McKENNA, SULLIVAN & MOMMY

new year

2012-01-09T00:51:00.000-07:00

Our New Years Eve was rather simple. The kids dad came down and we took the kids to get their pictures taken at Penny's, went to the Olive Garden for lunch/dinner (lunner?) and then he had to take the car back for his parents. So it was just me and the kids for awhile. Kenna and I went out and did sparklers and then we made some noise makers/time capsule/resolution holders while Sulli had a staring contest with a toy fish. Don't worry, my kids were both asleep before 10! Happy New Year!

sicky sickersons

2011-12-27T23:30:00.001-07:00

Ever since McKenna started Kindergarten and the colder weather hit, we have been involved in a non-stop sick-a-thon. As soon as the 3 of us get better...Kenna brings something new home that one of her friends is kind enough to give her (or maybe she's just rude enough to take, either way). I then get it and then poor little Sulli boy gets it. I know it just comes with the territory of having a child that goes to school, but it SUCKS! I really don't care so much about me getting sick, it's my kids that I feel bad for. Especially Sulli. Its soo sad! Anyways...

We had a WONDERFUL Christmas! I LOVE being able to spend so much time with family!

I love making gifts. I made some stuffed owls for Kenna's friends and some hand scrub for my friends.

On the 22nd we had our Simons family party!

On the 23rd we had dinner at my Uncle Cory's house.

On Christmas Eve, Kenna spread out reindeer food (oats and sparkles) so the "big guy" could find our house, Sulli was a good boy and I had to go to Walmart twice. Grandpa Pete and my Uncle Cory came over for dinner and Kenna got to open 1 gift (jammies). We tracked Santa online so we knew when Kenna had to be to bed.

Here's how our Christmas day went-

6:30- Sulli woke up, I fed and changed him and we waited for Kenna to wake up.
7:00- KENNA woke up!
7:01- we went upstairs to wake up Grandma and Grandpa
7:05- we open presents
8:10- my camera pooped out and my mom let me borrow hers
8:15- we eat and get ready for church
10:00- Church
2:00- the kids daddy comes
2:05- more presents
5:00- opened presents and had dinner at Grandpa Pete's house
9:00- more gift admiration and assembly of some things
10:00- bed time

Kenna got EVERYTHING that was on her "nist". Sulli got an exersaucer from daddy. I'm still cleaning up the mess. =)

all things christmas

2011-12-16T22:46:00.002-07:00

Here are some pics of Christmasy things:

blast from the past

2011-12-15T13:12:00.004-07:00

So this is something I don't really talk about on my blog. My kids dad, Poko (Sione).
I was looking at some old pics on my computer and I came across this one...

6 years ago this boy and girl were the most important people to me

This was taken 6 years ago yesterday ( I remember because it was on my brother's birthday). I CANNOT believe how much my life has changed in the last 6 years because of this man. Six days after this picture was taken we found out I was pregnant with McKenna. It's been a whirlwind since then.

As much as I cannot stand him and as crazy as he makes me. I am so grateful for him. I'm very hard on him. We've put each other through a lot over the last 6 years. Good and bad. Probably I should be clear in saying that we are NOT together. I just wanted everyone to know what a hard worker he is and how grateful I am for him.

Because of him, I am a mommy. Something that I always wanted to be. So Thank you Poko (like you even read this lol).

Now, it's this boy and girl that are the most important.

bliggity-blog

2011-12-03T01:32:00.001-07:00

So, I think it's pretty understandable why I have been slacking in my blogging. I always think about things I want to blog about with witty sayings and what not, but every time I sit down to blog my mind goes BLANK! Since this is the case, I guess I'll just do the boring ole update/ramble that I've been doing of late.

McKenna
Has lost her two bottom teeth. Still loves school and playing with her friends. Is scared shit less of the threat of a call to Santa when she's being naughty (which isn't really all that often). Is the BEST big sister. Has been sick since last Saturday night. Wants Twinkle Toes for Christmas. States that she is NOT ready to tell Santa what she wants, i.e. like at the mall. Loves all things art. Likes Justin "beaver". Is getting to the stage where I do NOT like taking her to the store because she asks if she can have EVERYTHING and ANYTHING. Wants to go back to Disneyland so bad (so do I). Likes jumping in raked up leafs and is looking forward to sledding.

Sullivan
Recently got a Bumbo and can sit like a champ in it. Is such a happy boy. Loves standing up (with assistance obviously). Had his 2 month check up. He weighs 10 lbs 3 oz and is 23 inches long. Is fitting better in his 0-3 month clothes. Is sometimes a pretty spitty baby. Can sleep pretty much anywhere but his crib, every time I put him in it he wakes up within 15 minutes and cries until I put him in bed with me. He then falls right to sleep. Little stinker. Is so handsome and smiley. LOVES his big sister.

Emilee
Is almost done with Christmas shopping. Definitely toning it down this year. Had a dentist appointment and only had one cavity! Got it filled. Went to the eye doctor. Has to get glasses =(. Wants to paint her room. Wishes she had more gumption to get the things done she wants to. Got to go to lunch with her Aunt Julie from Oregon. Is so looking forward to NOT going to school Spring semester! Loves her job watching Bev. Loves that McKenna loves school. Loves the Mommy/Sulli time she gets while Kenna is at school. Won her first ever giveaway/contest for a credit for some super cute jewelry. Got her mom something with said credit for Christmas. Will get her mom something else so she doesn't feel like she's cheating her mom. Thinks it's weird to talk in the third person. Loves her kids!

national adoption month

2011-11-22T21:12:00.002-07:00

Legacy of an Adopted Child

Once there were two women

Who never knew each other.

One you do not remember,

The other you call mother.

Two different lives

Shaped to make yours one.

One became your guiding star,

The other became your sun.

The first gave you life,

And the second taught you to live in it.

The first gave you a need for love,

And the second was there to give it.

One gave you a nationality,

The other gave you a name.

One gave you the seed of talent,

The other gave you an aim.

One gave you emotions,

The other calmed you fears.

One gave you up-

It was all that she could do.

The other prayed for a child

And God led her straight to you.

And now you ask me through your tears

The age-old question though the years:

Heredity or environment-

Which are you the product of?

Neither my darling - neither,

Just two different kinds of love.

-Author Unknown

Words CANNOT express how very grateful I am for the blessing of adoption. I am so grateful for my Birth Mother's endless love, courage, strength and faith! Because of her selflessness I have been blessed with such a beautiful life.

THANK YOU ANGELA!

I LOVE YOU WITH ALL OF MY HEART!

say what?

2011-11-15T23:44:00.002-07:00

How is time flying by so flippin fast?!
Kenna just went back to school on Monday and it is SO nice to back in a routine! I didn't think her being home would make such a big difference, she's only there for 3 hours. It made a difference. It was nice to be able to sleep in and blah, blah, blah, but I think it's nice for both of us to have our own time. Even though my "own" time includes a freakishly cute baby boy. Kenna really does love school, especially the socializing aspect. She loves playing with the 2 neighbor kids that are the same age as her, Cadence & Christopher, EVERY day for as long as she possibly can. She has discovered the joys of "eat overs". I honestly had a little anxiety attack when she had her first "official" one.
She just lost her first tooth yesterday and the Tooth Fairy made a visit to our house. I didn't know if she would lose it before she went to bed and it was so loose I was afraid she might swallow it. I tried EVERYTHING to try and get her to let me pull it. I told her if she swallowed it during the night it would bite her butt when it came out. I bribed her with various different things and FINALLY after I told her I would buy her the biggest Slurpee the Sev has, she let me pull it and it popped right out. She got her hair cut, 4 1/2 inches gone baby! She is taking Ballet again and is loving it! I cannot believe how fast she is growing up...it makes me feel so old! lol
Sulli is getting humongous! He has been a little spitty as of late. I was a spitty baby, so I'm guessin that one's on me. He has starting "talking" and it's just the cutest thing EVER! He is super smiley and LOVES to move around. He likes to have his arms and legs moved really fast. Just tonight he started slobbering and blowing spit bubbles. I'm sure in a week or so it won't be as cute as it is now. I cannot get over how sweet my little guy is! He is so in love with his sister. She can always make him smile. =)

I would upload more pics, but it takes soooo long!

1 month already!

2011-10-25T23:13:00.000-06:00

WOW! Where has the last month gone?! I cannot believe my little man has been here that long and I can't imagine my life with out him! He is such a sweet, content baby. I am so blessed to have two such wonderful kids! Here's a little update about the last month.

Sulli is getting so big! He's still a lil skinny guy, but getting bigger every day. I have mixed feelings about that. His yucky umbilical cord fell off, it was so stinky so I was really glad to be rid of it! He LOVES to eat and sleep. He LOVES his sissy and mommy! He's not too big on baths. He has the cutest smile ever! He has been out and about quite a bit. He got circumcised at 3 weeks =( . He was NOT a happy boy. He has almost out grown his newborn clothes. He is a well dressed boy. He is a happy boy (when he isn't getting circumcised, which is understandable)! =) I LOVE having a son!

Kenna is still loving school! She went off track on the 19th and doesn't go back til November 14th. She has been doing chorus at school every Tuesday and will be in a program the beginning of December. She starts ballet next Thursday (she's excited for that). She is so looking forward to Halloween. She's going to be Pocahontas, my mom just finished her costume and it is so stupid cute (Sulli will be Meeko and I'm going to be Grandmother Willow)! She LOVES having "play dates", which to me is just plain old playing, with our two neighbors and her friend Emma. She LOVES helping with her "brudder". She has adjusted well to no longer being an only child. She is such a funny girl and I am so grateful for her.

I am LOVING having two kids! I am however, VERY grateful for the 5 year age gap. I am pretty tired, but getting by just fine esp. now that I can sort of sleep in while Kenna's off track and because of the help my mom has been giving. I had my wisdom teeth taken out over UEA and my mom was so good to pretty much watch my kids for 2 days straight cause the meds they gave me knocked me out cold! I'm excited to get into a work out routine and start eating healthy again! ALL I have wanted to eat is crap...no bueno! Sulli is getting blessed on the 6th of November, my goal is lose 10 lbs by then. I had been planning on going back to school Spring semester, taking online classes. But there is NO WAY that's going to happen. I am so flippin scatter-brained! So my goal is for sure by next Fall.
I am so amazed at all of the wonderful blessings I have in my life. Especially my kids. I am so grateful that I get to watch them learn and grow everyday.

sullivan oxford violaketi simons

2011-10-12T22:45:00.000-06:00

Sulli is here!!! I was induced in the 26th of September and everything went great! My Dr. came in and broke my water at about 7:30 a.m., my nurse stared me on PIT around 8:30, I got my FABULOUS epidural around 11:30, Sulli's heart rate started dropping every time I contracted so they put some O2 on me and repositioned me and he started to do better. From 12:30 to 2, I progressed really quickly and had to call my mom and Kenna and her daddy back to the hospital (they had gone to lunch) and my dad made it about 5 minutes before I started pushing. Originally I had planned on Kenna and Sulli's dad watching Kenna in the waiting room while I pushed, but last minute he decided he wanted to be in there, so Kenna stayed too. She stood at my shoulder, held my hand and helped count when I pushed. I only had to push about 2 times and he was out! To me he looks JUST like his sister, their noses are just a little different. He was so alert after delivery. He weighed 7 lbs. 14 oz. and was 20 and a half inches long. He scored well on his APGAR tests. He is such a wonderful baby and I am LOVING every second with him!

Kenna is a fantastic big sister! She LOVES to hold her brother, feed him, help me get diapers when he needs to be changed and she especially loves to sing her brother songs when he's crying. It is so sweet and it actually usually settles Sulli down. I love watching them together. I am one proud momma!

I have felt really great since delivery. I was really pleased with how well everything went with delivery and my recovery afterwards. I was also pleased with the staff at Jordan Valley Hospital. They took great care of the both of us! I am so grateful to my parents for watching McKenna while I was in the hospital. I don't know what I would do without them and their endless love and support.

big day

2011-09-25T22:24:00.001-06:00

Holy Hannah! Tomorrow is a big, Big, BIG day! Finally I get to meet my little man. It seems so surreal that this pregnancy is over and that I'll be coming home with a whole new person! I am SO scared! Let's face it, nothing ever can prepare you for adding to your family. Even if you've done it once or twice or however many times before. You never know for sure what to expect and how everyone will react.

Today I found myself getting little pangs of sadness while I was hanging out with Kenna. It's never gong to be just she and I anymore. I found myself telling her about every 2 seconds how much I love her and how nothing will ever change that. I worry with how she'll react to having a baby in the house. My plan is to make her a huge part of everything. Have her help with as much as she wants. I can still remember what a huge change it was for me when Mike and Sheena came to our house. I can't remember the day before, my last day as an only child, but I definitely remember July 17, 1997. My life was never the same. Which isn't a bad thing!
Today I tried to spend as much time as I could with Kenna. I had to go sit with Bev for an hour and Kenna didn't want to come, so my mom watched her. I did not want to go to church because seriously, I didn't want to have to tell ERRRRYBODY about tomorrow and if I hear one more time about how huge I am and about how uncomfortable I must be, I'm going to punch somebody in the face! I realize people are just trying to be nice in their own way, but seriously...SHUT THE HELL UP! (lol sorry) Anyways, after Kenna got home from church, we ate dinner, I watched Kenna jump on the trampoline, watched her play her "Just Dance" game on the Wii, we played Tall Bird Short Bird, Candy Land, and Don't Break the Ice, then we watched a movie and I got her in bed a little early because we have to be to the "hosible" by 6:30. I don't think she gets what exactly is goin down tomorrow, but she'll figure it out. She's going to be a wonderful big sister!

I also worry about how my sister Sheena is going to handle the situation. I was honestly more worried about how she would react to me being pregnant than my mom and dad. I wanted her to know that I didn't want to try and rub anything in her face. I'm sure this is difficult for her. I can't imagine what she's going through.

I am so excited to be done with being pregnant! No more hot feet! No more non-stop burp-a-thons! No more Uncomfortableness (even though I haven't been as uncomfy as I was with Kenna)! No more "tingly" arms, hands, feet and legs! No more ALWAYS having to pee! No more people asking me when I'm about to pop! No more wondering just how cute my little guy will be! No more worrying about the whole thing! YAY!
I am so excited to see what he looks like and know how big he will be and how much, if any, hair he'll have. I am so excited to meet my little Sulli boy!!!! =)

phew!

2011-09-17T00:25:00.001-06:00

OK. So far, so good! Sulli can come anytime tomorrow after 1 pm. I really was worried that he was going to come the end of this week, until I had my DR.'s appointment on Wednesday. My Doc reassured me that I would more than likely be fine and not deliver (although anything can happen-blah, blah, blah) at least until next week. I was only a 2 and about 50% effaced. He's going to strip my membranes this next Wednesday and I AM SO EXCITED ABOUT IT!!! My water broke the morning after he stripped my membranes with Kenna. So I'm thinking/hoping less than a week!

______________________________

So this was our busy week! Kenna had her mini cheer clinic Monday, Wednesday and she preformed tonight during half time at the Cyprus game. She did so well! I am so proud of my big cheerleader!!!!

And on Thursday my very good friend and her English hubby renewed their vows (stateside) and it was SOOO beautiful! It was one of the most beautiful weddings I have ever been to. It was up at Rose Sachs Gardens, which I had never even heard about, and they went with a vintage theme. It was so pretty! I am so grateful I was able to go and that my mom was good enough to come up with me and Kenna, just in case... She was so good with Kenna, they went on a little hike and she played croquet with her, twice. For dinner they served a traditional British feast, fish and chips. It was DELICIOUS! I LOVE how happy Stacie is with James.

It was taking waay to long to upload pics =(, so I'll try it again later.

so sweet my little girl

2011-09-10T23:48:00.000-06:00

My mom was watching McKenna while I went to my last Dr's appt. on Wednesday and while I was gone she played with chalk in the front yard. She is into copying words that she sees. My mom has a little frog statue that says "free kisses". This is what McKenna decided to copy. After she had written the words, she said, "Grandma? What does this say?" and my mom said, "It says Free Kisses." My dad then said, "Can I have free kisses?" and Kenna said, "Sure! 1(smooch), 2(smooch), 3(smooch)." So cute! =)

-------------------------------------------------------

Me and my big stupid mouth! I should never had said anything out loud about not wanting Sulli to come this upcoming week, cause I'll bet that's when he comes. I have been having contractions pretty much every day and really just have not felt well this last week and I just passed my "plug" last night, so I think Sulli's getting ready for his big entrance. Of course, I'll be more than happy to take him whenever he decides to grace me with his presence. =)

soo close

2011-09-09T00:09:00.000-06:00

Wow! Sullivan is going to be here in 17 days or less! I had a Dr.s appointment on Wednesday and my induction is scheduled for the 26th ! Even though I'm only dialated to a 1, I'm hoping I go sooner than that, but I'll take what I can get. Things are coming together nicely. My grandpa fixed the crib and is re-staining and varnishing it. It looks wonderful! I still have work to do on our room. If our room doesn't get finished before he gets here, I don't care! Blankets are mostly made, clothes have been bought and washed, bags are packed, Kenna's "big sister" shirt has been made, I got some of the things fixed with my car that needed to be done, and I got a pedi today! I think it would be great if he came on Saturday. Then his birthday would be 9/10/11. eh, eh, eh? I thought I was going to be delivering at Riverton hospital, but now it may be Jordan Valley. I would definitely prefer Riverton, but ultimately I don't care as long as he is out and healthy. It seems so sureal that I will be holding my baby boy so soon!

Poor Kenna now has hand, foot and mouth. =( No school for my little sicko tomorrow.

great food, better friends

2011-09-04T00:30:00.002-06:00

I am such a lucky girl and have such great girlfriends! My friend Shelli threw me a little baby shower today and it was so nice! I didn't invite many people. I just felt that I was so fortunate when I was pregnant with McKenna (I was given 4 showers for her!), that I didn't want people to feel obligated to give me anything. I am very fortunate to either already have or have been given most of the bigger things needed for a baby, e.g. a crib, port-a-crib, stroller, high chair and I got a brand spankin new car seat today from my momma. I am one LUCKY girl! The food today was AMAZING!!!! I was just in heaven and I ate waaayyyyy toooo much! Thank you girls!!! I love you!!!

YUMMY!

In all of the other pictures, for whatever reason, I am way too excited!

Oh man these girls are THE BEST!

I sure do love my Momma!

I love these guys too! Silly kids!

______________________________________________

I cannot believe that I'm already 36 weeks! I'm going to have a baby in 3 weeks or less!!! That is NUTS!!! I still need to get the room ready and painted. I would be OK with Sulli coming this week, but he CANNOT come the week of the 11th-17th! We have too much going on that week for a baby to come. One of my best friends is getting married on the 15th, Kenna has a mini cheer clinic that whole week and preforms on Friday night during the Cyprus football game and my mom and I are throwing my cousin Kristyn a bridal shower on the 17th. So he can come as soon as the shower is over at 1 o'clock (even though that is the day of the U of U vs. byu game, Sulli already has a U of U onesie so we're good)!

Kenna is loving school! It still seems so odd to me that she is actually in school. She got to bring one of the kittens that we have left for show and tell on Friday and she thought that was pretty awesome. She also had her first school pictures and has started selling candy bars for a school fundraiser. She is getting so big! She is getting so excited for her brother to get out of my tummy. I think she's going to be in for a somewhat to moderately rude awakening when he finally does get here. I wonder if she really gets what it means to have a baby sibling. Cause let's face it, I have been pregnant FOREVER and so far, having a baby brother isn't so bad and he's relatively quiet. =)
Poor little Kenna has been congested the last couple of days and the neighbor kids have foot and mouth (or is it hand and foot? hand and mouth? lol I can't remember) so I wondered if maybe she had it too. We went to the Instacare tonight and she has a sinus infection. Better than the hand, foot, shoulder, mouth disease I thought it was!

finally

2011-09-03T01:04:00.002-06:00

It's SEPTEMBER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ima have me a baby this month!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

it's my party and i'll cry if i want to

2011-08-31T23:52:00.000-06:00

My birthday was this last Tuesday and something I have come to realize is birthday's just really aren't as great as they used to be. Just another day. It was a good day though. Kenna brought me in a hand made card and gift when she woke up. She gave me a beautiful necklace and earring set. I love it! After I took her to school, I had to go sit with Bev for a while, then I picked up Kenna and we waited for grandma and grandpa to get home from work so that we could go to the Zoo. I had wanted to take Kenna to the Zoo all summer because they had a dinosaur thing going on up there and I thought Kenna would like it. So we finally went. She did like it. =) She got to ride the carousel 3 times because people kept giving us there unused tickets, she thought that was awesome! She also got to dig for dino bones and go on the train with grandma. It was a little overcast when we got there and it actually felt pretty good, but it got HOT! I was dying of the heat and I didn't feel very good when we got home. We got Hawaiian pizza for dinner and then my grandpa came over for cake and ice cream. So really, I didn't want to cry at all on my birthday...except when we had to climb that last hill at the zoo in the freakin heat, but I kept it in. lol

We got to see the elephants up close. Too bad the windows are so dirty!

This one made a sound right before I took this pic and it scared her lol

This was gross!

ride #1

ride #2

ride #3

diggin her little heart out

This little guy was so cute! I wish this wasn't blurry.

kindergartner

2011-08-31T23:08:00.001-06:00

Well, it's official. My little girl isn't really little anymore. She had her first day of Kindergarten on Monday and she LOVED it! When we were driving to school Kenna said, "Mom, you can just drop me off. I know where to go." I said, "NO! Mommy has to come with you on your first day!" Stinkin little independent girl! I thought for sure that I would cry my eyes out, but I didn't. Kenna loves school and I'd be lying if I said I don't enjoy a little time to myself every day.

Outside of her class

With her buddy "Tipher"

There she goes!

In her seat

After school

Kenna got to celebrate her birthday with her class today and she was dubbed the Birthday Queen and got to tell everyone about herself by showing them a poster about herself, that she worked very hard on and got to give treats out.

girls night out

2011-08-28T22:58:00.001-06:00

AH! I love me a girls night out! I got to go out with my girlfriends; Stacie, Shelli and Tara for my birthday this weekend. We went out to eat at Red Robin and then we walked around some of the District's stores (including Hobby Lobby!), we then concluded our evening with goodies from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory! Thank you so much girls! I loved all the gifts, but I love you guys more! It was so nice to get out and Kenna was with her daddy so I didn't feel guilty about having to ask my parents to watch her and Kenna had a fun night with her daddy and his family so all around it was GREAT!

Tara, Shelli, Stacie and me outside of Hobby Lobby

YUMMY!

who doesn't love mail like this?

2011-08-28T22:38:00.000-06:00

Kenna was sooo happy when she found out she had a package to open that came in the mail just for her! Thank you so much Angela! She loves her frame and Rapunzel and Flynn Rider dolls!!! And I love the cute shirts and car seat cover for Sullivan!!! We love you!!!!!

mckenna kaye is 5 years old!

2011-08-26T00:51:00.000-06:00

My sweet little girl is 5? So weird! I feel so old lol. Kenna started out her birthday with her Kindergarten assessment (she did well), followed by her all time favorite meal; chicken and fries and then we set up for her Rapunzel birthday party extravaganza and waited for her friends to come. She was so excited for all of her friends to come! All together there were 7 kids and that was PLENTY! The kids got to paint sun catchers and rings, they played pin the nose on Flynn Rider, hit the crap out of a pinata (I got a cheaper one and it actually lasted a long time), played around, ate dinner and then Kenna opened her presents, everyone got a cupcake and they were on their way. Then my grandpa and uncle came over for ice cream. Kenna got a lot of great gifts and we are so grateful for such wonderful and supportive friends and family members.

chicken n' fries

Kenna with the activities and favors

I cut back on the decorations this year

Kenna and her crew

Get it girl!

Go Hina!

Yay Seah!

Kenna got it!

jello boats

I realize this isn't a good picture of the kids, but it shows the spread.

Caydence, Keala, Kenna, Emma, Seah, Hina and Christopher

She's so excited for this shirt?

Kenna's cake =)

Happy Happy Birthday Baby Girl!!!! I Love you so much!!!!

meet and mingle

2011-08-23T22:51:00.000-06:00

Kenna had her "meet and mingle" on Monday and she was so excited to go and meet her teacher and some of her classmates. Her teacher is so cute! I cannot believe my baby is going to be a Kindergartner! Kenna's friend from across the street, Christopher, and two of her girlfriends from preschool are in her class and she is so excited!

last weekend before school

2011-08-22T00:30:00.001-06:00

I am so excited to get into a routine. I love summer and it always seems like it's going to last forever, then all of the sudden it's gone. McKenna has a meet and mingle on Monday where she will meet her teacher and classmates, she goes in on Wednesday for her evaluation testing and then her first official day is the 29th. My mom starts work on Monday. So we decided we'd try and make the most of our last weekend before routines are again the norm. So Saturday we woke up early and drove down to Causey reservoir, where our ward camp-out was, and meet up with our ward for a yummy breakfast and got to play in the Weber River a little bit (it was COLD!). After that we drove down to the monastery and looked around. Then we drove to Huntsville for a picnic at a really fun little park. After that we decided to drive home and I got sick. So I took a 4 hour nap. It was AWESOME!

Holy crap! It's taking fa-a-a-a-er-er-er-ev-ev-ev-er-er-er to upload these pics! I'll try again later.

white belt for my brown girl

2011-08-20T23:59:00.000-06:00

Kenna went to her second session of karate on Friday. She did so well and she even broke a board on her first try! She got her white belt. I am one proud momma!

Learning how to brake the board. Check the focus!

I LOVE the look on her face!

birthday preparations/early presents

2011-08-20T23:49:00.001-06:00

I can't believe it's almost Kenna's 5th birthday! I started to buy/prep things probably a couple of months ago for her party. She wants a Rapunzel themed party and that's what she's getting. I LOVE doing stuff like this!

the invites

"pascal" favors

braids for the girls (the boys are getting dollar store swords)

of course Kenna's has to be slightly better since she is the birthday girl!

Last Thursday Kenna got 2 early birthday presents. The first was from this sweet elderly lady named Bev that I go and sit with on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. She has Alzheimer's and is the sweetest little old lady ever! She got her some things from her senior center. So sweet! While I was at Bev's Kenna went with her grandma while she was getting her nails done and the nail tech has the same birthday as Kenna so she got her nails and toes done for free!

a bunny, a soap and a cute bow that was in her hair =)

my karate kid

2011-08-15T21:35:00.001-06:00

Kenna has wanted to try Karate for a while now; so when we got a coupon in the mail for 2 lessons for $10 I thought we'd give it a try. From what I've researched, karate is usually about 90 bucks a month! Toooo much! So 10 was a good deal, plus she got a karate outfit. She looks so cute in it! Her first lesson was today and she did so well! I was so very proud of my big girl! I may or may not have teared up a little. Anyways, Kenna loved it and she is so excited to go for her next lesson and I might just have to break down and let her do karate for a month...I wonder if they accept payment installments lol.

push ups

"hi-yuh!"

Yeah, check that out!

I'm pretty sure Sulli is taking after his sister because he has been on a non-stop kick-a-thon ALL day today. =)

best surprise ever!

2011-08-13T21:18:00.001-06:00

My mom bought me a surprise today! It wasn't super expensive ($3), it's nothing that would excite many, but I was SOOOOO HAPPY when I saw what it was!

Let me explain. My Great Grandma Turner used to have one of these lights in her home. I remember an irresistible urge to ALWAYS touch her fiber optic light. I remember no matter how many times she would say, "Emilee! Stop touching that and come eat a banana!" that I still just HAD to touch it (banana in hand even). Why? I don't know? Why she didn't want me touching the light? I'm not sure, but I kinda get it now. As I've been watching Kenna touch and play with my light I've found myself saying, "Stop Kenna! Be careful with my light!" lol Thank you mom for my wonderful surprise! I LOVE IT!

county fair

2011-08-12T23:59:00.001-06:00

I love all and every kind of fair there is! Today we went to the Salt Lake County fair. It was HOT, but it was fun! We went inside the petting zoo, Kenna got to ride a horse, we had a delicious (expensive) lunch, walked around and checked out all of the booths and enjoyed our time together.

"Yeehaw!"

3 corn dogs+3 Pepsi's+some fries = $30

This thing shot a rocket in the air when you stepped on it.

Face paint!

fun day

2011-08-11T23:44:00.000-06:00

Turns out Incredible Pizza is no more. It is now Planet Pizza. The games are the same, the cost is more and the cookies are gone. I was more upset about the delicious cookies being gone then the price being higher. We went with the Hafoka's and Shelli's brother Kenny came. It was nice cause he helped us with the kids. I love the Hafoka's!

Go Kart racing...we didn't win =(

Kenna's first time playing laser tag. Our team won and Kenna did really well! She got about 2500 points. That's my girl!

After Planet Pizza, Kenna and I went to Ikea and got a couple little things, then we went home and swam, after dinner Kenna went out to help my mom water and when I went outside My mom was squirting Kenna while she was in her undies, wearing her goggles and swinging on the swing (it was funny!) and later we watched part of "pirates". It was a fun day.

On a side note, I had a Dr.'s appointment yesterday and the Dr. says everything looks great and Sulli's getting big! =) I have one more two week appointment then I go to Once a week. After my second once a week appointment my Doc said we can discuss inducing if everything looks good. So just 5 to 6 weeks left!

you know you're a redneck when...

2011-08-10T22:59:00.002-06:00

Your cat doesn't have enough nipples for the kittens.

There are 8 kittens there.

AND...

If your idea of a bath consists of sprinklers, undies and flip flops after 9 p.m.

So, we're more than likely rednecks. lol

maternity photo shoot

2011-08-08T23:21:00.001-06:00

I love having talented friends! I have known Val for probably 10+ years, we used to lifeguard together. She took some pics of Kenna about 2 years ago and I LOVED them! So when she asked if she could take some maternity pics I couldn't say no. She is so talented and I LOVE these pics! Here are some links so you can view more of her work http://www.facebook.com/valorphotography,
http://www.valorphotography.blogspot.com/ and http://www.valorphotography.com/. Thanks Val! =)

up. up and away

2011-08-07T23:18:00.000-06:00

Tonight we were up in Herrimen for dinner at a friends house and they mentioned something about the "UP" house that is in the Parade of Homes being close to theirs. So we decided we'd go check it out. It was soooo cute! They even had a Carl Fredrickson there and Kenna got to take her pic with him. We didn't go inside since it costs about 10 bucks a pop.

gtu

2011-08-07T23:10:00.000-06:00

My mom and I got to go be a part of a live audience for Good Things Utah this last Friday. I already had the opportunity to go a couple of weeks ago, but my mom couldn't go with me the last time. She was excited to go. Both Billy Dean and Gilbert Godfrey were there and we got to meet them so that was neat. I love my mom so very much and am so grateful for her and EVERYTHING that she does for me.

Mom, Billy Dean and me

Oh Gilbert.

Us with the girls.

just cause

2011-08-05T00:32:00.000-06:00

I love to watch her swim.

double fistin it with the "squirt things"

I love my little mermaid!

setting the trap

2011-08-05T00:21:00.001-06:00

Kenna still had a whole bunch of "snaps" left over from the July holidays and she used them ALL yesterday. She started by just going out by the road and throwing them, you know, the usual. She then progressed to getting a big hand full and waiting for any and all cars to drive by and she would throw them at said car(s), luckily not hitting any of them. After that, my mom taught her how to lay out a "trap" for the passing cars. The "trap" (just laying unsnapped snaps out on the road) was a huge success and we heard snaps from passing cars even today. We had to wait outside to see the first few cars drive over the "trap", the first one was funny! Anyways, thanks grandma! =)

So sneaky! I love watching these 2 interact...Best grandma EVER!

Setting the "trap"

Running from the scene

Waiting for the first victim. She kept whistling and pointing to me and my mom.

so ready, but not really

2011-08-01T23:48:00.000-06:00

I keep thinking to myself, " OK I am more then ready to have this baby." Then I think, "Oh shit! I am so not ready for this baby to come!" I am down to the single digits in weeks. It seems like it takes FOREVER to get anywhere with your pregnancy; Then, all of the sudden you realize how close it actually is to the time that you are going to have a whole new little person who depends on you for everything and if you're me...you have a light weight freak out session and then you're OK. I still need to clean my room out, paint and rearrange it. I need to get the crib out and fix it up since Kenna twisted out two of the spindles on the crib (which is why she progressed into her toddler bed, little stinker). I have a car seat (thanks to my neighbors), my mom has made a super cute car seat cover and we have some blankets ready for him. Thank goodness my mom is so good at sewing! I'll post pictures of all of Sulli's cute things that my mom has made later. I think as soon as I get the room ready, I'll feel much better about things. I'll feel even better after Kenna's birthday party is all done and she has started school and we have gotten into a routine.

hina is 5

2011-08-01T23:32:00.000-06:00

Dang it seems like just yesterday Shelli and I were pregnant together...oh wait, we are pregnant together (again). But it seriously seems like not that long ago I was at the hospital waiting for Shelli to give birth to Hina. I had to leave to work my last shift at Atria before I took my maternity leave. I remember going and visiting Shelli and Hina at the hospital and seeing sweet little tiny Hina and wondering if McKenna would EVER come out. It's crazy to think that was 5 years ago!
Hina's party was so much fun. Kenna had a blast and I didn't even think to get my camera out until we went in for cake and ice cream. Shelli and Joe had rented a big ole blow up water slide. It was a huge success! Thanks Hafoka's for a fabulous birthday party! =)

<3 Kenna and Hina BFF'S <3

Shelli and me (30 weeks 4 days)

Shell's a little less then 2 months behind me.

happy polynesian day! wait...what?

2011-07-25T01:42:00.001-06:00

This morning before I went to the singles ward I was trying to explain to McKenna why we celebrate Pioneer day and how they came from very far and yada yada yada. So tonight after we had a very nice BBQ at my Uncle Cory's house, we were lighting the massive amounts of fireworks that my cute little grandpa had bought and I said to Kenna, "Kenna, why are we lighting fireworks? What are we celebrating?", she then said, " Cause the Polynesians are coming." lol Close enough. Apparently I need to let Kenna in on the fact that the Pioneers (and Polynesians) have already come. Anyways, Happy Polynesian Day!

I love these two!

Dad, Aunt Sondra, Grandpa Pete and Kenna.

My Mom and Uncle Cory were lighting the fireworks.

"Sprinklers"

In addition to all of our fireworks, a lot of my Aunt and Uncle's neighbors had bought a ton of the aerial fireworks and we got to enjoy them too. Thanks neighbor's!

mail call

2011-07-25T01:22:00.000-06:00

Almost 2 weeks ago Kenna got 2, that's right 2!, birthday party invites in the mail on the same day. She thought that was AWESOME! She got to go the first party this last Saturday. It was for her little buddy Mikayla, who turned 7 and is baby Lucas's biggest sister. =) It was at a really cute gymnastic place in Bountiful called Flip's. Kenna was a little out of her element, but she had so much fun and played so hard that she even volunteered to take a nap when we got home from the party. Heck yes! We are so happy that we got to go to Mikayla's party and we are thankful for her and her wonderful family. It is such a blessing to know that baby Lucas is so well taken care of and is so loved.

"hands up"

"kind of stands up"

parachute!

Not so baby anymore Lucas

30 weeks!

Grandma and Grandpa with Lucas

Kenna's next party is on Tuesday for her bestie Hina!

3+6+4=too many!

2011-07-25T01:01:00.000-06:00

We have kittens...again. Yeah, yeah, yeah...get them fixed. We know! We have received conflicting info about when you can get momma cats spayed after having kittens. So, we're working on it. We already had 3 cats. Chloe, a cat Mike and his girlfriend brought home as their "love" kitten. lol He brought her home when we still had Abby (the calico we had had since I was in the 5th grade). After Abby got killed by two pit bulls Mike brought home Mazy, the only boy, to try and comfort my mom. Chloe had Lilly, our calico, in her first litter and we kept her because she reminded us of Abby. So 3 cats, which in my opinion is 2 too many. On the 7th of this month, Chloe had 6 kittens. Which is the biggest of the 3 litters she's had. A week later Lilly had 4 kittens, her biggest of the 2 litters she has had. So we currently have 13 cats. GROSS! That said, these are probably the cutest kittens ever!

Kenna with all 10 of the kittens

Lilly's litter (they're the cutest)

Chloe's litter

I love this little guy

Oh, and we still have poor old Marty. Who by my calculations is about 84 years old (in dog years duh).

artsy fartsy

2011-07-21T23:05:00.000-06:00

On Saturday Kenna and I went up to the U to pick up her dad from work and we got there before he got off. Since I have to go potty about every 10 seconds, we went into the Utah Museum of Fine Arts to use the facilities and we were lucky enough to have come on a day that was not only free admission, but also had a free craft for kids. So we walked around a bit and then Kenna got to make a real awesome frame. I wish I could have walked around a little longer and read up on the art pieces, but Kenna was not very interested. After we went to lunch Kenna ran around in the fountains at Valley Fair mall. I got in too for a little bit cause it was HOT! She loved it. =) Then we came home and she got to swim with her dad.

UMFA

This one was for grandpa

I had to make things for her frame out of model clay...I'm not so good at that. She wanted to make flowers and I couldn't even do that so we went nautical and she got a star fish, a sand dollar, an anchor and a fish.

For whatever reason, this scared Kenna.

It really scared her and we just thought it was funny. lol Poor Kenna.

scary!

2011-07-19T23:23:00.000-06:00

On July 7th my dad was pretty sick. He was very dizzy and nauseous. He really didn't make a full recovery and he had even started to slur his speech. On the 12th he was supposed to go with our wards young women group as one of the priesthood leaders until the 15th. On the night of the 11th my mom kept pushing him to go see a Dr. She and I thought it would be best if he just went straight to the ER as opposed to going to the Instacare and then having to go to the ER anyways and accruing another bill (since we wondered if he had maybe had a stroke). He did NOT want to go! Mostly because he and my mom do not have insurance and I'm sure he was scared too. So he finally gave into my mom and went to the Instacare, after they took his blood pressure they told him he needed to go to the ER. His b/p was 220/120. Shortly after they got to the ER, my dad was admitted to the ICU. They took cat scans and MRI and ran some other tests to make sure everything was OK. Luckily, there was no damage to his heart, brain or kidneys! He was released from the hospital on the 14th and is now on a regiment of b/p pills and a low sodium diet. His speech is still slurred, but it's getting better everyday. The neurologist said that sometimes when your b/p is so high it can scramble your neurons and cause slurred speech. They also said he would feel worse for a couple of weeks with lower blood pressure until his body can adjust to it. I'm not going to lie, it was very unnerving seeing my dad laying in a hospital bed. It was very scary.We are so VERY grateful that he is OK! We are so grateful that everything turned out the way it did! We are so grateful for wonderful family, friends and ward members that were so concerned. We're grateful for their visits and calls and offers to do anything we needed help with.We are so very blessed!

catch up

2011-07-15T21:37:00.000-06:00

I'll start back at last weekend when Kenna and I went up to Springville to hang out with the Lokotui's for her grandma's birthday. We went to Tucano's with Grandma Lokotui, Aunty Isa and Aunty Ana, cousin Suka and daddy. It was very yummy and I ate WAY to much! Afterwards Kenna and Suka played in the splash pad outside the restaurant.

Then on Monday morning Kenna got her new bike! She loves it! She's working on getting to be a great rider. We went up to our ward house, which is where I learned how to ride my bike when I was her age.I got her elbow and knee pads, but they didn't fit. So of course she fell the first time when she wasn't wearing any, but it wasn't a bad fall and she got back on and kept trying. She just wanted to have grandma next to her the whole time.

On Tuesday my friend Shelli and I were able to go watch a live taping of Good Things Utah. It was weird to see it live.

the bitch is back

2011-07-07T17:04:00.002-06:00

Up until recently, I feel I've been a rather patient pregnant person. I remember being much more irritable while pregnant with Kenna. I think I've been more patient with this pregnancy because of Kenna. However, I've reached the point where I don't really care to hold back when things are bothering me. I'm starting to swell up, I am always congested and feeling short of breath, I always have to burp, I am always HOT, Esp. my feet and can't get comfortable. I'm feeling rather miserable and sorry for myself. So sorry if I snap at you. Just kidding I don't give a shit if I do. lol No but seriously, sorry.

fourth of july

2011-07-07T16:54:00.000-06:00

I love the Fourth of July! I love going to the Magna Parade. We've gone ever since I can remember. We always have a BBQ at my grandpa's and then we go back out to Magna to watch fireworks. This year we also meet up with Kenna and Sulli's dad and his family after the parade for a continuation of his family reunion. I was so happy that it wasn't super hot! It even rained a little during the parade and it felt so good. I was worried that I would swell up like I did the Fourth of July when I was pregnant with Kenna. The fireworks were great this year! I love the USA!!!

Grandpa Pete came to the parade this year =)

Get it Kenna!

Kenna, Jenna and Tiera

Kenna and Jenna (they were born 3 days apart)

At the Kauvaka party

The big monkey helping the little monkey cross the monkey bars.

OK, so this was my first try ever with face painting. Don't judge me! lol She was waiting so patiently to get her face painted and the face painters were busy and her daddy was going to paint a "Y" on her face so I had to help her out. She was cool with it at least.

Before we went to watch fireworks.

Lovin it!

wheeler farm

2011-07-07T16:15:00.002-06:00

Our fun thing for the week last week was going to Wheeler Farm. My dad even meet up with us since his work is pretty close to the farm. It was fun. Hot, but fun. We feed some birds, saw some animals, went on a wagon ride, and got some penny candy. After that Kenna and I went to pick up her and Sulli's dad from work and went to his family reunion in Saratoga Springs. I didn't take any pics cause I did want to be the palangi girl with the camera lol. Kenna had so much fun running around with her cousins. She got some hardcore mosquito bites though. =( When we came home she got to do some "sprinklers" (sparklers). It was a long fun day.

In the outhouse

On the wagon ride

Going down a hill

This part of the farm was flooded. Little Cottonwood Creek runs nearby.

Watching a cow get milked

oh snaps

2011-07-07T15:39:00.000-06:00

Kenna loves them!

roller derby girl

2011-07-07T15:37:00.000-06:00

A couple years back I bought Kenna a sweet pair of strap on rollerblades at a yard sell for 1 buck. She wanted to give them a try last week and she did really well! I was impressed! She only fell twice and she was a tough girl when she did and would promptly get back up and try again. I hope that she'll be better at things like rollerblading, biking, scooter(ing) and all other various things with wheels then I was and or am. They weren't my strong suit when I was little, neither were kart-wheels lol (I'll chalk that up to my derriere). So hopefully she'll be better then me. =)

Then we blew some bubbles.

oh west fest

2011-06-26T23:37:00.000-06:00

I la la la love me some West Fest! There aren't many better ways to make you feel better about yourself and yet at the same time make you feel bad for not having any tattoos then going to West Fest. We went with my mom and my friend Stacie and we had so much fun. The only not fun part was when I got locked in the Centennial Park bathrooms (since I opted to not go in one of the port-a-potty's) within the first 5 minutes of being there. Obviously, I got out and all is well. Here are some of the pics.

Stuck in the bathroom =(

Snocone!

Stacie and me

Kenna and Stacie

Thank you mom!

Yummm cotton candy

We also went to see the fireworks. I love fireworks and sitting and waiting for them while people watching and eating snacks. Kenna and Sulli's dad came with Kenna. my mom and myself.

My poor mom got sunburned from working hard outside and then swimming with Kenna.

I LOVE WEST FEST!

look what i made

2011-06-26T23:04:00.001-06:00

I've had the stuff to make this lamp for McKenna for a while and I finally made it this weekend. She loves it! =)

i did it

2011-06-26T01:15:00.001-06:00

I finally got in the pool and it was a little chilly at first, but it was heaven after the initial shock. Yay for having a pool!

My mom gave it a try too. That green floaty is THE BEST!

Thanks to Kenna the pool is extra clean. She loves to vacuum.

father's day 2011

2011-06-20T00:12:00.001-06:00

I am so very grateful to have been blessed with such a wonderful dad. He is the best grandpa and dad ever! I could not have hand picked a better dad. He is so sweet with McKenna. He is such a hard worker. I love that he is a worthy priesthood holder and that I can ask him for a father's blessing at any time.

Grandpa is the only one who has dared go in the pool yet (it's still too cold!)

Father's Day 2011

I was also blessed with incredible grandfathers. I miss my Grandpa Simons. I miss his silly stories and comments.

Cannon Beach, Oregon August 2007

I love my Grandpa Peterson. He really is the best. He and Kenna are crazy about one another and he's even sweet enough to sit through all of the girlie/princess themed movies that McKenna always picks to watch when we go over. I love having him so close to us.

Kenna and Grandpa Pete Pioneer Day 2010

This Father's day we just had my grandpa come up for dinner and then Kenna wanted to play the game Sorry. So we played until she got sick of it. Kenna sang during Sacrament today too. =)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have been feeling so miserable the last couple of days! I am so ready to be done with this pregnancy! Blah!

25 weeks 1 day- Kennatography

an update not about swimming

2011-06-18T22:51:00.001-06:00

In between Kenna's swim sessions, we've done some fun things. We've gone to Gardener Village (a couple of times. Unfortunately, the petting zoo isn't there anymore), went to a super cute "circus" themed wedding of one of my cousins, Kenna had a dentist appointment (NO CAVITIES!!!!), I had a Dr. appointment, we went to Saltair and I got to go out with my girlfriends for my friend Shelli's 25th birthday.

Hooray for Summer!!!

Gardener Village

McKenna and Katie at the wedding. They're both named after my Great Grandma, Katie McKenna Peterson.

She got hurt =(

Almost 25 weeks

Sulli's cute little profile =)

Getting x-rays at the dentist

Getting her prize

At "Aladdin's castle"

We went on the beach, but it was pretty muddy. Kenna had just gotten her foot dirty and she didn't know whether to laugh or cry so she did both lol

Tara, Stacie, Shelli and me at Red Iguana

and again at Valley Fair

an update all about swimming

2011-06-18T22:05:00.001-06:00

Kenna is LOVING the pool! She has swam at least 1 hour everyday since the Monday after we put it up (excluding Sundays). She is so brown already. She falls asleep fast at night. She is getting to be a very good little swimmer. She's pretty brave and feels comfortable in the water. She loves to get her dive toys, dive in, float, play the game she and grandma created and do "canner balls". I love watching her swim.

Sorry, there's a lot o' pics

first day swimming

"CANNER BALL!!!!"

My favorite pic thus far =)

About to get her dive toys

Diving lessons

Floating

Kenna and Grandma's game

"Got her!"

guess what kenna gets to do tomorrow...

2011-06-05T22:29:00.001-06:00

My mom, dad and I actually set our pool up on Saturday, but Kenna was at her dad's house so she didn't get to swim in it yesterday and we have a "NO swimming on Sunday" rule. So pretty much today was pure torture for her. Lucky for her, as soon as she wakes up she can go take a dip and then she has all of summer to swim her little heart out. She is so EXCITED!!! While she was outside today she asked if we could blow up some of her pool stuff so we did.

"1"

"2"

"3"

"4"

"5"

Kenna had the opportunity to speak in Primary today and she did so well! She is so brave. I am so proud of my sweet girl!

our day down town

2011-06-05T22:19:00.001-06:00

Kenna and I had to go down town to take a "test" last week, so we decided to make a day of it. After our test I took Kenna to McDonald's (which didn't have a play place so she was somewhat bummed), then we rode trax in the free zone for a bit and went and walked around the Planetarium. We would have gone and walked around temple square, but it was kind of cold and very windy. We had a fun day. I love going down town.

picnic at copperton

2011-06-01T21:47:00.002-06:00

I was wondering what I could do with McKenna today since it was supposed to be so nice so I decided it would be a great idea to take her up to Copperton park for a picnic and then we could play at the park. Turns out it was every school take a field trip to Copperton day today. When we got there, there was a big school group eating lunch in the pavilion and while we were eating another busload of kids pulled up. Kenna was a little intimidated because they were older kids, but she found a cute little friend and the kids didn't stay too long. I was pretty impressed with all of the things Kenna did all by herself. She usually isn't into climbing things, but she was all about it today. Good thing I had her wear shorts under the dress she wore.

Kenna wanted to take a picture of me and brother.

22 1/2 weeks

pumpkin

2011-06-01T21:08:00.000-06:00

Every year when we plant the garden my mom buys Kenna her very own pumpkin for her to plant and "take care of". Hopefully this year her plant will be fruitful. Kenna also did a really good job painting a sun catcher that she decided she wanted to hang outside on the swing set. Sadly, the rain stripped it clean the day after we put it up.

yeah, that's nice.

And...the fence is finished!

wishing it was already september

2011-05-28T23:30:00.000-06:00

Oh man! I hate to be one of those pregnant chicks that whines, but...I am already wishing it was the end of September so I could be that much closer to being done with being pregnant. This sweet little guy has made me so much sicker then I ever remember being with Kenna. He does however, always redeem himself by giving me those sweet little kicks that I love so much. Shoot I wish I would plan my pregnancies so that I wouldn't be pregnant during ALL of summer...good thing we have a swimming pool! There I feel somewhat to moderately better just light weight complaining. I am so excited to meet my sweet little guy!

at 21 weeks

Now that I'm 22 weeks I officially only have 18 weeks to go!

on to bigger and better things...

2011-05-22T22:24:00.001-06:00

I officially have a preschool graduate! McKenna's program was yesterday and she did AMAZING!!! She knew and sang every song. She killed her solo. She was the best! I am so proud of my big girl! =)

(Please excuse the darkness of these pics. Church lighting is weird)

With her class

She was the mommy during "The Wheels on the Bus"

She did so well!!!!!!!!

"A-tutti-ta"

All grown up

SO PROUD of my big girl!!!

Kenna with Mrs. Cossa =)

Kenna with Grandma, Grandpa Pete and Grandpa (being a dork lol)

Kenna and Tyler

Kenna loves doing karate on the trampoline

So pretty my little girl!

Kenna's report card

"Now my little girl's a lady, See her stand with strength and poise. For life's adventures she stands ready, To sing life's sweet song she'll add her voice."

no more preschool for my big girl

2011-05-21T00:48:00.001-06:00

Kenna had her last day of preschool today. I can't believe it. She is so excited to start Kindergarten. She loves school and she loves learning new things. I could not have asked for a better, sweeter, smarter, more beautiful little girl. =)

For the last day of school everybody got to bring their favorite toy for show and tell.

Kenna's class

On her first day of school for this past year

On her first day ever of preschool in August of 09'

To celebrate Kenna's last day I took her to see the new Pirates of the Caribbean movie (she's been wanting to see it since she first saw the previews). So she got dressed all "pirately", as she said, in one of her Cyprus Pirate shirts, her dress up pirate pants and a bandanna type thing. =) She looked so cute! Thanks to Shelli and Hina for coming with us!

spring starts when again?

2011-05-19T21:22:00.000-06:00

Holy rain-a-thon 2011! Don't get me wrong, I love the rain, but I am not a fan of not being able to take Kenna outside and play in warm weather. So, we'll just soak up the sunny days when they come. We've tried to use our time wisely when it is nice and sunny. Here are some of the things we've been able to do thus far; My dad and a family friend are rebuilding part of our fence and because of the rain it has taken a little longer then expected, so we have a really nice "hillbilly" style fence up until it's finished so the dog won't get out. Kenna got her swing fixed and she got to pick out the new rope and everything. We put in Kenna's stepping stone that she gave me for Mother's day. =) Kenna's been a flying kite champion...she loves to fly her kite. She also LOVES jumping on the tramp with sprinklers.
I just had a doctor's appointment on Wednesday and Sulli is doing GREAT! =) He's still definitely a boy. Which is good since my mom and I have bought a lot of little boy fabric for blankets. He's measuring great and is super active. It's amazing how much I already love my little guy. =)
McKenna graduates from preschool this Saturday! I cannot believe it! Her last day of school is tomorrow and then she starts Kindergarten on August 22nd. I can't believe how fast my sweet baby girl is growing up. Where have the last 5 years gone?! (of course pics of her graduation will be posted later.)

old fence coming down

new fence starting to come up... classy right? lol

This is a super cute picture Mckenna drew of the whole family; our cats, dog, My mom and Dad, Kenna and me, Mike and Sheena and Grandpa Pete and Grandma Pete (She's the bigger one on the bottom with angel wings)

He was kind of being a stinker and wouldn't show a good profile

Yup...all boy.

mother's day for my mother =)

2011-05-07T21:42:00.001-06:00

For my mom's mother's day gift this year I enlisted the funding of my dear daddy and took a class from Poppy Seed Projects and made my mom a beautiful picture of the Salt Lake temple. I went to the class today and since the picture was so big, we just gave it to her today. SHE LOVED IT! YAY! Happy Mother's day MOM!!!

First you paint the frame (which is just white baseboard they had put together for the class)

Then you glue the picture to a thick card stock back, and texturize it.

The last step is to screw the brackets in the back (so the picture stays in) and go home and give it to your mommy =)

early mother's day for me

2011-05-06T21:29:00.001-06:00

When I picked up McKenna from school today her teacher had to help her bring out a big heavy bag that was just for me. She was so excited to give it to me! So when we got home she eagerly helped me open my beautifully hand drawn paper bag and I was so excited to get the most wonderful stepping stone I had ever seen! It had a cute little quote and poem to go with it. I LOVED IT! Don't worry, I cried. I am so grateful for the wonderful opportunity I have to be the mother to the sweetest most beautiful little girl in the world and to also have the best mommy in the world! I am so grateful for my many blessings!

Since today was yet another fantastic day, Kenna got to jump on the trampoline with the sprinklers again and I got to sit out and tan. AWESOME!

Kenna picked me some "early Mother's Day" flowers =)

my momma's birthday

2011-05-06T20:56:00.001-06:00

Cinco de Mayo really is a cause for celebration at our house. It's my mommy's birthday! I was (and still am) a little low on the mula. So luckily the day before her birthday, I saw an add for a FREE genuine fresh water pearl necklace (valued at $99) at a jewelry store up in Provo. So Kenna and I got in the car and went and got one for her! SCORE!!! We also cleaned up the backyard a bit and cleaned the inside of the house, made her an awesome card, some fake balloons (again with the minimal fundage) and a German chocolate birthday cake (her favorite). I am so grateful for my beautiful mom! I could not have hand picked a better mommy. She is definitely my best friend. She is so loving and supportive and is the BEST GRANDMA EVER! I love you mommy! =)

Might I add that my baby girl is all about picking out her clothes all by herself? She very rarely has an "off" day =)

Check the pearls!

kenna's very good/not very good day

2011-05-02T21:11:00.001-06:00

Oh my goodness we were LOVIN the weather today! After school I showed Kenna her new swim suit and she wanted to put it to use pretty much right away...so we did. We put the sprinklers under the trampoline and she had a blast! Kenna got to play with her friend Cadence (she lives across the street), got to see her best friends Hina and Seah and her aunt Sheena and her are currently "hanging out" and watching a movie. Those were the good things that happened today.

Even though overall McKenna had a great day...she had a major "owie" day. =( At school she fell off a scooter and had a light scrap on her leg. At home the last kitten that we had (which we got rid of today!) scratched her neck up and she got burnt by her "toodles". After she had finished jumping on the trampoline we played with chalk and Kenna rode her bike on the basketball court and fell off of it and scraped her elbow up pretty badly. Then after she left her friend 's house and we started to go for a walk she fell down and scraped her knee. Poor thing. After she got cleaned and bandaged we continued on our walk and she said, "Mom, you know I'm gonna have to tell Hina about all of my owies, she'll probably be heartbroken."

bun in the oven

2011-05-01T23:24:00.001-06:00

I suppose I've waited long enough to talk about my current condition. SO, here it goes...I am currently 18 weeks pregnant. I am due on October 1st. I had an ultrasound on the 20th of April and I found out that I will be having a baby boy! His name will be Sullivan Oxford Simons. McKenna is so excited to be a big sister and she is so sweet with my tummy. She loves to rub, tickle and kiss her brother and she is always making sure that he is OK. I know that she will be a wonderful helper with him. I am insanely excited and scared at the same time. My children will be a "matching set"; McKenna and Sulli have the same daddy. We were trying to be a family and spend a lot of time together as a family and well...yeah the whole pregnancy thing was a result of that. He and I are not together in the slightest. Anyways, there you have it. Here are some of the ultrasound pics.

Sulli at 13 weeks

It's a BOY!!!

Proud big sister <3

warmth is nice

2011-05-01T23:05:00.000-06:00

I had to take McKenna with my to my new YSA stake's stake conference today and she was such a good girl. Since she came with me I told her she didn't have to go to the family ward if she didn't want to and guess what...she didn't want to. So we hung out at home. I wasn't feeling very well so I took a light weight cat nap and she continued to be a super good girl and play by herself and and watch cartoons. When I got up I felt bad that she had been sitting inside on such a beautiful day. So we went outside and I watched Kenna do her best tricks on the trampoline and then we chalked it up on the basketball court. I need to get Kenna a bigger bike! Hers is far too little for her. I am so grateful for what a sweet little girl McKenna is. =)

hitting the pine tree (so cool)

happy pretend birthday!

2011-04-30T22:32:00.000-06:00

Since Mckenna is a summer baby, she got to celebrate her birthday at preschool this last Friday. It was a little difficult for her to understand just exactly why it wasn't her real birthday and why she wasn't going to be getting any presents, but she figured it out. =) She got to bring treats for all of her friends, so she brought bubbles, capri suns and "prencils" (pencils) for everybody. When she came out of school she had the coolest crown ever!

hoppy easter

2011-04-24T21:07:00.000-06:00

We had such a nice Easter this year. The Easter bunny scaled back quite a bit this year and McKenna still probably got too much. Kenna's favorite thing was the pink barbie guitar that grandma and grandpa gave her. =) I went to my family ward today and I love being there with Kenna. My cute little grandpa came over for dinner. Dinner was AWESOME! I am so grateful for my family and for the knowledge of the blessing of the Atonement of Christ. I am so grateful for the love Jesus has for me, my family and everybody!

dying eggs

walking in the front room to see what the Easter Bunny brought (Don't mind her disgusting toy closet)

Easter dress

Love it!

So cute my little grandpa!

rainy day at the zoo

2011-04-21T23:53:00.000-06:00

My mom is so good to McKenna and me! She took us to the zoo this last Wednesday. It was a little chilly, but we got to see some pretty cool things that you don't really get to see when it's hot. Then we got rained out. We went and ate lunch at the "beastro " and tried to wait it out. It got a little nicer, but Kenna was done. My mom and I were fine with that, so we left.

Cause Kenna does.

I could have sat and watched the baby elephant all day!

It was cool to See the Gorillas this close

Daddy, Mommy, Sulli and Kenna =)

rainy

a big day

2011-04-19T23:30:00.001-06:00

I am so excited for tomorrow! It's going to be a big day! My mom is going to take McKenna and me to the zoo and then I have a big exciting Dr.s' appointment at 3 o'clock! Then I'm going to follow that up with the some of the last little bit of my homework for my Bio class.

Can it be 3 o'clock already?!

stupid school!

2011-04-19T21:58:00.000-06:00

Holy smokes I am so sick of school! I don't like the fact that I hate going to school (uh, when I do go to school that is). I miss the feeling of loving to go to school and not procrastinating to do my homework and even being slightly excited to do homework. I've been going to school since last Spring semester with no brake. I know wah wah wah. Why didn't I finish college after high school?! WHY????!!!!! I did not do well at all this semester. I dropped one of my easy online classes early on because I never remembered to post my assignments or do the necessary responses. I might squeek out a "C" in my Bio class. My hopes are not high for my Chemistry class though. Apparently that is a class that you really should attend in order to retain some of the information that you don't already know. Go figure. As for my 2 fitness class....I don't know. Only time will tell. Gotta be honest, I don't really care. There I said it. I'm going to take at least this Summer and Fall semesters off and I could not be happier! =) GO BRUINS!!!

oh yeah...i forgot

2011-04-10T23:20:00.000-06:00

I forgot I was going to start being a better blogger. So maybe I'll just give ya a light weight update of what happened the last little while with us.

*Disneyland was a HUGE success again! I decided I would tell McKenna the day before we left and I kinda wish I would have just waited cause sheesh! Girl was uber excited (I was too, but I didn't voice it as well or as much as she did). After the third day all three of us were done! It was so nice to know that we had time to do what we wanted and not feel rushed since we had only been 4 months ago. I thought up until about a week ago that I would be more then fine with not going back to Disneyland for at least 2 or 3 years. I changed my mind. I wanna go again! Stinkin Disneyland! After we got back Kenna was all about packing her bags for the next time we go, even though I repeatedly told her it wouldn't be for at least 3 years. She didn't care. Luckily, she's not really into that anymore. =)

* Kenna is so excited to start Kindergarten! She LOVES school! She loves to color and draw and she actually is pretty dang good if I do say so myself. =) I am struggling with this stinkin semester. BLAH! I just want it to be done already I am so overly burnt out and I am looking forward to taking the next 2 semesters off! Since this semester is almost done, that means Kenna only has 3 weeks left of "paycare". She always complains and says she doesn't want to go, but I know that she loves it. She has lots of cute little friends, she learns a lot (i.e. sign language and a little french), she get to "do work", and as it warms up she gets to go and play in Nedege's (her paycare provider) backyard. I am so looking forward to Summer and getting the pool up and getting way more sun the I probably should. I'm also wanting to start up a little etsy account for the cute little hair accessories that I enjoy making.

* This past weekend we got to go down to the Ephraim/Manti area with our friends the Hafoka's to visit Shelli's cute little sister Tiff, who is graduating from college in about 3 weeks! (Why did I not freakin finish school when I should have! BAH!) We had a lot of fun we stayed the night in an old Little motel in Manti. It snowed while we were there. We got to walk around the Manti temple with kids and they got to see a princess that was getting married. Kenna thought she looked like Giselle from Enchanted. So she was dubbed "Giselle". On the way home we dropped of Mckenna to spend her first unsupervised sleepover with her dad because his birthday in the 11th. He loved it. I hated it. I missed her so crazy bad! =( I am so happy to have my baby girl home and I'm glad that he took very good care of her.

* I'm hoping we can take at least a couple of fun little vacations in the next little while. We're planning a little Peterson family trip down to St. George for a couple of days within the next month or so. I hope we can spend a day in Vegas. I haven't been there forever and I think Kenna would love to see it. I'm hoping we'll be able to make it up to Oregon again this year. We LOVE it up there!!! I would also like to try and make our way over to Yellow Stone.

* So this April 11th would have marked my Grandma and Grandpa Peterson's 60th wedding anniversary. Ten years ago for their 50th anniversary they took the whole family to stay at a beach house in Cannon Beach, Oregon, I have so many fond memories from that trip! I cannot believe that my sweet little grandma has been gone for a little over a year now. Every now and then when I'm over cleaning my grandpa's house I'll see something out of the corner of my eye or smell something that reminds me of her and I lose it. I am so grateful that I get the opportunity for Kenna and myself to go eat lunch and spend some time with my cute little grandpa once a week. He is sooo cute with her and he tries sooo hard to stay awake when they watch movies together. Maybe if they weren't all princess themed movies he'd be able to stay awake a little longer.

Well I think that's about it. I'll try and blog more frequently!

disneyland? don't mind if i do!

2011-03-05T21:12:00.000-07:00

YAY!!!!! We're going to Disneyland tomorrow morning!!! Jealous much? =P

Here are some pics from when we went in November.

oh me oh my

2011-02-23T11:25:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been a while since I updated my blog! So I guess I'll just give ya a little update:
-We went to Disneyland the beginning of November and had SO MUCH FUN! My mom and dad, my cute little grandpa and myself had such a good time watching Kenna take it all in. =) It was a short 2 1/2 day trip with 2 days in the parks. Since it was so short, my mom and I figured we should take McKenna again the beginning of March! I'm so excited to surprise Kenna again!
- We had a Happy Halloween! Kenna was Astrid from How to Train Your Dragon. It was the first year I didn't make her costume. Kenna got A LOT of candy!
-We were thankful for Thanksgiving. The food was great!
-Christmas was wonderful! Kenna got all the things she asked for. Santa scaled back quite a bit this year because Kenna really didn't need anything. Christmas was definitely different with out my sweet grandma.
-We had a chill New Years Eve at home and just lit sparklers, played games and banged pots and pans.
-I started yet another semester of school...blah!
-My brother officially moved out, which means McKenna got her very own room! She LOVES it! She thinks she's "the business".
-Kenna got registered for "watergarden" (kindergarten) and I cant help but wonder where the last almost 5 years have gone!
Well, those are the bigger things that have happened since I last posted. =)
I'll try and be better about posting...promise!

just a little update

2010-10-28T20:39:00.000-06:00

I can NOT believe how fast this freakin year is goin by! I am more than ready for this semester to be over already! Bah I've never been more unmotivated in my life and I'm hoping I don't feel the same way next semester. I may or may not be getting a job at Kohl's doing ad set. I did this about 3 years ago, it's easy and the hours aren't bad. I've gone a few dates here and there and we'll just have to see how things go. =) Other than that there's nothing too new with me.
Kenna is loving school, at least one of is. She recently learned how to float in a swimming pool. She is so excited for Halloween! She's going to be Astrid from How To Train Your Dragon... I'll post pictures later. I can't believe how tall she's getting and how smart she is. It makes me kinda sad and a little baby hungry, but not that hungry!

I am so excited to be surprising McKenna with a trip to Disneyland in 12 days!!! She is gonna be the happiest girl that ever was! We're flying into Long Beach on November 9th early in the morning and we'll hit up the park that day and the 10th and then come home on the 11th. I am so looking forward to seeing her reactions to things in the park. I myself haven't been to Disneyland in over 13 years. We're lucky to have my mom, dad and grandpa coming with us! It's gonna be fun!

the rebirth of craft night!

2010-10-24T01:09:00.000-06:00

YAY! I'm so excited that we started up craft night again!

Collett, me, Marlee and Meg

These are our scared faces, obviously

caught it!

2010-10-24T01:04:00.000-06:00

Guess that means I'm next? Better find a guy! lol

Congrats to my friend Jess and her husband Brian! They had a beautiful reception at the Rio Tinto stadium complete with photo booth.

cookies are better when they have sprinkles

2010-10-24T00:59:00.001-06:00

That just about sums it up! =)

my little pirate

2010-10-24T00:38:00.000-06:00

Kenna got invited to her boyfriend Tyler's birthday party and she was over the moon excited about it! It was a pirate themed party so I got Kenna all decked out in the best "princess pirate" gear I could find. Not too bad I'd say.

ARRGHHH!

finally someone else is gonna have a baby!

2010-10-24T00:31:00.000-06:00

Good gravy! It is about time one of my high school girl friends had a baby! I was the first to have a baby and ironically the last to be married. lol My friend Aubrie is expecting a baby boy this winter! So my friend Collett, Kenna and I got to go to her baby shower. Kenna is so in love with " Colleck"! In fact when Kenna and I went to the Olive Garden for my friend Jessica's bachelorette party there was a red headed girl waiting outside by us and Kenna got so excited! She said, " Oh Hey! Colleck!". Too bad it wasn't her lol For the record, I love Colleck too. =)

crazy cornmaze

2010-10-24T00:22:00.001-06:00

I took Kenna to her first corn maze this year. She loved it! We went with the Young Single Adults in our stake so we got to go with my friends Melanie, Rebecca and her son Steven. My parents were there too because at the time they were over the YSA in our ward. It's a good thing Rebecca was there cause we didn't get lost once!

Steven, Melanie, Kenna, Me

the pizza really is incredible

2010-10-22T23:39:00.001-06:00

So, I'd be lying if I said I didn't really like Incredible Pizza. The food is pretty dang good for a buffet, the kids have a ton of fun playing all the different games and therefore get tired from running around nonstop and the cookies are amazing! We especially love going there with the Hafoka's, especially since we haven't been there with anybody else. lol

So after out fun time ended and we got out to the car I had the biggest bird terd I've ever seen on my side window! It was mother truckin disgusting! I was just gagging my brains out when I was cleaning it off! BLECH!

kenna says

2010-10-03T22:21:00.004-06:00

Kenna has some pretty funny sayings! Here are some of the usuals:

"charabe chop" = karate chop

"ever who wins" = whoever wins(this means there will be a race)

"gobbles" = goggles

"paycare" = daycare

"mishimaries" = missionaries

"two-a-dems" = two of them

"simsoups" = swimming suit

"plaer" = prayer

"schrouble" = trouble

"pompenrazzi" = paparazzi

"toodles" = noodles

"told" = cold

"watergarden" = kindergarten

"ofafus" = octopus

"dagoon" = lagoon

"I'm gonna kick your trash out!" = I'm gonna kick your butt!

=) I love these sayings! I'd be lying if I said I'll be happy when she outgrows them.

the circus

2010-09-27T13:32:00.000-06:00

I was so excited to surprise McKenna with tickets to the circus! I hadn't been in well over 15 years and she'd never been. I can still remember going to Barnum and Bailey's with my cousin Tommy when we were little. I even still have one of the cups I got a snocone in all those years ago. Come to think of it, I should probably through that away. So, all I told Kenna was that Grandma and I were taking her for a fun surprise. She kept trying to guess..."Are you taking me to Dagoon?(Lagoon)", "the big mountain(Kennecott)", "You're sure you're not taking me to Dagoon?". She was so excited when I finally told her we were going to the circus. She was even more excited after I explained to her what the circus is.
So we got there early and were able to see some of the acts up close and try on some of the performers clothes. My mom bought McKenna a toy, a light up thing with elephants. My mom was a little put out that Kenna didn't pick the cute stuffed tigers. She ended up trading it in at the end of the night for a stuffed elephant mommy and baby combo, which seemed to be OK with my mom. I offered to buy drinks since my mom had bought Kenna the toy and taken us out to eat before the show. Two lemonades and a snocone later I was out 30 bucks. That's just how I roll. My mom evened up the score by buying $12 cotton candy and some popcorn. Kenna enjoyed the circus, I did too. It's amazing to watch how strong the performers are. It's almost mind boggling. All said and done, I'd be OK with not going to the circus for at least another 5 years. Just sayin.

This was Kenna favorite part.

So crazy strong!

She was hanging by her hair. She probably uses Pantene Pro-V.

He was lifting over a ton, or so they say.

This was so cool! They had 7 motorcyclists in there.

The End.

nice day huh

2010-09-20T22:11:00.000-06:00

Kenna makes some pretty good observations. This is one she made today

Kenna: "It's a pretty nice day today, huh mom."

Me: "Yeah it is nice outside."

Kenna: "I should ride my scooter or something...no...maybe my bike."

So that's what we did.

goodbye pool...hello fall!

2010-09-19T21:52:00.002-06:00

First of all, I would like to start off by saying how grateful I am to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day saints! On Saturday we had the opportunity to go to the temple while the baby Sheena had ( Baby Lucas =) ) was sealed to his parents and sisters for time and all eternity. What a wonderful blessing, to know that families are forever. I am so grateful for that knowledge and so grateful that baby Lucas will know that too.

So we started to drain the pool when we got home from the temple, it's still draining right now (it's about 9:30 pm Sunday night). So Kenna had her last hurrah and swam pretty much all day Saturday. We also had a ward carnival and that was actually pretty fun. There was cotton candy, I LOVE COTTON CANDY!

I am SO excited for Fall to finally get here! I love sweater weather with all my heart! I really just love this time of the year up until about January 2nd. School starts, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New years...LOVE IT!

At Temple Square

In the waiting room

Kenna's trick (holding her breath)

When the water got lower she would swim, like actually swim.

She wouldn't ever do that when the pool was full.

At the Ward Carnival, lol the power got cut momentarily and the bounce house went down.

Last time swimmin in the pool for this year.

It's getting closer!

my little cheerleader

2010-09-19T21:16:00.001-06:00

Kenna did the mini cheer workshop last week out at Cyprus and she LOVED it, yet again. She actually does quite well with timing and shaking her bum, chip off the ole' block I guess. =) It's so cute to watch her! She had practice 3 times and then preformed during half time of the Cyprus vs. Hunter game (Hunter won, duh).

My cousins little girl Jenna, did the workshop too.

I was so sad, my camera crapped out during her performance ( I was recording) so I didn't get it on tape.

=( I was so pissed! On the ride home from the game Kenna said, "Mom, what's the matter? Why are you sad?" and I said, "Well baby girl I'm sad I didn't get to record you dancing so we could watch it again, because my camera wouldn't work." She then said, "It's OK momma, we'll just go to the store in the morning and get some new batteries for you camera!" =) She is so stinkin sweet!

She did very well and I am one proud momma!

At practice =)

Kenna and Jenna

My little Cheerleader!

Kenna and Grandma (my mom takes tickets at the games)

About to perform

Doin the dang thing!

So proud of my little girl!