6

Maddison is 6 years years old today! I can't believe it!! How time flies. We're doing her party this afternoon, so I'll post some photos tonight or tomorrow.

6 things I Love about Maddison:
1. Her Laugh - when Maddi really starts to laugh and cannot stop, it is totally contagious.
2. How much she loves her brother - of course they bicker and fight, sometimes a lot. But when Maddison and Wyatt are playing together, getting along great and doing nice things for each other, nothing makes me happier.
3. How helpful she is. Maddi is constantly trying to please. She'll put her dishes in the sink; get a washcloth out and wipe down her bathroom counter for me; make her bed; pick up her room or pick up garbage off the floor. Then she patiently waits and watches for me to notice. She thrives on the praise of her parents and peers. Nothing motivates her more! She is such a helpful daughter.
4. Our conversations- Maddison asks me the most earnest questions sometimes and has the capability to understand things that are way beyond her years. She is tenderhearted and cares about others. I know she'll be "a listener" who takes the time to understand what others are trying to say and will be a good friend to a lot of people in her life.
5. Her Stubbornness- sure it drives me insane sometimes, but I know in the long run (though trials may accompany) her desire to do things independently the way she sees they should be done (and perfectly I might add) will benefit her greatly in her life.
6. She's a cuddler- This is one of my favorite things about Maddi and I know it's a long shot, but I hope she loves to cuddle up to her parents her whole life! She loves to love and loves to be loved... what more could you ask for!!

I love you Maddison with all my heart and I am sooooo excited to watch you as a big sister to your two baby sisters. What fun we will have!

Ready for some suggestions

So I hate to say too much about names, because I have said this whole pregnancy, we reserve the right to change our minds, but... It's looking like we are going to name these girls Sage (no clue for a middle name) and Kaley June. I need some help from my friends and family. Mark chose the name Sage, he likes it because "it sounds western" so if anyone has some suggestions for a middle name that sounds cute with Sage and also with Kaley June, I'd love to hear them. Just leave a comment below and tell me what you think.

Also, I posted a Poll on the right sidebar- please vote and tell me how you think we should spell Kaley or Kailey, or leave a comment if you have a different Idea. (I've pretty much made up my mind to Start it with a "K" and end it with a "Y".)

Thanks for your help!

Kankles

This is how the day starts out. Just wait for an end of the day photo... it's awesome!

On to 1st grade we go.

I can't believe today is Maddi's last day of Kindergarten!!! (tomorrow doesn't count, school is only for 1 hour- so it's not really a "day" of school)

I am so proud of her and all of her accomplishments this year! Things started out rough for Maddison- she had strep throat 3 times before November and ended up getting her tonsils out the week of Thanksgiving! She missed 16 days of School in the first 3 months, setting a class record!! After her surgery though, she has been healthy and has not missed one single day. She got a little behind in the beginning of school and worked hard to catch up. We are so proud of her and all of her hard work and it has been such an exciting year to see her socialize and come out of her shell. She's made lots of new friends and I know she will do awesome next year as a first grader.

WE LOVE YOU MADDISON!!

Memorial Day in Monticello

Mark's Mom was raised in a very small town about 40 minutes past Moab Utah called Monticello. We try to go there at least once a year- usually the 24th of July weekend. This year that's obviously not going to happen, so at the last minute we decided to go for Memorial Day. We had lots of fun, I should have taken more photos, but of course I didn't. Here's a cute one of Maddi and Wyatt at "Jail Rock" one of the favorites for repelling.


I had to add in this photo of a birthday cake I made for my nephew Blake last week. He turned 4 yesterday. Happy Birthday Blake!

Updates

Here's a few pictures of the last few weeks. We've been busy as School is coming to a close. Wyatt's last day was Yesterday, they celebrated the end of the year with a Luau. Maddison's last day is next Friday. I can't believe that this fall I will have a full day student. (Not to mention 4 kids) First Grade, here we come!!



Fun Painting Grandma's New Playhouse!

Wyatt was super tired on Caitlin's graduation day. He couldn't even stay awake to eat Lunch!

Kindergarten Graduate Maddison!

Sego Lily Day Spa

Those of you who know me well
Know that time at the spa isn't a hard sell.
From facials to massages, pedicures and more
I love the treatments that heal my body so sore.
The luxurious pampering at Sego Lily Day Spa
helps me relax, I sit back and say "Ahhhhhhhh."
When Mark and I are feeling romantic
a couples massage will do the trick!
When I need some "Girl Only" time
group pedicures sound totally divine.
When my kids have pushed me over the top
a massage and facial always hit the spot.
I know I'll go home rejuvenated and refreshed
Sego Lily Day Spa TRULY is the best!
Why do I deserve all this luxury?
Don't ask me, ask the Jury:


See the cool contest I entered at Sego Lily Day Spa and enter it for yourself!
http://segolilyspa.com/blog/contest-entry/

Skiiers, Snowboarders... Eat your hearts out!!

There has never been a better time to be a skiier/snowboarder than right now in Utah. Every die hard knows that spring skiing is the best and last night (APRIL 15th for goodness sakes) We got over a foot in the VALLEY!!! This Morning there is fresh powder everywhere and the sun is Shining brightly! (It's supposed to be 65 on Sat and 70 on Sunday. Go figure!!

Awesome Chicken Enchiladas (Too good not to share)

You can modify the spices in this recipe if you like it more or less spicey.

2lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken cut up into 1/2 inc cubes
1/8 C Canola Oil
1T Chili Powder
1/2 T Cumin
1/2 onion chopped up
Cook in large pan on stove
Add 1 8oz can green chilis, stir and remove from heat (use 1/2 can if you like it less spicey)

In seperate pan prepare 1 package Spanish rice (I used rice a roni)
When finished cooking, add to chicken mixture

Pour 1/2 of a 28oz can red enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 pan (may have enough chicken mixture to do about 1 1/2 pans.)

Spoon Chicken Mixture into burrito size tortillas, roll up and place in pan.

Pour rest of Enchilada Sauce evenly over top of rolled up enchiladas
Sprinkle evenly with 2-3 cups cheese.

Bake at 350 for 30 minutes (lower temperature if you need to cook longer to accomadate a certain dinner time.) For softer enchiladas cook covered, for a crispier top, cook uncovered.

ENJOY!!

Holy Estrogen!

My biggest fears and Greatest joys are happening, and there's nothing I can do about it. Last night I spoke to my Dad on the phone and he told me that out of the three girls in my family, I was by far the most emotional. So call it what you want... karma... payback... retribution... but here it is: two more girls! I am so excited, but feeling sorry for Wyatt. I remember well the pubescent years where my poor brother would just lock himself in his room, or just not be home to avoid his 3 sisters, and I only hope that Wyatt will fare better. At least my brother was the oldest, he got out as early as he could. Wyatt is stuck right in the middle!! I really in all honesty think that he will love his sisters to death. He is so social, loving and happy that I think and hope he is great friends with them and I know they will mutually benefit from their siblings bringing home friends of the opposite sex when they are at the dating age. Who knows, maybe the twins will bring home a cute girl for Wyatt someday (after he's back from a mission.) We'll see. But for now, I am grateful to be blessed with such a wonderful wonderful family and excited for us to grow. Oh and who can be dissapointed at the thought of dressing TWO little baby girls in matching outfits! I have PLENTY of girl clothes, but I have a feeling that's not going to stop me from shopping.
I should mention before I end this long post, that they are fraternal, not identical, which I am very happy about. I think they will benefit from having their own identity since they will be sharing everything else pretty much!