just, court, ellie and cody

rain jackets and driving loafers

2012-01-22T21:35:00.000-08:00

This rain jacket and these blue leather driving loafers are probably my favorite things Taylor owns. I made the jacket in Knoxville and the shoes were given to me by my friend Liz Collings. I've been waiting for Tay to finally sit up (she crawled before she sat up) so I could get some pictures of her. Luckily this winter has been more like Spring so we got these shots just down the road from where we are building in January!

Excuse the photo-shopped depth of field, still trying to talk Justin in to a SLR.

a new me point tracker

2012-01-11T15:36:00.000-08:00

My friend Monica is facilitating a wellness challenge for her friends. I am having a hard time keeping track of my points so I created this chart for anyone to print off to use. I think it would be nice to keep these in a stack to see progress as well.

Point Tracker 2

taylor 8 months

2011-12-27T20:10:00.000-08:00

18 lbs.

taylor 7 months

2011-11-27T21:23:00.000-08:00

15.5 lbs.

moving day

2011-10-28T20:49:00.000-07:00

hope the new buyers like bare blub lights - cause were taking the chandelier! muahh haha)

We like to keep things real, ya know. So to do that we try to think of ways to make our life more complicated every couple months. Like moving every summer, going to school, having babies during tornadoes, real estate projects (more fun -and complicated!- than actually just burning your money). So about month ago we decided to put up our house that we put our blood, sweat and tears into up for sale just to see what happened. It sold 9 days later. So next week we must be out and thankfully my parents offered to let us ~~overtake their home~~ live with them while we build a new home. Should be fun! This home is going to be ultra budget so I'll have to show you the creative ways we come up with to save money. Ba-bye orange wall!

taylor 6 months

2011-10-27T20:27:00.000-07:00

Well, she looks a lot like her 2, 3, 4, and 5 month pics. She's gaining a pound a month but still easily fitting in that same white onesie!

15 lbs.

capital reef

2011-10-24T21:11:00.000-07:00

Vacations at Capital Reef are one of my favorite memories. We started going when I was 13 or so with the entire Bagley family. Our vacations included riding bikes to Boulder, mnt. biking on top of Boulder Mnt., hiking, picking fruit, jumping into Upper Calf Creek, jumping off Freemont Falls, and swimming with cousins. I took Justin and the kids there about four years ago and we loved it. I wanted to make sure we went this year. It will be fun to do more things as the kids get older. Justin's parents have a RZR so we added that to the mix.

Cody has been nicknamed "the finder" since this trip. He found our awesome campsite, found Justin's lost wallet, the lost rzr keys, and a couple other things I can't remember. We've made a big deal about it and now he finds everything for us and he's really proud of his new role as "finder".

We were told a good place to take the RZR was Thousand Lakes Mountain. I was more than I had bargained for with the baby in tow. But I had her snuggled up in a sling for the ride up. We went up stuff no jeep could ever make, and she slept the whole time.
After about 7 miles we came to a dead end with some really crazy rock formations. We played around for a while and then went back to camp.

My parents came the next day and rented a cute cabin about five minuted from where we were camping. The nights were COLD! Tay did great the first night, not great the second night and I slept in my mom and dad's cabin the third night with TayTay. I am really surprised that it was actually my idea to take the family camping!

My dad has this 20 mile bike ride he loved down here but I had never done it. We drove up the scenic route towards Boulder, pulled over and he pointed out our route. My parents and the kids followed us on the RZR for the first 5 miles where we pulled over and explored a slot canyon.

In years past the water is low enough to jump in a swim. Not this year.

It was a fun date! I love getting really far away from everything. And the scenery was amazing. We started on Boulder Mountain and ended up in Capital Reef.

On Sunday we did a little sightseeing. Freemont Falls is now closed to the public but we hiked to it anyway. We used to love jumping off here.

Capital Reef was settled by Mormon pioneers. There are many original buildings still there, as well as historic fruit orchards. This is one of my favorite places. One of the homes has been turned into a store and museum where we get pie and ice cream. The kids loved riding bikes through the leaves while we lounged in the sun.

It was fun to have my parents there too, though it may have been a little stressful for my mom with the danger factor. Next trip with them will be to Hawaii ok?

deep conversations

2011-09-29T21:06:00.000-07:00

Cody, TayTay and I hiked from Aspen Grove to Stewart Falls the other day. I was impressed that Cody made it without too much prodding, maybe it was all the talking he did that kept his mind off the hike. Here is what we talked about non-stop except for a few one minute "talking breaks" I implemented. Each of these topics what discussed IN DEPTH.

-Gravity, and how it helps us not fall off the earth
-How rocks are made
-Where waterfalls come from
-Why waterfalls don't turn off
-Whether the orange bird that lost a feather looks cool or pretty
-What if we see an orange bird but it's not the bird that lost the feather
-What sound trees make when they fall
-What sound bushes make when they fall
-Why squirrels are not scary
-Why stumps sometimes looks like bears from far away
-Why it's not snowing because mom said it would snow when the leaves changed colors
-Why someone spray painted a picture of a ladder on a watershed instead of putting up a real ladder
-Why leaves smell when they are dying
-What makes trees die
-Why we can't drive to the top of a mountain
-Why it's windy when you stick your head out of the sun roof, but not windy when the car stops
-Why when you hike down a hill it makes you run
-Why does mom like to make kids hike?
-Do I like bees and why?
-Why doesn't TayTay have to walk? Not fair!

Afterwards we got a cookie at Sundance. I was exhausted - but I don't think it was from the hiking. I love you Cody!

taylor 5 months

2011-09-29T16:42:00.000-07:00

14 lbs.

vivint + powell = powell done right

2011-09-20T20:31:00.000-07:00

The week Justin got home from his extension in Ohio, his region hosted the annual Lake Powell trip. We had a dillema though. Wives were invited, kids weren't. But after being away from Just for over a month and he not seeing his baby girl for that long - we decided TayTay was more of an appendage of me than a "kid" and so she went and we got forgiveness later. We had the entire roof of the houseboat to ourselves and she slept better than at home, sleeping through the dj's music blasting till all hours, fireworks, and general mayhem. There were 5 houseboats, 3 chefs, volleyball, a blob (aka a launching pad for ppl who don't value their lives), numerous boats (including ours), and just a lot of crazy people. Thanks Mealeys, that was a much needed break after the long summer!

hike to the G

2011-09-04T15:30:00.000-07:00

We are continuing our goal of hiking to all the vowels and consonants in Utah. On Labor Day we bagged the "G" in Pleasant Grove. My kids talk about the Y and G all the time and are so proud that they have hiked to them. Ellie was very surprised that it was made out of metal and not paint. The hike was way steeper than I had imagined. At the end I had to hold both their hands and run up, otherwise we'd fall back down. But going down Ellie didn't fall once! And that is a huge improvement folks. Taytay came out the worse with a scratch on her leg from a tree. Ooops.

ellie starts 1st grade

2011-08-29T14:47:00.000-07:00

This year we were staying with my parents for a week when Ellie started school. It was fun to have my parents be part of the action. Ellie was so excited but as we walked down the hall she squeezed my hand "as hard as she was nervous."

Most of her nervousness dissappeared as soon as she saw Alliviah, Courtney, and Brielle - her friends from last year. Mrs. Vickers is her teacher and seems like a great teacher.

In her classroom. Brielle is in the front of the line. She's so cute and her and Ellie try to have playdates everyday after school. She lives in our ward.

Brielle, Charise and Ellie after getting off the bus. 1st grade is a big adjustment. This is what Ellie did for the first couple weeks when she walked in the door. Actually the first week she couldn't even make it to the door, she just fell over in the shade in our front yard. She's so cute and smart and always tells me funny things about boys and says,"Promise you won't tell anyone?"

taylor 4 months

2011-08-27T15:16:00.000-07:00

13 lbs.

grandpa bagley

2011-08-23T16:03:00.000-07:00

My grandpa (mom's dad) passed away August 20, the day after I got back to Utah. I had meant to go see him that day and my dad and I were at Costco when we found out. He was suffering so we were glad he could be free from pain. The funeral was wonderful. My cousin Sarah, pictured, is the youngest grandchild and had a special bond with grandpa - stronger than I realized. She read a letter she had written him when she left for college and it was so sweet. My uncle John spoke as well and talked about life as a farmer. My grandpa struggled in this life and I hope he is feeling peace now.

Chocolate (stress relief) and the newest member of the Grandpa's legacy.

Obituary:

Lowell Edward Bagley 1924 ~ 2011 Lowell Edward Bagley, 87, of Annabella and Orem, Utah, passed away on Saturday, August 20, 2011 in American Fork, Utah. He was born in Koosharem, Utah on April 16, 1924, to Edward Merrill and Ruby Arminta Olsen Bagley. He married Aleith Anderson on February 9, 1946 in Richfield Utah and their marriage was later solemnized in the Manti LDS Temple. Lowell attended CSU, U of U, USU and BYU. He served valiantly in World War II as Sergeant Company K 11th Infantry 5th Division 3rd Army and among many other honors and medals was awarded the Silver Star. His family is so proud of his service to his country He loved and respected the beauties of nature and was very mindful of caring for and protecting this earth and it's resources. Lowell is survived by his wife and their six children: John Edward Bagley and Phyllis, Koosharem, Anne and Michael Morrey, Orem, Renee and Karl Thomas, Provo, Mignon and Kent Nicol, Orem, Marian Castleberry, Orem and Lisa Elaine Bagley, Orem. He has 14 grandchildren, 25 great-grand-children, and one great-great granddaughter. Lowell was a wonderful grandfather. He is also survived by his sister Melva Harward, Salem, brother, Jay Merrill and Devonna Bagley, Logan, and sister Carolyn and Howard Edwards, Park City. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Elaine Bagley and Fern Jeanette Johnson and his brother Dr. Lell O. Bagley. Lowell's family and friends will honor him with a visitation from 7-9 p.m. on Friday, August 26th at the Sundberg Olpin Mortuary, 495 South State Street, Orem, and also a funeral on Saturday, August , 27th at 1 p.m. with a visitation beginning at 11:30 a.m. at the Suncrest 5th Ward Chapel at 130 North 400 West in Orem. Lowell will be laid to rest in the Orem City Cemetery 1520 North 800 East with military honors. His family is thankful for the special times we had with him and for his examples of hard work, honesty and generosity. We are very grateful he is no longer suffering and we look forward to being with him again. The family would also like to express heartfelt appreciation for the care and kindnesses shown to him by the Smedleys and the Staff of the Beehive Home of American Fork South. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.SundbergOlpinMortuary.com.

mccall

2011-08-19T21:03:00.000-07:00

We took a little detour on the way home to Utah, via McCall, Idaho. The Bankhead's were going there for their annual trip with the Dickersons so instead of flying home then driving 10 hours a couple days later to Idaho, we opted to fly right to Boise and drive to McCall. Jann and Lew were nice enough to send Courtney out to help me the last couple days in Knoxville and she flew with us to Boise. Bless her, is all I can say. We were so sad to leave Justin behind, I felt so badly for him. We've been apart a lot and we've done the month long thing before too, and to be honest I'm usually just fine thanks. But this time has been really hard for all of us, probably because of little TayTay in the mix. Justin can't wait to get home to her.

Anyway, McCall was all I imagined and more. It was gorgeous, relaxing, and yummy. Like drinking a cold glass of water after being in humid Tennessee all summer.

The six things Grandma and Grandpa live for.

We stayed on the ground floor of the lodge which made it so convenient for napping babies. Ash and her nugget bum Rusty.

Cody with Lewie on the tramp and Braden making a "Vo-tino" (volcano) with me.

Tubing is always a hit and can you just imagine (those of you that know Cody) what was going through his mind as he watched this float plane come in. "How do the batteries work if the plane gets wet?"

Pretty Ellie, and Scott, Jaime and Courty

Can't wait for next year!

nashville temple

2011-08-07T20:11:00.000-07:00

The first weekend in August we made a little trip out of ward temple day in Nashville. Friday we took off and drove 2 hours to a great little water park. It was the coldest day of the year (of course), but it turned out to be a good thing since the rainstorm cleared out the crowds. The kids loved it (waiting for Jess to post so I can steal pics of the water park, hint hint). After, we drove to our glorious hotel rooms, crashed, and the next morning got all the kids ready in church clothes and went to the Stake Center for ward prayer at 9:00.

Cute side story: That morning I was riding down the elevator with my kids and Kelty. A woman slipped in with us. Here I am, with a baby, a 6 year old, and what looks to the woman like 4 year old twins. The kids were un-characteristically well behaved and Kelty asked the woman, "Are you going to breakfast? We are." She replied no, that she was going to get coffee. I held my breath hoping Kelty wouldn't say something about coffee being bad - she is super outspoken. She didn't, whew. But she did say, "We are going to the temple!" The woman smiled at her. Awkward moment. In the bistro, the kids quietly found a place to sit together while I ordered (again, very unlike them - ever). As the woman left she said to me, "Your children are amazing!" I let her think they were all mine, haha. Maybe a seed planted? Who knows.

At the stake center, which is in the same parking lot as the temple, the kids had crafts and pictures taken and were looked after by the Young Men/Young Women. Our ward is notorious for getting almost the whole ward to Temple Day each year, every primary kid was there. It was quite humbling to see how excited the ward was to go, and what a big deal they made out of it. Walker smashed his finger in a door while we were in the session. There are six doctors in the ward but they were all in the same session as us. Luckily, the temple president was also a doctor so he was called over to look at it. It was broken but there was nothing they could do about it. Poor guy. We skipped our plans of seeing downtown Nashville and headed home, which was probably a good thing anyway because I was exhausted by the time we got home.

baby

2011-08-02T06:25:00.000-07:00

Just some more pics from the pick your own farm.

theatre in the air

2011-08-01T20:52:00.000-07:00

Just a fun memory I wanted to record. The kids loved watching movies outside with popcorn and m&m's at the bottom. Just try not to think about the giant spiders hanging overhead.

wiggley taytay

2011-07-29T20:08:00.000-07:00

taylor 3 months

2011-07-27T20:43:00.000-07:00

12 lbs.

family feet

2011-07-21T07:00:00.001-07:00

calley in the ville!

2011-07-20T20:25:00.000-07:00

My sister-in-law Calley came out to witness for herself just how AWESOME our days are in Knoxville. I'm talking extreme fun ALL. THE. TIME. PEOPLE. Haha, hopefully Calley wasn't too bored by the end. Here's a little vid to document the fun. Thanks for coming Calley!

Untitled from courtney bankhead on Vimeo.

pants

2011-07-20T14:48:00.000-07:00

We are addicted to these baby pants. They are all the rage amongst the wives, even the ones with no kids! They are just too much fun. Here are a sampling of some other pants, mostly by Jess.

sweet baby on a sweet blanket

2011-07-20T14:23:00.000-07:00

My great grandma Anderson (my mom's maternal grandma) made this quilt for me when I was a baby. I love the colors and the little french knots in each corner. I also love taking pictures like these of babies so show how much they wiggle in the space of a few seconds. I wish there were some sad faces too because their emotions change just as fast. Happy! Sad. Scared...Happy again! Cry! Content...Mad! Smile!

midsummer visit

2011-07-20T13:58:00.000-07:00

At the end of June I was able to go back to visit Utah for a few days with just Taylor. Jess and some of the other wives were supposed to tend Cody and Ellie, but it ended up just being Jess so a HUGE thank you to her! It was nice to have some time with the baby without Elle and Cody squeezing in between us. She did great on the plane and I stayed with my mom and dad which was really nice to be able to hang out with them just like the good ole' days. I also got to go running, shop and see friends and BBQ and sit in my cozy little house for a few minutes while I visited Emily and her kids who are renting our house for the summer.

Friday was spent up the canyon where my dad and I rode South Fork, filling our water bottles up at Big Spring. My mom tended Taylor at the trailhead. It was real purty!

My dad looks almost as cute as Ellie in these flowers!

After the ride we got a sandwich at Sundance and enjoyed the scenery. I love the new event center they built!

The rest of the trip was spent seeing family. All three of my grandparents are aging quickly and I wanted to make sure they saw their newest great-granddaughter.

Visiting my grandpa Bagley.

My grandma Nicol.

My grandma Bagley and aunts Marian, Anne, Lisa and my mom at a little dinner my mom hosted. Renee came the next day.

Sunday I got to meet Ashley's baby, Rusty, whom they blessed. Taylor is two weeks older than Rusty. I love cousins!

I've missed the 4th of July festivities for the last four years so I made sure to visit the booths (where we used to have our own booth with High Country Home) and my dad and I rode our bikes to the Stadium of Fire. It was fun to have so much one on one time with my mom and dad. And I'm pretty sure my mom loves Taytay!

blueberry

2011-07-10T12:34:00.001-07:00

It's the simple things in life...

taylor 2 months

2011-07-10T12:03:00.001-07:00

10 lbs.

4th

2011-07-05T12:16:00.000-07:00

I came home from Utah on the afternoon of the 4th. Jess took the kids to some festivities in the morning and we had a pool side bbq and the most of the office gathered for our own firework show that night!

random photos

2011-06-18T19:13:00.000-07:00

We took our kids to hike around on the mountain bike trails by our house. There were a ton of trees down from the storm - kind of cool to see.

Justin calls this picture the "post-kick picture" or the "pretend our life is perfect picture" because I was so mad at him for some reason so I was chasing him around trying to kick him while holding Taylor. After the picture I resumed trying to kick him. All in good fun, people. Kind of.
The photo of Justin is from a Sunday behind the gas station. There is a back road and a field. The kids rode bikes and Ellie played "farm". When in hillbilly land do as the hillbillies I always say. We've also got our camping chairs on the front porch. It's awesome.

The only picture I got of my mom and Taylor - but I like it! My mom came when Taylor was just two weeks. She helped me get back on my feet and get the fridge stocked and a plan for meals. We both were literally taking care of the kids, cleaning and cooking non-stop. It made me realize that being a mom isn't just a full-time job, there's enough to be done for two full-time jobs. The other photos are of a sunny morning with Cody and Tay. He likes to give her his "comfy lambie" to lay on.

These quilts were meant to be Christmas presents for the kids. I got Ellie's done sometime in January and Cody's done a couple weeks ago. They are mink-y on the back and oh so nice to sleep with.

Usually people hunker down in the winter and do sewing projects but I do mine in the summer. These baby pants are reversible! Shown are the back of the pants with the little bum panel. The options are endless with all the amazing fabrics out now. All the wives are making them even if they don't have kids. I'm excited to take a picture of them all lined up. The pattern is from the book Handmade Beginnings by Anna Maria Horner.

2011-06-14T06:27:00.000-07:00

Untitled from courtney bankhead on Vimeo.

good life

2011-06-11T19:36:00.000-07:00

Taylor has been different than my other babies in that I have been able to enjoy it all so much more. I don't know why, it's just been nice. I've been able to soak it all in. Maybe compared to the months of March and April when I was getting final projects for school done early, packing, moving, being pregnant and the emotions that come with it, and Justin was working so much he wasn't around to help much. But this baby thing - I can do this! Kissing, nursing, snuggling, sleeping - I'm really anxious about coming home in the fall and facing real life again.

6 lbs. 2 oz. - 19 inches

The day before she was born I had an ultrasound per order of the doctor out here as I was measuring small. I almost didn't go because I felt I had too many other things to do and I always measure small. But for whatever reason I went. It was then I found out she was frank breech and I had almost no fluid. I had made the connection with the tech doing the ultrasound that we were in the same ward and she opened up and told me she would not continue care with the doctor she worked for (bold of her!) as the doctor only did c-sections in this case. She told me about versions (turning the baby head down from the outside by pressing on the stomach). She told me there are doctors that specialize in doing this and that if it was successful I could have a vaginal birth. I am so grateful to have met her, I credit her with the way things turned out. Within two hours after the birth I was able to get in the the best high risk doctor in Knoxville who had written the book (literally) on versions. He agreed to try a version the next day, with the warning that because I had no fluid it would probably not work. If it didn't, he would perform the c-section right there.
The rest of that day and night were hard. Justin was working and the kids were horrible. I just wanted a sweet last night with my kids but it wasn't to be. The next day I was still barely holding it together. They finally held got me in did a spinal block in case it didn't work and so I wouldn't feel the pain of someone pushing hard on my stomach. A few minutes later I remember hearing the comment from one of the doctors, "Wow, somebody must be listening to your prayers!" just as I was ending a prayer. And I realized it had worked. I fell apart then and cried with relief. After that we began the waiting game to see if Taylor would calm down enough to start pitocin. After 5 hours, her heart rate was still too low so the doctor tried something else a bit unconventional. He put fluid back in my uterus and she calmed right down. The doctor was very excited. He told me some of the doctors couldn't believe he tried the version in the first place. But from the moment we met him and discussed this plan of attack I felt very good about it. I was induced and about 6 hours later she was born. It was emotionally such a draining day, thinking about it again is making me tired.
I wanted a vaginal birth because I want the option of having a natural birth next time (this time didn't work out) and I want all odds on my side. I believe Taylor was supposed to be born in Tennessee. I'm fairly certain I would never have had that last ultrasound with the midwives clinic in Utah (I never had one that late in pregnancy with the other kids) and who knows how it could have ended up with me having no fluid and breech!? I feel so blessed, so lucky, so overwhelmed with the opportunity to be a mom to three amazing spirits.

proud daddy and the damage to our car that happened just before she was born

the kids were so quiet and at a loss for words when they saw her for the first time

our only visitors were Ryan Starks, and Jessica and her kids. I could tell the nurses really felt badly for me, especially when they found out we had arrived in Knoxville only 4 days before!

A few pictures from the first few days home

Have I mentioned Ellie is the BEST helper? Now when she gets me something she asks, "Were you thinking that you don't know what you would do without me?" and I answer, "YES!"

shaka!

2011-06-10T20:21:00.000-07:00

The majority of our time is spent at the pool now that the dog days of summer are here. With our husbands traveling to sell this week we had a little luau in the evening with all the wives complete slushies from the gas station next door. Who needs Hawaii anyway when you have a pool, the limbo and the Surf's Up soundtrack playing?

farmers market

2011-06-10T20:12:00.000-07:00

Justin's mom came to visit at the end of May. On Saturday we went to the Farmer's Market and the Biscuit Festival in downtown with Jess and her mom. Fun fun.

On Sunday Justin's dad made it into town and we had a bbq at the park. Jann refused to leave because the baby was just so snugly and sleepy. It was so great to have them here. Jann picked up the 5:00 am shift with the baby among a hundred other things. The only hard thing about having my mom and Jann come is that everything seems a lot harder to manage on my own after they leave!

love them

2011-06-05T10:25:00.000-07:00

I hope these two can always be best friends.

pool time

2011-06-05T10:11:00.000-07:00

A couple cute pictures Jess took at the pool. When I can't get Taylor to sleep on our bed, I walk over to the pool, strip her down because it's 95 degrees and lay her in the shade. She's out within minutes!

taylor in a bucket

2011-06-05T10:01:00.001-07:00

If anything I think my 3rd child is getting more photos of her than my other kids. Maybe I didn't realize how baby hungry I was because I can't get enough of her. We went strawberry picking again and while the kids picked I took some pictures.

track star!

2011-06-05T09:52:00.000-07:00

I've been trying to find something for the kids to be involved in this summer and I found out about the Knoxville Track Club the day before it started. It was meant to be - it's cheap, practices are at night when it's cooler and it's not dance. Not that I'm against dance, I just want her to see there are other options too! I'm hoping they will let Cody participate even though he's not 5, it seemed to me there were a lot of little kids at the meet.

Yesterday was the first meet. She was nervous but excited. Her first race was the 4x100. She told me as she was standing in her spot she was thinking, "I'm not glad my mom signed me up for this." But at the end of the day she couldn't wait for next week. Her favorite part is collecting the ribbons after each event.

This makes me so excited to watch her grow up, find her talents and figure out that she can do hard things!

1 min and 45 seconds of fame

2011-06-05T09:28:00.001-07:00

We have a friend, Jeanette Jolly, that we met on the set of Extreme Home Makeover six years ago. She was a producer on the show and through Facebook we've kept in touch. She now is a free lance producer living in Nashville and was assigned to film the footage for a Red Cross fundraiser to be aired on CMT for the tornado victims. She had seen our FB updates the night we had Taylor which was also the night of all the huge tornadoes that ripped across Alabama and the surrounding states, including Tennessee. She called us on Mother's Day and asked if they could come film our new little addition the next day and have us talk about having a baby during the storm. Then they put together a cute little clip about us being in the hospital with no power (the generators were on) and watching the tornadoes come towards us on the TV. They wanted to show good things were still happening during so much destruction. Ellie and Cody were on holding and feeding Tay. It will be so fun to have (if we can figure out how to get it off DVR) as part of Taylor's birth story.

a new toy

2011-06-04T09:39:00.000-07:00

Elle and Code are so cute with their new little sister. I really don't know what I would do without Ellie to help me. A lot of her help is with Cody. Cody is not the most independent kid yet. Ellie is so good with him, she comes up with some great child psychology techniques with him - much better than my old standby threats that never work. Here are some pictures of the morning on the bed (there's something kids love about a bed with no sheets) when Taylor was three days old.

Untitled from courtney bankhead on Vimeo.

Showing Taylor her ultrasound pictures and one of her many crowns - this one made out of a wet wipe. She has others made of tin foil and twist ties.

Abandoned by her playmates after about 15 minutes.

cool like that

2011-05-28T17:25:00.000-07:00

I love that Jess captured Cody lifting his hat to scratch his head. He's picked that up from Justin and I think it's the cutest thing ever. And how cool are Walker's sunglasses? This red wall in downtown Knoxville is a place we will visit again for more photo ops...and we hear rumors of a purple wall.

one month

2011-05-27T10:09:00.000-07:00

My plan is to take a picture of her each month with this blanket to document her growth.

tea time!

2011-05-15T17:31:00.000-07:00

Here's a good example of why my kids are adjusting to having a new sister just fine. Jessica is right around the corner scheming up some new activity every day for our kids, or coming home from garage selling with cars, princesses and bikes for my kids! I must tell her to stop soon because my kids are starting to figure out that Kelty and Walker's mom is WAY more fun than their mom. Ellie has a traumatized face because Jess told her she had to eat her egg salad sandwich before desert. I remember gagging on boiled eggs when I was 5 so while Jess wasn't looking I ate it for her. See Ellie, I am a cool mom after all! Please don't be mad Jess. :)

salon taylor

2011-05-14T13:24:00.000-07:00

We named our impromtu salon after our newest addition and invited cute McKaye over to makeover Ellie and Kelty. The girls were in heaven!

mothers day

2011-05-09T12:33:00.000-07:00

It seems each mother's day we end up relaxing in nature. Since Taylor was only a little over a week old it was a good excuse to miss church and get some spiritual enlightenment in the Smokey Mountains. After driving along Foothills Pkwy where we had great views of the valley on one side and the mountains on the other we stopped for lunch near the entrance to the park. From our table we could see a big grassy field with a perfect shade tree. Needless to say we didn't make it into the park but the nap under the tree was perfect.

Ellie made me a necklace first thing in the morning, it matched my outfit perfectly! Taylor and I had thrush for about a week. Her lips are purple in this picture from the gentian violet I was putting in her mouth. The kids thought she had been eating purple Popsicles.

knoxville zoo

2011-05-08T11:20:00.000-07:00

Every summer the zoo is one of the first things we visit, not that I am a big fan of zoos or anything - more like it's a great way to ensure a long afternoon nap.

strawberries!

2011-05-01T12:14:00.000-07:00

Now this is one of my favorite summer activities. The taste of a freshly picked perfectly ripe strawberry comes in second only to a freshly picked peach. This time I had my own little strawberry to carry around in a bucket.

homestead

2011-03-28T17:08:00.000-07:00

I wanted to have a little getaway with my mom and dad and the kids before we left for the summer. Justin was out out of town so he wasn't there - it was just like old times, plus two kids! We stayed just one night in Midway at the homestead. We ate mexican for dinner and then read stories in the hotel room. The next morning we ate breakfast at the Homestead and then suited up for a swim in the crater. The kids didn't know what to think. Cody thought it was going to erupt at any moment. But they ended up thinking it was lots of fun. For lunch we went to The Store, a grocery store in Midway with the best salad bar of ALL TIME. It was a great little trip!

red rock shizzle - lake to lake relay

2011-03-05T15:16:00.000-08:00

This was one of the most fun girls trips I've had in a long time. I love getting outside with a bunch of girls! Our job was to promote the Red Rock and I think we did a swell job. We ran a 50 mile relay and Red Rock Relay paid for everything! Each girl did two 5 mile legs. As there were six of us it worked out nicely that I only had to run one leg and Alissa ran the other.

1. All the girls, Liz, Emilie, Alissa, Kaycee, me and Heidi. 2. Kaycee and her megaphone, most likely yelling something like, "My grandma runs faster than you!" or "You okay in the porta potty Liz? Need some help?" Or she would just have a normal conversation with someone from 1 foot away but she used that megaphone regardless. She ran with it, brought it to the banquet, and generally made other girls hate her because their boyfriends fell in love. 3.Alissa and Emilie 4. Heidi working her camera skills, she made us a great video.

1. Heidi running like a paparazzi. 2. My pregnant belly (might be the only shot I get). 3. Us girls again 4. Alissa

ski dates

2011-02-22T13:38:00.000-08:00

This winter I was able to take Cody skiing about 5 times. It was our special little Thursday afternoon date, sometimes with friends, sometimes just us two. Tuesdays and Thursday afternoons are "boring" for Cody with Ellie in school so we usually did something fun on Thursday afternoons together. Below are some photos of a ski day with Courage, Molly and Ethan. They are getting good! It was much easier than last year. Cody likes to pretend he is Lightning McQueen and is in a race. When he crashes I have to check his oil and grease his fittings and change his tires (aka tickle him).

bear river

2011-02-17T14:39:00.000-08:00

I'm slowing trying to catch up. Every year we go to Bear River to snowmobile, ride the razor, snowshoe and eat lots of food. The three little boys are so cute to watch on their little missions.

cody is 4!

2011-02-06T21:30:00.001-08:00

My little squishy is getting less squishy every day...I don't like this growing up business one bit. It has been "taking foreber" for Cody's birthday to come, waiting an entire month after Ellie's has been tough. The week before his birthday we had an impromptu party since our friends Ethan and Molly were in town. It made for an easy party! Cody and I went to the party store together and he picked out a truck party. We got the cake at Costco and decorated it with his construction toys. After cake and opening presents we went to the playroom for some balloon popping and an obstacle course that I had to demonstrate in my pregnant state. I didn't do so well.

On Cody's actual birthday he opened his presents first thing. He actually chose them the day before. He got an upgraded Mack trailer and a Ford F150 like dad's that pulls a trailer with a motorcycle and 4-wheeler. We searched all over town for a "digger that has two sides." It's something he's obsessed with getting and we just can't find it. I assume he's thinking of a truck with a crane and a claw type thing? If anyone know's where to get one let me know! Some neighbor friends Beau and Noah came over before preschool to play for a little while and Justin took the kids that night to Provo Beach and they had a blast while I did some much needed homework.

Love you little squishy!

ellie is 6!

2011-01-30T20:02:00.000-08:00

I remember turning 6. It was a big deal because now I had to use both hands to show people how old I was. It's fun to have Ellie get a little older and have her experience things that I have clear memories of, and know that she will remember them too.

For her birthday, we did the same thing as last year. Ellie wanted a Hello Kitty party so we mixed that in as well. The girls came to our house afterwards for an hour (that's all I could take). We have some really cute little girls in our ward.

The invites. Of course my most favorite part of any party.

Breakfast at Magleby's Fresh in our PJ's. Pictured are Baily, Sierra, Brielle, Cody (sad face b/c he wants it to be his birthday), Ellie Pie, Ellie, Charisse, and Brielle. We ordered French toast and Pancakes! I was sick all day from it.

Ellie and Bryton, our 2nd cousin.

Opening presents and our little party favors.

The Millers. Brenan is Justin's cousin. Awesome of them for coming so bright and early on a Saturday.

And of course the party ended with a dance party in the car!

I won't gush too much about how cool my Ellie Peach is but let me just say there is something so sweet and special about her that I just can't describe. She lights up a room and is more articulate and animated than I am. I absolutely love being her mom, and I know Justin feels the same way. Except he likes being her dad, not her mom. Happy Birthday Ellie!

costa rica

2011-01-28T16:39:00.000-08:00

In January we went to Costa Rica with some of our good friends, Matt and Alissa and Tim and Angie. We rented a condo from our neighbors and had a blast just staying close to home and eating great food.

1. crocodile bridge 2,3. zip line. I didn't tell them I was almost 6 months pregnant because I didn't think they would let me go. That harness did not feel good! 4. Alissa and I at Manuel Antonio, a national park

1. angie putting her muscles to good use 2. tim's catch (we made the best lunches with his fish) 3. Alissa and Angie 4. Justin drinking one of Matt's signature smoothies - seriously the best smoothies I've ever had.

1. dinner in the town we stayed in, Estriello Oeste with Havee and his friend (Havee was the property manager of the condo's we stayed at) 2. the beach to ourselves 3. goats along the run i did a few times 4. fresh fish at the taco bar in Jaco

1. baptisms by the river reminded me of what it might have been like in Book of Mormon times. they were singing a really neat song too. 2. cute house 3. we stayed on the second floor of this house 4. our view from the deck

december

2011-01-10T20:25:00.000-08:00

best christmas present!

2010-12-26T22:51:00.000-08:00

"zo-ings"

2010-11-21T10:49:00.000-08:00

These are my sewings, or "zo-ings" as Ellie calls them, from this summer. The humid heat kept us inside lots of afternoons waiting for the building to cast a shadow over the pool so we could bear to go swimming. So...some crafting kept us busy.

1-This dress was a sundress I got for me at Target for like $5 I think. It was a little small and I never wore it so I took some fabric out of the middle and added runching to the bodice so it would be tight enough for Ellie's little body. She LOVES this dress and still wears it all the time. 2-I want to make a ton of these little jumpsuits in different stripes. I think they are so cute. The picture cuts off the bottom a little but they are just shorts, and please notice the little purple silk tag at the side! I added some ties to the top later as it was slipping down all the time - ooopsy!

1-A little elephant that matched their room perfectly! And "Our family" by Ellie. 2-The kids drew all kinds of things on muslin and then cut around them and I sewed them into little pillows. We had an entire fleet of dragons, too.

Rachel figured out how to make these necklaces, well that and just about everything else I made. You basically make a long tube of fabric and fill them with marbles, tying a knot between each one. We had Jared's kids over one night and they all made some.

My favorite, and most difficult project was making a backpack for Ellie. Ellie picked out the fabric and it was love at first sight. She wanted the hearts so that "I will remember you love me when I am at school". I will die if she ever looses it.

I made Cody a backpack too before Ellie's as a practice backpack. Haha. He loves it too. I've since added two yellow race car patches to it. And the shirt I made a long time ago but thought I'd throw in a picture.

fall 2010 banner

2010-11-20T21:51:00.000-08:00

lake powell take 2

2010-11-18T20:14:00.000-08:00

I believe it was sometime around the second week in October we ventured down to Lake Powell again, this time with our kids, a tent, sleeping bags, and a camp stove. The Wards came with us and they invited their friends the Russells - who we loved. Mostly I loved sneaking little bites of their baby's cheeks when the parents weren't looking. Between us there were six kids and a baby and they all played in the sand from dawn to dusk. The weather was perfect and the food even better. I was surprised at how relaxing a camping trip could be. I guess it helped that Justin agreed to pack everything, plan our share of food, and clean up afterwards all by himself. I just didn't have it in me what with school and a little nugget growing in my tummy!

summer 2010 banner

2010-11-16T21:49:00.000-08:00

ryan hill

2010-11-10T20:22:00.000-08:00

One of Justin's best friends passed away last Friday in a motorcycle accident. Tonight was the viewing and my heart just aches for his sweet wife and four young children. Ryan didn't have an enemy in the world and he and his family had been like a second family for Justin as a teenager. Justin was able to hang out with Ry a lot in the last couple months and he is really grateful for those memories.

Jeffrey Ryan Hill
"Ryan"
1977 ~ 2010
Our beloved husband, father, son, brother, grandson, and friend, Ryan Hill, passed away on November 5, 2010, doing what he loved - riding his dirt bike in the desert west of Nephi. His death was the result of a tragic accident on a beautiful autumn day.
Ryan, age 32, was born in Provo, Utah, on November 17, 1977, the oldest child of Jeffrey William and Sherrie Lynn Chynoweth Hill. Growing up in Orem, he graduated from Mountain View High School in 1996. He faithfully served a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the New York, New York, North Mission. (1997-1999) Shortly after his mission, Ryan met the love of his life, Mandalie Anne Grow. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on June 29, 2000. Together they created their masterpieces - McKay Ryan (8), Ellie Mandalie (6) Clara Anne (3), and Hazel Jane (4 months).
Ryan attended Utah Valley University, where he was very involved with student leadership in the Student Alumni Association and UV Leader Program. He graduated in 2002 with a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration.
Upon graduation, Ryan was recruited by Toll Brothers Construction a national home building company, which given his background was a natural fit. With Toll Brothers, Ryan and Mandy worked and lived in Pennsylvania, Las Vegas, and finally Reno, Nevada. Reno felt very much like home where they made wonderful friends and expanded their family. While in Reno, Ryan's adventurous spirit propelled them into the restaurant business as they opened a new Bajios restaurant. Ryan worked tenaciously to make the restaurant a success. After two years, the restaurant was sold and Ryan and Mandy decided to bring their beautiful family back to Utah. Once back home, the opportunity came for Ryan to work again with his father, which he did until the time of his death.
Ryan's proudest accomplishment was marrying his eternal companion, Mandy, and having the opportunity of being "Dad" to his four amazing children. He was an extraordinary husband and father who loved spending time with family and helping them experience the joys of life.
Besides loving, caring, and playing with family, Ryan's passion was the great outdoors. He loved dirt biking, skiing, wake boarding, cycling and anything that made his heart pound and his adrenaline rush. His dare-devil antics typically scared the life out of those who were trying to keep up with him. Ryan was always first to try everything.
Ryan was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He willingly accepted any call he was given. He had a wonderful way of relating to young people that made him a loved leader in the Young Men and Scouting Programs. His ability to share his unwavering testimony of the Gospel blessed the hearts of all who heard it.
Ryan lived life to the fullest, packing more into his few years than most people experience in a lifetime. We're already missing his infectious laugh and contagious, beaming smile.
Ryan is survived by his beautiful wife, Mandy, his four children, his parents, and his siblings, Trevor (Holly) Hill, McKensie (Aaron) Bingham, Whitnie (Nick) Alexander, and Jackson Hill all of Utah Valley. He is also survived by his grandparents, Dick and Donna Hill and Reuben and Rose Chynoweth. All of his Grow relatives felt it such a privilege to be part of his family.

october

2010-11-01T21:04:00.000-07:00

Fall is my favorite season. I actually rode my bike more this fall than in the past few years which surprised me as I thought I might be too pregnant-sick. Turns out that the only time I felt normal was when I was riding, and as soon as I got back home the nauseousness came back. I also got a new SL Specialized Enduro...which I was a little nervous about at first because it's a lot heavier than what I'm used to but I learned to love it, especially on technical stuff.

Riding in Midway with Emily.

Most of my rides were up around the "alter" in Provo Canyon. I'm not sure of the name of the trail.

Kara and I on the Zen Trail in St. George.

jaime's wedding

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

I've been waiting to post this until I could get my hands on the cd of photos but I think I better just get it done (and show the pics from the photographers blog). Justin's sister Jaime got married August 21. The day before was the backyard reception which was just beautiful. It wasn't over done, and every detail was well thought out and beautiful. Good job Jann! Jaime's dress and necklace were so neat and fit her style perfectly. Plus she (along with all my sister in laws) is so so pretty. She has an effortless and natural beauty. Oh, and I was also able to design the invites which were letter-pressed. So fun. Her hubby Scott is an awesome skateboarder and is such a good guy - we are excited to have him in the family.

lp and dd

2010-10-10T09:37:00.000-07:00

September is filled with Justin trying to get his fill of fun for the year. It actually drives me nuts. He spent the first half of Sep. in Lake Powell on three different trips back to back. I came down for a few days for the family trip but mostly only managed to make myself sick for a week afterwards because of all the sugar I ate. Justin took the kids down early though and they had a blast without mom. And lets face it, I had a blast without them!

The next week I went up to check out the Dirty Dash in Midway. Our friends put it on and I planned on just letting Ellie and Cody run the kids race, which they did. But then my friend Angie texted me and asked if I'd be on her team. It was 6 miles of muddy fun, obstacles, swampland, and a huge slip and slide. Other friends were up there and watched the kids while I ran (Justin still in LP, mind you). This will for sure turn into a yearly tradition.

red rock relay

2010-09-28T19:58:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago Justin and I ran the Red Rock Relay, a team race that lasts about 24 hours and covers 186 miles through Southern Utah. Our van consisted of us, Justin's friend Ryan, Justin's dad, my friend Alissa and her friend Angie. We started the race at Brianhead where the first runner rides the lift to the top and then starts.

Once everyone in our van finished running we would pass the baton to the next van. We would then have a 4-5 hour break. The other van had two of Justin's cousins, Jeff and Jess, and Brenen and Lindsey - and some of Jess' family. Our entire van was feeling very underprepared but I think everyone surprised themselves and did really well. We each ran three legs, one Friday morning, one in the middle of the night and one Saturday morning.

The race ended in Springdale, just outside of Zions. What a finish line eh? We hung out for a while waiting for the other van to finish the race and ate some grub from the Whiptail restaurant. Pictured is a spaghetti squash enchilada with goat cheese. I have craved this literally everyday since. I've got to figure out how to make it.

Our group minus Alissa who couldn't be found, and Lew, who we dropped off earlier in St. George so he could watch Calley play tennis. Can't wait til next year!

don't forget cody!

2010-09-28T19:34:00.000-07:00

Cody started preschool three times a week (though he usually only makes it twice due to our poor commitment skills). I love to walk with him there and back so I can listen to him talk talk talk about the funniest things. He usually brings the dolly stroller on our walks and pushes it to school which is pretty funny. He also insists on taking the stroller to take Ellie to the bus stop and walk the neighbor girl home. So far I'm not sure he's learned a thing! But he seems to be having fun and it's been a good time to do homework while the kids are gone. In the first picture he's showing me the 3 on his shirt that means he is 3.

kindergarten!

2010-09-15T21:21:00.000-07:00

My most dreaded day has come and gone! I was very nervous that I would be an emotional mess, especially not having Justin in town to see her off on her first day. But it all happened so fast and Ellie was so excited and happy I couldn't help but be happy for her. She is loving the bus, making friends, and comes home singing new songs everyday. Afternoon session has worked out well so that I can go to school in the morning while Justin is still home, and then I can come home, get her off to school and go back to another class and get home in time to get her off the bus. I don't think she has figured out yet that I am in school which is good because she really didn't like the idea that I was leaving her to go to school last semester.

Morning breakfast in cute dishes and a crown that says "5 1/2", a very important age. Hugging Cody good-bye. He said "Ellie is taking forever." Now that he has started pre-school he is okay about her leaving.

We went to see my mom at UVU before school. Cody looking at Ellie's bus at the stop light. We put her on the bus, then raced the bus to school to help her get off and get to class. Waiting with Sierra, her primary friend that I am so glad is in her class too.

Cute girl - I just love love love her so much! Her poster is full of drawings, friends (Molly), and she even had me scan her blankie - probably her most prized possession. And she gets to ride a few block with Courage (he's in the morning session) before he gets dropped off.

peace and quiet

2010-09-13T19:02:00.000-07:00

Goodness I missed Utah this summer. I never felt like I could get away - because no matter how far you drive, well, there's just more Texas. More buildings, more stores, more heat. I took the kids up South Fork a few days after getting home. After our little hike we threw down a blanket and I read a book while the kids played in the stream and the dirt for a good 2 hours. I wish I could do something like this every week with them.

family photos

2010-08-29T20:57:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we had our friends Carolee and Britton over for Sunday dinner. We took them Cedar Hills, TX, the only town I found all summer with any sort of charm, to get some ice cream afterwards. Carolee has a degree in photography and with camera in hand she started taking some pictures of the kids eating ice cream. Twenty minutes later we had a photo shoot on our hands and these are a few of the really fun images she captured!

private

2010-08-08T21:40:00.000-07:00

So, I guess I'll join the private club. To receive an invite please send me your email to: courtbankhead@gmail.com

family home morning

2010-08-08T19:33:00.001-07:00

This was a good one if I do say so myself. ;)

my favorite part of the day

2010-08-08T19:23:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite parts of the day is when Cody wakes up from a nap and walks out of his room with his lambie and blankie all sullen. He walks right to me and leans against me and whimpers. Then I get about five minutes of uninterrupted snuggle time. I feel so blessed to be home with my kids. These past few years with Cody and Ellie have been priceless. Being an only child it's been so rewarding to watch them interact with each other and see how much they rely on each other for support. They remind me of a mini husband and wife. So cute.

9 years

2010-08-08T19:16:00.000-07:00

I don't like to get sappy on this blog but I will say we had a great anniversary. I love that we are able to share each others interests (i.e. biking, skiing, running). It helps keep us connected and gives us something in common other than our kids and the day to day stuff. We always get a little giddy when we are able to go biking together.

oh flip!

2010-08-03T09:05:00.000-07:00

I just found this - a list of a TON of the best shopping in Dallas. I know I said I wasn't a shopper - but that's mostly because cute shops are hard to come by. My bucket list of things to do before we go is growing by the day, and time is running out!

cousins!

2010-07-31T17:06:00.000-07:00

Jessica and her kids drove up from their office in Houston to see us for three days. My kids were in heaven. Swimming, going to the Stockyards, and we even had a Pioneer Day parade. And Jess and I got to go to the Lady Gaga concert in Dallas! I wish we had better pictures from it, but concert pics are never great. Oh and don't mind the pink floaties, Cody is very secure in his manhood.

shopping

2010-07-28T16:02:00.000-07:00

I'm really not much of a shopper, especially with kids. Though I do love a good Target run. But there are a few stores here that we found that we just keep going back to. Rachel found us two fabric gold mines! One is a wholesale warehouse (supposedly the biggest outside LA or New York) where we have scored fabric for 99 cents/yard! The other is called City Craft and is the cutest boutique with tons of oil cloth and plastic covered cotton (not sure what the term for that is). A post with all my sewing projects will come soon.

We also keep finding ourselves at the NorthPark Mall in Dallas. My favorite thing is to just walk down the halls admiring the artwork and the amazing plants. I took the pictures of the kids in front of a smoothie shop covered in tile on the day we went to pick up Justin's new iPhone - his 125 account incentive. And I got his old phone!

P.S. Ellie does in fact, own more than one dress - somehow that same one keeps appearing on my blog!

heritage village

2010-07-26T13:51:00.000-07:00

On July 4th we ventured into Dallas to visit the Heritage Village. Absolutely my kind of thing. Justin kept laughing at me b/c he could tell I was in my element. Set against the backdrop of the downtown high-rises (see the logo - it's great), the village contains buildings from the late 1800's and early 1900's including businesses, hotels, a school, log cabins, a general store, mansions, farms, blacksmiths, etc. All of them are period decorated and someone is there to tell you about each building. Being the fourth there was also crafts, games, and root beer floats!

it's the fourth ya'll

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

Some lovely photos by Carolee Beckham of our Sunday evening bbq before fireworks.

Saturday morning parade and waiting for the fireworks to start Sunday night.

around the house

2010-07-16T16:46:00.000-07:00

bankhead's visit

2010-07-16T15:40:00.000-07:00

At the end of June, Justin's parents and two little sisters came to visit. We had a rare cold front come in and it was beautifully rainy and never got above 80 degrees. We visited the Cowboys stadium, mini-golfed, went to Toy Story, bbq'd with the office, swam, ate at Which Wich - our favorite sandwhich shop, visited the Forth Worth Stockyards, went running, and spent the entire time at the fabulous Northpark Mall in Paper Source gawking over wedding invites for Jaime's August wedding! We came up with a design for her invites and they are being letterpressed as I type - I hope they turn out!

happiness is...

2010-07-16T14:31:00.000-07:00

having a "claw" (said like the martians on Toy Story), and becoming a mermaid. Second only to the scooter from last year, the claw is probably Cody's most favorite toy ever. So handy for carrying drinks to different locations, opening and closing cupboards, getting out cereal meant to be out of reach, and poking me from the back seat of the car.

in the meantime

2010-07-15T10:18:00.000-07:00

Having an unreliable internet connection has been good for me. I have cut my blogroll down to about 10 (after realizing that life does go on even when I don't know what everyone in blogland has been doing in the last day, or hour). But my own blog is suffering. Anywho - here are some photos from last semesters Photo 1 class while I work on getting some more edited from our endless summer.

From a portrait assignment.

From a shutter speed assignment.

For my final project I photographed my Grandpa and Grandma Bagley's home. Their home is clean and bright. My grandma is stylish and an incredible homemaker. I wanted to show some of the beautiful and sentimental objects in their home, and show a little of their day to day life. There are quite a few more photos that I won't put up but I was very pleased with the results.

a worthy sunday

2010-06-20T20:41:00.000-07:00

Last week explored Fort Worth again after church. We ended up hungry and really had no choice when we drove by Fred's cafe.

stockyards

2010-06-19T16:29:00.000-07:00

The Stockyards in Forth Worth are a must do - so we did. It has a Park City Main St. feel to it and everyday there is a cattle drive down the main road. This is where the old livestock market met the railroad and all the old buildings that used to house animals have been turned to shops and restaurants.

log cabin village

2010-06-19T16:19:00.000-07:00

One nice thing about where we live is that we are smack in the middle of Dallas and Forth Worth. So far I think I like Fort Worth better. It seems more Western/Cowboy. A couple weeks ago we toured Log Cabin Village which is just a bunch of cabins from across Texas where you can talk to someone in period clothing who tells you about the families that lived in each cabin. Erin and Jess, this is totally something I pictured us doing and LOVING.

Aren't the school rules for students and teachers awesome!?

dallas arboretum

2010-06-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago I took the kids to some gardens near downtown. They were more formal than our favorite gardens, Winterthur, in PA, but still a lot of fun. I took them alone knowing that things might not end well as they had both been out of sorts - throwing tantrums, whining a lot, etc. Sure enough, we made it about half-way things started to unravel. First about who got to pull the wagon, then about the heat, then about wanting candy. Then about wanting to smell a Magnolia flower even though I said the flower bites off crying children's noses. For the love! Ellie has been much better and I think Cody just needs some good discipline - that kids gets away with everything.

They had Betrix Potter as the theme in the Children's area. Homes made out of flowers for the characters and this little house was Mr. McGregor's cottage. You can see Peter's coat that Mr. McGregor made into a scarecrow. Very cute. They did a puppet show in the back.

This waterfall reminds me of UVU's architecture - inspired by Bauhaus design (ha! I did learn something in school!). And Ellie is holding a chocolate carrot sent to us by Grandma Jannie - a treat we appropriately ate at Peter Rabbits house.

missing this

2010-05-31T12:22:00.000-07:00

Despite the fact that I think Orem "City" is so ugly, I could never live away from the mountains. My dad took this last week right after that crazy snowstorm. I've been checking out the Alta photo of the day pretty regularly since.

warm summer night

2010-05-28T23:26:00.000-07:00

me like-y summer

2010-05-22T15:26:00.000-07:00

Our apartment pool is awesome! Until 10 p.m. that is, then the parties start and well, um, let's just say the cops have been called a few times. Kind of annoying. But during the day, before the Holy Ghost goes to sleep, it's a riot. Cody finally re-figured out the floaties and next month the kids start swim lessons. Inside, our walls are fast becoming covered with all the drawings. I decided to save all the kids work and tape it to the wall, at the end of the summer I'll take a big picture of it. Oh and those sparkly shoes are the object of Cody's desire. He begs for his own and wears them whenever he can sneak them away from Ellie's closet.

forth worth zoo

2010-05-22T15:14:00.000-07:00

Last week we ventured to the very nice Fort Worth Zoo with Rachel and her kids Emily and Sydney and Whitney and her little Payton. Our favorite thing was feeding the little yellow and blue birds - the babies were so excited they were shaking!

i had no idea

2010-05-22T14:42:00.000-07:00

These are from my bike ride last week around the lake. Very pretty - I wasn't expecting Texas to be so green and colorful!

mother's day

2010-05-11T16:00:00.001-07:00

My goal for Mother's Day was to get somewhere where Justin wouldn't have cell service. His phone rings and gets texts continuously usually until midnight and starts again around 8 am. Makes for great dinnertime conversation. The thing I miss the most about our summers is not being able to have a fire and go camping. We just don't have room in our car for all the equipment. There there is a neat state park just a few miles away so I decided we would "pretend camp". We found an awesome site and made tin foil dinners, hiked and explored, picked wildflowers and took naps (or tried to) on our bed. The campgrounds here are missing one thing that Utah campgrounds have, dirt. Makes for very clean camping.

our first week!

2010-05-11T15:45:00.000-07:00

Cucumbers at the Dallas Farmers Market in downtown.

So far so good! I think there will be a lot to keep us entertained here in good ol' Texas. Now if the wind would just take a chill pill I could go one of my many road bike rides I have planned. The kid count is small this year, only 6 kids and Ellie is the oldest, then Cody and another 3-year old Emily (her family lives in our basement in Orem so they are already great friends), and three 10 month olds, 2 of which are twins. I also just figured out that I can get fast internet at the pool! It's so nice this year to have kids that don't have to be held and followed all the time at the pool. We already found Cody a bike at a garage sale and two huge dump trucks and an F-150 - Cody is in heavy equipment heaven.

At Joe Pool lake. The water is warm and shallow.

spring!

2010-05-09T18:56:00.000-07:00

Before leaving Utah, the blossoms were in full bloom, Timp had a ton of snow, and the days were sunny and beautiful. I had an extra roll of film from my photo class so I took the kids to the orchard by our home and of course, the ones of Ellie turned out extra cute. I promise I think Cody is cute too! It's just that a boy surrounded by white blossoms isn't quite the same.

...and in color

2010-05-09T18:35:00.000-07:00

a few more from the orchard with my digital.

road trip

2010-05-09T18:32:00.000-07:00

Driving to Texas with my dad was a great chance to spend some time together. We took the scenic route through Taos, and who knows where else. Up and over mountain passes covered in feet of snow, small towns tucked in green valleys - it really was worth the extra few hours. I'm sure my dad's head was ringing my the end of the first night - you have to build up a tolerance to the sounds of kids, the never ending sounds of kids. It was such a help to have him there and who wouldn't have fun sleeping next to Cody and his squishy legs?

Above: Stop at the sand dune in Moab, pretty scenery, Taos, Joe Pool Lake near our apartment. Ellie is showing me "Where the Sidewalk Ends."

priceless!

2010-05-05T11:37:00.000-07:00

Below is one of the best Christmas presents I've ever received. The stage my kids have been at the last year or so has been priceless - I've really been able to enjoy them. So to have a painting done by my uncle Karl Thomas of my children at this sweet age is priceless. It took me a few months to get it framed and figure out where I wanted it.

my angel

2010-04-22T21:28:00.000-07:00

I have a little angel in my house...and she has beautiful long legs!

I took Photo 1 this semester and these are a few photos that I am most proud of. I have tons more though. I plan on putting up all my projects from the last year once we get to Texas.

boring

2010-04-19T20:23:00.000-07:00

I feel so boring lately. And I don't like it. I will be so happy to be done with school - is it a bad sign that my graphic design program makes me feel less creative? Anyway, I have lots of plans for this summer and I mostly just can't wait to play play play with my kids. Ellie came to class with me today. She hates UVU's preschool/daycare that they go to twice a week. The biggest reason is because she knows she has to go there because I'm going to school (a.k.a. I'm too busy for her). I couldn't resist her plea's this time. She sat quietly for a 3 HOUR critique, playing on my laptop and doing workbooks. The whole class just loved her. Every hour I went out to the vending machine and brought her back a treat. I love days where she feel like my friend and not just my kid.

So - trying to be not so boring. We hiked the Y on Saturday. One of those things that's fun after your done. I love these sunny days though. After the Y the kids came home and played in the backyard and then at the park with a friend for the rest of the day. It's a good day when baths at night are not an option because your kids have played so hard they just stink.

easter and conference

2010-04-10T21:12:00.000-07:00

Easter and Conference fell on the same weekend this year. Justin had already left for Texas so I decided to take advantage of the opportunity to be alone at my house and listen to conference. It made such a difference! I was actually able to remember what I heard and since so many of the talks were about being a mother I felt very grateful to have been able to really listen this year.

Saturday I bbsat Molly and Ethan so I took them out to Mapleton for an egg hunt. There is a family out there that puts on a huge hunt including six bike give-a-ways, tractor pulls, games, and cookies and hot chocolate. Jann braved the cold with me and helped me not to loose the kids in the mayhem.

Some of my Easter decorations.

the last three months

2010-03-18T22:05:00.000-07:00

have been full of long work hours and long work trips for Justin, and lots of school and homework for me. Not the usual trip after trip after trip like last year. But it's good. I like being busy though I'm looking forward to the summer as it's a chance to spend lots of one on one time with my kids. Ellie is very clingy the last couple months and throws lots of tantrums. She doesn't like when I leave her to go to school or the gym. So, well see what happens with school - my kids are the most important thing and I don't want them to have to sacrifice because I chose not to go to school when I should have. Hopefully once she starts school I can schedule classes during that time.

A few fun things to remember:

Skiing with Courage. Two whole runs on the big lift! The last half of the last run I had Cody between my legs and Ellie on my back. How's that for a leg workout? I tell you WHAT.

Playing hair salon with Braden. I really just needed this picture so I can trace circles around his cheeks with my mouse.

An attempt to redeem a bad day. Late night party at the park with hot chocolate.

"We are sitting in clean laundry with an umbrella watching a movie. Mom, it makes sense."

My mom's birthday lunch at their new condo. We have been helping with the painting and now my dad's putting in the wood floor. I wish I could go there everyday. I love a good re-model.

Playing at the Gateway with Erin, Levi, and Dana. They got us in the Children's museum for free but after an hour or so we couldn't stay inside anymore as it was such a pretty day.

Some kind of "scary" footprints at our house on March 17.

This is embarrassing.