FIVE FABULOUS FUN FORDS

FORD BABY #4 MAKING A DEBUT OCTOBER 12!

2011-03-21T09:15:00.000-07:00

This is a test, only a test. Post a comment if you still look at my long lost blog. But not to confuse anyone my title is true. Not a joke. This was a little bit of a surprise, but none-the-less still excited :) I am 11 weeks and have been sick as a dog. Can't believe I will be a mother of 4.... good times! I really am going to try my best to post at least once a week. That is my goal. LOTS, and I mean LOTS to catch you all up on. Oh how life changes every day.

DISNEYLAND 2010

2011-01-05T16:41:00.000-08:00

We decided to take our family to Disneyland for Bodie's birthday. We brought Grandma Dona along for the ride since we haven't been with her yet :) We had a blast. Got rained on pretty good one day, but still had lots of fun. Here are some pictures to recap the event...

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A little bit of everything...

2010-11-28T19:45:00.000-08:00

It's official that I have become the worst blogger known to man... I have no more excuses. I just thought since I finally loaded these pictures from my computer I would post them...

A little background on Bella's 4th birthday. I thought it would be fun to have all of her cousins and grandma's and grandpa at the house waiting to surprise her when she got home from school and have a little party... BAD idea. Note to self, Bella does not like attention on her, Bella does not like surprise parties. The girl had a nervous breakdown. She was crying hysterically for at least 15 minutes after everyone yelled "surprise!" She had her head buried in my chest for the next 30 minutes and would not look at anyone, wouldn't look at her cake, balloons, presents, nothing... It was quite the experience to say the least. But she is 4. And we won't forget this birthday for sure...

Next... Halloween. Pretty much this is the only picture I took. Kind of sad I didn't get any with Graham. Yep, worst mother award goes to, me! He was so cute, We were the Toy Story family this year (except Lance) Jesse, Buzz, T-Rex (graham) and I was alien head. Sorry no pictures of that either. We went to a few parties, trunk or treat and trick-or-treated at one house, Grandma Dona's. Highly eventful night...

This year we decided, actually Lance decided to take on Thanksgiving at our house... It turned out alright. Too much for me to do, I'd rather go and have someone else worry about the turkey and the big stuff, but Lance wanted to take it on. He did the turkey and it turned out really good. Me and Grandma Dona did the rest... Glad it's over. Feel 20 pounds heavier... ready for a diet.

We met up with some friends from Hawaii at Cafe Rio and all wished we were back in Hawaii in our little TVA compound... Really though, I so wish we could back to those days, they were some of the best times. We had such good close friends and I miss it so much. Not to mention can't beat living in Hawaii. good times.

Pictures anyone?

2010-10-19T15:55:00.000-07:00

So I decided that I was going to post the most random post cause it's been literally months since I've posted pictures so in no particular order... pictures from Lance's Iphone :)

NO MORE FACEBOOK, BACK TO BLOGGING

2010-10-16T07:45:00.000-07:00

I have decided that I am no longer going to be a facebooker. There are a lot of reasons for this decision. For one, if you have noticed I don't update my blog EVER which really bugs. Two, I waste more time on facebook than anyone could even imagine which is so embarrassing to admit and that REALLY bugs. I could be doing so many other GOOD things with my time than wasting my life away on that stupid thing. And lastly, there have been a few things that have happened recently on facebook that just make me SO angry. I won't go into any of that, but to all you dwindling blog readers of mine, know that I will no longer WASTE time on facebook and be more diligent in keeping my blog up to date with pictures of my cute little monkeys that are growing faster than I can even believe. The End.

How to survive....

2010-09-16T07:06:00.000-07:00

I'm sure I have nobody looking at my blog anymore, but to those faithful lookers I'm here. Sorry no, pictures right now, but I will do my best to get some up on here soon. Life has been short of crazy, actually I'd go as far as, insane. Just when I get all settled in my new house I think life is just going to be steady, calm, settled. OH NO! News flash, that's now how life works. Lance is still trying to figure out what he wants to do when he grows up. Thirst Express (his business) is going fine. Some bumps along the way, BIG bumps that has caused him to try to figure out if it's something he wants to continue doing. He is actually in AZ right now testing the market there to see if it is an area he could build like the one he did here. He has been gone for 4 days and I am MISERABLE! If you all forget, I have 3 kids that are the best three kids anyone could ask for, but they are 4, almost 3 and 18 months and I also have been very involved in a business called Doterra. Not to mention a not so easy calling in church, a house to clean that is too big, laundry to keep up on and I could keep listing things but the main thing is is I am having this struggle within because I absolutely love doing Doterra and am having so much fun, but I also have three children that require ALL of my attention ALL the time. No breaks. It is this power struggle within that I should be 100% a mom and at the same time really want to spend the time doing Doterrra. With Lance being gone I am exhausted. In the 4 days I've had major melt downs at least 6 times. You do the math, that's one and a half melt downs per day. No good. I try to be supportive of Lance's endeavor in AZ, but am so overwhelmed here that every time he calls I bawl. I know, great wife, right? We'll see how these next few days go. If there is any advice out there of people who actually still look at my blog let me know.

GOING PRIVATE PRONTO!

2010-07-27T06:32:00.001-07:00

If any of you would like to check up on our family here on this blog please leave your info (email/name). I all of the sudden freaked out about crazy people looking at my blog so decided at 2am that it was time. I will be going private SOON so please let me know who you are and I would love to add you to my list :)

OUR HOUSE!!! FINALLY!

2010-07-23T19:43:00.000-07:00

So a little preface, we've been here for 3 weeks now so things are obviously a work in progress, but it is the most glorious thing to be in our house finally!!!! YAY! I don't have pictures of the kids rooms, give me a week or two and I'll get those taken care of. Enjoy the overload of pictures :)

Mudroom- PS, notice my fun magnet board in between the lockers. Love it!

Fun pantry door

Master bedroom

Laundry room

Powder bathroom

Garden to be :)

Future theater

Kids bathroom

Guest bathroom

My beloved splash pad. Best thing I did in this whole process! The kids live out there.

View from our deck.... AMAZING

Family pictures... WAHOO!

2010-07-22T14:02:00.001-07:00

Family pictures with a 3, 2, and 1 year old was quite the adventure. Pretty much Lindsey is the bomb. She captured some amazing moments and pretty much Lindsey is the bomb. Did I say that already? Thanks Linds!!!!

PAUL MCCARTNEY... WOW...THAT'S ALL I CAN SAY

2010-07-14T15:27:00.000-07:00

This concert was amazing. I am confident I will never see anything like it in my life time again. Lance and I left the kids with Dona and had such a good time. Paul is a freaking stud! I couldn't believe in his old age he could still sounded just like the back in the 60's. If anyone ever has the chance to go see him live, DO IT!

PS, I will be posting pictures of my new house soon. I know, the anticipation is killing you...

A little is better than nothing...

2010-06-20T07:31:00.000-07:00

So, I realized that my camera has been dead in my car glove box for the last month now... I know, pathetic. So these are the events of our lives that I have right now. When I move into my house in a week... WAHOOOOOO, I promise to be a more regular blog updater. Two major events that we have here are

first: Bella graduated pre-school! She went to a cute little school here in Orem called Kid's Village. She loved it.

Cutest graduate of all

And this picture says it all. I think it's important to post pictures that aren't all perfect and every child smiling and looking at the camera. Cause come on people, we know that doesn't happen. So, here is my darling little family...

second: little Graham's surgery. Not fun. He was born with a condition called Hypospadias. Go ahead and look it up if you want to know what it is. Nothing too severe, but required surgery none the less. I put it off as long as I could and then finally mustered up the courage to schedule it. He did very well and the recovery was not bad at all. He only had a problem with his stent and that was only for one day... But it was horrible. He literally screamed all day and all night, nothing I could do to console him. The worst feeling ever. He is good as new now and his little peeper is working like a champ!

Sorry, pictures are posted backwards.... this is after the surgery

And this is pre-surgery...

ERRR I HATE GETTING BEHIND

2010-05-24T22:08:00.001-07:00

I really do hate when I slack at blogging. I will have a random, but at least updated post by this weekend so check back in a couple days...

Never knew a statue of Chirst could be so funny....

2010-04-25T22:03:00.000-07:00

So I was putting Graham down for a nap in my parents closet and on their shelf is a statue of Christ, I decided to show it to Graham and for some reason he thought it was the funniest thing. I have NEVER heard him belly laugh so hard in my entire life, it was hilarious! PS, this video is the third time around after I left the closet, went to go find Lance with the camera, and then having Lance record it once for it not to work and then finally the third time he got this video so this isn't even nearly what his laugh was the first time, but it's still pretty cute and funny.

"Graham" Cracker party!!!

2010-04-25T21:43:00.001-07:00

We celebrated Graham's birthday in my parents backyard, it was perfect. We had a Graham Cracker themed party and roasted marsh mellows and had smores and Graham Cracker cake. Can't believe my baby is 1!!!!

CAN YOU SAY MAJOR CURVE BALL????!?!?!!!!!

2010-04-02T09:42:00.000-07:00

Per Erin's request :)

It was about a month and a half ago that Lance received an email from a former missionary that served in Haiti just before Lance served. In the email he stated that there was job opportunity for English/Haitian Creole speakers in Haiti that would be paying a tremendous amount of money... The email was very brief with very little detail... We didn't think much of it. Other than it would be sweet to make that much money... Or should I say, I didn't think very much of it. Lance on the other hand followed up with some questions and found out that one of the major contractors that will be heading up the clean up and rebuilding of Haiti from the aftermath of the earthquake was looking for translators to move to Haiti and work for about 18 months and contacted this former missionary and had him send out emails to any Haitian Creole speakers that English was their primary language... Lance ended up on that list obviously.... Long story short he received an email yesterday that said the contracts for the job stating salary, time of departure, duration of contract etc. would be sent within 7 to 10 days and asked for his home address... Pretty much stating he has been hired for the position and the ball was now in our court to decide... We should receive details on the position in a week to ten days... That's the whole story. That's all I know. Why is my life so crazy? just wondering. It seems just as I think it's all starting to settle down and come together there is a MAJOR CURVE BALL thrown my way. Say your prayers for us, this is going to be a big life changing decision that we are going to have to make in the next week. LOve you all!!

ROOOOOOF!!!

2010-03-24T16:32:00.000-07:00

We have a roof and Bodie is excited to tell all about it. He and I went on a Bodie, Mommy date and decided to drive to our new house and take a look at what was going on. We were lucky enough to see them craning up the last few trusses. Pretty cool. Bodie thought it was awesome! It's so fun to see the progress of our house. Can't wait to move in. I'm so anxious. One step at a time though. Gotta remember that...

What a week can do... HOLY SMOKES!

2010-03-20T19:54:00.000-07:00

People, I have a house. I think I might move in next week. Ok, I'll wait until I have a roof I guess. But can you believe the progress? It is so exciting to see our house, yes our very own house, go up. I still don't think I am quite grasping the fact that we are building a house. It's amazing how busy I'm getting making sure I have everything picked, from flooring to toilet flushers to windows to doors... There is SO much that goes into this whole project. It's exciting though. I'll update next week.

VIEW FROM OUR LIVING ROOM... NOT TOO SHABBY

OUR FRAMED HOUSE... GLORIOUS SIGHT!

THE ZOO...
We went on a little Saturday morning outing to the zoo. We had a great time. The kids loved the giraffe's. It started out pretty cold but turned out to be a beautiful day... Grandma bought us an annual zoo pass for Easter so we'll be taking zoo trips a little more often. Thanks Grandma

My 3 musketeers... They make a good team. It's the gang up on mom team, but they sure are cute.... I love these 3 little people sooooo much!

I'm BACK! AND I'M BUILDING A HOUSE!!!!!!!!

2010-03-13T13:51:00.000-08:00

I can't actually believe it's really happening, but it is. We FINALLY (and finally is an understatement) got everything squared away to build our house. We signed papers last week and went to check stuff out at the lot today and they had delivered the lumber!!! I am so excited to finally have a place of our own. A place that will be my home for a LONG LONG time. They will be done by June 23rd. And they better be done by June 23rd or else I don't get the $8000 first time home buyer tax credit. Well essentially I will anyway even if they aren't done cause I made them put it in the contract that if they aren't done by then they owe me the $8000. They did it. So I assume that means they are pretty confident on their completion date. SO I might just get a brand new house for my 27th birthday :) Happy Birthday to me. I'll post pictures of the progress of the house... This is what it looks like as of today. HAPPY DAY!!!!!!!!

Someday...

2010-02-24T14:54:00.000-08:00

Some day I'll post again... Not today. someday.

We love you daddy!

2010-01-29T15:31:00.000-08:00

Lance is in Haiti for 3 weeks. He left yesterday afternoon. We miss him lots already. Thank you dad for being the best dad in the world and for being willing to serve the people of Haiti...

No words...

2010-01-12T14:42:00.000-08:00

My sister Becky and her husband Alex had their angel baby girl last night. Becky went into the hospital in labor yesterday morning and sweet Olivia had no heartbeat... Olivia Ann Loveless was born an angel... 7 lbs 8 oz. too perfect to be on this earth. She is with our Heavenly Father now. My heart is broken... I feel so heavy. I am eternally grateful for the plan of salvation though and know that one day Becky and Alex will have the chance to hold her again. Please keep her and all of us who are dealing with the loss of this precious baby girl in your prayers. We know the strength of prayers is real.

i believe in Santa!

2009-12-27T21:08:00.001-08:00

We spent Christmas with Grandma Dona and had a great time... Bella asked for a Princess Memory game and Bodie asked for a train... they were so elated to see that Santa found them. I think Christmas gets more and more fun as your kids get older. I hope they continue to just to ask for one thing :) I can hope... We had a very merry Christmas and are so thankful for our blessings and especially for our Savior. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Grandma Dona got Bella a ski suit. She was all ready to get up on that mountain!

CHRISTMAS TIME!

2009-12-27T20:55:00.001-08:00

Grandma and Grandpa Higginson took us on the Polar Express ride for our Christmas present. To be quite honest, I wouldn't recommend it. The ride was sooooo long, the kids got tired and antsy. They did get to see Santa on the train and we were served hot chocolate, actually cool chocolate and a cookie. I guess it is something that is good to do once, just expect it to be looooong. Not to mention you are sitting in your seat the full two hours... Felt like a plane ride where you were restling with your kids to sit still. Ok, I'm making it sound really bad it wasn't that bad just a little unorganized and LOOOONG. I think I already said that though... So thanks mom and dad :) No really, we all enjoyed being with Grandma and Grandpa. Next year we'll try something different.

DO I REALLY HAVE THREE BABIES?

2009-12-15T15:19:00.000-08:00

Yes I do!! and they are the cutest babies in the world!

OK FINE LISA, I'LL UPDATE MY BLOG!!!

2009-12-12T13:55:00.000-08:00

Not much to say around here, nothing really changes just do the same thing day after day.... Ok, that sounds like I'm miserable and hate my life, I actually don't. I like my life, challenges are hard, but we get through them. I survive each day because my kids keep me laughing and crying all at the same time. Bella is turning more into a mother each day. She threatens Bodie with flicks all the time, she feeds Bodie, she tries to lift up Graham (kinda hard to do when they weigh pretty much the same thing) She is just so precious. One little story, The other night Lance and I were arguing, getting a little loud and Bella yelled at the top of her lungs "GUYS, STOP, JUST LOVE ONE ANOTHER, YOU'RE HURTING MY EARS!!!" She keeps us in line. I sure love her!

"ONCE THERE WAS A SNOWMAN TALL, TALL, TALL!!!"

GRANDMA DONA CAME OUT AND SAID I WAS A TOO MUCH OF A PERFECTIONIST WHEN IT CAME TO THE SNOWMAN BUILDING PROJECT. I WAS SUCH A MEAN MOM, I HAD INTENTIONS OF LETTING BELLA AND BODIE HELP BUT THEY WERE JUST MESSING UP MY ART. I THINK I NEED TO LOOSEN UP A LITTLE. SOMEDAY....SHOOT, WHY AM I BUILDING A SNOWMAN ANYWAYS... TO HAVE FUN WITH MY LITTLE MUNCHKINS!! THAT IS ME, MAKING SURE THE GLASSES WERE NICE AND STRAIGHT AND THAT HIS EYES WERE STAYING ON.

BYU VS. UTAH... GREAT GAME, IF YOU WERE A BYU FAN. GO COUGARS!!!!

GRAHAM FELL ASLEEP DURING HALF TIME AND SLEPT THE WHOLE REST OF THE GAME

Governors Gala and Jazz game

2009-11-08T08:14:00.000-08:00

It seems like lately Lance and I have been able to go out on dates more often which has been so much fun! A couple of days ago Lance won tickets to the Jazz vs. Spurs game so thanks to Benjamin and Emily Lance and I got to go and sat in some sweet seats! Go Jazz!!!!!

My dad called me the night of the Governors Gala and told me that I was responsible to fill up his table for 10. I literally had just a couple hours to find people to go and as you know, tables at these kind of events don't come cheap so I had to fill up his table... so we invited our friends Jake and Celia and my sister Lisa cam and the Blatters. Gotta love my last minute spur of the moment dad :) We did bring Graham with us as you can see, but he was gem the whole time like always. Very fun night. Thanks again dad for the opportunity!

Happy HALLOWEEN!

2009-10-31T21:36:00.000-07:00

Our Halloween events kind of started Tuesday. To give you a run down... Bella had her first dance performance where she was able to wear her Halloween costume. She was so excited to invite all here cousins and Aunts and Uncles to come see her do her dances. I was such a proud mother. But to my dismay she got MAJOR stage fright. I couldn't believe it. I go to all her dance classes and watch through the window. She is that child that has to be first in line, does everything her teacher says and shakes her booty like you wouldn't believe. I was so sad that when an audience appeared she FROZE. Nervous hands in her mouth and literally broke down in tears. Pathetic. I guess she's only 3. I should cut her some slack. But I do have to admit it was disappointing especially since I knew she could do it. Oh well good practice for the Christmas show they will be doing in a few months. And PS I was so frustrated with her throughout the whole thing I didn't get one picture. Lance did get some video so when I load it on here I'll post it. It's pretty entertaining.

Friday we spent the afternoon at Grandma Dona's school to have lunch with her and watch the Halloween parade. Bella and Bodie loved seeing all the costumes. Bella would get so excited when she saw another Tink. She would yell "Oh look mom another me!" I think she now believes she IS THE Tinkerbell.

Saturday (actually Halloween) we got dressed up in our costumes and went and visited Grandpa at work. It was fun to spend a little time with Grandpa. He loved our get ups (Peter pan clan if you couldn't tell) and took lots of pictures. We hit the trunk or treat party at my parents ward, went and did the mall trick or treating and stopped at a few friends houses. It was a long fun day. I am glad that it's over. I think I love/hate Halloween. Wish me luck with all this candy my children now have....

THe Peter Pan clan---Michael Darling, Wendy Darling Tinkerbell, John Darling, and the dashing Peter Pan!

My sweet little Tink

Jon Darling

Wendy and Peter Pan

... and yes Grandma Dona was Captain Hook!

What a beautiful day!

2009-10-25T20:29:00.000-07:00

I was able to attend my cousin and her family's sealing. It was the first time I was able to be a part of a sealing like that, including children. What a beautiful experience. I feel so blessed to have been able to witness it. The spirit was so strong and their family was beaming. A testimony builder for me, that what happens in the temple is amazing and such a miracle. Lance was so kind to wait outside with the kids so I could be there. Thanks love!!!!

Big boy, princess parties, dance class and more!

2009-10-07T21:04:00.000-07:00

Ok so I'm going to do my best to update my blog at least every two weeks. I swear time flies. Shoot before I know it all my kids are going to be all grown up.

First things first. My little Graham being the third child has just missed out on pictures. I swear the more kids you have the harder it is to get your camera out and take pictures. So I made the effort to take some pictures of the big boy.

Bella got invited to a princess party of one of her friends, Sela. She was so excited. From the time we got the invitation she would have me read it to her at least 10 times a day and she had to keep it in her purse. The day of the party she laid out her princess outfit she was going to be wearing that morning and couldn't wait to get all ready. She even requested pictures of herself beforehand... Bodie I think was a little jealous he couldn't be part of the fun. Unfortunately Sleeping Beauty who was suposed to be at the party slept through the party and didn't make it... Come on Sleeping Beauty you can't do that to a bunch of 3 year olds.

Great Grandpa Seely lives about 30 minutes from us and we don't get out to see him often enough. But when we do go to visit him the kids have a blast. They sure love Great Grandpa Boyd and Great Grandma Betty.

And finally, Aunt Helen came out from DC to visit with a few of her friends. We spent time with them up at Temple square. Yes, Bella is getting really good at posing. More pictues to come from Helen and friends. I think they took at least 100 pictures of us. My sister-in-law is from the Phillipines and her two friends are from the Phillipines and China. They kept saying our kids should be models.... funny :)

Oh yes, can't forget, all three of my kids did just get over having Hand, Foot, and Mouth disease. it SUCKED!!!! Never been more miserable in my life. Poor little guys had sores in their mouths on their feet and hands. No joke all three, Bella first, then Bodie and poor little Graham.
Our Temple Square outing... And yes, Bella posed all on her on in each picture.

Before her long awaited Princess party at Sela's

visiting Great Grandpa Boyd

Don't you want to just eat him right up?!?!

Bella is taking dance class now and can I tell you how dang cute and funny it is to watch 3 year olds dancing. I love it!

OK IT'S BEEN WAY TOO LONG

2009-09-16T15:25:00.000-07:00

you know it's been a long time when the last post your baby looked like this...

...and now looks like this! Yes Graham is pushing 20 lbs. Big boy!

2009-09-16T14:47:00.001-07:00

Here's a quick update:

We have been crazy busy around here. I swear with 3 kids life never slows down. We've recently moved into my mother-in-laws house temporarily to save money. We are going to start building our house in about two to three weeks. I can't wait to finally have a place that will be my HOME! Hallelujah! Lance's business is doing great and growing. Bella turned 3 last week and we celebrated in California at Disney Land. The best Disney Land trip I have ever been on. It makes it a different experience when you have kids that literally say in their prayers "please bless Disney Land and that I can go there every day" My sweet Bella. We were also able to spend some time with our Cook family and went to Sea world and the Zoo.

Little Bodie Kai is as wild as ever and is the definition of BOY. Busy, crazy, wild, and a little tease. We sure love his spunk though! Can't live without our Bodie boy.

Graham has gone from this little peanut to this HUGE chubby, rolly, thunder thighed boy. He is laughing all the time and is seriously the BEST baby. I thought Bella was a good baby and then I had Bodie and now Graham... They just get better and better each time. Watch out I might be having 10 more kids :) I think I am addicted to having babies. Oh dear! No I am not pregnant but give me a few months and I might be...

Enjoy the pictures!!!

DEMOLITION DERBY

CALIFORNIA TRIP/BELLA'S BIRTHDAY

...and almost 3 months later here I am

2009-07-08T09:22:00.000-07:00

Well to put it bluntly I have become a facebook junky. The time that I used to spend updating my blog has been taken up by getting on facebook. I know, it's ridiculous, but with the new club I'm a part of I have felt it be worth more to me to spend it there. I will still continue to post here on my blog it will just be sparatic. So if you want to talk to me, become my friend on facebook. Here is a mumbo jumbo of pictures and what we've been up to the last few months... I'll try to do them in order, but I don't know if I'm that good on here. Love you all!!!! And I think I did the pictures backwards and after loading them all I realized they are all of our kids... not one of Lance and I... oops

The 4th of July- I seriously am terrible at taking pictures. Just sitting here thinking of all the fun things we did on the 4th and these pictures actually aren't even from my camera. Pathetic. I need to take more pictures. We started our 4th watching the balloons, then headed to the parade, then had an awesome pool party at the most amazing pool and then took naps and then went to the Stadium of Fire, but the coolest thing is is my dad parked his motorhome in the parking lot of the stadium right in front and we were able to hear everything going on and we put our chairs out and had a salmon BBQ with all my family. Watched the fireworks right from the comforts of our own Motorhome! IT was fabulous

Bella still loves Grahaminsky

And yes, this is how I manage to get around. Bella converted the double stroller into a triple stoller all by her self. She asked me one day if she could sit in the front and it just works out great! Brilliant little girl she is creating her own seat.

We visited Temple Square...

We took our first road trip to Arizona to see Auntie Karen and Papa Smurf. Bella had a blast swimming and as you can see riding on the quad with handsome little Damon. Didn't take hardly any pictures but we all had tons of fun. We were even able to hang out with Erin and James a little. So Fu!!!

Lisa my beautiful sister had a little girl on Mother's Day- Sayla Ann Stradling (we call her Lala)

Little Graham's photo shoot

2009-05-05T16:03:00.000-07:00

My sister is starting a photography business and wanted to do some practicing on little Graham. I think she is natural :) Good job Trish! I guess it kind of helps that Graham is so darn cute...

GRAHAM FRANKIE FORD

2009-04-26T19:43:00.000-07:00

Our little guy finally arrived!!! Yay! My story goes like this....

Thursday morning I had my doctors appointment where I asked the doctor if she would please strip my membranes and see if maybe by some small chance it would put me into labor... I say some small chance because when I was 5 days over due with Bella they did it to me two times and neither times worked. I still wanted to try again so my midwife stripped my membranes at 11:00am Thursday. I went on with my day normally and felt no different. I pretty much was depressed all day thinking this little guy was never coming out. Lance and I were watching the Jazz game when I started having contractions. Now you see I had been having contractions pretty much every night for the last few weeks so it wasn't that suprising that I was having them. They started up about 11:00pm and continued. I tried to go to sleep and at 1:00am couldn't really take it anymore so I got up and walked around thinking if I did so they would either go away like nights before or continue. They continued. At 2:00am I was really not feeling hot, the contractions were hurting pretty bad and were about 5 min apart. I called my mom and said here's the situation do you think I can go to the hospital now? I really didn't want to be one of those people who go to the hospital and claim they are in labor and get sent home. Finally I woke Lance up and said I think I'm having a baby can you wake up and go to the hospital with me? He said, "are you sure?" I don't think he wanted to wake up. Loser. I'm the one in pain here get your lazy butt up. We got to the hospital around 3:30am they checked me I was 5 cenimeters dilated and they admitted me. I was so glad I was actually in labor. SO GLAD! I got the lovely epidural at 4am and at 6:20 they checked me I was at a 10 and in one contraction pushed the little tiger our. And guys, pushing out a 6lb baby is so much better than an 8lb baby. It was awesome!!! Everything went so good. Graham came out perfect. I only tore a little this time instead of in half like with Bodie. Our little Graham is so handsome and looks nothing like Bodie or Bella. He is his own little person and I love him so much already. Being a mom of three kids is going to be an adventure. Bella can't get enough of him and Bodie wonders what the heck is going on. He's not quite sure about this little person. He has no idea that some day they will be best of friends. We are so blessed to all be healthy and happy. The Lord really has blessed us.

EFUSJON!

2009-04-08T13:28:00.000-07:00

I just joined this club and LOVE it! If any of you want to know any more about it let me know!!

Bodie's surgery

2009-04-04T08:57:00.000-07:00

Our precious little Bodie had to be re-circumcised. Poor guy. I was a nervous wreck about it because it wasn't going to be just a normal newborn circumcision, we had to take him to Primary Children's Hospital, they had to put him under and it was going to be 2 hours long. We had to be there at 5:30am so it was an early morning and a long day. The whole time in the waiting room I was antsy and nervous and sat and just stared at the clock, Lance on the other hand went to sleep. Ya, I know how could a dad sleep at a time like this, but he did. I guess it's the mom's that do all the worrying. The surgery went very well and Bodie did great. He had a pretty rough time waking up fully, but other than that... He had a little blue cast on his peeper for a few days and then we had to remove it, that was the worst part about the whole thing because then his little guy was just being rubbed raw on the diaper. It has been about 4 weeks since the surgery and I have to say it has been great. He was only in pain for a week and then was just fine. He's back to normal and I do have to say so myself his peeper looks marvelous! Thanks little Bodie for being such a trooper. I am very glad that's over and done with and I'm sure he is too!

What we've been up to...

2009-04-04T08:40:00.000-07:00

Well life here at the Ford's is pretty normal. I'm just trying to be a good mom, Lance is working really hard and Bella and Bodie are as busy as ever. Lately I've been thankful that Graham is on his way for a few reasons, one being I am soooo done being pregnant and two because even though Bodie is a tough boy, having a big sister Bella he thinks he needs to wear her princess dresses and loves Cinderella probably more than she does. Ok so he's one and there's nothing wrong with it, but I have been excited that Graham will be here soon and Bodie and him can be buds. Even though I am nervous a little, ok a lot to have three kids I am very excited to add another little Ford to the bunch.

Also we have been so lucky to have Jessica my sister and her family move back to Utah from Nauvoo and have had many a fun times at their house. They recently bought cows from the church farm and we were invited over to have farm day with them and gather eggs from the chickens and also pet the cows. Bella was sooooo brave and actually touched the cow, yes folks she touched the cow. Later that afternoon she fell down the stairs and smashed her face and I told her she was so tough and brave for not crying when she fell and she said to me "no mom, I was brave when I petted Luke (the cow)"

Disney on Ice

2009-03-15T20:07:00.000-07:00

My dad and I have a tradition every year that we have been doing for a while. The tradition is that on his birthday he gives me a present and on my birthday I get him a present. It has been really fun. I love when February 19th rolls around cause the anticipation of what I'm going to get on his birthday is so exciting. This year he got me Disney On Ice tickets for our family. Bella has been so in love with Disney lately that I was SO excited for her to be able to go. We were right in the front and Bella had a ball. My dad couldn't have picked a better present for me on his birthday. THere is nothing better than seeing joy in your little girls eyes and Bella was in Heaven the whole show. Thanks dad! When June 28th comes around you will be getting a great gift from me.

Tea Party with cousins

2009-03-15T20:02:00.000-07:00

Bella was invited by her Aunt Emily to come over and have a little tea party. It was so darling. Emily made mini muffins and had lemonade for them to drink. She even taught them to drink out of their tea cups with their pinkies up. Bella had a great time and we are thankful for lots of fun family that live so close to us.

Kahlan Bella and Ellie

32 weeks

2009-02-28T10:13:00.000-08:00

And this is my LARGE AND IN CHARGE belly! 8 weeks sure seems like a LOOOOOONG time.

Celine Dion concert

2009-02-28T10:10:00.001-08:00

For Valentines Day Lisa, Becky and I all had our sweet husbands give us tickets to the Celine Dion concert. Dona and her two friends also came with us. We had a great time. Celine is just as good or better live. The concert was AMAZING. The woman is incredible. Thank you my love for the ticket :)

A FUN TAG!

2009-02-16T14:46:00.000-08:00

I normally hate tags but this one was easy and fun. Lisa my sister posted this tag on her blog so I'm doing the same. So anyone out there who does tags this is a fun one.

So what you do is go to your photos on your computer and pick the 4th picture in your 4th file then explain the picture. It's quite fun.

My picture brings a few tears to my eyes. This picture was taken back in June of 2006. This was a picture taken the night of a Mitt Romney fundraiser we had at my parents house. A very fun night. The reason it brings tears to my eyes a little bit though is because in this picture is my Grandpa and Grandma. My grandpa passed away just a year later and I really miss him. Seeing this picture (which I haven't looked at in a long time) brought back a lot of memories. I was also just a couple months from having my little Isabella. Good times!

Anyone who wants to do this tag do it! It's fun

THE CRUISE

2009-02-11T14:32:00.000-08:00

My two little sisters and my mom and I all took a cruise this last week and had so much fun! We had many adventures starting with me leaving my purse on the long term parking shuttle. Ya, great way to start the trip. I obviously got it back and it wasn't too big of a deal, just a little crazy. We had a relaxing time and I actually enjoyed myself quite a bit. The reason I say that is because this was the FIRST time I had EVER been away from my two little babies. I had moments on the trip where I wish I was home with them, but for the most part really had an enjoyable time, sleeping in, reading, laying out. You know, those things that don't happen with a two year old and a one year old. Lisa and I were obsessed with ice and lemon water and drank it like crazy. All of us were obsessed with our card game, hand and foot. Mom was a sport to let us lay out in the sun so much. And also a sport to let us get her all ready for the formal night. We had so much fun getting her all dolled up. If you know my mom you know she doesn't wear much make-up so it was a lot of fun. There were a lot of fun memories made on this trip and I am so glad we all got to go. And to all my other sisters... our BIG sister trip is going to be soooooooooo fun!

Our little SKI BUNNY!

2009-02-01T19:32:00.000-08:00

Lance couldn't find anyone to go up skiing with him on Saturday so I suggested he take Bella. He was suprised that I would even suggest it. We dropped Bodie off at Grandma Higginson's to take a nap and Bella, dad and I headed up to Sundance to ski. I was pleasantly suprised that she did so well and she actually loved it. Lance was such an amazing teacher and it was so fun to see how proud he was of her. I have a feeling she is going to turn out just like her dad and become an awesome skiier. Go BELLA!!!

California to see Lala and some Bellies :)

2009-01-15T14:44:00.000-08:00

I decided since my best friend from Hawaii was in LA visiting her family that I would make a trip out there to see her too. I was brave and lugged my two babies on an airplane and we went to California for a few days. It was a lot of fun besides the fact that both Bodie and Bella were terribly sick the whole time. Therefore resulting in NO sleep. We played a lot of Settlers and had some yummy yummy food that Grandma Dee Dee made. Bella really took a liking to Grandpa Wayne and Grandma Dee Dee. I wish I had pictures. It was so fun to see Lala with a little tummy. She is having a girl in April. Yay!!! She is going to be the best mommy. Thanks for letting us come visit. Miss you already.

PS if you want to see a few pictures of our Christmas Disney Cruise go to my sisters blog stradlingfam.blogspot.com. I can't figure out how to load pictures from my new cam corder. I'll figure it out

Christmas #1

2009-01-01T08:46:00.000-08:00

Yes we had two Christmas's. Because of the family cruise we went on we decided to do and early Christmas with Grandma Ford and we let Bella open her big presents. All she asked Santa for was a vacuum, a kitchen and a baby. We spoiled her. She got it all.

THERE ISN'T ANYTHING BETTER THAN THIS

2008-12-18T20:56:00.000-08:00

I FOUND MY TWO LITTLE ANGELS STANDING ON THE COUCH LOOKING OUT THE WINDOW AT THE FIRST SNOW STORM TUESDAY MORNING. I SWEAR THEY STOOD THERE FOR LIKE 10 MINUTES AND DIDN'T MOVE. I HAD TO GET MY CAMERA OUT. THIS IS WHAT MAKES BEING A MOM ALL WORTH IT!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY BOY!

2008-12-16T20:41:00.000-08:00

Bodie turned 1 today! We threw a Polar Express party and it was tons of fun!!! Happy Birthday buddy!

BANGS!

2008-12-15T12:57:00.001-08:00

I don't think I've EVER had bangs... Let alone taken a picture of myself with bangs... I went and got my hair done Saturday and my hair dresser convinced me do do something a little different. Cut bangs. What do you think? Let's be honest.

The Polar Express

2008-12-14T08:45:00.000-08:00

Grandma Dona took us to this amazing Polar Express ride in Lindon on Friday. It was so much fun. There's a house that has a built in a train track throughout their property and it's all decorated with lights, pictures and a little train that you can ride on to the North Pole to Santa's Workshop. After the train stops at the workshop you board back on the train and the whole rest of the ride has pictures of Christ in the yard and beautiful music playing to help us all remember the true meaning of Christmas Bella loved it!! I loved it! I hope we can do it every year. We had a great time and will always remember why we celebrate Christmas. To celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas!!!!

While we waited to board the train they had us wait in a huge heated garage and had The Polar Express playing on a big projector. It was all so well organized and so nice we didn't have to wait in a line out in the freezing cold. Not to mention we only waited for like 10 minutes. Amazing!

Bella and Grandma Dona on the Polar Express train

Our family with Santa at our North Pole stop

Before Bella even got to Santa's lap she was already saying as she was approaching him "I want a vacuum and kitchen and a baby, where's my candy cane?" I have been very surprised that the few times Bella has sat on Santa's lap she hasn't freaked out. It's probably because I've been talking about Santa for like 3 months now in hopes she would not be afraid when the time came. I think it's worked. She's done pretty darn good, but she does get on the lap say what she wants, demands her candy cane and is DONE.

My two little bundles of joy!

Thanks for the fun visit Auntie Shanae and Kali!!!

2008-12-08T17:38:00.000-08:00

P.S. and the pictures... I stole them :)

We had so much fun visiting with Shanae and Kali and were so glad they took time out of their busy schedule here in Utah to come see us. Next time hopefully Bodie and Krew will be able to play together. It was so funny, about a half hour before Shanae and Kali showed up Bella kept telling herself, and me "Kali's not a monster mom, Kali's not a monster." For those of you who don't know Kali she is a wild little girl with a lot of energy. Bella on the other hand is not so much like that if you know what I mean, so apparently Bella was a little nervous about Kali. I think they had a good time overall, but sorry Kali and Shanae Bella is such a nervous freak about everything. I do have to say though that after they left our house Bella talked about Kali the whole rest of the day and has made sure she's prayed for her every day since then. We love you guys and miss you alot! Thanks again for the visit!!

Twilight...

2008-11-21T14:46:00.000-08:00

I went to the midnight showing of Twilight with some of my girlfriends and have mixed feelings about it. It didn't help that we were on the very front row, I was starving the whole movie, and was so tired! ok here's the deal, I read the book and loved it. To me the book was not cheesy at all, it was super good, intense, just awesome. The movie on the other hand... pretty cheesy, but I guess what can you expect, books are always better than the movie... I didn't get home til 2:30am and have been feeling it today. I think I'll try to watch it again not on the front row and not when I'm hungry and tired :)

"She's a mean old witch with a HAT"

2008-11-06T17:04:00.001-08:00

This Halloween Bella learned this song and would put the witch hat on and sing this song at the top of her lungs! She found the hat today and I heard her in the other room singing and had to get it on video it was so cute!

IT'S ANOTHER GIRL..... NO WAIT, IT'S A BOY!!!!

2008-11-06T14:32:00.000-08:00

We went and found out what we were having last night and found out it was another little peeper... which we are very excited about. I do have to admit though, both Lance and I were hoping for another girl... It didn't really matter either way though cause we have one of each already. Anywho, at our appointment the gay technician prematurely announced that it was a girl about 30 seconds into the ultra sound and for about the first 3 minutes kept pointing to those "three lines" low and behold to her horror after announcing we were having a girl, the baby suddenly grew a peeper. Our baby is definetely a boy. Not a question. It's hillarious though because we have a dvd of it and the first few minutes you see her cursor pointing to the "three lines" and then all the sudden there's no three lines anymore amazingly enough they disappeared and became something sticking straight out. I guess that technician learned her lesson. Thanks for getting our hopes up lady only to shoot them down and tell us it's not really a girl.... Really though I am very excited to have another little guy to be best buddies with Bodie.

HALLOWEEN

2008-11-03T13:44:00.001-08:00

Nice up side down mustache Lance....

Halloween was so much fun this year. Bella was still creeped out by the scary guys, but would just tell herself evey time she saw something scary "dus pretend, not real, dus pretend mom not real" in a terrified little voice. It was the saddest cutest thing every time she said it. Anyhow, Halloween night we went to trunk-or-treat at my parents ward and it was awesome. When your kids are as young as mine, you still want them to experience the whole trick-or-treating thing, but it's not really worth it to go walk around and knock on doors, so trunk-or-treat is the greatest invention. Bella got her bag full of candy it only took 10 minutes to walk to all the trunks and we were done! Perfect. I'm honestly not a huge fan of Halloween, but this year was actually pretty fun. I dressed up as a boring witch. Lance was a gangster/thug. Bella and Bodie were Pooh and Tigger Super Sluths.

Tigger and Grandma Dona

That would be my nerd brother and my hard core husband

My mom is pretty much the cutest punkin I ever saw :)

More Halloween fun....

2008-11-03T13:36:00.000-08:00

We went to this place that I can't even remember the name of it... I know, retarded me. Anyways, its was a cool outdoor boutique thing with shops and lots of Halloween fun. It was fun to spend some time with Grandma Ford and dad was even able to meet us there for a minute on his lunch break.

OPERATION KIDS!!!!!

2008-10-12T07:26:00.000-07:00

Lance and I were invited by my wonderful parents to a black tie event. It was so fun to get dressed up! It was the Lifetime Achievement Awards event given by Operation Kids, a nonprofit organization. The award was given to John Walsh (America's Most Wanted host). The night was AMAZING! The host for the night was the President from 24. (I don't know his real name :)) It was so fun to see him in person cause I am a die hard fan of 24. The night started off with a delicious dinner and great enternainment. The award was given to John Walsh and then they asked everybody at their tables to fill out their cards to donate to the Operation Kids Foundation. Someone that looked pretty important came and grabbed my dad from our table and he went somewhere with them. All of the sudden I looked up at the jumbo tron and there was my dad... They were recognizing my dad for his generous donations to the Operation Kids Foundation.... IT WAS AWESOME! My dad is seriously my hero and the best example to me and I admire him so much for all he does for not only our family but so many other people. The night finished off with the country artist Collin Raye and also a few songs by Jim Brickman. AND THEN..... they announced that David Archuleta was in the audience. Oh my gosh, I love that kid! And to my amazement I looked up and he was at the table right in front of us. Hello how did I miss him. So I had to get a picture. A very memorable night for Lance and I. Thank you so much dad and mom for giving us the opportunity to experience this incredible event and Thank you Grandma Dona for taking care of our kids while Lance and I had a wonderful time. PS, Happy 26th birthday to my honey. I love you baby!
PROM 2008. OK JUST KIDDING WE HAD TO GET A PICTURE OF US BEFORE WE LEFT FOR THE EVENING :)

OUR HOST FOR THE NIGHT, THE PRESIDENT FROM 24

IT WAS MY NIECE KORTNEY'S 9TH BIRTHDAY SO SHE GOT TO ATTEND THE EVENT WITH ALL THE ADULTS FOR HER BIRTHDAY. SHE HAD A GREAT TIME.

YES, MY DAD, MY HANDSOME, WONDERFUL DAD UP ON THE JUMBO TRON BEING RECOGNIZED FOR HIS GENEROUS DONATIONS. LOVE YOU DAD!!!!!!!!!!

PRETTY SURE DAVID IS JUST AS CUTE IN PERSON AS ON TV. HE WAS SO CUTE WHEN LISA AND I ASKED FOR A PICTURE, HE DID HIS LITTLE SHY SMILE THING AND KIND OF LAUGHED. I WAS GLAD WE WENT OVER AND GOT A PICTURE WHEN WE DID CAUSE RIGHT AFTER THE EVENT ENDED HE BOOKED IT OUT OF THERE WITH HIS DAD. THANKS FOR THE PICTURE LITTLE ARCHY!!!

WHAT HAPPENED?!?!

2008-09-20T21:49:00.000-07:00

K is it me or does she really look all grown up? Maybe it's the outfit I put her in. Whatever it may be, to me she looks like she's a big girl! I swear I'm going to blink and she's going to be in school and then I'm going to blink again and she's going to be dating and then I'm going to blink again and she's going to REALLY be all grown up. It kind of makes me sad. I don't want her to grow up :( Does anyone know how to get to Never Land?

Bella's 2nd Birthday Party

2008-09-14T12:33:00.000-07:00

We had Bella's party at the Rockwell clubhouse. It was thrown together last minute and we were so glad that Grandma Ford came and Lisa and Cliff and Boo and Alex and Emily and kids and Grandma and Grandpa "iggison" (that's how Bella says it) got to be there. Thanks everyone for coming and all your help. We had yummy pizza and a delicious ice cream cake from Cold Stone. Mmmmmm.... Every time we asked Bella what she wanted for her birthday, before her birthday came, obviously she told us cake and ice cream. Funny girl. That's all she wanted. So we got her cake and ice cream! We also got her a princess dress up outfit and Grandma Ford got her the movie Little Mermaid. It was lots of fun and Bella was just happy to be with all her family to celebrate year 2!!!!!

Trip to Hawaii

2008-09-14T12:20:00.000-07:00

We had a lot of fun while visiting Hawaii. I do have to say that the time change was TERRIBLE though with our two little babies. We woke up at 3am the first few nights and I swear just as the kids were getting used to the time we left and came back to Utah. Oh well. We really did have fun and Bella loved seeing her friends and playing at the beach. Thanks Hillary and Derek for letting us stay at your house.

Finally Lala and Rusty, a picture of us all at Three Tables

Bella, Kali and Taylor

She just loved having her own little backpack for the beach

Cutest boys ever! Bodie and little Krew

Thanks to Lala and Rusty, lance and I went out to Three Tables and snorkeled while they watched Bodie and Bella on the beach. When we got back they had helped Bella construct this beautiful sand castle.

HOLY SHMOLY I HAVE A 2 YEAR OLD!!!

2008-09-12T14:58:00.000-07:00

HAPPY 2ND BIRTHDAY MY LITTLE BELLA ON THE 10TH OF SEPTEMBER! MORE PICTURES COMING WHEN I FIND MY CAMERA CORD....

Officially a blog slacker....

2008-09-10T13:53:00.000-07:00

BUT GUESS WHAT?????????? BABY NUMBER THREE IS ON IT'S WAY! YES I AM PREGNANT AGAIN. I WILL HAVE THREE KIDS 2 AND UNDER!! WAHOO!

Shout out to our BFF's!!!

2008-08-14T09:10:00.000-07:00

Can't wait to see you guys :) I came acrossed these pictures the other day and decided I needed to post them. It's crazy how we seriously have no pictures with you guys. We'll have to take some when we're there. Love ya can't wait to get there!!!!!!!

JUST A LITTLE FORD FUN

2008-08-13T13:43:00.000-07:00

Family Home Evening activity--- pushing Bodie in the build-a-bear stroller

I came downstairs from showering the other day and saw Bella all decked out, my swimsuit bottoms around her neck, bra around her neck, bucket and shovel, and baby Annie... She looked at me and said "bye mom, ready go"

This is my favorite thing to find as a mom, my two little ones playing on the floor together having fun and entertaining themselves... LOVE IT!

Diva Bella in her shades and mom's shoes. She is a shoe freak and loves wearing anybody's shoes besides her own.

American Idol comes to Salt Lake City!!!

2008-08-13T13:25:00.000-07:00

What an experience this was.... The first thing I am going to say is that I am going to have a really hard time watching American Idol this next season because of my experience I had. My little sister Becky decided about a month before tryouts that she wanted to audition. We were all so excited for her because really she is super talented. A couple days after she registered she convinced Lisa and I to try out with her. I know, pathetic but true so we went the night before try outs and registered and had my mom and other sister Tricia be our guests. Anyways... to make a long story short we ended up waiting in line outside the Energy Solutions Arena the day of tryouts for about 3 hours only to be humiliated on the radio. We were asked to sing the phone book on the radio. It was awesome! We did get photographed by American Idol and are now posted on the website, but other than that the 3 hours of waiting sucked! We finally get into the arena. Becky registered the sunday before tryouts and was at the front so we at that moment realized that for Lisa and I to tryout it would be at least another 10 hour wait. No thanks. So Becky tried out, looked amazing, sang amazing and didn't make it. So I'm sure you are all wondering why I am so bitter about the experience. Well in one sentence I will sum it up. In the preliminary audition where you audition for random producers they chose about 70% wacks and 30% talent. I could go on and on, but I'll spare you all. It was an experience, something I will never put myself through again...

The night before the auditions we got a hotel room in Salt Lake. Becky got a mad headache so Lisa whipped out her handy dandy laser. Boo said it actually worked...

The beautiful, amazingly talented Boo!

Becky's fan club from left to right- mom, Kara, Lisa, Trish, Boo

The awesome wristbands you had to have on to enter the arena

Grandpa Seely's Birthday Party

2008-08-13T13:15:00.001-07:00

My mom's dad turned 85 this year and we had a big party at the park to celebrate. He is my only living grandparent and I love him dearly!!! We had a good time seeing cousins we haven't seen in really long time.

Trip to San Diego with Grandma Ford

2008-07-14T16:41:00.001-07:00

Bella, Bodie and I ventured to California with Grandma Ford this last week and it was quite eventful. It really made me appreciate my amazing husband. I really can't survive without him. We met Helen (sister-in-law) and her family there. We went to the San Diego Zoo and to Sea World. Bella's favorite part was dancing with Elmo at Sea World. I would love to say that the trip went smoothy but that would be lying. I do have to say that as stressful as it was we did have fun spending time and seeing our Ford family. Bella especially loved sleeping in a bed with Grandma Ford. Glad to be home again!!!

Grandma, Bella, Bodie leavin' on a jet plane

The crew!

Bodie would NOT sleep in bed with me. He was waking up every hour for the first 2 nights and the motel didn't have a crib and I didn't have a crib so our next option was the suitcase. Unfortunetely that didn't work either. He woke up 30 minutes after I put him in there.... Nothing better than NO sleep...

Bella went on her own little Safari with her fellow animals

Yes, we have a blonde afro going on!

2008-07-14T16:21:00.000-07:00

Bella woke up the other morning with her hair just like this. Dead serious. I don't know what in the world was going on in her sleep but she sure did a number to her hair....
Front shot of the hair

Back shot of the hair

Happy 4th!

2008-07-14T10:45:00.000-07:00

We went up to Toole for some fun 4th of July festivities in the afternoon and then finished our night off at the Stadium of Fire. Miley Cyrus however the heck you spell her name was HORRIBLE!! Sorry to all you Miley fans.

Bella was a little nervous about the tank smashing event in Tooele, but survived it and actually smiled for a picture

A friend of our family does a big 4th of July thing in Tooele and one of the things he does is drive one of his World War II tanks over a car and smashes it. Kind of crazy but definetely exciting to watch.

Lance and I and Bodie's head at Stadium of Fire

Left to Right: little sister Boo (Becky), Bella, niece Ellie, little sister Lisa. They all were gettin' their groove on, head bangin with Miley.

Thanks Trish!!!!!

2008-06-30T11:52:00.001-07:00

My wonderful sister Tricia is starting a photography business and has been taking pictures of Bella and Bodie. She does an amazing job capturing the moment. Here are a few pics....

Bet you didn't know Bodie read already... well he sure does

Future concert pianist

I think she's a natural mommy. She sure loves her babies

The picture says it all...

Bella loving Clyde the turtle (Uncle Cliff's turtle)

Bella has been so blessed to live right by her Aunt Lisa and Uncle Cliff. She loves them ALOT!

Bella painted a cup and a plate for grandma and grandpa at color me mine. It turned out adorable. She had a lot of fun going to town on the paints... scary... messy

Just takin' care of business :)

The most adorable little feet you've ever seen

PLAYING CATCH UP FOR TWO MONTHS.... HOPE YOU'RE ALL READY FOR LOT'S OF PICTURES!

2008-06-29T22:19:00.000-07:00

A few of our amazing neighbors at our goodbye barbeque

Isabella and her best friend Elise Nautu

Some more of Bella's friends

We were very sad to leave our beautiful TVA home in Hawaii, but were more sad to leave our friends. Bella had some really fun friends that lived right by us and to this day, two months later, she still asks to go see them. It's hard to explain to her that they are so far away and she can't see them. Hopefully sometime soon we'll make a trip across the ocean and see everybody. We miss you Hawaii!!!!

California Trip

2008-06-29T22:00:00.000-07:00

Wild Animal Park safari... That was an extremely hot adventure. We all survived though... barely...

This is at the character breakfast. Bella wasn't quite sure about it. She did love the part where all the kids did follow the leader to "Lou Lou skip to my Lou" she still goes around at home and sings it

Grandpa and Bodie loving the Tarzan character

Dumbo was a favorite :)

Still a little nervous about the characters...

The fam at Universal Studios

Bodie Kainalu Ford's blessing day

2008-06-29T21:57:00.000-07:00

Lance blessed Bodie at my parents house about a week after we moved back from Hawaii. He is such a good father and I am so grateful that he is a worthy priesthood holder and can bless our children. Love you dad!

Fun times in Utah

2008-06-29T21:36:00.000-07:00

Bella's Blueberry drink... mmm mmm good!

My handsome little Bodie is finally starting to sit up on his own.

As you can clearly see, Bella is livin' up her Chucky Cheese experience!

Roasting at Dad's soccer game... HOT!!!!

My silly binki babies

The little princess Bella going to her "poo pottie" translated, pool party. It's hillarious all Bella wants to do every day is go to a "poo pottie" she absolutely LOVES to swim.

Jordan Sparks Concert

2008-06-29T21:31:00.000-07:00

Lance's mom got us tickets to the Jordan Sparks concert for my birthday and we really had a good time. She's actually a really good singer and entertainer. Bella had a blast, dancing the whole time and she especially loved the part where she got to hold the cell phone in the air. (you know how they do that at concerts) Thanks Grandma Ford for such a fun time!!!!

Glenn Beck

2008-06-29T21:10:00.000-07:00

I have to say I love this man! We were able to attend an awesome Freedom Festival event at the Marriot Center. Glenn Beck was the guest speaker and I definetely left a little more patriotic :) He was AMAZING!!!! My dad got us tickets to the reception before where we got to shake hands with him and get a picture. Bodie really took a liking to him.... It was a really neat experience to meet him and then listen to how much he loves this country. We could all be a little more like him.

I have to be honest...

2008-06-27T13:22:00.000-07:00

Since the move to Utah I have made it less of a priority to update my blog as you all I'm sure have noticed. I know that there are many excuses of why that has happened but I realize that no excuse it good enough. I will do my best to update my blog with some pictures by the end of this weekend. Here are a few things we have been doing lately though. First of all I need everyone to know that I joined a women's indoor soccer team... yes me, playing soccer. It's quite a sight, but I actually LOVE IT! Lance and the kids sit on the sidelines and cheer me on it's awesome! The other day we went to the Jordan Sparks concert it was actually pretty good. Bella loved it and danced the whole time. A few other things we've done is hang out with Grandma Ford lots and Grandma and Grandpa Higginson. Bella has loved being close to alot of her cousins and plays with them all the time.

Lance plays indoor and outdoor soccer still and is busy at his new job. It's been hard adjusting to being all by myself with two kids. He is super helpful when he gets home from work. I will say though that I hate that my husband works an 8-5 job. Maybe someday he won't be so busy. I love him so much he is the best husband and dad.

Since Bella can't be at the beach anymore we live at the pool. It has all the sudden gotten so hot here so to keep Bella happy and me sane we play at the pool everyday. She is super close to being able to swim on her own. She loves the water and hates when I hold on to her in the pool so pretty much to not drown she has taught herself to swim. Crazy girl! Bella is nearing two and I'm not lying she has gotten such an attitude. I try really hard to be patient with her but it's so hard. She's gone from being the sweetest thing to I don't know what... a monster! Hopefully this phase will be short... pray for me... On a good note though, she goes around the house and sing's I Love to See the Temple. It has got to be the cutest thing ever. It sounds a little like this, "... see temple...someday...see temple someday..."

Bodie is getting so big. He's nearing 7 months and I'm pretty sure weighs more than Bell. I can't believe it. He is still such an amazing baby. Probably the funniest thing about him though is he loves watching tv. To get him to sleep we buckle him in his carseat and stick him on the couch in front of the tv. I know, probably not the best thing to do, but it works :) He adores his sister. Anytime she plays with him he just smiles from ear to ear. He watches her every move. It will be interesting to see what happens when he gets a little older. I sure hope Bella teaches him good things...

Sorry again there are no pictures I will put pictures on this weekend. PS it's my birthday tomorrow I'm turning a quarter of a century. I feel like I should be turning 21. I feel like I should be 21 forever. This post has been so long. sorry sorry sorry

Hello... anybody here???

2008-05-21T13:56:00.000-07:00

Yes, if you all were wondering, we are still alive and here. I feel like these last 3 weeks have been out of control. Just to inform you of a few things that happened... I told you all in the last post that Bella and Bodie were sick. Ya, well their sicks were bad sicks. Bella got pnemonia pretty bad and Bodie had ear infections. So on top of the crazy move the kids were so sick. It has been a real hard adjustment for Bella but I think, cross my fingers, that we are settled until August. Thanks to our wonderful friends Jenna and Andrew we have a wonderful place to stay until they get back from their summer sales. Bella and Bodie now have their own rooms and things are feeling somewhat back to normal. Bella still does cry for the beach and a lot of her friends in Hawaii, but its getting better. Someday when the internet works at the place we are staying I will have time to post some pictures (I am at my parents right now). But on a brighter note, Lance and I have had a lot of fun being here with our families and catching up with old friends. We also were able to go to a Lakers Jazz game, yes when the Jazz were still in the playoffs :( I hate the Lakers! Sorry BFF Lala I really do... Anywho... someday I will get pictures up. Can't make any promises of when though. Peace out! PS Lala and Rusty, I have played a total of 2 games of Settlers since the move and am going through MAJOR withdrawl... miss you guys so much!!!!!!!

PICTURES ARE COMING I PROMISE!

2008-05-04T08:16:00.000-07:00

Yes I know, it's been forever. We've just had a bit going on that has taken up my time. The move went well. We are now semi settled... ok not even close to settled but at least not traveling anymore. We left our beloved TVA home on the night of the 23rd and arrived in freezing cold Salt Lake the next morning and drove to Provo and got on a big RV and drove all day to San Diego with my parents and two little sisters and their husbands and baby. Long day, tell me about it. We were pooped but happy to have a nice king size bed in the back of the RV to sleep in most of the way. We started our trip out at Sea World which Bella ABSOLUTELY loved. We spent a day at the Wild Animal Park which was suprisingly so HOT, but we had fun. We then did a day at Universal Studios and then three days at Disney Land/California Adventures. It was a blast! Bella did suprisingly good under all circumstances... you know, being in a brand new place, having big harry creatures aproach her, having people she hardly knew (family) literally attack her with love constantly, which she got used to after a few days and loved the attention as I'm sure all of you should know :) Bodie was a trooper and was an angel the whole time, But I am sad to report that with all the traveling all four of us, Lance, me, Bella and Bodie came down with yucky sore throats, bad coughs and really snotty noses. We made our way back to Utah on Friday and are so happy to be here and can't wait to really get settled and find a place to live.

Baldy Bodie

2008-04-16T22:03:00.000-07:00

And the boy has no hair! We finally shaved it all off... I actually think he looks pretty cute. Wierd that he looks like a totally different baby though.

BOYS WILL BE BOYS

2008-04-14T19:06:00.000-07:00

Lance and I had decided it was time to shave Bodie's head. His hair was falling out and getting a little patchy so we decided it was time to say goodbye to his baby red hair. So we went in the bathtub and Lance started shaving away... as he was shaving he said, "Hey Kara, I'm going to leave the top hair there and just shave the back and the sides. It will look so sweet!" Lance was determined that his 4 month old son was going to have a mowhawk. He said he only wanted to keep it for a few days so I allowed my crazy husband to leave the hair on top there and yes, now my sweet little Bodie looks like a hoodlum!!! But of course Lance loves it and thinks Bodie looks so tough! I guess boys will be boys...

One last trip to Maui... before the BIG move!

2008-04-14T18:18:00.000-07:00

So our family will be leaving this beautiful island to move back to Utah where Lance got a job working for Raser Technologies in only 10 short days. We are so excited to be moving by family and friends, but also very sad to leave good friends here and this wonderful place. We decided last weekend to take a quick trip with our best friends Lala and Rusty to Maui and meet up with some Utah friends, the Granums. We had lots of fun with everyone. We woke up Friday morning at 4am and caught the Superferry and sailed to Maui. The boat ride there was so great, smoothe sailing the whole way. Our trip in Maui consisted of playing at the Granums pool, barbeques, Big beach, skimboarding, dinner at Fred's and Kimo's and a few good games of Settlers. The boat ride back was a different story though... The waves were so big and the superferry was rockin' and a rollin' all I can say is that there was a lot of puking going on on the boat. I don't normally get seasick but I lost my cookies along with Rusty and a lot of other people. It was good to be back on land and back to Oahu and the beautiful North Shore. As the time gets closer to leaving I seriously have so many mixed feelings. Change is hard, but good and so pray that I will survive....

My favorites!

2008-04-14T18:03:00.000-07:00

just a few more... :)

2008-04-14T17:20:00.000-07:00

Sneak Peak of our family photo shoot...

2008-04-04T18:04:00.000-07:00

THANK YOU SO MUCH NATALIE!

P.S. if anyone is interested in seeing more of Natalie's amazing photography her blog is natalienortonphoto.blogspot.com

How about this mug shot

2008-04-01T02:08:00.000-07:00

Never knew you could get two mug shots in one. There you go... How about those faces.

My sweet little Bodie

2008-04-01T01:57:00.000-07:00

This kid smiles all the time!! When I get the camera out it's a different story. He NEVER smiles for the camera so this is as good as it gets for now... He is such a good baby. I never knew a baby could be so good. I have been so spoiled with him and love him so much. He is such a mama's boy and I hope he stays that way!

Deal or No Deal.... NO DEAL!!!!!!

2008-03-30T23:40:00.000-07:00

So I'm am obsessed with the show Deal or No Deal and yesterday they had open casting at the mall here in Hawaii. They were doing interviews from 10am to 1pm. The line started the night before at midnight. I was determined to try. So... When we got there at 10am the line wrapped around the whole mall... and this is not a small mall. And not only on the outside but once you got into the mall it was like a line at disney land, forever long. I thought it would probably be a couple hours of standing in the line. Boy was I wrong. Four and half hours later I finally had my 20 second interview with ten other people at the same time. The lady that interviewed me was LAME. I know if I would have been sent to a different table to get interviewed I would have gotten picked. For sure.... I was so mad! Oh well. And can you believe Lance Bella and Bodie were all there with me and would go in the mall walk around and come check on me in line every once in a while. Bella was such a trooper. I couldn't believe she didn't go absolutely crazy. I will never do anything like that again. It was so HOT, my legs hurt so bad, and in the end I didn't get picked to win a million dollars.... What a waste of a beautiful beach day

Just another day in the sun...

2008-03-30T23:28:00.000-07:00

Bella and I went over to Lala's and went to Three Tables Beach on Thursday. She decided afterwards to try out Lala's skateboard in her birthday suit. It was hillarious! We love Lala and are sure going to miss her when we leave, especially Bella.

I've been tagged by Jane Rhodes

2008-03-26T11:06:00.000-07:00

a- attached or single: attached to Lance forever... that's a long time...
b- best friend: Susanna Ruekert aka Lala
c- cake or pie: pie, but it has to be a good one, probably pumkin haupia pie from Ted's Bakery
d- day of choice: Thursday. Thursday means tomorrow means Friday which means THE WEEKEND!
e- Essential item: reality TV shows- Bachelor, American Idol, Extreme Home Makeover, Oprah's Big Give. LOVE THEM!!!!
f- favorite color: pink and orange as of late
g- gummi bears or worms: Black Forest gummy bears
h- hometown: I don't know, my family is in Provo, Utah, and I guess I was born there, but Mesa, Arizona I actually prefer
i- indulgence(s): Hagan Daz chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream
j- january or july: July, I hate being cold, but I guess January isn't that bad in Hawaii!
k- kids: 2, Bella and Bodie, and maybe 2 or 3 more, can you believe I'm ALREADY saying that???!?!?
l- life is incomplete without: my babies and blogging
m- marriage date: August 11, 2005
n- number of siblings: 5 sisters and 1 brother (I have the BEST family ever!)
o- oranges or apples: Apples, but only if there is a yummy fruit dip to go with them, I should be a better fruit eater...
p- phobias of fears: definetely death. Someone I love dying especially my kids
q- quote(s): "I meant what I said, and I said what I meant, an elephant is faithful one hundred percent." Horton Hears a Who
r- reason to smile: it's 80 degrees outside and it's Kuhio Day so Lance has no school and gets to hang out ALL day with us!
s- season: Spring
t- tag five: LISA STRADLING, NICOLLE AHLMAN, BECKY LOVELESS, HILLARY WILLIAMS, SARAH MCGIVEN
u- unknown fact about me: I broke my neck on the bars in gymnastics when I was 11
v- vegetarian or oppressor of animal: Oppressor Prime Rib from Haliewa Joe's is my favorite
w- worst habit: eating sweets... I eat them way too much and know I'd be able to lose my baby weight a whole lot faster if I could control myself danget!!!
x- x-rays or ultrasounds: ultra sound, xrays means you have a broken bone, ultrasound means you're having a baby, that's how I see it. I realize that's not true, but that's the only reason I've had either and I prefer the baby over the broken bone
y- your favorite food: Ever since I can remember, spaghetti has been my favorite food and it actually still is.
z- zodiac: Cancer

HAPPY EASTER

2008-03-23T19:35:00.000-07:00

Primary party and Easter egg hunt

2008-03-23T18:37:00.000-07:00

We took Bella to the Primary Easter party. I don't know if I've made Bella anti social or what, but when we get around a lot of people she clings to Lance or I. I want her to be able to have fun and play with the other kids, but she won't. She keeps her distance and is always holding onto me or Lance. And no, she is not shy. It's all a little odd to me. Hopefully she'll grow our of it. Also last minute we decided not to go to the easter egg hunt at Gunstock we just stuck around here and joined in on the TVA festivities. Bella had a blast though. They had a little easter egg hunt for all the kids here and divided it up into different age groups. 0-2 years was right behind our building so it was perfect. Bella even found the golden egg with a prize in it... Ok, with a little help from me of course :) The prize was a bannana split from the Seasider. I'm sure she'll be enjoying that soon. Later in the afternoon we took the kids to see "Horton Hears a Who" we all loved it! Happy Easter tomorrow!! painting her basket... little worried about the paint on her hands

Could I love this little girl more...

2008-03-23T18:30:00.000-07:00

Here is our little Bella and some of the things she really enjoys doing... vacuuming
dumping doritos
being helpful while doing laundry...
really enjoying her dinner and wearing it too...

Gunstock Ranch once again...

2008-03-21T17:22:00.000-07:00

I know, it's crazy we've never been there until last week and now we've gone twice in the last week and are actually going again for an easter egg hunt Saturday morning. It should be pretty fun. Jewel our neighbor and her twins Olivia and Luke invited us to go to Gunstock Ranch to help prepare for the egg hunt. There were tons of peple there so we didn't help too much but Bella had a couple of firsts. She held a little puppy, kind of, and she jumped on a trampoline. She loved that! We're excited for Saturday...

Gunstock Ranch

2008-03-18T16:23:00.001-07:00

Lance and I have lived here in Hawaii for almost two years now and have never been up to Gunstock Ranch which is about five minutes from our house. What were we thinking??? We went up there for a suprise party last weekend for our friend Taylor Pearce and it was so beautiful! We've never really seen Hawaii country style and Gunstock Ranch is the place. Bella really loved seeing the horses. We had a great time.

How did this Happen?

2008-03-18T16:18:00.000-07:00

So Lance got Bella out of bed like this the other morning... I'm still trying to figure out how it happened. Crazy little girl!

The BIG hike!

2008-03-16T00:22:00.001-07:00

Lance has been really wanting to go on a hike for a while and I keep reminding him that if we go that it must be a paved hike that isn't hard. I know, boring, but true. I'm not too big of a hiker and not only that but we have two babies. Hiking with two babies just doesn't sound too appealing. So anyways, Lance and I went and did a 3/4 mile hike up to Waimea Falls. It was GREAT! Short, not to hot and actually quite fun. Lance and Bella went swimming in the waterfall pool and Bella loved it. She's such a water baby. And lately she's been into smelling flowers and found that yellow flower up at the waterfall and the purple flowers on the hike up. I think that maybe Lance and I will have to get a babysitter so we can do a real hike before we leave this place.

Honolulu Zoo

2008-03-11T01:50:00.000-07:00

We spent the day in town on Thursday and took Bella to the Zoo. She absolutely loved it. She was even so brave and went into the petting zoo and pet the little goat. Her favorite for sure was the elephants though. After the zoo we went and walked the waikiki beach. It was a beautifully fun day. It will be bitter sweet when we leave this paradise and head back home.

My little Bo

2008-03-11T01:30:00.000-07:00

I just have to say that I have THE BEST baby. Bodey is such an angel. He sleeps when he's supposed to, eats when he's supposed to and just is so good to me. I definetely can't complain. With Bella I had to be holding her in a certain position and bouncing her just right for her to fall asleep when she was a baby. Bodey, as you can tell in the picture has no problem at all falling asleep anywhere. I was walking around the other day and he started feeling heavier and heavier. Sure enough he had fallen asleep. I love my little guy so much and so glad he's mine!

BBQ with Rusty and Lala

2008-03-09T19:21:00.000-07:00

We went over to Lala and Rusty's for a yummy bbq the other night and had some delicious mahi (tuna) and Bella had a ball playing with Lala and scarecrow (Lala's neighbor's cat). She is just starting to get brave and pet animals and not wig out when they come close to her. Baby steps... hopefully, eventually she will like animals a little more. My mom did remind me though that when I was younger I was TERRIFIED of any kind of animal. We'll see... Thanks Lala and Rusty for yummy dinner and for Settlers fun!