Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve was great this year! Uncle Alden and Laura Lee were here from New York. When they arrived we had dinner and played games. Then after dinner it was more games followed by a quick Christmas movie the church put out.

Then for the second year in a row and maybe starting a new tradition the girls all had a sleep over. They wished Maurice goodbye, sine he would be flying back to the North Pole and then it was off to sleep. Well, not really. More like an hour and half later everyone was asleep. But they never left their room They stayed in there talking and playing. So sweet! I love these girls!

Mom & Claire

Claire and I got tickets to see the Sesame Street & Mormon Tabernacle Choir. It was amazing! We both entertained the whole time. Plus it was fun to spend time with just her.  

Santa Visit

Santa stopped by for a quick visit. It was great! Everyone was so excited. I'm glad we have it on video!

Dance Recital

Claire's 1st dance recital for her Hip Hop class. She did great and loved having so much support.

Bella's Birthday

Bella's birthday was a week long event! As usual. We started with breakfast and presents in bed. The elf had her balloons in the morning too. Linda Sumsion made her a birthday cake! 

We had dinner with grandma and grandpa at Applebee's and then cake for her and Luke. She was a very happy 10 year old!

Gingerbread House

Only got on pic of everyone building the ginger bread house for FHE. But they sure had fun!

Dear Bella

Dear Bella,

I've getting so emotional just thinking about writing this post.
I know it sounds lame but I really can't believe it's been 10 years! My life changed for the better when you were born. I could not have ever believed how much happier my life would be when I became your mom. Watching you grow these last 10 years has been nothing short of amazing!.
As dad and I reflected on what it was like 10 years ago we both just smile with pride.

We know Heavenly Father knew you would be a great example to your younger sisters. You have a strong testimony of Jesus and that's just one of the many things we love about you!

We hope this next year as a 10 year old is the best ever!

Love,

Mom & Dad

Bella-Joseph and the amazing Technicolor DreamCoat

Bella preformed in Joseph this weekend. She was in the choir and did a great job. The thing I loved most was how serious she took her part. She took the script to bed and worked on it most nights. She was so determined to do a good job. And she did. She has such a great voice. She is such a great example to her sisters. I'm just so thankful to be her mom!

Temple Square Web Site- Mom and Twins

Today we had one of the best photo shoots ever. I was hesitant to do it because the pay wasn't that great for how long we were going to be there, but they did knock it up a little for the twins and that made it easier since I didn't have to find a sitter.

We started off in one of their banquet rooms have a formal dinner where we got to eat everything. Then we went to a dance room where they cut the cake (the girls got some) and danced. Then outside to take pics of the bride and groom. After that we changed into less formal wear for lunch at The Garden restaurant. The twins were in heave since they got to order whatever they wanted and they did a shot of them holding balloons and letting them go. It was adorable. Then it was over to the Lion House for treats. Grandpa met us there and that was fun. Then we walked over to the Navoo Cafe, more food and pics. Then the twins went home with grandpa and I stayed for one last shot at The Roof.

I can say I've honestly never eaten so well...and been paid to do it! It was great! The girls were fantastic. And people kept commenting on how well behaved and cut they were. 

I loved spending the day with them. I'll always remember it!

Rough

I'm so sick of this litigation. It seems like it will never end. I'm trying to put on a brave face for Bella and not say anything bad about Kenny. But I know she picks up clues from my reaction to things she says or the fact that I'm not interested.

We told their side would settle with 50/50 parent time and Kenny still came back saying he wants this and he wants that. If this was truly about him wanting Bella he would have settled.

But of course it's not. He just wants everyone else to suffer.

I'm tired of the constant stomach pain I get from worrying about it and the constant crying because I love Bella so much and he could care less.

Halloween 2014

We had a great Halloween this year. We had the ward trunk or treat which is always fun. Although Bella wasn't there and Seth left early for the Utah game. Halloween day was lots of fun, especially since the girls didn't have school this year. We went to grandpa's work first, then grandma's. After that they took us to lunch and then we headed to grandma Brown's work. After that we met Beth at a special Halloween thing downtown put on by the police department. That was definitely one of the highlights! There were lots of fun activities. The had a pumpkin drop using one of the fire trucks tall ladders! Then we had to drop Bella off at Kenny's, which wasn't fun. But she went trick or treating and so did the girls. 

It was fun being vampires. The girls are already thinking about what they want to be next year!

Fall Break 2014- Park City

Fall Break was so great this year. Seth and I went up to Park city for one night by ourselves. I got a good deal on a room because we agreed to listen to a time share presentation. That was the worst 90 minutes of our lives. But everything before and after that was worth it. While we were gone grandma Brown came and spent the night with the kids. They had a blast with her. Then we picked up the kids and spent 2 more days in Park City. Basically, eating, swimming, playing, hiking, and relaxing. The girls loved the jetted tub and robes. Claire also fell in love with Chinese checkers.  And of course they couldn't get enough of the pool!

It was so fun to be able to get away and spend time together as a family!

New Bishop

A days ago Seth had the idea that we should schedule an appointment with the bishop of the ward Kenny should be going to.
This morning we met with him. He was a very nice man and very happy to help. His wife is the activity days leader. We decided it would be a good idea to take Bella to an activity days activity and then one day maybe all of us going to that ward. Of course we need to check with Rob and see what he thinks about when we can tell Kenny. We still want to fight for Bella to come to church in our ward but it wouldn't hurt for her to have friends in Salt Lake for when she with Kenny.
I'm grateful to have a husband who is so in tune with the spirit and had the idea to even do this.
I don't want Bella to be away from us but it would make me feel good to know there are good people taking her to church and watching over her when I can't.
I felt the spirit as we met with the bishop and i know this is the right thing to do.

No Words

A few days ago we go the report from Ann Trupp. And since then I've done nothing but cry. I know it was bad because Seth was crying.
It hurt so much I can't even find the words to write. I just feel sick to my stomach and sad all the time.
This report has no truth to it and hurts so much because she slammed our character. She made up things that didn't happen, twisted our words and left out key reports and testimony. All to fuel her side.
What makes me so sad is none of this is about Bella. It's about Kenny having rights.
We've met with Rob and feel that our best choice would be to give Kenny Anna's recommendation for parent time. This is hard, but Rob says we can document everything for 6 months and then go back to court and show the rope that Kenny hung himself with. Because there is no way he can do everything he says hes going to do.
The problem with this is I don't want Bella to get hurt. But Seth thinks he should give her a blessing that this short 6 months won't effect her. I know Kenny can't keep up with this schedule during good weather let alone during the winter. So Rob thinks getting this started by November/December is the best. I've tried talking to Bella about it to get her prepared but she just cries and says "why doesn't anyone care what I want?".

Gardening Class

The twins and their friend Claire took a gardening class at Woods Cross. They had a good time and were so well behaved. They looked so cute in the big high school desks.

Best Friends Even in sleep

I checked on the twins at night and saw this. Oh how I love these two!!

Dear Syd

Dear Sydney,

5 years old! What a big girl you are! Just think, only 5 years ago you were this 4lb baby and now you're one of the tallest in your class!
You've learned so many things this past year. I'm so proud of the girl you are becoming. You always think of others first and love to share.
Me and dad love being your parents! You truly are such a blessing in our lives! And I don't know what I'd do without you!

Love,

Mom & Dad

Dear Bre

Dear Breanna,

Happy 5th birthday!! I can't believe it's here!
I have loved watching you grow this past year! You've learned so many new things. I especially love that I know I can always count on you to share with your sisters. You're the first one to offer something to someone else and the first to offer to help me.

Dad and I love being your parents! It truly is such a blessing!
We hope you have a great year!

Love,

Mom & Dad

Happy Birthday Syd & Bre

Started the morning off with presents and breakfast in bed. And what could be better than walkie talkies? They were so excited about them!

On Saturday Syd and Bre had a birthday party with some of their friends. We had cake and presents at home and then headed to Kangroo Zoo. Syd said "this is the best day ever!". Although Syd did get a mild concussion, not fun!

Linda made their Scooby Doo birthday cake and that was a hit! It was a great day!