Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Mohawk Man!

I love little boys!!! Yep, I admit I wasn't too thrilled when I found out I was having a boy and yes, I still have penis issues but this little boy thing is a ton of fun! On Sunday he needed yet again another hair cut (I think he'll definately be a hairy boy like his Dad). I told Tony I was going to give a mohawk (half in jest). I started going and it turned out cute. I figured if I didnt like it I could just shave it off but for now its fun. I am excited for all the other fun little boy things I will soon get to experience. He is such an awesome kid.

I was talking with Tony and asked what it is about Blake that makes me love him so much. Is it all the worry he put us through during my pregnancy and while he was in the NICU? Is it his laid back personality? Is it those gorgeous blue eyes? I have no idea what it is but I love this kid. One of my favorite things about him too is how much he loves me. He completely adores me! When I walk in a room he gets so excited. On Saturday I got to sleep in so when I came down and he heard my voice he almost broke his neck trying to turn and see me. I am proclaiming him to be a momma's boy. I think I might be a bigger mama bear for him rather than the girls (for Tony its completely different - any boys wanting to date my girls in the future, watch out). Thanks for being an awesome kid Blake! I love you (more than Daddy does)!

Finally . . .

Finally my girls figured out that Blake needs to wear boy dress up stuff, not their girly-girl stuff. They dressed him up as a pirate. Kid doesnt look too mean but give him a year or two and I think he'll have the pirate "arrrr" down pretty good. 
Blake absolutely loves his sisters and they ADORE him. Most days I get so sick and tired of saying "get off your brother", "leave him alone", "stop touching him" etc, etc but I love how much they love him. As much as I would like them to outgrow him so I could quit telling the girls to leave him alone, I dont want them to. I love that they love him so much.

Monday, August 11, 2008

First Grade begins

Taeya started school today and was so excited. She luckily loves school and was so excited to get back. Her teacher is Mrs. Roach and she seems really fun and energetic. I was a little bit hesitant when I heard two of the mean girls from last year would be in her class. We've had a couple discussions that even though they are mean, she still needs to be nice to them. Hopefully she can make some good friends in this class.

 Taeya is getting so big and independent. She knew exactly what she wanted to wear and how she wanted her hair done. Some days I override her decision but for the most part I am trying to stay out of the way and let her make those decisions (which for those of you who know me well know that I hate to let go of that control - I'm working on it).
Yesterday we went to my favorite hair blog and she picked out what she wanted (it looks cuter with bows but she said no bows -- too girlie). This year she had a big say in what school stuff she wanted. When we went to get new shoes she wanted Hannah Montana tennis shoes which I quickly vetoed. Luckily she picked a cute pair of Nikes that will hopefully survive.  She picked out a HM backpack/messenger bag and a Camp Rock lunch box. I swore I'd never be the mom to dress my kid in character stuff.  I've tried to fight it but I am rapidly losing to HSM, HM, Jonas Brothers etc. Dang Disney is raking in the $$$. 
This picture is exactly how I thought this first day of school would go: Tae is totally excited, Aliya is ticked Tae gets to go to school and Blakers could care less. Luckily Aliya was invited to a birthday party which helped keep her somewhat happy. She'll start school the end of this month and says its 'no fair' Taeya gets to go to school. Yep, we've already started the 'fair' arguments. 

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Painting with Papa!


When we were discussing what we wanted to do while in Utah, Taeya said she wanted to paint with Papa Thompson. As I've mentioned before Taeya is incredibly creative and wants to be an author/illustrator when she grows up. She was so excited to have him teach her how to paint. Years ago my Dad attempted to teach me how to paint. We both decided I have no talent. It was fun to watch how excited she was and then how proud she was of her final product. Way to go little Missy! I know you'll succeed at anything you put your mind to!

Friday, August 8, 2008

Birthday Fun!

Taeya wanted to celebrate her sixth birthday in Utah with her cousins. She wanted to go swimming and 4-wheelin'. Easy enough for me! So on Saturday we went swimming at Papa Bruce's pool. The kids all love the water so it was a ton of fun. My girls have gotten spoiled with Phoenix swimming pools so kept complaining that they were freezing (it really was cold - I wouldn't go near the water).  

Afterwards we went and had a picnic at the Elementary school behind my parents house. There is where we let the kids loose on the 4 wheelers - nice big open area with few targets. Last summer, before Blake was even born, Papa Bruce bought two 4-wheelers for my kids: one for Blake (his first grandson) and one for the girls.  Spoiled rotten! My kids and their cousins have had so much fun driving those things around. Its nice to find things that a range of kids can do (my nieces and nephews range in age from almost 16 down to Blake). I love it too! I admit I don't like the big 4-wheelers, they scare me. These little guys have an adequate amount of 'umph for me. There were a couple close calls but Taeya was the first, and only, kid to crash. She decided to jump the curb and attempt to take the 4-wheeler onto the playground. Luckily Daddy was there to save the day!

It was such a great day to spend with family. My kids love their cousins and wish they could be closer to them. I am so appreciative that when we come for a visit my sweet sister-in-laws clear their schedules so the kids can play. I do think my kids miss out on lots of fun occasions living so far away. I guess that's why we try to cram so much cousin-fun into a couple days. Thanks for spending time with us and celebrating Taeya's birthday with us!
Taeya hadn't been feeling too well so she spent quite a bit of the time out of the water. Luckily Uncle Ben kept her company. Guess she taught him thing or two.  He doesn't quite have the proper "baby bird" form down yet.
Aliya and the oldest cousin, Jessie. We've been trying to get her to come nanny for us in the summer but the girl is so stinkin' busy with sports. She is fabulous with my kids and they all love her too!
Like the pink helmet? The boy cousins got a kick out of wearing it. You'd think a bunch of 11 year old boys would be embarrassed to wear a pink helmet but they thought it was 'cool'. 
Tony's brother Ben has a wienie dog named Chloe. Damn dog was almost ran over by my six year old. Ben ran to help Tae get unstuck and Chloe ran after him. Luckily Chloe survived!

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Happy Birthday Papa!

One of our reasons for going to Utah when we did was to celebrate my Dads 70th birthday. Luckily my sister-in-laws are good at planning things or else most of us would have just called and sang "Happy Birthday". I must admit that most of my family could care less about birthdays (much to the frustration of our spouses). We think they are dumb and generally don't do much to celebrate. 

Anywho -- my sister-in-laws wanted to do a surprise party for my Dad (Thanks so much for all your planning). It was no problem for us to adjust when we came up to Utah. I kept emailing my bro-in-law trying to harass him into sending my sister Becky so I could see her (I tried to tell him it was so she could surprise my dad but I really wanted to see her) but he said he had to work and there was no way to work it out. Much to my surprise, and everyone elses, she flew in Friday night with her darling baby Mason. Once she was there we all started worrying about my brother Steve and his wife Katie who live in Montana. We hadn't guilted them into coming down because we didn't think Beck would be their either. Sunday night they pulled in and surprised everyone. 

Monday night we went to an awesome dinner, just the adults, at The Mandarin (yummy Chinese restaurant there in Bnfl). My Dad didn't know everyone was coming to eat so I think (hope) he was surprised. Earlier that day Becky and I had gotten a kick out of one of my moms sayings. She was talking about the deer that love their garden and told us how my dad bought a 'flipper crotch' to get the deer with. We both bust out laughing and questioned what in the heck a flipper crotch is. Any ideas??? Its a sling-shot. I guess its a Shelley Idaho thing! After dinner, one of our long standing family tradition is whenever we read our fortune cookies we add 'in bed' at the end. This evening we had to add not only 'in bed' but flipper crotch. There were some hilarious combinations!
After dinner we went back up to my parents where the grandkids joined us and then the madness began. There are 17 grandkids in age from almost 16 down to Blake (8 months). Granted Beckys three oldest boys weren't there but it is still sheer and utter chaos when we get together. My sister-in-laws had planned a great little program where the kids sang a few songs, we presented my dad with a couple gifts then my brother Mike sang a one of a kind song written by him and his wife Julie. Those two are pretty dang creative. For each of our weddings they've 'graced' our wedding lunch/dinner with their singing. They are hilarious and custom to the couple. 

We then had cake and ice cream and received the biggest surprise of the night: Steve and Katie (from Montana) announced they were expecting. Yea! Its taken a while but we are so excited for them! It was fun getting to be with all my siblings for a couple days. We have a lot of fun and plenty of laughs when we all get together. Thanks for having a big birthday Dad so we could get together and celebrate! Thanks Tony for putting up with my family for that long too!
Top: Christian (26), Ponch (43), Mike (38), Steve (41). Bottom: Tami (31), Helen, Lyn and Becky (34).
In-laws too: Top: Christian (has been dating a girl Rachel for quite a while but is having 'commitment' issues), Rochelle & Ponch, Julie & Mike and Steve & Katie. Bottom: Tony & Tami, Helen & Lyn and Becky (her hubby Chris stayed in St. Louis with their older boys).
For the entire 6 days we were together Becky and I never got a picture of just the two of us. Here we are with our awesome Dad!



Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Inside my brain

I was reading my girlfriends blog, Brandy's, and in it she wrote a whole list of the way she thinks/feels. I love reading things about other people, especially when they write about what makes them tick. I am fine filling out those emails that ask about your likes/dislikes but once things start asking for feelings/wants/dreams etc, I back away. I guess I still have walls up that keep people from getting at the inner me. I also hate admitting my insecurities. I hate putting myself in a situation where I feel weak or exposed. I thought about her blog entry all day and realized I am stupid for not blogging it just to protect myself. Since my goal for this blog is to be a journal type thing I am going to suck it up and write about me. But now that I've done it, I want you guys all to do it too so I can get to know you better!

I am: happy with my life. I love my hubby and have 3 great kids. Of course there are things I'd like to change/make better but for the most part, I am happy! I am also a walking contradiction. There are many things that I am so easy going and chill about but there are some things that I am incredibly anal about.

I think: too much about things I can't prevent/change. I think too much while I am trying to go to sleep which leaves me thinking most of the night.

I know: my worth.  One of the best pieces of advice my dad gave me is 'never settle'. Somehow my parents were able to instill in me the belief that I never had to settle for anything:  friends, boyfriends, education etc. I knew what I deserved and wouldn't settle for someone treating me badly.

I want: to abolish whining.  I hate it. If I could completely eradicate it from my house I would. Unfortunately it is so finely ingrained in Aliya's whole body that I'll be hearing it from her for the next 15 years of her life. I also would love to get rid of fighting, tattling, bossing etc. The list goes on an on. I want to keep my car clean but with my kids that'll never happen. I want a new digital SLR camera.

I get: jealous when Tony goes out of town. Yeah I know he has to work while he is gone but I would give anything to sleep alone in  a big bed, not have to clean up after anyone, not have to cook etc. If I could I think I could hibernate and not talk to another human for at least a week. I also get jealous that Tony gets to drive alone to and from work. I would hate to do his job and I would hate not getting to be with my kids all day long but what I wouldn't give to get to drive alone for 30 minutes. I could listen to my music without yelling, fighting etc.

I have: many more places in this world I want to visit. I love traveling and since I've gotten married, a lot of that love has dimmed (mostly because Tony thinks its dumb). I've decided that if I want to go see all those places, I may have to do it alone but I am going. I love different cultures and want to expose my kids to all the diversity that is out there.  I have to sign up to take meals to people when the sign up sheet comes around in RS. I guess I think its because with little kids there isnt a whole lot of service I can give but I can cook.

I wish: I had a maid or someone to clean up after my kids. I hate having to put toys away when I know in an hour it'll be right back out! I wish I could predict the future. Life would be a lot easier to understand if I could prepare now. I wish we had a temple closer to us. I wish I had a magic ball to help us to know where we should go. I wish we could live closer to family yet not have to deal with all the drama that comes with living close to family.

I desire: to go back to school. Yep I have a Masters but I am not done. There really isnt anything I want to do with my degree but I feel like I am not done learning. I desire a home without fighting amongst the kids. I desire to get back in shape. I desire a pair of jeans that don't ride up my bum.

I hate: it when people assume things about me. Ask me and I will tell you honestly what I think, how I feel etc. I hate when I am pregnant and miserable. I hate not being in control of my life, my surroundings etc.  I hate mean girls. I think its hard enough just being a girl but when other girls are mean and katty, thats just not fair! I hate it when people get a divorce and say "I knew it'd never work out". Who would willingly go into a marriage knowing it'd end badly and bring kids in to the situation.

I can: move my eyes independent of each other. I can leave one eye looking at you and raise the other one to the ceiling. I can ride a unicycle (okay, I used to be able to ride a unicycle but I think I could do it again). I can still do the splits (right, left and middle). I can tell what kind of day we are going to have by the mood Aliya wakes up in.

I fear: screwing my kids up. It is such a huge task we are undertaking. There are so many people out there that are messed up and most of them blame their parents/upbringing. I fear not doing enough and I fear doing too much for them. I fear that they wont always love me. I fear my teeth falling out. I fear getting complacent in my marriage. 

I feel: lazy. Ever since I was put on bedrest with Blakers I have yet to get back to the gym. Yes I own a gym membership but I have yet to make that commitment to getting back in shape. I am perfectly content to sit on my lazy hiney and do nothing. This has got to change! 

I already: know I'm going to be a wrinkly, old lady. I already worry about Tony retiring and having to go on missions. I already have had a Pepsi. I already think about how my kids will be as teenagers.

I smell: nothing! I have yet to cook/clean so my house doesn't smell. Some days I love not having smells in my house but when I bake I am in heaven.

I crave: Lion house rolls, pecan pie, Pepsi, Barts cinnamon rolls, the beach, a massage, Tony's attention, etc. I crave sugar for breakfast. I am perfectly content to have cookies/pie/brownies and a Pepsi for breakfast. 

I search: for my talents. I know I have them somewhere, I am just trying to track them down. Along the same lines I search for creativity. I must have it I just haven't tapped into it yet.  I search for ways to keep my kids entertained during the summer.

I love: my family more than anything. I love it when I go to get Blake out of his crib and he gets a monster smile on his face once he sees me! I love it when I hear my girls playing nicely together. I love spending one on one time with each of my kiddos (and hubby too). I love going to my parents home. I love going on vacation and love coming home after a vacation. I love it when school is in session. I love finding a creative outlet when I swear I dont have any creativity. I love cell phones. I love watching my kids learn how to do new tasks.  I love hearing Blakes little voice utter "da da da da da". 

I wonder: what type of parent I'll be when my girls are in Jr High/High school. I wonder if I'll be as cool a parent as I imagine myself being. I wonder where we'll finally end up living. I wonder what I'll be when I grow up. I wonder how I am going to survive a three year old. I wonder how tall our kids will be.

I often: wonder how people financially survive in this world. It amazes me that no matter how much of an increase in money we get, our other financial obligations increase as well. I often crave naps but rarely give in.

I regret: putting a tack on a boys chair in 4th grade. I regret not going to 'beauty' school in high school. I try not to look back and have regrets. I guess I figure whats done is done and I cant change it, I can only change what I do now!

I care: about people more than I let on. Yes people know I fiercely protect those I love but I also care that way for others, especially underdogs. 

I don't understand: how people can do their hair everyday. I HATE doing my hair. It takes for ever to blow dry, then straighten. I cant comprehend doing that everyday. I have to force myself to do it once a week for church. I also don't understand where that thought process came from. Everyone else in this world does their hair everyday, why cant I (although to make myself feel better - my sister Becky tried to do my hair while we were in Utah and she agreed that my hair sucks. It takes forever to do and never gets straight). I don't think we'll ever move back to Utah - mostly by choice. 

I always: wish I was a better mom. There are moments where I feel like I am doing okay but a lot of the time I feel like I am failing. I don't know if it is because I know of their divinity or just that I don't want to mess it up but I know I can do better and get bugged when I don't. 

I believe: that Pepsi makes me feel better. I believe that a best friend is someone you can not talk to for years but once you are back together its as if things never changed. I believe in Tony and me. I believe that once a kid wakes up onery, the day is shot. I believe that there are times I swear I am losing my mind. 

I dance: with my girls when they sing "She had those apple bottom jeans, boots with the fur. The whole club was looking at her. She hit the floor, next thing you know shawty got low, low, low, low, low". Sad but yes, my girls do know all those words! I dance a fierce booty-shake dance. My kids get a kick out of it.

I sing: horribly! I rarely do it but when I do, watch out! I sing way too many Hannah Montana and High School Musical songs.

I yell: loudly at athletic events. Typically I am yelling at one person in particular who drives me crazy and keeps screwing up (when Tony played football I'd always scream at their QB, at Jazz games it was always at Ostertag -- that just proves how long we've been gone).

I like: it when Tony wakes me up in the morning by scratching my arms, back and legs. Yep, I feel like a cat but nothing feels better than to get your arms scratched in the morning. I like it when I can sit and type without distractions. I like getting to eat a meal when it is warm/hot. I like watching Blake splash in the bath. I like the fat thighs my babies have.

I don't always: tell Tony or my kids my honest feelings. If I am bugged and know I shouldn't be, I try to pretend like I am not because I know I shouldn't be (even though I still am). I guess I keep trying to do the whole "mind over matter" crap but I don't know how often I succeed. I don't always admit to myself the amount of sugar I eat. I eat way too much crap.

I get bugged: when people depend upon others for their happiness then blame their misery on others when their expectations are not met. I get bugged when I have to get out of the shower for a screaming kid. I get bugged when people dont drive well. 

I imagine: a world where I don't hear Mom every five minutes. It sounds like heaven but I know it'll happen sooner than I expect or want. I imagine getting to spend 24 hours all alone - not talking or seeing another person. Heaven! I imagine my girls in High School and I know I am in trouble. 

I fight: rarely!  I don't yell or scream but when I fight (Tony is the only one I fight with and it is rare) I either erect a huge wall of 'no one can hurt me, I'm tough' or I get my feelings hurt easily. When I get my feelings hurt I get into this 'whoa is me' funk and life becomes miserable but when I put up a wall, I become really cold. I'll just sit and glare at him while we are 'discussing' whatever it is. Luckily after all our years together Tony has figured out how to get me out of my moods and we can get resolved what we need to! 

I write: to do lists mentally all the time. If I am pretty stressed I will actual write down a hard copy. I wish I wrote my thoughts or feelings down but most of the time when I feel like writing they are negative feelings and I don't want them written permanently for my posterity! I write horribly. There are times when my handwriting is okay but too often I am in a hurry and just scribble whatever I am trying to write.

I lose: at most card games when I play with other people and could care less. Whenever we are with my parents we play cards and I enjoy playing them but rarely get fired up. Usually it is late at night and by the end, I would willingly lose just to be able to go to bed. I lose my temper too often. When I am trying really hard not to lose it, I start talking very quietly and slowly -- kind of like I am talking with a child. Sometimes that works to cool me down, sometimes not. 

I win: whenever I play Skip-Bo with Tony. Don't know why but I rock at that game (just when I play him though).

I never: want an animal. Sorry people but I don't like them. I have never had a pet and am allergic to most. I think they are gross, dirty and they STINK. I get the hee-bee-jee-bees when I go to someones home and find animal hair in their kitchens. Last night I dry heaved when we were watching "America's Funniest Home Video's" and a dog was licking all over a babies high chair! I think it is disgusting that dogs go out side to poop them come inside and sit on people's carpet with their dirty bums. Yuck! I've obviously obsessed about this too much but YUCK! (Those of you with animals - sorry! Your kids will grow up a lot better adjusted than me or my kids. Tony is fighting for a dog, we'll see who wins - him with his argument that pets help develop responsibility or me with the stinky butts on the carpet argument!)

I miss: all my friends that I leave whenever we move. I don't necessarily miss the places (although we do miss Boise) but I really miss the friendships we develop. I miss making as deep of friendships as when I was young. I miss being able to talk on the phone with a friend without repeated distractions. I miss being all alone with Tony. I miss my 6-pack. I miss it when my babies get too big to cuddle.

I listen: to high school girl music. Yep, I love top 40 stuff. Love rap, hip-hop, pop etc. I hope this will change soon because I don't like hearing my six and three year old sing "I kissed a girl and I liked it".  I listen to Tony's talk radio and get ticked off. I think Savage and Hannity are complete idiots and would love to kick them in the head.

I can usually be found: at home with at least one kid clamoring for my attention. Back in the day I was either at home or the gym. One of these days . . .

I am scared: of my kids growing up in this messed up world. I am scared people will try to hurt them. I am scared I wont be with my family forever. I am scared of being smothered by Tony in my sleep (for the longest time when we were first married he'd roll over right on top of me. I could always wiggle my way out but I fear one of these times I might not. How sad would that be?)

I need: to check my email and blog at least once daily (more likely three or four times). I think I might be OCD about it. I never have anything pressing or important but I just need to know what is happening.  I need to talk to at least one adult during the day. Don't care who it is just needs to be able to hold a semi-decent conversation. I need little Mommy breaks throughout the day - just a couple minutes when I dont have a kid fighting for my attention. I need frequent dates with Tony.

I dislike: competition between people. The whole keeping up with the Jones' drive me crazy! I dislike living in Arizona yet being as white as if I lived in Alaska. I dislike mornings. No, I hate mornings. I dislike breakfast foods (as I said earlier anything sweet and fattening I'll eat but not regular breakfast food). 

I prefer: myself blond but hate the upkeep so remain dark. I prefer Pepsi to Coke. I prefer dark to milk chocolate. I prefer books over movies.  I prefer the heat over the cold. Give me AZ any day. No more snow for this girl! I prefer little girl clothes over boy clothes. I prefer all day Kindergarten. I prefer computer to TV. I prefer sweats to jeans. I prefer pedicures over manicures. I prefer cruises over road trips. 

I won't eat/drink: margarine, diet sodas, brussel sprouts, sushi, alcohol, most fat-free snack foods, fat-free dairy as well, etc

I get anxious: when I am in closed spaces or cant breathe fresh air. I also get anxious when I think about dying young and Tony actually marrying the young hussy he keeps telling me he will (and for those of you who know some of Tony's dating habits know it just might happen)!

I am fascinated by: the way my kids think. I love watching them learn and love to see them try to figure things out. I am fascinated that Blake is only 8 months old yet has found his little tally wacker. Kid will be playing with that for the rest of his life.  I am fascinated that I still cannot make my moms lasagna, no matter how many times I've tried.

I am a little embarrassed to admit: I LOVE reality TV. Love it, love it, love it. I think its because it is so not my lifestyle but I am amazed at how messed up people are (my new favorite is 'I Love Money' on VH1 - biggest group of white trash people ever). I love 'So you think you can Dance", 'Project Runway', 'Real World/Road Rules Challenges', etc. 

I am happy about: where I am in my life. Its not always perfect - bumps pop up here and there - but for the most part, my life is awesome and I am grateful for my blessings. 


Monday, August 4, 2008

Question

I started our blog intending it to be my journal/scrapbook/family history (since I do none of the above). I remember someone telling me about a site that will turn your blog posts into a book. Do any of you brilliant women know where I can get this done? Tony keeps reminding me that I am doing all this 'hard work' on our blog but I don't know how to make it into a hard copy! Any advice or direction would be greatly appreciated!

Sunday, August 3, 2008

I love to see the Temple . . .

I always love taking the girls to the Salt Lake Temple whenever we go home. I think the flowers are gorgeous, the buildings are beautiful and the feelings there are overwhelming. It is always a good opportunity to talk with the girls about the temple and why it is so important to us. Being there as a family helps reinforce my desire to be together forever. The girls like to talk about where they want to get married and which temple they think is the prettiest. One of their favorite things to do is to see the big statue of Christ. I love seeing how reverent they become once we are near the statue. The other thing I love is no matter how awful of a photographer I am, I always get killer pictures.
Not the best family picture but we have so few of the five of us together that whenever we get one, I post it. I just love the view from the Joseph Smith Memorial Bldg. When we lived in Utah each year during the Christmas Season we'd go eat at the Roof with Tony's Dad and brothers. Not only did I LOVE the food but I loved getting to look over Temple Square as it was illuminated by the hundreds of thousand Christmas lights put up. It was such a fun tradition and we miss not getting to go.

Saturday, August 2, 2008

Luau

Before we left for Utah Tony and I made a list of the things we wanted to do while we were there. We only came up with a couple things we absolutely HAD to do and one of those things was a Luau at Aunt Shelly and Uncle Felisi's house. We love their luau's and always have so much fun! It is a great opportunity to get together with the Dickamore side and eat some awesome food. We were so excited for all the yummy food. I think Tony ate enough Chop Suey to satisfy him for another year! Thanks so much Aunt Shelly and Uncle Felisi for the terrific party! We had a blast and always feel 100% welcome in your home!

















I was excited to get a four generation picture with Tony's Grandpa Dickamore, Bruce, Tony and little Blakers.  We got a four generation picture with Grandma Close when she came in March so it was fun to get one with Grandpa too. 
 
















I was also excited to get a picture of the 4 Great Grandbabies born this last year: Jayden - 1 (with his Dad Curtis), Huttson - 3 months (with his Dad Shane), Blake - 8 months (with Tony) and Nevi - 4 months (with her Dad Dan). How stinkin cute are they! 
















Finally we got a picture with all the Dickamore Great Grandkids (there were 2 families missing). What a fun picture for my girls to see all their second cousins! 

On a cute side note: the parents were arranging their kids so the older kids would hold the babies. Aliya watched all of this, focused in on Nevi and said "I want her". I think if we could have taken her home Aliya would have loved it! Thanks Marky for being such a good sport and letting my daughter love all over your baby! Also, look at Blakes expression. Poor Arizona kid doesnt know what grass is! He wasnt too thrilled to be sitting on this scratchy, pokey stuff!