Bealer Bunch

Brooke

2012-01-25T11:46:00.000-08:00

Brooke is growing fast. For Christmas she got this playmat and loves it (of course now she is rolling off it all the time).

Also for Christmas her Aunt Katie got her this fluffy pink baby. She loves it also. It is so soft and chewable.

Today I asked Abi to take a picture of me and Brooke together, by the time we got the camera zoomed in Brooke didn't want to take it the way I wanted, but we got this cute one.

I can't believe how fast she is growing up. Getting a personality of her own and loving all the attention she can get!

Abi's 3rd lost tooth!

2012-01-24T13:41:00.000-08:00

It has been 1 1/2 years since Abi lost her first two teeth. Not long ago she told me that she had a loose tooth and I didn't think it felt that loose. The next day as I picked her up from school she said that it had bled and that it hurt a lot. By that night she asked me to pull it and out it came. I couldn't find the tooth pillow that I had made, so I went ahead and made another one so that she could get it under her pillow for the tooth fairy. She was so excited!

Christmas Program

2012-01-12T13:25:00.000-08:00

On the day of the program I realized that I didn't have the battery on the video camera charged so I took the camera. Here are a couple of the videos I got before the memory card was full. It was a really good program and Abi and Lauren did great! Next time I will be more prepared to record!

(I tried to upload more than this, but they must have been too big because they wouldn't load)

Moving and Fountainhead

2012-01-12T13:17:00.001-08:00

Brooke is starting to move a little more every day and this is how I found her the other day when I went to wake her up so we could take the older girls to school.

Brooke was born with a good amount of hair. I don't know why I didn't think about putting a ponytail (David calls it a fountainhead) sooner, but someone mentioned it and here is the first time that I put it up.

Stockings

2012-01-08T16:47:00.000-08:00

This year I decided to get matching stockings for the girls and to get their names put on them. I waited kind of long, but was able to find someone to get them done by Christmas and for a good price. I really like the way they turned out. I also found the perfect place to put them this year. David suggested a picture of a fire to be on the tv for the picture.

Parade of Lights

2012-01-08T16:00:00.001-08:00

As part of the girl scouts Abi and Lauren got to ride on a float in the parade of lights. This isn't the best picture, but it is the only one I was able to get. Also included is a couple pictures of the float.

Santa

2012-01-04T05:25:00.000-08:00

I forgot to put up the picture of the girls with Santa. We took this picture the same night as the Polar Express. Reagan didn't want anything to do with Santa until she realized that he gave a candycane after they were done. She then tolerated it so that she could get that.

Princess Tea Party

2012-01-01T15:03:00.000-08:00

I am still trying to catch up, in November after the Polar Express, I took Abi and Lauren to a Princess Tea Party. It was suggested that the girls wear princess dressses and thanks to my friend Emily lending us one (and that Lauren fit Abi's old flower girl dress) we were set.

Before we left

The decorations

We took pictures of each other

They did hair and makeup

They got glitter tattoos (I forgot to take a picture of Abi's until days later)

On our way out we took pictures at a sign David's company made and some ice sculptures

The tickets also came with the tiarra's and gift bags. They also got a small photo shoot with a free picture. There were lots of happy little princesses there, but I know that my two had a wonderful time!

Polar Express

2011-12-30T13:04:00.000-08:00

It has become a tradition that we do the polar express that is part of the festival of trees here in Danville. They girls have a great time and we enjoy it also. It starts at the mall and then we get on the train (buses). They take us to the McDonalds where we get hot chocolate and sing carols all the way to the festival of trees. Then we listen as the mayor reads the book "Polar Express", then Santa comes and gives everyone bells. This is the first year I tried to get matching pj's (couldn't find Brooke's size, but they are close). Here are a couple pictures on the bus and then a picture of the girls with the conductor.

Updates

2011-12-24T21:13:00.000-08:00

I haven't been on in a while and have quite a few things that need to be updated. Here are a few random moments. I will try to do more soon!

Abi in the Kitchen!

2011-11-16T07:12:00.000-08:00

Abi got an assignment from Girl Scouts to plan, and prepare dinner for the family. She was so excited and planned Velveeta Taco Mac, Baking Powder Biscuits and Tomatoes. She also set the table. Lauren and Reagan had a hard time not helping, but enjoyed watching.

Halloween!

2011-11-01T16:21:00.000-07:00

I hope that everyone had a great halloween. We had pumpkins to carve for each girl, but never got the opportunity to carve them. So David did one pumpkin for the whole family. Here it is with the flash and without (in the dark). The girls got to dress up 3 times, for the trunk or treat, for David's work, and for trick or treating. They had a great time and got loads of candy (which I am having a hard time staying away from).

Hermione (Abigail):

Snow White (Lauren):

Witch (Reagan):

Jack-0-lantern (Brooke):

All the girls together:

Sunstone

2011-10-26T10:52:00.000-07:00

While we were in Nauvoo we had to get a picture of the girls on top of the sunstone in the quarry. It is something we do everytime we are there. It is neat to see the changes in our family when we do it. I am also going to include all the ones we have taken in the past.

Jon and Janet's Wedding

2011-10-18T06:53:00.000-07:00

David's brother Jon got sealed in the Nauvoo Temple on October 8th. We were so happy that we could make it. I took a few pictures while we were there and thought I would post them.

Jon and Janet coming out of the Temple:

Siblings:

Family:

Sisters:

Sisters being silly:

Brothers:

Brothers being silly:

Katie:

Lauren loves Uncle Jon:

I love the happiness on Evie and Laney's faces:

Evie, Lauren, and Reagan:

My family:

David's sister Karin took these of Brooke (she was very hungry and started sucking on her thumb at the end):

Sidenote: We were asked to wear one of their wedding colors for the pictures and I chose purple. I am also going to use them for family pictures this year.

Random Brooke

2011-10-18T06:46:00.000-07:00

I have quite a few friends that have had babies and seeing their newborn pictures made me want to get one of Brooke. I took off her clothes and put a headband on, I put her on the ottoman on her tummy, but she wouldn't cooperate (probably because she was awake). So the next few days I tried to get cute pictures of her with her clothes on. These are some of the pictures I got!

Gayle!

2011-10-16T13:28:00.000-07:00

We have a good friend who stops by often. Lately she has been reading a lot of books to Reagan. This was one of the times that Abi and Lauren were there also. Gayle didn't want to look at the camera, but I would say that it was a great picture of all the girls!

Big Sister!

2011-10-14T11:00:00.000-07:00

Reagan is such a good big sister. She loves Brooke so much, always asking to hold her. We have had a few problems with her getting mad when she can't hold her or trying to take Brooke from us. Last night she got into trouble for picking Brooke up by her jammies and pulling her off the ottoman when being told not to. It scared me, but Brooke is fine. Here are a couple pictures I got of them together!

1 Month old!

2011-10-12T08:50:00.001-07:00

I am so late in posting this because Brooke is now over 6 weeks old, but these are her 1 month picures that I took. At her 1 month appointment she was 11 pounds 4 ounces. I also included pictures of the other girls at 1 month also so you can compare. I think they look a lot alike.

Abigail:

Lauren:

Reagan:

Tummy Time

2011-10-12T08:50:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures of Brooke with tummy time. She was just starting to turn her head and then she got tired and fell asleep.

Riding the ponies

2011-10-12T08:43:00.001-07:00

It is tradition that we ride the ponies at the Hoopeston Sweetcorn Festival. We went with Grandma and Grandpa while they were still here. Reagan loved riding and even threw a fit when it all stopped.

Family Visits

2011-10-05T06:55:00.001-07:00

Its been so long, I thought I had better update again. Here are pictures from family visiting for the blessing/baptism.

Papa (my dad) and Brooke:

Papa bought Abi's birthday cake:

Reagan wearing Papa's glasses:

Grandma Bealer and Brooke:

Katie loving on Brooke:

Grandpa and Brooke:

Big Day times 2

2011-09-18T14:16:00.000-07:00

On Abigail's birthday she was baptized. We also blessed Brooke on that day. It was a busy day, but so very special and wonderful. A member of the ward came up afterwards and said he had never seen a blessing and a baptism of sisters on the same day. My Dad and stepmom and David's parents and sister Katie were here for the events. Here are some pictures:

First Bath

2011-09-12T16:37:00.000-07:00

Brooke lost her umbilical cord when she was a week old so she was able to have her first real bath. She really liked the warmth of the water and was very happy until I started washing and moving her. The older girls thought it was great to watch.

Introducing...

2011-08-28T12:14:00.001-07:00

Brooke Ella Bealer

Arriving August 26th at 11:27am. I was so worried about being induced, but everything went smoothly and fast! I arrived at the hospital at 7am and got pitocin going at about 8. I got my epidural around 10:30 and went from a 6 to complete in 10 minutes. They called the doctor and when she got in the room she went to put on the gown and the nurse caught the head with the doctor catching the shoulders the next contraction (no pushing). She was 8 pounds 11 ounces and 22 inches long.

Meeting the sisters:

Ready to come home:

First Day of School

2011-08-24T07:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the first full day of school for Abi and Lauren. Abi started the 2nd grade and Lauren started kindergarten. I almost forgot to take pictures (we were in the car ready to leave when I remembered). They don't have their backpacks on, but at least I took a picture for memory. The first one they were so far apart for and so I told them to show they love each other. I really like the second picture. The last picture is of Reagan this morning. She asks where they are the minute they get out of the car and is very quiet by herself. I am sure that will change when the baby gets here.

Our Little Singer

2011-08-19T15:00:00.000-07:00

Reagan loves to sing and lately she can't get enough of "I love to see the Temple". I caught her singing it after bath and thought I would share it with all of you!

New Hairdo!

2011-08-18T14:49:00.001-07:00

It's been awhile since I updated and I thought that since this baby hasn't come yet that I should do it now. At the end of July I got my hair colored and cut. I wanted a little blonder, but I also think that it looks cute! Abi took the pictures for me!

Before:

After (done straight by the hairstylist):

After (done curly by me):

Gruber Visit!

2011-07-31T15:29:00.000-07:00

It was so nice to get to visit with my sister Carma and her family as a stop on their family trip to see church history sites. I took some pictures of the kids playing together (and used some that Carma emailed me), they all had a lot of fun!

We went to dinner at a pizza place called Monicals.

Then went for ice cream at the Dairy Barn.

Carma brought me some Lobster Poop from Boston (chocolate covered sunflower seeds). We told Abi and Lauren that it was lobster poop and made them eat it. They ended up really liking it, but I liked them and didn't share too much!

Reagan really liked Aunt Carma right from the beginning.

Playing around after church.

Pictures taken after church.

Daddy's Little Helper!

2011-07-31T15:24:00.000-07:00

Recently we had to get a new dishwasher and Reagan loved helping Daddy install it. She held the flashlight and got in his way, but they looked so cute together I had to take a picture!

Less than a month!

2011-07-25T07:37:00.000-07:00

Today is 4 weeks until due date. Friday was my 1 month left, so on Saturday I had David take a picture so that I could post. I am also including pictures of about the same time in pregnancy with the girls.

Current:

Abigail:

Lauren:

Reagan:

Over The Hill...

2011-07-24T20:18:00.000-07:00

David celebrated his 40th birthday this year. I decided last year to throw him a surprise party, but changed my mind about the surprise. We invited friends over for some "chilling and grilling" and asked that instead of a present they bring a side dish to share. We grilled hot dogs and brats. I made his favorite cake, cheesecake. The only thing I wouldn't budge on was that he had to have 40 candles on his cake. I am grateful for so many friends that came to celebrate!

2 Months to go!

2011-06-23T14:08:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I hit 2 months left until due date. I can't believe how fast this pregnancy is flying. Here is a picture from this baby and one from Abi and Reagan at the same time, I couldn't find one from Lauren.

Current:

Abigail:

Reagan:

Goings On...

2011-06-21T07:12:00.000-07:00

There has been a lot going on in the last month. We have been to the park.

Lauren and Reagan got a week to hang out before Abi was out of school.

Abi got 3 awards for 4th quarter at school; perfect attendance, best citizen in her class, and most books read in her class.

Reagan posing for the camera:

The first weekend in June we went to Santa Claus, Indiana to Holiday World. A water park in half and rollercoasters and non-water things to do in the other half. Abi and Lauren really enjoyed the log ride called Frightful Falls.

Abi:

Lauren:

We had lots of fun, but even with several coats of sunscreen we still came out burned (I only got a picture of Reagan's).

Mothers Day

2011-06-01T12:03:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know that I am a month late, but I wanted to share a few of the gifts that the girls gave me for Mothers Day.

This is a card that Abi wrote from all 3 of them:

This is a card that Lauren made me in Preschool:

These are the gifts that they made at church. They wrote the favorite thing of theirs that I make and what they thought the ingredients were for Primary (Laurens is on the right and Abi's on the left), and in Nursery they did handprints on hotpads. Very cute.

This is another gift that Lauren brought home from school:

And this is a calendar that Abi made at school. It goes from May until April of next year. Each month had a new handprint picture, I loved them all but these are a couple of my favorites.

The Ballet!

2011-05-26T16:24:00.000-07:00

At the beginning of May I got to go with Abi and the girl scouts to see the ballet Sleeping Beauty. It was a fun experience. We were in really great seats, front row of the mezanine (I think that is what it was called). I took a few pictures of the girls that rode with me before the show started.

Then as they started they asked us not to take any pictures (flash or not) while the ballet was going so not to distract the dancers. I was a little bummed because the first picture without flash turned out pretty good.

So I didn't get any pictures of the ballet, but afterwards they did a behind the scenes with a couple people. They showed the kids how they used the fog machine, and I took a few pictures at that time.

Wooly Bear Caterpillar

2011-05-02T12:03:00.000-07:00

Back in October Abi and Lauren found a caterpillar and wanted it to turn into a butterfly. I looked it up on the internet and found out that it was a wooly bear caterpillar and would turn into a moth. There were directions on how to help it survive.

We were to put a stick in the jar and fresh grass everyday until the caterpillar came down and hibernated. Then we were supposed to remove the grass and put the jar outside in a safe spot until winter was over and the grass started to turn green. I waited too long and when we went to check it had already spun its cocoon. It was supposed to come out in 10 days.

Yesterday morning I commented to David that I thought it must be dead because it had been more than the 10 days it was supposed to be, but then after church the moth was there. We called the friends that were with us the day we found it and they came over to release it. It wouldn't fly right away (I thought that was because it was hungry from not eating before making the cocoon), but we left it on a leaf and it was gone by morning. A very neat learning experience for my girls!

Reagan is 2!

2011-05-01T18:43:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Reagan's 2nd Birthday! We had a few friends over to celebrate with us. I made an Elmo cake.

We played pin the nose on Elmo.

Reagan with the cake.

Opening presents:

Reagan was very cute. As we started to sing she looked like she was going to cry. Here is a little video.

5 months!

2011-04-25T12:12:00.000-07:00

For those who didn't know, I am expecting baby #4 in August. At my last appointment they changed my due date from Sept. 1st, to Aug. 22nd. I realized just in time that I was 5 months and had David take a picture of me. I also thought it would be fun to compare with Abi, Lauren and Reagan so I will include those pictures as well.

Current:

Abigail:

Lauren:

Reagan:

Easter!

2011-04-25T12:05:00.001-07:00

I hope that everyone had a great Easter. I was real late trying to get things done this year, so I didn't get out until good friday to try to get dresses. I am lucky that I was able to find some cute ones (even though they didn't match). Abi's was a little big, but not too bad. We had a great day with church and then Easter dinner at a friends along with a little egg hunt.

New Haircuts!

2011-04-17T15:34:00.000-07:00

I have been putting off updating because I keep thinking that I need to catch up in order to put up new pictures. I am just going to start new.

Abi and Lauren got their hair cut on Friday. David had been on a business trip and they wanted to surprise him when he came home. I think they turned out very cute!

Before:

Abi

Lauren

After:

Abi

Lauren

Family Pictures

2010-12-13T16:59:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday morning we had pictures of everyone taken. Each family wore a different color shirt so that you could match families later. These are just the random pictures. I will post the ones the photographer took last.

Shooting

2010-12-13T16:52:00.001-08:00

On Monday morning a bunch of the adults went shooting while a few stayed with all of the kids. I stayed with my niece Janae and a few others with most of the kids. Here are some shots of David at the shooting range.

Family Reunion

2010-12-13T16:29:00.000-08:00

I am going to be posting several posts in the next few days from our Bealer family reunion in August. I waited because everyone took pictures and then we sent them to David's brother Todd who put them all onto discs for all to enjoy. On Monday night, the first big thing that happened was David's sister Katie got baptized. She has downs syndrome and was very excited (even though she doesn't have need, she wanted to be like her nieces and nephews that were getting baptized). These are some of my choices from the baptism.

I can see clearly now...

2010-11-22T05:30:00.000-08:00

This last week I have been noticing Abi squinting alot, so I set up an appointment for her to get her eyes checked. It seems that she is going to follow in her parents footsteps (only a little earlier). An hour and a half later she had a new pair of glasses. David was on a business trip and she asked if she could surprise him, so he didn't even know until he saw her!

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T15:42:00.000-07:00

I hope that everyone had a great halloween! Our ward had its trunk or treat on Friday night. It is a good thing because our town decided that they were still doing trick or treating on Sunday and we are not going to go. Abi asked to be a mummy this year, so I did the best I could (things started to unravel before we even left the house). Lauren wanted to be Dorothy and she was excited that I even bought her a wig. Reagan got to be a ladybug (thanks to a lady at weight watchers who gave us the costume because it didn't fit her grandson). David was gone on a business trip so it was just us girls (thankfully we had help from other ward members). Reagan wasn't very cooperative for pictures, but she was very cute!

Indianapolis Zoo!

2010-10-16T20:26:00.000-07:00

Last friday the girls had a day off from school for teacher development, so we went with Trina and Aidan to the zoo. We saw the dolphin show while there, we had a lot of fun, especially Reagan who loved everything (except that she wanted to walk everywhere).

Johnny Appleseed!

2010-10-04T15:42:00.000-07:00

Lauren learned about Johnny Appleseed at school. They made applecakes (between a biscuit and a pancake), they found the stars in apples, they painted with apples, they watched the movie, and they made pot hats. She had a lot of fun, came home singing the song from the movie, and looked so cute with her hat on!

New Playground!

2010-09-22T17:16:00.000-07:00

In June we bought a wooden playset for the girls. It arrived when my sister Teresa was here helping after surgery (thankfully she was able to help David get it from the truck into the garage), but we were not able to start putting it up then. Then my niece Janae came and David had the 5th of July off and they started. It was a long process (with a 9 day vacation in the middle), but David finished it on Abi's birthday right before the party! It has made a huge difference, before they wouldn't last 10 minutes outside but now they spend at least an hour and have a problem when I ask them to come in.

How far it got done before Janae left:

The tower finished:

Completed:

Front

Back

Prayer Time

2010-09-15T06:01:00.000-07:00

Reagan has started folding her arms when we say prayers. She might not last the whole time, but she sure looks cute trying to be a big girl!

Hoopeston Sweetcorn Festival!

2010-09-14T09:57:00.000-07:00

Every year on labor day weekend there is a Sweetcorn Festival. It is only $2 per person over 7 to enter and you can get as much corn on the cob as you want (3 ears per person every time you go through the line).

There is also a carnival and other things that go on as well. It is tradition that the girls either ride the pony or the camel. This year Abi and Lauren rode the camel and Reagan had her first pony ride.

Reagan had a lot of fun, but when it was time to get off she cried!

Abi turns 7!

2010-09-13T14:46:00.000-07:00

We just celebrated Abigail's birthday. She knew what she wanted, a purse cake with purple frosting and funfetti cake mix. She also made a request for David's stroganoff for dinner. She had a couple friends over and we played a 'what is in the purse' game and pass the purse (kind of like hot potato). It was a nice day, but I can't believe that next year she will be old enough to get baptized!

First Day of School

2010-09-12T13:33:00.000-07:00

Three weeks late! The girls started school in August and I took pictures before they headed off, but never got them off the camera until now. Abigail started the 1st grade and Lauren started her second year of Pre-K. After 2 weeks of school Abi was moved into a newly created 1st grade so she is getting to know a new teacher.

Misc. Reagan

2010-09-02T15:12:00.000-07:00

Here are the last of the pictures that I have from before CO. I will have to work on pictures from since we came home because I am waiting for the compilation of pictures from everyone before putting up the reunion. These are all of things Reagan has been doing!

Trying the Wii:

Biting Toes:

Trying to fit her sisters pants:

Summersaults:

loving the purse:

Poor Reagan's pinched finger:

Daddy, Daughter!

2010-09-01T17:55:00.000-07:00

Reagan really loves her daddy! They were loving on each other and I had to snap a couple pictures!

Girls, they love to have FUN!

2010-08-31T14:30:00.000-07:00

Abigail got invited to a birthday party where they were asked to wear a dress. Here is what she looked like when she left:

They had a lot of fun and even got to decorate their own hats. The gift bags came with gloves, a boa, and jewelry. I thought that it was neat!
Here she is when she came home:

This is the hat that she decorated!

New Hairdresser!

2010-08-30T13:16:00.000-07:00

Reagan has decided that she loves doing hair. She was having a lot of fun and Abi was being so patient.

New Haircolor!

2010-08-29T12:13:00.000-07:00

I got my hair done right before we went to Colorado, I was done with the red and wanted to go blonde, but I was told that it is harder to go blonde from dyed red. So we decided to take it in steps. I love the red and the blonde together! Maybe I won't go to all blonde!

Photo courtesy of Janae!

Babysitter!

2010-08-28T09:37:00.000-07:00

A lot of times when we come home from something I find out that pictures have been taken with my camera. These are photos of our babysitter Victoria and the girls that I found the last time we went out.

Playing with friends in Nevada!

2010-08-27T12:51:00.000-07:00

I know that this is really old, but I have several pictures that haven't been blogged about yet and I thought that I would do them now, while I wait for pictures of our family reunion to Colorado. This is some pictures of my kids playing with my friend Tara's kids while we were in Nevada in May. She has 3 boys and it matches with our 3 girls. Lots of fun to be had!

Drive to Colorado

2010-08-23T09:34:00.000-07:00

Janae drove with us to Colorado and then flew home from there. We started driving about 9pm and thought we would stop at a rest stop for a short nap in the night. But every time that we stopped the car Reagan woke up. So we ended driving all night long. Then we found a school to play at. It was very nice to have her for so long and I am grateful that my sister Debra was willing to send her out to help!

Sunset on the drive:

Reagan trying to be luggage:

A school that we found on the way for the kids to get their energy out:

At the Church:

Janae with Reagan and the pool:

Saying goodbye at the airport:

Nauvoo with Janae

2010-08-22T08:07:00.000-07:00

Janae had never been to Nauvoo, so while she was here we decided to take her. We arranged for her to do baptisms and then we went to Carthage and came back to Nauvoo to finish. It was a great time.

On the Temple grounds:

The Tour at Carthage:

Traditional Sunstone picture:

Janae helping to make rope, it was a neat thing to watch:

Helper Janae!

2010-08-21T02:00:00.000-07:00

My niece Janae came after surgery to help. She was mainly the lifter because I wasn't allowed to lift more than 10 pounds for 6 weeks, but she also helped in many other ways. She arrived on July 4th and the girls took right to her!

Hair job done by Abi:

Fourth of July!

2010-08-20T15:02:00.000-07:00

Every year the fourth of July parade ends at our house (it happened on the 3rd this year) and this year we decided to go out and watch it arrive (since I wasn't up to walking in it). I took a few pictures of the girls in front of the flag in our yard while we waited.

Aunt Teresa

2010-07-22T07:08:00.000-07:00

I am very grateful that my sister Teresa (and her dog Austin) were able to come and help after surgery (and for all the ward members who made meals and babysat me before and after she came). The girls had alot of fun with her going on walks and having picnics in the backyard. She brought Texas BBQ with her and it was wonderful! Here are pictures of the week she was with us:

Walking Austin:

Abi walking Austin:

Lauren loves Austin:

Picnic:

On a walk:

Reagan loves 'da'

Abi and Lauren and Austin:

Austin loved Lauren so much that he would let her turn him over on his back:

Reagan checking out Austin's bed:

Goodbye pictures:

Exciting Moments...NOT!

2010-07-18T15:25:00.001-07:00

In April as I was coming home from running some errands I rolled my minivan. I went from eastbound interstate, across the grassy median, into the oncoming westbound traffic. Thankfully no other cars were involved and I was not seriously injured, just some cuts and bruises (Reagan wasn't hurt at all). When you look at pictures of the van I know that we were blessed!

VAN:

Cut on hand:

During the catscan to make sure that I hadn't broken any bones they found a mass in my abdomen. After a few doctor appointments it was decided that we would do exploratory surgery to take it out. During surgery they also took out my gallbladder because of stones that would cause problems in the near future.

Note: The last picture is of my incision and isn't for weak stomachs

Before:

After:

I was surprised to find out that they had made a 9 inch incision, and used 29 staples. I have included a picture so if you have a weak stomach then you may not want to look.

First Tooth Lost

2010-07-02T16:24:00.000-07:00

For at least a year now, if not longer, Abigail has been wanting to lose a tooth. For the last two months she has said that her tooth is loose even though we couldn't feel it wiggle at all. Last week she went to the dentist and he saw a tooth coming in behind the tooth she said was loose and he said it was a little loose. While my sister was here they worked on loosening it. Today she was eating an apple and her tooth was really loose. She tried to have her friend pull it out, but he couldn't get it. I then tried and it came out without any problems. I then sewed her a tooth pillow and she is very excited for the toothfairy to come tonight!

Curtains!

2010-06-28T09:33:00.000-07:00

David's mom measured Abi and Lauren's windows when she was here and we picked out fabric for her to sew Roman Blinds and Valences. She did an awesome job, and David hung them up this last weekend. Thanks to her for all her hard work!

Awards Assembly

2010-06-06T14:16:00.000-07:00

Abigail came home with a note that I needed to attend the awards assembly for 4th quarter. She has gotten an attendance award once, but I knew that she had been absent this quarter. As I went to the assembly she got the best citizen award. I recorded the whole thing!

As I was leaving I noticed her picture on the wall for the 25 point club. I had missed when she got that award because they forgot to tell me she was getting something. Here are the pictures I took of the wall:

Home Teachers!

2010-06-01T08:19:00.000-07:00

When the home teachers came the last time, Abi and Lauren really enjoyed playing with them. The girls brought in jewelry and being the good sports they even posed for a few pictures.

Happy Birthday Reagan!

2010-05-06T13:22:00.000-07:00

We just celebrated Reagan's First Birthday. It is hard for me to believe how fast that year went! We had over some friends and barbequed hot dogs and had chips, cake and ice cream. I made a duck cake and it ended up being a baby and a mama because the head wouldn't stay up on its own. It was a fun night and I am grateful for the friends who helped make it wonderful!

On Tuesday we went to her 1 year old well baby visit. She weighs 20 pounds 9 3/4 ounces, and is 27 1/2 inches. Here are pictures and sizes of each of them at 1 year to compare:

Reagan:

Abigail, 17 pounds 6 ounces and 30 inches

Lauren, 19 pounds 7 3/4 ounces and 28 3/4 inches.

First Steps!

2010-04-23T11:13:00.000-07:00

Reagan has been standing on her own in the middle of the floor for a week or two, but when she tries to take a step she falls down. Yesterday she was playing in the sunroom and I decided to record her and she took a couple of steps. It is cute to see how proud of herself she is!

Daddy Daughter Dance

2010-04-22T07:31:00.000-07:00

Last week Abigail's school had a Daddy/Daughter Dance. I took a couple pictures before they left. There was a picture taken there and she got a corsage also. I will have to put up that picture when we get it!

Daddy and Abigail

More formal picture

Lauren really wanted in on the pictures

Easter

2010-04-14T11:34:00.000-07:00

Since Easter was on conference weekend we just wore our dresses this last Sunday. I took pictures of Abi and Lauren while Reagan was taking a morning nap thinking I would take one of all of them just before we left for church. Reagan was not in a posing mood and cried almost the whole time. I guess one picture of all 3 turned out cute. Here they are:

Spray Bottle!

2010-04-07T15:17:00.001-07:00

Reagan loves the waterbottle that I use to do the girls hair with. She is always taking it and trying to suck out the water. So I decided to spray her instead. She loved it and so I took a few pictures and a video. I also love that you can see her top tooth really well!

Chillin with the Daddy!

2010-04-03T21:09:00.000-07:00

Ever since David got back from China, Reagan really loves spending time with him. He enjoys cuddling and tickling her.

Waiting for Lauren's bus!

2010-03-29T20:44:00.000-07:00

Reagan loves to look out the glass door while waiting for Lauren's bus to come. She was still in PJ's, but I thought she was very cute!

Not done yet...

2010-03-24T07:24:00.000-07:00

We have been working on the girls room for quite awhile now and it is looking good, but not done yet. We still want to put a white chair rail around the room and frame in the windows in white. David's mom is also making roman shades and valance ( I think that is what it is) for above. I decided that I wanted to put up pictures the way it looks now and then when ( if ) it gets done I will put up more pictures!

View from the door:

View from the closet:

View from Abi's bed:

Close up of the reusable wall stickers:

Odds and Ends!

2010-03-20T09:27:00.000-07:00

Here are some random pictures. I hope that everyone is having a great day!

New Beginnings!

2010-03-19T14:44:00.000-07:00

We had New Beginnings for the young women with a Game of Life Theme (Who's on the Lord's Side) this year. There was the warm up game (we played missionary football), a talk by the assistant coach (me), halftime cheers, and a talk by the head coach (bishop). We had nachos, hot dogs, popcorn, licorice and small cans of pop. It was a very fun night. Here are a few pictures and videos of breaking through the paper, and the halftime cheers!

Icicle Tree

2010-03-16T09:00:00.000-07:00

When it was a little colder, Abi was excited about every icicle she saw. Then she noticed the icicles on our tree next to the house (the gutters had leaked). She wanted to hold one and I thought it interesting how it looked! Needless to say that it is all melted now and hopefully we are warming up for good.

On a side note, I thought I was on a blogging roll and then David came home yesterday and I missed a day. I guess that I am still doing pretty good!

Rub a Dub Dub...

2010-03-14T15:32:00.000-07:00

Rub a Dub Dub, 3 Girls in the Tub!

Last night I decided to do baths this morning, but I was running a little late and in order to get to church on time I bathed all 3 girls at once. They looked so cute that I had to take a picture and am sharing it with you! Have a great day!

Sick, Sick, Sick!

2010-03-13T06:27:00.000-08:00

We have all had colds this week, but Reagan got bad on Wednesday, so I took her to the doctor Thursday. She had a double ear infection and they also saw that she is getting another tooth. Add that to the cold that she already has and she is miserable. She wakes up sweaty, but I thought it cute, so here is a picture of my poor baby. Hopefully she gets better quickly!

My Birthday!

2010-03-12T14:54:00.001-08:00

Another one that is late, but I wanted to put up a few pictures from my birthday fun. David was in China and so I celebrated the day with my friends Trina and Brandy and their kids. We ordered mexican food and they made me brownie sundaes. We really enjoyed hanging out. Lauren and Reagan were really interested in Eva, so here are a few pictures.

Earlier in the day my friend Dina brought me a cupcake in this cute box.

The next day a surprise was delivered from my friend Tara, a gourmet fruit basket from a local florist. It also included crackers, sausage, cheese, and chocolate. It was wonderful.

Then on Friday a bunch of friends from church arranged to take me to dinner and a movie (without the kids). I was so excited that I bought a new shirt and wore my size 20 jeans that I have just been able to fit into. I am so happy to be in these jeans that I have saved since before I had Abi that I had a picture taken of me.

It was alot of fun, thanks to friends who wanted to help me not go crazy while David was gone!

Valentines!

2010-03-11T15:54:00.000-08:00

This year for the girls class valentines I found a cute homemade flower idea with a dumdum sucker. I thought they turned out cute! Here is how I made them (sorry that the pictures are blurry):

Cut out 3 hearts:

Cut out a center piece:

Cut out 2 leaves:

Holepunch everything and tape hearts together like this:

Put a dumdum sucker through the center piece, then the flowers, then the leaves. Tape into place and here is what you get:

Awhile

2010-03-09T08:36:00.001-08:00

I realize that it has been awhile since I last posted. David is still in China and I have been just as busy if not busier than usual. One thing I did was co-host a babyshower for my friend Brandy and her new little one Eva. I made the cake. Here is a picture!

And here is a picture of Eva:

Flower Girl!

2010-02-21T10:53:00.000-08:00

Abigail's old sunbeam teacher got married this weekend and she asked her to be the flower girl. So on Friday we headed down to Springfeild for the rehearsal and stayed for the wedding Saturday. She was beautiful and did a great job. These are just my pictures, I am hoping to get some that were taken by the photographers, I will eventually put those up also!

Dancing, she asked a boy from our ward to dance with her and he really didn't want to at first, but his brothers talked him into it. They ended up going everywhere together after.

Reagan having some fun with mommy (both Abi and Lauren left us alone at the table)

Lauren decided that she was part of the wedding party and pulled a chair up to their table and ate with them, it was cute. Later she decided to go around giving M&M's to everyone and made sure they ate them!

The Bride and Groom's first dance:

I took and a video of Abigail walking down the aisle with the ring bearer and one of Abi and Lauren dancing, and then just Abi dancing.

It was just us girls because David is in China on a business trip. Minus not getting enough sleep, it was a good time.

9 Month Statistics

2010-02-10T12:29:00.001-08:00

We took Reagan to her 9 month visit today and she weighed 19 pounds and was 27 1/2 inches long. They said that she was doing great and didn't need shots this time!! I posted this picture already, but it is the best one to compare with Abi and Lauren at the same age.

Lauren 9 months, 17 pounds 8 ounces and 27 3/4 inches long:

Abigail 9 months, 16 pounds 3 ounces and 28 inches:

Here are also couple of pictures I took of Reagan on Lauren's birthday. The ice cream was really cold and I loved the faces she was making!

Birthday Party!

2010-02-07T08:16:00.001-08:00

Yesterday we had Lauren's party for her birthday. She chose a Bus cake so I made it a wheels on the bus theme. We had PB&J sandwiches and chips and juice boxes. Then we played 'hot potato' with a school bus to the song 'the wheels on the bus'. Then we played pin the wheel on the bus, had cake and ice cream and opened presents. She really had a good time!

Here is a video of us singing to Lauren and her blowing out the candles!

9 months old!

2010-02-04T12:02:00.001-08:00

Reagan is now 9 months old. She is pulling up on the furniture and crawling everywhere. She loves to spit and babble all the time. I won't know her stats until next weeks dr. appointment, but thought I would put up a picture of her until then!

How much money do you think I can make??

Lauren is 4!!

2010-02-03T08:07:00.000-08:00

It is hard to believe that Lauren is 4 now! Yesterday we just had a family dinner, she requested fish sticks and mac and cheese. She also got to pick out a treat from the schwanns man for us to have for dessert. We decided that she should be sung to on her birthday and not just wait until her party on Saturday. We turned the push up upside down and put the candle in it. She loved it!

Random Reagan!

2010-01-21T08:29:00.000-08:00

I tried to update this about a week ago, but it took forever for the video to process, here are a few pictures of what Reagan has been up to lately. It is hard for me to believe that she is already 8 months old. She is crawling everywhere and pulling up on everything! She loves the bath and could play forever in there. She loves to try to get into things she shouldn't, but that is what having a baby is all about! I also put a couple of videos at the end the one of her pulling up on the laundry basket was when she was just learning how to pull up on things, I love how proud she looks when she accomplishes what she wants!

First Snow!

2010-01-14T08:40:00.000-08:00

It started snowing the day after Christmas and there was plenty to play in. So Monday morning after my WW meeting the girls and I went and played (and I shoveled the driveway and sidewalks). I sat Reagan down and took a few pictures and at first she was ok and trying to pick up the snow, but then she just got mad because she was cold. So I took her in and David watched her the rest of the time. It wasn't enough to make a huge snowman, but he did turn out cute!

Christmas!

2010-01-13T09:00:00.000-08:00

I know that it has been awhile, but I am finally getting around to an update on Christmas. This year was the first year that we decorated gingerbread houses. We had a lot of fun and here are the results:

And when I was taking Abi's picture with her house she said she wanted to take one of me:

Lauren is so animated with her presents:

Even with boots:

This was Reagan's first Christmas and she wasn't sure what to think:

She finally decided that daddy's new shirt was the best gift:

We hope that the rest of you had a great Christmas also. I will try to put more picture up soon!

Haircuts, etc.!

2009-12-23T10:25:00.000-08:00

While David was gone to China I decided to get my hair done. I have been a blonde for quite a while and really enjoyed it, but have wanted to see what red would look like on me for the longest time. I also got it cut, and kept it a surprise for when he came home!
Before:

After, straight and curly:

Lauren also has been wanting to get her hair cut for a long time and I haven't been ready to do it, but finally I agreed. She looks very cute with the short cut!

Christmas Programs and Santa!

2009-12-23T09:21:00.000-08:00

Here is a video I took of Abi's holiday program at school. They sang two songs, but the second one they moved some kids in front of her pretending to be candles for the menorah. She did a great job!

Lauren also had a holiday program along with a party. They weren't as well organized, but I did pretty good at keeping her in the video. She was so excited that Reagan and I came to her class!

Here are the girls on Santa's lap and then the picture we sent out on our Christmas cards this year!

The video adventures of Reagan!

2009-12-12T19:02:00.000-08:00

Here are several videos of Reagan moving(and laughing)!! She is just growing up so fast!

I tried to add one more, but it didn't like it, so I guess that these will do!

Way Behind!

2009-12-03T09:59:00.001-08:00

So I think that part of what keeps my from updating more often is that I am always so far behind and think that I need to catch up first. That is what I am going to do today! Here are some things we have been doing for the past couple of months:

Sickness: A lot of it, and when you have a cough and go to the dr. office they ask you to wear a mask...even if you don't keep it on very well!

Awards Assembly, Abi didn't miss a day of school in the first quarter and got an award for it (the picture isn't the best because I forgot my camera and took it with my cellphone)!

Playing at the park:

Lauren playing Tiny Tots (the only time we took pictures):

A spiderman roller skating birthday party:

Face Painting:

Sleeping:

Random Reagan:

Lauren's First Dentist Appointment:

Picnics in the front yard:

Goofy Glasses:

Polar Express and Festival of Trees!

6 months!

2009-11-04T07:35:00.000-08:00

Time sure flies when you are having fun. Reagan turned 6 months last week and she is just getting so big. She is starting to sit up on her own, can turn in a circle on her tummy, is starting to babble a lot. No teeth yet, but this is a good thing for nursing! I don't know how big she is yet, we have an appointment next week, but at 5 months (when she was sick) she weighed 16 pounds 6 ounces. Here are some 6 month pictures:

Abi at 6 months (she weighed 14 pounds 7 ounces):

Lauren at 6 months (she weighed 16 pounds 7 ounces):

Halloween!

2009-11-02T09:23:00.000-08:00

I tried to do this on my other website and it had problems, so here it is. I was trying to decide which entry to do first, I think I am going to go with the most recent and work back. It is hard to believe that it is November already, but I am grateful that trick-or-treating is over!

On Monday after school we gutted pumpkins so that we would be ready to carve them for family home evening. Abi and Lauren really enjoyed playing in the seeds!

This year we actually bought the kit for carving, David did a great job doing all 5 pumpkins (one to represent each of us).

Abigail's

Lauren's

Reagan'sDavid's

Karena's

The Whole Family

Abigail chose to be a ghost for halloween, Lauren wanted to be a dalmation, and Reagan was a unicorn with wings! We had fun at the trunk-or-treat friday night, and then trick-or-treating on saturday!

Playing with Aunt Megan and Aunt Jenna

2009-09-18T08:09:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of videos of the girls with Megan and Jenna. They had a lot of fun!