Saturday Night BBQ

If you had a brand new home and good size backyard, would you have a BBQ? Of course you would. Now let's look at it a different way. Your brand new home has light color carpet, stairs, piano, fire pit,no furniture and a backyard full of dirt. Would you have a BBQ and invite your family over with their kids? I am thinking NOT.

Josh and Loretta are expecting their first child. We are very thankful for the hospitality and opening up their home and being Host and Hostess. We are hoping we have not scared them away from having anymore kids or maybe we have paved the way of what to be prepared for in years to come.

Josh and Loretta's home was a dream come true for all kids. Plenty of room to run around and get dirty. The kids had a wonderful time. Of course, Ryan heard Uncle Josh had a Ball. Then his focus was the Ball. Before the rules were explained, Ryan already kicked the ball at the sliding glass door. Thank goodness, no windows broken.

All the girls were running around up the stairs and to the loft. Then someone found Loretta's piano and all the kids were drawn to playing the piano. Now, Eva and Lindsay were drawn to the fire pit and the torches. Yes, they were lite. No one got hurt. An adult had to be outside all the time.

Josh's BBQ just would not lite. No problem, move to plan B, the oven. Now this is where the discussion of a double oven would have came very valuable. Even though it took longer to get dinner going. I did not hear any of the kids crying they were hungry. The were to occupied with having fun. The food was excellent.

Darkness came and the party for the kids went outside to the fire pit for smore's. It was a nice evening to hang outside and a few still lingered inside for a nice conversation.

Thank you Josh and Loretta. Please remember the good times as you find little finger prints not coming off or foot prints soled in the carpet. Remember paint does wonders for covering walls and besides that plan of replacing the carpet may come a little sooner than later.

From Collages

Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday morning started off with Breakfast at Fedderman's Camp. Then after Breakfast kids can run around and play. They had horses, zip line, play ground and plenty of places for them to hide eggs. The kids enjoyed the Easter Egg Hunt.

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

It is Spring Break in Utah. Were do we go, of course, California to see Grandma, Grandpa and cousins. Ryan and Lindsay were excited to goto Six Flags with Grandma and Grandpa. They wish all their cousins could have gone to, but they had work and school. Bum deal.

We hoped for a beautiful day, but we did get rained on. The kids enjoyed seeing all the shows or events for the whale, seals, dolphins, sting rays, sharks and pengins. They were bum they could not see all the other events with the elephants, tigers or other wildlife. We were not able to find the path to get to them. Their map was not a very good map.

The rides were either to small or too big for Ryan and Lindsay to ride. They were bum again. We tried to make it a fun day. Ryan and Lindsay kept saying it was their bestest day ever or their worst day ever depending on what happened.

Lindsay and Ryan enjoyed being up close to the Dolphins and learning to give them commands, feeding the seals, and watching the seals and killer whale perform. The kids did get to go on a swing and the log ride a few times. Lindsay liked the log ride the first few times, but then she got wet and it was raining. Ryan loved it and wanted to keep going. Especially, since no one was in line, they were letting continue ride it over and over again.

From 04/10/09 family trip to Six Flags

We finally found a roller coaster that Ryan can ride on. The Tony Hawk Big Spin. As we got closer, Lindsay was able to ride it too. Both Ryan and Lindsay were excited. Lindsay is all strapped in and Ready to go. Her hands up high and scream this is COOL. Once it dropped and started to spin. She was ready to get off. Ryan was still screaming, this is Sweet.

Six Flags was ok. I would rather go to Disneyland, San Diego Zoo and Sea World, since there are more for are kids to do and enjoy. Maybe next time.

Ryan and Lindsay did have a wonderful time spending with their Grandma and Grandpa. They love California and all the different things they get to do or experience. Ryan said it would be more fun if all the cousins could have been their with us too.

From Collages

We can't forget the Beach!

Ryan and Lindsay all the way from Utah to Calfornia, kept telling us we can't forget the beach. We decided to take them to Baker Beach. For anyone who has been to California knows there are miles and miles of beaches. Not all of California Beaches are the same especially when you are in Northern California.

From Easter2009

Now check out that view. We had the whole beach to ourselves. Maybe, part is because of the weather. Oh well, it was a nice day to spend together.

From Easter2009

Ryan and Lindsay couldn't believe we were still in California, because this was not the same beach they went to in Southern California.

From Easter2009

We also had the chance to go on the Golden Gate Bridge. It started out to be an oops we missed our turn off. Ryan and Lindsay loved going over all the bridges. We stopped to walk on the Golden Gate Bridge, but Ryan and Lindsay were happy with how far they were already on the bridge, but ready to go to the beach.

From Easter2009

Ryan's own scrapbook

I finally finished Ryan's little book. His seemed a little harder than Lindsay. I still used a template, but had to make adjustments. I used as Ryan's headliner, just a part of the opener from Star Wars. It was not easy. I am just waiting for it to be proof read and then it is off to the printers.

I haven't forgotten our Family blog!

Hello Friends and Family, I really haven't forgotton our family blog. I have just been busy with other projects. My kids don't have baby books to look at when they were little. I wanted to make them their own special book. I am also taken all of last years blog post and putting them in an album book too. It is just taken a little more time then I expected. Once I am done, then I will start to catch up on our family blog with some new post.

Look what I did!

I did my first Heritage Maker scrapbook. I am so proud of myself. Lindsay is excited to have a scrapbook all about her. As soon as I am done with Ryan's scrapbook I will post it.

I had so much fun. Yeah me!!!

Great Job Kathyrn!

I just wanted to say "Great Job" Kathyrn for an awesome job she did in putting together our family Camping Trip. This is a scrapbook she did online.

Ryan and Lindsay were excited to have a book about our camping trip. Yeah, Aunt Kathryn for being so creative. I am happy too. This is one less book of memories for me to scrapbook.

I have looked at and tried different online services to do scrapbooking online. This is one that looks like someone worked really hard to scrapbook. Kathryn, we need to hook up. I will love to do the kids a book or two.

Tagged

Ok - I saw this on a few friends blogged and it had the following only about her. So I guess I will do the same and add it about me. If you are reading this...now consider yourself tagged.



5 THINGS I WAS DOING 10 YEARS AGO:
1. Living the newlywed life of 1 1/2 years....double income, no kids.
2. I worked for Zions Bank as the Merchant Teller.
3. Went from zero debit to In debit A LOT due to Medical Bills from Dan's seizure the year before.
4. Not liking being ALONE....because my husband started his new job at Coca Cola and worked nights. I only saw him on his days off or not at all during the summer months.
5. I was ready and wanted to have a Baby.

5THINGS ON MY TO DO LIST:
1. Clean, organize and get rid of the extra clutter and crap in our house.
2. Sleep
3. Lose weight and excercise
4. Go back to school.
5. More sleep.

5 SNACKS I ENJOY:
1. Lemon Bars
2. Reese's Peanut Butter Cups
3. Pretzel's dipped in white chocolate or milk chocolate
4. Fruit especially Strawberries during strawberry season
5. Chips and homemade salsa ranch

5 THINGS I WOULD DO WITH A BILLION DOLLARS :
1. Both Dan and I quiting our jobs, save some money and travel.
2. Buy the house of our dreams fully furnished and closer to family out of the state of Utah.
3. Own a second or third home for vacation in Hawaii or Italy.
4. Maybe not be so selfish and give some money to family to enjoy.
5. Own Sedo's or a House boat to have fun on the water.

3 HABITS:
1. I talk LOUD.
2. I love to Shop. See why I need the Billion Dollars.
3. Tell my husband, "I love you " every morning when I get home from work and he is a sleep.

5 PLACES I'VE LIVED:
I moved around a lot...but not too far and not too exciting.
1. I lived with my parents in Riverside, California.
2. In the Avenues with Roommates Salt Lake City, Utah.
3. In Old Farm Murray, UT with my Husband.
4. In our House on Asplund Cir WVC, Utah.
5. In Buena Park, California until I was 5 years old.

5 JOBS I'VE HAVED:
1. Newspaper Carrier
2. Golden Spoon
3. Nordstroms
4. Zions Bank
5. Discover Card

Happy 37th Birthday Dan!

January 31st, 1972

Dan is a wonderful cook, handy man, house keeper, landscaper, dog walker, husband, father, friend and Eternal companion. He always makes me laugh. I just have to watch out sometimes when he plays his practical jokes. He is a very loving man and has a lot of patience. Believe it or not, he has me on a pedal stool and treats me as a Queen. He knows me the Best.
My husband is an OLD MAN! His bones are already aching and he is always complaining about the new gray hairs he is finding and the new places hair can grow. Just kidding my love. Ha, Ha, Ha!

Dan was a cute and happy baby. As he gets older, he gets even better looking with age. He has beautiful, and honest eyes. The crows feet around his eyes just means he is still always smiling.



These are a few photos of my husband when he was a little boy. Doesn't he look like Ralph minus the glasses from the Christmas Story in this photo.

Happy Birthday Dan!

I love you very much. As we always tease each other and say....I you once I love you and if it ever changes I will let you know.

LOve you infinitely more,

MiSsy

P.S. Save this date January 31, 2012 on your calendars. I am planning Dan's Black 40th Birthday.

2009 Family Newsletter

Our Second Family Newsletter

Ryan and Lindsay are happy to be in our family. But it is not easy to start a new path. They are trying to find their own way to attach. We are learning how we can help them to move forward. That has been our Theme all year.....Keep MOVING FORWARD

This year the Lindsay Clan had a family camping trip. Ryan and Lindsay enjoyed getting to know their Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and Grandparents. They can't believe they have a big family. Ryan kept asking why their can't be more Ryan's than Lindsay's. We just laugh and try to Explain. That doesn't seem to work. He even asked if Uncle Drew can become a Ryan.

Around the same time we were having this camping trip. We had family on Dan's side visiting from Indiana. They also headed for California. We were able to spend time with the Neely's in Utah and in California for a few days before they headed back home. We went to the Park, Beach, and the Aquarium. We has so much Fun!

Ryan and Lindsay were able to spend time with their Uncle Drew. Ryan was able to go hang out with him and go see Kong Fu Panda. Lindsay was excited to see Hannah Montana at the Stadium of Fire. Thanks Uncle Drew for spending time with the kids.

Dan hit his 10 years with Coca Cola. He has been working hard on all the Honey to Do List. He was proud of his painting projects of doing Lindsay and Ryan's room. Ryan loves his checker pattern wall and Lindsay loves her stripes.

As for myself, I have been sick every month. I can't seem to get rid of this sinus infection or catching whatever cold my kids brought home from friends or school. I didn't think being a mom would be this overwhelming and hard. I am on my 8th year with Discover Card as an Account Manager Specialist. I enjoy blogging, making quilts, reading a book for enjoyment, and finding the best in my children.

Ryan finished Kindergarten and started the 1st grade. He loves to play soccer, and excited he is learning to spell and read. He is like any normal Boy....full of Energy. Ryan was so excited to learn how to ride his bike without training wheels.

Lindsay loves ballet and pretending to be a Princess. She loves Hello Kitty and Princesses. She has been attending preschool. Somedays she loves it other days she just wants to stay at home with mommy.

Both kids love their new rooms they were so excited to choose there favorite colors. And to decorate them with things they like. They were happy to make it their own room.

Lindsay's room is Pink and Chocolate. She has two different pink stripes with chocolate doors and trim. She has Hello Kitty decals on her wall. She loves her new Hello Kitty's and her Hello Kitty comfortor. We are still finishing up the decorations in her room. She is looking forward to the brown letters spelling out her name on her wall, and her decorated mirror. The theme in her room is Hello Kitty.

Ryan's room is Blue and Chocolate. He has two different blue squares all over his wall making it a checker pattern on his wall with chocolate doors and trim. He has Transformer decals on his wall. He loves Transformers. He also has Transformer comforter. The theme in his room is Transformers. He is waiting for his Red letter to go his wall spelling out his name.

As we go through old photos...we can't believe how much they have grown. We are looking forward to another year to continue to move forward as a Family.

We send our best to each of you and wish everyone a Happy New Year.

Dan, Missy, Ryan and Lindsay.

Here is our decision on a Christmas Card.

It will be late mailing them out. But that is okay. It will be going to mostly Family members and a few friends. It all depends on who's addresses I have. If you didn't get one, I am sorry. That is why I am posting this to our blog and facebook that way everyone can see it. We do wish everyone a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year.

I will after the New Year post a Our 2nd annual Family Newsletter on the blog.

Should I or should I not do Christmas Cards this year????

I have been a tried and not feeling to Hot,OLD lady this year. I don't know how other Mom's do it with more than two kids. I am proud to say my Christmas shopping for my little family was done before Halloween and wrapped mid November. But when it comes to Christmas cards...I haven't done them. I have been trying to decide on a photo card, card with no photo, blog newsletter, no cards, cards or just a photo of the dogs.

Now I am behind. Dan already started to make and pass out cookies to his families he Home Teaches without a card. Thank goodness I didn't have to make the cookies, too. That's Dan's job. But as his wife, I am embarrassed. Dan passed out cookies in sandwich bags. Good way to improvise.

Anyways, here are a few photos of the kids in their Christmas outfits around the tree. If you don't get a card. I am sorry and please accept my apology. I just am to OLD and tired to keep up this Holiday Season.

Lindsay's Ballet Recital 2008

Lindsay is in her second year of Ballet. She had her first recital yesterday, December 17, 2008. She was excited to have a new teacher this year. She had new friends and few friends from last year in her class. She was excited to see Aurora and Mindi.

This years class is bigger than last years class. Her custom this year is florescent lime green and purple. She was excited to be on state again. Lindsay was excited to see her Aunt Debbie, cousin Ellie, Aunt Marie and Aurora's family at the recital to see her and Aurora perform.


Here is a photo of Lindsay and Aurora waiting their turn to go on stage. And quick photo of Ellie, Aurora, and Lindsay before the girls get distracted with other pretty customs. Oops, to late...not quick enough....have the backs of their heads or doing something else. Oh, well.


A little brief family History: Ellie is Lindsay and Aurora's cousin, since Aunt Debbie married Brenda's brother Brett. Brenda is Aurora's mom and Lindsay's ballet teacher from last year. Funny huh? Debbie was the one who suggested Lindsay take ballet class from Brenda. It has been wonderful getting to know Brenda and Aurora.

Lindsay is excited to have her ballet performance on our family blog. She is very proud to not be "Shy." Like she would ever be shy. She is a Miss Diva.

Lindsay is the one on the very end. And Aurora is five down from Lindsay. Sorry, not the best focus job on the video...let's blame it on the lights and being rushed.

Christmas Lights!

We enjoy Christmas Lights! Sometimes when we are driving at night and we see a neighborhood with ligts. We seem to be taking a detour to look at all the pretty lights. The last few years we made it a tradition to go downtown to see the Christmas Lights at Temple Square.

This is the best way to teach the children about our Savior. And how Christmas is not all about Santa. It is about the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. We saw a little video from Luke II; which showed a clip about the birth of Savior.

Ryan and Lindsay love the Temple. Every time they see a Temple, they would say, "We've been there." or "Can we go to the Temple together as a Family, again?" or "Look I see another Temple." Each time a different comment.

Of course, no family outing is complete without pictures. Here are some picture of our trip to the Temple.
We wish everyone a "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year" this holiday season.

Ryan's 1st grade Class Project!

Hola this is Ryan. Welcome to my family blog. We are learning all about family customs and celebrations in our class. We don't have a traditional dress or dance. My parents are not from a far, far, far away land. My Mom and Dad are born and raised in the good ole' USA.

Looking at all the things we do it revolves around family and church.

In my family we celebrate all the Holidays. Out of all the Holidays Christmas is my favorite. On Christmas day after all the gifts are open we like to go as a family to see a movie. What is funny; my cousins will go and see the same movie on Christmas day and they live in another state....California.

For Christmas we have for dinner Turkey or Ham, homemade cream corn, mash potatoes, salad, rolls, stuffing and of course the yummy desserts. Everyone looks forward to the homemade cream corn. It is our families favorite.

We do a gift exchange with another family on both my parents side. On my dad's side they have a memory question they have to answer. Kinda like a remember when we were younger. At Christmas we will get everyone's memory and laugh. We have a book with the last 9 years of funny memories of my dad's family as a child.

We like to travel to California at least once a year. We have lots of fun with my Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents (Lo Lo and Lola), and cousins. We have gone to the beach, camping, museums, zoos, and of course Disneyland.

Our family has a tradition; they take lots of photos and keeping a journal for us....Genelogy. As you can see my family has a blog about our life as a family together for the last year. Our blog address is twosillymonkeys.blogspot.com, funny huh? My mom thinks my sister and I are silly monkeys.

The top 10 list about my family:

10. They are all silly monkeys and talk funny. My Aunt and Uncles speak different language because they served a Mission in another country. My other Aunt is from Mexico. We like her tradition of having a Pinata for Birthdays. Yeah for Pinatas and all the goodies inside.

9. Traveling to California to visit family and do something fun like Disneyland. Coming Disneyland for 2009.

8. We have a fun time playing in the snow around Christmas time.

7. Going to the movies on Christmas, and Thanksgiving.

6. We eat funny foods; like worms in the mud when we go camping. (oreos, chocolate pudding and gummy worms....Yummy, yummy in my tummy.)

5. I love seeing my Lo Lo (grandpa) and Lola (grandma). They travel to see us during the Christmas season. Lo Lo and Lola; when it snows, I will save the snow for our traditional snowman making.

4. I enjoy learn a little bit of Spanish or Cebuano from my Uncles and Aunts. I think they are funny when they all use a different dialogue. They like to tease us.

3. Summer vacations; amusement parks, pools, parks, camping, Utah Arts Festival, sporting events..Yeah Soccer...etc. I like having fun, fun, fun with my family.

2. We set the tree up as a family, decorate, sing songs, and star lights on the outside of our house. My mom makes homemade goodies to eat while we decorate. This Friday we will be doing our family decorating for Christmas.

1. I can't wait until Christmas has come to open up all my gifts. Because...my birthday is next and I will get to open more gifts from my family. LOL!

Thank you, for taken a moment to look at my family blog. We have lots of fun. I have attached some of my favorite photos.

Pretty Sweetie.

Signing off Ryan

Happy 35th Birthday

Today is my Birthday, November 30! Hey, it is my birthday and I chose to be lazy and waste my day the way I wanted to; Relaxing! Ok, it helps to have my Birthday on a Sunday.

I am now Thirty-Five years old. The OLD part, I wish I didn't have to feel. Thirty-Five is another milestone in my life. I am happy that I am old enough to know something, but still young enough to enjoy my life.

I had a good 35 years, I still wish I can look and feel 23 again. But I know that is not going to happen in this life time. Hopefully, in the next life. I have a lot of good memories, some sad memories and a few memories I wish I didn't have. That is all part of life. I choose to focus on all the good memories. I will have many new memories to come.

Top 10 list; This is one Birthday weekend I am not going to be able to forget.

10. Losing Lindsay in the Mall.
9. Lindsay telling everyone all weekend long it is my birthday and adding another year on each time. I think we ended at 45, when I told her I am not 45.
8. Lindsay and Ryan singing loud, "Happy Birthday!" all weekend long.
7. Ryan reminding me I am 30 years older than Lindsay.
6. Eating at the Cheesecake Factory for my Birthday and NOT being sung to. Thanks to the other Melissa being sung to at the table across from us.
5. Lindsay telling me I can have anything here at the mall, her treat. Then going up to Dan and asked him for his credit card.
4. Having my Birthday on a Sunday; means I can Relax.
3. Taking a nap and Lindsay quietly singing to me and cuddling with me.
2. Dan, Ryan and Lindsay cleaned the whole house while I was taking a long nap.
1. Dan made my favorite cake; Lemon Jello Cake.

Love,
Missy

We made it the rest is A Piece of Cake!

On November 24, 2007 Dan and I were sealed to our two silly monkeys. We accepted the mission to survive together as a happy family. It has not been an easy year, but what family doesn't have their struggles or challenges. Our struggles and challenges just had a little bit of adjustment to figure out and of course dealing with Reactive Attachment Disorder.

We are excited to share our lives with two silly monkeys; Ryan and Lindsay and be a forever family. We want to Thank all of our family and friends who have been a wonderful support system for our family. It is nice to hear the phrase, "That is Normal."

I can't believe our silly monkeys have been with us for two years and officially one year as a family. They are excited to be in a big family with lots of cousins, Aunts, Uncles, and Grandparents. When our families get together; they have a blast with all their cousins. We can't believe it has been two years already.

Things are getting better and our family is slowly becoming a stable home for Ryan and Lindsay. Both kids are trying really hard to move forward and trust that we will not give up on them. This is another New Year for us to work even harder to over come any new or old challenges. We survived the 1st year; the rest is A Piece of Cake! Just kidding.

Enjoy the photos; of our day at he Temple a year ago. Wow, how they can grow up too fast.

Happy Halloween!!!

Lindsay and Ryan have been excited about Halloween for months. Is it the Candy, or the Customes? Trick or Treating for Candy was in first, then coming in Second the Customes, and dead last Parties! They were happy to dress up and eat candy, candy, candy and more candy. Yeah for them. Not good for us.
It was not easy for them to only choose one custome. They wanted several customes. For Ryan he was choosing between the Hulk, Jedi, Iron Man, or Transformer? And for Lindsay she was choosing between Tinker Bell, Sleeping Beauty, Butterfly, Lady bug, or all the Princess dresses you can find? They finally chosen their costume. Lindsay decided to be Sleeping Beauty. Ryan wanted to be Iron Man. Candy is our worst enemy this time of year. Thank goodness for the Three Day Rule. That is Right! Candy is only good for Three Days and then we have to throw it out. That is right, again! Of course, we don't throw it all away. We give some away, hide some for later and Dan eats some too! We can't let it all go to waste. It is a visual for the kids and they don't hassel us for the Candy. They know it is gone. Our kids love to have a surprise later; when it is not expected. They don't realize it is from Halloween.

Ryan and Lindsay were excited to get tooth brushes, pencils, rings, teeth and eyeballs. Which makes it fun for them and less candy in their bags.

Oh My Uncle Josh!

My brother JOsH decided to make a trip to Utah. Of course; to see our brother Andrew and attend a football game at BYU. We were just a bonus since we live here in Utah. Just Kidding...Uncle JOsh wanted to spend a little time too with his niece and nephew. Lindsay and Ryan were excited to camp out in the family room with Uncle JOsh.

The next morning JOsH, Andrew and Dan went out shooting the guns that Dad bought. According to the photos; they seem to enjoy shooting at Andrew's computer part or something. From there JOsh and Andrew headed off to a football game and to enjoy the rest of their time hanging out together. Dan came back home to get cleaned up for some other activities we had planned.

JOsh and Andrew ended up at our house on Sunday for a Family Dinner, chat, and a movie before JOsh's plane took off. We enjoyed having JOsh here. The kids enjoyed having both of their Uncles around. Next time JOsh bring Lorretta and Cali (kitty cat) with you.

JOsh and Andrew taught Ryan to say Oh my Uncle JOSh instead of Oh my ***. Which has been bugging me all week. Now Ryan is saying Oh my Uncle JOsh. I laugh at that phrase instead of getting upset when he used the other phrase. Instead of Oh my goodness, Oh my G**, it is now Oh my Uncle JOsh. Thank you Josh and Andrew.

LDS Prophets warn us of the dangers facing America

This was on my friend's FaceBook. I thought this would be one I would want to have on my blog to share with others. On her FaceBook she says, this was in the April 2008 Priesthood session, President Monson mentioned political machinations. Not knowing what that meant I looked up the word and was stunned as I read the definition. This videos was inspired..."Last days."

I guess I will be looking that up too.

Happy 5th Birthday Lindsay!

Happy Birthday Lindsay! Happy Birthday Lindsay!

Lindsay is now 5 years old. She loves Hello Kitty, Hannah Montana and dolls. Her favorite color is Pink & Chocolate. She loves to pretend she is reading. She reminds me of the little girl in Anne of Green Gables. This is one of her favorite books we read together. She is excited to be a part of a family with lots of cousins.

This year we kept the party low key and just have a family Birthday party for Lindsay which just the four of us. It was nice to not have to plan a birthday party. We had a nice dinner. Lindsay was excited to pick out her cake. Of course, she picked out the biggest cake at Costco. We had cake that lasted over a week. She enjoyed blowing out her candles and opening her gifts.



The Top 10 List: Things we love about Lindsay:

10. Always volunteers to help clean someone else's house and not her own.
9. Loves to dress up as a Princess with her friend London.
8. Loves all the attention on her.
7. Her excitement when she sees a Princess or Hello Kitty Character.
6. Her excitement to do something as a Family.
5. Her hugs, kisses and I love you comes in a package.
4. Telling her remember when stories; whether for real or fake.
3. Her eyes light up when she smiles.
2. Loves to cuddle with Mommy Missy and tells me, "You are my mommy, I had missed you in my other home."

And the number 1 reason we love about Lindsay....

1. The exitement she had when we told her we are going to adopted her in to our family. How she really wanted to be apart of this family. From her name....all the way until the day we were married (sealed) as a family. I love hearing Lindsay tell people we are a family because we are married in the Temple. We are happy to have Lindsay as our daughter.

Love Mommy Missy, Daddy Dan, and brother Ryan.

Happy Birthday Lindsay! Happy Birthday Lindsay!

Happy 11th Anniversary!

October 11th, 2008 was our 11th Wedding Anniversary. What good memories of our actually Wedding Day! Dan was telling me how my brothers were trying to tell him..."Last chance to get out."... "She is your problem once you get married."..."We like you Dan, are you really sure about this." I was cool and claim; while everyone was running around. Until the little old lady asked if I need to use the ladies room before going to the brides room. I ended up throwing up and crying. Ahh... precious memories!

Dan and I have not really celebrated our anniversary for the last 2 years. Our 9th anniversary we were able to take the kids out to dinner from the Christmas box. Then on our 10th anniversary we had a party to celebrate the adoption of our children. Those two years skipped on by. We decided we were going to go away for a whole weekend, just us and no kids.

Our friends were kind enough to take care of our kids and our dogs for the weekend. Dan and I were excited to get away with no kids. We started to plan our weekend. Should we go to Park City for three days. They always have something going on. Or get away to the Anniversary Inn? Maybe take a cruise, or a trip out of Utah? Where should we go?

Did that happen? It seems something always happened. Then with the kids school and last soccer game. I just couldn't put all that on my friend. And on top of all that I was sick at the beginning of the week with an eye infection and a sinus infection. I did not feel up to traveling.

We decided to just send the kids overnight to our friends on Saturday into Sunday. This way Lindsay will be taking and picked up from school by us. She was going through an attachment phase we didn't want to miss. She was trying to and wanted to attach to Dan. We also did not miss Ryan's last soccer game. He really wanted all of us at this last game. How can you say, "No."

We took the children out on a Family Night together on Friday Night. Dan and I decided surprising the kids leaves little for disappointment for everyone. We packed the kids PJ sandwiches, and apples to eat at the movies and watch Igor. This way we feel they had a little bit of a dinner before we take them out for ice cream after the movie. Ryan and Lindsay thought we were the coolest since we had Ice Cream before Dinner. They thought PJ sandwiches were just lunch. We had a nice dinner at Famous Dave's BBQ.

After Ryan's soccer game that ended early since a rain/snow storm came pouring down. We took them to our friends house. Lindsay kept asking if we were going to ever come back. Ryan said, "Good Bye see ya in a week." Our dogs stayed home with us.

That's Right; we stayed home. We took care of our Dogs. We decided to go out for lunch to The Cheese Factory....Yummy food! Brought home the left overs. Dan and I decided we were tried and would take a little nap with no interruption from kids. We LOVED our NAP. I guess you can say as you get older a NAP is a good thing. We were thinking of heading out and decided it was too COLD and a Storm was coming in. We enjoyed each others time.... alone...NO KIDS...together. OK! We were too LAZY to get out of a warm bed. Of course, Dan had to walk 5 feet into the kitchen to get our YUMMY leftovers and dessert.

Dan and I enjoyed 11 years together and we are looking forward to many more to come. Maybe next year we will really get away. I am thinking anything far, far, far away with no kids will be wonderful.

Yes on Prop 8

This video clip has been emailed to us by other friends and family members. Dan and I decided it is important to add this video clip to our blog, just as others have done on their blog. It gives a good example of the consequences to our families if Prop 8 doesn't pass in California. Please go out and Vote this election. If you are not in California, please read your ballot and make sure this is not happening in your state.



This other video clip is also an inspiring message, of the importance of strengthen our Family not redefining Family. This clip touches on the importances of Life, Faith and Family.

Thanksgiving Point Farm Country

Today was a nice day to take our kids to Thanksgiving Point to enjoy the Farm Country. Lindsay Ryan, and myself joined our friends Kari, Ronan, and Charley to enjoy some farm animals.

Ryan and Lindsay did not know about it. I sometimes like to keep things as a surprise. Ryan was asked to get up and get dressed in nice clothes. His response, "Why? Are we are going to go somewhere special." Lindsay response to Ryans reaction was "Yeah! Where are we going? Can we take snacks?" Lindsay and Ryan were excited for today.

I did not say where we are going. I explained to them we can bring one pack. This pack will only have a sweat shirt and a pair of shorts for each of them. Just in case it was a little chilly or if it gets hot. I will pack the travel cooler with our lunch. We don't need anything else. Where we are going is to enjoy something and have lunch. Then we will be back before Nap time. (The Nap time is more for me than my kids.)

Anyways, are friends showed up while I was still getting ready. Ronan and Charley told my kids we were going to the Farm. The look on my kids faces were priceless. This would have been a perfect picture of their expression of confusion. As if they were trying to put a puzzel together. Then it clicked! They were excited and jumping around. We are going to the farm with our friends.

My children found their back packs and started packing there bags. When I notice what they were doing...I wished my camera was near by to take the picture of their back packs. Just Imagine seeing photos of Ryan's Transformer bag filled with toys, sweat shirt and pants. Her Hello Kitty bag had shoes, underwear, hair brush, pants, sweat shirt and her Hello Kitty Doll. She was also asking me if I would get her lip gloss and jewelry. I told her we don't need all this stuff. Lindsay response, "I need my stuff since we are going far, far, far away and I don't know when I will be back." I explained to both kids we don't need all this stuff and packed just what we needed we were off.

Once we got out of the car Lindsay said, "What is that smell? It smells like poop!" As she makes this face and pinches her nose. (Again, I missed another camera moment.) They had goats, pigs, ducks, horses, chickens and cows. They also had horse carriage ride and a pony ride.

Inside the building they showed how milk was produced and had a cow they can milk. Not a real cow. They were facinated to milk this cow. Lindsay and Ryan kept asking, "Why is it ok to touch a cows private parts?" My kids are not quite; they are shouting at the top of their lungs.

Once we moved away from the cow and went outside....The kids were so excited to go on a pony ride. Lindsay wanted to ride the "PURPLE" horse and only the "PURPLE" horse. It took me a while to realize she wanted to ride the horse that had a purple bridel on. Ryan wanted to ride the "Biggest" horse. The horse Ryan was describing was a big horse but also wore the "Purple" bridal. So, instead of them riding at the same time they had to take turns.

I finally pulled out my camera since it had just enough battery time and started snapping some photos. Lindsay was watching Ryan ride the pony and started to yell "POOP, POOP, POOP. Mom look my purple is pooping while Ryan is riding it. Yak." I took a picture of Lindsay pointing and making a happy face. What is it with my kids and potty words?

Once the pony ride was done. They saw other people sitting down at the picnic tables and wanted to lunch. We planned this just perfectly around lunch time. After lunch the kids wanted to feed the ducks. And off they went to the pond. They also had a few buildings the kids can go in and out of. Nothing much since they were pretty empty. I as a parent enjoyed taking a picture of them behind bars at the jail house.

After a few hours...I hoped they will enjoy the trip and picnic. We did have a few melt downs. There were other things they wanted to do there, but was not part of what we were doing. The melt downs came when it was time to leave. I hoped maybe the drive home will make them fall asleep. Nope, only Charley and Myself were tried and ready for a nap.

Happy 1 year Family Anniversay and Forever to go!

To Our Two Silly Monkeys: Ryan and Lindsay,

We love you, We love you and We love you.

We hope one day you will understand why Heavenly Father made us as a Family. I love reading and listening to the words from Michael McLean, "From God's Arms To my Arms To Yours," and words to "Yours." I know you guys like it too. Whether or not you know what it means. I hope the words to the song comforts you and puts a smile on your face.

Both your Dad and I, love to see you happy and enjoy being a kid. We love it, when you are excited to see us at your soccer game or ballet rehearsals.....The look on your face when you read the book all by yourself.....To hear you read a book you don't know the words to and try so hard to make it up.....To hear the words; Let's do something as a family....Anytime hugs & kisses....and of course, to hear I love you.

We love you both very much,
Remember we will be here Forever; You can count on us being their for the good, the bad and the ugly. That is right, you will never be able to get rid of us. You guys are stuck with us Old Folks to be.

Love, Mommy Missy & Daddy Dan

These first photos of our children before they came to our home October 13, 2006. How time flies and quickly children grow.

Enjoy a little of Micheal McLean

"FROM GOD'S ARMS TO MY ARMS TO YOURS"

With so many wrong decisions in my past I'm not quite sure
If I can ever hope to trust my judgement anymore
BUT LATELY I'VE BEEN THINKING 'CAUSE IT'S ALL I'VE HAD TO DO
And in my heart I feel that I should give this child to you

chorus:
And maybe you can tell your baby
When you love him so, that he was loved before
By someone who delivered your son
From God's arms to my arms to yours



"YOURS"

You didn't give me your eyes
Or the color of your hair
I'VE CLIMED THE FAMILY TREE AND FOUND
There's no one like me there
Sometimes I've felt like an alien
That came from foreign shores
But look inside my heart you'll see

I'M YOURS.

It is a Beautiful Day to Remember a Friend

It was a very long day but a good day. Our friend Nathan's funeral was held today. It was a beautiful service to remember our friend and his family. Nathan is a great man who thought of others and enjoyed serving others. There were several friends, and family there to pay their respect to a Good Man who loved his family, honored his priesthood and served his Heavenly Father while he was here on earth. He was a great example to all of us. He will be surely missed by everyone who loved him, but not forgotten. He will be remembered by all those who he touched and served. Now, it is our turn to take what we have seen and learned from Nathan; to serve others. We need to be strong and have Faith in our Heavenly Father's Plan of Salvation. Nathan thank you!

"In Memory of Nathan Von Niederhausern"

The world has lost a Great man, Nathan Von Niederhausern. He will be missed and remember for all the great things he has done. He has been a great example to learn and follow. He has help and served other in need.

Dan and I mourn the loss of a dear friend, neighbor and member of our Family Ward. He will be sorely missed not just by us but everyone who knew him. We will remember the good times such as the laughter, block parties, skit shooting, cards, Halloween Parties, gatherings in front of someone's house just chatting away, lending an ear to listen, and the laughter of friends.

We will take from this the things we have learned and pass it on to the next generations. He will always be remembered. It is scary to see someone so young and have a young family go through this life experience. Hope is not all lost for we have learned all these years, starting in Primary, there is a life after this one. Heavenly Father has a plan for each and everyone of us.

This is for you Nathan. Thank you for everything.

Girl's day out!

Girl's day out! It is time to hit the nail salon. Today was a day to enjoy getting a manicure and a pedicure. Eva and Lindsay were excited to join us gals at the nail salon. While Miriam, Mom and myself where getting our pedicure and manicure, the girls were exited to get their nails painted. Both Eva and Lindsay chose their nail polish, of course they keep coming across something better than before a better color, glitter, or hearts in clear polish. It was a tough decision before they each choose the one.

These girls were giggle and exited. They were moving around while they waited their turn. Will they be able to hold still long enough to let the nail polish dry? Believe it or not they made it through. At one point, I thought Lindsay was going to fall asleep. It was a tough call at the end. They started to copy each other's movement....just moments before the giggles start to come back. Yeah, there nails were dry enough.

It was a great day to spend time with each other and watch the girls giggle and enjoy girl's day out!

Lindsay Clan goes camping together!

We are excited to spend time with family! This years trip to California was very eventful and fun. Ryan and Lindsay were excited to spend time with their new cousins and Grandparents. We went camping for 5 days in the Lake Mendocino area. It was wonderful to have all the kids together.

Mom made sure there was plenty of food and games. She did not want to hear anyone saying they were bored. We had bikes, scooters, jewelry making, canoe and lots of fun down at the lake. Of course, we all brought our lap tops and sometimes were found hiding in the tents or cars to sneak in a movie or play a game. The kids had fun finding lizards, dead fish, performing a scene from Emma's imagination, soccer, cards and chasing each other around. Just watching them made me tired.


Dan and I enjoy taking walks at night; while the kids were asleep or riding bikes around during the day; no kids. I had a little mishap and lost to a tree stump. My shin is all scratched up. My hands and ankles swelled so bad it hurt when it got to hot.

Dan and I had the chance to take the kids out on the canoe and had some one on one time with them. They talked about having so much fun and couldn't believe they have so many cousins. The kids were excited to have lots of food available to them. And asked why they still had to eat their Lunch. (They called everything Lunch.)


We even caught Lindsay and cousin Sophia in the food tent. Sophia got away but Lindsay got stuck in the zipper of the food tent. Uncle Bill did wonderful getting Lindsay to eat the foods she should eat first before eating all the snacks. He would pretend the food was telling Lindsay to stop eating them. Bill and his voices. He would even teach his daughter Sophia to rescue Lindsay from mean old mom; who was making Lindsay set down and eat her food til it was all gone. Sophia would tell Lindsay to run while she took Lindsay's plate and throw it away. All why mom was pretending not to look.


Ryan was so excited he was able to practice with Uncle Drew with soccer. He enjoyed his Hulk gloves chasing the girls with his gloves. He and his cousin Matthew were amazed with Uncle Mark's bike. Ryan was so excited when Uncle Drew invided all the nieces and he was the only nephew to stayed in his tent for one night. They stayed up telling scary stories and laughing. Ryan thought Uncle Drew was gross eating worms from the dirt. He then changed his mind when Uncle Drew gave everyone dirt and worms to eat for dessert. He decided eating worms was great. (Receipe for worms: gummie worms, chocolate pudding and crushed up oreos.)

We had a great time camping with my family. It sure was different. Noboday, got sick and no had to drive back living a throw up trail. It was a different camping experience than it was when I was younger. Mom and Dad, really wanted to make sure there was something for everyone

Surprise get together with The Neely's!

We were excited to receive a phone call from Uncle Richard. To our surprise, they were making a trip out to Utah and then to California. They were coming to see us in Utah before we went to California. We were able to hang with them again while we were in California. Talk about perfect timing.

Monday July 14th, we met up with them at Great Grandma Krause's for yummy stew and then we were off to the Park. Ryan and Lindsay were excited to go see Great Grandma Krause, it has been a year since they last saw her. Grandma Krause was happy to see her Grand children and Great Grand children. It was a nice visit and yummy stew!

At the park, the kids enjoyed laughing, climbing and swinging on the swing. Ryan loves the monkey bars, Lindsay loves the swing, Kyle enjoyed pushing his mom on the swing, and Kamae enjoyed the swing and slides. It was fun to see the kids be shy at first but then start to interact with each other.

This was a fun day to visit with our cousins from Indiana. This will not be the end. We will hook up with them again in California.

Good negotiator or bribes???

Have you ever negotiated with your kids or bribe your kids to get what you want? Does it always work? Or does it seem to back fire?

We went this year to Kiddie Kandid to have the kids yearly photos taken. I wanted to have some cute photos with props, cute smiles and poses. This year the kids wanted to pose their way and would put up a fight to get what they wanted.

Ryan wanted to make all the funny faces and noises he can make. Lindsay wanted to put her hands and feet in a ballerina position. Both kids did not want to set next to each other. They would push and shove each other or knock down the curtain. Oh my...the crying. My kids can turn on and shut off the water works. I had to pull one kid off of the other and put them in time out. If they would have just smiled and do what we asked...we would have done. I was not happy they were acting this way. I told the photographer, "We are done." She said, "Lets keep trying." They didn't have another sitting for a while...lets try a few things.

My kids were brats. I do not like these behaviors. I did try to negotiate with them. They can do one picture of the pose or face they want. But then....they were smooth....if we can have some ice cream that would be nice.....sure, I did it and told them my terms. I took their breb. The were a little better, but still not the best only tollerable. Two hours later....we finally had six photos we liked. We have four pictures I liked and two pictures they wanted. During the previewing of the photos the kids decided to have a fight and start hitting each other.

I was angry with this behavior that they were doing. I told them we are done. They smiled and said good. Let's go get our ice cream over there. I said, "NO." The deal was to seat down, smile, and do as I ask all the way through the photos and viewing....until we walk out their doors. You just heard, "Yes, to the ice cream and missed out on how you can have ice cream." The look on their face was priceless. Neither negotation or breb worked. The kids cried all the way home.

Enjoy the photos. If you drag your mouse over the photos they will in large.

Fun Day with Uncle Drew!

The Fun Day with Uncle Drew; started when he had an extra ticket for Stadium of Fire at BYU featuring Hannah Montana. Drew asked if he can take his niece to see Hannah Montana. He knew she liked HM since she keeps singing, "Best of both Worlds," over and over.

Ryan's day with Uncle Drew was to see the movie Kung Fu Panda. Hang out and have some Ice Cream. Ryan was excited to get two new books one the Hulk and the other Kung Fu Panda.

Utah Arts Festival

When I first moved to Utah; I lived in the Avenues where they always had the Art Festival going on downtown every year. A friend I met here introduce me to the Utah Arts Festival. We enjoyed going when we could. Once we moved in our house it died down; we were doing more house projects or attending the Parade of Homes instead.



When Ryan and Lindsay first came to our home; we decided to find things they would enjoy. Now it is our little tradition to try and attend the Arts Festival each year. The kids enjoy the hands on kiddie corner and do arts & crafts, run through a maze, and play music. This year the kids were not that interested in the kiddie corner. The were more interested in all the little booths, face paintings, and musical numbers. I do have to say I was a little disappointed myself in the kiddie corner this year.

We always start off with taken Trax downtown. The kids love riding the train. We first hit the kiddie corner. Ryan and Lindsay did a few crafts. They were more intrigued with the instruments; banging on the bongos, and hitting the chimes. We found a booth with home made crafts for sale. Ryan and Lindsay both wanted something from the booth. I told them I was going to buy them a snack here. If they choose they can use the snack money for something at this booth instead of having a snack.

I was surprised they turned down a snack. Ryan wanted the bow and arrows. Lindsay wanted a Princess head piece and wand. I let them purchase the items. Both were excited to have these items. Was that a really smart move on my end...bows and arrows and a wand hummmm? It made them happy. By the end of the day they were taken away. They start to use them as weapons to start a fight with each other.

Anyways, the kids really enjoy listen to a group of children play the violin. Lindsay danced around with her little price attidude. It was cute. Face painting...I really disliked because with children it can be very mess. Children are already dirty and sweaty why make it worse. But again I could not say "NO." Lindsay had Hell0 Kitty painted on her face, which is her favorite. Ryan had the Transformer Emblem painted on his face. It was already smugged with in seconds after being put on his face. It does not look like a Transformer Emblem. Oh well. I just had two mess kids.

To top everything off they had the water feature finished and sure enough Ryan and Lindsay already had their shoes off and were already in the water. For kids who had water traum; they are starting to do much better and now have to be in the water, touch or near the water. They are now more facinated with the water verse being terrified.

Ryan and Lindsay enjoyed the Art Festival but compare to last year, I didn't enjoy it as much. Maybe, it was a little hard to enjoy since Dan was not with us. It was just me and kids. They didn't seem to have as much as they did last year. And my eyes were more on keeping track of the kids and not to loose them in this big crowd of people. Maybe next year it will be different.

No more Kindergarden! 1st Grade here I come.

Ryan has been telling us for the last few months he can't wait to be in 1st grade. He took his last test and he Passed. His first words were, "SWEET." He is excited to be a 1st grader. Now, he is telling us he can't wait to be in 2nd grade and that would be."TOTALLY AWESOME." Hold on kid, one grade at a time.

It's Ballerina Time!

Lindsay enjoys her ballet class. She was so excited to get her custom on once again. This time for her ballerina photos and for her Ballet Recital on June 13, 2008. She loves to be in front of the camera. This recital was Alice in Wonderland. She was a Red rose. However, this time on stage she was nervous to do her performance. She was not able to see the crowd and had lots of bright lights shining on her.

There goes Ryan! No that way or was it this way?

Ryan has a lot of energy and sometimes can be a ticking time bomb ready to explode. He can't seem to hold still. We were trying to find something for him to build his confidence and a place to let off some of this extra energy. Growing up my brothers and I played soccer. I enjoyed playing soccer. We decided to give soccer a shot for him. Who knew he would be such a good player for K divison. He played in the fall and then again during the spring. He was the STAR player. He loves playing the whole game and scoring. Spring soccer was a little different than Fall soccer; he had to figure out how to score with a goalie. Here are a few pictures of Ryan playing soccer enjoy. In the fall he wore Red and in the spring he wore Black with the #8 on it.

What? I have to read the manual to be a Father!

Dan is a wonderful father. He enjoys being a big kid himself and teasing our two kids. He is my equal and also deserves the title Mr. Mom. We share the duties of taking care of our kids. He only has the kids a few hours before they go to bed, but his job ends up being protector through out the night and the Hero of scaring the monsters out of our kids rooms. He thinks my job is hard being with the kids all day and taking care of some daily task with no sleep. He too is on no sleep.
The kids enjoy having a father. He is the only real father they have really known. He spends time with them each night taking care of baths, homework, and bed time stories. Once the kids are in bed; he switches gears and becomes the husband I married who does little things for me around the house. Whether it is finishing up the dishes, putting away the laundry, and doing odds and end cleaning around the house and outside. He enjoys finding a way to put a smile on my face.
He is an amazing man and will always be my one true love. I want to thank him on taking this detour of having a family in a different way. He has a lot of patience with these kids. He is always willing to step in and help me out.
Jumping into fatherhood with two older children is a lot hard than having an new born. He jumped in as quickly as he can and on the way learned a lot from watching Super Nanny, reading Super Nanny books and his own experience being the eldest of eight. Dan always joked that our kids came with a manual; we just have to find out which Super Nanny episode it was on. We love him and we know he is a keeper as a friend, husband and a father.

Lindsay Preschool photos!

At the Dancing Moose, Lindsay's school they were having the kids individual photos...old fashion style. Lindsay was so excited to have her preschool photos taken. She wanted to dress up in the big hats and dresses. I didn't even think of her having any issues. She freaked out. She did not want anyone to help her. She was sad that I was not their to help her put on the pretty dresses. I asked her why she would not allow her teacher to help her. She said, "No one is suppose to see her change or see her naked body." She ended up having her photos taken with her normal clothes on. The teachers did not tell me nor called me. I would have been there, if I only new. I did not find out the problem until when the photos came in. They were still cute photos of Lindsay. Lindsay thought I would be mad. I told her that I am not mad. I am just sad she could not have the photos she wanted all dress up. Next time she can tell her teacher she does not feel comfortable with her helping her and she would like them to call me. And I will let the teacher know ahead of time too or find out what time so I can be there.

Let's Go Real Salt Lake!!!

Ryan started to play soccer last fall. He was sad that he was on a break for the winter. When it came Spring; he kept asking when does soccer start. He started to play soccer again Mid-April. He is one of the Star players. he was excited to score 4 goals in one game.
On Saturday, we went to a REAL of Salt Lake soccer game. Ryan was so excited to watch his first soccer game. Ryan attention span was WOW! He would stare at the game with no emotion. Uncle Drew came with us and was trying to help Ryan cheer for the Real team or yell at the bad call. Lindsay wanted to really go with us to the soccer game. We were not sure how long her attention span would last. She was so excited to be at the game. Of course, it was because she saw they had food at the game. She ran right to the ICE CREAM stand. Both kids enjoyed the game. Once the ice cream was gone. Ryan went back to watching the game and Lindsay was ready to go home. Ryan's attention from the game was distracted from time to time; when he saw the cotton candy guy walking around. Once the cotton candy guy was out of view....his focus was back on the game.

Our team won 2 vs 1.