Half Bad/Half Batty

Leah Paige Badertscher

2011-10-09T14:35:00.002-06:00

Leah Paige Badertscher was born on September 25th at 1:57pm. She was 6lbs and 5oz and 19 inches long. Welcome to our family little one....

Starting School Dance and Stitches

2011-09-11T18:18:00.006-06:00

Addison started 1st grade 3 weeks ago. Her teacher is Mrs. Toutie this year. She is having a good time and is glad to be back to learning. She has decided not to take dance this year because she would rather learn to play the piano. We are currently on the hunt for a teacher. I am so proud of her and know that Grandma Peart would be thrilled that she is going to play her old piano that we now have at our house.

Payton is now old enough for Preschool and Dance. She is so excited that she is finally doing "big girl" stuff away from home. Her Preschool is only one street away and her teacher is Mrs. Amy. She also began dance two weeks ago at Limelight dance studio here in Payson. She is adorable in her dance clothes and loves it so far.

Two weeks ago today the girls were playing on the trampoline after Sunday dinner at my parents house. Payton was double bounced and landed on the metal bar. I was in the house at the time, but her daddy and Papa were right there. When I found out and ran outside she was covered in blood and sitting on the grass and Papa was doing his best to get rid of the blood on her face with the hose so we could see what the problem was. She ended up with a gash next to her left eyebrow so we took her to the instacare for stitches. They gave her 2 inside and 7 outside. Other than crying for a minute or two when she got hurt she didn't say a peep. No tears at the Dr.'s office getting the stitches in and no tears getting them out. What a brave girl. It is healing really nicely and doesn't look like she will have much of a scar.

Flag Cake-Fourth of July

2011-07-12T17:58:00.006-06:00

My Uncle Sean was killed in a car accident on May 31st. A couple weeks later my Grandma Peart passed away due to heart complications. My poor mom has had quite the busy summer so far and has spent a lot of time in the last while moving things out of and cleaning Grandma's house so that it can be sold. My Grandma used to make all kinds of cakes including wedding cakes and birthday cakes. She was amazing with it, so it was no suprise when my mom found several pans in her house. She passed down at least a dozen shaped cake pans to me and I am thrilled to try them all out. The dates on the pans go way back to 1973 (10 years before I was born), but work all the same for baking. On the July 4th weekend I decided to try out one of the American flag. I found a photo online of one they had done in layers. The middle layer is vanilla ice cream and the others are vanilla cake colored with food coloring. I was really pleased with the way it turned out, but should have thrown a party to have it all eaten. You can tell that the girls also had a good weekend in their flag shirts, festive hair and doing fireworks in the rain.

Pregnancy Update

2011-07-12T17:50:00.002-06:00

Just 2 1/2 months left until our sweet baby girl Leah Paige is due! We had a little scare last Wednesday when I woke up to contractions and cramping pains. Once we got to the hospital to have it checked out they found out that I had an UTI that was causing it and put me on antibiotics to avoid a very dangerous Kidney infection. They also did a Fetal Fibronectic test that came back positive. A negative would have been very accurate in telling that labor was not going to start in the next two weeks. A positive just puts me at a higher risk for preterm labor. We will just have to take it easy for a while, but everything looked fine at my checkup yesterday. Only 8 lbs gained. The photo is of me about two weeks ago.

Addison's Kindergarten Graduation

2011-05-19T15:53:00.004-06:00

We are so proud of Addison! She graduated from Kindergarten today. She loves math and reading and is even almost an entire year ahead in reading. Great Job!

Vegas and Jan's Graduation

2011-05-19T15:32:00.003-06:00

We went down to Las Vegas last Saturday and came home on Tuesday so that we could see Jan graduate from medical school. It was about 75-80 degrees with a breeze the entire time, but was nice to get out and take a couple days off of work. We stayed at Tahiti Village where the hotel is non-smoking and they have a great pool and a Denny's inside. It was very kid friendly for a Las Vegas strip hotel. We had a good time and wish her luck in Florida.

Payton-Dance Dress-Up

2011-05-17T21:26:00.004-06:00

Payton will start dance next year, but felt very left out when Addi got to get all prettied up for her dance photos last Thursday. I grabbed Addis recital costume from 2 years ago and curled Paytons hair all up (the best I could for her short hair). The result was darling. I let them go play in the outfits for a couple hours since we no longer had a need for them.

Addison's Dance Recital

2011-05-11T18:15:00.000-06:00

Addison not only looked like a princess all dolled up, but did a great job at her recital on Monday. We are so proud of her.

Tulip Festival-May 7th

2011-05-11T17:59:00.000-06:00

On Saturday we took the to the Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving Point in their spring dresses. It was not what I expected, but was gorgeous. It took nearly 2 hours for us to walk along all of the pathways of tulips. The weather was also quite nice so we finished the afternoon there with ice cream cones on the grass in front of their huge waterfalls. Perfect day! FYI-This is my tummy at 19 weeks.

April again

2011-04-09T17:49:00.003-06:00

There is so much I like and hate about April.

*Birthdays of people I love-Quinn and Brooklyn

*Spring-weather and flowers (even though it is snowing right now)

*Easter-watching the girls gather eggs and twirl in spring dresses

*Lawn care season-Les coming home after dark

*Brandon and Jen's anniversary (today)-so greatful to have her added to our family

*The anniversary of the day Quinn was killed in a car accident (tomorrow)- so thankful for temple blessings

So many good emotions mixed with a little sad. I am blaming it on the pregnancy hormones, but I have had a hard time not focusing on the bad lately. I hope writing it all down helps me realize that the wonderful memories and good times are much more important than the not so pleasant ones.

So glad my kids are in my life. It makes the hard times easier to get through. This was a conversation from this morning.

Addi-"Why is Mom crying?"

Les-"She just misses Uncle Quinn today (with his arm around me)."

Me-"I'd rather just stay in bed today. I don't want to go anywhere"

Addi-"Mom, it's not dark outside."

Me-"Addi, what does that have to do with anything?"

Addi-"It's not dark and there are no cows out in Payson so you don't have to stay in bed."

Les- (laughing) "Addi, Mom isn't scared to go outside she just wants to be sad."

Addi-"Oh, I hope I didn't make it worse" (starting to cry)

Me-"You never make it worse. You always make me laugh and make it better. I love you."

Big News and Pinkalicious Party

2011-04-01T21:20:00.003-06:00

So I tried not to blog for a while on purpose as not to spoil the news too soon......WE ARE EXPECTING #3!!!- I know, I know we said we were done, but just couldn't resist the feeling that we needed to add just one more before we were officially done. 14 weeks today!

We had Addi's Pinkalicious party on March 19th (my birthday, but moms make sacrafices). It turned out really cute. We hired two 14 year old girls to paint fingernails of Addi's guests and then they all made pink necklaces. We had Pinkalicious cupcakes, pink lemonaide and pink ice cream while Les read the book to the girls. We also had a table of all kinds of pink candy for the girls to make a goody bag with. So much fun. Can't believe she is 6!

A New Year

2011-01-16T17:42:00.003-07:00

I haven't posted in what seems like forever, so here is my attempt to quickly catch up. Our family had a great holiday season.

We made the usual rounds at Thanksgiving and were able to spend some time with Les' uncle Lee and his family in Park City for a couple of days afterwards. We changed real estate agents in November and the house remains on the market. After much construction, snow storms and pothole repair I am very anxious to get moved closer to work. We had a family look at the house yesterday morning. Hopefully we will find the right people to purchase it soon.

Payton turned 3 years old on December 14th. We had a Dora The Explorer birthday for her and combined it to celebrate Weston's 2nd birthday at the same time. She is such a hoot, always keeping us entertained.

Christmas was wonderful as usual. The girls were extreemly spoiled this year. It took me literally 3 hours to open the 10 Barbies and many other items that were tightly secured in their packaging.

Well, it's a new year already. Work for me has been challenging, yet a wonderful opportunity of growth in the last month. Les hopes to be employed until May. I am sad to see him have to make a job switch after 8 years of working at Natures Way, but not much we can do about their move to Green Bay. Who knows, maybe he will find something better...

Addison will be turning 6 in March. The Pinkalicious party planning has already begun. She is doing great in school. Reading above Kindergarten expectations.

More to come...

Candy Corn Cupcakes

2010-10-27T22:21:00.003-06:00

Fall is almost here!

2010-09-18T21:15:00.002-06:00

Our little family has been talking about and making plans for fall. Both of the girls have new fall clothes and Halloween costumes. Payton has decided to be Minnie Mouse and Addi is going to be Tiana from The Princess and The Frog. We have also booked a trip to Disneyland for 6 days in October. We are super excited to go. I am sure we will have photos to share once we get back. We went there two years ago in October and love the special Halloween decor and things and the weather seems to be just perfect for us that time of year. Les has even began threatening Payton that if she keeps having potty accidents in her big girl panties she will only be getting diapers from Santa. She really doesn't love that idea.

Addison has been in Kindergarten for 3 weeks now. She loves it, but is such a perfectionist that she is having a very hard time getting her work done in the short time they give her. It is however, flawless. Her cutting and coloring is exactly on the lines. She cried the entire first week from the frustration of not being able to have time to do her best work. She was missing "free play time" to finish her projects. We compromised...I told her to do what she could as well as she could until all the rest of the kids were done and then save the rest to finish at home. That has seemed to be working so far. Love her little smarty pants! Her dance class just started for the year as well. She is telling me that they are learning a new dance called Monkey On A Stick. Sounds pretty silly for a bunch of 5 year old girls.

The girls have also been through another major change. Since Addison's Kindergarten is here in Payson they are no longer able to be babysat by Grandma Batty. They have gone to her since they were babies and the change has been very hard for both the girls and Grandma. We were told about a woman (Relma) who has a daycare just one road north from us in her home. The girls simply adore her and are growing very attached to the other kids and the puppy there. She has a daughter and two other girls that go to Kindergarten with Addison, so she is able to drop all 4 of them off at school at once. She has also been great to help enforce the potty training we are doing with Payton.

I became a manager at work at the end of June. I am the Order Process Manager now along with keeping my previous duties. I hired 4 new employees and have been training them for the last couple months. Along with the new drive to South Jordan (long drive + constuction=yuck!) I have suddenly gotten very busy! The vacation can't come soon enough! Les has been great to help out more at home and take the girls where they need to be since my commute is much longer.

Addi's 1st Day of Kindergarten

2010-08-31T14:31:00.003-06:00

Some shots I took today of Addi before taking her to school.

June 2010

2010-07-06T20:20:00.001-06:00

Busy Lately

2010-06-12T21:09:00.007-06:00

As you can probably tell by the length of time between posts life for us has gotten a little busier lately. We are selling the house and looking at new ones, Les is working 2 jobs (lawn care season), my work moved to South Jordan last week, etc.

Addison had her dance recital at the end of April...

Fun stuff I have baked (and more I didn't photograph.)

Brandon and his family moved back to Utah. We are so happy they are bck. They blessed TJ on April 25th which happened to be Quinn's birthday.

Family Photos

2010-04-17T07:14:00.002-06:00

On Wednesday our friend Heidi took photos of our little family for us. They turned out really well. She does a great job in case you are in the market for a photographer. Click on her site on the side of my blog to see our photos along with the other great stuff she has done.
Thanks Heidi!

Saturday April 10

2010-04-12T20:00:00.004-06:00

As you can see Addison cut Payton's hair on Thursday night. Most every little girl does it at some point. I cut off an entire pigtail when I was 5.

While the stylist was trimming Addison's hair we found out she also cut her own a bit. This was Payton's first hair cut. She held very still while they were cutting her hair. I was nervous that she would hate it as I have heard horror stories.After.......it turned out kinda cute.

After the hair cuts we hung a new wreath on the fence where "uncle Quinn" passed away. Saturday marked four years since his death. We miss him so much.

Later Les and I took the girls to one of the parks down the road to use their chalk sprayers and fly kites. As you can see Payton was actually very good at it. She just walked in circles oblivious to the kite following her. It was so cute. Gotta love em! They keep life fun!

Easter

2010-04-12T19:42:00.004-06:00

We had a great Easter weekend. I used my new toy to create an Easter Cake on Friday. The girls had two egg hunts on Saturday and then another get together and egg hunt on Sunday. We spent the rest of the day driving around Lehi looking at houses. Unfortunately we didn't find anything we liked.

Addi turns 5

2010-03-21T17:23:00.003-06:00

Addison turns 5 years old today. She is such a smart kid and is growing up so fast. Les and I are always wondering how she knows the things she does and how she remembers things like what kind of treats she ate at someone's house three years ago. I guess we will never know.

She wanted a Hannah Montana birthday party. The cake took me forever to do. I had to start making it the night before (my birthday) and still barely finished it in time for the party. We rented a bounce house for the party and luckily it was a really nice day outside and was the best thing we ever did for a party. The kids loved it and as you can see we couldn't even keep them off it when we deflated it to do cake and ice cream. Almost everyone we invited showed up and enjoyed themselves.

Happy Birthday Addi! I love you!

Week 11- St. Patrick's Cake

2010-03-21T17:20:00.004-06:00

This is the cake I made for St. Patrick's Day. I meant for the orange color to be gold, but if you ask me it looks like a pumpkin. It was Chocolate Sour Cream Cake and was delicious.

Las Vegas

2010-03-08T16:28:00.003-07:00

We had a ton of fun in Las Vegas this weekend. The girls stayed at Les' Mom's for two of the nights so we got to stay out late and see a comedy show.

Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes

2010-03-08T16:25:00.002-07:00

Another week and another treat. These were an office favorite.

Cleaning House

2010-03-08T16:12:00.003-07:00

We have started to declutter the house so that we can put it up for sale. Hopefully we will be done with the entire house by the end of March.

Hawaiian Dresses and New Hair Styles

2010-02-28T21:46:00.003-07:00

I finally broke down and bought the girls brown dress shoes this weekend so that they could wear the cute dresses I bought them in Hawaii. We dressed them up a bit with special hair styles I found on a blog (Thanks for the reference Jen. I use it all the time). I can't believe Payton held still long enough for me to do hers. If you know her very well you know exactly what I mean. It stayed in all day even with Papa and Aunt Segna wrestling them all afternoon. LOL-

Week 8 and 9 treats

2010-02-28T21:39:00.001-07:00

Week 8- Devil's Food Cake Bites

Week 9-Bannana Pineapple Smoothie Cupcakes with Pineapple Buttercream

Payson Princess Power

2010-02-22T18:04:00.004-07:00

Addi and I spent the day together on Saturday. No Les and Payton. It was nice to spend so much time just the two of us. We went to the Payson Princess Power event in the morning. Addi dressed up as Belle and looked gorgeous! Of course I took the camera. We took a ride in a Limo, visited with the Fairy Godmother, got her fingernails polished, let the price try princess shoes on her and much more.....

February Treats

2010-02-22T17:57:00.003-07:00

Week 7-Oreo Cheesecake Cupcakes

Week 8-Chocolate Valentines Suckers

We also made huge heart shaped sugar cookies, but someone forgot to photograph them. Oops!

Week 9- Uncle Doyle's Peanut Butter Brownies with Purple Roses

My crazy mom didn't want cake, so Addi and I went to Wal-mart and bought one of those pans you see on the infomercials that bake the brownies in squares. No cutting! Love it. She loves purple so I practiced roses for the tops.

January 30th-31st

2010-02-09T20:50:00.005-07:00

Last week's treat-Chocolate cupcakes with Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting. I kinda made up the recipe as I went (don't tell). They were gone before everyone at work got to try them. That is always a good sign! :)

I am currently baking this week's treat- Cookies and Cream Cheesecakes. Photos will be posted later since they are in the oven.

I am also posting a couple silly pictures of me and the girls. Payton brought me hair elastics and said "Mommy, do hair pretty." so that is what we did. Then when Les got home from snowmobiling they put on a singing, dancing and tricks show for us. It was so cute! I never realized how many songs Payton knows. She sure is growing up quickly!

Fondant

2010-01-30T20:03:00.003-07:00

I spent 4 hours today making this cute, purple and white fondant cake. I learned how to make the fondant. Wow, that is a lot of work!

Week 4 Cupcakes

2010-01-29T16:39:00.004-07:00

This is the last cupcake from week 4. I had to take a picture quick before Addi and Payton gobbled it up. They are a basic white cake with a swiss meringue buttercream frosting that I got out of my Martha Stewart cupcake book. Best frosting ever, but doesn't hold shape for decorating very well. Payton was a very cute and willing model.

Goods news for today!!!!

Our black Dodge truck is no longer ours! So glad to see it sell!

New Year Goals and Changes

2010-01-24T16:13:00.003-07:00

I have made a new years resolution to learn to decorate cakes/cupcakes. I don't know if it was brought on by all the baked goods I have been making with Addi or the Elmo cake I made for Payton's birthday. I am just learning, but I feel like I get much better every time I do it. Maybe by the end of the year I will be satisfied. Each week I am going to make a decorated baked good and to make sure I follow through I am posting it all.

Week 1: New Years Cupcakes

Week 2: Roses in Grass (well, kind of)

Week 3: Heart Cake-

Last Monday my work announced a big change. The offices of Provo Craft are being moved to South Jordan. It is an empty new building right now which we will be taking the 5th and 6th floors of by April. It is off 106th south, across the freeway from South Towne Mall. The warehouse will then be taken over by Modus Link, employees and all, but will still be shipping our product. I have mixed emotions. This triples my drive time which ultimately means less time with the girls, but I am excited to be in the new building and be a part of a new adventure. Who knows, maybe Les can find a job up that way and we can make a move. At this point we don't know how long Nature's Way keeps Les around before moving to Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Christmas Day 2009

2009-12-27T20:41:00.003-07:00

On Christmas morning we woke up to Payton taking her first fall out of her big girl bed and hitting her head on the dial to the vent on the floor. Poor thing. She wouldn't go back to sleep so around 6AM we let her wake Addi up to unwrap presents. Addi got her beloved Nintendo DS from Les and I and the big doll house she had been wanting from Santa along with many other things like a snuggie and Hannah Montana bedding and curtains. Payton got a Fur Real Friends Kitty, a Preschool Tinkerbell Scooter and Tinkerbell bedding and curtains for her newly redone room. I was lucky enough for Santa to bring me an external flash for my camera! I promise the pictures on this blog will be better from now on because of that! I also got a cupcake cookbook from Les, a Hannah Montana CD from Addi (LOL) and new towels from Payton. Les got a new tool set, a saw from my parents and a larger deep fat fryer that he had been wanting from his mom. Looking back at all this and realizing that this list is just a small portion of the gift list all I have to say is.........WE ARE SPOILED!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We had a great time with both of our families and at our own home with the girls over the long holiday weekend. We managed to break this year's gingerbread house and had to get another set to replace the roof. Les and I were laughing so hard that we couldn't even try to fix it. We made yummy sugar cookies for Santa and took candles to Quinn's gravesite on Christmas Eve. So many great memories have been had. I would be very optimistic if I said that 2010 could be any better!

Ward Party

2009-12-27T20:35:00.003-07:00

Addi was asked to be the donkey for the nativity scene at the ward party. So silly, but she loved it.

Addi on "Cowboy Santa's" lap. Payton loved Santa this year, but would not sit on his lap.

Batty Xmas Party

2009-12-27T20:31:00.003-07:00

Just a few of my favorite pictures from this years Batty family Christmas Party we had at my parent's church building. We had good food and a lot of fun. It was so good to see everyone!

Dance Program

2009-12-17T21:41:00.003-07:00

Addi had her Christmas dance program last Thursday. We had fun watching her even though it was really short. Payton is getting impatient waiting until she is big enough to go to dance. She was copying the moves the girls made. We let her dance around once everyone was gone. I love being their mom!

Turning 2

2009-12-16T21:17:00.003-07:00

Payton turned two on Monday. We had a party for her and for my nephew Weston on Sunday. This is the Elmo cake I made (by myself-I was so proud). She was so cute and excited to have a birthday party. Les and I bought her a big girl bed and dresser for her room. I am amazed at how well she has slept in the new bed. I think she likes to have the extra room cause this morning we found her with her legs completely off the bed, but she was sleeping awfully deep. Seems like a year ago that Addi went through this.

Hawaii Photos

2009-11-22T21:45:00.002-07:00

Hawaii

2009-11-22T21:02:00.003-07:00

Les and I spent the last 8 days in Hawaii with our good friends Dave and Heidi. It was fun, beautiful and very relaxing. We spent a ton of time in Lahaina where we stayed. We later found out that Lahaina means relentless sun which made sense since it was the one place where wind was not common. We took some risky roads to breathtaking views of the sunrise over Haleakala Crater and waterfalls just off the Road to Hana. Another day we took an ATV ride up the mountain through the red dirt where we slid down waterslides into a pond. I will never forget the snorkling. Les and I hadn't noticed how far out we were when the wind started and the waves picked up. We turned to head back, but as I went to adjust my goggles they broke in my hand. With salt water in my contacts and up my nose and waves pushing us out to sea Heidi willed me back to shore promising french fries and cheeseburgers. We tried a couple more times taking a boat ride to my favorite snorkle spot of the trip named turtle town. We got to snorkle just above these huge, interesting sea turtles which was really neat. We also tried riding the waves in on body boards where we were introduced to the "power flush" as Les called it. This is where the wave sucks you in shoving salt water and sand through your nose and out your mouth and sometimes the other was around. Of course we spent an evening at The Old Lahaina Luau and another enjoying a dinner cruise. There was shopping, a mani/pedi trip for Heidi and I and much, much more. We could hear the girls shrieking with joy as we walked up to the door at Diane's today to pick them up. I must have hugged and kisses them a thousand times today

------photos to come

Heidi and Dave,
We appreciate the friendship and jokes shared. Thanks for embarking on this adventure with us. We will be laughing about this for years to come.
Mom, Jose Ann and Diane,
Thanks for caring for our girls while we were gone so that we could have this experience.

-A couple more things to share..... Les and I celebrated our 6th anniversary on the Nov 14th. Les turned 28 yesterday and we were blessed with a healthy new nephew Thomas Jay (T.J.) yesterday as well. Congrats Jen and Brandon!

Halloween 2009

2009-11-03T16:10:00.001-07:00

Abby Cadabby

2009-10-29T20:21:00.003-06:00

Addi got to wear her costume to dance class today. This is us trying it out a couple days ago. I will post Elmo later.

2009-10-25T19:22:00.001-06:00

Tunnel Slide

2009-10-10T16:02:00.003-06:00

Just some fun pictures from this afternoon. I had to trust Addi with my camera, but she took a pretty good photo of me for a 4 year old.

Chalk Is For Outside

2009-09-10T18:00:00.003-06:00

I caught Payton in the act. It was one of those moments where I just let her keep doing it so that I could get the camera. I got all the chalk off, but the magic eraser also took off some of the paint. OOPS!

Finished Backyard!

2009-09-07T15:43:00.004-06:00

We are done with the backyard. Well......for this year anyways. Addi is becoming quite the popular girl on the block with this new playground. The neighbor boys are even "in love" with her. Oh boy.....she isn't even in school yet.

The last two weeks

2009-09-07T15:16:00.004-06:00

This is what we have been up to the last two weeks.....

We had Taylor and Weston sleep over.

Payton's evil eye she gives when she wants something and doesn't get it.

Payson Onion Days Parade

My cousin Becca-Miss Payson

Backyard

2009-08-18T16:05:00.002-06:00

So we have finished the shed and the playground. As you can tell from the photos we are creating a flower garden on the side of the shed. We are then doing gravel in front of the shed (the grass is dead in front of it since Les moved the sprinklers and we need to get rid of the grass for the gravel anyways). We also need to do the bark around the playground and get the play sand for inside the sandbox part. I am so excited. We are actually making progress.

We are going to HAWAII !!!!

2009-08-13T18:06:00.002-06:00

So I just got home from work where I won a $100 gift card and then I won an all expenses paid trip for 4 to HAWAII. Les wouldn't even believe me! Once he got over being stunned he said he may want to leave the kids here..:( I am not so sure about that, but we will see. I am just so freakin excited right now! Remember my last post when I said that we have been pretty lucky lately?!? It just keeps coming!

WOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!

New Job and Home Projects

2009-08-06T17:12:00.002-06:00

I haven't posted for quite a while which is quite unusual for me. I have been working long hours helping to implement a new computer system at work and our little family has had a lot of projects going on.

As of Monday I have started a new position at Provo Craft. I am now in the finance department taking care of pricing and controling the inventory as it promises to orders. I am loving it so far and am so ready for the change and challenge it will bring.

Les finally got the shed he has been talking about for a year and a half. We spent a couple days painting the exterior and it looks great. He had to change around the sprinkling system where it went so that took a while too. We are now in the process of constructing a flower bed on the west side of the shed which is turning out quite nicely. Next we have to gravel from the patio to the shed and construct a ramp so that he can use it.

I bought the girls one of those play sets that pretty much has everything a kid would want/need. We have yet to put it up, but hopefully soon. It has a tunnel slide, rock wall, 2 slides, glider, top fort, sandbox, stools and even flower boxes on the windows of the fort. They are really excited for it. Until yesterday there was a big willow tree that hung over our fence into our yard that would have given a lot of shade for the play set, but the wind storm split it in half and it has been cut down. Total bummer!

We registered Addison for dance class for this next year yesterday. She is really excited to continue to dance. She does a great job!

We have been really happy with the way everything is turning out this last month. Not to be pessimistic, but I am just waiting for it to all come crashing down the way things do when life is just too good.

A day 13 years in the making

2009-07-16T21:48:00.003-06:00

Remember a while back when I posted about finding my cousin Marlin from Australia on facebook? Well, his mom, dad and two sisters are in Utah and I was able to spend 6 hours with them today. I haven't seen them in 13 years and hadn't met Gabby at all since she is 9. It was amazing to see the family gather to see them and the tears and emotion that came with it all come out as they walked in the door. I love to hear their stories about Australia and the things they have there and what the family has been through the past 13 years. Couldn't have had a better day (unless Marlin Jr. could have come). I will be seeing him here as well. Date to be determined, but hopefully it will be a more permanant stay.

Bubbles

2009-07-13T19:41:00.003-06:00

I take the girls to the library on Mondays. Addi is doing this summer reading program they have where she has to read a certain amount a week (or have me read to her) and she gets a small prize when she turns in her reading log. Today she got bubbles in a container shaped like a guitar. She followed Payton around blowing bubbles for her. What a good big sister!

July 4th

2009-07-06T20:45:00.003-06:00

Just a few photos from the 4th of July. Les was able to spend the entire day with us and boy was it wonderful! The dress Payton is wearing is one I made for Addi for a baby contest when she was 15 months old. So cute! We watched the Stadium of Fire fireworks later that night with my brother, Brandon and his little fam.

G.G's 80th Birthday Party

2009-06-20T20:22:00.003-06:00

Family and friends gathered for Les' grandma's 80th birthday today in Eureka. We had such a good time catching up with everyone. The kids just adore her! It took place at Eureka Gold which is a gorgeous, old historical building.

Taylor and Weston

2009-06-19T00:02:00.003-06:00

Tonight I watched my niece, Taylor and my nephew, Weston. I don't have many photos of these two, so I decided to take a few.

18 months

2009-06-14T12:05:00.003-06:00

Payton is 18 months today. These were from this morning.

Taylor's Birthday

2009-06-03T19:31:00.006-06:00

My niece Taylor turns 3 tomorrow so my family all got together at my parent's house to celebrate yesterday.

We had lots of fun and Taylor was so excited.

Payton became good friends with the unicorn pinata and wouldn't hit it. It was the strongest pinata I have ever seen. My mom had to break it.

Memorial Day

2009-05-25T16:30:00.002-06:00

Addi and Les woke up early this morning and went fishing up at Payson Lakes. Addi caught two that were large enough to keep with her Hannah Montana fishing pole. While they were gone Payton and I took a flower basket to Quinn's grave. After we all got home we went had a picnic at Cedar Hills Memorial Park in Highland and took the girls for a walk around the Timpanogas temple. There are these droopy trees in front of the temple that Les and I had our photo taken under on our wedding day. We have that photo 11x14 in a frame in our front room and Addi always says how much she likes the tree. We showed the tree to her and she and Payton hugged it. It was so cute. Afterwards we took them miniature golfing at Trafalga. Such a fun but busy day!

Atlanta

2009-05-23T14:47:00.002-06:00

This week I went to a Supplier Training in Atlanta, GA. I went to the airport Tuesday morning and got back around 10pm on Wednesday. I am really lucky that Les takes care of the children so well while I am out. I was less stressed this time knowing he has done a great job in the past. When I got home Wednesday night the house was clean, the laundry was done and they had even planted a garden. The trip itself was a good break and a good meeting, but I am always glad to be back.

Zoo and Hailey

2009-05-16T21:47:00.003-06:00

Since Les mowed lawns yesterday we had a Saturday together as a family. Something that is rare once it gets warm. We decided to take a trip to the Hogle Zoo and then went to meet Les' new cousin Hailey. It turned out to be a perfectly wonderful day. When we arrived at Diane's house Jaron was on his new Slip N Slide, so we let Addi play along. She rode home in a pair of Jaron's old clothes that no longer fit him. She thought it was funny to have boy underwear on and a dinosaur shirt, but once her clothes were dry she sure didn't want to change out of them back to hers.

Mother's Day

2009-05-10T20:52:00.003-06:00

For Mother's Day Les and the kids bought me a really nice camera (Cannon Rebel), so I took it with me to Vegas and Addi's recital this last week since they let me have it early. I also took it to my mom's tonight to get some photos of all of the kids. I even snuck a photo of my dad reading to Payton. She was so excited to see "Papa" after he had been gone for a week and a half to Alaska. I don't think he was any less excited to see her.

Vegas and Addi's Dance Recital

2009-05-08T18:14:00.004-06:00

We had a blast this week! It started out with a trip to Vegas from Tuesday to Thursday and then we came home just in time to get Addi all dolled up for her dance recital.

We went swimming, took a walk down the Vegas strip, visited the Seigfried and Roy animal habitat, and lots more. The girls spent the second night at Grandma Jan's house and had a ball while Les and I played a couple slot machines and enjoyed a date night at a magic show and dinner. They were even really good in the car.

Addi did such a great job at her dance recital and she was darling dancing away. Thanks to those that were able to come watch.

All About The Hair This Week!

2009-04-23T20:04:00.006-06:00

Yesterday Addison had her dance photos in her recital outfit. Since I was at work all day I had my mom put her hair in rollers so that it would already be curly for me to put up and I did a practice hairdo the night before. These are photos for the practice.

Tonight we made some cute hair clips. These are my first ones and hopefully they will get better.

Easter

2009-04-13T20:34:00.003-06:00

Lots of photos to share of Easter. Rain or shine we had a ton of fun together.

Easter Cupcakes

2009-04-04T16:45:00.002-06:00

Ever since we made Valentines Day cookies Addi has been planning Easter treats, so this is what we came up with and made. I have seen this done a million times, but have never made them myself. Addi doesn't like coconut, so on a few of them we did green easter sprinkles to look like grass instead.

Dance Review Outfit

2009-04-04T16:41:00.002-06:00

Addi got her outfit for her dance review that is in about a month. We tried it on to make sure it fit right. How cute is this? She posed all by herself. The dance review is on May 7th at 7:00 PM at the Payson High School for anyone who would like to attend. I will try to record it.

Big Girl Words

2009-04-02T20:08:00.005-06:00

Just a couple hours ago I was devistated and so proud at the same time. Payton pointed to the goldfish crackers and very plainly said "cracker?" She has been talking simple baby talk, but this was definately the first big girl word. I am so excited that she is beginning to really say words, but so sad that it means my baby isn't going to be my baby for long. So many mixed feelings.

Chuck E Cheese

2009-03-21T15:24:00.002-06:00

Addi had a great time at Chuck E Cheese for her birthday. She loved all her gifts and playing the games and even got to sing and dance with Chuck E Cheese. So very worth it!

Payton's Turn

2009-03-18T15:15:00.003-06:00

This last week has been exhausting. Last Wednesday we ended up taking Addi to the doctor to find out that she had the flu. On Saturday she started feeling better and Payton started feeling badly. Since Saturday Payton has had a fever on and off and has been wheezing. We thought that maybe she was just getting Addi's flu, but her symptoms kept changing. I finally left work halfway through the day and took her to the doctor. She has double ear infections and an upper respiratory infection. They gave her a steroid injection, amoxicillin and a prescription night-time cough medicine. Hopefully we will be able to get to a point where we can have a kitchen counter free of medicine and finally go out.

My Little Baker

2009-03-10T17:45:00.002-06:00

Addi came home on Friday and said she is going to be a 'person who makes bread' when she grows up. I explained to her that it was called a baker and that a baker also makes cakes. She thinks that is a good idea, but wanted me to show her how to make bread. I know using the bread maker is cheating, but it satisfied her and I am a little too busy usually to make it by hand. We made a loaf of white bread when we got home today and tried a slice. It actually turned out yummy.

Snow Angels

2009-03-06T20:11:00.003-07:00

Les took the girls outside tonight and showed them how to make snow angels and then Les and Addi made a snowman while Payton ate her sucker in the house. They are so much fun.

Birthday Party

2009-03-04T20:14:00.004-07:00

My cousin Ashley's daughter Alyssa had her birthday party a few weeks ago and I have to share the cute photos of the girls from the party. They did a Spongebob Squarepants party and I was so impressed. She is the best hostess I know. She was even up half the night decorating Spongebob Squarepants sugar cookies complete with eyelashes. They were so cute and so tasty. We had a ton of fun.

So Sick

2009-03-04T20:03:00.002-07:00

All four of the members of our darling little family are sick! We were fine on Friday, but woke up sick on Saturday. Les started getting it later on Saturday night. The girls both have it and Payton has had a hard time sleeping and has been needing mommy a little more than usual. I can't believe how many other people I know have it. I tried to go to work for only a couple hours Monday since we were all sick, but got stuck staying for the day, so Tuesday the girls and I took a sick day. For the first half of the day we lounged around and watched cartoons in our pajamas wrapped in our blankets. Then we did laundry and dishes. We made cookies together and while Payton took a nap Addi and I played Chinese Checkers. They were so good considering we were so sick that we used half a box of tissues in just that one day. What started out to be a horrible day turned into a fantastic day at home with my girls. Poor Les came home with hardly any voice left. He is still that way. He is a trooper though and as long as I am willing to stay at home with the girls when they need one of us he is happy to be at work. How nice is that?!?

Tutu Cute!

2009-02-25T15:47:00.003-07:00

A couple weeks ago Addi and I saw some cute tutus at Quilted Bear which looked pretty easy to make, so I tried my hand at it. It took me almost 4 hours, but it was easy to do and the result is so cute! She has it on at dance right now.

Famous!

2009-02-16T19:37:00.004-07:00

The girls and I took a trip to Roberts Crafts this morning. Addi thought it was so cool that there was an advertisement there that her mom was in on a floor sticker. It was quick last minute photo taken back in October when the company first launched the product. It was also used in a pallet display for a retailer that has all it's stores on the east side of the country. I thought I would never see it somewhere in person. It is about time I got famous.

Valentine's Cookies

2009-02-07T20:54:00.002-07:00

Addi and I made Valentine's cookies today. She has been planning it since Christmas was over. She has been making plans for everything lately. She even has plans for Halloween already. If we do something other what she has planned she gets upset. It is really funny.

Another funny thing... While we were making cookies she heard Payton drop a toy on the tile downstairs and said " I heard Payton drop a toy. Sound waves travel through air, Mom. That is how I know she dropped it". When I asked her where she learned that she told me "I am only three, but I watch Sid The Science Kid at Grammy's." The things she learns!!! So great!

Ohio

2009-02-05T15:55:00.004-07:00

I am in Ohio for a last minute trip to help demo the new screen printing machine for my work. It is cold and flat and I don't know which way north is right now. Also, our first flight took us to Atlanta, GA and then we took a flight straight north to get here. I did however manage to get a photo of the sun as it set when we got to the hotel.

When we went to dinner at Texas Roadhouse we found this funny armadillo drinking a beer and thought it would be a good backdrop for a photo. Gotta love the photo-op!

Webinar

2009-02-03T16:23:00.002-07:00

So I have been prepping for a live webinar on the Cricut Design Studio I am doing for work since November. This is the project I did to show them how to make. Cute huh? Bet ya didn't know I was this crafty!

I am way nervous for it, but want it done and over with already. The customer has postponed it 4 times already. I am finally doing it tomorrow! It will be recorded and shown on the Cricut website later on for you all to see. As if I am not nervous enough!

New House

2009-01-26T16:55:00.003-07:00

Today when I went to pick the girls up from my parents Addi was trying to make a house with a small box. My mom thought that maybe Les could bring Addi home a bigger box so she could actually make one big enough to sit into. This is what he brought home. She has now been playing for an hour. She had Les cut a door and windows. Maybe this will help keep her busy. A free cardboard box. Who knew?

Is She Just Bored?

2009-01-25T20:45:00.002-07:00

So the last week or so Addi has been tormenting Payton like crazy! Today I was in Addi's room after church helping her get play clothes on for dinner at my parents when she pushed Payton into her open closet and shut the doors! Then tonight when we put her in the tub she wanted to play for a while, so Les gave her a toy and told her to make sure she kept the water in the tub. Two seconds later Payton and the floor were soaking wet. What is with that? She has never acted this way with her little sister. My mom who watches them all week while we work even mentioned that she has been pushing and taking away toys. I think maybe she is just bored! The funny thing is that if Les and I split them up for a couple hours she whines for her sister back. She really loves her, but thinks it is funny to make her scream I guess. Maybe she just needs a playdate or two. Anyone have kids they would like to loan me that would keep her busy? The neighbor said that she will be calling this week to have her over to play with her little girl, but I am worried that she may need more stimulation in her day. What is a mom to do? She is almost 4. Pre-school?

JERSEY GIRL FOR A DAY

2009-01-20T19:30:00.003-07:00

I got the chance to go to New Jersey for a day for work. Such a long flight for very little work, but it was fun to get out and have some time to myself to think. I left yesterday morning and everything seemed to be going well until we got over Michigan. They informed us that the weather in New Jersey was causing visibility problems and we would have to circle for a while before we could be cleared to proceed on. We circled for about 40 minutes and were then cleared. When we were just about to the airport they had us circle again for at least a half hour before finally landing the plane. The person I was meeting there was coming in from Chicago and their flight had also been delayed. I waiting an extra 1 1/3 for that flight to come in. When we went to get in the rental car they had the wrong car in the spot, so we waited again. We then drove 40 minutes to our hotel to check in. After doing so we met back up and decided to go for dinner. One small problem. The vehicle we had was really new (only 27 miles when we picked it up) and had a button ignition. We couldn't figure it out for 10 minutes. Kinda funny, but kind of embarrasing for her-I mean both of us! What an adventure.

Now about the picture. To the untrained eye it may look like your ordinary hotel room bed, right? Wrong!!! I was unusually happy after the day we had already had to get a disturbance free night of rest. No kids waking me up to get a bottle or help them zip their PJ's up after a potty break in the night. No husband hitting me with his elbows while he is tossing and turning. I checked my phone to set the alarm and noticed that it was still on Utah time. No big deal, right? I just decided that if I needed to be up at 6AM that I would have to set the alarm for 4AM MST. When my alarm went off I showered, packed up and headed for the lobby. Really strange that it was so dark for 7AM and nobody was around. Even stranger that the breakfast was not out yet. I asked the desk clerk the time and just then realized that my phone must have automatically changed itself to the local time in the night. I don't know why it took over 5 hours to do so, but it did. I had actually woken up at 2AM MST and gotten ready for the day. I tried to go back to my room and sleep a little, but it really didn't work. So not funny!

Coming home was beautiful. It was clearer so I was able to see some of New York's city and we also flew over Niagra Falls. I couldn't see much from the plane, but it was neat just to know that I saw it with my own eyes. I am glad to be home with my girls and hubby and am now going to get some rest!!!

Gabrielle

2009-01-05T07:29:00.002-07:00

This morning I opened my laptop before I left the house to see if I had anymore messages from my cousin. I did. He informed me that everyone in his family is doing well and that he has a younger sister Gabrielle that was born in 2000. I am overwhelmed with joy. I can't wait until I can get a picture of her, of all of them. Right now this is all kinda unreal. Maybe it will soak in later. This year is definately starting off the right way!

New Year News

2009-01-04T21:16:00.004-07:00

A few great things have happened this week. To start with I just found my cousins that I have not seen since I was 12 on facebook. I am so overwhelmed with excitement. We had so much fun when we were little. This is how I remember them. Mostly I am glad that they are OK. Being able to fill in pieces of the puzzle is so cool!

On a cool, but not so important note I purchased a treadmill. I have to wait for a week for it to be delivered, but it is a really nice one and I plan on using it a ton. Maybe I will be a little slimmer for 2009.

2008-12-28T20:25:00.003-07:00

This is Les' new pride and joy. I have a feeling that Heidi and I are going to be without husbands on any holidays and Saturdays the boys think are 'free' for the rest of the season. And just in case you didn't notice it resides in our two car garage with my car.

The old days

2008-12-24T08:57:00.004-07:00

Grandpa Peart with Santa. It's been almost 10 years since he passed away. I was his little Princess. I really miss him and I am glad that my aunt gave me a copy of these photos for Christmas.

Me on Santa's lap at Grandma Peart's house. I think I was almost two. It is the same Santa that has come every single year of my life. How cool is that?

Red Suit

2008-12-23T21:14:00.003-07:00

Tonight was the annual Christmas party at Grandma Peart's house. As usual Santa came after dinner to give the little kids pajamas and have photos taken. Addi got to sit on his lap 3 different times, but Payton wouldn't sit on his lap until he gave her the present. I got a couple photos of Taylor on his lap, but Brooklyn wasn't going too close to that crazy old man in the red suit.

Weston

2008-12-21T19:27:00.003-07:00

Nuf said!~

Welcome Baby Weston

2008-12-17T16:39:00.003-07:00

I am an aunt again and this time it is a boy!!! My sister gave birth to a sweet baby boy on Monday at 1:37pm. He is 6 lbs 13 oz and is so very loved. We are so glad he is here and is well. I forgot my camera when I went into the hospital, so I will have to post a photo as soon as I can get over to her place to snap one or get the photos I took off my Mom's camera. Addison is so excited that Taylor is a big sister like her.
Congrats Jenny, Jon and Taylor!

Payton's Birthday

2008-12-14T20:08:00.003-07:00

My baby is one!!! I am so very proud of her, but so sad that she is growing out of being my baby. Her birthday party was great and she got some clothes and toys. Thanks to everyone who came and made this so much fun for her.

Two Front Teeth

2008-12-11T17:06:00.003-07:00

Payton was so sad cause I shut the drawer she was pulling dish cloths out of. Look at those two beautiful two front teeth. Just in time for Christmas.

Cutest Kids I've Ever Known

2008-12-11T16:55:00.002-07:00

We took photos of all the kids after Jenny's baby shower on Nov 15th. They are so cute, but since they are all so little it was hard to get them all looking at once.

Gingerbread House

2008-12-11T16:53:00.003-07:00

Addi and I decorated a small gingerbread house together on Tuesday.

Dance Program

2008-12-11T16:38:00.002-07:00

Addison's dance class had a short parent program yesterday. They got to wear Christmas colors and have a Christmas party afterwards. Addison did such a great job. She was so very cute. I took a couple photos of her in front of our Christmas tree after we got home. Cute!!! I think this is what every mom waits for.

Christmas Shopping

2008-12-02T08:44:00.004-07:00

Why is Christmas shopping so difficult? First of all there are those people who nobody understands and therefore nobody has any idea whatsoever what to buy them for any occasion. Second of all I hate shopping without taking Les or Addi with me, but in order to sneak out to buy the presents from 'Santa' I have to do it while Les has the girls. The most recent problem I am having is deciding what to buy Payton. What do you buy a tiny little girl who is having a birthday just over a week before Christmas and is turning one? There are only so many outfits that she needs and only so many little toys that are appealing. I am completely stumped! After doing the birthday shopping and a tiny bit of Christmas we are out of ideas. I really notice how spoiled our family is when we already have everything and there is nothing left to buy. I should be counting my blessings. Especially since the country has now officially declared a recession.

Home Again

2008-11-29T14:27:00.003-07:00

It's fun to be gone, but even better to come home after being gone! We left Wednesday morning and drove down to St. George to spend Thanksgiving with part of Les' family on the Badertscher side. We also drove down to Las Vegas and back to visit his mom for a couple of hours on Friday and then drove on back to St. George. The kids had their ups and downs, but all in all it was very enjoyable. Now to get that stack of laundry done and everything put back in it's place!

Happy Birthday Les!

2008-11-21T14:48:00.002-07:00

Today is Les' 27th Happy Birthday!!! He had the day off so after he went to the chiropractor he and the girls came to my work to visit and brought me lunch. So much fun!! Also, the girls are going to the movies with Jenny, Jon, Taylor, Sarah and Segna and then sleeping over at Jenny and Jon's tonight. Les and I are going to dinner and seeing a later movie with Heidi and Dave. It will be nice to not worry about getting the girls home and to bed at a decent hour or waking up at 5:30 (the time we usually wake them up) with them on a Saturday. Sounds like as much fun for me as it will be for Les and it is totally not my birthday. Thanks to all my sisters and bro-in-law! You guys are the best of the best!

Christmas decorations are up!!!

2008-11-17T12:35:00.002-07:00

This weekend we put up the Christmas tree and other decorations. Addi is finally getting old enough to help out and have an opinion on how it is done. Holidays are so much better with kids, expecially Christmas!!! We have a really small tree that I used to use for work that I let her put her own decorations on. Now that we have a much larger house it has occured to me that I need to do some holiday shopping. Some of the areas of the house have little or no decoration and I just can't have that. Also, the tree decorations are blue, white, and silver, but they really don't go with the house. I will have to fix that, but for now blue will do.

5 years and going strong

2008-11-14T07:33:00.002-07:00

Today is our 5 year wedding anniversary. I can't believe it has been 5 years already, but then again it seems like we have always had our girls and I wouldn't want it any other way. Sarah is watching the kids tonight so that we can have a night on the town (which we have only done once since having Payton). I am really looking forward to it. I might actually be able to hear Les talk since usually Addi is singing some crazy made up song and Payton is babbling loudly. I have been wanting a shelf for the house to put pictures and decorations on. I still have pictures in boxes cause in the new house I don't have anywhere to put them yet. Les took me shopping for one last night and I couldn't have been more happy with the one we found. I love my hubby!!!

Payton is Walking!!!

2008-11-13T15:29:00.003-07:00

For the past week or two Payton would walk, but only when bribed with mini M&M's. Yesterday she figured out that she can stand up in the middle of the room and walk around. I am so very proud of her. It is fun to watch the wheels just turning in her mind. She giggles while she is walking which is really very cute, but does not help her keep sturdy.
She has also started to try talking. She can now say "Dada", "Papa", "Mama", "Nana", "Addi" and "Ut-oh". When we talk to her she has started to really stare at our mouths like she is trying to figure out how we are saying things. She is growing and learning so quickly. Every week she learns something new. Addi can't wait until she is a "big girl" and can play pretend.
Another thing she is doing this week is refusing baby food and formula. She will only drink about 3 bottles per day now and will refuse her baby food if anyone is eating any regular food anywhere near her. She loves Mac & Cheese and Vegetable Beef soup, but will really eat anything, unlike her big sister.
-So proud of her!!!

Home Sweet Home

2008-10-27T22:26:00.004-06:00

We had a great time in the hot Anaheim weather, but it's good to be home! We rode all the rides in Disneyland and most of the rides in California Adventure. We got to see a bunch of the characters (even Tink on her 2nd day at Disneyland), a parade and a fireworks show. Addison even got a special "year of a million dreams" meeting with two of the princesses. Addi and I even took a swim in the freezing cold swimming pool. We were able to have dinner with Les' uncle and his family who live nearby on Friday at the Rainforest Cafe. It was so nice to be able to see them even though it was just for dinner. We are looking forward to seeing them again for Thanksgiving in St. George. By the time our heads would hit our pillows we were out, but it was so worth it.

Addi's three Disneyland favorites:

Favorite Ride-Splash Mountain

Favorite Disneyland Treat- Mickey Ice Cream Bar

Favorite Characters-Princesses and Tink

Payton at Disneyland-I noticed on the way to the airport this morning that Payton finally has her first tooth!!! Also, Les let her pick out a stuffed animal suvenier and she went crazy over Remi (the rat from Rattitoui). You would think she would pick something at least sorta cute!!! Oh well she loves it. Also, we were so amazed at how many rides she was able to go on. She rode on one of our laps on at least half of the rides. Les and I took turns taking Addi when Payton couldn't go.