NYC!!

I had the privilege of spending UEA weekend in New York City with Hanna. We went with some friends and their daughters also. What a BLAST!! We shopped, ate, went sight seeing, shopped, ate and ate some more. Having a large family is wonderful. However, I realized how little one on one time I get with each of my kids. Hanna is so much fun. I will always cherish the memory of our trip to New York!

Miranda, Hanna and Brynne on the airplane

Big Suz, Me, Lucie and Polly on the airplane

The girls in the LIMO. That's right, I said LIMO

The moms getting in the Lime (I know, these two pictures are out of order)

Eating at Ray's Pizza

This guy sang to us on the Subway

The streets of New York

The moms on Canal Street

Hanna loves graffiti A picture seemed only appropriate.

The Subway

This was a church by our hotel. I loved the red door.

Sightseeing

There are the coolest churches all over town

The girlies in front of a church

Hanna and I at Wicked

The whole gang!

The whole gang in Central Park

Chilling in Central Park

The day we were leaving, we rented bikes and rode through Central Park. I didn't even have to pedal! (hee, hee, hee)

Hanna and Brynne riding Tandem

I loved hailing cabs

The Naked Cowboy!

I came home from this trip with a renewed appreciation for my family. For a husband who works so hard and makes it possible for us to do things like take trips to New York. For family and friends who helped with my kids at home. For all of my wonderful children who were happy and nice while I was gone. 

I am grateful for time spent with Hanna. Hanna is an amazing young woman. She is thoughtful, kind and respectful. I love her!

I came home grateful for the person that I am. Though my faults are many, at the end of the day I am a good person. I am grateful for all the many people and experiences that have made me the person that I am. I like me and I love that my kids like me.

 I loved, loved , loved this trip! Thanks everyone for a great time!

Homecoming!

Having 4 sisters has finally paid off for Jax. He wanted to ask this cute girl to Homecoming but needed a female touch. Luckily for him, he has plenty of females around to lend a hand. Morgan and I helped him make up a poem and Morgan went with him to put it on her porch! I don't have a picture of his invitation. But, lucky for everyone, I have a picture of her reply....

 Jaxson took Ashley to Homecoming. Ashley is such a fun girl. She has been to the house a few times and never seems flustered by the craziness that we call "home." She is also very beautiful. All of Jaxson's sisters are enamored by her and think Ashley is so nice. Emmie even likes her!!

 Jaxson and seven of his friends are fortunate to have Joy as my friend and neighbor. I made dinner and Joy set her beautiful home up so these kids could have a semi formal. I loved having them all here. I can't express the gratitude I feel for all these amazing kids. I love that Jaxson has such good friends. I love that they feel comfortable around Tim and I. I am also lucky that most of them know and love Joy! My favorite comment of the day was Jaxson's reply when I told him that he needed to see Joy's house.  I told him that it looked so good. His reply to me was, "Mom, I know. It is Joy. I knew she would take care of us." Honetly, I almost cried! I love that Jax knows he can count on Joy! I have been blessed with really great friends that love my kids!

After dinner they went to the dance and then came back to my house for the ultimate ice cream sundae bar. I can't, nor will I even try, to imagine my life without so many wonderful people being part of it! I am so honored that these kids trusted me and Joy enough to let us serve them!

Happy Birthday Morgan!

Happy Birthday to Morgy!

I have been thinking about the day Morgan was born. I remember the delivery room was full of spectators. It seemed like everyone was anxious for Morgan to join our family. Even Dr. Corry's nurse came to the hospital. I guess what I am saying is Morgan was loved and anxiously awaited for long before she was born. When Hanna was a newborn, I told Tim I was so excited because I knew we had more kids coming and I just wanted them here! We welcomed Morgan with open arms. Today she is 14 years old! I can't believe what a beautiful, talented strong young woman she has become. Morgan has taught me many things over the years. All of which, (okay, MOST of which) I am grateful for. I'm not sure what I did to deserve a daughter as wonderful as Morgan! Happy Birthday Morgan! You are loved beyond measure!

Spoiled!

 

I am truly SPOILED! Last Friday a friend of mine was having a wedding reception in Philipsburg, Montana. Tim and I left Thursday evening and drove to Idaho falls. We got up early Friday and drove to Philipsburg, or "Pburg"(if you are Tim or a local). "Pburg" is the coolest little town. Great little buildings. Great people! It was so fun to meet Heidi's husband and see the town that she had told me so much about.

Heidi's family owns a huge candy shop known as, "The Sweet Palace." I was in heaven!!

We ate lunch at a little restaurant in town. Tim kicked my trash at Checkers!

Heidi looked so happy! She was beautiful. Her family was everything she had told me and more! I loved everything about our visit!

 

We made it home just in time to see our family friend, Jacee, baptized! Tim and I seriously got to the church right as the baptism was starting. We walked in to see all 5 of our beautiful children sitting in the church, dressed nicely and happy. I am spoiled! I have a great husband, an awesome famiy and amazing friends! What more could a girl ask for????

Projects....

This has been quite the week. "Normal life" (if there is such a thing) has been crazy, Tim was gone this week, and for some reason I thought starting a "few" projects would be a swell idea. I was DEAD WRONG! We have been walking around in a maze of unfinished projects. It has honestly been driving me CRAZY! Thankfully, two of my many projects are now complete...

1) I have been taking pictures for a few years now. I finally decided to start an "official" business. Check out my new blog http://treasurelaynephotography.blogspot.com/. I am blessed to have amazing family AND friends. This was definitely a group project.  "Thank you, Thank you, Thank you" to everyone who has helped me!

2) I bought this old piece of furniture at an antique store. This is what it looked like when I bought it...

This is what it looks like tonight....

I'm not going to lie, I'm not sure if I will ever endeavor to do something like that again. BUT, I love it! I can't wait for Timmy to see it! :0)

GO LONE PEAK!

Morgan is a "Lone Peak Cheerleader" this year! It was so fun to watch her in action!!

Morgan is quite the "tumbler!" It was amazing!

Emmie and Haidyn, her dedicated fans....

Isn't she so cute?

Morgan is......

• Strong
• Organized
• Dependable
• Cautious
• Loving
• Happy
• Very social
• Smart
• Dedicated
• Beautiful

I love you Morgy!!!

Music to My Ears!

Imagine if you will, these four girls getting ready for school in ONE bathroom! It could be (and I am sure sometimes will be) ugly. So far they have been amazing. So, I have to document it. I hear them in the bathroom helping each other, telling each other how nice they look, and giving opinions on what each other is wearing. I hear them tell each other "good bye," and to have a great day! It is music to my ears! I love these girls! More than that, I love that they love each other!!!

Here's to many more beautiful mornings with beautiful girls.....