The Hughes Family Blog

Christmas 2011

2012-02-16T14:58:00.002-07:00

Christmas Eve....

Because Christmas was on a Sunday this year we were spoiled and got to have John home with us Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. When we got up on Christmas Eve we didn't feel like making breakfast so went to IHOP to eat.

Abi and her Christmas Eve breakfast

Katie and her Christmas Eve breakfast

Christmas Day....

I love Christmas morning... It's so fun to watch the girls be excited for a day of family, food, gifts, and fun!!!

John and Katie opening Katie's Stocking

Abi showing me her note book

Abi and her stocking stuffers

Katie counting something.

Abi opening presents

The girls big present was Duplo Legos.

The girls enjoying their gifts by spreading them all over.

We went to Church with John's dad and then spent the day at his house

I love how the skirts I made for Christmas turned out. Such cute girls!!!

Sisters! They are each others best friends!

Katie could hardly wait to open gifts and thought all of them were for her. We convinced her that there were gifts for everyone and she helped pass out the gifts and open them in some cases.

Our girls were thoroughly spoiled by Johns family, they got movies, more Legos, dry erase boards, zippy toy cars, books, and a zoo membership.

Movies Dumbo, and Charlotte's Web

Abi opening Legos

Katie helping Papa Hughes open his gifts

Abi and mommy opening gifts

Katie opening Legos

Abi waiting patiently for John to give her a toy car to play with.

Our girls still enjoy their gifts everyday. They got toys that they really love!

One of the gifts that Katie got was a small snow globe from my parents. If you remember that is the one thing she asked for from Santa. Two days later she was holding it while dancing to the music and she tripped smashing it on a book case. She was sad but ok, My parents found another snow globe on clearance and this time she was walking and tripped and it broke on a chair. None the less my parents and I learned a lesson about 4 year olds and snow globes. They don't go together!

Ward Christmas party/ Nativity

2012-02-10T17:34:00.000-07:00

Katie got to be an angel in the Nativity performed at our ward Christmas party.

She was super cute and silly.

Seeing Santa

This was the first year Katie would sit on Santa's lap.
She asked for a snow globe that plays music.

Abi wouldn't sit with Santa, maybe next year.

Christmas Crafting

2012-02-09T15:04:00.000-07:00

December was a busy month of crafting. I did lots of sewing and baking. Here are some of the things I made.

I made this pillow cover out of some scrap fleece I had from a blanket I made as a gift a few years back.

The Christmas cover goes over the denim cover I made a few months ago.

This is what we gave to friends and neighbors for Christmas. The Two on the left are cleaned out Pringles cans wrapped in Christmas wrapping paper. The last one is a can we got cookies in last year.

This is what filled the cans for our friends and neighbors. Chocolate dipped sugar cookies, semi-homemade oreos, apple cider caramels, and faux turtles. Yum!!!

I can't get this picture to turn but these are coloring caddys I made for my girls for Christmas.

They hold crayons and a coloring book and there is still space for a small notebook or sticker sheets.

My girls Christmas skirts, thanks to my sister in law Katie for the material. Stay tuned , in a coming post I will have pictures of the girls wearing them.

Clips to match the skirts

Suit I made for my nephew Spencer

Spencer sporting said suit

Grandma and Spencer

He's such a cute kid!!!

I also stenciled some shirts for Spencer's big brothers but never got a pictures but I have to tell you they were Jedi themed and awesome!!!

Christmas Decor 2011

2012-02-03T15:25:00.003-07:00

Here is what our Christmas decor looked like this year....

Our little Christmas tree

Most of our decor. The tree is on a night stand behind that big piece of wood.
It worked great to keep the girls away from the tree!

I made this advent out of toilet paper rolls wrapped with wrapping paper. Took 50 pieces of candy out of the girls Halloween candy to fill them.

I love the way the advent gifts turned out. It was a fun little garland to have up during the holidays.

I made this pillow cover out of left over fleece from a project a previous Christmas.
It goes right over the denim covers I made previously.

This little people nativity is one of my favorite Christmas
decorations because I can let me girls play with it!

Random November 2011 Pictures

2012-02-03T14:22:00.001-07:00

Abi having nap time

I sat her up to try and wake her up but she stayed asleep anyway.

A baby blanket I made for one of John's co-workers.

The next group of pictures are of John's Aunt Chata and Uncle Leoncio. Chata is Alicia's sister, we are so glad they were able to come for the funeral. We enjoyed the time we spent with them, Katie loved Chata especially!

Katie had to have a turn getting pictures, she was being a stinker and sticking out her tongue.

Thanksgiving 2011

2012-02-03T14:14:00.000-07:00

For the month of November this year we had a Thankful tree. I made a tree out of paper I had saved from the packaging of some bookcases we got from Ikea. I then traced out my girls hands and then cut out a bunch, everyday they would tell me one thing they were thankful for. It was a fun project, Abi was usually thankful for whatever she could see at the moment. In the pictures its hard to see but above the tree it says "We're Thankful For..."

Our empty tree

The girls with some thankful hands

Silly faces!!!

On Thanksgiving, our full tree and funny faces.

Such Thankful Girls!!!

I have no pictures from our Thanksgiving dinner and festivities but it was a wonderful day spent with family. We ate our meal with my family but did go spend some time at John's dad and siblings.

Katie turns 4!!! November 2011

2012-01-25T13:47:00.001-07:00

I can hardly believe my Katie Lady is 4 years old but she is. This year she has truly become a big girl, she finally got potty trained early summer and so this fall she was able to start pre-school. She is such a good sister to Abi and loves to play with her, they are best friends. Katie tries to barter to get what she wants and sometimes gets it. She has learned how to be funny and will tell "jokes". She has so much energy and excitement for everything, I'm learning was living life to the fullest means from this 4 year old. I love this little red head and look forward to all she continues to learn and watching her grow up.

Birthday morning

Playing with baloons

We went to Arctic Circle for lunch and let the girls play in the play place.

We had a party that evening with all of our family and a few friends. It was a packed house but it was so much fun to celebrate Katie!

Her rocket with butterfly's and lady bugs pinata.
The rocket was my idea but, Katie requested the butterfly's and lady bugs.

It's made from an oatmeal container

It was a pull string pinata, so each kid pulled a ribbon and only
one ribbon opened the pinata.

Katie's butterfly, ladybug, rocket cake. We decided to make the pinata and cake match.
My friend made the cake and it was awesome!!!

Upstairs playing

Look at all those gifts!!! Katie is such a lucky girl

Our very packed living room

CAKE!!!

Daddy got a big flame going to light the candles!
Thanks Uncle Tommy for the picture.

Katie got so many gifts she loves them all!

WOW so many presents!!!!

Katie got this cute cape from some friends a couple weeks later.

Katie had a wonderful birthday, thank you to all the family and friends who made it such a special day for her.

Snow!!! November 5th 2011

2012-01-21T15:16:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed playing in the snow this day! It was a much needed fun break from the business of that week. The girls loved the snow and liked making snow balls.

Alicia Hughes 1948-2011

2012-01-17T12:30:00.000-07:00

John's mom had been battling terminal cancer for the last 3 years. Recently she was back in the hospital but was having a hard time recovering there was nothing more that the doctors could do. It was decided that she should spend her remaining time at home. November 4th she was supposed to come home but she passed away that afternoon.

We received a call from John's dad that morning that she was in a lot of pain and the hospital wouldn't be releasing her to come home. We hoped to arrive at Huntsman while she was still awake so we could all say goodbye. Alicia was in a lot of pain that morning and it was decided that pain reliever would be administered in higher and higher doses until she was unconscious. When we entered the room we could tell she was hurting, but even through all the pain she put on a smile and told Katie and Abi how much she loved them. The girls gave her loves and hugs. She and I hugged as well and told each other how much we loved each other, and as always, she told me I was beautiful. It was a tender moment. We stayed for a while and then left to take the girls home so John could return later. She passed away before he was able to return though he did go up to the hospital and spend the evening with his dad and siblings.

The next few days were filled with family meetings, phone calls to family and friends to pass the news, and a trip to the mortuary to get everything ready for the funeral. We went through a lot of pictures and it was fun to see so many photos I had never seen before. That week was spent with John's family, we went over to Johns dad's every day. The girls got to know their Aunt and Uncles better than they have before and it was really sweet to see those relationships develop. That week Alicia's sister Chata and her Husband Leoncio came from La Paz for the funeral. My girls, especially Katie, got attached to Chata during their stay.

The Obituary

Alicia Higuera Hughes

"Missionary transferred, not released"
Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister returned to the loving arms of our Heavenly Father 4 November 2011.
Alicia was born 14 February 1948 to Luis and Gertrudiz P. Higuera in La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico. At 17 she was taught by missionaries and baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served faithfully in her branches and wards and for two years in the Monterrey Mexico Mission. She studied music at the National Institute of Fine Arts of Mexico. On 4 August 1977 Alicia married the man of her dreams, Steven Hughes, and together they were blessed with four children: D. Thomas, T. Aileen, Jonathan, John (Britta); and grandchildren: Katherine and Abigail Hughes. She enjoyed spending time with her family with whom she shared a love of reading, gardening, nature and music. Her family was always her priority and she made countless sacrifices to make sure they were always happy. Alicia was devoted to the gospel of Jesus Christ and missionary work her whole life. Alicia and Steven served as Stake and Ward missionaries for over a decade and she counted the experience as one of the most rewarding of her life. She was always willing to help those in need and to do whatever she could to brighten their day.
She is preceded in death by her grandparents; parents; siblings: Alejandro, Teresa, Armando, and Luiciano M. She is survived by her husband; children; siblings: Luis Manuel and Amalia.
Alicia and her family would like to thank the friends who gave their support and the wonderful people of the Huntsman Cancer Institute and Hospital for their care and service
Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 12, 2011, 11:00 a.m. at the Taylorsville 12th Ward, 4505 So. Brian's Way (3425 W.). Viewings will be held Friday, 6-8 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road and Saturday at the church, 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Published in Deseret News from November 9 to November 10, 2011

I see Abi in this picture of Alicia

The Funeral Program

The Viewing and Funeral

There was a viewing Friday night at the mortuary and many family and friends came to share their condolences and it was very appreciated. I feel at that point grieving finally started for me. I had been fine all week but seeing all of those loved ones brought out my emotions. The funeral was beautiful. Tommy gave a life story and it was so nice to hear about her life and stories that I had never heard before. I asked for a copy because I feel it would be so sad not to have this information for our daughters to know about their grandma. I will post the transcript farther down. Steve's cousin's husband, David Young spoke and related the story "Love You Forever" showing the love of a mother as her son grows, he spoke of Alicia's sacrifices for her children. Then President Wells, who was her mission president, spoke about how vibrant she was as a missionary and about the lives of other missionary's that she had touched. He also spoke about the Plan of Salvation and the knowledge that we will once again be reunited with her. Steve even took some time at the end and spoke about what Alicia would have wanted to say. He expressed her love for everyone and spoke of her as a lifelong missionary. She loved the gospel and would share it with everyone she possibly could. The musical numbers were beautiful, and there was a very lovely spirit throughout the funeral. I of course cried through most of it. After the funeral we headed to the Salt Lake Cemetery for the graveside service. It was a bit rainy, very windy, and cold. I don't know if I had ever been to the Salt Lake Cemetery before, it is very charming and a fitting place for Alicia's body to rest.

Steve and Alicia's engagement photo

Steve and Alicia's wedding announcement.
It was printed in both English and Spanish.

Alicia in her wedding dress

Her Life Story

Alicia Higuera Hughes was born the 14th of February 1948. She was born in the city of La Paz in the state of Baja California Sur, Mexico. Her parents were Luis Higuera Murillo and Gertrudiz Peña Higuera. She the youngest of their eight children.

She was a gifted child and even when she was several years younger than her siblings that were going off to school she got permission to go with her sister several years her senior. At first she was allowed to sit in the class and observe but she picked things up so quickly that she was soon performing above the level of the others in the class. She was allowed to continue attending as a student. Having started school much earlier than normal she graduated when she was still very young and applied to law school but was told she too young to be considered at that point. She elected to study at the National Institute of Fine Arts of Mexico.

While attending there she was introduced by the head of the school, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, to missionaries who taught and later baptized her when she was 17 years old. She served in different roles in the church in the area she lived in and later served as a missionary in the Monterey Mission in Mexico. To finance this she sold a piano that she loved and had purchased after saving for many years. She served for 2 years and developed a love of missionary work that stayed with her throughout her life.

After her mission, while helping with clean up and relief work from a hurricane that had struck the area she got to know Steven Hughes, an acquaintance from his time there as a missionary, who was also there to aid in relief work. They began a correspondence that led to their eventual engagement and marriage in the Salt Lake temple on 4 August 1977.

They started their life together while Steven was a student and although things were difficult financially they started a family soon after. Within a few years they found and moved to the home where she would spend the rest of her life. She was devoted to her family and even when she began to struggle with health issues she remained an example of hard work to those around her.

She made friends everywhere she went and maintained those friendships throughout her life. She loved and forgave easily and went out of her way to help anyone she could. She always had a special place in her heart for children and the elderly she met and loved spending time with both.

She didn't wait to be asked for, help she would look for the opportunity and did so quietly without most ever knowing what she had done. She thought nothing of giving and helping others even when it meant making sacrifices to do so. Even when she was struggling with her health she pushed herself to do things for others many times to the point of literal collapse. She quietly picked herself up and kept going and considered helping those she cared for worth the sacrifice.

Her religion and desire to be close to God was never something she fit into her life, it was a part of everything she did. Things that could be easily be taken for granted like attending church services and reading her scriptures required special effort and planning. She read daily while her sight was failing from cataracts and she struggled to even turn pages. She made huge efforts to go to church on Sundays against medical advice and the days she spent in bed in pain recovering from the effort, and did so week after week.

One of her greatest joys in life was becoming a grandmother. She loved her granddaughters dearly. No matter what was going on, no matter how she was feeling, she always had a smile for them. Even in her last hours of life she smiled through the pain when she saw them.

Her life was lived as a demonstration of what she believed. She was an amazing person and will be sorely missed

We would like to express our most sincere thanks to all the family and to all those that were her friends through the years, to those who helped during all the times she was sick and in the hospital and after she passed away. We would also like to thank all those involved in her care especially those at the Huntsman Cancer Institute and Hospital. The efforts made and the compassionate care given throughout her illness will always be remembered and greatly appreciated.

Alicia lost a battle with cancer, a disease that claims too many lives. We would ask everyone to be informed and be screened.

Written and given by Thomas Hughes

Family picture, Alicia, Steve and Aileen on the right and
the boys top to bottom are Tommy, Bobby, and John.

It is wonderful to know that she is not in pain anymore and that she is reunited with many loved ones. I'm sure she is doing missionary work and when she has spare time I'm sure she is looking down on her family. I have days where I miss her very much, and I wish I could talk to her about the girls or about John, but I can't. Steve has had the hardest time of any of us. He misses his companion, I hope he knows that his children, daughter in law, and granddaughters love him very much. I know John thinks of his dad and how he is doing often, the last few years Steve has been a wonderful care taker and now can rest from that. John looks forward to times when they can go and do things together they both enjoy or talk about things they have in common. We have talked to the girls about Alicia and Katie will tell us she misses Grandma Hughes. We remind her that Grandma still loves her and one day we can all be with her again. We will show our girls pictures of Grandma Hughes often and tell them stories of her life and how much she loves them. I hope that by doing this our girls will be able to know their Grandma although she is not here.

Abi and Grandma Hughes July 2010

Grandma Hughes and Katie January 2008

John and Alicia at our wedding reception

As the weeks, months, and years go by I plan to share many photos and memories we have of Alicia. I want my children to know her and I feel this is a good place to put those memories so that they will have access to them.

Denim Pillow Covers

2011-12-28T13:22:00.000-07:00

We've needed pillows for our couch and chair for a long time. I had gotten some pillow forms from amazon but we didn't have money to go buy fabric. So what did I do, I gathered some of our old jeans that I've been saving in case I ever want to make a denim quilt and made pillow covers.

The pocket side

I used one pair of jeans per pillow so that the wash of the denim would all be the same. I also made sure each pillow had a pocket.

The other side

The first two are made from Johns old jeans and the last one from mine. I really like how they turned out, and the fabric was cheap as free Yay!

This is how I like them placed on our couch and chair.
They are rarely there usually a child has tossed them to the ground.

Random October 2011 Pictures

2011-12-08T14:54:00.001-07:00

Daddy and Abi sharing popcorn

Daddy and the girls at the home at Wheeler Farm

Katie

Playing outside

Add caption

Sleepy Abi

Halloween 2011

2011-12-08T14:44:00.001-07:00

We had a fun October filled with fun Halloween activities here are a few of them.

This ghost family is made out of glue we squeezed glue onto wax paper and added black paper eyes and orange bows for the girls and a tie for the daddy ghost. I wish I had gotten a picture after we peeled them off the wax paper and hung them up but I didn't. I fond this idea on Pinterest then on this blog post. They used googly eyes which would have been way cute too!

I also got this idea from Pinterest which linked to this blog post. I used tissue paper I ripped into strips and wrapped around fun size kit-kats. These went to school with Katie for all her classmates.

Yet another Pinterest item. Candy corn cookies, Katie decieded she loves candy corn so I thought these would be fun. This idea is found here. I used Alton browns sugar cookie recipe for the dough.

I made ghost pancakes for breakfast one day using chocolate chips for the eyes.

Here's our jack-o-lanterns this year, mine is on the left and John's is on the left.

This is the best picture we could get with the girls and pumpkins.

Halloween Day!!!

The girls were Pirates, Abi insisted they were pirate princesses. I made their skirts and swords using this tutorial. They are made by Lindsey Bordman of Filth Wizardry, she has great projects to do with little ones. The shirts I used this freezer stencil tutorial from Dana at the MADE blog, I just found a skull and cross bones I liked and then followed her tutorial. I used glow in the dark fabric paint and they turned out awesome, after Halloween I put the shirts in with their regular clothes because they are so cute.

Abi had a good nap.

Abi swinging

Katie playing

Dueling Pirates

Katie in purple as a pirate princess

Abi in Pink as a pirate princess

More dueling

Katie

At the trunk or treat

We had little skull and cross bones temporary tattoos

Pants for Katie October 2011

2011-12-08T13:57:00.001-07:00

Katie was in desperate need of pants, she was in between pant sizes it seemed everything was either too short or too long. I had some fabric my mother in law had given me and used it to make these cute pants using this tutorial and pattern from MADE. I made the flat front version for this pair. I love the knee pads I think they are so cute

She was also in need of pajama pants as well. I used the same pattern and tutorial (not flat front though) to make these 2 pairs. This first pair of ducky pj's is made from an old pair of my pj's I had made years ago but didn't wear anymore.

These pj's I made from fabric I had bought a couple years ago but had never used. I added the butterfly knee pads for fun but I think I will stick to simpler knee pad shapes from here on.

Random September Pictures

2011-11-02T14:01:00.000-06:00

Watching a show, I don't know why they are under the cushions.
Well... yes I do... it's cuz they are silly!

Chocolate!!!

Abi and her silly faces.

Katie sneaking some of John's soda.

She know she's been caught!

Aunt Mary and Uncle Mitch gave Katie a pencil for school it's made of recycled
news papers and smells like peppermint. She loves it.

Cute Katie!

My cousin Kevin Olson was in town and came by for dinner.

Abi in one of Papa's hats

Katie in one of Papa's hats

Abi being cute!

Katie all dressed up for her first tea party.

John and the girls having a Sunday afternoon nap.

Abi fell asleep on the floor one day.

She was tuckered out!

Crafting for Birthday presents September 23, 2011

2011-11-02T12:11:00.000-06:00

My girls had a birthday party to go to for 3 kids from the same family. I decided to make their gifts.

For the little boy Abi's age I made a car caddy. I actually made two because there is another little boy in our ward obsessed with cars and his little fists are always full of them so I decided he needed one too. I found this tutorial on the Homemade by Jill blog. It is so cute I'm planning to make more for other two year old boy's in our lives.

For the twin girls I made ribbon bow hangers and head bands. I think they turned out so cute! The head bands I saw here and had to make them. Then I used this tutorial for the orange clips at the bottom of the ribbon bow hangers. We have one bow holder but need another and I want to make head bands like these for my girls if I find some time somewhere!

All gifts were well received! I want to do more homemade gifts for my girls and their friends, it's fun for me and they are always original gifts.

Grandma Arlene's Frosting September 19, 2011

2011-11-02T11:55:00.001-06:00

For my birthday I wanted to make my own cake mainly for this frosting! My grandma makes the most amazing frosting. Not many have conquered the technique but I'm happy to say that I do a pretty good job of making it. You can make chocolate like I did this time, or caramel. There is also Grandma Katie Icing that is similar but vanilla flavored with nuts.

Here's the recipe and how to.

Grandma Arlene Chocolate Frosting

2 cups sugar

1 cup cream

2 Tbsp coco powder

1 tsp vanilla

extra cream if needed

Mix sugar, cream, and coco powder in a sauce pan

With the lid on cook over medium heat until sugar is melted. I know this is done when is starts to bubble out of the lid. This is important because if sugar grains fall in it will crystallize.

Let it cook to soft ball candy stage

Take it off the heat and let it cool down. I'm impatient so I put it in an ice bath.

Start stirring, this is always my grandpa's job and now it's John's job too!

Keep stirring and add vanilla until it looks like this, slightly runny but spreadable. If it hardens up add some drops of cream to loosen it

Frost your cake and enjoy!

It's the best frosting ever!!!

Rainbow September 16 ,2011

2011-11-02T11:43:00.000-06:00

John took these pictures from his window at work, with his cell phone.

Alumni Homecoming Party, September 9, 2011

2011-10-28T14:42:00.000-06:00

John and I graduated Ten years ago from Taylorsville High School. We weren't going to be able to attend the reunion due to a family reunion, but the reunion was canceled due to what seemed to be a lack of interest. After it was canceled many of our former classmates showed interest on Facebook, the Class student body officers asked who would be interested in helping to plan. I had some ideas as I had been helping with my family reunion so John and I attended a meeting to brainstorm ideas. Here is the out come we would have a small get together before this years homecoming game and then next summer we will have a 10 + 1 Reunion. John and I attended the get together, many stayed for the game and others showed up for the game but we decided not to.

Our class get together was held in the commons area at the High School (Originally it was going to be on the Tennis courts but it was rainy so we moved inside.)

Here are some pictures from the evening.

The upper commons

Abi running around on the lower commons, (where the pit used to be)

The vending machines were the kids favorite place to play.

Katie and the Nicoll kids

People catching up

Katie starts preschool, September 6, 2011

2011-10-28T14:30:00.000-06:00

Katie has started school! Pre-school that is, she is attending Early Scholars with a couple other kids from our ward. The teachers are two sisters and Katie loves it! It's two days a week two hours a day, she is always so proud of the things she does.

Here are pictures of her first day.

She got sick of pictures fast and this is her ignoring me.

We had ordered her a backpack but it had yet to come
so she borrowed one of my bags.

Abi had to come to drop her sister off.

At the home school is held at, giving me her fake smile.

This is after school with her name tag.

Her backpack came before her second day of school

It's a cute owl backpack, she loves it and so do I.

Abi misses her sister while she's gone and loves it when I will take her with to drop off or pick up Katie. The first day after we dropped Katie off we got in the car and right away Abi said, "I miss Cake-y" and then when we got home she said, "I miss Cake-y again" it was so sweet and sad. (Yes Abi call Katie Cake-y sounds just that way. We all call her that at times now.) Everyday when Katie comes home Abi gives her a big hug. It's very sweet!

Abi turns two! September 3, 2011

2011-10-28T13:53:00.000-06:00

My little one is two! That just seems crazy! It has been a wonderful two years getting to know Abi's personality. She can be the sweetest little thing, and gives the nicest little kisses. But she is also a two year old. If you have ever wanted to see a kid in their terrible two stage come on over, you wont have to stay long before Abi has a fit of some sort. I love listening to my girls play together and have conversations, they crack me up. The two of them can really truly play together now and that is wonderful, I hope they become each others best friends. One of the girls new favorite games they call dress up, they get in Abi's tent she got for her birthday (picture of it to follow) and then use puzzle pieces as money to "buy" the dresses the princesses pictured on the tent are wearing. Abi is a talker she can say anything we ask her and is good at expressing herself. She tells me she loves me often and loves to be with her mom. When she wants to be held she'll say "I want to hold you", I can't often resist her request. Abi loves books and I will hear her "reading" to herself often. I love this little girl and look forward to watching her grow and learn.

We had a party for her at our house and had a pinata and cake. We invited our families and a few friends and ended up with quite the group. It was fun to celebrate together!

Good morning birthday girl!

Birthday girl napping.

Pinata, made from a Costco Goldfish box.

Abi having a terrible two moment and the pinata.

Abi's cake!

The Mayfields and The Lee's

My mom talking with John's parents.

John and his brothers, Tommy and Bobby

Grandpa Hughes letting Abi take pictures with his phone

Grandpa Nolan and Jack

Katie, Abi and Issac.

Abi's presents she was a bit spoiled!

Abi getting ready to hit the pinata

Hit it Abi!!!

Jacks turn.

Issac knew right what to do.

Liam gave it a try

Katie giving it a go.
This was her first time being blind folded for a pinata,
She did pretty good!

Now for the older kids

Luc

Ella

Becca had some aggression to get out!

We finally let Becca take off the blind fold and beat the tar out of the pinata.
It was a hard one to break!

Want some!

John and his siblings

I made Abi this cute yellow dress out of a dress shirt for her birthday.
Thanks Grandpa Hughes for the shirt!

Front view. Abi showing her muscles!

All of Abi's gifts. Thanks everyone she loves them!

Para-cord bracelets for gifts

2011-10-25T16:11:00.000-06:00

I found THIS tutorial to make para-cord bracelets and then many of my friends and family received one for their birthdays. I think they can be both cool and cute (especially when using purple handy hundred). They are meant to be survival-ish type bracelets with nearing 10 feet of rope that can be used in a tight situation.

Building a fort, August 26, 2011

2011-10-25T16:04:00.001-06:00

The girls had a week where they wanted a fort all the time. Here are pictures from one of the days. They played under there for hours. The TV was also in view so some movie watching also happened.

Going to the Park, August 24, 2011

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We went to Murray park for a picnic and play one day here are some pictures of our adventures.

Random August Pictures

2011-10-25T16:01:00.002-06:00

Grandpa Hughes came over to play for a bit

Looking for a story

John's Aunt Chata was in town. John's mom loved having her sister here.

Kristin and Issac over for play group. He's giving the baby doll kisses! So Cute!

Issac still playing with the baby.

Our girls asleep in our bed.

Abi dressing in daddy's tie

Abi in daddy's socks and shoes

More of Abi in daddy's socks and shoes

Dinner at the park with friends

Katie and Elija

At John's parents with family friends visiting from Spain

Katie is the center of attention, just like she likes.

Abi napping in the chair.

I made this peasant top for Abi, I made one for Katie also but it didn't turn out.

Our silly girls!

Fabric Recycling: A suit for Jack

2011-10-25T15:56:00.000-06:00

My Nephew, Jack turned 1 at the end of July and I had seen this cute idea to attach a vest to a onsie. My dad had an old pair of dress pants he was getting rid of so I used them to make this cute outfit. The vest idea was from B is for Boy and the Pants are the Kid Pants tutorial from Made I just sized them down a bit although they ended up a bit long.

Jack in his suit. What a handsome little guy!

Going out to dinner August 6, 2011

2011-10-20T16:37:00.001-06:00

John's Birthday is the end of July but we never got around to going out for a birthday date until August. We went to our favorite Asian restaurant, Asian Star we have been going here since high school and love it.

Me after finishing my appetizer.
I wish we would have gotten a picture of the yummy-ness that is lettuce wraps.

Our food, yes we order enough for a family not two people
but we love the food so much that leftovers are welcome.
What you see here is beef with snow peas in the back, then pon pon chicken,
and in the front strawberry chicken.

John loves the strawberry chicken so much it gets it's own picture.
This is not on the menu, it is special request only.

John's plate before he began eating.

John digging in.

Daddy's work August 5th, 2011

2011-10-20T15:39:00.002-06:00

John's department at work got moved to a new building. They had a work party with family invited. The girls loved seeing where Daddy works!

Daddy let the girls make a phone call while at work. They loved it!!!

Rainy day August 1st, 2011

2011-10-20T15:27:00.000-06:00

We had a very rainy beginning of August. We at times get a "lake" in front of our home, we call it "Derhak Lake" in honor of the Derhak's that live across the street. The drain in front of their home gets clogged with all the leaves and sticks from the neighborhood, maybe one day the city will get it fixed for good but it's been this way all my life. The lake was always fun to go play in, I remember that if it was a warm rainy day I would put on my swim suit and go out to play in the "lake". My girls enjoyed getting out in the water this day.

Looking from our driveway to the Derhak's

Abi got right in the water

This is where the drain is on our side of the street.

Our parking strip was nearly covered.

Grandma decided to come play with the girls.

Going for a little walk

I love this picture of my Mom with my girls.

My mom and Abi's feet in walking down the flooded sidewalk.

Random July Pictures

2011-10-20T15:09:00.001-06:00

Here are all the random pictures from the month.

POPS!!! My girls love these and so does my dad.
(He's the one who always buys them)

Abi

Katie

We went up to Layton and visited Johns Grandma. The girls always love to visit Grandma Twila, and so do John and I.

Abi up in Grandma Twila's tree.

Katie up in Grandma Twila's tree.

In Grandma Twila's backyard.

Katie talking with Grandma Twila

From our garden

Look at the yummy carrots my dad grew

We had lots of carrots and onions this year.
Makes for lots of yummy food!

From our camping trip.

Katie wearing Uncle Bobby's sunglasses while they were fishing.

Families Are Forever July 30th 2011

2011-10-10T15:28:00.002-06:00

Back in March my brother Chris adopted his daughter Libbie. On July 30th they were sealed at the Salt Lake Temple. I'm so grateful that I could attend, this was the first child to parents sealing I've been to. It was beautiful and very sweet.

Chris and Katie are wonderful parents they love Libbie and Libbie loves them.

Katie, Chris, and Libbie
An Eternal Family

My parents outside the temple

Everyone who attended the sealing.

Chris and Katie were so sweet to provide a lunch for everyone afterwards.

My dad and oldest brother Jay

Abi helping her cousin Jack with his pacifier

Katie and her cousin Gen

Silly Abi chasing down her older cousins

My Aunt Elaine

2011-10-08T00:00:00.000-06:00

My great-Aunt Elaine passed away recently, it was a very tender time for my family. She was like another grandmother to us, my mom thought of her as a sister.

Elaine Kirkpatrick

1933 ~ 2011

Alice Elaine Probert Kirkpatrick, age 78, passed away in her Scipio, Utah home on 3 October 2011 after a valiant fight with cancer which she contracted from being a "Downwinder." Sincere appreciation is expressed to Dr. Saundra S. Buys and her staff for their help in prolonging Elaine's life, and to Jon Huntsman for creating the excellent Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City. Thank you to IHC Hospice and Home Health and Nurse Denise Allgood and Pam Robison and Donna Crapo for their excellent care.

Elaine was born on 31 July 1933 in Provo, Utah to Samuel Don Probert and Genevieve Alice Peterson, the last of their five children. She grew up in Scipio, and graduated from Utah State University in Logan with a degree in Elementary Education. She married Stewart Raymond Kirkpatrick on 1 June 1956 in Scipio. They were sealed for eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on 23 March 1984.

Kirk's service in the Air Force took them to Texas, Turkey, Virginia, Colorado, and Hawaii. When he retired, they moved to Farmington, Utah and lived there for 32 years.

Elaine has served in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a teacher, counselor, and president of the Primary, Young Women's, and Relief Society organizations. She was very active in the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers and served as first vice president on the central board in Salt Lake City in the 1980s. Kirk and Elaine served two LDS missions in Hawaii and Istanbul, Turkey. They have lived in Scipio for the past 4 years. Every place they have lived, Elaine has made special friends, loving them and they loving her.

Elaine is survived by her husband of 55 years and their three children, Stewart (Kelly) of Billings, Montana, Mark (Sue) of West Valley City, Utah, and Suzie

(Chris) Roseville, California, 15 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, her sister Arlene (Jay) Memmott, and her brother Dick (Thelma) Probert of Scipio; sister-in-laws, Gloria Probert, Scipio, UT and Shirley Probert, Scipio, UT. Preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Carl Probert and Bud Probert.

Funeral service will be held Friday Oct 7 at noon at Scipio Ward, 85 W 100 N Street. The family will receive family and friends from 10 to 11:30 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will be in the Scipio Cemetery. Funeral arrangements by Rasmussen Mortuary, Mount Pleasant, Utah.

Elaine and Kirk before their LDS mission to Turkey

I was able to attend Elaine's funeral, it was beautiful. My mother gave the tribute and said, "She's probably planning a party." I think so too! Elaine loved to have people around. She touched many lives, Elaine made everyone she knew feel important and special. She was very genuine and real. I truly feel that I'm a better person because I knew her.

Front of funeral program

Inside of the funeral program

The Pallbearers put their butoners on the casket. Her grand daughters made pink ribbons for Breast Cancer Awareness for those attending the funeral, and many put their ribbons on the casket.

Elaine wanted a pink casket and got it, even the vault was painted pink.

Elaine in a pioneer costume as a child

Elaine during her high school years
with the smile Kirk loved.

Thanks to Elaine's daughter-in-law Sue Kirkpatrick for getting me many of these pictures.

Pioneer Day July 25, 2011

2011-10-07T20:03:00.000-06:00

This year July 24th, or Pioneer Day as it's called around these parts, fell on a Sunday thus it was celebrated on Monday. John had to work during the day but after we headed up to my oldest brother Jay's house for a BBQ and fireworks. My parents and my other brother Chris and his family came as well.

Scipio July 22nd 2011

2011-10-05T14:57:00.000-06:00

We stayed in Scipio one night after camping. It was wonderful to spend some time with my Grandparents and to see Aunts, Uncles, and cousins.

Abi decided to take a nap, my soft belly makes a good pillow :) !!

We went down to my Uncle Randy's and Aunt Mylene's house who had some of their grandkids over. The girls had a blast jumping on the trampoline with them. Mylene was filling up water balloons for the girls to jump with. They loved it when they popped!

My girls playing with Addison in the blue and Emily in the orange.

We love our extended family and can't wait to see them again!

Our 2nd Camping trip of the year.

2011-10-04T11:20:00.001-06:00

We decided that since our first camping trip was so much fun that we would go again. Back to Maple Grove we went.We went July 21st to the 22nd . This time Johns brother Uncle Bobby joined us.

Highlights of the camping trip were: the rope swing, Uncle Bobby's fishing stuff (Katie was so excited to fish with him), having a fire, and roasting hot dogs. We had only two mishaps: Katie poked herself in the eye with a stick, it was a little red for a day but that's all, she listened to us after that about to waving the sticks around. And Abi tripped and touched the edge of the fire pit it burnt her hand a little, luckily it was just a little red and no blisters, the girls had to sit in chairs by the fire pit at all times after that. We wish we were able to camp more this year but it just didn't happen, we hope to go more often next year.

Katie on the rope swing.

Abi on the rope swing

A picture of my beautiful Kaite

John chopping wood.

The girls playing on a rock.

Katie

Abi practicing her jumping

Me and my girls

Our Family

John holding Abi's burnt hand in the water to stop the burning.

Uncle Bobby and Katie fishing

The fish they caught, Katie was so excited but wouldn't touch the fish.

Big seeding thistle

Abi swing with Daddy, she doesn't look to sure about it.

Katie loved swinging.

Thanks Bobby for most of the pictures.

Stay tuned for the second night of our trip when we stayed in Scipio.

Fabric Recycling

2011-10-04T10:53:00.001-06:00

I'm very into fabric recycling lately. I love to sew but at times fabric can cost just as much as buying a new clothing item. Using our old clothes is free, the only down side is there is only enough fabric to make clothes for the girls. One day I will sew for my self more. This skirt was made from one of my mom's old shirts.

The Shirt Dress

2011-09-28T14:07:00.000-06:00

What will these two old shirts of John's become you ask? Dresses for my girls of course!

I found this tutorial for making a girls dress out of a mens dress shirt just before Abi was born. I used the basic pattern to make Abi's blessing dress...

It is such an easy tutorial to follow, in fact Dana the made blog author has so many easy and cute tutorials I now follow her blog regularly.

Katie wore her shirt dress for Fathers day, it was all ready except the hem.

Katie's finished dress

I got Abi's dress done too.

I removed and replaced the shirt pocket with added lace I think it added much cuteness to the dresses.

The back of the dresses

You can wear the dress while eating cookies!

Or while doing summersaults!

I love these dresses so much I'll be making more!

Where have I been?

2011-09-28T13:37:00.001-06:00

Busy being a mom, isn't that enough... I actually have come to update the blog a couple times but my pictures were having some issues but that is now resolved I will be playing catch up from July. A lot has happened, camping, birthday's and lots of sewing by me. I hope you enjoy..

Abi's first Camping trip

2011-07-15T14:29:00.013-06:00

We went camping at the Maple Grove campground overnight June 30th. This Campground is just past Scipio and so we also got to stop for a few minutes and see my grandparents and my great aunt. We met up with my oldest Brother Jay and his family who had gone up the day before. It was a lot of fun, the girls loved it and slept pretty well. Now prepare for picture over load!

Having lunch when we first arrived at the campground.
Katie's tummy is full!

Me and the girls snuggling in the tent.

Abi is sitting on Johns stomach in this picture, they are having fun playing.

There is a squrill on our picnic table in this picture, its hard to see but is just left of the sprite bottles.

Cheese!

Katie's first experience roast marshmallows. She is sitting on her cousin Rebecca's lap.

My nephew Luc enjoying a marshmallow.

Genevieve, Rebecca, Katie, and John. John is seeing how Katie likes her first Smore. Yum Yum!

Abi fell asleep soon after sitting down by the campfire. I enjoyed holding my sweet little girl!

Katie found this caterpiller on a tree while just before bed.

The next morning while cleaning up our tent the girls enjoyed playing.

They are sitting on our big family sleeping bag in its stuff sack pretending its a horse.

Luc and Rebecca on top of a big bolder near where we camped.

The girls enjoyed putting rocks, sticks, and leaves on this log.

The night we got home we set up our tent again to clean it out and decided to leave it up and sleep in it again in the yard.

The girls thought it was great fun expecially because John loaded a kid show on his tablet and they got to watch it in the tent also there was fun to be had playing in their pools right outside the tent.

Random June Pictures

2011-07-08T14:24:00.004-06:00

The girls love to get the slide wet and then go down it!

June 16th was my and Johns 11th anniversary of our first kiss. He got the girls and me flowers!

The girls with their cousin Libbie

Katie in a dress I made out of one of Johns old dress shirts. I will have a post about this later.

One day I wanted to go into Jo-Anns and John found that a great reason to go into Sports Authority, he had Katie with him and they played some golf on their little putting green. When we met back up Katie told me they played golf and she won!

Katie in Daddy's flip flops.

Taylorsville Dayzz

2011-07-04T13:59:00.006-06:00

We went to Taylorsville Dayzz on Saturday June 25th. We didn't stay long but saw a little bit of the parade had a treat and did a few rides. We all rode the Carousel together, Abi loved it and was sad to get off. Katie rode the below roller coaster all by herself, I thought she would be scared but she thought it was wonderful.

Last the girls rode this little train and had a great time!

For as little as we did, it seemed a bit costly but it still was fun and made for a good family outing.

Playing at the park and feeding the ducks (and geese)!

2011-07-04T13:28:00.008-06:00

We enjoyed a few trips to the Jorden River Parkway during June. The girls loved the playground and feeding the ducks.

John brought a rope for some reason and it became a great play thing.

A mama duck and her babies!

A goose family!

Going down the slide with Abi!
Katie loved this slide and went down it countless times.

More ducks!

We love playing outside!

Fathers Day!

2011-06-29T14:15:00.006-06:00

"A father’s calling is eternal, and its importance transcends time. It is a calling for both time and eternity." President Ezra Taft Benson

How very lucky I am to have wonderful fathers in my life, all who hold the priesthood and honor it. Growing up I felt lucky to have a dad that did so much for our family, he was always busy with work and church. When he wasn't doing work or church stuff he was likely mowing the lawn or trying to take care of something around the house or yard. I remember if he got to sit with us in Sacrament meeting it was really special, probably because he would have some type of candy (Lifesavers or Werthers) to share :) ! When we did get to spend time together on weekends or on vacations I loved just being around him. He has always encouraged me to do, and be, my best. I have always felt he wants the best for me and now also for my family. My girls love their Grandpa Nolan and would rather have him than anyone else at home. Often at our house you will hear Abi yelling "Papa!!! Papa!!!" up the stairs from our gate down stairs, this is her plea for him to come get her and save her from the boring mommy. I love my dad so much, me and my family feel so lucky to have him in our lives.

I feel lucky to have a great father-in-law as well. He is a great man who has many responsibilities and yet I never hear him complain. He works very hard to help his family in every way he can. He taught John to be a great man, to work hard, and to love and care for his wife and family (which John does very well by the way). The work ethic John has he has learned from his father, they both can work very hard and know how to get a job done! Whenever we visit Steve always takes time to talk to me and cares about how I'm doing and how I'm handling motherhood. He makes me feel like a valuable addition and member of their family. My girls love their Papa Hughes, and from the second we enter his home until we leave they want his attention. He is such a great grandpa and indulges almost all of their whims. I'm sure when we leave he is worn out and ready for a nap. We all love Papa Hughes lots and lots!
My Grandpa Memmott has always been one of my favorite people. He turned 92 at the end of June and gets out to do his chores like feeding cattle and bailing hay. I think he is amazing! He loves his grand kids and great grand kids so much and you can see it on his face when you visit. We all love him too!
John is such a wonderful Daddy! I think as parents and partners we balance each other out pretty well and when one of us is frustrated with the girls the other can step in and help with disciplining or with loving them. Our girls love when daddy is home, when we get up the first thing they do is check to see if he is home or if he is gone to work. When he is home in the mornings they are very excited because they know he will be home all day. I am so grateful that he honors his priesthood and that he can give us blessing when we need and that we are an eternal family. It's wonderful to know that he loves me and our girls, he truly makes my life wonderful! I love you John Boy!

This is The Place

2011-06-29T13:35:00.004-06:00

We went to This is The Place on their Huntsman Free day. We went late in the day, it was crazy busy, and didn't get to do much but still had fun.

The girls got to see some animals at the petting area.

They had a pony ride and loved it!

And we enjoyed some ice cream.

We also rode the train. That was all we got to do, as we showed up an hour before closing. I didn't mind the short stay, it was hot! Everything was free and the girls had fun so it was worth the trip.

Visiting Great Grandma

2011-06-29T13:26:00.003-06:00

We went up to Layton to visit John's Grandma at the beginning of the month. John and his brother were able to help her with some yard work and the girls and I enjoyed visiting with Grandma Twila and playing with all her toys.

Katie and Daddy climbing Grandmas tree

Katie and Grandma playing.
The side of Uncle Bobby's head, Katie playing with Grandma, and Abi and I playing.

Our girls love Grandma Twila, especially Katie. She would visit Grandma Twila all the time if she could, Katie loves to play with her.

Geography Club

2011-06-29T13:20:00.002-06:00

When John was in Elementary he part of his schools Geography Club. His mom found his old Geography Club T-shirt while he was serving his mission. Recently Katie was in need of some PJ's and we decided this shirt wouild make a great night shirt for her. She loves to wear it.

Taking Pictures

2011-06-29T11:51:00.005-06:00

Every parent knows sometimes getting a picture of your children smiling and looking at the camera can be hard. We were trying to get pictures of our girls to put on Fathers day cards and we thought for sure we had nothing but finally got a great picture of the girls, together, smiling, and looking at the camera it was amazing.

Here are some pictures from our attempted photo shoots.

Want a fruit snack?

Not sure why she was doing this, I guess she was forcing a smile.

Getting good pictures of more than one child is nearly impossible.

Pulling weeds.

I love Abi's face in this one, she had been watching a bird before it flew away.

A beautiful picture of Katie.

A happy picture of Abi.

Yay a picture of both girls, smiling, and looking at the camera. I love my beautiful girlies!

Coloring with Grandma

2011-06-29T11:45:00.000-06:00

Feeding the Sheep

2011-06-29T11:37:00.002-06:00

There is a sheep in John's parents neighborhood, sometimes we will stop and feed it some vegetables. The girls love the sheep and look for it everytime we drive past it's pasture.

Swimming

2011-06-29T11:25:00.003-06:00

Yay for sunny days!!!

A warm sunny day, finally.

2011-06-01T10:08:00.002-06:00

It has been a very wet spring around these parts and we were very glad to spend lots of time outside yesterday. We hope to do the same today.

Here's my girls enjoying frozen treats with Papa.

Random Pictures May 2011

2011-05-31T13:39:00.009-06:00

The month of May started with us celebrating our friend Asher's 3rd Birthday, he had a rock star party.

Here is his own little cake.

Hitting the pinata.

John and I helping our girls raid the pinata goodies.

Asher opening our gift.

The rest of the month was filled with our girls being very silly.

Abi wearing my shoes and holding my purse.

Abi had climbed up on the toilet then fell off, this is her battle wound. She now has a little scare on her forehead, I'm wondering if it will ever go completely away.

On Mothers day John and I were busy getting stuff together to take to his parents, I went to check on the girls and found Abi asleep in a laundry basket. It didn't look very comfy to me but it was very funny.

Later on mothers day we changed Abi into some spare clothes and she insisted on putting on Katie's extra pair of panties over her diaper.

Abi being a good little mommy to her dolly.

Katie is Glenda the good witch.

Abi saying "Yar!"

Katie being a pirate

Abi under the kitchen table. This has become a favorite place for the girls to play lately.

Mothers day

2011-05-16T18:30:00.013-06:00

Perhaps the reason we respond so universally to our mothers’ love is because it typifies the love of our Savior.- Bradley D. Foster

I am very blessed to have wonderful mothers in my life. My mother is such a wonderful woman, she was always kind and loving as she raised me. I'm sure she did get upset with me at times but I don't remember being yelled at ever. I loved story time when I was little, mom made the stories and characters come alive as she added voices and was animated while telling stories. She also would often repeat nursery rhymes throughout the day. I truly believe it is because of this that I have a love of reading and learning. My girls love to sing to grandma from their stage (the fireplace hearth) and also to do "ballet" while grandma sings a song. She is loved loved lots, I am very lucky to have her as my mom.

My mom and nephew Spencer

Honestly I am so lucky to have such a wonderful mother-in-law as well as mother. When John and I got married I already had a good relationship with his mother and I'm so glad. She is so kind and sweet, she always makes me feel like I'm beautiful and that I'm a great mother to my own little ones. She is so much fun to be with, I love hearing her tell about when she was raised and when she joined the church. It is also fun to hear about her days as a young mother as well. She is a great grandma, she sings with my girls and if she could she would dance with all the time. My girls love her so much and so do I.
I am so very grateful for the opportunity Heavenly father has given me to be a mother. It is not easy, being a mother is the most difficult role I've ever had but is truly is the most rewarding. I love these little, silly, busy girls, I hope and pray daily that John and I will raise them to be happy, intelligent, kind, strong, and loving women.

I am so very grateful for my Grandma Arlene, she always has made me and my family feel so special to her although she has many grand kids and great grand kids.

John's Grandma Twila also has been so kind to our family and we feel very loved by her. I'm so glad my girls have been able to spend time with these Great Grandmas!

Random April Pictures

2011-05-03T16:14:00.013-06:00

Katie playing with playdoh

We made a playdoh Katie.

Palying with chalk outside Being silly.

At the park!

Laying on the stairs

Taking a nap

Watching a show.

Easter

2011-05-03T15:17:00.000-06:00

Get ready for Easter picture overload! We had a great easter with my family, the girls ended up with more candy from the easter bunny then they got at Halloween last year! Katie and Abi loved searching for eggs, Katie loved opening the eggs to find out what was inside.

Here are the girls Easter baskets that were hidden by the Easter bunny. They included sidewalk chalk, chocolate bunnies, chocolate eggs, and a pad of paper. The only difference was Katie got nail polish and Abi got the movie Bambi, but they are sharing their good very well.

Katie checking out her basket
Abi checking her basket
Abi found an egg. She had to be quick because Katie was snatching up everything.

Katie with yet another egg

Abi finds and egg
Katie all ready for Church

Abi all ready for Church

Playing out side

Abi

Joseph on the slide, Genevieve, Luc, and Abi on the rocket swing.Katie

These girls had a game, Gen or Libbi would go down the slide and Katie would "catch" them.

Luc and Abi

Easter egg hunt with cousins, this is where most of the girls candy came from. Such a generous Easter bunny!

Katie

Abi getting eggs under the slide

Abi

Jack

Cheesy Katie

Silly easter bunny left and egg on the garbage can.

Cheesy Abi

Katie

Libbie's basket is nearly over flowing. I wanted a picture of Connors basket his looked very similar.

Looking for eggs

Where are they hiding?

Daddy and his girls

Abi

We had a great Easter!!!

Easter Skirts

2011-04-30T13:54:00.002-06:00

Since last October when a friend (Lori Woodbury) from our ward posted a tutorial on how to make patternless skirts I've wanted to make them. Finally I was able to set up the sewing machine and make these skirts for Easter. For the tutorial click HERE.

On Abi's I put pocket, but for some reason it was rather difficult so I made a much easier fabric flower for Katie's skirt.

Katie's skirt
Abi's skirtAll dressed up for Easter, and being uncooperative for pictures.

Crafting.

2011-04-22T14:36:00.013-06:00

I am not a very original crafter, I love to copy or try to copy others crafts. I have been wanting to craft and sew for a long time but it's hard with two little girls running around and without much space to it. Recently I've been able to do a few things and want to share them with you. I am not a writer so I won't be doing tutorials but if I followed a tutorial I will link you to it.

So today I share two of my most recent crafts...

Since the girls got their own room last year I've been wanting to put up the letters of their first names. I finally was able to get letters, I painted them white and added flowers. I think they turned out pretty cute!

I have been blog surfing lately and found some really fun craft ideas. Here is one of them... You use an egg carton to make a spring wreath. I found the tutorial on the blog Krafty Kat just click on the name and you can see the tutorial too!

Katie helped paint the egg carton flowers.

She got distracted and started mixing colors, we had a lot of fun.

Here is our finished wreath. I wish we had some brighter colors but used what we had. I think Katie and I will enjoy crafting together as she grows up, hopefully Abi will like to join us too!

Church History Musesm

2011-04-21T20:27:00.010-06:00

If you are looking for some free fun to do with your kids I highly recomend heading downtown to the Church History Museum. We met my sister and her family one morning and had a good time.

Katie steering the boat.

Abi through a window in the boat. I love that cute silly smile!

Katie fishing.

Abi and daddy had fun building with gigantic blocks.

Another Abi smile!

Katie and Abi feeding the Missionaries.

(If you look on the wall there are missionaries at the table. )

Katie put on a skirt and was dacing. What a beautiful girl she is!

A couple pictures of the temple.
The trees were in full blossom.

Down town is changing with the city creek center project. It seems so different from when I was working down town every day five years ago. It was a lot of fun to head down town for a morning.

General Conference

2011-04-21T20:01:00.002-06:00

I always have loved General Conference weekend. It was like a holiday, we would spend the two days of conference with the TVs and radio's tuned in. My dad and brothers always attended Priesthood Session on Saturday night, and on Sunday morning we always had a big breakfast that included Conference Cake. I hope that we can raise our girls to know it's important to listen to the Prophet and Apostles. To try and keep the girls occupied I went to Sugardoodle.net (they have lots of cute and fun church idea's) and printed off their General Conference packets for little kids. These two pictures were a couple of our favorite activities from the packets.

Its a First Presidency and 12 Apostle mobile.

Katie loved putting different members of the First Presidency at the podium.

Katie got a bit board during a session and John had fallen asleep. This is what happened.

Despite two busy little ones that made it hard to listen we still enjoyed conference weekend!

Cavities

2011-04-17T16:28:00.006-06:00

Katie had her first few cavities and we decided it was best to take her to Primary Children's in Riverton and put her under anesthesia while they filled and capped her teeth. Her appointement was on April 1st, to bad it wasn't an April Fools joke that she needed this done. She was a little nervous before going but was such a good girl and did great. Daddy went with her while I stayed home with the Abi.

She liked her hospital pj's and thought it was funny that they went on backwards.

She enjoyed the waiting room with lots of toys.

Here she is in the wagon they used to take her to the operating room. She loved it.

John sent me this picture after they took her back.

She had a quick recovery, and was a happy girl afterwards despite her mouth being a bit achy for a few days. She has a silver tooth and thinks its pretty cool.

One last March Post

2011-04-13T14:28:00.004-06:00

Katie gave her first primary talk on Sunday March 27th. The topic given was "Heavenly Father Speaks to us through his prophets". Although Katie didn't really write her talk she enjoyed practicing it and did a wonderful job of giving her talk with daddy's help. She did get a little close to the microphone but only for a second. What a big girl Katie is getting to be!

Here is what her talk said:

Heavenly Father called special men, known as prophets, to teach and guide His people according to His plan. In Amos 3:7 it says:“Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.” We have a living prophet today, Thomas S. Monson. He is the President of the Church, and he speaks to us for the Lord. Next week we can listen to the prophet during General Conference. He will teach us more about how to follow God’s plan so we can be happy. In Jesus Name Amen

Pictures from March

2011-04-08T17:00:00.008-06:00

We were out for a walk in the neighborhood and saw these kites being flown at Eisenhower Jr. High. We decided to go take a look, they were HUGE and fun to watch for a little while.

John and Abi with Lilly(John's sister's dog)

Abi and Papa Hughes

The girls on our new couch

Tired Abi.

Silly Katie

The girls watching a movie on mom and dads bed.

Katie asleep in a shopping cart at REI. She fell asleep in the car on the way and we just moved her from the car seat to the cart.

Abi eating toast for breakfast. Yes, she has awesome hair.

A snuggle with mommy after Abi's 18 month check up and immunizations.

The newest "now legal" addition to our family.

2011-04-08T16:22:00.014-06:00

Libbie!!! My brother Chris met his second half Katie just over four years ago. Three and a half years ago they got married and sealed in the temple, I love seeing them together. Katie has a beautiful daughter Libbie from a previous marriage, Libbie has been calling Chris "dad" since he and Katie were dating. Chris was able to adopt Libbie on March 31st it was an exciting day for my family. Chris is a great dad to his daughter. I love him and his little family!

Here's sassy miss Libbie!

Waiting in the hallway at the David Courthouse.

Pictured are my mom, sister Mary, sister in law Lawon, nephew Luc, and of course Libbie.

My dad, Abi, Luc, and Austin (Katie's brother son).

Chris, Katie, and their attorney.

I'm pretty sure they are getting Libbie's last name changed.

Libbie and my little Katie peeking in on them.

Out side for some pictures.

Libbie, Genevieve, Rebecca's head, Lawon, Mary, Mitch, and Jack.

Luc, Libbie, Genevieve, Rebecca, my little Katie.

There were lots of hugs! Here is one between My brother Chris and sister Mary who has Jack in tow. Also pictured are Mitch, Katie, my mom, and Katie's Brother and sister in law in the very back.

Mitch, John, and Abi. Luc and Rebecca in the background.

Libbie was sick of having her picture taken! A bunch of family that attended.

Mary, Mitch, and Jack.

The "Legal" family! Yay!

Cousins! Genevieve, Libbie, and Katie.

We are all looking forward to Libbie being sealed to Chris and Katie. They are planning to be sealed at the end of the year after Katie's parents return home from their mission.

Melting down crayons!

2011-04-08T15:17:00.006-06:00

I have been sick of broken crayons for awhile now. Every time the girls sit down to color crayons get broken. I decided I would melt them down and had seen more than a couple blog where people poured them into silicone ice cube trays. I wish I could have found a triangle shaped tray but I wasn't able to .

Here are our colors separated. As I melted them I separated them more making light and dark blue, green, and purple and also making pink and red. Katie and I broke the crayons into small pieces to get them ready for melting.

I used tin cans I had cleaned out. Four of them fit in the pan I used, also they kept each other from tipping over. Then I added water to the pan to make a double boiler type thing. Here the water is boiling but it didn't need to be that hot.

Here are my trays filled for the first time. Some aren't filled all the way because they are waiting for a second color to make layered crayons. Melting more crayons. Before picture

After picture. It didn't take very long for them to melt.

And here is the result. I did lots of layered crayons as well as many solid colors.

If I had a ton of a color or ran out of space in my trays I poured the melted crayon into a paper cup and ended up with four crayon pucks.

Lots and lots of crayons. The pink crayons have some gray/silver residue but I wasn't about to put the elbow grease into cleaning out the trays between pourings.

The girls colored with them as soon as they were dried and cool.If you do this I wouldn't use the trays for anything else because it leaves a residue that would take more work than I'm willing to do to clean them out. This was fun to do and Katie was able to help break crayons at the beginning and pop out crayons at the end. The girls love their "new" crayons.