life's adventures

Gentry

2010-10-03T13:29:00.001-07:00

This is a very late post. Our new little addition arrived Mon. Aug 16. He's a big boy already competing for size with Brinton. Everyone has been so gad he's here, and we have lots of helpers. I'm so grateful that he is here. I too have been trying to change my diet to help him be more happy and not so fussy. Many thanks to Grandpa and Grandma for coming to share his blessing day with us.

Gentry's first cowboy hat!!! He HATES it (heee heee).

2010-05-17T22:20:00.000-07:00

We took the evening to go out and enjoy the beautiful wild flowers. It was very warm, but we all loved to see so many different types of flowers there were around. This area was FULL of Indian Paintbrushes. Everyone gathered armfuls of flowers to take home to press.

Connor was named one of the STAR students of the month!! Way to go Connor!!

This is a scary picture of the alligator gar that the boys caught out fishing at the lake we swim in!!! Most research says they stay away from humans.

The very large delicious catfish they boys also caught.

2010-02-04T20:30:00.000-08:00

First things first!! Alot has happened since my last post. Of course there was Thanksgiving, adoption, Patrick's baptism, Christmas, G-ma and Pa and Aunt Meagon coming for the special day of our sealing, and birthday's.

Ethan got a new skate board, helmet and pads

Connor and Patrick got pogo sitcks and I-shuffle

Ami's sweet young women friends made us a special temple cake the evening of our sealing. It was very thoughtful of them. What a special day. The kids were wonderful, and beautiful. Thankyou Aunt Meagon, Grandma and Grandpa for coming so far to be with us. We really appreciated their support.

Of course Hannah turned 3!!! Such a big girl.

Patrick turned 9!! He's growing up !!

I think Dad was feeling left out on the new hairdo's provided by Hannah and the others

I canot believe how much our family has grown. It's surreal. I never would have immagined this when I was growing up... or for that matter 3 years ago!!! We have been so blessed. I am grateful for so many things, especially to know we are all children of God and he knows each and everyone of us and is there for us. We all love and miss all the family up NORTH.

2009-11-20T17:33:00.000-08:00

Brinton and Amaris are starting basketball now!! They both came home the other night and wanted to take some pictures and they had a bunch of fun with Dad taking them!!

Amaris is doing well, she made the A team!!YEAH!!!! Brinton Made the JV team. And Ethan had to help them pose. He is the upcoming star!!

Here are some LATE pictures of Halloween when we went to San Antonio. We met up with Grandpa and had a BLAST! At the drive-through Zoo, we almost lost Ethan to an Ostrich and about had to take Grandpa back to the hotel to change!!

We also had a blast at the natural caverns. With all of the rainfall we had this year, the bottom level was 14 ft under water from the aquaphor. The rocks, stalagmites; stalagtites, were named for their appearances. But of course, sometimes we thought we had come up with better names, like one that looked like an alligator.

Amari and Grandpa had fun posing for several picures in the natural caverns.

kids having fun

2009-10-11T00:01:00.000-07:00

The kids were having fun!! They all wanted their pictures taken... all but Connor. It was taking just too long for Hannah, and she was getting restless. But just minutes earlier, her and Ashlynn were hamming it up in their jammies.

They love the bottom stair!! They use it for everything!! They even play taking naps there and putting their babies to sleep there.

Hannah found all the sunglasses and had to wear them all. She was so silly!!

Everyone is doing well! The weather has been chilly and have had to break out the jeans and long sleeves. As always, no one is ever ready to put the shorts away!! I cannot believe how fast time flies, it is almost Halloween again. Christmas stuff is already on the shelves. I hope and pray that everyone has a wonderful end of the year and may the Lord bless you, that all may have joy and be centered around Jesus and not so much of the material world. We all miss you very much and hope to be able to see everyone soon.

school

2009-08-30T22:11:00.000-07:00

Ok, this looks pretty interesting!! It is my birthday salad! My birthday this year was on a Sunday... Dan suprised me and made some wonderful Munster Chicken with green salad. He played it up beautifully and said that he didn't have time to make my cake so we were having a salad for cake this year!! What a great idea (nice and healthy!) Some of course didn't think this was a very good idea at all though. Well, we ate our dinner and Dan went to the garage and came back with this lovely and delicious cake!! The kids couldn't believe it!

Well... I guess the clock on my camera must be about 12 hours off, because, yes it was Monday the 24th. The first day of school. Patrick and Connor are 6 months apart and in 3rd and 4th grades this year. They are very excieted to be in school.
I think it will be a good year.

2009-08-15T00:33:00.000-07:00

This is what I come home to some mornings!..., where does mom get to climb into bed???
Then some mornings... are interesting like this!

We have had a good summer! Enjoyed being on the lake!! Although we miss everyone, it has been a good year! I cannot believe school is going to start in one more week. Wow... here comes fall!

Connor had his 9th birthday! He got his own table top CD/radio player, watch (so he can come home on time), and a few other things.

These munchkins just love to take pictures!! Such dolls!

UPDATE!!

2009-06-14T01:35:00.001-07:00

Ok, so it has been a SUPER long time since I have been able to get on the computer to blog! Everyone is doing well. Glad to be out of school for the summer. Although we have had a wet start to things this year, there is no drought here right now. Brinton threw shot put and diskus in track this year.

Hannah and Ashlyn pose for the camera.
Everyone LOVES to wear Mom's shoes. The white ones are their absolute favorite. Even Ethan loves to join in the fun.

Boy, Dad LOVES his fish!! The boys really have a great time together fishing. We save them up then have a great couple of meals. They love going out to catch them, cutting them up and then compairing the filets to eachother.

Now we can all go fishing together! And on the side... perhaps ski, tube or Connor's wish, parasail!

Amaris had her Birthday on Tuesday!! Happy 12th! Also a Happy Birthday to Dad the day before. Ethan had to tell Grandpa Happy Birthday and wanted to "talk like for 4 hours".

We LOVE and miss ya'll very much. Hope some can come brave the Texas heat and humidity soon!! PS... we now have a great way to cool down and have a little fun.

2009-03-02T00:52:00.000-08:00

Ok, here are pictures from Hannah's 2nd Birthday. She was precious!! The puppy is the one she actually got to dig into. She also got a jeep, which she can only be a passenger in right now because she can't quite figure out that she needs to steer while she is pushing the pedal.
Brinton played 8th grade BB this year. Did a great job and had fun. While it is finished, track has just begun. We went shopping for shoes, SIZE 14!!! Is his foot ever going to stop growing??? This weekend was the young men's BB tournaments. There was two teams that had Varsity HS ball players that showed up and that made it a bit frustrating because most everyone else were deacons. Some refused to believe that B. is only 13and eventhough he's got a big foot, he's also got a big heart. He's a good kid and I'm proud of him. He was also just called deacon's quarm president.

Ethan and Hannah just had to model B's jersey, they thought they were COOL!!!
Amaris is going to be 12 in June and gets to go to girls camp this year. She has also already been asked to play in jazz band next year. Connor has just finished BB for the season as well. He had a good time and learned to play with a team. He was the tallest boy on his team as well as most of the other teams. Anyway, we miss everyone and hope you are all well. He has his TAKS test on Tues, good luck to him!

I just cannot believe my babies are getting so big, it makes me feel SO OLD!!! Anyway, I hope you are all doing well. We miss you all!!

Christmas

2009-01-09T23:34:00.000-08:00

Ok, Ok... So I got the pictures on here backwards! Too late, I'm not going to try to rearrange or start over. We had a WONDERFUL trip to Idaho for the week of Christmas. We were so glad to be able to see everyone and have a break from things. The kids really enjoy all of the family and of course Ethan still doesn't think it is very far to Aunt Ana's and Steven's house or Joseph's house and so we can just go at any time. Ok for the explination of this little sleeping lion; he got this at the first ER we had to stop in in Utah to try to get the battery out of his nose. He really loves the mask (still). We also had a great time at the jump zone!

I really thought I captured more pictures on Christmas day, however it is apparent that I was mistaken. But we were glad to be able to spend the time with family, that makes it seem so much more special. We love you all so very much and are greatful that we can be and eternal family. We are also so greatful that we could be there for Michaela and her family on that special day. I'm greatful for the gospel and what it brings into our lives. Thank you to everyone for being so special, loving and kind.
Thanks to Mom and Dad for sharing their house and facilities, and time with us. You two are so wonderful, and are glad that we have parents/grandparents like you.

Aslo, I really don't know why this page goes crazy with the spacing after I publish it. It looks strange, but haven't figured out how to change it!

hi there!!

2008-12-01T02:06:00.000-08:00

Ok, I decided to post these old pictures because they are too funny! Our kids love to catch the lizards that hang around... so we had some pet lizards for the summer while the food supply was good. They loved to take them out just like pets and hold them, feed them and carry them all over. Hannah is just too upset because she LOVES them and Ethan has is in his hand at the moment.

She gets it and is just thrilled to death, then won't let it go!!

I didn't get a chance to post the Halloween one, so here it is! They all had a blast. Brinton and Dan stayed home to pass out candy, hide behind the tree and scare the bigger kids that would come up.

Ok, Ami is trying her hardest to get a pict with Hannah and their cousin. It was tough to get them to sit there for a pict. Ashlyn kicked her shoe off and that is what all the funny faces are for! And Hannah just thinks she's Miss Cool!

We had a good Thanksgiving, missed everyone very much. But... we have so much that we are thankful for!

Crazy sixes

2008-11-10T23:07:00.000-08:00

Ok I don't know which Jennifer was tagged on Carrian's blog, but, I'll respond anyway...
Also, I couldn't think of crazy eights, so I changed it to sixes!!
6 tv shows:
Monk, 48 hours, Psych, Sabrina, CSI-Miami, Bewitched (Which I haven't seen in quite a while, I don't even know if they air it anymore.)
6 things I did yesterday:
Slept, went to church, changed many diapers, played peek-a-boo, watched "Get Smart", ate wonderful chicken soup Dan made.
6 places I like to eat:
Home, Texas Road House, On the Border, Chili's, Macaroni Grill, Pizza Hutt
6 things I look forward to:
A house that stays clean, having two days off in a row, going to Idaho to see everyone, changing up the backyard, being a stay at home mom again, cuddling up and watching a funny movie with hubby (at night)!
6 wish list:
I wish I could wiggle my nose like Samantha (on Bewitched).
I wish Idaho wasn't so far away...But then if I could wiggle my nose, it wouldn't matter!!
I wish we all had snow skiing stuff so we could all go SNOW skiing!
I wish I was an optimist.
I wish Football didn't exist on Sundays.
I wish I had some nice hot home-made chili right now!!
6 people to tag:
Meagon, Pat, April, Amber, Jan, DAD!!!

Ethan and Hannah

2008-10-05T02:14:00.001-07:00

Ethan and Hannah are BEST BUDS!! They are so good to eachother. Ethan loves it when Hannah goes to sleep and he always wants to hold the sleeping baby, for just a few minutes, then wake her up.

One day, these two were very obsessed with getting their hair done. They had to break out the head bands clips and pony tail holders. They loved it! They did and undid their hair for a couple of hours.

Ethan really misses Idaho and wants to go back very badly (along with the other kids). They like it here too, just really miss the wonderful family back home!

Hannah is a big coppy cat anymore. She is really picking up on everyone's phrases. Right now she is very into anyone that is crying or talking on the phone. She loves to ask "who's that" when anyone is on the phone. She also shows great concern for anyone crying and has to examine their faces, then mimic them and fake cry! It is quite funny to the onlooker but not so much to the cryer!

Ami, Brinton and Connor are doing GREAT in school. Brinton's grades have very weighted test scores, so he has learned that it is important to study for the tests. He is doing wonderfully in football, plays all but a few minutes of the games (both sides of the ball). And he is doing well on the trombone. Not to mention that he is a GOOD kid and a great example to others.

Amaris is also doing well in band on the drums. She likes it and loves that some of her church friends are in her percussion class. She is getting to be very good at volleyball and their team is doing well together and really learning the game. Now if we can just keep her and Connor away from the toilet plungers, we will be good!!

Connor is learning lots and is a very sweet boy. He has a cute friend named Kaliegh. He is going to play basket ball this coming season and in the block football, he can out-do some of the older kids!

Random pics of Summer

2008-08-31T03:27:00.001-07:00

Ok, here is our latest... Little Ms. Hannah is a CLIMBER!! She obviously likes to brush her teeth. She can open our doors so, she gets herself into some trouble! She sneaks in and climbs up into the sink, and she does also turn the faucet on!! What a mess! Also this week, she snuck in the kid's bathroom and climbed onto the counter to get their toothpaste... it wound up all over the couch and pillows and in her hair!
She also, like Brooklyn, LOVES shoes. She is modeling Amaris'high heels.

Ethan Loves to help around the house! He has become quite fond of vaccuming. It actually keeps him entertained! One day he was pretty whiney and I needed to vaccum and so I asked him if he wanted to and it cheered him up right away!?

Of course this is at Connor's baptism. It was very nice to have family down, because we were the only ones there!! Thanks to Mom and Dad for coming.

Brinton made us some yummy cream puffs! Hannah I think loved them the most! She even tried to wipe more off the tray and lick her fingers!

Birthday Suprise

2008-08-25T01:28:00.000-07:00

I have to tell everyone what a Wonderful husband I have!! It was my birthday yesterday and of course since I get the left-over shifts and have to peice my days together from 3 different departments, I ended up working on my birthday. Not such a bad thing, but my hubby and kids thought it was horrible! Anyway... they took me out to dinner for my birthday and I thought that was that! Well, about 10:00 Dan and Hannah show up and he feeds me a line that he had to take Hannah for a ride because she was just not cooperating at home. Well, I had to show her all the babies thru the window and then decided to walk them to the car. As we get to the bottom floor and to the waiting room, the rest of the family was there waiting with cake, flowers and presents! I had really been wanting to make Ami a flip flop (sandle) cake because it just looked so darn cute, so, guess what kind of cake they made??? A flip flop cake. I wish he'd taken a pict but didn't. Anyway, he had even put them on graham cracker sand with chocolate shells. We went to the break room and enjoyed cake together!! I have such an awesome family!

2008-08-09T03:16:00.000-07:00

Memories!!!!!

MEMORY TAG!!!1. Add a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments. I can't wait to see what people remember.***Isn't this cute? I tag EVERYONE!!!

vacation

2008-06-30T01:04:00.000-07:00

Ok... So here is the first post in a LONG time! I just don't get a chance to get on the computer anymore! Well, our vacation to Idaho was long overdue for all the kids. They miss everyone tremendously! We had lots of fun and thank everyone! The trip up was an adventure and thankful we didn't get caught in the tornado just hours after we left. Hannah is giving everyone kisses, Ethan is enjoying the headphones and movies. We all enjoyed the 4 wheelers Pat and Jan took us on... THANK YOU and dinner was great! We had lots of fun in the canyon rolling down the hills and just looking at the falls, going to the boat docks and getting a little wet. The week started out COLD and we even had to go buy jackets! But by the end of the week it was nice! We went to the city of rocks and all but me had a good time (I was too busy being worried about everyone). OK... it wasn't that bad. The hot springs were nice and warm and we all had fun swimming. Celebrating Dad's and Ami's birthdays was also nice. Thanks to everyone... We all miss you!

2008-04-01T00:04:00.000-07:00

I know that this is not the best pic but it is the best most recent one of the kids. All the boys need their hair cut. Anyway, they are all good and doing well.

We had gone on a bike ride together and I missed and cute pict... Hannah was just so tired that not even 2 minutes into the ride (her and Ethan ride together in the trailer) she was sleeping. Ethan loves the bike so much, he didn't want to stop. He even had a 30 min. ride. I guess I wouldn't want to stop either if someone else was doing the work.

Well, how is the weather in other places? Here, we have had very strong winds, rain and even a tornado warning today that kept Brinton's school on lockdown in the tornado safe room for an hour after school was supposed to be out. Anyway, Ami and Connor get out of school 45 minutes earlier than B., so they were just barely out. Well, we all want to visit and see everyone. Or maybe even someone, or lots of someones could come here for a visit!!!

2008-03-29T00:28:00.000-07:00

Ok, I'll start from the beginning. It has been a while to post because we have had a lot of things going on in our lives. Also, I could not get the laptop to download pics and then could not get internet access. Of course I try to post while at work when there is enough down time to think.

I will tell about the pics by order of date. Connor loves to hold Hannah of course when she'll let him. They are cute together!! Next is our wishy washy weather... SNOW!! This is only one of the two days that week that it snowed. It melted the next day and then the next snowed again. The kids loved it allthough we have no more winter/snow clothes anymore. Suprisingly enough, Ethan was not interested in going outside at all. Hannah was terrified of snowballs. Brinton, Amaris and Connor and Patrick would have gone out in shorts and no shoes if allowed!! We managed to round up some gloves and hats/scarfs but not any boots, so of course their feet got wet. Hannah is caught outside after the rain trying to get a drink from the left over water from the gutters (YUCK!!). She LOVES being outside, screams and throws a fit when it is time to come in or if someone goes out without her. The next picture is from the easter package from mom, she put in a duck that flaps it's wings and moves it's beak. Hannah thinks it is funny to put her face it its beak!! Silly girl. Oh yes, and how could I forget Ethan's third birthday!!! SWEETY.

Anyway, I must say that we have had an awesome ward in thier willingness to help us in our time of need with the drastic change we went through. I know that this the ward that we are supposed to be in. The people are truly amazing. Our kids have also been troopers in how they have been accepting and willing to help, share and love others. We hope all of you are well and doing great! We miss you all so very much.

2008-01-21T00:07:00.000-08:00

Ok... I have put quite a few pics on, but... oh well! Of course it was Hannah's birthday on Thursday, 17th and she's now the big #1. We had a fun time. Everyone wanted to go to Pandas Chinese buffet, so that is what we had for dinner. Then, we came home and the kids thought it was great fun to take all the balloons up stairs and toss them over the edge and try to run down stairs to keep them off the floor. Great exercise too!! Hannah was cute with her cake. She was just using her thumb and index finger to pick in it, so then daddy of course had to show her how to pick up the whole piece and get a good bite. After a coupleof bites, she had enough. She took it and dropped it off the side of her tray and then just picked at the crumbs. I also had to stick in the pics of her on Sunday because they were so cute and she thinks everything is a phone and puts it to her ear to talk. And then lastly, the pict of Brinton I had to stick in there because it is Ethan's masterpiece.

We are all doing well, just freezing with the artic wind that has made its way clear down here!! We miss you all tons and hope to see you all this year.

2008-01-05T00:10:00.000-08:00

Ok, here are the kids first thing. Santa left them each some happy feet, which would make my feet really happy, but apparently make theirs really sweaty. They each got what they wanted and more.

We had a great day at home together.

We missed seeing all of you, and hope everyone had a great Christmas.

Connor got tons of Pokymon cards that the kids love to trade at school. He also got a remote control helocopter that everyone loves to fly outside.

Ami loves the hair styling stuff of her own. Now she can practice in her own room/bathroom.

You cannot see, but Ethan got a triple deck race track. He thought it was great, but was also interested in the big brother's stuff. He also got some shake and go crash cars and loves them. Hannah is such a little immitator she watches and then has to shake and shake and shake the car also. She just hasn't got the hang of putting it on the ground to go after shaking it.

Hannah had a great morning. She was pretty supprised with everything. She loves her PJ Berrytales. It moves it's mouth, head, and hands. She loves to listen to his stories and put her fingers in his mouth and then laugh.

New Years was great fun. Six flags was open and we spent the evening riding rides, getting warm along the path at the fire pits they had out. Then they also had hot chocolate and different foods then during the regular season. It was a lot of fun. The park was not packed and everyone had fun. We were in line for driving the old fashion cars which Ethan loves because he can drive while dad does the pedal. Anyway, in line Dan recognized someone familiar looking and started a conversation. Well, it turns out that it was the first base coach for the Texas Rangers. Well, he shook our hands and told us to stop by the ballpark with all the kids and ask for him. Anyway, we love to go when they have their firework nights, so... we'll see what happens!!!

2007-12-01T21:07:00.000-08:00

Ok, I hope that I got the right clip. One of them we got Brinton getting the quarter back sack!! It was a great game and he had lots of playing time. Football is over now and it was a great experiance for him. Basketball is starting and it is not new for him.
I love to capture pics of the kids when they fall asleep in the strangest ways... Ethan is just bound and determined to go to school with the other kids. He had not put his back pack down all week!! He was ready to go all day every day for a week.

This pose of Hannah and Ethan was a night that Dan and I had gone out to Walmart to get a few groceries. Ethan was a little upset that we had gone and therefore screamed and woke up Hannah. Brinton and Amaris took them to the couch to watch a movie and this is how they fell asleep I guess!! At least this is how they were when we got home.

just in!!

2007-11-02T15:07:00.000-07:00

Hi there!! It has been quite some time since I have been able to get on the computer. So... since I had a ton of pictures I thought I would put them in a slide show!!
Of course they are pretty self explanitory.
Connor has enjoyed playing soccer this year. Hannah is just having fun growing and exploring her world. She loves to wave and go the back door and wave at everyone/anything out there. She used to knock on the door to get the dog's attention and then bounce up and down playing with her. But since someone stole the dog, I did not get a picture of that. Ethan loves to be a big brother to Hannah. We also enjoyed the pumpkin patch together. They all loved to feed the animals. Ethan and Ami also found a cat they chased and finally cought and of course begged to keep.
They all had fun on Halloween this year and of course now we have just way too much candy!!
Hannah is getting her first two teeth on the bottom and has been a bit sick with runny nose and slobbery shirts. It has made for a few miserable nights this week.
Anyway, we miss you all tons!!

Check out my Slide Show!

2007-11-02T15:04:00.001-07:00

random

2007-09-15T14:17:00.000-07:00

Brinton loves to flip and flip on the tramp. I haven't watched for a while so i'm not sure if he can go more. This video didn't come across the best, but I'm not sure how to get it better.

This is the house we are supposed to close on this coming Friday. We are all so excieted!! Anyway, I don't have really any more picts of the kids, so I guess I'll have to get on the ball and take some more. They are all very busy. Brinton is playing football and practices in the morning and afternoon and then has games on Tuesdays. He is also in the band and plays trombone. He was invited to play with the older band at the High School football game this week. That was pretty cool and he had a good time. Amaris is playing Volleyball and is the STAR on her team. She is doing very well and since she is, the coach has asked Dan to take over some of the practices to help the girls advance to where Ami is. She practices with her dad at home frequently. Connor is playing Soccor and practices two times a week and then has games on Sat. He is the only one the coach leaves in all game which makes him very tired!! This is his first year and his team is still trying to figure out the game. It is a good experience for him though.

2007-08-27T07:09:00.001-07:00

Ok, these are our last few days of summer. We decided to spend my birthday at six flags. We all had fun. Ethan can ride some of the great big rides and he totally loves them. Like the ship that swings back and forth, he loves. I thought he may be bored after that one to ride ones his size, but he loved those too!

Hannah also got to go on some rides.

There is a water area the kids love to go to there to cool down! Hannah enjoyed a nice biscut then a dip in the fountain also.

The kid's first day of school this morning!! They were excited but nervous also!! they look so cute!! Brinton is a big 7th grader and had to be at football by 7:15 this morning!! This is his second year at the middle school.

These are my beautifl flowers from my birthday!

2007-08-21T22:11:00.001-07:00

Ok, so this is my second time to try to post. The first time I somehow closed out without posting.
This is the smallest frog the kids have caught in our yard. The biggest frog I guess was about 2 pounds and in our garage!! It escaped without being photographed though. We have a pond around the corner from our house and frogs roam the neighborhood!!

Amaris loves to pose with her sister Hannah. They are buddies!!

Amaris loves to have her picture taken and especially loves to get in whenever someone is capturing Hannah.

Ethan loves his sister YaYa, which is what he calls Hannah. He thinks that every other baby is named Ya Ya also. He loves to play peek a boo with her and is tickled when he makes her laugh.

The kids love to put their basketball hoop next to the tramp and play tramp ball. Makes it easier for Ethan to dunk!!
My kids are very happy when they are playing basketball!

Ehan also loves his sister's swing. Sometimes I think more than she! He climbes in it himself and puts the tray on, then swings himself with his feet or holds onto the sides and swings. On occasion he will be swinging and watching TV and look... fall asleep.

He always wakes up a little bewildered though!