My Life...

Secret

2011-06-05T07:07:00.000-07:00

Kade's thing right now is to tell me he has a secret, then has me bend down so he can whisper:

"I love you, and you're my best buddy".

To Mindy he says:

"I love you, and you're my best friend".

What's better than that?

-Matt

Sleeping abuv Stars

2011-05-14T07:02:00.000-07:00

Sleeping abuv Stars

(By Ella Hunter Age 6)

I kant go

to sleep

with out

a good

night kiss

and with

out

stars

abuv my

head.

the stars

are so

bright

and

shiny

and

the

moon

brighlty

shinying abuv my head.

It was a very merry Christmas

2011-02-20T10:03:00.000-08:00

I know it was 2 months ago but I'm just getting around to posting these pictures I uploaded awhile ago. I've essentially quit blogging because it takes FOREVER with my slow internet. And hopefully I change it also tonight but I still have my cheesy harvest blog background up. Anyways, on to my happy memories of the fun time we had at Christmas.

My family stayed at a huge cabin this year up in Canada near Mountain View. It fit my entire family comfortably and made for a REALLY fun time. Here are some pictures...

Little Thomas doing his dancing with all the older cousins cheering him on.

We had a really fun program on Christmas eve. It really was so cute. Each family performed. Claire and Caroline had a few numbers since they put together the program:)

Grama Baldry came and had a blast. She went snowmobiling for the first time in her life and also went on the quad as seen here with Austin. It was so fun to have her with us. She also helped us make a delicious turkey dinner on Christmas day. She is the turkey dinner expert.

Dad and Grama

Christmas Bingo

My cute family

So as seen by the photos there was plenty of sledding, skating, snowmobiling, eating, eating and eating, games, late nights, laughing, salon day for the little girls--complete with hair bling, cookie train, and much more. I had the best time and I think so did everyone else.

We also released balloons with special notes to my mom. We wanted to feel like she was a part of our celebration. Of course, she is a part of all we do. She is the the one who made this what it is and us the way we are. My dad too. I'm proud of my family and my parents for doing such a great job. While I'm at it Karie is doing an amazing job of keeping things going in the direction my mom was going. She has her own ways but the underlying tones are the same. Love and enthusiasm for life and family.

Exciting news--well it's old news now but my baby sister Brett is pregnant. I'm so excited for her and have heard that she is looking adorable. Stephy is also due in a couple of weeks and I am so excited to find out if it is a boy or girl. No one in my family finds out before hand and it is so annoying:)

Surf Bread?

2010-11-01T15:46:00.000-07:00

Today at Trader Joe's Kade saw this bread and had to buy it. He said "mom...buy this surfing bread!"

Whatcha gonna do with all that yunk?

2010-10-26T22:24:00.001-07:00

As any good Dad does, I was flexing for my kids a while back. Ella got big eyes and was super excited. She said, "Woah! There's not even any yunk!". I hadn't yet learned the definition of yunk, so I asked her to explain. I added some photos here that depict her description. Apparently, you want to avoid yunk.

Say no to yunk.

-Matt

Who needs fall foliage?

2010-10-24T20:12:00.000-07:00

We just had the best time at the beach. The weather was beautiful. It reminded what I love about California. The beach...in October. I'm just kidding about not needing fall foliage, though. I still love it. I love fall. As a side note--today I was talking to Ella about what kinds of things she could try. She is currently in Soccor and doesn't really care for it. I was suggesting softball and some other things and I said, "what kinds of things do you like to do?" She said, "I like going to the candy store." That is Ella in a nutshell.

Isn't the light so pretty? The weather was gorgeous-especially after about 10 days of clouds. Don't get me wrong-I have been loving the cloudy and rainy weather. It was just nice to see some beautiful sunshine.

Kade is pretty much obsessed with this sport. He was FREEZING but did not quit.

I love watching Ella spin

I love these two.

I love this picture.

Ella's Kindergarten Graduation

2010-10-05T17:54:00.000-07:00

Ella had a great year of Kindergarten. She made lots of friends and was very social. I was really proud of how she made new friends and learned many new things. She loved it! Her teacher was Mrs. Harrah and the aide was Mrs. Guy. The ceremony was super cute and the song adorable.

Ella and Emily

Mrs. Harrah and Mrs. Guy

Ella's 6th birthday Party

2010-09-12T15:06:00.000-07:00

Ella had a tea party for her birthday this year. She had so much fun. Claire and Cambria were the assistants and painted the girls nails, did make up and helped them with their crafts.

Here the girls are making necklaces, bracelets and decorating hats.

So the story behind this is that Kade was totally harassing Sophie who was in full princess mode. As seen here she was trying to fight him off saying "go away dumb prince, I'm a princess!" I was laughing so hard.

Sophie, Miriam, Joey, Sarah, Ella, Malia, Emily and Kaylee

The Birthday girl

Ella, making a wierd face.

Marshmallow cake

We also had a pinata which Kade kept calling the enchilada.

Two years ago today...

2010-08-29T20:17:00.001-07:00

Two years ago today my mom went to Heaven. I can't believe it's been that long because it feels like yesterday. I think about her every day and miss her so much. These are our last pictures taken as a family. We just went out to the garden of the hospital. It was really emotional for all of us but what I love about these pictures is that I can feel the love we all have for our mom and each other when I look at them. We are a really tight family and going through this together with our mom brought us so close. We continue to rely on each other to help fill the void left by our mom. I love my family so much.

Aunt Jeane, Uncle Mike and Uncle Pat

Mom and Dad

I don't know what to say here...I love these girls.

My Family...

...will be together...

Forever.

I love you forever and ever Mom.

Happy Birthday Carson

2010-06-23T22:53:00.000-07:00

Today is Carson's 8th birthday. It was the funnest day and I wanted to post pics--but my camera bad luck continues. Stephanie has mis-placed her camera with all the pics for the last week. We are hopeful it is at the place we were at today. Anyways--back to Carson and the fun day we had. We started out with Tim Horton's Donuts for breakfast. Then we went to the Wild play park. They had this really fun ropes course with zip lines that the kids loved. They also have this 160 foot bungee jump off a bridge into a river below. The kids weren't old enough but Carson was really wanting to do it. It gave me butterflies just looking at it. Me, Matt, Claire and Carson did a big zip line tour that was super fun. The kids were so brave. Ella was ready to go for it but the age limit was 7.

Well I hope I can post some pictures soon but I wanted to say happy birthday to Carson. I can't believe he is 8. He is such a light in my life. He is always so kind and thoughtful. He is energetic and loves to play sports, hunt for lizards and bugs, play games of all kinds, eat treats, and wrestle. He has been loving tidepools--searching for star fish, anemonies, hermit crabs and other sea creatures. He remembers to tell me he loves me and that he likes my dinners. He does great in school but mostly loves recess. He doesn't like to read but loves when I read to him. He still loves to snuggle and comes crawling into our bed more than anyone else. He is conscious of right and wrong and wants to do right. I am so proud of the little boy that he is.

On the road

2010-06-22T23:12:00.000-07:00

So I've been wanting to blog about our trip but two unfortunate things happened to prevent this. I'm sad to say that I forgot my camera cable to connect to the internet. Even worse, I also forgot my battery charger and my camera has been dead for 5 days and I am in the most beautiful place in the whole world. So frustrating. Today we went to Tofino, British Columbia and it was spectacular. We saw six bald eagles and some killer whales from the shore. We are having an amazing time and have driven through the California Redwoods, Oregon and beautiful Olympic national park in Washington. I am in love with the western coast and want to move to Portland. I love Oregon. Vancouver Island is unbelievably rugged and beautiful. That's where we are right now. I love it. I can't believe I don't have my camera. I'm so depressed about it. I have been getting pictures from Stephanie's camera but it's not the same. I'll do a post when I get to Alberta and can use my sister's camera equipment. (we have the same camera)

Happy birthday Mom

2010-05-25T14:16:00.000-07:00

Today's my mom's Birthday. I am flying up to Canada this weekend to be with my family so we can celebrate her birthday together.

As a tribute to my mom I want to share something. A few months after my mom died I was listening to Dr. Laura. A lady called in and was despondent over the death of her mother. She couldn't function and couldn't move on with her life. Dr. Laura's response really helped me to understand some things I was going through at the time. I had been feeling guilty that it was so easy for me to come home from that summer with my mom and resume my life. I wondered why I wasn't feeling more like the lady calling in to the show. Her response to the lady was that it would be a tribute to her mother to pick up the pieces and live her life the way her mom had taught her. Although, I didn't know who that woman's mom raised her to be...I knew right then what kind of person my mom raised ME to be. I knew right then why I am able to continue on in her absence even though she was such an integral part of my life. She raised me to have faith, to pray, to rely on the Lord. She taught me that you have to live life. Never waste time feeling sad for yourself. She really did this. She rarely showed self-pity. I really never saw it. She taught me to be strong and independent. She taught me to be positive and to see the blessings in my life. I'm so grateful to her for the kind of woman that she raised me to be and for preparing me to get through the trials of life with more strength and understanding. Thanks mom.

My mom as a cute little girl (3rd from left)

My mom loving Caroline.

I love this picture of my mom and dad.

My mom's senior portrait.

My mom in action--doing what she loved--fussing over the grandkids.

Kade-o Catches the waves

2010-05-23T17:38:00.000-07:00

Although Kade may look terrified in some of these pictures--he was loving every second. As soon as his wave came in he would immediately turn around yelling "again! again!"

Catching waves

2010-05-23T17:21:00.000-07:00

We went to Carpinteria last week and Carson tried out his new surf board. He did great and loved it! Claire also tried it out and loved it. Unfortunately I didn't get pics of her--I'm not sure why?

Hawaii with Mom

2010-05-13T06:43:00.000-07:00

Two years ago my youngest sister Brett was at BYU-Hawaii for the spring term. Towards the end of May my mom decided to go visit her. Soon Stephanie was going too. Then Christy. Brooke was 7 months prego so she couldn't go. Not wanting to miss the party I started looking in to going. I could see it was going to be complicated since we had a camp trip and it was going to be the last week of school. I knew it would be crazy to go but I was feeling like I definitely needed to do it. I could tell my mom really wanted me to go and with her cancer back I wondered how many trips would I be able to take with my mom. So I booked a flight and this is more or less how it went: We camped out friday night at El capitan with friends and on Saturday morning Kade and I left the camp ground late, of course, and barely made it to the airport. We arrived in beautiful Hawaii that evening and I remember vividly my mom greeting me at the airport. She was so lit up and excited to see us. She was wearing this straw hat. I also remember feeling a little uneasy at the sight of her so thin and having lost her hair. I think I somehow sensed in these first moments with my mom that her time was short--even though at the time her prognosis was good for the time being. That sense of sadness stayed with me throughout the entire trip but we had an amazing and fun time--I'll give more details later. SO....fun times for five wonderful days and then a red eye (with an 8 monther on my lap--and straight to the school for Carson's Kindergarten graduation. I say this because it obviously was a little crazy to decide two weeks before the fact to leave my family during one of the busiest weeks of the school year to go to Hawaii for five days. It was so worth it! I'm so glad I have those memories with my mom. About 2 weeks after being home from Hawaii my mom was in the hospital and never back to her active, normal self. Lesson: sometimes you just have to throw caution to the wind and do things you might think are crazy. Lesson 2: I could not have gone without the help of my friends. I learned how great it is to have supportive friends to help with my kids. It's so nice when we help each other out. Anyways, We had so much fun. I'm so glad I went. I would have always regretted it if I hadn't.

So...lucky Kade. He got to go to Hawaii. He was so good and we just dragged him all over the Island. He loved it. Just him and the ladies.

Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay. My mom loved the snorkeling. She was in there forever. We would just take turns going out with her. We had no trouble spotting her bald head out there when we needed to find her.

Mom and Brett

Brett gave an amazing talk in church while we were there. She talked about her experience with mom's cancer and how her faith was able to help her through it. My family has been an amazing source of faith and strength as we've gone through all of this together.

For some reason I like the image of this picture.

This one too. I think we all had a lot to think about. I wish I could go back to this moment just for a few minutes and re-live it.

We loved the shave ice and so did Kade. In fact food played an important part of the trip as we are all food obsessed. We would eat out and all order something different and then share. Mom loved this--and she said so a few different times. We also made food in the condo and mom would always pack a really good picnic when we would go out for the day. We ate a lot of macadamia nuts and chocolate macadamia nuts and mom picked out a seeded watermelon that was the best I've had since a little kid. I loved the banana pancakes from the hukilau cafe--with coconut syrup--yummy!

We were able to go to a temple session with my mom. It was great.

Like I said--we loved the shave ice.

Polynesian culteral center where Brett worked.

One of my favorite memories is sailing with my mom. She loved it.

My mom was so full of life on this trip. I can't believe she was so close to being completely bedridden. That is my mom, though. To go, go, go until the end.

Since my mom's death I think about this trip with longing more than any other time. I would love to go back to it and sit with her one more time. I have so much I want to talk to her about. We shared a bed (with Kade I might add) and I would wake up in the morning and watch her sleep. I know it's a little sappy but that's how it happened.

I miss her.

Not any Woman

2010-05-10T20:48:00.000-07:00

This is something my Cousin Ivory wrote --I think at 2 am after my mom passed away or maybe right before--I love it and it says a lot of what I want to say about my mom for mother's day.

Not Any Woman

Any woman can get married and have eight children...any woman can have five daughters and three sons (with technology now, really ANY woman could) and hold them, feed them, teach them and change them.

But Peggy Hicken Baldry is not ANY woman.

She is our daughter, our wife, our mother, and grandmother. She is our sister and/or best friend. She is our aunt or A.K.A. adopted half-biological mother. She is our sister and law; our daughter and law. She is part of the Hicken Herd, Hicken sisters, the Gang, the Raymond Playhouse Society, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

If you are not biologically blessed to be related, then she is your best friend and confident. She is our hiking buddy, fashion designer, our seamstress. She is our co-worker and counsellor. She coined the term "slogging" which many of you know if you graduated from RHS between 1991 and 1993. I am sure she has coined many other terms.

She is our chef - her specialty is Caesar Salad, baking bread, cinnamon rolls, and pretty much everything else delicious. She is a nurse - mainly to her own children, but also to dozens of other children blessed to be in her care. She started cheerleading as a teen - and hasn’t quit since. She cheer-led for t-ball, swimming, soccer, volleyball, piano, dance, track and field, singing, Grade 9 plays, baseball, basketball, football, rugby. She actually cheered for the cheerleaders and does for Stake Presidents, bishops, missionaries, life, and love. We think she has a world record for most years spent as a cheerleader. Not many are dedicated enough to actually cheer for the high school coach (can you DO that?) But Peggy is. And when he quit coaching, she found another coach to cheer for.

Any woman can get married and have eight children. She could have 5 daughters, 3 sons, 15 grandchildren - granddaughters and grandsons, and hold them, feed them, teach them, change them. But NOT any woman can give birth to THIS family then hold them, feed them, teach them and change them into the best person they will ultimately be. NOT any woman can do all of the above and touch so many lives with such grace, tenderness, and love. NOT any woman can hold them, feed them, teach them, change them, and then leave them with a hand-print of her spirituality that will be forever in their hearts. And then pass her hand-print on for generations to come, while showing them that the prints in His Hands are the ones that really matter.

But we know that Peggy Hicken Baldry is NOT just any woman.

Love, Ivory

AKA adopted half-biological daughter

More memories of Mom

2010-05-08T21:27:00.000-07:00

I'm going to catch up...

My mom was very musical. She grew up learning music from my grama and sang quartets with my aunts. She was really good at singing and harmonizing. I remember that she was always harmonizing to my music, which when I was a teenager I thought was so annoying. But now I find my self doing the same thing and it almost always makes me think of my mom. She sang a lot of barber shop with my aunts and always sang in the ward choir. She also always had music playing. When I was little I remember Blondie, Barry Manilow, Anne Murray, etc. She also usually had a part in the town musical theater.

My mom was a really good cook. She made almost everything from scratch. She was a great baker and made homemade bread, cinnamon rolls, cookies, pies etc. I loved coming home from school to her fresh baked bread or especially cinnamon rolls. She always had a hot meal for lunch since we all came home for lunch(small town). She loved trying new things. I remember when she took a chinese food cooking class--she started making the best chinese food from scratch. She also liked to involve us in her cooking and baking and taught us the tricks of the trade. Later I'll post a picture here of me and her in matching aprons(made by her) making cookies.

My mom was also an amazing seamstress. She could sew anything. When I was little she sewed us matching dresses. ( I also have a picture for that I will add.) She made us cabbage patch dolls, jackets, dresses etc. It was always a big joke that when we would go shopping and we'd find stuff we liked mom would go on about how she could "make that so easy"--but then wouldn't. She also made really cute baby blankets once the grandkids started coming.

Mom was super handy. She was for sure our family handiman--dad was just the back up. She told me once that dad was so busy with work and coaching and church stuff that she realized she would have to do the projects herself. She was great at figuring stuff out and did all kinds of projects around the house. She had a really good mind for figuring stuff 0ut--as well as the patience.

My Father in Law

2010-05-04T22:02:00.000-07:00

Today is My Father in Law--John's birthday. He passed away about two and a half years ago. I can't believe it's been that long. Anyway, I'm going to interrupt memories of my mom to remember him today. One of my favorite memories of John was a few months before he died. He asked me if I remembered where we were the first time we met. I said yes. It was in Louine's geneology library. I was visiting Ojai for the first time with Matt and we weren't actually dating yet. He had just returned home and came in to the library and that was the beginning of it all. I was so flattered that he remembered--because John has a very good but selective memory. I miss him a lot. He did a lot of good things for a lot of people--and especially our family. He was a great example of hard work and dedication to the things that are important. Happy Birthday John. We love you.

It's May

2010-05-02T14:37:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's May already. May is a good month. It is the month my mother was born and the month of mother's day. So I have decided that in May I will post a memory or thought about my Mom every day of the month. I haven't really started writing memories of my mom yet and I really want to so I think this will be a good start.

So I just had a memory come to mind the other day that I hadn't thought of for a long time. She came to my first girls camp. I remember being on the hike together and being in a canoe together. For some reason I remember that when we were canoeing I noticed that her legs were really hairy. I know--it's random but that's how I remember it--and who knows--maybe someday it will help me remember that you don't always have to have your legs shaved when you are going to the lake. You know like when you have six little kids and you are leaving 5 of them home to go with your oldest daughter to her first girls camp. That must have been a lot of work and arranging--no time for shaving.

Ella's love

2010-04-23T13:26:00.000-07:00

Me: Ella, are you happy?

Ella: Yes

Me: What makes you happy?

Ella: All of my love that I have for you.

Pray

2010-04-22T16:58:00.000-07:00

Pray for my friend's brother and his family. You can see their inspiring story on the Team Ryan link on my blog list. I can't stop thinking about what they are going through and relating to it in many ways. My last couple of months with my mom were the most difficult of my life--but at the same time so wonderful. I know that might seem strange without having experienced it but my family and I all agree it was a deeply cherished time in our lives. We laughed and cried and grew so close. Those memories are one of my greatest treasures. I've been thinking about those memories alot the last couple of days and I hope this sweet family has peace. I think they do. They have faith. I think I can share this...I want to. A couple of nights before my mom died she had a moment of alertness. She said,"I am totally prepared." She said it a couple of times and couldn't finish the thought. We tried to fill in the blanks with everything but what we knew she was trying to say. We knew. Thanks for indulging me...I know it's kind of sad.

Spring Break at the Beach

2010-04-21T15:56:00.000-07:00

We had a really fun spring break. My dad, Karie and Austin came down and we went to the beach house for the week. Karie's sister Jodi and her three kids also came. I don't have pictures of Jeremy and Addie but they were also with us at the beach for one night.

I'm pretty sure that my dad is laughing at Karie and Austin getting smashed by the waves. My dad--as many times as he has been here has never been in the ocean. What a wimp:)

Carson was pretty sick for a couple of days. On this day he came with us to Zuma because we had been feeling alot better that morning--after a round of beach volleyball this is what he did for the next few hours. It was sad.

Uhh...basically this is Kade's drool.

Ella, Brinley, Claire and Haley

Me, making sure Carson is hydrated. Poor guy.

The girls went out for mani-pedis. They, of course, loved it. Lots of sparkles.

Kade--frolicking.

Kade loves Grama Karie. He was so excited for her to come and she came through with plenty of playing and attention.

Ella and Griffin

Bubbles!

Austin was the favorite uncle this week. He put in plenty of play time with the kids and they loved it--and this seemed to be his best pose.

This is Carson's lovely photography at the Santa Barbara zoo.

The kids also went to Alice and Wonderland and How to train a dragon. We ate lots of good food and played on the beach. We played softball. The girls (Claire, Ella, Brinley and Haley, planned a girls night with plenty of activities and the boys (Carson and Griffin) responded with a less organized boys night. The kids had a lot of fun. And so did the big people.

mud puddle

2010-04-21T15:52:00.000-07:00

This was yesterday--can you guess who it might be?

Dr. Seuss

2010-04-21T15:43:00.000-07:00

Carson was Dr. Seuss for his class oral presentation. He was not excited about the beard but in the end thought it was fun to dress up.

April fools!

2010-04-21T15:40:00.000-07:00

So this year Claire was really into april fools day. This is how Ella and Kade woke up and Matt's car was covered in saran wrap!

The beach

2010-04-21T15:31:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I can't believe these are mine.

Surfboarding

2010-04-21T15:26:00.000-07:00

I love this boy. Even today when he has been whining at me all day. I love his smile in this pic. He loves the beach and "surfboarding"

Sorry Ladies...he's taken.

2010-04-01T21:42:00.000-07:00

Yep...he's all mine. Matt grew a beard last fall. Before he shaved it all off he donned this little number...for a few hours.

The zoo with Caroline and Rose

2010-03-07T14:44:00.000-08:00

We love to have visitors. In January Sarah-Beth, Caroline and Rose came to visit. We had so much fun. One thing we did was go to the Santa Barbara Zoo.

Here's an animal--and I don't mean the Giraffe--that would best be caged but is alas roaming free and in fact harassing me at this moment while I try to blog.

Isn't she adorable? This was our first time meeting little Rosie and the kids loved her. She was so fun to hold. We even got to babysit her while Sarah and Caroline went to the YO-YO Ma concert.

So the real hit of the zoo this time was the new sliding hill. It's just an astroturf hill that the kids could slide down on card board. They loved it! Kade was totally going for it.

Go Ella!

Can you see the big snake?

Ella the Superstar

2010-03-07T13:05:00.000-08:00

So when Ella was finally picked to be superstar in her kindergarten class she had been waiting all year and even had already packed up her items to share. She was so excited! She couldn't wait to decorate her poster and share with her class. Before we even left her classroom to go home with the superstar stuff she said, "I love being the superstar!"

The things Ella wanted to share were:

Her American Girl doll

Her rock collection

A couple of stuffed toys

Her favorite book--Angelina Ballerina

One of her Barbies "with the pretty dress"

Some things on her poster were:

Her favorite colors are blue and pink

She likes look for bugs and lizards

She loves to swim and go to the beach

She wants to be a teacher when she grows up

She loves to act silly

Her favorite movie is Barbie Swan Lake

She loves to make and EAT treats

Some things I want to add about Ella:

Ella tells me many times a day that she loves me.

The other day she said in her prayers, "thank you for all the love that I have in my heart."

She loves to snuggle but is the most wiggley snuggler EVER!

She loves to help me cook but can't keep her fingers out of the bowl.

She LOVES treats! Oh my goodness!

She is my pickiest eater but ironically likes brussel sprouts.

She loves to dance and act silly.

She likes to make people laugh.

She loves to dress up and puts together the craziest outfits.

Yesterday when Matt was taking about what they should do on their date she said, "lets go sopping (shopping) at the mall." She loves to shop and put outfits together. She has a very unique fashion sense.

She still cannot say her "r" sound which gives her a really cute Ella accent.

She loves her kindergarten teacher, Ms. Harrah

She loves Kade but when her baby cousin Rose was here she loved her so much that she wanted to trade her for Kade. She loves babies--but especially girl babies.

I love her so much--she is so full of personality. She is smiley and loving. I'm so glad she's mine. And isn't she beautiful? Those eyes!

A day in the life of Kade

2010-01-24T15:58:00.001-08:00

So one day last week I wrote down all the things Kade did in one day. (except drawing on the couch--that was the day before but I had to get it in there)

He colored on every cushion of the leather couch including the ottoman with a ball point pen

He colored on the mirrors with a marker

He spilled a glass of milk everywhere

He spilled his glass of grape juice everywhere

After Matt spent considerable time fixing and putting batteries in his firetruck he brought it in the shower and ruined it

He smashed oranges into the carpet

Snuck off to a corner with a huge hunk of dipping chocolate

Took off all his clothes at the park and peed in the sand in front of all the other moms--twice

Took my new double bag of bread from Costco and rode it like a horse and smashed it

Gave me tons of hugs and kisses.

Said "I love you momio"

Smiled his irresistable smile.

Screamed "DADIOOOOOOO" when Matt got home from work

I love you too Kado.

Let it snow!

2010-01-19T21:13:00.000-08:00

The day after Christmas we headed to snowy Utah. We were hoping for snow and were not disappointed. We stayed with Dan and Jena in Highland and they're huge yard full of snow with the beautiful mountains as a backdrop provided the perfect snowy playground. The kids LOVED IT!

Ella, Brooke and Jessie

Scary Monster!!

Carson and Cole spent the most time outside building snowforts and throwing snowballs. They also spent alot of time playing wii and playstation.

Go Kado!

These girls were inseparable. Shayla and Claire

We went and saw the beautiful Christmas lights on temple square. It was FREEZING!

Sledding at Aspen Grove near Sundance with Aunt Nan and Uncle Richard and Hunter Cousins

Check out these Icicles!!

We had such a fun trip. Some other things we did that I didn't get on film were:

We had a really fun New Years party at Dave and Amy's and spent the night.

My Dad and Karie were also in Bountiful visiting Karie's sisters. We went to see Princess and the frog and had dinner after. Kade loved the popcorn and socializing with other movie patrons. It was fun to get to know Karie's family better. Kade loves hanging out with "Gampa Karie"

We also saw the Chipmonks movie. Matt and I saw Avatar and Invictus. Both were really good.

We had such a great time! Thanks to our family for entertaining us and spending time with us.

I also saw my friend Chelsea and her cute little baby Moses. We went the the cutest boutiques called Dear Lizzie in Highland. Such cute stuff.

Happy Birthday Matt

2010-01-12T21:01:00.001-08:00

I like this picture even though I have a goofy look on my face.

Today was Matt's Birthday. It was a great day! He took the day off and we went mountain biking then we had lunch at Cafe Firenze with Kade in tow. (He went to Summer's for the mountain biking part of the day) Kade was kind of a stinker at the restaurant--he's not really fancy restaurant trained. In fact he's not restaurant trained at all. Then the kids came home and made homemade presents for Matt including pictures and letters and coupons for services such as foot rubs, carwashes, taking out the trash etc. Then we went to Islands for dinner where Kade once again demonstrated his lack of restaurant manners--and then home for Cake and presents. I think Matt had fun. The bike ride was awesome. So beautiful. I love you Matt!

December...is over

2010-01-10T14:49:00.000-08:00

Carson, Caden and Noah

Okay so I'm a little behind and December was fun-filled so today I will catch up. I love December it is for sure my favorite month. I love Christmas and most that goes with it.

Here are some pictures of our primary activity at the Los Angeles temple. The primary kids did a little performance and we had hot chocolate and donuts. After that it was chaos as the kids ran all around the temple grounds. It was a little out of control but fun. The kids were a little hard to keep track of so these are the only pics i got.

Ella Bella

We also had a really fun weekend at the Beach House with my cousins Ivory & Brodie and Melissa and Dan--and all their kids. We also had Ellie and Miriam Mcgregor for the first night.
It rained off and on all weekend but we managed to get a little beach fun in.

Silly!

This is the kids after a huge wave crashed over the rocks and soaked them all. Ironically, while Dan was lecturing Seth about getting wet--a huge wave crashed and got HIM soaking wet. (or as Ella would say "soak and wet")
Sage
Kado and Dado

Seriously! What does it take to get these kids to pose nice for a picture!

We had so much fun. We stayed up too late, ate too much, played games, went to the parade of lights in the harbor, watched the rain pound the sand, the kids swam in their clothes, we washed their clothes, and they swam in their clothes again. Nothing like Christmas at the beach.

And...the fun continues!

We also had fun making treats for some friends and neighbors, having class parties, ward party, cookie decorating, Christmas shopping,watching some of our favorite Christmas movies, listening to Christmas music, and enjoying all the building of anticipation for the big day...

Christmas morning was super fun. We made the kids open their presents one at a time to drag it out as long as possible. Then they spent the morning playing with their new stuff. (I spent the morning going to a 24 hour pharmacy in Oxnard getting antibiotic for another one of Carsons ailments. He always gets the most random skin things!)
We also had a delicious breakfast of monkey bread--and other yummy things.

We also had Scott and Kristy's family over along with Louine and Bob. (Side note--Today Carson asked me why all the Hunters don't change their last name to Hankey--in light of Louine now being remarried to Bob--who's last name is actually Skankey)
Anyway, we had a really nice time with all of them and as you can see the kids did some crazy dressing up--not your traditional Mary and wisemen stuff.

Thanksgiving with the Hunters

2009-11-29T20:01:00.000-08:00

We just had a really fun Thanksgiving weekend in Ojai. A lot of cousins were there. Steve and Tracy and their kids, Scott and Kristy and their family, Jim and Kathy and kids, Billy and Melanie and their kids, Louine and Bob and my sister Brett and her husband Shawn. The kids had a fun time jumping on the tramp hiking in the orchards, playing tennis and having a great time with their cousins. Of course they made a few trips down to the Johnson's for lollypops.

Lest we forget

2009-11-10T21:20:00.001-08:00

Since tomorrow is Veteran's Day or in Canada we call it Remembrance day, I wanted to honor two of my heroes. My Grampa Baldry who passed away a little over a year ago and my Grampa Hicken who is 90 years old. They both fought in WWII.

This is my Grampa Baldry who fought mostly in Italy and Holland. He was something of an engineer, I believe and he was special trained to build and dismantle special bridges that allowed the troops to continue their paths after bridges had been bombed out. My Grampa was very much a homebody and I can't imaging how hard it was for him. One thing he said in his history was, "I wondered if I would ever again see the prairies of Alberta, the beautiful rocky Mountains, the little town of Coaldale, my parents and family and friends but it was too late as I had voluntarily made a commitment to serve my country. I was needed, there was a job to be done."

In my Grampa Baldry's history he shares what it was like liberating the country of Holland. He said, "Oh how we were welcomed as we moved north! It is difficult to put into words the feelings we shared with the dutch people. they were thankful to see us. In many instances we were literally mobbed by young and old. It was a mayhem of huggings and kisses, tears and laughter, dancing and then many prayers of thanks. I often shed tears when I think of what a terrible 5 years the people of Holland had experienced under the occupation of the German forces. I shall never forget the drawn faces and emaciated bodies of the starving people, especially the very old and the very young. The look of, "can this really be happening," soon changed from wonderment and caution to happiness and thankfulness as tears rolled down their cheeks. This was the most rewarding and emotional time of WWII for me and something I will never forget. "

I thought of this when I recently read the Diary of Anne Frank. It felt a little more personal knowing that my Grampa was involved in the liberation of those people--even thought for Anne it was too late. I'm so proud of my Grampa Baldry.

This is a poem we recite a lot around Remembrance day in Canada. As a side note I was chosen one year to recite it as part of a Remembrance day program. I remember my mom sending me to have some voice coaching so I could recite it with expression and the right intonation. Funny. We also wear the poppy for remembrance day. It is a red flower that grows over many soldiers graves in Europe.

This is my Grampa Hicken. He was in the Airforce. This was the airplane that he flew in the war.

Here he is with my Grama.

That's him again in the middle.

I don't have as much information about his war experiences but I am resolved to find out more. I do know that he was very brave and recieved many medals of honor. As I find out more I will edit this post. I love my Grampa's so much and will always be grateful for their bravery.

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

2009-11-09T20:14:00.000-08:00

I just finished this book today and it's left me pained. I don't know how else to describe it. I think the holocaust was a horrific and tragic event in our history. I can't understand that kind of hate. I recently read The Diary of Anne Frank and what leaves me the most saddened is the loss of potential. All the lives of these people just like me my family and friends -- taken for no reason except being Jewish. Doctors, poets, mothers, children, teachers, etc. People with great futures and dreams. Normal people living normal lives ripped from their homes and lives and families. What a tragedy. I can't stop thinking about it. Heavy, I know but right now I'm so sad about it. Why do people hate? I've decided not to hate--I don't think I hate anyone but if reading about things like this has taught me anything it is that we must not hate. It leads to sadness and persecution and revenge and destroying peoples lives. Hate is evil.

Carson's moves

2009-11-01T21:07:00.000-08:00

Carson had so many great ninja moves--although I think he was a GI Joe character--that I felt he deserved his own collage. Notice that he was so speedy, many of the pictures are blurred.

Halloween

2009-11-01T20:57:00.000-08:00

Halloween was so fun. On Friday night we went with our neighbors from across the street, Robert, James and Janie to a haunted swamp at the Port Hueneme military base. It was super spooky and super fun. On Saturday we went trick or treating with some of our friends. Claire went with Cambria and Kayla. It was her first year going with friends and they went with Cambria's older sister Mckenna and her friends. I think Claire was loving being out with the teenagers and not with the parents. It was wierd for me though. There was also a super spooky haunted house they they waited an hour in line for but said it was worth the wait. Even Ella and Miriam braved it through. Ella admitted later that the haunted houses were too spooky--but she was pretty brave. In case it's not super obvious, Ella was Dorothy from the wizard of Oz, Kade was the lion, Carson was a GI Joe--don't know which one but he had some great Ninja moves, and Claire along with her friends were spooky softball zombies. They all looked great. Oh yeah and Kade was so cute at the doors saying "ticky teet" that people kept giving him extra candy. It was adorable. Needless to say it was a great night for Kade and candy.

Look who got a haircut

2009-11-01T09:32:00.000-08:00

Kade finally got a haircut. I've been loving his long blond locks but it got a little too long. At first it started out as a trim but it turned into a little bit of a mullet and then Matt had to take it all off. It just got shorter and shorter and shorter. He looks so different--still so adorable. It reminds me of when I cut Steph's hair when I was, like, eleven or something. In my memory I had my mom's permission--but in hindsight I can't imagine that I did. I had to keep cutting and cutting and cutting--trying to get it even. I turned out pretty awful and she looked like a really cute little boy. Steph you should get me a picture so I can post it with this blog. I am still awful at cutting hair. I've tried a few times with my girls and even myself but it never turns out good. Good job Matt.

Life is good.

2009-10-27T22:28:00.001-07:00

I love my life. It is good. That's not to say nothing every goes wrong in my life--but over all it is a happy life and I wish it could remain how it is. My kids are growing too fast, I am getting older, things are changing here and there i just want things to stay how they are--nice and happy.

So I am the art teacher for Claire's fourth grade class. That's right--31 fourth graders and me learning art together. They claim you need not be artistic, although I do think I am a little bit creative and slightly artistic it is definitely not one of my greater talents. Today we worked on two projects--a spider candy holder and a halloween scene. They did pretty good but we were unable to finish the spider and will be finishing it on friday. It was pretty crazy and it took me a while to come down from the chaos of 31 fourth graders but I enjoyed it and it's nice to get to know Claire's classmates. She was pretty excited to stay and help me clean up after. As much as I would like to think it was because she wanted to be with me, I tend to think it was to get out of class.

I saw Ella on my way to Claire's art and she was sitting at the lunch table with her friends eating lunch and it made me sad. My Ella is in school. Spending more time with her friends and teachers than with me. I miss her. She came and gave me a big hug and that made me feel good.

Carson scored 3 goals in a soccor scrimmage tonight. He was on fire. And one other thing--the other night when I was snuggling Carson for bed he sleepily said, "your the best, mom."

Today a couple of neighbor girls came over to babysit Kade and when I tried to pay them they refused payment saying it was just too easy and he was so good. He seems to have that effect on girls. HEE HEE. He is pretty adorable.

I just got off the phone with Matt. He is traveling a lot for work lately and I miss him. We talked for about a half hour which is pretty good for a non phone talker like matt. We just talked about the interesting and some not interesting things of the day. It's nice to have someone to talk to about my day--even if sometimes he watches TV and I blog while we are talking. Love is grand.

This is why life is good.

Some classics

2009-10-25T22:13:00.001-07:00

Well here's some pictures to take us back in time. Here's a picture of me, my mom and dad. How sweet are my dads pants. We are in front of Grama Hicken's house. I also love the car.

Me, my mom and my Grama Hicken on my blessing day.

My mom at BYU Hawaii

I love this picture of my mom and dad. Young, cool and in love.

The Secret Garden

2009-10-20T15:34:00.000-07:00

I just finished The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. I loved it. I read it as a kid but I think I enjoyed it more as an adult. I loved her descriptive writing and the imagery it conveyed. I felt like I was in the garden. I loved the message of hope and renewal. One of my favorite passages is on p.256
At first people refuse to believe that a strange new thing can be done, then they begin to hope it can be done, then they see it can be done--then it is done and all the world wonders why it was not done centuries ago. One of the new things people began to find out in the last century is that thoughts-- just mere thoughts--are as powerful as electric batteries--as good for one as the sunlight is, or as bad for one as poison. To let a sad thought or a bad one get into your mind is as dangerous as letting a scarlet fever germ get into your body. If you let it stay there after it has got in you may never get over it as long as you live.
This book inspired me to be more optimistic and let good thoughts replace the bad. It also inspired me to do more gardening:) I recomend it.

More on Italy--The Amalfi coast

2009-10-16T22:37:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of the spectacular Amalfi coast. I wish my pictures could do it better justice. We drove from Sorrento to the town of Amalfi on this narrow two lane highway. We went first to Positano which is the town built up the hills. It was so beautiful. The streets were narrow and filled with shops and street vendors. We went down to the beach where we swam in the mediterranean sea. The water was clear, blue and warm. We noticed that we floated more than at home which makes us think the water has higher salt content. We rinsed off and ate lunch then were off to Amalfi. I loved Amalfi. It was so quaint and we found this beautiful church where we saw a bride and groom on their wedding day. They pulled up in a cute vintage convertable and walked up the many steps into the church. Then here comes the bride played and the rest is history--I hope they have a wonderful life. Anyways, the day was magical and I loved spending it with my love--I think the Amalfi coast may be one of the most romantic and beautiful places in the world. We also, of course, had gelato. And since I brought it up I might as well say that we ate gelato everyday--some days twice. Some interesting flavors we tried were cantaloupe, fig, apple, lemon(two varieties--one tart and one creamy and sweet), watermelon, nutella, walnut, and then the typical chocolate and strawberry. My favorite was the creamy lemon and cantaloupe and my least favorite was fig. Matt's favorite was the strawberry. We loved the gelato.

A fall day

2009-10-16T21:29:00.000-07:00

Today was beautiful. It has rained for 2 days(which I loved) and today is bright and sunny and green. Everything is clean and fresh. Ella stayed home sick. She might start claiming sick more often since we read books together, snuggled, watched TV and spent all day together. I must say it was a treat for me too. Kade enjoyed some time outside and even tried the swing although he looks a little worried. In the afternoon the kids did Halloween crafts and put them up around the house. Ella said I was the best art teacher and she wishes I was her art teacher. Thanks Ella. Then I made their favorite fall dinner--Spaghetti quash spaghetti. Very nutritious and my kids think it is the best dinner ever. Of course Carson said, "I love your dinner mom." He's very good about complementing me on my cooking. After dinner we spent the remaining daylight swinging and enjoying the sunset. (That's Carson on the swing.) It was a great day.

Happy Birthday Claire and Kade!

2009-10-14T11:54:00.000-07:00

Claire and her dad.

My beautiful girl.

My wild boy.

Adorable

My birthday kids--aren't they cute?

Peace sign cake pops for Claire's Class.

On October 7th Claire turned 9 and Kade turned 2. We started the day with breakfast in bed--which always turns into all the kids eating breakfast in bed. (Funny side note-I've been looking for our level for awhile and I am just noticing that it is right there in front of my eyes--on top of my bed) That night we went out to dinner and then had cake and presents at home. It was fun.

Claire in a nutshell. Where to begin. She is an amazing little girl. She is nine--but tries sometimes to be sixteen. She wants a cell phone so she can text and is starting to be a little trendy--she loves anything with a peace sign on it. But she is still my little girl--she still likes to snuggle me and talks to me about what's going on in her life and is so good to her younger brothers and sister. I just love her. She has been so helpful with Kade lately and he loves her to read him stories. She is smart and pretty and funny and so much fun to be around.

Kado potato. He is loud and talking like crazy. He loves to talk talk talk and yell yell yell. I know where he is at all times--i just have to pause and listen. He also loves to sing and dance. He loves trains and reading books and snuggling. He still gets up early everymorning and never lets us sleep in. It's just me and him while the kids are at school and I love being with him. He cracks me up all day--but is sometimes a major trouble maker. He has his trusty stool that gives him access to way too much. Lets just say we have a lot of messes to clean up with Kade and his stool on the loose. He helps himself to yogurt every morning which cracks me up. He gets a yogurt then a spoon and then eats it at the table. He even stole Ella's yogurt out of her lunch yesterday--poor Ella.

Mom's cinnamon rolls

2009-10-13T21:14:00.000-07:00

Today Christy called for mom's cinnamon bun recipe. One memory of mom that we all seemed to cherish was coming home to the smell of mom's cinnamon buns. Not only did they smell good but they were delicious. My mom was a fabulous baker. I have been making them for awhile and I feel like I have finally gotten them ALMOST as good as moms. I miss my mom so much--but somehow I feel closer to her when I do the things she used to do. It's almost like she's along side me working along with me. It may sound strange but I am trying to do as many of the things she did so I can feel her close to me. Well, here's the recipe.

Cinnamon buns(aka rolls for my American friends)

This is also what she used to make dinner buns

5 cups of water--as hot as comes out of the tap. It loses heat when you put it in your cup and into the bowl so it's a good temp once you put in the yeast.

2tbs yeast

1 cup suger

mix a little and let stand a few minutes

add 1/2 cup powdered milk(optional)

2tsp salt

1 cup melted margerine or butter

4 eggs

6cups flour

mix well

side note: in my research I have learned that it is better when baking if your ingredients(ie eggs) are at room temp.

Switch to kneading attachment on your mixer, add 8 more cups of flour and knead for 10 minutes. Dough should be soft.This is the tricky part. You should be able to handle it easily with floured hands. Set the dough in a greased bowl and let rise until doubled. Then flour your surface. I like to flour my hands to make it easier to handle. You want to handle the dough gently at this point and divide into two chunks. Put one on your surface and roll out into a long rectangle. Mom melted butter and spread it on the rolled out dough. Then she would sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on it--and sometimes raisins for dad. Then roll it up and pinch the seam together. Mom's trick was to use dental floss to cut the rolls. She would slide it underneath and then pull across to cut the dough. (a demonstration might be needed) Place on a buttered cookie sheet and let rise again--about 1/2 hour. Bake until light golden brown.

An alternative for the filling that I have been doing is 1/2 cup honey 1/2 cup butter 1 cup brown sugar and cinnamon creamed in the mixer. Spread on--i'm not exactly sure on the proportions cause I don't really measure so you can adjust it.

Frosting

1/2 cup butter (softened)

vanilla

about 4 cups icing sugar

milk until the consistency you like--thick or glazier--whatever works. It usually gets glazy on the rolls cause they are warm. I like to let them cool for awhile before I frost them.

You can make this a cream cheese frosting by adding a package of softened cream cheese.

Enjoy and share!!

Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl

2009-09-24T21:16:00.000-07:00

Today I finally finished the Diary of Anne Frank. It was a pretty slow read for me, but as her diary progressed she became increasingly moving and inspiring. Her attitude and courage through such frightening and confining circumstances was inspiring to me. She was optimistic and continually filled her time with books and learning. Throughout the book her insights to life become more and more profound--much beyond her fourteen years. Anyways, I loved it and think everyone should read it. (Reading it in school doesn't count)

I'll share the highlights from my favorite journal entry. In it she is relating a conversation she had with a young boy named Peter who was in hiding with her family. She asked him, "Quite honestly, I can't imagine how anyone can say, "I'm weak, and then remain so." After all, if you know it, why not fight against it, why not try to train your character? The answer was: "Because it's much easier not to!" This rather discouraged me. Easy? Does that mean that a lazy, deceitful life is an easy life...I thought a long time about the best answer to give Peter, how to get him to believe in himself and above all improve himself...How can I make it clear to him that what appears easy and attractive will drag him down into the depths, depths where there is no comfort to be found. We all have hopes for much happiness but we must all earn it for ourselves. And that is never easy...Laziness may appear attractive, but work gives satisfaction. "

Can you believe a fourteen year old girl wrote this? I think it is so insightful.

One more quote that is actually related.
"How noble and good everyone could be if, every evening before falling asleep, they were to recall to their minds the events of the whole day and consider what has been good and bad. Then, without realizing it, you try to improve yourself at the start of each new day; of course, you achieve quite a lot in the course of time."

I think I will put this quote by my bed. I think Anne Frank was an amazing young girl. So sad her life was cut short with such great potential. I wonder, though, if through her death she actually influenced more people for good. Who will ever know.

Captain underpants

2009-09-23T20:27:00.000-07:00

Tonight I read captain underpants with Carson. It was obviously his pick. It was halarious. If anyone ever wants to see their son come alive with literature--captain underpants is the key. He used expression and different voices for the characters. I have to say--despite the ridiculous potty talk I loved it--I was totally cracking up.

Our trip to Italy

2009-09-22T12:29:00.000-07:00

Our first day we went to the the Palatine, the Forum and the Colisseum. I loved it. It was so facinating to see these ancient ruins right in the middle of the city.

It was our ten year anniversary this year so Matt and I decided to go to Italy to celebrate. Stephanie was kind and brave enough to babysit for 10 days. She did an amazing job. The kids loved her and the only damage was a minor dent in my car:)

We had a six hour layover in Paris so we hopped on the train and saw a few of the sights. We saw the Cathedral of Notre Dame, The Louvre, The Eiffel tower(from afar), and the Arc de Triumph. Paris is Beautiful and definitely has it's own architectural look. We were pretty tired since it was the middle of the night back home. We also discovered at this point that I didn't have my wide angle lens. This made it impossible to get wide angle shots. We were pretty sad.

First day of school

2009-09-22T11:48:00.000-07:00

The first day of School. Claire is going into 4th grade and her teacher is mr. Bethel. Carson is going into grade 2 and his teacher is Mrs. Garcia. Ella--little Ella--is going into K and she is so excited. Her teacher is Mrs. Harrah. We are all happy with the teachers we got and the kids are enjoying school as much as can be expected. Here's Ella with Joey Pilimai--they are in the same class.

My children the photographers

2009-08-21T06:59:00.000-07:00

Here's what happened when I let my kids use my
camera. We went to Liberty park in Salt Lake
with Chelsea in hopes that if we were at a park the kids would play and we could talk. No luck. They hovered around us most of the time and complained until I let them use my camera out of desperation for a moment to chat with Chelsea uninterrupted. I thought they did pretty good...with the pictures that is...they were a little bratty yesterday.
Action shots. The kids have been into cartwheels
lately.

Look at Carson...I have NEVER seen him better posed for a picture. I can never get this to happen. I guess Claire has the magic touch. Their prop of choice was obviously the statue bunny.

Kade loving the Tramp

2009-08-21T06:41:00.000-07:00

Right now were in Utah staying with Dan and Jena. The kids are having a blast. Kade is loving the trampoline and is getting so good at bouncing--as demonstrated below. Note Dan and Jena's amazing yard and view of the mountains. I love the one leg hop. He's actually getting pretty good at jumping off two feet which I think is highly advanced.

My little Claire Bear

2009-08-20T20:42:00.000-07:00

Isn't she the cutest? I'm just trying to learn how to do a post with pictures and I found this cute little picture of Claire. She was about 18 months. I love the little curls. And those cheeks. She still has those cute little cheeks.

My first blog post ever

2009-08-16T20:45:00.000-07:00

I finally started a blog and this is my first post. I'm really excited to start writing about me and my family and some of the interesting things that go on around our house. I'll do a real post when something exciting actually happens. Or maybe something cute or funny--or even sad. Later for now.