Familee

Welcoming Naomi

2012-02-05T17:27:00.000-08:00

It's always a nice time when the women in the familee gather

together to welcome a new little baby.

Megan requested books since she has a plethora

of clothes (lots a lovely hand-me-downs from Ella & Amara

and my nieces girls, as well as gifts).

Lunch was Tomato Soup & Broccoli Cheese Soup

with Pasta Spinach salad, fruit and

wonderful desserts made by Sesily.

I decorated the table to look like a bed

(as best as I could!)

We had a "Wish List" that each one filled out.

I loved this idea.

Grandma Lee makes all the new babies a tricot blanket.

And this cute picture hung from the light about the table.

So fun!

Naomi with Megan and her two grandmothers,

Cindy White & Heidi

A delightful day!

Recipes:

No Bake Raspberry-Lemon Cheesecake

YIELD: 6 servings

INGREDIENTS:

FOR THE CRUST

3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
1 tablespoon sugar
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

FOR THE FILLING

2/3 cup sugar
zest of 2 lemons
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 (8 ounce) tub frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 cup fresh raspberries, slightly mashed with a fork

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a medium bowl, stir together the graham cracker crumbs and 1 tablespoon of sugar and melted butter. Evenly divide the crumbs between your individual serving dishes and press into the bottoms of the dishes to form a crust layer.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the sugar and lemon zest until the sugar becomes moist and fragrant. Add cream cheese and beat with an electric mixer until smooth. Add lemon juice and vanilla mixing to combine. Using a rubber spatula, fold in the whipped topping until well blended, then fold in the raspberries.
3. Evenly pipe or spoon the filling into individual serving dishes. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. If desired, garnish with fresh raspberries and a sprig of fresh mint.

NOTES:

- If you make this into one pie, simply use pour the cream cheese mixture into a 9-inch graham cracker crust and chill for 3 hours before serving.
- This recipe tastes really delicious with blueberries and strawberries as well. Play around with different fruit combinations to create a wide range of flavors.
- I have not tried this recipe using fresh whipped cream, so I cannot attest to the results.

Tomato Soup

Heidi gave me this recipe the other day and we ate it tonight before our trunk or treat. Even Bennett loved it. Next time I will make it with this crouton recipe.

2 (14 oz) cans diced tomatoes, w/juice
1 c. finely diced celery
1 c. finely diced carrots
1 c. finely onions
4 c. chicken broth
1/2 bay leaf
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 Tbsp. dried basil or 1/4 c. fresh
1/2 c. butter
1/2 c. flour
1 c. parmesan cheese
2 c. 1/2 and 1/2, warmed
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper

Directions: In a crock pot, combine tomatoes, celery, carrots, onions, chicken broth, and bay leaf. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 7 hours, until flavors are blended and vegetables are soft.

About an hour before serving add oregano and basil and prepare roux: melt butter over low heat in pan and add flour. Stir constantly for 5 to 7 minutes. Slowly stir in 1 cup of hot soup from crock pot. Add another 3 cups of soup and stir until smooth.

Slowly add all back into the crock pot and stir in parmesan cheese, 1/2 and 1/2, and salt and pepper. Cover and cook another hour.

*I blended the soup with a hand blender before I added the roux to make it creamy, but if you like chunky then just leave it. Next time I think I would also saute the onions before I add them, even after cooking for 6 hours they were still a little crunchy.

Panera's Broccoli Cheese Soup

Panera's Broccoli Cheese Soup

1T. melted butter
1/2 med. onion, chopped
1/4 c. melted butter
1/4 c. flour
2 c. half & half
2 c. chicken stock
1/2 lbs. fresh broccoli
1 c. grated carrots
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 t. nutmeg
8 oz. grated sharp cheddar

Directions:
1. Saute onion in 1 T. butter. Set aside
2. Cook butter & flour over medium heat, using whisk, for 3-5 minutes. Stirring constantly slowly add half & half. Add broth whisking constantly. Simmer 20 min.
3. Add broccoli, carrots, & onion. Cook over low heat until veggies are soft (approximately 25 minutes).
4. Puree with a hand blender. Add cheese, salt and pepper, and nutmeg.

Serves 4

Bowtie Spinach Salad

1 pkg. bowtie pasta, cooked and drained

1 bunch spinach, washed and drained

4 hard boiled eggs, diced

Fresh parmesan cheese

1 head romaine lettuce, chopped bacon, cooked and crumbled

1 red onion, sliced

Toss all ingredients then add dressing:

(Make dressing night before and refrigerate)

¾ poppy seed 1/3 C. whitevinegar (I use rice vinegar)

¾ C. vegetable oil 1/3 C. sugar

¾ t. salt 1/3 t. dry mustard

Mix all ingredients and add 3 to 4sliced purple onion rings. Put in shaker cup and chill overnight.

Baby Naomi

2012-01-26T11:13:00.000-08:00

I may just be extremely partial but

I think we have

BEAUTIFUL

grand-babies!

Born January 18, 2012

7 lbs 1 oz

19 inches

Looking very much like her brother, Bennett!

I have heard her called 'Super Human'

2012-01-26T11:12:00.000-08:00

Yes, that is what I would say...

Super Human!

Megan gave birth to Naomi the way she had hoped,

all natural.

And she did a beautiful job of it.

Watching her would make anyone think that they could do it too,

that it really isn't difficult.

Well, I know better!!!!

I have felt so blessed that each one of our daughter-in-laws

has allowed me the privilege of being a part of their deliveries.

Even with a camera in tow!

I was apprehensive about this one because she was going natural and

I didn't know if I was going to be able to watch her in pain.

We had a plan that I would come in at the beginning,

grab a few shots of the surroundings,
then wait in the waiting room

until it was time to push.

Her water broke around 3am. They left for the hospital

about 7ish. Kenny had to stop at the office and they needed to
take Bennett to Lindsey's.

Judging by Bennett's delivery, we all assumed it would be a pretty long day of laboring.
I did my morning routine of getting ready and doing some things at home when they texted a few hours later and said she was dilated to a 7-8.

I grabbed my camera bag (which was missing the battery for my camera! thank goodness she had hers) and left immediately.
These were the first words I heard when I walked into the labor room,

"This is a piece of cake!" Megan said.

Goodness, I don't think I have ever heard anyone say that about labor!

Between the big excersize ball and sitting indian style on the bed, she labored.

Dr. Groom was there just waiting and the nurse let her do her thing
until she felt ready to push.

It wasn't very long before we alerted the nurse she feels like pushing

and the whole medical team assigned to her came in.

With several pushes, which she said was the hardest and most painful

part of the delivery because of back pain,

baby Naomi was born.

Right after the birth...

(I love this sweet look she gave Kenny.)

Dr. Groom asked Kenny if he wanted to cut the cord.

"I am an attorney, not a doctor" was his response.

So Megan cut the cord!

I love this moment....

Dr. Groom pats Megan - a job well done!

And, if there would be just one picture that could wrap up

Megan's feelings

of this entire experience,

from miscarrying 4 times,

hoping she would hang on to this baby,

finding out she is a girl,

carrying her full term,

and then the birth,

it would have to be this....

A few hours later....

Oh, he is fascinated by her. So cute with her....

What a wonderful experience! I can never thank my sweet girls for

letting me be a part of such a spiritual, awesome, tender experience.

I love them for that!

A good ending

2011-12-31T11:30:00.000-08:00

No one likes receiving calls from your loved ones saying they are in the hospital.

During the evening, just a few days before New Years, we got a text from Brett saying Caiden was having seizures, they were on the way to the hospital in an ambulance.

"Please pray."

Your heart stops.

You feel frozen.

And you pray.

It was a frightening experience for Brett and Bree. Caiden had been sick

and running a fever. Just before bedtime, while Bree was holding him, he started with a seizure.

Brett has recorded the experience so they will remember the details.

Bree stayed with Caiden for two day the hospital where they diagnosed the seizures were fever induced. Chad and I wanted to be there with them, especially since they are fairly new to Arizona and don't know many people.

Those are difficult times for parents.

It was a good ending to the year as Caiden came home New Years Eve about 10:30 pm.

Brett was taught a great lesson in that experience of the power of the priesthood,

to ALWAYS be worthy to use that gift. One doesn't know in what instant they may be called upon to use it and protect their familee.

A tender mercy of the Lord.

We are so grateful for worthy priesthood holders in our familee.

The hospital in Mesa was a children's hospital. The floor Ciaden was on

had a play room, a wagon and a riding car.

We all did laps around the floor in that little red wagon!

Written by Brett....

My testimony grew a little stronger today about the love and pains heavenly father went through while Jesus was atoning for our sins.
I was upstairs and bree yelled hysterically saying "run down here now! Emergency!" she met me on the stairs with Caiden shaking and barely breathing. We of course started freaking out. I had no idea what to do. I threw him over my shoulder and started hitting his back thinking he had throw-up in his mouth and was choking on it. I soon found out that wasn't the case. I ran into my room crying while trying to keep Caiden alive and breathing. I knew I needed to pray. But bree was yelling something downstairs about running next door to DJ house for a blessing. I stopped on the stairs and started to pray. But I couldn't get anything out besides, Heavenly father please help Caiden. Please. I don't know what to do" I couldn't think straight. And all this time kk was turning more and more unresponsive and pale. I ran back upstairs and put kk down on the bed to throw some pants on because I couldn't go next door or to the hospital in my garments. Kk didn't even know I wasn't holding him. It was like he wasn't even inside his body. His eyes began rolling into the back of his head. And the shaking, the shaking was horrible. It was the scariest thing I have ever experienced in my life. I picked him up and ran outside and DJ was standing outside. I ran into his house and said ,"Help. I don't know what to do. He's convulsing and not breathing." I broke down and couldn't hold back my tears. Shocked, DJ just stood there. I said, "He needs a blessing." My mind was going a million miles an hour and I ran back outside and bree was in the car with llayton saying that we needed to go to the urgent care. (uc.) kk was still convulsing and barely breathing. I can't explain the feeling of being completely helpless to my own son. Every step I took he would flop one way or the other. There were a few times where I stopped because I thought Caiden had died. I literally felt him leave. He would shake and shake then stop breathing and go completely limp. I would just cry and beg heavenly father for kk to be ok. It was absolutely the scariest thing I have ever gone through. It was weird because it was like slow motion and I was seeing my life without Caiden in it. Then seconds later I would feel ok... Or better than I did just a second ago. I remembered the alarm system in our house we put in just the week before. I ran back inside our house and hit the panic button. The alarm went off and a few seconds, which seemed like minutes later, they came over the intercom and asked what the emergency was. I told them what was going on. Bree ran in and told the alarm monitoring center that we are going to drive the the uc. Before even thinking I ran into the car in my garment top and held kk. In the car I kept holding him and I began to give him a blessing. I don't remember what I said exactly, but I remember pleading with heavenly father saying sorry I didn't have any oil. But through the power of the Melchizedek priesthood please heal kk from whatever is wrong. The moment I began the blessing he started to slow down his shaking. During the blessing at some point he threw up on me and was able to breath a little easier. The power of the priesthood is real. On the way to the uc. I started gagging and ready to throw up, but luckily was able to keep it down. It smelt awful. And I wad sick so it was actually really hard not to throw up. When we got to the uc. I took off my garment top because it had throw-up on it and I knew I couldn't walk in there in my garment top. So I ran in topless. Holding kk out and explained what was going on. They brought us back and gave kk some oxygen. He wasn't recovering and was still barely breathing. Not responsive at all. Not more than two minutes after we arrived at the uc. we heard the paramedics whizzing by. They called me on my cell phone when the realized I wasn't there. I told them we were at the uc. down the street. They came down and just in time. Caiden started having another seizure. He wasn't doing any better so they gave him some meds and took him into the ambulance with bree to the hospital. I went home to grab a few things. Me and llayton said a prayer for kk. Llayton said it. It was sweet. He said bless kk to feel happy. And that it won't be his fault. Bless daddy to get all better. Bless mommies baby in her tummy to be healthy and strong... Then he finished. We then drove to the hospital. I broke every traffic law. When we pulled in, the fire truck that helped us out was there so I stopped and asked them how Caiden was. They said that he was fine now that they gave him the meds. It took about 25 minutes before he was reacting to what the paramedics were doing. But he had a few more seizures on the way down but he's ok now. I broke down again and thanked them for their work and me and llayton pulled into our parking spot and said another prayer of gratitude. When I walked into the ER DJ was there waiting. What a nice guy. He came to help with the blessing. So after a few minutes with bree and kk he came in and we gave kk a blessing. This time is was geared towards how grateful we were for the power of the priesthood and grateful for our worthiness to use it. Funny. Earlier today I was tempted multiple times but each time I thought, No. That's not right. I felt the spirits presence each time temptation came to my mind. Allowing me to remain worthy for such an occasion. The commandments are there to protect us. Not restrict us.
I wonder if I felt a tiny particle of what heavenly father felt as he watched Christ suffer for us... The feeling of being totally helpless. I am so grateful for the priesthood in my life and the chance I have to be able to use it when needed to bless and protect my family.

Megan's maternity photo shoot

2011-12-29T17:23:00.000-08:00

We are so happy Megan has been able to carry this baby full term.

After 4 miscarriages last year, and then wondering if this

one was really going to happen, you can image how thrilled they are.

Thrilled, as well, that it is a girl.

It is so funny that Bennett has named her....

Naomi

Happy for their little familee!

Fun times for all!

2011-12-29T12:37:00.000-08:00

I am not sure which one of these boys had the most fun,

Chad, Trent or Cohen.

Chad's friend Joey Peterson flies helicopters.

They flew over Boulder City, the Dam, the Lake Mead and up the River.

Their kind of fun!

Christmas Card

2011-12-24T15:29:00.000-08:00

The leaves are still falling

2011-12-21T14:22:00.000-08:00

December 21st.

Who needs a white Christmas when we still have leaves falling.

The neighbor's tree is big, really big and just beautiful when the leave change.

Within a few hours our backyard was a blanket of leaves.

We played in them for a solid week.

Preparing for Naomi

2011-12-17T15:31:00.000-08:00

Megan has been patiently working on repainting

and staining this family cradle for Naomi.

It has turned out so pretty.

We can't wait for Naomi to get here.

The fun of Christmas

2011-12-03T19:32:00.000-08:00

The Nativity Pageant

starring:

Kennedy & Jacob Flynn

Zak and Abby Allen

Llayton & Caiden Lee

Bennett Lee

Cohen, Ella, Amara & Jexton Lee

Santa visit is always such fun to watch the kids and how they react.

We did not have any criers this year.

Santa and Grandma Kennedy

Cohen's baptism

2011-12-03T15:25:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness.

We can hardly believe that Cohen has turned 8 years old

and ready for baptism.

How perfect that all of Cohen's family, on both sides, were at his baptism.

Those are treasured memories.

I put together a book for Cohen so that he would remember

his baptism. It is probably one of the most fulfilling things

I have done. I will now carry that tradition on for each grandchild.

The best part of the book are the written memories/experiences

with the Holy Ghost from each Familee member.

It is a written testimony that he now will have.

I just love when good ideas come.

And I know where they come from, the Holy Ghost.

Probably my most favorite pictures.....

Thanks you Brett for taking them.

And, of course, there was a party after!

Fall leaves

2011-11-24T13:36:00.000-08:00

Hillsboro park has such pretty trees and fall time brings out the

greatest spot for pictures.

Here are just a few of my favorite blessings.

I adore the people in our Familee.

Thanksgiving weekend.

Kenny's job

2011-11-15T12:30:00.000-08:00

The new lawyer in the firm

Bowler, Dixon & Twitchell

Kennedy Eldon Lee

Located in Las Vegas!

HOORAY!

Life is Good

2011-11-11T22:44:00.000-08:00

I just love this old fire engine truck we found in St. George.

The best part about it was the note the instructions to be care

and use it for photographs!

Yes!

Brett's familee

2011-11-04T11:18:00.000-07:00

Doesn't she look stunning!

We just had fun playing at the dry lake bed.

The many faces of Caiden

2011-11-04T11:10:00.000-07:00

Caiden, or KK as we call him, is just a love.

He adores Llayton. It is so fun to watch them interact with one another.

He doesn't venture too far away from Bree and he generally can be

found on her hip! She can do anything with him there.....

cook, clean, work on computer! She has adapted to him being there.

He has the cutest little button nose.

We love him!

The many faces of Llayton

2011-11-04T10:19:00.000-07:00

Absolutely the best part of photography is capturing fun

moments like these!

Llayton is a ball of energy and has an imagination like no other.

It is so fun just to watch him play.

I love his hair like this, when it is longer.

He, Bennett and Ella all have the very same color of hair.

I love his one little dimple. (Just like his momma's.)

He does remind me so much of Brett in his little personality.

My favorite thing they do with Llayton is questions and answers from the Book of Mormon. He has his own little book and they find certain answers and then he underlines them in his book. He is learning so much and it is so fun to hear him

answer who are Nephi's brothers or what did Lehi find outside his tent.

I miss their little familee living in Arizona!

Cohen loves......

2011-11-02T10:01:00.000-07:00

I have had this wooden fence wall for several years.

Bought it just for taking pictures. Every year I think about throwing it out

but then I get an idea like this and am glad it's still around.

I used this same idea for Cohen's baptism invitation.

To Arizona they go

2011-11-01T18:47:00.000-07:00

Brett and Bree packed up their house in Utah

and off they moved to Arizona.

Bree stayed with us for a week and Brett drove the truck

to Gilbert and moved everything into the house for

for her (other than her specific instructions to leave the kitchen alone!)

Brett is working for 20/20 company but has since
changed to Titan Alarm.

Everyone is holding up a thumb except for Caiden.

He only knows how to hold up one finger cuz he is one!

Little Spooks!

2011-10-31T11:58:00.000-07:00

Amara, love the pink boots. My favorite shoes of hers.

And she would have picked this outfit out on her own. Doesn't matter if

it matches or not!

Llayton & Caiden

Caiden

Cohen & Ella

This picture just makes me laugh.

Amara crying with Cohen & Ella just looking at her thinking....'again, what now!'

And Caiden's face is so funny!

Trick or Treating in Hillsboro, the best!

And in Utah...here is Bennett and Megan.

Isn't Megan's shirt cute? Her sister Kelsey painted it for her.

Day-Lee Herald

2011-10-23T19:07:00.000-07:00

So creative.

Happy for them!

The final step

2011-10-21T20:57:00.000-07:00

October 21, 2011

The 'swearing in' of new Nevada Lawyers.

This was a bit of a sad day for Kenny because he had heard word that the

job he was planning on in Provo fell through.

My parents and Chad's parents were able to attend.

This is such a fun picture of two good friends, Chad's father,

Eldon Lee and Lloyd (Duko) George. Many years ago, Eldon was

the Bishop and Lloyd George was his counselor.

Kenny did a summer internship with Judge George.

My father and Duko went to high school together.

And...

Duko's daughter, Michelle, set Chad and I up on a

blind date at BYU.

How is that for a little bit of connection!

He passed!

2011-10-09T20:37:00.000-07:00

It is official.

Kenny passed the bar exam

and now officially is a lawyer and can practice is Nevada.

He just need a job at a law office.

(Actually, he is doing research for one of

his BYU professors.)

Applications are going out daily

to Texas, Arizona, Utah, etc.

(nothing with winters that are worse than Utah;

they like the warm weather.)

We are so proud of his accomplishment!

UPDATE:

It looks like he may have a job

working for a Personal Estate Lawyer

in Provo!

Hooray, that is much closer than Texas!

Conference Weekend in Utah

2011-10-09T20:22:00.000-07:00

I just love fall time in Utah.

We had tickets for General Conference

so it was a perfect time to go up and see our kids.

Now three of them live up there!

Kenny, Brett & Lana.

While we were up there, Chad and I went to see Dr. Hershey

who has helped several of our grandkids with their food allergies.

We found out some of the things we are allergic to or deficient in.

And with the crazy treatment of wearing a vital, of the very thing

you are allergic to for 25 hours, you are cured!

If we had not seen the results helping Caiden, Amara, Ella and Jexton,

we would have never believed it.

We will see how it works for us.

I just want to cure 'being tired!'

It seems like there are so many fun activities to participate in

during the fall season in Utah.

We had a great time at the Farmers Market in Pleasant Grove

with Kenny & his family, and Bree and the boys.

They feed the goats and cows, chased the ducks, rode the train,

slid down the homemade slide,

and went through the corn maze.

(I was just glad we made it out of the corn maze!)

We love general conference.

We went to the Sunday morning session of conference

and Music and the Spoken Word with Kenny & Megan.

We are hoping to be able to go with all of our children and their spouses

in the next several years.

That Conference center is a magnificent place.

It is a marvelous feeling being there.

I feel so blessed to belong to such a wonderful church.

I loved being a Mormon and everything that comes with it!

After conference session on Sunday,

we enjoyed a picnic in the canyon at Vivian Park.

It was glorious weather. The leaves are changing and

it was just a delight to be up there.

We had birthday cupcakes for Lana and Llayton's October birthdays.

The boys all wore their owl hats, for a photo shoot.
Thank you Bree and Megan for liking these silly hats.
I loved making them.

Caiden...

Llayton...

Bennett...

This picture below just makes me laugh!

Here is why...

Llayton is the more lovey, dovey one, wanting to hug

Bennett or hold his hand.

Bennett, on the other hand, not so much. He is more like Kenny

and doesn't want to be touched.

So, I don't know what happened here.

Bennett is the one wanting to hug Llayton.

And check out Llayton's reaction - a swift elbow to Bennett!

So funny!

And here is Llayton, scolding someone.

Look at that hand on his hip and that finger pointing.

Read his lips...'NO'

Bennett & Llayton loved rolling down the hill....

I do love Utah. Just wish that it wasn't so cold in the

winter or I might just move right up there!

The many faces of Cohen

2011-09-27T21:53:00.000-07:00

These are the faces that Cohen makes

when I pick up my camera to take

his picture!

But, can I blame him. No.

His father, Trent, ruined a few family pictures

because he was making faces.

(They didn't head swap then!)

Oh, but I do love him!

I love his hair.

I love his blue eyes!

I love his 'lost-his-front-tooth' smile.

He lets me kiss him still.

And I love his kind heart.

He is getting ready for baptism.

The many faces of Ella

2011-09-19T12:57:00.001-07:00

She really is such a 'pretty' little girl.

I have always thought that but realized it again when

we had our day out.

Whether we were eating in a restaurant or shopping in a store,

people would stop to talk with her. They almost always commented

on how pretty she is.

I love to hear Trent tell her,

"Ella, you're so pretty."

Those are natural curls too that are finally growing in.

Grandma's can do this!

2011-09-17T17:40:00.000-07:00

Aren't little boys so easy when they have to go potty!

Bennett is just being potty trained. Let's just say it hasn't been

too easy for Kenny and Megan.

Just as they were about to give up, they had a break-thru.

He wouldn't go potty in the toilet but he would in the shower!

So, they have had to clean out a few showers and just apologized

when they are at friends houses.

Hey, whatever works, right!

By the way, he would not go in the picture.

But just as soon as we got home and stood him in the shower,

he did great!

Playing Hopscotch

2011-09-17T17:27:00.000-07:00

Bennett and Llayton

Sept 2011

Jexton at 8 weeks

2011-09-17T17:23:00.000-07:00

Such a little love!

In his blessing outfit.

He loves to eat!

2011-09-16T22:35:00.000-07:00

Caiden, or 'KK' as we call him,

LOVES to eat.

Put nearly anything in front of him at the table

and he will eat it.

15 months old.

It's Raining, It's Pouring

2011-09-16T22:15:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness, was it pouring!

It floods the back yard.

The wash behind our house becomes a river.

And, unfortunately we found a few leaks in our house.

But what a perfect day to teach Caiden & Llayton that song.

It raining, it's pouring,

The old man is snoring.

Went to bed and bumped his head

Couldn't get up in the mornin'.

Two very darling boys, Brett & Bree!

National Award

2011-09-14T18:03:00.000-07:00

This is written by Megan:

"While in law school every law student is required to write a big ol' paper for their substantial writing class. I read over Ken's before he submitted it and let's just say I only understood every few words and it was over 30 pages long! He spent over 100 hours writing it...in other words this was no easy task! With the suggestion of one of his professors he decided to submit it to a national writing competition to be published. This morning he found out he won first place nationally and will be published in an estate planning type magazine (ACTEC Law Journal) that has about 4 publications a year! I couldn't possible be more proud and happy for him! (because most people don't read or are familiar with estate planning magazines I decided this would be like a fashion photographer being published in Vogue :)

Although we would love to find a job soon and are extremely anxious for that next stage in our lives, we are completely at peace and know it's in the Lord's hands and are not worried about our future. With that said, it's been so hard as a wife to see how hard Kenny has worked and see how well he's done in school just to finish and feel a little defeated because no one is hiring. So I was thrilled that he won this so he could see some of all of that effort pay off for him. Not to mention there was a cash reward that just so happens to be a huge blessing to us right now!!"

We are so extremely happy for Kenny.
What a smart kid he is!

What's Your Guess?

2011-09-14T17:57:00.000-07:00

What's Your Guess?
A boy or a girl?

Inside the cupcakes, made by Megan's sister, Kelsey White, is a surprise revealing whether Megan is having a boy or a girl.

On the count of three, everyone bit into their cupcake - taking very big bites, to see what they would find.
Hidden inside the cupcake was a pink raspberry.

Well, it sort of turned brown so we were all a little confused right at first!

But we were all sure excited when we realized they would be having a girl.

All filled out a paper beforehand guessing what she would be having.

Everyone guess a girl, except for two people.

So very happy for them.

Now let's get this baby here!

≈

I do love babies!

2011-08-24T17:39:00.001-07:00

This darling baby belongs to my niece,

Lacey Lyman.

She was a dream to photograph!

Following the Prophet

2011-08-03T18:43:00.000-07:00

Trent and Sesily ordered three 16 x 24 canvas prints to hang

in each of the kids bedrooms in their home.

Pres. Monson said in last conference that a picture of the

temple should be in each room in our homes.

I keep thinking I should put this up on facebook and sell them

for a minimal cost, so people can afford to have them in each room.

I haven't done that yet.

I'm not much of a salesman!

Celebrating Jex

2011-08-03T18:00:00.000-07:00

We had a delightful luncheon for Sesily and Jexton just for the familee.

Lana and Megan were in town. We missed the others who had summer conflicts.

I centered the decorations and food around 'green apples'.

Green apple candy in the small boxes on the table,

fruit skewers on green apples,

green apple salad,

and apple pie!

I love doing the decorations!

The food, hummm...

not so much!

Aren't I lucky I have girls in my familee who do like to do the food!

He is loved!

2011-08-03T15:59:00.000-07:00

These are sweet images of Jexton and his familee

(well, without Trent!)

Beautiful!

2011-07-26T21:35:00.000-07:00

Jexton Samuel Lee

2011-07-26T15:25:00.000-07:00

Born to Trent, Sesily

Cohen, Ella, Amara and now Jexton!

June 28, 2011

7 lbs. 5 oz.

20 inches

5:00 pm

"Jexton you are our last little gift from Heavenly Father.

I always wanted to experience a real birthing experience, I was afraid I wouldn't be able to with you. But the doctor gave me the go ahead to try a VBAC, and when I found out a peace came over me. I knew that was the way you were supposed to come and everything would be alright.

I went into the hospital at 9:00am and had you 5:00p.m. on the nose. I had a great day of laboring, I got to have the experience I always wanted. The nurse said to me I've never had anyone smile as they push a baby out. I knew you were our last gift from heaven and I couldn't wait to meet you.

The minute I held you in my arm gratitude swept over me and I loved you so much. There is a love that you can't explain when you welcome a new baby into this world, my heart grew another size larger. I couldn't wait for you to meet your siblings. The first time Cohen held you, when no one was looking he reached down and rubbed noses with you, and just smiled in pure bliss. I knew our family was complete and we were all so excited to welcome you in. Cohen and Carmella have adored you from the minute they first laid eyes on you. I'm so excited to have the future for our little familee. We love you baby Jex!"

Written by Sesily.

July 4th

2011-07-04T14:18:00.000-07:00

Fun with the Familee

Soon Jexton will join them!

2011-06-24T15:06:00.000-07:00

9 Months Pregnant

2011-06-23T15:28:00.000-07:00

Sesily pregnant with Jexton

Turning One

2011-06-11T14:08:00.000-07:00

Chad and I were so happy to go out to Austin Texas to visit Brett and Bree.

How perfect that we were there for Caiden's first birthday

(and that I brought my camera).

Another birthday

2011-06-05T14:11:00.000-07:00

I just wish I was as wise as my age.

Gone to Utah!

2011-06-01T13:53:00.000-07:00

I knew this day would be coming....when Tyson would graduate from UNLV and be done living in Las Vegas. He does not like the heat. I knew they would be moving back closer to his home in Utah, or at least somewhere where the weather is bearable. Somewhere closer to the mountains.

Lana has always talked about living in a small town.

A place where she could have more animals.

So while Brett and Bree are in Autstin Texas selling security systems for the summer,

Lana and Tyson are living in their condo helping to pay the rent.

But, she does come back every 6 weeks for her ortho appointments

and to do hair for her clients.

I think they will be happy there.

Third time is a charm!

2011-05-18T16:09:00.000-07:00

This post will not have a picture. Lana does not like to have her picture taken anymore since the shifting of her jaw. But, she is able now to begin the process for her jaw surgery. The first step is braces. This is the third time around that she has had them put on! They make her grumpy, they hurt and she can't eat much!

It will take many months before she is ready for the surgery. Everything needs to be aligned in her mouth and jaw. We are hopeful it will be affective for her.

Let's celebrate!

2011-05-13T21:58:00.000-07:00

We had a familee graduation party

for Tyson and Kenny.

Lana and Megan put together some fun

'Minute to Win It' games. They were so funny to watch!

Kelsey, Lana, Sierra & Zak

Chad and Sesily

Ronda

Egg hunt for adults only!

2011-05-01T20:00:00.000-07:00

I love the adult easter egg hunt. Don't even know why but I just get so

excited to do this.

This year turned out wonderful because we were in Utah together

for Kenny's graduation. Everyone, except for Tyson was there.

It was right before Bree and Brett left for summer sales in Texas.

Chad and I 'hide' (really just dropped) the eggs in a big

park area that was close to the law building.

The kids were each given a flashlight, bag and instructions.

This year each person was on their own and they were to collect as many

eggs as they could.

Here was the tally:

Trent 23

Ses 16

Kenny 8

Meg 9

Brett 8

Bree Bree 9

Gabbi (filled in for Tyson) 9

Lana:..........

THREE!

Gabbi found a treasure that wasn't even part of our hunt!

A ticket and a button!

Kenny, well, he collect a warm with his eggs!

In each egg were papers with numbers, letters or symbols.

Prizes were assigned a number.

Some of the prizes were movie tickets, gift cards to restaurants,

itunes cards, starbucks cards, etc.

The 'boy' gift was PF Chang gift card.

The 'girl' gift was 'Our Best Bites' cookbook.

Then each couple got tickets to the Donny and Marie show!

(Dang it, Brett and Bree will be gone for that one.)

It was a delight! At least to me!

As we sat around the table at Baskin Robbins adding up our eggs and prizes,

Chad said, "This is just like a Singles Ward activity."

Our kids are their same age - no wonder we like serving in the singles ward!

He's so smart!

2011-04-27T14:52:00.001-07:00

Brigham Young University

Law School Graduate!

April 22, 2011

More pictures to come!

Such a happy day!

2011-04-26T13:44:00.000-07:00

It's offical! He has now finished Law School at

Bringham Young University.

A Juris Doctor. Graduating with Cum Laud Honors.

Next hurdle...

passing the bar!

He will be taking the Nevada State Bar exam the end of July.
We hope he gets a job in Nevada. If not, then he will have to take another exam in a different state.

He is just so smart!

Ensign Peak

2011-04-20T17:42:00.000-07:00

Enjoyed being together for a Familee hike

up to Ensign Peak.

No training wheels!

2011-04-15T17:11:00.000-07:00

She is free! No more training wheels for Ella.

I loved watching Trent teach & help her ride her pink bike.

Gosh, it wasn't so long ago that Chad was doing that same thing

with Trent. Such fun memories. And such fun to watch these little

darlings growing up.

Handsome!

2011-04-09T18:09:00.000-07:00

I just love Trent! He is a such a joy to us.

He can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel and will graduate

with his Master's degree in the Spring (I think).

I just finished teaching 2 years of early morning seminary

and is now the Gospel Doctrine teacher.

He has that 'Lee quality' of being a great teacher.

He works with Chad in Corporate Credit Concepts

and is a dad to four darling children!

project 365: March 1, 2011

2011-03-11T11:24:00.001-08:00

Bennett

project 365: March 10, 2011

2011-03-11T10:58:00.000-08:00

New 'all time favorite' baby girl hat!

Isn't this so stinkin' cute!

I think I might need to make a few more of these for baby gifts!

Project 365: March 9, 2011

2011-03-09T12:57:00.000-08:00

The final image came today.

And look what my wall looks like now!

I just can't tell you how excited I am!

It's a 'natural high'!

Who needs a substance, just take up photography!

I just love their little faces. I love when I am with them.

I love when they call and tell me who Nephi's brothers are.

I love when they say "Te amo" which means I love you in Spanish.

I love when they call and sing me a new song they learned in preschool

about the color red.

I love listening while Cohen eats - he hums.

I love teaching each one of them the 'rabbit' song and watching them sing it.

I love hearing their voices on the phone.

I love their excitement when I see them.

I love hearing people comment about them.

I love reading to them at bedtime.

I love kissing them.

I just love THEM!

Project 365: March 3, 2011

2011-03-03T09:55:00.000-08:00

FRIGHTENING!

This is Chad's biggest fear - going bald.

...from Brett's iphone app. He also has one that shows what you look like fat!

February 14, 2011

2011-02-15T18:03:00.001-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

Since it fell on a Monday night this year, we enjoyed the

evening with the singles ward at family home evening.

(Chad and I had a lunch together earlier in the day.)

They played the "Dating Game".

Oh my, it was so much fun to watch them, and hear their

funny comments.

They are just so darling and fun to be with.

When we got home, we had this little surprise in our yard!

A 'heart attack' from the Royal Mesa Ward.

Love those kids.

February 13, 2011

2011-02-15T09:48:00.000-08:00

She walked into the house wearing her pretty Sunday dress,

white bolero fur jacket, black shining shoes and frilly socks.

And , of course, a headband with a flower.

We hugged, kissed and made a fuss over her as usual.

We were preparing dinner, heart shaped pizzas, which never turn out heart shaped!

After a few minutes, here she comes into the kitchen, totally naked except for her shoes and socks and headband! One of the kids must have helped her get undressed. Then off came the diaper too!

I love babies bodies at this age.

Amara is no exception!

Cohen and Ella dipped strawberries in chocolate for dessert.

And, a surprise Valentine was left at the door for the kids.

Project 365: February 8, 2011

2011-02-08T15:42:00.000-08:00

Just love that Ella dances!

Takes me back a few years!

I loved watching Lana dance when she was this age - and all through the years!

Definitely a blessing!

Project 365: February 7, 2011

2011-02-07T15:49:00.000-08:00

My first live viewing of an ultrasound!

I have seen the pictures before and always had to have the kids point out body parts.

Those are so fun to see.

But this was a delight!

We watched as this baby opened and closed its fist.

And we watched as this baby put its leg up over its head!

Looks like maybe it will have Sesily's flexibility.

And...by the way...

this baby...

is...

a...

BOY!

Project 365: February 4, 2011

2011-02-06T12:26:00.000-08:00

Cohen and Ella spent the night this weekend.

At 50 degrees outside, the Utah kids would say it is warm,

but we needed the fireplace!

Too bad we didn't have any marshmallows!

Project 365: February 3, 2011

2011-02-03T22:48:00.000-08:00

I DETEST rats and they live in our attic!

One got caught in the trap at about 2am and it was quite a battle!

You would have thought it was the size of a human,

it was so loud thrashing around.

Chad went and looked the next morning in the attic.

No sign of the trap or rat!

I don't even want to think where it might be.

I really HATE rats.

Project 365: February 2, 2011

2011-02-02T22:46:00.000-08:00

14 days of love notes to all the kids and the babies!

Project 365: February 1, 2011

2011-02-01T15:38:00.000-08:00

Never mind that Amara doesn't have a bow in her hair and

she is wearing boy pajama's,

I love this picture of her trying to ride this bike with her blanket in the back.

This blanket....her most favorite has two special corners that she holds.

They are coming apart at the seems and she sticks her fingers in the holes.

Both corners are becoming darker than the rest of the blanket, even after it is washed.

If you try to give her one of the other corners, she won't take it.

She knows which corners she likes.

Now, this might not seem that interesting by itself.

What is interesting, is that her dad, Trent, did the very same thing!

He rubbed those corners for years until it was fine little threads.

Then when he went on his mission, (he still took the blanket) but he

cut what was left of the corners off and would carry them in his pocket.

(Do you think he need psychological help?)

And can I just say it was one very sad day when he came home from his mission

without his blanket. He had it in his suitcase on his first flight.

But that was Sept 11, 2001 - the day of the twin tower attacks.

He was detained in Peru for another two weeks, somehow it didn't get

put in his luggage coming home.

Amara has always reminded me of Trent.

She looks like what he looked like as a baby with the little round head.

Then when I learned she does this very same thing with her blanket, I was amazed!

Project 365: Jan 31, 2011

2011-01-31T15:33:00.000-08:00

Sunday dinner and a game of

Chutes and Ladders with the babies!

A delight!

(especially if someone else is doing the dishes!)

Project 365: Jan 30, 2011

2011-01-30T16:46:00.000-08:00

This is where Chad spends most of his time on Sundays.

Bishopric meetings start at 10am,

church at 1,

then interviews and other responsibilities,

but makes it home by 5:30 or so to have dinner

with the familee.

He will often interview the rest of the evening,

if he doesn't have other meetings,

at the house.

We both feel just so grateful to be able to serve

in the singles ward.

What a blessing to our lives it has been!

Here is a schedule of what a week is like in this calling:

(some are his jobs, some are mine)

Jan 22 - wedding sealing of ward members, help set up for reception, reception

Jan 23 - Chad start at 9am with a sacrament meeting before with SUV choir,

came home for dinner, then had two other meeting later,

followed by a Believing Christ meeting which ended at 10:30

(this is not a typical Sunday!)

Jan 24 - FHE, bring salad for 50 people

interview until 9pm

Jan 25 - my surgery, Chad meetings/interviews until 10

Jan 26 - interviewing from 4-9

Jan 27 - interviewing from 4-9

help with bridal shower, decorating and preparing food

Jan 28 - institute, help set up for another reception

Jan 29 - reception of ward members - take pictures

Jan 29-30 Chad to California on the bus with the SUV choir

Jan 29 - Women's conference, spend time preparing talk for New Beginnings

LIFE IS GOOD!

Project 365: Jan 28, 2011

2011-01-28T14:53:00.000-08:00

Hope Walton and I (but mainly Hope!) had a shower for Jessica Tingey

who is marrying Sean Hansen.

I always love doing events with Hope because she

does the food

(which she loves and I don't)

and I do the decorations

(which I love and she doesn't!)

It's a great arrangement.

The food was yummy, the decorations cute, the company wonderful.

Couldn't have asked for a better night.

Project 365: Jan 25, 2011

2011-01-25T16:49:00.000-08:00

IV liquid feels cold running through your veins.

It is an odd sensation.

And you can feel when they start the anesthesia as well.

It's a bit of a burn.

But thank goodness for anesthesia.

Thanks goodness for modern medicine.

I would not have been a good pioneer!

Surgery Day: Tuesday, Jan 25, 2011

Hospital: St. Rose DeLima

Doctor: Dr. Juarez

Half hour procedure, all went well, feeling great the next day.

Hospital was great with very good staff.

Now, I just have to get back my energy.

One of my nurse friends says it takes 3 months to replenish lost blood cells.

Darn, I was hoping more like 3 days!

Project 365: Jan 24, 2011

2011-01-24T16:48:00.000-08:00

Grandma Kennedy's birthday.

She is 76 years young.

Gosh, I hope I can keep the same pace she does when I get that age.

Lana, Sesily, Ella and I took her to

Rachel's Kitchen in the District for lunch!

Project 365: Jan 22, 2011

2011-01-22T12:17:00.000-08:00

Why don't the things I make look like the picture!

Megan picked out this cute hat so I could make for Bennett. The hat is cute enough, (even though the scarf that hangs down twists and they don't tell you how to fix that!)

but it is 50 sizes too big!

But, hey, Kenny could wear it! It's cold and he needs a hat, right.

Don't you think he would just be so cute in it!

Dumb thing!

Project 365: Jan 20, 2011

2011-01-21T17:58:00.000-08:00

Not my idea of fun!

A night in the Emergency room.

An ablation to follow.

Project 365: Jan 19, 2011

2011-01-19T17:45:00.001-08:00

Gosh darn, the things your body does after you turn 50!

I have been to two doctors this week only to find out I am depleting my iron reserve levels, my thyroid is not producing enough synthyroid and well,

other lovely female problems! And I am starting a bladder infection!

Cranberry juice for the bladder, orange juice and B-12 for the iron

and a strong dosage of synthyroid. Gosh, in a month I should be a new woman!

Project 365: Jan 18, 2011

2011-01-18T17:44:00.000-08:00

What a funny binky for Amara!

Project 365: Jan 17, 2011

2011-01-17T17:43:00.000-08:00

Cohen had a 'spend-over' at our house.

One of my necklaces broke so he worked away trying to fix it!

The other day he asked me about something from 2 years past.

We had taken him out to the desert up above the temple. I was taking pictures.

Brett was with us playing with his remote control car.

Cohen remembered that we had found some 'dinosaur bones', he called them and that I had put them in my coat pocket.

He told me the color of the jacket. It was one that I normally don't wear.

Sure enough, the bones were in there! I was amazed that he remembered that from so long ago!

Project 365: Jan 15, 2011

2011-01-15T17:41:00.000-08:00

Chad left for Texas for 2 days.

Two of the kids in the ward were getting married and he felt like he should go.

So I just played!!!

For me, sometimes, play means, pull out the list out of all the things I need to do and check them off.

I do love the 'check-mark!'

But while checking things off my list, I watched all three series of Twlight.

Dang! I loved them! I hope she write other series and they get produced.

I was just glad that I didn't spend the time reading them.

It would have taken me months.

(Then after Chad got home, he watched them, so I saw them a second time.)

That is more tv than I watch in a month!

Project 365: Jan 14, 2011

2011-01-14T17:40:00.000-08:00

One hundred and sixty pecan tarts.

The Bishoprics wives are helping with a wedding reception for

Megan and Jung Oh from the ward.

Project 365: Jan 13, 2011

2011-01-13T17:39:00.000-08:00

Felt like crafting (with felt).

Thanks Nicole and Bree for the idea.

Project 365: Jan 12, 2011

2011-01-12T17:37:00.000-08:00

It has been a few years since I have put up Valentines decorations.

I loved when this idea came to me.

I already had the pictures from our Christmas card.

They were perfect to create this over the dining room table.

"All my Sweethearts"

Project 365: Jan 9, 2011

2011-01-09T17:35:00.000-08:00

I just love their little heads. Isn't this so cute with Amara and her

big flower headband, and Llayton with his hat on.

Cohen and Ella...

Project 365: Jan 8, 2011

2011-01-08T17:34:00.000-08:00

Oh gosh, my hands look old!

Sad day. Today I had my wedding ring cut off.

About a year ago, my finger just started to hurt. Then this summer,

the knuckle began to grow.

I am waiting for results to see if it is arthritis or a cyst.

Project 365: Jan 7, 2011

2011-01-07T17:32:00.000-08:00

"Pop, pop, fizz, fizz

Oh, what a good teacher you IS."

Thanks to Bree for this great idea.

We had a Sunday School appreciation dinner for the teachers and presidency in the Royal Mesa Ward. Just wanted to let them know how grateful we are for their hard work. We just love those kids and think we are so lucky to be serving in that ward!

Project 365: Jan 6, 2011

2011-01-06T17:31:00.000-08:00

Oh, he is adorable.

I love when he sings Elmo's song.

I love that he 'swallows his fits'.

I love that he goes potty on the big toilet.

I love that he sleeps with his bear and baby.

I love how he kisses Caiden.

I love when he gives me kisses and pats on the back.

I love you, Llayton!

My other new love, knitting.

You can do that when you are over 50!

This hat was fun to make.

Project 365: Jan 5, 2011

2011-01-05T17:28:00.000-08:00

This just make me laugh.

Look at these two 2-yr-olds (Kennedy and Llayton)

playing on their mom's the iphones!

I think it is so funny how they look over at the other's phone to see what

their playing.

So darling!

Project 365: Jan 4, 2011

2011-01-04T17:26:00.000-08:00

Llayton and Caiden.

Two happy boys just like their momma!

The only time I have seen Caiden unhappy is when

Bree eats something with dairy and eggs in.

His little body does not tolerate that well.

Bree is looking into with a specialist.

Project 365: Jan 3, 2011

2011-01-03T17:22:00.000-08:00

We were happy that Bret and Bree stayed a week after the holiday's.

Brett wanted to go with Chad to the BYU vs. UNLV game.

Project 365: Jan 2

2011-01-02T17:20:00.000-08:00

Since Chad has become Bishop, he uses the den to interview.

Since he interviews nearly everyday, I moved out!

I have my own little cubby in the family room.

This way, I can talk on the phone and he doesn't have to tell me to be quiet when he is on the phone.

January 2011

2011-01-01T14:25:00.000-08:00

Last year, 2010, at the beginning of the year, I started 'Project 365'. It seems like a great idea. Just take one picture a day and document your life, your surroundings, activities, people you love, etc. I love the camera so it wasn't that difficult to do since I already was taking so many pictures.

However, the blogging became too much. I made it until April (missing a whole lot of days). But, gosh, anything is better than nothing. Now, looking back on the few post I did make, I loved what I documented.

I think I will try again, knowing however, that I will not take one picture everyday. Knowing that it will get to be 'just one more thing to do'. Nevertheless, I want to put forth that effort since this is how I document my life, right here on this blog. Then printed into a book at the end of the year.

Instead of having it's own blog, I am going to combine it with this blog since so many of the images already overlap. Those entries will be titles "Project 365' and the date. Hope I can keep up!

Christmas card 2010

2010-12-29T12:52:00.000-08:00

Front:

Back:

Inside:

This turned out better than I thought!

I am grateful that the kids will let me do pictures of them, even though it is not their favorite thing to do. But I hope they will be glad in the long run.

Christmas Eve

2010-12-28T12:52:00.000-08:00

What a fun day we had with our familee on Christmas Eve

with this year being together.

Here are some of the highlights:

...watched a slideshow from our Christmas pj photoshot

(we did that in Oct, since Brett and Bree were not planning to be here for Christmas.

I have not yet figured out how to put that on my blog.)

...had a bubble gum blowing contest

Hula Hooping!

...had a gift auction for the adults.

I bought 8 boy gifts and 8 girls gifts. Each person was given $50 in Santa bucks. Chad auctioned the item off. Each couple could combine their money to help each get what they wanted. It was just fun!

The gift cards were the most popular with PF Changs going to the highest amount.

Some of the items were gloves, necklaces, headbands, a golf certificate, movie certificate and other restaurant gift cards.

At the end, there was a mystery gift that was wrapped. It was a church book that Kenny got but Trent wanted it so they made a trade. It was just fun (did I already say that!) I loved it because it was a surprise and something different.

I will definitely do it again and am already making notes of gift ideas!

...had a wonderful steak dinner with brushetta, twice baked potatoes, salad,

creamed corn and raspberry bread pudding.

So yummy!

...after dinner we opened white elephant gifts of snowman poop, and inflatable woman (who doesn't whine and can meet all your needs!), large women underwear with our familee name on and, the best....Trent's creation of a lap top case made with men's underwear with a masking tape handle!

(We sound like a sick familee!)

Check it out!

...a talent show by the kids.

This picture is of them singing "...the babies on the bus go waa, waa, waa..."

Love there actions and faces.

After the song was over, Bennett grab Llayton and Ella to give them a big hug.

That must have ticked Llayton off!

...then, of course, we had gifts.

The most popular gift with the babies was Bennett's shopping cart. Someone was playing with it the entire night. There were even a few fights over it.

...money really does grow on trees! (Just on Christmas Eve.)

For our gifts this year, we gave each adult a small gift they wanted. Then with the rest of the allotted money, we got cash in $10's and $5's and pinned them onto the trees and bushes in the back yard. Each bill was marked with their initials so that everyone got their right amount.

Amara was not feeling well that day. Trent brought her outside with Chad and I while we put the money on the trees. I gave him a stack of money to hide. It was Kenny's money. I didn't realize what he was doing - not hanging it on any trees.

When we all finished, Kenny only found a small portion of his money.

All the money was off the trees.

Finally, Trent confess to hiding it under the rocks, in the dog house and other areas that he would never guess. Kenny ended up being $10.00 short. We never did find that last $10.00. I wonder if the landscapers will some day!

Those boys all make me laugh, the silly things they do, and the fun

they have with each other.

It was a wonderful day and turned out as I had hoped, other than Amara not feeling well. I loved the things that I had planned to do and it is always just fun being together. It's loud! It's chaos! But, it's just fun. I like fun. I like the element of surprise. I love giving the gifts. Chad is always good to go along with my goofy ideas. I love when I am prepared and ready - that is why I always start so early. (Though sometimes I drive myself crazy!)

By having our activities on Christmas Eve, it left the next day open for them to spend with their individual familee, their in-laws, and then dinner at my moms.

I love Chad, love the kids, love their spouses, love those babies

and loved the holiday!

Thanks for the fun memory!

Santa came!

2010-12-23T23:38:00.000-08:00

This is one of my favorite nights of the season...

a Santa visit after the nativity play.

The Kennedy cousins gather together to act out the Nativity play

(pictures in another post),

then Santa comes!

Llayton didn't really care for him and other than Joseph, Tom's baby,

all the other kids did great.

Bennett was set on telling Santa he wanted a trash truck (from Toy Story 3). Thankfully, he got one.

It is a wild, noisy, loud evening! But just so fun!

Nativity Play

2010-12-23T07:00:00.000-08:00

Take a dozen or more little ones

(5 two-year olds), dress them up as shepherds, animals,

wisemen, Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus and you have,

well, entertainment!

Besides just being so darn cute all dressed up, they say and do the cutest things.

Drew, being the donkey, carried Ella (Mary) in on his back. When he stopped to let her off, she tumbled to the ground. I am not sure if she just lose her balance or if he tipped her off! She was a good sport and everyone just laughed.

Then, Caiden (baby Jesus) was sitting in the cradle so content, when, he just tipped a bit and rolled right out! He never cried or made a sound. It was hilarious! We had to stop the play to recompose, the actors as well as ourselves!

Thankfully Brett was videoing the play and he was able to capture it.

First Christmas

2010-12-22T06:53:00.000-08:00

Just love this cute container I picked up for holiday decorations

(with the idea of using it for baby photo shoots!)

Caiden was the perfect fit!

These cute pj's were what Llayton wore his last year for Christmas.

Love that smile!

2010-12-19T18:51:00.000-08:00

Caiden has this cute little smile and, on occasion, he smiles what we call the 'turtle smile'. He pulls his front lip over

his gums, grins, and gets this shy little look.

He is just a happy little guy! (And just a little chubby.)

Hillsboro Hayride

2010-12-18T18:31:00.000-08:00

Each year right before Christmas, Hillsboro Heights has their annual Hayride.

A team of two horses pulls a long wagon and travels through the neighborhood, stopping at houses for hotdogs, popcorn, crafts, hot chocolate and a Santa visit.

At the Santa visit, they were giving out hats. He loves hats! And scarves!

Bennett was the only one this year who was able to go. Just Bennett and I. When we weren't on the hayride, I pulled him in the little red wagon (a great gift for grandparents!) around the neighborhood. He especially likes our guard at the gate, Arleen, so we had to make a visit to see her.

(She sort of likes him as well!)

And even though it was raining, it wasn't a bother to Bennett.

Treats for the holidays

2010-12-17T19:08:00.000-08:00

I wanted a quick, easy, yummy holiday treat to give out this year. Last year Bree, Sesily and I made a wonderful assortment of chocolates which were so good but very labor intensive. I needed something easier this year.

So Lana and I made carmel & chocolate covered pretzels. They were so good.

We used the carmel recipe from Candy Krauseman's recipe book 'Sunrise to Sunset'.

The chocolate was Wilton's. Toppings were peppermint candies, toffee chips,

crushed oreos, toasted pecans, coconut and colored candy toppings.

Wrapped in pretzel bags, tied with a bow - success!

Candy Cane Cookies

2010-12-15T16:34:00.000-08:00

These were my new 'favorite' cookie of the season! Thank you to 'recipegirl.com' for sharing.

CANDY CANE KISS COOKIES
www.RecipeGirl.com

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1¼ cups butter, at room temperature
1 tsp peppermint extract, optional
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 large egg
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1/2 cup finely chopped Candy Cane flavored Hershey’s Kisses
granulated sugar
additional, unwrapped Candy Cane Kisses- about 30

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Make room in either refrigerator or freezer for your cookie sheet.

2. In large mixer bowl, combine powdered sugar, butter, extracts and egg. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often until creamy (2-3 minutes). In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt. Add to wet mixture and beat, scraping bowl often until well blended (1-2 minutes). The mixture will be a bit crumbly. Stir in chopped Kisses.

3. Shape dough into ¾-inch to 1-inch balls; roll in granulated sugar. Place 1-inch apart on cookie sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until set. As soon as they come out of the oven, press a Candy Cane Kiss in the center of each cookie. They’ll crack a little around the edges, so just use your fingers to kind of hold the cookie together while you set the kiss inside. Put cookie sheet (with cookies) immediately into the freezer (preferred) or refrigerator so that the Kisses will set quickly. As soon as you press them into the cookie, they will begin to soften… so if you can get them into the freezer then they will keep their Kiss shape.

4. Store in a covered container- at room temperature for up to a week. In the freezer they should be ok for a couple of weeks.

Yield: About 2 1/2 dozen

Tips:
*The addition of peppermint extract is completely optional. The cookie gets plenty of peppermint flavor from the addition of the chopped kisses, but if you’d like it really minty then go ahead and add the peppermint extract.
*I’ve spotted these Kisses at Target and CVS Pharmacy.

On the First day of Christmas

2010-12-02T13:02:00.001-08:00

I have no picture with this post but just an entry.

Yesterday, Chad, Lana Tyson, Trent and his family as well as myself went downtown to where the homeless are. We had about 20 individual bags with hats, gloves, and socks to hand out. (We collected the supplies at our familee pie night.)

It was an experience. We just stopped the car in the street, stayed in the car and handed the bags out the window. When they see you giving out things, they start to swarm your car and reach for anything you will give them. It didn't take long to hand out our few bags. I was in Trent's car, and looked back to Chad and Lana. I bet there were 40 people huddled around his car.

I think we will try to do things a bit differently. That made me feel a bit uncomfortable. There are plenty of people on the outer edge of the area. I think we will pick and choose who to give to.

But...I do think it is a good experience for Cohen and Ella to see.

(Though Ella slept through it.)

Laughing all the way

2010-12-01T12:53:00.000-08:00

I just had this craving to knit a hat for Caiden since he is in the snow now. Babies can get away with wearing goofy hats that are handmade!

I found this pattern, Bree gave her approval so I was happy. It took several times to get it right. I just could not help 'laughing all the way' while I was making this. It just is so cute but poor Caiden, who has to wear this hat because his mamma made it!

It made me think of Ralphy on The Christmas Story who opens the present from, hmmm, his aunt? I think it is a rabbit suit. The mother loves it and Ralphy and his Dad hate it. They simply have to tolerate it.

Thanks goodness Caiden isn't any older. He won't know what a goof he will look like. But he will be so cute.

Thank you Bree, for ...simply tolerating it!

Bring out the decorations

2010-11-29T19:46:00.000-08:00

Actually, I took these pictures so I would be able to remember

how to decorate the tree next year!

I love these big ornaments fro Hobby Lobby.

Megan made a new table runner (not pictured) to go on this table for next year.

The colors are perfect and the pattern is so fun.