Camping, FINALLY!!

We went camping this last weekend with our buddies, the Amparans. Camping is not camping till you've gone with them. They are so fun. We started out on Friday morning. Tayler, Makenna, Bailey, & I went looking for a spot. How stupid could we be waiting till the last moment. There was nothing available except for their overflow, which is totally getto camping. Luckily the Amparans got a spot Thursday night (they kind of lucked out). Anyway, the first night we were in the getto, but only to sleep. We hung out at Amparans campsite. We toasted mallows, made smores, made fun of each other, you know, all the fun stuff. Then it was off to bed. The people by us would not shut up. We were surrounded by idiots. Tayler kept yelling at them too, which obviously didn't help much. There was not much sleep that night so we decided that if we didn't get a spot the next night we were out of there.

Saturday we woke up and went swimming. The water was freezing!!!! That didn't stop the kids. Around 2:00 pm we found out no spots opened up, so the Amparans snuck us on their spot. Again we toasted the mallows, played some card games, and then everyone played a couple games of capture the flag. It was a fun trip and can't wait to do it again. Thanks Amparans!!

Class of 2007

Today was Taylers preschool graduation. She will still be going back next year but she made it through the first one. Bailey and I went and it was real cute. They started out in their cap and gowns and walked around the yard. Then when they all made it back, they counted for us and sang songs. None of the kids lasted very long though. After about 10 min of this they took of the stuff and went to the playground area. After a little bit of playing, we all sat down and had a picnic with our kids. I think Tayler will miss preschool a lot. There are not a lot of girls in our neighborhood her age (only 1) so her preschool friends were pretty important for her to see every week. Oh well, We will just have to make sure the summer is too fun to miss them, and next year she will be in a class of all girls (8 of them). How fun is that going to be for her!!!

The Babysitter

This is what happens when Dad gets to babysit---he wears them out. No really here is the story. I went to a Tastefully Simple party with a friend (yum yum), and left Jared home with the chitlens, anywho, Jared was cleaning the kitchen up after dinner and put Bailey in her bouncer. So what did she do?!?!? Bounced herself to sleep. I have yet to have that happen when she is with me, I guess Jared has the magic touch. She looks pretty comfy though, don't you think? Too bad they don't make them for adults! Who needs benadryl.

Hello Operator

On Thursday night Berek stared in his first play "Mr. Bell's Talking Magic Machine". His part was the switchboard operator. I told him his Grandma Koch did that which mad his part even more important. I think we have an actor on our hands. He did awesome. He even had to memorize an extra part 15 min. before the play began. It was nice for him to have something else to do, with baseball still going on and not being able to play. Now he just gets to coach his Mom on how to hit the ball as far as he does.

Feedin' the Birds

Wednesday we went to feed ducks, seagulls, and any other bird that was around. We had yet to do that here, so why not. Tayler brought a hamburger bun (luckily our friend had planned better and brought many buns). They swarmed us and all the kids. I couldn't believe how many of them there were. Tayler was a little hesitant at first and wanted to stay right by me but after a bit she joined the rest of her little buddies and had a blast.

We then went to the playground that was right across the street. They had one baby swing so Bailey got to swing. That was the highlight of her day. She loves swinging and smiled the whole time. It was so fun being with the little girls and just spending some time with them that day. I decided I need to start going to the park more often with them. They only are little once and I want to enjoy every minute of that. I just can't wait till the water park sprinklers come on!!

WASSUP????

Let's see, what exciting things have been going on here lately?!? Berek has stillbeen going to his ball games. He's a good sport and wants to still cheer on his team. We go back to the orthopedic surgeon next Wednesday to see how it is all healing, cross our fingers no surgery.

Makenna pulled a tooth out on Sunday. It has been a while since some one lost a tooth here so it was about time. She decided to try it with floss. When I was little, Dad just grabbed some pliers, counted to 3 (but really 2), and yanked it out. I think I only pulled out 2 teeth on my own. My kids are braver than me.

Tayler hasn't been up to much. She is very boy crazy. Berek's friend was here the other day and she was chasing him around trying to kiss him, I had to make her stop. Isn't she too little for this. I alway thought boys had cooties.

Now there's Bailey. She's so fun. She is sitting in her high chair now. Loves to try and feed herself. We just break up whatever we are eating for dinner in tiny pieces and she goes at it. She is so petite. Obviously she doesn't take after me. She sings now too and talks to the Backyardigans on TV.

We'll that is our exciting life for now. We did go fishing again last night with some friends. It was a lot of fun. I learned how to cast out farther, and hopefully soon they will teach us to fly fish (hint hint Randy).

The weather has been so nice here. It feels like summer! Berek even got a sunburn on his field trip on Tuesday. Yep, it sure has been nice. Jared is getting boat fever real bad!!! I don't know if he will be able to hold out much longer. I'm all for a boat though. I love being in the water and our when we are around it you can't keep the kids out. Well enough of that...

Berek had his first game last night since the break. It was a hard one to watch. I miss being nervous when he is up to bat. I'm sure it was real hard for him just sitting in the dug out watching the rest of his team play. I'm real proud of him for still wanting to go and support his team. He even brought his favorite bat for one of the kids to use (they think it is good luck). I even saw an amazing thing yesterday because of him being hurt. Bailey was taking a nap so Berek and Makenna had to walk home from school. I was out watering the flowers when they were walking up the sidewalk. Makenna not only was carrying her backpack but Bereks too (and his in heavy). I was real proud of her. They actually do love each other!!! They fight once in a while but when it comes down to it----they are friends.

I have been tagged by Lee for a meme. Here are the rules as passed on - Each player starts with seven random facts about themselves. People who are tagged need to write on their own blog about the seven things and the rules. You need to choose seven people to tag and list their names.Don't forget to leave them a comment that they have been tagged and to read your blog!

1. I've learned that I have a new hobby I like to do, Fishing. We have been 3 times already this week. It is so relaxing and great time with the family.

2. I love working outside. I would much rather mow the lawn or pull weeds than clean the house.

3. I have always wanted to learn to scuba dive...I don't think anyone knows that. I love the water and any activity that has to do with it.

4. We have made it for over 2 weeks without cable. WHOA!!! It's amazing, don't you think.

5. I don't really like to scrapbook. Surprised? I do it because I want to make sure I am fair with all my kids. I put it off too long then I end up with 50 pages to do.

6. I don't like to travel......I just want to blink my eyes and be there. Don't get me wrong, I love going on vacation and trips, I just don't like the time it takes to get there. ARE WE THERE YET?!

7. I have the most awesome family in the world. You all knew that but I ran out of stuff. :)

I am tagging
Brandi
Rob
John
Allison

That is all I got sorry there isn't 7.

There are angels God puts on this earth who care for us and guide us.You can feel their love and gentleness as they walk through life beside us. God blessed me with a person like that she loves me more than any other.And I'm thankful I'm the lucky one who gets to call her MOTHER.

Mother's Day is coming up so I thought I would share a little bit about Mom, what I loved and miss about her.

• I loved every morning waking up and calling her-or her me. It was an everyday ritual and I don't think there was a day that went by without talking to her. Even just to see what was going on that day.


• I loved going over to her house the last summer we had her. She would sit outside all day with the kids, just watching them swim or play. It didn't matter what was going on in her life, if the grandkids were coming, it was cancelled. What a Grandma! She loved her grandkids There wasn't a moment that they knew any different, and they loved her.


• I loved it when she laughed. I mean, really laughed-till she could hardly breathe and her eyes were watering. That is when I laughed hard.


• I loved it when she cracked her own little jokes-and then she would get that laugh. Mom had her moments she was a comedian.


• I miss the moments after I had each baby when I didn't know what to do, she was there, no matter where or what time (3:00 in the morning) it was, making me feel better.


• I loved hearing her hum songs to the kids when she held them, trying to put them to sleep for me. Mom had a beautiful voice.
  
• I loved after I had Tayler, spending the day with her, watching "A SONG THAT NEVER ENDS". I think that was her favorite movie (or at least one of them).


• I loved how she always kept Berek's secret about him calling her every morning at 6:00 am and then saying "Don't tell my mom I called". She told me but threatened if he got in trouble, so would I.


• I loved how she taught me what was important in life. She taught me how to be a good person and mother. I just hope I am just a bit as good as her, then I would consider my children lucky.


• I loved just being around her. She was a great mother. Her children are better because of her.


• I miss going on little trips with her during the day when Jared was at work. We had a fun summer of trips to Logan, UT. They are great memories I will never forget. (especially when we took our thought to be short cuts-right John)
  
• I just miss her. I don't know anyone who had and did go through as much as my mom did, physically, mentally, and spiritually, and kept going with such faith. She went through so many things and did not complain. She knew Heavenly Father and loved him and lived her life so that everyone around her knew of the great love and faith she had.

It is hard to put into any words how I feel about Mom. There is not a day goes by that I don't miss her. She was a great example not only to her children, but to anyone who knew her. She would do or give anything to anyone. Her heart was gold. For all of us, I know our lives were blessed to have her in them.

Berek's Ouch

Wow 2nd blog of the day. Just thought I would let you all see the x-ray of Bereks shoulder. Guess where it is. If you can't I'm surprised. It is the top bone that looks like a roof-----it should be straight. Berek says all gift cards welcome, minimum of $10. :)

Growing up

My little Bailey is growing up. She waves good bye now, it is the cutest wave ever. She just flops her had around and moves her arm back and forth. She hates baby food, she wants the good stuff (like french fries, ice cream, pop). When she sees something she wants, she definately lets you know, I call it SCREECHING. She loves to swing, and even high. She has no desire to crawl, she feels she needs to be on her feet like everyone else. She smiles a lot, and by alot I mean 99% of the time. She is beautiful. She's just a little lady now.

SAD NEWS

We had a sad Sunday. We decided to go to the park tonight to let Berek hit some baseballs. It started out a lot of fun. Jared's turn came up and Berek was pitching. Berek decided to go after a ball and tripped and landed goofy on his arm. We took him to the emergency room and found out he broke his collar bone. Now for the sad news......He is so broken hearted because now he can no longer play baseball. He had more tears about that than the pain. These are the times as a parent that is hard when you can't make something wrong right. I hate to see our little man sad. It breaks my heart to see Berek cry, he is not a crier. He loved his baseball and his team. It was a great year for him and I can't wait till next year.

A Day of Fishing

Saturday was a crazy, busy, FUN day! We started out the day with going to the new Spider Man movie with Jareds office. It was okay. I thought the 1st one was the best. Then Grandma & Grandpa got here so we went fishing. It was a Kids Fish Day here, so for $5.00 they ended up with a shirt, a pole and reel, and any fish they caught. It was so much fun!!! Can't wait to do it again. The day ended with a baseball game, of course. Can't have a Saturday without Baseball. The game lasted 2 1/2 hours!!! It was the last inning and Berek scored the winning run. He was so excited. We weren't home much but well worth the day.

Tayler held her fish till it started moving then it was quickly dropped

Makenna's fish (I can't believe she held it---progress!!)

Berek catching his first fish of the day! (his only fish)

Tayler fishing with Grandpa (He was her good luck)

Spring Flowers

One of the things I really look forward to come spring is FLOWERS!!! I have been waiting for a month for a orchard here in Kennewick to sell their flowers. Every year their family grows over a thousand flower baskets and sells them. They are huge and beautiful. Last year I didn't know about it till the second week they were selling. This year I got there the first day when it opened. Little did I know--so did everyone else. We were there 2 hours before we got our flowers but Tayler and Bailey were good with that. Tayler got to snack on 4 Kristy Kreme donuts (they gave them for free?!?!). I have never seen that girl eat so much, seriously. Anyways, we finally got into the green house, I picked 3 baskets and Tayler picked out 2. She did quite well as you can see by the pictures. I love my flowers so I thought I would send some color your way. Rob----now my lawn, flowers, and yard are prettier than yours HAHAHAHA!

We all scream for ICE CREAM

The weather here can't make up it's mind. This last weekend was beautiful, now the last two days it has been blowing and raining. That doesn't stop us from having a nice cold ice cream. We can come up with a reason to get dessert no matter what is going on. But todays reason is different. About every 2 weeks Makenna comes home with a new coupon to McDonalds for a free ice cream or McFlurry. She has a total of 4 that she saved up and wanted to take everyone for ice cream. Today they finally talked me into it. It was just us girls, Berek was at practice and we just got done getting some groceries. Bailey kept screeching for Makenna to give her bites, she knows how to get what she wants. So here is our lovely pictures (taken by my cell phone) of our nice cloudy, rainy day, eating ICE CREAM!!!