Sassy Momma

New Years Eve

2011-01-10T11:36:00.000-08:00

This year we stayed home and had friends and family over. I made way to much food and some really good drinks! We played the Wii had some good conversation and the kids played like crazy! I was so tired I almost didn't make it to midnight! The kids banged on pots and pans and we lit off some fireworks. They loved it!
Happy 2011!!

Farewell Dinner For Gabe

2011-01-10T11:12:00.000-08:00

Gabe spent his last few days before basic training visiting and hugging all of us. You could tell he was starting to really realize what he would be missing once he was gone.
He has started a new adventure in his life one that will take him many places and give him many great opportunities. He will be missed and already is. We spent one of his last days at home enjoying the Crab Daddy Feast at Joe's Crab shack. We had a great time reminiscing about the past and all of the great memories we have of Gabe.

Frosty

2011-01-10T10:58:00.000-08:00

The weather has been really cold here a few mornings we woke up to everything covered in frost it was quite beautiful.

I just threw this one in, it is of the wreath we hung on our door this year. I just love these colors but decided I will not be using them for Christmas again. It just doesn't have enough Christmas feel to it.

Merry Christmas!

2011-01-10T10:56:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from our home to yours.

Christmas Cookie Making

2011-01-10T10:44:00.000-08:00

This year we went to my moms to bake some cookies and treats. I usually just do this at home but our oven is broke. We hope to be out of this house soon so we have not fixed it. It has been difficult trying to come up with recipes using just a skillet to feed the entire family but some how I have managed. The only time I got really annoyed was before Christmas when I wanted to do my baking. But going to Nana's worked out great. The girls had so much fun decorating the cookies and Alexis did a great job helping and coming up with ideas. We baked for about four hours! It was a lot of fun I love building memories like this. I hope I am baking cookies with these ladies for many many years!

Best Face Photo From 2010 {I heart faces}

2011-01-03T10:18:00.001-08:00

This is a great way to kick off the new year! Over at I heart faces they are picking the best face of 2010. We will all have a chance to vote for our favorites!! I originally posted this picture for a smile challenge back in April. I love her smile and I love that face!!!

Madison Leigh turns 5!

2010-12-24T21:31:00.000-08:00

We had a small party for Madison on her birthday. Just cake and a trip to ChuckeCheese. She had the big summer party in July to celebrate so this was just a day to do a little something to make her feel special. We went and played with Ryan and Jaden for a couple hours at ChuckeChees. She had a blast! She danced in front of the camera a lot! She loved seeing her self on TV! It was really cute. We had pizza and salad then came home for some cake. She had a nice time and I am glad she understood about the half birthday party and was ok with only getting one present. She is such a big girl and I love her so so much. Madison and I have a special bond I am not sure what it is exactly but she seems to prefer me over others she always wants to be with me and she comes and sleeps with me every night. She is an amazing little person! I am truly blessed to be her Mommy!

Holiday Traditions

2010-12-19T23:30:00.001-08:00

Every year for the last five years we have made a trip to Thornton's Tree farm to cut down our Christmas tree. It is something we love to do and the kids enjoy it so much. They have animals, hot cocoa, hay rides and the most beautiful trees. It never takes us long to find one. This year Madison picked our tree out. it is one fat tree!! It was a little tall but we made it work. I love the smell of a fresh tree! I have thought about getting a fake one and I just can't bring my self to do it! Here are a few pictures of our fun day!

Mod monkey party for Jacob!

2010-12-07T12:59:00.001-08:00

My baby boy turned one on November 25, Thanksgiving! It was bitter sweet. The first birthday is such a huge milestone yet I was a little sad it came so fast. I was hoping he would be a baby for so much longer! I will never again have another baby turning one, never have a baby crawl for the first time walk for the first time. It made me a little sad but i was so excited at the same time. I really enjoyed his party and watching him eat his cupcake. He is such a joy to me and I am so in love with him! I am excited to watch him grow into a toddler little boy teen and a man. I hope he stays close to me always!
Happy Birthday baby boy! Momma loves you!

Happy Birthday Alexis

2010-11-23T11:19:00.000-08:00

That's right, today my first born is turning 15! I really cannot believe it. It only seems like yesterday I was in the hospital in awe of her. She was so small and tan with thick brown hair she smelled sweet her big brown eyes staring at me. I remember thinking this little person is mine I am her Mommy she is going to love me for the rest of her life, and I her. I made her I created life inside of me. I was so young and did not know what I was getting into, it was all so new and exciting and scary. I fell in love with her and I have been every since. She has brought me so much joy and happiness. People ask me if I could change being a teen mom would I do things different, and I honestly have to say no that would mean I would not have her and she is everything to me. Alexis is why I am who I am it was my path to be on and the life I was given and I am ok with that in fact I am happy about it. It may not have been ideal or the best thing for me. No child should give birth to a child. You miss out on important things and you grow up fast but to me 15 years later it was worth missing out on things, which next to Alexis were not important at all. She is what was important she was my path. I would walk it a million times over because it brought her to me. I get to teach her how to be a strong independent woman to value herself to not let a boy take advantage of her in any way, that she is scaried her mind body and spirit. I have done my best to make sure she has a childhood that she finishes school and most importantly she lives her life walking with God.
The next few years will be amazing watching her grow and follow her dreams. I cannot wait till some day we are sitting in her living room with her children talking about life and loving every minute of being a part of it together.

Happy Birthday Alexis Kate! You are my sunshine on a dark day and my baby forever. I will always love you and support you in all you do!

Alexis age 3
Age 2

age 3

age 2

age 1

Ipod touch

Juicy purse

Halloween

2010-11-23T10:52:00.000-08:00

This last month has been busy!! I have had stuff going on every weekend and some things in-between!
Here are a few pictures from Halloween. First we stopped by my mom’s work so she could see all her babes dressed up. She was happy we surprised her!
Then we went to the neighborhood right next to ours. Almost every house has its light on and is decorated really cool. We only went for about an hour it was getting cold and Jacob was tired! In the short time we were out they got a ton of candy!

Madison was Belle Trinity Cinderella as a bride Jacob a monkey and Ryan was Iron Man.

Autunm Fun

2010-10-25T15:33:00.001-07:00

Over the weekend we went to Joe's Place farm to pick out our pumpkins and enjoy some fresh fruit and hot cider. I thought since it was the weekend before hallowwen a lot more people would be out and we would not have that good of a time. The weather was horrible so I think that kept the crowds down. When we arrived it was pouring! So we went in the barn ate some apples and warmed up on some hot chocolate and cider. Once the rain let up we went and picked out our pumpkins. Jacob had a ball he was walking from one pumpkin to another trying to figure out what they were. He tried picking them up eating them hitting them. It was really cute! He got quite dirty! The other kids played in the big hay stacks. It was a short but sweet visit.

House buying update

2010-10-18T13:55:00.000-07:00

This last Friday we saw three more houses. It has been a little frustrating not finding what we really want. One of the three stood out, it had a huge garage for Nathan a big kitchen for me and a decent backyard for the kids. I didn't fall in love with it at first. The people living there are moving out so it is dirty cluttered and not what you would call move in ready. It needs new carpet some paint and a good deep cleaning and I think I will love it more. So we put in an offer. It is a short sale, not so fun to wait but we are willing. I am anxious to get out of this house but there is no rush.

Today we got a little good news from our agent, the other buys got there inspection in last minute but with a huge list of things they want repaired and replaced. According to the agent he doesn't think the bank will approve all the changes. So we may still have a shot at getting that house. I truly love the house and everything about it. It is perfect for us! I would be happy in either house but I would be ecstatic if we got the one we originally wanted.

So we will wait and we will pray. I know God has a plan for us and I am at his mercy. I know he will provide.

Arizona Trip

2010-10-13T13:53:00.000-07:00

Due to the huge update I waited to post this so it would be it's very own.

I took a trip mid September to visit one of my best friends Josie. I wanted to meet her new baby and spend some time with her. I had expected to see her and Mike this summer for her baby shower I was throwing. Things quickly changed when Josie had been feeling light headed and started having a hard time breathing. She quickly went to the ER and they ran some test on her. She found out she had severe Preeclampsia. The Dr. told her if she would have waited even a few more hours she and the baby would have died. Most the time severe levels are at 5,000, Josie was at 20,000!! She was rushed in and given a C-Section. Gabe weighed 1lb 14oz! he was tiny. He was in the Neonatal intensive-care unit for a little over three months. During that time he had heart surgery and fought off a couple infections. He is now home growing fast and thriving. What a small little miracle he is!!

We did some shopping, swimming, a lot of good eating! And some good talking while I was there. The four days went by way to fast!! I hope I get to see her again soon I already miss her tons!!

These first two pictures were at one of my favorite restaurants thought one was cool and the other was super funny!!

LOL!!!

Josie and Gabe in the pool

My Yummy drink!

PALM TREES!!

Josie at In n Out burger

after a few drinks at the pool

On my way home =(

Family Pics

Nutella Baby

2010-10-13T13:41:00.000-07:00

Alexis decided it would be funny to give Jacob some nutella on a spoon. Needless to say he loved it!!! He was a mess! A cute mess!

Brothers Birthday

2010-10-13T13:30:00.001-07:00

Yesterday My little brother turned 28! He came over for his favorite dinner and dessert, Chicken Divan and carrot cake. It was a nice little party to celebrate his day. This weekend we are all going to go out and celebrate. More pictures to come.

Happy birthday Daniel I love you so so much and could not have asked for a better brother you have been my best friend and side kick since day one!!

Back to Blogging

2010-10-12T12:52:00.000-07:00

I had given up! I felt I didn't have much to say that is entertaining enough for people to keep coming back or to read about me and family. Well then people kept asking me to post more on my blog they missed seeing what we were up to etc. I felt like oh wow some people do like me...lol
I think most just like seeing my babies and there cute little faces. I had a rough couple months due to some personal issues that also kept me away. I have dealt wit things and am ready to move on.
So I am making an attempt to get back to blog thing. I don't ever have that much time to sit and blab about my life. I would rather do nothing or sleep.
My days lately have been filled with trying to find a new home. We are buying our first house or shall I say trying. It has not been as fun as I hoped. Our economy is so horrible right now most homes are short sales or bank owned. It takes forever to get a response! We have two offers out right now. One was the perfect house bank owned and only had a 7 day return on an answer. Well a couple days before we got our offer in someone beat us to it! So we are a back up offer for now. It looks as though it will go through so we have pretty much written that one off. The second house id a short sale and has two lenders... not an ideal situation. The home is worth a lot more then it is listed for. Good for the buyer horrible for the seller. So not only are the homes for sale in a sticky situation we are confined to a small area of town due to Alexis not wanting to change High Schools since she just started and also being close to my son who is in the same school district but lives with his dad. Let’s just say this is not a fun process. I am anxious to get out of this house and into something new and different and a place we can call our own. So I will be patient and leave it up to the Lord. I have faith in him and this process. I know he has something just right for our family so I will wait till he has it ready for us.

This summer we did a lot of fun activities. Where I left off last was our Anniversary.

August was the month of our big family vacation to Disneyland. Madison and Trinity had been waiting for this day for months! Every night before bed they wanted to know all about it and what we were going to do and all the princesses we were going to see. Nathan loved telling them all about it. So the day arrived and everything went really smooth. All of the kids did great on the flight. It was a first for Jacob and Trinity. Madison flew to Peru with us when she was a baby but I think this will be her first memory of it. Our family Nathans parents and brother all went. Planning a vacation for that many people and with so much stuff I figured things were bound to go bad at some point but it all went smooth. The first day we arrived we just went to Downtown Disney had dinner at the Rainforest Cafe and walked around to all the shops went to the Lego store and played went to a huge candy store and got some goodies..Yum!

The next day was the big day! The girls were bursting with excitement! They could barely stand the wait! Right when we got in to Disneyland we saw Minnie. This was more than perfect the girls had dressed up like her red bows polka dots and all. It was so cute! We had a full day went on tons of rides. Patti and Tennis helped with Jacob while we took the girls on rides. Gabe and Brandon went off to ride the thrill rides while we did little kid stuff. It worked out well. The girls got to meet Tinkerbelle, Sleeping beauty, and Mini Mouse the first day. We stayed late and watched the firework show that night. It was really cool. I can't believe they do a show every night!

Saturday was princess day. Our goal was to meet as many princesses as we could after getting a princess make over. The girls got the full treatment at the bibbidi bobbidi boutique. They got their hair done make up glitter and a crown. They loved every minute of it! We met a lot of princess that day Madison met Bell her favorite and was in awe! She told her she loved her so so much and she was her favorite. Trinity just gave them hugs and stared at them. It was such an amazing feeling to watch the wonder in their eyes to them be so excited and happy. I am very blessed to be able to experience these things with them.

Sunday we went to California Adventure. We saw a Bugs life show in 3D that was so awesome!! I loved it as much as the girls!! We rode tons of rides and had a great time! They guys rode the big roller coaster like 6 times! The lines went really fast so they just kept going! We got these huge turkey legs for dinner. It was great watching them eat!! Super funny. That night we went to the new World of color show. It was really beautiful. I enjoyed it a lot.

Monday we big kids went to Knott's Berry Farm. We got there and went for it. We jumped on the closest ride and never stopped! Nathan Alexis and Gabe went on a couple rides a few times. The lines were way short since it was a Monday we sure lucked out! While there we spotted a celebrity! Steven Moyer from True Blood!! I was so excited sine I just became a True Blood fan!
Nathan got his autograph for me=)
We stayed at Knott’s till around 8 we had rode every ride got soaking wet had a blast and we were ready to go!

Tuesday was our last day so we drove to the beach and played din the water at Newport Beach had some lunch and the Crab Cooker. It was delicious! Yummy clam chowder, crab claws and bread! After lunch we drove up to Laguna Beach and enjoyed the scenery. It was a beautiful beach I can see why people pay so much to live there! The water is warm the sand is beautiful light brown. The waves break right on the shore it is so pretty!! We hung around the beach so long we didn't have to wait long for our flight it was really perfect timing! All in all it was an amazing trip! I think we all had a great time!

Next up was my Birthday. I didn't do too much. Nathans mom made me a delicious banana cake. We all went to On the Border for dinner (Yummy) I went out with some friends for drinks on the Friday after my birthday. I had a good birthday.

A big milestone recently was Jacob starting to walk. He is going full force and doesn't crawl at all!! He pretty much runs all over. He was only nine months old wehn he started walking!! I am in shock! He is my last baby so I was hoping he would stay that way for a little longer. No such luck! He is so bog and strong and moving right along. He even says a few words like mamama dadada bababa and today started saying ouchhh. Lol he was coping Madison after he was banging on her leg. He has five teeth already loves to eat whatever food you give him and he makes such cute faces!! He is such a joy to have around I am truly in love with him!! I couldn't have asked for a better baby!

Then School started. Alexis started HIGH SCHOOL! I am officially old! I cannot believe this day came so fast! High school geez time flies! It feels like I was just in High School. She is loving it and doing ok so far. I am hoping she will take this year more serious and do better. I have set up some good incentives for her to get good grades.

Brandon started middle school this year. He is loving it and doing really good. My babies are getting so big and growing up way to fast! I wish I could go back to when they were in diapers and drinking bottles! Lucky for me I still have some drinking bottles and in diapers. =)

Trinity is getting bigger and growing up so much she still has the cutest little baby accent. She gets words mixed up but in a cute way. I love this stage when they try to make since of what they are thinking and put it into words. She is defiantly an outdoor girl she loves all our animals and loves getting dirty. She gets herself fully dressed every morning and has no problems doing it. She is learning her ABC's how to count to 10 in Spanish and is great at coloring she tries her best to stay in the lines and she loves drawing circles. I am going to be putting her in gymnastics soon. She loves to do head stands and cartwheels.

Madison is such a big girl she sure has grown up a lot this last year. She speaks very well; pretty much she is like an adult! It is crazy! She figures things out 0n her own and is really clever. She has good come backs to her daddy’s antics when picking on her. She loves everything girly, she will notice if you got your hair cut bought a new pair of shoes or have pretty nail polish on. She loves it when Alexis brings friends over. She makes them her new best friends and follows them around everywhere. Her favorite thing to do at the moment is watching Beauty and the Beast. Bell is her favorite and we just got the movie last week.

All is well in our family we are enjoying every moment with each of our children. Some days I just take a step back and think wow what a life I have. Never did I think I would be so blessed with so many wonderful people in my life that I love to care for and help grow. It is a job to be a Mom and wife but for me it is the best job in the world. I could not ask for more.

10 years baby!!

2010-07-24T22:39:00.000-07:00

Today ten years ago me and nathan met fell in love and the rest is history! I am so happy to have him in my life he is my best friend and my soul mate. He is a great husband and even better dad! I am one blessed girl! I love you Nathan Heuton and am proud to be your wife and mother of your beautiful children! xoxoxo

Fourth of July weekend

2010-07-19T15:36:00.000-07:00

We have been busy and blogging has been put on the back burner. I have tried to sit down about twenty times and do this. My sister in law said it well in a blog post she wrote. Having a baby and little ones and life in general can just prevent you from doing some of the things you once took joy in doing.
So here is the run down on the big independence weekend.
Saturday the third we went to Rockaway Beach, Or to see Nathans Great Grandparents and some of the family. Every year we all meet up and catch up. Everyone got to meet Jacob and love on him! We met Means boyfriend Max who was super funny and a sweet heart! Collin shared his news of moving to Spain for a year, lucky him! Gabe told every one of his plans to join the Army and go to West Point. Burse and Peg are ready to move back to Oregon but have a couple more years on the east coast. Jay Carolyn and the kiddos are doing great and Hannah is a doll!
When we got to Rockaway there were fire tucks ambulance and helicopters on the beach. We heard on the police scanner say that they were looking for two people in the water. One was found right away and the other they searched hours for. It really put everyone in a somber mood. We never heard if they found the person by the time we left. When we were down on the beach letting the girls play in the water they were still looking. It was really sad.
On a lighter note Jacob really enjoyed his first time at the beach he liked putting his feet in the water. We had a great time and the weather was perfect!
We got home around 8 after stopping to let the girls go to the bathroom five times and Maddy and a little spell of car sickens.
On the fourth a bunch a friend’s a family came over we had some bbq and some fireworks. The kids had a blast! It was a nice relaxing no big accidents day! Jacob loved it but fell asleep at 8:30 and did not wake up once!

Alexis Graduates from Middle School!!

2010-07-02T11:17:00.001-07:00

I do not have many words to describe what it feels like to watch your baby girl grow up so fast. Alexis is almost fifteen and going to start High School in the fall. She is a beautiful soul to have around here, she brings me so much joy she is my best friend and my mini me. She loves everything girly, a chocolate freak and a Justin Bieber fan, She is smart loving strong willed and has a close relationship with Jesus Christ. I could not have asked for anything more in her. I am proud of her despite her mistakes and flaws. She has been through a lot in her 14 short years and despite it all she is strong and doesn't let life get her down!

Lazy weekend

2010-06-07T22:18:00.000-07:00

This weekend we decided after a bunch of busy weekends we would just hang and not do much. We hit up some garage sales got to have dinner alone then spent the rest of Saturday hangin with Daniel and Ryan. They played with Chickens and chased Noah the baby goat. It was refreshing! The sun was out and we soaked it up!
Sunday it poured and I mean poured! We did have a nice dinner with Nathans parents and spend the evening watching TV and relaxing. It was just what we needed!!

Jacob meeting his Great Grandparents

2010-06-07T16:54:00.000-07:00

Nathans parents took Jacob down to Rockaway a few weeks back to meet his great Grandparents. We had a busy spring cleaning of a weekend planned so they offered to take Jacob. They decided to go down to the beach to visit Terry due to him breaking his upper arm(poor guy)!
We got lots done that day and Jacob had a great time meeting his Great Grandma and Great Grandpa.
I was the first time I was away from Jacob all day, it was strange but I managed ;)

Last minute Idaho trip

2010-06-05T21:20:00.001-07:00

No plans had been made for the long weekend. We had been doing a lot as a family and didn't have the older kids this weekend so I was thinking a relaxing long weekend... Well if you know me I am always spur of the moment and I don't mind to have to get tons of things put together in a short period of time. This weekend took the cake on that. On Thursday I saw my Grandma had posted something about being in Boise for the week on Facebook. An idea popped in my head Boise 7 hours away Hurricane UT 18 hours away ummm we should go see my grandpa and extended family this weekend. Did I mention this was Thursday? So I talked to my brother who then talked to my cousin Stevie then Cherissa was here when we were all talking about it. So a weekend trip turned into a family reunion! I called my Grandma and asked if it would be ok if we ALL came over to Boise to visit them, after talking to my Aunt Rachel it was a go! I booked the hotel did tons of laundry gassed up the van and left Friday at 7 to go see family.

Making plans in the span of 24 hours is not always easy but to my liking it all went sooth. There was four adults one teenager and six kids under ten! And it was awesome! We made it there fast our Hotel was amazing it was so great to see family and get to know friends. I am so glad we went!! Saturday we celebrated Haley and Courtney Graduating High School by have a huge Luau! It was so much fun! The kids played at the park us adults caught up ate some great food and even played some volleyball. Then we headed back to the Hotel and swan for a few hours, after we ate at Golden Corral, it was really good for being only 10 a person!! Then we headed back and crashed. It was no nice that Alexis came along she is great with the kids and is so good about helping! I loved having her come along (Thanks Mike for letting her come!)

Sunday our Grandparents had to leave. We were all very sad! We wished we would have had more time with them! After we took tons of pictures and said our goodbyes we headed over to the Boise Zoo with aunt Rachel and all of her family... minus Courtney=( We had so much fun and it was so great to spend time with all of them. We have not hung out with them in forever!! It was great we really got to catch up.
After that we headed to the Hotel and did some more swimming Rachel and everyone joined us. It was a ton of fun!!! Stevie and I talked with Mark a ton while everyone else swam. The kids played and paled so much!! When it was time to put the kids down everyone said there good buys took some more pictures and promised to keep in touch. I really really hope we stay in contact with them, it is sad so much time has passed since we last saw them!!

All in all it was a really fun weekend and I would do it all over aging! I think next time I will give myself a little more time to prepare;)

Seattle Aquarium

2010-06-04T15:10:00.000-07:00

Nathan and I took all five kids to Seattle a couple weeks ago. We thought that they would love it and we needed a family day. The last month or so we had been doing a lot of spring cleaning and fixing the house up. The older kids were really tired of all the cleaning and yard work so we took the weekend off and had a little fun.

We got there around lunch time, ate fish n chips oysters in the half shell and lots of cotton candy and caramel apples. Then we headed to the Aquarium. For the price it is pretty small the big kids were not impressed but the girls loved every minute of it. They played in the tide pools touched star fish and sea urchins. They had a great time. It was really crowded so I would suggest not going on a Saturday. Jacob was great he loved looking at all the weird stuff.

After the aquarium we took the Ferry over to Bainbridge Island. Now I am not a fan of boats but it was worth it to make the kids happy. They all liked it and wanted to ride it again. Lucky for us it was really nice weather on the ride over not so lucky on the ride back it started pouring down rain, so we stayed inside and enjoyed the view from our seats. Once we got back we headed over to the arcade. they have a merry go round, air hockey and plenty more games to keep the kids busy while we waited to be seated at The Crab Pot. It is our favorite restaurant and we always go every time we visit Seattle. The kids had so much fun! They give you a wood board and a mallet; pour all the food on the table and you dig in!! We had a blast!!! Brandon loved it Alexis not so much, she did like the crab..

After dinner we headed home. We are thinking next time we will just take the big kids and go out on a fast boat and see some more upbeat attractions =)

Depot Bay, OR beach trip with loverface

2010-05-15T23:30:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago the hubby and I went to the beach for a first time get away since the baby was born. It was very much needed and we had a blast! It was a four bedroom house with a hot tub. We spent a lot of time in there it was so nice to sit in the hot tub while it rained.

Saturday we walked down to the beach there we so many pretty things as we walked. The actual beach was scary the waves were breaking huge, and there was not a lot of beach before they broke! I was a little scared! I stayed on the stairs after a quick walk out and back in 20 seconds. Here in the NW it is not like the hot beaches in Mexico!

Saturday we woke up late the best feeling ever to lay around and not have to do anything! Nathan woke up first and made coffee he woke me up at noon!! We ate a light breakfast then walked around and then down to the beach. For lunch we ate at the Sea Hag, what a great name! It had some good food, freshly caught halibut for the fish and chips fresh crab for the crab cakes and Nathans favorite Oysters in the half shell, YUM!! We got some sea shells for the girls and checked out a couple look out points that were amazing. Nathan had never been to a casino so we went to the one in Lincoln City we were there for twenty minutes and won 34 dollars! So we took our winnings and left. That night we sat and talked a lot in the hot tub under the stars. Sounds cheesy but it was so needed!

Sunday we woke up at a good time cleaned up and before driving home stopped at Pig 'n Pancake I had eggs benedict and he and french toast, we shared. We chatted and soaked up our last moments. Then we had a good drive home and talked about a lot of things. It was a great time. We really need to spend alone time more often!

Thanks to Lauren and Grandma Patti for taking the kids!! You did great and we really needed it!
So thank you a million times thank you!

The house we stayed in

Taking pictures as we walked to the beach

The beach. The sun broke after about twenty minutes of pouring rain

My loverface

I love him so so much!

Breathtaking I loved this look out point!

Really close to a cliff that dropped off... Yikes

Yummy! And a great name!

Today is Paint day!!

2010-04-27T14:38:00.000-07:00

We have decided (Madison Trina and I) that Tuesday is paint day! They can paint for as long as they want as many times as they want.

I took these pictures with my Iphone! So cute!

Week 17 - “Smiles” Photo Challenge!

2010-04-25T21:39:00.000-07:00

This is Maddy last weekend. I think she looks magical. I love her and them big blue eyes.

Pioneer Woman book signing Portland OR

2010-04-21T10:15:00.000-07:00

I was so excited to meet Ree! I have been reading her blog for about three years now and I feel like she is my friend. So to meet her was going to be weird yet awesome! I know so much about her about her kids her ranch her cooking I mean pretty much all there is to know about a friend! But I was able to ask her a question it was a little bit of a joke but I couldn't resist! I asked when she was going to have another baby (while holding my cute 5 month old man) she of course had a funny response about spanks and all us rude ladies bringing our cute babies. Hehe

I am sad to say that I was number 270 out of 300 tickets and by 8pm they were only at number 100! So Patti and I decided it would be way to late by the time we got to meet her so we left sniff sniff.. We live in Vancouver, WA about a 30 minute drive from the book signing and I had four kids and a hubby at home waiting for me. If I would have gone all alone with out the baby I think I would have stayed till midnight! It was a school night and so I headed home.

I was happy to have seen her and ask her a question. She is even more beautiful and funny in person! She even sang for us! I hope someday to win a trip to her ranch and really get to know her. For now I am happy to haven been able to go out and support her and show her that the NW loves her!!

I ♥ The Pioneer Woman!

P.S. I hope you tried some sushi while you were here! Seattle and Portland has good fresh seafood!

She just realized there was no Micraphone!

This is Miles he had the mic

She is so beautiful!!

This is as close as I got =(

Grandma and jacob

He was such a good boy!

Week 16 - “Collages” Photo Challenge

2010-04-20T13:25:00.001-07:00

I had the pleasure of meeting this doll last week! She is so adorable and thought this was the perfect week to show her off!

A scary day at the Hospital

2010-04-14T19:45:00.000-07:00

Yesterday did not go as planned! I woke up around 8am like I usually do, I picked up the baby and immediately knew he was way too hot and was breathing funny like he couldn't catch his breath. I got out the ear thermometer and took his temp. I was in shock when it read 104.7!! I immediately called the Dr. and got an appointment for noon. I got all the kids ready and took Alexis to school (a little late) she helped me get everything together. I went to my mom’s house to watch the girls. I took his temp again and it was the same. I was really worried at this point because I gave him Tylenol an hour before and it was not helping. So I went to his appointment a little early. They did an assessment on him and decided to send him over to the Hospital. They were concerned he had pneumonia.
We got to the Hospital and checked in. I was really scared at this point and already had cried! He is so small and I have never had to go through anything like this with any of the other kids at such a young age.
When we first went in they checked his oxygen it was at 80%, very concerning! They did a bunch of tests and gave him a breathing treatment, an IV for fluids, and then decided it was best to admit him. At that point I was really scared and nervous. I was there alone and had no one to talk to about what was happening and just broke down crying. My emotions and mind were on hyper drive.
Once we were in his room and settled the Dr. came in to take a look and make her assessment.
The major concern is that he has bronchiolitis.
They said it's what used to be called RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), which
Nathans brother Gabe was hospitalized for when he was 8 months old. It has changed over the
years into a more serious form and is called bronchiolitis. He also has an ear infection and received antibiotic through the IV for that.
Thank goodness Nathan arrived after work for a little emotional support. I felt so much better once he walked in the room!

Jacob is doing better and we are home from the
hospital, in fact, we were released in the middle of the night around 1am.
His oxygen level went up to 95%. When we were released his temp was down to 101.
They gave him medication through an inhaler and sent it home with us. He has to have a treatment every four hours. He hates it and freaks out every time.
It is very likely that since he had this before 1 year old, that he will
have asthma, but only time will tell.
What a scare, but the worst is over and it's back to managing it all at home. Also, the girls are
recovering from illness and Madison is on antibiotics for a double ear
infection herself. I have had a long week!!

I found some inner strength I did not know I had. What I really feel is that it mostly came from the Lord and all your prayers. So thank you!
I will keep you all updated if anything changes.

Mini School Pictures Shoot

2010-04-12T23:08:00.000-07:00

I finally got around to taking the kids school pictures. I am not sure why we waited so long! Alexis has been bugging me a lot the last few weekends. Most of the time it was raining or we had a birthday party. This weekend was beautiful so we made it to the park on Saturday and got some cute shots!
Madison wanted to do everything Alexis did and Trinity just wanted to play.
Here are a few of my favorites.

Easter fun

2010-04-07T21:47:00.001-07:00

I think I am finally caught up!!! Minus Nathans birthday and Valentines day, I didn't take any pictures on those days it was more personal and intimate. (I will say that this Valentines day Nathan did surprise me with a pair of beautiful diamond ear rings!!!oh I love him)
On to Easter!
Saturday morning I made french toast for breakfast got the girls all cleaned up then started dying eggs. We have not tried dying eggs in the past and felt this was a great year to start. We started out with about 10 eggs. Nathan was having a great time! He decided that ten was not enough and went and got an 18 pack form the store. We have tons of eggs at home from our own chickens but they are all brown and green. Ever try to dye a green egg? We tried red and it made it look just like a brown egg=) Kellis kids and Ryan arrived first and got in on dying eggs. Nathan was like a kid in a candy shop, at times you would never think he could be so entertained by dying eggs but one reason I love that man is because he loved being a child and he loves doing things with kids to give them that same experience.
After dying eggs and lunch(egg salad sandwiches of course) we had all the kids go upstairs and play while we hid a ton of eggs, we normally would do this outside but here in Washington it likes to rain and rain a lot it did!!!
The hunt was on and it was a good one, some eggs were way obvious and some you really had to hunt for we had a split of age groups about three around 9 and five toddlers. It went well, much candy was ate and sugar induced comas occurred.

Before I go I want to reflect on the true meaing of Easter.
After Jesus was crucified, Joseph of Arimathea had Christ's body placed in his own tomb. A large stone covered the entrance and soldiers guarded the sealed tomb. On the third day, a Sunday, several women (Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, Joanna and Salome are all mentioned in the gospel accounts) went to the tomb at dawn to anoint the body of Jesus.

A violent earthquake took place as an angel from heaven rolled back the stone. The guards shook in fear as the angel, dressed in bright white, sat upon the stone. The angel announced to the women that Jesus who was crucified was no longer in the tomb, "He is risen, just as he said." Then he instructed the women to inspect the tomb and see for themselves. Next he told them to go inform the disciples.

With a mixture of fear and joy they ran to obey the angel's command, but suddenly Jesus met them on their way. They fell at his feet and worshiped him. Jesus then said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee. There they will see me."

When the guards reported what had happened to the chief priests, they bribed the soldiers with a large sum of money, telling them to lie and say that the disciples had stolen the body in the night.

After his resurrection, Jesus appeared to the women near the tomb and later at least twice to the disciples while they were gathered at a house in prayer. He visited two of the disciples on the road to Emmaus and he also appeared at the Sea of Galilee while several of the disciples were fishing.

Points of Interest from the Story:
• There are at least 12 different appearances of Christ in the resurrection accounts, beginning with Mary and ending with Paul. They were physical, tangible experiences with Christ eating, speaking and allowing himself to be touched.
• Jesus' resurrected body was different from his physical body. It was no longer subject to the same laws of nature. He could transcend locked doors, and yet he could still be touched and he could eat.

• Before Jesus ascended into heaven he gave the Great Commission, telling his followers to go and make disciples of all nations.

• The stone was not rolled away from the tomb so Jesus could get out. He was able to walk through walls (John 20:19) in his resurrected body. The stone was rolled away so that everyone could see that he was risen.

Question for Reflection:
When Jesus appeared to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, they didn't recognize him (Luke 24:13-33). They even talked in great length about Jesus, but they didn't know they were in his very presence. Has Jesus, the resurrected Savior visited you, but you didn't recognize him?

Brandons last basketball game.

2010-04-07T21:37:00.000-07:00

This season I was really bad about making it to Brandons games. I have been doing a lot of photoshoots and scheduling got in the way a few times. I feel guilty I only got to see him play once this season. I will make more of an effort to attend his games whatever they may be more often in the future.
Here are a few highlights from that game. He is number 25!

Brandon XGames birthday party

2010-04-07T21:15:00.000-07:00

My babe had his 11th birthday party! He decided he wanted a gaming party. So we invited a few of his friends over ate pizza opened presents and let them go for it. We got Brandon the new Tony Hawk ride for the Wii so he was stoked along with all the other boys. So they played for a couple hours we had cake some snacks and pizza. it was a fun day. I am so happy a couple boys from church came as well as a neighbor in addition to family. He was very please with the out come=) I can not believe he will be a teenager in two years.... scary!!!
I am so blessed to be his mommy!

A couple days of fun

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

I took the girls out to play a couple times in one week. One day we went to the big park, another we went to Carl's Jr. (they have a play structure) and another day I let them run around in the front yard and ride their new scooters they had gotten from Trinitys birthday. Here are some cute pics from those three event. Oh and I couldn't help it I had to put in a couple of the babe.

Bath time!

Cute angel baby

Trin loves to give me flowers
Love them blue eyes

Best buddies

Weeeeeee

She liked the rocking horse

Loves it when dady pushes her

Jaden climbing around in one of the tunnels

Trinitys Birthday party!

2010-04-07T20:31:00.000-07:00

It was a princess extravaganza!! Trinity had the time of her life! I went all out! I made home made heart shaped marshmallows dipped in chocolate,

squares for the boys.

I dipped Mint Milano and Raspberry Milano cookies in white chocolate and milk chocolate.

The gift bags were full of everything a princess would need, a tiara, necklaces, rings, lip gloss.

The boys got mini skateboards, bouncy balls and silly straws.

I hired two very beautiful princess to play games and make a craft and sing songs. They were the hit of the party, lucky for me it was Alexis and my babysitter Lauren...lol All the girls loved them! The adults indulged in my famous pulled pork tacos, stuffed jalapenos, and cilantro rice. It was yummy and all gone by the end!!! I know she may have only be turning three but I have a feeling this will never be forgotten in her mind! I love her and I love making her happy.

She was a very happy girl for a long time!

Want to win??? I do I do.. Epiphanie Bags

2010-03-31T12:33:00.000-07:00

Have you seen all the beautiful new products & contest for pro photographers on http://www.DesignAglow.com?

They are all so beautiful! I am keeping my fingers crossed for this one!

Back in action

2010-03-14T23:16:00.001-07:00

Me and my photography have been out of commission for about a month due to my laptop aka my photography life went down the crapper! My laptop motherboard died, it would have been over $900 to fix it! So I got almost everything that was important to me off my hard drive. I lost Photoshop along with the actions, brushes, and presets! About 100 hours of download time and about $500 worth of product. I also lost Lightroom and Photofusion. I was devastated! After a few trips to Best Buy and some crying I am happy to say that things are up and running again. I got a new laptop reinstalled all my programs and some of the presets I didn't loose. I am putting the pieces back together wiping the tears and moving on. What I did learn from all of this is to back up everything that is important to you, if it can bring your job to a halt then back it up!!! If it would cause you to cry if you lost it back it up!!

So now I am all backed up! Wahoo.

Even tho I had no where to download and edit pictures I still took them! All of my SD cards are full all four of then two 8GB and 2GB! I have a lot to edit and a lot to share. I will save that for another time. For now here is a picture I took about two weeks ago when the plum tree in our front yard bloomed, it smelled so wonderful and it was the first hint of spring. The girls rode their new scooters and I took about 100 pictures of blossoms...lol

So enjoy this and I will back with a big old update once I get it all put together give me a couple days!! =)

Best Giveaway Ever!!!!

2010-03-09T10:01:00.000-08:00

EPIPHANIE IS GIVING AWAY YOUR CHOICE OF

A BRAND NEW CANON 5D MARK II!

A $2500 GIFT CERTIFICATE TO SOUTHWEST AIRLINES!!!

The camera bags are to die for! I am saving up to get one!!!!

Chilian Eathquake Please Pray!

2010-02-27T12:36:00.000-08:00

Update: We have heard from Tracie and they are safe. It was a pretty scary experience to say the least! Ricky's parents house has no structure damage but tons of stuff broke in the house, dishes, electronics, decor etc. they currently have no electricity or phone at this time.
Here is a link to their blog I am sure she will posting a full update as soon as she can

Thank You so much for all your Prayers!!! God is good!

We have a urgent prayer request!!!

Nathans sister and her husbands family live in a small town outside of Santiago about 200 miles southwest of the 8.8 Earthquake epicenter. Our prayers are with them and we look forward to getting news from them. We have contacted the US Embassy with all their information and have high hopes that we will get news shortly. Please be praying for them!

We will certainly be on our knees for them and ask the same of all of you!!

A new addition

2010-01-31T11:00:00.000-08:00

We want to send our congratulations to Tracie Ricky and Isabella! Friday January 29th at 9:09pm Chilean time, Baby Milan Alessandro was born! Weighing 6lbs 15 oz., 19.5 inches. He has a full head of blond hair and looks so much like his big sister!!

We are so happy to have the new addition to our growing family. Just four short years ago there were no married couples and no babies in the Heuton clan. Now there are two married couples and five babies!

Fix it Friday

2010-01-29T09:59:00.000-08:00

Today is Fix it Friday over at I ♥ Faces. This is my first entry!!

Before

My Fix

Late night with my fat man

2010-01-29T00:40:00.000-08:00

Oh how I love him! Even when it is 12:40 and he will not stop crying!

He was being this sweet only an hour ago

Summer treat in January

2010-01-29T00:24:00.000-08:00

It is always summer somewhere!

So lucky us we got a semi fresh friut salad to go with dinner.

Peaches Strawberries Bananas Kiwi

YUMM!

Cusco Update

2010-01-27T12:26:00.000-08:00

Tracie just posted the following on her Blog! Keep praying for Cusco!!!

Here is a brief Video to show the devasation in Cusco!

Current situation: 1,400 tourists still stranded in Machu Picchu/Aguas Calientes

11 helicopters taking people from MP to Ollantaytambo, only 4 helicopters can run simultaniously due to geography.

Word is that people are paying up to $500 to be airlifted out first. Authorities deny this (we are not surprised)

The Ollant. stadium is now flooded, looking for new place for helicopters to land.

More than 600 tourists and 300 porters/guides are somewhere on the Inca Trail. Authorities are trying to locate them. The Inca Trail is a very difficult hike of 3/4 days, with difficult conditions and gets into altitudes of nearly 15,000 feet.

11 reported deaths at this time

Machu Picchu electric central has stopped working because two power lines have fallen down

10,000 affected residents and more than 2,000 collapsed houses

Week 4 - “Texture” Photo Challenge!

2010-01-25T21:18:00.000-08:00

Texture is really new for me! So he is my first texture photo. I like it a lot and I think that this might be my new favorite thing!!

Madison is my middle child and my first blue eyed baby. I love her smile and a smile like this can be captured in the living room on a Monday morning.

Pray for Cusco, Peru!!

2010-01-25T12:35:00.000-08:00

This is a link to my Sister in laws blog. Her husband and she are missionaries here; they need you prayers and support! They are out of the country right now about to have a baby, but planning to return soon. Their home is in Cusco and the church they run. Please pray for the city and the members of Tracies and Ricky’s church they have over 150 children!

Nathan and I made a trip back in 2006 with our then 8 month old Madison. The towns they talk about we have been to and experienced, these small towns are already poverty stricken and have little resources. The train on the way to Mach Pichu is lined with tiny shacks with dirt floors no glass on the windows and people live in them. I just cannot imagine the devastation that has occurred! My heart hurts for them and my Prayers will be strong for them! Please pray as well!

I will keep this blog updated as I hear news!

Here Nathan is on Machu Picchu

This is the valley they talk about in Tracies blog

The small town of Pisac

Cusco, Peru

Big Update

2010-01-17T19:51:00.000-08:00

Late nights were mine to blog edit pictures and relax. Since Jacob arrived this is not the case. Mostly my nights consist of a cranky baby, poo and throw up till about 2am and I would not have it any other way. The blog can wait but my baby will not be a baby for long. Patti told me recently there is a poem that says something like that. It is so true! Sometimes I feel I am neglecting my photography my blog and my hair color! Then I just think better that then my precious fat man. He is plump and sweet and cozy and everything I ever wanted my boy to be. I fall in love with him more every day. It is hard to remember what it was like before he was here. I am happy to say that nursing him has gone more than great! Usually for me it only lasts a few weeks and that is with many formula supplements in between. This time around it is like my breasts caught on, it only took five times! It has been a great experience and I am so proud of how chubby my baby boy’s cheeks are! He will be eight weeks this Wednesday. They grow to fast!

December was filled with lots of fun activities, first was getting a tree we went to Thortons tree farm, our little family tradition. We visited the animals first the girls just love them it is really their favorite part. As we were hangin with the animals I spotted a tree it was perfect! I thought no way could the first tree I see really be it! Hahaha it wasn't there was no tag on it so it was off limits! I was happy to find another tree only a few over that was just as perfect! It had a tag and that was it the fastest tee hunt ever! We got some hot chocolate and goodies and headed home to decorate. It was up in record time and I enjoyed it more this time then ever!

Next was Alexis winter choir concert. I picked the worst seat for taking pictures she was on the same side as me facing at an angle; Jon jumped up and took some shoots from a different position. She did really good they sounded nice and of course her friend Stacie brought down the house singing "The Climb" by Miley Cyrus. I cried! It was a perfect song for her to sing if you knew her story. She has gone through a lot in the last year and I think it was her way of saying she was going to make it threw and be ok.

Madison had her big Birthday party on the 19th. We were waiting for Grandma Patti to get back from Peru. It was a lot of fun not many kids came due to them having the flu and other things but she had a great day. I cannot believe how fast the last four years flew by!!

Next was Christmas week and oh what a week it was. I can honestly say that I have not had a better Christmas in my life. It was just a joy the entire week last minute shopping making cookies fudge and other goodies spending a nice night with Nathans family on Christmas Eve. I just felt so warm and wonderful the entire time. Christmas morning was so peaceful I woke up before very one and made blueberry muffins, coffee and OJ. Then my Mom woke up and we chatted and took some pics of the kids sleeping. Slowly the kids started waking up. We had to drag Alexis out of bed. She stayed up late wrapping last minute gifts with me till almost 2am! They girls were so excited to see all the presents the looks on their faces were just priceless. We are so blessed and I felt it that morning so much! The next few hours we played our new Wii I made a big breakfast after opening presents then we had to get ready to go to Nathans parents for dinner. We went from jamies to fancy dresses. It was a good reason to dress up=) we had fun opening presents eating cinnamon rolls and chatting. Then we got the big turkey dinner that Patti prepared that was beyond delish! She nails it every time! So so yummy!! Things winded down and we headed home. My Mom called and asked to have the girls spend the night... another great gift to us SLEEP wahooo!! Lol Alexis and Brandon went to their dads and Nathan and I spent the rest of the night chatting and playing the Wii. It was such the perfect day!

On the 29th we got some unexpected snow, it was the middle of the day on a Tuesday and it just started snowing, a lot!! The girls waited for Daddy to get home to go play and they had a blast! It got too cold for Trinity after about ten minutes but she had fun. It was melted by Thursday= ( We are hoping that is not the only snow we see this year how sad would that be!

New Years eve we hung out at home with my Mom Ryry Billy and the girls. We watched a movie and made margaritas. At ten to midnight we let the girls get up(they were not asleep due to fireworks). I got a pot and some wooden spoons and at 12 let them bang away they were amazed! Trinity said we get up it a holiday??? When we said yes she just got all big eyed and laughed. It was a lot of fun! Maddy was banging so hard on the pans she broke my wooden spoon!!! Good times!

We went to Papas Pizza on the 2nd to spend some time with Nathan brother Jon. He was being shipped out that next Tuesday for boot camp. We had some pizza and Family time with him it was nice. We also went over there the next day for a big steak dinner. It was the time we will see him for a long time. After boot camp he goes to Spokane WA for his training once he is done with that we are hoping he can make a trip home. It has only been two weeks but I miss him so much already. He was 10 when I met Nathan and can honestly say I feel like he is my brother. Him and I have always had a special relationship and got along so well. He is such a love. He has such a great personality and a huge heart. That night as we were leaving him with some encouraging words, I finally broke down and balled my eyes out. I know he will be on an adventure and will have so many opportunities joining the Military but is sad he will not be around here. We will not see him as much and I guess I feel we will miss out on a lot of his life due to him joining. But he is at the age he needs to spread his wings and take this journey we call life on his own for a bit. I think he is leaving as a kid and will come back a man that I am looking forward to seeing. My advice to him that night was to stay true to himself and never let anything change that big heart he has. Knowing him that will never ever happen!

Last weekend was my mom’s birthday party and Ryan’s as well. For my Moms Birthday I made a huge Holy Mole taco dinner. It was soooo sooo good! Alexis and I made a red velvet cake and she decorated it all by herself! It turned out so super cute!! We had some yummy drinks and sang karaoke it was some fun times!! Ryan had his party the next day and the kids had a blast it turned out to be a sunny day! They got to play outside! He had a lot of friends from school that came so that was so nice for him. He sure is getting big seems like Dawn was just at the Hospital having him. I love that little guy he is my buddy!! At the party we got some News form Pete’s girl friend that they are expecting a baby!! We are truly excited for them! I think Pete will be the best daddy!

So that brings us to this weekend. Whew we made it! This was a long one!
Friday night was the first time I have got to go have a drink with the ladies since getting pregnant almost a year ago!! It was really fun and I am happy to say I was home by 9:30=)
Yesterday I took the girls to a birthday party then Nathan and I cleaned out the garage and took a bunch of stuff to goodwill. (Trying to stick to some goals not resolutions we made).
Today we had a nice lunch with Nathans parents and I got to chat with Patti. I love our Sunday time with his family!!

I actually finished this before Desperate housewives came on.. wahoo!! I will try to update more often I know these long updates can get boring and have way too many pictures!!!!

Love you all xoxox

Haiti & Compassion International

2010-01-14T14:03:00.000-08:00

This morning we received a mass email for all sponsors of Compassion International. It goes as follows

From: Compassion International

To: crcomp2@comcast.net

Subject: Earthquake in Haiti Devastates Compassion Children

Click here to view this message in your Internet browser.

To ensure delivery directly to your inbox please add ciinfo@compassion-intl.com to your address book.

Haitian Children and Families Devastated by Massive Earthquake

Dear Nathan and Cynthia,

The catastrophic earthquake that hit Haiti yesterday has resulted in unfathomable chaos and devastation for hundreds of thousands of children and families.

Compassion sponsors and donors serve more than 65,000 children in Haiti. At least a third of them live in the areas that were hardest hit.

I am asking you to please send a generous gift today to help these precious children and their families.

We are working rapidly to assess the situation and determine the full extent of damage:

Sadly, we anticipate there will be many deaths.
We anticipate thousands of children and families will have lost everything.
We anticipate many of our church-based child development centers will have been destroyed.

Without a doubt, the children we serve in Haiti are in shock and face immediate needs for food, water, medical care, shelter and counseling. We have teams prepared to respond, and we are deeply committed to helping each child.

We need your donation today. Please reach out in the name of Jesus to bring relief, comfort, love and restoration to precious children and families whose lives have been devastated by this crisis.

Thank you for caring,

Dr. Wess Stafford
President, USA

P.S. If you would like to give by phone, please call us at (800) 336-7676. Check donations can be mailed to: Compassion International, Colorado Springs, CO 80997.

Unsubscribe / Manage Your E-mail Interests | Sponsor/Donor Number: 2066533

Compassion International is one of the world's largest and fastest growing Christian child development organizations. Since 1952, Compassion's revolutionary approach, through one-to-one sponsorship, has touched the lives of more than 2 million children.

Christ Centered, Child Focused, Church Based and Committed to Integrity

Compassion International
12290 Voyager Parkway, Colorado Springs, CO 80921 | (800) 336-7676

We do not sponsor a child in Haiti but will be making sure we do our part to support the children and the organization. If you can make a donation here is a link to their website.

Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the world where 20,000 children under the age of 5 died of malnutrition and other causes in 2007. Where natural disaster has occurred numerous times in the last ten years.

It is so heart breaking that a country that already suffers from poverty, malnutrition and constant natural disaster would have to endure yet another setback in the already hard life they have. It made me think about how blessed we are in this country but at the same time how so many of us take for granted fresh water, electricity, warm soft beds and big family dinners with much leftovers. We have endured our share of natural disasters but when we live an already privileged life it seems almost fair to deal with a reality check once in awhile. For these people it does not seem so fair, but if anything should come of this it should teach us all a lesson, praise God for all the blessings we have!

Please have the men women and children in your prayers. Send prayers to the thousands of volunteers that are there and on their way. Ask God to comfort heal and bless all the people of Haiti.

Happy Birthday I heart Faces!

2010-01-12T10:42:00.000-08:00

This picture is Trinity awake at 12 on News Years Eve she was so amazed we let her get up go out side and bang on pans!

The I Heart Faces contest this week is to showcase a photo featuring - what-else- a face. I found this site about a week ago and am so excited!

Any photographer (Beginner, Amateur and Professional) is welcome to join in on the weekly photo challenges. Enter on Mon or Tues. Challenges close down at 9:00 p.m. (central) on Tues evening. Each participant is welcome to enter ONE photo each week. If you post has more than one photo, your entry will not be eligible to win this challenge.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-23T21:02:00.000-08:00

Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas!

Alexis and Brandon are not in the picture they were at there dads. =(
I will have some Christmas pictures up of them Friday.

Grandma Patti is on her way home!!

2009-12-15T10:42:00.000-08:00

Grandma has been gone for a month! We have been missing her tons! She is right now on her way home from Peru. She is about to land in Lima right now and will be heading to Atlanta this evening then home form there! She will arrive at 8pm tomorrow night and we couldn't be more excited!

Hope you are having a good flight and you will be able to get some sleep and not get to bored on you two long lay overs...lol

We hope Tracie, Ricky and Isa will have a good flight to Chili and have a great visit there! Good luck on having this baby boy! You are in the home stretch now! I can't believe it is so close!

Luvs and hugs xoxox

Happy Fourth Birthday Madison

2009-12-13T22:56:00.000-08:00

Today Madison turned four. It was a great day. Big breakfast with a Happy Birthday song. Then off to see Princess and the frog. They loved it. Then made cupcakes with Madison she was a great helper. Had Grandpa and Uncle Jon and Gabe over for Dinner. Ate some cupcakes then took her to see her nana for a sleepover. I think she had a great day.

I am so blessed to have this little princess in my life. She is sassy and sweet smart and energetic. She is by far the most girly girl ever. She is a big sister a little sister a little lover a big booger. She has all the qualities I could ever ask for in a daughter. Her blue eyes are like a crystal door way in to her fiery heart!

Next week is her big princess party. We are waiting for Grandma to get back from Peru to celebrate. I will have lots of pics to share then. I didn't take any pictures today because she has a bad black eye from bonking heads with Trinity. So here is a favorite picture from awhile back =)

Jacob Matthew James Heuton

2009-11-29T00:22:00.000-08:00

The plan was to give you all an event by event update from the hospital, I had it all planed out and it was going to be great! Well, let's just say things do not always go as planned! Things went fast and I was really not up to explaining what was going on.
Well, I am home, rested and have a few minutes to tell you all about it. I hope you enjoy.

(I have tried to finish this three times..lol Life has changed a little around here)

Nathan and I woke up bright and early Wednesday morning at 5am. We had everything packed and ready to go the night before, we just needed to shower get ready and be there by 6.
We arrived on time got all signed in and met our nurse Lisa. At this point I was feeling really nervous and was still questioning my decision (in my head not to anyone else). I knew at that point there was no turning back but was not looking forward to having Pitocin shortly enter my body, the first mention of the word and I had a mild anxiety attack. I am sure no one was aware of how I was feeling. I tried to just smile and be as positive as I could. I did not want to seem like I was crazy for asking to be induced and then act like a freak once it was happening.

I answered the million questions they ask and signed the twenty pages of needless paper work. Next was the IV. It did not go well. The first try she hit a nerve in my wrist that sent a crazy shock all the way into my thumb that felt like a firecracker went off in my thumb, now still four days later I have a crazy weird numb feeling all the way up my wrist into
my thumb. This is the point I was really feeling, "yep Cynthia, you're crazy, you should have just waited.. Is this a sign you should have waited???"

Well, the next try she got a vein but it was on the top of my left hand right under my knuckles. It was a horrible spot and bothered me a lot! Ok I know what you thinking people, jeez all that she has is an IV and she is acting like a baby. Lol Things got better from there. They hooked me up the monitors that measure the baby’s heart beat and the contractions; I was already having contractions with no Pitocin! I was so excited! They checked my cervix and I was already dilated to a four and 60% effaced. The Dr. said that she thinks I would have gone into labor any time but maybe this is the little push my body needed. At that moment I knew that I had made the right decision. I was confident that I would not be pushing things too much and that my body was truly ready to give birth. I relaxed took a deep breath and everything felt good.

They started me on Pitocin at 7:20am, a small amount that would slowly start contractions. The nurse said about a teaspoon an hour. It was working, my contractions were coming every two minutes but they did not hurt at all. At 8:30 the Dr. came in broke my water and the nurse upped the dose of pitocin and did so every hour. At about 10:30 I really started feeling the contractions and was having to breathe through them, it was not more than I could handle so I held off on any pain medicine and the epidural. Well, at about 11:00 I was ready for the fentanyl. It helped a lot and I went back to breathing through the contractions instead of almost crying. Well, at 11:45 I decided it was time for the epidural, the contractions were getting really bad and the fentanyl had started to wear off. I got my epidural by noon and I felt great! The nurse and Nathan both went and took a lunch break. I talked to Whitney on the phone for a little bit and got a little nap in.
By 12:45 the nurse came back in and checked me I was at a 7. I was excited! The Dr. came in a few minutes later and wanted to check me again but decided to wait a few minutes and go check on someone else. She was back in my room not even five minutes later saying that she was monitoring the baby's heart rate from the nurse station and was worried and wanted to put an internal monitor on his head. When she checked my cervix I was at an 8 almost 9! She tried to get the monitor on his head a couple times and was finally successful. I called Nathan and my Mom and let them know they need to get to the hospital ASAP. At this point it was 1:15 PM.

I really started to feel pressure and the contractions. The contractions were getting really bad because they left the Pitcoin on after the epidural. So after me being in tons of pain it occurred to them that the Pitocin had done its job and was not needed any longer. The epidural had worn off a little and I had not hit the button to release more drugs because to be honest, I forgot I could. By the time I pushed the button it was too late. I felt like I needed to push, I held off on pushing until my Mom got there. There was no way I was going to let my Mom miss the birth of Jacob. She would have been devastated! So I held out! Well, the moment she walked in I told them, "okay, I need to push, like now!" So they got the stirrups hooked up and said, go for it.
In all the times I have pushed, the epidural prevented me from really feeling what my body was doing, this time I could feel everything! It was nice to feel that what I was doing was helping make the baby move down and out. That is, until he was coming out, it hurt and it hurt bad! I do not think I have ever yelled out in pain quite like that before! I started pushing at 1:47 and Jacob was born at 1:50 I pushed for three minutes!

After all the nerves, anxiety and many other emotions I went through the last few weeks it went better than I could have asked for. Once that baby is in your arms every doubt you ever had melts away and is replaced by pure elation, love, and peace.

Jacob Matthew James Heuton was born at 1:50pm November 25, 2009 he weighed 7lbs 8oz and was 20.75 inches long. He has dark hair and his dad's lips. He is everything I could have ever dreamed of.

Shortly after the birth I went in to surgery to have my tubes tied. It went really well. We had a nice stay in the hospital till yesterday afternoon and have been resting at home since. Madison and Trinity were beyond excited to meet their little brother. They fell in love right away. The looks on their faces will never be forgotten. They held him, kissed him, talked to him and have been loving him since they walked in the door. They had a lot of sweet questions for both Nathan and I. It was fun answering them.

I can truly say that I feel like our family is complete. I am more blessed than I could have ever asked for. I am so thankful for all of you and your prayers through this entire pregnancy. Every time you took the time to think of us and pray for us it made a difference.

So there you have it. I made it to the end! Here are some pics of our sweet baby boy.

Enjoy

Tomorrow is the big day!!

2009-11-24T13:06:00.001-08:00

I am officially being induced at 6am tomorrow morning! I know that I have said that I wanted to go naturally but when it comes to the end and the date you had set in your mind goes by with no baby it is really hard in many ways. I have been thinking Jacob would arrive the last three weeks so my stress and nerves have been worn thin. I am ready to meet this little guy and feel now is the right time but still have doubts.

I have mixed feeling about being induced. It feels so unnatural, and it is not great to force your body into something ultimately it is not ready to do. I had the scare of my life when I was induced with Madison. That alone is why my nerves are on high alert. I have already cried twice today. I feel a little over whelmed at this moment right now. Taking matters in to my own hands comes naturally for me but in this case I am feeling guilty, scared, and nervous.
Telling myself the Doctor would not induce me if it wasn't safe helps a little. I am not sure what is worse at this point the waiting, heart burn and exhaustion... or the nerves from making the decision to be induced.
I have lots to do to prepare the girls and I for tomorrow, the next time I post will be from the Hospital!

All I can do is ask you all to pray for me, and pray myself. I know the Lord will take care of me and this baby.

Beautiful Disguise

2009-11-23T22:14:00.000-08:00

She may be a monster at times but she sure is beautiful!

Happy Birthday Alexis Kate

2009-11-23T11:44:00.000-08:00

Today my first baby girl turns 14! Wow how time flies! I can remember holding you and smelling you for the first time, your thick dark hair and big brown eyes staring at me. Oh the memories. I cannot think of a more amazing moment in my life.

I am so proud to be your Mom. You bring so much energy and fun to our family. I cannot imagine what life would be like with you.

I had a lot of fun hanging out with you and your friends today, New Moon was great! I look forward to spending many more years celebrating with you!

She has to have her Chocolate!

Dancing to the music on her card. lol

Juicy Couture Necklas

Baby Shower

2009-11-22T12:40:00.000-08:00

I have meaning to post about my baby shower but updates on how things are going have taking precedence over that. So I went thru all the pictures last night and picked out a few that were good. Alexis took most the pictures at the shower and let’s just say she is still working on that artistic eye. Lol

We had fun playing the usual games eating lots of yummy food and enjoying each other’s company. I got some amazingly cute gifts and cannot wait to see Jacob in them. Patti made a banana cake that was to die for!!! Oh man it was so good! I made a bunch of food from cucumber sandwiches to yummy meatballs. The punch was a hit and is so easy, just sierra mist and rainbow sherbet. My Mom and I put up all the decorations the night before to save time. We made tissue paper pom poms, a Baby Jacob banner, and hung a close line with little onsies on it. We all worked on the decorations a couple nights before it was nice to have some girl time! Patti also made me a cute diaper cake! My friend Kelly came over an hour before the shower and did my hair for me. It was so nice to feel a little pampered!

I am so thankful to everyone who came. I am so blessed to have love and support from my family and friends. It is such a great feeling knowing how much people love this little guy and they haven't even met him yet.

A big Thank You and hugs and kisses from me to all of you!!