Easter 2014

Yes the title says Easter. That's how far behind I am on my blog. We had our dinner and egg hunt at my brother Aaron's house this year. My nephew Adam helped us strategically hide the eggs. Lol

We started this egg hunt stuff when these kids were so little. I can't believe how big they are. Back row: Tyler, Ethan, Brandon, Jordan. Front row: Caroline, Dalton, Jaymie, Adam, and Kasey. Matthew is too much of a teenager to egg hunt with us. Not sure where Julia was either. Julia??? Where are thou??

This is a rare moment. My kid sitting close together with their knees touching, when they have a huge couch they could spread out on. happy!

Nerf Gun Fight

We have a lot of birthdays in February. My mom, my father -in-law, Jordan and My sis-in-law Julie. We combined efforts at my house to celebrate. Jordan turned the big 10 and my mom turned 72. A little fact about my moms birth...Pearl Harbor was in December of 1941, my Grandpa shipped over seas to fight in WWII soon after. My mom was born 2 months after Pearl Harbor. My Grandfather didn't see my mom until she was almost 2 yrs old.

This is Scott beating up my niece Julia. It's typical.

My brother Mark about to start trouble......nerf guns ready

My mom LOVES Jewlery.

Scott running away from the bullets starting to fly

...and this is what he's running from.

Jordan possessed by the Gods of the Nerf Gun

I actually caught most of it on my video camera instead of pictures.

My brother Aaron beating up Jordan after Jordan plastered him right between the eyes with a dart....he he. My moms disease if getting really bad and  I miss my mom. If she were the mom I knew, she would be knee deep in the nerf gun fight.

Happy Birthday Dad

Today is my dad's 79th birthday. He's been saying he should of passed 10 years ago...but he's still here, and we're glad. Never seen my dad with hair? Bam...here ya go!

While reflecting on the death of my father-in-law this Tuesday, I am reminded how important dad's are. Their example, their words, how they handle life, all have a great impact on the lives of their children and how they feel about themselves. My dad always told me I'd be miss America some day. I thought I was ugly growing up..but I always knew at least my dad thought I was pretty. He told me I was smart. He always tells me I'm his only little girl...and that makes me feel special.

Happy birthday Dad. Keep dogging those bullets because we need you here. Love you!

Kasey Turns 8 and Takes the Plunge

This year Kasey turned 8. In our Faith, we get baptized when we turn 8. Kasey turned 8 on January 6th. I never thought I would ever have Jordan and then when I found out I was pregnant with Kasey without having to go through the torture of infertility....well, let's just say I was happy beyond measure.

Kasey was a little nervous I think but he held strong and was such a good boy! He had tons of support from family and friends.  The program went on without a hitch and the talks and prayers were wonderful. We missed not having Grandma and Grandpa Gooch with us, but understand that Grandpa is too sick to come and Grandma needs to take care of him. We missed you!

Our family that came were so supportive. Thanks to them for all the love and help they give us. My dad especially on this day, had just got out of the hospital the night before just to go to the baptism. He wasn't feeling well, but we're so glad he made it for Kasey's special day.

Later back at the house we had lunch and cake for everyone. Kasey' said, "mommy, I'm so excited to have a day just for me!" Kasey is a boy who is filled with spunk. He's very loving and can be quite shy around new people. But just keep talking to him for awhile and he'll talk your ear off. He's very sweet with his mommy and is sure to fill me with kisses EVERY day. He loves dogs, BMX bikes, motorcycles, being outside, the beach, soccer, dancing, showing off, camping, running, sledding, doing crafts, going new places, and is just now getting into skateboarding. He's very athletic and loves most of the things young boys like.

Thanks everyone for making it a special day for Kasey and a (mostly) stress-free day for ME. Special thanks to Maline and Mark for preparing AWESOME talks that made us cry and for the Lewis's for making the long trip from NYC. We love having you here.

We are so proud of Kasey and the choice he has made to be baptized. We are an eternal family and we love Kasey very much. Our family was complete, the day he was born. :)

New Years Day

New Years Eve, we went to our friend Debby and Eriks house for a party. All these are my peeps who used to be in our ward with us. Until I was rudely made to go to another ward....:( I miss all these guys every Sunday but our friendships will last!!

At midnight, after the Happy New Year shouts, Debby brought in a cake for my to celebrate my birthday. I was so excited and almost shed a tear! LOVE having my birthday on New Years.

Later that day, my friend Karen came down from MAssachusetts and we went to The Cheesecake factory for dinner with the boys and Scott. Of course I got special treatment from my hubby ALL day. Happy 21st birthday to ME!

Christmas in RI 2014

Christmas in Rhode Island this year. We had a great Christmas and are so thankful for all that we have. We are narrowing down on the kids who want to pose for the Christmas Eve Jammies picture. The other kids are too "grown up" I guess.

Me and Julia, Kasey and Caroline hanging out Christmas Eve at my parents house.

My mom and the boys.

My dad tickling the boys for the picture. Looks like Kasey was able to sneak the bunny ears on Papa once again.

Later on that night, we drove around to see Christmas lights on people's homes. There are people who really get into it. Then it was time to sleep so santa could come.

Kasey is really into skateboarding this year. He got a custom made skateboard and ramp. He was in heaven.

It's getting harder to find things for Jordan. This year he wanted an IPAD mini. Yes this is an expensive gift but he had worked really hard this year and has improved in school in leaps and bounds. Mostly in reading. He is in 4th grade but is now up to a 5th grade reading level....and this is what they wanted to hold him back for. We knew he could do it!!!... teachers don't always know what's best.

 

This year Grandma and Grandpa Gooch sent the boys Arizona sweatshirts. 

It is a well known fact that mommy doesn't like guns in the house of ANY kind. Well this year mommy got over ruled! Santa brought the boys a BB gun. Of course this is after many practice runs on shooting and safety, with Daddy and Uncle Doug in Arizona. Heaven help me!!!!

The boys and their electronics. Daddy and J got I PADs. Kasey got his first IPOD. What happened to trucks and building toys?...and so the growing up begins.  Jordan is starting to figure out the "Santa" thing so this might be our last year with bringing the magic for both boys. Make time stop!!!