfect outfit for a third grader. We got to school and it was a madhouse - parents and students running everywhere! Carly went to class first and then off to Kindergarten for Parker. No tears for this kid, he was raring to go! Mom did fine too, until well after everyone was settled and I was alone in my car on my way to work. Only then could I allow myself a few tears. The hardest part of the day, by far, was Brady realizing he was all alone. He kept turning to tell Parker something and Parker wouldnt be there and Brady would get this droopy look. He counted on his fingers "one, two, three, four....I just need the thumb and then I go to kindergarten too!" My babies are getting so big!!

Brady Turns 4!!

Here I am with all my Cars friends!
Isn't this the coolest present ever?
Lightning Mcqueen cake!
Make a Wish Brady!
Brady getting a first look at his new bike!

Well, it's official, I'm old! My baby turned 4 this week and we had an awesome CARS birthday party for him! We played "pin the car on the racetrack," red light/green light, and had a Lightning McQueen pinata! The cake was everything lightning, with checkered ice cream to boot! What a blast!

Carly's 8th Birthday Party!

This weekend was Carly's 8th birthday party. We had a "pampered puppy" party where the girls got to wear big feather boas and hats, get their makeup done and create their own stuffed animal puppies. We all had a blast! Can you believe my little girl has gotten so big?!

Here is Carly showing off her gorgeous feather hat!

What a group of girls we had!

Puppy Cake!!

Carly's face as she got her first look at her present - a new bike!!

We've finally arrived!!

Ok, so I don't have any idea what I'm doing, but my friend Kristen told me I absolutely HAD to start a blog for all of my family and friends who are far away. So here I go. We had a health scare recently that made me realize just how much I have been blessed and how much I have to lose. It has me wondering what I would do if I lost someone that I love right now. Have I told everyone how much I love them and am grateful for them in my life? I am trying to do that now on a daily basis. To be softer and gentler with the kids, to not yell as much or worry about little things that dont really matter. It's definitely easier said than done. But I have to try. Gordon B Hinckley said "In all of life have love and laughter. Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured." I'm going to try to start enjoying life a little more. And I'll start by letting you all know just how much you are loved. I am incredibly blessed.