Ryanne's Baptism

Ryanne was baptized today. She is PERFECT! How could I ask for anything more? What a payday. So many friends and family came to celebrate this day with Ryanne. She is such a lucky little girl to have so many people that love her. Thank you to everyone who helped. It was such a fun day!!!!!

Flaming Gorge

We spent the better part of last week at Flaming Gorge. Jaxson was at EFY and Hanna was at Girls Camp, so it was just the little girls and Tim and I. We had so much fun. Everyone went cliff diving and boating. Emmie was a little scared of the water weenie but Ryanne and Morgan were animals. We met some friends there and camped, played games, saw the sites, etc. Thank Liddiards for inviting us!!!! Thanks girls for being so fun!

Flaming Gorge Pictures

Ryanne got this PINK scooter for her birthday. She loves it. It does seem a little dangerous, but hopefully she will get the hang of it before anyone loses a limb. Ryanne is such a cute kid. We had the family over for cake and ice cream last night. I had to put this other picture of Ryanne in because it makes me so proud. Check out the look on her face. I love that kid!!!!

Isn't It Great? Ryanne is Eight!!!!

Wooo Hoooo. Ryanne is 8 years old today! Ryanne is such a fun kid! We love her BIG personality! Ryanne loves to read, dance, sing, and play with her sister Emmie. She and Emmie are besties. Ryanne can't wait to get baptized. We just love her!!!!

WELCOME HOME BROTHER JAXSON!!!

JAXSON DID IT!!! He survived the Trek and he is still speaking to me! I missed and worried about him so much. I am so proud of him. Not to mention so grateful he is home safe! We filled his room with balloons and made a "Welcome home" poster. Each of us put a hand print on the poster and wrote something we missed about Jaxson in our hand print. I won't bore you with many of the details, but sweet Ryanne wrote, "I just miss my brother!" That pretty much summed up all of our feelings! I knew he would be so excited to sleep in his own bed. I put clean sheets on his bed and made it the way that he likes. I also made him his favorite dinner: Navajo Taco's. I am so happy he is home. He has been so cute since he walked in the door. This is another day I hope I always remember. He has said the neatest things. He learned so much about why family is important. Jaxson said he was so sad when the girls had to do the wagons by themselves. He said all of the boys wanted to help so bad. His comment was, "Mom they weren't just girls, they were our friends and sisters. I love that!!!! I asked him if he would take a minute to write his feelings in his journal right now why he was feeling so good. Do you know what he said? He said, "YES!" That never happens!

This has been the best couple of days. Usually I am a lot more crazy the last two days that Tim is gone! But so many fun things have been going on. We all miss Tim so much and I wish he were here to share these moments. We had a girls night out last night. My friend helped me take the girls and a few friends to see the movie Hairspray. It was so good. The whole night was all girls and I loved it! Ryanne is dancing around the house singing all the songs from the movie. With Jaxson coming home today I couldn't ask for more!!! (Except Tim being here too!)

A Couple More of Ryanne's Pics

Here's a Quick preview of Ryanne's baptism pics! They all came out soooo cute. I can't get the vertical ones to pull up right. So, you will just have to trust me! I hope I remember the day these were taken for the rest of my life. Ryanne was so cute and so happy to go with just me. (We had planned on getting family pictures that day too. But the whole family never seems to be in the same place at the same time.) Ryanne kept saying, "Thank you for spending the afternoon with me." I just love her sweet little spirit. She is such a wonderful kid. I am so grateful that Ryanne is my daughter.

Our friend Carin, from Barefeet Photography, took these pictures. I can't begin to thank her enough. They came out so nice. More than that, I loved watching her with Ryanne. Carin was so good to her. She walked Ryanne through the park and asked her what she wanted to do and where she wanted her picture taken. I loved that she really listened to Ryanne. It was such a neat day. I am so glad that we have so many wonderful friends that truly love our kids. Tim and I feel so blessed to have lived here so long and to have formed so many wonderful friendships.

When I was talking to the girls about Carin and how much she loves them. Morgan reminded me of a time right before Tim and I had left for Hawaii. We were going to be traveling with my sister, who would "inherit" our children if anything were to happen to us. I went back and forth considering who we should have raise them if something were to happen to all of us. I really couldn't sleep at night. I was so worried about it. Tim told me to talk to my friend Marnae. So I called and told Marnae that I had a huge favor to ask and that she could have a couple of days to think about it. (Because I am generous!!) I asked if she would talk to Todd and if they would be willing to take our kids in case something happened to Tim and I. Marnae said, "Kari, I don't need to think about it. Nothing would make us happier than to raise your children." Morgan had been listening to the whole conversation. When I looked over at her, tears were streaming down her cheeks and she said, "Mom, Marnae must really love us! That is so cool."

It is so cool!! We feel so blessed to have so many people that our children can look up to and know they love them!!!!

Happy Birthday Kallie!!!

Today, Kallie, our friend/nanny/neighbor turned the big 18! Isn't she cute. My kids love her more than they love me! (Shannon do you recognize the blanket?) We spent the day with her at Seven Peaks. She is such a sweetie to my kids. I just love it!!! Happy Birthday Kal!!!


We've also had sleep overs, french toast eating contests and movie nights. Not to mention friends, friends and more friends! I am missing Jaxson SOOOOO much! He is on the Trek with our stake. Walking in this weather. I think about him all the time and hope he is having fun!!!!

Another Make Up Blog!

July 4, 2007

We had planned to go to St. George to spend the 4th with Tim's dad. Unfortunately, my leg had been hurting and I didn't want to sit in the car forever. We decided to barbecue with some families in our ward instead. We had a great time and got to know some of out neighbors a little better. Later Kate and Scott brought their family down to do fire works. All the kids were so cute. They loved staying up late and playing with fire.

We are so grateful to live in this country and have the freedoms that we enjoy. We are also so glad that Kate and Scott live close so that we can spend these fun holidays together.

Another Make Up Blog!

On June 4th, 2007 Brooke Elizabeth Alger was born! She is such a sweet baby. I got the honor of being in the delivery room. It was one of the neatest things I have witnessed! Thank you Kate and Scott for letting me be a part of that day! Brooke has such a round little face and, as you can see, a full head of hair. She always smells so good. One day right after she was born, I went to visit Kate. Sam came downstairs and informed me that Brooke was HIS baby. Being the sweet, competitive aunt that I am, I said,"Well Brooke loves me the most." Sam looked at me and replied,"Well, Brooke loves me moster!!!" How can you not just love that little guy? But seriously, Brooke is such a cute baby. I love her. Good work Kate and Scott!

Tonight Tim and I went to dinner with some friends. When we got home Ryanne and Emmie were watching The Suite Life of Zac and Cody. I said , "That is Shelby's favorite show." Before I know what is happening, Ryanne is on the phone telling Shelby to come watch T.V. with them. Then Ryanne kept looking outside to see if Shelby was on her way. It was soooo cute! So Shelby came and ate ice cream and watched T.V. with Ryanne and Em. Thanks Shelby!! The girls love you!

Another Make Up Blog!

On May 30th Hanna graduated from 6th grade! Congratulations Hanna! Hanna got all A's on her report card. We are so proud of her. She will miss Mr. Hillier. He was her favorite teacher. Hanna has become such a wonderful young lady.
Our neighbors little brother graduated too, so they decided to "pose" with Hanna. Aren't they cute?

Southern Cal

Tim took me to Southern California for our anniversary. We had sooooo much fun.(That is after I stopped pouting about not being able to take surf lessons, ride bikes, walk, swim etc..)Tim and I hung out at the pool, saw Wicked, and ate and ate and ate! I know that the picture is bad, but Sylvester Stallone and his family were watching Wicked and I just had to get a picture with him. I love hanging out with Tim! We have so much fun together! Thanks for a great time Tim!!!!

I Broke My Leg!!!!

Okay. I know I have been a horrible blogger. Even my kids are barking at me about it. Soooooo.....I am going to try to bring everyone up to date. PLEASE: Bare with me.
About three months ago I hurt my hip in a soccer game. (Please, no "you are too old for soccer" comments.) Well, I went to the doctor and he sent me to physical therapy. I went to Physical Therapy religiously for four weeks. My leg still wasn't getting any better. Last week I was so tired of my leg hurting that I went back in and had a "little" meltdown. This time the Dr. ordered a MRI of my leg because it wasn't normal for it not to be getting better and some Prozac for my "little" melt down.(Just Joking) Saturday night I had a sleepover at my sisters. Yes, a sleepover. Kate's husband had taken the older kids out of town so it was just me, Kate, and little Brookie. I had so much fun. We ate tons of junk food and I got up with Kate and Brooke all through the night. Monday morning I got up and went to the MRI. I had forgotten to take my phone so after I ran to Kate's house to pick it up. I had missed 5 calls. Four from Doctors and one from Tim. Tim was calling to tell me that my doctor was going to call back in one minute. (They wouldn't tell Tim what the problem was due to patient/doctor confidentiality. I talked to my doctor and he said, "I think we found the source of the problem. Your leg is BROKEN!" I guess it is pretty dangerous because all of the doctors wanted to make sure that I would get crutches before I went home. I can't put any weight on my leg for four to six weeks. They will do bone scans every two weeks to make sure it is healing okay.
Obviously I am finding myself with a little extra time on my hands now. So it is my goal to catch everyone up on the time from our Hawaii trip until now. I know everyone is just dying to hear what has gone on in the Hellbusch household!!!!So, stay tuned....

Jaxson turns the big 14!

Okay. I am going to be playing "catch up" for the next few months but here goes....Jaxson turned 14 on May 25th! I am not sure that Tim and I are ready for this phase of our lives. We had a surprise party for him at a local hotel. We rented the pool and invited boys and girls his age to come. He was really surprised. It was such a fun group of kids. We also got our friend Lindsay to take him lunch at school. She is such a cute girl and Jax has loved her for years. He thought he was pretty hot stuff. Which he is and I am not biased at all!!!

Here are some fun facts about Jaxson:
Favorite Food: Pizza
Favorite Sport: Soccer
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Subject: GIRLS
Favorite TV Show: Everybody Loves Raymond
Favorite Movie: Kung Pow
Favorite Person: MOM
Favorite Book: Harry Potter
Favorite Song: Face Down
Favorite Past Time: "Chill with Girls"

Jaxson is a great kid. I love him to death. He was such a good friend to my Grandma. Nothing made me happier than to watch the friendship between Jax and my Grandma develop. I am so proud of Jaxson and many of the choices he has made in his life. I can't imagine our family without Jaxson in it!

ALOHA!!!

Okay. So what if it has taken me a week to get to the point that I could blog our Hawaii trip. I am doing my best here!!!!

Tim and I took our kids and Kallie,a neighbor/nanny, to Hawaii for a week. It was so much fun. I have to admit it wasn't quite as relaxing as when Tim and I went by ourselves, but it was fun. We stayed in a really nice condo on the North Shore. The kids were soooo good. We just played all week.

Some highlights were:
*Horse back riding on the beach.
*Parasailing.
*Swimming with dolphins.
*Watching the kids try new things.
*Taking Kallie to help.
*Pina Coladas by the pool.
*The Cheesecake Factory.
*Going to the Temple with Tim.
*Beating Tim at darts.
*Getting an awesome tan.
*Visiting the Pearl Harbor Memorial.
*Yummy brown boys at the Polynesian Cultural Center.


It was a great vacation. I highly recommend it!!!!!!

Happy Easter!

We had such a fun day today. Jaxson and Hanna planned a Easter surprise for one of our neighbors. They were fighting the other day and just would not stop. So I decided that they needed a "project" that they could do together. They had to plan something for someone else that had to do with Easter. They decided to be the "Easter Bunny" for our friend's kids in the neighborhood. They did such a good job. They made a list of what they wanted, planned a time to go to the store, filled eggs with candy and planned to get up early this morning and put it out on their lawn. I was quite impressed with how well they were able to work together.


When we got home from church, this sign was on our door and eggs were scattered all over our yard. It made the kids day.







Of course I

took a "few" pictures:












Then we were off to Kate and Scott's house for dinner. Scott is a pretty good cook. We are so grateful to have them close. I don't know what we would do without them.
We came home early so Tim could catch his flight. I hate it when it is time for him to leave.

I am going to New York on Tuesday. Some ladies in my ward invited me to go. I am a little nervous. My sister still has not forgiven me for my behavior on our last trip to Wendover. I am not normally one to vacation with people I hardly know. But...I am soooooo looking forward to a few days away. We are going to see "Wicked". I saw it in Chicago, and can't wait to see it again!!!!!

Easter Party

As usual, this years Easter party was a hit. There were kids everywhere! We filled and hid over 3,000 eggs. The kids were in heaven. The slide was my favorite. Sam and Emmie "needed" some one to help them. I was more than willing.

The food was great. Thanks everyone who worked so hard to pull it off. (Especially Michel!)

Happy Birthday Mindy!

This is my friend Mindy. Today is her birthday and she is so old. (Can't you tell by looking at her?) We celebrated with a birthday lunch at the Olive Garden. It was so nice to hang out with everyone. Mindy and I grew up together in California and have known each other for years. The stories I could tell.........Just joking. She is a great friend and neighbor. I am so glad that we have kept in touch. Mindy is one of the most loyal and giving people I know.

Tim and I took Emmie and her little cousins to see "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" today. It wasn't my favorite but the kids loved it. Especially Sam. When it was over he said, "Me love that movie Auntie." I love that guy.

Tim left for San Francisco today. Luckily he is just there overnight. We miss him already! I don't think I was ready for him to have to leave! At least he will be home for my friends annual Easter Party. I have had to go solo the last few years! The kids are so excited. I call first one down the big blow up slide!

Basketball Champs!!!

Tonight all the boys on Jaxson's basketball team and their families came over for pizza, pop, and ice cream. The season ended a few weeks ago but their coach, a.k.a. Tim, was missing in action. They have a great little team. They won the Open Court Championship for their division. I would like to add, that I coached two games and we won both of them. Good job guys!!!! Our next season starts pretty soon. This time Tim and another dad are going to do it together. (Yeah right!!!)

Today I worked at the school. Ryanne is so cute she always "has to use the restroom" when I am there. (The restroom is right across the hall from where I do the take home readers.) I love it! Her teacher came and asked if I had noticed this little habit. It is a cute habit and I will take whatever I can get.

Shannon-are you still running? I ran with my neighbor again today. You would be so proud!!!!I also finally got that dang DVD done. No thanks to you!

I also visited with my sister for a while. She only has 9 more weeks of bedrest left. That is cake. Her little boy, Sam, came and said, "Auntie, I go with you,"when I was ready to go. Well, I NEVER say no to the boy, so he spent the afternoon with Emmie and I. I want to publicly thank my brother in law, Scott, for reminding him to bring his whistle. Oh yeah, and reminding him that Auntie loves to hear whistles. Thanks Scott. Oh and by the way, I don't get mad, I get EVEN!!!

Another Fun Weekend!

The girls had a dance competition in Spanish Fork. They all did great. Here are some pics...

This is Emmie and our friend Linsey.












Emmie and Ryanne











Hanna












This is my friend Marnae. Her daughter dances with Morgan. This is how we all felt at about 5:00pm.


Today is Sunday. I loved Conference. Especially the talk on "forgiveness." All of the talks were so good. I think President Hinckley is so cute. I love hearing him talk. We had a fun day hanging out and snacking while we watched.