A Wonderful Tribute.

One of my talented friends, Kerri, created a video tribute of President Hinckley and posted it on her blog. It is really special and she said I could send my friends to her blog to see it so take the time, it is great.

Birthday Babies!

We had Andy and Ashlyn's Birthday party yesterday. Taylor was SOOO excited to have a party for them. She told Tyler she was going to decorate the WHOLE house. We didn't but had fun decorating the family room.

It is almost impossible to get the two of them sitting still and smiling at the same time for a picture so here is one of each of them smiling.

Eating the ribbon and wrapping paper is much more fun than what's inside. The older kids could not understand this part. There is a video of Andy crawling away while we were attempting to open presents and little Tyler tries to stop him and explain that it was time to open presents. Taylor had fun opening presents though and everything was "what we always wanted."
Eyeing the cake.

And Ashlyn's got it down!

The guy on the left is Tyler's best friend Andy who is the reason for our little guy's name.
After the party Tyler and I went to the Garth Brooks concert with Craig and Sara. We had so much fun! Tyler and Sara have already posted pictures and a synopsis of our night and said pretty much everything I was going to say so for more information about our fun night click on their links. I did love when Trisha Yearwood came out and sang with her man and the concession stand worker at the end (now you have to go to their blogs to know what I am talking about).

One of my favorite people has passed on.

He will be greatly missed. He was always a great source of comfort to me when I would see him and hear him during various broadcasts. His many talks have had a great impact on my life. I can only imagine the homecoming he received today as he completed his mission here on Earth.

LDS Church President Gordon B. Hinckley Dies
Last Update: 8:18 pm
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The 15th president of the LDS Church, Gordon B. Hinckley, passed away on Jan. 27, 2008 following nearly 13 years as the LDS church prophet. (Photo: LDS Church) SALT LAKE CITY - The president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints died on Sunday at the age of 97.It was announced on Sunday evening that Gordon B. Hinckley, president of the LDS Church since 1995, died from issues related to his age.Born on June 23, 1910, Hinckley ascended to the church presidency on Mar. 12, 1995. For years, Hinckley served as the 15th prophet of the LDS faith as a successor to Howard W. Hunter.Hinckley became the oldest president in LDS Church history on Nov. 2, 2006 -- surpassing David O. McKay.Hinckley might be best known for his aggressive attitude in building LDS temples around the world. As of an. 2008, 124 LDS temples were operating worldwide. Prior to Hinckley's presidency, there were less than 50.

One Year Ago Today...

Andy and Ashlyn entered the world and into our hearts.
What a difference a year makes.
Andy and Ashlyn turned a year old today. Most people think it has flown by and can't believe it has been a year already. It is a little different for me. It seems so long ago that we took that top picture and they were that small. This last year has been one of the most challenging years I have ever experienced and yet also one of the best. After the twins were born my sister told me that I looked happy. Of course you are happy after a baby is born but it was different this time. I felt an overwhelming peace after they arrived. They completed our family and completed me. They have brought so much joy and love into our family and we absolutely adore them.

Why we love them:

Andy is our sweet little man with a smile that will melt your heart. He is desperately trying to talk and now says hi and hey all day long. He says uh oh and oooo and will start to whisper jibberish when he wants to tell you something. He also gives 5's and loves his Daddy and Grandpas. I think he feels a bit out numbered during the day so when the men in his life come around, he is very excited. He should be walking soon as he is not going to let Ashlyn do too much without him.

Ashlyn is the funniest baby with a mind all her own. She has to explore everything, climb on or into everything (whichever the situation will allow), put everything into her mouth, and no obstacle is too big for her. She is photogenic and enjoys be center stage. She is also a dancer and will even bounce to Taylor banging on her drum. She has very short legs but has mastered the art of walking and even tried to run today.

It has been so fun this last year watching their different personalities develop

and watch as they have become best little pals. I LOVE my babies!

BACK ONLINE!

Finally!!!

I have been without the Internet for a week now due to our move. I have felt totally disconnected from the world but I am back and life is good now that I have the Internet and TV. YEA!

So we are moved in and slowly adjusting to a bigger house, stairs, hardwood floors, and life on Old Peak Lane. It has been a stressful week and a little difficult transitioning to this house but everyday gets easier and better so I am much more optimistic than I was on Monday. I do have to share one of my favorite things about it: We have 2 shower heads in our master shower. Now if you had asked me about this before we moved in, I probably would not have known that we had 2, it was not really a big deal to me but let me tell you...best thing EVER! On Saturday when I was worn out, exhausted, and stressed out I took a shower using both shower heads, used my aromatherapy RELAX shower gel and I thought I was in a day spa. Then I climbed into my bed with my new down comforter...heaven! One of our goals for this house is to make our bedroom and bathroom a sanctuary. In the last house our room was the laundry room, hide the clutter from the rest of the house when people come over room...Not this time. It is awesome!

She reached the finish line.

Ashlyn has been taking steps for a month now and everyone thought for sure she would be walking by Christmas but this week she learned to stand up from a sitting position without any assistance and therefore decided NOW she could walk. Every day since she has been going farther and farther and doing it more often. Of course Andy can't let his little sister be too far ahead of him and so he has started to stand unassisted and today took 3 steps.

Oh my goodness, what will life be like with 2 walking one year olds? Now the fun begins!

Taylor got a new toy!

Because Taylor was sick on Christmas, Santa decided to wait to give her a trampoline. It is a good thing too because a tornado swept through the neighborhood that night and would have taken the trampoline with it. Now that we are only 2 days from moving in to the new house, we set up the trampoline and surprised her with it 2 days ago. I think it was a big hit with her and the neighbor kids (which are our friends...so fun!)