mark.andrae.miles.vivian

pink and red

2012-01-30T07:00:00.000-07:00

i love this girl!

i love her red hair

i love those big blue eyes

i love her kissable cheeks

she..she loves her sippy cup!

under is much more fun

2012-01-25T07:00:00.001-07:00

apparently crawling under the exer-saucer is much more fun than actually being in it

she doesn't really like to be in it too much any more but she sure loved crawling through it

this girl cracks me up

she sure does have me running already

i may be in a little trouble with this red head

tandem train

2012-01-23T07:00:00.000-07:00

the other day we went on a train ride

I'm happy to report that

all passengers arrived to their destination safely

Miles was obviously busy working on the ride while Vivi enjoyed the snacks provided.

dad

2012-01-18T07:00:00.002-07:00

Mark is such a great dad!

we couldn't ask for a better dad for us!

Vivi adores Mark!

when he comes home her arms are waving with excitement

and she immediately goes in for a head bonk

these two are the best of friends

they play so well together

Miles looks up to Mark so much!

thanks for being such a great dad Mark!

We love you so much!

2 loves

2012-01-16T19:34:00.000-07:00

we have a couple constant loves here at our house right now

(besides the children featured here obviously)

1. popcorn...yes Viv has fallen in love with popcorn just like her father and brother

maybe it's a Kelly thing that I just don't understand

(she loved that I just surrendered the bowl to her)

2. making forts, tents, swimming pools, trains and more with the sofa cushions

everyday of my life I find myself picking up these cushions at least 10 times a day...minimum

Miles' imagination with these cushions is endless,

and they provide him with hours of fun

I really don't mind, in fact I like that he has such an imagination

(Note to self- if you don't want to pick these up the rest of your life

go for a sofa with less cushions next time!)

still here

2011-11-01T20:14:00.001-06:00

Yes, we are alive. Just very busy. Here is a quick update...

Vivi does this funny thing with her tongue where she sucks it in and clicks it.

It's really funny.

Except for when I'm trying to nurse her.

Miles still adores Vivi.
Yes she still has red hair.
See the proof?
I love it!

Miles is getting so big so fast.

I keep telling him that I'm going to put a brick on his head to keep him small.

He thinks that's pretty funny.

But I just might have to do it.

I just love this photo of her.

She is such a happy girl.

What did we ever do with out her around?

Miles liked Halloween.

He didn't really care for the candy though.

After about 4 pieces he told me "Mom, I think I have enough of those already."

He liked running around with friends more than the candy aspect.

That's right Miles, remember that one for the future!

Red

2011-07-29T07:00:00.003-06:00

Did I ever tell you that Vivian has red hair?

That's right folks, red hair.

I have no idea where it comes from, but I love it!

I hope it stays red too.
Red hair and gorgeous blue eyes, sounds good to me.

Plus two of the cutest girls I know have red hair (Morton girls)!

I'll take a better picture for evidence later.

Just thought I would let you know.

After Dinner

2011-07-26T12:28:00.000-06:00

What do you do after a perfect summer picnic?

Mug on these two of course.

Miles mugs this girl all day long..

He loves her...and I'm sure she loves him too.

We love these two!

But we can't leave the park without feeding the ducks and throwing sticks in the pond.

Summer picnics...they are the best!

Bike Parade

2011-07-22T07:00:00.000-06:00

We loaded up the silver bullet.

Added some streamers, balloons, and a helmet for safety.

Then Miles showed off his stuff in the ward bike parade.

He was the most dapper rider there!

Swimming Suits

2011-07-21T07:00:00.002-06:00

With the heat this summer we have hit the water park a bunch.

Aren't these two so cute?!

Exhausted

2011-07-20T07:00:00.003-06:00

This is what happens when you spend 2 full days running around naked, swimming in a crab pool.

Just too tired to eat!

And who doesn't love this face?

Make Shift Swim Pool

2011-07-19T07:00:00.000-06:00

What do you do when you have a crab sand box, no sand, and 2 fun cousins?

Fill it full of water and make a swim pool of course!

Miles spent 2 full days playing in this crab pool, and running around in his underwear.

Oh the life of a little kid.

There are days I wish I could go back again....but bring Miles and Vivian with me.

I'm sure we would be best friends!

Lazy Summer Days

2011-07-17T07:00:00.003-06:00

Who doesn't love sleeping in the hammock on a hot summer day?

Or just sleeping in your mother's arms?

Witches Brew

2011-07-16T07:00:00.000-06:00

My dad taught Miles that homemade root beer is really witches brew.
He even taught him to heckle while making it.
Miles loves making this with my dad.
He thinks he's a professional now that he's done it twice.

But the kid honestly loves it!
He can't stop drinking it when he makes it.
Thanks for the fun dad!

The Greats

2011-07-15T07:00:00.003-06:00

Vivian caught up on some sleep with Grandma Great and Papa Great.

I don't know who enjoyed it more. (sorry unable to rotate picture, so rotate head instead)

BYU

2011-07-14T17:29:00.004-06:00

Miles is obsessed with BYU.
It's all due to Jimmer and the playoffs.
Seriously, we have had no influence on this obsession at all.
That's why it's so odd.
Miles now tells me a minimum of 10 times a day that he is going to go to BYU.
So we thought we would take him to the big 'Y' and hike it.

He loved it! Miles is a great hiker.
He passed tons of people on the trail.

We all had a great time and treated ourselves to ice cream at the famous creamery afterwards.

It was a 'Y' night for sure.
I don't know if Miles will really go to BYU, but I wouldn't mind!
Jimmer may have done more good for our son than he will ever know.

big brother

2011-05-26T16:57:00.001-06:00

Miles is super sweet to Vivian.

He loves to hold her, kiss her, and give her hugs.

He is always saying that they are "Best Friends."

(thank you toy story for that line)

Vivian is still sweet as ever.

She is growing rapildy, gaining a pound a week.

Is this even really possible?

My doctor says it is, so I'm not worrying.

In fact I'm looking forward to chub rolls.

As for this little man, when did he become a little boy?

What have you done with my little Miles?

Regardless, I love you so much, just the way you are....

because we too are "Best Friends."

Vivian Ann Kelly

2011-05-16T08:27:00.001-06:00

On May 11, 2011 we welcomed our little girl Vivian Ann Kelly to the world.

She weighed 6 pounds 5 ounces and measured 20 inches long.

We are excited to have her here and are enjoying another addition to the family.

Vivian arrives.

Miles meeting Vivian for the first time.

He loves her already and is so sweet to her.

Our family of four.

Our sweet Vivian Ann.

We love you.

rocker

2011-05-06T08:23:00.001-06:00

he may have a future in it

colored eggs

2011-05-03T12:39:00.000-06:00

I know it's late

but better late than never

Miles LOVED coloring eggs this year

checking on the coloring process

cracking up at the stickers on the eggs

showing off his egg to dad

here he is hugging his egg

or hiding it from dad

probably both

good looking eggs boys

easter ducks

2011-04-25T07:00:00.020-06:00

my Uncle Craig and Aunt Mauna were gracious to host a family Easter dinner

with an egg hunt following for all the boys

equipped with none other than these duck hats

the boys loved them!

they went around quacking all day

here's the gang with all their finds

Miles really loves this duck hat

so much that any other egg hunts we went to he had to take the hat

Miles would not get any eggs out of the bushes

he was scared of the bushes for some weird reason

after a lot of coaxing, he finally grabbed one from out of the bush

Thanks Craig and Mauna for the delicious dinner and fun evening!

cruising with uncle mike

2011-04-23T07:00:00.001-06:00

Miles had a blast in Idaho

He loved Mike's little 50

I love Mike's face in this, it's classic

wheelies

jumping the dirt pile out front

Miles loved it all

a hard day of riding

it's exhausting

what's happening

2011-04-21T19:19:00.000-06:00

it's been awhile since I have posted last

I could tell you how busy and stressed out I have been

I could also go on about how when I have a spare second it's spent with who else

but my handsome husband and adorable 2 1/2 year old

(or trying to rest from the long days.... boy have I been tired this pregnancy)

but instead I will just show you some of things we have been up to over the past while....

flying a "Buzz" spaceship

enjoying some chocolate milk and mom time

sneaking a quick nap

getting ready for summer bike riding

checking out the local dinosaur museum

Don't worry there is more,

but you will just have to wait.

have you ever....

2011-02-14T15:34:00.001-07:00

had a 2 year old tell you that something was
“mmm…deewicious”
(aka: delicious)

Miles has started telling me every time he eats something
“Mom….mmm…deewicious”
I love it!
where does he come up with these things?

UPDATE:
it has now evolved into "nummy...deewicious"

movie nights = popcorn

2011-02-09T07:00:00.007-07:00

with the cold spell that rolled in

friday nights have become movie night at our house

the boys love it because it means homemade popcorn

oh how they love their popcorn!

Miles can almost put Mark to shame in the most amount consumed

amazing..... I know.

ice cream please

2011-02-02T07:00:00.004-07:00

Miles had his first ice cream cone last week

oh boy, it was love

he made a mess

I took a picture

dear Ralphy

2011-01-28T07:00:00.005-07:00

we miss you

Miles especially
(he calls you Ralssie)

he wants to run after you

hug you

play toys with you

and get licked all over from you

please come visit us…soon!

Note: Ralphy is Mike & Mariko's dog

2011-01-26T16:14:00.001-07:00

Miles is officially “potty trained”

he has been for months

but I am emphasis the word "trained"

he wears big boy underwear

he knows when and how to go potty

he’s really pretty good at it

yet we still have accidents

some days none

other days too many

it's those days that I question if diapers would be better

but he will have nothing to do with them

so is he "potty trained"?

I’m hung up on the word “trained”

"trained" yes

potty perfected ...depends on the day.

regardless he is proud of his underwear

look out Abercrombie & Fitch

flowers, bows, ribbons, tights and more

2010-12-28T10:24:00.000-07:00

as of May 14th we are going to be in need of these adorable booties....

that's right folks

we just found out today that we are expecting a girl

we couldn't be more excited!!

jolly old st. nick

2010-12-07T08:39:00.004-07:00

for about a week Miles kept saying Satan.
"Satan, Satan, Satan" daily.

we had no idea why.

did he learn about Satan in nursery?

is there a new kid at school that he just can’t annunciate the child’s name properly?

we were baffled.

then one day a Christmas ad came in the mail.

Mark and Miles began looking through the ad.

there he was.

“Satan, Satan” Miles keep saying.

when we looked to see who he was talking about, it clicked.

Miles' Satan is who most people refer to as Santa.

now it cracks us up every time Miles refers to him this way.
there is no correcting him.
i have tried some.
but not too hard.
i find it too amusing to correct the innocent boy.

so who is coming to visit you this holiday?

I suppose it depends on who you ask.

I hope it's Santa!

say cheese

2010-11-30T11:33:00.001-07:00

in the late fall we took a trip to the temple grounds to see all the fall colors.

Miles had a blast walking along the reflecting pond.

then Miles wanted me to take his picture as he said the classic “cheese”.

here’s how it went.

who invented saying cheese anyway?

it’s such a random thing to say.

and it really doesn’t guarantee a good picture.

in fact it may do the opposite.

nonetheless we had a great time walking around Temple Square.

next up the lights at Temple Square; bundled up of course.

oh how the weather has changed.

christmas wish list

2010-11-16T07:00:00.011-07:00

the toy catalogs are rolling in

we couldn’t be more excited at our house

Miles is particularly found of the Land of Nod catalog

(I know I raise my son with great taste)

these catalogs are the best distraction for cooking dinner

we don’t even dream of throwing them away

not even after the holidays

how could you with this sort of excitement?

fall colors

2010-11-12T07:00:00.009-07:00

I love the fall

I love the colors

I love the smell

I love the crisp air

I love the way it makes me feel inside

Most of all I love enjoying it with my family

fix-it-man

2010-11-10T07:00:00.001-07:00

my dad was recently in town and helped Mark do some repairs on our car

Miles brought his 4-wheeler along for the ride

with the boys busy with fun tools

Miles wanted to get in on the action

my dad was so sweet and put his 4-wheeler up on the jack

Miles went straight to work repairing his 4-wheeler

couldn't you just eat this boy alive?

i love this picture!

milk boys

2010-11-08T12:52:00.002-07:00

remember this post?

while dunking cookies will always be a favorite

this is now a new found love

rich, creamy chocolate milk

my boys love it

and i forgot how much i do too

a day dream and a wish

2010-10-06T11:16:00.000-06:00

I was just thinking....

I wish I was little again so people could fly me high in the air as we walked down the sidewalk.

And dream of riding these adorable little ponies in my backyard.

Or anywhere really.

Doesn't that sound nice?

who said

2010-10-02T07:00:00.001-06:00

he didn’t ride in on a white horse?

swing, swing, swing

2010-09-30T07:00:00.003-06:00

We love to swing the summer days away!

Hook & Ladder

2010-09-28T16:45:00.001-06:00

The other night our friends invited us to their family restaurant here in town,

Hook & Ladder Co Fire Station #13.

It’s this small little burger joint where everyone knows everyone.

The best part is the whole place is all about fire trucks, fire fighting, or anything related to that matter.

After dinner we had the best treat.

We got to ride on one of the fire trucks.

Here are some highlights.

Who wouldn’t love their own personal ride on an old, pristine, and cute as a button fire truck?

We felt like we were in our own personal parade; celebrating the cool summer night.

We had a blast!

Thanks Harden's for a great night out!

the big T.W.O.

2010-09-16T11:26:00.000-06:00

Dear Miles,
Two really? Where did the time go? Is time always going to go this fast? At this rate you are going to be in school, driving, dating, serving a mission and getting married before I know it.

Please stop growing.
Please.

I’m not ready for you to like other girls besides me. So just stop growing now. At least for a little bit and then I will let you grow again later. Maybe we could just have little growing breaks, and let’s take them often!

You have brought so much joy and love into my life. I laugh more, snuggle more and I certainly kiss tons more! I feel like I am experiencing life again through you and I love it. Thank you for coming into my life and making it more magical. I can never repay you for everything you have done and will do for me.

I love you so much!
Love,
Mom

chalk and concrete

2010-09-06T07:00:00.018-06:00

what are sidewalks leading to children's homes without a little art work?

we are constantly drawing on our concrete canvas outside our doorstep.

i love coming home and seeing all the scribbles leading me to the front door.

it feels like a child's love is greeting you and luring you right into the house.

a letter to Audrey

2010-09-03T07:00:00.002-06:00

Dear Audrey,
i walked outside my door one day
i looked over and saw this lovely surprise

a beautiful orange blossom
thanks so much for the starts!

clipper cut

2010-09-01T07:00:00.000-06:00

one day i had a great idea
instead of cutting Miles hair with scissors
why not buy the longest clipper attachment possible
then i was guaranteed the same length everywhere
(although I do have to say I can give a pretty good and even hair cut because of my mom)

so one night i broke out the red stool and the clippers
i showed them to Miles and asked if he wanted to cut his hair
"Yesss"

Okay hop on up for a ride you will never forget buddy.

up he went on that red stool
curiosity and excitement beaming from his blue eyes

then, buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz......

how cute is the lip biting?
he really did do a great job
funny thing is, about three weeks later when i was cutting Mark's hair
he asked to have his hair cut again
so i obliged

cookie monsters

2010-08-30T07:00:00.024-06:00

have I ever told you how much my boys love

dipping their chocolate chip cookies in milk?

(or "mark" as Miles calls it)

sometimes it's an after church ritual

to dunk those chocolaty treats into

rich whole milk

Miles is gracious to always share with us

now it's come to the point that when he eats a chocolate chip cookie

he always asks for "mark" aka: milk

(maybe that's one way to win him over Grandma D....just a thought)

I love this picture of Mark beaming in his white Sunday shirt

collar partly up

he is so handsome!

homemade goodness

2010-08-27T13:05:00.002-06:00

Recently we drove to Wyoming

we went to Grandma's house (well Grandpa's too, but he wasn't home)

and she taught me how to make this

delicious

homemade

fresh ground

healthy

wheat bread.

I'm converted.

from now on, no more store bought, sugar loaded bread

just the good stuff for us please

thanks a bunch Audrey!

best summer buy

2010-08-09T16:53:00.002-06:00

Have you ever bought something that was so amazing you would even call it the "best buy of the year"?

well we did and it's time to share it.

meet the iBert.

(drum roll please)

This thing is AWESOME!

I love it.

Mark loves it.

Miles can't get enough of it.

we have to bribe him to get out of it.

even after a couples hours in it.

I love that I can see Miles,

point out things that we are passing,

and most of all kiss him on the top of his head

and tell him how much I love him.

this thing is for sure a head turner.

you should see the looks we get.
it's almost like being a celebrity, or at least I imagine that's what it's like.

ask my mom, she was amazed at all the looks too.

I highly recommend the iBert for anyone with a child under 32 pounds!

it's worth every penny!

plus if you are lucky like us you can come across a great used one.

farmers market

2010-08-04T07:00:00.002-06:00

i love salt lake city's farmers market

we try and go every Saturday if possible

fresh veggies and fruits

arts and crafts of all kinds

i found this lovely and had to have it

it looks great in our house

i think my aunt Luanne needs this one

just because

(if you know her I'm sure you are nodding right now)

a few men i love

2010-08-02T07:00:00.000-06:00

obviously dad is up there

and how could you not love grandpa?

this is a given

but i have a major crush on this one

camping in july

2010-07-30T07:00:00.002-06:00

we went camping for a family reunion this July

it was our first time camping with Miles

we were having so much fun we forgot to take pictures

Buzz and Woody came

we don't go ANYWHERE without Buzz and Woody

not even camping

so I guess it was really Miles, Buzz and Woody's first time camping

Miles loved camping

he loved the tent

and he loved the crackers

but most of all he loved running up and down this little hill

it was hours of fun

i need one of these at my house!

sleepless nights

2010-07-29T08:55:00.000-06:00

I cannot sleep anymore
it’s been going on for weeks now
my brain has anxiety and will not shut off
my body wants sleep but my brain will not allow it

I woke up my sick Mark at 11PM
I was folding laundry in the dark hallway
I felt bad
I did not think I was being loud

finally I crawl into bed
my eyes are burning
it’s 11:30PM

my head hits the pillow
then my brain starts spinning with thoughts

I look up and it’s 12:00AM
I cannot sleep
so I watch Mark sleep

after a few minutes mark opens his eyes and asks

“what are you doing?”

“watching you sleep.

I did not know you were awake”

“I have not been able to go back to sleep since you woke me up”

“sorry”

I feel really bad
so I try even harder to sleep

we toss and turn for another half hour
Mark announces he is going down to the sofa

now I’m alone in bed
and I still cannot sleep
I hear Miles in the other room

I go in
pick him up
put him in bed with me

watch him sleep
snuggle with him
finally I catch 2 hours of sleep

smelling the roses

2010-07-27T07:00:00.011-06:00

Miles loves being outdoors

he is my helper in the flower beds as you know

Miles loves to smell the flowers

but the best part is the face he pulls when smelling the flowers

front view, classic

note this face is accompanied with a very funny sniffing sound

are you chuckling yet?

then he loves to run around the neighbors tree

what is it about that tree I wonder?

hawaii highlights

2010-07-24T23:25:00.002-06:00

I know I haven't posted anything in awhile.

So here is Hawaii....

(warning long post)

first airplane ride....

Miles was great!

we love Grandpa

hiking....no we didn't see any wild pigs

"telephone pole" hike with Grandma Kelly

doesn't she look like a professional guide?

Miles loved hiking

swap meet treasures (Kayne style)

these two loved going for walks in their strollers....daily

what?

these two became such good friends...

we love Emma

large machines + endless sand at the beach = a boy's dream

exploring the North Shore

Shimazu shave ice....yummmm!

I know they are huge huh.

One is a small the other a large.

Miles shared in the love of shave ice

Miles loved the huge fish

both my boys loving the beach

and more beach....

beach everyday for the Kelly's please

have you ever seen a black swan?

well I know where you can find a few

lizard hunting at Grandpa's

a daily thing for Miles and Emma

aren't they cute?

eating at the local market

our favorite thing about Hawaii...

Grandpa

ready for the flight home

but too tired to stay up

big personality

2010-05-15T07:00:00.003-06:00

little body

he really cracks us up

little helper

2010-05-13T08:24:00.000-06:00

the other day I was doing a little bit of gardening around the house.

Miles was eating his snack,

soaking up the sun,

telling me story after story.

suddenly I realized the stories had stopped.

trouble.

I looked behind me to find this.

then I investigated further and found this.

my very own little helper.

handsome one I might add.

I love having a little helper.

it makes everything so much better.

Miles also had his helper in the other hand the entire time.

thanks G-Man (aka: giraffe).

Miles love you too.

catch me if you can

2010-05-05T11:36:00.001-06:00

ready

here it comes

(i love this stance)

nice catch

lovely spring evening

2010-04-28T12:42:00.001-06:00

the other night we meet up with some good friends at the

Red Butte Gardens.

it was our first time at the gardens.

we will be back for sure!

Miles loved all the flowers in bloom.

running up and down the paths.

and most of all the ducks.

so much in fact he thought about dive into the pond with them.

let me just recommend to Red Butte a rail around this dock for all the mothers sanity!

oh and the little girl that did try to swim with the ducks.

I bet she would have appreciated a rail.

it was a lovely spring evening.

I love spring.

I love the flowers.

the smell in the air.

all the sunshine.

and spending evenings outside with my two favorite people.

how to catch a bubble, by Miles

2010-04-16T07:00:00.004-06:00

tilt head

open mouth

stick out tongue

wipe face of bubble residue

and that's how it's done folks

clean teeth

2010-04-14T07:00:00.016-06:00

Miles loves to brush his teeth

he brushes a couple times a day

hopefully he will have good teeth

and minimal dentist visits

here's hoping

(Note: he didn't want to put the toothbrush away,
thus the scowl face above)

peace mom

2010-04-12T15:13:00.000-06:00

I'm out.

easter highlights

2010-04-07T08:28:00.003-06:00

Easter was a bit of an adventure for us.

Saturday we headed out to visit Great Grandparents

and see new baby lambs being born.

Cute huh.

Mark and Miles had never seen such a site.

It was awesome!

We were even able to hold a couple lambs less than a week old.

Miles kept giving the lambs kisses and

shushing everyone because the babies were sleeping.

It was too cute.

We were also able to see 2- day old colts.

1 calf, and 3 brand new baby kittens.

All in one day.

Jackpot.

My mom had an Easter egg hunt for us on Easter morning.

Miles liked gathering the eggs.

However, the cats and dogs were very distracting to the hunt.

All in all it was a great Easter!

exhausted

2010-03-31T12:04:00.002-06:00

two weeks of sickness

running on no sleep

makes for 3 exhausted Kelly's

cheez-it

2010-03-29T10:53:00.006-06:00

Oh how we love our Aunt May-me (Amy).

She is always so gracious to introduce Miles to new and exciting flavors that his parents deprive him of.

On Sunday we headed over to take May-me a family favorite Sunday treat. But being the awesome aunt that she is, she made sure that we left her house with something new and exciting…. Cheez-it crackers.

Oh how my boy’s eyes were filled with excitement. Miles had no idea what he was in store for.

Mark was fully aware of the greatness these little cheese covered squares hold as I never buy them, I hate fake cheese flavoring.

Needless to say the car ride home was quiet,
which is rare and unusual.

As Mark and I looked back, this is what we found.

With the cutest little voice saying “mooooore.”

Miles went straight for the tub.

Mark licked up all the “good crumbs.”

I grabbed the handi-vac and went to work.

Thanks Amy, looks like we will be gong to the store for “mooore.”

all geared up

2010-03-23T08:25:00.003-06:00

and ready for some summer fun.

we can't wait!

Who am I?

2010-03-05T07:00:00.002-07:00

I cannot figure out who this boy looks like.

I see more of his father but some say they see his mother.

(Except for the whole dirty blond hair and blue eyes.)

So what’s your opinion?

Mother or Father?

Rocking horse-vintage style

2010-03-04T07:00:00.002-07:00

This rocking horse is truly vintage, and couldn’t be cooler. It came from Ester Taylor's (for all those of you who know who this is). It was easily manufactured in the 50's. It’s had loads of little ones eat snacks from its small tray and really stretch those springs to new lengths. My mom was so lucky to scoop this up and give it life again for her grandchildren to rock out on. Miles fell in love with it the last time we journeyed to Grandmother's House. Thanks for thinking ahead mom.

Too cool for school

2010-03-02T20:22:00.000-07:00

This boy cracks me up!

Aunt LuAnn's Sugar Cookies- Best Ever!

2010-02-18T19:46:00.001-07:00

So I had messages and phone calls asking for the recipe for Aunt LuAnn's delicious sugar cookies. Here you go....enjoy!

Sugar Cookies
2 cubes butter
2 cups sugar
6 eggs (this is why they are so fluffy)
5 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
¾ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
Mix all ingredients together, roll out, cut and bake 350 degrees for 8-9 minutes on greased pan. Note: you don’t have to refrigerate the dough, that’s another reason this recipe is so good!

Cream Cheese Frosting (I double or 1 ½ this because I hate skimpy frosting)
1/3 cup melted butter
3 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons milk
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla
¼ bar of cream cheese

Let me know how you like the cookies.

Day of Love Traditions

2010-02-16T08:10:00.003-07:00

This year we made my Aunt LuAnne’s delicious sugar cookies. Seriously this is the best recipe EVER! (If you want it let me know.)

Miles was super excited.

He is really great at helping me lick the beaters clean.

Miles was determined to lick everything clean for me. He’s very helpful like that.

Is it just me, or do you get completely covered in flour and dough when making sugar cookies?

Last but not least we always make homemade Valentines cards. This is probably our favorite tradition for Valentine's Day holiday. Aren't Mark's owls so cute? I'm in love with them!

These two cuties now have the same tradition. Love the cards guys. Oh how I wish I had just an ounce of that man’s creativity!

winter fun

2010-01-27T07:45:00.000-07:00

Miles loves this sled. He even has us pull him around in the house when the winter snow has left.

Caption Friday

2010-01-15T07:00:00.000-07:00

Music Man

2010-01-14T07:00:00.001-07:00

Oh boy do we love music in our house. We love to dance to music, jump around to music, run to music, and of course sing to music. But most of all we love to make music.

We’re not trained in any way, but we still enjoy this activity.

With enough children, maybe one day we will have an entire band to ourselves. Wouldn’t that be great!

Exploring Cattlemen

2010-01-11T07:00:00.005-07:00

My dad is so great with Miles. He always takes him around to go exploring, showing him everything and explaining what it is and how it works. It's so sweet. Miles loves it. When visiting my Grandparents during the holidays, my dad took Miles to see the cows. They both bundled up and headed out to explore.

Thanks dad for showing Miles around. He loves exploring with you!

Caption Friday

2010-01-08T07:00:00.001-07:00

Santa Came

2010-01-06T14:18:00.006-07:00

I know this is late, but better late than never right.Santa found us in the cold of Idaho.

He brought many of our favorite things. Specifically things that go VROOM, our favorite.

Family favorite knit footwear. We ALL have them thanks to Mike and Mariko, and now Grandma.

Thanks Santa, Grandmas and Grandpa's and of course DaNeil and Kurtis!

Caption Friday

2009-12-25T07:00:00.004-07:00

Post for Macy M.

2009-12-21T11:48:00.000-07:00

Macy, I loved seeing you, Polly and your mom last Friday. Oh how I wish we could have spent more time together! (Let’s do it again sometime soon.)

But how in the world did I get away with out discussing this:

Do you think it is what I am thinking it is? Do I even have to say the word? I know your love for Unicorns, and I was in love with them as a child too. Unfortunately I didn’t get to see this in person, as Mark is the one who saw this and captured a picture for both you and me. Hope you enjoy this as much as I think you will!!

Caption Friday

2009-12-18T07:00:00.002-07:00

Oh those eyes

2009-12-16T16:45:00.003-07:00

What did we ever do before him? I love they way he looks deep into my soul and makes me feel all warm inside.

I also love hours of simple entertainment he provides for Mark and I. We love you Miles!

Caption Friday

2009-12-11T07:00:00.002-07:00

Cooking with Mom

2009-12-10T08:25:00.002-07:00

Miles loves to watch me cook, and he especially loves to help me cook when the opportunity presents itself. I usually let him hand me the eggs each morning. It's his new job if you will. He really is good about it; he's very careful and soft. However, I am fully aware that one day one of those eggs may be thrown my way as he thinks they are balls that we just happen to keep in the fridge. Living in the danger zone I suppose, it's exciting.

Caption Friday

2009-12-04T07:00:00.002-07:00

Caption Friday

2009-11-27T07:00:00.002-07:00

Goodbye Autumn, Welcome Winter

2009-11-23T08:39:00.000-07:00

Oh autumn how we loved playing in your colorful splendor. We will greatly miss you!

Are you sure you can’t stay just a little longer?

Although I have to say that I did really enjoy bonding with winter this morning as I ran on your freshly fallen snow, with icy white branches bowing to the ground all around. As the world was still asleep, it was just you and I with your quiet still spirit all to myself. Thank you, I needed that!! I’ll see you again tomorrow morning, unless autumn wants to come back for a small farewell. That would be fine too.

Note: When it snows Miles thinks it’s bubbles.

If you don’t like winter, that will change your outlook for sure!

Caption Friday- Post Edit

2009-11-20T07:00:00.002-07:00

Post Edit: Since it is the season on giving, and the fact the both the comments were too good, everyone is a winner! Jordan and Ashley (because Jordan played a part in the clever diaper comment) and Becky will all be receiving something homemade from the Kelly family.

Bumbo and Books

2009-11-17T11:42:00.001-07:00

The other day Mark and I were in the kitchen preparing dinner.

When we noticed Miles being really quiet,

so we peeked into the living room and this is what we found….

how cute is that?

Miles has found a new infatuation with his Bumbo,

and he is forever in love with books.

Caption Friday

2009-11-13T07:00:00.001-07:00

Caption Friday

2009-11-06T07:00:00.000-07:00

Caption Friday

2009-10-30T07:00:00.002-06:00

Woodn't you know

2009-10-26T12:16:00.001-06:00

We WON BEST OF SHOW! The top award.

The fashion show took place Thursday night and it was a blast! The show was sold out over 800 seats. I spent the day in hair and make-up from 11AM till 5 PM and then I was in the dress for another 5 hours straight. It was a long day, but it was fabulous! Really when else do I get to be pampered, dolled up and cheered on by 800+ people?

Thank you everyone who came to support me, it really meant a lot to me.

I can't wait to see who we get paired up with next year!

Here are some links to more pictures from the show.

Click here and here.

Caption Friday

2009-10-23T08:00:00.002-06:00

Caption Friday- Post Edit

2009-10-16T08:00:00.018-06:00

POST EDIT: Okay all the comments were awesome this week! Declaring a winner is so difficult but it seems a must for this week. And the winner is..... Miss Amanda Morton. Keep checking your mailbox over the next week (or two) for a lovely handmade, re-used/re-thought/re-cylced gift with me. Hope you like it as much as I do. Now which one to make..... so many ideas.

Exploring in the Fall

2009-10-14T14:22:00.001-06:00

Oh how we love to explore. So many things to see, feel and touch. To think and act like a child again.

I think I'll try to see the world with new eyes as a child. That's my new goal starting right now.

Caption Friday

2009-10-09T08:00:00.004-06:00

We looked out the window and what did we see?

2009-10-07T15:27:00.001-06:00

A new neighbor making quite the ruckus.

Isn’t he pretty? We call him “Woody.”

Sweaters and family

2009-10-05T11:58:00.000-06:00

I love my boys.

I love wrapping up in warm sweaters...and layering. It's so cozy.

I love the colors of fall.

I love my family, even if we are small for now.

I love shoes, and colorful ones at that!

Caption Friday

2009-10-02T08:00:00.004-06:00

day dreaming

2009-10-01T11:07:00.001-06:00

Not yet my son.....

but for now you can dream of days to come.

Caption Friday

2009-09-25T08:00:00.002-06:00

my big little boy

2009-09-22T16:35:00.000-06:00

It was at this moment that I looked at Miles and realized that he is no longer a baby; he is a little boy with a personality exploding before my eyes. Where has my baby gone? Even though I miss my baby, I love watching my little boy learn and grow. As small as he may be he has made one of the biggest impacts in my life, and I thank my Father in Heaven daily for this amazing opportunity called Motherhood.

Caption Friday- Post Edit

2009-09-18T08:00:00.002-06:00

You know the drill. Oh and the contest goes all through the weekend.
Post Edit: And the winner of this week....... Amy. You will be graced with something homemade when you return.