The Leeds Family

Honolulu Diva Half Marathon 2011

2011-04-22T21:57:00.000-07:00

April 17, 2011 was the diva series half marathon in Honolulu, Hawaii. I trained REALLY hard for months before this race. Then about 3 weeks before the race my heel pain was very intense and I wasn't able to put pressure on my foot. The day before we left for Hawaii I went to the Acupuncture. It was amazing!! He completly took the pain away. I knew that my heel pain wasn't healed, but he tried to help so I could at least finish the race. My goal was to finish in 1:50, BUT....my body said otherwise. I finished in 2:07 and was so disappointed. It was still the fastest I had finished a half marathon, but I was expecting so much more. I didn't pace myself like I usually do in the beginning. I thought that we were at sea level, and that would carry me through. Well, after the first 7 miles at a 7:40 pace I hit a wall. Add that to the fact that is was THE MOST HUMID day they had yet this year, not enough water intake, a sideache after 2 miles which turned into shoulder and neck cramp for the rest of the race, a screw through my shoe and had to stop to take my shoe off, my ipod breaking at mile 8 and the fact that I was just plain overdressed, it's a miracle that I finished. I started to get tears in my eyes around mile 10 when I knew my goal time wasn't met and almost stopped completely. But, I decided to dig a little deeper and cross the finish line with pride and show my 2 cheerleaders that you don't ever give up!!! I'm glad I did. They were so proud of me. I have more pictures to come of after the race. Overall, it was still an amazing experience to run a race in Hawaii and great learning experience. I take what I can from it, learn and move on to the next race which luckily is only a 10K and then another half in August. Just keep on keeping on. :)

More Hawaii pictures...

2011-04-22T21:41:00.001-07:00

Hawaii

2011-04-22T21:21:00.000-07:00

We just got back yesterday from a fabulous first trip to Hawaii. I had a half marathon that I was running in Honolulu, so we decided to make it a family affair (minus Charly), and make a family vacation out of it. It was wonderful and so relaxing, especially because the race was right in the middle of the vacation. I was able to relax a few days before and lounge around the pool for a few days afterwards. The girls had an amazing time and were so thrilled to be able to spend some much needed alone time with mommy and daddy without the center of attention...Charly. We really would have brought her, but she is at such a troublemaking stage and RUNNING all over the place, we thought it would be a little more mellow without the little one. :) We stayed at Turtle Bay Resort and literally layed on the beach or next to the pool the ENTIRE time while the girls played and swam. We would take time to leave the resort each day to get some "local food" and stoped daily at the fruit stands along the road and load up on the most amazing and juicy pineapple, mangos, and papaya. It was such a great trip and although we were so excited to come home to see little squish Charly, we were so sad to leave that paradise. We are already trying to figure out when we can go back.

CHARLY TURNS 1

2010-10-23T10:01:00.000-07:00

I know I'm a little late...one month to be exact. I really can't believe that Charly is 1 already! Well, she is really 13 months tomorrow. She is such a little stinker. We just adore her and she adds another personality to the family. She has been the most laid back baby and very happy little thing. She thinks that she is a pretty funny girl. She really is though. She decided to put this ring on her head and everytime I took it off she would scream and grab it and put it back on. She LOVES elmo. She is crawling all over and getting into EVERYTHING! She likes to cruise along furniture and when she is feeling a little daring will let go and balance for a second with the biggest grin on her face. I am so blessed to have these wonderful girls in my life. They have taught me so much about life and to slow down and remember what truly is important. I wish there was a pause button for them though. They are growing up WAY too fast! I love you Charly to no end! Happy Birthday!

CAMPING

2010-10-08T09:17:00.000-07:00

Over Labor Day weekend and Nate's birthday (Jessica's husband), we decided to take the kids camping. I was a little nervous about it since it would be Charly's first camping trip and I didn't know how she would do sleeping in the pop-up. The other girls have always been fine and we've been camping with them since they were little. BUT....Charly decided that she would break the mold. She also learned to crawl that weekend so she was ALL over the place. I finally got her to sleep after a day of no naps at about 9pm. Then she decided to wake up at midnight and party til almost 3am! She wasn't crying, but just playing and talking and kept us up. T'chad decided to take her for a little midnight stroll but that just got her more wound up. She finally fell asleep and slept until 6am. On a better note, the girls always have a blast camping and especially when they have their cousins there as well. The highlight was probably roasting marshmellows over the campfire. Overall, it was a fun little getaway but I think we will wait a little while until charly is walking to go again. :)

1ST DAY OF SCHOOL

2010-08-17T09:11:00.000-07:00

Well, another school year has begun! Addisyn started Kindergarden this morning and Taiyah started 1st grade. I can't believe how big they are getting. Taiyah was very excited that she is not "the babies of the school" anymore...AKA, Kindergardeners. Addisyn is so excited to be at Taiyah's school and to have the same teacher as Taiyah did last year. The girls did great! Taiyah doesn't want me to hold her hand anymore once we get into the doors because "that's not cool" and Addie was ALL smiles as we left her with her teacher. Quite a different experience than last year. I sat in the parking lot last year with tears streaming down my face and didn't know what to do with myself. I'm sure that being 9 months pregnant had something to do with how emotional I was, not a lot, but some. I did find myself getting a little teary eyed while I said goodbye to Addie, but I held it together. It was hard to be sad when she was SO excited. This school year is going to be great!!! I can't wait until 4pm when I get to pick them up.

ADDIE'S 5TH BIRTHDAY

2010-08-17T08:51:00.000-07:00

This little princess turned 5 on August 9th! I know I say this ALL the time, but seriously...WHERE IS THE TIME GOING??!! We celebrated her birthday on the 8th because T'chad was at work for the next two days. She got to open presents and had a special lunch with mommy and daddy of her choice...she chose Red Robin. Then I took her out for ice cream and we had a birthday cake later that evening. Since Taiyah and Addisyn's birthdays are so close, we have decided to do a joint birthday party in between both bdays. Sooooo, in a few weeks we will have a big bash for all the friends. Addie is such an amazing little girl. She brings such a sweet spirit to our family. She is always smiling and hopping up and down excitedly as she tells you something. The little PRINCESS of the family. She has such an appreciation for anything beautiful and sparkly. She is the "TINKER" of the family. She loves to take things apart and put them back together again, just to see how it works. If I can't get something right, I take it to Addie because I know she can do it. I am so proud of her and love this little girl to NO END!!! Happy Birthday Addisyn!!

THE GIRLIES

2010-08-17T08:35:00.000-07:00

It honestly seems like just yesterday that I was a little worried that it was the first day of summer and how I was going to keep these kids occupied. Now, summer is wrapping up with a only a few days left of vacation for the girls. They are ready though. They are so excited to get back to school and Addie can't wait to start Kindergarden. She has Taiyah's teacher from last year who is just wonderful! My girlies are growing up so fast. I'm so grateful that I am able to stay home and raise these beautiful girls. They are such wonderful blessings.

PRECIOUS PRESLEE

2010-07-24T13:05:00.000-07:00

This sweet angel has touched my life! She is a miracle. I came across a link on facebook from someone in my old ward growing up. Preslee was 18 months old. She was playing with her little friends in Idaho when she fell into a canal and was found 2 miles down by some farmers who were working in the water at the time. She was in the hospital for a week, hanging on, making some progress they thought when Heavenly Father had a different plan for this sweet angel. She passed away a week later surrounded by her amazing parents and loved ones. I can't even BEGIN to express how this little girl has touched hundreds of thousands of people from across the world, myself included. I have thought about her and her family everyday. I was feeling very sorry for myself at the time when I came across her story. It changed my WHOLE perspective once I read about her and her families strong faith. I began to speak a little kinder, hug and kiss my children a little more, turn off the t.v. and other distractions and sit and play on the floor with my own little angels. Realizing that in an instant life can change and I don't want ANY regrets! I honestly feel like I am mourning with her family. I can only imagine the depth of their grief. What a sweet blessing it is to have the knowledge that they were sealed as a family and will be reunited with their beautiful daughter again. Preslee and her family has rebuilt my testimony and my heart is filled with gratitude for this angel who has gone home to her Heavenly Father and her amazingly strong family. I am forever changed. Thank you Preslee!

Charly's 9 1/2 months!

2010-07-15T09:25:00.001-07:00

Can't believe that Charly will be already a year old in a couple short months! She just had her checkup and is doing wonderful! She is 16lbs, 10 oz. and is 20% in weight and 90% in height! Another tall one! She is currently trying so hard to learn to crawl. When we put her on all fours she rocks back and forth. She really is THE happiest baby and loves to say mama and dada and nigh nigh...she loves to sleep! She cracks up every time she sees a picture of herself. She ADORES her sisters and they are so smitten with her as well. They are such amazing big sisters and help me out so much. I am soooo blessed to have these 3 wonderful little girls in my life!

Taiyah's Graduation

2010-05-24T21:01:00.000-07:00

A few days ago, Taiyah had her graduation from Kindergarten. I was such an emotional wreak before I even sat down in the seats. I don't understand why I'm having such a hard time with these precious girls growing up. They are still so young, but I feel like their entire lives are flashing before me. Congratulations to our two graduates, Taiyah and Addisyn. We love you both so much!

Addie's Preschool Graduation

2010-05-24T20:22:00.000-07:00

I know that I'm supposed to be happy that my little one has graduated from preschool, but it was actually a very emotional time for me. Between the baby growing so fast and Addie graduating from preschool and Taiyah graduating from Kindergarten all in the past 3 days I've been having a "moment." I've been trying to hug them more and be in the "present" and cherish everyday with them. They grow too fast and before I can blink they won't want to have slumber parties with me in my bed and movie nights. Such a bittersweet time for us. I'm so proud of the girls. They amaze me each day! I'm so blessed to be their mom.

Charly's 8 months!

2010-05-24T20:13:00.000-07:00

I cannot seem to wrap my mind around how fast this little one is growing! Charly turned 8 months today and is turning into a little character. I haven't quite yet figured her out completly...she is changing everyday, but for the most part she is a VERY mellow and happy little girl. Always smiling and babbling to anyone that will give her a second. I remember back when I found out when I was pregnant with her and I cried and cried because I wasn't sure I was ready for another one. Sorry Charlize. But I seriously could NOT begin to imagine my world without her. She definitely fits right in this crazy and fun family. She has mastered sitting on her own a couple of months ago and now she is just ready to go...but can't go because she hasn't figured it out. I love this precious girl and the girls are smitten with her. So excited everyday to see what she will be like.

DISNEYLAND

2010-05-06T08:35:00.000-07:00

While we were in San Diego visiting my family and doing the 1/2 marathon, we thought it would be fun to get the cousins who live there to go to Disneyland. They had such a blast. I have so many wonderful memories of when my parents used to take us when we were little and of course I had to have that rub off on our children as well. The girls highlight of the day was getting to meet Tinkerbell and Rosetta from Pixie Hollow and getting their face painting. The babies did sooo good with nothing more than a 20 min. nap and getting to bed past 11pm! Thank you everyone for going with us! It was so much fun.

LA JOLLA 1/2 MARATHON 2010

2010-05-05T18:18:00.000-07:00

I'm so proud of myself! I've done a handful of 1/2 marathons, but not so soon after I had a baby. My goal wasn't about my time this one around....it was about NOT walking, and I DID IT! I did have an amazing partner to keep me motivated though...my sister Brooke. It was her first time running one and she is totally hooked now. We had such a blast doing it. It was such a huge accomplishment especially because both of us were still getting up during the nights to feed the babies and still managing to muster up the energy to train. It was the most beautiful 1/2 marathons that I have run. The Torrey Pines hills were killer, but we did it...and with smiles on our faces. Now that it is over we are looking to do the triple crown next year...3 1/2 marathons in January, April and August. Thank you Brooke for training and doing this with me! WE ROCK!!!

SWIMMING AT THE CASTLE

2010-04-09T13:54:00.000-07:00

On Easter Sunday, we all went to T'chad's Aunt Gert's castle for dinner. It LITERALLY is a castle. It is amazing. Well, all the kiddos got a little restless waiting for dinner to be ready so they all went in the pool. They had fun splashing around. It was Charly's first time in the pool and she loved it! So excited for summer!!!

MY FAVORITE HATS!

2010-04-04T12:17:00.000-07:00

Well, Grandma has done it again! She has made more of THE most adorable little hats for Charly! I LOVE them! My mom is so talented and we get stopped DAILY in stores from people asking where did I get my hats and does my mom sell them. My response now, sadly is NO...they are special just for her grandchildren. Thank you mom for making another round of beautiful hats. We just love them!!

HAPPY EASTER!!

2010-04-04T12:01:00.000-07:00

The girls were so excited when they woke to find a trail of chocolate eggs from their bedroom leading into the kitchen to where the Easter Bunny left their baskets. It's so priceless to watch the excitement and smiles from their faces to see the goodies that was left for them. They got some pretty fun stuff this year. The newest Calico Critter Family...The Elephants, some new art stuff, and Alvin and The Chipmunks movie 1 and 2. Not to forget the candy and makeup. I honestly don't know who gets more excited for the holidays. Them or me!!! From the Leeds family we wish all of our friends and family a wonderful Easter holiday!

SPRING BREAK COMING TO AN END...

2010-03-20T13:24:00.000-07:00

It's been so nice to have all the girls home this past week for spring break. We didn't have any trips planned, so we just loaded the week with fun stuff to do. I was a little scared having them home for a week because all I seem to hear lately is "I'm bored" or fighting between the two older ones. But, I have been pleasantly surprised. They all have been so good and having fun. I can't believe how fast the year has gone since the girls started school and Charlize was born. I will have a 1st grader AND kindergardener come August. The house will be so quiet with them both gone FULL day. Charly won't know what to do without her playmates, and neither will I. I'm trying to savor every last bit of them being little. Before we even can blink they will be "too cool" for T'chad and I. We have had 3 slumber parties in my room this past week and even though I don't sleep well, I LOVE having them in there with me snuggling. I love these girls more than anything! They brighten my day with their non-stop chatter and giggles. Life is pretty great around here with 3 little angels!

LOOK AT WHAT THE GIRLS BOUGHT!

2010-03-16T15:38:00.000-07:00

This morning the girls thought it would be so funny to put their baby sister in the shopping cart and push her around. I emptied everything out of it and layed her blanket down, made it comfy for her and put her in. They started pushing her around the house and I have to admit, it was kind of cute. I don't think Charly thought so though.

DAY AT THE ZOO

2010-03-16T15:21:00.000-07:00

Visiting the sea lions.

Charly's first time in the stroller!

She found a yummy strap to chomp on and keep her busy.

Happy girls!

Well, it's that time again...SPRING BREAK! We started off the week of festivities on Friday when I picked Taiyah up at school. After I put the baby to bed for the night T'chad stayed home to watch the baby while I took the girls to the dollar movies to see Alvin and the Chipmunks...2. Saturday we stayed in our jammies ALL day and watched movies in bed. Sunday we had a slumber party in Mom's bed while daddy was at work. Monday we had a fun playdate with some friends from school. Today the weather was gorgeous and warm for the first time in a long while so we headed for the zoo for some fun. The girls love going to see all the animals and Charly was such a good girl. Who knows what's in store for us for the rest of the week. To be continued...

FIRST TOOTH!!

2010-03-14T14:44:00.000-07:00

I was in Barnes and Noble today and Charly was chomping on my finger and I felt something sharp bite me! I flipped her around and pryed open her mouth and sure enough she has her first tooth poking through on her bottom gum. My baby is growing up too fast! I can't believe that we've already gone from being a little one wrapped up so tightly in blankets to fast forward almost 6 months and she is eating and getting teeth! I don't know why, but it seems so much more exciting the 3rd time around. I think because the first two were so close in age I was just trying to survive each day and with the age difference with Charly and the other girls I'm able to slow down and enjoy these "little" moments more!

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER!

2010-03-14T11:24:00.001-07:00

Back in January, my sister Brooke and her kiddos came out to visit us! I can't believe that she drove from San Diego to New Mexico all alone with her kids. She is a brave one! She stayed about 2 weeks and it was lot's of fun hanging out and watching the kids play. I also got to meet her little one Vaughn for the first time and she was able to see Charly for the first time as well...I didn't get any pictures of Vaughn. :( Next time for sure. We loved having them and we were so sad when they left.

ADDIE'S HAIRCUT

2010-03-14T11:13:00.000-07:00

After many, many battles of trying to brush Addisyn's hair that left her in tears and screaming at me, she finally let me take her to get her hair cut. I was sad because she has THE most beautiful long and thick hair, but it was always a fight to get a brush through it. It doesn't look short, but it got cut to her shoulders. It used to be all the way down her back. She is a lot happier now with not so many knots!

MY LITTLE ROO!!

2010-03-14T10:59:00.000-07:00

This little angel has captured the hearts of this family. She is the sweetest lil' thing. From the moment she wakes up in the morning, it's a fight for who gets to hold her first. She is already turning into quite the jokester playing her little "games" with us. There will be days that go by and I don't hear her cry. She only gets emotional when she is tired or hungry. We are dealing a little with stranger anxiety. She loves to play in her jumper and loves to eat! This little girl has so far been the easiest with meal time. I can't even imagine what our life would be like without her. She has ALL of us wrapped around her finger! Especially her daddy. Her face lights up when he is around! We just adore this little one and can't believe that she'll be 6 months already next week!

SISTERS

2010-02-19T22:14:00.000-08:00

I feel so blessed to have the most amazing sisters! Each one is so different in personality (and looks), and bring something so unique to our relationship with one another. Whenever we are together we have the best times and I can truly say they both are my best friends. They both inspire me and make me want to become a better person. It's my hope that my 3 girls will grow up and become the best of friends with each other and always support and be there for one another...just like my sisters have been for me. I love you guys!!!

OLDIES BUT GOODIES

2010-02-19T22:07:00.000-08:00

I came across some old pictures of the girls when we lived in Colorado. It's so fun to look back at all the fun memories that we have shared. The girls get a kick out of looking at all these old pictures. It seems like just yesterday...another big sigh...

TOP MODEL

2010-02-19T21:13:00.000-08:00

So Jessica called me a few weeks ago and said there was a girl in their ward that just moved in and is a photographer and needed babies 4 months old to 4 years old to take pictures of while modeling some cute headbands and hats. In return she would give us the cd of pictures and all we had to do was get them blown up. I was so excited and went to the mall and picked out tons of adorable outfits for Charly. We got to the womans' home and as soon as we walked in and she looked around at all the backdrops and lights she burst out crying and didn't stop! We did manage to get one great picture of her before we had to give up.

4 MONTHS OLD!

2010-01-18T09:35:00.000-08:00

Where is the time going?! I can't believe that we are already in Charly's 4th month on the 24th. She is the sweetest baby ever! I still can't seem to get enough of her. She is very alert and very interested in everything going on around her. She adores her sisters and always has the biggest smiles and coos for them. Her daddy is the love of her life. No one can make her laugh and giggle like him. Her newest accomplishments these past few weeks are rolling over from her tummy to back, laughing, talking non-stop, going from 40 min. cat naps to 3 hour naps in the morning and best of all....sleeping most nights 6pm-7am STRAIGHT!!! She is such a joy to have in our lives and we all couldn't imagine our family without her.

POLAR EXPRESS TRAIN

2010-01-01T11:14:00.000-08:00

THE POLAR EXPRESS

2010-01-01T09:21:00.000-08:00

A few days before Christmas T'chad had time off of work and we went to Durango, Colorado (one of my favorite places) to take the girls on the Polar Express Train. It left me speechless. I didn't know what to expect, all I thought was that it better be good because the tickets were a little pricey for an hour train ride. When that train pulled up it was magical and left me in tears. I don't know exactly why I was so emotional. I think knowing the story and then watching my 4 year old's face light up with excitement and wonder was truly priceless. Taiyah burst out crying when she saw the huge train come towards us because she thought that like the story and movie we were literally putting her on the train by herself to go up to the north pole. Addisyn on the other hand had a grin ear to ear the entire time. The baby was so great and the train's jerky movements lulled her to sleep the entire time. Everyone dresses in their pajamas and we take the train to the north pole to see santa. On the way they read the Polar Express story and serve hot chocolate and cookies. When we pulled up to the north pole we got to see Santa walk down the hill and onto our train. He then handed out a silver bell to each individual child and then wished us a merry christmas and left. Then on the way back Addie was chosen to help sing christmas carols to the rest of the train. It was such a great experience and the girls still talk about it. I highly recommend it to everyone with children!

WELCOMING A NEW YEAR

2010-01-01T09:08:00.000-08:00

2009 was a great year for our family. I know that money has been tight and we've had to cut back on a few things, but overall, 2009 has brought us many wonderful memories and blessings. We started the year off by finding out I was pregnant with our 3rd girl. Taiyah graduated from preschool. Addie was accepted to a WONDERFUL preschool. We took many wonderful trips which included camping a few times, the lake a few more times, keeping cool in the pool and Taiyah learing how to swim! Durango and our wonderful roadtrip to Montana.Taiyah and Addie are really getting good at soccer and look forward to their practices and games each week. Addie started preschool and has grown leaps and bounds with her speech! She's riding the bus to school and learning so much. Taiyah started Kindergarden and suprises us and her teachers daily with her knowledge. Charly was a wonderful addition to our family. She is such a sweet, happy and mellow spirit. We ended the year with a great trip to Durango again with some friends and had a most amazing experience riding the Polar Express Train with the girls. We have all been healthy and happy and have grown closer as a family. We've turned off the TV more and read books and play lot's of games instead. We are so blessed and grateful for all that we truly have. We are excited to close on a wonderful year and to open new adventures in 2010. We love and miss all our friends and family that we don't get to see as often as we would like and keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2010!

2010-01-01T09:05:00.000-08:00

ALMOST 3 MONTHS OLD!!

2009-12-12T19:15:00.000-08:00

BEST 9 YEARS OF MY LIFE

2009-11-27T18:27:00.000-08:00

T'chad and I recently had our 9th anniversery. We spent it very different from past anniverseries celebrated. T'chad is so good about suprising me and planning great anniverseries. We've gone to Mexico, Santa Fe, Vegas, Moab, the list goes on and on. This year however, we spent it low-key at home since we recently have had a new addition to the family. We went to lunch to celebrate with Addie and Charly along for the ride. Taiyah was in school, so she missed out on the fun. Anyways, it doesn't matter how we celebrate...all I know for sure is that I married my best friend and soul mate. We have such a strong love for one another and I can honestly say that with each passing year and each child born into our family I fall in love deeper in love with my husband. He is THE most wonderful man, father, husband, son...the list goes on and on. He's always understood me in a way that no one else could. Thank you T'chad for 9 wonderful years. It's been quite an adventure and I'm excited to continue on this journey and see what comes next.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING 2009

2009-11-26T18:20:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful thanksgiving. Very mellow and low-key, just the way we like it! We started out VERY early...6am-ish and hung out in the morning and the girls gave lot's of love and hugs and kisses to their baby sister, Charly. Around 8am daddy went to play football with some guys from the ward and the girls and I went walking with Auntie Jessica, Hayden and Callin in 24 degree weather! The kids played at the park and ran around playing hide and seek and tag for awhile and then it was back home where Charly took a nice long nap (in her crib) and we all got ready to go. We had Thanksgiving at T'chads brother's house this year. The food was delicious and the girls had such a great time at their own private table with their cousins. I couldn't have been happier because my little angel slept most of the time. I am so grateful for so many things. I have been blessed beyond measure. I'm so grateful for my beautiful family. My girls couldn't make me any prouder. I love being their mom. I have such an amazing husband who I am still madly in love with after 9 years of being married. I'm so grateful for my health and for my family to be healthy. I'm so grateful for wonderful parents who worked so hard to give us all the best life possible. I'm grateful for the knowledge that my family and I have of the gospel. I'm so grateful for all the men and women serving our country so that we may be free. I could go on and on and on...the blessings are endless. Happy Thanksgiving everyone! We love and miss all you family and friends who we couldn't be with today and keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Happy Holidays!

THERE AIN'T NOTHING LIKE A SISTER!

2009-11-20T14:10:00.000-08:00

Taiyah and Addie both LOVE holding their new sister. Charly's face lights up whenever she sees them enter the room. She tries so hard to talk and coo to them and smiles like crazy. It's so sweet to watch these girls with their new baby sister. Taiyah told me the other day before she got out of the car for school "mom, Addie, me and Charly are going to be sisters like you and Jessica and Boppy." I thought that was so cute. She sure does love her sisters.

BALLON FIESTA 2009

2009-11-20T13:51:00.000-08:00

These girls were troopers! A few days after the Charly was born, T'chad took the girls to opening day of ballon fiesta. They had to be there at 4am!!! Way too early and cold for me. They had so much fun though watching the ballon glow in the dark and watching all the ballons take off.

HALLOWEEN 2009

2009-11-20T13:38:00.000-08:00

Well, I know I'm a little late on posting the Halloween pictures, but I figure better late than never. These girls were too cute in their costumes. Addisyn was obviously Snow White and Taiyah was a Zoo Keeper AKA Bindi the Jungle Girl. :) Taiyah blows me away with her knowledge of every living species on the planet. Don't know an answer to a question about a certain animal? Ask Taiyah, she'll tell you. She's a walking encyclopedia. Addie is obviously very knowledgeble about princess as well. The girls got plenty of use out of them between a few trunk or treats, birthday parties and school events as well. I secretly was glad not to get these costumes on after the week of festivites had passed.

MY BEAUTIFUL GIRLS!

2009-11-18T18:56:00.000-08:00

I am so lucky to be blessed with three wonderful girls. I love watching them grow and develop their own passions and personalities. T'chad is in big trouble with these three.

SHE IS SIMPLY DELICIOUS!!

2009-10-23T13:07:00.000-07:00

I can't believe Charly is going to be a month old tomorrow! Where has the time gone?? It feels like we just brought her home from the hospital. She is definitely delicious though. I can't seem to get enough of her. My mom will agree..i can't seem to put her down. Maybe that's because I've never had a newborn that wasn't screaming all the time? Maybe it's because she is our last? Maybe because she looks like a doll? Probably all of them. All I know for certain, is that the newborn stage goes by in the blink of an eye and I am doing my best to soak it all up! I am so grateful and proud of all my girls. Poor T'chad, definitely outnumbered in this house, but in return he has 4 princesses that love and adore him. :)

ALREADY TWO WEEKS OLD!!!

2009-10-09T12:13:00.000-07:00

I can't believe this little angel is already two weeks already. That has been the quickest two weeks of my life. I am enjoying this little one so much and have had plenty of alone time with her since T'chad has been home for the past two weeks taking care of the other girlies. I don't know if it's because this is our last baby, but I am much more "in the moment" with Charly and cherishing any and all time I have with her. The girls LOVE being big sisters and are so sweet and gentle with her. They love having a baby in the house. I have to agree with them...it's been way too long. The time is going by so fast...sigh.

JUST IN TIME FOR SCHOOL PICTURES!

2009-10-09T12:02:00.000-07:00

So, of course murphy's law...Taiyah had her front tooth loose for a really long time and the day before pictures at school she woke me up early in the morning and showed me her "window" in her mouth. Too cute!

CHARLIZE LILY LEEDS

2009-10-07T16:00:00.000-07:00

She's finally here! Charlize, AKA Charly came suprisingly on my due date, September 24th at 1:51pm. She weighed 7lbs 12oz and was 20 3/4 " I wasn't too scared because it was my 3rd delivery and it seemed to get easier each time. Boy was I WRONG! I NEVER planned on going natural, but by the time the pitocen kicked in, I went so fast that when I did get my epidural it was time to push and I felt EVERYTHING! Boy oh boy, it was an experience. BUT...Charly has been such an amazing baby and so precious. She just fits right in our family and I can't imagine our family without her. Jessica, my sister was able to come into the delivery room with T'chad and I and I am so grateful to have had her there. She was such a big help and comfort to me. T'chad did amazing like always and I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful family.

Jubee

2009-09-08T14:22:00.001-07:00

Didn't mean to forget Jubee. We brought her to Taos with us and she had a blast!!! She looks happier already in the month and a half that she has been with us doesn't she?

Labor day in Taos...

2009-09-08T14:10:00.001-07:00

Being the brave woman that I am, I agreed to go to Taos for Labor day weekend and camp in the popup. T'chads sister and brother in law are building a house there and we decided since the girls and I have never been up there before to cram in one more trip before baby #3 arrives any day now. It was nice to hang out for a couple of days and watch the kids run around. The weather was beautiful and we had some delicious meals. Believe it or not, I slept better in the popup than I have in my own bed for weeks now!!!

Labor Day in Taos

2009-09-08T13:59:00.000-07:00

Look what landed in our front yard this morning...

2009-08-29T07:22:00.000-07:00

So, it's one of the girls favorite times of year...the beginning of all the ballons coming out and soon the famous annual Ballon Fiesta. We have an amazing view from our backyard of the city and all the ballons in the morning. Addie was up early this morning (not unusual), and out in the backyard admiring all the ballons when she spotted one literally skiming over our roof and into the front yard. We all ran out front and watched it land right in front of our property!

2009-08-29T07:11:00.000-07:00

2009-08-29T06:59:00.000-07:00

Montana Favorites

2009-08-29T06:56:00.000-07:00

More Montana Pictures...

2009-08-29T06:47:00.000-07:00

For some reason my computer won't let me download a bunch of pictures at the same time, so you guys will have to bear with me. These are a few of my favorite pics from Montana. I just LOVE the one of T'chad and Taiyah.

Introducing our newest addition...JUBILEE

2009-08-28T10:16:00.000-07:00

So, this is our new dog...T'chad got her from someone at work. She is a 3 year old Chesapeake Bay Retreiver named Jubilee...aka Jubee. She is a broken soul and hasn't been treated very well. So, we are trying to give her some TLC. She is getting more and more used to us and the attention and is really the sweetest dog in the world.

Finally...Grass in the backyard!

2009-08-28T10:11:00.000-07:00

Well, it was a long process, but so worth the wait. T'chad has been super busy putting up walls and preparing the dirt to put in grass. The girls LOVE having a place to run around and play soccer. Thank you Daddy...we appreciate all your hard work!

Addie's First Day of Pre-K

2009-08-28T09:58:00.000-07:00

Please, Please make these girls stop growing up so fast!! I can't believe that they both are in school. The house is VERY quiet during the mornings...i miss the chaos! I guess I don't have to worry too much longer. Baby girl #3 will be here in just a few weeks!!!

Taiyah's First Day of Kindergarten

2009-08-28T09:43:00.000-07:00

How cute is this little girl??? Can't believe that she is already in Kindergarten. Where has the time gone??!!!

Family Vacation to Montana

2009-08-28T09:20:00.000-07:00

Montana

2009-08-28T09:13:00.000-07:00

In June T'chad and I and the girls took a 19 hour drive up to Montana to see Papa and Grandma. We all had such an amazing time and the girls still talk about "the best vacation ever!" But, they still haven't recovered from the drive. Everytime I ask if they want to drive back to visit Addie starts crying and says NOOOOOOO, i want to fly there on an airplane. This picture was taken outside of Glacier Lodge. The girls and I had lunch with papa while daddy went on a bike ride up to the top and back. More pictures to come of our fun vacation. :)

What we've been doing this summer...

2009-07-25T08:20:00.000-07:00

Camping

Working on the yard.

Getting kittens

Durango for T'chad's insane bike race.

We've been pretty busy these past few summer months. We started with preschool graduation for Taiyah and left that evening to go camping. The following weekend we took a trip up to Durango for T'chads 50 mile bike race from Durango to Silverton. We stayed a few days and enjoyed the beautiful town, ate yummy food, and the girls did A LOT of swimming. We went on a 19 hour road trip to Montana to visit Papa and Grandma for 12 days (pictures coming shortly) which we had such an amazing time. It was so great to spend time with family and the girls were so sad to go, AND make that horribly long drive back. We have been working in the yard like crazy getting grass in and the walls up, going to the lake a few times and getting 2 new additions to the family...KITTENS!! Yes, I don't know what I was thinking considering this baby is going to be here in only a few short weeks. The girls and I went out on T'chads birthday to get him a present and take it up to the fire station because he was working that day. But instead, the girls found some kittens outside of the Sunflower Market and we ended up with not one, but TWO! The girls are smitten with them. Taiyah's is Lucy and Addie's is Raindrop, Rainbow, Sparkle, Bella, Angel and the list goes on... It depends on the day and her mood. Now school is coming upon us in the next couple weeks and I'm getting my little Taiyah ready for Kindergarden...I think I will cry. Addie is going back to preschool for another year and the baby will be here before we know it. Just getting things painted and ready for her arrival. We are so excited to meet her!

3rd Time Around

2009-04-05T16:28:00.000-07:00

This picture isn't of me now, but when I was almost 9 months pregnant with our first. There is NO WAY I will post a picture of me this time around since I swear I look almost this big and only half way along. Needless to say, this 3rd pregnancy has been hard. I don't know if it has to do with being in my 30's now or that I wasn't in as good of shape this time around as I was with the other two? I'm just really "feeling" it this time. It took us a lot longer to get pregnant this time, I'm more tired, more cranky, crazy symptoms...Vertigo is the newest addition to the list. The one good thing is knowing that this will be the last...at least in my mind it is. I also ate pure junk food during my pregnancies with the other two...cookies, cake, frosting of any kind...you name it, I ate it. This time around I can't even touch sugar or it makes me really sick. All I want is vegetables, salads, fruit, and lot's of steak!!! Maybe this time it will be a boy? Call me crazy, but secretly I would be fine with another emotional and drama filled girl! We find out in a couple weeks what flavor I've been cooking...We'll see.....

Our Taiyah Totter

2009-03-31T16:17:00.000-07:00

I've noticed that I have quite a lot of pictures of Addisyn and not many of Taiyah. I don't even know where to begin with this little angel. She is definitely a special little spirit and wise beyond her years. She gave us quite a run for our money when she was a baby and was pretty difficult, but once she turned 6 months she turned out to be such a happy little thing always smiling and chattering away. Even now, she is nicknamed "little miss chatterbox." She is the smartest little cookie and amazes me daily with her knowledge and facts about certain things that I wasn't even aware of. She hates it when anyone is mad at her and is the most sensitive little girl. I cannot even begin to picture my life without her. She brings such joy into our lives and is the most nuturing and caring big sister!!! We love you Punky Brewster!!

A Day at the Zoo

2009-03-30T08:25:00.000-07:00

It was spring break last week for the kids in school, so we decided to jam pack the week with fun things to do since we don't get a chance in the week usually with the girls schedule with school and playdates and other activities. We went to see Bolt in the dollar movie theatre, went to the aquarium, the zoo, went to see the new movie Monsters vs. Aliens, storytime a few times at Barnes and Noble where the girls LOVE listening to the stories, making art projects, and eating snacks at the bookstore. We made several trips to their favorite place to eat...Red Robin...yuck...but they love it. They were exhausted by the end of the week and now it's monday and they are ready to start back at school today. These pictures are at the zoo. We invited Dakota to come along for some fun and besides the cold wind it was a great day.

TROUBLE MAKERS

2009-03-19T15:46:00.001-07:00

Back in October 2008, I threw a baby shower for Jessica at my house. It was a "spa" theme and we had a wonderful night of pampering and relaxing. There was wonderful food, hand massages, some yoga instruction, and a fun aromatherapy game. A few people were able to take home little foot/hand baths and some lotions to soak with. T'chad took the girls for a few hours until they were exhausted and needed to come home and go to bed. I had said goodbye to the last few people and then went to put the girls to bed. But, the girls were nowhere to be found. After searching the house I finally heard some giggling coming from one of the bathrooms and opened the door to find these girls sitting on the counter "pampering" themselves with the stolen footbath. I couldn't help but laugh and quickly grabbed the camera for these shots. They are too funny.

THE NEXT VERA WANG

2009-03-19T15:24:00.000-07:00

Addie AKA Ballerina

Addie AKA drama queen....something on the outfit

wasn't working.

Addie AKA Belle

Addie AKA Princess Roe

My mom and I have been joking about Addie becoming the next "Vera Wang" for the past 2 1/2 years now. EVERY SINGLE day this girl has some "get up" on. I know that it's something most little girls go through, but this girl takes it to a whole new level. Mark my words, this girl will be some sort of designer, actress, performer of some sorts...it's in her blood!!

Grateful

2009-03-18T14:36:00.001-07:00

I am so very grateful for the relief society and the sweet sisters in our ward. I've always kind of been "that kind of person" who complains about going Visiting Teaching and doing all the things we are expected to do as "sisters" in the ward thinking that I don't have time for any of it. I have truly never depended on it...until this past week. I have such a strong testimony of the relief society and know that our Father in Heaven truly was inspired and "knew" what he was doing when the relief society was "put into action." During these past two weeks that T'chad has been out of town I got really sick. I was barely able to take care of myself, let alone my poor girls. I turned on the computer one day to recieve an email from a sister in my ward that I have only met briefly for literally 5 minutes while we passed eachother in the bathroom during church a few months ago. Within 20 minutes, she had arranged to bring the girls and I dinner, and for dinners to be brought to us the rest of the week. She also invited the girls and I over for lunch and for me to go home and sleep and she would take care of the girls. She already has 4 girls of her own, a newborn AND twins included in the mix. :) I read this email and instantly tears were streaming down my face. This woman doesn't know me from Adam, but she geniunely cared. I have a VERY hard time accepting help from anyone, let alone someone I don't know, but I must have been in pretty bad shape, because I accepted. I was deeply humbled and so grateful for the relief society. From right then and there I decided I would do everything in my power to serve more and be a better example to those I come in contact with. It's so nice to know that even though I couldn't depend on ANY family who live here in New Mexico, I could count on the relief society sisters. Thank you girls!!! I am deeply GRATEFUL!!!

WATERMELON DAYS

2009-03-13T13:33:00.001-07:00

This morning when the girls woke up they both asked if they could have both cake AND watermelon at their next birthday parties. Mind you, the birthdays aren't for another 6 and 7 months. Apparently, watermelon was on the brain for this mornings discussion. Hope they can hang in there just a little longer...

Addie and Papa

2009-03-13T12:59:00.000-07:00

Since Papa and Grandma made an appearance in New Mexico at Christmas time, they are pretty much celebrities around here to the girls. We haven't stopped talking about them since. So, when we went to San Diego in the beginning of 2009 Addisyn LITERALLY spent the ENTIRE night on one of her favorite persons lap...PAPA!!! She is absolutely smitten over her grandparents, and counting down the days until she is able to see them again.

A plea for more scarves...

2009-03-12T21:06:00.000-07:00

This post is for my mom. She made me the most fabulous scarf for this past Christmas and I am now begging for more in time for next fall. A few would be nice in various color schemes so I could wear them everyday! I get amazing compliments on my green one. Isn't my mother so very talented??!!

My Girls

2009-03-12T20:49:00.000-07:00

I can't even begin to describe the love I have for these two girls. It's a love that NO ONE understands unless you are a parent. I can't imagine my life without these two beautiful spirits. It has been such a joy to be their mom. They have brought meaning into my life. It's crazy to think that at one point, I wasn't even sure I wanted to have children and now I couldn't picture my life without them. They are so completely different and marvelous in their own unique ways. Taiyah is cautious, contagiously happy, easy-going, little miss chatterbox and WAY too smart for her own good. Addisyn is always up for a new adventure, eccentric, a little too daring in my opinion, hilarious and such a little character. They both teach me everyday about life and how it should be lived. Don't you just love looking at life through a child's eye. Precious!!!

A FEW OF MY FAVORITES

2009-03-12T20:32:00.001-07:00

Since most of my side of the family lives out of state, I wanted to put up a few pictures that were some of our favorites. Enjoy!

8 days and counting

2009-03-12T20:23:00.000-07:00

This little girl, Taiyah,misses her daddy VERY much. T'chad has been out of town for the past week and is gone for another week to Texas for a class he's got to take for work. There isn't a single day that passes without Taiyah asking if her daddy will be home tomorrow? Or, "Mommy, I miss daddy!" Well Taiyah...ME TOO!!!! Hurry home daddy.

And finally, a smile

2009-03-11T18:40:00.000-07:00

Addisyn

2009-03-10T13:49:00.001-07:00

So lately when I ask Addie to smile, she always gives me this face and she just thinks it's hiliarious. This little girl has turned out to be quite the character in our family. She is always making me laugh at the cute things she says and her "fire cracker" personality. She definiately is one of mine.